seven o’clock
Stillness reigns , the torches blink dully , the time drags heavily . But at last the lagging daylight asserts itself , the torches are extinguished , and a mellow radiance suffuses the great spaces . All features of the noble building are distinct now , but soft and dreamy , for the sun is lightly veiled with clouds . At seven o'clock the first break in the drowsy monotony occurs ; for on the stroke of this hour the first peeress enters the transept , clothed like Solomon for splendour , and is conducted to her appointed place by an official clad in satins and velvets , whilst a duplicate of him gathers up the lady 's long train , follows after , and , when the lady is seated , arranges the train across her lap for her . He then places her footstool according to her desire , after which he puts her coronet where it will be convenient to her hand when the time for the simultaneous coroneting of the nobles shall arrive . By this time the peeresses are flowing in in a glittering stream , and the satin-clad officials are flitting and glinting everywhere , seating them and making them comfortable . The scene is animated enough now .