"Weshallbepleasedtoheartheendofthestorywithoutanyonebeinginformedofourinnocentcuriosity。"
　　Withthesewords，alongbenedictiondeliveredwithmuchunctioninformedmethatmyaudiencewasatanend。
　　AsIwasleavingHisHoliness’spalace，Iwasaccostedbyanoldabbe，whoaskedmerespectfullyifIwerenottheM。CasanovawhohadescapedfromTheLeads。
　　"Yes，"saidI，"Iamtheman。"
　　"Heavenbepraised，worthysir，thatIseeyouagaininsuchgoodestate！"
　　"ButwhomhaveIthehonourofaddressing？"
　　"Don’tyourecollectme？IamMomolo，formerlygondolieratVenice。"
　　"Haveyouenteredholyorders，then？"
　　"Notatall，buthereeveryonewearsthecassock。Iamthefirstscopatore（sweeper）ofHisHolinessthePope。"
　　"Icongratulateyouonyourappointment，butyoumustn’tmindmelaughing。"
　　"Laughasmuchasyoulike。MywifeanddaughterslaughwhenI
　　putonthecassockandbands，andIlaughmyself，butherethedressgainsonerespect。Comeandseeus。"
　　"Wheredoyoulive？"
　　"BehindtheTrinityofMonti；here’smyaddress。"
　　"Iwillcometo—night。"
　　Iwenthomedelightedwiththismeeting，anddeterminedtoenjoytheeveningwithmyVenetianboatman。Igotmybrothertocomewithme，andItoldhimhowthePopehadreceivedme。
　　TheAbbeWinckelmanncameintheafternoonandinformedmethatI
　　wasfortunateenoughtobehighinfavourwithhiscardinal，andthatthebookIhadsenthimwasveryvaluable；itwasararework，andinmuchbetterconditionthantheVaticancopy。
　　"Iamcommissionedtopayyouforit。"
　　"Ihavetoldhiseminencethatitwasapresent。"
　　"Heneveracceptsbooksaspresents，andhewantsyoursforhisownlibrary；andasheislibrarianoftheVaticanLibraryheisafraidlestpeoplemightsayunpleasantthings。"
　　"That’sverywell，butIamnotabookseller；andasthisbookonlycostmethetroubleofacceptingit，Iamdeterminedonlytosellitatthesameprice。Prayaskthecardinaltohonourmebyacceptingit。"
　　"Heissuretosenditbacktoyou。"
　　"Hecanifhelikes，butIwillsendbackhisfuneraloration，asIamnotgoingtobeunderanobligationtoanyonewhorefusestotakeapresentfromme。"
　　NextmorningtheeccentriccardinalreturnedmemyPandects，andI
　　immediatelyreturnedhisfuneraloration，withaletterinwhichI
　　pronounceditamasterpieceofcomposition，thoughIlaidbarelyglancedoveritinreality。MybrothertoldmeIwaswrong，butI
　　didnottroublewhathesaid，notcaringtoguidemyselfbyhisrulings。
　　IntheeveningmybrotherandIwenttothe’scopatoresantissimo’，whowasexpectingme，andhadannouncedmetohisfamilyasaprodigyofaman。Iintroducedmybrother，andproceededtoaclosescrutinyofthefamily。Isawanelderlywoman，fourgirls，ofwhomtheeldestwastwenty—four，twosmallboys，andabovealluniversalugliness。Itwasnotinvitingforamanofvoluptuoustastes，butIwasthere，andthebestthingwastoputagoodfaceonit；soIstayedandenjoyedmyself。Besidesthegeneralugliness，thehouseholdpresentedthepictureofmisery，forthe’scopatoresantissimo’andhisnumerousfamilywereobligedtoliveontwohundredRomancrownsayear，andastherearenoperquisitesattachedtotheofficeofapostolicsweeper，hewascompelledtofurnishallneedsoutofthisslendersum。InspiteofthatMomolowasamostgenerousman。Assoonashesawmeseatedhetoldmeheshouldhavelikedtogivemeagoodsupper，buttherewasonlyporkchopsandapolenta。
　　"Theyareverynice，"saidI；"butwillyouallowmetosendforhalfadozenflasksofOrvietofrommylodging？"
　　"Youaremasterhere。"
　　IwroteanotetoCosta，tellinghimtobringthesixflasksdirectly，withacookedham。Hecameinhalfanhour，andthefourgirlscriedwhentheysawhim，"Whatafinefellow！"IsawCostawasdelightedwiththisreception，andsaidtoMomolo，"IfyoulikehimaswellasyourgirlsIwilllethimstay。"
　　Costawascharmedwithsuchhonourbeingshewnhim，andafterthankingmewentintothekitchentohelpthemotherwiththepolenta。
　　Thelargetablewascoveredwithacleancloth，andsoonaftertheybroughtintwohugedishesofpolentaandanenormouspanfullofchops。Wewerejustgoingtobeginwhenaknockingonthestreetdoorwasheard。
　　"’TisSignoraMariaandhermother，"saidoneoftheboys。
　　AtthisannouncementIsawthefourgirlspullingawryface。
　　"Whoaskedthem？"saidone。"Whatdotheywant？"saidanother。
　　"Whattroublesomepeopletheyare！"saidathird。"Theymighthavestayedathome，"saidthefourth。Butthegood，kindlyfathersaid，"Mychildren，theyarehungry，andtheyshallsharewhatProvidencehasgivenus。"
　　Iwasdeeplytouchedwiththeworthyman’skindness。IsawthattrueChristiancharityismoreoftentobefoundinthebreastsofthepoorthantherich，whoaresowellprovidedforthattheycannotfeelforthewantsofothers。
　　WhileIwasmakingthesewholesomereflectionsthetwohungryonescamein。Onewasayoungwomanofamodestandpleasantaspect，andtheotherhermother，whoseemedveryhumbleandasifashamedoftheirpoverty。Thedaughtersalutedthecompanywiththatnaturalgracewhichisagiftofnature，apologizinginsomeconfusionforherpresence，andsayingthatshewouldnothavetakenthelibertytocomeifshehadknowntherewascompany。TheworthyMomolowastheonlyonewhoansweredher，andhesaid，kindly，thatshehaddonequiterighttocome，andputherachairbetweenmybrotherandmyself。Ilookedatherandthoughtheraperfectbeauty。
　　Thentheeatingbeganandtherewasnomoretalking。Thepolentawasexcellent，thechopsdelicious，andthehamperfect，andinlessthananhourtheboardwasasbareasiftherehadbeennothingonit；buttheOrvietokeptthecompanyingoodspirts。
　　Theybegantotalkofthelotterywhichwastobedrawnthedayafternext，andallthegirlsmentionedthenumbersonwhichtheyhadriskedafewbajocchi。
　　"IfIcouldbesureofonenumber，"saidI，"Iwouldstakesomethingonit。"
　　MariucciatoldmethatifIwantedanumbershecouldgivemeone。
　　Ilaughedatthisoffer，butinthegravestwayshenamedmethenumber27。
　　"Isthelotterystillopen？"IaskedtheAbbeMomolo。
　　"Tillmidnight，"hereplied，"andifyoulikeIwillgoandgetthenumberforyou。"
　　"Herearefiftycrowns，"saidI，"puttwenty—fivecrownson27—
　　thisforthesefiveyoungladies；andtheothertwenty—fiveon27
　　comingoutthefifthnumber，andthisIwillkeepformyself。"
　　Hewentoutdirectlyandreturnedwiththetwotickets。
　　Myprettyneighbourthankedmeandsaidshewassureofwinning，butthatshedidnotthinkIshouldsucceedasitwasnotprobablethat27wouldcomeoutfifth。
　　"Iamsureofit，"Ianswered，"foryouarethefifthyoungladyI
　　sawinthishouse。"Thismadeeverybodylaugh。Momolo’swifetoldmeIwouldhavedonemuchbetterifIhadgiventhemoneytothepoor，butherhusbandtoldhertobequiet，asshedidnotknowmyintent。Mybrotherlaughed，andtoldmeIhaddoneafoolishthing。"Ido，sometimes，"saidI，"butweshallseehowitturnsout，andwhenoneplaysoneisobligedeithertowinorlose。"
　　Imanagedtosqueezemyfairneighbour’shand，andshereturnedthepressurewithallherstrength。FromthattimeIknewthatmyfatewithMariucciawassealed。Ileftthematmidnight，beggingtheworthyMomolotoaskmeagainintwodays’time，thatwemightrejoicetogetheroverourgains。OnourwayhomemybrothersaidIhadeitherbecomeasrichasCroesusorhadgonemad。Itoldhimthatbothsuppositionswereincorrect，butthatMariucciawasashandsomeasanangel，andheagreed。
　　NextdayMengsreturnedtoRome，andIsuppedwithhimandhisfamily。Hehadanexceedinglyuglysister，whoforallthat，wasagoodandtalentedwoman。Shehadfallendeeplyinlovewithmybrother，anditwaseasytoseethattheflamewasnotyetextinguished，butwhenevershespoketohim，whichshedidwhenevershecouldgetanopportunity，helookedanotherway。
　　Shewasanexquisitepainterofminiatures，andacapitalhandatcatchingalikeness。TothebestofmybeliefsheisstilllivingatRomewithMaroniherhusband。Sheoftenusedtospeakofmybrothertome，andonedayshesaidthathemustbethemostthanklessofmenorhewouldnotdespiseherso。Iwasnotcuriousenoughtoenquirewhatclaimshehadtohisgratitude。
　　Mengs’swifewasagoodandprettywoman，attentivetoherhouseholddutiesandverysubmissivetoherhusband，thoughshecouldnothavelovedhim，forhewasanythingbutamiable。Hewasobstinateandfierceinhismanner，andwhenhedinedathomehemadeapointofnotleavingthetablebeforehewasdrunk；outofhisownhousehewastemperatetotheextentofnotdrinkinganythingbutwater。Hiswifecarriedherobediencesofarastoserveashismodelforallthenudefigureshepainted。Ispoketoheronedayaboutthisunpleasantobligation，andshesaidthatherconfessorhadchargedhertofulfilit，"for，"saidhe，"ifyourhusbandhasanotherwomanforamodelhewillbesuretoenjoyherbeforepaintingher，andthatsinwouldbelaidtoyourcharge。"
　　Aftersupper，Winckelmann，whowasasfargoneasalltheothermaleguests，playedwithMengs’schildren。Therewasnothingofthepedantaboutthisphilosopher；helovedchildrenandyoungpeople，andhischeerfuldispositionmadehimdelightinallkindsofenjoyment。
　　Nextday，asIwasgoingtopaymycourttothePope，IsawMomolointhefirstante—chamber，andItookcaretoremindhimofthepolentafortheevening。
　　AssoonasthePopesawme，hesaid，——
　　"TheVenetianambassadorhasinformedusthatifyouwishtoreturntoyournativeland，youmustgoandpresentyourselfbeforethesecretaryoftheTribunal。"
　　"MostHolyFather，Iamquitereadytotakethisstep，ifYourHolinesswillgrantmealetterofcommendationwrittenwithyourownhand。WithoutthispowerfulprotectionIshouldneverdreamofexposingmyselftotheriskofbeingagainshutupinaplacefromwhichIescapedbyamiracleandthehelpoftheAlmighty。"
　　"Youaregailydressed；youdonotlookasifyouweregoingtochurch。"
　　"True，mostHolyFather，butneitheramIgoingtoaball。"
　　"Wehaveheardallaboutthepresentsbeingsentback。Confessthatyoudidsotogratifyyourpride。"
　　"Yes，butalsotolowerapridegreaterthanmine。"
　　ThpPopesmiledatthisreply，andIkneltdownandbeggedhimtopermitmetopresentthevolumeofPandectstotheVaticanLibrary。Bywayofreplyhegavemehisblessing，whichsignifies，inpapallanguage，"Rise；yourrequestisgranted。"
　　"Wewillsendyou，"saidhe，"amarkofoursingularaffectionforyouwithoutyourhavingtopayanyfees。"
　　Asecondblessingbidmebegone。Ihaveoftenfeltwhatagoodthingitwouldbeifthiskindofdismissalcouldbeemployedingeneralsocietytosendawayimportunatepetitioners，towhomonedoesnotdaresay，"Begone。"
　　IwasextremelycurioustoknowwhatthePopehadmeantby"amarkofoursingularaffection。"Iwasafraidthatitwouldbeablessedrosary，withwhichIshouldnothaveknownwhattodo。
　　WhenIgothomeIsentthebookbyCostatotheVatican，andthenIwenttodinewithMengs。Whilewewereeatingthesoupthewinningnumbersfromthelotterywerebroughtin。Mybrotherglancedatthemandlookedatmewithastonishment。Iwasnotthinkingofthesubjectatthatmoment，andhisgazesurprisedme。
　　"Twenty—seven，"hecried，"cameoutfifth。"
　　"Allthebetter，"saidI，"weshallhavesomeamusementoutofit。"
　　ItoldthestorytoMengs，whosaid，——
　　"It’saluckyfollyforyouthistime；butitalwaysisafolly。"
　　Hewasquiteright，andItoldhimthatIagreedwithhim；butI
　　addedthattomakeaworthyuseofthefifteenhundredromancrownswhichfortunehadgivenme，IshouldgoandspendfifteendaysatNaples。
　　"Iwillcometoo，"saidtheAbbeAlfani。"Iwillpassforyoursecretary。"
　　"Withallmyheart，"Ianswered，"Ishallkeepyoutoyourword。"
　　IaskedWinckelmanntocomeandeatpolentawiththescopatoresantissimo，andtoldmybrothertoshewhimtheway；andIthencalledontheMarquisBelloni，mybanker，tolookintomyaccounts，andtogetaletterofcreditonthefirmatNaples，whowerehisagents。Istillhadtwohundredthousandfrancs:Ihadjewelleryworththirtythousandfrancs，andfiftythousandflorinsatAmsterdam。
　　IgottoMomolo’sintheduskoftheevening，andIfoundWinckelmannandmybrotheralreadythere；butinsteadofmirthreigningroundtheboardIsawsadfacesonallsides。
　　"What’sthematterwiththegirls？"IaskedMomolo。
　　"Theyarevexedthatyoudidnotstakefortheminthesamewayasyoudidforyourself。"
　　"Peopleareneversatisfied。IfIhadstakedforthemasIdidformyself，andthenumberhadcomeoutfirstinsteadoffifth，，theywouldhavegotnothing，andtheywouldhavebeenvexedthen。
　　Twodaysagotheyhadnothing，andnowthattheyhavetwenty—sevenpoundsapiecetheyoughttobecontented。"
　　"That’sjustwhatItelltheir，butallwomenarethesame。"
　　"Andmentoo，dearcountryman，unlesstheyarephilosophers。Golddoesnotspellhappiness，andmirthcanonlybefoundinheartsdevoidofcare。Letussaynomoreaboutit，butbehappy。"
　　Costaplacedabasketcontainingtenpacketsofsweets，uponthetable。
　　"Iwilldistributethem，"saidI，"wheneverybodyishere。"
　　Onthis，Momolo’sseconddaughtertoldmethatMariucciaandhermotherwerenotcoming，butthattheywouldsendthemthesweets。
　　"Whyaretheynotcoming？"
　　"Theyhadaquarrelyesterday，"saidthefather，"andMariuccia，whowasintheright，wentawaysayingthatshewouldnevercomehereagain。"
　　"Youungratefulgirls！"saidI，tomyhost’sdaughters，"don’tyouknowthatitistoherthatyouoweyourwinnings，forshegavemethenumbertwenty—seven，whichIshouldneverhavethoughtof。
　　Quick！thinkofsomewaytomakehercome，orIwillgoawayandtakeallthesweetswithme。"
　　"Youarequiteright，"saidMomolo。
　　Themortifiedgirlslookedatoneanotherandbeggedtheirfathertofetchher。
　　"Ira，"saidhe，"thatwon’tdo；youmadehersaythatshewouldnevercomehereagain，andyoumustmakeupthequarrel。"
　　Theyheldashortconsultation，andthen，askingCostatogowiththem，theywenttofetchher。
　　Inhalfanhourtheyreturnedintriumph，andCostawasquiteproudoftheparthehadtakeninthereconciliation。Ithendistributedthesweets，takingcaretogivethetwobestpacketstothefairMary。
　　Anoblepolentawasplacedupontheboard，flankedbytwolargedishesofporkchops。ButMomolo，whoknewmytastes，andwhomI
　　hadmaderichinthepersonofhisdaughters，addedtothefeastsomedelicatedishesandsomeexcellentwine。Mariucciawassimplydressed，buthereleganceandbeautyandthemodestyofherdemeanourcompletelyseducedme。
　　Wecouldonlyexpressourmutualflamesbysqueezingeachother’shands；andshedidthissofeelinglythatIcouldnotdoubtherlove。AsweweregoingoutItookcaretogodownstairsbesideherandaskedifIcouldnotmeetherbyherself，towhichsherepliedbymakinganappointmentwithmefarthenextdayateighto’clockattheTrinityofMonti。
　　Mariucciawastall:andshapely，aperfectpicture，asfairasawhiterose，andcalculatedtoinspirevoluptuousdesires。Shehadbeautifullightbrownhair，darkblueeyes，andexquisitelyarchedeyelids。Hermouth，thevermilionofherlips，andherivoryteethwereallperfect。Herwell—shapedforeheadgaveheranairapproachingthemajestic。Kindnessandgaietysparkledinhereyes；whileherplumpwhitehands，herroundedfinger—tips，herpinknails，herbreast，whichthecorsetseemedscarcelyabletorestrain，herdaintyfeet，andherprominenthips，madeherworthyofthechiselofPraxiteles。Shewasjustonhereighteenthyear，andsofarhadescapedtheconnoisseurs。ByaluckychanceIcameacrossherinapoorandwretchedstreet，andIwasfortunateenoughtoinsureherhappiness。
　　ItmayeasilybebelievedthatIdidnotfailtokeeptheappointment，andwhenshewassureIhadseenhershewentoutofthechurch。Ifollowedherataconsiderabledistance:sheenteredaruinedbuilding，andIafterher。Sheclimbedaflightofstepswhichseemedtobebuiltinair，andwhenshehadreachedthetopsheturned。
　　"Noonewillcomeandlookformehere，"saidshe，"sowecantalkfreelytogether。"
　　Isatbesideheronastone，andIthendeclaredmypassionateloveforher。
　　"Tellme，"Iadded，"whatIcandotomakeyouhappy；forIwishtopossessyou，butfirsttoshewmydeserts。"
　　"Makemehappy，andIwillyieldtoyourdesires，forIloveyou。"
　　"TellmewhatIcando。"
　　"Youcandrawmeoutofthepovertyandmiserywhichoverwhelmme。
　　Ilivewithmymother，whoisagoodwoman，butdevouttothepointofsuperstition；shewilldamnmysoulinhereffortstosaveit。Shefindsfaultwithmykeepingmyselfclean，becauseIhavetotouchmyselfwhenIwash，andthatmightgiverisetoevildesires。
　　Ifyouhadgivenmethemoneyyoumademewininthelotteryasasimplealmsshewouldhavemademerefuseit，becauseyoumighthavehadintentions。Sheallowsmetogobymyselftomassbecauseourconfessortoldhershemightdoso；butIdarenotstayawayaminutebeyondthetime，exceptonfeastdays，whenI
　　amallowedtoprayinthechurchfortwoorthreehours。Wecanonlymeethere，butifyouwishtosoftenmylotinlifeyoucandosoasfollows:
　　"Afineyoungman，whoisahairdresser，andbearsanexcellentcharacter，sawmeatMomolo’safortnightago，andmetmeatthechurchdoornextdayandgavemealetter。Hedeclaredhimselfmylover，andsaidthatifIcouldbringhimadowryoffourhundredcrowns，hecouldopenashop，furnishit，andmarryme。
　　"’Iampoor，’Ianswered，’andIhaveonlyahundredcrownsincharitytickets，whichmyconfessorkeepsforme。’NowIhavetwohundredcrowns，forifImarry，mymotherwillwillinglygivemehershareofthemoneyyoumadeusgain。Youcanthereforemakemehappybygettingmeticketstotheamountoftwohundredcrownsmore。Taketheticketstomyconfessor，whoisaverygoodmanandfondofme；hewillnotsayanythingtomymotheraboutit。"
　　"Ineedn’tgoaboutseekingforcharitytickets，myangel。Iwilltaketwohundredpiastrestoyourconfessorto—morrow，andyoumustmanagetherestyourself。Tellmehisname，andto—morrowI
　　willtellyouwhatIhavedone，butnothere，asthewindandthecoldwouldbethedeathofme。Youcanleavemetofindoutaroomwhereweshallbeatourease，andwithoutanydangerofpeople。suspectingthatwehavespentanhourtogether。Iwillmeetyouatthechurchto—morrowatthesamehourandwhenyouseemefollowme。"
　　Mariucciatoldmeherconfessor’sname，andallowedmeallthe。
　　caressespossibleinouruncomfortableposition。Thekissesshegavemeinreturnformineleftnodoubtinmymind，astoherloveforme。Asnineo’clockstruckIlefther，perishingwithcold，butburningwithdesire；myonlythoughtbeingwheretofindaroominwhichImightpossessmyselfofthetreasurethenextday。
　　Onleavingtheruinedpalace，insteadofreturningtothePiazzadiSpagnaIturnedtotheleftandpassedalonganarrowanddirtystreetonlyinhabitedbypeopleofthelowestsort。AsIslowlywalkedalong，awomancameoutofherhouseandaskedmepolitelyifIwerelookingforanybody。
　　"Iamlookingforaroomtolet。"
　　"Therearenonehere，sir，but，youwillfindahundredinthesquare。"
　　"Iknowit，butIwanttheroomtobehere，notforthesakeoftheexpense，butthatImaybesureofbeingabletospendanhourorsoofamorningwithapersoninwhomIaminterested。Iamreadytopayanything。"
　　"Iunderstandwhatyoumean，andyoushouldhavearoominmyhouseifIhadonetospare，butaneighbourofminehasoneonthegroundfloor，andifyouwillwaitamomentIwillgoandspeaktoher。"
　　"Youwillobligemeverymuch。"
　　"Kindlystepinhere。"
　　Ienteredapoorroom，whereallseemedwretchedness，andIsawtwochildrendoingtheirlessons。Soonafter，thegoodwomancamebackandaskedmetofollowher。Itookseveralpiecesofmoneyfrommypocket，andputthemdownontheonlytablewhichthispoorplacecontained。Imusthaveseemedverygenerous，forthepoormothercameandkissedmyhandwiththeutmostgratitude。Sopleasantisittodogood，thatnowwhenIhavenothinglefttheremembranceofthehappinessIhavegiventoothersatsmallcostisalmosttheonlypleasureIenjoy。
　　Iwenttoaneighbouringhousewhereawomanreceivedmeinanemptyroom，whichshetoldmeshewouldletcheaplyifIwouldpaythreemonthsinadvance，andbringinmyownfurniture。
　　"Whatdoyouaskforthethreemonths’rent？"
　　"ThreeRomancrowns。"
　　"IfyouwillseetothefurnishingoftheroomthisverydayI
　　willgiveyoutwelvecrowns。"
　　"Twelvecrowns！Whatfurnituredoyouwant？"
　　"Agoodcleanbed，asmalltablecoveredwithacleancloth，fourgoodchairs，andalargebrazierwithplentyoffireinit，forI
　　amnearlyperishingofcoldhere。Ishallonlycomeoccasionallyinthemorning，andIshallleavebynoonatthelatest。"
　　"Comeatthreeo’clock，then，to—day，andyouwillfindeverythingtoyoursatisfaction。"
　　>FromthereIwenttotheconfessor。HewasaFrenchmonk，aboutsixty，afineandbenevolent—lookingman，whowonone’srespectandconfidence。
　　"Reverendfather，"Ibegan，"IsawatthehouseofAbbeMomolo，’scoptoresantissimo’，ayounggirlnamedMary，whoseconfessoryouare。Ifellinlovewithher，andofferedhermoneytotryandseduceher。SherepliedthatinsteadoftryingtoleadherintosinIwoulddobettertogethersomecharityticketsthatshemightbeabletomarryayoungmanwholovedher，andwouldmakeherhappy。Iwastouchedbywhatshesaid，butmypassionstillremained。Ispoketoheragain，andsaidthatIwouldgivehertwohundredcrownsfornothing，andthathermothershouldkeepthem。
　　"’Thatwouldbemyruin，’saidshe；’mymotherwouldthinkthemoneywasthepriceofsin，andwouldnotacceptit。Ifyouarereallygoingtobesogenerous，takethemoneytomyconfessor，andaskhimtodowhathecanformymarriage。’"
　　"Here，then，reverendfather，isthesumofmoneyforthegoodgirl；bekindenoughtotakechargeofit，andIwilltroublehernomore。IamgoingtoNaplesthedayafterto—morrow，andIhopewhenIcomebackshewillbemarried。"
　　Thegoodconfessortookthehundredsequinsandgavemeareceipt，tellingmethatininterestingmyselfonbehalfofMariucciaIwasmakinghappyamostpureandinnocentdove，whomhehadconfessedsinceshewasfiveyearsold，andthathehadoftentoldherthatshemightcommunicatewithoutmakingherconfessionbecauseheknewshewasincapableofmortalsin。
　　"Hermother，"headded，"isasaintedwoman，andassoonasIhaveenquiredintothecharacterofthefuturehusbandIwillsoonbringthemarriageabout。Nooneshalleverknowfromwhomthisgenerousgiftcomes。"
　　AfterputtingthismatterinorderIdinedwiththeChevalierMengs，andIwillinglyconsentedtogowiththewholefamilytotheAlibertiTheatrethatevening。Ididnotforget，however，togoandinspecttheroomIhadtaken。Ifoundallmyordersexecuted，andIgavetwelvecrownstothelandladyandtookthekey，tellinghertolightthefireatseveneverymorning。
　　SoimpatientdidIfeelforthenextdaytocomethatIthoughttheoperadetestable，andthenightformewasasleeplessone。
　　NextmorningIwenttothechurchbeforethetime，andwhenMariucciacame，feelingsurethatshehadseenme，Iwentout。
　　Shefollowedmeatadistance，andwhenIgottothedoorofthelodgingIturnedforhertobesurethatitwasI，andthenwentinandfoundtheroomwellwarmed。SoonafterMariucciacamein，lookingtimid，confused，andasifsheweredoubtfulofthepathshewastreading。Iclaspedhertomyarms，andreassuredherbymytenderembraces；andhercouragerosewhenIshewedhertheconfessor’sreceipt，andtoldherthattheworthymanhadpromisedtocareforhermarriage。Shekissedmyhandinatransportofdelight，assuringmethatshewouldneverforgetmykindness。
　　Then，asIurgedhertomakemeahappyman，shesaid，——
　　"Wehavethreehoursbeforeus，asItoldmymotherIwasgoingtogivethankstoGodforhavingmademeawinnerinthelottery。"
　　Thisreassuredme，andItookmytime，undressingherbydegrees，andunveilinghercharmsonebyone，tomydelight，withouttheslightestattemptatresistanceonherpart。Allthetimeshekepthereyesfixedonmine，asiftosoothehermodesty；butwhenIbeheldandfeltallhercharmsIwasinanecstasy。Whatabody；whatbeauties！Nowherewastheretheslightestimperfection。ShewaslikeVenusrisingfromthefoamofthesea。
　　Icarriedhergentlytothebed，andwhileshestrovetohideheralabasterbreastsandthesofthairwhichmarkedtheentrancetothesanctuary，Iundressedinhaste，andconsummatedthesweetestofsacrifices，withouttherebeingtheslightestdoubtinmymindofthepurityofthevictim。Inthefirstsacrificenodoubttheyoungpriestessfeltsomepain，butsheassuredmeoutofdelicacythatshehadnotbeenhurt，andatthesecondassaultsheshewedthatshesharedmyflames。Iwasgoingtoimmolatethevictimforthethirdtimewhentheclockstruckten。Shebegantoberestless，andhurriedlyputonourclothes。IhadtogotoNaples，butIassuredherthatthedesireofembracingheroncemorebeforehermarriagewouldhastenmyreturntoRome。I
　　promisedtotakeanotherhundredcrownstoherconfessor，advisinghertospendthemoneyshehadwoninthelotteryonhertrousseau。
　　"IshallbeatMonolo’sto—night，dearest，andyoumustcome，too；
　　butwemustappearindifferenttoeachother，thoughourheartsbefullofjoy，lestthosemaliciousgirlssuspectourmutualunderstanding。"
　　"Itisallthemorenecessarytobecautious，"shereplied，"asI
　　havenoticedthattheysuspectthatweloveeachother。"
　　BeforewepartedshethankedmeforwhatIhaddoneforher，andbeggedmetobelievethat，herpovertynotwithstanding，shehadgivenherselfforlovealone。
　　Iwasthelasttoleavethehouse，andItoldmylandladythatI
　　shouldbeawayfortenortwelvedays。IthenwenttotheconfessortogivehimthehundredcrownsIhadpromisedmymistress。WhenthegoodoldFrenchmanheardthatIhadmadethisfreshsacrificethatMariucciamightbeabletospendherlotterywinningsonherclothes，hetoldmethathewouldcallonthemotherthatverydayandurgehertoconsenttoherdaughter’smarriage，andalsolearnwheretheyoungmanlived。OnmyreturnfromNaplesIheardthathehadfaithfullycarriedouthispromise。
　　IwassittingattablewithMengswhenachamberlainoftheHolyFathercalled。WhenhecameinheaskedM。MengsifIlivedthere，andonthatgentlemanpointingmeout，hegaveme，fromhisholymaster，theCrossoftheOrderoftheGoldenSpurwiththediploma，andapatentunderthepontificalseal，which，inmyqualityasdoctoroflaws，mademeaprothonotary—apostolic’extraurbem’。
　　IfeltthatIhadbeenhighlyhonoured，andtoldthebearerthatI
　　wouldgoandthankmynewsovereignandaskhisblessingthenextday。TheChevalierMengsembracedmeasabrother，butIhadtheadvantageoverhiminnotbeingobligedtopayanything，whereasthegreatartisthadtodisbursetwenty—fiveRomancrownstohavehisdiplomamadeout。ThereisasayingatRome，’Sineefusionesanguinisnonfitremissio’，whichmaybeinterpreted，Nothingwithoutmoney；andasamatteroffact，onecandoanythingwithmoneyintheHolyCity。
　　FeelinghighlyflatteredatthefavourtheHolyFatherhadshewnme，Iputonthecrosswhichdependedfromabroadredribbon—redbeingthecolourwornbytheKnightsofSt。JohnoftheLateran，thecompanionsofthepalace，’comitespalatini’，orcount—
　　palatins。AboutthesametimepoorCahusac，authoroftheoperaofZoroaster，wentmadforjoyonthereceiptofthesameorder。
　　Iwasnotsobadasthat，butIconfess，tomyshame，thatIwassoproudofmydecorationthatIaskedWinckelmannwhetherI
　　shouldbeallowedtohavethecrosssetwithdiamondsandrubies。
　　HesaidIcouldifIliked，andifIwantedsuchacrosshecouldgetmeonecheap。Iwasdelighted，andboughtittomakeashowatNaples，butIhadnotthefacetowearitinRome。WhenIwenttothankthePopeIworethecrossinmybutton—holeoutofmodesty。FiveyearsafterwardswhenIwasatWarsaw，Czartoryski，aRussianprince—palatine，mademeleaveitoffbysaying，——
　　"Whatareyoudoingwiththatwretchedbauble？It’sadruginthemarket，andnoonebutanimpostorwouldwearitnow。"
　　ThePopesknewthisquitewell，buttheycontinuedtogivethecrosstoambassadorswhiletheyalsogaveittotheir’valetsdechambre’。OnehastowinkatagoodmanythingsinRome。
　　IntheeveningMomologavemeasupperbywayofcelebratingmynewdignity。Irecoupedhimfortheexpensebyholdingabankatfaro，atwhichIwasdexterousenoughtolosefortycrownstothefamily，withouthavingtheslightestpartialitytoMariucciawhowonliketherest。Shefoundtheopportunitytotellmethatherconfessorhadcalledonher，thatshehadtoldhimwhereherfuturehusbandlived，andthattheworthymonkhadobtainedhermother’sconsenttothehundredcrownsbeingspentonhertrousseau。
　　InoticedthatMomolo’sseconddaughterhadtakenafancytoCosta，andItoldMomolothatIwasgoingtoNaples，butthatI
　　wouldleavemymaninRome，andthatifIfoundamarriagehadbeenarrangedonmyreturnIwouldgladlypaytheexpensesofthewedding。
　　Costalikedthegirl，buthedidnotmarryherthenforfearofmyclaimingthefirst—fruits。Hewasafoolofapeculiarkind，thoughfoolsofallsortsarecommonenough。Hemarriedherayearlaterafterrobbingme，butIshallspeakofthatagain。
　　Nextday，afterIhadbreakfastedanddulyembracedmybrother，I
　　setoutinanicecarriagewiththeAbbeAlfani，LeDucprecedingmeonhorseback，andIreachedNaplesatatimewheneverybodywasinastateofexcitementbecauseaneruptionofVesuviusseemedimminent。Atthelaststagetheinn—keepermademereadthewillofhisfatherwhohaddiedduringtheeruptionof1754。Hesaidthatintheyear1761GodwouldoverwhelmthesinfultownofNaples，andtheworthyhostconsequentlyadvisedmetoreturntoRome。Alfanitookthethingseriously，andsaidthatweshoulddowelltobewarnedbysoevidentanindicationofthewillofGod。
　　Theeventwaspredicted，thereforeithadtohappen。Thusagoodmanypeoplereason，butasIwasnotofthenumberIproceededonmyway。
　　CHAPTERIX
　　MyShortButHappyStayatNaples——TheDukedeMataloneMyDaughter——DonnaLucrezia——MyDepartureIshallnot，dearreader，attempttheimpossible，howevermuchI
　　shouldliketodescribethejoy，thehappiness，Imaysaytheecstasy，whichIexperiencedinreturningtoNaples，ofwhichI
　　hadsuchpleasantmemories，andwhere，eighteenyearsago，IhadmademyfirstfortuneinreturningfromMataro。AsIhadcomethereforthesecondtimetokeepapromiseIhadmadetotheDukedeMatalonetocomeandseehimatNaples，Ioughttohavevisitedthisnoblemanatonce；butforeseeingthatfromthetimeIdidsoIshouldhavelittlelibertyleftme，Ibeganbyenquiringafterallmyoldfriends。
　　IwalkedoutearlyinthemorningandcalledonBelloni’sagent。
　　Hecashedmyletterofcreditandgavemeasmanybank—notesasI
　　liked，promisingthatnobodyshouldknowthatwedidbusinesstogether。FromthebankersIwenttoseeAntonioCasanova，buttheytoldmehelivednearSalerno，onanestatehehadboughtwhichgavehimthetitleofmarquis。Iwasvexed，butIhadnorighttoexpecttofindNaplesinthestatuquoIleftit。Polowasdead，andhissonlivedatSt。Luciawithhiswifeandchildren；hewasaboywhenIsawhimlast，andthoughIshouldhavemuchlikedtoseehimagainIhadnotimetodoso。
　　ItmaybeimaginedthatIdidnotforgettheadvocate，Castelli，husbandofmydearLucrezia，whomIhadlovedsowellatRomeandTivoli。Ilongedtoseeherfaceoncemore，andIthoughtofthejoywithwhichweshouldrecalloldtimesthatIcouldneverforget。ButCastellihadbeendeadforsomeyears，andhiswidowlivedatadistanceoftwentymilesfromNaples。IresolvednottoreturntoRomewithoutembracingher。AstoLelioCaraffa，hewasstillaliveandresidingattheMatalonePalace。
　　Ireturned，feelingtiredwithmyresearches，dressedwithcare，anddrovetotheMatalonePalace，wheretheytoldmethatthedukewasattable。Ididnotcareforthatbuthadmynamesentin，andthedukecameoutanddidmethehonourofembracingmeandthouingme，andthenpresentedmetohiswife，adaughteroftheDukedeBovino，andtothenumerouscompanyattable。ItoldhimIhadonlycometoNaplesinfulfillmentofthepromiseIhadmadehimatParis。
　　"Then，"saidhe，"youmuststaywithme；"and，withoutwaitingformyanswer，orderedmyluggagetobebroughtfromtheinn，andmycarriagetobeplacedinhiscoach—house。Iacceptedhisinvitation。
　　Oneoftheguests，afine—lookingman，onhearingmynameannounced，saidgaily，——
　　"Ifyoubearmyname，youmustbeoneofmyfather’sbastards。"
　　"No，"saidI，directly，"oneofyourmother’s。"
　　Thisreparteemadeeverybodylaugh，andthegentlemanwhohadaddressedmecameandembracedme，notintheleastoffended。Thejokewasexplainedtome。HisnamewasCasalnovo，notCasanova，andhewasdukeandlordofthefiefofthatname。
　　"Didyouknow，"saidtheDukedeMatalone，"thatIhadason？"
　　"Iwastoldso，butdidnotbelieveit，butnowImustdopenanceformyincredulity，forIseebeforemeanangelcapableofworkingthismiracle。"
　　Theduchessblushed，butdidnotrewardmycomplimentwithsomuchasaglance；butallthecompanyapplaudedwhatIhadsaid，asitwasnotoriousthatthedukehadbeenimpotentbeforehismarriage。
　　Thedukesentforhisson，Iadmiredhim，andtoldthefatherthatthelikenesswasperfect。Amerrymonk，whosatattherighthandoftheduchess，said，moretruthfully，thattherewasnolikenessatall。Hehadscarcelyutteredthewordswhentheduchesscoollygavehimaboxontheear，whichthemonkreceivedwiththebestgraceimaginable。
　　Italkedawaytothebestofmyability，andinhalfanhour’stimeIhadwoneverybody’sgoodgraces，withtheexceptionoftheduchess，whoremainedinflexible。Itriedtomakehertalkfortwodayswithoutsuccess；soasIdidnotcaremuchaboutherI
　　lefthertoherpride。
　　AsthedukewastakingmetomyroomhenoticedmySpaniard，andaskedwheremysecretarywas，andwhenhesawthatitwastheAbbeAlfani，whohadtakenthetitlesoastoescapethenoticeoftheNeapolitans，hesaid，——
　　"Theabbeisverywise，forhehasdeceivedsomanypeoplewithhisfalseantiquesthathemighthavegotintotrouble。"
　　Hetookmetohisstableswherehehadsomesuperbhorses，Arabs，English，andAndalusians；andthentohisgallery，averyfineone；tohislargeandchoicelibrary；andatlasttohisstudy，wherehehadafinecollectionofprohibitedbooks。
　　Iwasreadingtitlesandturningoverleaves，whenthedukesaid，——
　　"PromisetokeepthemostabsolutesecrecyonwhatIamgoingtoshewyou。"
　　Ipromised，withoutmakinganydifficulty，butIexpectedasurpriseofsomesort。HethenshewedmeasatirewhichIcouldnotunderstand，butwhichwasmeanttoturnthewholeCourtintoridicule。Neverwasthereasecretsoeasilykept。
　　"YoumustcometotheSt。CharlesTheatre，"saidhe，"andIwillpresentyoutothehandsomestladiesinNaples，andafterwardsyoucangowhenyoulike，asmyboxisalwaysopentomyfriends。I
　　willalsointroduceyoutomymistress，andshe，Iamsure，willalwaysbegladtoseeyou。"
　　"What！youhaveamistress，haveyou？"
　　"Yes，butonlyforform’ssake，asIamveryfondofmywife。Allthesame，Iamsupposedtobedeeplyinlovewithher，andevenjealous，asIneverintroduceanyonetoher，anddonotallowhertoreceiveanyvisitors。"
　　"Butdoesnotyouryoungandhandsomeduchessobjecttoyourkeepingamistress？"
　　"Mywifecouldnotpossiblybejealous，assheknowsthatIamimpotent——except，ofcourse，withher。"
　　"Isee，butitsemsstrange；canonebesaidtohaveamistresswhomonedoesnotlove？"
　　"IdidnotsayIlovedhernot；onthecontrary，Iamveryfondofher；shehasakeenandpleasantwit，butsheinterestsmyheadratherthanmyheart。"
　　"Isee；butIsupposesheisugly？"
　　"Ugly？Youshallseeherto—night，andyoucantellmewhatyouthinkofherafterwards。Sheisahandsomeandwell—educatedgirlofseventeen。"
　　"CanshespeakFrench？"
　　"AswellasaFrenchwoman。"
　　"Iamlongingtoseeher。"
　　WhenwegottothetheatreIwasintroducedtoseveralladies，butnoneofthempleasedme。Theking，amereboy，satinhisboxinthemiddleofthetheatre，surroundedbyhiscourtiers，richlybuttastefullydressed。Thepitwasfullandtheboxesalso。Thelatterwereornamentedwithmirrors，andonthatoccasionwereallilluminatedforsomereasonorother。Itwasamagnificentscene，butallthisglitterandlightputthestageintothebackground。
　　Afterwehadgazedforsometimeatthescene，whichisalmostpeculiartoNaples，theduketookmetohisprivateboxandintroducedmetohisfriends，whoconsistedofallthewitsinthetown。
　　Ihaveoftenlaughedonhearingphilosophersdeclarethattheintelligenceofanationisnotsomuchtheresultoftheclimateasofeducation。SuchsagesshouldbesenttoNaplesandthentoSt。Petersburg，andbetoldtoreflect，orsimplytolookbeforethem。IfthegreatBoerhaavehadlivedatNapleshewouldhavelearntmoreaboutthenatureofsulphurbyobservingitseffectsonvegetables，andstillmoreonanimals。InNaples，andNaplesalone，water，andnothingbutwater，willcurediseaseswhicharefatalelsewhere，despitethedoctors’efforts。
　　Theduke，whohadleftmetothewitsforashorttime，returnedandtookmetotheboxofhismistress，whowasaccompaniedbyanoldladyofrespectableappearance。Ashewentinhesaid，"’Leonildamia，tipresentoilcavalierDonGiacomoCasanova，Veneziano，amicomio’。"
　　Shereceivedmekindlyandmodestly，andstoppedlisteningtothemusictotalktome。
　　Whenawomanispretty，onerecognizeshercharmsinstantaneously；
　　ifonehastoexamineherclosely，herbeautyisdoubtful。
　　Leonildawasstrikinglybeautiful。Ismiledandlookedattheduke，whohadtoldmethathelovedherlikeadaughter，andthatheonlykeptherforform’ssake。Heunderstoodtheglance，andsaid，——
　　"Youmaybelieveme。"
　　"It’scredible，"Ireplied。
　　Leonildanodoubtunderstoodwhatwemeant，andsaid，withashysmile，——
　　"Whateverispossibleiscredible。"
　　"Quiteso，"saidI，"butonemaybelieve，ornotbelieve，accordingtothevariousdegreesofpossibility。"
　　"Ithinkit’seasiertobelievethantodisbelieve。YoucametoNaplesyesterday；that’strueandyetincredible。"
　　"Whyincredible？"
　　"WouldanymansupposethatastrangerwouldcometoNaplesatatimewhentheinhabitantsarewishingthemselvesaway？"
　　"Indeed，Ihavefeltafraidtillthismoment，butnowIfeelquiteatmyease，since，youbeinghere，St。JanuariuswillsurelyprotectNaples。"
　　"Why？"
　　"BecauseIamsurehelovesyou；butyouarelaughingatme。"
　　"Itissuchafunnyidea。IamafraidthatifIhadaloverlikeSt。JanuariusIshouldnotgranthimmanyfavours。"
　　"Isheveryugly，then？"
　　"Ifhisportraitisagoodlikeness，youcanseeforyourselfbyexamininghisstatue。"
　　Gaietyleadstofreedom，andfreedomtofriendship。Mentalgracesaresuperiortobodilycharms。
　　Leonilda’sfranknessinspiredmyconfidence，andIledtheconversationtolove，onwhichshetalkedlikeapastmistress。
　　"Love，"saidshe，"unlessitleadstothepossessionofthebelovedobject，isameretorment；ifboundsareplacedtopassion，lovemustdie。"
　　"Youareright；andtheenjoymentofabeautifulobjectisnotatruepleasureunlessitbeprecededbylove。"
　　"Nodoubtifloveprecedesitaccompanies，butIdonotthinkitnecessarilyfollows，enjoyment。"
　　"True，itoftenmakeslovetocease。"
　　"Sheisaselfishdaughter，then，tokillherfather；andifafterenjoymentlovestillcontinueintheheartofone，itisworsethanmurder，forthepartyinwhichlovestillsurvivesmustneedsbewretched。"
　　"Youareright；andfromyourstrictlylogicalargumentsI
　　conjecturethatyouwouldhavethesenseskeptinsubjection:thatistoohard！"
　　"IwouldhavenothingtodowiththatPlatonicaffectiondevoidoflove，butIleaveyoutoguesswhatmymaximwouldbe。"
　　"Toloveandenjoy；toenjoyandlove。Turnandturnabout。"
　　"Youhavehitthemark。"
　　WiththisLeonildaburstoutlaughing，andthedukekissedherhand。Hergoverness，notunderstandingFrench，wasattendingtotheopera，butIwasinflames。
　　Leonildawasonlyseventeen，andwasasprettyagirlastheheartcoulddesire。
　　ThedukerepeatedalivelyepigramofLafontaine’son"Enjoyment，"
　　whichisonlyfoundinthefirsteditionofhisworks。Itbeginsasfollows:——
　　"LajouissanceetlesdesirsSontcequel’hommeadeplusrare；
　　MaiscenesonspasvraisplaisirsDeslemomentqu’onlessepare。"
　　IhavetranslatedthisepigramintoItalianandLatin；inthelatterlanguageIwasalmostabletorenderLafontainelineforline；butIhadtousetwentylinesofItaliantotranslatethefirsttenlinesoftheFrench。Ofcoursethisarguesnothingastothesuperiorityoftheonelanguageovertheother。
　　InthebestsocietyatNaplesoneaddressesanewcomerinthesecondpersonsingularasapeculiarmarkofdistinction。Thisputsbothpartiesattheireasewithoutdiminishingtheirmutualrespectforoneanother。
　　Leonildahadalreadyturnedmyfirstfeelingofadmirationintosomethingmuchwarmer，andtheopera，whichlastedforfivehours，seemedoverinamoment。
　　Afterthetwoladieshadgonethedukesaid，"Nowwemustpart，unlessyouarefondofgamesofchance。"
　　"Idon’tobjecttothemwhenIamtoplaywithgoodhands。"
　　"Thenfollowme；tenortwelveofmyfriendswillplayfaro，andthensitdowntoacoldcollation，butIwarnyouitisasecret，asgamingisforbidden。Iwillanswerforyoukeepingyourowncounsel，however。"
　　"Youmaydoso。"
　　HetookmetotheDukedeMonteLeone’s。Wewentuptothethirdfloor，passedthroughadozenrooms，andatlastreachedthegamester’schamber。Apolite—lookingbanker，withabankofaboutfourhundredsequins，hadthecardsinhishands。Thedukeintroducedmeashisfriend，andmademesitbesidehim。Iwasgoingtodrawoutmypurse，butIwastoldthatdebtswerenotpaidfortwenty—fourhoursaftertheyweredue。Thebankergavemeapackofcards，withalittlebasketcontainingathousandcounters。ItoldthecompanythatIshouldconsidereachcounterasaNaplesducat。Inlessthantwohoursmybasketwasempty。I
　　stoppedplayingandproceededtoenjoymysupper。ItwasarrangedintheNeapolitanstyle，andconsistedofanenormousdishofmacaroniandtenortwelvedifferentkindsofshellfishwhichareplentifulontheNeapolitancoasts。WhenweleftItookcarenottogivetheduke。timetocondolewithmeonmyloss，butbegantotalktohimabouthisdeliciousLeonilda。
　　EarlynextdayhesentapagetomyroomtotellmethatifI
　　wantedtocomewithhimandkisstheking’shandImustputonmygaladress。Iputonasuitofrose—colouredvelvet，withgoldspangles，andIhadthegreathonourofkissingasmallhand，coveredwithchilblains，belongingtoaboyofnine。ThePrincedeSt。Nicanderbroughtuptheyoungkingtothebestofhisability，buthewasnaturallyakindly，just，andgenerousmonarch；ifhehadhadmoredignityhewouldhavebeenanidealking；buthewastoounceremonious，andthat，Ithink，isadefectinonedestinedtoruleothers。
　　Ihadthehonourofsittingnexttheduchessatdinner，andshedeignedtosaythatshehadneverseenafinerdress。"That’smyway，"Isaid，"ofdistractingattentionfrommyfaceandfigure。"
　　Shesmiled，andherpolitenesstomeduringmystaywerealmostlimitedtothesefewwords。
　　Whenweleftthetabletheduketookmetotheapartmentoccupiedbyhisuncle，DonLelio，whorecognizedmedirectly。Ikissedthevenerableoldman’shand，andbeggedhimtopardonmeforthefreaksofmyyouth。"It’seighteenyearsago，"saidhe，"sinceI
　　choseM。Casanovaasthecompanionofyourstudies"IdelightedhimbygivinghimabriefaccountofmyadventuresinRomewithCardinalAcquaviva。Aswewentout，hebeggedmetocomeandseehimoften。
　　Towardstheeveningthedukesaid，——
　　"IfyougototheOperaBuffayouwillpleaseLeonilda。"
　　Hegavemethenumberofherbox，andadded，——
　　"Iwillcomeforyoutowardstheclose，andwewillsuptogetherasbefore。"
　　Ihadnoneedtoordermyhorsestobeputin，astherewasalwaysacarriagereadyformeinthecourtyard。
　　WhenIgottothetheatretheoperahadbegun。IpresentedmyselftoLeonilda，whoreceivedmewiththepleasantwords，"CaroDonGiacomo，Iamsopleasedtoseeyouagain。"
　　Nodoubtshedidnotliketothoume，buttheexpressionofhereyesandthetoneofhervoiceweremuchbetterthanthetowhichisoftenusedlavishlyatNaples。
　　Theseductivefeaturesofthischarminggirlwerenotaltogetherunknowntome，butIcouldnotrecollectofwhatwomansheremindedme。Leonildawascertainlyabeauty，andsomethingsuperiortoabeauty，ifpossible。Shehadsplendidlightchestnuthair，andherblackandbrillianteyes，shadedbythicklashes，seemedtohearandspeakatthesametime。Butwhatravishedmestillmorewasherexpression，andtheexquisiteappropriatenessofthegestureswithwhichsheaccompaniedwhatshewassaying。Itseemedasifhertonguecouldnotgivespeechtothethoughtswhichcrowdedherbrain。Shewasnaturallyquick—
　　witted，andherintellecthadbeendevelopedbyanexcellenteducation。
　　TheconversationturneduponLafontaine’sepigram，ofwhichIhadonlyrecitedthefirsttenverses，astherestistoolicentious；
　　andshesaid，——
　　"ButIsupposeitisonlyapoet’sfancy，atwhichonecouldbutsmile。"
　　"Possibly，butIdidnotcaretowoundyourears。"
　　"Youareverygood，"saidshe，usingthepleasanttu，"butallthesame，Iamnotsothin—skinned，asIhaveaclosetwhichthedukehashadpaintedoverwithcouplesinvariousamorousattitudes。
　　Wegotheresometimes，andIassureyouthatIdonotexperiencetheslightestsensation。"
　　"Thatmaybethroughadefectoftemperament，forwheneverIseewell—paintedvoluptuouspicturesIfeelmyselfonfire。Iwonderthatwhileyouandthedukelookatthem，youdonottrytoputsomeofthemintopractice。"
　　"Wehaveonlyfriendshipforoneanother。"
　　"Lethimbelieveitwhowill。"
　　"Iamsureheisaman，butIamunabletosaywhetherheisabletogiveawomananyrealproofsofhislove。"
　　"Yethehasason。"
　　"Yes，hehasachildwhocallshimfather；buthehimselfconfessesthatheisonlyabletoshewhismanlypowerswithhiswife。"
　　"That’sallnonsense，foryouaremadetogivebirthtoamorousdesires，andamanwhocouldlivewithyouwithoutbeingabletopossessyououghttoceasetolive。"
　　"Doyoureallythinkso？"
　　"DearLeonilda，ifIwereintheduke’splaceIwouldshewyouwhatamanwhoreallylovescando。"
　　"CaroDonGiacomo，Iamdelightedtohearyouloveme，butyouwillsoonforgetme，asyouareleavingNaples。"
　　"Cursedbethegaming—table，forwithoutitwemightspendsomedelightfulhourtogether。"
　　"Theduketoldmethatyoulostathousandducatsyesterdayeveninglikeaperfectgentleman。Youmustbeveryunlucky。"
　　"Notalways，butwhenIplayonadayinwhichIhavefalleninloveIamsuretolose。"
　　"Youwillwinbackyourmoneythisevening。"
　　"Thisisthedeclarationday；Ishallloseagain。"
　　"Thendon’tplay。"
　　"PeoplewouldsayIwasafraid，orthatallmymoneywasgone。"
　　"Ihopeatalleventsthatyouwillwinsometimes，andthatyouwilltellmeofyourgoodluck。Comeandseemeto—morrowwiththeduke。"
　　Thedukecameinatthatmoment，andaskedmeifIhadlikedtheopera。Leonildaansweredforme，"Wehavebeentalkingaboutloveallthetime，sowedon’tknowwhathasbeengoingonthestage。"
　　"Youhavedonewell。"
　　"ItrustyouwillbringM。Casanovatoseemetomorrowmorning，asIhopehewillbringmenewsthathehaswon。"
　　"It’smyturntodealthisevening，dearest，butwhetherhewinsorlosesyoushallseehimto—morrow。Youmustgiveussomebreakfast。"
　　"Ishallbedelighted。"
　　Wekissedherhand，andwenttothesameplaceasthenightbefore。Thecompanywaswaitingfortheduke。Thereweretwelvemembersoftheclub，andtheyallheldthebankinturn。Theysaidthatthismadethechancesmoreequal；butIlaughedatthisopinion，asthereisnothingmoredifficulttoestablishthanequalitybetweenplayers。
　　TheDukedeMatalonesatdown，drewouthispurseandhispocket—
　　book，andputtwothousandducatsinthebank，beggingpardonoftheothersfordoublingtheusualsuminfavourofthestranger。
　　Thebankneverexceededathousandducats。
　　"Then，"saidI，"Iwillhazardtwothousandducatsalsoandnotmore，fortheysayatVenicethataprudentplayerneverrisksmorethanhecanwin。Eachofmycounterswillbeequivalenttotwoducats。"Sosaying，Itooktennotesofahundredducatseachfrommypocket，andgavethemtothelastevening’sbankerwhohadwonthemfromme。
　　Playbegan；andthoughIwasprudent，andonlyriskedmymoneyonasinglecard，inlessthanthreehoursmycounterswereallgone。
　　Istoppedplaying，thoughIhadstilltwenty—fivethousandducats；
　　butIhadsaidthatIwouldnotriskmorethantwothousand，andI
　　wasashamedtogobackfrommyword。
　　ThoughIhavealwaysfeltlosingmymoney，noonehaseverseenmeputout，mynaturalgaietywasheightenedbyartonsuchoccasions，andseemedtobemorebrilliantthanever。Ihavealwaysfounditagreatadvantagetobeabletolosepleasantly。
　　Imadeanexcellentsupper，andmyhighspiritsfurnishedmewithsuchafundofamusingconversationthatallthetablewasinaroar。IevensucceededindissipatingthemelancholyoftheDukedeMatalone，whowasindespairathavingwonsuchasumfromhisfriendandguest。Hewasafraidhehadhalfruinedme，andalsothatpeoplemightsayhehadonlywelcomedmeforthesakeofmymoney。
　　Aswereturnedtothepalacetheconversationwasaffectionateonhissideandjovialonmine，butIcouldseehewasinsometrouble，andguessedwhatwasthematter。HewantedtosaythatI
　　couldpaythemoneyIowedhimwheneverIliked，butwasafraidofwoundingmyfeelings；butassoonashegotinhewrotemeafriendlynotetotheeffectthatifIwantedmoneyhisbankerwouldletmehaveasmuchasIrequired。IreplieddirectlythatIfeltthegenerosityofhisoffer，andifIwasinneedoffundsIwouldavailmyselfofit。
　　EarlynextmorningIwenttohisroom，andafteranaffectionateembraceItoldhimnottoforgetthatweweregoingtobreakfastwithhisfairmistress。WebothputongreatcoatsandwenttoLeonilda’sprettyhouse。
　　Wefoundhersittingupinbed，negligentlybutdecentlydressed，withadimitycorsettiedwithredribbons。Shelookedbeautiful，andhergracefulpostureaddedtohercharms。ShewasreadingCrebillon’sSopha。Thedukesatdownatthebottomofthebed，andIstoodstaringatherinspeechlessadmiration，endeavouringtorecalltomymemorywhereIhadseensuchanotherfaceashers。
　　ItseemedtomethatIhadlovedawomanlikeher。ThiswasthefirsttimeIhadseenherwithoutthedeceitfulglitterofcandles。Shelaughedatmyabsent—mindedness，andtoldmetositdownonachairbyherbedside。
　　TheduketoldherthatIwasquitepleasedathavinglosttwothousandducatstohisbank，asthelossmademesureshelovedme。
　　"CaromioDonGiacomo，Iamsorrytohearthat！Youwouldhavedonebetternottoplay，forIshouldhavelovedyouallthesame，andyouwouldhavebeentwothousandducatsbetteroff。"
　　"AndItwothousandducatsworseoff，"saidtheduke，laughing。
　　"Nevermind，dearLeonilda，Ishallwinthiseveningifyougrantmesomefavourto—day。Ifyoudonotdoso，Ishallloseheart，andyouwillmournatmygravebeforelong。"
　　"Think，Leonilda，whatyoucandoformyfriend。"
　　"Idon’tseethatIcandoanything。"
　　Theduketoldhertodress，thatwemightgoandbreakfastinthepaintedcloset。Shebeganatonce，andpreservedajustmeaninwhatsheletusseeandwhatsheconcealed，andthussetmeinflames，thoughIwasalreadycaptivatedbyherface，herwit，andhercharmingmanners。Icastanindiscreetglancetowardsherbeautifulbreast，andthusaddedfueltothefire。IconfessthatIonlyobtainedthissatisfactionbyaspeciesoflarceny，butI
　　couldnothavesucceededifshehadnotbeenwelldisposedtowardsme。Ipretendedtohaveseennothing。
　　Whiledressingshemaintainedwithmuchingenuitythatawisegirlwillbemuchmorecharyofherfavourstowardsamanshelovesthantowardsamanshedoesnotlove，becauseshewouldbeafraidtolosethefirst，whereasshedoesnotcareaboutthesecond。
　　"Itwillnotbesowithme，charmingLeonilda，"saidI。
　　"Youmakeamistake，Iamsure。"
　　Thepictureswithwhichtheclosetwherewebreakfastedwasadornedwereadmirablemorefromthecolouringandthedesignthanfromtheamorouscombatstheyrepresented。
　　"Theydon’tmakeanyimpressiononme，"saidtheduke，andheshewedusthatitwasso。