466 TRIUMPHAL JOURNEY THROUGH EUROPE. 



As the ex-President and his son reached the threshold, the 

 doors opposite were thrown open and the Emperor, wearing the 

 uniform of a field marshal, advanced to meet the guest of the 

 evening. 



After greetings, the Colonel presented Kermit, and in a few 

 minutes the Emperor, with the ex-President on his left, led the way 

 through several spacious apartments to what is called the " small 

 gallery " — a white apartment where small court dinners usually are 

 given. Thirty-five additional guests sat down to the table. 



With the exception of the Americans all the guests were in full 

 court uniform. Colonel Roosevelt sat at the Emperor's right and 

 Ambassador Kerens at his left. Throughout the dinner the 

 band of the 32d Infantry played in a gallery, principally selections 

 from Strauss. The table service was of silver and white and gold 

 china, with the imperial eagle in gold on the borders. 



BANQUET FORMALITIES DISPENSED V/ITH. 



Still following the ceremonial of private dinners, as distin- 

 guished from gala and state banquets, no formal toasts were given. 

 The dinner occupied precisely one hour, and upon arising from the 

 table the party returned to the Mirror Room, where what is known 

 as the " Cercle " followed, during which the Emperor personally 

 made the round of his guests. His leave-taking of the former 

 President and his son was exceedingly cordial. 



From the palace Colonel Roosevelt and Kermit drove direct to 

 the Imperial Opera, where they occupied the court box for a short 

 time, during the second act of the " Barber of Seville." The house 

 was crowded in anticipation of the Colonel's presence, and he was 

 given a hearty reception. 



They drove from the opera to the American Embassy, where 

 an informal reception to the American colony had been arranged, 

 so that they might meet the ex-President. Mr. Roosevelt left for 

 Budapest the following morning, a special car having been placed at 

 his service. 



The train for Budapest arrived at 9 o'clock in the evening. 



