The ball now began. A number of canaries from their respective cages
sang waltzes and _habaneras_. The cornets and the clarionets too were
very skilful in pressing their keys all by themselves; the violins
pinched their own strings; and the trumpets blew into each other.
Migajas thought this music was entrancing. It is unnecessary to say
that the princess danced with him. The other ladies found partners
among the officers of the army and the sovereigns who had left their
horses outside. Among these were Prince Bismarck, the Emperor of
Germany, and Napoleon. Migajas was beside himself with pride and
excitement. It would be impossible to describe the emotions of his
soul as he dashed into the dizzy whirls of the waltz with his beloved
in his arms. Her soft breathing and an occasional stray lock of her
golden hair caressed his cheek, tickling him gently and producing a
strange intoxication. A loving glance or a little sigh of fatigue
would every now and then put a climax to his madness.
Suddenly the monkeys appeared and announced supper. This caused a
great commotion. Migajas rejoiced greatly, for with no prejudice to
the spiritual character of his love, the poor little fellow was very
hungry.