MEMOIRS OF JACQUES CASANOVA de SEINGALT 1725-1798

ADVENTURES IN THE SOUTH, Volume 4c--RETURN TO NAPLES

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

RETURN TO NAPLES

ROME--NAPLES--BOLOGNA

CHAPTER VIII

Cardinal Passianei--The Pope--Masiuccia--I Arrive At Naples

Cardinal Passionei received me in a large hall where he was writing. Hebegged me to wait till he had finished, but he could not ask me to take aseat as he occupied the only chair that his vast room contained. 

When he had put down his pen, he rose, came to me, and after informing methat he would tell the Holy Father of my visit, he added, --

"My brother Cornaro might have made a better choice, as he knows the Popedoes not like me. "

"He thought it better to choose the man who is esteemed than the man whois merely liked. "

"I don't know whether the Pope esteems me, but I am sure he knows I don'testeem him. I both liked and esteemed him before he was pope, and Iconcurred in his election, but since he has worn the tiara it's adifferent matter; he has shewn himself too much of a 'coglione'. "

"The conclave ought to have chosen your eminence. "

"No, no; I'm a root-and-branch reformer, and my hand would not have beenstayed for fear of the vengeance of the guilty, and God alone knows whatwould have come of that. The only cardinal fit to be pope was Tamburini;but it can't be helped now. I hear people coming; good-bye, come againto-morrow. "

What a delightful thing to have heard a cardinal call the Pope a fool, and name Tamburini as a fit person. I did not lose a moment in notingthis pleasant circumstance down: it was too precious a morsel to letslip. But who was Tamburini? I had never heard of him. I askedWinckelmann, who dined with me. 

"He's a man deserving of respect for his virtues, his character, hisfirmness, and his farseeing intelligence. He has never disguised hisopinion of the Jesuits, whom he styles the fathers of deceits, intrigues, and lies; and that's what made Passionei mention him. I think, with him, that Tamburini would be a great and good pope. "

I will here note down what I heard at Rome nine years later from themouth of a tool of the Jesuits. The Cardinal Tamburini was at the lastgasp, and the conversation turned upon him, when somebody else said, --

"This Benedictine cardinal is an impious fellow after all; he is on hisdeath-bed, and he has asked for the viaticum, without wishing to purifyhis soul by confession. "

I did not make any remark, but feeling as if I should like to know thetruth of the matter I asked somebody about it next day, my informantbeing a person who must have known the truth, and could not have had anymotive for disguising the real facts of the case. He told me that thecardinal had said mass three days before, and that if he had not askedfor a confessor it was doubtless because he had nothing to confess. 

Unfortunate are they that love the truth, and do not seek it out at itssource. I hope the reader will pardon this digression, which is notwithout interest. 

Next day I went to see Cardinal Passionei, who told me I was quite rightto come early, as he wanted to learn all about my escape from The Leads, of which he had heard some wonderful tales told. 

"I shall be delighted to satisfy your eminence, but the story is a longone. "

"All the better; they say you tell it well. "

"But, my lord, am I to sit down on the floor?"

"No, no; your dress is too good for that. "

He rang his bell, and having told one of his gentlemen to send up a seat, a servant brought in a stool. A seat without a back and without arms! Itmade me quite angry. I cut my story short, told it badly, and hadfinished in a quarter of an hour. 

"I write better than you speak, " said he. 

"My lord, I never speak well except when I am at my ease. "

"But you are not afraid of me?"

"No, my lord, a true man and a philosopher can never make me afraid; butthis stool of yours . . . . "

"You like to be at your ease, above all things. "

"Take this, it is the funeral oration of Prince Eugene; I make you apresent of it. I hope you will approve of my Latinity. You can kiss thePope's feet tomorrow at ten o'clock. "

When I got home, as I reflected on the character of this strangecardinal--a wit, haughty, vain, and boastful, I resolved to make him afine present. It was the 'Pandectarum liber unicus' which M. De F. Hadgiven me at Berne, and which I did not know what to do with. It was afolio well printed on fine paper, choicely bound, and in perfectpreservation. As chief librarian the present should be a valuable one tohim, all the more as he had a large private library, of which my friendthe Abbe Winckelmann was librarian. I therefore wrote a short Latinletter, which I enclosed in another to Winckelmann, whom I begged topresent my offering to his eminence. 

I thought it was as valuable as his funeral oration at any rate, and Ihoped that he would give me a more comfortable chair for the future. 

Next morning, at the time appointed, I went to Monte Cavallo, which oughtto be called Monte Cavalli, as it gets its name from two fine statues ofhorses standing on a pedestal in the midst of the square, where the HolyFather's palace is situated. 

I had no real need of being presented to the Pope by anyone, as anyChristian is at liberty to go in when he sees the door open. Besides Ihad known His Holiness when he was Bishop of Padua; but I had preferredto claim the honor of being introduced by a cardinal. 

After saluting the Head of the Faithful, and kissing the holy crossembroidered on his holy slipper, the Pope put his right hand on my leftshoulder, and said he remembered that I always forsook the assembly atPadua, when he intoned the Rosary. 

"Holy Father, I have much worse sins than that on my conscience, so Icome prostrate at your foot to receive your absolution. "

He then gave me his benediction, and asked me very graciously what hecould do for me. 

"I beg Your Holiness to plead for me, that I may be able to return toVenice. "

"We will speak of it to the ambassador, and then we will speak again toyou on the matter. "

"Do you often go and see Cardinal Passionei?"

"I have been three times. He gave me his funeral oration on PrinceEugene, and in return I sent him the 'Pandects'. "

"Has he accepted them?"

"I think so, Holy Father. "

"If he has, he will send Winckelmann to pay you for them. "

"That would be treating me like a bookseller; I will not receive anypayment. "

"Then he will return the volume of the 'Pandects'; we are sure of it, healways does so. "

"If his eminence returns me the 'Pandects', I will return him his funeraloration. "

At this the Pope laughed till his sides shook. 

"We shall be pleased to hear the end of the story without anyone beinginformed of our innocent curiosity. "

With these words, a long benediction delivered with much unction informedme that my audience was at an end. 

As I was leaving His Holiness's palace, I was accosted by an old abbe, who asked me respectfully if I were not the M. Casanova who had escapedfrom The Leads. 

"Yes, " said I, "I am the man. "

"Heaven be praised, worthy sir, that I see you again in such goodestate!"

"But whom have I the honour of addressing?"

"Don't you recollect me? I am Momolo, formerly gondolier at Venice. "

"Have you entered holy orders, then?"

"Not at all, but here everyone wears the cassock. I am the firstscopatore (sweeper) of His Holiness the Pope. "

"I congratulate you on your appointment, but you mustn't mind melaughing. "

"Laugh as much as you like. My wife and daughters laugh when I put on thecassock and bands, and I laugh myself, but here the dress gains onerespect. Come and see us. "

"Where do you live?"

"Behind the Trinity of Monti; here's my address. "

"I will come to-night. "

I went home delighted with this meeting, and determined to enjoy theevening with my Venetian boatman. I got my brother to come with me, and Itold him how the Pope had received me. 

The Abbe Winckelmann came in the afternoon and informed me that I wasfortunate enough to be high in favour with his cardinal, and that thebook I had sent him was very valuable; it was a rare work, and in muchbetter condition than the Vatican copy. 

"I am commissioned to pay you for it. "

"I have told his eminence that it was a present. "

"He never accepts books as presents, and he wants yours for his ownlibrary; and as he is librarian of the Vatican Library he is afraid lestpeople might say unpleasant things. "

"That's very well, but I am not a bookseller; and as this book only costme the trouble of accepting it, I am determined only to sell it at thesame price. Pray ask the cardinal to honour me by accepting it. "

"He is sure to send it back to you. "

"He can if he likes, but I will send back his funeral oration, as I amnot going to be under an obligation to anyone who refuses to take apresent from me. "

Next morning the eccentric cardinal returned me my Pandects, and Iimmediately returned his funeral oration, with a letter in which Ipronounced it a masterpiece of composition, though I laid barely glancedover it in reality. My brother told me I was wrong, but I did not troublewhat he said, not caring to guide myself by his rulings. 

In the evening my brother and I went to the 'scopatore santissimo', whowas expecting me, and had announced me to his family as a prodigy of aman. I introduced my brother, and proceeded to a close scrutiny of thefamily. I saw an elderly woman, four girls, of whom the eldest wastwenty-four, two small boys, and above all universal ugliness. It was notinviting for a man of voluptuous tastes, but I was there, and the bestthing was to put a good face on it; so I stayed and enjoyed myself. Besides the general ugliness, the household presented the picture ofmisery, for the 'scopatore santissimo' and his numerous family wereobliged to live on two hundred Roman crowns a year, and as there are noperquisites attached to the office of apostolic sweeper, he was compelledto furnish all needs out of this slender sum. In spite of that Momolo wasa most generous man. As soon as he saw me seated he told me he shouldhave liked to give me a good supper, but there was only pork chops and apolenta. 

"They are very nice, " said I; "but will you allow me to send for half adozen flasks of Orvieto from my lodging?"

"You are master here. "

I wrote a note to Costa, telling him to bring the six flasks directly, with a cooked ham. He came in half an hour, and the four girls cried whenthey saw him, "What a fine fellow!" I saw Costa was delighted with thisreception, and said to Momolo, "If you like him as well as your girls I will let him stay. "

Costa was charmed with such honour being shewn him, and after thanking mewent into the kitchen to help the mother with the polenta. 

The large table was covered with a clean cloth, and soon after theybrought in two huge dishes of polenta and an enormous pan full of chops. We were just going to begin when a knocking on the street door was heard. 

"'Tis Signora Maria and her mother, " said one of the boys. 

At this announcement I saw the four girls pulling a wry face. "Who askedthem?" said one. "What do they want?" said another. "What troublesomepeople they are!" said a third. "They might have stayed at home, " saidthe fourth. But the good, kindly father said, "My children, they arehungry, and they shall share what Providence has given us. "

I was deeply touched with the worthy man's kindness. I saw that trueChristian charity is more often to be found in the breasts of the poorthan the rich, who are so well provided for that they cannot feel for thewants of others. 

While I was making these wholesome reflections the two hungry ones camein. One was a young woman of a modest and pleasant aspect, and the otherher mother, who seemed very humble and as if ashamed of their poverty. The daughter saluted the company with that natural grace which is a giftof nature, apologizing in some confusion for her presence, and sayingthat she would not have taken the liberty to come if she had known therewas company. The worthy Momolo was the only one who answered her, and hesaid, kindly, that she had done quite right to come, and put her a chairbetween my brother and myself. I looked at her and thought her a perfectbeauty. 

Then the eating began and there was no more talking. The polenta wasexcellent, the chops delicious, and the ham perfect, and in less than anhour the board was as bare as if there had been nothing on it; but theOrvieto kept the company in good spirts. They began to talk of thelottery which was to be drawn the day after next, and all the girlsmentioned the numbers on which they had risked a few bajocchi. 

"If I could be sure of one number, " said I, "I would stake something onit. "

Mariuccia told me that if I wanted a number she could give me one. Ilaughed at this offer, but in the gravest way she named me the number 27. 

"Is the lottery still open?" I asked the Abbe Momolo. 

"Till midnight, " he replied, "and if you like I will go and get thenumber for you. "

"Here are fifty crowns, " said I, "put twenty-five crowns on 27-this forthese five young ladies; and the other twenty-five on 27 coming out thefifth number, and this I will keep for myself. "

He went out directly and returned with the two tickets. 

My pretty neighbour thanked me and said she was sure of winning, but thatshe did not think I should succeed as it was not probable that 27 wouldcome out fifth. 

"I am sure of it, " I answered, "for you are the fifth young lady I saw inthis house. " This made everybody laugh. Momolo's wife told me I wouldhave done much better if I had given the money to the poor, but herhusband told her to be quiet, as she did not know my intent. My brotherlaughed, and told me I had done a foolish thing. "I do, sometimes, " saidI, "but we shall see how it turns out, and when one plays one is obligedeither to win or lose. "

I managed to squeeze my fair neighbour's hand, and she returned thepressure with all her strength. From that time I knew that my fate withMariuccia was sealed. I left them at midnight, begging the worthy Momoloto ask me again in two days' time, that we might rejoice together overour gains. On our way home my brother said I had either become as rich asCroesus or had gone mad. I told him that both suppositions wereincorrect, but that Mariuccia was as handsome as an angel, and he agreed. 

Next day Mengs returned to Rome, and I supped with him and his family. Hehad an exceedingly ugly sister, who for all that, was a good and talentedwoman. She had fallen deeply in love with my brother, and it was easy tosee that the flame was not yet extinguished, but whenever she spoke tohim, which she did whenever she could get an opportunity, he lookedanother way. 

She was an exquisite painter of miniatures, and a capital hand atcatching a likeness. To the best of my belief she is still living at Romewith Maroni her husband. She often used to speak of my brother to me, andone day she said that he must be the most thankless of men or he wouldnot despise her so. I was not curious enough to enquire what claim shehad to his gratitude. 

Mengs's wife was a good and pretty woman, attentive to her householdduties and very submissive to her husband, though she could not haveloved him, for he was anything but amiable. He was obstinate and fiercein his manner, and when he dined at home he made a point of not leavingthe table before he was drunk; out of his own house he was temperate tothe extent of not drinking anything but water. His wife carried herobedience so far as to serve as his model for all the nude figures hepainted. I spoke to her one day about this unpleasant obligation, and shesaid that her confessor had charged her to fulfil it, "for, " said he, "ifyour husband has another woman for a model he will be sure to enjoy herbefore painting her, and that sin would be laid to your charge. "

After supper, Winckelmann, who was as far gone as all the other maleguests, played with Mengs's children. There was nothing of the pedantabout this philosopher; he loved children and young people, and hischeerful disposition made him delight in all kinds of enjoyment. 

Next day, as I was going to pay my court to the Pope, I saw Momolo in thefirst ante-chamber, and I took care to remind him of the polenta for theevening. 

As soon as the Pope saw me, he said, --

"The Venetian ambassador has informed us that if you wish to return toyour native land, you must go and present yourself before the secretaryof the Tribunal. "

"Most Holy Father, I am quite ready to take this step, if Your Holinesswill grant me a letter of commendation written with your own hand. Without this powerful protection I should never dream of exposing myselfto the risk of being again shut up in a place from which I escaped by amiracle and the help of the Almighty. "

"You are gaily dressed; you do not look as if you were going to church. "

"True, most Holy Father, but neither am I going to a ball. "

"We have heard all about the presents being sent back. Confess that youdid so to gratify your pride. "

"Yes, but also to lower a pride greater than mine. "

The Pope smiled at this reply, and I knelt down and begged him to permitme to present the volume of Pandects to the Vatican Library. By way ofreply he gave me his blessing, which signifies, in papal language, "Rise;your request is granted. "

"We will send you, " said he, "a mark of our singular affection for youwithout your having to pay any fees. "

A second blessing bid me begone. I have often felt what a good thing itwould be if this kind of dismissal could be employed in general societyto send away importunate petitioners, to whom one does not dare say, "Begone. "

I was extremely curious to know what the Pope had meant by "a mark of oursingular affection. " I was afraid that it would be a blessed rosary, withwhich I should not have known what to do. 

When I got home I sent the book by Costa to the Vatican, and then I wentto dine with Mengs. While we were eating the soup the winning numbersfrom the lottery were brought in. My brother glanced at them and lookedat me with astonishment. I was not thinking of the subject at thatmoment, and his gaze surprised me. 

"Twenty-seven, " he cried, "came out fifth. "

"All the better, " said I, "we shall have some amusement out of it. "

I told the story to Mengs, who said, --

"It's a lucky folly for you this time; but it always is a folly. "

He was quite right, and I told him that I agreed with him; but I addedthat to make a worthy use of the fifteen hundred roman crowns whichfortune had given me, I should go and spend fifteen days at Naples. 

"I will come too, " said the Abbe Alfani. "I will pass for yoursecretary. "

"With all my heart, " I answered, "I shall keep you to your word. "

I asked Winckelmann to come and eat polenta with the scopatoresantissimo, and told my brother to shew him the way; and I then called onthe Marquis Belloni, my banker, to look into my accounts, and to get aletter of credit on the firm at Naples, who were his agents. I still hadtwo hundred thousand francs: I had jewellery worth thirty thousandfrancs, and fifty thousand florins at Amsterdam. 

I got to Momolo's in the dusk of the evening, and I found Winckelmann andmy brother already there; but instead of mirth reigning round the board Isaw sad faces on all sides. 

"What's the matter with the girls?" I asked Momolo. 

"They are vexed that you did not stake for them in the same way as youdid for yourself. "

"People are never satisfied. If I had staked for them as I did formyself, and the number had come out first instead of fifth, they wouldhave got nothing, and they would have been vexed then. Two days ago theyhad nothing, and now that they have twenty-seven pounds apiece they oughtto be contented. "

"That's just what I tell them, but all women are the same. "

"And men too, dear countryman, unless they are philosophers. Gold doesnot spell happiness, and mirth can only be found in hearts devoid ofcare. Let us say no more about it, but be happy. "

Costa placed a basket containing ten packets of sweets, upon the table. 

"I will distribute them, " said I, "when everybody is here. "

On this, Momolo's second daughter told me that Mariuccia and her motherwere not coming, but that they would send them the sweets. 

"Why are they not coming?"

"They had a quarrel yesterday, " said the father, "and Mariuccia, who wasin the right, went away saying that she would never come here again. "

"You ungrateful girls!" said I, to my host's daughters, "don't you knowthat it is to her that you owe your winnings, for she gave me the numbertwenty-seven, which I should never have thought of. Quick! think of someway to make her come, or I will go away and take all the sweets with me. "

"You are quite right, " said Momolo. 

The mortified girls looked at one another and begged their father tofetch her. 

"Ira, " said he, "that won't do; you made her say that she would nevercome here again, and you must make up the quarrel. "

They held a short consultation, and then, asking Costa to go with them, they went to fetch her. 

In half an hour they returned in triumph, and Costa was quite proud ofthe part he had taken in the reconciliation. I then distributed thesweets, taking care to give the two best packets to the fair Mary. 

A noble polenta was placed upon the board, flanked by two large dishes ofpork chops. But Momolo, who knew my tastes, and whom I had made rich inthe person of his daughters, added to the feast some delicate dishes andsome excellent wine. Mariuccia was simply dressed, but her elegance andbeauty and the modesty of her demeanour completely seduced me. 

We could only express our mutual flames by squeezing each other's hands;and she did this so feelingly that I could not doubt her love. As we weregoing out I took care to go downstairs beside her and asked if I couldnot meet her by herself, to which she replied by making an appointmentwith me far the next day at eight o'clock at the Trinity of Monti. 

Mariuccia was tall and shapely, a perfect picture, as fair as a whiterose, and calculated to inspire voluptuous desires. She had beautifullight brown hair, dark blue eyes, and exquisitely arched eyelids. Hermouth, the vermilion of her lips, and her ivory teeth were all perfect. Her well-shaped forehead gave her an air approaching the majestic. Kindness and gaiety sparkled in her eyes; while her plump white hands, her rounded finger-tips, her pink nails, her breast, which the corsetseemed scarcely able to restrain, her dainty feet, and her prominenthips, made her worthy of the chisel of Praxiteles. She was just on hereighteenth year, and so far had escaped the connoisseurs. By a luckychance I came across her in a poor and wretched street, and I wasfortunate enough to insure her happiness. 

It may easily be believed that I did not fail to keep the appointment, and when she was sure I had seen her she went out of the church. Ifollowed her at a considerable distance: she entered a ruined building, and I after her. She climbed a flight of steps which seemed to be builtin air, and when she had reached the top she turned. 

"No one will come and look for me here, " said she, "so we can talk freelytogether. "

I sat beside her on a stone, and I then declared my passionate love forher. 

"Tell me, " I added, "what I can do to make you happy; for I wish topossess you, but first to shew my deserts. "

"Make me happy, and I will yield to your desires, for I love you. "

"Tell me what I can do. "

"You can draw me out of the poverty and misery which overwhelm me. I livewith my mother, who is a good woman, but devout to the point ofsuperstition; she will damn my soul in her efforts to save it. She findsfault with my keeping myself clean, because I have to touch myself when Iwash, and that might give rise to evil desires. 

"If you had given me the money you made me win in the lottery as a simplealms she would have made me refuse it, because you might have hadintentions. She allows me to go by myself to mass because our confessortold her she might do so; but I dare not stay away a minute beyond thetime, except on feast days, when I am allowed to pray in the church fortwo or three hours. We can only meet here, but if you wish to soften mylot in life you can do so as follows:

"A fine young man, who is a hairdresser, and bears an excellentcharacter, saw me at Momolo's a fortnight ago, and met me at the churchdoor next day and gave me a letter. He declared himself my lover, andsaid that if I could bring him a dowry of four hundred crowns, he couldopen a shop, furnish it, and marry me. 

"'I am poor, ' I answered, 'and I have only a hundred crowns in charitytickets, which my confessor keeps for me. ' Now I have two hundred crowns, for if I marry, my mother will willingly give me her share of the moneyyou made us gain. You can therefore make me happy by getting me ticketsto the amount of two hundred crowns more. Take the tickets to myconfessor, who is a very good man and fond of me; he will not sayanything to my mother about it. "

"I needn't go about seeking for charity tickets, my angel. I will taketwo hundred piastres to your confessor to-morrow, and you must manage therest yourself. Tell me his name, and to-morrow I will tell you what Ihave done, but not here, as the wind and the cold would be the death ofme. You can leave me to find out a room where we shall be at our ease, and without any danger of people suspecting that we have spent an hourtogether. I will meet you at the church to-morrow at the same hour andwhen you see me follow me. "

Mariuccia told me her confessor's name, and allowed me all the caressespossible in our uncomfortable position. The kisses she gave me in returnfor mine left no doubt in my mind, as to her love for me. As nine o'clockstruck I left her, perishing with cold, but burning with desire; my onlythought being where to find a room in which I might possess myself of thetreasure the next day. 

On leaving the ruined palace, instead of returning to the Piazza diSpagna I turned to the left and passed along a narrow and dirty streetonly inhabited by people of the lowest sort. As I slowly walked along, awoman came out of her house and asked me politely if I were looking foranybody. 

"I am looking for a room to let. "

"There are none here, sir, but, you will find a hundred in the square. "

"I know it, but I want the room to be here, not for the sake of theexpense, but that I may be sure of being able to spend an hour or so of amorning with a person in whom I am interested. I am ready to payanything. "

"I understand what you mean, and you should have a room in my house if Ihad one to spare, but a neighbour of mine has one on the ground floor, and if you will wait a moment I will go and speak to her. "

"You will oblige me very much. "

"Kindly step in here. "

I entered a poor room, where all seemed wretchedness, and I saw twochildren doing their lessons. Soon after, the good woman came back andasked me to follow her. I took several pieces of money from my pocket, and put them down on the only table which this poor place contained. Imust have seemed very generous, for the poor mother came and kissed myhand with the utmost gratitude. So pleasant is it to do good, that nowwhen I have nothing left the remembrance of the happiness I have given toothers at small cost is almost the only pleasure I enjoy. 

I went to a neighbouring house where a woman received me in an emptyroom, which she told me she would let cheaply if I would pay three monthsin advance, and bring in my own furniture. 

"What do you ask for the three months' rent?"

"Three Roman crowns. "

"If you will see to the furnishing of the room this very day I will giveyou twelve crowns. "

"Twelve crowns! What furniture do you want?"

"A good clean bed, a small table covered with a clean cloth, four goodchairs, and a large brazier with plenty of fire in it, for I am nearlyperishing of cold here. I shall only come occasionally in the morning, and I shall leave by noon at the latest. "

"Come at three o'clock, then, to-day, and you will find everything toyour satisfaction. "

From there I went to the confessor. He was a French monk, about sixty, afine and benevolent-looking man, who won one's respect and confidence. 

"Reverend father, " I began, "I saw at the house of Abbe Momolo, 'scoptoresantissimo', a young girl named Mary, whose confessor you are. I fell inlove with her, and offered her money to try and seduce her. She repliedthat instead of trying to lead her into sin I would do better to get hersome charity tickets that she might be able to marry a young man wholoved her, and would make her happy. I was touched by what she said, butmy passion still remained. I spoke to her again, and said that I wouldgive her two hundred crowns for nothing, and that her mother should keepthem. 

"'That would be my ruin, ' said she; 'my mother would think the money wasthe price of sin, and would not accept it. If you are really going to beso generous, take the money to my confessor, and ask him to do what hecan for my marriage. '"

"Here, then, reverend father, is the sum of money for the good girl; bekind enough to take charge of it, and I will trouble her no more. I amgoing to Naples the day after to-morrow, and I hope when I come back shewill be married. "

The good confessor took the hundred sequins and gave me a receipt, telling me that in interesting myself on behalf of Mariuccia I was makinghappy a most pure and innocent dove, whom he had confessed since she wasfive years old, and that he had often told her that she might communicatewithout making her confession because he knew she was incapable of mortalsin. 

"Her mother, " he added, "is a sainted woman, and as soon as I haveenquired into the character of the future husband I will soon bring themarriage about. No one shall ever know from whom this generous giftcomes. "

After putting this matter in order I dined with the Chevalier Mengs, andI willingly consented to go with the whole family to the Aliberti Theatrethat evening. I did not forget, however, to go and inspect the room I hadtaken. I found all my orders executed, and I gave twelve crowns to thelandlady and took the key, telling her to light the fire at seven everymorning. 

So impatient did I feel for the next day to come that I thought the operadetestable, and the night for me was a sleepless one. 

Next morning I went to the church before the time, and when Mariucciacame, feeling sure that she had seen me, I went out. She followed me at adistance, and when I got to the door of the lodging I turned for her tobe sure that it was I, and then went in and found the room well warmed. Soon after Mariuccia came in, looking timid, confused, and as if she weredoubtful of the path she was treading. I clasped her to my arms, andreassured her by my tender embraces; and her courage rose when I shewedher the confessor's receipt, and told her that the worthy man hadpromised to care for her marriage. She kissed my hand in a transport ofdelight, assuring me that she would never forget my kindness. Then, as Iurged her to make me a happy man, she said, --

"We have three hours before us, as I told my mother I was going to givethanks to God for having made me a winner in the lottery. "

This reassured me, and I took my time, undressing her by degrees, andunveiling her charms one by one, to my delight, without the slightestattempt at resistance on her part. All the time she kept her eyes fixedon mine, as if to soothe her modesty; but when I beheld and felt all hercharms I was in an ecstasy. What a body; what beauties! Nowhere was therethe slightest imperfection. She was like Venus rising from the foam ofthe sea. I carried her gently to the bed, and while she strove to hideher alabaster breasts and the soft hair which marked the entrance to thesanctuary, I undressed in haste, and consummated the sweetest ofsacrifices, without there being the slightest doubt in my mind of thepurity of the victim. In the first sacrifice no doubt the young priestessfelt some pain, but she assured me out of delicacy that she had not beenhurt, and at the second assault she shewed that she shared my flames. Iwas going to immolate the victim for the third time when the clock struckten. She began to be restless, and hurriedly put on our clothes. I had togo to Naples, but I assured her that the desire of embracing her oncemore before her marriage would hasten my return to Rome. I promised totake another hundred crowns to her confessor, advising her to spend themoney she had won in the lottery on her trousseau. 

"I shall be at Monolo's to-night, dearest, and you must come, too; but wemust appear indifferent to each other, though our hearts be full of joy, lest those malicious girls suspect our mutual understanding. "

"It is all the more necessary to be cautious, " she replied, "as I havenoticed that they suspect that we love each other. "

Before we parted she thanked me for what I had done for her, and beggedme to believe that, her poverty notwithstanding, she had given herselffor love alone. 

I was the last to leave the house, and I told my landlady that I shouldbe away for ten or twelve days. I then went to the confessor to give himthe hundred crowns I had promised my mistress. When the good oldFrenchman heard that I had made this fresh sacrifice that Mariuccia mightbe able to spend her lottery winnings on her clothes, he told me that hewould call on the mother that very day and urge her to consent to herdaughter's marriage, and also learn where the young man lived. On myreturn from Naples I heard that he had faithfully carried out hispromise. 

I was sitting at table with Mengs when a chamberlain of the Holy Fathercalled. When he came in he asked M. Mengs if I lived there, and on thatgentleman pointing me out, he gave me, from his holy master, the Cross ofthe Order of the Golden Spur with the diploma, and a patent under thepontifical seal, which, in my quality as doctor of laws, made me aprothonotary-apostolic 'extra urbem'. 

I felt that I had been highly honoured, and told the bearer that I wouldgo and thank my new sovereign and ask his blessing the next day. TheChevalier Mengs embraced me as a brother, but I had the advantage overhim in not being obliged to pay anything, whereas the great artist had todisburse twenty-five Roman crowns to have his diploma made out. There isa saying at Rome, 'Sine efusione sanguinis non fit remissio', which maybe interpreted, Nothing without money; and as a matter of fact, one cando anything with money in the Holy City. 

Feeling highly flattered at the favour the Holy Father had shewn me, Iput on the cross which depended from a broad red ribbon-red being thecolour worn by the Knights of St. John of the Lateran, the companions ofthe palace, 'comites palatini', or count-palatins. About the same timepoor Cahusac, author of the opera of Zoroaster, went mad for joy on thereceipt of the same order. I was not so bad as that, but I confess, to myshame, that I was so proud of my decoration that I asked Winckelmannwhether I should be allowed to have the cross set with diamonds andrubies. He said I could if I liked, and if I wanted such a cross he couldget me one cheap. I was delighted, and bought it to make a show atNaples, but I had not the face to wear it in Rome. When I went to thankthe Pope I wore the cross in my button-hole out of modesty. Five yearsafterwards when I was at Warsaw, Czartoryski, a Russian prince-palatine, made me leave it off by saying, --

"What are you doing with that wretched bauble? It's a drug in the market, and no one but an impostor would wear it now. "

The Popes knew this quite well, but they continued to give the cross toambassadors while they also gave it to their 'valets de chambre'. One hasto wink at a good many things in Rome. 

In the evening Momolo gave me a supper by way of celebrating my newdignity. I recouped him for the expense by holding a bank at faro, atwhich I was dexterous enough to lose forty crowns to the family, withouthaving the slightest partiality to Mariuccia who won like the rest. Shefound the opportunity to tell me that her confessor had called on her, that she had told him where her future husband lived, and that the worthymonk had obtained her mother's consent to the hundred crowns being spenton her trousseau. 

I noticed that Momolo's second daughter had taken a fancy to Costa, and Itold Momolo that I was going to Naples, but that I would leave my man inRome, and that if I found a marriage had been arranged on my return Iwould gladly pay the expenses of the wedding. 

Costa liked the girl, but he did not marry her then for fear of myclaiming the first-fruits. He was a fool of a peculiar kind, though foolsof all sorts are common enough. He married her a year later after robbingme, but I shall speak of that again. 

Next day, after I had breakfasted and duly embraced my brother, I set outin a nice carriage with the Abbe Alfani, Le Duc preceding me onhorseback, and I reached Naples at a time when everybody was in a stateof excitement because an eruption of Vesuvius seemed imminent. At thelast stage the inn-keeper made me read the will of his father who haddied during the eruption of 1754. He said that in the year 1761 God wouldoverwhelm the sinful town of Naples, and the worthy host consequentlyadvised me to return to Rome. Alfani took the thing seriously, and saidthat we should do well to be warned by so evident an indication of thewill of God. The event was predicted, therefore it had to happen. Thus agood many people reason, but as I was not of the number I proceeded on myway. 

CHAPTER IX

My Short But Happy Stay at Naples--The Duke de Matalone MyDaughter--Donna Lucrezia--My Departure

I shall not, dear reader, attempt the impossible, however much I shouldlike to describe the joy, the happiness, I may say the ecstasy, which Iexperienced in returning to Naples, of which I had such pleasantmemories, and where, eighteen years ago, I had made my first fortune inreturning from Mataro. As I had come there for the second time to keep apromise I had made to the Duke de Matalone to come and see him at Naples, I ought to have visited this nobleman at once; but foreseeing that fromthe time I did so I should have little liberty left me, I began byenquiring after all my old friends. 

I walked out early in the morning and called on Belloni's agent. Hecashed my letter of credit and gave me as many bank-notes as I liked, promising that nobody should know that we did business together. From thebankers I went to see Antonio Casanova, but they told me he lived nearSalerno, on an estate he had bought which gave him the title of marquis. I was vexed, but I had no right to expect to find Naples in the statu quoI left it. Polo was dead, and his son lived at St. Lucia with his wifeand children; he was a boy when I saw him last, and though I should havemuch liked to see him again I had no time to do so. 

It may be imagined that I did not forget the advocate, Castelli, husbandof my dear Lucrezia, whom I had loved so well at Rome and Tivoli. Ilonged to see her face once more, and I thought of the joy with which weshould recall old times that I could never forget. But Castelli had beendead for some years, and his widow lived at a distance of twenty milesfrom Naples. I resolved not to return to Rome without embracing her. Asto Lelio Caraffa, he was still alive and residing at the Matalone Palace. 

I returned, feeling tired with my researches, dressed with care, anddrove to the Matalone Palace, where they told me that the duke was attable. I did not care for that but had my name sent in, and the duke cameout and did me the honour of embracing me and thouing me, and thenpresented me to his wife, a daughter of the Duke de Bovino, and to thenumerous company at table. I told him I had only come to Naples infulfillment of the promise I had made him at Paris. 

"Then, " said he, "you must stay with me;" and, without waiting for myanswer, ordered my luggage to be brought from the inn, and my carriage tobe placed in his coach-house. I accepted his invitation. 

One of the guests, a fine-looking man, on hearing my name announced, saidgaily, --

"If you bear my name, you must be one of my father's bastards. "

"No, " said I, directly, "one of your mother's. "

This repartee made everybody laugh, and the gentleman who had addressedme came and embraced me, not in the least offended. The joke wasexplained to me. His name was Casalnovo, not Casanova, and he was dukeand lord of the fief of that name. 

"Did you know, " said the Duke de Matalone, "that I had a son?"

"I was told so, but did not believe it, but now I must do penance for myincredulity, for I see before me an angel capable of working thismiracle. "

The duchess blushed, but did not reward my compliment with so much as aglance; but all the company applauded what I had said, as it wasnotorious that the duke had been impotent before his marriage. The dukesent for his son, I admired him, and told the father that the likenesswas perfect. A merry monk, who sat at the right hand of the duchess, said, more truthfully, that there was no likeness at all. He had scarcelyuttered the words when the duchess coolly gave him a box on the ear, which the monk received with the best grace imaginable. 

I talked away to the best of my ability, and in half an hour's time I hadwon everybody's good graces, with the exception of the duchess, whoremained inflexible. I tried to make her talk for two days withoutsuccess; so as I did not care much about her I left her to her pride. 

As the duke was taking me to my room he noticed my Spaniard, and askedwhere my secretary was, and when he saw that it was the Abbe Alfani, whohad taken the title so as to escape the notice of the Neapolitans, hesaid, --

"The abbe is very wise, for he has deceived so many people with his falseantiques that he might have got into trouble. "

He took me to his stables where he had some superb horses, Arabs, English, and Andalusians; and then to his gallery, a very fine one; tohis large and choice library; and at last to his study, where he had afine collection of prohibited books. 

I was reading titles and turning over leaves, when the duke said, --

"Promise to keep the most absolute secrecy on what I am going to shewyou. "

I promised, without making any difficulty, but I expected a surprise ofsome sort. He then shewed me a satire which I could not understand, butwhich was meant to turn the whole Court into ridicule. Never was there asecret so easily kept. 

"You must come to the St. Charles Theatre, " said he, "and I will presentyou to the handsomest ladies in Naples, and afterwards you can go whenyou like, as my box is always open to my friends. I will also introduceyou to my mistress, and she, I am sure, will always be glad to see you. "

"What! you have a mistress, have you?"

"Yes, but only for form's sake, as I am very fond of my wife. All thesame, I am supposed to be deeply in love with her, and even jealous, as Inever introduce anyone to her, and do not allow her to receive anyvisitors. "

"But does not your young and handsome duchess object to your keeping amistress?"

"My wife could not possibly be jealous, as she knows that I amimpotent--except, of course, with her. "

"I see, but it seems strange; can one be said to have a mistress whom onedoes not love?"

"I did not say I loved her not; on the contrary, I am very fond of her;she has a keen and pleasant wit, but she interests my head rather than myheart. "

"I see; but I suppose she is ugly?"

"Ugly? You shall see her to-night, and you can tell me what you think ofher afterwards. She is a handsome and well-educated girl of seventeen. "

"Can she speak French?"

"As well as a Frenchwoman. "

"I am longing to see her. "

When we got to the theatre I was introduced to several ladies, but noneof them pleased me. The king, a mere boy, sat in his box in the middle ofthe theatre, surrounded by his courtiers, richly but tastefully dressed. The pit was full and the boxes also. The latter were ornamented withmirrors, and on that occasion were all illuminated for some reason orother. It was a magnificent scene, but all this glitter and light put thestage into the background. 

After we had gazed for some time at the scene, which is almost peculiarto Naples, the duke took me to his private box and introduced me to hisfriends, who consisted of all the wits in the town. 

I have often laughed on hearing philosophers declare that theintelligence of a nation is not so much the result of the climate as ofeducation. Such sages should be sent to Naples and then to St. Petersburg, and be told to reflect, or simply to look before them. If thegreat Boerhaave had lived at Naples he would have learnt more about thenature of sulphur by observing its effects on vegetables, and still moreon animals. In Naples, and Naples alone, water, and nothing but water, will cure diseases which are fatal elsewhere, despite the doctors'efforts. 

The duke, who had left me to the wits for a short time, returned and tookme to the box of his mistress, who was accompanied by an old lady ofrespectable appearance. As he went in he said, "'Leonilda mia, tipresento il cavalier Don Giacomo Casanova, Veneziano, amico mio'. "

She received me kindly and modestly, and stopped listening to the musicto talk to me. 

When a woman is pretty, one recognizes her charms instantaneously; if onehas to examine her closely, her beauty is doubtful. Leonilda wasstrikingly beautiful. I smiled and looked at the duke, who had told methat he loved her like a daughter, and that he only kept her for form'ssake. He understood the glance, and said, --

"You may believe me. "

"It's credible, " I replied. 

Leonilda no doubt understood what we meant, and said, with a shy smile, --

"Whatever is possible is credible. "

"Quite so, " said I, "but one may believe, or not believe, according tothe various degrees of possibility. "

"I think it's easier to believe than to disbelieve. You came to Naplesyesterday; that's true and yet incredible. "

"Why incredible?"

"Would any man suppose that a stranger would come to Naples at a timewhen the inhabitants are wishing themselves away?"

"Indeed, I have felt afraid till this moment, but now I feel quite at myease, since, you being here, St. Januarius will surely protect Naples. "

"Why?"

"Because I am sure he loves you; but you are laughing at me. "

"It is such a funny idea. I am afraid that if I had a lover like St. Januarius I should not grant him many favours. "

"Is he very ugly, then?"

"If his portrait is a good likeness, you can see for yourself byexamining his statue. "

Gaiety leads to freedom, and freedom to friendship. Mental graces aresuperior to bodily charms. 

Leonilda's frankness inspired my confidence, and I led the conversationto love, on which she talked like a past mistress. 

"Love, " said she, "unless it leads to the possession of the belovedobject, is a mere torment; if bounds are placed to passion, love mustdie. "

"You are right; and the enjoyment of a beautiful object is not a truepleasure unless it be preceded by love. "

"No doubt if love precedes it accompanies, but I do not think itnecessarily follows, enjoyment. "

"True, it often makes love to cease. "

"She is a selfish daughter, then, to kill her father; and if afterenjoyment love still continue in the heart of one, it is worse thanmurder, for the party in which love still survives must needs bewretched. "

"You are right; and from your strictly logical arguments I conjecturethat you would have the senses kept in subjection: that is too hard!"

"I would have nothing to do with that Platonic affection devoid of love, but I leave you to guess what my maxim would be. "

"To love and enjoy; to enjoy and love. Turn and turn about. "

"You have hit the mark. "

With this Leonilda burst out laughing, and the duke kissed her hand. Hergoverness, not understanding French, was attending to the opera, but Iwas in flames. 

Leonilda was only seventeen, and was as pretty a girl as the heart coulddesire. 

The duke repeated a lively epigram of Lafontaine's on "Enjoyment, " whichis only found in the first edition of his works. It begins as follows:--

 "La jouissance et les desirs Sont ce que l'homme a de plus rare; Mais ce ne sons pas vrais plaisirs Des le moment qu'on les separe. "

I have translated this epigram into Italian and Latin; in the latterlanguage I was almost able to render Lafontaine line for line; but I hadto use twenty lines of Italian to translate the first ten lines of theFrench. Of course this argues nothing as to the superiority of the onelanguage over the other. 

In the best society at Naples one addresses a newcomer in the secondperson singular as a peculiar mark of distinction. This puts both partiesat their ease without diminishing their mutual respect for one another. 

Leonilda had already turned my first feeling of admiration into somethingmuch warmer, and the opera, which lasted for five hours, seemed over in amoment. 

After the two ladies had gone the duke said, "Now we must part, unlessyou are fond of games of chance. "

"I don't object to them when I am to play with good hands. "

"Then follow me; ten or twelve of my friends will play faro, and then sitdown to a cold collation, but I warn you it is a secret, as gaming isforbidden. I will answer for you keeping your own counsel, however. "

"You may do so. "

He took me to the Duke de Monte Leone's. We went up to the third floor, passed through a dozen rooms, and at last reached the gamester's chamber. A polite-looking banker, with a bank of about four hundred sequins, hadthe cards in his hands. The duke introduced me as his friend, and made mesit beside him. I was going to draw out my purse, but I was told thatdebts were not paid for twenty-four hours after they were due. The bankergave me a pack of cards, with a little basket containing a thousandcounters. I told the company that I should consider each counter as aNaples ducat. In less than two hours my basket was empty. I stoppedplaying and proceeded to enjoy my supper. It was arranged in theNeapolitan style, and consisted of an enormous dish of macaroni and tenor twelve different kinds of shellfish which are plentiful on theNeapolitan coasts. When we left I took care not to give the duke time tocondole with me on my loss, but began to talk to him about his deliciousLeonilda. 

Early next day he sent a page to my room to tell me that if I wanted tocome with him and kiss the king's hand I must put on my gala dress. I puton a suit of rose-coloured velvet, with gold spangles, and I had thegreat honour of kissing a small hand, covered with chilblains, belongingto a boy of nine. The Prince de St. Nicander brought up the young king tothe best of his ability, but he was naturally a kindly, just, andgenerous monarch; if he had had more dignity he would have been an idealking; but he was too unceremonious, and that, I think, is a defect in onedestined to rule others. 

I had the honour of sitting next the duchess at dinner, and she deignedto say that she had never seen a finer dress. "That's my way, " I said, "of distracting attention from my face and figure. " She smiled, and herpoliteness to me during my stay were almost limited to these few words. 

When we left the table the duke took me to the apartment occupied by hisuncle, Don Lelio, who recognized me directly. I kissed the venerable oldman's hand, and begged him to pardon me for the freaks of my youth. "It'seighteen years ago, " said he, "since I chose M. Casanova as the companionof your studies. " I delighted him by giving him a brief account of myadventures in Rome with Cardinal Acquaviva. As we went out, he begged meto come and see him often. 

Towards the evening the duke said, --

"If you go to the Opera Buffa you will please Leonilda. "

He gave me the number of her box, and added, --

"I will come for you towards the close, and we will sup together asbefore. "

I had no need to order my horses to be put in, as there was always acarriage ready for me in the courtyard. 

When I got to the theatre the opera had begun. I presented myself toLeonilda, who received me with the pleasant words, "Caro Don Giacomo, Iam so pleased to see you again. "

No doubt she did not like to thou me, but the expression of her eyes andthe tone of her voice were much better than the to which is often usedlavishly at Naples. 

The seductive features of this charming girl were not altogether unknownto me, but I could not recollect of what woman she reminded me. Leonildawas certainly a beauty, and something superior to a beauty, if possible. She had splendid light chestnut hair, and her black and brilliant eyes, shaded by thick lashes, seemed to hear and speak at the same time. Butwhat ravished me still more was her expression, and the exquisiteappropriateness of the gestures with which she accompanied what she wassaying. It seemed as if her tongue could not give speech to the thoughtswhich crowded her brain. She was naturally quick-witted, and herintellect had been developed by an excellent education. 

The conversation turned upon Lafontaine's epigram, of which I had onlyrecited the first ten verses, as the rest is too licentious; and shesaid, --

"But I suppose it is only a poet's fancy, at which one could but smile. "

"Possibly, but I did not care to wound your ears. "

"You are very good, " said she, using the pleasant tu, "but all the same, I am not so thin-skinned, as I have a closet which the duke has hadpainted over with couples in various amorous attitudes. We go theresometimes, and I assure you that I do not experience the slightestsensation. "

"That may be through a defect of temperament, for whenever I seewell-painted voluptuous pictures I feel myself on fire. I wonder thatwhile you and the duke look at them, you do not try to put some of theminto practice. "

"We have only friendship for one another. "

"Let him believe it who will. "

"I am sure he is a man, but I am unable to say whether he is able to givea woman any real proofs of his love. "

"Yet he has a son. "

"Yes, he has a child who calls him father; but he himself confesses thathe is only able to shew his manly powers with his wife. "

"That's all nonsense, for you are made to give birth to amorous desires, and a man who could live with you without being able to possess you oughtto cease to live. "

"Do you really think so?"

"Dear Leonilda, if I were in the duke's place I would shew you what a manwho really loves can do. "

"Caro Don Giacomo, I am delighted to hear you love me, but you will soonforget me, as you are leaving Naples. "

"Cursed be the gaming-table, for without it we might spend somedelightful hour together. "

"The duke told me that you lost a thousand ducats yesterday evening likea perfect gentleman. You must be very unlucky. "

"Not always, but when I play on a day in which I have fallen in love I amsure to lose. "

"You will win back your money this evening. "

"This is the declaration day; I shall lose again. "

"Then don't play. "

"People would say I was afraid, or that all my money was gone. "

"I hope at all events that you will win sometimes, and that you will tellme of your good luck. Come and see me to-morrow with the duke. "

The duke came in at that moment, and asked me if I had liked the opera. Leonilda answered for me, "We have been talking about love all the time, so we don't know what hasbeen going on the stage. "

"You have done well. "

"I trust you will bring M. Casanova to see me tomorrow morning, as I hopehe will bring me news that he has won. "

"It's my turn to deal this evening, dearest, but whether he wins or losesyou shall see him to-morrow. You must give us some breakfast. "

"I shall be delighted. "

We kissed her hand, and went to the same place as the night before. Thecompany was waiting for the duke. There were twelve members of the club, and they all held the bank in turn. They said that this made the chancesmore equal; but I laughed at this opinion, as there is nothing moredifficult to establish than equality between players. 

The Duke de Matalone sat down, drew out his purse and his pocket-book, and put two thousand ducats in the bank, begging pardon of the others fordoubling the usual sum in favour of the stranger. The bank never exceededa thousand ducats. 

"Then, " said I, "I will hazard two thousand ducats also and not more, forthey say at Venice that a prudent player never risks more than he canwin. Each of my counters will be equivalent to two ducats. " So saying, Itook ten notes of a hundred ducats each from my pocket, and gave them tothe last evening's banker who had won them from me. 

Play began; and though I was prudent, and only risked my money on asingle card, in less than three hours my counters were all gone. Istopped playing, though I had still twenty-five thousand ducats; but Ihad said that I would not risk more than two thousand, and I was ashamedto go back from my word. 

Though I have always felt losing my money, no one has ever seen me putout, my natural gaiety was heightened by art on such occasions, andseemed to be more brilliant than ever. I have always found it a greatadvantage to be able to lose pleasantly. 

I made an excellent supper, and my high spirits furnished me with such afund of amusing conversation that all the table was in a roar. I evensucceeded in dissipating the melancholy of the Duke de Matalone, who wasin despair at having won such a sum from his friend and guest. He wasafraid he had half ruined me, and also that people might say he had onlywelcomed me for the sake of my money. 

As we returned to the palace the conversation was affectionate on hisside and jovial on mine, but I could see he was in some trouble, andguessed what was the matter. He wanted to say that I could pay the moneyI owed him whenever I liked, but was afraid of wounding my feelings; butas soon as he got in he wrote me a friendly note to the effect that if Iwanted money his banker would let me have as much as I required. Ireplied directly that I felt the generosity of his offer, and if I was inneed of funds I would avail myself of it. 

Early next morning I went to his room, and after an affectionate embraceI told him not to forget that we were going to breakfast with his fairmistress. We both put on great coats and went to Leonilda's pretty house. 

We found her sitting up in bed, negligently but decently dressed, with adimity corset tied with red ribbons. She looked beautiful, and hergraceful posture added to her charms. She was reading Crebillon's Sopha. The duke sat down at the bottom of the bed, and I stood staring at her inspeechless admiration, endeavouring to recall to my memory where I hadseen such another face as hers. It seemed to me that I had loved a womanlike her. This was the first time I had seen her without the deceitfulglitter of candles. She laughed at my absent-mindedness, and told me tosit down on a chair by her bedside. 

The duke told her that I was quite pleased at having lost two thousandducats to his bank, as the loss made me sure she loved me. 

"Caro mio Don Giacomo, I am sorry to hear that! You would have donebetter not to play, for I should have loved you all the same, and youwould have been two thousand ducats better off. "

"And I two thousand ducats worse off, " said the duke, laughing. 

"Never mind, dear Leonilda, I shall win this evening if you grant me somefavour to-day. If you do not do so, I shall lose heart, and you willmourn at my grave before long. "

"Think, Leonilda, what you can do for my friend. "

"I don't see that I can do anything. "

The duke told her to dress, that we might go and breakfast in the paintedcloset. She began at once, and preserved a just mean in what she let ussee and what she concealed, and thus set me in flames, though I wasalready captivated by her face, her wit, and her charming manners. I castan indiscreet glance towards her beautiful breast, and thus added fuel tothe fire. I confess that I only obtained this satisfaction by a speciesof larceny, but I could not have succeeded if she had not been welldisposed towards me. I pretended to have seen nothing. 

While dressing she maintained with much ingenuity that a wise girl willbe much more chary of her favours towards a man she loves than towards aman she does not love, because she would be afraid to lose the first, whereas she does not care about the second. 

"It will not be so with me, charming Leonilda, " said I. 

"You make a mistake, I am sure. "

The pictures with which the closet where we breakfasted was adorned wereadmirable more from the colouring and the design than from the amorouscombats they represented. 

"They don't make any impression on me, " said the duke, and he shewed usthat it was so. 

Leonilda looked away, and I felt shocked, but concealed my feelings. 

"I am in the same state as you, " said I, "but I will not take the troubleof convincing you. "

"That can't be, " said he; and passing his hand rapidly over me he assuredhimself that it was so. "It's astonishing, " he cried; "you must be asimpotent as I am. "

"If I wanted to controvert that assertion one glance into Leonilda's eyeswould be enough. "

"Look at him, dearest Leonilda, that I may be convinced. "

Leonilda looked tenderly at me, and her glance produced the result I hadexpected. 

"Give me your hand, " said I, to the poor duke, and he did so. 

"I was in the wrong, " he exclaimed, but when he endeavoured to bring thesurprising object to light I resisted. He persisted in his endeavours, and I determined to play on him a trick. I took Leonilda's hand andpressed my lips to it, and just as the duke thought he had triumphed Ibesprinkled him, and went off into a roar of laughter. He laughed too, and went to get a napkin. 

The girl could see nothing of all this, as it went on under the table;and while my burning lips rested on her hand, my eyes were fixed on hersand our breath mingled. This close contact had enabled me to baptise theduke, but when she took in the joke we made a group worthy of the pen ofAretin. 

It was a delightful breakfast, though we passed certain bounds whichdecency ought to have proscribed to us, but Leonilda was wonderfullyinnocent considering her position. We ended the scene by mutual embraces, and when I took my burning lips from Leonilda's I felt consumed with afire which I could not conceal. 

When we left I told the duke that I would see his mistress no more, unless he would give her up to me, declaring that I would marry her andgive her a dower of five thousand ducats. 

"Speak to her, and if she consents I will not oppose it. She herself willtell you what property she has. "

I then went to dress for dinner. I found the duchess in the midst of alarge circle, and she told me kindly that she was very sorry to hear ofmy losses. 

"Fortune is the most fickle of beings, but I don't complain of myloss--nay, when you speak thus I love it, and I even think that you willmake me win this evening. "

"I hope so, but I am afraid not; you will have to contend against MonteLeone, who is usually very lucky. "

In considering the matter after dinner, I determined for the future toplay with ready money and not on my word of honour, lest I should at anytime be carried away by the excitement of play and induced to stake morethan I possessed. I thought, too, that the banker might have his doubtsafter the two heavy losses I had sustained, and I confess that I was alsoactuated by the gambler's superstition that by making a change of anykind one changes the luck. 

I spent four hours at the theatre in Leonilda's box, where I found hermore gay and charming than I had seen her before. 

"Dear Leonilda, " I said, "the love I feel for you will suffer no delayand no rivals, not even the slightest inconstancy. I have told the dukethat I am ready to marry you, and that I will give you a dower of fivethousand ducats. "

"What did he say?"

"That I must ask you, and that he would offer no opposition. "

"Then we should leave Naples together. "

"Directly, dearest, and thenceforth death alone would part us. "

"We will talk of it to-morrow, dear Don Giacomo, and if I can make youhappy I am sure you will do the same by me. "

As she spoke these delightful words the duke came in. 

"Don Giacomo and I are talking of marrying, " said she. 

"Marriage, mia carissima, " he replied, "ought to be well consideredbeforehand. "

"Yes, when one has time; but my dear Giacomo cannot wait, and we shallhave plenty of time to think it over afterwards. "

"As you are going to marry, " said the duke, "you can put off yourdeparture, or return after the wedding. "

"I can neither put it off nor return, my dear duke. We have made up ourminds, and if we repent we have plenty of time before us. "

He laughed and said we would talk it over next day. I gave my futurebride a kiss which she returned with ardour, and the duke and I went tothe club, where we found the Duke de Monte Leone dealing. 

"My lord, " said I, "I am unlucky playing on my word of honour, so I hopeyou will allow me to stake money. "

"Just as you please; it comes to the same thing, but don't troubleyourself. I have made a bank of four thousand ducats that you may be ableto recoup yourself for your losses. "

"Thanks, I promise to break it or to lose as much. "

I drew out six thousand ducats, gave two thousand ducats to the Duke deMatalone, and began to punt at a hundred ducats. After a short time theduke left the table, and I finally succeeded in breaking the bank. I wentback to the place by myself, and when I told the duke of my victory thenext day, he embraced me with tears of joy, and advised me to stake moneyfor the future. 

As the Princess de Vale was giving a great supper, there was no play thatevening. This was some respite. We called on Leonilda, and putting offtalking of our marriage till the day after we spent the time in viewingthe wonders of nature around Naples. In the evening I was introduced by afriend at the princess's supper, and saw all the highest nobility of theplace. 

Next morning the duke told me that he had some business to do, and that Ihad better go and see Leonilda, and that he would call for me later on. Iwent to Leonilda, but as the duke did not put in an appearance we couldnot settle anything about our marriage. I spent several hours with her, but I was obliged to obey her commands, and could only shew myselfamorous in words. Before leaving I repeated that it only rested with herto unite our lives by indissoluble ties, and to leave Naples almostimmediately. 

When I saw the duke he said, --

"Well, Don Giacomo, you have spent all the morning with my mistress; doyou still wish to marry her?"

"More than ever; what do you mean?"

"Nothing; and as you have passed this trial to which I purposelysubjected you, we will discuss your union tomorrow, and I hope you willmake this charming woman happy, for she will be an excellent wife. "

"I agree with you. "

When we went to Monte Leone's in the evening, we saw a banker with a gooddeal of gold before him. The duke told me he was Don Marco Ottoboni. Hewas a fine-looking man, but he held the cards so closely together in hisleft hand that I could not see them. This did not inspire me withconfidence, so I only punted a ducat at a time. I was persistentlyunlucky, but I only lost a score of ducats. After five or six deals thebanker, asked me politely why I staked such small sums against him. 

"Because I can't see half the pack, " I replied, "and I am afraid oflosing. "

Some of the company laughed at my answer. 

Next night I broke the bank held by the Prince the Cassaro, a pleasantand rich nobleman, who asked me to give him revenge, and invited me tosupper at his pretty house at Posilipo, where he lived with a virtuosa ofwhom he had become amorous at Palermo. He also invited the Duke deMatalone and three or four other gentlemen. This was the only occasion onwhich I held the bank while I was at Naples, and I staked six thousandducats after warning the prince that as it was the eve of my departure Ishould only play for ready money. 

He lost ten thousand ducats, and only rose from the table because he hadno more money. Everybody left the room, and I should have done the sameif the prince's mistress had not owed me a hundred ducats. I continued todeal in the hope that she would get her money back, but seeing that shestill lost I put down the cards, and told her that she must pay me atRome. She was a handsome and agreeable woman, but she did not inspire mewith any passions, no doubt because my mind was occupied with another, otherwise I should have drawn a bill on sight, and paid myself withoutmeddling with her purse. It was two o'clock in the morning when I got tobed. 

Both Leonilda and myself wished to see Caserta before leaving Naples, andthe duke sent us there in a carriage drawn by six mules, which wentfaster than most horses. Leonilda's governess accompanied us. 

The day after, we settled the particulars of our marriage in aconversation which lasted for two hours. 

"Leonilda, " began the duke, "has a mother, who lives at a short distancefrom here, on an income of six hundred ducats, which I have given her forlife, in return for an estate belonging to her husband; but Leonilda doesnot depend on her. She gave her up to me seven years ago, and I havegiven her an annuity of five hundred ducats, which she will bring to you, with all her diamonds and an extensive trousseau. Her mother gave her upto me entirely, and I gave my word of honour to get her a good husband. Ihave taken peculiar care of her education, and as her mind has developedI have put her on her guard against all prejudices, with the exception ofthat which bids a woman keep herself intact for her future husband. Youmay rest assured that you are the first man whom Leonilda (who is adaughter to me) has pressed to her heart. "

I begged the duke to get the contract ready, and to add to her dower thesum of five thousand ducats, which I would give him when the deed wassigned. 

"I will mortgage them, " said he, "on a house which is worth double. "

Then turning to Leonilda, who was shedding happy tears, he said, --

"I am going to send for your mother, who will be delighted to sign thesettlement, and to make the acquaintance of your future husband. "

The mother lived at the Marquis Galiani's, a day's journey from Naples. The duke said he would send a carriage for her the next day, and that wecould all sup together the day after. 

"The law business will be all done by then, and we shall be able to go tothe little church at Portici, and the priest will marry you. Then we willtake your mother to St. Agatha and dine with her, and you can go your waywith her maternal blessing. "

This conclusion gave me an involuntary shudder, and Leonilda fellfainting in the duke's arms. He called her dear child, cared for hertenderly, and brought her to herself. 

We all had to wipe our eyes, as we were all equally affected. 

I considered myself as a married man and under obligation to alter my wayof living, and I stopped playing. I had won more than fifteen thousandducats, and this sum added to what I had before and Leonilda's dowryshould have sufficed for an honest livelihood. 

Next day, as I was at supper with the duke and Leonilda, she said, --

"What will my mother say to-morrow evening, when she sees you?"

"She will say that you are silly to marry a stranger whom you have onlyknown for a week. Have you told her my name, my nation, my condition, andmy age?"

"I wrote to her as follows:

"'Dear mamma, come directly and sign my marriage contract with agentleman introduced to me by the duke, with whom I shall be leaving forRome on Monday next. '"

"My letter ran thus, " said the duke, "'Come without delay, and sign your daughter's marriage contract, andgive her your blessing. She has wisely chosen a husband old enough to beher father; he is a friend of mine. '"

"That's not true, " cried Leonilda, rushing to my arms, "she will thinkyou are really old, and I am sorry. "

"Is your mother an elderly woman?"

"She's a charming Woman, " said the duke, "full of wit, and notthirty-eight yet. "

"What has she got to do with Galiani?"

"She is an intimate friend of the marchioness's, and she lives with thefamily but pays for her board. "

Next morning, having some business with my banker to attend to, I toldthe duke that I should not be able to see Leonilda till supper-time. Iwent there at eight o'clock and I found the three sitting in front of thefire. 

"Here he is!" cried the duke. 

As soon as the mother saw me she screamed and fell nearly fainting on achair. I looked at her fixedly for a minute, and exclaimed, --

"Donna Lucrezia! I am fortunate indeed!"

"Let us take breath, my dear friend. Come and sit by me. So you are goingto marry my daughter, are you?"

I took a chair and guessed it all. My hair stood on end, and I relapsedinto a gloomy silence. 

The stupefied astonishment of Leonilda and the duke cannot be described. They could see that Donna Lucrezia and I knew each other, but they couldnot get any farther. As for myself, as I pondered gloomily and comparedLeonilda's age with the period at which I had been intimate with LucreziaCastelli, I could see that it was quite possible that she might be mydaughter; but I told myself that the mother could not be certain of thefact, as at the time she lived with her husband, who was very fond of herand not fifty years of age. I could bear the suspense no longer, so, taking a light and begging Leonilda and the duke to excuse me, I askedLucrezia to come into the next room with me. 

As soon as she was seated, she drew me to her and said, --

"Must I grieve my dear one when I have loved so well? Leonilda is yourdaughter, I am certain of it. I always looked upon her as your daughter, and my husband knew it, but far from being angry, he used to adore her. Iwill shew you the register of her birth, and you can calculate foryourself. My husband was at Rome, and did not see me once, and mydaughter did not come before her time. You must remember a letter whichmy mother should have given you, in which I told you I was with child. That was in January, 1744, and in six months my daughter will beseventeen. My late husband gave her the names of Leonilda Giacomina atthe baptismal font, and when he played with her he always called her bythe latter name. This idea of your marrying her horrifies me, but Icannot oppose it, as I am ashamed to tell the reason. What do you think?Have you still the courage to marry her? You seem to hesitate. Have youtaken any earnest of the marriage-bed?"

"No, dear Lucrezia, your daughter is as pure as a lily. "

"I breathe again. "

"Ah, yes! but my heart is torn asunder. "

"I am grieved to see you thus. "

"She has no likeness to me. "

"That proves nothing; she has taken after me. You are weeping, dearest, you will break my heart. "

"Who would not weep in my place? I will send the duke to you; he mustknow all. "

I left Lucrezia, and I begged the duke to go and speak to her. Theaffectionate Leonilda came and sat on my knee, and asked me what thedreadful mystery was. I was too much affected to be able to answer her;she kissed me, and we began to weep. We remained thus sad and silent tillthe return of the duke and Donna Lucrezia, who was the only one to keepher head cool. 

"Dear Leonilda, " said she, "you must be let into the secret of thisdisagreeable mystery, and your mother is the proper person to enlightenyou. Do you remember what name my late husband used to call you when hepetted you?"

"He used to call me his charming Giacomina. "

"That is M. Casanova's name; it is the name of your father. Go and kisshim; his blood flows in your veins; and if he has been your lover, repentof the crime which was happily quite involuntary. "

The scene was a pathetic one, and we were all deeply moved. Leonildaclung to her mother's knees, and in a voice that struggled with sobsexclaimed, --

"I have only felt what an affectionate daughter might feel for a father. "

At this point silence fell on us, a silence that was only broken by thesobs of the two women, who held each other tightly embraced; while theduke and I sat as motionless as two posts, our heads bent and our handscrossed, without as much as looking at each other. 

Supper was served, and we sat at table for three hours, talking sadlyover this dramatic recognition, which had brought more grief than joy;and we departed at midnight full of melancholy, and hoping that we shouldbe calmer on the morrow, and able to take the only step that now remainedto us. 

As we were going away the duke made several observations on what moralphilosophers call prejudices. There is no philosopher who would maintainor even advance the thesis that the union of a father and daughter ishorrible naturally, for it is entirely a social prejudice; but it is sowidespread, and education has graven it so deeply in our hearts, thatonly a man whose heart is utterly depraved could despise it. It is theresult of a respect for the laws, it keeps the social scheme together; infact, it is no longer a prejudice, it is a principle. 

I went to bed, but as usual, after the violent emotion I had undergone, Icould not sleep. The rapid transition from carnal to paternal love castmy physical and mental faculties into such a state of excitement that Icould scarcely withstand the fierce struggle that was taking place in myheart. 

Towards morning I fell asleep for a short time, and woke up feeling asexhausted as two lovers who have been spending a long and voluptuouswinter's night. 

When I got up I told the duke that I intended to set out from Naples thenext day; and he observed that as everybody knew I was on the eve of mydeparture, this haste would make people talk. 

"Come and have some broth with me, " said he; "and from henceforth lookupon this marriage project as one of the many pranks in which you haveengaged. We will spend the three or four days pleasantly together, andperhaps when we have thought over all this for some time we shall end bythinking it matter for mirth and not sadness. Believe me the mother's asgood as the daughter; recollection is often better than hope; consoleyourself with Lucrezia. I don't think you can see any difference betweenher present appearance and that of eighteen years ago, for I don't seehow she can ever have been handsomer than she is now. "

This remonstrance brought me to my senses. I felt that the best thing Icould do would be to forget the illusion which had amused me for four orfive days, and as my self-esteem was not wounded it ought not to be adifficult task; but yet I was in love and unable to satisfy my love. 

Love is not like merchandise, where one can substitute one thing foranother when one cannot have what one wants. Love is a sentiment, onlythe object who has kindled the flame can soothe the heat thereof. 

We went to call on my daughter, the duke in his usual mood, but I lookingpale, depressed, weary, and like a boy going to receive the rod. I wasextremely surprised when I came into the room to find the mother anddaughter quite gay, but this helped on my cure. Leonilda threw her armsround my neck, calling me dear papa, and kissing me with all a daughter'sfreedom. Donna Lucrezia stretched out her hand, addressing me as her dearfriend. I regarded her attentively, and I was forced to confess that theeighteen years that had passed away had done little ill to her charms. There was the same sparkling glance, that fresh complexion, those perfectshapes, those beautiful lips--in fine, all that had charmed my youthfuleyes. 

We mutely caressed each other. Leonilda gave and received the tenderestkisses without seeming to notice what desires she might cause to arise;no doubt she knew that as her father I should have strength to resist, and she was right. One gets used to everything, and I was ashamed to besad any longer. 

I told Donna Lucrezia of the curious welcome her sister had given me inRome, and she went off into peals of laughter. We reminded each other ofthe night at Tivoli, and these recollections softened our hearts. Fromthese softened feelings to love is but a short way; but neither place nortime were convenient, so we pretended not to be thinking of it. 

After a few moments of silence I told her that if she cared to come toRome with me to pay a visit to her sister Angelique, I would take herback to Naples at the beginning of Lent. She promised to let me knowwhether she could come on the following day. 

I sat between her and Leonilda at dinner; and as I could no longer thinkof the daughter, it was natural that my old flame for Lucrezia shouldrekindle; and whether from the effect of her gaiety and beauty, or frommy need of someone to love, or from the excellence of the wine, I foundmyself in love with her by the dessert, and asked her to take the placewhich her daughter was to have filled. 

"I will marry you, " said I, "and we will all of us go to Rome on Monday, for since Leonilda is my daughter I do not like to leave her at Naples. "

At this the three guests looked at each other and said nothing. I did notrepeat my proposal, but led the conversation to some other topic. 

After dinner I felt sleepy and lay down on a bed, and did not wake tilleight o'clock, when to my surprise I found that my only companion wasLucrezia, who was writing. She heard me stir, and came up to me and saidaffectionately, --

"My dear friend, you have slept for five hours; and as I did not like toleave you alone I would not go with the duke and our daughter to theopera. "

The memory of former loves awakens when one is near the once belovedobject, and desires rapidly become irresistible if the beauty stillremain. The lovers feel as if they were once more in possession of ablessing which belongs to them, and of which they have been long deprivedby unfortunate incidents. These were our feelings, and without delay, without idle discussion, and above all, without false modesty, weabandoned ourselves to love, the only true source of nature. 

In the first interval, I was the first to break the silence; and if a manis anything of a wit, is he the less so at that delicious moment ofrepose which follows on an amorous victory?

"Once again, then, " said I, "I am in this charming land which I enteredfor the first time to the noise of the drum and the rattle of musketshots. "

This remark made her laugh, and recalled past events to her memory. Werecollected with delight all the pleasures we had enjoyed at Testaccio, Frascati, and Tivoli. We reminded each other of these events, only tomake each other laugh; but with two lovers, what is laughter but apretext for renewing the sweet sacrifice of the goddess of Cythera?

At the end of the second act, full of the enthusiasm of the fortunatelover, I said, --

"Let us be united for life; we are of the same age, we love each other, our means are sufficient for us, we may hope to live a happy life, and todie at the same moment. "

"Tis the darling wish of my heart, " Lucrezia replied, "but let us stay atNaples and leave Leonilda to the duke. We will see company, find her aworthy husband, and our happiness will be complete. "

"I cannot live at Naples, dearest, and you know that your daughterintended to leave with me. "

"My daughter! Say our daughter. I see that you are still in love withher, and do not wish to be considered her father. "

"Alas, yes! But I am sure that if I live with you my passion for her willbe stilled, but otherwise I cannot answer for myself. I shall fly, butflight will not bring me happiness. Leonilda charms me still more by herintelligence than by her beauty. I was sure that she loved me so wellthat I did not attempt to seduce her, lest thereby I should weaken myhold on her affections; and as I wanted to make her happy I wished todeserve her esteem. I longed to possess her, but in a lawful manner, sothat our rights should have been equal. We have created an angel, Lucrezia, and I cannot imagine how the duke . . . "

"The duke is completely impotent. Do you see now how I was able to trustmy daughter to his care?"

"Impotent? I always thought so myself, but he has a son. "

"His wife might possibly be able to explain that mystery to you, but youmay take it for granted that the poor duke will die a virgin in spite ofhimself; and he knows that as well as anybody. "

"Do not let us say any more about it, but allow me to treat you as atTivoli. "

"Not just now, as I hear carriage wheels. "

A moment after the door opened, and Leonilda laughed heartily to see hermother in my arms, and threw herself upon us, covering us with kisses. The duke came in a little later, and we supped together very merrily. Hethought me the happiest of men when I told him I was going to pass thenight honourably with my wife and daughter; and he was right, for I wasso at that moment. 

As soon as the worthy man left us we went to bed, but here I must draw aveil over the most voluptuous night I have ever spent. If I told all Ishould wound chaste ears, and, besides, all the colours of the painterand all the phrases of the poet could not do justice to the delirium ofpleasure, the ecstasy, and the license which passed during that night, while two wax lights burnt dimly on the table like candles before theshrine of a saint. 

We did not leave the stage, which I watered with my blood, till longafter the sun had risen. We were scarcely dressed when the duke arrived. 

Leonilda gave him a vivid description of our nocturnal labours, but inhis unhappy state of impotence he must have been thankful for hisabsence. 

I was determined to start the next day so as to be at Rome for the lastweek of the carnival and I begged the duke to let me give Leonilda thefive thousand ducats which would have been her dower if she had become mybride. 

"As she is your daughter, " said he, "she can and ought to take thispresent from her father, if only as a dowry for her future husband. "

"Will you accept it, then, my dear Leonilda?"

"Yes, papa dear, " she said, embracing me, "on the condition that you willpromise to come and see me again as soon as you hear of my marriage. "

I promised to do so, and I kept my word. 

"As you are going to-morrow, " said the duke, "I shall ask all thenobility of Naples to meet you at supper. In the meanwhile I leave youwith your daughter; we shall see each other again at suppertime. "

He went out and I dined with my wife and daughter in the best of spirits. I spent almost the whole afternoon with Leonilda, keeping within thebounds of decency, less, perhaps, out of respect to morality, thanbecause of my labours of the night before. We did not kiss each othertill the moment of parting, and I could see that both mother and daughterwere grieved to lose me. 

After a careful toilette I went to supper, and found an assembly of ahundred of the very best people in Naples. The duchess was veryagreeable, and when I kissed her hand to take leave, she said, "I hope, Don Giacomo, that you have had no unpleasantness during yourshort stay at Naples, and that you will sometimes think of your visitwith pleasure. "

I answered that I could only recall my visit with delight after thekindness with which she had deigned to treat me that evening; and, infact, my recollections of Naples were always of the happiest description. 

After I had treated the duke's attendants with generosity, the poornobleman, whom fortune had favoured, and whom nature had deprived of thesweetest of all enjoyments, came with me to the door of my carriage and Iwent on my way. 

CHAPTER X

My Carriage Broken--Mariuccia's Wedding-Flight of Lord Lismore--My Returnto Florence, and My Departure with the Corticelli

My Spaniard was going on before us on horseback, and I was sleepingprofoundly beside Don Ciccio Alfani in my comfortable carriage, drawn byfour horses, when a violent shock aroused me. The carriage had beenoverturned on the highway, at midnight, beyond Francolisa and four milesfrom St. Agatha. 

Alfani was beneath me and uttered piercing shrieks, for he thought he hadbroken his left arm. Le Duc rode back and told me that the postillionshad taken flight, possibly to give notice of our mishap to highwaymen, who are very common in the States of the Church and Naples. 

I got out of the carriage easily enough, but poor old Alfani, who wasunwieldly with fat, badly hurt, and half dead with fright, could notextricate himself without assistance. It took us a quarter of an hour toget him free. The poor wretch amused me by the blasphemies which hemingled with prayers to his patron saint, St. Francis of Assisi. 

I was not without experience of such accidents and was not at all hurt, for one's safety depends a good deal on the position one is in. DonCiccio had probably hurt his arm by stretching it out just as theaccident took place. 

I took my sword, my musket, and my horse-pistols out of the carriage, andI made them and my pockets pistols ready so as to offer a stiffresistance to the brigands if they came; and I then told Le Duc to takesome money and ride off and see if he could bring some peasants to ourassistance. 

Don Ciccio groaned over the accident, but I, resolving to sell my moneyand my life dearly, made a rampart of the carriage and four horses, andstood sentry, with my arms ready. 

I then felt prepared for all hazards, and was quite calm, but myunfortunate companion continued to pour forth his groans, and prayers, and blasphemies, for all that goes together at Naples as at Rome. I coulddo nothing but compassionate him; but in spite of myself I could not helplaughing, which seemed to vex the poor abbe, who looked for all the worldlike a dying dolphin as he rested motionless against the bank. Hisdistress may be imagined, when the nearest horse yielded to the call ofnature, and voided over the unfortunate man the contents of its bladder. There was nothing to be done, and I could not help roaring with laughter. 

Nevertheless, a strong northerly wind rendered our situation an extremelyunpleasant one. At the slightest noise I cried, "Who goes there?"threatening to fire on anyone who dared approach. I spent two hours inthis tragic-comic position, until at last Le Duc rode up and told me thata band of peasants, all armed and provided with lanterns, wereapproaching to our assistance. 

In less than an hour, the carriage, the horses, and Alfani were seen to. I kept two of the country-folk to serve as postillions, and I sent theothers away well paid for the interruption of their sleep. I reached St. Agatha at day-break, and I made the devil's own noise at the door of thepostmaster, calling for an attorney to take down my statement, andthreatening to have the postillions who had overturned and deserted me, hanged. 

A wheelwright inspected my coach and pronounced the axle-tree broken, andtold me I should have to remain for a day at least. 

Don Ciccio, who stood in need of a surgeon's aid, called on the MarquisGalliani without telling me anything about it. However, the marquishastened to beg me to stay at his home till I could continue my journey. I accepted the invitation with great pleasure, and with this my illhumour, which was really only the result of my desire to make a greatfuss like a great man, evaporated. 

The marquis ordered my carriage to be taken to his coach-house, took meby the arm, and led me to his house. He was as learned as he was polite, and a perfect Neapolitan--i. E. , devoid of all ceremony. He had not thebrilliant wit of his brother, whom I had known at Paris as secretary ofembassy under the Count Cantillana Montdragon, but he possessed awell-ordered judgment, founded on study and the perusal of ancient andmodern classics. Above all, he was a great mathematician, and was thenpreparing an annotated edition of Vitruvius, which was afterwardspublished. 

The marquis introduced me to his wife, whom I knew as the intimate friendof my dear Lucrezia. There was something saint-like in her expression, and to see her surrounded by her little children was like looking at apicture of the Holy Family. 

Don Ciccio was put to bed directly, and a surgeon sent for, who consoledhim by saying that it was only a simple luxation, and that he would bewell again in a few days. 

At noon a carriage stopped at the door, and Lucrezia got down. Sheembraced the marchioness, and said to me in the most natural manner, aswe shook hands, --

"What happy chance brings you hear, dear Don Giacomo?"

She told her friend that I was a friend of her late husband's, and thatshe had recently seen me again with great pleasure at the Duke deMatalone's. 

After dinner, on finding myself alone with this charming woman, I askedher if it were not possible for us to pass a happy night together, butshe shewed me that it was out of the question, and I had to yield. Irenewed my offer to marry her. 

"Buy a property, " said she, "in the kingdom of Naples, and I will spendthe remainder of my days with you, without asking a priest to give us hisblessing, unless we happen to have children. "

I could not deny that Lucrezia spoke very sensibly, and I could easilyhave bought land in Naples, and lived comfortably on it, but the idea ofbinding myself down to one place was so contrary to my feelings that Ihad the good sense to prefer my vagabond life to all the advantages whichour union would have given me, and I do not think that Lucreziaaltogether disapproved of my resolution. 

After supper I took leave of everybody, and I set out at day-break inorder to get to Rome by the next day. I had only fifteen stages to do, and the road was excellent. 

As we were getting into Carillano, I saw one of the two-wheeledcarriages, locally called mantice, two horses were being put into it, while my carriage required four. I got out, and on hearing myself calledI turned round. I was not a little surprised to find that the occupantsof the mantice were a young and pretty girl and Signora Diana, the Princede Sassaro's mistress, who owed me three hundred ounces. She told me thatshe was going to Rome, and that she would be glad if we could make thejourney together. 

"I suppose you don't mind stopping for the night at Piperno?"

"No, " said I, "I am afraid that can't be managed; I don't intend to breakmy journey. "

"But you would get to Rome by to-morrow. "

"I know that, but I sleep better in my carriage than in the bad beds theygive you in the inns. "

"I dare not travel by night. "

"Well, well, madam, I have no doubt we shall see each other at Rome. "

"You are a cruel man. You see I have only a stupid servant, and a maidwho is as timid as I am, besides it is cold and my carriage is open. Iwill keep you company in yours. "

"I really can't take you in, as all the available space is taken up by myold secretary, who broke his arm yesterday. "

"Shall we dine together at Terracino? We could have a little talk. "

"Certainly. "

We made good cheer at this small town, which is the frontier of theStates of the Church. We should not reach Piperno till far on in thenight, and the lady renewed and redoubled her efforts to keep me tilldaybreak; but though young and pretty she did not take my fancy; she wastoo fair and too fat. But her maid, who was a pretty brunette, with adelicious rounded form and a sparkling eye, excited all my feelings ofdesire. A vague hope of possessing the maid won me over, and I ended bypromising the signora to sup with her, and not to continue my journeywithout giving notice to the landlord. 

When we got to Piperno, I succeeded in telling the pretty maid that ifshe would let me have her quietly I would not go any further. Shepromised to wait for me, and allowed me to take such liberties as areusually the signs of perfect complaisance. 

We had our supper, and I wished the ladies good night and escorted themto their room, where I took note of the relative positions of their bedsso that there should be no mistake. I left them and came back in aquarter of an hour. Finding the door open I felt sure of success, and Igot into bed; but as I found out, it was the signora and not the maid whoreceived me. Evidently the little hussy had told her mistress the story, and the mistress had thought fit to take the maid's place. There was nopossibility of my being mistaken, for though I could not see I couldfeel. 

For a moment I was undecided, should I remain in bed and make the best ofwhat I had got, or go on my way to Rome immediately? The latter counselprevailed. I called Le Duc, gave my orders, and started, enjoying thethought of the confusion of the two women, who must have been in a greatrage at the failure of their plans. I saw Signora Diana three or fourtimes at Rome, and we bowed without speaking; if I had thought it likelythat she would pay me the four hundred louis she owed me I might havetaken the trouble to call on her, but I know that your stage queens arethe worst debtors in the world. 

My brother, the Chevalier Mengs, and the Abbe Winckelmann were all ingood health and spirits. Costa was delighted to see me again. I sent himoff directly to His Holiness's 'scopatore maggiore' to warn him that Iwas coming to take polenta with him, and all he need do was to get a goodsupper for twelve. I was sure of finding Mariuccia there, for I knew thatMomolo had noticed her presence pleased me. 

The carnival began the day after my arrival, and I hired a superb landaufor the whole week. The Roman landaus seat four people and have a hoodwhich may be lowered at pleasure. In these landaus one drives along theCorso with or without masks from nine to twelve o'clock during thecarnival time. 

From time immemorial the Corso at Rome has presented a strange anddiverting spectacle during the carnival. The horses start from the Piazzadel Popolo, and gallop along to the Column of Trajan, between two linesof carriages drawn up beside two narrow pavements which are crowded withmaskers and people of all classes. All the windows are decorated. As soonas the horses have passed the carriages begin to move, and the maskers onfoot and horseback occupy the middle of the street. The air is full ofreal and false sweetmeats, pamphlets, pasquinades, and puns. Throughoutthe mob, composed of the best and worst classes of Rome, liberty reignssupreme, and when twelve o'clock is announced by the third report of thecannon of St. Angelo the Corso begins to clear, and in five minutes youwould look in vain for a carriage or a masker. The crowd dispersesamongst the neighbouring streets, and fills the opera houses, thetheatres, the rope-dancers' exhibitions, and even the puppet-shows. Therestaurants and taverns are not left desolate; everywhere you will findcrowds of people, for during the carnival the Romans only think ofeating, drinking, and enjoying themselves. 

I banked my money with M. Belloni and got a letter of credit on Turin, where I expected to find the Abbe Gama and to receive a commission torepresent the Portuguese Court at the Congress of Augsburg, to which allEurope was looking forward, and then I went to inspect my little room, where I hoped to meet Mariuccia the next day. I found everything in goodorder. 

In the evening Momolo and his family received me with joyfulexclamations. The eldest daughter said with a smile that she was sure shewould please me by sending for Mariuccia. 

"You are right, " said I, "I shall be delighted to see the fairMariuccia. "

A few minutes after she entered with her puritanical mother, who told meI must not be surprised to see her daughter better dressed, as she wasgoing to be married in a few days. I congratulated her, and Momolo'sdaughters asked who was the happy man. Mariuccia blushed and saidmodestly, to one of them, --

"It is somebody whom you know, So and so, he saw me here, and we aregoing to open a hair-dresser's shop. "

"The marriage was arranged by good Father St. Barnabe, " added the mother. "He has in his keeping my daughter's dower of four hundred Roman crowns. "

"He's a good lad, " said Momolo. "I have a high opinion of him; he wouldhave married one of my daughters if I could have given him such a dowry. "

At these words the girl in question blushed and lowered her eyes. 

"Never mind, my dear, " said I, "your turn will come in time. "

She took my words as seriously meant, and her face lit up with joy. Shethought I had guessed her love for Costa, and her idea was confirmed whenI told him to get my landau the next day and take out all Momolo'sdaughters, well masked, as it would not do for them to be recognized in acarriage I meant to make use of myself. I also bade him hire somehandsome costumes from a Jew, and paid the hire-money myself. This putthem all in a good humour. 

"How about Signora Maria?" said the jealous sister. 

"As Signora Maria is going to be married, " I replied, "she must not bepresent at any festivity without her future husband. "

The mother applauded this decision of mine, and sly Mariuccia pretendedto feel mortified. I turned to Momolo and begged him to ask Mariuccia'sfuture husband to meet me at supper, by which I pleased her mothergreatly. 

I felt very tired, and having nothing to keep me after seeing Mariuccia, I begged the company to excuse me, and after wishing them a good appetiteI left them. 

I walked out next morning at an early hour. I had no need of going intothe church, which I reached at seven o'clock, for Mariuccia saw me atsome distance off and followed me, and we were soon alone together in thelittle room, which love and voluptuous pleasure had transmuted into asumptuous place. We would gladly have talked to each other, but as we hadonly an hour before us, we set to without even taking off our clothes. After the last kiss which ended the third assault, she told me that shewas to be married on the eve of Shrove Tuesday, and that all had beenarranged by her confessor. She also thanked me for having asked Momolo toinvite her intended. 

"When shall we see each other again, my angel?"

"On Sunday, the eve of my wedding, we shall be able to spend four hourstogether. "

"Delightful! I promise you that when you leave me you will be in such astate that the caresses of your husband won't hurt you. "

She smiled and departed, and I threw myself on the bed where I rested fora good hour. 

As I was going home I met a carriage and four going at a great speed. Afootman rode in front of the carriage, and within it I saw a youngnobleman. My attention was arrested by the blue ribbon on his breast. Igazed at him, and he called out my name and had the carriage stopped. Iwas extremely surprised when I found it was Lord O'Callaghan, whom I hadknown at Paris at his mother's, the Countess of Lismore, who wasseparated from her husband, and was the kept mistress of M. De St. Aubin, the unworthy successor of the good and virtuous Fenelon in thearchbishopric of Cambrai. However, the archbishop owed his promotion tothe fact that he was a bastard of the Duc d'Orleans, the French Regent. 

Lord O'Callaghan was a fine-looking young man, with wit and talent, butthe slave of his unbridled passions and of every species of vice. I knewthat if he were lord in name he was not so in fortune, and I wasastonished to see him driving such a handsome carriage, and still more soat his blue ribbon. In a few words he told me that he was going to dinewith the Pretender, but that he would sup at home. He invited me to cometo supper, and I accepted. 

After dinner I took a short walk, and then went to enliven myself at thetheatre, where I saw Momolo's girls strutting about with Costa;afterwards I went to Lord O'Callaghan, and was pleasantly surprised tomeet the poet Poinsinet. He was young, short, ugly, full of poetic fire, a wit, and dramatist. Five or six years later the poor fellow fell intothe Guadalquivir and was drowned. He had gone to Madrid in the hope ofmaking his fortune. As I had known him at Paris I addressed him as an oldacquaintance. 

"What are you doing at Rome? Where's my Lord O'Callaghan?"

"He's in the next room, but as his father is dead his title is now Earlof Lismore. You know he was an adherent of the Pretender's. I left Pariswith him, well enough pleased at being able to come to Rome without itscosting me anything. "

"Then the earl is a rich man now?"

"Not exactly; but he will be, as he is his father's heir, and the oldearl left an immense fortune. It is true that it is all confiscated, butthat is nothing, as his claims are irresistible. "

"In short, he is rich in claims and rich in the future; but how did heget himself made a knight of one of the French king's orders?"

"You're joking. That is the blue ribbon of the Order of St. Michael, ofwhich the late Elector of Cologne was grand master. As you know, my lordplays exquisitely on the violin, and when he was at Bonn he played theElector a concerto by Tartini. The prince could not find words in whichto express the pleasure of my lord's performance, and gave him the ribbonyou have seen. "

"A fine present, doubtless. "

"You don't know what pleasure it gave my lord, for when we go back toParis everybody will take it for the Order of the Holy Ghost. "

We passed into a large room, where we found the earl with the party hehad asked to supper. As soon as he saw me he embraced me, called me hisdear friend, and named his guests. There were seven or eight girls, allof them pretty, three or four castrati who played women's parts in theRoman theatre, and five or six abbes, the husband of every wife and thewives of every husband, who boasted of their wickedness, and challengedthe girls to be more shameless than they. The girls were not commoncourtezans, but past mistresses of music, painting, and vice consideredas a fine art. The kind of society may be imagined when I say that Ifound myself a perfect novice amongst them. 

"Where are you going, prince?" said the earl to a respectable-looking manwho was making for the door. 

"I don't feel well, my lord. I think I must go out. "

"What prince is that?" said I. 

"The Prince de Chimai. He is a sub-deacon, and is endeavouring to gainpermission to marry, lest his family should become extinct. "

"I admire his prudence or his delicacy, but I am afraid I should notimitate him. "

There were twenty-four of us at table, and it is no exaggeration to saythat we emptied a hundred bottles of the choicest wines. Everybody wasdrunk, with the exception of myself and the poet Poinsinet, who had takennothing but water. The company rose from table, and then began a foulorgy which I should never have conceived possible, and which no pen coulddescribe, though possibly a seasoned profligate might get some idea ofit. 

A castrato and a girl of almost equal height proposed to strip in anadjoining room, and to lie on their backs, in the same bed with theirfaces covered. They challenged us all to guess which was which. 

We all went in and nobody could pronounce from sight which was male andwhich was female, so I bet the earl fifty crowns that I would point outthe woman. 

He accepted the wager, and I guessed correctly, but payment was out ofthe question. 

This first act of the orgy ended with the prostitution of the twoindividuals, who defied everybody to accomplish the great act. All, withthe exception of Poinsinet and myself, made the attempt, but theirefforts were in vain. 

The second act displayed four or five couples reversed, and here theabbes shone, both in the active and passive parts of this lasciviousspectacle. I was the only person respected. 

All at once, the earl, who had hitherto remained perfectly motionless, attacked the wretched Poinsinet, who in vain attempted to defend himself. He had to strip like my lord, who was as naked as the others. We stoodround in a circle. Suddenly the earl, taking his watch, promised it tothe first who succeeded in giving them a sure mark of sensibility. Thedesire of gaining the prize excited the impure crowd immensely, and thecastrati, the girls, and the abbes all did their utmost, each onestriving to be the first. They had to draw lots. This part interested memost, for throughout this almost incredible scene of debauchery I did notexperience the slightest sensation, although under other circumstancesany of the girls would have claimed my homage, but all I did was tolaugh, especially to see the poor poet in terror of experiencing the lustof the flesh, for the profligate nobleman swore that if he made him losehe would deliver him up to the brutal lust of all the abbes. He escaped, probably through fear of the consequences. 

The orgy came to an end when nobody had any further hopes of getting thewatch. The secret of the Lesbians was only employed, however, by theabbes and the castrata. The girls, wishing to be able to despise thosewho made use of it, refrained from doing so. I suspect they were actuatedby pride rather than shame, as they might possibly have employed itwithout success. 

This vile debauch disgusted me, and yet gave me a better knowledge ofmyself. I could not help confessing that my life had been endangered, forthe only arm I had was my sword, but I should certainly have used it ifthe earl had tried to treat me like the others, and as he had treatedpoor Poinsinet. I never understood how it was that he respected me, forhe was quite drunk, and in a kind of Bacchic fury. 

As I left, I promised to come and see him as often as he pleased, but Ipromised myself never to set foot in his house again. 

Next day, he came to see me in the afternoon, and asked me to walk withhim to the Villa Medici. 

I complimented him on the immense wealth he had inherited to enable himto live so splendidly, but he laughed and told me that he did not possessfifty piastres, that his father had left nothing but debts, and that hehimself already owed three or four thousand crowns. 

"I wonder people give you credit, then. "

"They give me credit because everybody knows that I have drawn a bill ofexchange on Paris to the tune of two hundred thousand francs. But in fouror five days the bill will be returned protested, and I am only waitingfor that to happen to make my escape. "

"If you are certain of its being protested, I advise you to make yourescape to-day; for as it is so large a sum it may be taken up before itis due. "

"No, I won't do that; I have one hope left. I have written to tell mymother that I shall be undone if she does not furnish the banker, on whomI have drawn the bill, with sufficient funds and if she does that, thebill will be accepted. You know my mother is very fond of me. "

"Yes, but I also know that she is far from rich. "

"True, but M. De St. Aubin is rich enough, and between you and me I thinkhe is my father. Meanwhile, my creditors are almost as quiet as I am. Allthose girls you saw yesterday would give me all they have if I askedthem, as they are all expecting me to make them a handsome present in thecourse of the week, but I won't abuse their trust in me. But I am afraidI shall be obliged to cheat the Jew, who wants me to give him threethousand sequins for this ring, as I know it is only worth one thousand. "

"He will send the police after you. "

"I defy him to do whatever he likes. "

The ring was set with a straw-coloured diamond of nine or ten carats. Hebegged me to keep his secret as we parted. I did not feel any sentimentsof pity for this extravagant madman, as I only saw in him a manunfortunate by his own fault, whose fate would probably make him end hisdays in a prison unless he had the courage to blow his brains out. 

I went to Momolo's in the evening, and found the intended husband of myfair Mariuccia there, but not the lady herself. I heard she had sent wordto the 'scopatore santissimo' that, as her father had come fromPalestrina to be present at her wedding, she could not come to supper. Iadmired her subtlety. A young girl has no need of being instructed indiplomacy, nature and her own heart are her teachers, and she neverblunders. At supper I studied the young man, and found him eminentlysuitable for Mariuccia; he was handsome, modest, and intelligent, andwhatever he said was spoken frankly and to the point. 

He told me before Momolo's daughter, Tecla, that he would have marriedher if she had possessed means to enable him to open his shop, and thathe had reason to thank God for having met Maria, whose confessor had beensuch a true spiritual father to her. I asked him where the weddingfestivities were to take place, and he told me they were to be at hisfather's house, on the other side of the Tiber. As his father, who kept agarden, was poor, he had furnished him with ten crowns to defray theexpenses. 

I wanted to give him the ten crowns, but how was I to do it? It wouldhave betrayed me. 

"Is your father's garden a pretty one?" I asked. 

"Not exactly pretty, but very well kept. As he owns the land, he hasseparated a plot which he wants to sell; it would bring in twenty crownsa year, and I should be as happy as a cardinal if I could buy it. "

"How much will it cost?"

"It's a heavy price; two hundred crowns. "

"Why, that's cheap! Listen to me. I have met your future bride at thishouse, and I have found her all worthy of happiness. She deserves anhonest young fellow like you for a husband. Now what would you dosupposing I were to make you a present of two hundred crowns to buy thegarden?"

"I should put it to my wife's dowry. "

"Then here are the two hundred crowns. I shall give them to Momolo, as Idon't know you well enough, though I think you are perfectly to betrusted. The garden is yours, as part of your wife's dowry. "

Momolo took the money, and promised to buy the garden the following day, and the young man shedding tears of joy and gratitude fell on his kneesand kissed my hand. All the girls wept, as I myself did, for there's acontagion in such happy tears. Nevertheless, they did not all proceedfrom the same source; some were virtuous and some vicious, and the youngman's were the only ones whose source was pure and unalloyed. I liftedhim from the ground, kissed him, and wished him a happy marriage. He madebold to ask me to his wedding, but I refused, thanking him kindly. I toldhim that if he wanted to please me, he must come and sup at Momolo's onthe eve of his wedding, and I begged the good scopatore to ask Mariuccia, her father and mother as well. I was sure of seeing her for the last timeon the Sunday morning. 

At seven o'clock on the Sunday morning we were in each other's arms, withfour hours before us. After the first burst of mutual ardour she told methat all arrangements had been made in her house the evening before, inthe presence of her confessor and of Momolo; and that on the receipt forthe two hundred crowns being handed in the notary had put the garden intothe settlement, and that the good father had made her a present of twentypiastres towards defraying the notary's fees and the wedding expenses. 

"Everything is for the best, and I am sure I shall be happy. My intendedadores you, but you did wisely not to accept his invitation, for youwould have found everything so poor, and besides tongues might have beenset wagging to my disadvantage. "

"You are quite right, dearest, but what do you intend to do if yourhusband finds that the door has been opened by someone else, for possiblyhe expects you to be a maid. "

"I expect he will know no more about it than I did the first time youknew me; besides, I do not feel that you have defiled me, and my cleanconscience will not allow me to think of the matter; and I am sure thathe will not think of it any more than I. "

"Yes, but if he does?"

"It would not be delicate on his part, but what should prevent me fromreplying that I don't know what he means?"

"You are right; that's the best way. But have you told your confessor ofour mutual enjoyment?"

"No, for as I did not give myself up to you with any criminal intention, I do not think I have offended God. "

"You are an angel, and I admire the clearness of your reasoning. Butlisten to me; it's possible that you are already with child, or that youmay become so this morning; promise to name the child after me. "

"I will do so. "

The four hours sped rapidly away. After the sixth assault we were weariedthough not satiated. We parted with tears, and swore to love each otheras brother and sister ever after. 

I went home, bathed, slept an hour, rose, dressed, and dined pleasantlywith the family. In the evening I took the Mengs family for a drive in mylandau, and we then went to the theatre, where the castrato who playedthe prima donna was a great attraction. He was the favourite pathic ofCardinal Borghese, and supped every evening with his eminence. 

This castrato had a fine voice, but his chief attraction was his beauty. I had seen him in man's clothes in the street, but though a fine-lookingfellow, he had not made any impression on me, for one could see at oncethat he was only half a man, but on the stage in woman's dress theillusion was complete; he was ravishing. 

He was enclosed in a carefully-made corset and looked like a nymph; andincredible though it may seem, his breast was as beautiful as anywoman's; it was the monster's chiefest charm. However well one knew thefellow's neutral sex, as soon as one looked at his breast one felt allaglow and quite madly amorous of him. To feel nothing one would have tobe as cold and impassive as a German. As he walked the boards, waitingfor the refrain of the air he was singing, there was something grandlyvoluptuous about him; and as he glanced towards the boxes, his blackeyes, at once tender and modest, ravished the heart. He evidently wishedto fan the flame of those who loved him as a man, and probably would nothave cared for him if he had been a woman. 

Rome the holy, which thus strives to make all men pederasts, denies thefact, and will not believe in the effects of the glamour of her owndevising. 

I made these reflections aloud, and an ecclesiastic, wishing to blind meto the truth, spoke as follows:--

"You are quite right. Why should this castrato be allowed to shew hisbreast, of which the fairest Roman lady might be proud, and yet wisheveryone to consider him as a man and not a woman? If the stage isforbidden to the fair sex lest they excite desires, why do they seek outmen-monsters made in the form of women, who excite much more criminaldesires? They keep on preaching that pederasty is comparatively unknownand entraps only a few, but many clever men endeavour to be entrapped, and end by thinking it so pleasant that they prefer these monsters to themost beautiful women. "

"The Pope would be sure of heaven if he put a stop to this scandalouspractice. "

"I don't agree with you. One could not have a pretty actress to supperwithout causing a scandal, but such an invitation to a castrato makesnobody talk. It is of course known perfectly well that after supper bothheads rest on one pillow, but what everybody knows is ignored by all. Onemay sleep with a man out of mere friendship, it is not so with a woman. "

"True, monsignor, appearances are saved, and a sin concealed is halfpardoned, as they say in Paris. "

"At Rome we say it is pardoned altogether. 'Peccato nascosto nonoffende'. "

His jesuitical arguments interested me, for I knew that he was an avowedpartisan of the forbidden fruit. 

In one of the boxes I saw the Marchioness Passarini (whom I had known atDresden) with Don Antonio Borghese, and I went to pay my addresses tothem. The prince, whom I had known at Paris ten years before, recognizedme, and asked me to dine with him on the following day. I went, but mylord was not at home. A page told me that my place was laid at table, andthat I could dine just as if the prince was there, on which I turned myback on him and went away. On Ash Wednesday he sent his man to ask me tosup with him and the marchioness, who was his mistress, and I sent wordthat I would not fail to come; but he waited for me in vain. Pride is thedaughter of folly, and always keeps its mother's nature. 

After the opera I went to Momolo's, where I found Mariuccia, her father, her mother, and her future husband. They were anxiously expecting me. Itis not difficult to make people happy when one selects for one's bountypersons who really deserve happiness. I was amidst poor but honestpeople, and I can truly say that I had a delightful supper. It may bethat some of my enjoyment proceeded from a feeling of vanity, for I knewthat I was the author of the happiness depicted on the faces of the brideand bridegroom and of the father and mother of Mariuccia; but when vanitycauses good deeds it is a virtue. Nevertheless, I owe it to myself totell my readers that my pleasure was too pure to have in it any admixtureof vice. 

After supper I made a small bank at faro, making everybody play withcounters, as nobody had a penny, and I was so fortunate as to makeeveryone win a few ducats. 

After the game we danced in spite of the prohibition of the Pope, whom noRoman can believe to be infallible, for he forbids dancing and permitsgames of chance. His successor Ganganelli followed the opposite course, and was no better obeyed. To avoid suspicion I did not give the pair anypresent, but I gave up my landau to them that they might enjoy thecarnival on the Corso, and I told Costa to get them a box at theCapranica Theatre. Momolo asked me to supper on Shrove Tuesday. 

I wished to leave Rome on the second day of Lent, and I called on theHoly Father at a time when all Rome was on the Corso. His Holinesswelcomed me most graciously, and said he was surprised that I had notgone to see the sights on the Corso like everybody else. I replied thatas a lover of pleasure I had chosen the greatest pleasure of all for aChristian--namely, to kneel at the feet of the vicar of Christ on earth. He bowed with a kind of majestic humility, which shewed me how thecompliment had pleased him. He kept me for more than an hour, talkingabout Venice, Padua, and Paris, which latter city the worthy man wouldnot have been sorry to have visited. I again commended myself to hisapostolic intercession to enable me to return to my native country, andhe replied, --

"Have recourse to God, dear son; His grace will be more efficacious thanmy prayers;" and then he blessed me and wished me a prosperous journey. 

I saw that the Head of the Church had no great opinion of his own power. 

On Shrove Tuesday I dressed myself richly in the costume of Polichinello, and rode along the Corso showering sweetmeats on all the pretty women Isaw. Finally I emptied the basket on the daughters of the worthy'scopatore', whom Costa was taking about in my landau with all thedignity of a pasha. 

At night-time I took off my costume and went to Momolo's, where Iexpected to see dear Mariuccia for the last time. Supper passed off inalmost a similar manner to the supper of last Sunday; but there was aninteresting novelty for me--namely, the sight of my beloved mistress inher character of bride. Her husband seemed to be much more reserved withrespect to me than at our first meeting. I was puzzled by his behaviour, and sat down by Mariuccia and proceeded to question her. She told me allthe circumstances which had passed on the first night, and she spokehighly of her husband's good qualities. He was kind, amorous, good-tempered, and delicate. No doubt he must have noticed that thecasket had been opened, but he had said nothing about it. As he hadspoken about me, she had not been able to resist the pleasure of tellinghim that I was her sole benefactor, at which, so far from being offended, he seemed to trust in her more than ever. 

"But has he not questioned you indirectly as to the connection betweenus?"

"Not at all. I told him that you went to my confessor after having spokento me once only in the church, where I told you what a good chance I hadof being married to him. "

"Do you think he believed you?"

"I am not sure; however, even if it were otherwise, it is enough that hepretends to, for I am determined to win his esteem. "

"You are right, and I think all the better of him for his suspicions, forit is better to marry a man with some sense in his head than to marry afool. "

I was so pleased with what she told me that when I took leave of thecompany I embraced the hairdresser, and drawing a handsome gold watchfrom my fob I begged him to accept it as a souvenir of me. He received itwith the utmost gratitude. From my pocket I took a ring, worth at leastsix hundred francs, and put it on his wife's finger, wishing them a fairposterity and all manner of happiness, and I then went home to bed, telling Le Duc and Costa that we must begin to pack up next day. 

I was just getting up when they brought me a note from Lord Lismore, begging me to come and speak to him at noon at the Villa Borghese. 

I had some suspicion of what he might want, and kept the appointment. Ifelt in a mood to give him some good advice. Indeed, considering thefriendship between his mother and myself, it was my duty to do so. 

He came up to me and gave me a letter he had received the evening beforefrom his mother. She told him that Paris de Monmartel had just informedher that he was in possession of a bill for two hundred thousand francsdrawn by her son, and that he would honour it if she would furnish himwith the funds. She had replied that she would let him know in two orthree days if she could do so; but she warned her son that she had onlyasked for this delay to give him time to escape, as the bill wouldcertainly be protested and returned, it being absolutely out of thequestion for her to get the money. 

"You had better make yourself scarce as soon as you can, " said I, returning him the letter. 

"Buy this ring, and so furnish me with the means for my escape. You wouldnot know that it was not my property if I had not told you so inconfidence. "

I made an appointment with him, and had the stone taken out and valued byone of the best jewellers in Rome. 

"I know this stone, " said he, "it is worth two thousand Roman crowns. "

At four o'clock I took the earl five hundred crowns in gold and fifteenhundred crowns in paper, which he would have to take to a banker, whowould give him a bill of exchange in Amsterdam. 

"I will be off at nightfall, " said he, "and travel by myself toAmsterdam, only taking such effects as are absolutely necessary, and mybeloved blue ribbon. "

"A pleasant journey to you, " said I, and left him. In ten days I had thestone mounted at Bologna. 

I got a letter of introduction from Cardinal Albani for Onorati, thenuncio at Florence, and another letter from M. Mengs to Sir Mann, whom hebegged to receive me in his house. I was going to Florence for the sakeof the Corticelli and my dear Therese, and I reckoned on the auditor'sfeigning to ignore my return, in spite of his unjust order, especially ifI were residing at the English minister's. 

On the second day of Lent the disappearance of Lord Lismore was the talkof the town. The English tailor was ruined, the Jew who owned the ringwas in despair, and all the silly fellow's servants were turned out ofthe house in almost a state of nakedness, as the tailor hadunceremoniously taken possession of everything in the way of clothes thathe could lay his hands on. 

Poor Poinsinet came to see me in a pitiable condition; he had only hisshirt and overcoat. He had been despoiled of everything, and threatenedwith imprisonment. "I haven't a farthing, " said the poor child of themuses, "I have only the shirt on my back. I know nobody here, and I thinkI shall go and throw myself into the Tiber. "

He was destined, not to be drowned in the Tiber but in the Guadalquivir. I calmed him by offering to take him to Florence with me, but I warnedhim that I must leave him there, as someone was expecting me at Florence. He immediately took up his abode with me, and wrote verses incessantlytill it was time to go. 

My brother Jean made me a present of an onyx of great beauty. It was acameo, representing Venus bathing, and a genuine antique, as the name ofthe artist, Sostrates, was cut on the stone. Two years later I sold it toDr. Masti, at London, for three hundred pounds, and it is possibly stillin the British Museum. 

I went my way with Poinsinet who amused me, in spite of his sadness, withhis droll fancies. In two days I got down at Dr. Vannini's, who tried toconceal his surprise at seeing me. I lost no time, but waited onSir---- Mann immediately, and found him sitting at table. He gave me avery friendly reception, but he seemed alarmed when, in reply to hisquestion, I told him that my dispute with the auditor had not beenarranged. He told me plainly that he thought I had made a mistake inreturning to Florence, and that he would be compromised by my stayingwith him. I pointed out that I was only passing through Florence. 

"That's all very well, " said he, "but you know you ought to call on theauditor. "

I promised to do so, and returned to my lodging. I had scarcely shut thedoor, when an agent of police came and told me that the auditor hadsomething to say to me, and would be glad to see me at an early hour nextmorning. 

I was enraged at this order, and determined to start forthwith ratherthan obey. Full of this idea I called on Therese and found she was atPisa. I then went to see the Corticelli, who threw her arms round myneck, and made use of the Bolognese grimaces appropriate to the occasion. To speak the truth, although the girl was pretty, her chief merit in myeyes was that she made me laugh. 

I gave some money to her mother to get us a good supper, and I took thegirl out on pretence of going for a walk. I went with her to my lodging, and left her with Poinsinet, and going to another room I summoned Costaand Vannini. I told Costa in Vannini's presence to go on with Le Duc andmy luggage the following day, and to call for me at the "Pilgrim" atBologna. I gave Vannini my instructions, and he left the room; and then Iordered Costa to leave Florence with Signora Laura and her son, and totell them that I and the daughter were on in front. Le Duc receivedsimilar orders, and calling Poinsinet I gave him ten Louis, and beggedhim to look out for some other lodging that very evening. The worthy butunfortunate young man wept grateful tears, and told me that he would setout for Parma on foot next day, and that there M. Tillot would do some, thing for him. 

I went back to the next room, and told the Corticelli to come with me. She did so under the impression that we were going back to her mother's, but without taking the trouble to undeceive her I had a carriage and pairgot ready, and told the postillion to drive to Uccellatoio, the firstpost on the Bologna road. 

"Where in the world are we going?" said she. 

"Bologna. "

"How about mamma?"

"She will come on to-morrow. "

"Does she know about it?"

"No, but she will to-morrow when Costa comes to tell her, and to fetchher and your brother. "

She liked the joke, and got into the carriage laughing, and we droveaway. 

CHAPTER XI

My Arrival at Bologna--I Am Expelled from Modena--I Visit Parma andTurin--The Pretty Jewess--The Dressmaker

The Corticelli had a good warm mantle, but the fool who carried her offhad no cloak, even of the most meagre kind, to keep off the piercingcold, which was increased by a keen wind blowing right in our faces. 

In spite of all I would not halt, for I was afraid I might be pursued andobliged to return, which would have greatly vexed me. 

When I saw that the postillion was slackening his speed, I increased theamount of the present I was going to make him, and once more we rushedalong at a headlong pace. I felt perishing with the cold; while thepostillions seeing me so lightly clad, and so prodigal of my money tospeed them on their way, imagined that I was a prince carrying off theheiress of some noble family. We heard them talking to this effect whilethey changed horses, and the Corticelli was so much amused that she didnothing but laugh for the rest of the way. In five hours we covered fortymiles; we started from Florence at eight o'clock, and at one in themorning we stopped at a post in the Pope's territory, where I had nothingto fear. The stage goes under the name of "The Ass Unburdened. "

The odd name of the inn made my mistress laugh afresh. Everybody wasasleep, but the noise I made and the distribution of a few pauls procuredme the privilege of a fire. I was dying of hunger, and they coolly toldme there was nothing to eat. I laughed in the landlord's face, and toldhim to bring me his butter, his eggs, his macaroni, a ham, and someParmesan cheese, for I knew that so much will be found in the inns allover Italy. The repast was soon ready, and I shewed the idiot host thathe had materials for an excellent meal. We ate like four, and afterwardsthey made up an impromptu bed and we went to sleep, telling them to callme as soon as a carriage and four drew up. 

Full of ham and macaroni, slightly warmed with the Chianti andMontepulciano, and tired with our journey, we stood more in need ofslumber than of love, and so we gave ourselves up to sleep till morning. Then we gave a few moments to pleasure, but it was so slight an affair asnot to be worth talking about. 

At one o'clock we began to feel hungry again and got up, and the hostprovided us with an excellent dinner, after receiving instructions fromme. I was astonished not to see the carriage draw up, but I waitedpatiently all day. Night came on and still no coach, and I began to feelanxious; but the Corticelli persisted in laughing at everything. Nextmorning I sent off an express messenger with instructions for Costa. Inthe event of any violence having taken place, I was resolved to return toFlorence, of which city I could at any time make myself free by theexpenditure of two hundred crowns. 

The messenger started at noon, and returned at two o'clock with the newsthat my servants would shortly be with me. My coach was on its way, andbehind it a smaller carriage with two horses, in which sat an old womanand a young man. 

"That's the mother, " said Corticelli; "now we shall have some fun. Let'sget something for them to eat, and be ready to hear the history of thismarvellous adventure which she will remember to her dying day. "

Costa told me that the auditor had revenged my contempt of his orders byforbidding the post authorities to furnish any horses for my carriage. Hence the delay. But here we heard the allocution of the Signora Laura. 

"I got an excellent supper ready, " she began, "according to your orders;it cost me more than ten pauls, as I shall shew you, and I hope you willmake it up to me as I'm but a poor woman. All was ready and I joyfullyexpected you, but in vain; I was in despair. At last when midnight came Isent my son to your lodging to enquire after you, but you may imagine my'grief when I heard that nobody knew what had become of you. I passed asleepless night, weeping all the time, and in the morning I went andcomplained to the police that you had taken off my daughter, and askedthem to send after you and make you give her back to me. But only think, they laughed at me! 'Why did you let her go out without you? laughing inmy face. 'Your daughter's in good hands, ' says another, 'you knowperfectly well where she is. ' In fact I was grossly slandered. "

"Slandered?" said the Corticelli. 

"Yes, slandered, for it was as much as to say that I had consented toyour being carried off, and if I had done that the fools might have knownI would not have come to them about it. I went away in a rage to Dr. Vannini's, where I found your man, who told me that you had gone toBologna, and that I could follow you if I liked. I consented to thisplan, and I hope you wilt pay my travelling expenses. But I can't helptelling you that this is rather beyond a joke. "

I consoled her by telling her I would pay all she had spent, and we setoff for Bologna the next day, and reached that town at an early hour. Isent my servants to the inn with my carriage, and I went to lodge withthe Corticelli. 

I spent a week with the girl, getting my meals from the inn, and enjoyinga diversity of pleasures which I shall remember all my days; my youngwanton had a large circle of female friends, all pretty and all kind. Ilived with them like a sultan, and still I delight to recall this happytime, and I say with a sigh, 'Tempi passati'!

There are many towns in Italy where one can enjoy all the pleasuresobtainable at Bologna; but nowhere so cheaply, so easily, or with so muchfreedom. The living is excellent, and there are arcades where one canwalk in the shade in learned and witty company. It is a great pity thateither from the air, the water, or the wine--for men of science have notmade up their minds on the subject persons who live at Bologna aresubject to a slight itch. The Bolognese, however, far from finding thisunpleasant, seem to think it an advantage; it gives them the pleasure ofscratching themselves. In springtime the ladies distinguish themselves bythe grace with which they use their fingers. 

Towards mid-Lent I left the Corticelli, wishing her a pleasant journey, for she was going to fulfil a year's engagement at Prague as seconddancer. I promised to fetch her and her mother to Paris, and my readerswill see how I kept my word. 

I got to Modena the evening after I left Bologna, and I stopped there, with one of those sudden whims to which I have always been subject. Nextmorning I went out to see the pictures, and as I was returning to mylodging for dinner a blackguardly-looking fellow came up and ordered me, on the part of the Government, to continue my journey on the dayfollowing at latest. 

"Very good, " said I, and the fellow went away. 

"Who is that man?" I said to the landlord. "A SPY. "

"A spy; and the Government dares to send such a fellow to me?"

"The 'borgello' must have sent him. "

"Then the 'borgello' is the Governor of Modena--the infamous wretch!"

"Hush! hush! all the best families speak to him in the street. "

"Then the best people are very low here, I suppose?"

"Not more than anywhere else. He is the manager of the opera house, andthe greatest noblemen dine with him and thus secure his favour. "

"It's incredible! But why should the high and mighty borgello send meaway from Modena?"

"I don't know, but do you take my advice and go and speak to him; youwill find him a fine fellow. "

Instead of going to see this b. . . . I called on the Abbe Testa Grossa, whom I had known at Venice in 1753. Although he was a man of lowextraction he had a keen wit. At this time he was old and resting on hislaurels; he had fought his way into favour by the sheer force of merit, and his master, the Duke of Modena, had long chosen him as hisrepresentative with other powers. 

Abbe Testa Grossa recognized me and gave me the most gracious reception, but when he heard of what had befallen me he seemed much annoyed. 

"What can I do?" said I. 

"You had better go, as the man may put a much more grievous insult onyou. "

"I will do so, but could you oblige me by telling me the reason for sucha high-handed action?"

"Come again this evening; I shall probably be able to satisfy you. "

I called on the abbe again in the evening, for I felt anxious to learn inwhat way I had offended the lord borgello, to whom I thought I was quiteunknown. The abbe satisfied me. 

"The borgello, " said he, "saw your name on the bill which he receivesdaily containing a list of the names of those who enter or leave thecity. He remembered that you were daring enough to escape from The Leads, and as he does not at all approve of that sort of thing he resolved notto let the Modenese be contaminated by so egregious an example of thedefiance of justice, however unjust it may be; and in short he has givenyou the order to leave the town. "

"I am much obliged, but I really wonder how it is that while you weretelling me this you did not blush to be a subject of the Duke ofModena's. What an unworthy action! How contrary is such a system ofgovernment to all the best interests of the state!"

"You are quite right, my dear sir, but I am afraid that as yet men's eyesare not open to what best serves their interests. "

"That is doubtless due to the fact that so many men are unworthy. "

"I will not contradict you. "

"Farewell, abbe. "

"Farewell, M. Casanova. "

Next morning, just as I was going to get into my carriage, a young manbetween twenty-five and thirty, tall and strong and broad shouldered, hiseyes black and glittering, his eyebrows strongly arched, and his generalair being that of a cut-throat, accosted me and begged me to step asideand hear what he had to say. 

"If you like to stop at Parma for three days, and if you will promise togive me fifty sequins when I bring you the news that the borgello isdead, I promise to shoot him within the next twenty-four hours. "

"Thanks. Such an animal as that should be allowed to die a natural death. Here's a crown to drink my health. "

At the present time I feel very thankful that I acted as I did, but Iconfess that if I had felt sure that it was not a trap I should havepromised the money. The fear of committing myself spared me this crime. 

The next day I got to Parma, and I put up at the posting-house under thename of the Chevalier de Seingalt, which I still bear. When an honest manadopts a name which belongs to no one, no one has a right to contest hisuse of it; it becomes a man's duty to keep the name. I had now borne itfor two years, but I often subjoined to it my family name. 

When I got to Parma I dismissed Costa, but in a week after I had themisfortune to take him on again. His father, who was a poor violinplayer, as I had once been, with a large family to provide for, excitedmy pity. 

I made enquiries about M. Antonio, but he had left the place; and M. Dubois Chalelereux, Director of the Mint, had gone to Venice with thepermission of the Duke of Parma, to set up the beam, which was neverbrought into use. Republics are famous for their superstitious attachmentto old customs; they are afraid that changes for the better may destroythe stability of the state, and the government of aristocratic Venicestill preserves its original Greek character. 

My Spaniard was delighted when I dismissed Costa and proportionatelysorry when I took him back. 

"He's no profligate, " said Le Duc; "he is sober, and has no liking forbad company. But I think he's a robber, and a dangerous robber, too. Iknow it, because he seems so scrupulously careful not to cheat you insmall things. Remember what I say, sir; he will do you. He is waiting togain your confidence, and then he will strike home. Now, I am quite adifferent sort of fellow, a rogue in a small way; but you know me. "

His insight was, keener than mine, for five or six months later theItalian robbed me of fifty thousand crowns. Twenty-three yearsafterwards, in 1784, I found him in Venice, valet to Count Hardegg, and Ifelt inclined to have him hanged. I shewed him by proof positive that Icould do so if I liked; but he had resource to tears and supplications, and to the intercession of a worthy man named Bertrand, who lived withthe ambassador of the King of Sardinia. I esteemed this individual, andhe appealed to me successfully to pardon Costa. I asked the wretch whathe had done with the gold and jewels he had stolen from me, and he toldme that he had lost the whole of it in furnishing funds for a bank atBiribi, that he had been despoiled by his own associates, and had beenpoor and miserable ever since. 

In the same year in which he robbed me he married Momolo's daughter, andafter making her a mother he abandoned her. 

To pursue our story. 

At Turin I lodged in a private house with the Abbe Gama, who had beenexpecting me. In spite of the good abbe's sermon on economy, I took thewhole of the first floor, and a fine suite it was. 

We discussed diplomatic topics, and he assured me that I should beaccredited in May, and that he would give me instructions as to the partI was to play. I was pleased with his commission, and I told the abbethat I should be ready to go to Augsburg whenever the ambassadors of thebelligerent powers met there. 

After making the necessary arrangements with my landlady with regard tomy meals I went to a coffeehouse to read the papers, and the first personI saw was the Marquis Desarmoises, whom I had known in Savoy. The firstthing he said was that all games of chance were forbidden, and that theladies I had met would no doubt be delighted to see me. As for himself, he said that he lived by playing backgammon, though he was not at alllucky at it, as talent went for more than luck at that game. I canunderstand how, if fortune is neutral, the best player will win, but I donot see how the contrary can take place. 

We went for a walk in the promenade leading to the citadel, where I sawnumerous extremely pretty women. In Turin the fair sex is mostdelightful, but the police regulations are troublesome to a degree. Owingto the town being a small one and thinly peopled, the police spies findout everything. Thus one cannot enjoy any little freedoms without greatprecautions and the aid of cunning procuresses, who have to be well paid, as they would be cruelly punished if they were found out. No prostitutesand no kept women are allowed, much to the delight of the married women, and with results which the ignorant police might have anticipated. Aswell be imagined, pederasty has a fine field in this town, where thepassions are kept under lock and key. 

Amongst the beauties I looked at, one only attracted me. I askedDesarmoises her name, as he knew all of them. 

"That's the famous Leah, " said he; "she is a Jewess, and impregnable. Shehas resisted the attacks of the best strategists in Turin. Her father's afamous horse-dealer; you can go and see her easily enough, but there'snothing to be done there. "

The greater the difficulty the more I felt spurred on to attempt it. 

"Take me there, " said I, to Desarmoises. 

"As soon as you please. "

I asked him to dine with me, and we were on our way when we met M. Zeroliand two or three other persons whom I had met at Aix. I gave and receivedplenty of compliments, but not wishing to pay them any visits I excusedmyself on the pretext of business. 

When we had finished dinner Desarmoises took me to the horse-dealer's. Iasked if he had a good saddle horse. He called a lad and gave his orders, and whilst he was speaking the charming daughter appeared on the scene. She was dazzlingly beautiful, and could not be more than twenty-two. Herfigure was as lissom as a nymph's, her hair a raven black, her complexiona meeting of the lily and the rose, her eyes full of fire, her lasheslong, and her eye-brows so well arched that they seemed ready to make waron any who would dare the conquest of her charms. All about her betokenedan educated mind and knowledge of the world. 

I was so absorbed in the contemplation of her charms that I did notnotice the horse when it was brought to me. However, I proceeded toscrutinise it, pretending to be an expert, and after feeling the kneesand legs, turning back the ears, and looking at the teeth, I tested itsbehaviour at a walk, a trot, and a gallop, and then told the Jew that Iwould come and try it myself in top-boots the next day. The horse was afine dappled bay, and was priced at forty Piedmontese pistoles--about ahundred sequins. 

"He is gentleness itself, " said Leah, "and he ambles as fast as any otherhorse trots. "

"You have ridden it, then?"

"Often, sir, and if I were rich I would never sell him. "

"I won't buy the horse till I have seen you ride it. "

She blushed at this. 

"You must oblige the gentleman, " said her father. She consented to do so, and I promised to come again at nine o'clock the next day. 

I was exact to time, as may be imagined, and I found Leah in ridingcostume. What proportions! What a Venus Callipyge! I was captivated. 

Two horses were ready, and she leapt on hers with the ease and grace of apractised rider, and I got up on my horse. We rode together for somedistance. The horse went well enough, but what of that; all my eyes werefor her. 

As we were turning, I said, --

"Fair Leah, I will buy the horse, but as a present for you; and if youwill not take it I shall leave Turin today. The only condition I attachto the gift is, that you will ride with me whenever I ask you. "

I saw she seemed favourably inclined to my proposal, so I told her that Ishould stay six weeks at Turin, that I had fallen in love with her on thepromenade, and that the purchase of the horse had been a mere pretext fordiscovering to her my feelings. She replied modestly that she was vastlyflattered by the liking I had taken to her, and that I need not have madeher such a present to assure myself of her friendship. 

"The condition you impose on me is an extremely pleasant one, and I amsure that my father will like me to accept it. "

To this she added, --

"All I ask is for you to make me the present before him, repeating thatyou will only buy it on the condition that I will accept it. "

I found the way smoother than I had expected, and I did what she askedme. Her father, whose name was Moses, thought it a good bargain, congratulated his daughter, took the forty pistoles and gave me areceipt, and begged me to do them the honour of breakfasting with themthe next day. This was just what I wanted. 

The following morning Moses received me with great respect. Leah, who wasin her ordinary clothes, told me that if I liked to ride she would put onher riding habit. 

"Another day, " said I; "to-day I should like to converse with you in yourown house. "

But the father, who was as greedy as most Jews are, said that if I likeddriving he could sell me a pretty phaeton with two excellent horses. 

"You must shew them to the gentleman, " said Leah, possibly in concertwith her father. 

Moses said nothing, but went out to get the horses harnessed. 

"I will look at them, " I said to Leah, "but I won't buy, as I should notknow what to do with them. "

"You can take your lady-love out for a drive. "

"That would be you; but perhaps you would be afraid!"

"Not at all, if you drove in the country or the suburbs. "

"Very good, Leah, then I will look at them. "

The father came in, and we went downstairs. I liked the carriage and thehorses, and I told Leah so. 

"Well, " said Moses, "you can have them now for four hundred sequins, butafter Easter the price will be five hundred sequins at least. "

Leah got into the carriage, and I sat beside her, and we went for anhour's drive into the country. I told Moses I would give him an answer bythe next day, and he went about his business, while Leah and I wentupstairs again. 

"It's quite worth four hundred sequins, " said I, "and to-morrow I willbuy it with pleasure; but on the same condition as that on which I boughtthe horse, and something more--namely, that you will grant me all thefavours that a tender lover can desire. "

"You speak plainly, and I will answer you in the same way. I'm an honestgirl, sir, and not for sale. "

"All women, dear Leah, whether they are honest or not, are for sale. Whena man has plenty of time he buys the woman his heart desires byunremitting attentions; but when he's in a hurry he buys her withpresents, and even with money. "

"Then he's a clumsy fellow; he would do better to let sentiment andattention plead his cause and gain the victory. "

"I wish I could give myself that happiness, fair Leah, but I'm in a greathurry. "

As I finished this sentence her father came in, and I left the housetelling him that if I could not come the next day I would come the dayafter, and that we could talk about the phaeton then. 

It was plain that Leah thought I was lavish of my money, and would make acapital dupe. She would relish the phaeton, as she had relished thehorse, but I knew that I was not quite such a fool as that. It had notcost me much trouble to resolve to chance the loss of a hundred sequins, but beyond that I wanted some value for my money. 

I temporarily suspended my visits to see how Leah and her father wouldsettle it amongst themselves. I reckoned on the Jew's greediness to workwell for me. He was very fond of money, and must have been angry that hisdaughter had not made me buy the phaeton by some means or another, for solong as the phaeton was bought the rest would be perfectly indifferent tohim. I felt almost certain that they would come and see me. 

The following Saturday I saw the fair Jewess on the promenade. We werenear enough for me to accost her without seeming to be anxious to do so, and her look seemed to say, "Come. "

"We see no more of you now, " said she, "but come and breakfast with meto-morrow, or I will send you back the horse. "

I promised to be with her in good time, and, as the reader will imagine, I kept my word. 

The breakfast party was almost confined to ourselves, for though her auntwas present she was only there for decency's sake. After breakfast weresolved to have a ride, and she changed her clothes before me, but alsobefore her aunt. She first put on her leather breeches, then let herskirts fall, took off her corset, and donned a jacket. With seemingindifference I succeeded in catching a glimpse of a magnificent breast;but the sly puss knew how much my indifference was worth. 

"Will you arrange my frill?" said she. 

This was a warm occupation for me, and I am afraid my hand wasindiscreet. Nevertheless, I thought I detected a fixed design under allthis seeming complaisance, and I was on my guard. 

Her father came up just as we were getting on horseback. 

"If you will buy the phaeton and horses, " said he, "I will abate twentysequins. "

"All that depends on your daughter, " said I. 

We set off at a walk, and Leah told me that she had been imprudent enoughto confess to her father that she could make me buy the carriage, andthat if I did not wish to embroil her with him I would be kind enough topurchase it. 

"Strike the bargain, " said she, "and you can give it me when you are sureof my love. "

"My dear Leah, I am your humble servant, but you know on what condition. "

"I promise to drive out with you whenever you please, without getting outof the carriage, but I know you would not care for that. No, youraffection was only a temporary caprice. "

"To convince you of the contrary I will buy the phaeton and put it in acoach-house. I will see that the horses are taken-care of, though I shallnot use them. But if you do not make me happy in the course of a week Ishall re-sell the whole. "

"Come to us to-morrow. "

"I will do so, but I trust have some pledge of your affection thismorning. "

"This morning? It's impossible. "

"Excuse me; I will go upstairs with you, and you can shew me more thanone kindness while you are undressing. "

We came back, and I was astonished to hear her telling her father thatthe phaeton was mine, and all he had to do was to put in the horses. TheJew grinned, and we all went upstairs, and Leah coolly said, --

"Count out the money. "

"I have not any money about me, but I will write you a cheque, if youlike. "

"Here is paper. "

I wrote a cheque on Zappata for three hundred sequins, payable at sight. The Jew went off to get the money, and Leah remained alone with me. 

"You have trusted me, " she said, "and have thus shewn yourself worthy ofmy love. "

"Then undress, quick!"

"No, my aunt is about the house; and as I cannot shut the door withoutexciting suspicion, she might come in; but I promise that you shall becontent with me tomorrow. Nevertheless, I am going to undress, but youmust go in this closet; you may come back when I have got my woman'sclothes on again. "

I agreed to this arrangement, and she shut me in. I examined the door, and discovered a small chink between the boards. I got on a stool, andsaw Leah sitting on a sofa opposite to me engaged in undressing herself. She took off her shift and wiped her breasts and her feet with a towel, and just as she had taken off her breeches, and was as naked as my hand, one of her rings happened to slip off her finger, and rolled under thesofa. She got up, looked to right and left, and then stooped to searchunder the sofa, and to do this she had to kneel with her head down. Whenshe got back to couch, the towel came again into requisition, and shewiped herself all over in such a manner that all her charms were revealedto my eager eyes. I felt sure that she knew I was a witness of all theseoperations, and she probably guessed what a fire the sight would kindlein my inflammable breast. 

At last her toilette was finished, and she let me out. I clasped her inmy arms, with the words, "I have seen everything. " She pretended not tobelieve me, so I chewed her the chink, and was going to obtain my justdues, when the accursed Moses came in. He must have been blind or hewould have seen the state his daughter had put me in; however, he thankedme, and gave me a receipt for the money, saying, "Everything in my poorhouse is at your service. "

I bade them adieu, and I went away in an ill temper. I got into myphaeton, and drove home and told the coachman to find me a stable for thehorses and a coach-house for the carriage. 

I did not expect to see Leah again, and I felt enraged with her. She hadpleased me only too much by her voluptuous attitudes, but she had set upan irritation wholly hostile to Love. She had made Love a robber, and thehungry boy had consented, but afterwards, when he craved more substantialfare, she refused him, and ardour was succeeded by contempt. Leah did notwant to confess herself to be what she really was, and my love would notdeclare itself knavish. 

I made the acquaintance of an amiable chevalier, a soldier, a man ofletters, and a great lover of horses, who introduced me to severalpleasant families. However, I did not cultivate them, as they onlyoffered me the pleasures of sentiment, while I longed for lustier farefor which I was willing to pay heavily. The Chevalier de Breze was notthe man for me; he was too respectable for a profligate like myself. Hebought the phaeton and horses, and I only lost thirty sequins by thetransaction. 

A certain M. Baretti, who had known me at Aix, and had been the Marquisde Pries croupier, took me to see the Mazzoli, formerly a dancer, andthen mistress to the Chevalier Raiberti, a hardheaded but honest man, whowas then secretary for foreign affairs. Although the Mazzoli was by nomeans pretty, she was extremely complaisant, and had several girls at herhouse for me to see; but I did not think any of them worthy of occupyingLeah's place. I fancied I no longer loved Leah, but I was wrong. 

The Chevalier Cocona, who had the misfortune to be suffering from avenereal disease, gave me up his mistress, a pretty little 'soubrette';but in spite of the evidence of my own eyes, and in spite of theassurances she gave me, I could not make up my mind to have her, and myfear made me leave her untouched. Count Trana, a brother of thechevalier's whom I had known at Aix, introduced me to Madame de Sc----, alady of high rank and very good-looking, but she tried to involve me in acriminal transaction, and I ceased to call on her. Shortly after, CountTrana's uncle died and he became rich and got married, but he lived anunhappy life. 

I was getting bored, and Desarmoises, who had all his meals with me, didnot know what to do. At last he advised me to make the acquaintance of acertain Madame R----, a Frenchwoman, and well known in Turin as amilliner and dressmaker. She had six or eight girls working for her in aroom adjoining her shop. Desarmoises thought that if I got in there Imight possibly be able to find one to my taste. As my purse was wellfurnished I thought I should not have much difficulty, so I called onMadame R----. I was agreeably surprised to find Leah there, bargainingfor a quantity of articles, all of which she pronounced to be too dear. She told me kindly but reproachfully that she had thought I must be ill. 

"I have been very busy, " I said; and felt all my old ardour revive. Sheasked me to come to a Jewish wedding, where there would be a good manypeople and several pretty girls. I knew that ceremonies of this kind arevery amusing, and I promised to be present. She proceeded with herbargaining, but the price was still too high and she left the shop. Madame R---- was going to put back all the trifles in their places, but Isaid, --

"I will take the lot myself. "

She smiled, and I drew out my purse and paid the money. 

"Where do you live, sir?" said she; "and when shall I send you yourpurchases?"

"You may bring them to-morrow yourself, and do me the honour ofbreakfasting with me. "

"I can never leave the shop, sir. " In spite of her thirty-five years, Madame R---- was still what would be called a tasty morsel, and she hadtaken my fancy. 

"I want some dark lace, " said I. 

"Then kindly follow me, sir. "

I was delighted when I entered the room to see a lot of young work-girls, all charming, hard at work, and scarcely daring to look at me. MadameR---- opened several cupboards, and showed me some magnificent lace. I wasdistracted by the sight of so many delicious nymphs, and I told her thatI wanted the lace for two 'baoutes' in the Venetian style. She knew whatI meant. The lace cost me upwards of a hundred sequins. Madame R---- toldtwo of her girls to bring me the lace the next day, together with thegoods which Leah had thought too dear. They meekly replied, --

"Yes, mother. "

They rose and kissed the mother's hand, which I thought a ridiculousceremony; however, it gave me an opportunity of examining them, and Ithought them delicious. We went back to the shop, and sitting down by thecounter I enlarged on the beauty of the girls, adding, though not withstrict truth, that I vastly preferred their mistress. She thanked me forthe compliment and told me plainly that she had a lover, and soon afternamed him. He was the Comte de St. Giles, an infirm and elderly man, andby no means a model lover. I thought Madame R---- was jesting, but nextday I ascertained that she was speaking the truth. Well, everyone to histaste, and I suspect that she was more in love with the count's pursethan his person. I had met him at the "Exchange" coffeehouse. 

The next day the two pretty milliners brought me my goods. I offered themchocolate, but they firmly and persistently declined. The fancy took meto send them to Leah with all the things she had chosen, and I bade themreturn and tell me what sort of a reception they had had. They said theywould do so, and waited for me to write her a note. 

I could not give them the slightest mark of affection. I dared not shutthe door, and the mistress and the ugly young woman of the house keptgoing and coming all the time; but when they came back I waited for themon the stairs, and giving them a sequin each told each of them that shemight command my heart if she would. Leah had accepted my handsomepresent and sent to say that she was waiting for me. 

As I was walking aimlessly about in the afternoon I happened to pass themilliner's shop, and Madame R---- saw me and made me come in and sit downbeside her. 

"I am really much obliged to you, " said she, "for your kindness to mygirls. They came home enchanted. Tell me frankly whether you are reallyin love with the pretty Jewess. "

"I am really in love with her, but as she will not make me happy I havesigned my own dismissal. "

"You were quite right. All Leah thinks of is duping those who arecaptivated by her charms. "

"Do not your charming apprentices follow your maxims?"

"No; but they are only complaisant when I give them leave. "

"Then I commend myself to your intercession, for they would not even takea cup of chocolate from me. "

"They were perfectly right not to accept your chocolate: but I see you donot know the ways of Turin. Do you find yourself comfortable in yourpresent lodging?"

"Quite so. "

"Are you perfectly free to do what you like?"

"I think so. "

"Can you give supper to anyone you like in your own rooms? I am certainyou can't. "

"I have not had the opportunity of trying the experiment so far, but Ibelieve . . . . "

"Don't flatter yourself by believing anything; that house is full of thespies of the police. "

"Then you think that I could not give you and two or three of your girlsa little supper?"

"I should take very good care not to go to it, that's all I know. By nextmorning it would be known to all the town, and especially to the police. "

"Well, supposing I look out for another lodging?"

"It's the same everywhere. Turin is a perfect nest of spies; but I doknow a house where you could live at ease, and where my girls mightperhaps be able to bring you your purchases. But we should have to bevery careful. "

"Where is the house I will be guided by you in everything. "

"Don't trust a Piedmontese; that's the first commandment here. "

She then gave me the address of a small furnished house, which was onlyinhabited by an old door-keeper and his wife. 

"They will let it you by the month, " said she, "and if you pay a month inadvance you need not even tell them your name. "

I found the house to be a very pretty one, standing in a lonely street atabout two hundred paces from the citadel. One gate, large enough to admita carriage, led into the country. I found everything to be as MadameR---- had described it. I paid a month in advance without any bargaining, and in a day I had settled in my new lodging. Madame R---- admired mycelerity. 

I went to the Jewish wedding and enjoyed myself, for there is somethingat once solemn and ridiculous about the ceremony; but I resisted allLeah's endeavours to get me once more into her meshes. . I hired a closecarriage from her father, which with the horses I placed in thecoach-house and stables of my new house. Thus I was absolutely free to gowhenever I would by night or by day, for I was at once in the town and inthe country. I was obliged to tell the inquisitive Gama where I wasliving, and I hid nothing from Desarmoises, whose needs made himaltogether dependent on me. Nevertheless I gave orders that my door wasshut to them as to everyone else, unless I had given special instructionsthat they were to be admitted. I had no reason to doubt the fidelity ofmy two servants. 

In this blissful abode I enjoyed all Mdlle. R----'s girls, one after theother. The one I wanted always brought a companion, whom I usually sentback after giving her a slice of the cake. The last of them, whose namewas Victorine, as fair as day and as soft as a dove, had the misfortuneto be tied, though she knew nothing about it. Mdlle. R----, who wasequally ignorant on the subject, had represented her to me as a virgin, and so I thought her for two long hours in which I strove with might andmain to break the charm, or rather open the shell. All my efforts were invain. I was exhausted at last, and I wanted to see in what the obstacleconsisted. I put her in the proper position, and armed with a candle Ibegan my scrutiny. I found a fleshy membrane pierced by so small a holethat large pin's head could scarcely have gone through. Victorineencouraged me to force a passage with my little finger, but in vain Itried to pierce this wall, which nature had made impassable by allordinary means. I was tempted to see what I could do with a bistoury, andthe girl wanted me to try, but I was afraid of the haemorrhage whichmight have been dangerous, and I wisely refrained. 

Poor Victorine, condemned to die a maid, unless some clever surgeonperformed the same operation that was undergone by Mdlle. Cheruffinishortly after M. Lepri married her, wept when I said, --

"My dear child, your little Hymen defies the most vigorous lover to enterhis temple. "

But I consoled her by saying that a good surgeon could easily make aperfect woman of her. 

In the morning I told Madame R---- of the case. 

She laughed and said, --

"It may prove a happy accident for Victorine; it may make her fortune. "

A few years after the Count of Padua had her operated on, and made herfortune. When I came back from Spain I found that she was with child, sothat I could not exact the due reward for all the trouble I had takenwith her. 

Early in the morning on Maunday Thursday they told me that Moses and Leahwanted to see me. I had not expected to see them, but I welcomed themwarmly. Throughout Holy Week the Jews dared not shew themselves in thestreets of Turin, and I advised them to stay with me till the Saturday. Moses began to try and get me to purchase a ring from him, and I judgedfrom that that I should not have to press them very much. 

"I can only buy this ring from Leah's hands, " said I. 

He grinned, thinking doubtless that I intended to make her a present ofit, but I was resolved to disappoint him. I gave them a magnificentdinner and supper, and in the evening they were shewn a double-beddedroom not far from mine. I might have put them in different rooms, andLeah in a room adjoining mine, which would have facilitated any nocturnalexcursions; but after all I had done for her I was resolved to owenothing to a surprise; she should come of herself. 

The next day Moses (who noticed that I had not yet bought the ring) wasobliged to go out on business, and asked for the loan of my carriage forthe whole day, telling me that he would come for his daughter in theevening. I had the horses harnessed, and when he was gone I bought thering for six hundred sequins, but on my own terms. I was in my own house, and Leah could not deceive me. As soon as the father was safely out ofthe way I possessed myself of the daughter. She proved a docile andamorous subject the whole day. I had reduced her to a state of nature, and though her body was as perfect as can well be imagined I used it andabused it in every way imaginable. In the evening her father found herlooking rather tired, but he seemed as pleased as I was. Leah was notquite so well satisfied, for till the moment of their departure she wasexpecting me to give her the ring, but I contented myself with sayingthat I should like to reserve myself the pleasure of taking it to her. 

On Easter Monday a man brought me a note summoning me to appear at thepolice office. 

CHAPTER XII

My Victory Over the Deputy Chief of Police--MyDeparture--Chamberi--Desarmoises's Daughter--M. Morin--M * * * M * **--At Aix--The Young Boarder--Lyons--Paris

This citation, which did not promise to lead to anything agreeable, surprised and displeased me exceedingly. However, I could not avoid it, so I drove to the office of the deputy-superintendent of police. I foundhim sitting at a long table, surrounded by about a score of people in astanding posture. He was a man of sixty, hideously ugly, his enormousnose half destroyed by an ulcer hidden by a large black silk plaster, hismouth of huge dimensions, his lips thick, with small green eyes andeyebrows which had partly turned white. As soon as this disgusting fellowsaw me, he began, --

"You are the Chevalier de Seingalt?"

"That is my name, and I have come here to ask how I can oblige you?"

"I have summoned you here to order you to leave the place in three daysat latest. "

"And as you have no right to give such an order, I have come here to tellyou that I shall go when I please, and not before. "

"I will expel you by force. "

"You may do that whenever you please. I cannot resist force, but I trustyou will give the matter a second thought; for in a well-ordered citythey do not expel a man who has committed no crimes, and has a balance ofa hundred thousand francs at the bank. "

"Very good, but in three days you have plenty of time to pack up andarrange matters with your banker. I advise you to obey, as the commandcomes from the king. "

"If I were to leave the town I should become accessory to your injustice!I will not obey, but since you mention the king's name, I will go to hismajesty at once, and he will deny your words or revoke the unjust orderyou have given me with such publicity. "

"Pray, does not the king possess the power to make you go?"

"Yes, by force, but not by justice. He has also the power to kill me, buthe would have to provide the executioner, as he could not make me commitsuicide. "

"You argue well, but nevertheless you will obey. "

"I argue well, but I did not learn the art from you, and I will notobey. "

With these words I turned my back on him, and left without another word. 

I was in a furious rage. I felt inclined to offer overt resistance to allthe myrmidons of the infamous superintendent. Nevertheless I soon calmedmyself, and summoning prudence to my aid I remembered the ChevalierRaiberti, whom I had seen at his mistress's house, and I decided onasking his advice. He was the chief permanent official in the departmentof foreign affairs. I told the coachman to drive to his house, and Irecounted to him the whole tale, saying, finally, that I should like tospeak to the king, as I was resolved that I would not go unless I wasforced to do so. The worthy man advised me to go to the Chevalier Osorio, the principal secretary for foreign affairs, who could always get anaudience of the king. I was pleased with his advice, and I wentimmediately to the minister, who was a Sicilian and a man of parts. Hegave me a very good reception, and after I had informed him of thecircumstances of the case I begged him to communicate the matter to hismajesty, adding that as the superintendent's order appeared horriblyunjust to me I was resolved not to obey it unless compelled to do so bymain force. He promised to oblige me in the way I wished, and told me tocall again the next day. 

After leaving him I took a short walk to cool myself, and then went tothe Abbe Gama, hoping to be the first to impart my ridiculous adventureto him. I was disappointed; he already knew that I had been ordered togo, and how I had answered the superintendent. When he saw that Ipersisted in my determination to resist, he did not condemn my firmness, though he must have thought it very extraordinary, for the good abbecould not understand anybody's disobeying the order of the authorities. He assured me that if I had to go he would send me the necessaryinstructions to any address I liked to name. 

The next day the Chevalier Osorio received me with the utmost politeness, which I thought a good omen. The Chevalier Raiberti had spoken to him inmy behalf, and he had laid the matter before the king and also before theCount d'Aglie, and the result was that I could stay as long as I liked. The Count d'Aglie was none other than the horrible superintendent. I wastold that I must wait on him, and he would give me leave to remain atTurin till my affairs were settled. 

"My only business here, " said I, "is to spend my money till I haveinstructions from the Court of Portugal to attend the Congress ofAugsburg on behalf of his most faithful majesty. "

"Then you think that this Congress will take place?"

"Nobody doubts it. "

"Somebody believes it will all end in smoke. However, I am delighted tohave been of service to you, and I shall be curious to hear what sort ofreception you get from the superintendent. "

I felt ill at ease. I went to the police office immediately, glad to shewmyself victorious, and anxious to see how the superintendent would lookwhen I came in. However, I could not flatter myself that he lookedashamed of himself; these people have a brazen forehead, and do not knowwhat it is to blush. 

As soon as he saw me, he began, --

"The Chevalier Osorio tells me that you have business in Turin which willkeep you for some days. You may therefore stay, but you must tell me asnearly as possible how long a time you require. "

"I cannot possibly tell you that. "

"Why? if you don't mind telling me. "

"I am awaiting instructions from the Court of Portugal to attend theCongress to be held at Augsburg, and before I could tell you how long Ishall have to stay I should be compelled to ask his most faithfulmajesty. If this time is not sufficient for me to do my business, I willintimate the fact to you. "

"I shall be much obliged by your doing so. "

This time I made him a bow, which was returned, and on leaving the officeI returned to the Chevalier Osorio, who said, with a smile, that I hadcaught the superintendent, as I had taken an indefinite period, whichleft me quite at my ease. 

The diplomatic Gama, who firmly believed that the Congress would meet, was delighted when I told him that the Chevalier Osorio was incredulouson the subject. He was charmed to think his wit keener than theminister's; it exalted him in his own eyes. I told him that whatever thechevalier might say I would go to Augsburg, and that I would set out inthree or four weeks. 

Madame R. Congratulated me over and over again, for she was enchantedthat I had humiliated the superintendent; but all the same we thought wehad better give up our little suppers. As I had had a taste of all hergirls, this was not such a great sacrifice for me to make. 

I continued thus till the middle of May, when I left Turin, afterreceiving letters from the Abbe Gama to Lord Stormont, who was torepresent England at the approaching Congress. It was with this noblemanthat I was to work in concert at the Congress. 

Before going to Germany I wanted to see Madame d'Urfe, and I wrote toher, asking her to send me a letter of introduction to M. De Rochebaron, who might be useful to me. I also asked M. Raiberti to give me a letterfor Chamberi, where I wanted to visit the divine M---- M---- (of whom Istill thought with affection) at her convent grating. I wrote to myfriend Valenglard, asking him to remind Madame Morin that she hadpromised to shew me a likeness to somebody at Chamberi. 

But here I must note down an event worthy of being recorded, which wasextremely prejudicial to me. 

Five or six days before my departure Desarmoises came to me looking verydowncast, and told me that he had been ordered to leave Turin intwenty-four hours. 

"Do you know why?" I asked him. 

"Last night when I was at the coffee-house, Count Scarnafis dared to saythat France subsidised the Berne newspapers. I told him he lied, at whichhe rose and left the place in a rage, giving me a glance the meaning ofwhich is not doubtful. I followed him to bring him to reason or to givehim satisfaction; but he would do nothing and I suspect he went to thepolice to complain. I shall have to leave Turin early to-morrow morning. "

"You're a Frenchman, and as you can claim the protection of yourambassador you will be wrong to leave so suddenly. "

"In the first place the ambassador is away, and in the second my cruelfather disavows me. No, I would rather go, and wait for you at Lyons. AllI want is for you to lend me a hundred crowns, for which I will give youan account. "

"It will be an easy account to keep, " said I, "but a long time before itis settled. "

"Possibly; but if it is in my power I will shew my gratitude for thekindnesses you have done me. "

I gave him a hundred crowns and wished him a pleasant journey, tellinghim that I should stop some time at Lyons. 

I got a letter of credit on an Augsburg house, and three days after Ileft Turin I was at Chamberi. There was only one inn there in those days, so I was not much puzzled to choose where I would go, but for all that Ifound myself very comfortable. 

As I entered my room, I was struck by seeing an extremely pretty girlcoming out of an adjacent room. 

"Who is that young lady?" said I to the chambermaid who was escorting me. 

"That's the wife of a young gentleman who has to keep his bed to getcured of a sword-thrust which he received four days ago on his way fromFrance. "

I could not look at her without feeling the sting of concupiscence. As Iwas leaving my room I saw the door half open, and I stopped short andoffered my services as a neighbour. She thanked me politely, and asked mein. I saw a handsome young man sitting up in bed, so I went up to enquirehow he felt. 

"The doctor will not let him talk, " said the young lady, "on account of asword-thrust in the chest he received at half a league from here. We hopehe will be all right in a few days, and then we can continue ourjourney. "

"Where are you going, madam?"

"To Geneva. "

Just as I was leaving, a maid came to ask me if I would take supper in myown room or with the lady. I laughed at her stupidity, and said I wouldsup in my own apartment, adding that I had not the honour of the lady'sacquaintance. 

At this the young lady said it would give her great pleasure if I wouldsup with her, and the husband repeated this assurance in a whisper. Iaccepted the invitation gratefully, and I thought that they were reallypleased. The lady escorted me out as far as the stairs, and I took theliberty of kissing her hand, which in France is a declaration of tenderthough respectful affection. 

At the post-office I found a letter from Valenglard, telling me thatMadame Morin would wait on me at Chamberi if I would send her a carriage, and another from Desarmoises dated from Lyons. He told me that as he wason his way from Chamberi he had encountered his daughter in company witha rascal who had carried her off. He had buried his sword in his body, and would have killed them if he had been able to stop their carriage. Hesuspected that they had been staying in Chamberi, and he begged me to tryand persuade his daughter to return to Lyons; and he added that if shewould not do so I ought to oblige him by sending her back by force. Heassured me that they were not married, and he begged me to answer hisletter by express, for which purpose he sent me his address. 

I guessed at once that this daughter of his was my fair neighbour, but Idid not feel at all inclined to come to the aid of the father in the wayhe wished. 

As soon as I got back to the inn I sent off Le Duc in a travellingcarriage to Madame Morin, whom I informed by letter that as I was only atChamberi for her sake I would await her convenience. This done, Iabandoned myself to the delight I felt at the romantic adventure whichfortune had put in my way. 

I repeated Mdlle. Desarmoises and her ravisher, and I did not care toenquire whether I was impelled in what I did by virtue or vice; but Icould not help perceiving that my motives were of a mixed nature; for ifI were amorous, I was also very glad to be of assistance to two younglovers, and all the more from my knowledge of the father's criminalpassion. 

On entering their room I found the invalid in the surgeon's hands. Hepronounced the wound not to be dangerous, in spite of its depth;suppuration had taken place without setting up inflammation--in short, the young man only wanted time and rest. When the doctor had gone Icongratulated the patient on his condition, advising him to be carefulwhat he ate, and to keep silent. I then gave Mdlle. Desarmoises herfather's letter, and I said farewell for the present, telling them that Iwould go to my own room till supper-time. I felt sure that she would comeand speak to me after reading her father's letter. 

In a quarter of an hour she knocked timidly at my door, and when I lether in she gave me back the letter and asked me what I thought of doing. 

"Nothing. I shall be only too happy, however, if I can be of any serviceto you. "

"Ah! I breathe again!"

"Could you imagine me pursuing any other line of conduct? I am muchinterested in you, and will do all in my power to help you. Are youmarried?"

"Not yet, but we are going to be married when we get to Geneva. "

"Sit down and tell me all about yourself. I know that your father isunhappily in love with you, and that you avoid his attentions. "

"He has told you that much? I am glad of it. A year ago he came to Lyons, and as soon as I knew he was in the town I took refuge with a friend ofmy mother's, for I was aware that I could not stay in the same house withmy father for an hour without exposing myself to the most horribleoutrage. The young man in bed is the son of a rich Geneva merchant. Myfather introduced him to me two years ago, and we soon fell in love witheach other. My father went away to Marseilles, and my lover asked mymother to give me in marriage to him; but she did not feel authorized todo so without my father's consent. She wrote and asked him, but hereplied that he would announce his decision when he returned to Lyons. Mylover went to Geneva, and as his father approved of the match he returnedwith all the necessary documents and a strong letter of commendation fromM. Tolosan. When my father came to Lyons I escaped, as I told you, and mylover got M. Tolosan to ask my hand for him of my father. His reply was, 'I can give no answer till she returns to my house!'

"M. Tolosan brought this reply to me, and I told him that I was ready toobey if my mother would guarantee my safety. She replied, however, thatshe knew her husband too well to dare to have us both under the sameroof. Again did M. Tolosan endeavour to obtain my father's consent, butto no purpose. A few days after he left Lyons, telling us that he wasfirst going to Aix and then to Turin, and as it was evident that he wouldnever give his consent my lover proposed that I should go off with him, promising to marry me as soon as we reached Geneva. By ill luck wetravelled through Savoy, and thus met my father. As soon as he saw us hestopped the carriage and called to me to get out. I began to shriek, andmy lover taking me in his arms to protect me my father stabbed him in thechest. No doubt he would have killed him, but seeing that my shrieks werebringing people to our rescue, and probably believing that my lover wasas good as dead, he got on horseback again and rode off at full speed. Ican chew you the sword still covered with blood. "

"I am obliged to answer this letter of his, and I am thinking how I canobtain his consent. "

"That's of no consequence; we can marry and be happy without it. "

"True, but you ought not to despise your dower. "

"Good heavens! what dower? He has no money!"

"But on the death of his father, the Marquis Desarmoises . . . . "

"That's all a lie. My father has only a small yearly pension for havingserved thirty years as a Government messenger. His father has been deadthese thirty years, and my mother and my sister only live by the workthey do. "

I was thunderstruck at the impudence of the fellow, who, after imposingon me so long, had himself put me in a position to discover his deceit. Isaid nothing. Just then we were told that supper was ready, and we sat attable for three hours talking the matter over. The poor wounded man hadonly to listen to me to know my feelings on the subject. His youngmistress, as witty as she was pretty, jested on the foolish passion ofher father, who had loved her madly ever since she was eleven. 

"And you were always able to resist his attempts?" said I. 

"Yes, whenever he pushed things too far. "

"And how long did this state of things continue?"

"For two years. When I was thirteen he thought I was ripe, and tried togather the fruit; but I began to shriek, and escaped from his bed starknaked, and I went to take refuge with my mother, who from that day forthwould not let me sleep with him again. "

"You used to sleep with him? How could your mother allow it?"

"She never thought that there was anything criminal in his affection forme, and I knew nothing about it. I thought that what he did to me, andwhat he made me do to him, were mere trifles. "

"But you have saved the little treasure?"

"I have kept it for my lover. "

The poor lover, who was suffering more from the effects of hunger thanfrom his wounds, laughed at this speech of hers, and she ran to him andcovered his face with kisses. All this excited me intensely. Her storyhad been told with too much simplicity not to move me, especially when Ihad her before my eyes, for she possessed all the attractions which awoman can have, and I almost forgave her father for forgetting she washis daughter and falling in love with her. 

When she escorted me back to my room I made her feel my emotion, and shebegan to laugh; but as my servants were close by I was obliged to let hergo. 

Early next morning I wrote to her father that his daughter had resolvednot to leave her lover, who was only slightly wounded, that they were inperfect safety and under the protection of the law at Chamberi, andfinally that having heard their story, and judging them to be wellmatched, I could only approve of the course they had taken. When I hadfinished I went into their room and gave them the letter to read, andseeing the fair runaway at a loss how to express her 'gratitude, I beggedthe invalid to let me kiss her. 

"Begin with me, " said he, opening his arms. 

My hypocritical love masked itself under the guise of paternal affection. I embraced the lover, and then more amorously I performed the same officefor the mistress, and skewed them my purse full of gold, telling them itwas at their service. While this was going on the surgeon came in, and Iretired to my room. 

At eleven o'clock Madame Morin and her daughter arrived, preceded by LeDuc on horseback, who announced their approach by numerous smacks of hiswhip. I welcomed her with open arms, thanking her for obliging me. 

The first piece of news she gave me was that Mdlle. Roman had becomemistress to Louis XV. , that she lived in a beautiful house at Passi, andthat she was five months gone with child. Thus she was in a fair way tobecome queen of France, as my divine oracle had predicted. 

"At Grenoble, " she added, "you are the sole topic of conversation; and Iadvise you not to go there unless you wish to settle in the country, forthey would never let you go. You would have all the nobility at yourfeet, and above all, the ladies anxious to know the lot of theirdaughters. Everybody believes in judicial astrology now, and Valenglardtriumphs. He has bet a hundred Louis to fifty that my niece will bedelivered of a young prince, and he is certain of winning; though to besure, if he loses, everybody will laugh at him. "

"Don't be afraid of his losing. "

"Is it quite certain?"

"Has not the horoscope proved truthful in the principal particular? Ifthe other circumstances do not follow, I must have made a great mistakein my calculations. "

"I am delighted to hear you say so. "

"I am going to Paris and I hope you will give me a letter of introductionto Madame Varnier, so that I may have the pleasure of seeing your niece. "

"You shall have the letter to-morrow without fail. "

I introduced Mdlle. Desarmoises to her under the family name of herlover, and invited her to dine with Madame Morin and myself. After dinnerwe went to the convent, and M---- M---- came down very surprised at thisunexpected visit from her aunt; but when she saw me she had need of allher presence of mind. When her aunt introduced me to her by name, sheobserved with true feminine tact that during her stay at Aix she had seenme five or six times at the fountain, but that I could not remember herfeatures as she had always worn her veil. I admired her wit as much asher exquisite features. I thought she had grown prettier than ever, andno doubt my looks told her as much. We spent an hour in talking aboutGrenoble and her old friends, whom she gladly recalled to her memory, andthen she went to fetch a young girl who was boarding at the convent, whomshe liked and wanted to present to her aunt. 

I seized the opportunity of telling Madame Morin that I was astonished atthe likeness, that her very voice was like that of my VenetianM---- M----, and I begged her to obtain me the privilege of breakfastingwith her niece the next day, and of presenting her with a dozen pounds ofcapital chocolate. I had brought it with me from Genoa. 

"You must make her the present yourself, " said Madame Morin, "for thoughshe's a nun she's a woman, and we women much prefer a present from aman's than from a woman's hand. "

M---- M---- returned with the superior of the convent, two other nuns, andthe young boarder, who came from Lyons, and was exquisitely beautiful. Iwas obliged to talk to all the nuns, and Madame Morin told her niece thatI wanted her to try some excellent chocolate I had brought from Genoa, but that I hoped her lay-sister would make it. 

"Sir, " said M---- M----, "kindly send me the chocolate, and to-morrow wewill breakfast together with these dear sisters. "

As soon as I got back to my inn I sent the chocolate with a respectfulnote, and I took supper in Madame Morin's room with her daughter andMdlle. Desarmoises, of whom I was feeling more and more amorous, but Italked of M---- M---- all the time, and I could see that the aunt suspectedthat the pretty nun was not altogether a stranger to me. 

I breakfasted at the convent and I remember that the chocolate, thebiscuits, and the sweetmeats were served with a nicety which savouredsomewhat of the world. When we had finished breakfast I toldM---- M---- that she would not find it so easy to give me a dinner, withtwelve persons sitting down to table, but I added that half the companycould be in the convent and half in the parlour, separated from theconvent by a light grating. 

"It's a sight I should like to see, " said I, "if you will allow me to payall expenses. "

"Certainly, " replied M---- M----, and this dinner was fixed for the nextday. 

M---- M---- took charge of the whole thing, and promised to ask six nuns. Madame Morin, who knew my tastes, told her to spare nothing, and I warnedher that I would send in the necessary wines. 

I escorted Madame Morin, her daughter, and Mdlle. Desarmoises back to thehotel, and I then called on M. Magnan, to whom I had been recommended bythe Chevalier Raiberti. I asked him to get me some of the best wine, andhe took me down to his cellar, and told me to take what I liked. Hiswines proved to be admirable. 

This M. Magnan was a clever man, of a pleasant appearance, and verycomfortably off. He occupied an extremely large and convenient houseoutside the town, and there his agreeable wife dispensed hospitality. Shehad ten children, amongst whom there were four pretty daughters; theeldest, who was nineteen, was especially good-looking. 

We went to the convent at eleven o'clock, and after an hour'sconversation we were told that dinner was ready. The table wasbeautifully laid, covered with a fair white cloth, and adorned with vasesfilled with artificial flowers so strongly scented that the air of theparlour was quite balmy. The fatal grill was heavier than I had hoped. Ifound myself seated to the left of M---- M----, and totally unable to seeher. The fair Desarmoises was at my right, and she entertained us all thetime with her amusing stories. 

We in the parlour were waited on by Le Duc and Costa, and the nuns wereserved by their lay-sisters. The abundant provision, the excellent wines, the pleasant though sometimes equivocal conversation, kept us all merrilyemployed for three hours. Mirth had the mastery over reason, or, to speakmore plainly, we were all drunk; and if it had not been for the fatalgrill, I could have had the whole eleven ladies without much trouble. Theyoung Desarmoises was so gay, indeed, that if I had not restrained hershe would probably have scandalised all the nuns, who would have likednothing better. I was longing to have her to myself, that I might quenchthe flame she had kindled in my breast, and I had no doubt of my successon the first attempt. After coffee had been served, we went into anotherparlour and stayed there till night came on. Madame Morin took leave ofher niece, and the hand-shakings, thanks, and promises of remembrancebetween me and the nuns, lasted for a good quarter of an hour. After Ihad said aloud to M---- M---- that I hoped to have the pleasure of seeingher before I left, we went back to the inn in high good humour with ourcurious party which I still remember with pleasure. 

Madame Morin gave me a letter for her cousin Madame Varnier, and Ipromised to write to her from Paris, and tell her all about the fairMdlle. Roman. I presented the daughter with a beautiful pair ofear-rings, and I gave Madame Morin twelve pounds of good chocolate whichM. Magnan got me, and which the lady thought had come from Genoa. Shewent off at eight o'clock preceded by Le Duc, who had orders to greet thedoorkeeper's family on my behalf. 

At Magnan's I had a dinner worthy of Lucullus, and I promised to staywith him whenever I passed Chamberi, which promise I have faithfullyperformed. 

On leaving the gourmand's I went to the convent, and M---- M---- came downalone to the grating. She thanked me for coming to see her, and addedthat I had come to disturb her peace of mind. 

"I am quite ready, dearest, to climb the harden wall, and I shall do itmore dexterously than your wretched humpback. "

"Alas! that may not be, for, trust me, you are already spied upon. Everybody here is sure that we knew each other at Aix. Let us forget all, and thus spare ourselves the torments of vain desires. "

"Give me your hand. "

"No. All is over. I love you still, probably I shall always love you; butI long for you to go, and by doing so, you will give me a proof of yourlove. "

"This is dreadful; you astonish me. You appear to me in perfect health, you are prettier than ever, you are made for the worship of the sweetestof the gods, and I can't understand how, with a temperament like yours, you can live in continual abstinence. "

"Alas! lacking the reality we console ourselves by pretending. I will notconceal from you that I love my young boarder. It is an innocent passion, and keeps my mind calm. Her caresses quench the flame which wouldotherwise kill me. "

"And that is not against your conscience?"

"I do not feel any distress on the subject. "

"But you know it is a sin. "

"Yes, so I confess it. "

"And what does the confessor say?"

"Nothing. He absolves me, and I am quite content:"

"And does the pretty boarder confess, too?"

"Certainly, but she does not tell the father of a matter which she thinksis no sin. "

"I wonder the confessor has not taught her, for that kind of instructionis a great pleasure. "

"Our confessor is a wise old man. "

"Am I to leave you, then, without a single kiss?"

"Not one. "

"May I come again to-morrow? I must go the day after. "

"You may come, but I cannot see you by myself as the nuns might talk. Iwill bring my little one with me to save appearances. Come after dinner, but into the other parlour. "

If I had not known M---- M---- at Aix, her religious ideas would haveastonished me; but such was her character. She loved God, and did notbelieve that the kind Father who made us with passions would be toosevere because we had not the strength to subdue them. I returned to theinn, feeling vexed that the pretty nun would have no more to do with me, but sure of consolation from the fair Desarmoises. 

I found her sitting on her lover's bed; his poor diet and the fever hadleft him in a state of great weakness. She told me that she would sup inmy room to leave him in quiet, and the worthy young man shook my hand intoken of his gratitude. 

As I had a good dinner at Magnan's I ate very little supper, but mycompanion who had only had a light meal ate and drank to an amazingextent. I gazed at her in a kind of wonder, and she enjoyed myastonishment. When my servants had left the room I challenged her todrink a bowl of punch with me, and this put her into a mood which askedfor nothing but laughter, and which laughed to find itself deprived ofreasoning power. Nevertheless, I cannot accuse myself of taking anadvantage of her condition, for in her voluptuous excitement she enteredeagerly into the pleasure to which I excited her till two o'clock in themorning. By the time we separated we were both of us exhausted. 

I slept till eleven, and when I went to wish her good day I found hersmiling and as fresh as a rose. I asked her how she had passed the restof the night. 

"Very pleasantly, " said she, "like the beginning of the night. "

"What time would you like to have dinner?"

"I won't dine; I prefer to keep my appetite for supper. "

Here her lover joined in, saying in a weak voice, --

"It is impossible to keep up with her. "

"In eating or drinking?" I asked. 

"In eating, drinking, and in other things, " he replied, with a smile. Shelaughed, and kissed him affectionately. 

This short dialogue convinced me that Mdlle. Desarmoises must adore herlover; for besides his being a handsome young man, his disposition wasexactly suitable to hers. I dined by myself, and Le Duc came in as I washaving dessert. He told me that the door-keeper's daughters and theirpretty cousin had made him wait for them to write to me, and he gave methree letters and three dozen of gloves which they had presented me. Theletters urged me to come and spend a month with them, and gave me tounderstand that I should be well pleased with my treatment. I had not thecourage to return to a town, where with my reputation I should have beenobliged to draw horoscopes for all the young ladies or to make enemies byrefusing. 

After I had read the letters from Grenoble I went to the convent andannounced my presence, and then entered the parlour which M---- M---- hadindicated. She soon came down with the pretty boarder, who feeblysustained my part in her amorous ecstacies. She had not yet completed hertwelfth year, but she was extremely tall and well developed for her age. Gentleness, liveliness, candour, and wit were united in her features, andgave her expression an exquisite charm. She wore a well-made corset whichdisclosed a white throat, to which the fancy easily added the two sphereswhich would soon appear there. Her entrancing face, her raven locks, andher ivory throat indicated what might be concealed, and my vagrantimagination made her into a budding Venus. I began by telling her thatshe was very pretty, and would make her future husband a happy man. Iknew she would blush at that. It may be cruel, but it is thus that thelanguage of seduction always begins. A girl of her age who does not blushat the mention of marriage is either an idiot or already an expert inprofligacy. In spite of this, however, the blush which mounts to a younggirl's cheek at the approach of such ideas is a puzzling problem. Whencedoes it arise? It may be from pure simplicity, it may be from shame, andoften from a mixture of both feelings. Then comes the fight between viceand virtue, and it is usually virtue which has to give in. Thedesires--the servants of vice--usually attain their ends. As I knew theyoung boarder from M---- M----'s description, I could not be ignorant ofthe source of those blushes which added a fresh attraction to heryouthful charms. 

Pretending not to notice anything, I talked to M---- M---- for a fewmoments, and then returned to the assault. She had regained her calm. 

"What age are you, pretty one?" said I. 

"I am thirteen. "

"You are wrong, " said M---- M----, "you have not yet completed yourtwelfth year. "

"The time will come, " said I, "when you will diminish the tale of youryears instead of increasing it. "

"I shall never tell a lie, sir; I am sure of that. "

"So you want to be a nun, do you?"

"I have not yet received my vocation; but even if I live in the world Ineed not be a liar. "

"You are wrong; you will begin to lie as soon as you have a lover. "

"Will my lover tell lies, too?"

"Certainly he will. "

"If the matter were really so, then, I should have a bad opinion of love;but I do not believe it, for I love my sweetheart here, and I neverconceal the truth from her. "

"Yes, but loving a man is a different thing to loving a woman. "

"No, it isn't; it's just the same. "

"Not so, for you do not go to bed with a woman and you do with yourhusband. "

"That's no matter, my love would be the same. "

"What? You would not rather sleep with me than with M---- M----?"

"No, indeed I should not, because you are a man and would see me. "

"You don't want a man to see you, then?"

"No. "

"Do you think you are so ugly, then?"

At this she turned to M---- M---- and said, with evident vexation, "I amnot really ugly, am I?"

"No, darling, " said M---- M----, bursting with laughter, "it is quite theother way; you are very pretty. " With these words she took her on herknee and embraced her tenderly. 

"Your corset is too tight; you can't possibly have such a small waist asthat. "

"You make a mistake, you can put your hand there and see for yourself. "

"I can't believe it. "

M---- M---- then held her close to the grill and told me to see for myself. At the same moment she turned up her dress. 

"You were right, " said I, "and I owe you an apology;" but in my heart Icursed the grating and the chemise. 

"My opinion is, " said I to M---- M----, "that we have here a little boy. "

I did not wait for a reply, but satisfied myself by my sense of touch asto her sex, and I could see that the little one and her governess wereboth pleased that my mind was at rest on the subject. 

I drew my hand away, and the little girl looked at M---- M----, andreassured by her smiling air asked if she might go away for a moment. Imust have reduced her to a state in which a moment's solitude wasnecessary, and I myself was in a very excited condition. 

As soon as she was gone I said to M---- M----, "Do you know that what you have shewn me has made me unhappy?"

"Has it? Why?"

"Because your boarder is charming, and I am longing to enjoy her. "

"I am sorry for that, for you can't possibly go any further; and besides, I know you, and even if you could satisfy your passion without danger toher, I would not give her up to you, you would spoil her. "

"How?"

"Do you think that after enjoying you she would care to enjoy me? Ishould lose too heavily by the comparison. "

"Give me your hand. "

"No. "

"Stay, one moment. "

"I don't want to see anything. "

"Not a little bit?"

"Nothing at all. "

"Are you angry with me, then?"

"Not at all. If you have been pleased I am glad, and if you have filledher with desires she will love me all the better. "

"How pleasant it would be, sweetheart, if we could all three of us betogether alone and at liberty!"

"Yes; but it is impossible. "

"Are you sure that no inquisitive eye is looking upon us?"

"Quite sure. "

"The height of that fatal grill has deprived me of the sight of manycharms. "

"Why didn't you go to the other parlour it is much lower there. "

"Let us go there, then. "

"Not to-day; I should not be able to give any reason for the change. "

"I will come again to-morrow, and start for Lyons in the evening. "

The little boarder came back, and I stood up facing her. I had a numberof beautiful seals and trinkets hanging from my watch-chain, and I hadnot had the time to put myself in a state of perfect decency again. 

She noticed it, and by way of pretext she asked if she might look atthem. 

"As long as you like; you may look at them and touch them as well. "

M---- M---- foresaw what would happen and left the room, saying that shewould soon be back. I had intended to deprive the young boarder of allinterest in my seals by shewing her a curiosity of another kind. She didnot conceal her pleasure in satisfying her inquisitiveness on an objectwhich was quite new to her, and which she was able to examine minutelyfor the first time in her life. But soon an effusion changed hercuriosity into surprise, and I did not interrupt her in her delightedgaze. 

I saw M---- M---- coming back slowly, and I lowered my shirt again, and satdown. My watch and chains were still on the ledge of the grating, andM---- M---- asked her young friend if the trinkets had pleased her. 

"Yes, " she replied, but in a dreamy and melancholy voice. She had learntso much in the course of less than two hours that she had plenty to thinkover. I spent the rest of the day in telling M---- M---- the adventures Ihad encountered since I had left her; but as I had not time to finish mytale I promised to return the next day at the same time. 

The little girl, who had been listening to me all the time, though Iappeared to be only addressing her friend, said that she longed to knowthe end of my adventure with the Duke of Matelone's mistress. 

I supped with the fair Desarmoises, and after giving her sundry proofs ofmy affection till midnight, and telling her that I only stopped on forher sake, I went to bed. 

The next day after dinner I returned to the convent, and having sent upmy name to M---- M---- I entered the room where the grating was moreconvenient. 

Before long M---- M---- arrived alone, but she anticipated my thoughts bytelling me that her pretty friend would soon join her. 

"You have fired her imagination. She has told me all about it, playing athousand wanton tricks, and calling me her dear husband. You have seducedthe girl, and I am very glad you are going or else you would drive hermad. You will see how she has dressed herself. "

"Are you sure of her discretion?"

"Perfectly, but I hope you won't do anything in my presence. When I seethe time coming I will leave the room. "

"You are an angel, dearest, but you might be something better than thatif you would--"

"I want nothing for myself; it is out of the question. "

"You could--"

"No, I will have nothing to do with a pastime which would rekindle firesthat are hardly yet quenched. I have spoken; I suffer, but let us say nomore about it. "

At this moment the young adept came in smiling, with her eyes full offire. She was dressed in a short pelisse, open in front, and anembroidered muslin skirt which did not go beyond her knees. She lookedlike a sylph. 

We had scarcely sat down when she reminded me of the place where my talehad stopped. I continued my recital, and when I was telling them howDonna Lucrezia shewed me Leonilda naked, M---- M---- went out, and the slylittle puss asked me how I assured myself that my daughter was a maid. 

I took bold of her through the fatal grating, against which she placedher pretty body, and shewed her how assured myself of the fact, and thegirl liked it so much that she pressed my hand to the spot. She then gaveme her hand that I might share her pleasure, and whilst this enjoyableoccupation was in progress M---- M---- appeared. My sweetheart saidhastily, --

"Never mind, I told her all about it. She is a good creature and will notbe vexed. " Accordingly M---- M---- pretended not to see anything, and theprecocious little girl wiped her hand in a kind of voluptuous ecstacy, which shewed how well she was pleased. 

I proceeded with my history, but when I came to the episode of the poorgirl who was 'tied', describing all the trouble I had vainly taken withher, the little boarder got so curious that she placed herself in themost seducing attitude so that I might be able to shew her what I did. Seeing this M---- M---- made her escape. 

"Kneel down on the ledge, and leave the rest to me, " said the littlewanton. 

The reader will guess what she meant, and I have no doubt that she wouldhave succeeded in her purpose if the fire which consumed me had notdistilled itself away just at the happy moment. 

The charming novice felt herself sprinkled, but after ascertaining thatnothing more could be done she withdrew in some vexation. My fingers, however, consoled her for the disappointment, and I had the pleasure ofseeing her look happy once more. 

I left these charming creatures in the evening, promising to visit themagain in a year, but as I walked home I could not help reflecting howoften these asylums, supposed to be devoted to chastity and prayer, contain in themselves the hidden germs of corruption. How many a timorousand trustful mother is persuaded that the child of her affection willescape the dangers of the world by taking refuge in the cloister. Butbehind these bolts and bars desires grow to a frenzied extreme; theycrave in vain to be satisfied. 

When I returned to the inn I took leave of the wounded man, whom I washappy to see out of danger. In vain I urged him to make use of my purse;he told me, with an affectionate embrace, that he had sufficient money, and if not, he had only to write to his father. I promised to stop atLyons, and to oblige Desarmoises to desist from any steps he might betaking against them, telling them I had a power over him which wouldcompel him to obey. I kept my word. After we had kissed and saidgood-bye, I took his future bride into my room that we might sup togetherand enjoy ourselves till midnight; but she could not have been verypleased with my farewell salute, for I was only able to prove my love forher once, as M---- M----'s young friend had nearly exhausted me. 

I started at day-break, and the next day I reached the "Hotel du Parc, "at Lyons. I sent for Desarmoises, and told him plainly that hisdaughter's charms had seduced me, that I thought her lover worthy of her, and that I expected him out of friendship for me to consent to themarriage. I went further, and told him that if he did not consent toeverything that very instant I could no longer be his friend, and at thishe gave in. He executed the requisite document in the presence of twowitnesses, and I sent it to Chamberi by an express messenger. 

This false marquis made me dine with him in his poor house. There wasnothing about his younger daughter to remind me of the elder, and hiswife inspired me with pity. Before I left I managed to wrap up six Louisin a piece of paper, and gave it to her without the knowledge of herhusband. A grateful look shewed me how welcome the present was. 

I was obliged to go to Paris, so I gave Desarmoises sufficient money forhim to go to Strasburg, and await me there in company with my Spaniard. 

I thought myself wise in only taking Costa, but the inspiration came frommy evil genius. 

I took the Bourbonnais way, and on the third day I arrived at Paris, andlodged at the Hotel du St. Esprit, in the street of the same name. 

Before going to bed I sent Costa with a note to Madame d'Urfe, promisingto come and dine with her the next day. Costa was a good-looking youngfellow, and as he spoke French badly and was rather a fool I felt surethat Madame d'Urfe would take him for some extraordinary being. She wroteto say that she was impatiently expecting me. 

"How did the lady receive you, Costa?"

"She looked into a mirror, sir, and said some words I could make nothingof; then she went round the room three times burning incense; then shecame up to me with a majestic air and looked me in the face; and at lastshe smiled very pleasantly, and told me to wait for a reply in theante-chamber. "