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 do with it, or how to behave ourselves." Toto, in fact, had neither barked nor danced nor jumped since he heard the news, and appeared thoroughly oppressed and abashed by his changed fortunes.

Duvernet, it is true, felt some awe of Fifi in her new aspect, but the active and enterprising manager was still uppermost with him.

"Well, Mademoiselle," he began, trying to assume an airy manner, "I presume we shall have to dispense with your valuable services at the Imperial Theater; you will probably abandon the stage altogether, and certainly our humble place."

Duvernet, before this, had always spoken as if the Imperial Theater were the rival of the Théâtre Française.

Fifi burst into tears.

"Yes," she cried, "I shall have to go away—and that odious Julie Campionet, who can no more act than a gridiron can act, will have all my best parts—o-o-o-o-oo-h!"

Then Duvernet played his trump card.

"A few farewell performances, Mademoiselle, would put Julie Campionet's nose severely out of joint."

"Do you think so?" cried Fifi, brightening up