CHAPTER XXI. 178

A EUROPEAN CIRCUS AT THE PALACE The Posters--Sites for the Ring--The Turnip Field--Their Majesties Go in State across the Lake--The Houseboats--The Young Empress’s State Boat--The Imperial Loges at the Circus--Invited Officials--Bands of Music--A Glimpse of the Manchu Princes and Some High Officials--The Son of the Imperial Princess--The Opera Glasses of Their Majesties--What Interested Them Most.