The queen, who understood her court well, gazed round, and then she looked towards the king, who was a mere cypher in all this grandeur, except for his crown and the place he occupied.
But, try as the poor king would, it was only natural he should look towards this vision that had entered. It was quite enough to set all the courtiers looking at one another, and to make the ladies smile behind their fans. The new-comer, however, received a very gracious welcome, even from the queen, who remained in conversation with her for some moments.
“Are they not all very well bred?” remarked Plucritus to me.
“Indeed, I am very much astonished. Are these really they who went out some time ago?”
“The exact same,” he answered. “Only since then they have put on stays. And stays are a great restraint, especially to the women. Before they put them on they are natural, afterwards they become artificial.”
“They have not been long in preparing,” I commented.
“It was all ready before. It is simply another full-dress rehearsal.” He closed the note-book, and once more the presence chamber vanished and we were left in darkness.
Soon I beheld a very glorious scene arising of vast size and exquisite beauty. In the middle a fountain played, and on either side a tree grew in wild luxuriance, covered with purple fruit which hung in heavy clusters.
From the fountain a broad stream of crystal ran either way, spreading out like a sea of glass in the far distance. On either side steps of gold led up to a crystal throne that shone by reflection like the sun itself. Upon the throne sat the figure of a man wearing a golden crown, surrounded by awe and majesty. His face was bright and shining.