Across the Roof of the World. 



programme, and tlio absence of the evil-smelling Chinese brandy, 

 the memories of which were still fresh within my mind, gave 

 rise to much inward satisfaction. 



The wife of the Russian Consul was also amongst the 

 guests and looked very becoming in the Caucasian Cossack dress, 

 consisting of a long scarlet robe reaching to the knees and 

 fastened at the waist with a girdle, with places across the 

 breast for cartridges. Top boots, a large white fur cap and a 

 riding whip completed this warrior costume, the whole giving the 

 wearer a distinctly martial air and bearing. 



Another important guest at the feast was the Tchja's young 

 and prepossessing daughter, attended by a diminutive Chinese 

 maid. The lady's feet were not encased and disfigured as is 

 the custom with Chinese women. Amongst the Manchus 

 this practice does not obtain, and their women are thus able to 

 walk with ease and grace instead of hobbling along on stumps 

 as is the case wdth the unfortunate Chinese ladies. 



During an interval in the dinner I took a photograph of the 

 assembled guests, and after further parley, the drinking of many 

 healths and the pledging of each other, we dispersed, some driving 

 back in Russian carriages and others proceeding a cheval. 



346 



