The palace was a blaze of light, and through its lofty windows I could see the great tables groaning beneath their load of flowers and glass.
Most of the high officials and all the Lautenburg officers had been invited, and three hundred covers were laid at twelve tables.
I went in between a major of the Dragoons and the wife of a Court Councillor, and neither of them said a single word to me during the meal. The band of the 182nd played in the Council Chamber in the intervals between the courses.
I could not see the Grand Duchess, the King, or the Dukes, as the top table was completely hidden from me by a forest of flowers.
In the hubbub of toasts and champagne I slipped out, and went through the Council Chamber to the Great Hall, hoping to get a good view of the entrance of the royalties. A charming voice drew me from the well of my reflections:
"Well, Monsieur Vignerte, why so solitary?"
I was alone in the great room with Fräulein von Graffenfried.
"What about yourself, Fräulein?"
"I? Oh, that's a different matter. The Grand Duchess has asked me to have a look round before the others come in. The waiters are so stupid. She is most anxious that the flowers should be well arranged."
I looked around at the tasteful floral display about us. Purple iris alternated with yellow roses, larger and finer than anything I have ever seen, before or since.