MEMOIRS OF JACQUES CASANOVA de SEINGALT 1725-1798

ADVENTURES IN THE SOUTH, Volume 4a--DEPART SWITZERLAND

THE RARE UNABRIDGED LONDON EDITION OF 1894 TRANSLATED BY ARTHUR MACHEN TOWHICH HAS BEEN ADDED THE CHAPTERS DISCOVERED BY ARTHUR SYMONS. 

DEPART SWITZERLAND

CHAPTER I

The Door--Keeper's Daughters--The Horoscopes--Mdlle. Roman

The idea of the sorry plight in which I had left the Marquis de Prie, hismistress, and perhaps all the company, who had undoubtedly coveted thecontents of my cash-box, amused me till I reached Chamberi, where I onlystopped to change horses. When I reached Grenoble, where I intended tostay a week, I did not find my lodging to my liking, and went in mycarriage to the post-office, where I found several letters, amongstothers, one from Madame d'Urfe, enclosing a letter of introduction to anofficer named Valenglard, who, she told me, was a learned man, and wouldpresent me at all the best houses in the town. 

I called on this officer and received a cordial welcome. After readingMadame d'Urfe's letter he said he was ready to be useful to me inanything I pleased. 

He was an amiable, middle aged man, and fifteen years before had beenMadame d'Urfe's friend, and in a much more intimate degree the friend ofher daughter, the Princess de Toudeville. I told him that I wasuncomfortable at the inn, and that the first service I would ask of himwould be to procure me a comfortable lodging. He rubbed his head, andsaid, --

"I think I can get you rooms in a beautiful house, but it is outside thetown walls. The door-keeper is an excellent cook, and for the sake ofdoing your cooking I am sure he will lodge you for nothing. "

"I don't wish that, " said I. 

"Don't be afraid, " said the baron, "he will make it up by means of hisdishes; and besides, the house is for sale and costs him nothing. Comeand see it. "

I took a suite of three rooms and ordered supper for two, warning the manthat I was dainty, liked good things, and did not care for the cost. Ialso begged M. De Valenglard to sup with me. The doorkeeper said that ifI was not pleased with his cooking I had only to say so, and in that caseI should have nothing to pay. I sent for my carriage, and felt that I hadestablished myself in my new abode. On the ground floor I saw threecharming girls and the door-keeper's wife, who all bowed profoundly. M. De Valenglard took me to a concert with the idea of introducing me toeverybody, but I begged him not to do so, as I wished to see the ladiesbefore deciding which of them I should like to know. 

The company was a numerous one, especially where women were concerned, but the only one to attract my attention was a pretty and modest-lookingbrunette, whose fine figure was dressed with great simplicity. Hercharming eyes, after having thrown one glance in my direction, obstinately refused to look at me again. My vanity made me conclude atonce that she behaved thus only to increase my desire of knowing her, andto give me plenty of time to examine her side-face and her figure, theproportions of which were not concealed by her simple attire. Successbegets assurance, and the wish is father to the thought. I cast a hungrygaze on this young lady without more ado, just as if all the women inEurope were only a seraglio kept for my pleasures. I told the baron Ishould like to know her. 

"She is a good girl, " said he, "who sees no company, and is quite poor. "

"Those are three reasons which make me the more anxious to know her. "

"You will really find nothing to do in that quarter. "

"Very good. "

"There is her aunt, I will introduce you to her as we leave theconcert-room. "

After doing me this service, he came to sup with me. The door-keeper andcook struck me as being very like Lebel. He made his two pretty daughterswait on me, and I saw that Valenglard was delighted at having lodged meto my satisfaction, but he grumbled when he saw fifteen dishes. 

"He is making a fool of you and me, " he said. 

"On the contrary, he has guessed my tastes. Don't you think everythingwas very good?"

"I don't deny it, but . . . . "

"Don't be afraid; I love spending my money. "

"I beg your pardon, I only want you to be pleased. "

We had exquisite wines, and at dessert some ratafia superior to theTurkish 'visnat' I had tasted seventeen years before at Yussuf Ali's. When my landlord came up at the end of supper, I told him that he oughtto be Louis XV. 's head cook. 

"Go on as you have begun, and do better if you can; but let me have yourbill every morning. "

"You are quite right; with such an arrangement one can tell how one isgetting on. "

"I should like you always to give me ices, and you must let me have twomore lights. But, unless I am mistaken, those are candles that I see. Iam a Venetian, and accustomed to wax lights. "

"That is your servant's fault, sir. "

"How is that?"

"Because, after eating a good supper, he went to bed, saying he was ill. Thus I heard nothing as to how you liked things done. "

"Very good, you shall learn from my own lips. "

"He asked my wife to make chocolate for you tomorrow morning; he gave herthe chocolate, I will make it myself. "

When he had left the room M. De Valenglard said, in a manner that was atthe same time pleased and surprised, that Madame d'Urfe had beenapparently joking in telling him to spare me all expense. 

"It's her goodness of heart. I am obliged to her all the same. She is anexcellent woman. "

We stayed at table till eleven o'clock, discussing in numerable pleasanttopics, and animating our talk with that choice liqueur made at Grenoble, of which we drank a bottle. It is composed of the juice of cherries, brandy, sugar, and cinnamon, and cannot be surpassed, I am sure, by thenectar of Olympus. 

I sent home the baron in my carriage, after thanking him for hisservices, and begging him to be my companion early and late while Istayed at Grenoble--a re quest which he granted excepting for those dayson which he was on duty. At supper I had given him my bill of exchange onZappata, which I endorsed with the name de Seingalt, which Madame d'Urfehad given me. He discounted it for me next day. A banker brought me fourhundred louis and I had thirteen hundred in my cash-box. I always had adread of penuriousness, and I delighted myself at the thought that M. DeValenglard would write and tell Madame d'Urfe, who was always preachingeconomy to me, what he had seen. I escorted my guest to the carriage, andI was agreeably surprised when I got back to find the doorkeeper's twocharming daughters. 

Le Duc had not waited for me to tell him to find some pretext for notserving me. He knew my tastes, and that when there were pretty girls in ahouse, the less I saw of him the better I was pleased. 

The frank eagerness of the two girls to wait on me, their utter freedomfrom suspicion or coquetry, made me determine that I would shew myselfdeserving of their trust. They took off my shoes and stockings, did myhair and put on my night-gown with perfect propriety on both sides. WhenI was in bed I wished them a goodnight, and told them to shut the doorand bring me my chocolate at eight o'clock next morning. 

I could not help confessing that I was perfectly happy as I reflectedover my present condition. I enjoyed perfect health, I was in the primeof life, I had no calls on me, I was thoroughly independent, I had a richstore of experience, plenty of money, plenty of luck, and I was afavourite with women. The pains and troubles I had gone through had beenfollowed by so many days of happiness that I felt disposed to bless mydestiny. Full of these agreeable thoughts I fell asleep, and all thenight my dreams were of happiness and of the pretty brunette who hadplayed with me at the concert. 

I woke with thoughts of her, and feeling sure that we should becomeacquainted I felt curious to know what success I should have with her. She was discreet and poor; and as I was discreet in my own way she oughtnot to despise my friendship. 

At eight o'clock, one of the door-keeper's daughters brought me mychocolate, and told me that Le Duc had got the fever. 

"You must take care of the poor fellow. "

"My cousin has just taken him some broth. "

"What is your name?"

"My name is Rose, and my sister is Manon. "

Just then Manon came in with my shirt, on which she had put fresh lace. Ithanked her, and she said with a blush that she did her father's hairvery well. 

"I am delighted to hear it, and I shall be very pleased if you will bekind enough to do the same offices for me till my servant recovers. "

"With pleasure, sir. "

"And I, " said Rose, laughing, "will shave you. "

"I should like to see how you do it; get the water. "

I rose hastily, while Manon was preparing to do my hair. Rose returnedand shaved me admirably. As soon as she had washed off the lather, Isaid, "You must give me a kiss, " presenting my cheek to her. She pretended notto understand. 

"I shall be vexed, " said I, gravely but pleasantly, "if you refuse tokiss me. "

She begged to be excused, saying with a little smile, that it was notcustomary to do so at Grenoble. 

"Well, if you won't kiss me, you shan't shave me. "

The father came in at that point, bringing his bill. 

"Your daughter has just shaved me admirably, " said I, "and she refuses tokiss me, because it is not the custom at Grenoble. "

"You little silly, " said he, "it is the custom in Paris. You kiss me fastenough after you have shaved me, why should you be less polite to thisgentleman?"

She then kissed me with an air of submission to the paternal decree whichmade Manon laugh. 

"Ah!" said the father, "your turn will come when you have finished doingthe gentleman's hair. "

He was a cunning fellow, who knew the best way to prevent me cheapeninghim, but there was no need, as I thought his charges reasonable, and as Ipaid him in full he went off in great glee. 

Manon did my hair as well as my dear Dubois, and kissed me when she haddone without making as many difficulties as Rose. I thought I should geton well with both of them. They went downstairs when the banker wasannounced. 

He was quite a young man, and after he had counted me out four hundredLouis, he observed that I must be very comfortable. 

"Certainly, " said I, "the two sisters are delightful. "

"Their cousin is better. They are too discreet. "

"I suppose they are well off. "

"The father has two thousand francs a year. They will be able to marrywell-to-do tradesmen. "

I was curious to see the cousin who was said to be prettier than thesisters, and as soon as the banker had gone I went downstairs to satisfymy curiosity. I met the father and asked him which was Le Duc's room, andthereon I went to see my fine fellow. I found him sitting up in acomfortable bed with a rubicund face which did not look as if he weredangerously ill. 

"What is the matter with you?

"Nothing, sir. I am having a fine time of it. Yesterday I thought I wouldbe ill. "

"What made you think that?"

"The sight of the three Graces here, who are made of better stuff thanyour handsome housekeeper, who would not let me kiss her. They are makingme wait too long for my broth, however. I shall have to speak severelyabout it. "

"Le Duc, you are a rascal. "

"Do you want me to get well?"

"I want you to put a stop to this farce, as I don't like it. " Just thenthe door opened, and the cousin came in with the broth. I thought herravishing, and I noticed that in waiting on Le Duc she had an imperiouslittle air which well became her. 

"I shall dine in bed, " said my Spaniard. 

"You shall be attended to, " said the pretty girl, and she went out. 

"She puts on big airs, " said Le Duc, "but that does not impose on me. Don't you think she is very pretty?"

"I think you are very impudent. You ape your betters, and I don't approveof it. Get up. You must wait on me at table, and afterwards you will eatyour dinner by yourself, and try to get yourself respected as an honestman always is, whatever his condition, so long as he does not forgethimself. You must not stay any longer in this room, the doorkeeper willgive you another. "

I went out, and on meeting the fair cousin I told her that I was jealousof the honour which she had done my man, and that I begged her to wait onhim no longer. 

"Oh, I am very glad!"

The door-keeper came up, and I gave him my orders, and went back to myroom to write. 

Before dinner the baron came and told me that he had just come from thelady to whom he had introduced me. She was the wife of a barrister namedMorin, and aunt to the young lady who had so interested me. 

"I have been talking of you, " said the baron, "and of the impression herniece made on you. She promised to send for her, and to keep her at thehouse all day. "

After a dinner as good as the supper of the night before, thoughdifferent from it in its details, and appetising enough to awaken thedead, we went to see Madame Morin, who received us with the easy grace ofa Parisian lady. She introduced me to seven children, of whom she was themother. Her eldest daughter, an ordinary-looking girl, was twelve yearsold, but I should have taken her to be fourteen, and said so. To convinceme of her age the mother brought a book in which the year, the month, theday, the hour, and even the minute of her birth were entered. I wasastonished at such minute accuracy, and asked if she had had a horoscopedrawn. 

"No, " said she, "I have never found anybody to do it. "

"It is never too late, " I replied, "and without doubt God has willed thatthis pleasure should be reserved for me. "

At this moment M. Morin came in, his wife introduced me, and after thecustomary compliments had passed, she returned to the subject of thehoroscope. The barrister sensibly observed that if judicial astrology wasnot wholly false, it was, nevertheless, a suspected science; that he hadbeen so foolish as once to devote a considerable portion of his time toit, but that on recognizing the inability of man to deal with the futurehe had abandoned astrology, contenting himself with the veritable truthsof astronomy. I saw with pleasure that I had to deal with a man of senseand education, but Valenglard, who was a believer in astrology, began anargument with him on the subject. During their discussion I quietlycopied out on my tablets the date of Mdlle. Morin's birth. But M. Morinsaw what I was about, and shook his head at me, with a smile. Iunderstood what he meant, but I did not allow that to disconcert me, as Ihad made up my mind fully five minutes ago that I would play theastrologer on this occasion. 

At last the fair niece arrived. Her aunt introduced me to her as Mdlle. Roman Coupier, her sister's daughter; and then, turning to her, sheinformed her how ardently I had been longing to know her since I had seenher at the concert. 

She was then seventeen. Her satin skin by its dazzling whitenessdisplayed to greater advantage her magnificent black hair. Her featureswere perfectly regular, and her complexion had a slight tinge of red; herfine eyes were at once sweet and sparkling, her eyebrows were wellarched, her mouth small, her teeth regular and as white as pearls, andher lips, of an exquisite rosy hue, afforded a seat to the deities ofgrace and modesty. 

After some moments' conversation, M. Morin was obliged to go out onbusiness, and a game of quadrille was proposed, at which I was greatlypitied for having lost a louis. I thought Mdlle. Roman discreet, judicious, pleasant without being brilliant, and, still better, withoutany pretensions. She was high-spirited, even-tempered, and had a naturalart which did not allow her to seem to understand too flattering acompliment, or a joke which passed in any way the bounds of propriety. She was neatly dressed, but had no ornaments, and nothing which shewedwealth; neither ear-rings, rings, nor a watch. One might have said thather beauty was her only adornment, the only ornament she wore being asmall gold cross hanging from her necklace of black ribbon. Her breastwas well shaped and not too large. Fashion and custom made her shew halfof it as innocently as she shewed her plump white hand, or her cheeks, whereon the lily and the rose were wedded. I looked at her features tosee if I might hope at all; but I was completely puzzled, and could cometo no conclusion. She gave no sign which made me hope, but on the otherhand she did nothing to make me despair. She was so natural and soreserved that my sagacity was completely at fault. Nevertheless, aliberty which I took at supper gave me a gleam of hope. Her napkin felldown, and in returning it to her I pressed her thigh amorously, and couldnot detect the slightest displeasure on her features. Content with somuch I begged everybody to come to dinner with me next day, tellingMadame Morin that I should not be going out, and that I was thereforedelighted to put my carriage at her service. 

When I had taken Valenglard home, I went to my lodging building castlesin Spain as to the conquest of Mdlle. Roman. 

I warned my landlord that we should be six at dinner and supper thefollowing day, and then I went to bed. As Le Duc was undressing me hesaid, "Sir, you are punishing me, but what makes me sorry you are punishingyourself in depriving yourself of the services of those pretty girls. "

"You are a rogue. "

"I know it, but I serve you with all my heart, and I love your pleasureas well as my own. "

"You plead well for yourself; I am afraid I have spoilt you. "

"Shall I do your hair to-morrow?"

"No; you may go out every day till dinner-time. "

"I shall be certain to catch it. "

"Then I shall send you to the hospital. "

"That is a fine prospect, 'por Dios'. "

He was impudent, sly, profligate, and a rascally fellow; but alsoobedient, devoted, discreet, and faithful, and his good qualities made meoverlook his defects. 

Next morning, when Rose brought my chocolate, she told me with a laughthat my man had sent for a carriage, and after dressing himself in theheight of fashion he had gone off with his sword at his side, to paycalls, as he said. 

"We laughed at him. "

"You were quite right, my dear Rose. "

As I spoke, Manon came in under some pretext or other. I saw that the twosisters had an understanding never to be alone with me; I was displeased, but pretended not to notice anything. I got up, and I had scarcely put onmy dressing-gown when the cousin came in with a packet under her arm. 

"I am delighted to see you, and above all to look at your smiling face, for I thought you much too serious yesterday. "

"That's because M. Le Duc is a greater gentleman than you are; I shouldnot have presumed to laugh in his presence; but I had my reward in seeinghim start off this morning in his gilded coach. "

"Did he see you laughing at him?"

"Yes, unless he is blind. "

"He will be vexed. "

"All the better. "

"You are really very charming. What have you got in that parcel?"

"Some goods of our own manufacture. Look; they are embroidered gloves. "

"They are beautiful; the embroidery is exquisitely done. How much for thelot?"

"Are you a good hand at a bargain. "

"Certainly. "

"Then we must take that into account. "

After some whisperings together the cousin took a pen, put down thenumbers of gloves, added up and said, "The lot will cost you two hundred and ten francs. "

"There are nine louis; give me six francs change. "

"But you told us you would make a bargain. "

"You were wrong to believe it. "

She blushed and gave me the six francs. Rose and Manon shaved me and didmy hair, giving me a kiss with the best grace imaginable; and when Ioffered my cheek to the cousin she kissed me on the mouth in a mannerthat told me she would be wholly mine on the first opportunity. 

"Shall we have the pleasure of waiting on you at the table?" said Rose. 

"I wish you would. "

"But we should like to know who is coming to dinner first; as if it isofficers from the garrison we dare not come; they make so free. "

"My guests are Madame Morin, her husband, and her niece. "

"Very good. "

The cousin said, "Mdlle. Roman is the prettiest and the best girl inGrenoble; but she will find some difficulty in marrying as she has nomoney. "

"She may meet some rich man who will think her goodness and her beautyworth a million of money. "

"There are not many men of that kind. "

"No; but there are a few. "

Manon and the cousin went out, and I was left alone with Rose, who stayedto dress me. I attacked her, but she defended herself so resolutely thatI desisted, and promised it should not occur again. When she had finishedI gave her a louis, thanked her, and sent her away. 

As soon as I was alone I locked the door, and proceeded to concoct thehoroscope I had promised to Madame Morin. I found it an easy task to filleight pages with learned folly; and I confined myself chiefly todeclaring the events which had already happened to the native. I haddeftly extracted some items of information in the course of conversation, and filling up the rest according to the laws of probability and dressingup the whole in astrological diction, I was pronounced to be a seer, andno doubts were cast on my skill. I did not indeed run much risk, foreverything hung from an if, and in the judicious employment of ifs liesthe secret of all astrology. 

I carefully re-read the document, and thought it admirable. I felt in thevein, and the use of the cabala had made me an expert in this sort ofthing. 

Just after noon all my guests arrived, and at one we sat down to table. Ihave never seen a more sumptuous or more delicate repast. I saw that thecook was an artist more in need of restraint than encouragement. MadameMorin was very polite to the three girls, whom she knew well, and Le Ducstood behind her chair all the time, looking after her wants, and dressedas richly as the king's chamberlain. When we had nearly finished dinnerMdlle. Roman passed a compliment on my three fair waiting-maids, and thisgiving me occasion to speak of their talents I got up and brought thegloves I had purchased from them. Mdlle. Roman praised the quality of thematerial and the work. I took the opportunity, and begged leave of theaunt to give her and her niece a dozen pair apiece. I obtained thisfavour, and I then gave Madame Morin the horoscope. Her husband read it, and though an unbeliever he was forced to admire, as all the deductionswere taken naturally from the position of the heavenly bodies at theinstant of his daughter's birth. We spent a couple of hours in talkingabout astrology, and the same time in playing at quadrille, and then wetook a walk in the garden, where I was politely left to enjoy the societyof the fair Roman. 

Our dialogue, or rather my monologue, turned solely on the profoundimpression she had made on me, on the passion she had inspired, on herbeauty, her goodness, the purity of my intentions, and on my need oflove, lest I should go down to the grave the most hapless of men. 

"Sir, " said she, at last, "if my destiny points to marriage I do not denythat I should be happy to find a husband like you. "

I was emboldened by this frank declaration, and seizing her hand Icovered it with fiery kisses, saying passionately that I hoped she wouldnot let me languish long. She turned her head to look for her aunt. Itwas getting dark, and she seemed to be afraid of something happening toher. She drew me gently with her, and on rejoining the other guests wereturned to the dining-room, where I made a small bank at faro for theiramusement. Madame Morin gave her daughter and niece, whose pockets wereempty, some money, and Valenglard directed their play so well that whenwe left off to go to supper I had the pleasure of seeing that each of thethree ladies had won two or three louis. 

We sat at table till midnight. A cold wind from the Alps stopped my planof proposing a short turn in the garden. Madame Morin overwhelmed me withthanks for my entertainment, and I gave each of my lady-visitors arespectful kiss. 

I heard singing in the kitchen, and on going in I found Le Duc in a highstate of excitement and very drunk. As soon as he saw me he tried torise, but he lost his centre of gravity, and fell right under the kitchentable. He was carried away to bed. 

I thought this accident favourable to my desire of amusing myself, and Imight have succeeded if the three Graces had not all been there. Loveonly laughs when two are present, and thus it is that the ancientmythology tells no story of the loves of the Graces, who were alwaystogether. I had not yet found an opportunity of getting my three maidsone after the other, and I dared not risk a general attack, which mighthave lost me the confidence of each one. Rose, I saw, was openly jealousof her cousin, as she kept a keen look-out after her movements. I was notsorry, for jealousy leads to anger, and anger goes a long way. When I wasin bed I sent them away with a modest good night. 

Next morning, Rose came in by herself to ask me for a cake of chocolate, for, as she said, Le Duc was now ill in real earnest. She brought me thebox, and I gave her the chocolate, and in doing so I took her hand andshewed her how well I loved her. She was offended, drew back her handsharply, and left the room. A moment after Manon came in under thepretext of shewing me a piece of lace I had torn away in my attempts ofthe day before, and of asking me if she should mend it. I took her handto kiss it, but she did not give me time, presenting her lips, burningwith desire. I took her hand again, and it was just on the spot when thecousin came in. Manon held the piece of lace, and seemed to be waitingfor my answer. I told her absently that I should be obliged if she wouldmend it when she had time, and with this she went out. 

I was troubled by this succession of disasters, and thought that thecousin would not play me false from the earnest of her affection whichshe had given me the day before in that ardent kiss of hers. I begged herto give me my handkerchief, and gently drew her hand towards me. Hermouth fastened to mine, and her hand, which she left to my pleasure withall the gentleness of a lamb, was already in motion when Rose came inwith my chocolate. We regained our composure in a moment, but I wasfurious at heart. I scowled at Rose, and I had a right to do so after themanner in which she had repulsed me a quarter of an hour before. Thoughthe chocolate was excellent, I pronounced it badly made. I chid her forher awkwardness in waiting on me, and repulsed her at every step. When Igot up I would not let her shave me; I shaved myself, which seemed tohumiliate her, and then Manon did my hair. Rose and the cousin then wentout, as if to make common cause together, but it was easy to see thatRose was less angry with her sister than her cousin. 

As Manon was finishing my toilette, M. De Valenglard came in. As soon aswe were alone, the officer, who was a man of honour and of much sense, inspite of his belief in astrology and the occult sciences, said that hethought me looking rather melancholy, and that if my sadness had anyconnection with the fair Roman, he warned me to think no more of her, unless I had resolved to ask her hand in marriage. I replied that to putan end to all difficulties I had decided on leaving Grenoble in a fewdays. We dined together and we then called on Madame Morin, with whom wefound her fair niece. 

Madame Morin gave me a flattering welcome, and Mdlle. Roman received meso graciously that I was emboldened to kiss her and place her on my knee. The aunt laughed, the niece blushed, and then slipping into my hand alittle piece of paper made her escape. I read on the paper the year, day, Hour, and minute of her birth, and guessed what she meant. She meant, Ithought, that I could do nothing with her before I had drawn up herhoroscope. My resolve was soon taken to profit by this circumstance, andI told her that I would tell her whether I could oblige her or not nextday, if she would come to a ball I was giving. She looked at her aunt andmy invitation was accepted. 

Just then the servant announced "The Russian Gentleman. " I saw awell-made man of about my own age, slightly marked with the small-pox, and dressed as a traveller. He accosted Madame Morin with easy grace, waswelcomed heartily by her, spoke well, scarcely gave me a glance, and didnot say a word to the nieces. In the evening M. Morin came in, and theRussian gave him a small phial full of a white liquid, and then made asif he would go, but he was kept to supper. 

At table the conversation ran on this marvellous liquid of his. M. Morintold me that he had cured a young man of a bruise from a billiard ball infive minutes, by only rubbing it with the liquid. He said modestly thatit was a trifling thing of his own invention, and he talked a good dealabout chemistry to Valenglard. As my attention was taken up by the fairMdlle. Roman I could not take part in their conversation; my hope ofsucceeding with her on the following day absorbed all my thoughts. As Iwas going away with Valenglard he told me that nobody knew who theRussian was, and that he was nevertheless received everywhere. 

"Has he a carriage and servants?"

"He has nothing, no servants and no money. "

"Where did he come from?"

"From the skies. "

"A fair abode, certainly; how long has he been here?"

"For the last fortnight. He visits, but asks for nothing. "

"How does he live?"

"On credit at the inn; he is supposed to be waiting for his carriage andservants. "

"He is probably a vagabond. "

"He does not look like one, as you saw for yourself, and his diamondscontradict that hypothesis. "

"Yes, if they are not imitation stones, for it seems to me that if theywere real he would sell them. "

When I got home Rose came by herself to attend on me, but she continuedto sulk. I tried to rouse her up, but as I had no success I ordered herto go and tell her father that I was going to give a ball next day in theroom by the garden, and that supper was to be laid for twenty. 

When the door-keeper came to take my orders the following morning, I toldhim that I should like his girls to dance if he didn't mind. At this Rosecondescended to smile, and I thought it a good omen. Just as she went outwith her father, Manon came in under the pretext of asking me what lace Iwould wear for the day. I found her as gentle as a lamb and as loving asa dove. The affair was happily consummated, but we had a narrow escape ofbeing caught by Rose, who came in with Le Duc and begged me to let himdance, promising that he would behave himself properly. I was glad thateverybody should enjoy themselves and consented, telling him to thankRose, who had got him this favour. 

I had a note from Madame Morin, asking me if she might bring with her tothe ball two ladies of her acquaintance and their daughters. I repliedthat I should be delighted for her to invite not only as many ladies butas many gentlemen as she pleased, as I had ordered supper for twentypeople. She came to dinner with her niece and Valenglard, her daughterbeing busy dressing and her husband being engaged till the evening. Sheassured me that I should have plenty of guests. 

The fair Mdlle. Roman wore the same dress, but her beauty unadorned wasdazzling. Standing by me she asked if I had thought about her horoscope. I took her hand, made her sit on my knee, and promised that she shouldhave it on the morrow. I held her thus, pressing her charming breastswith my left hand, and imprinting fiery kisses on her lips, which sheonly opened to beg me to calm myself. She was more astonished than afraidto see me trembling, and though she defended herself successfully she didnot lose countenance for a moment, and in spite of my ardent gaze she didnot turn her face away. I calmed myself with an effort, and her eyesexpressed the satisfaction of one who has vanquished a generous enemy bythe force of reason. By my silence I praised the virtue of this celestialbeing, in whose destiny I only had a part by one of those caprices ofchance which philosophy seeks to explain in vain. 

Madame Morin came up to me, and asked me to explain some points in herdaughter's horoscope. She then told me that if I wanted to have fourbeauties at my ball she had only to write a couple of notes. 

"I shall only see one beauty, " said I, looking at her niece. 

"God alone knows, " said Valenglard, "what people will say in Grenoble!"

"They will say it is your wedding ball, " said Madame Morin to her niece. 

"Yes, and they will doubtless talk of my magnificent dress, my lace, andmy diamonds, " said the niece, pleasantly. 

"They will talk of your beauty, your wit, and your goodness, " I replied, passionately, "goodness which will make your husband a happy man. "

There was a silence, because they all thought I was alluding to myself. Iwas doing nothing of the sort. I should have been glad to give fivehundred louis for her, but I did not see how the contract was to be drawnup, and I was not going to throw my money away. 

We went to my bedroom, and while Mdlle. Roman was amusing herself withlooking at the jewellry on my toilette-table, her aunt and Valenglardexamined the books on the table by my bedside. I saw Madame Morin goingto the window and looking closely at something she held in her hand. Iremembered I had left out the portrait of the fair nun. I ran to her andbegged her to give me the indecent picture I had so foolishly left about. 

"I don't mind the indecency of it, " she said, "but what strikes me is theexact likeness. "

I understood everything, and I shuddered at the carelessness of which Ihad been guilty. 

"Madam, " I said, "that is the portrait of a Venetian, lady, of whom I wasvery found. "

"I daresay, but it's very curious. These two M's, these cast-off robessacrificed to love, everything makes my surprise greater. "

"She is a nun and named M---- M----. "

"And a Welsh niece of mine at Camberi is also named M---- M----, andbelongs to the same order. Nay, more, she has been at Aix, whence youhave come, to get cured of an illness. "

"And this portrait is like her?"

"As one drop of water is like another. "

"If you go to Chamberi call on her and say you come from me; you will bewelcome and you will be as much surprised as I am. "

"I will do so, after I have been in Italy. However, I will not shew herthis portrait, which would scandalize her; I will put it away carefully. "

"I beg you not to shew it to anyone. "

"You may rely on me. "

I was in an ecstasy at having put her off so effectually. 

At eight o'clock all my guests arrived, and I saw before me all thefairest ladies and the noblest gentlemen of Grenoble. The only thingwhich vexed me was the compliments they lavished on me, as is customaryin the provinces. 

I opened the ball with the lady pointed out to me by M. Valenglard, andthen I danced with all the ladies in succession; but my partner in allthe square dances was the fair Mdlle. Roman, who shone from hersimplicity--at least, in my eyes. 

After a quadrille, in which I had exerted myself a good deal, I felt hotand went up to my room to put on a lighter suit, and as I was doing so, in came the fair cousin, who asked me if I required anything. 

"Yes, you, dearest, " I replied, going up to her and taking her in myarms. "Did anyone see you coming in here?"

"No, I came from upstairs, and my cousins are in the dancing-room. "

"That is capital. You are fair as Love himself, and this is an excellentopportunity for skewing you how much I love you. "

"Good heavens! What are you doing? Let me go, somebody might come in. Well, put out the light!"

I put it out, shut the door, and, my head full of Mdlle. Roman, thecousin found me as ardent as I should have been with that delightfulperson. I confess, too, that the door-keeper's niece was well worthy ofbeing loved on her own merits. I found her perfect, perhaps better thanMdlle. Roman, a novice, would have been. In spite of my ardour herpassion was soon appeased, and she begged me to let her go, and I did so;but it was quite time. I wanted to begin over again, but she was afraidthat our absence would be noticed by her two Argus-eyed cousins, so shekissed me and left the room. 

I went back to the ball-room, and we danced on till the king ofdoor-keepers came to tell us supper was ready. 

A collation composed of the luxuries which the season and the countryafforded covered the table; but what pleased the ladies most was thenumber and artistic arrangement of the wax lights. 

I sat down at a small table with a few of my guests, and I received themost pressing invitations to spend the autumn in their town. I am surethat if I had accepted I should have been treated like a prince, for thenobility of Grenoble bear the highest character for hospitality. I toldthem that if it had been possible I should have had the greatest pleasurein accepting their invitation, and in that case I should have beendelighted to have made the acquaintance of the family of an illustriousgentleman, a friend of my father's. 

"What name is it?" they asked me, altogether. 

"Bouchenu de Valbonnais. "

"He was my uncle. Ah! sir, you must come and stay with us. You dancedwith my daughter. What was your father's name?"

This story, which I invented, and uttered as I was wont, on the spur ofthe moment, turned me into a sort of wonder in the eyes of the worthypeople. 

After we had laughed, jested, drank, and eaten, we rose from the tableand began to dance anew. 

Seeing Madame Morin, her niece, and Valenglard going into the garden, Ifollowed them, and as we walked in the moonlight I led the fair Mdlle. Roman through a covered alley; but all my fine speeches were in vain; Icould do nothing. I held her between my arms, I covered her with burningkisses, but not one did she return to me, and her hands offered asuccessful resistance to my hardy attempts. By a sudden effort, however, I at last attained the porch of the temple of love, and held her in sucha way that further resistance would have been of no avail; but shestopped me short by saying in a voice which no man of feeling could haveresisted, --

"Be my friend, sir, and not my enemy and the cause of my ruin. "

I knelt before her, and taking her hand begged her pardon, swearing notto renew my attempts. I then rose and asked her to kiss me as a pledge ofher forgiveness. We rejoined her aunt, and returned to the ball-room, butwith all my endeavours I could not regain my calm. 

I sat down in a corner of the room, and I asked Rose, who passed by me, to get me a glass of lemonade. When she brought it she gently chid me fornot having danced with her, her sister, or her cousin. 

"It will give people but a poor opinion of our merits. "

"I am tired, " said I, "but if you will promise to be kind I will dance aminuet with you. "

"What do want me to do?" said she. 

"Go into my bedroom and wait for me there in the dark when you see yoursister and your cousin busy dancing. "

"And you will only dance with me. "

"I swear!"

"Then you will find me in your room. "

I found her passionate, and I had full satisfaction. To keep my word withher I waited for the closing minuet, for having danced with Rose I feltobliged in common decency to dance with the other two, especially as Iowed them the same debt. 

At day-break the ladies began to vanish, and as I put the Morins into mycarriage I told them that I could not have the pleasure of seeing themagain that day, but that if they would come and spend the whole of theday after with me I would have the horoscope ready. 

I went to the kitchen to thank the worthy door-keeper for having made mecut such a gallant figure, and I found the three nymphs there, fillingtheir pockets with sweetmeats. He told them, laughing, that as the masterwas there they might rob him with a clear conscience, and I bade themtake as much as they would. I informed the door-keeper that I should notdine till six, and I then went to bed. 

I awoke at noon, and feeling myself well rested I set to work at thehoroscope, and I resolved to tell the fair Mdlle. Roman that fortuneawaited her at Paris, where she would become her master's mistress, butthat the monarch must see her before she had attained her eighteenthyear, as at that time her destiny would take a different turn. To give myprophecy authority, I told her some curious circumstances which hadhitherto happened to her, and which I had learnt now and again fromherself or Madame Morin without pretending to heed what they said. 

With an Ephemeris and another astrological book, I made out and copied insix hours Mdlle. Roman's horoscope, and I had so well arranged it that itstruck Valenglard and even M. Morin with astonishment, and made the twoladies quite enthusiastic. 

My horoscope must only be known to the young lady and her family, whowould no doubt keep the secret well. After I had put the finishingtouches to it, read it, and read it again, I felt certain that I had madea masterpiece, and I then dined in bed with my three nymphs. I was politeand affectionate to them all, and we were all happy together, but I wasthe happiest. M. De Valenglard came to see me early the next day, andinformed me that nobody suspected me of being in love with Mdlle. Roman, but that I was thought to be amorous of my landlord's girls. 

"Well, let them think so, " said I; "they are worthy of love, though notto be named in the same breath with one past compare, but who leaves meno hope. "

"Let me tell Madame d'Urfe all about it. "

"Certainly; I shall be delighted. "

M. And Madame Morin and their niece came at noon, and we spent the hourbefore dinner in reading the horoscope. It would be impossible todescribe the four distinct sorts of surprise which I saw before me. Theinteresting Mdlle. Roman looked very grave, and, not knowing whether shehad a will of her own, listened to what was said in silence. M. Morinlooked at me now and again, and seeing that I kept a serious countenancedid not dare to laugh. Valenglard shewed fanatic belief in astrology inevery feature. Madame Morin seemed struck as by a miracle, and, far fromthinking the fact prophesied too improbable, remarked that her niece wasmuch more worthy of becoming her sovereign's wife or mistress than thebigoted Maintenon had been. 

"She would never have done anything, " said Madame Morin, "if she had notleft America and come to France; and if my niece does not go to Parisnobody can say that the horoscope has prophesied falsely. We shouldtherefore--go to Paris, but how is it to be done? I don't see my way toit. The prediction of the birth of a son has something divine andentrancing about it. I don't wish to seem prejudiced, but my niece hascertainly more qualifications for gaining the king's affection than theMaintenon had: my niece is a good girl and young, while the Maintenon wasno longer as young as she had been, and had led a strange life before shebecame a devotee. But we shall never accomplish this journey to Paris. "

"Nay, " said Valenglard, in a serious tone, which struck me as supremelyridiculous, "she must go; her fate must be fulfilled. "

The fair Mdlle. Roman seemed all amazed. I let them talk on, and we satdown to dinner. 

[The next two paragraphs were misplaced in the original, likely by thetypesetter, and have been inserted here where it seems that they belong. D. W. ]

I hoped I should be asked to take the diamond to Paris myself, and I feltinclined to grant the request. I flattered myself that they could not dowithout me, and that I should get what I wanted, if not for love at anyrate through gratitude; indeed, who knew what might become of the plan?The monarch would be sure to be caught directly. I had no doubts on thatsubject, for where is the man in love who does not think that his belovedobject will win the hearts of all others? For the moment I felt quitejealous of the king, but, from my thorough knowledge of my owninconstancy, I felt sure that my jealousy would cease when my love hadbeen rewarded, and I was aware that Louis XV. Did not altogether hold theopinions of a Turk in such concerns. What gave an almost divine characterto the horoscope was the prediction of a son to be born, who would makethe happiness of France, and could only come from the royal blood andfrom a singular vessel of election. 

A curious fancy increased my delight, namely, the thought of becoming afamous astrologer in an age when reason and science had so justlydemolished astrology. I enjoyed the thought of seeing myself sought outby crowned heads, which are always the more accessible to superstitiousnotions. I determined I would be particular to whom I gave my advice. Whohas not made his castles in Spain? If Mdlle. Roman gave birth to adaughter instead of a son I should be amused, and all would not be lost, for a son might come afterwards. 

At first silence reigned, and then the conversation ran on a thousandtrifles, as is usual in good society, but by degrees, as I had thought, they returned to the horoscope. 

"According to the horoscope, " said the aunt, "the king is to fall in lovewith my niece in her eighteenth year; she is now close on it. What are weto do? Where are we to get the hundred louis necessary? And when she getsto Paris is she to go to the king and say, 'Here I am, your majesty'? Andwho is going to take her there? I can't. "

"My aunt Roman might, " said the young lady, blushing up to her eyes atthe roar of laughter which none of us could restrain. 

"Well, " said Madame Morin, "there is Madame Varnier, of the Rue deRichelieu; she is an aunt of yours. She has a good establishment, andknows everybody. "

"See, " said Valenglard, "how the ways of destiny are made plain. You talkof a hundred louis; twelve will be sufficient to take you to MadameVarnier's. When you get there, leave the rest to your fate, which willsurely favour you. "

"If you do go to Paris, " said I, "say nothing to Madame Roman or MadameVarnier about the horoscope. "

"I will say nothing to anyone about it; but, after all, it is only ahappy dream. I shall never see Paris, still less Louis XV. "

I arose, and going to my cash-box I took out a roll of a hundred andfifty louis, which I gave to her, saying it was a packet of sweetmeats. It felt rather heavy, and on opening it she found it to contain fiftypieces-of-eight, which she took for medals. 

"They are gold, " said Valenglard. 

"And the goldsmith will give you a hundred and fifty louis for them, "added M. Morin. 

"I beg you will keep them; you can give me a bill payable at Paris whenyou become rich. "

I knew she would refuse to accept my present, although I should have beendelighted if she had kept the money. But I admired her strength of mindin restraining her tears, and that without disturbing for a moment thesmile on her face. 

We went out to take a turn in the garden. Valenglard and Madame Morinbegan on the topic of the horoscope anew, and I left them, taking Mdlle. Roman with me. 

"I wish you would tell me, " said she, when we were out of hearing of theothers, "if this horoscope is not all a joke. "

"No, " I answered, "it is quite serious, but it all depends on an if. Ifyou do not go to Paris the prophecy will never be fulfilled. "

"You must think so, certainly, or you would never have offered me thosefifty medals. "

"Do me the pleasure of accepting them now; nobody will know anythingabout it. "

"No, I cannot, though I am much obliged to you. But why should you wantto give me such a large sum?"

"For the pleasure of contributing to your happiness, and in the hope thatyou will allow me to love you. "

"If you really love met why should I oppose your love? You need not buymy consent; and to be happy I do not want to possess the King of France, if you did but know to what my desires are limited. "

"Tell me. "

"I would fain find a kind husband, rich enough for us not to lack thenecessaries of life. "

"But how if you did not love him?"

"If he was a good, kind man how could I help loving him?"

"I see that you do not know what love is. "

"You are right. I do not know the love that maddens, and I thank God forit. "

"Well, I think you are wise; may God preserve you from that love. "

"You say, that as soon as the king sees me he will fall in love with me, and to tell you the truth that strikes me as vastly improbable; forthough it is quite possible that he may not think me plain, or he mighteven pronounce me pretty, yet I do not think he will become so madly inlove as you say. "

"You don't? Let us sit down. You have only got to fancy that the kingwill take the same liking to you that I have done; that is all. "

"But what do you find in me that you will not find in most girls of myage? I certainly may have struck you; but that only proves that I wasborn to exercise this sway over you, and not at all that I am to rule theking in like manner. Why should I go and look for the king, if you loveme yourself?"

"Because I cannot give you the position you deserve. "

"I should have thought you had plenty of money. "

"Then there's another reason: you are not in love with me. "

"I love you as tenderly as if I were your wife. I might then kiss you, though duty now forbids my doing so. "

"I am much obliged to you for not being angry with me for being so happywith you!"

"On the contrary, I am delighted to please you. "

"Then you will allow me to call on you at an early hour to-morrow, and totake coffee at your bedside. "

"Do not dream of such a thing. If I would I could not. I sleep with myaunt, and I always rise at the same time she does. Take away your hand;you promised not to do it again. In God's name, let me alone. "

Alas! I had to stop; there was no overcoming her. But what pleased meextremely was that in spite of my amorous persecution she did not losethat smiling calm which so became her. As for myself I looked as if Ideserved that pardon for which I pleaded on my knees, and in her eyes Iread that she was sorry that she could not grant what I required of her. 

I could no longer stay beside her, my senses were too excited by herbeauty. I left her and went to my room where I found the kind Manonbusying herself on my cuffs, and she gave me the relief I wanted, andwhen we were both satisfied made her escape. I reflected that I shouldnever obtain more than I had obtained hitherto from young Mdlle. Roman--at least, unless I gave the lie to my horoscope by marrying her, and I decided that I would not take any further steps in the matter. Ireturned to the garden, and going up to the aunt I begged her to walkwith me. In vain I urged the worthy woman to accept a hundred louis forher niece's journey from me. I swore to her by all I held sacred that noone else should ever know of the circumstance. All my eloquence and allmy prayers were in vain. She told me that if her niece's destiny onlydepended on that journey all would be well, for she had thought over aplan which would, with her husband's consent, enable Mdlle. Roman to goto Paris. At the same time she gave me her sincerest thanks, and saidthat her niece was very fortunate to have pleased me so well. 

"She pleased me so well, " I replied, "that I have resolved to go awayto-morrow to avoid making proposals to you which would bring the greatfortune that awaits her to nought. If it were not for that I should havebeen happy to have asked her hand of you. "

"Alas! her happiness would, perhaps, be built on a better foundation. Explain yourself. "

"I dare not wage war with fate. "

"But you are not going to-morrow?"

"Excuse me, but I shall call to take leave at two o'clock. "

The news of my approaching departure saddened the supper-table. MadameMorin, who, for all I know, may be alive now, was a most kind-heartedwoman. At table she announced her resolve that as I had decided on going, and as I should only leave my house to take leave of her, she would notforce me to put myself out to such an extent, and ordained that ourfarewells should be said that evening. 

"At least, " I said, "I may have the honour of escorting you to yourdoor?"

"That will protract our happiness for some minutes. " Valenglard went awayon foot, and the fair Mdlle. Roman sat on my knee. I dared to be boldwith her, and contrary to expectation she shewed herself so kind that Iwas half sorry I was going; but the die was cast. 

A carriage lying overturned on the road outside an inn made my coachmanstop a short while, and this accident which made the poor driver curseoverwhelmed me with joy, for in these few moments I obtained all thefavours that she could possibly give under the circumstances. 

Happiness enjoyed alone is never complete. Mine was not until I assuredmyself, by looking at my sweetheart's features, that the part she hadtaken had not been an entirely passive one; and I escorted the ladies totheir room. There, without any conceit, I was certain that I saw sadnessand love upon that fair creature's face. I could see that she was neithercold nor insensible, and that the obstacles she had put in my way wereonly suggested by fear and virtue. I gave Madame Morin a farewell kiss, and she was kind enough to tell her niece to give me a similar mark offriendship, which she did in a way that shewed me how completely she hadshared my ardour. 

I left them, feeling amorous and sorry I had obliged myself to go. Onentering my room I found the three nymphs together, which vexed me as Ionly wanted one. I whispered my wishes to Rose as she curled my hair, butshe told me it was impossible for her to slip away as they all slept inone room. I then told them that I was going away the next day, and thatif they would pass the night with me I would give them a present of sixlouis each. They laughed at my proposal and said it couldn't possibly bedone. I saw by this they had not made confidantes of one another, asgirls mostly do, and I also saw that they were jealous of each other. Iwished them a good night, and as soon as I was in bed the god of dreamstook me under his care, and made me pass the night with the adorableMdlle. Roman. 

I rang rather late in the morning, and the cousin came in and said thatRose would bring my chocolate, and that M. Charles Ivanoff wanted tospeak to me. I guessed that this was the Russian, but as he had not beenintroduced to me I thought I might decline to see him. 

"Tell him I don't know his name. "

Rose went out, and came in again saying he was the gentleman who had hadthe honour of supping with me at Madame Morin's. 

"Tell him to come in. "

"Sir, " said he, "I want to speak with you in private. "

"I cannot order these young ladies to leave my room, sir. Be kind enoughto wait for me outside till I have put on my dressing-gown, and then Ishall be ready to speak to you. "

"If I am troubling you, I will call again to-morrow. "

"You would not find me, as I am leaving Grenoble to-day. "

"In that case I will wait. "

I got up in haste and went out to him. 

"Sir, " said he, "I must leave this place, and I have not a penny to paymy landlord. I beg of you to come to my aid. I dare not have recourse toanyone else in the town for fear of exposing myself to the insult of arefusal. "

"Perhaps I ought to feel myself flattered at the preference you haveshewn me, but without wishing to insult you in any way I am afraid Ishall be obliged to refuse your request. "

"If you knew who I am I am sure you would not refuse me some small help. "

"If you think so, tell me who you are; you may count on my silence. "

"I am Charles, second son of Ivan, Duke of Courland, who is in exile inSiberia. I made my escape. "

"If you go to Genoa you will find yourself beyond the reach of poverty;for no doubt the brother of your lady-mother would never abandon you. "

"He died in Silesia. "

"When?"

"Two years ago, I believe. "

"You have been deceived, for I saw him at Stuttgart scarcely six monthsago. He is the Baron de Treiden. "

It did not cost me much to get wind of the adventurer, but I felt angrythat he had had the impudence to try and dupe me. If it had not been forthat I would willingly have given him six louis, for it would have beenbad form on my part to declare war against adventurers, as I was onemyself, and I ought to have pardoned his lies as nearly all adventurersare more or less impostors. I gave a glance at his diamond buckles, whichwere considered real at Grenoble, and I saw directly that they werecounterfeits of a kind made in Venice, which imitate the facets of thediamonds in perfection, except to people who are experienced in diamonds. 

"You have diamond buckles, " said I. "Why don't you sell them?"

"It's the last piece of jewellery I possess out of all my mother gave me, and I promised her never to part with them. "

"I would not shew those buckles if I were you; your pocket would be abetter place for them. I may tell you frankly that I believe the stonesto be counterfeit, and that your lie displeases me. "

"Sir, I am not a liar. "

"We shall see. Prove that the stones are genuine, and I will give you sixlouis. I shall be delighted if I am in the wrong. Farewell. "

Seeing M. De Valerlglard coming up to my door, he begged me not to tellhim of what had passed between us; and I promised that I would tell noone. 

Valenglard came to wish me a prosperous journey; he himself was obligedto go with M. Monteinard. He begged me to correspond constantly with him, and I had been intending to prefer the same request, as I took too greatan interest in the fair Mdlle. Roman not to wish to hear of her fate, andthe correspondence the worthy officer desired was the best way possiblefor me to hear about her. As will be imagined, I promised what he askedwithout making any difficulty. He shed tears as he embraced me, and Ipromised to be his friend. 

CHAPTER II

My Departure from Grenoble--Avignon--The Fountain of Vaucluse--The FalseAstrodi and the Humpback--Gaetan Costa--I Arrive at Marseilles

While the three girls were helping Le Duc to pack my mails my landlordentered, gave me his bill, and finding everything correct I paid him, much to his satisfaction. I owed him a compliment, too, at which heseemed extremely gratified. 

"Sir, " said I, "I do not wish to leave your house without having thepleasure of dining with your charming girls, to shew them how Iappreciate the care they have taken of me. Let me have, then, a delicaterepast for four, and also order post horses, that I may start in theevening. "

"Sir, " broke in Le Duc, "I entreat you to order a saddle-horse besides; Iwas not made for a seat behind a chaise. "

The cousin laughed openly at his vain boasting, and to avenge himself therascal told her that he was better than she. 

"Nevertheless, M. Le Duc, you will have to wait on her at table. "

"Yes, as she waits on you in bed. "

I ran for my stick, but the rogue, knowing what was going to happen, opened the window and jumped into the courtyard. The girls gave a shriekof terror, but when we looked out we saw him jumping about and performinga thousand apish tricks. 

Very glad to find that he had not broken a limb, I called out, "Comeback, I forgive you. " The girls, and the man himself who escaped soreadily, were as delighted as I. Le Duc came in in high spirits, observing that he did not know he was such a good jumper. 

"Very good, but don't be so impudent another time. Here, take thiswatch. "

So saying, I gave him a valuable gold watch, which he received, saying, --

"I would jump again for another watch like this. "

Such was my Spaniard, whom I had to dismiss two years afterwards. I haveoften missed him. 

The hours went by with such speed when I was seated at table with thethree girls, whom I vainly endeavoured to intoxicate, that I decided thatI would not leave till the next day. I was tired of making mysteries andwanted to enjoy them all together, and resolved that the orgy should takeplace that night. I told them that if they would pass the night in myroom I would not go till the next day. This proposition was received witha storm of exclamations and with laughter, as at an impossibility, whileI endeavoured to excite them to grant my request. In the midst of thisthe door-keeper came in, advising me not to travel by night, but to go toAvignon by a boat in which I could ship my carriage. 

"You will save time and money, " said he. 

"I will do so, " I answered, "if these girls of yours will keep me companyall night, as I am determined I will not go to bed. "

"O Lord!" said he with a laugh, "that's their business. "

This decided them and they gave in. The door-keeper sent to order theboat, and promised to let me have a dainty supper by midnight. 

The hours passed by in jests and merriment, and when we sat down tosupper I made the champagne corks fly to such an extent that the girlsbegan to get rather gay. I myself felt a little heated, and as I heldeach one's secret I had the hardihood to tell them that their scrupleswere ridiculous, as each of them had shewn no reserve to me in private. 

At this they gazed at one another in a kind of blank surprise, as ifindignant at what I had said. Foreseeing that feminine pride might promptthem to treat my accusation as an idle calumny, I resolved not to givethem time, and drawing Manon on to my knee I embraced her with suchardour that she gave in and abandoned herself to my passion. Her exampleovercame the others, and for five hours we indulged in every kind ofvoluptuous enjoyment. At the end of that time we were all in need ofrest, but I had to go. I wanted to give them some jewels, but they saidthey would rather I ordered gloves to the amount of thirty louis, themoney to be paid in advance, and the gloves not to be called for. 

I went to sleep on board the boat, and did not awake till we got toAvignon. I was conducted to the inn of "St. Omen" and supped in my roomin spite of the marvellous tales which Le Duc told me of a young beautyat the public table. 

Next morning my Spaniard told me that the beauty and her husband slept ina room next to mine. At the same time he brought me a bill of the play, and I saw Company from Paris, with Mdlle. Astrodi, who was to sing anddance. I gave a cry of wonder, and exclaimed, --

"The famous Astrodi at Avignon--how she will be astonished to see me!"

Not wanting to live in hermit fashion, I went downstairs to dine at thepublic table, and I found a score of people sitting down to such a choicerepast that I could not conceive how it could be done for forty sous ahead. The fair stranger drew all eyes, and especially mine, towards her. She was a young and perfect beauty, silent, her eyes fixed on a napkin, replying in monosyllables to those who addressed her, and glancing at thespeaker with large blue eyes, the beauty of which it would be difficultto describe. Her husband was seated at the other end of the table--a manof a kind that inspires contempt at the first glance. He was young, marked with the small-pox, a greedy eater, a loud talker, laughing andspeaking at random, and altogether I took him for a servant in disguise. Feeling sure that such a fellow did not know how to refuse, I sent him aglass of champagne, which he drank off to my health forthwith. "May Ihave the pleasure of sending a glass to your wife?" He replied, with aroar of laughter, to ask her myself; and with a slight bow she told methat she never took anything to drink. When the dessert came in she rose, and her husband followed her to their room. 

A stranger who like myself had never seen her before, asked me who shewas. I said I was a newcomer and did not know, and somebody else saidthat her husband called himself the Chevalier Stuard, that he came fromLyons, and was going to Marseilles; he came, it appeared, to Avignon aweek ago, without servants, and in a very poor carriage. 

I intended staying at Avignon only as long as might be necessary to seethe Fountain or Fall of Vaucluse, and so I had not got any letters ofintroduction, and had not the pretext of acquaintance that I might stayand enjoy her fine eyes. But an Italian who had read and enjoyed thedivine Petrarch would naturally wish to see the place made divine by thepoet's love for Laura. I went to the theatre, where I saw the vice-legateSalviati, women of fashion, neither fair nor foul, and a wretched comicopera; but I neither saw Astrodi nor any other actor from the ComedieItalienne at Paris. 

"Where is the famous Astrodi?" said I, to a young man sitting by me, "Ihave not seen her yet. "

"Excuse me, she has danced and sang before your eyes. "

"By Jove, it's impossible! I know her perfectly, and if she has sochanged as not to be recognized she is no longer herself. "

I turned to go, and two minutes after the young man I had addressed cameup and begged me to come back, and he would take me to Astradi'sdressing-room, as she had recognized me. I followed him without saying aword, and saw a plain-looking girl, who threw her arms round my neck andaddressed me by my name, though I could have sworn I had never seen herbefore, but she did not leave me time to speak. Close by I saw a man whogave himself out as the father of the famous Astrodi, who was known toall Paris, who had caused the death of the Comte d'Egmont, one of themost amiable noblemen of the Court of Louis XV. I thought this uglyfemale might be her sister, so I sat down and complimented her on hertalents. She asked if I would mind her changing her dress; and in amoment she was running here and there, laughing and shewing a liberalitywhich possibly might have been absent if what she had to display had beenworth seeing. 

I laughed internally at her wiles, for after my experiences at Grenobleshe would have found it a hard task to arouse my desires if she had beenas pretty as she was ugly. Her thinness and her tawny skin could notdivert my attention from other still less pleasing features about her. Iadmired her confidence in spite of her disadvantages. She must havecredited me with a diabolic appetite, but these women often contrive toextract charms out of their depravity which their delicacy would beimpotent to furnish. She begged me to sup with her, and as she persistedI was obliged to refuse her in a way I should not have allowed myself touse with any other woman. She then begged me to take four tickets for theplay the next day, which was to be for her benefit. I saw it was only amatter of twelve francs, and delighted to be quit of her so cheaply Itold her to give me sixteen. I thought she would have gone mad with joywhen I gave her a double louis. She was not the real Astrodi. I went backto my inn and had a delicious supper in my own room. 

While Le Duc was doing my hair before I went to bed, he told me that thelandlord had paid a visit to the fair stranger and her husband beforesupper, and had said in clear terms that he must be paid next morning;and if he were not, no place would be laid for them at table, and theirlinen would be detained. 

"Who told you that?"

"I heard it from here; their room is only separated from this by a woodenpartition. If they were in it now, I am sure they could hear all we aresaying. "

"Where are they, then?"

"At table, where they are eating for to-morrow, but the lady is crying. There's a fine chance for you, sir. "

"Be quiet; I shan't have anything to do with it. It's a trap, for a womanof any worth would die rather than weep at a public table. "

"Ah, if you saw how pretty she looks in tears! I am only a poor devil, but I would willingly give her two louis if she would earn them. "

"Go and offer her the money. "

A moment after the gentleman and his wife came back to their room, and Iheard the loud voice of the one and the sobs of the other, but as he wasspeaking Walloon I did not understand what he said. 

"Go to bed, " said I to Le Duc, "and next morning tell the landlord to getme another room, for a wooden partition is too thin a barrier to keep offpeople whom despair drive to extremities. "

I went to bed myself, and the sobs and muttering did not die away tillmidnight. 

I was shaving next morning, when Le Duc announced the Chevalier Stuard. 

"Say I don't know anybody of that name. "

He executed my orders, and returned saying that the chevalier on hearingmy refusal to see him had stamped with rage, gone into his chamber, andcome out again with his sword beside him. 

"I am going to see, " added Le Duc, "that your pistols are well primed forthe future. "

I felt inclined to laugh, but none the less I admired the foresight of mySpaniard, for a man in despair is capable of anything. 

"Go, " said I, "and ask the landlord to give me another room. "

In due course the landlord came himself and told me that he could notoblige me until the next day. 

"If you don't get me another room I shall leave your house on the spot, because I don't like hearing sobs and reproaches all night. "

"Can you hear them, sir?"

"You can hear them yourself now. What do you think of it? The woman willkill herself, and you will be the cause of her death. "

"I, sir? I have only asked them to pay me my just debts. "

"Hush! there goes the husband. I am sure he is telling his wife in hislanguage that you are an unfeeling monster. "

"He may tell her what he likes so long as he pays me. "

"You have condemned them to die of hunger. How much do they owe you?"

"Fifty francs. "

"Aren't you ashamed of making such a row for a wretched sum like that?"

"Sir, I am only ashamed of an ill deed, and I do not commit such a deedin asking for my own. "

"There's your money. Go and tell them that you have been paid, and thatthey may eat again; but don't say who gave you the money. "

"That's what I call a good action, " said the fellow; and he went and toldthem that they did not owe him anything, but that they would never knowwho paid the money. 

"You may dine and sup, " he added, "at the public table, but you must payme day by day. "

After he had delivered this speech in a high voice, so that I could hearas well as if I had been in the room, he came back to me. 

"You stupid fool!" said I, pushing him away, "they will know everything. "So saying I shut my door. 

Le Duc stood in front of me, staring stupidly before him. 

"What's the matter with you, idiot?" said I. 

"That's fine. I see. I am going on the stage. You would do well to becomean actor. "

"You are a fool. "

"Not so big a fool as you think. "

"I am going for a walk; mind you don't leave my room for a moment. "

I had scarcely shut the door when the chevalier accosted me andoverwhelmed me with thanks. 

"Sir, I don't know to what you are referring. "

He thanked me again and left me, and walking by the banks of the Rhone, which geographers say is the most rapid river in Europe, I amused myselfby looking at the ancient bridge. At dinner-time I went back to the inn, and as the landlord knew that I paid six francs a meal he treated me toan exquisite repast. Here, I remember, I had some exceedingly choiceHermitage. It was so delicious that I drank nothing else. I wished tomake a pilgrimage to Vaucluse and begged the landlord to procure me agood guide, and after I had dressed I went to the theatre. 

I found the Astrodi at the door, and giving her my sixteen tickets, I satdown near the box of the vice-legate Salviati, who came in a littlelater, surrounded by a numerous train of ladies and gentlemen bedizenedwith orders and gold lace. 

The so-called father of the false Astrodi came and whispered that hisdaughter begged me to say that she was the celebrated Astrodi I had knownat Paris. I replied, also in a whisper, that I would not run the risk ofbeing posted as a liar by bolstering up an imposture. The ease with whicha rogue invites a gentleman to share in a knavery is astonishing; he mustthink his confidence confers an honour. 

At the end of the first act a score of lackeys in the prince's liverytook round ices to the front boxes. I thought it my duty to refuse. Ayoung gentleman, as fair as love, came up to me, and with easy politenessasked me why I had refused an ice. 

"Not having the honour to know anyone here, I did not care that anyoneshould be able to say that he had regaled one who was unknown to him. "

"But you, sir, are a man who needs no introduction. "

"You do me too much honour. "

"You are staying at the 'St. Omer'!"

"Yes; I am only stopping here to see Vaucluse, where I think of goingto-morrow if I can get a good guide. "

"If you would do me the honour of accepting me, I should be delighted. Myname is Dolci, I am son of the captain of the vice-legate's guard. "

"I feel the honour you do me, and I accept your obliging offer. I willput off my start till your arrival. "

"I will be with you at seven. "

I was astonished at the easy grace of this young Adonis, who might havebeen a pretty girl if the tone of his voice had not announced hismanhood. I laughed at the false Astrodi, whose acting was as poor as herface, and who kept staring at me all the time. While she sang sheregarded me with a smile and gave me signs of an understanding, whichmust have made the audience notice me, and doubtless pity my bad taste. The voice and eyes of one actress pleased me; she was young and tall, buthunchbacked to an extraordinary degree. She was tall in spite of herenormous humps, and if it had not been for this malformation she wouldhave been six feet high. Besides her pleasing eyes and very tolerablevoice I fancied that, like all hunchbacks, she was intelligent. I foundher at the door with the ugly Astrodi when I was leaving the theatre. Thelatter was waiting to thank me, and the other was selling tickets for herbenefit. 

After the Astrodi had thanked me, the hunchbacked girl turned towards me, and with a smile that stretched from ear to ear and displayed at leasttwenty-four exquisite teeth, she said that she hoped I would honour herby being present at her benefit. 

"If I don't leave before it comes off, I will, " I replied. 

At this the impudent Astrodi laughed, and in the hearing of severalladies waiting for their carriages told me that her friend might be sureof my presence, as she would not let me go before the benefit night. "Give him sixteen tickets, " she added. I was ashamed to refuse, and gaveher two louis. Then in a lower voice the Astrodi said, "After the show wewill come and sup with you, but on the condition that you ask nobodyelse, as we want to be alone. "

In spite of a feeling of anger, I thought that such a supper-party wouldbe amusing, and as no one in the town knew me I resolved to stay in thehope of enjoying a hearty laugh. 

I was having my supper when Stuard and his wife went to their room. Thisnight I heard no sobs nor reproaches, but early next morning I wassurprised to see the chevalier who said, as if we had been old friends, that he had heard that I was going to Vaucluse, and that as I had taken acarriage with four places he would be much obliged if I would allow himand his wife, who wanted to see the fountain, to go with me. I consented. 

Le Duc begged to be allowed to accompany me on horseback, saying that hehad been a true prophet. In fact it seemed as if the couple had agreed torepay me for my expenditure by giving me new hopes. I was not displeasedwith the expedition, and it was all to my advantage, as I had hadrecourse to no stratagems to obtain it. 

Dolci came, looking as handsome as an angel; my neighbours were ready, and the carriage loaded with the best provisions in food and drink thatwere obtainable; and we set off, Dolci seated beside the lady and Ibeside the chevalier. 

I had thought that the lady's sadness would give place, if not to gaiety, at least to a quiet cheerfulness, but I was mistaken; for, to all myremarks, grave or gay, she replied, either in monosyllables or in aseverely laconic style. Poor Dolci, who was full of wit, was stupefied. He thought himself the cause of her melancholy, and was angry withhimself for having innocently cast a shadow on the party of pleasure. Irelieved him of his fears by telling him that when he offered me hispleasant society I was not aware that I was to be of service to the fairlady. I added that when at day-break I received this information, I waspleased that he would have such good company. The lady did not say aword. She kept silent and gloomy all the time, and gazed to right andleft like one who does not see what is before his [her] eyes. 

Dolci felt at ease after my explanation, and did his best to arouse thelady, but without success. He talked on a variety of topics to thehusband, always giving her an opportunity of joining in, but her lipsremained motionless. She looked like the statue of Pandora before it hadbeen quickened by the divine flame. 

The beauty of her face was perfect; her eyes were of a brilliant blue, her complexion a delicate mixture of white and red, her arms were asrounded as a Grace's, her hands plump and well shaped, her figure wasthat of a nymph's, giving delightful hints of a magnificent breast; herhair was a chestnut brown, her foot small: she had all that constitutes abeautiful woman save that gift of intellect, which makes beauty morebeautiful, and gives a charm to ugliness itself. My vagrant fancy shewedme her naked form, all seemed ravishing, and yet I thought that thoughshe might inspire a passing fancy she could not arouse a durableaffection. She might minister to a man's pleasures, she could not makehim happy. I arrived at the isle resolved to trouble myself about her nomore; she might, I thought, be mad, or in despair at finding herself inthe power of a man whom she could not possibly love. I could not helppitying her, and yet I could not forgive her for consenting to be of aparty which she knew she must spoil by her morose behaviour. 

As for the self-styled Chevalier Stuard, I did not trouble my headwhether he were her husband or her lover. He was young, commonplace-looking, he spoke affectedly; his manners were not good, andhis conversation betrayed both ignorance and stupidity. He was a beggar, devoid of money and wits, and I could not make out why he took with him abeauty who, unless she were over-kind, could add nothing to his means ofliving. Perhaps he expected to live at the expense of simpletons, and hadcome to the conclusion, in spite of his ignorance, that the world is fullof such; however, experience must have taught him that this plan cannotbe relied on. 

When we got to Vaucluse I let Dolci lead; he had been there a hundredtimes, and his merit was enhanced in my eyes by the fact that he was alover of the lover of Laura. We left the carriage at Apt, and wended ourway to the fountain which was honoured that day with a numerous throng ofpilgrims. The stream pours forth from a vast cavern, the handiwork ofnature, inimitable by man. It is situated at the foot of a rock with asheer descent of more than a hundred feet. The cavern is hardly half ashigh, and the water pours forth from it in such abundance that itdeserves the name of river at its source. It is the Sorgue which fallsinto the Rhone near Avignon. There is no other stream as pure and clear, for the rocks over which it flows harbour no deposits of any kind. Thosewho dislike it on account of its apparent blackness should remember thatthe extreme darkness of the cavern gives it that gloomy tinge. 

 Chiare fresche a dolce aque Ove le belle membra Pose colei the sola a me pay donna. 

I wished to ascend to that part of the rock where Petrarch's house stood. I gazed on the remains with tears in my eyes, like Leo Allatius atHomer's grave. Sixteen years later I slept at Arqua, where Petrarch died, and his house still remains. The likeness between the two situations wasastonishing, for from Petrarch's study at Arqua a rock can be seensimilar to that which may be viewed at Vaucluse; this was the residenceof Madonna Laura. 

"Let us go there, " said I, "it is not far off. "

I will not endeavour to delineate my feelings as I contemplated the ruinsof the house where dwelt the lady whom the amorous Petrarch immortalisedin his verse--verse made to move a heart of stone:

 "Morte bella parea nel suo bel viso"

I threw myself with arms outstretched upon the ground as if I wouldembrace the very stones. I kissed them, I watered them with my tears, Istrove to breathe the holy breath they once contained. I begged MadameStuard's pardon for having left her arm to do homage to the spirit of awoman who had quickened the profoundest soul that ever lived. 

I say soul advisedly, for after all the body and the senses had nothingto do with the connection. 

"Four hundred years have past and gone, " said I to the statue of a womanwho gazed at me in astonishment, "since Laura de Sade walked here;perhaps she was not as handsome as you, but she was lively, kindly, polite, and good of heart. May this air which she breathed and which youbreathe now kindle in you the spark of fire divine; that fire thatcoursed through her veins, and made her heart beat and her bosom swell. Then you would win the worship of all worthy men, and from none would youreceive the least offence. Gladness, madam, is the lot of the happy, andsadness the portion of souls condemned to everlasting pains. Be cheerful, then, and you will do something to deserve your beauty. "

The worthy Dolci was kindled by my enthusiasm. He threw himself upon me, and kissed me again and again; the fool Stuard laughed; and his wife, whopossibly thought me mad, did not evince the slightest emotion. She tookmy arm, and we walked slowly towards the house of Messer Francescod'Arezzo, where I spent a quarter of an hour in cutting my name. Afterthat we had our dinner. 

Dolci lavished more attention on the extraordinary woman than I did. Stuard did nothing but eat and drink, and despised the Sorgue water, which, said he, would spoil the Hermitage; possibly Petrarch may havebeen of the same opinion. We drank deeply without impairing our reason, but the lady was very temperate. When we reached Avignon we bade herfarewell, declining the invitation of her foolish husband to come andrest in his rooms. 

I took Dolci's arm and we walked beside the Rhone as the sun went down. Among other keen and witty observations the young man said, --

"That woman is an old hand, infatuated with a sense of her own merit. Iwould bet that she has only left her own country because her charms, frombeing too freely displayed, have ceased to please there. She must be sureof making her fortune out of anybody she comes across. I suspect that thefellow who passes for her husband is a rascal, and that her pretendedmelancholy is put on to drive a persistent lover to distraction. She hasnot yet succeeded in finding a dupe, but as she will no doubt try tocatch a rich man, it is not improbable that she is hovering over you. ". 

When a young man of Dolci's age reasons like that, he is bound to becomea great master. I kissed him as I bade him good-night, thanked him forhis kindness, and we agreed that we would see more of one another. 

As I came back to my inn I was accosted by a fine-looking man of middleage, who greeted me by name and asked with great politeness if I hadfound Vaucluse as fine as I had expected. I was delighted to recognizethe Marquis of Grimaldi, a Genoese, a clever and good-natured man, withplenty of money, who always lived at Venice because he was more atliberty to enjoy himself there than in his native country; which shewsthat there is no lack of freedom at Venice. 

After I had answered his question I followed him into his room, wherehaving exhausted the subject of the fountain he asked me what I thoughtof my fair companion. 

"I did not find her satisfactory in all respects, " I answered; andnoticing the reserve with which I spoke, he tried to remove it by thefollowing confession:

"There are some very pretty women in Genoa, but not one to compare withher whom you took to Vaucluse to-day. I sat opposite to her at tableyesterday evening, and I was struck with her perfect beauty. I offeredher my arm up the stair; I told her that I was sorry to see her so sad, and if I could do anything for her she had only to speak. You know I wasaware she had no money. Her husband, real or pretended, thanked me for myoffer, and after I had wished them a good night I left them. 

"An hour ago you left her and her husband at the door of their apartment, and soon afterwards I took the liberty of calling. She welcomed me with apretty bow, and her husband went out directly, begging me to keep hercompany till his return. The fair one made no difficulty in sitting nextto me on a couch, and this struck me as a good omen, but when I took herhand she gently drew it away. I then told, her, in as few words as Icould, that her beauty had made me in love with her, and that if shewanted a hundred louis they were at her service, if she would drop hermelancholy, and behave in a manner suitable to the feelings with whichshe had inspired me. She only replied by a motion of the head, whichshewed gratitude, but also an absolute refusal of my offer. 'I am goingto-morrow, ' said I. No answer. I took her hand again, and she drew itback with an air of disdain which wounded me. I begged her to excuse me, and I left the room without more ado. 

"That's an account of what happened an hour ago. I am not amorous of her, it was only a whim; but knowing, as I do, that she has no money, hermanner astonished me. I fancied that you might have placed her in aposition to despise my offer, and this would explain her conduct, in ameasure; otherwise I can't understand it at all. May I ask you to tell mewhether you are more fortunate than I?"

I was enchanted with the frankness of this noble gentleman, and did nothesitate to tell him all, and we laughed together at our bad fortune: Ihad to promise to call on him at Genoa, and tell him whatever happenedbetween us during the two days I purposed to remain at Avignon. He askedme to sup with him and admire the fair recalcitrant. 

"She has had an excellent dinner, " said I, "and in all probability shewill not have any supper. "

"I bet she will, " said the marquis; and he was right, which made me seeclearly that the woman was playing a part. A certain Comte de Bussi, whohad just come, was placed next to her at table. He was a good-lookingyoung man with a fatuous sense of his own superiority, and he afforded usan amusing scene. 

He was good-natured, a wit, and inclined to broad jokes, and his mannertowards women bordered on the impudent. He had to leave at midnight andbegan to make love to his fair neighbour forthwith, and teased her in athousand ways; but she remained as dumb as a statue, while he did all thetalking and laughing, not regarding it within the bounds of possibilitythat she might be laughing at him. 

I looked at M. Grimaldi, who found it as difficult to keep hiscountenance as I did. The young roue was hurt at her silence, andcontinued pestering her, giving her all the best pieces on his plateafter tasting them first. The lady refused to take them, and he tried toput them into her mouth, while she repulsed him in a rage. He saw that noone seemed inclined to take her part, and determined to continue theassault, and taking her hand he kissed it again and again. She tried todraw it away, and as she rose he put his arm round her waist and made hersit down on his knee; but at this point the husband took her arm and ledher out of the room. The attacking party looked rather taken aback for amoment as he followed her with his eyes, but sat down again and began toeat and laugh afresh, while everybody else kept a profound silence. Hethen turned to the footman behind his chair and asked him if his swordwas upstairs. The footman said no, and then the fatuous young man turnedto an abbe who sat near me, and enquired who had taken away his mistress:

"It was her husband, " said the abbe. 

"Her husband! Oh, that's another thing; husbands don't fight--a man ofhonour always apologises to them. "

With that he got up, went upstairs, and came down again directly, saying, --

"The husband's a fool. He shut the door in my face, and told me tosatisfy my desires somewhere else. It isn't worth the trouble ofstopping, but I wish I had made an end of it. "

He then called for champagne, offered it vainly to everybody, bade thecompany a polite farewell and went upon his way. 

As M. Grimaldi escorted me to my room he asked me what I had thought ofthe scene we had just witnessed. I told him I would not have stirred afinger, even if he had turned up her clothes. 

"No more would I, " said he, "but if she had accepted my hundred louis itwould have been different. I am curious to know the further history ofthis siren, and I rely upon you to tell me all about it as you go throughGenoa. "

He went away at day-break next morning. 

When I got up I received a note from the false Astrodi, asking me if Iexpected her and her great chum to supper. I had scarcely replied in theaffirmative, when the sham Duke of Courland I had left at Grenobleappeared on the scene. He confessed in a humble voice that he was the sonof clock-maker at Narva, that his buckles were valueless, and that he hadcome to beg an alms of me. I gave him four Louis, and he asked me to keephis secret. I replied that if anyone asked me about him that I should saywhat was absolutely true, that I knew him nothing about him. "Thank you;I am now going to Marseilles. " "I hope you will have a prosperousjourney. " Later on my readers will hear how I found him at Genoa. It isa good thing to know something about people of his kind, of whom thereare far too many in the world. 

I called up the landlord and told him I wanted a delicate supper forthree in my own room. 

He told me that I should have it, and then said, "I have just had a rowwith the Chevalier Stuard. "

"What about?"

"Because he has nothing to pay me with, and I am going to turn them outimmediately, although the lady is in bed in convulsions which aresuffocating her. "

"Take out your bill in her charms. "

"Ah, I don't care for that sort of thing! I am getting on in life, and Idon't want any more scenes to bring discredit on my house. "

"Go and tell her that from henceforth she and her husband will dine andsup in their own room and that I will pay for them as long as I remainhere. "

"You are very generous, sir, but you know that meals in a private roomare charged double. "

"I know they are. "

"Very good. "

I shuddered at the idea of the woman being turned out of doors withoutany resources but her body, by which she refused to profit. On the otherhand I could not condemn the inn-keeper who, like his fellows, was nottroubled with much gallantry. I had yielded to an impulse of pity withoutany hopes of advantage for myself. Such were my thoughts when Stuard cameto thank me, begging me to come and see his wife and try and persuade herto behave in a different manner. 

"She will give me no answers, and you know that that sort of thing israther tedious. "

"Come, she knows what you have done for her; she will talk to you, forher feelings . . . . "

"What business have you to talk about feelings after what happenedyesterday evening?"

"It was well for that gentleman that he went away at midnight, otherwiseI should have killed him this morning. "

"My dear sir, allow me to tell you that all that is pure braggadocio. Yesterday, not to-day, was the time to kill him, or to throw your plateat his head, at all events. We will now go and see your wife. "

I found her in bed, her face to the wall, the coverlet right up to herchin, and her body convulsed with sobs. I tried to bring her to reason, but as usual got no reply. Stuard wanted to leave me, but I told him thatif he went out I would go too, as I could do nothing to console her, ashe might know after her refusing the Marquis of Grimaldi's hundred louisfor a smile and her hand to kiss. 

"A hundred Louis!" cried the fellow with a sturdy oath; "what folly! Wemight have been at home at Liege by now. A princess allows one to kissher hand for nothing, and she. . . . A hundred Louis! Oh, damnable!"

His exclamations, very natural under the circumstances, made me feelinclined to laugh. The poor devil swore by all his gods, and I was aboutto leave the room, when all at once the wretched woman was seized withtrue or false convulsions. With one hand she seized a water-bottle andsent it flying into the middle of the room, and with the other she torethe clothes away from her breast. Stuard tried to hold her, but herdisorder increased in violence, and the coverlet was disarranged to sucha degree that I could see the most exquisite naked charms imaginable. Atlast she grew calm, and her eyes closed as if exhausted; she remained inthe most voluptuous position that desire itself could have invented. Ibegan to get very excited. How was I to look on such beauties withoutdesiring to possess them? At this point her wretched husband left theroom, saying he was gone to fetch some water. I saw the snare, and myself-respect prevented my being caught in it. I had an idea that thewhole scene had been arranged with the intent that I should delivermyself up to brutal pleasure, while the proud and foolish woman would befree to disavow all participation in the fact. I constrained myself, andgently veiled what I would fain have revealed in all its naked beauty. Icondemned to darkness these charms which this monster of a woman onlywished me to enjoy that I might be debased. 

Stuard was long enough gone. When he came back with the water-bottlefull, he was no doubt surprised to find me perfectly calm, and in nodisorder of any kind, and a few minutes afterwards I went out to coolmyself by the banks of the Rhone. 

I walked along rapidly, feeling enraged with myself, for I felt that thewoman had bewitched me. In vain I tried to bring myself to reason; themore I walked the more excited I became, and I determined that after whatI had seen the only cure for my disordered fancy was enjoyment, brutal ornot. I saw that I should have to win her, not by an appeal to sentimentbut by hard cash, without caring what sacrifices I made. I regretted myconduct, which then struck me in the light of false delicacy, for if Ihad satisfied my desires and she chose to turn prude, I might havelaughed her to scorn, and my position would have been unassailable. Atlast I determined on telling the husband that I would give himtwenty-five louis if he could obtain me an interview in which I couldsatisfy my desires. 

Full of this idea I went back to the inn, and had my dinner in my ownroom without troubling to enquire after her. Le Duc told me that she wasdining in her room too, and that the landlord had told the company thatshe would not take her meals in public any more. This was information Ipossessed already. 

After dinner I called on the good-natured Dolci, who introduced me to hisfather, an excellent man, but not rich enough to satisfy his son's desireof travelling. The young man was possessed of considerable dexterity, andperformed a number of very clever conjuring tricks. He had an amiablenature, and seeing that I was curious to know about his love affairs hetold me numerous little stories which shewed me that he was at that happyage when one's inexperience is one's sole misfortune. 

There was a rich lady for whom he did not care, as she wanted him to giveher that which he would be ashamed to give save for love, and there was agirl who required him to treat her with respect. I thought I could givehim a piece of good advice, so I told him to grant his favours to therich woman, and to fail in respect now and again to the girl, who wouldbe sure to scold and then forgive. He was no profligate, and seemedrather inclined to become a Protestant. He amused himself innocently withhis friends of his own age, in a garden near Avignon, and a sister of thegardener's wife was kind to him when they were alone. 

In the evening I went back to the inn, and I had not long to wait for theAstrodi and the Lepi (so the hunchbacked girl was named); but when I sawthese two caricatures of women I felt stupefied. I had expected them, ofcourse, but the reality confounded me. The Astrodi tried tocounterbalance her ugliness by an outrageous freedom of manners; whilethe Lepi, who though a hunchback was very talented and an excellentactress, was sure of exciting desire by the rare beauty of her eyes andteeth, which latter challenged admiration from her enormous mouth bytheir regularity and whiteness. The Astrodi rushed up to me and gave mean Italian embrace, to which, willy nilly, I was obliged to submit. Thequieter Lepi offered me her cheek, which I pretended to kiss. I saw thatthe Astrodi was in a fair way to become intolerable, so I begged her tomoderate her transports, because as a novice at these parties I wanted toget accustomed to them by degrees. She promised that she would be verygood. 

While we were waiting for supper I asked her, for the sake of somethingto say, whether she had found a lover at Avignon. 

"Only the vice-legate's auditor, " she replied; "and though he makes mehis pathic he is good-natured and generous. I have accustomed myself tohis taste easily enough, though I should have thought such a thingimpossible a year ago, as I fancied the exercise a harmful one, but I waswrong. "

"So the auditor makes a boy of you?"

"Yes. My sister would have adored him, as that sort of love is herpassion. "

"But your sister has such fine haunches. "

"So have I! Look here, feel me. "

"You are right; but wait a bit, it is too soon for that kind of thingyet. "

"We will be wanton after supper. "

"I think you are wanton now, " said the Lepi. 

"Why?"

"Why? Ought you to shew your person like that?"

"My dear girl, you will be shewing yourself soon. When one is in goodcompany, one is in the golden age. "

"I wonder at your telling everyone what sort of a connection you havewith the auditor, " said I. 

"Nonsense! I don't tell everyone, but everyone tells me and congratulatesme too. They know the worthy man never cared for women, and it would beabsurd to deny what everybody guesses. I used to be astonished at mysister, but the best plan in this world is to be astonished at nothing. But don't you like that?"

"No, I only like this. "

As I spoke I laid hands on the Lepi, on the spot where one usually findswhat I called "this;" but the Astrodi, seeing that I found nothing, burstinto a roar of laughter, and taking my hand put it just under her fronthump, where at last I found what I wanted. The reader will guess mysurprise. The poor creature, too ashamed to be prudish, laughed too. Myspirits also begin to rise, as I thought of the pleasure I should get outof this new discovery after supper. 

"Have you never had a lover?" said I to the Lepi. 

"No, " said the Astrodi, "she is still a maid. "

"No, I am not, " replied the Lepi, in some confusion, "I had a lover atBordeaux, and another at Montpellier. "

"Yes, I know, but you are still as you were born. "

"I can't deny it. "

"What's that? Two lovers and still a maid! I don't understand; pleasetell me about it, for I have never heard of such a thing. "

"Before I satisfied my first lover which happened when I was only twelve, I was just the same as I am now. "

"It's wonderful. And what did he say when he saw it?"

"I swore that he was my first, and he believed me, putting it down to thepeculiar shape of my body. "

"He was a man of spirit; but didn't he hurt you?"

"Not a bit; but then he was very gentle. "

"You must have a try after supper, " said the Astrodi to me, "that wouldbe fine fun. "

"No, no, " said the Lepi, "the gentleman would be too big for me. "

"Nonsense! You don't want to take in all of him. I will show you how itis. "

With these words the impudent hussy proceeded to exhibit me, and I lether do what she liked. 

"That's just what I should have thought, " cried the Lepi; "it could neverbe done. "

"Well, he is rather big, " answered the Astrodi; "but there's a cure foreverything, and he will be content with half-measures. "

"It's not the length, my dear, but the thickness which frightens me; I amafraid the door is too narrow. "

"All the better for you, for you can sell your maidenhead after havinghad two lovers. "

This conversation, not devoid of wit, and still more the simplicity ofthe hunchback, had made me resolve to verify things for myself. 

Supper came up, and I had the pleasure of seeing the two nymphs eat likestarving savages, and drink still better. When the Hermitage had done itswork the Astrodi proposed that we should cast off the clothes whichdisfigure nature. 

"Certainly, " said I; "and I will turn away while you are getting ready. "

I went behind the curtains, took off my clothes, and went to bed with myback to them. At last the Astrodi told me that they were ready, and whenI looked the Lepi took up all my attention. In spite of her doubledeformity she was a handsome woman. My glances frightened her, for shewas doubtless taking part in an orgy for the first time. I gave hercourage, however, by dint of praising those charms which the white andbeautiful hands could not hide, and at last I persuaded her to come andlie beside me. Her hump prevented her lying on her back, but theingenious Astrodi doubled up the pillows and succeeded in placing her ina position similar to that of a ship about to be launched. It was also bythe tender care of the Astrodi that the introduction of the knife wasmanaged, to the great delight of priest and victim. After the operationwas over she got up and kissed me, which she could not do before, for hermouth reached to the middle of my chest, while my feet were scarcely downto her knees. I would have given ten louis to have been able to see thecurious sight we must have presented at work. 

"Now comes my turn, " said the Astrodi; "but I don't want you to infringeon the rights of my auditor, so come and look round and see where thepath lies. Take that. "

"What am I to do with this slice of lemon?"

"I want you to try whether the place is free from infection, or whetherit would be dangerous for you to pay it a visit. "

"Is that a sure method?"

"Infallible; if everything were not right I could not bear the smart. "

"There you are. How's that?"

"All right; but don't deceive me, I want no half measures. My reputationwould be made if I became with child. "

I ask my reader's leave to draw a veil over some incidents of this trulyscandalous orgy, in which the ugly woman taught me some things I did notknow before. At last, more tired than exhausted, I told them to begone, but the Astrodi insisted on finishing up with a bowl of punch. I agreed, but not wishing to have anything more to do with either of them I dressedmyself again. However, the champagne punch excited them to such an extentthat at last they made me share their transports. The Astrodi placed herfriend in such a singular position that the humps were no longer visible, and imagining that I had before me the high priestess of Jove, I paid hera long sacrifice, in which death and resurrection followed one another insuccession. But I felt disgusted with myself, and drew away from theirlascivious frenzies, and gave them ten Louis to get rid of them. TheAstrodi fell on her knees, blessed me, thanked me, called me her god; andthe Lepi wept and laughed for joy at the same time; and thus for aquarter of an hour I was treated to a scene of an extraordinary kind. 

I had them taken home in my carriage, and slept till ten o'clock nextmorning. Just as I was going out for a walk Stuard came to my room andtold me, with an air of despair, that if I did not give him the means ofgoing away before I left he would throw himself in the Rhine. 

"That's rather tragic, " said I, "but I can find a cure. I will disbursetwenty-five Louis, but it is your wife who must receive them; and theonly condition is that she must receive me alone for an hour, and beentirely kind. "

"Sir, we need just that sum; my wife is disposed to receive you; go andtalk to her. I shall not be in till noon. "

I put twenty-five Louis in a pretty little purse, and left my roomthinking that the victory was won. I entered her room and approached herbed respectfully. When she heard me she sat up in bed without taking thetrouble to cover her breast, and before I could wish her good-day shespoke to me as follows:

"I am ready, sir, to pay with my body for the wretched twenty-five Louisof which my husband is in need. You can do what you like with me; butremember that in taking advantage of my position to assuage your brutallust you are the viler of the two, for I only sell myself so cheaplybecause necessity compels me to do so. Your baseness is more shamefulthan mine. Come on; here I am. "

With this flattering address she threw off the coverlet with a vigorousgesture, and displayed all her beauties, which I might have gazed on withsuch different feelings from those which now filled my breast. For amoment I was silent with indignation. All my passion had evaporated; inthose voluptuous rounded limbs I saw now only the covering of a wildbeast's soul. I put back the coverlet with the greatest calmness, andaddressed her in a tone of cold contempt:

"No, madam, I shall not leave this room degraded because you have told meso, but I shall leave it after imparting to you a few degrading truths, of which you cannot be ignorant if you are a woman of any decencywhatever. Here are twenty-five louis, a wretched sum to give a virtuouswoman in payment of her favours, but much more than you deserve. I am notbrutal, and to convince you of the fact I am going to leave you in theundisturbed possession of your charms, which I despise as heartily as Ishould have admired them if your behaviour had been different. I onlygive you the money from a feeling of compassion which I cannot overcome, and which is the only feeling I now have for you. Nevertheless, let metell you that whether a woman sells herself for twenty-five louis ortwenty-five million louis she is as much a prostitute in the one case asin the other, if she does not give her love with herself, or at allevents the semblance of love. Farewell. "

I went back to my room, and in course of time Stuard came to thank me. 

"Sir, " said I, "let me alone; I wish to hear no more about your wife. "

They went away the next day for Lyons, and my readers will hear of themagain at Liege. 

In the afternoon Dolci took me to his garden that I might see thegardener's sister. She was pretty, but not so pretty as he was. He soongot her into a good humour, and after some trifling objection sheconsented to be loved by him in my presence. I saw that this Adonis hadbeen richly dowered by nature, and I told him that with such a physicalconformation he had no need of emptying his father's purse to travel, andbefore long he took my advice. This fair Ganymede might easily haveturned me into Jove, as he struggled amorously with the gardener'ssister. 

As I was going home I saw a young man coming out of a boat; he was fromtwenty to twenty-five years old, and looked very sad. Seeing me lookingat him, he accosted me, and humbly asked for alms, shewing me a documentauthorizing him to beg, and a passport stating he had left Madrid sixweeks before. He came from Parma, and was named Costa. When I saw Parmamy national prejudice spoke in his favour, and I asked him whatmisfortune had reduced him to beggary. 

"Only lack of money to return to my native country, " said he. 

"What were you doing at Madrid, and why did you leave?"

"I was there four years as valet to Dr. Pistoria, physician to the Kingof Spain, but on my health failing I left him. Here is a certificatewhich will shew you that I gave satisfaction. "

"What can you do?"

"I write a good hand, I can assist a gentleman as his secretary, and Iintend being a scribe when I get home. Here are some verses I copiedyesterday. "

"You write well; but can you write correctly without a book?"

"I can write from dictation in French, Latin, and Spanish. "

"Correctly?"

"Yes, sir, if the dictation is done properly, for it is the business ofthe one who dictates to see that everything is correct. "

I saw that Master Gaetan Costa was an ignoramus, but in spite of that Itook him to my room and told Le Duc to address him in Spanish. Heanswered well enough, but on my dictating to him in Italian and French Ifound he had not the remotest ideas on orthography. 

"But you can't write, " said I to him. However, I saw he was mortified atthis, and I consoled him by saying that I would take him to his owncountry at my expense. He kissed my hand, and assured me that I shouldfind a faithful servant in him. 

This young fellow took my fancy by his originality; he had probablyassumed it to distinguish himself from the blockheads amongst whom he hadhitherto lived, and now used it in perfect good faith with everybody. Hethought that the art of a scribe solely consisted in possessing a goodhand, and that the fairest writer would be the best scribe. He said asmuch while he was examining a paper I had written, and as my writing wasnot as legible as his he tacitly told me I was his inferior, and that Ishould therefore treat him with some degree of respect. I laughed at thisfad, and, not thinking him incorrigible I took him into my service. If ithad not been for that odd notion of his I should probably have merelygiven him a louis, and no more. He said that spelling was of noconsequence, as those who knew how to spell could easily guess the words, while those who did not know were unable to pick out the mistakes. Ilaughed, but as I said nothing he thought the laugh signified approval. In the dictation I gave him the Council of Trent happened to occur. According to his system he wrote Trent by a three and a nought. I burstout laughing; but he was not in the least put out, only remarking thatthe pronunciation being the same it was of no consequence how the wordwas spelt. In point of fact this lad was a fool solely through hisintelligence, matched with ignorance and unbounded self-confidence. I waspleased with his originality and kept him, and was thus the greater foolof the two, as the reader will see. 

I left Avignon next day, and went straight to Marseilles, not troublingto stop at Aix. I halted at the "Treize Cantons, " wishing to stay for aweek at least in this ancient colony of the Phocaeans, and to do as Iliked there. With this idea I took no letter of introduction; I hadplenty of money, and needed nobody's help. I told my landlord to give mea choice fish dinner in my own room, as I was aware that the fish inthose parts is better than anywhere else. 

I went out the next morning with a guide, to take me back to the inn whenI was tired of walking. Not heeding where I went, I reached a fine quay;I thought I was at Venice again, and I felt my bosom swell, so deeply isthe love of fatherland graven on the heart of every good man. I saw anumber of stalls where Spanish and Levantine wines were kept, and anumber of people drinking in them. A crowd of business men went hitherand thither, running up against each other, crossing each other's paths, each occupied with his own business, and not caring whose way he gotinto. Hucksters, well dressed and ill dressed, women, pretty and plain, women who stared boldly at everyone, modest maidens with downcast eyes, such was the picture I saw. 

The mixture of nationalities, the grave Turk and the glitteringAndalusian, the French dandy, the gross Negro, the crafty Greek, the dullHollander; everything reminded me of Venice, and I enjoyed the scene. 

I stopped a moment at a street corner to read a playbill, and then I wentback to the inn and refreshed my weary body with a delicious dinner, washed down with choice Syracusan wine. After dinner I dressed and took aplace in the amphitheatre of the theatre. 

CHAPTER III

Rosalie--Toulon--Nice--I Arrive at Genoa--M. Grimaldi--Veronique and HerSister

I noticed that the four principal boxes on both sides of the prosceniumwere adorned with pretty women, but not a single gentleman. In theinterval between the first and second acts I saw gentlemen of all classespaying their devoirs to these ladies. Suddenly I heard a Knight of Maltasay to a girl, who was the sole occupant of a box next to me, "I will breakfast with you to-morrow. "

This was enough for me. I looked at her more closely and finding her tobe a dainty morsel I said, as soon as the knight had gone--

"Will you give me my supper?"

"With pleasure; but I have been taken in so often that I shan't expectyou without an earnest. "

"How can I give you an earnest? I don't understand. "

"You must be a new-comer here. "

"Just arrived. "

She laughed, called the knight, and said, --

"Be pleased to explain to this gentleman, who has just asked me forsupper, the meaning of the word 'earnest. '"

The good-natured knight explained, with a smile, that the lady, fearinglest my memory should prove defective, wanted me to pay for my supper inadvance. I thanked him, and asked her if a louis would be enough; and onher replying in the affirmative, I gave her the Louis and asked for heraddress. The knight told me politely that he would take me there himselfafter the theatre, adding, --

"She's the wantonest wench in all Marseilles. "

He then asked me if I knew the town, and when I told him that I had onlycome that day he said he was glad to be the first to make myacquaintance. We went to the middle of, the amphitheatre and he pointedout a score of girls to right and left, all of them ready to treat thefirst comer to supper. They are all on the free list, and the managerfinds they serve his ends as respectable women will not sit in theirboxes, and they draw people to the theatre. I noticed five or six of abetter type than the one I had engaged, but I resolved to stick to herfor the evening, and to make the acquaintance of the others another time. 

"Is your favourite amongst them?" I said to the knight. 

"No, I keep a ballet-girl, and I will introduce you to her, as I am gladto say that I am free from all jealousy. "

When the play came to an end he took me to my nymph's lodging, and weparted with the understanding that we were to see more of one another. 

I found the lady in undress--a circumstance which went against her, forwhat I saw did not please me. She gave me a capital supper, and enlivenedme by some witty and wanton sallies which made me regard her in a morefavourable light. When we had supper she got into bed, and asked me tofollow her example; but I told her that I never slept out. She thenoffered me the English article which brings peace to the soul, but I didnot accept the one she offered as I thought it looked of a common make. 

"I have finer ones, but they are three francs each, and the maker onlysells them by the dozen, " she said. "I will take a dozen if they arereally good, " I replied. 

She rang the bell, and a young, charming, and modest-looking girl camein. I was struck with her. 

"You have got a nice maid, " I remarked, when the girl had gone for theprotective sheaths. 

"She is only fifteen, " she said, "and won't do anything, as she is new toit. "

"Will you allow me to see for myself?"

"You may ask her if you like, but I don't think she will consent. "

The girl came back with the packet, and putting myself in a properposition I told her to try one on. She proceeded to do so with a sulkyair and with a kind of repugnance which made me feel interested in her. Number one would not go on, so she had to try on a second, and the resultwas that I besprinkled her plentifully. The mistress laughed, but she wasindignant, threw the whole packet in my face, and ran away in a rage. Iwanted nothing more after this, so I put the packet in my pocket, gavethe woman two Louis, and left the room. The girl I had treated socavalierly came to light me downstairs, and thinking I owed her anapology I gave her a Louis and begged her pardon. The poor girl wasastonished, kissed my hand, and begged me to say nothing to her mistress. 

"I will not, my dear, but tell me truly whether you are still a 'virgointacta'. "

"Certainly, sir!"

"Wonderful! but tell me why you wouldn't let me see for myself?"

"Because it revolted me. "

"Nevertheless you will have to do so, for otherwise, in spite of yourprettiness, people will not know what to make of you. Would you like tolet me try?"

"Yes, but not in this horrible house. "

"Where, then?"

"Go to my mother's to-morrow, I will be there. Your guide knows where shelives. "

When I got outside, I asked the man if he knew her. He replied in theaffirmative, and said he believed her to be an honest girl. 

"You will take me to-morrow to see her mother, " I said. 

Next morning he took me to the end of the town, to a poor house, where Ifound a poor woman and poor children living on the ground floor, andeating hard black bread. 

"What do you want?" said she. 

"Is you daughter here?"

"No, and what if she were? I am not her bawd. "

"No, of course not, my good woman. "

Just then the girl came in, and the enraged mother flung an old pot whichcame handy, at her head. Luckily it missed, but she would not haveescaped her mother's talons if I had not flung myself between them. However, the old woman set up a dismal shriek, the children imitated her, and the poor girl began to cry. This hubbub made my man come in. 

"You hussy!" screamed the mother, "you are bringing disgrace on me; getout of my house. You are no longer my daughter!"

I was in a difficult position. The man begged her not to make such anoise, as it would draw all the neighbours about the house; but theenraged woman answered only by abuse. I drew six francs from my pocketand gave them to her, but she flung them in my face. At last I went outwith the daughter, whose hair she attempted to pull out by the roots, which project was defeated by the aid of my man. As soon as we gotoutside, the mob which the uproar had attracted hooted me and followedme, and no doubt I should have been torn to pieces if I had not escapedinto a church, which I left by another door a quarter of an hour later. My fright saved me, for I knew the ferocity of the Provencals, and I tookcare not to reply a word to the storm of abuse which poured on me. Ibelieve that I was never in greater danger than on that day. 

Before I got back to my inn I was rejoined by the servant and the girl. 

"How could you lead me into such a dangerous position?" said I. "You musthave known your mother was savage. "

"I hoped she would behave respectfully to you. "

"Be calm; don't weep any more. Tell me how I can serve you. "

"Rather than return to that horrible house I was in yesterday I wouldthrow myself into the sea. "

"Do you know of any respectable house where I can keep her?" said I tothe man. 

He told me he did know a respectable individual who let furnishedapartments. 

"Take me to it, then. "

The man was of an advanced age, and he had rooms to let on all thefloors. 

"I only want a little nook, " said the girl; and the old man took us tothe highest story, and opened the door of a garret, saying--

"This closet is six francs a month, a month's rent to be paid in advance, and I may tell you that my door is always shut at ten o'clock, and thatnobody can come and pass the night with you. "

The room held a bed with coarse sheets, two chairs, a little table, and achest of drawers. 

"How much will you board this young woman for?" said I. 

He asked twenty sous, and two sous for the maid who would bring her mealsand do her room. 

"That will do, " said the girl, and she paid the month's rent and theday's board. I left her telling her I would come back again. 

As I went down the stairs I asked the old man to shew me a room formyself. He skewed me a very nice one at a Louis a month, and I paid inadvance. He then gave me a latch-key, that I might go and come when Iliked. 

"If you wish to board here, " said he, "I think I could givesatisfaction. "

Having done this good work, I had my dinner by myself, and then went to acoffee-house where I found the amiable Knight of Malta who was playing. He left the game as soon as he saw me, put the fistfull of gold he hadwon into his pocket, accosted me with the politeness natural to aFrenchman, and asked me how I had liked the lady who had given me mysupper. I told him what had happened, at which he laughed, and asked meto come and see his ballet-girl. We found her under the hairdresser'shands, and she received me with the playful familiarity with which onegreets an old acquaintance. I did not think much of her, but I pretendedto be immensely struck, with the idea of pleasing the good-naturedknight. 

When the hairdresser left her, it was time for her to get ready for thetheatre, and she dressed herself, without caring who was present. Theknight helped her to change her chemise, which she allowed him to do as amatter of course, though indeed she begged me to excuse her. 

As I owed her a compliment, I could think of nothing better than to tellher that though she had not offended me she had made me feel veryuncomfortable. 

"I don't believe you, " said she. 

"It's true all the same. "

She came up to me to verify the fact, and finding I had deceived her, shesaid half crossly, "You are a bad fellow. "

The women of Marseilles are undoubtedly the most profligate in France. They not only pride themselves on never refusing, but also on being thefirst to propose. This girl skewed me a repeater, for which she had gotup a lottery at twelve francs a ticket. She had ten tickets left; I tookthem all, and so delighted was she to touch my five Louis that she cameand kissed me, and told the knight that her unfaithfulness to him restedonly with me. 

"I am charmed to hear it, " said the Maltese. He asked me to sup with her, and I accepted the invitation, but the sole pleasure I had was looking atthe knight at work. He was far inferior to Dolci!

I wished them good night, and went to the house where I had placed thepoor girl. The maid skewed me to my room, and I asked her if I might goto the garret. She took the light, I followed her up, and Rosalie, as thepoor girl was named, heard my voice and opened the door. I told the maidto wait for me in my room, and I went in and sat down on the bed. 

"Are you contented, dear?" I said. 

"I am quite happy. "

"Then I hope you will be kind, and find room for me in your bed. "

"You may come if you like, but I must tell you that you will not find mea maid, as I have had one lover. "

"You told me a lie, then?"

"Forgive me, I could not guess you would be my lover. "

"I forgive you willingly; all the more so as I am no great stickler formaidenheads. "

She was as gentle as a lamb, and allowed me to gaze on all those charmsof which my hands and my lips disputed the possession; and the notionthat I was master of all these treasures put fire in all my veins, buther submissive air distressed me. 

"How is it you do not partake my desires?" said I. 

"I dare not, lest you take me for a pretender. "

Artifice or studied coquetry might have prompted such an answer, but thereal timidity and the frankness with which these words were uttered couldnot have been assumed. Impatient to gain possession of her I took off myclothes, and on getting into bed to her I was astonished to find her amaid. 

"Why did you tell me you had a lover?" said I. "I never heard of a girltelling a lie of that sort before. "

"All the same I did not tell a lie, but I am very glad that I seem as ifI had done so. "

"Tell me all about it. "

"Certainly I will, for I want to win your confidence. This is the story:

"Two years ago my mother, though she was hot-tempered, still loved me. Iwas a needle-woman, and earned from twenty to thirty sous a day. WhateverI earned I gave my mother. I had never had a lover, never thought of sucha thing, and when my goodness was praised I felt inclined to laugh. I hadbeen brought up from a child never to look at young men when I met themin the street, and never to reply to them when they addressed anyimpudence to me. 

"Two months ago a fine enough looking young man, a native of Genoa, and amerchant in a small way, came to my mother to get her to wash some veryfine cotton stockings which the sea-water had stained. When he saw me hewas very complimentary, but in an honest way. I liked him, and, no doubtseeing it, he came and came again every evening. My mother was alwayspresent at our interviews, and he looked at me and talked to me, but didnot so much as ask to kiss my hand. My mother was very pleased to noticethat the young man liked me, and often scolded me because I was notpolite enough to him. In time he had to go to Genoa in a small ship whichbelonged to him, and which was laden with goods. He assured us that hewould return again the next spring and declare his intentions. He said hehoped he should find me as good as ever, and still without any lover. This was enough; my mother looked upon him as my betrothed, and let ustalk together at the door till midnight. When he went I would shut thedoor and lie down beside my mother, who was always asleep. 

"Four or five days before his departure, he took my arm and got me to gowith him to a place about fifty paces from the house to drink a glass ofMuscat at a Greek's, who kept his tavern open all night. We were onlyaway for half an hour, and then it was that he first kissed me. When Igot home I found my mother awake, and told her all; it seemed so harmlessto me. 

"Next day, excited by the recollection of what had happened the nightbefore, I went with him again, and love began to gain ground. We indulgedin caresses which were no longer innocent, as we well knew. However, weforgave each other, as we had abstained from the chief liberty. 

"The day after, my lover--as he had to journey in the night--took leaveof my mother, and as soon as she was in bed I was not longer in grantingwhat I desired as much as he. We went to the Greek's, ate and drank, andour heated senses gained love's cause; we forgot our duty, and fanciedour misdemeanour a triumph. 

"Afterwards we fell asleep, and when we awoke we saw our fault in theclear, cold light of day. We parted sorrowful rather than rejoicing, andthe reception my mother gave me was like that you witnessed this morning. I assured her that marriage would take away the shame of my sin, and withthis she took up a stick and would have done for me, if I had not takento my heels, more from instinct than from any idea of what I was doing. 

"Once in the street I knew not where to turn, and taking refuge in achurch I stayed there like one in a dream till noon. Think of myposition. I was hungry, I had no refuge, nothing but the clothes I wore, nothing that would get me a morsel of bread. A woman accosted me in thestreet. I knew her and I also knew that she kept a servants' agency. Iasked her forthwith if she could get me a place. 

"'I had enquiries about a maid this morning, ' said she, 'but it is for agay woman, and you are pretty. You would have a good deal of difficultyin remaining virtuous. '

"'I can keep off the infection, ' I answered, 'and in the position I am inI cannot pick and choose. '

"She thereupon took me to the lady, who was delighted to see me, andstill more delighted when I told her that I had never had anything to dowith a man. I have repented of this lie bitterly enough, for in the weekI spent at that profligate woman's house I have had to endure the mosthumiliating insults that an honest girl ever suffered. No sooner did themen who came to the house hear that I was a maid than they longed toslake their brutal lust upon me, offering me gold if I would submit totheir caresses. I refused and was reviled, but that was not all. Five orsix times every day I was obliged to remain a witness of the disgustingscenes enacted between my mistress and her customers, who, when I wascompelled to light them about the house at night, overwhelmed me withinsults, because I would not do them a disgusting service for atwelve-sous piece. I could not bear this sort of life much longer, and Iwas thinking of drowning myself. When you came you treated me soignominiously that my resolve to die was strengthened, but you were sokind and polite as you went away that I fell in love with you directly, thinking that Providence must have sent you to snatch me away from theabyss. I thought your fine presence might calm my mother and persuade herto take me back till my lover came to marry me. I was undeceived, and Isaw that she took me for a prostitute. Now, if you like, I am altogetheryours, and I renounce my lover of whom I am no longer worthy. Take me asyour maid, I will love you and you only; I will submit myself to you anddo whatever you bid me. "

Whether it were weakness or virtue on my part, this tale of woe and amother's too great severity drew tears from my eyes, and when she saw myemotion she wept profusely, for her heart was in need of some relief. 

"I think, my poor Rosalie, you have only one chemise. "

"Alas! that is all. "

"Comfort yourself, my dear; all your wants shall be supplied tomorrow, andin the evening you shall sup with me in my room on the second floor. Iwill take care of you. "

"You pity me, then?"

"I fancy there is more love than pity in it. "

"Would to God it were so!"

This "would to God, " which came from the very depths of her soul, sent meaway in a merry mood. The servant who had been waiting for me for twohours, and was looking rather glum, relaxed when she saw the colour of acrown which I gave her by way of atonement. 

"Tell your master, " said I, "that Rosalie will sup with me to-morrow; letus have a fasting dinner, but let it be a good one. "

I returned to my inn quite in love with Rosalie, and I congratulatedmyself on having at last heard a true tale from a pretty mouth. Sheappeared to me so well disposed that her small failing seemed to make hershine the more. I resolved never to abandon her, and I did so in allsincerity; was I not in love?

After I had had my chocolate next morning I went out with a guide to theshops, where I got the necessary articles, paying a good but not anexcessive price. Rosalie was only fifteen, but with her figure, herwell-formed breasts, and her rounded arms, she would have been taken fortwenty. Her shape was so imprinted on my brain that everything I got forher fitted as if she had been measured for it. This shopping took up allthe morning, and in the afternoon the man took her a small trunkcontaining two dresses, chemises, petticoats, handkerchiefs, stockings, gloves, caps, a pair of slippers, a fan, a work-bag, and a mantle. I waspleased at giving her such a delightful surprise, and I longed forsuppertime that I might enjoy the sight of her pleasure. 

The Knight of Malta came to dine with me without ceremony, and I wascharmed to see him. After we had dined he persuaded me to go to thetheatre, as in consequence of the suspense of the subscriptionarrangements the boxes would be filled with all the quality inMarseilles. 

"There will be no loose women in the amphitheatre, " said he, "aseverybody has to pay. "

That decided me and I went. He presented me to a lady with an excellentconnection, who asked me to come and see her. I excused myself on theplea that I was leaving so shortly. Nevertheless she was very useful tome on my second visit to Marseilles. Her name was Madame Audibert. 

I did not wait for the play to end, but went where love called me. I hada delightful surprise when I saw Rosalie; I should not have known her. But I cannot resist the pleasure of recalling her picture as she stoodbefore me then, despite the years that have rolled by since that happymoment. 

Rosalie was an enticing-looking brunette, above the middle height. Herface was a perfect oval, and exquisitely proportioned. Two fine blackeyes shed a soft and ravishing light around. Her eyebrows were arched, and she had a wealth of hair, black and shining as ebony; her skin waswhile and lightly tinged with colour. On her chin was a dimple, and herslightest smile summoned into being two other dimples, one on each cheek. Her mouth was small, disclosing two rows of fairest orient pearls, andfrom her red lips flowed forth an indefinable sweetness. The lower lipprojected ever so lightly, and seemed designed to hold a kiss. I havespoken of her arms, her breast, and her figure, which left nothing to bedesired, but I must add to this catalogue of her charms, that her handwas exquisitely shaped, and that her foot was the smallest I have everseen. As to her other beauties, I will content myself with saying thatthey were in harmony with those I have described. 

To see her at her best, one had to see her smiling; and hitherto she hadbeen sad or vexed--states of mind which detract from a woman'sappearance. But now sadness was gone, and gratitude and pleasure hadtaken its place. I examined her closely, and felt proud, as I saw what atransformation I had effected; but I concealed my surprise, lest sheshould think I had formed an unfavourable impression of her. I proceeded, therefore, to tell her that I should expose myself to ridicule if Iattempted to keep a beauty like herself for a servant. 

"You shall be my mistress, " I said, "and my servants shall respect you asif you were my wife. "

At this Rosalie, as if I had given her another being, began to try andexpress her gratitude for what I had done. Her words, which passion madeconfused, increased my joy; here was no art nor deceit, but simplenature. 

There was no mirror in her garret, so she had dressed by her sense oftouch, and I could see that she was afraid to stand up and look atherself in the mirror in my room. I knew the weak spot in all women'shearts (which men are very wrong in considering as matter for reproach), and I encouraged her to admire herself, whereupon she could not restraina smile of satisfaction. 

"I think I must be in disguise, " said she, "for I have never seen myselfso decked out before. "

She praised the tasteful simplicity of the dress I had chosen, but wasvexed at the thought that her mother would still be displeased. 

"Think no more of your mother, dearest one. You look like a lady ofquality, and I shall be quite proud when the people at Genoa ask me ifyou are my daughter. "

"At Genoa?"

"Yes, at Genoa. Why do you blush?"

"From surprise; perhaps I may see there one whom I have not yetforgotten. "

"Would you like to stay here better?"

"No, no! Love me and be sure that I love you and for your own sake, notfrom any thought of my own interests. "

"You are moved, my angel; let me wipe away your tears with kisses. "

She fell into my arms, and she relieved the various feelings of which herheart was full by weeping for some time. I did not try to console her, for she had not grief; she wept as tender souls, and women, moreespecially, often will. We had a delicious supper to which I did honourfor two, for she ate nothing. I asked her if she was so unfortunate asnot to care for good food. 

"I have as good an appetite as anyone, " she replied, "and an excellentdigestion. You shall see for yourself when I grow more accustomed to mysudden happiness. "

"At least you can drink; this wine is admirable. If you prefer Greekmuscat I will send for some. It will remind you of your lover. "

"If you love me at all, I beg you will spare me that mortification. "

"You shall have no more mortification from me, I promise you. It was onlya joke, and I beg your pardon for it. "

"As I look upon you I feel in despair at not having known you first. "

"That feeling of yours, which wells forth from the depths of your opensoul, is grand. You are beautiful and good, for you only yielded to thevoice of love with the prospect of becoming his wife; and when I thinkwhat you are to me I am in despair at not being sure you love me. An evilgenius whispers in my ear that you only bear with me because I had thehappiness of helping you. "

"Indeed, that is an evil genius. To be sure, if I had met you in thestreet I should not have fallen head over ears in love with you, like awanton, but you would certainly have pleased me. I am sure I love you, and not for what you have done for me; for if I were rich and you werepoor, I would do anything in the world for you. But I don't want it to belike that, for I had rather be your debtor than for you to be mine. Theseare my real feelings, and you can guess the rest. "

We were still talking on the same subject when midnight struck, and myold landlord came and asked me if I were pleased. 

"I must thank you, " I replied, "I am delighted. Who cooked this delicioussupper?"

"My daughter. "

"She understands her craft; tell her I thought it excellent. "

"Yes, sir, but it is dear. "

"Not too dear for me. You shall be pleased with me as I with you, andtake care to have as good a supper to-morrow evening, as I hope the ladywill be well enough to do justice to the products of your daughter'sculinary skill. "

"Bed is a capital place to get an appetite. Ah! it is sixty years since Ihave had anything to do with that sort of thing. What are you laughingat, mademoiselle?"

"At the delight with which you must recollect it. "

"You are right, it is a pleasant recollection; and thus I am always readyto forgive young folks the peccadilloes that love makes them commit. "

"You are a wise old man, " said I, "everyone should sympathise with thetenderest of all our mortal follies. "

"If the old man is wise, " said Rosalie, when he had left the room, "mymother must be very foolish. "

"Would you like me to take you to the play to-morrow?"

"Pray do not. I will come if you like, but it will vex me very much. Idon't want to walk out with you or to go to the theatre with you here. Good heavens! What would people say. No, neither at Marseilles; butelsewhere, anything you please and with all my heart. "

"Very good, my dear, just as you please. But look at your room; no moregarret for you; and in three days we will start. "

"So soon?"

"Yes; tell me to-morrow what you require for the journey, for I don'twant you to lack for anything, and if you leave it all to me I mightforget something which would vex me. "

"Well, I should like another cloak, a cloak with a lining, some boots, anight-cap, and a prayer-book. "

"You know how to read, do you?"

"Certainly; and I can write fairly well. "

"I am glad to hear it. Your asking me so freely for what you want is atrue proof of your love; where confidence dwells not there is no love. Iwill not forget anything, but your feet are so small that I should adviseyou to get your boots yourself. "

Our talk was so pleasant, and I experienced such delight in studying herdisposition, that we did not go to bed till five o'clock. In the arms oflove and sleep we spent seven delicious hours, and when we rose at noonwe were fast lovers. She called me thou, talked of love and not ofgratitude, and, grown more familiar with her new estate, laughed at hertroubles. She kissed me at every opportunity, called me her darling boy, her joy, and as the present moment is the only real thing in this life, Ienjoyed her love, I was pleased with her caresses, and put away all ideasof the dreadful future, which has only one certainty--death, 'ultimalinea rerum'. 

The second night was far sweeter than the first; she had made a goodsupper, and drunk well, though moderately; thus she was disposed torefine on her pleasure, and to deliver herself with greater ardour to allthe voluptuous enjoyments which love inspires. 

I gave her a pretty watch and a gold shuttle for her to amuse herselfwith. 

"I wanted it, " said she, "but I should never have dared to ask for it. "

I told her that this fear of my displeasure made me doubt once morewhether she really loved me. She threw herself into my arms, and promisedthat henceforth she would shew me the utmost confidence. 

I was pleased to educate this young girl, and I felt that when her mindhad been developed she would be perfect. 

On the fourth day I warned her to hold herself in readiness to start at amoment's notice. I had said nothing about my plans to Costa or Le Duc, but Rosalie knew that I had two servants, and I told her that I shouldoften make them talk on the journey for the sake of the laughter theirfolly would afford me. 

"You, my dear, " I had said to her, "must be very reserved with them, andnot allow them to take the slightest liberty. Give them your orders as amistress, but without pride, and you will be obeyed and respected. Ifthey forget themselves in the slightest particular, tell me at once. "

I started from the hotel of the "Treize Cantons" with four post-horses, Le Duc and Costa sitting on the coachman's seat. The guide, whom I hadpaid well for his services, took us to Rosalie's door. I got out of thecarriage, and after thanking the kindly old landlord, who was sorry tolose so good a boarder, I made her get in, sat down beside her, andordered the postillions to go to Toulon, as I wished to see that fineport before returning to Italy. We got to Toulon at five o'clock. 

My Rosalie behaved herself at supper like the mistress of a houseaccustomed to the best society. I noticed that Le Duc as head man madeCosta wait upon her, but I got over him by telling my sweetheart that hewould have the honour of doing her hair, as he could do it as well as thebest barber in Paris. He swallowed the golden pill, and gave in with agood grace, and said, with a profound bow, that he hoped to give madamsatisfaction. 

We went out next morning to see the port, and were shewn over the placeby the commandant, whose acquaintance we made by a lucky chance. Heoffered his arm to Rosalie, and treated her with the consideration shedeserved for her appearance and the good sense of her questions. Thecommandant accepted my invitation to dinner, at which Rosalie spoke tothe point though not to excess, and received the polite compliments ofour worthy guest with much grace. In the afternoon he took us over thearsenal, and after having him to dinner could not refuse his invitationto supper. There was no difficulty about Rosalie; the commandantintroduced her immediately to his wife, his daughter, and his son. I wasdelighted to see that her manner with ladies even surpassed her mannerwith gentlemen. She was one of Nature's own ladies. The commandant's wifeand daughter caressed her again and again, and she received theirattentions with that modest sensibility which is the seal of a goodeducation. 

They asked me to dinner the next day, but I was satisfied with what I hadseen, so I took leave, intending to start on the morrow. 

When we got back to the inn I told her how pleased I was with her, andshe threw her arms round my neck for joy. 

"I am always afraid, " said she, "of being asked who I am. "

"You needn't be afraid, dearest; in France no gentleman or lady wouldthink of asking such a question. "

"But if they did, what ought I to do?"

"You should make use of an evasion. "

"What's an evasion?"

"A way of escaping from a difficulty without satisfying impertinentcuriosity. "

"Give me an example. "

"Well, if such a question were asked you, you might say, 'You had betterask this gentleman. '"

"I see, the question is avoided; but is not that impolite?"

"Yes; but not so impolite as to ask an embarrassing question. "

"And what would you say if the question was passed on to you?"

"Well, my answer would vary in a ratio with the respect in which I heldthe questioner. I would not tell the truth, but I should say something. And I am glad to see you attentive to my lessons. Always ask questions, and you will always find me ready to answer, for I want to teach you. Andnow let us to bed; we have to start for Antibes at an early hour, andlove will reward you for the pleasure you have given me to-day. "

At Antibes I hired a felucca to take me to Genoa, and as I intended toreturn by the same route I had my carriage warehoused for a small monthlypayment. We started early with a good wind, but the sea becoming rough, and Rosalie being mortally afraid, I had the felucca rowed intoVillafranca, where I engaged a carriage to take me to Nice. The weatherkept us back for three days, and I felt obliged to call on thecommandant, an old officer named Peterson. 

He gave me an excellent reception, and after the usual compliments hadpassed, said, --

"Do you know a Russian who calls himself Charles Ivanoff?"

"I saw him once at Grenoble. "

"It is said that he has escaped from Siberia, and that he is the youngerson of the Duke of Courland. "

"So I have heard, but I know no proof of his claim to the title. "

"He is at Genoa, where it is said a banker is to give him twenty thousandcrowns. In spite of that, no one would give him a sou here, so I sent himto Genoa at my own expense, to rid the place of him. "

I felt very glad that the Russian had gone away before my arrival. Anofficer named Ramini, who was staying at the same inn as myself, asked ifI would mind taking charge of a packet which M. De St. Pierre, theSpanish consul, had to send to the Marquis Grimaldi, at Genoa. It was thenobleman I had just seen at Avignon, and I was pleased to execute thecommission. The same officer asked me whether I had ever seen a certainMadame Stuard. 

"She came here a fortnight ago with a man who calls himself her husband. The poor devils hadn't a penny, and she, a great beauty, enchantedeverybody, but would give no one a smile or a word. "

"I have both seen and know her, " I answered. "I furnished her with themeans to come here. How could she leave Nice without any money?"

"That's just what no one can understand. She went off in a carriage, andthe landlord's bill was paid. I was interested in the woman. The MarquisGrimaldi told me that she had refused a hundred louis he offered her, andthat a Venetian of his acquaintance had fared just as badly. Perhaps thatis you?"

"It is, and I gave her some money despite my treatment. "

M. Peterson came to see me, and was enchanted with Rosalie's amiablemanner. This was another conquest for her, and I duly complimented herupon it. 

Nice is a terribly dull place, and strangers are tormented by the midges, who prefer them to the inhabitants. However, I amused myself at a smallbank at faro, which was held at a coffee-house, and at which Rosalie, whose play I directed, won a score of Piedmontese pistoles. She put herlittle earnings into a purse, and told me she liked to have some money ofher own. I scolded her for not having told me so before, and reminded herof her promise. 

"I don't really want it, " said she, "it's only my thoughtlessness. "

We soon made up our little quarrel. 

In such ways did I make this girl my own, in the hope that for theremnant of my days she would be mine, and so I should not be forced tofly from one lady to another. But inexorable fate ordained it otherwise. 

The weather grew fine again, and we got on board once more, and the nextday arrived at Genoa, which I had never seen before. I put up at "St. Martin's Inn, " and for decency's sake took two rooms, but they wereadjoining one another. The following day I sent the packet to M. Grimaldi, and a little later I left my card at his palace. 

My guide took me to a linen-draper's, and I bought some stuff forRosalie, who was in want of linen. She was very pleased with it. 

We were still at table when the Marquis Grimaldi was announced; he kissedme and thanked me for bringing the parcel. His next remark referred toMadame Stuard. I told him what had happened, and he laughed, saying thathe was not quite sure what he would have done under the circumstances. 

I saw him looking at Rosalie attentively, and I told him she was as goodas she was beautiful. 

"I want to find her a maid, " I said, "a good seamstress, who could go outwith her, and above all who could talk Italian to her, for I want her tolearn the language that I may take her into society at Florence, Rome andNaples. "

"Don't deprive Genoa of the pleasure of entertaining her, " said themarquis. "I will introduce her under whatever name she pleases, and in myown house to begin with. "

"She has good reasons for preserving her incognito here. "

"Ah, I see!--Do you think of staying here long?"

"A month, or thereabouts, and our pleasures will be limited to seeing thetown and its surroundings and going to the theatre. We shall also enjoythe pleasures of the table. I hope to eat champignons every day, they arebetter here than anywhere else. "

"An excellent plan. I couldn't suggest a better. I am going to see what Ican do in the way of getting you a maid, mademoiselle. "

"You sir? How can I deserve such great kindness?"

"My interest in you is the greater, as I think you come from Marseilles. "

Rosalie blushed. She was not aware that she lisped, and that thisbetrayed her. I extricated her from her confusion by telling the marquishis conjecture was well founded. 

I asked him how I could get the Journal de Savans, the Mercure de France, and other papers of the same description. He promised to send me a manwho would get me all that kind of thing. He added that if I would allowhim to send me some of his excellent chocolate he would come andbreakfast with us. I said that both gift and guest were vastly agreeableto me. 

As soon as he had gone Rosalie asked me to take her to a milliner's. 

"I want ribbons and other little things, " said she, "but I should like tobargain for them and pay for them out of my own money, without yourhaving anything to do with it. "

"Do whatever you like, my dear, and afterwards we will go to the play. "

The milliner to whom we went proved to be a Frenchwoman. It was acharming sight to see Rosalie shopping. She put on an important air, seemed to know all about it, ordered bonnets in the latest fashion, bargained, and contrived to spend five or six louis with great grandeur. As we left the shop I told her that I had been taken for her footman, andI meant to be revenged. So saying, I made her come into a jeweller's, where I bought her a necklace, ear-rings, and brooches in imitationdiamonds, and without letting her say a word I paid the price and leftthe shop. 

"You have bought me some beautiful things, " said she, "but you are toolavish with your money; if you had bargained you might have saved fourlouis at least. "

"Very likely, dearest, but I never was any hand at a bargain. "

I took her to the play, but as she did not understand the language shegot dreadfully tired, and asked me to take her home at the end of thefirst act, which I did very willingly. When we got in I found a boxwaiting for me from M. Grimaldi. It proved to contain twenty-four poundsof chocolate. Costa, who had boasted of his skill in making chocolate inthe Spanish fashion, received orders to make us three cups in themorning. 

At nine o'clock the marquis arrived with a tradesman, who sold me somebeautiful oriental materials. I gave them to Rosalie to make two'mezzaro' for herself. The 'mezzaro' is a kind of hooded cloak worn bythe Genoese women, as the 'cendal' is worn at Venice, and the 'mantilla'at Madrid. 

I thanked M. Grimaldi for the chocolate, which was excellent; Costa wasquite proud of the praise the marquis gave him. Le Duc came in toannounce a woman, whose name I did not know. 

"It's the mother of the maid I have engaged, " said M. Grimaldi. 

She came in, and I saw before me a well-dressed woman, followed by a girlfrom twenty to twenty-four years old, who pleased me at the first glance. The mother thanked the marquis, and presented her daughter to Rosalie, enumerating her good qualities, and telling her that she would serve herwell, and walk with her when she wished to go out. 

"My daughter, " she added, "speaks French, and you will find her a good, faithful, and obliging girl. "

She ended by saying that her daughter had been in service lately with alady, and that she would be obliged if she could have her meals byherself. 

The girl was named Veronique. Rosalie told her that she was a good girl, and that the only way to be respected was to be respectable. Veroniquekissed her hand, the mother went away, and Rosalie took the girl into herroom to begin her work. 

I did not forget to thank the marquis, for he had evidently chosen a maidmore with a view to my likings than to those of my sweetheart. I told himthat I should not fail to call on him, and he replied that he would behappy to see me at any hour, and that I should easily find him at hiscasino at St. Pierre d'Arena, where he often spent the night.