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Every one stood
during this ceremony, except Prince Alexis, who fell suddenly
prostrate before the consecrated pictures, and sobbed so
passionately that the tears of the guests flowed for the third
time. There he lay until night; for whenever any one dared to
touch him, he struck out furiously with fists and feet. Finally he
fell asleep on the floor, and the servants then bore him to his
sleeping apartment.
For several days afterward his grief continued to be so violent
that the occupants of the castle were obliged to keep out of his
way. The whip was never out of his hand, and he used it very
recklessly, not always selecting the right person. The parasitic
poor relations found their situation so uncomfortable, that they
decided, one and all, to detach themselves from the tree upon which
they fed and fattened, even at the risk of withering on a barren
soil. Night and morning the serfs prayed upon their knees, with
many tears and groans, that the Saints might send consolation, in
any form, to their desperate lord.
The Saints graciously heard and answered the prayer.


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