Page:The Tsar's Window.djvu/227

 The imperial family mingled so freely with the guests that it was impossible not to turn one's back upon them sometimes. Quite an excitement was created at one moment, by a couple who were waltzing so vigorously that they became entangled in some chairs, and fell down with a tremendous crash. The gentleman broke three chairs in his descent, and the lady fortunately fell on top of her partner. The Emperor rushed forward to ascertain the extent of the injury, but everything was unharmed except the chairs. Another audacious couple waltzed into His Imperial Majesty and nearly upset him. They retired, covered with confusion.

I will say nothing about the magnificent toilets of the grand duchesses, although I could write pages about them. I would rather think of how pleasantly George talked with me in the few minutes we had together before the mazurka began. He had no partner, and asked me to dance it with him, but I refused.

"I would like to dance with you," I said, "but I have already refused two people, and I suppose I must not change my mind."

"Then you will allow me to take you in to supper?" he asked.

"Yes, but what will you do with your partner?"

"I shall not dance," he returned.

"If you have any idea of sitting with me during the mazurka," I said, laughing, "you must give it up, because I promised the ambassador that I would converse with him about Rome while you giddy young people are dancing."