While on a visit to a traditional Twelfth Night celebration at his old friend Chantal’s home, the narrator, Gaston, is unexpectedly selected for the title of ‘king’ (it’s a ‘tradition’ thing). Forced to select his ‘queen’ he settles on the Chantal’s housekeeper, Mademoiselle Pearl. Now looking upon Mademoiselle Pearl with a new found curiosity – while at the same time realising that the Chantal’s treat the Mademoiselle as something more than a housekeeper – Gaston questions Chantal about Mlle Pearl’s background. "It's the most intriguing story I ever heard. Imagine coming into the world like that! Imagine such a boring family having such a wonderful secret."