Page:The fortunes of Fifi (IA fortunesoffifi00seawiala).pdf/136

 did not really know whether she meant it or not. It was all an uneasy dream.

The Pope raised his hand to bless her. Fifi, looking at him, saw that the stress of emotion at seeing her was great. The pallor of his face had given place to a dull flush, and his uplifted hand trembled.

"You will come again, my child, when your future is settled?" he said.

"Yes, Holy Father," replied Fifi, and sank on her knees to receive his blessing.

As she walked toward the door, the Holy Father called to her:

"Remember that Julie Campionet, in spite of her crimes toward you, is one of God's children."

Fifi literally ran out of the room. It seemed to her as if the Holy Father were taking Julie Campionet's part.