count and his wife. And now, at a sign from the grand chamberlain,
the pages of the countess, clothed in garments embroidered with
silver and pearls, approached to carry her train; beside them were
the count's officers, followed by all the noble guests. Thus they
passed through the third room, where the servants of the house,
numbering upward of two hundred, were placed in military order, and
then on until they came to the grand entrance, which had been turned
into a floral temple.

The royal equipage was at the gate; the host and hostess advanced to
welcome the king and queen, whose arrival had been announced by the
roar of cannon.

The king passed through the beautiful avenue, and greeted the
company placed on either side of him, gayly. The queen, sparkling
with diamonds, forcing herself also to smile, was at his side; and
as their majesties passed on, saying here and there a kind, merry
word, it seemed as if the sun had just risen over all these noble,
rich, and powerful guests. This was reflected upon every
countenance. The gods had demanded from Olympus to favor these
mortals with their presence, and to enjoy themselves among them. And
truly, even a king might spend some happy hours in this delightful
garden.

The air was so soft and mild, so sweet from the odor of many
flowers; the rustling of the trees was accompanied by soft whispers
of music that seemed floating like angels' wings upon the air. Every
countenance was sparkling with happiness and content, and the king
could but take the flattering unction to his soul that all his
subjects were equally as happy as the elite by which he was