At the end of the performance an exalted dignitary of the Russian Court bade Strauss follow him to his apartments in the chateau, where he sat the Kapellmeister down to a splendid grand piano, saying: "Now, be good enough to play me all the newest Vienna dance-music." Though extremely fatigued by his three rehearsals and "State" performance, Strauss deemed it expedient to comply; but after he had played continuously for over an hour, he came to a stop, observing, "I presume that will be sufficient." "I am not at all tired," coolly rejoined his Excellency. "But I am!" replied Strauss, and rose from the instrument. It is said that he came very near being sent to Siberia for "disrespectful behaviour, unprecedented in a person of his condition."