\"Thatiswellsaid。Willyouwritethematonce？\"
\"What！now，monsignor？Itisnotlikeprose。\"
\"Well，well！trytoletmehavethemto—morrow。\"
Wedinedalone，andhiseminencecomplimentedmeuponmyexcellentappetite，whichheremarkedwasasgoodashisown；butIwasbeginningtounderstandmyeccentrichost，and，toflatterhim，I
answeredthathepraisedmemorethanIdeserved，andthatmyappetitewasinferiortohis。Thesingularcomplimentdelightedhim，andIsawalltheuseIcouldmakeofhiseminence。
Towardstheendofthedinner，aswewereconversing，themarchionessmadeherappearance，and，asamatterofcourse，withoutbeingannounced。Herlooksthrewmeintoraptures；Ithoughtheraperfectbeauty。Shedidnotgivethecardinaltimetomeether，butsatdownnearhim，whileIremainedstanding，accordingtoetiquette。
Withoutappearingtonoticeme，themarchionessranwittilyovervarioustopicsuntilcoffeewasbroughtin。Then，addressingherselftome，shetoldmetositdown，justasifshewasbestowingcharityuponme。
\"By—the—by，abbe，\"shesaid，aminuteafter，\"haveyoureadmysonnet？\"
\"Yes，madam，andIhavehadthehonourtoreturnittohiseminence。
IhavefounditsoperfectthatIamcertainitmusthavecostyouagreatdealoftime。\"
\"Time？\"exclaimedthecardinal；\"Oh！youdonotknowthemarchioness。\"
\"Monsignor，\"Ireplied，\"nothingcanbedonewellwithouttime，andthatiswhyIhavenotdaredtochewtoyoureminenceananswertothesonnetwhichIhavewritteninhalfanhour。\"
\"Letusseeit，abbe，\"saidthemarchioness；\"Iwanttoreadit。\"
\"AnswerofSilesiatoLove。\"Thistitlebroughtthemostfascinatingblushesonhercountenance。\"ButLoveisnotmentionedinthesonnet，\"exclaimedthecardinal。\"Wait，\"saidthemarchioness，\"wemustrespecttheideaofthepoet:\"
Shereadthesonnetoverandover，andthoughtthatthereproachesaddressedbySilesiatoLovewereveryjust。Sheexplainedmyideatothecardinal，makinghimunderstandwhySilesiawasoffendedathavingbeenconqueredbytheKingofPrussia。
\"Ah，Isee，Isee！\"exclaimedthecardinal，fullofjoy；\"Silesiaisawoman……andtheKingofPrussia……Oh！oh！thatisreallyafineidea！\"Andthegoodcardinallaughedheartilyformorethanaquarterofanhour。\"Imustcopythatsonnet，\"headded，\"indeedI
musthaveit。\"
\"Theabbe，\"saidtheobligingmarchioness，\"willsaveyouthetrouble:Iwilldictateittohim。\"
Ipreparedtowrite，buthiseminencesuddenlyexclaimed，\"Mydearmarchioness，thisiswonderful；hehaskeptthesamerhymesasinyourownsonnet:didyouobserveit？\"
Thebeautifulmarchionessgavemethenalookofsuchexpressionthatshecompletedherconquest。Iunderstoodthatshewantedmetoknowthecardinalaswellassheknewhim；itwasakindofpartnershipinwhichIwasquitereadytoplaymypart。
AssoonasIhadwrittenthesonnetunderthecharmingwoman’sdictation，Itookmyleave，butnotbeforethecardinalhadtoldmethatheexpectedmetodinnerthenextday。
Ihadplentyofworkbeforeme，forthetenstanzasIhadtocomposewereofthemostsingularcharacter，andIlostnotimeinshuttingmyselfupinmyroomtothinkofthem。Ihadtokeepmybalancebetweentwopointsofequaldifficulty，andIfeltthatgreatcarewasindispensable。Ihadtoplacethemarchionessinsuchapositionthatshecouldpretendtobelievethecardinaltheauthorofthestanzas，and，atthesametime，compelhertofindoutthatIhadwrittenthem，andthatIwasawareofherknowingit。Itwasnecessarytospeaksocarefullythatnotoneexpressionshouldbreatheeventhefaintesthopeonmypart，andyettomakemystanzasblazewiththeardentfireofmyloveunderthethinveilofpoetry。
Asforthecardinal，Iknewwellenoughthatthebetterthestanzaswerewritten，themoredisposedhewouldbetosignthem。AllI
wantedwasclearness，sodifficulttoobtaininpoetry，whilealittledoubtfuldarknesswouldhavebeenaccountedsublimebymynewMidas。But，althoughIwantedtopleasehim，thecardinalwasonlyasecondaryconsideration，andthehandsomemarchionesstheprincipalobject。
Asthemarchionessinherverseshadmadeapompousenumerationofeveryphysicalandmoralqualityofhiseminence，itwasofcoursenaturalthatheshouldreturnthecompliment，andheremytaskwaseasy。Atlasthavingmasteredmysubjectwell，Ibeganmywork，andgivingfullcareertomyimaginationandtomyfeelingsIcomposedthetenstanzas，andgavethefinishingstrokewiththesetwobeautifullinesfromAriosto:
LeangelicchebellezzenatealcieloNonsiponnocelarsottoalcumvelo。
Ratherpleasedwithmyproduction，Ipresenteditthenextdaytothecardinal，modestlysayingthatIdoubtedwhetherhewouldaccepttheauthorshipofsoordinaryacomposition。Hereadthestanzastwiceoverwithouttasteorexpression，andsaidatlastthattheywereindeednotmuch，butexactlywhathewanted。HethankedmeparticularlyforthetwolinesfromAriosto，sayingthattheywouldassistinthrowingtheauthorshipuponhimself，astheywouldprovetotheladyforwhomtheywereintendedthathehadnotbeenabletowritethemwithoutborrowing。And，astooffermesomeconsolation，hetoldmethat，inrecopyingthelines，hewouldtakecaretomakeafewmistakesintherhythmtocompletetheillusion。
Wedinedearlierthanthedaybefore，andIwithdrewimmediatelyafterdinnersoastogivehimleisuretomakeacopyofthestanzasbeforethearrivalofthelady。
ThenexteveningImetthemarchionessattheentranceofthepalace，andofferedhermyarmtocomeoutofhercarriage。Theinstantshealighted，shesaidtome，\"IfeveryourstanzasandminebecomeknowninRome，youmaybesureofmyenmity。\"
\"Madam，Idonotunderstandwhatyoumean。\"
\"Iexpectedyoutoanswermeinthismanner，\"repliedthemarchioness，\"butrecollectwhatIhavesaid。\"
Ileftheratthedoorofthereception—room，andthinkingthatshewasreallyangrywithme，Iwentawayindespair。\"Mystanzas，\"I
saidtomyself，\"aretoofiery；theycompromiseherdignity，andherprideisoffendedatmyknowingthesecretofherintriguewithCardinalS。C。Yet，Ifeelcertainthatthedreadsheexpressesofmywantofdiscretionisonlyfeigned，itisbutapretexttoturnmeoutofherfavour。Shehasnotunderstoodmyreserve！Whatwouldshehavedone，ifIhadpaintedherinthesimpleapparelofthegoldenage，withoutanyofthoseveilswhichmodestyimposesuponhersex！\"IwassorryIhadnotdoneso。Iundressedandwenttobed。
MyheadwasscarcelyonthepillowwhentheAbbeGamaknockedatmydoor。Ipulledthedoor—string，andcomingin，hesaid，\"Mydearsir，thecardinalwishestoseeyou，andIamsentbythebeautifulmarchionessandCardinalS。C。，whodesireyoutocomedown。\"
\"Iamverysorry，butIcannotgo；tellthemthetruth；Iamillinbed。\"
Astheabbedidnotreturn，Ijudgedthathehadfaithfullyacquittedhimselfofthecommission，andIspentaquietnight。Iwasnotyetdressedinthemorning，whenIreceivedanotefromCardinalS。C。
invitingmetodinner，sayingthathehadjustbeenbled，andthathewantedtospeaktome:heconcludedbyentreatingmetocometohimearly，evenifIdidnotfeelwell。
Theinvitationwaspressing；Icouldnotguesswhathadcausedit，butthetoneoftheletterdidnotforebodeanythingunpleasant。I
wenttochurch，whereIwassurethatCardinalAcquavivawouldseeme，andhedid。Aftermass，hiseminencebeckonedtome。
\"Areyoutrulyill？\"heenquired。
\"No，monsignor，Iwasonlysleepy。\"
\"Iamverygladtohearit；butyouarewrong，foryouareloved。
CardinalS。C。hasbeenbledthismorning。\"
\"Iknowit，monsignor。Thecardinaltellsmesointhisnote，inwhichheinvitesmetodinewithhim，withyourexcellency’spermission。\"
\"Certainly。Butthisisamusing！Ididnotknowthathewantedathirdperson。\"
\"Willtherebeathirdperson？\"
\"Idonotknow，andIhavenocuriosityaboutit。\"
Thecardinalleftme，andeverybodyimaginedthathiseminencehadspokentomeofstateaffairs。
IwenttomynewMaecenas，whomIfoundinbed。
\"Iamcompelledtoobservestrictdiet，\"hesaidtome；\"Ishallhavetoletyoudinealone，butyouwillnotlosebyitasmycookdoesnotknowit。WhatIwantedtotellyouisthatyourstanzasare，I
amafraid，toopretty，forthemarchionessadoresthem。Ifyouhadreadthemtomeinthesamewaythatshedoes，Icouldneverhavemadeupmymindtoofferthem。\"\"Butshebelievesthemtobewrittenbyyoureminence？\"
\"Ofcourse。\"
\"Thatistheessentialpoint，monsignor。\"
\"Yes；butwhatshouldIdoifshetookitintoherheadtocomposesomenewstanzasforme？\"
\"Youwouldanswerthroughthesamepen，foryoucandisposeofmenightandday，andrelyupontheutmostsecrecy。\"
\"Ibegofyoutoacceptthissmallpresent；itissomenegrillosnufffromHabana，whichCardinalAcquavivahasgivenme。\"
Thesnuffwasexcellent，buttheobjectwhichcontaineditwasstillbetter。Itwasasplendidgold—enamelledbox。Ireceiveditwithrespect，andwiththeexpressionofthedeepestgratitude。
Ifhiseminencedidnotknowhowtowritepoetry，atleastheknewhowtobegenerous，andinadelicatemanner，andthatscienceis，atleastinmyestimation，superiortotheotherforagreatnobleman。
Atnoon，andmuchtomysurprise，thebeautifulmarchionessmadeherappearanceinthemostelegantmorningtoilet。
\"IfIhadknownyouwereingoodcompany，\"shesaidtothecardinal，\"Iwouldnothavecome。\"
\"Iamsure，dearmarchioness，youwillnotfindourdearabbeintheway。\"
\"No，forIbelievehimtobehonestandtrue。\"
Ikeptatarespectfuldistance，readytogoawaywithmysplendidsnuff—boxatthefirstjestshemighthurlatme。
Thecardinalaskedherifsheintendedtoremaintodinner。
\"Yes，\"sheanswered；\"butIshallnotenjoymydinner，forIhatetoeatalone。\"
\"Ifyouwouldhonourhimsofar，theabbewouldkeepyoucompany。\"
Shegavemeagraciouslook，butwithoututteringoneword。
ThiswasthefirsttimeIhadanythingtodowithawomanofquality，andthatairofpatronage，whateverkindnessmightaccompanyit，alwaysputmeoutoftemper，forIthoughtitmadeloveoutofthequestion。However，aswewereinthepresenceofthecardinal，I
fanciedthatshemightberightintreatingmeinthatfashion。
Thetablewaslaidoutnearthecardinal’sbed，andthemarchioness，whoatehardlyanything，encouragedmeinmygoodappetite。
\"Ihavetoldyouthattheabbeisequaltomeinthatrespect，\"saidS。C。
\"Itrulybelieve，\"answeredthemarchioness，\"thathedoesnotremainfarbehindyou；but，\"addedshewithflattery，\"youaremoredaintyinyourtastes。\"
\"WouldherladyshipbesogoodastotellmeinwhatIhaveappearedtohertobeamereglutton？ForinallthingsIlikeonlydaintyandexquisitemorsels。\"
\"Explainwhatyoumeanbysayinginallthings，\"saidthecardinal。
Takingthelibertyoflaughing，IcomposedafewimpromptuversesinwhichInamedallIthoughtdaintyandexquisite。Themarchionessapplauded，sayingthatsheadmiredmycourage。
\"Mycourage，madam，isduetoyou，forIamastimidasaharewhenI
amnotencouraged；youaretheauthorofmyimpromptu。\"
\"Iadmireyou。Asformyself，wereIencouragedbyApollohimself，I
couldnotcomposefourlineswithoutpaperandink。\"
\"Onlygivewayboldlytoyourgenius，madam，andyouwillproducepoetryworthyofheaven。\"
\"That——ismyopinion，too，\"saidthecardinal。\"Ientreatyoutogivemepermissiontoskewyourtenstanzastotheabbe。\"
\"Theyarenotverygood，butIhavenoobjectionprovideditremainsbetweenus。\"
Thecardinalgaveme，then，thestanzascomposedbythemarchioness，andIreadthemaloudwithalltheexpression，allthefeelingnecessarytosuchreading。
\"Howwellyouhavereadthosestanzas！\"saidthemarchioness；\"Icanhardlybelievethemtobemyowncomposition；Ithankyouverymuch。
Buthavethegoodnesstogivethebenefitofyourreadingtothestanzaswhichhiseminencehaswritteninanswertomine。Theysurpassthemmuch。\"
\"Donotbelieveit，mydearabbe，\"saidthecardinal，handingthemtome。\"Yettrynottoletthemloseanythingthroughyourreading。\"
Therewascertainlynoneedofhiseminenceenforcinguponmesucharecommendation；itwasmyownpoetry。Icouldnothavereaditotherwisethaninmybeststyle，especiallywhenIhadbeforemethebeautifulwomanwhohadinspiredthem，andwhen，besides，BacchuswasinmegivingcouragetoApolloasmuchasthebeautifuleyesofthemarchionesswerefanningintoanardentblazethefirealreadyburningthroughmywholebeing。
Ireadthestanzaswithsomuchexpressionthatthecardinalwasenraptured，butIbroughtadeepcarnationtintuponthecheeksofthelovelymarchionesswhenIcametothedescriptionofthosebeautieswhichtheimaginationofthepoetisallowedtoguessat，butwhichIcouldnot，ofcourse，havegazedupon。Shesnatchedthepaperfrommyhandswithpassion，sayingthatIwasaddingversesofmyown；itwastrue，butIdidnotconfessit。Iwasallaflame，andthefirewasscorchingheraswellasme。
Thecardinalhavingfallenasleep，sheroseandwenttotakeaseatonthebalcony；Ifollowedher。Shehadaratherhighseat；Istoodoppositetoher，sothatherkneetouchedthefob—pocketinwhichwasmywatch。Whataposition！Takingholdgentlyofoneofherhands，Itoldherthatshehadignitedinmysouladevouringflame，thatI
adoredher，andthat，unlesssomehopewaslefttomeoffindinghersensibletomysufferings，Iwasdeterminedtoflyawayfromherforever。
\"Yes，beautifulmarchioness，pronouncemysentence。\"
\"Ifearyouarealibertineandanunfaithfullover。\"
\"Iamneitheronenortheother。\"
WiththesewordsIfoldedherinmyarms，andIpresseduponherlovelylips，aspureasarose，anardentkisswhichshereceivedwiththebestpossiblegrace。Thiskiss，theforerunnerofthemostdeliciouspleasures，hadimpartedtomyhandsthegreatestboldness；
Iwasonthepointof……butthemarchioness，changingherposition，entreatedmesosweetlytorespecther，that，enjoyingnewvoluptuousnessthroughmyveryobedience，Inotonlyabandonedaneasyvictory，butIevenbeggedherpardon，whichIsoonreadinthemostlovinglook。
ShespokeofLucrezia，andwaspleasedwithmydiscretion。Shethenalludedtothecardinal，doingherbesttomakemebelievethattherewasnothingbetweenthembutafeelingofinnocentfriendship。OfcourseIhadmyopiniononthatsubject，butitwasmyinteresttoappeartobelieveeverywordsheuttered。Werecitedtogetherlinesfromourbestpoets，andallthetimeshewasstillsittingdownandIstandingbeforeher，withmylooksraptinthecontemplationofthemostlovelycharms，towhichIremainedinsensibleinappearance，forIhadmadeupmymindnottopressherthateveningforgreaterfavoursthanthoseIhadalreadyreceived。
Thecardinal，wakingfromhislongandpeacefulsiesta，gotupandjoinedusinhisnight—cap，andgood—naturedlyenquiredwhetherwehadnotfeltimpatientathisprotractedsleep。Iremaineduntildarkandwenthomehighlypleasedwithmyday’swork，butdeterminedtokeepmyardentdesiresincheckuntiltheopportunityforcompletevictoryoffereditself。
>Fromthatday，thecharmingmarchionessneverceasedtogivemethemarksofherparticularesteem，withouttheslightestconstraint；I
wasreckoninguponthecarnival，whichwascloseathand，feelingcertainthatthemoreIshouldspareherdelicacy，themoreshewouldendeavourtofindtheopportunityofrewardingmyloyalty，andofcrowningwithhappinessmylovingconstancy。Butfateordainedotherwise；DameFortuneturnedherbackuponmeattheverymomentwhenthePopeandCardinalAcquavivawerethinkingofgivingmeareallygoodposition。
TheHolyFatherhadcongratulatedmeuponthebeautifulsnuff—boxpresentedtomebyCardinalS。C。，buthehadbeencarefulnevertonamethemarchioness。CardinalAcquavivaexpressedopenlyhisdelightathisbrother—cardinalhavinggivenmeatasteofhisnegrillosnuffinsosplendidanenvelope；theAbbeGama，findingmesoforwardontheroadtosuccess，didnotventuretocounselmeanymore，andthevirtuousFatherGeorgigavemebutonepieceofadvice—
namely，toclingtothelovelymarchionessandnottomakeanyotheracquaintances。
Suchwasmyposition—trulyabrilliantone，when，onChristmasDay，theloverofBarbaraDalacquaenteredmyroom，lockedthedoor，andthrewhimselfonthesofa，exclaimingthatIsawhimforthelasttime。
\"Ionlycometobegofyousomegoodadvice。\"
\"OnwhatsubjectcanIadviseyou？\"
\"Takethisandreadit；itwillexplaineverything。\"
Itwasaletterfromhismistress；thecontentswerethese:
\"Iampregnantofachild，thepledgeofourmutuallove；Icannolongerhaveanydoubtofit，mybeloved，andIforewarnyouthatI
havemadeupmymindtoquitRomealone，andtogoawaytodiewhereitmaypleaseGod，ifyourefusetotakecareofmeandsaveme。I
wouldsufferanything，doanything，ratherthanletmyfatherdiscoverthetruth。\"
\"Ifyouareamanofhonour，\"Isaid，\"youcannotabandonthepoorgirl。Marryherinspiteofyourfather，inspiteofherown，andlivetogetherhonestly。TheeternalProvidenceofGodwillwatchoveryouandhelpyouinyourdifficulties:\"
Myadviceseemedtobringcalmtohismind，andheleftmemorecomposed。
AtthebeginningofJanuary，1744，hecalledagain，lookingverycheerful。\"Ihavehired，\"hesaid，\"thetopfloorofthehousenexttoBarbara’sdwelling；sheknowsit，andto—nightIwillgainherapartmentthroughoneofthewindowsofthegarret，andwewillmakeallourarrangementstoenablemetocarryheroff。Ihavemadeupmymind；IhavedecidedupontakinghertoNaples，andIwilltakewithustheservantwho，sleepinginthegarret，hadtobemadeaconfidanteof。\"
\"Godspeedyou，myfriend！\"
Aweekafterwards，towardseleveno’clockatnight，heenteredmyroomaccompaniedbyanabbe。
\"Whatdoyouwantsolate？\"
\"Iwishtointroduceyoutothishandsomeabbe。\"
Ilookedup，andtomyconsternationIrecognizedBarbara。
\"Hasanyoneseenyouenterthehouse？\"Ienquired。
\"No；andifwehadbeenseen，whatofit？Itisonlyanabbe。Wenowpasseverynighttogether。\"
\"Icongratulateyou。\"
\"Theservantisourfriend；shehasconsentedtofollowus，andallourarrangementsarecompleted。\"
\"Iwishyoueveryhappiness。Adieu。Ibegyoutoleaveme。\"
Threeorfourdaysafterthatvisit，asIwaswalkingwiththeAbbeGamatowardstheVillaMedicis，hetoldmedeliberatelythattherewouldbeanexecutionduringthenightinthePiazzadiSpagna。
\"Whatkindofexecution？\"
\"Thebargelloorhislieutenantwillcometoexecutesome’ordinesantissimo’，ortovisitsomesuspiciousdwellinginordertoarrestandcarryoffsomepersonwhodoesnotexpectanythingofthesort。\"
\"Howdoyouknowit？\"
\"Hiseminencehastoknowit，forthePopewouldnotventuretoencroachuponhisjurisdictionwithoutaskinghispermission。\"
\"Andhiseminencehasgivenit？\"
\"Yes，oneoftheHolyFather’sauditorscameforthatpurposethismorning。\"
\"Butthecardinalmighthaverefused？\"
\"Ofcourse；butsuchapermissionisneverdenied。\"
\"Andifthepersontobearrestedhappenedtobeundertheprotectionofthecardinal——whatthen？\"
\"Hiseminencewouldgivetimelywarningtothatperson。\"
Wechangedtheconversation，butthenewshaddisturbedme。I
fanciedthattheexecutionthreatenedBarbaraandherlover，forherfather’shousewasundertheSpanishjurisdiction。ItriedtoseetheyoungmanbutIcouldnotsucceedinmeetinghim，andIwasafraidlestavisitathishomeoratM。Dalacqua’sdwellingmightimplicateme。YetitiscertainthatthislastconsiderationwouldnothavestoppedmeifIhadbeenpositivelysurethattheywerethreatened；hadIfeltsatisfiedoftheirdanger，Iwouldhavebravedeverything。
Aboutmidnight，asIwasreadytogotobed，andjustasIwasopeningmydoortotakethekeyfromoutside，anabberushedpantingintomyroomandthrewhimselfonachair。ItwasBarbara；Iguessedwhathadtakenplace，and，foreseeingalltheevilconsequenceshervisitmighthaveforme，deeplyannoyedandveryanxious，Iupbraidedherforhavingtakenrefugeinmyroom，andentreatedhertogoaway。
FoolthatIwas！KnowingthatIwasonlyruiningmyselfwithoutanychanceofsavingher，Ioughttohavecompelledhertoleavemyroom，Ioughttohavecalledfortheservantsifshehadrefusedtowithdraw。ButIhadnotcourageenough，orratherIvoluntarilyobeyedthedecreesofdestiny。
Whensheheardmyordertogoaway，shethrewherselfonherknees，andmeltingintotears，shebegged，sheentreatedmypity！
Whereistheheartofsteelwhichisnotsoftenedbythetears，bytheprayersofaprettyandunfortunatewoman？Igaveway，butI
toldherthatitwasruinforbothofus。
\"Noone，\"shereplied，\"hasseenme，Iamcertain，whenIenteredthemansionandcameuptoyourroom，andIconsidermyvisithereaweekagoasmostfortunate；otherwise，Inevercouldhaveknownwhichwasyourroom。\"
\"Alas！howmuchbetterifyouhadnevercome！Butwhathasbecomeofyourlover？\"
\"The’sbirri’havecarriedhimoff，aswellastheservant。Iwilltellyouallaboutit。Myloverhadinformedmethatacarriagewouldwaitto—nightatthefootoftheflightofstepsbeforetheChurchofTrinitadelMonte，andthathewouldbetherehimself。I
enteredhisroomthroughthegarretwindowanhourago。ThereIputonthisdisguise，and，accompaniedbytheservant，proceededtomeethim。Theservantwalkedafewyardsbeforeme，andcarriedaparcelofmythings。Atthecornerofthestreet，oneofthebucklesofmyshoesbeingunfastened，Istoppedaninstant，andtheservantwenton，thinkingthatIwasfollowingher。Shereachedthecarriage，gotintoit，and，asIwasgettingnearer，thelightfromalanterndisclosedtomesomethirtysbirri；atthesameinstant，oneofthemgotonthedriver’sboxanddroveoffatfullspeed，carryingofftheservant，whomtheymusthavemistakenforme，andmyloverwhowasinthecoachawaitingme。WhatcouldIdoatsuchafearfulmoment？I
couldnotgobacktomyfather’shouse，andIfollowedmyfirstimpulsewhichbroughtmehere。AndhereIam！Youtellmethatmypresencewillcauseyourruin；ifitisso，tellmewhattodo；I
feelIamdying；butfindsomeexpedientandIamreadytodoanything，eventolaymylifedown，ratherthanbethecauseofyourruin。\"
Butsheweptmorebitterlythanever。
HerpositionwassosadthatIthoughtitworseeventhanmine，althoughIcouldalmostfancyIsawruinbeforemedespitemyinnocence。
\"Letme，\"Isaid，\"conductyoutoyourfather；Ifeelsureofobtainingyourpardon。\"
Butmyproposalonlyenhancedherfears。
\"Iamlost，\"sheexclaimed；\"Iknowmyfather。Ah！reverendsir，turnmeoutintothestreet，andabandonmetomymiserablefate。\"
NodoubtIoughttohavedoneso，andIwouldhavedoneitiftheconsciousnessofwhatwasduetomyowninteresthadbeenstrongerthanmyfeelingofpity。Buthertears！Ihaveoftensaidit，andthoseamongstmyreaderswhohaveexperiencedit，mustbeofthesameopinion；thereisnothingonearthmoreirresistiblethantwobeautifuleyessheddingtears，whentheownerofthoseeyesishandsome，honest，andunhappy。Ifoundmyselfphysicallyunabletosendheraway。
\"Mypoorgirl，\"Isaidatlast，\"whendaylightcomes，andthatwillnotbelong，foritispastmidnight，whatdoyouintendtodo？\"
\"Imustleavethepalace，\"shereplied，sobbing。\"Inthisdisguisenoonecanrecognizeme；IwillleaveRome，andIwillwalkstraightbeforemeuntilIfallontheground，dyingwithgriefandfatigue。\"
Withthesewordsshefellonthefloor。Shewaschoking；Icouldseeherfaceturnblue；Iwasinthegreatestdistress。
Itookoffherneck—band，unlacedherstaysundertheabbe’sdress，I
threwcoldwaterinherface，andIfinallysucceededinbringingherbacktoconsciousness。
Thenightwasextremelycold，andtherewasnofireinmyroom。I
advisedhertogetintomybed，promisingtorespecther。
\"Alas！reverendsir，pityistheonlyfeelingwithwhichIcannowinspireanyone。\"
And，tospeakthetruthIwastoodeeplymoved，and，atthesametime，toofullofanxiety，toleaveroominmeforanydesire。
Havinginducedhertogotobed，andherextremeweaknesspreventingherfromdoinganythingforherself，Iundressedherandputhertobed，thusprovingoncemorethatcompassionwillsilencethemostimperiousrequirementsofnature，inspiteofallthecharmswhichwould，underothercircumstances，excitetothehighestdegreethesensesofaman。Ilaydownnearherinmyclothes，andwokeheratday—break。Herstrengthwassomewhatrestored，shedressedherselfalone，andIleftmyroom，tellinghertokeepquietuntilmyreturn。
Iintendedtoproceedtoherfather’shouse，andtosolicitherpardon，but，havingperceivedsomesuspicious—lookingmenloiteringaboutthepalace，Ithoughtitwisetoaltermymind，andwenttoacoffeehouse。
Isoonascertaniedthataspywaswatchingmymovementsatadistance；butIdidnotappeartonoticehim，andhavingtakensomechocolateandstoredafewbiscuitsinmypocket，Ireturnedtowardsthepalace，apparentlywithoutanyanxietyorhurry，alwaysfollowedbythesameindividual。Ijudgedthatthebargello，havingfailedinhisproject，wasnowreducedtoguesswork，andIwasstrengthenedinthatviewofthecasewhenthegate—keeperofthepalacetoldme，withoutmyaskinganyquestion，asIcamein，thatanarresthadbeenattemptedduringthenight，andhadnotsucceeded。Whilehewasspeaking，oneoftheauditorsoftheVicar—GeneralcalledtoenquirewhenhecouldseetheAbbyGama。Isawthatnotimewastobelost，andwentuptomyroomtodecideuponwhatwastobedone。
IbeganbymakingthepoorgirleatacoupleofbiscuitssoakedinsomeCanarywine，andItookherafterwardstothetopstoryofthepalace，where，leavingherinanotverydecentclosetwhichwasnotusedbyanyone，Itoldhertowaitforme。
Myservantcamesoonafter，andIorderedhimtolockthedoorofmyroomassoonashefinishedcleaningit，andtobringmethekeyattheAbbeGama’sapartment，whereIwasgoing。IfoundGamainconversationwiththeauditorsentbytheVicar—General。Assoonashehaddismissedhim，hecametome，andorderedhisservanttoservethechocolate。Whenwewereleftalonehegavemeanaccountofhisinterviewwiththeauditor，whohadcometoentreathiseminencetogiveorderstoturnoutofhispalaceapersonwhowassupposedtohavetakenrefugeinitaboutmidnight。\"Wemustwait，\"saidtheabbe，\"untilthecardinalisvisible，butIamquitecertainthat，ifanyonehastakenrefugehereunknowntohim，hiseminencewillcompelthatpersontoleavethepalace。\"Wethenspokeoftheweatherandothertriflesuntilmyservantbroughtmykey。JudgingthatIhadatleastanhourtospare，IbethoughtmyselfofaplanwhichalonecouldsaveBarbarafromshameandmisery。
FeelingcertainthatIwasunobserved，IwentuptomypoorprisonerandmadeherwritethefollowingwordsinFrench:
\"Iamanhonestgirl，monsignor，thoughIamdisguisedinthedressofanabbe。Ientreatyoureminencetoallowmetogivemynameonlytoyouandinperson。Ihopethat，promptedbythegreatgoodnessofyoursoul，youreminencewillsavemefromdishonour。\"Igaveherthenecessaryinstructions，astosendingthenotetothecardinal，assuringherthathewouldhaveherbroughttohimassoonashereadit。
\"Whenyouareinhispresence，\"Iadded，\"throwyourselfonyourknees，tellhimeverythingwithoutanyconcealment，exceptasregardsyourhavingpassedthenightinmyroom。Youmustbesurenottomentionthatcircumstance，forthecardinalmustremainincompleteignoranceofmyknowinganythingwhateverofthisintrigue。Tellhimthat，seeingyourlovercarriedoff，yourushedtohispalaceandranupstairsasfarasyoucouldgo，andthatafteramostpainfulnightHeaveninspiredyouwiththeideaofwritingtohimtoentreathispity。Ifeelcertainthat，onewayortheother，hiseminencewillsaveyoufromdishonour，anditcertainlyistheonlychanceyouhaveofbeingunitedtothemanyoulovesodearly。\"
Shepromisedtofollow’myinstructionsfaithfully，and，comingdown，Ihadmyhairdressedandwenttochurch，wherethecardinalsawme。
Ithenwentoutandreturnedonlyfordinner，duringwhichtheonlysubjectofconversationwastheadventureofthenight。Gamaalonesaidnothing，andIfollowedhisexample，butIunderstoodfromallthetalkgoingonroundthetablethatthecardinalhadtakenmypoorBarbaraunderhisprotection。ThatwasallIwanted，andthinkingthatIhadnothingmoretofearIcongratulatedmyself，inpetto，uponmystratagem，whichhad，Ithought，provedamaster—stroke。
Afterdinner，findingmyselfalonewithGama，Iaskedhimwhatwasthemeaningofitall，andthisiswhathetoldme:
\"Afather，whosenameIdonotknowyet，hadrequestedtheassistanceoftheVicar—Generaltopreventhissonfromcarryingoffayounggirl，withwhomheintendedtoleavetheStatesoftheChurch；thepairhadarrangedtomeetatmidnightinthisverysquare，andtheVicar，havingpreviouslyobtainedtheconsentofourcardinal，asI
toldyouyesterday，gaveorderstothebargellotodisposehismeninsuchawayastocatchtheyoungpeopleintheveryactofrunningaway，andtoarrestthem。Theorderswereexecuted，butthe’sbirri’
foundout，whentheyreturnedtothebargello，thattheyhadmetwithonlyahalfsuccess，thewomanwhogotoutofthecarriagewiththeyoungmannotbelongingtothatspecieslikelytobecarriedoff。
Soonafterwardsaspyinformedthebargellothat，attheverymomentthearrestwasexecuted，hehadseenayoungabberunawayveryrapidlyandtakerefugeinthispalace，andthesuspicionimmediatelyarosethatitmightbethemissingyoungladyinthedisguiseofanecclesiastic。ThebargelloreportedtotheVicar—Generalthefailureofhismen，aswellastheaccountgivenbythespy，andthePrelate，sharingthesuspicionofthepolice，senttohiseminence，ourmaster，requestinghimtohavethepersoninquestion，manorwoman，turnedoutofthepalace，unlesssuchpersonsshouldhappentobeknowntohisexcellency，andthereforeabovesuspicion。CardinalAcquavivawasmadeacquaintedwiththesecircumstancesatninethismorningthroughtheauditoryoumetinmyroom，andhepromisedtohavethepersonsentawayunlessshebelongedtohishousehold。
\"Accordingtohispromise，thecardinalorderedthepalacetobesearched，but，inlessthanaquarterofanhour，themajor—domoreceivedorderstostop，andtheonlyreasonforthesenewinstructionsmustbethis:
\"Iamtoldbythemajor—domothatatnineo’clockexactlyaveryhandsome，youngabbe，whomheimmediatelyjudgedtobeagirlindisguise，askedhimtodeliveranotetohiseminence，andthatthecardinal，afterreadingit，haddesiredthesaidabbebebroughttohisapartment，whichhehasnotleftsince。Astheordertostopsearchingthepalacewasgivenimmediatelyaftertheintroductionoftheabbetothecardinal，itiseasyenoughtosupposethatthisecclesiasticisnootherthantheyounggirlmissedbythepolice，whotookrefugeinthepalaceinwhichshemusthavepassedthewholenight。\"
\"Isuppose，\"saidI，\"thathiseminencewillgiveherupto—day，ifnottothebargello，atleasttotheVicar—General。\"
\"No，noteventothePopehimself，\"answeredGama。\"Youhavenotyetarightideaoftheprotectionofourcardinal，andthatprotectionisevidentlygrantedtoher，sincetheyoungpersonisnotonlyinthepalaceofhiseminence，butalsoinhisownapartmentandunderhisownguardianship。\"
Thewholeaffairbeinginitselfveryinteresting，myattentioncouldnotappearextraordinarytoGama，howeversuspicioushemightbenaturally，andIwascertainthathewouldnothavetoldmeanythingifhehadguessedtheshareIhadtakenintheadventure，andtheinterestImusthavefeltinit。
Thenextday，Gamacametomyroomwitharadiantcountenance，andinformedmethattheCardinal—Vicarwasawareoftheravisherbeingmyfriend，andsupposedthatIwaslikewisethefriendofthegirl，asshewasthedaughterofmyFrenchteacher。\"Everybody，\"headded，\"issatisfiedthatyouknewthewholeaffair，anditisnaturaltosuspectthatthepoorgirlspentthenightinyourroom。Iadmireyourprudentreserveduringourconversationofyesterday。YoukeptsowellonyourguardthatIwouldhaveswornyouknewnothingwhateveroftheaffair。\"
\"Anditisthetruth，\"Ianswered，veryseriously；\"Ihaveonlylearnedallthecircumstancesfromyouthismoment。Iknowthegirl，butIhavenotseenherforsixweeks，sinceIgaveupmyFrenchlessons；Iammuchbetteracquaintedwiththeyoungman，butheneverconfidedhisprojecttome。However，peoplemaybelievewhatevertheyplease。Yousaythatitisnaturalforthegirltohavepassedthenightinmyroom，butyouwillnotmindmylaughinginthefaceofthosewhoaccepttheirownsuppositionsasrealities。\"
\"That，mydearfriend，\"saidtheabbe，\"isoneofthevicesoftheRomans；happythosewhocanaffordtolaughatit；butthisslandermaydoyouharm，eveninthemindofourcardinal。\"
AstherewasnoperformanceattheOperathatnight，Iwenttothecardinal’sreception；Ifoundnodifferencetowardsmeeitherinthecardinal’smanners，orinthoseofanyotherperson，andthemarchionesswasevenmoregraciousthanusual。
Afterdinner，onthefollowingday，Gamainformedmethatthecardinalhadsenttheyounggirltoaconventinwhichshewouldbewelltreatedathiseminence’sexpense，andthathewascertainthatshewouldleaveitonlytobecomethewifeoftheyoungdoctor。
\"Ishouldbeveryhappyifitshouldturnoutso，\"Ireplied；\"fortheyarebothmostestimablepeople。\"
Twodaysafterwards，IcalleduponFatherGeorgi，andhetoldme，withanairofsorrow，thatthegreatnewsofthedayinRomewasthefailureoftheattempttocarryoffDalacqua’sdaughter，andthatallthehonouroftheintriguewasgiventome，whichdispleasedhimmuch。ItoldhimwhatIhadalreadytoldGama，andheappearedtobelieveme，butheaddedthatinRomepeopledidnotwanttoknowthingsastheytrulywere，butonlyastheywishedthemtobe。
Itisknown，thatyouhavebeeninthehabitofgoingeverymorningtoDalacqua’shouse；itisknownthattheyoungmanoftencalledonyou；thatisquiteenough。Peopledonotcare，toknowthecircumstanceswhichmightcounteracttheslander，butonlythose，likelytogiveitnewforceforslanderisvastlyrelishedintheHolyCity。Yourinnocencewillnotpreventthewholeadventurebeingbookedtoyouraccount，if，infortyyearstimeyouwereproposedaspopeintheconclave。\"
DuringthefollowingdaysthefataladventurebegantocausememoreannoyancethanIcouldexpress，foreveryonementionedittome，andIcouldseeclearlythatpeoplepretendedtobelievewhatIsaidonlybecausetheydidnotdaretodootherwise。ThemarchionesstoldmejeeringlythattheSignoraDalacquahadcontractedpeculiarobligationstowardsme，butmysorrowwasverygreatwhen，duringthelastdaysofthecarnival，IremarkedthatCardinalAcquaviva’smannerhadbecomeconstrained，althoughIwastheonlypersonwhoobservedthechange。
Thenoisemadebytheaffairwas，however，beginningtosubside，when，inthefirstdaysofLent，thecardinaldesiredmetocometohisprivateroom，andspokeasfollows\"TheaffairofthegirlDalacquaisnowover；itisnolongerspokenof，buttheverdictofthepublicisthatyouandIhaveprofitedbytheclumsinessoftheyoungmanwhointendedtocarryheroff。InrealityIcarelittleforsuchaverdict，for，undersimilarcircumstances，Ishouldalwaysactinasimilarmanner，andIdonotwishtoknowthatwhichnoonecancompelyoutoconfess，andwhich，asamanofhonour，youmustnotadmit。Ifyouhadnopreviousknowledgeoftheintrigue，andhadactuallyturnedthegirloutofyourroom（supposingshedidcometoyou），youwouldhavebeenguiltyofawrongandcowardlyaction，becauseyouwouldhavesealedhermiseryfortheremainderofherdays，anditwouldnothavecausedyoutoescapethesuspicionofbeinganaccomplice，whileatthesametimeitwouldhaveattachedtoyoutheodiumofdastardlytreachery。
NotwithstandingallIhavejustsaid，youcaneasilyimaginethat，inspiteofmyuttercontemptforallgossipingfools，Icannotopenlydefythem。Ithereforefeelmyselfcompelledtoaskyounotonlytoquitmyservice，buteventoleaveRome。Iundertaketosupplyyouwithanhonourablepretextforyourdeparture，soastoinsureyouthecontinuationoftherespectwhichyoumayhavesecuredthroughthemarksofesteemIhavebestoweduponyou。Ipromiseyoutowhisperintheearofanypersonyoumaychoose，andeventoinformeverybody，thatyouaregoingonanimportantmissionwhichIhaveentrustedtoyou。Youhaveonlytonamethecountrywhereyouwanttogo；Ihavefriendseverywhere，andcanrecommendyoutosuchpurposethatyouwillbesuretofindemployment。Mylettersofrecommendationwillbeinmyownhandwriting，andnobodyneedknowwhereyouaregoing。Meetmeto—morrowattheVillaNegroni，andletmeknowwheremylettersaretobeaddressed。Youmustbereadytostartwithinaweek。Believeme，Iamsorrytoloseyou；butthesacrificeisforceduponmebythemostabsurdprejudice。Gonow，anddonotletmewitnessyourgrief。\"
Hespokethelastwordsbecausehesawmyeyesfillingwithtears，andhedidnotgivemetimetoanswer。Beforeleavinghisroom，I
hadthestrengthofmindtocomposemyself，andIputonsuchanairofcheerfulnessthattheAbbeGama，whotookmetohisroomtodrinksomecoffee，complimentedmeuponmyhappylooks。
\"Iamsure，\"hesaid，\"thattheyarecausedbytheconversationyouhavehadwithhiseminence。\"
\"Youareright；butyoudonotknowthesorrowatmyheartwhichI
trynottoshewoutwardly。\"
\"Whatsorrow？\"
\"Iamafraidoffailinginadifficultmissionwhichthecardinalhasentrustedmewiththismorning。IamcompelledtoconcealhowlittleconfidenceIfeelinmyselfinordernottolessenthegoodopinionhiseminenceispleasedtoentertainofme。\"
\"Ifmyadvicecanbeofanyservicetoyou，praydisposeofme；butyouarequiterighttochewyourselfcalmandcheerful。IsitanybusinesstotransactinRome？\"
\"No；itisajourneyIshallhavetoundertakeinaweekortendays。\"
\"Whichway？\"
\"Towardsthewest。\"
\"Oh！Iamnotcurioustoknow。\"
IwentoutaloneandtookawalkintheVillaBorghese，whereIspenttwohourswrappedindarkdespair。IlikedRome，Iwasonthehighroadtofortune，andsuddenlyIfoundmyselfintheabyss，withoutknowingwheretogo，andwithallmyhopesscatteredtothewinds。I
examinedmyconduct，Ijudgedmyselfseverely，Icouldnotfindmyselfguiltyofanycrimesaveoftoomuchkindness，butIperceivedhowrightthegoodFatherGeorgihadbeen。Mydutywasnotonlytotakenopartintheintrigueofthetwolove，butalsotochangemyFrenchteacherthemomentIbeardofit；butthiswaslikecallinginadoctorafterdeathhasstruckthepatient。Besides，youngasI
was，havingnoexperienceyetofmisfortune，andstilllessofthewickednessofsociety，itwasverydifficultformetohavethatprudencewhichamangainsonlybylongintercoursewiththeworld。
\"WhereshallIgo？\"Thiswasthequestionwhichseemedtomeimpossibleofsolution。Ithoughtofitallthroughthenight，andthroughthemorning，butIthoughtinvain；afterRome，IwasindifferentwhereIwentto！
Intheevening，notcaringforanysupper，Ihadgonetomyroom；theAbbeGamacametomewitharequestfromthecardinalnottoacceptanyinvitationtodinnerforthenextday，ashewantedtospeaktome。IthereforewaiteduponhiseminencethenextdayattheVillaNegroni；hewaswalkingwithhissecretary，whomhedismissedthemomenthesawme。Assoonaswewerealone，Igavehimalltheparticularsoftheintrigueofthetwolovers，andIexpressedinthemostvividmannerthesorrowIfeltatleavinghisservice。
\"Ihavenohopeofsuccess，\"Iadded，\"forIamcertainthatFortunewillsmileuponmeonlyaslongasIamnearyoureminence。\"
FornearlyanhourItoldhimallthegriefwithwhichmyheartwasbursting，weepingbitterly；yetIcouldnotmovehimfromhisdecision。Kindly，butfirmlyhepressedmetotellhimtowhatpartofEuropeIwantedtogo，anddespairasmuchasvexationmademenameConstantinople。
\"Constantinople！\"heexclaimed，movingbackasteportwo。
\"Yes，monsignor，Constantinople，\"Irepeated，wipingawaymytears。
Theprelate，amanofgreatwit，butaSpaniardtotheveryback—
bone，afterremainingsilentafewminutes，said，withasmile，\"IamgladyouhavenotchosenIspahan，asIshouldhavefeltratherembarrassed。Whendoyouwishtogo？\"
\"Thisdayweek，asyoureminencehasorderedme。\"
\"DoyouintendtosailfromNaplesorfromVenice？\"
\"FromVenice。\"
\"Iwillgiveyousuchapassportaswillbeneeded，foryouwillfindtwoarmiesinwinter—quartersintheRomagna。ItstrikesmethatyoumaytelleverybodythatIsentyoutoConstantinople，fornobodywillbelieveyou。\"
Thisdiplomaticsuggestionnearlymademesmile。ThecardinaltoldmethatIshoulddinewithhim，andheleftmetojoinhissecretary。
WhenIreturnedtothepalace，thinkingofthechoiceIhadmade，I
saidtomyself，\"EitherIammad，orIamobeyingtheimpulseofamysteriousgeniuswhichsendsmetoConstantinopletoworkoutmyfate。\"Iwasonlyastonishedthatthecardinalhadsoreadilyacceptedmychoice。\"Withoutanydoubt，\"Ithought，\"hedidnotwishmetobelievethathehadboastedofmorethanhecouldachieve，intellingmethathehadfriendseverywhere。ButtowhomcanherecommendmeinConstantinople？Ihavenottheslightestidea，buttoConstantinopleImustgo。\"
Idinedalonewithhiseminence；hemadeagreatshowofpeculiarkindnessandIofgreatsatisfaction，formyself—pride，strongereventhanmysorrow，forbademetoletanyoneguessthatIwasindisgrace。Mydeepestgriefwas，however，toleavethemarchioness，withwhomIwasinlove，andfromwhomIhadnotobtainedanyimportantfavour。
Twodaysafterwards，thecardinalgavemeapassportforVenice，andasealedletteraddressedtoOsmanBonneval，PachaofCaramania，inConstantinople。Therewasnoneedofmysayinganythingtoanyone，but，asthecardinalhadnotforbiddenmetodoit，Ishewedtheaddressonthelettertoallmyacquaintances。
TheChevalierdeLezze，theVenetianAmbassador，gavemealetterforawealthyTurk，averyworthymanwhohadbeenhisfriend；DonGasparandFatherGeorgiaskedmetowritetothem，buttheAbbeGams，laughed，andsaidhewasquitesureIwasnotgoingtoConstantinople。
IwenttotakemyfarewellofDonnaCecilia，whohadjustreceivedaletterfromLucrezia，impartingthenewsthatshewouldsoonbeamother。IalsocalleduponAngeliqueandDonFrancisco，whohadlatelybeenmarriedandhadnotinvitedmetothewedding。
WhenIcalledtotakeCardinalAcquaviva’sfinalinstructionshegavemeapursecontainingonehundredounces，worthsevenhundredsequins。Ihadthreehundredmore，sothatmyfortuneamountedtoonethousandsequins；Ikepttwohundred，andfortherestItookaletterofexchangeuponaRagusanwhowasestablishedinAncona。I
leftRomeinthecoachwithaladygoingtoOurLadyofLoretto，tofulfilavowmadeduringasevereillnessofherdaughter，whoaccompaniedher。Theyoungladywasugly；myjourneywasarathertediousone。
CHAPTERXI
MyShortButRatherTooGayVisitToAncona——Cecilia，Marina，Bellino——theGreekSlaveoftheLazzaretto——BellinoDiscoversHimselfIarrivedinAnconaonthe25thofFebruary，1744，andputupatthebestinn。Pleasedwithmyroom，Itoldminehosttoprepareformeagoodmeatdinner；butheansweredthatduringLentallgoodCatholicseatnothingbutfish。
\"TheHolyFatherhasgrantedmepermissiontoeatmeat。\"
\"Letmeseeyourpermission。\"
\"Hegaveittomebywordofmouth。\"
\"Reverendsir，Iamnotobligedtobelieveyou。\"
\"Youareafool。\"
\"Iammasterinmyownhouse，andIbegyouwillgotosomeotherinn。\"
Suchananswer，coupledtoamostunexpectednoticetoquit，threwmeintoaviolentpassion。Iwasswearing，raving，screaming，whensuddenlyagrave—lookingindividualmadehisappearanceinmyroom，andsaidtome:
\"Sir，youarewrongincallingformeat，wheninAnconafishismuchbetter；youarewronginexpectingthelandlordtobelieveyouonyourbareword；andifyouhaveobtainedthepermissionfromthePope，youhavebeenwronginsolicitingitatyourage；youhavebeenwronginnotaskingforsuchpermissioninwriting；youarewrongincallingthehostafool，becauseitisacomplimentthatnomanislikelytoacceptinhisownhouse；and，finally，youarewronginmakingsuchanuproar。\"
Farfromincreasingmybadtemper，thisindividual，whohadenteredmyroomonlytotreatmetoasermon，mademelaugh。
\"Iwillinglypleadguilty，sir，\"Ianswered，\"toallthecountswhichyouallegeagainstme；butitisraining，itisgettinglate，Iamtiredandhungry，andthereforeyouwilleasilyunderstandthatIdonotfeeldisposedtochangemyquarters。Willyougivemesomesupper，asthelandlordrefusestodoso？\"
\"No，\"hereplied，withgreatcomposure，\"becauseIamagoodCatholicandfast。ButIwillundertaketomakeitallrightforyouwiththelandlord，whowillgiveyouagoodsupper。\"
Thereuponhewentdownstairs，andI，comparingmyhastinesstohiscalm，acknowledgedthemanworthyofteachingmesomelessons。Hesooncameupagain，informedmethatpeacewassigned，andthatI
wouldbeservedimmediately。
\"Willyounottakesupperwithme？\"
\"No，butIwillkeepyoucompany。\"
Iacceptedhisoffer，andtolearnwhohewas，Itoldhimmyname，givingmyselfthetitleofsecretarytoCardinalAcquaviva。
\"MynameisSancioPico，\"hesaid；\"IamaCastilian，andthe’proveditore’ofthearmyofH。C。M。，whichiscommandedbyCountdeGagesundertheordersofthegeneralissimo，theDukeofModem。\"
Myexcellentappetiteastonishedhim，andheenquiredwhetherIhaddined。\"No，\"saidI；andIsawhiscountenanceassumeanairofsatisfaction。
\"Areyounotafraidsuchasupperwillhurtyou？\"hesaid。
\"Onthecontrary，Ihopeitwilldomeagreatdealofgood。\"
\"ThenyouhavedeceivedthePope？\"
\"No，forIdidnottellhimthatIhadnoappetite，butonlythatI
likedmeatbetterthanfish。\"
\"Ifyoufeeldisposedtohearsomegoodmusic，\"hesaidamomentafter，\"followmetothenextroom；theprimadonnaofAnconalivesthere。\"
Thewordsprimadonnainterestedmeatonce，andIfollowedhim。I
saw，sittingbeforeatable，awomanalreadysomewhatadvancedinage，withtwoyounggirlsandtwoboys，butIlookedinvainfortheactress，whomDonSancioPicoatlastpresentedtomeintheshapeofoneofthetwoboys，whowasremarkablyhandsomeandmighthavebeenseventeen。Ithoughthewasa’castrato’who，asisthecustominRome，performedallthepartsofaprimadonna。Themotherpresentedto，meherotherson，likewiseverygood—looking，butmoremanlythanthe’castrato’，althoughyounger。HisnamewasPetronio，and，keepingupthetransformationsofthefamily，hewasthefirstfemaledancerattheopera。Theeldestgirl，whowasalsointroducedtome，wasnamedCecilia，andstudiedmusic；shewastwelveyearsold；theyoungest，calledMarina，wasonlyeleven，andlikeherbrotherPetroniowasconsecratedtotheworshipofTerpsichore。Boththegirlswereverypretty。
ThefamilycamefromBolognaandliveduponthetalentofitsmembers；cheerfulnessandamiabilityreplacedwealthwiththem。
Bellino，suchwasthenameofthecastrato，yieldingtotheentreatiesofDonSancio，rosefromthetable，wenttotheharpiscord，andsangwiththevoiceofanangelandwithdelightfulgrace。TheCastilianlistenedwithhiseyesclosedinanecstasyofenjoyment，butI，farfromclosingmyeyes，gazedintoBellino’s，whichseemedtodartamorouslightningsuponme。IcoulddiscoverinhimsomeofthefeaturesofLucreziaandthegracefulmannerofthemarchioness，andeverythingbetrayedabeautifulwoman，forhisdressconcealedbutimperfectlythemostsplendidbosom。Theconsequencewasthat，inspiteofhishavingbeenintroducedasaman，Ifanciedthattheso—calledBellinowasadisguisedbeauty，and，myimaginationtakingatoncethehighestflight，Ibecamethoroughlyenamoured。
Wespenttwoverypleasanthours，andIreturnedtomyroomaccompaniedbytheCastilian。\"Iintendtoleaveveryearlyto—
morrowmorning，\"hesaid，\"forSinigaglia，withtheAbbeVilmarcati，butIexpecttoreturnforsupperthedayafterto—morrow。\"Iwishedhimahappyjourney，sayingthatwewouldmost’likelymeetontheroad，asIshouldprobablyleaveAnconamyselfonthesameday，afterpayingavisittomybanker。
IwenttobedthinkingofBellinoandoftheimpressionhehadmadeuponme；IwassorrytogoawaywithouthavingprovedtohimthatI
wasnotthedupeofhisdisguise。Accordingly，IwaswellpleasedtoseehimentermyroominthemorningassoonasIhadopenedmydoor。
HecametooffermetheservicesofhisyoungbrotherPetronioduringmystayinAncona，insteadofmyengagingavaletdeplace。I
willinglyagreedtotheproposal，andsentPetroniotogetcoffeeforallthefamily。
IaskedBellinotositonmybedwiththeintentionofmakinglovetohim，andoftreatinghimlikeagirl，butthetwoyoungsistersranintomyroomanddisturbedmyplans。Yetthetrioformedbeforemeaverypleasingsight；theyrepresentednaturalbeautyandartlesscheerfulnessofthreedifferentkinds；unobtrusivefamiliarity，theatricalwit，pleasingplayfulness，andprettyBolognesemannerswhichIwitnessedforthefirsttime；allthiswouldhavesufficedtocheermeifIhadbeendowncast。CeciliaandMarinaweretwosweetrosebuds，which，tobloominalltheirbeauty，requiredonlytheinspirationoflove，andtheywouldcertainlyhavehadthepreferenceoverBellinoifIhadseeninhimonlythemiserableoutcastofmankind，orratherthepitifulvictimofsacerdotalcruelty，for，inspiteoftheiryouth，thetwoamiablegirlsofferedontheirdawningbosomthepreciousimageofwomanhood。
Petroniocamewiththecoffeewhichhepouredout，andIsentsometothemother，whoneverleftherroom。Petroniowasatruemaleharlotbytasteandbyprofession。ThespeciesisnotscareinItaly，wheretheoffenceisnotregardedwiththewildandferociousintoleranceofEnglandandSpain。Ihadgivenhimonesequintopayforthecoffee，andtoldhimtokeepthechange，and，tochewmehisgratitude，hegavemeavoluptuouskisswithhalf—openlips，supposinginmeatastewhichIwasveryfarfromentertaining。I
disabusedhim，buthedidnotseemtheleastashamed。Itoldhimtoorderdinnerforsixpersons，butheremarkedthathewouldorderitonlyforfour，ashehadtokeephisdearmothercompany；shealwaystookherdinnerinbed。Everyonetohistaste，Ithought，andIlethimdoashepleased。
Twominutesafterhehadgone，thelandlordcametomyroomandsaid，\"Reverendsir，thepersonsyouhaveinvitedherehaveeachtheappetiteoftwomenatleast；Igiveyounoticeofit，becauseImustchargeaccordingly。\"\"Allright，\"Ireplied，\"butletushaveagooddinner。\"
WhenIwasdressed，IthoughtIoughttopaymycomplimentstothecompliantmother。Iwenttoherroom，andcongratulatedheruponherchildren。ShethankedmeforthepresentIhadgiventoPetronio，andbegantomakemetheconfidantofherdistress。\"Themanagerofthetheatre，\"shesaid，\"isamiserwhohasgivenusonlyfiftyRomancrownsforthewholecarnival。Wehavespentthemforourliving，and，toreturntoBologna，weshallhavetowalkandbegourway。\"
Herconfidencemovedmypity，soItookagoldquadruplefrommypurseandofferedittoher；sheweptforjoyandgratitude。
\"Ipromiseyouanothergoldquadruple，madam，\"Isaid，\"ifyouwillconfideinmeentirely。ConfessthatBellinoisaprettywomanindisguise。\"
\"Icanassureyouitisnotso，althoughhehastheappearanceofawoman。\"
\"Notonlytheappearance，madam，butthetone，themanners；Iamagoodjudge。\"
\"Nevertheless，heisaboy，forhehashadtobeexaminedbeforehecouldsingonthestagehere。\"
\"Andwhoexaminedhim？\"
\"Mylordbishop’schaplain。\"
\"Achaplain？\"
\"Yes，andyoumaysatisfyyourselfbyenquiringfromhim。\"
\"Theonlywaytoclearmydoubtswouldbetoexaminehimmyself。\"
\"Youmay，ifhehasnoobjection，buttrulyIcannotinterfere，asI
donotknowwhatyourintentionsare。\"
\"Theyarequitenatural。\"
IreturnedtomyroomandsentPetronioforabottleofCypruswine。
Hebroughtthewineandsevensequins，thechangeforthedoubloonI
hadgivenhim。IdividedthembetweenBellino，CeciliaandMarina，andbeggedthetwoyounggirlstoleavemealonewiththeirbrother。
\"Bellino，Iamcertainthatyournaturalconformationisdifferentfrommine；mydear，youareagirl。\"
\"Iamaman，butacastrato；Ihavebeenexamined。\"
\"Allowmetoexamineyoulikewise，andIwillgiveyouadoubloon。\"
\"Icannot，foritisevidentthatyouloveme，andsuchloveiscondemnedbyreligion。\"
\"Youdidnotraisetheseobjectionswiththebishop’schaplain。\"
\"Hewasanelderlypriest，andbesides，heonlyjustglancedatme。\"
\"Iwillknowthetruth，\"saidI，extendingmyhandboldly。
Butherepulsedmeandrosefromhischair。Hisobstinacyvexedme，forIhadalreadyspentfifteenorsixteensequinstosatisfymycuriosity。
Ibeganmydinnerwithaverybadhumour，buttheexcellentappetiteofmyprettyguestsbroughtmeround，andIsoonthoughtthat，afterall，cheerfulnesswasbetterthansulking，andIresolvedtomakeupformydisappointmentwiththetwocharmingsisters，whoseemedwelldisposedtoenjoyafrolic。
Ibeganbydistributingafewinnocentkissesrightandleft，asI
satbetweenthemnearagoodfire，eatingchestnutswhichwewettedwithCypruswine。Butverysoonmygreedyhandstouchedeverypartwhichmylipscouldnotkiss，andCecilia，aswellasMarina，delightedinthegame。SeeingthatBellinowassmiling，Ikissedhimlikewise，andhishalf—openruffleattractingmyhand，Iventuredandwentinwithoutresistance。ThechiselofPraxiteleshadnevercarvedafinerbosom！
\"Oh！thisisenough，\"Iexclaimed；\"Icannolongerdoubtthatyouareabeautifully—formedwoman！\"
\"Itis，\"hereplied，\"thedefectofallcastrati。\"
No，itistheperfectionofallhandsomewomen。Bellino，believeme，Iamenoughofagoodjudgetodistinguishbetweenthedeformedbreastofacastrato，andthatofabeautifulwoman；andyouralabasterbosombelongstoayoungbeautyofseventeensummers。\"
Whodoesnotknowthatlove，inflamedbyallthatcanexciteit，neverstopsinyoungpeopleuntilitissatisfied，andthatonefavourgrantedkindlesthewishforagreaterone？Ihadbegunwell，Itriedtogofurtherandtosmotherwithburningkissesthatwhichmyhandwaspressingsoardently，butthefalseBellino，asifhehadonlyjustbeenawareoftheillicitpleasureIwasenjoying，roseandranaway。Angerincreasedinmetheardouroflove，andfeelingthenecessityofcalmingmyselfeitherbysatisfyingmyardentdesiresorbyevaporatingthem，IbeggedCecilia，Bellino’spupil，tosingafewNeapolitanairs。
Ithenwentouttocalluponthebanker，fromwhomItookaletterofexchangeatsightuponBologna，fortheamountIhadtoreceivefromhim，andonmyreturn，afteralightsupperwiththetwoyoungsisters，Ipreparedtogotobed，havingpreviouslyinstructedPetroniotoorderacarriageforthemorning。
IwasjustlockingmydoorwhenCecilia，halfundressed，cameintosaythatBellinobeggedmetotakehimtoRimini，wherehewasengagedtosinginanoperatobeperformedafterEaster。
\"Goandtellhim，mydearlittleseraph，thatIamreadytodowhathewishes，ifhewillonlygrantmeinyourpresencewhatIdesire；I
wanttoknowforacertaintywhetherheisamanorawoman。\"
Sheleftmeandreturnedsoon，sayingthatBellinohadgonetobed，butthatifIwouldpostponemydepartureforonedayonlyhepromisedtosatisfymeonthemorrow。
\"Tellmethetruth，Cecilia，andIwillgiveyousixsequins。\"
\"Icannotearnthem，forIhaveneverseenhimnaked，andIcannotsweartohisbeingagirl。Buthemustbeaman，otherwisehewouldnothavebeenallowedtoperformhere。\"