“Cartouche, my heart is troubled.”

“Why, Fifi?”

“Because I am not half good enough for you. I am only Fifi—you know what I mean. I am ashamed that I am not something more and better than merely Fifi.”

And Cartouche, who was usually the most matter-of-fact fellow alive, replied softly:

“As if a rose should be ashamed of being only a rose!”

BY
MOLLY ELLIOT SEAWELL

FRANCEZKA

“A STORY OF YOUTH AND
SPLENDOR”

ILLUSTRATED BY
HARRISON FISHER

Transcriber’s Notes: