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 thinks it is diamond, and I encouraged him to think so, because I found that it always overawed him. Whenever he grew presumptuous, all I had to do was to put on this great dazzling brooch and a very grand air, and it brought him down at once."

"My child," said the Holy Father—and stopped.

"I know what you would say, Holy Father—I am deceiving Duvernet—but that is what is called in the world—diplomacy."

With that she handed the brooch to the Holy Father. It was a brazen imposture, and the Pope, who knew something about gems, could but smile at the size and impudence of the alleged stones.

Then Fifi said timidly:

"Holy Father, how about Cartouche? I so much want to marry Cartouche!"

"Then," said the Pope calmly, "you can not do better than marry Cartouche, for I am sure he is an honest fellow, and loves you, and you must bring him out to see me."

"Oh, Holy Father," cried Fifi joyfully, "when I bring Cartouche out to see you, you will see what a very honest, kind man he is! But you must not expect to see a fine gentleman. My Cartouche has