"No，butIhaveoftenseenyoupassingundermywindow。IliveatSt。Roch，nearthebridge。"
　　Thewayinwhichthewomantoldheryarnconvincedusthatshewasanadeptinthescienceofprostitution，butwethoughtCapsucefalo，inspiteofthecount，worthyofthepillory。ThegirlwasabouttenyearsolderthanM。M。，shewaspretty，butlight—complexioned，whilemybeautifulnunhadfinedarkbrownhairandwasatleastthreeinchestaller。
　　Aftertwelveo’clockwesatdowntosupper，anddidhonourtotheexcellentmealwhichmydearAntoinettehadpreparedforus。Wewerecruelenoughtoleavethepoorwretchwithoutofferinghersomuchasaglassofwine，butwethoughtitourduty。
　　Whileweweretalking，thejollyEnglishmanmadesomewittycommentsonmyeagernesstoconvincehimthathehadnotenjoyedM。M。’sfavours。
　　"Ican’tbelieve，"saidhe，"thatyouhaveshewnsomuchinterestwithoutbeinginlovewiththedivinenun。"
　　IansweredbysayingthatifIwereherloverIwasmuchtobepitiedinbeingcondemnedtogototheparlour，andnofarther。
　　"Iwouldgladlygiveahundredguineasamonth，"saidhe，"tohavetheprivilegeofvisitingheratthegrating。"
　　Sosayinghegavememyhundredsequins，complimentingmeonmysuccess，andIslippedthemforthwithintomypocket。
　　Attwoo’clockinthemorningweheardasoftknockonthestreetdoor。
　　"Hereisourfriend，"Isaid，"bediscreet，andyouwillseethathewillmakeafullconfession。"
　　HecameinandsawMurrayandthelady，butdidnotdiscoverthatathirdpartywaspresenttillheheardtheante—roomdoorbeinglocked。Heturnedroundandsawme，andasheknewme，merelysaid，withoutlosingcountenance:
　　"Ah，youarehere；youknow，ofcourse，thatthesecretmustbekept？"
　　Murraylaughedandcalmlyaskedhimtobeseated，andheenquired，withthelady’spistolsinhishands，wherehewasgoingtotakeherbeforeday—break。
　　"Home。"
　　"Ithinkyoumaybemistaken，asitisverypossiblethatwhenyouleavethisplaceyouwillbothofyoubeprovidedwithabedinprison。"
　　"No，Iamnotafraidofthathappening；thethingwouldmaketoomuchnoise，andthelaughwouldnotbeonyourside。Come，"saidhetohismate，"putonyourcloakandletusbeoff。"
　　Theambassador，wholikeanEnglishmankeptquitecoolthewholetime，pouredhimoutaglassofChambertin，andtheblackguarddrankhishealth。Murrayseeinghehadonafineringsetwithbrilliants，praisedit，andshewingsomecuriositytoseeitmorecloselyhedrewitoffthefellow’sfinger，examinedit，founditwithoutflaw，andaskedhowmuchitwasworth。Capsucefalo，alittletakenaback，saiditcosthimfourhundredsequins。
　　"Iwillholditasapledgeforthatsum，"saidtheambassador，puttingtheringintohispocket。Theotherlookedchop—fallen，andMurraylaughingathisretiringmannerstoldthegirltoputonhercloakandtopackoffwithherworthyacolyte。Shedidsodirectly，andwithalowbowtheydisappeared。
　　"Farewell，nunprocurer！"saidtheambassador，butthecountmadenoanswer。
　　AssoonastheyweregoneIthankedMurraywarmlyforthemoderationhehadshewn，asascandalwouldhaveonlyinjuredthreeinnocentpeople。
　　"Besure，"saidhe，"thattheguiltypartiesshallbepunishedwithoutanyone’sknowingthereason"
　　IthenmadeToninecomeupstairs，andmyEnglishfriendofferedheraglassofwine，whichshedeclinedwithmuchmodestyandpoliteness。
　　Murraylookedatherwithflamingglances，andleftaftergivingmehisheartiestthanks。
　　PoorlittleToninehadbeenresigned，andobedientformanyhours，andshehadgoodcausetothinkIhadbeenunfaithfultoher；
　　however，Igaveherthemostunmistakableproofsofmyfidelity。Westayedinbedforsixhours，androsehappyinthemorning。
　　AfterdinnerIhurriedofftomynobleM————M————，andtoldherthewholestory。Shelistenedeagerly，hervariousfeelingsflittingacrossherface。Fear，anger，wrath，approvalofmymethodofclearingupmynaturalsuspicions，joyatdiscoveringmestillherlover——allweredepictedinsuccessioninherglance，andintheplayofherfeatures，andintheredandwhitewhichfollowedoneanotheronhercheeksandforehead。ShewasdelightedtohearthatthemaskerwhowaswithmeintheparlourwastheEnglishambassador，butshebecamenoblydisdainfulwhenItoldherthathewouldgladlygiveahundredguineasamonthforthepleasureofvisitingherintheparlour。Shewasangrywithhimforfancyingthatshehadbeeninhispower，andforfindingalikenessbetweenherandaportrait，when，soshesaid，therewasnolikenessatall；Ihadgivenhertheportrait。Sheadded，withashrewdsmile，thatshewassureIhadnotletmylittlemaidseethefalsenun，asshemighthavebeenmistaken。
　　"Youknow，doyou，thatIhaveayoungservant？"
　　"Yes，andaprettyone，too。SheisLaura’sdaughter，andifyouloveherIamveryglad，andsoisC————C————。Ihopeyouwillletmehaveasightofher。C————C————hasseenherbefore。"
　　AsIsawthatsheknewtoomuchformetobeabletodeceiveher，I
　　tookmycuedirectlyandtoldherindetailthehistoryofmyamours。
　　Sheshewedhersatisfactiontooopenlynottobesincere。BeforeI
　　lefthershesaidherhonourobligedhertogetCapsucefaloassassinated，forthewretchhadwrongedherbeyondpardon。BywayofquietingherIpromisedthatiftheambassadordidnotridusofhimwithintheweekIwouldchargemyselfwiththeexecutionofourcommonvengeance。
　　AboutthistimediedBragadintheprocurator，brotherofmypatron，leavingM。deBragadinsufficientlywelloff。However，asthefamilythreatenedtobecomeextinct，hedesiredawomanwhohadbeenhismistress，andofwhomhehadhadanaturalson，tobecomehiswife。
　　Bythismarriagethesonwouldhavebecomelegitimate，andthefamilyrenewedagain。TheCollegeofCardinalswouldhaverecognizedthewifeforasmallfee，andallwouldhavegoneadmirably。
　　Thewomanwrotetome，askingmetocallonher；andIwasgoingto，curioustoknowwhatawoman，whomIdidnotknowfromAdam，couldwantwithme，whenIreceivedasummonsfromM。deBragadin。HebeggedmetoaskParalisifheoughttofollowDelaHaye’sadviceinamatterhehadpromisednottoconfidetome，butofwhichtheoraclemustbeinformed。Theoracle，naturallyopposedtotheJesuit，toldhimtoconsulthisownfeelingsandnothingelse。AfterthisIwenttothelady。
　　Shebeganbytellingmethewholestory。Sheintroducedhersontome，andtoldmethatifthemarriagecouldbeperformed，adeedwouldbedeliveredinmyfavourbywhich，atthedeathofM。deBragadin，Ishouldbecomeentitledtoanestateworthfivethousandcrownsperannum。
　　AsIguessedwithoutmuchtroublethatthiswasthesamematterwhichDelaHayehadproposedtoM。deBragadin，IansweredwithouthesitationthatsinceDelaHayewasbeforemeIcoulddonothing，andthereuponmadehermybow。
　　IcouldnothelpwonderingatthisJesuit’scontinuallyintriguingtomarrymyoldfriendswithoutmyknowledge。Twoyearsago，ifIhadnotsetmyfaceagainstit，hewouldhavemarriedM。Dandolo。I
　　carednotawhitwhetherthefamilyofBragadinbecameextinctornot，butIdidcareforthelifeofmybenefactor，andwasquitesurethatmarriagewouldshortenitbymanyyears；hewasalreadysixty—
　　three，andhadrecoveredfromaseriousapoplecticstroke。
　　IwenttodinewithLadyMurray（English—womenwhoaredaughtersoflordskeepthetitle），andafterdinnertheambassadortoldmethathehadtoldM。Cavallithewholestoryofthefalsenun，andthatthesecretaryhadinformedhim，theeveningbefore，thateverythinghadbeendonetohisliking。CountCapsucefalohadbeensenttoCephalonia，hisnativecountry，withtheordernevertoreturntoVenice，andthecourtezanhaddisappeared。
　　Thefinepart，orratherthefearfulpart，aboutthesesentencesisthatnooneeverknowsthereasonwhyorwherefore，andthatthelotmayfallontheinnocentaswellastheguilty。M。M。wasdelightedwiththeevent，andIwasmorepleasedthanshe，forIshouldhavebeensorrytohavebeenobligedtosoilmyhandswiththebloodofthatrascallycount。
　　Thereareseasonsinthelifeofmenwhichmaybecalled’fasti’and’nefasti’；Ihaveprovedthisofteninmylongcareer，andonthestrengthoftherubsandstrugglesIhavehadtoencounter。Iamable，aswellasanyman，toverifythetruthofthisaxiom。Ihadjustexperiencedarunofluck。Fortunehadbefriendedmeatplay，I
　　hadbeenhappyinthesocietyofmen，andfromloveIhadnothingtoask；butnowthereverseofthemedalbegantoappear。Lovewasstillkind，butFortunehadquiteleftme，andyouwillsoonsee，reader，thatmenusedmenobetterthantheblindgoddess。
　　Nevertheless，sinceone’sfatehasphasesaswellasthemoon，goodfollowsevilasdisasterssucceedtohappiness。
　　Istillplayedonthemartingale，butwithsuchbadluckthatIwassoonleftwithoutasequin。AsIsharedmypropertywithM。M。Iwasobligedtotellherofmylosses，anditwasatherrequestthatI
　　soldallherdiamonds，losingwhatIgotforthem；shehadnowonlyfivehundredsequinsbyher。Therewasnomoretalkofherescapingfromtheconvent，forwehadnothingtoliveon！Istillgamed，butforsmallstakes，waitingfortheslowreturnofgoodluck。
　　OnedaytheEnglishambassador，aftergivingmeasupperathiscasinowiththecelebratedFannyMurray，askedmetolethimsupatmycasinoatMuran，whichInowonlykeptupforthesakeofTonine。
　　Igrantedhimthefavour，butdidnotimitatehisgenerosity。Hefoundmylittlemistresssmilingandpolite，butalwayskeepingwithintheboundsofdecency，fromwhichhewouldhaveverywillinglyexcusedher。Thenextmorninghewrotetomeasfollows:
　　"IammadlyinlovewithTonine。IfyouliketohandherovertomeIwillmakethefollowingprovisionforher:IwillsetherupinasuitablelodgingwhichIwillfurnishthroughout，andwhichIwillgivetoherwithallitscontents，providedthatImayvisitherwheneverIplease，andthatshegivesmealltherightsofafortunatelover。Iwillgiveheramaid，acook，andthirtysequinsamonthasprovisionfortwopeople，withoutreckoningthewine，whichIwillprocuremyself。BesidesthisIwillgiveheralifeincomeoftwohundredcrownsperannum，overwhichshewillhavefullcontrolafterlivingwithmeforayear。Igiveyouaweektosendyouranswer。"
　　IrepliedimmediatelythatIwouldlethimknowinthreedayswhetherhisproposalwereaccepted，forToninehadamotherofwhomshewasfond，andshewouldpossiblynotcaretodoanythingwithoutherconsent。Ialsoinformedhimthatinallappearancethegirlwaswithchild。
　　ThebusinesswasanimportantoneforTonine。Ilovedher，butI
　　knewperfectlywellthatwecouldnotpasstherestofourlivestogether，andIsawnoprospectofbeingabletomakeherasgoodaprovisionasthatofferedbytheambassador。ConsequentlyIhadnodoubtsonthequestion，andtheverysamedayIwenttoMuranandtoldherall。
　　"Youwishtoleaveme，then，"saidshe，intears。
　　"Iloveyou，dearest，andwhatIproposeoughttoconvinceyouofmylove。"
　　"Notso；Icannotservetwomasters。"
　　"Youwillonlyserveyournewlover，sweetheart。Ibegofyoutoreflectthatyouwillhaveafinedowry，onthestrengthofwhichyoumaymarrywell；andthathowevermuchIloveyouIcannotpossiblymakesogoodaprovisionforyou。"
　　"Leavemeto—dayfortearsandreflection，andcometosupperwithmeto—morrow。"
　　Ididnotfailtokeeptheappointment。
　　"IthinkyourEnglishfriendisaveryprettyman，"shesaid，"andwhenhespeaksintheVenetiandialectitmakesmediewithlaughter。
　　Ifmymotheragrees，Imight，perhaps，forcemyselftolovehim。
　　Supposingwedidnotagreewecouldpartattheendofayear，andI
　　shouldbethericherbyanincomeoftwohundredcrowns。"
　　"Iamcharmedwiththesenseofyourarguments；speakaboutittoyourmother。"
　　"Idaren’t，sweetheart；thiskindofthingistoodelicatetobediscussedbetweenamotherandherdaughterspeaktoheryourself。"
　　"Iwill，indeed。"
　　Laura，whomIhadnotseensinceshehadgivenmeherdaughter，askedfornotimetothinkitover，butfullofgleetoldmethatnowherdaughterwouldbeabletosootheherdecliningyears，andthatshewouldleaveMuranofwhichshewastired。SheshewedmeahundredandthirtysequinswhichToninehadgainedinmyservice，andwhichshehadplacedinherhands。
　　Barberine，Tonine’syoungersister，cametokissmyhand。Ithoughthercharming，andIgaveherallthesilverinmypocket。Ithenleft，tellingLaurathatIshouldexpectheratmyhouse。Shesoonfollowedme，andgaveherchildamother’sblessing，tellingherthatsheandherfamilycouldgoandliveinVeniceforsixtysousaday。
　　Tonineembracedher，andtoldherthatsheshouldhaveit。
　　Thisimportantaffairhavingbeenmanagedtoeverybody’ssatisfaction，IwenttoseeM————M————，whocameintotheparlourwithC————C————，whomIfoundlookingsad，thoughprettierthanever。Shewasmelancholy，butnonethelesstender。Shecouldnotstayformorethanaquarterofanhourforfearofbeingseen，asshewasforbiddenevertogointotheparlour。ItoldM。M。thestoryofTonine，whowasgoingtolivewithMurrayinVenice；shewassorrytohearit，"for，"saidshe，"nowthatyouhavenolongeranyattractionatMuran，Ishallseeyoulessthanever。"Ipromisedtocomeandseeheroften，butvainpromises！Thetimewasnearwhichpartedusforever。
　　ThesameeveningIwenttotellthegoodnewstomyfriendMurray。
　　Hewasinatransportofjoy，andbeggedmetocomeandsupwithhimathiscasinothedayafternext，andtobringthegirlwithme，thatthesurrendermightbemadeinform。Ididnotfailhim，foroncethematterwasdecided，Ilongedtobringittoanend。InmypresenceheassignedtohertheyearlyincomeforherlifeoftwohundredVenetianducats，andbyaseconddeedhegaveherallthecontentsofthehousewithwhichhewasgoingtoprovideher，providedalwaysthatshelivedwithhimforayear。Heallowedhertoreceivemeasafriend，alsotoreceivehermotherandsisters，andshewasfreetogoandseethemwhenshewould。Toninethrewherarmsabouthisneck，andassuredhimthatshewouldendeavourtopleasehimtotheutmostofherability。"Iwillseehim，"saidshe，pointingtome，"butashisfriendheshallhavenothingmorefromme。"Throughoutthistrulyaffectingsceneshekeptbackhertears，butIcouldnotconcealmine。Murraywashappy，butIwasnotlongawitnessofhisgoodfortune，thereasonofwhichIwillexplainalittlelater。
　　ThreedaysafterwardsLauracametome，toldmethatshewaslivinginVenice，andaskedmetotakehertoherdaughter’s。Iowedthiswomantoomuchtorefuseher，andItookherthereforthwith。ToninegavethankstoGod，andalsotome，andhermothertookupthesong，fortheywerenotquitesurewhethertheyweremoreindebtedtoGodortome。ToninewaseloquentinherpraiseofMurray，andmadenocomplaintatmynothavingcometoseeher，atwhichIwasglad。AsIwasgoingLauraaskedmetotakeherbackinmygondola，andaswehadtopassbythehouseinwhichshelivedshebeggedmetocomeinforamoment，andIcouldnothurtherfeelingsbyrefusing。IoweittomyhonourtoremarkherethatIwasthuspolitewithoutthinkingthatIshouldseeBarberineagain。
　　Thisgirl，asprettyashersister，thoughinanotherstyle，beganbyawakeningmycuriosity——aweaknesswhichusuallyrenderstheprofligatemaninconstant。Ifallwomenweretohavethesamefeatures，thesamedisposition，andthesamemanners，menwouldnotonlyneverbeinconstant，butwouldneverbeinlove。Underthatstateofthingsonewouldchooseawifebyinstinctandkeeptohertilldeath，butourworldwouldthenbeunderadifferentsystemtothepresent。Noveltyisthemasterofthesoul。Weknowthatwhatwedonotseeisverynearlythesameaswhatwehaveseen，butwearecurious，weliketobequitesure，andtoattainourendswegiveourselvesasmuchtroubleasifwewerecertainoffindingsomeprizebeyondcompare。
　　Barberine，wholookeduponmeasanoldfriend——forhermotherhadaccustomedhertokissmyhandwheneverIwentthere，whohadundressedmorethanonceinmypresencewithouttroublingaboutme，whoknewIhadmadehersister’sfortuneandthefamilyfortuneaswell，andthoughtherselfprettierthanToninebecauseherskinwasfairer，andbecauseshehadfineblackeyes，desiringtotakehersister’splace，knewthattosucceedshemusttakemebystorm。HercommonsensetoldherthatasIhardlyevercametothehouse，I
　　shouldnotbelikelytobecomeamorousofherunlessshewonmebystorm；andtothisendsheshewedtheutmostcomplaisancewhenshehadthechance，sothatIwonherwithoutanydifficulty。Allthisreasoningcamefromherownhead，forIamsurehermothergavehernoinstructions。Laurawasamotherofakindcommontheworldover，butespeciallyinItaly。Shewaswillingtotakeadvantageoftheearningsofherdaughters，butshewouldneverhaveinducedthemtotakethepathofevil。Therehervirtuestoppedshort。
　　AfterIhadinspectedhertworoomsandherlittlekitchen，andhadadmiredthecleannesswhichshoneallaround，BarberineaskedmeifI
　　wouldliketoseetheirsmallgarden。
　　"Withpleasure，"Ireplied，"foragardenisararityinVenice。"
　　Hermothertoldhertogivemesomefigsiftherewereanyripeones。
　　Thegardenconsistedofaboutthirtysquarefeet，andgrewonlysaladherbsandafinefigtree。Ithadnotagoodcrop，andItoldherthatIcouldnotseeanyfigs。
　　"Icanseesomeatthetop，"saidBarberine，"andIwillgatherthemifyouwillholdmetheladder。"
　　"Yes，climbaway；Iwillholditquitefirmly。"
　　Shesteppeduplightly，andstretchingoutanarmtogetatsomefigstoonesideofher，sheputherbodyoffitsbalance，holdingontotheladderwiththeotherhand。
　　"MydearBarberine，whatdoyouthinkIcansee？"
　　"Whatyouhaveoftenseenwithmysister。"
　　"That’strue！butyouareprettierthansheis。"
　　Thegirlmadenoreply，but，asifshecouldnotreachthefruit，sheputherfootonahighbranch，andspewedmethemostseductivepicture。Iwasinanecstasy，andBarberine，whosawit，didnothurryherself。AtlastIhelpedhertocomedown，andlettingmyhandwanderindiscreetly，IaskedherifthefruitIheldhadbeenplucked，andshekeptmealongtimetellingmeitwasquitefresh。
　　Itookherwithinmyarms，andalreadyhercaptive，Ipressedheramorouslytomyheart，printingonherlipsafierykiss，whichshegavemebackwithasmuchardour。
　　"WillyougivemewhatIhavecaught，dearest？"
　　"MymotherisgoingtoMuranto—morrow，andshewillstaytherealltheday；ifyoucome，thereisnothingIwillrefuseyou。"
　　Whenspeechlikethisproceedsfromamouthstillinnocent，themantowhomitisaddressedoughttobehappy，fordesiresarebutpainandtorment，andenjoymentissweetbecauseitdeliversusfromthem。
　　Thisshewsthatthosewhopreferalittleresistancetoaneasyconquestareinthewrong；butatooeasyconquestoftenpointstoadepravednature，andthismendonotlike，howeverdepravedtheythemselvesmaybe。
　　Wereturnedtothehouse，andIgaveBarberineatenderkissbeforeLaura’seyes，tellingherthatshehadaveryjewelinherdaughter——
　　acomplimentwhichmadeherfacelightupwithpleasure。Igavethedeargirltensequins，andIwentawaycongratulatingmyself，butcursingmyluckatnotbeingabletomakeasgoodprovisionforBarberineasMurrayhadmadeforhersister。
　　Toninehadtoldmethatformanners’sakeIshouldsuponcewithher。
　　IwentthesameeveningandfoundRigheliniandMurraythere。Thesupperwasdelicious，andIwasdelightedwiththeexcellentunderstandingthetwolovershadalreadycometo。Icomplimentedtheambassadoronthelossofoneofhistastes，andhetoldmeheshouldbeverysorryatsuchaloss，asitwouldwarnhimofhisdecliningpowers。
　　"But，"saidI，"youusedtoliketoperformthemysterioussacrificeofLovewithoutaveil。"
　　"ItwasnotIbutAncillawholikedit，andasIpreferredpleasinghertopleasingmyself，Igaveintohertastewithoutanydifficulty。"
　　"Iamdelightedwithyouranswer，asIconfessitwouldcostmesomethingtobethewitnessofyourexploitswithTonine。"
　　HavingcasuallyremarkedthatIhadnolongerahouseinMuran，RighelinitoldmethatifIlikedhecouldgetmeadelightfulhouseatalowrentontheTondamenteNuovo。
　　Asthisquarterfacingnorth，andasagreeableinsummerasdisagreeableinwinter，wasoppositetoMuran，whereIshouldhavetogotwiceaweek，ItoldthedoctorIshouldbegladtolookatthehouse。
　　Itookleaveoftherichandfortunateambassadoratmidnight，andbeforepassingthedaywithmynewprizeIwenttosleepsoastobefreshandcapableofrunningagoodcourse。
　　IwenttoBarberineatanearlyhour，andassoonasshesawmeshesaid，"Mymotherwillnotbebacktilltheevening，andmybrotherwilltakehisdinnerattheschool。Hereisafowl，aham，somecheese，andtwobottlesofScopolowine。Wewilltakeourmesswheneveryoulike:"
　　"Youastonishme，sweetheart，forhowdidyoumanagetogetsuchagooddinner？"
　　"Weoweittomymother，sotoherbethepraise。"
　　"Youhavetoldher，then，whatwearegoingtodo？"
　　"No，notI，forIknownothingaboutit；butItoldheryouwerecomingtoseeme，andatthesametimeIgaveherthetensequins。"
　　"Andwhatdidyourmothersay？"
　　"Shesaidshewouldn’tbesorryifyouweretolovemeasyoulovedmysister。"
　　"Iloveyoubetter，thoughIloveherwell。"
　　"Youloveher？Whyhaveyoulefther，then？"
　　"Ihavenotlefther，forwesuppedtogetheryesterdayevening；butwenolongerlivetogetheraslovers，thatisall。Ihaveyieldedheruptoarichfriendofmine，whohasmadeherfortune。"
　　"Thatiswell，thoughIdon’tunderstandmuchabouttheseaffairs。I
　　hopeyouwilltellToninethatIhavetakenherplace，andIshouldbeverypleasedifyouwouldletherknowthatyouarequitesureyouaremyfirstlover。"
　　"Andsupposingthenewsvexesher？"
　　"Somuchthebetter。Willyoudoitforme？it’sthefirstfavourI
　　haveaskedofyou。"
　　"Ipromisetodoso。"
　　Afterthisrapiddialoguewetookbreakfast，andthen，perfectlyagreed，wewenttobed，ratherasifwewereabouttosacrificetoHymenthantolove。
　　ThegamewasnewtoBarberine，andhertransports，hergreennotions—
　　—whichshetoldmeopenly——herinexperience，orratherherawkwardness，enchantedme。Iseemedforthefirsttimetopluckthefruitofthetreeofknowledge，andneverhadItastedfruitsodelicious。Mylittlemaidwouldhavebeenashamedtoletmeseehowthefirstthornhurther，andtoconvincemethatsheonlysmelttherose，shestrovetomakemethinksheexperiencedmorepleasurethanispossibleinafirsttrial，alwaysmoreorlesspainful。Shewasnotyetabiggirl，therosesonherswellingbreastswereasyetbutbuds，andshewasawomanonlyinherheart。
　　Aftermorethanoneassaultdeliveredandsustainedwithspirit，wegotupfordinner，andafterwehadrefreshedourselveswemountedoncemorethealtaroflove，whereweremainedtilltheevening。
　　Laurafoundusdressedandwellpleasedwitheachotheronherreturn。ImadeBarberineanotherpresentoftwentysequins，Isworetoloveheralways，andwentonmyway。AtthetimeIcertainlymeanttokeeptomyoath，butthatwhichdestinyhadinstoreformecouldnotbereconciledwiththesepromiseswhichwelledforthfrommysoulinamomentofexcitement。
　　ThenextmorningRighelinitookmetoseethelodginghehadspokentomeabout。Ilikeditandtookitonthespot，payingthefirstquarterinadvance。Thehousebelongedtoawidowwithtwodaughters，theelderofwhomhadjustbeenblooded。Righeliniwasherdoctor，andhadtreatedherforninemonthswithoutsuccess。AshewasgoingtopayheravisitIwentinwithhim，andfoundmyselfinthepresenceofafinewaxenstatue。Surprisedrewfrommethesewords:
　　"Sheispretty，butthesculptorshouldgivehersomecolour。"
　　Onwhichthestatuesmiledinamannerwhichwouldhavebeencharmingifherlipshadbutbeenred。
　　"Herpallor，"saidRighelini，"willnotastonishyouwhenItellyoushehasjustbeenbloodedforthehundredandfourthtime。"
　　Igaveaverynaturalgestureofsurprise。
　　Thisfinegirlhadattainedtheageofeighteenyearswithoutexperiencingthemonthlyreliefaffordedbynature，theresultbeingthatshefeltadeathlyfaintnessthreeorfourtimesaweek，andtheonlyreliefwastoopenthevein。
　　"Iwanttosendhertothecountry，"saidthedoctor，"wherepureandwholesomeair，and，aboveall，moreexercise，willdohermoregoodthanallthedrugsintheworld。"
　　AfterIhadbeentoldthatmybedshouldbemadereadybytheevening，IwentawaywithRighelini，whotoldmethattheonlycureforthegirlwouldbeagoodstronglover。
　　"Butmydeardoctor，"saidI，"can’tyoumakeyourownprescription？"
　　"Thatwouldbetooriskyagame，forImightfindmyselfcompelledtomarryher，andIhatemarriagelikethedevil。"
　　ThoughIwasnobetterinclinedtowardsmarriagethanthedoctor，I
　　wastoonearthefirenottogetburnt，andthereaderwillseeinthenextchapterhowIperformedthemiraculouscureofbringingthecoloursofhealthintothecheeksofthispallidbeauty。
　　CHAPTERXXV
　　TheFairInvalidICureHer——APlotFormedtoRuinMe——WhatHappenedattheHouseoftheYoungCountessBonafede——TheErberia——DomiciliaryVisit——MyConversationwithM。deBragadin——IAmArrestedbyOrderoftheStateInquisitors。
　　AfterleavingDr。RigheliniIwenttosupwithM。deBragadin，andgavethegenerousandworthyoldmanahappyevening。Thiswasalwaysthecase；ImadehimandhistwogoodfriendshappywheneverI
　　tookmealswiththem。
　　Leavingthematanearlyhour，Iwenttomylodgingandwasgreatlysurprisedtofindmybedroombalconyoccupied。Ayoungladyofanexquisitefigureroseassoonasshesawme，andgracefullyaskedmepardonforthelibertyshehadtaken。
　　"Iam，"shesaid，"thestatueyousawthismorning。Wedonotlightthecandlesintheeveningforfearofattractingthegnats，butwhenyouwanttogotobedwewillshutthedoorandgoaway。Ibegtointroduceyoutomyyoungersister，mymotherhasgonetobed。"
　　Iansweredhertotheeffectthatthebalconywasalwaysatherservice，andthatsinceitwasstillearlyIbeggedtheirpermissiontoputonmydressing—gownandtokeepthemcompany。Herconversationwascharming；shemademespendtwomostdelightfulhours，anddidnotleavemetilltwelveo’clock。Heryoungersisterlightedmeacandle，andastheywenttheywishedmeagoodnight。
　　Ilaydownfullofthisprettygirl，andIcouldnotbelievethatshewasreallyill。Shespoketothepoint，shewascheerful，clever，andfullofspirits。IcouldnotunderstandhowitcametopassthatshehadnotbeenalreadycuredinatownlikeVenice，ifhercurewasreallyonlytobeeffectedinthemannerdescribedbyDr。Righelini；
　　forinspiteofherpallorsheseemedtomequitefairenoughtocharmalover，andIbelievedhertobespiritedenoughtodeterminetotakethemostagreeablemedicineadoctorcanprescribe。
　　InthemorningIrangthebellasIwasgettingup，andtheyoungersistercameintomyroom，andsaidthatastheykeptnoservantshehadcometodowhatIwanted。IdidnotcaretohaveaservantwhenIwasnotatM。deBragadin’s，asIfoundmyselfmoreatlibertytodowhatIliked。Aftershehaddonemesomesmallservices，Iaskedherhowhersisterwas。
　　"Verywell，"saidshe，"forherpalecomplexionisnotanillness，andsheonlysufferswhenherbreathfailsher。Shehasaverygoodappetite，andsleepsaswellasIdo。"
　　"WhomdoIhearplayingtheviolin？"
　　"It’sthedancingmastergivingmysisteralesson。"
　　IhurriedovermydressingthatImightseeher；andIfoundhercharming，thoughherolddancingmasterallowedhertoturninhertoes。AllthatthisyoungandbeautifulgirlwantedwasthePrometheanspark，thecolouroflife；herwhitenesswastoolikesnow，andwasdistressingtolookat。
　　Thedancingmasterbeggedmetodanceaminuetwithhispupil，andI
　　assented，askinghimtoplaylarghissimo。"Thesignorinawouldfindittootiring，"saidhe；butshehastenedtoanswerthatshedidnotfeelweak，andwouldliketodancethus。Shedancedverywell，butwhenwehaddoneshewasobligedtothrowherselfinachair。"Infuture，mydearmaster，"saidshe，"Iwillonlydancelikethat，forIthinktherapidmotionwilldomegood。"
　　Whenthemasterwasgone，Itoldherthatherlessonsweretooshort，andthathermasterwaslettinghergetintobadhabits。Ithensetherfeet，hershoulders，andherarmsinthepropermanner。Itaughtherhowtogiveherhandgracefully，tobendherkneesintime；infine，Igaveheraregularlessonforanhour，andseeingthatshewasgettingrathertiredIbeggedhertositdown，andIwentouttopayavisittoM。M。
　　Ifoundherverysad，forC————C————’sfatherwasdead，andtheyhadtakenheroutoftheconventtomarryhertoalawyer。BeforeleavingC————C————hadleftaletterforme，inwhichshesaidthatifIwouldpromisetomarryheratsometimesuitabletomyself，shewouldwaitforme，andrefuseallotheroffers。IansweredherstraightforwardlythatIhadnopropertyandnoprospects，thatI
　　leftherfree，advisinghernottorefuseanyofferwhichmightbetoheradvantage。
　　InspiteofthisdismissalC————C————didnotmarryN————tillaftermyflightfromTheLeads，whennobodyexpectedtoseemeagaininVenice。Ididnotseeherfornineteenyears，andthenIwasgrievedtofindherawidow，andpoorlyoff。IfIwenttoVenicenowI
　　shouldnotmarryher，foratmyagemarriageisanabsurdity，butI
　　wouldsharewithhermylittleall，andlivewithheraswithadearsister。
　　WhenIhearwomentalkingaboutthebadfaithandinconstancyofmen，andmaintainingthatwhenmenmakepromisesofeternalconstancytheyarealwaysdeceivers，Iconfessthattheyareright，andjoinintheircomplaints。Stillitcannotbehelped，forthepromisesofloversaredictatedbytheheart，andconsequentlythelamentationsofwomenonlymakemewanttolaugh。Alas！welovewithoutheedingreason，andceasetoloveinthesamemanner。
　　AboutthistimeIreceivedaletterfromtheAbbedeBernis，whowrotealsotoM————M————。HetoldmethatIoughttodomyutmosttomakeournuntakeareasonableviewofthings，dwellingontherisksIshouldrunincarryingheroffandbringinghertoParis，whereallhisinfluencewouldbeofnoavailtoobtainforusthatsafetysoindispensabletohappiness。IsawM————M————；weshewedeachotherourletters，shehadsomebittertears，andhergriefpiercedmetotheheart。Istillhadagreatloveforherinspiteofmydailyinfidelities，andwhenIthoughtofthosemomentsinwhichIhadseenhergivenovertovoluptuousnessIcouldnothelppityingherfateasIthoughtofthedaysofdespairinstoreforher。Butsoonafterthisaneventhappenedwhichgaverisetosomewholesomereflections。Oneday，whenIhadcometoseeher，shesaid，"Theyhavejustbeenburyinganunwhodiedofconsumptionthedaybeforeyesterdayintheodourofsanctity。Shewascalled’MariaConcetta。’Sheknewyou，andtoldC————C————yournamewhenyouusedtocometomassonfeastdays。C————C————beggedhertobediscreet，butthenuntoldherthatyouwereadangerousman，whosepresenceshouldbeshunnedbyayounggirl。C————C————toldmeallthisafterthemaskofPierrot。"
　　"Whatwasthissaint’snamewhenshewasintheworld？"
　　"Martha。"
　　"Iknowher。"
　　IthentoldM————M————thewholehistoryofmyloveswithNanetteandMarton，endingwiththelettershewroteme，inwhichshesaidthatsheowedme，indirectly，thateternalsalvationtowhichshehopedtoattain。
　　Ineightortendaysmyconversationwithmyhostess’daughter——
　　conversationwhichtookplaceonthebalcony，andwhichgenerallylastedtillmidnight——andthelessonIgavehereverymorning，producedtheinevitableandnaturalresults；firstly，thatshenolongercomplainedofherbreathfailing，and，secondly，thatIfellinlovewithher。Nature’scurehadnotyetrelievedher，butshenolongerneededtobeletblood。Righelinicametovisitherasusual，andseeingthatshewasbetterheprophesiedthatnature’sremedy，withoutwhichonlyartcouldkeepheralive，wouldmakeallrightbeforetheautumn。HermotherlookeduponmeasanangelsentbyGodtocureherdaughter，whoforherpartshewedmethatgratitudewhichwithwomenisthefirststeptowardslove。Ihadmadeherdismissherolddancingmaster，andIhadtaughthertodancewithextremegrace。
　　Attheendofthesetenortwelvedays，justasIwasgoingtogiveherherlesson，herbreathfailedinstantaneously，andshefellbackintomyarmslikeadeadwoman。Iwasalarmed，buthermother，whohadbecomeaccustomedtoseeherthus，sentforthesurgeon，andhersisterunlacedher。Iwasenchantedwithherexquisitebosom，whichneedednocolouringtomakeitmorebeautiful。Icovereditup，sayingthatthesurgeonwouldmakeafalsestrokeifheweretoseeherthusuncovered；butfeelingthatIlaidmyhanduponherwithdelight，shegentlyrepulsedme，lookingatmewithalanguishinggazewhichmadethedeepestimpressiononme。
　　Thesurgeoncameandbledherinthearm，andalmostinstantaneouslysherecoveredfullconsciousness。Atmostonlyfourouncesofbloodweretakenfromher，andhermothertellingmethatthiswastheutmostextenttowhichshewasblooded，IsawitwasnosuchmatterforwonderasRighelinirepresentedit，forbeingbloodedtwiceaweekshelostthreepoundsofbloodamonth，whichshewouldhavedonenaturallyifthevesselshadnotbeenobstructed。
　　ThesurgeonhadhardlygoneoutofthedoorwhentomyastonishmentshetoldmethatifIwouldwaitforheramomentshewouldcomebackandbeginherdancing。Thisshedid，anddancedasiftherehadbeennothingthematter。
　　Herbosom，onwhichtwoofmysenseswerequalifiedtogiveevidence，wasthelaststroke，andmadememadlyinlovewithher。Ireturnedtothehouseintheevening，andfoundherinherroomwiththesister。Shetoldmethatshewasexpectinghergod—father，whowasanintimatefriendofherfather’s，andhadcomeeveryeveningtospendanhourwithherforthelasteighteenyears。
　　"Howoldishe？"
　　"Heisoverfifty。"
　　"Isheamarriedman？"
　　"Yes，hisnameisCountS————。Heisasfondofmeasafatherwouldbe，andhisaffectionhascontinuedthesamesincemychildhood。
　　Evenhiswifecomestoseemesometimes，andtoaskmetodinner。
　　NeatautumnIamgoingintothecountrywithher，andIhopethefreshairwilldomegood。Mygod—fatherknowsyouarestayingwithusandissatisfied。Hedoesnotknowyou，butifyoulikeyoucanmakehisacquaintance。"
　　Iwasgladtohearallthis，asIgainedagooddealofusefulinformationwithouthavingtoaskanyawkwardquestions。ThefriendshipofthisGreeklookedverylikelove。HewasthehusbandofCountessS————，whohadtakenmetotheconventatMurantwoyearsbefore。
　　Ifoundthecountaverypoliteman。Hethankedmeinapaternalmannerformykindnesstohisdaughter，andbeggedmetodohimthehonourofdiningwithhimonthefollowingday，tellingmethathewouldintroducemetohiswife。Iacceptedhisinvitationwithpleasure，forIwasfondofdramaticsituations，andmymeetingwiththecountesspromisedtobeanexcitingone。Thisinvitationbespokethecourteousgentleman，andIcharmedmyprettypupilbysinginghispraisesafterhehadgone。
　　"Mygod—father，"saidshe，"isinpossessionofallthenecessarydocumentsforwithdrawingfromthehouseofPersicoourfamilyfortune，whichamountstofortythousandcrowns。Aquarterofthissumbelongstome，，andmymotherhaspromisedmysisterandmyselftoshareherdowrybetweenus。"
　　IconcludedfromthisthatshewouldbringherhusbandfifteenthousandVenetianducats。
　　Iguessedthatshewasappealingtomewithherfortune，andwishedtomakemeinlovewithherbyshewingherselfcharyofherfavours；
　　forwheneverIallowedmyselfanysmallliberties，shecheckedmewithwords，ofremonstrancetowhichIcouldfindnoanswer。I
　　determinedtomakeherpursueanothercourse。
　　NextdayItookherwithmetohergod—father’swithouttellingherthatIknewthecountess。Ifanciedtheladywouldpretendnottoknowme，butIwaswrong，asshewelcomedmeinthehandsomestmannerasifIwereanoldfriend。This，nodoubt，wasasurpriseforthecount，buthewastoomuchamanoftheworldto，shewanyastonishment。Heaskedherwhenshehadmademyacquaintance，andshe，likeawomanofexperience，answeredwithouttheslightesthesitationthatwehadseeneachothertwoyearsagoatMira。Thematterwassettled，andwespentaverypleasantday。
　　TowardseveningItooktheyoungladyinmygondolabacktothehouse，butwishingtoshortenthejourneyIallowedmyselftoindulgeinafewcaresses。Iwashurtatbeingrespondedtobyreproaches，andforthatreason，assoonasshehadsetfootonherowndoorstep，insteadofgettingoutIwenttoTonine’shouse，andspentnearlythewholenighttherewiththeambassador，whocamealittleafterme。
　　Nextday，asIdidnotgetuptillquitelate，therewasnodancinglesson，andwhenIexcusedmyselfshetoldmenottotroubleanymoreaboutit。IntheeveningIsatonthebalconyfarintothenight，butshedidnotcome。VexedatthisairofindifferenceIroseearlyinthemorningandwentout，notreturningtillnightfall。Shewasonthebalcony，butasshekeptmeatarespectfuldistanceIonlytalkedtoheroncommonplacesubjects。InthemorningIwasrousedbyatremendousnoise。Igotup，andhurriedlyputtingonmydressing—gownranintoherroomtoseewhatwasthematter，onlytofindherdying。Ihadnoneedtofeignaninterestinher，forI
　　feltthemosttenderconcern。AsitwasatthebeginningofJulyitwasextremelyhot，andmyfairinvalidwasonlycoveredbyathinsheet。Shecouldonlyspeaktomewithhereyes，butthoughthelidswereloweredshelookeduponmesolovingly！Iaskedherifshesufferedfrompalpitations，andlayingmyhanduponherheartI
　　pressedafierykissuponherbreast。Thiswastheelectricspark，forshegaveasighwhichdidhergood。ShehadnotstrengthtorepulsethehandwhichIpressedamorouslyuponherheart，andbecomingbolderIfastenedmyburninglipsuponherlanguidmouth。
　　Iwarmedherwithmybreath，andmyaudacioushandpenetratedtotheverysanctuaryofbliss。Shemadeanefforttopushmeback，andtoldmewithhereyes，sinceshecouldnotspeak，howinsultedshefelt。Idrewbackmyhand，andatthatmomentthesurgeoncame。
　　Hardlywastheveinopenedwhenshedrewalongbreath，andbythetimetheoperationwasovershewishedtogetup。Ientreatedhertostayinbed，andhermotheraddedhervoicetomine；atlastI
　　persuadedher，tellingherthatIwouldnotleaveherforasecond，andthatIwouldhavemydinnerbyherbedside。Shethenputonacorsetandaskedhersistertodrawasarcenetcoverletoverher，asherlimbscouldbeseenasplainlyasthroughacrapeveil。
　　Havinggivenordersformydinner，Isatdownbyherbedside，burningwithlove，andtakingherhandandcoveringitwithkissesItoldherthatIwassureshewouldgetbetterifshewouldletherselflove。
　　"Alas！"shesaid，"whomshallIlove，notknowingwhetherIshallbelovedinreturn？"
　　Ididnotleavethisquestionunanswered，andcontinuingtheamorousdiscoursewithanimationIwonasighandalovelornglance。Iputmyhandonherknee，begginghertoletmeleaveitthere，andpromisingtogonofarther，butlittlebylittleIattainedthecenter，andstrovetogivehersomepleasantsensations。
　　"Letmealone，"saidshe，inasentimentalvoice，drawingaway，"’tisperchancethecauseofmyillness。"
　　"No，sweetheart，"Ireplied，"thatcannotbe。"Andmymouthstoppedallherobjectionsuponherlips。
　　Iwasenchanted，forIwasnowinafairway，andIsawthemomentofblissinthedistance，feelingcertainthatIcouldeffectacureifthedoctorwasnotmistaken。Isparedherallindiscreetquestionsoutofregardforhermodesty；butIdeclaredmyselfherlover，promisingtoasknothingofherbutwhatwasnecessarytofeedthefireofmylove。Theysentmeupaverygooddinner，andshedidjusticetoit；afterwardssayingthatshewasquitewellshegotup，andIwentawaytodressmyselfforgoingout。Icamebackearlyintheevening，andfoundheronmybalcony。There，asIsatclosetoherlookingintoherface，speakingbyturnsthelanguageoftheeyesandthatofsighs，fixingmyamorousgazeuponthosecharmswhichthemoonlightrenderedsweeter，Imadehershareinthefirewhichconsumedme；andasIpressedheramorouslytomybosomshecompletedmyblisswithsuchwarmththatIcouldeasilyseethatshethoughtshewasreceivingafavourandnotgrantingone。Isacrificedthevictimwithoutstainingthealtarwithblood。
　　Hersistercametotellherthatitgrewlate。
　　"Doyougotobed，"sheanswered；"thefreshairisdoingmegood，andIwanttoenjoyitalittlelonger。"
　　Assoonaswewerealonewewenttobedtogetherasifwehadbeendoingitforawholeyear，andwepassedagloriousnight，Ifullofloveandthedesireofcuringher，andsheoftenderandardentvoluptuousness。Atday—breaksheembracedme，hereyesdewywithbliss，andwenttoliedowninherownbed。I，likeher，stoodinneedofarest，andonthatdaytherewasnotalkofadancinglesson。Inspiteofthefiercepleasureofenjoymentandthetransportsofthisdelightfulgirl，Ididnotforamomentlayprudenceaside。Wecontinuedtopasssuchnightsastheseforthreeweeks，andIhadthepleasureofseeingherthoroughlycured。I
　　shoulddoubtlesshavemarriedher，ifaneventhadnothappenedtometowardstheendofthemonth，ofwhichIshallspeaklowerdown。
　　Youwillremember，dearreader，aboutaromancebytheAbbeChiari，asatiricalromancewhichMr。Murrayhadgivenme，andinwhichIfaredbadlyenoughattheauthor’shandsIhadsmallreasontobepleasedwithhim，andIlethimknowmyopinioninsuchwisethattheabbewhodreadedacaning，keptuponhisguard。AboutthesametimeI
　　receivedananonymousletter，thewriterofwhichtoldmethatI
　　shouldbebetteroccupiedintakingcareofmyselfthaninthoughtsofchastisingtheabbe，forIwasthreatenedbyanimminentdanger。
　　Anonymousletter—writersshouldbeheldincontempt，butoneoughttoknowhow，onoccasion，tomakethebestofadvicegiveninthatway。
　　Ididnothing，andmadeagreatmistake。
　　AboutthesametimeamannamedManuzzi，astonesetterforhisfirsttrade，andalsoaspy，avileagentoftheStateInquisitors——amanofwhomIknewnothing——foundawaytomakemyacquaintancebyofferingtoletmehavediamondsoncredit，andbythismeanshegottheentryofmyhouse。Ashewaslookingatsomebooksscatteredhereandthereabouttheroom，hestoppedshortatthemanuscriptswhichwereonmagic。Enjoyingfoolishlyenough，hislookofastonishment，Ishewedhimthebookswhichteachonehowtosummontheelementaryspirits。Myreaderswill，Ihope，domethefavourtobelievethatIputnofaithintheseconjuringbooks，butIhadthembymeandusedtoamusemyselfwiththemasonedoesamuseone’sselfwiththemultitudinousfollieswhichproceedfromtheheadsofvisionaries。Afewdaysafter，thetraitorcametoseemeandtoldmethatacollector，whosenamehemightnottellme，wasreadytogivemeathousandsequinsformyfivebooks，butthathewouldliketoexaminethemfirsttoseeiftheyweregenuine。Ashepromisedtoletmehavethembackintwenty—fourhours，andnotthinkingmuchaboutthematter，Ilethimhavethem。Hedidnotfailtobringthembackthenextday，tellingmethatthecollectorthoughtthemforgeries。Ifoundout，someyearsafter，thathehadtakenthemtotheStateInquisitors，whothusdiscoveredthatIwasanotablemagician。
　　Everythingthathappenedthroughoutthisfatalmonthtendedtomyruin，forMadameMemmo，motherofAndre，Bernard，andLaurentMemmo，hadtakenitintoherheadthatIhadinclinedhersonstoatheisticopinions，andtookcounselwiththeoldknightAntonyMocenigo，M。deBragadin’suncle，whowasangrywithme，because，ashesaid，Ihadconspiredtoseducehisnephew。Thematterwasaseriousone，andanauto—da—fewasverypossible，asitcameunderthejurisdictionoftheHolyOffice——akindofwildbeast，withwhichitisnotgoodtoquarrel。Nevertheless，astherewouldbesomedifficultyinshuttingmeupintheecclesiasticalprisonsoftheHolyOffice，itwasdeterminedtocarrymycasebeforetheStateInquisitors，whotookuponthemselvestheprovisionaldutyofputtingawatchuponmymannerofliving。
　　M。AntonyCondulmer，whoasafriendofAbbeChiari’swasanenemyofmine，wasthenanInquisitorofState，andhetooktheopportunityoflookinguponmeinthelightofadisturberofthepeaceofthecommonwealth。Asecretaryofanembassy，whomIknewsomeyearsafter，toldmethatapaidinformer，withtwootherwitnesses，also，doubtless，inthepayofthisgrandtribunal，haddeclaredthatIwasguiltyofonlybelievinginthedevil，asifthisabsurdbelief，ifitwerepossible，didnotnecessarilyconnoteabeliefinGod！ThesethreehonestfellowstestifiedwithanoaththatwhenIlostmoneyatplay，onwhichoccasionallthefaithfularewonttoblaspheme，Iwasneverheardtocursethedevil。Iwasfurtheraccusedofeatingmeatalltheyearround，ofonlygoingtohearfinemasses，andIwasvehementlysuspectedofbeingaFreemason。ItwasaddedthatI
　　frequentedthesocietyofforeignministers，andthatlivingasIdidwiththreenoblemen，itwascertainthatIrevealed，forthelargesumswhichIwasseentolose，asmanystatesecretsasIcouldwormoutofthem。
　　Alltheseaccusations，noneofwhichhadanyfoundationinfact，servedtheTribunalasapretexttotreatmeasanenemyofthecommonwealthandasaprimeconspirator。ForseveralweeksIwascounselledbypersonswhomImighthavetrustedtogoabroadwhilsttheTribunalwasengagedonmycase。Thisshouldhavebeenenough，fortheonlypeoplewhocanliveinpeaceatVenicearethosewhoseexistencetheTribunalisignorantof，butIobstinatelydespisedallthesehints。IfIhadlistenedtotheindirectadvicewhichwasgivenme，Ishouldhavebecomeanxious，andIwastheswornfoeofallanxiety。Ikeptsayingtomyself，"IfeelremorsefornothingandIamthereforeguiltyofnothing，andtheinnocenthavenothingtofear。"Iwasafool，forIarguedasifIhadbeenafreemaninafreecountry。Imustalsoconfessthatwhattoagreatextentkeptmefromthinkingofpossiblemisfortunewastheactualmisfortunewhichoppressedmefrommorningtonight。Ilosteveryday，Iowedmoneyeverywhere，Ihadpawnedallmyjewels，andevenmyportraitcases，takingtheprecaution，however，ofremovingtheportraits，whichwithmyimportantpapersandmyamorouslettersIhadplacedinthehandsofMadameManzoni。Ifoundmyselfavoidedinsociety。Anoldsenatortoldme，oneday，thatitwasknownthattheyoungCountessBonafedehadbecomemadinconsequenceofthelovephiltresIhadgivenher。Shewasstillattheasylum，andinhermomentsofdeliriumshedidnothingbututtermynamewithcurses。Imustletmyreadersintothesecretofthissmallhistory。
　　ThisyoungCountessBonafede，towhomIhadgivensomesequinsafewdaysaftermyreturntoVenice，thoughtherselfcapableofmakingmecontinuemyvisits，fromwhichshehadprofitedlargely。WorriedbyherlettersIwenttoseeherseveraltimes，andalwaysleftherafewsequins，butwiththeexceptionofmyfirstvisitIwasneverpoliteenoughtogiveheranyproofsofmyaffection。Mycoldnesshadbaulkedallherendeavoursforayear，whensheplayedacriminalpart，ofwhich，thoughIwasneverableabsolutelytoconvicther，I
　　hadeveryreasontobelieveherguilty。
　　Shewrotemealetter，inwhichsheimportunedmetocomeandseeheratacertainhouronimportantbusiness。
　　Mycuriosity，aswellasadesiretobeofservicetoher，tookmethereattheappointedtime；butassoonasshesawmesheflungherarmsroundmyneck，andtoldmethattheimportantbusinesswaslove。
　　Thismademelaughheartily，andIwaspleasedtofindherlookingneaterthanusual，which，doubtless，mademefindherlookingprettier。SheremindedmeofSt。Andre，andsucceededsowellinhereffortsthatIwasonthepointofsatisfyingherdesires。Itookoffmycloak，andaskedherifherfatherwerein。Shetoldmehehadgoneout。Beingobligedtogooutforaminute，incomingbackI
　　mistookthedoor，andIfoundmyselfinthenextroom，whereIwasmuchastonishedtoseethecountandtwovillainous—lookingfellowswithhim。
　　"Mydearcount，"Isaid，"yourdaughterhasjusttoldmethatyouwereout。"
　　"Imyselftoldhertodoso，asIhavesomebusinesswiththesegentlemen，which，however，canwaitforanotherday。"
　　Iwouldhavegone，buthestoppedme，andhavingdismissedthetwomenhetoldmethathewasdelightedtoseeme，andforthwithbeganthetaleofhistroubles，whichwereofmorethanonekind。TheStateInquisitorshadstoppedhisslenderpension，andhewasontheeveofseeinghimselfdrivenoutwithhisfamilyintothestreetstobeghisbread。Hesaidthathehadnotbeenabletopayhislandlordanythingforthreeyears，butifhecouldpayonlyaquarter’srent，hewouldobtainarespite，orifhepersistedinturninghimout，hecouldmakeanight—flittingofit，andtakeuphisabodesomewhereelse。Asheonlywantedtwentyducats，Itookoutsixsequinsandgavethemtohim。Heembracedme，andshedtearsofjoy；then，takinghispoorcloak，hecalledhisdaughter，toldhertokeepmecompany，andwentout。
　　Alonewiththecountess，Iexaminedthedoorofcommunicationbetweenthetworoomsandfounditslightlyopen。
　　"Yourfather，"Isaid，"wouldhavesurprisedme，anditiseasytoguesswhathewouldhavedonewiththetwosbirriwhowerewithhim。
　　Theplotisclear，andIhaveonlyescapedfromitbythehappiestofchances。"
　　Shedenied，wept，calledGodtowitness，threwherselfonherknees；
　　butIturnedmyheadaway，andtakingmycloakwentawaywithoutaword。Shekeptonwritingtome，butherlettersremainedunanswered，andIsawhernomore。
　　Itwassummer—time，andbetweentheheat，herpassions，hunger，andwretchedness，herheadwasturned，andshebecamesomadthatshewentoutofthehousestarknaked，andranupanddownSt。Peter’sPlace，askingthosewhostoppedhertotakehertomyhouse。Thissadstorywentalloverthetownandcausedmeagreatdealofannoyance。Thepoorwretchwassenttoanasylum，anddidnotrecoverherreasonforfiveyears。Whenshecameoutshefoundherselfreducedtobegherbreadinthestreets，likeallherbrothers，exceptone，whomIfoundacadetintheguardsoftheKingofSpaintwelveyearsafterwards。
　　AtthetimeofwhichIamspeakingallthishadhappenedayearago，butthestorywasdugupagainstme，anddressedoutintheattireoffiction，andthusformedpartofthosecloudswhichweretodischargetheirthunderuponmetomydestruction。
　　IntheJulyof1755thehatefulcourtgaveMesser—Grandeinstructionstosecureme，aliveordead。InthisfuriousstyleallordersforarrestsproceedingfromtheThreewereissued，fortheleastoftheircommandscarriedwithitthepenaltyofdeath。
　　ThreeorfourdaysbeforetheFeastofSt。James，mypatronsaint，M————M————mademeapresentofseveralellsofsilverlacetotrimasarcenetdresswhichIwasgoingtowearontheeveofthefeast。
　　Iwenttoseeher，dressedinmyfinesuit，andItoldherthatI
　　shouldcomeagainonthedayfollowingtoaskhertolendmesomemoney，asIdidnotknowwheretoturntofindsome。ShewasstillinpossessionofthefivehundredsequinswhichshehadputasidewhenIhadsoldherdiamonds。
　　AsIwassureofgettingthemoneyinthemorningIpassedthenightatplay，andIlostthefivehundredsequinsinadvance。Atday—
　　break，beinginneedofalittlequiet，IwenttotheErberia，aspaceofgroundonthequayoftheGrandCanal。Hereisheldtheherb，fruit，andflowermarket。
　　PeopleingoodsocietywhocometowalkintheErberiaataratherearlyhourusuallysaythattheycometoseethehundredsofboatsladenwithvegetables，fruitandflowers，whichhailfromthenumerousislandsnearthetown；buteveryoneknowsthattheyaremenandwomenwhohavebeenspendingthenightintheexcessesofVenusorBacchus，orwhohavelostallhopeatthegaming—table，andcomeheretobreathapurerairandtocalmtheirminds。Thefashionofwalkinginthisplaceshewshowthecharacterofanationchanges。
　　TheVenetiansofoldtimewhomadeasgreatamysteryofloveasofstateaffairs，havebeenreplacedbythemodernVenetians，whosemostprominentcharacteristicistomakeamysteryofnothing。ThosewhocometotheErberiawithwomenwishtoexcitetheenvyoftheirfriendsbythuspublishingtheirgoodfortune。Thosewhocomealoneareonthewatchfordiscoveries，oronthelook—outformaterialstomakewivesorhusbandsjealous，thewomenonlycometobeseen，gladtoleteverybodyknowthattheyarewithoutanyrestraintupontheiractions。Therewascertainlynoquestionofsmartnessthere，consideringthedisorderedstyleofdressworn。Thewomenseemedtohaveagreedtoshewallthesignsofdisorderimaginable，togivethosewhosawthemsomethingtotalkabout。Asforthemen，onwhosearmstheyleaned，theircarelessandloungingairswereintendedtogivetheideaofasurfeitofpleasure，andtomakeonethinkthatthedisorderedappearanceoftheircompanionswasasuretriumphtheyhadenjoyed。Inshortitwasthecorrectthingtolooktiredout，andasifonestoodinneedofsleep。
　　Thisveraciousdescription，reader，willnotgiveyouaveryhighopinionofthemoralsofmydearfellowcitizens；butwhatobjectshouldIhaveatmyagefordeceiving？Veniceisnotattheworld’send，butiswellenoughknowntothosewhosecuriositybringsthemintoItaly；andeveryonecanseeforhimselfifmypicturesareoverdrawn。
　　Afterwalkingupanddownforhalfanhour，Icameaway，andthinkingthewholehousestilla—bedIdrewmykeyouttoopenthedoor，butwhatwasmyastonishmenttofindituseless，asthedoorwasopen，andwhatismore，thelockburstoff。Iranupstairs，andfoundthemallup，andmylandladyutteringbitterlamentations。
　　"Messer—Grande，"shetoldme，"hasenteredmyhouseforcibly，accompaniedbyabandofsbirri。Heturnedeverythingupsidedown，onthepretextthathewasinsearchofaportmanteaufullofsalt——ahighlycontrabandarticle。Hesaidheknewthataportmanteauhadbeenlandedtheretheeveningbefore，whichwasquitetrue；butitbelongedtoCountS————，andonlycontainedlinenandclothes。
　　Messer—Grande，afterinspectingit，wentoutwithoutsayingaword。"
　　Hehadalsopaidmyroomavisit。Shetoldmethatshemusthavesomereparationmadeher，andthinkingshewasintherightI
　　promisedtospeaktoM。deBragadinonthematterthesameday。
　　Needingrestaboveallthings，Ilaydown，butmynervousexcitement，whichIattributedtomyheavylossesatplay，mademeriseafterthreeorfourhours，andIwenttoseeM。deBragadin，towhomItoldthewholestorybegginghimtopressforsomesignalamends。Imadealivelyrepresentationtohimofallthegroundsonwhichmylandladyrequiredproportionateamendstobemade，sincethelawsguaranteedthepeaceofalllaw—abidingpeople。
　　IsawthatthethreefriendsweregreatlysaddenedbywhatIsaid，andthewiseoldman，quietlybutsadly，toldmethatIshouldhavemyanswerafterdinner。
　　DelaHayedinedwithus，butallthroughthemeal，whichwasamelancholyone，hespokenotaword。Hissilenceshouldhavetoldmeall，ifIhadnotbeenundertheinfluenceofsomemalevolentgeniiwhowouldnotallowmetoexercisemycommonsense:astothesorrowofmythreefriends，Iputthatdowntotheirfriendshipforme。
　　Myconnectionwiththeseworthymenhadalwaysbeenthetalkofthetown，andasallwereagreedthatitcouldnotbeexplainedonnaturalgrounds，itwasdeemedtobetheeffectofsomesorceryexercisedbyme。Thesethreemenwerethoroughlyreligiousandvirtuouscitizens；Iwasnothingifnotirreligious，andVenicedidnotcontainagreaterlibertine。Virtue，itwassaid，mayhavecompassiononvice，butcannotbecomeitsfriend。
　　AfterdinnerM。deBragadintookmeintohisclosetwithhistwofriends，fromwhomhehadnosecrets。HetoldmewithwonderfulcalmnessthatinsteadofmeditatingvengeanceonMesser—GrandeI
　　shouldbethinkingofputtingmyselfinaplaceofsafety。
　　"Theportmanteau，"saidhe，"wasamerepretext；itwasyoutheywantedandthoughttofind。Sinceyourgoodgeniushasmadethemmissyou，lookoutforyourself；perhapsbyto—morrowitmaybetoolate。IhavebeenaStateInquisitorforeightmonths，andIknowthewayinwhichthearrestsorderedbythecourtarecarriedout。
　　Theywouldnotbreakopenadoortolookforaboxofsalt。Indeed，itispossiblethattheyknewyouwereout，andsoughttowarnyoutoescapeinthismanner。Takemyadvice，mydearson，andsetoutdirectlyforFusina，andthenceasquicklyasyoucanmakeyourwaytoFlorence，whereyoucanremaintillIwritetoyouthatyoumayreturnwithsafety。IfyouhavenomoneyIwillgiveyouahundredsequinsforpresentexpenses。Believemethatprudencebidsyougo。"
　　Blindedbymyfolly，IansweredhimthatbeingguiltyofnothingI
　　hadnothingtofear，andthatconsequently，althoughIknewhisadvicewasgood，Icouldnotfollowit。
　　"Thehighcourt，"saidhe，"maydeemyouguiltyofcrimesrealorimaginary；butinanycaseitwillgiveyounoaccountoftheaccusationsagainstyou。Askyouroracleifyoushallfollowmyadviceornot。"IrefusedbecauseIknewthefollyofsuchaproceeding，butbywayofexcuseIsaidthatIonlyconsulteditwhenIwasindoubt。Finally，IreasonedthatifIfledIshouldbeshewingfear，andthusconfessingmyguilt，foraninnocentman，feelingnoremorse，cannotreasonablybeafraidofanything。
　　"Ifsecrecy，"saidI，"isoftheessenceoftheCourt，youcannotpossiblyjudge，aftermyescape，whetherIhavedonesorightlyorwrongly。Thesamereasons，which，accordingtoyourexcellence，bidmego，wouldforbidmyreturn。MustIthensaygood—byeforevertomycountry，andallthatisdeartome？"Asalastresourcehetriedtopersuademetopassthefollowingdayandnight，atleast，atthepalace。IamstillashamedofhavingrefusedtheworthyoldmantowhomIowedsomuchthisfavour；forthepalaceofanobleissacredtothepolicewhodarenotcrossitsthresholdwithoutaspecialorderfromtheTribunal，whichispracticallynevergiven；byyieldingtohisrequestIshouldhaveavoidedagrievousmisfortune，andsparedtheworthyoldmansomeacutegrief。
　　IwasmovedtoseeM。deBragadinweeping，andperhapsImighthavegrantedtohistearsthatwhichIhadobstinatelyrefusedtohisargumentsandentreaties。"ForHeaven’ssake！"saidI，"sparemetheharrowingsightofyourtears。"Inaninstanthesummonedallhisstrengthtohisassistance，madesomeindifferentremarks，andthen，withasmilefullofgoodnature，heembracedme，saying，"PerhapsI
　　maybefatednevertoseeyouagain，but’Fataviaminvenient’。"
　　Iembracedhimaffectionately，andwentaway，buthispredictionwasverified，forIneversawhimagain；hediedelevenyearsafterwards。
　　Ifoundmyselfinthestreetwithoutfeelingtheslightestfear，butIwasinagooddealoftroubleaboutmydebts。IhadnotthehearttogotoMurantotakeawayfromM。M。herlastfivehundredsequins，whichsumIowedtothemanwhowonitfrommeinthenight；I
　　preferredaskinghimtowaiteightdays，andIdidso。AfterperformingthisunpleasantpieceofbusinessIreturnedhome，and，havingconsoledmylandladytotheutmostofmypower，Ikissedthedaughter，andlaydowntosleep。ThedatewasJuly25th，1755。
　　Nextmorningatday—breakwhoshouldentermyroombuttheawfulMesser—Grande。Toawake，toseehim，andtohearhimaskingifI
　　wereJacquesCasanova，wastheworkofamoment。Atmy"yes，IamCasanova，"hetoldmetorise，toputonmyclothes，togivehimallthepapersandmanuscriptsinmypossession，andtofollowhim。
　　"Onwhoseauthoritydoyouordermetodothis？"
　　"BytheauthorityoftheTribunal。"
　　EndMEMOIRSOFJACQUESCASANOVAdeSEINGALT1725—1798
　　TOPARISANDPRISON，Volume2e——UNDERTHELEADS
　　THERAREUNABRIDGEDLONDONEDITIONOF1894TRANSLATEDBYARTHUR
　　MACHENTOWHICHHASBEENADDEDTHECHAPTERSDISCOVERED
　　BYARTHURSYMONS。
　　UNDERTHELEADS
　　CHAPTERXXVI
　　UnderTheLeads——TheEarthquakeWhatastrangeandunexplainedpowercertainwordsexerciseuponthesoul！I，whotheeveningbeforesobravelyfortifiedmyselfwithmyinnocenceandcourage，bythewordtribunalwasturnedtoastone，withmerelythefacultyofpassiveobediencelefttome。