"You credit yourself too highly, Cassta! One would begin to think that you are the Almighty, himself!" A few people, standing nearby, were amused by what they heard. A couple of others, however, were offended to hear the Almighty's name used in vain. These high-nosed people hated their comrades' drunkenness, but when they tried to sit, in chairs that weren't there, they realized that, on such a gay evening as this, no one could restrain themselves from drinking, at least a little bit. "He hasn't shown up yet, Miel. So, you suppose that he'll come tonight?" Cassta asked about the ArchBishop. "Maybe he will after Brook's toast." replied Miel. "But if he doesn't, you will owe me three gold bits!" Cassta laughed a little and touched the side of his nose with the back of his hand. "He will be here, Miel. I heard rumours that he will make a speech suggesting Brook and wife's propagation!" "Ah -- Brook will never stand for that!" said Miel. "They are better off without children, anyway! Children are nothing more than a novelty!" he laughed and Cassta joined in. "Novelty?!" Cassta exclaimed. "Is that why you have twelve 'novelties' of your own?" Their laughs were the loudest in the area. They rocked back and forth almost falling over themselves. Miel spoke in reply to Cassta's marking question. "My WIFE has no self control over herself!" he said. While they laughed there was a sudden spontaneity of cheering and clapping as Brook ascended a flight of stairs with his beautiful Dearborne, and followed by Boy, carrying a tray with two golden goblets. Brook stopped and turned towards his citizens and they all bowed and curtsied to him in respect. He tipped his head to them in acceptance of their fealty to him. He lifted his palms to them and the room murmured into a hush. "On this night of my love, I want to propose a toast!" Brook said to them. They all bowed to him and spoke together. "With pleasure, Lord!" they all said, then quietly waited for him to begin. "Tonight we are all equal. We are human beings; and with this all, I toast to each of you, the wish of a long life, liberty and happiness!" He toasted his guests in a manner that wholly reflected his nobility and the audience hailed him. "To you, Lord Scullion-Blue!" they extolled and lifted their glasses to him before they drank. As they all drank their toast, a loud voice called to them from the entrance. "ALL KNEEL!" Everyone turned and saw that it was a cardinal, heralding the ArchBishop's entrance. The room was gripped in a breathless silence. The ArchBishop had indeed come to this formality, clothed in a splendour never before seen. The majority of the guests did kneel to him. Only Brook, Empal, Cassta and Miel (with their families), abstained from the kneeling to the Almighty. Manguino was not pleased when he saw this, and he became extremely angered when Brook spoke to the people, so putting him in a lowly position.