ARROW-BEARER [continuing to read]
From the Temple of Ancestors to the Palace of Great Purity, let all Dignitaries, Officers, Guards, Secretaries form up in a line on either side of the road along which the Empress will pass in a palanquin, ornamented with dragons and phoenixes, to the foot of the staircase leading to the throne-room, where the grand ceremony of investiture will take place.
GOLDEN LOTUS
Will women be present at that?
ARROW-BEARER
Yes, the Princesses and the Ladies-in-Waiting will form the retinue of the Empress and group themselves about her.
GOLDEN LOTUS
Ah! I was not sure——It was that particularly which I wished to know.
ARROW-BEARER
The young Emperor will be close to the brave mother who is to reign in his name. Reign, you know how! Reign in mystery, in anguish, faced by insurmountable difficulties——