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The Emperor thanked Prince Andrew and bowed. Prince Andrew

withdrew and was immediately surrounded by courtiers on all

sides. Everywhere he saw friendly looks and heard friendly words.

Yesterday's adjutant reproached him for not having stayed at the

palace, and offered him his own house. The Minister of War came

up and congratulated him on the Maria Theresa Order of the third

grade, which the Emperor was conferring on him. The Empress'

chamberlain invited him to see Her Majesty. The archduchess also

wished to see him. He did not know whom to answer, and for a few

seconds collected his thoughts. Then the Russian ambassador took

him by the shoulder, led him to the window, and began to talk to

him.