In a way, it was better than a comic opera; it was fearfully amusing.
The grand duke, accompanied, according to the newspapers, "by the Royal Suite and the Choicest Flower of San Francisco Society," arrived on a special train direct from Del Monte.

Having captured a grand duke, these "Choicest Flowers" (ten in number) were loath to lose him, so they accompanied him.

They did more; they paid for the special train.

Blakely's mother greeted them, one and all, in a most friendly manner.

There was an aristocratic air about the whole proceeding that was distinctly uplifting.
And now began a round of gaieties, the first being a tea were real Russian samovars were in evidence, and sandwiches of real Russian caviar were served.