256 EMPEROR NICHOLAS. 



Devonshire ; his Grace was conspicuous 

 for the silver trumpet he constantly 

 applied to his ear, being, as I sup- 

 posed, very deaf. The fine figures of 

 both the illustrious visitors attracted great 

 attention, but chiefly the form and 

 features of the elder, who afterwards be- 

 came the Emperor Nicholas. 



My friend, who stood near them, in 

 catching my eye, looked unutterable 

 astonishment, and came round and asked 

 me what means I had used to gain 

 admittance suspecting bribery, as I sup- 

 posed. When I had told him the very 

 easy way by which I had obtained my 

 object, he could scarcely believe me, but 

 gave me credit for tact and self-possession. 



To resume the thread of my narra- 

 tive : There was nothing now wanting to 

 the consummation of all my wishes but 

 a suitable establishment, and this cir- 

 cumstances seemed to favour circum- 

 stances that appeared to me at the time 



