Page:The Tsar's Window.djvu/160

 wore white silk stockings and white knee-breeches, dark coats heavily trimmed with gold lace, and they carried black cocked hats trimmed with gold lace and feathers. The masters of ceremonies had long gilt wands, with which they preceded the imperial family when it entered at nine o'clock. The band played the polonaise from "La vie pour le Tsar," and the procession took its way to the foot of the throne, stayed there a few minutes, then began to dance the polonaise. It can hardly be called a dance, as it simply consists in walking rather quickly in procession about the room, two by two, the gentleman just touching the lady's fingers as he leads her out. The grand master of ceremonies led the way, followed by two lesser lights. Prince L led the polonaise, with a very martial air. He plunged into the crowd in the most unexpected places, scattering the people right and left, crushing us up together; and by the time we had come to a realizing sense that the Emperor was passing close to us, and had made our courtesies with much confusion, and many bumps from our neighbors,—lo! there was the procession behind us, and we were obliged to face about and go through with the same ceremony again.

George was talking to Judith most of the evening. He had no eyes for any one else, though he did say to me at first, "I am glad to see you looking so well this evening."

Mr. Cheremenieff, however, attached himself to my side, and remained there from the time I entered the room till I drove away from the palace door. I amused