Page:The Tsar's Window.djvu/99

 into ladies in glittering costumes, and gentlemen in uniform. We followed their example, and walked up the broad staircase of white marble with carved oak balustrades, finding ourselves confronted with two beautiful rosewood doors, ornamented with gilt, which opened at our approach. We passed into a long hall, with innumerable windows on the right, looking over the Neva, and on the left a conservatory, containing a fountain, palm-trees, and many tropical plants. A balcony, supported by pillars of white marble, added much to the beauty of this room.

Some Masters of Ceremonies advanced towards us. One was introduced to me; but I was so occupied in admiring the room that I only noticed the great height of my escort. I soon became aware that he was also very young, and that he was gazing at me in respectful silence.

"You must pardon me," I exclaimed, "for having so little to say. I am silent because I am anxious to see all I can."

He bowed gravely.

"I suppose this is the first view you have had of the palace, mademoiselle?"

"Yes; and I hope I shall see much more of it."

He smiled. "Your wish will be gratified; for we have a great many rooms to pass through before we reach the chapel. From here (walking to one of the windows) you see the race-course, where we have races every Sunday."

"But that is the river."