CHAPTER 9





The apartments occupied by the Six Snubnosed Princesses were so
magnificent that when Trot first entered them, led by her haughty
captors, she thought they must be the most beautiful rooms in the
world. There was a long and broad reception room, with forty-seven
windows in it, and opening out of it were six lovely bedchambers,
each furnished in the greatest luxury. Adjoining each sleeping room
was a marble bath, and each Princess had a separate boudoir and a
dressing room. The furnishings were of the utmost splendor,
blue-gold and blue gems being profusely used in the decorations,
while the divans and chairs were of richly carved bluewood
upholstered in blue satins and silks. The draperies were superbly
embroidered, and the rugs upon the marble floors were woven with
beautiful scenes in every conceivable shade of blue.

When they first reached the reception room, Princess Azure cast
herself upon a divan while her five sisters sat or reclined in easy
chairs with their heads thrown back and their blue chins scornfully
elevated. Trot, who was much annoyed at the treatment she had
received, did not hesitate to seat herself also in a big easy chair.

"Slave!" cried Princess Cerulia, "Fetch me a mirror."

"Slave!" cried Princess Turquoise, "A lock of my hair is loosened;
bind it up."