Iwasconsciousthatitwasmyonlychance，andcandidlyrelatedthewholeaffair，andIendedbysayingthatIshouldnotsurvivemydisgrace。Heconsoledmebypromisingthatmydebtwouldbecancelledinthecourseoftheday，ifIwouldswearnevertoplayagainupontrust。Itookanoathtothateffect，andkissinghishand，Iwentoutforawalk，relievedfromagreatload。Ihadnodoubtthatmyexcellentfatherwouldgivemefivehundredsequinsduringtheday，andIenjoyedmyanticipationthehonourIwouldderive，intheopinionofthelovelycountess，bymyexactitudeandpromptdischargeofmydebt。Ifeltthatitgavenewstrengthtomyhopes，andthatfeelingpreventedmefromregrettingmyheavyloss，butgratefulforthegreatgenerosityofmybenefactorIwasfullydeterminedonkeepingmypromise。
Idinedwiththethreefriends，andthematterwasnotevenalludedto；but，aswewererisingfromthetable，aservantbroughtM。deBragadinaletterandaparcel。
Hereadtheletter，askedmetofollowhimintohisstudy，andthemomentwewerealone，hesaid；
\"Hereisaparcelforyou。\"
Iopenedit，andfoundsomefortysequins。Seeingmysurprise，M。
deBragadinlaughedmerrilyandhandedmetheletter，thecontentsofwhichranthus:
\"M。deCasanovamaybesurethatourplayinglastnightwasonlyajoke:heowesmenothing。Mywifebegstosendhimhalfofthegoldwhichhehaslostincash。
\"COUNTRINALDI。\"
IlookedatM。deBragadin，perfectlyamazed，andheburstoutlaughing。Iguessedthetruth，thankedhim，andembracinghimtenderlyIpromisedtobewiserforthefuture。ThemistIhadbeforemyeyeswasdispelled，Ifeltthatmylovewasdefunct，andI
remainedratherashamed，whenIrealizedthatIhadbeenthedupeofthewifeaswellasofthehusband。
\"Thisevening，\"saidmycleverphysician，\"youcanhaveagaysupperwiththecharmingcountess。\"
\"Thisevening，mydear，respectedbenefactor，Iwillhavesupperwithyou。Youhavegivenmeamasterlylesson。\"
\"Thenexttimeyoulosemoneyupontrust，youhadbetternotpayit。\"
\"ButIshouldbedishonoured。\"
\"Nevermind。Thesooneryoudishonouryourself，themoreyouwillsave，foryouwillalwaysbecompelledtoacceptyourdishonourwheneveryoufindyourselfutterlyunabletopayyourlosses。Itisthereforemoreprudentnottowaituntilthen。\"
\"Itismuchbetterstilltoavoidthatfatalimpossibilitybyneverplayingotherwisethanwithmoneyinhand。\"
\"Nodoubtofit，forthenyouwillsavebothyourhonourandyourpurse。But，asyouarefondofgamesofchance，Iadviseyounevertopunt。Makethebank，andtheadvantagemustbeonyourside。\"
\"Yes，butonlyaslightadvantage。\"
\"Asslightasyouplease，butitwillbeonyourside，andwhenthegameisoveryouwillfindyourselfawinnerandnotaloser。Thepunterisexcited，thebankeriscalm。Thelastsays，’Ibetyoudonotguess，’whilethefirstsays，’IbetIcanguess。’Whichisthefool，andwhichisthewiseman？Thequestioniseasilyanswered。I
adjureyoutobeprudent，butifyoushouldpuntandwin，recollectthatyouareonlyanidiotifattheendyoulose。\"
\"Whyanidiot？Fortuneisveryfickle。\"
\"Itmustnecessarilybeso；itisanaturalconsequence。Leaveoffplaying，believeme，theverymomentyouseeluckturning，evenifyoushould，atthatmoment，winbutonegroat。\"
IhadreadPlato，andIwasastonishedatfindingamanwhocouldreasonlikeSocrates。
Thenextday，ZawoiskicalledonmeveryearlytotellmethatIhadbeenexpectedtosupper，andthatCountRinaldihadpraisedmypromptnessinpayingmydebtsofhonour。Ididnotthinkitnecessarytoundeceivehim，butIdidnotgoagaintoCountRinaldi’s，whomIsawsixteenyearsafterwardsinMilan。AstoZawoiski，IdidnottellhimthestorytillImethiminCarlsbad，oldanddeaf，fortyyearslater。
Threeorfourmonthslater，M。deBragadintaughtmeanotherofhismasterlylessons。Ihadbecomeacquainted，throughZawoiski，withaFrenchmancalledL’Abbadie，whowasthensolicitingfromtheVenetianGovernmenttheappointmentofinspectorofthearmiesoftheRepublic。Thesenateappointed，andIpresentedhimtomyprotector，whopromisedhimhisvote；butthecircumstanceIamgoingtorelatepreventedhimfromfulfillinghispromise。
Iwasinneedofonehundredsequinstodischargeafewdebts，andI
beggedM。deBragadintogivethemtome。
\"Why，mydearson，doyounotaskM。del’Abbadietorenderyouthatservice？\"
\"Ishouldnotdaretodoso，dearfather。\"
\"Tryhim；Iamcertainthathewillbegladtolendyouthatsum。\"
\"Idoubtit，butIwilltry。\"
IcalleduponL’Abbadieonthefollowingday，andafterashortexchangeofcomplimentsItoldhimtheserviceIexpectedfromhisfriendship。Heexcusedhimselfinaverypolitemanner，drowninghisrefusalinthatseaofcommonplaceswhichpeoplearesuretorepeatwhentheycannotorwillnotobligeafriend。Zawoiskicameinashewasstillapologizing，andIleftthemtogether。IhurriedatoncetoM。deBragadin，andtoldhimmywantofsuccess。HemerelyremarkedthattheFrenchmanwasdeficientinintelligence。
Itjusthappenedthatitwastheverydayonwhichtheappointmentoftheinspectorshipwastobebroughtbeforethesenate。Iwentouttoattendtomybusiness（Ioughttosaytomypleasure），andasIdidnotreturnhometillaftermidnightIwenttobedwithoutseeingmyfather。InthemorningIsaidinhispresencethatIintendedtocalluponL’Abbadietocongratulatehimuponhisappointment。
\"Youmayspareyourselfthattrouble；thesenatehasrejectedhisnomination。\"
\"Howso？ThreedaysagoL’Abbadiefeltsureofhissuccess。\"
\"Hewasrightthen，forhewouldhavebeenappointedifIhadnotmadeupmymindtospeakagainsthim。Ihaveprovedtothesenatethatarightpolicyforbadethegovernmenttotrustsuchanimportantposttoaforeigner。\"
\"Iammuchsurprised，foryourexcellencywasnotofthatopinionthedaybeforeyesterday。\"
\"Verytrue，butthenIdidnotknowM。del’Abbadie。Ifoundoutonlyyesterdaythatthemanwasnotsufficientlyintelligenttofillthepositionhewassoliciting。Ishelikelytopossessasanejudgmentwhenherefusestolendyouonehundredsequins？Thatrefusalhascosthimanimportantappointmentandanincomeofthreethousandcrowns，whichwouldnowbehis。\"
WhenIwastakingmywalkonthesamedayImetZawoiskiwithL’Abbadie，anddidnottrytoavoidthem。L’Abbadiewasfurious，andhehadsomereasontobeso。
\"Ifyouhadtoldme，\"hesaidangrily，\"thattheonehundredsequinswereintendedasagagtostopM。deBragadin’smouth，Iwouldhavecontrivedtoprocurethemforyou。\"
\"Ifyouhadhadaninspector’sbrainsyouwouldhaveeasilyguessedit。\"
TheFrenchman’sresentmentprovedveryusefultome，becauseherelatedthecircumstancetoeverybody。Theresultwasthatfromthattimethosewhowantedthepatronageofthesenatorappliedtome。
Commentisneedless；thissortofthinghaslongbeeninexistence，andwilllongremainso，becauseveryoften，toobtainthehighestoffavours，allthatisnecessaryistoobtainthegood—willofaminister’sfavouriteorevenofhisvalet。Mydebtsweresoonpaid。
ItwasaboutthattimethatmybrotherJeancametoVenicewithGuarienti，aconvertedJew，agreatjudgeofpaintings，whowastravellingattheexpenseofHisMajestytheKingofPoland，andElectorofSaxony。ItwastheconvertedJewwhohadpurchasedforHisMajestythegalleryoftheDukeofModenaforonehundredthousandsequins。GuarientiandmybrotherleftVeniceforRome，whereJeanremainedinthestudioofthecelebratedpainterRaphaelMengs，whomweshallmeetagainhereafter。
Now，asafaithfulhistorian，ImustgivemyreadersthestoryofacertainadventureinwhichwereinvolvedthehonourandhappinessofoneofthemostcharmingwomeninItaly，whowouldhavebeenunhappyifIhadnotbeenathoughtlessfellow。
IntheearlypartofOctober，1746，thetheatresbeingopened，IwaswalkingaboutwithmymaskonwhenIperceivedawoman，whoseheadwaswellenvelopedinthehoodofhermantle，gettingoutoftheFerrarabargewhichhadjustarrived。Seeingheralone，andobservingheruncertainwalk，Ifeltmyselfdrawntowardsherasifanunseenhandhadguidedme。
Icomeuptoher，andoffermyservicesifIcanbeofanyusetoher。Sheanswerstimidlythatsheonlywantstomakesomeenquiries。
\"Wearenothereintherightplaceforconversation，\"Isaytoher；
\"butifyouwouldbekindenoughtocomewithmetoacaf？youwouldbeabletospeakandtoexplainyourwishes。\"
Shehesitates，Iinsist，andshegivesway。Thetavernwascloseathand；wegoin，andarealoneinaprivateroom。Itakeoffmymask，andoutofpolitenessshemustputdownthehoodofhermantle。A
largemuslinhead—dressconcealshalfofherface，buthereyes，hernose，andherprettymouthareenoughtoletmeseeonherfeaturesbeauty，nobleness，sorrow，andthatcandourwhichgivesyouthsuchanundefinablecharm。Ineednotsaythat，withsuchagoodletterofintroduction，theunknownatoncecaptivatedmywarmestinterest。
Afterwipingawayafewtearswhichareflowing，inspiteofallherefforts，shetellsmethatshebelongstoanoblefamily，thatshehasrunawayfromherfather’shouse，alone，trustinginGod，tomeetaVenetiannoblemanwhohadseducedherandthendeceivedher，thussealinghereverlastingmisery。
\"Youhavethensomehopeofrecallinghimtothepathofduty？I
supposehehaspromisedyoumarriage？\"
\"Hehasengagedhisfaithtomeinwriting。TheonlyfavourIclaimfromyourkindnessistotakemetohishouse，toleavemethere，andtokeepmysecret。\"
\"Youmaytrust，madam，tothefeelingsofamanofhonour。Iamworthyofyourtrust。Haveentireconfidenceinme，forIalreadytakeadeepinterestinallyourconcerns。Tellmehisname。\"
\"Alas！sir，Igivewaytofate。\"
Withthesewords，shetakesoutofherbosomapaperwhichshegivesme；IrecognizethehandwritingofZanettoSteffani。Itwasapromiseofmarriagebywhichheengagedhiswordofhonourtomarrywithinaweek，inVenice，theyoungcountessA————S————。WhenI
havereadthepaper，Ireturnittoher，sayingthatIknewthewriterquitewell，thathewasconnectedwiththechancellor’soffice，knownasagreatlibertine，anddeeplyindebt，butthathewouldberichafterhismother’sdeath。
\"ForGod’ssaketakemetohishouse。\"
\"Iwilldoanythingyouwish；buthaveentireconfidenceinme，andbegoodenoughtohearme。Iadviseyounottogotohishouse。Hehasalreadydoneyougreatinjury，and，evensupposingthatyoushouldhappentofindhimathome，hemightbecapableofreceivingyoubadly；ifheshouldnotbeathome，itismostlikelythathismotherwouldnotexactlywelcomeyou，ifyoushouldtellherwhoyouareandwhatisyourerrand。Trusttome，andbequitecertainthatGodhassentmeonyourwaytoassistyou。Ipromiseyouthatto—morrowatthelatestyoushallknowwhetherSteffaniisinVenice，whatheintendstodowithyou，andwhatwemaycompelhimtodo。
UntilthenmyadviceisnottolethimknowyourarrivalinVenice。\"
\"GoodGod！whereshallIgoto—night？\"
\"Toarespectablehouse，ofcourse。\"
\"Iwillgotoyours，ifyouaremarried。\"
\"Iamabachelor。\"
Iknewanhonestwidowwhoresidedinalane，andwhohadtwofurnishedrooms。Ipersuadetheyoungcountesstofollowme，andwetakeagondola。Asweareglidingalong，shetellsmethat，onemonthbefore，Steffanihadstoppedinherneighbourhoodfornecessaryrepairstohistravelling—carriage，andthat，onthesamedayhehadmadeheracquaintanceatahousewhereshehadgonewithhermotherforthepurposeofofferingtheircongratulationstoanewly—marriedlady。
\"Iwasunfortunateenough，\"shecontinued，\"toinspirehimwithlove，andhepostponedhisdeparture。HeremainedonemonthinC————，nevergoingoutbutintheevening，andspendingeverynightundermywindowsconversingwithme。Hesworeathousandtimesthatheadoredme，thathisintentionswerehonourable。Ientreatedhimtopresenthimselftomyparentstoaskmeinmarriage，buthealwaysexcusedhimselfbyallegingsomereason，goodorbad，assuringmethathecouldnotbehappyunlessIshewedhimentireconfidence。Hewouldbegofmetomakeupmymindtorunawaywithhim，unknowntoeverybody，promisingthatmyhonourshouldnotsufferfromsuchastep，because，threedaysaftermydeparture，everybodyshouldreceivenoticeofmybeinghiswife，andheassuredmethathewouldbringmebackonavisittomynativeplaceshortlyafterourmarriage。Alas，sir！whatshallIsaynow？Loveblindedme；Ifellintotheabyss；Ibelievedhim；Iagreedtoeverything。Hegavemethepaperwhichyouhaveread，andthefollowingnightIallowedhimtocomeintomyroomthroughthewindowunderwhichhewasinthehabitofconversingwithme。
IconsentedtobeguiltyofacrimewhichIbelievedwouldbeatonedforwithinthreedays，andheleftme，promisingthatthenextnighthewouldbeagainundermywindow，readytoreceivemeinhisarms。
CouldIpossiblyentertainanydoubtafterthefearfulcrimeIhadcommittedforhim？Ipreparedasmallparcel，andwaitedforhiscoming，butinvain。Oh！whatacruellongnightitwas！InthemorningIheardthatthemonsterhadgoneawaywithhisservantonehouraftersealingmyshame。Youmayimaginemydespair！Iadoptedtheonlyplanthatdespaircouldsuggest，andthat，ofcourse，wasnottherightone。OnehourbeforemidnightIleftmyfather’sroof，alone，thuscompletingmydishonour，butresolvedondeath，ifthemanwhohascruellyrobbedmeofmymostprecioustreasure，andwhomanaturalinstincttoldmeIcouldfindhere，doesnotrestoremethehonourwhichhealonecangivemeback。Iwalkedallnightandnearlythewholeday，withouttakinganyfood，untilIgotintothebarge，whichbroughtmehereintwenty—fourhours。Itravelledintheboatwithfivemenandtwowomen，butnoonesawmyfaceorheardmyvoice，Ikeptconstantlysittingdowninacorner，holdingmyheaddown，halfasleep，andwiththisprayer—bookinmyhands。Iwasleftalone，noonespoketome，andIthankedGodforit。WhenIlandedonthewharf，youdidnotgivemetimetothinkhowIcouldfindoutthedwellingofmyperfidiousseducer，butyoumayimaginetheimpressionproduceduponmebythesuddenapparitionofamaskedmanwho，abruptly，andasifplacedtherepurposelybyProvidence，offeredmehisservices；itseemedtomethatyouhadguessedmydistress，and，farfromexperiencinganyrepugnance，IfeltthatI
wasactingrightlyintrustingmyselfinyourhands，inspiteofallprudencewhich，perhaps，oughttohavemademeturnadeafeartoyourwords，andrefusetheinvitationtoenteralonewithyouthehousetowhichyoutookme。
\"Youknowallnow，sir；butIentreatyounottojudgemetooseverely；Ihavebeenvirtuousallthroughmylife；onemonthagoI
hadnevercommittedafaultwhichcouldcallablushuponmyface，andthebittertearswhichIshedeverydaywill，Ihope，washoutmycrimeintheeyesofGod。Ihavebeencarefullybroughtup，butloveandthewantofexperiencehavethrownmeintotheabyss。Iaminyourhands，andIfeelcertainthatIshallhavenocausetorepentit。\"
Ineededallshehadjusttold’metoconfirmmeintheinterestwhichIhadfeltinherfromthefirstmoment。ItoldherunsparinglythatSteffanihadseducedandabandonedherofmaliceaforethought，andthatsheoughttothinkofhimonlytoberevengedofhisperfidy。Mywordsmadehershudder，andsheburiedherbeautifulfaceinherhands。
Wereachedthewidow’shouse。Iestablishedherinapretty，comfortableroom，andorderedsomesupperforher，desiringthegoodlandladytoskewhereveryattentionandtoletherwantfornothing。
Ithentookanaffectionateleaveofher，promisingtoseeherearlyinthemorning。
Onleavingthisinterestingbuthaplessgirl，IproceededtothehouseofSteffani。Iheardfromoneofhismother’sgondoliersthathehadreturnedtoVenicethreedaysbefore，butthat，twenty—fourhoursafterhisreturn，hehadgoneawayagainwithoutanyservant，andnobodyknewhiswhereabouts，notevenhismother。Thesameevening，happeningtobeseatednexttoanabbefromBolognaatthetheatre，Iaskedhimseveralquestionsrespectingthefamilyofmyunfortunateprotegee。
Theabbebeingintimatelyacquaintedwiththem，IgatheredfromhimalltheinformationIrequired，and，amongstotherthings，Iheardthattheyoungcountesshadabrother，thenanofficerinthepapalservice。
VeryearlythenextmorningIcalleduponher。Shewasstillasleep。
Thewidowtoldmethatshehadmadeaprettygoodsupper，butwithoutspeakingasingleword，andthatshehadlockedherselfupinherroomimmediatelyafterwards。Assoonasshehadopenedherdoor，I
enteredherroom，and，cuttingshortherapologiesforhavingkeptmewaiting，IinformedherofallIhadheard。
Herfeaturesborethestampofdeepsorrow，butshelookedcalmer，andhercomplexionwasnolongerpale。ShethoughtitunlikelythatSteffaniwouldhaveleftforanyotherplacebutforC—————。
Admittingthepossibilitythatshemightberight，IimmediatelyofferedtogotoC—————myself，andtoreturnwithoutlossoftimetofetchher，incaseSteffanishouldbethere。WithoutgivinghertimetoanswerItoldheralltheparticularsIhadlearnedconcerningherhonourablefamily，whichcausedherrealsatisfaction。
\"Ihavenoobjection，\"shesaid，\"toyourgoingtoC————，andIthankyouforthegenerosityofyouroffer，butIbegyouwillpostponeyourjourney。IstillhopethatSteffaniwillreturn，andthenIcantakeadecision。\"
\"Ithinkyouarequiteright，\"Isaid。\"Willyouallowmetohavesomebreakfastwithyou？\"
\"DoyousupposeIcouldrefuseyou？\"
\"Ishouldbeverysorrytodisturbyouinanyway。Howdidyouusetoamuseyourselfathome？\"
\"Iamveryfondofbooksandmusic；myharpsichordwasmydelight。\"
Ileftherafterbreakfast，andintheeveningIcamebackwithabasketfullofgoodbooksandmusic，andIsentheranexcellentharpsichord。Mykindnessconfusedher，butIsurprisedhermuchmorewhenItookoutofmypocketthreepairsofslippers。Sheblushed，andthankedmewithgreatfeeling。Shehadwalkedalongdistance，hershoeswereevidentlywornout，herfeetsore，andsheappreciatedthedelicacyofmypresent。AsIhadnoimproperdesignwithregardtoher，Ienjoyedhergratitude，andfeltpleasedattheideasheevidentlyentertainedofmykindattentions。Ihadnootherpurposeinviewbuttorestorecalmtohermind，andtoobliteratethebadopinionwhichtheunworthySteffanihadgivenherofmeningeneral。
Ineverthoughtofinspiringherwithloveforme，andIhadnottheslightestideathatIcouldfallinlovewithher。Shewasunhappy，andherunhappiness——asacredthinginmyeyes——calledallthemoreformymosthonourablesympathy，because，withoutknowingme，shehadgivenmeherentireconfidence。Situatedasshewas，Icouldnotsupposeherheartsusceptibleofharbouringanewaffection，andI
wouldhavedespisedmyselfifIhadtriedtoseduceherbyanymeansinmypower。
Iremainedwithheronlyaquarterofanhour，beingunwillingthatmypresenceshouldtroubleheratsuchamoment，assheseemedtobeatalosshowtothankmeandtoexpressallhergratitude。
Iwasthusengagedinaratherdelicateadventure，theendofwhichI
couldnotpossiblyforesee，butmywarmthformyprot1geedidnotcooldown，andhavingnodifficultyinprocuringthemeanstokeepherIhadnowishtoseethelastsceneoftheromance。Thatsingularmeeting，whichgavemetheusefulopportunityoffindingmyselfendowedwithgenerousdispositions，strongereventhanmyloveforpleasure，flatteredmyself—lovemorethanIcouldexpress。I
wasthentryingagreatexperiment，andconsciousthatIwantedsadlytostudymyself，Igaveupallmyenergiestoacquirethegreatscienceofthe’xxxxxxxxxxxx’。
Onthethirdday，inthemidstofexpressionsofgratitudewhichI
couldnotsucceedinstoppingshetoldmethatshecouldnotconceivewhyIshewedhersomuchsympathy，becauseIoughttohaveformedbutapooropinionofherinconsequenceofthereadinesswithwhichshehadfollowedmeintothecaf？ShesmiledwhenIansweredthatI
couldnotunderstandhowIhadsucceededingivinghersogreataconfidenceinmyvirtue，whenIappearedbeforeherwithamaskonmyface，inacostumewhichdidnotindicateaveryvirtuouscharacter。
\"Itwaseasyforme，madam，\"Icontinued，\"toguessthatyouwereabeautyindistress，whenIobservedyouryouth，thenoblenessofyourcountenance，and，morethanall，yourcandour。ThestampoftruthwassowellaffixedtothefirstwordsyouutteredthatIcouldnothavetheshadowofadoubtleftinmeastoyourbeingtheunhappyvictimofthemostnaturalofallfeelings，andastoyourhavingabandonedyourhomethroughasentimentofhonour。Yourfaultwasthatofawarmheartseducedbylove，overwhichreasoncouldhavenosway，andyourflight——theactionofasoulcryingforreparationorforrevenge—fullyjustifiesyou。Yourcowardlyseducermustpaywithhislifethepenaltyduetohiscrime，andheoughtnevertoreceive，bymarryingyou，anunjustreward，forheisnotworthyofpossessingyouafterdegradinghimselfbythevilestconduct。\"
\"Everythingyousayistrue。Mybrother，Ihope，willavengeme。\"
\"YouaregreatlymistakenifyouimaginethatSteffaniwillfightyourbrother；Steffaniisacowardwhowillneverexposehimselftoanhonourabledeath。\"
AsIwasspeaking，sheputherhandinherpocketanddrewforth，afterafewmoments’consideration，astilettosixincheslong，whichsheplacedonthetable。
\"Whatisthis？\"Iexclaimed。
\"ItisaweaponuponwhichIreckoneduntilnowtouseagainstmyselfincaseIshouldnotsucceedinobtainingreparationforthecrimeI
havecommitted。Butyouhaveopenedmyeyes。Takeaway，Ientreatyou，thisstiletto，whichhenceforthisuselesstome。Itrustinyourfriendship，andIhaveaninwardcertaintythatIshallbeindebtedtoyouformyhonouraswellasformylife。\"
Iwasstruckbythewordsshehadjustuttered，andIfeltthatthosewords，aswellasherlooks，hadfoundtheirwaytomyheart，besidesenlistingmygeneroussympathy。Itookthestiletto，andleftherwithsomuchagitationthatIhadtoacknowledgetheweaknessofmyheroism，whichIwasverynearturningintoridicule；yetIhadthewonderfulstrengthtoperform，atleastbyhalves，thecharacterofaCatountiltheseventhday。
Imustexplainhowacertainsuspicionoftheyoungladyaroseinmymind。Thatdoubtwasheavyonmyheart，for，ifithadprovedtrue，Ishouldhavebeenadupe，andtheideawashumiliating。Shehadtoldmethatshewasamusician；Ihadimmediatelysentheraharpsichord，and，yet，althoughtheinstrumenthadbeenatherdisposalforthreedays，shehadnotopeneditonce，forthewidowhadtoldmeso。Itseemedtomethatthebestwaytothankmeformyattentivekindnesswouldhavebeentogivemeaspecimenofhermusicaltalent。Hadshedeceivedme？Ifso，shewouldlosemyesteem。But，unwillingtoformahastyjudgment，Ikeptonmyguard，withafirmdeterminationtomakegooduseofthefirstopportunitythatmightpresentitselftoclearupmydoubts。
Icalleduponherthenextdayafterdinner，whichwasnotmyusualtime，havingresolvedoncreatingtheopportunitymyself。Icaughtherseatedbeforeatoilet—glass，whilethewidowdressedthemostbeautifulauburnhairIhadeverseen。Itenderedmyapologiesformysuddenappearanceatanunusualhour；sheexcusedherselffornothavingcompletedhertoilet，andthewidowwentonwithherwork。ItwasthefirsttimeIhadseenthewholeofherface，herneck，andhalfofherarms，whichthegracesthemselveshadmoulded。I
remainedinsilentcontemplation。Ipraised，quitebychance，theperfumeofthepomatum，andthewidowtooktheopportunityoftellingherthatshehadspentincombs，powder，andpomatumthethreelivresshehadreceivedfromher。IrecollectedthenthatshehadtoldmethefirstdaythatshehadleftC—————withtenpaoli。
Iblushedforveryshame，forIoughttohavethoughtofthat。
Assoonasthewidowhaddressedherhair，shelefttheroomtopreparesomecoffeeforus。Itookuparingwhichhadbeenlaidbyheronthetoilet—table，andIsawthatitcontainedaportraitexactlylikeher；Iwasamusedatthesingularfancyshehadhadofhavingherlikenesstakeninaman’scostume，withblackhair。\"Youaremistaken，\"shesaid，\"itisaportraitofmybrother。HeistwoyearsolderthanI，andisanofficerinthepapalarmy。\"
Ibeggedherpermissiontoputtheringonherfinger；sheconsented，andwhenItried，outofmeregallantry，tokissherhand，shedrewitback，blushing。Ifearedshemightbeoffended，andIassuredherofmyrespect。
\"Ah，sir！\"sheanswered，\"inthesituationinwhichIamplaced，I
mustthinkofdefendingmyselfagainstmyownselfmuchmorethanagainstyou。\"
Thecomplimentstruckmeassofine，andsocomplimentarytome，thatIthoughtitbetternottotakeitup，butshecouldeasilyreadinmyeyesthatshewouldneverfindmeungratefulforwhateverfeelingsshemightentertaininmyfavour。YetIfeltmylovetakingsuchproportionsthatIdidnotknowhowtokeepitamysteryanylonger。
Soonafterthat，asshewasagainthankingmeforthebooks——Ihadgivenher，sayingthatIhadguessedhertasteexactly，becauseshedidnotlikenovels，sheadded，\"Ioweyouanapologyfornothavingsungtoyouyet，knowingthatyouarefondofmusic。\"Thesewordsmademebreathefreely；withoutwaitingforanyanswer，shesatdownbeforetheinstrumentandplayedseveralpieceswithafacility，withaprecision，withanexpressionofwhichnowordscouldconveyanyidea。Iwasinecstacy。Ientreatedhertosing；aftersomelittleceremony，shetookoneofthemusicbooksIhadgivenher，andshesangatsightinamannerwhichfairlyravishedme。Ibeggedthatshewouldallowmetokissherhand，andshedidnotsayyes，butwhenItookitandpressedmylipsonit，shedidnotopposeanyresistance；Ihadthecouragetosmothermyardentdesires，andthekissIimprintedonherlovelyhandwasamixtureoftenderness，respect，andadmiration。
Itookleaveofher，smitten，fulloflove，andalmostdeterminedondeclaringmypassion。Reservebecomessillinesswhenweknowthatouraffectionisreturnedbythewomanwelove，butasyetIwasnotquitesure。
ThedisappearanceofSteffaniwasthetalkofVenice，butIdidnotinformthecharmingcountessofthatcircumstance。Itwasgenerallysupposedthathismotherhadrefusedtopayhisdebts，andthathehadrunawaytoavoidhiscreditors。Itwasverypossible。But，whetherhereturnedornot，IcouldnotmakeupmymindtolosetheprecioustreasureIhadinmyhands。YetIdidnotseeinwhatmanner，inwhatquality，Icouldenjoythattreasure，andIfoundmyselfinaregularmaze。SometimesIhadanideaofconsultingmykindfather，butIwouldsoonabandonitwithfear，forIhadmadeatrialofhisempirictreatmentintheRinaldiaffair，andstillmoreinthecaseofl’Abbadie。HisremediesfrightenedmetothatextentthatIwouldratherremainillthanbecuredbytheirmeans。
OnemorningIwasfoolishenoughtoenquirefromthewidowwhethertheladyhadaskedherwhoIwas。Whatanegregiousblunder！Isawitwhenthegoodwoman，insteadofansweringme，said，\"Doesshenotknowwhoyouare？\"
\"Answerme，anddonotaskquestions，\"Isaid，inordertohidemyconfusion。
Theworthywomanwasright；throughmystupidityshewouldnowfeelcurious；thetittle—tattleoftheneighbourhoodwouldofcoursetakeuptheaffairanddiscussit；andallthroughmythoughtlessness！Itwasanunpardonableblunder。Oneoughtnevertobemorecarefulthaninaddressingquestionstohalf—educatedpersons。Duringthefortnightthatshehadpassedundermyprotection，thecountesshadshewnmenocuriositywhatevertoknowanythingaboutme，butitdidnotprovethatshewasnotcuriousonthesubject。IfIhadbeenwise，IshouldhavetoldhertheveryfirstdaywhoIwas，butImadeupformymistakethateveningbetterthananybodyelsecouldhavedoneit，and，afterhavingtoldherallaboutmyself，Ientreatedherforgivenessfornothavingdonesosooner。Thankingmeformyconfidence，sheconfessedhowcuriousshehadbeentoknowmebetter，andsheassuredmethatshewouldneverhavebeenimprudentenoughtoaskanyquestionsaboutmefromherlandlady。Womenhaveamoredelicate，asurertactthanmen，andherlastwordswereahome—
thrustforme。
OurconversationhavingturnedtotheextraordinaryabsenceofSteffani，shesaidthatherfathermustnecessarilybelievehertobehidingwithhimsomewhere。\"Hemusthavefoundout，\"sheadded，\"thatIwasinthehabitofconversingwithhimeverynightfrommywindow，andhemusthaveheardofmyhavingembarkedforVeniceonboardtheFerrarabarge。IfeelcertainthatmyfatherisnowinVenice，makingsecretlyeveryefforttodiscoverme。WhenhevisitsthiscityhealwaysputsupatBoncousin；willyouascertainwhetherheisthere？\"
SheneverpronouncedSteffani’snamewithoutdisgustandhatred，andshesaidshewouldburyherselfinaconvent，farawayfromhernativeplace，wherenoonecouldbeacquaintedwithhershamefulhistory。
Iintendedtomakesomeenquiriesthenextday，butitwasnotnecessaryformetodoso，forintheevening，atsupper—time，M。
Barbarosaidtous，\"Anobleman，asubjectofthePope，hasbeenrecommendedtome，andwishesmetoassisthimwithmyinfluenceinaratherdelicateandintricatematter。Oneofourcitizenshas，itappears，carriedoffhisdaughter，andhasbeenhidingsomewherewithherforthelastfortnight，butnobodyknowswhere。TheaffairoughttobebroughtbeforetheCouncilofTen，butthemotheroftheravisherclaimstobearelativeofmine，andIdonotintendtointerfere。\"
IpretendedtotakenointerestinM。Barbaro’swords，andearlythenextmorningIwenttotheyoungcountesstotellhertheinterestingnews。Shewasstillasleep；but，beinginahurry，IsentthewidowtosaythatIwantedtoseeheronlyfortwominutesinordertocommunicatesomethingofgreatimportance。Shereceivedme，coveringherselfuptothechinwiththebed—clothes。
AssoonasIhadinformedherofallIknew，sheentreatedmetoenlistM。Barbaroasamediatorbetweenherselfandherfather，assuringmethatshewouldratherdiethanbecomethewifeofthemonsterwhohaddishonouredher。Iundertooktodoit，andshegavemethepromiseofmarriageusedbythedeceivertoseduceher，sothatitcouldbeshewntoherfather。
InordertoobtainM。Barbaro’smediationinfavouroftheyoungcountess，itwouldhavebeennecessarytotellhimthatshewasundermyprotection，andIfeltitwouldinjuremyprotegee。Itooknodeterminationatfirst，andmostlikelyoneofthereasonsformyhesitationwasthatIsawmyselfonthepointoflosingher，whichwasparticularlyrepugnanttomyfeelings。
AfterdinnerCountA———S————wasannouncedaswishingtoseeM。
Barbaro。Hecameinwithhisson，thelivingportraitofhissister。
M。Barbarotookthemtohisstudytotalkthematterover，andwithinanhourtheyhadtakenleave。Assoonastheyhadgone，theexcellentM。Barbaroaskedme，asIhadexpected，toconsultmyheavenlyspirit，andtoascertainwhetherhewouldberightininterferinginfavourofCountA———S———。Hewrotethequestionhimself，andIgavethefollowinganswerwiththeutmostcoolness:
\"Yououghttointerfere，butonlytoadvisethefathertoforgivehisdaughterandtogiveupallideaofcompellinghertomarryherravisher，forSteffanihasbeensentencedtodeathbythewillofGod。\"
Theanswerseemedwonderfultothethreefriends，andIwasmyselfsurprisedatmyboldness，butIhadaforebodingthatSteffaniwastomeethisdeathatthehandsofsomebody；lovemighthavegivenbirthtothatpresentiment。M。deBragadin，whobelievedmyoracleinfallible，observedthatithadnevergivensuchaclearanswer，andthatSteffaniwascertainlydead。HesaidtoM。deBarbaro，\"Youhadbetterinvitethecountandhissontodinnerhereto—morrow。
Youmustactslowlyandprudently；itwouldbenecessarytoknowwherethedaughterisbeforeyouendeavourtomakethefatherforgiveher。\"
M。BarbaroverynearlymademedropmyseriouscountenancebytellingmethatifIwouldtrymyoracleIcouldletthemknowatoncewherethegirlwas。IansweredthatIwouldcertainlyaskmyspiritonthemorrow，thusgainingtimeinordertoascertainbeforehandthedispositionofthefatherandofhisson。ButIcouldnothelplaughing，forIhadplacedmyselfunderthenecessityofsendingSteffanitothenextworld，ifthereputationofmyoraclewastobemaintained。
Ispenttheeveningwiththeyoungcountess，whoentertainednodoubteitherofherfather’sindulgenceoroftheentireconfidenceshecouldreposeinme。
WhatdelightthecharminggirlexperiencedwhensheheardthatI
woulddinethenextdaywithherfatherandbrother，andthatIwouldtellhereverywordthatwouldbesaidabouther！Butwhathappinessitwasformetoseeherconvincedthatshewasrightinlovingme，andthat，withoutme，shewouldcertainlyhavebeenlostinatownwherethepolicyofthegovernmenttoleratesdebaucheryasasolitaryspeciesofindividualfreedom。Wecongratulatedeachotheruponourfortuitousmeetingandupontheconformityinourtastes，whichwethoughttrulywonderful。Weweregreatlypleasedthathereasyacceptanceofmyinvitation，ormypromptnessinpersuadinghertofollowandtotrustme，couldnotbeascribedtothemutualattractionofourfeatures，forIwasmasked，andherhoodwasthenasgoodasamask。WeentertainednodoubtthateverythinghadbeenarrangedbyHeaventogetusacquainted，andtofireusboth，evenunknowntoourselves，withloveforeachother。
\"Confess，\"Isaidtoher，inamomentofenthusiasm，andasIwascoveringherhandwithkisses，\"confessthatifyoufoundmetobeinlovewithyouyouwouldfearme。\"
\"Alas！myonlyfearistoloseyou。\"
Thatconfession，thetruthofwhichwasmadeevidentbyhervoiceandbyherlooks，provedtheelectricsparkwhichignitedthelatentfire。Foldingherrapidlyinmyarms，pressingmymouthonherlips，readinginherbeautifuleyesneitheraproudindignationnorthecoldcompliancewhichmighthavebeentheresultofafearoflosingme，Igavewayentirelytothesweetinclinationoflove，andswimmingalreadyinaseaofdelightsIfeltmyenjoymentincreasedahundredfoldwhenIsaw，onthecountenanceofthebelovedcreaturewhosharedit，theexpressionofhappiness，oflove，ofmodesty，andofsensibility，whichenhancesthecharmofthegreatesttriumph。
Shehadscarcelyrecoveredhercomposurewhenshecasthereyesdownandsigheddeeply。ThinkingthatIknewthecauseofit，Ithrewmyselfonmykneesbeforeher，andspeakingtoherwordsofthewarmestaffectionIbegged，Ientreatedher，toforgiveme。
\"WhatoffencehaveItoforgiveyoufor，dearfriend？Youhavenotrightlyinterpretedmythoughts。Yourlovecausedmetothinkofmyhappiness，andinthatmomentacruelrecollectiondrewthatsighfromme。Prayrisefromyourknees。\"
Midnighthadstruckalready；Itoldherthathergoodfamemadeitnecessaryformetogoaway；Iputmymaskonandleftthehouse。I
wassosurprised，soamazedathavingobtainedafelicityofwhichI
didnotthinkmyselfworthy，thatmydeparturemusthaveappearedratherabrupttoher。Icouldnotsleep。Ipassedoneofthosedisturbednightsduringwhichtheimaginationofanamorousyoungmanisunceasinglyrunningaftertheshadowsofreality。Ihadtasted，butnotsavoured，thathappyreality，andallmybeingwaslongingforherwhoalonecouldmakemyenjoymentcomplete。Inthatnocturnaldramaloveandimaginationwerethetwoprincipalactors；
hope，inthebackground，performedonlyadumbpart。Peoplemaysaywhattheypleaseonthatsubjectbuthopeisinfactnothingbutadeceitfulflattereracceptedbyreasononlybecauseitisofteninneedofpalliatives。Happyarethosemenwho，toenjoylifetothefullestextent，requireneitherhopenorforesight。
Inthemorning，recollectingthesentenceofdeathwhichIhadpassedonSteffani，Ifeltsomewhatembarrassedaboutit。IwishedIcouldhaverecalledit，aswellforthehonourofmyoracle，whichwasseriouslyimplicatedbyit，asforthesakeofSteffanihimself，whomIdidnothatehalfsomuchsinceIwasindebtedtohimforthetreasureinmypossession。
Thecountandhissoncametodinner。Thefatherwassimple，artless，andunceremonious。Itwaseasytoreadonhiscountenancethegriefhefeltattheunpleasantadventureofhisdaughter，andhisanxietytosettletheaffairhonourably，butnoangercouldbetracedonhisfeaturesorinhismanners。Theson，ashandsomeasthegodoflove，hadwitandgreatnobilityofmanner。Hiseasy，unaffectedcarriagepleasedme，andwishingtowinhisfriendshipI
shewedhimeveryattention。
Afterthedessert，M。Barbarocontrivedtopersuadethecountthatwewerefourpersonswithbutoneheadandoneheart，andtheworthynoblemanspoketouswithoutanyreserve。Hepraisedhisdaughterveryhighly。HeassuredusthatSteffanihadneverenteredhishouse，andthereforehecouldnotconceivebywhatspell，speakingtohisdaughteronlyatnightandfromthestreetunderthewindow，hehadsucceededinseducinghertosuchanextentastomakeherleaveherhomealone，onfoot，twodaysafterhehadlefthimselfinhispost—chaise。
\"Then，\"observedM。Barbaro，\"itisimpossibletobecertainthatheactuallyseducedher，ortoprovethatshewentoffwithhim。\"
\"Verytrue，sir，butalthoughitcannotbeproved，thereisnodoubtofit，andnowthatnooneknowswhereSteffaniis，hecanbenowherebutwithher。Ionlywanthimtomarryher。\"
\"Itstrikesmethatitwouldbebetternottoinsistuponacompulsorymarriagewhichwouldsealyourdaughter’smisery，forSteffaniis，ineveryrespect，oneofthemostworthlessyoungmenwehaveamongstourgovernmentclerks。\"
\"WereIinyourplace，\"saidM。deBragadin，\"Iwouldletmydaughter’srepentancedisarmmyanger，andIwouldforgiveher。\"
\"Whereisshe？Iamreadytofoldherinmyarms，buthowcanI
believeinherrepentancewhenitisevidentthatsheisstillwithhim。\"
\"IsitquitecertainthatinleavingC————sheproceededtothiscity？\"
\"Ihaveitfromthemasterofthebargehimself，andshelandedwithintwentyyardsoftheRomangate。Anindividualwearingamaskwaswaitingforher，joinedheratonce，andtheybothdisappearedwithoutleavinganytraceoftheirwhereabouts。\"
\"VerylikelyitwasSteffaniwaitingthereforher。\"
\"No，forheisshort，andthemanwiththemaskwastall。Besides，I
haveheardthatSteffanihadleftVenicetwodaysbeforethearrivalofmydaughter。ThemanmusthavebeensomefriendofSteffani，andhehastakenhertohim。\"
\"But，mydearcount，allthisismeresupposition。\"
\"Therearefourpersonswhohaveseenthemanwiththemask，andpretendtoknowhim，onlytheydonotagree。Hereisalistoffournames，andIwillaccusethesefourpersonsbeforetheCouncilofTen，ifSteffanishoulddenyhavingmydaughterinhispossession。\"
Thelist，whichhehandedtoM。Barbaro，gavenotonlythenamesofthefouraccusedpersons，butlikewisethoseoftheiraccusers。Thelastname，whichM。Barbaroread，wasmine。WhenIheardit，I
shruggedmyshouldersinamannerwhichcausedthethreefriendstolaughheartily。
M。deBragadin，seeingthesurpriseofthecountatsuchuncalled—
formirth，saidtohim，\"ThisisCasanovamyson，andIgiveyoumywordofhonourthat，ifyourdaughterisinhishands，sheisperfectlysafe，althoughhemaynotlookexactlythesortofmantowhomyounggirlsshouldbetrusted。\"
Thesurprise，theamazement，andtheperplexityofthecountandhissonwereanamusingpicture。Thelovingfatherbeggedmetoexcusehim，withtearsinhiseyes，tellingmetoplacemyselfinhisposition。Myonlyanswerwastoembracehimmostaffectionately。
ThemanwhohadrecognizedmewasanotedpimpwhomIhadthrashedsometimebeforeforhavingdeceivedme。IfIhadnotbeentherejustintimetotakecareoftheyoungcountess，shewouldnothaveescapedhim，andhewouldhaveruinedherforeverbytakinghertosomehouseofill—fame。
TheresultofthemeetingwasthatthecountagreedtopostponehisapplicationtotheCouncilofTenuntilSteffani’splaceofrefugeshouldbediscovered。
\"IhavenotseenSteffaniforsixmonths，sir，\"Isaidtothecount，\"butIpromiseyoutokillhiminaduelassoonashereturns。\"
\"Youshallnotdoit，\"answeredtheyoungcount，verycoolly，\"unlesshekillsmefirst。\"
\"Gentlemen，\"exclaimedM。deBragadin，\"Icanassureyouthatyouwillneitherofyoufightaduelwithhim，forSteffaniisdead。\"
\"Dead！\"saidthecount。
\"Wemustnot，\"observedtheprudentBarbaro，\"takethatwordinitsliteralsense，butthewretchedmanisdeadtoallhonourandself—
respect。\"
Afterthattrulydramaticscene，duringwhichIcouldguessthatthedenouementoftheplaywasnearathand，Iwenttomycharmingcountess，takingcaretochangemygondolathreetimes——anecessaryprecautiontobafflespies。
Igavemyanxiousmistressanexactaccountofalltheconversation。
Shewasveryimpatientformycoming，andwepttearsofjoywhenI
repeatedherfather’swordsofforgiveness；butwhenItoldherthatnobodyknewofSteffanihavingenteredherchamber，shefellonherkneesandthankedGod。Ithenrepeatedherbrother’swords，imitatinghiscoolness:\"Youshallnotkillhim，unlesshekillsmefirst。\"Shekissedmetenderly，callingmeherguardianangel，hersaviour，andweepinginmyarms。Ipromisedtobringherbrotheronthefollowingday，orthedayafterthatatthelatest。Wehadoursupper，butwedidnottalkofSteffani，orofrevenge，andafterthatpleasantmealwedevotedtwohourstotheworshipofthegodoflove。
Ileftheratmidnight，promisingtoreturnearlyinthemorning——myreasonfornotremainingallnightwithherwasthatthelandladymight，ifnecessary，swearwithoutscruplethatIhadneverspentanightwiththeyounggirl。Itprovedaveryluckyinspirationofmine，for，whenIarrivedhome，IfoundthethreefriendswaitingimpatientlyformeinordertoimparttomewonderfulnewswhichM。
deBragadinhadheardatthesittingofthesenate。
\"Steffani，\"saidM。deBragadintome，\"isdead，asourangelParalisrevealedittous；heisdeadtotheworld，forhehasbecomeaCapuchinfriar。Thesenate，asamatterofcourse，hasbeeninformedofit。WealoneareawarethatitisapunishmentwhichGodhasvisiteduponhim。LetusworshiptheAuthorofallthings，andtheheavenlyhierarchywhichrendersusworthyofknowingwhatremainsamysterytoallmen。Nowwemustachieveourundertaking，andconsolethepoorfather。WemustenquirefromParaliswherethegirlis。ShecannotnowbewithSteffani。Ofcourse，GodhasnotcondemnedhertobecomeaCapuchinnun。\"
\"Ineednotconsultmyangel，dearestfather，foritisbyhisexpressordersthatIhavebeencompelleduntilnowtomakeamysteryoftherefugefoundbytheyoungcountess。\"
Irelatedthewholestory，exceptwhattheyhadnobusinesstoknow，for，intheopinionoftheworthymen，whohadpaidheavytributetoLove，allintrigueswerefearfulcrimes。M。DandoloandM。Barbaroexpressedtheirsurprisewhentheyheardthattheyounggirlhadbeenundermyprotectionforafortnight，butM。deBragadinsaidthathewasnotastonished，thatitwasaccordingtocabalisticscience，andthatheknewit。
\"Wemustonly，\"headded，\"keepupthemysteryofhisdaughter’splaceofrefugeforthecount，untilweknowforacertaintythathewillforgiveher，andthathewilltakeherwithhimtoC————，ortoanyotherplacewherehemaywishtolivehereafter。\"
\"Hecannotrefusetoforgiveher，\"Isaid，\"whenhefindsthattheamiablegirlwouldneverhaveleftC————ifherseducerhadnotgivenherthispromiseofmarriageinhisownhandwriting。Shewalkedasfarasthebarge，andshelandedattheverymomentIwaspassingtheRomangate。Aninspirationfromabovetoldmetoaccostherandtoinvitehertofollowme。Sheobeyed，asifshewasfulfillingthedecreeofHeaven，Itookhertoarefugeimpossibletodiscover，andplacedherunderthecareofaGod—fearingwoman。\"
Mythreefriendslistenedtomesoattentivelythattheylookedlikethreestatues。Iadvisedthemtoinvitethecounttodinnerforthedayafternext，becauseIneededsometimetoconsult’Paralisdemodotenendi’。IthentoldM。BarbarotoletthecountknowinwhatsensehewastounderstandSteffani’sdeath。Heundertooktodoit，andweretiredtorest。
Isleptonlyfourorfivehours，and，dressingmyselfquickly，hurriedtomybelovedmistress。Itoldthewidownottoservethecoffeeuntilwecalledforit，becausewewantedtoremainquietandundisturbedforsomehours，havingseveralimportantletterstowrite。
Ifoundthelovelycountessinbed，butawake，andhereyesbeamingwithhappinessandcontentment。ForafortnightIhadonlyseenhersad，melancholy，andthoughtful。Herpleasedcountenance，whichI
naturallyascribedtomyinfluence，filledmewithjoy。Wecommencedasallhappyloversalwaysdo，andwewerebothunsparingofthemutualproofsofourlove，tenderness，andgratitude。
Afterourdelightfulamoroussport，Itoldherthenews，butlovehadsocompletelytakenpossessionofherpureandsensitivesoul，thatwhathadbeenimportantwasnowonlyanaccessory。ButthenewsofherseducerhavingturnedaCapuchinfriarfilledherwithamazement，and，passingverysensibleremarksontheextraordinaryevent，shepitiedSteffani。Whenwecanfeelpity，welovenolonger，butafeelingofpitysucceedingloveisthecharacteristiconlyofagreatandgenerousmind。Shewasmuchpleasedwithmeforhavinginformedmythreefriendsofherbeingundermyprotection，andshelefttomycareallthenecessaryarrangementsforobtainingareconciliationwithherfather。
Nowandthenwerecollectedthatthetimeofourseparationwasnearathand，ourgriefwasbitter，butwecontrivedtoforgetitintheecstacyofouramorousenjoyment。
\"Ah！whycanwenotbelongforevertoeachother？\"thecharminggirlwouldexclaim。\"ItisnotmyacquaintancewithSteffani，itisyourlosswhichwillsealmyeternalmisery。\"
Butitwasnecessarytobringourdelightfulinterviewtoaclose，forthehourswereflyingwithfearfulrapidity。Ileftherhappy，hereyeswetwithtearsofintensefelicity。
Atthedinner—tableM。Barbarotoldmethathehadpaidavisittohisrelative，Steffani’smother，andthatshehadnotappearedsorryatthedecisiontakenbyherson，althoughhewasheronlychild。
\"Hehadthechoice，\"shesaid，\"betweenkillinghimselfandturningfriar，andhetookthewisercourse。\"
ThewomanspokelikeagoodChristian，andsheprofessedtobeone；
butshespokelikeanunfeelingmother，andshewastrulyone，forshewaswealthy，andifshehadnotbeencruellyavaricioushersonwouldnothavebeenreducedtothefearfulalternativeofcommittingsuicideorofbecomingaCapuchinfriar。
ThelastandmostseriousmotivewhichcausedthedespairofSteffani，whoisstillalive，remainedamysteryforeverybody。MyMemoirswillraisetheveilwhennoonewillcareanythingaboutit。
Thecountandhissonwere，ofcourse，greatlysurprised，andtheeventmadethemstillmoredesirousofdiscoveringtheyounglady。
Inordertoobtainacluetoherplaceofrefuge，thecounthadresolvedonsummoningbeforetheCouncilofTenalltheparties，accusedandaccusing，whosenameshehadonhislist，withtheexceptionofmyself。Hisdeterminationmadeitnecessaryforustoinformhimthathisdaughterwasinmyhands，andM。deBragadinundertooktolethimknowthetruth。
Wewereallinvitedtosupperbythecount，andwewenttohishostelry，withtheexceptionofM。deBragadin，whohaddeclinedtheinvitation。Iwasthuspreventedfromseeingmydivinitythatevening，butearlythenextmorningImadeupforlosttime，andasithadbeendecidedthatherfatherwouldonthatverydaybeinformedofherbeingundermycare，weremainedtogetheruntilnoon。
Wehadnohopeofcontrivinganothermeeting，forIhadpromisedtobringherbrotherintheafternoon。
Thecountandhissondinedwithus，andafterdinnerM。deBragadinsaid，\"Ihavejoyfulnewsforyou，count；yourbeloveddaughterhasbeenfound！\"
Whatanagreeablesurpriseforthefatherandson！M。deBragadinhandedthemthepromiseofmarriagewrittenbySteffani，andsaid，\"This，gentlemen，evidentlybroughtyourlovelyyoungladytothevergeofmadnesswhenshefoundthathehadgonefromC————withouther。Sheleftyourhousealoneonfoot，andasshelandedinVeniceProvidencethrewherinthewayofthisyoungman，whoinducedhertofollowhim，andhasplacedherunderthecareofanhonestwoman，whomshehasnotleftsince，whomshewillleaveonlytofallinyourarmsassoonassheiscertainofyourforgivenessforthefollyshehascommitted。\"
\"Oh！letherhavenodoubtofmyforgivingher，\"exclaimedthefather，intheecstacyofjoy，andturningtome，\"Dearsir，Ibegofyounottodelaythefortunatemomentonwhichthewholehappinessofmylifedepends。\"
Iembracedhimwarmly，sayingthathisdaughterwouldberestoredtohimonthefollowingday，andthatIwouldlethissonseeherthatveryafternoon，soastogivehimanopportunityofpreparingherbydegreesforthathappyreconciliation。M。Barbarodesiredtoaccompanyus，andtheyoungman，approvingallmyarrangements，embracedme，swearingeverlastingfriendshipandgratitude。
Wewentoutallthreetogether，andagondolacarriedusinafewminutestotheplacewhereIwasguardingatreasuremorepreciousthanthegoldenapplesoftheHesperides。But，alas！Iwasonthepointoflosingthattreasure，theremembranceofwhichcausesme，evennow，adelicioustrembling。
Iprecededmytwocompanionsinordertopreparemylovelyyoungfriendforthevisit，andwhenItoldherthat，accordingtomyarrangements，herfatherwouldnotseehertillonthefollowingday:
\"Ah！\"sheexclaimedwiththeaccentoftruehappiness，\"thenwecanspendafewmorehourstogether！Go，dearest，goandbringmybrother。\"
Ireturnedwithmycompanions，buthowcanIpaintthattrulydramaticsituation？Oh！howinferiorartmusteverbetonature！
Thefraternallove，thedelightbeaminguponthosetwobeautifulfaces，withaslightshadeofconfusiononthatofthesister，thepurejoyshininginthemidstoftheirtendercaresses，themosteloquentexclamationsfollowedbyastillmoreeloquentsilence，theirlovinglookswhichseemlikeflashesoflightninginthemidstofadewoftears，athoughtofpolitenesswhichbringsblushesonhercountenance，whensherecollectsthatshehasforgottenherdutytowardsanoblemanwhomsheseesforthefirsttime，andfinallytherewasmypart，notaspeakingone，butyetthemostimportantofall。Thewholeformedalivingpicturetowhichthemostskilfulpaintercouldnothaverenderedfulljustice。
Wesatdownatlast，theyoungcountessbetweenherbrotherandM。
Barbaro，onthesofa，I，oppositetoher，onalowfoot—stool。
\"Towhom，dearsister，areweindebtedforthehappinessofhavingfoundyouagain？\"
\"Tomyguardianangel，\"sheanswered，givingmeherhand，\"tothisgenerousmanwhowaswaitingforme，asifHeavenhadsenthimwiththespecialmissionofwatchingoveryoursister；itishewhohassavedme，whohaspreventedmefromfallingintothegulfwhichyawnedundermyfeet，whohasrescuedmefromtheshamethreateningme，ofwhichIhadthennoconception；itistohimIamindebtedforall，tohimwho，asyousee，kissesmyhandnowforthefirsttime。\"
Andshepressedherhandkerchieftoherbeautifuleyestodryhertears，butourswereflowingatthesametime。
Suchistruevirtue，whichneverlosesitsnobleness，evenwhenmodestycompelsittouttersomeinnocentfalsehood。Butthecharminggirlhadnoideaofbeingguiltyofanuntruth。Itwasapure，virtuoussoulwhichwasthenspeakingthroughherlips，andsheallowedittospeak。Hervirtueseemedtowhispertoherthat，inspiteofhererrors，ithadneverdesertedher。Ayounggirlwhogiveswaytoarealfeelingoflovecannotbeguiltyofacrime，orbeexposedtoremorse。
Towardstheendofourfriendlyvisit，shesaidthatshelongedtothrowherselfatherfather’sfeet，butthatshewishedtoseehimonlyintheevening，soasnottogiveanyopportunitytothegossipsoftheplace，anditwasagreedthatthemeeting，whichwastobethelastsceneofthedrama，shouldtakeplacethenextdaytowardstheevening。
Wereturnedtothecount’shostelryforsupper，andtheexcellentman，fullypersuadedthathewasindebtedtomeforhishonouraswellasforhisdaughter’s，lookedatmewithadmiration，andspoketomewithgratitude。Yethewasnotsorrytohaveascertainedhimself，andbeforeIhadsaidso，thatIhadbeenthefirstmanwhohadspokentoherafterlanding。Beforepartingintheevening，M。
Barbaroinvitedthemtodinnerforthenextday。
Iwenttomycharmingmistressveryearlythefollowingmorning，and，althoughtherewassomedangerinprotractingourinterview，wedidnotgiveitathought，or，ifwedid，itonlycausedustomakegooduseoftheshorttimethatwecouldstilldevotetolove。
Afterhavingenjoyed，untilourstrengthwasalmostexpiring，themostdelightful，themostintensevoluptuousnessinwhichmutualardourcanenfoldtwoyoung，vigorous，andpassionatelovers，theyoungcountessdressedherself，and，kissingherslippers，saidshewouldneverpartwiththemaslongasshelived。Iaskedhertogivemealockofherhair，whichshedidatonce。ImeanttohaveitmadeintoachainliketheonewovenwiththehairofMadameF————，whichIstillworeroundmyneck。
Towardsdusk，thecountandhisson，M。Dandolo，M。Barbaro，andmyself，proceededtogethertotheabodeoftheyoungcountess。Themomentshesawherfather，shethrewherselfonherkneesbeforehim，butthecount，burstingintotears，tookherinhisarms，coveredherwithkisses，andbreathedoverherwordsofforgiveness，ofloveandblessing。Whatasceneforamanofsensibility！Anhourlaterweescortedthefamilytotheinn，and，afterwishingthemapleasantjourney，IwentbackwithmytwofriendstoM。deBragadin，towhomI
gaveafaithfulaccountofwhathadtakenplace。
WethoughtthattheyhadleftVenice，butthenextmorningtheycalledattheplaceinapeottawithsixrowers。Thecountsaidthattheycouldnotleavethecitywithoutseeingusoncemore；withoutthankingusagain，andmeparticularly，forallwehaddoneforthem。
M。deBragadin，whohadnotseentheyoungcountessbefore，wasstruckbyherextraordinarylikenesstoherbrother。
Theypartookofsomerefreshments，andembarkedintheirpeotta，whichwastocarrythem，intwenty—fourhours，toPontediLagoOscuro，ontheRiverPo，nearthefrontiersofthepapalstates。ItwasonlywithmyeyesthatIcouldexpresstothelovelygirlallthefeelingswhichfilledmyheart，butsheunderstoodthelanguage，andIhadnodifficultyininterpretingthemeaningofherlooks。
NeverdidanintroductionoccurinbetterseasonthanthatofthecounttoM。Barbaro。Itsavedthehonourofarespectablefamily；
anditsavedmefromtheunpleasantconsequencesofaninterrogatoryinthepresenceoftheCouncilofTen，duringwhichIshouldhavebeenconvictedofhavingtakentheyounggirlwithme，andcompelledtosaywhatIhaddonewithher。
AfewdaysafterwardsweallproceededtoPaduatoremaininthatcityuntiltheendofautumn。IwasgrievednottofindDoctorGozziinPadua；hehadbeenappointedtoabeneficeinthecountry，andhewaslivingtherewithBettina；shehadnotbeenabletoremainwiththescoundrelwhohadmarriedheronlyforthesakeofhersmalldowry，andhadtreatedherveryill。
IdidnotlikethequietlifeofPadua，andtoavoiddyingfromennuiIfellinlovewithacelebratedVenetiancourtesan。HernamewasAncilla；sometimeafter，thewell—knowndancer，Campioni，marriedherandtookhertoLondon，whereshecausedthedeathofaveryworthyEnglishman。Ishallhavetomentionheragaininfouryears；nowI
haveonlytospeakofacertaincircumstancewhichbroughtmyloveadventurewithhertoacloseafterthreeorfourweeks。
CountMedini，ayoung，thoughtlessfellowlikemyself，andwithinclinationsofmuchthesamecast，hadintroducedmetoAncilla。
Thecountwasaconfirmedgamblerandathoroughenemyoffortune。
TherewasagooddealofgamblinggoingonatAncilla’s，whosefavouriteloverhewas，andthefellowhadpresentedmetohismistressonlytogivehertheopportunityofmakingadupeofmeatthecard—table。
And，totellthetruth，Iwasadupeatfirst；notthinkingofanyfoulplay，Iacceptedillluckwithoutcomplaining；butonedayI
caughtthemcheating。Itookapistoloutofmypocket，and，aimingatMedini’sbreast，Ithreatenedtokillhimonthespotunlessherefundedatonceallthegoldtheyhadwonfromme。Ancillafaintedaway，andthecount，afterrefundingthemoney，challengedmetofollowhimoutandmeasureswords。Iplacedmypistolsonthetable，andwewentout。Reachingaconvenientspot，wefoughtbythebrightlightofthemoon，andIwasfortunateenoughtogivehimagashacrosstheshoulder。Hecouldnotmovehisarm，andhehadtocryformercy。
Afterthatmeeting，Iwenttobedandsleptquietly，butinthemorningIrelatedthewholeaffairtomyfather，andheadvisedmetoleavePaduaimmediately，whichIdid。
CountMediniremainedmyenemythroughallhislife。IshallhaveoccasiontospeakofhimagainwhenIreachNaples。
Theremainderoftheyear1746passedoffquietly，withoutanyeventsofimportance。Fortunewasnowfavourabletomeandnowadverse。
TowardstheendofJanuary，1747，IreceivedaletterfromtheyoungcountessA————S————，whohadmarriedtheMarquisof————。Sheentreatedmenottoappeartoknowher，ifbychanceIvisitedthetowninwhichsheresided，forshehadthehappinessofhavinglinkedherdestinytothatofamanwhohadwonherheartafterhehadobtainedherhand。
Ihadalreadyheardfromherbrotherthat，aftertheirreturntoC————，hermotherhadtakenhertothecityfromwhichherletterwaswritten，andthere，inthehouseofarelativewithwhomshewasresiding，shehadmadetheacquaintanceofthemanwhohadtakenuponhimselfthechargeofherfuturewelfareandhappiness。Isawheroneyearafterwards，andifithadnotbeenforherletter，Ishouldcertainlyhavesolicitedanintroductiontoherhusband。Yet，peaceofmindhasgreatercharmseventhanlove；but，whenloveisintheway，wedonotthinkso。
ForafortnightIwastheloverofayoungVenetiangirl，veryhandsome，whomherfather，acertainRamon，exposedtopublicadmirationasadanceratthetheatre。Imighthaveremainedlongerhercaptive，ifmarriagehadnotforciblybrokenmychains。Herprotectress，MadameCeciliaValmarano，foundheraveryproperhusbandinthepersonofaFrenchdancer，calledBinet，whohadassumedthenameofBinetti，andthushisyoungwifehadnottobecomeaFrenchwoman；shesoonwongreatfameinmorewaysthanone。
Shewasstrangelyprivileged；timewithitsheavyhandseemedtohavenopoweroverher。Shealwaysappearedyoung，evenintheeyesofthebestjudgesoffaded，bygonefemalebeauty。Men，asageneralrule，donotaskforanythingmore，andtheyarerightinnotrackingtheirbrainforthesakeofbeingconvincedthattheyarethedupesofexternalappearance。ThelastloverthatthewonderfulBinettikilledbyexcessofamorousenjoymentwasacertainMosciuski，aPole，whomfatebroughttoVenicesevenoreightyearsago；shehadthenreachedhersixty—thirdyear！
MylifeinVenicewouldhavebeenpleasantandhappy，ifIcouldhaveabstainedfrompuntingatbasset。Theridottiwereonlyopentonoblemenwhohadtoappearwithoutmasks，intheirpatricianrobes，andwearingtheimmensewigwhichhadbecomeindispensablesincethebeginningofthecentury。Iwouldplay，andIwaswrong，forIhadneitherprudenceenoughtoleaveoffwhenfortunewasadverse，norsufficientcontrolovermyselftostopwhenIhadwon。Iwasthengamblingthroughafeelingofavarice。Iwasextravagantbytaste，andIalwaysregrettedthemoneyIhadspent，unlessithadbeenwonatthegaming—table，foritwasonlyinthatcasethatthemoneyhad，inmyopinion，costmenothing。
AttheendofJanuary，findingmyselfunderthenecessityofprocuringtwohundredsequins，MadameManzonicontrivedtoobtainformefromanotherwomantheloanofadiamondringworthfivehundred。