a royal carriage with a peer's escort.
There is not much difference between a guard of honour and a prisoner's.
On that day, travellers on the London and Windsor road saw a galloping
cavalcade of gentlemen pensioners of her Majesty's household escorting
two carriages drawn at a rapid pace. In the first carriage sat the Usher
of the Black Rod, his wand in his hand. In the second was to be seen a
large hat with white plumes, throwing into shadow and hiding the face
underneath it. Who was it who was thus being hurried on--a prince, a
prisoner? It was Gwynplaine.

It looked as if they were conducting some one to the Tower, unless,
indeed, they were escorting him to the House of Lords. The queen had
done things well. As it was for her future brother-in-law, she had
provided an escort from her own household. The officer of the Usher of
the Black Rod rode on horseback at the head of the cavalcade. The Usher
of the Black Rod carried, on a cushion placed on a seat of the carriage,
a black portfolio stamped with the royal crown. At Brentford, the last
relay before London, the carriages and escort halted. A four-horse
carriage of tortoise-shell, with two postilions, a coachman in a wig,
and four footmen, was in waiting. The wheels, steps, springs, pole, and
all the fittings of this carriage were gilt. The horses' harness was of
silver. This state coach was of an ancient and extraordinary shape, and
would have been distinguished by its grandeur among the fifty-one
celebrated carriages of which Roubo has left us drawings.

The Usher of the Black Rod and his officer alighted. The latter, having
lifted the cushion, on which rested the royal portfolio, from the seat
in the postchaise, carried it on outstretched hands, and stood behind
the Usher. He first opened the door of the empty carriage, then the door
of that occupied by Gwynplaine, and, with downcast eyes, respectfully
invited him to descend. Gwynplaine left the chaise, and took his seat in
the carriage. The Usher carrying the rod, and the officer supporting the
cushion, followed, and took their places on the low front seat provided
for pages in old state coaches. The inside of the carriage was lined
with white satin trimmed with Binche silk, with tufts and tassels of
silver. The roof was painted with armorial bearings. The postilions of
the chaises they were leaving were dressed in the royal livery. The
attendants of the carriage they now entered wore a different but very
magni