r.

Next to my bedroom is J.'s bedroom, which is also very large, with two
windows, furnished in red brocade; great gilt consols support the
elaborate-framed Italian mirrors. Then comes his dressing-room, which
connects with his bath-room and his valet's room. Then another
antechamber giving on to a corridor which leads to the great gallery.

The Marquise came to my door, and we followed her through two or three
drawing-rooms before we reached the center room, which is a very large
_salle_ with a dome taking in three stories.

The Queen welcomed me most cordially and seemed very glad to see me.
She kissed me on both cheeks and made me sit by her on the sofa. She
was, as always, lovely and gracious.

The repast was a very sumptuous high tea--all sorts of cold meats,
birds, confitures, cakes of various kinds, and sandwiches.

I asked the Queen if she had been singing much during the summer.
"Alas, no!" she replied. "My voice has had a vacation, and Vera and
Marchetti have also had theirs. I have been in Stresa with my mother,
and in Turin, but, now you are here, we shall certainly have some
music. Vera is here," and at that very moment the amiable old master
appeared. We remained talking till nearly six o'clock; then we went up
to dress for dinner. I had a better look at our rooms. They appeared
more magnificent than before. My maid had unpacked everything, and a
fire was burning brightly in my bedroom, making it look cozy, if one
can make such a royal and luxurious apartment look cozy.

I looked at my bed on its platform and wondered how in the world I was
ever to get in it when the time came. The sheets and pillow-cases were
of the finest linen trimmed with exquisite Valenciennes, like huge
pocket-handkerchiefs. Instead of blankets there was a large white-satin
perfumed, sachet with a cord sewed round it, completely covering the
bed.

Johan was told not to be in evening-dress suit. The King always wears a
_redingote_ and a black tie. The other gentlemen, of course, do the
same. The dinner was at seven o'clock. Every one was assembled when we
entered the _salon_. The Prince of Naples was talking with some ladies.
His _Gouverneur_, Colonel Osio, stood near him. After a few moments the
King and the Queen came in together. The King greeted us with great
kindness. The Prince kissed his mother's hand, made a military salute
to his father, and left the _salon_. He is fifteen years old now, but
looks younger. He wears a