Ètant par plaisir un jour mise,
Avec robe, jupe et chemize,
Et de plus sa coiffure encor,
Tout ne pezait qu’un louis d’or.”
[p067]
“Princess Paulina,” says the voluble individual who advertises her to the public, “is eleven years old. She is of Dutch origin, and measures 15¾ inches, and weighs ten pounds; she is introduced by her brother who is with her.”
And the robust stripling lifts the little doll like an ounce: he holds out one arm and, in the pleasantest manner, the little princess performs a few acrobatic feats over it. She is very [p068] proud of this little social talent. When I was introduced to her behind the scenes, she courteously said:
“Shall I turn a somersault for monsieur?”
And in an instant she was standing on her hands, head down, feet in air, like a clown. With her tiny dress of coral-coloured muslin and satin flying out around her, Princess Paulina did not look any larger than a bouquet of roses enveloped in white paper.