Motionless, benumbed, as if struck by lightning, remained the prince upon the threshold; behind him were seen the astonished faces of his generals, who, on tiptoe, stretched their necks to gaze, over each other’s shoulders, upon this singular and unexpected spectacle!

At length a murmur arose, they pressed farther forward toward the door, and, overcoming his momentary stupefaction, the prince ventured into the room.

An angry glance of the priest commanded silence; with a louder voice he continued his prayer.  Anna Leopoldowna smilingly beckoned her husband to her side, and slightly nodded to the generals.

They bowed to the ground before their august mistress, the regent.

Now came the closing prayer and the dispensation of the blessing.  The priest pronounced it kneeling,—­the regent also bent the knee, and drew the prince down beside her.  Following the example of the generalissimo, the other generals also sank upon their knees,—­it was a general prayer, which no one dared disturb.

The ceremony was ended.  The priest kissed and blessed the bridal pair, and then departed with his assistants; he was followed by the servants of the favorite.

Anna now turned with a proud smile to the prince.

“Accident, my husband, has made you a witness of this marriage,” said she.  “May I ask your highness what procures me this unexpected and somewhat intrusive visit, and why my generals, unannounced, accompany you to their regent and mistress?”

The embarrassed prince stammered some unintelligible words, to which Anna paid no attention.

Stepping forward, she motioned the generals to enter, and with her most fascinating smile said:  “Ah, I think I now know the reason of your coming, gentlemen!  Your loyal and faithful hearts yearn for a sight of your young emperor.  It is true, his faithful subjects have not seen him for a long time!  Even a sovereign is not guaranteed against the evil influences of the weather, which has lately been very rough, and for that reason the young czar has been unable to show himself to his people.  Ah, it pleases me that you have come, and I am obliged to my husband for bringing you to me so unexpectedly.  You may now satisfy yourselves that the emperor lives and is growing fast.  Julia, bring us the young emperor!”

Julia von Mengden silently departed, while Count Lynar, respectfully approaching the regent, said a few words to her in a low tone.

“You are quite right, sir count,” said the regent aloud, and, turning to her husband and the generals, continued:  “Count Lynar is in some trouble about the unexpected publicity given to his marriage.  There are, however, important reasons for keeping it still a secret.  The family of my maid of honor are opposed to this alliance with the foreigner, and insist that Julia shall marry another whom they have destined for her.  On the other hand, certain family considerations render secrecy