She was serenely unafraid, to her own great wonder.

Who could describe her sensations as she passed through marble halls, up marble staircases, over great rugs so soft that her step faltered?
Her wooden shoes made a clatter whenever they left the rugs, but she stepped as lightly as she could.

She heard music and voices presently, and the former she recognized.

As her highness entered the Bijou Theater, the Herr Direktor stopped the music.

In the little gallery, which served as the royal box, sat several ladies and gentlemen of the court, the grand duke being among them.