ImadeupmymindtogotoTreviso，fifteenmilesdistantfromVenice，topawntheringattheMont—de—piete，whichtherelendsmoneyuponvaluablesattherateoffivepercent。ThatusefulestablishmentdoesnotexistinVenice，wheretheJewshavealwaysmanagedtokeepthemonopolyintheirhands。
　　Igotupearlyonemorning，andwalkedtotheendofthecanaleregio，intendingtoengageagondolatotakemeasfarasMestra，whereIcouldtakeposthorses，reachTrevisoinlessthantwohours，pledgemydiamondring，andreturntoVenicethesameevening。
　　AsIpassedalongSt。Job’sQuay，Isawinatwo—oaredgondolaacountrygirlbeautifullydressed。Istoppedtolookather；thegondoliers，supposingthatIwantedanopportunityofreachingMestraatacheaprate，rowedbacktotheshore。
　　Observingthelovelyfaceoftheyounggirl，Idonothesitate，butjumpintothegondola，andpaydoublefare，onconditionthatnomorepassengersaretaken。Anelderlypriestwasseatedneartheyounggirl，herisestoletmetakehisplace，butIpolitelyinsistuponhiskeepingit。
　　CHAPTERXIX
　　IFallinLovewithChristine，andFindaHusbandWorthyofHer——
　　Christine’sWedding"Thosegondoliers，"saidtheelderlypriest，addressingmeinordertobegintheconversation，"areveryfortunate。TheytookusupattheRialtoforthirtysoldi，onconditionthattheywouldbeallowedtoembarkotherpassengers，andhereisonealready；theywillcertainlyfindmore。"
　　"WhenIaminagondola，reverendsir，thereisnoroomleftforanymorepassengers。"
　　Sosaying，Igivefortymoresolditothegondoliers，who，highlypleasedwithmygenerosity，thankmeandcallmeexcellency。Thegoodpriest，acceptingthattitleastrulybelongingtome，entreatsmypardonfornothavingaddressedmeassuch。
　　"IamnotaVenetiannobleman，reverendsir，andIhavenorighttothetitleofExcellenza。"
　　"Ah！"saystheyounglady，"Iamverygladofit。"
　　"Whyso，signora？"
　　"BecausewhenIfindmyselfnearanoblemanIamafraid。ButI
　　supposethatyouareanillustrissimo。"
　　"Noteventhat，signora；Iamonlyanadvocate’sclerk。"
　　"Somuchthebetter，forIliketobeinthecompanyofpersonswhodonotthinkthemselvesaboveme。Myfatherwasafarmer，brotherofmyunclehere，rectorofP————，whereIwasbornandbred。AsIamanonlydaughterIinheritedmyfather’spropertyafterhisdeath，andIshalllikewisebeheiresstomymother，whohasbeenillalongtimeandcannotlivemuchlonger，whichcausesmeagreatdealofsorrow；butitisthedoctorwhosaysit。Now，toreturntomysubject，Idonotsupposethatthereismuchdifferencebetweenanadvocate’sclerkandthedaughterofarichfarmer。Ionlysaysoforthesakeofsayingsomething，forIknowverywellthat，intravelling，onemustacceptallsortsofcompanions:isitnotso，uncle？"
　　"Yes，mydearChristine，andasaproofyouseethatthisgentlemanhasacceptedourcompanywithoutknowingwhoorwhatweare。"
　　"ButdoyouthinkIwouldhavecomeifIhadnotbeenattractedbythebeautyofyourlovelyniece？"
　　Atthesewordsthegoodpeopleburstoutlaughing。AsIdidnotthinkthattherewasanythingverycomicinwhatIhadsaid，Ijudgedthatmytravellingcompanionswererathersimple，andIwasnotsorrytofindthemso。
　　"Whydoyoulaughsoheartily，beautiful’demigella’？Isittoshewmeyourfineteeth？IconfessthatIhaveneverseensuchasplendidsetinVenice。"
　　"Oh！itisnotforthat，sir，althougheveryoneinVenicehaspaidmethesamecompliment。IcanassureyouthatinP————allthe’girlshaveteethasfineasmine。Isitnotafact，uncle？"
　　"Yes，mydearniece。"
　　"Iwaslaughing，sir，atathingwhichIwillnevertellyou。"
　　"Oh！tellme，Ientreatyou。"
　　"Oh！certainlynot，never。"
　　"Iwilltellyoumyself，"saysthecurate。
　　"Youwillnot，"sheexclaims，knittingherbeautifuleyebrows。"IfyoudoIwillgoaway。"
　　"Idefyyoutodoit，mydear。Doyouknowwhatshesaid，sir，whenshesawyouonthewharf？’Hereisaveryhandsomeyoungmanwhoislookingatme，andwouldnotbesorrytobewithus。’Andwhenshesawthatthegondolierswereputtingbackforyoutoembarkshewasdelighted。"
　　Whiletheunclewasspeakingtome，theindignantniecewasslappinghimontheshoulder。
　　"Whyareyouangry，lovelyChristine，atmyhearingthatyoulikedmyappearance，whenIamsogladtoletyouknowhowtrulycharmingI
　　thinkyou？"
　　"Youaregladforamoment。Oh！IknowtheVenetiansthoroughlynow。
　　Theyhavealltoldmethattheywerecharmedwithme，andnotoneofthoseIwouldhavelikedevermadeadeclarationtome。"
　　"Whatsortofdeclarationdidyouwant？"
　　"There’sonlyonesortforme，sir；thedeclarationleadingtoagoodmarriageinchurch，inthesightofallmen。YetweremainedafortnightinVenice；didwenot，uncle？"
　　"Thisgirl，"saidtheuncle，"isagoodmatch，forshepossessesthreethousandcrowns。ShehasalwayssaidthatshewouldmarryonlyaVenetian，andIhaveaccompaniedhertoVenicetogiveheranopportunityofbeingknown。Aworthywomangaveushospitalityforafortnight，andhaspresentedmynieceinseveralhouseswhereshemadetheacquaintanceofmarriageableyoungmen，butthosewhopleasedherwouldnothearofmarriage，andthosewhowouldhavebeengladtomarryherdidnottakeherfancy。"
　　"Butdoyouimagine，reverendsir，thatmarriagescanbemadelikeomelets？AfortnightinVenice，thatisnothing；yououghttolivethereatleastsixmonths。Now，forinstance，Ithinkyourniecesweetlypretty，andIshouldconsidermyselffortunateifthewifewhomGodintendsformewerelikeher，but，evenifsheofferedmenowadowryoffiftythousandcrownsonconditionthatourweddingtakesplaceimmediately，Iwouldrefuseher。Aprudentyoungmanwantstoknowthecharacterofagirlbeforehemarriesher，foritisneithermoneynorbeautywhichcanensurehappinessinmarriedlife。"
　　"Whatdoyoumeanbycharacter？"askedChristine；"isitabeautifulhand—writing？"
　　"No，mydear。Imeanthequalitiesofthemindandtheheart。I
　　shallmostlikelygetmarriedsometime，andIhavebeenlookingforawifeforthelastthreeyears，butIamstilllookinginvain。I
　　haveknownseveralyounggirlsalmostaslovelyasyouare，andallwithagoodmarriageportion，butafteranacquaintanceoftwoorthreemonthsIfoundoutthattheycouldnotmakemehappy。"
　　"Inwhatweretheydeficient？"
　　"Well，Iwilltellyou，becauseyouarenotacquaintedwiththem，andtherecanbenoindiscretiononmypart。OnewhomIcertainlywouldhavemarried，forIlovedherdearly，wasextremelyvain。Shewouldhaveruinedmeinfashionableclothesandbyherloveforluxuries。
　　Fancy！shewasinthehabitofpayingonesequineverymonthtothehair—dresser，andasmuchatleastforpomatumandperfumes。"
　　"Shewasagiddy，foolishgirl。Now，IspendonlytensoldiinoneyearonwaxwhichImixwithgoat’sgrease，andthereIhaveanexcellentpomatum。"
　　"Another，whomIwouldhavemarriedtwoyearsago，labouredunderadiseasewhichwouldhavemademeunhappy；assoonasIknewofit，I
　　ceasedmyvisits。"
　　"Whatdiseasewasit？"
　　"Adiseasewhichwouldhavepreventedherfrombeingamother，and，ifIgetmarried，Iwishtohavechildren。"
　　"AllthatisinGod’shands，butIknowthatmyhealthisexcellent。
　　Isitnot，uncle？"
　　"Anotherwastoodevout，andthatdoesnotsuitme。Shewassoover—
　　scrupulousthatshewasinthehabitofgoingtoherconfessortwiceaweek，andeverytimeherconfessionlastedatleastonehour。I
　　wantmywifetobeagoodChristian，butnotbigoted。"
　　"Shemusthavebeenagreatsinner，orelseshewasveryfoolish。I
　　confessonlyonceamonth，andgetthrougheverythingintwominutes。
　　Isitnottrue，uncle？andifyouweretoaskmeanyquestions，uncle，Ishouldnotknowwhatmoretosay。"
　　"OneyoungladythoughtherselfmorelearnedthanI，althoughshewould，everyminute，uttersomeabsurdity。Anotherwasalwayslow—
　　spirited，andmywifemustbecheerful。"
　　"Harktothat，uncle！Youandmymotherarealwayschidingmeformycheerfulness。"
　　"Another，whomIdidnotcourtlong，wasalwaysafraidofbeingalonewithme，andifIgaveherakissshewouldrunandtellhermother。"
　　"Howsillyshemusthavebeen！Ihaveneveryetlistenedtoalover，forwehaveonlyrudepeasantsinP————，butIknowverywellthattherearesomethingswhichIwouldnottellmymother。"
　　"Onehadarankbreath；anotherpaintedherface，and，indeed，almosteveryyounggirlisguiltyofthatfault。Iamafraidmarriageisoutofthequestionforme，becauseIwant，forinstance，mywifetohaveblackeyes，andinourdaysalmosteverywomancoloursthembyart；butIcannotbedeceived，forIamagoodjudge。"
　　"Aremineblack？"
　　"Youarelaughing？"
　　"Ilaughbecauseyoureyescertainlyappeartobeblack，buttheyarenotsoinreality。Nevermind，youareverycharminginspiteofthat。"
　　"Now，thatisamusing。Youpretendtobeagoodjudge，yetyousaythatmyeyesaredyedblack。Myeyes，sir，whetherbeautifulorugly，arenowthesameasGodmadethem。Isitnotso，uncle？"
　　"Ineverhadanydoubtofit，mydearniece。"
　　"Andyoudonotbelieveme，sir？"
　　"No，theyaretoobeautifulformetobelievethemnatural。"
　　"Oh，dearme！Icannotbearit。"
　　"Excuseme，mylovelydamigella，IamafraidIhavebeentoosincere。"
　　Afterthatquarrelweremainedsilent。Thegoodcuratesmilednowandthen，buthisniecefounditveryhardtokeepdownhersorrow。
　　AtintervalsIstolealookatherface，andcouldseethatshewasverynearcrying。Ifeltsorry，forshewasacharminggirl。Inherhair，dressedinthefashionofwealthycountrywomen，shehadmorethanonehundredsequins’worthofgoldpinsandarrowswhichfastenedtheplaitsofherlonglocksasdarkasebony。Heavygoldear—rings，andalongchain，whichwaswoundtwentytimesroundhersnowyneck，madeafinecontrasttohercomplexion，onwhichtheliliesandtheroseswereadmirablyblended。ItwasthefirsttimethatIhadseenacountrybeautyinsuchsplendidapparel。Sixyearsbefore，LucieatPaseanhadcaptivatedme，butinadifferentmanner。
　　Christinedidnotutterasingleword，shewasindespair，forhereyesweretrulyofthegreatestbeauty，andIwascruelenoughtoattackthem。Sheevidentlyhatedme，andherangeralonekeptbackhertears。YetIwouldnotundeceiveher，forIwantedhertobringmatterstoaclimax。
　　WhenthegondolahadenteredthelongcanalofMarghera，IaskedtheclergymanwhetherhehadacarriagetogotoTreviso，throughwhichplacehehadtopasstoreachP————。
　　"Iintendedtowalk，"saidtheworthyman，"formyparishispoorandIamthesame，butIwilltrytoobtainaplaceforChristineinsomecarriagetravellingthatway。"
　　"Youwouldconferarealkindnessonmeifyouwouldbothacceptaseatinmychaise；itholdsfourpersons，andthereisplentyofroom。"
　　"Itisagoodfortunewhichwewerefarfromexpecting"
　　"Notatall，uncle；Iwillnotgowiththisgentleman。"
　　"Whynot，mydearniece？"
　　"BecauseIwillnot。"
　　"Suchistheway，"Iremarked，withoutlookingather，"thatsincerityisgenerallyrewarded。"
　　"Sincerity，sir！nothingofthesort，"sheexclaimed，angrily，"itissheerwickedness。Therecanbenotrueblackeyesnowforyouintheworld，but，asyoulikethem，Iamverygladofit。"
　　"Youaremistaken，lovelyChristine，forIhavethemeansofascertainingthetruth。"
　　"Whatmeans？"
　　"Onlytowashtheeyeswithalittlelukewarmrose—water；oriftheladycries，theartificialcolouriscertaintobewashedoff。"
　　Atthosewords，thescenechangedasifbythewandofaconjuror。
　　Thefaceofthecharminggirl，whichhadexpressednothingbutindignation，spiteanddisdain，tookanairofcontentmentandofplaciditydelightfultowitness。Shesmiledatherunclewhowasmuchpleasedwiththechangeinhercountenance，fortheofferofthecarriagehadgonetohisheart。
　　"Nowyouhadbettercryalittle，mydearniece，and’ilsignore’
　　willrenderfulljusticetoyoureyes。"
　　Christinecriedinreality，butitwasimmoderatelaughterthatmadehertearsflow。
　　Thatspeciesofnaturaloriginalitypleasedmegreatly，andasweweregoingupthestepsatthelanding—place，Iofferedhermyfullapologies；sheacceptedthecarriage。Iorderedbreakfast，andtolda’vetturino’togetaveryhandsomechaisereadywhilewehadourmeal，butthecuratesaidthathemustfirstofallgoandsayhismass。
　　"Verywell，reverendsir，wewillhearit，andyoumustsayitformyintention。"
　　Iputasilverducatinhishand。
　　"ItiswhatIaminthehabitofgiving，"Iobserved。
　　Mygenerositysurprisedhimsomuchthathewantedtokissmyhand。
　　Weproceededtowardsthechurch，andIofferedmyarmtotheniecewho，notknowingwhethersheoughttoacceptitornot，saidtome，"DoyousupposethatIcannotwalkalone？"
　　"Ihavenosuchidea，butifIdonotgiveyoumyarm，peoplewillthinkmewantinginpoliteness。"
　　"Well，Iwilltakeit。ButnowthatIhaveyourarm，whatwillpeoplethink？"
　　"Perhapsthatweloveeachotherandthatwemakeaverynicecouple。"
　　"Andifanyoneshouldinformyourmistressthatweareinlovewitheachother，oreventhatyouhavegivenyourarmtoayounggirl？"
　　"Ihavenomistress，andIshallhavenoneinfuture，becauseIcouldnotfindagirlasprettyasyouinallVenice。"
　　"Iamverysorryforyou，forwecannotgoagaintoVenice；andevenifwecould，howcouldweremaintheresixmonths？Yousaidthatsixmonthswerenecessarytoknowagirlwell。"
　　"Iwouldwillinglydefrayallyourexpenses。"
　　"Indeed？Thensaysotomyuncle，andhewillthinkitover，forI
　　couldnotgoalone。"
　　"Insixmonthsyouwouldknowmelikewise。"
　　"Oh！Iknow—youverywellalready。"
　　"Couldyouacceptamanlikeme？"
　　"Whynot？"
　　"Andwillyouloveme？"
　　"Yes，verymuch，whenyouaremyhusband。"
　　Ilookedattheyounggirlwithastonishment。Sheseemedtomeaprincessinthedisguiseofapeasantgirl。Herdress，madeof’grosdeTours’andallembroideredingold，wasveryhandsome，andcostcertainlytwiceasmuchasthefinestdressofaVenetianlady。Herbracelets，matchingtheneckchain，completedherrichtoilet。Shehadthefigureofanymph，andthenewfashionofwearingamantlenothavingyetreachedhervillage，Icouldseethemostmagnificentbosom，althoughherdresswasfasteneduptotheneck。Theendoftherichly—embroideredskirtdidnotgolowerthantheankles，whichallowedmetoadmiretheneatestlittlefootandthelowerpartofanexquisitelymouldedleg。Herfirmandeasywalk，thenaturalfreedomofallhermovements，acharminglookwhichseemedtosay，"Iamverygladthatyouthinkmepretty，"everything，inshort，causedtheardentfireofamorousdesirestocirculatethroughmyveins。I
　　couldnotconceivehowsuchalovelygirlcouldhavespentafortnightinVenicewithoutfindingamantomarryortodeceiveher。
　　Iwasparticularlydelightedwithhersimple，artlesswayoftalking，whichinthecitymighthavebeentakenforsilliness。
　　Absorbedinmythoughts，andhavingresolvedinmyownmindonrenderingbrillianthomagetohercharms，Iwaitedimpatientlyfortheendofthemass。
　　AfterbreakfastIhadgreatdifficultyinconvincingthecuratethatmyseatinthecarriagewasthelastone，butIfounditeasiertopersuadehimonourarrivalinTrevisotoremainfordinnerandforsupperatasmall，unfrequentedinn，asItookalltheexpenseuponmyself。HeacceptedverywillinglywhenIaddedthatimmediatelyaftersupperacarriagewouldbeinreadinesstoconveyhimtoP————，wherehewouldarriveinanhourafterapeasantjourneybymoonlight。Hehadnothingtohurryhimon，excepthiswishtosaymassinhisownchurchthenextmorning。
　　Iorderedafireandagooddinner，andtheideastruckmethatthecuratehimselfmightpledgetheringforme，andthusgivemetheopportunityofashortinterviewwithhisniece。Iproposedittohim，sayingthatIcouldnotverywellgomyself，asIdidnotwishtobeknown。Heundertookthecommissionatonce，expressinghispleasureatdoingsomethingtoobligeme。
　　Heleftus，andIremainedalonewithChristine。Ispentanhourwithherwithouttryingtogiveherevenakiss，althoughIwasdyingtodoso，butIpreparedherhearttoburnwiththesamedesireswhichwerealreadyburninginmebythosewordswhichsoeasilyinflametheimaginationofayoung’girl。
　　Thecuratecamebackandreturnedmethering，sayingthatitcouldnotbepledgeduntilthedayafterthemorrow，inconsequenceoftheFestivaloftheHolyVirgin。Hehadspokentothecashier，whohadstatedthatifIlikedthebankwouldlenddoublethesumIhadasked。
　　"Mydearsir，"Isaid，"youwouldgreatlyobligemeifyouwouldcomebackherefromP————topledgetheringyourself。Nowthatithasbeenofferedoncebyyou，itmightlookverystrangeifitwerebroughtbyanotherperson。OfcourseIwillpayallyourexpenses。"
　　"Ipromiseyoutocomeback。"
　　Ihopedhewouldbringhisniecewithhim。
　　IwasseatedoppositetoChristineduringthedinner，anddiscoveredfreshcharmsinhereveryminute，but，fearingImightloseherconfidenceifItriedtoobtainsomeslightfavour，Imadeupmymindnottogotoworktooquickly，andtocontrivethatthecurateshouldtakeheragaintoVenice。IthoughtthatthereonlyIcouldmanagetobringloveintoplayandtogiveitthefooditrequires。
　　"Reverendsir，"Isaid，"letmeadviseyoutotakeyournieceagaintoVenice。Iundertaketodefrayallexpenses，andtofindanhonestwomanwithwhomyourChristinewillbeassafeaswithherownmother。Iwanttoknowherwellinordertomakehermywife，andifshecomestoVeniceourmarriageiscertain。"
　　"Sir，IwillbringmyniecemyselftoVeniceassoonasyouinformmethatyouhavefoundaworthywomanwithwhomIcanleaveherinsafety。"
　　WhileweweretalkingIkeptlookingatChristine，andIcouldseehersmilewithcontentment。
　　"MydearChristine，"Isaid，"withinaweekIshallhavearrangedtheaffair。Inthemeantime，Iwillwritetoyou。Ihopethatyouhavenoobjectiontocorrespondwithme。"
　　"Myunclewillwriteforme，forIhaveneverbeentaughtwriting。"
　　"What，mydearchild！youwishtobecomethewifeofaVenetian，andyoucannotwrite。"
　　"Isitthennecessarytoknowhowtowriteinordertobecomeawife？
　　Icanreadwell。"
　　"Thatisnotenough，andalthoughagirlcanbeawifeandamotherwithoutknowinghowtotraceoneletter，itisgenerallyadmittedthatayounggirloughttobeabletowrite。Iwonderyouneverlearned。"
　　"Thereisnowonderinthat，fornotonegirlinourvillagecandoit。Askmyuncle。"
　　"Itisperfectlytrue，butthereisnotonewhothinksofgettingmarriedinVenice，andasyouwishforaVenetianhusbandyoumustlearn。"
　　"Certainly，"Isaid，"andbeforeyoucometoVenice，foreverybodywouldlaughatyou，ifyoucouldnotwrite。Iseethatitmakesyousad，mydear，butitcannotbehelped。"
　　"Iamsad，becauseIcannotlearnwritinginaweek。"
　　"Iundertake，"saidheruncle，"toteachyouinafortnight，ifyouwillonlypracticediligently。Youwillthenknowenoughtobeabletoimprovebyyourownexertions。"
　　"Itisagreatundertaking，butIacceptit；Ipromiseyoutoworknightandday，andtobeginto—morrow。"
　　Afterdinner，Iadvisedthepriestnottoleavethatevening，torestduringthenight，andIobservedthat，bygoingawaybeforeday—
　　break，hewouldreachP————ingoodtime，andfeelallthebetterforit。Imadethesameproposaltohimintheevening，andwhenhesawthathisniecewassleepy，hewaseasilypersuadedtoremain。I
　　calledfortheinnkeeper，orderedacarriagefortheclergyman，anddesiredthatafiremightbelitformeinthenextroomwhereI
　　wouldsleep，butthegoodpriestsaidthatitwasunnecessary，becausethereweretwolargebedsinourroom，thatonewouldbeformeandtheotherforhimandhisniece。
　　"Weneednotundress，"headded，"aswemeantoleaveveryearly，butyoucantakeoffyourclothes，sir，becauseyouarenotgoingwithus，andyouwillliketoremaininbedto—morrowmorning。"
　　"Oh！"remarkedChristine，"Imustundressmyself，otherwiseIcouldnotsleep，butIonlywantafewminutestogetreadyinthemorning。"
　　Isaidnothing，butIwasamazed。Christinethen，lovelyandcharmingenoughtowreckthechastityofaXenocrates，wouldsleepnakedwithheruncle！True，hewasold，devout，andwithoutanyoftheideaswhichmightrendersuchapositiondangerous，yetthepriestwasaman，hehadevidentlyfeltlikeallmen，andheoughttohaveknownthedangerhewasexposinghimselfto。Mycarnal—
　　mindednesscouldnotrealizesuchastateofinnocence。Butitwastrulyinnocent，somuchsothathediditopenly，anddidnotsupposethatanyonecouldseeanythingwronginit。Isawitallplainly，butIwasnotaccustomedtosuchthings，andfeltlostinwonderment。
　　AsIadvancedinageandinexperience，Ihaveseenthesamecustomestablishedinmanycountriesamongsthonestpeoplewhosegoodmoralswereinnowaydebasedbyit，butitwasamongstgoodpeople，andI
　　donotpretendtobelongtothatworthyclass。
　　Wehadhadnomeatfordinner，andmydelicatepalatewasnotover—
　　satisfied。Iwentdowntothekitchenmyself，andItoldthelandladythatIwantedthebestthatcouldbeprocuredinTrevisoforsupper，particularlyinwines。
　　"Ifyoudonotmindtheexpense，sir，trusttome，andIundertaketopleaseyou。IwillgiveyousomeGattawine。"
　　"Allright，butletushavesupperearly。"
　　WhenIreturnedtoourroom，IfoundChristinecaressingthecheeksofherolduncle，whowaslaughing；thegoodmanwasseventy—fiveyearsold。
　　"Doyouknowwhatisthematter？"hesaidtome；"mynieceiscaressingmebecauseshewantsmetoleaveherhereuntilmyreturn。
　　Shetellsmethatyouwerelikebrotherandsisterduringthehouryouhavespentalonetogetherthismorning，andIbelieveit，butshedoesnotconsiderthatshewouldbeagreattroubletoyou。"
　　"Notatall，quitethereverse，shewillaffordmegreatpleasure，forIthinkherverycharming。Astoourmutualbehaviour，Ibelieveyoucantrustusbothtodoourduty。"
　　"Ihavenodoubtofit。Well，Iwillleaveherunderyourcareuntilthedayafterto—morrow。Iwillcomebackearlyinthemorningsoastoattendtoyourbusiness。"
　　Thisextraordinaryandunexpectedarrangementcausedthebloodtorushtomyheadwithsuchviolencethatmynosebledprofuselyforaquarterofanhour。Itdidnotfrightenme，becauseIwasusedtosuchaccidents，butthegoodpriestwasinagreatfright，thinkingthatitwasaserioushaemorrhage。
　　WhenIhadallayedhisanxiety，heleftusonsomebusinessofhisown，sayingthathewouldreturnatnight—fall。Iremainedalonewiththecharming，artlessChristine，andlostnotimeinthankingherfortheconfidencesheplacedinme。
　　"Icanassureyou，"shesaid，"thatIwishyoutohaveathoroughknowledgeofme；youwillseethatIhavenoneofthefaultswhichhavedispleasedyousomuchintheyoungladiesyouhaveknowninVenice，andIpromisetolearnwritingimmediately。"
　　"Youarecharmingandtrue；butyoumustbediscreetinP————，andconfidetonoonethatwehaveenteredintoanagreementwitheachother。Youmustactaccordingtoyouruncle’sinstructions，foritistohimthatIintendtowritetomakeallarrangements。"
　　"Youmayrelyuponmydiscretion。Iwillnotsayanythingeventomymother，untilyougivemepermissiontodoso。"
　　Ipassedtheafternoon，indenyingmyselfeventheslightestlibertieswithmylovelycompanion，butfallingeveryminutedeeperinlovewithher。ItoldherafewlovestorieswhichIveiledsufficientlynottoshockhermodesty。Shefeltinterested，andI
　　couldseethat，althoughshedidnotalwaysunderstand，shepretendedtodoso，inordernottoappearignorant。
　　Whenherunclereturned，Ihadarrangedeverythinginmymindtomakehermywife，andIresolvedonplacingher，duringherstayinVenice，inthehouseofthesamehonestwidowwithwhomIhadfoundalodgingformybeautifulCountessA————S————。
　　Wehadadelicioussupper。IhadtoteachChristinehowtoeatoystersandtruffles，whichshethensawforthefirsttime。Gattawineislikechampagne，itcausesmerrimentwithoutintoxicating，butitcannotbekeptformorethanoneyear。Wewenttobedbeforemidnight，anditwasbroaddaylightwhenIawoke。ThecuratehadlefttheroomsoquietlythatIhadnotheardhim。
　　Ilookedtowardstheotherbed，Christinewasasleep。Iwishedhergoodmorning，sheopenedhereyes，andleaningonherelbow，shesmiledsweetly。
　　"Myunclehasgone。Ididnothearhim。"
　　"DearestChristine，youareaslovelyasoneofGod’sangels。Ihaveagreatlongingtogiveyouakiss。"
　　"Ifyoulongforakiss，mydearfriend，comeandgivemeone。"
　　Ijumpoutofmybed，decencymakesherhideherface。Itwascold，andIwasinlove。Ifindmyselfinherarmsbyoneofthosespontaneousmovementswhichsentimentalonecancause，andwebelongtoeachotherwithouthavingthoughtofit，shehappyandratherconfused，Idelighted，yetunabletorealizethetruthofavictorywonwithoutanycontest。
　　Anhourpassedinthemidstofhappiness，duringwhichweforgotthewholeworld。Calmfollowedthestormygustsofpassionatelove，andwegazedateachotherwithoutspeaking。
　　Christinewasthefirsttobreakthesilence"Whathavewedone？"shesaid，softlyandlovingly。
　　"Wehavebecomehusbandandwife。"
　　"Whatwillmyunclesayto—morrow？"
　　"Heneednotknowanythingaboutituntilhegivesusthenuptialbenedictioninhisownchurch。"
　　"Andwhenwillhedoso？"
　　"Assoonaswehavecompletedallthearrangements。necessaryforapublicmarriage。"
　　"Howlongwillthatbe？"
　　"Aboutamonth。"
　　"WecannotbemarriedduringLent。"
　　"Iwillobtainpermission。"
　　"Youarenotdeceivingme？"
　　"No，forIadoreyou。"
　　"Then，younolongerwanttoknowmebetter？"
　　"No；Iknowyouthoroughlynow，andIfeelcertainthatyouwillmakemehappy。"
　　"Andwillyoumakemehappy，too？"
　　"Ihopeso。"
　　"Letusgetupandgotochurch。Whocouldhavebelievedthat，togetahusband，itwasnecessarynottogotoVenice，buttocomebackfromthatcity！"
　　Wegotup，and，afterpartakingofsomebreakfast，wewenttohearmass。Themorningpassedoffquickly，buttowardsdinner—timeI
　　thoughtthatChristinelookeddifferenttowhatshedidthedaybefore，andIaskedherthereasonofthatchange。
　　"Itmustbe，"shesaid，"thesamereasonwhichcausesyoutobethoughtful。"
　　"Anairofthoughtfulness，mydear，ispropertolovewhenitfindsitselfinconsultationwithhonour。Thisaffairhasbecomeserious，andloveisnowcompelledtothinkandconsider。Wewanttobemarriedinthechurch，andwecannotdoitbeforeLent，nowthatweareinthelastdaysofcarnival；yetwecannotwaituntilEaster，itwouldbetoolong。Wemustthereforeobtainadispensationinordertobemarried。HaveInotreasontobethoughtful？"
　　Heronlyanswerwastocomeandkissmetenderly。Ihadspokenthetruth，yetIhadnottoldherallmyreasonsforbeingsopensive。I
　　foundmyselfdrawnintoanengagementwhichwasnotdisagreeabletome，butIwishedithadnotbeensoverypressing。Icouldnotconcealfrommyselfthatrepentancewasbeginningtocreepintomyamorousandwell—disposedmind，andIwasgrievedatit。Ifeltcertain，however，thatthecharminggirlwouldneverhaveanycausetoreproachmeforhermisery。
　　Wehadthewholeeveningbeforeus，andasshehadtoldmethatshehadnevergonetoatheatre，Iresolvedonaffordingherthatpleasure。IsentforaJewfromwhomIprocuredeverythingnecessarytodisguiseher，andwewenttothetheatre。Amaninloveenjoysnopleasurebutthatwhichhegivestothewomanheloves。Aftertheperformancewasover，ItookhertotheCasino，andherastonishmentmademelaughwhenshesawforthefirsttimeafarobank。Ihadnotmoneyenoughtoplaymyself，butIhadmorethanenoughtoamuseherandtoletherplayareasonablegame。Igavehertensequins，andexplainedwhatshehadtodo。Shedidnotevenknowthecards，yetinlessthananhourshehadwononehundredsequins。Imadeherleaveoffplaying，andwereturnedtotheinn。Whenwewereinourroom，Itoldhertoseehowmuchmoneyshehad，andwhenIassuredherthatallthatgoldbelongedtoher，shethoughtitwasadream。
　　"Oh！whatwillmyunclesay？"sheexclaimed。
　　Wehadalightsupper，andspentadelightfulnight，takinggoodcaretopartbyday—break，soasnottobecaughtinthesamebedbytheworthyecclesiastic。Hearrivedearlyandfoundussleepingsoundlyinourrespectivebeds。Hewokeme，andIgavehimtheringwhichhewenttopledgeimmediately。Whenhereturnedtwohourslater，hesawusdressedandtalkingquietlynearthefire。Assoonashecamein，Christinerushedtoembracehim，andsheshewedhimallthegoldshehadinherpossession。Whatapleasantsurpriseforthegoodoldpriest！Hedidnotknowhowtoexpresshiswonder！HethankedGodforwhathecalledamiracle，andheconcludedbysayingthatweweremadetoinsureeachother’shappiness。
　　Thetimetoparthadcome。IpromisedtopaythemavisitinthefirstdaysofLent，butonconditionthatonmyarrivalinP————I
　　wouldnotfindanyoneinformedofmynameorofmyconcerns。Thecurategavemethecertificateofbirthofhisnieceandtheaccountofherpossessions。AssoonastheyhadgoneItookmydepartureforVenice，fullofloveforthecharminggirl，anddeterminedonkeepingmyengagementwithher。Iknewhoweasyitwouldbeformetoconvincemythreefriendsthatmymarriagehadbeenirrevocablywritteninthegreatbookoffate。
　　Myreturncausedthegreatestjoytothethreeexcellentmen，because，notbeingaccustomedtoseemethreedaysabsent，M。
　　DandoloandM。Barbarowereafraidofsomeaccidenthavingbefallenme；butM。deBragadin’sfaithwasstronger，andheallayedtheirfears，sayingtothemthat，withParaliswatchingoverme，Icouldnotbeinanydanger。
　　TheverynextdayIresolvedoninsuringChristine’shappinesswithoutmakinghermywife。IhadthoughtofmarryingherwhenI
　　lovedherbetterthanmyself，butafterobtainingpossessionthebalancewassomuchonmysidethatmyself—loveprovedstrongerthanmyloveforChristine。Icouldnotmakeupmymindtorenouncetheadvantages，thehopeswhichIthoughtwereattachedtomyhappyindependence。YetIwastheslaveofsentiment。Toabandontheartless，innocentgirlseemedtomeanawfulcrimeofwhichIcouldnotbeguilty，andthemereideaofitmademeshudder。Iwasawarethatshewas，perhaps，bearinginherwombalivingtokenofourmutuallove，andIshiveredatthebarepossibilitythatherconfidenceinmemightberepaidbyshameandeverlastingmisery。
　　Ibethoughtmyselfoffindingherahusbandineverywaybetterthanmyself；ahusbandsogoodthatshewouldnotonlyforgivemefortheinsultIshouldthusbeguiltyoftowardsher，butalsothankmeattheend，andlikemeallthebetterformydeceit。
　　Tofindsuchahusbandcouldnotbeverydifficult，forChristinewasnotonlyblessedwithwonderfulbeauty，andwithawell—establishedreputationforvirtue，butshewasalsothepossessorofafortuneamountingtofourthousandVenetianducats。
　　Shutupinaroomwiththethreeworshippersofmyoracle，I
　　consultedParalisupontheaffairwhichIhadsomuchatheart。Theanswerwas:
　　"Serenusmustattendtoit。"
　　SerenuswasthecabalisticnameofM。deBragadin，andtheexcellentmanimmediatelyexpressedhimselfreadytoexecutealltheordersofParalis。Itwasmydutytoinformhimofthoseorders。
　　"Youmust，"Isaidtohim，"obtainfromtheHolyFatheradispensationforaworthyandvirtuousgirl，soastogivehertheprivilegeofmarryingduringLentinthechurchofhervillage；sheisayoungcountrygirl。Hereishercertificateofbirth。Thehusbandisnotyetknown；butitdoesnotmatter，Paralisundertakestofindone。"
　　"Trusttome，"saidmyfather，"IwillwriteatoncetoourambassadorinRome，andIwillcontrivetohavemylettersentbyspecialexpress。Youneednotbeanxious，leaveitalltome，Iwillmakeitabusinessofstate，andImustobeyParalisallthemorereadilythatIforeseethattheintendedhusbandisoneofusfour。
　　Indeed，wemustprepareourselvestoobey。"
　　Ihadsometroubleinkeepingmylaughterdown，foritwasinmypowertometamorphoseChristineintoagrandVenetianlady，thewifeofasenator；butthatwasnotmyintention。Iagainconsultedtheoracleinordertoascertainwhowouldbethehusbandoftheyounggirl，andtheanswerwasthatM。Dandolowasentrustedwiththecareoffindingone，young，handsome，virtuous，andabletoservetheRepublic，eitherathomeorabroad。M。Dandolowastoconsultmebeforeconcludinganyarrangements。Igavehimcourageforhistaskbyinforminghimthatthegirlhadadowryoffourthousandducats，butIaddedthathischoicewastobemadewithinafortnight。M。
　　deBragadin，delightedatnotbeingentrustedwiththecommission，laughedheartily。
　　Thosearrangementsmademefeelatpeacewithmyself。IwascertainthatthehusbandIwantedwouldbefound，andIonlythoughtoffinishingthecarnivalgaily，andofcontrivingtofindmypursereadyforacaseofemergency。
　　Fortunesoonrenderedmepossessorofathousandsequins。Ipaidmydebts，andthelicenceforthemarriagehavingarrivedfromRometendaysafterM。deBragadinhadappliedforit，Igavehimonehundredducats，thatbeingthesumithadcost。ThedispensationgaveChristinetherightofbeingmarriedinanychurchinChristendom，shewouldonlyhavetoobtainthesealoftheepiscopalcourtofthedioceseinwhichthemarriagewastotakeplace，andnopublicationofbannswasrequired。Wewanted，therefore，butonething——atriflingone，namely，thehusband。M。Dandolohadalreadyproposedthreeorfourtome，butIhadrefusedthemforexcellentreasons。
　　Atlastheofferedonewhosuitedmeexactly。
　　Ihadtotakethediamondringoutofpledge，andnotwishingtodoitmyself，IwrotetothepriestmakinganappointmentinTreviso。I
　　wasnot，ofcourse，surprisedwhenIfoundthathewasaccompaniedbyhislovelyniece，who，thinkingthatIhadcometocompleteallarrangementsforourmarriage，embracedmewithoutceremony，andI
　　didthesame。Iftheunclehadnotbeenpresent，Iamafraidthatthosekisseswouldhavecausedallmyheroismtovanish。Igavethecuratethedispensation，andthehandsomefeaturesofChristineshonewithjoy。ShecertainlycouldnotimaginethatIhadbeenworkingsoactivelyforothers，and，asIwasnotyetcertainofanything，Ididnotundeceiveherthen。IpromisedtobeinP————withineightortendays，whenwewouldcompleteallnecessaryarrangements。Afterdinner，Igavethecuratetheticketfortheringandthemoneytotakeitoutofpledge，andweretiredtorest。Thistime，veryfortunately，therewasbutonebedintheroom，andIhadtotakeanotherchamberformyself。
　　Thenextmorning，IwentintoChristine’sroom，andfoundherinbed。
　　Herunclehadgoneoutformydiamondring，andalonewiththatlovelygirl，IfoundthatIhad，whennecessary，completecontrolovermypassions。Thinkingthatshewasnottobemywife，andthatshewouldbelongtoanother，Iconsidereditmydutytosilencemydesires。Ikissedher，butnothingmore。
　　Ispentonehourwithher，fightinglikeSaintAnthonyagainstthecarnaldesiresofmynature。Icouldseethecharminggirlfullofloveandofwonderatmyreserve，andIadmiredhervirtueinthenaturalmodestywhichpreventedherfrommakingthefirstadvances。
　　Shegotoutofbedanddressedherselfwithoutshewinganydisappointment。Shewould，ofcourse，havefeltmortifiedifshebadhadtheslightestideathatIdespisedher，orthatIdidnotvaluehercharms。
　　Herunclereturned，gavemethering，andwehaddinner，afterwhichhetreatedmetoawonderfulexhibition。Christinehadlearnedhowtowrite，and，togivemeaproofofhertalent，shewroteveryfluentlyandveryprettilyinmypresence。
　　Weparted，aftermypromisingtocomebackagainwithintendays，andIreturnedtoVenice。
　　OnthesecondSundayinLent，M。Dandolotoldmewithanairoftriumphthatthefortunatehusbandhadbeenfound，andthattherewasnodoubtofmyapprovalofthenewcandidate。HenamedCharles————
　　whomIknewbysight——veryhandsomeyoungman，ofirreproachableconduct，andabouttwenty—twoyearsofage。HewasclerktoM。
　　Ragionatoandgod—sonofCountAlgarotti，asisterofwhomhadmarriedM。Dandolo’sbrother。
　　"Charles，"saidM。Dandolotome，"haslosthisfatherandhismother，andIfeelsatisfiedthathisgodfatherwillguaranteethedowrybroughtbyhiswife。Ihavespokentohim，andIbelievehimdisposedtomarryanhonestgirlwhosedowrywouldenablehimtopurchaseM。Ragionato’soffice。"
　　"Itseemstopromiseverywell，butIcannotdecideuntilIhaveseenhim。"
　　"Ihaveinvitedhimtodinewithusto—morrow。"
　　Theyoungmancame，andIfoundhimworthyofallM。Dandolo’spraise。Webecamefriendsatonce；hehadsometasteforpoetry，I
　　readsomeofmyproductionstohim，andhavingpaidhimavisitthefollowingday，heshewedmeseveralpiecesofhisowncompositionwhichwerewellwritten。Heintroducedmetohisaunt，inwhosehousehelivedwithhissister，andIwasmuchpleasedwiththeirfriendlywelcome。Beingalonewithhiminhisroom，Iaskedhimwhathethoughtoflove。
　　"Idonotcareforlove，"heanswered:"butIshouldliketogetmarriedinordertohaveahouseofmyown。"
　　WhenIreturnedtothepalace，ItoldM。DandolothathemightopentheaffairwithCountAlgarotti，andthecountmentionedittoCharles，whosaidthathecouldnotgiveanyanswer，eitheronewayortheother，untilheshouldhaveseentheyounggirl，talkedwithher，andenquiredaboutherreputation。AsforCountAlgarotti，hewasreadytobeanswerableforhisgod—son，thatistoguaranteefourthousandducatstothewife，providedherdowrywasworththatamount。Thosewereonlythepreliminaries；therestbelongedtomyprovince。
　　DandolohavinginformedCharlesthatthematterwasentirelyinmyhands，hecalledonmeandenquiredwhenIwouldbekindenoughtointroducehimtotheyoungperson。Inamedtheday，addingthatitwasnecessarytodevoteawholedaytothevisit，assheresidedatadistanceoftwentymilesfromVenice，thatwewoulddinewithherandreturnthesameevening。Hepromisedtobereadyformebyday—
　　break。IimmediatelysentanexpresstothecuratetoinformhimofthedayonwhichIwouldcallwithafriendofminewhomIwishedtointroducetohisniece。
　　Ontheappointedday，Charleswaspunctual。ItookcaretolethimknowalongtheroadthatIhadmadetheacquaintanceoftheyounggirlandofheruncleastravellingcompanionsfromVenicetoMestraaboutonemonthbefore，andthatIwouldhaveofferedmyselfasahusband，ifIhadbeeninapositiontoguaranteethedowryoffourthousandducats。Ididnotthinkitnecessarytogoanyfurtherinmyconfidences。
　　Wearrivedatthegoodpriest’shousetwohoursbeforemid—day，andsoonafterourarrival，Christinecameinwithanairofgreatease，expressingallherpleasureatseeingme。SheonlybowedtoCharles，enquiringfrommewhetherhewaslikewiseaclerk。
　　CharlesansweredthathewasclerkatRagionato。
　　Shepretendedtounderstand，inordernottoappearignorant。
　　"Iwantyoutolookatmywriting，"shesaidtome，"andafterwardswewillgoandseemymother。"
　　DelightedatthepraisebestoweduponherwritingbyCharles，whenheheardthatshehadlearnedonlyonemonth，sheinvitedustofollowher。Charlesaskedherwhyshehadwaiteduntiltheageofnineteentostudywriting。
　　"Well，sir，whatdoesitmattertoyou？Besides，ImusttellyouthatIamseventeen，andnotnineteenyearsofage。"
　　Charlesentreatedhertoexcusehim，smilingatthequicknessofheranswer。
　　Shewasdressedlikeasimplecountrygirl，yetveryneatly，andsheworeherhandsomegoldchainsroundherneckandonherarms。ItoldhertotakemyarmandthatofCharles，whichshedid，castingtowardsmealookoflovingobedience。Wewenttohermother’shouse；thegoodwomanwascompelledtokeepherbedowingtosciatica。Asweenteredtheroom，arespectable—lookingman，whowasseatednearthepatient，roseatthesightofCharles，andembracedhimaffectionately。Iheardthathewasthefamilyphysician，andthecircumstancepleasedmemuch。
　　Afterwehadpaidourcomplimentstothegoodwoman，thedoctorenquiredafterCharles’sauntandsister；andalludingtothesisterwhowassufferingfromasecretdisease，Charlesdesiredtosayafewwordstohiminprivate；theylefttheroomtogether。BeingalonewiththemotherandChristine，IpraisedCharles，hisexcellentconduct，hishighcharacter，hisbusinessabilities，andextolledthehappinessofthewomanwhowouldbehiswife。TheybothconfirmedmypraisesbysayingthateverythingIsaidofhimcouldbereadonhisfeatures。Ihadnotimetolose，soItoldChristinetobeonherguardduringdinner，asCharlesmightpossiblybethehusbandwhomGodhadintendedforher。
　　"Forme？"
　　"Yes，foryou。Charlesisoneofathousand；youwouldbemuchhappierwithhimthanyoucouldbewithme；thedoctorknowshim，andyoucouldascertainfromhimeverythingwhichIcannotfindtimetotellyounowaboutmyfriend。"
　　ThereadercanimagineallIsufferedinmakingthisdeclaration，andmysurprisewhenIsawtheyounggirlcalmandperfectlycomposed！
　　Hercomposuredriedthetearsalreadygatheringinmyeyes。Afterashortsilence，sheaskedmewhetherIwascertainthatsuchahandsomeyoungmanwouldhaveher。ThatquestiongavemeaninsightintoChristine’sheartandfeelings，andquietedallmysorrow，forI
　　sawthatIhadnotknownherwell。Iansweredthat，beautifulasshewas，therewasnodoubtofherbeinglovedbyeverybody。
　　"Itwillbeatdinner，mydearChristine，thatmyfriendwillexamineandstudyyou；donotfailtoshewallthecharmsandqualitieswithwhichGodhasendowedyou，butdonotlethimsuspectourintimacy。"
　　"Itisallverystrange。Ismyuncleinformedofthiswonderfulchange？"
　　"No。"
　　"Ifyourfriendshouldfeelpleasedwithme，whenwouldhemarryme？"
　　"Withintendays。Iwilltakecareofeverything，andyouwillseemeagaininthecourseoftheweek:"
　　Charlescamebackwiththedoctor，andChristine，leavinghermother’sbedside，tookachairoppositetous。SheansweredverysensiblyallthequestionsaddressedtoherbyCharles，oftenexcitinghismirthbyherartlessness，butnotshewinganysilliness。
　　Oh！charmingsimplicity！offspringofwitandofignorance！thycharmisdelightful，andthoualonehasttheprivilegeofsayinganythingwithoutevergivingoffence！Buthowunpleasantthouartwhenthouartnotnatural！andthouartthemasterpieceofartwhenthouartimitatedwithperfection！
　　Wedinedratherlate，andItookcarenottospeaktoChristine，noteventolookather，soasnottoengrossherattention，whichshedevotedentirelytoCharles，andIwasdelightedtoseewithwhateaseandinterestshekeptuptheconversation。Afterdinner，andasweweretakingleave，IheardthefollowingwordsutteredbyCharles，whichwenttomyveryheart:
　　"Youaremade，lovelyChristine，toministertothehappinessofaprince。"
　　AndChristine？Thiswasheranswer:
　　"Ishouldesteemmyselffortunate，sir，ifyoushouldjudgemeworthyofministeringtoyours。"
　　ThesewordsexcitedCharlessomuchthatheembracedme！
　　Christinewassimple，butherartlessnessdidnotcomefromhermind，onlyfromherheart。Thesimplicityofmindisnothingbutsilliness，thatoftheheartisonlyignoranceandinnocence；itisaqualitywhichsubsistsevenwhenthecausehasceasedtobe。Thisyounggirl，almostachildofnature，wassimpleinhermanners，butgracefulinathousandtriflingwayswhichcannotbedescribed。Shewassincere，becauseshedidnotknowthattoconcealsomeofourimpressionsisoneofthepreceptsofpropriety，andasherintentionswerepure，shewasastrangertothatfalseshameandmockmodestywhichcausepretendedinnocencetoblushataword，oratamovementsaidormadeveryoftenwithoutanywickedpurpose。
　　DuringourjourneybacktoVeniceCrarlesspokeofnothingbutofhishappiness。Hehaddecidedlyfalleninlove。
　　"Iwillcallto—morrowmorninguponCountAlgarotti，"hesaidtome，"andyoumaywritetothepriesttocomewithallthenecessarydocumentstomakethecontractofmarriagewhichIlongtosign。"
　　HisdelightandhissurprisewereintensewhenItoldhimthatmyweddingpresenttoChristinewasadispensationfromthePopeforhertobemarriedinLent。
　　"Then，"heexclaimed，"wemustgofullspeedahead！"
　　Intheconferencewhichwasheldthenextdaybetweenmyyoungsubstitute，hisgod—father，andM。Dandolo，itwasdecidedthattheparsonshouldbeinvitedtocomewithhisniece。Iundertooktocarrythemessage，andleavingVenicetwohoursbeforemorningI
　　reachedP————early。Thepriestsaidhewouldbereadytostartimmediatelyaftermass。IthencalledonChristine，andItreatedhertoafatherlyandsentimentalsermon，everywordofwhichwasintendedtopointouttoherthetrueroadtohappinessinthenewconditionwhichshewasonthepointofadopting。Itoldherhowsheoughttobehavetowardsherhusband，towardshisauntandhissister，inordertocaptivatetheiresteemandtheirlove。Thelastpartofmydiscoursewaspatheticandratherdisparagingtomyself，for，asI
　　enforceduponherthenecessityofbeingfaithfultoherhusband，I
　　wasnecessarilyledtoentreatherpardonforhavingseducedher。
　　"Whenyoupromisedtomarryme，afterwehadbothbeenweakenoughtogivewaytoourlove，didyouintendtodeceiveme？"
　　"Certainlynot。"
　　"Thenyouhavenotdeceivedme。Onthecontrary，Ioweyousomegratitudeforhavingthoughtthat，ifourunionshouldproveunhappy，itwasbettertofindanotherhusbandforme，andIthankGodthatyouhavesucceededsowell。Tellme，now，whatIcananswertoyourfriendincaseheshouldaskme，duringthefirstnight，whyIamsodifferenttowhatavirginoughttobe？"
　　"ItisnotlikelythatCharles，whoisfullofreserveandpropriety，wouldaskyousuchathing，butifheshould，tellhimpositivelythatyouneverhadalover，andthatyoudonotsupposeyourselftobedifferenttoanyothergirl。"
　　"Willhebelieveme？"
　　"Hewoulddeserveyourcontempt，andentailpunishmentonhimselfifhedidnot。Butdismissallanxiety；thatwillnotoccur。A
　　sensibleman，mydearChristine，whenhehasbeenrightlybroughtup，neverventuresuponsuchaquestion，becauseheisnotonlycertaintodisplease，butalsosurethathewillneverknowthetruth，forifthetruthislikelytoinjureawomanintheopinionofherhusband，shewouldbeveryfoolish，indeed，toconfessit。"
　　"Iunderstandyourmeaningperfectly，mydearfriend；letus，then，embraceeachotherforthelasttime。"
　　"No，forwearealoneandIamveryweak。Iadoretheeasmuchasever。"
　　"Donotcry，dearfriend，for，trulyspeaking，Ihavenowishforit。"
　　Thatsimpleandcandidanswerchangedmydispositionsuddenly，and，insteadofcrying，Ibegantolaugh。Christinedressedherselfsplendidly，andafterbreakfastweleftP————。WereachedVeniceinfourhours。Ilodgedthematagoodinn，andgoingtothepalace，I
　　toldM。Dandolothatourpeoplehadarrived，thatitwouldbehisprovincetobringthemandCharlestogetheronthefollowingday，andtoattendtothematteraltogether，becausethehonourofthefuturehusbandandwife，therespectduetotheirparentsandtopropriety，forbadeanyfurtherinterferenceonmypart。
　　Heunderstoodmyreasons，andactedaccordingly。HebroughtCharlestome，Ipresentedbothofthemtothecurateandhisniece，andthenleftthemtocompletetheirbusiness。
　　IheardafterwardsfromM。DandolothattheyallcalleduponCountAlgarotti，andattheofficeofanotary，wherethecontractofmarriagewassigned，andthat，afterfixingadayforthewedding，CharleshadescortedhisintendedbacktoP————。
　　Onhisreturn，Charlespaidmeavisit。HetoldmethatChristinehadwonbyherbeautyandpleasingmannerstheaffectionofhisaunt，ofhissister，andofhisgod—father，andthattheyhadtakenuponthemselvesalltheexpenseofthewedding。
　　"Weintendtobemarried，"headded，"onsuchadayatP————，andI
　　trustthatyouwillcrownyourworkofkindnessbybeingpresentattheceremony。"
　　Itriedtoexcusemyself，butheinsistedwithsuchafeelingofgratitude，andwithsomuchearnestness，thatIwascompelledtoaccept。IlistenedwithrealpleasuretotheaccounthegavemeoftheimpressionproduceduponallhisfamilyanduponCountAlgarottibythebeauty，theartlessness，therichtoilet，andespeciallybythesimpletalkofthelovelycountrygirl。
　　"Iamdeeplyinlovewithher，"Charlessaidtome，"andIfeelthatitistoyouthatIshallbeindebtedforthehappinessIamsuretoenjoywithmycharmingwife。ShewillsoongetridofhercountrywayoftalkinginVenice，becausehereenvyandslanderwillbuttooeasilyshewhertheabsurdityofit。"
　　Hisenthusiasmandhappinessdelightedme，andIcongratulatedmyselfuponmyownwork。YetIfeltinwardlysomejealousy，andIcouldnothelpenvyingalotwhichImighthavekeptformyself。
　　M。DaridoloandM。BarbarohavingbeenalsoinvitedbyCharles，I
　　wentwiththemtoP————。Wefoundthedinner—tablelaidoutintherector’shousebytheservantsofCountAlgarotti，whowasactingasCharles’sfather，andhavingtakenuponhimselfalltheexpenseofthewedding，hadsenthiscookandhismajor—domotoP————。
　　WhenIsawChristine，thetearsfilledmyeyes，andIhadtoleavetheroom。Shewasdressedasacountrygirl，butlookedaslovelyasanymph。Herhusband，heruncle，andCountAlgarottihadvainlytriedtomakeheradopttheVenetiancostume，butshehadverywiselyrefused。
　　"AssoonasIamyourwife，"shehadsaidtoCharles，"Iwilldressasyouplease，buthereIwillnotappearbeforemyyoungcompanionsinanyothercostumethantheoneinwhichtheyhavealwaysseenme。
　　Ishallthusavoidbeinglaughedat，andaccusedofpride，bythegirlsamongwhomIhavebeenbroughtup。"
　　Therewasinthesewordssomethingsonoble，sojust，andsogenerous，thatCharlesthoughthissweetheartasupernaturalbeing。
　　Hetoldmethathehadenquired，fromthewomanwithwhomChristinehadspentafortnight，abouttheoffersofmarriageshehadrefusedatthattime，andthathehadbeenmuchsurprised，fortwoofthoseofferswereexcellentones。
　　"Christine，"headded，"wasevidentlydestinedbyHeavenformyhappiness，andtoyouIamindebtedforthepreciouspossessionofthattreasure。"
　　Hisgratitudepleasedme，andImustrendermyselfthejusticeofsayingthatIentertainednothoughtofabusingit。IfelthappyinthehappinessIhadthusgiven。
　　Werepairedtothechurchtowardseleveno’clock，andwereverymuchastonishedatthedifficultyweexperiencedingettingin。AlargenumberofthenobilityofTreviso，curioustoascertainwhetheritwastruethatthemarriageceremonyofacountrygirlwouldbepubliclyperformedduringLentwhen，bywaitingonlyonemonth，adispensationwouldhavebeenuseless，hadcometoP————。EveryonewonderedatthepermissionhavingbeenobtainedfromthePope，everyoneimaginedthattherewassomeextraordinaryreasonforit，andwasindespairbecauseitwasimpossibletoguessthatreason。
　　Inspiteofallfeelingsofenvy，everyfacebeamedwithpleasureandsatisfactionwhentheyoungcouplemadetheirappearance，andnoonecoulddenythattheydeservedthatextraordinarydistinction，thatexceptiontoallestablishedrules。
　　AcertainCountessofTos……，fromTreviso，Christine’sgod—mother，wentuptoheraftertheceremony，andembracedhermosttenderly，complainingthatthehappyeventhadnotbeencommunicatedtoherinTreviso。Christine，inherartlessway，answeredwithasmuchmodestyassweetness，thatthecountessoughttoforgiveherifshehadfailedinherdutytowardsher，onaccountofthemarriagehavingbeendecidedonsohastily。Shepresentedherhusband，andbeggedCountAlgarottitoatoneforhererrortowardshergod—motherbyinvitinghertojointheweddingrepast，aninvitationwhichthecountessacceptedwithgreatpleasure。Thatbehaviour，whichisusuallytheresultofagoodeducationandalongexperienceofsociety，wasinthelovelypeasant—girldueonlytoacandidandwell—balancedmindwhichshoneallthemorebecauseitwasallnatureandnotart。
　　Astheyreturnedfromthechurch，CharlesandChristinekneltdownbeforetheyoungwife’smother，whogavethemherblessingwithtearsofjoy。
　　Dinnerwasserved，and，ofcourse，Christineandherhappyspousetooktheseatsofhonour。Minewasthelast，andIwasverygladofit，butalthougheverythingwasdelicious，Iateverylittle，andscarcelyopenedmylips。
　　Christinewasconstantlybusy，sayingprettythingstoeveryoneofherguests，andlookingatherhusbandtomakesurethathewaspleasedwithher。
　　Onceortwicesheaddressedhisauntandsisterinsuchagraciousmannerthattheycouldnothelpleavingtheirplacesandkissinghertenderly，congratulatingCharlesuponhisgoodfortune。IwasseatednotveryfarfromCountAlgarotti，andIheardhimsayseveraltimestoChristine’sgod—motherthathehadneverfeltsodelightedinhislife。
　　Whenfouro’clockstruck，Charleswhisperedafewwordstohislovelywife，shebowedtohergod—mother，andeverybodyrosefromthetable。
　　Aftertheusualcompliments——andinthiscasetheyborethestampofsincerity——thebridedistributedamongallthegirlsofthevillage，whowereintheadjoiningroom，packetsfullofsugar—plumswhichhadbeenpreparedbeforehand，andshetookleaveofthem，kissingthemallwithoutanypride。CountAlgarottiinvitedallthegueststosleepatahousehehadinTreviso，andtopartakethereofthedinnerusuallygiventhedayafterthewedding。Theunclealoneexcusedhimself，andthemothercouldnotcome，owingtoherdiseasewhichpreventedherfrommoving。ThegoodwomandiedthreemonthsafterChristine’smarriage。
　　Christinethereforelefthervillagetofollowherhusband，andfortheremainderoftheirlivestheylivedtogetherinmutualhappiness。
　　CountAlgarotti，Christine’sgod—motherandmytwonoblefriends，wentawaytogether。Thebrideandbridegroomhad，ofcourse，acarriagetothemselves，andIkepttheauntandthesisterofCharlescompanyinanother。Icouldnothelpenvyingthehappymansomewhat，althoughinmyinmostheartIfeltpleasedwithhishappiness。
　　Thesisterwasnotwithoutmerit。Shewasayoungwidowoftwenty—
　　five，andstilldeservedthehomageofmen，butIgavethepreferencetotheaunt，whotoldmethathernewniecewasatreasure，ajewelwhichwasworthyofeverybody’sadmiration，butthatshewouldnotlethergointosocietyuntilshecouldspeaktheVenetiandialectwell。