cried the Crown Prince, "you can't do that--might as well
crawl down on all fours! Buck up, both of you. Try and throw a little
swank into it!"

Their Majesties accomplished the descent amidst the congratulatory blare
of the silver trumpets without actual mishap. But there was nothing in
the bearing of either Sovereign that could justly be described by the
term "swank," and indeed, if any fault could be found, it would have
been in quite the opposite direction.

Of the banquet itself little need be said here. The numerous courses
were appetising and admirably served, while, to the Queen's relief, none
of the dishes showed any desire to take part in the conversation.

The members of the Court did more than look on this time, being
entertained, with other guests, amongst whom were the President and
Council, at cross tables below the principal one on the dais.

Clarence, seated with his family, the Ex-Regent, and the Court Godmother
at the high table, wished more than once that he could have sat by
Daphne, whom he could see at no great distance. He noted her perfect
ease, and the pretty graciousness with which she received the attentions
which her neighbours seemed only too anxious to press upon her.

"Anyone would think she'd lived with swells all her life," he thought.
"She may have, for anything I know!" But, of course, even if she had,
the fact did not make her his equal now.

Towards the close of the feast King Sidney, who had long since disposed
of his crown underneath his chair, considered that the occasion demanded
a speech. His effort might have been a greater success if he had
abstained from jocularity, which was not by any means his _forte_. It is
possible that a far happier sample of British humour would have failed
to set Maerchenland tables in a roar, but his hearers were either unaware
that he intended to be humorous, or sensible that his purpose had not
been achieved, for they listened in puzzled but depressed silence, while
the effect of his facetiousness on Daphne was to render her hot and cold
by turns.

The banquet over, the Court Chamberlain deferentially informed the Royal
Party that they were expected to lead the procession to the Ball Room.

Clarence, who had unfortunately come away from "Inglegarth" without his
cigarette-case, was longing to smoke, and hung behind for that purpose.
But on applying to the Marshal, he was told that only common soldiers
ever smoked in Maerchenland. With some