Page:The Tsar's Window.djvu/162

 "We are probably the most hospitable nation in the world," I responded sagely. "But you are very young: you will have plenty of time to travel in the future."

He did not look pleased at this.

"If you would make up your mind to stay in Russia for a few years, I assure you we could make you happy" (with an air of stern determination).

"No doubt," I answered carelessly. "How pretty the bride looks! That is a cloth-of-silver train, is n't it? The Tsarevna has such a sweet face, I think. she looks sympathetic. Is that the Grand Duke Michael? I should know he was a great general, or a great man of some sort."

My companion reluctantly followed my lead in conversation.

"I am sure you must admire the wife of the Grand Duke Vladimir," he remarked. "She is the only one who has married into the imperial family and retained her own religion."

Pages followed the ladies to arrange their trains, as they turned the corners.

We suspended conversation for a few minutes, to watch the dancing; then my young friend began again: "In your country, I hear, it is customary for a gentleman, when he wishes to marry a young lady, to declare his feelings directly to her, before speaking to her parents or guardians."

I hesitated. "Yes, but the lady always gives him some decided encouragement before he says anything to her."