"Really？"
　　"Yes，really；anditwillbetoyouthatmyhusbandwillowethehappinesshehassolongdesired。Hetoldmesowhenheleftmeanhourago。
　　"Ishallbedelightedtoaddtoyourmutualhappiness。"
　　ShelookedsofreshandhappythatIlongedtokissher，butIwasobligedtorestrainmyselfasshewassurroundedbyherprettymaids。
　　ThebettertothrowanyspiesoffthescentIbegantomakelovetoAnastasia，andLeonildapretendedtoencourageme。
　　Ifeignedapassionatedesire，andIcouldseethatIshouldnothavemuchtroubleingainingmysuit。IsawIshouldhavetobecarefulifI
　　didnotwanttobetakenatmyword；Icouldnotbearsuchasurfeitofpleasures。
　　Wewenttobreakfastwiththemarquis，whowasdelightedtoseeus。Hewasquitewell，exceptthegoutwhichpreventedhiswalking。
　　Afterbreakfastweheardmass，andIsawabouttwentyservantsinthechapel。AftertheserviceIkeptthemarquiscompanytilldinner—time。
　　HesaidIwasverygoodtosacrificethecompanyoftheladiesforhissake。
　　Afterdinnerwesetoutforhiscountryhouse；Iinacarriagewiththetwoladies，andthemarquisinalitterbornebytwomules。
　　Inanhourandahalfwearrivedathisfineandwell—situatedcastle。
　　Thefirstthingthemarchionessdidwastotakemeintothegarden，wheremyardourreturnedandsheoncemoreabandonedherselftome。
　　WeagreedthatIshouldonlygotoherroomtocourtAnastasia，asitwasnecessarytoavoidtheslightestsuspicion。
　　Thisfancyofmineforhiswife’smaidamusedthemarquis，forhiswifekepthimwellpostedintheprogressofourintrigue。
　　DonnaLucreziaapprovedofthearrangementasshedidnotwantthemarquistothinkthatIhadonlycometoSalernoforhersake。MyapartmentswerenexttoLeonilda’s，butbeforeIcouldgetintoherroomIshouldbeobligedtopassthroughthatoccupiedbyAnastasia，whosleptwithanothermaidstillprettierthanherself。
　　Themarquiscameanhourlater，andhesaidhewouldgethispeopletocarryhiminanarm—chairroundthegardens，sothathemightpointouttheirbeautiestome。Aftersupperhefelttiredandwenttobed，leavingmetoentertaintheladies。
　　Afterafewmoments’conversation，Iledthemarchionesstoherroom，andshesaidIhadbettergotomyownapartmentthroughthemaids’room，tellingAanastasiatoshewmetheway。
　　Politenessobligedmetoshewmyselfsensibleofsuchafavour，andI
　　saidIhopedshewouldnotbesoharshastolockherdooruponme。
　　"Ishalllockmydoor，"saidshe，"becauseitismydutytodoso。Thisroomismymistress’scloset，andmycompanionwouldprobablymakesomeremarkifIleftthedooropencontrarytomyusualcustom。"
　　"Yourreasonsaretoogoodformetoovercome，butwillyounotsitdownbesidemeforafewminutesandhelpmetorecollecthowIusedtoteaseyou？"
　　"Idon’twantyoutorecollectanythingaboutit；pleaseletmego。"
　　"Youmustpleaseyourself，"saidI；andafterembracingherandgivingherakiss，Iwishedhergoodnight。
　　Myservantcameinasshewentout，andItoldhimthatIwouldsleepbymyselfforthefuture。
　　ThenextdaythemarchionesslaughinglyrepeatedthewholeofmyconversationwithAnastasia。
　　"Iapplaudedhervirtuousresistance，butIsaidshemightsafelyassistatyourtoiletteeveryevening。"
　　LeonildagavethemarquisafullaccountofmytalkwithAnastasia。TheoldmanthoughtIwasreallyinlovewithher，andhadherintosupperformysake，soIwasincommondecencyboundtoplaythelover。
　　Anastasiawashighlypleasedatmypreferringhertohercharmingmistress，andatthelatter’scomplaisancetowardsourlove—making。
　　Themarquisinhisturnwasequallypleasedashethoughttheintriguewouldmakemestaylongerathishouse。
　　IntheeveningAnastasiaaccompaniedmetomyroomwithacandle，andseeingthatIhadnovaletsheinsistedcombingmyhair。Shefeltflatteredatmynotpresumingtogotobedinherpresence，andkeptmecompanyforanhour；andasIwasnotreallyamorousofher，Ihadnodifficultyinplayingthepartofthetimidlover。Whenshewishedmegoodnightshewasdelightedtofindmykissesasaffectionatebutnotsodaringasthoseofthenightbefore。
　　Themarchionesssaid，thenextmorning，thatiftherecitalshehadheardweretrue，shewasafraidAnastasia’scompanytiredme，assheverywellknewthatwhenIreallylovedIcasttimiditytothewinds。
　　"No，shedoesn’ttiremeatall；sheisprettyandamusing。ButhowcanyouimaginethatIreallyloveher，whenyouknowverywellthatthewholeaffairisonlydesignedtocastdustineveryone’seyes？"
　　"Anastasiafullybelievesthatyouadoreher，andindeedIamnotsorrythatyoushouldgiveheralittletasteforgallantry。"
　　"IfIcanpersuadehertoleaveherdooropenIcaneasilyvisityou，forshewillnotimagineforamomentthatafterleavingherIgotoyourroominsteadofmyown。"
　　"Takecarehowyousetaboutit。"
　　"IwillseewhatIcandothisevening。"
　　ThemarquisandLucreziahadnottheslightestdoubtthatAnastasiaspenteverynightwithme，andtheyweredelightedattheidea。
　　ThewholeofthedayIdevotedtotheworthymarquis，whosaidmycompanymadehimhappy。Itwasnosacrificeonmypart，forIlikedhisprinciplesandhiswayofthinking。
　　OntheoccasionofmythirdsupperwithAnastasiaIwasmoretenderthanever，andshewasverymuchastonishedtofindthatIhadcooleddownwhenIgottomyroom。
　　"Iamgladtoseeyousocalm，"saidshe，"youquitefrightenedmeatsupper。"
　　"ThereasonisthatIknowyouthinkyourselfindangerwhenyouarealonewithme。"
　　"Notatall；youaremuchmorediscreetthanyouwerenineyearsago。"
　　"WhatfollydidIcommitthen？"
　　"Nofolly，butyoudidnotrespectmychildhood。"
　　"Ionlygaveyouafewcaresses，forwhichIamnowsorry，asyouarefrightenedofme，andpersistinlockingyourdoor。"
　　"Idon’tmistrustyou，butIhavetoldyoumyreasonsforlockingthedoor。Ithinkthatyoumustmistrustme，asyouwon’tgotobedwhileI
　　amintheroom。"
　　"Youmustthinkmeverypresumptuous。Iwillgotobed，butyoumustnotleavemewithoutgivingmeakiss。"
　　"Ipromisetodoso。"
　　Iwenttobed，andAnastasiaspenthalfanhourbesideme。Ihadagooddealofdifficultyincontrollingmyself，butIwasafraidofhertellingthemarchionesseverything。
　　AssheleftmeshegavemesuchakindembracethatIcouldbearitnolonger，andguidingherhandIskewedherthepowersheexercisedoverme。Shethenwentaway，andIshallnotsaywhethermybehaviourirritatedorpleasedher。
　　ThenextdayIwascurioustoknowhowmuchshehadtoldthemarchioness，andonhearingnothingoftheprincipalfactIfeltcertainshewouldnotlockherdoorthatevening。
　　WhentheeveningcameIdefiedhertoskewthesameconfidenceinmeasI
　　hadshewninher。Sherepliedthatshewoulddosowithpleasure，ifI
　　wouldblowoutmycandleandpromisenottoputmyhandonher。Ieasilygavehertherequiredpromise，forImeanttokeepmyselffreshforLeonilda。
　　Iundressedhastily，followedherwithbarefeet，andlaidmyselfbesideher。
　　Shetookmyhandsandheldthem，towhichIofferednoresistance。Wewereafraidofawakeningherbedfellow，andkeptperfectsilence。Ourlipshowevergavethemselvesfreecourse，andcertainmotions，naturalunderthecircumstances，musthavemadeherbelievethatIwasintorments。ThehalfhourIpassedbesideherseemedextremelylongtome，butitmusthavebeendelicioustoher，asgivinghertheideathatshecoulddowhatshelikedwithme。
　　WhenIleftherafterwehadsharedanecstaticembrace，Ireturnedtomyroom，leavingthedooropen。AssoonasIhadreasontosupposethatshewasasleep，Ireturned，andpassedthroughherroomtoLeonilda’s。Shewasexpectingme，butdidnotknowofmypresencetillInotifieditwithakiss。
　　AfterIhadgivenherastrongproofofmylove，ItoldherofmyadventurewithAnastasia，andthenouramorousexploitsbeganagain，andIdidnotleavehertillIhadspenttwomostdelicioushours。Weagreedthattheyshouldnotbethelast，andIreturnedtomyroomontiptoeasIhadcome。
　　Ididnotgetuptillnoon，andthemarquisandhiswifejestedwithmeatdinneronthesubjectofmylaterising。AtsupperitwasAnastasia’sturn，andsheseemedtoenjoythesituation。Shetoldmeintheeveningthatshewouldnotlockherdoor，butthatImustnotcomeintoherroom，asitwasdangerous。Itwouldbemuchbetter，shesaid，forustotalkinmyroom，wheretherewouldbenoneedofputtingoutthelight。SheaddedthatIhadbettergotobed，asthenshewouldfeelcertainthatshewasnottiringmeinanyway。
　　Icouldnotsayno，butIflatteredmyselfthatIwouldkeepmystrengthintactforLeonilda。
　　Ireckonedwithoutmyhost，astheproverbgoes。
　　WhenIheldAnastasiabetweenmyarmsinbed，herlipsgluedtomine，I
　　toldher，asindutybound，thatshedidnottrustinmeenoughtoliebesidemewithherclothesoff。
　　ThereuponsheaskedmeifIwouldbeverydiscreet。
　　IfIhadsaidno，Ishouldhavelookedafool。Imadeupmymind，andtoldheryes，determinedtosatisfytheprettygirl’sdesires。
　　Inamomentshewasinmyarms，notatallinclinedtokeepmetomypromise。
　　Appetite，itissaid，comesineating。Herardourmademeamorous，andI
　　renderedhomagetohercharmstillIfellasleepwithfatigue。
　　AnastasialeftmewhileIwasasleep，andwhenIawokeIfoundmyselfinthesomewhatridiculouspositionofbeingobligedtomakeafullconfessiontothemarchionessastowhyIhadfailedinmydutiestoher。
　　WhenItoldLeonildamytale，shebegantolaughandagreedthatfurthervisitswereoutofthequestion。Wemadeupourminds，andfortheremainderofmyvisitouramorousmeetingsonlytookplaceinthesummerhousesinthegarden。
　　IhadtoreceiveAnastasiaeverynight，andwhenIleftforRomeanddidnottakeherwithmesheconsideredmeasatraitor。
　　Theworthymarquisgavemeagreatsurpriseontheeveofmydeparture。
　　Wewerealonetogether，andhebeganbysayingthattheDukeofMatalonehadtoldhimthereasonwhichhadpreventedmemarryingLeonilda，andthathehadalwaysadmiredmygenerosityinmakingherapresentoffivethousandducats，thoughIwasfarfromrich。
　　"Thesefivethousandducats，"headded，"withseventhousandfromtheduke，composedherdower，andIhaveaddedahundredthousand，sothatsheissureofacomfortableliving，evenifIdiewithoutasuccessor。
　　"Now，Iwantyoutotakebackthefivethousandducatsyougaveher；andsheherselfisasdesirousofyourdoingsoasIam。Shedidnotliketoaskyouherself；sheistoodelicate。"
　　"Well，IshouldhaverefusedLeonildaifshehadaskedme，butIacceptthismarkofyourfriendship。Arefusalwouldhavebornewitnesstonothingbutafoolishpride，asIamapoorman。IshouldlikeLeonildaandhermothertobepresentwhenyougivemethemoney。"
　　"Embraceme；wewilldoourbusinessafterdinner。"
　　Napleshasalwaysbeenatempleoffortunetome，butifIwenttherenowIshouldstarve。Fortunefloutsoldage。
　　LeonildaandLucreziaweptwithjoywhenthegoodmarquisgavemethefivethousandducatsinbanknotes，andpresentedhismother—in—lawwithanequalsuminwitnessofhisgratitudetoherforhavingintroducedmetohim。
　　Themarquiswasdiscreetenoughnottorevealhischiefreason。DonnaLucreziadidnotknowthattheDukeofMatalonehadtoldhimthatLeonildawasmydaughter。
　　Anexcessofgratitudelessenedmyhighspiritsfortherestoftheday，andAnastasiadidnotspendaverylivelynightwithme。
　　Iwentoffateighto’clockthenextmorning。Iwassad，andthewholehousewasintears。
　　IpromisedthatIwouldwritetothemarquisfromRome，andIreachedNaplesateleveno’clock。
　　IwenttoseeAgatha，whowasastonishedatmyappearanceasshehadthoughtIwasatRome。Herhusbandwelcomedmeinthemostfriendlymanner，althoughhewassufferingagreatdeal。
　　IsaidIwoulddinewiththemandstartdirectlyafterwards，andIaskedtheadvocatetogetmeabillonRomeforfivethousandducats，inexchangeforthebanknotesIgavehim。
　　Agathasawthatmymindwasmadeup，andwithoutendeavoringtopersuademetostaywentinsearchofCallimena。
　　ShetoohadthoughtIwasinRome，andwasinanecstasyofdelighttoseemeagain。
　　Mysuddendisappearanceandmyunexpectedreturnwerethemysteryoftheday，butIdidnotsatisfyanyone’scuriosity。
　　Ileftthematthreeo’clock，andstoppedatMontecasino，whichIhadneverseen。Icongratulatedmyselfonmyidea，forImettherePrinceXaverdeSaxe，whowastravellingunderthenameofComtedeLusacewithMadameSpinucci，aladyofFermo，withwhomhehadcontractedasemi—
　　clandestinemarriage。HehadbeenwaitingforthreedaystohearfromthePope，forbySt。Benedict’srulewomenarenotallowedinmonasteries；andasMadameSpinucciwasextremelycuriousonthesubject，herhusbandhadbeenobligedtoapplyforadispensationtotheHolyFather。
　　IsleptatMontecasinoafterhavingseenthecuriositiesoftheplace，andIwentontoRome，andputupwithRoland’sdaughterinthePlaced’Espagne。
　　CHAPTERXV
　　Margarita——MadameBuondcorsi——TheDuchessofFiano——CardinalBernis——
　　ThePrincessSantaCroce——MenicuccioandHisSisterIhadmadeupmymindtospendaquietsixmonthsatRome，andthedayaftermyarrivalItookapleasantsuiteofroomsoppositetheSpanishAmbassador，whosenamewasd’Aspura。Ithappenedtobethesameroomsaswereoccupiedtwenty—sevenyearsagobytheteacheroflanguages，towhomIhadgoneforlessonswhileIwaswithCardinalAcquaviva。Thelandladywasthewifeofacookwhoonly，sleptwithhisbetterhalfonceaweek。
　　Thewomanhadadaughterofsixteenorseventeenyearsold，whowouldhavebeenveryprettyifthesmall—poxhadnotdeprivedherofoneeye。
　　Theyhadprovidedherwithanill—madeartificialeye，ofawrongsizeandabadcolour，whichgaveaveryunpleasantexpressiontoherface。
　　Margarita，asshewascalled，madenoimpressiononme，butImadeherapresentwhichshevaluedveryhighly。TherewasanEnglishoculistnamedTaylorinRomeatthattime，andIgothimtomakeheraneyeoftherightsizeandcolour。ThismadeMargaritaimaginethatIhadfalleninlovewithher，andthemother，adevotee，wasinsometroubleastowhethermyintentionswerestrictlyvirtuous。
　　Imadearrangementswiththemothertosupplymewithagooddinnerandsupperwithoutanyluxury。Ihadthreethousandsequins，andIhadmadeupmymindtoliveinaquietandrespectablemanner。
　　ThenextdayIfoundlettersformeinseveralpost—offices，andthebankerBelloni，whohadknownmeforseveralyears，hadbeenalreadyadvisedofmybillofexchange。MygoodfriendDandolosentmetwolettersofintroduction，ofwhichonewasaddressedtoM。Erizzo，theVenetianambassador。HewasthebrotheroftheambassadortoParis。
　　Thisletterpleasedmegreatly。TheotherwasaddressedtotheDuchessofFiano，byherbrotherM。Zuliani。
　　IsawthatIshouldbefreeofallthebesthouses，andIpromisedmyselfthepleasureofanearlyvisittoCardinalBernis。
　　Ididnothireeitheracarriageoraservant。AtRomeboththesearticlesareprocurableatamoment’snotice。
　　MyfirstcallwasontheDuchessofFiano。Shewasanuglywoman，andthoughshewasreallyverygood—natured，sheassumedthecharacterofbeingmalicioussoastoobtainsomeconsideration。
　　Herhusband，whoborethenameofOttoboni，hadonlymarriedhertoobtainanheir，butthepoordevilturnedouttobewhattheRomanscall’babilano’，andweimpotent。Theduchesstoldmeasmuchontheoccasionofmythirdvisit。Shedidnotgivemetheinformationinacomplainingtone，orasifshewasfaintobeconsoled，butmerelytodefyherconfessor，whohadthreatenedherwithexcommunicationifshewentontellingpeopleaboutherhusband’scondition，orifshetriedtocurehimofit。
　　Theduchessgavealittlesuppereveryeveningtoherselectcircleoffriends。Iwasnotadmittedtothesereunionsforaweekortendays，bywhichtimeIhadmademyselfgenerallypopular。Thedukedidnotcareforcompanyandsuppedapart。
　　ThePrinceofSantaCrocewastheduchess’s’cavaliereservante’，andtheprincesswasservedbyCardinalBernis。TheprincesswasadaughteroftheMarquisFalconieri，andwasyoung，pretty，lively，andintendedbynatureforalifeofpleasure。However，herprideatpossessingthecardinalwassogreatthatshedidnotgiveanyhopetoothercompetitorsforherfavour。
　　Theprincewasafinemanofdistinguishedmannersandgreatcapability，whichheemployedinbusinessspeculations，beingofopinion，andrightly，thatitwasnoshameforanoblemantoincreasehisfortunebytheexerciseofhisintelligence。Hewasacarefulman，andhadattachedhimselftotheduchessbecauseshecosthimnothing，andherannoriskoffallinginlovewithher。
　　TwoorthreeweeksaftermyarrivalheheardmecomplainingoftheobstaclestoresearchintheRomanlibraries，andheofferedtogivemeanintroductiontotheSuperioroftheJesuits。Iacceptedtheoffer，andwasmadefreeofthelibrary；IcouldnotonlygoandreadwhenI
　　liked，butIcould，onwritingmynamedown，takebooksawaywithme。
　　Thekeepersofthelibraryalwaysbroughtmecandleswhenitgrewdark，andtheirpolitenesswassogreatthattheygavemethekeyofasidedoor，sothatIcouldslipinandoutasIpleased。
　　TheJesuitswerealwaysthemostpoliteoftheregularclergy，or，indeed，Imaysaytheonlypolitemenamongstthem；butduringthecrisisinwhichtheyweretheninvolved，theyweresimplycringing。
　　TheKingofSpainhadcalledforthesuppressionoftheorder，andthePopehadpromisedthatitshouldbedone；buttheJesuitsdidnotthinkthatsuchablowcouldeverbestruck，andfeltalmostsecure。TheydidnotthinkthatthePope’spowerwassuperhumansofarastheywereconcerned。Theyevenintimatedtohimbyindirectchannelsthathisauthoritydidnotextendtothesuppressionoftheorder；buttheyweremistaken。Thesovereignpontiffdelayedthesignatureofthebull，buthishesitationproceededfromthefactthatinsigningithefearedlestheshouldbesigninghisownsentenceofdeath。Accordinglyheputitofftillhefoundthathishonourwasthreatened。TheKingofSpain，themostobstinatetyrantinEurope，wrotetohimwithhisownhand，tellinghimthatifhedidnotsuppresstheorderhewouldpublishinallthelanguagesofEuropethelettershehadwrittenwhenhewasacardinal，promisingtosuppresstheorderwhenhebecamePope。OnthestrengthoftheselettersGanganellihadbeenelected。
　　Anothermanwouldhavetakenrefugeincasuistryandtoldthekingthatitwasnotforapopetobeboundtothecardinal’spromises，inwhichcontentionhewouldhavebeensupportedbytheJesuits。However，inhisheartGanganellihadnolikingfortheJesuits。HewasaFranciscan，andnotagentlemanbybirth。Hehadnotastrongenoughintellecttodefythekingandallhisthreats，ortobeartheshameofbeingexhibitedtothewholeworldasanambitiousandunscrupulousman。
　　IamamusedwhenpeopletellmethatGanganellipoisonedhimselfbytakingsomanyantidotes。Itistruethathavingreason，andgoodreason，todreadpoison，hemadeuseofantidoteswhich，withhisignoranceofscience，mighthaveinjuredhishealth；butIammorallycertainthathediedofpoisonwhichwasgivenbyotherhandsthanhisown。
　　Myreasonsforthisopinionareasfollows:
　　IntheyearofwhichIamspeaking，thethirdofthePontificateofClementXIV。，awomanofViterbowasputinprisononthechargeofmakingpredictions。SheobscurelyprophesiedthesuppressionoftheJesuits，withoutgivinganyindicationofthetime；butshesaidveryclearlythatthecompanywouldbedestroyedbyapopewhowouldonlyreignfiveyearsthreemonthsandthreedays——thatis，aslongasSixtusV。，notadaymoreandnotadayless。
　　Everybodytreatedthepredictionwithcontempt，astheproductofabrain—sickwoman。Shewasshutupandquiteforgotten。
　　Iaskmyreaderstogiveadispassionatejudgment，andtosaywhethertheyhaveanydoubtastothepoisoningofGanganelliwhentheyhearthathisdeathverifiedtheprophecy。
　　Inacaselikethis，moralcertaintyassumestheforceofscientificcertainty。ThespiritwhichinspiredthePythiaofViterbotookitsmeasurestoinformtheworldthatiftheJesuitswereforcedtosubmittobeingsuppressed，theywerenotsoweakastoforegoafearfulvengeance。
　　TheJesuitwhocutshortGanganelli’sdaysmightcertainlyhavepoisonedhimbeforethebullwassigned，butthefactwasthattheycouldnotbringthemselvestobelieveittillittookplace。ItisclearthatifthePopehadnotsuppressedtheJesuits，theywouldnothavepoisonedhim，andhereagaintheprophecycouldnotbetaxedwithfalsity。WemaynotethatClementXIV。，likeSixtusV。，wasaFranciscan，andbothwereoflowbirth。ItisalsonoteworthythatafterthePope’sdeaththeprophetesswasliberated，and，thoughherprophecyhadbeenfulfilledtotheletter，alltheauthoritiespersistedinsayingthatHisHolinesshaddiedfromhisexcessiveuseofantidotes。
　　ItseemstomethatanyimpartialjudgewillscouttheideaofGanganellihavingkilledhimselftoverifythewomanofViterbo’sprediction。Ifyousayitwasamerecoincidence，ofcourseIcannotabsolutelydenyyourposition，foritmayhavebeenchance；butmythoughtsonthesubjectwillremainunchanged。
　　ThispoisoningwasthelastsigntheJesuitsgaveoftheirpower。Itwasacrime，becauseitwascommittedaftertheevent，whereas，ifithadbeendonebeforethesuppressionoftheorder，itwouldhavebeenastrokeofpolicy，andmighthavebeenjustifiedonpoliticgrounds。Thetruepoliticianlooksintothefuture，andtakesswiftandcertainmeasurestoobtaintheendhehasinview。
　　ThesecondtimethatthePrinceofSantaCrocesawmeattheDuchessofFiano’s，heaskedme’exabrupta’whyIdidnotvisitCardinalBernis。
　　"Ithinkofpayingmysuittohimto—morrow，"saidI。
　　"Doso，forIhaveneverheardhiseminencespeakofanyonewithasmuchconsiderationashespeaksofyourself。"
　　"Hehasbeenverykindtome，andIshallalwaysbegratefultohim。"
　　Thecardinalreceivedmethenextdaywitheverysignofdelightatseeingme。HepraisedthereservewithwhichIhadspokenofhimtotheprince，andsaidheneednotremindmeofthenecessityfordiscretionastoouroldVenetianadventures。
　　"Youreminence，"Isaid，"isalittlestouter，otherwiseyoulookasfreshaseverandnotatallchanged。"
　　"Youmakeamistake。IamverydifferentfromwhatIwasthen。Iamfifty—fivenow，andthenIwasthirty—six。Moreover，Iamreducedtoavegetablediet。"
　　"Isthattokeepdownthelustsoftheflesh？"
　　"Iwishpeoplewouldthinkso；butnoonedoes，Iamafraid。"
　　HewasgladtohearthatIborealettertotheVenetianambassador，whichIhadnotyetpresented。Hesaidhewouldtakecaretogivetheambassadoraprejudiceinmyfavour，andthathewouldgivemeagoodreception。
　　"Wewillbegintobreaktheiceto—morrow，"addedthischarmingcardinal。
　　"Youshalldinewithme，andhisexcellenceshallhearofit。"
　　HeheardwithpleasurethatIwaswellprovidedforasfarasmoneywasconcerned，andthatIhadmadeupmymindtolivesimplyanddiscreetlysolongasIremainedinRome。
　　"IshallwriteaboutyoutoM————M————，"hesaid。"Ihavealwayskeptupacorrespondencewiththatdelightfulnun。"
　　Ithenamusedhimbythe，talkofmyadventurewiththenunofChamberi。
　　"YououghttoaskthePrinceofSantaCrocetointroduceyoutotheprincess。Wemightpasssomepleasanthourswithher，thoughnotinouroldVenetianstyle，fortheprincessisnotatalllikeM————M————。
　　"Andyetsheservestoamuseyoureminence？"
　　"Well，IhavetobecontentwithwhatIcanget。"
　　ThenextdayasIwasgettingupfromdinnerthecardinaltoldmethatM。
　　Zulianihadwrittenaboutmetotheambassador，whowouldbedelightedtomakemyacquaintance，andwhenIwentIhadanexcellentreceptionfromhim。
　　TheChevalierErizzo，whoisstillalive，wasamanofgreatintelligence，commonsense，andoratoricalpower。HecomplimentedmeonmytravelsandonmybeingprotectedbytheStateInquisitorsinsteadofbeingpersecutedbythem。Hekeptmetodinner，andaskedmetodinewithhimwheneverIhadnootherengagement。
　　ThesameeveningImetPrinceSantaCroceattheduchess’s，andaskedhimtointroducemetohiswife。
　　"Ihavebeenexpectingthat，"hereplied"evensincethecardinaltalkedtoheraboutyouformorethananhour。Youcancallanydayateleveninthemorningortwointheafternoon。"
　　Icalledthenextdayattwoo’clock。Shewastakinghersiestainbed，butasIhadtheprivilegesallowedtoapersonofnoconsequencesheletmeindirectly。Shewasyoung，pretty，lively，curious，andtalkative；
　　shehadnotenoughpatiencetowaitformyanswertoherquestions。Shestruckmeasatoy，welladaptedtoamuseamanofaffairs，whofelttheneedofsomedistraction。Thecardinalsawherregularlythreetimesaday；thefirstthinginthemorninghecalledtoaskifshehadhadagoodnight，atthreeo’clockintheafternoonhetookcoffeewithher，andintheeveninghemetherattheassembly。Healwaysplayedatpiquet，andplayedwithsuchtalentthatheinvariablylostsixRomansequins，nomoreandnoless。Theselossesofthecardinal’smadetheprincesstherichestyoungwifeinRome。
　　Althoughthemarquiswassomewhatinclinedtobejealous，hecouldnotpossiblyobjecttohiswifeenjoyingarevenueofeighteenhundredfrancsamonth，andthatwithouttheleastscandal，foreverythingwasdoneinpublic，andthegamewashonestlyconducted。Whyshouldnotfortunefallinlovewithsuchaprettywoman？
　　ThePrinceofSantaCrocecouldnotfailtoappreciatethefriendshipofthecardinalforhiswife，whogavehimachildeveryyear，andsometimeseveryninemonths，inspiteofthedoctor’swarningstobewareofresults。Itwassaidthattomakeupforhisenforcedabstinenceduringthelastfewdaysofhiswife’spregnancy，theprinceimmediatelysettoagainwhenthechildwasbeingbaptized。
　　Thefriendshipofthecardinalfortheprince’swifealsogavehimtheadvantageofgettingsilksfromLyonswithoutthePope’streasurerbeingabletosayanything，asthepacketswereaddressedtotheFrenchambassador。Itmustalsobenotedthatthecardinal’spatronagekeptotherloversfromthehouse。TheHighConstableColonnawasverymuchtakenwithher。Theprincehadsurprisedthisgentlemantalkingtotheprincessinaroomofthepalaceandatanhourwhenshewascertainthatthecardinalwouldnotbeintheway。ScarcelyhadtheColonnagonewhentheprincetoldhiswifethatshewouldaccompanyhimintothecountrythenextday。Sheprotested，sayingthatthissuddenorderwasonlyacapriceandthatherhonourwouldnotallowofherobeyinghim。Theprince，however，wasverydetermined，andshewouldhavebeenobligedtogoifthecardinalhadnotcomeinandheardthestoryfromthemouthoftheinnocentprincess。Heshewedthehusbandthatitwastohisownintereststogointothecountrybyhimself，andtolethiswiferemaininRome。Hespokeforher，assuringtheprincethatshewouldtakemorecareforthefutureandavoidsuchmeetings，alwaysunpleasantinahouse。
　　InlessthanamonthIbecametheshadowofthethreeprincipalpersonsintheplay。Ilistenedandadmiredandbecameasnecessarytothepersonagesasamarkeratbilliards。WhenanyofthepartieswereafflictedIconsoledthemwithtalesoramusingcomments，and，naturally，theyweregratefultome。Thecardinal，theprince，andhisfairwifeamusedeachotherandoffendednoone。
　　TheDuchessofFianowasproudofbeingthepossessoroftheprincewholefthiswifetothecardinal，butnoonewasdeceivedbutherself。Thegoodladywonderedwhynooneacknowledgedthatthereasonwhytheprincessnevercametoseeherwasmerejealousy。ShespoketomeonthesubjectwithsomuchfirethatIhadtosuppressmygoodsensetokeephergoodgraces。
　　Ihadtoexpressmyastonishmentastowhatthecardinalcouldseeintheprincess，who，accordingtoher，wasskinnyinpersonandsillyinmind，altogetherawomanofnoconsequence。Iagreedtoallthis，butIwasfarfromthinkingso，fortheprincesswasjustthewomantoamuseavoluptuousandphilosophicloverlikethecardinal。
　　Icouldnothelpthinkingnowandagainthatthecardinalwashappierinthepossessionofthistreasureofawomanthaninhishonoursanddignities。
　　Ilovedtheprincess，butasIdidnothopeforsuccessIconfinedmyselfstrictlytothelimitsofmyposition。
　　Imight，nodoubt，havesucceeded，butmoreprobablyIshouldhaveraisedherprideagainstme，andwoundedthefeelingsofthecardinal，whowasnolongerthesameaswhenwesharedM————M————incommon。Hehadtoldmethathisaffectionforherwasofapurelyfatherlycharacter，andI
　　tookthatasahintnottotrespassonhispreserves。
　　Ihadreasontocongratulatemyselfthatsheobservednomoreceremonywithmethanwithhermail。Iaccordinglypretendedtoseenothing，whileshefeltcertainIsawall。
　　Itisnoeasymattertowintheconfidenceofsuchawoman，especiallyifshebeservedbyakingoracardinal。
　　MylifeatRomewasatranquilandhappyone。Margaritahadcontrivedtogainmyinterestbytheassiduityofherattentions。Ihadnoservant，soshewaitedonmenightandmorning，andherfalseeyewassuchanexcellentmatchthatIquiteforgotitsfalsity。Shewasaclever，butavaingirl，andthoughatfirstIhadnodesignsuponherIflatteredhervanitybymyconversationandthelittlepresentsIbestoweduponher，whichenabledhertocutafigureinchurchonSundays。SobeforelongI
　　hadmyeyesopenedtotwofacts；theonethatshewassureofmylove，andwonderedwhyIdidnotdeclareit；theother，thatifIchoseIhadaneasyconquestbeforeme。
　　Iguessedthelattercircumstanceonedaywhen，afterIhadaskedhertotellmeheradventuresfromtheageofeleventothatofeighteen，sheproceededtotellmetales，thetellingofwhichnecessitatedherthrowingallmodestytothewinds。
　　Itooktheutmostdelightinthesescandalousnarrations，andwheneverI
　　thoughtshehadtoldthewholetruthIgaveherafewpiecesofmoney；
　　whilewheneverIhadreasontosupposethatshehadsuppressedsomeinterestingcircumstancesIgavehernothing。
　　Sheconfessedtomethatshenolongerpossessedthatwhichamaidcanlosebutonce，thatafriendofhersnamedBuonacorsiwasinthesamecase，andfinallyshetoldmethenameoftheyoungmanwhohadrelievedthembothoftheirmaidenheads。
　　WehadforneighborayoungPiedmonteseabbenamedCeruti，onwhomMargaritawasobligedtowaitwhenhermotherwastoobusy。Ijestedwithherabouthim，butshesworetherewasnolovemakingbetweenthem。
　　Thisabbewasafineman，learnedandwitty，buthewasoverwhelmedwithdebtandinverybadodouratRomeonaccountofanextremelyunpleasantstoryofwhichhewasthehero。
　　TheysaidthathehadtoldanEnglishman，whowasinlovewithPrincessLanti，thatshewasinwantoftwohundredsequins，thattheEnglishmanhadhandedoverthemoneytotheabbe，andthatthelatterhadappropriatedit。
　　ThisactofmeannesshadbeenbroughttolightbyanexplanationbetweentheladyandtheEnglishman。Onhissayingtotheprincessthathewasreadytodoanythingforher，andthatthetwohundredsequinshehadgivenherwereasnothingincomparisonwithwhathewasreadytodo，sheindignantlydeniedallknowledgeofthetransaction。Everythingcameout。TheEnglishmanbeggedpardon，andtheabbewasexcludedfromtheprincess’shouseandtheEnglishman’salso。
　　ThisAbbeCerutiwasoneofthosejournalistsemployedtowritetheweeklynewsofRomebyBianconi；heandIhadinamannerbecomefriendssincewewereneighbours。IsawthathelovedMargarita，andIwasnotintheleastjealous，butashewasahandsomeyoungfellowIcouldnotbelievethatMargaritawascrueltohim。Nevertheless，sheassuredmethatshedetestedhim，andthatshewasverysorrythathermothermadeherwaitonhimatall。
　　Cerutihadalreadylaidhimselfunderobligationstome。Hehadborrowedascoreofcrownsfromme，promisingtorepaytheminaweek，andthreeweekshadgonebywithoutmyseeingthemoney。However，Ididnotaskforit，andwouldhavelenthimasmuchmoreifhehadrequestedme。ButImusttellthestoryasithappened。
　　WheneverIsuppedwiththeDuchessofFianoIcameinlate，andMargaritawaitedupforme。Hermotherwouldgotobed。ForthesakeofamusementIusedtokeepherforanhourortwowithoutcaringwhetherourpleasantriesdisturbedtheabbe，whocouldheareverythingwesaid。
　　OneeveningIcamehomeatmidnightandwassurprisedtofindthemotherwaitingforme。
　　"Whereisyourdaughter？"Ienquired。
　　"She’sasleep，andIreallycannotallowyoutopassthewholenightwithheranylonger。"
　　"ButsheonlystayswithmetillIgetintobed。Thisnewwhimwoundsmyfeelings。Iobjecttosuchunworthysuspicions。WhathasMargaritabeentellingyou？Ifshehasmadeanycomplaintsofme，shehaslied，andI
　　shallleaveyourhouseto—morrow。"
　　"Youarewrong；Margaritahasmadenocomplaints；onthecontraryshesaysthatyouhavedonenothingtoher。"
　　"Verygood。Doyouthinkthereisanyharminalittlejoking？"
　　"No，butyoumightbebetteremployed。"
　　"Andtheseareyourgroundsforasuspicionofwhichyoushouldbeashamed，ifyouareagoodChristian。"
　　"Godsavemefromthinkingevilofmyneighbour，butIhavebeeninformedthatyourlaughterandyourjestsareofsuchanatureastobeoffensivetopeopleofmorality。"
　　"Thenitismyneighbourtheabbewhohasbeenfoolishenoughtogiveyouthisinformation？"
　　"IcannottellyouhowIheardit，butIhaveheardit。"
　　"Verygood。To—morrowIshallseekanotherlodging，soastoaffordyourtenderconsciencesomerelief。"
　　"Can’tIattendonyouaswellasmydaughter？"
　　"No；yourdaughtermakesmelaugh，andlaughingisbeneficialtome，whereasyouwouldnotmakemelaughatall。Youhaveinsultedme，andI
　　leaveyourhouseto—morrow。"
　　"Ishallhavetotellmyhusbandthereasonofyourdeparture，andIdonotwanttodothat。"
　　"Youcandoasyoulike；that’snobusinessofmine。Goaway；Iwanttogetintobed。"
　　"Allowmetowaitonyou。"
　　"Certainlynot；ifyouwantanybodytowaitonme，sendMargarita。"
　　"She’sasleep。"
　　"Thenwakeherup。"
　　Thegoodwomanwentherway，andtwominuteslater，thegirlcameinwithlittleonbutherchemise。Shehadnothadtimetoputinherfalseeye，andherexpressionwassoamusingthatIwentoffintoaroaroflaughter。
　　"Iwassleepingsoundly，"shebegan，"andmymotherwokemeupallofasudden，andtoldmetocomeandwaitonyou，orelseyouwouldleave，andmyfatherwouldthinkwehadbeeninmischief。"
　　"Iwillstay，ifyouwillcontinuetowaitonme。"
　　"Ishouldliketocomeverymuch，butwemustn’tlaughanymore，astheabbehascomplainedofus。"
　　"Oh！itistheabbe，isit？"
　　"Ofcourseitis。Ourjestsandlaughterirritatehispassions。"
　　"Therascal！Wewillpunishhimrarely。Ifwelaughedlastnight，wewilllaughtentimesloudertonight。"
　　Thereuponwebeganathousandtricks，accompaniedbyshoutsandshrieksoflaughter，purposelycalculatedtodrivethelittlepriestdesperate。
　　Whenthefunwasatitsheight，thedooropenedandthemothercamein。
　　IhadMargarita’snight—caponmyhead，andMargarita’sfacewasadornedwithtwohugemoustaches，whichIhadstuckonwithink。Hermotherhadprobablyanticipatedtakingusinthefact，butwhenshecameinshewasobligedtore—echoourshoutsofmirth。
　　"Comenow，"saidI，"doyouthinkouramusementscriminal？"
　　"Notabit；butyouseeyourinnocentorgieskeepyourneighbourawake。"
　　"Thenhehadbettergoandsleepsomewhereelse；Iamnotgoingtoputmyselfoutforhim。Iwillevensaythatyoumustchoosebetweenhimandme；ifIconsenttostaywithyou，youmustsendhimaway，andIwilltakehisroom。"
　　"Ican’tsendhimawaybeforetheendofthemonth，andIamafraidhewillsaythingstomyhusbandwhichwilldisturbthepeaceofthehouse。"
　　"Ipromiseyouheshallgoto—morrowandsaynothingatall。Leavehimtome；the，abbeshallleaveofhisownfreewill，withoutgivingyoutheslightesttrouble。Infuturebeafraidforyourdaughterwhensheisalonewithamanandyoudon’thearlaughing。Whenonedoesnotlaugh，onedoessomethingserious。"
　　Afterthisthemotherseemedsatisfiedandwentofftobed。MargaritawasinsuchhighspiritsoverthepromiseddismissaloftheabbethatI
　　couldnotresistdoingherjustice。Wepassedanhourtogetherwithoutlaughing，andsheleftmeveryproudofthevictoryshehadgained。
　　EarlythenextdayIpaidtheabbeavisit，andafterreproachinghimforhisbehaviourIgavehimhischoicebetweenpayingmethemoneyheowedmeandleavingthehouseatonce。Hedidhisbesttogetoutofthedilemma，butseeingthatIwaspitilesshesaidhecouldnotleavewithoutpayingafewsmallsumsheowedthelandlord，andwithoutthewherewithaltoobtainanotherlodging。
　　"Verygood，"saidI，"Iwillpresentyouwithanothertwentycrowns；butyoumustgoto—day，andnotsayawordtoanyone，unlessyouwishmetobecomeyourimplacableenemy。"
　　Ithusgotridofhimandenteredintopossessionofthetworooms。
　　Margaritawasalwaysatmydisposal，andafterafewdayssowasthefairBuonacorsi，whowasmuchtheprettierofthetwo。
　　Thetwogirlsintroducedmetotheyoungmanwhohadseducedthem。
　　Hewasaladoffifteenorsixteen，andveryhandsomethoughshort。
　　Naturehadendowedhimwithanenormoussymbolofvirility，andatLampsacushewouldnodoubthavehadanaltarerectedtohimbesidethatofPriapus，withwhichdivinityhemightwellhavecontended。
　　Hewaswell—manneredandagreeable，andseemedmuchaboveacommonworkman。HedidnotloveMargaritaorMdlle。Bounacorsi；hehadmerelysatisfiedtheircuriosity。Theysawandadmired，andwishedtocometoaneareracquaintance；hereadtheirmindsandofferedtosatisfythem。
　　Thereuponthetwogirlsheldaconsultation，andpretendingtosubmitoutofmerecomplaisance；thedoubledeedwasdone。Ilikedthisyoungman，andgavehimlinenandclothes。Sobeforelonghehadcompleteconfidenceinme。Hetoldmehewasinlovewithagirl，butunhappilyforhimshewasinaconvent，andnotbeingabletowinherhewasbecomingdesperate。Thechiefobstacletothematchlayinthefactthathisearningsonlyamountedtoapauladay，whichwascertainlyaninsufficientsumtosupportawifeon。
　　HetalkedsomuchaboutherthatIbecamecurious，andexpressedadesiretoseeher。ButbeforecomingtothisImustrecitesomeotherincidentsofmystayatRome。
　　OnedayIwenttotheCapitoltoseetheprizesgiventotheartstudents，andthefirstfaceIsawwasthefaceofMengs。HewaswithBattoniandtwoorthreeotherpainters，allbeingoccupiedinadjudgingthemeritsofthevariouspictures。
　　IhadnotforgottenhistreatmentofmeatMadrid，soIpretendednottoseehim；butassoonashesawme，hecameupandaddressedmeasfollows:
　　"MydearCasanova，letusforgetwhathappenedatMadridandbefriendsoncemore。"
　　"Sobeit，providednoallusionismadetothecauseofourquarrel；forIwarnyouthatIcannotspeakofitandkeepmyheadcool。"
　　"Idaresay；butifyouhadunderstoodmypositionatMadridyouwouldneverhaveobligedmetotakeacoursewhichgavemegreatpain。"
　　"Idonotunderstandyou。"
　　"Idaresaynot。Youmustknow，then，thatIwasstronglysuspectedofbeingaProtestant；andifIhadshewnmyselfindifferenttoyourconduct，Imightpossiblyhavebeenruined。Butdinewithmetomorrow；
　　wewillmakeupapartyoffriends，anddiscussourquarrelinagoodbottleofwine。Iknowthatyoudonotreceiveyourbrother，soheshallnotbethere。Indeed，Idonotreceivehimmyself，forifIdidallhonestpeoplewouldgivemethecoldshoulder。"
　　Iacceptedhisfriendlyinvitation，andwaspunctualtotheappointment。
　　MybrotherleftRomeashorttimeafterwardswithPrinceBeloselski，theRussianambassadortoDresden，withwhomhehadcome；buthisvisitwasunsuccessful，asRezzonicoprovedinexorable。WeonlysaweachothertwoorthreetimesatRome。
　　ThreeorfourdaysafterhehadgoneIhadtheagreeablesurpriseofseeingmybrotherthepriest，inragsasusual。Hehadtheimpudencetoaskmetohelphim。
　　"Wheredoyoucomefrom？"
　　"FromVenice；Ihadtoleavetheplace，asIcouldnolongermakealivingthere。"
　　"ThenhowdoyouthinkofmakingalivingatRome？"
　　"BysayingmassesandteachingFrench。"
　　"Youateacheroflanguages！Why，youdonotknowyournativetongue。"
　　"IknowItalianandFrenchtoo，andIhavealreadygottwopupils。"
　　"Theywillnodoubtmakewonderfulprogressunderyourfosteringcare。
　　Whoarethey？"
　　"Thesonanddaughteroftheinn—keeper，atwhosehouseIamstaying。
　　Butthat’snotenoughtokeepme，andyoumustgivemesomethingwhileI
　　amstarting。"
　　"Youhavenorighttocountonme。Leavetheroom。"
　　Iwouldnotlistentoanotherword，andtoldMargaritatoseethathedidnotcomeinagain。
　　Thewretchedfellowdidhisbesttoruinmewithallmyfriends，includingtheDuchessofFianoandtheAbbeGama。EverybodytoldmethatIshouldeithergivehimsomehelp，orgethimoutofRome；Igotheartilysickofthesoundofhisname。AtlasttheAbbeCeruticameandtoldmethatifIdidnotwanttoseemybrotherbegginghisbreadinthestreetsImustgivehimsomeassistance。
　　"YoucankeephimoutofRome，"hesaid，"andheisreadytogoifyouwillallowhimthreepaulsaday。"Iconsented，andCerutihitonaplanwhichpleasedmeverymuch。HespoketoapriestwhoservedaconventofFranciscannuns。Thispriesttookmybrotherintohisservice，andgavehimthreepaulsforsayingonemasseveryday。Ifhecouldpreachwellhemightearnmore。
　　ThustheAbbeCasanovapassedaway，andIdidnotcarewhetherheknewornotwherethethreepaulshadcomefrom。AslongasIstayedatRometheninepiastresamonthcameinregularly，butaftermydeparturehereturnedtoRome，wenttoanotherconvent，anddiedtheresuddenlythirteenorfourteenyearsago。
　　MedinihadalsoarrivedinRome，butwehadnotseeneachother。HelivedinthestreetoftheUrsulinesatthehouseofoneofthePope’slight—cavalrymen，andsubsistedonthemoneyhecheatedstrangersof。
　　TherascalhaddonewellandhadsenttoMantuaforhismistress，whocamewithhermotherandaveryprettygirloftwelveorthirteen。
　　ThinkingitwouldbetohisadvantagetotakehandsomefurnishedapartmentshemovedtothePlaced’Espagne，andoccupiedahousefourorfivedoorsfromme，butIknewnothingofallthisatthetime。
　　HappeningtodineonedaywiththeVenetianambassador，hisexcellencytoldmethatIshouldmeetacertainCount。ManucciwhohadjustarrivedfromParis，andhadevincedmuchdelightonlearningthatIwasatRome。
　　"Isupposeyouknowhimwell，"saidtheambassador，"andasIamgoingtopresenthimtotheHolyFatherto—morrow，Ishouldbemuchobligedifyoucouldtellmewhohereallyis。"
　　"IknewhimatMadrid，wherehelivedwithMocenigoourambassador；heiswellmannered，polite，andafinelookingyoungman，andthat’sallI
　　knowabouthim。"
　　"WashereceivedattheSpanishCourt？"
　　"Ithinkso，butIcannotbepositive。"
　　"Well，Ithinkhewasnotreceived；butIseethatyouwon’ttellmeallyouknowabouthim。It’sofnoconsequence；IshallrunnoriskinpresentinghimtothePope。HesaysheisdescendedfromManucci，thefamoustravellerofthethirteenthcentury，andfromthecelebratedprintersofthesamenamewhodidsomuchforliterature。HeshewedmetheAldineanchoronhiscoatofarmswhichhassixteenquarters。"
　　Iwasastonishedbeyondmeasurethatthismanwhohadplottedmyassassinationshouldspeakofmeasanintimatefriend，andIdeterminedtoconcealmyfeelingsandawaitevents。Ididnotshewtheleastsignofanger，andwhenaftergreetingtheambassadorhecameuptomewithopenarms，IreceivedhimcordiallyandaskedafterMocenigo。
　　Manuccitalkedagreatdealatdinner，tellingascoreoflies，allinmyhonour，aboutmyreceptionatMadrid。Ibelievehisobjectwastoforcemetolietoo，andtomakemedothesameforhimanothertime。
　　Iswallowedallthesebitterpills，forIhadnochoiceinthematter，butImadeupmymindIwouldhaveathoroughexplanationthenextday。
　　AFrenchman，theChevalierdeNeuvillebyname，whohadcomewithManucci，interestedmeagreatdeal。HehadcometoRometoendeavourtoobtaintheannulmentofmarriageofaladywhowasinaconventatMantua。HehadaspecialrecommendationtoCardinalGalli。
　　Hisconversationwasparticularlyagreeable，andwhenwelefttheambassador’sIacceptedtheoffertocomeintohiscarriagewithManucci，andwedroveabouttilltheevening。
　　Aswewerereturningatnightfallhetoldusthathewasgoingtopresentustoaprettygirlwithwhomwewouldsupandwhereweshouldhaveagameoffaro。
　　ThecarriagestoppedatthePlaced’Espagne，atashortdistancefrommylodging，andwewentuptoaroomonthesecondfloor。WhenIwentinI
　　wassurprisedtoseeCountMediniandhismistress，theladywhomthechevalierhadpraised，andwhomIfoundnotatalltomytaste。Medinireceivedmecordially，andthankedtheFrenchmanforhavingmademeforgetthepast，andhavingbroughtmetoseehim。
　　M。deNeuvillelookedastonished，andtoavoidanyunpleasantexplanationsIturnedtheconversation。
　　WhenMedinithoughtasufficientnumberofpunterswerepresenthesatdownatalargetable，placedfiveorsixhundredcrownsingoldandnotesbeforehim，andbegantodeal。Manuccilostallthegoldhehadabouthim，Neuvillesweptawayhalfthebank，andIwascontentwiththehumblepartofspectator。
　　Aftersupper，Mediniaskedthechevaliertogivehimhisrevenge，andManucciaskedmetolendhimahundredsequins。Ididso，andinanhourhehadnotoneleft。Neuville，ontheotherhand，broughtdownMedini’sbanktotwentyorthirtysequins，andafterthatweretiredtoourseveralhomes。
　　Manuccilodgedwithmysister—in—law，Roland’sdaughter，andIhadmadeupmymindtogivehimanearlycall；buthedidnotleavemetheopportunity，ashecalledonmeearlyinthemorning。
　　Afterreturningmethehundredsequinsheembracedmeaffectionately，and，shewingmealargeletterofcreditonBettoni，saidthatImustconsiderhispurseasmine。Inshort，thoughhesaidnothingaboutthepast，hegavemetounderstandthathewishedtoinitiateamutualpolicyofforgetandforgive。
　　Onthisoccasionmyheartprovedtoostrongformybrain；suchhasoftenbeenthecasewithme。Iagreedtothearticlesofpeaceheofferedandrequired。
　　Besides，Iwasnolongeratthatheadstrongagewhichonlyknowsonekindofsatisfaction，thatofthesword。IrememberedthatifManuccihadbeenwrongsohadI，andIfeltthatmyhonourrannodangerofbeingcompromised。
　　Thedayafter，Iwenttodinnerwithhim。TheChevalierdeNeuvillecameintowardsthecloseofthemeal，andMediniafewmomentslater。Thelattercalledonustoholdabank，eachinhisturn，andweagreed。
　　Manuccigaineddoublewhathehadlost；Neuvilielostfourhundredsequins，andIonlylostatrifle。Mediniwhohadonlylostaboutfiftysequinswasdesperate，andwouldhavethrownhimselfoutofthewindow。
　　AfewdayslaterManuccisetoutforNaples，aftergivingahundredlouistoMedini’smistress，whousedtosupwithhim；butthiswindfalldidnotsaveMedinifrombeingimprisonedfordebt，hisliabilitiesamountingtomorethanathousandcrowns。
　　Thepoorwretchwrotemedolefulepistles，entreatingmetocometohisassistance；butthesoleeffectofhisletterswastomakemelookafterwhathecalledhisfamily，repayingmyselfwiththeenjoymentofhismistress’syoungsister。Ididnotfeelcalledupontobehavegenerouslytohimfornothing。
　　AboutthistimetheEmperorofGermanycametoRomewithhisbrother，theGrandDukeofTuscany。
　　Oneofthenoblemenintheirsuitemadethegirl’sacquaintance，andgaveMedinienoughtosatisfyhiscreditors。HeleftRomesoonafterrecoveringhisliberty，andweshallmeethimagaininafewmonths。
　　IlivedveryhappilyamongstthefriendsIhadmadeformyself。IntheeveningsIvisitedtheDuchessofFiano，intheafternoonsthePrincessofSantaCroce。TherestofmytimeIspentathome，whereIhadMargarita，thefairBuonacorsi，andyoungMenicuccio，whotoldmesomuchabouthislady—lovethatIfeltquitecurioustoseeher。
　　Thegirlwasinakindofconventwhereshehadbeenplacedoutofcharity。Shecouldonlyleaveittogetmarried，withtheconsentofthecardinalwhosuperintendedtheestablishment。Whenagirlwentoutandgotmarried，shereceivedadoweroftwohundredRomancrowns。
　　Menicucciohadasisterinthesameconvent，andwasallowedtovisitheronSundays；shecametothegrating，followedbyhergoverness。ThoughMenicucciowasherbrother，shewasnotpermittedtoseehimalone。
　　FiveorsixmonthsbeforethedateofwhichIamwritinghissisterhadbeenaccompaniedtothegratingbyanothergirl，whomhehadneverseenbefore，andheimmediatelyfellinlovewithher。
　　Thepooryoungmanhadtoworkhardalltheweek，andcouldonlyvisittheconventonholidays；andeventhenhehadrarelythegoodlucktoseehislady—love。Infiveorsixmonthshehadonlyseenhersevenoreighttimes。
　　Hissisterknewofhislove，andwouldhavedoneallinherpowerforhim，butthechoiceofacompaniondidnotrestwithher，andshewasafraidofaskingforthisparticulargirlforfearofexcitingsuspicion。
　　AsIhavesaid，Ihadmadeupmymindtopaytheplaceavisit，andonourwayMenicucciotoldmethatthewomenoftheconventwerenotnuns，properlyspeaking，astheyhadnevertakenanyvowanddidnotwearamonasticdress。Inspiteofthattheyhadfewtemptationstoleavetheirprisonhouse，astheywouldonlyfindthemselvesaloneintheworldwiththeprospectofstarvationorhardworkbeforethem。Theyounggirlsonlycameouttogetmarried，whichwasuncommon，orbyflight，whichwasextremelydifficult。
　　Wereachedavastill—builthouse，nearoneofthetowngates——alonelyanddesertedsituation，asthegateledtonohighway。WhenwewentintotheparlourIwasastonishedtoseethedoublegratingwithbarssothickandclosetogetherthatthehandofagirloftencouldscarcehavegotthrough。Thegratingwassoclosethatitwasextremelydifficulttomakeoutthefeaturesofthepersonsstandingontheinnerside，especiallyasthiswasonlylightedbytheuncertainreflectionfromtheouterroom。Thesightofthesearrangementsmademeshudder。
　　"Howandwherehaveyouseenyourmistress？"IaskedMenicuccio；"forthereIseenothingbutdarkness。"
　　"Thefirsttimethegovernesschancedtohaveacandle，butthisprivilegeisconfined，underpainofexcommunication，torelations。"
　　"Thenshewillhavealightto—day？"
　　"Iexpectnot，astheportresswillhavesentupwordthattherewasastrangerwithme。"
　　"Buthowcouldyouseeyoursweetheart，asyouarenotrelatedtoher？"
　　"Bychance；thefirsttimeshecamemysister’sgoverness——agoodsoul——
　　saidnothingaboutit。Eversincetherehasbeennocandlewhenshehasbeenpresent。"Soonafter，theformsofthreeorfourwomenweredimlytobeseen；buttherewasnocandle，andthegovernesswouldnotbringoneonanyconsideration。Shewasafraidofbeingfoundoutandexcommunicated。
　　IsawthatIwasdeprivingmyyoungfriendofapleasure，andwouldhavegone，buthetoldmetostay。Ipassedanhourwhichinterestedmeinspiteofitspainfulness。ThevoiceofMenicuccio’ssistersentathrillthroughme，andIfanciedthattheblindmustfallinlovethroughtheirsenseofhearing。Thegovernesswasawomanunderthirty。Shetoldmethatwhenthegirlsattainedtheirtwenty—fifthyeartheywereplacedinchargeoftheyoungerones，andatthirty—fivetheywerefreetoleavetheconventiftheyliked，butthatfewcaredtotakethisstep，forfearoffallingintomisery。
　　"Thenthereareagoodmanyoldwomenhere？"
　　"Thereareahundredofus，andthenumberisonlydecreasedbydeathandbyoccasionalmarriages。"
　　"Buthowdothosewhogoouttogetmarriedsucceedininspiringtheloveoftheirhusbands？"
　　"Ihavebeenherefortwentyyears，andinthattimeonlyfourhavegoneout，andtheydidnotknowtheirhusbandstilltheymetatthealtar。Asmightbeexpected，themenwhosolicitthecardinalforourhandsareeithermadmen，orfellowsofdesperatefortuneswhowantthetwohundredpiastres。However，thecardinal—superintendentrefusespermissionunlessthepostulantcansatisfyhimthatheiscapableofsupportingawife。"
　　"Howdoeshechoosehisbride？"
　　"Hetellsthecardinalwhatageanddispositionhewouldprefer，andthecardinalinformsthemother—superior。"
　　"Isupposeyoukeepagoodtable，andarecomfortablylodged。"
　　"Notatall。Threethousandcrownsayeararenotmuchtokeepahundredpersons。Thosewhodoalittleworkandearnsomethingarethebestoff。"
　　"Whatmannerofpeopleputtheirdaughtersinsuchaprison？"
　　"Eitherpoorpeopleorbigotswhoareafraidoftheirchildrenfallingintoevilways。Weonlyreceiveprettygirlshere。"
　　"Whoisthejudgeoftheirprettiness？"
　　"Theparents，thepriest，andonthelastappealthecardinal—
　　superintendent，whorejectsplaingirlswithoutpity，observingthatuglywomenhavenoreasontofeartheseductionsofvice。Soyoumayimaginethat，wretchedasweare，wecursethosewhopronounceduspretty。"
　　"Ipityyou，andIwonderwhyleaveisnotgiventoseeyouopenly；youmighthavesomechanceofgettingmarriedthen。"
　　"Thecardinalsaysthatitisnotinhispowertogivepermission，asanyonetransgressingthefoundationisexcommunicated。"
　　"ThenIshouldimaginethatthefounderofthishouseisnowconsumedbytheflamesofhell"
　　"Weallthinkso，andhopehemaystaythere。ThePopeoughttotakesomeorderwiththehouse。"
　　Igavehertencrowns，sayingthatasIcouldnotseeherIcouldnotpromiseasecondvisit，andthenIwentawaywithMenicuccio，whowasangrywithhimselfforhavingprocuredmesuchatedioushour。
　　"IsupposeIshallneverseeyourmistressoryoursister，"saidI；"yoursister’svoicewenttomyheart。"
　　"Ishouldthinkyourtenpaistresoughttoworkmiracles。"
　　"Isupposethereisanotherparlour。"
　　"Yes；butonlypriestsareallowedtoenteritunderpainofexcommunication，unlessyougetleavefromtheHolyFather。"
　　Icouldnotimaginehowsuchamonstrousestablishmentcouldbetolerated，foritwasalmostimpossible，underthecircumstances，forthepoorgirlstogetahusband。Icalculatedthatastwohundredpiastreswereassignedtoeachasadowryincaseofmarriage，thefoundermusthavecalculatedontwomarriagesayearatleast，anditseemedprobablethatthesesumsweremadeawaywithbysomescoundrel。
　　IlaidmyideasbeforeCardinalBernisinthepresenceoftheprincess，whoseemedmovedwithcompassionforthesepoorwomen，andsaidImustwriteoutapetitionandgetitsignedbyallofthem，entreatingtheHolyFathertoallowthemtheprivilegescustomaryinallotherconvents。
　　Thecardinaltoldmetodraftthesupplication，toobtainthesignatures，andtoplaceitinthehandsoftheprincess。InthemeantimehewouldgettheearoftheHolyFather，andascertainbywhosehandsitwasmostproperforthepetitiontobepresented。
　　Ifeltprettysureofthesignaturesofthegreaternumberoftherecluses，andafterwritingoutthepetitionIleftitinthehandsofthegovernesstowhomIhadspokenbefore。Shewasdelightedwiththeidea，andpromisedtogivemebackthepaperwhenIcameagain，withthesignaturesofallhercompanionsinmisfortune。
　　AssoonasthePrincessSantaCrocehadthedocumentsheaddressedherselftotheCardinal—SuperintendentOrsini，whopromisedtobringthematterbeforethePope。CardinalBernishadalreadyspokentoHisHoliness。
　　Thechaplainoftheinstitutewasorderedtowarnthesuperiorthatforthefuturevisitorsweretobeallowedtoseegirlsinthelargeparlour，providedtheywereaccompaniedbyagoverness。
　　Menicucciobroughtmethisnews，whichtheprincesshadnotheard，andwhichshewasdelightedtohearfrommylips。