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 same enigmatic words Cartouche had used, when the matrimonial proposition was first offered for his consideration.

After a long wait the porter returned, accompanied by the same sour-looking ecclesiastic whom Fifi had met on her previous visit; and he escorted her to the door of the Pope's chamber.

The door was opened for her, and Fifi found herself once more in the presence of the Pope. She ran forward and kissed his hand, and the Holy Father patted her hand kindly.

"Well, my child," he said, "I hear strange things of you. The Bourcets conveyed to me early this morning that you have left their house, given up the marriage with the respectable young advocate, Louis Bourcet, and bestowed all your fortune on charity. I have been anxious about you."

"Pray don't be so any more, Holy Father," said Fifi, smiling brightly and seating herself on a little chair the Holy Father motioned her to take. "I never was so happy in my life as I am now. I hated the idea of marrying Louis Bourcet."

"Then you should not have agreed to marry him."

"Oh, Holy Father, you can't imagine how it