MEMOIRS OF JACQUES CASANOVA de SEINGALT 1725-1798

THE ETERNAL QUEST, Volume 3e--WITH VOLTAIRE

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

THE ETERNAL QUEST

WITH VOLTAIRE

CHAPTER XIX

M. De Voltaire; My Discussions with That Great Man--Ariosto--The Duc deVillars--The Syndic and the Three Girls--Dispute withVoltaire--Aix-en-Savoie--The Marquis Desarmoises

"M. De Voltaire, " said I, "this is the happiest moment of my life. I havebeen your pupil for twenty years, and my heart is full of joy to see mymaster. "

"Honour me with your attendance on my course for twenty years more, andpromise me that you will bring me my fees at the end of that time. "

"Certainly, if you promise to wait for me. "

This Voltairean sally made all present laugh, as was to be expected, forthose who laugh keep one party in countenance at the other's expense, andthe side which has the laughter is sure to win; this is the rule of goodsociety. 

I was not taken by surprise, and waited to have my revenge. 

Just then two Englishmen came in and were presented to him. 

"These gentlemen are English, " said Voltaire; "I wish I were. "

I thought the compliment false and out of place; for the gentlemen wereobliged to reply out of politeness that they wished they had been French, or if they did not care to tell a lie they would be too confused to tellthe truth. I believe every man of honour should put his own nation first. 

A moment after, Voltaire turned to me again and said that as I was aVenetian I must know Count Algarotti. 

"I know him, but not because I am a Venetian, as seven-eights of my dearcountrymen are not even aware of his existence. "

"I should have said, as a man of letters. "

"I know him from having spent two months with him at Padua, seven yearsago, and what particularly attracted my attention was the admiration heprofessed for M. De Voltaire. "

"That is flattering for me, but he has no need of admiring anyone. "

"If Algarotti had not begun by admiring others, he would never have madea name for himself. As an admirer of Newton he endeavoured to teach theladies to discuss the theory of light. "

"Has he succeeded?"

"Not as well as M. De Fontenelle in his 'Plurality of Worlds;' however, one may say he has succeeded. "

"True. If you see him at Bologna, tell him I am expecting to hear fromhim about Russia. He can address my letters to my banker, Bianchi, atMilan, and they will be sent on to me. "

"I will not fail to do so if I see him. "

"I have heard that the Italians do not care for his style. "

"No; all that he writes is full of French idioms. His style is wretched. "

"But do not these French turns increase the beauty of your language?"

"They make it insufferable, as French would be mixed with Italian orGerman even though it were written by M. De Voltaire. "

"You are right; every language should preserve its purity. Livy has beencriticised on this account; his Latin is said to be tainted withpatavinity. "

"When I began to learn Latin, the Abbe Lazzarini told me he preferredLivy to Sallust. "

"The Abbe Lazzarini, author of the tragedy, 'Ulisse il giovine'? You musthave been very young; I wish I had known him. But I knew the Abbe Contiwell; the same that was Newton's friend, and whose four tragedies containthe whole of Roman history. "

"I also knew and admired him. I was young, but I congratulated myself onbeing admitted into the society of these great men. It seems as if itwere yesterday, though it is many years ago; and now in your presence myinferiority does not humiliate me. I wish to be the younger son of allhumanity. "

"Better so than to be the chief and eldest. May I ask you to what branchof literature you have devoted yourself?"

"To none; but that, perhaps, will come afterwards. In the meantime I readas much as I can, and try to study character on my travels. "

"That is the way to become learned, but the book of humanity is too vast. Reading a history is the easier way. "

"Yes, if history did not lie. One is not sure of the truth of the facts. It is tiring, while the study of the world is amusing. Horace, whom Iknow by heart, is my guide-book. "

"Algarotti, too, is very fond of Horace. Of course you are fond ofpoetry?"

"It is my passion. "

"Have you made many sonnets?"

"Ten or twelve I like, and two or three thousand which in all probabilityI have not read twice. "

"The Italians are mad after sonnets. "

"Yes; if one can call it a madness to desire to put thought into measuredharmony. The sonnet is difficult because the thought has to be fittedexactly into the fourteen lines. "

"It is Procrustes' bed, and that's the reason you have so few good ones. As for us, we have not one; but that is the fault of our language. "

"And of the French genius, which considers that a thought when extendedloses all its force. "

"And you do not think so?"

"Pardon me, it depends on the kind of thought. A witty saying, forexample, will not make a sonnet; in French or Italian it belongs to thedomain of epigram. "

"What Italian poet do you like best?"

"Ariosto; but I cannot say I love him better than the others, for he ismy only love. "

"You know the others, though?"

"I think I have read them all, but all their lights pale beforeAriosto's. Fifteen years ago I read all you have written against him, andI said that you, would retract when you had read his works. "

"I am obliged to you for thinking that I had not read them. As a matterof fact I had done so, but I was young. I knew Italian very imperfectly, and being prejudiced by the learned Italians who adore Tasso I wasunfortunate enough to publish a criticism of Ariosto which I thought myown, while it was only the echo of those who had prejudiced me. I adoreyour Ariosto!"

"Ah! M. De Voltaire, I breathe again. But be good enough to have the workin which you turned this great man into ridicule excommunicated. "

"What use would that be? All my books are excommunicated; but I willgive you a good proof of my retractation. "

I was astonished! The great man began to recite the two fine passagesfrom the thirty-fourth and thirty-fifth cantos, in which the divine poetspeaks of the conversation of Astolpho with St. John and he did itwithout missing a single life or committing the slightest fault againstthe laws of prosody. He then pointed out the beauties of the passageswith his natural insight and with a great man's genius. I could not havehad anything better from the lips of the most skilled commentators inItaly. I listened to him with the greatest attention, hardly daring tobreath, and waiting for him to make a mistake, but I had my trouble fornothing. I turned to the company crying that I was more than astonished, and that all Italy should know what I had seen. "And I, sir, " said thegreat man, "will let all Europe know of the amends I owe to the greatestgenius our continent has produced. "

Greedy of the praise which he deserved so well, Voltaire gave me the nextday his translation which Ariosto begins thus:

"Quindi avvien the tra principi a signori. "

At the end of the recitation which gained the applause of all who heardit, although not one of them knew Italian, Madame Denis, his niece, askedme if I thought the passage her uncle had just recited one of the finestthe poet had written. 

"Yes, but not the finest. "

"It ought to be; for without it Signor Lodovico would not have gained hisapotheosis. "

"He has been canonised, then? I was not aware of that. "

At these words the laugh, headed by Voltaire, went for Madame Denis. Everybody laughed except myself, and I continued to look perfectlyserious. 

Voltaire was vexed at not seeing me laugh like the rest, and asked me thereason. 

"Are you thinking, " said he, "of some more than human passage?"

"Yes, " I answered. 

"What passage is that?"

"The last thirty-six stanzas of the twenty-third canto, where the poetdescribes in detail how Roland became mad. Since the world has existed noone has discovered the springs of madness, unless Ariosto himself, whobecame mad in his old age. These stanzas are terrible, and I am sure theymust have made you tremble. "

"Yes, I remember they render love dreadful. I long to read them again. "

"Perhaps the gentleman will be good enough to recite them, " said MadameDenis, with a side-glance at her uncle. 

"Willingly, " said I, "if you will have the goodness to listen to me. "

"You have learn them by heart, then, have you?" said Voltaire. 

"Yes, it was a pleasure and no trouble. Since I was sixteen, I have readover Ariosto two or three times every year; it is my passion, and thelines naturally become linked in my memory without my having given myselfany pains to learn them. I know it all, except his long genealogies andhis historical tirades, which fatigue the mind and do not touch theheart. It is only Horace that I know throughout, in spite of the oftenprosaic style of his epistles, which are certainly far from equallingBoileau's. "

"Boileau is often too lengthy; I admire Horace, but as for Ariosto, withhis forty long cantos, there is too much of him. "

"It is fifty-one cantos, M. De Voltaire. "

The great man was silent, but Madame Denis was equal to the occasion. 

"Come, come, " said she, "let us hear the thirty-six stanzas which earnedthe author the title of divine, and which are to make us tremble. "

I then began, in an assured voice, but not in that monotonous toneadopted by the Italians, with which the French so justly reproach us. TheFrench would be the best reciters if they were not constrained by therhyme, for they say what they feel better than any other people. Theyhave neither the passionate monotonous tone of my fellow-countrymen, northe sentimentality of the Germans, nor the fatiguing mannerisms of theEnglish; to every period they give its proper expression, but therecurrence of the same sounds partly spoils their recitation. I recitedthe fine verses of Ariosto, as if it had been rhythmic prose, animatingit by the sound of my voice and the movements of my eyes, and bymodulating my intonation according to the sentiments with which I wishedto inspire my audience. They saw how hardly I could restrain my tears, and every eye was wet; but when I came to the stanza, "Poiche allargare il freno al dolor puote, Che resta solo senza altrui rispetto, Giu dagli occhi rigando per le gote Sparge un fiume de lacrime sul petto, "

my tears coursed down my cheeks to such an extent that everyone began tosob. M. De Voltaire and Madame Denis threw their arms round my neck, buttheir embraces could not stop me, for Roland, to become mad, had tonotice that he was in the same bed in which Angelica had lately beenfound in the arms of the too fortunate Medor, and I had to reach the nextstanza. For my voice of sorrow and wailing I substituted the expressionof that terror which arose naturally from the contemplation of his fury, which was in its effects like a tempest, a volcano, or an earthquake. 

When I had finished I received with a sad air the congratulations of theaudience. Voltaire cried, "I always said so; the secret of drawing tears is to weep one's self, butthey must be real tears, and to shed them the heart must be stirred toits depths. I am obliged to you, sir, " he added, embracing me, "and Ipromise to recite the same stanzas myself to-morrow, and to weep likeyou. "

He kept his word. 

"It is astonishing, " said Madame Denis, "that intolerant Rome should nothave condemned the song of Roland. "

"Far from it, " said Voltaire, "Leo X. Excommunicated whoever should dareto condemn it. The two great families of Este and Medici interestedthemselves in the poet's favour. Without that protection it is probablethat the one line on the donation of Rome by Constantine to Silvester, where the poet speaks 'puzza forte' would have sufficed to put the wholepoem under an interdict. "

"I believe, " said I, "that the line which has excited the most talk isthat in which Ariosto throws doubt on the general resurrection. Ariosto, "I added, "in speaking of the hermit who would have hindered Rhodomontefrom getting possession of Isabella, widow of Zerbin, paints the African, who wearied of the hermit's sermons, seizes him and throws him so farthat he dashes him against a rock, against which he remains in a deadswoon, so that 'che al novissimo di forse fia desto'. "

This 'forse' which may possibly have only been placed there as a flowerof rhetoric or as a word to complete the verse, raised a great uproar, which would doubtless have greatly amused the poet if he had had time!

"It is a pity, " said Madame Denis, "that Ariosto was not more careful inthese hyperbolical expressions. "

"Be quiet, niece, they are full of wit. They are all golden grains, whichare dispersed throughout the work in the best taste. "

The conversation was then directed towards various topics, and at last wegot to the 'Ecossaise' we had played at Soleure. 

They knew all about it. 

M. De Voltaire said that if I liked to play it at his house he wouldwrite to M. De Chavigni to send the Lindane, and that he himself wouldplay Montrose. I excused myself by saying that Madame was at Bale andthat I should be obliged to go on my journey the next day. At this heexclaimed loudly, aroused the whole company against me, and said at lastthat he should consider my visit as an insult unless I spared him a weekat least of my society. 

"Sir, " said I, "I have only come to Geneva to have the honour of seeingyou, and now that I have obtained that favour I have nothing more to do. "

"Have you come to speak to me, or for me to speak to you?"

"In a measure, of course, to speak to you, but much more for you to speakto me. "

"Then stay here three days at least; come to dinner every day, and wewill have some conversation. "

The invitation was so flattering and pressing that I could not refuse itwith a good grace. I therefore accepted, and I then left to go and write. 

I had not been back for a quarter of an hour when a syndic of the town, an amiable man, whom I had seen at M. De Voltaire's, and whose name Ishall not mention, came and asked me to give him supper. "I was present, "said he, "at your argument with the great man, and though I did not openmy mouth I should much like to have an hour's talk with you. " By way ofreply, I embraced him, begging him to excuse my dressing-gown, andtelling him that I should be glad if he would spend the whole night withme. 

The worthy man spent two hours with me, without saying a word on thesubject of literature, but to please me he had no need to talk of books, for he was a disciple of Epicurus and Socrates, and the evening was spentin telling little stories, in bursts of laughter, and in accounts of thevarious kinds of pleasure obtainable at Geneva. Before leaving me heasked me to come and sup with him on the following evening, promisingthat boredom should not be of the party. 

"I shall wait for you, " said I. 

"Very good, but don't tell anyone of the party. "

I promised to follow his instructions. 

Next morning, young Fox came to see me with the two Englishmen I had seenat M. De Voltaire's. They proposed a game of quinze, which I accepted, and after losing fifty louis I left off, and we walked about the towntill dinner-time. 

We found the Duc de Villars at Delices; he had come there to consult Dr. Tronchin, who had kept him alive for the last ten years. 

I was silent during the repast, but at dessert, M. De Voltaire, knowingthat I had reasons for not liking the Venetian Government, introduced thesubject; but I disappointed him, as I maintained that in no country coulda man enjoy more perfect liberty than in Venice. 

"Yes, " said he, "provided he resigns himself to play the part of a dumbman. "

And seeing that I did not care for the subject, he took me by the arm tohis garden, of which, he said, he was the creator. The principal walk ledto a pretty running stream. 

"'Tis the Rhone, " said he, "which I send into France. "

"It does not cost you much in carriage, at all events, " said I. 

He smiled pleasantly and shewed me the principal street of Geneva, andMont Blanc which is the highest point of the Alps. 

Bringing back the conversation to Italian literature, he began to talknonsense with much wit and learning, but always concluding with a falsejudgment. I let him talk on. He spoke of Homer, Dante, and Petrarch, andeverybody knows what he thought of these great geniuses, but he didhimself wrong in writing what he thought. I contented myself with sayingthat if these great men did not merit the esteem of those who studiedthem; it would at all events be a long time before they had to come downfrom the high place in which the praise of centuries, had placed them. 

The Duc de Villars and the famous Tronchin came and joined us. Thedoctor, a tall fine man, polite, eloquent without being aconversationalist, a learned physician, a man of wit, a favourite pupilof Boerhaeve, without scientific jargon, or charlatanism, orself-sufficiency, enchanted me. His system of medicine was based onregimen, and to make rules he had to be a man of profound science. I havebeen assured, but can scarcely believe it, that he cured a consumptivepatient of a secret disease by means of the milk of an ass, which he hadsubmitted to thirty strong frictions of mercury by four sturdy porters. 

As to Villars he also attracted my attention, but in quite a differentway to Tronchin. On examining his face and manner I thought I saw beforeme a woman of seventy dressed as a man, thin and emaciated, but stillproud of her looks, and with claims to past beauty. His cheeks and lipswere painted, his eyebrows blackened, and his teeth were false; he wore ahuge wig, which, exhaled amber, and at his buttonhole was an enormousbunch of flowers, which touched his chin. He affected a gracious manner, and he spoke so softly that it was often impossible to hear what he said. He was excessively polite and affable, and his manners were those of theRegency. His whole appearance was supremely ridiculous. I was told thatin his youth he was a lover of the fair sex, but now that he was nolonger good for anything he had modestly made himself into a woman, andhad four pretty pets in his employ, who took turns in the disgusting dutyof warming his old carcase at night. 

Villars was governor of Provence, and had his back eaten up with cancer. In the course of nature he should have been buried ten years ago, butTronchin kept him alive with his regimen and by feeding the wounds onslices of veal. Without this the cancer would have killed him. His lifemight well be called an artificial one. 

I accompanied M. De Voltaire to his bedroom, where he changed his wig andput on another cap, for he always wore one on account of the rheumatismto which he was subject. I saw on the table the Summa of St. Thomas, andamong other Italian poets the 'Secchia Rapita' of Tassoni. 

"This, " said Voltaire, "is the only tragicomic poem which Italy has. Tassoni was a monk, a wit and a genius as well as a poet. "

"I will grant his poetical ability but not his learning, for he ridiculedthe system of Copernicus, and said that if his theories were followedastronomers would not be able to calculate lunations or eclipses. "

"Where does he make that ridiculous remark?"

"In his academical discourses. "

"I have not read them, but I will get them. "

He took a pen and noted the name down, and said, --

"But Tassoni has criticised Petrarch very ingeniously. "

"Yes, but he has dishonoured taste and literature, like Muratori. "

"Here he is. You must allow that his learning is immense. "

"Est ubi peccat. "

Voltaire opened a door, and I saw a hundred great files full of papers. 

"That's my correspondence, " said he. "You see before you nearly fiftythousand letters, to which I have replied. "

"Have you a copy of your answers?"

"Of a good many of them. That's the business of a servant of mine, whohas nothing else to do. "

"I know plenty of booksellers who would give a good deal to get hold ofyour answers. 

"Yes; but look out for the booksellers when you publish anything, if youhave not yet begun; they are greater robbers than Barabbas. "

"I shall not have anything to do with these gentlemen till I am an oldman. "

"Then they will be the scourge of your old age. "

Thereupon I quoted a Macaronic verse by Merlin Coccaeus. 

"Where's that from?"

"It's a line from a celebrated poem in twenty-four cantos. "

"Celebrated?"

"Yes; and, what is more, worthy of being celebrated; but to appreciate itone must understand the Mantuan dialect. "

"I could make it out, if you could get me a copy. "

"I shall have the honour of presenting you with one to-morrow. "

"You will oblige me extremely. "

We had to leave his room and spend two hours in the company, talking overall sorts of things. Voltaire displayed all the resources of hisbrilliant and fertile wit, and charmed everyone in spite of his sarcasticobservations which did not even spare those present, but he had aninimitable manner of lancing a sarcasm without wounding a person'sfeelings. When the great man accompanied his witticisms with a gracefulsmile he could always get a laugh. 

He kept up a notable establishment and an excellent table, a rarecircumstance with his poetic brothers, who are rarely favourites ofPlutus as he was. He was then sixty years old, and had a hundred andtwenty thousand francs a year. It has been said maliciously that thisgreat man enriched himself by cheating his publishers; whereas the factwas that he fared no better than any other author, and instead of dupingthem was often their dupe. The Cramers must be excepted, whose fortune hemade. Voltaire had other ways of making money than by his pen; and as hewas greedy of fame, he often gave his works away on the sole conditionthat they were to be printed and published. During the short time I waswith him, I was a witness of such a generous action; he made a present tohis bookseller of the "Princess of Babylon, " a charming story which hehad written in three days. 

My epicurean syndic was exact to his appointment, and took me to a houseat a little distance where he introduced me to three young ladies, who, without being precisely beautiful, were certainly ravishing. Two of themwere sisters. I had an easy and pleasant welcome, and from theirintellectual appearance and gay manners I anticipated a delightfulevening, and I was not disappointed. The half hour before supper waspassed in conversation, decent but without restraint, and during supper, from the hints the syndic gave me, I guessed what would happen afterdessert. 

It was a hot evening, and on the pretext of cooling ourselves, weundressed so as to be almost in a state of nature. What an orgy we had! Iam sorry I am obliged to draw a veil over the most exciting details. Inthe midst of our licentious gaiety, whilst we were heated by love, champagne, and a discourse of an exciting nature, I proposed to reciteGrecourt's 'Y Gyec'. When I had finished the voluptuous poem, worthy ofan abbe's pen, I saw that the eyes of the three beauties were all aflame, and said, --

"Ladies, if you like, I will shew you all three, one after the other, whythe sentence, 'Gaudeant bene nati', was uttered"; and without waiting fortheir reply, I succeeded in making them happy. The syndic was radiant, hewas pleased at having given me a present entirely to my taste; and Ifancied that the entertainment was not displeasing to the three Graces, who were kept low by the Sybarite, as his powers were almost limited todesires. The girls lavished their thanks on me, while I endeavoured toassure them of my gratitude; but they leapt for joy when they heard thesyndic asking me to come next day. 

As he was taking me back to my inn I told him how great a pleasure he hadgiven me, and he said he had brought up the three jewels himself. 

"You, " he added, "are the only man besides myself they know. You shallsee them again, but I beg you will take care not to leave anything behindyou, for in this town of prejudices that would be a great misfortune forthem and for me. "

"You are always moderate in your enjoyment, then?" I said to him. 

"Unfortunately, that is no merit as far as I am concerned. I was born forthe service of love, and Venus has punished me for worshipping her when Iwas too young. "

After a good night's sleep I awoke in an active mood, and began to writea letter to Voltaire in blank verse, which cost me four times the painsthat rhymed verses would have done. I sent it to him with the poem ofTheophile Falengue, but I made a mistake in doing so, as I might haveknown he would not care for it; one cannot appreciate what one does notunderstand. I then went to Mr. Fox, where I found the two Englishmen whooffered me my revenge. I lost a hundred Louis, and was glad to see themset out for Lausanne. 

The syndic had told me that the three young ladies belonged torespectable families, but were not rich. I puzzled my head to think ofsome useful present I might make them without offending them, and at lastI hit on a plan of the most ridiculous nature, as the reader will see. Iwent to a jeweller and told him to make me three golden balls, each oftwo ounces in weight. 

At noon I went to M. De Voltaire's. He was not to be seen, but MadameDenis consoled me for his absence. She had wit, learning withoutpretension, taste, and a great hatred for the King of Prussia, whom shecalled a villain. She asked about my beautiful housekeeper, andcongratulated me on having married her to a respectable man. Although Ifeel now that she was quite right, I was far from thinking so then; theimpression was too fresh on my mind. Madame Denis begged me to tell herhow I had escaped from The Leads, but as the story was rather a long oneI promised to satisfy her another time. 

M. De Voltaire did not dine with us; he appeared, however, at fiveo'clock, holding a letter in his hand. 

"Do you know, " said he, "the Marquis Albergati Capacelli, senator ofBologna, and Count Paradisi?"

"I do not know Paradisi, but I know Albergati by sight and by reputation;he is not a senator, but one of the Forty, who at Bologna are Fifty. "

"Dear me! That seems rather a riddle!"

"Do you know him?"

"No, but he has sent me Goldoni's 'Theatre, ' the translation of myTancred, and some Bologna sausages, and he says he will come and see me. "

"He will not come; he is not such a fool. "

"How a fool? Would there be anything foolish in coming to see me?"

"Certainly not, as far as you are concerned; but very much so far his ownsake. "

"Would you mind telling me why?"

"He knows what he would lose; for he enjoys the idea you seem to have ofhim, and if he came you would see his nothingness, and good-bye to theillusion. He is a worthy man with six thousand sequins a year, and acraze for the theatre. He is a good actor enough, and has written severalcomedies in prose, but they are fit neither for the study nor the stage. "

"You certainly give him a coat which does not make him look any bigger. "

"I assure you it is not quite small enough. "

"But tell me how he can belong to the Forty and the Fifty?"

"Just as at Bale noon is at eleven. "

"I understand; just as your Council of Ten is composed of seventeenmembers. "

"Exactly; but the cursed Forty of Bologna are men of another kind. "

"Why cursed?"

"Because they are not subject to the fisc, and are thus enabled to commitwhatever crimes they like with perfect impunity; all they have got to dois to live outside the state borders on their revenues. "

"That is a blessing, and not a curse; but let me return to our subject. Isuppose the Marquis Albergati is a man of letters?"

"He writes well enough, but he is fond of the sound of his own voice, hisstyle is prolix, and I don't think he has much brains. "

"He is an actor, I think you said?"

"Yes, and a very good one, above all, when he plays the lover's part inone of his own plays. "

"Is he a handsome man?"

"Yes, on the stage, but not elsewhere; his face lacks expression. "

"But his plays give satisfaction?"

"Not to persons who understand play writing; they would be hissed if theywere intelligible. "

"And what do you think of Goldoni?"

"I have the highest opinion of him. Goldoni is the Italian Moliere. "

"Why does he call himself poet to the Duke of Parma?"

"No doubt to prove that a wit as well as a fool has his weak points; inall probability the duke knows nothing about it. He also calls himself abarrister, though he is such only in his own imagination. Goldoni is agood play writer, and nothing more. Everybody in Venice knows me for hisfriend, and I can therefore speak of him with authority. He does notshine in society, and in spite of the fine satire of his works he is aman of an extremely gentle disposition. "

"So I have been told. He is poor, and wants to leave Venice. The managersof the theatres where they play his pieces will not like that. "

"People talked about getting him a pension, but the project has beenrelegated to the Greek Kalends, as they said that if he had a pension hewould write no more. "

"Cumae refused to give a pension to Homer, for fear that all the blindmen would ask for a pension. "

We spent a pleasant day, and he thanked me heartily for the copy of theMacaronicon, which he promised to read. He introduced me to a Jesuit hehad in his household, who was called Adam, and he added, after telling mehis name, "not the first Adam. " I was told afterwards that Voltaire usedto play backgammon with him, and when he lost he would throw the dice andthe box at his head. If Jesuits were treated like that all the worldover, perhaps we should have none but inoffensive Jesuits at last, butthat happy time is still far off. 

I had scarcely got to my inn in the evening when I received my threegolden balls, and as soon as the syndic came we set off to renew ourvoluptuous orgy. On the way he talked about modesty, and said, --

"That feeling which prevents our shewing those parts which we have beentaught to cover from our childhood, may often proceed from virtue, but isweaker than the force of education, as it cannot resist an attack whenthe attacking party knows what he is about. I think the easiest way tovanquish modesty is to ignore its presence, to turn it into ridicule, tocarry it by storm. Victory is certain. The hardihood of the assailersubdues the assailed, who usually only wishes to be conquered, and nearlyalways thanks you for your victory. 

"Clement of Alexandria, a learned man and a philosopher, has remarkedthat the modesty which appears so deeply rooted in women's hearts reallygoes no farther than the clothes they wear, and that when these areplucked off no trace of it remains. "

We found the three girls lightly clad and sitting on a large sopha, andwe sat down opposite to them. Pleasant talk and a thousand amorous kissesoccupied the half hour just before supper, and our combat did not begintill we had eaten a delicious repast, washed down with plenty ofchampagne. 

We were sure of not being interrupted by the maid and we put ourselves atour ease, whilst our caresses became more lively and ardent. The syndic, like a careful man, drew a packet of fine French letters from his pocket, and delivered a long eulogium on this admirable preservative from anaccident which might give rise to a terrible and fruitless repentance. The ladies knew them, and seemed to have no objection to the precaution;they laughed heartily to see the shape these articles took when they wereblown out. But after they had amused themselves thus for some time, Isaid, "My dear girls, I care more for your honour than your beauty; but do notthink I am going to shut myself in a piece of dead skin to prove that Iam alive. Here, " I added, drawing out the three golden balls, "is a surerand less disagreeable way of securing you from any unpleasantconsequences. After fifteen years' experience I can assure you that withthese golden balls you can give and take without running the least risk. For the future you will have no need of those humiliating sheaths. Trustin me and accept this little present from a Venetian who adores you. "

"We are very grateful, " said the elder of the two sisters, "but how arethese pretty balls used?"

"The ball has to be at the rear of the temple of love, whilst the amorouscouple are performing the sacrifice. The antipathy communicated to themetal by its being soaked for a certain time in an alkaline solutionprevents impregnation. "

"But, " said the cousin, "one must take great care that the ball is notshaken out by the motion before the end of the sacrifice. "

"You needn't be afraid of that if you place yourself in a properposition. "

"Let us see how it's done, " said the syndic, holding a candle for me toput the ball in place. 

The charming cousin had gone too far to turn back; she had to submit tothe operation. I placed the ball in such a position that it could notfall out before I was in; however, it fell out towards the end, just aswe were separating. The victim perceived that I had taken her in. However, she said nothing, picked up the ball, and challenged the twosisters to submit to the pleasant experiment, to which they lentthemselves with the greatest interest; while the syndic, who had no faithin the virtues of the metal, contented himself with looking on. Afterhalf an hour's rest I began again, without balls, assuring them that Iwould be careful, and I kept my word, without depriving them of thepleasure in the slightest degree. 

When it was time to part, these girls, who had formerly been scantilyprovided for, threw their arms round my neck, overwhelmed me withcaresses, and declared how much they owed me. The syndic told them that Iwas going in two days, and suggested that they should make me stay a daylonger in Geneva, and I made this sacrifice joyfully. The worthy syndichad an engagement on the following day, and I sorely needed a holidaymyself. He took me back to my inn, thanking me almost as heartily as hischarming nymphs. 

After having enjoyed a calm and refreshing sleep ten hours, I felt myselfable to enjoy the delightful society of M. De Voltaire. I went to hishouse, but I was disappointed in my hopes, as it pleased the great man tobe in a fault-finding and sarcastic mood the whole day. He knew I had toleave on the morrow. 

He began by thanking me at table for my present of Merlin Coccaeus. 

"You certainly gave it me with good intentions, " said he, "but I owe youno thanks for praising it so highly, as you made me lose four hours inreading nonsense. "

I felt my hair stand on end, but I mastered my emotions, and told himquietly enough that one day, perhaps, he would find himself obliged topraise the poem more highly than I had done. I quoted several instancesof the insufficiency of a first perusal. 

"That's true, " said he; "but as for your Merlin, I will read him no more. I have put him beside Chapelain's 'Pucelle'. "

"Which pleases all the critics, in spite of its bad versification, for itis a good poem, and Chapelain was a real poet though he wrote bad verses. I cannot overlook his genius. "

My freedom must have shocked him, and I might have guessed it when hetold me he had put the 'Macaronicon' beside the 'Pucelle'. I knew thatthere was a poem of the same title in circulation, which passed forVoltaire's; but I also knew that he disavowed it, and I thought thatwould make him conceal the vexation my explanation must have caused him. It was not so, however; he contradicted me sharply, and I closed withhim. 

"Chapelain, " said I, "has the merit of having rendered his subject-matterpleasant, without pandering to the tastes of his readers by saying thingsshocking to modesty and piety. So thinks my master Crebillon:"

"Crebillon! You cite a weighty authority. But how is my friend Crebillonyour master, may I ask?"

"He taught me to speak French in less than two years, and as a mark of mygratitude I translated his Radamiste into Italian Alexandrines. I am thefirst Italian who has dared to use this metre in our language. "

"The first? I beg your pardon, as that honour belongs to my friend PierreJacques Martelli. "

"I am sorry to be obliged to tell you that you are making a mistake. "

"Why, I have his works, printed at Bologna, in my room!"

"I don't deny that, I am only talking about the metre used by Martelli. What you are thinking of must be verses of fourteen syllables; withoutalternative masculine and feminine rhymes. However, I confess that hethinks he has imitated the French Alexandrines, and his preface made meexplode with laughter. Did you read it?"

"Read it? I always read prefaces, and Martelli proves there that hisverses have the same effect in Italian as our Alexandrine verses have inFrench. "

"Exactly, that's what's so amusing. The worthy man is quite mistaken, andI only ask you to listen to what I have to say on the subject. Yourmasculine verse has only twelve poetic syllables, and the femininethirteen. All Martelli's lines have fourteen syllables, except those thatfinish with a long vowel, which at the end of a line always counts as twosyllables. You will observe that the first hemistitch in Martelli alwaysconsists of seven syllables, while in French it only has six. Your friendPierre Jacques was either stone deaf or very hard of hearing. "

"Then you have followed our theory of versification rigorously. "

"Just so, in spite of the difficulty, as nearly all our words end with ashort syllable. "

"What reception has been accorded to your innovation?"

"It has not been found pleasing, because nobody knows how to recite myverses; but I hope to triumph when I deliver them myself before ourliterary clubs. "

"Do you remember any of your version of the Radamiste?"

"I remember it all. "

"You have a wonderful memory; I should be glad to hear it. "

I began to recite the same scene that I had recited to Crebillon tenyears before, and I thought M. De Voltaire listened with pleasure. 

"It doesn't strike one as at all harsh, " said he. 

This was the highest praise he would give me. In his turn the great manrecited a passage from Tancred which had not as yet been published, andwhich was afterwards considered, and rightly, as a masterpiece. 

We should have got on very well if we had kept to that, but on my quotinga line of Horace to praise one of his pieces, he said that Horace was agreat master who had given precepts which would never be out of date. Thereupon I answered that he himself had violated one of them, but thathe had violated it grandly. 

"Which is that?"

"You do not write, 'Contentus paucis lectoribus'. "

"If Horace had had to combat the hydra-headed monster of superstition, hewould have written as I have written--for all the world. "

"It seems to me that you might spare yourself the trouble of combatingwhat you will never destroy. "

"That which I cannot finish others will, and I shall always have theglory of being the first in the field. "

"Very good; but supposing you succeed in destroying superstition, whatare you going to put in its place?"

"I like that. If I deliver the race of man from a wild beast which isdevouring it, am I to be asked what I intend to put in its place?"

"It does not devour it; on the contrary, it is necessary to itsexistence. "

"Necessary to its existence! That is a horrible blasphemy, the falsity ofwhich will be seen in the future. I love the human race; I would fain seemen like myself, free and happy, and superstition and freedom cannot gotogether. Where do you find an enslaved and yet a happy people?"

"You wish, then, to see the people sovereign?"

"God forbid! There must be a sovereign to govern the masses. "

"In that case you must have superstition, for without it the masses willnever obey a mere man decked with the name of monarch. "

"I will have no monarch; the word expresses despotism, which I hate as Ido slavery. "

"What do you mean, then? If you wish to put the government in the handsof one man, such a man, I maintain, will be a monarch. "

"I would have a sovereign ruler of a free people, of which he is thechief by an agreement which binds them both, which would prevent him frombecoming a tyrant. "

"Addison will tell you that such a sovereign is a sheer impossibility. Iagree with Hobbes, of two evils choose the least. A nation withoutsuperstition would be a nation of philosophers, and philosophers wouldnever obey. The people will only be happy when they are crushed anddown-trodden, and bound in chains. "

"This is horrible; and you are of the people yourself. If you have readmy works you must have seen how I shew that superstition is the enemy ofkings. "

"Read your works? I have read and re-read them, especially in placeswhere I have differed from you. Your ruling passion is the love ofhumanity. 'Est ubi peccas'. This blinds you. Love humanity, but love itas it is. It is not fit to receive the blessings you would lavish on it, and which would only make it more wretched and perverse. Leave men theirdevouring monster, it is dear to them. I have never laughed so heartilyas at Don Quixote assailed by the galley-slaves whom his generosity hadset free. "

"I am sorry that you have such a bad opinion of your fellow-creatures. And by the way, tell me whether there is freedom in Venice. "

"As much as can be expected under an aristocracy. Our liberty is not sogreat as that which the English enjoy, but we are content. "

"Even under The Leads?"

"My imprisonment was certainly despotic; but as I had knowingly abused myliberty I am satisfied that the Government was within its rights inshutting me up without the usual formalities. "

"All the same, you made your escape. "

"I used my rights as they had used theirs. "

"Very good! But as far as I can see, no one in Venice is really free. "

"That may be; but you must agree that the essence of freedom consists inthinking you have it. "

"I shall not agree to that so easily. You and I see liberty from verydifferent points of view. The aristocrats, the members of the Governmenteven, are not free at Venice; for example, they cannot travel withoutpermission. "

"True, but that is a restriction of their own making to preserve theirpower. Would you say that a Bernese is not free, because he is subject tothe sumptuary laws, which he himself had made. "

"Well, well, I wish the people made the laws everywhere. "

After this lively answer, he abruptly asked me what part I came from. 

"From Roche, " said I. "I should have been very sorry to leave Switzerlandwithout seeing the famous Haller. In my travels I render homage to mylearned contemporaries, and you come the last and best. "

"You must have liked Haller. "

"I spent three of the happiest days of my life with him. "

"I congratulate you. He is a great man and worthy of all honour. "

"I think as you do, and I am glad to hear you doing him justice; I amsorry he was not so just towards you. "

"Well, you see we may be both of us mistaken. "

At this reply, the quickness of which constituted its chief merit, everybody present began to laugh and applaud. 

No more was said of literature, and I became a silent actor till M. DeVoltaire retired, when I approached Madame Denis, and asked her if shehad any commands for me at Rome. I went home well pleased at havingcompelled the giant of intellect to listen to reason, as I then thoughtfoolishly enough; but there was a rankling feeling left in my heartagainst him which made me, ten years later, criticise all he had written. 

I am sorry now for having done so, though on reading my censures overagain I find that in many places I was right. I should have done better, however, to have kept silence, to have respected his genius, and to havesuspected my own opinions. I should have considered that if it had notbeen for those quips and cranks which made me hate him on the third day, I should have thought him wholly sublime. This thought alone should havesilenced me, but an angry man always thinks himself right. Posterity onreading my attack will rank me among the Zoyluses, and the humble apologyI now make to the great man's shades may not be read. 

If we meet in the halls of Pluto, the more peccant parts of our mortalnature purged away, all will be made up; he will receive my heartfeltapologies, and he will be my friend, I his sincere admirer. 

I spent part of the night and the whole of the following day in writingdown my conversations with Voltaire, and they amounted nearly to avolume, of which I have only given a mere abridgment. Towards the eveningmy Epicurean syndic called on me, and we went to sup with the threenymphs, and for five hours we indulged in every species of wantonness, inwhich I had a somewhat fertile imagination. On leaving I promised to callon them again on my return from Rome, and I kept my word. I set out thenext day, after dining with the syndic, who accompanied me as far asAnneci, where I spent the night. Next day I dined at Aix, with theintention of lying at Chamberi, but my destiny ordered otherwise. 

Aix is a villainous hole where the mineral waters attract people offashion towards the end of the summer--a circumstance of which I was thenignorant. I dined hastily, wishing to set out immediately for Chamberi, when in the middle of my repast a crowd of fashionable people burst intothe room. I looked at them without stirring, replying with an inclinationof the head to the bows which some of them made me. I soon discoveredfrom their conversation that they had all come to take the waters. Agentleman of a fine presence came up to me and asked if I were going toTurin; I answered that my way was to Marseilles. 

Their dinner was served, and everybody sat down. Among them I noticedseveral pleasant-looking ladies, with gentlemen who were either theirhusbands or their lovers. I concluded that I might find some amusementwith them, as they all spoke French with that easy tone of good societywhich is so attractive, and I felt that I should be inclined to staywithout much pressing, for that day at all events. 

I finished my dinner before the company had come to the end of theirfirst course, and as my coach could not go for another hour I went up toa pretty woman, and complimented her on the good the waters of Aix seemedto have done her, for her appetite made all who looked at her feelhungry. 

"I challenge you to prove that you are speaking the truth, " said she, with a smile. I sat down next to her, and she gave me a nice piece of theroast which I ate as if I had been fasting. 

While I was talking with the lady, and eating the morsels she gave me, Iheard a voice saying that I was in the abbe's place, and another voicereplying that the abbe had been gone for half an hour. 

"Why has he gone?" asked a third, "he said he was going to stay here foranother week. " At this there was some whispering, but the departure of anabbe had nothing interesting in it for me, and I continued eating andtalking. I told Le Duc, who was standing behind my chair, to get me somechampagne. I offered the lady some, she accepted, and everyone began tocall for champagne. Seeing my neighbour's spirits rising, I proceeded tomake love to her, and asked her if she were always as ready to defy thosewho paid their court to her. 

"So many of them, " she answered, "are not worthy the trouble. "

She was pretty and quick-witted, and I took a fancy to her, and wishedfor some pretext on which I could put off my departure, and chance cameto my aid. 

"The place next to you was conveniently empty, " said a lady to myneighbour who was drinking with me. 

"Very conveniently, for my neighbour wearied me. "

"Had he no appetite?" said I. 

"Gamesters only have an appetite for money. "

"Usually, but your power is extraordinary; for I have never made twodinners on one day before now. "

"Only out of pride; as I am sure you will eat no supper. "

"Let us make a bet on it. "

"We will; we will bet the supper. "

"All right. "

All the guests began to clap, and my fair neighbour blushed withpleasure. I ordered Le Duc to tell my coachman that I should not be goingtill the next day. 

"It is my business, " said the lady, "to order the supper. "

"Yes, you are right; for he who pays, orders. My part will be to opposeyou to the knife, and if I eat as much as you I shall be the winner. "

"Very good. "

At the end of dinner, the individual who had addressed me before calledfor cards, and made a small bank of faro. He put down twenty-fivePiedmontese pistoles, and some silver money to amuse theladies--altogether it amounted nearly to forty louis. I remained aspectator during the first deal, and convinced myself that the bankerplayed very well. 

Whilst he was getting ready for the second deal, the lady asked me why Idid not play. I whispered to her that she had made me lose my appetitefor money. She repaid this compliment with a charming smile. 

After this declaration, feeling myself entitled to play, I put down fortylouis, and lost them in two deals. I got up, and on the banker sayingvery politely that he was sorry for my loss, I replied that it was a merenothing, but that I always made it a rule never to risk a sum of moneylarger than the bank. Somebody then asked me if I knew a certain AbbeGilbert. 

"I knew a man of that name, " said I, "at Paris; he came from Lyons, andowes me a pair of ears, which I mean to cut off his head when I meethim. "

My questioner made no reply to this, and everybody remained silent, as ifnothing had been said. From this I concluded that the abbe aforesaid mustbe the same whose place I had occupied at dinner. He had doubtless seenme on my arrival and had taken himself off. This abbe was a rascal whohad visited me at Little Poland, to whom I had entrusted a ring which hadcost me five thousand florins in Holland; next day the scoundrel haddisappeared. 

When everybody had left the table, I asked Le Duc if I were well lodged. 

"No, " said he; "would you like to see your room?"

He took me to a large room, a hundred paces from the inn, whose solefurniture consisted of its four walls, all the other rooms beingoccupied. I complained vainly to the inn-keeper, who said, "It's all I can offer you, but I will have a good bed, a table, andchairs taken there. "

I had to content myself with it, as there was no choice. 

"You will sleep in my room, " said I to Le Duc, "take care to provideyourself with a bed, and bring my baggage in. "

"What do you think of Gilbert, sir?" said my Spaniard; "I only recognizedhim just as he was going, and I had a lively desire to take him by theback of his neck. "

"You would have done well to have satisfied that desire. "

"I will, when I see him again. "

As I was leaving my big room, I was accosted politely by a man who saidhe was glad to be my neighbour, and offered to take me to the fountain ifI were going there. I accepted his offer. He was a tall fair man, aboutfifty years old; he must once have been handsome, but his excessivepoliteness should have made me suspect him; however, I wanted somebody totalk to, and to give me the various pieces of information I required. Onthe way he informed me of the condition of the people I had seen, and Ilearnt that none of them had come to Aix for the sake of the waters. 

"I am the only one, " said he, "who takes them out of necessity. I amconsumptive; I get thinner every day, and if the waters don't do me anygood I shall not last much longer. "

So all the others have only come here for amusement's sake?"

"And to game, sir, for they are all professional gamesters. "

"Are they French?"

"They are all from Piedmont or Savoy; I am the only Frenchman here. "

"What part of France do you come from?"

"From Lorraine; my father, who is eighty years old, is the MarquisDesarmoises. He only keeps on living to spite me, for as I marriedagainst his wishes he has disinherited me. However, as I am his only son, I shall inherit his property after his death, in spite of him. My houseis at Lyons, but I never go there, as I have the misfortune to be in lovewith my eldest daughter, and my wife watches us so closely as to make mycourtship hopeless. "

"That is very fine; otherwise, I suppose, your daughter would take pityon her amorous papa?"

"I daresay, for she is very fond of me, and has an excellent heart. "

CHAPTER XX

My Adventures at Aix--My Second M. M. --Madame Zeroli

This man, who, though he did not know me, put the utmost confidence inme, so far from thinking he was horrifying me by the confession of suchwickedness, probably considered he was doing me a great honour. While Ilistened to him I reflected that though depraved he might have his goodpoints, and that his weakness might have a pitiable if not a pardonableside. However, wishing to know more of him, I said, --

"In spite of your father's sternness, you live very well. "

"On the contrary, I live very ill. I enjoy a pension from the Government, which I surrender to my wife, and as for me I make a livelihood on mytravels. I play black gammon and most other games perfectly. I win moreoften than I lose, and I live on my winnings. "

"But is what you have told me about your daughter known to the visitorshere?"

"Everybody knows it; why should I hide it? I am a man of honour andinjure no one; and, besides, my sword is sharp. "

"Quite so; but would you tell me whether you allow your daughter to havea lover?"

"I should have no objection, but my wife is religious. "

"Is your daughter pretty?"

"Very; if you are going to Lyons, you can go and see her; I will give youa letter of introduction for her. "

"Thank you, but I am going to Italy. Can you tell me the name of thegentleman who kept the bank?"

"That is the famous Parcalier, Marquis de Prie since the death of hisfather, whom you may have known as ambassador at Venice. The gentlemanwho asked you if you knew the Abbe Gilbert is the Chevalier Zeroli, husband of the lady you are to sup with. The rest are counts, marquises, and barons of the usual kind, some from Piedmont and some from Savoy. Twoor three are merchants' sons, and the ladies are all their friends orrelations. They are all professional gamblers and sharp-witted. When astranger comes here they know how to get over him, and if he plays it isall up with him, for they go together like pickpockets at a fair. Theythink they have got you, so take care of yourself. "

In the evening we returned to the inn, and found all the company playing, and my companion proceeded to play with a Count de Scarnafisch. 

The Chevalier Zeroli offered to play faro with me for forty sequins, andI had just lost that sum when supper was served. My loss had not affectedmy spirits, and the lady finding me at once hungry and gay paid the betwith a good grace. At supper I surprised her in certain side-glances, which warned me that she was going to try to dupe me; I felt myself safeas far as love was concerned, but I had reason to dread fortune, alwaysthe friend of those who keep a bank at faro, especially as I had alreadylost. I should have done well to go, but I had not the strength; all Icould do was to promise myself that I would be extremely prudent. Havinglarge sums in paper money and plenty of gold, it was not difficult for meto be careful. 

Just after supper the Marquis de Prie made a bank of about three hundredsequins. His staking this paltry sum shewed me that I had much to loseand little to win, as it was evident that he would have made a bank of athousand sequins if he had had them. I put down fifty Portuguese crowns, and said that as soon as I had lost them I should go to bed. In themiddle of the third deal I broke the bank. 

"I am good for another two hundred louis, " said the marquis. 

"I should be glad to continue playing, " I replied, "if I had not to go atday-break"; and I thereupon left the room. 

Just as I was going to bed, Desarmoises came and asked me to lend himtwelve louis. I had expected some such request, and I counted them out tohim. He embraced me gratefully, and told me that Madame Zeroli had swornto make me stay on at least for another day. I smiled and called Le Duc, and asked him if my coachman knew that I was starting early; he repliedthat he would be at the door by five o'clock. 

"Very good, " said Desarmoises, "but I will wager that you will not go forall that. "

He went out and I went to bed, laughing at his prophecy. 

At five o'clock next morning the coachman came to tell me that one of thehorses was ill and could not travel. I saw that Desarmoises had had aninkling of some plot, but I only laughed. I sent the man roughly abouthis business, and told Le Duc to get me post-horses at the inn. Theinn-keeper came and told me that there were no horses, and that it wouldtake all the morning to find some, as the Marquis de Prie, who wasleaving at one o'clock in the morning, had emptied his stables. Ianswered that in that case I would dine at Aix, but that I counted on hisgetting me horses by two o'clock in the afternoon. 

I left the room and went to the stable, where I found the coachmanweeping over one of his horses stretched out on the straw. I thought itwas really an accident, and consoled the poor devil, paying him as if hehad done his work, and telling him I should not want him any more. I thenwent towards the fountain, but the reader will be astonished by a meetingof the most romantic character, but which is yet the strict truth. 

At a few paces from the fountain I saw two nuns coming from it. They wereveiled, but I concluded from their appearance that one was young and theother old. There was nothing astonishing in such a sight, but their habitattracted my attention, for it was the same as that worn by my dearM---- M----, whom I had seen for the last time on July 24th, 1755, fiveyears before. The look of them was enough, not to make me believe thatthe young nun was M---- M----, but to excite my curiosity. They werewalking towards the country, so I turned to cut them off that I might seethem face to face and be seen of them. What was my emotion when I saw theyoung nun, who, walking in front, and lifting her veil, disclosed theveritable face of M---- M----. I could not doubt that it was she, and Ibegan to walk beside her; but she lowered her veil, and turned to avoidme. 

The reasons she might have for such a course passed in a moment throughmy mind, and I followed her at a distance, and when she had gone aboutfive hundred paces I saw her enter a lonely house of poor appearance thatwas enough for me. I returned to the fountain to see what I could learnabout the nun. 

On my way there I lost myself in a maze of conjectures. 

"The too charming and hapless M---- M----, " said I to myself, "must haveleft her convent, desperate--nay, mad; for why does she still wear thehabit of her order? Perhaps, though, she has got a dispensation to comehere for the waters; that must be the reason why she has a nun with her, and why she has not left off her habit. At all events the journey musthave been undertaken under false pretences. Has she abandoned herself tosome fatal passion, of which the result has been pregnancy? She isdoubtless perplexed, and must have been pleased to see me. I will notdeceive her expectations; I will do all in my power to convince her thatI am worthy of her. "

Lost in thought I did not notice I had arrived at the fountain, roundwhich stood the whole host of gamesters. They all crowded round me, andsaid how charmed they were to see me still there. I asked the ChevalierZeroli after his wife, and he told me she was still abed, and that itwould be a good thing if I would go and make her get up. I was just goingwhen the doctor of the place accosted me, saying, that the waters of theAix would increase my good health. Full of the one idea, I asked himdirectly if he were the doctor in attendance on a pretty nun I had seen. 

"She takes the waters, " he replied, "but she does not speak to anyone. "

"Where does she come from?"

"Nobody knows; she lives in a peasant's house. "

I left the doctor, and instead of going towards the inn, where the hussyZeroli was doubtless waiting for me, I made my way towards the peasant'shouse, which already seemed to me the temple of the most blissfuldeities, determined to obtain the information I required as prudently asmight be. But as if love had favoured my vows, when I was within ahundred paces of the cottage I saw the peasant woman coming out to meetme. 

"Sir, " said she, accosting me, "the young nun begs you to return thisevening at nine o'clock; the lay-sister will be asleep then, and she willbe able to speak freely to you. "

There could be no more doubt. My heart leapt with joy. I gave thecountry-woman a louis, and promised to be at the house at nine exactly. 

With the certainty of seeing my dear M---- M---- again I returned to theinn, and on ascertaining which was Madame Zeroli's room I entered withoutceremony, and told her that her husband had sent me to make her get up. 

"I thought you were gone?"

"I am going at two. "

I found her still more enticing in bed than at table. I helped her to puton her stays, and the sight of her charms inflamed my ardour, but Iexperienced more resistance than I had anticipated. I sat down at thefoot of the bed, and told her how fervently I loved her, and how unhappyI was at not being able to give her marks of my love before I left. 

"But, " said she, laughing, "you have only got to stay. "

"Give me some hope, and I will stay till to-morrow. "

"You are in too much of a hurry, take things more quietly. "

I contented myself with the few favours she granted me, pretending asusual only to yield to violence, when I was obliged to restrain myself onthe appearance of her husband, who took the precaution of making a noisebefore he came in. As soon as she saw him, she said, without theslightest perturbation, "I have persuaded the gentleman to stay tell theday after to-morrow. "

"I am all the more pleased to hear it, my dear, " said the chevalier, "asI owe him his revenge. "

With these words he took up a pack of cards, which came as readily to hishands as if they had been placed there on purpose, and seating himselfbeside his wife, whom he made into the table, he began to deal. 

I could not draw back, and as my thoughts were distracted I kept onlosing till they came to tell me dinner was ready. 

"I have no time to dress, " said the lady, "so I will have my dinner inbed, if you gentlemen will keep me company. "

How could I refuse? The husband went out to order the dinner, andfeeling myself authorized by the loss of twenty Louis, I told the hussythat if she would not give me a plain promise to make me happy thatafternoon I should go away when I had had my dinner. 

"Breakfast with me to-morrow morning. We shall be alone. "

After receiving from her certain earnests of her promise, I promised tostay on. 

We dined by her bedside, and I told Le Duc that I should not be goingtill the afternoon of the next day, which made the husband and wiferadiant. When we had done, the lady said she would like to get up; and Iwent out, promising to return and play piquet with her. I proceeded toreline my purse, and I met Desarmoises, who said, "I have found out the secret; they gave her coachman two Louis tosubstitute a sick horse for his own. "

"It's a matter of give and take, " said I; "I am in love with thechevalier's wife, and I am putting off my departure till I have got all Iwant out of her. "

"I am afraid you will have to pay pretty dearly for your pleasure. However, I will do what I can for your interests. "

I thanked him smilingly, and returned to the lady, whom I left at eighto'clock under pretext of a violent headache, after having lost ten louisto her. I reminded her of her promise for next morning at nine o'clock, and I left her in the midst of the company. 

It was a fine moonlight night as I walked towards the peasant's house, where I was to see my dear M---- M---- once more. I was impatient to seewhat the visit, on which the rest of my life might depend, would bringforth. 

I had taken the precaution to provide myself with a pair of pistols, andmy sword hung at my side, for I was not wholly devoid of suspicion inthis place, where there were so many adventurers; but at twenty pacesfrom the cottage I saw the woman coming towards me. She told me that thenun could not come down, so I must be content to enter through thewindow, by means of a ladder which she had placed there for the purpose. I drew near, and not seeing any light I should not have easily decided ongoing up, if I had not heard the voice I thought I knew so well, saying, "Fear nothing; come. " Besides, the window was not very high up, and therecould not be much danger of a trap. I ascended, and thought for certainthat I held my dear M---- M---- in my arms, as I covered her face with myardent kisses. 

"Why, " said I, in Venetian, "have you not a light? I hope you are goingto inform me of an event which seems wonderful to me; quick, dearest, satisfy my impatience. "

The reader will guess my surprise when he learns that on hearing hervoice close to me I found that she was not M---- M----. She told me thatshe did not understand Venetian, and that I did not require a light totell her what M. De Coudert had decided on doing to save her from herperil. 

"You surprise me; I do not know M. De Coudert. What! Are you not aVenetian? Are you not the nun I saw this morning?"

"Hapless one! I have made a mistake. I am the nun you saw this morning, but I am French. In the name of God keep my counsel and begone, for Ihave nothing to say to you! Whisper, for if the lay-sister woke up Ishould be undone. "

"Do not be afraid of my discretion. What deceived me was your exactlikeness to a nun of your order who will be always dear to me: and if youhad not allowed me to see your features I should not have followed you. Forgive the tenderness I shewed towards you, though you must think mevery audacious. "

"You astonished me very much, but you did not offend me. I wish I werethe nun in whom you are interested. I am on the brink of a fearfulprecipice. "

"If ten louis are any good to you, it will be an honour for me to giveyou them. "

"Thank you, I have no need of money. Allow me to give you back the louisyou sent me this morning. "

"The louis was for the country-woman. You increase my surprise; pray tellme what is the misfortune under which you labour, for which money can donothing. "

"Perhaps God has sent you to my aid. Maybe you will give me good advice. Listen to what I am about to tell you. "

"I am at your service, and I will listen with the greatest attention. Letus sit down. "

"I am afraid there is neither seat nor bed. "

"Say on, then; we will remain standing. "

"I come from Grenoble. I was made to take the veil at Chamberi. Two yearsafter my profession, M. De Coudert found means to see me. I received himin the convent garden, the walls of which he scaled, and at last I was sounfortunate as to become pregnant. The idea of giving birth to a child atthe convent was too dreadful--I should have languished till I died in aterrible dungeon--and M. De Coudert thought of a plan for taking me outof the convent. A doctor whom he gained over with a large sum of moneydeclared that I should die unless I came here to take the waters, whichhe declared were the only cure for my illness. A princess whom M. DeCoudert knew was partly admitted to the secret, and she obtained theleave of absence for three months from the Bishop of Chamberi, and theabbess consented to my going. 

"I thus hoped to be delivered before the expiration of the three months;but I have assuredly made a mistake, for the time draws to an end and Ifeel no signs of a speedy delivery. I am obliged to return to theconvent, and yet I cannot do so. The lay-sister who is with me is aperfect shrew. She has orders not to let me speak to anybody, and neverto let my face be seen. She it was who made me turn when she saw youfollowing us. I lifted my veil for you to see that I was she of whom Ithought you were in search, and happily the lay-sister did not notice me. She wants me to return with her to the convent in three days, as shethinks I have an incurable dropsy. She does not allow me to speak to thedoctor, whom I might, perhaps, have gained over by telling him the truth. I am only twenty-one, and yet I long for death. "

"Do not weep so, dear sister, and tell me how you expect to be deliveredhere without the lay-sister being aware of it?"

"The worthy woman with whom I am staying is an angel of goodness. I haveconfided in her, and she promised me that when I felt the pangs coming onshe would give that malicious woman a soporific, and thus we should befreed from all fears of her. By virtue of the drug she now sleeps soundlyin the room under this garret. "

"Why was I not let in by the door?"

"To prevent the woman's brother seeing you; he is a rude boor. "

"What made you think that I had anything to do with M. De Coudert?"

"Ten or twelve days ago, I wrote to him and told him of my dreadfulposition. I painted my situation with such lively colours that I thoughthe must do all in his power to help me. As the wretched cling to everystraw, I thought, when I saw you following me, that you were thedeliverer he had sent. "

"Are you sure he got your letter?"

"The woman posted it at Anneci. "

"You should write to the princess. "

"I dare not. "

"I will see her myself, and I will see M. De Coudert. In fine, I willmove heaven and earth, I will even go to the bishop, to obtain anextension of your leave; for it is out of the question for you to returnto the convent in your present situation. You must decide, for I can donothing without your consent. Will you trust in me? If so, I will bringyou a man's clothes to-morrow and take you to Italy with me, and while Ilive I swear I will care for you. "

For reply, I only heard long-drawn sobs, which distressed me beyondwords, for I felt acutely the situation of this poor creature whom Heavenhad made to be a mother, and whom the cruelty of her parents hadcondemned to be a useless nun. 

Not knowing what else to say, I took her hand and promised to return thenext day and hear her decision, for it was absolutely necessary that sheshould decide on some plan. I went away by the ladder, and gave a secondlouis to the worthy woman, telling her that I should be with her on themorrow at the same hour, but that I should like to be able to enter bythe door. I begged her to give the lay-sister a stronger dose of opium, so that there should be no fear of her awaking while I talked with theyoung nun. 

I went to bed glad at heart that I had been wrong in thinking that thenun was M---- M----. Nevertheless the great likeness between them made mewish to see her nearer at hand, and I was sure that she would not refuseme the privilege of looking at her the next day. I smiled at the thoughtof the ardent kisses I had given her, but I felt that I could not leaveher to her fate. I was glad to find that I did not need any sensualmotive to urge me to a good deed, for as soon as I found that it was notM---- M---- who had received those tender kisses I felt ashamed of havinggiven them. I had not even given her a friendly kiss when I left her. 

In the morning Desarmoises came and told me that all the company, notseeing me at supper, had been puzzling itself to find out what had becomeof me. Madame Zeroli had spoken enthusiastically about me, and had takenthe jests of the two other ladies in good part, boasting that she couldkeep me at Aix as long as she remained there herself. The fact was that Iwas not amorous but curious where she was concerned, and I should havebeen sorry to have left the place without obtaining complete possessionof her, for once at all events. 

I kept my appointment, and entered her room at nine o'clock exactly. Ifound her dressed, and on my reproaching her she said that it should beof no consequence to me whether she were dressed or undressed. I wasangry, and I took my chocolate without so much as speaking to her. When Ihad finished she offered me my revenge at piquet, but I thanked her andbegged to be excused, telling her that in the humour in which she had putme I should prove the better player, and that I did not care to winladies' money. So saying I rose to leave the room. 

"At least be kind enough to take me to the fountain. "

"I think not. If you take me for a freshman, you make a mistake, and Idon't care to give the impression that I am pleased when I am displeased. You can get whomsoever you please to take you to the fountain, but as forme I must beg to be excused. Farewell, madam. "

With these words I went out, paying no attention to her efforts to recallme. 

I found the inn-keeper, and told him that I must leave at three o'clockwithout a fail. The lady, who was at her window, could hear me. I wentstraight to the fountain where the chevalier asked me what had become ofhis wife, and I answered that I had left her in her room in perfecthealth. In half an hour we saw her coming with a stranger, who waswelcomed by a certain M. De St. Maurice. Madame Zeroli left him, andtacked herself on to me, as if there had been nothing the matter. I couldnot repulse her without the most troublesome consequences, but I was verycold. After complaining of my conduct she said that she had only beentrying me, that if I really loved her I should put off my departure, andthat I should breakfast with her at eight o'clock the next day. Ianswered coolly that I would think it over. I was serious alldinner-time, and said once or twice that I must go at three o'clock, butas I wanted to find some pretext for staying on account of the nun, I letmyself be persuaded into making a bank at faro. 

I staked all the gold I had, and I saw every face light up as I put downabout four hundred louis in gold, and about six hundred francs in silver. "Gentlemen, " said I, "I shall rise at eight o'clock precisely. " Thestranger said, with a smile, that possibly the bank might not live solong, but I pretended not to understand him. It was just three o'clock. Ibegged Desarmoises to be my croupier, and I began to deal with duedeliberation to eighteen or twenty punters, all professional gamblers. Itook a new pack at every deal. 

By five o'clock I had lost money. We heard carriage wheels, and they saidit was three Englishmen from Geneva, who were changing horses to go on toChamberi. A moment after they came in, and I bowed. It was Mr. Fox andhis two friends, who had played quinze with me. My croupier gave themcards, which they received gladly, and went ten louis, playing on two andthree cards, going paroli, seven and the 'va', as well as the 'quinze', so that my bank was in danger of breaking. However, I kept up my face, and even encouraged them to play, for, God being neutral, the chanceswere in my favour. So it happened, and at the third deal I had clearedthe Englishmen out, and their carriage was ready. 

While I was shuffling a fresh pack of cards, the youngest of them drewout of his pocket-book a paper which he spewed to his two companions. Itwas a bill of exchange. "Will you stake the value of this bill on a card, without knowing its value?" said he. 

"Yes, " I replied, "if you will tell me upon whom it is drawn, andprovided that it does not exceed the value of the bank. "

After a rapid glance at the pile of gold before me, he said, "The bill isnot for so large a sum as your bank, and it is payable at sight byZappata, of Turin. "

I agreed, he cut, and put his money on an ace, the two friends going halfshares. I drew and drew and drew, but no ace appeared. I had only a dozencards left. 

"Sir, " said I, calmly to the punter, "you can draw back if you like. "

"No, go on. "

Four cards more, and still no ace; I had only eight cards left. 

"My lord, " said I, "it's two to one that I do not hold the ace, I repeatyou can draw back. "

"No, no, you are too generous, go on. "

I continued dealing, and won; I put the bill of exchange in my pocketwithout looking at it. The Englishmen shook me by the hand and went offlaughing. I was enjoying the effect this bold stroke had made on thecompany, when young Fox came in and with a roar of laughter begged me tolend him fifty Louis. I counted them out with the greatest pleasure, andhe paid me them back in London three years later. 

Everyone was curious to know the value of the bill of exchange, but I wasnot polite enough to satisfy their curiosity. It was for eight thousandPiedmontese francs, as I saw as soon as I was alone. The Englishmen hadbrought me good luck, for when they had gone fortune declared for thebank. I rose at eight o'clock, some ladies having won a few louis, allthe others were dried up. I had won more than a thousand louis, and Igave twenty-five to Desarmoises, who jumped for joy. I locked up mymoney, put my pistols in my pocket, and set out towards themeeting-place. 

The worthy peasant woman brought me in by the door, telling me thateverybody was asleep, and that she had not found it necessary to renewthe lay-sister's dose, as she was still asleep. 

I was terrified. I went upstairs, and by the light of a single candle Isaw the wretched, veiled figure of the nun, extended upon a sack whichthe peasant woman had placed along the wall instead of a sofa. The candlewhich lighted this dreary place was fixed in a bottle. 

"What have you decided on doing?" said I. 

"I have decided on nothing, for an unforeseen incident has confounded us. The lay-sister has been asleep for eighteen hours. "

"She will die of convulsions or of an apoplectic fit to-night if you donot call a doctor, who may possibly restore her to life with a dose ofcastor oil. "

"We have thought of that, but we did not dare to take that step for fearof consequences; for whether he restores her or not, he will say that wehave poisoned her. "

"I pity you, upon my soul! Indeed, I believe that it is too late, andthat a doctor could do nothing. One must obey the laws of prudence andlet her die. The mischief is done, and I see no remedy. "

"At any rate, we ought to think of her soul and send for a priest. "

"A priest would do her no good, as she is in a perfect lethargy; her soulis safe enough. Besides, an ignorant priest would find out too much, andwould tell the whole story either through malice or stupidity. It will betime to call a priest when she has ceased to breathe. You must tell himthat she died very suddenly; you must weep a great deal, and give him afee, and he will think only of calming your grief, and nothing about thesudden death. "

"Then we must let her die?"

"We must leave her to nature. "

"If she dies I will send a messenger to the abbess, who will dispatchanother lay-sister. "

"Yes, and that will give you another ten days. During that time you maybe delivered, and you will confess that every cloud has a silver lining. Do not grieve so, but let us endeavour to submit to the will of God. Sendfor the country-woman, for I must give her some hints as to her conductin this delicate matter, on which the honour and life of all three maydepend. For instance, if it were discovered that I had come here, I mightbe taken for the poisoner. "

The woman came, and I shewed her how necessary it was for her to beprudent and discreet. She understood me perfectly, perceived her owndangerous position, and promised that she would not send for the priesttill she was certain of the sister's death. I then made her accept tenlouis in case of need. 

Seeing herself made rich by my liberality, she kissed my hands, kneltdown, and bursting into tears promised to follow my advice carefully. When she had left us, the nun began to weep bitterly, accusing herself ofthe murder of the lay-sister, and thinking that she saw hell openingbeneath her feet. I sought in vain to calm her; her grief increased, andat last she fell in a dead faint on the sack. I was extremely distressed, and not knowing what to do I called to the woman to bring some vinegar, as I had no essences about me. All at once I remembered the famoushellebore, which had served me so well with Madame and, taking the littlebox, I held it to her nostrils. It took effect just as the woman broughtthe vinegar. "Rub her temples, " said I. She took off her cap, and theblackness of her hair was the only thing that convinced me it was not myfair Venetian. The hellebore having brought her to her senses, she openedher large black eyes, and from that moment I fell madly in love with her. The peasant woman, seeing that she was herself again and out of danger, went away, and taking her between my arms I covered her with fierykisses, in spite of her continuous sneezes. 

"Please let me put on my veil again, " said she, "or else I shall beexcommunicated. "

I laughed at her fears, and continued to lavish my burning kisses on herface. 

"I see you do not believe me, but I assure you that the abbess threatenedme with excommunication if I let myself be seen by a man. "

"Fear these bolts no longer, dear, they cannot hurt you. "

But she sneezed more violently than ever, and fearing lest her effortsmight bring on her delivery I called the woman again, and left the nun inher care, promising to return at the same hour on the next day. 

It would not have been like me to leave this interesting creature in herdistress, but my devotion to her cause had no merit, since I was madly inlove with this new M---- M---- with black eyes; and love always makes menselfish, since all the sacrifices they make for the beloved object arealways ultimately referable to their own desires. 

I had determined, then, to do all in my power for her, and certainly notto allow her to return to the convent in the state she was in. Iconcluded that to save her would be an action pleasing to God, since Godalone could have made her so like my beloved, and God had willed that Ishould win a good deal of money, and had made me find the Zeroli, whowould serve as a shield to my actions and baffle the curiosity of spies. The philosophers and the mystics may perhaps laugh at me, but what do Icare? I have always delighted in referring all the actions of my life toGod, and yet people have charged me with Atheism!

Next morning I did not forget the Zeroli, and I went to her room at eightand found her asleep. Her maid begged me to go in quietly for fear ofawakening her, and then left me and shut the door. I knew my part, for Iremembered how, twenty years before, a Venetian lady, whose sleep I hadfoolishly respected, had laughed at me and sent me about my business. Itherefore knew what to do; and having gently uncovered her, I gave myselfup to those delicate preliminary delights which sweeten the finalpleasure. The Zeroli wisely continued to sleep; but at last, conquered bypassion, she seconded my caresses with greater ardour than my own, andshe was obliged to laugh at her stratagem. She told me that her husbandhad gone to Geneva to buy a repeating watch, and that he would not returntill next day, and that she could spend the night with me. 

"Why the night, dearest, while we have the day before us? The night isfor slumber, and in the day one enjoys double bliss, since the lightallows all the senses to be satisfied at once. If you do not expectanybody, I will pass the whole morning with you. "

"Very good; nobody will interrupt us. "

I was soon in her arms, and for four hours we gave ourselves up to everykind of pleasure, cheating each other the better to succeed, and laughingwith delight each time we convinced each other of our love. After thelast assault she asked me, in return for her kindness, to spend threemore days at Aix. 

"I promise you, " I said, "to stay here as long as you continue giving mesuch marks of your love as you have given me this morning. "

"Let us get up, then, and go to dinner. "

"In company, dearest? Look at your eyes. "

"All the better. People will guess what has happened, and the twocountesses will burst with envy. I want everybody to know that it is forme alone that you are remaining at Aix. "

"I am not worth the trouble, my angel, but so be it; I will gladly obligeyou, even though I lose all my money in the next three days. "

"I should be in despair if you lost; but if you abstain from punting youwill not lose, though you may let yourself be robbed. "

"You may be sure that I know what I am about, and that I shall only allowladies to rob me. You have had some money out of me yourself. "

"Yes, but not nearly so much as the countesses, and I am sorry youallowed them to impose on you, as they no doubt put it down to your beingin love with them. "

"They are quite wrong, poor dears, for neither would have kept me here aday. "

"I am delighted to hear it. But let me tell you what the Marquis of St. Maurice was saying about you yesterday. "

"Say on. I hope he did not allow himself any offensive remarks. "

"No; he only said that you should never have offered the Englishman to beoff at eight cards, as you had as much chance as he, and if he had won hemight have thought that you knew the card was there. "

"Very good, but tell the marquis that a gentleman is incapable of such athought, and besides I knew the character of the young nobleman, and Iwas almost sure he would not accept my offer. "

When we appeared in the dining-room we were received with applause. Thefair Zeroli had the air of regarding me as her property, and I affectedan extremely modest manner. No one dared to ask me to make a bank afterdinner; the purses were too empty, and they contented themselves withtrente-quarante, which lasted the whole day, and which cost me a score oflouis. 

I stole away as usual towards evening, and after having ordered Le Ducnot to leave my room for a moment during my stay at Aix, I went towardsthe cottage where the unfortunate nun was no doubt expecting meanxiously. Soon, in spite of the darkness, I thought I made out somebodyfollowing me. I stopped short, and some persons passed me. In two orthree minutes I went on again, and I saw the same people, whom I couldnot have caught up if they had not slackened their pace. It might all beaccidental, but I wanted to be sure about it. I left the road withoutlosing my reckoning, feeling quite sure of finding my way when I ceasedto be followed; but I soon felt sure that my steps were dogged, as I sawthe same shadowy figures at a little distance off. I doubled my speed, hid behind a tree, and as soon as I saw the spies fired a pistol in theair. I looked round shortly after, saw no one, and went on my way. 

I went upstairs and found the nun in bed, with two candles on the table. 

"Are you ill?"

"I was ill for a time, but praised be God! I am now quite well, havinggiven birth to a fine boy at two o'clock this morning. "

"Where is the child?"

"Alas! I did but kiss him once, and my good hostess carried him away Iknow not where. The Holy Virgin heard my prayers, for my pains, thoughsharp, were soon over, and a quarter of an hour after my delivery I wasstill sneezing. Tell me whether you are a man or an angel, for I fearlest I sin in adoring you. "

"This is good news indeed. And how about the lay-sister?"

"She still breathes, but we have no hope that she will recover. Her faceis terribly distorted. We have sinned exceedingly, and God will punish mefor it. "

"No, dearest, God will forgive you, for the Most Holy judges by theheart, and in your heart you had no evil thoughts. Adore DivineProvidence, which doeth all things well. "

"You console me. The country-woman assures me that you are an angel, forthe powder you gave me delivered me. I shall never forget you, though Ido not know your name. "

The woman then came, and I thanked her for the care she had taken of theinvalid. I again warned her to be prudent, and above all to treat thepriest well when the lay-sister breathed her last, and thus he would nottake notice of anything that might involve leer in disaster. 

"All will be well, " said she, "for no one knows if the lay-sister is wellor ill, or why the lady does not leave her bed. "

"What have you done with the child?"

"I took him with my own hands to Anneci, where I bought everythingnecessary for the well-being of this lady and for the death of the otherone. "

"Doesn't your brother know anything about it?"

"Lord preserve us--no! He went away yesterday, and will not be back for aweek. We have nothing to fear. "

I gave her another ten louis, begging her to buy some furniture, and toget me something to eat by the time I came next day. She said she hadstill plenty of money left, and I thought she would go mad when I toldher that whatever was over was her own. I thought the invalid stood inneed of rest, and I left her, promising to return at the same hour on thefollowing day. 

I longed to get this troublesome matter safely over, and I knew that Icould not regard myself as out of the wood till the poor lay-sister wasunder the sod. I was in some fear on this account, for if the priest wasnot an absolute idiot he must see that the woman had been poisoned. 

Next morning I went to see the fair Zeroli, and I found her and herhusband examining the watch he had bought her. He came up to me, took myhand, and said he was happy that his wife had the power to keep me atAix. I replied that it was an easy task for her, and a "bravo" was all heanswered. 

The chevalier was one of those men who prefer to pass for good-naturedthan foolish husbands. His wife took my arm, and we left him in his roomwhile we proceeded to the fountain. On the way she said she would bealone the next day, and that she would no longer indulge her curiosity inmy nocturnal excursions. 

"Oh! it is you who have had me followed, is it?"

"No, it is I who followed you, but to no effect. However, I did not thinkyou were so wicked. You frightened me dreadfully! Do you know, sir, youmight have killed me if your shot had not luckily missed. "

"I missed on purpose, dearest; for though I did not suspect that it wasyou, I fired in the air, feeling certain that that would be enough toscare off the spies. "

"You won't be troubled with them any more. "

"If they like to follow me, perhaps I shall let them, for my walk isquite innocent. I am always back by ten. "

While we were at table we saw a travelling carriage and six horses drawnup. It was the Marquis de Prie, with a Chevalier de St. Louis and twocharming ladies, of whom one, as the Zeroli hastened to inform me, wasthe Marquis's mistress. Four places were laid, and while the newcomerswere waiting to be served, they were told the story of my bet with theEnglishman. 

The marquis congratulated me, telling me that he had not hoped to find meat Aix on his return; and here Madame Zeroli put in her word, and saidthat if it had not been for her he would not have seen me again. I wasgetting used to her foolish talk, and I could only agree with a goodgrace, which seemed to delight her intensely although her husband waspresent, but he seemed to share her triumph. 

The marquis said that he would make a little bank for me, and feelingobliged to accept I soon lost a hundred louis. I went to my room to writesome letters, and at twilight I set out to see my nun. 

"What news have you?"

"The lay-sister is dead, and she is to be buried tomorrow. To-morrow isthe day we were to have returned to the convent. This is the letter I amsending to the abbess. She will dispatch another laysister, unless sheorders the country-woman to bring me back to the convent. "

"What did the priest say?"

"He said the lay-sister died of a cerebral lethargy, which super-inducedan attack of apoplexy. "

"Very good, very good. "

"I want him to say fifteen masses for her, if you will let me?"

"Certainly, my dear, they will serve as the priest's reward, or rather asthe reward of his happy ignorance. "

I called the peasant woman, and gave her the order to have the massessaid, and bade her tell the priest that the masses were to be said forthe intention of the person who paid for them. She told me that theaspect of the dead sister was dreadful, and that she had to be guarded bytwo women who sprinkled her with holy water, lest witches, under the formof cats, should come and tear her limb from limb. Far from laughing ather, I told her she was quite right, and asked where she had got thelaudanum. 

"I got it from a worthy midwife, and old friend of mine. We got it tosend the poor lay-sister to sleep when the pains of child-birth shouldcome on. "

"When you put the child at the hospital door, were you recognized?"

"Nobody saw me as I put it into the box, and I wrote a note to say thechild had not been baptized. "

"Who wrote the note?"

"I did. "

"You will, of course, see that the funeral is properly carried out?"

"It will only cost six francs, and the parson will take that from twolouis which were found on the deceased; the rest will do for masses toatone for her having had the money. "

"What! ought she not to have had the two louis?"

"No, " said the nun, "we are forbidden to have any money without theknowledge of the abbess, under pain of excommunication. "

"What did they give you to come here?"

"Ten Savoy sols a day. But now I live like a princess, as you shall seeat supper, for though this worthy woman knows the money you gave her isfor herself she lavishes it on me. "

"She knows, dear sister, that such is my intention, and here is some moreto go on with. "

So saying I took another ten louis from my purse, and bade thecountry-woman spare nothing for the invalid's comfort. I enjoyed theworthy woman's happiness; she kissed my hands, and told me that I hadmade her fortune, and that she could buy some cows now. 

As soon as I was alone with the charming nun, whose face recalled to mymemory the happy hours I had passed with M---- M----, my imagination beganto kindle, and drawing close to her I began to talk of her seducer, telling her I was surprised that he had not helped her in the cruelposition in which he had placed her. She replied that she was debarredfrom accepting any money by her vow of poverty and obedience, and thatshe had given up to the abbess what remained of the alms the bishop hadprocured her. 

"As to my state when I was so fortunate as to meet you, I think he cannothave received my letter. "

"Possibly, but is he a rich or handsome man?"

"He is rich but certainly not handsome. On the contrary, he is extremelyugly, deformed, and over fifty. "

"How did you become amorous of a fellow like that?"

"I never loved him, but he contrived to gain my pity. I thought he wouldkill himself, and I promised to be in the garden on the night heappointed, but I only went there with the intention of bidding himbegone, and he did so, but after he had carried his evil designs intoeffect. "

"Did he use violence towards you, then?"

"No, for that would have been no use. He wept, threw himself on hisknees, and begged so hard, that I let him do what he liked on thecondition that he would not kill himself, and that he would come no moreto the garden. "

"Had you no fear of consequences?"

"I did not understand anything about it; I always thought that one couldnot conceive under three times at least. "

"Unhappy ignorance! how many woes are caused by it! Then he did not askyou to give him any more assignations?"

"He often asked me, but I would not grant his request because ourconfessor made me promise to withstand him thenceforth, if I wished to beabsolved. "

"Did you tell him the name of the seducer?"

"Certainly not; the good confessor would not have allowed me to do so; itwould have been a great sin. "

"Did you tell your confessor the state you were in?"

"No, but he must have guessed it. He is a good old man, who doubtlessprayed to God for me, and my meeting you was, perhaps, the answer to hisprayers. "

I was deeply moved, and for a quarter of an hour I was silent, andabsorbed in my thoughts. I saw that this interesting girl's misfortuneproceeded from her ignorance, her candour, her perfect innocence, and afoolish feeling of pity, which made her grant this monster of lubricity athing of which she thought little because she had never been in love. Shewas religious, but from mere habit and not from reflection, and herreligion was consequently very weak. She abhorred sin, because she wasobliged to purge herself of it by confession under pain of everlastingdamnation, and she did not want to be damned. She had plenty of naturalcommon sense, little wit, for the cultivation of which she had noopportunities, and she was in a state of ignorance only pardonable in anun. On weighing these facts I foresaw that I should find it a difficulttask to gain those favours which she had granted to Coudert; herrepentance had been too bitter for her to expose herself to the samedanger over again. 

The peasant woman returned, laid the table for two, and brought us oursupper. Everything was new--napkins, plates, glasses, spoons, knives, etc. , and everything was exquisitely clean. The wines were excellent, andthe dishes delightful in their simplicity. We had roast game, fish, cheese with cream, and very good fruit. I spent an hour and a half atsupper, and drank two bottles of wine as I talked to the nun, who atevery little. 

I was in the highest spirits, and the woman, delighted with my praise ofher provision, promised I should be served the same way every evening. 

When I was alone with the nun, whose face filled me with such burningrecollections, I began to speak of her health, and especially of theinconveniences attached to child-birth. She said she felt quite well, andwould be able to return to Chamberi on foot. "The only thing thattroubles me is my breasts, but the woman assures me that the milk willrecede to-morrow, and that they will then assume their usual shape. "

"Allow me to examine them, I know something about it. "

"Look!"

She uncovered her bosom, not thinking it would give me any pleasure, butwishing to be polite, without supposing I had any concealed desires. Ipassed my hands over two spheres whose perfect shape and whiteness wouldhave restored Lazarus to life. I took care not to offend her modesty, butin the coolest manner possible asked her how she felt a little lowerdown, and as I put the question I softly extended my hand. However, shekept it back gently, telling me not to go any further as she still felt alittle uneasy. I begged her pardon, and said I hoped I should findeverything quite right by the next day. 

"The beauty of your bosom, " I added, "makes me take a still greaterinterest in you. "

So saying I let my mouth meet hers, and I felt a kiss escape as ifinvoluntarily from her lips. It ran like fire through my veins, my brainbegan to whirl, and I saw that unless I took to a speedy flight I shouldlose all her confidence. I therefore left her, calling her "deardaughter" as I bade her farewell. 

It poured with rain, and I got soaked through before I reached mylodging. This was a bath well fitted to diminish the ardour of mypassion, but it made me very late in rising the next morning. 

I took out the two portraits of M---- M----, one in a nun's dress, and theother nude, as Venus. I felt sure they would be of service to me with thenun. 

I did not find the fair Zeroli in her room, so I went to the fountain, where she reproached me with a tenderness I assessed at its proper value, and our quarrel was made up in the course of our walk. When dinner wasover the Marquis the Prie made a bank, but as he only put down a hundredlouis I guessed that he wanted to win a lot and lose a little. I put downalso a hundred louis, and he said that it would be better sport if I didnot stake my money on one card only. I replied that I would stake a louison each of the thirteen. 

"You will lose. "

"We will see. Here is my hand on the table, and I stake a louis on eachof the thirteen cards. "

According to the laws of probability, I should certainly have lost, butfate decided otherwise and I won eighty louis. At eight o'clock I bowedto the company, and I went as usual to the place where my new love dwelt. I found the invalid ravishing. She said she had had a little fever, whichthe country-woman pronounced to be milk fever, and that she would bequite well and ready to get up by the next day. As I stretched out myhand to lift the coverlet; she seized it and covered it with kisses, telling me that she felt as if she must give me that mark of her filialaffection. She was twenty-one, and I was thirty-five. A nice daughter fora man like me! My feelings for her were not at all of a fatherlycharacter. Nevertheless, I told her that her confidence in me, as shewnby her seeing me in bed, increased my affection for her, and that Ishould be grieved if I found her dressed in her nun's clothes next day. 

"Then I will stop in bed, " said she; "and indeed I shall be very glad todo so, as I experience great discomfort from the heat of my woollenhabit; but I think I should please you more if I were decently dressed;however, as you like it better, I will stop in bed. "

The country-woman came in at that moment, and gave her the abbess' letterwhich her nephew had just brought from Chamberi. She read it and gave itto me. The abbess told her that she would send two lay-sisters to bringher back to the convent, and that as she had recovered her health shecould come on-foot, and thus save money which could be spent in betterways. She added that as the bishop was away, and she was unable to sendthe lay-sisters without his permission, they could not start for a weekor ten days. She ordered her, under pain of the major excommunication, never to leave her room, never to speak to any man, not even to themaster of the house, and to have nothing to do with anybody except withthe woman. She ended by saying that she was going to have a mass said forthe repose of the departed sister's soul. 

"I am obliged to you for having shewn me this letter, but be pleased totell me if I may visit you for the next week or ten days, without doinghurt to your conscience; for I must tell you I am a man. I have onlystopped in this place because of the lively interest with which you haveinspired me, but if you have the least objection to receive me on accountof the singular excommunication with which you are threatened, I willleave Aix tomorrow. Speak. "

"Sir, our abbess is lavish of these thunders, and I have already incurredthe excommunication with which she threatens me; but I hope it will notbe ratified by God, as my fault has made me happy and not miserable. Iwill be sincere with you; your visits are my only joy, and that joy isdoubled when you tell me you like to come. But if you can answer myquestion without a breach of confidence, I should like to know for whomyou took me the first time you saw me; you cannot imagine how youastonished and frightened me. I have never felt such kisses as those youlavished on me, but they cannot increase my sin as I was not a consentingparty, and you told me yourself that you thought you were kissinganother. "

"I will satisfy your curiosity. I think I can do so as you are aware bythis time that the flesh is weak, or rather stronger than the spirit, andthat it compels the strongest intellects to commit faults against rightreason. You shall hear the history of an amour that lasted for two yearswith the fairest and the best of all the nuns of Venice. "

"Tell me all, sir. I have fallen myself, and I should be cruel and unjustif I were to take offence at anything you may tell me, for you cannothave done anything with her that Coudert did not do to me. "

"I did much more and much less, for I never gave her a child. If I hadbeen so unfortunate I should have carried her off to Rome, where weshould have fallen at the feet of the Holy Father, who would haveabsolved her from her vows, and my dear M---- M---- would now be my wife. "

"Good heavens M---- M---- is my name. "

This circumstance, which was really a mere coincidence, rendered ourmeeting still more wonderful, and astonished me as much as it did her. Chance is a curious and fickle element, but it often has the greatestinfluence on our lives. 

After a brief silence I told her all that had taken place between thefair Venetian and myself. I painted our amorous combats in a lively andnatural manner, for, besides my recollections, I had her living picturebefore my eyes, and I could follow on her features the various emotionsaroused by my recital. When I had finished she said, "But is your M---- M---- really so like me, that you mistook me for her?"

Drawing from my pocket-book the portrait in which M---- M---- was dressedas a nun, I gave it to her, saying, "Judge for yourself. "

"She really is; it might pass for my portrait. It is my dress and myface; it is wonderful. To this likeness I owe all my good fortune. Thanksbe to God that you do not love me as you loved her, whom I am glad tocall my sister. There are indeed two M---- M---- s. Mighty Providence, allThy least ways are wonderful, and we are at best poor, weak, ignorantmortals. "

The worthy country-woman came up and have us a still better supper thanon the previous night. The invalid only ate soup, but she promised to dobetter by the following evening. 

I spent an hour with her after supper, and I convinced her by my reservethat she had made a mistake in thinking that I only loved her as adaughter. Of her own accord she shewed me that her breast had regainedits usual condition. I assured myself of the fact by my sense of touch, to which she made no opposition, not thinking that I could be moved bysuch a trifle. All the kisses which I lavished on her lips and eyes sheput down to the friendship for her. She said, smiling, that she thankedGod she was not fair like her sister, and I smiled myself at hersimplicity. 

But I could not keep up this sort of thing for long, and I had to beextremely careful. As soon as I felt that passion was getting the upperhand, I gave her a farewell kiss and went away. When I got home Le Ducgave me a note from Madame Zeroli, who said she would expect me at thefountain, as she was going to breakfast with the marquis's mistress. 

I slept well, but in my dreams I saw again and again the face of the newM---- M----. Next day, as soon as I got to the fountain, Madame Zerolitold me that all the company maintained that I ought to have lost inplaying on thirteen cards at once, as it was not true that one card wonfour times in each deal; however, the marquis, though he agreed with therest, had said that he would not let me play like that again. 

"I have only one objection to make to that--namely, that if I wanted toplay in the same way again he could only prevent me by fighting for it. "

"His mistress swears she will make you play in the usual way. "

I smiled, and thanked her for her information. 

When I got back to the inn I played a game of quinze with the marquis, and lost fifty louis; afterwards I let myself be persuaded to hold abank. I put down five hundred louis, and defied fortune. Desarmoises wasmy croupier, and I warned the company that every card must have the stakeplaced on it, and that I should rise at half-past seven. I was seatedbetween two ladies. I put the five hundred louis on the board, and I gotchange from the inn-keeper to the amount of a hundred crowns, to amusethe ladies with. But something happened. All the cards before me wereloose packs, and I called for new ones. The inn-keeper said he had sentto Chamberi for a hundred packs, and that the messenger would be backsoon. 

"In the meanwhile, " said he, "you can use the cards on the table, whichare as good as new. "

"I want them new, not as good as new. I have my prejudices, and they areso strong as to be invincible. In the meanwhile I shall remain aspectator, though I am sorry to keep the ladies waiting. "

Nobody dared say a word, and I rose, after replacing my money in mycash-box. The Marquis de Prie took the bank, and played splendidly. Istood beside Madame Zeroli, who made me her partner, and gave me five orsix Louis the next day. The messenger who was to be back soon did notreturn till midnight, and I thanked my stars for the escape I had had, for in such a place, full of professional gamesters, there are peoplewhose eyes are considerably sharper than a lynx's. I put the money backin my room, and proceeded on my usual way. 

I found my fair nun in bed, and asked her, "How do you feel to-day, madam?"

"Say daughter, that name is so sweet to me that I would you were myfather that I might clasp you in my arms without fearing anyone. "

"Well, my dear daughter, do not fear anything, but open your arms to me. "

"I will; we will embrace one another. "

"My little ones are prettier than they were yesterday let me suck them. "

"You silly papa, you are drinking your daughter's milk. "

"It is so sweet, darling, and the little drop I tasted has made me feelso happy. You cannot be angry at my enjoying this harmless privilege. "

"Of course I am not angry; you delighted me. But I shall have to call youbaby, not papa. "

"How glad I am to find you in better spirits to-night!"

"You have 'given me back my happiness, and I feel at peace once more. Thecountry-woman told me that in a few days I should be just the same as ifI had never seen Coudert. "

"That is not quite true; how about your stomach, for instance?"

"Be quiet; you can't know anything about such things, and I am quiteastonished myself. "

"Let me see. "

"Oh, no; you mustn't see, but you may feel. "

"All right. "

"Oh! please don't go there. "

"Why not? You can't be made differently from your sister, who would benow about thirty. I want to shew you her portrait naked. "

"Have you got it with you? I should so like to see it. "

I drew it out and gave it to her. She admired it, kissed it, and asked meif the painter had followed nature in all respects. 

"Certainly, " said I. "She knew that such a picture would give mepleasure. "

"It is very fine. It is more like me than the other picture. But Isuppose the long hair is only put in to please you?"

"Not at all. Italian nuns are allowed to wear their hair as long as theyplease, provided they do not shew it. 

"We have the same privilege. Our hair is cut once, and then we may let itgrow as long as we like. "

"Then you have long hair?"

"As long as in the picture; but you would not like my hair as it isblack. "

"Why, black is my favourite colour. In the name of God, let me see it. "

"You ask me in God's name to commit a sin; I shall incur anotherexcommunication, but I cannot refuse you anything. You shall see my hairafter supper, as I don't want to scandalize the countrywoman. "

"You are right; I think you are the sweetest of your sex. I shall die ofgrief when you leave this cottage to return to your sad prison. "

"I must indeed return and do penance for my sins. "

"I hope you have the wit to laugh at the abbess's sillyexcommunications?"

"I begin not to dread them so much as I used to. "

"I am delighted to hear it, as I see you will make me perfectly happyafter supper. "

The country-woman came up, and I gave her another ten louis; but itsuddenly dawned upon me that she took me for a madman. To disabuse her ofthis idea I told her that I was very rich, and that I wanted to make herunderstand that I could not give her enough to testify my gratitude toher for the care she had taken of the good nun. She wept, kissed my hand, and served us a delicious supper. The nun ate well and drankindifferently, but I was in too great a hurry to see the beautiful blackhair of this victim to her goodness of heart, and I could not follow herexample. The one appetite drove out the other. 

As soon as we were relieved of the country-woman's presence, she removedher hood, and let a mass of ebon hair fall upon her alabaster shoulders, making a truly ravishing contrast. She put the portrait before her, andproceeded to arrange her hair like the first M---- M----. 

"You are handsomer than your sister, " said I, "but I think she was moreaffectionate than you. "

"She may have been more affectionate, but she had not a better heart. "

"She was much more amorous than you. "

"I daresay; I have never been in love. "

"That is strange; how about your nature and the impulse of the senses?"

"We arrange all that easily at the convent. We accuse ourselves to theconfessor, for we know it is a sin, but he treats it as a childish fault, and absolves us without imposing any penances. "

"He knows human nature, and makes allowances for your sad position. "

"He is an old man, very learned, and of ascetic habits, but he is allindulgence. It will be a sad day when we lose him. "

"But in your amorous combats with another nun, don't you feel as if youwould like her to change into a man?"

"You make me laugh. To be sure, if my sweetheart became a man I shouldnot be sorry, but we do not desire such a miracle. "

"That is, perhaps, through a coldness of temperament. In that your sisterwas better, for she liked me much more than C---- C----, and you do notlike me as well as the sweetheart you left behind you at the convent. "

"Certainly not, for with you I should violate my own chastity and exposemyself to consequences I tremble to think of. "

"You do not love me, then?"

"What are you saying? I adore you, and I am very sorry you are not awoman. "

"I love you too, but your desire makes me laugh; for I would rather notbe turned into a woman to please you, especially as I expect I should notthink you nearly as beautiful. Sit down, my dear, and let me see yourfine hair flowing over your beautiful body. "

"Do you want me to take off my chemise?"

"Of course; how handsome you look without it. Let me suck your prettybreasts, as I am your baby. "

She granted me this privilege, and looking at me with a face full ofpleasure, she allowed me to press her naked body to my breast, notseeing, or pretending not to see, the acuteness of my enjoyment. She thensaid, "If such delights as these were allowed friendship, I should say it isbetter than love; for I have never experienced so great pleasure as whenyou put your lips to my bosom. Let me do the same to you. "

"I wish you could, but you will find nothing there. "

"Never mind; it will amuse us. "

After she had fulfilled her desire, we spent a quarter of an hour inmutual embraces, and my excitement was more than I could bear. 

"Tell me truly, " said I, "amidst our kisses, amidst these ecstacies whichwe call child-like, do you not feel a desire for something more?"

"I confess that I do, but such desires are sinful; and as I am sure thatyour passions are as high as mine, I think we had better stop ouragreeable employment; for, papa dear, our friendship is becoming burninglove, is it not?"

"Yes, love, and love that cannot be overcome. "

"I know it. "

"If you know it, let us perform to love the sweetest of all sacrifices. "

"No, no; on the contrary, let us stop and be more prudent in the future, lest we become the victims of love. If you love me, you should say sotoo. "

With these words she slipped gently from my arms, put back her beautifulhair under her cap, and when I had helped her on with her chemise, thecoarseness of which horrified me, I told her she might calm herself. Itold her how sorry I felt to see her delicate body frayed by so coarse astuff, and she told me it was of the usual material, and that all thenuns wore chemises of the same kind. 

My mind was in a state of consternation, for the constraint I had imposedon myself seemed much greater than the utmost pleasure I could havegained. I neither determined on persevering in nor on abandoning thepursuit; all I wanted was to be sure that I should not encounter theleast resistance. A folded rose-leaf spoilt the repose of the famousSmindyrides, who loved a soft bed. I preferred, therefore, to go away, than to risk finding the rose-leaf which troubled the voluptuousSybarite. I left the cottage in love and unhappy, and as I did not go tobed till two o'clock in the morning I slept till mid-day. 

When I woke up Le Duc gave me a note which he should have given me thenight before. He had forgotten it, and I was not sorry. The note camefrom Madame Zeroli, who said she would expect me at nine o'clock in themorning, as she would be alone. She told me that she was going to give asupper-party, that she was sure I would come, and that as she was leavingAix directly after, she counted on my coming too--at any rate, as far asChamberi. Although I still liked her, her pretensions made me laugh. Itwas too late now to be with her at nine, I could not go to hersupper-party because of my fair nun, whom I would not have left just thenfor the seraglio of the Grand Turk; and it was impossible for me toaccompany her to Chamberi, as when I came back I might no longer find theonly object which kept me at Aix. 

However, as soon as I had finished dressing, I went to see her and foundher furious. I excused myself by saying that I had only had her letterfor an hour, but she went away without giving me time to tell her that Icould not sup with her or go to Chamberi with her. She scowled at me attable, and when the meal was over the Marquis de Prie told me that theyhad some new cards, and that everybody was longing to see me make a bank. I went for my money, and I made a bank of five hundred louis. At seveno'clock I had lost more than half that sum, but for all that I put therest in my pocket and rose from the table. 

After a sad glance in the direction of Madame Zeroli I went to thecottage, where I found my angel in a large new bed, with a small butpretty bed beside it which was meant for me. I laughed at the incongruityof these pieces of furniture with our surroundings, but by way ofthanking the thoughtful country-woman I drew fifty louis from my purseand gave them to her, telling her it was for the remainder of the timethe lady was with her, and I told her to spend no more money infurniture. 

This was done in true gamester fashion. I had lost nearly three hundredlouis, but I had risked more than five hundred, and I looked on thedifference as pure profit. If I had gained as much as I had lost I shouldprobably have contented myself with giving her ten louis, but I fancied Iwas losing the fifty louis on a card. I have always liked spending money, but I have never been careless with it except in gaming. 

I was in an ecstasy to see the face of my M---- M---- light up with delightand astonishment. 

"You must be very rich, " said she. 

"Don't think it, dearest, but I love you passionately; and not being ableto give you anything by reason of your unfortunate vow of poverty, Ilavish what I possess on this worthy woman, to induce her to sparenothing for your comfort while you are here. Perhaps, too--though it isnot a definite thought--I hope that it will make you love me more. "

"How can I love you more than I do? The only thing that makes me unhappyis the idea of returning to the convent. "

"But you told me yesterday that it was exactly that idea which made youhappy. "

"I have changed my mind since yesterday. I passed a cruel night, for assoon as I fell asleep I was in your arms, and I awoke again and again onthe point of consummating the greatest of crimes. "

"You did not go through such a struggle before committing the same crimewith a man you did--not love. "

"It is exactly because I did not love him that my sin struck me asvenial. Do you understand what I mean?"

"It's a piece of superstitious metaphysics, but I understand youperfectly. "

"You have made me happy, and I feel very grateful to you, and I feel gladand certain of conquering when I reflect that your situation is differentto mine. "

"I will not dispute it with you, although I am sorry for what you say. "

"Why?"

"Because you think yourself in duty bound to refuse caresses which wouldnot hurt you, and which would give me new life and happiness. "

"I have thought it over. "

"Are you weeping?"

"Yes, and what is more, these tears are dear to me. "

"I do not understand. "

"I have two favours to ask of you. "

"Say on, and be sure you will obtain what you ask. "

CHAPTER XXI

End of My Adventure with the Nun from Chamberi--My Flight from Aix

"Yesterday, " said the charming nun, "you left in my hands the twoportraits of my Venetian sister. I want you to give them to me. "

"They are yours. "

"I thank you. My second favour is, that you will be good enough to takemy portrait in exchange; you shall have it to-morrow. "

"I shall be delighted. It will be the most precious of all my jewels, butI wonder how you can ask me to take it as a favour, whereas you are doingme a favour I should never have dared to demand. How shall I make myselfworthy of giving you my portrait?"

"Ah, dearest! it would be a dear possession, but God preserve me fromhaving it at the convent!"

"I will get myself painted under the costume of St. Louis of Gonzaga, orSt. Anthony of Padua. "

"I shall be damned eternally. "

"We will say no more about it. "

She had on a dimity corset, trimmed with red ribbon, and a cambricchemise. I was surprised, but politeness did not allow me to ask wherethey came from, so I contented myself with staring at them. She guessedmy thoughts, and said, smilingly, that it was a present from thecountrywoman. 

"Seeing her fortune made, the worthy woman tries every possible way toconvince her benefactor that she is grateful to him. Look at the bed; shewas certainly thinking of you, and look at these fine materials. Iconfess I enjoy their softness extremely. I shall sleep better to-nightif I am not plagued by those seductive dreams which tormented me lastnight. "

"Do you think that the bed and the fine linen will deliver you from thedreams you fear?"

"No doubt they will have a contrary effect, for softness irritates thepassions. I shall leave everything with the good woman. I do not knowwhat they would say if I took them with me to the convent. "

"You are not so comfortable there?"

"Oh, no! A straw bed, a couple of blankets, and sometimes, as a greatfavour, a thin mattress and two coarse sheets. But you seem sad; you wereso happy yesterday. "

"How can I be happy when I can no longer toy with you without making youunhappy. "

"You should have said without giving me the greatest delight. "

"Then will you consent to receive pleasure in return for that which yougive me?"

"But yours is innocent and mine is not. "

"What would you do, then, if mine and yours were the same?"

"You might have made me wretched yesterday, for I could not have refusedyou anything. "

"Why wretched? You would have had none of those dreams, but would haveenjoyed a quiet night. I am very sorry the peasant woman has given youthat corset, as otherwise I might at least have seen my little petswithout fear of bad dreams. "

"But you must not be angry with the good woman, for she knows that acorset is easy to unlace. And I cannot bear to see you sad. "

With these words she turned her ardent gaze upon me, and I covered herwith kisses which she returned with interest. The country-woman came upto lay the pretty new table, just as I was taking off her corset withouther offering the least resistance. 

This good omen put me in high spirits, but as I looked at her I saw ashadow passing across her face. I took care not to ask her the reason, for I guessed what was the matter, and I did not wish to discuss thosevows which religion and honour should have made inviolable. To distracther mind from these thoughts, I made her eat by the example I set, andshe drank the excellent claret with as much pleasure as I, not thinkingthat as she was not used to it it would put her in a frame of mind notfavourable to continence. But she did not notice this, for her gaietymade her look prettier than before, and aroused her passions. 

When we were alone I congratulated her on her high spirits, telling herthat my sadness had fled before her gaiety, and that the hours I couldspend with her would be all too short. 

"I should be blithe, " said she, "if it were only to please you. "

"Then grant me the favour you accorded me yesterday evening. "

"I would rather incur all the excommunications in the world than run therisk of appearing unjust to you. Take me. "

So saying, she took off her cap, and let down her beautiful hair. Iunlaced her corset, and in the twinkling of an eye I had before me such asiren as one sees on the canvas of Correggio. I could not look upon herlong without covering her with my burning kisses, and, communicating myardour, before long she made a place for me beside herself. I felt thatthere was no time for thinking, that nature had spoken out, and that lovebade me seize the opportunity offered by that delicious weakness. I threwmyself on her, and with my lips glued to hers I pressed her between myamorous arms, pending the moment of supreme bliss. 

But in the midst of these joys, she turned her head, closed her eyelids, and fell asleep. I moved away a little, the better to contemplate thetreasures that love displayed before me. The nun slept, as I thought; buteven if her sleep was feigned, should I be angry with her for thestratagem? Certainly not; true or feigned, the sleep of a loved oneshould always be respected by a delicate lover, although there are somepleasures he may allow himself. If the sleep is real there is no harmdone, and if it is put on the lover only responds to the lady's desires. All that is necessary is so to manage one's caresses that they arepleasant to the beloved object. But M---- M---- was really asleep; theclaret had numbed her senses, and she had yielded to its influencewithout any ulterior motives. While I gazed at her I saw that she wasdreaming. Her lips uttered words of which I could not catch the meaning, but her voluptuous aspect told me of what she dreamt. I took off myclothes; and in two minutes I had clasped her fair body to mine, notcaring much whether she slept on or whether I awoke her and brought ourdrama to a climax, which seemed inevitable. 

I was not long uncertain, for the instinctive movements she made when shefelt the minister that would fain accomplish the sacrifice at the door ofthe sanctuary, convinced me that her dream still lasted, and that I couldnot make her happier than by changing it into reality. I delicately movedaway all obstacles, and gently and by degrees consummated this sweetrobbery, and when at last I abandoned myself to all the force of passion, she awoke with a sigh of bliss, murmuring, "Ah! it is true then. "

"Yes, my angel! are you happy?"

For all reply she drew me to her and fastened her lips on mine, and thuswe awaited the dawn of day, exhausting all imaginable kinds of pleasure, exciting each other's desires, and only wishing to prolong our enjoyment. 

"Alas!" said she, "I am happy now, but you must leave me till theevening. Let us talk of our happiness, and enjoy it over again. "

"Then you do not repent having made me a happy man?"

"No; it is you who have made me happy. You are an angel from heaven. Weloved, we crowned our love; I cannot have done aught to offend God. I amfree from all my fears. We have obeyed nature and our destinies. Do youlove me still?"

"Can you ask me? I will shew you to-night. "

I dressed myself as quickly as possible while we talked of our love, andI left her in bed, bidding her rest. 

It was quite light when I got home. Le Duc had not gone to bed, and gaveme a letter from the fair Zeroli, telling me that it had been deliveredat eleven o'clock. I had not gone to her supper, and I had not escortedher to Chamberi; I had not had time to give her a moment's thought. I wassorry, but I could not do anything. I opened her letter which consistedof only six lines, but they were pregnant ones. She advised me never togo to Turin, for if I went there she would find means to take vengeanceon me for the dastardly affront I had put upon her. She reproached mewith having put her to public shame, said I had dishonoured her, andvowed she would never forgive me. I did not distress myself to any greatextent; I tore up the friendly missive, and after I had had my hair doneI went to the fountain. 

Everybody flew at me for not having been at Madame Zeroli's supper. Idefended myself as best I could, but my excuses were rather tame, aboutwhich I did not trouble myself. I was told that all was known, and thisamused me as I was aware that nothing was known. The marquis's mistresstook hold of my arm, and told me, without any circumlocution, that I hadthe reputation of being inconstant, and by way of reply I observedpolitely that I was wrongfully accused, but that if there was any groundfor the remark it was because I had never served so sweet a lady asherself. She was flattered by my compliment, and I bit my lip when Iheard her ask in the most gracious manner why I did not breakfastsometimes with the marquis. 

"I was afraid of disturbing him, " said I. 

"How do you mean?"

"I should be interrupting him in his business. "

"He has no business, and he would be delighted to see you. Cometo-morrow, he always breakfasts in my room. "

This lady was the widow of a gentleman of quality; she was young, undoubtedly pretty, and possessing in perfection the jargon of goodsociety; nevertheless, she did not attract me. After recently enjoyingthe fair Zeroli, and finding my suit with the fair nun at the height ofits prosperity, I was naturally hard to please, and in plain words--I wasperfectly contented with my situation. For all that, I had foolishlyplaced myself in such a position that I was obliged to give her tounderstand that she had delighted me by her preference. 

She asked the marquis if she could return to the inn. 

"Yes, " said he, "but I have some business in hand, and cannot come withyou. "

"Would you be kind enough to escort me?" said she to me. I bowed inassent. 

On the way she told me that if Madame Zeroli were still there she wouldnot have dared to take my arm. I could only reply by equivocating, as Ihad no wish to embark in a fresh intrigue. However, I had no choice; Iwas obliged to accompany her to her room and sit down beside her; but asI had had no sleep the night before I felt tired and began to yawn, whichwas not flattering for the lady. I excused myself to the best of myability, telling her that I was ill, and she believed me or pretended tobelieve me. But I felt sleep stealing upon me, and I should haveinfallibly dropped off if it had not been for my hellebore, which kept meawake by making me sneeze. 

The marquis came in, and after a thousand compliments he proposed a gameof quinze. I begged him to excuse me, and the lady backed me up, saying Icould not possibly play in the midst of such a sneezing fit. We went downto dinner, and afterwards I easily consented to make a bank, as I wasvexed at my loss of the day before. As usual I staked five hundred louis, and about seven o'clock, though two-thirds of the bank had gone, Iannounced the last deal. The marquis and two other heavy gamesters thenendeavoured to break the bank, but fortune turned, and I not only gotback my losses but won three hundred Louis besides. Thereupon I rose, promising the company to begin again next day. All the ladies had won, asDesarmoises had orders to let them play as they liked up to a certainlimit. 

I locked up my money, and warning my faithful Spaniard that I should notbe coming back, I went to my idol, having got wet through on the way, andbeing obliged to undress as soon as I arrived. The good woman' of thehouse took care to dry my clothes. 

I found the fair nun dressed in her religious habit, and lying on thesmall bed. 

"Why are you not in your own bed, dearest?"

"Because I feel quite well again, my darling, and I wished to sup withyou at table. We will go to bed afterwards, if that will give you anypleasure. "

"It will give me pleasure if you share in my delight. "

"Alas! I am undone, and I shall doubtless die when I have to leave you. "

"Do not leave me, sweetheart; come with me to Rome; and leave the matterin my hands. I will make you my wife, and we will live happily togetherever after. "

"That would be too great a bliss, but I could never make up my mind toit; say no more about it. "

I was sure of spending a delicious night--in the possession of all hercharms, and we stayed an hour at table, seasoning the dishes with sweetconverse. When we had done, the woman came up, gave her a packet, andwent away again, wishing us good night. 

"What does this packet contain, darling?"

"It is the present I have got for you-my portrait, but you must not seeit till I am in bed. "

"I will indulge you in that fancy, although I am very curious to see theportrait. "

"You will say I am right afterwards. "

I wanted to undress her myself, and she submitted like a lamb. When shewas in bed, she opened the packet, and shewed me her portrait, naked, andvery like the naked portrait of M---- M----. I praised the painter for theexcellence of the copy he had made; nothing was altered but the colour ofthe hair and eyes. 

"It isn't a copy, " she said, "there would not have been time. He onlymade the eyes and hair black, and the latter more abundant. Thus you havein it a portrait of the first and also of the second M---- M----, in whomyou must forget the first. She has also vanished from the clothedportrait, for you see the nun has black eyes. I could shew this pictureto anyone as my portrait. "

"You do not know how precious your present is to me! Tell me, dearest, how you succeeded in carrying out your plan so well. "

"I told the country-woman about it yesterday morning, and she said thatshe had a foster-son at Anneci, who was a miniature painter. Through himshe sent the two miniatures to a more skilful painter at Geneva, who madethe change you see for four or five Louis; he was probably able to do itin two or three hours. I entrusted the two portraits to him, and you seehow well he did his work. The woman has no doubt just received them, andto-morrow she may be able to tell you more about it. "

"She is really a wonderful woman. I will indemnify her for the expense. But now tell me why you did not want me to see the portrait before youwere in bed?"

"Guess. "

"Because I can now see you in the same posture as that in which you arerepresented. "

"Exactly. "

"It is an excellent idea; only love can have given it you. But you mustwait till I am in the same state. "

When we were both in a state of nature, exactly like Adam and Eve beforethey tasted the fatal apple, I placed her in the position of theportrait, and guessing my intention from my face she opened her arms forme to come to her; but I asked her to wait a moment, for I had a littlepacket too, which contained something she would like. I then drew from mypocket-book a little article of transparent skin, about eight incheslong, with one opening, which was ornamented with a red rosette. I gaveher this preventive sheath, and she looked, admired, and laughed loudly, asking me if I had used such articles with her Venetian sister. "I willput it on myself; you don't know how I shall enjoy it. Why didn't you useone last night? How could you have forgotten it? Well, I shall be verywretched if anything comes of it. What shall I do in four or five months, when my condition becomes past doubt?"

"Dearest, the only thing to do is not to think of it, for if the damageis done, there is no cure for it; but from my experience and knowledge ofthe laws of nature I expect that our sweet combats of last night willprobably have no troublesome consequences. It has been stated that afterchild-birth a woman cannot conceive afresh without having seen somethingwhich I expect you have not seen. "

"No, God be thanked!"

"Good. Then let us not give any thought to the dismal future lest we loseour present bliss. "

"I am quite comforted; but I can't understand why you are afraid to-dayof what you were not afraid yesterday; my state is the same. "

"The event has sometimes given the lie to the most eminent physicians. Nature, wiser than they, has exceptions to her rules, let us not defythem for the future, but let us not trouble ourselves if we have defiedthere in the past. "

"I like to hear you talk so sagely. Yes, we will be prudent whatever itcosts. There you are, hooded like a mother abbess, but in spite of thefineness of the sheath I like the little fellow better quite naked. Ithink that this covering degrades us both. "

"You are right, it does. But let us not dwell on these ideas which willonly spoil our pleasure. "

"We will enjoy our pleasure directly; let me be reasonable now, for Ihave never thought of these matters before. Love must have invented theselittle sheaths, but it must first have listened to the voice of prudence, and I do not like to see love and prudence allied. "

"The correctness of your arguments surprises me, but we will philosophizeanother time. "

"Wait a minute. I have never seen a man before, and I have never wishedto enjoy the sight as much as now. Ten months ago I should have calledthat article an invention of the devil; but now I look upon the inventoras a benefactor, for if my wretched hump-back had provided himself withsuch a sheath he would not have exposed me to the danger of losing myhonour and my life. But, tell me, how is that the makers of these thingsremain unmolested; I wonder they are not found out, excommunicated, orheavily fined, or even punished corporeally, if they are Jews as Iexpect. Dear me, the maker of this one must have measured you badly!Look! it is too large here, and too small there; it makes you into aregular curve. What a stupid the fellow must be, he can't know his owntrade! But what is that?"

"You make me laugh; it's all your fault. You have been feeling andfondling, and you see the natural consequence. I knew it would be so. "

"And you couldn't keep it back a minute. It is going on now. I am sosorry; it is a dreadful pity. "

"There is not much harm done, so console yourself. "

"How can I? you are quite dead. How can you laugh?"

"At your charming simplicity. You shall see in a moment that your charmswill give me new life which I shall not lose so easily. "

"Wonderful! I couldn't have believed it!"

I took off the sheath, and gave her another, which pleased her better, asit seemed to fit me better, and she laughed for joy as she put it on. Sheknew nothing of these wonders. Her thoughts had been bound in chains, andshe could not discover the truth before she knew me; but though she wasscarcely out of Egypt she shewed all the eagerness of an enquiring andnewly emancipated spirit. "But how if the rubbing makes the sheath falloff?" said she. I explained to her that such an accident could scarcelyhappen, and also told her of what material the English made thesearticles. 

After all this talking, of which my ardour began to weary, we abandonedourselves to love, then to sleep, then to love again, and so onalternately till day-break. As I was leaving, the woman of the house toldus that the painter had asked four louis, and that she had give two louisto her foster-son. I gave her twelve, and went home, where I slept tillmorn, without thinking of breakfasting with the Marquis de Prie, but Ithink I should have given him some notice of my inability to come. Hismistress sulked with me all dinner-time, but softened when I allowedmyself to be persuaded into making a bank. However, I found she wasplaying for heavy stakes, and I had to check her once or twice, whichmade her so cross that she went to hide her ill-temper in a corner of thehall. However, the marquis won, and I was losing, when the taciturn Dukeof Rosebury, his tutor Smith, and two of his fellow-countrymen, arrivedfrom Geneva. He came up to me and said, "How do you do?" and withoutanother word began to play, inviting his companions to follow hisexample. 

Seeing my bank in the last agony I sent Le Duc to my room for thecash-box, whence I drew out five rolls of a hundred louis each. TheMarquis de Prie said, coolly, that he wouldn't mind being my partner, andin the same tone I begged to be excused. He continued punting withoutseeming to be offended at my refusal and when I put down the cards androse from the table he had won two hundred louis; but all the others hadlost, especially one of the Englishmen, so that I had made a profit of athousand louis. The marquis asked me if I would give him chocolate in myroom next morning, and I replied that I should be glad to see him. Ireplaced my cash-box in my room, and proceeded to the cottage, pleasedwith the day's work and feeling inclined to crown it with love. 

I found my fair friend looking somewhat sad, and on my enquiring thereason she told me that a nephew of the country-woman's, who had comefrom Chamberi that morning, had told her that he had heard from alay-sister of the same convent, whom he knew, that two sisters wouldstart at day-break in two days' time to fetch her; this sad news, shesaid, had made her tears flow fast. 

"But the abbess said the sisters could not start before ten days hadexpired. "

"She must have changed her mind. "

"Sorrow intrudes into our happy state. Will you be my wife? Will youfollow me to Rome and receive absolution from your vows. You may be surethat I shall have a care for your happiness. "

"Nay, I have lived long enough; let me return to my tomb. "

After supper I told the good woman that if she could rely on her nephew, she would do well to send him at once to Chamberi with orders to returndirectly the lay-sisters started, and to endeavour to reach Aix two hoursbefore them. She told me that I might reckon on the young man's silence, and on his carrying out my orders. I quieted in this way the charmingnun's alarm, and got into bed with her, feeling sad though amorous; andon the pretext that she required rest I left her at midnight, as I wantedto be at home in the morning since I had an engagement with the marquis. In due course he arrived with his mistress, two other ladies, and theirhusbands or lovers. 

I did not limit myself to giving them chocolate; my breakfast consistedof all the luxuries the place afforded. When I had got rid of mytroublesome company, I told Le Duc to shut my door, and to tell everybodythat I was ill in bed and could not see any visitors. I also warned himthat I should be away for two days, and that he must not leave my room amoment till I came back. Having made these arrangements, I slipped awayunperceived and went to my mistress, resolved not to leave her till halfan hour before the arrival of the lay-sisters. 

When she saw me and heard that I was not going to leave her till she wentaway, she jumped for joy; and we conceived the idea of not having anydinner that we might enjoy our supper the better. 

"We will go to bed after supper, " said she, "and will not get up till themessenger brings the fatal news that the lay-sisters have started. "

I thought the idea an excellent one, and I called the woman of the houseto tell her of our arrangements, and she promised to see that we were notdisturbed. 

We did not find the time long, for two passionate lovers find plenty totalk about since their talk is of themselves. And besides our caresses, renewed again and again, there was something so mysterious and solemn inour situation that our souls and our senses were engaged the whole time. 

After a supper which would have pleased a Lucullus, we spent twelve hoursin giving each other proofs, of our passionate love, sleeping after ouramorous struggles, and waking only to renew the fight. The next day werose to refresh ourselves, and after a good dinner, mashed down by someexcellent Burgundy, we went to bed again; but at four the country-womancame to tell us that the lay-sisters would arrive about six. We hadnothing now to look for in the future, the die was cast, and we began ourfarewell caresses. I sealed the last with my blood. My firstM---- M---- had seen it, and my second rightly saw it also. She wasfrightened, but I calmed her fears. I then rose, and taking a rollcontaining fifty louis I begged her to keep them for me, promising tocome for them in two years, and take them from her hands through thegrating of her terrible prison. She spent the last quarter of an hour intears, and mine were only restrained lest I should add to her grief. Icut off a piece of her fleece and a lock of her beautiful hair, promisingher always to bear them next my heart. 

I left her, telling the country-woman that she should see me again thenext day, and I went to bed as soon as I got home. Next morning I was onthe way to Chamberi. At a quarter of a league's distance from Aix I sawmy angel slowly walking along. As soon as the lay-sisters were nearenough they asked an alms in the name of God. I gave them a Louis, but mysaint did not look at me. 

With a broken heart I went to the good countrywoman, who told me thatM---- M---- had gone at day-break, bidding her to remind me of the conventgrating. I kissed the Worthy woman, and I gave her nephew all the loosesilver I had about me, and returning to the inn I had my luggage put onto the carriage, and would have started that moment if I had had anyhorses. But I had two hours to wait, and I went and bade the marquisfarewell. He was out, but his mistress was in the room by herself. On mytelling her of my departure, she said, "Don't go, stay with me a couple of days longer. "

"I feel the honour you are conferring on me, but business of the greatestimportance obliges me to be gone forthwith. "

"Impossible, " said the lady, as she went to a glass the better to laceherself, shewing me a superb breast. I saw her design, but I determinedto baulk her. She then put one foot upon a couch to retie her garter, andwhen she put up the other foot I saw beauties more enticing than Eve'sapple. It was nearly all up with me, when the marquis came in. Heproposed a little game of quinze, and his mistress asked me to be herpartner. I could not escape; she sat next to me, and I had lost fortyLouis by dinner-time. 

"I owe you twenty, " said the lady, as we were going down. 

At dessert Le Duc came to tell me that my carriage was at the door, and Igot up, but under the pretence of paying me the twenty louis themarquis's mistress made me come with her to her room. 

When we were there she addressed me in a serious and supplicating voice, telling me that if I went she would be dishonoured, as everybody knewthat she had engaged to make me stay. 

"Do I look worthy of contempt?" said she, making me sit down upon thesofa. 

Then with a repetition of her tactics in the morning she contrived that Ishould see everything. Excited by her charms I praised her beauties, Ikissed, I touched; she let herself fall on me, and looked radiant whenher vagrant hand found palpable proof of her powers of attraction. 

"I promise to be yours to-morrow, wait till then. "

Not knowing how to refuse, I said I would keep her to her word, and wouldhave my horses taken out. Just then the marquis came in, saying he wouldgive me my revenge and without answering I went downstairs as if to comeback again, but I ran out of the inn, got into my carriage, and droveoff, promising a good fee to the postillion if he would put his horses ata gallop.