A slight pause then
ensued, after which the king, the knights-companions, and the chief
officers of the Order, entered the chapter-house--a chamber situated at
the north-east corner of the chapel--leaving the Duke of Richmond, the
sword-bearer, Lard Rochford, the knight-elect, the train-bearers, and
pensioners outside. The door of the chapter-house being closed by the
black-rod, the king proceeded to the upper end of the vestments-board--
as the table was designated--where a chair, cushions, and cloth of
state were provided for him; the knights-companions, whose stalls in
the choir were on the same side as his own, seating themselves on his
right, and those whose posts were on the prince's side taking their
places on the left. The prelate and the chancellor stood at the upper
end of the table; the Garter and register at the foot; while the door was
kept by the black-rod.
As soon as the king and the knights were seated, intimation was given
by an usher to the black-rod that the newly elected knight, Lord
Rochford, was without. The intelligence being communicated to the
king, he ordered the Dukes of Suffolk and Norfolk to bring him into his
presence. The injunction was obeyed, and the knight-elect presently
made his appearance, the Garter marching before him to the king.
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