The Usher of the Black Rod, raising his wand, said,—
"My Lord Fermain Clancharlie, Baron Clancharlie and Hunkerville, I, the Usher of the Black Rod, first officer of the presence chamber, hand your lordship over to Garter King-at-Arms."
The person clothed in velvet, quitting his place in the ranks, bowed to the ground before Gwynplaine, and said,—
"My Lord Fermain Clancharlie, I am Garter, Principal King-at-Arms of England. I am the officer appointed and installed by his grace the Duke of Norfolk, hereditary Earl Marshal. I have sworn obedience to the king, peers, and knights of the garter. The day of my installation, when the Earl Marshal of England anointed me by pouring a goblet of wine on my head, I solemnly promised to be attentive to the nobility; to avoid bad company; to excuse, rather than accuse, gentlefolks; and to assist widows and virgins. It is I who have the charge of arranging the funeral ceremonies of peers, and the supervision of their armorial bearings. I place myself at the orders of your lordship."
The first of those wearing satin tunics, having bowed deeply, said,—
"My lord, I am Clarenceaux, Second King-at-Arms of England. I am the officer who arranges the obsequies of nobles below the rank of peers. I am at your lordship's disposal."
The other wearer of the satin tunic bowed and spoke thus,—
"My lord, I am Norroy, Third King-at-Arms of England. Command me."
The second row, erect and without bowing, advanced a pace. The right-hand man said,—
"My lord, we are the six Dukes-at-Arms of England. I am York."