Russia in 1839 -Empire of the Czar: A Journey Through Eternal Russia

satisfy, in some respects, the impatient spirit of our age, we should not see what I saw yesterday at the English club-house — military men, and fashionables of all ages, serious persons and giddy youths, making the sign of the cross, and remaining silent for some moments before sitting down at table — not a family-table, but a tahle-dlwte. Those who disclaim all religion (and there is a considerable number of such) viewed the others without any surprise. It may still be seen that there are 800 good leagues between Paris and Moscow.

The palace belonging to the club is large and handsome. The entire establishment is well planned and skilfully directed; everything is about the same as in the clubs of other places. This did not surprise me ; but the pious feeling of the Russians I sincerely admired, and said as much to the person who had introduced me,

We were talking together after dinner in the garden of the club.

lí We must not be judged by the appearance," replied my companion, who is, as I am about to show, one of the most enlightened of the Russians.

" It is precisely this appearance," I replied, " which inspires me with esteem for your nation. With us, people dread only hypocrisy ; but the sneer of cynicism is even yet more injurious to society."

" Yes, but it is less revolting to noble minds."

" I think so too : but by what strange whim is it that incredulity should raise so great a cry of sacrilege whenever she thinks she sees in a man's heart a little less piety than he proclaims by his words and actions ? Were our philosophers consistent, they