"What’sthat？Twoloversandstillamaid！Idon’tunderstand；
　　pleasetellmeaboutit，forIhaveneverheardofsuchathing。"
　　"BeforeIsatisfiedmyfirstloverwhichhappenedwhenIwasonlytwelve，IwasjustthesameasIamnow。"
　　"It’swonderful。Andwhatdidhesaywhenhesawit？"
　　"Isworethathewasmyfirst，andhebelievedme，puttingitdowntothepeculiarshapeofmybody。"
　　"Hewasamanofspirit；butdidn’thehurtyou？"
　　"Notabit；butthenhewasverygentle。"
　　"Youmusthaveatryaftersupper，"saidtheAstroditome，"thatwouldbefinefun。"
　　"No，no，"saidtheLepi，"thegentlemanwouldbetoobigforme。"
　　"Nonsense！Youdon’twanttotakeinallofhim。Iwillshowyouhowitis。"
　　Withthesewordstheimpudenthussyproceededtoexhibitme，andI
　　letherdowhatsheliked。
　　"That’sjustwhatIshouldhavethought，"criedtheLepi；"itcouldneverbedone。"
　　"Well，heisratherbig，"answeredtheAstrodi；"butthere’sacureforeverything，andhewillbecontentwithhalf—measures。"
　　"It’snotthelength，mydear，butthethicknesswhichfrightensme；Iamafraidthedooristoonarrow。"
　　"Allthebetterforyou，foryoucansellyourmaidenheadafterhavinghadtwolovers。"
　　Thisconversation，notdevoidofwit，andstillmorethesimplicityofthehunchback，hadmademeresolvetoverifythingsformyself。
　　Suppercameup，andIhadthepleasureofseeingthetwonymphseatlikestarvingsavages，anddrinkstillbetter。WhentheHermitagehaddoneitsworktheAstrodiproposedthatweshouldcastofftheclotheswhichdisfigurenature。
　　"Certainly，"saidI；"andIwillturnawaywhileyouaregettingready。"
　　Iwentbehindthecurtains，tookoffmyclothes，andwenttobedwithmybacktothem。AtlasttheAstroditoldmethattheywereready，andwhenIlookedtheLepitookupallmyattention。Inspiteofherdoubledeformityshewasahandsomewoman。Myglancesfrightenedher，forshewasdoubtlesstakingpartinanorgyforthefirsttime。Igavehercourage，however，bydintofpraisingthosecharmswhichthewhiteandbeautifulhandscouldnothide，andatlastIpersuadedhertocomeandliebesideme。
　　Herhumppreventedherlyingonherback，buttheingeniousAstrodidoubledupthepillowsandsucceededinplacingherinapositionsimilartothatofashipabouttobelaunched。ItwasalsobythetendercareoftheAstrodithattheintroductionoftheknifewasmanaged，tothegreatdelightofpriestandvictim。
　　Aftertheoperationwasovershegotupandkissedme，whichshecouldnotdobefore，forhermouthreachedtothemiddleofmychest，whilemyfeetwerescarcelydowntoherknees。Iwouldhavegiventenlouistohavebeenabletoseethecurioussightwemusthavepresentedatwork。
　　"Nowcomesmyturn，"saidtheAstrodi；"butIdon’twantyoutoinfringeontherightsofmyauditor，socomeandlookroundandseewherethepathlies。Takethat。"
　　"WhatamItodowiththissliceoflemon？"
　　"Iwantyoutotrywhethertheplaceisfreefrominfection，orwhetheritwouldbedangerousforyoutopayitavisit。"
　　"Isthatasuremethod？"
　　"Infallible；ifeverythingwerenotrightIcouldnotbearthesmart。"
　　"Thereyouare。How’sthat？"
　　"Allright；butdon’tdeceiveme，Iwantnohalfmeasures。MyreputationwouldbemadeifIbecamewithchild。"
　　Iaskmyreader’sleavetodrawaveiloversomeincidentsofthistrulyscandalousorgy，inwhichtheuglywomantaughtmesomethingsIdidnotknowbefore。Atlast，moretiredthanexhausted，Itoldthemtobegone，buttheAstrodiinsistedonfinishingupwithabowlofpunch。Iagreed，butnotwishingtohaveanythingmoretodowitheitherofthemIdressedmyselfagain。However，thechampagnepunchexcitedthemtosuchanextentthatatlasttheymademesharetheirtransports。TheAstrodiplacedherfriendinsuchasingularpositionthatthehumpswerenolongervisible，andimaginingthatIhadbeforemethehighpriestessofJove，Ipaidheralongsacrifice，inwhichdeathandresurrectionfollowedoneanotherinsuccession。ButIfeltdisgustedwithmyself，anddrewawayfromtheirlasciviousfrenzies，andgavethemtenLouistogetridofthem。TheAstrodifellonherknees，blessedme，thankedme，calledmehergod；andtheLepiweptandlaughedforjoyatthesametime；andthusforaquarterofanhourIwastreatedtoasceneofanextraordinarykind。
　　Ihadthemtakenhomeinmycarriage，andslepttillteno’clocknextmorning。JustasIwasgoingoutforawalkStuardcametomyroomandtoldme，withanairofdespair，thatifIdidnotgivehimthemeansofgoingawaybeforeIlefthewouldthrowhimselfintheRhine。
　　"That’srathertragic，"saidI，"butIcanfindacure。Iwilldisbursetwenty—fiveLouis，butitisyourwifewhomustreceivethem；andtheonlyconditionisthatshemustreceivemealoneforanhour，andbeentirelykind。"
　　"Sir，weneedjustthatsum；mywifeisdisposedtoreceiveyou；
　　goandtalktoher。Ishallnotbeintillnoon。"
　　Iputtwenty—fiveLouisinaprettylittlepurse，andleftmyroomthinkingthatthevictorywaswon。Ienteredherroomandapproachedherbedrespectfully。Whensheheardmeshesatupinbedwithouttakingthetroubletocoverherbreast，andbeforeI
　　couldwishhergood—dayshespoketomeasfollows:
　　"Iamready，sir，topaywithmybodyforthewretchedtwenty—fiveLouisofwhichmyhusbandisinneed。Youcandowhatyoulikewithme；butrememberthatintakingadvantageofmypositiontoassuageyourbrutallustyouarethevilerofthetwo，forIonlysellmyselfsocheaplybecausenecessitycompelsmetodoso。
　　Yourbasenessismoreshamefulthanmine。Comeon；hereIam。"
　　Withthisflatteringaddressshethrewoffthecoverletwithavigorousgesture，anddisplayedallherbeauties，whichImighthavegazedonwithsuchdifferentfeelingsfromthosewhichnowfilledmybreast。ForamomentIwassilentwithindignation。
　　Allmypassionhadevaporated；inthosevoluptuousroundedlimbsI
　　sawnowonlythecoveringofawildbeast’ssoul。Iputbackthecoverletwiththegreatestcalmness，andaddressedherinatoneofcoldcontempt:
　　"No，madam，Ishallnotleavethisroomdegradedbecauseyouhavetoldmeso，butIshallleaveitafterimpartingtoyouafewdegradingtruths，ofwhichyoucannotbeignorantifyouareawomanofanydecencywhatever。Herearetwenty—fivelouis，awretchedsumtogiveavirtuouswomaninpaymentofherfavours，butmuchmorethanyoudeserve。Iamnotbrutal，andtoconvinceyouofthefactIamgoingtoleaveyouintheundisturbedpossessionofyourcharms，whichIdespiseasheartilyasIshouldhaveadmiredthemifyourbehaviourhadbeendifferent。IonlygiveyouthemoneyfromafeelingofcompassionwhichIcannotovercome，andwhichistheonlyfeelingInowhaveforyou。
　　Nevertheless，letmetellyouthatwhetherawomansellsherselffortwenty—fivelouisortwenty—fivemillionlouissheisasmuchaprostituteintheonecaseasintheother，ifshedoesnotgiveherlovewithherself，oratalleventsthesemblanceoflove。
　　Farewell。"
　　Iwentbacktomyroom，andincourseoftimeStuardcametothankme。
　　"Sir，"saidI，"letmealone；Iwishtohearnomoreaboutyourwife。"
　　TheywentawaythenextdayforLyons，andmyreaderswillhearofthemagainatLiege。
　　IntheafternoonDolcitookmetohisgardenthatImightseethegardener’ssister。Shewaspretty，butnotsoprettyashewas。
　　Hesoongotherintoagoodhumour，andaftersometriflingobjectionsheconsentedtobelovedbyhiminmypresence。IsawthatthisAdonishadbeenrichlydoweredbynature，andItoldhimthatwithsuchaphysicalconformationhehadnoneedofemptyinghisfather’spursetotravel，andbeforelonghetookmyadvice。
　　ThisfairGanymedemighteasilyhaveturnedmeintoJove，ashestruggledamorouslywiththegardener’ssister。
　　AsIwasgoinghomeIsawayoungmancomingoutofaboat；hewasfromtwentytotwenty—fiveyearsold，andlookedverysad。Seeingmelookingathim，heaccostedme，andhumblyaskedforalms，shewingmeadocumentauthorizinghimtobeg，andapassportstatinghehadleftMadridsixweeksbefore。HecamefromParma，andwasnamedCosta。WhenIsawParmamynationalprejudicespokeinhisfavour，andIaskedhimwhatmisfortunehadreducedhimtobeggary。
　　"Onlylackofmoneytoreturntomynativecountry，"saidhe。
　　"WhatwereyoudoingatMadrid，andwhydidyouleave？"
　　"IwastherefouryearsasvalettoDr。Pistoria，physiciantotheKingofSpain，butonmyhealthfailingIlefthim。HereisacertificatewhichwillshewyouthatIgavesatisfaction。"
　　"Whatcanyoudo？"
　　"Iwriteagoodhand，Icanassistagentlemanashissecretary，andIintendbeingascribewhenIgethome。HerearesomeversesIcopiedyesterday。"
　　"Youwritewell；butcanyouwritecorrectlywithoutabook？"
　　"IcanwritefromdictationinFrench，Latin，andSpanish。"
　　"Correctly？"
　　"Yes，sir，ifthedictationisdoneproperly，foritisthebusinessoftheonewhodictatestoseethateverythingiscorrect。"
　　IsawthatMasterGaetanCostawasanignoramus，butinspiteofthatItookhimtomyroomandtoldLeDuctoaddresshiminSpanish。Heansweredwellenough，butonmydictatingtohiminItalianandFrenchIfoundhehadnottheremotestideasonorthography。
　　"Butyoucan’twrite，"saidItohim。However，Isawhewasmortifiedatthis，andIconsoledhimbysayingthatIwouldtakehimtohisowncountryatmyexpense。Hekissedmyhand，andassuredmethatIshouldfindafaithfulservantinhim。
　　Thisyoungfellowtookmyfancybyhisoriginality；hehadprobablyassumedittodistinguishhimselffromtheblockheadsamongstwhomhehadhithertolived，andnowuseditinperfectgoodfaithwitheverybody。Hethoughtthattheartofascribesolelyconsistedinpossessingagoodhand，andthatthefairestwriterwouldbethebestscribe。HesaidasmuchwhilehewasexaminingapaperIhadwritten，andasmywritingwasnotaslegibleashishetacitlytoldmeIwashisinferior，andthatI
　　shouldthereforetreathimwithsomedegreeofrespect。Ilaughedatthisfad，and，notthinkinghimincorrigibleItookhimintomyservice。IfithadnotbeenforthatoddnotionofhisIshouldprobablyhavemerelygivenhimalouis，andnomore。Hesaidthatspellingwasofnoconsequence，asthosewhoknewhowtospellcouldeasilyguessthewords，whilethosewhodidnotknowwereunabletopickoutthemistakes。Ilaughed，butasIsaidnothinghethoughtthelaughsignifiedapproval。InthedictationIgavehimtheCouncilofTrenthappenedtooccur。AccordingtohissystemhewroteTrentbyathreeandanought。Iburstoutlaughing；buthewasnotintheleastputout，onlyremarkingthatthepronunciationbeingthesameitwasofnoconsequencehowthewordwasspelt。Inpointoffactthisladwasafoolsolelythroughhisintelligence，matchedwithignoranceandunboundedself—confidence。Iwaspleasedwithhisoriginalityandkepthim，andwasthusthegreaterfoolofthetwo，asthereaderwillsee。
　　IleftAvignonnextday，andwentstraighttoMarseilles，nottroublingtostopatAix。Ihaltedatthe"TreizeCantons，"
　　wishingtostayforaweekatleastinthisancientcolonyofthePhocaeans，andtodoasIlikedthere。WiththisideaItooknoletterofintroduction；Ihadplentyofmoney，andneedednobody’shelp。Itoldmylandlordtogivemeachoicefishdinnerinmyownroom，asIwasawarethatthefishinthosepartsisbetterthananywhereelse。
　　Iwentoutthenextmorningwithaguide，totakemebacktotheinnwhenIwastiredofwalking。NotheedingwhereIwent，I
　　reachedafinequay；IthoughtIwasatVeniceagain，andIfeltmybosomswell，sodeeplyistheloveoffatherlandgravenontheheartofeverygoodman。IsawanumberofstallswhereSpanishandLevantinewineswerekept，andanumberofpeopledrinkinginthem。Acrowdofbusinessmenwenthitherandthither，runningupagainsteachother，crossingeachother’spaths，eachoccupiedwithhisownbusiness，andnotcaringwhosewayhegotinto。
　　Hucksters，welldressedandilldressed，women，prettyandplain，womenwhostaredboldlyateveryone，modestmaidenswithdowncasteyes，suchwasthepictureIsaw。
　　Themixtureofnationalities，thegraveTurkandtheglitteringAndalusian，theFrenchdandy，thegrossNegro，thecraftyGreek，thedullHollander；everythingremindedmeofVenice，andI
　　enjoyedthescene。
　　Istoppedamomentatastreetcornertoreadaplaybill，andthenIwentbacktotheinnandrefreshedmywearybodywithadeliciousdinner，washeddownwithchoiceSyracusanwine。AfterdinnerIdressedandtookaplaceintheamphitheatreofthetheatre。
　　CHAPTERIII
　　Rosalie——Toulon——Nice——IArriveatGenoa——M。Grimaldi——VeroniqueandHerSisterInoticedthatthefourprincipalboxesonbothsidesoftheprosceniumwereadornedwithprettywomen，butnotasinglegentleman。IntheintervalbetweenthefirstandsecondactsI
　　sawgentlemenofallclassespayingtheirdevoirstotheseladies。
　　SuddenlyIheardaKnightofMaltasaytoagirl，whowasthesoleoccupantofaboxnexttome，"Iwillbreakfastwithyouto—morrow。"
　　Thiswasenoughforme。IlookedathermorecloselyandfindinghertobeadaintymorselIsaid，assoonastheknighthadgone，—
　　"Willyougivememysupper？"
　　"Withpleasure；butIhavebeentakeninsooftenthatIshan’texpectyouwithoutanearnest。"
　　"HowcanIgiveyouanearnest？Idon’tunderstand。"
　　"Youmustbeanew—comerhere。"
　　"Justarrived。"
　　Shelaughed，calledtheknight，andsaid，——
　　"Bepleasedtoexplaintothisgentleman，whohasjustaskedmeforsupper，themeaningoftheword’earnest。’"
　　Thegood—naturedknightexplained，withasmile，thatthelady，fearinglestmymemoryshouldprovedefective，wantedmetopayformysupperinadvance。Ithankedhim，andaskedherifalouiswouldbeenough；andonherreplyingintheaffirmative，IgavehertheLouisandaskedforheraddress。Theknighttoldmepolitelythathewouldtakemetherehimselfafterthetheatre，adding，——
　　"She’sthewantonestwenchinallMarseilles。"
　　HethenaskedmeifIknewthetown，andwhenItoldhimthatI
　　hadonlycomethatdayhesaidhewasgladtobethefirsttomakemyacquaintance。Wewenttothemiddleof，theamphitheatreandhepointedoutascoreofgirlstorightandleft，allofthemreadytotreatthefirstcomertosupper。Theyareallonthefreelist，andthemanagerfindstheyservehisendsasrespectablewomenwillnotsitintheirboxes，andtheydrawpeopletothetheatre。InoticedfiveorsixofabettertypethantheoneIhadengaged，butIresolvedtosticktoherfortheevening，andtomaketheacquaintanceoftheothersanothertime。
　　"Isyourfavouriteamongstthem？"Isaidtotheknight。
　　"No，Ikeepaballet—girl，andIwillintroduceyoutoher，asI
　　amgladtosaythatIamfreefromalljealousy。"
　　Whentheplaycametoanendhetookmetomynymph’slodging，andwepartedwiththeunderstandingthatweweretoseemoreofoneanother。
　　Ifoundtheladyinundress——acircumstancewhichwentagainsther，forwhatIsawdidnotpleaseme。Shegavemeacapitalsupper，andenlivenedmebysomewittyandwantonsallieswhichmademeregardherinamorefavourablelight。Whenwehadsuppershegotintobed，andaskedmetofollowherexample；butItoldherthatIneversleptout。ShethenofferedmetheEnglisharticlewhichbringspeacetothesoul，butIdidnotaccepttheonesheofferedasIthoughtitlookedofacommonmake。
　　"Ihavefinerones，buttheyarethreefrancseach，andthemakeronlysellsthembythedozen，"shesaid。"Iwilltakeadozeniftheyarereallygood，"Ireplied。
　　Sherangthebell，andayoung，charming，andmodest—lookinggirlcamein。Iwasstruckwithher。
　　"Youhavegotanicemaid，"Iremarked，whenthegirlhadgonefortheprotectivesheaths。
　　"Sheisonlyfifteen，"shesaid，"andwon’tdoanything，assheisnewtoit。"
　　"Willyouallowmetoseeformyself？"
　　"Youmayaskherifyoulike，butIdon’tthinkshewillconsent。"
　　Thegirlcamebackwiththepacket，andputtingmyselfinaproperpositionItoldhertotryoneon。Sheproceededtodosowithasulkyairandwithakindofrepugnancewhichmademefeelinterestedinher。Numberonewouldnotgoon，soshehadtotryonasecond，andtheresultwasthatIbesprinkledherplentifully。Themistresslaughed，butshewasindignant，threwthewholepacketinmyface，andranawayinarage。Iwantednothingmoreafterthis，soIputthepacketinmypocket，gavethewomantwoLouis，andlefttheroom。ThegirlIhadtreatedsocavalierlycametolightmedownstairs，andthinkingIowedheranapologyIgaveheraLouisandbeggedherpardon。Thepoorgirlwasastonished，kissedmyhand，andbeggedmetosaynothingtohermistress。
　　"Iwillnot，mydear，buttellmetrulywhetheryouarestilla’virgointacta’。"
　　"Certainly，sir！"
　　"Wonderful！buttellmewhyyouwouldn’tletmeseeformyself？"
　　"Becauseitrevoltedme。"
　　"Neverthelessyouwillhavetodoso，forotherwise，inspiteofyourprettiness，peoplewillnotknowwhattomakeofyou。Wouldyouliketoletmetry？"
　　"Yes，butnotinthishorriblehouse。"
　　"Where，then？"
　　"Gotomymother’sto—morrow，Iwillbethere。Yourguideknowswhereshelives。"
　　WhenIgotoutside，Iaskedthemanifheknewher。Herepliedintheaffirmative，andsaidhebelievedhertobeanhonestgirl。
　　"Youwilltakemeto—morrowtoseehermother，"Isaid。
　　Nextmorninghetookmetotheendofthetown，toapoorhouse，whereIfoundapoorwomanandpoorchildrenlivingonthegroundfloor，andeatinghardblackbread。
　　"Whatdoyouwant？"saidshe。
　　"Isyoudaughterhere？"
　　"No，andwhatifshewere？Iamnotherbawd。"
　　"No，ofcoursenot，mygoodwoman。"
　　Justthenthegirlcamein，andtheenragedmotherflunganoldpotwhichcamehandy，atherhead。Luckilyitmissed，butshewouldnothaveescapedhermother’stalonsifIhadnotflungmyselfbetweenthem。However，theoldwomansetupadismalshriek，thechildrenimitatedher，andthepoorgirlbegantocry。
　　Thishubbubmademymancomein。
　　"Youhussy！"screamedthemother，"youarebringingdisgraceonme；getoutofmyhouse。Youarenolongermydaughter！"
　　Iwasinadifficultposition。Themanbeggedhernottomakesuchanoise，asitwoulddrawalltheneighboursaboutthehouse；
　　buttheenragedwomanansweredonlybyabuse。Idrewsixfrancsfrommypocketandgavethemtoher，butsheflungtheminmyface。AtlastIwentoutwiththedaughter，whosehairsheattemptedtopulloutbytheroots，whichprojectwasdefeatedbytheaidofmyman。Assoonaswegotoutside，themobwhichtheuproarhadattractedhootedmeandfollowedme，andnodoubtI
　　shouldhavebeentorntopiecesifIhadnotescapedintoachurch，whichIleftbyanotherdooraquarterofanhourlater。
　　Myfrightsavedme，forIknewtheferocityoftheProvencals，andItookcarenottoreplyawordtothestormofabusewhichpouredonme。IbelievethatIwasneveringreaterdangerthanonthatday。
　　BeforeIgotbacktomyinnIwasrejoinedbytheservantandthegirl。
　　"Howcouldyouleadmeintosuchadangerousposition？"saidI。
　　"Youmusthaveknownyourmotherwassavage。"
　　"Ihopedshewouldbehaverespectfullytoyou。"
　　"Becalm；don’tweepanymore。TellmehowIcanserveyou。"
　　"RatherthanreturntothathorriblehouseIwasinyesterdayI
　　wouldthrowmyselfintothesea。"
　　"DoyouknowofanyrespectablehousewhereIcankeepher？"saidItotheman。
　　Hetoldmehedidknowarespectableindividualwholetfurnishedapartments。
　　"Takemetoit，then。"
　　Themanwasofanadvancedage，andhehadroomstoletonallthefloors。
　　"Ionlywantalittlenook，"saidthegirl；andtheoldmantookustothehigheststory，andopenedthedoorofagarret，saying，—
　　"Thisclosetissixfrancsamonth，amonth’srenttobepaidinadvance，andImaytellyouthatmydoorisalwaysshutatteno’clock，andthatnobodycancomeandpassthenightwithyou。"
　　Theroomheldabedwithcoarsesheets，twochairs，alittletable，andachestofdrawers。
　　"Howmuchwillyouboardthisyoungwomanfor？"saidI。
　　Heaskedtwentysous，andtwosousforthemaidwhowouldbringhermealsanddoherroom。
　　"Thatwilldo，"saidthegirl，andshepaidthemonth’srentandtheday’sboard。IlefthertellingherIwouldcomebackagain。
　　AsIwentdownthestairsIaskedtheoldmantoshewmearoomformyself。HeskewedmeaveryniceoneataLouisamonth，andIpaidinadvance。Hethengavemealatch—key，thatImightgoandcomewhenIliked。
　　"Ifyouwishtoboardhere，"saidhe，"IthinkIcouldgivesatisfaction。"
　　Havingdonethisgoodwork，Ihadmydinnerbymyself，andthenwenttoacoffee—housewhereIfoundtheamiableKnightofMaltawhowasplaying。Heleftthegameassoonashesawme，putthefistfullofgoldhehadwonintohispocket，accostedmewiththepolitenessnaturaltoaFrenchman，andaskedmehowIhadlikedtheladywhohadgivenmemysupper。Itoldhimwhathadhappened，atwhichhelaughed，andaskedmetocomeandseehisballet—girl。Wefoundherunderthehairdresser’shands，andshereceivedmewiththeplayfulfamiliaritywithwhichonegreetsanoldacquaintance。Ididnotthinkmuchofher，butIpretendedtobeimmenselystruck，withtheideaofpleasingthegood—naturedknight。
　　Whenthehairdresserlefther，itwastimeforhertogetreadyforthetheatre，andshedressedherself，withoutcaringwhowaspresent。Theknighthelpedhertochangeherchemise，whichsheallowedhimtodoasamatterofcourse，thoughindeedshebeggedmetoexcuseher。
　　AsIowedheracompliment，Icouldthinkofnothingbetterthantotellherthatthoughshehadnotoffendedmeshehadmademefeelveryuncomfortable。
　　"Idon’tbelieveyou，"saidshe。
　　"It’strueallthesame。"
　　Shecameuptometoverifythefact，andfindingIhaddeceivedher，shesaidhalfcrossly，"Youareabadfellow。"
　　ThewomenofMarseillesareundoubtedlythemostprofligateinFrance。Theynotonlypridethemselvesonneverrefusing，butalsoonbeingthefirsttopropose。Thisgirlskewedmearepeater，forwhichshehadgotupalotteryattwelvefrancsaticket。Shehadtenticketsleft；Itookthemall，andsodelightedwasshetotouchmyfiveLouisthatshecameandkissedme，andtoldtheknightthatherunfaithfulnesstohimrestedonlywithme。
　　"Iamcharmedtohearit，"saidtheMaltese。Heaskedmetosupwithher，andIacceptedtheinvitation，butthesolepleasureI
　　hadwaslookingattheknightatwork。HewasfarinferiortoDolci！
　　Iwishedthemgoodnight，andwenttothehousewhereIhadplacedthepoorgirl。Themaidskewedmetomyroom，andIaskedherifImightgotothegarret。Shetookthelight，Ifollowedherup，andRosalie，asthepoorgirlwasnamed，heardmyvoiceandopenedthedoor。Itoldthemaidtowaitformeinmyroom，andIwentinandsatdownonthebed。
　　"Areyoucontented，dear？"Isaid。
　　"Iamquitehappy。"
　　"ThenIhopeyouwillbekind，andfindroomformeinyourbed。"
　　"Youmaycomeifyoulike，butImusttellyouthatyouwillnotfindmeamaid，asIhavehadonelover。"
　　"Youtoldmealie，then？"
　　"Forgiveme，Icouldnotguessyouwouldbemylover。"
　　"Iforgiveyouwillingly；allthemoresoasIamnogreatsticklerformaidenheads。"
　　Shewasasgentleasalamb，andallowedmetogazeonallthosecharmsofwhichmyhandsandmylipsdisputedthepossession；andthenotionthatIwasmasterofallthesetreasuresputfireinallmyveins，buthersubmissiveairdistressedme。
　　"Howisityoudonotpartakemydesires？"saidI。
　　"Idarenot，lestyoutakemeforapretender。"
　　Artificeorstudiedcoquetrymighthavepromptedsuchananswer，buttherealtimidityandthefranknesswithwhichthesewordswereutteredcouldnothavebeenassumed。ImpatienttogainpossessionofherItookoffmyclothes，andongettingintobedtoherIwasastonishedtofindheramaid。
　　"Whydidyoutellmeyouhadalover？"saidI。"Ineverheardofagirltellingalieofthatsortbefore。"
　　"AllthesameIdidnottellalie，butIamverygladthatIseemasifIhaddoneso。"
　　"Tellmeallaboutit。"
　　"CertainlyI，will，forIwanttowinyourconfidence。Thisisthestory:
　　"Twoyearsagomymother，thoughshewashot—tempered，stilllovedme。Iwasaneedle—woman，andearnedfromtwentytothirtysousaday。WhateverIearnedIgavemymother。Ihadneverhadalover，neverthoughtofsuchathing，andwhenmygoodnesswaspraisedIfeltinclinedtolaugh。IhadbeenbroughtupfromachildnevertolookatyoungmenwhenImettheminthestreet，andnevertoreplytothemwhentheyaddressedanyimpudencetome。
　　"Twomonthsagoafineenoughlookingyoungman，anativeofGenoa，andamerchantinasmallway，cametomymothertogethertowashsomeveryfinecottonstockingswhichthesea—waterhadstained。Whenhesawmehewasverycomplimentary，butinanhonestway。Ilikedhim，and，nodoubtseeingit，hecameandcameagaineveryevening。Mymotherwasalwayspresentatourinterviews，andhelookedatmeandtalkedtome，butdidnotsomuchasasktokissmyhand。Mymotherwasverypleasedtonoticethattheyoungmanlikedme，andoftenscoldedmebecauseIwasnotpoliteenoughtohim。IntimehehadtogotoGenoainasmallshipwhichbelongedtohim，andwhichwasladenwithgoods。
　　Heassuredusthathewouldreturnagainthenextspringanddeclarehisintentions。Hesaidhehopedheshouldfindmeasgoodasever，andstillwithoutanylover。Thiswasenough；mymotherlookeduponhimasmybetrothed，andletustalktogetheratthedoortillmidnight。WhenhewentIwouldshutthedoorandliedownbesidemymother，whowasalwaysasleep。
　　"Fourorfivedaysbeforehisdeparture，hetookmyarmandgotmetogowithhimtoaplaceaboutfiftypacesfromthehousetodrinkaglassofMuscatataGreek’s，whokepthistavernopenallnight。Wewereonlyawayforhalfanhour，andthenitwasthathefirstkissedme。WhenIgothomeIfoundmymotherawake，andtoldherall；itseemedsoharmlesstome。
　　"Nextday，excitedbytherecollectionofwhathadhappenedthenightbefore，Iwentwithhimagain，andlovebegantogainground。Weindulgedincaresseswhichwerenolongerinnocent，aswewellknew。However，weforgaveeachother，aswehadabstainedfromthechiefliberty。
　　"Thedayafter，mylover——ashehadtojourneyinthenight——tookleaveofmymother，andassoonasshewasinbedIwasnotlongeringrantingwhatIdesiredasmuchashe。WewenttotheGreek’s，ateanddrank，andourheatedsensesgainedlove’scause；weforgotourduty，andfanciedourmisdemeanouratriumph。
　　"Afterwardswefellasleep，andwhenweawokewesawourfaultintheclear，coldlightofday。Wepartedsorrowfulratherthanrejoicing，andthereceptionmymothergavemewaslikethatyouwitnessedthismorning。Iassuredherthatmarriagewouldtakeawaytheshameofmysin，andwiththisshetookupastickandwouldhavedoneforme，ifIhadnottakentomyheels，morefrominstinctthanfromanyideaofwhatIwasdoing。
　　"OnceinthestreetIknewnotwheretoturn，andtakingrefugeinachurchIstayedtherelikeoneinadreamtillnoon。Thinkofmyposition。Iwashungry，Ihadnorefuge，nothingbuttheclothesIwore，nothingthatwouldgetmeamorselofbread。A
　　womanaccostedmeinthestreet。IknewherandIalsoknewthatshekeptaservants’agency。Iaskedherforthwithifshecouldgetmeaplace。
　　"’Ihadenquiriesaboutamaidthismorning，’saidshe，’butitisforagaywoman，andyouarepretty。Youwouldhaveagooddealofdifficultyinremainingvirtuous。’
　　"’Icankeepofftheinfection，’Ianswered，’andinthepositionIaminIcannotpickandchoose。’
　　"Shethereupontookmetothelady，whowasdelightedtoseeme，andstillmoredelightedwhenItoldherthatIhadneverhadanythingtodowithaman。Ihaverepentedofthisliebitterlyenough，forintheweekIspentatthatprofligatewoman’shouseI
　　havehadtoendurethemosthumiliatinginsultsthatanhonestgirleversuffered。NosoonerdidthemenwhocametothehousehearthatIwasamaidthantheylongedtoslaketheirbrutallustuponme，offeringmegoldifIwouldsubmittotheircaresses。I
　　refusedandwasreviled，butthatwasnotall。FiveorsixtimeseverydayIwasobligedtoremainawitnessofthedisgustingscenesenactedbetweenmymistressandhercustomers，who，whenI
　　wascompelledtolightthemaboutthehouseatnight，overwhelmedmewithinsults，becauseIwouldnotdothemadisgustingserviceforatwelve—souspiece。Icouldnotbearthissortoflifemuchlonger，andIwasthinkingofdrowningmyself。Whenyoucameyoutreatedmesoignominiouslythatmyresolvetodiewasstrengthened，butyouweresokindandpoliteasyouwentawaythatIfellinlovewithyoudirectly，thinkingthatProvidencemusthavesentyoutosnatchmeawayfromtheabyss。Ithoughtyourfinepresencemightcalmmymotherandpersuadehertotakemebacktillmylovercametomarryme。Iwasundeceived，andI
　　sawthatshetookmeforaprostitute。Now，ifyoulike，Iamaltogetheryours，andIrenouncemyloverofwhomIamnolongerworthy。Takemeasyourmaid，Iwillloveyouandyouonly；I
　　willsubmitmyselftoyouanddowhateveryoubidme。"
　　Whetheritwereweaknessorvirtueonmypart，thistaleofwoeandamother’stoogreatseveritydrewtearsfrommyeyes，andwhenshesawmyemotionsheweptprofusely，forherheartwasinneedofsomerelief。
　　"Ithink，mypoorRosalie，youhaveonlyonechemise。"
　　"Alas！thatisall。"
　　Comfortyourself，mydear；allyourwantsshallbesuppliedtomorrow，andintheeveningyoushallsupwithmeinmyroomonthesecondfloor。Iwilltakecareofyou。"
　　"Youpityme，then？"
　　"Ifancythereismorelovethanpityinit。"
　　"WouldtoGoditwereso！"
　　This"wouldtoGod，"whichcamefromtheverydepthsofhersoul，sentmeawayinamerrymood。Theservantwhohadbeenwaitingformefortwohours，andwaslookingratherglum，relaxedwhenshesawthecolourofacrownwhichIgaveherbywayofatonement。
　　"Tellyourmaster，"saidI，"thatRosaliewillsupwithmeto—
　　morrow；letushaveafastingdinner，butletitbeagoodone。"
　　IreturnedtomyinnquiteinlovewithRosalie，andI
　　congratulatedmyselfonhavingatlastheardatruetalefromaprettymouth。Sheappearedtomesowelldisposedthathersmallfailingseemedtomakehershinethemore。Iresolvednevertoabandonher，andIdidsoinallsincerity；wasInotinlove？
　　AfterIhadhadmychocolatenextmorningIwentoutwithaguidetotheshops，whereIgotthenecessaryarticles，payingagoodbutnotanexcessiveprice。Rosaliewasonlyfifteen，butwithherfigure，herwell—formedbreasts，andherroundedarms，shewouldhavebeentakenfortwenty。HershapewassoimprintedonmybrainthateverythingIgotforherfittedasifshehadbeenmeasuredforit。Thisshoppingtookupallthemorning，andintheafternoonthemantookherasmalltrunkcontainingtwodresses，chemises，petticoats，handkerchiefs，stockings，gloves，caps，apairofslippers，afan，awork—bag，andamantle。Iwaspleasedatgivinghersuchadelightfulsurprise，andIlongedforsuppertimethatImightenjoythesightofherpleasure。
　　TheKnightofMaltacametodinewithmewithoutceremony，andI
　　wascharmedtoseehim。Afterwehaddinedhepersuadedmetogotothetheatre，asinconsequenceofthesuspenseofthesubscriptionarrangementstheboxeswouldbefilledwithallthequalityinMarseilles。
　　"Therewillbenoloosewomenintheamphitheatre，"saidhe，"aseverybodyhastopay。"
　　ThatdecidedmeandIwent。Hepresentedmetoaladywithanexcellentconnection，whoaskedmetocomeandseeher。IexcusedmyselfonthepleathatIwasleavingsoshortly。NeverthelessshewasveryusefultomeonmysecondvisittoMarseilles。HernamewasMadameAudibert。
　　Ididnotwaitfortheplaytoend，butwentwherelovecalledme。
　　IhadadelightfulsurprisewhenIsawRosalie；Ishouldnothaveknownher。ButIcannotresistthepleasureofrecallingherpictureasshestoodbeforemethen，despitetheyearsthathaverolledbysincethathappymoment。
　　Rosaliewasanenticing—lookingbrunette，abovethemiddleheight。
　　Herfacewasaperfectoval，andexquisitelyproportioned。Twofineblackeyesshedasoftandravishinglightaround。Hereyebrowswerearched，andshehadawealthofhair，blackandshiningasebony；herskinwaswhileandlightlytingedwithcolour。Onherchinwasadimple，andherslightestsmilesummonedintobeingtwootherdimples，oneoneachcheek。Hermouthwassmall，disclosingtworowsoffairestorientpearls，andfromherredlipsflowedforthanindefinablesweetness。Thelowerlipprojectedeversolightly，andseemeddesignedtoholdakiss。Ihavespokenofherarms，herbreast，andherfigure，whichleftnothingtobedesired，butImustaddtothiscatalogueofhercharms，thatherhandwasexquisitelyshaped，andthatherfootwasthesmallestIhaveeverseen。Astoherotherbeauties，IwillcontentmyselfwithsayingthattheywereinharmonywiththoseIhavedescribed。
　　Toseeheratherbest，onehadtoseehersmiling；andhithertoshehadbeensadorvexed——statesofmindwhichdetractfromawoman’sappearance。Butnowsadnesswasgone，andgratitudeandpleasurehadtakenitsplace。Iexaminedherclosely，andfeltproud，asIsawwhatatransformationIhadeffected；butI
　　concealedmysurprise，lestsheshouldthinkIhadformedanunfavourableimpressionofher。Iproceeded，therefore，totellherthatIshouldexposemyselftoridiculeifIattemptedtokeepabeautylikeherselfforaservant。
　　"Youshallbemymistress，"Isaid，"andmyservantsshallrespectyouasifyouweremywife。"
　　AtthisRosalie，asifIhadgivenheranotherbeing，begantotryandexpresshergratitudeforwhatIhaddone。Herwords，whichpassionmadeconfused，increasedmyjoy；herewasnoartnordeceit，butsimplenature。
　　Therewasnomirrorinhergarret，soshehaddressedbyhersenseoftouch，andIcouldseethatshewasafraidtostandupandlookatherselfinthemirrorinmyroom。Iknewtheweakspotinallwomen’shearts（whichmenareverywronginconsideringasmatterforreproach），andIencouragedhertoadmireherself，whereuponshecouldnotrestrainasmileofsatisfaction。
　　"IthinkImustbeindisguise，"saidshe，"forIhaveneverseenmyselfsodeckedoutbefore。"
　　ShepraisedthetastefulsimplicityofthedressIhadchosen，butwasvexedatthethoughtthathermotherwouldstillbedispleased。
　　"Thinknomoreofyourmother，dearestone。Youlooklikealadyofquality，andIshallbequiteproudwhenthepeopleatGenoaaskmeifyouaremydaughter。"
　　"AtGenoa？"
　　"Yes，atGenoa。Whydoyoublush？"
　　"Fromsurprise；perhapsImayseethereonewhomIhavenotyetforgotten。"
　　"Wouldyouliketostayherebetter？"
　　"No，no！LovemeandbesurethatIloveyouandforyourownsake，notfromanythoughtofmyowninterests。"
　　"Youaremoved，myangel；letmewipeawayyourtearswithkisses。"
　　Shefellintomyarms，andsherelievedthevariousfeelingsofwhichherheartwasfullbyweepingforsometime。Ididnottrytoconsoleher，forshehadnotgrief；sheweptastendersouls，andwomen，moreespecially，oftenwill。WehadadelicioussuppertowhichIdidhonourfortwo，forsheatenothing。Iaskedherifshewassounfortunateasnottocareforgoodfood。
　　"Ihaveasgoodanappetiteasanyone，"shereplied，"andanexcellentdigestion。YoushallseeforyourselfwhenIgrowmoreaccustomedtomysuddenhappiness。"
　　"Atleastyoucandrink；thiswineisadmirable。IfyoupreferGreekmuscatIwillsendforsome。Itwillremindyouofyourlover。"
　　"Ifyoulovemeatall，Ibegyouwillsparemethatmortification。"
　　"Youshallhavenomoremortificationfromme，Ipromiseyou。Itwasonlyajoke，andIbegyourpardonforit。"
　　"AsIlookuponyouIfeelindespairatnothavingknownyoufirst。"
　　"Thatfeelingofyours，whichwellsforthfromthedepthsofyouropensoul，isgrand。Youarebeautifulandgood，foryouonlyyieldedtothevoiceoflovewiththeprospectofbecominghiswife；andwhenIthinkwhatyouaretomeIamindespairatnotbeingsureyouloveme。AnevilgeniuswhispersinmyearthatyouonlybearwithmebecauseIhadthehappinessofhelpingyou。"
　　"Indeed，thatisanevilgenius。Tobesure，ifIhadmetyouinthestreetIshouldnothavefallenheadoverearsinlovewithyou，likeawanton，butyouwouldcertainlyhavepleasedme。IamsureIloveyou，andnotforwhatyouhavedoneforme；forifI
　　wererichandyouwerepoor，Iwoulddoanythingintheworldforyou。ButIdon’twantittobelikethat，forIhadratherbeyourdebtorthanforyoutobemine。Thesearemyrealfeelings，andyoucanguesstherest。"
　　Wewerestilltalkingonthesamesubjectwhenmidnightstruck，andmyoldlandlordcameandaskedmeifIwerepleased。
　　"Imustthankyou，"Ireplied，"Iamdelighted。Whocookedthisdelicioussupper？"
　　"Mydaughter。"
　　"Sheunderstandshercraft；tellherIthoughtitexcellent。"
　　"Yes，sir，butitisdear。"
　　"Nottoodearforme。YoushallbepleasedwithmeasIwithyou，andtakecaretohaveasgoodasupperto—morrowevening，asI
　　hopetheladywillbewellenoughtodojusticetotheproductsofyourdaughter’sculinaryskill。"
　　"Bedisacapitalplacetogetanappetite。Ah！itissixtyyearssinceIhavehadanythingtodowiththatsortofthing。Whatareyoulaughingat，mademoiselle？"
　　"Atthedelightwithwhichyoumustrecollectit。"
　　"Youareright，itisapleasantrecollection；andthusIamalwaysreadytoforgiveyoungfolksthepeccadilloesthatlovemakesthemcommit。"
　　"Youareawiseoldman，"saidI，"everyoneshouldsympathisewiththetenderestofallourmortalfollies。"
　　"Iftheoldmaniswise，"saidRosalie，whenhehadlefttheroom，"mymothermustbeveryfoolish。"
　　"Wouldyoulikemetotakeyoutotheplayto—morrow？"
　　"Praydonot。Iwillcomeifyoulike，butitwillvexmeverymuch。Idon’twanttowalkoutwithyouortogotothetheatrewithyouhere。Goodheavens！Whatwouldpeoplesay。No，neitheratMarseilles；butelsewhere，anythingyoupleaseandwithallmyheart。"
　　"Verygood，mydear，justasyouplease。Butlookatyourroom；
　　nomoregarretforyou；andinthreedayswewillstart。"
　　"Sosoon？"
　　"Yes；tellmeto—morrowwhatyourequireforthejourney，forI
　　don’twantyoutolackforanything，andifyouleaveitalltomeImightforgetsomethingwhichwouldvexme。"
　　"Well，Ishouldlikeanothercloak，acloakwithalining，someboots，anight—cap，andaprayer—book。"
　　"Youknowhowtoread，doyou？"
　　"Certainly；andIcanwritefairlywell。"
　　"Iamgladtohearit。Youraskingmesofreelyforwhatyouwantisatrueproofofyourlove；whereconfidencedwellsnotthereisnolove。Iwillnotforgetanything，butyourfeetaresosmallthatIshouldadviseyoutogetyourbootsyourself。"
　　Ourtalkwassopleasant，andIexperiencedsuchdelightinstudyingherdisposition，thatwedidnotgotobedtillfiveo’clock。Inthearmsofloveandsleepwespentsevendelicioushours，andwhenweroseatnoonwewerefastlovers。Shecalledmethou，talkedofloveandnotofgratitude，and，grownmorefamiliarwithhernewestate，laughedathertroubles。Shekissedmeateveryopportunity，calledmeherdarlingboy，herjoy，andasthepresentmomentistheonlyrealthinginthislife，I
　　enjoyedherlove，Iwaspleasedwithhercaresses，andputawayallideasofthedreadfulfuture，whichhasonlyonecertainty——
　　death，’ultimalinearerum’。
　　Thesecondnightwasfarsweeterthanthefirst；shehadmadeagoodsupper，anddrunkwell，thoughmoderately；thusshewasdisposedtorefineonherpleasure，andtodeliverherselfwithgreaterardourtoallthevoluptuousenjoymentswhichloveinspires。
　　Igaveheraprettywatchandagoldshuttleforhertoamuseherselfwith。
　　"Iwantedit，"saidshe，"butIshouldneverhavedaredtoaskforit。"
　　Itoldherthatthisfearofmydispleasuremademedoubtoncemorewhethershereallylovedme。Shethrewherselfintomyarms，andpromisedthathenceforthshewouldshewmetheutmostconfidence。
　　Iwaspleasedtoeducatethisyounggirl，andIfeltthatwhenhermindhadbeendevelopedshewouldbeperfect。
　　OnthefourthdayIwarnedhertoholdherselfinreadinesstostartatamoment’snotice。IhadsaidnothingaboutmyplanstoCostaorLeDuc，butRosalieknewthatIhadtwoservants，andI
　　toldherthatIshouldoftenmakethemtalkonthejourneyforthesakeofthelaughtertheirfollywouldaffordme。
　　"You，mydear，"Ihadsaidtoher，"mustbeveryreservedwiththem，andnotallowthemtotaketheslightestliberty。Givethemyourordersasamistress，butwithoutpride，andyouwillbeobeyedandrespected。Iftheyforgetthemselvesintheslightestparticular，tellmeatonce。"
　　Istartedfromthehotelofthe"TreizeCantons"withfourpost—
　　horses，LeDucandCostasittingonthecoachman’sseat。Theguide，whomIhadpaidwellforhisservices，tookustoRosalie’sdoor。Igotoutofthecarriage，andafterthankingthekindlyoldlandlord，whowassorrytolosesogoodaboarder，Imadehergetin，satdownbesideher，andorderedthepostillionstogotoToulon，asIwishedtoseethatfineportbeforereturningtoItaly。WegottoToulonatfiveo’clock。
　　MyRosaliebehavedherselfatsupperlikethemistressofahouseaccustomedtothebestsociety。InoticedthatLeDucasheadmanmadeCostawaituponher，butIgotoverhimbytellingmysweetheartthathewouldhavethehonourofdoingherhair，ashecoulddoitaswellasthebestbarberinParis。Heswallowedthegoldenpill，andgaveinwithagoodgrace，andsaid，withaprofoundbow，thathehopedtogivemadamsatisfaction。
　　Wewentoutnextmorningtoseetheport，andwereshewnovertheplacebythecommandant，whoseacquaintancewemadebyaluckychance。HeofferedhisarmtoRosalie，andtreatedherwiththeconsiderationshedeservedforherappearanceandthegoodsenseofherquestions。Thecommandantacceptedmyinvitationtodinner，atwhichRosaliespoketothepointthoughnottoexcess，andreceivedthepolitecomplimentsofourworthyguestwithmuchgrace。Intheafternoonhetookusoverthearsenal，andafterhavinghimtodinnercouldnotrefusehisinvitationtosupper。
　　TherewasnodifficultyaboutRosalie；thecommandantintroducedherimmediatelytohiswife，hisdaughter，andhisson。Iwasdelightedtoseethathermannerwithladiesevensurpassedhermannerwithgentlemen。ShewasoneofNature’sownladies。Thecommandant’swifeanddaughtercaressedheragainandagain，andshereceivedtheirattentionswiththatmodestsensibilitywhichisthesealofagoodeducation。
　　Theyaskedmetodinnerthenextday，butIwassatisfiedwithwhatIhadseen，soItookleave，intendingtostartonthemorrow。
　　WhenwegotbacktotheinnItoldherhowpleasedIwaswithher，andshethrewherarmsroundmyneckforjoy。
　　"Iamalwaysafraid，"saidshe，"ofbeingaskedwhoIam。"
　　"Youneedn’tbeafraid，dearest；inFrancenogentlemanorladywouldthinkofaskingsuchaquestion。"
　　"Butiftheydid，whatoughtItodo？"
　　"Youshouldmakeuseofanevasion。"
　　"What’sanevasion？"
　　"Awayofescapingfromadifficultywithoutsatisfyingimpertinentcuriosity。"
　　"Givemeanexample。"
　　"Well，ifsuchaquestionwereaskedyou，youmightsay，’Youhadbetteraskthisgentleman。’"
　　"Isee，thequestionisavoided；butisnotthatimpolite？"
　　"Yes；butnotsoimpoliteastoaskanembarrassingquestion。"
　　"Andwhatwouldyousayifthequestionwaspassedontoyou？"
　　"Well，myanswerwouldvaryinaratiowiththerespectinwhichI
　　heldthequestioner。Iwouldnottellthetruth，butIshouldsaysomething。AndIamgladtoseeyouattentivetomylessons。
　　Alwaysaskquestions，andyouwillalwaysfindmereadytoanswer，forIwanttoteachyou。Andnowletustobed；wehavetostartforAntibesatanearlyhour，andlovewillrewardyouforthepleasureyouhavegivenmeto—day。"
　　AtAntibesIhiredafeluccatotakemetoGenoa，andasI
　　intendedtoreturnbythesamerouteIhadmycarriagewarehousedforasmallmonthlypayment。Westartedearlywithagoodwind，buttheseabecomingrough，andRosaliebeingmortallyafraid，I
　　hadthefeluccarowedintoVillafranca，whereIengagedacarriagetotakemetoNice。Theweatherkeptusbackforthreedays，andIfeltobligedtocallonthecommandant，anoldofficernamedPeterson。
　　Hegavemeanexcellentreception，andaftertheusualcomplimentshadpassed，said，——
　　"DoyouknowaRussianwhocallshimselfCharlesIvanoff？"
　　"IsawhimonceatGrenoble。"
　　"ItissaidthathehasescapedfromSiberia，andthatheistheyoungersonoftheDukeofCourland。"
　　"SoIhaveheard，butIknownoproofofhisclaimtothetitle。"
　　"HeisatGenoa，whereitissaidabankeristogivehimtwentythousandcrowns。Inspiteofthat，noonewouldgivehimasouhere，soIsenthimtoGenoaatmyownexpense，toridtheplaceofhim。"
　　IfeltverygladthattheRussianhadgoneawaybeforemyarrival。
　　AnofficernamedRamini，whowasstayingatthesameinnasmyself，askedifIwouldmindtakingchargeofapacketwhichM。deSt。Pierre，theSpanishconsul，hadtosendtotheMarquisGrimaldi，atGenoa。ItwasthenoblemanIhadjustseenatAvignon，andIwaspleasedtoexecutethecommission。ThesameofficeraskedmewhetherIhadeverseenacertainMadameStuard。
　　"Shecamehereafortnightagowithamanwhocallshimselfherhusband。Thepoordevilshadn’tapenny，andshe，agreatbeauty，enchantedeverybody，butwouldgivenooneasmileoraword。"
　　"Ihavebothseenandknowher，"Ianswered。"Ifurnishedherwiththemeanstocomehere。HowcouldsheleaveNicewithoutanymoney？"
　　"That’sjustwhatnoonecanunderstand。Shewentoffinacarriage，andthelandlord’sbillwaspaid。Iwasinterestedinthewoman。TheMarquisGrimalditoldmethatshehadrefusedahundredlouisheofferedher，andthataVenetianofhisacquaintancehadfaredjustasbadly。Perhapsthatisyou？"
　　"Itis，andIgavehersomemoneydespitemytreatment。"
　　M。Petersoncametoseeme，andwasenchantedwithRosalie’samiablemanner。Thiswasanotherconquestforher，andIdulycomplimentedheruponit。
　　Niceisaterriblydullplace，andstrangersaretormentedbythemidges，whopreferthemtotheinhabitants。However，Iamusedmyselfatasmallbankatfaro，whichwasheldatacoffee—house，andatwhichRosalie，whoseplayIdirected，wonascoreofPiedmontesepistoles。Sheputherlittleearningsintoapurse，andtoldmeshelikedtohavesomemoneyofherown。Iscoldedherfornothavingtoldmesobefore，andremindedherofherpromise。
　　"Idon’treallywantit，"saidshe，"it’sonlymythoughtlessness。"
　　Wesoonmadeupourlittlequarrel。
　　InsuchwaysdidImakethisgirlmyown，inthehopethatfortheremnantofmydaysshewouldbemine，andsoIshouldnotbeforcedtoflyfromoneladytoanother。Butinexorablefateordaineditotherwise。
　　Theweathergrewfineagain，andwegotonboardoncemore，andthenextdayarrivedatGenoa，whichIhadneverseenbefore。I
　　putupat"St。Martin’sInn，"andfordecency’ssaketooktworooms，buttheywereadjoiningoneanother。ThefollowingdayI
　　sentthepackettoM。Grimaldi，andalittlelaterIleftmycardathispalace。
　　Myguidetookmetoalinen—draper’s，andIboughtsomestuffforRosalie，whowasinwantoflinen。Shewasverypleasedwithit。
　　WewerestillattablewhentheMarquisGrimaldiwasannounced；hekissedmeandthankedmeforbringingtheparcel。HisnextremarkreferredtoMadameStuard。Itoldhimwhathadhappened，andhelaughed，sayingthathewasnotquitesurewhathewouldhavedoneunderthecircumstances。
　　IsawhimlookingatRosalieattentively，andItoldhimshewasasgoodasshewasbeautiful。
　　"Iwanttofindheramaid，"Isaid，"agoodseamstress，whocouldgooutwithher，andaboveallwhocouldtalkItaliantoher，forIwanthertolearnthelanguagethatImaytakeherintosocietyatFlorence，RomeandNaples。"
　　"Don’tdepriveGenoaofthepleasureofentertainingher，"saidthemarquis。"Iwillintroduceherunderwhatevernameshepleases，andinmyownhousetobeginwith。"
　　"Shehasgoodreasonsforpreservingherincognitohere。"
　　"Ah，Isee！——Doyouthinkofstayingherelong？"
　　"Amonth，orthereabouts，andourpleasureswillbelimitedtoseeingthetownanditssurroundingsandgoingtothetheatre。Weshallalsoenjoythepleasuresofthetable。Ihopetoeatchampignonseveryday，theyarebetterherethananywhereelse"
　　"Anexcellentplan。Icouldn’tsuggestabetter。IamgoingtoseewhatIcandointhewayofgettingyouamaid，mademoiselle。"
　　"Yousir？HowcanIdeservesuchgreatkindness？"
　　"Myinterestinyouisthegreater，asIthinkyoucomefromMarseilles。"
　　Rosalieblushed。Shewasnotawarethatshelisped，andthatthisbetrayedher。Iextricatedherfromherconfusionbytellingthemarquishisconjecturewaswellfounded。
　　IaskedhimhowIcouldgettheJournaldeSavans，theMercuredeFrance，andotherpapersofthesamedescription。Hepromisedtosendmeamanwhowouldgetmeallthatkindofthing。HeaddedthatifIwouldallowhimtosendmesomeofhisexcellentchocolatehewouldcomeandbreakfastwithus。Isaidthatbothgiftandguestwerevastlyagreeabletome。
　　AssoonashehadgoneRosalieaskedmetotakehertoamilliner’s。
　　"Iwantribbonsandotherlittlethings，"saidshe，"butIshouldliketobargainforthemandpayforthemoutofmyownmoney，withoutyourhavinganythingtodowithit。"
　　"Dowhateveryoulike，mydear，andafterwardswewillgototheplay。"
　　ThemillinertowhomwewentprovedtobeaFrenchwoman。ItwasacharmingsighttoseeRosalieshopping。Sheputonanimportantair，seemedtoknowallaboutit，orderedbonnetsinthelatestfashion，bargained，andcontrivedtospendfiveorsixlouiswithgreatgrandeur。AswelefttheshopItoldherthatIhadbeentakenforherfootman，andImeanttoberevenged。Sosaying，I
　　madehercomeintoajeweller’s，whereIboughtheranecklace，ear—rings，andbroochesinimitationdiamonds，andwithoutlettinghersayawordIpaidthepriceandlefttheshop。
　　"Youhaveboughtmesomebeautifulthings，"saidshe，"butyouaretoolavishwithyourmoney；ifyouhadbargainedyoumighthavesavedfourlouisatleast。"
　　"Verylikely，dearest，butIneverwasanyhandatabargain。"
　　Itookhertotheplay，butasshedidnotunderstandthelanguageshegotdreadfullytired，andaskedmetotakeherhomeattheendofthefirstact，whichIdidverywillingly。WhenwegotinI
　　foundaboxwaitingformefromM。Grimaldi。Itprovedtocontaintwenty—fourpoundsofchocolate。Costa，whohadboastedofhisskillinmakingchocolateintheSpanishfashion，receivedorderstomakeusthreecupsinthemorning。
　　Atnineo’clockthemarquisarrivedwithatradesman，whosoldmesomebeautifulorientalmaterials。IgavethemtoRosalietomaketwo’mezzaro’forherself。The’mezzaro’isakindofhoodedcloakwornbytheGenoesewomen，asthe’cendal’iswornatVenice，andthe’mantilla’atMadrid。
　　IthankedM。Grimaldiforthechocolate，whichwasexcellent；
　　Costawasquiteproudofthepraisethemarquisgavehim。LeDuccameintoannounceawoman，whosenameIdidnotknow。
　　"It’sthemotherofthemaidIhaveengaged，"saidM。Grimaldi。
　　Shecamein，andIsawbeforemeawell—dressedwoman，followedbyagirlfromtwentytotwenty—fouryearsold，whopleasedmeatthefirstglance。Themotherthankedthemarquis，andpresentedherdaughtertoRosalie，enumeratinghergoodqualities，andtellingherthatshewouldserveherwell，andwalkwithherwhenshewishedtogoout。
　　"Mydaughter，"sheadded，"speaksFrench，andyouwillfindheragood，faithful，andobliginggirl。"
　　Sheendedbysayingthatherdaughterhadbeeninservicelatelywithalady，andthatshewouldbeobligedifshecouldhavehermealsbyherself。
　　ThegirlwasnamedVeronique。Rosalietoldherthatshewasagoodgirl，andthattheonlywaytoberespectedwastoberespectable。Veroniquekissedherhand，themotherwentaway，andRosalietookthegirlintoherroomtobeginherwork。
　　Ididnotforgettothankthemarquis，forhehadevidentlychosenamaidmorewithaviewtomylikingsthantothoseofmysweetheart。ItoldhimthatIshouldnotfailtocallonhim，andherepliedthathewouldbehappytoseemeatanyhour，andthatIshouldeasilyfindhimathiscasinoatSt。Pierred’Arena，whereheoftenspentthenight。
　　EndMEMOIRSOFJACQUESCASANOVAdeSEINGALT1725—1798
　　ADVENTURESINTHESOUTH，Volume4b——RETURNTOITALY
　　THERAREUNABRIDGEDLONDONEDITIONOF1894TRANSLATEDBYARTHUR
　　MACHENTOWHICHHASBEENADDEDTHECHAPTERSDISCOVERED
　　BYARTHURSYMONS。
　　RETURNTOITALY
　　GENOA——TUSCANY——ROME
　　CHAPTERIV
　　ThePlay——TheRussian——Petri——RosalieattheConventWhenthemarquishadgone，seeingRosalieengagedwithVeronique，Isetmyselftotranslatethe’Ecossaise’fortheactorsatGenoa，whoseemedprettygoodones，toplay。
　　IthoughtRosalielookingsadatdinner，andsaid，"Whatisthematter，dearest？YouknowIdonotliketoseeyoulookingmelancholy。"
　　"IamvexedatVeronique’sbeingprettierthanI。"
　　"Iseewhatyoumean；Ilikethat！Butconsoleyour，self，Veroniqueisnothingcomparedtoyou，inmyeyesatallevents。
　　Youaremyonlybeauty；buttoreassureyouIwillaskM。deGrimalditotellhermothertocomeandfetchheraway，andtogetmeanothermaidasuglyaspossible。"
　　"Oh，no！praydonotdoso；hewillthinkIamjealous，andI
　　wouldn’thavehimthinksofortheworld。"