The emperor's gift

Ten minutes before the driver arrived, the old madam sat her down and gave her a long talk on the expected etiquette when one met an emperor. She was not to look at him but bow her head immediately, ensuring that her eyes met the floor. She should not be tempted even for one second to look up before the emperor said she could. If she was asked to kneel down she was to get on her knees with no hesitation no matter how much her heart resisted it. Even though she had committed a meritus deed she could not look arrogant, act smug or boast about her deed, she had to be extremely humble. 

Whatever the emperor asked she should be direct and precise, no attempts to be funny whatsoever. If the emperor cracked a joke, she should laugh moderately. Not too much and not too little, whether he was funny or not.