CHAPTER XVI. 142

THE GREAT AUDIENCE HALL Hours of the Audiences--The Audience Hall at Summer Palace-- Its Interior--Ancient and Modern Thrones and Dais--Audiences of Heads of Departments--The Grand Council--Official Despatches--Telegrams--The Cushions for Members of the Grand Council--Special Audiences--The Introducing Eunuch--Amusing Subterfuge of Officials at Audience--The Young Emperor and Tiresome Official--Sacred Quality of the Imperial Person-- Mode of Address of Courtiers--The Kow-tow.