116 IN THE DIPLOMATIC SERVICE-XIII 



permitted to represent the sacred person of any emperor 

 upon the stage. 



As to other music, very good concerts were occasionally 

 given, the musicians being generally from Western Eu 

 rope. 



Very pleasant were sundry excursions, especially dur 

 ing the long summer twilight; and among these were 

 serenade parties given by various members of the diplo 

 matic corps. In a trim steam-yacht, and carrying singers 

 with us, we sailed among the islands in the midnight hours, 

 stopping, from time to time, to greet friends occupying 

 cottages there. 



As to excursions in the empire, I have already given, 

 in my chapter on Tolstoi, some account of my second visit 

 to Moscow; and a more complete account is reserved for 

 a chapter on &quot;Sundry Excursions and Experiences.&quot; 

 The same may be said, also, regarding an excursion taken, 

 during one of my vacations, in Sweden, Norway, and Den 

 mark. 



In 1893, a new administration having brought into 

 power the party opposed to my own, I tendered to Presi 

 dent Cleveland my resignation, and, in the full expectation 

 that it would be accepted, gave up my apartment ; but as, 

 instead of an acceptance, there came a very kind indica 

 tion of the President s confidence, good-will, and prefer 

 ence for my continuance at my post, I remained in the 

 service a year longer, occupying my odds and ends of 

 time in finishing my book. Then, feeling the need of go 

 ing elsewhere to revise it, I wrote the President, thank 

 ing him for his confidence and kindness, but making my 

 resignation final, and naming the date when it would be 

 absolutely necessary for me to leave Russia. A very kind 

 letter from him was the result ; the time I had named was 

 accepted; and on the 1st of November, 1894, to my espe 

 cial satisfaction, I was once more free from official duty. 



