No breakdown by Sir Anthony, no scandalous interruption by Gedge, had marred the impressive ceremony.

The band in the gallery played "God Save the King." The crowd in the body of the hall, who had stood for the anthem, sat down again, evidently waiting for Boyce and the notables to pass out.

The assemblage on the platform broke up.

Several members, among them the General, who paused to shake hands with Boyce and his mother, left the hall by the private side door.

The Lord Lieutenant and Lady Laleham followed him soon afterwards.