AttheplayMarcolinedidnothingbutchatterwithBabetRangoni，whowantedmetobringthefairVenetiantoseeher，butIhadmyownreasonsfornotdoingso。
　　IwasthinkinghowIcouldsendMadamed’UrfetoLyons，forIhadnofurtheruseforheratMarseilles，andshewasoftenembarrassing。
　　Forinstance，onthethirddayafterherregeneration，sherequestedmetoaskParaliswhereshewastodie——thatis，tobebroughttobed。Imadetheoraclereplythatshemustsacrificetothewater—
　　spiritsonthebanksoftworivers，atthesamehour，andthatafterwardsthequestionofherlying—inwouldberesolved。TheoracleaddedthatImustperformthreeexpiatorysacrificestoSaturn，onaccountofmytooharshtreatmentofthefalseQuerilinthos，andthatSemiramisneednottakepartintheseceremonies，thoughsheherselfmustperformthesacrificestothewater—spirits。
　　AsIwaspretendingtothinkofaplacewheretworiversweresufficientlyneartoeachothertofulfiltherequirementsoftheoracle，SemiramisherselfsuggestedthatLyonswaswateredbytheRhoneandtheSaone，andthatitwouldbeanexcellentplacefortheceremony。Asmaybeimagined，Iimmediatelyagreedwithher。OnaskingParalisiftherewereanypreparationstobemade，herepliedthatitWouldbenecessarytopourabottleofsea—waterintoeachriverafortnightbeforethesacrifice，andthatthisceremonywastobeperformedbySemiramisinperson，atthefirstdiurnalhourofthemoon。
　　"Then，"saidthemarchioness，"thebottlesmustbefilledhere，fortheotherFrenchportsarefartheroff。IwillgoassoonaseverI
　　canleavemybed，andwillwaitforyouatLyons；forasyouhavetoperformexpiatorysacrificestoSaturninthisplace，youcannotcomewithme。"
　　Iassented，pretendingsorrowatnotbeingabletoaccompanyher。
　　ThenextmorningIbroughthertwowell—sealedbottlesofsea—water，tellingherthatshewastopourthemoutintothetworiversonthe15thofMay（thecurrentmonth）。Wefixedherdepartureforthe11th，andIpromisedtorejoinherbeforetheexpirationofthefortnight。Igaveherthehoursofthemooninwriting，andalsodirectionsforthejourney。
　　AssoonasthemarchionesshadgoneIleftthe"TreizeCantons"andwenttolivewithMarcoline，givingherfourhundredandsixtylouis，which，withthehundredandfortyshehadwonatbiribi，gaveheratotalofsixhundredlouis，orfourteenthousandfourhundredfrancs。
　　Withthissumshecouldlookthefutureinthefacefearlessly。
　　ThedayafterMadamed’Urfe’sdeparture，thebetrothedofMdlle。
　　CrosinarrivedatMarseilleswithaletterfromRosalie，whichhehandedtomeonthedayofhisarrival。Shebeggedmeinthenameofourcommonhonourtointroducethebearerinpersontothefatherofthebetrothed。Rosaliewasright，butastheladywasnotmyrealniecethereweresomedifficultiesintheway。IwelcomedtheyoungmanandtoldhimthatIwouldfirsttakehimtoMadameAudibert，andthatwecouldthengotogethertohisfather—in—lawinprospective。
　　TheyoungGenoesehadgonetothe"TreizeCantons，"wherehethoughtIwasstaying。Hewasdelightedtofindhimselfsonearthegoalofhisdesires，andhisecstacyreceivedanewmomentumwhenhesawhowcordiallyMadameAudibertreceivedhim。Weallgotintomycarriageanddrovetothefather’swhogavehimanexcellentreception，andthenpresentedhimtohiswife，whowasalreadyfriendlydisposedtowardshim。
　　Iwaspleasantlysurprisedwhenthisgoodandsensiblemanintroducedmetohiswifeashiscousin，theChevalierdeSeingalt，whohadtakensuchcareoftheirdaughter。Thegoodwifeandgoodmother，herhusband’sworthypartner，stretchedoutherhandtome，andallmytroublewasover。
　　Mynewcousinimmediatelysentanexpressmessengertohissister，tellingherthatheandhiswife，hisfutureson—in—law，MadameAudibert，andacousinshehadnotmetbefore，wouldcomeanddinewithheronthefollowingday。Thisdoneheinvitedus，andMadameAudibertsaidthatshewouldescortus。ShetoldhimthatIhadanotherniecewithme，ofwhomhisdaughterwasveryfond，andwouldbedelightedtoseeagain。Theworthymanwasoverjoyedtobeabletoincreasehisdaughter’shappiness。
　　I，too，waspleasedwithMadameAudibert’stactandthoughtfulness；
　　andasmakingMarcolinehappywastomakemehappyalso，Iexpressedmygratitudetoherinverywarmterms。
　　ItooktheyoungGenoesetotheplay，toMarcoline’sdelight，forshewouldhavelikedtheFrenchverymuchifshecouldhaveunderstoodthem。Wehadanexcellentsuppertogether，inthecourseofwhichI
　　toldMarcolineofthepleasurewhichawaitedheronthemorrow。I
　　thoughtshewouldhavegonewildwithjoy。
　　ThenextdaywewereatMadameAudibert’saspunctuallyasAchillesonthefieldofbattle。TheladyspokeItalianwell，andwascharmedwithMarcoline，reproachingmefornothavingintroducedherbefore。
　　AtelevenwegottoSt。Louis，andmyeyeswerecharmedwiththedramaticsituation。Mylateniecehadanairofdignitywhichbecamehertoadmiration，andreceivedherfuturehusbandwithgreatgraciousness；andthen，afterthankingmewithapleasantsmileforintroducinghimtoherfather，shepassedfromdignitytogaiety，andgavehersweetheartahundredkisses。
　　Thedinnerwasdelicious，andpassedoffmerrily；butIalonepreservedatendermelancholy，thoughIlaughedtomyselfwhentheyaskedmewhyIwassad。IwasthoughttobesadbecauseIdidnottalkinmyusualvivaciousmanner，butfarfrombeingreallysadthatwasoneofthehappiestmomentsofmylife。Mywholebeingwasabsorbedinthecalmdelightwhichfollowsagoodaction。Iwastheauthorofthecomedywhichpromisedsuchahappyending。Iwaspleasedwiththethoughtthatmyinfluenceintheworldwasmoreforgoodthanforill，andthoughIwasnotbornakingyetIcontrivedtomakemanypeoplehappy。Everyoneattablewasindebtedtomeforsomepartoftheirhappiness，andthefather，themother，andthebetrothedpairwhollyso。ThisthoughtmademefeelapeacefulcalmwhichIcouldonlyenjoyinsilence。
　　Mdlle。CrosinreturnedtoMarseilleswithherfather，hermother，andherfuturehusband，whomthefatherwishedtotakeuphisabodewiththem。IwentbackwithMadameAudibert，whomademepromisetobringthedelightfulMarcolinetosupwithher。
　　Themarriagedependedonthereceiptofaletterfromtheyoungman’sfather，inanswertoonefrommyniece’sfather。Itwillbetakenforgrantedthatwewereallaskedtothewedding，andMarcoline’saffectionformeincreasedeveryday。
　　WhenwewenttosupwithMadameAudibertwefoundarichandwittyyoungwinemerchantatherhouse。HesatbesideMarcoline，whoentertainedhimwithhersallies；andastheyoungmancouldspeakItalian，andeventheVenetiandialect（forhehadspentayearatVenice），hewasmuchimpressedbythecharmsofmynewniece。
　　Ihavealwaysbeenjealousofmymistresses；butwhenarivalpromisestomarrythemandgivethemagoodestablishment，jealousygiveswaytoamoregenerousfeeling。ForthemomentIsatisfiedmyselfbyaskingMadameAudibertwhohewas，andIwasdelightedtohearthathehadanexcellentreputation，ahundredthousandcrowns，alargebusiness，andcompleteindependence。
　　Thenextdayhecametoseeusinourboxatthetheatre，andMarcolinereceivedhimverygraciously。WishingtopushthematteronIaskedhimtosupwithus，andwhenhecameIwaswellpleasedwithhismannersandhisintelligence；toMarcolinehewastenderbutrespectful。OnhisdepartureItoldhimIhopedhewouldcomeandseeusagain，andwhenwewerealoneIcongratulatedMarcolineonherconquest，andshewedherthatshemightsucceedalmostaswellasMdlle。Crosin。Butinsteadofbeinggratefulshewasfuriously，angry。
　　"Ifyouwanttogetridofme，"saidshe，"sendmebacktoVenice，butdon’ttalktomeaboutmarrying。"
　　"Calmyourself，myangel！Igetridofyou？Whatanidea！Hasmybehaviourledyoutosupposethatyouareinmyway？Thishandsome，well—educated，andrichyoungmanhascomeundermynotice。Iseehelovesyouandyoulikehim，andasIloveyouandwishtoseeyoushelteredfromthestormsoffortune，andasIthinkthispleasantyoungFrenchmanwouldmakeyouhappy，Ihavepointedouttoyoutheseadvantages，butinsteadofbeinggratefulyouscoldme。Donotweep，sweetheart，yougrievemyverysoul！"
　　"IamweepingbecauseyouthinkthatIcanlovehim。"
　　"Itmightbeso，dearest，andwithoutmyhonourtakinganyhurt；butletussaynomoreaboutitandgetintobed。"
　　Marcoline’stearschangedtosmilesandkisses，andwesaidnomoreabouttheyoungwinemerchant。Thenextdayhecametoourboxagain，butthescenehadchanged；shewaspolitebutreserved，andI
　　darednotaskhimtosupperasIhaddonethenightbefore。WhenwehadgothomeMarcolinethankedmefornotdoingso，addingthatshehadbeenafraidIwould。
　　"Whatyousaidlastnightisasufficientguideformeforthefuture。"
　　InthemorningMadameAudibertcalledonbehalfofthewinemerchanttoaskustosupwithhim。IturnedtowardsthefairVenetian，andguessingmythoughtsshehastenedtoreplythatshewouldbehappytogoanywhereincompanywithMadameAudibert。Thatladycameforusintheevening，andtookustotheyoungman’shouse，wherewefoundamagnificentsupper，butnootherguestsawaitingus。Thehousewasluxuriouslyfurnished，itonlylackedamistress。Themasterdividedhisattentionbetweenthetwoladies，andMarcolinelookedravishing。
　　Everythingconvincedmethatshehadkindledtheardouroftheworthyyoungwinemerchant。
　　ThenextdayIreceivedanotefromMadameAudibert，askingmetocallonher。WhenIwentIfoundshewantedtogivemyconsenttothemarriageofMarcolinewithherfriend。
　　"Theproposalisaveryagreeableonetome，"Ianswered，"andI
　　wouldwillinglygiveherthirtythousandfrancsasadowry，butIcanhavenothingtodowiththematterpersonally。Iwillsendhertoyou；andifyoucanwinheroveryoumaycountonmyword，butdonotsaythatyouarespeakingonmybehalf，forthatmightspoileverything。"
　　"Iwillcomeforher，andifyoulikesheshalldinewithme，andyoucantakehertotheplayintheevening。"
　　MadameAudibertcamethefollowingday，andMarcolinewenttodinnerwithher。Icalledforheratfiveo’clock，andfindingherlookingpleasedandhappyIdidnotknowwhattothink。AsMadameAudibertdidnottakemeasideIstifledmycuriosityandwentwithMarcolinetothetheatre，withoutknowingwhathadpassed。
　　OnthewayMarcolinesangthepraisesofMadameAudibert，butdidnotsayawordoftheproposalshemusthavemadetoher。Aboutthemiddleofthepiece，however，IthoughtIsawtheexplanationoftheriddle，fortheyoungmanwasinthepit，anddidnotcometoourboxthoughthereweretwoemptyplaces。
　　WereturnedhomewithoutawordaboutthemerchantorMadameAudibert，butasIknewinmyownmindwhathadhappened，Ifeltdisposedtobegrateful，andIsawthatMarcolinewasoverjoyedtofindmemoreaffectionatethanever。Atlast，amidstouramorousassaults，Marcoline，feelinghowdearlyIlovedher，toldmewhathadpassedbetweenherandMadameAudibert。
　　"Shespoketomesokindlyandsosensibly，"saidshe，"butI
　　contentedmyselfwithsayingthatIwouldnevermarrytillyoutoldmetodoso。AllthesameIthankyouwithallmyheartforthetenthousandcrownsyouarewillingtogiveme。YouhavetossedtheballtomeandIhavesentitback。IwillgobacktoVenicewheneveryoupleaseifyouwillnottakemetoEnglandwithyou，butIwillnevermarry。Iexpectweshallseenomoreoftheyounggentleman，thoughifIhadnevermetyouImighthavelovedhim。"
　　Itwasevidentlyallover，andIlikedherforthepartshehadtaken，foramanwhoknowshisownworthisnotlikelytosighlongatthefeetofanobduratelady。
　　Thewedding—dayofmylateniececameround。Marcolinewasthere，withoutdiamonds，butcladinarichdresswhichsetoffherbeautyandsatisfiedmyvanity。
　　CHAPTERIV
　　ILeaveMarseilles——HenrietteatAix——IreneatAvignon——TreacheryofPossano——Madamed’UrfeLeavesLyonTheweddingonlyinterestedmebecauseofthebride。Theplentifulratherthanchoicerepast，thenumerousandnoisycompany，theemptycompliments，thesillyconversation，theroarsoflaughteratverypoorjokes——allthiswouldhavedrivenmetodespairifithadnotbeenforMadameAudibert，whomIdidnotleaveforamoment。
　　Marcolinefollowedtheyoungbrideaboutlikeashadow，andthelatter，whowasgoingtoGenoainaweek，wantedMarcolinetocomeinhertram，promisingtohavehertakentoVenicebyapersonoftrust，butmysweetheartwouldlistentonoproposalforseparatingherfromme，——
　　"Iwon’tgo。toVenice，"shesaid，"tillyousendmethere。"
　　Thesplendoursofherfriend’smarriagedidnotmakeherexperiencetheleastregretathavingrefusedtheyoungwinemerchant。Thebridebeamedwithhappiness，andonmycongratulatinghersheconfessedherjoytobegreat，addingthatitwasincreasedbythefactthatsheoweditalltome。ShewasalsoverygladtobegoingtoGenoa，whereshewassureoffindingatruefriendinRosalie，whowouldsympathizewithher，theirfortuneshavingbeenverysimilar。
　　ThedayaftertheweddingIbegantomakepreparationsformydeparture。ThefirstthingIdisposedofwastheboxcontainingtheplanetaryofferings。Ikeptthediamondsandpreciousstones，andtookallthegoldandsilvertoRoussedeCosse，whostillheldthesumwhichGreppihadplacedtomycredit。ItookabillofexchangeonTourtonandBauer，forIshouldnotbewantinganymoneyatLyonsasMadamed’Urfewasthere，andconsequentlythethreehundredlouisIhadaboutmewouldbeample。IacteddifferentlywhereMarcolinewasconcerned。Iaddedasufficientsumtohersixhundredlouistogiveheracapitalinroundnumbersoffifteenthousandfrancs。I
　　gotabilldrawnonLyonsforthatamount，forIintendedatthefirstopportunitytosendherbacktoVenice，andwiththatideahadhertrunkspackedseparatelywithallthelinenanddresseswhichI
　　hadgivenherinabundance。
　　Ontheeveofourdeparturewetookleaveofthenewly—marriedcoupleandthewholefamilyatsupper，andwepartedwithtears，promisingeachotheralifelongfriendship。
　　ThenextdaywesetoutintendingtotravelallnightandnottostoptillwegottoAvignon，butaboutfiveo’clockthechainofthecarriagebroke，andwecouldgonofurtheruntilawheelwrighthadrepairedthedamage。Wesettledourselvesdowntowaitpatiently，andClairmontwenttogetinformationatafinehouseonourright，whichwasapproachedbyanalleyoftrees。AsIhadonlyonepostillion，Ididnotallowhimtoleavehishorsesforamoment。
　　BeforelongwesawClairmontreappearwithtwoservants，oneofwhominvitedme，onbehalfofhismaster，toawaitthearrivalofthewheelwrightathishouse。ItwouldhavebeenchurlishtorefusethisinvitationwhichwasinthetruespiritofFrenchpoliteness，soleavingClairmontinchargeMarcolineandIbegantowendourwaytowardsthehospitableabode。
　　Threeladiesandtwogentlemancametomeetus，andoneofthegentlemensaidtheycongratulatedthemselvesonmysmallmishap，sinceitenabledmadamtooffermeherhouseandhospitality。I
　　turnedtowardstheladywhomthegentlemanhadindicated，andthankedher，saying，thatIhopednottotroubleherlong，butthatIwasdeeplygratefulforherkindness。Shemademeagracefulcurtsy，butIcouldnotmakeoutherfeatures，forastormywindwasblowing，andsheandhertwofriendshaddrawntheirhoodsalmostentirelyovertheirfaces。Marcoline’sbeautifulheadwasuncoveredandherhairstreaminginthebreeze。Sheonlyrepliedbygracefulbowsandsmilestothecomplimentswhichwereaddressedtoheronallsides。
　　Thegentlemanwhohadfirstaccostedmeaskedme，ashegaveherhisarm，ifsheweremydaughter。MarcolinesmiledandIansweredthatshewasmycousin，andthatwewerebothVenetians。
　　AFrenchmanissobentonflatteringaprettywomanthathewillalwaysdoso，evenifitbeattheexpenseofathirdparty。NobodycouldreallythinkthatMarcolinewasmydaughter，forthoughIwastwentyyearsolderthanshewas，Ilookedtenyearsyoungerthanmyrealage，andsoMarcolinesmiledsuggestively。
　　Wewerejustgoingintothehousewhenalargemastiffrantowardsus，chasingaprettyspaniel，andthelady，beingafraidofgettingbitten，begantorun，madeafalsestep，andfelltotheground。Werantohelpher，butshesaidshehadsprainedherankle，andlimpedintothehouseonthearmofoneofthegentlemen。Refreshmentswerebroughtin，andIsawthatMarcolinelookeduneasyinthecompanyofaladywhowastalkingtoher。Ihastenedtoexcuseher，sayingthatshedidnotspeakFrench。Asamatteroffact，MarcolinehadbeguntotalkasortofFrench，butthemostcharminglanguageintheworldwillnotbearbeingspokenbadly，andIhadbeggedhernottospeakatalltillshehadlearnedtoexpressherselfproperly。Itisbettertoremainsilentthantomakestrangerslaughbyoddexpressionsandabsurdequivocations。
　　Thelesspretty，orrathertheuglier，ofthetwoladiessaidthatitwasastonishingthattheeducationofyoungladieswasneglectedinsuchashockingmanneratVenice。"FancynotteachingthemFrench！"
　　"Itiscertainlyverywrong，butinmycountryyoungladiesareneithertaughtforeignlanguagesnorroundgames。Theseimportantbranchesofeducationareattendedtoafterwards。"
　　"ThenyouareaVenetian，too？"
　　"Yes，madam。"
　　"Really，Ishouldnothavethoughtso。"
　　Imadeabowinreturnforthiscompliment，whichinrealitywasonlyaninsult；forifflatteringtomeitwasinsultingtotherestofmyfellow—countrymen，andMarcolinethoughtasmuchforshemadealittlegrimaceaccompaniedbyaknowingsmile。
　　"IseethattheyoungladyunderstandsFrench，"saidourflatteringfriend，"shelaughsexactlyintherightplace。"
　　"Yes，sheunderstandsit，andasforherlaughteritwasduetothefactthatsheknowsmetobelikeallotherVenetians。"
　　"Possibly，butitiseasytoseethatyouhavelivedalongtimeinFrance。"
　　"Yes，madam，"saidMarcoline；andthesewordsinherprettyVenetianaccentwereapleasuretohear。
　　Thegentlemanwhohadtakentheladytoherroomsaidthatshefoundherfoottoberatherswollen，andhadgonetobedhopingwewouldallcomeupstairs。
　　Wefoundherlyinginasplendidbed，placedinanalcovewhichthethickcurtainsofredsatinmadestilldarker。Icouldnotseewhethershewasyoungorold，prettyorugly。IsaidthatIwasverysorrytobetheindirectcauseofhermishap，andsherepliedingoodItalianthatitwasamatterofnoconsequence，andthatshedidnotthinkshecouldpaytoodearfortheprivilegeofentertainingsuchpleasantguests。
　　"YourladyshipmusthavelivedinVenicetospeakthelanguagewithsomuchcorrectness。"
　　"No，Ihaveneverbeenthere，butIhaveassociatedagooddealwithVenetians。"
　　Aservantcameandtoldmethatthewheelwrighthadarrived，andthathewouldtakefourhourstomendmycarriage，soIwentdownstairs。
　　Themanlivedataquarterofaleague’sdistance，andbytyingthecarriagepolewithropes，Icoulddrivetohisplace，andwaitthereforthecarriagetobemended。Iwasabouttodoso，whenthegentlemanwhodidthehonoursofthehousecameandaskedme，onbehalfofthelady，tosupandpassthenightatherhouse，astogotothewheelwright’swouldbeoutofmyway；themanwouldhavetoworkbynight，Ishouldbeuncomfortable，andtheworkwouldbeilldone。Iassentedtothecountess’sproposal，andhavingagreedwiththemantocomeearlythenextdayandbringhistoolswithhim，I
　　toldClairmonttotakemybelongingsintotheroomwhichwasassignedtome。
　　WhenIreturnedtothecountess’sroomIfoundeveryonelaughingatMarcoline’ssallies，whichthecountesstranslated。IwasnotastonishedatseeingthewayinwhichmyfairVenetiancaressedthecountess，butIwasenragedatnotbeingabletoseeher，forIknewMarcolinewouldnottreatanywomaninthatmannerunlessshewerepretty。
　　Thetablewasspreadinthebedroomofthecountess，whomIhopedtoseeatsupper—time，butIwasdisappointed；forshedeclaredthatshecouldnottakeanything，andallsupper—timeshetalkedtoMarcolineandmyself，shewingintelligence，education，andagreatknowledgeofItalian。Sheletfalltheexpression，"mylatehusband，"soIknewherforawidow，butasIdidnotdaretoaskanyquestions，myknowledgeendedatthatpoint。WhenClairmontwasundressingmehetoldmehermarriedname，butasIknewnothingofthefamilythatwasnoadditiontomyinformation。
　　Whenwehadfinishedsupper，Marcolinetookupheroldpositionbythecountess’sbed，andtheytalkedsovolublytooneanotherthatnobodyelsecouldgetinaword。
　　Whenpolitenessbademeretire，mypretendedcousinsaidshewasgoingtosleepwiththecountess。Asthelatterlaughinglyassented，Irefrainedfromtellingmymadcapthatshewastooforward，andI
　　couldseebytheirmutualembracesthattheywereagreedinthematter。IsatisfiedmyselfwithsayingthatIcouldnotguaranteethesexofthecountess’sbed—fellow，butsheanswered，"Nevermind；iftherebeamistakeIshallbethegainer。"
　　Thisstruckmeasratherfree，butIwasnotthemantobescandalized。IwasamusedatthetastesofmyfairVenetian，andatthemannerinwhichshecontrivedtogratifythemasshehaddoneatGenoawithmylastniece。AsaruletheProvencalwomenareinclinedthisway，andfarfromreproachingthemIlikethemallthebetterforit。
　　ThenextdayIroseatday—breaktohurryonthewheelwright，andwhentheworkwasdoneIaskedifthecountesswerevisible。
　　DirectlyafterMarcolinecameoutwithoneofthegentlemen，whobeggedmetoexcusethecountess，asshecouldnotreceivemeinherpresentextremelyscantyattire；"butshehopesthatwheneveryouareinthesepartsyouwillhonourherandherhousebyyourcompany，whetheryouarealoneorwithfriends。"
　　Thisrefusal，gildedasitwas，wasabitterpillformetoswallow，butIconcealedmydisgust，asIcouldonlyputitdowntoMarcoline’sdoings；sheseemedinhighspirits，andIdidnotliketomortifyher。Ithankedthegentlemanwitheffusion，andplacingaLouisinthehandsofalltheservantswhowerepresentItookmyleave。
　　IkissedMarcolineaffectionately，sothatsheshouldnotnoticemyillhumour，andaskedhowsheandthecountessspentthenight。"
　　"Capitally，"saidshe。"Thecountessischarming，andweamusedourselvesallnightwiththetricksoftwoamorouswomen。"
　　"Issheprettyorold？"
　　"Sheisonlythirty—three，and，Iassureyou，sheisasprettyasmyfriendMdlle。Crosin。Icanspeakwithauthorityforwesaweachotherinastateofnature。"
　　"Youareasingularcreature；youwereunfaithfultomeforawoman，andleftmetopassthenightbymyself。"
　　"Youmustforgiveme，andIhadtosleepwithherasshewasthefirsttodeclareherlove。"
　　"Really？Howwasthat？"
　　"WhenIgaveherthefirstofmykissesshereturneditintheFlorentinemanner，andourtonguesmet。Aftersupper，Iconfess，I
　　wasthefirsttobeginthesuggestivecaresses，butshemetmehalf—
　　way。Icouldonlymakeherhappybyspendingthenightwithher。
　　Look，thiswillshewyouhowpleasedshewas。"
　　WiththesewordsMarcolinedrewasuperbring，setwithbrilliants，fromherfinger。Iwasastonished。
　　"Truly，"Isaid，"thiswomanisfondofpleasureanddeservestohaveit。"
　　IgavemyLesbian（whomighthaveviedwithSappho）ahundred。
　　kisses，andforgaveherherinfidelity。
　　"But，"Iremarked，"Ican’tthinkwhyshedidnotwantmetoseeher；
　　Ithinkshehastreatedmerathercavalierly。"
　　"No，Ithinkthereasonwasthatshewasashamedtobeseenbymyloverafterhavingmademeunfaithfultohim；Ihadtoconfessthatwewerelovers。"
　　"Maybe。Atalleventsyouhavebeenwellpaid；thatringisworthtwohundredlouis:"
　　"ButImayaswelltellyouthatIwaswellenoughpaidforthepleasureIgavebythepleasureIreceived。"
　　"That’sright；Iamdelightedtoseeyouhappy。"
　　"Ifyouwanttomakemereallyhappy，takemetoEnglandwithyou。
　　Myunclewillbethere，andIcouldgobacktoVenicewithhim。"
　　"What！youhaveanuncleinEngland？Doyoureallymeanit？Itsoundslikeafairy—tale。Younevertoldmeofitbefore。"
　　"Ihaveneversaidanythingaboutituptonow，becauseIhavealwaysimaginedthatthismightpreventyouraccomplishingyourdesire。"
　　"IsyouruncleaVenetian？WhatishedoinginEngland？Areyousurethathewillwelcomeyou？"
　　"Yes。"
　　"Whatishisname？Andhowarewetofindhiminatownofmorethanamillioninhabitants？"
　　"Heisreadyfound。HisnameisMattioBoisi，andheisvaletdechambretoM。Querini，theVenetianambassadorsenttoEnglandtocongratulatethenewking；heisaccompaniedbytheProcuratorMorosini。Myuncleismymother’sbrother；heisveryfondofme，andwillforgivemyfault，especiallywhenhefindsIamrich。WhenhewenttoEnglandhesaidhewouldbebackinVeniceinJuly，andweshalljustcatchhimonthepointofdeparture。"
　　AsfarastheembassywentIknewitwasalltrue，fromthelettersI
　　hadreceivedfromM。deBragadin，andasfortherestMarcolineseemedtometobespeakingthetruth。IwasflatteredbyherproposalandagreedtotakehertoEnglandsothatIshouldpossessherforfiveorsixweekslongerwithoutcommittingmyselftoanything。
　　WereachedAvignonatthecloseoftheday，andfoundourselvesveryhungry。Iknewthatthe"St。Omer"wasanexcellentinn，andwhenI
　　gotthereIorderedachoicemealandhorsesforfiveo’clockthenextmorning。Marcoline，whodidnotlikenighttravelling，wasinhighglee，andthrewherarmsaroundmyneck，saying，——
　　"AreweatAvignonnow？"
　　"Yes，dearest。"
　　"ThenIconscientiouslydischargethetrustwhichthecountessplacedinmewhensheembracedmeforthelasttimethismorning。ShemademeswearnottosayawordaboutittillwegottoAvignon。"
　　"Allthispuzzlesme，dearest；explainyourself。"
　　"Shegavemealetterforyou，"
　　"Aletter？"
　　"Willyouforgivemefornotplacingitinyourhandssooner？"
　　"Certainly，ifyoupassedyourwordtothecountess；butwhereisthisletter？"
　　"Waitaminute。"
　　Shedrewalargebundleofpapersfromherpocket，saying，——
　　"Thisismycertificateofbaptism。"
　　"Iseeyouwerebornin1746。"
　　"Thisisacertificateof’goodconduct。’"
　　"Keepit，itmaybeusefultoyou。"
　　"Thisismycertificateofvirginity。"
　　"That’snouse。Didyougetitfromamidwife？"
　　"No，fromthePatriarchofVenice。"
　　"Didhetestthematterforhimself？"
　　"No，hewastooold；hetrustedinme。"
　　"Well，well，letmeseetheletter。"
　　"IhopeIhaven’tlostit。"
　　"Ihopenot，toGod。"
　　"Hereisyourbrother’spromiseofmarriage；hewantedtobeaProtestant。"
　　"Youmaythrowthatintothefire。"
　　"WhatisaProtestant？"
　　"Iwilltellyouanothertime。Givemetheletter。"
　　"PraisedbeGod，hereitis！"
　　"That’slucky；butithasnoaddress。"
　　Myheartbeatfast，asIopenedit，andfound，insteadofanaddress，thesewordsinItalian:
　　"Tothemosthonestmanofmyacquaintance。"
　　Couldthisbemeantforme？Iturneddowntheleaf，andreadoneword——Henriette！Nothingelse；therestofthepaperwasblank。
　　AtthesightofthatwordIwasforamomentannihilated。
　　"Iononmori，enonrimasivivo。"
　　Henriette！Itwasherstyle，eloquentinitsbrevity。IrecollectedherlastletterfromPontarlier，whichIhadreceivedatGeneva，andwhichcontainedonlyoneword——Farewell！
　　Henriette，whomIhadlovedsowell，whomIseemedatthatmomenttoloveaswellasever。"CruelHenriette，"saidItomyself，"yousawmeandwouldnotletmeseeyou。Nodoubtyouthoughtyourcharmswouldnothavetheiroldpower，andfearedlestIshoulddiscoverthatafterallyouwerebutmortal。AndyetIloveyouwithalltheardourofmyearlypassion。Whydidyounotletmelearnfromyourownmouththatyouwerehappy？ThatistheonlyquestionIshouldhaveaskedyou，cruelfairone。Ishouldnothaveenquiredwhetheryoulovedmestill，forIfeelmyunworthiness，whohavelovedotherwomenafterlovingthemostperfectofhersex。AdorableHenriette，Iwillflytoyouto—morrow，sinceyoutoldmethatIshouldbealwayswelcome。"
　　Iturnedthesethoughtsoverinmyownmind，andfortifiedmyselfinthisresolve；butatlastIsaid，——
　　"No，yourbehaviourprovesthatyoudonotwishtoseemenow，andyourwishesshallberespected；butImustseeyouoncebeforeI
　　die。"
　　Marcolinescarcelydaredbreathetoseemethusmotionlessandlostinthought，andIdonotknowwhenIshouldhavecometomyselfifthelandlordhadnotcomeinsayingthatherememberedmytastes，andhadgotmeadelicioussupper。Thisbroughtmetomysenses，andI
　　mademyfairVenetianhappyagainbyembracingherinasortofecstacy。
　　"Doyouknow，"shesaid，"youquitefrightenedme？Youwereaspaleandstillasadeadman，andremainedforaquarterofanhourinakindofswoon，thelikeofwhichIhaveneverseen。Whatisthereason？Iknewthatthecountesswasacquaintedwithyou，butI
　　shouldneverhavethoughtthathernamebyitselfcouldhavesuchanastonishingeffect。"
　　"Well，itisstrange；buthowdidyoufindoutthatthecountessknewme？"
　　"Shetoldmeasmuchtwentytimesoverinthenight，butshemademepromisetosaynothingaboutittillIhadgivenyoutheletter。"
　　"Whatdidshesaytoyouaboutme？"
　　"Sheonlyrepeatedindifferentwayswhatshehaswrittenforanaddress。"
　　"Whataletteritis！Hername，andnothingmore。"
　　"Itisverystrange。"
　　"Yes，butthenametellsall。"
　　"ShetoldmethatifIwantedtobehappyIshouldalwaysremainwithyou。IsaidIknewthatwell；butthatyouwantedtosendmebacktoVenice，thoughyouwereveryfondofme。Icanguessnowthatyouwerelovers。Howlongagowasit？"
　　"Sixteenorseventeenyears。"
　　"Shemusthavebeenveryyoung，butshecannothavebeenprettierthansheisnow。"
　　"Bequiet，Marcoline。"
　　"Didyourunionwithherlastlong？"
　　"Welivedtogetherfourmonthsinperfecthappiness。"
　　"Ishallnotbehappyforsolongasthat。"
　　"Yesyouwill，andlonger，too；butwithanotherman，andonemoresuitabletoyouinage。IamgoingtoEnglandtotrytogetmydaughterfromhermother。"
　　"Yourdaughter？Thecountessaskedmeifyouweremarried，andI
　　saidno。"
　　"Youwereright；sheismyillegitimatedaughter。Shemustbetennow，andwhenyouseeheryouwillconfessthatshemustbelongtome。"
　　Justasweweresittingdowntotableweheardsomeonegoingdownstairstothetabled’hoteintheroomwhereIhadmadeMadameStuard’sacquaintance，ourdoorwasopen，andwecouldseethepeopleonthestairs；andoneofthemseeingusgaveacryofjoy，andcamerunningin，exclaiming，"Mydearpapa！"IturnedtothelightandsawIrene，thesamewhomIhadtreatedsorudelyatGenoaaftermydiscussionwithherfatheraboutbiribi。Iembracedhereffusively，andtheslylittlepuss，pretendingtobesurprisedtoseeMarcoline，madeheraprofoundbow，whichwasreturnedwithmuchgrace。
　　Marcolinelistenedattentivelytoourconversation。
　　"Whatareyoudoinghere，fairIrene？"
　　"Wehavebeenhereforthelastfortnight。Goodheavens！howluckyIamtofindyouagain。Iamquiteweak。Willyouallowmetositdown，madam？"
　　"Yes，yes，mydear，"saidI，"sitdown；"andIgaveheraglassofwinewhichrestoredher。
　　Awaitercameup，andsaidtheywerewaitingforheratsupper，butshesaid，"Iwon’ttakeanysupper；"andMarcoline，alwaysdesirousofpleasingme，orderedathirdplacetobelaid。Imadeherhappybygivinganapprovingnod。
　　Wesatdowntotable，andateourmealwithgreatappetite。"Whenwehavedone，"IsaidtoIrene，"youmusttelluswhatchancehasbroughtyoutoAvignon。"
　　Marcoline，whohadnotspokenawordhitherto，noticinghowhungryIrenewas，saidpleasantlythatitwouldhavebeenamistakeifshehadnottakenanysupper。IrenewasdelightedtohearVenetianspoken，andthankedherforherkindness，andinthreeorfourminutestheyhadkissedandbecomefriends。
　　ItamusedmetoseethewayinwhichMarcolinealwaysfellinlovewithprettywomen，justasifshehadbeenaman。
　　InthecourseofconversationIfoundthatIrene’sfatherandmotherwereatthetabled’hotebelow，andfromsundryexclamations，suchas"youhavebeenbroughttoAvignonoutofGod’sgoodness，"Ilearnedthattheywereindistress。InspiteofthatIrene’smirthfulcountenancematchedMarcoline’ssallies，andthelatterwasdelightedtohearthatIrenehadonlycalledmepapabecausehermotherhadstyledhermydaughteratMilan。
　　Wehadonlygothalf—waythroughoursupperwhenRinaldiandhiswifecamein。Iaskedthemtositdown，butifithadnotbeenforIreneIshouldhavegiventheoldrascalaverywarmreception。HebegantochidehisdaughterfortroublingmewithherpresencewhenIhadsuchfaircompanyalready，butMarcolinehastenedtosaythatIrenecouldonlyhavegivenmepleasure，forinmycapacityofheruncleI
　　wasalwaysgladwhenshewasabletoenjoythesocietyofasweetyounggirl。
　　"Ihope，"sheadded，"thatifshedoesn’tmindshewillsleepwithme。"
　　"Yes，yes，"resoundedonallsides，andthoughIshouldhavepreferredtosleepwithMarcolinebyherself，Ilaughedandagreed；I
　　havealwaysbeenabletoaccommodatemyselftocircumstances。
　　IrenesharedMarcoline’sdesires，forwhenitwassettledthattheyshouldsleeptogethertheyseemedwildwithjoy，andIaddedfueltothefirebyplyingthemwithpunchandchampagne。
　　Rinaldiandhiswifedidnotleaveustilltheywerequitedrunk。
　　Whenwehadgotridofthem，IrenetoldushowaFrenchmanhadfalleninlovewithheratGenoa，andhadpersuadedherfathertogotoNicewherehighplaywasgoingon，butmeetingwithnoluckthereshehadbeenobligedtosellwhatshehadtopaytheinn—keeper。HerloverhadassuredherthathewouldmakeituptoheratAix，wheretherewassomemoneyowingtohim，andshepersuadedherfathertogothere；butthepersonswhoowedthemoneyhavinggonetoAvignon，therehadtobeanothersaleofgoods。
　　"Whenwegotheretheluckwasnobetter，andthepooryoungman，whommyfatherreproachedbitterly，wouldhavekilledhimselfifI
　　hadnotgivenhimthemantleyougavemethathemightpawnitandgoonhisquest。Hegotfourlouisforit，andsentmetheticketwithaverytenderletter，inwhichheassuredmethathewouldfindsomemoneyatLyons，andthathewouldthenreturnandtakeustoBordeaux，wherewearetofindtreasures。Inthemeanwhilewearepenniless，andaswehavenothingmoretosellthelandlordthreatenstoturnusoutnaked。"
　　"Andwhatdoesyourfathermeantodo？"
　　"Idon’tknow。HesaysProvidencewilltakecareofus。"
　　"Whatdoesyourmothersay？"
　　"Oh！shewasasquietasusual。"
　　"Howaboutyourself？"
　　"Alas！Ihavetobearathousandmortificationseveryday。TheyarecontinuallyreproachingmewithhavingfalleninlovewiththisFrenchman，andbringingthemtothisdreadfulpass。"
　　"Wereyoureallyinlovewithhim？"
　　"Yes，really。"
　　"Thenyoumustbeveryunhappy。"
　　"Yes，very；butnotonaccountofmylove，forIshallgetoverthatintime，butbecauseofthatwhichwillhappento—morrow。"
　　"Can’tyoumakeanyconquestsatthetable—d’hote？"
　　"Someofthemensayprettythingstome，butastheyallknowhowpoorwearetheyareafraidtocometoourroom。"
　　"Andyetinspiteofallyoukeepcheerful；youdon’tlooksadlikemostoftheunhappy。Icongratulateyouonyourgoodspirits。"
　　Irene’stalewaslikethefairStuard’sstoryoveragain，andMarcoline，thoughshehadtakenrathertoomuchchampagne，wasdeeplymovedatthispictureofmisery。Shekissedthegirl，tellingherthatIwouldnotforsakeher，andthatinthemeanwhiletheywouldspendapleasantnight。
　　"Come！letustobed！"saidshe；andaftertakingoffherclothesshehelpedIrenetoundress。Ihadnowishtofight，againsttwo，andsaidthatIwantedtorest。ThefairVenetianburstoutlaughingandsaid，——
　　"Gotobedandleaveusalone。"
　　"Ididso，andamusedmyselfbywatchingthetwoBacchantes；butIrene，whohadevidentlyneverengagedinsuchacombatbefore，wasnotnearlysoadroitasMarcoline。
　　BeforelongMarcolinebroughtIreneinherarmstomybedside，andtoldmetokissher。
　　"Leavemealone，dearest，"saidI，"thepunchhasgotintoyourhead，andyoudon’tknowwhatyouaredoing。"
　　Thisstungher；andurgingIrenetofollowherexample，shetookupapositioninmybedbyforce；andastherewasnotenoughroomforthree，MarcolinegotontopofIrene，callingherherwife。
　　Iwasvirtuousenoughtoremainawhollypassivespectatorofthescene，whichwasalwaysnewtome，thoughIhadseenitsooften；butatlasttheyflungthemselvesonmewithsuchviolencethatIwasobligedtogiveway，andforthemostpartofthenightIperformedmyshareofthework，tilltheysawthatIwascompletelyexhausted。
　　Wefellasleep，andIdidnotwakeuptillnoon，andthenIsawmytwobeautiesstillasleep，withtheirlimbsinterlacedlikethebranchesofatree。Ithoughtwithasighofthepleasuresofsuchasleep，andgotoutofbedgentlyforfearofrousingthem。Iorderedagooddinnertobeprepared，andcountermandedthehorseswhichhadbeenwaitingseveralhours。
　　ThelandlordrememberingwhatIhaddoneforMadameStuardguessedI
　　wasgoingtodothesamefortheRinaldis，andlefttheminpeace。
　　WhenIcamebackIfoundmytwoLesbiansawake，andtheygavemesuchanamorouswelcomethatIfeltinclinedtocompletetheworkofthenightwithalover’sgoodmorning；butIbegantofeeltheneedofhusbandingmyforces，soIdidnothing，andboretheirsarcasmsinsilencetilloneo’clock，whenItoldthemtogetup，asweoughttohavedoneatfiveo’clock，andherewastwoo’clockandbreakfastnotdone。
　　"Wehaveenjoyedourselves，"saidMarcoline，"andtimethatisgiventoenjoymentisneverlost。"
　　Whentheyweredressed，Ihadcoffeebroughtin，andIgaveIrenesixteenlouis，fourofwhichweretoredeemhercloak。Herfatherandmotherwhohadjustdinedcameintobidusgood—day，andIreneproudlygaveherfathertwelveLouistellinghimtoscoldheralittlelessinfuture。Helaughed，wept，andwentout，andthencamebackandsaidhefoundagoodwayofgettingtoAntibesatasmallcost，buttheywouldhavetogodirectly，asthedriverwantedtogettoSt。Andiolbynightfall。
　　"Iamquiteready。"
　　"No，dearIrene，"saidI，"youshallnotgo；youshalldinewithyourfriend，andyourdrivercanwait。Makehimdoso，CountRinaldi；myniecewillpay，willyounot，Marcoline？"
　　"Certainly。Ishouldliketodinehere，andstillbettertoputoffourdeparturetillthenextday。"
　　Herwishesweremyorders。Wehadadelicioussupperatfiveo’clock，andateightwewenttobedandspentthenightinwantonness，butatfiveinthemorningallwerereadytostart。
　　Irene，whoworeherhandsomecloak，shedhottearsatpartingfromMarcoline，whoalsoweptwithallherheart。OldRinaldi，whoprovedhimselfnoprophet，toldmethatIshouldmakeagreatfortuneinEngland，andhisdaughtersighedtobeinMarcoline’splace。
　　WeshallhearofRinaldilateron。
　　Wedroveonforfifteenpostswithoutstopping，andpassedthenightatValence。Thefoodwasbad，butMarcolineforgotherdiscomfortintalkingofIrene。
　　"Doyouknow，"saidshe，"thatifithadbeeninmypowerIshouldhavetakenherfromherparents。Ibelievesheisyourdaughter，thoughsheisnotlikeyou。"
　　"HowcanshebemydaughterwhenIhaveneverknownhermother？"
　　"Shetoldmethatcertainly。"
　　"Didn’tshetellyouanythingelse？"
　　"Yes，shetoldmethatyoulivedwithherforthreedaysandboughthermaidenheadforathousandsequins。"
　　"Quiteso，butdidshetellyouthatIpaidthemoneytoherfather？"
　　"Yes，thelittlefooldoesn’tkeepanythingforherself。Idon’tthinkIshouldeverbejealousofyourmistresses，ifyouletmesleepwiththem。Isnotthatamarkofagooddisposition？
　　Tellme。"
　　"Youhave，nodoubt，agooddisposition，butyoucouldbequiteasgoodwithoutyourdominantpassion。"
　　"Itisnotapassion。IonlyhavedesiresforthoseIlove。"
　　"Whogaveyouthistaste？"
　　"Nature。Ibeganatseven，andinthelasttenyearsIhavecertainlyhadfourhundredsweethearts。"
　　"Youbeginearly。Butwhendidyoubegintohavemalesweethearts？"
　　"Ateleven。"
　　"Tellmeallaboutit。"
　　"FatherMolini，amonk，wasmyconfessor，andheexpressedadesiretoknowthegirlwhowasthenmysweetheart。Itwasinthecarnivaltime，andhegaveusamoraldiscourse，tellingusthathewouldtakeustotheplayifwewouldpromisetoabstainforaweek。Wepromisedtodoso，andattheendoftheweekwewenttotellhimthatwehadkeptourwordfaithfully。ThenextdayFatherMolinicalledonmysweetheart’sauntinamask，andassheknewhim，andashewasamonkandaconfessor，wewereallowedtogowithhim。
　　Besides，weweremerechildren；mysweetheartwasonlyayearolderthanI。
　　"Aftertheplaythefathertookustoaninn，andgaveussomesupper；andwhenthemealwasoverhespoketousofoursin，andwantedtoseeourprivates。’It’sagreatsinbetweentwogirls，’
　　saidhe，’butbetweenamanandawomanitisavenialmatter。Doyouknowhowmenaremade？’Webothknew，butwesaidnowithoneconsent。’Thenwouldyouliketoknow？’saidhe。Wesaidweshouldliketoknowverymuch，andheadded，’Ifyouwillpromisetokeepitasecret，Imaybeabletosatisfyyourcuriosity。’Wegaveourpromises，andthegoodfatherproceededtogratifyuswithasightofthericheswhichnaturehadlavishedonhim，andinthecourseofanhourhehadturnedusintowomen。Imustconfessthatheunderstoodsowellhowtoworkonourcuriositythattherequestcamefromus。
　　Threeyearslater，whenIwasfourteen，Ibecamethemistressofayoungjeweller。Thencameyourbrother；buthegotnothingfromme，becausehebeganbysayingthathecouldnotaskmetogivehimanyfavourstillweweremarried。"
　　"Youmusthavebeenamusedatthat。"
　　"Yes，itdidmakemelaugh，becauseIdidnotknowthatapriestcouldgetmarried；andheexcitedmycuriositybytellingmethattheymanageditatGeneva。Curiosityandwantonnessmademeescapewithhim；youknowtherest。"
　　ThusdidMarcolineamusemeduringtheevening，andthenwewenttobedandsleptquietlytillthemorning。WestartedfromValenceatfive，andintheeveningweweresetdownatthe"HotelduParc"atLyons。
　　AssoonasIwassettledinthepleasantapartmentsallottedtomeI
　　wenttoMadamed’Urfe，whowasstayinginthePlaceBellecour，andsaid，asusual，thatshewassureIwascomingonthatday。Shewantedtoknowifshehadperformedtheceremoniescorrectly，andParalis，ofcourse，informedherthatshehad，whereatshewasmuchflattered。TheyoungArandawaswithher，andafterIhadkissedhimaffectionatelyItoldthemarchionessthatIwouldbewithheratteno’clockthenextmorning，andsoIlefther。
　　Ikepttheappointmentandwespentthewholeofthedayincloseconference，askingoftheoracleconcerningherbeingbroughttobed，howshewastomakeherwill，andhowsheshouldcontrivetoescapepovertyinherregeneratedshape。TheoracletoldherthatshemustgotoParisforherlying—in，andleaveallherpossessionstoherson，whowouldnotbeabastard，asParalispromisedthatassoonasIgottoLondonanEnglishgentlemanshouldbesentovertomarryher。Finally，theoracleorderedhertopreparetostartinthreedays，andtotakeArandawithher。IhadtotakethelattertoLondonandreturnhimtohismother，forhisrealpositioninlifewasnolongeramystery，thelittlerascalhavingconfessedall；
　　however，IhadfoundaremedyforhisindiscretionasforthetreacheryoftheCorticelliandPossano。
　　Ilongedtoreturnhimtothekeepingofhismother，whoconstantlywrotemeimpertinentletters。Ialsowishedtotakemydaughter，who，accordingtohermother，hadbecomeaprodigyofgraceandbeauty。
　　Aftertheoracularbusinesshadbeensettled，Ireturnedtothe"HotelduParc"todinewithMarcoline。Itwasverylate，andasI
　　couldnottakemysweethearttotheplayIcalledonM。BonotoenquirewhetherhehadsentmybrothertoParis。Hetoldmethathehadgonethedaybefore，andthatmygreatenemy，Possano，wasstillinLyons，andthatIwoulddowelltobeonmyguardasfarashewasconcerned。
　　"Ihaveseenhim，"saidBono；"helookspaleandundone，andseemsscarcelyabletostand。’Ishalldiebeforelong，’saidhe，’forthatscoundrelCasanovahashadmepoisoned；butIwillmakehimpaydearlyforhiscrime，andinthisverytownofLyons，whereIknowhewillcome，soonerorlater。’
　　"Infact，inthecourseofhalfanhour，hemadesometerribleaccusationsagainstyou，speakingasifhewereinafury。Hewantsalltheworldtoknowthatyouarethegreatestvillainunhung，thatyouareruiningMadamed’Urfewithyourimpiouslies；thatyouareasorcerer，aforger，anutteroffalsemoneys，apoisoner——inshort，theworstofmen。Hedoesnotintendtopublishalibellouspamphletuponyou，buttoaccuseyoubeforethecourts，allegingthathewantsreparationforthewrongsyouhavedonehisperson，hishonour，andhislife，forhesaysyouarekillinghimbyaslowpoison。Headdsthatforeveryarticlehepossessesthestrongestproof。
　　"Iwillsaynothingaboutthevagueabuseheaddstotheseformalaccusations，butIhavefeltitmydutytowarnyouofhistreacherousdesignsthatyoumaybeabletodefeatthem。It’snogoodsayingheisamiserablewretch，andthatyoudespisehim；youknowhowstrongathingcalumnyis。"
　　"Wheredoesthefellowlive？"
　　"Idon’tknowintheleast。"
　　"HowcanIfindout？"
　　"Ican’tsay，forifheishidinghimselfonpurposeitwouldbehardtogetathim。"
　　"Nevertheless，Lyonsisnotsovastaplace。"
　　"Lyonsisaperfectmaze，andthereisnobetterhiding—place，especiallytoamanwithmoney，andPossanohasmoney。"
　　"Butwhatcanhedotome？"
　　"Hecaninstituteproceedingsagainstyouinthecriminalcourt，whichwouldcauseyouimmenseanxietyandbringdownyourgoodnametothedust，eventhoughyoubethemostinnocent，themostjustofmen。"
　　"Itseemstome，then，thatthebestthingIcandowillbetobefirstinthefield。"
　　"SoIthink，buteventhenyoucannotavoidpublicity。"
　　"Tellmefranklyifyoufeeldisposedtobearwitnesstowhattherascalhassaidinacourtofjustice。"
　　"IwilltellallIknowwithperfecttruth。"
　　"Bekindenoughtotellmeofagoodadvocate。"
　　"Iwillgiveyoutheaddressofoneofthebest；butreflectbeforeyoudoanything。Theaffairwillmakeanoise。"
　　"AsIdon’tknowwherehelives，Ihavereallynochoiceinthematter。"
　　IfIhadknownwherehelivedIcouldhavehadPossanoexpelledfromLyonsthroughtheinfluenceofMadamed’Urfe，whoserelative，M。delaRochebaron，wasthegovernor；butasitwas，IhadnoothercoursethantheoneItook。
　　AlthoughPossanowasaliarandanungrateful，treacheroushound，yetIcouldnothelpbeinguneasy。Iwenttomyhotel，andproceededtoaskforpoliceprotectionagainstamaninhidinginLyons，whohaddesignsagainstmylifeandhonour。
　　ThenextdayM。BonocametodissuademefromthecourseIhadtaken。
　　"For，"saidhe，"thepolicewillbegintosearchforhim，andassoonashehearsofithewilltakeproceedingsagainstyouinthecriminalcourts，andthenyourpositionswillbechanged。ItseemstomethatifyouhavenoimportantbusinessatLyonsyouhadbetterhastenyourdeparture。"
　　"DoyouthinkIwoulddosuchathingforamiserablefellowlikePossano？No！IwoulddespisemyselfifIdid。IwoulddieratherthanhastenmydepartureonaccountofarascalwhomIloadedwithkindnesses，despitehisunworthiness！Iwouldgiveahundredlouistoknowwhereheisnow。"
　　"IamdelightedtosaythatIdonotknowanythingaboutit，forifI
　　didIwouldtellyou，andthenGodknowswhatwouldhappen！Youwon’tgoanysooner；well，then，beginproceedings，andIwillgivemyevidencebywordofmouthorwritingwheneveryouplease。"
　　IwenttotheadvocatewhomM。Bonohadrecommendedtome，andtoldhimmybusiness。WhenheheardwhatIwantedhesaid，————
　　"Icandonothingforyou，sir，asIhaveundertakenthecaseofyouropponent。Youneednotbealarmed，however，athavingspokentome，forIassureyouthatIwillmakenousewhateveroftheinformation。
　　Possano’spleaoraccusationwillnotbedrawnuptillthedayafterto—morrow，butIwillnottellhimtomakebasteforfearofyouranticipatinghim，asIhaveonlybeeninformedofyourintentionsbyhazard。However，youwillfindplentyofadvocatesatLyonsashonestasIam，andmoreskilled。"
　　"Couldyougivemethenameofone？"
　　"Thatwouldnotbeetiquette，butM。Bono，whoseemstohavekindlyspokenofmewithsomeesteem，willbeabletoserveyou。"
　　"Canyoutellmewhereyourclientlives？"
　　"Sincehischiefaimistoremainhidden，andwithgoodcause，youwillseethatIcouldnotthinkofdoingsuchathing。"
　　InbiddinghimfarewellIputalouisonthetable，andthoughIdiditwiththeutmostdelicacyheranaftermeandmademetakeitback。
　　"Foronceinaway，"Isaidtomyself，"here’sanhonestadvocate。"
　　AsIwalkedalongIthoughtofputtingaspyonPossanoandfindingouthisabode，forIfeltastrongdesiretohavehimbeatentodeath；butwherewasItofindaspyinatownofwhichIknewnothing？M。Bonogavemethenameofanotheradvocate，andadvisedmetomakehaste。
　　"’Tisincriminalmatters"saidhe，"andinsuchcasesthefirstcomeralwayshastheadvantage。"
　　IaskedhimtofindmeatrustyfellowtotrackouttherascallyPossano，buttheworthymanwouldnothearofit。HeshewedmethatitwouldbedishonourabletosetaspyontheactionsofPossano’sadvocate。Iknewitmyself；butwhatmanistherewhohasnotyieldedtothevoiceofvengeance，themostviolentandleastreasonableofallthepassions。
　　Iwenttothesecondadvocate，whomIfoundtobeamanvenerablenotonlyinyearsbutinwisdom。Itoldhimallthecircumstancesoftheaffair，whichheagreedtotakeup，sayinghewouldpresentmypleainthecourseoftheday。
　　"That’sjustwhatIwantyoutodo，"saidI，"forhisownadvocatetoldmethathispleaswouldbepresentedthedayafterto—morrow。"
　　"That，sir，"saidher"wouldnotinducemetoactwithanygreaterpromptness，asIcouldnotconsenttoyourabusingtheconfidenceofmycolleague。"
　　"Butthereisnothingdishonourableinmakinguseofinformationwhichonehasacquiredbychance。"
　　"Thatmaybeatenablepositioninsomecases，butinthepresentinstancethenatureoftheaffairjustifiespromptaction。’Priorintempore，Potiorinjure’。Prudencebidsusattackourenemy。Besokind，ifyouplease，tocallhereatthreeo’clockintheafternoon。"
　　"Iwillnotfailtodoso，andinthemeanwhileherearesixlouis。"
　　"Iwillkeepaccountofmyexpenditureonyourbehalf。"
　　"Iwantyounottosparemoney。"
　　"Sir，Ishallspendonlywhatisabsolutelynecessary。"
　　IalmostbelievedthatprobityhadchosenahomeforherselfamongsttheLyonsadvocates，andhereImaysay，tothehonouroftheFrenchbar，thatIhaveneverknownamorehonestbodyofmenthantheadvocatesofFrance。
　　Atthreeo’clock，havingseenthattheplanwasproperlydrawnup，I
　　wenttoMadamed’Urfe’s，andforfourhoursIworkedtheoracleinamannerthatfilledherwithdelight，andinspiteofmyvexationI
　　couldnothelplaughingatherinsanefanciesonthesubjectofherpregnancy。Shewascertainofit；shefeltallthesymptoms。ThenshesaidhowsorryshefeltthatshewouldnotbealivetolaughatallthehypothesesoftheParisdoctorsastoherbeingdeliveredofachild，whichwouldbethoughtveryextraordinaryinawomanofherage。
　　WhenIgotbacktotheinnIfoundMarcolineverymelancholy。Shesaidshehadbeenwaitingformetotakehertotheplay，accordingtomypromise，andthatIshouldnothavemadeherwaitinvain。
　　"Youareright，dearest，butanaffairofimportancehaskeptmewiththemarchioness。Don’tbeputout。"
　　Ihadneedofsomesuchadvicemyself，forthelegalaffairworriedme，andIsleptveryill。EarlythenextmorningIsawmycounsel，whotoldmethatmypleahadbeenlaidbeforethecriminallieutenant。
　　"Forthepresent，"saidhe，"thereisnothingmoretobedone，foraswedon’tknowwhereheiswecan’tcitehimtoappear。"
　　"CouldInotsetthepoliceonhistrack？"
　　"Youmight，butIdon’tadviseyoutodoso。Letusconsiderwhattheresultwouldbe。Theaccuserfindinghimselfaccusedwouldhavetodefendhimselfandprovetheaccusationhehasmadeagainstyou。
　　Butinthepresentstateofthings，ifhedoesnotputinanappearancewewillgetjudgmentagainsthimforcontemptofcourtandalsoforlibel。Evenhiscounselwillleavehiminthelurchifhepersistentlyrefusestoshewhimself。"
　　Thisquietedmyfearsalittle，andIspenttherestofthedaywithMadamed’Urfe，whowasgoingtoParisonthemorrow。IpromisedtobewithherassoonasIhaddealtwithcertainmatterswhichconcernedthehonouroftheFraternityR。C……
　　Hergreatmaximwasalwaystorespectmysecrets，andnevertotroublemewithhercuriosity。Marcoline，whohadbeenpiningbyherselfallday，breathedagainwhenItoldherthathenceforthI
　　shouldbeallforher。
　　InthemorningM。BonocametomeandbeggedmetogowithhimtoPossano’scounsel，whowantedtospeaktome。Theadvocatesaidthathisclientwasasortofmadmanwhowasreadytodoanything，ashebelievedhimselftobedyingfromtheeffectsofaslowpoison。
　　"Hesaysthatevenifyouarefirstinthefieldhewillhaveyoucondemnedtodeath。Hesayshedoesn’tcareifheissenttoprison，asheiscertainofcomingoutintriumphashehastheproofofallhisaccusations。Heshewstwenty—fivelouiswhichyougavehim，allofwhichareclipped，andheexhibitsdocumentsdatedfromGenoastatingthatyouclippedanumberofgoldpieces，whichweremeltedbyM。Grimaldiinorderthatthepolicemightnotfindtheminyourpossession。Hehasevenaletterfromyourbrother，theabbe，deposingagainstyou。Heisamadman，avictimtosyphilis，whowishestosendyoutotheotherworldbeforehimself，ifhecan。Nowmyadvicetoyouistogivehimsomemoneyandgetridofhim。Hetellsmethatheisthefatherofafamily，andthatifM。Bonowouldgivehimathousandlouishewouldsacrificevengeancetonecessity。
　　HetoldmetospeaktoM。Bonoaboutit；andnow，sirwhatdoyousay？"
　　"ThatwhichmyjustindignationinspiresmetosayregardingarascalwhomIrescuedfrompoverty，andwhoneverthelesspursuesmewithatrociouscalumnies；heshallnothaveonesinglefarthingofmine。"
　　IthentoldtheGenoastory，puttingthingsintheirtruelight，andaddingthatIcouldcallM。Grimaldiasawitnessifnecessary。
　　"Ihavedelayedpresentingtheplea，"saidthecounsel，"toseeifthescandalcouldbehushedupinanyway，butIwarnyouthatI
　　shallnowpresentit。"
　　"Doso；Ishallbegreatlyobligedtoyou。"