IsuspectedthatDonnaIgnaziaexpectedmetomakesomeattemptonherhonour，andfeelingsurethatshewouldresistforthesakeofappearance，Ideterminedtoleaveherinpeace。NextmorningIgotupandwentintotheirroominthehopeofplayingsometrickonthem。
　　However，thebirdswereflown，andIhadnodoubtthattheyhadgonetohearmass。
　　DonnaIgnaziacamehomebyherselfatteno’clock。Shefoundmealone，dressed，andwriting。Shetoldmeshehadbeeninthechurchforthreehours。
　　"Youhavebeentoconfession，Isuppose？"
　　"No；IwentlastSunday，andIshallwaittillnextSunday。"
　　"IamverygladthatyourconfessionwillnotbelengthenedbyanysinsI
　　havehelpedyoutocommit。"
　　"Youarewrong。"
　　"Wrong？Iunderstand；butyoumustknowthatIamnotgoingtobedamnedformeredesires。Idonotwishtotormentyouortobecomeamartyrmyself。Whatyougrantedmehasmademefalldeeplyinlovewithyou，anditmakesmeshudderwhenIimaginethatourlovehasbecomeasubjectofrepentancewithyou。Ihavehadabadnight；anditistimeformetothinkofmyhealth。Imustforgetyou，buttobringaboutthateffectI
　　willseeyounolonger。Iwillkeeponthehouse，butIwillnotliveinit。Ifyourreligionisanintelligentone，youwillapproveofmyidea。
　　TellyourconfessorofitnextSunday，andyouwillseethathewillapproveit。"
　　"Youareright，butIcannotagreetoit。Youcangoawayifyoulike，andIshallsaynothing，butIshallbethemostunhappygirlinallMadrid。"
　　Asshespokethesewords，twobigtearsrolleddownhercheeks，andherfacedropped；Iwasprofoundlymoved。
　　"Iloveyou，dearestIgnazia，andIhopenottobedamnedformylove。I
　　cannotseeyouwithoutlovingyouandtothislovesomepositiveproofisessential；otherwise，Iamunhappy。IfIgoyousayyouwillbeunhappy，andifIstayitisIthatwillbeunhappy，myhealthwillberuined。
　　ButtellmewhichIshalldostayorgo？Say。"
　　"Stay。"
　　"Thenyoumustbeaslovingandtenderasyouwerebefore。"
　　"Alas！Ipromisedtocommitthatsinnomore。Itellyoutostay，becauseIamsurethatineightortendaysweshallhavebecomesoaccustomedtooneanotherthatIshallbeabletoloveyoulikeafather，andyouwillbeabletotakemeinyourarmswithoutanyamoroussentiments。"
　　"Areyousureofthis？"
　　"Yes，dearest，quitesure。"
　　"Youmakeamistake。"
　　"Letmebemistaken，andbelievemeIshallbegladtobemistaken。"
　　"Unhappydevotee！"
　　"Whyunhappy？"
　　"Nothing，nothing。Imaybetoolong，Ishallendanger……letussaynomoreaboutit。Iwillstay。"
　　Iwentoutmorepainedwithherstatethanmyown，andIfeltthatthebestthingIcoulddowouldbetoforgether，"for，"saidItomyself，"evenifIdoenjoyheronce，Sundaywillcomeagain；shewillconfess，repent，andIshallhavetobeginalloveragain。Sheconfessedherlove，andflattersherselfthatshewillbeabletosubdueit——afoolishhope，whichcouldonlyexistinamindunderthedominionofprejudice。"
　　Icamehomeatnoon，andDonDiegodinedwithme；hisdaughterdidnotappeartillthedessert。Ibeggedhertositdown，politely，butcoldly。
　　HerfatheraskedherjestinglyifIhadpaidheravisitinthenight。
　　"IneversuspectedDonJaimeofsuchathing，"shereplied，"andIonlyobjectedoutofshyness。"
　　Iinterruptedherbypraisinghermodesty，andtellingherthatshewouldhavedonequiterighttobewareofme，ifmysenseofdutyhadnotbeenstrongerthananyvoluptuousdesiresinspiredbyhercharms。
　　DonDiegopronouncedthisdeclarationofloveasgoodasanythingtobefoundinthe"Morted’Arthur。"
　　HisdaughtersaidIwaslaughingather，butDonDiegosaidhewascertainthatIwasinearnest，andthatIhadknownherbeforetakinghertotheball。
　　"Youareutterlymistaken，"saidDonnaIgnazia，withsomedegreeoffire。
　　"Yourfatheriswiserthanyou，senora，"Ireplied。
　　"What！Howandwhendidyouseeme？"
　　"AtthechurchwhereIheardmass，andyoucommunicated，whenyouwentoutwithyourcousin。Ifollowedyouatsomedistance；youcanguesstherest。"
　　Shewasspeechless，andherfatherenjoyedtheconsciousnessofhissuperiorintellect。
　　"Iamgoingtoseethebullfight，"saidhe；"it’safineday，andallMadridwillbethere，soonemustgoearlytogetagoodplace。Iadviseyoutogo，asyouhaveneverseenabullfight；askDonJaimetotakeyouwithhim，Ignazia。"
　　"Wouldyouliketohavemycompanionship？"saidshe，tenderly。
　　"CertainlyIwould，butyoumustbringyourcousin，asIaminlovewithher。"
　　DonDiegoburstoutlaughing，butIgnaziasaid，slyly，"Itisnotsoimpossibleafterall。"
　　WewenttoseethesplendidbutbarbarousspectacleinwhichSpaniardstakesomuchdelight。Thetwogirlsplacedthemselvesinfrontoftheonlyvacantbox，andIsatbehindonthesecondbench，whichwasafootandahalfhigherthanthefirst。Therewerealreadytwoladiesthere，andmuchtomyamusementoneofthemwasthefamousDuchessofVilladorias。Shewasinfrontofme，andsatinsuchapositionthatherheadwasalmostbetweenmylegs。Sherecognizedme，andsaidwewerefortunateinmeetingoneanother；andthennoticingDonnaIgnazia，whowasclosetoher，shecongratulatedmeinFrenchonhercharms，andaskedmewhethershewasmymistressormywife。IrepliedthatshewasabeautybeforewhomIsighedinvain。Shereplied，withasmile，thatshewasratherascepticalperson；andturningtoDonnaIgnaziabeganapleasantandamorousdiscourse，thinkingthegirltobeaslearnedinthelawsofloveasherself。ShewhisperedsomethinginherearwhichmadeIgnaziablush，andtheduchess，becomingenthusiastic，toldmeIhadchosenthehandsomestgirlinMadrid，andthatshewouldbedelightedtoseeusbothathercountryhouse。
　　Ipromisedtocome，asIwasobligedtodo，butIbeggedtobeexcusednamingtheday。Nevertheless，shemademepromisetocallonheratfouro’clockthenextday，tellingme，muchtomyterror，thatshewouldbealone。Shewasprettyenough，buttoonotoriousacharacter；andsuchavisitwouldhavegivenrisetotalk。
　　Happilythefightbegan，andsilencebecamegeneral，fortheSpaniardsarepassionatelydevotedofbullfighting。
　　Somuchhasbeenwrittenonthesubjectthatmyreaderswillpardonmygivingadetailedaccountofthefight。Imaysaythatthesportis，inmyopinion，amostbarbarousone，andlikelytooperateunfavourablyonthenationalmorals；thearenaissometimesdrenchedinthebloodofbulls，horses，andevenoftheunfortunatepicadoresandmatadores，whosesoledefenceistheredragwithwhichtheyirritatethebull。
　　WhenitwasoverIescortedthegirls——whohadenjoyedthemselvesimmensely——backtothehouse，andmadetheuglycousinstaytosupper，asIforesawthattheywouldagainsleeptogether。
　　Wesuppedtogether，butitwasamelancholyaffair，forDonDiegowasaway，andIdidnotfeelinthehumourtoamusemycompany。
　　DonnaIgnaziabecamepensivewhen，inreplytoaquestionofhers，Isaidthatitwouldbeabsolutelyrudeofmenottogototheduchess’s。
　　"Youwillcomewithmesomeday，"Iadded，"todineathercountryhouse。"
　　"Youneednotlookforthat。"
　　"Whynot？"
　　"Becausesheisamadwoman。ShetalkedtomeinawaythatwouldhaveoffendedmeifIdidnotknowthatshefanciedshewashonouringmebylayingasideherrank。"
　　Werosefromtable，andafterIhaddismissedmymanwesatonthebalconytowaitforDonDiegoandtoenjoythedeliciouseveningbreezes。
　　Aswesatneartoeachotherinthetwilight，sofavourabletolovers’
　　vows，IlookedintoDonnaIgnazia’seyes，andsawtherethatmyhourhadcome。Iclaspedhertomewithonearm，Iclungwithmylipstohers，andbythewayshetrembledIguessedtheflamewhichconsumedher。
　　"Willyougoandseetheduchess？"
　　"No，ifyouwillpromisemenottogotoconfessionnextSunday。"
　　"ButwhatwillhesayifIdonotgo？"
　　"Nothingatall，ifheunderstandshisbusiness。Butletustalkitoveralittle。"
　　Weweresotightlyclaspedtogetherthatthecousin，likeagoodgirl，leftus，andwenttotheotherendofthebalcony，takingcaretolookawayfromus。
　　Withoutchangingmyposition，inspiteofthetemptationtodoso，I
　　askedherifshefeltinthehumourtorepentofthesinshewasreadytocommit。
　　"Iwasnotthinkingofrepentancejustthen，butasyouremindmeofit，ImusttellyouthatIshallcertainlygotoconfession。"
　　"Andafteryouhavebeentoconfessionwillyoulovemeasyoulovemenow？"
　　"IhopeGodwillgivemestrengthtooffendHimnomore。"
　　"IassureyouthatifyoucontinuelovingmeGodwillnotgiveyougrace，yetIfeelsurethatonSundayeveningyouwillrefusemethatwhichyouarenowreadytogrant。"
　　"IndeedIwill，sweetheart；butwhyshouldwetalkofthatnow？"
　　"BecauseifIabandonmyselftopleasurenowIshallbemoreinlovewithyouthanever，andconsequentlymoreunhappythanever，whenthedayofyourrepentancecomes。SopromisemethatyouwillnotgotoconfessionwhilstIremainatMadrid，orgivethefatalordernow，andbidmeleaveyou。Icannotabandonmyselftoloveto—dayknowingthatitwillberefusedmeonSunday。"
　　AsIremonstratedthus，Iclaspedheraffectionatelyinmyarms，caressinghermostardently；butbeforecomingtothedecisiveactionI
　　askedheragainwhethershewouldpromisenottogotoconfessionnextSunday。
　　"Youarecruel，"saidshe，"Icannotmakeyouthatpromiseformyconsciencesake。"
　　Atthisreply，whichIhadquiteexpected，Iremainedmotionless，feelingsurethatshemustbeinastateofdesperateirritationattheworkhalfbegunandnotconcluded。I，too，suffered，forIwasatthedoorofthesanctuary，andaslightmovementwouldhavesentmeintotheinmostshrine；butIknewthathertormentsmustbegreaterthanmine，andthatshecouldnotresistlong。
　　DonnaIgnaziawasindeedinaterriblestate；Ihadnotrepulsedher，butIwasperfectlyinactive。Modestypreventedheraskingmeopenlytocontinue，butsheredoubledhercaresses，andplacedherselfinaneasierposition，reproachingmewithmycruelty。IdonotknowwhetherIcouldhaveheldoutmuchlonger，butjustthenthecousinturnedroundandtoldusthatDonDiegowascomingin。
　　Wehastenedtoarrangeourtoilette，andtositinadecentposition。
　　Thecousincameuptous，andDonDiego，aftermakingafewremarks，leftusonthebalcony，wishingusagoodnight。Imighthavebegunoveragain，butIclungtomysystemofrepression，andafterwishingthegirlsgoodnightwithamelancholyair，Iwenttobed。
　　IhopedDonnaIgnaziawouldrepentandcomeandkeepmecompany，butI
　　wasdisappointed。Theylefttheirroomearlyinthemorning，andatnoonDonDiegocametodinewithme，sayinghisdaughterhadsuchabadheadachethatshehadnotevengonetomass。
　　"Wemustgethertoeatsomething。"
　　"No，Ithinkabstinencewilldohergood，andintheeveningIdaresayshewillbeabletosupwithyou。"
　　IwenttokeephercompanybyherbedsideafterIhadtakenmysiesta。
　　Ididmybestforthreehourstoconvinceherofherfolly；butshekepthereyesclosed，andsaidnothing，onlysighingwhenIsaidsomethingverytouching。
　　IlefthertowalkinSt。Jerome’sPark，andtoldherthatifshedidnotsupwithmeIshouldunderstandthatshedidnotwishtoseemeagain。
　　Thisthreathaditseffect。Shecametotableatsupper—time，butshelookedpaleandexhausted。Sheatelittle，andsaidnothing，forsheknewnotwhattosay。Isawthatshewassuffering，andIpitiedherfrommyheart。
　　BeforegoingtobedsheaskedmeifIhadbeentoseetheduchess。SheseemedsomewhatcheeredwhenIansweredinthenegative。ItoldherthatshemightsatisfyherselfofthetruthofmyreplybyaskingPhilippe，whohadtakenmynotebegginghergracetoexcusemeforthatday。
　　"Butwillyougoanotherday？"
　　"No，dearest，becauseIseeitwouldgrieveyou。"
　　Shegaveasighofcontent，andIembracedhergently，andsheleftmeassadasIwas。
　　IcouldseethatwhatIaskedofherwasagreatdeal；butIhadgoodgroundsforhope，asIknewherardentdisposition。ItwasnotGodandI
　　thatweredisputingforher，butherconfessorandI。IfshehadnotbeenaCatholicIshouldhavewonherthefirstday。
　　Shehadtoldmethatshewouldgetintotroublewithherconfessorifshedidnotgotohimasusual；shehadtoomuchoffineSpanishhonourinhertotellhimwhatwasnottrue，ortoendeavourtocombineherlovewithherreligion。
　　TheFridayandtheSaturdaypassedwithoutanyeventsofconsequence。
　　Herfather，whocouldnotblindhimselftoourloveanylonger，trusted，Isuppose，tohisdaughter’svirtue，andmadeherdineandsupwithmeeveryday。OnSaturdayeveningDonnaIgnazialeftmesadderthanever，andturnedherheadawaywhenIwouldhavekissedherasusual。
　　Isawwhatwasthematter；shewasgoingtocommunicatethenextday。
　　Iadmiredherconsistency，inspiteofmyself，andpitiedherheartily；
　　forIcouldguessthestormthatmustberaginginherbreast。Ibegantorepenthavingdemandedall，andwishedIhadbeencontentedwithalittle。
　　Iwishedtobesatisfiedwithmyowneyes，andgotupearlyonSundaymorningandfollowedher。Iknewthatshewouldcallforhercousin，soIwentontothechurch。Iplacedmyselfbythesacristy—door，whereI
　　couldseewithoutbeingseen。
　　Iwaitedaquarterofanhour，thentheycamein，andafterkneelingdownforafewmoments，separated，eachgoingtoherownconfessor。
　　IonlynoticedDonnaIgnazia；Isawhergoingtotheconfessional，andtheconfessorturningtowardsher。
　　Iwaitedpatiently。Ithoughttheconfessionwouldnevercometoanend。
　　"Whatishesaying？"IrepeatedtomyselfasIsawtheconfessorspeakingtohernowandagain。
　　Icouldbearitnolonger，andIwasonthepointofgoingawaywhenI
　　sawherrisefromherknees。
　　DonnaIgnazia，lookinglikeasaint，cametokneelinthechurch，butoutofmysight。IthoughtshewouldcomeforwardtoreceivetheHolyCommunionattheendoftheMassthatwasbeingsaid，butinsteadofthatshewenttowardsthedoor，rejoinedhercousinandtheyleftthechurch。
　　Iwasastonished。Myheartwasseizedwithapangofremorse。
　　"It’sallover，"Isaidtomyself。"Thepoorgirlhasmadeasincereandfullconfession，shehasavowedherlove，andthepriest’scrueldutyhasmadehimrefuseherabsolution。
　　"Allislost。Whatwillcomeofit？"
　　"Mypeaceofmindandhersrequiremetoleaveher。
　　"WretchthatIam，tohavelostallforall！IshouldhavemadeallowanceforthepeculiarSpanishcharacter。
　　"Imighthaveenjoyedherbysurprisenowandagain；thedifficultywouldhaveaddedpiquancytotheintrigue。IhavebehavedasifIwereoncemoretwenty，andIhavelostall。
　　"Atdinnershewillbeallsadandtearful。Imustfindsomewayoutofthisterriblesituation。"
　　Thussoliloquising，IcamehomeillpleasedwiththelineofconductI
　　hadadopted。
　　Myhairdresserwaswaitingforme，butIsenthimaway，andtoldmycooknottoservemydinnertillIorderedit；then，feelingtheneedofrest，Iflungmyselfonmybedandsleptprofoundlytilloneo’clock。
　　Igotupandordereddinnertobebroughtin，andsentamessagetothefatheranddaughterthatIwasexpectingthem。
　　MysurprisemaybeimaginedwhenDonnaIgnaziaappearedinacostumeofblackvelvet，adornedwithribbonsandlace。InmyopinionthereisnomoreseductivecostumeinEuropewhenthewearerispretty。
　　Ialsonoticedthateveryfeatureofherfacebreathedpeaceandcalm；I
　　hadneverseenherlookingsowell，andIcouldnothelpcongratulatingher。Sherepliedwithasmile，andIgaveherakiss，whichshetookasmeeklyasalamb。
　　Philippearrived，andwesatdowntotable。IsawthatmyfairsweethearthadcrossedtheRubicon；thedaywaswon。
　　"Iamgoingtobehappy，"saidshe，"butletussaynothing，anditwillcomeofitself。"
　　However，Ididnotconcealmybliss，andmadelovetoherwhenevertheservantwasoutoftheroom。Shewasnotonlysubmissive，butevenardent。
　　BeforeweleftthetablesheaskedmeifIstilllovedher。
　　"Morethanever，darling；Iadoreyou。"
　　"Thentakemetothebullfight。"
　　"Quick！Fetchthehairdresser。"
　　WhenmyhairwasdoneImadeanelaboratetoilette，andburningwithimpatiencewesetoutonfoot，asIwasafraidweshouldnotsecureagoodplaceifwewaitedtillthecarriagewasready。Wefoundafineboxwithonlytwopersonsinit，andIgnazia，afterglancinground，saidshewasgladthatthedetestableduchesswasnotanywherenearus。
　　AftersomefinesportmymistressbeggedmetotakehertothePrado，whereallthebestpeopleinMadridaretobeseen。
　　DonnaIgnazialeantonmyarm，seemedproudtobethoughtmine，andfilledmewithdelight。
　　AllatoncewemettheVenetianambassadorandhisfavourite，Manucci。
　　TheyhadjustarrivedfromAranjuez。WegreetedeachotherwithdueSpanishpoliteness，andtheambassadorpaidmeahighcomplimentonthebeautyofmycompanion。DonnaIgnaziapretendednottounderstand，butshepressedmyarmwithSpanishdelicacy。
　　AfterwalkingashortdistancewithusM。deMocenigosaidhehopedI
　　woulddinewithhimonthefollowingday，andafterIhadnoddedacquiescenceintheFrenchstyleweparted。
　　Towardstheeveningwetooksomeicesandreturnedhome，andthegentlepressureofmyarmonthewaypreparedmefortheblissIwastoenjoy。
　　WefoundDonDiegoonthebalconywaitingforus。Hecongratulatedhisdaughteronherpleasantappearanceandthepleasureshemusthavetakeninmysociety。
　　Charmedwithpapa’sgoodhumour，Iaskedhimtosupwithus，andheaccepted，andamuseduswithhiswittyconversationandamultitudeoflittletalesthatpleasedmeexceedingly。Hemadethefollowingspeechonleavingus，whichIgivewordforword，butIcannotgivethereaderanyideaoftheinimitableSpanishgravitywithwhichitwasdelivered。
　　"AmigoSeniorDonJaime，Ileaveyouheretoenjoythecoolairwithmydaughter。Iamdelightedatyourlovingher，andyoumaybeassuredthatIshallplacenoobstacleinthewayofyourbecomingmyson—in—lawassoonasyoucanshewyourtitlesofnobility。"
　　Whenhewasgone，Isaidtohisdaughter，——
　　"Ishouldbeonlytoohappy，ifitcouldbemanaged；butyoumustknowthatinmycountrytheyonlyarecallednobleswhohaveanhereditaryrighttorulethestate。IfIhadbeenborninSpainIshouldbenoble，butasitisIadoreyou，andIhopeyouwillmakemehappy。"
　　"Yes，dearest，butwemustbehappytogether；Icannotsufferanyinfidelity。"
　　"IgiveyoumywordofhonourthatIwillbewhollyfaithfultoyou。"
　　"Comethen，’corazonmio’，letusgoin。"
　　"No，letusputoutthelights，andstayhereaquarterofanhour。Tellme，myangel，whencecomesthisunexpectedhappiness？"
　　"Youoweittoapieceoftyrannywhichdrovemetodesperation。Godisgood，andIamsureHewouldnothavemebecomemyownexecutioner。WhenItoldmyconfessorthatIcouldnothelplovingyou，butthatIcouldrestrainmyselffromallexcessoflove，herepliedthatthisself—
　　confidencewasmisplaced，asIhadalreadyfallen。Hewantedmetopromisenevertobealonewithyouagain，andonmyrefusingtodosohewouldnotgivemeabsolution。
　　Ihaveneverhadsuchapieceofshamecastonme，butIlaiditallinthehandsofGod，andsaid，’Thywillbedone。’
　　"WhilstIheardmassmymindwasmadeup，andaslongasyoulovemeI
　　shallbeyours，andyoursonly。WhenyouleaveSpainandabandonmetodespair，Ishallfindanotherconfessor。Myconscienceholdsmeguiltless；thisismycomfort。Mycousin，whomIhavetoldall，isastonished，butthensheisnotveryclever。"
　　Afterthisdeclaration，whichputmequiteatmyease，andwouldhaverelievedmeofanyscruplesifIhadhadthem，Itookhertomybed。Inthemorning，sheleftmetiredout，butmoreinlovewithherthanever。
　　EndExpelledfromSpainByJacquesCasanovaMEMOIRSOFJACQUESCASANOVAdeSEINGALT1725—1798
　　SPANISHPASSIONS，Volume6b——EXPELLEDFROMSPAIN
　　THERAREUNABRIDGEDLONDONEDITIONOF1894TRANSLATEDBYARTHURMACHENTO
　　WHICHHASBEENADDEDTHECHAPTERSDISCOVEREDBYARTHURSYMONS。
　　EXPELLEDFROMSPAIN
　　CHAPTERVII
　　IMakeaMistakeandManucciBecomesMyMortalFoe——HisVengeance——
　　ILeaveMadrid——Saragossa——Valentia——Nina——IArriveatBarcelonaIftheseMemoirs，onlywrittentoconsolemeinthedreadfulwearinesswhichisslowlykillingmeinBohemia——andwhich，perhaps，wouldkillmeanywhere，since，thoughmybodyisold，myspiritandmydesiresareasyoungasever——iftheseMemoirsareeverread，Irepeat，theywillonlybereadwhenIamgone，andallcensurewillbelostonme。
　　Nevertheless，seeingthatmenaredividedintotwosections，theoneandbyfarthegreatercomposedoftheignorantandsuperficial，andtheotherofthelearnedandreflective，IbegtostatethatitistothelatterIwouldappeal。Theirjudgment，Ibelieve，willbeinfavourofmyveracity，and，indeed，whyshouldInotbeveracious？Amancanhavenoobjectindeceivinghimself，anditisformyselfthatIchieflywrite。
　　HithertoIhavespokennothingbutthetruth，withoutconsideringwhetherthetruthisinmyfavourorno。Mybookisnotaworkofdogmatictheology，butIdonotthinkitwilldoharmtoanyone；whileIfancythatthosewhoknowhowtoimitatethebeeandtogethoneyfromeveryflowerwillbeabletoextractsomegoodfromthecatalogueofmyvicesandvirtues。
　　Afterthisdigression（itmaybetoolong，butthatismybusinessandnoneother’s），ImustconfessthatneverhaveIhadsounpleasantatruthtosetdownasthatwhichIamgoingtorelate。Icommittedafatalactofindiscretion——anactwhichafteralltheseyearsstillgivesmyheartapangasIthinkofit。
　　ThedayaftermyconquestIdinedwiththeVenetianambassador，andIhadthepleasureofhearingthatalltheministersandgrandeeswithwhomI
　　hadassociatedhadthehighestpossibleopinionofme。Inthreeorfourdaystheking，theroyalfamily，andtheministerswouldreturntotown，andIexpectedtohavedailyconferenceswiththelatterrespectingthecolonyintheSierraMorena，whereIshouldmostprobablybegoing。
　　Manucci，whocontinuedtotreatmeasavaluedfriend，proposedtoaccompanymeonmyjourney，andwouldbringwithhimanadventuress，whocalledherselfPorto—Carrero，pretendingtobethedaughterornieceofthelatecardinalofthatname，andthusobtainedagooddealofconsideration；thoughinrealityshewasonlythemistressoftheFrenchconsulatMadrid，theAbbeBigliardi。
　　SuchwasthepromisingstateofmyprospectswhenmyevilgeniusbroughttoMadridanativeofLiege，BarondeFraiture，chiefhuntsmanoftheprincipality，andaprofligate，agamester，andacheat，likeallthosewhoproclaimtheirbeliefinhishonestynowadays。
　　IhadunfortunatelymethimatSpa，andtoldhimIwaswasgoingtoPortugal。Hehadcomeafterme，hopingtousemeasameansofgettingintogoodsociety，andoffillinghispocketwiththemoneyofthedupesheaspiredtomake。
　　Gamestershaveneverhadanyproofofmybelongingtotheirinfernalclique，buttheyhavealwayspersistedinbelievingthatItooama"Greek。"
　　AssoonasthisbaronheardthatIwasinMadridhecalledonme，andbydintofpolitenessobligedmetoreceivehim。IthoughtanysmallcivilitiesImightsheworintroductionsImightgivecoulddomenoharm。Hehadatravellingcompaniontowhomheintroducedme。Hewasafat，ignorantfellow，butaFrenchman，andthereforeagreeable。A
　　Frenchmanwhoknowshowtopresenthimself，whoiswelldressed，andhasthesocietyair，isusuallyacceptedwithoutdemurorscrutiny。Hehadbeenacavalrycaptain，buthadbeenfortunateenoughtoobtainaneverlastingfurlough。
　　Fourorfivedaysafterhisappearancethebaronaskedmequietlyenoughtolendhimascoreoflouis，ashewashardup。Irepliedasquietly，thankinghimfortreatingmeasafriend，butinforminghimthatIreallycouldnotlendhimthemoney，asIwantedwhatlittleIhadformyownnecessities。
　　"Butwecandogoodbusinesstogether，andyoucannotpossiblybemoneyless。"
　　"Idonotknowanythingaboutgoodbusiness，butIdoknowthatIwantmymoneyandcannotpartwithit。"
　　"Weareatourwits’endtoquietourlandlord；comeandspeaktohim。"
　　"IfIweretodosoIshoulddoyoumoreharmthangood。HewouldaskmeifIwouldanswerforyou，andIshouldreplythatyouareoneofthosenoblemenwhostandinneedofnosurety。Allthesame，thelandlordwouldthinkthatifIdidnotstandyoursurety，itmustbefrommyentertainingdoubtsastoyoursolvency。"
　　IhadintroducedFraituretoCountManucci，onthePando，andherequestedmetotakehimtoseethecount，towhichrequestIwasfoolishenoughtoaccede。
　　AfewdayslaterthebaronopenedhissoultoManucci。
　　HefoundtheVenetiandisposedtobeobliging，butwary。Herefusedtolendmoneyhimself，butintroducedthebarontosomeonewholenthimmoneyonpledgeswithoutinterest。
　　Thebaronandhisfrienddidalittlegamingandwonalittlemoney，butIheldalooffromthemtothebestofmyability。
　　IhadmycolonyandDonnaIgnazia，andwantedtolivepeacefully；andifIhadspentasinglenightawayfromhome，theinnocentgirlwouldhavebeenfilledwithalarm。
　　AboutthattimeM。deMocenigowentasambassadortoFrance，andwasreplacedbyM。Querini。Queriniwasamanofletters，whileMocenigoonlylikedmusicandhisownpeculiarkindoflove。
　　Thenewambassadorwasdistinctlyfavourabletome，andinafewdaysI
　　hadreasontobelievethathewoulddomoreformethaneverMocenigowouldhavedone。
　　Inthemeanwhile，thebaronandhisfriendbegantothinkofbeatingaretreattoFrance。Therewasnogamingattheambassador’sandnogamingattheCourt；theymustreturntoFrance，buttheyowedmoneytotheirlandlord，andtheywantedmoneyforthejourney。Icouldgivethemnothing，Manucciwouldgivethemnothing；webothpitiedthem，butourdutytoourselvesmadeuscrueltoeveryoneelse。However，hebroughttroubleonus。
　　OnemorningManuccicametoseemeinevidentperturbation。
　　"Whatisthematter？"saidI。
　　"Idonotknowexactly。ForthelastweekIhaverefusedtoseetheBaronFraiture，asnotbeingabletogivehimmoney，hispresenceonlyweariedme。Hehaswrittenmealetter，inwhichhethreatenstoblowouthisbrainsto—dayifIwillnotlendhimahundredpistoles。"
　　"Hesaidthesamethingtomethreedaysago；butIrepliedthatIwouldbettwohundredpistolesthathewoulddonothingofthekind。Thismadehimangry，andheproposedtofightaduelwithme；butIdeclinedonthepleathatashewasadesperatemaneitherhewouldhaveanadvantageovermeorI，overhim。Givehimthesameanswer，or，betterstill，noansweratall。"
　　"Icannotfollowyouradvice。Herearethehundredpistoles。Takethemtohimandgetareceipt。"
　　Iadmiredhisgenerosityandagreedtocarryouthiscommission。I
　　calledonthebaron，whoseemedratheruncomfortablewhenIwalkedin；
　　butconsideringhispositionIwasnotatallsurprised。
　　IinformedhimthatIwasthebearerofathousandfrancsfromCountManucci，whotherebyplacedhiminapositiontoarrangehisaffairsandtoleaveMadrid。Hereceivedthemoneywithoutanysignsofpleasure，surprise，orgratitude，andwroteoutthereceipt。HeassuredmethatheandhisfriendwouldstartforBarcelonaandFranceonthefollowingday。
　　IthentookthedocumenttoManucci，whowasevidentlysufferingfromsomementaltrouble；andIremainedtodinnerwiththeambassador。Itwasforthelasttime。
　　ThreedaysafterIwenttodinewiththeambassadors（fortheyalldinedtogether），buttomyastonishmenttheportertoldmethathehadreceivedordersnottoadmitme。
　　Theeffectofthissentenceonmewaslikethatofathunderbolt；I
　　returnedhomelikeamaninadream。IimmediatelysatdownandwrotetoManucci，askinghimwhyIhadbeensubjectedtosuchaninsult；butPhilippe，myman，broughtmebacktheletterunopened。
　　Thiswasanothersurprise；Ididnotknowwhattoexpectnext。
　　"Whatcanbethematter？"Isaidtomyself。"Icannotimagine，butI
　　willhaveanexplanation，orperish。"
　　IdinedsadlywithDonnaIgnazia，withouttellingherthecauseofmytrouble，andjustasIwasgoingtotakemysiestaaservantofManucci’sbroughtmealetterfromhismasterandfledbeforeIcouldreadit。
　　ThelettercontainedanenclosurewhichIreadfirst。ItwasfromBarondeFraiture。HeaskedManuccitolendhimahundredpistoles，promisingtoshewhimthemanwhomheheldforhisdearestfriendtobehisworstenemy。
　　Manucci（honouringme，bytheway，withthetitleofungratefultraitor）
　　saidthatthebaron’sletterhadexcitedhiscuriosityandhehehadmethiminSt。Jerome’sPark，wherethebaronhadclearlyprovedthisenemytobemyself，sinceIhadinformedthebaronthatthoughthenameofManucciwasgenuinethetitleofcountwasquiteapocryphal。
　　AfterrecapitulatingtheinformationwhichFraiturehadgivenhim，andwhichcouldonlyhaveproceededfrommyself，headvisedmetoleaveMadridassoonaspossible，inaweekatlatest。
　　Icangivethereadernoideaoftheshockthislettergaveme。ForthefirsttimeinmylifeIhadtoconfessmyselfguiltyoffolly，ingratitude，andcrime。Ifeltthatmyfaultwasbeyondforgiveness，anddidnotthinkofaskingManuccitopardonme；Icoulddonothingbutdespair。
　　Nevertheless，inspiteofManucci’sjustindignation，Icouldnothelpseeingthathehadmadeagreatmistakeinadvisingme，insoinsultingamanner，toleaveMadridinaweek。Theyoungmanmighthaveknownthatmyself—respectwouldforbidmyfollowingsuchapieceofadvice。Hecouldnotcompelmetoobeyhiscounselorcommand；andtoleaveMadridwouldhavebeentocommitasecondbasenessworsethanthefirst。
　　ApreytogriefIspentthedaywithouttakinganystepsonewayortheother，andIwenttobedwithoutsuppingandwithoutthecompanyofDonnaIgnazia。
　　AfterasoundsleepIgotupandwrotetothefriendwhomIhadoffendedasincereandhumbleconfessionofmyfault。IconcludedmyletterbysayingthatIhopedthatthisevidenceofmysincereandheartfeltrepentancewouldsuffice，butifnotthatIwasreadytogivehimanyhonourablesatisfactioninmypower。
　　"Youmay，"Isaid，"havemeassassinatedifyoulike，butIshallnotleaveMadridtillitssuitsmetodoso。"
　　Iputacommonplacesealonmyletter，andhadtheaddresswrittenbyPhilippe，whosehandwasunknowntoManucci，andthenIsentittoPandowherethekinghadgone。
　　Ikeptmyroomthewholeday；andDonnaIgnazia，seeingthatIhadrecoveredmyspiritstosomedegree，madenomoreenquiriesaboutthecauseofmydistress。Iwaitedinthewholeofthenextday，expectingareply，butinvain。
　　Thethirdday，beingSunday，IwentouttocallonthePrincedellaCatolica。Mycarriagestoppedathisdoor，buttheportercameoutandtoldmeinapolitewhisperthathishighnesshadhisreasonsfornotreceivingmeanylonger。
　　Thiswasanunexpectedblow，butafteritIwaspreparedforanything。
　　IdrovetotheAbbeBigliardi，butthelackey，aftertakinginmyname，informedmethathismasterwasout。
　　IgotintomycarriageandwenttoVarnier，whosaidhewantedtospeaktome。
　　"Comeintomycarriage，"saidI，"wewillgoandhearmasstogether。"
　　OnourwayhetoldmethattheVenetianambassador，Mocenigo，hadwarnedtheDukeofMedinaSidoniathatIwasadangerouscharacter。
　　"Theduke，"headded，"repliedthathewouldceasetoknowyouassoonashefoundoutthebadnessofyourcharacterhimself。"
　　Thesethreeshocks，followinginsuchquicksuccession，castmeintoastateofconfusion。Isaidnothingtillweheardmasstogether，butI
　　believethatifIhadnotthentoldhimthewholestoryIshouldhavehadanapoplecticfit。
　　Varnierpitiedme，andsaid，——
　　"Sucharethewaysofthegreatwhentheyhaveabjuredallvirtueandhonesty。Nevertheless，Iadviseyoutokeepsilenceaboutit，unlessyouwouldirritateManuccistillfarther。"
　　WhenIgothomeIwrotetoManuccibegginghimtosuspendhisvengeance，orelseIshouldbeobligedtotellthestorytoallthosewhoinsultedmefortheambassador’ssake。IsentthelettertoM。Soderini，thesecretaryoftheembassy，feelingsurethathewouldforwardittoManucci。
　　Idinedwithmymistress，andtookhertothebullfight，whereIchancedtofindmyselfinaboxadjoiningthatinwhichManucciandthetwoambassadorswereseated。Imadethemabowwhichtheywereobligedtoreturn，anddidnotvouchsafethemanotherglancefortherestofthespectacle。
　　ThenextdaytheMarquisGrimaldirefusedtoreceiveme，andIsawthatI
　　shouldhavetoabandonallhope。TheDukeofLossadaremainedmyfriendonaccountofhisdisliketotheambassadorandhisunnaturaltastes；buthetoldmethathehadbeenrequestednottoreceiveme，andthathedidnotthinkIhadtheslightestchanceofobtaininganyemploymentatCourt。
　　Icouldscarcelybelieveinsuchanextremityofvengeance:Manucciwasmakingaparadeoftheinfluencehepossessedoverhiswifetheambassador。Inhisinsanedesireforrevengehehadlaidallshameaside。
　　IwascurioustoknowwhetherhehadforgottenDonEmmanueldeRodaandtheMarquisdelaMoras；Ifoundbothofthemhadbeenforewarnedagainstme。TherewasstilltheCountofAranda，andIwasjustgoingtoseehimwhenaservantofhishighness’scameandtoldmethathismasterwishedtoseeme。
　　Ishuddered，forinmythenstateofmindIdrewthemostsinisterconclusionsfromthemessage。
　　Ifoundthegreatmanalone，lookingperfectlycalm。Thismademepluckupaheart。Heaskedmetositdown——afavourhehadnothithertodoneme，andthisfurthercontributedtocheerme。
　　"Whathaveyoubeendoingtooffendyourambassador？"hebegan。
　　"Mylord，Ihavedonenothingtohimdirectly，butbyaninexcusableactofstupidityIhavewoundedhisdearfriendManucciinhistenderestpart。WiththemostinnocentintentionsIreposedmyconfidenceinacowardlyfellow，whosoldittoManucciforahundredpistoles。Inhisirritation，Manuccihasstirredupthegreatmanagainstme:’hincillaelacrimae’。"
　　"Youhavebeenunwise，butwhatisdoneisdone。Iamsorryforyou，becausethereisanendtoallyourhopesofadvancement。Thefirstthingthekingwoulddowouldbetomakeenquiriesaboutyouoftheambassador。"
　　"Ifeelittomysorrow，mylord，butmustIleaveMadrid？"
　　"No。Theambassadordidhisbesttomakemesendyouway，butItoldhimthatIhadnopoweroveryousolongasyoudidnotinfringethelaws。"
　　"’HehascalumniatedaVenetiansubjectwhomIamboundtoprotect，’saidhe。
　　"’Inthatcase，’Ireplied，’youcanresorttotheordinarylaw，andpunishhimtothebestofyourability。’"
　　"TheambassadorfinallybeggedmetoorderyounottomentionthemattertoanyVenetiansubjectsatMadrid，andIthinkyoucansafelypromisemethis。"
　　"Mylord，Ihavemuchpleasureingivingyourexcellencymywordofhonournottodoso。"
　　"Verygood。ThenyoucanstayatMadridaslongasyouplease；and，indeed，Mocenigowillbeleavinginthecourseofaweek。"
　　>FromthatmomentImadeupmymindtoamusemyselfwithoutanythoughtofobtainingapositioninSpain。However，thetiesoffriendshipmademekeepupmyacquaintancewithVarnier，theDukeofMedinaSidonia，andthearchitect，Sabatini，whoalwaysgavemeawarmwelcome，asdidhiswife。
　　DonnaIgnaziahadmoreofmycompanythanever，andcongratulatedmeonmyfreedomfromthecaresofbusiness。
　　AfterthedepartureofMocenigoIthoughtIwouldgoandseeifQuerini，hisnephew，wasequallyprejudicedagainstme。Theportertoldmethathehadreceivedordersnottoadmitme，andIlaughedintheman’sface。
　　SixorsevenweeksafterManucci’sdepartureI，too，leftMadrid。Ididsooncompulsion，inspiteofmyloveforIgnazia，forIhadnolongerhopesofdoinganythinginPortugal，andmypursewasnearlyexhausted。
　　Ithoughtofsellingahandsomerepeaterandagoldsnuff—boxsoastoenablemetogotoMarseilles，whenceIthoughtofgoingtoConstantinopleandtryingmyfortunetherewithoutturningrenegade。
　　Doubtless，Ishouldhavefoundtheplanunsuccessful，forIwasattaininganagewhenFortuneflies。Ihadnoreason，however，tocomplainofFortune，forshehadbeenlavishinhergiftstome，andIinmyturnhadalwaysabusedthem。
　　InmystateofdistressthelearnedAbbePinziintroducedmetoaGenoesebookseller，namedCarrado，athoroughlyhonestman，whoseemedtohavebeencreatedthattheknaveryofmostoftheGenoesemightbepardoned。
　　TohimIbroughtmywatchandsnuff—box，buttheworthyCarradonotonlyrefusedtobuythem，butwouldnottaketheminpledge。HegavemeseventeenhundredfrancswithnoothersecuritythanmywordthatIwouldrepayhimifIwereeverabletodoso。UnhappilyIhaveneverbeenabletorepaythisdebt，unlessmygratitudebeaccountedrepayment。
　　Asnothingissweeterthanthecompanionshipbetweenamanandthewomanheadores，sonothingisbittererthantheseparation；thepleasurehasvanishedaway，andonlythepainremains。
　　IspentmylastdaysatMadriddrinkingthecupofpleasurewhichwasembitteredbythethoughtofthepainthatwastofollow。TheworthyDiegowassadatthethoughtoflosingme，andcouldwithdifficultyrefrainfromtears。
　　ForsometimemymanPhilippecontinuedtogivemenewsofDonnaIgnazia。
　　Shebecamethebrideofarichshoemaker，thoughherfatherwasextremelymortifiedbyhermakingamarriagesomuchbeneathherstation。
　　IhadpromisedtheMarquisdelasMorasandColonelRoyasthatIwouldcomeandseethematSaragossa，thecapitalofAragon，andIarrivedthereatthebeginningofSeptember。Mystaylastedforafortnight，duringwhichtimeIwasabletoexaminethemannersandcustomsoftheAragonese，whowerenotsubjecttotheordinancesoftheMarquisofAranda，aslongcloaksandlowhatsweretobeseenateverycorner。
　　Theylookedlikedarkphantomsmorethanmen，forthecloakcoveredupatleasthalftheface。UnderneaththecloakwascarriedelSpadino，aswordofenormouslength。Personswhoworethiscostumeweretreatedwithgreatrespect，thoughtheyweremostlyarrantrogues；stilltheymightpossiblybepowerfulnoblemenindisguise。
　　ThevisitortoSaragossashouldseethedevotionwhichispaidtoourLadydelPilar。Ihaveseenprocessionsgoingalongthestreetsinwhichwoodenstatuesofgiganticproportionswerecarried。Iwastakentothebestassemblies，wherethemonksswarmed。Iwasintroducedtoaladyofmonstroussize，who，Iwasinformed，wascousintothefamousPalafox，andIdidnotfeelmybosomswellwithprideaswasevidentlyexpected。
　　IalsomadetheacquaintanceofCanonPignatelli，amanofItalianorigin。HewasPresidentoftheInquisition，andeverymorningheimprisonedtheprocuresswhohadfurnishedhimwiththegirlwithwhomhehadsuppedandslept。Hewouldwakeupinthemorningtiredoutwiththepleasuresofthenight；thegirlwouldbedrivenawayandtheprocuressimprisoned。Hethendressed，confessed，saidmass，andafteranexcellentbreakfastwithplentyofgoodwinehewouldsendoutforanothergirl，andthiswouldgoondayafterday。Nevertheless，hewasheldingreatrespectatSaragossa，forhewasamonk，acanon，andanInquisitor。
　　ThebullfightswerefineratSaragossathanatMadrid——thatistosay，theyweredeadlier；andthechiefinterestofthisbarbarousspectacleliesinthesheddingofblood。TheMarquisdelasMorasandColonelRoyasgavemesomeexcellentdinners。ThemarquiswasoneofthepleasantestmenImetinSpain；hediedveryyoungtwoyearsafter。
　　TheChurchofNuestraSenoradelPilarissituatedontherampartsofthetown，andtheAragonesefondlybelievethisportionofthetowndefencestobeimpregnable。
　　IhadpromisedDonnaPellicciatogoandseeheratValentia，andonmywayIsawtheancienttownofSaguntumonahillatsomelittledistance。
　　TherewasapriesttravellingwithmeandItoldhimandthedriver（whopreferredhismulestoalltheantiquitiesintheworld）thatIshouldliketogoandseethetown。Howthemuleteerandthepriestobjectedtothisproposal！
　　"Thereareonlyruinsthere，senor。"
　　"That’sjustwhatIwanttosee。"
　　"WeshallnevergettoValentiato—night。"
　　"Here’sacrown；weshallgetthereto—morrow。"
　　Thecrownsettledeverything，andthemanexclaimed，"ValgameDios，esunhombredebuen！"（SohelpmeGod，thisisanhonestman！）AsubjectofhisCatholicmajestyknowsnoheartierpraisethanthis。
　　Isawthemassivewallsstillstandingandingoodcondition，andyettheywerebuiltduringthesecondPunicWar。Isawontwoofthegatewaysinscriptionswhichtomeweremeaningless，butwhichSeguier，theoldfriendoftheMarquisMaffei，couldnodoubthavedeciphered。
　　Thesightofthismonumenttothecourageofanancientrace，whopreferredtoperishintheflamesratherthansurrender，excitedmyaweandadmiration。Thepriestlaughedatme，andIamsurehewouldnothavepurchasedthisvenerablecityofthedeadifhecouldhavedonesobysayingamass。Theverynamehasperished；insteadofSaguntumitiscalledMurviedrofromtheLatin’muriveteres’（oldwalls）；butTimethatdestroysmarbleandbrassdestroysalsotheverymemoryofwhathasbeen。
　　"Thisplace，"saidthepriest，"isalwayscalledMurviedro。"
　　"Itisridiculoustodoso，"Ireplied；"commonsenseforbidsuscallingathingoldwhichwasonceyoungenough。That’sasifyouwouldtellmethatNewCastilleisreallynew。"
　　"Well，OldCastilleismoreancientthanNewCastille。"
　　"Noso。NewCastillewasonlycalledsobecauseitwasthelatestconquest；butasamatteroffactitistheolderofthetwo。"
　　Thepoorpriesttookrefugeinsilence；shakinghishead，andevidentlytakingmeforamadman。
　　ItriedvainlytofindHannibal’shead，andtheinscriptioninhonourofCaesarClaudius，butIfoundouttheremainsoftheamphitheatre。
　　ThenextdayIremarkedthemosaicpavement，whichhadbeendiscoveredtwentyyearsbefore。
　　IreachedValentiaatnineo’clockinthemorning，andfoundthatI
　　shouldhavetocontentmyselfwithabadlodging，asMarescalchi，theoperamanager，hadtakenallthebestroomsforthemembersofhiscompany。Marescalchiwasaccompaniedbyhisbrother，apriest，whomI
　　founddecidedlylearnedforhisage。Wetookawalktogether，andhelaughedwhenIproposedgoingintoacafe，fortherewasnotsuchathinginthetown。Therewereonlytavernsofthelowestclasswherethewineisnotfittodrink。Icouldscarcelybelieveit，butSpainisapeculiarcountry。WhenIwasatValentia，agoodbottleofwinewasscarcelyobtainable，thoughMalagaandAlicantewerebothcloseathand。
　　InthefirstthreedaysofmystayatValentia（thebirthplaceofAlexanderVI。），Isawalltheobjectsofinterestinthetown，andwasconfirmedinmyideathatwhatseemssoadmirableinthedescriptionsofwritersandthepicturesofartistslosesmuchofitscharmonactualinspection。
　　ThoughValentiaisblessedwithanexcellentclimate，thoughitiswellwatered，situatedinthemidstofabeautifulcountry，fertileinallthechoicestproductsofnature，thoughitistheresidenceofmanyofthemostdistinguishedoftheSpanishnobility，thoughitswomenarethemosthandsomeinSpain，thoughithastheadvantageofbeingtheseatofanarchbishop；inspiteofallthesecommodities，itisamostdisagreeabletowntolivein。Oneisilllodgedandillfed，thereisnogoodwineandnogoodcompany，thereisnotevenanyintellectualprovision，forthoughthereisauniversity，letteredmenareabsolutelyunknown。
　　Asforthebridges，churches，thearsenal，theexchange，thetownhall，thetwelvetowngates，andtherest，Icouldnottakepleasureinatownwherethestreetsarenotpaved，andwhereapublicpromenadeisconspicuousbyitsabsence。Outsidethetownthecountryisdelightful，especiallyonthesidetowardsthesea；buttheoutsideisnottheinside。
　　Thefeaturewhichpleasedmemostwasthenumberofsmallone—horsevehicleswhichtransportthetravellerrapidlyfromonepointtoanother，ataveryslightexpense，andwillevenundertakeatwoorthreedays’
　　journey。
　　Ifmyframeofmindhadbeenamorepleasantone，IshouldhavetravelledthroughthekingdomsofMurciaandGrenada，whichsurpassItalyinbeautyandfertility。
　　PoorSpaniards！Thisbeautyandfertilityofyourlandarethecauseofyourignorance，astheminesofPeruandPotosihavebroughtaboutthatfoolishprideandalltheprejudiceswhichdegradeyou。
　　Spaniards，whenwilltheimpulsecome？whenwillyoushakeoffthatfatallethargy？Nowyouaretrulyuselesstoyourselves，andtherestoftheworld；whatisityouneed？
　　Afuriousrevolution，aterribleshock，aconquestofregeneration；yourcaseispastgentlemethods，itneedsthecauteryandthefire。
　　ThefirstcallIpaidwasonDonnaPelliccia。Thefirstperformancewastobegivenintwodays。Thiswasnotamatterofanydifficulty，asthesameoperasweretobepresentedashadbeenalreadyplayedatAranjuez，theEscurial，andtheGranja，fortheCountofArandawouldneverhavedaredtosanctiontheperformanceofanItaliancomicoperaatMadrid。
　　Thenoveltywouldhavebeentoogreat，andtheInquisitionwouldhaveinterfered。
　　Theballswereaconsiderableshock，andtwoyearsaftertheyweresuppressed。Spainwillnevermakeanyrealadvance，untiltheInquisitionissuppressedalso。
　　AssoonasDonnaPellicciaarrived，shesentintheletterofintroductionshehadreceivedfromtheDukeofArcos，threemonthsbefore。ShehadnotseenthedukesincetheirmeetingatAranjuez。
　　Madam，"saidDonDiego，thepersontowhomshewascommended，"Ihavecometoofferyoumyservices，andtotellyouoftheordershisgracehaslaidonme，ofwhichyoumaypossiblybeignorant。"
　　"Ihope，sir，"shereplied，"thatIamnotputtingyoutoanyinconvenience，butIamextremelygratefultothedukeandtoyourself；
　　andIshallhavethehonourofcallingonyoutogiveyoumythanks。"
　　"Notatall；IhaveonlytosaythatIhaveorderstofurnishyouwithanysumsyoumayrequire，totheamountoftwenty—fivethousanddoubloons。"
　　"Twenty—fivethousanddoubloons？"
　　"Exactly，madam，twohundredandfiftythousandfrancsinFrenchmoney，andnomore。Kindlyreadhisgrace’sletter；youdonotseemtobeawareofitscontents。"
　　Theletterwasabriefone:
　　"DonDiego，——YouwillfurnishDonnaPellicciawithwhateversumsshemayrequire，notexceedingtwenty—fivethousanddoubloons，atmyaccount。
　　"THEDUKEDOSARCOS"
　　Weremainedinastateofperfectstupefaction。DonnaPellicciareturnedtheepistletothebanker，whobowedandtookhisleave。
　　Thissoundsalmostincrediblegenerosity，butinSpainsuchthingsarenotuncommon。IhavealreadymentionedthemunificentgiftofMedina—
　　CelitoMadamePichona。
　　ThosewhoareunacquaintedwiththepeculiarSpanishcharacterandthevastrichesofsomeofthenobility，maypronouncesuchactsofgenerositytoberidiculousandpositivelyinjurious，buttheymakeamistake。Thespendthriftgivesandsquandersbyakindofinstinct，andsohewillcontinuetodoaslongashismeansremain。ButthesesplendidgiftsIhavedescribeddonotcomeunderthecategoryofsenselessprodigality。TheSpaniardischieflyambitiousofpraise，forpraisehewilldoanything；butthisverydesireforadmirationservestorestrainhimfromactionsbywhichhewouldincurblame。Hewantstobethoughtsuperiortohisfellows，astheSpanishnationissuperiortoallothernations；hewantstobethoughtworthyofathrone，andtobeconsideredasthepossessorofallthevirtues。
　　ImayalsonotethatwhilesomeoftheSpanishnobilityareasrichastheEnglishlords，theformerhavenotsomanywaysofspendingtheirmoneyasthelatter，andthusareenabledtobeheroicallygenerousonoccasion。
　　AssoonasDonDiegohadgone，webegantodiscusstheduke’snoblebehaviour。
　　DonnaPellicciamaintainedthatthedukehadwishedtoshewhisconfidenceinherbydoingherthehonourofsupposingherincapableofabusinghisgenerosity；"atallevents，"sheconcluded，"IwouldratherdieofhungerthantakeasingledoubloonofDonDiego。"
　　"Thedukewouldbeoffended，"saidaviolinist；"Ithinkyououghttotakesomething。"
　　"Youmusttakeitall，"saidthehusband。
　　Iwasofthelady’sopinion，andtoldherthatIwassurethedukewouldrewardherdelicacybymakingherfortune。
　　Shefollowedmyadviceandherownimpulse，thoughthebankerremonstratedwithher。
　　SuchistheperversityofthehumanmindthatnoonebelievedinDonnaPelliccia’sdelicacy。WhenthekingheardwhathadhappenedheorderedtheworthyactresstoleaveMadrid，topreventthedukeruininghimself。
　　Suchisoftentherewardofvirtueherebelow，butthemaliciouspersonswhohadtriedtoinjureDonnaPellicciabycalumniatinghertothekingwerethemeansofmakingherfortune。
　　Thedukewhohadonlyspokenonceortwicetotheactressinpublic，andhadneverspentapennyonher，tooktheking’scommandasaninsult，andonenottobeborne。Hewastooproudtosolicitthekingtorevoketheorderhehadgiven，andintheendbehavedinawaybefittingsonoble—
　　mindedaman。ForthefirsttimehevisitedDonnaPellicciaatherownhouse，andbegginghertoforgivehimforhavingbeentheinnocentcauseofherdisgrace，askedhertoacceptarouleauandaletterwhichhelaidonthetable。
　　Therouleaucontainedahundredgoldounceswiththewords"fortravellingexpenses，"andtheletterwasaddressedtoaRomanbank，andprovedtobeanorderfortwenty—fourthousandRomancrowns。
　　Fortwenty—nineyearsthisworthywomankeptanestablishmentatRome，anddidsoinamannerwhichprovedherworthyofhergoodfortune。
　　ThedayafterDonnaPelliccia’sdeparturethekingsawtheDukeofArcos，andtoldhimnottobesad，buttoforgetthewoman，whohadbeensentawayforhisowngood。
　　"Bysendingheraway，yourmajestyobligedmetoturnfictionintofact，forIonlyknewherbyspeakingtoherinvariouspublicplaces，andI
　　hadnevermadeherthesmallestpresent。"
　　"Thenyounevergavehertwenty—fivethousanddoubloons？"
　　"Sire，Igaveherdoublethatsum，butonlyonthedaybeforeyesterday。
　　Yourmajestyhasabsolutepower，butifshehadnotreceivedherdismissalIshouldneverhavegonetoherhouse，norshouldIhavegivenherthesmallestpresent。"
　　Thekingwasstupefiedandsilent；hewasprobablymeditatingontheamountofcreditamonarchshouldgivetothegossipthathiscourtiersbringhim。
　　IheardaboutthisfromM。Monnino，whowasafterwardsknownunderthetitleofCastilledeFloridaBlanca，andisnowlivinginexileinMurcia，hisnativecountry。
　　AfterMarescalchihadgone，andIwasmakingmypreparationsformyjourneytoBarcelona，Isawoneday，atthebullfight，awomanwhoseappearancehadastrangekindoffascinationaboutit。
　　TherewasaknightofAlcantaraatmyside，andIaskedhimwhotheladywas。
　　"SheisthefamousNina。"
　　"Howfamous？"
　　"Ifyoudonotknowherstory，itistoolongtobetoldhere。"
　　Icouldnothelpgazingather，andtwominuteslateranill—lookingfellowbesidehercameuptomycompanionandwhisperedsomethinginhisear。
　　TheknightturnedtowardsmeandinformedmeinthemostpolitemannerthattheladywhosenameIhadaskeddesiredtoknowmine。
　　Iwassillyenoughtobeflatteredbyhercuriosity，andtoldthemessengerthatiftheladywouldallowmeIwouldcometoherboxandtellhermynameinpersonaftertheperformance。
　　"FromyouraccentIshouldsupposeyouwereanItalian。"
　　"IamaVenetian。"
　　"Soisshe。"
　　Whenhehadgoneawaymyneighbourseemedinclinedtobemorecommunicative，andinformedmethatNinawasadancerwhomtheCountdeRicla，theViceroyofBarcelona，waskeepingforsomeweeksatValentia，tillhecouldgetherbacktoBarcelona，whencethebishopofthediocesehadexpelledheronaccountofthescandalstowhichshegaverise。"Thecount，"headded，"ismadlyinlovewithher，andallowsherfiftydoubloonsaday。"
　　"Ishouldhopeshedoesnotspendthem。"
　　"Shecan’tdothat，butshedoesnotletadaypasswithoutcommittingsomeexpensiveactoffolly。"
　　Ifeltcurioustoknowawomanofsuchapeculiarcharacter，andlongedfortheendofthebullfight，littlethinkinginwhattroublethisnewacquaintancewouldinvolveme。
　　Shereceivedmewithgreatpoliteness，andasshegotintohercarriagedrawnbysixmules，shesaidshewouldbedelightedifIwouldbreakfastwithheratnineo’clockonthefollowingday。
　　Ipromisedtocome，andIkeptmyword。
　　Herhousewasjustoutsidethetownwalls，andwasaverylargebuilding。
　　Itwasrichlyandtastefullyfurnished，andwassurroundedbyanenormousgarden。
　　Thefirstthingthatstruckmewasthenumberofthelackeysandtherichnessoftheirliveries，andthemaidsinelegantattire，whoseemedtobegoingandcominginalldirections。
　　AsIadvancedIheardanimperiousvoicescoldingsomeone。
　　ThescoldwasNina，whowasabusinganastonished—lookingman，whowasstandingbyalargetablecoveredwithstuffsandlaces。
　　"Excuseme，"saidshe，"butthisfoolofaSpaniardwantstopersuademethatthislaceisreallyhandsome。"
　　SheaskedmewhatIthoughtofthelace，andthoughIprivatelythoughtitlaceofthefinestquality，Ididnotcaretocontradicther，andsorepliedthatIwasnojudge。
　　"Madam，"saidthetradesman，"ifyoudonotlikethelace，leaveit；willyoukeepthestuffs？"
　　"Yes，"shereplied；"andasforthelace，Iwillshewyouthatitisnotthemoneythatdetersme。"
　　Sosayingthemadgirltookupapairofscissorsandcutthelaceintofragments。
　　"Whatapity！"saidthemanwhohadspokentomeatthebullfight。
　　"Peoplewillsaythatyouhavegoneoffyourhead。"
　　"Besilent，youpimpingrogue！"saidshe，enforcingherwordswithasturdyboxontheear。
　　Thefellowwentoff，callingherstrumpet，whichonlymadeherscreamwithlaughter；then，turningtotheSpaniard，shetoldhimtomakeouthisaccountdirectly。
　　Themandidnotwanttellingtwice，andavengedhimselffortheabusehehadreceivedbytheinordinatelengthofhisbill。
　　Shetookuptheaccountandplacedherinitialsatthebottomwithoutdeigningtolookattheitems，andsaid，——
　　"GotoDonDiegoValencia；hewillpayyouimmediately。"
　　Assoonaswewerealonethechocolatewasserved，andshesentamessagetothefellowwhoseearsshehadboxedtocometobreakfastdirectly。
　　"Youneedn’tbesurprisedatmywayoftreatinghim，"shesaid。"He’sarascalwhomRiclahasplacedinmyhousetospyoutmyactions，andI
　　treathimasyouhaveseen，sothathemayhaveplentyofnewstowritetohismaster。"
　　IthoughtImustbedreaming；suchawomanseemedtomebeyondthelimitsofthepossible。
　　Thepoorwretch，whocamefromBolognaandwasamusicianbyprofession，cameandsatdownwithuswithoutaword。HisnamewasMolinari。
　　Assoonashehadfinishedhisbreakfasthelefttheroom，andNinaspentanhourwithmetalkingaboutSpain，Italy，andPortugal，whereshehadmarriedadancernamedBergonzi。
　　"Myfather，"shesaid，"wasthefamouscharlatanPelandi；youmayhaveknownhimatVenice。"
　　Afterthispieceofconfidence（andshedidnotseematallashamedofherparentage）sheaskedmetosupwithher，supperbeingherfavouritemeal。Ipromisedtocome，andIlefthertoreflectontheextraordinarycharacterofthewoman，andonthegoodfortunewhichshesoabused。
　　Ninawaswonderfullybeautiful；butasithasalwaysbeenmyopinionthatmerebeautydoesnotgoformuch，Icouldnotunderstandhowaviceroycouldhavefalleninlovewithhertosuchanextent。AsforMolinari，afterwhichIhadseen，Icouldonlysethimdownasaninfamouswretch。
　　Iwenttosupperwithherforamusement’ssake，for，withallherbeauty，shehadnottouchedmyheartintheslightestdegree。ItwasatthebeginningofOctober，butatValentiathethermometermarkedtwentydegreesReaumurintheshade。
　　Ninawaswalkinginthegardenwithhercompanion，bothofthembeingverylightlyclad；indeed，Ninahadonlyherchemiseandalightpetticoat。
　　Assoonasshesawmeshecameupandbeggedmetofollowtheirexampleinthewayofattire，butIbeggedtobeexcused。Thepresenceofthathatefulfellowrevoltedmeinthehighestdegree。
　　IntheintervalbeforesupperNinaentertainedmewithanumberoflasciviousanecdotesofherexperiencesfromthetimeshebeganherpresentmodeoflivinguptotheageoftwenty—two，whichwasheragethen。
　　IfithadnotbeenforthepresenceofthedisgustingArgus，nodoubtallthesestorieswouldhaveproducedtheirnaturaleffectonme；butasitwastheyhadnonewhatever。
　　Wehadadelicatesupperandatewithappetite，andafteritwasoverI
　　wouldhavegladlyleftthem；butNinawouldnotletmego。Thewinehadtakeneffect，andshewishedtohavealittleamusement。
　　Afteralltheservantshadbeendismissed，thisMessalinaorderedMolinaritostripnaked，andshethenbegantotreathiminamannerwhichIcannotdescribewithoutdisgust。
　　Therascalwasyoungandstrong，and，thoughhewasdrunk，Nina’streatmentsoonplacedhiminaheartycondition。Icouldseethatshewishedmetoplaymypartintherevels，butmydisgusthadutterlydeprivedmeofallmyamorousfaculties。
　　Nina，too，hadundressed，andseeingthatIviewedtheorgycoldlysheproceededtosatiateherdesiresbymeansofMolinari。
　　Ihadtobearwiththesightofthisbeautifulwomancouplingherselfwithananimal，whoseonlymeritlayinhisvirilemonstrosity，whichshenodoubtregardedaeabeauty。