Raymonde Linossier was born in 1896 in France. While studying law in Paris, she wrote Bibi-la-Bibiste "to amuse her sister Alice and her friend Francis Poulenc." She died in 1930.

BIBI-LA-BIBISTE

A Novel for Francis Poulenc

Chapter One

CHILDHOOD

Her birth was no different from that of other children.
That's why she was named Bibi-la-Bibiste.

(This was the childhood of Bibi-la-Bibiste.)

Chapter Two

ADOLESCENCE

In her arteries there flowed red blood; in her veins it was black.*

(Such was the adolescence of Bibi-la-Bibiste.)

Chapter Three

LOVE

At sixteen she went to work in a shop.

"Ow, my nose itches," she cried.

"An old man loves you," her companions replied, interrupting their song.

A violent emotion seized her. Her heart heaved within her breast.

(Thus were the loves of Bibi-la-Bibiste.)

Chapter Four

DISAPPOINTMENT

She went out.

In the crowded street countless old gentlemen passed. Bibi-la-Bibiste examined them anxiously. But none responded to her appeal. Only one cast her an ardent glance, and he was young!

Not wanting to oppose the mysterious designs of Fate**, Bibi-la-Bibiste pursued her path.

(And this was the disappointment of Bibi-la-Bibiste.)

Chapter Five

CURTAIN

In a hospital Bibi-la-Bibiste died. Like Mary her patroness, like Joan of Arc, she was a virgin. But her card carried the reference "Syphilis."

(O magic power of amorous look!)

(And this is the last and most tragic chapter of the novel of Bibi-la-Bibiste.)

* Cf. Prof. Caustier's Anatomy and Physiology of the Plants and Animals.

** Had this novel been intended for Faith Digest, we would have put "Providence."

Translated by Keith Waldrop.