Heriot, in anxious attention to save his young friend from any
momentary awkwardness, had taken care to give the necessary password
to the warders, grooms of the chambers, ushers, or by whatever name
they were designated; so they passed on without interruption.
In this manner they passed several ante-rooms, filled chiefly with
guards, attendants of the Court, and their acquaintances, male and
female, who, dressed in their best apparel, and with eyes rounded by
eager curiosity to make the most of their opportunity, stood, with
beseeming modesty, ranked against the wall, in a manner which
indicated that they were spectators, not performers, in the courtly
exhibition.
Through these exterior apartments Lord Glenvarloch and his city friend
advanced into a large and splendid withdrawing-room, communicating
with the presence-chamber, into which ante-room were admitted those
only who, from birth, their posts in the state or household, or by the
particular grant of the kings, had right to attend the Court, as men
entitled to pay their respects to their sovereign.
Amid this favoured and selected company, Nigel observed Sir Mungo
Malagrowther, who, avoided and discountenanced by those who knew how
low he stood in Court interest and favour, was but too happy in the
opportunity of hooking himself upon a person of Lord Glenvarloch's
rank, who was, as yet, so inexperienced as to feel it difficult to
shake off an intruder.
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