"Ishouldbedelighted，forwecouldhavesomeconversation，buttakecare，sir，yourtaskwillnotbeaneasyone，youwilloftenfindyourselfobligedtotranslateforbothofus。"
　　"Ishalldosowithgreatpleasure；Iamonlysorrythatthejourneyisnotlonger。Wecanarrangeeverythingatsupper—time；allowmetoleaveyounowasIhavesomebusinesstosettle。"
　　Mybusinesswasinreferencetoacarriage，fortheoneIhadboastedofexistedonlyinmyimagination。Iwenttothemostfashionablecoffee—house，and，asgoodluckwouldhaveit，heardthattherewasatravellingcarriageforsale，whichnoonewouldbuybecauseitwastooexpensive。Twohundredsequinswereaskedforit，althoughithadbuttwoseatsandabracket—stoolforathirdperson。ItwasjustwhatIwanted。Icalledattheplacewhereitwouldbeseen。I
　　foundaveryfineEnglishcarriagewhichcouldnothavecostlessthantwohundredguineas。Itsnobleproprietorwasthenatsupper，soIsenthimmyname，requestinghimnottodisposeofhiscarriageuntilthenextmorning，andIwentbacktothehotelwellpleasedwithmydiscovery。AtsupperIarrangedwiththecaptainthatwewouldnotleaveCesenatillafterdinneronthefollowingday，andtheconversationwasalmostentirelyadialoguebetweenHenrietteandmyself；itwasmyfirsttalkwithaFrenchwoman。Ithoughtthisyoungcreaturemoreandmorecharming，yetIcouldnotsupposehertobeanythingelsebutanadventurers，andIwasastonishedatdiscoveringinherthosenobleanddelicatefeelingswhichdenoteagoodeducation。However，assuchanideawouldnothavesuitedtheviewsIhadabouther，Irejecteditwheneveritpresenteditselftomymind。WheneverItriedtomakehertalkaboutthecaptainshewouldchangethesubjectofconversation，orevademyinsinuationswithatactandashrewdnesswhichastonishedanddelightedmeatthesametime，foreverythingshesaidboretheimpressofgraceandwit。
　　Yetshedidnoteludethisquestion:
　　"Atleasttellme，madam，whetherthecaptainisyourhusbandoryourfather。"
　　"Neitheronenortheother，"sheanswered，withasmile。
　　Thatwasenoughforme，andinrealitywhatmoredidIwanttoknow？
　　Theworthycaptainhadfallenasleep。WhenheawokeIwishedthembothgoodnight，andretiredtomyroomwithaheartfullofloveandamindfullofprojects。Isawthateverythinghadtakenagoodturn，andIfeltcertainofsuccess，forIwasyoung，Ienjoyedexcellenthealth，Ihadmoneyandplentyofdaring。Ilikedtheaffairallthebetterbecauseitmustcometoaconclusioninafewdays。
　　EarlythenextmorningIcalleduponCountDandini，theownerofthecarriage，andasIpassedajeweller’sshopIboughtapairofgoldbraceletsinVenetianfiligree，eachfiveyardslongandofrarefineness。IintendedthemasapresentforJavotte。
　　ThemomentCountDandinisawmeherecognizedme。HehadseenmeinPaduaatthehouseofhisfather，whowasprofessorofcivillawatthetimeIwasastudentthere。Iboughthiscarriageonconditionthathewouldsendittomeingoodrepairatoneo’clockintheafternoon。
　　Havingcompletedthepurchase，Iwenttomyfriend，Franzia，andmypresentofthebraceletsmadeJavotteperfectlyhappy。Therewas。
　　notonegirlinCesenawhocouldboastofpossessingafinerpair，andwiththatpresentmyconsciencefeltatease，foritpaidtheexpenseIhadoccasionedduringmystayoftenortwelvedaysatherfather’shousefourtimesover。ButthiswasnotthemostimportantpresentIofferedthefamily。Imadethefathertakeanoathtowaitforme，andnevertotrustinanypretendedmagicianforthenecessaryoperationtoobtainthetreasure，evenifIdidnotreturnorgiveanynewsofmyselffortenyears。
　　"Because，"Isaidtohim，"inconsequenceoftheagreementinwhichI
　　haveenteredwiththespiritswatchingthetreasure，atthefirstattemptmadebyanyotherperson，thecasketcontainingthetreasurewillsinktotwiceitspresentdepth，thatistosayasdeepasthirty—fivefathoms，andthenIshallhavemyselftentimesmoredifficultyinraisingittothesurface。Icannotstatepreciselythetimeofmyreturn，foritdependsuponcertaincombinationswhicharenotundermycontrol，butrecollectthatthetreasurecannotbeobtainedbyanyonebutI。"
　　Iaccompaniedmyadvicewiththreatsofutterruintohisfamilyifheshouldeverbreakhisoath。AndinthismannerIatonedforallI
　　haddone，for，farfromdeceivingtheworthyman，Ibecamehisbenefactorbyguardingagainstthedeceitofsomecheatwhowouldhavecaredforhismoneymorethanforhisdaughter。Ineversawhimagain，andmostlikelyheisdead，butknowingthedeepimpressionI
　　leftonhismindIamcertainthathisdescendantsareevennowwaitingforme，forthenameofFarusimusthaveremainedimmortalinthatfamily。
　　Javotteaccompaniedmeasfarasthegateofthecity，whereIkissedheraffectionately，whichmademefeelthatthethunderandlightninghadhadbutamomentaryeffectuponme；yetIkeptcontrolovermysenses，andIcongratulatemyselfondoingsotothisday。Itoldher，beforebiddingheradieu，that，hervirginitybeingnolongernecessaryformymagicoperations，Iadvisedhertogetmarriedassoonaspossible，ifIdidnotreturnwithinthreemonths。Sheshedafewtears，butpromisedtofollowmyadvice。
　　ItrustthatmyreaderswillapproveofthenoblemannerinwhichI
　　concludedmymagicbusiness。Ihardlydaretoboastofit，butI
　　thinkIdeservesomepraiseformybehaviour。Perhaps，ImighthaveruinedpoorFranziawithalightheart，hadInotpossessedawell—
　　filledpurse。Idonotwishtoenquirewhetheranyyoungman，havingintelligence，lovingpleasure，andplacedinthesameposition，wouldnothavedonethesame，butIbegmyreaderstoaddressthatquestiontothemselves。
　　AsforCapitani，towhomIsoldthesheathofSt。Peter’sknifeforrathermorethanitwasworth，IconfessthatIhavenotyetrepentedonhisaccount，forCapitanithoughthehaddupedmeinacceptingitassecurityfortheamounthegaveme，andthecount，hisfather，valuedituntilhisdeathasmorepreciousthanthefinestdiamondintheworld。Dyingwithsuchafirmbelief，hediedrich，andIshalldieapoorman。Letthereaderjudgewhichofthetwomadethebestbargain。ButImustreturnnowtomyfuturetravellingcompanions。
　　AssoonasIhadreachedtheinn，IpreparedeverythingforourdepartureforwhichIwasnowlonging。Henriettecouldnotopenherlipswithoutmydiscoveringsomefreshperfection，forherwitdelightedmeevenmorethanherbeauty。ItstruckmethattheoldcaptainwaspleasedwithalltheattentionIshewedher，anditseemedevidenttomethatshewouldnotbesorrytoexchangeherelderlyloverforme。Ihadallthebetterrighttothinkso，inasmuchasIwasperfectionfromaphysicalpointofview，andI
　　appearedtobewealthy，althoughIhadnoservant。ItoldHenriettethat，forthesakeofhavingnone，Ispenttwiceasmuchasaservantwouldhavecostme，that，bymybeingmyownservant，Iwascertainofbeingservedaccordingtomytaste，andIhadthesatisfactionofhavingnospyatmyheelsandnoprivilegedthieftofear。SheagreedwitheverythingIsaid，anditincreasedmylove。
　　ThehonestHungarianinsistedupongivingmeinadvancetheamounttobepaidforthepost—horsesatthedifferentstagesasfarasParma。
　　WeleftCesenaafterdinner，butnotwithoutacontestofpolitenessrespectingtheseats。Thecaptainwantedmetooccupythebackseat—
　　nearHenriette，butthereaderwillunderstandhowmuchbettertheseatoppositetohersuitedme；thereforeIinsistedupontakingthebracket—seat，andhadthedoubleadvantageofshewingmypoliteness，andofhavingconstantlyandwithoutdifficultybeforemyeyesthelovelywomanwhomIadored。
　　Myhappinesswouldhavebeentoogreatiftherehadbeennodrawbacktoit。Butwherecanwefindroseswithoutthorns？WhenthecharmingFrenchwomanutteredsomeofthosewittysayingswhichproceedsonaturallyfromthelipsofhercountrywomen，IcouldnothelppityingthesorryfaceofthepoorHungarian，and，wishingtomakehimsharemymirth，IwouldundertaketotranslateinLatinHenriette’ssallies；butfarfrommakinghimmerry，Ioftensawhisfacebearalookofastonishment，asifwhatIhadsaidseemedtohimratherflat。IhadtoacknowledgetomyselfthatIcouldnotspeakLatinaswellasshespokeFrench，andthiswasindeedthecase。Thelastthingwhichwelearninalllanguagesiswit，andwitnevershinessowellasinjests。IwasthirtyyearsofagebeforeIbegantolaughinreadingTerence，PlautusandMartial。
　　Somethingbeingthematterwiththecarriage，westoppedatForlitohaveitrepaired。Afteraverycheerfulsupper，Iretiredtomyroomtogotobed，thinkingofnothingelsebutthecharmingwomanbywhomIwassocompletelycaptivated。Alongtheroad，HenriettehadstruckmeassostrangethatIwouldnotsleepinthesecondbedintheirroom。Iwasafraidlestsheshouldleaveheroldcomradetocometomybedandsleepwithme，andIdidnotknowhowfartheworthycaptainwouldhaveputupwithsuchajoke。Iwished，ofcourse，topossessthatlovelycreature，butIwantedeverythingtobesettledamicably，forIfeltsomerespectforthebraveofficer。
　　Henriettehadnothingbutthemilitarycostumeinwhichshestood，notanywoman’slinen，notevenonechemise。Forachangeshetookthecaptain’sshirt。Suchastateofthingswassonewtomethatthesituationseemedtomeacompleteenigma。
　　InBologna，excitedbyanexcellentsupperandbytheamorouspassionwhichwaseveryhourburningmorefiercelyinme，Iaskedherbywhatsingularadventureshehadbecomethefriendofthehonestfellowwholookedherfatherratherthanherlover。
　　"Ifyouwishtoknow，"sheanswered，withasmile，"askhimtorelatethewholestoryhimself，onlyyoumustrequesthimnottoomitanyoftheparticulars。"
　　OfcourseIappliedatoncetothecaptain，and，havingfirstascertainedbysignsthatthecharmingFrenchwomanhadnoobjection，thegoodmanspoketomethus:
　　"Afriendofmine，anofficerinthearmy，havingoccasiontogotoRome，Isolicitedafurloughofsixmonths，andaccompaniedhim。I
　　seizedwithgreatdelighttheopportunityofvisitingacity，thenameofwhichhasapowerfulinfluenceontheimagination，owingtothememoriesofthepastattachedtoit。IdidnotentertainanydoubtthattheLatinlanguagewasspokenthereingoodsociety，atleastasgenerallyasinHungary。ButIwasindeedgreatlymistaken，fornobodycanspeakit，noteventhepriests，whoonlypretendtowriteit，anditistruethatsomeofthemdosowithgreatpurity。
　　IwasthereforeratheruncomfortableduringmystayinRome，andwiththeexceptionofmyeyesmysensesremainedperfectlyinactive。I
　　hadspentaverytediousmonthinthatcity，theancientqueenoftheworld，whenCardinalAlbanigavemyfrienddispatchesforNaples。
　　BeforeleavingRome，heintroducedmetohiseminence，andhisrecommendationhadsomuchinfluencethatthecardinalpromisedtosendmeverysoonwithdispatchesfortheDukeofParma，Piacenza，andGuastalla，assuringmethatallmytravellingexpenseswouldbedefrayed。AsIwishedtoseetheharbourcalledinformertimesCentumcellaeandnowCivita—Vecchia，Igaveuptheremainderofmytimetothatvisit，andIproceededtherewithaciceronewhospokeLatin。
　　"IwasloiteringabouttheharbourwhenIsaw，comingoutofatartan，anelderlyofficerandthisyoungwomandressedassheisnow。Herbeautystruckme，butIshouldnothavethoughtanymoreaboutit，iftheofficerhadnotputupatmyinn，andinanapartmentoverwhichIhadacompleteviewwheneverIopenedmywindow。IntheeveningIsawthecoupletakingsupperatthesametable，butIremarkedthattheelderlyofficerneveraddressedawordtotheyoungone。Whenthesupperwasover，thedisguisedgirllefttheroom，andhercompaniondidnotlifthiseyesfromaletterwhichhewasreading，asitseemedtome，withthedeepestattention。Soonafterwardstheofficerclosedthewindows，thelightwasputout，andIsupposemyneighborswenttobed。Thenextmorning，beingupearlyasismyhabit，Isawtheofficergoout，andthegirlremainedaloneintheroom。
　　"Isentmycicerone，whowasalsomyservant，totellthegirlinthegarbofanofficerthatIwouldgivehertensequinsforanhour’sconversation。Hefulfilledmyinstructions，andonhisreturnheinformedmethatheranswer，giveninFrench，hadbeentotheeffectthatshewouldleaveforRomeimmediatelyafterbreakfast，andthat，onceinthatcity，Ishouldeasilyfindsomeopportunityofspeakingtoher。
　　"’Icanfindoutfromthevetturino，’saidmycicerone，’wheretheyputupinRome，andIpromiseyoutoenquireofhim。’
　　"SheleftCivita—Vecchiawiththeelderlyofficer，andIreturnedhomeonthefollowingday。
　　"Twodaysafterwards，thecardinalgavemethedispatches，whichwereaddressedtoM。Dutillot，theFrenchminister，withapassportandthemoneynecessaryforthejourney。Hetoldme，withgreatkindness，thatIneednothurryontheroad。
　　"Ihadalmostforgottenthehandsomeadventuress，when，twodaysbeforemydeparture，myciceronegavemetheinformationthathehadfoundoutwhereshelived，andthatshewaswiththesameofficer。I
　　toldhimtotrytoseeher，andtoletherknowthatmydeparturewasfixedforthedayafterthemorrow。Shesentmewordbyhimthat，ifIwouldinformherofthehourofmydeparture，shewouldmeetmeoutsideofthegate，andgetintothecoachwithmetoaccompanymeonmyway。IthoughtthearrangementveryingeniousandduringthedayIsenttheciceronetotellherthehouratwhichIintendedtoleave，andwhereIwouldwaitforheroutsideofthePortodelPopolo。Shecameattheappointedtime，andwehaveremainedtogethereversince。Assoonasshewasseatednearme，shemademeunderstandbysignsthatshewantedtodinewithme。Youmayimaginewhatdifficultywehadinunderstandingoneanother，butweguessedsomehowthemeaningexpressedbyourpantomime，andIacceptedtheadventurewithdelight。
　　"Wedinedgailytogether，speakingwithoutunderstanding，butafterthedessertwecomprehendedeachotherverywell。IfanciedthatI
　　hadseentheendofit，andyoumayimaginehowsurprisedIwaswhen，uponmyofferingherthetensequins，sherefusedmostpositivelytotakeanymoney，makingmeunderstandthatshewouldrathergowithmetoParma，becauseshehadsomebusinessinthatcity，anddidnotwanttoreturntoRome。
　　"Theproposalwas，afterall，ratheragreeabletome；Iconsentedtoherwishes。Ionlyregrettedmyinabilitytomakeherunderstandthat，ifshewasfollowedbyanyonefromRome，andifthatpersonwantedtotakeherback，Iwasnotinapositiontodefendheragainstviolence。Iwasalsosorrythat，withourmutualignoranceofthelanguagespokenbyeachofus，wehadnoopportunityofconversation，forIshouldhavebeengreatlypleasedtohearheradventures，which，Ithink，mustbeinteresting。Youcan，ofcourse，guessthatIhavenoideaofwhoshecanbe。IonlyknowthatshecallsherselfHenriette，thatshemustbeaFrenchwoman，thatsheisasgentleasaturtledove，thatshehasevidentlyreceivedagoodeducation，andthatsheenjoysgoodhealth。Sheiswittyandcourageous，aswehavebothseen，IinRomeandyouinCesenaatGeneralSpada’stable。Ifshewouldtellyouherhistory，andallowyoutotranslateitformeinLatinshewouldindeedpleasememuch，forIamsincerelyherfriend，andIcanassureyouthatitwillgrievemetopartfromherinParma。PleasetotellherthatI
　　intendtogiveherthethirtysequinsIreceivedfromtheBishopofCesena，andthatifIwererichIwouldgivehermoresubstantialproofsofmytenderaffection。Now，sir，IshallfeelobligedtoyouifyouwillexplainitalltoherinFrench。"
　　IaskedherwhethershewouldfeeloffendedifIgaveheranexacttranslation。Sheassuredmethat，onthecontrary，shewishedmetospeakopenly，andItoldherliterallywhatthecaptainhadrelatedtome。
　　Withanoblefranknesswhichaslightshadeof—shamerenderedmoreinteresting，Henrietteconfirmedthetruthofherfriend’snarrative，butshebeggedmetotellhimthatshecouldnotgranthiswishrespectingtheadventuresofherlife。
　　"Begoodenoughtoinformhim，"sheadded，"thatthesameprinciplewhichforbidsmetoutterafalsehood，doesnotallowmetotellthetruth。Asforthethirtysequinswhichheintendstogiveme，Iwillnotacceptevenoneofthem，andhewoulddeeplygrievemebypressingthemuponme。ThemomentwereachParmaIwishhimtoallowmetolodgewhereverImayplease，tomakenoenquirieswhateveraboutme，and，incaseheshouldhappentomeetme，tocrownhisgreatkindnesstomebynotappearingtohaveeverknownme。"
　　Assheutteredthelastwordsofthisshortspeech，whichshehaddeliveredveryseriouslyandwithamixtureofmodestyandresolution，shekissedherelderlyfriendinamannerwhichindicatedesteemandgratituderatherthanlove。Thecaptain，whodidnotknowwhyshewaskissinghim，wasdeeplygrievedwhenItranslatedwhatHenriettehadsaid。Hebeggedmetotellherthat，ifhewastoobeyherwithaneasyconscience，hemustknowwhethershewouldhaveeverythingsherequiredinParma。
　　"Youcanassurehim，"sheanswered，"thatheneednotentertainanyanxietyaboutme。"
　　Thisconversationhadmadeusallverysad；weremainedforalongtimethoughtfulandsilent，until，feelingthesituationtobepainful，Irose，wishingthemgoodnight，andIsawthatHenriette’sfaceworealookofgreatexcitement。
　　AssoonasIfoundmyselfaloneinmyroom，deeplymovedbyconflictingfeelingsoflove，surprise，anduncertainty，Ibegantogiveventtomyfeelingsinakindofsoliloquy，asIalwaysdowhenIamstronglyexcitedbyanything；thinkingisnot，inthosecases，enoughforme；Imustspeakaloud，andIthrowsomuchaction，somuchanimationintothesemonologuesthatIforgetIamalone。WhatIknewnowofHenriettehadupsetmealtogether。
　　"Whocanshebe，"Isaid，speakingtothewalls；"thisgirlwhoseemstohavethemostelevatedfeelingsundertheveilofthemostcynicallibertinism？ShesaysthatinParmashewishestoremainperfectlyunknown，herownmistress，andIcannot，ofcourse，flattermyselfthatshewillnotplacemeunderthesamerestrictionsasthecaptaintowhomshehasalreadyabandonedherself。Goodbyetomyexpectations，tomymoney，andmyillusions！Butwhoisshe——whatisshe？ShemusthaveeitheraloverorahusbandinParma，orshemustbelongtoarespectablefamily；or，perhaps，thankstoaboundlesslovefordebaucheryandtoherconfidenceinherowncharms，sheintendstosetfortune，misery，anddegradationatdefiance，andtotrytoenslavesomewealthynobleman！Butthatwouldbetheplanofamadwomanorofapersonreducedtoutterdespair，anditdoesnotseemtobethecasewithHenriette。Yetshepossessesnothing。
　　True，butsherefused，asifshehadbeenprovidedwithallsheneeded，thekindassistanceofamanwhohastherighttoofferit，andfromwhom，insooth，shecanacceptwithoutblushing，sinceshehasnotbeenashamedtogranthimfavourswithwhichlovehadnothingtodo。Doesshethinkthatitislessshamefulforawomantoabandonherselftothedesiresofamanunknownandunlovedthantoreceiveapresentfromanesteemedfriend，andparticularlyattheeveoffindingherselfinthestreet，entirelydestituteinthemiddleofaforeigncity，amongstpeoplewhoselanguageshecannotevenspeak？Perhapsshethinksthatsuchconductwilljustifythe’fauxpas’ofwhichshehasbeenguiltywiththecaptain，andgivehimtounderstandthatshehadabandonedherselftohimonlyforthesakeofescapingfromtheofficerwithwhomshewasinRome。Butsheoughttobequitecertainthatthecaptaindoesnotentertainanyotheridea；heshewshimselfsoreasonablethatitisimpossibletosupposethatheeveradmittedthepossibilityofhavinginspiredherwithaviolentpassion，becauseshehadseenhimoncethroughawindowinCivita—Vecchia。Shemightpossiblyberight，andfeelherselfjustifiedinherconducttowardsthecaptain，butitisnotthesamewithme，forwithherintelligenceshemustbeawarethatI
　　wouldnothavetravelledwiththemifshehadbeenindifferenttome，andshemustknowthatthereisbutonewayinwhichshecanobtainmypardon。Shemaybeendowedwithmanyvirtues，butshehasnottheonlyonewhichcouldpreventmefromwishingtherewardwhicheverymanexpectstoreceiveatthehandsofthewomanheloves。Ifshewantstoassumeprudishmannerstowardsmeandtomakeadupeofme，Iamboundinhonourtoshewherhowmuchsheismistaken。"
　　Afterthismonologue，whichhadmademestillmoreangry，Imadeupmymindtohaveanexplanationinthemorningbeforeourdeparture。
　　"Ishallaskher，"saidItomyself，"tograntmethesamefavourswhichshehassoeasilygrantedtoheroldcaptain，andifImeetwitharefusalthebestrevengewillbetoshewheracoldandprofoundcontemptuntilourarrivalinParma。"
　　Ifeltsurethatshecouldnotrefusemesomemarksofrealorofpretendedaffection，unlessshewishedtomakeashowofamodestywhichcertainlydidnotbelongtoher，and，knowingthathermodestywouldonlybeallpretence，Iwasdeterminednottobeameretoyinherhands。
　　Asforthecaptain，Ifeltcertain，fromwhathehadtoldme，thathewouldnotbeangrywithmeifIriskedadeclaration，forasasensiblemanhecouldonlyassumeaneutralposition。
　　Satisfiedwithmywisereasoning，andwithmymindfullymadeup，I
　　fellasleep。MythoughtsweretoocompletelyabsorbedbyHenrietteforhernottohauntmydreams，butthedreamwhichIhadthroughoutthenightwassomuchlikerealitythat，onawaking，Ilookedforherinmybed，andmyimaginationwassodeeplystruckwiththedelightsofthatnightthat，ifmydoorhadnotbeenfastenedwithabolt，I
　　shouldhavebelievedthatshehadleftmeduringmysleeptoresumeherplaceneartheworthyHungarian。
　　WhenIwasawakeIfoundthatthehappydreamofthenighthadturnedmyloveforthelovelycreatureintoaperfectamorousfrenzy，anditcouldnotbeotherwise。Letthereaderimagineapoordevilgoingtobedbrokendownwithfatigueandstarvation；hesuccumbstosleep，thatmostimperativeofallhumanwants，butinhisdreamhefindshimselfbeforeatablecoveredwitheverydelicacy；whatwillthenhappen？Why，averynaturalresult。Hisappetite，muchmorelivelythanonthepreviousday，doesnotgivehimaminute’sresthemustsatisfyitordieofsheerhunger。
　　Idressedmyself，resolvedonmakingsureofthepossessionofthewomanwhohadinflamedallmysenses，evenbeforeresumingourjourney。
　　"IfIdonotsucceed，"Isaidtomyself，"Iwillnotgoonestepfurther。"
　　But，inordernottooffendagainstpropriety，andnottodeservethereproachesofanhonestman，Ifeltthatitwasmydutytohaveanexplanationwiththecaptaininthefirstplace。
　　IfancythatIhearoneofthosesensible，calm，passionlessreaders，whohavehadtheadvantageofwhatiscalledayouthwithoutstorms，oroneofthosewhomoldagehasforcedtobecomevirtuous，exclaim，"Cananyoneattachsomuchimportancetosuchnonsense？"
　　Agehascalmedmypassionsdownbyrenderingthempowerless，butmyhearthasnotgrownold，andmymemoryhaskeptallthefreshnessofyouth；andfarfromconsideringthatsortofthingameretrifle，myonlysorrow，dearreader，arisesfromthefactthatIhavenotthepowertopractise，tothedayofmydeath，thatwhichhasbeentheprincipalaffairofmylife！
　　WhenIwasreadyIrepairedtothechamberoccupiedbymytwotravellingcompanions，andafterpayingeachofthemtheusualmorningcomplimentsItoldtheofficerthatIwasdeeplyinlovewithHenriette，andIaskedhimwhetherhewouldobjecttomytryingtoobtainherasmymistress。
　　"Thereasonforwhichshebegsyou，"Iadded，"toleaveherinParmaandnottotakeanyfurthernoticeofher，mustbethatshehopestomeetsomeloverofhersthere。Letmehavehalfanhour’sconversationwithher，andIflattermyselfIcanpersuadehertosacrificethatloverforme。Ifsherefusesme，Iremainhere；youwillgowithhertoParma，whereyouwillleavemycarriageatthepost，onlysendingmeareceipt，sothatIcanclaimitwheneverI
　　please。"
　　"Assoonasbreakfastisover，"saidtheexcellentman，"Ishallgoandvisittheinstitute，andleaveyoualonewithHenriette。Ihopeyoumaysucceed，forIshouldbedelightedtoseeherunderyourprotectionwhenIpartwithher。Shouldshepersistinherfirstresolution，Icouldeasilyfinda’vetturino’here，andyoucouldkeepyourcarriage。Ithankyouforyourproposal，anditwillgrievemetoleaveyou。"
　　Highlypleasedathavingaccomplishedhalfofmytask，andatseeingmyselfnearthedenouement，IaskedthelovelyFrenchwomanwhethershewouldliketoseethesightsofBologna。
　　"Ishouldlikeitverymuch，"shesaid，"ifIhadsomeotherclothes；
　　butwithsuchacostumeasthisIdonotcaretoshewmyselfaboutthecity。"
　　"Thenyoudonotwanttogoout？"
　　"No。"
　　"CanIkeepyoucompany？"
　　"Thatwouldbedelightful:"
　　Thecaptainwentoutimmediatelyafterbreakfast。ThemomenthehadgoneItoldHenriettethatherfriendhadleftusalonepurposely，soastogivemetheopportunityofaprivateinterviewwithher。
　　"Tellmenowwhetheryouintendedtheorderwhichyougavehimyesterdaytoforgetyou，nevertoenquireafteryou；andevennottoknowyouifhehappenedtomeetyou，fromthetimeofourarrivalinParma，formeaswellasforhim。"
　　"ItisnotanorderthatIgavehim；Ihavenorighttodoso，andI
　　couldnotsofarforgetmyself；itisonlyaprayerIaddressedtohim，aservicewhichcircumstanceshavecompelledmetoclaimathishands，andashehasnorighttorefuseme，Ineverentertainedanydoubtofhisgrantingmycommand。Asfarasyouareconcerned，itiscertainthatIshouldhaveaddressedthesameprayertoyou，ifIhadthoughtthatyouhadanyviewsaboutme。Youhavegivenmesomemarksofyourfriendship，butyoumustunderstandthatif，underthecircumstances，Iamlikelytobeinjuredbythekindattentionsofthecaptain，yourswouldinjurememuchmore。Ifyouhaveanyfriendshipforme，youwouldhavefeltallthat。"
　　"AsyouknowthatIentertaingreatfriendshipforyou，youcannotpossiblysupposethatIwouldleaveyoualone，withoutmoney，withoutresourcesinthemiddleofacitywhereyoucannotevenmakeyourselfunderstood。Doyouthinkthatamanwhofeelsforyouthemosttenderaffectioncanabandonyouwhenhehasbeenfortunateenoughtomakeyouracquaintance，whenheisawareofthesadpositioninwhichyouareplaced？Ifyouthinksuchathingpossible，youmusthaveaveryfalseideaoffriendship，andshouldsuchamangrantyourrequest，hewouldonlyprovethatheisnotyourfriend。"
　　"Iamcertainthatthecaptainismyfriend；yetyouhaveheardhim，hewillobeyme，andforgetme。"
　　"Idonotknowwhatsortofaffectionthathonestmanfeelsforyou，orhowfarhecanrelyuponthecontrolhemayhaveoverhimself，butIknowthatifhecangrantyouwhatyouhaveaskedfromhim，hisfriendshipmustbeofanatureverydifferentfrommine，forIamboundtotellyouitisnotonlyimpossibleformetoaffordyouwillinglythestrangegratificationofabandoningyouinyourposition，buteventhat，ifIgotoParma，youcouldnotpossiblycarryoutyourwishes，becauseIloveyousopassionatelythatyoumustpromisetobemine，orImustremainhere。InthatcaseyoumustgotoParmaalonewiththecaptain，forIfeelthat，ifI
　　accompaniedyouanyfurther，Ishouldsoonbethemostwretchedofmen。Icouldnotbeartoseeyouwithanotherlover，withahusband，noteveninthemidstofyourfamily；infact，Iwouldfainseeyouandlivewithyouforever。Letmetellyou，lovelyHenriette，thatifitispossibleforaFrenchmantoforget，anItaliancannotdoit，atleastifIjudgefrommyownfeelings。Ihavemadeupmymind，youmustbegoodenoughtodecidenow，andtotellmewhetherIamtoaccompanyyouortoremainhere。Answeryesorno；ifIremainhereitisallover。IshallleaveforNaplesto—morrow，andIknowI
　　shallbecuredintimeofthemadpassionIfeelforyou，butifyoutellmethatIcanaccompanyyoutoParma，youmustpromisemethatyourheartwillforeverbelongtomealone。Imustbetheonlyonetopossessyou，butIamreadytoacceptasacondition，ifyoulike，thatyoushallnotcrownmyhappinessuntilyouhavejudgedmeworthyofitbymyattentionsandbymylovingcare。Now，bekindenoughtodecidebeforethereturnofthetoohappycaptain。Heknowsall，forIhavetoldhimwhatIfeel。"
　　"Andwhatdidheanswer？"
　　"Thathewouldbehappytoseeyouundermyprotection。Butwhatisthemeaningofthatsmileplayingonyourlips？"
　　"Pray，allowmetolaugh，forIhaveneverinmyliferealizedtheideaofafuriousdeclarationoflove。Doyouunderstandwhatitistosaytoawomaninadeclarationwhichoughttobepassionate，butatthesametimetenderandgentle，thefollowingterriblewords:
　　’Madam，makeyourchoice，eitheroneortheother，anddecideinstanter！’Ha！ha！ha！"
　　"Yes，Iunderstandperfectly。Itisneithergentle，norgallant，norpathetic，butitispassionate。Rememberthatthisisaseriousmatter，andthatIhaveneveryetfoundmyselfsomuchpressedbytime。Canyou，onyourside，realizethepainfulpositionofaman，who，beingdeeplyinlove，findshimselfcompelledtotakeadecisionwhichmayperhapsdecideissuesoflifeanddeath？Begoodenoughtoremarkthat，inspiteofthepassionraginginme，IdonotfailintherespectIoweyou；thattheresolutionIintendtotake，ifyoushouldpersistinyouroriginaldecision，isnotathreat，butaneffortworthyofahero，whichoughttocallforyouresteem。Ibegofyoutoconsiderthatwecannotaffordtolosetime。Thewordchoosemustnotsoundharshlyinyourears，sinceitleavesmyfateaswellasyoursentirelyinyourhands。Tofeelcertainofmylove，doyouwanttoseemekneelingbeforeyoulikeasimpleton，cryingandentreatingyoutotakepityonme？No，madam，thatwouldcertainlydispleaseyou，anditwouldnothelpme。Iamconsciousofbeingworthyofyourlove，Ithereforeaskforthatfeelingandnotforpity。Leaveme，ifIdispleaseyou，butletmegoaway；forifyouarehumaneenoughtowishthatIshouldforgetyou，allowmetogofarawayfromyousoastomakemysorrowlessimmense。ShouldI
　　followyoutoParma，Iwouldnotanswerformyself，forImightgivewaytomydespair。Considereverythingwell，Ibeseechyou；youwouldindeedbeguiltyofgreatcruelty，wereyoutoanswernow:
　　’CometoParma，althoughImustbegofyounottoseemeinthatcity。’Confessthatyoucannot，inallfairness，givemesuchananswer；amInotright？"
　　"Certainly，ifyoutrulyloveme。"
　　"GoodGod！ifIloveyou？Oh，yes！believeme，myloveisimmense，sincere！Now，decidemyfate。"
　　"What！alwaysthesamesong？"
　　"Yes。"
　　"Butareyouawarethatyoulookveryangry？"
　　"No，foritisnotso。Iamonlyinastateofuncontrollableexcitement，inoneofthedecisivehoursofmylife，apreytothemostfearfulanxiety。Ioughttocursemywhimsicaldestinyandthe’sbirri’ofCesena（mayGodcursethem，too！），for，withoutthem，I
　　shouldneverhaveknownyou。"
　　"Areyou，then，soverysorrytohavemademyacquaintance？"
　　"HaveInotsomereasontobeso？"
　　"No，forIhavenotgivenyoumydecisionyet。"
　　"NowIbreathemorefreely，forIamsureyouwilltellmetoaccompanyyoutoParma。"
　　"Yes，cometoParma。"
　　EndMEMOIRSOFJACQUESCASANOVAdeSEINGALT1725—1798
　　TOPARISANDPRISON，Volume2a——PARIS
　　THERAREUNABRIDGEDLONDONEDITIONOF1894TRANSLATEDBYARTHUR
　　MACHENTOWHICHHASBEENADDEDTHECHAPTERSDISCOVERED
　　BYARTHURSYMONS。
　　PARIS
　　CHAPTERI
　　LeaveBolognaaHappyMan——TheCaptainPartsfromUsinReggio，whereISpendaDelightfulNightwithHenriette——OurArrivalinParma——
　　HenrietteResumestheCostumeofaWoman；OurMutualFelicity——IMeetSomeRelativesofMine，butDonotDiscoverMyselfThereadercaneasilyguessthattherewasachangeassuddenasatransformationinapantomime，andthattheshortbutmagicsentence，"CometoParma，"provedaveryfortunatecatastrophe，thankstowhichIrapidlychanged，passingfromthetragictothegentlemood，fromtheserioustothetendertone。Soothtosay，Ifellatherfeet，andlovinglypressingherkneesIkissedthemrepeatedlywithrapturesofgratitude。Nomore’furore’，nomorebitterwords；theydonotsuitthesweetestofallhumanfeelings！Loving，docile，grateful，Iswearnevertobegforanyfavour，noteventokissherhand，untilIhaveshewnmyselfworthyofherpreciouslove！Theheavenlycreature，delightedtoseemepasssorapidlyfromdespairtothemostlivelytenderness，tellsme，withavoicethetoneofwhichbreathesoflove，togetupfrommyknees。
　　"Iamsurethatyouloveme，"saysshe，"andbequitecertainthatI
　　shallleavenothingundonetosecuretheconstancyofyourfeelings。"
　　EvenifshehadsaidthatshelovedmeasmuchasIadoredher，shewouldnothavebeenmoreeloquent，forherwordsexpressedallthatcanbefelt。Mylipswerepressedtoherbeautifulhandsasthecaptainenteredtheroom。Hecomplimenteduswithperfectgoodfaith，andItoldhim，myfacebeamingwithhappiness，thatIwasgoingtoorderthecarriage。Ileftthemtogether，andinashorttimewewereonourroad，cheerful，pleased，andmerry。
　　BeforereachingReggiothehonestcaptaintoldmethatinhisopinionitwouldbebetterforhimtoproceedtoParmaalone，as，ifwearrivedinthatcityalltogether，itmightcausesomeremarks，andpeoplewouldtalkaboutusmuchlessifwewerewithouthim。Weboththoughthimquiteright，andweimmediatelymadeupourmindstopassthenightinReggio，whilethecaptainwouldtakeapost—chaiseandgoalonetoParma。AccordingtothatarrangementhistrunkwastransferredtothevehiclewhichhehiredinReggio，hebadeusfarewellandwentaway，afterhavingpromisedtodinewithusonthefollowingdayinParma。
　　ThedecisiontakenbytheworthyHungarianwas，doubtless，asagreeabletomylovelyfriendastome，forourdelicacywouldhavecondemnedustoagreatreserveinhispresence。Andtruly，underthenewcircumstances，howwerewetoarrangeforourlodgingsinReggio？Henriettecouldnot，ofcourse，sharethebedofthecaptainanymore，andshecouldnothavesleptwithmeaslongashewaswithus，withoutbeingguiltyofgreatimmodesty。Weshouldallthreehavelaughedatthatcompulsoryreservewhichwewouldhavefelttoberidiculous，butweshould，forallthat，havesubmittedtoit。
　　Loveisthelittleimpudentgod，theenemyofbashfulness，althoughhemayveryoftenenjoydarknessandmystery，butifhegiveswaytoithefeelsdisgraced；helosesthree—fourthsofhisdignityandthegreatestportionofhischarms。
　　EvidentlytherecouldbenohappinessforHenrietteorformeunlesswepartedwiththepersonandevenwiththeremembranceoftheexcellentcaptain。
　　Wesuppedalone。Iwasintoxicatedwithafelicitywhichseemedtooimmense，andyetIfeltmelancholy，butHenriette，wholookedsadlikewise，hadnoreproachtoaddresstome。Oursadnesswasinrealitynothingbutshyness；welovedeachother，butwehadhadnotimetobecomeacquainted。Weexchangedonlyafewwords，therewasnothingwitty，nothinginterestinginourconversation，whichstruckusbothasinsipid，andwefoundmorepleasureinthethoughtswhichfilledourminds。Weknewthatweweregoingtopassthenighttogether，butwecouldnothavespokenofitopenly。Whatanight！
　　whatadelightfulcreaturewasthatHenriettewhomIhavelovedsodeeply，whohasmademesosupremelyhappy！
　　ItwasonlythreeorfourdayslaterthatIventuredonaskingherwhatshewouldhavedone，withoutagroatinherpossession，havingnotoneacquaintanceinParma，ifIhadbeenafraidtodeclaremylove，andifIhadgonetoNaples。Sheansweredthatshewoulddoubtlesshavefoundherselfinverygreatdifficulties，butthatshehadallalongfeltcertainofmylove，andthatshehadforeseenwhathadhappened。Sheaddedthat，beingimpatienttoknowwhatIthoughtofher，shehadaskedmetotranslatetothecaptainwhatshehadexpressedrespectingherresolution，knowingthathecouldneitheropposethatresolutionnorcontinuetolivewithher，andthat，asshehadtakencarenottoincludemeintheprayerwhichshehadaddressedtohimthroughme，shehadthoughtitimpossiblethatI
　　shouldfailtoaskwhetherIcouldbeofsomeservicetoher，waitingtotakeadecisionuntilshecouldhaveascertainedthenatureofmyfeelingstowardsher。Sheconcludedbytellingmethatifshehadfallenitwasthefaultofherhusbandandofherfather—in—law，bothofwhomshecharacterizedasmonstersratherthanmen。
　　WhenwereachedParma，IgavethepolicethenameofFarusi，thesamethatIhadassumedinCesena；itwasthefamilynameofmymother；
　　whileHenriettewrotedown，"AnneD’Arci，fromFrance。"Whilewewereansweringthequestionsoftheofficer，ayoungFrenchman，smartandintelligent—looking，offeredmehisservices，andadvisedmenottoputupattheposting—inn，buttotakelodgingsatD’Andremorit’s。
　　hotel，whereIshouldfindgoodapartments，Frenchcooking，andthebestFrenchwines。
　　SeeingthatHenriettewaspleasedwiththeproposal，Itoldtheyoungmantotakeusthere，andweweresoonverycomfortablylodged。I
　　engagedtheFrenchmanbytheday，andcarefullysettledallmyarrangementswithD’Andremont。AfterthatIattendedtothehousingofmycarriage。
　　Cominginagainforafewminutes，ItoldHenriettethatIwouldreturnintimefordinner，and，orderingtheservanttoremainintheante—room，Iwentoutalone。
　　Parmawasthengroaningunderanewgovernment。Ihadeveryreasontosupposethattherewerespieseverywhereandundereveryform。I
　　thereforedidnotwanttohaveatmyheelsavaletwhomighthaveinjuredratherthanservedme。ThoughIwasinmyfather’snativecity，Ihadnoacquaintancesthere，butIknewthatIshouldsoonfindmyway。
　　WhenIfoundmyselfinthestreets，IscarcelycouldbelievethatI
　　wasinItaly，foreverythinghadatramontaneappearance。IheardnothingbutFrenchandSpanish，andthosewhodidnotspeakoneofthoselanguagesseemedtobewhisperingtooneanother。Iwasgoingaboutatrandom，lookingforahosier，yetunwillingtoenquirewhereIcouldfindone；atlastIsawwhatIwanted。
　　Ienteredtheshop，andaddressingmyselftoastout，good—lookingwomanseatedbehindthecounter，Isaid，"Madam，Iwishtomakesomepurchases。"
　　"Sir，shallIsendforsomeonespeakingFrench？"
　　"Youneednotdoso，IamanItalian。"
　　"Godbepraised！Italiansarescarceinthesedays。"
　　"Whyscarce？"
　　"DoyounotknowthatDonPhiliphasarrived，andthathiswife，MadamedeFrance，isontheroad？"
　　"Icongratulateyou，foritmustmaketradeverygood。Isupposethatmoneyisplentiful，andthatthereisabundanceofallcommodities。"
　　"Thatistrue，buteverythingishighinprice，andwecannotgetreconciledtothesenewfashions。TheyareabadmixtureofFrenchfreedomandSpanishhaughtinesswhichaddlesourbrains。But，sir，whatsortoflinendoyourequire？"
　　"Inthefirstplace，ImusttellyouthatInevertrytodriveahardbargain，thereforebecareful。Ifyouchargemetoomuch，Ishallnotcomeagain。Iwantsomefinelinenfortwenty—fourchemises，somedimityforstaysandpetticoats，somemuslin，somecambricforpocket—handkerchiefs，andmanyotherarticleswhichIshouldbeverygladtofindinyourshop，forIamastrangerhere，andGodknowsinwhathandsIamgoingtotrustmyself！"
　　"Youwillbeinhonestones，ifyouwillgivemeyourconfidence。"
　　"Iamsurethatyoudeserveit，andIabandonmyintereststoyou。
　　Iwantlikewisetofindsomeneedlewomenwillingtoworkinthelady’sroom，becausesherequireseverythingtobemadeveryrapidly。"
　　"Anddresses？"
　　"Yes，dresses，caps，mantles—infact，everything，forsheisnaked。"
　　"Withmoneyshewillsoonhaveallshewants。Issheyoung？"。
　　"SheisfouryearsyoungerthanI。Sheismywife。"
　　"Ah！mayGodblessyou！Anychildren？"
　　"Notyet，mygoodlady；buttheywillcome，forwedoallthatisnecessarytohavethem。"
　　"Ihavenodoubtofit。HowpleasedIam！Well，sir，Ishallsendfortheveryphoenixofalldressmakers。Inthemeantime，choosewhatyourequire，itwillamuseyou。"
　　Itookthebestofeverythingandpaid，andthedressmakermakingherappearanceatthatmomentIgavemyaddress，requestingthatvarioussortsofstuffmightbesentatonce。Itoldthedressmakerandherdaughter，whohadcomewithher，tofollowmeandtocarrythelinen。
　　OnmywaytothehotelIboughtseveralpairsofsilkstockings，andtookwithmeabootmakerwholivedcloseby。
　　Oh，whatadelightfulmoment！Henriette，whohadnottheslightestideaofwhatIhadgoneoutfor，lookedateverythingwithgreatpleasure，yetwithoutanyofthosedemonstrationswhichannounceaselfishorinteresteddisposition。SheshewedhergratitudeonlybythedelicatepraisewhichshebestoweduponmytasteanduponthequalityofthearticlesIhadpurchased。Shewasnotmorecheerfulonaccountofmypresents，butthetenderaffectionwithwhichshelookedatmewasthebestproofofhergratefulfeelings。
　　ThevaletIhadhiredhadenteredtheroomwiththeshoemaker。
　　Henriettetoldhimquietlytowithdraw，andnottocomeunlesshewascalled。Thedressmakersettowork，theshoemakertookhermeasure，andItoldhimtobringsomeslippers。Hereturnedinashorttime，andthevaletcameinagainwithhimwithouthavingbeencalled。Theshoemaker，whospokeFrench，wastalkingtheusualnonsenseofdealers，whensheinterruptedhimtoaskthevalet，whowasstandingfamiliarlyintheroom，whathewanted。
　　"Nothing，madam，Iamonlywaitingforyourorders。"
　　"HaveInottoldyouthatyouwouldbecalledwhenyourserviceswererequired？"
　　"Ishouldliketoknowwhoismymaster，youorthegentleman？"
　　"Neither，"Ireplied，laughing。"Hereareyourday’swages。Beoffatonce。"
　　Theshoemaker，seeingthatHenriettespokeonlyFrench，beggedtorecommendateacheroflanguages。
　　"Whatcountrydoeshebelongto？"sheenquired。
　　"ToFlanders，madam，"answeredCrispin，"heisaverylearnedman，aboutfiftyyearsold。Heissaidtobeagoodman。Hechargesthreelibbreforeachlessonofonehour，andsixfortwohours，butherequirestobepaideachtime。"
　　"Mydear，"saidHenriettetome，"doyouwishmetoengagethatmaster？"
　　"Yes，dearest，itwillamuseyou。"
　　TheshoemakerpromisedtosendtheFlemishprofessorthenextmorning。
　　Thedressmakerswerehardatwork，themothercuttingandthedaughtersewing，but，asprogresscouldnotbetoorapid，ItoldthemotherthatshewouldobligeusifshecouldprocureanotherseamstresswhospokeFrench。
　　"Youshallhaveonethisveryday，sir，"sheanswered，andsheofferedmetheservicesofherownsonasaservant，sayingthatifI
　　tookhimIshouldbecertaintohaveneitherathiefnoraspyaboutme，andthathespokeFrenchprettywell。Henriettethoughtwecouldnotdobetterthantaketheyoungman。Ofcoursethatwasenoughtomakemeconsentatonce，fortheslightestwishofthewomanweloveisoursupremelaw。Themotherwentforhim，andshebroughtbackatthesametimethehalf—Frenchdressmaker。Itallamusedmygoddess，wholookedveryhappy。
　　Theyoungmanwasabouteighteen，pleasant，gentleandmodest。I
　　enquiredhisname，andheansweredthatitwasCaudagna。
　　Thereadermayverylikelyrecollectthatmyfather’snativeplacehadbeenParma，andthatoneofhissistershadmarriedaCaudagna。
　　"Itwouldbeacuriouscoincidence，"Ithought，"ifthatdressmakershouldbemyaunt，andmyvaletmycousin！"butIdidnotsayitaloud。
　　HenrietteaskedmeifIhadanyobjectiontothefirstdressmakerdiningatourtable。
　　"Ientreatyou，mydarling，"Ianswered，"never，forthefuture，toaskmyconsentinsuchtriflingmatters。Bequitecertain，mybeloved，thatIshallalwaysapproveeverythingyoumaydo。"
　　Shesmiledandthankedme。Itookoutmypurse，andsaidtoher；
　　"Takethesefiftysequins，dearest，topayforallyoursmallexpenses，andtobuythemanytrifleswhichIshouldbesuretoforget。"
　　Shetookthemoney，assuringmethatshewasvastlyobligedtome。
　　Ashorttimebeforedinnertheworthycaptainmadehisappearance。
　　Henrietterantomeethimandkissedhim，callinghimherdearfather，andIfollowedherexamplebycallinghimmyfriend。Mybelovedlittlewifeinvitedhimtodinewithuseveryday。Theexcellentfellow，seeingallthewomenworkingbusilyforHenriette，washighlypleasedathavingprocuredsuchagoodpositionforhisyoungadventuress，andIcrownedhishappinessbytellinghimthatI
　　wasindebtedtohimformyfelicity。
　　Ourdinnerwasdelicious，anditprovedacheerfulmeal。IfoundoutthatHenriettewasdainty，andmyoldfriendaloverofgoodwines。
　　Iwasboth，andfeltthatIwasamatchforthem。WetastedseveralexcellentwineswhichD’Andremonthadrecommended，andaltogetherwehadaverygooddinner。
　　Theyoungvaletpleasedmeinconsequenceoftherespectfulmannerinwhichheservedeveryone，hismotheraswellashismasters。Hissisterandtheotherseamstresshaddinedapart。
　　Wewereenjoyingourdessertwhenthehosierwasannounced，accompaniedbyanotherwomanandamillinerwhocouldspeakFrench。
　　Theotherwomanhadbroughtpatternsofallsortsofdresses。IletHenrietteordercaps，head—dresses，etc。，asshepleased，butIwouldinterfereinthedressdepartmentalthoughIcompliedwiththeexcellenttasteofmycharmingfriend。Imadeherchoosefourdresses，andIwasindeedgratefulforherreadyacceptanceofthem，formyownhappinesswasincreasedinproportiontothepleasureI
　　gaveherandtheinfluenceIwasobtainingoverherheart。
　　Thusdidwespendthefirstday，andwecouldcertainlynothaveaccomplishedmore。
　　Intheevening，aswewerealoneatsupper，Ifanciedthatherlovelyfacelookedsad。Itoldherso。
　　"Mydarling，"sheanswered，withavoicewhichwenttomyheart，"youarespendingagreatdealofmoneyonme，andifyoudosointhehopeofmylovingyoumoredearlyImusttellyouitismoneylost，forIdonotloveyounowmorethanIdidyesterday，butIdoloveyouwithmywholeheart。AllyoumaydothatisnotstrictlynecessarypleasesmeonlybecauseIseemoreandmorehowworthyyouareofme，butitisnotneededtomakemefeelallthedeeplovewhichyoudeserve。"
　　"Ibelieveyou，dearest，andmyhappinessisindeedgreatifyoufeelthatyourloveformecannotbeincreased。Butlearnalso，delightofmyheart，thatIhavedoneitallonlytotrytoloveyouevenmorethanIdo，ifpossible。Iwishtoseeyoubeautifulandbrilliantintheattireofyoursex，andifthereisonedropofbitternessinthefragrantcupofmyfelicity，itisaregretatnotbeingabletosurroundyouwiththehalowhichyoudeserve。CanIbeotherwisethandelighted，mylove，ifyouarepleased？"
　　"Youcannotforonemomentdoubtmybeingpleased，andasyouhavecalledmeyourwifeyouarerightinoneway，butifyouarenotveryrichIleaveittoyoutojudgehowdeeplyIoughttoreproachmyself。"
　　"Ah，mybelovedangel！letme，Ibegofyou，believemyselfwealthy，andbequitecertainthatyoucannotpossiblybethecauseofmyruin。Youwerebornonlyformyhappiness。AllIwishisthatyoumayneverleaveme。TellmewhetherIcanentertainsuchahope。"
　　"Iwishitmyself，dearest，butwhocanbesureofthefuture？Areyoufree？Areyoudependentonanyone？"
　　"Iamfreeinthebroadestmeaningofthatword，Iamdependentonnoonebutyou，andIlovetobeso。"
　　"Icongratulateyou，andIamverygladofit，fornoonecantearyoufrommyarms，but，alas！youknowthatIcannotsaythesameasyou。Iamcertainthatsomepersonsare，evennow，seekingforme，andtheywillnotfinditverydifficulttosecuremeiftheyeverdiscoverwhereIam。Alas！IfeelhowmiserableIshouldbeiftheyeversucceededindraggingmeawayfromyou！"
　　"Youmakemetremble。Areyouafraidofsuchadreadfulmisfortunehere？"
　　"No，unlessIshouldhappentobeseenbysomeoneknowingme。"
　　"Areanysuchpersonslikelytobehereatpresent？"
　　"Ithinknot。"
　　"Thendonotletourlovetakealarm，Itrustyourfearswillneverbeverified。Only，mydarlingone，youmustbeascheerfulasyouwereinCesena。"
　　"Ishallbemoretrulysonow，dearfriend。InCesenaIwasmiserable；whilenowIamhappy。Donotbeafraidofmybeingsad，forIamofanaturallycheerfuldisposition。"
　　"IsupposethatinCesenayouwereafraidofbeingcaughtbytheofficerwhomyouhadleftinRome？"
　　"Notatall；thatofficerwasmyfather—in—law，andIamquitecertainthathenevertriedtoascertainwhereIhadgone。Hewasonlytoogladtogetridofme。IfeltunhappybecauseIcouldnotbeartobeachargeonamanwhomIcouldnotlove，andwithwhomI
　　couldnotevenexchangeonethought。RecollectalsothatIcouldnotfindconsolationintheideathatIwasministeringtohishappiness，forIhadonlyinspiredhimwithapassingfancywhichhehadhimselfvaluedattensequins。Icouldnothelpfeelingthathisfancy，oncegratified，wasnotlikelyathistimeoflifetobecomeamorelastingsentiment，andIcouldthereforeonlybeaburdentohim，forhewasnotwealthy。Besides，therewasamiserableconsiderationwhichincreasedmysecretsorrow。Ithoughtmyselfboundindutytocarresshim，andonhisside，ashethoughtthatheoughttopaymeinthesamemoney，Iwasafraidofhisruininghishealthforme，andthatideamademeveryunhappy。Havingnoloveforeachother，weallowedafoolishfeelingofregardtomakebothofusuncomfortable。
　　Welavished，forthesakeofawell—meaningbutfalsedecorum，thatwhichbelongstolovealone。Anotherthingtroubledme，greatly。I
　　wasafraidlestpeoplemightsupposethatIwasasourceofprofittohim。Thatideamademefeelthedeepestshame，yet，wheneverI
　　thoughtofit，Icouldnothelpadmittingthatsuchasupposition，howeverfalse，wasnotwantinginprobability。Itisowingtothatfeelingthatyoufoundmesoreservedtowardsyou，forIwasafraidthatyoumightharbourthatfearfulideaifIallowed，youtoreadinmylooksthefavourableimpressionwhichyouhadmadeonmyheart。"
　　"Thenitwasnotowingtoafeelingofself—love？"
　　"No，Iconfessit，foryoucouldbutjudgemeasIdeserved。Ihadbeenguiltyofthefollynowknowntoyoubecausemyfather—in—lawintendedtoburymeinaconvent，andthatdidnotsuitmytaste。
　　But，dearestfriend，youmustforgivemeif，Icannotconfideeventoyouthehistoryofmylife。"
　　"Irespectyoursecret，darling；youneednotfearanyintrusionfrommeonthatsubject。Allwehavetodoistoloveoneanother，andnottoallowanydreadofthefuturetomarouractualfelicity。"
　　Thenextday，afteranightofintenseenjoyment，Ifoundmyselfmoredeeplyinlovethanbefore，andthenextthreemonthswerespentbyusinanintoxicationofdelight。
　　Atnineo’clockthenextmorningtheteacherofItalianwasannounced。Isawamanofrespectableappearance，polite，modest，speakinglittlebutwell，reservedinhisanswers，andwiththemannersofoldentimes。Weconversed，andIcouldnothelplaughingwhenhesaid，withanairofperfectgoodfaith，thataChristiancouldonlyadmitthesystemofCopernicusasacleverhypothesis。
　　IansweredthatitwasthesystemofGodHimselfbecauseitwasthatofnature，andthatitwasnotinHolyScripturethatthelawsofsciencecouldbelearned。
　　TheteachersmiledinamannerwhichbetrayedtheTartufe，andifI
　　hadconsultedonlymyownfeelingsIshouldhavedismissedthepoorman，butIthoughtthathemightamuseHenrietteandteachherItalian；afterallitwaswhatIwantedfromhim。Mydearwifetoldhimthatshewouldgivehimsixlibbreforalessonoftwohours:thelibbraofParmabeingworthonlyaboutthreepence，hislessonswerenotveryexpensive。Shetookherfirstlessonimmediatelyandgavehimtwosequins，askinghimtopurchasehersomegoodnovels。
　　WhilstmydearHenriettewastakingherlesson，Ihadsomeconversationwiththedressmaker，inordertoascertainwhethershewasarelativeofmine。
　　"Whatdoesyourhusbanddo？"Iaskedher。
　　"HeisstewardtotheMarquisofSissa。"
　　"Isyourfatherstillalive？"
　　"No，sir，heisdead。"
　　"Whatwashisfamilyname？"
　　"Scotti。"
　　"Areyourhusband’sparentsstillalive？"
　　"Hisfatherisdead，buthismotherisstillalive，andresideswithheruncle，CanonCasanova。"
　　Thatwasenough。ThegoodwomanwasmyWelshcousin，andherchildrenweremyWelshnephews。MynieceJeannetonwasnotpretty；
　　butsheappearedtobeagoodgirl。Icontinuedmyconversationwiththemother，butIchangedthetopic。
　　"AretheParmesanssatisfiedwithbeingthesubjectsofaSpanishprince？"
　　"Satisfied？Well，inthatcase，weshouldbeeasilypleased，forwearenowinaregularmaze。Everythingisupset，wedonotknowwhereweare。Oh！happytimesofthehouseofFarnese，whitherhaveyoudeparted？ThedaybeforeyesterdayIwenttothetheatre，andHarlequinmadeeverybodyroarwithlaughter。Well，now，fancy，DonPhilipo，ournewduke，didallhecouldtoremainserious，andwhenhecouldnotmanageit，hewouldhidehisfaceinhishatsothatpeopleshouldnotseethathewaslaughing，foritissaidthatlaughteroughtnevertodisturbthegraveandstiffcountenanceofanInfanteofSpain，andthathewouldbedishonouredinMadridifhedidnotconcealhismirth。Whatdoyouthinkofthat？Cansuchmannerssuitus？Herewelaughwillinglyandheartily！Oh！thegoodDukeAntonio（Godresthissoul！）wascertainlyasgreataprinceasDukePhilipo，buthedidnothidehimselffromhissubjectswhenhewaspleased，andhewouldsometimeslaughsoheartilythathecouldbeheardinthestreets。Nowweareallinthemostfearfulconfusion，andforthelastthreemonthsnooneinParmaknowswhat’so’clock。"
　　"Havealltheclocksbeendestroyed？"
　　"No，buteversinceGodcreatedtheworld，thesunhasalwaysgonedownathalf—pastfive，andatsixthebellshavealwaysbeentolledfortheAngelus。Allrespectablepeopleknewthatatthattimethecandlehadtobelit。Now，itisverystrange，thesunhasgonemad，forhesetseverydayatadifferenthour。Ourpeasantsdonotknowwhentheyaretocometomarket。Allthatiscalledaregulationbutdoyouknowwhy？Becausenoweverybodyknowsthatdinneristobeeatenattwelveo’clock。Afineregulation，indeed！UndertheFarneseweusedtoeatwhenwewerehungry，andthatwasmuchbetter。"
　　Thatwayofreasoningwascertainlysingular，butIdidnotthinkitsoundedfoolishinthemouthofawomanofhumblerank。Itseemstomethatagovernmentoughtnevertodestroyancientcustomsabruptly，andthatinnocenterrorsoughttobecorrectedonlybydegrees。
　　Henriettehadnowatch。Ifeltdelightedattheideaofofferinghersuchapresent，andIwentouttopurchaseone，butafterIhadboughtaveryfinewatch，Ithoughtofear—rings，ofafan，andofmanyotherprettynicknacks。OfcourseIboughtthemallatonce。
　　Shereceivedallthosegiftsofferedbylovewithatenderdelicacywhichoverjoyedme。ShewasstillwiththeteacherwhenIcameback。
　　"Ishouldhavebeenable，"hesaidtome，"toteachyourladyheraldry，geography，history，andtheuseoftheglobes，butsheknowsthatalready。Shehasreceivedanexcellenteducation。"
　　Theteacher’snamewasValentindelaHaye。Hetoldmethathewasanengineerandprofessorofmathematics。IshallhavetospeakofhimveryoftenintheseMemoirs，andmyreaderswillmakehisacquaintancebyhisdeedsbetterthanbyanyportraitIcouldgiveofhim，soIwillmerelysaythathewasatrueTartufe，aworthypupilofEscobar。
　　WehadapleasantdinnerwithourHungarianfriend。Henriettewasstillwearingtheuniform，andIlongedtoseeherdressedasawoman。Sheexpectedadresstobereadyforthenextday，andshewasalreadysuppliedwithpetticoatsandchemises。
　　Henriettewasfullofwitandamistressofrepartee。Themilliner，whowasanativeofLyons，cameinonemorning，andsaidinFrench:
　　"MadameetMonsieur，j’ail’honneurdevoussouhaiterlebonjour。"
　　"Why，"saidmyfriend，"doyounotsayMonsieuretmadame？"
　　"Ihavealwaysheardthatinsocietytheprecedenceisgiventotheladies。"
　　"Butfromwhomdowewishtoreceivethathonour？"
　　"Fromgentlemen，ofcourse。"
　　"Anddoyounotseethatwomenwouldrenderthemselvesridiculousiftheydidnotgranttomenthesamethattheyexpectfromthem。Ifwewishthemnevertofailinpolitenesstowardsus，wemustshewthemtheexample。"
　　"Madam，"answeredtheshrewdmilliner，"youhavetaughtmeanexcellentlesson，andIwillprofitbyit。Monsieuretmadame，jesuisvotreservante。"
　　Thisfemininecontroversygreatlyamusedme。
　　Thosewhodonotbelievethatawomancanmakeamanhappythroughthetwenty—fourhoursofthedayhaveneverpossessedawomanlikeHenriette。Thehappinesswhichfilledme，ifIcanexpressitinthatmanner，wasmuchgreaterwhenIconversedwithhereventhanwhenIheldherinmyarms。Shehadreadmuch，shehadgreattact，andhertastewasnaturallyexcellent；herjudgmentwassane，and，withoutbeinglearned，shecouldarguelikeamathematician，easilyandwithoutpretension，andineverythingshehadthatnaturalgracewhichissocharming。Shenevertriedtobewittywhenshesaidsomethingofimportance，butaccompaniedherwordswithasmilewhichimpartedtothemanappearanceoftrifling，andbroughtthemwithintheunderstandingofall。Inthatwayshewouldgiveintelligenceeventothosewhohadnone，andshewoneveryheart。Beautywithoutwitofferslovenothingbutthematerialenjoymentofitsphysicalcharms，whilstwittyuglinesscaptivatesbythecharmsofthemind，andatlastfulfilsallthedesiresofthemanithascaptivated。
　　ThenwhatwasmypositionduringallthetimethatIpossessedmybeautifulandwittyHenriette？ThatofamansosupremelyhappythatIcouldscarcelyrealizemyfelicity！
　　Letanyoneaskabeautifulwomanwithoutwitwhethershewouldbewillingtoexchangeasmallportionofherbeautyforasufficientdoseofwit。Ifshespeaksthetruth，shewillsay，"No，IamsatisfiedtobeasIam。"Butwhyisshesatisfied？Becausesheisnotawareofherowndeficiency。Letanuglybutwittywomanbeaskedifshewouldchangeherwitagainstbeauty，andshewillnothestitateinsayingno。Why？Because，knowingthevalueofherwit，sheiswellawarethatitissufficientbyitselftomakeheraqueeninanysociety。
　　Butalearnedwoman，ablue—stocking，isnotthecreaturetoministertoaman’shappiness。Positiveknowledgeisnotawoman’sprovince。
　　Itisantipathetictothegentlenessofhernature，totheamenity，tothesweettimiditywhicharethegreatestcharmsofthefairsex，besides，womennevercarrytheirlearningbeyondcertainlimits，andthetittle—tattleofblue—stockingscandazzlenoonebutfools。
　　Therehasneverbeenonegreatdiscoveryduetoawoman。Thefairsexisdeficientinthatvigorouspowerwhichthebodylendstothemind，butwomenareevidentlysuperiortomeninsimplereasoning，indelicacyoffeelings，andinthatspeciesofmeritwhichappertainstotheheartratherthantothemind。
　　Hurlsomeidlesophismatawomanofintelligence。Shewillnotunravelit，butshewillnotbedeceivedbyit，and，thoughshemaynotsayso，shewillletyouguessthatshedoesnotacceptit。A
　　man，onthecontrary，ifhecannotunravelthesophism，takesitinaliteralsense，andinthatrespectthelearnedwomanisexactlythesameasman。WhataburdenaMadameDaciermustbetoaman！MayGodsaveeveryhonestmanfromsuch！
　　Whenthenewdresswasbrought，Henriettetoldmethatshedidnotwantmetowitnesstheprocessofhermetamorphosis，andshedesiredmetogooutforawalkuntilshehadresumedheroriginalform。I
　　obeyedcheerfully，fortheslightestwishofthewomanweloveisalaw，andourveryobedienceincreasesourhappiness。