He commenced at the head of the column, which consisted of some fourteen or fifteen persons, and, on the mention of the name by the master of ceremonies, he addressed a few words to each.

To Mr.Colt he said: 'Ah! I have seen you before.
When did you arrive?
I am glad to see you.' When he came to me the master of ceremonies miscalled my name as Mr.More.I instantly corrected him and said, 'No, Mr.Morse.' The emperor at once said: 'Ah! that name is well known here; your system of Telegraph is in use in Russia.

How long have you been in St.Petersburg?
I hope you have enjoyed yourself.' To which I appropriately replied.

After a few more unimportant questions and answers the emperor addressed himself to the other gentlemen and retired.
"After remaining a few moments, the master of ceremonies, who, by the by, apologized to me for miscalling my name, opened the door from the veranda into the empress' drawing-room, where we were again put in line to await the appearance of the empress.

The doors of an adjoining room were suddenly thrown open and the empress, gorgeously but appropriately attired, advanced towards us.