"I commend your zeal, and I will not interfere with your purpose," replied the principal, as he went over the side, and took his seat in the professor's barge.
On the shore, the doctor, the commodore, Paul Kendall, Shuffles, and the ladies, made up a party, and went to the Society's House, which is the name of the principal hotel here, as well as in Åbo and Wyborg, where they endeavored to procure a commissionaire who spoke English; but none was to be had. The elegant Greek church was the first object of interest, and they walked over to the hill on which it is located. As if to follow literally with the words of Christ to Peter, this church "is founded upon a rock." It is built of brick, and, like nearly all Russian churches, is in the form of a Greek cross. At a little distance from the main structure, but connected with it, is the bell tower. As the party approached, the bell began to ring for a service. Its tones were quite different from those heard in other countries, but more melodious, and lacking the sharp qualities. Instead of a wheel and rope to ring it, as most bells are rung, two men were stationed in the belfry, and, by a rope attached to the tongue, were swaying it hack and forth, till it struck the metal on each side.
As the tourists entered the building, they were passed by a man with a long, heavy, red beard, clothed in a kind of brown gown, or robe, who, the doctor said, was a priest. The interior of the church was different from any other which most of the party had seen. Opposite the entrance was a screen, or partition, extending to the ceiling, which was covered with pictures of the saints, or other holy persons, of the Greek church. Only the face, and sometimes the hands, of the person represented are shown, the rest of the picture being covered with gold. In the middle of this partition is a lofty archway closed by two doors of gold, or gilt. In front there is a platform, on which the priests stand in performing the service. In various parts of the church are pictures of the Russian saints, before each of which is a candle, or other light. In one corner there was a cenotaph, covered with gold, which represents the tomb of Christ, used at Easter and Christmas in the service. There was no seat, bench, or other convenience for sitting, for no one is allowed to sit in a Russian church. Men were lighting the candles and lamps before the pictures of the holy persons, reverently bowing and crossing themselves as they approached them. The party were deeply interested, but they obtained a better idea of the religion of the Russians in St. Petersburg.
The travellers next obtained admission to the Senate House, in which the hall intended for the meeting of the senate on state occasions is the principal attraction. It contains a magnificent throne for the emperor, who has twice presided in person at the sessions of this body; but whether he is there or not, his gaudy seat seemed to be the representative of his power. This building contains the remains of the library saved from the great fire at Åbo, which has been increased to one hundred thousand volumes. After a walk through the University, founded by Queen Christina, which has usually about five hundred students, and a walk up the long flight of steps leading to the Lutheran church, the party returned to the great square.
"There's a costume!" exclaimed Lincoln, when, in turning a corner, they came suddenly upon a Russian drosky, the driver of which was dressed in the long pelisse and bell-crowned hat of his class.
"Yes; and that's just what you will see in every Russian city," replied the doctor. "All the drivers are dressed just alike, and this garb is worn only by them."
The pelisse was a long green garment, reaching down to the ankles, with bright globular buttons. The hat was similar to a European fashion which had its day at least fifty years ago, and an occasional one was seen even forty years ago. The diameter of the body at the top was about twice that at the brim. The drosky was a narrow vehicle sitting low on four small wheels. The seat for the passengers was narrow, though two persons can crowd into it. In front, and higher up, is a seat for the driver. At the end of the shafts was a wooden bow, or arch, over the horse's shoulders.
"What in the world is that bow for?" asked Lincoln.
"That's a question which is more easily asked than answered," replied the doctor. "I have looked at it a hundred times, but I have never been able to see that it is of the slightest use, though I have seen a check rein attached to it. For this purpose it is worse than useless; and if there is a society for the prevention of cruelty to animals in Russia, I hope it will take hold of the matter, for it is infinitely worse for the poor beast than when the check is hooked at the saddle."
"If it is useless always, and sometimes cruel, I hope all the bows in Russia will be banished," laughed Mrs. Kendall.