astounder

[…] while waiting for my interview at Government House, I had been dazzled by two most gorgeously-apparelled Rajahs, who went in before me; and as I heard that the Viceroy was to have a farewell garden party on Friday, the 7th of December, I was most anxious to see […] a crowd of these astounders.

“My dear France,” he says, holding both her hands, “this is an astounder. We knew you were coming, but not so soon. When did you arrive, and where are you located?”