Page:The fortunes of Fifi (IA fortunesoffifi00seawiala).pdf/234

 "Have you really and actually straightened out your divorces from your other three wives?" asked Fifi maliciously.

"N-n-not exactly. To tell you the truth, Fi—I mean, Mademoiselle—I get those divorce suits and those leading ladies so mixed up in my head, that I am not quite sure about anything concerning them. But if you doubt that I am married to Julie Campionet, just listen to her when she is giving me a wigging, and you will be convinced."

"Of course," continued Fifi, dismissing Duvernet and Julie Campionet and their matrimonial complications with a wave of the hand, "it is not really necessary for me to act at all. I have a fortune in my diamond brooch, any time I choose to sell it. I gave away ninety thousand francs—but in my brooch I hold on to enough to keep the wolf from the door." Then, a dazzling coup coming into her head, she remarked casually, "I hope Cartouche is not marrying me for my diamond brooch."

Duvernet, a good deal exasperated by Fifi's airs, replied, with a grin:

"Cartouche tells me he isn't going to marry you at all."

"We will see about that," said Fifi, using the