It being established usage, I had, to my great repugnance, to kiss the hand of the corpse! We then talked a little to the Ladies in attendance (with their crape trains), joking about the article of hand-kissing; finally we adjourned for coffee to Count Schuwalof's apartments, which were of an incredible magnificence." That same evening, farther on,-- "I supped with the Czar in his PETIT APPARTEMENT, Private Rooms [a fine free-and-easy nook of space!].

The company there consisted of the Countess Woronzow, a creature without any graces, bodily or mental, whom the Czar had chosen for his Mistress [snub-nosed, pock-marked, fat, and with a pert tongue at times], whom I liked the less, as there were one or two other very handsome women there.

Some Courtiers too; and no Foreigners but the English Envoy and myself.

The supper was very gay, and was prolonged late into the night.

These late orgies, however, did not prevent his Majesty from attending to business in good time next morning.