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. As we neared our destination we passed
numerous carts and chairs of princes who had been at the palace
to pay their respects. The street leading off the great
thoroughfare was filled with carts, chairs, servants and
outriders, but the utmost order prevailed. There were scores of
soldiers and special police, the latter dressed in long garments
of gray with a short jacket of white on the breast of which was
his number in black. These gray and white uniforms were mourning
colours, and were given by the Prince.
As we entered the gate we saw white-robed servants everywhere,
each with a sober face and a dignified bearing, waiting to be of
use. My name was announced and two servants stepped out from the
crowd, clothed from head to feet in white sackcloth, one
presenting his arm to help me through the court, as though I were
a bound-footed woman, and the other led the way. We were taken
by a roundabout path, through numerous courts and passages, the
front being reserved for the male guests, and were finally
ushered into a room filled with white-robed women servants, who
with one accord bent their knee in a low courtesy.
We were there met by the first and third Princesses, daughters of
the Dowager who had just passed away. They were dressed in white,
their hair being put up in the Manchu fashion. Instead of the
jewels and bright flowers, however, it was crossed and recrossed
with bands of white folded sackcloth
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