mproved in character, more useful members of society, and more
fitted to contribute to the real prosperity of this kingdom."

Without waiting for a reply, which was not indeed attempted by any of
the guests--for they remained for some moments speechless with
amazement--the king retired from the banqueting hall; and the lord
chancellor, motioning with his hand for attention, proceeded to state
that each of the guests would be expected to be at the station on a day
and at an hour specified on a ticket which each would receive; and that
every one would be allowed to take with him or her a reasonable but
limited amount of personal luggage, but no furniture or heavy and bulky
articles. Steamers would be in readiness, at the Lakeside Terminus, to
convey the passengers and their goods to the island; and, as no one
would be permitted to decline the journey--for all knew that the king's
will was law--the guests would best consult their own interests and
comfort by preparing for the removal with as little delay as possible.

Having made this statement, the lord chancellor withdrew, leaving the
company staring one at another in blank dismay. What was to be done?
Nothing but to make the best of it; as for resistance, all knew that it
would be useless, and remonstrance equally so. Even the infirm and
sickly could hope for no exemption; for as their maladies had not
hindered their attendance at the banquet, these could not be now
admitted as a plea for excusing them from the removal. Many, indeed, of
the young people were highly delighted with the prospect before them,
especially the children, who were anxious to be off for Comoro there and
then. As for their elders, they retired from the palace with varied
feelings; some indignant, some conscience-stricken, and most prepared to
lay the blame on some one or more of their neighbours. Indeed, two old
gentlemen, who had been lodgers on different floors in the same house
for years, but, in consequence of an old quarrel, had never spoken to
one another for the greater part of that time, now blocked up one of the
exits from the palace, as they stood face to face, furiously charging
each other with being the guilty cause of the terrible calamity which
had now fallen on themselves and on so many of their fellow-citizens.

And now the day of departure had arrived, and the trains for the lake
were duly filled with passengers; not, however, till many heartrending
scenes had occurred in c