mmemorating the numerous battles and events of
the last forty years. I wondered, when I looked at the stretch of
carpet, how any one carpet could be made so long.

As I am the latest arrived Minister's wife, I and my two acolytes were
the last persons to enter the _Weissesaal_ where the buffet stood.
This buffet extended almost the whole length of the vast room. We
refreshed ourselves. My little self was in sad need of being
refreshed, and I devoured the sandwiches spread out temptingly under
my eyes, and drank some reviving champagne, and waited for my better
half, who, with the other better halves, was making his bow to the
sovereigns. The ladies of the _Corps Diplomatique_ pass before the
throne first and are followed by the gentlemen; then come the
highest-ranked princesses, and so forth. It is very fatiguing moving
about with one's court train dragging on one's arm, and I for one know
that I was glad when we went down the marble staircase and found the
servant who had sorted our boas from the baskets. There is no
antechamber at the foot of the staircase, so one must stay exposed to
the wintry blasts when the door is opened to let people out. It is
extraordinary how long it takes ladies to disappear after their
carriages are announced. They say a few last words, linger over the
picking up of their skirts, and go out leisurely; also the servant
seems unnecessarily long mounting his box, settling himself before the
coachman drives away.

BERLIN, _January, 1903_.

Dear ----,--The 21st was the Emperor's birthday.

The whole city is beflagged, and there are all sorts of illumination
preparations. "W's" in every dimension and color, the Emperor's bust
surrounded by laurel leaves, and flags in every window. Johan went in
gala uniform to the chapel in the _Schloss_, where a religious service
is always held, after which every one goes to congratulate his Majesty
and see the _defile cour_ afterward.

In the evening was the gala opera. Johan dined at Count Billow's (the
_Reichskanzler_) at five o'clock, while I dressed for the theater. We
were obliged to be there at eight o'clock sharp. "Sharp" is the word
here. There is no loitering where the Emperor is concerned. Everything
is on time, and his Majesty is sometimes _before_ the hour mentioned,
but never _after_.

The Opera-house is rather small, but was beautifully decorated with
garlands of artificial flowers hanging from the center of the dome
down to the balconie