254 Ten Years of my Life, 



and sceptre, I could not get rid of tlie idea that she would 

 receive me sitting on a thro«e under a dais, surrounded by 

 superbly-arrayed ladies watching every movement of mine with 

 a criticising eye. 



I was ushered into a room, where I did not see anything I 

 had anticipated, and looked in vain for a throne. In that 

 room was a fine and stately lady, elegantly but simply dressed, 

 whom I took for one of the Court ladies who would lead me 

 to the presence of the Queen. I stopped irresolutely, but when 

 Felix made his lowest bow and kissed the extended hand of 

 that lady, 1 became aware that I was standing before the Queen 

 herself. Though somewhat disappointed and perplexed on 

 account of the absent throne and royal state, I was more than 

 indemnified in looking on that noble, beautiful face, with its 

 inimitably gracious and benevolent smile. 



When the Queen had taken a seat, and we were seated be- 

 side her, she commenced speaking about poor Emperor Maxi- 

 milian, whom she regretted very much. She was kind enough 

 to express herself very graciously about the part I had played 

 in that tragedy, and though she did not say that she expected 

 to see me with an Indian feather dress and a bow and arrows, 

 or at least a revolver in my belt, I imagine that the Queen was 

 somewhat disappointed in her turn at seeing a woman such as 

 those of whom she saw daily many prettier and more remark- 

 able. But whatever impression I might have made, her 

 Majesty was so exceedingly kind that I felt highly gratified 

 and quite bewildered and happy when we, after about half an 

 hour, were graciously dismissed. Felix kissed her hand, and I 

 wished to do the same but the Queen did not permit me. 



Next day Felix dined with the King, and after dinner we 

 drove to Countess Schulemburg, who had invited us for the 

 evening. She was a very amiable lady, liked by everybody, 

 and extremely kind to me. Being a stranger at Court, and 

 afraid of sinning frequently against etiquette, I asked her ad- 

 vice, which was very valuable to me. 



Some days later we dined with Countess Benckendorff, 

 daughter of General Prince Croy, and first cousin to my hus- 

 band. The Countess is very rich, and lived in a very elegant 

 house in the Behrenstrasse. We had many invitations and 

 saw very pleasant company, where I was both amused and 

 shocked, as the manners of those high-born German ladies 



