May, 2007
The Princess Rosette - A Fairy Story
II. -- Rosette's First Day in The Royal Palace
"What a beautiful creature, and what magnificent attire!" he said to himself, as he led the way down one flight of stairs after another; and Rosette, quite conscious of the change in herself, but with no pride in her heart, followed him down the long flights of stairs and through the suit of elegantly furnished rooms that were filled with kings, and princes, and high-born ladies.
At last he reached the largest and most crowded room, and there he stopped; and while all eyes were fastened on Rosette in admiration of her charms, so that she dared not look up, he led her to her father and mother, and said, -
"My princess, the king and queen."
Then she raised her eyes, and saw that she was really in their presence; but they gave her no warm greeting. They only looked at her with astonishment, and did not appear to know her.
"Madame," said the king, at last, "will you please to tell me your name? You are, no doubt, a greet queen, or some noted fairy, and your unexpected presence is such an honor to us as we cannot fail to appreciate."
"Sire," answered Rosette, kneeling before him, "I am neither a great queen nor a noted fairy, but your daughter Rosette, whom you invited to your palace."
"Rosette!" exclaimed the queen; "Rosette! and dressed more richly than I have ever been! Where did you get such fine clothes, miss?"
"My godmother gave them to me," replied Rosette; and she added, "Will you be so kind as to introduce me to my sisters?"
"These are your sisters, at my side," said the queen, waving her hand haughtily.
Poor Rosette was much saddened by the cold reception her father and mother had given her, and she tried to greet her sisters cordially, in hope of something warmer from them; but they, too, were cold and proud in their bearing towards her.
She was was going to give them a kiss. They drew back suddenly, fearing she would leave a mark upon their painted faces, for Orangine had used white paint to hide her sallow skin, and Favarola pink to cove up her freckles.
Although repulsed by all of her own friends, she was soon surrounded by lords and ladies; and as she conversed with grace and sweetness, and was also familiar with several languages, she charmed all who approached her.
Orangine and Favarola at once saw that she was the center of attraction, and their jealousy knew no bounds. The king and queen, too, were in a rage when they saw that she was receiving so much attention, and that no one noticed her sisters.
At the dinner-table a young king, by the name of Charming, who was at the head of a large and famous kingdom, took his place by her side, and devoted himself to her. This was more than the jealous sister could endure, for both had sought the attentions of the king.
( To be continued next month)
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