Page:The fortunes of Fifi (IA fortunesoffifi00seawiala).pdf/101

 Her counting at cribbage determined Louis to keep the family purse himself, after they were married—for Louis looked forward securely to this event. Regularly at nine o'clock Madame Bourcet fell asleep, or professed to fall asleep, peacefully in her armchair. Regularly, Louis improved the opportunity by telling Fifi how much his income was, going into the minutest detail. That, however, took only a short time; but much more was consumed in telling how he spent it. A very little wine; no cards or billiards; a solemn visit four times the year to the Théâtre Française to see a classic play, and a fortnight in summer in the country. Such was the life which Louis subtly proposed that Fifi should lead with him.

Fifi listened, dazed and silent. The room was so quiet, so quiet, and at that hour all was life, hustle, gaiety and movement at the Imperial Theater. She knew to the very moment what Cartouche was doing, and what Toto was doing; and there was that hateful minx, Julie Campionet, being rapturously applauded in parts which were as much Fifi's as the clothes upon Fifi's back—for Julie Campionet had promptly succeeded to Fifi's vacant place, in spite of Cartouche. All this dis