se-spot left by the fat woman. Thrice she performed this ceremony,
mumbling over in her guttural way the prescribed formula; and then
rising, regained her crutches, and begged for alms. Well, of course I
gave the alms; but the other part of the performance suggested some
painful thoughts. It was surely enough to moderate the ardor of one's
aspirations toward a saintly life. Yet, after all, Dominico, every
sweet must have its bitter. Let us not despair yet. Next comes a great
bearded Mujik, all tattered and torn--a regular grizzly bear on his
hind legs, and drunk at that. This horrid monster has evidently not
known the use of either soap or water for many a long day. His
accustomed beverage must be vodka, and grease the only application
ever used to purify his skin. He, too, kneels down and gives the image
three cordial smacks--a pretty heavy penalty to endure on the part of
any saint. Upon my word, Dominico, I don't think it would be possible
for me to stand that! But hold--here comes a fellow who caps the
climax. A bilious, yellow-skinned, black-eyed fop, dressed in the
height of fashion, with frizzled black hair, divided behind, and
smelling strong of pomatum, a well-oiled mustache, and a simpering,
supercilious expression--one of those nasty creatures that old Kit
North says never can be washed clean. He looks conceited and silly
enough to be an attache to the court of his imperial highness the
emperor. When this fellow knelt before the picture and slavered it
with his ugly mouth, a dizzy sensation of disgust came over me. Upon a
general review of all the circumstances, Dominico, I have concluded
that it might not be so pleasant, after all, to be a saint--in Russia.

It must not be supposed from this little sketch of a characteristic
scene that I wish to ridicule any form of religion. I saw precisely
what I state, and am in no way responsible for it. If people imagine
this sort of thing does them any good, they are quite welcome to enjoy
it; but they must not expect every body else to be impressed with the
profound sensations of solemnity which they feel themselves. The
Russians may kiss the heads off every saint in Moscow without the
slightest concern or opposition on my part. The Romans have kissed a
pound of brass off the big toe of St. Peter, in the grand Cathedral at
Rome, and I see no reason why other races should not enjoy similar
privileges, only it does not produce the same effect upon every body.

Yet, in