The bells of Westminster rang out joyously, followed by the bells of all the city churches.
From the Green Park, on the right, came the sudden thunder of the guns of a Royal salute.
But louder than the guns, drowning their thunder, the joyous music of the bells, and the music of the band, rose the cheers of the people, near and far, a deep, rhythmical, continuous roar—
For a moment or two, the King remained motionless, rigid, in acknowledgment of the salute.
Then he turned sharply to his right, and moved across the quadrangle, followed by the Duke at a distance of some paces, to the main entrance door of the palace.
On either side of the palace steps, within the doorway, and in the hall beyond, were ranged Cabinet Ministers, military and naval representatives, and high officials of the Court, and the household staff.
The King passed them by only vaguely conscious of their presence, and made straight for the great central, main staircase in the palace.
He knew, now, by instinct, rather than by conscious thought, what he had to do.
His concern was with the immense crowd round the palace, whose wild cheering he could still hear, even here as he ascended the staircase.
He must show himself to the people—