Wantingalittlerest，andunderstandingeachotherasifbyanaturalinstinct，shesaidtome，"Myfriend，Ihaveanappetitewhichpromisestodohonourtothesupper；areyouabletokeepmegoodcompany？"
　　"Yes，"Isaid，knowingwellwhatIcoulddointhatline，"yes，I
　　can；andafterwardsyoushalljudgewhetherIamabletosacrificetoLoveaswellastoComus。"
　　Sherangthebell，andawoman，middle—agedbutwell—dressedandrespectable—looking，laidoutatablefortwopersons；shethenplacedonanothertableclosebyallthatwasnecessarytoenableustodowithoutattendance，andshebrought，oneaftertheother，eightdifferentdishesinSevresporcelainplacedonsilverheaters。Itwasadelicateandplentifulsupper。
　　WhenItastedthefirstdishIatoncerecognizedtheFrenchstyleofcooking，andshedidnotdenyit。WedranknothingbutBurgundyandChampagne。Shedressedthesaladcleverlyandquickly，andineverythingshedidIhadtoadmirethegracefuleaseofhermanners。
　　Itwasevidentthatsheowedhereducationtoaloverwhowasafirst—rateconnoisseur。Iwascurioustoknowhim，andasweweredrinkingsomepunchItoldherthatifshewouldgratifymycuriosityinthatrespectIwasreadytotellhermyname。
　　"Lettime，dearest，"sheanswered，"satisfyourmutualcuriosity。"
　　M————M————had，amongstthecharmsandtrinketsfastenedtothechainofherwatch，asmallcrystalbottleexactlysimilartoonethatIworemyself。Icalledherattentiontothatfact，andasminewasfilledwithcottonsoakedinottoofrosesImadehersmellit。
　　"Ihavethesame，"sheobserved。
　　Andshemademeinhaleitsfragrance。
　　"Itisaveryscarceperfume，"Isaid，"andveryexpensive。"
　　"Yes；infactitcannotbebought。"
　　"Verytrue；theinventorofthatessencewearsacrown；itistheKingofFrance；hismajestymadeapoundofit，whichcosthimthirtythousandcrowns。"
　　"Minewasagiftpresentedtomylover，andhegaveittome:"
　　"MadamedePompadoursentasmallphialofittoM。deMocenigo，theVenetianambassadorinParis，throughM。deB————，nowFrenchambassadorhere。"
　　"Doyouknowhim？"
　　"IhavehadthehonourtodinewithhimontheverydayhecametotakeleaveoftheambassadorbywhomIhadbeeninvited。M。deB————
　　isamanwhomfortunehassmiledupon，buthehascaptivateditbyhismerit；heisnotlessdistinguishedbyhis’talentsthanbyhisbirth；heis，Ibelieve，CountdeLyon。Irecollectthathewasnicknamed’BelleBabet，’onaccountofhishandsomeface。Thereisasmallcollectionofpoetrywrittenbyhimwhichdoeshimgreathonour。"
　　Itwasnearmidnight；wehadmadeanexcellentsupper，andwewerenearagoodfire。Besides，Iwasinlovewithabeautifulwoman，andthinkingthattimewasprecious——Ibecameverypressing；butsheresisted。
　　"Crueldarling，haveyoupromisedmehappinessonlytomakemesufferthetorturesofTantalus？Ifyouwillnotgivewaytolove，atleastobeythelawsofnatureaftersuchadelicioussupper，gotobed。"
　　"Areyousleepy？"
　　"OfcourseIamnot；butitislateenoughtogotobed。Allowmetoundressyou；Iwillremainbyyourbedside，orevengoawayifyouwishit。"
　　"Ifyouweretoleaveme，youwouldgrieveme。"
　　"Mygriefwouldbeasgreatasyours，believeme，butifIremainwhatshallwedo？"
　　"Wecanliedowninourclothesonthissofa。"
　　"Withourclothes！Well，letitbeso；Iwillletyousleep，ifyouwishit；butyoumustforgivemeifIdonotsleepmyself；fortosleepnearyouandwithoutundressingwouldbeimpossible。"
　　"Waitalittle。"
　　Sherosefromherseat，turnedthesofacrosswise，openedit，tookoutpillows，sheets，blankets，andinoneminutewehadasplendidbed，wideandconvenient。Shetookalargehandkerchief，whichshewrappedroundmyhead，andshegavemeanother，askingmetorenderherthesameservice。Ibeganmytask，dissemblingmydisgustforthewig，butapreciousdiscoverycausedmethemostagreeablesurprise；for，insteadofthewig，my，handsfoundthemostmagnificenthairIhadeverseen。Iutteredascreamofdelightandadmiration。whichmadeherlaugh，andshetoldmethatanunwasundernootherobligationthantoconcealherhair，fromtheuninitiated。Thereuponshepushedmeadroitly，andmademefall’anthesofa。Igotupagain，and，havingthrownoffmyclothesasquickaslightningIthrewmyselfonherratherthannearher。Shewasverystrong；andfoldingmeinherarmsshethoughtthatIoughttoforgiveherforallthetortureshewascondemningmeto。Ihadnotobtainedanyessentialfavour；Iwasburning，butIwastryingtomastermyimpatience，forIdidnotthinkthatIhadyettherighttobeexacting。Icontrivedtoundofiveorsixbowsofribbons，andsatisfied，withhernotopposinganyresistanceinthatquartermyheart—throbbedwithpleasure，andIpossessedmyselfofthemostbeautifulbosom，whichIsmotheredundermykisses。Butherfavourswentnofurther；andmyexcitementincreasinginproportiontothenewperfectionsIdiscoveredinher，Idoubledmyefforts；allinvain。Atlast，compelledtogivewaytofatigue，Ifellasleepinherarms，holdinghertightly，againstme。Anoisychimeofbellswokeus。
　　"Whatisthematter？"Iexclaimed。
　　"Letusgetup，dearest；itistimeformetoreturntotheconvent。"
　　"Dressyourself，andletmehavethepleasureofseeingyouinthegarbofasaint，sinceyouaregoingawayavirgin。"
　　"Besatisfiedforthistime，dearest，andlearnfrommehowtopracticeabstinence；weshallbehappieranothertime。WhenIhavegone，ifyouhavenothingtohurryyou，youcanresthere。"
　　Sherangthebell，andthesamewomanwhohadappearedintheevening，andwasmostlikelythesecretministerandtheconfidanteofheramorousmysteries，camein。Afterherhairhadbeendressed，shetookoffhergown，lockedupherjewelleryinherbureau，putonthestaysofanun，inwhichshehidthetwomagnificentglobeswhichhadbeenduringthatfatiguingnighttheprincipalagentsofmyhappiness，andassumedhermonasticrobes。Thewomanhavinggoneouttocallthegondoliers，M————M————kissedmewarmlyandtenderly，andsaidtome，"Iexpecttoseeyouthedayafterto—morrow，soastohearfromyouwhichnightIamtomeetyouinVenice；andthen，mybelovedlover，youshallbehappyandItoo。Farewell。"
　　Pleasedwithoutbeingsatisfied，Iwenttobedandsleptsoundlyuntilnoon。
　　Ileftthecasinowithoutseeinganyone，andbeingwellmaskedI
　　repairedtothehouseofLaura，whogavemealetterfrommydearC————C————。Hereisacopyofit:
　　"Iamgoingtogiveyou，mybestbeloved，aspecimenofmywayofthinking；andItrustthat，farfromloweringmeinyourestimation，youwilljudgeme，inspiteofmyyouth，capableofkeepingasecretandworthyofbeingyourwife。Certainthatyourheartismine，Idonotblameyouforhavingmadeamysteryofcertainthings，andnotbeingjealousofwhatcandivertyourmindandhelpyoutobearpatientlyourcruelseparation，Icanonlydelightinwhateverprocuresyousomepleasure。Listennow。Yesterday，asIwasgoingalongoneofthehalls，Idroppedatooth—pickwhichIheldinmyhand，andtogetitagain，Iwascompelledtodisplaceastoolwhichhappenedtobeinfrontofacrackinthepartition。Ihavealreadybecomeascuriousasanun——afaultverynaturaltoidlepeople——I
　　placedmyeyeagainstthesmallopening，andwhomdidIsee？Youinperson，mydarling，conversinginthemostlivelymannerwithmycharmingfriend，SisterM————M————。Itwouldbedifficultforyoutoimaginemysurpriseandjoy。Butthosetwofeelingsgavewaysoontothefearofbeingseenandofexcitingthecuriosityofsomeinquisitivenun。Iquicklyreplacedthestool，andIwentaway。
　　Tellmeall，dearestfriend，youwillmakemehappy。HowcouldI
　　cherishyouwithallmysoul，andnotbeanxioustoknowthehistoryofyouradventure？Tellmeifsheknowsyou，andhowyouhavemadeheracquaintance。Sheismybestfriend，theoneofwhomIhavespokensooftentoyouinmyletters，withoutthinkingitnecessarytotellyouhername。SheisthefriendwhoteachesmeFrench，andhaslentmebookswhichgavemeagreatdealofinformationonamattergenerallylittleknowntowomen。Ifithadnotbeenforher，thecauseoftheaccidentwhichhasbeensonearcostingmemylife，wouldhavebeendiscovered。Shegavemesheetsandlinenimmediately；toherIowemyhonour；butshehasnecessarilylearnedinthatwaythatIhavealover，asIknowthatshehasone；butneitherofushasshewnanyanxietytoknowthesecretsoftheother。
　　SisterM————M————isararewoman。Ifeelcertain，dearest，thatyouloveoneanother；itcannotbeotherwisesinceyouareacquainted；butasIamnotjealousofthataffection，Ideservethatyoushouldtellmeall。Ipityyouboth，however；forallyoumaydowill，Ifear，onlyirritateyourpassion。Everyoneintheconventthinksthatyouareill，andIamlongingtoseeyou。Come，atleast，once。Adieu！"
　　TheletterofC————C————inspiredmewiththedeepestesteemforher，butitcausedmegreatanxiety，because，althoughIfelteveryconfidenceinmydearlittlewife，thesmallcrackinthewallmightexposeM————M————andmyselftotheinquisitivelooksofotherpersons。Besides，Ifoundmyselfcompelledtodeceivethatamiable，trustingfriend，andtotellafalsehood，fordelicacyandhonourforbademetotellherthetruth。IwrotetoherimmediatelythatherfriendshipforM————M————madeitherdutytowarnherfriendatoncethatshehadseenherintheparlourwithamaskedgentleman。
　　Iaddedthat，havingheardagreatdealofM————M————’smerit，andwishingtomakeheracquaintance，Ihadcalledonherunderanassumedname；thatIentreatedhernottotellherfriendwhoIwas，butshemightsaythatshehadrecognizedinmethegentlemanwhoattendedtheirchurch。IassuredherwithbarefacedimpudencethattherewasnolovebetweenM————M————andme，butwithoutconcealingthatIthoughtherasuperiorwoman。
　　OnSt。Catherine’sDay，thepatronessofmydearC————C————，I
　　bethoughtmyselfofaffordingthatlovelyprisonerthepleasureofseeingme。AsIwasleavingthechurchaftermass，andjustasIwasgoingtotakeagondola，Iobservedthatamanwasfollowingme。Itlookedsuspicious，andIdeterminedtoascertainwhetherIwasright。
　　Themantookagondolaandfollowedmine。Itmighthavebeenpurelyaccidental；but，keepingonmyguardforfearofsurprise，IalightedinVeniceattheMorosiniPalace；thefellowalightedatthesameplace；hisintentionswereevident。Ileftthepalace，andturningtowardstheFlandersGateIstoppedinanarrowstreet，tookmyknifeinmyhand，waitedforthespy，seizedhimbythecollar，andpushinghimagainstthewallwiththeknifeathisthroatIcommandedhimtotellmewhatbusinesshehadwithme。Tremblingalloverhewouldhaveconfessedeverything，butunluckilysomeoneenteredthestreet。
　　ThespyescapedandIwasnowiser，butIhadnodoubtthatforthefuturethatfellowatleastwouldkeepatarespectfuldistance。Itshewedmehoweasyitwouldbeforanobstinatespytodiscovermyidentity，andImadeupmymindnevertogotoMuranbutwithamask，oratnight。
　　ThenextdayIhadtoseemybeautifulnuninordertoascertainwhichdayshewouldsupwithmeinVenice，andIwentearlytotheconvent。Shedidnotkeepmewaiting，andherfacewasradiantwithjoy。Shecomplimentedmeuponmyhavingresumedmyattendanceattheirchurch；allthenunshadbeendelightedtoseemeagainafteranabsenceofthreeweeks。
　　"Theabbess，"shesaid，"toldmehowgladshewastoseeyou，andthatshewascertaintofindoutwhoyouare。"
　　Ithenrelatedtohertheadventureofthespy，andweboththoughtthatitwasmostlikelythemeanstakenbythesaintedwomantogratifyhercuriosityaboutme。
　　"Ihaveresolvednottoattendyourchurchanymore。"
　　"Thatwillbeagreatdeprivationtome，butinourcommoninterestI
　　canbutapproveyourresolution。"
　　Sherelatedtheaffairofthetreacherouscrackinthepartition，andadded，"Itisalreadyrepaired，andthereisnolongeranyfearinthatquarter。IheardofitfromayoungboarderwhomIlovedearly，andwhoismuchattachedtome。Iamnotcurioustoknowhername，andshehasnevermentionedittome。"
　　"Now，darlingangel，tellmewhethermyhappinesswillbepostponed。"
　　"Yes，butonlyfortwenty—fourhours；thenewprofessedsisterhasinvitedmetosupperinherroom，andyoumustunderstandIcannotinventanyplausibleexcuseforrefusingherinvitation。"
　　"Youwouldnot，then，tellherinconfidencetheverylegitimateobstaclewhichmakesmewishthatthenewsistersnevertakesupper？"
　　"Certainlynot:wenevertrustanyonesofarinaconvent。Besides，dearest，suchaninvitationcannotbedeclinedunlessIwishtogainamostbitterenemy。"
　　"Couldyounotsaythatyouareill？"
　　"Yes；butthenthevisits！"
　　"Iunderstand；ifyoushouldrefuse，theescapemightbesuspected。"
　　"Theescape！impossible；herenooneadmitsthepossibilityofbreakingoutoftheconvent。"
　　"Thenyouaretheonlyoneabletoperformthatmiracle？"
　　"Youmaybesureofthat；but，asisalwaysthecase，itisgoldwhichperformsthatmiracle。"
　　"Andmanyothers，perhaps。"
　　"Oh！thetimehasgonebyforthem！Buttellme，mylove，wherewillyouwaitformeto—morrow，twohoursafterthesettingofthesun？"
　　"CouldInotwaitforyouatyourcasino？"
　　"No，becausemyloverwilltakemehimselftoVenice。"
　　"Yourlover？"
　　"Yes，himself。"
　　"Itisnotpossible。"
　　"Yetitistrue。"
　　"IcanwaitforyouinSt。JohnandSt。Paul’sSquarebehindthepedestalofthestatueofBartholomewofBergamo。"
　　"Ihaveneverseeneitherthesquareorthestatueexceptinengravings；itisenough，however，andIwillnotfail。Nothingbutverystormyweathercouldpreventmefromcomingtoarendezvousforwhichmyheartispanting。"
　　"Andiftheweatherwerebad？"
　　"Then，dearest，therewouldbenothinglost；andyouwouldcomehereagaininordertoappointanotherday。"
　　Ihadnotimetolose，forIhadnocasino。ItookasecondrowersoastoreachSt。Mark’sSquaremorerapidly，andIimmediatelysettoworklookingforwhatIwanted。WhenamortalissoluckyastobeinthegoodgracesofthegodPlutus，andisnotcrackbrained，heisprettysuretosucceedineverything:IhadnottosearchverylongbeforeIfoundacasinosuitingmypurposeexactly。ItwasthefinestintheneighbourhoodofVenice，but，asanaturalconsequence，itwaslikewisethemostexpensive。IthadbelongedtotheEnglishambassador，whohadsolditcheaptohiscookbeforeleavingVenice。
　　TheownerletittomeuntilEasterforonehundredsequins，whichI
　　paidinadvanceonconditionthathewouldhimselfcookthedinnersandthesuppersImightorder。
　　Ihadfiveroomsfurnishedinthemostelegantstyle，andeverythingseemedtobecalculatedforlove，pleasure，andgoodcheer。Theserviceofthedining—roomwasmadethroughashamwindowinthewall，providedwithadumb—waiterrevolvinguponitself，andfittingthewindowsoexactlythatmasterandservantscouldnotseeeachother。Thedrawing—roomwasdecoratedwithmagnificentlooking—
　　glasses，crystalchandeliers，girandolesingilt，bronze，andwithasplendidpier—glassplacedonachimneyofwhitemarble；thewallswerecoveredwithsmallsquaresofrealchina，representinglittleCupidsandnakedamorouscouplesinallsortsofpositions，wellcalculatedtoexcitetheimagination；elegantandverycomfortablesofaswereplacedoneveryside。Nexttoitwasanoctagonalroom，thewalls，theceiling，andthefloorofwhichwereentirelycoveredwithsplendidVenetianglass，arrangedinsuchamannerastoreflectonallsideseverypositionoftheamorouscoupleenjoyingthepleasuresoflove。Closebywasabeautifulalcovewithtwosecretoutlets；ontheright，anelegantdressing—room，ontheleft，aboudoirwhich，seemedtohavebeenarrangedbythemotherofLove，withabathinCarraramarble。Everywherethewainscotswereembossedinormoluorpaintedwithflowersandarabesques。
　　AfterIhadgivenmyordersforallthechandelierstobefilledwithwaxcandles，andthefinestlinentobeprovidedwherevernecessary，Iorderedamostdelicateandsumptuoussupperfortwo，withoutregardtoexpense，andespeciallythemostexquisitewines。Ithentookpossessionofthekeyoftheprincipalentrance，andwarnedthemasterthatIdidnotwanttobeseenbyanyonewhenIcameinorwentout。
　　Iobservedwithpleasurethattheclockinthealcovehadanalarum，forIwasbeginning，inspiteoflove，tobeeasilyinfluencedbythepowerofsleep。
　　Everythingbeingarrangedaccordingtomywishes，Iwent，asacarefulanddelicatelover，topurchasethefinestslippersIcouldfind，andacapinAlenconpoint。
　　Itrustmyreaderdoesnotthinkmetooparticular；lethimrecollectthatIwastoreceivethemostaccomplishedofthesultanasofthemasteroftheuniverse，andItoldthatfourthGracethatIhadacasino。WasItobeginbygivingherabadideaofmytruthfulness？
　　Attheappointedtime，thatistwohoursaftersunset，Irepairedtomypalace；anditwouldbedifficulttoimaginethesurpriseofhishonourtheFrenchcook，whenhesawmearrivealone。Notfindingallthechandelierslighted—upasIhadordered，Iscoldedhimwell，givinghimnoticethatIdidnotliketorepeatanorder。
　　"Ishallnotfail；sir，anothertime，toexecuteyourcommands。"
　　"Letthesupperbeserved。"
　　"Yourhonourordereditfortwo。"
　　"Yes，fortwo；and，thistime，bepresentduringmysupper，sothatI
　　cantellyouwhichdishesIfindgoodorbad。"
　　Thesuppercamethroughtherevolving:dumb—waiterinverygoodorder，twodishesatatune。Ipassedsomeremarksuponeverything；
　　but，totellthetruth，everythingwasexcellent:game，fish，oysters，truffles，wine，dessert，andthewholeservedinveryfineDresdenchinaandsilver—giltplate。
　　Itoldhimthathehadforgottenhardeggs，anchovies，andpreparedvinegartodressasalad。Heliftedhiseyestowardsheaven，asiftopleadguilty，toaveryheinouscrime。
　　Afterasupperwhichlastedtwohours，andduringwhichImustcertainlyhavewontheadmirationofmyhost，Iaskedhimtobringmethebill。Hepresentedittomeshortlyafterwards，andIfounditreasonable。Ithendismissedhim，andlaydowninthesplendidbedinthealcove；myexcellentsupperbroughtonverysoonthemostdelicioussleepwhich，withouttheBurgundyandtheChampagne，mightverylikelynothavevisitedme，ifIhadthoughtthatthefollowingnightwouldseemeinthesameplace，andinpossessionofalovelydivinity。Itwasbroadday—lightwhenIawoke，andafterorderingthefinestfruitandsomeicesfortheeveningIleftthecasino。Inordertoshortenadaywhichmyimpatientdesireswouldhavecausedmetofindverylong，Iwenttothefaro—table，andIsawwithpleasurethatIwasasgreatafavouritewithfortuneaswithlove。
　　Everythingproceededaccordingtomywishes，andIdelightedinascribingmyhappysuccesstotheinfluenceofmynun。
　　Iwasattheplaceofmeetingonehourbeforethetimeappointed，andalthoughthenightwascoldIdidnotfeelit。PreciselyasthehourstruckIsawatwo—oaredgondolareachtheshoreandamaskcomeoutofit，speakafewwordstothegondolier，andtakethedirectionofthestatue。Myheartwasbeatingquickly，butseeingthatitwasamanIavoidedhim，andregrettednothavingbroughtmypistols。Themask，however，turningroundthestatue，cameuptomewithoutstretchedhands；Ithenrecognizedmyangel，whowasamusedatmysurpriseandtookmyarm。WithoutspeakingwewenttowardsSt。
　　Mark’sSquare，andreachedmycasino，whichwasonlyonehundredyardsfromtheSt。MosesTheatre。
　　Ifoundeverythingingoodorder；wewentupstairsandIthrewoffmymaskandmydisguise；butM————M————tookdelightinwalkingabouttheroomsandinexaminingeverynookofthecharmingplaceinwhichshewasreceived。Highlygratifiedtoseemeadmirethegraceofherperson，shewantedmelikewisetoadmireinherattirethetasteandgenerosityofherlover。Shewassurprisedatthealmostmagicspellwhich，althoughsheremainedmotionless，shewedherlovelypersoninathousanddifferentmanners。Hermultipliedportraits，reproducedbythelooking—glasses，andthenumerouswaxcandlesdisposedtothateffect，offeredtohersightaspectacleentirelynewtoher，andfromwhichshecouldnotwithdrawhereyes。SittingdownonastoolIcontemplatedherelegantpersonwithrapture。Acoatofrosyvelvet，embroideredwithgoldspangles，avesttomatch，embroideredlikewiseintherichestfashion，breechesofblacksatin，diamondbuckles，asolitaireofgreatvalueonherlittlefinger，andontheotherhandaring:suchwashertoilet。Herblacklacemaskwasremarkableforitsfinenessandthebeautyofthedesign。Toenablemetoseeherbettershestoodbeforeme。Ilookedinherpockets，inwhichIfoundagoldsnuff—box，asweetmeat—boxadornedwithpearls，agoldcase，asplendidopera—glass，handkerchiefsofthefinestcambric，soakedratherthanperfumedwiththemostpreciousessences。Iexaminedattentivelytherichnessandtheworkmanshipofhertwowatches，ofherchains，ofhertrinkets，brilliantwithdiamonds。ThelastarticleIfoundwasapistol；itwasanEnglishweaponoffinesteel，andofthemostbeautifulfinish。
　　"AllIsee，mydivineangel，isnotworthyofyou；yetIcannotrefrainfromexpressingmyadmirationforthewonderful，Imightalmostsayadorable，beingwhowantstoconvinceyouthatyouaretrulyhismistress。"
　　"ThatiswhathesaidwhenIaskedhimtobringmetoVenice，andtoleaveme。’Amuseyourself，’hesaid，’andIhopethatthemanwhomyouaregoingtomakehappywillconvinceyouthatheisworthyofit。’"
　　"Heisindeedanextraordinaryman，andIdonotthinkthereisanotherlikehim。Suchaloverisauniquebeing；andIfeelthatI
　　couldnotbelikehim，asdeeplyasIfeartobeunworthyofahappinesswhichdazzlesme。"
　　"Allowmetoleaveyou，andtotakeofftheseclothesalone。"
　　"Doanythingyouplease。"
　　Aquarterofanhourafterwardsmymistresscamebacktome。Herhairwasdressedlikeaman’s；thefrontlockscamedownhercheeks，andtheblackhair，fastenedwithaknotofblueribbon，reachedthebendofherlegs；herformwasthatofAntinous；herclothesalone，beingcutintheFrenchstyle，preventedtheillusionfrombeingcomplete。Iwasinastateofecstaticdelight，andIcouldnotrealizemyhappiness。
　　"No，adorablewoman，"Iexclaimed，"youarenotmadeforamortal，andIdonotbelievethatyouwilleverbemine。Attheverymomentofpossessingyousomemiraclewillwrestyoufrommyarms。Yourdivinespouse，perhaps，jealousofasimplemortal，willannihilateallmyhope。ItispossiblethatinafewminutesIshallnolongerexist。"
　　"Areyoumad，dearest？Iamyoursthisveryinstant，ifyouwishit。"
　　"Ah！ifIwishit！Althoughfasting，come！Loveandhappinesswillbemyfood！"
　　Shefeltcold，wesatnearthefire；andunabletomastermyimpatienceIunfastenedadiamondbroochwhichpinnedherruffle。
　　Dearreader，therearesomesensationssopowerfulandsosweetthatyearscannotweakentheremembranceofthem。Mymouthhadalreadycoveredwithkissesthatravishingbosom；butthenthetroublesomecorsethadnotallowedmetoadmireallitsperfection。NowIfeltitfreefromallrestraintandfromallunnecessarysupport；Ihaveneverseen，nevertouched，anythingmorebeautiful，andthetwomagnificentglobesoftheVenusdeMedicis，eveniftheyhadbeenanimatedbythesparkoflifegivenbyPrometheus，wouldhaveyieldedthepalmtohoseofmydivinenun。
　　Iwasburningwithardentdesires，andIwouldhavesatisfiedthemonthespot，ifmyadorablemistresshadnotcalmedmyimpatiencebythesesimplewords:
　　"Waituntilaftersupper。"
　　Irangthebell；sheshuddered。
　　"Donotbeanxious，dearest。"
　　AndIshewedherthesecretoftheshamwindow。
　　"Youwillbeabletotellyourloverthatnoonesawyou。"
　　"Hewillappreciateyourdelicateattention，andthatwillprovetohimthatyouarenotanoviceintheartoflove。ButitisevidentthatIamnottheonlyonewhoenjoyswithyouthedelightsofthischarmingresidence。"
　　"Youarewrong，believeme:youarethefirstwomanIhaveseenhere。
　　Youarenot，adorablecreature，myfirstlove，butyoushallbethelast。"
　　"Ishallbehappyifyouarefaithful。Myloverisconstant，kind，gentleandamiable；yetmyhearthaseverbeenfancy—freewithhim。"
　　"Thenhisownheartmustbethesame；forifhislovewasofthesamenatureasmineyouwouldneverhavemademehappy。"
　　"HelovesmeasIloveyou；doyoubelieveinmyloveforyou？"
　　"Yes，Iwanttobelieveinit；butyouwouldnotallowmeto……"
　　"Donotsayanymore；forIfeelthatIcouldforgiveyouinanything，providedyoutoldmeall。ThejoyIexperienceatthismomentiscausedmorebythehopeIhaveofgratifyingyourdesiresthanbytheideathatIamgoingtopassadelightfulnightwithyou。
　　Itwillbethefirstinmylife。"
　　"What！Haveyouneverpassedsuchanightwithyourlover？"
　　"Several；butfriendship，compliance，andgratitude，perhaps，werethentheonlycontributorstoourpleasures；themostessential——
　　love——wasneverpresent。Inspiteofthat，myloverislikeyou；hiswitislively，verymuchthesameasyours，and，asfarashisfeaturesareconcerned，heisveryhandsome；yetitisnotyou。I
　　believehimmorewealthythanyou，althoughthiscasinoalmostconvincesmethatIammistaken，butwhatdoeslovecareforriches？
　　DonotimaginethatIconsideryouendowedwithlessmeritthanhe，becauseyouconfessyourselfincapableofhisheroisminallowingmetoenjoyanotherlove。Quitethecontrary；Iknowthatyouwouldnotlovemeasyoudo，ifyoutoldmethatyoucouldbeasindulgentasheisforoneofmycaprices。"
　　"Willhebecurioustoheartheparticularsofthisnight？"
　　"Mostlikelyhewillthinkthathewillpleasemebyaskingwhathastakenplace，andIwilltellhimeverything，exceptsuchparticularsasmighthumiliatehim。"
　　Afterthesupper，whichshefoundexcellent，shemadesomepunch，andshewasaverygoodhandatit。ButIfeltmyimpatiencegrowingstrongereverymoment，andIsaid，"Recollectthatwehaveonlysevenhoursbeforeus，andthatweshouldbeveryfoolishtowastetheminthisroom。"
　　"YoureasonbetterthanSocrates，"sheanswered，"andyoureloquencehasconvincedme。Come！"
　　Sheledmetotheelegantdressing—room，andIofferedherthefinenight—capwhichIhadboughtforher，askingheratthesametimetodressherhairlikeawoman。Shetookitwithgreatpleasure，andbeggedmetogoandundressmyselfinthedrawing—room，promisingtocallmeassoonasshewasinbed。
　　Ihadnotlongtowait:whenpleasureiswaitingforus，weallgoquicklytowork。Ifellintoherarms，intoxicatedwithloveandhappiness，andduringsevenhoursIgaveherthemostpositiveproofsofmyardourandofthefeelingsIentertainedforher。Itistruethatshetaughtmenothingnew，materiallyspeaking，butagreatdealinsighs，inecstasies，inenjoymentswhichcanhavetheirfulldevelopmentonlyinasensitivesoulinthesweetestofallmoments。
　　Ivariedourpleasuresinathousanddifferentways，andIastonishedherbymakingherfeelthatshewassusceptibleofgreaterenjoymentthanshehadanyideaof。Atlastthefatalalarumwasheard:wehadtostopouramoroustransports；butbeforesheleftmyarmssheraisedhereyestowardsheavenasiftothankherDivineMasterforhavinggivenherthecouragetodeclareherpassiontome。
　　Wedressedourselves，andobservingthatIputthelacenight—capinherpocketsheassuredmethatshewouldkeepitallherlifeasawitnessofthehappinesswhichoverwhelmedher。Afterdrinkingacupofcoffeewewentout，andIleftheratSt。JohnandSt。Paul’sSquare，promisingtocallonherthedayafterthemorrow；IwatchedheruntilIsawhersafeinhergondola，andIthenwenttobed。Tenhoursofprofoundsleeprestoredmetomyusualstateofvigour。
　　CHAPTERXVIII
　　VisittotheConventandConversationWithM。M。——ALetterfromHer，andMyAnswer——AnotherInterviewAttheCasinoofMuranInthePresenceofHerLoverAccordingtomypromise，IwenttoseeM————M————twodaysafterwards，butassoonasshecametotheparlourshetoldmethatherloverhadsaidhewascoming，andthatsheexpectedhimeveryminute，andthatshewouldbegladtoseemethenextday。Itookleaveofher，butnearthebridgeIsawaman，ratherbadlymasked，comingoutofagondola。Ilookedatthegondolier，andIrecognizedhimasbeingintheserviceoftheFrenchambassador。"Itishe，"
　　Isaidtomyself，andwithoutappearingtoobservehimIwatchedhimentertheconvent。Ihadnolongeranydoubtastohisidentity，andIreturnedtoVenicedelightedathavingmadethediscovery，butI
　　madeupmymindnottosayanythingtomymistress。
　　Isawheronthefollowingday，andwe，hadalongconversationtogether，whichIamnowgoingtorelate。
　　"Myfriend，"shesaidtome，"cameyesterdayinordertobidfarewelltomeuntiltheChristmasholidays。HeisgoingtoPadua，buteverythinghasbeenarrangedsothatwecansupathiscasinowheneverwewish。"
　　"WhynotinVenice？"
　　"Hehasbeggedmenottogothereduringhisabsence。Heiswiseandprudent；Icouldnotrefusehisrequest。"
　　"Youarequiteright。Whenshallwesuptogether？"
　　"NextSunday，ifyoulike。"
　　"IfIlikeisnottherightexpression，forIalwayslike。OnSunday，then，Iwillgotothecasinotowardsnightfall，andwaitforyouwithabook。Haveyoutoldyourfriendthatyouwerenotveryuncomfortableinmysmallpalace？"
　　"Heknowsallaboutit，but，dearest，heisafraidofonething——hefearsacertainfatalplumpness……"
　　"Onmylife，Ineverthoughtofthat！But，mydarling，doyounotrunthesameriskwithhim？"
　　"No，itisimpossible。"
　　"Iunderstandyou。Thenwemustbeveryprudentforthefuture。I
　　believethat，ninedaysbeforeChristmas，themaskisnolongerallowed，andthenIshallhavetogotoyourcasinobywater，otherwise，Imighteasilyberecognizedbythesamespywhohasalreadyfollowedmeonce。"
　　"Yes，thatideaprovesyourprudence，andIcaneasily，shewyoutheplace。IhopeyouwillbeabletocomealsoduringLent，althoughwearetoldthatatthattimeGodwishesustomortifyoursenses。
　　IsitnotstrangethatthereisatimeduringwhichGodwantsustoamuseourselvesalmosttofrenzy，andanotherduringwhich，inordertopleaseHim，wemustliveincompleteabstinence？WhatisthereincommonbetweenayearlyobservanceandtheDeity，andhowcantheactionofthecreaturehaveanyinfluenceovertheCreator，whommyreasoncannotconceiveotherwisethanindependent？ItseemstomethatifGodhadcreatedmanwiththepowerofoffendingHim，manwouldberightindoingeverythingthatisforbiddentohim，becausethedeficienciesofhisorganizationwouldbetheworkoftheCreatorHimself。HowcanweimagineGodgrievedduringLent？"
　　"Mybelovedone，youreasonbeautifully，butwillyoutellmewhereyouhavemanaged，inaconvent，topasstheRubicon？"
　　"Yes。MyfriendhasgivenmesomegoodbookswhichIhavereadwithdeepattention，andthelightoftruthhasdispelledthedarknesswhichblindedmyeyes。Icanassureyouthat，whenIlookinmyownheart，Ifindmyselfmorefortunateinhavingmetwithapersonwhohasbroughtlighttomymindthanmiserableathavingtakentheveil；
　　forthegreatesthappinessmustcertainlyconsistinlivingandindyingpeacefully——ahappinesswhichcanhardlybeobtainedbylisteningtoalltheidletalkwithwhichthepriestspuzzleourbrains。"
　　"Iamofyouropinion，butIadmireyou，foritoughttobetheworkofmorethanafewmonthstobringlighttoamindprejudicedasyourswas。"
　　"ThereisnodoubtthatIshouldhaveseenlightmuchsoonerifIhadnotlabouredundersomanyprejudices。Therewasinmymindacurtaindividingtruthfromerror，andreasonalonecoulddrawitaside，butthatpoorreason——Ihadbeentaughttofearit，torepulseit，asifitsbrightflamewouldhavedevoured，insteadofenlighteningme。ThemomentitwasprovedtomethatareasonablebeingoughttobeguidedonlybyhisowninductionsIacknowledgedtheswayofreason，andthemistwhichhidtruthfrommewasdispelled。Theevidenceoftruthshonebeforemyeyes，nonsensicaltriflesdisappeared，andIhavenofearoftheirresumingtheirinfluenceovermymind，foreverydayitisgettingstronger；andI
　　maysaythatIonlybegantoloveGodwhenmymindwasdisabusedofpriestlysuperstitionsconcerningHim。"
　　"Icongratulateyou；youhavebeenmorefortunatethanI，foryouhavemademoreprogressinoneyearthanIhavemadeinten。"
　　"ThenyoudidnotbeginbyreadingthewritingsofLordBolingbroke？
　　Fiveorsixmonthsago，IwasreadingLaSagesse，byCharron，andsomehoworothermyconfessorheardofit；whenIwenttohimforconfession，hetookuponhimselftotellmetogiveupreadingthatbook。Iansweredthatmyconsciencedidnotreproachme，andthatI
　　couldnotobeyhim。’Inthatcase，’repliedhe，’Iwillnotgiveyouabsolution。’’Thatwillnotpreventmefromtakingthecommunion，’I
　　said。Thismadehimangry，and，inordertoknowwhatheoughttodo，heappliedtoBishopDiedo。Hiseminencecametoseeme，andtoldmethatIoughttobeguidedbymyconfessor。Iansweredthatwehadmutualdutiestoperform，andthatthemissionofapriestintheconfessionalwastolistentome，toimposeareasonablepenance，andtogivemeabsolution；thathehadnoteventherightofofferingmeanyadviceifIdidnotaskforit。Iaddedthattheconfessorbeingboundtoavoidscandal，ifhedaredtorefusemetheabsolution，which，ofcourse，hecoulddo，Iwouldallthesamegotothealtarwiththeothernuns。Thebishop，seeingthathewasathiswit’send，toldthepriesttoabandonmetomyconscience。Butthatwasnotsatisfactorytome，andmyloverobtainedabrieffromthePopeauthorizingmetogotoconfessiontoanypriestIlike。Allthesistersarejealousoftheprivilege，butIhaveavailedmyselfofitonlyonce，forthesakeofestablishingaprecedentandofstrengtheningtherightbythefact，foritisnotworththetrouble。
　　Ialwaysconfesstothesamepriest，andhehasnodifficultyingivingmeabsolution，forIonlytellhimwhatIlike。"
　　"Andfortherestyouabsolveyourself？"
　　"IconfesstoGod，whoalonecanknowmythoughtsandjudgethedegreeofmeritorofdemerittobeattachedtomyactions。"
　　OurconversationshewedmethatmylovelyfriendwaswhatiscalledaFree—thinker；butIwasnotastonishedatit，becauseshefeltagreaterneedofpeaceforherconsciencethanofgratificationforhersenses。
　　OntheSunday，afterdinner，Itookatwo—oaredgondola，andwentroundtheislandofMurantoreconnoitretheshore，andtodiscoverthesmalldoorthroughwhichmymistressescapedfromtheconvent。
　　Ilostmytroubleandmytime，forIdidnotbecomeacquaintedwiththeshoretilltheoctaveofChristmas，andwiththesmalldoorsixmonthsafterwards。Ishallmentionthecircumstanceinitsproperplace。
　　Assoonasitwastime，Irepairedtothetemple，andwhileIwaswaitingfortheidolIamusedmyselfinexaminingthebooksofasmalllibraryintheboudoir。Theywerenotnumerous，buttheywerewellchosenandworthyoftheplace。Ifoundthereeverythingthathasbeenwrittenagainstreligion，andalltheworksofthemostvoluptuouswritersonpleasure；attractivebooks，theincendiarystyleofwhichcompelsthereadertoseektherealityoftheimagetheyrepresent。Severalfolios，richlybound，containednothingbuteroticengravings。Theirprincipalmeritconsistedmuchmoreinthebeautyofthedesigns，inthefinishofthework，thaninthelubricityofthepositions。IfoundamongstthemtheprintsofthePortierdesChartreux，publishedinEngland；theengravingsofMeursius，ofAloysiaSigeaToletana，andothers，allverybeautifullydone。Agreatmanysmallpicturescoveredthewallsoftheboudoir，andtheywereallmasterpiecesinthesamestyleastheengravings。
　　Ihadspentanhourinexaminingalltheseworksofart，thesightofwhichhadexcitedmeinthemostirresistiblemanner，whenIsawmybeautifulmistressentertheroom，dressedasanun。Herappearancewasnotlikelytoactasasedative，andtherefore，withoutlosinganytimeincompliments，Isaidtoher，"Youarrivemostopportunely。Alltheseeroticpictureshavefiredmyimagination，anditisinyourgarbofasaintthatyoumustadministertheremedythatmyloverequires。"
　　"Letmeputonanotherdress，darling，itwillnottakemorethanfiveminutes。"
　　"Fiveminuteswillcompletemyhappiness，andthenyoucanattendtoyourmetamorphosis。"
　　"Butletmetakeoffthesewoollenrobes，whichIdislike。"
　　"No；Iwantyoutoreceivethehomageofmyloveinthesamedresswhichyouhadonwhenyougavebirthtoit。"
　　Sheutteredinthehumblestmannera’fiatvoluntastua’，accompaniedbythemostvoluptuoussmile，andsankonthesofa。Foroneinstantweforgotalltheworldbesides。AfterthatdelightfulecstacyI
　　assistedhertoundress，andasimplegownofIndianmuslinsoonmetamorphosedmylovelynunintoabeautifulnymph。
　　Afteranexcellentsupper，weagreednottomeetagaintillthefirstdayoftheoctave。Shegavemethekeyofthegateontheshore，andtoldmethatablueribbonattachedtothewindowoverthedoorwouldpointitoutbyday，soastopreventmymakingamistakeatnight。
　　ImadeherveryhappybytellingherthatIwouldcomeandresideinhercasinountilthereturnofherfriend。DuringthetendaysthatIremainedthere，Isawherfourtimes，andIconvincedherthatI
　　livedonlyforher。
　　DuringmystayinthecasinoIamusedmyselfinreading，inwritingtoC————C————，butmyloveforherhadbecomeacalmaffection。Thelineswhichinterestedmemostinherletterswerethoseinwhichshementionedherfriend。SheoftenblamedmefornothavingcultivatedtheacquaintanceofM————M————，andmyanswerwasthatIhadnotdonesoforfearofbeingknown。Ialwaysinsisteduponthenecessityofdiscretion。
　　Idonotbelieveinthepossibilityofequallovebeingbestowedupontwopersonsatthesametime，nordoIbelieveitpossibletokeeplovetoahighdegreeofintensityifyougiveiteithertoomuchfoodornoneatall。ThatwhichmaintainedmypassionforM———M————
　　inastateofgreatvigourwasthatIcouldneverpossessherwithoutrunningtheriskoflosingher。
　　"Itisimpossible，"Isaidtoheronce，"thatsometimeorotheroneofthenunsshouldnotwanttospeaktoyouwhenyouareabsent？"
　　"No，"sheanswered，"thatcannothappen，becausethereisnothingmorereligiouslyrespectedinaconventthantherightofanuntodenyherself，eventotheabbess。AfireistheonlycircumstanceI
　　havetofear，becauseinthatcasetherewouldbegeneraluproarandconfusion，anditwouldnotappearnaturalthatanunshouldremainquietlylockedupinhercellinthemidstofsuchdanger；myescapewouldthenbediscovered。Ihavecontrivedtogainoverthelay—
　　sisterandthegardener，aswellasanothernun，andthatmiraclewasperformedbymycunningassistedbymylover’sgold。
　　Heanswersforthefidelityofthecookandhiswifewhotakecareofthecasino。Hehaslikewiseeveryconfidenceinthetwogondoliers，althoughoneofthemissuretobeaspyoftheStateInquisitors。"
　　OnChristmasEvesheannouncedthereturnofherlover，andshetoldhimthatonSt。Stephen’sDayshewouldgowithhimtotheopera，andthattheywouldafterwardsspendthenighttogether。
　　"Ishallexpectyou，mybelovedone，"sheadded，"onthelastdayoftheyear，andhereisaletterwhichIbegyounottoreadtillyougethome。"
　　AsIhadtomoveinordertomakeroomforherlover，Ipackedmythingsearlyinthemorning，and，biddingfarewelltoaplaceinwhichduringtendaysIhadenjoyedsomanydelights，IreturnedtotheBragadinPalace，whereIreadthefollowingletter:
　　"Youhavesomewhatoffendedme，myowndarling，bytellingme，respectingthemysterywhichIamboundtokeeponthesubjectofmylover，that，satisfiedtopossessmyheart，youleftmemistressofmymind。Thatdivisionoftheheartandofthemindappearstomeapuresophism，andifitdoesnotstrikeyouassuchyoumustadmitthatyoudonotlovemewholly，forIcannotexistwithoutmind，andyoucannotcherishmyheartifitdoesnotagreewithmymind。Ifyourlovecannotacceptadifferentstateofthingsitdoesnotexcelindelicacy。However，assomecircumstancemightoccurinwhichyoumightaccusemeofnothavingactedtowardsyouwithallthesinceritythattrueloveinspires，andthatithasarighttodemand，Ihavemadeupmymindtoconfidetoyouasecretwhichconcernsmyfriend，althoughIamawarethathereliesentirelyuponmydiscretion。Ishallcertainlybeguiltyofabreachofconfidence，butyouwillnotlovemelessforit，because，compelledtochoosebetweenyoutwo，andtodeceiveeitheroneortheother，lovehasconqueredfriendship；donotpunishmeforit，forithasnotbeendoneblindly，andyouwill，Itrust，considerthereasonswhichhavecausedthescaletoweighdowninyourfavour。
　　"WhenIfoundmyselfincapableofresistingmywishtoknowyouandtobecomeintimatewithyou，Icouldnotgratifythatwishwithouttakingmyfriendintomyconfidence，andIhadnodoubtofhiscompliance。Heconceivedaveryfavourableopinionofyourcharacterfromyourfirstletter，notonlybecauseyouhadchosentheparlouroftheconventforourfirstinterview，butalsobecauseyouappointedhiscasinoatMuraninsteadofyourown。Buthelikewisebeggedofmetoallowhimtobepresentatourfirstmeeting—place，inasmallcloset——atruehiding—place，fromwhichonecanseeandheareverythingwithoutbeingsuspectedbythoseinthedrawing—room。
　　Youhavenotyetseenthatmysteriouscloset，butIwillshewittoyouonthelastdayoftheyear。Tellme，dearest，whetherIcouldrefusethatsingularrequesttothemanwhowasshewingmesuchcompliantkindness？Iconsented，anditwasnaturalformenottoletyouknowit。Youarethereforeawarenowthatmyfriendwasawitnessofallwedidandsaidduringthefirstnightthatwespenttogether，butdonotletthatannoyyou，foryoupleasedhimineverything，inyourbehaviourtowardsmeaswellasinthewittysayingswhichyouutteredtomakemelaugh。Iwasingreatfear，whentheconversationturneduponhim，lestyouwouldsaysomethingwhichmighthurthisself—love，but，veryfortunately，heheardonlythemostflatteringcompliments。Suchis，dearestlove，thesincereconfessionofmytreason，butasawiseloveryouwillforgivemebecauseithasnotdoneyoutheslightestharm。Myfriendisextremelycurioustoascertainwhoyouare。Butlistentome，thatnightyouwerenaturalandthoroughlyamiable，wouldyouhavebeenthesame，ifyouhadknownthattherewasawitness？Itisnotlikely，andifIhadacquaintedyouwiththetruth，youmighthaverefusedyourconsent，andperhapsyouwouldhavebeenright。
　　"Nowthatweknoweachother，andthatyouentertainnodoubt，I
　　trust，ofmydevotedlove，Iwishtoeasemyconscienceandtoventureall。Learnthen，dearest，thatonthelastdayoftheyear，myfriendwillbeatthecasino，whichhewillleaveonlythenextmorning。Youwillnotseehim，buthewillseeus。Asyouaresupposednottoknowanythingaboutit，youmustfeelthatyouwillhavetobenaturalineverything，otherwise，hemightguessthatI
　　havebetrayedthesecret。Itisespeciallyinyourconversationthatyoumustbecareful。Myfriendpossesseseveryvirtueexceptthetheologicalonecalledfaith，andonthatsubjectyoucansayanythingyoulike。Youwillbeatlibertytotalkliterature，travels，politics，anythingyouplease，andyouneednotrefrainfromanecdotes。Infactyouarecertainofhisapprobation。
　　"Now，dearest，Ihaveonlythistosay。Doyoufeeldisposedtoallowyourselftobeseenbyanothermanwhileyouareabandoningyourselftothesweetvoluptuousnessofyoursenses？Thatdoubtcausesallmyanxiety，andIentreatfromyouananswer，yesorno。
　　Doyouunderstandhowpainfulthedoubtisforme？Iexpectnottoclosemyeyesthroughoutthenight，andIshallnotrestuntilIhaveyourdecision。Incaseyoushouldobjecttoshewyourtendernessinthepresenceofathirdperson，Iwilltakewhateverdeterminationlovemaysuggesttome。ButIhopeyouwillconsent，andevenifyouwerenottoperformthecharacterofanardentloverinamasterlymanner，itwouldnotbeofanyconsequence。Iwillletmyfriendbelievethatyourlovehasnotreacheditsapogee"
　　Thatlettercertainlytookmebysurprise，butallthingsconsidered，thinkingthatmypartwasbetterthantheoneacceptedbythelover，Ilaughedheartilyattheproposal。Iconfess，however，thatI
　　shouldnothavelaughedifIhadnotknownthenatureoftheindividualwhowastobethewitnessofmyamorousexploits。
　　Understandingalltheanxietyofmyfriend，andwishingtoallayit，Iimmediatelywrotetoherthefollowinglines:
　　"Youwishme，heavenlycreature，toansweryouyesorno，andI，fullofloveforyou，wantmyanswertoreachyoubeforenoon，sothatyoumaydineinperfectpeace。
　　"Iwillspendthelastnightoftheyearwithyou，andIcanassureyouthatthefriend，towhomwewillgiveaspectacleworthyofPaphosandAmathos，shallseeorhearnothinglikelytomakehimsupposethatIamacquaintedwithhissecret。YoumaybecertainthatIwillplaymypartnotasanovicebutasamaster。Ifitisman’sdutytobealwaystheslaveofhisreason；if，aslongashehascontroloverhimself，heoughtnottoactwithouttakingitforhisguide，Icannotunderstandwhyamanshouldbeashamedtoshewhimselftoafriendattheverymomentthatheismostfavouredbyloveandnature。
　　"YetIconfessthatyouwouldhavebeenwrongifyouhadconfidedthesecrettomethefirsttime，andthatmostlikelyIshouldthenhaverefusedtograntyouthatmarkofmycompliance，notbecauseIlovedyoulessthenthanIdonow，buttherearesuchstrangetastesinnaturethatImighthaveimaginedthatyourlover’srulingtastewastoenjoythesightofanardentandfranticcoupleinthemidstofamorousconnection，andinthatcase，conceivinganunfavourableopinionofyou，vexationmighthavefrozentheloveyouhadjustsentthroughmybeing。Now，however，thecaseisverydifferent。IknowallIpossessinyou，and，fromallyouhavetoldmeofyourlover，Iamwelldisposedtowardshim，andIbelievehimtobemyfriend。
　　Ifafeelingofmodestydoesnotdeteryoufromshewingyourselftender，loving，andfullofamorousardourwithmeinhispresence，howcouldIbeashamed，when，onthecontrary，Ioughttofeelproudofmyself？Ihavenoreasontoblushathavingmadeaconquestofyou，oratshewingmyselfinthosemomentsduringwhichIprovetheliberalitywithwhichnaturehasbestoweduponmetheshapeandthestrengthwhichassuresuchimmenseenjoymenttome，besidesthecertaintythatIcanmakethewomanIloveshareitwithme。Iamawarethat，owingtoafeelingwhichiscallednatural，butwhichisperhapsonlytheresultofcivilizationandtheeffectoftheprejudicesinherentinyouth，mostmenobjecttoanywitnessinthosemoments，butthosewhocannotgiveanygoodreasonsfortheirrepugnancemusthaveintheirnaturesomethingofthecat。Atthesametime，theymighthavesomeexcellentreasons，withouttheirthinkingthemselvesboundtogivethem，excepttothewoman，whoiseasilydeceived。Iexcusewithallmyheartthosewhoknowthattheywouldonlyexcitethepityofthewitnesses，butwebothhavenofearofthatsort。Allyouhavetoldmeofyourfriendprovesthathewillenjoyourpleasures。Butdoyouknowwhatwillbetheresultofit？Theintensityofourardourwillexcitehisown，andhewillthrowhimselfatmyfeet，beggingandentreatingmetogiveuptohimtheonlyobjectlikelytocalmhisamorousexcitement。WhatcouldI
　　dointhatcase？Giveyouup？Icouldhardlyrefusetodosowithgoodgrace，butIwouldgoaway，forIcouldnotremainaquietspectator。
　　"Farewell，mydarlinglove；allwillbewell，Ihavenodoubt。
　　Prepareyourselffortheathleticcontest，andrelyuponthefortunatebeingwhoadoresyou。"
　　Ispentthesixfollowingdayswithmythreeworthyfriends，andatthe’ridotto’，whichatthattimewasopenedonSt。Stephen’sDay。
　　AsIcouldnotholdthecardsthere，thepatriciansalonehavingtheprivilegeofholdingthebank，Iplayedmorningandevening，andI
　　constantlylost；forwhoeverpuntsmustlose。ButthelossofthefourorfivethousandsequinsIpossessed，farfromcoolingmylove，seemedonlytoincreaseitsardour。
　　Attheendoftheyear1774theGreatCouncilpromulgatedalawforbiddingallgamesofchance，thefirsteffectofwhichwastoclosethe’ridotto’。Thislawwasarealphenomenon，andwhenthevotesweretakenoutoftheurnthesenatorslookedateachotherwithstupefaction。Theyhadmadethelawunwittingly，forthree—
　　fourthsofthevotersobjectedtoit，andyetthree—fourthsofthevoteswereinfavourofit。PeoplesaidthatitwasamiracleofSt。
　　Mark’s，whohadansweredtheprayersofMonsignorFlangini，thencensor—in—chief，nowcardinal，andoneofthethreeStateInquisitors。
　　OnthedayappointedIwaspunctualattheplaceofrendezvous，andI
　　hadnottowaitformymistress。Shewasinthedressing—room，whereshehadhadtimetoattendtohertoilet，andassoonassheheardmeshecametomedressedwiththegreatestelegance。
　　"Myfriendisnotyetathispost，"shesaidtome，"butthemomentheisthereIwillgiveyouawink。"
　　"Whereisthemysteriouscloset？"
　　"Thereitis。Lookatthebackofthissofaagainstthewall。Allthoseflowersinreliefhaveaholeinthecentrewhichcommunicateswiththeclosetbehindthatwall。Thereisabed，atable，andeverythingnecessarytoapersonwhowantstospendthenightinamusinghimselfbylookingatwhatisgoingoninthisroom。Iwillskewittoyouwheneveryoulike。"
　　"Wasitarrangedbyyourlover’sorders？"
　　"No，forhecouldnotforeseethathewoulduseit。"
　　"Iunderstandthathemayfindgreatpleasureinsuchasight，butbeingunabletopossessyouattheverymomentnaturewillmakeyoumostnecessarytohim，whatwillhedo？"
　　"Thatishisbusiness。Besides，heisatlibertytogoawaywhenhehashadenoughofit，ortosleepifhehasamindto，butifyouplayyourpartnaturallyhewillnotfeelanyweariness。"
　　"Iwillbemostnatural，butImustbemorepolite。"
　　"No，nopoliteness，Ibeg，forifyouarepolite，goodbyetonature。
　　Wherehaveyoueverseen，Ishouldliketoknow，twolovers，excitedbyallthefuryoflove，thinkofpoliteness？"
　　"Youareright，darling，butImustbemoredelicate。"
　　"Verywell，delicacycandonoharm，butnomorethanusual。Yourlettergreatlypleasedme，youhavetreatedthesubjectlikeamanofexperience。"
　　Ihavealreadystatedthatmymistresswasdressedmostelegantly，butIoughttohaveaddedthatitwastheeleganceoftheGraces，andthatitdidnotinanywaypreventeaseandsimplicity。Ionlywonderedatherhavingusedsomepaintfortheface，butitratherpleasedmebecauseshehadapplieditaccordingtothefashionoftheladiesofVersailles。Thecharmofthatstyleconsistsinthenegligencewithwhichthepaintisapplied。Therougemustnotappearnatural；itisusedtopleasetheeyeswhichseeinitthemarksofanintoxicationheraldingthemostamorousfury。Shetoldmethatshehadputsomeonherfacetopleaseherinquisitivefriend，whowasveryfondofit。
　　"Thattaste，"Isaid，"proveshimtobeaFrenchman。"
　　AsIwasutteringthesewords，shemadeasigntome；thefriendwasathispost，andnowtheplaybegan。
　　"ThemoreIlookatyou，belovedangel，themoreIthinkyouworthyofmyadoration。"
　　"Butareyounotcertainthatyoudonotworshipacrueldivinity？"
　　"Yes，andthereforeIdonotoffermysacrificestoappeaseyou，buttoexciteyou。Youshallfeelallthroughthenighttheardourofmydevotion。"
　　"Youwillnotfindmeinsensibletoyourofferings。"
　　"Iwouldbeginthematonce，butIthinkthat，inordertoinsuretheirefficiency，weoughttohavesupperfirst。Ihavetakennothingto—daybutacupofchocolateandasaladofwhitesofeggsdressedwithoilfromLuccaandMarseillesvinegar。"
　　"But，dearest，itisfolly！youmustbeill？"
　　"Yes，Iamjustnow，butIshallbeallrightwhenIhavedistilledthewhitesofeggs，onebyone，intoyouramoroussoul。"
　　"Ididnotthinkyourequiredanysuchstimulants。"
　　"Whocouldwantanywithyou？ButIhavearationalfear，forifI
　　happenedtoprimewithoutbeingabletofire，Iwouldblowmybrainsout。"
　　"Mydearbrowny，itwouldcertainlybeamisfortune，buttherewouldbenooccasiontobeindespaironthataccount。"
　　"YouthinkthatIwouldonlyhavetoprimeagain。"
　　"Ofcourse。"
　　Whilewewerebanteringinthisedifyingfashion，thetablehadbeenlaid，andwesatdowntosupper。SheatefortwoandIforfour，ourexcellentappetitebeingexcitedbythedelicatecheer。Asumptuousdessertwasservedinsplendidsilver—giltplate，similartothetwocandlestickswhichheldfourwaxcandleseach。SeeingthatIadmiredthem，shesaid:
　　"Theyareapresentfrommyfriend。"
　　"Itisamagnificentpresent，hashegivenyouthesnufferslikewise？"
　　"No"
　　"Itisaproofthatyourfriendisagreatnobleman。"
　　"Howso？"
　　"Becausegreatlordshavenoideaofsnuffingthecandle。"
　　"Ourcandleshavewickswhichneverrequirethatoperation。"
　　"Good！TellmewhohastaughtyouFrench。"
　　"OldLaForest。Ihavebeenhispupilforsixyears。Hehasalsotaughtmetowritepoetry，butyouknowagreatmanywordswhichI
　　neverheardfromhim，suchas’agogo，frustratoire，rater，dorloter’。Whotaughtyouthesewords？"
　　"ThegoodcompanyinParis，andwomenparticularly。"
　　Wemadesomepunch，andamusedourselvesineatingoystersafterthevoluptuousfashionoflovers。Wesuckedthemin，onebyone，afterplacingthemontheother’stongue。Voluptuousreader，tryit，andtellmewhetheritisnotthenectarofthegods！
　　Atlast，jokingwasover，andIremindedherthatwehadtothinkofmoresubstantialpleasures。"Waithere，"shesaid，"Iamgoingtochangemydress。Ishallbebackinoneminute。"Leftalone，andnotknowingwhattodo，Ilookedinthedrawersofherwriting—table。
　　Ididnottouchtheletters，butfindingaboxfullofcertainpreservativesheathsagainstthefatalanddreadedplumpness，I
　　emptiedit，andIplacedinitthefollowinglinesinsteadofthestolengoods:
　　’EnfantsdeL’Amitie，ministresdelaPeur，Jesuisl’Amour，tremblez，respectezlevoleur！
　　Ettoi，femmedeDieu，necrainspasd’etremere；
　　Carsitoledeviens，Dieusealseralepere。
　　S’iLestditcependantquetuveuxlebarren，Parle；jesuistoutpret，jemeferaichatrer。’
　　Mymistresssoonreturned，dressedlikeanymph。AgownofIndianmuslin，embroideredwithgoldlilies，spewedtoadmirationtheoutlineofhervoluptuousform，andherfinelace—capwasworthyofaqueen。Ithrewmyselfatherfeet，entreatinghernottodelaymyhappinessanylonger。
　　"Controlyourardourafewmoments，"shesaid，"hereisthealtar，andinafewminutesthevictimwillbeinyourarms。"
　　"Youwillsee，"sheadded，goingtoherwriting—table，"howfarthedelicacyandthekindattentionofmyfriendcanextend。"
　　Shetooktheboxandopenedit，butinsteadoftheprettysheathsthatsheexpectedtosee，shefoundmypoetry。Afterreadingitaloud，shecalledmeathief，andsmotheringmewithkissessheentreatedmetogiveherbackwhatIhadstolen，butIpretendednottounderstand。Shethenreadthelinesagain，consideredforonemoment，andunderpretenceofgettingabetterpen，shelefttheroom，saying，"Iamgoingtopayyouinyourowncoin。"
　　Shecamebackafterafewminutesandwrotethefollowingsixlines:
　　’Sansrienoterauplaisiramoureux，L’objetdetonlarcinsertacombiernosvoeux。
　　Al’abridudanger，monamesatisfaiteSavoureensureteparfaite；
　　Etsituveuxjaueravecsecurite，Rends—moimondouxami，cesdonsdel’amitie。
　　AfterthisIcouldnotresistanylonger，andIgaveherbackthoseobjectssoprecioustoanunwhowantstosacrificeonthealtarofVenus。
　　Theclockstrikingtwelve，Ishewedhertheprincipalactorwhowaslongingtoperform，andshearrangedthesofa，sayingthatthealcovebeingtoocoldwehadbettersleeponit。Butthetruereasonwasthat，tosatisfythecuriouslover，itwasnecessaryforustobeseen。
　　Dearreader，apicturemusthaveshades，andthereisnothing，nomatterhowbeautifulinonepointofview，thatdoesnotrequiretobesometimesveiledifyoulookatitfromadifferentone。Inordertopaintthediversifiedscenewhichtookplacebetweenmeandmylovelymistressuntilthedawnofday，IshouldhavetouseallthecoloursofAretino’spalette。Iwasardentandfullofvigour，butI
　　hadtodealwithastrongpartner，andinthemorning，afterthelastexploit，wewerepositivelywornout；somuchsothatmycharmingnunfeltsomeanxietyonmyaccount。Itistruethatshehadseenmybloodspurtoutandcoverherbosomduringmylastoffering；andasshedidnotsuspectthetruecauseofthatphenomenon，sheturnedpalewithfright。Iallayedheranxietybyathousandfollieswhichmadeherlaughheartily。Iwashedhersplendidbosomwithrosewater，soastopurifyitfromthebloodbywhichithadbeendyedforthefirsttime。Sheexpressedafearthatshehadswallowedafewdrops，butItoldherthatitwasofnoconsequence，evenifwerethecase。
　　Sheresumedthecostumeofanun，andentreatingmetoliedownandtowritetoherbeforereturningtoVenice，soastoletherknowhowIwas，sheleftthecasino。
　　Ihadnodifficultyinobeyingher，forIwastrulyingreatneedofrest。Isleptuntilevening。AssoonasIawoke，Iwrotetoherthatmyhealthwasexcellent，andthatIfeltquiteinclinedtobeginourdelightfulcontestalloveragain。Iaskedhertoletmeknowhowshewasherself，andafterIhaddispatchedmyletterIreturnedtoVenice。