Page:The Tsar's Window.djvu/200

 to find that it was so when I thought it over afterwards. I could not tell Mr. Thurber that I disliked him; neither could I say that I never should love him. I have quite an affection for him, and I told him so. Then I could not refuse to try and like him a little more, and that is what I have promised. When he returns I am to give him a decided answer. I feel infinitely relieved now, and I have no doubt it will end in my marrying him.

The question next came into my mind, Should I tell George? It seemed to me unnecessary, and I resolved to be guided by circumstances. I was driven through the illuminated streets in rather an absent frame of mind, Patient crowds were standing about, waiting for glimpses of grandeur.

When we reached the theatre, the whole of the building was covered with gas-jets, forming the initials "A" and "M," crowns, stars, and various other devices. The scene inside the theatre was truly regal. In the low corridors, as we entered, were crowds of officials in full uniform, hurrying about in excitement. When we opened the door and stepped into our box, a blaze of splendor burst upon us. The house was made brilliant by a row of electric lights, in addition to the ordinary chandelier and gas jets.

The prevailing colors in the theatre are crimson and gold. The imperial box—thrice as high and as wide as the others—is directly opposite the stage, on the second story. There are five tiers of boxes above the parquet. As we looked down on the floor, not a plain