\"Whatcanwedointhedark？\"
\"Wecantalk。\"
Wewerefour；forthelastthreehourswehadbeentalking，andIwastheherooftheromance。Loveisagreatpoet，itsresourcesareinexhaustible，butiftheendithasinviewisnotobtained，itfeelswearyandremainssilent。MyAngelalistenedwillingly，butlittledisposedtotalkherself，sheseldomanswered，andshedisplayedgoodsenseratherthanwit。Toweakentheforceofmyarguments，shewasoftensatisfiedwithhurlingatmeaproverb，somewhatinthefashionoftheRomansthrowingthecatapult。Everytimethatmypoorhandscametotheassistanceoflove，shedrewherselfbackorrepulsedme。Yet，inspiteofall，Iwentontalkingandusingmyhandswithoutlosingcourage，butIgavemyselfuptodespairwhenIfoundthatmyratherartfularguingastoundedherwithoutbringingconvictiontoherheart，whichwasonlydisquieted，neversoftened。Ontheotherhand，IcouldseewithastonishmentupontheircountenancestheimpressionmadeuponthetwosistersbytheardentspeechesIpouredouttoAngela。Thismetaphysicalcurvestruckmeasunnatural，itoughttohavebeenanangle；Iwasthen，unhappilyformyself，studyinggeometry。Iwasinsuchastatethat，notwithstandingthecold，Iwasperspiringprofusely。Atlastthelightwasnearlyout，andNanettetookitaway。
Themomentwewereinthedark，IverynaturallyextendedmyarmstoseizeherwhomIloved；butIonlymetwithemptyspace，andIcouldnothelplaughingattherapiditywithwhichAngelahadavailedherselfoftheopportunityofescapingme。ForonefullhourI
pouredoutallthetender，cheerfulwordsthatloveinspiredmewith，topersuadehertocomebacktome；Icouldonlysupposethatitwasajoketoteaseme。ButIbecameimpatient。
\"Thejoke，\"Isaid，\"haslastedlongenough；itisfoolish，asI
couldnotrunafteryou，andIamsurprisedtohearyoulaugh，foryourstrangeconductleadsmetosupposethatyouaremakingfunofme。Comeandtakeyourseatnearme，andifImustspeaktoyouwithoutseeingyouletmyhandsassuremethatIamnotaddressingmywordstotheemptyair。Tocontinuethisgamewouldbeaninsulttome，andmylovedoesnotdeservesuchareturn。\"
\"Well，becalm。Iwilllistentoeverywordyoumaysay，butyoumustfeelthatitwouldnotbedecentformetoplacemyselfnearyouinthisdarkroom。\"
\"DoyouwantmetostandwhereIamuntilmorning？\"
\"Liedownonthebed，andgotosleep。\"
\"Inwonder，indeed，atyourthinkingmecapableofdoingsointhestateIamin。Well，Isupposewemustplayatblindman’sbuff。\"
Thereupon，Ibegantofeelrightandleft，everywhere，butinvain。
WheneverIcaughtanyoneitalwaysturnedouttobeNanetteorMarton，whoatoncediscoveredthemselves，andI，stupidDonQuixote，instantlywouldletthemgo！Loveandprejudiceblindedme，IcouldnotseehowridiculousIwaswithmyrespectfulreserve。IhadnotyetreadtheanecdotesofLouisXIII，kingofFrance，butIhadreadBoccacio。Ikeptonseekinginvain，reproachingherwithhercruelty，andentreatinghertoletmecatchher；butshewouldonlyanswerthatthedifficultyofmeetingeachotherwasmutual。Theroomwasnotlarge，andIwasenragedatmywantofsuccess。
Tiredandstillmorevexed，Isatdown，andforthenexthourItoldthehistoryofRoger，whenAngelicadisappearsthroughthepowerofthemagicringwhichthelovingknighthadsoimprudentlygivenher:
’Cosidicendo，intornoalafortunaBrancolandon’andavacomecieco。
Oquantevolteabbracciol’ariavanaSpeyandoladonzellaabbracciarseco’。
AngelahadnotreadAriosto，butNanettehaddonesoseveraltimes。
SheundertookthedefenceofAngelica，andblamedthesimplicityofRoger，who，ifhehadbeenwise，wouldneverhavetrustedtheringtoacoquette。IwasdelightedwithNanette，butIwasyettoomuchofanovicetoapplyherremarkstomyself。
Onlyonemorehourremained，andIwastoleavebeforethebreakofday，forMadameOriowouldhavediedratherthangivewaytothetemptationofmissingtheearlymass。DuringthathourIspoketoAngela，tryingtoconvinceherthatsheoughttocomeandsitbyme。
Mysoulwentthrougheverygradationofhopeanddespair，andthereadercannotpossiblyrealizeitunlesshehasbeenplacedinasimilarposition。Iexhaustedthemostconvincingarguments；thenI
hadrecoursetoprayers，andeventotears；but，seeingallwasuseless，Igavewaytothatfeelingofnobleindignationwhichlendsdignitytoanger。HadInotbeeninthedark，Imight，Itrulybelieve，havestrucktheproudmonster，thecruelgirl，whohadthusforfivehourscondemnedmetothemostdistressingsuffering。I
pouredoutalltheabuse，alltheinsultingwordsthatdespisedlovecansuggesttoaninfuriatedmind；Iloadedherwiththedeepestcurses；Isworethatmylovehadentirelyturnedintohatred，and，asafinale，Iadvisedhertobecareful，asIwouldkillherthemomentIwouldsetmyeyesonher。
Myinvectivescametoanendwiththedarkness。Atthefirstbreakofday，andassoonasIheardthenoisemadebytheboltandthekeyofthestreetdoor，whichMadameOriowasopeningtoletherselfout，thatshemightseekinthechurchthereposeofwhichherpioussoulwasinneed，Igotmyselfreadyandlookedformycloakandformyhat。ButhowcanIeverportraytheconsternationinwhichIwasthrownwhen，castingaslyglanceupontheyoungfriends，Ifoundthethreebathedintears！InmyshameanddespairIthoughtofcommittingsuicide，andsittingdownagain，Irecollectedmybrutalspeeches，andupbraidedmyselfforhavingwantonlycausedthemtoweep。Icouldnotsayoneword；Ifeltchoking；atlasttearscametomyassistance，andIgavewaytoafitofcryingwhichrelievedme。Nanettethenremarkedthatherauntwouldsoonreturnhome；I
driedmyeyes，and，notventuringanotherlookatAngelaoratherfriends，Iranawaywithoututteringaword，andthrewmyselfonmybed，wheresleepwouldnotvisitmytroubledmind。
Atnoon，M。deMalipiero，noticingthechangeinmycountenance，enquiredwhatailedme，andlongingtounburdenmyheart，Itoldhimallthathadhappened。Thewiseoldmandidnotlaughatmysorrow，butbyhissensibleadvicehemanagedtoconsolemeandtogivemecourage。HewasinthesamepredicamentwiththebeautifulTherese。
Yethecouldnothelpgivingwaytohismerrimentwhenatdinnerhesawme，inspiteofmygrief，eatwithincreasedappetite；Ihadgonewithoutmysupperthenightbefore；hecomplimentedmeuponmyhappyconstitution。
IwasdeterminednevertovisitMadameOrio’shouse，andonthatverydayIheldanargumentinmetaphysics，inwhichIcontendedthatanybeingofwhomwehadonlyanabstractidea，couldonlyexistabstractedly，andIwasright；butitwasaveryeasytasktogivetomythesisanirreligiousturn，andIwasobligedtorecant。AfewdaysafterwardsIwenttoPadua，whereItookmydegreeofdoctor’utroquejure’。
WhenIreturnedtoVenice，IreceivedanotefromM。Rosa，whoentreatedmetocalluponMadameOrio；shewishedtoseeme，and，feelingcertainofnotmeetingAngela，Ipaidheravisitthesameevening。Thetwogracefulsistersweresokind，sopleasant，thattheyscatteredtothewindstheshameIfeltatseeingthemafterthefearfulnightIhadpassedintheirroomtwomonthsbefore。ThelaboursofwritingmythesisandpassingmyexaminationwereofcoursesufficientexcusesforMadameOrio，whoonlywantedtoreproachmeforhavingremainedsolongawayfromherhouse。
AsIleft，NanettegavemealettercontaininganotefromAngela，thecontentsofwhichranasfollows:
\"Ifyouarenotafraidofpassinganothernightwithmeyoushallhavenoreasontocomplainofme，forIloveyou，andIwishtohearfromyourownlipswhetheryouwouldstillhavelovedmeifIhadconsentedtobecomecontemptibleinyoureyes。\"
ThisistheletterofNanette，whoalonehadherwitsabouther:
\"M。Rosahavingundertakentobringyoubacktoourhouse，IpreparethesefewlinestoletyouknowthatAngelaisindespairathavinglostyou。Iconfessthatthenightyouspentwithuswasacruelone，butIdonotthinkthatyoudidrightlyingivingupyourvisitstoMadameOrio。IfyoustillfeelanyloveforAngela，Iadviseyoutotakeyourchancesoncemore。Acceptarendezvousforanothernight；shemayvindicateherself，andyouwillbehappy。Believeme；
come。Farewell！\"
Thosetwolettersaffordedmemuchgratification，forIhaditinmypowertoenjoymyrevengebyshewingtoAngelathecoldestcontempt。
Therefore，onthefollowingSundayIwenttoMadameOrio’shouse，havingprovidedmyselfwithasmokedtongueandacoupleofbottlesofCypruswine；buttomygreatsurprisemycruelmistresswasnotthere。Nanettetoldmethatshehadmetheratchurchinthemorning，andthatshewouldnotbeabletocomebeforesupper—time。
TrustingtothatpromiseIdeclinedMadamOrio’sinvitation，andbeforethefamilysatdowntosupperIlefttheroomasIhaddoneontheformeroccasion，andslippedupstairs。IlongedtorepresentthecharacterIhadpreparedmyselffor，andfeelingassuredthatAngela，evenifsheshouldprovelesscruel，wouldonlygrantmeinsignificantfavours，Idespisedtheminanticipation，andresolvedtobeavenged。
Afterwaitingthreequartersofanhourthestreetdoorwaslocked，andamomentlaterNanetteandMartonenteredtheroom。
\"WhereisAngela？\"Ienquired。
\"Shemusthavebeenunabletocome，ortosendamessage。Yetsheknowsyouarehere。\"
\"Shethinksshehasmadeafoolofme；butIsuspectedshewouldactinthisway。Youknowhernow。Sheistriflingwithme，andverylikelysheisnowrevellinginhertriumph。Shehasmadeuseofyoutoalluremeinthesnare，anditisallthebetterforher；hadshecome，Imeanttohavehadmyturn，andtohavelaughedather。\"
\"Ah！youmustallowmetohavemydoubtsastothat。\"
\"Doubtmenot，beautifulNanette；thepleasantnightwearegoingtospendwithouthermustconvinceyou。\"
\"Thatistosaythat，asamanofsense，youcanacceptusasamakeshift；butyoucansleephere，andmysistercanliewithmeonthesofainthenextroom。\"
\"Icannothinderyou，butitwouldbegreatunkindnessonyourpart。
Atallevents，Idonotintendtogotobed。\"
\"What！youwouldhavethecouragetospendsevenhoursalonewithus？
Why，Iamcertainthatinashorttimeyouwillbeatalosswhattosay，andyouwillfallasleep。\"
\"Well，weshallsee。Inthemean—timehereareprovisions。Youwillnotbesocruelastoletmeeatalone？Canyougetanybread？\"
\"Yes，andtopleaseyouwemusthaveasecondsupper。\"
\"Ioughttobeinlovewithyou。Tellme，beautifulNanette，ifI
wereasmuchattachedtoyouasIwastoAngela，wouldyoufollowherexampleandmakemeunhappy？\"
\"Howcanyouasksuchaquestion？Itisworthyofaconceitedman。
AllIcanansweris，thatIdonotknowwhatIwoulddo。\"
Theylaidthecloth，broughtsomebread，someParmesancheeseandwater，laughingallthewhile，andthenwewenttowork。Thewine，towhichtheywerenotaccustomed，wenttotheirheads，andtheirgaietywassoondelightful。Iwondered，asIlookedatthem，atmyhavingbeenblindenoughnottoseetheirmerit。
Afteroursupper，whichwasdelicious，Isatbetweenthem，holdingtheirhands，whichIpressedtomylips，askingthemwhethertheyweretrulymyfriends，andwhethertheyapprovedofAngela’sconducttowardsme。Theybothansweredthatithadmadethemshedmanytears。\"Thenletme，\"Isaid，\"haveforyouthetenderfeelingsofabrother，andsharethosefeelingsyourselvesasifyouweremysisters；letusexchange，inallinnocence，proofsofourmutualaffection，andsweartoeachotheraneternalfidelity。\"
ThefirstkissIgavethemwaspromptedbyentirelyharmlessmotives，andtheyreturnedthekiss，astheyassuredmeafewdaysafterwardsonlytoprovetomethattheyreciprocatedmybrotherlyfeelings；butthoseinnocentkisses，aswerepeatedthem，verysoonbecameardentones，andkindledaflamewhichcertainlytookusbysurprise，forwestopped，asbycommonconsent，afterashorttime，lookingateachotherverymuchastonishedandratherserious。Theybothleftmewithoutaffectation，andIremainedalonewithmythoughts。Indeed，itwasnaturalthattheburningkissesIhadgivenandreceivedshouldhavesentthroughmethefireofpassion，andthatIshouldsuddenlyhavefallenmadlyinlovewiththetwoamiablesisters。
BothwerehandsomerthanAngela，andtheyweresuperiortoher——
Nanettebyhercharmingwit，Martonbyhersweetandsimplenature；I
couldnotunderstandhowIhadbeensolonginrenderingthemthejusticetheydeserved，buttheyweretheinnocentdaughtersofanoblefamily，andtheluckychancewhichhadthrowntheminmywayoughtnottoproveacalamityforthem。Iwasnotvainenoughtosupposethattheylovedme，butIcouldwellenoughadmitthatmykisseshadinfluencedtheminthesamemannerthattheirkisseshadinfluencedme，and，believingthistobethecase，itwasevidentthat，withalittlecunningonmypart，andofslypracticesofwhichtheywereignorant，Icouldeasily，duringthelongnightIwasgoingtospendwiththem，obtainfavours，theconsequencesofwhichmightbeverypositive。Theverythoughtmademeshudder，andIfirmlyresolvedtorespecttheirvirtue，neverdreamingthatcircumstancesmightprovetoostrongforme。
Whentheyreturned，Ireadupontheircountenancesperfectsecurityandsatisfaction，andIquicklyputonthesameappearance，withafulldeterminationnottoexposemyselfagaintothedangeroftheirkisses。
ForonehourwespokeofAngela，andIexpressedmydeterminationnevertoseeheragain，asIhadeveryproofthatshedidnotcareforme。\"Shelovesyou，\"saidtheartlessMarton；\"Iknowshedoes，butifyoudonotmeantomarryher，youwilldowelltogiveupallintercoursewithher，forsheisquitedeterminednottograntyouevenakissaslongasyouarenotheracknowledgedsuitor。Youmustthereforeeithergiveuptheacquaintancealtogether，ormakeupyourmindthatshewillrefuseyoueverything。\"
\"Youargueverywell，buthowdoyouknowthatshelovesme？\"
\"Iamquitesureofit，andasyouhavepromisedtobeourbrother，I
cantellyouwhyIhavethatconviction。WhenAngelaisinbedwithme，sheembracesmelovinglyandcallsmeherdearabbe。\"
ThewordswerescarcelyspokenwhenNanette，laughingheartily，placedherhandonhersister’slips，buttheinnocentconfessionhadsuchaneffectuponmethatIcouldhardlycontrolmyself。
MartontoldNanettethatIcouldnotpossiblybeignorantofwhattakesplacebetweenyounggirlssleepingtogether。
\"Thereisnodoubt，\"Isaid，\"thateverybodyknowsthosetrifles，andIdonotthink，dearNanette，thatyououghttoreproachyoursisterwithindiscretionforherfriendlyconfidence。\"
\"Itcannotbehelpednow，butsuchthingsoughtnottobementioned。
IfAngelaknewit！\"
\"Shewouldbevexed，ofcourse；butMartonhasgivenmeamarkofherfriendshipwhichInevercanforget。Butitisallover；IhateAngela，andIdonotmeantospeaktoheranymore！sheisfalse，andshewishesmyruin。\"
\"Yet，lovingyou，isshewrongtothinkofhavingyouforherhusband？\"
\"Grantedthatsheisnot；butshethinksonlyofherownself，forsheknowswhatIsuffer，andherconductwouldbeverydifferentifshelovedme。Inthemeantime，thankstoherimagination，shefindsthemeansofsatisfyinghersenseswiththecharmingMartonwhokindlyperformsthepartofherhusband。\"
Nanettelaughedlouder，butIkeptveryserious，andIwentontalkingtohersister，andpraisinghersincerity。Isaidthatverylikely，andtoreciprocateherkindness，Angelamustlikewisehavebeenherhusband，butsheanswered，withasmile，thatAngelaplayedhusbandonlytoNanette，andNanettecouldnotdenyit。
\"But，\"saidI，\"whatnamedidNanette，inherrapture，givetoherhusband？\"
\"Nobodyknows。\"
\"Doyouloveanyone，Nanette？\"
\"Ido；butmysecretismyown。\"
ThisreservegavemethesuspicionthatIhadsomethingtodowithhersecret，andthatNanettewastherivalofAngela。Suchadelightfulconversationcausedmetolosethewishofpassinganidlenightwithtwogirlssowellmadeforlove。
\"Itisverylucky，\"Iexclaimed，\"thatIhaveforyouonlyfeelingsoffriendship；otherwiseitwouldbeveryhardtopassthenightwithoutgivingwaytothetemptationofbestowinguponyouproofsofmyaffection，foryouarebothsolovely，sobewitching，thatyouwouldturnthebrainsofanyman。\"
AsIwentontalking，Ipretendedtobesomewhatsleepy；Nanettebeingthefirsttonoticeit，said，\"Gotobedwithoutanyceremony，wewillliedownonthesofaintheadjoiningroom。\"
\"Iwouldbeaverypoor—spiritedfellowindeed，ifIagreedtothis；
letustalk；mysleepinesswillsoonpassoff，butIamanxiousaboutyou。Gotobedyourselves，mycharmingfriends，andIwillgointothenextroom。Ifyouareafraidofme，lockthedoor，butyouwoulddomeaninjustice，forIfeelonlyabrother’syearningstowardsyou。\"
\"Wecannotacceptsuchanarrangement，\"saidNanette，\"butletmepersuadeyou；takethisbed。\"
\"Icannotsleepwithmyclotheson。\"
\"Undressyourself；wewillnotlookatyou。\"
\"Ihavenofearofit，buthowcouldIfindthehearttosleep，whileonmyaccountyouarecompelledtositup？\"
\"Well，\"saidMarton，\"wecanliedown，too，withoutundressing。\"
\"Ifyoushewmesuchdistrust，youwilloffendme。Tellme，Nanette，doyouthinkIamanhonestman？\"
\"Mostcertainly。\"
\"Well，then，givemeaproofofyourgoodopinion；liedownnearmeinthebed，undressed，andrelyonmywordofhonourthatIwillnotevenlayafingeruponyou。Besides，youaretwoagainstone，whatcanyoufear？WillyounotbefreetogetoutofthebedincaseI
shouldnotkeepquiet？Inshort，unlessyouconsenttogivemethismarkofyourconfidenceinme，atleastwhenIhavefallenasleep，I
cannotgotobed。\"
Isaidnomore，andpretendedtobeverysleepy。Theyexchangedafewwords，whisperingtoeachother，andMartontoldmetogotobed，thattheywouldfollowmeassoonasIwasasleep。Nanettemademethesamepromise，Iturnedmybacktothem，undressedmyselfquickly，andwishingthemgoodnight，Iwenttobed。Iimmediatelypretendedtofallasleep，butsoonIdozedingoodearnest，andonlywokewhentheycametobed。Then，turningroundasifIwishedtoresumemyslumbers，IremainedveryquietuntilIcouldsupposethemfastasleep；atallevents，iftheydidnotsleep，theywereatlibertytopretendtodoso。Theirbacksweretowardsme，andthelightwasout；thereforeIcouldonlyactatrandom，andIpaidmyfirstcomplimentstotheonewhowaslyingonmyright，notknowingwhethershewasNanetteorMarton。Ifindherbentintwo，andwrappedupintheonlygarmentshehadkepton。Takingmytime，andsparinghermodesty，Icompelherbydegreestoacknowledgeherdefeat，andconvinceherthatitisbettertofeignsleepandtoletmeproceed。
Hernaturalinstinctssoonworkinginconcertwithmine，Ireachthegoal；andmyefforts，crownedwiththemostcompletesuccess，leavemenottheshadowofadoubtthatIhavegatheredthosefirst—fruitstowhichourprejudicemakesusattachsogreatanimportance。
Enrapturedathavingenjoyedmymanhoodcompletelyandforthefirsttime，Iquietlyleavemybeautyinordertodohomagetotheothersister。Ifindhermotionless，lyingonherbacklikeapersonwrappedinprofoundandundisturbedslumber。Carefullymanagingmyadvance，asifIwereafraidofwakingherup，Ibeginbygentlygratifyinghersenses，andIascertainthedelightfulfactthat，likehersister，sheisstillinpossessionofhermaidenhood。Assoonasanaturalmovementprovestomethatloveacceptstheoffering，I
takemymeasurestoconsummatethesacrifice。Atthatmoment，givingwaysuddenlytotheviolenceofherfeelings，andtiredofherassumeddissimulation，shewarmlylocksmeinherarmsattheveryinstantofthevoluptuouscrisis，smothersmewithkisses，sharesmyraptures，andloveblendsoursoulsinthemostecstaticenjoyment。
GuessinghertobeNanette，Iwhisperhername。
\"Yes，IamNanette，\"sheanswers；\"andIdeclaremyselfhappy，aswellasmysister，ifyouproveyourselftrueandfaithful。\"
\"Untildeath，mybelovedones，andaseverythingwehavedoneistheworkoflove，donotletusevermentionthenameofAngela。\"
Afterthis，Ibeggedthatshewouldgiveusalight；butMarton，alwayskindandobliging，gotoutofbedleavingusalone。WhenI
sawNanetteinmyarms，beamingwithlove，andMartonnearthebed，holdingacandle，withhereyesreproachinguswithingratitudebecausewedidnotspeaktoher，who，byacceptingmyfirstcaresses，hadencouragedhersistertofollowherexample，Irealizedallmyhappiness。
\"Letusgetup，mydarlings，\"saidI，\"andsweartoeachothereternalaffection。\"
Whenwehadrisenweperformed，allthreetogether，ablutionswhichmadethemlaughagooddeal，andwhichgaveanewimpetustotheardourofourfeelings。Sittingupinthesimplecostumeofnature，weatetheremainsofoursupper，exchangingthosethousandtriflingwordswhichlovealonecanunderstand，andweagainretiredtoourbed，wherewespentamostdelightfulnightgivingeachothermutualandoft—repeatedproofsofourpassionateardour。Nanettewastherecipientofmylastbounties，forMadameOriohavingleftthehousetogotochurch，Ihadtohastenmydeparture，afterassuringthetwolovelysistersthattheyhadeffectuallyextinguishedwhateverflamemightstillhaveflickeredinmyheartforAngela。Iwenthomeandsleptsoundlyuntildinner—time。
M。deMalipieropassedaremarkuponmycheerfullooksandthedarkcirclesaroundmyeyes，butIkeptmyowncounsel，andIallowedhimtothinkwhateverhepleased。OnthefollowingdayIpaidavisittoMadameOrio，andAngelanotbeingoftheparty，IremainedtosupperandretiredwithM。Rosa。DuringtheeveningNanettecontrivedtogivemealetterandasmallparcel。Theparcelcontainedasmalllumpofwaxwiththestampofakey，andthelettertoldmetohaveakeymade，andtouseittoenterthehousewheneverIwishedtospendthenightwiththem。SheinformedmeatthesametimethatAngelahadsleptwiththemthenightfollowingouradventures，andthat，thankstotheirmutualandusualpractices，shehadguessedtherealstateofthings，thattheyhadnotdeniedit，addingthatitwasallherfault，andthatAngela，afterabusingthemmostvehemently，hadswornneveragaintodarkentheirdoors；buttheydidnotcareajot。
AfewdaysafterwardsourgoodfortunedeliveredusfromAngela；shewastakentoVicenzabyherfather，whohadremovedthereforacoupleofyears，havingbeenengagedtopaintfrescoesinsomehousesinthatcity。Thankstoherabsence，Ifoundmyselfundisturbedpossessorofthetwocharmingsisters，withwhomIspentatleasttwonightseveryweek，findingnodifficultyinenteringthehousewiththekeywhichIhadspeedilyprocured。
Carnivalwasnearlyover，whenM。ManzoniinformedmeonedaythatthecelebratedJuliettewishedtoseeme，andregrettedmuchthatI
hadceasedtovisither。Ifeltcuriousastowhatshehadtosaytome，andaccompaniedhimtoherhouse。Shereceivedmeverypolitely，andremarkingthatshehadheardofalargehallIhadinmyhouse，shesaidshewouldliketogiveaballthere，ifIwouldgivehertheuseofit。Ireadilyconsented，andshehandedmetwenty—foursequinsforthesupperandfortheband，undertakingtosendpeopletoplacechandeliersinthehallandinmyotherrooms。
M。deSanvitalihadleftVenice，andtheParmesangovernmenthadplacedhisestatesinchanceryinconsequenceofhisextravagantexpenditure。ImethimatVersaillestenyearsafterwards。Heworetheinsigniaoftheking’sorderofknighthood，andwasgrandequerrytotheeldestdaughterofLouisXV。，DuchessofParma，who，likealltheFrenchprincesses，couldnotbereconciledtotheclimateofItaly。
Theballtookplace，andwentoffsplendidly。AlltheguestsbelongedtoJuliette’sset，withtheexceptionofMadameOrio，hernieces，andtheprocuratorRosa，whosattogetherintheroomadjoiningthehall，andwhomIhadbeenpermittedtointroduceaspersonsofnoconsequencewhatever。
Whiletheafter—supperminuetswerebeingdancedJuliettetookmeapart，andsaid，\"Takemetoyourbedroom；Ihavejustgotanamusingidea。\"
Myroomwasonthethirdstory；Ishewedhertheway。Themomentweenteredsheboltedthedoor，muchtomysurprise。\"Iwishyou，\"shesaid，\"todressmeupinyourecclesiasticalclothes，andIwilldisguiseyouasawomanwithmyownthings。Wewillgodownanddancetogether。Come，letusfirstdressourhair。\"
Feelingsureofsomethingpleasanttocome，anddelightedwithsuchanunusualadventure，Ilosenotimeinarrangingherhair，andIletherafterwardsdressmine。Sheappliesrougeandafewbeautyspotstomyface；Ihumourherineverything，andtoprovehersatisfaction，shegivesmewiththebestofgraceaverylovingkiss，onconditionthatIdonotaskforanythingelse。
\"Asyouplease，beautifulJuliette，butIgiveyouduenoticethatI
adoreyou！\"
Iplaceuponmybedashirt，anabbe’sneckband，apairofdrawers，blacksilkstockings——infact，acompletefit—out。Comingnearthebed，Juliettedropsherskirt，andcleverlygetsintothedrawers，whichwerenotabadfit，butwhenshecomestothebreechesthereissomedifficulty；thewaistbandistoonarrow，andtheonlyremedyistoripitbehindortocutit，ifnecessary。Iundertaketomakeeverythingright，and，asIsitonthefootofmybed，sheplacesherselfinfrontofme，withherbacktowardsme。Ibeginmywork，butshethinksthatIwanttoseetoomuch，thatIamnotskilfulenough，andthatmyfingerswanderinunnecessaryplaces；shegetsfidgety，leavesme，tearsthebreeches，andmanagesinherownway。
ThenIhelphertoputhershoeson，andIpasstheshirtoverherhead，butasIamdisposingtheruffleandtheneck—band，shecomplainsofmyhandsbeingtoocurious；andintruth，herbosomwasratherscanty。Shecallsmeaknaveandrascal，butItakenonoticeofher。Iwasnotgoingtobeduped，andIthoughtthatawomanwhohadbeenpaidonehundredthousandducatswaswellworthsomestudy。
Atlast，hertoiletbeingcompleted，myturncomes。InspiteofherobjectionsIquicklygetridofmybreeches，andshemustputonmethechemise，thenaskirt，inawordshehastodressmeup。Butallatonce，playingthecoquette，shegetsangrybecauseIdonotconcealfromherlookstheveryapparentproofthathercharmshavesomeeffectonaparticularpartofmybeing，andsherefusestograntmethefavourwhichwouldsoonaffordbothreliefandcalm。I
trytokissher，andsherepulsesme，whereuponIlosepatience，andinspiteofherselfshehastowitnessthelaststageofmyexcitement。Atthesightofthis，shepoursouteveryinsultingwordshecanthinkof；Iendeavourtoprovethatsheistoblame，butitisallinvain。
However，sheiscompelledtocompletemydisguise。Thereisnodoubtthatanhonestwomanwouldnothaveexposedherselftosuchanadventure，unlessshehadintendedtoprovehertenderfeelings，andthatshewouldnothavedrawnbackattheverymomentshesawthemsharedbyhercompanion；butwomenlikeJulietteareoftenguidedbyaspiritofcontradictionwhichcausesthemtoactagainsttheirowninterests。Besides，shefeltdisappointedwhenshefoundoutthatI
wasnottimid，andmywantofrestraintappearedtoherawantofrespect。Shewouldnothaveobjectedtomystealingafewlightfavourswhichshewouldhaveallowedmetotake，asbeingofnoimportance，but，bydoingthat，Ishouldhaveflatteredhervanitytoohighly。
Ourdisguisebeingcomplete，wewenttogethertothedancing—hall，wheretheenthusiasticapplauseoftheguestssoonrestoredourgoodtemper。EverybodygavemecreditforapieceoffortunewhichIhadnotenjoyed，butIwasnotill—pleasedwiththerumour，andwentondancingwiththefalseabbe，whowasonlytoocharming。JuliettetreatedmesowellduringthenightthatIconstruedhermannerstowardsmeintosomesortofrepentance，andIalmostregrettedwhathadtakenplacebetweenus；itwasamomentaryweaknessforwhichI
wassorelypunished。
Attheendofthequadrilleallthementhoughttheyhadarighttotakelibertieswiththeabbe，andIbecamemyselfratherfreewiththeyounggirls，whowouldhavebeenafraidofexposingthemselvestoridiculehadtheyofferedanyoppositiontomycaresses。
M。QueriniwasfoolishenoughtoenquirefrommewhetherIhadkeptonmybreeches，andasIansweredthatIhadbeencompelledtolendthemtoJuliette，helookedveryunhappy，satdowninacorneroftheroom，andrefusedtodance。
EveryoneoftheguestssoonremarkedthatIhadonawoman’schemise，andnobodyentertainedadoubtofthesacrificehavingbeenconsummated，withtheexceptionofNanetteandMarton，whocouldnotimaginethepossibilityofmybeingunfaithfultothem。Julietteperceivedthatshehadbeenguiltyofgreatimprudence，butitwastoolatetoremedytheevil。
Whenwereturnedtomychamberupstairs，thinkingthatshehadrepentedofherpreviousbehaviour，andfeelingsomedesiretopossessher，IthoughtIwouldkissher，andItookholdofherhand，sayingIwasdisposedtogivehereverysatisfaction，butshequicklyslappedmyfaceinsoviolentamannerthat，inmyindignation，Iwasverynearreturningthecompliment。Iundressedmyselfrapidlywithoutlookingather，shedidthesame，andwecamedownstairs；
but，inspiteofthecoldwaterIhadappliedtomycheek，everyonecouldeasilyseethestampofthelargehandwhichhadcomeincontactwithmyface。
Beforeleavingthehouse，Juliettetookmeapart，andtoldme，inthemostdecidedandimpressivemanner，thatifIhadanyfancyforbeingthrownoutofthewindow，IcouldenjoythatpleasurewheneverI
likedtoenterherdwelling，andthatshewouldhavememurderedifthisnight’sadventureeverbecamepubliclyknown。Itookcarenottogiveheranycausefortheexecutionofeitherofherthreats，butIcouldnotpreventthefactofourhavingexchangedshirtsbeingrathernotorious。AsIwasnotseenatherhouse，itwasgenerallysupposedthatshehadbeencompelledbyM。Querinitokeepmeatadistance。Thereaderwillseehow，sixyearslater，thisextraordinarywomanthoughtpropertofeignentireforgetfulnessofthisadventure。
IpassedLent，partlyinthecompanyofmylovedones，partlyinthestudyofexperimentalphysicsattheConventoftheSalutation。MyeveningswerealwaysgiventoM。deMalipiero’sassemblies。AtEaster，inordertokeepthepromiseIhadmadetotheCountessofMont—Real，andlongingtoseeagainmybeautifulLucie，IwenttoPasean。IfoundtheguestsentirelydifferenttothesetIhadmetthepreviousautumn。CountDaniel，theeldestofthefamily，hadmarriedaCountessGozzi，andayoungandwealthygovernmentofficial，whohadmarriedagod—daughteroftheoldcountess，wastherewithhiswifeandhissister—in—law。Ithoughtthesupperverylong。Thesameroomhadbeengiventome，andIwasburningtoseeLucie，whomIdidnotintendtotreatanymorelikeachild。Ididnotseeherbeforegoingtobed，butIexpectedherearlythenextmorning，whenlo！insteadofherprettyfacebrighteningmyeyes，I
seestandingbeforemeafat，uglyservant—girl！Ienquireafterthegatekeeper’sfamily，butheranswerisgiveninthepeculiardialectoftheplace，andis，ofcourse，unintelligibletome。
IwonderwhathasbecomeofLucie；Ifancythatourintimacyhasbeenfoundout，Ifancythatsheisill——dead，perhaps。Idressmyselfwiththeintentionoflookingforher。Ifshehasbeenforbiddentoseeme，Ithinktomyself，Iwillbeevenwiththemall，forsomehoworotherIwillcontrivethemeansofspeakingtoher，andoutofspiteIwilldowithherthatwhichhonourpreventedlovefromaccomplishing。AsIwasrevolvingsuchthoughts，thegate—keepercomesinwithasorrowfulcountenance。Ienquireafterhiswife’shealth，andafterhisdaughter，butatthenameofLuciehiseyesarefilledwithtears。
\"What！isshedead？\"
\"WouldtoGodshewere！\"
\"Whathasshedone？\"
\"ShehasrunawaywithCountDaniel’scourier，andwehavebeenunabletotraceheranywhere。\"
Hiswifecomesinatthemomenthereplies，andatthesewords，whichrenewedhergrief，thepoorwomanfaintsaway。Thekeeper，seeinghowsincerelyIfeltforhismisery，tellsmethatthisgreatmisfortunebefellthemonlyaweekbeforemyarrival。
\"Iknowthatmanl’Aigle，\"Isay；\"heisascoundrel。DidheasktomarryLucie？\"
\"No；heknewwellenoughthatourconsentwouldhavebeenrefused！\"
\"IwonderatLucieactinginsuchaway。\"
\"Heseducedher，andherrunningawaymadeussuspectthetruth，forshehadbecomeverystout。\"
\"Hadheknownherlong？\"
\"Aboutamonthafteryourlastvisitshesawhimforthefirsttime。
Hemusthavethrownaspelloverher，forourLuciewasaspureasadove，andyoucan，Ibelieve，beartestimonytohergoodness。\"
\"Andnooneknowswheretheyare？\"
\"Noone。Godaloneknowswhatthisvillainwilldowithher。\"
Igrievedasmuchastheunfortunateparents；Iwentoutandtookalongrambleinthewoodstogivewaytomysadfeelings。DuringtwohoursIcogitatedoverconsiderations，sometrue，somefalse，whichwereallprefacedbyanif。IfIhadpaidthisvisit，asImighthavedone，aweeksooner，lovingLuciewouldhaveconfidedinme，andIwouldhavepreventedthatself—murder。IfIhadactedwithheraswithNanetteandMarton，shewouldnothavebeenleftbymeinthatstateofardentexcitementwhichmusthaveprovedtheprincipalcauseofherfault，andshewouldnothavefallenapreytothatscoundrel。
Ifshehadnotknownmebeforemeetingthecourier，herinnocentsoulwouldneverhavelistenedtosuchaman。Iwasindespair，forinmyconscienceIacknowledgedmyselftheprimaryagentofthisinfamousseduction；Ihadpreparedthewayforthevillain。
HadIknownwheretofindLucie，Iwouldcertainlyhavegoneforthontheinstanttoseekforher，butnotracewhateverofherwhereaboutshadbeendiscovered。
BeforeIhadbeenmadeacquaintedwithLucie’smisfortuneIfeltgreatprideathavinghadsufficientpowerovermyselftorespectherinnocence；butafterhearingwhathadhappenedIwasashamedofmyownreserve，andIpromisedmyselfthatforthefutureIwouldonthatscoreactmorewisely。Ifelttrulymiserablewhenmyimaginationpaintedtheprobabilityoftheunfortunategirlbeinglefttopovertyandshame，cursingtheremembranceofme，andhatingmeasthefirstcauseofhermisery。Thisfataleventcausedmetoadoptanewsystem，whichinafteryearsIcarriedsometimesrathertoofar。
Ijoinedthecheerfulguestsofthecountessinthegardens，andreceivedsuchawelcomethatIwassoonagaininmyusualspirits，andatdinnerIdelightedeveryone。
MysorrowwassogreatthatitwasnecessaryeithertodriveitawayatonceortoleavePasean。ButanewlifecreptintomybeingasI
examinedthefaceandthedispositionofthenewly—marriedlady。Hersisterwasprettier，butIwasbeginningtofeelafraidofanovice；
Ithoughttheworktoogreat。
Thisnewly—marriedlady，whowasbetweennineteenandtwentyyearsofage，drewuponherselfeverybody’sattentionbyherover—strainedandunnaturalmanners。Agreattalker，withamemorycrammedwithmaximsandpreceptsoftenwithoutsense，butofwhichshelovedtomakeashow，verydevout，andsojealousofherhusbandthatshedidnotconcealhervexationwhenheexpressedhissatisfactionatbeingseatedattableoppositehersister，shelaidherselfopentomuchridicule。Herhusbandwasagiddyyoungfellow，whoperhapsfeltverydeepaffectionforhiswife，butwhoimaginedthat，throughgoodbreeding，heoughttoappearveryindifferent，andwhosevanityfoundpleasureingivingherconstantcausesforjealousy。She，inherturn，hadagreatdreadofpassingforanidiotifshedidnotshewherappreciationof，andherresentmentfor，hisconduct。Shefeltuneasyinthemidstofgoodcompany，preciselybecauseshewishedtoappearthoroughlyathome。IfIprattledawaywithsomeofmytrillingnonsense，shewouldstareatme，andinheranxietynottobethoughtstupid，shewouldlaughoutofseason。Heroddity，herawkwardness，andherself—conceitgavemethedesiretoknowherbetter，andIbegantodanceattendanceuponher。
Myattentions，importantandunimportant，myconstantcare，evermyfopperies，leteverybodyknowthatImeditatedconquest。Thehusbandwasdulywarned，but，withagreatshowofintrepidity，heansweredwithajokeeverytimehewastoldthatIwasaformidablerival。OnmysideIassumedamodest，andevensometimesacarelessappearance，when，toshewhisfreedomfromjealousy，heexcitedmetomakelovetohiswife，who，onherpart，understoodbutlittlehowtoperformthepartoffancyfree。
Ihadbeenpayingmyaddresstoherforfiveorsixdayswithgreatconstancy，when，takingawalkwithherinthegarden，sheimprudentlyconfidedtomethereasonofheranxietyrespectingherhusband，andhowwronghewastogiveheranycauseforjealousy。I
toldher，speakingasanoldfriend，thatthebestwaytopunishhimwouldbetotakenoapparentnoticeofher，husband’spreferenceforhersister，andtofeigntobeherselfinlovewithme。Inordertoenticehermoreeasilytofollowmyadvice，IaddedthatIwaswellawareofmyplanbeingaverydifficultonetocarryout，andthattoplaysuccessfullysuchacharacterawomanmustbeparticularlywitty。Ihadtouchedherweakpoint，andsheexclaimedthatshewouldplaytheparttoperfection；butinspiteofherself—
confidencesheacquittedherselfsobadlythateverybodyunderstoodthattheplanwasofmyownscheming。
IfIhappenedtobealonewithherinthedarkpathsofthegarden，andtriedtomakeherplayherpartinrealearnest，shewouldtakethedangerousstepofrunningaway，andrejoiningtheotherguests；
theresultbeingthat，onmyreappearance，Iwascalledabadsportsmanwhofrightenedthebirdaway。Iwouldnotfailatthefirstopportunitytoreproachherforherflight，andtorepresentthetriumphshehadthuspreparedforherspouse。Ipraisedhermind，butlamentedovertheshortcomingsofhereducation；Isaidthatthetone，themannersIadoptedtowardsher，werethoseofgoodsociety，andprovedthegreatesteemIentertainedforherintelligence，butinthemiddleofallmyfinespeeches，towardstheeleventhortwelfthdayofmycourtship，shesuddenlyputmeoutofallconceitbytellingmethat，beingapriest，Ioughttoknowthateveryamorousconnectionwasadeadlysin，thatGodcouldseeeveryactionofHiscreatures，andthatshewouldneitherdamnhersoulnorplaceherselfunderthenecessityofsayingtoherconfessorthatshehadsofarforgottenherselfastocommitsuchasinwithapriest。
IobjectedthatIwasnotyetapriest，butshefoiledmebyenquiringpoint—blankwhetherornottheactIhadinviewwastobenumberedamongstthecardinalsins，for，notfeelingthecouragetodenyit，IfeltthatImustgiveuptheargumentandputanendtotheadventure。
Alittleconsiderationhavingconsiderablycalmedmyfeelings，everybodyremarkedmynewcountenanceduringdinner；andtheoldcount，whowasveryfondofajoke，expressedloudlyhisopinionthatsuchquietdemeanouronmypartannouncedthecompletesuccessofmycampaign。Consideringsucharemarktobefavourabletome，Itookcaretospewmycrueldevoteethatsuchwasthewaytheworldwouldjudge，butallthiswaslostlabour。Luck，however，stoodmeingoodstead，andmyeffortswerecrownedwithsuccessinthefollowingmanner。
OnAscensionDay，weallwenttopayavisittoMadameBergali，acelebratedItalianpoetess。OnmyreturntoPaseanthesameevening，myprettymistresswishedtogetintoacarriageforfourpersonsinwhichherhusbandandsisterwerealreadyseated，whileIwasaloneinatwo—wheeledchaise。Iexclaimedatthis，sayingthatsuchamarkofdistrustwasindeedtoopointed，andeverybodyremonstratedwithher，sayingthatsheoughtnottoinsultmesocruelly。Shewascompelledtocomewithme，andhavingtoldthepostillionthatI
wantedtogobythenearestroad，helefttheothercarriages，andtookthewaythroughtheforestofCequini。Theskywasclearandcloudlesswhenweleft，butinlessthanhalf—an—hourwewerevisitedbyoneofthosestormssofrequentinthesouth，whichappearlikelytooverthrowheavenandearth，andwhichendrapidly，leavingbehindthemabrightskyandacoolatmosphere，sothattheydomoregoodthanharm。
\"Oh，heavens！\"exclaimedmycompanion，\"weshallhaveastorm。\"
\"Yes，\"Isay，\"andalthoughthechaiseiscovered，therainwillspoilyourprettydress。Iamverysorry。\"
\"Idonotmindthedress；butthethunderfrightensmeso！\"
\"Closeyourears。\"
\"Andthelightning？\"
\"Postillion，letusgosomewhereforshelter。\"
\"Thereisnotahouse，sir，foraleague，andbeforewecometoit，thestormwillhavepassedoff。\"
Hequietlykeepsonhisway，andthelightningflashes，thethundersendsforthitsmightyvoice，andtheladyshudderswithfright。Theraincomesdownintorrents，Itakeoffmycloaktoshelterusinfront，atthesamemomentweareblindedbyaflashoflightning，andtheelectricfluidstrikestheearthwithinonehundredyardsofus。
Thehorsesplungeandprancewithfear，andmycompanionfallsinspasmodicconvulsions。Shethrowsherselfuponme，andfoldsmeinherarms。Thecloakhadgonedown，Istooptoplaceitaroundus，andimprovingmyopportunityItakeupherclothes。Shetriestopullthemdown，butanotherclapofthunderdeprivesherofeveryparticleofstrength。Coveringherwiththecloak，Idrawhertowardsme，andthemotionofthechaisecomingtomyassistance，shefallsovermeinthemostfavourableposition。Ilosenotime，andunderpretenceofarrangingmywatchinmyfob，Ipreparemyselffortheassault。Onherside，consciousthat，unlessshestopsmeatonce，allislost，shemakesagreateffort；butIholdhertightly，sayingthatifshedoesnotfeignafaintingfit，thepost—boywillturnroundandseeeverything；Iletherenjoythepleasureofcallingmeaninfidel，amonster，anythingshelikes，butmyvictoryisthemostcompletethateverachampionachieved。
Therain，however，wasfalling，thewind，whichwasveryhigh，blewinourfaces，and，compelledtostaywhereshewas，shesaidIwouldruinherreputation，asthepostillioncouldseeeverything。
\"Ikeepmyeyeuponhim，\"Ianswered，\"heisnotthinkingofus，andevenifheshouldturnhishead，thecloaksheltersusfromhim。Bequiet，andpretendtohavefainted，forIwillnotletyougo。\"
Sheseemsresigned，andaskshowIcanthussetthestormatdefiance。
\"Thestorm，dearone，ismybestfriendto—day。\"
Shealmostseemstobelieveme，herfearvanishes，andfeelingmyrapture，sheenquireswhetherIhavedone。Ismileandanswerinthenegative，statingthatIcannotlethergotillthestormisover。
\"Consenttoeverything，orIletthecloakdrop，\"Isaytoher。
\"Well，youdreadfulman，areyousatisfied，nowthatyouhaveinsuredmymiseryfortheremainderofmylife？\"
\"No，notyet。\"
\"Whatmoredoyouwant？\"
\"Ashowerofkisses。\"
\"HowunhappyIam！Well！heretheyare。\"
\"Tellmeyouforgiveme，andconfessthatyouhavesharedallmypleasure。\"
\"YouknowIdid。Yes，Iforgiveyou。\"
ThenIgiveherherliberty，andtreatinghertosomeverypleasantcaresses，Iaskhertohavethesamekindnessforme，andshegoestoworkwithasmileonherprettylips。
\"Tellmeyouloveme，\"Isaytoher。
\"No，Idonot，foryouareanatheist，andhellawaitsyou。\"
Theweatherwasfineagain，andtheelementscalm；Ikissedherhandsandtoldherthatthepostillionhadcertainlynotseenanything，andthatIwassureIhadcuredherofherdreadofthunder，butthatshewasnotlikelytorevealthesecretofmyremedy。Sheansweredthatonethingatleastwascertain，namelythatnootherwomanhadeverbeencuredbythesameprescription。
\"Why，\"Isaid，\"thesameremedyhasverylikelybeenappliedamillionoftimeswithinthelastthousandyears。Totellyouthetruth，Ihadsomewhatdependeduponit，whenweenteredthechaisetogether，forIdidnotknowanyotherwayofobtainingthehappinessofpossessingyou。Butconsoleyourselfwiththebeliefthat，placedinthesameposition，nofrightenedwomancouldhaveresisted。\"
\"Ibelieveyou；butforthefutureIwilltravelonlywithmyhusband。\"
\"Youwouldbewrong，foryourhusbandwouldnothavebeencleverenoughtocureyourfrightinthewayIhavedone。\"
\"True，again。Onelearnssomecuriousthingsinyourcompany；butweshallnottraveltete—d—teteagain。\"
WereachedPaseananhourbeforeourfriends。Wegetoutofthechaise，andmyfairmistressranofftoherchamber，whileIwaslookingforacrownforthepostillion。Isawthathewasgrinning。
\"Whatareyoulaughingat？\"
\"Oh！youknow。\"
\"Here，takethisducatandkeepaquiettongueinyourhead。\"
CHAPTERVI
MyGrandmother’sDeathandItsConsequencesILoseM。deMalipiero’sFriendship——IHaveNoLongeraHome——LaTintoretta——IAmSenttoaClericalSeminary——IAmExpelledFromIt，andConfinedinaFortressDuringsuppertheconversationturnedaltogetheruponthestorm，andtheofficial，whoknewtheweaknessofhiswife，toldmethathewasquitecertainIwouldnevertravelwithheragain。\"NorIwithhim，\"
hiswiferemarked，\"for，inhisfearfulimpiety，heexorcisedthelightningwithjokes。\"
HenceforthsheavoidedmesoskilfullythatInevercouldcontriveanotherinterviewwithher。
WhenIreturnedtoVeniceIfoundmygrandmotherill，andIhadtochangeallmyhabits，forIlovedhertoodearlynottosurroundherwitheverycareandattention；Ineverleftheruntilshehadbreathedherlast。Shewasunabletoleavemeanything，forduringherlifeshehadgivenmeallshecould，andherdeathcompelledmetoadoptanentirelydifferentmodeoflife。
Amonthafterherdeath，Ireceivedaletterfrommymotherinformingmethat，astherewasnoprobabilityofherreturntoVenice，shehaddeterminedtogiveupthehouse，therentofwhichshewasstillpaying，thatshehadcommunicatedherintentiontotheAbbeGrimani，andthatIwastobeguidedentirelybyhisadvice。
Hewasinstructedtosellthefurniture，andtoplaceme，aswellasmybrothersandmysister，inagoodboarding—house。IcalleduponGrimanitoassurehimofmyperfectdispositiontoobeyhiscommands。
Therentofthehousehadbeenpaiduntiltheendoftheyear；but，asIwasawarethatthefurniturewouldbesoldontheexpirationoftheterm，Iplacedmywantsundernorestraint。Ihadalreadysoldsomelinen，mostofthechina，andseveraltapestries；Inowbegantodisposeofthemirrors，beds，etc。Ihadnodoubtthatmyconductwouldbeseverelyblamed，butIknewlikewisethatitwasmyfather’sinheritance，towhichmymotherhadnoclaimwhatever，and，astomybrothers，therewasplentyoftimebeforeanyexplanationcouldtakeplacebetweenus。
FourmonthsafterwardsIhadasecondletterfrommymother，datedfromWarsaw，andenclosinganother。Hereisthetranslationofmymother’sletter\"Mydearson，IhavemadeheretheacquaintanceofalearnedMinimfriar，aCalabrianbybirth，whosegreatqualitieshavemademethinkofyoueverytimehehashonouredmewithavisit。AyearagoItoldhimthatIhadasonwhowaspreparinghimselffortheChurch，butthatIhadnotthemeansofkeepinghimduringhisstudies，andhepromisedthatmysonwouldbecomehisownchild，ifIcouldobtainforhimfromthequeenabishopricinhisnativecountry，andheaddedthatitwouldbeveryeasytosucceedifIcouldinducethesovereigntorecommendhimtoherdaughter，thequeenofNaples。
\"FulloftrustintheAlmighty，Ithrewmyselfatthefeetofhermajesty，whograntedmehergraciousprotection。Shewrotetoherdaughter，andtheworthyfriarhasbeenappointedbythePopetothebishopricofMonterano。Faithfultohispromise，thegoodbishopwilltakeyouwithhimaboutthemiddleofnextyear，ashepassesthroughVenicetoreachCalabria。Heinformsyouhimselfofhisintentionsintheenclosedletter。Answerhimimmediately，mydearson，andforwardyourlettertome；Iwilldeliverittothebishop。
HewillpaveyourwaytothehighestdignitiesoftheChurch，andyoumayimaginemyconsolationif，insometwentyorthirtyyears，Ihadthehappinessofseeingyouabishop，atleast！Untilhisarrival，M。Grimaniwilltakecareofyou。Igiveyoumyblessing，andIam，mydearchild，etc。，etc。\"
Thebishop’sletterwaswritteninLatin，andwasonlyarepetitionofmymother’s。Itwasfullofunction，andinformedmethathewouldtarrybutthreedaysinVenice。
Iansweredaccordingtomymother’swishes，butthosetwolettershadturnedmybrain。Ilookeduponmyfortuneasmade。Ilongedtoentertheroadwhichwastoleadmetoit，andIcongratulatedmyselfthatIcouldleavemycountrywithoutanyregret。Farewell，Venice，Iexclaimed；thedaysforvanityaregoneby，andinthefutureI
willonlythinkofagreat，ofasubstantialcareer！M。Grimanicongratulatedmewarmlyonmygoodluck，andpromisedallhisfriendlycaretosecureagoodboarding—house，towhichIwouldgoatthebeginningoftheyear，andwhereIwouldwaitforthebishop’sarrival。
M。deMalipiero，whoinhisownwayhadgreatwisdom，andwhosawthatinVeniceIwasplungingheadlongintopleasuresanddissipation，andwasonlywastingaprecioustime，wasdelightedtoseemeontheeveofgoingsomewhereelsetofulfilmydestiny，andmuchpleasedwithmyreadyacceptanceofthosenewcircumstancesinmylife。HereadmealessonwhichIhaveneverforgotten。\"ThefamouspreceptoftheStoicphilosophers，\"hesaidtome，\"’SequereDeum’，canheperfectlyexplainedbythesewords:’Giveyourselfuptowhateverfateofferstoyou，providedyoudonotfeelaninvinciblerepugnancetoacceptit。’\"HeaddedthatitwasthegeniusofSocrates，’saeperevocans，raroimpellens’；andthatitwastheoriginofthe’fataviaminveniunt’ofthesamephilosophers。
M。deMalipiero’ssciencewasembodiedinthatverylesson，forhehadobtainedhisknowledgebythestudyofonlyonebook——thebookofman。However，asifitweretogivemetheproofthatperfectiondoesnotexist，andthatthereisabadsideaswellasagoodonetoeverything，acertainadventurehappenedtomeamonthafterwardswhich，althoughIwasfollowinghisownmaxims，costmethelossofhisfriendship，andwhichcertainlydidnotteachmeanything。
Thesenatorfanciedthathecouldtraceuponthephysiognomyofyoungpeoplecertainsignswhichmarkedthemoutasthespecialfavouritesoffortune。Whenheimaginedthathehaddiscoveredthosesignsuponanyindividual，hewouldtakehiminhandandinstructhimhowtoassistfortunebygoodandwiseprinciples；andheusedtosay，withagreatdealoftruth，thatagoodremedywouldturnintopoisoninthehandsofafool，butthatpoisonisagoodremedywhenadministeredbyalearnedman。Hehad，inmytime，threefavouritesinwhoseeducationhetookgreatpains。Theywere，besidesmyself，ThereseImer，withwhomthereaderhasaslightacquaintancealready，andthethirdwasthedaughteroftheboatmanGardela，agirlthreeyearsyoungerthanI，whohadtheprettiestandmostfascinatingcountenance。Thespeculativeoldman，inordertoassistfortuneinherparticularcase，madeherlearndancing，for，hewouldsay，theballcannotreachthepocketunlesssomeonepushesit。ThisgirlmadeagreatreputationatStuttgardunderthenameofAugusta。ShewasthefavouritemistressoftheDukeofWurtemburgin1757。Shewasamostcharmingwoman。ThelasttimeIsawhershewasinVenice，andshediedtwoyearsafterwards。Herhusband，Michelde1’Agata，poisonedhimselfashorttimeafterherdeath。
Onedaywehadallthreedinedwithhim，andafterdinnerthesenatorleftus，aswashiswont，toenjoyhissiesta；thelittleGardela，havingadancinglessontotake，wentawaysoonafterhim，andI
foundmyselfalonewithTherese，whomIratheradmired，althoughI
hadnevermadelovetoher。Weweresittingdownatatableveryneareachother，withourbackstothedooroftheroominwhichwethoughtourpatronfastasleep，andsomehoworotherwetookafancytoexamineintothedifferenceofconformationbetweenagirlandaboy；butatthemostinterestingpartofourstudyaviolentblowonmyshouldersfromastick，followedbyanother，andwhichwouldhavebeenitselffollowedbymanymoreifIhadnotranaway，compelledustoabandonourinterestinginvestigationunfinished。Igotoffwithouthatorcloak，andwenthome；butinlessthanaquarterofanhourtheoldhousekeeperofthesenatorbroughtmyclotheswithaletterwhichcontainedacommandnevertopresentmyselfagainatthemansionofhisexcellency。Iimmediatelywrotehimananswerinthefollowingterms:\"Youhavestruckmewhileyouweretheslaveofyouranger；youcannotthereforeboastofhavinggivenmealesson，andI
havenotlearnedanything。ToforgiveyouImustforgetthatyouareamanofgreatwisdom，andIcanneverforgetit。\"
Thisnoblemanwasperhapsquiterightnottobepleasedwiththesightwegavehim；yet，withallhisprudence，heprovedhimselfveryunwise，foralltheservantswereacquaintedwiththecauseofmyexile，and，ofcourse，theadventurewassoonknownthroughthecity，andwasreceivedwithgreatmerriment。HedarednotaddressanyreproachestoTherese，asIheardfromhersoonafter，butshecouldnotventuretoentreathimtopardonme。
Thetimetoleavemyfather’shousewasdrawingnear，andonefinemorningIreceivedthevisitofamanaboutfortyyearsold，withablackwig，ascarletcloak，andaveryswarthycomplexion，whohandedmealetterfromM。Grimani，orderingmetoconsigntothebearerallthefurnitureofthehouseaccordingtotheinventory，acopyofwhichwasinmypossession。Takingtheinventoryinmyhand，I
pointedouteveryarticlemarkeddown，exceptwhenthesaidarticle，havingthroughmyinstrumentalitytakenanairingoutofthehouse，happenedtobemissing，andwheneveranyarticlewasabsentIsaidthatIhadnottheslightestideawhereitmightbe。Buttheuncouthfellow，takingaveryhightone，saidloudlythathemustknowwhatI
haddonewiththefurniture。Hismannerbeingverydisagreeabletome，IansweredthatIhadnothingtodowithhim，andashestillraisedhisvoiceIadvisedhimtotakehimselfoffasquicklyaspossible，andIgavehimthatpieceofadviceinsuchawayastoprovetohimthat，athome，IknewIwasthemorepowerfulofthetwo。
FeelingitmydutytogiveinformationtoM。Grimaniofwhathadjusttakenplace，Icalleduponhimassoonashewasup，butIfoundthatmymanwasalreadythere，andthathehadgivenhisownaccountoftheaffair。Theabbe，afteraveryseverelecturetowhichIhadtolisteninsilence，orderedmetorenderanaccountofallthemissingarticles。IansweredthatIhadfoundmyselfunderthenecessityofsellingthemtoavoidrunningintodebt。Thisconfessionthrewhiminaviolentpassion；hecalledmearascal，saidthatthosethingsdidnotbelongtome，thatheknewwhathehadtodo，andhecommandedmetoleavehishouseontheveryinstant。
Madwithrage，IranforaJew，towhomIwantedtosellwhatremainedofthefurniture，butwhenIreturnedtomyhouseIfoundabailiffwaitingatthedoor，andhehandedmeasummons。IlookedoveritandperceivedthatitwasissuedattheinstanceofAntonioRazetta。Itwasthenameofthefellowwiththeswarthycountenance。
Thesealswerealreadyaffixedonallthedoors，andIwasnotevenallowedtogotomyroom，forakeeperhadbeenlefttherebythebailiff。Ilostnotime，andcalleduponM。Rosa，towhomIrelatedallthecircumstances。Afterreadingthesummonshesaid，\"Thesealsshallberemovedto—morrowmorning，andinthemeantimeI
shallsummonRazettabeforetheavogador。Butto—night，mydearfriend，\"headded，\"youmustbegthehospitalityofsomeoneofyouracquaintances。Ithasbeenaviolentproceeding，butyoushallbepaidhandsomelyforit；themanisevidentlyactingunderM。Grimani’sorders。\"
\"Well，thatistheirbusiness。\"
IspentthenightwithNanetteandMarton，andonthefollowingmorning，thesealshavingbeentakenoff，Itookpossessionofmydwelling。Razettadidnotappearbeforethe’avogador’，andM。Rosasummonedhiminmynamebeforethecriminalcourt，andobtainedagainsthimawritof’capias’incaseheshouldnotobeythesecondsummons。OnthethirddayM。Grimaniwrotetome，commandingmetocalluponhim。Iwentimmediately。AssoonasIwasinhispresenceheenquiredabruptlywhatmyintentionswere。
\"Iintendtoshieldmyselffromyourviolentproceedingsundertheprotectionofthelaw，andtodefendmyselfagainstamanwithwhomI
oughtnevertohavehadanyconnection，andwhohascompelledmetopassthenightinadisreputableplace。\"
\"Inadisreputableplace？\"
\"Ofcourse。WhywasI，againstallrightandjustice，preventedfromenteringmyowndwelling？\"
\"Youhavepossessionofitnow。ButyoumustgotoyourlawyerandtellhimtosuspendallproceedingsagainstRazetta，whohasdonenothingbutundermyinstructions。Isuspectedthatyourintentionwastoselltherestofthefurniture；Ihavepreventedit。ThereisaroomatyourdisposalatSt。hrysostom’s，inahouseofmine，thefirstfloorofwhichisoccupiedbyLaTintoretta，ourfirstoperadancer。Sendallyourthingsthere，andcomeanddinewithmeeveryday。Yoursisterandyourbrothershavebeenprovidedwithacomfortablehome；therefore，everythingisnowarrangedforthebest。\"
IcalledatonceuponM。Rosa，towhomIexplainedallthathadtakenplace，andhisadvicebeingtogivewaytoM。Grimani’swishes，I
determinedtofollowit。Besides，thearrangementofferedthebestsatisfactionIcouldobtain，astobeaguestathisdinnertablewasanhonourforme。IwaslikewisefullofcuriosityrespectingmynewlodgingunderthesameroofwithLaTintoretta，whowasmuchtalkedof，owingtoacertainPrinceofWaldeckwhowasextravagantlygenerouswithher。
Thebishopwasexpectedinthecourseofthesummer；Ihad，therefore，onlysixmonthsmoretowaitinVenicebeforetakingtheroadwhichwouldleadme，perhaps，tothethroneofSaintPeter:
everythinginthefutureassumedinmyeyesthebrightesthue，andmyimaginationrevelledamongstthemostradiantbeamsofsunshine；mycastlesintheairwereindeedmostbeautiful。
IdinedthesamedaywithM。Grimani，andIfoundmyselfseatednexttoRazetta——anunpleasantneighbour，butItooknonoticeofhim。
Whenthemealwasover，IpaidalastvisittomybeautifulhouseinSaint—Samuel’sparish，andsentallIpossessedinagondolatomynewlodging。
IdidnotknowSignoraTintoretta，butIwaswellacquaintedwithherreputation，characterandmanners。Shewasbutapoordancer，neitherhandsomenorplain，butawomanofwitandintellect。PrinceWaldeckspentagreatdealforher，andyethedidnotpreventherfromretainingthetitularyprotectionofanobleVenetianoftheLinfamily，nowextinct，amanaboutsixtyyearsofage，whowashervisitorateveryhouroftheday。Thisnobleman，whoknewme，cametomyroomtowardstheevening，withthecomplimentsofthelady，who，headded，wasdelightedtohavemeinherhouse，andwouldbepleasedtoreceivemeinherintimatecircle。
Toexcusemyselffornothavingbeenthefirsttopaymyrespectstothesignora，ItoldM。LinthatIdidnotknowshewasmyneighbour，thatM。Grimanihadnotmentionedthecircumstance，otherwiseIwouldhavepaidmydutiestoherbeforetakingpossessionofmylodging。
AfterthisapologyIfollowedtheambassador，hepresentedmetohismistress，andtheacquaintancewasmade。
Shereceivedmelikeaprincess，tookoffherglovebeforegivingmeherhandtokiss，mentionedmynamebeforefiveorsixstrangerswhowerepresent，andwhosenamesshegaveme，andinvitedmetotakeaseatnearher。AsshewasanativeofVenice，IthoughtitwasabsurdforhertospeakFrenchtome，andItoldherthatIwasnotacquaintedwiththatlanguage，andwouldfeelgratefulifshewouldconverseinItalian。ShewassurprisedatmynotspeakingFrench，andsaidIwouldcutbutapoorfigureinherdrawing—room，astheyseldomspokeanyotherlanguagethere，becauseshereceivedagreatmanyforeigners。IpromisedtolearnFrench。PrinceWaldeckcameinduringtheevening；Iwasintroducedtohim，andhegavemeaveryfriendlywelcome。HecouldspeakItalianverywell，andduringthecarnivalhechewedmegreatkindness。HepresentedmewithagoldsnuffboxasarewardforaverypoorsonnetwhichIhadwrittenforhisdearGrizellini。Thiswasherfamilyname；shewascalledTintorettabecauseherfatherhadbeenadyer。