Before one could be introduced to the King, it was required of one to be interviewed by his Chamberlain. In this case, it was le chevalier du Pont Neuf. Tall and skinny, his wig seemed two times larger than his head. His pancake makeup did little to hide the ravages of time and illness that left deep pockmarks and crevices on his face. To make matters worse, his lipstick and rouge, hastily applied, left one cheek redder than the other and made his mouth look much like a gash or wound. To Princess Pirouette, le chevalier’s appearance was a source of alarm to the point of fear.
To the surprise of both Princess Devant and her daughter, when Monsieur le chavalier spoke, he emitted a high-pitched voice with a glaring lisp. To Pirouette’s chagrin, he asked, “Tho thith ith the wittle Pwinthess? What age are you? Thix or theven?”
Even the normally composed Princess Devant was taken aback by his weak attempt at charm and wit. The number one dictate of the old King to his Court was at all times to be charming. With his upturned, wrinkled nose, slit eyes and stooping posture, the Chamberlain was a complete failure in this.
“This man will not get a rise out of me,” thought la maman Princesse. Never! Jamais!
Always conscious of their manners, both Princesses curtsied and bowed their heads. “Mais non, monsieur!” Replied Princess Devant sweetly. “My daughter will be turning nine years old in just a few weeks.” She took Pirouette’s hand in hers and gave it a little kiss.
“Thkrawny childwen need exthra thpethial care,” he rudely cautioned.
“Scrawny?” Thought Princess Devant. “He’s one to talk!
Beautiful Photographs 
Beautiful! ❤️