The State Dinner

           Thedinnerhourdrewnear—yetstrangelyenough,thethoughtbroughtbutslightdiscomforttoTom,andhardlyanyterror.Themorning’sexperienceshadwonderfullybuiltuphisconfidence;thepoorlittleash-catwasalreadymorewontedtohisstrangegarret,afterfourdays’habit,thanamaturepersoncouldhavebecomeinafullmonth.Achild’sfacilityinaccommodatingitselftocircumstanceswasnevermorestrikinglyillustrated.

           Letusprivilegedoneshurrytothegreatbanqueting-roomandhaveaglanceatmatterstherewhilstTomisbeingmadereadyfortheimposingoccasion.Itisaspaciousapartment,withgildedpillarsandpilasters,andpicturedwallsandceilings.Atthedoorstandtallguards,asrigidasstatues,dressedinrichandpicturesquecostumes,andbearinghalberds.Inahighgallerywhichrunsallaroundtheplaceisabandofmusiciansandapackedcompanyofcitizensofbothsexes,inbrilliantattire.Inthecentreoftheroom,uponaraisedplatform,isTom’stable.