The Ambassadors (all in gaudy uniforms but me) stand near the throne--stand through the whole performance.

One night after an hour or two of ladies coming along and curtsying and disappearing, I whispered to the Spanish Ambassador, "There must be five hundred of these ladies." "U-m," said he, as he shifted his weight to the other foot, "I'm sure there are five thousand!" When they've all been presented, the King and Queen go into a room where a stand-up supper is served.

The royalty and the diplomatic folks go into that room, too; and their Majesties walk around and talk with whom they please.

Into another and bigger room everybody else goes and gets supper.

Then we all flock back to the throne room; and preceded by the backing courtiers, their Majesties come out into the floor and bow to the Ambassadors, then to the Duchesses, then to the general diplomatic group and they go out.