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 closed the door after him. Madame Bourcet's countenance showed that she had heard every word.

"In my day," said she, in a severe tone, "young ladies did not fall in love with their fiancés, much less proclaim the fact."

Louis shifted uncomfortably in his chair.

"We must make allowances, Aunt, for Mademoiselle Chiaramonti's early training—and we must not forget that her grandfather was cousin to His Holiness, and Mademoiselle has a hundred thousand francs of her own." Louis mentally added, "and a hundred thousand francs is not picked up with every girl."

"She will not have a hundred thousand francs if she goes shopping like this very often," stiffly replied Madame Bourcet. "I should not be surprised if she had squandered all of a thousand francs in one day."

Just then the door opened, and a tremendous hat, with eleven large feathers on it, and much else besides, appeared. Fifi's delicate bright face, now as solemn as a judge's, was seen under this huge creation. The red and green striped satin cloak, with the large lace and fur-trimmed sleeves, concealed some of the yellow brocade with the big