ArmellineandEmiliehadbothbeautifulbreasts，andknewit；theywerethereforeastonishedatmyindifference，perhapsthoughtthatIhadneverseenafinebreast。AsamatteroffactafinefigureismuchmorescarceatRomethanaprettyface。
　　Thus，inspiteoftheirmodesty，theirvanityimpelledthemtoshewmethatmyindifferencewasill—placed，butitwasmyparttoputthemattheirease，andtomakethemflingshametothewinds。
　　TheywereenchantedwhenItoldthemtotrytheirhandsatabowlofpunch，andtheysimplydancedforjoywhenIpronounceditbetterthanmyownbrew。
　　Thencametheoyster—game，andIscoldedArmellineforhavingswallowedtheliquidasIwastakingtheoysterfromherlips。Iagreedthatitwasveryhardtoavoiddoingso，butIofferedtoshewthemhowitcouldbedonebyplacingthetongueintheway。Thisgavemeanopportunityofteachingthemthegameoftongues，whichIshallnotexplainbecauseitiswellknowntoalltruelovers。ArmellineplayedherpartwithsuchevidentrelishthatIcouldseesheenjoyeditaswellasI，thoughsheagreeditwasaveryinnocentamusement。
　　ItsochancedthatafineoysterslippedfromitsshellasIwasplacingitbetweenEmilie’slips。Itfellontoherbreast，andshewouldhaverecovereditwithherfingers；butIclaimedtherightofregainingitmyself，andshehadtounlaceherbodicetoletmedoso。Igotholdoftheoysterwithmylips，butdidsoinsuchamannerastopreventhersuspectingthatIhadtakenanyextraordinarypleasureintheact。
　　Armellinelookedonwithoutlaughing；shewasevidentlysurprisedatthelittleinterestIhadtakeninwhatwasbeforemyeye。Emilielaughedandrelacedherbodice。
　　Theopportunitywastoogoodtobelost，sotakingArmellineonmykneeI
　　gaveheranoysterandletitslipasEmilie’shadslipped，muchtothedelightoftheelder，whowantedtoseehowheryoungcompanionwouldgothroughtheordeal。
　　Armellinewasreallyasmuchdelightedherself，thoughshetriedtoconcealherpleasure。
　　"Iwantmyoyster，"saidI。
　　"Takeit，then。"
　　Therewasnoneedtotellmetwice。Iunlacedhercorsetinsuchawayastomakeitfallstilllower，bewailingthenecessityofhavingtosearchforitwithmyhands。
　　Whatamartyrdomforanamorousmantohavetoconcealhisblissatsuchamoment！
　　IdidnotletArmellinehaveanyoccasiontoaccusemeoftakingtoomuchlicence，forIonlytouchedheralabasterspheressomuchaswasabsolutelynecessary。
　　WhenIhadgottheoysteragainIcouldrestrainmyselfnomore，andaffixingmylipstooneoftheblossomsofherbreastIsuckeditwithavoluptuouspleasurewhichisbeyondalldescription。
　　Shewasastonished，butevidentlymoved，andIdidnotleavehertillmyenjoymentwascomplete。
　　Whenshemarkedmydreamylangourousgaze，sheaskedmeitithadgivenmemuchpleasuretoplaythepartofaninfant。
　　"Yes，dearest，"Ireplied，"butit’sonlyaninnocentjest。"
　　"Idon’tthinkso；andIhopeyouwillsaynothingaboutittothesuperioress。Itmaybeinnocentforyou，butitisnotforme，asI
　　experiencedsensationswhichmustpartakeofthenatureofsin。Wewillpickupnomoreoysters。"
　　"Thesearemeretrifles，"saidEmilie，"thestainofwhichwilleasilybewipedoutwithalittleholywater。Atalleventswecanswearthattherehasbeennokissingbetweenus。"
　　Theywentintothenextroomforamoment，Ididthesame，andwethensatonthesofabeforethefire。AsIsatbetweenthemIobservedthatourlegswereperfectlyalike，andthatIcouldnotimaginewhywomenstucksoobstinatelytotheirpetticoats。
　　WhileItalkedItouchedtheirlegs，sayingitwasjustasifIweretotouchmyown。
　　TheydidnotinterruptthisexaminationwhichIcarrieduptotheknee，andItoldEmiliethatalltherewardIwouldaskformyserviceswasthatImightseeherthighs，tocomparethemwithArmelline’s。
　　"ShewillbebiggerthanI，"saidArmelline，"thoughIamthetaller。"
　　"Well，therewouldbenoharminlettingmesee。"
　　"Ithinktherewould。"
　　"Well，Iwillfeelwithmyhands。"
　　"No，youwouldlookatthesametime。"
　　"IswearIwillnot。"
　　"Letmebandageyoureyes。"
　　"Certainly；butIwill:bandageyourstoo。"
　　"Yes；wewillplay，atblindman’sbuff。"
　　BeforethebandagingbeganItookcaretomakethemswallowagooddoseofpunch，and，thenweproceededtoplay。Thetwogirlsletmespantheirthighsseveraltimes，laughingandfallingovermewhenevermyhandswenttoohigh。
　　Iliftedthebandageandsaweverything，buttheypretendednottosuspectanything。
　　Theytreatedmeinthesameway，nodoubttoseewhatitwasthattheyfeltwhentheyfelluponme。
　　Thisdelightfulgamewenton；tillexhausted，naturewouldnotallowmetoplayitanymore。Iputmyselfinastateofdecency，andthentoldthemtotakeofftheirbandages。
　　Theydidsoandsatbesideme，thinking，perhaps，thattheywouldbeableto，disavoweverythingonthescoreofthebandage。
　　ItseemedtomethatEmiliehadhadalover，thoughItookgoodcarenottotellherso；butArmellinewasapurevirgin。Shewasmeekerthanherfriend，andhergreateyesshoneasvoluptuouslybutmoremodestly。
　　Iwouldhavesnatchedakissfromherprettymouth，butsheturnedawayherhead，thoughshesqueezedmyhandstenderly。IwasastonishedatthisrefusalafterthelibertiesIhadtakenwithher。
　　Wehadtalkedaboutballs，andtheywerebothextremelyanxioustoseeone。
　　ThepublicballwastheragewithalltheyoungRomans。FortenlongyearsthePopeRezzonicohaddeprivedthemofthispleasure。
　　AlthoughRezzonicoforbadedancing，heallowedgamingofeverydescription。Ganganelli，hissuccessor，hadotherviews，andforbadegamingbutalloweddancing。
　　Somuchforpapalinfallibility；whatonecondemnstheotherapproves。
　　Ganganellithoughtitbettertolethissubjectsskipthantogivethemtheopportunityofruiningthemselves，ofcommittingsuicide，orofbecomingbrigands；butRezzonicodidnotseethematterinthatlight。
　　IpromisedthegirlsIwouldtakethemtotheballassoonasIcoulddiscoveronewhereIwasnotlikelytoberecognized。
　　Threeo’clockstruck，andItookthembacktotheconvent，wellenoughpleasedwiththeprogressIhadmade，thoughIhadonlyincreasedmypassion。IwassurerthaneverthatArmellinewasborntoexerciseanirresistibleswayovereverymanwhoowedfealtytobeauty。
　　Iwasamongstherliegemen，andamsostill，buttheincenseisallgoneandthecenserofnovalue。
　　Icouldnothelpreflectingonthesortofglamourwhichmademefallinlovewithonewhoseemedallnewtome，whileIlovedherinexactlythesamemannerasIhadlovedherpredecessor。Butinrealitytherewasnorealnovelty；thepiecewasthesame，thoughthetitlemightbealtered。
　　ButwhenIhadwonwhatIcoveted，didIrealizethatIwasgoingoveroldground？DidIcomplain？DidIthinkmyselfdeceived？
　　Notonewhit；anddoubtlessforthisreason，thatwhilstIenjoyedthepieceIkeptmyeyesfixedonthetitlewhichhadsotakenmyfancy。
　　Ifthisbeso，ofwhatuseistitleatall？Thetitleofabook，thenameofadish，thenameofatown——ofwhatconsequenceareallthesewhenwhatonewantsistoreadthebook，toeatthedish，andtoseethetown。
　　Thecomparisonisasophism。Manbecomesamorousthroughthesenses，which，touchexcepted，allresideinthehead。Inloveabeautifulfaceisamatterofthegreatestmoment。
　　Abeautifulfemalebodymightwellexciteamantocarnalindulgence，eventhoughtheheadwerecovered，butnevertoreallove。Ifatthemomentofphysicaldelightthecoveringweretakenaway，andafaceofhideous，revoltinguglinessdisclosed，onewouldflyinhorror，inspiteofthebeautiesofthewoman’sbody。
　　Butthecontrarydoesnotholdgood。Ifamanhasfalleninlovewithasweet，enchantingface，andsucceedsinliftingtheveilofthesanctuaryonlytofinddeformitiesthere，stillthefacewinstheday，atonesforall，andthesacrificeisconsummated。
　　Thefaceisthusparamount，andhenceithascometobeagreedthatwomen’sbodiesshallbecoveredandtheirfacesdisclosed；whilemen’sclothesarearrangedinsuchawaythatwomencaneasilyguessatwhattheycannotsee。
　　Thisarrangementisundoubtedlytotheadvantageofwomen；artcanconcealtheimperfectionsoftheface，andevenmakeitappearbeautiful，butnocosmeticcandissembleanuglybreast，stomach，oranyotherpartofthemanbody。
　　Inspiteofthis，IconfessthatthephenomeridesofSpartawereintheright，likeallwomenwho，thoughtheypossessafinefigure，havearepulsiveface；inspiteofthebeautyofthepiece，thetitledrivesspectatorsaway。Stillaninterestingfaceisaninseparableaccidentoflove。
　　Thricehappyaretheywho，likeArmelline，havebeautybothinthefaceandbody。
　　WhenIgothomeIwassofortunateastofindMargaritainadeepsleep。
　　Itookcarenottoawakeher，andwenttobedwithaslittlenoiseaspossible。Iwasinwantofrest，forInolongerenjoyedthevigourofyouth，andIslepttilltwelve。
　　WhenIawoke，Margaritatoldmethatahandsomeyoungmanhadcalledonmeatteno’clock，andthatshehadamusedhimtilleleven，notdaringtoawakeme。
　　"Imadehimsomecoffee，"saidshe，"andhewaspleasedtopronounceitexcellent。Hewouldnottellmehisname，buthewillcomeagaintomorrow。Hegavemeapieceofmoney，butIhopeyouwillnotmind。
　　Idon’tknowhowmuchitisworth。"
　　IguessedthatitwastheFlorentine。Thepiecewasoftwoounces。I
　　onlylaughed，fornotlovingMargaritaIwasnotjealousofher。Itoldhershehaddonequiterighttoamusehimandtoacceptthepiece，whichwasworthforty—eightpauls。
　　Shekissedmeaffectionately，andthankstothisincidentIheardnothingaboutmyhavingcomehomesolate。
　　IfeltcurioustolearnmoreaboutthisgenerousTuscan，soIproceededtoreadLeonilda’sletter。
　　Hisname，itappeared，wasM————。HewasarichmerchantestablishedinLondon，andhadbeencommendedtoherhusbandbyaKnightofMalta。
　　Leonildasaidhewasgenerous，good—hearted，andpolished，andassuredmethatIshouldlikehim。
　　Aftertellingmethefamilynews，Leonildaconcludedbysayingthatshewasinafairwaytobecomeamother，andthatshewouldbeperfectlyhappyifshegavebirthtoason。Shebeggedmetocongratulatethemarquis。
　　Whetherfromanaturalinstinctortheeffectsofprejudice，thisnewsmademeshudder。Iansweredherletterinafewdays，enclosingitinalettertothemarquis，inwhichItoldhimthatthegraceofGodwasnevertoolate，andthatIhadneverbeensomuchpleasedbyanynewsasathearinghewaslikelytohaveanheir。
　　InthefollowingMayLeonildagavebirthtoason，whomIsawatPrague，ontheoccasionofthecoronationofLeopold。HecalledhimselfMarquisC————，likehisfather，orperhapswehadbettersaylikehismother’shusband，whoattainedtheageofeighty。
　　Thoughtheyoungmarquisdidnotknowmyname，Igotintroducedtohim，andhadthepleasureofmeetinghimasecondtimeatthetheatre。Hewasaccompaniedbyapriest，whowascalledhisgovernor，butsuchanofficewasasuperfluityforhim，whowaswiserattwentythanmostmenareatsixty。
　　Iwasdelightedtoseethattheyoungmanwasthelivingimageoftheoldmarquis。IshedtearsofjoyasIthoughthowthislikenessmusthavepleasedtheoldmanandhiswife，andIadmiredthischancewhichseemedtohaveabettednatureinherdeceit。
　　IwrotetomydearLeonilda，placingtheletterinthehandsofherson。
　　ShedidnotgetittilltheCarnivalof1792，whentheyoungmarquisreturnedtoNaples；andashorttimeafterIreceivedananswerinvitingmetoherson’smarriageandbeggingmetospendtheremainderofmydayswithher。
　　"Whoknows？Imayeventuallydoso。
　　IcalledonthePrincessSantaCroceatthreeo’clock，andfoundherinbed，withthecardinalreadingtoher。
　　Thefirstquestionsheaskedwas，whyIhadlefttheoperaattheendofthesecondact。
　　"Princess，Icantellyouaninterestinghistoryofmysixhoursofadventure，butyoumustgivemeafreehand，forsomeoftheepisodesmustbetoldstrictlyafternature。"
　　"IsitanythinginthestyleofSisterM————M————？"askedthecardinal。
　　"Yes，mylord，somethingofthekind。"
　　"Princess，willyoubedeaf？"saidhiseminence，"OfcourseIwill，"shereplied。
　　IthentoldmytalealmostasIhavewrittenit。Theslippingoystersandthegameofblindman’sbuffmadetheprincessburstwithlaughing，inspiteofherdeafness。SheagreedwiththecardinalthatIhadactedwithgreatdiscretion，andtoldmethatIshouldbesuretosucceedonthenextattempt。
　　"Inthreeorfourdays，"saidthecardinal，"youwillhavethedispensation，andthenEmiliecanmarrywhomshelikes。"
　　ThenextmorningtheFlorentinecametoseemeatnineo’clock，andI
　　foundhimtoanswertothemarchioness’sdescription；butIhadabonetopickwithhim，andIwasnonethebetterpleasedwhenhebeganaskingmeabouttheyoungpersoninmyboxatthetheatre；hewantedtoknowwhethersheweremarriedorengaged，ifshehadfather，mother，oranyotherrelations。
　　Ismiledsardonically，andbeggedtobeexcusedgivinghimtherequiredinformation，astheyoungladywasmaskedwhenhesawher。
　　Heblushed，andbeggedmypardon。
　　IthankedhimfordoingMargaritathehonourofacceptingacupofcoffeefromherhands，andbeggedhimtotakeonewithme，sayingIwouldbreakfastwithhimnextmorning。HelivedwithRoland，oppositeSt。
　　Charles，whereMadameGabrieli，thefamoussinger，nicknamedlaCoghetta，lived。
　　AssoonastheFlorentinewasgone，IwenttoSt。Paul’sinhothaste，forIlongedtoseewhatreceptionIshouldhavefromthetwovestalsI
　　hadinitiatedsowell。
　　WhentheyappearedInoticedagreatchange。Emiliehadbecomegay，whileArmellinelookedsad。
　　Itoldtheformerthatsheshouldhaveherdispensationinthreedays，andherwarrantforfourhundredcrownsinaweek。
　　"Atthesametime，"Iadded，"youshallhaveyourgrantoftwohundredcrowns。"
　　Atthishappytidingssherantotellthesuperioressofhergoodfortune。
　　AssoonasIwasalonewithArmellineItookherhandsandcoveredthemwithkisses，begginghertoresumeherwontedgaiety。
　　"WhatshallIdo，"saidshe，"withoutEmilie？WhatshallIdowhenyouaregone？Iamunhappy。Ilovemyselfnolonger。"
　　Sheshedtearswhichpiercedmetotheheart。IsworeIwouldnotleaveRometillIhadseenhermarriedwithadowryofathousandcrowns。
　　"Idon’twantathousandcrowns，butIhopeyouwillseememarriedasyousay；ifyoudonotkeepyourpromiseitwillkillme。"
　　"Iwoulddieratherthandeceiveyou；butyouonyoursidemustforgivemylove，which，perhaps，mademegotoofartheotherevening。"
　　"Iforgiveyoueverythingifyouwillremainmyfriend。"
　　"Iwill；andnowletmekissyourbeautifullips。"
　　Afterthisfirstkiss，whichItookasapledgeofcertainvictory，shewipedawayhertears；andsoonafterEmiliereappeared，accompaniedbythesuperioress，whotreatedmewithgreatcordiality。
　　"IwantyoutodoasmuchforArmelline’snewfriendasyouhavedoneforEmilie，"saidshe。
　　"Iwilldoeverythinginmypower，"Ireplied；"andinreturnIhopeyouwillallowmetotaketheseyoungladiestothetheatrethisevening。"
　　"Youwillfindthemready；howcouldIrefuseyouanything？"
　　WhenIwasalonewiththetwofriendsIapologisedforhavingdisposedofthemwithouttheirconsent。
　　"Ourconsent！"saidEmilie:"weshouldbeungratefulindeedifwerefusedyouanythingafterallyouhavedoneforus。"
　　"Andyou，Armelline，willyouwithstandmylove？"
　　"No；solongasitkeepswithinduebounds。Nomoreblindman’sbuff！"
　　"Anditissuchanicegame！Youreallygrieveme。"
　　"Well，inventanothergame，"saidEmilie。
　　Emiliewasbecomingardent，somewhattomyannoyance，forIwasafraidArmellinewouldgetjealous。Imustnotbechargedwithfoppishnessonthisaccount。Iknewthehumanheart。
　　WhenIleftthemIwenttotheTordinonaTheatreandtookabox，andthenorderedagoodsupperatthesameinn，notforgettingtheoysters，thoughIfeltsureIshouldnotrequiretheiraid。
　　Ithencalledonamusician，whomIrequestedtogetmethreeticketsforaball，wherenoonewouldbelikelytoknowme。
　　Iwenthomewiththeideaofdiningbymyself，butIfoundanotefromtheMarchionessd’Aout，reproachingmeinafriendlymannerfornothavingbrokenbreadwithher，andinvitingmetodinner。Iresolvedtoaccepttheinvitation，andwhenIgottothehouseIfoundtheyoungFlorentinealreadythere。
　　ItwasatthisdinnerthatIfoundoutmanyofhisgoodqualities，andI
　　sawthatDonnaLeonildahadnotsaidtoomuchinhisfavour。
　　TowardstheendofthemealthemarchionessaskedwhyIhadnotstayedtilltheendoftheopera。
　　"Becausetheyoungladiesweregettingtired。"
　　"IhavefoundoutthattheydonotbelongtotheVenetianambassador’shousehold。
　　"Youareright，andIhopeyouwillpardonmysmallfiction。"
　　"Itwasanimpromptuefforttoavoidtellingmewhotheyare，buttheyareknown。"
　　"ThenIcongratulatethecurious。"
　　"TheoneIaddresseddeservestoexcitegeneralcuriosity；butifIwereinyourplaceIshouldmakeherusealittlepowder。"
　　"Ihavenottheauthoritytodoso，andifIhad，Iwouldnottroubleherfortheworld。"
　　IwaspleasedwiththeFlorentine，wholistenedtoallthiswithoutsayingaword。IgothimtotalkofEnglandandofhisbusiness。HetoldmethathewasgoingtoFlorencetotakepossessionofhisinheritance，andtogetawifetotakebackwithhimtoLondon。AsI
　　left，ItoldhimthatIcouldnothavethepleasureofcallingonhimtillthedayafternext，asIwaspreventedbyimportantbusiness。HetoldmeImustcomeatdinnertime，andIpromisedtodoso。
　　Fullofloveandhope，Iwentformytwofriends，whoenjoyedthewholeplaywithoutanyinterruption。
　　WhenwealightedattheinnItoldthecoachmantocallformeattwo，andwethenwentuptothethirdfloor，wherewesatbeforethefirewhiletheoysterswerebeingopened。Theydidnotinterestusastheyhaddonebefore。
　　Emiliehadanimportantair；shewasabouttomakeagoodmarriage。
　　Armellinewasmeek，smiling，andaffectionate，andremindedmeofthepromiseIhadgivenher。Irepliedbyardentkisseswhichreassuredher，whiletheywarnedherthatIwouldfainincreasetheresponsibilityIhadalreadycontractedtowardsher。However，sheseemedresigned，andIsatdowntotableinahappyframeofmind。
　　AsEmiliewasontheeveofherwedding，shenodoubtputdownmyneglectofhertomyrespectforthesacramentofmatrimony。
　　WhensupperwasoverIgotonthesofawithArmelline，andspentthreehourswhichmighthavebeendeliciousifIhadnotobstinatelyendeavouredtoobtaintheutmostfavour。Shewouldnotgivein；allmysupplicationsandentreatiescouldnotmoveher；shewassweet，butfirm。
　　Shelaybetweenmyarms，butwouldnotgrantwhatIwanted，thoughshegavemenoharshorpositiverefusal。
　　Itseemsapuzzle，butinrealityitisquitesimple。
　　Sheleftmyarmsavirgin，sorry，perhaps，thathersenseofdutyhadnotallowedhertomakemecompletelyhappy。
　　Atlastnaturebademecease，inspiteofmylove，andIbeggedhertoforgiveme。MyinstincttoldmethatthiswastheonlywaybywhichI
　　mightobtainherconsentanothertime。
　　Halfmerryandhalfsad，weawokeEmiliewhowasinadeepsleep，andthenwestarted。Iwenthomeandgotintobed，nottroublingmyselfaboutthestormofabusewithwhichMargaritagreetedme。
　　TheFlorentinegavemeadeliciousdinner，overwhelmedmewithprotestationsoffriendship，andofferedmehispurseifIneededit。
　　HehadseenArmelline，andhadbeenpleasedwithher。Ihadansweredhimsharplywhenhequestionedmeabouther，andeversincehehadnevermentionedhername。
　　Ifeltgratefultohim，andasifImustmakehimsomereturn。
　　Iaskedhimtodinner，andhadMargaritatodinewithus。NotcaringforherIshouldhavebeengladifhehadfalleninlovewithher；therewouldhavebeennodifficulty，Ibelieve，onherpart，andcertainlynotonmine；butnothingcameofit。Sheadmiredatrinketwhichhungfromhiswatch—chain，andhebeggedmypermissiontogiveither。Itoldhimtodosobyallmeans，andthatshouldhavebeenenough；buttheaffairwentnofarther。
　　InaweekallthearrangementsforEmilie’smarriagehadbeenmade。I
　　gaveherhergrant，andthesamedayshewasmarriedandwentawaywithherhusbandtoCivitaVecchia。Menicuccio，whosenameIhavenotmentionedforsometime，waswellpleasedwithmyrelationswithhissister，foreseeingadvantagesforhimself，andstillbetterpleasedwiththeturnhisownaffairsweretaking，forthreedaysafterEmilie’sweddinghemarriedhismistress，andsetupinasatisfactorymanner。
　　WhenEmiliewasgonethesuperioressgaveArmellineanewcompanion。Shewasonlyafewyearsolderthanmysweetheart，andverypretty；butshedidnotarouseastronginterestinmybreast。Whenviolentlyinlovenootherwomanhaseverhadmuchpoweroverme。
　　ThesuperioresstoldmethathernamewasScholastica，andthatshewaswellworthyofmyesteem，being，asshesaid，asgoodasEmilie。SheexpressedahopethatIwoulddomybesttohelpScholasticatomarryamanwhomsheknewandwhowasinagoodposition。
　　ThismanwasthesonofacousinofScholastica’s。Shecalledhimhernephew，thoughhewasolderthanshe。Thedispensationcouldeasilybegotformoney，butifitwastobehadfornothingIshouldhavetomakeinterestwiththeHolyFather。IpromisedIwoulddomybestinthematter。
　　Thecarnivalwasdrawingtoaclose，andScholasticahadneverseenanoperaoraplay。Armellinewantedtoseeaball，andIhadatlastsucceededinfindingonewhereitseemedunlikelythatIshouldberecognized。However，itwouldhavetobecarefullymanaged，asseriousconsequencesmightensue；soIaskedthetwofriendsiftheywouldwearmen’sclothes，towhichtheyagreedveryheartily。
　　IhadtakenaboxattheAlibertiTheatreforthedayaftertheball，soItoldthetwogirlstoobtainthenecessarypermissionfromthesuperioress。
　　ThoughArmelline’sresistanceandthepresenceofhernewfrienddiscouragedme，Iprocuredeverythingrequisitetotransformthemintotwohandsomelads。
　　AsArmellinegotintothecarriageshegavemethebadnewsthatScholasticaknewnothingaboutourrelations，andthatwemustbecarefulwhatwedidbeforeher。Ihadnotimetoreply，forScholasticagotin，andwedroveofftotheinn。Whenwewereseatedinfrontofagoodfire，ItoldthemthatiftheylikedIwouldgointothenextroominspiteofthecold。
　　Sosaying，Ishewedthemtheirdisguises，andArmellinesaiditwoulddoifIturnedmyback，appealingtoScholasticstoconfirmher。
　　"Iwilldoasyoulike，"saidshe，"butIamverysorrytobeintheway。
　　Youareinlovewitheachother，andhereamIpreventingyoufromgivingoneanothermarksofyouraffection。Whydon’tyoutreatmewithconfidence？Iamnotachild，andIamyourfriend。"
　　Theseremarksshewedthatshehadplentyofcommonsense，andIbreathedagain。
　　"Youareright，fairScholastics，"Isaid，"IdoloveArmelline，butshedoesnotloveme，andrefusestomakemehappyononepretenceoranother。"
　　WiththesewordsIlefttheroom，andaftershuttingthedoorbehindmeproceededtomakeupafireinthesecondapartment。
　　InaquarterofanhourArmellineknockedatthedoor，andbeggedmetoopenit。Shewasinherbreeches，andsaidtheyneededmyassistanceastheirshoesweresosmalltheycouldnotgetthemon。
　　Iwasinratherasulkyhumour，soshethrewherarmsroundmyneckandcoveredmyfacewithkisseswhichsoonrestoredmetomyself。
　　WhileIwasexplainingthereasonofmyilltemper，andkissingwhateverIcouldsee，Scholasticaburstoutlaughing。
　　"IwassurethatIwasintheway，"saidshe；"andifyoudonottrustme，IwarnyouthatIwillnotgowithyoutotheoperato—morrow。"
　　"Well，then，embracehim，"saidArmelline。
　　"Withallmyheart。"
　　IdidnotmuchcareforArmelline’sgenerosity，butIembracedScholasticaaswarmlyasshedeserved。IndeedIwouldhavedonesoifshehadbeenlesspretty，forsuchkindlyconsiderationdeservedareward。IevenkissedhermoreardentlythanIneedhavedone，withtheideaofpunishingArmelline，butImadeamistake。Shewasdelighted，andkissedherfriendaffectionatelyasifingratitude。
　　Imadethemsitdown，andtriedtopullontheirshoes，butIsoonfoundthattheyweremuchtoosmall，andthatwemustgetsomemore。
　　Icalledthewaiterwhoattendedtous，andtoldhimtogoandfetchabootmakerwithanassortmentofshoes。
　　InthemeanwhileIwouldnotbecontentedwithmerelykissingArmelline。
　　Sheneitherdaredtograntnortorefuse；andasiftorelieveherselfofanyresponsibility，madeScholasticasubmittoallthecaressesI
　　lavishedonher。ThelattersecondedmyeffortswithanardourthatwouldhavepleasedmeexceedinglyifIhadbeeninlovewithher。
　　Shewasexceedinglybeautiful，andherfeatureswereasperfectlychiselledasArmelline’s，butArmellinewaspossessedofadelicateandsubtlecharmoffeaturepeculiartoherself。
　　Ilikedtheamusementwellenough，buttherewasadropofbitternessinallmyenjoyment。IthoughtitwasplainthatArmellinedidnotloveme，andthatScholasticaonlyencouragedmetoencourageherfriend。
　　AtlastIcametotheconclusionthatIshoulddowelltoattachmyselftotheonewhoseemedlikelytogivemethecompletestsatisfaction。
　　AssoonasIconceivedthisideaIfeltcurioustoseewhetherArmellinewoulddiscoveranyjealousyifIshewedmyselfreallyinlovewithScholastica，andifthelatterpronouncedmetobetoodaring，forhithertomyhandshadnotcrossedtheRubiconoftheirwaistbands。Iwasjustgoingtoworkwhentheshoemakerarrived，andinafewminutesthegirlswerewellfitted。
　　Theyputontheircoats，andIsawtwohandsomeyoungmenbeforeme，whiletheirfigureshintedtheirsexsufficientlytomakeathirdpersonjealousofmygoodfortune。
　　Igaveordersforsuppertobereadyatmidnight，andwewenttotheball。Iwouldhavewageredahundredtoonethatnoonewouldrecognizemethere，asthemanwhogottheticketshadassuredmethatitwasagatheringofsmalltradesmen。Butwhocantrusttofateorchance？
　　Wewentintothehall，andthefirstpersonIsawwastheMarchionessd’Aout，withherhusbandandherinseparableabbe。
　　NodoubtIturnedathousandcolours，butitwasnogoodgoingback，forthemarchionesshadrecognizedme，soIcomposedmyselfandwentuptoher。Weexchangedtheusualcomplimentsofpolitesociety，towhichsheaddedsomegood—naturedthoughironicalremarksonmytwoyoungfriends。
　　Notbeingaccustomedtocompany，theyremainedconfusedandspeechless。
　　Buttheworstofallwastocome。AtallyoungladywhohadjustfinishedaminuetcameuptoArmelline，droppedacurtsy，andaskedhertodance。
　　InthisyoungladyIrecognizedtheFlorentinewhohaddisguisedhimselfasagirl，andlookedaverybeautifulone。
　　Armellinethoughtshewouldnotappearadupe，andsaidsherecognizedhim。
　　"Youaremakingamistake，"saidhe，calmly。"Ihaveabrotherwhoisverylikeme，justasyouhaveasisterwhoisyourlivingportrait。MybrotherhadthepleasureofexchangingafewwordswithherattheCapronica。"TheFlorentine’sclevernessmadethemarchionesslaugh，andIhadtojoininhermirth，thoughIfeltlittleinclinationtodoso。
　　Armellinebeggedtobeexcuseddancing，sothemarchionessmadehersitbetweenthehandsomeFlorentineandherself。ThemarquistookpossessionofScholastica，andIhadtobeattentivetothemarchionesswithoutseemingtobeawareoftheexistenceofArmelline，towhomtheFlorentinewastalkingearnestly。
　　Ifeltasjealousasatiger；andhavingtoconcealmyrageunderanairofperfectsatisfaction，thereadermayimaginehowwellIenjoyedtheball。
　　However，therewasmoreanxietyinstoreforme；forpresentlyInoticedScholasticaleavethemarquis，andgoapartwithamiddle—agedman，withwhomsheconversedinanintimatemanner。
　　Theminuetsover，thesquaredancesbegan，andIthoughtIwasdreamingwhenIsawArmellineandtheFlorentinetakingtheirplaces。
　　Icameuptocongratulatethem，andaskedArmelline，gently，ifshewassureofthesteps。
　　"ThisgentlemansaysIhaveonlytoimitatehim，andthatIcannotpossiblymakeanymistakes。"
　　Ihadnothingtosaytothis，soIwenttowardsScholastica，feelingverycurioustoknowwhowashercompanion。
　　Assoonasshesawmesheintroducedmetohim，sayingtimidlythatthiswasthenephewofwhomshehadspoken，thesamethatwishedtomarryher。
　　Iwassurprised，butIdidnotletitappear。Itoldhimthatthesuperioresshadspokenofhimtome，andthatIwasthinkingoverthewaysandmeansofobtainingadispensationwithoutanycosts。
　　Hewasanhonest—lookingman，andthankedmeheartily，commendinghimselftomygoodoffices，ashesaidhewasfarfromrich。
　　Ileftthemtogether，andonturningtoviewthedanceIwasastonishedtoseethatArmellinewasdancingadmirably，andexecutingallthefigures。TheFlorentineseemedafinisheddancer，andtheybothlookedveryhappy。
　　Iwasfarfrompleased，butIcongratulatedthembothontheirperformance。TheFlorentinehaddisguisedhimselfsoadmirablythatnoonewouldhavetakenhimforaman。ItwastheMarchionessd’Aoutwhohadbeenhisdresser。
　　AsIwastoojealoustoleaveArmellinetoherowndevices，Irefusedtodance，preferringtowatchher。
　　IwasnotatalluneasyaboutScholastica，whowaswithherbetrothed。
　　Abouthalf—pasteleventheMarchionessd’Aout，whowasdelightedwithArmelline，andpossiblyhadherprotege’shappinessinview，askedme，inatonethatamountedtoacommand，tosupwithherincompanywithmytwocompanions。
　　"Icannothavethehonour，"Ireplied，"andmytwocompanionsknowthereason。"
　　"Thatisasmuchastosay，"saidthemarchioness，"thathewilldoasyouplease，"turningtoArmellineasshespoke。
　　IaddressedmyselftoArmelline，andobservedsmilinglythatsheknewperfectlywellthatshemustbehomebyhalf—pasttwelveatlatest。
　　"True，"shereplied，"butyoucandoasyouplease。"
　　IrepliedsomewhatsadlythatIdidnotfeelmyselfatlibertytobreakmyword，butthatshecouldmakemedoeventhatifshechose。
　　Thereuponthemarchioness，herhusband，theabbe，andtheFlorentine，urgedhertouseherpowertomakemebreakmysupposedword，andArmellineactuallybegantopresumetodoso。
　　Iwasburstingwithrage；butmakingupmymindtodoanythingratherthanappearjealous，IsaidsimplythatIwouldgladlyconsentifherfriendwouldconsentalso。
　　"Verywell，"saidshe，withapleasedairthatcutmetothequick，"goandaskher。"
　　Thatwasenoughforme。IwenttoScholasticaandtoldherthecircumstancesinthepresenceofherlover，begginghertorefusewithoutcompromisingme。
　　HerloversaidIwasperfectlyright，butScholasticarequirednopersuasion，tellingmethatshehadquitemadeuphermindnottosupwithanyone。
　　Shecamewithme，andItoldhertospeaktoArmellineapartbeforesayinganythingtotheothers。
　　IledScholasticabeforethemarchioness，bewailingmywantofsuccess。
　　ScholasticatoldArmellinethatshewantedtosayafewwordstoheraside，andafterashortconversationtheycamebacklookingsorry，andArmellinetoldthemarchionessthatshefounditwouldbeimpossibleforthemtocome。Theladydidnotpressusanylonger，sowewentaway。
　　ItoldScholastica’sintendedtokeepwhathadpassedtohimself，andaskedhimtodinewithmeonthedayafterAshWednesday。
　　Thenightwasdark，andwewalkedtotheplacewhereIhadorderedthecarriagetobeinwaiting。
　　TomeitwasasifIhadcomeoutofhell，andonthewaytotheinnI
　　didnotspeakaword，notevenansweringthequestionswhichthetoo—
　　simpleArmellineaddressedtomeinavoicethatwouldhavesoftenedaheartofstone。Scholasticaavengedmebyreproachingherforhavingobligedmetoappeareitherrudeorjealous，orabreakerofmyword。
　　WhenwegottotheinnArmellinechangedmyjealousrageintopity；hereyesswamwithtears，whichScholastica’shometruthshaddrawnforth。
　　Thesupperwasready，sotheyhadnotimetochangetheirdress。Iwassadenough，butIcouldnotbeartoseeArmellinesadalso。Iresolvedtodomybesttodriveawayhermelancholy，eventhoughIsuspectedthatitarosefromloveoftheFlorentine。
　　Thesupperwasexcellent，andScholasticadidhonourtoit，whileArmelline，contrarytoherwont，scarcelytouchedathing。Scholasticawascharming。Sheembracedherfriend，andtoldhertobemerrywithher，asIhadbecomethefriendofherbetrothed，andshewassureI
　　woulddoasmuchforherasIhaddoneforEmilie。Sheblessedtheballandthechancewhichhadbroughthimthere。Inshort，shedidherbesttoshewArmellinethatwithmyloveshehadnoreasontobesad。
　　Armellinedarednotdisclosethetruecauseofhersadness。Thefactwas，thatshewantedtogetmarried，andthehandsomeFlorentinewasthemantoherliking。
　　Oursuppercametoanend，andstillArmellinewasgloomy。Sheonlydrankoneglassofpunch，andasshehadeatensolittleIwouldnottryandmakeherdrinkmoreforfearlestitshoulddoherharm。
　　Scholastica，ontheotherhand，tooksuchafancytothisagreeablefluid，whichshetastedforthefirsttime，thatshedrankdeeply，andwasamazedtofinditmountingtoherheadinsteadofdescendingtoherstomach。Inthispleasantstate，shefeltitwasherdutytoreconcileArmellineandmyself，andtoassureusthatwemightbeastenderaswelikedwithoutmindingherpresence。
　　Gettingupfromtableandstandingwithsomedifficulty，shecarriedherfriendtothesofa，andcaressedherinsuchawaythatArmellinecouldnothelplaughing，despitehersadness。Thenshecalledmeandplacedherinmyarms。Icaressedher，andArmelline，thoughshedidnotrepulseme，didnotrespondasScholasticahadhoped。Iwasnotdisappointed；IdidnotthinkitlikelyshewouldgrantnowwhatshehadrefusedtograntwhenIhadheldherinmyarmsforthosehourswhilstEmiliewasfastasleep。
　　However，Scholasticabegantoreproachmewithmycoldness，thoughI
　　deservednoblameatallonthisscore。
　　Itoldthemtotakeofftheirmen’sclothes，andtodressthemselvesaswomen。
　　IhelpedScholasticatotakeoffhercoatandwaistcoat，andthenaidedArmellineinasimilarmanner。
　　WhenIbroughtthemtheirchemises，Armellinetoldmetogoandstandbythefire，andIdidso。
　　Beforelonganoiseofkissingmademeturnround，andIsawScholastica，onwhomthepunchhadtakeneffect，devouringArmelline’sbreastwithkisses。Atlastthistreatmenthadthedesiredresult；Armellinebecamegay，andgaveasgoodasshegot。
　　Atthissightthebloodboiledinmyveins，andrunningtothemIfoundScholasticwasnotillpleasedthatIshoulddojusticetoherbeautifulspheres，whileforthenonceItransformedherintoanurse。
　　Armellinewasashamedtoappearlessgenerousthanherfriend，andScholasticawastriumphantwhenshesawthepeculiarusetowhich（forthefirsttime）IputArmelline’shands。
　　Armellinecalledtoherfriendtohelp，andshewasnotbackward；butinspiteofhertwentyyearsherastonishmentatthecatastrophewasgreat。
　　AfteritwasoverIputontheirchemisesandtookofftheirbreecheswithallthedecencyimaginable，andafterspendingafewminutesinthenextroomtheycameandsatdownonmykneeoftheirownaccord。
　　Scholastica，insteadofbeingannoyedatmygivingthepreferencetothehiddencharmsofArmelline，seemeddelighted，watchingwhatIdid，andhowArmellinetookit，withtheclosestattention。Shenodoubtlongedtoseemeperformthemagnumopus，butthegentleArmellinewouldnotallowmetogosofar。
　　AfterIhadfinishedwithArmellineIrecollectedIhaddutiestowardsScholastica，andIproceededtoinspecthercharms。
　　Itwasdifficulttodecidewhichofthetwodeservedtocarryofftheapple。Scholastica，perhaps，wasstrictlyspeakingthemorebeautifulofthetwo，butIlovedArmelline，andlovecastsaglamouroverthebelovedobject。ScholasticaappearedtometobeaspureavirginasArmelline，andIsawthatImightdowhatIlikedwithher。ButIwouldnotabusemyliberty，notcaringtoconfesshowpowerfulanallythepunchhadbeen。
　　However，Ididallinmypowertogiveherpleasurewithoutgivingherthegreatestpleasureofall。Scholastica，wasgluttedwithvoluptuousenjoyment，andwascertainthatIhadonlyeludedherdesiresfrommotivesofdelicacy。
　　Itookthembacktotheconvent，assuringthemthatIwouldtakethemtotheoperaonthefollowingevening。
　　Iwenttobed，doubtfulwhetherIhadgainedavictoryorsustainedadefeat；anditwasnottillIawokethatIwasinapositiontogiveadecidedopinion。
　　[Thereishereaconsiderablehiatusintheauthorsmanuscript。]
　　EndFlorencetoTriesteByJacquesCasanovaMEMOIRSOFJACQUESCASANOVAdeSEINGALT1725—1798
　　SPANISHPASSIONS，Volume6d——FLORENCETOTRIESTE
　　THEMEMOIRSOFJACQUESCASANOVADESEINGALT
　　THERAREUNABRIDGEDLONDONEDITIONOF1894TRANSLATEDBYARTHURMACHENTO
　　WHICHHASBEENADDEDTHECHAPTERSDISCOVEREDBYARTHURSYMONS。
　　FLORENCEtoTRIESTE
　　CHAPTERXVIII
　　MadameDenis——Dedini——Zanovitch——Zen——IAmObligedtoLeave——IArriveatBologna——GeneralAlbergatiWithoutspeakingatanylengthIaskedtheyounggrandduketogivemeanasyluminhisdominionsforaslongasImightcaretostay。I
　　anticipatedanyquestionshemighthaveaskedbytellinghimthereasonswhichhadmademeanexilefrommynativeland。
　　"Astomynecessities，"Iadded，"Ishallaskforhelpofnoone；Ihavesufficientfundstoensuremyindependence。Ithinkofdevotingthewholeofmytimetostudy。"
　　"Solongasyourconductisgood，"hereplied，"thelawsguaranteeyourfreedom；butIamgladyouhaveappliedtome。WhomdoyouknowinFlorence？"
　　"Tenyearsago，mylord，Ihadsomedistinuishedacquaintanceshere；butnowIproposetoliveinretirement，anddonotintendrenewinganyoldfriendships。"
　　Suchwasmyconversationwiththeyoungsovereign，andafterhisassurancesIconcludedthatnoonewouldmolestme。
　　MyadventuresinTuscanytheyearsbeforewereinallprobabilityforgotten，oralmostforgotten，asthenewGovernmenthadnothingincommonwiththeold。
　　AftermyinterviewwiththegranddukeIwenttoabookseller’sshopandorderedsomebooks。Agentlemanintheshop，hearingmemakingenquiriesaboutGreekworks，accostedme，andwegotonwelltogether。ItoldhimIwasworkingatatranslationofthe"Iliad，"andinreturnheinformedmethathewasmakingacollectionofGreekepigrams，whichhewishedtopublishinGreekandItalian。ItoldhimIshouldliketoseethiswork，whereuponheaskedmewhereIlived。Itoldhim，learnthisnameandaddress，andcalledonhimthenextday。Hereturnedthevisit，andwebecamefastfriends，thoughwenevereitherwalkedoratetogether。
　　ThisworthyFlorentinewasnamed（orisnamed，ifhebestillalive）
　　EverarddeMedici。
　　IwasverycomfortablewithAllegranti；Ihadthequietsonecessarytoliterarylabours，butneverthelessImadeupmymindtochangemylodging。Magdalena，mylandlord’sniece，wassocleverandcharming，thoughbutachild，thatshecontinuallydisturbedmystudies。Shecameintomyroom，wishedmegoodday，askedmewhatkindofanightIhadspent，ifIwantedanything，andthesightofhergraceandbeautyandthesoundofhervoicesoravishedme，thatIdeterminedtoseeksafetyinflight。
　　AfewyearslaterMagdalenabecameafamousmusician。
　　AfterleavingAllegrantiItookroomsinatradesman’shouse；hiswifewasugly，andhehadnoprettydaughtersorseductivenieces。ThereI
　　livedforthreeweekslikeLafontaine’srat，verydiscreetly。
　　Aboutthesametime，CountStraticoarrivedatFlorencewithhispupil，theChevalierMorosini，whowastheneighteen。IcouldnotavoidcallingonStratico。Hehadbrokenhislegsometimebeforeandwasstillunabletogooutwithhispupil，whohadallthevicesandnoneofthevirtuesofyouth。Consequently，Straticowasalwaysafraidofsomethinghappeningtohim，andhebeggedmetomakemyselfhiscompanion，andeventosharehispleasures，sothathemightnotgointobadcompanyanddangeroushousesaloneandundefended。
　　Thusmydaysofcalmstudyvanishedaway。Ihadtopartakeinthedebaucheryofayoungrake，andalloutofpuresensibility。
　　TheChevalierMorosiniwasathorough—pacedprofligate。Hehatedliterature，goodsociety，andthecompanyofsensiblepeople。Hisdailypleasureswerefuriousriding，harddrinking，andharddissipationwithprostitutes，whomhesometimesalmostkilled。
　　Thisyoungnoblemanpaidamanforthesoleserviceofgettinghimawomanoragirleveryday。
　　DuringthetwomonthswhichhepassedinFlorenceIsavedhislifeascoreoftimes。Igotverytiredofmyduty，butIfeltboundtopersevere。
　　Hewasliberaltothevergeofrecklessness，andwouldneverallowmetopayforanything。Evenhere，however，disputesoftenarosebetweenus；
　　ashepaid，hewantedmetoeat，drink，anddissipateinthesamemeasuresashimself。However，Ihadmyownwayonmostoccasions，onlygivinginwhenitsuitedmetodoso。
　　WewenttoseetheoperaatLucca，anddroughttwoofthedancershometosupper。Asthechevalierwasdrunkasusual，hetreatedthewomanhehadchosen——asuperbcreature——veryindifferently。Theotherwasprettyenough，butIhaddonenothingseriouswithher，soIproceededtoavengethebeauty。Shetookmeforthechevalier’sfather，andadvisedmetogivehimabettereducation。
　　AfterthechevalierwasgoneIbetookmyselftomystudiesagain，butI
　　suppedeverynightwithMadameDenis，whohadformerlybeenadancerintheKingofPrussia’sservice，andhadretiredtoFlorence。
　　Shewasaboutmyage，andthereforenotyoung，butstillshehadsufficientremainsofherbeautytoinspireatenderpassion；shedidnotlookmorethanthirty。Shewasasfreshasayounggirl，hadexcellentmanners，andwasextremelyintelligent。Besidesalltheseadvantages，shehadacomfortableapartmentonthefirstfloorofoneofthelargestcafesinFlorence。Infrontofherroomwasabalconywhereitwasdelicioustositandenjoythecooloftheevening。
　　ThereadermayrememberhowIhadbecomeherfriendatBerlinin1764，andwhenwemetagainatFlorenceouroldflameswererekindled。
　　ThechiefboarderinthehousewhereshelivedwasMadameBrigonzi，whomIhadmetatMemel。Thislady，whopretendedthatshehadbeenmymistresstwenty—fiveyearsbefore，oftencameintoMadameDenis’sroomswithanoldloverofhersnamedMarquisCapponi。
　　Hewasanagreeableandwell—educatedman；andnoticingthatheseemedtoenjoymyconversationIcalledonhim，andhecalledonme，leavinghiscardasIwasnotathome。
　　Ireturnedthevisit，andheintroducedmetohisfamilyandinvitedmetodinner。ForthefirsttimesinceIhadcometoFlorenceIdressedmyselfwitheleganceandworemyjewels。
　　AttheMarquisCapponi’sImadetheacquaintanceofCorilla’slover，theMarquisGennori，whotookmetoahousewhereImetmyfate。IfellinlovewithMadameayoungwidow，whohadbeenspendingafewmonthsinParis。Thisvisithadaddedtoherotherattractionsthecharmofagoodmanner，whichalwayscountsforsomuch。
　　ThisunhappylovemadethethreemonthslongerwhichIspentinFlorencepainfultome。
　　ItwasatthebeginningofOctober，andaboutthattimeCountMediniarrivedatFlorencewithoutapennyinhispocket，andwithoutbeingabletopayhisvetturino，whohadarrestedhim。
　　Thewretchedman，whoseemedtofollowmewhereverIwent，hadtakenuphisabodeinthehouseofapoorIrishman。
　　IdonotknowhowMedinifoundoutthatIwasatFlorence，buthewrotemealetterbeggingmetocomeanddeliverhimfromthepolice，whobesiegedhisroomandtalkedoftakinghimtoprison。Hesaidheonlywantedmetogobailforhim，andprotestedthatIshouldnotrunanyrisk，ashewassureofbeingabletopayinafewdays。
　　MyreaderswillbeawarethatIhadgoodreasonfornotlikingMedini，butinspiteofourquarrelIcouldnotdespisehisentreaty。Ievenfeltinclinedtobecomehissurety，ifhecouldprovehiscapabilityofpayingthesumforwhichhehadbeenarrested。Iimaginedthatthesummustbeasmallone，andcouldnotunderstandwhythelandlorddidnotanswerforhim。Mysurpriseceased，however，whenIenteredhisroom。
　　AssoonasIappearedherantoembraceme，beggingmetoforgetthepast，andtoextracthimfromthepainfulpositioninwhichhefoundhimself。
　　Icastarapidglanceovertheroom，andsawthreetrunksalmostempty，theircontentsbeingscatteredaboutthefloor。Therewashismistress，whomIknew，andwhohadherreasonsfornotlikingme；heryoungsister，whowept；andhermother，whoswore，andcalledMediniarogue，sayingthatshewouldcomplainofhimtothemagistrate，andthatshewasnotgoingtoallowherdressesandherdaughter’sdressestobeseizedforhisdebts。
　　Iaskedthelandlordwhyhedidnotgobail，ashehadthesepersonsandtheireffectsassecurity。
　　"Thewholelot，"heanswered，"won’tpaythevetturino，andthesoonertheyareoutofmyhousethebetterIshallbepleased。"
　　Iwasastonished，andcouldnotunderstandhowthebillcouldamounttomorethanthevalueofalltheclothesIsawonthefloor，soIaskedthevetturinototellmetheextentofthedebt。
　　HegavemeapaperwithMedini’ssignature；theamountwastwohundredandfortycrowns。
　　"Howintheworld，"Iexclaimed，"couldhecontractthisenormousdebt？"
　　Iwonderednolongerwhenthevetturinotoldmethathehadservedthemforthelastsixweeks，havingconductedthecountandthethreewomenfromRometoLeghorn，andfromLeghorntoPisa，andfromPisatoFlorence，payingfortheirboardalltheway。
　　"Thevetturinowillnevertakemeasbailforsuchanamount，"IsaidtoMedini，"andevenifhewouldIshouldneverbesofoolishastocontractsuchadebt。"
　　"Letmehaveawordwithyouinthenextroom，"saidhe；"Iwillputthematterclearlybeforeyou。"
　　"Certainly。"
　　Twoofthepolicewouldhavepreventedhisgoingintothenextroom，onthepleathathemightescapethroughthewindow，butIsaidIwouldbeanswerableforhim。
　　Justthenthepoorvetturinocameinandkissedmyhand，sayingthatifI
　　wouldgobailforthecounthewouldletmehavethreemonthswhereintofindthemoney。
　　AsithappeneditwasthesamemanwhohadtakenmetoRomewiththeEnglishwomanwhohadbeenseducedbytheactorl’Etoile。Itoldhimtowaitamoment。
　　Mediniwhowasagreattalkerandadreadfulliarthoughttopersuademebyshewingmeanumberofopenletters，commendinghiminpompoustermstothebesthousesinFlorence。Ireadtheletters，butIfoundnomentionofmoneyinthem，andItoldhimasmuch。
　　"Iknow，"saidhe，"butthereisplaygoingoninthesehouses，andIamsureofgainingimmensesums。"
　　"YoumaybeawarethatIhavenoconfidenceinyourgoodluck。"
　　"ThenIhaveanotherresource。"
　　"Whatisthat？"
　　Heshewedmeabundleofmanuscript，whichIfoundtobeanexcellenttranslationofVoltaire’s"Henriade"intoItalianverse。Tassohimselfcouldnothavedoneitbetter。HesaidhehopedtofinishthepoematFlorence，andtopresentittothegrandduke，whowouldbesuretomakehimamagnificentpresent，andtoconstitutehimhisfavourite。
　　Iwouldnotundeceivehim，butIlaughedtomyself，knowingthatthegranddukeonlymadeapretenceoflovingliterature。AcertainAbbeFontaine，acleverman，amusedhimwithalittlenaturalhistory，theonlyscienceinwhichhetookanyinterest。Hepreferredtheworstprosetothebestverse，nothavingsufficientintellecttoenjoythesubtlecharmsofpoetry。Inrealityhehadonlytwopassions——womenandmoney。
　　AfterspendingtwowearisomehourswithMedini，whosewitwasgreatandhisjudgmentsmall，afterheartilyrepentingofhavingyieldedtomycuriosityandhavingpaidhimavisit，IsaidshortlythatIcoulddonothingforhim。Despairdrivesmencrazy；asIwasmakingforthedoor，heseizedmebythecollar。
　　Hedidnotreflectinhisdireextremitythathehadnoarms，thatIwasstrongerthanhe，thatIhadtwicedrawnhisblood，andthatthepolice，thelandlord，thevetturirco，andtheservants，wereinthenextroom。I
　　wasnotcowardenoughtocallforhelp；Icaughtholdofhisneckwithbothhandsandsqueezedhimtillhewasnearlychoked。Hehadtoletgoatlast，andthenItookholdofhiscollarandaskedhimifhehadgonemad。
　　Isenthimagainstthewall，andopenedthedoorandthepolicecamein。
　　ItoldthevetturinothatIwouldonnoaccountbeMedini’ssurety，orbeanswerableforhiminanyway。
　　JustasIwasgoingout，heleaptforwardcryingthatImustnotabandonhim。
　　Ihadopenedthedoor，andthepolice，fearinghewouldescape，ranforwardtogetholdofhim。Thenbegananinterestingbattle。Medini，whohadnoarms，andwasonlyinhisdressing—gown，proceededtodistributekicks，cuffs，andblowsamongstthefourcowards，whohadtheirswordsattheirsides，whilstIheldthedoortopreventtheIrishmangoingoutandcallingforassistance。
　　Medini，whosenosewasbleedingandhisdressalltorn，persistedinfightingtillthefourpolicemenlethimalone。Ilikedhiscourage，andpitiedhim。
　　Therewasamoment’ssilence，andIaskedhistwoliveriedservantswhowerestandingbymewhytheyhadnothelpedtheirmaster。Onesaidheowedhimsixmonths’wages，andtheothersaidhewantedtoarresthimonhisownaccount。
　　AsMediniwasendeavouringtostaunchthebloodinabasinofwater，thevetturinotoldhimthatasIrefusedtobehissuretyhemustgotoprison。
　　IwasmovedbythescenethatIhadwitnessed，andsaidtothevetturino，"Givehimafortnight’srespite，andifheescapesbeforetheexpirationofthattermIwillpayyou。"
　　Hethoughtitoverforafewmoments，andthensaid，——
　　"Verygood，sir，butIamnotgoingtopayanylegalexpenses。"
　　Ienquiredhowmuchthecostsamountedto，andpaidthem，laughingatthepolicemen’sclaimofdamagesforblowstheyhadreceived。
　　ThenthetworascallyservantssaidthatifIwouldnotbesuretyinthesamemannerontheiraccount，theywouldhaveMediniarrested。However，Medinicalledouttometopaynoattentiontothemwhatever。
　　WhenIhadgiventhevetturinohisacknowledgmentandpaidthefourorfivecrownschargedbythepolice，Medinitoldmethathehadmoretosaytome；butIturnedmybackonhim，andwenthometodinner。
　　TwohourslateroneofhisservantscametomeandpromisedifIwouldgivehimsixsequinstowarnmeifhismastermadeanypreparationsforflight。
　　Itoldhimdrilythathiszealwasuselesstome，asIwasquitesurethatthecountwouldpayallhisdebtswithintheterm；andthenextmorningIwrotetoMediniinforminghimofthestephisservanthadtaken。Herepliedwithalongletterfullofthanks，inwhichheexertedallhiseloquencetopersuademetorepairhisfortunes。Ididnotanswer。
　　However，hisgoodgenius，whostillprotectedhim，broughtapersontoFlorencewhodrewhimoutofthedifficulty。ThispersonwasPremislasZanovitch，whoafterwardsbecameasfamousashisbrotherwhocheatedtheAmsterdammerchants，andadoptedthestyleofPrinceScanderbeck。I
　　shallspeakofhimlateron。Boththesefinishedcheatscametoabadend。
　　PremislasZanovitchwasthenatthehappyageoftwenty—five；hewasthesonofagentlemanofBudua，atownonthebordersofAlbaniaandDalmatia，formerlysubjecttotheVenetianRepublicandnowtotheGrandTurk。InclassictimesitwasknownasEpirus。
　　Premislaswasayoungmanofgreatintelligence，andafterhavingstudiedatVenice，andcontractedaVenetiantasteforpleasuresandenjoymentsofallsorts，hecouldnotmakeuphismindtoreturntoBudua，wherehisonlyassociateswouldbedullSclavs——uneducated，unintellectual，coarse，andbrutish。Consequently，whenPremislasandhisstillmoretalentedbrotherStephenwereorderedbytheCouncilofTentoenjoythevastsumstheyhadgainedatplayintheirowncountry，theyresolvedtobecomeadventurers。OnetookthenorthandtheotherthesouthofEurope，andbothcheatedanddupedwhenevertheopportunityfordoingsopresenteditself。
　　IhadseenPremislaswhenhewasachild，andhadalreadyheardreportsofanotableachievementofhis。AtNapleshehadcheatedtheChevalierdeMorosinibypersuadinghimtobecomehissuretytotheextentofsixthousandducats，andnowhearrivedinFlorenceinahandsomecarriage，bringinghismistresswithhim，andhavingtwotalllackeysandavaletinhisservice。
　　Hetookgoodapartments，hiredacarriage，rentedaboxattheopera，hadaskilledcook，andgavehismistressalady—in—waiting。Hethenshewedhimselfatthebestclub，richlydressed，andcoveredwithjewellery。HeintroducedhimselfunderthenameofCountPremislasZanovitch。
　　ThereisaclubinFlorencedevotedtotheuseofthenobility。Anystrangercangotherewithoutbeingintroduced，butsomuchtheworseforhimifhisappearancefailstoindicatehisrighttobepresent。TheFlorentinesareicetowardshim，leavehimalone，andbehaveinsuchamannerthatthevisitisseldomrepeated。Theclubisatoncedecentandlicentious，thepapersaretobereadthere，gamesofallkindsareplayed，foodanddrinkmaybehad，andevenloveisavailable，forladiesfrequenttheclub。
　　Zanovitchdidnotwaittobespokento，butmadehimselfagreeabletoeveryone，andcongratulatedhimselfonmixinginsuchdistinguishedcompany，talkedaboutNapleswhichhehadjustleft，broughtinhisownnamewithgreatadroitness，playedhigh，lostmerrily，paidafterpretendingtoforgetallabouthisdebts，andinshortpleasedeveryone。
　　IheardallthisthenextdayfromtheMarquisCapponi，whosaidthatsomeonehadaskedhimifheknewme，whereatheansweredthatwhenIleftVenicehewasatcollege，butthathehadoftenheardhisfatherspeakofmeinveryhighterms。HeknewboththeChevalierMorosiniandCountMedini，andhadagooddealtosayinpraiseofthelatter。ThemarquisaskedmeifIknewhim，andIrepliedintheaffirmative，withoutfeelingitmydutytodisclosecertaincircumstanceswhichmightnothavebeenadvantageoustohim；andasMadameDenisseemedcurioustomakehisacquaintancetheChevalierPuzzipromisedtobringhimtoseeher，whichhedidinthecourseofafewdays。
　　IhappenedtobewithMadameDeniswhenPuzzipresentedZanovitch，andI
　　sawbeforemeafine—lookingyoungmen，whoseemedbyhisconfidentmannertobesureofsuccessinallhisundertakings。Hewasnotexactlyhandsome，buthehadaperfectmannerandanairofgaietywhichseemedinfectious，withathoroughknowledgeofthelawsofgoodsociety。Hewasbynomeansanegotist，andseemedneveratalossforsomethingtotalkabout。Iledtheconversationtothesubjectofhiscountry，andhegavemeanamusingdescriptionofit，talkingofhisfief—partofwhichwaswithinthedomainsofthesultan—asaplacewheregaietywasunknown，andwherethemostdeterminedmisanthropewoulddieofmelancholy。
　　Assoonasheheardmynamehebeganspeakingtomeinatoneofthemostdelicateflattery。Isawthemakingsofagreatadventurerinhim，butI
　　thoughthisluxurywouldprovetheweakpointinhiscuirass。IthoughthimsomethinglikewhatIhadbeenfifteenyearsago，butasitseemedunlikelythathehadmyresourcesIcouldnothelppityinghim。
　　Zanovitchpaidmeavisit，andtoldmethatMedini’spositionhadexcitedhispity，andthathehadthereforepaidhisdebts。
　　Iapplaudedhisgenerosity，butIformedtheconclusionthattheyhadlaidsomeplotbetweenthem，andthatIshouldsoonhearoftheresultsofthisnewalliance。
　　IreturnedZanovitch’scallthenextday。Hewasattablewithhismistress，whomIshouldnothaverecognizedifshehadnotpronouncedmynamedirectlyshesawme。
　　AsshehadaddressedmeasDonGiacomo，IcalledherDonnaIppolita，butinavoicewhichindicatedthatIwasnotcertainofheridentity。ShetoldmeIwasquiteright。
　　IhadsuppedwithheratNaplesincompanywithLordBaltimore，andshewasveryprettythen。
　　Zanovitchaskedmetodinewithhimthefollowingday，andIshouldhavethankedhimandbeggedtobeexcusedifDonnaIppolitahadnotpressedmetocome。SheassuredmethatIshouldfindgoodcompanythere，andthatthecookwouldexcelhimself。
　　Ifeltrathercurioustoseethecompany，andwiththeideaofshewingZanovitchthatIwasnotlikelytobecomeachargeonhispurse，I
　　dressedmyselfmagnificentlyoncemore。