Prince Vasili wished to obtain this post for his son,
but others were trying through the
Dowager Empress Marya Fedorovna to secure
it for the baron.
Anna Pavlovna almost closed her eyes to indicate
that neither she nor anyone else had a right to criticize
what the Empress desired or was pleased with.
"Baron Funke has been recommended to the Dowager Empress
by her sister," was all she said,
in a dry and mournful tone.