ON January 1st/14th, 1914, I resumed the diary I had given up when we were transferred to Tobolsk. I shall give a few extracts from it as I did when describing our captivity at Tsarskoïe-Selo.
Monday, January 14th (January 1st O.S.).—This morning we went to church, where the new priest officiated for the first time. Father Vassilief (the cause of the incident mentioned in the preceding chapter) has been transferred by Archbishop Hermogenes to the monastery of Abalatsky.
Tuesday, January 15th.—At 2 p.m. there was a meeting of the committee of our garrison. It was decided by 100 votes to 85 to prohibit the wearing of epaulettes by officers and men.
Thursday, January 17th.—Colonel Kobylinsky came this morning. He wore mufti rather than wear his uniform without epaulettes.
Friday, January 18th.—The priest and choir[62] arrived at 3 o’clock. To-day is the Blessing of the Waters and the first time the new priest has officiated in the house. When it was Alexis Nicolaïevitch’s turn to kiss the cross held out by the priest the latter bent down and kissed his forehead. After dinner General Tatichtchef and Prince Dolgorouky came to beg the Czar to remove his epaulettes in order to avoid a hostile demonstration by the soldiers. At first it seemed as though the Czar would refuse, but, after exchanging a look and a few words with the Czarina, he recovered his self-control and yielded for the sake of his family.
Saturday, January 19th.—We went to church this morning. The Czar was wearing a Caucasian cloak, which is always worn without epaulettes. Alexis Nicolaïevitch had hidden his under his “bachelik” (a sort of Caucasian muffler). To-day the Czarina, on behalf of the Czar and herself, invited me to take evening tea[63] with them in future, when I don’t feel too tired after my lessons. I did not withdraw therefore at 10 o’clock when the Grand-Duchesses retired. (Alexis Nicolaïevitch always goes to bed at nine o’clock.)
Monday, January 21st.—A heavy fall of snow last night. We began to build a “snow mountain.”
Friday, January 25th (January 12th O.S,).—Tatiana Nicolaïevna’s birthday. Te Deum in the house. Fine winter’s day; sunshine; 15° Réaumur. Went on building the snow mountain as usual. The soldiers of the guard came to help us.
Wednesday, January 30th.—To-day the friendly section of the 4th Regiment was on duty. The Czar