IntheprincipalityofMonacotherewasaFrenchgarrison，whichwasworthapensionofahundredthousandfrancstotheprince——averywelcomeadditiontohisincome。
　　Acurledandscentedyoungofficer，passingbyourroom，thedoorofwhichwasopen，stoppedshort，andwithunblushingpolitenessaskedusifwewouldallowhimtojoinourparty。Irepliedpolitely，butcoldly，thathedidushonour——aphrasewhichmeansneitheryesnorno；butaFrenchmanwhohasadvancedonestepneverretreats。
　　Heproceededtodisplayhisgracesforthebenefitoftheladies，talkingincessantly，withoutgivingthemtimetogetinaword，whenhesuddenlyturnedtomeandsaidthathewonderedhowitwasthattheprincehadnotaskedmeandmyladiestodinner。ItoldhimthatIhadnotsaidanythingtotheprinceaboutthetreasureIhadwithme。
　　Ihadscarcelyutteredthewords，whenthekindlyblockheadroseandcriedenthusiastically，——
　　"Parbleu！Iamnolongersurprised。Iwillgoandtellhishighness，andIshallsoonhavethehonourofdiningwithyouatthecastle。"
　　Hedidnotwaittohearmyanswer，butwentoffinhothaste。
　　Welaughedheartilyathisfolly，feelingquitesurethatweshouldneitherdinewithhimnortheprince，butinaquarterofanhourhereturnedinhighglee，andinvitedusalltodinneronbehalfoftheprince。
　　"Ibegyouwillthankhishighness，andatthesametimeaskhimtoexcuseus。Theweatherhasimproved，andIwanttobeoffassoonaswehavetakenahastymorsel。"
　　TheyoungFrenchmanexertedallhiseloquenceinvain，andatlengthretiredwithamortifiedairtotakeouranswertotheprince。
　　IthoughtIhadgotridofhimatlast，butIdidnotknowmyman。
　　Hereturnedashorttimeafter，andaddressinghimselfinacomplacentmannertotheladies，asifIwasofnomoreaccount，hetoldthemthathehadgiventheprincesuchadescriptionoftheircharmsthathehadmadeuphismindtodinewiththem。
　　"Ihavealreadyorderedthetabletobelaidfortwomore，asIshallhavethehonourofbeingoftheparty。Inaquarterofanhour，ladies，theprincewillbehere。"
　　"Verygood，"saidI，"butastheprinceiscomingImustgotothefeluccaandfetchacapitalpieofwhichtheprinceisveryfond，I
　　know。Come，ladies。"
　　"Youcanleavethemhere，sir。Iwillundertaketokeepthemamused。"
　　"Ihavenodoubtyouwould，buttheyhavesomethingstogetfromthefeluccaaswell。"
　　"Thenyouwillallowmetocometoo。"
　　"Certainlywithpleasure。"
　　Asweweregoingdownthestairs，IaskedtheinnkeeperwhatIowedhim。
　　"Nothing，sir，Ihavejustreceivedorderstoserveyouineverything，andtotakenomoneyfromyou。"
　　"Theprinceisreallymagnificent！"Duringthisshortdialogue，theladieshadgoneonwiththefop。Ihastenedtorejointhem，andmyniecetookmyarm，laughingheartilytoheartheofficermakinglovetoMarcoline，whodidnotunderstandawordhesaid。Hedidnotnoticeitintheleast，forhistonguekeptgoinglikethewheelofamill，andhedidnotpauseforanyanswers。
　　"Weshallhavesomefunatdinner，"saidmyniece，"butwhatarewegoingtodoonthefelucca？"
　　"Weareleaving。Saynothing。"
　　"Leaving？"
　　"Immediately。"
　　"Whatajest！itisworthitsweightingold。"
　　Wewentonboardthefelucca，andtheofficer，whowasdelightedwiththeprettyvessel，proceededtoexamineit。Itoldmyniecetokeephimcompany，andgoingtothemaster，whisperedtohimtoletgodirectly。
　　"Directly？"
　　"Yes，thismoment。"
　　"Buttheabbeandyoursecretaryaregoneforawalk，andtwoofmymenareonshore，too。"
　　"That’snomatter；weshallpickthemupagainatAntibes；it’sonlytenleagues，andtheyhaveplentyofmoney。Imustgo，anddirectly。
　　Makehaste。"
　　"Allright。"
　　Hetrippedtheanchor，andthefeluccabegantoswingawayfromtheshore。Theofficeraskedmeingreatastonishmentwhatitmeant。
　　"ItmeansthatIamgoingtoAntibesandIshallbeverygladtotakeyoutherefornothing。"
　　"Thisisafinejest！Youarejoking，surely？"
　　"Yourcompanywillbeverypleasantonthejourney。"
　　"Pardieu！putmeashore，forwithyourleave，ladies，IcannotgotoAntibes。"
　　"Putthegentlemanashore，"saidItothemaster，"hedoesnotseemtolikeourcompany。"
　　"It’snotthat，uponmyhonour。Theseladiesarecharming，buttheprincewouldthinkthatIwasintheplottoplaythistrickuponhim，whichyoumustconfessisratherstrong。"
　　"Ineverplayaweaktrick。"
　　"Butwhatwilltheprincesay？"
　　"Hemaysaywhathelikes，andIshalldoasIlike。"
　　"Well，it’snofaultofmine。Farewell，ladies！farewell，sir！"
　　"Farewell，andyoumaythanktheprinceformeforpayingmybill。"
　　Marcolinewhodidnotunderstandwhatwaspassinggazedinastonishment，butmyniecelaughedtillhersidesached，forthewayinwhichthepoorofficerhadtakenthematterwasextremelycomic。
　　Clairmontbroughtusanexcellentdinner，andwelaughedincessantlyduringitsprogress，evenattheastonishmentoftheabbeandPossanowhentheycametothequayandfoundthefeluccahadflown。However，IwassureofmeetingthemagainatAntibes，andwereachedthatportatsixo’clockintheevening。
　　Themotionoftheseahadtireduswithoutmakingusfeelsick，fortheairwasfresh，andourappetitesfeltthebenefitsofit，andinconsequencewedidgreathonourtothesupperandthewine。
　　MarcolinewhosestomachwasweakenedbythesicknessshehadundergonesoonfelttheeffectsoftheBurgundy，hereyeswereheavy，andshewenttosleep。Myniecewouldhaveimitatedher，butI
　　remindedhertenderlythatwewereatAntibes，andsaidIwassureshewouldkeepherword。Shedidnotanswerme，butgavemeherhand，loweringhereyeswithmuchmodesty。
　　Intoxicatedwithhersubmissionwhichwassolikelove，Igotintobedbesideher，exclaiming，——
　　"Atlastthehourofmyhappinesshascome！
　　"Andminetoo，dearest。"
　　"Yours？Haveyounotcontinuallyrepulsedme？"
　　"Never！Ialwayslovedyou，andyourindifferencehasbeenabittergrieftome。"
　　"ButthefirstnightweleftMilanyoupreferredbeingalonetosleepingwithme。"
　　"CouldIdootherwisewithoutpassinginyoureyesforonemoreaslavetosensualpassionthantolove？BesidesyoumighthavethoughtIwasgivingmyselftoyouforthebenefitsIhadreceived；
　　andthoughgratitudebeanoblefeeling，itdestroysallthesweetdelightsoflove。Yououghttohavetoldmethatyoulovedmeandsubduedmebythoseattentionswhichconquertheheartsofuswomen。
　　ThenyouwouldhaveseenthatIlovedyoutoo，andouraffectionwouldhavebeenmutual。OnmysideIshouldhaveknownthatthepleasureyouhadofmewasnotgivenoutofamerefeelingofgratitude。Idonotknowwhetheryouwouldhavelovedmelessthemorningafter，ifIhadconsented，butIamsureIshouldhavelostyouresteem。"
　　Shewasright，andIapplaudedhersentiments，whilegivinghertounderstandthatshewastoputallnotionsofbenefitsreceivedoutofhermind。IwantedtomakeherseethatIknewthattherewasnomoreneedforgratitudeonhersidethanmine。
　　Wespentanightthatmustbeimaginedratherthandescribed。Shetoldmeinthemorningthatshefeltallhadbeenforthebest，asifshehadgivenwayatfirstshecouldneverhavemadeuphermindtoaccepttheyoungGenoese，thoughheseemedlikelytomakeherhappy。
　　Marcolinecametoseeusinthemorning，caressedus，andpromisedtosleepbyherselftherestofthevoyage。
　　"Thenyouarenotjealous？"saidI。
　　"No，forherhappinessisminetoo，andIknowshewillmakeyouhappy。"
　　Shebecamemoreravishinglybeautifuleveryday。
　　Possanoandtheabbecameinjustasweweresittingdowntotable，andmyniecehavingorderedtwomoreplatesIallowedthemtodinewithus。Mybrother’sfacewaspitifulandyetridiculous。Hecouldnotwalkanydistance，sohehadbeenobligedtocomeonhorseback，probablyforthefirsttimeinhislife。
　　"Myskinisdelicate，"saidhe，"soIamallblistered。ButGod’swillbedone！IdonotthinkanyofHisservantshaveenduredgreatertormentsthanmineduringthisjourney。Mybodyissore，andsoismysoul。"
　　SosayinghecastapiteousglanceatMarcoline，andwehadtoholdoursidestopreventourselveslaughing。Myniececouldbearitnomore，andsaid，——
　　"HowIpityyou，dearuncle！"
　　Atthisheblushed，andbegantoaddressthemostabsurdcomplimentstoher，stylingher"mydearniece。"Itoldhimtobesilent，andnottospeakFrenchtillhewasabletoexpresshimselfinthatequivocallanguagewithoutmakingafoolofhimself。ButthepoetPogomasspokenobetterthanhedid。
　　IwascurioustoknowwhathadhappenedatMentoneafterwehadleft，andPogomasproceededtotellthestory。
　　"Whenwecamebackfromourwalkweweregreatlyastonishednottofindthefeluccaanymore。Wewenttotheinn，whereIknewyouhadordereddinner；buttheinn—keeperknewnothingexceptthathewasexpectingtheprinceandayoungofficertodinewithyou。Itoldhimhemightwaitforyouinvain，andjustthentheprincecameupinarage，andtoldtheinn—keeperthatnowyouweregonehemightlooktoyouforhispayment。’Mylord，’saidtheinn—keeper，’thegentlemanwantedtopayme，butIrespectedtheordersIhadreceivedfromyourhighnessandwouldnottakethemoney。’Atthistheprinceflunghimalouiswithanillgrace，andaskeduswhowewere。I
　　toldhimthatwebelongedtoyou，andthatyouhadnotwaitedforuseither，whichputustogreattrouble。’Youwillgetawayeasilyenough，’saidhe；andthenhebegantolaugh，andsworethejestwasapleasantone。Hethenaskedmewhotheladieswere。Itoldhimthattheonewasyourniece，andthatIknewnothingoftheother；
　　buttheabbeinterfered，andsaidshewasyourcuisine。Theprinceguessedhemeanttosay’cousin，’andburstoutlaughing，inwhichhewasjoinedbytheyoungofficer。’Greethimfromme，’saidhe，ashewentaway，’andtellhimthatweshallmeetagain，andthatIwillpayhimoutforthetrickhehasplayedme。’"Theworthyhostlaughed，too，whentheprincehadgone，andgaveusagooddinner，sayingthattheprince’sLouiswouldpayforitall。Whenwehaddinedwehiredtwohorses，andsleptatNice。Inthemorningwerodeonagain，beingcertainoffindingyouhere。"Marcolinetoldtheabbeinacoldvoicetotakecarenottotellanyoneelsethatshewashiscuisine，orhiscousin，orelseitwouldgoillwithhim，asshedidnotwishtobethoughteithertheoneortheother。IalsoadvisedhimseriouslynottospeakFrenchforthefuture，astheabsurdwayinwhichhehadcommittedhimselfmadeeveryoneabouthimashamed。
　　JustasIwasorderingpost—horsestotakeustoFrejus，amanappeared，andtoldmeIowedhimtenlouisforthestorageofacarriagewhichIhadleftonhishandsnearlythreeyearsago。ThiswaswhenIwastakingRosalietoItaly。Ilaughed，forthecarriageitselfwasnotworthfivelouis。"Friend，"saidI，"Imakeyouapresentofthearticle。"
　　"Idon’twantyourpresent。Iwantthetenlouisyouoweme。"
　　"Youwon’tgetthetenlouis。Iwillseeyoufurtherfirst。"
　　"Wewillseeaboutthat"；andsosayinghetookhisdeparture。
　　Isentforhorsesthatwemightcontinueourjourney。
　　Afewmomentsafter，asergeantsummonedmetothegovernor’spresence。Ifollowedhim，andwaspolitelyrequestedtopaythetenlouisthatmycreditordemanded。Iansweredthat，intheagreementI
　　hadenteredintoforsixfrancsamonth，therewasnomentionofthelengthoftheterm，andthatIdidnotwanttowithdrawmycarriage。
　　"Butsupposingyouwerenevertowithdrawit？"
　　"Thenthemancouldbequeathhisclaimtohisheir。"
　　"Ibelievehecouldobligeyoutowithdrawit，ortoallowittobesoldtodefrayexpenses。"
　　"Youareright，sir，andIwishtosparehimthattrouble。Imakehimapresentofthecarriage。"
　　"That’sfairenough。Friend，thecarriageisyours。"
　　"Butsir，"saidtheplaintiff，"itisnotenough；thecarriageisnotworthtenlouis，andIwantthesurplus。"
　　"Youareinthewrong。Iwishyouapleasantjourney，sir，andI
　　hopeyouwillforgivetheignoranceofthesepoorpeople，whowouldliketoshapethelawsaccordingtotheirneeds。"
　　Allthistroublehadmademeloseagooddealoftime，andI
　　determinedtoputoffmydeparturetillthenextday。However，I
　　wantedacarriageforPossanoandtheabbe，andIgotmysecretarytobuytheoneIhadabandonedforfourlouis。Itwasinadeplorablestate，andIhadtohaveitrepaired，whichkeptustilltheafternoonofthenextday；however，sofaraspleasurewasconcerned，thetimewasnotlost。
　　CHAPTERIII
　　MyArrivalatMarseilles——Madamed’Urfe——MyNieceIsWelcomedbyMadameAudibertIGetRidofMyBrotherandPossano——Regeneration——DepartureofMadamed’Urfe——MarcolineRemainsConstantMyniece，nowmymistress，grewmoredeartomeeveryday，andI
　　couldnothelptremblingwhenIreflectedthatMarseilleswouldbethetombofourlove。ThoughIcouldnothelparrivingthere，I
　　prolongedmyhappinessaslongasIcouldbytravellingbyshortstages。IgottoFrejusinlessthanthreehours，andstoppedthere，andtellingPossanoandtheabbetodoastheylikedduringourstay，Iorderedadelicatesupperandchoicewineformyselfandmynymphs。
　　Ourrepastlastedtillmidnight，thenwewenttobed，andpassedthetimeinsweetsleepandsweeterpleasures。ImadethesamearrangementsatLucca，Brignoles，andAubayne，whereIpassedthesixthandlastnightofhappiness。
　　AssoonasIgottoMarseillesIconductedmyniecetoMadameAudibert’s，andsentPossanoandmybrothertothe"TriezeCantons"
　　inn，biddingthemobservethestrictestsilencewithregardtome，forMadamed’Urfehadbeenawaitingmeforthreeweeks，andIwishedtobemyownheraldtoher。
　　ItwasatMadameAudibert’sthatmyniecehadmetCroce。Shewasacleverwoman，andhadknownthegirlfromherchildhood，anditwasthroughherthatmyniecehopedtoberestoredtoherfather’sgoodgraces。WehadagreedthatIshouldleavemynieceandMarcolineinthecarriage，andshouldinterviewMadameAudibert，whoseacquaintanceIhadmadebefore，andwithwhomIcouldmakearrangementsformyniece’slodgingtillsomearrangementwascometo。
　　MadameAudibertsawmegettingoutofmycarriage，andasshedidnotrecognizemehercuriositymadehercomedownandopenthedoor。Shesoonrecognizedme，andconsentedtoletmehaveaprivateinterviewwiththebestgraceintheworld。
　　Ididnotloseanytimeinleadinguptothesubject，andafterIhadgivenherarapidsketchoftheaffair，howmisfortunehadobligedLaCroixtoabandonMdlle。Crosin，howIhadbeenabletobeofservicetoher，andfinally，howshehadhadthegoodlucktomeetawealthyanddistinguishedperson，whowouldcometoMarseillestoaskherhandinafortnight，IconcludedbysayingthatIshouldhavethehappinessofrestoringtoherhandsthedeargirlwhosepreserverI
　　hadbeen。
　　"Whereisshe？"criedMadameAudibert。
　　"Inmycarriage。Ihaveloweredtheblinds。"
　　"Bringherin，quick！Iwillseetoeverything。Nobodyshallknowthatsheisinmyhouse。"
　　Happierthanaprince，Imadeoneboundtothecarriageand，concealingherfacewithhercloakandhood，Iledmyniecetoherfriend’sarms。Thiswasadramaticscenefullofsatisfactionforme。Kissesweregivenandreceived，tearsofhappinessandrepentanceshed，Iweptmyselffrommingledfeelingsofemotion，happiness，andregret。
　　InthemeanwhileClairmonthadbroughtupmyniece’sluggage，andI
　　wentawaypromisingtoreturnandseeheranotherday。
　　Ihadanotherandasimportantanarrangementtoconclude，ImeanwithrespecttoMarcoline。Itoldthepostillionstotakemetotheworthyoldman’swhereIhadlodgedRosaliesopleasantly。Marcolinewasweepingatthisseparationfromherfriend。Igotdownatthehouse，andmademybargainhastily。Mynewmistresswas，Isaid，tobelodged，fed，andattendedonasifshehadbeenaprincess。Heshewedmetheapartmentshewastooccupy；itwasfitforayoungmarchioness，andhetoldmethatsheshouldbeattendedbyhisownniece，thatsheshouldnotleavethehouse，andthatnobodybutmyselfshouldvisither。
　　HavingmadethesearrangementsImadethefairVenetiancomein。I
　　gaveherthemoneyshehadwon，whichIhadconvertedintogoldandmadeuptoathousandducats。
　　"Youwon’twantithere，"saidI，"sotakecareofit。AtVeniceathousandducatswillmakeyousomebody。Donotweep，dearest，myheartiswithyou，andto—morroweveningIwillsupwithyou。"
　　Theoldmangavemethelatch—key，andIwentofftothe"TreizeCantons。"Iwasexpected，andmyroomswereadjacenttothoseoccupiedbyMadamed’Urfe。
　　AssoonasIwassettled，Bourgnolewaitedonme，andtoldmehermistresswasaloneandexpectingmeimpatiently。
　　Ishallnottroublemyreaderswithanaccountofourinterview，asitwasonlycomposedofMadamed’Urfe’smadflightsoffancy，andofliesonmypartwhichhadnoteventhemeritofprobability。Aslavetomylifeofhappyprofligacy，Iprofitedbyherfolly；shewouldhavefoundsomeoneelsetodeceiveher，ifIhadnotdoneso，foritwasreallyshewhodeceivedherself。Inaturallypreferredtoprofitbyherratherthanthatastrangershoulddoso；shewasveryrich，andIdidmyselfagreatdealofgood，withoutdoinganyoneanyharm。
　　Thefirstthingsheaskedmewas，"WhereisQuerilinthos？"AndshejumpedwithjoywhenItoldherthathewasunderthesameroof。
　　"’Tishe，then，whoshallmakemeyoungagain。Sohasmygeniusassuredmenightafternight。AskParalisifthepresentsIhavepreparedaregoodenoughforSemiramistopresenttotheheadoftheFraternityoftheRosyCross。"
　　Ididnotknowwhatthesepresentswere，andasIcouldnotasktoseethem，Iansweredthat，beforeconsultingParalis，itwouldbenecessarytoconsecratethegiftsundertheplanetaryhours，andthatQuerilinthoshimselfmustnotseethembeforetheconsecration。
　　Thereuponshetookmetohercloset，andshewedmethesevenpacketsmeantfortheRosicrucianintheformofofferingstothesevenplanets。
　　Eachpacketcontainedsevenpoundsofthemetalpropertotheplanet，andsevenpreciousstones，alsopropertotheplanets，eachbeingsevencaratsinweight；therewerediamonds，rubies，emeralds，sapphires，chrysolites，topazes，andopals。
　　ImadeupmymindthatnothingofthisshouldpassintothehandsoftheGenoese，andtoldthemadwomanthatwemusttrustentirelyinParalisforthemethodofconsecration，whichmustbebegunbyourplacingeachpacketinasmallcasketmadeonpurpose。Onepacket，andoneonly，couldbeconsecratedinaday，anditwasnecessarytobeginwiththesun。ItwasnowFriday，andweshouldhavetowaittillSunday，thedayofthesun。OnSaturdayIhadaboxwithsevennichesmadeforthepurpose。
　　ForthepurposesofconsecrationIspentthreehourseverydaywithMadamed’Urfe，andwehadnotfinishedtilltheensuingSaturday。
　　ThroughoutthisweekImadePossanoandmybrothertaketheirmealswithus，andasthelatterdidnotunderstandawordthegoodladysaid，hedidnotspeakawordhimself，andmighthavepassedforamuteoftheseraglio。Madamed’Urfepronouncedhimdevoidofsense，andimaginedweweregoingtoputthesoulofasylphintohisbodythathemightengendersomebeinghalfhuman，halfdivine。
　　Itwasamusingtoseemybrother’sdespairandrageatbeingtakenforanidiot，andwhenheendeavouredtosaysomethingtospewthathewasnotone，sheonlythoughthimmoreidioticthanever。I
　　laughedtomyself，andthoughthowillhewouldhaveplayedthepartifIhadaskedhimtodoit。Allthesametherascaldidnotloseanythingbyhisreputation，forMadamed’UrfeclothedhimwithadecentsplendourthatwouldhaveledonetosupposethattheabbebelongedtooneofthefirstfamiliesinFrance。ThemostuneasyguestatMadamed’Urfe’stablewasPossano，whohadtoreplytoquestions，ofthemostoccultnature，and，notknowinganythingaboutthesubject，madethemostridiculousmistakes。
　　IbroughtMadamed’Urfethebox，andhavingmadeallthenecessaryarrangementsfortheconsecrations，Ireceivedanorderfromtheoracletogointothecountryandsleepthereforsevennightsinsuccession，toabstainfromintercoursewithallmortalwomen，andtoperformceremonialworshiptothemooneverynight，atthehourofthatplanet，intheopenfields。ThiswouldmakemefittoregenerateMadamed’UrfemyselfincaseQuerilinthos，forsomemysticreasons，mightnotbeabletodoso。
　　ThroughthisorderMadamed’Urfewasnotonlynotvexedwithmeforsleepingawayfromthehotel，butwasgratefulforthepainsIwastakingtoensurethesuccessoftheoperation。
　　ThedayaftermyarrivalIcalledonMadameAudibert，andhadthepleasureoffindingmyniecewailpleasedwiththeeffortsherfriendwasmakinginherfavour。MadameAudiberthadspokentoherfather，tellinghimthathisdaughterwaswithher，andthatshehopedtoobtainhispardonandtoreturntohishouse，whereshewouldsoonbecomethebrideofarichGenoese，whowishedtoreceiveherfromherfather’shands。Theworthyman，gladtofindagainthelostsheep，saidhewouldcomeintwodaysandtakehertoheraunt，whohadahouseatSt。Louis，twoleaguesfromthetown。Shemightthenquietlyawaitthearrivalofherfuturehusband，andavoidalloccasionofscandal。Myniecewassurprisedthatherfatherhadnotyetreceivedaletterfromtheyoungman，andIcouldseethatshewasanxiousaboutit；butIcomfortedherandassuredherthatI
　　wouldnotleaveMarseillestillIhaddancedatherwedding。
　　IlefthertogotoMarcoline，whomIlongedtopresstomyheart。
　　Ifoundherinanecstasyofjoy，andshesaidthatifshecouldunderstandwhathermaidsaidherhappinesswouldbecomplete。Isawthathersituationwasapainfulone，especiallyasshewasawoman，butforthepresentIsawnowayoutofthedifficulty；IshouldhavetogetanItalian—speakingservant，andthiswouldhavebeenatroublesometask。SheweptwithjoywhenItoldherthatmyniecedesiredtoberememberedtoher，andthatinadayshewouldbeonherfather’shearth。Marcolinehadfoundoutthatshewasnotmyrealniecewhenshefoundherinmyarms。
　　Thechoicesupperwhichtheoldmanhadprocuredus，andwhichspewedhehadagoodmemoryformyfavoritetastes，mademethinkofRosalie。Marcolineheardmetellthestorywithgreatinterest，andsaidthatitseemedtoherthatIonlywentabouttomakeunfortunategirlshappy，providedIfoundthempretty。
　　"Ialmostthinkyouareright，"saidI；"anditiscertainthatI
　　havemademanyhappy，andhaveneverbroughtmisfortunetoanygirl。"
　　"Godwillrewardyou，mydearfriend。"
　　"PossiblyIamnotworthHistakingthetrouble！"
　　ThoughthewitandbeautyofMarcolinehadcharmedme，herappetitecharmedmestillmore；thereaderknowsthatIhavealwayslikedwomenwhoeatheartily。AndinMarseillestheymakeanexcellentdishofacommonfowl，whichisoftensoinsipid。
　　ThosewholikeoilwillgetoncapitallyinProvence，foritisusedineverything，anditmustbeconfessedthatifusedinmoderationitmakesanexcellentrelish。
　　Marcolinewascharminginbed。IhadnotenjoyedtheVenetianvicesfornearlyeightyears，andMarcolinewasabeautybeforewhomPraxiteleswouldhavebenttheknee。Ilaughedatmybrotherforhavingletsuchatreasureslipoutofhishands，thoughIquiteforgavehimforfallinginlovewithher。Imyselfcouldnottakeherabout，andasIwantedhertobeamusedIbeggedmykindoldlandlordtosendhertotheplayeveryday，andtoprepareagoodsuppereveryevening。Igothersomerichdressesthatshemightcutagoodfigure，andthisattentionredoubledheraffectionforme。
　　Thenextday，whichwasthesecondoccasiononwhichIhadvisitedher，shetoldmethatshehadenjoyedtheplaythoughshecouldnotunderstandthedialogues；andthedayaftersheastonishedmebysayingthatmybrotherhadintrudedhimselfintoherbox，andhadsaidsomanyimpertinentthingsthatifshehadbeenatVeniceshewouldhaveboxedhisears。
　　"Iamafraid，"sheadded，"thattherascalhasfollowedmehere，andwillbeannoyingme。"
　　"Don’tbeafraid，"Ianswered，"IwillseewhatIcando。"
　　WhenIgottothehotelIenteredtheabbe’sroom，andbyPossano’sbedIsawanindividualcollectinglintandvarioussurgicalinstruments。
　　"What’sallthis？Areyouill？"
　　"Yes，Ihavegotsomethingwhichwillteachmetobewiserforthefuture。"
　　"It’sratherlateforthiskindofthingatsixty。"
　　"Betterlatethannever。"
　　"Youareanoldfool。Youstinkofmercury。"
　　"Ishallnotleavemyroom。"
　　"Thiswillharmyouwiththemarchioness，whobelievesyoutobethegreatestofadepts，andconsequentlyabovesuchweaknesses。"
　　"Damnthemarchioness！Letmebe。"
　　Therascalhadnevertalkedinthisstylebefore。Ithoughtitbesttoconcealmyanger，andwentuptomybrotherwhowasinacorneroftheroom。
　　"WhatdoyoumeanbypesteringMarcolineatthetheatreyesterday？"
　　"Iwenttoremindherofherduty，andtowarnherthatIwouldnotbehercomplaisantlover。"
　　"Youhaveinsultedmeandhertoo，foolthatyouare！YouowealltoMarcoline，forifithadnotbeenforher，Ishouldneverhavegivenyouasecondglance；andyetyoubehaveinthisdisgracefulmanner。"
　　"Ihaveruinedmyselfforhersake，andIcannevershewmyfaceinVeniceagain。Whatrighthaveyoutotakeherfromme？"
　　"Therightoflove，blockhead，andtherightofluck，andtherightofthestrongest！Howisitthatsheishappywithme，anddoesnotwishtoleaveme？"
　　"Youhavedazzledher。"
　　"Anotherreasonisthatwithyoushewasdyingofmiseryandhunger。"
　　"Yes，buttheendofitwillbethatyouwillabandonherasyouhavedonewithmanyothers，whereasIshouldhavemarriedher。"
　　"Marriedher！Yourenegade，youseemtoforgetthatyouareapriest。Idonotproposetopartwithher，butifIdoIwillsendherawayrich。"
　　"Well，well，doasyouplease；butstillIhavetherighttospeaktoherwheneverIlike。"
　　"Ihaveforbiddenyoutodoso，andyoumaytrustmewhenItellyouthatyouhavespokentoherforthelasttime。"
　　SosayingIwentoutandcalledonanadvocate。IaskedhimifI
　　couldhaveaforeignabbe，whowasindebtedtome，arrested，althoughIhadnoproofofthedebt。
　　"Youcandoso，asheisaforeigner，butyouwillhavetopaycaution—money。Youcanhavehimputunderarrestathisinn，andyoucanmakehimpayunlessheisabletoprovethatheowesyounothing。
　　Isthesumalargeone？"
　　"Twelvelouis。"
　　"Youmustcomewithmebeforethemagistrateanddeposittwelvelouis，andfromthatmomentyouwillbeabletohavehimarrested。
　　Whereishestaying？"
　　"InthesamehotelasIam，butIdonotwishtohavehimarrestedthere，soIwillgethimtothe’Ste。Baume，’andputhimunderarrest。Herearethetwelvelouiscaution—money，soyoucangetthemagistrate’sorder，andwewillmeetagainto—morrow。"
　　"Givemehisname，andyoursalso。"
　　Ireturnedinhastetothe"TreizeCantons，"andmettheabbe，dresseduptothenines，andjustabouttogoout。
　　"Followme，"saidI，"IamgoingtotakeyoutoMarcoline，andyoushallhaveanexplanationinherpresence。"
　　"Withpleasure。"
　　Hegotintoacarriagewithme，andItoldthecoachmantotakeustothe"Ste。Baume"inn。Whenwegotthere，Itoldhimtowaitforme，thatIwasgoingtofetchMarcoline，andthatIwouldreturnwithherinaminute。
　　Igotintothecarriageagain，anddrovetotheadvocate，whogavetheorderforarresttoapoliceman，whowastoexecuteit。Ithenreturnedtothe"TreizeCantons"andputhisbelongingsintoatrunk，andhadthemtransportedtohisnewabode。
　　Ifoundhimunderarrest，andtalkingtotheastonishedhost，whocouldnotunderstandwhatitwasallabout。Itoldthelandlordthemythicalhistoryoftheabbedebttome，andhandedoverthetrunk，tellinghimthathehadnothingtofearwithregardtothebill，asI
　　wouldtakecarethatheshouldbewellpaid。
　　Ithenbeganmytalkwiththeabbe，tellinghimthathemustgetreadytoleaveMarseillesthenextday，andthatIwouldpayforhisjourneytoParis；butthatifhedidnotliketodoso，Ishouldleavehimtohisfate，andinthreedayshewouldbeexpelledfromMarseilles。ThecowardbegantoweepandsaidhewouldgotoParis。
　　"YoumuststartforLyonsto—morrow，butyouwillfirstwritemeoutanIOUfortwelvelouis。"
　　"Why？"
　　"BecauseIsayso。IfyoudosoIwillgiveyoutwelvelouisandtearupthedocumentbeforeyourface。"
　　"Ihavenochoiceinthematter。"
　　"Youareright。"
　　WhenhehadwrittentheIOU，Iwenttotakeaplaceinthediligenceforhim，andthenextmorningIwentwiththeadvocatetowithdrawthearrestandtotakebackthetwelvelouis，whichIgavetomybrotherinthediligence，withalettertoM。Bono，whomI
　　warnednottogivehimanymoney，andtosendhimontoParisbythesamediligence。Ithentoreuphisnoteofhand，andwishedhimapleasantjourney。
　　ThusIgotridofthisfoolishfellow，whomIsawagaininParisinamonth’stime。
　　ThedayIhadmybrotherarrestedandbeforeIwenttodinewithMadamed’UrfeIhadaninterviewwithPossanointhehopeofdiscoveringthereasonofhisillhumour。
　　"Thereasonis，"saidhe，"thatIamsureyouaregoingtolayhandsontwentyorthirtythousandcrownsingoldanddiamonds，whichthemarchionessmeantmetohave。"
　　"Thatmaybe，butitisnotforyoutoknowanythingaboutit。Imaytellyouthatitrestsentirelywithmetopreventyourgettinganything。Ifyouthinkyoucansucceedgotothemarchionessandmakeyourcomplaintstoher。Iwilldonothingtopreventyou。"
　　"ThenyouthinkIamgoingtohelpyouinyourimposturefornothing；
　　youareverymuchmistaken。Iwantathousandlouis，andIwillhaveit，too。"
　　"Thengetsomebodytogiveityou，"saidI；andIturnedmybackonhim。
　　Iwentuptothemarchionessandtoldherthatdinnerwasready，andthatweshoulddinealone，asIhadbeenobligedtosendtheabbeaway。
　　"Hewasanidiot；buthowaboutQuerilinthos？"
　　"AfterdinnerParaliswilltellusallabouthim。Ihavestrongsuspicionsthatthereissomethingtobeclearedup。"
　　"SohaveI。Themanseemschanged。Whereishe？"
　　"Heisinbed，illofadiseasewhichIdarenotsomuchasnametoyou。"
　　"Thatisaveryextraordinarycircumstance；Ihaveneverheardofsuchathingbefore。Itmustbetheworkofanevilgenius。"
　　"Ihaveneverheardofsuchathing，either；butnowletusdine。Weshallhavetoworkhardto—dayattheconsecrationofthetin。"
　　"Allthebetter。WemustofferanexpiatorysacrificetoOromasis，for，awfulthought！inthreedayshewouldhavetoregenerateme，andtheoperationwouldbeperformedinthatcondition。"
　　"Letuseatnow，"Irepeated；"IfearlestthehourofJupiterbeover—past。"
　　"Fearnothing，Iwillseethatallgoeswell。"
　　Aftertheconsecrationofthetinhadbeenperformed，ItransferredthatofOromasistoanotherday，whileIconsultedtheoracleassiduously，themarchionesstranslatingthefiguresintoletters。
　　TheoracledeclaredthatsevensalamandershadtransportedthetrueQuerilinthostotheMilkyWay，andthatthemaninthenextroomwastheevilgenius，St。Germain，whohadbeenputinthatfearfulconditionbyafemalegnome，whohadintendedtomakehimtheexecutionerofSemiramis，whowastodieofthedreadfulmaladybeforehertermhadexpired。TheoraclealsosaidthatSemiramisshouldleavetoPayaliseusGaltinardus（myself）allthechargeofgettingridoftheevilgenius，St。Germain；andthatshewasnottodoubtconcerningherregeneration，sincethewordwouldbesentmebythetrueQuerilinthosfromtheMilkyWayontheseventhnightofmyworshipofthemoon。FinallytheoracledeclaredthatIwastoembraceSemiramistwodaysbeforetheendoftheceremonies，afteranUndinehadpurifiedusbybathingusintheroomwherewewere。
　　IhadthusundertakentoregeneratetheworthySemiramis，andIbegantothinkhowIcouldcarryoutmyundertakingwithoutputtingmyselftoshame。Themarchionesswashandsomebutold，andIfearedlestI
　　shouldbeunabletoperformthegreatact。Iwasthirty—eight，andI
　　begantofeelagestealingonme。TheUndine，whomIwastoobtainofthemoon，wasnoneotherthanMarcoline，whowastogivemethenecessarygenerativevigourbythesightofherbeautyandbythecontactofherhands。ThereaderwillseehowImadehercomedownfromheaven。
　　IreceivedanotefromMadameAudibertwhichmademecallonherbeforepayingmyvisittoMarcoline。AssoonasIcameinshetoldmejoyouslythatmyniece’sfatherhadjustreceivedaletterfromthefatheroftheGenoese，askingthehandofhisdaughterforhisonlyson，whohadbeenintroducedtoherbytheChevalierdeSeingalt，heruncle，attheParetti’s。
　　"Theworthymanthinkshimselfundergreatobligationstoyou，"saidMadameAudibert。"Headoreshisdaughter，andheknowsyouhavecaredforherlikeafather。Hisdaughterhasdrawnyourportraitinveryfavourablecolors，andhewouldbeextremelypleasedtomakeyouracquaintance。Tellmewhenyoucansupwithme；thefatherwillbeheretomeetyou，thoughunaccompaniedbyhisdaughter。"
　　"Iamdelightedatwhatyoutellme，fortheyoungman’sesteemforhisfuturewifewillonlybeaugmentedwhenhefindsthatIamherfather’sfriend。Icannotcometosupper，however；Iwillbehereatsixandstoptilleight。"
　　AstheladyleftthechoiceofthedaywithmeIfixedthedayafternext，andthenIrepairedtomyfairVenetian，towhomItoldmynews，andhowIhadmanagedtogetridoftheabbe。
　　Onthedayafternext，justasweweresittingdowntodinner，themarchionesssmilinglygavemealetterwhichPossanohadwrittenherinbadbutperfectlyintelligibleFrench。HehadfilledeightpagesinhisendeavourtoconvinceherthatIwasdeceivingher，andtomakesurehetoldthewholestorywithoutconcealinganycircumstancetomydisadvantage。HeaddedthatIhadbroughttwogirlswithmetoMarseilles；andthoughhedidnotknowwhereIhadhiddenthem，hewassurethatitwaswiththemthatIspentmynights。
　　AfterIhadreadthewholeletterthrough，withtheutmostcoolnessI
　　gaveitbacktoher，askingherifshehadhadthepatiencetoreaditthrough。Sherepliedthatshehadrunthroughit，butthatshecouldnotmakeitoutatall，astheevilgeniusseemedtowriteasortofoutlandishdialect，whichshedidnotcaretopuzzleherselfover，ashecouldonlyhavewrittendownliescalculatedtoleadherastrayatthemostimportantmomentofherlife。Iwasmuchpleasedwiththemarchioness’sprudence，foritwasimportantthatsheshouldhavenosuspicionsabouttheUndine，thesightandthetouchofwhomwerenecessarytomeinthegreatworkIwasabouttoundertake。
　　Afterdining，anddischargingalltheceremoniesandoracleswhichwerenecessarytocalmthesoulofmypoorvictim，IwenttoabankerandgotabillofahundredlouisonLyons，totheorderofM。Bono，andIadvisedhimofwhatIhaddone，requestinghimtocashitforPossanoifitwerepresentedonthedaynamedthereon。
　　IthenwrotetheadviceforPossanototakewithhim，itranasfollows:"M。Bonno，paytoM。Possano，onsight，tohimself，andnottoorder，thesumofonehundredlouis，ifthesepresentsaredeliveredtoyouonthe30thdayofApril，intheyear1763；andafterthedayaforesaidmyordertobecomenullandvoid。"
　　WiththisletterinmyhandIwenttothetraitorwhohadbeenlancedanhourbefore。
　　"You’reaninfamoustraitor，"Ibegan，"butasMadamed’Urfeknowsofthedisgracefulstateyouareinshewouldnotsomuchasreadyourletter。Ihavereadit，andbywayofrewardIgiveyoutwoalternativeswhichyoumustdecideonimmediately。Iaminahurry。
　　Youwilleithergotothehospital——forwecan’thavepestiferousfellowslikeyouhere——orstartforLyonsinanhour。Youmustnotstopontheway，forIhaveonlygivenyousixtyhours，whichisampletodofortypostsin。AssoonasyougettoLyonspresentthistoM。Bono，andhewillgiveyouahundredlouis。Thisisapresentfromme，andafterwardsIdon’tcarewhatyoudo，asyouarenolongerinmyservice。YoucanhavethecarriageIboughtforyouatAntibes，andthereistwenty—fivelouisforthejourney:thatisall。
　　Makeyourchoice，butIwarnyouthatifyougotothehospitalI
　　shallonlygiveyouamonth’swages，asIdismissyoufrommyservicenowatthisinstant。"
　　Afteramoment’sreflectionhesaidhewouldgotoLyons，thoughitwouldbeattheriskofhislife，forhewasveryill。
　　"Youmustreaptherewardofyourtreachery，"saidI，"andifyoudieitwillbeagoodthingforyourfamily，whowillcomeinforwhatI
　　havegivenyou，butnotwhatIshouldhavegivenyouifyouhadbeenafaithfulservant。"
　　IthenlefthimandtoldClairmonttopackuphistrunk。Iwarnedtheinn—keeperofhisdepartureandtoldhimtogettheposthorsesreadyassoonaspossible。
　　IthengaveClairmontthelettertoBonoandtwenty—fiveLouis，forhimtohandthemovertoPossanowhenhewasinthecarriageandreadytogooff。
　　WhenIhadthussuccessfullyaccomplishedmydesignsbymeansoftheall—powerfullever，gold，whichIknewhowtolavishintimeofneed，Iwasoncemorefreeformyamours。IwantedtoinstructthefairMarcoline，withwhomIgrewmoreinloveeveryday。ShekepttellingmethatherhappinesswouldbecompleteifsheknewFrench，andifshehadtheslightesthopethatIwouldtakehertoEnglandwithme。
　　Ihadneverflatteredherthatmylovewouldgoasfarasthat，butyetIcouldnothelpfeelingsadatthethoughtofpartingfromabeingwhoseemedmadetotastevoluptuouspleasures，andtocommunicatethemwithtenfoldintensitytothemanofherchoice。
　　ShewasdelightedtohearthatIhadgotridofmytwoodiouscompanions，andbeggedmetotakehertothetheatre，"for，"saidshe，"everybodyisaskingwhoandwhatIam，andmylandlord’snieceisquiteangrywithmebecauseIwillnotlethertellthetruth"
　　IpromisedIwouldtakeheroutinthecourseofthenextweek，butthatforthepresentIhadamostimportantaffaironhand，inwhichIhadneedofherassistance。
　　"Iwilldowhateveryouwish，dearest。"
　　"Verygood！thenlistentome。Iwillgetyouadisguisewhichwillmakeyoulooklikeasmartfootman，andinthatcostumeyouwillcallonthemarchionesswithwhomIlive，atthehourIshallnametoyou，andyouwillgiveheranote。Haveyousufficientcourageforthat？"
　　"Certainly。Willyoubethere？"
　　"Yes。Shewillspeak，butyoumustpretendtobedumb，asthenoteyoubringwithyouwilltellus；asalsothatyouhavecometowaituponuswhilewearebathing。Shewillaccepttheoffer，andwhenshetellsyoutoundressherfromheadtofootyouwilldoso。Whenyouhavedone，undressyourself，andgentlyrubthemarchionessfromthefeettothewaist，butnothigher。InthemeanwhileIshallhavetakenoffmyclothes，andwhileIholdherinacloseembraceyoumuststandsothatIcanseeallyourcharms。
　　"Further，sweetheart，whenIleaveyouyoumustgentlywashhergenerativeorgans，andafterwardswipethemwithafinetowel。Thendothesametome，andtrytobringmetolifeagain。Ishallproceedtoembracethemarchionessasecondtime，andwhenitisoverwashheragainandembraceher，andthencomeandembracemeandkissinyourVenetianmannertheinstrumentwithwhichthesacrificeisconsummated。Ishallthenclaspthemarchionesstomyarmsathirdtime，andyoumustcaressustilltheactiscomplete。Finally，youwillwashusforthethirdtime，thendress，takewhatshegivesyouandcomehere，whereIwillmeetyouinthecourseofanhour。"
　　"Youmayreckononmyfollowingallyourinstructions，butyoumustseethatthetaskwillberathertryingtomyfeelings。"
　　"Notmoretryingthantomine。Icoulddonothingwiththeoldwomanifyouwerenotpresent。"
　　"Issheveryold？"
　　"Nearlyseventy。"
　　"Mypoorsweetheart！Idopityyou。Butafterthispainfuldutyisoveryoumustsuphereandsleepwithme。"
　　"Certainly。"
　　OnthedayappointedIhadalongandfriendlyinterviewwiththefatherofmylateniece。Itoldhimallabouthisdaughter，onlysuppressingthehistoryofourownamours，whichwerenotsuitableforafather’sears。Theworthymanembracedmeagainandagain，callingmehisbenefactor，andsayingthatIhaddonemoreforhisdaughterthanhewouldhavedonehimself，whichinasensewasperhapstrue。Hetoldmethathehadreceivedanotherletterfromthefather，andaletterfromtheyoungmanhimself，whowroteinthemosttenderandrespectfulmannerpossible。
　　"Hedoesn’taskanythingaboutthedower，"saidhe，"awonderfulthingthesedays，butIwillgiveherahundredandfiftythousandfrancs，forthemarriageisanexcellentone，aboveallaftermypoorsimpleton’sescape。AllMarseillesknowsthefatherofherfuturehusband，andto—morrowImeantotellthewholestorytomywife，andIamsureshewillforgivethepoorgirlasIhavedone。"
　　Ihadtopromisetobepresentatthewedding，whichwastobeatMadameAudibert’s。Thatladyknowingmetobeveryfondofplay，andtherebeingagooddealofplaygoingonatherhouse，wonderedwhyshedidnotseemoreofme；butIwasatMarseillestocreateandnottodestroy:thereisatimeforeverything。
　　IhadagreenvelvetjacketmadeforMarcoline，withbreechesofthesameandsilver—lacegarters，greensilkstockings，andfineleathershoesofthesamecolour。Herfineblackhairwasconfinedinanetofgreensilk，withasilverbrooch。Inthisdressthevoluptuousandwell—roundedformofMarcolinewasdisplayedtosomuchadvantage，thatifshehadshewnherselfinthestreetallMarseilleswouldhaverunafterher，for，inspiteofherman’sdress，anybodycouldseethatshewasagirl。Itookhertomyroomsinherordinarycostume，toshewherwhereshewouldhavetohideaftertheoperationwasover。
　　BySaturdaywehadfinishedalltheconsecrations，andtheoraclefixedtheregenerationofSemiramisforthefollowingTuesday，inthehoursofthesun，Venus，andMercury，whichfolloweachotherintheplanetarysystemofthemagicians，asalsoinPtolemy’s。Thesehourswereinordinaryparlancetheninth，tenth，andeleventhoftheday，sincethedaybeingaTuesday，thefirsthourwassacredtoMars。
　　AndasatthebeginningofMaythehoursaresixty—fiveminuteslong，thereader，howeverlittleofamagicianhemaybe，willunderstandthatIhadtoperformthegreatworkonMadamed’Urfe，beginningathalf—pasttwoandendingatfiveminutestosix。Ihadtakenplentyoftime，asIexpectedIshouldhavegreatneedofit。
　　OntheMondaynight，atthehourofthemoon，IhadtakenMadamed’Urfetothesea—shore，Clairmontfollowingbehindwiththeboxcontainingtheofferings，whichweighedfiftypounds。
　　Iwascertainthatnobodycouldseeus，andItoldmycompanionthatthetimewascome。ItoldClairmonttoputdowntheboxbesideus，andtogoandawaitusatthecarriage。WhenwewerealoneweaddressedasolemnprayertoSelenis，andthentothegreatsatisfactionofthemarchionesstheboxwasconsignedtotheaddress。
　　Mysatisfactionhoweverwasstillgreaterthanhers，fortheboxcontainedfiftypoundsoflead。Therealbox，containingthetreasure，wascomfortablyhiddeninmyroom。
　　Whenwegotbacktothe"TreizeCantons，"IleftMadamed’Urfealone，tellingherthatIwouldreturntothehotelwhenIhadperformedmyconjurationstothemoon，atthesamehourandinthesameplaceinwhichIhadperformedthesevenconsecrations。
　　Ispokethetruth。IwenttoMarcoline，andwhileshewasputtingonherdisguiseIwroteonasheetofwhitepaper，inlargeandodd—
　　lookingletters，thefollowingsentences，using，insteadofink，rock—alum:
　　"Iamdumbbutnotdeaf。IamcomefromtheRhonetobatheyou。ThehourofOromasishasbegun。"
　　"Thisisthenoteyouaretogivetothemarchioness，"Isaid，"whenyouappearbeforeher。"
　　Aftersupperwewalkedtothehotelandgotinwithoutanyoneseeingus。IhidMarcolineinalargecupboard，andthenputtingonmydressing—gownIwenttothemarchionesstoinformherthatSelenishadfixedthenextdayforthehourofregeneration，andthatwemustbecarefultofinishbeforethehourofthemoonbegan，asotherwisetheoperationwouldbeannulledoratleastgreatlyenfeebled。
　　"Youmusttakecare，"Iadded，"thatthebathbeherebesideyourbed，andthatBrougnoledoesnotinterruptus。"
　　"Iwilltellhertogoout。ButSelenispromisedtosendanUndine。"
　　"True，butIhavenotyetseensuchabeing。"
　　"Asktheoracle。"
　　"Willingly。"
　　SheherselfaskedthequestionimploringParalisnottodelaythetimeofherregeneration，eventhoughtheUndinewerelacking，sinceshecouldverywellbatheherself。
　　"ThecommandsofOromasischangenot，"camethereply；"andinthatyouhavedoubtedthemyouhavesinned。"
　　Atthisthemarchionessaroseandperformedanexpiatorysacrifice，anditappeared，onconsultingtheoracle，thatOromasiswassatisfied。
　　Theoldladydidnotmovemypitysomuchasmylaughter。Shesolemnlyembracedmeandsaid，——
　　"To—morrow，Galtinardus，youwillbemyspouseandmyfather。"
　　WhenIgotbacktomyroomandhadshutthedoor，IdrewtheUndineoutofherplaceofconcealment。Sheundressed，andassheknewthatIshouldbeobligedtohusbandmyforces，sheturnedherbackonme，andwepassedthenightwithoutgivingeachotherasinglekiss，forasparkwouldhavesetusallablaze。
　　Nextmorning，beforesummoningClairmont，Igaveherherbreakfast，andthenreplacedherinthecupboard。Lateron，Igaveherherinstructionsoveragain，tellinghertodoeverythingwithcalmprecision，acheerfulface，and，aboveall，silence。
　　"Don’tbeafraid，"saidshe，"Iwillmakenomistakes。"
　　Asweweretodineatnoonexactly，Iwenttolookforthemarchioness，butshewasnotinherroom，thoughthebathwasthere，andthebedwhichwastobeouraltarwasprepared。
　　Afewmomentsafter，themarchionesscameoutofherdressing—room，exquisitelypainted，herhairarrangedwiththechoicestlace，andlookingradiant。Herbreasts，whichfortyyearsbeforehadbeenthefairestinallFrance，werecoveredwithalaceshawl，herdresswasoftheantiquekind，butofextremelyrichmaterial，herear—ringswereemeralds，andanecklaceofsevenaquamarinesofthefinestwater，fromwhichhunganenormousemerald，surroundedbytwentybrilliants，eachweighingacaratandahalf，completedhercostume。
　　Sheworeonherfingerthecarbunclewhichshethoughtworthamillionfrancs，butwhichwasreallyonlyasplendidimitation。
　　SeeingSemiramisthusdeckedoutforthesacrifice，Ithoughtitmyboundendutytoofferhermyhomage。Iwouldhavekneltbeforeherandkissedherhand，butshewouldnotletme，andinsteadopenedherarmsandstrainedmetoherbreast。
　　AftertellingBrougnolethatshecouldgoouttillsixo’clock，wetalkedoverourmysteriestillthedinnerwasbroughtin。
　　Clairmontwastheonlypersonprivilegedtoseeusatdinner，atwhichSemiramiswouldonlyeatfish。Athalf—pastoneItoldClairmontIwasnotathometoanyone，andgivinghimalouisItoldhimtogoandamusehimselftilltheevening。
　　Themarchionessbegantobeuneasy，andIpretendedtobeso，too。I
　　lookedatmywatch，calculatedhowtheplanetaryhourswereproceeding，andsaidfromtimetotime，——
　　"WearestillinthehourofMars，thatofthesunhasnotyetcommenced。"
　　Atlastthetime—piecestruckhalf—pasttwo，andintwominutesafterwardsthefairandsmilingUndinewasseenadvancingintotheroom。Shecamealongwithmeasuredsteps，andkneltbeforeMadamed’Urfe，andgaveherthepapershecarried。SeeingthatIdidnotrise，themarchionessremainedseated，butsheraisedthespiritwithagraciousairandtookthepaperfromher。Shewassurprised，however，tofindthatitwasallwhite。
　　Ihastenedtogiveherapentoconsulttheoracleonthesubject，andafterIhadmadeapyramidofherquestion，sheinterpreteditandfoundtheanswer:
　　"Thatwhichiswritteninwatermustbereadinwater。"
　　"Iunderstandnow，"saidshe，andgoingtothebathsheplungedthepaperintoit，andthenreadinstillwhiterletters:"Iamdumb，butnotdeaf。IamcomefromtheRhonetobatheyou。ThehourofOromasishasbegun。"
　　"Thenbatheme，divinebeing，"saidSemiramis，puttingdownthepaperandsittingonthebed。
　　WithperfectexactitudeMarcolineundressedthemarchioness，anddelicatelyplacedherfeetinthewater，andthen，inatwinklingshehadundressedherself，andwasinthebath，besideMadamed’Urfe。
　　Whatacontrasttherewasbetweenthetwobodies；butthesightoftheonekindledtheflamewhichtheotherwastoquench。
　　AsIgazedonthebeautifulgirl，I，too，undressed，andwhenIwasreadytotakeoffmyshirtIspokeasfollows:"Odivinebeing，wipethefeetofSemiramis，andbethewitnessofmyunionwithher，tothegloryoftheimmortalHoromadis，KingoftheSalamanders。"
　　ScarcelyhadIutteredmyprayerwhenitwasgranted，andI
　　consummatedmyfirstunionwithSemiramis，gazingonthecharmsofMarcoline，whichIhadneverseentosuchadvantagebefore。
　　Semiramishadbeenhandsome，butshewasthenwhatIamnow，andwithouttheUndinetheoperationwouldhavefailed。Nevertheless，Semiramiswasaffectionate，clean，andsweetineveryrespect，andhadnothingdisgustingabouther，soIsucceeded。
　　Whenthemilkhadbeenpouredforthuponthealtar，Isaid，——
　　"WemustnowawaitthehourofVenus。"
　　TheUndineperformedtheablutions，embracedthebride，andcametoperformthesameofficeforme。
　　Semiramiswasinanecstasyofhappiness，andasshepointedouttomethebeautiesoftheUndineIwasobligedtoconfessthatIhadneverseenanymortalwomantobecomparedtoherinbeauty。
　　Semiramisgrewexcitedbysovoluptuousasight，andwhenthehourofVenusbeganIproceededtothesecondassault，whichwouldbetheseverest，asthehourwasofsixty—fiveminutes。Iworkedforhalfanhour，steamingwithperspiration，andtiringSemiramis，withoutbeingabletocometothepoint。StillIwasashamedtotrickher。
　　She，thevictim，wipedthedropsofsweatfrommyforehead，whiletheUndine，seeingmyexhaustion，kindledanewtheflamewhichthecontactofthatagedbodyhaddestroyed。Towardstheendofthehour，asIwasexhaustedandstillunsuccessful，Iwasobligedtodeceiveherbymakinguseofthosemovementswhichareincidentaltosuccess。AsIwentoutofthebattlewithallthesignsofmystrengthstillaboutme，Semiramiscouldhavenodoubtsastotherealityofmysuccess，andeventheUndinewasdeceivedwhenshecametowashme。Butthethirdhourhadcome，andwewereobligedtosatisfyMercury。Wespentaquarterofthetimeinthebath，whiletheUndinedelightedSemiramisbycaresseswhichwouldhavedelightedtheregentofFrance，ifhehadeverknownofthem。Thegoodmarchioness，believingtheseendearmentstobepeculiartoriverspirits，waspleasedwitheverything，andbeggedtheUndinetoshewmethesamekindness。Marcolineobeyed，andlavishedonmealltheresourcesoftheVenetianschooloflove。ShewasaperfectLesbian，andhercaresseshavingsoonrestoredmetoallmyvigourIwasencouragedtoundertaketosatisfyMercury。Iproceededtothework，butalas！itwasallinvain。IsawhowmyfruitlesseffortsvexedtheUndine，andperceivingthatMadamed’Urfehadhadenough，Iagaintookthecourseofdeceivingherbypretendedecstaciesandmovements，followedbycompleterest。SemiramisafterwardstoldmethatmyexertionsshewedthatIwassomethingmorethanmortal。
　　Ithrewmyselfintothebath，andunderwentmythirdablution，thenI
　　dressed。Marcolinewashedthemarchionessandproceededtoclotheher，anddidsowithsuchagracefulcharmthatMadamed’Urfefollowedtheinspirationofhergoodgenius，andthrewhermagnificentnecklaceovertheUndine’sneck。AfterapartingVenetiankissshevanished，andwenttoherhidingplaceinthecupboard。
　　Semiramisaskedtheoracleiftheoperationhadbeensuccessful。Theanswerwasthatsheborewithinhertheseedofthesun，andthatinthebeginningofnextFebruaryshewouldbebroughttobedofanotherselfofthesamesexasthecreator；butinorderthattheevilgeniimightnotbeabletodoheranyharmshemustkeepquietinherbedforahundredandsevenhoursinsuccession。
　　Theworthymarchionesswasdelightedtoreceivethisorder，andlookeduponitasagoodomen，forIhadtiredherdreadfully。I
　　kissedher，sayingthatIwasgoingtothecountrytocollecttogetherwhatremainedofthesubstancesthatIhadusedinmyceremonies，butIpromisedtodinewithheronthemorrow。
　　IshutmyselfupinmyroomwiththeUndine，andweamusedourselvesasbestwecouldtillitwasnight，forshecouldnotgooutwhileitwaslightinherspiritualcostume。Itookoffmyhandsomeweddinggarment，andassoonasitwasduskwecreptout，andwentawaytoMarcoline’slodginginahackneycoach，carryingwithustheplanetaryofferingswhichIhadgainedsocleverly。
　　Weweredyingofhunger，butthedelicioussupperwhichwaswaitingforusbroughtustolifeagain。AssoonaswegotintotheroomMarcolinetookoffhergreenclothesandputonherwoman’sdress，saying，——
　　"Iwasnotborntowearthebreeches。Here，takethebeautifulnecklacethemadwomangaveme！"
　　"Iwillsellit，fairUndine，andyoushallhavetheproceeds。"
　　"Isitworthmuch？"
　　"Atleastathousandsequins。BythetimeyougetbacktoVeniceyouwillbeworthatleastfivethousandducats，andyouwillbeabletogetahusbandandlivewithhiminacomfortablestyle。"
　　"Keepitall，Idon’twantit；Iwantyou。Iwillneverceasetoloveyou；Iwilldowhateveryoutellme，andIpromisenevertobejealous。Iwillcareforyou——yes，asifyouweremyson。"
　　"Donotletussayanythingmoreaboutit，fairMarcoline，butletusgotobed，foryouhaveneverinspiredmewithsomuchardourasnow。"
　　"Butyoumustbetired。"
　　"Yes，butnotexhaustion，forIwasonlyabletoperformthedistillationonce。"
　　"Ithoughtyousacrificedtwiceonthatoldaltar。Pooroldwoman！
　　sheisstillpretty，andIhavenodoubtthatfiftyyearsagoshewasoneofthefirstbeautiesinFrance。Howfoolishofhertobethinkingofloveatthatage。"
　　"Youexcitedme，butsheundidyourworkevenmorequickly。"
　　"Areyoualwaysobligedtohave——agirlbesideyouwhenyoumakelovetoher？"
　　"No；before，therewasnoquestionofmakingason。"
　　"What？youaregoingtomakeherpregnant？That’sridiculous！Doessheimaginethatshehasconceived？"
　　"Certainly；andthehopemakesherhappy。"
　　"Whatamadidea！Butwhydidyoutrytodoitthreetimes？"
　　"Ithoughttoshewmystrength，andthatifIgazedonyouIshouldnotfail；butIwasquitemistaken。"
　　"Ipityyouforhavingsufferedsomuch。"
　　"Youwillrenewmystrength。"
　　Asamatteroffact，Idonotknowwhethertoattributeittothedifferencebetweentheoldandtheyoung，butIspentamostdeliciousnightwiththebeautifulVenetian——anightwhichIcanonlycomparetothoseIpassedatParmawithHenriette，andatMuranwiththebeautifulnun。Ispentfourteenhoursinbed，ofwhichfouratleastweredevotedtoexpiatingtheinsultIhadofferedtolove。
　　WhenIhaddressedandtakenmychocolateItoldMarcolinetodressherselfwithelegance，andtoexpectmeintheeveningjustbeforetheplaybegan。Icouldseethatshewasintenselydelightedwiththeprospect。
　　IfoundMadamed’Urfeinbed，dressedwithcareandinthefashionofayoungbride，andwithasmileofsatisfactiononherfacewhichI
　　hadneverremarkedtherebefore。
　　"Tothee，belovedGaltinardus，Ioweallmyhappiness，"saidshe，assheembracedme。
　　"Iamhappytohavecontributedtoit，divineSemiramis，butyoumustrememberIamonlytheagentofthegenii。"
　　Thereuponthemarchionessbegantoargueinthemostsensiblemanner，butunfortunatelythefoundationofherargumentwaswhollychimerical。
　　"Marryme，"saidshe；"youwillthenbeabletobegovernorofthechild，whowillbeyourson。Inthismanneryouwillkeepallmypropertyforme，includingwhatIshallhavefrommybrotherM。dePontcarre，whoisoldandcannotlivemuchlonger。IfyoudonotcareformeinFebruarynext，whenIshallbebornagain，intowhathandsshallIfall！Ishallbecalledabastard，andmyincomeoftwenty—fourthousandfrancswillbelosttome。Thinkoverit，dearGaltinardus。ImusttellyouthatIfeelalreadyasifIwereaman。
　　IconfessIaminlovewiththeUndine，andIshouldliketoknowwhetherIshallbeabletosleepwithherinfourteenorfifteenyearstime。IshallbesoifOromasiswillit，andthenIshallbehappyindeed。Whatacharmingcreaturesheis？Haveyoueverseenawomanlikeher？Whatapitysheisdumb！"
　　"She，nodoubt，hasamalewater—spiritforalover。Butallofthemaredumb，sinceitisimpossibletospeakinthewater。Iwondersheisnotdeafaswell。Ican’tthinkwhyyoudidn’ttouchher。Thesoftnessofherskinissomethingwonderful——velvetandsatinarenottobecomparedtoit！Andthenherbreathissosweet！HowdelightedIshouldbeifIcouldconversewithsuchanexquisitebeing。"
　　"DearGaltinardus，IbegyouwillconsulttheoracletofindoutwhereIamtobebroughttobed，andifyouwon’tmarrymeIthinkI
　　hadbettersaveallIhavethatImayhavesomeprovisionwhenIambornagain，forwhenIambornIshallknownothing，andmoneywillbewantedtoeducateme。Bysellingthewholealargesummightberealizedwhichcouldbeputoutatinterest。Thustheinterestwouldsufficewithoutthecapitalbeingtouched。"
　　"Theoraclemustbeourguide，"saidI。"Youwillbemyson，andI
　　willneverallowanyonetocallyouabastard。"
　　Thesublimemadwomanwasquietbythisassurance。
　　DoubtlessmanyareaderwillsaythatifIhadbeenanhonestmanI
　　shouldhaveundeceivedher，butIcannotagreewiththem；itwouldhavebeenimpossible，andIconfessthatevenifithadbeenpossibleIwouldnothavedoneso，foritwouldonlyhavemademeunhappy。
　　IhadtoldMarcolinetodresswithelegance，andIputononeofmyhandsomestsuitstoaccompanyhertothetheatre。ChancebroughtthetwosistersRangoni，daughtersoftheRomanconsul，intoourbox。AsIhadmadetheiracquaintanceonmyfirstvisittoMarseilles，I
　　introducedMarcolinetothemasmyniece，whoonlyspokeItalian。AsthetwoyoungladiesspokethetongueofTassoalso，Marcolinewashighlydelighted。Theyoungersister，whowasbyfarthehandsomerofthetwo，afterwardsbecamethewifeofPrinceGonzagaSolferino。
　　Theprincewasaculturedman，andevenagenius，butverypoor。ForallthathewasatruesonofGonzaga，beingasonofLeopold，whowasalsopoor，andagirloftheMedinifamily，sistertotheMediniwhodiedinprisonatLondonintheyear1787。
　　BabetRangoni，thoughpoor，deservedtobecomesprincess，forshehadalltheairsandmannersofone。SheshinesunderhernameofRangoniamongsttheprincessandprincessesofthealmanacs。HervainhusbandisdelightedathiswifebeingthoughttobelongtotheillustriousfamilyofMedini——aninnocentfeeling，whichdoesneithergoodnorharm。ThesamepublicationsturnMediniintoMedici，whichisequallyharmless。Thisspeciesofliearisesfromtheidioticprideofthenobleswhothinkthemselvesraisedabovetherestofhumanitybytheirtitleswhichtheyhaveoftenacquiredbysomeactofbaseness。Itisofnouseinterferingwiththemonthispoint，sinceallthingsarefinallyappreciatedattheirtruevalue，andtheprideofthenobilityiseasilydiscountedwhenoneseesthemastheyreallyare。
　　PrinceGonzagaSolferino，whomIsawatVeniceeighteenyearsago，livedonapensionallowedhimbytheempress。Ihopethelateemperordidnotdeprivehimofit，asitwaswelldeservedbythisgeniusandhisknowledgeofliterature。