Chapter 4
The Czar’s AutographThe next morning at breakfast I found
the two invitations already promised. That of the head of the
Manchurian Syndicate was for the same night.
Resolved not to remain in the dark any longer as to the reason
for this apparent breach of etiquette, I decided to do what the
Marquis of Bedale had suggested, namely, approach the Dowager
Empress in person.
Well accustomed to the obstacles which beset access to royalty,
I drove to the Palace in a richly appointed carriage from the best
livery stable in Petersburg, and sent in my card to the chamberlain
by an equerry.
“I have a message to the Czaritza which I am instructed to give
to her majesty in person,” I told him. “Be good enough to let her
know that the messenger from the Queen of England has arriv
