As for mere lords
and baronets, and such small deer, there was nothing so plebeian
present, and they were evidently looked upon by the distinguished
assembly, like small beer in thunder, with pity and contempt.
The ladies, too, were all duchesses, marchionesses, countesses,
and looked fit for princesses, Sir Norman thought, though he
heard none of them styled quite so high as that. The tone of
conversation was light and easy, but at the same time extremely
ceremonious and courtly, and all seemed to be enjoying themselves
in the moat delightful sort of a way, which people of, such
distinguished rank, I am told, seldom do. All went merry as a
marriage-bell, and sweetly over the gay jingle of voices rose the
sweet, faint strains of the unseen music.
Suddenly all was changed. The great door of glass and gilding
opposite the throne was flung wide, and a grand usher in a grand
court livery flourished a mighty grand wand, and shouted, in a
stentorian voice
"Back: back, ye lieges, and make way for Her Majesty, Queen
Miranda!"
Instantly the unseen band thundered forth the national anthem.
The splendid throng fell back on either hand in profoundest
silence and expectation.
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