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A Slash Of Scarlet in A Gray Court

Two lipstick colors prep the pout of Deborah Jeane Palfrey, accused of running a prostitution ring. (By Chip Somodevilla -- Getty Images)

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Squirming on the hard wooden bench, mentally awarding prizes to the defending and prosecuting attorneys' questions to witnesses.

Most Obvious: You're not particularly happy to be here, are you?

Most Abstruse: Without stating what it is, did you have an understanding of what the business was?

Most None of Your Business: Did you have any discussion about menstruation?

Most Horrendously Boring: Did you, in the course of your investigation, review and collect express mail labels?

Most Existential: What do you mean by "normal sex"?

Really, what does anyone mean by "normal sex"?

Late in the morning, Judge James Robertson calls for a 15-minute break.

Out in the hallway, where everyone checks cellphone messages, you turn into an elevator bank and encounter . . . Palfrey.

What a reportorial opportunity! What to say?

Your lipstick is lovely. Where did you get it?

Palfrey looks surprised, then flattered, murmuring in a sweet voice that she actually uses two colors.

She gamely digs through her purse to produce two lipsticks: Big Apple Red, which comes in a traditional stick, and Jane 06, a berry-colored gloss that goes on top.

The elevator comes. The defendant gets on. Her lips are sealed.

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