A large party had gathered for the lighting-up.
Beside the relatives of the aristocratic pupils, who had come over from the estate, there were some neighbors from the Uhlenhorst, with five or six little children, and the Chamberlain von Swerte with his high-born wife.

The couple were childless, and not wishing to spend their Christmas alone, had accepted Paul's invitation, and come all the way from their little castle near Ronneburg to the Ulhenhorst.
The chamberlain was the lion of the evening.

Paul took an opportunity of whispering to Wilhelm, "Herr von Swerte is of the House of Hellebrand--one of the first families in the county--tremendously ancient lot!" Old Frau Brohl had observed the little gold tab on his coat tail--the chamberlain's sign of office, and manuevered skillfully in order that she might frequently obtain a back view, and so gaze upon the proud badge in silent awe and admiration.

The children had no eye for such matters, but rushed shrieking with delight round the tree, whose branches shed such gorgeous presents on them.

Willy got a hussar uniform, with sword, knot, boots and spurs all complete, and would not rest till he had been taken to his room and dressed in it, and then appeared before the company in this martial attire.