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Show A KING'S UNDRESSING. The Ceremony Was a Wonderful One In Louis XVI.'a Time. In "Memoir of the Comtcsse de Bolgo" (1781-1814), edited from the original manuscript by Charles Ntcotil-laud, Ntcotil-laud, Is found the following realistic description of tbo "couchcr" of Louis XVI.: "Tbe king's coat, waistcoat and shirt were taken off. He stood there nnked to tho waist, scratching nnd rubbing himself ns If ho had been alone, In the presence of the whole court nnd often many strangers of distinction. The first valet handed tbo nightshirt to the most highly qualified pcrsou, to ono of the princes of tho blood if any were present. This was n right and not a favor. When tho person was one with whom he was on familiar terras the king would often play tricks while putting It on, stepping on ono side to mako tho holder run after him, accompanying accom-panying these charming Jokes with loud guffaws, which greatly vexed thoso who wero sincerely attached to him. When his shirt was on ho put ononis dressing gowu, while thrco valets val-ets unfastened his waist lelt and knee breeches, which fell to his ankles, and In that garb, scarcely ablo to walk with these ridiculous fetters, he would flhuf-fle flhuf-fle round tho circle of those In waiting. wait-ing. When tho king had had enough of it, he shuffled backward to an armchair arm-chair which was pushed Into the middle mid-dle of the room nnd dropped Into It, lifting up bin legs. Two pages on their knees Immediately seized his legsj pulled off the king's shoes and let them drop with a crash, which was a point of etiquette. As soon ns be hoard tho nolso the usher opened tho door, saying, 'Gentlemen will please pass out' Those present went nway, and the ceremony was finished. However, tbe person who was holding the candlestick can-dlestick was allowed to stay If he bad nnythlng special to say to the king, and hence the value that was attached to this strnnge favor." |
