rench,
escorting, I think, the Empress of Russia, passed along the line
and saluted the ambassadors and ministers in their order, and the
ladies and gentlemen to be presented were introduced by name to
the emperor. General Dix presented Fernando Wood, of New York,
and myself. Following the French emperor came the Emperor of Russia
escorting the Empress Eugenie of France, and the same mention of
our names was made to her. Following them came kings, the Prince
of Wales and others of like rank, each accompanied by distinguished
peers of his country. Third or fourth in this order came the King
of Prussia, Prince Bismarck, and General Von Moltke. When Bismarck
passed he shook hands with Dix and recognized me with a bow and a
few words. If the leaders in this pageant could have foreseen what
happened three years later--that King William would be an emperor,
that Bonaparte would be his prisoner and Eugenie a refugee from
republican France--the order of the march would have been reversed.

Soon after this reception, I was invited by the emperor to attend,
with General Dix and his daughter, a dinner at the Tuileries. Such
an invitation is held to be in the nature of a command. I accompanied
them, and was agreeably surprised to find that the dinner was quite
informal, though more than forty sat at table. When I entered the
room one of the ladies in waiting came to me and introduced me to
a lady whom I was to escort to the table. Presently she returned
and said: "Oh, I understand monsieur does not speak French, and
marquise does not speak English. Will monsieur allow me to be a
substitute?" I agreed with great pleasure. Both the guests and
the hosts were promptly on time. I was introduced to the emperor
and empress. She was very gracious to her guests, passing from
one to another with a kindly word to all. I noticed her greeting
to Miss Dix was very cordial. The emperor engaged in a conversation
with me that continued until the dinner was announced,--fully ten
minutes. He asked many questions about the war, and especially
about General Sherman. I answered his questions as I would to any
gentleman, but felt uneasy lest I was occupying time that he should
bestow on others. General Dix was by my side, and encouraged the
conversation. When the dinner was announced each guest knew his
place from the card furnished him, and the party was seated without
confusion.

I need not say that the young lady I escorted wa