"Thatis，"Isaid，"atorrentwhichwasonceariver:"
　　Theyconsultedadictionary，andfoundthattheRubiconflowedthroughCesena。Theywereamazed，and，asIwishedthemtohavefullscopeforwrongreasoning，Ileftthem。
　　Ihadtakenafancy，nottopurloinfivehundredsequinsfromthosepoorfools，buttogoandunearththeamountattheirexpenseinthehouseofanotherfool，andtolaughatthemallintothebargain。I
　　longedtoplaythepartofamagician。Withthatidea，whenIleftthehouseoftheridiculousantiquarian，Iproceededtothepubliclibrary，where，withtheassistanceofadictionary，Iwrotethefollowingspecimenoffacetiouserudition:
　　"Thetreasureisburiedintheearthatadepthofseventeenandahalffathoms，andhasbeenthereforsixcenturies。Itsvalueamountstotwomillionsofsequins，enclosedinacasket，thesamewhichwastakenbyGodfreydeBouillonfromMathilda，CountessofTuscany，intheyear1081，whenheendeavouredtoassistHenryIV，againstthatprincess。Heburiedtheboxhimselfintheveryspotwhereitnowis，beforehewenttolaysiegetoJerusalem。GregoryVII，whowasagreatmagician，havingbeeninformedoftheplacewhereithadbeenhidden，hadresolvedongettingpossessionofithimself，butdeathpreventedhimfromcarryingouthisintentions。
　　AfterthedeathoftheCountessMathilda，intheyear1116，thegeniuspresidingoverallhiddentreasuresappointedsevenspiritstoguardthebox。Duringanightwithafullmoon，alearnedmagiciancanraisethetreasuretothesurfaceoftheearthbyplacinghimselfinthemiddleofthemagicalringcalledmaximus:"
　　Iexpectedtoseethefatherandson，andtheycameearlyinthemorning。Aftersomeramblingconversation，IgavethemwhatIhadcomposedatthelibrary，namely，thehistoryofthetreasuretakenfromtheCountessMathilda。
　　ItoldthemthatIhadmadeupmymindtorecoverthetreasure，andI
　　promisedthemthefourthpartofit，providedtheywouldpurchasethesheath；Iconcludedbythreateningagaintopossessmyselfoftheirknife。
　　"Icannotdecide，"saidthecommissary，"beforeIhaveseenthesheath。"
　　"Ipledgemywordtoshewittoyouto—morrow，"Ianswered。
　　Wepartedcompany，highlypleasedwitheachother。
　　Inordertomanufactureasheath，suchasthewonderfulkniferequired，itwasnecessarytocombinethemostwhimsicalideawiththeoddestshape。Irecollectedverywelltheformoftheblade，and，asIwasrevolvinginmymindthebestwaytoproducesomethingveryextravagantbutwelladaptedtothepurposeIhadinview，I
　　spiedintheyardofthehotelanoldpieceofleather，theremnantofwhathadbeenafinegentleman’sboot；itwasexactlywhatI
　　wanted。
　　Itookthatoldsole，boiledit，andmadeinitaslitinwhichIwascertainthattheknifewouldgoeasily。ThenIpareditcarefullyonallsidestopreventthepossibilityofitsformerusebeingfoundout；Irubbeditwithpumicestone，sand，andochre，andfinallyI
　　succeededinimpartingtomyproductionsuchaqueer，old—fashionedshapethatIcouldnothelplaughinginlookingatmywork。
　　WhenIpresentedittothecommissary，andhehadfounditanexactfitfortheknife，thegoodmanremainedastounded。Wedinedtogether，andafterdinneritwasdecidedthathissonshouldaccompanyme，andintroducemetothemasterofthehouseinwhichthetreasurewasburied，thatIwastoreceivealetterofexchangeforonethousandRomancrowns，drawnbythesononBologna，whichwouldbemadepayabletomynameonlyafterIshouldhavefoundthetreasure，andthattheknifewiththesheathwouldbedeliveredintomyhandsonlywhenIshouldrequireitforthegreatoperation；untilthenthesonwastoretainpossessionofit。
　　Thoseconditionshavingbeenagreedupon，wemadeanagreementinwriting，bindinguponallparties，andourdeparturewasfixedforthedayafterthemorrow。
　　AsweleftMantua，thefatherpronouncedaferventblessingoverhisson’shead，andtoldmethathewascountpalatine，shewingmethediplomawhichhehadreceivedfromthePope。Iembracedhim，givinghimhistitleofcount，andpocketedhisletterofexchange。
　　AfterbiddingadieutoMarina，whowasthentheacknowledgedmistressofCountArcorati，andtoBalettiwhomIwassureofmeetingagaininVenicebeforetheendoftheyear，IwenttosupwithmyfriendO’Neilan。
　　Westartedearlyinthemorning，travelledthroughFerraraandBologna，andreachedCesena，whereweputupattheposting—house。
　　WegotupearlythenextdayandwalkedquietlytothehouseofGeorgeFranzia，awealthypeasant，whowasownerofthetreasure。Itwasonlyaquarterofamilefromthecity，andthegoodmanwasagreeablysurprisedbyourarrival。HeembracedCapitani，whomheknewalready，andleavingmewithhisfamilyhewentoutwithmycompaniontotalkbusiness。
　　Observantasusual，Ipassedthefamilyinreview，andfixedmychoiceupontheeldestdaughter。Theyoungestgirlwasugly，andthesonlookedaregularfool。Themotherseemedtobetherealmasterofthehousehold，andtherewerethreeorfourservantsgoingaboutthepremises。
　　TheeldestdaughterwascalledGenevieve，orJavotte，averycommonnameamongthegirlsofCesena。ItoldherthatIthoughthereighteen；butsheanswered，inatonehalfserious，halfvexed，thatIwasverymuchmistaken，forshehadonlyjustcompletedherfourteenthyear。
　　"Iamverygladitisso，myprettychild。"
　　Thesewordsbroughtbackhersmile。
　　Thehousewaswellsituated，andtherewasnotanotherdwellingarounditforatleastfourhundredyards。IwasgladtoseethatI
　　shouldhavecomfortablequarters，butIwasannoyedbyaveryunpleasantstinkwhichtaintedtheair，andwhichcouldcertainlynotbeagreeabletothespiritsIhadtoevoke。
　　"MadameFranzia，"saidI，tothemistressofthehouse，"whatisthecauseofthatbadsmell？"
　　"Sir，itarisesfromthehempwhichwearemacerating。"
　　Iconcludedthatifthecausewereremoved，Ishouldgetridoftheeffect。
　　"Whatisthathempworth，madam？"Ienquired。
　　"Aboutfortycrowns。"
　　"Heretheyare；thehempbelongstomenow，andImustbegyourhusbandtohaveitremovedimmediately。"
　　Capitanicalledme，andIjoinedhim。Franziashewedmealltherespectduetoagreatmagician，althoughIhadnotmuchtheappearanceofone。
　　Weagreedthatheshouldreceiveone—fourthofthetreasure，Capitanianotherfourth，andthattheremaindershouldbelongtome。WecertainlydidnotshewmuchrespectfortherightsofSaintPeter。
　　ItoldFranziathatIshouldrequirearoomwithtwobedsformyselfalone，andanante—roomwithbathingapparatus。Capitani’sroomwastobeinadifferentpartofthehouse，andmyroomwastobeprovidedwiththreetables，twoofthemsmallandonelarge。Iaddedthathemustatonceprocuremeasewing—girlbetweentheagesoffourteenandeighteen，shewastobeavirgin，anditwasnecessarythatsheshould，aswellaseverypersoninthehouse，keepthesecretfaithfully，inorderthatnosuspicionofourproceedingsshouldreachtheInquisition，orallwouldbelost。
　　"Iintendtotakeupmyquartershereto—morrow，"Iadded；"Irequiretwomealseveryday，andtheonlywineIcandrinkisjevese。FormybreakfastIdrinkapeculiarkindofchocolatewhichImakemyself，andwhichIhavebroughtwithme。Ipromisetopaymyownexpensesincasewedonotsucceed。Pleaseremovethehemptoaplacesufficientlydistantfromthehouse，sothatitsbadsmellmaynotannoythespiritstobeevokedbyme，andlettheairbepurifiedbythedischargeofgunpowder。Besides，youmustsendatrustyservantto—morrowtoconveyourluggagefromthehotelhere，andkeepconstantlyinthehouseandatmydisposalonehundrednewwaxcandlesandthreetorches。"
　　AfterIhadgiventhoseinstructionstoFranzia，Ilefthim，andwenttowardsCesenawithCapitani，butwehadnotgoneahundredyardswhenweheardthegoodmanrunningafterus。
　　"Sir，"hesaidtome，"bekindenoughtotakebackthefortycrownswhichyoupaidtomywifeforthehemp。"
　　"No，Iwillnotdoanythingofthesort，forIdonotwantyoutosustainanyloss。"
　　"Takethemback，Ibeg。Icansellthehempinthecourseofthedayforfortycrownswithoutdifficulty"
　　"InthatcaseIwill，forIhaveconfidenceinwhatyousay。"
　　Suchproceedingsonmypartimpressedtheexcellentmanveryfavourably，andheentertainedthedeepestvenerationforme，whichwasincreased，when，againstCapitani’sadvice，Iresolutelyrefusedonehundredsequinswhichhewantedtoforceuponmeformytravellingexpenses。Ithrewhimintorapturesbytellinghimthatontheeveofpossessinganimmensetreasure，itwasunnecessarytothinkofsuchtrifles。
　　Thenextmorningourluggagewassentfor，andwefoundourselvescomfortablylocatedinthehouseofthewealthyandsimpleFranzia。
　　Hegaveusagooddinner，butwithtoomanydishes，andItoldhimtobemoreeconomical，andtogiveonlysomegoodfishforoursupper，whichhedid。Aftersupperhetoldmethat，asfarastheyoungmaidenwasconcerned，hethoughthecouldrecommendhisdaughterJavotte，ashehadconsultedhiswife，andhadfoundIcouldrelyuponthegirlbeingavirgin。
　　"Verygood，"Isaid；"nowtellmewhatgroundsyouhaveforsupposingthatthereisatreasureinyourhouse？"
　　"Inthefirstplace，theoraltraditiontransmittedfromfathertosonforthelasteightgenerations；inthesecond，theheavysoundswhichareheardundergroundduringthenight。Besides，thedoorofthecellaropensandshutsofitselfeverythreeorfourminutes；
　　whichmustcertainlybetheworkofthedevilsseeneverynightwanderingthroughthecountryintheshapeofpyramidalflames。"
　　"Ifitisasyousay，itisevidentthatyouhaveatreasurehiddensomewhereinyourhouse；itisascertainasthefactthattwoandtwoarefour。Beverycarefulnottoputalocktothedoorofthecellartopreventitsopeningandshuttingofitself；otherwiseyouwouldhaveanearthquake，whichwoulddestroyeverythinghere。
　　Spiritswillenjoyperfectfreedom，andtheybreakthrougheveryobstacleraisedagainstthem。"
　　"Godbepraisedforhavingsenthere，fortyyearsago，alearnedmanwhotoldmyfatherexactlythesamething！ThatgreatmagicianrequiredonlythreedaysmoretounearththetreasurewhenmyfatherheardthattheInquisitionhadgivenorderstoarresthim，andhelostnotimeininsuringhisescape。CanyoutellmehowitisthatmagiciansarenotmorepowerfulthantheInquisitors？"
　　"Becausethemonkshaveagreaternumberofdevilsundertheircommandthanwehave。ButIfeelcertainthatyourfatherhadalreadyexpendedagreatdealofmoneywiththatlearnedman。"
　　"Abouttwothousandcrowns。"
　　"Oh！more，more。"
　　ItoldFranziatofollowme，and，inordertoaccomplishsomethinginthemagicline，Idippedatowelinsomewater，andutteringfearfulwordswhichbelongedtonohumanlanguage，Iwashedtheeyes，thetemples，andthechestofeverypersoninthefamily，includingJavotte，whomighthaveobjectedtoitifIhadnotbegunwithherfather，mother，andbrother。Imadethemswearuponmypocket—bookthattheywerenotlabouringunderanyimpuredisease，andI
　　concludedtheceremonybycompellingJavottetoswearlikewisethatshehadhermaidenhood。AsIsawthatshewasblushingtotheveryrootsofherhairintakingtheoath，Iwascruelenoughtoexplaintoherwhatitmeant；Ithenaskedhertoswearagain，butsheansweredthattherewasnoneedofitnowthatsheknewwhatitwas。
　　Iorderedallthefamilytokissme，andfindingthatJavottehadeatengarlicIforbadetheuseofitentirely，whichorderFranziapromisedshouldbecompliedwith。
　　Genevievewasnotabeautyasfarasherfeatureswereconcerned；hercomplexionwastoomuchsunburnt，andhermouthwastoolarge，butherteethweresplendid，andherunderlipprojectedslightlyasifithadbeenformedtoreceivekisses。Herbosomwaswellmadeandasfirmasarock，butherhairwastoolight，andherhandstoofleshy。
　　Thedefects，however，hadtobeoverlooked，andaltogethershewasnotanunpleasantmorsel。Ididnotpurposetomakeherfallinlovewithme；withapeasantgirlthattaskmighthavebeenalongone；
　　allIwantedwastotrainhertoperfectobedience，which，indefaultoflove，hasalwaysappearedtometheessentialpoint。Truethatinsuchacaseonedoesnotenjoytheecstaticrapturesoflove，butonefindsacompensationinthecompletecontrolobtainedoverthewoman。
　　Igavenoticetothefather，toCapitani，andtoJavotte，thateachwould，inturnandintheorderoftheirage，takesupperwithme，andthatJavottewouldsleepeverynightinmyante—room，wherewastobeplacedabathinwhichIwouldbathemyguestonehalfhourbeforesittingdowntosupper，andtheguestwasnottohavebrokenhisfastthroughouttheday。
　　IpreparedalistofallthearticlesofwhichIpretendedtobeinneed，andgivingittoFranziaItoldhimtogotoCesenahimselfthenextday，andtopurchaseeverythingwithoutbargainingtoobtainalowerprice。Amongotherthings，Iorderedapiece，fromtwentytothirtyyardslong，ofwhitelinen，thread，scissors，needles，storax，myrrh，sulphur，oliveoil，camphor，onereamofpaper，pensandink，twelvesheetsofparchment，brushes，andabranchofolivetreetomakeastickofeighteeninchesinlength。
　　AfterIhadgivenallmyordersveryseriouslyandwithoutanywishtolaugh，Iwenttobedhighlypleasedwithmypersonificationofamagician，inwhichIwasastonishedtofindmyselfsocompletelysuccessful。
　　Thenextmorning，assoonasIwasdressed，IsentforCapitani，andcommandedhimtoproceedeverydaytoCesena，togotothebestcoffee—house，tolearncarefullyeverypieceofnewsandeveryrumour，andtoreportthemtome。
　　Franzia，whohadfaithfullyobeyedmyorders，returnedbeforenoonfromthecitywithallthearticlesIhadaskedfor。
　　"Ihavenotbargainedforanything，"hesaidtome，"andthemerchantsmust，Ihavenodoubt，havetakenmeforafool，forIhavecertainlypaidone—thirdmorethanthethingsareworth。"
　　"Somuchtheworseforthemiftheyhavedeceivedyou，butyouwouldhavespoilteverythingifyouhadbeatenthemdownintheirprice。
　　Now，sendmeyourdaughterandletmebealonewithher。"
　　AssoonasJavottewasinmyroom，Imadehercutthelineninsevenpieces，fouroffivefeetlong，twooftwofeet，andoneoftwofeetandahalf；thelastonewasintendedtoformthehoodoftherobeI
　　wastowearforthegreatoperation。ThenIsaidtoJavotte:
　　"Sitdownnearmybedandbeginsewing。Youwilldinehereandremainatworkuntiltheevening。Whenyourfathercomes，youmustletusbealone，butassoonasheleavesme，comebackandgotobed。"
　　Shedinedinmyroom，wherehermotherwaitedonherwithoutspeaking，andgavehernothingtodrinkexceptSt。Jevesewine。
　　Towardseveningherfathercame，andsheleftus。
　　Ihadthepatiencetowashthegoodmanwhilehewasinthebath，afterwhichhehadsupperwithme；heatevoraciously，tellingmethatitwasthefirsttimeinhislifethathehadremainedtwenty—
　　fourhourswithoutbreakinghisfast。IntoxicatedwiththeSt。
　　Jevesewinehehaddrunk，hewenttobedandsleptsoundlyuntilmorning，whenhiswifebroughtmemychocolate。Javottewaskeptsewingasonthedaybefore；shelefttheroomintheeveningwhenCapitanicamein，andItreatedhiminthesamemannerasFranzia；onthethirdday，itwasJavotte’sturn，andthathadbeentheobjectI
　　hadkeptinviewallthetime。
　　Whenthehourcame，Isaidtoher，"Go，Javotte，getintothebathandcallmewhenyouareready，forI
　　mustpurifyyouasIhavepurifiedyourfatherandCapitani。"
　　Sheobeyed，andwithinaquarterofanhourshecalledme。I
　　performedagreatmanyablutionsoneverypartofherbody，makingherassumeallsortsofpositions，forshewasperfectlydocile，but，asIwasafraidofbetrayingmyself，Ifeltmoresufferingthanenjoyment，andmyindiscreethands，runningovereverypartofherperson，andremaininglongerandmorewillinglyonacertainspot，thesensitivenessofwhichisextreme，thepoorgirlwasexcitedbyanardentfirewhichwasatlastquenchedbythenaturalresultofthatexcitement。Imadehergetoutofthebathsoonafterthat，andasIwasdryingherIwasverynearforgettingmagictofollowtheimpulseofnature，but，quickerthanI，naturerelieveditself，andI
　　wasthusenabledtoreachtheendofthescenewithoutanticipatingthedenouement。ItoldJavottetodressherself，andtocomebacktomeassoonasshewasready。
　　Shehadbeenfastingallday，andhertoiletdidnottakealongtime。Sheatewithaferociousappetite，andtheSt。Jevesewine，whichshedranklikewater，impartedsomuchanimationtohercomplexionthatitwasnolongerpossibletoseehowsunburntshewas。Beingalonewithheraftersupper，Isaidtoher，"MydearJavotte，haveyoubeendispleasedatallIhavecompelledyoutosubmittothisevening？"
　　"Notatall；Ilikeditverymuch。"
　　"ThenIhopethatyouwillhavenoobjectiontogetinthebathwithmeto—morrow，andtowashmeasIhavewashedyou。"
　　"Mostwillingly，butshallIknowhowtodoitwell？"
　　"Iwillteachyou，andforthefutureIwishyoutosleepeverynightinmyroom，becauseImusthaveacompletecertaintythatonthenightofthegreatoperationIshallfindyousuchasyououghttobe。"
　　>FromthattimeJavottewasathereasewithme，allherrestraintdisappeared，shewouldlookatmeandsmilewithentireconfidence。
　　Naturehadoperated，andthemindofayounggirlsoonenlargesitsspherewhenpleasureisherteacher。Shewenttobed，andassheknewthatshehadnolongeranythingtoconcealfromme，hermodestywasnotalarmedwhensheundressedherselfinmypresence。Itwasverywarm，anykindofcoveringisunpleasantinthehotweather，soshestrippedtotheskinandsoonfellasleep。Ididthesame，butI
　　couldnothelpfeelingsomeregretathavingengagedmyselfnottotakeadvantageofthepositionbeforethenightofthegreatincantation。Iknewthattheoperationtounearththetreasurewouldbeacompletefailure，butIknewlikewisethatitwouldnotfailbecauseJavotte’svirginitywasgone。
　　Atday—breakthegirlroseandbegansewing。Assoonasshehadfinishedtherobe，Itoldhertomakeacrownofparchmentwithsevenlongpoints，onwhichIpaintedsomefearfulfiguresandhieroglyphs。
　　Intheevening，onehourbeforesupper，Igotintothebath，andJavottejoinedmeassoonasIcalledher。SheperformeduponmewithgreatzealthesameceremoniesthatIhaddoneforherthedaybefore，andshewasasgentleanddocileaspossible。Ispentadelicioushourinthatbath，enjoyingeverything，butrespectingtheessentialpoint。
　　Mykissesmakingherhappy，andseeingthatIhadnoobjectiontohercaresses，sheloadedmewiththem。Iwassopleasedatalltheamorousenjoymenthersenseswereevidentlyexperiencing，thatImadehereasybytellingherthatthesuccessofthegreatmagicoperationdependedupontheamountofpleasuresheenjoyed。Shethenmadeextraordinaryeffortstopersuademethatshewashappy，andwithoutoversteppingthelimitswhereIhadmadeupmymindtostop，wegotoutofthebathhighlypleasedwitheachother。
　　Aswewereonthepointofgoingtobed，shesaidtome，"Woulditinjurethesuccessofyouroperationifweweretosleeptogether？"
　　"No，mydeargirl；providedyouareavirginonthedayofthegreatincantation，itisallIrequire。"
　　Shethrewherselfinmyarms，andwespentadelightfulnight，duringwhichIhadfullopportunityofadmiringthestrengthofherconstitutionaswellasmyownrestraint，forIhadsufficientcontrolovermyselfnottobreakthroughthelastobstacle。
　　IpassedagreatpartofthefollowingnightwithFranziaandCapitaniinordertoseewithmyowneyesthewonderfulthingswhichtheworthypeasanthadmentionedtome。Standingintheyard，I
　　hearddistinctlyheavyblowsstruckunderthegroundatintervalsofthreeorfourminutes。Itwaslikethenoisewhichwouldbemadebyaheavypestlefallinginalargecoppermortar。Itookmypistolsandplacedmyselfneartheself—movingdoorofthecellar，holdingadarklanterninmyhand。Isawthedooropenslowly，andinaboutthirtysecondsclosingwithviolence。Iopenedandcloseditmyselfseveraltimes，and，unabletodiscoveranyhiddenphysicalcauseforthephenomenon，Ifeltsatisfiedthattherewassomeunknownrogueryatwork，butIdidnotcaremuchtofinditout。
　　Wewentupstairsagain，and，placingmyselfonthebalcony，Isawintheyardseveralshadowsmovingabout。Theywereevidentlycausedbytheheavyanddampatmosphere，andastothepyramidalflameswhichI
　　couldseehoveringoverthefields，itwasaphenomenonwellknowntome。ButIallowedmytwocompanionstoremainpersuadedthattheywerethespiritskeepingwatchoverthetreasure。
　　ThatphenomenonisverycommonthroughoutsouthernItalywherethecountryisoftenatnightilluminatedbythosemeteorswhichthepeoplebelievetobedevils，andignorancehascallednightspirits，orwill—o’—the—wisps。
　　Dearreader，thenextchapterwilltellyouhowmymagicundertakingended，andperhapsyouwillenjoyagoodlaughatmyexpense，butyouneednotbeafraidofhurtingmyfeelings。
　　CHAPTERXXII
　　TheIncantation——ATerribleStorm——MyFright——Javotte’sVirginityIsSaved——IGiveUptheUndertaking，andSelltheSheathtoCapitani——I
　　MeetJulietteandCountAlfani，AliasCountCeli——IMakeUpMyMindtoGotoNaples——WhyITakeaDifferentRoadMygreatoperationhadtobeperformedonthefollowingday；
　　otherwise，accordingtoallestablishedrules，Iwouldhavehadtowaituntilthenextfullmoon。Ihadtomakethegnomesraisethetreasuretothesurfaceoftheearthattheveryspotonwhichmyincantationswouldbeperformed。Ofcourse，IknewwellenoughthatIshouldnotsucceed，butIknewlikewisethatIcouldeasilyreconcileFranziaandCapitanitoafailure，byinventingsomeexcellentreasonsforourwantofsuccess。InthemeantimeIhadtoplaymypartofamagician，inwhichItookarealdelight。IkeptJavotteatworkallday，sewingtogether，intheshapeofaring，somethirtysheetsofpaperonwhichIpaintedthemostwonderfuldesigns。Thatring，whichIcalledmaximus，hadadiameterofthreegeometricpaces。IhadmanufacturedasortofsceptreormagicwandwiththebranchofolivebroughtbyFranziafromCesena。Thusprepared，ItoldJavottethat，attwelveo’clockatnight，whenI
　　cameoutofthemagicring，shewastobereadyforeverything。Theorderdidnotseemrepugnanttoher；shelongedtogivemethatproofofherobedience，and，onmyside，consideringmyselfasherdebtor，Iwasinahurrytopaymydebtandtogivehereverysatisfaction。
　　Thehourhavingstruck，IorderedFranziaandCapitanitostandonthebalcony，soastobereadytocometomeifIcalledforthem，andalsotopreventanyoneinthehouseseeingmyproceedings。I
　　thenthrewoffallprofanegarments。Iclothemyselfinthelongwhiterobe，theworkofavirgin’sinnocenthands。Iallowmylonghairtofallloosely。Iplacetheextraordinarycrownonmyhead，thecirclemaximusonmyshoulders，and，seizingthesceptrewithonehand，thewonderfulknifewiththeother，Igodownintotheyard。
　　ThereIspreadmycircleontheground，utteringthemostbarbarouswords，andaftergoingrounditthreetimesIjumpintothemiddle。
　　Squattingdownthere，Iremainafewminutesmotionless，thenIrise，andIfixmyeyesuponaheavy，darkcloudcomingfromthewest，whilstfromthesamequarterthethunderisrumblingloudly。WhatasublimegeniusIshouldhaveappearedintheeyesofmytwofools，if，havingashorttimebeforetakennoticeoftheskyinthatpartofthehorizon，Ihadannouncedtothemthatmyoperationwouldbeattendedbythatphenomenon。
　　Thecloudspreadswithfearfulrapidity，andsoontheskyseemscoveredwithafuneralpall，onwhichthemostvividflashesoflightningkeepblazingeverymoment。
　　Suchastormwasaverynaturaloccurrence，andIhadnoreasontobeastonishedatit，butsomehow，fearwasbeginningtocreepintome，andIwishedmyselfinmyroom。Myfrightsoonincreasedatthesightofthelightning，andonhearingtheclapsofthunderwhichsucceededeachotherwithfearfulrapidityandseemedtoroarovermyveryhead。Ithenrealizedwhatextraordinaryeffectfearcanhaveonthemind，forIfanciedthat，ifIwasnotannihilatedbythefiresofheavenwhichwereflashingallaroundme，itwasonlybecausetheycouldnotentermymagicring。ThuswasIadmiringmyowndeceitfulwork！Thatfoolishreasonpreventedmefromleavingthecircleinspiteofthefearwhichcausedmetoshudder。Ifithadnotbeenforthatbelief，theresultofacowardlyfright，I
　　wouldnothaveremainedoneminutewhereIwas，andmyhurriedflightwouldnodoubthaveopenedtheeyesofmytwodupes，whocouldnothavefailedtoseethat，farfrombeingamagician，Iwasonlyapoltroon。Theviolenceofthewind，theclapsofthunder，thepiercingcold，andaboveall，fear，mademetremblealloverlikeanaspenleaf。Mysystem，whichIthoughtproofagainsteveryaccident，hadvanished:IacknowledgedanavengingGodwhohadwaitedforthisopportunityofpunishingmeatoneblowforallmysins，andofannihilatingme，inordertoputanendtomywantoffaith。Thecompleteimmobilitywhichparalyzedallmylimbsseemedtomeaproofoftheuselessnessofmyrepentance，andthatconvictiononlyincreasedmyconsternation。
　　Buttheroaringofthethunderdiesaway，therainbeginstofallheavily，dangervanishes，andIfeelmycouragereviving。Suchisman！oratallevents，suchwasIatthatmoment。Itwasrainingsofastthat，ifithadcontinuedpouringwiththesameviolenceforaquarterofanhour，thecountrywouldhavebeeninundated。Assoonastherainhadceased，thewindabated，thecloudsweredispersed，andthemoonshoneinallitssplendour，likesilverinthepure，bluesky。Itakeupmymagicring，andtellingthetwofriendstoretiretotheirbedswithoutspeakingtome，Ihurrytomyroom。I
　　stillfeltrathershaken，and，castingmyeyesonJavotte，IthoughthersoprettythatIfeltpositivelyfrightened。Iallowedhertodryme，andafterthatnecessaryoperationItoldherpiteouslytogotobed。Thenextmorningshetoldmethat，whenshesawmecomein，shakingalloverinspiteoftheheat，shehadherselfshudderedwithfear。
　　AftereighthoursofsoundsleepIfeltallright，butIhadhadenoughofthecomedy，andtomygreatsurprisethesightofGenevievedidnotmovemeinanyway。TheobedientJavottehadcertainlynotchanged，butIwasnotthesame。Iwasforthefirsttimeinmylifereducedtoastateofapathy，andinconsequenceofthesuperstitiousideaswhichhadcrowdedinmymindthepreviousnightIimaginedthattheinnocenceofthatyounggirlwasunderthespecialprotectionofHeaven，andthatifIhaddaredtorobherofhervirginitythemostrapidandterribledeathwouldhavebeenmypunishment。
　　Atallevents，thankstomyyouthandmyexaltedideas，Ifanciedthatthroughmyself—denyingresolutionsthefatherwouldnotbesogreatadupe，andthedaughternotsounhappy，unlesstheresultshouldproveasunfortunateforherasithadbeenforpoorLucy，ofPasean。
　　ThemomentthatJavottebecameinmyeyesanobjectofholyhorror，mydeparturewasdecided。TheresolutionwasallthemoreirrevocablebecauseIfanciedsomeoldpeasantmighthavewitnessedallmytricksinthemiddleofthemagicring，inwhichcasethemostHoly，or，ifyoulike，themostinfernal，Inquisition，receivinginformationfromhim，mightverywellhavecaughtmeandenhancedmyfamebysomesplendid’auto—da—fe’inwhichIhadnottheslightestwishtobetheprincipalactor。ItstruckmeassoentirelywithinthelimitsofprobabilitythatIsentatonceforFranziaandCapitani，andinthepresenceoftheunpollutedvirginItoldthemthatIhadobtainedfromthesevenspiritswatchingoverthetreasureallthenecessaryparticulars，butthatIhadbeencompelledtoenterintoanagreementwiththemtodelaytheextractionofthetreasureplacedundertheirguardianship。ItoldFranziathatIwouldhandtohiminwritingalltheinformationwhichIhadcompelledthespiritstogiveme。Iproduced，inreality，afewminutesafterwards，adocumentsimilartotheoneIhadconcoctedatthepubliclibraryinMantua，addingthatthetreasureconsistedofdiamonds，rubies，emeralds，andonehundredthousandpoundsofgolddust。Imadehimtakeanoathonmypocket—booktowaitforme，andnottohavefaithinanymagicianunlesshegavehimanaccountofthetreasureineverywaysimilartotheonewhich，asagreatfavor，Iwasleavinginhishands。Iorderedhimtoburnthecrownandthering，buttokeeptheotherthingscarefullyuntilmyreturn。
　　"Asforyou，Capitani，"Isaidtomycompanion，"proceedatoncetoCesena，andremainattheinnuntilourluggagehasbeenbroughtbythemanwhomFranziaisgoingtosendwithit。"
　　SeeingthatpoorJavottelookedmiserable，Iwentuptoher，and，speakingtoherverytenderly，Ipromisedtoseeheragainbeforelong。Itoldheratthesametimethat，thegreatoperationhavingbeenperformedsuccessfully，hervirginitywasnolongernecessary，andthatshewasatlibertytomarryassoonasshepleased，orwheneveragoodopportunityoffereditself。
　　Iatoncereturnedtothecity，whereIfoundCapitanimakinghispreparationstogotothefairofLugo，andthentoMantua。Hetoldme，cryinglikeachild，thathisfatherwouldbeindespairwhenhesawhimcomebackwithouttheknifeofSaintPeter。
　　"Youmayhaveit，"Isaid，"withthesheath，ifyouwillletmehavetheonethousandRomancrowns，theamountoftheletterofexchange:"
　　Hethoughtitanexcellentbargain，andaccepteditjoyfully。Igavehimbacktheletterofexchange，andmadehimsignapaperbywhichheundertooktoreturnthesheathwheneverIbroughtthesameamount，butheisstillwaitingforit。
　　Ididnotknowwhattodowiththewonderfulsheath，andIwasnotinwantofmoney，butIshouldhaveconsideredmyselfdishonouredifI
　　hadgivenittohimfornothing；besides，IthoughtitagoodjoketolevyacontributionupontheignorantcredulityofacountpalatinecreatedbythegraceofthePope。Inafterdays，however，Iwouldwillinglyhaverefundedhismoney，but，asfatewouldhaveit，wedidnotseeeachotherforalongtime，andwhenImethimagainIwasnotinapositiontoreturntheamount。Itis，therefore，onlytochancethatIwasindebtedforthesum，andcertainlyCapitanineverdreamedofcomplaining，forbeingthepossessorof’gladiumcumvagina’hetrulybelievedhimselfthemasterofeverytreasureconcealedinthePapalStates。
　　Capitanitookleaveofmeonthefollowingday，andIintendedtoproceedatoncetoNaples，butIwasagainprevented；thisishowithappened。
　　AsIreturnedtotheinnafterashortwalk，minehosthandedmethebilloftheplayannouncingfourperformancesoftheDidoneofMetastasioattheSpada。Seeingnoacquaintanceofmineamongtheactorsoractresses，Imadeupmymindtogototheplayintheevening，andtostartearlythenextdaywithpost—horses。AremnantofmyfearoftheInquisitionurgedmeon，andIcouldnothelpfancyingthatspieswereatmyheels。
　　BeforeenteringthehouseIwentintotheactressesdressing—room，andtheleadingladystruckmeasrathergood—looking。HernamewasNarici，andshewasfromBologna。Ibowedtoher，andafterthecommon—placeconversationusualinsuchcases，Iaskedherwhethershewasfree。
　　"Iamonlyengagedwiththemanager，"sheanswered。
　　"Haveyouanylover？"
　　"No。"
　　"Ioffermyselfforthepost，ifyouhavenoobjection"
　　Shesmiledjeeringly，andsaid，"Willyoutakefourticketsforthefourperformances？"
　　Itooktwosequinsoutofmypurse，takingcaretoletherseethatitwaswellfilled，andwhenshegavemethefourtickets，presentedthemtothemaidwhowasdressingherandwasprettierthanthemistress，andsolefttheroomwithoututteringasingleword。Shecalledmeback；Ipretendednottohearher，andtookaticketforthepit。Afterthefirstballet，findingthewholeperformanceverypoor，Iwasthinkingofgoingaway，when，happeningtolooktowardsthechiefbox，Isawtomy，astonishmentthatitwastenantedbytheVenetianManzoniandthecelebratedJuliette。ThereaderwilldoubtlessremembertheballshegaveatmyhouseinVenice，andthesmackwithwhichshesalutedmycheekonthatoccasion。
　　Theyhadnotyetnoticedme，andIenquiredfromthepersonseatednexttomewhowasthatbeautifulladywearingsomanydiamonds。HetoldmethatshewasMadameQuerini，fromVenice，whomCountSpada，theownerofthetheatre，whowassittingnearher，hadbroughtwithhimfromFaenza。IwasgladtohearthatM。Querinihadmarriedheratlast，butIdidnotthinkofrenewingtheacquaintance，forreasonswhichmyreadercannothaveforgottenifherecollectsourquarrelwhenIhadtodressherasanabbe。Iwasonthepointofgoingawaywhenshehappenedtoseemeandcalledme。Iwentuptoher，and，notwishingtobeknownbyanyone，IwhisperedtoherthatmynamewasFarusi。ManzoniinformedmethatIwasspeakingtoherexcellency，MadameQuerini。"Iknowit，"Isaid，"throughaletterwhichIhavereceivedfromVenice，andIbegtooffermymostsincerecongratulationstoMadame。"SheheardmeandintroducedmetoCountSpada，creatingmeabarononthespot。Heinvitedmemostkindlytocometohisbox，askedmewhereIcamefrom，whereIwasgoingto，etc。，andbeggedthepleasureofmycompanyatsupperforthesameevening。
　　Tenyearsbefore，hehadbeenJuliette’sfriendinVienna，whenMariaTheresa，havingbeeninformedoftheperniciousinfluenceofherbeauty，gavehernoticetoquitthecity。ShehadrenewedheracquaintancewithhiminVenice，andhadcontrivedtomakehimtakehertoBolognaonapleasuretrip。M。Manzoni，heroldfollower，whogavemeallthisinformation，accompaniedherinordertobearwitnessofhergoodconductbeforeM。Querini。ImustsaythatManzoniwasnotawell—chosenchaperon。
　　InVeniceshewantedeverybodytobelievethatQuerinihadmarriedhersecretly，butatadistanceoffiftyleaguesshedidnotthinksuchaformalitynecessary，andshehadalreadybeenpresentedbythegeneraltoallthenobilityofCesenaasMadameQueriniPapozzes。
　　M。Queriniwouldhavebeenwronginbeingjealousofthecount，forhewasanoldacquaintancewhowoulddonoharm。Besides，itisadmittedamongstcertainwomenthatthereigningloverwhoisjealousofanoldacquaintanceisnothingbutafool，andoughttobetreatedassuch。Juliette，mostlikelyafraidofmybeingindiscreet，hadlostnotimeinmakingthefirstadvances，but，seeingthatIhadlikewisesomereasontofearherwantofdiscretion，shefeltreassured。FromthefirstmomentItreatedherpolitely，andwitheveryconsiderationduetoherposition。
　　Ifoundnumerouscompanyatthegeneral’s，andsomeprettywomen。
　　NotseeingJuliette，IenquiredforherfromM。Manzoni，whotoldmethatshewasatthefarotable，losinghermoney。Isawherseatednexttothebanker，whoturnedpaleatthesightofmyface。Hewasnootherthantheso—calledCountCeli。Heofferedmeacard，whichIrefusedpolitely，butIacceptedJuliette’soffertobeherpartner。Shehadaboutfiftysequins，Ihandedherthesamesum，andtookaseatnearher。Afterthefirstround，sheaskedmeifIknewthebanker；Celihadheardthequestion；Ianswerednegatively。A
　　ladyonmylefttoldmethatthebankerwasCountAlfani。Halfanhourlater，MadameQueriniwentsevenandlost，sheincreasedherstakeoftensequins；itwasthelastdealofthegame，andthereforethedecisiveone。Irosefrommychair，andfixedmyeyesonthebanker’shands。Butinspiteofthat，hecheatedbeforeme，andMadamelost。
　　Justatthatmomentthegeneralofferedherhisarmtogotosupper；
　　shelefttheremainderofhergoldonthetable，andaftersupper，havingplayedagain，shelosteverysequin。
　　Ienlivenedthesupperbymystoriesandwittyjests。Icaptivatedeverybody’sfriendship，andparticularlythegeneral’s，who，havingheardmesaythatIwasgoingtoNaplesonlytogratifyanamorousfancy，entreatedmetospendamonthwithhimandtosacrificemywhim。Butitwasallinvain。Myheartwasunoccupied；IlongedtoseeLucreziaandTherese，whosecharmsafterfiveyearsIcouldscarcelyrecollect。IonlyconsentedtoremaininCesenathefourdaysduringwhichthegeneralintendedtostay。
　　ThenextmorningasIwasdressingIhadacallfromthecowardlyAlfani—Celi；Ireceivedhimwithajeeringsmile，sayingthatIhadexpectedhim。
　　Thehair—dresserbeingintheroomCelididnotanswer，butassoonaswewerealonehesaid，"Howcouldyoupossiblyexpectmyvisit？"
　　"Iwilltellyoumyreasonassoonasyouhavehandedmeonehundredsequins，andyouaregoingtodosoatonce。’
　　"HerearefiftywhichIbroughtforyou；youcannotdemandmorefromme。"
　　"Thankyou，Itakethemonaccount，butasIamgood—naturedIadviseyounottoshewyourselfthiseveninginCountSpada’sdrawing—rooms，foryouwouldnotbeadmitted，anditwouldbeowingtome。"
　　"Ihopethatyouwillthinktwicebeforeyouareguiltyofsuchanungenerousact。"
　　"Ihavemadeupmymind；butnowleaveme。"
　　Therewasaknockatmydoor，andtheself—styledCountAlfaniwentawaywithoutgivingmethetroubleofrepeatingmyorder。Mynewvisitorprovedtobethefirstcastratoofthetheatre，whobroughtaninvitationtodinnerfromNarici。Theinvitationwascurious，andIaccepteditwithasmile。ThecastratowasnamedNicolasPeritti；
　　hepretendedtobethegrandsonofanaturalchildofSixtusV。；itmighthavebeensoIshallhavetomentionhimagaininfifteenyears。
　　WhenImademyappearanceatNarici’shouseIsawCountAlfani，whocertainlydidnotexpectme，andmusthavetakenmeforhisevilgenius。Hebowedtomewithgreatpoliteness，andbeggedthatI
　　wouldlistentoafewwordsinprivate。
　　"Herearefiftysequinsmore，"hesaid；"butasanhonestmanyoucantakethemonlytogivethemtoMadameQuerini。Buthowcanyouhandtheamounttoherwithoutlettingherknowthatyouhaveforcedmetorefundit？Youunderstandwhatconsequencessuchaconfessionmighthaveforme。"
　　"Ishallgiveherthemoneyonlywhenyouhaveleftthisplace；inthemeantimeIpromisetobediscreet，butbecarefulnottoassistfortuneinmypresence，orImustactinamannerthatwillnotbeagreeabletoyou。"
　　"Doublethecapitalofmybank，andwecanbepartners。"
　　"Yourproposalisaninsult。"
　　Hegavemefiftysequins，andIpromisedtokeephissecret。
　　TherewasanumerousattendanceinNarici’srooms，especiallyofyoungmen，whoafterdinnerlostalltheirmoney。Ididnotplay，anditwasadisappointmentformyprettyhostess，whohadinvitedmeonlybecauseshehadjudgedmeassimpleastheothers。Iremainedanindifferentwitnessoftheplay，anditgavemeanopportunityofrealizinghowwiseMahomethadbeeninforbiddingallgamesofchance。
　　IntheeveningaftertheoperaCountCelihadthefarobank，andI
　　losetwohundredsequins，butIcouldonlyaccuseillluck。MadameQueriniwon。ThenextdaybeforesupperIbrokethebank，andaftersupper，feelingtiredandwellpleasedwithwhatIhadwon，I
　　returnedtotheinn。
　　Thefollowingmorning，whichwasthethirdday，andthereforethelastbutoneofmystayinCesena，Icalledatthegeneral’s。I
　　heardthathisadjutanthadthrownthecardsinAlfani’sface，andthatameetinghadbeenarrangedbetweenthemfortwelveo’clock。
　　Iwenttotheadjutant’sroomandofferedtobehissecond，assuringhimthattherewouldbenobloodspilt。Hedeclinedmyofferwithmanythanks，andatdinner—timehetoldmethatIhadguessedrightly，forCountAlfanihadleftforRome。
　　"Inthatcase，"Isaidtotheguests，"Iwilltakethebanktonight。"
　　Afterdinner，beingalonewithMadameQuerini，ItoldherallaboutAlfani，aliasCeli，andhandedherthefiftysequinsofwhichIwasthedepositary。
　　"Isuppose，"shesaid，"thatbymeansofthisfableyouhopetomakemeacceptfiftysequins，butIthankyou，Iamnotinwantofmoney。"
　　"IgiveyoumywordthatIhavecompelledthethieftorefundthismoney，togetherwiththefiftysequinsofwhichhehadlikewisecheatedme。"
　　"Thatmaybe，butIdonotwishtobelieveyou。IbegtoinformyouthatIamnotsimpleenoughtoallowmyselftobeduped，and，whatisworse，cheatedinsuchamanner。"
　　Philosophyforbidsamantofeelrepentanceforagooddeed，buthemustcertainlyhavearighttoregretsuchadeedwhenitismalevolentlymisconstrued，andturnedagainsthimasareproach。
　　Intheevening，aftertheperformance，whichwastobethelast，I
　　tookthebankaccordingtomypromise:Ilostafewsequins，butwascaressedbyeverybody，andthatismuchmorepleasantthanwinning，whenwearenotlabouringunderthehardnecessityofmakingmoney。
　　CountSpada，whohadgotquitefondofme，wantedmetoaccompanyhimtoBrisighetta，butIresistedhisentreatiesbecauseIhadfirmlyresolvedongoingtoNaples。
　　ThenextmorningIwasawokebyaterriblenoiseinthepassage，almostatthedoorofmyroom。
　　Gettingoutofmybed，Iopenmydoortoascertainthecauseoftheuproar。Iseeatroopof’sbirri’atthedoorofachamber，andinthatchamber，sittingupinbed，afine—lookingmanwhowasmakinghimselfhoarsebyscreaminginLatinagainstthatrabble，theplagueofItaly，andagainsttheinn—keeperwhohadbeenrascallyenoughtoopenthedoor。
　　Ienquireoftheinn—keeperwhatitallmeans。
　　"Thisgentleman，"answersthescoundrel，"who，itappears，canonlyspeakLatin，isinbedwithagirl，andthe’sbirri’ofthebishophavebeensenttoknowwhethersheistrulyhiswife；allperfectlyregular。Ifsheishiswife，hehasonlytoconvincethembyshewingacertificateofmarriage，butifsheisnot，ofcoursehemustgotoprisonwithher。Yetitneednothappen，forIundertaketoarrangeeverythinginafriendlymannerforafewsequins。Ihaveonlytoexchangeafewwordswiththechiefofthe’sbirri’，andtheywillallgoaway。IfyoucanspeakLatin，youhadbettergoin，andmakehimlistentoreason。"
　　"Whohasbrokenopenthedoorofhisroom？"
　　"Nobody；Ihaveopeneditmyselfwiththekey，asismyduty。"
　　"Yes，thedutyofahighwayrobber，butnotofanhonestinn—keeper。"
　　Suchinfamousdealingarousedmyindignation，andImadeupmymindtointerfere。Ientertheroom，althoughIhadstillmynightcapon，andinformthegentlemanofthecauseofthedisturbance。Heanswerswithalaughthat，inthefirstplace，itwasimpossibletosaywhetherthepersonwhowasinbedwithhimwasawoman，forthatpersonhadonlybeenseeninthecostumeofamilitaryofficer，andthat，inthesecondplace，hedidnotthinkthatanyhumanbeinghadarighttocompelhimtosaywhetherhisbed—fellowwashiswifeorhismistress，evensupposingthathiscompanionwastrulyawoman。
　　"Atallevents，"headded，"Iamdeterminednottogiveonecrowntoarrangetheaffair，andtoremaininbeduntilmydoorisshut。ThemomentIamdressed，Iwilltreatyoutoanamusingdenouementofthecomedy。Iwilldriveawayallthosescoundrelsatthepointofmysword。"
　　Ithenseeinacornerabroadsword，andaHungariancostumelookinglikeamilitaryuniform。Iaskwhetherheisanofficer。
　　"Ihavewrittenmynameandprofession，"heanswers，"inthehotelbook。"
　　Astonishedattheabsurdityoftheinn—keeper，Iaskhimwhetheritisso；heconfessesit，butaddsthattheclergyhavetherighttopreventscandal。
　　"Theinsultyouhaveofferedtothatofficer，Mr。Landlord，willcostyouverydear。"
　　Hisonlyansweristolaughinmyface。Highlyenragedatseeingsuchascoundrellaughatme，Itakeuptheofficer’squarrelwarmly，andaskedhimtoentrusthispassporttomeforafewminutes。
　　"Ihavetwo，"hesays；"thereforeIcanletyouhaveone。"Andtakingthedocumentoutofhispocket—book，hehandsittome。ThepassportwassignedbyCardinalAlbani。TheofficerwasacaptaininaHungarianregimentbelongingtotheempressandqueen。HewasfromRome，onhiswaytoParmawithdispatchesfromCardinalAlbaniAlexandertoM。Dutillot，primeministeroftheInfanteofParma。
　　Atthesamemoment，amanburstintotheroom，speakingveryloudly，andaskedmetotelltheofficerthattheaffairmustbesettledatonce，becausehewantedtoleaveCesenaimmediately。
　　"Whoareyou？"Iaskedtheman。
　　Heansweredthathewasthe’vetturino’whomthecaptainhadengaged。
　　Isawthatitwasaregularput—upthing，andbeggedthecaptaintoletmeattendtothebusiness，assuringhimthatIwouldsettleittohishonourandadvantage。
　　"Doexactlyasyouplease，"hesaid。
　　Thenturningtowardsthe’vetturino’，Iorderedhimtobringupthecaptain’sluggage，sayingthathewouldbepaidatonce。Whenhehaddoneso，Ihandedhimeightsequinsoutofmyownpurse，andmadehimgivemeareceiptinthenameofthecaptain，whocouldonlyspeakGerman，Hungarian，andLatin。Thevetturinowentaway，andthe’sbirri’followedhiminthegreatestconsternation，excepttwowhoremained。
　　"Captain，"IsaidtotheHungarian，"keepyourbeduntilIreturn。I
　　amgoingnowtothebishoptogivehimanaccountoftheseproceedings，andmakehimunderstandthatheowesyousomereparation。Besides，GeneralSpadaishere，and……"
　　"Iknowhim，"interruptedthecaptain，"andifIhadbeenawareofhisbeinginCesena，Iwouldhaveshotthelandlordwhenheopenedmydoortothosescoundrels。"
　　Ihurriedovermytoilet，andwithoutwaitingformyhairtobedressedIproceededtothebishop’spalace，andmakingagreatdealofnoiseIalmostcompelledtheservantstotakemetohisroom。A
　　lackeywhowasatthedoorinformedmethathislordshipwasstillinbed。
　　"Nevermind，Icannotwait。"
　　Ipushedhimasideandenteredtheroom。Irelatedthewholeaffairtothebishop，exaggeratingtheuproar，makingmuchoftheinjusticeofsuchproceedings，andrailingatavexatiouspolicedaringtomolesttravellersandtoinsultthesacredrightsofindividualsandnations。
　　Thebishopwithoutansweringmereferredmetohischancellor，towhomIrepeatedallIhadsaidtothebishop，butwithwordscalculatedtoirritateratherthantosoften，andcertainlynotlikelytoobtainthereleaseofthecaptain。Ievenwentsofarastothreaten，andIsaidthatifIwereintheplaceoftheofficerI
　　woulddemandapublicreparation。Thepriestlaughedatmythreats；
　　itwasjustwhatIwanted，andafteraskingmewhetherIhadtakenleaveofmysenses，thechancellortoldmetoapplytothecaptainofthe’sbirri’。
　　"Ishallgotosomebodyelse，"Isaid，"reverendsir，besidesthecaptainofthe’sbirri’。"
　　Delightedathavingmademattersworse，IlefthimandproceededstraighttothehouseofGeneralSpada，butbeingtoldthathecouldnotbeseenbeforeeighto’clock，Ireturnedtotheinn。
　　ThestateofexcitementinwhichIwas，theardourwithwhichIhadmadetheaffairmine，mighthaveledanyonetosupposethatmyindignationhadbeenrousedonlybydisgustatseeinganodiouspersecutionperpetrateduponastrangerbyanunrestrained，immoral，andvexatiouspolice；butwhyshouldIdeceivethekindreader，towhomIhavepromisedtotellthetruth；Imustthereforesaythatmyindignationwasreal，butmyardourwasexcitedbyanotherfeelingofamorepersonalnature。Ifanciedthatthewomanconcealedunderthebed—clotheswasabeauty。Ilongedtoseeherface，whichshame，mostlikely，hadpreventedherfromshewing。Shehadheardmespeak，andthegoodopinionthatIhadofmyselfdidnotleavetheshadowofadoubtinmymindthatshewouldprefermetohercaptain。
　　Thedooroftheroombeingstillopen，IwentinandrelatedtothecaptainallIhaddone，assuringhimthatinthecourseofthedayhewouldbeatlibertytocontinuehisjourneyatthebishop’sexpense，forthegeneralwouldnotfailtoobtaincompletesatisfactionforhim。Hethankedmewarmly，gavebacktheeightducatsIhadpaidforhim，andsaidthathewouldnotleavethecitytillthenextday。
　　"Fromwhatcountry，"Iaskedhim，"isyourtravellingcompanion？"
　　"FromFrance，andheonlyspeakshisnativelanguage。"
　　"ThenyouspeakFrench？"
　　"Notoneword。"
　　"Thatisamusing！Thenyouconverseinpantomime？"
　　"Exactly。"
　　"Ipityyou，foritisadifficultlanguage。"
　　"Yes，toexpressthevariousshadesofthought，butinthematerialpartofourintercourseweunderstandeachotherquitewell。"
　　"MayIinvitemyselftobreakfastwithyou？"
　　"Askmyfriendwhetherhehasanyobjection。"
　　"Amiablecompanionofthecaptain，"IsaidinFrench，"willyoukindlyacceptmeasathirdguestatthebreakfast—table？"
　　AtthesewordsIsawcomingoutofthebed—clothesalovelyhead，withdishevelledhair，andablooming，laughingfacewhich，althoughitwascrownedwithaman’scap，leftnodoubtthatthecaptain’sfriendbelongedtothatsexwithoutwhichmanwouldbethemostmiserableanimalonearth。
　　Delightedwiththegracefulcreature，ItoldherthatIhadbeenhappyenoughtofeelinterestedinherevenbeforeIhadseenher，andthatnowthatIhadthepleasureofseeingher，Icouldbutrenewwithgreaterzealallmyeffortstoserveher。
　　Sheansweredmewiththegraceandtheanimationwhicharetheexclusiveprivilegeofhernativecountry，andretortedmyargumentinthemostwittymanner；Iwasalreadyunderthecharm。Myrequestwasgranted；Iwentouttoorderbreakfast，andtogivethemanopportunityofmakingthemselvescomfortableinbed，fortheyweredeterminednottogetupuntilthedooroftheirroomwasclosedagain。
　　Thewaitercame，andIwentinwithhim。IfoundmylovelyFrenchwomanwearingabluefrock—coat，withherhairbadlyarrangedlikeaman’s，butverycharmingeveninthatstrangecostume。I
　　longedtoseeherup。Sheateherbreakfastwithoutonceinterruptingtheofficerspeakingtome，buttowhomIwasnotlistening，orlisteningwithverylittleattention，forIwasinasortofecstatictrance。
　　Immediatelyafterbreakfast，Icalledonthegeneral，andrelatedtheaffairtohim，enlarginguponitinsuchamannerastopiquehismartialpride。Itoldhimthat，unlesshesettledthematterhimself，theHungariancaptainwasdeterminedtosendanexpresstothecardinalimmediately。Butmyeloquencewasunnecessary，forthegenerallikedtoseepriestsattendtothebusinessofHeaven，buthecouldnotbearthemtomeddleintemporalaffairs。
　　"Ishall，"hesaid，"immediatelyputastoptothisridiculouscomedy，andtreatitinaveryseriousmanner。"
　　"Goatoncetotheinn，"hesaidtohisaide—de—camp，"invitethatofficerandhiscompaniontodinewithmeto—day，andrepairafterwardstothebishop’spalace。Givehimnoticethattheofficerwhohasbeensogrosslyinsultedbyhis’sbirri’shallnotleavethecitybeforehehasreceivedacompleteapology，andwhateversumofmoneyhemayclaimasdamages。Tellhimthatthenoticecomesfromme，andthatalltheexpensesincurredbytheofficershallbepaidbyhim。"
　　Whatpleasureitwasformetolistentothesewords！Inmyvanity，IfanciedIhadalmostpromptedthemtothegeneral。Iaccompaniedtheaide—de—camp，andintroducedhimtothecaptainwhoreceivedhimwiththejoyofasoldiermeetingacomrade。Theadjutantgavehimthegeneral’sinvitationforhimandhiscompanion，andaskedhimtowritedownwhatsatisfactionhewanted，aswellastheamountofdamagesheclaimed。Atthesightofthegeneral’sadjutant，the’sbirri’hadquicklyvanished。Ihandedtothecaptainpen，paperandink，andhewrotehisclaiminprettygoodLatinforanativeofHungary。Theexcellentfellowabsolutelyrefusedtoaskformorethanthirtysequins，inspiteofallIsaidtomakehimclaimonehundred。Hewaslikewiseagreatdealtooeasyastothesatisfactionhedemanded，forallheaskedwastoseethelandlordandthe’sbirri’beghispardonontheirkneesinthepresenceofthegeneral’sadjutant。HethreatenedthebishoptosendanexpresstoRometoCardinalAlexander，unlesshisdemandswerecompliedwithwithintwohours，andtoremaininCesenaattherateoftensequinsadayatthebishop’sexpense。
　　Theofficerleftus，andamomentafterwardsthelandlordcameinrespectfully，toinformthecaptainthathewasfree，butthecaptainhavingbeggedmetotellthescoundrelthatheowedhimasoundthrashing，helostnotimeingainingthedoor。
　　Ileftmyfriendsalonetogetdressed，andtoattendtomyowntoilet，asIdinedwiththematthegeneral’s。AnhourafterwardsI
　　foundthemreadyintheirmilitarycostumes。TheuniformoftheFrenchwomanwasofcourseafancyone，butveryelegant。ThemomentIsawher，IgaveupallideaofNaples，anddecideduponaccompanyingthetwofriendstoParma。ThebeautyofthelovelyFrenchwomanhadalreadycaptivatedme。Thecaptainwascertainlyonthethresholdofsixty，and，asamatterofcourse，Ithoughtsuchaunionverybadlyassorted。IimaginedthattheaffairwhichIwasalreadyconcoctinginmybraincouldbearrangedamicably。
　　Theadjutantcamebackwithapriestsentbythebishop，whotoldthecaptainthatheshouldhavethesatisfactionaswellasthedamageshehadclaimed，butthathemustbecontentwithfifteensequins。
　　"Thirtyornothing，"drylyansweredtheHungarian。
　　Theywereatlastgiventohim，andthusthematterended。Thevictorywasduetomyexertions，andIhadwonthefriendshipofthecaptainandhislovelycompanion。
　　Inordertoguess，evenatfirstsight，thatthefriendoftheworthycaptainwasnotaman，itwasenoughtolookatthehips。Shewastoowellmadeasawomanevertopassforaman，andthewomenwhodisguisethemselvesinmaleattire，andboastofbeinglikemen，areverywrong，forbysuchaboasttheyconfessthemselvesdeficientinoneofthegreatestperfectionsappertainingtowoman。
　　Alittlebeforedinner—timewerepairedtoGeneralSpada’smansion，andthegeneralpresentedthetwoofficerstoalltheladies。Notoneofthemwasdeceivedintheyoungofficer，but，beingalreadyacquaintedwiththeadventure，theywerealldelightedtodinewiththeheroofthecomedy，andtreatedthehandsomeofficerexactlyasifhehadtrulybeenaman，butIamboundtoconfessthatthemaleguestsofferedtheFrenchwomanhomagesmoreworthyofhersex。
　　MadameQuerinialonedidnotseempleased，becausethelovelystrangermonopolizedthegeneralattention，anditwasablowtohervanitytoseeherselfneglected。Sheneverspoketoher，excepttoshewoffherFrench，whichshecouldspeakwell。Thepoorcaptainscarcelyopenedhislips，fornoonecaredtospeakLatin，andthegeneralhadnotmuchtosayinGerman。
　　Anelderlypriest，whowasoneoftheguests，triedtojustifytheconductofthebishopbyassuringusthattheinn—keeperandthe’sbirri’hadactedonlyundertheordersoftheHolyOffice。
　　"Thatisthereason，"hesaid，"forwhichnoboltsareallowedintheroomsofthehotels，sothatstrangersmaynotshutthemselvesupintheirchambers。TheHolyInquisitiondoesnotallowamantosleepwithanywomanbuthiswife。"
　　TwentyyearslaterIfoundallthedoorsinSpainwithaboltoutside，sothattravellerswere，asiftheyhadbeeninprison，exposedtotheoutrageousmolestationofnocturnalvisitsfromthepolice。ThatdiseaseissochronicinSpainthatitthreatenstooverthrowthemonarchysomeday，andIshouldnotbeastonishedifonefinemorningtheGrandInquisitorwastohavethekingshaved，andtotakehisplace。
　　CHAPTERXXIII
　　IPurchaseaHandsomeCarriage，andProceedtoParmaWiththeOldCaptainandtheYoungFrenchwoman——IPayaVisittoJavotte，andPresentHerWithaBeautifulPairofGoldBracelets——MyPerplexitiesRespectingMyLovelyTravellingCompanion——AMonologue——ConversationwiththeCaptain——Tete—a—TetewithHenrietteTheconversationwasanimated，andtheyoungfemaleofficerwasentertainingeverybody，evenMadameQuerini，althoughshehardlytookthetroubleofconcealingherspleen。
　　"Itseemsstrange，"sheremarked，"thatyouandthecaptainshouldlivetogetherwithouteverspeakingtoeachother。"
　　"Why，madam？Weunderstandoneanotherperfectly，forspeechisofverylittleconsequenceinthekindofbusinesswedotogether。"
　　Thatanswer，givenwithgracefulliveliness，madeeverybodylaugh，exceptMadameQuerini—Juliette，who，foolishlyassumingtheairofaprude，thoughtthatitsmeaningwastooclearlyexpressed。
　　"Idonotknowanykindofbusiness，"shesaid，"thatcanbetransactedwithouttheassistanceofthevoiceorthepen。"
　　"Excuseme，madam，therearesome:playingatcards，forinstance，isabusinessofthatsort。"
　　"Areyoualwaysplaying？"
　　"Wedonothingelse。WeplaythegameofthePharaoh（faro），andI
　　holdthebank。"
　　Everybody，understandingtheshrewdnessofthisevasiveanswer，laughedagain，andJulietteherselfcouldnothelpjoininginthegeneralmerriment。
　　"Buttellme，"saidCountSpada，"doesthebankreceivemuch？"
　　"Asforthedeposits，theyareofsolittleimportance，thattheyarehardlyworthmentioning。"
　　Nooneventuredupontranslatingthatsentenceforthebenefitoftheworthycaptain。Theconversationcontinuedinthesameamusingstyle，andalltheguestsweredelightedwiththegracefulwitofthecharmingofficer。
　　LateintheeveningItookleaveofthegeneral，andwishedhimapleasantjourney。
　　"Adieu，"hesaid，"IwishyouapleasantjourneytoNaples，andhopeyouwillenjoyyourselfthere"
　　"Well，general，IamnotgoingtoNaplesimmediately；IhavechangedmymindandintendtoproceedtoParma，whereIwishtoseetheInfante。IalsowishtoconstitutemyselftheinterpreterofthesetwoofficerswhoknownothingofItalian:"
　　"Ah，youngman！opportunitymakesathief，doesitnot？Well，ifI
　　wereinyourplace，Iwoulddothesame。"
　　IalsobadefarewelltoMadameQuerini，whoaskedmetowritetoherfromBologna。Igaveherapromisetodoso，butwithoutmeaningtofulfilit。
　　IhadfeltinterestedintheyoungFrenchwomanwhenshewashidingunderthebed—clothes:shehadtakenmyfancythemomentshehadshewnherfeatures，andstillmorewhenIhadseenherdressed。Shecompletedherconquestatthedinner—tablebythedisplayofawitwhichIgreatlyadmired。ItisrareinItaly，andseemstobelonggenerallytothedaughtersofFrance。Ididnotthinkitwouldbeverydifficulttowinherlove，andIresolvedontrying。Puttingmyself—esteemononeside，IfanciedIwouldsuithermuchbetterthantheoldHungarian，averypleasantmanforhisage，butwho，afterall，carriedhissixtyyearsonhisface，whilemytwenty—threewerebloomingonmycountenance。Itseemedtomethatthecaptainhimselfwouldnotraiseanygreatobjection，forheseemedoneofthosemenwho，treatingloveasamatterofpurefancy，acceptallcircumstanceseasily，andgivewaygood—naturedlytoallthefreaksoffortune。Bybecomingthetravellingcompanionofthisill—matchedcouple，Ishouldprobablysucceedinmyaims。Ineverdreamedofexperiencingarefusalattheirhands，mycompanywouldcertainlybeagreeabletothem，astheycouldnotexchangeasinglewordbythemselves。
　　WiththisideaIaskedthecaptain，aswereachedourinn，whetherheintendedtoproceedtoParmabythepubliccoachorotherwise。
　　"AsIhavenocarriageofmyown，"heanswered，"weshallhavetotakethecoach。"
　　"Ihaveaverycomfortablecarriage，andIofferyouthetwobackseatsifyouhavenoobjectiontomysociety。"
　　"Thatisapieceofgoodfortune。BekindenoughtoproposeittoHenriette。"
　　"Willyou，madam，grantmethefavourofaccompanyingyoutoParma？"