The crowd ran after the Emperor, followed him to the palace, and began to disperse. It was already late, and PĂ©tya had not eaten anything and was drenched with perspiration, yet he did not go home but stood with that diminishing, but still considerable, crowd before the palace while the Emperor dinedâ âlooking in at the palace windows, expecting he knew not what, and envying alike the notables he saw arriving at the entrance to dine with the Emperor and the court footmen who served at table, glimpses of whom could be seen through the windows.
While the Emperor was dining, ValĂșev, looking out of the window, said:
âThe people are still hoping to see Your Majesty again.â
The dinner was nearly over, and the Emperor, munching a biscuit, rose and went out onto the balcony. The people, with PĂ©tya among them, rushed toward the balcony.
âAngel! Dear one! Hurrah! Father!â ââ âŠâ cried the crowd, and PĂ©tya with it, and again the women and men of weaker mold, PĂ©tya among them, wept with joy.