Possible Clues:

• Start of chapter in story built up to brilliant effect
• Spectacular effect when powder magazine finally goes up
• Loud applause
• Oriental ceremony's held back splendour
• Around the century of late the effect is brilliant
• Brilliant performance
• Great applause
• Story that's going round about Conserv­ative success
• Story made up about conservative is brilliant success
• Without question, every so often Herculean task brings distinction