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 *quished at any price—and vengeance seemed to her cheap at five thousand francs. Fifi had a revengeful nature, which did not stop at trifles. So, after a moment's pause to recover herself, she said, still coolly:

"Well, then, the price is exorbitant, but I will take the bed."

The clerk, instead of succumbing to this, retained his composure in the most exasperating manner. He only asked, with a shade of incredulity in his voice:

"If Mademoiselle will kindly give us the money in gold or notes it can be arranged at once."

Fifi, in the most debonair manner in the world, opened her reticule and produced five notes for a thousand francs each.

The clerk, unlike Fifi, knew nothing of the art of acting, and looked, as he was, perfectly astounded. His limp hand fell to his side, his jaw dropped open and he backed away from Fifi as if he thought she might explode. Fifi, as calm as a May zephyr, continued:

"I desire that this bed be sent between ten and two to-morrow to the address I shall give. I shall only take it on that condition."