I was at that time at the height of my fashion; my performance began with applause and ended with famous receipts. I need only add, that, after performing in turn at the theatres of Liverpool, Birmingham, Worcester, Cheltenham, Bristol, and Exeter, I returned to London to give fifteen performances ere I started for France. A few days after my return to St. James’s Theatre, the Queen, bearing in mind the desire she had expressed at Fulham, commanded a performance at Buckingham Palace. This invitation being most agreeable, I willingly accepted it. At eight in the morning of the appointed day, I proceeded to the royal residence, and the steward of the palace, to whom I was directed, led me to the place selected for my performance. It was a long and magnificent picture gallery, and a theatre had been put up, on which the scenery represented a saloon in the Louis Quinze style, white and gold, much resembling the one I had at St. James’s Theatre. My guide then showed me an adjoining dining-room, belonging, he said, to the ladies of honor, and he begged me to state at what hour I should like to breakfast. I was too busy to think about eating, for I had my performance to prepare; however, I ordered the meal for one o’clock at any risk, and set to work directly. Aided by my secretary (a species of factotum) and my two boys, who helped me as well as their strength permitted, I managed to overcome all the difficulties produced by the provisional arrangement of the stage. But I had not finished all my preparations till two o’clock, and I was almost dying of inanition, for, less fortunate than my companions, I had eaten nothing the whole day. Hence it was with real joy I led the route to the dining-room. As the performance was not to take place till three, I had just an hour to recruit my strength. I had scarce walked a dozen steps, when I heard some one calling me. It was a palace official who wanted to speak to me. “There will be a ball, sir, in this gallery,” he said, in excellent French, “after your performance, and consequently preparations will have to be made which may take more time than has been allowed for them. Hence, the Queen requests you to begin your performance an hour sooner; she is quite ready, and will be here directly.” “I am very sorry I cannot obey her Majesty’s commands,” I replied; “my preparations are not yet ended, and I must add, that----“ “Monsieur Robert-Houdin,” the officer replied, politely, but with all the coolness of a Briton, “such are her Majesty’s orders, and I can say no more.” And without awaiting any explanation, he bowed to me and retired. “We shall still have time to take a hasty snack,” I said to my secretary, “so off to the dining-room as quickly as you please.” I had not finished the sentence, when the Queen, Prince Albert and the royal family entered the gallery, followed by a numerous suit.