Page:The Tsar's Window.djvu/171

 The clock on my mantel struck eight. I began to dress hurriedly, continuing to reason with myself as I did so; and I moved as though in a dream, out of which I was suddenly awakened by Nicolas's voice, who told me the whole party was waiting for me.

The palace was blazing with light as we drove up to it. There were three thousand guests; and I felt like a small atom in that brilliant throng. While I was looking about me, rather bewildered by it all, my eyes fell on Sacha, who was in a splendid uniform. He looked quite handsome. His face brightened, and he came towards me, nearly upsetting my friend the ambassador, who was also making his way in my direction. The latter frowned, and turned away. Sacha gained my side, breathless but triumphant.

"Will you walk a little?"

"Willingly; but" (turning to Alice) "where will you be when I want to find you?"

"Somewhere near here," she answered; and I started off on a tour of inspection.

We finally reached a part of the great ball-room which was comparatively clear. There were two or three chairs standing against the wall. Having been for some time on my feet, I was glad to drop into one of these. Sacha started back, as if he were shocked,—"O mademoiselle!"

"What is it?" I exclaimed.

"Oh, indeed, I would not do that!"

"Do what? Sit down?" I answered. "Why not?"

"It is not the custom, really."