Page:The Tsar's Window.djvu/248

 the Church of the Assumption, in which all the Tsars of Russia have been crowned, beginning with the first Romanoff. It is small, but full to overflowing of historical reminiscences and ornaments. The platform on which the coronation takes place stands under the dome. Around the walls are tombs of ecclesiastical dignitaries, the most honored having the corner places. There is not an inch of the cathedral which is unornamented.

"Here," said George, standing in front of the iconostase, "is a picture of the Virgin which, according to tradition, was painted by St. Luke."

"Oh," cried Grace, "what gorgeous jewels!"

"The gems in this icon," continued our cicerone, "are worth two hundred and fifty thousand dollars, and the riches inside this little building amount to more than all the wealth of the empire."

The others began enthusiastically to examine the iconostase, which was of gold, ornamented with pictures and rich jewels. George drew my attention to the walls of the building, covered with painting, and incrusted with Siberian marble.

"I suppose this is jasper," said I inquiringly.

"Yes," George responded rather absently, then added abruptly, "I thought you did not like Sacha."

I must have looked surprised at the suddenness of this remark; but my companion did not vouchsafe a glance in my direction. He was apparently absorbed in contemplation of the tomb of St. Peter.

"I do not like him," said I, at last; "on the contrary I dislike him intensely."