was severe and rigid, like the face of a statue. On duty he was
evidently a different creature from the wild Gritzko of gipsy suppers.
But there was no use arguing with herself--he attracted her in every
case.

Then the procession advanced, and she looked at it with growing
amazement. This wonderful nation! so full of superstition and yet of
common sense. It seemed astonishing that grown-up people should
seriously assist at this ceremony of sentiment.

First came the choir-boys with thick coats covering their scarlet
gowns; then a company of singing men; then the priests in their
magnificent robes of gold and silver, and then the Emperor, alone and
bareheaded. Afterward followed the Grand Dukes and the standard of
every guard regiment and finally all the aides-de-camps.

When the Emperor passed she glanced again at the Prince. The setness of
his face had given place to a look of devotion. There was evidently a
great love for his master in his strange soul. When the last figure had
moved beyond the little temple corner, the tension of all was relaxed,
and they stood at ease again, and Gritzko appeared to perceive the
party of ladies, and smiled.

"I am coming to get some hot coffee after lunch, Sonia," he called out.
"I promised Marie."

"Does it not give them cold?" Tamara asked, as she looked at the
Cossacks' almost shaven bare heads. "And they have no great-coats on!
What can they be made of, poor things?"