DoctorGozzi’sgodfather，amanadvancedinage，andineasycircumstances，residinginthecountry，thoughthimself，afterasevereillness，verynearhisend，andsenttothedoctoracarriagewitharequesttocometohimatoncewithhisfather，ashewishedthemtobepresentathisdeath，andtoprayforhisdepartingsoul。
Theoldshoemakerdrainedabottle，donnedhisSundayclothes，andwentoffwithhisson。
Ithoughtthisafavourableopportunityanddeterminedtoimproveit，consideringthatthenightoftheballwastooremotetosuitmyimpatience。IthereforemanagedtotellBettinathatIwouldleaveajarthedoorofmyroom，andthatIwouldwaitforherassoonaseveryoneinthehousehadgonetobed。Shepromisedtocome。Shesleptonthegroundfloorinasmallclosetdividedonlybyapartitionfromherfather’schamber；thedoctorbeingaway，Iwasaloneinthelargeroom。Thethreeboardershadtheirapartmentinadifferentpartofthehouse，andIhadthereforenomishaptofear。
IwasdelightedattheideathatIhadatlastreachedthemomentsoardentlydesired。
TheinstantIwasinmyroomIboltedmydoorandopenedtheoneleadingtothepassage，sothatBettinashouldhaveonlytopushitinordertocomein；Ithenputmylightout，butdidnotundress。
Whenwereadofsuchsituationsinaromancewethinktheyareexaggerated；theyarenotso，andthepassageinwhichAriostorepresentsRogerwaitingforAlcineisabeautifulpicturepaintedfromnature。
UntilmidnightIwaitedwithoutfeelingmuchanxiety；butIheardtheclockstriketwo，three，fouro’clockinthemorningwithoutseeingBettina；mybloodbegantoboil，andIwassooninastateoffuriousrage。Itwassnowinghard，butIshookfrompassionmorethanfromcold。Onehourbeforeday—break，unabletomasteranylongermyimpatience，Imadeupmymindtogodownstairswithbarefeet，soasnottowakethedog，andtoplacemyselfatthebottomofthestairswithinayardofBettina’sdoor，whichoughttohavebeenopenedifshehadgoneoutofherroom。Ireachedthedoor；itwasclosed，andasitcouldbelockedonlyfrominsideIimaginedthatBettinahadfallenasleep。Iwasonthepointofknockingatthedoor，butwaspreventedbyfearofrousingthedog，asfromthatdoortothatofherclosettherewasadistanceofthreeorfouryards。Overwhelmedwithgrief，andunabletotakeadecision，Isatdownonthelaststepofthestairs；butatday—break，chilled，benumbed，shiveringwithcold，afraidthattheservantwouldseemeandwouldthinkIwasmad，Ideterminedtogobacktomyroom。Iarise，butatthatverymomentIhearsomenoiseinBettina’sroom。CertainthatIamgoingtoseeher，andhopelendingmenewstrength，Idrawnearertothedoor。Itopens；butinsteadofBettinacomingoutIseeCordiani，whogivesmesuchafuriouskickinthestomachthatIamthrownatadistancedeepinthesnow。WithoutstoppingasingleinstantCordianiisoff，andlockshimselfupintheroomwhichhesharedwiththebrothersFeltrini。
IpickmyselfupquicklywiththeintentionoftakingmyrevengeuponBettina，whomnothingcouldhavesavedfromtheeffectsofmyrageatthatmoment。ButIfindherdoorlocked；Ikickvigorouslyagainstit，thedogstartsaloudbarking，andImakeahurriedretreattomyroom，inwhichIlockmyselfup，throwingmyselfinbedtocomposeandhealupmymindandbody，forIwashalfdead。
Deceived，humbled，ill—treated，anobjectofcontempttothehappyandtriumphantCordiani，Ispentthreehoursruminatingthedarkestschemesofrevenge。Topoisonthembothseemedtomebutatrifleinthatterriblemomentofbittermisery。Thisprojectgavewaytoanotherasextravagant，ascowardly—namely，togoatoncetoherbrotheranddiscloseeverythingtohim。Iwastwelveyearsofage，andmymindhadnotyetacquiredsufficientcoolnesstomatureschemesofheroicrevenge，whichareproducedbyfalsefeelingsofhonour；thiswasonlymyapprenticeshipinsuchadventures。
IwasinthatstateofmindwhensuddenlyIheardoutsideofmydoorthegruffvoiceofBettina’smother，whobeggedmetocomedown，addingthatherdaughterwasdying。AsIwouldhavebeenverysorryifshehaddepartedthislifebeforeshecouldfeeltheeffectsofmyrevenge，Igotuphurriedlyandwentdownstairs。IfoundBettinalyinginherfather’sbedwrithingwithfearfulconvulsions，andsurroundedbythewholefamily。Halfdressed，nearlybentintwo，shewasthrowingherbodynowtotheright，nowtotheleft，strikingatrandomwithherfeetandwithherfists，andextricatingherselfbyviolentshakingfromthehandsofthosewhoendeavouredtokeepherdown。
Withthissightbeforeme，andthenight’sadventurestillinmymind，Ihardlyknewwhattothink。Ihadnoknowledgeofhumannature，noknowledgeofartificeandtricks，andIcouldnotunderstandhowIfoundmyselfcoollywitnessingsuchascene，andcomposedlycalminthepresenceoftwobeings，oneofwhomIintendedtokillandtheothertodishonour。AttheendofanhourBettinafellasleep。
AnurseandDoctorOlivocamesoonafter。Thefirstsaidthattheconvulsionswerecausedbyhysterics，butthedoctorsaidno，andprescribedrestandcoldbaths。Isaidnothing，butIcouldnotrefrainfromlaughingatthem，forIknew，orratherguessed，thatBettina’ssicknesswastheresultofhernocturnalemployment，orofthefrightwhichshemusthavefeltatmymeetingwithCordiani。Atallevents，Ideterminedtopostponemyrevengeuntilthereturnofherbrother，althoughIhadnottheslightestsuspicionthatherillnesswasallsham，forIdidnotgivehercreditforsomuchcleverness。
ToreturntomyroomIhadtopassthroughBettina’scloset，andseeingherdresshandyonthebedItookitintomyheadtosearchherpockets。Ifoundasmallnote，andrecognizingCordiani’shandwriting，Itookpossessionofittoreaditinmyroom。I
marvelledatthegirl’simprudence，forhermothermighthavediscoveredit，andbeingunabletoreadwouldverylikelyhavegivenittothedoctor，herson。Ithoughtshemusthavetakenleaveofhersenses，butmyfeelingsmaybeappreciatedwhenIreadthefollowingwords:\"Asyourfatherisawayitisnotnecessarytoleaveyourdoorajarasusual。Whenweleavethesupper—tableIwillgotoyourcloset；youwillfindmethere。\"
WhenIrecoveredfrommystuporIgavewaytoanirresistiblefitoflaughter，andseeinghowcompletelyIhadbeendupedIthoughtIwascuredofmylove。Cordianiappearedtomedeservingofforgiveness，andBettinaofcontempt。Icongratulatedmyselfuponhavingreceivedalessonofsuchimportancefortheremainderofmylife。IevenwentsofarastoacknowledgetomyselfthatBettinahadbeenquiterightingivingthepreferencetoCordiani，whowasfifteenyearsold，whileIwasonlyachild。Yet，inspiteofmygooddispositiontoforgiveness，thekickadministeredbyCordianiwasstillheavyuponmymemory，andIcouldnothelpkeepingagrudgeagainsthim。
Atnoon，aswewereatdinnerinthekitchen，wherewetookourmealsonaccountofthecoldweather，Bettinabeganagaintoraisepiercingscreams。Everybodyrushedtoherroom，butIquietlykeptmyseatandfinishedmydinner，afterwhichIwenttomystudies。IntheeveningwhenIcamedowntosupperIfoundthatBettina’sbedhadbeenbroughttothekitchenclosebyhermother’s；butitwasnoconcernofmine，andIremainedlikewiseperfectlyindifferenttothenoisemadeduringthenight，andtotheconfusionwhichtookplaceinthemorning，whenshehadafreshfitofconvulsions。
DoctorGozziandhisfatherreturnedintheevening。Cordiani，whofeltuneasy，cametoinquirefrommewhatmyintentionswere，butI
rushedtowardshimwithanopenpenknifeinmyhand，andhebeatahastyretreat。Ihadentirelyabandonedtheideaofrelatingthenight’sscandalousadventuretothedoctor，forsuchaprojectI
couldonlyentertaininamomentofexcitementandrage。Thenextdaythemothercameinwhilewewereatourlesson，andtoldthedoctor，afteralengthenedpreamble，thatshehaddiscoveredthecharacterofherdaughter’sillness；thatitwascausedbyaspellthrownoverherbyawitch，andthatsheknewthewitchwell。
\"Itmaybe，mydearmother，butwemustbecarefulnottomakeamistake。Whoisthewitch？\"
\"Ouroldservant，andIhavejusthadaproofofit。\"
\"Howso？\"
\"Ihavebarredthedoorofmyroomwithtwobroomsticksplacedintheshapeofacross，whichshemusthaveundonetogoin；butwhenshesawthemshedrewback，andshewentroundbytheotherdoor。Itisevidentthat，wereshenotawitch，shewouldnotbeafraidoftouchingthem。\"
\"Itisnotcompleteevidence，dearmother；sendthewomantome。\"
Theservantmadeherappearance。
\"Why，\"saidthedoctor，\"didyounotentermymother’sroomthismorningthroughtheusualdoor？\"
\"Idonotknowwhatyoumean。\"
\"DidyounotseetheSt。Andrew’scrossonthedoor？\"
\"Whatcrossisthat？\"
\"Itisuselesstopleadignorance，\"saidthemother；\"wheredidyousleeplastThursdaynight？\"
\"Atmyniece’s，whohadjustbeenconfined。\"
\"Nothingofthesort。Youwereatthewitches’Sabbath；youareawitch，andhavebewitchedmydaughter。\"
Thepoorwoman，indignantatsuchanaccusation，spitsathermistress’sface；themistress，enraged，getsholdofasticktogivetheservantadrubbing；thedoctorendeavourstokeephismotherback，butheiscompelledtoletherlooseandtorunaftertheservant，whowashurryingdownthestairs，screamingandhowlinginordertorousetheneighbours；hecatchesher，andfinallysucceedsinpacifyingherwithsomemoney。
Afterthiscomicalbutratherscandalousexhibition，thedoctordonnedhisvestmentsforthepurposeofexorcisinghissisterandofascertainingwhethershewastrulypossessedofanuncleanspirit。
Thenoveltyofthismysteryattractedthewholeofmyattention。Alltheinmatesofthehouseappearedtomeeithermadorstupid，forI
couldnot，forthelifeofme，imaginethatdiabolicalspiritsweredwellinginBettina’sbody。Whenwedrewnearherbed，herbreathinghad，toallappearance，stopped，andtheexorcismsofherbrotherdidnotrestoreit。DoctorOlivohappenedtocomeinatthatmoment，andinquiredwhetherhewouldbeintheway；hewasansweredinthenegative，providedhehadfaith。
Uponwhichheleft，sayingthathehadnofaithinanymiraclesexceptinthoseoftheGospel。
SoonafterDoctorGozziwenttohisroom，andfindingmyselfalonewithBettinaIbentdownoverherbedandwhisperedinherear。
\"Takecourage，getwellagain，andrelyuponmydiscretion。\"
Sheturnedherheadtowardsthewallanddidnotanswerme，butthedaypassedoffwithoutanymoreconvulsions。IthoughtIhadcuredher，butonthefollowingdaythefrenzywentuptothebrain，andinherdeliriumshepronouncedatrandomGreekandLatinwordswithoutanymeaning，andthennodoubtwhateverwasentertainedofherbeingpossessedoftheevilspirit。Hermotherwentoutandreturnedsoon，accompaniedbythemostrenownedexorcistofPadua，averyill—
featuredCapuchin，calledFriarProsperodaBovolenta。
ThemomentBettinasawtheexorcist，sheburstintoloudlaughter，andaddressedtohimthemostoffensiveinsults，whichfairlydelightedeverybody，asthedevilalonecouldbeboldenoughtoaddressaCapuchininsuchamanner；buttheholyman，hearinghimselfcalledanobtrusiveignoramusandastinkard，wentonstrikingBettinawithaheavycrucifix，sayingthathewasbeatingthedevil。Hestoppedonlywhenhesawheronthepointofhurlingathimthechamberutensilwhichshehadjustseized。\"Ifitisthedevilwhohasoffendedtheewithhiswords，\"shesaid，\"resenttheinsultwithwordslikewise，jackassthatthouart，butifIhaveoffendedtheemyself，learn，stupidbooby，thatthoumustrespectme，andbeoffatonce。\"
IcouldseepoorDoctorGozziblushing；thefriar，however，heldhisground，and，armedatallpoints，begantoreadaterribleexorcism，attheendofwhichhecommandedthedeviltostatehisname。
\"MynameisBettina。\"
\"Itcannotbe，foritisthenameofabaptizedgirl。\"
\"Thenthouartofopinionthatadevilmustrejoiceinamasculinename？Learn，ignorantfriar，thatadevilisaspirit，anddoesnotbelongtoeithersex。Butasthoubelievestthatadevilisspeakingtotheethroughmylips，promisetoanswermewithtruth，andIwillengagetogivewaybeforethyincantations。\"
\"Verywell，Iagreetothis。\"
\"Tellme，then，artthouthinkingthatthyknowledgeisgreaterthanmine？\"
\"No，butIbelievemyselfmorepowerfulinthenameoftheholyTrinity，andbymysacredcharacter。\"
\"IfthouartmorepowerfulthanI，thenpreventmefromtellingtheeunpalatabletruths。Thouartveryvainofthybeard，thouartcombinganddressingittentimesaday，andthouwould’stnotshavehalfofittogetmeoutofthisbody。Cutoffthybeard，andI
promisetocomeout。\"
\"Fatheroflies，Iwillincreasethypunishmentahundredfold。\"
\"Idaretheetodoit。\"
Aftersayingthesewords，Bettinabrokeintosuchaloudpealoflaughter，thatIcouldnotrefrainfromjoininginit。TheCapuchin，turningtowardsDoctorGozzi，toldhimthatIwaswantinginfaith，andthatIoughttoleavetheroom；whichIdid，remarkingthathehadguessedrightly。IwasnotyetoutoftheroomwhenthefriarofferedhishandtoBettinaforhertokiss，andIhadthepleasureofseeingherspituponit。
Thisstrangegirl，fullofextraordinarytalent，maderaresportofthefriar，withoutcausinganysurprisetoanyone，asallheranswerswereattributedtothedevil。Icouldnotconceivewhatherpurposewasinplayingsuchapart。
TheCapuchindinedwithus，andduringthemealheutteredagooddealofnonsense。Afterdinner，hereturnedtoBettina’schamber，withtheintentionofblessingher，butassoonasshecaughtsightofhim，shetookupaglassfullofsomeblackmixturesentfromtheapothecary，andthrewitathishead。Cordiani，beingclosebythefriar，cameinforagoodshareoftheliquid—anaccidentwhichaffordedmethegreatestdelight。Bettinawasquiterighttoimproveheropportunity，aseverythingshedidwas，ofcourse，puttotheaccountoftheunfortunatedevil。Notovermuchpleased，FriarProspero，asheleftthehouse，toldthedoctorthattherewasnodoubtofthegirlbeingpossessed，butthatanotherexorcistmustbesentfor，sincehehadnot，himself，obtainedGod’sgracetoejecttheevilspirit。
Afterhehadgone，Bettinakeptverycalmforsixhours，andintheevening，toourgreatsurprise，shejoinedusatthesuppertable。
Shetoldherparentsthatshefeltquitewell，spoketoherbrother，andthen，addressingme，sheremarkedthat，theballtakingplaceonthemorrow，shewouldcometomyroominthemorningtodressmyhairlikeagirl’s。Ithankedher，andsaidthat，asshehadbeensoill，sheoughttonurseherself。Shesoonretiredtobed，andweremainedatthetable，talkingofher。
WhenIwasundressingforthenight，Itookupmynight—cap，andfoundinitasmallnotewiththesewords:\"Youmustaccompanymetotheball，disguisedasagirl，orIwillgiveyouasightwhichwillcauseyoutoweep。\"
Iwaiteduntilthedoctorwasasleep，andIwrotethefollowinganswer:\"Icannotgototheball，becauseIhavefullymadeupmymindtoavoideveryopportunityofbeingalonewithyou。Asforthepainfulsightwithwhichyouthreatentoentertainme，Ibelieveyoucapableofkeepingyourword，butIentreatyoutosparemyheart，forIloveyouasifyouweremysister。Ihaveforgivenyou，dearBettina，andIwishtoforgeteverything。Iencloseanotewhichyoumustbedelightedtohaveagaininyourpossession。Youseewhatriskyouwererunningwhenyouleftitinyourpocket。Thisrestitutionmustconvinceyouofmyfriendship。\"
CHAPTERIII
BettinaIsSupposedtoGoMad——FatherMancia——TheSmall—pox——
ILeavePaduaBettinamusthavebeenindespair，notknowingintowhosehandsherletterhadfallen；toreturnittoherandthustoallayheranxiety，wasthereforeagreatproofoffriendship；butmygenerosity，atthesametimethatitfreedherfromakeensorrow，musthavecausedheranotherquiteasdreadful，forsheknewthatIwasmasterofhersecret。Cordiani’sletterwasperfectlyexplicit；itgavethestrongestevidencethatshewasinthehabitofreceivinghimeverynight，andthereforethestoryshehadpreparedtodeceivemewasuseless。Ifeltitwasso，and，beingdisposedtocalmheranxietyasfarasIcould，Iwenttoherbedsideinthemorning，andIplacedinherhandsCordiani’snoteandmyanswertoherletter。
Thegirl’sspiritandtalenthadwonmyesteem；Icouldnolongerdespiseher；Isawinheronlyapoorcreatureseducedbyhernaturaltemperament。Shelovedman，andwastobepitiedonlyonaccountoftheconsequences。BelievingthattheviewItookofthesituationwasarightone，Ihadresignedmyselflikeareasonablebeing，andnotlikeadisappointedlover。Theshamewasforherandnotforme。
Ihadonlyonewish，namely，tofindoutwhetherthetwobrothersFeltrini，Cordiani’scompanions，hadlikewisesharedBettina’sfavours。
Bettinaputonthroughoutthedayacheerfulandhappylook。Intheeveningshedressedherselffortheball；butsuddenlyanattackofsickness，whetherfeignedorrealIdidnotknow，compelledhertogotobed，andfrightenedeverybodyinthehouse。Asformyself，knowingthewholeaffair，Iwaspreparedfornewscenes，andindeedforsadones，forIfeltthatIhadobtainedoverherapowerrepugnanttohervanityandself—love。Imust，however，confessthat，inspiteoftheexcellentschoolinwhichIfoundmyselfbeforeIhadattainedmanhood，andwhichoughttohavegivenmeexperienceasashieldforthefuture，Ihavethroughthewholeofmylifebeenthedupeofwomen。Twelveyearsago，ifithadnotbeenformyguardianangel，Iwouldhavefoolishlymarriedayoung，thoughtlessgirl，withwhomIhadfalleninlove:NowthatIamseventy—twoyearsoldIbelievemyselfnolongersusceptibleofsuchfollies；but，alas！thatistheverythingwhichcausesmetobemiserable。
ThenextdaythewholefamilywasdeeplygrievedbecausethedevilofwhomBettinawaspossessedhadmadehimselfmasterofherreason。
DoctorGozzitoldmethattherecouldnotbetheshadowofadoubtthathisunfortunatesisterwaspossessed，as，ifshehadonlybeenmad，sheneverwouldhavesocruellyill—treatedtheCapuchin，Prospero，andhedeterminedtoplaceherunderthecareofFatherMancia。
ThisManciawasacelebratedJacobin（orDominican）exorcist，whoenjoyedthereputationofneverhavingfailedtocureagirlpossessedofthedemon。
Sundayhadcome；Bettinahadmadeagooddinner，butshehadbeenfranticallthroughtheday。Towardsmidnightherfathercamehome，singingTassoasusual，andsodrunkthathecouldnotstand。HewentuptoBettina’sbed，andafterkissingheraffectionatelyhesaidtoher:\"Thouartnotmad，mygirl。\"
Heranswerwasthathewasnotdrunk。
\"Thouartpossessedofthedevil，mydearchild。\"
\"Yes，father，andyoualonecancureme。\"
\"Well，Iamready。\"
Uponthisourshoemakerbeginsatheologicaldiscourse，expatiatinguponthepoweroffaithanduponthevirtueofthepaternalblessing。
Hethrowsoffhiscloak，takesacrucifixwithonehand，placestheotherovertheheadofhisdaughter，andaddressesthedevilinsuchanamusingwaythatevenhiswife，alwaysastupid，dull，cross—
grainedoldwoman，hadtolaughtillthetearscamedownhercheeks。
Thetwoperformersinthecomedyalonewerenotlaughing，andtheirseriouscountenanceaddedtothefunoftheperformance。ImarvelledatBettina（whowasalwaysreadytoenjoyagoodlaugh）havingsufficientcontroloverherselftoremaincalmandgrave。DoctorGozzihadalsogivenwaytomerriment；butbeggedthatthefarceshouldcometoanend，forhedeemedthathisfather’seccentricitieswereasmanyprofanationsagainstthesacrednessofexorcism。Atlasttheexorcist，doubtlesstiredout，wenttobedsayingthathewascertainthatthedevilwouldnotdisturbhisdaughterduringthenight。
Onthemorrow，justaswehadfinishedourbreakfast，FatherManciamadehisappearance。DoctorGozzi，followedbythewholefamily，escortedhimtohissister’sbedside。Asforme，Iwasentirelytakenupbythefaceofthemonk。Hereishisportrait。Hisfigurewastallandmajestic，hisageaboutthirty；hehadlighthairandblueeyes；hisfeatureswerethoseofApollo，butwithouthisprideandassuminghaughtiness；hiscomplexion，dazzlingwhite，waspale，butthatpalenessseemedtohavebeengivenfortheverypurposeofshowingofftheredcoralofhislips，throughwhichcouldbeseen，whentheyopened，tworowsofpearls。Hewasneitherthinnorstout，andthehabitualsadnessofhiscountenanceenhanceditssweetness。
Hisgaitwasslow，hisairtimid，anindicationofthegreatmodestyofhismind。
WhenweenteredtheroomBettinawasasleep，orpretendedtobeso。
FatherManciatookasprinklerandthrewoverherafewdropsofholywater；sheopenedhereyes，lookedatthemonk，andclosedthemimmediately；alittlewhileaftersheopenedthemagain，hadabetterlookathim，laidherselfonherback，letherarmsdroopdowngently，andwithherheadprettilybentononesideshefellintothesweetestofslumbers。
Theexorcist，standingbythebed，tookouthispocketritualandthestolewhichheputroundhisneck，thenareliquary，whichheplacedonthebosomofthesleepinggirl，andwiththeairofasainthebeggedallofustofallonourkneesandtopray，sothatGodshouldlethimknowwhetherthepatientwaspossessedoronlylabouringunderanaturaldisease。Hekeptuskneelingforhalfanhour，readingallthetimeinalowtoneofvoice。Bettinadidnotstir。
Tired，Isuppose，oftheperformance，hedesiredtospeakprivatelywithDoctorGozzi。Theypassedintothenextroom，outofwhichtheyemergedafteraquarterofanhour，broughtbackbyaloudpealoflaughterfromthemadgirl，who，whenshesawthem，turnedherbackonthem。FatherManciasmiled，dippedthesprinkleroverandoverintheholywater，gaveusallagenerousshower，andtookhisleave。
DoctorGozzitoldusthattheexorcistwouldcomeagainonthemorrow，andthathehadpromisedtodeliverBettinawithinthreehoursifsheweretrulypossessedofthedemon，butthathemadenopromiseifitshouldturnouttobeacaseofmadness。Themotherexclaimedthathewouldsurelydeliverher，andshepouredoutherthankstoGodforhavingallowedherthegraceofbeholdingasaintbeforeherdeath。
ThefollowingdayBettinawasinafinefrenzy。Shebegantoutterthemostextravagantspeechesthatapoetcouldimagine，anddidnotstopwhenthecharmingexorcistcameintoherroom；heseemedtoenjoyherfoolishtalkforafewminutes，afterwhich，havingarmedhimself’cap—a—pie’，hebeggedustowithdraw。Hisorderwasobeyedinstantly；weleftthechamber，andthedoorremainedopen。Butwhatdiditmatter？Whowouldhavebeenboldenoughtogoin？
Duringthreelonghoursweheardnothing；thestillnesswasunbroken。
Atnoonthemonkcalledusin。Bettinawastheresadandveryquietwhiletheexorcistpackeduphisthings。Hetookhisdeparture，sayinghehadverygoodhopesofthecase，andrequestingthatthedoctorwouldsendhimnewsofthepatient。Bettinapartookofdinnerinherbed，gotupforsupper，andthenextdaybehavedherselfrationally；butthefollowingcircumstancestrengthenedmyopinionthatshehadbeenneitherinsanenorpossessed。
ItwastwodaysbeforethePurificationoftheHolyVirgin。DoctorGozziwasinthehabitofgivingusthesacramentinhisownchurch，buthealwayssentusforourconfessiontothechurchofSaint—
Augustin，inwhichtheJacobinsofPaduaofficiated。Atthesuppertable，hetoldustoprepareourselvesforthenextday，andhismother，addressingus，said:\"Youought，allofyou，toconfesstoFatherMancia，soastoobtainabsolutionfromthatholyman。I
intendtogotohimmyself。\"CordianiandthetwoFeltriniagreedtotheproposal；Iremainedsilent，butastheideawasunpleasanttome，Iconcealedthefeeling，withafulldeterminationtopreventtheexecutionoftheproject。
Ihadentireconfidenceinthesecrecyofconfession，andIwasincapableofmakingafalseone，butknowingthatIhadarighttochoosemyconfessor，ImostcertainlyneverwouldhavebeensosimpleastoconfesstoFatherManciawhathadtakenplacebetweenmeandagirl，becausehewouldhaveeasilyguessedthatthegirlcouldbenootherbutBettina。Besides，IwassatisfiedthatCordianiwouldconfesseverythingtothemonk，andIwasdeeplysorry。
Earlythenextmorning，Bettinabroughtmeabandformyneck，andgavemethefollowingletter:\"Spurnme，butrespectmyhonourandtheshadowofpeacetowhichIaspire。NoonefromthishousemustconfesstoFatherMancia；youalonecanpreventtheexecutionofthatproject，andIneednotsuggestthewaytosucceed。Itwillprovewhetheryouhavesomefriendshipforme。\"
IcouldnotexpressthepityIfeltforthepoorgirl，asIreadthatnote。Inspiteofthatfeeling，thisiswhatIanswered:\"Icanwellunderstandthat，notwithstandingtheinviolabilityofconfession，yourmother’sproposalshouldcauseyougreatanxiety；butIcannotseewhy，inordertopreventitsexecution，youshoulddependuponmeratherthanuponCordianiwhohasexpressedhisacceptanceofit。
AllIcanpromiseyouisthatIwillnotbeoneofthosewhomaygotoFatherMancia；butIhavenoinfluenceoveryourlover；youalonecanspeaktohim。\"
Shereplied:\"IhaveneveraddressedawordtoCordianisincethefatalnightwhichhassealedmymisery，andIneverwillspeaktohimagain，evenifIcouldbysodoingrecovermylosthappiness。ToyoualoneIwishtobeindebtedformylifeandformyhonour。\"
ThisgirlappearedtomemorewonderfulthanalltheheroinesofwhomIhadreadinnovels。Itseemedtomethatshewasmakingsportofmewiththemostbarefacedeffrontery。Ithoughtshewastryingtofettermeagainwithherchains；andalthoughIhadnoinclinationforthem，Imadeupmymindtorenderhertheservicesheclaimedatmyhands，andwhichshebelievedIalonecouldcompass。Shefeltcertainofhersuccess，butinwhatschoolhadsheobtainedherexperienceofthehumanheart？Wasitinreadingnovels？Mostlikelythereadingofacertainclassofnovelscausestheruinofagreatmanyyounggirls，butIamofopinionthatfromgoodromancestheyacquiregracefulmannersandaknowledgeofsociety。
Havingmadeupmymindtoshewhereverykindnessinmypower，Itookanopportunity，aswewereundressingforthenight，oftellingDoctorGozzithat，forconscientiousmotives，IcouldnotconfesstoFatherMancia，andyetthatIdidnotwishtobeanexceptioninthatmatter。Hekindlyansweredthatheunderstoodmyreasons，andthathewouldtakeusalltothechurchofSaint—Antoine。Ikissedhishandintokenofmygratitude。
Onthefollowingday，everythinghavinggoneaccordingtoherwishes，IsawBettinasitdowntothetablewithafacebeamingwithsatisfaction。IntheafternoonIhadtogotobedinconsequenceofawoundinmyfoot；thedoctoraccompaniedhispupilstochurch；andBettinabeingalone，availedherselfoftheopportunity，cametomyroomandsatdownonmybed。Ihadexpectedhervisit，andI
receiveditwithpleasure，asitheraldedanexplanationforwhichI
waspositivelylonging。
ShebeganbyexpressingahopethatIwouldnotbeangrywithherforseizingthefirstopportunityshehadofsomeconversationwithme。
\"No，\"Ianswered，\"foryouthusaffordmeanoccasionofassuringyouthat，myfeelingstowardsyoubeingthoseofafriendonly，youneednothaveanyfearofmycausingyouanyanxietyordispleasure。
ThereforeBettina，youmaydowhateversuitsyou；myloveisnomore。
Youhaveatoneblowgiventhedeath—stroketotheintensepassionwhichwasblossominginmyheart。WhenIreachedmyroom，aftertheill—treatmentIhadexperiencedatCordiani’shands，Ifeltforyounothingbuthatred；thatfeelingsoonmergedintouttercontempt，butthatsensationitselfwasintime，whenmymindrecovereditsbalance，changedforafeelingofthedeepestindifference，whichagainhasgivenwaywhenIsawwhatpowerthereisinyourmind。I
havenowbecomeyourfriend；Ihaveconceivedthegreatestesteemforyourcleverness。Ihavebeenthedupeofit，butnomatter；thattalentofyoursdoesexist，itiswonderful，divine，Iadmireit，I
loveit，andthehighesthomageIcanrendertoitis，inmyestimation，tofosterforthepossessorofitthepurestfeelingsoffriendship。Reciprocatethatfriendship，betrue，sincere，andplaindealing。Giveupallnonsense，foryouhavealreadyobtainedfrommeallIcangiveyou。Theverythoughtofloveisrepugnanttome；I
canbestowmyloveonlywhereIfeelcertainofbeingtheonlyoneloved。Youareatlibertytolaymyfoolishdelicacytotheaccountofmyyouthfulage，butIfeelso，andIcannothelpit。YouhavewrittentomethatyouneverspeaktoCordiani；ifIamthecauseofthatrupturebetweenyou，Iregretit，andIthinkthat，intheinterestofyourhonour，youwoulddowelltomakeitupwithhim；
forthefutureImustbecarefulnevertogivehimanygroundsforumbrageorsuspicion。Recollectalsothat，ifyouhavetemptedhimbythesamemanoeuvreswhichyouhaveemployedtowardsme，youaredoublywrong，foritmaybethat，ifhetrulylovesyou，youhavecausedhimtobemiserable。\"
\"Allyouhavejustsaidtome，\"answeredBettina，\"isgroundeduponfalseimpressionsanddeceptiveappearances。IdonotloveCordiani，andIneverhadanyloveforhim；onthecontrary，Ihavefelt，andI
dofeel，forhimahatredwhichhehasrichlydeserved，andIhopetoconvinceyou，inspiteofeveryappearancewhichseemstoconvictme。
Astothereproachofseduction，Ientreatyoutosparemesuchanaccusation。Onourside，considerthat，ifyouhadnotyourselfthrowntemptationinmyway，IneverwouldhavecommittedtowardsyouanactionofwhichIhavedeeplyrepented，forreasonswhichyoudonotknow，butwhichyoumustlearnfromme。ThefaultIhavebeenguiltyofisaseriousoneonlybecauseIdidnotforeseetheinjuryitwoulddomeintheinexperiencedmindoftheingratewhodarestoreproachmewithit。\"
Bettinawassheddingtears:allshehadsaidwasnotunlikelyandrathercomplimentarytomyvanity，butIhadseentoomuch。Besides，Iknewtheextentofhercleverness，anditwasverynaturaltolendherawishtodeceiveme；howcouldIhelpthinkingthathervisittomewaspromptedonlybyherself—lovebeingtoodeeplywoundedtoletmeenjoyavictorysohumiliatingtoherself？Therefore，unshakeninmypreconceivedopinion，ItoldherthatIplacedimplicitconfidenceinallshehadjustsaidrespectingthestateofherheartprevioustotheplayfulnonsensewhichhadbeentheoriginofmyloveforher，andthatIpromisedneverinthefuturetoalludeagaintomyaccusationofseduction。\"But，\"Icontinued，\"confessthatthefireatthattimeburninginyourbosomwasonlyofshortduration，andthattheslightestbreathofwindhadbeenenoughtoextinguishit。
Yourvirtue，whichwentastrayforonlyoneinstant，andwhichhassosuddenlyrecovereditsmasteryoveryoursenses，deservessomepraise。You，withallyourdeepadoringloveforme，becameallatonceblindtomysorrow，whatevercareItooktomakeitcleartoyoursight。Itremainsformetolearnhowthatvirtuecouldbesoverydeartoyou，attheverytimethatCordianitookcaretowreckiteverynight。\"
Bettinaeyedmewiththeairoftriumphwhichperfectconfidenceinvictorygivestoaperson，andsaid:\"YouhavejustreachedthepointwhereIwishedyoutobe。YoushallnowbemadeawareofthingswhichIcouldnotexplainbefore，owingtoyourrefusingtheappointmentwhichIthengaveyoufornootherpurposethantotellyouallthetruth。Cordianideclaredhisloveformeaweekafterhebecameaninmateinourhouse；hebeggedmyconsenttoamarriage，ifhisfathermadethedemandofmyhandassoonasheshouldhavecompletedhisstudies。MyanswerwasthatIdidnotknowhimsufficiently，thatIcouldformnoideaonthesubject，andI
requestedhimnottoalludetoitanymore。Heappearedtohavequietlygivenupthematter，butsoonafter，Ifoundoutthatitwasnotthecase；hebeggedmeonedaytocometohisroomnowandthentodresshishair；ItoldhimIhadnotimetospare，andheremarkedthatyouweremorefortunate。Ilaughedatthisreproach，aseveryonehereknewthatIhadthecareofyou。ItwasafortnightaftermyrefusaltoCordiani，thatIunfortunatelyspentanhourwithyouinthatlovingnonsensewhichhasnaturallygivenyouideasuntilthenunknowntoyoursenses。Thathourmademeveryhappy:Ilovedyou，andhavinggivenwaytoverynaturaldesires，Irevelledinmyenjoymentwithouttheslightestremorseofconscience。Iwaslongingtobeagainwithyouthenextmorning，butaftersupper，misfortunelaidforthefirsttimeitshanduponme。CordianislippedinmyhandsthisnoteandthisletterwhichIhavesincehiddeninaholeinthewall，withtheintentionofshewingthemtoyouatthefirstopportunity。\"
Sayingthis，Bettinahandedmethenoteandtheletter；thefirstranasfollows:\"Admitmethiseveninginyourcloset，thedoorofwhich，leadingtotheyard，canbeleftajar，orprepareyourselftomakethebestofitwiththedoctor，towhomIintendtodeliver，ifyoushouldrefusemyrequest，theletterofwhichIencloseacopy。\"
Thelettercontainedthestatementofacowardlyandenragedinformer，andwouldcertainlyhavecausedthemostunpleasantresults。InthatletterCordianiinformedthedoctorthathissisterspenthermorningswithmeincriminalconnectionwhilehewassayinghismass，andhepledgedhimselftoenterintoparticularswhichwouldleavehimnodoubt。
\"Aftergivingtothecasetheconsiderationitrequired，\"continuedBettina，\"Imadeupmymindtohearthatmonster；butmydeterminationbeingfixed，Iputinmypocketmyfather’sstilletto，andholdingmydoorajarIwaitedforhimthere，unwillingtolethimcomein，asmyclosetisdividedonlybyathinpartitionfromtheroomofmyfather，whomtheslightestnoisemighthaverousedup。MyfirstquestiontoCordianiwasinreferencetotheslandercontainedintheletterhethreatenedtodelivertomybrother:heansweredthatitwasnoslander，forhehadbeenawitnesstoeverythingthathadtakenplaceinthemorningthroughaholehehadboredinthegarretjustaboveyourbed，andtowhichhewouldapplyhiseyethemomentheknewthatIwasinyourroom。Hewoundupbythreateningtodiscovereverythingtomybrotherandtomymother，unlessI
grantedhimthesamefavoursIhadbestoweduponyou。InmyjustindignationIloadedhimwiththemostbitterinsults，Icalledhimacowardlyspyandslanderer，forhecouldnothaveseenanythingbutchildishplayfulness，andIdeclaredtohimthatheneednotflatterhimselfthatanythreatwouldcompelmetogivetheslightestcompliancetohiswishes。Hethenbeggedandbeggedmypardonathousandtimes，andwentonassuringmethatImustlaytomyrigourtheodiumofthestephehadtaken，theonlyexcuseforitbeingintheferventloveIhadkindledinhisheart，andwhichmadehimmiserable。Heacknowledgedthathislettermightbeaslander，thathehadactedtreacherously，andhepledgedhishonournevertoattemptobtainingfrommebyviolencefavourswhichhedesiredtomeritonlybytheconstancyofhislove。IthenthoughtmyselftosomeextentcompelledtosaythatImightlovehimatsomefuturetime，andtopromisethatIwouldnotagaincomenearyourbedduringtheabsenceofmybrother。InthiswayIdismissedhimsatisfied，withouthisdaringtobegforsomuchasakiss，butwiththepromisethatwemightnowandthenhavesomeconversationinthesameplace。
AssoonasheleftmeIwenttobed，deeplygrievedthatIcouldnolongerseeyouintheabsenceofmybrother，andthatIwasunable，forfearofconsequences，toletyouknowthereasonofmychange。
Threeweekspassedoffinthatposition，andIcannotexpresswhathavebeenmysufferings，foryou，ofcourse，urgedmetocome，andI
wasalwaysunderthepainfulnecessityofdisappointingyou。Ievenfearedtofindmyselfalonewithyou，forIfeltcertainthatIcouldnothaverefrainedfromtellingyouthecauseofthechangeinmyconduct。Tocrownmymisery，addthatIfoundmyselfcompelled，atleastonceaweek，toreceivethevileCordianioutsideofmyroom，andtospeaktohim，inordertocheckhisimpatiencewithafewwords。Atlast，unabletobearupanylongerundersuchmisery，threatenedlikewisebyyou，Ideterminedtoendmyagony。Iwishedtodisclosetoyouallthisintrigue，leavingtoyouthecareofbringingachangeforthebetter，andforthatpurposeIproposedthatyoushouldaccompanymetotheballdisguisedasagirl，althoughIknewitwouldenrageCordiani；butmymindwasmadeup。
Youknowhowmyschemefelltotheground。Theunexpecteddepartureofmybrotherwithmyfathersuggestedtobothofyouthesameidea，anditwasbeforereceivingCordiani’sletterthatIpromisedtocometoyou。Cordianididnotaskforanappointment；heonlystatedthathewouldbewaitingformeinmycloset，andIhadnoopportunityoftellinghimthatIcouldnotallowhimtocome，anymorethanIcouldfindtimetoletyouknowthatIwouldbewithyouonlyaftermidnight，asIintendedtodo，forIreckonedthatafteranhour’stalkIwoulddismissthewretchtohisroom。Butmyreckoningwaswrong；Cordianihadconceivedascheme，andIcouldnothelplisteningtoallhehadtosayaboutit。Hiswhiningandexaggeratedcomplaintshadnoend。Heupbraidedmeforrefusingtofurthertheplanhehadconcocted，andwhichhethoughtIwouldacceptwithraptureifIlovedhim。Theschemewasformetoelopewithhimduringholyweek，andtorunawaytoFerrara，wherehehadanunclewhowouldhavegivenusakindwelcome，andwouldsoonhavebroughthisfathertoforgivehimandtoinsureourhappinessforlife。TheobjectionsImade，hisanswers，thedetailstobeenteredinto，theexplanationsandthewaysandmeanstobeexaminedtoobviatethedifficultiesoftheproject，tookupthewholenight。MyheartwasbleedingasIthoughtofyou；butmyconscienceisatrest，andIdidnothingthatcouldrendermeunworthyofyouresteem。Youcannotrefuseittome，unlessyoubelievethattheconfessionIhavejustmadeisuntrue；butyouwouldbebothmistakenandunjust。HadI
madeupmymindtosacrificemyselfandtograntfavourswhichlovealoneoughttoobtain，Imighthavegotridofthetreacherouswretchwithinonehour，butdeathseemedpreferabletosuchadreadfulexpedient。CouldIinanywaysupposethatyouwereoutsideofmydoor，exposedtothewindandtothesnow？Bothofusweredeservingofpity，butmymiserywasstillgreaterthanyours。Allthesefearfulcircumstanceswerewritteninthebookoffate，tomakemelosemyreason，whichnowreturnsonlyatintervals，andIaminconstantdreadofafreshattackofthoseawfulconvulsions。TheysayIambewitched，andpossessedofthedemon；Idonotknowanythingaboutit，butifitshouldbetrueIamthemostmiserablecreatureinexistence。\"Bettinaceasedspeaking，andburstintoaviolentstormoftears，sobs，andgroans。Iwasdeeplymoved，althoughIfeltthatallshehadsaidmightbetrue，andyetwasscarcelyworthyofbelief:
’Forseeraver，manonperocredibileAchidelsensosuofossesignor。’
Butshewasweeping，andhertears，whichatalleventswerenotdeceptive，tookawayfrommethefacultyofdoubt。YetIputhertearstotheaccountofherwoundedself—love；togivewayentirelyI
neededathoroughconviction，andtoobtainitevidencewasnecessary，probabilitywasnotenough。IcouldnotadmiteitherCordiani’smoderationorBettina’spatience，orthefactofsevenhoursemployedininnocentconversation。Inspiteofalltheseconsiderations，Ifeltasortofpleasureinacceptingforreadycashallthecounterfeitcoinsthatshehadspreadoutbeforeme。
Afterdryinghertears，Bettinafixedherbeautifuleyesuponmine，thinkingthatshecoulddiscerninthemevidentsignsofhervictory；
butIsurprisedhermuchbyalludingtoonepointwhich，withallhercunning，shehadneglectedtomentioninherdefence。Rhetoricmakesuseofnature’ssecretsinthesamewayaspainterswhotrytoimitateit:theirmostbeautifulworkisfalse。Thisyounggirl，whosemindhadnotbeenrefinedbystudy，aimedatbeingconsideredinnocentandartless，andshedidherbesttosucceed，butIhadseentoogoodaspecimenofhercleverness。
\"Well，mydearBettina，\"Isaid，\"yourstoryhasaffectedme；buthowdoyouthinkIamgoingtoacceptyourconvulsionsasnatural，andtobelieveinthedemoniacsymptomswhichcameonsoseasonablyduringtheexorcisms，althoughyouveryproperlyexpressedyourdoubtsonthematter？\"
Hearingthis，Bettinastaredatme，remainingsilentforafewminutes，thencastinghereyesdownshegavewaytofreshtears，exclaimingnowandthen:\"Poorme！oh，poorme！\"Thissituation，however，becomingmostpainfultome，IaskedwhatIcoulddoforher。Sheansweredinasadtonethatifmyheartdidnotsuggesttomewhattodo，shedidnotherselfseewhatshecoulddemandofme。
\"Ithought，\"saidshe，\"thatIwouldreconquermylostinfluenceoveryourheart，but，Iseeittooplainly，younolongerfeelaninterestinme。Goontreatingmeharshly；goontakingformerefictionssufferingswhicharebuttooreal，whichyouhavecaused，andwhichyouwillnowincrease。Someday，buttoolate，youwillbesorry，andyourrepentancewillbebitterindeed。\"
Asshepronouncedthesewordssherosetotakeherleave；butjudginghercapableofanythingIfeltafraid，andIdetainedhertosaythattheonlywaytoregainmyaffectionwastoremainonemonthwithoutconvulsionsandwithouthandsomeFatherMancia’spresencebeingrequired。
\"Icannothelpbeingconvulsed，\"sheanswered，\"butwhatdoyoumeanbyapplyingtotheJacobinthatepithetofhandsome？Couldyousuppose——？\"
\"Notatall，notatall——Isupposenothing；todosowouldbenecessaryformetobejealous。ButIcannothelpsayingthatthepreferencegivenbyyourdevilstotheexorcismofthathandsomemonkovertheincantationsoftheuglyCapuchinislikelytogivebirthtoremarksratherdetrimentaltoyourhonour。Moreover，youarefreetodowhateverpleasesyou。\"
Thereuponsheleftmyroom，andafewminuteslatereverybodycamehome。
Aftersuppertheservant，withoutanyquestiononmypart，informedmethatBettinahadgonetobedwithviolentfeverishchills，havingpreviouslyhadherbedcarriedintothekitchenbesidehermother’s。
Thisattackoffevermightbereal，butIhadmydoubts。Ifeltcertainthatshewouldnevermakeuphermindtobewell，forhergoodhealthwouldhavesuppliedmewithtoostronganargumentagainstherpretendedinnocence，eveninthecaseofCordiani；I
likewiseconsideredherideaofhavingherbedplacednearhermother’snothingbutartfulcontrivance。
ThenextdayDoctorOlivofoundherveryfeverish，andtoldherbrotherthatshewouldmostlikelybeexcitedanddelirious，butthatitwouldbetheeffectofthefeverandnottheworkofthedevil。
Andtruly，Bettinawasravingallday，butDr。Gozzi，placingimplicitconfidenceinthephysician，wouldnotlistentohismother，anddidnotsendfortheJacobinfriar。Thefeverincreasedinviolence，andonthefourthdaythesmall—poxbrokeout。CordianiandthetwobrothersFeitrini，whohadsofarescapedthatdisease，wereimmediatelysentaway，butasIhadhaditbeforeIremainedathome。
Thepoorgirlwassofearfullycoveredwiththeloathsomeeruption，thatonthesixthdayherskincouldnotbeseenonanypartofherbody。Hereyesclosed，andherlifewasdespairedof，whenitwasfoundthathermouthandthroatwereobstructedtosuchadegreethatshecouldswallownothingbutafewdropsofhoney。Shewasperfectlymotionless；shebreathedandthatwasall。Hermotherneverleftherbedside，andIwasthoughtasaintwhenIcarriedmytableandmybooksintothepatient’sroom。Theunfortunategirlhadbecomeafearfulsighttolookupon；herheadwasdreadfullyswollen，thenosecouldnolongerbeseen，andmuchfearwasentertainedforhereyes，incaseherlifeshouldbespared。Theodourofherperspirationwasmostoffensive，butIpersistedinkeepingmywatchbyher。
Ontheninthday，thevicargaveherabsolution，andafteradministeringextremeunction，helefther，ashesaid，inthehandsofGod。Inthemidstofsomuchsadness，theconversationofthemotherwithherson，would，inspiteofmyself，causemesomeamountofmerriment。Thegoodwomanwantedtoknowwhetherthedemonwhowasdwellinginherchildcouldstillinfluencehertoperformextravagantfollies，andwhatwouldbecomeofthedemoninthecaseofherdaughter’sdeath，for，assheexpressedit，shecouldnotthinkofhisbeingsostupidastoremaininsoloathsomeabody。
Sheparticularlywantedtoascertainwhetherthedemonhadpowertocarryoffthesoulofherchild。DoctorGozzi，whowasanubiquitarian，madetoallthosequestionsanswerswhichhadnoteventheshadowofgoodsense，andwhichofcoursehadnoothereffectthantoincreaseahundred—foldtheperplexityofhispoormother。
Duringthetenthandeleventhdays，Bettinawassobadthatwethoughteverymomentlikelytobeherlast。Thediseasehadreacheditsworstperiod；thesmellwasunbearable；Ialonewouldnotleaveher，sosorelydidIpityher。Theheartofmanisindeedanunfathomableabyss，for，howeverincredibleitmayappear，itwaswhileinthatfearfulstatethatBettinainspiredmewiththefondnesswhichIshowedherafterherrecovery。
Onthethirteenthdaythefeverabated，butthepatientbegantoexperiencegreatirritation，owingtoadreadfulitching，whichnoremedycouldhaveallayedaseffectuallyasthesepowerfulwordswhichIkeptconstantlypouringintoherear:\"Bettina，youaregettingbetter；butifyoudaretoscratchyourself，youwillbecomesuchafrightthatnobodywilleverloveyou。\"Allthephysiciansintheuniversemightbechallengedtoprescribeamorepotentremedyagainstitchingforagirlwho，awarethatshehasbeenpretty，findsherselfexposedtothelossofherbeautythroughherownfault，ifshescratchesherself。
Atlastherfineeyesopenedagaintothelightofheaven；shewasmovedtoherownroom，butshehadtokeepherbeduntilEaster。Sheinoculatedmewithafewpocks，threeofwhichhaveleftuponmyfaceeverlastingmarks；butinhereyestheygavemecreditforgreatdevotedness，fortheywereaproofofmyconstantcare，andshefeltthatIindeeddeservedherwholelove。Andshetrulylovedme，andI
returnedherlove，althoughIneverpluckedaflowerwhichfateandprejudicekeptinstoreforahusband。Butwhatacontemptiblehusband！
Twoyearslatershemarriedashoemaker，bynamePigozzo——abase，arrantknavewhobeggaredandill—treatedhertosuchanextentthatherbrotherhadtotakeherhomeandtoprovideforher。Fifteenyearsafterwards，havingbeenappointedarch—priestatSaint—GeorgedelaVallee，hetookhertherewithhim，andwhenIwenttopayhimavisiteighteenyearsago，IfoundBettinaold，ill，anddying。Shebreathedherlastinmyarmsin1776，twenty—fourhoursaftermyarrival。Iwillspeakofherdeathingoodtime。
Aboutthatperiod，mymotherreturnedfromSt。Petersburg，wheretheEmpressAnneIwanowahadnotapprovedoftheItaliancomedy。ThewholeofthetroophadalreadyreturnedtoItaly，andmymotherhadtravelledwithCarlinBertinazzi，theharlequin，whodiedinParisintheyear1783。AssoonasshehadreachedPadua，sheinformedDoctorGozziofherarrival，andhelostnotimeinaccompanyingmetotheinnwhereshehadputup。Wedinedwithher，andbeforebiddingusadieu，shepresentedthedoctorwithasplendidfur，andgavemetheskinofalynxforBettina。SixmonthsafterwardsshesummonedmetoVenice，asshewishedtoseemebeforeleavingforDresden，whereshehadcontractedanengagementforlifeintheserviceoftheElectorofSaxony，AugustusIII。，KingofPoland。ShetookwithhermybrotherJean，theneightyearsold，whowasweepingbitterlywhenheleft；Ithoughthimveryfoolish，fortherewasnothingverytragicinthatdeparture。Heistheonlyoneinthefamilywhowaswhollyindebtedtoourmotherforhisfortune，althoughhewasnotherfavouritechild。
IspentanotheryearinPadua，studyinglawinwhichItookthedegreeofDoctorinmysixteenthyear，thesubjectofmythesisbeinginthecivillaw，’detestamentis’，andinthecanonlaw，’utrumHebraeipossintconstruerenovassynagogas’。
Myvocationwastostudymedicine，andtopracticeit，forIfeltagreatinclinationforthatprofession，butnoheedwasgiventomywishes，andIwascompelledtoapplymyselftothestudyofthelaw，forwhichIhadaninvinciblerepugnance。MyfriendswereofopinionthatIcouldnotmakemyfortuneinanyprofessionbutthatofanadvocate，and，whatisstillworse，ofanecclesiasticaladvocate。
Iftheyhadgiventhematterproperconsideration，theywouldhavegivenmeleavetofollowmyowninclinations，andIwouldhavebeenaphysician——aprofessioninwhichquackeryisofstillgreateravailthaninthelegalbusiness。Ineverbecameeitheraphysicianoranadvocate，andIneverwouldapplytoalawyer，whenIhadanylegalbusiness，norcallinaphysicianwhenIhappenedtobeill。
Lawsuitsandpettifoggerymaysupportagoodmanyfamilies，butagreaterproportionisruinedbythem，andthosewhoperishinthehands，ofphysiciansaremorenumerousbyfarthanthosewhogetcuredstrongevidenceinmyopinion，thatmankindwouldbemuchlessmiserablewithouteitherlawyersordoctors。
Toattendthelecturesoftheprofessors，IhadtogototheuniversitycalledtheBo，anditbecamenecessaryformetogooutalone。Thiswasamatterofgreatwondertome，foruntilthenIhadneverconsideredmyselfafreeman；andinmywishtoenjoyfullythelibertyIthoughtIhadjustconquered，itwasnotlongbeforeIhadmadetheveryworstacquaintancesamongstthemostrenownedstudents。
Asamatterofcourse，themostrenownedwerethemostworthless，dissolutefellows，gamblers，frequentersofdisorderlyhouses，harddrinkers，debauchees，tormentorsandsubornersofhonestgirls，liars，andwhollyincapableofanygoodorvirtuousfeeling。InthecompanyofsuchmendidIbeginmyapprenticeshipoftheworld，learningmylessonfromthebookofexperience。
Thetheoryofmoralsanditsusefulnessthroughthelifeofmancanbecomparedtotheadvantagederivedbyrunningovertheindexofabookbeforereadingitwhenwehaveperusedthatindexweknownothingbutthesubjectofthework。Thisisliketheschoolformoralsofferedbythesermons，theprecepts，andthetaleswhichourinstructorsreciteforourespecialbenefit。Welendourwholeattentiontothoselessons，butwhenanopportunityoffersofprofitingbytheadvicethusbestoweduponus，wefeelinclinedtoascertainforourselveswhethertheresultwillturnoutaspredicted；wegivewaytothatverynaturalinclination，andpunishmentspeedilyfollowswithconcomitantrepentance。Ouronlyconsolationliesinthefactthatinsuchmomentsweareconsciousofourownknowledge，andconsiderourselvesashavingearnedtherighttoinstructothers；butthosetowhomwewishtoimpartourexperienceactexactlyaswehaveactedbeforethem，and，asamatterofcourse，theworldremainsinstatuquo，orgrowsworseandworse。
WhenDoctorGozzigrantedmetheprivilegeofgoingoutalone，hegavemeanopportunityforthediscoveryofseveraltruthswhich，untilthen，werenotonlyunknowntome，buttheveryexistenceofwhichIhadneversuspected。Onmyfirstappearance，theboldestscholarsgotholdofmeandsoundedmydepth。FindingthatIwasathoroughfreshman，theyundertookmyeducation，andwiththatworthypurposeinviewtheyallowedmetofallblindlyintoeverytrap。
Theytaughtmegambling，wonthelittleIpossessed，andthentheymademeplayupontrust，andputmeuptodishonestpracticesinordertoprocurethemeansofpayingmygamblingdebts；butI
acquiredatthesametimethesadexperienceofsorrow！Yetthesehardlessonsproveduseful，fortheytaughtmetomistrusttheimpudentsycophantswhoopenlyflattertheirdupes，andnevertorelyupontheoffersmadebyfawningflatterers。Theytaughtmelikewisehowtobehaveinthecompanyofquarrelsomeduellists，thesocietyofwhomoughttobeavoided，unlesswemakeupourmindtobeconstantlyintheveryteethofdanger。Iwasnotcaughtinthesnaresofprofessionallewdwomen，becausenotoneofthemwasinmyeyesasprettyasBettina，butIdidnotresistsowellthedesireforthatspeciesofvainglorywhichistherewardofholdinglifeatacheapprice。
InthosedaysthestudentsinPaduaenjoyedverygreatprivileges，whichwereinrealityabusesmadelegalthroughprescription，theprimitivecharacteristicofprivileges，whichdifferessentiallyfromprerogatives。Infact，inordertomaintainthelegalityoftheirprivileges，thestudentsoftencommittedcrimes。Theguiltyweredealtwithtenderly，becausetheinterestofthecitydemandedthatseverityshouldnotdiminishthegreatinfluxofscholarswhoflockedtothatrenowneduniversityfromeverypartofEurope。ThepracticeoftheVenetiangovernmentwastosecureatahighsalarythemostcelebratedprofessors，andtogranttheutmostfreedomtotheyoungmenattendingtheirlessons。Thestudentsacknowledgednoauthoritybutthatofachief，chosenamongthemselves，andcalledsyndic。Hewasusuallyaforeignnobleman，whocouldkeepalargeestablishment，andwhowasresponsibletothegovernmentforthebehaviourofthescholars。Itwashisdutytogivethemuptojusticewhentheytransgressedthelaws，andthestudentsneverdisputedhissentence，becausehealwaysdefendedthemtotheutmost，whentheyhadtheslightestshadowofrightontheirside。
Thestudents，amongstotherprivileges，wouldnotsuffertheirtrunkstobesearchedbycustomhouseauthorities，andnoordinarypolicemanwouldhavedaredtoarrestoneofthem。Theycarriedaboutthemforbiddenweapons，seducedhelplessgirls，andoftendisturbedthepublicpeacebytheirnocturnalbroilsandimpudentpracticaljokes；
inoneword，theywereabodyofyoungfellows，whomnothingcouldrestrain，whowouldgratifyeverywhim，andenjoytheirsportwithoutregardorconsiderationforanyhumanbeing。
Itwasaboutthattimethatapolicemanenteredacoffee—room，inwhichwereseatedtwostudents。Oneofthemorderedhimout，butthemantakingnonoticeofit，thestudentfiredapistolathim，andmissedhisaim。Thepolicemanreturnedthefire，woundedtheaggressor，andranaway。ThestudentsimmediatelymusteredtogetherattheBo，dividedintobands，andwentoverthecity，huntingthepolicementomurderthem，andavengetheinsulttheyhadreceived。
Inoneoftheencounterstwoofthestudentswerekilled，andalltheothers，assemblinginonetroop，sworenevertolaytheirarmsdownaslongasthereshouldbeonepolicemanaliveinPadua。Theauthoritieshadtointerfere，andthesyndicofthestudentsundertooktoputastoptohostilitiesprovidedpropersatisfactionwasgiven，asthepolicewereinthewrong。Themanwhohadshotthestudentinthecoffee—roomwashanged，andpeacewasrestored；butduringtheeightdaysofagitation，asIwasanxiousnottoappearlessbravethanmycomradeswhowerepatrollingthecity，IfollowedtheminspiteofDoctorGozzi’sremonstrances。Armedwithacarbineandapairofpistols，Iranaboutthetownwiththeothers，inquestoftheenemy，andIrecollecthowdisappointedIwasbecausethetrooptowhichIbelongeddidnotmeetonepoliceman。Whenthewarwasover，thedoctorlaughedatme，butBettinaadmiredmyvalour。
Unfortunately，Iindulgedinexpensesfarabovemymeans，owingtomyunwillingnesstoseempoorerthanmynewfriends。IsoldorpledgedeverythingIpossessed，andIcontracteddebtswhichIcouldnotpossiblypay。Thisstateofthingscausedmyfirstsorrows，andtheyarethemostpoignantsorrowsunderwhichayoungmancansmart。Notknowingwhichwaytoturn，Iwrotetomyexcellentgrandmother，beggingherassistance，butinsteadofsendingmesomemoney，shecametoPaduaonthe1stofOctober，1739，and，afterthankingthedoctorandBettinaforalltheiraffectionatecare，sheboughtmebacktoVenice。Ashetookleaveofme，thedoctor，whowassheddingtears，gavemewhatheprizedmostonearth；arelicofsomesaint，whichperhapsImighthavekepttothisveryday，hadnotthesettingbeenofgold。Itperformedonlyonemiracle，thatofbeingofservicetomeinamomentofgreatneed。WheneverIvisitedPadua，tocompletemystudyofthelaw，Istayedatthehouseofthekinddoctor，butIwasalwaysgrievedatseeingnearBettinathebrutetowhomshewasengaged，andwhodidnotappeartomedeservingofsuchawife。Ihavealwaysregrettedthataprejudice，ofwhichIsoongotrid，shouldhavemademepreserveforthatmanaflowerwhichI
couldhavepluckedsoeasily。
CHAPTERIV
IreceivetheminorordersfromthepatriarchofVenice——IgetacquaintedwithSenatorMalipiero，withThereseImer，withthenieceoftheCurate，withMadameOrio，withNanetteandMarton，andwiththeCavamacchia——Ibecomeapreacher——myadventurewithLucieatPaseanArendezvousonthethirdstory。
\"HecomesfromPadua，wherehehascompletedhisstudies。\"SuchwerethewordsbywhichIwaseverywhereintroduced，andwhich，themomenttheywereuttered，calleduponmethesilentobservationofeveryyoungmanofmyageandcondition，thecomplimentsofallfathers，andthecaressesofoldwomen，aswellasthekissesofafewwho，althoughnotold，werenotsorrytobeconsideredsoforthesakeofembracingayoungmanwithoutimpropriety。ThecurateofSaint—
Samuel，theAbbeJosello，presentedmetoMonsignorCorrere，PatriarchofVenice，whogavemethetonsure，andwho，fourmonthsafterwards，byspecialfavour，admittedmetothefourminororders。
Nowordscouldexpressthejoyandtheprideofmygrandmother。
Excellentmastersweregiventometocontinuemystudies，andM。
BaffochosetheAbbeSchiavototeachmeapureItalianstyle，especiallypoetry，forwhichIhadadecidedtalent。IwasverycomfortablylodgedwithmybrotherFrancois，whowasstudyingtheatricalarchitecture。Mysisterandmyyoungestbrotherwerelivingwithourgrandaminahouseofherown，inwhichitwasherwishtodie，becauseherhusbandhadtherebreathedhislast。ThehouseinwhichIdweltwasthesameinwhichmyfatherhaddied，andtherentofwhichmymothercontinuedtopay。Itwaslargeandwellfurnished。
AlthoughAbbeGrimaniwasmychiefprotector，Iseldomsawhim，andI
particularlyattachedmyselftoM。deMalipiero，towhomIhadbeenpresentedbytheCurateJosello。M。deMalipierowasasenator，whowasunwillingatseventyyearsofagetoattendanymoretoStateaffairs，andenjoyedahappy，sumptuouslifeinhismansion，surroundedeveryeveningbyawell—chosenpartyofladieswhohadallknownhowtomakethebestoftheiryoungerdays，andofgentlemenwhowerealwaysacquaintedwiththenewsofthetown。Hewasabachelorandwealthy，but，unfortunately，hehadthreeorfourtimeseveryyearsevereattacksofgout，whichalwayslefthimcrippledinsomepartorotherofhisbody，sothatallhispersonwasdisabled。
Hishead，hislungs，andhisstomachhadaloneescapedthiscruelhavoc。Hewasstillafineman，agreatepicure，andagoodjudgeofwine；hiswitwaskeen，hisknowledgeoftheworldextensive，hiseloquenceworthyofasonofVenice，andhehadthatwisdomwhichmustnaturallybelongtoasenatorwhoforfortyyearshashadthemanagementofpublicaffairs，andtoamanwhohasbidfarewelltowomenafterhavingpossessedtwentymistresses，andonlywhenhefelthimselfcompelledtoacknowledgethathecouldnolongerbeacceptedbyanywoman。Althoughalmostentirelycrippled，hedidnotappeartobesowhenhewasseated，whenhetalked，orwhenhewasattable。
Hehadonlyonemealaday，andalwaystookitalonebecause，beingtoothlessandunabletoeatotherwisethanveryslowly，hedidnotwishtohurryhimselfoutofcomplimenttohisguests，andwouldhavebeensorrytoseethemwaitingforhim。Thisfeelingdeprivedhimofthepleasurehewouldhaveenjoyedinentertainingathisboardfriendlyandagreeableguests，andcausedgreatsorrowtohisexcellentcook。
ThefirsttimeIhadthehonourofbeingintroducedtohimbythecurate，Iopposedearnestlythereasonwhichmadehimeathismealsinsolitude，andIsaidthathisexcellencyhadonlytoinviteguestswhoseappetitewasgoodenoughtoenablethemtoeatadoubleshare。
\"ButwherecanIfindsuchtablecompanions？\"heasked。
\"Itisratheradelicatematter，\"Ianswered；\"butyoumusttakeyourguestsontrial，andaftertheyhavebeenfoundsuchasyouwishthemtobe，theonlydifficultywillbetokeepthemasyourguestswithouttheirbeingawareoftherealcauseofyourpreference，fornorespectablemancouldacknowledgethatheenjoysthehonourofsittingatyourexcellency’stableonlybecauseheeatstwiceasmuchasanyotherman。\"
Thesenatorunderstoodthetruthofmyargument，andaskedthecuratetobringmetodinneronthefollowingday。Hefoundmypracticeevenbetterthanmytheory，andIbecamehisdailyguest。
Thisman，whohadgivenupeverythinginlifeexcepthisownself，fosteredanamorousinclination，inspiteofhisageandofhisgout。
HelovedayounggirlnamedThereseImer，thedaughterofanactorresidingnearhismansion，herbedroomwindowbeingoppositetohisown。Thisyounggirl，theninherseventeenthyear，waspretty，whimsical，andaregularcoquette。Shewaspractisingmusicwithaviewtoenteringthetheatricalprofession，andbyshowingherselfconstantlyatthewindowshehadintoxicatedtheoldsenator，andwasplayingwithhimcruelly。Shepaidhimadailyvisit，butalwaysescortedbyhermother，aformeractress，whohadretiredfromthestageinordertoworkouthersalvation，andwho，asamatterofcourse，hadmadeuphermindtocombinetheinterestsofheavenwiththeworksofthisworld。Shetookherdaughtertomasseverydayandcompelledhertogotoconfessioneveryweek；buteveryafternoonsheaccompaniedherinavisittotheamorousoldman，therageofwhomfrightenedmewhensherefusedhimakissunderthepleathatshehadperformedherdevotionsinthemorning，andthatshecouldnotreconcileherselftotheideaofoffendingtheGodwhowasstilldwellinginher。