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." It was finally decided, however, that the same
formalities be observed as were followed by the ministers when
received at court. I give these incidents to show the temper that
prevailed among the members of some of the legations at Peking at
the time of this first audience.
"When a few days later we followed the long line of richly-robed
princesses into the audience-hall, all this was changed. As we
looked at the Empress Dowager seated upon her throne on a raised
dais, with the Emperor to her left and members of the Grand
Council kneeling beside her, and these dignified, stately
princesses courtesying until their knees touched the floor, we
forgot the resentful feeling expressed in the meeting a few days
before, and, awed by her majestic bearing and surroundings, we
involuntarily gave the three courtesies required from those
entering the imperial presence. We could not but feel that this
stately woman who sat upon the throne was every inch an empress.
In her hands rested the weal or woe of one-third of the human
race. Her brilliant black eyes seemed to read our thoughts.
Indeed she prides herself upon the fact that at a glance she can
read the character of every one that appears before her."
After the ladies had taken their position in order of their rank,
the doyen presented their good wishes to Her Majesty, which was
replied to by a few gracious words from the throne. Each lady's
name was then announced and as she was formally presented she
ascended the dais, and as she courtesied, the Empress Dowager
extended her hand which she took, and then passed to the left to
be introduced in a similar way to the Emperor
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