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THE COUNTESS ROSALIE
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closed by this beautiful Government, and the nuns driven away. I stopped with Sœur Anne Marie, and my aunt was furious, and wouldn't see me, and the Comte got a separation and my dot. A year ago he died, and his lawyers kindly gave me back what he hadn't gambled away—about fifteen thousand francs. It wasn't enough to go on long, and about that time the Prefecture decided to issue permits for women taxi drivers, so I bought my little car and, went to work. You see, I'd learned to drive after leaving the convent, and I liked it, and I must say I haven't done so badly." She looked at me and smiled.

"You're a wonder," said I. "Now let me tell you something. I'm going to square up with you for our promenade, and then I want you to get into that little taxi of yours and spin back to Sœur Anne Marie as fast as God will let you. You still live with her, I hope?"

Rosalie shoved out her little chin. "That is none of your affair," says she.

"I beg your pardon," I answered. "I said it out of pure friendly interest. You see, a girl in your position is like a pheasant in the hunting season, and I'd like to feel that you had a high fence that you could fly over and be unmolested if you had need."

Her face softened. "Well, then," says she, "I don't mind telling you that I have taken a little apartment for Sœur Anne Marie and myself, and I go straight there as soon as ever my work is over. I'm my own mistress and can do as I please, but sometimes it's hard to finish up and go home. You