In the meantime, Imperial Majesty and Royalties of various denominations ate their dinner, without probably observing those Banquo’s seats.  As the Emperor talked Manchoo only, and as there was no one present who could even interpret Manchoo into English,—­the imperial interpreter condescending only to interpret Manchoo into ordinary Chinese which had to be reinterpreted,—­it was not within his Imperial Majesty’s power to have much conversation with his neighbours.  And as his neighbours on each side of him were all cousins and husbands, and brothers and wives, who saw each constantly under, let us presume, more comfortable circumstances, they had not very much to say to each other.  Like most of us, they had their duties to do, and, like most of us, probably found their duties irksome.  The brothers and sisters and cousins were...