ThenextdaytheChevalierOsorioreceivedmewiththeutmostpoliteness，whichIthoughtagoodomen。TheChevalierRaibertihadspokentohiminmybehalf，andhehadlaidthematterbeforethekingandalsobeforetheCountd’Aglie，andtheresultwasthatIcouldstayaslongasIliked。TheCountd’Agliewasnoneotherthanthehorriblesuperintendent。IwastoldthatImustwaitonhim，andhewouldgivemeleavetoremainatTurintillmyaffairsweresettled。
　　"Myonlybusinesshere，"saidI，"istospendmymoneytillIhaveinstructionsfromtheCourtofPortugaltoattendtheCongressofAugsburgonbehalfofhismostfaithfulmajesty。"
　　"ThenyouthinkthatthisCongresswilltakeplace？"
　　"Nobodydoubtsit。"
　　"Somebodybelievesitwillallendinsmoke。However，Iamdelightedtohavebeenofservicetoyou，andIshallbecurioustohearwhatsortofreceptionyougetfromthesuperintendent。"
　　Ifeltillatease。Iwenttothepoliceofficeimmediately，gladtoshewmyselfvictorious，andanxioustoseehowthesuperintendentwouldlookwhenIcamein。However，Icouldnotflattermyselfthathelookedashamedofhimself；thesepeoplehaveabrazenforehead，anddonotknowwhatitistoblush。
　　Assoonashesawme，hebegan，——
　　"TheChevalierOsoriotellsmethatyouhavebusinessinTurinwhichwillkeepyouforsomedays。Youmaythereforestay，butyoumusttellmeasnearlyaspossiblehowlongatimeyourequire。"
　　"Icannotpossiblytellyouthat。"
　　"Why？ifyoudon’tmindtellingme。"
　　"IamawaitinginstructionsfromtheCourtofPortugaltoattendtheCongresstobeheldatAugsburg，andbeforeIcouldtellyouhowlongIshallhavetostayIshouldbecompelledtoaskhismostfaithfulmajesty。Ifthistimeisnotsufficientformetodomybusiness，Iwillintimatethefacttoyou。"
　　"Ishallbemuchobligedbyyourdoingso。"
　　ThistimeImadehimabow，whichwasreturned，andonleavingtheofficeIreturnedtotheChevalierOsorio，whosaid，withasmile，thatIhadcaughtthesuperintendent，asIhadtakenanindefiniteperiod，whichleftmequiteatmyease。
　　ThediplomaticGama，whofirmlybelievedthattheCongresswouldmeet，wasdelightedwhenItoldhimthattheChevalierOsoriowasincredulousonthesubject。Hewascharmedtothinkhiswitkeenerthantheminister’s；itexaltedhiminhisowneyes。I
　　toldhimthatwhateverthechevaliermightsayIwouldgotoAugsburg，andthatIwouldsetoutinthreeorfourweeks。
　　MadameR。congratulatedmeoverandoveragain，forshewasenchantedthatIhadhumiliatedthesuperintendent；butallthesamewethoughtwehadbettergiveupourlittlesuppers。AsI
　　hadhadatasteofallhergirls，thiswasnotsuchagreatsacrificeformetomake。
　　IcontinuedthustillthemiddleofMay，whenIleftTurin，afterreceivinglettersfromtheAbbeGamatoLordStormont，whowastorepresentEnglandattheapproachingCongress。ItwaswiththisnoblemanthatIwastoworkinconcertattheCongress。
　　BeforegoingtoGermanyIwantedtoseeMadamed’Urfe，andIwrotetoher，askinghertosendmealetterofintroductiontoM。deRochebaron，whomightbeusefultome。IalsoaskedM。RaibertitogivemealetterforChamberi，whereIwantedtovisitthedivineM————M————（ofwhomIstillthoughtwithaffection）atherconventgrating。IwrotetomyfriendValenglard，askinghimtoremindMadameMorinthatshehadpromisedtoshewmealikenesstosomebodyatChamberi。
　　ButhereImustnotedownaneventworthyofbeingrecorded，whichwasextremelyprejudicialtome。
　　FiveorsixdaysbeforemydepartureDesarmoisescametomelookingverydowncast，andtoldmethathehadbeenorderedtoleaveTurinintwenty—fourhours。
　　"Doyouknowwhy？"Iaskedhim。
　　"LastnightwhenIwasatthecoffee—house，CountScarnafisdaredtosaythatFrancesubsidisedtheBernenewspapers。Itoldhimhelied，atwhichheroseandlefttheplaceinarage，givingmeaglancethemeaningofwhichisnotdoubtful。Ifollowedhimtobringhimtoreasonortogivehimsatisfaction；buthewoulddonothingandIsuspecthewenttothepolicetocomplain。IshallhavetoleaveTurinearlyto—morrowmorning。"
　　"You’reaFrenchman，andasyoucanclaimtheprotectionofyourambassadoryouwillbewrongtoleavesosuddenly。"
　　"Inthefirstplacetheambassadorisaway，andinthesecondmycruelfatherdisavowsme。No，Iwouldrathergo，andwaitforyouatLyons。AllIwantisforyoutolendmeahundredcrowns，forwhichIwillgiveyouanaccount。"
　　"Itwillbeaneasyaccounttokeep，"saidI，"butalongtimebeforeitissettled。"
　　"Possibly；butifitisinmypowerIwillshewmygratitudeforthekindnessesyouhavedoneme。"
　　Igavehimahundredcrownsandwishedhimapleasantjourney，tellinghimthatIshouldstopsometimeatLyons。
　　IgotaletterofcreditonanAugsburghouse，andthreedaysafterIleftTurinIwasatChamberi。Therewasonlyoneinnthereinthosedays，soIwasnotmuchpuzzledtochoosewhereI
　　wouldgo，butforallthatIfoundmyselfverycomfortable。
　　AsIenteredmyroom，Iwasstruckbyseeinganextremelyprettygirlcomingoutofanadjacentroom。
　　"Whoisthatyounglady？"saidItothechambermaidwhowasescortingme。
　　"That’sthewifeofayounggentlemanwhohastokeephisbedtogetcuredofasword—thrustwhichhereceivedfourdaysagoonhiswayfromFrance。"
　　Icouldnotlookatherwithoutfeelingthestingofconcupiscence。AsIwasleavingmyroomIsawthedoorhalfopen，andIstoppedshortandofferedmyservicesasaneighbour。Shethankedmepolitely，andaskedmein。Isawahandsomeyoungmansittingupinbed，soIwentuptoenquirehowhefelt。
　　"Thedoctorwillnotlethimtalk，"saidtheyounglady，"onaccountofasword—thrustinthechesthereceivedathalfaleaguefromhere。Wehopehewillbeallrightinafewdays，andthenwecancontinueourjourney。"
　　"Whereareyougoing，madam？"
　　"ToGeneva。"
　　JustasIwasleaving，amaidcametoaskmeifIwouldtakesupperinmyownroomorwiththelady。Ilaughedatherstupidity，andsaidIwouldsupinmyownapartment，addingthatI
　　hadnotthehonourofthelady’sacquaintance。
　　AtthistheyoungladysaiditwouldgivehergreatpleasureifI
　　wouldsupwithher，andthehusbandrepeatedthisassuranceinawhisper。Iacceptedtheinvitationgratefully，andIthoughtthattheywerereallypleased。Theladyescortedmeoutasfarasthestairs，andItookthelibertyofkissingherhand，whichinFranceisadeclarationoftenderthoughrespectfulaffection。
　　Atthepost—officeIfoundaletterfromValenglard，tellingmethatMadameMorinwouldwaitonmeatChamberiifIwouldsendheracarriage，andanotherfromDesarmoisesdatedfromLyons。HetoldmethatashewasonhiswayfromChamberihehadencounteredhisdaughterincompanywitharascalwhohadcarriedheroff。Hehadburiedhisswordinhisbody，andwouldhavekilledthemifhehadbeenabletostoptheircarriage。HesuspectedthattheyhadbeenstayinginChamberi，andhebeggedmetotryandpersuadehisdaughtertoreturntoLyons；andheaddedthatifshewouldnotdosoIoughttoobligehimbysendingherbackbyforce。Heassuredmethattheywerenotmarried，andhebeggedmetoanswerhisletterbyexpress，forwhichpurposehesentmehisaddress。
　　Iguessedatoncethatthisdaughterofhiswasmyfairneighbour，butIdidnotfeelatallinclinedtocometotheaidofthefatherinthewayhewished。
　　AssoonasIgotbacktotheinnIsentoffLeDucinatravellingcarriagetoMadameMorin，whomIinformedbyletterthatasIwasonlyatChamberiforhersakeIwouldawaitherconvenience。Thisdone，IabandonedmyselftothedelightIfeltattheromanticadventurewhichfortunehadputinmyway。
　　IrepeatedMdlle。Desarmoisesandherravisher，andIdidnotcaretoenquirewhetherIwasimpelledinwhatIdidbyvirtueorvice；
　　butIcouldnothelpperceivingthatmymotiveswereofamixednature；forifIwereamorous，Iwasalsoverygladtobeofassistancetotwoyounglovers，andallthemorefrommyknowledgeofthefather’scriminalpassion。
　　OnenteringtheirroomIfoundtheinvalidinthesurgeon’shands。
　　Hepronouncedthewoundnottobedangerous，inspiteofitsdepth；suppurationhadtakenplacewithoutsettingupinflammation——inshort，theyoungmanonlywantedtimeandrest。
　　WhenthedoctorhadgoneIcongratulatedthepatientonhiscondition，advisinghimtobecarefulwhatheate，andtokeepsilent。IthengaveMdlle。Desarmoisesherfather’sletter，andIsaidfarewellforthepresent，tellingthemthatIwouldgotomyownroomtillsupper—time。Ifeltsurethatshewouldcomeandspeaktomeafterreadingherfather’sletter。
　　Inaquarterofanhoursheknockedtimidlyatmydoor，andwhenI
　　letherinshegavemebacktheletterandaskedmewhatIthoughtofdoing。
　　"Nothing。Ishallbeonlytoohappy，however，ifIcanbeofanyservicetoyou。"
　　"Ah！Ibreatheagain！"
　　"Couldyouimaginemepursuinganyotherlineofconduct？Iammuchinterestedinyou，andwilldoallinmypowertohelpyou。
　　Areyoumarried？"
　　"Notyet，butwearegoingtobemarriedwhenwegettoGeneva。"
　　"Sitdownandtellmeallaboutyourself。Iknowthatyourfatherisunhappilyinlovewithyou，andthatyouavoidhisattentions。"
　　"Hehastoldyouthatmuch？Iamgladofit。AyearagohecametoLyons，andassoonasIknewhewasinthetownItookrefugewithafriendofmymother’s，forIwasawarethatIcouldnotstayinthesamehousewithmyfatherforanhourwithoutexposingmyselftothemosthorribleoutrage。TheyoungmaninbedisthesonofarichGenevamerchant。Myfatherintroducedhimtometwoyearsago，andwesoonfellinlovewitheachother。MyfatherwentawaytoMarseilles，andmyloveraskedmymothertogivemeinmarriagetohim；butshedidnotfeelauthorizedtodosowithoutmyfather’sconsent。Shewroteandaskedhim，butherepliedthathewouldannouncehisdecisionwhenhereturnedtoLyons。MyloverwenttoGeneva，andashisfatherapprovedofthematchhereturnedwithallthenecessarydocumentsandastrongletterofcommendationfromM。Tolosan。WhenmyfathercametoLyonsIescaped，asItoldyou，andmylovergotM。Tolosantoaskmyhandforhimofmyfather。Hisreplywas，’Icangivenoanswertillshereturnstomyhouse！’
　　M。Tolosanbroughtthisreplytome，andItoldhimthatIwasreadytoobeyifmymotherwouldguaranteemysafety。Shereplied，however，thatsheknewherhusbandtoowelltodaretohaveusbothunderthesameroof。AgaindidM。Tolosanendeavourtoobtainmyfather’sconsent，buttonopurpose。AfewdaysafterheleftLyons，tellingusthathewasfirstgoingtoAixandthentoTurin，andasitwasevidentthathewouldnevergivehisconsentmyloverproposedthatIshouldgooffwithhim，promisingtomarrymeassoonaswereachedGeneva。ByillluckwetravelledthroughSavoy，andthusmetmyfather。Assoonashesawushestoppedthecarriageandcalledtometogetout。I
　　begantoshriek，andmylovertakingmeinhisarmstoprotectmemyfatherstabbedhiminthechest。Nodoubthewouldhavekilledhim，butseeingthatmyshriekswerebringingpeopletoourrescue，andprobablybelievingthatmyloverwasasgoodasdead，hegotonhorsebackagainandrodeoffatfullspeed。Icanchewyoutheswordstillcoveredwithblood。"
　　"Iamobligedtoanswerthisletterofhis，andIamthinkinghowIcanobtainhisconsent。"
　　"That’sofnoconsequence；wecanmarryandbehappywithoutit。"
　　"True，butyououghtnottodespiseyourdower。"
　　"Goodheavens！whatdower？Hehasnomoney！
　　"Butonthedeathofhisfather，theMarquisDesarmoises……
　　"That’sallalie。MyfatherhasonlyasmallyearlypensionforhavingservedthirtyyearsasaGovernmentmessenger。Hisfatherhasbeendeadthesethirtyyears，andmymotherandmysisteronlylivebytheworktheydo。"
　　Iwasthunderstruckattheimpudenceofthefellow，who，afterimposingonmesolong，hadhimselfputmeinapositiontodiscoverhisdeceit。Isaidnothing。Justthenweweretoldthatsupperwasready，andwesatattableforthreehourstalkingthematterover。Thepoorwoundedmanhadonlytolistentometoknowmyfeelingsonthesubject。Hisyoungmistress，aswittyasshewaspretty，jestedonthefoolishpassionofherfather，whohadlovedhermadlyeversinceshewaseleven。
　　"Andyouwerealwaysabletoresisthisattempts？"saidI。
　　"Yes，wheneverhepushedthingstoofar。"
　　"Andhowlongdidthisstateofthingscontinue？"
　　"Fortwoyears。WhenIwasthirteenhethoughtIwasripe，andtriedtogatherthefruit；butIbegantoshriek，andescapedfromhisbedstarknaked，andIwenttotakerefugewithmymother，whofromthatdayforthwouldnotletmesleepwithhimagain。"
　　"Youusedtosleepwithhim？Howcouldyourmotherallowit？"
　　"Sheneverthoughtthattherewasanythingcriminalinhisaffectionforme，andIknewnothingaboutit。Ithoughtthatwhathedidtome，andwhathemademedotohim，weremeretrifles。"
　　"Butyouhavesavedthelittletreasure？"
　　"Ihavekeptitformylover。"
　　Thepoorlover，whowassufferingmorefromtheeffectsofhungerthanfromhiswounds，laughedatthisspeechofhers，andsherantohimandcoveredhisfacewithkisses。Allthisexcitedmeintensely。Herstoryhadbeentoldwithtoomuchsimplicitynottomoveme，especiallywhenIhadherbeforemyeyes，forshepossessedalltheattractionswhichawomancanhave，andIalmostforgaveherfatherforforgettingshewashisdaughterandfallinginlovewithher。
　　WhensheescortedmebacktomyroomImadeherfeelmyemotion，andshebegantolaugh；butasmyservantswereclosebyIwasobligedtolethergo。
　　EarlynextmorningIwrotetoherfatherthathisdaughterhadresolvednottoleaveherlover，whowasonlyslightlywounded，thattheywereinperfectsafetyandundertheprotectionofthelawatChamberi，andfinallythathavingheardtheirstory，andjudgingthemtobewellmatched，Icouldonlyapproveofthecoursetheyhadtaken。WhenIhadfinishedIwentintotheirroomandgavethemthelettertoread，andseeingthefairrunawayatalosshowtoexpressher’gratitude，Ibeggedtheinvalidtoletmekissher。
　　"Beginwithme，"saidhe，openinghisarms。
　　Myhypocriticallovemaskeditselfundertheguiseofpaternalaffection。Iembracedthelover，andthenmoreamorouslyI
　　performedthesameofficeforthemistress，andskewedthemmypursefullofgold，tellingthemitwasattheirservice。Whilethiswasgoingonthesurgeoncamein，andIretiredtomyroom。
　　Ateleveno’clockMadameMorinandherdaughterarrived，precededbyLeDuconhorseback，whoannouncedtheirapproachbynumeroussmacksofhiswhip。Iwelcomedherwithopenarms，thankingherforobligingme。
　　ThefirstpieceofnewsshegavemewasthatMdlle。RomanhadbecomemistresstoLouisXV。，thatshelivedinabeautifulhouseatPassi，andthatshewasfivemonthsgonewithchild。ThusshewasinafairwaytobecomequeenofFrance，asmydivineoraclehadpredicted。
　　"AtGrenoble，"sheadded，"youarethesoletopicofconversation；
　　andIadviseyounottogothereunlessyouwishtosettleinthecountry，fortheywouldneverletyougo。Youwouldhaveallthenobilityatyourfeet，andaboveall，theladiesanxioustoknowthelotoftheirdaughters。Everybodybelievesinjudicialastrologynow，andValenglardtriumphs。HehasbetahundredLouistofiftythatmyniecewillbedeliveredofayoungprince，andheiscertainofwinning；thoughtobesure，ifheloses，everybodywilllaughathim。"
　　"Don’tbeafraidofhislosing。"
　　"Isitquitecertain？"
　　"Hasnotthehoroscopeprovedtruthfulintheprincipalparticular？Iftheothercircumstancesdonotfollow，Imusthavemadeagreatmistakeinmycalculations。"
　　"Iamdelightedtohearyousayso。"
　　"IamgoingtoParisandIhopeyouwillgivemealetterofintroductiontoMadameVarnier，sothatImayhavethepleasureofseeingyourniece。"
　　"Youshallhavetheletterto—morrowwithoutfail。"
　　IintroducedMdlle。Desarmoisestoherunderthefamilynameofherlover，andinvitedhertodinewithMadameMorinandmyself。
　　Afterdinnerwewenttotheconvent，andM————M————camedownverysurprisedatthisunexpectedvisitfromheraunt；butwhenshesawmeshehadneedofallherpresenceofmind。Whenherauntintroducedmetoherbyname，sheobservedwithtruefemininetactthatduringherstayatAixshehadseenmefiveorsixtimesatthefountain，butthatIcouldnotrememberherfeaturesasshehadalwayswornherveil。Iadmiredherwitasmuchasherexquisitefeatures。Ithoughtshehadgrownprettierthanever，andnodoubtmylookstoldherasmuch。WespentanhourintalkingaboutGrenobleandheroldfriends，whomshegladlyrecalledtohermemory，andthenshewenttofetchayounggirlwhowasboardingattheconvent，whomshelikedandwantedtopresenttoheraunt。
　　IseizedtheopportunityoftellingMadameMorinthatIwasastonishedatthelikeness，thatherveryvoicewaslikethatofmyVenetianM————M—————，andIbeggedhertoobtainmetheprivilegeofbreakfastingwithherniecethenextday，andofpresentingherwithadozenpoundsofcapitalchocolate。IhadbroughtitwithmefromGenoa。
　　"Youmustmakeherthepresentyourself，"saidMadameMorin，"forthoughshe’sanunshe’sawoman，andwewomenmuchpreferapresentfromaman’sthanfromawoman’shand。"
　　M————M————returnedwiththesuperioroftheconvent，twoothernuns，andtheyoungboarder，whocamefromLyons，andwasexquisitelybeautiful。Iwasobligedtotalktoallthenuns，andMadameMorintoldherniecethatIwantedhertotrysomeexcellentchocolateIhadbroughtfromGenoa，butthatIhopedherlay—sisterwouldmakeit。
　　"Sir，"saidM————M————，"kindlysendmethechocolate，andto—
　　morrowwewillbreakfasttogetherwiththesedearsisters。"
　　AssoonasIgotbacktomyinnIsentthechocolatewitharespectfulnote，andItooksupperinMadameMorin’sroomwithherdaughterandMdlle。Desarmoises，ofwhomIwasfeelingmoreandmoreamorous，butItalkedofM————M————allthetime，andI
　　couldseethattheauntsuspectedthattheprettynunwasnotaltogetherastrangertome。
　　IbreakfastedattheconventandIrememberthatthechocolate，thebiscuits，andthesweetmeatswereservedwithanicetywhichsavouredsomewhatoftheworld。WhenwehadfinishedbreakfastI
　　toldM————M————thatshewouldnotfinditsoeasytogivemeadinner，withtwelvepersonssittingdowntotable，butIaddedthathalfthecompanycouldbeintheconventandhalfintheparlour，separatedfromtheconventbyalightgrating。
　　"It’sasightIshouldliketosee，"saidI，"ifyouwillallowmetopayallexpenses。"
　　"Certainly，"repliedM————M—————，andthisdinnerwasfixedforthenextday。
　　M————M————tookchargeofthewholething，andpromisedtoasksixnuns。MadameMorin，whoknewmytastes，toldhertosparenothing，andIwarnedherthatIwouldsendinthenecessarywines。
　　IescortedMadameMorin，herdaughter，andMdlle。Desarmoisesbacktothehotel，andIthencalledonM。Magnan，towhomIhadbeenrecommendedbytheChevalierRaiberti。Iaskedhimtogetmesomeofthebestwine，andhetookmedowntohiscellar，andtoldmetotakewhatIliked。Hiswinesprovedtobeadmirable。
　　ThisM。Magnanwasacleverman，ofapleasantappearance，andverycomfortablyoff。Heoccupiedanextremelylargeandconvenienthouseoutsidethetown，andtherehisagreeablewifedispensedhospitality。Shehadtenchildren，amongstwhomtherewerefourprettydaughters；theeldest，whowasnineteen，wasespeciallygood—looking。
　　Wewenttotheconventateleveno’clock，andafteranhour’sconversationweweretoldthatdinnerwasready。Thetablewasbeautifullylaid，coveredwithafairwhitecloth，andadornedwithvasesfilledwithartificialflowerssostronglyscentedthattheairoftheparlourwasquitebalmy。ThefatalgrillwasheavierthanIhadhoped。IfoundmyselfseatedtotheleftofM————M————，andtotallyunabletoseeher。ThefairDesarmoiseswasatmyright，andsheentertainedusallthetimewithheramusingstories。
　　WeintheparlourwerewaitedonbyLeDucandCosta，andthenunswereservedbytheirlay—sisters。Theabundantprovision，theexcellentwines，thepleasantthoughsometimesequivocalconversation，keptusallmerrilyemployedforthreehours。Mirthhadthemasteryoverreason，or，tospeakmoreplainly，wewerealldrunk；andifithadnotbeenforthefatalgrill，Icouldhavehadthewholeelevenladieswithoutmuchtrouble。TheyoungDesarmoiseswassogay，indeed，thatifIhadnotrestrainedhershewouldprobablyhavescandalisedallthenuns，whowouldhavelikednothingbetter。Iwaslongingtohavehertomyself，thatI
　　mightquenchtheflameshehadkindledinmybreast，andIhadnodoubtofmysuccessonthefirstattempt。Aftercoffeehadbeenserved，wewentintoanotherparlourandstayedtheretillnightcameon。MadameMorintookleaveofherniece，andthehand—
　　shakings，thanks，andpromisesofremembrancebetweenmeandthenuns，lastedforagoodquarterofanhour。AfterIhadsaidaloudtoM————M————thatIhopedtohavethepleasureofseeingherbeforeIleft，wewentbacktotheinninhighgoodhumourwithourcuriouspartywhichIstillrememberwithpleasure。
　　MadameMoringavemealetterforhercousinMadameVarnier，andI
　　promisedtowritetoherfromParis，andtellherallaboutthefairMdlle。Roman。Ipresentedthedaughterwithabeautifulpairofear—rings，andIgaveMadameMorintwelvepoundsofgoodchocolatewhichM。Magnangotme，andwhichtheladythoughthadcomefromGenoa。Shewentoffateighto’clockprecededbyLeDuc，whohadorderstogreetthedoorkeeper’sfamilyonmybehalf。
　　AtMagnan’sIhadadinnerworthyofLucullus，andIpromisedtostaywithhimwheneverIpassedChamberi，whichpromiseIhavefaithfullyperformed。
　　Onleavingthegourmand’sIwenttotheconvent，andM————M————
　　camedownalonetothegrating。Shethankedmeforcomingtoseeher，andaddedthatIhadcometodisturbherpeaceofmind。
　　"Iamquiteready，dearest，toclimbthehardenwall，andIshalldoitmoredexterouslythanyourwretchedhumpback。"
　　"Alas！thatmaynotbe，for，trustme，youarealreadyspiedupon。EverybodyhereissurethatwekneweachotheratAix。
　　Letusforgetall，andthusspareourselvesthetormentsofvaindesires。"
　　"Givemeyourhand。"
　　"No。Allisover。Iloveyoustill，probablyIshallalwaysloveyou；butIlongforyoutogo，andbydoingso，youwillgivemeaproofofyourlove。"
　　"Thisisdreadful；youastonishme。Youappeartomeinperfecthealth，youareprettierthanever，youaremadefortheworshipofthesweetestofthegods，andIcan’tunderstandhow，withatemperamentlikeyours，youcanliveincontinualabstinence。"
　　"Alas！lackingtherealityweconsoleourselvesbypretending。I
　　willnotconcealfromyouthatIlovemyyoungboarder。Itisaninnocentpassion，andkeepsmymindcalm。Hercaressesquenchtheflamewhichwouldotherwisekillme。"
　　"Andthatisnotagainstyourconscience？"
　　"Idonotfeelanydistressonthesubject。"
　　"Butyouknowitisasin。"
　　"Yes，soIconfessit。"
　　"Andwhatdoestheconfessorsay？"
　　"Nothing。Heabsolvesme，andIamquitecontent:"
　　"Anddoestheprettyboarderconfess，too？"
　　"Certainly，butshedoesnottellthefatherofamatterwhichshethinksisnosin。"
　　"Iwondertheconfessorhasnottaughther，forthatkindofinstructionisagreatpleasure。"
　　"Ourconfessorisawiseoldman。"
　　"AmItoleaveyou，then，withoutasinglekiss？"
　　"Notone。"
　　"MayIcomeagainto—morrow？Imustgothedayafter。"
　　"Youmaycome，butIcannotseeyoubymyselfasthenunsmighttalk。Iwillbringmylittleonewithmetosaveappearances。
　　Comeafterdinner，butintotheotherparlour。"
　　IfIhadnotknownM————M————atAix，herreligiousideaswouldhaveastonishedme；butsuchwashercharacter。ShelovedGod，anddidnotbelievethatthekindFatherwhomadeuswithpassionswouldbetooseverebecausewehadnotthestrengthtosubduethem。Ireturnedtotheinn，feelingvexedthattheprettynunwouldhavenomoretodowithme，butsureofconsolationfromthefairDesarmoises。
　　Ifoundhersittingonherlover’sbed；hispoordietandthefeverhadlefthiminastateofgreatweakness。Shetoldmethatshewouldsupinmyroomtoleavehiminquiet，andtheworthyyoungmanshookmyhandintokenofhisgratitude。
　　AsIhadagooddinneratMagnan’sIateverylittlesupper，butmycompanionwhohadonlyhadalightmealateanddranktoanamazingextent。Igazedatherinakindofwonder，andsheenjoyedmyastonishment。WhenmyservantshadlefttheroomI
　　challengedhertodrinkabowlofpunchwithme，andthisputherintoamoodwhichaskedfornothingbutlaughter，andwhichlaughedtofinditselfdeprivedofreasoningpower。Nevertheless，Icannotaccusemyselfoftakinganadvantageofhercondition，forinhervoluptuousexcitementsheenteredeagerlyintothepleasuretowhichIexcitedhertilltwoo’clockinthemorning。
　　Bythetimeweseparatedwewerebothofusexhausted。
　　Islepttilleleven，andwhenIwenttowishhergooddayIfoundhersmilingandasfreshasarose。Iaskedherhowshehadpassedtherestofthenight。
　　"Verypleasantly，’saidshe，"likethebeginningofthenight。"
　　"Whattimewouldyouliketohavedinner？"
　　"Iwon’tdine；Iprefertokeepmyappetiteforsupper。"
　　Hereherloverjoinedin，sayinginaweakvoice，——
　　"Itisimpossibletokeepupwithher。"
　　"Ineatingordrinking？"Iasked。
　　"Ineating，drinking，andinotherthings，"hereplied，withasmile。Shelaughed，andkissedhimaffectionately。
　　ThisshortdialogueconvincedmethatMdlle。Desarmoisesmustadoreherlover；forbesideshisbeingahandsomeyoungman，hisdispositionwasexactlysuitabletohers。Idinedbymyself，andLeDuccameinasIwashavingdessert。Hetoldmethatthedoor—
　　keeper’sdaughtersandtheirprettycousinhadmadehimwaitforthemtowritetome，andhegavemethreelettersandthreedozenofgloveswhichtheyhadpresentedme。Thelettersurgedmetocomeandspendamonthwiththem，andgavemetounderstandthatI
　　shouldbewellpleasedwithmytreatment。Ihadnotthecouragetoreturntoatown，wherewithmyreputationIshouldhavebeenobligedtodrawhoroscopesforalltheyoungladiesortomakeenemiesbyrefusing。
　　AfterIhadreadthelettersfromGrenobleIwenttotheconventandannouncedmypresence，andthenenteredtheparlourwhichM————M————hadindicated。Shesooncamedownwiththeprettyboarder，whofeeblysustainedmypartinheramorousecstacies。
　　Shehadnotyetcompletedhertwelfthyear，butshewasextremelytallandwelldevelopedforherage。Gentleness，liveliness，candour，andwitwereunitedinherfeatures，andgaveherexpressionanexquisitecharm。Sheworeawell—madecorsetwhichdisclosedawhitethroat，towhichthefancyeasilyaddedthetwosphereswhichwouldsoonappearthere。Herentrancingface，herravenlocks，andherivorythroatindicatedwhatmightbeconcealed，andmyvagrantimaginationmadeherintoabuddingVenus。Ibeganbytellingherthatshewasverypretty，andwouldmakeherfuturehusbandahappyman。Iknewshewouldblushatthat。Itmaybecruel，butitisthusthatthelanguageofseductionalwaysbegins。Agirlofheragewhodoesnotblushatthementionofmarriageiseitheranidiotoralreadyanexpertinprofligacy。Inspiteofthis，however，theblushwhichmountstoayounggirl’scheekattheapproachofsuchideasisapuzzlingproblem。Whencedoesitarise？Itmaybefrompuresimplicity，itmaybefromshame，andoftenfromamixtureofbothfeelings。
　　Thencomesthefightbetweenviceandvirtue，anditisusuallyvirtuewhichhastogivein。Thedesires——theservantsofvice——
　　usuallyattaintheirends。AsIknewtheyoungboarderfromM————
　　M————’sdescription，Icouldnotbeignorantofthesourceofthoseblusheswhichaddedafreshattractiontoheryouthfulcharms。
　　Pretendingnottonoticeanything，ItalkedtoM————M————forafewmoments，andthenreturnedtotheassault。Shehadregainedhercalm。
　　"Whatageareyou，prettyone？"saidI。
　　"Iamthirteen。"
　　"Youarewrong，"saidM————M————，"youhavenotyetcompletedyourtwelfthyear。"
　　"Thetimewillcome，"saidI，"whenyouwilldiminishthetaleofyouryearsinsteadofincreasingit。"
　　"Ishallnevertellalie，sir；Iamsureofthat。"
　　"Soyouwanttobeanun，doyou？"
　　"Ihavenotyetreceivedmyvocation；butevenifIliveintheworldIneednotbealiar。"
　　"Youarewrong；youwillbegintolieassoonasyouhavealover。"
　　"Willmylovertelllies，too？"
　　"Certainlyhewill。"
　　"Ifthematterwerereallyso，then，Ishouldhaveabadopinionoflove；butIdonotbelieveit，forIlovemysweethearthere，andIneverconcealthetruthfromher。"
　　"Yes，butlovingamanisadifferentthingtolovingawoman。"
　　"No，itisn’t；it’sjustthesame。"
　　"Notso，foryoudonotgotobedwithawomanandyoudowithyourhusband。"
　　"That’snomatter，mylovewouldbethesame。"
　　"What？YouwouldnotrathersleepwithmewithM————M————？"
　　"No，indeedIshouldnot，becauseyouareamanandwouldseeme。"
　　"Youdon’twantamantoseeyou，then？"
　　"No。"
　　"Doyouthinkyouaresougly，then？"
　　AtthissheturnedtoM————M————andsaid，withevidentvexation，"Iamnotreallyugly，amI？"
　　"No，darling，"saidM————M————，burstingwithlaughter，"itisquitetheotherway；youareverypretty。"Withthesewordsshetookheronherkneeandembracedhertenderly。
　　"Yourcorsetistootight；youcan’tpossiblyhavesuchasmallwaistasthat。"
　　"Youmakeamistake，youcanputyourhandthereandseeforyourself。"
　　"Ican’tbelieveit。"
　　M————M————thenheldherclosetothegrillandtoldmetoseeformyself。Atthesamemomentsheturnedupherdress。
　　"Youwereright，"saidI，"andIoweyouanapology；"butinmyheartIcursedthegratingandthechemise。
　　"Myopinionis，"saidItoM————M————，"thatwehaveherealittleboy。"
　　Ididnotwaitforareply，butsatisfiedmyselfbymysenseoftouchastohersex，andIcouldseethatthelittleoneandhergovernesswerebothpleasedthatmymindwasatrestonthesubject。
　　Idrewmyhandaway，andthelittlegirllookedatM————M————，andreassuredbyhersmilingairaskedifshemightgoawayforamoment。Imusthavereducedhertoastateinwhichamoment’ssolitudewasnecessary，andImyselfwasinaveryexcitedcondition。
　　AssoonasshewasgoneIsaidtoM————M————，"Doyouknowthatwhatyouhaveshewnmehasmademeunhappy？"
　　"Hasit？Why？"
　　"Becauseyourboarderischarming，andIamlongingtoenjoyher。"
　　"Iamsorryforthat，foryoucan’tpossiblygoanyfurther；andbesides，Iknowyou，andevenifyoucouldsatisfyyourpassionwithoutdangertoher，Iwouldnotgiveheruptoyou，youwouldspoilher。"
　　"How？"
　　"Doyouthinkthatafterenjoyingyoushewouldcaretoenjoyme？
　　Ishouldlosetooheavilybythecomparison。"
　　"Givemeyourhand。"
　　"No。"
　　"Stay，onemoment。"
　　"Idon’twanttoseeanything。"
　　"Notalittlebit？"
　　"Nothingatall。"
　　"Areyouangrywithme，then？"
　　"Notatall。IfyouhavebeenpleasedIamglad，andifyouhavefilledherwithdesiresshewilllovemeallthebetter。"
　　"Howpleasantitwouldbe，sweetheart，ifwecouldallthreeofusbetogetheraloneandatliberty！"
　　"Yes；butitisimpossible。"
　　"Areyousurethatnoinquisitiveeyeislookinguponus？"
　　"Quitesure。"
　　"Theheightofthatfatalgrillhasdeprivedmeofthesightofmanycharms。"
　　"Whydidn’tyougototheotherparlouritismuchlowerthere。"
　　"Letusgothere，then。"
　　"Notto—day；Ishouldnotbeabletogiveanyreasonforthechange。"
　　"Iwillcomeagainto—morrow，andstartforLyonsintheevening。"
　　Thelittleboardercameback，andIstoodupfacingher。Ihadanumberofbeautifulsealsandtrinketshangingfrommywatch—
　　chain，andIhadnothadthetimetoputmyselfinastateofperfectdecencyagain。
　　Shenoticedit，andbywayofpretextsheaskedifshemightlookatthem。
　　"Aslongasyoulike；youmaylookatthemandtouchthemaswell。"
　　M————M————foresawwhatwouldhappenandlefttheroom，sayingthatshewouldsoonbeback。Ihadintendedtodeprivetheyoungboarderofallinterestinmysealsbyshewingheracuriosityofanotherkind。Shedidnotconcealherpleasureinsatisfyingherinquisitivenessonanobjectwhichwasquitenewtoher，andwhichshewasabletoexamineminutelyforthefirsttimeinherlife。
　　Butsoonaneffusionchangedhercuriosityintosurprise，andI
　　didnotinterruptherinherdelightedgaze。
　　IsawM————M————comingbackslowly，andIloweredmyshirtagain，andsatdown。Mywatchandchainswerestillontheledgeofthegrating，andM————M————askedheryoungfriendifthetrinketshadpleasedher。
　　"Yes，"shereplied，butinadreamyandmelancholyvoice。Shehadlearntsomuchinthecourseoflessthantwohoursthatshehadplentytothinkover。IspenttherestofthedayintellingM————
　　M————theadventuresIhadencounteredsinceIhadlefther；butasIhadnottimetofinishmytaleIpromisedtoreturnthenextdayatthesametime。
　　Thelittlegirl，whohadbeenlisteningtomeallthetime，thoughIappearedtobeonlyaddressingherfriend，saidthatshelongedtoknowtheendofmyadventurewiththeDukeofMatelone’smistress。
　　IsuppedwiththefairDesarmoises，andaftergivinghersundryproofsofmyaffectiontillmidnight，andtellingherthatIonlystoppedonforhersake，Iwenttobed。
　　ThenextdayafterdinnerIreturnedtotheconvent，andhavingsentupmynametoM————M————Ienteredtheroomwherethegratingwasmoreconvenient。
　　BeforelongM————M————arrivedalone，butsheanticipatedmythoughtsbytellingmethatherprettyfriendwouldsoonjoinher。
　　"Youhavefiredherimagination。Shehastoldmeallaboutit，playingathousandwantontricks，andcallingmeherdearhusband。
　　Youhaveseducedthegirl，andIamverygladyouaregoingorelseyouwoulddrivehermad。Youwillseehowshehasdressedherself。"
　　"Areyousureofherdiscretion？"
　　"Perfectly，butIhopeyouwon’tdoanythinginmypresence。WhenIseethetimecomingIwillleavetheroom。"
　　"Youareanangel，dearest，butyoumightbesomethingbetterthanthatifyouwould——"
　　"Iwantnothingformyself；itisoutofthequestion。"
　　"Youcould——"
　　"No，Iwillhavenothingtodowithapastimewhichwouldrekindlefiresthatarehardlyyetquenched。Ihavespoken；Isuffer，butletussaynomoreaboutit。"
　　Atthismomenttheyoungadeptcameinsmiling，withhereyesfulloffire。Shewasdressedinashortpelisse，openinfront，andanembroideredmuslinskirtwhichdidnotgobeyondherknees。
　　Shelookedlikeasylph。
　　Wehadscarcelysatdownwhensheremindedmeoftheplacewheremytalehadstopped。Icontinuedmyrecital，andwhenIwastellingthemhowDonnaLucreziashewedmeLeonildanaked，M————
　　M————wentout，andtheslylittlepussaskedmehowIassuredmyselfthatmydaughterwasamaid。
　　Itookboldofherthroughthefatalgrating，againstwhichsheplacedherprettybody，andshewedherhowassuredmyselfofthefact，andthegirllikeditsomuchthatshepressedmyhandtothespot。ShethengavemeherhandthatImightshareherpleasure，andwhilstthisenjoyableoccupationwasinprogressM————M————appeared。Mysweetheartsaidhastily，——
　　"Nevermind，Itoldherallaboutit。Sheisagoodcreatureandwillnotbevexed。"AccordinglyM————M————pretendednottoseeanything，andtheprecociouslittlegirlwipedherhandinakindofvoluptuousecstacy，whichshewedhowwellshewaspleased。
　　Iproceededwithmyhistory，butwhenIcametotheepisodeofthepoorgirlwhowas’tied’，describingallthetroubleIhadvainlytakenwithher，thelittleboardergotsocuriousthatsheplacedherselfinthemostseducingattitudesothatImightbeabletoshewherwhatIdid。SeeingthisM————M————madeherescape。
　　"Kneeldownontheledge，andleavetheresttome，"saidthelittlewanton。
　　Thereaderwillguesswhatshemeant，andIhavenodoubtthatshewouldhavesucceededinherpurposeifthefirewhichconsumedmehadnotdistilleditselfawayjustatthehappymoment。
　　Thecharmingnovicefeltherselfsprinkled，butafterascertainingthatnothingmorecouldbedoneshewithdrewinsomevexation。Myfingers，however，consoledherforthedisappointment，andIhadthepleasureofseeingherlookhappyoncemore。
　　Ileftthesecharmingcreaturesintheevening，promisingtovisitthemagaininayear，butasIwalkedhomeIcouldnothelpreflectinghowoftentheseasylums，supposedtobedevotedtochastityandprayer，containinthemselvesthehiddengermsofcorruption。Howmanyatimorousandtrustfulmotherispersuadedthatthechildofheraffectionwillescapethedangersoftheworldbytakingrefugeinthecloister。Butbehindtheseboltsandbarsdesiresgrowtoafrenziedextreme；theycraveinvaintobesatisfied。
　　WhenIreturnedtotheinnItookleaveofthewoundedman，whomI
　　washappytoseeoutofdanger。InvainIurgedhimtomakeuseofmypurse；hetoldme，withanaffectionateembrace，thathehadsufficientmoney，andifnot，hehadonlytowritetohisfather。
　　IpromisedtostopatLyons，andtoobligeDesarmoisestodesistfromanystepshemightbetakingagainstthem，tellingthemIhadapoweroverhimwhichwouldcompelhimtoobey。Ikeptmyword。
　　Afterwehadkissedandsaidgood—bye，Itookhisfuturebrideintomyroomthatwemightsuptogetherandenjoyourselvestillmidnight；butshecouldnothavebeenverypleasedwithmyfarewellsalute，forIwasonlyabletoprovemyloveforheronce，asM————M————’syoungfriendhadnearlyexhaustedme。
　　Istartedatday—break，andthenextdayIreachedthe"HotelduParc，"atLyons。IsentforDesarmoises，andtoldhimplainlythathisdaughter’scharmshadseducedme，thatIthoughtherloverworthyofher，andthatIexpectedhimoutoffriendshipformetoconsenttothemarriage。Iwentfurther，andtoldhimthatifhedidnotconsenttoeverythingthatveryinstantIcouldnolongerbehisfriend，andatthishegavein。Heexecutedtherequisitedocumentinthepresenceoftwowitnesses，andIsentittoChamberibyanexpressmessenger。
　　Thisfalsemarquismademedinewithhiminhispoorhouse。Therewasnothingabouthisyoungerdaughtertoremindmeoftheelder，andhiswifeinspiredmewithpity。BeforeIleftImanagedtowrapupsixLouisinapieceofpaper，andgaveittoherwithouttheknowledgeofherhusband。Agratefullookshewedmehowwelcomethepresentwas。
　　IwasobligedtogotoParis，soIgaveDesarmoisessufficientmoneyforhimtogotoStrasburg，andawaitmethereincompanywithmySpaniard。
　　IthoughtmyselfwiseinonlytakingCosta，buttheinspirationcamefrommyevilgenius。
　　ItooktheBourbonnaisway，andonthethirddayIarrivedatParis，andlodgedattheHotelduSt。Esprit，inthestreetofthesamename。
　　BeforegoingtobedIsentCostawithanotetoMadamed’Urfe，promisingtocomeanddinewithherthenextday。Costawasagood—lookingyoungfellow，andashespokeFrenchbadlyandwasratherafoolIfeltsurethatMadamed’Urfewouldtakehimforsomeextraordinarybeing。Shewrotetosaythatshewasimpatientlyexpectingme。
　　"Howdidtheladyreceiveyou，Costa？"
　　"Shelookedintoamirror，sir，andsaidsomewordsIcouldmakenothingof；thenshewentroundtheroomthreetimesburningincense；thenshecameuptomewithamajesticairandlookedmeintheface；andatlastshesmiledverypleasantly，andtoldmetowaitforareplyintheante—chamber。"
　　EndMEMOIRSOFJACQUESCASANOVAdeSEINGALT1725—1798
　　ADVENTURESINTHESOUTH，Volume4d——BACKAGAINTOPARIS
　　THERAREUNABRIDGEDLONDONEDITIONOF1894TRANSLATEDBYARTHUR
　　MACHENTOWHICHHASBEENADDEDTHECHAPTERSDISCOVERED
　　BYARTHURSYMONS。
　　BACKAGAINTOPARIS
　　CHAPTERXIII
　　MyStayatParisandMyDepartureforStrasburg，WhereIFindtheRenaud——MyMisfortunesatMunichandMySadVisittoAugsburgAtteno’clockinthemorning，cheeredbythepleasantfeelingofbeingoncemoreinthatPariswhichissoimperfect，butwhichistheonlytruetownintheworld，IcalledonmydearMadamed’Urfe，whoreceivedmewithopenarms。ShetoldmethattheyoungCountd’Arandawasquitewell，andifIlikedshewouldaskhimtodinnerthenextday。ItoldherIshouldbedelightedtoseehim，andthenIinformedherthattheoperationbywhichshewastobecomeamancouldnotbeperformedtillQuerilinto，oneofthethreechiefsoftheFraternityoftheRosyCross，wasliberatedfromthedungeonsoftheInquisition，atLisbon。
　　"Thisisthereason，"Iadded，"thatIamgoingtoAugsburginthecourseofnextmonth，whereIshallconferwiththeEarlofStormontastotheliberationoftheadept，underthepretextofamissionfromthePortugueseGovernment。ForthesepurposesIshallrequireagoodletterofcredit，andsomewatchesandsnuff—boxestomakepresentswith，asweshallhavetowinovercertainoftheprofane。"
　　"Iwillgladlyseetoallthat，butyouneednothurryyourselfastheCongresswillnotmeettillSeptember。"
　　"Believeme，itwillnevermeetatall，buttheambassadorsofthebelligerentpowerswillbethereallthesame。If，contrarytomyexpectation，theCongressisheld，IshallbeobligedtogotoLisbon。Inanycase，Ipromisetoseeyouagainintheensuingwinter。ThefortnightthatIhavetospendherewillenablemetodefeataplotofSt。Germain’s。"
　　"St。Germain——hewouldneverdaretoreturntoParis。"
　　"Iamcertainthatheishereindisguise。ThestatemessengerwhoorderedhimtoleaveLondonhasconvincedhimtheEnglishministerwasnotdupedbythedemandforhispersontobegivenup，madebytheComted’AfriinthenameofthekingtotheStates—General。"
　　Allthiswasmereguess—work，anditwillbeseenthatIguessedrightly。
　　Madamed’UrfethencongratulatedmeonthecharminggirlwhomI
　　hadsentfromGrenobletoParis。Valenglardhadtoldherthewholestory。
　　"Thekingadoresher，"saidshe，"andbeforelongshewillmakehimafather。IhavebeentoseeheratPassiwiththeDuchessede1’Oraguais。"
　　"ShewillgivebirthtoasonwhowillmakeFrancehappy，andinthirtyyearstimeyouwillseewondrousthings，ofwhich，unfortunately，Icantellyounothinguntilyourtransformation。
　　Didyoumentionmynametoher？"
　　"No，Ididnot；butIamsureyouwillbeabletoseeher，ifonlyatMadameVarnier’s。"
　　Shewasnotmistaken；butshortlyafterwardsaneventhappenedwhichmadethemadnessofthisexcellentwomanmuchworse。
　　Towardsfouro’clock，asweweretalkingovermytravelsandourdesigns，shetookafancytowalkintheBoisduBoulogne。Shebeggedmetoaccompanyher，andIaccededtoherrequest。Wewalkedintothedeepestrecessesofthewoodandsatdownunderatree。"Itiseighteenyearsago，"saidshe，"sinceIfellasleeponthesamespotthatwenowoccupy。DuringmysleepthedivineHorosmadiscamedownfromthesunandstayedwithmetillIawoke。
　　AsIopenedmyeyesIsawhimleavemeandascendtoheaven。Heleftmewithchild，andIboreagirlwhichhetookawayfrommeyearsago，nodoubttopunishmefor，havingsofarforgottenmyselfastoloveamortalafterhim。MylovelyIriasiswaslikehim。"
　　"YouarequitesurethatM。d’Urfewasnotthechild’sfather？"
　　"M。d’UrfedidnotknowmeafterhesawmelyingbesidethedivineAnael。"
　　"That’sthegeniusofVenus。Didhesquint？"
　　"Toexcess。Youareaware，then，thathesquints？"
　　"Yes，andIknowthatattheamorouscrisisheceasestosquint。"
　　"Ididnotnoticethat。Hetoo，leftmeonaccountofmysinningwithanArab。"
　　"TheArabwassenttoyoubyanenemyofAnael’s，thegeniusofMercury。"
　　"Itmusthavebeenso；itwasagreatmisfortune。"
　　"Onthecontrary，itrenderedyoumorefitfortransformation。"
　　WewerewalkingtowardsthecarriagewhenallatoncewesawSt。
　　Germain，butassoonashenoticedusheturnedbackandwelostsightofhim。
　　"Didyouseehim？"saidI。"Heisworkingagainstus，butourgeniemakeshimtremble。"
　　"Iamquitethunderstruck。IwillgoandimpartthispieceofnewstotheDucdeChoiseulto—morrowmorning。IamcurioustohearwhathewillsaywhenItellhim。"
　　AsweweregoingbacktoParisIleftMadamed’Urfe，andwalkedtothePorteSt。Denistoseemybrother。Heandhiswifereceivedmewithcriesofjoy。Ithoughtthewifeveryprettybutverywretched，forProvidencehadnotallowedmybrothertoprovehismanhood，andshewasunhappilyinlovewithhim。Isayunhappily，becauseherlovekeptherfaithfultohim，andifshehadnotbeeninloveshemighteasilyhavefoundacureforhermisfortuneasherhusbandallowedherperfectliberty。Shegrievedbitterly，forshedidnotknowthatmybrotherwasimpotent，andfanciedthatthereasonofhisabstentionwasthathedidnotreturnherlove；andthemistakewasanexcusableone，forhewaslikeaHercules，andindeedhewasone，exceptwhereitwasmosttobedesired。Hergriefthrewherintoaconsumptionofwhichshediedfiveorsixyearslater。Shedidnotmeanherdeathtobeapunishmenttoherhusband，butweshallseethatitwasso。
　　ThenextdayIcalledonMadameVarniertogiveherMadameMorin’sletter。Iwascordiallywelcomed，andMadameVarnierwaskindenoughtosaythatshehadratherseemethananybodyelseintheworld；herniecehadtoldhersuchstrangethingsaboutmethatshehadgotquitecurious。This，asiswellknown，isaprevailingcomplaintwithwomen。
　　"Youshallseemyniece，"shesaid，"andshewilltellyouallaboutherself。"
　　Shewroteheranote，andputMadameMorin’sletterunderthesameenvelope。
　　"Ifyouwanttoknowwhatmyniece’sansweris，"saidMadameVarnier，"youmustdinewithme。"
　　Iacceptedtheinvitation，andsheimmediatelytoldherservantthatshewasnotathometoanyone。
　　ThesmallmessengerwhohadtakenthenotetoPassireturnedatfouro’clockwiththefollowingepistle:
　　"ThemomentinwhichIseetheChevalierdeSeingaltoncemorewillbeoneofthehappiestofmylife。Askhimtobeatyourhouseatteno’clockthedayaftertomorrow，andifhecan’tcomethenpleaseletmeknow。"
　　Afterreadingthenoteandpromisingtokeeptheappointment，I
　　leftMadameVarnierandcalledonMadamedeRumain，whotoldmeI
　　mustspendawholedaywithherasshehadseveralquestionstoputtomyoracle。
　　NextdayMadamed’UrfetoldmethereplyshehadfromtheDucdeChoiseul，whenshetoldhimthatshehadseentheComtedeSt。
　　GermainintheBoisduBoulogne。
　　"Ishouldnotbesurprised，"saidtheminister，"consideringthathespentthenightinmycloset。"
　　Thedukewasamanofwitandamanoftheworld。Heonlykeptsecretswhentheywerereallyimportantones；verydifferentfromthosemake—believediplomatists，whothinktheygivethemselvesimportancebymakingamysteryoftriflesofnoconsequence。ItistruethattheDucdeChoiseulveryseldomthoughtanythingofgreatimportance；and，inpointoffact，iftherewerelessintrigueandmoretruthaboutdiplomacy（asthereoughttobe），concealmentwouldberatherridiculousthannecessary。
　　ThedukehadpretendedtodisgraceSt。GermaininFrancethathemightusehimasaspyinLondon；butLordHalifaxwasbynomeanstakeninbythisstratagem。However，allgovernmentshavethepolitenesstoaffordoneanothertheseservices，sothatnoneofthemcanreproachtheothers。
　　ThesmallConted’Arandaaftercaressingmeaffectionatelybeggedmetocomeandbreakfastwithhimathisboarding—house，tellingmethatMdlle。Viarwouldbegladtoseeme。
　　ThenextdayItookcarenottofailinmyappointmentwiththefairlady。IwasatMadameVarnier’saquarterofanhourbeforethearrivalofthedazzlingbrunette，andIwaitedforherwithabeatingattheheartwhichshewedmethatthesmallfavoursshehadgivenmehadnotquenchedtheflameoflove。Whenshemadeherappearancethestoutnessofherfigurecarriedrespectwithit，sothatIdidnotfeelasifIcouldcomeforwardandgreethertenderly；butshewasfarfromthinkingthatmorerespectwasduetoherthanwhenshewasatGrenoble，poorbutalsopure。Shekissedmeaffectionatelyandtoldmeasmuch。
　　"TheythinkIamhappy，"saidshe，"andenvymylot；butcanonebehappyafterthelossofone’sself—respect？ForthelastsixmonthsIhaveonlysmiled，notlaughed；whileatGrenobleI
　　laughedheartilyfromtruegladness。Ihavediamonds，lace，abeautifulhouse，asuperbcarriage，alovelygarden，waiting—
　　maids，andamaidofhonourwhoperhapsdespisesme；andalthoughthehighestCourtladiestreatmelikeaprincess，Idonotpassasingledaywithoutexperiencingsomemortification。"
　　"Mortification？"
　　"Yes；peoplecomeandbringpleasbeforeme，andIamobligedtosendthemawayasIdarenotaskthekinganything。"
　　"Whynot？"
　　"BecauseIcannotlookonhimasmyloveronly；heisalwaysmysovereign，too。Ah！happinessistobesoughtforinsimplehomes，notinpompouspalaces。"
　　"Happinessisgainedbycomplyingwiththedutiesofwhateverconditionoflifeoneisin，andyoumustconstrainyourselftorisetothatexaltedstationinwhichdestinyhasplacedyou。"
　　"Icannotdoit；IlovethekingandIamalwaysafraidofvexinghim。Iamalwaysthinkingthathedoestoomuchforme，andthusIdarenotaskforanythingforothers。"
　　"ButIamsurethekingwouldbeonlytoogladtoshewhisloveforyoubybenefitingthepersonsinwhomyoutakeaninterest。"
　　"Iknowhewould，andthatthoughtmakesmehappy，butIcannotovercomemyfeelingofrepugnancetoaskingfavours。Ihaveahundredlouisamonthforpin—money，andIdistributeitinalmsandpresents，butwithdueeconomy，sothatIamnotpennilessattheendofthemonth。IhaveafoolishnotionthatthechiefreasonthekinglovesmeisthatIdonotimportunehim。"
　　"Anddoyoulovehim？"
　　"HowcanIhelpit？Heisgood—hearted，kindly，handsome，andpolitetoexcess；inshort，hepossessesallthequalitiestocaptivateawoman’sheart。
　　"HeisalwaysaskingmeifIampleasedwithmyfurniture，myclothes，myservants，andmygarden，andifIdesireanythingaltered。Ithankhimwithakiss，andtellhimthatIampleasedwitheverything。"
　　"Doesheeverspeakofthescionyouaregoingtopresenttohim？"
　　"HeoftensaysthatIoughttobecarefulofmyselfinmysituation。Iamhopingthathewillrecognizemysonasaprinceoftheblood；heoughtinjusticetodoso，asthequeenisdead。"
　　"Tobesurehewill。"
　　"IshouldbeveryhappyifIhadason。IwishIfeltsurethatI
　　wouldhaveone。ButIsaynothingaboutthistoanyone。IfI
　　daredspeaktothekingaboutthehoroscope，Iamcertainhewouldwanttoknowyou；butIamafraidofeviltongues。"
　　"SoamI。Continueinyourdiscreetcourseandnothingwillcometodisturbyourhappiness，whichmaybecomegreater，andwhichI
　　ampleasedtohaveprocuredforyou。"
　　Wedidnotpartwithouttears。Shewasthefirsttogo，afterkissingmeandcallingmeherbestfriend。IstayedashorttimewithMadameVarniertocomposemyfeelings，andItoldherthatI
　　shouldhavemarriedherinsteadofdrawingherhoroscope。
　　"Shewouldnodoubthavebeenhappier。Youdidnotforesee，perhaps，hertimidityandherlackofambition。"
　　"IcanassureyouthatIdidnotreckonuponhercourageorambition。Ilaidasidemyownhappinesstothinkonlyofhers。
　　Butwhatisdonecannotberecalled，andIshallbeconsoledifI
　　seeherperfectlyhappyatlast。Ihope，indeed，shewillbeso，aboveallifsheisdeliveredofason。"
　　IdinedwithMadamed’Urfe，andwedecidedtosendbackArandatohisboarding—schoolthatwemightbemorefreetopursueourcabalisticoperations；andafterwardsIwenttotheopera，wheremybrotherhadmadeanappointmentwithme。HetookmetosupatMadameVanloo’s，andshereceivedmeinthefriendliestmannerpossible。
　　"YouwillhavethepleasureofmeetingMadameBlondelandherhusband，"saidshe。
　　ThereaderwillrecollectthatMadameBlondelwasManonBaletti，whomIwastohavemarried。
　　"DoessheknowIamcoming？"Ienquired。