Has she outgrown his memory?
or has he kept her still in view through each successive stage of life?
Many were the speculations formed within the mind of her ladyship as she made the elaborate preparation necessary for the intended reception.

The day at length arrived.

The king and queen were to receive the nobility of the realm.

Dukes, earls, viscounts, marquises, baronets, with all the titled members of their families, were to pass in array before the conscious glance and smile of majesty.
The royal reception chamber blazed with dazzling splendour.

Titled courtiers in costly dresses of crimson, purple, and violet velvet, embroidered in gold, glittering with the many orders upon their breasts, while the jewelled hilt of the golden scabbards flashed in dazzling rays of light.