Chapter 20 - Mimi’s Fine Feathers

Summary

“Oh no, no, no! You’re not Lisette any more. Oh no, no, no, you’re not Mimi anymore.

“Today, you are Madame la Vicountess. After tomorrow you might be Madame la Duchesse, for you have placed your foot upon the first step ascending the stairway to greatness. The double doorway to your dreams is now wide open, ready for you to walk through, and you are about to enter, victorious and triumphant. I knew you’d arrive here in the end, one night or another. It was inevitable, of course; your white hands were made to be idle and they have long called out for a ring to join you in an aristocratic alliance. You’ll have a coat of arms at last! But we still prefer the one that beauty placed upon your youth: your blues eyes and your pale face seemed like two quarters of azure over a field of lilies. Whether you are in the cream of society or down among the dregs, you are always charming. And yes, I did recognize you when you passed me in the street a few evenings ago, your feet gliding quickly in fine shoes, your gloved hand helping the breeze to lift your new dress, partly to keep it from getting dirty but mostly to show off your embroidered petticoat and your sheer stockings. Your hat was perfectly stylish and you seemed to be plunged deep in contemplation of the luxurious lace veil floating on that luxurious hat! And much was indeed at stake! After all, it was a matter of knowing which would be worth more, which would best enhance the value of your attractions: the veil raised or lowered. If you wore the veil down, you’d risk not being recognized by those friends you might encounter. And so they might pass you by ten times without suspecting that this opulently wrapped parcel contained Mademoiselle Mimi. On the other hand, if you wore the veil up, there was the risk it might not be seen, and then what would be the good of having it?