"I think that were the proper course under the circumstances.
Meanwhile, we will provide that you have the entree, and as many
prerogatives of your birth as are properly consistent with conditions."
Without, a chamberlain awaited to conduct us to the Hall of the Kings,
where the birthday ball was to be held.
V
THE SALUTE OF A FRIEND
One Court function is pretty much like another, Europe over. There is
the same sparkle of jewels and shimmer of silk on aristocratic woman;
the same clank of spur and rattle of sword and brilliancy of uniform on
official man.
Courtney had long ago become familiar with it all, and I in my details
and travels had seen enough to make me indifferently easy, at least.
We had tarried overtime with the King, and, so, were the last to reach
the Hall. At the door Cosgrove joined us and under his guidance we
made our way to the diplomatic line. Scarcely were we there when His
Majesty and the Princess Royal were announced and between the ranks of
bowing guests they passed to the throne. As Frederick stepped upon the
dais there arose spontaneously the shout, thrice repeated:
"Long live the King!"
And then someone cried:--
"Long live Dalberg!" And the throng joined in it twice again.
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