Page:The fortunes of Fifi (IA fortunesoffifi00seawiala).pdf/167

 I long to see you. I did something for you to-day that I would not do for any one else in the world. You know how afraid I am of monkeys? Well, I can not explain in a letter, but you will be pleased when I tell you all. Fifi."

It was not Louis Bourcet's habit to appear in his aunt's apartment until eight o'clock, but at six o'clock, seeing a great van drawn up before the door, from which was disgorged innumerable large parcels addressed to his fiancée, Louis, like other good men, was vanquished by his curiosity. He mounted the stairs, on which he was jostled at every step by men carrying huge pasteboard boxes of every size and shape, all addressed to Mademoiselle Chiaramonti.

Fifi stood, with a brightly smiling face, at the head of the stairs, directing the parcels to be carried into her own room. Louis, after speaking to her, ventured to say:

"The cost of your purchases must be very great."

"Yes," answered Fifi, merrily, "but when one is about to make a grand marriage, such as I am, one should have good clothes."