Page:The fortunes of Fifi (IA fortunesoffifi00seawiala).pdf/255

 murmured, "He loves me! He loves me! He loves me!"

At noon, next day, a splendid imperial carriage drove into the street of the Black Cat and stopped before Fifi's door. Fifi, dressed modestly and becomingly in black, appeared. She could not forbear carrying her huge muff, but as it was the fashion it did not detract from the propriety of her appearance.

The street was full when, assisted by a gorgeous footman, she took her seat in the carriage. Duvernet was a rapturous spectator of Fifi's splendor, and she had the ecstasy of feeling that Julie Campionet was watching the whole magnificent event.

She sat up very straight as she drove through the bright and sunny streets toward the Tuileries. As she entered the great gates she watched for Cartouche, who was to be there. Yes, there he was, looking out for her. Fifi's heart gave a great throb of relief, for she was really frightened half to death, and the nearness of Cartouche made her feel a little safer. The look in his face as their eyes met was full of encouragement—it did not seem to him a dreadful thing at all to meet the Emperor.