CHAPTERXIX
　　IGiveMyPortraittoM。M。——APresentFromHer——IGototheOperaWithHer——ShePlaysAttheFaroTableandReplenishesMyEmptyPurse—
　　—PhilosophicalConversationWithM。M。——ALetterFromC。C。——SheKnowsAll——ABallAttheConvent；MyExploitsIntheCharacterofPierrot——C。C。ComestotheCasinoInsteadofM。M。——ISpendtheNightWithHerInAVerySillyWay。
　　MydearM————M————hadexpressedawishtohavemyportrait，somethingliketheoneIhadgiventoC————C————，onlylarger，towearitasalocket。Theoutsidewastorepresentsomesaint，andaninvisiblespringwastoremovethesaintedpictureandexposemylikeness。Icalledupontheartistwhohadpaintedtheotherminiatureforme，andinthreesittingsIhadwhatIwanted。HeafterwardsmademeanAnnunciation，inwhichtheangelGabrielwastransformedintoadark—hairedsaint，andtheHolyVirginintoabeautiful，light—complexionedwomanholdingherarmstowardstheangel。ThecelebratedpainterMengsimitatedthatideainthepictureoftheAnnunciationwhichhepaintedinMadridtwelveyearsafterwards，butIdonotknowwhetherhehadthesamereasonsforitasmypainter。Thatallegorywasexactlyofthesamesizeasmyportrait，andthejewellerwhomadethelocketarrangeditinsuchamannerthatnoonecouldsupposethesacredimagetobethereonlyforthesakeofhidingaprofanelikeness。
　　TheendofJanuary，1754，beforegoingtothecasino，IcalleduponLauratogiveheraletterforC————C————，andshehandedmeonefromherwhichamusedme。Mybeautifulnunhadinitiatedthatyounggirl，notonlyintothemysteriesofSappho，butalsoinhighmetaphysics，andC————C————hadconsequentlybecomeaFreethinker。
　　Shewrotetomethat，objectingtogiveanaccountofheraffairstoherconfessor，andyetnotwishingtotellhimfalsehoods，shehadmadeuphermindtotellhimnothing。
　　"Hehasremarked，"sheadded，"thatperhapsIdonotconfessanythingtohimbecauseIdidnotexaminemyconsciencesufficiently，andI
　　answeredhimthatIhadnothingtosay，butthatifhelikedIwouldcommitafewsinsforthepurposeofhavingsomethingtotellhiminconfession。"
　　Ithoughtthisreplyworthyofathoroughsophist，andlaughedheartily。
　　OnthesamedayIreceivedthefollowingletterfrommyadorablenun"Iwritetoyoufrommybed，dearestbrowny，becauseIcannotremainstandingonmyfeet。Iamalmostdead。ButIamnotanxiousaboutit；alittlerestwillmakemeallright，forIeatwellandsleepsoundly。Youhavemademeveryhappybywritingtomethatyourbleedinghasnothadanyevilconsequences，andIgiveyoufairnoticethatIshallhavetheproofofitonTwelfthNight，atleastifyoulike；thatisunderstood，andyouwillletmeknow。Incaseyoushouldfeeldisposedtograntmethatfavour，mydarling，Iwishtogototheopera。Atallevents，recollectthatIpositivelyforbidthewhitesofeggsforthefuture，forIwouldratherhavealittlelessenjoymentandmoresecurityrespectingyourhealth。Infuture，whenyougotothecasinoofMuran，pleasetoenquirewhetherthereisanybodythere，andifyoureceiveanaffirmativeanswer，goaway。Myfriendwilldothesame。Inthatmanneryouwillnotruntheriskofmeetingoneanother，butyouneednotobservetheseprecautionsforlong，ifyouwish，formyfriendisextremelyfondofyou，andhasagreatdesiretomakeyouracquaintance。Hehastoldmethat，ifhehadnotseenitwithhisowneyes，heneverwouldhavebelievedthatamancouldruntheracethatyouransosplendidlytheothernight，buthesaysthat，bymakingloveinthatmanner，youbiddefiancetodeath，forheiscertainthatthebloodyoulostcomesfromthebrain。Butwhatwillhesaywhenhehearsthatyouonlylaughattheoccurrence？Iamgoingtomakeyouverymerry:hewantstoeatthesaladofwhitesofeggs，andhewantsmetoaskyouforsomeofyourvinegar，becausethereisnoneinVenice。Hesaidthathespentadelightfulnight，inspiteofhisfearoftheevilconsequencesofouramoroussport，andhehasfoundmyowneffortssuperiortotheusualweaknessofmysex。Thatmaybethecase，dearestbrowny，butIamdelightedtohavedonesuchwonders，andtohavemadesuchtrialofmystrength。Withoutyou，darlingofmyheart，Ishouldhavelivedwithoutknowingmyself，andIwonderwhetheritispossiblefornaturetocreateawomanwhocouldremaininsensibleinyourarms，orratheronewhowouldnotreceivenewlifebyyourside。ItismorethanlovethatIfeelforyou，itisidolatry；andmymouth，longingtomeetyours，sendsforththousandsofkisseswhicharewastedintheair。Iampantingforyourdivineportrait，soastoquenchbyasweetillusionthefirewhichdevoursmyamorouslips。Itrustmylikenesswillproveequallydeartoyou，foritseemstomethatnaturehascreatedusforoneanother，andI
　　cursethefatalinstantinwhichIraisedaninvinciblebarrierbetweenus。Youwillfindenclosedthekeyofmybureau。Openit，andtakeaparcelonwhichyouwillseewritten，’Formydarling。’Itisasmallpresentwhichmyfriendwishesmetoofferyouinexchangeforthebeautifulnight—capthatyougaveme。Adieu。"
　　Thesmallkeyenclosedintheletterbelongedtoabureauintheboudoir。Anxioustoknowthenatureofthepresentthatshecouldoffermeattheinstanceofherfriend，Iopenedthebureau，andfoundaparcelcontainingaletterandamorocco—leathercase。
　　Theletterwasasfollows:
　　"Thatwhichwill，Ihope，renderthispresentdeartoyouistheportraitofawomanwhoadoresyou。Ourfriendhadtwoofthem，butthegreatfriendshipheentertainstowardsyouhasgivenhimthehappyideaofdisposingofoneinyourfavour。Thisboxcontainstwoportraitsofme，whicharetobeseenintwodifferentways:ifyoutakeoffthebottompart，ofthecaseinitslength，youwillseemeasanun；andifyoupressonthecorner，thetopwillopenandexposemetoyoursightinastateofnature。Itisnotpossible，dearest，thatawomancaneverhavelovedyouasIdo。Ourfriendexcitesmypassionbytheflatteringopinionthatheentertainsofyou。IcannotdecidewhetherIammorefortunateinmyfriendorinmylover，forIcouldnotimagineanybeingsuperiortoeitheroneortheother。"
　　Thecasecontainedagoldsnuff—box，andasmallquantityofSpanishsnuffwhichhadbeenleftinitprovedthatithadbeenused。I
　　followedtheinstructionsgivenintheletter，andIfirstsawmymistressinthecostumeofanun，standingandinhalfprofile。Thesecondsecretspringbroughtherbeforemyeyes，entirelynaked，lyingonamattressofblacksatin，inthepositionoftheMadeleineofCoreggio。ShewaslookingatLove，whohadthequiverathisfeet，andwasgracefullysittingonthenun’srobes。ItwassuchabeautifulpresentthatIdidnotthinkmyselfworthyofit。IwrotetoM————M————aletterinwhichthedeepestgratitudewasblendedwiththemostexaltedlove。Thedrawersofthebureaucontainedallherdiamondsandfourpursesfullofsequins。Iadmiredhernobleconfidenceinme。Ilockedthebureau，leavingeverythingundisturbed，andreturnedtoVenice。IfIhadbeenabletoescapeoutofthecapriciousclutchesoffortunebygivingupgambling，myhappinesswouldhavebeencomplete。
　　Myownportraitwassetwithrareperfection，andasitwasarrangedtobewornroundtheneckIattachedittosixyardsofVenetianchain，whichmadeitaveryhandsomepresent。Thesecretwasintheringtowhichitwassuspended，anditwasverydifficulttodiscoverit。Tomakethespringworkandexposemylikenessitwasnecessarytopulltheringwithsomeforceandinapeculiarmanner。
　　Otherwise，nothingcouldbeseenbuttheAnnunciation；anditwasthenabeautifulornamentforanun。
　　OnTwelfthNight，havingthelocketandchaininmypocket，IwentearlyintheeveningtowatchnearthefinestatueerectedtotheheroColleoniafterhehadbeenpoisoned，ifhistorydoesnotdeceiveus。’Sitdivus，modononvivus’，isasentencefromtheenlightenedmonarch，whichwilllastaslongastherearemonarchsonearth。
　　Atsixo’clockpreciselymymistressalightedfromthegondola，welldressedandwellmasked，butthistimeinthegarbofawoman。WewenttotheSaintSamuelopera，andafterthesecondballetwerepairedtothe’ridotto’，wheresheamusedherselfbylookingatalltheladiesofthenobilitywhoalonehadtherighttowalkaboutwithoutmasks。Afterramblingaboutforhalfanhour，weenteredthehallwherethebankwasheld。ShestoppedbeforethetableofM。
　　Mocenigo，whoatthattimewasthebestamongstallthenoblegamblers。Asnobodywasplaying，hewascarelesslywhisperingtoamaskedlady，whomIrecognizedasMadameMarinaPitani，whoseadorerhewas。
　　M————M————enquiredwhetherIwantedtoplay，andasIansweredinthenegativeshesaidtome，"Itakeyouformypartner。"
　　Andwithoutwaitingformyanswershetookapurse，andplacedapileofgoldonacard。Thebankerwithoutdisturbinghimselfshuffledthecards，turnedthemup，andmyfriendwontheparoli。Thebankerpaid，tookanotherpackofcards，andcontinuedhisconversationwithhislady，shewingcompleteindifferenceforfourhundredsequinswhichmyfriendhadalreadyplacedonthesamecard。Thebankercontinuinghisconversations，M————M————saidtome，inexcellentFrench，"Ourstakesarenothighenoughtointerestthisgentleman；letusgo。"
　　Itookupthegold，whichIputinmypocket，withoutansweringM。deMocenigo，whosaidtome:
　　"Yourmaskistooexacting。"
　　Irejoinedmylovelygambler，whowassurrounded。WestoppedsoonafterwardsbeforethebankofM。PierreMarcello，acharmingyoungman，whohadnearhimMadameVenier，sisterofthepatricianMomolo。
　　Mymistressbegantoplay，andlostfiverouleauxofgoldoneaftertheother。Havingnomoremoney，shetookhandfulsofgoldfrommypocket，andinfourorfivedealsshebrokethebank。Shewentaway，andthenoblebanker，bowing，complimentedheruponhergoodfortune。
　　AfterIhadtakencareofallthegoldshehadwon，Igavehermyarm，andweleftthe’ridotto’，butremarkingthatafewinquisitivepersonswerefollowingus，Itookagondolawhichlandedusaccordingtomyinstructions。OnecanalwaysescapepryingeyesinthiswayinVenice。
　　AftersupperIcountedourwinnings，andIfoundmyselfinpossessionofonethousandsequinsasmyshare。Irolledtheremainderinpaper，andmyfriendaskedmetoputitinherbureau。Ithentookmylocketandthrewitoverherneck；itgaveherthegreatestdelight，andshetriedforalongtimetodiscoverthesecret。AtlastIshowedither，andshepronouncedmyportraitanexcellentlikeness。
　　Recollectingthatwehadbutthreehourstodevotetothepleasuresoflove，Ientreatedhertoallowmetoturnthemtogoodaccount。
　　"Yes，"shesaid，"butbeprudent，forourfriendpretendsthatyoumightdieonthespot。"
　　"Andwhydoeshenotfearthesamedangerforyou，whenyourecstasiesareinrealitymuchmorefrequentthanmine？"
　　"Hesaysthattheliquordistilledbyuswomendoesnotcomefromthebrain，asisthecasewithmen，andthatthegeneratingpartsofwomanhavenocontactwithherintellect。Theconsequenceofit，hesays，isthatthechildisnottheoffspringofthemotherasfarasthebrain，theseatofreason，isconcerned，butofthefather，anditseemstomeverytrue。Inthatimportantactthewomanhasscarcelytheamountofreasonthatsheisinneedof，andshecannothaveanylefttoenablehertogiveadosetothebeingsheisgenerating。""Yourfriendisaverylearnedman。Butdoyouknowthatsuchawayofarguingopensmyeyessingularly？Itisevidentthat，ifthatsystembetrue，womenoughttobeforgivenforallthefollieswhichtheycommitonaccountoflove，whilstmanisinexcusable，andIshouldbeindespairifIhappenedtoplaceyouinapositiontobecomeamother。"
　　"Ishallknowbeforelong，andifitshouldbethecasesomuchthebetter。Mymindismadeup，andmydecisiontaken。"
　　"Andwhatisthatdecision？"
　　"Toabandonmydestinyentirelytoyouboth。Iamquitecertainthatneitheronenortheotherwouldletmeremainattheconvent。"
　　"Itwouldbeafataleventwhichwoulddecideourfuturedestinies。
　　Iwouldcarryyouoff，andtakeyoutoEnglandtomarryyou。"
　　"Myfriendthinksthataphysicianmightbebought，who，underthepretextofsomediseaseofhisowninvention，wouldprescribetometogosomewheretodrinkthewaters——apermissionwhichthebishopmightgrant。Atthewatering—placeIwouldgetcured，andcomebackhere，butIwouldmuchratheruniteourdestiniesforever。Tellme，dearest，couldyoumanagetoliveanywhereascomfortablyasyoudohere？"
　　"Alas！mylove，no，butwithyouhowcouldIbeunhappy？Butwewillresumethatsubjectwheneveritmaybenecessary。Letusgotobed。"
　　"Yes。IfIhaveasonmyfriendwishestoacttowardshimasafather。"
　　"Wouldhebelievehimselftobethefather？"
　　"Youmightbothofyoubelieveit，butsomelikenesswouldsoonenlightenmeastowhichofyoutwowasthetruefather。"
　　"Yes。If，forinstance，thechildcomposedpoetry，thenyouwouldsupposethathewasthesonofyourfriend。"
　　"Howdoyouknowthatmyfriendcanwritepoetry？"
　　"Admitthatheistheauthorofthesixlineswhichyouwroteinanswertomine。"
　　"Icannotpossiblyadmitsuchafalsehood，because，goodorbad，theywereofmyownmaking，andsoastoleaveyounodoubtletmeconvinceyouofitatonce。"
　　"Oh，nevermind！Ibelieveyou，andletusgotobed，orLovewillcalloutthegodofParnassus。"
　　"Lethimdoit，buttakethispencilandwrite；IamApollo，youmaybeLove:"
　　’Jenemebattraipas；jetecedelaplace。
　　SiVenusestmasceur，L’Amourestdemarace。
　　Jesaisfairedesvers。UninstantdeperduN’offensepasL’Amour，sijel’aiconvaincu。
　　"ItisonmykneesthatIentreatyourpardon，myheavenlyfriend，buthowcouldIexpectsomuchtalentinayoungdaughterofVenice，onlytwenty—twoyearsofage，and，aboveall，broughtupinaconvent？"
　　"Ihaveamostinsatiatedesiretoprovemyselfmoreandmoreworthyofyou。DidyouthinkIwasprudentatthegaming—table？"
　　"Prudentenoughtomakethemostintrepidbankertremble。"
　　"Idonotalwaysplaysowell，butIhadtakenyouasapartner，andIfeltIcouldsetfortuneatdefiance。Whywouldyounotplay？"
　　"BecauseIhadlostfourthousandsequinslastweekandIwaswithoutmoney，butIshallplayto—morrow，andfortunewillsmileuponme。
　　Inthemeantime，hereisasmallbookwhichIhavebroughtfromyourboudoir:theposturesofPietroAretino；Iwanttotrysomeofthem。"
　　"Thethoughtisworthyofyou，butsomeofthesepositionscouldnotbeexecuted，andothersareinsipid。"
　　"True，butIhavechosenfourveryinterestingones。"
　　Thesedelightfullaboursoccupiedtheremainderofthenightuntilthealarumwarnedusthatitwastimetopart。Iaccompaniedmylovelynunasfarashergondola，andthenwenttobed；butIcouldnotsleep。Igotupinordertogoandpayafewsmalldebts，foroneofthegreatestpleasuresthataspendthriftcanenjoyis，inmyopinion，todischargecertainliabilities。Thegoldwonbymymistressprovedluckyforme，forIdidnotpassasingledayofthecarnivalwithoutwinning。
　　ThreedaysafterTwelfthNight，havingpaidavisittothecasinoofMuranforthepurposeofplacingsomegoldinM————M————’sbureau，thedoor—keeperhandedmealetterfrommynun。Laurahad，afewminutesbefore，deliveredmeonefromC————C————。
　　Mynewmistress，aftergivingmeanaccountofherhealth，requestedmetoenquirefrommyjewellerwhetherhehadnotbychancemadearinghavingonitsbezelaSt。Catherinewhich，withoutadoubt，concealedanotherportrait；shewishedtoknowthesecretofthatring。"Ayoungboarder，"sheadded，"alovelygirl，andmyfriend，istheownerofthatring。Theremustbeasecret，butshedoesnotknowit。"IansweredthatIwoulddowhatshewished。ButhereistheletterofC————C————。Itwasratheramusing，becauseitplacedmeinaregulardilemma；itborealatedate，buttheletterofM————
　　M————hadbeenwrittentwodaysbeforeit。
　　"Ali！howtrulyhappyIam，mybelovedhusband！YouloveSisterM————M————，mydearfriend。Shehasalocketasbigasaring，andshecannothavereceiveditfromanyonebutyou。IamcertainthatyourdearlikenessistobefoundundertheAnnunciation。I
　　recognizedthestyleoftheartist，anditiscertainlythesamewhopaintedthelocketandmyring。IamsatisfiedthatSisterM———M———
　　hasreceivedthatpresentfromyou。IamsopleasedtoknowallthatIwouldnotruntheriskofgrievingherbytellingherthatIknewhersecret，butmydearfriend，eithermoreopenormorecurious，hasnotimitatedmyreserve。ShetoldmethatshehadnodoubtofmySt。
　　Catherineconcealingtheportraitofmylover。Unabletosayanythingbetter，Itoldherthattheringwasinrealityagiftfrommylover，butthatIhadnoideaofhisportraitbeingconcealedinsideofit。’Ifitisasyousay，’observedM————M————，’andifyouhavenoobjection，Iwilltrytofindoutthesecret，andafterwardsIwillletyouknowmine。’Beingquitecertainthatshewouldnotdiscoverit，Igavehermyring，sayingthat，ifshecouldfindoutthesecret，Ishouldbeverymuchpleased。
　　"Justasthatmomentmyauntpaidmeavisit，andIleftmyringinthehandsofM————M————，whoreturnedittomeafterdinner，assuringmethat，althoughshehadnotbeenabletofindoutthesecret，shewascertaintherewasone。Ipromiseyouthatsheshallneverhearanythingaboutitfromme，becauseifshesawyourportrait，shewouldguesseverything，andthenIshouldhavetotellherwhoyouare。Iamsorrytobecompelledtoconcealanythingfromher，butIamverygladyouloveoneanother。Ipityyouboth，however，withallmyheart，becauseIknowthatyouareobligedtomakelovethroughagratinginthathorridparlour。HowIwish，dearest，Icouldgiveyoumyplace！Iwouldmaketwopersonshappyatthesametime！Adieu！"
　　Iansweredthatshehadguessedrightly，thatthelocketofherfriendwasapresentfrommeandcontainedmylikeness，butthatshewastokeepthesecret，andtobecertainthatmyfriendshipforM————M————interferedinnowaywiththefeelingwhichboundmetoherforever。IcertainlywaswellawarethatIwasnotbehavinginastraightforwardmanner，butIendeavouredtodeceivemyself，sotrueitisthatawoman，weakassheis，hasmoreinfluencebythefeelingsheinspiresthanmancanpossiblyhavewithallhisstrength。Atallevents，IwasfoolishlytryingtokeepupanintriguewhichIknewtobenearitsdenouementthroughtheintimacythathadsprungupbetweenthesetwofriendlyrivals。
　　Laurahavinginformedmethattherewastobeonacertaindayaballinthelargeparlouroftheconvent，Imadeupmymindtoattenditinsuchadisguisethatmytwofriendscouldnotrecognizeme。I
　　decideduponthecostumeofaPierrot，becauseitconcealstheformandthegaitbetterthananyother。Iwascertainthatmytwofriendswouldbebehindthegrating，andthatitwouldaffordmethepleasantopportunityofseeingthemtogetherandofcomparingthem。
　　InVenice，duringthecarnival，thatinnocentpleasureisallowedinconvents。Theguestsdanceintheparlour，andthesistersremainbehindthegrating，enjoyingthesightoftheball，whichisoverbysunset。Thenalltheguestsretire，andthepoornunsareforalongtimehappyintherecollectionofthepleasureenjoyedbytheireyes。
　　TheballwastotakeplaceintheafternoonofthedayappointedformymeetingwithM————M————，intheeveningatthecasinoofMuran，butthatcouldnotpreventmefromgoingtotheball；besides，I
　　wantedtoseemydearC————C————。
　　IhavesaidbeforethatthedressofaPierrotisthecostumewhichdisguisesthefigureandthegaitmostcompletely。Ithasalsotheadvantage，throughalargecap，ofconcealingthehair，andthewhitegauzewhichcoversthefacedoesnotallowthecolouroftheeyesoroftheeyebrowstobeseen，butinordertopreventthecostumefromhinderingthemovementsofthemask，hemustnotwearanythingunderneath，andinwinteradressmadeoflightcalicoisnotparticularlyagreeable。Ididnot，however，payanyattentiontothat，andtakingonlyaplateofsoupIwenttoMuraninagondola。
　　Ihadnocloak，and——inmypocketsIhadnothingbutmyhandkerchief，mypurse，andthekeyofthecasino。
　　Iwentatoncetotheconvent。Theparlourwasfull，butthankstomycostumeofPierrot，whichwasseeninVenicebutveryseldom，everybodymaderoomforme。Iwalkedon，assumingthegaitofabooby，thetruecharacteristicofmycostume，andIstoppednearthedancers。AfterIhadexaminedthePantaloons，Punches，Harlequins，andMerryAndrews，Iwentnearthegrating，whereIsawallthenunsandboarders，someseated，somestanding，and，withoutappearingto，noticeanyoftheminparticular，Iremarkedmytwofriendstogether，andveryintentuponthedancers。Ithenwalkedroundtheroom，eyeingeverybodyfromheadtofoot，andcallingthegeneralattentionuponmyself。
　　IchoseformypartnerintheminuetaprettygirldressedasaColumbine，andItookherhandinsoawkwardamannerandwithsuchanairofstupiditythateverybodylaughedandmaderoomforus。Mypartnerdancedverywellaccordingtohercostume，andIkeptmycharacterwithsuchperfectionthatthelaughterwasgeneral。AftertheminuetIdancedtwelveforlanaswiththegreatestvigour。Outofbreath，Ithrewmyselfonasofa，pretendingtogotosleep，andthemomentIbegantosnoreeverybodyrespectedtheslumbersofPierrot。
　　Thequadrillelastedonehour，andItooknopartinit，butimmediatelyafterit，aHarlequinapproachedmewiththeimpertinencewhichbelongstohiscostume，andfloggedmewithhiswand。ItisHarlequin’sweapon。InmyqualityofPierrotIhadnoweapons。I
　　seizedhimroundthewaistandcarriedhimroundtheparlour，runningallthetime，whilehekeptonfloggingme。Ithenputhimdown。
　　Adroitlysnatchinghiswandoutofhishand，IliftedhisColumbineonmyshoulders，andpursuedhim，strikinghimwiththewand，tothegreatdelightandmirthofthecompany。TheColumbinewasscreamingbecauseshewasafraidofmytumblingdownandofshewinghercentreofgravitytoeverybodyinthefall。Shehadgoodreasontofear，forsuddenlyafoolishMerryAndrewcamebehindme，trippedmeup，anddownItumbled。EverybodyhootedMasterPunch。Iquicklypickedmyselfup，andrathervexedIbeganaregularfightwiththeinsolentfellow。Hewasofmysize，butawkward，andhehadnothingbutstrength。Ithrewhim，andshakinghimvigorouslyonallsidesI
　　contrivedtodeprivehimofhishumpandfalsestomach。Thenuns，whohadneverseensuchamerrysight，clappedtheirhands，everybodylaughedloudly，andimprovingmyopportunityIranthroughthecrowdanddisappeared。
　　Iwasinaperspiration，andtheweatherwascold；Ithrewmyselfintoagondola，andinordernottogetchilledIlandedatthe’ridotto’。IhadtwohourstosparebeforegoingtothecasinoofMuran，andIlongedtoenjoytheastonishmentofmybeautifulnunwhenshesawM。Pierrotstandingbeforeher。Ispentthosetwohoursinplayingatallthebanks，winning，losing，andperformingallsortsofanticswithcompletefreedom，beingsatisfiedthatnoonecouldrecognizeme；enjoyingthepresent，biddingdefiancetothefuture，andlaughingatallthosereasonablebeingswhoexercisetheirreasontoavoidthemisfortuneswhichtheyfear，destroyingatthesametimethepleasurethattheymightenjoy。
　　Buttwoo’clockstruckandgavemewarningthatLoveandComuswerecallingmetobestownewdelightsuponme。Withmypocketsfullofgoldandsilver，Ilefttheridotto，hurriedtoMuran，enteredthesanctuary，andsawmydivinityleaningagainstthemantelpiece。Sheworeherconventdress。Icomenearherbystealth，inordertoenjoyhersurprise。Ilookather，andIremainpetrified，astounded。
　　ThepersonIseeisnotM————M————
　　ItisC————C————，dressedasanun，who，moreastonishedeventhanmyself，doesnotutteronewordormakeamovement。Ithrowmyselfinanarm—chairinordertobreatheandtorecoverfrommysurprise。
　　ThesightofC————C————hadannihilatedme，andmymindwasasmuchstupefiedasmybody。Ifoundmyselfinaninextricablemaze。
　　ItisM————M————，Isaidtomyself，whohasplayedthattrickuponme，buthowhasshecontrivedtoknowthatIamtheloverofC————
　　C————？HasC————C————betrayedmysecret？Butifshehasbetrayedit，howcouldM————M————depriveherselfofthepleasureofseeingme，andconsenttoherplacebeingtakenbyherfriendandrival？
　　Thatcannotbeamarkofkindcompliance，forawomannevercarriesittosuchanextreme。Iseeinitonlyamarkofcontempt——agratuitousinsult。
　　Myself—lovetriedhardtoimaginesomereasonlikelytodisprovethepossibilityofthatcontempt，butinvain。Absorbedinthatdarkdiscontent，Ibelievedmyselfwantonlytrifledwith，deceived，despised，andIspenthalfanhoursilentandgloomy，staringatC————C————，whoscarcelydaredtobreathe，perplexed，confused，andnotknowinginwhosepresenceshewas，forshecouldonlyknowmeasthePierrotwhomshehadseenattheball。
　　DeeplyinlovewithM————M————，andhavingcometothecasinoonlyforher，Ididnotfeeldisposedtoaccepttheexchange，althoughI
　　wasveryfarfromdespisingC————C————，whosecharmswereasgreat，atleast，asthoseofM————M————。Ilovedhertenderly，Iadoredher，butatthatmomentitwasnotherwhomIwanted，becauseatfirstherpresencehadstruckmeasamystification。ItseemedtomethatifIcelebratedthereturnofC————C————inanamorousmanner，IwouldfailinwhatIowedtomyself，andIthoughtthatIwasboundinhonournottolendmyselftotheimposition。Besides，withoutexactlyrealizingthatfeeling，IwasnotsorrytohaveitinmypowertoreproachM————M————withanindifferenceverystrangeinawomaninlove，andIwantedtoactinsuchamannerthatsheshouldnotbeabletosaythatshehadprocuredmeapleasure。ImustaddthatIsuspectedM————M————tobehidinginthesecretcloset，perhapswithherfriend。
　　Ihadtotakeadecision，forIcouldnotpassthewholenightinmycostumeofPierrot，andwithoutspeaking。AtfirstIthoughtofgoingaway，themoresothatbothC————C————andherfriendcouldnotbecertainthatIandPierrotwerethesameindividual，butI
　　soonabandonedtheideawithhorror，thinkingofthedeepsorrowwhichwouldfillthelovingsoulofC————C————ifsheeverheardI
　　wasthePierrot。Ialmostfanciedthatsheknewitalready，andI
　　sharedthegriefwhichsheevidentlywouldfeelinthatcase。Ihadseducedher。Ihadgivenhertherighttocallmeherhusband。
　　Thesethoughtsbrokemyheart。
　　IfM————M————isinthecloset，saidItomyself，shewillshewherselfingoodtime。Withthatidea，Itookoffthegauzewhichcoveredmyfeatures。MylovelyC————C————gaveadeepsigh，andsaid:
　　"Ibreatheagain！itcouldnotbeanyonebutyou，myheartfeltit。
　　Youseemedsurprisedwhenyousawme，dearest；didyounotknowthatIwaswaitingforyou？"
　　"Ihadnotthefaintestideaofit。"
　　"Ifyouareangry，Iregretitdeeply，butIaminnocent。"
　　"Myadoredfriend，cometomyarms，andneversupposethatIcanbeangrywithyou。Iamdelightedtoseeyou；youarealwaysmydearwife:butIentreatyoutoclearupacrueldoubt，foryoucouldneverhavebetrayedmysecret。"
　　"I！Iwouldneverhavebeenguiltyofsuchathing，evenifdeathhadstaredmeintheface。"
　　"Then，howdidyoucomehere？Howdidyourfriendcontrivetodiscovereverything？NoonebutyoucouldtellherthatIamyourhusband。Lauraperhaps……’
　　"No，Lauraisfaithful，dearest，andIcannotguesshowitwas。"
　　"Buthowcouldyoubepersuadedtoassumethatdisguise，andtocomehere？Youcanleavetheconvent，andyouhaveneverapprisedmeofthatimportantcircumstance。"
　　"CanyousupposethatIwouldnothavetoldyouallaboutit，ifI
　　hadeverlefttheconvent，evenonce？Icameoutofittwohoursago，forthefirsttime，andIwasinducedtotakethatstepinthesimplest，themostnaturalmanner。"
　　"Tellmeallaboutit，mylove。Ifeelextremelycurious。"
　　"Iamgladofit，andIwouldconcealnothingfromyou。YouknowhowdearlyM————M————andIloveeachother。Nointimacycouldbemoretenderthanours；youcanjudgeofitbywhatItoldyouinmyletters。Well，twodaysago，mydearfriendbeggedtheabbessandmyaunttoallowmetosleepinherroomintheplaceofthelay—sister，who，havingaverybadcold，hadcarriedhercoughtotheinfirmary。
　　Thepermissionwasgranted，andyoucannotimagineourpleasureinseeingourselvesatliberty，forthefirsttime，tosleepinthesamebed。To—day，shortlyafteryouhadlefttheparlour，whereyousomuchamusedus，withoutourdiscoveringthatthedelightfulPierrotwasourfriend，mydearM————M————retiredtoherroomandI
　　followedher。Themomentwewerealoneshetoldmethatshewantedmetorenderheraservicefromwhichdependedourhappiness。IneednottellyouhowreadilyIansweredthatshehadonlytonameit。
　　Thensheopenedadrawer，andmuchtomysurpriseshedressedmeinthiscostume。Shewaslaughing；andIdidthesamewithoutsuspectingtheendofthejoke。Whenshesawmeentirelymetamorphosedintoanun，shetoldmethatshewasgoingtotrustmewithagreatsecret，butthatsheentertainednofearofmydiscretion。’Letmetellyou，clearestfriend，’shesaidtome，’thatIwasonthepointofgoingoutoftheconvent，toreturnonlytomorrowmorning。Ihave，however，justdecidedthatyoushallgoinstead。Youhavenothingtofearandyoudonotrequireanyinstructions，becauseIknowthatyouwillmeetwithnodifficulty。
　　Inanhour，alay—sisterwillcomehere，Iwillspeakafewwordsaparttoher，andshewilltellyoutofollowher。Youwillgooutwithherthroughthesmallgateandacrossthegardenasfarastheroomleadingouttothelowshore。Thereyouwillgetintothegondola，andsaytothegondolierthesewords:’Tothecasino。’Youwillreachitinfiveminutes；youwillstepoutandenterasmallapartment，whereyouwillfindagoodfire；youwillbealone，andyouwillwait。’’Forwhom？Ienquired。’Fornobody。Youneednotknowanymore:youmayonlybecertainthatnothingunpleasantwillhappentoyou；trustmeforthat。Youwillsupatthecasino，andsleep，ifyoulike，withoutbeingdisturbed。Donotaskanyquestions，forIcannotanswerthem。Suchis，mydearhusband，thewholetruth。TellmenowwhatIcoulddoafterthatspeechofmyfriend，andaftershehadreceivedmypromisetodowhatevershewished。DonotdistrustwhatItellyou，formylipscannotutterafalsehood。Ilaughed，andnotexpectinganythingelsebutanagreeableadventure，Ifollowedthelay—sisterandsoonfoundmyselfhere。Afteratedioushourofexpectation，Pierrotmadehisappearance。BequitecertainthattheverymomentIsawyoumyheartknewwhoitwas，butaminuteafterIfeltasifthelightninghadstruckmewhenIsawyoustepback，forIsawclearlyenoughthatyoudidnotexpecttofindme。Yourgloomysilencefrightenedme，andI
　　wouldneverhavedaredtobethefirstinbreakingit；themoresothat，inspiteofthefeelingsofmyheart，Imighthavebeenmistaken。ThedressofPierrotmightconcealsomeotherman，butcertainlynoonethatIcouldhaveseeninthisplacewithouthorror。
　　RecollectthatforthelasteightmonthsIhavebeendeprivedofthehappinessofkissingyou，andnowthatyoumustbecertainofmyinnocence，allowmetocongratulateyouuponknowingthiscasino。
　　Youarehappy，andIcongratulateyouwithallmyheart。M————M————
　　is，afterme，theonlywomanworthyofyourlove，theonlyonewithwhomIcouldconsenttoshareit。Iusedtopityyou，butIdosonolonger，andyourhappinessmakesmehappy。Kissmenow。"
　　Ishouldhavebeenveryungrateful，Ishould，evenhavebeencruel，ifIhadnotthenfoldedinmyarmswiththewarmthoftruelovetheangelofgoodnessandbeautywhowasbeforeme，thankstothemostwonderfuleffortoffriendship。
　　AfterassuringherthatInolongerentertainedanydoubtofherinnocence，ItoldherthatIthoughtthebehaviourofherfriendveryambiguous。Isaidthat，notwithstandingthepleasureIfeltinseeingher，thetrickplayeduponmebyherfriendwasaverybadone，thatitcouldnotdootherwisethandispleasemegreatly，becauseitwasaninsulttome。
　　"Iamnotofyouropinion，"repliedC————C————。
　　"MydearM————M————hasevidentlycontrived，somehoworother，todiscoverthat，beforeyouwereacquaintedwithher，youweremylover。Shethoughtverylikelythatyoustilllovedme，andsheimagined，forIknowherwell，thatshecouldnotgiveusagreaterproofofherlovethanbyprocuringus，withoutforewarningus，thatwhichtwoloversfondofeachothermustwishforsoardently。Shewishedtomakeushappy，andIcannotbeangrywithherforit。"
　　"Youarerighttothinkso，dearest，butmypositionisverydifferentfromyours。Youhavenotanotherlover；youcouldnothaveanother；butIbeingfreeandunabletoseeyou，havenotfounditpossibletoresistthecharmsofM————M————。Ilovehermadly；sheknowsit，and，intelligentassheis，shemusthavemeanttoshewhercontemptformebydoingwhatshehasdone。IcandidlyconfessthatIfeelhurtinthehighestdegree。IfshelovedmeasIloveher，shenevercouldhavesentyouhereinsteadofcomingherself。"
　　"Idonotthinkso，mybelovedfriend。Hersoulisasnobleasherheartisgenerous；andjustinthesamemannerthatIamnotsorrytoknowthatyouloveoneanotherandthatyoumakeeachotherhappy，asthisbeautifulcasinoprovestome，shedoesnotregretourlove，andsheis，onthecontrary，delightedtoshewusthatsheapprovesofit。Mostlikelyshemeanttoprovethatshelovedyouforyourownsake，thatyourhappinessmakesherhappy，andthatsheisnotjealousofherbestfriendbeingherrival。Toconvinceyouthatyououghtnottobeangrywithherforhavingdiscoveredoursecret，sheproves，bysendingmehereinherplace，thatsheispleasedtoseeyourheartdividedbetweenherandme。Youknowverywellthatshelovesme，andthatIamofteneitherherwifeorherhusband，andasyoudonotobjecttomybeingyourrivalandmakingheroftenashappyasIcan，shedoesnotwantyoueithertosupposethatherloveislikehatred，fortheloveofajealousheartisverymuchlikeit。"
　　"Youpleadthecauseofyourfriendwiththeeloquenceofanangel，but，dearlittlewife，youdonotseetheaffairinitsproperlight。
　　Youhaveintelligenceandapuresoul，butyouhavenotmyexperience。M————M————’sloveformehasbeennothingbutapassingfancy，andsheknowsthatIamnotsuchanidiotastobedeceivedbyallthisaffair。Iammiserable，anditisherdoing。"
　　"ThenIshouldberightifIcomplainedofheralso，becauseshemakesmefeelthatsheisthemistressofmylover，andsheshewsmethat，afterseducinghimfromme，shegiveshimbacktomewithoutdifficulty。Thenshewishesmetounderstandthatshedespisesalsomytenderaffectionforher，sincesheplacesmeinapositiontoshewthataffectionforanotherperson。"
　　"Now，dearest，youspeakwithoutreason，fortherelationsbetweenyoutwoareofanentirelydifferentnature。Yourmutualloveisnothingbuttriflingnonsense，mereillusionofthesenses。Thepleasureswhichyouenjoytogetherarenotexclusive。TobecomejealousofoneanotheritwouldbenecessarythatoneofyoutwoshouldfeelasimilaraffectionforanotherwomanbutM————M————
　　couldnomorebeangryatyourhavingaloverthanyoucouldbesoyourselfifshehadone；provided，however，thatthelovershouldnotbelongtotheother"
　　"Butthatispreciselyourcase，andyouaremistaken。Wearenotangryatyourlovingusbothequally。HaveInotwrittentoyouthatIwouldmostwillinglygiveyoumyplacenearM————M————？ThenyoumustbelievethatIdespiseyoulikewise？"
　　"Mydarling，thatwishofyourstogivemeupyourplace，whenyoudidnotknowthatIwashappywithM————M————，arosefromyourfriendshipratherthanfromyourlove，andforthepresentImustbegladtoseethatyourfriendshipisstrongerthanyourlove，butI
　　haveeveryreasontobesorrywhenM————M————feelsthesame。
　　Iloveherwithoutanypossibilityofmarryingher。Doyouunderstandme，dearest？Asforyou，knowingthatyoumustbemywife，Iamcertainofourlove，whichpracticewillanimatewithnewlife。ItisnotthesamewithM————M————；thatlovecannotspringupagainintoexistence。Isitnothumiliatingformetohaveinspiredherwithnothingbutapassingfancy？Iunderstandyouradorationforherverywell。Shehasinitiatedyouintoallhermysteries，andyouowehereternalfriendshipandeverlastinggratitude。"
　　Itwasmidnight，andwewentonwastingourtimeinthisdesultoryconversation，whentheprudentandcarefulservantbroughtusanexcellentsupper。Icouldnottouchanything，myheartwastoofull，butmydearlittlewifesuppedwithagoodappetite。IcouldnothelplaughingwhenIsawasaladofwhitesofeggs，andC————C————
　　thoughtitextraordinarybecausealltheyolkshadbeenremoved。Inherinnocence，shecouldnotunderstandtheintentionofthepersonwhohadorderedthesupper。AsIlookedather，Iwascompelledtoacknowledgethatshehadimprovedinbeauty；infactC————C————wasremarkablybeautiful，yetIremainedcoldbyherside。Ihavealwaysthoughtthatthereisnomeritinbeingfaithfultothepersonwetrulylove。
　　Twohoursbeforeday—lightweresumedourseatsnearthefire，andC————C————，seeinghowdullIwas，wasdelicatelyattentivetome。
　　Sheattemptednoallurement，allhermovementsworethestampofthemostdecentreserve，andherconversation，tenderinitsexpressionsandperfectlyeasy，neverconveyedtheshadowofareproachformycoolness。
　　Towardstheendofourlongconversation，sheaskedmewhatsheshouldsaytoherfriendonherreturntotheconvent。
　　"MydearM————M————expectstoseemefullofjoyandgratitudeforthegenerouspresentshethoughtshewasmakingmebygivingmethisnight，butwhatshallItellher？"
　　"Thewholetruth。Donotkeepfromherasinglewordofourconversation，asfarasyourmemorywillserveyou，andtellherespeciallythatshehasmadememiserableforalongtime。"
　　"No，forIshouldcausehertoogreatasorrow；shelovesyoudearly，andcherishesthelocketwhichcontainsyourlikeness。Imean，onthecontrary，todoallIcantobringpeacebetweenyoutwo，andI
　　mustsucceedbeforelong，becausemyfriendisnotguiltyofanywrong，andyouonlyfeelsomespite，althoughwithnocause。IwillsendyoumyletterbyLaura，unlessyoupromisemetogoandfetchityourselfatherhouse。"
　　"Yourletterswillalwaysbedeartome，but，markmywords，M————
　　M————willnotenterintoanyexplanation。Shewillbelieveyouineverything，exceptinone。"
　　"Isupposeyoumeanourpassingawholenighttogetherasinnocentlyasifwewerebrotherandsister。IfsheknowsyouaswellasIdo，shewillindeedthinkitmostwonderful。"
　　"Inthatcase，youmaytellherthecontrary，ifyoulike。"
　　"Nothingofthesort。Ihatefalsehoods，andIwillcertainlyneverutteroneinsuchacaseasthis；itwouldbeverywrong。Idonotloveyoulessonthataccount，mydarling，although，duringthislongnight，youhavenotcondescendedtogivemetheslightestproofofyourlove。"
　　"Believeme，dearest，Iamsickfromunhappiness。Iloveyouwithmywholesoul，butIaminsuchasituationthat……"
　　"What！youareweeping，mylove！Oh！Ientreatyou，sparemyheart！
　　Iamsosorrytohavetoldyousuchathing，butIcanassureyouI
　　nevermeanttomakeyouunhappy。IamsurethatinaquarterofanhourM————M————willbecryinglikewise。"
　　Thealarumstruck，and，havingnolongeranyhopeofseeingM————
　　M————cometojustifyherself，IkissedC————C————。Igaveherthekeyofthecasino，requestinghertoreturnitformetoM————M————，andmyyoungfriendhavinggonebacktotheconvent，Iputonmymaskandleftthecasino。
　　CHAPTERXX
　　IAminDangerofPerishingintheLagunes——Illness——LettersfromC。C。andM。M。——TheQuarrelisMadeUp——MeetingattheCasinoofMuranILearntheNameofM。M。’sFriend，andConsenttoGiveHimA
　　SupperatMyCasinointheCompanyofOurCommonMistressTheweatherwasfearful。Thewindwasblowingfiercely，anditwasbitterlycold。WhenIreachedtheshore，Ilookedforagondola，I
　　calledthegondoliers，but，incontraventiontothepoliceregulations，therewasneithergondolanorgondolier。WhatwasItodo？Dressedinlightlinen，Iwashardlyinafitstatetowalkalongthewharfforanhourinsuchweather。IshouldmostlikelyhavegonebacktothecasinoifIhadhadthekey，butIwaspayingthepenaltyofthefoolishspitewhichhadmademegiveitup。Thewindalmostcarriedmeoffmyfeet，andtherewasnohousethatI
　　couldentertogetashelter。
　　IhadinmypocketsthreehundredphilippesthatIhadwonintheevening，andapursefullofgold。IhadthereforeeveryreasontofearthethievesofMuran——averydangerousclassofcutthroats，determinedmurdererswhoenjoyedandabusedacertainimpunity，becausetheyhadsomeprivilegesgrantedtothembytheGovernmentonaccountoftheservicestheyrenderedinthemanufactoriesoflooking—glassesandintheglassworkswhicharenumerousontheisland。Inordertopreventtheiremigration，theGovernmenthadgrantedthemthefreedomofVenice。Idreadedmeetingapairofthem，whowouldhavestrippedmeofeverything，atleast。Ihadnot，bychance，withmetheknifewhichallhonestmenmustcarrytodefendtheirlivesinmydearcountry。Iwastrulyinanunpleasantpredicament。
　　IwasthuspainfullysituatedwhenIthoughtIcouldseealightthroughthecrevicesofasmallhouse。Iknockedmodestlyagainsttheshutter。Avoicecalledout:
　　"Whoisknocking？"
　　Andatthesamemomenttheshutterwaspushedopen。
　　"Whatdoyouwant？"askedaman，ratherastonishedatmycostume。
　　Iexplainedmypredicamentinafewwords，andgivinghimonesequinIbeggedhispermissiontosheltermyselfunderhisroof。Convincedbymysequinratherthanmywords，heopenedthedoor，Iwentin，andpromisinghimanothersequinforhistroubleIrequestedhimtogetmeagondolatotakemetoVenice。Hedressedhimselfhurriedly，thankingGodforthatpieceofgoodfortune，andwentoutassuringmethathewouldsoongetmeagondola。Iremainedaloneinamiserableroominwhichallhisfamily，sleepingtogetherinalarge，ill—
　　lookingbed，werestaringatmeinconsequenceofmyextraordinarycostume。Inhalfanhourthegoodmanreturnedtoannouncethatthegondolierswereatthewharf，butthattheywantedtobepaidinadvance。Iraisednoobjection，gaveasequintothemanforhistrouble，andwenttothewharf。
　　Thesightoftwostronggondoliersmademegetintothegondolawithoutanxiety，andwelefttheshorewithoutbeingmuchdisturbedbythewind，butwhenwehadgonebeyondtheisland，thestormattackeduswithsuchfurythatIthoughtmyselflost，for，althoughagoodswimmer，IwasnotsureIhadstrengthenoughtoresisttheviolenceofthewavesandswimtotheshore。Iorderedthementogobacktotheisland，buttheyansweredthatIhadnottodealwithacoupleofcowards，andthatIhadnooccasiontobeafraid。Iknewthedispositionofourgondoliers，andImadeupmymindtosaynomore。
　　Butthewindincreasedinviolence，thefoamingwavesrushedintothegondola，andmytworowers，inspiteoftheirvigourandoftheircourage，couldnolongerguideit。WewereonlywithinonehundredyardsofthemouthoftheJesuits’Canal，whenaterriblegustofwindthrewoneofthe’barcarols’intothesea；mostfortunatelyhecontrivedtoholdbythegondolaandtogetinagain，buthehadlosthisoar，andwhilehewassecuringanotherthegondolahadtacked，andhadalreadygoneaconsiderabledistanceabreast。Thepositioncalledforimmediatedecision，andIhadnowishtotakemysupperwithNeptune。Ithrewahandfulofphilippesintothegondola，andorderedthegondolierstothrowoverboardthe’felce’whichcoveredtheboat。Theringingofmoney，asmuchastheimminentdanger，ensuredinstantobedience，andthen，thewindhavinglessholduponus，mybraveboatmenshewedAEolusthattheireffortscouldconquerhim，forinlessthanfiveminutesweshotintotheBeggars’Canal，andIreachedtheBragadinPalace。Iwenttobedatonce，coveringmyselfheavilyinordertoregainmynaturalheat，butsleep，whichalonecouldhaverestoredmetohealth，wouldnotvisitme。
　　Fiveorsixhoursafterwards，M。deBragadinandhistwoinseparablefriendspaidmeavisit，andfoundmeravingwithfever。ThatdidnotpreventmyrespectableprotectorfromlaughingatthesightofthecostumeofPierrotlyingonthesofa。Aftercongratulatingmeuponhavingescapedwithmylifeoutofsuchabadpredicament，theyleftmealone。IntheeveningIperspiredsoprofuselythatmybedhadtobechanged。Thenextdaymyfeveranddeliriumincreased，andtwodaysafter，thefeverhavingabated，Ifoundmyselfalmostcrippledandsufferingfearfullywithlumbago。Ifeltthatnothingcouldrelievemebutastrictregimen，andIboretheevilpatiently。
　　EarlyontheWednesdaymorning，Laura，thefaithfulmessenger，calledonme；Iwasstillinmybed:ItoldherthatIcouldneitherreadnorwrite，andIaskedhertocomeagainthenextday。Sheplacedonthetable，nearmybed，theparcelshehadforme，andsheleftme，knowingwhathadoccurredtomesufficientlytoenablehertoinformC————C————ofthestateinwhichIwas。
　　Feelingalittlebettertowardstheevening，Iorderedmyservanttolockmeinmyroom，andIopenedC————C————’sletter。ThefirstthingIfoundintheparcel，andwhichcausedmegreatpleasure，wasthekeyofthecasinowhichshereturnedtome。Ihadalreadyrepentedhavinggivenitup，andIwasbeginningtofeelthatIhadbeeninthewrong。Itactedlikearefreshingbalmuponme。Thesecondthing，notlessdearafterthereturnofthepreciouskey，wasaletterfromM————M————，thesealofwhichIwasnotlonginbreaking，andIreadthefollowinglines:
　　"Theparticularswhichyouhaveread，orwhichyouaregoingtoread，intheletterofmyfriend，willcauseyou，Ihope，toforgetthefaultwhichIhavecommittedsoinnocently，forItrusted，onthecontrary，thatyouwouldbeveryhappy。Isawallandheardall，andyouwouldnothavegoneawaywithoutthekeyifIhadnot，mostunfortunately，fallenasleepanhourbeforeyourdeparture。Takebackthekeyandcometothecasinoto—morrownight，sinceHeavenhassavedyoufromthestorm。Yourlovemay，perhaps，giveyoutherighttocomplain，butnottoill—treatawomanwhocertainlyhasnotgivenyouanymarkofcontempt。"
　　IafterwardsreadtheletterofmydearC————C————，andIwillgiveacopyofithere，becauseIthinkitwillproveinteresting:
　　"Ientreatyou，dearhusband，nottosendbackthiskey，unlessyouhavebecomethemostcruelofmen，unlessyoufindpleasureintormentingtwowomenwho，loveyouardently，andwholoveyouforyourselfonly。Knowingyourexcellentheart，Itrustyouwillgotothecasinoto—morroweveningandmakeitupwithM————M————，whocannotgothereto—night。Youwillseethatyouareinthewrong，dearest，andthat，farfromdespisingyou，mydearfriendlovesyouonly。Inthemeantime，letmetellyouwhatyouarenotacquaintedwith，andwhatyoumustbeanxioustoknow。
　　"Immediatelyafteryouhadgoneawayinthatfearfulstormwhichcausedmesuchanguish，andjustasIwaspreparingtoreturntotheconvent，IwasmuchsurprisedtoseestandingbeforememydearM————
　　M————，whofromsomehiding—placehadheardallyouhadsaid。Shehadseveraltimesbeenonthepointofshewingherself，butshehadalwaysbeenpreventedbythefearofcomingoutofseason，andthusstoppingareconciliationwhichshethoughtwasinevitablebetweentwofondlovers。Unfortunately，sleephadconqueredherbeforeyourdeparture，andsheonlywokewhenthealarumstruck，toolatetodetainyou，foryouhadrushedwiththehasteofamanwhoisflyingfromsometerribledanger。AssoonasIsawher，Igaveherthekey，althoughIdidnotknowwhatitmeant，andmyfriend，heavingadeepsigh，toldmethatshewouldexplaineverythingassoonasweweresafeinherroom。Weleftthecasinoinadreadfulstorm，tremblingforyoursafety，andnotthinkingofourowndanger。AssoonaswewereintheconventIresumedmyusualcostume，andM————M————wenttobed。Itookaseatnearher，andthisiswhatshetoldme。’Whenyouleftyourringinmyhandstogotoyouraunt，whohadsentforyou，IexamineditwithsomuchattentionthatatlastIsuspectedthesmallbluespottobeconnectedwiththesecretspring；Itookapin，succeededinremovingthetoppart，andIcannotexpressthejoyIfeltwhenIsawthatwebothlovedthesameman，butnomorecanI
　　giveyouanideaofmysorrowwhenIthoughtthatIwasencroachinguponyourrights。Delighted，however，withmydiscovery，I
　　immediatelyconceivedaplanwhichwouldprocureyouthepleasureofsuppingwithhim。Iclosedtheringagainandreturnedittoyou，tellingyouatthesametimethatIhadnotbeenabletodiscoveranything。Iwasthentrulythehappiestofwomen。Knowingyourheart，knowingthatyouwereawareoftheloveofyourloverforme，sinceIhadinnocentlyshewedyouhisportrait，andhappyintheideathatyouwerenotjealousofme，IwouldhavedespisedmyselfifI
　　hadentertainedanyfeelingsdifferentfromyourown，themoresothatyourrightsoverhimwerebyfarstrongerthanmine。Asforthemysteriousmannerinwhichyoualwayskeptfrommethenameofyourhusband，Ieasilyguessedthatyouwereonlyobeyinghisorders，andIadmiredyournoblesentimentsandthegoodnessofyourheart。Inmyopinionyourloverwasafraidoflosingusboth，ifwefoundoutthatneithertheonenortheotherofuspossessedhiswholeheart。
　　IcouldnotexpressmydeepsorrowwhenIthoughtthat，afteryouhadseenmeinpossessionofhisportrait，youcontinuedtoactinthesamemannertowardsme，althoughyoucouldnotanylongerhopetobethesoleobjectofhislove。ThenIhadbutoneidea；toprovetobothofyouthatM————M————isworthyofyouraffection，ofyourfriendship，ofyouresteem。IwasindeedthoroughlyhappywhenI
　　thoughtthatthefelicityofourtriowouldbeincreasedahundredfold，forisitnotanunbearablemiserytokeepasecretfromthebeingweadore？Imadeyoutakemyplace，andIthoughtthatproceedingamasterpiece。Youallowedmetodressyouasanun，andwithacompliancewhichprovesyourconfidenceinmeyouwenttomycasinowithoutknowingwhereyouweregoing。Assoonasyouhadlanded，thegondolacameback，andIwenttoaplacewellknowntoourfriendfromwhich，withoutbeingseen，Icouldfollowallyourmovementsandheareverythingyousaid。Iwastheauthoroftheplay；itwasnaturalthatIshouldwitnessit，themoresothatI
　　feltcertainofseeingandhearingnothingthatwouldnotbeveryagreeabletome。Ireachedthecasinoaquarterofanhourafteryou，andIcannottellyoumydelightfulsurprisewhenIsawthatdearPierrotwhohadamusedussomuch，andwhomwehadnotrecognized。ButIwasfatedtofeelnootherpleasurethanthatofhisappearance。Fear，surprise，andanxietyoverwhelmedmeatoncewhenIsawtheeffectproduceduponhimbythedisappointmentofhisexpectation，andIfeltunhappy。Ourlovertookthethingwrongly，andhewentawayindespair；helovesmestill，butifhethinksofmeitisonlytotrytoforgetme。Alas！hewillsucceedbuttoosoon！Bysendingbackthatkeyheprovesthathewillneveragaingotothecasino。Fatalnight！Whenmyonlywishwastoministertothehappinessofthreepersons，howisitthattheveryreverseofmywishhasoccurred？Itwillkillme，dearfriend，unlessyoucontrivetomakehimunderstandreason，forIfeelthatwithouthimIcannotlive。Youmusthavethemeansofwritingtohim，youknowhim，youknowhisname。Inthenameofallgoodness，sendbackthiskeytohimwithalettertopersuadehimtocometothecasinoto—morroworonthefollowingday，ifitisonlytospeaktome；andIhopetoconvincehimofmyloveandmyinnocence。Restto—day，dearest，butto—morrowwritetohim，tellhimthewholetruth；takepityonyourpoorfriend，andforgiveherforlovingyourlover。Ishallwriteafewlinesmyself；youwillenclosetheminyourletter。Itismyfaultifhenolongerlovesyou；yououghttohateme，andyetyouaregenerousenoughtoloveme。Iadoreyou；Ihaveseenhistears，Ihaveseenhowwellhissoulcanlove；Iknowhimnow。Icouldnothavebelievedthatmenwereabletolovesomuch。Ihavepassedaterriblenight。DonotthinkIamangry，dearfriend，becauseyouconfidedtohimthatweloveoneanotherliketwolovers；itdoesnotdispleaseme，andwithhimitwasnoindiscretion，becausehismindisasfreeofprejudicesashisheartisgood。’
　　"Tearswerechokingher。Itriedtoconsoleher，andImostwillinglypromisedhertowritetoyou。Sheneverclosedhereyesthroughoutthatday，butIsleptsoundlyforfourhours。
　　"Whenwegotupwefoundtheconventfullofbadnews，whichinterestedusagreatdealmorethanpeopleimagined。Itwasreportedthat，anhourbeforedaybreak，afishing—boathadbeenlostinthelagune，thattwogondolashadbeencapsized，andthatthepeopleinthemhadperished。Youmayimagineouranguish！Wedarednotaskanyquestions，butitwasjustthehouratwhichyouhadleftme，andweentertainedthedarkestforebodings。Wereturnedtoourroom，whereM————M————faintedaway。Morecourageousthansheis，I
　　toldherthatyouwereagoodswimmer，butIcouldnotallayheranxiety，andshewenttobedwithafeverishchill。Justatthatmoment，myaunt，whoisofaverycheerfuldisposition，camein，laughing，totellusthatduringthestormthePierrotwhohadmadeuslaughsomuchhadhadanarrowescapeofbeingdrowned。’Ah！thepoorPierrot！’Iexclaimed，’tellusallabouthim，dearaunt。Iamverygladhewassaved。Whoishe？Doyouknow？’’Oh！yes，’sheanswered，’everythingisknown，forhewastakenhomebyourgondoliers。OneofthemhasjusttoldmethatPierrot，havingspentthenightattheBriatiball，didnotfindanygondolatoreturntoVenice，andthatourgondolierstookhimforasequin。Oneofthemenfellintothesea，butthenthebravePierrot，throwinghandfulsofsilveruponthe’Zenia’pitchedthe’felce’overboard，andthewindhavinglessholdtheyreachedVenicesafelythroughtheBeggars’
　　Canal。Thismorningtheluckygondoliersdividedthirtyphilippeswhichtheyfoundinthegondola，andtheyhavebeenfortunateenoughtopickuptheir’felce’。PierrotwillrememberMuranandtheballatBriati。ThemansaysthatheisthesonofM。deBragadin，theprocurator’sbrother。Hewastakentothepalaceofthatnoblemannearlydeadfromcold，forhewasdressedinlightcalico，andhadnocloak。’
　　"Whenmyaunthadleftus，welookedatoneanotherforseveralminuteswithoututteringaword，butwefeltthatthegoodnewshadbroughtbacklifetous。M————M————askedmewhetheryouwerereallythesonofM，deBragadin。’Itmightbeso，’Isaidtoher，’buthisnamedoesnotshewmylovertobethebastardofthatnobleman，andstilllesshislegitimatechild，forM。deBragadinwasnevermarried。’’Ishouldbeverysorry，’saidM————M————，’ifhewerehisson。’Ithoughtitright，then，totellheryourtruename，andoftheapplicationmadetomyfatherbyM。deBragadinformyhand，theconsequenceofwhichwasthatIhadbeenshutupintheconvent。Therefore，myowndarling，yourlittlewifehasnolongeranysecrettokeepfromM————M————，andIhopeyouwillnotaccusemeofindiscretion，foritisbetterthatourdearfriendshouldknowallthetruththanonlyhalfofit。Wehavebeengreatlyamused，asyoumaywellsuppose，bythecertaintywithwhichpeoplesaythatyouspentallthenightattheBriatiball。Whenpeopledonotknoweverything，theyinvent，andwhatmightbeisoftenacceptedintheplaceofwhatisinreality；sometimesitprovesveryfortunate。Atalleventsthenewsdidagreatdealofgoodtomyfriend，whoisnowmuchbetter。Shehashadanexcellentnight，andthehopeofseeingyouatthecasinohasrestoredallherbeauty。Shehasreadthisletterthreeorfourtimes，andhassmotheredmewithkisses。Ilongtogivehertheletterwhichyouaregoingtowritetoher。Themessengerwillwaitforit。PerhapsIshallseeyouagainatthecasino，andinabettertemper，Ihope。Adieu。"
　　Itdidnotrequiremuchargumenttoconquerme。WhenIhadfinishedtheletter，IwasatoncetheadmirerofC————C————andtheardentloverofM————M————。But，alas！althoughthefeverhadleftme，I
　　wascrippled。CertainthatLaurawouldcomeagainearlythenextmorning，Icouldnotrefrainfromwritingtobothofthemashortletter，itistrue，butlongenoughtoassurethemthatreasonhadagaintakenpossessionofmypoorbrain。IwrotetoC————C————thatshehaddonerightintellingherfriendmyname，themoresothat，asIdidnotattendtheirchurchanylonger，Ihadnoreasontomakeamysteryofit。IneverythingelseIfreelyacknowledgedmyselfinthewrong，andIpromisedherthatIwouldatonebygivingM———M————
　　thestrongestpossibleproofsofmyrepentanceassoonasIcouldgoagaintohercasino。
　　ThisistheletterthatIwrotetomyadorablenun:
　　"IgaveC————C————thekeyofyourcasino，tobereturnedtoyou，myowncharmingfriend，becauseIbelievedmyselftrifledwithanddespised，ofmaliceaforethought，bythewomanIworship。InmyerrorIthoughtmyselfunworthyofpresentingmyselfbeforeyoureyes，and，inspiteoflove，horrormademeshudder。Suchwastheeffectproduceduponmebyanactwhichwouldhaveappearedtomeadmirable，ifmyself—lovehadnotblindedmeandupsetmyreason。
　　But，dearest，toadmireititwouldhavebeennecessaryformymindtobeasnobleasyours，andIhaveprovedhowfaritisfrombeingso。Iaminferiortoyouinallthings，exceptinpassionatelove，andIwillproveittoyouatournextmeeting，whenIwillbegonmykneesagenerouspardon。Believeme，belovedcreature，ifIwishardentlytorecovermyhealth，itisonlytohaveitinmypowertoprovebymyloveathousandtimesincreased，howashamedIamofmyerrors。Mypainfullumbagohasalonepreventedmefromansweringyourshortnoteyesterday，toexpresstoyoumyregrets，andthelovewhichhasbeenenhancedinmebyyourgenerosity，alas！sobadlyrewarded。Icanassureyouthatinthelagunes，withdeathstaringmeintheface，Iregrettednoonebutyou，nothingbuthavingoutragedyou。ButinthefearfuldangerthenthreateningmeIonlysawapunishmentfromHeaven。IfIhadnotcruellysentbacktoyouthekeyofthecasino，Ishouldmostlikelyhavereturnedthere，andshouldhaveavoidedthesorrowaswellasthephysicalpainswhichI
　　amnowsufferingasanexpiation。Ithankyouathousandtimesforhavingrecalledmetomyself，andyoumaybecertainthatforthefutureIwillkeepbettercontrolovermyself；nothingshallmakemedoubtyourlove。But，darling，whatdoyousayofC————C————？Isshenotanincarnateangelwhocanbecomparedtonoonebutyou？
　　Youloveusbothequally。Iamtheonlyoneweakandfaulty，andyoumakemeashamedofmyself。YetIfeelthatIwouldgivemylifeforheraswellasforyou。Ifeelcuriousaboutonething，butIcannottrustittopaper。YouwillsatisfythatcuriositythefirsttimeI
　　shallbeabletogotothecasinobeforetwodaysattheearliest。
　　Iwillletyouknowtwodaysbeforehand。Inthemeantime，Ientreatyoutothinkalittleofme，andtobecertainofmydevotedlove。
　　Adieu。"
　　ThenextmorningLaurafoundmesittingupinbed，andinafairwaytorecovermyhealth。IrequestedhertotellC————C————thatI
　　feltmuchbetter，andIgavehertheletterIhadwritten。Shehadbroughtmeonefrommydearlittlewife，inwhichIfoundenclosedanotefromM————M————。Thosetwoletterwerefulloftenderexpressionsoflove，anxietyformyhealth，andardentprayersformyrecovery。
　　Sixdaysafterwards，feelingmuchstronger，IwenttoMuran，wherethekeeperofthecasinohandedmealetterfromM————M————。Shewrotetomehowimpatientshewasformycompleterecovery，andhowdesirousshewastoseemeinpossessionofhercasino，withalltheprivilegeswhichshehopedIwouldretainforever。
　　"Letmeknow，Ientreatyou，"sheadded，"whenwearelikelytomeetagain，eitheratMuranorinVenice，asyouplease。Bequitecertainthatwheneverwemeetweshallbealoneandwithoutawitness。"
　　Iansweredatonce，tellingherthatwewouldmeetthedayafterthemorrowathercasino，becauseIwantedtoreceiveherlovingabsolutionintheveryspotwhereIhadoutragedthemostgenerousofwomen。
　　Iwaslongingtoseeheragain，forIwasashamedofmycruelinjusticetowardsher，andpantingtoatoneformywrongs。Knowingherdisposition，andreflectingcalmlyuponwhathadtakenplace，itwasnowevidenttomethatwhatshehaddone，veryfarfrombeingamarkofcontempt，wastherefinedeffortofalovewhollydevotedtome。SinceshehadfoundoutthatIwastheloverofheryoungfriend，couldsheimaginethatmyheartbelongedonlytoherself？Inthesamewaythatherloveformedidnotpreventherfrombeingcompliantwiththeambassador，sheadmittedthepossibilityofmybeingthesamewithC————C————。Sheoverlookedthedifferenceofconstitutionbetweenthetwosexes，andtheprivilegesenjoyedbywomen。
　　Nowthatagehaswhitenedmyhairanddeadenedtheardourofmysenses，myimaginationdoesnottakesuchahighflight，andIthinkdifferently。Iamconsciousthatmybeautifulnunsinnedagainstwomanlyreserveandmodesty，thetwomostbeautifulappanagesofthefairsex，butifthatunique，oratleastrare，womanwasguiltyofaneccentricitywhichIthenthoughtavirtue，shewasatalleventsexemptfromthatfearfulvenomcalledjealousy——anunhappypassionwhichdevoursthemiserablebeingwhoislabouringunderit，anddestroysthelovethatgaveitbirth。
　　Twodaysafterwards，onthe4thofFebruary，1754，Ihadthesupremefelicityoffindingmyselfagainalonewithmybelovedmistress。Sheworethedressofanun。Aswebothfeltguilty，themomentwesaweachother，byaspontaneousmovement，wefellbothonourknees，foldedineachother’sarms。Wehadbothill—treatedLove；shehadtreatedhimlikeachild，IhadadoredhimafterthefashionofaJansenist。Butwherecouldwehavefoundtheproperlanguagefortheexcuseswehadtoaddresstoeachotherforthemutualforgivenesswehadtoentreatandtogrant？Kisses——thatmute，yetexpressivelanguage，thatdelicate，voluptuouscontactwhichsendssentimentcoursingrapidlythroughtheveins，whichexpressesatthesametimethefeelingoftheheartandtheimpressionsofthemind——thatlanguagewastheonlyonewehadrecourseto，andwithouthavingutteredonesyllable，dearreader，oh，howwellweagreed！
　　Bothoverwhelmedwithemotion，longingtogiveoneanothersomeproofsofthesincerityofourreconciliationandoftheardentfirewhichwasconsumingus，werosewithoutunclaspingourarms，andfalling（amostamorousgroup！）onthenearestsofa，weremainedthereuntiltheheavingofadeepsighwhichwewouldnothavestopped，evenifwehadknownthatitwastobethelast！
　　Thuswascompletedourhappyreconciliation，andthecalminfusedintothesoulbycontentment，burstintoaheartylaughwhenwenoticedthatIhadkeptonmycloakandmymask。Afterwehadenjoyedourmirth，Iunmaskedmyself，andIaskedherwhetheritwasquitetruethatnoonehadwitnessedourreconciliation。
　　Shetookuponeofthecandlesticks，andseizingmyhand:
　　"Come，"shesaid。
　　Sheledmetotheotherendoftheroom，beforealargecupboardwhichIhadalreadysuspectedofcontainingthesecret。Sheopenedit，andwhenshehadmovedaslidingplankIsawadoorthroughwhichweenteredaprettyclosetfurnishedwitheverythingnecessarytoapersonwishingtopassafewhoursthere。Nearthesofawasaslidingpanel。M————M————removedit，andthroughtwentyholesplacedatadistancefromeachotherIsaweverypartoftheroominwhichnatureandlovehadperformedforourcuriousfriendaplayinsixacts，duringwhichIdidnotthinkhehadoccasiontobedissatisfiedwiththeactors。
　　"Now，"saidM————M————，"Iamgoingtosatisfythecuriositywhichyouwereprudentenoughnottotrusttopaper。"
　　"Butyoucannotguess……"
　　"Silence，dearest！Lovewouldnotbeofdivineorigindidhenotpossessthefacultyofdivination。Heknowsall，andhereistheproof。Doyounotwishtoknowwhethermyfriendwaswithmeduringthefatalnightwhichhascostmesomanytears？"
　　"Youhaveguessedrightly。"