Rometheholy，whichthusstrivestomakeallmenpederasts，deniesthefact，andwillnotbelieveintheeffectsoftheglamourofherowndevising。
　　Imadethesereflectionsaloud，andanecclesiastic，wishingtoblindmetothetruth，spokeasfollows:——
　　"Youarequiteright。Whyshouldthiscastratobeallowedtoshewhisbreast，ofwhichthefairestRomanladymightbeproud，andyetwisheveryonetoconsiderhimasamanandnotawoman？Ifthestageisforbiddentothefairsexlesttheyexcitedesires，whydotheyseekoutmen—monstersmadeintheformofwomen，whoexcitemuchmorecriminaldesires？Theykeeponpreachingthatpederastyiscomparativelyunknownandentrapsonlyafew，butmanyclevermenendeavourtobeentrapped，andendbythinkingitsopleasantthattheypreferthesemonsterstothemostbeautifulwomen。"
　　"ThePopewouldbesureofheavenifheputastoptothisscandalouspractice。"
　　"Idon’tagreewithyou。Onecouldnothaveaprettyactresstosupperwithoutcausingascandal，butsuchaninvitationtoacastratomakesnobodytalk。Itisofcourseknownperfectlywellthataftersupperbothheadsrestononepillow，butwhateverybodyknowsisignoredbyall。Onemaysleepwithamanoutofmerefriendship，itisnotsowithawoman。"
　　"True，monsignor，appearancesaresaved，andasinconcealedishalfpardoned，astheysayinParis。"
　　"AtRomewesayitispardonedaltogether。’Peccatonascostononoffende’。"
　　Hisjesuiticalargumentsinterestedme，forIknewthathewasanavowedpartisanoftheforbiddenfruit。
　　InoneoftheboxesIsawtheMarchionessPassarini（whomIhadknownatDresden）withDonAntonioBorghese，andIwenttopaymyaddressestothem。Theprince，whomIhadknownatParistenyearsbefore，recognizedme，andaskedmetodinewithhimonthefollowingday。Iwent，butmylordwasnotathome。Apagetoldmethatmyplacewaslaidattable，andthatIcoulddinejustasiftheprincewasthere，onwhichIturnedmybackonhimandwentaway。OnAshWednesdayhesenthismantoaskmetosupwithhimandthemarchioness，whowashismistress，andIsentwordthatI
　　wouldnotfailtocome；buthewaitedformeinvain。Prideisthedaughteroffolly，andalwayskeepsitsmother’snature。
　　AftertheoperaIwenttoMomolo’s，whereIfoundMariuccia，herfather，hermother，andherfuturehusband。Theywereanxiouslyexpectingme。Itisnotdifficulttomakepeoplehappywhenoneselectsforone’sbountypersonswhoreallydeservehappiness。I
　　wasamidstpoorbuthonestpeople，andIcantrulysaythatIhadadelightfulsupper。Itmaybethatsomeofmyenjoymentproceededfromafeelingofvanity，forIknewthatIwastheauthorofthehappinessdepictedonthefacesofthebrideandbridegroomandofthefatherandmotherofMariuccia；butwhenvanitycausesgooddeedsitisavirtue。Nevertheless，Ioweittomyselftotellmyreadersthatmypleasurewastoopuretohaveinitanyadmixtureofvice。
　　AftersupperImadeasmallbankatfaro，makingeverybodyplaywithcounters，asnobodyhadapenny，andIwassofortunateastomakeeveryonewinafewducats。
　　AfterthegamewedancedinspiteoftheprohibitionofthePope，whomnoRomancanbelievetobeinfallible，forheforbidsdancingandpermitsgamesofchance。HissuccessorGanganellifollowedtheoppositecourse，andwasnobetterobeyed。ToavoidsuspicionIdidnotgivethepairanypresent，butIgaveupmylandautothemthattheymightenjoythecarnivalontheCorso，andItoldCostatogetthemaboxattheCapranicaTheatre。MomoloaskedmetosupperonShroveTuesday。
　　IwishedtoleaveRomeontheseconddayofLent，andIcalledontheHolyFatheratatimewhenallRomewasontheCorso。HisHolinesswelcomedmemostgraciously，andsaidhewassurprisedthatIhadnotgonetoseethesightsontheCorsolikeeverybodyelse。IrepliedthatasaloverofpleasureIhadchosenthegreatestpleasureofallforaChristian——namely，tokneelatthefeetofthevicarofChristonearth。Hebowedwithakindofmajestichumility，whichshewedmehowthecomplimenthadpleasedhim。Hekeptmeformorethananhour，talkingaboutVenice，Padua，andParis，whichlattercitytheworthymanwouldnothavebeensorrytohavevisited。Iagaincommendedmyselftohisapostolicintercessiontoenablemetoreturntomynativecountry，andhereplied，——
　　"HaverecoursetoGod，dearson；Hisgracewillbemoreefficaciousthanmyprayers；"andthenheblessedmeandwishedmeaprosperousjourney。
　　IsawthattheHeadoftheChurchhadnogreatopinionofhisownpower。
　　OnShroveTuesdayIdressedmyselfrichlyinthecostumeofPolichinello，androdealongtheCorsoshoweringsweetmeatsonalltheprettywomenIsaw。FinallyIemptiedthebasketonthedaughtersoftheworthy’scopatore’，whomCostawastakingaboutinmylandauwithallthedignityofapasha。
　　Atnight—timeItookoffmycostumeandwenttoMomolo’s，whereI
　　expectedtoseedearMariucciaforthelasttime。SupperpassedoffinalmostasimilarmannertothesupperoflastSunday；buttherewasaninterestingnoveltyforme——namely，thesightofmybelovedmistressinhercharacterofbride。Herhusbandseemedtobemuchmorereservedwithrespecttomethanatourfirstmeeting。Iwaspuzzledbyhisbehaviour，andsatdownbyMariucciaandproceededtoquestionher。Shetoldmeallthecircumstanceswhichhadpassedonthefirstnight，andshespokehighlyofherhusband’sgoodqualities。Hewaskind，amorous，good—tempered，anddelicate。Nodoubthemusthavenoticedthatthecaskethadbeenopened，buthehadsaidnothingaboutit。Ashehadspokenaboutme，shehadnotbeenabletoresistthepleasureoftellinghimthatIwashersolebenefactor，atwhich，sofarfrombeingoffended，heseemedtotrustinhermorethanever。
　　"Buthashenotquestionedyouindirectlyastotheconnectionbetweenus？"
　　"Notatall。Itoldhimthatyouwenttomyconfessorafterhavingspokentomeonceonlyinthechurch，whereItoldyouwhatagoodchanceIhadofbeingmarriedtohim。"
　　"Doyouthinkhebelievedyou？"
　　"Iamnotsure；however，evenifitwereotherwise，itisenoughthathepretendsto，forIamdeterminedtowinhisesteem。"
　　"Youareright，andIthinkallthebetterofhimforhissuspicions，foritisbettertomarryamanwithsomesenseinhisheadthantomarryafool。"
　　IwassopleasedwithwhatshetoldmethatwhenItookleaveofthecompanyIembracedthehairdresser，anddrawingahandsomegoldwatchfrommyfobIbeggedhimtoacceptitasasouvenirofme。Hereceiveditwiththeutmostgratitude。FrommypocketI
　　tookaring，worthatleastsixhundredfrancs，andputitonhiswife’sfinger，wishingthemafairposterityandallmannerofhappiness，andIthenwenthometobed，tellingLeDucandCostathatwemustbegintopackupnextday。
　　IwasjustgettingupwhentheybroughtmeanotefromLordLismore，beggingmetocomeandspeaktohimatnoonattheVillaBorghese。
　　Ihadsomesuspicionofwhathemightwant，andkepttheappointment。Ifeltinamoodtogivehimsomegoodadvice。
　　Indeed，consideringthefriendshipbetweenhismotherandmyself，itwasmydutytodoso。
　　Hecameuptomeandgavemealetterhehadreceivedtheeveningbeforefromhismother。ShetoldhimthatParisdeMonmartelhadjustinformedherthathewasinpossessionofabillfortwohundredthousandfrancsdrawnbyherson，andthathewouldhonouritifshewouldfurnishhimwiththefunds。Shehadrepliedthatshewouldlethimknowintwoorthreedaysifshecoulddoso；
　　butshewarnedhersonthatshehadonlyaskedforthisdelaytogivehimtimetoescape，asthebillwouldcertainlybeprotestedandreturned，itbeingabsolutelyoutofthequestionforhertogetthemoney。
　　"Youhadbettermakeyourselfscarceassoonasyoucan，"saidI，returninghimtheletter。
　　"Buythisring，andsofurnishmewiththemeansformyescape。
　　YouwouldnotknowthatitwasnotmypropertyifIhadnottoldyousoinconfidence。"
　　Imadeanappointmentwithhim，andhadthestonetakenoutandvaluedbyoneofthebestjewellersinRome。
　　"Iknowthisstone，"saidhe，"itisworthtwothousandRomancrowns。"
　　Atfouro’clockItooktheearlfivehundredcrownsingoldandfifteenhundredcrownsinpaper，whichhewouldhavetotaketoabanker，whowouldgivehimabillofexchangeinAmsterdam。
　　"Iwillbeoffatnightfall，"saidhe，"andtravelbymyselftoAmsterdam，onlytakingsucheffectsasareabsolutelynecessary，andmybelovedblueribbon。"
　　"Apleasantjourneytoyou，"saidI，andlefthim。IntendaysI
　　hadthestonemountedatBologna。
　　IgotaletterofintroductionfromCardinalAlbaniforOnorati，thenuncioatFlorence，andanotherletterfromM。MengstoSirMann，whomhebeggedtoreceivemeinhishouse。IwasgoingtoFlorenceforthesakeoftheCorticelliandmydearTherese，andI
　　reckonedontheauditor’sfeigningtoignoremyreturn，inspiteofhisunjustorder，especiallyifIwereresidingattheEnglishminister’s。
　　OntheseconddayofLentthedisappearanceofLordLismorewasthetalkofthetown。TheEnglishtailorwasruined，theJewwhoownedtheringwasindespair，andallthesillyfellow’sservantswereturnedoutofthehouseinalmostastateofnakedness，asthetailorhadunceremoniouslytakenpossessionofeverythinginthewayofclothesthathecouldlayhishandson。
　　PoorPoinsinetcametoseemeinapitiablecondition；hehadonlyhisshirtandovercoat。Hehadbeendespoiledofeverything，andthreatenedwithimprisonment。"Ihaven’tafarthing，"saidthepoorchildofthemuses，"Ihaveonlytheshirtonmyback。I
　　knownobodyhere，andIthinkIshallgoandthrowmyselfintotheTiber。"
　　Hewasdestined，nottobedrownedintheTiberbutintheGuadalquivir。IcalmedhimbyofferingtotakehimtoFlorencewithme，butIwarnedhimthatImustleavehimthere，assomeonewasexpectingmeatFlorence。Heimmediatelytookuphisabodewithme，andwroteversesincessantlytillitwastimetogo。
　　MybrotherJeanmademeapresentofanonyxofgreatbeauty。Itwasacameo，representingVenusbathing，andagenuineantique，asthenameoftheartist，Sostrates，wascutonthestone。TwoyearslaterIsoldittoDr。Masti，atLondon，forthreehundredpounds，anditispossiblystillintheBritishMuseum。
　　IwentmywaywithPoinsinetwhoamusedme，inspiteofhissadness，withhisdrollfancies。IntwodaysIgotdownatDr。
　　Vannini’s，whotriedtoconcealhissurpriseatseeingme。Ilostnotime，butwaitedonSir————Mannimmediately，andfoundhimsittingattable。Hegavemeaveryfriendlyreception，butheseemedalarmedwhen，inreplytohisquestion，Itoldhimthatmydisputewiththeauditorhadnotbeenarranged。HetoldmeplainlythathethoughtIhadmadeamistakeinreturningtoFlorence，andthathewouldbecompromisedbymystayingwithhim。
　　IpointedoutthatIwasonlypassingthroughFlorence。
　　"That’sallverywell，"saidhe，"butyouknowyououghttocallontheauditor。"
　　Ipromisedtodoso，andreturnedtomylodging。Ihadscarcelyshutthedoor，whenanagentofpolicecameandtoldmethattheauditorhadsomethingtosaytome，andwouldbegladtoseemeatanearlyhournextmorning。
　　Iwasenragedatthisorder，anddeterminedtostartforthwithratherthanobey。FullofthisideaIcalledonThereseandfoundshewasatPisa。IthenwenttoseetheCorticelli，whothrewherarmsroundmyneck，andmadeuseoftheBolognesegrimacesappropriatetotheoccasion。Tospeakthetruth，althoughthegirlwaspretty，herchiefmeritinmyeyeswasthatshemademelaugh。
　　Igavesomemoneytohermothertogetusagoodsupper，andI
　　tookthegirloutonpretenceofgoingforawalk。Iwentwithhertomylodging，andleftherwithPoinsinet，andgoingtoanotherroomIsummonedCostaandVannini。ItoldCostainVannini’spresencetogoonwithLeDucandmyluggagethefollowingday，andtocallformeatthe"Pilgrim"atBologna。I
　　gaveVanninimyinstructions，andhelefttheroom；andthenI
　　orderedCostatoleaveFlorencewithSignoraLauraandherson，andtotellthemthatIandthedaughterwereoninfront。LeDucreceivedsimilarorders，andcallingPoinsinetIgavehimtenLouis，andbeggedhimtolookoutforsomeotherlodgingthatveryevening。Theworthybutunfortunateyoungmanweptgratefultears，andtoldmethathewouldsetoutforParmaonfootnextday，andthatthereM。Tillotwoulddosome，thingforhim。
　　Iwentbacktothenextroom，andtoldtheCorticellitocomewithme。Shedidsoundertheimpressionthatweweregoingbacktohermother’s，butwithouttakingthetroubletoundeceiveherI
　　hadacarriageandpairgotready，andtoldthepostilliontodrivetoUccellatoio，thefirstpostontheBolognaroad。
　　"Whereintheworldarewegoing？"saidshe。
　　"Bologna。"
　　"Howaboutmamma？"
　　"Shewillcomeonto—morrow。"
　　"Doessheknowaboutit？"
　　"No，butshewillto—morrowwhenCostacomestotellher，andtofetchherandyourbrother"
　　Shelikedthejoke，andgotintothecarriagelaughing，andwedroveaway。
　　CHAPTERXI
　　MyArrivalatBologna——IAmExpelledfromModena——IVisitParmaandTurin——ThePrettyJewess——TheDressmakerTheCorticellihadagoodwarmmantle，butthefoolwhocarriedheroffhadnocloak，evenofthemostmeagrekind，tokeepoffthepiercingcold，whichwasincreasedbyakeenwindblowingrightinourfaces。
　　InspiteofallIwouldnothalt，forIwasafraidImightbepursuedandobligedtoreturn，whichwouldhavegreatlyvexedme。
　　WhenIsawthatthepostillionwasslackeninghisspeed，I
　　increasedtheamountofthepresentIwasgoingtomakehim，andoncemorewerushedalongataheadlongpace。Ifeltperishingwiththecold；whilethepostillionsseeingmesolightlyclad，andsoprodigalofmymoneytospeedthemontheirway，imaginedthatIwasaprincecarryingofftheheiressofsomenoblefamily。
　　Weheardthemtalkingtothiseffectwhiletheychangedhorses，andtheCorticelliwassomuchamusedthatshedidnothingbutlaughfortherestoftheway。Infivehourswecoveredfortymiles；westartedfromFlorenceateighto’clock，andatoneinthemorningwestoppedatapostinthePope’sterritory，whereI
　　hadnothingtofear。Thestagegoesunderthenameof"TheAssUnburdened。"
　　Theoddnameoftheinnmademymistresslaughafresh。Everybodywasasleep，butthenoiseImadeandthedistributionofafewpaulsprocuredmetheprivilegeofafire。Iwasdyingofhunger，andtheycoollytoldmetherewasnothingtoeat。Ilaughedinthelandlord’sface，andtoldhimtobringmehisbutter，hiseggs，hismacaroni，aham，andsomeParmesancheese，forIknewthatsomuchwillbefoundintheinnsalloverItaly。Therepastwassoonready，andIshewedtheidiothostthathehadmaterialsforanexcellentmeal。Weatelikefour，andafterwardstheymadeupanimpromptubedandwewenttosleep，tellingthemtocallmeassoonasacarriageandfourdrewup。
　　Fullofhamandmacaroni，slightlywarmedwiththeChiantiandMontepulciano，andtiredwithourjourney，westoodmoreinneedofslumberthanoflove，andsowegaveourselvesuptosleeptillmorning。Thenwegaveafewmomentstopleasure，butitwassoslightanaffairasnottobeworthtalkingabout。
　　Atoneo’clockwebegantofeelhungryagainandgotup，andthehostprovideduswithanexcellentdinner，afterreceivinginstructionsfromme。Iwasastonishednottoseethecarriagedrawup，butIwaitedpatientlyallday。Nightcameonandstillnocoach，andIbegantofeelanxious；buttheCorticellipersistedinlaughingateverything。NextmorningIsentoffanexpressmessengerwithinstructionsforCosta。Intheeventofanyviolencehavingtakenplace，IwasresolvedtoreturntoFlorence，ofwhichcityIcouldatanytimemakemyselffreebytheexpenditureoftwohundredcrowns。
　　Themessengerstartedatnoon，andreturnedattwoo’clockwiththenewsthatmyservantswouldshortlybewithme。Mycoachwasonitsway，andbehinditasmallercarriagewithtwohorses，inwhichsatanoldwomanandayoungman。
　　"That’sthemother，"saidCorticelli；"nowweshallhavesomefun。
　　Let’sgetsomethingforthemtoeat，andbereadytohearthehistoryofthismarvellousadventurewhichshewillremembertoherdyingday。"
　　Costatoldmethattheauditorhadrevengedmycontemptofhisordersbyforbiddingthepostauthoritiestofurnishanyhorsesformycarriage。Hencethedelay。ButhereweheardtheallocutionoftheSignoraLaura。
　　"Igotanexcellentsupperready，"shebegan，"accordingtoyourorders；itcostmemorethantenpauls，asIshallshewyou，andI
　　hopeyouwillmakeituptomeasI’mbutapoorwoman。AllwasreadyandIjoyfullyexpectedyou，butinvain；Iwasindespair。
　　AtlastwhenmidnightcameIsentmysontoyourlodgingtoenquireafteryou，butyoumayimaginemy’griefwhenIheardthatnobodyknewwhathadbecomeofyou。Ipassedasleeplessnight，weepingallthetime，andinthemorningIwentandcomplainedtothepolicethatyouhadtakenoffmydaughter，andaskedthemtosendafteryouandmakeyougiveherbacktome。Butonlythink，theylaughedatme！’Whydidyoulethergooutwithoutyou？
　　laughinginmyface。’Yourdaughter’singoodhands，’saysanother，’youknowperfectlywellwheresheis。’InfactIwasgrosslyslandered。"
　　"Slandered？"saidtheCorticelli。
　　"Yes，slandered，foritwasasmuchastosaythatIhadconsentedtoyourbeingcarriedoff，andifIhaddonethatthefoolsmighthaveknownIwouldnothavecometothemaboutit。IwentawayinaragetoDr。Vannini’s，whereIfoundyourman，whotoldmethatyouhadgonetoBologna，andthatIcouldfollowyouifIliked。
　　Iconsentedtothisplan，andIhopeyouwiltpaymytravellingexpenses。ButIcan’thelptellingyouthatthisisratherbeyondajoke。"
　　IconsoledherbytellingherIwouldpayallshehadspent，andwesetoffforBolognathenextday，andreachedthattownatanearlyhour。Isentmyservantstotheinnwithmycarriage，andI
　　wenttolodgewiththeCorticelli。
　　Ispentaweekwiththegirl，gettingmymealsfromtheinn，andenjoyingadiversityofpleasureswhichIshallrememberallmydays；myyoungwantonhadalargecircleoffemalefriends，allprettyandallkind。Ilivedwiththemlikeasultan，andstillI
　　delighttorecallthishappytime，andIsaywithasigh，’Tempipassati’！
　　TherearemanytownsinItalywhereonecanenjoyallthepleasuresobtainableatBologna；butnowheresocheaply，soeasily，orwithsomuchfreedom。Thelivingisexcellent，andtherearearcadeswhereonecanwalkintheshadeinlearnedandwittycompany。Itisagreatpitythateitherfromtheair，thewater，orthewine——formenofsciencehavenotmadeuptheirmindsonthesubjectpersonswholiveatBolognaaresubjecttoaslightitch。TheBolognese，however，farfromfindingthisunpleasant，seemtothinkitanadvantage；itgivesthemthepleasureofscratchingthemselves。Inspringtimetheladiesdistinguishthemselvesbythegracewithwhichtheyusetheirfingers。
　　Towardsmid—LentIlefttheCorticelli，wishingherapleasantjourney，forshewasgoingtofulfilayear’sengagementatPragueasseconddancer。IpromisedtofetchherandhermothertoParis，andmyreaderswillseehowIkeptmyword。
　　IgottoModenatheeveningafterIleftBologna，andIstoppedthere，withoneofthosesuddenwhimstowhichIhavealwaysbeensubject。NextmorningIwentouttoseethepictures，andasI
　　wasreturningtomylodgingfordinnerablackguardly—lookingfellowcameupandorderedme，onthepartoftheGovernment，tocontinuemyjourneyonthedayfollowingatlatest。
　　"Verygood，"saidI，andthefellowwentaway。
　　"Whoisthatman？"Isaidtothelandlord。
　　"ASPY。"
　　"Aspy；andtheGovernmentdarestosendsuchafellowtome？"
　　"The’borgello’musthavesenthim。"
　　"Thenthe’borgello’istheGovernorofModena——theinfamouswretch！"
　　"Hush！hush！allthebestfamiliesspeaktohiminthestreet。"
　　"Thenthebestpeopleareverylowhere，Isuppose？"
　　"Notmorethananywhereelse。Heisthemanageroftheoperahouse，andthegreatestnoblemendinewithhimandthussecurehisfavour。"
　　"It’sincredible！ButwhyshouldthehighandmightyborgellosendmeawayfromModena？"
　　"Idon’tknow，butdoyoutakemyadviceandgoandspeaktohim；
　　youwillfindhimafinefellow。"
　　Insteadofgoingtoseethisb……IcalledontheAbbeTestaGrossa，whomIhadknownatVenicein1753。Althoughhewasamanoflowextractionhehadakeenwit。Atthistimehewasoldandrestingonhislaurels；hehadfoughthiswayintofavourbythesheerforceofmerit，andhismaster，theDukeofModena，hadlongchosenhimashisrepresentativewithotherpowers。
　　AbbeTestaGrossarecognizedmeandgavemethemostgraciousreception，butwhenheheardofwhathadbefallenmeheseemedmuchannoyed。
　　"WhatcanIdo？"saidI。
　　"Youhadbettergo，asthemanmayputamuchmoregrievousinsultonyou。"
　　"Iwilldoso，butcouldyouobligemebytellingmethereasonforsuchahigh—handedaction？"
　　"Comeagainthisevening；Ishallprobablybeabletosatisfyyou。"
　　Icalledontheabbeagainintheevening，forIfeltanxioustolearninwhatwayIhadoffendedthelordborgello，towhomI
　　thoughtIwasquiteunknown。Theabbesatisfiedme。
　　"Theborgello，"saidhe，"sawyournameonthebillwhichhereceivesdailycontainingalistofthenamesofthosewhoenterorleavethecity。HerememberedthatyouweredaringenoughtoescapefromTheLeads，andashedoesnotatallapproveofthatsortofthingheresolvednottolettheModenesebecontaminatedbysoegregiousanexampleofthedefianceofjustice，howeverunjustitmaybe；andinshorthehasgivenyoutheordertoleavethetown。"
　　"Iammuchobliged，butIreallywonderhowitisthatwhileyouweretellingmethisyoudidnotblushtobeasubjectoftheDukeofModena’s。Whatanunworthyaction！Howcontraryissuchasystemofgovernmenttoallthebestinterestsofthestate！"
　　"Youarequiteright，mydearsir，butIamafraidthatasyetmen’seyesarenotopentowhatbestservestheirinterests。"
　　"Thatisdoubtlessduetothefactthatsomanymenareunworthy。"
　　"Iwillnotcontradictyou。"
　　"Farewell，abbe。"
　　"Farewell，M。Casanova。"
　　Nextmorning，justasIwasgoingtogetintomycarriage，ayoungmanbetweentwenty—fiveandthirty，tallandstrongandbroadshouldered，hiseyesblackandglittering，hiseyebrowsstronglyarched，andhisgeneralairbeingthatofacut—throat，accostedmeandbeggedmetostepasideandhearwhathehadtosay。
　　"IfyouliketostopatParmaforthreedays，andifyouwillpromisetogivemefiftysequinswhenIbringyouthenewsthattheborgelloisdead，Ipromisetoshoothimwithinthenexttwenty—fourhours。"
　　"Thanks。Suchananimalasthatshouldbeallowedtodieanaturaldeath。Here’sacrowntodrinkmyhealth。"
　　AtthepresenttimeIfeelverythankfulthatIactedasIdid，butIconfessthatifIhadfeltsurethatitwasnotatrapI
　　shouldhavepromisedthemoney。Thefearofcommittingmyselfsparedmethiscrime。
　　ThenextdayIgottoParma，andIputupattheposting—houseunderthenameoftheChevalierdeSeingalt，whichIstillbear。
　　Whenanhonestmanadoptsanamewhichbelongstonoone，noonehasarighttocontesthisuseofit；itbecomesaman’sdutytokeepthename。Ihadnowborneitfortwoyears，butIoftensubjoinedtoitmyfamilyname。
　　WhenIgottoParmaIdismissedCosta，butinaweekafterIhadthemisfortunetotakehimonagain。Hisfather，whowasapoorviolinplayer，asIhadoncebeen，withalargefamilytoprovidefor，excitedmypity。
　　ImadeenquiriesaboutM。Antonio，buthehadlefttheplace；andM。DuboisChalelereux，DirectoroftheMint，hadgonetoVenicewiththepermissionoftheDukeofParma，tosetupthebeam，whichwasneverbroughtintouse。Republicsarefamousfortheirsuperstitiousattachmenttooldcustoms；theyareafraidthatchangesforthebettermaydestroythestabilityofthestate，andthegovernmentofaristocraticVenicestillpreservesitsoriginalGreekcharacter。
　　MySpaniardwasdelightedwhenIdismissedCostaandproportionatelysorrywhenItookhimback。
　　"He’snoprofligate，"saidLeDuc；"heissober，andhasnolikingforbadcompany。ButIthinkhe’sarobber，andadangerousrobber，too。Iknowit，becauseheseemssoscrupulouslycarefulnottocheatyouinsmallthings。RememberwhatIsay，sir；hewilldoyou。Heiswaitingtogainyourconfidence，andthenhewillstrikehome。Now，Iamquiteadifferentsortoffellow，arogueinasmallway；butyouknowme。"
　　Hisinsightwas，keenerthanmine，forfiveorsixmonthslatertheItalianrobbedmeoffiftythousandcrowns。Twenty—threeyearsafterwards，in1784，IfoundhiminVenice，valettoCountHardegg，andIfeltinclinedtohavehimhanged。IshewedhimbyproofpositivethatIcoulddosoifIliked；buthehadresourcetotearsandsupplications，andtotheintercessionofaworthymannamedBertrand，wholivedwiththeambassadoroftheKingofSardinia。Iesteemedthisindividual，andheappealedtomesuccessfullytopardonCosta。Iaskedthewretchwhathehaddonewiththegoldandjewelshehadstolenfromme，andhetoldmethathehadlostthewholeofitinfurnishingfundsforabankatBiribi，thathehadbeendespoiledbyhisownassociates，andhadbeenpoorandmiserableeversince。
　　InthesameyearinwhichherobbedmehemarriedMomolo’sdaughter，andaftermakingheramotherheabandonedher。
　　Topursueourstory。
　　AtTurinIlodgedinaprivatehousewiththeAbbeGama，whohadbeenexpectingme。Inspiteofthegoodabbe’ssermononeconomy，Itookthewholeofthefirstfloor，andafinesuiteitwas。
　　Wediscusseddiplomatictopics，andheassuredmethatIshouldbeaccreditedinMay，andthathewouldgivemeinstructionsastothepartIwastoplay。Iwaspleasedwithhiscommission，andI
　　toldtheabbethatIshouldbereadytogotoAugsburgwhenevertheambassadorsofthebelligerentpowersmetthere。
　　AftermakingthenecessaryarrangementswithmylandladywithregardtomymealsIwenttoacoffeehousetoreadthepapers，andthefirstpersonIsawwastheMarquisDesarmoises，whomIhadknowninSavoy。Thefirstthinghesaidwasthatallgamesofchancewereforbidden，andthattheladiesIhadmetwouldnodoubtbedelightedtoseeme。Asforhimself，hesaidthathelivedbyplayingbackgammon，thoughhewasnotatallluckyatit，astalentwentformorethanluckatthatgame。Icanunderstandhow，iffortuneisneutral，thebestplayerwillwin，butIdonotseehowthecontrarycantakeplace。
　　Wewentforawalkinthepromenadeleadingtothecitadel，whereIsawnumerousextremelyprettywomen。InTurinthefairsexismostdelightful，butthepoliceregulationsaretroublesometoadegree。Owingtothetownbeingasmalloneandthinlypeopled，thepolicespiesfindouteverything。Thusonecannotenjoyanylittlefreedomswithoutgreatprecautionsandtheaidofcunningprocuresses，whohavetobewellpaid，astheywouldbecruellypunishediftheywerefoundout。Noprostitutesandnokeptwomenareallowed，muchtothedelightofthemarriedwomen，andwithresultswhichtheignorantpolicemighthaveanticipated。Aswellbeimagined，pederastyhasafinefieldinthistown，wherethepassionsarekeptunderlockandkey。
　　AmongstthebeautiesIlookedat，oneonlyattractedme。IaskedDesarmoiseshername，asheknewallofthem。
　　"That’sthefamousLeah，"saidhe；"sheisaJewess，andimpregnable。ShehasresistedtheattacksofthebeststrategistsinTurin。Herfather’safamoushorse—dealer；youcangoandseehereasilyenough，butthere’snothingtobedonethere。"
　　ThegreaterthedifficultythemoreIfeltspurredontoattemptit。
　　"Takemethere，"saidI，toDesarmoises。
　　"Assoonasyouplease。"
　　Iaskedhimtodinewithme，andwewereonourwaywhenwemetM。
　　ZeroliandtwoorthreeotherpersonswhomIhadmetatAix。I
　　gaveandreceivedplentyofcompliments，butnotwishingtopaythemanyvisitsIexcusedmyselfonthepretextofbusiness。
　　WhenwehadfinisheddinnerDesarmoisestookmetothehorse—
　　dealer’s。Iaskedifhehadagoodsaddlehorse。Hecalledaladandgavehisorders，andwhilsthewasspeakingthecharmingdaughterappearedonthescene。Shewasdazzlinglybeautiful，andcouldnotbemorethantwenty—two。Herfigurewasaslissomasanymph’s，herhairaravenblack，hercomplexionameetingofthelilyandtherose，hereyesfulloffire，herlasheslong，andhereye—browssowellarchedthattheyseemedreadytomakewaronanywhowoulddaretheconquestofhercharms。Allaboutherbetokenedaneducatedmindandknowledgeoftheworld。
　　IwassoabsorbedinthecontemplationofhercharmsthatIdidnotnoticethehorsewhenitwasbroughttome。However，I
　　proceededtoscrutiniseit，pretendingtobeanexpert，andafterfeelingthekneesandlegs，turningbacktheears，andlookingattheteeth，Itesteditsbehaviouratawalk，atrot，andagallop，andthentoldtheJewthatIwouldcomeandtryitmyselfintop—
　　bootsthenextday。Thehorsewasafinedappledbay，andwaspricedatfortyPiedmontesepistoles——aboutahundredsequins。
　　"Heisgentlenessitself，"saidLeah，"andheamblesasfastasanyotherhorsetrots。"
　　"Youhaveriddenit，then？"
　　"Often，sir，andifIwererichIwouldneversellhim。"
　　"Iwon’tbuythehorsetillIhaveseenyourideit。"
　　Sheblushedatthis。
　　"Youmustobligethegentleman，"saidherfather。Sheconsentedtodoso，andIpromisedtocomeagainatnineo’clockthenextday。
　　Iwasexacttotime，asmaybeimagined，andIfoundLeahinridingcostume。Whatproportions！WhataVenusCallipyge！Iwascaptivated。
　　Twohorseswereready，andsheleaptonherswiththeeaseandgraceofapractisedrider，andIgotuponmyhorse。Werodetogetherforsomedistance。Thehorsewentwellenough，butwhatofthat；allmyeyeswereforher。
　　Aswewereturning，Isaid，——
　　"FairLeah，Iwillbuythehorse，butasapresentforyou；andifyouwillnottakeitIshallleaveTurintoday。TheonlyconditionIattachtothegiftis，thatyouwillridewithmewheneverIaskyou。"
　　Isawsheseemedfavourablyinclinedtomyproposal，soItoldherthatIshouldstaysixweeksatTurin，thatIhadfalleninlovewithheronthepromenade，andthatthepurchaseofthehorsehadbeenamerepretextfordiscoveringtohermyfeelings。SherepliedmodestlythatshewasvastlyflatteredbythelikingIhadtakentoher，andthatIneednothavemadehersuchapresenttoassuremyselfofherfriendship。
　　"Theconditionyouimposeonmeisanextremelypleasantone，andIamsurethatmyfatherwilllikemetoacceptit。"
　　Tothissheadded，——
　　"AllIaskisforyoutomakemethepresentbeforehim，repeatingthatyouwillonlybuyitontheconditionthatIwillacceptit。"
　　IfoundthewaysmootherthanIhadexpected，andIdidwhatsheaskedme。Herfather，whosenamewasMoses，thoughtitagoodbargain，congratulatedhisdaughter，tookthefortypistolesandgavemeareceipt，andbeggedmetodothemthehonourofbreakfastingwiththemthenextday。ThiswasjustwhatIwanted。
　　ThefollowingmorningMosesreceivedmewithgreatrespect。Leah，whowasinherordinaryclothes，toldmethatifIlikedtorideshewouldputonherridinghabit。
　　"Anotherday，"saidI；"to—dayIshouldliketoconversewithyouinyourownhouse。"
　　Butthefather，whowasasgreedyasmostJewsare，saidthatifI
　　likeddrivinghecouldsellmeaprettyphaetonwithtwoexcellenthorses。
　　"Youmustshewthemtothegentleman，"saidLeah，possiblyinconcertwithherfather。
　　Mosessaidnothing，butwentouttogetthehorsesharnessed。
　　"Iwilllookatthem，"IsaidtoLeah，"butIwon’tbuy，asI
　　shouldnotknowwhattodowiththem。"
　　"Youcantakeyourlady—loveoutforadrive。"
　　"Thatwouldbeyou；butperhapsyouwouldbeafraid！"
　　"Notatall，ifyoudroveinthecountryorthesuburbs。"
　　"Verygood，Leah，thenIwilllookatthem。"
　　Thefathercamein，andwewentdownstairs。Ilikedthecarriageandthehorses，andItoldLeahso。
　　"Well，"saidMoses，"youcanhavethemnowforfourhundredsequins，butafterEasterthepricewillbefivehundredsequinsatleast。"
　　Leahgotintothecarriage，andIsatbesideher，andwewentforanhour’sdriveintothecountry。ItoldMosesIwouldgivehimananswerbythenextday，andhewentabouthisbusiness，whileLeahandIwentupstairsagain。
　　"It’squiteworthfourhundredsequins，"saidI，"andto—morrowI
　　willbuyitwithpleasure；butonthesameconditionasthatonwhichIboughtthehorse，andsomethingmore——namely，thatyouwillgrantmeallthefavoursthatatenderlovercandesire。"
　　"Youspeakplainly，andIwillansweryouinthesameway。I’manhonestgirl，sir，andnotforsale。"
　　"Allwomen，dearLeah，whethertheyarehonestornot，areforsale。Whenamanhasplentyoftimehebuysthewomanhisheartdesiresbyunremittingattentions；butwhenhe’sinahurryhebuysherwithpresents，andevenwithmoney。"
　　"Thenhe’saclumsyfellow；hewoulddobettertoletsentimentandattentionpleadhiscauseandgainthevictory。"
　　"IwishIcouldgivemyselfthathappiness，fairLeah，butI’minagreathurry。"
　　AsIfinishedthissentenceherfathercamein，andIleftthehousetellinghimthatifIcouldnotcomethenextdayIwouldcomethedayafter，andthatwecouldtalkaboutthephaetonthen。
　　ItwasplainthatLeahthoughtIwaslavishofmymoney，andwouldmakeacapitaldupe。Shewouldrelishthephaeton，asshehadrelishedthehorse，butIknewthatIwasnotquitesuchafoolasthat。Ithadnotcostmemuchtroubletoresolvetochancethelossofahundredsequins，butbeyondthatIwantedsomevalueformymoney。
　　ItemporarilysuspendedmyvisitstoseehowLeahandherfatherwouldsettleitamongstthemselves。IreckonedontheJew’sgreedinesstoworkwellforme。Hewasveryfondofmoney，andmusthavebeenangrythathisdaughterhadnotmademebuythephaetonbysomemeansoranother，forsolongasthephaetonwasboughttherestwouldbeperfectlyindifferenttohim。Ifeltalmostcertainthattheywouldcomeandseeme。
　　ThefollowingSaturdayIsawthefairJewessonthepromenade。Wewerenearenoughformetoaccostherwithoutseemingtobeanxioustodoso，andherlookseemedtosay，"Come。"
　　"Weseenomoreofyounow，"saidshe，"butcomeandbreakfastwithmeto—morrow，orIwillsendyoubackthehorse。"
　　Ipromisedtobewithheringoodtime，and，asthereaderwillimagine，Ikeptmyword。
　　Thebreakfastpartywasalmostconfinedtoourselves，forthoughherauntwaspresentshewasonlytherefordecency’ssake。Afterbreakfastweresolvedtohavearide，andshechangedherclothesbeforeme，butalsobeforeheraunt。Shefirstputonherleatherbreeches，thenletherskirtsfall，tookoffhercorset，anddonnedajacket。WithseemingindifferenceIsucceededincatchingaglimpseofamagnificentbreast；buttheslypussknewhowmuchmyindifferencewasworth。
　　"Willyouarrangemyfrill？"saidshe。
　　Thiswasawarmoccupationforme，andIamafraidmyhandwasindiscreet。Nevertheless，IthoughtIdetectedafixeddesignunderallthisseemingcomplaisance，andIwasonmyguard。
　　Herfathercameupjustasweweregettingonhorseback。
　　"Ifyouwillbuythephaetonandhorses，"saidhe，"Iwillabatetwentysequins。"
　　"Allthatdependsonyourdaughter，"saidI。
　　Wesetoffatawalk，andLeahtoldmethatshehadbeenimprudentenoughtoconfesstoherfatherthatshecouldmakemebuythecarriage，andthatifIdidnotwishtoembroilherwithhimI
　　wouldbekindenoughtopurchaseit。
　　"Strikethebargain，"saidshe，"andyoucangiveitmewhenyouaresureofmylove。"
　　"MydearLeah，Iamyourhumbleservant，butyouknowonwhatcondition。"
　　"Ipromisetodriveoutwithyouwheneveryouplease，withoutgettingoutofthecarriage，butIknowyouwouldnotcareforthat。No，youraffectionwasonlyatemporarycaprice。"
　　"ToconvinceyouofthecontraryIwillbuythephaetonandputitinacoach—house。Iwillseethatthehorsesaretaken—careof，thoughIshallnotusethem。ButifyoudonotmakemehappyinthecourseofaweekIshallre—sellthewhole。"
　　"Cometousto—morrow。"
　　"Iwilldoso，butItrusthavesomepledgeofyouraffectionthismorning。"
　　"Thismorning？It’simpossible。"
　　"Excuseme；Iwillgoupstairswithyou，andyoucanshewmemorethanonekindnesswhileyouareundressing。"
　　Wecameback，andIwasastonishedtohearhertellingherfatherthatthephaetonwasmine，andallhehadtodowastoputinthehorses。TheJewgrinned，andweallwentupstairs，andLeahcoollysaid，——
　　"Countoutthemoney。"
　　"Ihavenotanymoneyaboutme，butIwillwriteyouacheque，ifyoulike。"
　　"Hereispaper。"
　　IwroteachequeonZappataforthreehundredsequins，payableatsight。TheJewwentofftogetthemoney，andLeahremainedalonewithme。
　　"Youhavetrustedme，"shesaid，"andhavethusshewnyourselfworthyofmylove。"
　　"Thenundress，quick！"
　　"No，myauntisaboutthehouse；andasIcannotshutthedoorwithoutexcitingsuspicion，shemightcomein；butIpromisethatyoushallbecontentwithmetomorrow。Nevertheless，Iamgoingtoundress，butyoumustgointhiscloset；youmaycomebackwhenIhavegotmywoman’sclothesonagain。"
　　Iagreedtothisarrangement，andsheshutmein。Iexaminedthedoor，anddiscoveredasmallchinkbetweentheboards。Igotonastool，andsawLeahsittingonasofaoppositetomeengagedinundressingherself。Shetookoffhershiftandwipedherbreastsandherfeetwithatowel，andjustasshehadtakenoffherbreeches，andwasasnakedasmyhand，oneofherringshappenedtoslipoffherfinger，androlledunderthesofa。Shegotup，lookedtorightandleft，andthenstoopedtosearchunderthesofa，andtodothisshehadtokneelwithherheaddown。Whenshegotbacktocouch，thetowelcameagainintorequisition，andshewipedherselfalloverinsuchamannerthatallhercharmswererevealedtomyeagereyes。IfeltsurethatsheknewIwasawitnessofalltheseoperations，andsheprobablyguessedwhatafirethesightwouldkindleinmyinflammablebreast。
　　Atlasthertoilettewasfinished，andsheletmeout。Iclaspedherinmyarms，withthewords，"Ihaveseeneverything。"Shepretendednottobelieveme，soIchewedherthechink，andwasgoingtoobtainmyjustdues，whentheaccursedMosescamein。Hemusthavebeenblindorhewouldhaveseenthestatehisdaughterhadputmein；however，hethankedme，andgavemeareceiptforthemoney，saying，"Everythinginmypoorhouseisatyourservice。"
　　Ibadethemadieu，andIwentawayinanilltemper。Igotintomyphaeton，anddrovehomeandtoldthecoachmantofindmeastableforthehorsesandacoach—houseforthecarriage。
　　IdidnotexpecttoseeLeahagain，andIfeltenragedwithher。
　　Shehadpleasedmeonlytoomuchbyhervoluptuousattitudes，butshehadsetupanirritationwhollyhostiletoLove。ShehadmadeLovearobber，andthehungryboyhadconsented，butafterwards，whenhecravedmoresubstantialfare，sherefusedhim，andardourwassucceededbycontempt。Leahdidnotwanttoconfessherselftobewhatshereallywas，andmylovewouldnotdeclareitselfknavish。
　　Imadetheacquaintanceofanamiablechevalier，asoldier，amanofletters，andagreatloverofhorses，whointroducedmetoseveralpleasantfamilies。However，Ididnotcultivatethem，astheyonlyofferedmethepleasuresofsentiment，whileIlongedforlustierfareforwhichIwaswillingtopayheavily。TheChevalierdeBrezewasnotthemanforme；hewastoorespectableforaprofligatelikemyself。Heboughtthephaetonandhorses，andIonlylostthirtysequinsbythetransaction。
　　AcertainM。Baretti，whohadknownmeatAix，andhadbeentheMarquisdePriescroupier，tookmetoseetheMazzoli，formerlyadancer，andthenmistresstotheChevalierRaiberti，ahardheadedbuthonestman，whowasthensecretaryforforeignaffairs。
　　AlthoughtheMazzoliwasbynomeanspretty，shewasextremelycomplaisant，andhadseveralgirlsatherhouseformetosee；
　　butIdidnotthinkanyofthemworthyofoccupyingLeah’splace。
　　IfanciedInolongerlovedLeah，butIwaswrong。
　　TheChevalierCocona，whohadthemisfortunetobesufferingfromavenerealdisease，gavemeuphismistress，aprettylittle’soubrette’；butinspiteoftheevidenceofmyowneyes，andinspiteoftheassurancesshegaveme，Icouldnotmakeupmymindtohaveher，andmyfearmademeleaveheruntouched。CountTrana，abrotherofthechevalier’swhomIhadknownatAix，introducedmetoMadamedeSc————，aladyofhighrankandverygood—looking，butshetriedtoinvolvemeinacriminaltransaction，andIceasedtocallonher。Shortlyafter，CountTrana’sunclediedandhebecamerichandgotmarried，buthelivedanunhappylife。
　　Iwasgettingbored，andDesarmoises，whohadallhismealswithme，didnotknowwhattodo。AtlastheadvisedmetomaketheacquaintanceofacertainMadameR————，aFrenchwoman，andwellknowninTurinasamillineranddressmaker。Shehadsixoreightgirlsworkingforherinaroomadjoininghershop。DesarmoisesthoughtthatifIgotinthereImightpossiblybeabletofindonetomytaste。AsmypursewaswellfurnishedIthoughtI
　　shouldnothavemuchdifficulty，soIcalledonMadameR————。I
　　wasagreeablysurprisedtofindLeahthere，bargainingforaquantityofarticles，allofwhichshepronouncedtobetoodear。
　　ShetoldmekindlybutreproachfullythatshehadthoughtImustbeill。
　　"Ihavebeenverybusy，"Isaid；andfeltallmyoldardourrevive。SheaskedmetocometoaJewishwedding，wheretherewouldbeagoodmanypeopleandseveralprettygirls。Iknewthatceremoniesofthiskindareveryamusing，andIpromisedtobepresent。Sheproceededwithherbargaining，butthepricewasstilltoohighandshelefttheshop。MadameR————wasgoingtoputbackallthetriflesintheirplaces，butIsaid，——
　　"Iwilltakethelotmyself。"
　　Shesmiled，andIdrewoutmypurseandpaidthemoney。
　　"Wheredoyoulive，sir？"saidshe；"andwhenshallIsendyouyourpurchases？"
　　"Youmaybringthemto—morrowyourself，anddomethehonourofbreakfastingwithme。"
　　"Icanneverleavetheshop，sir。"Inspiteofherthirty—fiveyears，MadameR————wasstillwhatwouldbecalledatastymorsel，andshehadtakenmyfancy。
　　"Iwantsomedarklace，"saidI。
　　"Thenkindlyfollowme，sir。"
　　IwasdelightedwhenIenteredtheroomtoseealotofyoungwork—girls，allcharming，hardatwork，andscarcelydaringtolookatme。MadameR————openedseveralcupboards，andshowedmesomemagnificentlace。Iwasdistractedbythesightofsomanydeliciousnymphs，andItoldherthatIwantedthelacefortwo’baoutes’intheVenetianstyle。SheknewwhatImeant。Thelacecostmeupwardsofahundredsequins。MadameR————toldtwoofhergirlstobringmethelacethenextday，togetherwiththegoodswhichLeahhadthoughttoodear。Theymeeklyreplied，——
　　"Yes，mother。"
　　Theyroseandkissedthemother’shand，whichIthoughtaridiculousceremony；however，itgavemeanopportunityofexaminingthem，andIthoughtthemdelicious。Wewentbacktotheshop，andsittingdownbythecounterIenlargedonthebeautyofthegirls，adding，thoughnotwithstricttruth，thatIvastlypreferredtheirmistress。Shethankedmeforthecomplimentandtoldmeplainlythatshehadalover，andsoonafternamedhim。
　　HewastheComtedeSt。Giles，aninfirmandelderlyman，andbynomeansamodellover。IthoughtMadameR————wasjesting，butnextdayIascertainedthatshewasspeakingthetruth。Well，everyonetohistaste，andIsuspectthatshewasmoreinlovewiththecount’spursethanhisperson。Ihadmethimatthe"Exchange"coffeehouse。
　　Thenextdaythetwoprettymillinersbroughtmemygoods。I
　　offeredthemchocolate，buttheyfirmlyandpersistentlydeclined。
　　ThefancytookmetosendthemtoLeahwithallthethingsshehadchosen，andIbadethemreturnandtellmewhatsortofareceptiontheyhadhad。Theysaidtheywoulddoso，andwaitedformetowriteheranote。
　　Icouldnotgivethemtheslightestmarkofaffection。Idarednotshutthedoor，andthemistressandtheuglyyoungwomanofthehousekeptgoingandcomingallthetime；butwhentheycamebackIwaitedforthemonthestairs，andgivingthemasequineachtoldeachofthemthatshemightcommandmyheartifshewould。Leahhadacceptedmyhandsomepresentandsenttosaythatshewaswaitingforme。
　　AsIwaswalkingaimlesslyaboutintheafternoonIhappenedtopassthemilliner’sshop，andMadameR————sawmeandmademecomeinandsitdownbesideher。
　　"Iamreallymuchobligedtoyou，"saidshe，"foryourkindnesstomygirls。Theycamehomeenchanted。TellmefranklywhetheryouarereallyinlovewiththeprettyJewess。"
　　"Iamreallyinlovewithher，butasshewillnotmakemehappyI
　　havesignedmyowndismissal。"
　　"Youwerequiteright。AllLeahthinksofisdupingthosewhoarecaptivatedbyhercharms。"
　　"Donotyourcharmingapprenticesfollowyourmaxims？"
　　"No；buttheyareonlycomplaisantwhenIgivethemleave。"
　　"ThenIcommendmyselftoyourintercession，fortheywouldnoteventakeacupofchocolatefromme。"
　　"Theywereperfectlyrightnottoacceptyourchocolate:butIseeyoudonotknowthewaysofTurin。Doyoufindyourselfcomfortableinyourpresentlodging？"
　　"Quiteso。"
　　"Areyouperfectlyfreetodowhatyoulike？"
　　"Ithinkso。"
　　"Canyougivesuppertoanyoneyoulikeinyourownrooms？Iamcertainyoucan’t。"
　　"Ihavenothadtheopportunityoftryingtheexperimentsofar，butIbelieve……"
　　"Don’tflatteryourselfbybelievinganything；thathouseisfullofthespiesofthepolice。"
　　"ThenyouthinkthatIcouldnotgiveyouandtwoorthreeofyourgirlsalittlesupper？"
　　"Ishouldtakeverygoodcarenottogotoit，that’sallIknow。
　　Bynextmorningitwouldbeknowntoallthetown，andespeciallytothepolice。"
　　"Well，supposingIlookoutforanotherlodging？"
　　"It’sthesameeverywhere。Turinisaperfectnestofspies；butIdoknowahousewhereyoucouldliveatease，andwheremygirlsmightperhapsbeabletobringyouyourpurchases。Butweshouldhavetobeverycareful。"
　　"WhereisthehouseIwillbeguidedbyyouineverything。"
　　"Don’ttrustaPiedmontese；that’sthefirstcommandmenthere。"
　　Shethengavemetheaddressofasmallfurnishedhouse，whichwasonlyinhabitedbyanolddoor—keeperandhiswife。
　　"Theywillletityoubythemonth，"saidshe，"andifyoupayamonthinadvanceyouneednoteventellthemyourname。"
　　Ifoundthehousetobeaveryprettyone，standinginalonelystreetatabouttwohundredpacesfromthecitadel。Onegate，largeenoughtoadmitacarriage，ledintothecountry。IfoundeverythingtobeasMadameR————haddescribedit。Ipaidamonthinadvancewithoutanybargaining，andinadayIhadsettledinmynewlodging。MadameR————admiredmycelerity。
　　IwenttotheJewishweddingandenjoyedmyself，forthereissomethingatoncesolemnandridiculousabouttheceremony；butI
　　resistedallLeah’sendeavourstogetmeoncemoreintohermeshes……Ihiredaclosecarriagefromherfather，whichwiththehorsesIplacedinthecoach—houseandstablesofmynewhouse。
　　ThusIwasabsolutelyfreetogowheneverIwouldbynightorbyday，forIwasatonceinthetownandinthecountry。IwasobligedtotelltheinquisitiveGamawhereIwasliving，andIhidnothingfromDesarmoises，whoseneedsmadehimaltogetherdependentonme。NeverthelessIgaveordersthatmydoorwasshuttothemastoeveryoneelse，unlessIhadgivenspecialinstructionsthattheyweretobeadmitted。Ihadnoreasontodoubtthefidelityofmytwoservants。
　　InthisblissfulabodeIenjoyedallMdlle。R————’sgirls，oneaftertheother。TheoneIwantedalwaysbroughtacompanion，whomIusuallysentbackaftergivingherasliceofthecake。
　　Thelastofthem，whosenamewasVictorine，asfairasdayandassoftasadove，hadthemisfortunetobetied，thoughsheknewnothingaboutit。Mdlle。R————，whowasequallyignorantonthesubject，hadrepresentedhertomeasavirgin，andsoIthoughtherfortwolonghoursinwhichIstrovewithmightandmaintobreakthecharm，orratheropentheshell。Allmyeffortswereinvain。Iwasexhaustedatlast，andIwantedtoseeinwhattheobstacleconsisted。Iputherintheproperposition，andarmedwithacandleIbeganmyscrutiny。Ifoundafleshymembranepiercedbysosmallaholethatlargepin’sheadcouldscarcelyhavegonethrough。Victorineencouragedmetoforceapassagewithmylittlefinger，butinvainItriedtopiercethiswall，whichnaturehadmadeimpassablebyallordinarymeans。IwastemptedtoseewhatIcoulddowithabistoury，andthegirlwantedmetotry，butIwasafraidofthehaemorrhagewhichmighthavebeendangerous，andIwiselyrefrained。
　　PoorVictorine，condemnedtodieamaid，unlesssomecleversurgeonperformedthesameoperationthatwasundergonebyMdlle。
　　CheruffinishortlyafterM。Leprimarriedher，weptwhenIsaid，——
　　"Mydearchild，yourlittleHymendefiesthemostvigorouslovertoenterhistemple。"
　　ButIconsoledherbysayingthatagoodsurgeoncouldeasilymakeaperfectwomanofher。
　　InthemorningItoldMadameR————ofthecase。
　　Shelaughedandsaid，——
　　"ItmayproveahappyaccidentforVictorine；itmaymakeherfortune。"
　　AfewyearsaftertheCountofPaduahadheroperatedon，andmadeherfortune。WhenIcamebackfromSpainIfoundthatshewaswithchild，sothatIcouldnotexacttheduerewardforallthetroubleIhadtakenwithher。
　　EarlyinthemorningonMaundayThursdaytheytoldmethatMosesandLeahwantedtoseeme。Ihadnotexpectedtoseethem，butI
　　welcomedthemwarmly。ThroughoutHolyWeektheJewsdarednotshewthemselvesinthestreetsofTurin，andIadvisedthemtostaywithmetilltheSaturday。Mosesbegantotryandgetmetopurchasearingfromhim，andIjudgedfromthatthatIshouldnothavetopressthemverymuch。
　　"IcanonlybuythisringfromLeah’shands，"saidI。
　　Hegrinned，thinkingdoubtlessthatIintendedtomakeherapresentofit，butIwasresolvedtodisappointhim。Igavethemamagnificentdinnerandsupper，andintheeveningtheywereshewnadouble—beddedroomnotfarfrommine。Imighthaveputthemindifferentrooms，andLeahinaroomadjoiningmine，whichwouldhavefacilitatedanynocturnalexcursions；butafterallI
　　haddoneforherIwasresolvedtoowenothingtoasurprise；sheshouldcomeofherself。
　　ThenextdayMoses（whonoticedthatIhadnotyetboughtthering）wasobligedtogooutonbusiness，andaskedfortheloanofmycarriageforthewholeday，tellingmethathewouldcomeforhisdaughterintheevening。Ihadthehorsesharnessed，andwhenhewasgoneIboughttheringforsixhundredsequins，butonmyownterms。Iwasinmyownhouse，andLeahcouldnotdeceiveme。
　　AssoonasthefatherwassafelyoutofthewayIpossessedmyselfofthedaughter。Sheprovedadocileandamoroussubjectthewholeday。Ihadreducedhertoastateofnature，andthoughherbodywasasperfectascanwellbeimaginedIuseditandabuseditineverywayimaginable。Intheeveningherfatherfoundherlookingrathertired，butheseemedaspleasedasIwas。Leahwasnotquitesowellsatisfied，fortillthemomentoftheirdepartureshewasexpectingmetogiveherthering，butI
　　contentedmyselfwithsayingthatIshouldliketoreservemyselfthepleasureoftakingittoher。
　　OnEasterMondayamanbroughtmeanotesummoningmetoappearatthepoliceoffice。
　　CHAPTERXII
　　MyVictoryOvertheDeputyChiefofPolice——MyDeparture——
　　Chamberi——Desarmoises’sDaughter——M。Morin——M***M***
　　——AtAix——TheYoungBoarder——Lyons——ParisThiscitation，whichdidnotpromisetoleadtoanythingagreeable，surprisedanddispleasedmeexceedingly。However，I
　　couldnotavoidit，soIdrovetotheofficeofthedeputy—
　　superintendentofpolice。Ifoundhimsittingatalongtable，surroundedbyaboutascoreofpeopleinastandingposture。Hewasamanofsixty，hideouslyugly，hisenormousnosehalfdestroyedbyanulcerhiddenbyalargeblacksilkplaster，hismouthofhugedimensions，hislipsthick，withsmallgreeneyesandeyebrowswhichhadpartlyturnedwhite。Assoonasthisdisgustingfellowsawme，hebegan，——
　　"YouaretheChevalierdeSeingalt？"
　　"Thatismyname，andIhavecomeheretoaskhowIcanobligeyou？"
　　"Ihavesummonedyouheretoorderyoutoleavetheplaceinthreedaysatlatest。"
　　"Andasyouhavenorighttogivesuchanorder，IhavecomeheretotellyouthatIshallgowhenIplease，andnotbefore。"
　　"Iwillexpelyoubyforce。"
　　"Youmaydothatwheneveryouplease。Icannotresistforce，butItrustyouwillgivethematterasecondthought；forinawell—
　　orderedcitytheydonotexpelamanwhohascommittednocrimes，andhasabalanceofahundredthousandfrancsatthebank。"
　　"Verygood，butinthreedaysyouhaveplentyoftimetopackupandarrangematterswithyourbanker。Iadviseyoutoobey，asthecommandcomesfromtheking。"
　　"IfIweretoleavethetownIshouldbecomeaccessorytoyourinjustice！Iwillnotobey，butsinceyoumentiontheking’sname，Iwillgotohismajestyatonce，andhewilldenyyourwordsorrevoketheunjustorderyouhavegivenmewithsuchpublicity。"
　　"Pray，doesnotthekingpossessthepowertomakeyougo？"
　　"Yes，byforce，butnotbyjustice。Hehasalsothepowertokillme，buthewouldhavetoprovidetheexecutioner，ashecouldnotmakemecommitsuicide。"
　　"Youarguewell，butneverthelessyouwillobey。"
　　"Iarguewell，butIdidnotlearntheartfromyou，andIwillnotobey。"
　　WiththesewordsIturnedmybackonhim，andleftwithoutanotherword。
　　Iwasinafuriousrage。Ifeltinclinedtoofferovertresistancetoallthemyrmidonsoftheinfamoussuperintendent。
　　NeverthelessIsooncalmedmyself，andsummoningprudencetomyaidIrememberedtheChevalierRaiberti，whomIhadseenathismistress’shouse，andIdecidedonaskinghisadvice。Hewasthechiefpermanentofficialinthedepartmentofforeignaffairs。I
　　toldthecoachmantodrivetohishouse，andIrecountedtohimthewholetale，saying，finally，thatIshouldliketospeaktotheking，asIwasresolvedthatIwouldnotgounlessIwasforcedtodoso。TheworthymanadvisedmetogototheChevalierOsorio，theprincipalsecretaryforforeignaffairs，whocouldalwaysgetanaudienceoftheking。Iwaspleasedwithhisadvice，andIwentimmediatelytotheminister，whowasaSicilianandamanofparts。Hegavemeaverygoodreception，andafterI
　　hadinformedhimofthecircumstancesofthecaseIbeggedhimtocommunicatethemattertohismajesty，addingthatasthesuperintendent’sorderappearedhorriblyunjusttomeIwasresolvednottoobeyitunlesscompelledtodosobymainforce。
　　HepromisedtoobligemeinthewayIwished，andtoldmetocallagainthenextday。
　　AfterleavinghimItookashortwalktocoolmyself，andthenwenttotheAbbeGama，hopingtobethefirsttoimpartmyridiculousadventuretohim。Iwasdisappointed；healreadyknewthatIhadbeenorderedtogo，andhowIhadansweredthesuperintendent。WhenhesawthatIpersistedinmydeterminationtoresist，hedidnotcondemnmyfirmness，thoughhemusthavethoughtitveryextraordinary，forthegoodabbecouldnotunderstandanybody’sdisobeyingtheorderoftheauthorities。HeassuredmethatifIhadtogohewouldsendmethenecessaryinstructionstoanyaddressIlikedtoname。