er mother sold vegetables. The parents neglected the
child, but a lady of title took pity on her, and when she was five years
old adopted her. Even as a little girl she was haughty and imperious. At
the age of eight she refused to play with another child on the ground
of her companion's social inferiority. "The daughter of a Baroness," she
said, "cannot play with the daughter of a wine-merchant." When she was
eleven years old, her parents took her away from her protectress and
sent her into the streets to sell gingerbread--a dangerous experience
for a child of tender years. After six years of street life, Amenaide
sought out her benefactress and begged her to take her back. The
Baroness consented, and found her employment in a silk manufactory. One
day the girl, now eighteen years old, attended the wedding of one of
her companions in the factory. She returned home after the ceremony
thoughtful.

She said that she wanted to get married. The Baroness did not take her
statement seriously, and on the grocer calling one day, said in jest to
Amenaide, "You want a husband, there's one."

But Amenaide was in earnest. She accepted the suggestion and, to the
Baroness' surprise, insisted on taking the grocer as her husband.
Reluctantly the good lady gave her consent, and in 1855 Amenaide
Brecourt became the wife of the grocer Gras.

A union, so hasty and ill-considered, was not likely to be of long
duration. With the help of the worthy Baroness the newly married couple
started a grocery business. But Amenaide was too economical for her
husband and mother-in-law. Quarrels ensued, recriminations. In a spirit
of unamiable prophecy husband and wife foretold each other's future.
"You will die in a hospital," said the wife. "You will land your carcase
in prison," retorted the husband. In both instances they were correct in
their anticipations. One day the husband disappeared. For a short time
Amenaide returned to her long-suffering protectress, and then she too
disappeared.

When she is heard of again, Amenaide Brecourt has become Jeanne de la
Cour. Jeanne de la Cour is a courtesan. She has tried commerce, acting,
literature, journalism, and failed at them all. Henceforth men are
to make her fortune for her. Such charms as she may possess, such
allurements as she can offer, she is ready to employ without heart or
feeling to accomplish her end. Without real passion, she has an almost
abnormal, erotic sensibility, which serves in its