ait. The doors were opened and their Majesties entered.
The ladies courtesied low, and the gentlemen bowed reverentially.

I was quite overcome by the Queen's dazzling beauty and regal presence.
She wore a beautiful dress of very pale salmon-colored satin,
embroidered in the same color. A red-velvet _manteau de cour_ covered
with heavy embossed silver embroidery hung from her shoulders. Her
jewels were handsomer than anything I had ever seen before, even more
magnificent than those of the Empress Eugenie. The King and Queen
separated. The King turned to the _doyen_ of the _Corps Diplomatique_,
talked a long time with him, and then passed on, having a word for each
gentleman, not overlooking even the youngest secretary.

The Queen went directly toward the Countess Wimphen, the _doyenne_,
and, holding out her hand, leaned forward as if to kiss her cheek. The
Ambassadress sank almost to the ground. Then the Queen talked with all
the Ambassadresses and to the Ministers' wives. Madame Westenberg, the
wife of the Minister from Holland, being the _plus ancienne_ of these,
stood, full of importance at the head of her flock. The Queen's ready
mind found something of interest to say to every one, and she seemed
brimming over with conversation. There were continual glances between
their Majesties, as if they were mutually comparing notes, which I
fancy were something like this, "You'd better hurry, or I shall finish
before you do."

Every time the Queen turned, Marquis Guiccioli (the Queen's
chamberlain) bent down to the ground and arranged her train, spreading
it out flat on the floor. When the Queen caught sight of me a smile of
recognition passed over her face, and when she gave me her hand she
said: "I am so glad to see you again, and so happy to know that we are
going to have you in Rome. I've never forgotten your singing. Your
voice is still ringing in my ears."

I answered, "I have never forgotten your Majesty's kindness to me when
I was here before."

"I remember so well," she said, "how beautifully you and the Marquise
Villamarina sang that duet from 'La Pavorita.' We shall have some music
later, I hope," and she added, "The King was delighted with Monsieur de
Hegermann."

I said that Monsieur de Hegermann was very much flattered by the King's
gracious manner when the King received him.

On leaving me the Queen crossed the room, directing her steps toward
the _doyen_ Ambassador. In the mean while the King came tow