"Thatiswellsaid。Willyouwritethematonce？"
　　"What！now，monsignor？Itisnotlikeprose。"
　　"Well，well！trytoletmehavethemto—morrow。"
　　Wedinedalone，andhiseminencecomplimentedmeuponmyexcellentappetite，whichheremarkedwasasgoodashisown；butIwasbeginningtounderstandmyeccentrichost，and，toflatterhim，I
　　answeredthathepraisedmemorethanIdeserved，andthatmyappetitewasinferiortohis。Thesingularcomplimentdelightedhim，andIsawalltheuseIcouldmakeofhiseminence。
　　Towardstheendofthedinner，aswewereconversing，themarchionessmadeherappearance，and，asamatterofcourse，withoutbeingannounced。Herlooksthrewmeintoraptures；Ithoughtheraperfectbeauty。Shedidnotgivethecardinaltimetomeether，butsatdownnearhim，whileIremainedstanding，accordingtoetiquette。
　　Withoutappearingtonoticeme，themarchionessranwittilyovervarioustopicsuntilcoffeewasbroughtin。Then，addressingherselftome，shetoldmetositdown，justasifshewasbestowingcharityuponme。
　　"By—the—by，abbe，"shesaid，aminuteafter，"haveyoureadmysonnet？"
　　"Yes，madam，andIhavehadthehonourtoreturnittohiseminence。
　　IhavefounditsoperfectthatIamcertainitmusthavecostyouagreatdealoftime。"
　　"Time？"exclaimedthecardinal；"Oh！youdonotknowthemarchioness。"
　　"Monsignor，"Ireplied，"nothingcanbedonewellwithouttime，andthatiswhyIhavenotdaredtochewtoyoureminenceananswertothesonnetwhichIhavewritteninhalfanhour。"
　　"Letusseeit，abbe，"saidthemarchioness；"Iwanttoreadit。"
　　"AnswerofSilesiatoLove。"Thistitlebroughtthemostfascinatingblushesonhercountenance。"ButLoveisnotmentionedinthesonnet，"exclaimedthecardinal。"Wait，"saidthemarchioness，"wemustrespecttheideaofthepoet:"
　　Shereadthesonnetoverandover，andthoughtthatthereproachesaddressedbySilesiatoLovewereveryjust。Sheexplainedmyideatothecardinal，makinghimunderstandwhySilesiawasoffendedathavingbeenconqueredbytheKingofPrussia。
　　"Ah，Isee，Isee！"exclaimedthecardinal，fullofjoy；"Silesiaisawoman……andtheKingofPrussia……Oh！oh！thatisreallyafineidea！"Andthegoodcardinallaughedheartilyformorethanaquarterofanhour。"Imustcopythatsonnet，"headded，"indeedI
　　musthaveit。"
　　"Theabbe，"saidtheobligingmarchioness，"willsaveyouthetrouble:Iwilldictateittohim。"
　　Ipreparedtowrite，buthiseminencesuddenlyexclaimed，"Mydearmarchioness，thisiswonderful；hehaskeptthesamerhymesasinyourownsonnet:didyouobserveit？"
　　Thebeautifulmarchionessgavemethenalookofsuchexpressionthatshecompletedherconquest。Iunderstoodthatshewantedmetoknowthecardinalaswellassheknewhim；itwasakindofpartnershipinwhichIwasquitereadytoplaymypart。
　　AssoonasIhadwrittenthesonnetunderthecharmingwoman’sdictation，Itookmyleave，butnotbeforethecardinalhadtoldmethatheexpectedmetodinnerthenextday。
　　Ihadplentyofworkbeforeme，forthetenstanzasIhadtocomposewereofthemostsingularcharacter，andIlostnotimeinshuttingmyselfupinmyroomtothinkofthem。Ihadtokeepmybalancebetweentwopointsofequaldifficulty，andIfeltthatgreatcarewasindispensable。Ihadtoplacethemarchionessinsuchapositionthatshecouldpretendtobelievethecardinaltheauthorofthestanzas，and，atthesametime，compelhertofindoutthatIhadwrittenthem，andthatIwasawareofherknowingit。Itwasnecessarytospeaksocarefullythatnotoneexpressionshouldbreatheeventhefaintesthopeonmypart，andyettomakemystanzasblazewiththeardentfireofmyloveunderthethinveilofpoetry。
　　Asforthecardinal，Iknewwellenoughthatthebetterthestanzaswerewritten，themoredisposedhewouldbetosignthem。AllI
　　wantedwasclearness，sodifficulttoobtaininpoetry，whilealittledoubtfuldarknesswouldhavebeenaccountedsublimebymynewMidas。But，althoughIwantedtopleasehim，thecardinalwasonlyasecondaryconsideration，andthehandsomemarchionesstheprincipalobject。
　　Asthemarchionessinherverseshadmadeapompousenumerationofeveryphysicalandmoralqualityofhiseminence，itwasofcoursenaturalthatheshouldreturnthecompliment，andheremytaskwaseasy。Atlasthavingmasteredmysubjectwell，Ibeganmywork，andgivingfullcareertomyimaginationandtomyfeelingsIcomposedthetenstanzas，andgavethefinishingstrokewiththesetwobeautifullinesfromAriosto:
　　LeangelicchebellezzenatealcieloNonsiponnocelarsottoalcumvelo。
　　Ratherpleasedwithmyproduction，Ipresenteditthenextdaytothecardinal，modestlysayingthatIdoubtedwhetherhewouldaccepttheauthorshipofsoordinaryacomposition。Hereadthestanzastwiceoverwithouttasteorexpression，andsaidatlastthattheywereindeednotmuch，butexactlywhathewanted。HethankedmeparticularlyforthetwolinesfromAriosto，sayingthattheywouldassistinthrowingtheauthorshipuponhimself，astheywouldprovetotheladyforwhomtheywereintendedthathehadnotbeenabletowritethemwithoutborrowing。And，astooffermesomeconsolation，hetoldmethat，inrecopyingthelines，hewouldtakecaretomakeafewmistakesintherhythmtocompletetheillusion。
　　Wedinedearlierthanthedaybefore，andIwithdrewimmediatelyafterdinnersoastogivehimleisuretomakeacopyofthestanzasbeforethearrivalofthelady。
　　ThenexteveningImetthemarchionessattheentranceofthepalace，andofferedhermyarmtocomeoutofhercarriage。Theinstantshealighted，shesaidtome，"IfeveryourstanzasandminebecomeknowninRome，youmaybesureofmyenmity。"
　　"Madam，Idonotunderstandwhatyoumean。"
　　"Iexpectedyoutoanswermeinthismanner，"repliedthemarchioness，"butrecollectwhatIhavesaid。"
　　Ileftheratthedoorofthereception—room，andthinkingthatshewasreallyangrywithme，Iwentawayindespair。"Mystanzas，"I
　　saidtomyself，"aretoofiery；theycompromiseherdignity，andherprideisoffendedatmyknowingthesecretofherintriguewithCardinalS。C。Yet，Ifeelcertainthatthedreadsheexpressesofmywantofdiscretionisonlyfeigned，itisbutapretexttoturnmeoutofherfavour。Shehasnotunderstoodmyreserve！Whatwouldshehavedone，ifIhadpaintedherinthesimpleapparelofthegoldenage，withoutanyofthoseveilswhichmodestyimposesuponhersex！"IwassorryIhadnotdoneso。Iundressedandwenttobed。
　　MyheadwasscarcelyonthepillowwhentheAbbeGamaknockedatmydoor。Ipulledthedoor—string，andcomingin，hesaid，"Mydearsir，thecardinalwishestoseeyou，andIamsentbythebeautifulmarchionessandCardinalS。C。，whodesireyoutocomedown。"
　　"Iamverysorry，butIcannotgo；tellthemthetruth；Iamillinbed。"
　　Astheabbedidnotreturn，Ijudgedthathehadfaithfullyacquittedhimselfofthecommission，andIspentaquietnight。Iwasnotyetdressedinthemorning，whenIreceivedanotefromCardinalS。C。
　　invitingmetodinner，sayingthathehadjustbeenbled，andthathewantedtospeaktome:heconcludedbyentreatingmetocometohimearly，evenifIdidnotfeelwell。
　　Theinvitationwaspressing；Icouldnotguesswhathadcausedit，butthetoneoftheletterdidnotforebodeanythingunpleasant。I
　　wenttochurch，whereIwassurethatCardinalAcquavivawouldseeme，andhedid。Aftermass，hiseminencebeckonedtome。
　　"Areyoutrulyill？"heenquired。
　　"No，monsignor，Iwasonlysleepy。"
　　"Iamverygladtohearit；butyouarewrong，foryouareloved。
　　CardinalS。C。hasbeenbledthismorning。"
　　"Iknowit，monsignor。Thecardinaltellsmesointhisnote，inwhichheinvitesmetodinewithhim，withyourexcellency’spermission。"
　　"Certainly。Butthisisamusing！Ididnotknowthathewantedathirdperson。"
　　"Willtherebeathirdperson？"
　　"Idonotknow，andIhavenocuriosityaboutit。"
　　Thecardinalleftme，andeverybodyimaginedthathiseminencehadspokentomeofstateaffairs。
　　IwenttomynewMaecenas，whomIfoundinbed。
　　"Iamcompelledtoobservestrictdiet，"hesaidtome；"Ishallhavetoletyoudinealone，butyouwillnotlosebyitasmycookdoesnotknowit。WhatIwantedtotellyouisthatyourstanzasare，I
　　amafraid，toopretty，forthemarchionessadoresthem。Ifyouhadreadthemtomeinthesamewaythatshedoes，Icouldneverhavemadeupmymindtoofferthem。""Butshebelievesthemtobewrittenbyyoureminence？"
　　"Ofcourse。"
　　"Thatistheessentialpoint，monsignor。"
　　"Yes；butwhatshouldIdoifshetookitintoherheadtocomposesomenewstanzasforme？"
　　"Youwouldanswerthroughthesamepen，foryoucandisposeofmenightandday，andrelyupontheutmostsecrecy。"
　　"Ibegofyoutoacceptthissmallpresent；itissomenegrillosnufffromHabana，whichCardinalAcquavivahasgivenme。"
　　Thesnuffwasexcellent，buttheobjectwhichcontaineditwasstillbetter。Itwasasplendidgold—enamelledbox。Ireceiveditwithrespect，andwiththeexpressionofthedeepestgratitude。
　　Ifhiseminencedidnotknowhowtowritepoetry，atleastheknewhowtobegenerous，andinadelicatemanner，andthatscienceis，atleastinmyestimation，superiortotheotherforagreatnobleman。
　　Atnoon，andmuchtomysurprise，thebeautifulmarchionessmadeherappearanceinthemostelegantmorningtoilet。
　　"IfIhadknownyouwereingoodcompany，"shesaidtothecardinal，"Iwouldnothavecome。"
　　"Iamsure，dearmarchioness，youwillnotfindourdearabbeintheway。"
　　"No，forIbelievehimtobehonestandtrue。"
　　Ikeptatarespectfuldistance，readytogoawaywithmysplendidsnuff—boxatthefirstjestshemighthurlatme。
　　Thecardinalaskedherifsheintendedtoremaintodinner。
　　"Yes，"sheanswered；"butIshallnotenjoymydinner，forIhatetoeatalone。"
　　"Ifyouwouldhonourhimsofar，theabbewouldkeepyoucompany。"
　　Shegavemeagraciouslook，butwithoututteringoneword。
　　ThiswasthefirsttimeIhadanythingtodowithawomanofquality，andthatairofpatronage，whateverkindnessmightaccompanyit，alwaysputmeoutoftemper，forIthoughtitmadeloveoutofthequestion。However，aswewereinthepresenceofthecardinal，I
　　fanciedthatshemightberightintreatingmeinthatfashion。
　　Thetablewaslaidoutnearthecardinal’sbed，andthemarchioness，whoatehardlyanything，encouragedmeinmygoodappetite。
　　"Ihavetoldyouthattheabbeisequaltomeinthatrespect，"saidS。C。
　　"Itrulybelieve，"answeredthemarchioness，"thathedoesnotremainfarbehindyou；but，"addedshewithflattery，"youaremoredaintyinyourtastes。"
　　"WouldherladyshipbesogoodastotellmeinwhatIhaveappearedtohertobeamereglutton？ForinallthingsIlikeonlydaintyandexquisitemorsels。"
　　"Explainwhatyoumeanbysayinginallthings，"saidthecardinal。
　　Takingthelibertyoflaughing，IcomposedafewimpromptuversesinwhichInamedallIthoughtdaintyandexquisite。Themarchionessapplauded，sayingthatsheadmiredmycourage。
　　"Mycourage，madam，isduetoyou，forIamastimidasaharewhenI
　　amnotencouraged；youaretheauthorofmyimpromptu。"
　　"Iadmireyou。Asformyself，wereIencouragedbyApollohimself，I
　　couldnotcomposefourlineswithoutpaperandink。"
　　"Onlygivewayboldlytoyourgenius，madam，andyouwillproducepoetryworthyofheaven。"
　　"That——ismyopinion，too，"saidthecardinal。"Ientreatyoutogivemepermissiontoskewyourtenstanzastotheabbe。"
　　"Theyarenotverygood，butIhavenoobjectionprovideditremainsbetweenus。"
　　Thecardinalgaveme，then，thestanzascomposedbythemarchioness，andIreadthemaloudwithalltheexpression，allthefeelingnecessarytosuchreading。
　　"Howwellyouhavereadthosestanzas！"saidthemarchioness；"Icanhardlybelievethemtobemyowncomposition；Ithankyouverymuch。
　　Buthavethegoodnesstogivethebenefitofyourreadingtothestanzaswhichhiseminencehaswritteninanswertomine。Theysurpassthemmuch。"
　　"Donotbelieveit，mydearabbe，"saidthecardinal，handingthemtome。"Yettrynottoletthemloseanythingthroughyourreading。"
　　Therewascertainlynoneedofhiseminenceenforcinguponmesucharecommendation；itwasmyownpoetry。Icouldnothavereaditotherwisethaninmybeststyle，especiallywhenIhadbeforemethebeautifulwomanwhohadinspiredthem，andwhen，besides，BacchuswasinmegivingcouragetoApolloasmuchasthebeautifuleyesofthemarchionesswerefanningintoanardentblazethefirealreadyburningthroughmywholebeing。
　　Ireadthestanzaswithsomuchexpressionthatthecardinalwasenraptured，butIbroughtadeepcarnationtintuponthecheeksofthelovelymarchionesswhenIcametothedescriptionofthosebeautieswhichtheimaginationofthepoetisallowedtoguessat，butwhichIcouldnot，ofcourse，havegazedupon。Shesnatchedthepaperfrommyhandswithpassion，sayingthatIwasaddingversesofmyown；itwastrue，butIdidnotconfessit。Iwasallaflame，andthefirewasscorchingheraswellasme。
　　Thecardinalhavingfallenasleep，sheroseandwenttotakeaseatonthebalcony；Ifollowedher。Shehadaratherhighseat；Istoodoppositetoher，sothatherkneetouchedthefob—pocketinwhichwasmywatch。Whataposition！Takingholdgentlyofoneofherhands，Itoldherthatshehadignitedinmysouladevouringflame，thatI
　　adoredher，andthat，unlesssomehopewaslefttomeoffindinghersensibletomysufferings，Iwasdeterminedtoflyawayfromherforever。
　　"Yes，beautifulmarchioness，pronouncemysentence。"
　　"Ifearyouarealibertineandanunfaithfullover。"
　　"Iamneitheronenortheother。"
　　WiththesewordsIfoldedherinmyarms，andIpresseduponherlovelylips，aspureasarose，anardentkisswhichshereceivedwiththebestpossiblegrace。Thiskiss，theforerunnerofthemostdeliciouspleasures，hadimpartedtomyhandsthegreatestboldness；
　　Iwasonthepointof……butthemarchioness，changingherposition，entreatedmesosweetlytorespecther，that，enjoyingnewvoluptuousnessthroughmyveryobedience，Inotonlyabandonedaneasyvictory，butIevenbeggedherpardon，whichIsoonreadinthemostlovinglook。
　　ShespokeofLucrezia，andwaspleasedwithmydiscretion。Shethenalludedtothecardinal，doingherbesttomakemebelievethattherewasnothingbetweenthembutafeelingofinnocentfriendship。OfcourseIhadmyopiniononthatsubject，butitwasmyinteresttoappeartobelieveeverywordsheuttered。Werecitedtogetherlinesfromourbestpoets，andallthetimeshewasstillsittingdownandIstandingbeforeher，withmylooksraptinthecontemplationofthemostlovelycharms，towhichIremainedinsensibleinappearance，forIhadmadeupmymindnottopressherthateveningforgreaterfavoursthanthoseIhadalreadyreceived。
　　Thecardinal，wakingfromhislongandpeacefulsiesta，gotupandjoinedusinhisnight—cap，andgood—naturedlyenquiredwhetherwehadnotfeltimpatientathisprotractedsleep。Iremaineduntildarkandwenthomehighlypleasedwithmyday’swork，butdeterminedtokeepmyardentdesiresincheckuntiltheopportunityforcompletevictoryoffereditself。
　　>Fromthatday，thecharmingmarchionessneverceasedtogivemethemarksofherparticularesteem，withouttheslightestconstraint；I
　　wasreckoninguponthecarnival，whichwascloseathand，feelingcertainthatthemoreIshouldspareherdelicacy，themoreshewouldendeavourtofindtheopportunityofrewardingmyloyalty，andofcrowningwithhappinessmylovingconstancy。Butfateordainedotherwise；DameFortuneturnedherbackuponmeattheverymomentwhenthePopeandCardinalAcquavivawerethinkingofgivingmeareallygoodposition。
　　TheHolyFatherhadcongratulatedmeuponthebeautifulsnuff—boxpresentedtomebyCardinalS。C。，buthehadbeencarefulnevertonamethemarchioness。CardinalAcquavivaexpressedopenlyhisdelightathisbrother—cardinalhavinggivenmeatasteofhisnegrillosnuffinsosplendidanenvelope；theAbbeGama，findingmesoforwardontheroadtosuccess，didnotventuretocounselmeanymore，andthevirtuousFatherGeorgigavemebutonepieceofadvice—
　　namely，toclingtothelovelymarchionessandnottomakeanyotheracquaintances。
　　Suchwasmyposition—trulyabrilliantone，when，onChristmasDay，theloverofBarbaraDalacquaenteredmyroom，lockedthedoor，andthrewhimselfonthesofa，exclaimingthatIsawhimforthelasttime。
　　"Ionlycometobegofyousomegoodadvice。"
　　"OnwhatsubjectcanIadviseyou？"
　　"Takethisandreadit；itwillexplaineverything。"
　　Itwasaletterfromhismistress；thecontentswerethese:
　　"Iampregnantofachild，thepledgeofourmutuallove；Icannolongerhaveanydoubtofit，mybeloved，andIforewarnyouthatI
　　havemadeupmymindtoquitRomealone，andtogoawaytodiewhereitmaypleaseGod，ifyourefusetotakecareofmeandsaveme。I
　　wouldsufferanything，doanything，ratherthanletmyfatherdiscoverthetruth。"
　　"Ifyouareamanofhonour，"Isaid，"youcannotabandonthepoorgirl。Marryherinspiteofyourfather，inspiteofherown，andlivetogetherhonestly。TheeternalProvidenceofGodwillwatchoveryouandhelpyouinyourdifficulties:"
　　Myadviceseemedtobringcalmtohismind，andheleftmemorecomposed。
　　AtthebeginningofJanuary，1744，hecalledagain，lookingverycheerful。"Ihavehired，"hesaid，"thetopfloorofthehousenexttoBarbara’sdwelling；sheknowsit，andto—nightIwillgainherapartmentthroughoneofthewindowsofthegarret，andwewillmakeallourarrangementstoenablemetocarryheroff。Ihavemadeupmymind；IhavedecidedupontakinghertoNaples，andIwilltakewithustheservantwho，sleepinginthegarret，hadtobemadeaconfidanteof。"
　　"Godspeedyou，myfriend！"
　　Aweekafterwards，towardseleveno’clockatnight，heenteredmyroomaccompaniedbyanabbe。
　　"Whatdoyouwantsolate？"
　　"Iwishtointroduceyoutothishandsomeabbe。"
　　Ilookedup，andtomyconsternationIrecognizedBarbara。
　　"Hasanyoneseenyouenterthehouse？"Ienquired。
　　"No；andifwehadbeenseen，whatofit？Itisonlyanabbe。Wenowpasseverynighttogether。"
　　"Icongratulateyou。"
　　"Theservantisourfriend；shehasconsentedtofollowus，andallourarrangementsarecompleted。"
　　"Iwishyoueveryhappiness。Adieu。Ibegyoutoleaveme。"
　　Threeorfourdaysafterthatvisit，asIwaswalkingwiththeAbbeGamatowardstheVillaMedicis，hetoldmedeliberatelythattherewouldbeanexecutionduringthenightinthePiazzadiSpagna。
　　"Whatkindofexecution？"
　　"Thebargelloorhislieutenantwillcometoexecutesome’ordinesantissimo’，ortovisitsomesuspiciousdwellinginordertoarrestandcarryoffsomepersonwhodoesnotexpectanythingofthesort。"
　　"Howdoyouknowit？"
　　"Hiseminencehastoknowit，forthePopewouldnotventuretoencroachuponhisjurisdictionwithoutaskinghispermission。"
　　"Andhiseminencehasgivenit？"
　　"Yes，oneoftheHolyFather’sauditorscameforthatpurposethismorning。"
　　"Butthecardinalmighthaverefused？"
　　"Ofcourse；butsuchapermissionisneverdenied。"
　　"Andifthepersontobearrestedhappenedtobeundertheprotectionofthecardinal——whatthen？"
　　"Hiseminencewouldgivetimelywarningtothatperson。"
　　Wechangedtheconversation，butthenewshaddisturbedme。I
　　fanciedthattheexecutionthreatenedBarbaraandherlover，forherfather’shousewasundertheSpanishjurisdiction。ItriedtoseetheyoungmanbutIcouldnotsucceedinmeetinghim，andIwasafraidlestavisitathishomeoratM。Dalacqua’sdwellingmightimplicateme。YetitiscertainthatthislastconsiderationwouldnothavestoppedmeifIhadbeenpositivelysurethattheywerethreatened；hadIfeltsatisfiedoftheirdanger，Iwouldhavebravedeverything。
　　Aboutmidnight，asIwasreadytogotobed，andjustasIwasopeningmydoortotakethekeyfromoutside，anabberushedpantingintomyroomandthrewhimselfonachair。ItwasBarbara；Iguessedwhathadtakenplace，and，foreseeingalltheevilconsequenceshervisitmighthaveforme，deeplyannoyedandveryanxious，Iupbraidedherforhavingtakenrefugeinmyroom，andentreatedhertogoaway。
　　FoolthatIwas！KnowingthatIwasonlyruiningmyselfwithoutanychanceofsavingher，Ioughttohavecompelledhertoleavemyroom，Ioughttohavecalledfortheservantsifshehadrefusedtowithdraw。ButIhadnotcourageenough，orratherIvoluntarilyobeyedthedecreesofdestiny。
　　Whensheheardmyordertogoaway，shethrewherselfonherknees，andmeltingintotears，shebegged，sheentreatedmypity！
　　Whereistheheartofsteelwhichisnotsoftenedbythetears，bytheprayersofaprettyandunfortunatewoman？Igaveway，butI
　　toldherthatitwasruinforbothofus。
　　"Noone，"shereplied，"hasseenme，Iamcertain，whenIenteredthemansionandcameuptoyourroom，andIconsidermyvisithereaweekagoasmostfortunate；otherwise，Inevercouldhaveknownwhichwasyourroom。"
　　"Alas！howmuchbetterifyouhadnevercome！Butwhathasbecomeofyourlover？"
　　"The’sbirri’havecarriedhimoff，aswellastheservant。Iwilltellyouallaboutit。Myloverhadinformedmethatacarriagewouldwaitto—nightatthefootoftheflightofstepsbeforetheChurchofTrinitadelMonte，andthathewouldbetherehimself。I
　　enteredhisroomthroughthegarretwindowanhourago。ThereIputonthisdisguise，and，accompaniedbytheservant，proceededtomeethim。Theservantwalkedafewyardsbeforeme，andcarriedaparcelofmythings。Atthecornerofthestreet，oneofthebucklesofmyshoesbeingunfastened，Istoppedaninstant，andtheservantwenton，thinkingthatIwasfollowingher。Shereachedthecarriage，gotintoit，and，asIwasgettingnearer，thelightfromalanterndisclosedtomesomethirtysbirri；atthesameinstant，oneofthemgotonthedriver’sboxanddroveoffatfullspeed，carryingofftheservant，whomtheymusthavemistakenforme，andmyloverwhowasinthecoachawaitingme。WhatcouldIdoatsuchafearfulmoment？I
　　couldnotgobacktomyfather’shouse，andIfollowedmyfirstimpulsewhichbroughtmehere。AndhereIam！Youtellmethatmypresencewillcauseyourruin；ifitisso，tellmewhattodo；I
　　feelIamdying；butfindsomeexpedientandIamreadytodoanything，eventolaymylifedown，ratherthanbethecauseofyourruin。"
　　Butsheweptmorebitterlythanever。
　　HerpositionwassosadthatIthoughtitworseeventhanmine，althoughIcouldalmostfancyIsawruinbeforemedespitemyinnocence。
　　"Letme，"Isaid，"conductyoutoyourfather；Ifeelsureofobtainingyourpardon。"
　　Butmyproposalonlyenhancedherfears。
　　"Iamlost，"sheexclaimed；"Iknowmyfather。Ah！reverendsir，turnmeoutintothestreet，andabandonmetomymiserablefate。"
　　NodoubtIoughttohavedoneso，andIwouldhavedoneitiftheconsciousnessofwhatwasduetomyowninteresthadbeenstrongerthanmyfeelingofpity。Buthertears！Ihaveoftensaidit，andthoseamongstmyreaderswhohaveexperiencedit，mustbeofthesameopinion；thereisnothingonearthmoreirresistiblethantwobeautifuleyessheddingtears，whentheownerofthoseeyesishandsome，honest，andunhappy。Ifoundmyselfphysicallyunabletosendheraway。
　　"Mypoorgirl，"Isaidatlast，"whendaylightcomes，andthatwillnotbelong，foritispastmidnight，whatdoyouintendtodo？"
　　"Imustleavethepalace，"shereplied，sobbing。"Inthisdisguisenoonecanrecognizeme；IwillleaveRome，andIwillwalkstraightbeforemeuntilIfallontheground，dyingwithgriefandfatigue。"
　　Withthesewordsshefellonthefloor。Shewaschoking；Icouldseeherfaceturnblue；Iwasinthegreatestdistress。
　　Itookoffherneck—band，unlacedherstaysundertheabbe’sdress，I
　　threwcoldwaterinherface，andIfinallysucceededinbringingherbacktoconsciousness。
　　Thenightwasextremelycold，andtherewasnofireinmyroom。I
　　advisedhertogetintomybed，promisingtorespecther。
　　"Alas！reverendsir，pityistheonlyfeelingwithwhichIcannowinspireanyone。"
　　And，tospeakthetruthIwastoodeeplymoved，and，atthesametime，toofullofanxiety，toleaveroominmeforanydesire。
　　Havinginducedhertogotobed，andherextremeweaknesspreventingherfromdoinganythingforherself，Iundressedherandputhertobed，thusprovingoncemorethatcompassionwillsilencethemostimperiousrequirementsofnature，inspiteofallthecharmswhichwould，underothercircumstances，excitetothehighestdegreethesensesofaman。Ilaydownnearherinmyclothes，andwokeheratday—break。Herstrengthwassomewhatrestored，shedressedherselfalone，andIleftmyroom，tellinghertokeepquietuntilmyreturn。
　　Iintendedtoproceedtoherfather’shouse，andtosolicitherpardon，but，havingperceivedsomesuspicious—lookingmenloiteringaboutthepalace，Ithoughtitwisetoaltermymind，andwenttoacoffeehouse。
　　Isoonascertaniedthataspywaswatchingmymovementsatadistance；butIdidnotappeartonoticehim，andhavingtakensomechocolateandstoredafewbiscuitsinmypocket，Ireturnedtowardsthepalace，apparentlywithoutanyanxietyorhurry，alwaysfollowedbythesameindividual。Ijudgedthatthebargello，havingfailedinhisproject，wasnowreducedtoguesswork，andIwasstrengthenedinthatviewofthecasewhenthegate—keeperofthepalacetoldme，withoutmyaskinganyquestion，asIcamein，thatanarresthadbeenattemptedduringthenight，andhadnotsucceeded。Whilehewasspeaking，oneoftheauditorsoftheVicar—GeneralcalledtoenquirewhenhecouldseetheAbbyGama。Isawthatnotimewastobelost，andwentuptomyroomtodecideuponwhatwastobedone。
　　IbeganbymakingthepoorgirleatacoupleofbiscuitssoakedinsomeCanarywine，andItookherafterwardstothetopstoryofthepalace，where，leavingherinanotverydecentclosetwhichwasnotusedbyanyone，Itoldhertowaitforme。
　　Myservantcamesoonafter，andIorderedhimtolockthedoorofmyroomassoonashefinishedcleaningit，andtobringmethekeyattheAbbeGama’sapartment，whereIwasgoing。IfoundGamainconversationwiththeauditorsentbytheVicar—General。Assoonashehaddismissedhim，hecametome，andorderedhisservanttoservethechocolate。Whenwewereleftalonehegavemeanaccountofhisinterviewwiththeauditor，whohadcometoentreathiseminencetogiveorderstoturnoutofhispalaceapersonwhowassupposedtohavetakenrefugeinitaboutmidnight。"Wemustwait，"saidtheabbe，"untilthecardinalisvisible，butIamquitecertainthat，ifanyonehastakenrefugehereunknowntohim，hiseminencewillcompelthatpersontoleavethepalace。"Wethenspokeoftheweatherandothertriflesuntilmyservantbroughtmykey。JudgingthatIhadatleastanhourtospare，IbethoughtmyselfofaplanwhichalonecouldsaveBarbarafromshameandmisery。
　　FeelingcertainthatIwasunobserved，IwentuptomypoorprisonerandmadeherwritethefollowingwordsinFrench:
　　"Iamanhonestgirl，monsignor，thoughIamdisguisedinthedressofanabbe。Ientreatyoureminencetoallowmetogivemynameonlytoyouandinperson。Ihopethat，promptedbythegreatgoodnessofyoursoul，youreminencewillsavemefromdishonour。"Igaveherthenecessaryinstructions，astosendingthenotetothecardinal，assuringherthathewouldhaveherbroughttohimassoonashereadit。
　　"Whenyouareinhispresence，"Iadded，"throwyourselfonyourknees，tellhimeverythingwithoutanyconcealment，exceptasregardsyourhavingpassedthenightinmyroom。Youmustbesurenottomentionthatcircumstance，forthecardinalmustremainincompleteignoranceofmyknowinganythingwhateverofthisintrigue。Tellhimthat，seeingyourlovercarriedoff，yourushedtohispalaceandranupstairsasfarasyoucouldgo，andthatafteramostpainfulnightHeaveninspiredyouwiththeideaofwritingtohimtoentreathispity。Ifeelcertainthat，onewayortheother，hiseminencewillsaveyoufromdishonour，anditcertainlyistheonlychanceyouhaveofbeingunitedtothemanyoulovesodearly。"
　　Shepromisedtofollow’myinstructionsfaithfully，and，comingdown，Ihadmyhairdressedandwenttochurch，wherethecardinalsawme。
　　Ithenwentoutandreturnedonlyfordinner，duringwhichtheonlysubjectofconversationwastheadventureofthenight。Gamaalonesaidnothing，andIfollowedhisexample，butIunderstoodfromallthetalkgoingonroundthetablethatthecardinalhadtakenmypoorBarbaraunderhisprotection。ThatwasallIwanted，andthinkingthatIhadnothingmoretofearIcongratulatedmyself，inpetto，uponmystratagem，whichhad，Ithought，provedamaster—stroke。
　　Afterdinner，findingmyselfalonewithGama，Iaskedhimwhatwasthemeaningofitall，andthisiswhathetoldme:
　　"Afather，whosenameIdonotknowyet，hadrequestedtheassistanceoftheVicar—Generaltopreventhissonfromcarryingoffayounggirl，withwhomheintendedtoleavetheStatesoftheChurch；thepairhadarrangedtomeetatmidnightinthisverysquare，andtheVicar，havingpreviouslyobtainedtheconsentofourcardinal，asI
　　toldyouyesterday，gaveorderstothebargellotodisposehismeninsuchawayastocatchtheyoungpeopleintheveryactofrunningaway，andtoarrestthem。Theorderswereexecuted，butthe’sbirri’
　　foundout，whentheyreturnedtothebargello，thattheyhadmetwithonlyahalfsuccess，thewomanwhogotoutofthecarriagewiththeyoungmannotbelongingtothatspecieslikelytobecarriedoff。
　　Soonafterwardsaspyinformedthebargellothat，attheverymomentthearrestwasexecuted，hehadseenayoungabberunawayveryrapidlyandtakerefugeinthispalace，andthesuspicionimmediatelyarosethatitmightbethemissingyoungladyinthedisguiseofanecclesiastic。ThebargelloreportedtotheVicar—Generalthefailureofhismen，aswellastheaccountgivenbythespy，andthePrelate，sharingthesuspicionofthepolice，senttohiseminence，ourmaster，requestinghimtohavethepersoninquestion，manorwoman，turnedoutofthepalace，unlesssuchpersonsshouldhappentobeknowntohisexcellency，andthereforeabovesuspicion。CardinalAcquavivawasmadeacquaintedwiththesecircumstancesatninethismorningthroughtheauditoryoumetinmyroom，andhepromisedtohavethepersonsentawayunlessshebelongedtohishousehold。
　　"Accordingtohispromise，thecardinalorderedthepalacetobesearched，but，inlessthanaquarterofanhour，themajor—domoreceivedorderstostop，andtheonlyreasonforthesenewinstructionsmustbethis:
　　"Iamtoldbythemajor—domothatatnineo’clockexactlyaveryhandsome，youngabbe，whomheimmediatelyjudgedtobeagirlindisguise，askedhimtodeliveranotetohiseminence，andthatthecardinal，afterreadingit，haddesiredthesaidabbebebroughttohisapartment，whichhehasnotleftsince。Astheordertostopsearchingthepalacewasgivenimmediatelyaftertheintroductionoftheabbetothecardinal，itiseasyenoughtosupposethatthisecclesiasticisnootherthantheyounggirlmissedbythepolice，whotookrefugeinthepalaceinwhichshemusthavepassedthewholenight。"
　　"Isuppose，"saidI，"thathiseminencewillgiveherupto—day，ifnottothebargello，atleasttotheVicar—General。"
　　"No，noteventothePopehimself，"answeredGama。"Youhavenotyetarightideaoftheprotectionofourcardinal，andthatprotectionisevidentlygrantedtoher，sincetheyoungpersonisnotonlyinthepalaceofhiseminence，butalsoinhisownapartmentandunderhisownguardianship。"
　　Thewholeaffairbeinginitselfveryinteresting，myattentioncouldnotappearextraordinarytoGama，howeversuspicioushemightbenaturally，andIwascertainthathewouldnothavetoldmeanythingifhehadguessedtheshareIhadtakenintheadventure，andtheinterestImusthavefeltinit。
　　Thenextday，Gamacametomyroomwitharadiantcountenance，andinformedmethattheCardinal—Vicarwasawareoftheravisherbeingmyfriend，andsupposedthatIwaslikewisethefriendofthegirl，asshewasthedaughterofmyFrenchteacher。"Everybody，"headded，"issatisfiedthatyouknewthewholeaffair，anditisnaturaltosuspectthatthepoorgirlspentthenightinyourroom。Iadmireyourprudentreserveduringourconversationofyesterday。YoukeptsowellonyourguardthatIwouldhaveswornyouknewnothingwhateveroftheaffair。"
　　"Anditisthetruth，"Ianswered，veryseriously；"Ihaveonlylearnedallthecircumstancesfromyouthismoment。Iknowthegirl，butIhavenotseenherforsixweeks，sinceIgaveupmyFrenchlessons；Iammuchbetteracquaintedwiththeyoungman，butheneverconfidedhisprojecttome。However，peoplemaybelievewhatevertheyplease。Yousaythatitisnaturalforthegirltohavepassedthenightinmyroom，butyouwillnotmindmylaughinginthefaceofthosewhoaccepttheirownsuppositionsasrealities。"
　　"That，mydearfriend，"saidtheabbe，"isoneofthevicesoftheRomans；happythosewhocanaffordtolaughatit；butthisslandermaydoyouharm，eveninthemindofourcardinal。"
　　AstherewasnoperformanceattheOperathatnight，Iwenttothecardinal’sreception；Ifoundnodifferencetowardsmeeitherinthecardinal’smanners，orinthoseofanyotherperson，andthemarchionesswasevenmoregraciousthanusual。
　　Afterdinner，onthefollowingday，Gamainformedmethatthecardinalhadsenttheyounggirltoaconventinwhichshewouldbewelltreatedathiseminence’sexpense，andthathewascertainthatshewouldleaveitonlytobecomethewifeoftheyoungdoctor。
　　"Ishouldbeveryhappyifitshouldturnoutso，"Ireplied；"fortheyarebothmostestimablepeople。"
　　Twodaysafterwards，IcalleduponFatherGeorgi，andhetoldme，withanairofsorrow，thatthegreatnewsofthedayinRomewasthefailureoftheattempttocarryoffDalacqua’sdaughter，andthatallthehonouroftheintriguewasgiventome，whichdispleasedhimmuch。ItoldhimwhatIhadalreadytoldGama，andheappearedtobelieveme，butheaddedthatinRomepeopledidnotwanttoknowthingsastheytrulywere，butonlyastheywishedthemtobe。
　　Itisknown，thatyouhavebeeninthehabitofgoingeverymorningtoDalacqua’shouse；itisknownthattheyoungmanoftencalledonyou；thatisquiteenough。Peopledonotcare，toknowthecircumstanceswhichmightcounteracttheslander，butonlythose，likelytogiveitnewforceforslanderisvastlyrelishedintheHolyCity。Yourinnocencewillnotpreventthewholeadventurebeingbookedtoyouraccount，if，infortyyearstimeyouwereproposedaspopeintheconclave。"
　　DuringthefollowingdaysthefataladventurebegantocausememoreannoyancethanIcouldexpress，foreveryonementionedittome，andIcouldseeclearlythatpeoplepretendedtobelievewhatIsaidonlybecausetheydidnotdaretodootherwise。ThemarchionesstoldmejeeringlythattheSignoraDalacquahadcontractedpeculiarobligationstowardsme，butmysorrowwasverygreatwhen，duringthelastdaysofthecarnival，IremarkedthatCardinalAcquaviva’smannerhadbecomeconstrained，althoughIwastheonlypersonwhoobservedthechange。
　　Thenoisemadebytheaffairwas，however，beginningtosubside，when，inthefirstdaysofLent，thecardinaldesiredmetocometohisprivateroom，andspokeasfollows"TheaffairofthegirlDalacquaisnowover；itisnolongerspokenof，buttheverdictofthepublicisthatyouandIhaveprofitedbytheclumsinessoftheyoungmanwhointendedtocarryheroff。InrealityIcarelittleforsuchaverdict，for，undersimilarcircumstances，Ishouldalwaysactinasimilarmanner，andIdonotwishtoknowthatwhichnoonecancompelyoutoconfess，andwhich，asamanofhonour，youmustnotadmit。Ifyouhadnopreviousknowledgeoftheintrigue，andhadactuallyturnedthegirloutofyourroom（supposingshedidcometoyou），youwouldhavebeenguiltyofawrongandcowardlyaction，becauseyouwouldhavesealedhermiseryfortheremainderofherdays，anditwouldnothavecausedyoutoescapethesuspicionofbeinganaccomplice，whileatthesametimeitwouldhaveattachedtoyoutheodiumofdastardlytreachery。
　　NotwithstandingallIhavejustsaid，youcaneasilyimaginethat，inspiteofmyuttercontemptforallgossipingfools，Icannotopenlydefythem。Ithereforefeelmyselfcompelledtoaskyounotonlytoquitmyservice，buteventoleaveRome。Iundertaketosupplyyouwithanhonourablepretextforyourdeparture，soastoinsureyouthecontinuationoftherespectwhichyoumayhavesecuredthroughthemarksofesteemIhavebestoweduponyou。Ipromiseyoutowhisperintheearofanypersonyoumaychoose，andeventoinformeverybody，thatyouaregoingonanimportantmissionwhichIhaveentrustedtoyou。Youhaveonlytonamethecountrywhereyouwanttogo；Ihavefriendseverywhere，andcanrecommendyoutosuchpurposethatyouwillbesuretofindemployment。Mylettersofrecommendationwillbeinmyownhandwriting，andnobodyneedknowwhereyouaregoing。Meetmeto—morrowattheVillaNegroni，andletmeknowwheremylettersaretobeaddressed。Youmustbereadytostartwithinaweek。Believeme，Iamsorrytoloseyou；butthesacrificeisforceduponmebythemostabsurdprejudice。Gonow，anddonotletmewitnessyourgrief。"
　　Hespokethelastwordsbecausehesawmyeyesfillingwithtears，andhedidnotgivemetimetoanswer。Beforeleavinghisroom，I
　　hadthestrengthofmindtocomposemyself，andIputonsuchanairofcheerfulnessthattheAbbeGama，whotookmetohisroomtodrinksomecoffee，complimentedmeuponmyhappylooks。
　　"Iamsure，"hesaid，"thattheyarecausedbytheconversationyouhavehadwithhiseminence。"
　　"Youareright；butyoudonotknowthesorrowatmyheartwhichI
　　trynottoshewoutwardly。"
　　"Whatsorrow？"
　　"Iamafraidoffailinginadifficultmissionwhichthecardinalhasentrustedmewiththismorning。IamcompelledtoconcealhowlittleconfidenceIfeelinmyselfinordernottolessenthegoodopinionhiseminenceispleasedtoentertainofme。"
　　"Ifmyadvicecanbeofanyservicetoyou，praydisposeofme；butyouarequiterighttochewyourselfcalmandcheerful。IsitanybusinesstotransactinRome？"
　　"No；itisajourneyIshallhavetoundertakeinaweekortendays。"
　　"Whichway？"
　　"Towardsthewest。"
　　"Oh！Iamnotcurioustoknow。"
　　IwentoutaloneandtookawalkintheVillaBorghese，whereIspenttwohourswrappedindarkdespair。IlikedRome，Iwasonthehighroadtofortune，andsuddenlyIfoundmyselfintheabyss，withoutknowingwheretogo，andwithallmyhopesscatteredtothewinds。I
　　examinedmyconduct，Ijudgedmyselfseverely，Icouldnotfindmyselfguiltyofanycrimesaveoftoomuchkindness，butIperceivedhowrightthegoodFatherGeorgihadbeen。Mydutywasnotonlytotakenopartintheintrigueofthetwolove，butalsotochangemyFrenchteacherthemomentIbeardofit；butthiswaslikecallinginadoctorafterdeathhasstruckthepatient。Besides，youngasI
　　was，havingnoexperienceyetofmisfortune，andstilllessofthewickednessofsociety，itwasverydifficultformetohavethatprudencewhichamangainsonlybylongintercoursewiththeworld。
　　"WhereshallIgo？"Thiswasthequestionwhichseemedtomeimpossibleofsolution。Ithoughtofitallthroughthenight，andthroughthemorning，butIthoughtinvain；afterRome，IwasindifferentwhereIwentto！
　　Intheevening，notcaringforanysupper，Ihadgonetomyroom；theAbbeGamacametomewitharequestfromthecardinalnottoacceptanyinvitationtodinnerforthenextday，ashewantedtospeaktome。IthereforewaiteduponhiseminencethenextdayattheVillaNegroni；hewaswalkingwithhissecretary，whomhedismissedthemomenthesawme。Assoonaswewerealone，Igavehimalltheparticularsoftheintrigueofthetwolovers，andIexpressedinthemostvividmannerthesorrowIfeltatleavinghisservice。
　　"Ihavenohopeofsuccess，"Iadded，"forIamcertainthatFortunewillsmileuponmeonlyaslongasIamnearyoureminence。"
　　FornearlyanhourItoldhimallthegriefwithwhichmyheartwasbursting，weepingbitterly；yetIcouldnotmovehimfromhisdecision。Kindly，butfirmlyhepressedmetotellhimtowhatpartofEuropeIwantedtogo，anddespairasmuchasvexationmademenameConstantinople。
　　"Constantinople！"heexclaimed，movingbackasteportwo。
　　"Yes，monsignor，Constantinople，"Irepeated，wipingawaymytears。
　　Theprelate，amanofgreatwit，butaSpaniardtotheveryback—
　　bone，afterremainingsilentafewminutes，said，withasmile，"IamgladyouhavenotchosenIspahan，asIshouldhavefeltratherembarrassed。Whendoyouwishtogo？"
　　"Thisdayweek，asyoureminencehasorderedme。"
　　"DoyouintendtosailfromNaplesorfromVenice？"
　　"FromVenice。"
　　"Iwillgiveyousuchapassportaswillbeneeded，foryouwillfindtwoarmiesinwinter—quartersintheRomagna。ItstrikesmethatyoumaytelleverybodythatIsentyoutoConstantinople，fornobodywillbelieveyou。"
　　Thisdiplomaticsuggestionnearlymademesmile。ThecardinaltoldmethatIshoulddinewithhim，andheleftmetojoinhissecretary。
　　WhenIreturnedtothepalace，thinkingofthechoiceIhadmade，I
　　saidtomyself，"EitherIammad，orIamobeyingtheimpulseofamysteriousgeniuswhichsendsmetoConstantinopletoworkoutmyfate。"Iwasonlyastonishedthatthecardinalhadsoreadilyacceptedmychoice。"Withoutanydoubt，"Ithought，"hedidnotwishmetobelievethathehadboastedofmorethanhecouldachieve，intellingmethathehadfriendseverywhere。ButtowhomcanherecommendmeinConstantinople？Ihavenottheslightestidea，buttoConstantinopleImustgo。"
　　Idinedalonewithhiseminence；hemadeagreatshowofpeculiarkindnessandIofgreatsatisfaction，formyself—pride，strongereventhanmysorrow，forbademetoletanyoneguessthatIwasindisgrace。Mydeepestgriefwas，however，toleavethemarchioness，withwhomIwasinlove，andfromwhomIhadnotobtainedanyimportantfavour。
　　Twodaysafterwards，thecardinalgavemeapassportforVenice，andasealedletteraddressedtoOsmanBonneval，PachaofCaramania，inConstantinople。Therewasnoneedofmysayinganythingtoanyone，but，asthecardinalhadnotforbiddenmetodoit，Ishewedtheaddressonthelettertoallmyacquaintances。
　　TheChevalierdeLezze，theVenetianAmbassador，gavemealetterforawealthyTurk，averyworthymanwhohadbeenhisfriend；DonGasparandFatherGeorgiaskedmetowritetothem，buttheAbbeGams，laughed，andsaidhewasquitesureIwasnotgoingtoConstantinople。
　　IwenttotakemyfarewellofDonnaCecilia，whohadjustreceivedaletterfromLucrezia，impartingthenewsthatshewouldsoonbeamother。IalsocalleduponAngeliqueandDonFrancisco，whohadlatelybeenmarriedandhadnotinvitedmetothewedding。
　　WhenIcalledtotakeCardinalAcquaviva’sfinalinstructionshegavemeapursecontainingonehundredounces，worthsevenhundredsequins。Ihadthreehundredmore，sothatmyfortuneamountedtoonethousandsequins；Ikepttwohundred，andfortherestItookaletterofexchangeuponaRagusanwhowasestablishedinAncona。I
　　leftRomeinthecoachwithaladygoingtoOurLadyofLoretto，tofulfilavowmadeduringasevereillnessofherdaughter，whoaccompaniedher。Theyoungladywasugly；myjourneywasarathertediousone。
　　CHAPTERXI
　　MyShortButRatherTooGayVisitToAncona——Cecilia，Marina，Bellino——theGreekSlaveoftheLazzaretto——BellinoDiscoversHimselfIarrivedinAnconaonthe25thofFebruary，1744，andputupatthebestinn。Pleasedwithmyroom，Itoldminehosttoprepareformeagoodmeatdinner；butheansweredthatduringLentallgoodCatholicseatnothingbutfish。
　　"TheHolyFatherhasgrantedmepermissiontoeatmeat。"
　　"Letmeseeyourpermission。"
　　"Hegaveittomebywordofmouth。"
　　"Reverendsir，Iamnotobligedtobelieveyou。"
　　"Youareafool。"
　　"Iammasterinmyownhouse，andIbegyouwillgotosomeotherinn。"
　　Suchananswer，coupledtoamostunexpectednoticetoquit，threwmeintoaviolentpassion。Iwasswearing，raving，screaming，whensuddenlyagrave—lookingindividualmadehisappearanceinmyroom，andsaidtome:
　　"Sir，youarewrongincallingformeat，wheninAnconafishismuchbetter；youarewronginexpectingthelandlordtobelieveyouonyourbareword；andifyouhaveobtainedthepermissionfromthePope，youhavebeenwronginsolicitingitatyourage；youhavebeenwronginnotaskingforsuchpermissioninwriting；youarewrongincallingthehostafool，becauseitisacomplimentthatnomanislikelytoacceptinhisownhouse；and，finally，youarewronginmakingsuchanuproar。"
　　Farfromincreasingmybadtemper，thisindividual，whohadenteredmyroomonlytotreatmetoasermon，mademelaugh。
　　"Iwillinglypleadguilty，sir，"Ianswered，"toallthecountswhichyouallegeagainstme；butitisraining，itisgettinglate，Iamtiredandhungry，andthereforeyouwilleasilyunderstandthatIdonotfeeldisposedtochangemyquarters。Willyougivemesomesupper，asthelandlordrefusestodoso？"
　　"No，"hereplied，withgreatcomposure，"becauseIamagoodCatholicandfast。ButIwillundertaketomakeitallrightforyouwiththelandlord，whowillgiveyouagoodsupper。"
　　Thereuponhewentdownstairs，andI，comparingmyhastinesstohiscalm，acknowledgedthemanworthyofteachingmesomelessons。Hesooncameupagain，informedmethatpeacewassigned，andthatI
　　wouldbeservedimmediately。
　　"Willyounottakesupperwithme？"
　　"No，butIwillkeepyoucompany。"
　　Iacceptedhisoffer，andtolearnwhohewas，Itoldhimmyname，givingmyselfthetitleofsecretarytoCardinalAcquaviva。
　　"MynameisSancioPico，"hesaid；"IamaCastilian，andthe’proveditore’ofthearmyofH。C。M。，whichiscommandedbyCountdeGagesundertheordersofthegeneralissimo，theDukeofModem。"
　　Myexcellentappetiteastonishedhim，andheenquiredwhetherIhaddined。"No，"saidI；andIsawhiscountenanceassumeanairofsatisfaction。
　　"Areyounotafraidsuchasupperwillhurtyou？"hesaid。
　　"Onthecontrary，Ihopeitwilldomeagreatdealofgood。"
　　"ThenyouhavedeceivedthePope？"
　　"No，forIdidnottellhimthatIhadnoappetite，butonlythatI
　　likedmeatbetterthanfish。"
　　"Ifyoufeeldisposedtohearsomegoodmusic，"hesaidamomentafter，"followmetothenextroom；theprimadonnaofAnconalivesthere。"
　　Thewordsprimadonnainterestedmeatonce，andIfollowedhim。I
　　saw，sittingbeforeatable，awomanalreadysomewhatadvancedinage，withtwoyounggirlsandtwoboys，butIlookedinvainfortheactress，whomDonSancioPicoatlastpresentedtomeintheshapeofoneofthetwoboys，whowasremarkablyhandsomeandmighthavebeenseventeen。Ithoughthewasa’castrato’who，asisthecustominRome，performedallthepartsofaprimadonna。Themotherpresentedto，meherotherson，likewiseverygood—looking，butmoremanlythanthe’castrato’，althoughyounger。HisnamewasPetronio，and，keepingupthetransformationsofthefamily，hewasthefirstfemaledancerattheopera。Theeldestgirl，whowasalsointroducedtome，wasnamedCecilia，andstudiedmusic；shewastwelveyearsold；theyoungest，calledMarina，wasonlyeleven，andlikeherbrotherPetroniowasconsecratedtotheworshipofTerpsichore。Boththegirlswereverypretty。
　　ThefamilycamefromBolognaandliveduponthetalentofitsmembers；cheerfulnessandamiabilityreplacedwealthwiththem。
　　Bellino，suchwasthenameofthecastrato，yieldingtotheentreatiesofDonSancio，rosefromthetable，wenttotheharpiscord，andsangwiththevoiceofanangelandwithdelightfulgrace。TheCastilianlistenedwithhiseyesclosedinanecstasyofenjoyment，butI，farfromclosingmyeyes，gazedintoBellino’s，whichseemedtodartamorouslightningsuponme。IcoulddiscoverinhimsomeofthefeaturesofLucreziaandthegracefulmannerofthemarchioness，andeverythingbetrayedabeautifulwoman，forhisdressconcealedbutimperfectlythemostsplendidbosom。Theconsequencewasthat，inspiteofhishavingbeenintroducedasaman，Ifanciedthattheso—calledBellinowasadisguisedbeauty，and，myimaginationtakingatoncethehighestflight，Ibecamethoroughlyenamoured。
　　Wespenttwoverypleasanthours，andIreturnedtomyroomaccompaniedbytheCastilian。"Iintendtoleaveveryearlyto—
　　morrowmorning，"hesaid，"forSinigaglia，withtheAbbeVilmarcati，butIexpecttoreturnforsupperthedayafterto—morrow。"Iwishedhimahappyjourney，sayingthatwewouldmost’likelymeetontheroad，asIshouldprobablyleaveAnconamyselfonthesameday，afterpayingavisittomybanker。
　　IwenttobedthinkingofBellinoandoftheimpressionhehadmadeuponme；IwassorrytogoawaywithouthavingprovedtohimthatI
　　wasnotthedupeofhisdisguise。Accordingly，IwaswellpleasedtoseehimentermyroominthemorningassoonasIhadopenedmydoor。
　　HecametooffermetheservicesofhisyoungbrotherPetronioduringmystayinAncona，insteadofmyengagingavaletdeplace。I
　　willinglyagreedtotheproposal，andsentPetroniotogetcoffeeforallthefamily。
　　IaskedBellinotositonmybedwiththeintentionofmakinglovetohim，andoftreatinghimlikeagirl，butthetwoyoungsistersranintomyroomanddisturbedmyplans。Yetthetrioformedbeforemeaverypleasingsight；theyrepresentednaturalbeautyandartlesscheerfulnessofthreedifferentkinds；unobtrusivefamiliarity，theatricalwit，pleasingplayfulness，andprettyBolognesemannerswhichIwitnessedforthefirsttime；allthiswouldhavesufficedtocheermeifIhadbeendowncast。CeciliaandMarinaweretwosweetrosebuds，which，tobloominalltheirbeauty，requiredonlytheinspirationoflove，andtheywouldcertainlyhavehadthepreferenceoverBellinoifIhadseeninhimonlythemiserableoutcastofmankind，orratherthepitifulvictimofsacerdotalcruelty，for，inspiteoftheiryouth，thetwoamiablegirlsofferedontheirdawningbosomthepreciousimageofwomanhood。
　　Petroniocamewiththecoffeewhichhepouredout，andIsentsometothemother，whoneverleftherroom。Petroniowasatruemaleharlotbytasteandbyprofession。ThespeciesisnotscareinItaly，wheretheoffenceisnotregardedwiththewildandferociousintoleranceofEnglandandSpain。Ihadgivenhimonesequintopayforthecoffee，andtoldhimtokeepthechange，and，tochewmehisgratitude，hegavemeavoluptuouskisswithhalf—openlips，supposinginmeatastewhichIwasveryfarfromentertaining。I
　　disabusedhim，buthedidnotseemtheleastashamed。Itoldhimtoorderdinnerforsixpersons，butheremarkedthathewouldorderitonlyforfour，ashehadtokeephisdearmothercompany；shealwaystookherdinnerinbed。Everyonetohistaste，Ithought，andIlethimdoashepleased。
　　Twominutesafterhehadgone，thelandlordcametomyroomandsaid，"Reverendsir，thepersonsyouhaveinvitedherehaveeachtheappetiteoftwomenatleast；Igiveyounoticeofit，becauseImustchargeaccordingly。""Allright，"Ireplied，"butletushaveagooddinner。"
　　WhenIwasdressed，IthoughtIoughttopaymycomplimentstothecompliantmother。Iwenttoherroom，andcongratulatedheruponherchildren。ShethankedmeforthepresentIhadgiventoPetronio，andbegantomakemetheconfidantofherdistress。"Themanagerofthetheatre，"shesaid，"isamiserwhohasgivenusonlyfiftyRomancrownsforthewholecarnival。Wehavespentthemforourliving，and，toreturntoBologna，weshallhavetowalkandbegourway。"
　　Herconfidencemovedmypity，soItookagoldquadruplefrommypurseandofferedittoher；sheweptforjoyandgratitude。
　　"Ipromiseyouanothergoldquadruple，madam，"Isaid，"ifyouwillconfideinmeentirely。ConfessthatBellinoisaprettywomanindisguise。"
　　"Icanassureyouitisnotso，althoughhehastheappearanceofawoman。"
　　"Notonlytheappearance，madam，butthetone，themanners；Iamagoodjudge。"
　　"Nevertheless，heisaboy，forhehashadtobeexaminedbeforehecouldsingonthestagehere。"
　　"Andwhoexaminedhim？"
　　"Mylordbishop’schaplain。"
　　"Achaplain？"
　　"Yes，andyoumaysatisfyyourselfbyenquiringfromhim。"
　　"Theonlywaytoclearmydoubtswouldbetoexaminehimmyself。"
　　"Youmay，ifhehasnoobjection，buttrulyIcannotinterfere，asI
　　donotknowwhatyourintentionsare。"
　　"Theyarequitenatural。"
　　IreturnedtomyroomandsentPetronioforabottleofCypruswine。
　　Hebroughtthewineandsevensequins，thechangeforthedoubloonI
　　hadgivenhim。IdividedthembetweenBellino，CeciliaandMarina，andbeggedthetwoyounggirlstoleavemealonewiththeirbrother。
　　"Bellino，Iamcertainthatyournaturalconformationisdifferentfrommine；mydear，youareagirl。"
　　"Iamaman，butacastrato；Ihavebeenexamined。"
　　"Allowmetoexamineyoulikewise，andIwillgiveyouadoubloon。"
　　"Icannot，foritisevidentthatyouloveme，andsuchloveiscondemnedbyreligion。"
　　"Youdidnotraisetheseobjectionswiththebishop’schaplain。"
　　"Hewasanelderlypriest，andbesides，heonlyjustglancedatme。"
　　"Iwillknowthetruth，"saidI，extendingmyhandboldly。
　　Butherepulsedmeandrosefromhischair。Hisobstinacyvexedme，forIhadalreadyspentfifteenorsixteensequinstosatisfymycuriosity。
　　Ibeganmydinnerwithaverybadhumour，buttheexcellentappetiteofmyprettyguestsbroughtmeround，andIsoonthoughtthat，afterall，cheerfulnesswasbetterthansulking，andIresolvedtomakeupformydisappointmentwiththetwocharmingsisters，whoseemedwelldisposedtoenjoyafrolic。
　　Ibeganbydistributingafewinnocentkissesrightandleft，asI
　　satbetweenthemnearagoodfire，eatingchestnutswhichwewettedwithCypruswine。Butverysoonmygreedyhandstouchedeverypartwhichmylipscouldnotkiss，andCecilia，aswellasMarina，delightedinthegame。SeeingthatBellinowassmiling，Ikissedhimlikewise，andhishalf—openruffleattractingmyhand，Iventuredandwentinwithoutresistance。ThechiselofPraxiteleshadnevercarvedafinerbosom！
　　"Oh！thisisenough，"Iexclaimed；"Icannolongerdoubtthatyouareabeautifully—formedwoman！"
　　"Itis，"hereplied，"thedefectofallcastrati。"
　　No，itistheperfectionofallhandsomewomen。Bellino，believeme，Iamenoughofagoodjudgetodistinguishbetweenthedeformedbreastofacastrato，andthatofabeautifulwoman；andyouralabasterbosombelongstoayoungbeautyofseventeensummers。"
　　Whodoesnotknowthatlove，inflamedbyallthatcanexciteit，neverstopsinyoungpeopleuntilitissatisfied，andthatonefavourgrantedkindlesthewishforagreaterone？Ihadbegunwell，Itriedtogofurtherandtosmotherwithburningkissesthatwhichmyhandwaspressingsoardently，butthefalseBellino，asifhehadonlyjustbeenawareoftheillicitpleasureIwasenjoying，roseandranaway。Angerincreasedinmetheardouroflove，andfeelingthenecessityofcalmingmyselfeitherbysatisfyingmyardentdesiresorbyevaporatingthem，IbeggedCecilia，Bellino’spupil，tosingafewNeapolitanairs。
　　Ithenwentouttocalluponthebanker，fromwhomItookaletterofexchangeatsightuponBologna，fortheamountIhadtoreceivefromhim，andonmyreturn，afteralightsupperwiththetwoyoungsisters，Ipreparedtogotobed，havingpreviouslyinstructedPetroniotoorderacarriageforthemorning。
　　IwasjustlockingmydoorwhenCecilia，halfundressed，cameintosaythatBellinobeggedmetotakehimtoRimini，wherehewasengagedtosinginanoperatobeperformedafterEaster。
　　"Goandtellhim，mydearlittleseraph，thatIamreadytodowhathewishes，ifhewillonlygrantmeinyourpresencewhatIdesire；I
　　wanttoknowforacertaintywhetherheisamanorawoman。"
　　Sheleftmeandreturnedsoon，sayingthatBellinohadgonetobed，butthatifIwouldpostponemydepartureforonedayonlyhepromisedtosatisfymeonthemorrow。
　　"Tellmethetruth，Cecilia，andIwillgiveyousixsequins。"
　　"Icannotearnthem，forIhaveneverseenhimnaked，andIcannotsweartohisbeingagirl。Buthemustbeaman，otherwisehewouldnothavebeenallowedtoperformhere。"