KINGS AND E:itPER0R3 PRAYING. 355 



with cusliions — tlie sort of background a painter -would 

 have chosen for her. Always two or three crowned 

 heads in attendance : — -Alexander on one side, dressed tc 

 effect in black and diamonds : the Kinsr of Prussin, 



7 (^ 7 



nowise remarkable except by contrast, on the other. On 

 a low stool at the feet of the prophetess, sat her disciple, 

 Bergasse, and her high priest, Jung Stilling.' 



" ' Ecoutez done !' said Madame de Houchien, nudging 

 me ; ' est-il artiste, notre Denon ? Quelle groupe !' 



"'Attendez, attendez !' said Denon. 'In the midst 

 of a solemn silence she rose, and extending her arms, 

 exclaimed, with a strange and penetrating tone, ^ Prions!^ 

 Down on his knees went the Emperor of all the Russias, 

 followed by everybody present, kings, aides-de-camp, 

 and valets included.' 



" 'And this,' said Segur, starting up, 'was the grand- 

 son of my great Catherine !' 



" ' You may well say your great Catherine,' said 

 Denon. ' What must the Prince de Lisrne have thoujTht 

 on the occasion ? He was present.' 



" 'Madame de Krudener must have had great talent.' 

 said Madame de Hoachien. 



" ' Pas le moins du monde,' said Denon. ' She had 

 art, the genius of mediocrity.' 



" ' Yes,' ventured I, ' she had religion for her aid ; but 

 she fought with the arms of St. Ther^se, who legislated 

 for popes, and made princes do her bidding. Once you 

 get into the spiritual, you have nothing to go by but 

 faith ; and Madame de Krudener had the greatest faith 

 in Jung Stilling, as the Emperor Alexander had in 

 her.' 



" Here Humboldt was announced. I never hear hia 



