第255页 / 共3800页

On the morning of the day that the young couple were to arrive,

Princess Mary entered the antechamber as usual at the time

appointed for the morning greeting, crossing herself with

trepidation and repeating a silent prayer. Every morning she came

in like that, and every morning prayed that the daily interview

might pass off well.

An old powdered manservant who was sitting in the antechamber

rose quietly and said in a whisper: "Please walk in."

Through the door came the regular hum of a lathe. The princess

timidly opened the door which moved noiselessly and easily. She

paused at the entrance. The prince was working at the lathe and

after glancing round continued his work.