The cases in this midnight
court seemed to be conducted on a decidedly original plan, and
with an easy rapidity that would have electrified any other
court, ancient or modern. Sir Norman took his stand, and eyed
his judges with a look half contemptuous, half defiant; and the
proceedings commenced by the dwarf a leaning forward and breaking
into a roar of laughter, right in his face.
"My little friend I warned you before not to be so facetious,"
said Sir Norman, regarding him quietly; "a rush of mirth to the
brain will certainly be the death of you one of these day."
"No levity, young man!" interposed the lord chancellor,
rebukingly; "remember, you are addressing His Royal Highness
Prince Caliban, Spouse, and Consort of Her Most Gracious Majesty,
Miranda!"
"Indeed! Then all I have to say, is, that her majesty has very
bad taste in the selection of a husband, unless, indeed, her wish
was to marry the ugliest man in the world, as she herself is the
most beautiful of women!"
Her majesty took not the slightest notice of this compliment, not
so much as a flatter of her drooping eye-lashes betrayed that she
even heard it, but his highness laughed until he was perfectly
hoarse.
Pages:
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215