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 CHAPTER IV

COURTSHIP AND CRIBBAGE

Behold Fifi, a fortnight afterward, installed in a quiet and correct apartment in the Rue de l'Echelle, under the charge of a certain Madame Bourcet, who was as quiet and correct as her apartment. And Madame Bourcet had a nephew, Louis Bourcet, more quiet and more correct even than herself, and he aspired to marry Fifi and her hundred thousand francs.

It was all like a dream to Fifi. The Emperor had been as good as his word. He had consulted Lebrun, the arch-treasurer, who had advised, as Fifi was likely to be provided soon with a husband, that the hundred thousand francs be again deposited in the bank, as soon as it was drawn, less a small amount for Fifi's present expenses. He argued, that it would simplify matters in her marriage contract to have her dot in cash—which recommended itself to all who knew, as sound doctrine.

He had also been asked by the Emperor, if he