CHAPTER XXV
We made our entry into St. Petersburg under the most propitious conditions. The sun was smiling, and the effect on the towers, domes and spires of Russia’s wonderful city was indescribably lovely. The Nevski Prospekt was a never-to-be-forgotten sight, with its splendid shops, its magnificent palaces, and its succession of fashionable people in their smart turnouts.
Rooms had been reserved for us at the Hotel du Nord, but on arriving there we found that it had not sufficient accommodation for all of us, so a part of the company, amongst them myself, went on to the European.
Being extremely tired after the long journey, I went straight to my room to get some sleep, though it was only four o’clock in the afternoon. I was awakened by a knock on the door. I lit the gas, and found that the clock said midnight. Who could be knocking on the door at that unearthly hour?
It was a maid, with a message from Hugette Duflos, one of the women members of the company, who had remained at the Hotel du Nord.
“Sarah is ill and wants you,” the message said.
I dressed at once, and asked the maid whether a conveyance could be found to take a very young girl in safety through the streets at night. The maid laughed.
“Oh, yes!” she answered. “Evidently madame is not acquainted with our customs! This is tea-time!”
“Tea-time!” At midnight! I must have looked incredulous, for the maid went on to explain:
“Fashionable people do not rise until twelve o’clock in St. Petersburg, and the shops and restaurants therefore keep open very late. When you are having your supper in Paris, we in Russia are taking our tea!”