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 appeared, who was directed to bring Manager Duvernet to him at once. Then, turning to Fifi, he said:

"Monsieur Duvernet must give up all ideas of this outrageous playbill—and in consideration, I will secure to you an annuity of twenty-five francs the week as long as you live."

"How good it is of you, Holy Father!" cried Fifi. Then she added dolefully: "But I am afraid if Cartouche knows I am to be as rich as that, I shall have more trouble than ever getting him to marry me. What shall I do, Holy Father, about telling him?"

The Pope reflected a moment or two.

"It is a difficult situation, but it must be managed," he answered.

Then Fifi, eager for the Holy Father's approval of Cartouche, told many stories of his goodness to her in her childish days—and presently Duvernet was announced.

Duvernet was an earnest worshiper of titles and power, but not to the extent of forgetting his own advantage; and, although on greeting the Pope he knelt reverently, he rose up with the fixed determination not to do anything against the interests of