Page 152 - Princess Belle-Etoile and Prince Cherie

should repair immediately to the palace to
assist at the ceremony.
Belle-Etoile put on a rose-coloured velvet
dress, trimmed with brilliants, her hair fell in
large curls upon her shoulders, ornamented
with knots of ribands; the star upon her
forehead shone splendidly, and the chain of
gold around her neck, which could not be

taken off, seemed to be of a metal more
precious even than gold. Nothing to mortal
eyes would have appeared more beautiful. Her
brothers were attired with equal splendour,
particularly Prince Cheri; there was
something in his appearance which
distinguished him especially.

They all four went in a coach made of ebony
and ivory; the inside was lined with cloth of
gold, the cushions were of the same,
embroidered with jewels; it was drawn by
twelve white horses, the remainder of their
equipage was incomparably beautiful. When
Belle-Etoile and her brothers arrived, the
delighted King went with all his court to
receive them, at the top of the stairs. The

apple sang wonderfully well, the water
danced, and the little bird that told everything
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