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The door opened, and, followed by his generals, the enraged prince

appeared upon the threshold

No one suffered himself to be disturbed; the priest continued the

service, the parties re on with a proud and tranquil s, remained the prince

upon the threshold; behind hienerals, who, on tiptoe, stretched their necks to gaze, over each

other's shoulders, upon this singular and unexpected spectacle!

At length a murmur arose, they pressed farther forward toward the door,

and, overco his momentary stupefaction, the prince ventured into the

roolance of the priest commanded silence; with a louder voice he

continued his prayer Anna Leopoldowna shtly nodded to the generals

They bowed to the ground before their augustprayer and the dispensation of the blessing The

priest pronounced it kneeling,--the regent also bent the knee, and drew

the prince down beside her Following the exaenerals also sank upon their knees,--it was a general prayer,

which no one dared disturb

The ceremony was ended The priest kissed and blessed the bridal pair,

and then departed with his assistants; he was followed by the servants

of the favorite

Anna now turned with a proud smile to the prince

"Accident, e," said

she "May I ask your highness what procures me this unexpected and