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. The Emperor,
probably becoming weary of a conversation in which he had no
part, quietly withdrew by a side entrance to the theatre which
was playing at the time. For some moments the Empress Dowager did
not notice his absence, but the instant she discovered he was
gone, a look of anxiety overspread her features, and she turned
to the head eunuch, Li Lien-ying, and in an authoritative tone
asked: 'Where is the Emperor?' There was a scurry among the
eunuchs, and they were sent hither and thither to inquire. After
a few moments they returned, saying that he was in the theatre.
The look of anxiety passed from her face as a cloud passes from
before the sun--and several of the eunuchs remained at the
theatre.
"I am told that at times the Empress Dowager invites the Emperor
to dine with her, and on such occasions he is forced to kneel at
the table at which she is seated, eating only what she gives him.
It is an honour which he does not covet, but which he dare not
decline for fear of giving offense."
XI
Prince Chun--The Regent
Prince Chun the Regent of China gave a remarkable luncheon at the
Winter Palace to-day to the foreign envoys who gathered here to
attend the funeral ceremonies of the late Emperor Kuang Hsu. The
repast was served in foreign style. Among the Chinese present
were Prince Ching, former president of the Board of Foreign
Affairs and now adviser to the Naval Department; Prince Tsai
Chen, a son of Prince Ching, who was at one time president of the
Board of Commerce; Prince Su, chief of the Naval Department; and
Liaing Tung-yen, president of the Board of Foreign Affairs
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