CHAPTER II
THE Emperor, accompanied by the Count, walked through a long suite of brilliantly decorated rooms, passing amidst the throng of guests, who humbly stepped aside at their approach. He admired the pictures on the tapestries, specially prepared for that evening, the costly statues artistically arranged, and the stately furniture. He expressed his admiration with detail unusual for him, and the Count was unable to comprehend how a liking for things in which at other times the Emperor took little or no interest was so suddenly developed in him. Even the apparently aimless walk was contrary to the custom of the ruler, who at other times very unwillingly and very seldom allowed a half-hour to pass by unoccupied with state affairs. The
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