"We will have neither trials nor anything else until after supper, which has already been delayed four full minutes.

My lord chamberlain, have the goodness to step in and see that all is in order." One of the gilded and decorated gentlemen whom sir Norman had mistaken for ambassadors stepped off, in obedience, through another opening in the tapestry--which seemed to be as extensively undermined with such apertures as a cabman's coat with capes--and, while he was gone, the queen stood drawn up to her full height, with her scornful face looking down on the dwarf.

That small man knit up his very plain face into a bristle of the sourest kinks, and frowned sulky disapproval at an order which he either would not, or dared not, countermand.

Probably the latter had most to do with it, as everybody looked hungry and mutinous, and a great deal more eager for their supper than the life of Sir Norman Kingsley.
"Your majesty, the royal banquet is waiting," insinuated the lord high chamberlain, returning, and bending over until his face and his shoe buckles almost touched.
"And what is to be done with this prisoner, while we are eating it ?" growled the dwarf, looking drawn swords at his liege lady.
"He can remain here under care of the guards, can he not ?" she retorted sharply.

"Or, if you are afraid they are not equal to taking care of him, you had better stay and watch him yourself." With which answer, her majesty sailed majestically away, leaving the gentleman addressed to follow or not, as he pleased.