BY ORDER OF THE CZAR. 299
Jenny was simply beside herself with passion.
" Pray, my dear Mrs. Milbanke, moderate your words ; we will discuss my conduct at the hotel ; I will explain, and you will explain ; I assure you, meanwhile, nothing is further from my thoughts than to desire to be unkind to you, or to Dolly or to Walter ; if I have seemed strange I am sorry, but pray do me the justice to believe that it would be impossible to insult you ; I may have seemed strange ; I have felt so, but "
He was interrupted by Walter, who turned round on the moment to direct their attention to the assembling of the boats outside the palace, and the pause in the general gathering to witness and greet the new arrivals. " I think we ought to make our way to the exit now," said Walter, " I see Beppo and his comrade ; and (waving his hand) they see me. Yes, I will let them know that we are com- ing." Walter waved his hand again, and then proceeded to lead the way, following them amidst the general exodus of the company towards the grand staircase.
The scene was novel beyond description. The marble staircase gave upon the grand canal which was all alive with traffic, and all ablaze with color. The night was lighted up by one lamp above away in the shining heavens, and by millions down below, making the water one vast moving sea of emeralds, diamonds, and precious gems ; but Walter and Jenny and Dolly no longer enjoyed the glory of the scene. The gorgeous fte was out of tune with their feel- ings. The music was harsh, the bells rung backwards.
And when they had pushed off amidst the splendid crowd, and were already part of the show themselves, with the brilliant lanterns which Walter had ordered Beppo to provide, they found that Philip was .no longer of their party.
" To the Telegraph Office, Beppo," said Jenny, a very prosaic order for so splendid an occasion.
