CHAPTER VI
THE BLUE SATIN BED
Two weeks after the visit to Fontainebleau came
the crisis—for Fifi was as surely tending toward a
crisis as water flows downward and sparks fly upward.
Madame Bourcet, armed with the Holy
Father's approval, represented to Fifi the necessity
for her marrying Louis Bourcet. Fifi listened silently.
Then, Madame Bourcet, eagerly taking
silence for consent, said that Louis would that very
evening accept formally of Fifi's hand. To this
also Fifi made no reply, and Madame Bourcet
left the room fully persuaded that Fifi was reveling
in rapture at the thought of acquiring an
epitome of all the virtues in Louis Bourcet.
It was during the morning, and in the snuff-colored drawing-room, that the communication was made. Fifi felt a great wave of doubt and anxiety swelling up in her heart. For the first time she was brought face to face with the marriage problem, and it frightened her by its immensity.
