"WhatareyougoingtodoinRome？"saidhe，indifferently。
　　"IamgoingtobegthePopetousehisinfluenceinmyfavourwiththeStateInquisitorsatVenice。"
　　Itwasnotthetruth，butonelieisasgoodasanother，andifI
　　hadsaidIwasonlygoingforamusement’ssakehewouldnothavebelievedme。Totellthetruthtoanunbelievingmanistoprostitute，tomurderit。Hethenbeggedmetoenterintoacorrespondencewithhim，andasthatboundmetonothingIagreedtodoso。
　　"Icangiveyouamarkofmyfriendship，"saidhe，"byintroducingyoutotheMarquisdeBotta—Adamo，GovernorofTuscany；heissupposedtobeafriendoftheregent’s。"
　　Iacceptedhisoffergratefully，andhebegantosoundmeaboutTherese，butfoundmylipsastightlyclosedasthelidofamiser’scoffer。ItoldhimshewasachildwhenImadetheacquaintanceofherfamilyatBologna，andthattheresemblancebetweenherbrotherandmyselfwasamereaccident——afreakofnature。Hehappenedtocatchsightofawell—writtenmanuscriptonthetable，andaskedmeifthatsuperbwritingwasmysecretary’s。Costa，whowaspresent，answeredinSpanishthathewroteit。Gamaoverwhelmedhimwithcompliments，andbeggedmetosendCostatohimtocopysomeletters。Iguessedthathewantedtopumphimaboutme，andsaidthatIneededhisservicesalltheday。
　　"Well，well，saidtheabbe，"anothertimewilldo。"Igavehimnoanswer。Suchisthecharacterofthecurious。
　　Iamnotreferringtothatcuriositywhichdependsontheoccultsciences，andendeavourstopryintothefuture——thedaughterofignoranceandsuperstition，itsvictimsareeitherfoolishorignorant。ButtheAbbeGamawasneither；hewasnaturallycurious，andhisemploymentmadehimstillmoreso，forhewaspaidtofindouteverything。Hewasadiplomatist；ifhehadbeenalittlelowerdowninthesocialscalehewouldhavebeentreatedasaspy。
　　Heleftmetopaysomecalls，promisingtobebackbydinner—time。
　　Dr。Vanninibroughtmeanotherservant，ofthesameheightasthefirst，andengagedthatheshouldobeyordersandguessnothing。
　　Ithankedtheacademicianandinn—keeper，andorderedhimtogetmeasumptuousdinner。
　　TheCorticelliwasthefirsttoarrive，bringingwithherherbrother，aneffeminate—lookingyoungman，whoplayedtheviolinmoderatelywell，andhermother，whoinformedmethatsheneverallowedherdaughtertodineoutwithoutherselfandherson。
　　"Thenyoucantakeherbackagainthisinstant，"saidI，"ortakethisducattodinesomewhereelse，asIdon’twantyourcompanyoryourson’s。"
　　Shetooktheducat，sayingthatshewassureshewasleavingherdaughteringoodhands。
　　"Youmaybesureofthat，"saidI，"sobeoff。"
　　ThedaughtermadesuchwittyobservationsontheabovedialoguethatIcouldnothelplaughing，andIbegantobeinlovewithher。Shewasonlythirteen，andwassosmallthatshelookedten。
　　Shewaswell—made，lively，witty，andfairerthanisusualwithItalianwomen，buttothisdayIcannotconceivehowIfellinlovewithher。
　　Theyoungwantonbeggedmetoprotectheragainstthemanageroftheopera，whowasaJew。Intheagreementshehadmadewithhimhehadengagedtoletherdancea’pasdedeux’inthesecondopera，andhehadnotkepthisword。ShebeggedmetocompeltheJewtofulfilhisengagement，andIpromisedtodoso。
　　ThenextguestwasRedegonde，whocamefromParma。Shewasatall，handsomewoman，andCostatoldmeshewasthesisterofmynewfootman。AfterIhadtalkedwithherfortwoorthreeminutesIfoundherremarkswellworthyofattention。
　　ThencametheAbbeGama，whocongratulatedmeonbeingseatedbetweentwoprettygirls。Imadehimtakemyplace，andhebegantoentertainthemasiftothemannerborn；andthoughthegirlswerelaughingathim，hewasnotintheleastdisconcerted。Hethoughthewasamusingthem，andonwatchinghisexpressionIsawthathisself—esteempreventedhimseeingthathewasmakingafoolofhimself；butIdidnotguessthatImightmakethesamemistakeathisage。
　　Wretchedistheoldmanwhowillnotrecognizehisoldage；
　　wretchedunlesshelearnthatthesexwhomheseducedsooftenwhenhewasyoungwilldespisehimnowifhestillattemptstogaintheirfavour。
　　MyfairTherese，withherhusbandandmyson，wasthelasttoarrive。IkissedThereseandthenmyson，andsatdownbetweenthem，whisperingtoTheresethatsuchadearmysterioustrinitymustnotbeparted；atwhichTheresesmiledsweetly。TheabbesatdownbetweenRedegondeandtheCorticelli，andamusedusallthetimebyhisagreeableconversation。
　　IlaughedinternallywhenIobservedhowrespectfullymynewfootmanchangedhissister’splate，whoappearedvainofhonourstowhichherbrothercouldlaynoclaim。Shewasnotkind；shewhisperedtome，sothathecouldnothear，——
　　"Heisagoodfellow，butunfortunatelyheisratherstupid。"
　　Ihadputinmypocketasuperbgoldsnuff—box，richlyenamelledandadornedwithaperfectlikenessofmyself。IhadhaditmadeatParis，withtheintentionofgivingittoMadamed’Urfe，andI
　　hadnotdonesobecausethepainterhadmademetooyoung。IhadfilleditwithsomeexcellentHavanasnuffwhichM。deChavignyhadgivenme，andofwhichTheresewasveryfond；IwaswaitingforhertoaskmeforapinchbeforeIdrewitoutofmypocket。
　　TheAbbeGama，whohadsomeexceedinglygoodsnuffinanOrigonelabox，sentapinchtoTherese，andshesenthimhersnuffinatortoise—shellboxencrustedwithgoldinarabesques——anexquisitepieceofworkmanship。GamacriticisedTherese’ssnuff，whileI
　　saidthatIfounditdeliciousbutthatIthoughtIhadsomebettermyself。Itookoutmysnuff—box，andopeningitofferedherapinch。Shedidnotnoticetheportrait，butsheagreedthatmysnuffwasvastlysuperiortohers。
　　"Well，wouldyouliketomakeanexchange？"saidI。"Certainly，givemesomepaper。"
　　"Thatisnotrequisite；wewillexchangethesnuffandthesnuff—
　　boxes。"
　　Sosaying，IputTherese’sboxinmypocketandgavehermineshut。Whenshesawtheportrait，shegaveacrywhichpuzzledeverybody，andherfirstmotionwastokisstheportrait。
　　"Look，"saidshetoCesarino，"hereisyourportrait。"
　　Cesarinolookedatitinastonishment，andtheboxpassedfromhandtohand。Everybodysaidthatitwasmyportrait，takentenyearsago，andthatitmightpassforalikenessofCesarino。
　　Theresegotquiteexcited，andswearingthatshewouldneverlettheboxoutofherhandsagain，shewentuptohersonandkissedhimseveraltimes。WhilethiswasgoingonIwatchedtheAbbeGama，andIcouldseethathewasmakinginternalcommentsofhisownonthisaffectingscene。
　　Theworthyabbewentawaytowardstheevening，tellingmethathewouldexpectmetobreakfastnextmorning。
　　IspenttherestofthedayinmakinglovetoRedegonde，andTherese，whosawthatIwaspleasedwiththegirl，advisedmetodeclaremyself，andpromisedthatshewouldaskhertothehouseasoftenasIliked。ButTheresedidnotknowher。
　　NextmorningGamatoldmethathehadinformedMarshalBottathatIwouldcomeandseehim，andhewouldpresentmeatfouro’clock。
　　Thentheworthyabbe，alwaystheslaveofhiscuriosity，reproachedmeinafriendlymannerfornothavingtoldhimanythingaboutmyfortune。
　　"Ididnotthinkitwasworthmentioning，butasyouareinterestedinthesubjectImaytellyouthatmymeansaresmall，butthatIhavefriendswhosepursesarealwaysopentome。"
　　"Ifyouhavetruefriendsyouarearichman，buttruefriendsarescarce。"
　　IlefttheAbbeGama，myheadfullofRedegonde，whomIpreferredtotheyoungCorticelli，andIwenttopayheravisit；butwhatareception！Shereceivedmeinaroominwhichwerepresenthermother，heruncle，andthreeorfourdirty，untidylittlemonkeys:
　　thesewereherbrothers。’
　　"Haven’tyouabetterroomtoreceiveyourfriendsin？"saidI。
　　"Ihavenofriends，soIdon’twantaroom。"
　　"Getit，mydear，andyouwillfindthefriendscomefastenough。
　　Thisisallverywellforyoutowelcomeyourrelationsin，butnotpersonslikemyselfwhocometodohomagetoyourcharmsandyourtalents。"
　　"Sir，"saidthemother，"mydaughterhasbutfewtalents，andthinksnothingofhercharms，whicharesmall。"
　　"Youareextremelymodest，andIappreciateyourfeelings；buteverybodydoesnotseeyourdaughterwiththesameeyes，andshepleasedmegreatly。"
　　"Thatisanhonourforher，andwearedulysensibleofit，butnotsoastobeover—proud。Mydaughterwillseeyouasoftenasyouplease，buthere，andinnootherplace。"
　　"ButIamafraidofbeinginthewayhere。"
　　"Anhonestmanisneverintheway。"
　　Ifeltashamed，fornothingsoconfoundsalibertineasmodestyinthemouthofpoverty；andnotknowingwhattoanswerItookmyleave。
　　ItoldThereseofmyunfortunatevisit，andweboth，laughedatit；itwasthebestthingwecoulddo。
　　"Ishallbegladtoseeyouattheopera，"saidshe，"andyoucangetintomydressing—roomifyougivethedoor—keeperasmallpieceofmoney。"
　　TheAbbeGamacameashepromised，totakemetoMarshalBotta，amanofhightalentswhomtheaffairofGenoahadalreadyrenderedfamous。HewasincommandoftheAustrianarmywhenthepeople，growingangryatthesightoftheforeigners，whohadonlycometoputthemundertheAustrianyoke，roseinrevoltandmadethemleavethetown。ThispatrioticriotsavedtheRepublic。Ifoundhiminthemidstofacrowdofladiesandgentlemen，whomhelefttowelcomeme。HetalkedaboutVeniceinawaythatshewedheunderstoodthecountrythoroughly，andIconversedtohimonFrance，and，Ibelieve，satisfiedhim。InhisturnhespokeoftheCourtofRussia，atwhichhewasstayingwhenElizabethPetrovna，whowasstillreigningattheperiodinquestion，soeasilymountedthethroneofherfather，PetertheGreat。"ItisonlyinRussia，"saidhe，"thatpoisonentersintopolitics。"
　　Atthetimewhentheoperabeganthemarshallefttheroom，andeverybodywentaway。Onmywaytheabbeassuredme，asamatterofcourse，thatIhadpleasedthegovernor，andIafterwardswenttothetheatre，andobtainedadmissiontoTherese’sdressing—roomforatester。Ifoundherinthehandsofherprettychamber—
　　maid，andsheadvisedmetogotoRedegonde’sdressing—room，assheplayedaman’spart，andmight，perhaps，allowmetoassistinhertoilette。
　　Ifollowedheradvice，butthemotherwouldnotletmecomein，asherdaughterwasjustgoingtodress。IassuredherthatIwouldturnmybackallthetimeshewasdressing，andonthisconditionsheletmein，andmademesitdownatatableonwhichstoodamirror，whichenabledmetoseeallRedegonde’smostsecretpartstoadvantage；aboveall，whensheliftedherlegstoputonherbreeches，eithermostawkwardlyormostcleverly，accordingtoherintentions。Shedidnotloseanythingbywhatsheshewed，however，forIwassopleased，thattopossesshercharmsIwouldhavesignedanyconditionsshecaredtoimposeuponme。
　　"Redegondemustknow，"Isaidtomyself，"thatIcouldseeeverythingintheglass；"andtheideainflamedme。Ididnotturnroundtillthemothergavemeleave，andIthenadmiredmycharmerasayoungmanoffivefeetone，whoseshapeleftnothingtobedesired。
　　Redegondewentout，andIfollowedhertothewings。
　　"Mydear，"saidI，"Iamgoingtotalkplainlytoyou。YouhaveinflamedmypassionsandIshalldieifyoudonotmakemehappy。"
　　"Youdonotsaythatyouwilldieifyouchancetomakemeunhappy。"
　　"Icouldnotsayso，becauseIcannotconceivesuchathingaspossible。Donottriflewithme，dearRedegonde，youmustbeawarethatIsawallinthemirror，andIcannotthinkthatyouaresocruelastoarousemypassionsandthenleavemetodespair。"
　　"Whatcouldyouhaveseen？Idon’tknowwhatyouaretalkingabout。"
　　"Maybe，butknowthatIhaveseenallyourcharms。WhatshallI
　　dotopossessyou？"
　　"Topossessme？Idon’tunderstandyou，sir；I’manhonestgirl。"
　　"Idaresay；butyouwouldn’tbeanylesshonestaftermakingmehappy。DearRedegonde，donotletmelanguishforyou，buttellmemyfatenowthisinstant。"
　　"Idonotknowwhattotellyou，butyoucancomeandseemewheneveryoulike"
　　"WhenshallIfindyoualone？"
　　"Alone！Iamneveralone。"
　　"Well，well，that’sofnoconsequence；ifonlyyourmotherispresent，thatcomestothesamething。Ifsheissensible，shewillpretendnottoseeanything，andIwillgiveyouahundredducatseachtime。"
　　"Youareeitheramadman，oryoudonotknowwhatsortofpeopleweare。"
　　Withthesewordsshewenton，andIproceededtotellTheresewhathadpassed。
　　"Begin，"saidshe，"byofferingthehundredducatstothemother，andifsherefuses，havenomoretodowiththem，andgoelsewhere。"
　　Ireturnedtothedressing—room，whereIfoundthemotheralone，andwithoutanyceremonyspokeasfollows:——
　　"Goodevening，madam，Iamastrangerhere；Iamonlystayingaweek，andIaminlovewithyourdaughter。Ifyouliketobeobliging，bringhertosupwithme。Iwillgiveyouahundredsequinseachtime，soyouseemypurseisinyourpower。"
　　"Whomdoyouthinkyouaretalkingto，sir？Iamastonishedatyourimpudence。AskthetownsfolkwhatsortofcharacterIbear，andwhethermydaughterisanhonestgirlornot！andyouwillnotmakesuchproposalsagain。"
　　"Good—bye，madam。"
　　"Good—bye，sir。"
　　AsIwentoutImetRedegonde，andItoldherwordforwordtheconversationIhadhadwithhermother。Sheburstoutlaughing。
　　"HaveIdonewellorill？"saidI。
　　"Wellenough，butifyoulovemecomeandseeme。"
　　"Seeyouafterwhatyourmothersaid？"
　　"Well，whynot，whoknowsofit？"
　　"Whoknows？Youdon’tknowme，Redegonde。Idonotcaretoindulgemyselfinidlehopes，andIthoughtIhadspokentoyouplainlyenough。"
　　Feelingangry，andvowingtohavenomoretodowiththisstrangegirl，IsuppedwithTherese，andspentthreedelightfulhourswithher。Ihadagreatdealofwritingtodothenextdayandkeptindoors，andintheeveningIhadavisitfromtheyoungCorticelli，hermotherandbrother。Shebeggedmetokeepmypromiseregardingthemanagerofthetheatre，whowouldnotletherdancethe’pasdedeux’stipulatedforintheagreement。
　　"Comeandbreakfastwithmeto—morrowmorning，"saidI，"andI
　　willspeaktotheIsraeliteinyourpresence——atleastIwilldosoifhecomes。"
　　"Iloveyouverymuch，"saidtheyoungwanton，"can’tIstopalittlelongerhere。"
　　"Youmaystopaslongasyoulike，butasIhavegotsomeletterstofinish，Imustaskyoutoexcusemyentertainingyou。"
　　"Oh！justasyouplease。"
　　ItoldCostatogivehersomesupper。
　　Ifinishedmylettersandfeltinclinedforalittleamusement，soImadethegirlsitbymeandproceededtotoywithher，butinsuchawaythathermothercouldmakenoobjection。Allatoncethebrothercameupandtriedtojoininthesport，muchtomyastonishment。
　　"Getalongwithyou，"saidI，"youarenotagirl。"
　　Atthistheyoungscoundrelproceededtoshewmehissex，butinsuchanindecentfashionthathissister，whowassittingonmyknee，burstoutlaughingandtookrefugewithhermother，whowassittingattheotherendoftheroomingratitudeforthegoodsupperIhadgivenher。Irosefrommychair，andaftergivingtheimpudentpederastaboxontheearIaskedthemotherwithwhatintentionsshehadbroughttheyoungrascaltomyhouse。Bywayofreplytheinfamouswomansaid，——
　　"He’saprettylad，isn’the？"
　　IgavehimaducatfortheblowIhadgivenhim，andtoldthemothertobegone，asshedisgustedme。Thepathictookmyducat，kissedmyhand，andtheyalldeparted。
　　Iwenttobedfeelingamusedattheincident，andwonderingatthewickednessofamotherwhowouldprostituteherownsontothebasestofvices。
　　NextmorningIsentandaskedtheJewtocallonme。TheCorticellicamewithhermother，andtheJewsoonafter，justasweweregoingtobreakfast。
　　Iproceededtoexplainthegrievanceoftheyoungdancer，andI
　　readtheagreementhehadmadewithher，tellinghimpolitelythatIcouldeasilyforcehimtofulfilit。TheJewputinseveralexcuses，ofwhichtheCorticellidemonstratedthefutility。AtlastthesonofJudahwasforcedtogivein，andpromisedtospeaktotheballet—masterthesameday，inorderthatshemightdancethe’pas’withtheactorshenamed。
　　"Andthat，Ihope，willpleaseyourexcellency，"headded，withalowbow，whichisnotoftenaproofofsincerity，especiallyamongJews。
　　WhenmyguestshadtakenleaveIwenttotheAbbeGama，todinewithMarshalBottawhohadaskedustodinner。ImadetheacquaintancethereofSirMann，theEnglishambassador，whowastheidolofFlorence，veryrich，ofthemostpleasingmannersalthoughanEnglishman；fullofwit，taste，andagreatloverofthefinearts。Heinvitedmetocomenextdayandseehishouseandgarden。Inthishomehehadmade——furniture，pictures，choicebooks——allshewedthemanofgenius。Hecalledonme，askedmetodinner，andhadthepolitenesstoincludeTherese，herhusband，andCesarinointheinvitation。Afterdinnermysonsatdownattheclavieranddelightedthecompanybyhisexquisiteplaying。
　　Whileweweretalkingoflikenesses，SirMannshewedussomeminiaturesofgreatbeauty。
　　Beforeleaving，Theresetoldmethatshehadbeenthinkingseriouslyofme。
　　"Inwhatrespect？"Iasked。
　　"IhavetoldRedegondethatIamgoingtocallforher，thatI
　　willkeephertosupper，andhavehertakenhome。Youmustseethatthislastconditionisproperlycarriedout。Cometosuppertoo，andhaveyourcarriageinwaiting。Ileavetheresttoyou。
　　Youwillonlybeafewminuteswithher，butthat’ssomething；andthefirststepleadsfar。"
　　"Anexcellentplan。Iwillsupwithyou，andmycarriageshallbeready。Iwilltellyouallaboutitto—morrow。"
　　Iwenttothehouseatnineo’clock，andwaswelcomedasanunexpectedguest。ItoldRedegondethatIwasgladtomeether，andsherepliedthatshehadnothopedtohavethepleasureofseeingme。Redegondewastheonlyonewhohadanyappetite；sheatecapitally，andlaughedmerrilyatthestoriesItoldher。
　　AftersupperThereseaskedherifshewouldliketohaveasedan—
　　chairsentfor，orifshewouldprefertobetakenbackinmycarriage。
　　"Ifthegentlemanwillbesokind，"saidshe，"Ineednotsendforachair。"
　　IthoughtthisreplyofsuchfavourableomenthatInolongerdoubtedofmysuccess。Aftershehadwishedtheothersgoodnight，shetookmyarm，pressingitasshedidso；wewentdownthestairs，andshegotintothecarriage。Igotinafterher，andonattemptingtositdownIfoundtheplacetaken。
　　"Whoisthat？"Icried。
　　Redegondeburstoutlaughing，andinformedmeitwashermother。
　　Iwasdone；Icouldnotsummonupcouragetopassitoffasajest。Suchashockmakesamanstupid；foramomentitnumbsallthementalfaculties，andwoundedself—esteemonlygivesplacetoanger。
　　Isatdownonthefrontseatandcoldlyaskedthemotherwhyshehadnotcomeuptosupperwithus。Whenthecarriagestoppedattheirdoor，sheaskedmetocomein，butItoldherIwouldrathernot。IfeltthatforalittlemoreIwouldhaveboxedherears，andthemanatthehousedoorlookedverylikeacut—throat。
　　Ifeltenragedandexcitedphysicallyaswellasmentally，andthoughIhadneverbeentoseetheCorticelli，toldthecoachmantodrivethereimmediately，asIfeltsureoffindingherwelldisposed。Everybodywasgonetobed。IknockedatthedoortillIgotananswer，Igavemyname，andIwasletin，everythingbeingintotaldarkness。Themothertoldmeshewouldlightacandle，andthatifshehadexpectedmeshewouldhavewaitedupinspiteofthecold。IfeltasifIwereinthemiddleofaniceberg。Iheardthegirllaughing，andgoinguptothebedandpassingmyhandoveritIcameacrosssomeplaintokensofthemasculinegender。Ihadgotholdofherbrother。Inthemeanwhilethemotherhadgotacandle，andIsawthegirlwiththebedclothesuptoherchin，for，likeherbrother，shewasasnakedasmyhand。AlthoughnoPuritan，Iwasshocked。
　　"Whydoyouallowthishorribleunion？"Isaidtothemother。
　　"Whatharmisthere？Theyarebrotherandsister。"
　　"That’sjustwhatmakesitacriminalmatter。"
　　"Everythingisperfectlyinnocent。"
　　"Possibly；butit’snotagoodplan。’
　　Thepathicescapedfromthebedandcreptintohismother’s，whilethelittlewantontoldmetherewasreallynoharm，astheyonlylovedeachotherasbrotherandsister，andthatifIwantedhertosleepbyherselfallIhadtodowastogetheranewbed。
　　Thisspeech，deliveredwitharchsimplicity，inherBolognesejargon，mademelaughwithallmyheart，forintheviolenceofhergesticulationsshehaddisclosedhalfhercharms，andIsawnothingworthlookingat。Inspiteofthat，itwasdoubtlessdecreedthatIshouldfallinlovewithherskin，forthatwasallshehad。
　　IfIhadbeenaloneIshouldhavebroughtmatterstoacrisisonthespot，butIhadadistastetothepresenceofhermotherandherscoundrellybrother。Iwasafraidlestsomeunpleasantscenesmightfollow。Igavehertenducatstobuyabed，saidgoodnight，andleftthehouse。Ireturnedtomylodging，cursingthetooscrupulousmothersoftheoperagirls。
　　IpassedthewholeofthenextmorningwithSirMann，inhisgallery，whichcontainedsomeexquisitepaintings，sculptures，mosaics，andengravedgems。Onleavinghim，IcalledonThereseandinformedherofmymisadventureofthenightbefore。Shelaughedheartilyatmystory，andIlaughedtoo，inspiteofafeelingofangerduetomywoundedself—esteem。
　　"Youmustconsoleyourself，"saidshe；"youwillnotfindmuchdifficultyinfillingtheplaceinyouraffections。"
　　"Ah！whyareyoumarried？"
　　"Well，it’sdone；andthere’snohelpingit。Butlistentome。
　　Asyoucan’tdowithoutsomeone，takeupwiththeCorticelli；
　　she’sasgoodasanyotherwoman，andwon’tkeepyouwaitinglong。"
　　Onmyreturntomylodging，IfoundtheAbbeGama，whomIhadinvitedtodinner，andheaskedmeifIwouldacceptaposttorepresentPortugalattheapproachingEuropeanCongressatAugsburg。HetoldmethatifIdidtheworkwell，IcouldgetanythingIlikedatLisbon。
　　"Iamreadytodomybest，"saidI；"youhaveonlytowritetome，andIwilltellyouwheretodirectyourletters。"Thisproposalmademelongtobecomeadiplomatist。
　　IntheeveningIwenttotheopera—houseandspoketotheballet—
　　master，thedancerwhowastotakepartinthe’pasdedeux’，andtotheJew，whotoldmethatmyprot9geeshouldbesatisfiedintwoorthreedays，andthatsheshouldperformherfavourite’pas’
　　fortherestofthecarnival。IsawtheCorticelli，whotoldmeshehadgotherbed，andaskedmetocometosupper。Iacceptedtheinvitation，andwhentheoperawasoverIwenttoherhouse。
　　Hermother，feelingsurethatIwouldpaythebill，hadorderedanexcellentsupperforfour，andseveralflasksofthebestFlorencewine。Besidesthat，shegavemeabottleofthewinecalledOleatico，whichIfoundexcellent。ThethreeCorticellisunaccustomedtogoodfareandwine，atelikeatroop，andbegantogetintoxicated。Themotherandsonwenttobedwithoutceremony，andthelittlewantoninvitedmetofollowtheirexample。I
　　shouldhavelikedtodoso，butIdidnotdare。Itwasverycoldandtherewasnofireintheroom，therewasonlyoneblanketonthebed，andImighthavecaughtabadcold，andIwastoofondofmygoodhealthtoexposemyselftosuchadanger。Ithereforesatisfiedmyselfbytakingheronmyknee，andafterafewpreliminariessheabandonedherselftomytransports，endeavouringtopersuademethatIhadgothermaidenhead。Ipretendedtobelieveher，thoughIcaredverylittlewhetheritweresoornot。
　　IleftherafterIhadrepeatedthedosethreeorfourtimes，andgaveherfiftysequins，tellinghertogetagoodwaddedcoverletandalargebrazier，asIwantedtosleepwithherthenextnight。
　　NextmorningIreceivedanextremelyinterestingletterfromGrenoble。M。deValenglardinformedmethatthefairMdlle。
　　Roman，feelingconvincedthatherhoroscopewouldnevercometrueunlessshewenttoParis，hadgonetothecapitalwithheraunt。
　　Herdestinywasastrangeone；itdependedonthelikingIhadtakentoherandmyaversiontomarriage，foritlayinmypowertohavemarriedthehandsomestwomaninFrance，andinthatcaseitisnotlikelythatshewouldhavebecomethemistressofLouisXV。WhatstrangewhimcouldhavemademeindicateinherhoroscopethenecessityofherjourneyingtoParis；forevenifthereweresuchascienceasastrologyIwasnoastrologer；infine，herdestinydependedonmyabsurdfancy。Andinhistory，whatanumberofextraordinaryeventswouldneverhavehappenediftheyhadnotbeenpredicted！
　　IntheeveningIwenttothetheatre，andfoundmyCorticellicladinaprettycloak，whiletheothergirlslookedatmecontemptuously，fortheywereenragedattheplacebeingtaken；
　　whiletheproudfavouritecaressedmewithanairoftriumphwhichbecamehertoadmiration。
　　IntheeveningIfoundagoodsupperawaitingme，alargebrazieronthehearth，andawarmcoverletonthebed。Themothershewedmeallthethingsherdaughterhadbought，andcomplainedthatshehadnotgotanyclothesforherbrother。Imadeherhappybygivingherafewlouis。
　　WhenIwenttobedIdidnotfindmymistressinanyamoroustransports，butinawantonandmerrymood。Shemademelaugh，andassheletmedoasIlikedIwassatisfied。IgaveherawatchwhenIlefther，andpromisedtosupwithheronthefollowingnight。Shewastohavedancedthepasdedeux，andI
　　wenttoseeherdoit，buttomyastonishmentsheonlydancedwiththeothergirls。
　　WhenIwenttosupperIfoundherindespair。SheweptandsaidthatImustavengeherontheJew，whohadexcusedhimselfbyputtingthefaultonsomebodyelse，butthathewasaliar。I
　　promisedeverythingtoquiether，andafterspendingseveralhoursinhercompanyIreturnedhome，determinedtogivetheJewabadquarterofanhour。NextmorningIsentCostatoaskhimtocallonme，buttherascalsentbackwordthathewasnotcoming，andiftheCorticellididnotlikehistheatreshemighttryanother。
　　Iwasindignant，butIknewthatImustdissemble，soIonlylaughed。Nevertheless，Ihadpronouncedhisdoom，foranItalianneverforgetstoavengehimselfonhisenemy；heknowsitisthepleasureofthegods。
　　AssoonasCostahadlefttheroom，IcalledLeDucandtoldhimthestory，sayingthatifIdidnottakevengeanceIshouldbedishonoured，andthatitwasonlyhewhocouldprocurethescoundrelagoodthrashingfordaringtoinsultme。
　　"Butyouknow，LeDuc，theaffairmustbekeptsecret。"
　　"Ionlywanttwenty—fourhourstogiveyouananswer。"
　　Iknewwhathemeant，andIwassatisfied。
　　NextmorningLeDuctoldmehehadspentthepreviousdayinlearningtheJew’sabodeandhabits，withoutaskinganybodyanyquestions。
　　"To—dayIwillnotlethimgooutofmysight。Ishallfindoutatwhathourhereturnshome，andto—morrowyoushallknowtheresults。"
　　"Bediscreet，"saidI，"anddon’tletanybodyintoyourplans。"
　　"NotI！"
　　Nextday，hetoldmethatiftheJewcamehomeatthesametimeandbythesamewayasbefore，hewouldhaveathrashingbeforehegottobed。
　　"Whomhaveyouchosenforthisexpedition？"
　　"Myself。Theseaffairsoughttobekeptsecret，andasecretoughtn’ttobeknowntomorethantwopeople。Iamsurethateverythingwillturnoutwell，butwhenyouaresatisfiedthattheass’shidehasbeenwelltanned，willtherebeanythingtobepickedup？"
　　"Twenty—fivesequins。"
　　"Thatwilldonicely。WhenIhavedonethetrickIshallputonmygreatcoatagainandreturnbythebackdoor。IfnecessaryCostahimselfwillbeabletoswearthatIdidnotleavethehouse，andthatthereforeIcannothavecommittedtheassault。
　　However，Ishallputmypistolsinmypocketincaseofaccidents，andifanybodytriestoarrestmeIshallknowhowtodefendmyself。"
　　NextmorninghecamecoollyintomyroomwhileCostawasputtingonmydressing—gown，andwhenwewerealonehesaid，——
　　"Thething’sdone。InsteadoftheJew’srunningawaywhenhereceivedthefirstblowhethrewhimselfontotheground。ThenI
　　tannedhisskinforhimnicely，butonhearingsomepeoplecomingupIranoff。Idon’tknowwhetherIdidforhim，butIgavehimtwosturdyblowsonthehead。Ishouldbesorryifhewerekilled，asthenhecouldnotseeaboutthedance。"
　　Thisjestdidnotarousemymirth；thematterpromisedtobetooserious。
　　TheresehadaskedmetodinewiththeAbbeGamaandM。Sassi，aworthyman，ifonemayprostitutethenameofmantodescribeabeingwhomcrueltyhasseparatedfromtherestofhumanity；hewasthefirstcastratooftheopera。OfcoursetheJew’smishapwasdiscussed。
　　"Iamsorryforhim，"saidI，"thoughheisarascallyfellow。"
　　"Iamnotatallsorryforhimmyself，"saidSassi，"he’saknave。
　　Idaresaythateverybodywillbeputtingdownhiswoodenbaptismtomyaccount。"
　　"No，"saidtheabbe，"peoplesaythatM。Casanovadidthedeedforgoodreasonsofhisown。"
　　"Itwillbedifficulttopitchontherightman，"Ianswered，"therascalhaspushedsomanyworthypeopletoextremitiesthathemusthaveagreatmanythrashingsowinghim。"
　　Theconversationthenpassedtoothertopics，andwehadaverypleasantdinner。
　　InafewdaystheJewlefthisbedwithalargeplasteronhisnose，andalthoughIwasgenerallyregardedastheauthorofhismisfortunethematterwasgraduallyallowedtodrop，astherewereonlyvaguesuspicionstogoupon。ButtheCorticelli，inanecstasyofjoy，wasstupidenoughtotalkasifsheweresureitwasIwhohadavengedher，andshegotintoaragewhenIwouldnotadmitthedeed；but，asmaybeguessed，Iwasnotfoolishenoughtodoso，asherimprudencemighthavebeenahangingmatterforme。
　　IwaswellenoughamusedatFlorence，andhadnothoughtsofleaving，whenonedayVanninigavemealetterwhichsomeonehadleftforme。Iopeneditinhispresence，andfounditcontainedabillofexchangefortwohundredFlorentinecrownsonSassoSassi。Vanninilookedatitandtoldmeitwasagoodone。I
　　wentintomyroomtoreadtheletter，andIwasastonishedtofinditsigned"CharlesIvanoff。"HedateditfromPistoia，andtoldmethatinhispovertyandmisfortunehehadappealedtoanEnglishmanwhowasleavingFlorenceforLucca，andhadgenerouslygivenhimabillofexchangefortwohundredcrowns，whichhehadwritteninhispresence。Itwasmadepayabletobearer。
　　"Idaren’tcashitinFlorence，"saidhe，"asIamafraidofbeingarrestedformyunfortunateaffairatGenoa。Ientreatyou，then，tohavepityonme，togetthebillcashed，andtobringmethemoneyhere，thatImaypaymylandlordandgo。"
　　Itlookedlikeaverysimplematter，butImightgetintotrouble，forthenotemightbeforged；andevenifitwerenotIshouldbedeclaringmyselfafriendoracorrespondent，atallevents，ofamanwhohadbeenposted。InthisdilemmaItookthepartoftakingthebillofexchangetohiminperson。Iwenttothepostingestablishment，hiredtwohorses，anddrovetoPistoia。
　　Thelandlordhimselftookmetotherascal’sroom，andleftmealonewithhim。
　　Ididnotstaymorethanthreeminutes，andallIsaidwasthatasSassiknewmeIdidnotwishhimtothinkthattherewasanykindofconnectionbetweenus。
　　"Iadviseyou，"Isaid，"togivethebilltoyourlandlord，whowillcashitatM。Sassi’sandbringyouyourchange"
　　"Iwillfollowyouradvice，"hesaid，andItherewithreturnedtoFlorence。
　　Ithoughtnomoreofit，butintwodays’timeIreceivedavisitfromM。SassiandthelandlordoftheinnatPistoia。Thebankershewedmethebillofexchange，andsaidthatthepersonwhohadgivenitmehaddeceivedme，asitwasnotinthewritingoftheEnglishmanwhosenameitbore，andthatevenifitwere，theEnglishmannothavinganymoneywithSassicouldnotdrawabillofexchange。
　　"Theinn—keeperhere，"saidhe，"discountedthebill，theRussianhasgoneoff，andwhenItoldhimthatitwasaforgeryhesaidthatheknewCharlesIvanoffhaditofyou，andthatthushehadmadenodifficultyincashingit；butnowhewantsyoutoreturnhimtwohundredcrowns。"
　　"Thenhewillbedisappointed！"
　　ItoldallthecircumstancesoftheaffairtoSassi；Ishewedhimtherascal’sletter；ImadeDr。Vannini，whohadgivenitme，comeup，andhesaidhewasreadytoswearthathehadseenmetakethebillofexchangeoutoftheletter，thathehadexaminedit，andhadthoughtitgood。
　　Onthisthebankertoldtheinn—keeperthathehadnobusinesstoaskmetopayhimthemoney；buthepersistedinhisdemand，anddaredtosaythatIwasanaccompliceoftheRussian’s。
　　InmyindignationIranformycane，butthebankerheldmebythearm，andtheimpertinentfellowmadehisescapewithoutathrashing。
　　"Youhadarighttobeangry，"saidM。Sassi，"butyoumustnottakeanynoticeofwhatthepoorfellowsaysinhisblindrage。"
　　Heshookmebythehandandwentout。
　　Nextdaythechiefofpolice，calledtheauditoratFlorence，sentmeanotebeggingmetocallonhim。Therewasnoroomforhesitation，forasastrangerIfeltthatImightlookonthisinvitationasanintimation。Hereceivedmeverypolitely，buthesaidIshouldhavetorepaythelandlordhistwohundredcrowns，ashewouldnothavediscountedthebillifhehadnotseenmebringit。IrepliedthatasajudgehecouldnotcondemnmeunlesshethoughtmetheRussian’saccomplice，butinsteadofansweringherepeatedthatIwouldhavetopay。
　　"Sir，"Ireplied，"Iwillnotpay。"
　　Herangthebellandbowed，andIlefthim，walkingtowardsthebanker’s，towhomIimpartedtheconversationIhadhadfromtheauditor。Hewasextremelyastonished，andatmyrequestcalledonhimtotryandmakehimlistentoreason。AswepartedItoldhimthatIwasdiningwiththeAbbeGama。
　　WhenIsawtheabbeItoldhimwhathadhappened，andheutteredaloudexclamationofastonishment。
　　"Iforesee，"hesaid，"thattheauditorwillnotletgohishold，andifM。SassidoesnotsucceedwithhimIadviseyoutospeaktoMarshalBotta。"
　　"Idon’tthinkthatwillbenecessary；theauditorcan’tforcemetopay。"
　　"Hecandoworse。"
　　"Whatcanhedo？"。
　　"HecanmakeyouleaveFlorence。"
　　"Well，Ishallbeastonishedifheuseshispowerinthiscase，butratherthanpayIwillleavethetown。Letusgotothemarshal。"
　　Wecalledonhimatfouro’clock，andwefoundthebankerthere，whohadtoldhimthewholestory。
　　"Iamsorrytotellyou，"saidM。Sassi，"thatIcoulddonothingwiththeauditor，andifyouwanttoremaininFlorenceyouwillhavetopay。"
　　"IwillleaveassoonasIreceivetheorder，"saidI；"andassoonasIreachanotherstateIwillprintthehistoryofthisshamefulperversionofjustice。"
　　"It’sanincredible，amonstroussentence"saidthemarshal，"andIamsorryIcannotinterfere。Youarequiteright，"headded，"toleavetheplaceratherthanpay。"
　　Earlythenextmorningapoliceofficialbroughtmealetterfromtheauditor，informingmethatashecouldnot，fromthenatureofthecase，obligemetopay，hewasforcedtowarnmetoleaveFlorenceinthreedays，andTuscanyinseven。This，headded，hedidinvirtueofhisoffice；butwhenevertheGrandDuke，towhomImightappeal，hadquashedhisjudgmentImightreturn。
　　Itookapieceofpaperandwroteuponit，"Yourjudgmentisaniniquitousone，butitshallbeobeyedtotheletter。"
　　AtthatmomentIgaveorderstopackupandhaveallinreadinessformydeparture。IspentthreedaysofrespiteinamusingmyselfwithTherese。IalsosawtheworthySirMann，andIpromisedtheCorticellitofetchherinLent，andspendsometimewithherinBologna。TheAbbeGamadidnotleavemysideforthreedays，andshewedhimselfmytruefriend。Itwasakindoftriumphforme；
　　oneverysideIheardregretsatmydeparture，andcursesoftheauditor。TheMarquisBottaseemedtoapprovemyconductbygivingmeadinner，thetablebeinglaidforthirty，andthecompanybeingcomposedofthemostdistinguishedpeopleinFlorence。Thiswasadelicateattentiononhispart，ofwhichIwasverysensible。
　　IconsecratedthelastdaytoTherese，butIcouldnotfindanyopportunitytoaskherforalastconsolingembrace，whichshewouldnothaverefusedmeunderthecircumstances，andwhichI
　　shouldstillfondlyremember。Wepromisedtowriteoftentooneanother，andweembracedeachotherinawaytomakeherhusband’sheartache。NextdayIstartedonmyjourney，andgottoRomeinthirty—sixhours。
　　ItwasmidnightwhenIpassedunderthePortadelPopolo，foronemayentertheEternalCityatanytime。Iwasthentakentothecustom—house，whichisalwaysopen，andmymailswereexamined。
　　TheonlythingtheyarestrictaboutatRomeisbooks，asiftheyfearedthelight。Ihadaboutthirtyvolumes，allmoreorlessagainstthePapacy，religion，orthevirtuesinculcatedthereby。
　　Ihadresolvedtosurrenderthemwithoutanydispute，asIfelttiredandwantedtogotobed，buttheclerktoldmepolitelytocountthemandleavetheminhischargeforthenight，andhewouldbringthemtomyhotelinthemorning。Ididso，andhekepthisword。HewaswellenoughpleasedwhenhetouchedthetwosequinswithwhichIrewardedhim。
　　IputupattheVilledeParis，inthePiazzadiSpagna。Itisthebestinninthetown。Alltheworld，Ifound，wasdrownedinsleep，butwhentheyletmeintheyaskedmetowaitonthegroundfloorwhileafirewaslightedinmyroom。Alltheseatswerecoveredwithdresses，petticoats，andchemises，andIheardasmallfemininevoicebeggingmetositonherbed。Iapproachedandsawalaughingmouth，andtwoblackeyesshininglikecarbuncles。
　　"Whatsplendideyes！"saidI，"letmekissthem。"
　　Bywayofreplyshehidherheadunderthecoverlet，andIslidahastyhandunderthesheets；butfindingherquitenaked，Idrewitbackandbeggedpardon。Sheputoutherheadagain，andI
　　thoughtIreadgratitudeformymoderationinhereyes。
　　"Whoareyou，myangel？"
　　"IamTherese，theinn—keeper’sdaughter，andthisismysister。"
　　Therewasanothergirlbesideher，whomIhadnotseen，asherheadwasunderthebolster。
　　"Howoldareyou？"
　　"Nearlyseventeen。"
　　"IhopeIshallseeyouinmyroomto—morrowmorning。"
　　"Haveyouanyladieswithyou？"
　　"No。"
　　"That’sapity，aswenevergotothegentlemen’srooms。"
　　"Lowerthecoverletalittle；Ican’thearwhatyousay。"
　　"It’stoocold。"
　　"DearTherese，youreyesmakemefeelasifIwereinflames。"
　　Sheputbackherheadatthis，andIgrewdaring，andaftersundryexperimentsIwasmorethanevercharmedwithher。Icaressedherinasomewhatlivelymanner，anddrewbackmyhand，againapologizingformydaring，andwhensheletmeseeherfaceI
　　thoughtIsawdelightratherthanangerinhereyesandonhercheeks，andIfelthopefulwithregardtoher。Iwasjustgoingtobeginagain，forIfeltonfire；whenahandsomechambermaidcametotellmethatmyroomwasreadyandmyfirelighted。
　　"Farewelltillto—morrow，"saidItoTherese，butsheonlyansweredbyturningonhersidetogotosleep。
　　Iwenttobedafterorderingdinnerforoneo’clock，andIslepttillnoon，dreamingofTherese。WhenIwokeup，Costatoldmethathehadfoundoutwheremybrotherlived，andhadleftanoteatthehouse。ThiswasmybrotherJean，thenaboutthirty，andapupilofthefamousRaphaelMengs。ThispainterwasthendeprivedofhispensiononaccountofawarwhichobligedtheKingofPolandtoliveatWarsaw，asthePrussiansoccupiedthewholeelectorateofSaxe。Ihadnotseenmybrotherfortenyears，andIkeptourmeetingasaholiday。Iwassittingdowntotablewhenhecame，andweembracedeachotherwithtransport。Wespentanhourintelling，hehissmalladventures，andImygrandones，andhetoldmethatIshouldnotstayatthehotel，whichwastoodear，butcomeandliveattheChevalierMengs’shouse，whichcontainedanemptyroom，whereIcouldstayatamuchcheaperrate。
　　"Astoyourtable，thereisarestaurantinthehousewhereonecangetacapitalmeal。"
　　"Youradviceisexcellent，"saidI，"butIhavenotthecouragetofollowit，asIaminlovewithmylandlord’sdaughter；"andI
　　toldhimwhathadhappenedthenightbefore。
　　"That’samerenothing，"saidhe，laughing；"youcancultivateheracquaintancewithoutstayinginthehouse。"
　　Iletmyselfbepersuaded，andIpromisedtocometohimthefollowingday；andthenweproceededtotakeawalkaboutRome。
　　Ihadmanyinterestingmemoriesofmylastvisit，andIwantedtorenewmyacquaintancewiththosewhohadinterestedmeatthathappyagewhensuchimpressionsaresodurablebecausetheytouchtheheartratherthanthemind；butIhadtomakeupmymindtoagoodmanydisappointments，consideringthespaceoftimethathadelapsedsinceIhadbeeninRome。
　　IwenttotheMinervatofindDonnaCecilia；shewasnomoreinthisworld。IfoundoutwhereherdaughterAngelicalived，andI
　　wenttoseeher，butshegavemeapoorreception，andsaidthatshereallyscarcelyrememberedme。
　　"Icansaythesame，"Ireplied，"foryouarenottheAngelicaI
　　usedtoknow。Good—bye，madam！"
　　Thelapseoftimehadnotimprovedherpersonalappearance。I
　　foundoutalsowheretheprinter’sson，whohadmarriedBarbaruccia，lived，but——Iputoffthepleasureofseeinghimtillanothertime，andalsomyvisittotheReverendFatherGeorgi，whowasamanofgreatreputeinRome。GasparVivaldihadgoneintothecountry。
　　MybrothertookmetoMadameCherubini。Ifoundhermansiontobeasplendidone，andtheladywelcomedmeintheRomanmanner。I
　　thoughtherpleasantandherdaughtersstillmoreso，butI
　　thoughtthecrowdofloverstoolargeandtoomiscellaneous。
　　Therewastoomuchluxuryandceremony，andthegirls，oneofwhomwasasfairasLovehimself，weretoopolitetoeverybody。Aninterestingquestionwasputtome，towhichIansweredinsuchamannerastoelicitanotherquestion，buttonopurpose。Isawthattherankofmybrother，whohadintroducedme，preventedmybeingthoughtapersonofanyconsequence，andonhearinganabbesay，"He’sCasanova’sbrother，"Iturnedtohimandsaid，——
　　"That’snotcorrect；youshouldsayCasanova’smybrother。"
　　"Thatcomestothesamething。"
　　"Notatall，mydearabbe。"
　　Isaidthesewordsinatonewhichcommandedattention，andanotherabbesaid，——
　　"Thegentlemanisquiteright；itdoesnotcometothesamething。"
　　Thefirstabbemadenoreplytothis。Theonewhohadtakenmypart，andwasmyfriendfromthatmoment，wasthefamousWinckelmann，whowasunhappilyassassinatedatTriestetwelveyearsafterwards。
　　WhileIwastalkingtohim，CardinalAlexanderAlbaniarrived。
　　Winckelmannpresentedmetohiseminence，whowasnearlyblind。
　　Hetalkedtomeagreatdeal，withoutsayinganythingworthlisteningto。AssoonasheheardthatIwastheCasanovawhohadescapedfromTheLeads，hesaidinasomewhatrudetonethathewonderedIhadthehardihoodtocometoRome，whereontheslightesthintfromtheStateInquisitorsatVenicean’ordinesanctissimo’wouldre—consignmetomyprison。Iwasannoyedbythisunseemlyremark，andrepliedinadignifiedvoice，——
　　"ItisnotmyhardihoodincomingtoRomethatyoureminenceshouldwonderat，butamanofanysensewouldwonderattheInquisitorsiftheyhadthehardihoodtoissuean’ordinesanctissimo’againstme；fortheywouldbeperplexedtoallegeanycrimeinmeasapretextforthusinfamouslydeprivingmeofmyliberty。"
　　Thisreplysilencedhiseminence。Hewasashamedathavingtakenmeforafool，andtoseethatIthoughthimone。ShortlyafterI
　　leftandneversetfootinthathouseagain。
　　TheAbbeWinckelmannwentoutwithmybrotherandmyself，andashecamewithmetomyhotelhedidmethehonourofstayingtosupper。WinckelmannwasthesecondvolumeofthecelebratedAbbedeVoisenon。Hecalledformenextday，andwewenttoVillaAlbanitoseetheChevalierMengs，whowasthenlivingthereandpaintingaceiling。
　　MylandlordRoland（whoknewmybrother）paidmeavisitatsupper。RolandcamefromAvignonandwasfondofgoodliving。I
　　toldhimIwassorrytobeleavinghimtostaywithmybrother，becauseIhadfalleninlovewithhisdaughterTherese，althoughI
　　hadonlyspokentoherforafewminutes，andhadonlyseenherhead。
　　"Yousawherinbed，Iwillbet"
　　"Exactly，andIshouldverymuchliketoseetherestofher。
　　Wouldyoubesokindastoaskhertostepupforafewminutes？"
　　"Withallmyheart。"
　　Shecameupstairs，seemingonlytoogladtoobeyherfather’ssummons。Shehadalithe，gracefulfigure，hereyeswereofsurpassingbrilliancy，herfeaturesexquisite，hermouthcharming；
　　buttakenaltogetherIdidnotlikehersowellasbefore。Inreturn，mypoorbrotherbecameenamouredofhertosuchanextentthatheendedbybecomingherslave。Hemarriedhernextyear，andtwoyearsafterwardshetookhertoDresden。Isawherfiveyearslaterwithaprettybaby；butaftertenyearsofmarriedlifeshediedofconsumption。
　　IfoundMengsattheVillaAlbani；hewasanindefatigableworker，andextremelyoriginalinhisconceptions。Hewelcomedme，andsaidhewasgladtobeabletolodgemeathishouseinRome，andthathehopedtoreturnhomehimselfinafewdays，withhiswholefamily。
　　IwasastonishedwiththeVillaAlbani。IthadbeenbuiltbyCardinalAlexander，andhadbeenwhollyconstructedfromantiquematerialstosatisfythecardinal’sloveforclassicart；notonlythestatuesandthevases，butthecolumns，thepedestals——infact，everythingwasGreek。HewasaGreekhimself，andhadaperfectknowledgeofantiquework，andhadcontrivedtospendcomparativelylittlemoneycomparedwiththemasterpiecehehadproduced。Ifasovereignmonarchhadhadavillalikethecardinal’sbuilt，itwouldhavecosthimfiftymillionfrancs，butthecardinalmadeamuchcheaperbargain。
　　Ashecouldnotgetanyancientceilings，hewasobligedtohavethempainted，andMengswasundoubtedlythegreatestandthemostlaboriouspainterofhisage。Itisagreatpitythatdeathcarriedhimoffinthemidstofhiscareer，asotherwisehewouldhaveenrichedthestoresofartwithnumerousmasterpieces。Mybrotherneverdidanythingtojustifyhistitleofpupilofthisgreatartist。WhenIcometomyvisittoSpainin1767，IshallhavesomemoretosayaboutMengs。
　　AssoonasIwassettledwithmybrotherIhiredacarriage，acoachman，andafootman，whomIputintofancylivery，andI
　　calledonMonsignorCornaro，auditorofthe’rota’，withtheintentionofmakingmywayintogoodsociety，butfearinglestheasaVenetianmightgetcompromised，heintroducedmetoCardinalPassionei，whospokeofmetothesovereignpontiff。
　　BeforeIpassontoanythingelse，Iwillinformmyreadersofwhattookplaceontheoccasionofmysecondvisittothisoldcardinal，agreatenemyoftheJesuits，awit，andmanofletters。
　　EndMEMOIRSOFJACQUESCASANOVAdeSEINGALT1725—1798
　　ADVENTURESINTHESOUTH，Volume4c——RETURNTONAPLES
　　THERAREUNABRIDGEDLONDONEDITIONOF1894TRANSLATEDBYARTHUR
　　MACHENTOWHICHHASBEENADDEDTHECHAPTERSDISCOVERED
　　BYARTHURSYMONS。
　　RETURNTONAPLES
　　ROME——NAPLES——BOLOGNA
　　CHAPTERVIII
　　CardinalPassianei——ThePope——Masiuccia——IArriveAtNaplesCardinalPassioneireceivedmeinalargehallwherehewaswriting。Hebeggedmetowaittillhehadfinished，buthecouldnotaskmetotakeaseatasheoccupiedtheonlychairthathisvastroomcontained。
　　Whenhehadputdownhispen，herose，cametome，andafterinformingmethathewouldtelltheHolyFatherofmyvisit，headded，——
　　"MybrotherCornaromighthavemadeabetterchoice，asheknowsthePopedoesnotlikeme。"
　　"Hethoughtitbettertochoosethemanwhoisesteemedthanthemanwhoismerelyliked。"
　　"Idon’tknowwhetherthePopeesteemsme，butIamsureheknowsIdon’testeemhim。Ibothlikedandesteemedhimbeforehewaspope，andIconcurredinhiselection，butsincehehaswornthetiarait’sadifferentmatter；hehasshewnhimselftoomuchofa’coglione’。"
　　"Theconclaveoughttohavechosenyoureminence。"
　　"No，no；I’maroot—and—branchreformer，andmyhandwouldnothavebeenstayedforfearofthevengeanceoftheguilty，andGodaloneknowswhatwouldhavecomeofthat。TheonlycardinalfittobepopewasTamburini；butitcan’tbehelpednow。Ihearpeoplecoming；good—bye，comeagainto—morrow。"
　　WhatadelightfulthingtohaveheardacardinalcallthePopeafool，andnameTamburiniasafitperson。Ididnotloseamomentinnotingthispleasantcircumstancedown:itwastoopreciousamorseltoletslip。ButwhowasTamburini？Ihadneverheardofhim。IaskedWinckelmann，whodinedwithme。
　　"He’samandeservingofrespectforhisvirtues，hischaracter，hisfirmness，andhisfarseeingintelligence。HehasneverdisguisedhisopinionoftheJesuits，whomhestylesthefathersofdeceits，intrigues，andlies；andthat’swhatmadePassioneimentionhim。Ithink，withhim，thatTamburiniwouldbeagreatandgoodpope。"
　　IwillherenotedownwhatIheardatRomenineyearslaterfromthemouthofatooloftheJesuits。TheCardinalTamburiniwasatthelastgasp，andtheconversationturneduponhim，whensomebodyelsesaid，——
　　"ThisBenedictinecardinalisanimpiousfellowafterall；heisonhisdeath—bed，andhehasaskedfortheviaticum，withoutwishingtopurifyhissoulbyconfession。"
　　Ididnotmakeanyremark，butfeelingasifIshouldliketoknowthetruthofthematterIaskedsomebodyaboutitnextday，myinformantbeingapersonwhomusthaveknownthetruth，andcouldnothavehadanymotivefordisguisingtherealfactsofthecase。
　　Hetoldmethatthecardinalhadsaidmassthreedaysbefore，andthatifhehadnotaskedforaconfessoritwasdoubtlessbecausehehadnothingtoconfess。
　　Unfortunatearetheythatlovethetruth，anddonotseekitoutatitssource。Ihopethereaderwillpardonthisdigression，whichisnotwithoutinterest。
　　NextdayIwenttoseeCardinalPassionei，whotoldmeIwasquiterighttocomeearly，ashewantedtolearnallaboutmyescapefromTheLeads，ofwhichhehadheardsomewonderfultalestold。
　　"Ishallbedelightedtosatisfyyoureminence，butthestoryisalongone。"
　　"Allthebetter；theysayyoutellitwell。"
　　"But，mylord，amItositdownonthefloor？"
　　"No，no；yourdressistoogoodforthat。"
　　Heranghisbell，andhavingtoldoneofhisgentlementosendupaseat，aservantbroughtinastool。Aseatwithoutabackandwithoutarms！Itmademequiteangry。Icutmystoryshort，tolditbadly，andhadfinishedinaquarterofanhour。
　　"Iwritebetterthanyouspeak，"saidhe。
　　"Mylord，IneverspeakwellexceptwhenIamatmyease。"
　　"Butyouarenotafraidofme？"
　　"No，mylord，atruemanandaphilosophercannevermakemeafraid；butthisstoolofyours……"
　　"Youliketobeatyourease，aboveallthings。"
　　"Takethis，itisthefuneralorationofPrinceEugene；Imakeyouapresentofit。IhopeyouwillapproveofmyLatinity。YoucankissthePope’sfeettomorrowatteno’clock。"
　　WhenIgothome，asIreflectedonthecharacterofthisstrangecardinal——awit，haughty，vain，andboastful，Iresolvedtomakehimafinepresent。Itwasthe’Pandectarumliberunicus’whichM。deF。hadgivenmeatBerne，andwhichIdidnotknowwhattodowith。Itwasafoliowellprintedonfinepaper，choicelybound，andinperfectpreservation。Aschieflibrarianthepresentshouldbeavaluableonetohim，allthemoreashehadalargeprivatelibrary，ofwhichmyfriendtheAbbeWinckelmannwaslibrarian。IthereforewroteashortLatinletter，whichI
　　enclosedinanothertoWinckelmann，whomIbeggedtopresentmyofferingtohiseminence。
　　Ithoughtitwasasvaluableashisfuneralorationatanyrate，andIhopedthathewouldgivemeamorecomfortablechairforthefuture。
　　Nextmorning，atthetimeappointed，IwenttoMonteCavallo，whichoughttobecalledMonteCavalli，asitgetsitsnamefromtwofinestatuesofhorsesstandingonapedestalinthemidstofthesquare，wheretheHolyFather’spalaceissituated。
　　IhadnorealneedofbeingpresentedtothePopebyanyone，asanyChristianisatlibertytogoinwhenheseesthedooropen。
　　BesidesIhadknownHisHolinesswhenhewasBishopofPadua；butIhadpreferredtoclaimthehonorofbeingintroducedbyacardinal。
　　AftersalutingtheHeadoftheFaithful，andkissingtheholycrossembroideredonhisholyslipper，thePopeputhisrighthandonmyleftshoulder，andsaidherememberedthatIalwaysforsooktheassemblyatPadua，whenheintonedtheRosary。
　　"HolyFather，Ihavemuchworsesinsthanthatonmyconscience，soIcomeprostrateatyourfoottoreceiveyourabsolution。"
　　Hethengavemehisbenediction，andaskedmeverygraciouslywhathecoulddoforme。
　　"IbegYourHolinesstopleadforme，thatImaybeabletoreturntoVenice。"
　　"Wewillspeakofittotheambassador，andthenwewillspeakagaintoyouonthematter。"
　　"DoyouoftengoandseeCardinalPassionei？"
　　"Ihavebeenthreetimes。HegavemehisfuneralorationonPrinceEugene，andinreturnIsenthimthe’Pandects’。"
　　"Hasheacceptedthem？"
　　"Ithinkso，HolyFather。"
　　"Ifhehas，hewillsendWinckelmanntopayyouforthem。"
　　"Thatwouldbetreatingmelikeabookseller；Iwillnotreceiveanypayment。"
　　"Thenhewillreturnthevolumeofthe’Pandects’；wearesureofit，healwaysdoesso。"
　　"Ifhiseminencereturnsmethe’Pandects’，Iwillreturnhimhisfuneraloration。"
　　AtthisthePopelaughedtillhissidesshook。