36 THE HISTORY OF A NUT-CRACKER.

coat, of .a violet colour, all braided, and with golden buttons,
and which his uncle had had made for this solemn occasion.
His breeches were of the same stuff; and his boots were so
well blacked, and sat in such an admirable manner, that they
seemed as if they were painted. The only thing which some-
what spoilt his appearance was the
ugly piece of wood fitted to the nape
of his neck; but Uncle Drosselmayer
had so contrived that it seemed likea
little bag attached to his wig, and might
at a stretch have passed. as an eccentri-
city of the toilet, or elseas a new fashion
=x which Nathaniel’s tailor was trying to
S$ push into vogue at the court.

Thus it was, that when this charming
young man entered the great hall,
what the princess had had the impru-
dence to say aloud, the other ladies present said to them-
selves; and there was not a person, not even excepting theking