"At between four and five, the Duke and Duchess of Southborough, the Lady Pearl McAndrew, Lady Drake, Miss Bindler, Mr. Ingerstall, with four maids and one valet."
Mr. Harrison paused, and the Emperor, looking with terrible enquiry at the Empress, repeated:
"Four maids and one valet."
"Oh, what may they not do—what may they not do, Perry?" wailed his consort feebly.
The Emperor bit his lips to prevent himself from breaking down.
"Mr. Harrison!" he said.
"Sir!"
"Mr. Harrison, I warn you—I give you warning——"
"Give me warning, sir! Am I to go, sir?"
The groom of the chambers was so much overwhelmed that he suddenly sat down in the presence on a small occasional chair—one of those chairs which are seldom equal to the occasion. His agitation and surprise perhaps rendering him heavier than usual, the chair was unable to withstand the full bulk of his fourteen stone of horror. It gave way, and Mr. Harrison attained the floor with a noise like a drum-tap. He remained in a seated posture, gazing at the Emperor with eyes that looked sightless, although they were very wide open indeed. The Emperor and Empress backed from this vision with the rapidity of two crabs.