Ithendrewfrommypocket—bookalittlearticleoftransparentskin，abouteightincheslong，withoneopening，whichwasornamentedwitharedrosette。Igaveherthispreventivesheath，andshelooked，admired，andlaughedloudly，askingmeifIhadusedsucharticleswithherVenetiansister。"Iwillputitonmyself；youdon’tknowhowIshallenjoyit。Whydidn’tyouuseonelastnight？Howcouldyouhaveforgottenit？Well，Ishallbeverywretchedifanythingcomesofit。WhatshallIdoinfourorfivemonths，whenmyconditionbecomespastdoubt？"
　　"Dearest，theonlythingtodoisnottothinkofit，forifthedamageisdone，thereisnocureforit；butfrommyexperienceandknowledgeofthelawsofnatureIexpectthatoursweetcombatsoflastnightwillprobablyhavenotroublesomeconsequences。Ithasbeenstatedthatafterchild—birthawomancannotconceiveafreshwithouthavingseensomethingwhichIexpectyouhavenotseen。"
　　"No，Godbethanked！"
　　"Good。Thenletusnotgiveanythoughttothedismalfuturelestweloseourpresentbliss。"
　　"Iamquitecomforted；butIcan’tunderstandwhyyouareafraidto—
　　dayofwhatyouwerenotafraidyesterday；mystateisthesame。"
　　"Theeventhassometimesgiventhelietothemosteminentphysicians。Nature，wiserthanthey，hasexceptionstoherrules，letusnotdefythemforthefuture，butletusnottroubleourselvesifwehavedefiedthereinthepast。"
　　"Iliketohearyoutalksosagely。Yes，wewillbeprudentwhateveritcosts。Thereyouare，hoodedlikeamotherabbess，butinspiteofthefinenessofthesheathIlikethelittlefellowbetterquitenaked。Ithinkthatthiscoveringdegradesusboth。"
　　"Youareright，itdoes。Butletusnotdwellontheseideaswhichwillonlyspoilourpleasure。"
　　"Wewillenjoyourpleasuredirectly；letmebereasonablenow，forI
　　haveneverthoughtofthesemattersbefore。Lovemusthaveinventedtheselittlesheaths，butitmustfirsthavelistenedtothevoiceofprudence，andIdonotliketoseeloveandprudenceallied。"
　　"Thecorrectnessofyourargumentssurprisesme，butwewillphilosophizeanothertime。"
　　"Waitaminute。Ihaveneverseenamanbefore，andIhaveneverwishedtoenjoythesightasmuchasnow。TenmonthsagoIshouldhavecalledthatarticleaninventionofthedevil；butnowIlookupontheinventorasabenefactor，forifmywretchedhump—backhadprovidedhimselfwithsuchasheathhewouldnothaveexposedmetothedangeroflosingmyhonourandmylife。But，tellme，howisthatthemakersofthesethingsremainunmolested；Iwondertheyarenotfoundout，excommunicated，orheavilyfined，orevenpunishedcorporeally，iftheyareJewsasIexpect。Dearme，themakerofthisonemusthavemeasuredyoubadly！Look！itistoolargehere，andtoosmallthere；itmakesyouintoaregularcurve。Whatastupidthefellowmustbe，hecan’tknowhisowntrade！Butwhatisthat？"
　　"Youmakemelaugh；it’sallyourfault。Youhavebeenfeelingandfondling，andyouseethenaturalconsequence。Iknewitwouldbeso。"
　　"Andyoucouldn’tkeepitbackaminute。Itisgoingonnow。Iamsosorry；itisadreadfulpity。"
　　"Thereisnotmuchharmdone，soconsoleyourself。"
　　"HowcanI？youarequitedead。Howcanyoulaugh？"
　　"Atyourcharmingsimplicity。YoushallseeinamomentthatyourcharmswillgivemenewlifewhichIshallnotlosesoeasily。"
　　"Wonderful！Icouldn’thavebelievedit！"
　　Itookoffthesheath，andgaveheranother，whichpleasedherbetter，asitseemedtofitmebetter，andshelaughedforjoyassheputiton。Sheknewnothingofthesewonders。Herthoughtshadbeenboundinchains，andshecouldnotdiscoverthetruthbeforesheknewme；butthoughshewasscarcelyoutofEgyptsheshewedalltheeagernessofanenquiringandnewlyemancipatedspirit。"Buthowiftherubbingmakesthesheathfalloff？"saidshe。Iexplainedtoherthatsuchanaccidentcouldscarcelyhappen，andalsotoldherofwhatmaterialtheEnglishmadethesearticles。
　　Afterallthistalking，ofwhichmyardourbegantoweary，weabandonedourselvestolove，thentosleep，thentoloveagain，andsoonalternatelytillday—break。AsIwasleaving，thewomanofthehousetoldusthatthepainterhadaskedfourlouis，andthatshehadgivetwolouistoherfoster—son。Igavehertwelve，andwenthome，whereIslepttillmorn，withoutthinkingofbreakfastingwiththeMarquisdePrie，butIthinkIshouldhavegivenhimsomenoticeofmyinabilitytocome。Hismistresssulkedwithmealldinner—time，butsoftenedwhenIallowedmyselftobepersuadedintomakingabank。However，Ifoundshewasplayingforheavystakes，andIhadtocheckheronceortwice，whichmadehersocrossthatshewenttohideherill—temperinacornerofthehall。However，themarquiswon，andIwaslosing，whenthetaciturnDukeofRosebury，histutorSmith，andtwoofhisfellow—countrymen，arrivedfromGeneva。Hecameuptomeandsaid，"Howdoyoudo？"andwithoutanotherwordbegantoplay，invitinghiscompanionstofollowhisexample。
　　SeeingmybankinthelastagonyIsentLeDuctomyroomforthecash—box，whenceIdrewoutfiverollsofahundredlouiseach。TheMarquisdePriesaid，coolly，thathewouldn’tmindbeingmypartner，andinthesametoneIbeggedtobeexcused。HecontinuedpuntingwithoutseemingtobeoffendedatmyrefusalandwhenIputdownthecardsandrosefromthetablehehadwontwohundredlouis；butalltheothershadlost，especiallyoneoftheEnglishmen，sothatIhadmadeaprofitofathousandlouis。ThemarquisaskedmeifIwouldgivehimchocolateinmyroomnextmorning，andIrepliedthatI
　　shouldbegladtoseehim。Ireplacedmycash—boxinmyroom，andproceededtothecottage，pleasedwiththeday’sworkandfeelinginclinedtocrownitwithlove。
　　Ifoundmyfairfriendlookingsomewhatsad，andonmyenquiringthereasonshetoldmethatanephewofthecountry—woman’s，whohadcomefromChamberithatmorning，hadtoldherthathehadheardfromalay—sisterofthesameconvent，whomheknew，thattwosisterswouldstartatday—breakintwodays’timetofetchher；thissadnews，shesaid，hadmadehertearsflowfast。
　　"Buttheabbesssaidthesisterscouldnotstartbeforetendayshadexpired。"
　　"Shemusthavechangedhermind。"
　　"Sorrowintrudesintoourhappystate。Willyoubemywife？WillyoufollowmetoRomeandreceiveabsolutionfromyourvows。YoumaybesurethatIshallhaveacareforyourhappiness。"
　　"Nay，Ihavelivedlongenough；letmereturntomytomb。"
　　AftersupperItoldthegoodwomanthatifshecouldrelyonhernephew，shewoulddowelltosendhimatoncetoChamberiwithorderstoreturndirectlythelay—sistersstarted，andtoendeavourtoreachAixtwohoursbeforethem。ShetoldmethatImightreckonontheyoungman’ssilence，andonhiscarryingoutmyorders。Iquietedinthiswaythecharmingnun’salarm，andgotintobedwithher，feelingsadthoughamorous；andonthepretextthatsherequiredrestIleftheratmidnight，asIwantedtobeathomeinthemorningsinceIhadanengagementwiththemarquis。Induecoursehearrivedwithhismistress，twootherladies，andtheirhusbandsorlovers。
　　Ididnotlimitmyselftogivingthemchocolate；mybreakfastconsistedofalltheluxuriestheplaceafforded。WhenIhadgotridofmytroublesomecompany，ItoldLeDuctoshutmydoor，andtotelleverybodythatIwasillinbedandcouldnotseeanyvisitors。I
　　alsowarnedhimthatIshouldbeawayfortwodays，andthathemustnotleavemyroomamomenttillIcameback。Havingmadethesearrangements，Islippedawayunperceivedandwenttomymistress，resolvednottoleavehertillhalfanhourbeforethearrivalofthelay—sisters。
　　WhenshesawmeandheardthatIwasnotgoingtoleavehertillshewentaway，shejumpedforjoy；andweconceivedtheideaofnothavinganydinnerthatwemightenjoyoursupperthebetter。
　　"Wewillgotobedaftersupper，"saidshe，"andwillnotgetuptillthemessengerbringsthefatalnewsthatthelay—sistershavestarted。"
　　Ithoughttheideaanexcellentone，andIcalledthe，womanofthehousetotellherofourarrangements，andshepromisedtoseethatwewerenotdisturbed。
　　Wedidnotfindthetimelong，fortwopassionateloversfindplentytotalkaboutsincetheirtalkisofthemselves。Andbesidesourcaresses，renewedagainandagain，therewassomethingsomysteriousandsolemninoursituationthatoursoulsandoursenseswereengagedthewholetime。
　　AfterasupperwhichwouldhavepleasedaLucullus，wespenttwelvehoursingivingeachotherproofs，ofourpassionatelove，sleepingafterouramorousstruggles，andwakingonlytorenewthefight。Thenextdaywerosetorefreshourselves，andafteragooddinner，masheddownbysomeexcellentBurgundy，wewenttobedagain；butatfourthecountry—womancametotellusthatthelay—sisterswouldarriveaboutsix。Wehadnothingnowtolookforinthefuture，thediewascast，andwebeganourfarewellcaresses。Isealedthelastwithmyblood。MyfirstM————M————hadseenit，andmysecondrightlysawitalso。Shewasfrightened，butIcalmedherfears。I
　　thenrose，andtakingarollcontainingfiftylouisIbeggedhertokeepthemforme，promisingtocomeforthemintwoyears，andtakethemfromherhandsthroughthegratingofherterribleprison。Shespentthelastquarterofanhourintears，andminewereonlyrestrainedlestIshouldaddtohergrief。Icutoffapieceofherfleeceandalockofherbeautifulhair，promisingheralwaystobearthemnextmyheart。
　　Ilefther，tellingthecountry—womanthatsheshouldseemeagainthenextday，andIwenttobedassoonasIgothome。NextmorningIwasonthewaytoChamberi。Ataquarterofaleague’sdistancefromAixIsawmyangelslowlywalkingalong。Assoonasthelay—
　　sisterswerenearenoughtheyaskedanalmsinthenameofGod。I
　　gavethemaLouis，butmysaintdidnotlookatme。
　　WithabrokenheartIwenttothegoodcountrywoman，whotoldmethatM————M————hadgoneatday—break，biddinghertoremindmeoftheconventgrating。IkissedtheWorthywoman，andIgavehernephewalltheloosesilverIhadaboutme，andreturningtotheinnIhadmyluggageputontothecarriage，andwouldhavestartedthatmomentifIhadhadanyhorses。ButIhadtwohourstowait，andIwentandbadethemarquisfarewell。Hewasout，buthismistresswasintheroombyherself。Onmytellingherofmydeparture，shesaid，"Don’tgo，staywithmeacoupleofdayslonger。"
　　"Ifeelthehonouryouareconferringonme，butbusinessofthegreatestimportanceobligesmetobegoneforthwith。"
　　"Impossible，"saidthelady，asshewenttoaglassthebettertolaceherself，shewingmeasuperbbreast。Isawherdesign，butI
　　determinedtobaulkher。Shethenputonefootuponacouchtoretiehergarter，andwhensheputuptheotherfootIsawbeautiesmoreenticingthanEve’sapple。Itwasnearlyallupwithme，whenthemarquiscamein。Heproposedalittlegameofquinze，andhismistressaskedmetobeherpartner。Icouldnotescape；shesatnexttome，andIhadlostfortyLouisbydinner—time。
　　"Ioweyoutwenty，"saidthelady，asweweregoingdown。
　　AtdessertLeDuccametotellmethatmycarriagewasatthedoor，andIgotup，butunderthepretenceofpayingmethetwentylouisthemarquis’smistressmademecomewithhertoherroom。
　　Whenweweretheresheaddressedmeinaseriousandsupplicatingvoice，tellingmethatifIwentshewouldbedishonoured，aseverybodyknewthatshehadengagedtomakemestay。
　　"DoIlookworthyofcontempt？"saidshe，makingmesitdownuponthesofa。
　　ThenwitharepetitionofhertacticsinthemorningshecontrivedthatIshouldseeeverything。ExcitedbyhercharmsIpraisedherbeauties，Ikissed，Itouched；sheletherselffallonme，andlookedradiantwhenhervagranthandfoundpalpableproofofherpowersofattraction。
　　"Ipromisetobeyoursto—morrow，waittillthen。"
　　Notknowinghowtorefuse，IsaidIwouldkeephertoherword，andwouldhavemyhorsestakenout。Justthenthemarquiscamein，sayinghewouldgivememyrevengeandwithoutansweringIwentdownstairsasiftocomebackagain，butIranoutoftheinn，gotintomycarriage，anddroveoff，promisingagoodfeetothepostillionifhewouldputhishorsesatagallop。
　　EndMEMOIRSOFJACQUESCASANOVAdeSEINGALT1725—1798
　　ADVENTURESINTHESOUTH，Volume4a——DEPARTSWITZERLAND
　　THERAREUNABRIDGEDLONDONEDITIONOF1894TRANSLATEDBYARTHUR
　　MACHENTOWHICHHASBEENADDEDTHECHAPTERSDISCOVERED
　　BYARTHURSYMONS。
　　DEPARTSWITZERLAND
　　CHAPTERI
　　TheDoor——Keeper’sDaughters——TheHoroscopes——Mdlle。RomanTheideaofthesorryplightinwhichIhadlefttheMarquisdePrie，hismistress，andperhapsallthecompany，whohadundoubtedlycovetedthecontentsofmycash—box，amusedmetillI
　　reachedChamberi，whereIonlystoppedtochangehorses。WhenI
　　reachedGrenoble，whereIintendedtostayaweek，Ididnotfindmylodgingtomyliking，andwentinmycarriagetothepost—office，whereIfoundseveralletters，amongstothers，onefromMadamed’Urfe，enclosingaletterofintroductiontoanofficernamedValenglard，who，shetoldme，wasalearnedman，andwouldpresentmeatallthebesthousesinthetown。
　　Icalledonthisofficerandreceivedacordialwelcome。AfterreadingMadamed’Urfe’sletterhesaidhewasreadytobeusefultomeinanythingIpleased。
　　Hewasanamiable，middleagedman，andfifteenyearsbeforehadbeenMadamed’Urfe’sfriend，andinamuchmoreintimatedegreethefriendofherdaughter，thePrincessdeToudeville。ItoldhimthatIwasuncomfortableattheinn，andthatthefirstserviceIwouldaskofhimwouldbetoprocuremeacomfortablelodging。Herubbedhishead，andsaid，——
　　"IthinkIcangetyouroomsinabeautifulhouse，butitisoutsidethetownwalls。Thedoor—keeperisanexcellentcook，andforthesakeofdoingyourcookingIamsurehewilllodgeyoufornothing。"
　　"Idon’twishthat，"saidI。
　　"Don’tbeafraid，"saidthebaron，"hewillmakeitupbymeansofhisdishes；andbesides，thehouseisforsaleandcostshimnothing。Comeandseeit。"
　　Itookasuiteofthreeroomsandorderedsupperfortwo，warningthemanthatIwasdainty，likedgoodthings，anddidnotcareforthecost。IalsobeggedM。deValenglardtosupwithme。ThedoorkeepersaidthatifIwasnotpleasedwithhiscookingIhadonlytosayso，andinthatcaseIshouldhavenothingtopay。I
　　sentformycarriage，andfeltthatIhadestablishedmyselfinmynewabode。OnthegroundfloorIsawthreecharminggirlsandthedoor—keeper’swife，whoallbowedprofoundly。M。deValenglardtookmetoaconcertwiththeideaofintroducingmetoeverybody，butIbeggedhimnottodoso，asIwishedtoseetheladiesbeforedecidingwhichofthemIshouldliketoknow。
　　Thecompanywasanumerousone，especiallywherewomenwereconcerned，buttheonlyonetoattractmyattentionwasaprettyandmodest—lookingbrunette，whosefinefigurewasdressedwithgreatsimplicity。Hercharmingeyes，afterhavingthrownoneglanceinmydirection，obstinatelyrefusedtolookatmeagain。
　　Myvanitymademeconcludeatoncethatshebehavedthusonlytoincreasemydesireofknowingher，andtogivemeplentyoftimetoexamineherside—faceandherfigure，theproportionsofwhichwerenotconcealedbyhersimpleattire。Successbegetsassurance，andthewishisfathertothethought。Icastahungrygazeonthisyoungladywithoutmoreado，justasifallthewomeninEuropewereonlyaseragliokeptformypleasures。ItoldthebaronIshouldliketoknowher。
　　"Sheisagoodgirl，"saidhe，"whoseesnocompany，andisquitepoor。"
　　"Thosearethreereasonswhichmakemethemoreanxioustoknowher。"
　　"Youwillreallyfindnothingtodointhatquarter。"
　　"Verygood。"
　　"Thereisheraunt，Iwillintroduceyoutoherasweleavetheconcert—room。"
　　Afterdoingmethisservice，hecametosupwithme。Thedoor—keeperandcookstruckmeasbeingverylikeLebel。Hemadehistwoprettydaughterswaitonme，andIsawthatValenglardwasdelightedathavinglodgedmetomysatisfaction，buthegrumbledwhenhesawfifteendishes。
　　"Heismakingafoolofyouandme，"hesaid。
　　"Onthecontrary，hehasguessedmytastes。Don’tyouthinkeverythingwasverygood？"
　　"Idon’tdenyit，but……"
　　"Don’tbeafraid；Ilovespendingmymoney。"
　　"Ibegyourpardon，Ionlywantyoutobepleased。"
　　Wehadexquisitewines，andatdessertsomeratafiasuperiortotheTurkish’visnat’IhadtastedseventeenyearsbeforeatYussufAli’s。Whenmylandlordcameupattheendofsupper，ItoldhimthatheoughttobeLouisXV。’sheadcook。
　　"Goonasyouhavebegun，anddobetterifyoucan；butletmehaveyourbilleverymorning。"
　　"Youarequiteright；withsuchanarrangementonecantellhowoneisgettingon。"
　　"Ishouldlikeyoualwaystogivemeices，andyoumustletmehavetwomorelights。But，unlessIammistaken，thosearecandlesthatIsee。IamaVenetian，andaccustomedtowaxlights。"
　　"Thatisyourservant’sfault，sir。"
　　"Howisthat？"
　　"Because，aftereatingagoodsupper，hewenttobed，sayinghewasill。ThusIheardnothingastohowyoulikedthingsdone。"
　　"Verygood，youshalllearnfrommyownlips。"
　　"Heaskedmywifetomakechocolateforyoutomorrowmorning；hegaveherthechocolate，Iwillmakeitmyself。"
　　WhenhehadlefttheroomM。deValenglardsaid，inamannerthatwasatthesametimepleasedandsurprised，thatMadamed’Urfehadbeenapparentlyjokingintellinghimtosparemeallexpense。
　　"It’shergoodnessofheart。Iamobligedtoherallthesame。
　　Sheisanexcellentwoman。"
　　Westayedattabletilleleveno’clock，discussinginnumerablepleasanttopics，andanimatingourtalkwiththatchoiceliqueurmadeatGrenoble，ofwhichwedrankabottle。Itiscomposedofthejuiceofcherries，brandy，sugar，andcinnamon，andcannotbesurpassed，Iamsure，bythenectarofOlympus。
　　Isenthomethebaroninmycarriage，afterthankinghimforhisservices，andbegginghimtobemycompanionearlyandlatewhileIstayedatGrenoble——arequestwhichhegrantedexceptingforthosedaysonwhichhewasonduty。AtsupperIhadgivenhimmybillofexchangeonZappata，whichIendorsedwiththenamedeSeingalt，whichMadamed’Urfehadgivenme。Hediscounteditformenextday。AbankerbroughtmefourhundredlouisandIhadthirteenhundredinmycash—box。Ialwayshadadreadofpenuriousness，andIdelightedmyselfatthethoughtthatM。deValenglardwouldwriteandtellMadamed’Urfe，whowasalwayspreachingeconomytome，whathehadseen。Iescortedmyguesttothecarriage，andIwasagreeablysurprisedwhenIgotbacktofindthedoorkeeper’stwocharmingdaughters。
　　LeDuchadnotwaitedformetotellhimtofindsomepretextfornotservingme。Heknewmytastes，andthatwhentherewereprettygirlsinahouse，thelessIsawofhimthebetterIwaspleased。
　　Thefrankeagernessofthetwogirlstowaitonme，theirutterfreedomfromsuspicionorcoquetry，mademedeterminethatIwouldshewmyselfdeservingoftheirtrust。Theytookoffmyshoesandstockings，didmyhairandputonmynight—gownwithperfectproprietyonbothsides。WhenIwasinbedIwishedthemagoodnight，andtoldthemtoshutthedoorandbringmemychocolateateighto’clocknextmorning。
　　IcouldnothelpconfessingthatIwasperfectlyhappyasI
　　reflectedovermypresentcondition。Ienjoyedperfecthealth，I
　　wasintheprimeoflife，Ihadnocallsonme，Iwasthoroughlyindependent，Ihadarichstoreofexperience，plentyofmoney，plentyofluck，andIwasafavouritewithwomen。ThepainsandtroublesIhadgonethroughhadbeenfollowedbysomanydaysofhappinessthatIfeltdisposedtoblessmydestiny。FulloftheseagreeablethoughtsIfellasleep，andallthenightmydreamswereofhappinessandoftheprettybrunettewhohadplayedwithmeattheconcert。
　　Iwokewiththoughtsofher，andfeelingsurethatweshouldbecomeacquaintedIfeltcurioustoknowwhatsuccessIshouldhavewithher。Shewasdiscreetandpoor；andasIwasdiscreetinmyownwaysheoughtnottodespisemyfriendship。
　　Ateighto’clock，oneofthedoor—keeper’sdaughtersbroughtmemychocolate，andtoldmethatLeDuchadgotthefever。
　　"Youmusttakecareofthepoorfellow。"
　　"Mycousinhasjusttakenhimsomebroth。"
　　"Whatisyourname？"
　　"MynameisRose，andmysisterisManon。"
　　JustthenManoncameinwithmyshirt，onwhichshehadputfreshlace。Ithankedher，andshesaidwithablushthatshedidherfather’shairverywell。
　　"Iamdelightedtohearit，andIshallbeverypleasedifyouwillbekindenoughtodothesameofficesformetillmyservantrecovers。"
　　"Withpleasure，sir。"
　　"AndI，"saidRose，laughing，"willshaveyou。"
　　"Ishouldliketoseehowyoudoit；getthewater。"
　　Irosehastily，whileManonwaspreparingtodomyhair。Rosereturnedandshavedmeadmirably。Assoonasshehadwashedoffthelather，Isaid，"Youmustgivemeakiss，"presentingmycheektoher。Shepretendednottounderstand。
　　"Ishallbevexed，"saidI，gravelybutpleasantly，"ifyourefusetokissme，"
　　Shebeggedtobeexcused，sayingwithalittlesmile，thatitwasnotcustomarytodosoatGrenoble。
　　"Well，ifyouwon’tkissme，youshan’tshaveme。"
　　Thefathercameinatthatpoint，bringinghisbill。
　　"Yourdaughterhasjustshavedmeadmirably，"saidI，"andsherefusestokissme，becauseitisnotthecustomatGrenoble。"
　　"Youlittlesilly，"saidhe，"itisthecustominParis。Youkissmefastenoughafteryouhaveshavedme，whyshouldyoubelesspolitetothisgentleman？"
　　ShethenkissedmewithanairofsubmissiontothepaternaldecreewhichmadeManonlaugh。
　　"Ah！"saidthefather，"yourturnwillcomewhenyouhavefinisheddoingthegentleman’shair。"
　　Hewasacunningfellow，whoknewthebestwaytopreventmecheapeninghim，buttherewasnoneed，asIthoughthischargesreasonable，andasIpaidhiminfullhewentoffingreatglee。
　　ManondidmyhairaswellasmydearDubois，andkissedmewhenshehaddonewithoutmakingasmanydifficultiesasRose。I
　　thoughtIshouldgetonwellwithbothofthem。Theywentdownstairswhenthebankerwasannounced。
　　Hewasquiteayoungman，andafterhehadcountedmeoutfourhundredLouis，heobservedthatImustbeverycomfortable。
　　"Certainly，"saidI，"thetwosistersaredelightful。"
　　"Theircousinisbetter。Theyaretoodiscreet。"
　　"Isupposetheyarewelloff。"
　　"Thefatherhastwothousandfrancsayear。Theywillbeabletomarrywell—to—dotradesmen。"
　　Iwascurioustoseethecousinwhowassaidtobeprettierthanthesisters，andassoonasthebankerhadgoneIwentdownstairstosatisfymycuriosity。ImetthefatherandaskedhimwhichwasLeDuc’sroom，andthereonIwenttoseemyfinefellow。Ifoundhimsittingupinacomfortablebedwitharubicundfacewhichdidnotlookasifheweredangerouslyill。
　　"Whatisthematterwithyou？
　　"Nothing，sir。Iamhavingafinetimeofit。YesterdayI
　　thoughtIwouldbeill。"
　　"Whatmadeyouthinkthat？"
　　"ThesightofthethreeGraceshere，whoaremadeofbetterstuffthanyourhandsomehousekeeper，whowouldnotletmekissher。
　　Theyaremakingmewaittoolongformybroth，however。Ishallhavetospeakseverelyaboutit。"
　　"LeDuc，youarearascal。"
　　"Doyouwantmetogetwell？"
　　"Iwantyoutoputastoptothisfarce，asIdon’tlikeit。"
　　Justthenthedooropened，andthecousincameinwiththebroth。
　　Ithoughtherravishing，andInoticedthatinwaitingonLeDucshehadanimperiouslittleairwhichwellbecameher。
　　"Ishalldineinbed，"saidmySpaniard。
　　"Youshallbeattendedto，"saidtheprettygirl，andshewentout。
　　"Sheputsonbigairs，"saidLeDuc，"butthatdoesnotimposeonme。Don’tyouthinksheisverypretty？"
　　"Ithinkyouareveryimpudent。Youapeyourbetters，andIdon’tapproveofit。Getup。Youmustwaitonmeattable，andafterwardsyouwilleatyourdinnerbyyourself，andtrytogetyourselfrespectedasanhonestmanalwaysis，whateverhiscondition，solongashedoesnotforgethimself。Youmustnotstayanylongerinthisroom，thedoorkeeperwillgiveyouanother。"
　　Iwentout，andonmeetingthefaircousinItoldherthatIwasjealousofthehonourwhichshehaddonemyman，andthatIbeggedhertowaitonhimnolonger。
　　"Oh，Iamveryglad！"
　　Thedoor—keepercameup，andIgavehimmyorders，andwentbacktomyroomtowrite。
　　Beforedinnerthebaroncameandtoldmethathehadjustcomefromtheladytowhomhehadintroducedme。ShewasthewifeofabarristernamedMorin，andaunttotheyoungladywhohadsointerestedme。
　　"Ihavebeentalkingofyou，"saidthebaron，"andoftheimpressionherniecemadeonyou。Shepromisedtosendforher，andtokeepheratthehouseallday。"
　　Afteradinnerasgoodasthesupperofthenightbefore，thoughdifferentfromitinitsdetails，andappetisingenoughtoawakenthedead，wewenttoseeMadameMorin，whoreceiveduswiththeeasygraceofaParisianlady。Sheintroducedmetosevenchildren，ofwhomshewasthemother。Hereldestdaughter，anordinary—lookinggirl，wastwelveyearsold，butIshouldhavetakenhertobefourteen，andsaidso。Toconvincemeofheragethemotherbroughtabookinwhichtheyear，themonth，theday，thehour，andeventheminuteofherbirthwereentered。Iwasastonishedatsuchminuteaccuracy，andaskedifshehadhadahoroscopedrawn。
　　"No，"saidshe，"Ihaveneverfoundanybodytodoit。"
　　"Itisnevertoolate，"Ireplied，"andwithoutdoubtGodhaswilledthatthispleasureshouldbereservedforme。"
　　AtthismomentM。Morincamein，hiswifeintroducedme，andafterthecustomarycomplimentshadpassed，shereturnedtothesubjectofthehoroscope。Thebarristersensiblyobservedthatifjudicialastrologywasnotwhollyfalse，itwas，nevertheless，asuspectedscience；thathehadbeensofoolishasoncetodevoteaconsiderableportionofhistimetoit，butthatonrecognizingtheinabilityofmantodealwiththefuturehehadabandonedastrology，contentinghimselfwiththeveritabletruthsofastronomy。IsawwithpleasurethatIhadtodealwithamanofsenseandeducation，butValenglard，whowasabelieverinastrology，begananargumentwithhimonthesubject。DuringtheirdiscussionIquietlycopiedoutonmytabletsthedateofMdlle。Morin’sbirth。ButM。MorinsawwhatIwasabout，andshookhisheadatme，withasmile。Iunderstoodwhathemeant，butIdidnotallowthattodisconcertme，asIhadmadeupmymindfullyfiveminutesagothatIwouldplaytheastrologeronthisoccasion。
　　Atlastthefairniecearrived。HerauntintroducedmetoherasMdlle。RomanCoupier，hersister’sdaughter；andthen，turningtoher，sheinformedherhowardentlyIhadbeenlongingtoknowhersinceIhadseenherattheconcert。
　　Shewasthenseventeen。Hersatinskinbyitsdazzlingwhitenessdisplayedtogreateradvantagehermagnificentblackhair。Herfeatureswereperfectlyregular，andhercomplexionhadaslighttingeofred；herfineeyeswereatoncesweetandsparkling，hereyebrowswerewellarched，hermouthsmall，herteethregularandaswhiteaspearls，andherlips，ofanexquisiterosyhue，affordedaseattothedeitiesofgraceandmodesty。
　　Aftersomemoments’conversation，M。Morinwasobligedtogooutonbusiness，andagameofquadrillewasproposed，atwhichIwasgreatlypitiedforhavinglostalouis。IthoughtMdlle。Romandiscreet，judicious，pleasantwithoutbeingbrilliant，and，stillbetter，withoutanypretensions。Shewashigh—spirited，even—tempered，andhadanaturalartwhichdidnotallowhertoseemtounderstandtooflatteringacompliment，orajokewhichpassedinanywaytheboundsofpropriety。Shewasneatlydressed，buthadnoornaments，andnothingwhichshewedwealth；
　　neitherear—rings，rings，norawatch。Onemighthavesaidthatherbeautywasheronlyadornment，theonlyornamentsheworebeingasmallgoldcrosshangingfromhernecklaceofblackribbon。Herbreastwaswellshapedandnottoolarge。Fashionandcustommadehershewhalfofitasinnocentlyassheshewedherplumpwhitehand，orhercheeks，whereonthelilyandtherosewerewedded。IlookedatherfeaturestoseeifImighthopeatall；butIwascompletelypuzzled，andcouldcometonoconclusion。Shegavenosignwhichmademehope，butontheotherhandshedidnothingtomakemedespair。Shewassonaturalandsoreservedthatmysagacitywascompletelyatfault。
　　Nevertheless，alibertywhichItookatsuppergavemeagleamofhope。Hernapkinfelldown，andinreturningittoherIpressedherthighamorously，andcouldnotdetecttheslightestdispleasureonherfeatures。ContentwithsomuchIbeggedeverybodytocometodinnerwithmenextday，tellingMadameMorinthatIshouldnotbegoingout，andthatIwasthereforedelightedtoputmycarriageatherservice。
　　WhenIhadtakenValenglardhome，IwenttomylodgingbuildingcastlesinSpainastotheconquestofMdlle。Roman。
　　Iwarnedmylandlordthatweshouldbesixatdinnerandsupperthefollowingday，andthenIwenttobed。AsLeDucwasundressingmehesaid，"Sir，youarepunishingme，butwhatmakesmesorryyouarepunishingyourselfindeprivingyourselfoftheservicesofthoseprettygirls。"
　　"Youarearogue。"
　　"Iknowit，butIserveyouwithallmyheart，andIloveyourpleasureaswellasmyown。"
　　"Youpleadwellforyourself；IamafraidIhavespoiltyou。"
　　"ShallIdoyourhairto—morrow？"
　　"No；youmaygoouteverydaytilldinner—time。"
　　"Ishallbecertaintocatchit。"
　　"ThenIshallsendyoutothehospital。"
　　"Thatisafineprospect，’porDios’。"
　　Hewasimpudent，sly，profligate，andarascallyfellow；butalsoobedient，devoted，discreet，andfaithful，andhisgoodqualitiesmademeoverlookhisdefects。
　　Nextmorning，whenRosebroughtmychocolate，shetoldmewithalaughthatmymanhadsentforacarriage，andafterdressinghimselfintheheightoffashionhehadgoneoffwithhisswordathisside，topaycalls，ashesaid。
　　"Welaughedathim。"
　　"Youwerequiteright，mydearRose。"
　　AsIspoke，Manoncameinundersomepretextorother。Isawthatthetwosistershadanunderstandingnevertobealonewithme；I
　　wasdispleased，butpretendednottonoticeanything。Igotup，andIhadscarcelyputonmydressing—gownwhenthecousincameinwithapacketunderherarm。
　　"Iamdelightedtoseeyou，andabovealltolookatyoursmilingface，forIthoughtyoumuchtooseriousyesterday。"
　　"That’sbecauseM。leDucisagreatergentlemanthanyouare；I
　　shouldnothavepresumedtolaughinhispresence；butIhadmyrewardinseeinghimstartoffthismorninginhisgildedcoach。"
　　"Didheseeyoulaughingathim？"
　　"Yes，unlessheisblind。"
　　"Hewillbevexed。"
　　"Allthebetter。"
　　"Youarereallyverycharming。Whathaveyougotinthatparcel？"
　　"Somegoodsofourownmanufacture。Look；theyareembroideredgloves。"
　　"Theyarebeautiful；theembroideryisexquisitelydone。Howmuchforthelot？"
　　"Areyouagoodhandatabargain。"
　　"Certainly。"
　　"Thenwemusttakethatintoaccount。"
　　Aftersomewhisperingstogetherthecousintookapen，putdownthenumbersofgloves，addedupandsaid，"Thelotwillcostyoutwohundredandtenfrancs。"
　　"Thereareninelouis；givemesixfrancschange。"
　　"Butyoutoldusyouwouldmakeabargain。"
　　"Youwerewrongtobelieveit。"
　　Sheblushedandgavemethesixfrancs。RoseandManonshavedmeanddidmyhair，givingmeakisswiththebestgraceimaginable；
　　andwhenIofferedmycheektothecousinshekissedmeonthemouthinamannerthattoldmeshewouldbewhollymineonthefirstopportunity。
　　"Shallwehavethepleasureofwaitingonyouatthetable？"saidRose。
　　"Iwishyouwould。"
　　"Butweshouldliketoknowwhoiscomingtodinnerfirst；asifitisofficersfromthegarrisonwedarenotcome；theymakesofree。"
　　"MyguestsareMadameMorin，herhusband，andherniece。"
　　"Verygood"
　　Thecousinsaid，"Mdlle。RomanistheprettiestandthebestgirlinGrenoble；butshewillfindsomedifficultyinmarryingasshehasnomoney。"
　　"Shemaymeetsomerichmanwhowillthinkhergoodnessandherbeautyworthamillionofmoney。"
　　"Therearenotmanymenofthatkind。"
　　"No；butthereareafew。"
　　Manonandthecousinwentout，andIwasleftalonewithRose，whostayedtodressme。Iattackedher，butshedefendedherselfsoresolutelythatIdesisted，andpromiseditshouldnotoccuragain。WhenshehadfinishedIgaveheralouis，thankedher，andsentheraway。
　　AssoonasIwasaloneIlockedthedoor，andproceededtoconcoctthehoroscopeIhadpromisedtoMadameMorin。Ifounditaneasytasktofilleightpageswithlearnedfolly；andIconfinedmyselfchieflytodeclaringtheeventswhichhadalreadyhappenedtothenative。Ihaddeftlyextractedsomeitemsofinformationinthecourseofconversation，andfillinguptherestaccordingtothelawsofprobabilityanddressingupthewholeinastrologicaldiction，Iwaspronouncedtobeaseer，andnodoubtswerecastonmyskill。Ididnotindeedrunmuchrisk，foreverythinghungfromanif，andinthejudiciousemploymentofifsliesthesecretofallastrology。
　　Icarefullyre—readthedocument，andthoughtitadmirable。I
　　feltinthevein，andtheuseofthecabalahadmademeanexpertinthissortofthing。
　　Justafternoonallmyguestsarrived，andatonewesatdowntotable。Ihaveneverseenamoresumptuousormoredelicaterepast。Isawthatthecookwasanartistmoreinneedofrestraintthanencouragement。MadameMorinwasverypolitetothethreegirls，whomsheknewwell，andLeDucstoodbehindherchairallthetime，lookingafterherwants，anddressedasrichlyastheking’schamberlain。WhenwehadnearlyfinisheddinnerMdlle。
　　Romanpassedacomplimentonmythreefairwaiting—maids，andthisgivingmeoccasiontospeakoftheirtalentsIgotupandbroughttheglovesIhadpurchasedfromthem。Mdlle。Romanpraisedthequalityofthematerialandthework。Itooktheopportunity，andbeggedleaveoftheaunttogiveherandhernieceadozenpairapiece。Iobtainedthisfavour，andIthengaveMadameMorinthehoroscope。Herhusbandreadit，andthoughanunbelieverhewasforcedtoadmire，asallthedeductionsweretakennaturallyfromthepositionoftheheavenlybodiesattheinstantofhisdaughter’sbirth。Wespentacoupleofhoursintalkingaboutastrology，andthesametimeinplayingatquadrille，andthenwetookawalkinthegarden，whereIwaspolitelylefttoenjoythesocietyofthefairRoman。
　　Ourdialogue，orrathermymonologue，turnedsolelyontheprofoundimpressionshehadmadeonme，onthepassionshehadinspired，onherbeauty，hergoodness，thepurityofmyintentions，andonmyneedoflove，lestIshouldgodowntothegravethemosthaplessofmen。
　　"Sir，"saidshe，atlast，"ifmydestinypointstomarriageIdonotdenythatIshouldbehappytofindahusbandlikeyou。"
　　Iwasemboldenedbythisfrankdeclaration，andseizingherhandI
　　covereditwithfierykisses，sayingpassionatelythatIhopedshewouldnotletmelanguishlong。Sheturnedherheadtolookforheraunt。Itwasgettingdark，andsheseemedtobeafraidofsomethinghappeningtoher。Shedrewmegentlywithher，andonrejoiningtheotherguestswereturnedtothedining—room，whereI
　　madeasmallbankatfarofortheiramusement。MadameMoringaveherdaughterandniece，whosepocketswereempty，somemoney，andValenglarddirectedtheirplaysowellthatwhenweleftofftogotosupperIhadthepleasureofseeingthateachofthethreeladieshadwontwoorthreelouis。
　　Wesatattabletillmidnight。AcoldwindfromtheAlpsstoppedmyplanofproposingashortturninthegarden。MadameMorinoverwhelmedmewiththanksformyentertainment，andIgaveeachofmylady—visitorsarespectfulkiss。
　　Iheardsinginginthekitchen，andongoinginIfoundLeDucinahighstateofexcitementandverydrunk。Assoonashesawmehetriedtorise，buthelosthiscentreofgravity，andfellrightunderthekitchentable。Hewascarriedawaytobed。
　　Ithoughtthisaccidentfavourabletomydesireofamusingmyself，andImighthavesucceededifthethreeGraceshadnotallbeenthere。Loveonlylaughswhentwoarepresent，andthusitisthattheancientmythologytellsnostoryofthelovesoftheGraces，whowerealwaystogether。Ihadnotyetfoundanopportunityofgettingmythreemaidsoneaftertheother，andIdarednotriskageneralattack，whichmighthavelostmetheconfidenceofeachone。Rose，Isaw，wasopenlyjealousofhercousin，asshekeptakeenlook—outafterhermovements。Iwasnotsorry，forjealousyleadstoanger，andangergoesalongway。WhenIwasinbedI
　　sentthemawaywithamodestgoodnight。
　　Nextmorning，Rosecameinbyherselftoaskmeforacakeofchocolate，for，asshesaid，LeDucwasnowillinrealearnest。
　　Shebroughtmethebox，andIgaveherthechocolate，andindoingsoItookherhandandshewedherhowwellIlovedher。Shewasoffended，drewbackherhandsharply，andlefttheroom。AmomentafterManoncameinunderthepretextofshewingmeapieceoflaceIhadtornawayinmyattemptsofthedaybefore，andofaskingmeifsheshouldmendit。Itookherhandtokissit，butshedidnotgivemetime，presentingherlips，burningwithdesire。Itookherhandagain，anditwasjustonthespotwhenthecousincamein。Manonheldthepieceoflace，andseemedtobewaitingformyanswer。ItoldherabsentlythatIshouldbeobligedifshewouldmenditwhenshehadtime，andwiththisshewentout。
　　Iwastroubledbythissuccessionofdisasters，andthoughtthatthecousinwouldnotplaymefalsefromtheearnestofheraffectionwhichshehadgivenmethedaybeforeinthatardentkissofhers。Ibeggedhertogivememyhandkerchief，andgentlydrewherhandtowardsme。Hermouthfastenedtomine，andherhand，whichshelefttomypleasurewithallthegentlenessofalamb，wasalreadyinmotionwhenRosecameinwithmychocolate。
　　Weregainedourcomposureinamoment，butIwasfuriousatheart。
　　IscowledatRose，andIhadarighttodosoafterthemannerinwhichshehadrepulsedmeaquarterofanhourbefore。Thoughthechocolatewasexcellent，Ipronounceditbadlymade。Ichidherforherawkwardnessinwaitingonme，andrepulsedherateverystep。WhenIgotupIwouldnotlethershaveme；Ishavedmyself，whichseemedtohumiliateher，andthenManondidmyhair。
　　Roseandthecousinthenwentout，asiftomakecommoncausetogether，butitwaseasytoseethatRosewaslessangrywithhersisterthanhercousin。
　　AsManonwasfinishingmytoilette，M。deValenglardcamein。Assoonaswewerealone，theofficer，whowasamanofhonourandofmuchsense，inspiteofhisbeliefinastrologyandtheoccultsciences，saidthathethoughtmelookingrathermelancholy，andthatifmysadnesshadanyconnectionwiththefairRoman，hewarnedmetothinknomoreofher，unlessIhadresolvedtoaskherhandinmarriage。IrepliedthattoputanendtoalldifficultiesIhaddecidedonleavingGrenobleinafewdays。WedinedtogetherandwethencalledonMadameMorin，withwhomwefoundherfairniece。
　　MadameMoringavemeaflatteringwelcome，andMdlle。RomanreceivedmesograciouslythatIwasemboldenedtokissherandplaceheronmyknee。Theauntlaughed，thenieceblushed，andthenslippingintomyhandalittlepieceofpapermadeherescape。Ireadonthepapertheyear，day，Hour，andminuteofherbirth，andguessedwhatshemeant。Shemeant，Ithought，thatIcoulddonothingwithherbeforeIhaddrawnupherhoroscope。
　　Myresolvewassoontakentoprofitbythiscircumstance，andI
　　toldherthatIwouldtellherwhetherIcouldobligeherornotnextday，ifshewouldcometoaballIwasgiving。Shelookedatherauntandmyinvitationwasaccepted。
　　Justthentheservantannounced"TheRussianGentleman。"Isawawell—mademanofaboutmyownage，slightlymarkedwiththesmall—pox，anddressedasatraveller。HeaccostedMadameMorinwitheasygrace，waswelcomedheartilybyher，spokewell，scarcelygavemeaglance，anddidnotsayawordtothenieces。
　　IntheeveningM。Morincamein，andtheRussiangavehimasmallphialfullofawhiteliquid，andthenmadeasifhewouldgo，buthewaskepttosupper。
　　Attabletheconversationranonthismarvellousliquidofhis。
　　M。Morintoldmethathehadcuredayoungmanofabruisefromabilliardballinfiveminutes，byonlyrubbingitwiththeliquid。
　　Hesaidmodestlythatitwasatriflingthingofhisowninvention，andhetalkedagooddealaboutchemistrytoValenglard。AsmyattentionwastakenupbythefairMdlle。
　　RomanIcouldnottakepartintheirconversation；myhopeofsucceedingwithheronthefollowingdayabsorbedallmythoughts。
　　AsIwasgoingawaywithValenglardhetoldmethatnobodyknewwhotheRussianwas，andthathewasneverthelessreceivedeverywhere。
　　"Hasheacarriageandservants？"
　　"Hehasnothing，noservantsandnomoney。"
　　"Wheredidhecomefrom？"
　　"Fromtheskies。"
　　"Afairabode，certainly；howlonghashebeenhere？"
　　"Forthelastfortnight。Hevisits，butasksfornothing。"
　　"Howdoeshelive？"
　　"Oncreditattheinn；heissupposedtobewaitingforhiscarriageandservants。"
　　"Heisprobablyavagabond。"
　　"Hedoesnotlooklikeone，asyousawforyourself，andhisdiamondscontradictthathypothesis。"
　　"Yes，iftheyarenotimitationstones，foritseemstomethatiftheywererealhewouldsellthem。"
　　WhenIgothomeRosecamebyherselftoattendonme，butshecontinuedtosulk。Itriedtorouseherup，butasIhadnosuccessIorderedhertogoandtellherfatherthatIwasgoingtogiveaballnextdayintheroombythegarden，andthatsupperwastobelaidfortwenty。
　　Whenthedoor—keepercametotakemyordersthefollowingmorning，ItoldhimthatIshouldlikehisgirlstodanceifhedidn’tmind。AtthisRosecondescendedtosmile，andIthoughtitagoodomen。Justasshewentoutwithherfather，ManoncarneinunderthepretextofaskingmewhatlaceIwouldwearfortheday。I
　　foundherasgentleasalambandaslovingasadove。Theaffairwashappilyconsummated，butwehadanarrowescapeofbeingcaughtbyRose，whocameinwithLeDucandbeggedmetolethimdance，promisingthathewouldbehavehimselfproperly。Iwasgladthateverybodyshouldenjoythemselvesandconsented，tellinghimtothankRose，whohadgothimthisfavour。
　　IhadanotefromMadameMorin，askingmeifshemightbringwithhertotheballtwoladiesofheracquaintanceandtheirdaughters。IrepliedthatIshouldbedelightedforhertoinvitenotonlyasmanyladiesbutasmanygentlemenasshepleased，asI
　　hadorderedsupperfortwentypeople。ShecametodinnerwithhernieceandValenglard，herdaughterbeingbusydressingandherhusbandbeingengagedtilltheevening。SheassuredmethatI
　　shouldhaveplentyofguests。
　　ThefairMdlle。Romanworethesamedress，butherbeautyunadornedwasdazzling。StandingbymesheaskedifIhadthoughtaboutherhoroscope。Itookherhand，madehersitonmyknee，andpromisedthatsheshouldhaveitonthemorrow。Iheldherthus，pressinghercharmingbreastswithmylefthand，andimprintingfierykissesonherlips，whichsheonlyopenedtobegmetocalmmyself。Shewasmoreastonishedthanafraidtoseemetrembling，andthoughshedefendedherselfsuccessfullyshedidnotlosecountenanceforamoment，andinspiteofmyardentgazeshedidnotturnherfaceaway。Icalmedmyselfwithaneffort，andhereyesexpressedthesatisfactionofonewhohasvanquishedagenerousenemybytheforceofreason。BymysilenceIpraisedthevirtueofthiscelestialbeing，inwhosedestinyIonlyhadapartbyoneofthosecapricesofchancewhichphilosophyseekstoexplaininvain。
　　MadameMorincameuptome，andaskedmetoexplainsomepointsinherdaughter’shoroscope。ShethentoldmethatifIwantedtohavefourbeautiesatmyballshehadonlytowriteacoupleofnotes。
　　"Ishallonlyseeonebeauty，"saidI，lookingatherniece。"Godaloneknows，"saidValenglard，"whatpeoplewillsayinGrenoble！"
　　"Theywillsayitisyourweddingball，"saidMadameMorintoherniece。
　　"Yes，andtheywilldoubtlesstalkofmymagnificentdress，mylace，andmydiamonds，"saidtheniece，pleasantly。
　　"Theywilltalkofyourbeauty，yourwit，andyourgoodness，"
　　Ireplied，passionately，"goodnesswhichwillmakeyourhusbandahappyman。"
　　Therewasasilence，becausetheyallthoughtIwasalludingtomyself。Iwasdoingnothingofthesort。Ishouldhavebeengladtogivefivehundredlouisforher，butIdidnotseehowthecontractwastobedrawnup，andIwasnotgoingtothrowmymoneyaway。
　　Wewenttomybedroom，andwhileMdlle。Romanwasamusingherselfwithlookingatthejewellryonmytoilette—table，herauntandValenglardexaminedthebooksonthetablebymybedside。IsawMadameMoringoingtothewindowandlookingcloselyatsomethingsheheldinherhand。IrememberedIhadleftouttheportraitofthefairnun。IrantoherandbeggedhertogivemetheindecentpictureIhadsofoolishlyleftabout。
　　"Idon’tmindtheindecencyofit，"shesaid，"butwhatstrikesmeistheexactlikeness。"
　　Iunderstoodeverything，andIshudderedatthecarelessnessofwhichIhadbeenguilty。
　　"Madam，"Isaid，"thatistheportraitofaVenetian，lady，ofwhomIwasveryfound。"
　　"Idaresay，butit’sverycurious。ThesetwoM’s，thesecast—offrobessacrificedtolove，everythingmakesmysurprisegreater。"
　　"SheisanunandnamedM————M————。"
　　"AndaWelshnieceofmineatCamberiisalsonamedM————M————，andbelongstothesameorder。Nay，more，shehasbeenatAix，whenceyouhavecome，togetcuredofanillness。"
　　"Andthisportraitislikeher？"
　　"Asonedropofwaterislikeanother。"
　　"IfyougotoChambericallonherandsayyoucomefromme；youwillbewelcomeandyouwillbeasmuchsurprisedasIam。"
　　"Iwilldoso，afterIhavebeeninItaly。However，Iwillnotshewherthisportrait，whichwouldscandalizeher；Iwillputitawaycarefully。"
　　"Ibegyounottoshewittoanyone。"
　　"Youmayrelyonme。"
　　Iwasinanecstasyathavingputheroffsoeffectually。
　　Ateighto’clockallmyguestsarrived，andIsawbeforemeallthefairestladiesandthenoblestgentlemenofGrenoble。Theonlythingwhichvexedmewasthecomplimentstheylavishedonme，asiscustomaryintheprovinces。
　　IopenedtheballwiththeladypointedouttomebyM。Valenglard，andthenIdancedwithalltheladiesinsuccession；
　　butmypartnerinallthesquaredanceswasthefairMdlle。Roman，whoshonefromhersimplicity——atleast，inmyeyes。
　　Afteraquadrille，inwhichIhadexertedmyselfagooddeal，I
　　felthotandwentuptomyroomtoputonalightersuit，andasI
　　wasdoingso，incamethefaircousin，whoaskedmeifIrequiredanything。
　　"Yes，you，dearest，"Ireplied，goinguptoherandtakingherinmyarms。"Didanyoneseeyoucominginhere？"
　　"No，Icamefromupstairs，andmycousinsareinthedancing—room。"
　　"Thatiscapital。YouarefairasLovehimself，andthisisanexcellentopportunityforskewingyouhowmuchIloveyou。"
　　"Goodheavens！Whatareyoudoing？Letmego，somebodymightcomein。Well，putoutthelight！"
　　Iputitout，shutthedoor，and，myheadfullofMdlle。Roman，thecousinfoundmeasardentasIshouldhavebeenwiththatdelightfulperson。Iconfess，too，thatthedoor—keeper’sniecewaswellworthyofbeinglovedonherownmerits。Ifoundherperfect，perhapsbetterthanMdlle。Roman，anovice，wouldhavebeen。Inspiteofmyardourherpassionwassoonappeased，andshebeggedmetolethergo，andIdidso；butitwasquitetime。
　　Iwantedtobeginoveragain，butshewasafraidthatourabsencewouldbenoticedbyhertwoArgus—eyedcousins，soshekissedmeandlefttheroom。
　　Iwentbacktotheball—room，andwedancedontillthekingofdoor—keeperscametotellussupperwasready。
　　Acollationcomposedoftheluxurieswhichtheseasonandthecountryaffordedcoveredthetable；butwhatpleasedtheladiesmostwasthenumberandartisticarrangementofthewaxlights。
　　Isatdownatasmalltablewithafewofmyguests，andI
　　receivedthemostpressinginvitationstospendtheautumnintheirtown。IamsurethatifIhadacceptedIshouldhavebeentreatedlikeaprince，forthenobilityofGrenoblebearthehighestcharacterforhospitality。ItoldthemthatifithadbeenpossibleIshouldhavehadthegreatestpleasureinacceptingtheirinvitation，andinthatcaseIshouldhavebeendelightedtohavemadetheacquaintanceofthefamilyofanillustriousgentleman，afriendofmyfather’s。
　　"Whatnameisit？"theyaskedme，altogether。
　　"BouchenudeValbonnais。"
　　"Hewasmyuncle。Ah！sir，youmustcomeandstaywithus。Youdancedwithmydaughter。Whatwasyourfather’sname？
　　Thisstory，whichIinvented，andutteredasIwaswont，onthespurofthemoment，turnedmeintoasortofwonderintheeyesoftheworthypeople。
　　Afterwehadlaughed，jested，drank，andeaten，werosefromthetableandbegantodanceanew。
　　SeeingMadameMorin，herniece，andValenglardgoingintothegarden，Ifollowedthem，andaswewalkedinthemoonlightIledthefairMdlle。Romanthroughacoveredalley；butallmyfinespeecheswereinvain；Icoulddonothing。Iheldherbetweenmyarms，Icoveredherwithburningkisses，butnotonedidshereturntome，andherhandsofferedasuccessfulresistancetomyhardyattempts。Byasuddeneffort，however，Iatlastattainedtheporchofthetempleoflove，andheldherinsuchawaythatfurtherresistancewouldhavebeenofnoavail；butshestoppedmeshortbysayinginavoicewhichnomanoffeelingcouldhaveresisted，——
　　"Bemyfriend，sir，andnotmyenemyandthecauseofmyruin。"
　　Ikneltbeforeher，andtakingherhandbeggedherpardon，swearingnottorenewmyattempts。Ithenroseandaskedhertokissmeasapledgeofherforgiveness。Werejoinedheraunt，andreturnedtotheball—room，butwithallmyendeavoursIcouldnotregainmycalm。
　　Isatdowninacorneroftheroom，andIaskedRose，whopassedbyme，togetmeaglassoflemonade。Whenshebroughtitshegentlychidmefornothavingdancedwithher，hersister，orhercousin。
　　"Itwillgivepeoplebutapooropinionofourmerits。"
　　"Iamtired，"saidI，"butifyouwillpromisetobekindIwilldanceaminuetwithyou。"
　　"Whatdowantmetodo？"saidshe。
　　"Gointomybedroomandwaitformethereinthedarkwhenyouseeyoursisterandyourcousinbusydancing。"
　　"Andyouwillonlydancewithme。"
　　"Iswear"
　　"Thenyouwillfindmeinyourroom。"
　　Ifoundherpassionate，andIhadfullsatisfaction。TokeepmywordwithherIwaitedfortheclosingminuet，forhavingdancedwithRoseIfeltobligedincommondecencytodancewiththeothertwo，especiallyasIowedthemthesamedebt。
　　Atday—breaktheladiesbegantovanish，andasIputtheMorinsintomycarriageItoldthemthatIcouldnothavethepleasureofseeingthemagainthatday，butthatiftheywouldcomeandspendthewholeofthedayafterwithmeIwouldhavethehoroscopeready。
　　Iwenttothekitchentothanktheworthydoor—keeperforhavingmademecutsuchagallantfigure，andIfoundthethreenymphsthere，fillingtheirpocketswithsweetmeats。Hetoldthem，laughing，thatasthemasterwastheretheymightrobhimwithaclearconscience，andIbadethemtakeasmuchastheywould。I
　　informedthedoor—keeperthatIshouldnotdinetillsix，andI
　　thenwenttobed。
　　Iawokeatnoon，andfeelingmyselfwellrestedIsettoworkatthehoroscope，andIresolvedtotellthefairMdlle。RomanthatfortuneawaitedheratParis，whereshewouldbecomehermaster’smistress，butthatthemonarchmustseeherbeforeshehadattainedhereighteenthyear，asatthattimeherdestinywouldtakeadifferentturn。Togivemyprophecyauthority，Itoldhersomecuriouscircumstanceswhichhadhithertohappenedtoher，andwhichIhadlearntnowandagainfromherselforMadameMorinwithoutpretendingtoheedwhattheysaid。
　　WithanEphemerisandanotherastrologicalbook，ImadeoutandcopiedinsixhoursMdlle。Roman’shoroscope，andIhadsowellarrangeditthatitstruckValenglardandevenM。Morinwithastonishment，andmadethetwoladiesquiteenthusiastic。
　　Myhoroscopemustonlybeknowntotheyoungladyandherfamily，whowouldnodoubtkeepthesecretwell。AfterIhadputthefinishingtouchestoit，readit，andreaditagain，IfeltcertainthatIhadmadeamasterpiece，andIthendinedinbedwithmythreenymphs。Iwaspoliteandaffectionatetothemall，andwewereallhappytogether，butIwasthehappiest。M。deValenglardcametoseemeearlythenextday，andinformedmethatnobodysuspectedmeofbeinginlovewithMdlle。Roman，butthatI
　　wasthoughttobeamorousofmylandlord’sgirls。
　　"Well，letthemthinkso，"saidI；"theyareworthyoflove，thoughnottobenamedinthesamebreathwithonepastcompare，butwholeavesmenohope。"
　　"LetmetellMadamed’Urfeallaboutit。"
　　"Certainly；Ishallbedelighted。"
　　M。andMadameMorinandtheirniececameatnoon，andwespentthehourbeforedinnerinreadingthehoroscope。ItwouldbeimpossibletodescribethefourdistinctsortsofsurprisewhichI
　　sawbeforeme。TheinterestingMdlle。Romanlookedverygrave，and，notknowingwhethershehadawillofherown，listenedtowhatwassaidinsilence。M。Morinlookedatmenowandagain，andseeingthatIkeptaseriouscountenancedidnotdaretolaugh。Valenglardshewedfanaticbeliefinastrologyineveryfeature。MadameMorinseemedstruckasbyamiracle，and，farfromthinkingthefactprophesiedtooimprobable，remarkedthatherniecewasmuchmoreworthyofbecominghersovereign’swifeormistressthanthebigotedMaintenonhadbeen。
　　"Shewouldneverhavedoneanything，"saidMadameMorin，"ifshehadnotleftAmericaandcometoFrance；andifmyniecedoesnotgotoParisnobodycansaythatthehoroscopehasprophesiedfalsely。Weshouldtherefore——gotoParis，buthowisittobedone？Idon’tseemywaytoit。Thepredictionofthebirthofasonhassomethingdivineandentrancingaboutit。Idon’twishtoseemprejudiced，butmyniecehascertainlymorequalificationsforgainingtheking’saffectionthantheMaintenonhad:mynieceisagoodgirlandyoung，whiletheMaintenonwasnolongerasyoungasshehadbeen，andhadledastrangelifebeforeshebecameadevotee。ButweshallneveraccomplishthisjourneytoParis。"