Page:The Tsar's Window.djvu/226

 to embark on a train which was going to Constantinople. Two or three pachas and several officers were taking a hot supper in the restaurant at the station, refreshing themselves for their journey. Confusion reigned, each individual looking after his own effects, when there came a tremendous rattle of musketry-fire on all sides, with hoots and yells as from thousands of throats.

"Supposing the whole Russian army was upon them, the frightened pachas hurried the troops into the train, and started off at full speed of steam; and the gallant Russian not only slept comfortably in the railway station that night, but devoured the pachas' hot supper and took possession of the small pieces of baggage which they, in their haste, had forgotten."

By the time this story was ended the handle of the door behind us rattled significantly; we withdrew to a respectful distance, it opened, and the Emperor made his appearance, followed by his family. This was a signal for the dancing to begin, and my partner came to claim me for the first quadrille.

There was such a crowd that we could not dance comfortably. Little annoyances, however, were nothing to me. I felt, for some unaccountable reason, wildly, absurdly happy,—happier than I have ever been since I left home. I laughed, talked, danced, and enjoyed myself to the utmost. My dress was becoming, and every one was pleasant; nothing seemed likely to occur to mar my happiness, as Sacha kept away from me, Mr. Cheremenieff was not there, George looked kindly on me, and the ambassador was always at my elbow.