“I didn’t speak, sir,” said Girlie nervously.
“Yes, she did! yes, she did!” screamed the Cockatoo. “She’s been talking ever since she came in,” she went on noisily.
“Silence, both of you!” said the Husher, frowning severely first at Girlie and then at the Cockatoo, and then walking to the other end of the room, as a door at the top of some steps near the throne opened, and two Heralds entered, blowing a blast on their trumpets.
“TWO HERALDS ENTERED.”
“Here comes the Wallypug!” said the Penguin, and everybody stood up as a kind of procession filed into the room.
Girlie and the Penguin moved a little nearer the door, in order to see more distinctly.
First in the procession came the Doctor-in-law, smiling blandly; then the King’s Minstrel came strutting in, looking more conceited than ever, and carrying a large roll of music under his arm. He was followed by an elderly gentleman carrying a microscope.
“The Royal Microscopist,” said the Penguin in answer to an inquiring glance that Girlie gave her.
“What is the microscope for?” asked Girlie in a whisper.