\"Thatis，\"Isaid，\"atorrentwhichwasonceariver:\"
Theyconsultedadictionary，andfoundthattheRubiconflowedthroughCesena。Theywereamazed，and，asIwishedthemtohavefullscopeforwrongreasoning，Ileftthem。
Ihadtakenafancy，nottopurloinfivehundredsequinsfromthosepoorfools，buttogoandunearththeamountattheirexpenseinthehouseofanotherfool，andtolaughatthemallintothebargain。I
longedtoplaythepartofamagician。Withthatidea，whenIleftthehouseoftheridiculousantiquarian，Iproceededtothepubliclibrary，where，withtheassistanceofadictionary，Iwrotethefollowingspecimenoffacetiouserudition:
\"Thetreasureisburiedintheearthatadepthofseventeenandahalffathoms，andhasbeenthereforsixcenturies。Itsvalueamountstotwomillionsofsequins，enclosedinacasket，thesamewhichwastakenbyGodfreydeBouillonfromMathilda，CountessofTuscany，intheyear1081，whenheendeavouredtoassistHenryIV，againstthatprincess。Heburiedtheboxhimselfintheveryspotwhereitnowis，beforehewenttolaysiegetoJerusalem。GregoryVII，whowasagreatmagician，havingbeeninformedoftheplacewhereithadbeenhidden，hadresolvedongettingpossessionofithimself，butdeathpreventedhimfromcarryingouthisintentions。
AfterthedeathoftheCountessMathilda，intheyear1116，thegeniuspresidingoverallhiddentreasuresappointedsevenspiritstoguardthebox。Duringanightwithafullmoon，alearnedmagiciancanraisethetreasuretothesurfaceoftheearthbyplacinghimselfinthemiddleofthemagicalringcalledmaximus:\"
Iexpectedtoseethefatherandson，andtheycameearlyinthemorning。Aftersomeramblingconversation，IgavethemwhatIhadcomposedatthelibrary，namely，thehistoryofthetreasuretakenfromtheCountessMathilda。
ItoldthemthatIhadmadeupmymindtorecoverthetreasure，andI
promisedthemthefourthpartofit，providedtheywouldpurchasethesheath；Iconcludedbythreateningagaintopossessmyselfoftheirknife。
\"Icannotdecide，\"saidthecommissary，\"beforeIhaveseenthesheath。\"
\"Ipledgemywordtoshewittoyouto—morrow，\"Ianswered。
Wepartedcompany，highlypleasedwitheachother。
Inordertomanufactureasheath，suchasthewonderfulkniferequired，itwasnecessarytocombinethemostwhimsicalideawiththeoddestshape。Irecollectedverywelltheformoftheblade，and，asIwasrevolvinginmymindthebestwaytoproducesomethingveryextravagantbutwelladaptedtothepurposeIhadinview，I
spiedintheyardofthehotelanoldpieceofleather，theremnantofwhathadbeenafinegentleman’sboot；itwasexactlywhatI
wanted。
Itookthatoldsole，boiledit，andmadeinitaslitinwhichIwascertainthattheknifewouldgoeasily。ThenIpareditcarefullyonallsidestopreventthepossibilityofitsformerusebeingfoundout；Irubbeditwithpumicestone，sand，andochre，andfinallyI
succeededinimpartingtomyproductionsuchaqueer，old—fashionedshapethatIcouldnothelplaughinginlookingatmywork。
WhenIpresentedittothecommissary，andhehadfounditanexactfitfortheknife，thegoodmanremainedastounded。Wedinedtogether，andafterdinneritwasdecidedthathissonshouldaccompanyme，andintroducemetothemasterofthehouseinwhichthetreasurewasburied，thatIwastoreceivealetterofexchangeforonethousandRomancrowns，drawnbythesononBologna，whichwouldbemadepayabletomynameonlyafterIshouldhavefoundthetreasure，andthattheknifewiththesheathwouldbedeliveredintomyhandsonlywhenIshouldrequireitforthegreatoperation；untilthenthesonwastoretainpossessionofit。
Thoseconditionshavingbeenagreedupon，wemadeanagreementinwriting，bindinguponallparties，andourdeparturewasfixedforthedayafterthemorrow。
AsweleftMantua，thefatherpronouncedaferventblessingoverhisson’shead，andtoldmethathewascountpalatine，shewingmethediplomawhichhehadreceivedfromthePope。Iembracedhim，givinghimhistitleofcount，andpocketedhisletterofexchange。
AfterbiddingadieutoMarina，whowasthentheacknowledgedmistressofCountArcorati，andtoBalettiwhomIwassureofmeetingagaininVenicebeforetheendoftheyear，IwenttosupwithmyfriendO’Neilan。
Westartedearlyinthemorning，travelledthroughFerraraandBologna，andreachedCesena，whereweputupattheposting—house。
WegotupearlythenextdayandwalkedquietlytothehouseofGeorgeFranzia，awealthypeasant，whowasownerofthetreasure。Itwasonlyaquarterofamilefromthecity，andthegoodmanwasagreeablysurprisedbyourarrival。HeembracedCapitani，whomheknewalready，andleavingmewithhisfamilyhewentoutwithmycompaniontotalkbusiness。
Observantasusual，Ipassedthefamilyinreview，andfixedmychoiceupontheeldestdaughter。Theyoungestgirlwasugly，andthesonlookedaregularfool。Themotherseemedtobetherealmasterofthehousehold，andtherewerethreeorfourservantsgoingaboutthepremises。
TheeldestdaughterwascalledGenevieve，orJavotte，averycommonnameamongthegirlsofCesena。ItoldherthatIthoughthereighteen；butsheanswered，inatonehalfserious，halfvexed，thatIwasverymuchmistaken，forshehadonlyjustcompletedherfourteenthyear。
\"Iamverygladitisso，myprettychild。\"
Thesewordsbroughtbackhersmile。
Thehousewaswellsituated，andtherewasnotanotherdwellingarounditforatleastfourhundredyards。IwasgladtoseethatI
shouldhavecomfortablequarters，butIwasannoyedbyaveryunpleasantstinkwhichtaintedtheair，andwhichcouldcertainlynotbeagreeabletothespiritsIhadtoevoke。
\"MadameFranzia，\"saidI，tothemistressofthehouse，\"whatisthecauseofthatbadsmell？\"
\"Sir，itarisesfromthehempwhichwearemacerating。\"
Iconcludedthatifthecausewereremoved，Ishouldgetridoftheeffect。
\"Whatisthathempworth，madam？\"Ienquired。
\"Aboutfortycrowns。\"
\"Heretheyare；thehempbelongstomenow，andImustbegyourhusbandtohaveitremovedimmediately。\"
Capitanicalledme，andIjoinedhim。Franziashewedmealltherespectduetoagreatmagician，althoughIhadnotmuchtheappearanceofone。
Weagreedthatheshouldreceiveone—fourthofthetreasure，Capitanianotherfourth，andthattheremaindershouldbelongtome。WecertainlydidnotshewmuchrespectfortherightsofSaintPeter。
ItoldFranziathatIshouldrequirearoomwithtwobedsformyselfalone，andanante—roomwithbathingapparatus。Capitani’sroomwastobeinadifferentpartofthehouse，andmyroomwastobeprovidedwiththreetables，twoofthemsmallandonelarge。Iaddedthathemustatonceprocuremeasewing—girlbetweentheagesoffourteenandeighteen，shewastobeavirgin，anditwasnecessarythatsheshould，aswellaseverypersoninthehouse，keepthesecretfaithfully，inorderthatnosuspicionofourproceedingsshouldreachtheInquisition，orallwouldbelost。
\"Iintendtotakeupmyquartershereto—morrow，\"Iadded；\"Irequiretwomealseveryday，andtheonlywineIcandrinkisjevese。FormybreakfastIdrinkapeculiarkindofchocolatewhichImakemyself，andwhichIhavebroughtwithme。Ipromisetopaymyownexpensesincasewedonotsucceed。Pleaseremovethehemptoaplacesufficientlydistantfromthehouse，sothatitsbadsmellmaynotannoythespiritstobeevokedbyme，andlettheairbepurifiedbythedischargeofgunpowder。Besides，youmustsendatrustyservantto—morrowtoconveyourluggagefromthehotelhere，andkeepconstantlyinthehouseandatmydisposalonehundrednewwaxcandlesandthreetorches。\"
AfterIhadgiventhoseinstructionstoFranzia，Ilefthim，andwenttowardsCesenawithCapitani，butwehadnotgoneahundredyardswhenweheardthegoodmanrunningafterus。
\"Sir，\"hesaidtome，\"bekindenoughtotakebackthefortycrownswhichyoupaidtomywifeforthehemp。\"
\"No，Iwillnotdoanythingofthesort，forIdonotwantyoutosustainanyloss。\"
\"Takethemback，Ibeg。Icansellthehempinthecourseofthedayforfortycrownswithoutdifficulty\"
\"InthatcaseIwill，forIhaveconfidenceinwhatyousay。\"
Suchproceedingsonmypartimpressedtheexcellentmanveryfavourably，andheentertainedthedeepestvenerationforme，whichwasincreased，when，againstCapitani’sadvice，Iresolutelyrefusedonehundredsequinswhichhewantedtoforceuponmeformytravellingexpenses。Ithrewhimintorapturesbytellinghimthatontheeveofpossessinganimmensetreasure，itwasunnecessarytothinkofsuchtrifles。
Thenextmorningourluggagewassentfor，andwefoundourselvescomfortablylocatedinthehouseofthewealthyandsimpleFranzia。
Hegaveusagooddinner，butwithtoomanydishes，andItoldhimtobemoreeconomical，andtogiveonlysomegoodfishforoursupper，whichhedid。Aftersupperhetoldmethat，asfarastheyoungmaidenwasconcerned，hethoughthecouldrecommendhisdaughterJavotte，ashehadconsultedhiswife，andhadfoundIcouldrelyuponthegirlbeingavirgin。
\"Verygood，\"Isaid；\"nowtellmewhatgroundsyouhaveforsupposingthatthereisatreasureinyourhouse？\"
\"Inthefirstplace，theoraltraditiontransmittedfromfathertosonforthelasteightgenerations；inthesecond，theheavysoundswhichareheardundergroundduringthenight。Besides，thedoorofthecellaropensandshutsofitselfeverythreeorfourminutes；
whichmustcertainlybetheworkofthedevilsseeneverynightwanderingthroughthecountryintheshapeofpyramidalflames。\"
\"Ifitisasyousay，itisevidentthatyouhaveatreasurehiddensomewhereinyourhouse；itisascertainasthefactthattwoandtwoarefour。Beverycarefulnottoputalocktothedoorofthecellartopreventitsopeningandshuttingofitself；otherwiseyouwouldhaveanearthquake，whichwoulddestroyeverythinghere。
Spiritswillenjoyperfectfreedom，andtheybreakthrougheveryobstacleraisedagainstthem。\"
\"Godbepraisedforhavingsenthere，fortyyearsago，alearnedmanwhotoldmyfatherexactlythesamething！ThatgreatmagicianrequiredonlythreedaysmoretounearththetreasurewhenmyfatherheardthattheInquisitionhadgivenorderstoarresthim，andhelostnotimeininsuringhisescape。CanyoutellmehowitisthatmagiciansarenotmorepowerfulthantheInquisitors？\"
\"Becausethemonkshaveagreaternumberofdevilsundertheircommandthanwehave。ButIfeelcertainthatyourfatherhadalreadyexpendedagreatdealofmoneywiththatlearnedman。\"
\"Abouttwothousandcrowns。\"
\"Oh！more，more。\"
ItoldFranziatofollowme，and，inordertoaccomplishsomethinginthemagicline，Idippedatowelinsomewater，andutteringfearfulwordswhichbelongedtonohumanlanguage，Iwashedtheeyes，thetemples，andthechestofeverypersoninthefamily，includingJavotte，whomighthaveobjectedtoitifIhadnotbegunwithherfather，mother，andbrother。Imadethemswearuponmypocket—bookthattheywerenotlabouringunderanyimpuredisease，andI
concludedtheceremonybycompellingJavottetoswearlikewisethatshehadhermaidenhood。AsIsawthatshewasblushingtotheveryrootsofherhairintakingtheoath，Iwascruelenoughtoexplaintoherwhatitmeant；Ithenaskedhertoswearagain，butsheansweredthattherewasnoneedofitnowthatsheknewwhatitwas。
Iorderedallthefamilytokissme，andfindingthatJavottehadeatengarlicIforbadetheuseofitentirely，whichorderFranziapromisedshouldbecompliedwith。
Genevievewasnotabeautyasfarasherfeatureswereconcerned；hercomplexionwastoomuchsunburnt，andhermouthwastoolarge，butherteethweresplendid，andherunderlipprojectedslightlyasifithadbeenformedtoreceivekisses。Herbosomwaswellmadeandasfirmasarock，butherhairwastoolight，andherhandstoofleshy。
Thedefects，however，hadtobeoverlooked，andaltogethershewasnotanunpleasantmorsel。Ididnotpurposetomakeherfallinlovewithme；withapeasantgirlthattaskmighthavebeenalongone；
allIwantedwastotrainhertoperfectobedience，which，indefaultoflove，hasalwaysappearedtometheessentialpoint。Truethatinsuchacaseonedoesnotenjoytheecstaticrapturesoflove，butonefindsacompensationinthecompletecontrolobtainedoverthewoman。
Igavenoticetothefather，toCapitani，andtoJavotte，thateachwould，inturnandintheorderoftheirage，takesupperwithme，andthatJavottewouldsleepeverynightinmyante—room，wherewastobeplacedabathinwhichIwouldbathemyguestonehalfhourbeforesittingdowntosupper，andtheguestwasnottohavebrokenhisfastthroughouttheday。
IpreparedalistofallthearticlesofwhichIpretendedtobeinneed，andgivingittoFranziaItoldhimtogotoCesenahimselfthenextday，andtopurchaseeverythingwithoutbargainingtoobtainalowerprice。Amongotherthings，Iorderedapiece，fromtwentytothirtyyardslong，ofwhitelinen，thread，scissors，needles，storax，myrrh，sulphur，oliveoil，camphor，onereamofpaper，pensandink，twelvesheetsofparchment，brushes，andabranchofolivetreetomakeastickofeighteeninchesinlength。
AfterIhadgivenallmyordersveryseriouslyandwithoutanywishtolaugh，Iwenttobedhighlypleasedwithmypersonificationofamagician，inwhichIwasastonishedtofindmyselfsocompletelysuccessful。
Thenextmorning，assoonasIwasdressed，IsentforCapitani，andcommandedhimtoproceedeverydaytoCesena，togotothebestcoffee—house，tolearncarefullyeverypieceofnewsandeveryrumour，andtoreportthemtome。
Franzia，whohadfaithfullyobeyedmyorders，returnedbeforenoonfromthecitywithallthearticlesIhadaskedfor。
\"Ihavenotbargainedforanything，\"hesaidtome，\"andthemerchantsmust，Ihavenodoubt，havetakenmeforafool，forIhavecertainlypaidone—thirdmorethanthethingsareworth。\"
\"Somuchtheworseforthemiftheyhavedeceivedyou，butyouwouldhavespoilteverythingifyouhadbeatenthemdownintheirprice。
Now，sendmeyourdaughterandletmebealonewithher。\"
AssoonasJavottewasinmyroom，Imadehercutthelineninsevenpieces，fouroffivefeetlong，twooftwofeet，andoneoftwofeetandahalf；thelastonewasintendedtoformthehoodoftherobeI
wastowearforthegreatoperation。ThenIsaidtoJavotte:
\"Sitdownnearmybedandbeginsewing。Youwilldinehereandremainatworkuntiltheevening。Whenyourfathercomes，youmustletusbealone，butassoonasheleavesme，comebackandgotobed。\"
Shedinedinmyroom，wherehermotherwaitedonherwithoutspeaking，andgavehernothingtodrinkexceptSt。Jevesewine。
Towardseveningherfathercame，andsheleftus。
Ihadthepatiencetowashthegoodmanwhilehewasinthebath，afterwhichhehadsupperwithme；heatevoraciously，tellingmethatitwasthefirsttimeinhislifethathehadremainedtwenty—
fourhourswithoutbreakinghisfast。IntoxicatedwiththeSt。
Jevesewinehehaddrunk，hewenttobedandsleptsoundlyuntilmorning，whenhiswifebroughtmemychocolate。Javottewaskeptsewingasonthedaybefore；shelefttheroomintheeveningwhenCapitanicamein，andItreatedhiminthesamemannerasFranzia；onthethirdday，itwasJavotte’sturn，andthathadbeentheobjectI
hadkeptinviewallthetime。
Whenthehourcame，Isaidtoher，\"Go，Javotte，getintothebathandcallmewhenyouareready，forI
mustpurifyyouasIhavepurifiedyourfatherandCapitani。\"
Sheobeyed，andwithinaquarterofanhourshecalledme。I
performedagreatmanyablutionsoneverypartofherbody，makingherassumeallsortsofpositions，forshewasperfectlydocile，but，asIwasafraidofbetrayingmyself，Ifeltmoresufferingthanenjoyment，andmyindiscreethands，runningovereverypartofherperson，andremaininglongerandmorewillinglyonacertainspot，thesensitivenessofwhichisextreme，thepoorgirlwasexcitedbyanardentfirewhichwasatlastquenchedbythenaturalresultofthatexcitement。Imadehergetoutofthebathsoonafterthat，andasIwasdryingherIwasverynearforgettingmagictofollowtheimpulseofnature，but，quickerthanI，naturerelieveditself，andI
wasthusenabledtoreachtheendofthescenewithoutanticipatingthedenouement。ItoldJavottetodressherself，andtocomebacktomeassoonasshewasready。
Shehadbeenfastingallday，andhertoiletdidnottakealongtime。Sheatewithaferociousappetite，andtheSt。Jevesewine，whichshedranklikewater，impartedsomuchanimationtohercomplexionthatitwasnolongerpossibletoseehowsunburntshewas。Beingalonewithheraftersupper，Isaidtoher，\"MydearJavotte，haveyoubeendispleasedatallIhavecompelledyoutosubmittothisevening？\"
\"Notatall；Ilikeditverymuch。\"
\"ThenIhopethatyouwillhavenoobjectiontogetinthebathwithmeto—morrow，andtowashmeasIhavewashedyou。\"
\"Mostwillingly，butshallIknowhowtodoitwell？\"
\"Iwillteachyou，andforthefutureIwishyoutosleepeverynightinmyroom，becauseImusthaveacompletecertaintythatonthenightofthegreatoperationIshallfindyousuchasyououghttobe。\"
>FromthattimeJavottewasathereasewithme，allherrestraintdisappeared，shewouldlookatmeandsmilewithentireconfidence。
Naturehadoperated，andthemindofayounggirlsoonenlargesitsspherewhenpleasureisherteacher。Shewenttobed，andassheknewthatshehadnolongeranythingtoconcealfromme，hermodestywasnotalarmedwhensheundressedherselfinmypresence。Itwasverywarm，anykindofcoveringisunpleasantinthehotweather，soshestrippedtotheskinandsoonfellasleep。Ididthesame，butI
couldnothelpfeelingsomeregretathavingengagedmyselfnottotakeadvantageofthepositionbeforethenightofthegreatincantation。Iknewthattheoperationtounearththetreasurewouldbeacompletefailure，butIknewlikewisethatitwouldnotfailbecauseJavotte’svirginitywasgone。
Atday—breakthegirlroseandbegansewing。Assoonasshehadfinishedtherobe，Itoldhertomakeacrownofparchmentwithsevenlongpoints，onwhichIpaintedsomefearfulfiguresandhieroglyphs。
Intheevening，onehourbeforesupper，Igotintothebath，andJavottejoinedmeassoonasIcalledher。SheperformeduponmewithgreatzealthesameceremoniesthatIhaddoneforherthedaybefore，andshewasasgentleanddocileaspossible。Ispentadelicioushourinthatbath，enjoyingeverything，butrespectingtheessentialpoint。
Mykissesmakingherhappy，andseeingthatIhadnoobjectiontohercaresses，sheloadedmewiththem。Iwassopleasedatalltheamorousenjoymenthersenseswereevidentlyexperiencing，thatImadehereasybytellingherthatthesuccessofthegreatmagicoperationdependedupontheamountofpleasuresheenjoyed。Shethenmadeextraordinaryeffortstopersuademethatshewashappy，andwithoutoversteppingthelimitswhereIhadmadeupmymindtostop，wegotoutofthebathhighlypleasedwitheachother。
Aswewereonthepointofgoingtobed，shesaidtome，\"Woulditinjurethesuccessofyouroperationifweweretosleeptogether？\"
\"No，mydeargirl；providedyouareavirginonthedayofthegreatincantation，itisallIrequire。\"
Shethrewherselfinmyarms，andwespentadelightfulnight，duringwhichIhadfullopportunityofadmiringthestrengthofherconstitutionaswellasmyownrestraint，forIhadsufficientcontrolovermyselfnottobreakthroughthelastobstacle。
IpassedagreatpartofthefollowingnightwithFranziaandCapitaniinordertoseewithmyowneyesthewonderfulthingswhichtheworthypeasanthadmentionedtome。Standingintheyard，I
hearddistinctlyheavyblowsstruckunderthegroundatintervalsofthreeorfourminutes。Itwaslikethenoisewhichwouldbemadebyaheavypestlefallinginalargecoppermortar。Itookmypistolsandplacedmyselfneartheself—movingdoorofthecellar，holdingadarklanterninmyhand。Isawthedooropenslowly，andinaboutthirtysecondsclosingwithviolence。Iopenedandcloseditmyselfseveraltimes，and，unabletodiscoveranyhiddenphysicalcauseforthephenomenon，Ifeltsatisfiedthattherewassomeunknownrogueryatwork，butIdidnotcaremuchtofinditout。
Wewentupstairsagain，and，placingmyselfonthebalcony，Isawintheyardseveralshadowsmovingabout。Theywereevidentlycausedbytheheavyanddampatmosphere，andastothepyramidalflameswhichI
couldseehoveringoverthefields，itwasaphenomenonwellknowntome。ButIallowedmytwocompanionstoremainpersuadedthattheywerethespiritskeepingwatchoverthetreasure。
ThatphenomenonisverycommonthroughoutsouthernItalywherethecountryisoftenatnightilluminatedbythosemeteorswhichthepeoplebelievetobedevils，andignorancehascallednightspirits，orwill—o’—the—wisps。
Dearreader，thenextchapterwilltellyouhowmymagicundertakingended，andperhapsyouwillenjoyagoodlaughatmyexpense，butyouneednotbeafraidofhurtingmyfeelings。
CHAPTERXXII
TheIncantation——ATerribleStorm——MyFright——Javotte’sVirginityIsSaved——IGiveUptheUndertaking，andSelltheSheathtoCapitani——I
MeetJulietteandCountAlfani，AliasCountCeli——IMakeUpMyMindtoGotoNaples——WhyITakeaDifferentRoadMygreatoperationhadtobeperformedonthefollowingday；
otherwise，accordingtoallestablishedrules，Iwouldhavehadtowaituntilthenextfullmoon。Ihadtomakethegnomesraisethetreasuretothesurfaceoftheearthattheveryspotonwhichmyincantationswouldbeperformed。Ofcourse，IknewwellenoughthatIshouldnotsucceed，butIknewlikewisethatIcouldeasilyreconcileFranziaandCapitanitoafailure，byinventingsomeexcellentreasonsforourwantofsuccess。InthemeantimeIhadtoplaymypartofamagician，inwhichItookarealdelight。IkeptJavotteatworkallday，sewingtogether，intheshapeofaring，somethirtysheetsofpaperonwhichIpaintedthemostwonderfuldesigns。Thatring，whichIcalledmaximus，hadadiameterofthreegeometricpaces。IhadmanufacturedasortofsceptreormagicwandwiththebranchofolivebroughtbyFranziafromCesena。Thusprepared，ItoldJavottethat，attwelveo’clockatnight，whenI
cameoutofthemagicring，shewastobereadyforeverything。Theorderdidnotseemrepugnanttoher；shelongedtogivemethatproofofherobedience，and，onmyside，consideringmyselfasherdebtor，Iwasinahurrytopaymydebtandtogivehereverysatisfaction。
Thehourhavingstruck，IorderedFranziaandCapitanitostandonthebalcony，soastobereadytocometomeifIcalledforthem，andalsotopreventanyoneinthehouseseeingmyproceedings。I
thenthrewoffallprofanegarments。Iclothemyselfinthelongwhiterobe，theworkofavirgin’sinnocenthands。Iallowmylonghairtofallloosely。Iplacetheextraordinarycrownonmyhead，thecirclemaximusonmyshoulders，and，seizingthesceptrewithonehand，thewonderfulknifewiththeother，Igodownintotheyard。
ThereIspreadmycircleontheground，utteringthemostbarbarouswords，andaftergoingrounditthreetimesIjumpintothemiddle。
Squattingdownthere，Iremainafewminutesmotionless，thenIrise，andIfixmyeyesuponaheavy，darkcloudcomingfromthewest，whilstfromthesamequarterthethunderisrumblingloudly。WhatasublimegeniusIshouldhaveappearedintheeyesofmytwofools，if，havingashorttimebeforetakennoticeoftheskyinthatpartofthehorizon，Ihadannouncedtothemthatmyoperationwouldbeattendedbythatphenomenon。
Thecloudspreadswithfearfulrapidity，andsoontheskyseemscoveredwithafuneralpall，onwhichthemostvividflashesoflightningkeepblazingeverymoment。
Suchastormwasaverynaturaloccurrence，andIhadnoreasontobeastonishedatit，butsomehow，fearwasbeginningtocreepintome，andIwishedmyselfinmyroom。Myfrightsoonincreasedatthesightofthelightning，andonhearingtheclapsofthunderwhichsucceededeachotherwithfearfulrapidityandseemedtoroarovermyveryhead。Ithenrealizedwhatextraordinaryeffectfearcanhaveonthemind，forIfanciedthat，ifIwasnotannihilatedbythefiresofheavenwhichwereflashingallaroundme，itwasonlybecausetheycouldnotentermymagicring。ThuswasIadmiringmyowndeceitfulwork！Thatfoolishreasonpreventedmefromleavingthecircleinspiteofthefearwhichcausedmetoshudder。Ifithadnotbeenforthatbelief，theresultofacowardlyfright，I
wouldnothaveremainedoneminutewhereIwas，andmyhurriedflightwouldnodoubthaveopenedtheeyesofmytwodupes，whocouldnothavefailedtoseethat，farfrombeingamagician，Iwasonlyapoltroon。Theviolenceofthewind，theclapsofthunder，thepiercingcold，andaboveall，fear，mademetremblealloverlikeanaspenleaf。Mysystem，whichIthoughtproofagainsteveryaccident，hadvanished:IacknowledgedanavengingGodwhohadwaitedforthisopportunityofpunishingmeatoneblowforallmysins，andofannihilatingme，inordertoputanendtomywantoffaith。Thecompleteimmobilitywhichparalyzedallmylimbsseemedtomeaproofoftheuselessnessofmyrepentance，andthatconvictiononlyincreasedmyconsternation。
Buttheroaringofthethunderdiesaway，therainbeginstofallheavily，dangervanishes，andIfeelmycouragereviving。Suchisman！oratallevents，suchwasIatthatmoment。Itwasrainingsofastthat，ifithadcontinuedpouringwiththesameviolenceforaquarterofanhour，thecountrywouldhavebeeninundated。Assoonastherainhadceased，thewindabated，thecloudsweredispersed，andthemoonshoneinallitssplendour，likesilverinthepure，bluesky。Itakeupmymagicring，andtellingthetwofriendstoretiretotheirbedswithoutspeakingtome，Ihurrytomyroom。I
stillfeltrathershaken，and，castingmyeyesonJavotte，IthoughthersoprettythatIfeltpositivelyfrightened。Iallowedhertodryme，andafterthatnecessaryoperationItoldherpiteouslytogotobed。Thenextmorningshetoldmethat，whenshesawmecomein，shakingalloverinspiteoftheheat，shehadherselfshudderedwithfear。
AftereighthoursofsoundsleepIfeltallright，butIhadhadenoughofthecomedy，andtomygreatsurprisethesightofGenevievedidnotmovemeinanyway。TheobedientJavottehadcertainlynotchanged，butIwasnotthesame。Iwasforthefirsttimeinmylifereducedtoastateofapathy，andinconsequenceofthesuperstitiousideaswhichhadcrowdedinmymindthepreviousnightIimaginedthattheinnocenceofthatyounggirlwasunderthespecialprotectionofHeaven，andthatifIhaddaredtorobherofhervirginitythemostrapidandterribledeathwouldhavebeenmypunishment。
Atallevents，thankstomyyouthandmyexaltedideas，Ifanciedthatthroughmyself—denyingresolutionsthefatherwouldnotbesogreatadupe，andthedaughternotsounhappy，unlesstheresultshouldproveasunfortunateforherasithadbeenforpoorLucy，ofPasean。
ThemomentthatJavottebecameinmyeyesanobjectofholyhorror，mydeparturewasdecided。TheresolutionwasallthemoreirrevocablebecauseIfanciedsomeoldpeasantmighthavewitnessedallmytricksinthemiddleofthemagicring，inwhichcasethemostHoly，or，ifyoulike，themostinfernal，Inquisition，receivinginformationfromhim，mightverywellhavecaughtmeandenhancedmyfamebysomesplendid’auto—da—fe’inwhichIhadnottheslightestwishtobetheprincipalactor。ItstruckmeassoentirelywithinthelimitsofprobabilitythatIsentatonceforFranziaandCapitani，andinthepresenceoftheunpollutedvirginItoldthemthatIhadobtainedfromthesevenspiritswatchingoverthetreasureallthenecessaryparticulars，butthatIhadbeencompelledtoenterintoanagreementwiththemtodelaytheextractionofthetreasureplacedundertheirguardianship。ItoldFranziathatIwouldhandtohiminwritingalltheinformationwhichIhadcompelledthespiritstogiveme。Iproduced，inreality，afewminutesafterwards，adocumentsimilartotheoneIhadconcoctedatthepubliclibraryinMantua，addingthatthetreasureconsistedofdiamonds，rubies，emeralds，andonehundredthousandpoundsofgolddust。Imadehimtakeanoathonmypocket—booktowaitforme，andnottohavefaithinanymagicianunlesshegavehimanaccountofthetreasureineverywaysimilartotheonewhich，asagreatfavor，Iwasleavinginhishands。Iorderedhimtoburnthecrownandthering，buttokeeptheotherthingscarefullyuntilmyreturn。
\"Asforyou，Capitani，\"Isaidtomycompanion，\"proceedatoncetoCesena，andremainattheinnuntilourluggagehasbeenbroughtbythemanwhomFranziaisgoingtosendwithit。\"
SeeingthatpoorJavottelookedmiserable，Iwentuptoher，and，speakingtoherverytenderly，Ipromisedtoseeheragainbeforelong。Itoldheratthesametimethat，thegreatoperationhavingbeenperformedsuccessfully，hervirginitywasnolongernecessary，andthatshewasatlibertytomarryassoonasshepleased，orwheneveragoodopportunityoffereditself。
Iatoncereturnedtothecity，whereIfoundCapitanimakinghispreparationstogotothefairofLugo，andthentoMantua。Hetoldme，cryinglikeachild，thathisfatherwouldbeindespairwhenhesawhimcomebackwithouttheknifeofSaintPeter。
\"Youmayhaveit，\"Isaid，\"withthesheath，ifyouwillletmehavetheonethousandRomancrowns，theamountoftheletterofexchange:\"
Hethoughtitanexcellentbargain，andaccepteditjoyfully。Igavehimbacktheletterofexchange，andmadehimsignapaperbywhichheundertooktoreturnthesheathwheneverIbroughtthesameamount，butheisstillwaitingforit。
Ididnotknowwhattodowiththewonderfulsheath，andIwasnotinwantofmoney，butIshouldhaveconsideredmyselfdishonouredifI
hadgivenittohimfornothing；besides，IthoughtitagoodjoketolevyacontributionupontheignorantcredulityofacountpalatinecreatedbythegraceofthePope。Inafterdays，however，Iwouldwillinglyhaverefundedhismoney，but，asfatewouldhaveit，wedidnotseeeachotherforalongtime，andwhenImethimagainIwasnotinapositiontoreturntheamount。Itis，therefore，onlytochancethatIwasindebtedforthesum，andcertainlyCapitanineverdreamedofcomplaining，forbeingthepossessorof’gladiumcumvagina’hetrulybelievedhimselfthemasterofeverytreasureconcealedinthePapalStates。
Capitanitookleaveofmeonthefollowingday，andIintendedtoproceedatoncetoNaples，butIwasagainprevented；thisishowithappened。
AsIreturnedtotheinnafterashortwalk，minehosthandedmethebilloftheplayannouncingfourperformancesoftheDidoneofMetastasioattheSpada。Seeingnoacquaintanceofmineamongtheactorsoractresses，Imadeupmymindtogototheplayintheevening，andtostartearlythenextdaywithpost—horses。AremnantofmyfearoftheInquisitionurgedmeon，andIcouldnothelpfancyingthatspieswereatmyheels。
BeforeenteringthehouseIwentintotheactressesdressing—room，andtheleadingladystruckmeasrathergood—looking。HernamewasNarici，andshewasfromBologna。Ibowedtoher，andafterthecommon—placeconversationusualinsuchcases，Iaskedherwhethershewasfree。
\"Iamonlyengagedwiththemanager，\"sheanswered。
\"Haveyouanylover？\"
\"No。\"
\"Ioffermyselfforthepost，ifyouhavenoobjection\"
Shesmiledjeeringly，andsaid，\"Willyoutakefourticketsforthefourperformances？\"
Itooktwosequinsoutofmypurse，takingcaretoletherseethatitwaswellfilled，andwhenshegavemethefourtickets，presentedthemtothemaidwhowasdressingherandwasprettierthanthemistress，andsolefttheroomwithoututteringasingleword。Shecalledmeback；Ipretendednottohearher，andtookaticketforthepit。Afterthefirstballet，findingthewholeperformanceverypoor，Iwasthinkingofgoingaway，when，happeningtolooktowardsthechiefbox，Isawtomy，astonishmentthatitwastenantedbytheVenetianManzoniandthecelebratedJuliette。ThereaderwilldoubtlessremembertheballshegaveatmyhouseinVenice，andthesmackwithwhichshesalutedmycheekonthatoccasion。
Theyhadnotyetnoticedme，andIenquiredfromthepersonseatednexttomewhowasthatbeautifulladywearingsomanydiamonds。HetoldmethatshewasMadameQuerini，fromVenice，whomCountSpada，theownerofthetheatre，whowassittingnearher，hadbroughtwithhimfromFaenza。IwasgladtohearthatM。Querinihadmarriedheratlast，butIdidnotthinkofrenewingtheacquaintance，forreasonswhichmyreadercannothaveforgottenifherecollectsourquarrelwhenIhadtodressherasanabbe。Iwasonthepointofgoingawaywhenshehappenedtoseemeandcalledme。Iwentuptoher，and，notwishingtobeknownbyanyone，IwhisperedtoherthatmynamewasFarusi。ManzoniinformedmethatIwasspeakingtoherexcellency，MadameQuerini。\"Iknowit，\"Isaid，\"throughaletterwhichIhavereceivedfromVenice，andIbegtooffermymostsincerecongratulationstoMadame。\"SheheardmeandintroducedmetoCountSpada，creatingmeabarononthespot。Heinvitedmemostkindlytocometohisbox，askedmewhereIcamefrom，whereIwasgoingto，etc。，andbeggedthepleasureofmycompanyatsupperforthesameevening。
Tenyearsbefore，hehadbeenJuliette’sfriendinVienna，whenMariaTheresa，havingbeeninformedoftheperniciousinfluenceofherbeauty，gavehernoticetoquitthecity。ShehadrenewedheracquaintancewithhiminVenice，andhadcontrivedtomakehimtakehertoBolognaonapleasuretrip。M。Manzoni，heroldfollower，whogavemeallthisinformation，accompaniedherinordertobearwitnessofhergoodconductbeforeM。Querini。ImustsaythatManzoniwasnotawell—chosenchaperon。
InVeniceshewantedeverybodytobelievethatQuerinihadmarriedhersecretly，butatadistanceoffiftyleaguesshedidnotthinksuchaformalitynecessary，andshehadalreadybeenpresentedbythegeneraltoallthenobilityofCesenaasMadameQueriniPapozzes。
M。Queriniwouldhavebeenwronginbeingjealousofthecount，forhewasanoldacquaintancewhowoulddonoharm。Besides，itisadmittedamongstcertainwomenthatthereigningloverwhoisjealousofanoldacquaintanceisnothingbutafool，andoughttobetreatedassuch。Juliette，mostlikelyafraidofmybeingindiscreet，hadlostnotimeinmakingthefirstadvances，but，seeingthatIhadlikewisesomereasontofearherwantofdiscretion，shefeltreassured。FromthefirstmomentItreatedherpolitely，andwitheveryconsiderationduetoherposition。
Ifoundnumerouscompanyatthegeneral’s，andsomeprettywomen。
NotseeingJuliette，IenquiredforherfromM。Manzoni，whotoldmethatshewasatthefarotable，losinghermoney。Isawherseatednexttothebanker，whoturnedpaleatthesightofmyface。Hewasnootherthantheso—calledCountCeli。Heofferedmeacard，whichIrefusedpolitely，butIacceptedJuliette’soffertobeherpartner。Shehadaboutfiftysequins，Ihandedherthesamesum，andtookaseatnearher。Afterthefirstround，sheaskedmeifIknewthebanker；Celihadheardthequestion；Ianswerednegatively。A
ladyonmylefttoldmethatthebankerwasCountAlfani。Halfanhourlater，MadameQueriniwentsevenandlost，sheincreasedherstakeoftensequins；itwasthelastdealofthegame，andthereforethedecisiveone。Irosefrommychair，andfixedmyeyesonthebanker’shands。Butinspiteofthat，hecheatedbeforeme，andMadamelost。
Justatthatmomentthegeneralofferedherhisarmtogotosupper；
shelefttheremainderofhergoldonthetable，andaftersupper，havingplayedagain，shelosteverysequin。
Ienlivenedthesupperbymystoriesandwittyjests。Icaptivatedeverybody’sfriendship，andparticularlythegeneral’s，who，havingheardmesaythatIwasgoingtoNaplesonlytogratifyanamorousfancy，entreatedmetospendamonthwithhimandtosacrificemywhim。Butitwasallinvain。Myheartwasunoccupied；IlongedtoseeLucreziaandTherese，whosecharmsafterfiveyearsIcouldscarcelyrecollect。IonlyconsentedtoremaininCesenathefourdaysduringwhichthegeneralintendedtostay。
ThenextmorningasIwasdressingIhadacallfromthecowardlyAlfani—Celi；Ireceivedhimwithajeeringsmile，sayingthatIhadexpectedhim。
Thehair—dresserbeingintheroomCelididnotanswer，butassoonaswewerealonehesaid，\"Howcouldyoupossiblyexpectmyvisit？\"
\"Iwilltellyoumyreasonassoonasyouhavehandedmeonehundredsequins，andyouaregoingtodosoatonce。’
\"HerearefiftywhichIbroughtforyou；youcannotdemandmorefromme。\"
\"Thankyou，Itakethemonaccount，butasIamgood—naturedIadviseyounottoshewyourselfthiseveninginCountSpada’sdrawing—rooms，foryouwouldnotbeadmitted，anditwouldbeowingtome。\"
\"Ihopethatyouwillthinktwicebeforeyouareguiltyofsuchanungenerousact。\"
\"Ihavemadeupmymind；butnowleaveme。\"
Therewasaknockatmydoor，andtheself—styledCountAlfaniwentawaywithoutgivingmethetroubleofrepeatingmyorder。Mynewvisitorprovedtobethefirstcastratoofthetheatre，whobroughtaninvitationtodinnerfromNarici。Theinvitationwascurious，andIaccepteditwithasmile。ThecastratowasnamedNicolasPeritti；
hepretendedtobethegrandsonofanaturalchildofSixtusV。；itmighthavebeensoIshallhavetomentionhimagaininfifteenyears。
WhenImademyappearanceatNarici’shouseIsawCountAlfani，whocertainlydidnotexpectme，andmusthavetakenmeforhisevilgenius。Hebowedtomewithgreatpoliteness，andbeggedthatI
wouldlistentoafewwordsinprivate。
\"Herearefiftysequinsmore，\"hesaid；\"butasanhonestmanyoucantakethemonlytogivethemtoMadameQuerini。Buthowcanyouhandtheamounttoherwithoutlettingherknowthatyouhaveforcedmetorefundit？Youunderstandwhatconsequencessuchaconfessionmighthaveforme。\"
\"Ishallgiveherthemoneyonlywhenyouhaveleftthisplace；inthemeantimeIpromisetobediscreet，butbecarefulnottoassistfortuneinmypresence，orImustactinamannerthatwillnotbeagreeabletoyou。\"
\"Doublethecapitalofmybank，andwecanbepartners。\"
\"Yourproposalisaninsult。\"
Hegavemefiftysequins，andIpromisedtokeephissecret。
TherewasanumerousattendanceinNarici’srooms，especiallyofyoungmen，whoafterdinnerlostalltheirmoney。Ididnotplay，anditwasadisappointmentformyprettyhostess，whohadinvitedmeonlybecauseshehadjudgedmeassimpleastheothers。Iremainedanindifferentwitnessoftheplay，anditgavemeanopportunityofrealizinghowwiseMahomethadbeeninforbiddingallgamesofchance。
IntheeveningaftertheoperaCountCelihadthefarobank，andI
losetwohundredsequins，butIcouldonlyaccuseillluck。MadameQueriniwon。ThenextdaybeforesupperIbrokethebank，andaftersupper，feelingtiredandwellpleasedwithwhatIhadwon，I
returnedtotheinn。
Thefollowingmorning，whichwasthethirdday，andthereforethelastbutoneofmystayinCesena，Icalledatthegeneral’s。I
heardthathisadjutanthadthrownthecardsinAlfani’sface，andthatameetinghadbeenarrangedbetweenthemfortwelveo’clock。
Iwenttotheadjutant’sroomandofferedtobehissecond，assuringhimthattherewouldbenobloodspilt。Hedeclinedmyofferwithmanythanks，andatdinner—timehetoldmethatIhadguessedrightly，forCountAlfanihadleftforRome。
\"Inthatcase，\"Isaidtotheguests，\"Iwilltakethebanktonight。\"
Afterdinner，beingalonewithMadameQuerini，ItoldherallaboutAlfani，aliasCeli，andhandedherthefiftysequinsofwhichIwasthedepositary。
\"Isuppose，\"shesaid，\"thatbymeansofthisfableyouhopetomakemeacceptfiftysequins，butIthankyou，Iamnotinwantofmoney。\"
\"IgiveyoumywordthatIhavecompelledthethieftorefundthismoney，togetherwiththefiftysequinsofwhichhehadlikewisecheatedme。\"
\"Thatmaybe，butIdonotwishtobelieveyou。IbegtoinformyouthatIamnotsimpleenoughtoallowmyselftobeduped，and，whatisworse，cheatedinsuchamanner。\"
Philosophyforbidsamantofeelrepentanceforagooddeed，buthemustcertainlyhavearighttoregretsuchadeedwhenitismalevolentlymisconstrued，andturnedagainsthimasareproach。
Intheevening，aftertheperformance，whichwastobethelast，I
tookthebankaccordingtomypromise:Ilostafewsequins，butwascaressedbyeverybody，andthatismuchmorepleasantthanwinning，whenwearenotlabouringunderthehardnecessityofmakingmoney。
CountSpada，whohadgotquitefondofme，wantedmetoaccompanyhimtoBrisighetta，butIresistedhisentreatiesbecauseIhadfirmlyresolvedongoingtoNaples。
ThenextmorningIwasawokebyaterriblenoiseinthepassage，almostatthedoorofmyroom。
Gettingoutofmybed，Iopenmydoortoascertainthecauseoftheuproar。Iseeatroopof’sbirri’atthedoorofachamber，andinthatchamber，sittingupinbed，afine—lookingmanwhowasmakinghimselfhoarsebyscreaminginLatinagainstthatrabble，theplagueofItaly，andagainsttheinn—keeperwhohadbeenrascallyenoughtoopenthedoor。
Ienquireoftheinn—keeperwhatitallmeans。
\"Thisgentleman，\"answersthescoundrel，\"who，itappears，canonlyspeakLatin，isinbedwithagirl，andthe’sbirri’ofthebishophavebeensenttoknowwhethersheistrulyhiswife；allperfectlyregular。Ifsheishiswife，hehasonlytoconvincethembyshewingacertificateofmarriage，butifsheisnot，ofcoursehemustgotoprisonwithher。Yetitneednothappen，forIundertaketoarrangeeverythinginafriendlymannerforafewsequins。Ihaveonlytoexchangeafewwordswiththechiefofthe’sbirri’，andtheywillallgoaway。IfyoucanspeakLatin，youhadbettergoin，andmakehimlistentoreason。\"
\"Whohasbrokenopenthedoorofhisroom？\"
\"Nobody；Ihaveopeneditmyselfwiththekey，asismyduty。\"
\"Yes，thedutyofahighwayrobber，butnotofanhonestinn—keeper。\"
Suchinfamousdealingarousedmyindignation，andImadeupmymindtointerfere。Ientertheroom，althoughIhadstillmynightcapon，andinformthegentlemanofthecauseofthedisturbance。Heanswerswithalaughthat，inthefirstplace，itwasimpossibletosaywhetherthepersonwhowasinbedwithhimwasawoman，forthatpersonhadonlybeenseeninthecostumeofamilitaryofficer，andthat，inthesecondplace，hedidnotthinkthatanyhumanbeinghadarighttocompelhimtosaywhetherhisbed—fellowwashiswifeorhismistress，evensupposingthathiscompanionwastrulyawoman。
\"Atallevents，\"headded，\"Iamdeterminednottogiveonecrowntoarrangetheaffair，andtoremaininbeduntilmydoorisshut。ThemomentIamdressed，Iwilltreatyoutoanamusingdenouementofthecomedy。Iwilldriveawayallthosescoundrelsatthepointofmysword。\"
Ithenseeinacornerabroadsword，andaHungariancostumelookinglikeamilitaryuniform。Iaskwhetherheisanofficer。
\"Ihavewrittenmynameandprofession，\"heanswers，\"inthehotelbook。\"
Astonishedattheabsurdityoftheinn—keeper，Iaskhimwhetheritisso；heconfessesit，butaddsthattheclergyhavetherighttopreventscandal。
\"Theinsultyouhaveofferedtothatofficer，Mr。Landlord，willcostyouverydear。\"
Hisonlyansweristolaughinmyface。Highlyenragedatseeingsuchascoundrellaughatme，Itakeuptheofficer’squarrelwarmly，andaskedhimtoentrusthispassporttomeforafewminutes。
\"Ihavetwo，\"hesays；\"thereforeIcanletyouhaveone。\"Andtakingthedocumentoutofhispocket—book，hehandsittome。ThepassportwassignedbyCardinalAlbani。TheofficerwasacaptaininaHungarianregimentbelongingtotheempressandqueen。HewasfromRome，onhiswaytoParmawithdispatchesfromCardinalAlbaniAlexandertoM。Dutillot，primeministeroftheInfanteofParma。
Atthesamemoment，amanburstintotheroom，speakingveryloudly，andaskedmetotelltheofficerthattheaffairmustbesettledatonce，becausehewantedtoleaveCesenaimmediately。
\"Whoareyou？\"Iaskedtheman。
Heansweredthathewasthe’vetturino’whomthecaptainhadengaged。
Isawthatitwasaregularput—upthing，andbeggedthecaptaintoletmeattendtothebusiness，assuringhimthatIwouldsettleittohishonourandadvantage。
\"Doexactlyasyouplease，\"hesaid。
Thenturningtowardsthe’vetturino’，Iorderedhimtobringupthecaptain’sluggage，sayingthathewouldbepaidatonce。Whenhehaddoneso，Ihandedhimeightsequinsoutofmyownpurse，andmadehimgivemeareceiptinthenameofthecaptain，whocouldonlyspeakGerman，Hungarian，andLatin。Thevetturinowentaway，andthe’sbirri’followedhiminthegreatestconsternation，excepttwowhoremained。
\"Captain，\"IsaidtotheHungarian，\"keepyourbeduntilIreturn。I
amgoingnowtothebishoptogivehimanaccountoftheseproceedings，andmakehimunderstandthatheowesyousomereparation。Besides，GeneralSpadaishere，and……\"
\"Iknowhim，\"interruptedthecaptain，\"andifIhadbeenawareofhisbeinginCesena，Iwouldhaveshotthelandlordwhenheopenedmydoortothosescoundrels。\"
Ihurriedovermytoilet，andwithoutwaitingformyhairtobedressedIproceededtothebishop’spalace，andmakingagreatdealofnoiseIalmostcompelledtheservantstotakemetohisroom。A
lackeywhowasatthedoorinformedmethathislordshipwasstillinbed。
\"Nevermind，Icannotwait。\"
Ipushedhimasideandenteredtheroom。Irelatedthewholeaffairtothebishop，exaggeratingtheuproar，makingmuchoftheinjusticeofsuchproceedings，andrailingatavexatiouspolicedaringtomolesttravellersandtoinsultthesacredrightsofindividualsandnations。
Thebishopwithoutansweringmereferredmetohischancellor，towhomIrepeatedallIhadsaidtothebishop，butwithwordscalculatedtoirritateratherthantosoften，andcertainlynotlikelytoobtainthereleaseofthecaptain。Ievenwentsofarastothreaten，andIsaidthatifIwereintheplaceoftheofficerI
woulddemandapublicreparation。Thepriestlaughedatmythreats；
itwasjustwhatIwanted，andafteraskingmewhetherIhadtakenleaveofmysenses，thechancellortoldmetoapplytothecaptainofthe’sbirri’。
\"Ishallgotosomebodyelse，\"Isaid，\"reverendsir，besidesthecaptainofthe’sbirri’。\"
Delightedathavingmademattersworse，IlefthimandproceededstraighttothehouseofGeneralSpada，butbeingtoldthathecouldnotbeseenbeforeeighto’clock，Ireturnedtotheinn。
ThestateofexcitementinwhichIwas，theardourwithwhichIhadmadetheaffairmine，mighthaveledanyonetosupposethatmyindignationhadbeenrousedonlybydisgustatseeinganodiouspersecutionperpetrateduponastrangerbyanunrestrained，immoral，andvexatiouspolice；butwhyshouldIdeceivethekindreader，towhomIhavepromisedtotellthetruth；Imustthereforesaythatmyindignationwasreal，butmyardourwasexcitedbyanotherfeelingofamorepersonalnature。Ifanciedthatthewomanconcealedunderthebed—clotheswasabeauty。Ilongedtoseeherface，whichshame，mostlikely，hadpreventedherfromshewing。Shehadheardmespeak，andthegoodopinionthatIhadofmyselfdidnotleavetheshadowofadoubtinmymindthatshewouldprefermetohercaptain。
Thedooroftheroombeingstillopen，IwentinandrelatedtothecaptainallIhaddone，assuringhimthatinthecourseofthedayhewouldbeatlibertytocontinuehisjourneyatthebishop’sexpense，forthegeneralwouldnotfailtoobtaincompletesatisfactionforhim。Hethankedmewarmly，gavebacktheeightducatsIhadpaidforhim，andsaidthathewouldnotleavethecitytillthenextday。
\"Fromwhatcountry，\"Iaskedhim，\"isyourtravellingcompanion？\"
\"FromFrance，andheonlyspeakshisnativelanguage。\"
\"ThenyouspeakFrench？\"
\"Notoneword。\"
\"Thatisamusing！Thenyouconverseinpantomime？\"
\"Exactly。\"
\"Ipityyou，foritisadifficultlanguage。\"
\"Yes，toexpressthevariousshadesofthought，butinthematerialpartofourintercourseweunderstandeachotherquitewell。\"
\"MayIinvitemyselftobreakfastwithyou？\"
\"Askmyfriendwhetherhehasanyobjection。\"
\"Amiablecompanionofthecaptain，\"IsaidinFrench，\"willyoukindlyacceptmeasathirdguestatthebreakfast—table？\"
AtthesewordsIsawcomingoutofthebed—clothesalovelyhead，withdishevelledhair，andablooming，laughingfacewhich，althoughitwascrownedwithaman’scap，leftnodoubtthatthecaptain’sfriendbelongedtothatsexwithoutwhichmanwouldbethemostmiserableanimalonearth。
Delightedwiththegracefulcreature，ItoldherthatIhadbeenhappyenoughtofeelinterestedinherevenbeforeIhadseenher，andthatnowthatIhadthepleasureofseeingher，Icouldbutrenewwithgreaterzealallmyeffortstoserveher。
Sheansweredmewiththegraceandtheanimationwhicharetheexclusiveprivilegeofhernativecountry，andretortedmyargumentinthemostwittymanner；Iwasalreadyunderthecharm。Myrequestwasgranted；Iwentouttoorderbreakfast，andtogivethemanopportunityofmakingthemselvescomfortableinbed，fortheyweredeterminednottogetupuntilthedooroftheirroomwasclosedagain。
Thewaitercame，andIwentinwithhim。IfoundmylovelyFrenchwomanwearingabluefrock—coat，withherhairbadlyarrangedlikeaman’s，butverycharmingeveninthatstrangecostume。I
longedtoseeherup。Sheateherbreakfastwithoutonceinterruptingtheofficerspeakingtome，buttowhomIwasnotlistening，orlisteningwithverylittleattention，forIwasinasortofecstatictrance。
Immediatelyafterbreakfast，Icalledonthegeneral，andrelatedtheaffairtohim，enlarginguponitinsuchamannerastopiquehismartialpride。Itoldhimthat，unlesshesettledthematterhimself，theHungariancaptainwasdeterminedtosendanexpresstothecardinalimmediately。Butmyeloquencewasunnecessary，forthegenerallikedtoseepriestsattendtothebusinessofHeaven，buthecouldnotbearthemtomeddleintemporalaffairs。
\"Ishall，\"hesaid，\"immediatelyputastoptothisridiculouscomedy，andtreatitinaveryseriousmanner。\"
\"Goatoncetotheinn，\"hesaidtohisaide—de—camp，\"invitethatofficerandhiscompaniontodinewithmeto—day，andrepairafterwardstothebishop’spalace。Givehimnoticethattheofficerwhohasbeensogrosslyinsultedbyhis’sbirri’shallnotleavethecitybeforehehasreceivedacompleteapology，andwhateversumofmoneyhemayclaimasdamages。Tellhimthatthenoticecomesfromme，andthatalltheexpensesincurredbytheofficershallbepaidbyhim。\"
Whatpleasureitwasformetolistentothesewords！Inmyvanity，IfanciedIhadalmostpromptedthemtothegeneral。Iaccompaniedtheaide—de—camp，andintroducedhimtothecaptainwhoreceivedhimwiththejoyofasoldiermeetingacomrade。Theadjutantgavehimthegeneral’sinvitationforhimandhiscompanion，andaskedhimtowritedownwhatsatisfactionhewanted，aswellastheamountofdamagesheclaimed。Atthesightofthegeneral’sadjutant，the’sbirri’hadquicklyvanished。Ihandedtothecaptainpen，paperandink，andhewrotehisclaiminprettygoodLatinforanativeofHungary。Theexcellentfellowabsolutelyrefusedtoaskformorethanthirtysequins，inspiteofallIsaidtomakehimclaimonehundred。Hewaslikewiseagreatdealtooeasyastothesatisfactionhedemanded，forallheaskedwastoseethelandlordandthe’sbirri’beghispardonontheirkneesinthepresenceofthegeneral’sadjutant。HethreatenedthebishoptosendanexpresstoRometoCardinalAlexander，unlesshisdemandswerecompliedwithwithintwohours，andtoremaininCesenaattherateoftensequinsadayatthebishop’sexpense。
Theofficerleftus，andamomentafterwardsthelandlordcameinrespectfully，toinformthecaptainthathewasfree，butthecaptainhavingbeggedmetotellthescoundrelthatheowedhimasoundthrashing，helostnotimeingainingthedoor。
Ileftmyfriendsalonetogetdressed，andtoattendtomyowntoilet，asIdinedwiththematthegeneral’s。AnhourafterwardsI
foundthemreadyintheirmilitarycostumes。TheuniformoftheFrenchwomanwasofcourseafancyone，butveryelegant。ThemomentIsawher，IgaveupallideaofNaples，anddecideduponaccompanyingthetwofriendstoParma。ThebeautyofthelovelyFrenchwomanhadalreadycaptivatedme。Thecaptainwascertainlyonthethresholdofsixty，and，asamatterofcourse，Ithoughtsuchaunionverybadlyassorted。IimaginedthattheaffairwhichIwasalreadyconcoctinginmybraincouldbearrangedamicably。
Theadjutantcamebackwithapriestsentbythebishop，whotoldthecaptainthatheshouldhavethesatisfactionaswellasthedamageshehadclaimed，butthathemustbecontentwithfifteensequins。
\"Thirtyornothing，\"drylyansweredtheHungarian。
Theywereatlastgiventohim，andthusthematterended。Thevictorywasduetomyexertions，andIhadwonthefriendshipofthecaptainandhislovelycompanion。
Inordertoguess，evenatfirstsight，thatthefriendoftheworthycaptainwasnotaman，itwasenoughtolookatthehips。Shewastoowellmadeasawomanevertopassforaman，andthewomenwhodisguisethemselvesinmaleattire，andboastofbeinglikemen，areverywrong，forbysuchaboasttheyconfessthemselvesdeficientinoneofthegreatestperfectionsappertainingtowoman。
Alittlebeforedinner—timewerepairedtoGeneralSpada’smansion，andthegeneralpresentedthetwoofficerstoalltheladies。Notoneofthemwasdeceivedintheyoungofficer，but，beingalreadyacquaintedwiththeadventure，theywerealldelightedtodinewiththeheroofthecomedy，andtreatedthehandsomeofficerexactlyasifhehadtrulybeenaman，butIamboundtoconfessthatthemaleguestsofferedtheFrenchwomanhomagesmoreworthyofhersex。
MadameQuerinialonedidnotseempleased，becausethelovelystrangermonopolizedthegeneralattention，anditwasablowtohervanitytoseeherselfneglected。Sheneverspoketoher，excepttoshewoffherFrench，whichshecouldspeakwell。Thepoorcaptainscarcelyopenedhislips，fornoonecaredtospeakLatin，andthegeneralhadnotmuchtosayinGerman。
Anelderlypriest，whowasoneoftheguests，triedtojustifytheconductofthebishopbyassuringusthattheinn—keeperandthe’sbirri’hadactedonlyundertheordersoftheHolyOffice。
\"Thatisthereason，\"hesaid，\"forwhichnoboltsareallowedintheroomsofthehotels，sothatstrangersmaynotshutthemselvesupintheirchambers。TheHolyInquisitiondoesnotallowamantosleepwithanywomanbuthiswife。\"
TwentyyearslaterIfoundallthedoorsinSpainwithaboltoutside，sothattravellerswere，asiftheyhadbeeninprison，exposedtotheoutrageousmolestationofnocturnalvisitsfromthepolice。ThatdiseaseissochronicinSpainthatitthreatenstooverthrowthemonarchysomeday，andIshouldnotbeastonishedifonefinemorningtheGrandInquisitorwastohavethekingshaved，andtotakehisplace。
CHAPTERXXIII
IPurchaseaHandsomeCarriage，andProceedtoParmaWiththeOldCaptainandtheYoungFrenchwoman——IPayaVisittoJavotte，andPresentHerWithaBeautifulPairofGoldBracelets——MyPerplexitiesRespectingMyLovelyTravellingCompanion——AMonologue——ConversationwiththeCaptain——Tete—a—TetewithHenrietteTheconversationwasanimated，andtheyoungfemaleofficerwasentertainingeverybody，evenMadameQuerini，althoughshehardlytookthetroubleofconcealingherspleen。
\"Itseemsstrange，\"sheremarked，\"thatyouandthecaptainshouldlivetogetherwithouteverspeakingtoeachother。\"
\"Why，madam？Weunderstandoneanotherperfectly，forspeechisofverylittleconsequenceinthekindofbusinesswedotogether。\"
Thatanswer，givenwithgracefulliveliness，madeeverybodylaugh，exceptMadameQuerini—Juliette，who，foolishlyassumingtheairofaprude，thoughtthatitsmeaningwastooclearlyexpressed。
\"Idonotknowanykindofbusiness，\"shesaid，\"thatcanbetransactedwithouttheassistanceofthevoiceorthepen。\"
\"Excuseme，madam，therearesome:playingatcards，forinstance，isabusinessofthatsort。\"
\"Areyoualwaysplaying？\"
\"Wedonothingelse。WeplaythegameofthePharaoh（faro），andI
holdthebank。\"
Everybody，understandingtheshrewdnessofthisevasiveanswer，laughedagain，andJulietteherselfcouldnothelpjoininginthegeneralmerriment。
\"Buttellme，\"saidCountSpada，\"doesthebankreceivemuch？\"
\"Asforthedeposits，theyareofsolittleimportance，thattheyarehardlyworthmentioning。\"
Nooneventuredupontranslatingthatsentenceforthebenefitoftheworthycaptain。Theconversationcontinuedinthesameamusingstyle，andalltheguestsweredelightedwiththegracefulwitofthecharmingofficer。
LateintheeveningItookleaveofthegeneral，andwishedhimapleasantjourney。
\"Adieu，\"hesaid，\"IwishyouapleasantjourneytoNaples，andhopeyouwillenjoyyourselfthere\"
\"Well，general，IamnotgoingtoNaplesimmediately；IhavechangedmymindandintendtoproceedtoParma，whereIwishtoseetheInfante。IalsowishtoconstitutemyselftheinterpreterofthesetwoofficerswhoknownothingofItalian:\"
\"Ah，youngman！opportunitymakesathief，doesitnot？Well，ifI
wereinyourplace，Iwoulddothesame。\"
IalsobadefarewelltoMadameQuerini，whoaskedmetowritetoherfromBologna。Igaveherapromisetodoso，butwithoutmeaningtofulfilit。
IhadfeltinterestedintheyoungFrenchwomanwhenshewashidingunderthebed—clothes:shehadtakenmyfancythemomentshehadshewnherfeatures，andstillmorewhenIhadseenherdressed。Shecompletedherconquestatthedinner—tablebythedisplayofawitwhichIgreatlyadmired。ItisrareinItaly，andseemstobelonggenerallytothedaughtersofFrance。Ididnotthinkitwouldbeverydifficulttowinherlove，andIresolvedontrying。Puttingmyself—esteemononeside，IfanciedIwouldsuithermuchbetterthantheoldHungarian，averypleasantmanforhisage，butwho，afterall，carriedhissixtyyearsonhisface，whilemytwenty—threewerebloomingonmycountenance。Itseemedtomethatthecaptainhimselfwouldnotraiseanygreatobjection，forheseemedoneofthosemenwho，treatingloveasamatterofpurefancy，acceptallcircumstanceseasily，andgivewaygood—naturedlytoallthefreaksoffortune。Bybecomingthetravellingcompanionofthisill—matchedcouple，Ishouldprobablysucceedinmyaims。Ineverdreamedofexperiencingarefusalattheirhands，mycompanywouldcertainlybeagreeabletothem，astheycouldnotexchangeasinglewordbythemselves。
WiththisideaIaskedthecaptain，aswereachedourinn，whetherheintendedtoproceedtoParmabythepubliccoachorotherwise。
\"AsIhavenocarriageofmyown，\"heanswered，\"weshallhavetotakethecoach。\"
\"Ihaveaverycomfortablecarriage，andIofferyouthetwobackseatsifyouhavenoobjectiontomysociety。\"
\"Thatisapieceofgoodfortune。BekindenoughtoproposeittoHenriette。\"
\"Willyou，madam，grantmethefavourofaccompanyingyoutoParma？\"