Myvisitproveduseless；heknewnothing，andIdidnotenlightenhisignorance。HetoldmeagreatmanylieswhichIpretendedtoacceptasgospel，andgivinghimtwosequinsIwentaway，wishinghimapromptrelease。
Iwasrackingmybraintocontrivesomewaytoknowthepositionofmymistress——forIfeltcertainitwasafearfulone——andbelievinghertobeunhappyIreproachedmyselfmostbitterlyasthecauseofhermisery。IhadreachedsuchastateofanxietythatIcouldneithereatnorsleep。
Twodaysaftertherefusalofthefather，M。deBragadinandhistwofriendswenttoPaduaforamonth。Ihadnothadthehearttogowiththem，andIwasaloneinthehouse。IneededconsolationandI
wenttothegaming—table，butIplayedwithoutattentionandlostagreatdeal。IhadalreadysoldwhateverIpossessedofanyvalue，andIowedmoneyeverywhere。Icouldexpectnoassistanceexceptfrommythreekindfriends，butshamepreventedmefromconfessingmypositiontothem。Iwasinthatdispositionwhichleadseasilytoself—destruction，andIwasthinkingofitasIwasshavingmyselfbeforeatoilet—glass，whentheservantbroughttomyroomawomanwhohadaletterforme。Thewomancameuptome，and，handingmetheletter，shesaid，\"Areyouthepersontowhomitisaddressed？\"
IrecognizedatonceasealwhichIhadgiventoC————C————；I
thoughtIwoulddropdowndead。Inordertorecovermycomposure，I
toldthewomantowait，andtriedtoshavemyself，butmyhandrefusedtoperformitsoffice。Iputtherazordown，turnedmybackonthemessenger，andopeningtheletterIreadthefollowinglines，\"BeforeIcanwriteallIhavetosay，Imustbesureofmymessenger。Iamboardinginaconvent，andamverywelltreated，andIenjoyexcellenthealthinspiteoftheanxietyofmymind。Thesuperiorhasbeeninstructedtoforbidmeallvisitorsandcorrespondence。Iam，however，alreadycertainofbeingabletowritetoyou，notwithstandingtheseverystrictorders。Ientertainnodoubtofyourgoodfaith，mybelovedhusband，andIfeelsurethatyouwillneverdoubtaheartwhichiswhollyyours。Trusttomefortheexecutionofwhateveryoumaywishmetodo，forIamyoursandonlyyours。Answeronlyafewwordsuntilwearequitecertainofourmessenger。
\"Muran，June12th。\"
Inlessthanthreeweeksmyyoungfriendhadbecomeaclevermoralist；itistruethatLovehadbeenherteacher，andLovealonecanworkmiracles。AsIconcludedthereadingofherletter，Iwasinthestateofacriminalpardonedatthefootofthescaffold。I
requiredseveralminutesbeforeIrecoveredtheexerciseofmywillandmypresenceofmind。
Iturnedtowardsthemessenger，andaskedherifshecouldread。
\"Ah，sir！ifIcouldnotread，itwouldbeagreatmisfortuneforme。TherearesevenwomenappointedfortheserviceofthenunsofMuran。OneofuscomesinturntoVeniceonceaweek；IcomeeveryWednesday，andthisdayweekIshallbeabletobringyouananswertotheletterwhich，ifyoulike，youcanwritenow。\"
\"Thenyoucantakechargeofthelettersentrustedtoyoubythenuns？\"
\"Thatisnotsupposedtobeoneofourdutiesbutthefaithfuldeliveryoflettersbeingthemostimportantofthecommissionscommittedtoourcare，weshouldnotbetrustedifwecouldnotreadtheaddressofthelettersplacedinourhands。ThenunswantedtobesurethatweshallnotgivetoPetertheletteraddressedtoPaul。
Thegoodmothersarealwaysafraidofourbeingguiltyofsuchblunders。ThereforeIshallbehereagain，withoutfail，thisdayweekatthesamehour，butpleasetoorderyourservanttowakeyouincaseyoushouldbeasleep，forourtimeismeasuredasifitweregold。Aboveall，relyentirelyuponmydiscretionaslongasyouemployme；forifIdidnotknowhowtokeepasilenttongueinmyheadIshouldlosemybread，andthenwhatwouldbecomeofme——
awidowwithfourchildren，aboyeightyearsold，andthreeprettygirls，theeldestofwhomisonlysixteen？YoucanseethemwhenyoucometoMuran。Ilivenearthechurch，onthegardenside，andIamalwaysathomewhenIamnotengagedintheserviceofthenuns，whoarealwayssendingmeononecommissionoranother。Theyounglady——
Idonotknowhernameyet，forshehasonlybeenoneweekwithus——
gavemethisletter，butsocleverly！Oh！shemustbeaswittyassheispretty，forthreenunswhoweretherewerecompletelybamboozled。Shegaveittomewiththisotherletterformyself，whichIlikewiseleaveinyourhands。Poorchild！shetellsmetobediscreet！Sheneednotbeafraid。Writetoher，Ientreatyou，sir，thatshecantrustme，andanswerboldly。Iwouldnottellyoutoactinthesamemannerwithalltheothermessengersoftheconvent，althoughIbelievethemtobehonest——andGodforbidIshouldspeakillofmyfellow—creature——buttheyareallignorant，yousee；anditiscertainthattheybabble，atleast，withtheirconfessors，ifwithnobodyelse。Asforme，thankGod！IknowverywellthatIneednotconfessanythingbutmysins，andsurelytocarryaletterfromaChristianwomantoherbrotherinChristisnotasin。Besides，myconfessorisagoodoldmonk，quitedeaf，Ibelieve，fortheworthymanneveranswersme；butthatishisbusiness，notmine！\"
Ihadnotintendedtoaskheranyquestions，butifsuchhadbeenmyintentionshewouldnothavegivenmetimetocarryitintoexecution；andwithoutmyaskingheranything，shewastellingmeeverythingIcaredtoknow，andshedidsoinheranxietyformetoavailmyselfofherservicesexclusively。
Iimmediatelysatdowntowritetomydearrecluse，intendingatfirsttowriteonlyafewlines，asshehadrequestedme；butmytimewastooshorttowritesolittle。Myletterwasascreedoffourpages，andverylikelyitsaidlessthanhernoteofoneshortpage。
Itoldherherletterhadsavedmylife，andaskedherwhetherI
couldhopetoseeher。IinformedherthatIhadgivenasequintothemessenger，thatshewouldfindanotherforherselfunderthesealofmyletter，andthatIwouldsendherallthemoneyshemightwant。
IentreatedhernottofailwritingeveryWednesday，tobecertainthatherletterswouldneverbelongenoughtogivemefullparticulars，notonlyofallshedid，ofallshewasallowedtodo，butalsoofallherthoughtsrespectingherreleasefromimprisonment，andtheovercomingofalltheobstacleswhichwereinthewayofourmutualhappiness；forIwasasmuchhersasshewasmine。Ihintedtoherthenecessityofgainingtheloveofallthenunsandboarders，butwithouttakingthemintoherconfidence，andofshewingnodislikeofherconventlife。Afterpraisingherfortheclevermannerinwhichshehadcontrivedtowritetome，inspiteofsuperiororders，Imadeherunderstandhowcarefulshewastobetoavoidbeingsurprisedwhileshewaswriting，becauseinsuchacaseherroomwouldcertainlybesearchedandallherpapersseized。
\"Burnallmyletters，darling，\"Iadded，\"andrecollectthatyoumustgotoconfessionoften，butwithoutimplicatingourlove。Sharewithmeallyoursorrows，whichinterestmeevenmorethanyourjoys。\"
Isealedmyletterinsuchamannerthatnoonecouldpossiblyguessthattherewasasequinhiddenunderthesealingwax，andIrewardedthewoman，promisingherthatIwouldgiveherthesamerewardeverytimethatshebroughtmealetterfrommyfriend。WhenshesawthesequinwhichIhadputinherhandthegoodwomancriedforjoy，andshetoldmethat，asthegatesoftheconventwereneverclosedforher，shewoulddelivermyletterthemomentshefoundtheyoungladyalone。
HereisthenotewhichC————C————hadgiventothewoman，withtheletteraddressedtome:
\"GodHimself，mygoodwoman，promptsmetohaveconfidenceinyouratherthaninanybodyelse。TakethislettertoVenice，andshouldthepersontowhomitisaddressednotbeinthecity，bringitbacktome。Youmustdeliverittothatpersonhimself，andifyoufindhimyouwillmostlikelyhaveananswer，whichyoumustgiveme，butonlywhenyouarecertainthatnobodycanseeyou。\"
IfLoveisimprudent，itisonlyinthehopeofenjoyment；butwhenitisnecessarytobringbackhappinessdestroyedbysomeuntowardaccident，Loveforeseesallthatthekeenestperspicacitycouldpossiblyfindout。Theletterofmycharmingwifeoverwhelmedmewithjoy，andinonemomentIpassedfromastateofdespairtothatofextremefelicity。IfeltcertainthatIshouldsucceedincarryingheroffevenifthewallsoftheconventcouldboastofartillery，andafterthedepartureofthemessengermyfirstthoughtwastoendeavourtospendthesevendays，beforeIcouldreceivethesecondletter，pleasantly。Gamblingalonecoulddoit，buteverybodyhadgonetoPadua。Igotmytrunkready，andimmediatelysentittotheburchiellothenreadytostart，andIleftforFrusina。FromthatplaceIposted，andinlessthanthreehoursIarrivedatthedooroftheBragadinPalace，whereIfoundmydearprotectoronthepointofsittingdowntodinner。Heembracedmeaffectionately，andseeingmecoveredwithperspirationhesaidtome，\"Iamcertainthatyouareinnohurry。\"
\"No，\"Ianswered，\"butIamstarving。\"
Ibroughtjoytothebrotherlytrio，andIenhancedtheirhappinesswhenItoldmyfriendsthatIwouldremainsixdayswiththem。DelaHayedinedwithusonthatday；assoonasdinnerwasoverheclosetedhimselfwithM。Dandoio，andfortwohourstheyremainedtogether。Ihadgonetobedduringthattime，butM。DandolocameuptomeandtoldmethatIhadarrivedjustintimetoconsulttheoraclerespectinganimportantaffairentirelyprivatetohimself。
Hegavemethequestions，andrequestedmetofindtheanswers。HewantedtoknowwhetherhewouldactrightlyifheacceptedaprojectproposedtohimbyDelaHaye。
Theoracleanswerednegatively。
M。Dandolo，rathersurprised，askedasecondquestion:hewishedParalistogivehisreasonsforthedenial。
Iformedthecabalisticpile，andbroughtoutthisanswer:
\"IaskedCasanova’sopinion，andasIfinditopposedtotheproposalmadebyDelaHaye，Idonotwishtohearanymoreaboutit。\"
Oh！wonderfulpowerofself—delusion！Thisworthyman，pleasedatbeingabletothrowtheodiumofarefusalonme，leftmeperfectlysatisfied。Ihadnoideaofthenatureoftheaffairtowhichhehadbeenalluding，andIfeltnocuriosityaboutit；butitannoyedmethataJesuitshouldinterfereandtrytomakemyfriendsdoanythingotherwisethanthroughmyinstrumentality，andIwantedthatintriguertoknowthatmyinfluencewasgreaterthanhisown。
Afterthat，Idressed，maskedmyself，andwenttotheopera，whereI
satdowntoafaro—tableandlostallmymoney。Fortunewasdeterminedtoshewmethatitdoesnotalwaysagreewithlove。Myheartwasheavy，Ifeltmiserable；Iwenttobed。WhenIwokeinthemorning，IsawDelaHayecomeintomyroomwithabeamingcountenance，and，assuminganairofdevotedfriendship，hemadeagreatshowofhisfeelingstowardsme。Iknewwhattothinkofitall，andIwaitedforthe’denouement’。
\"Mydearfriend，\"hesaidtomeatlast，\"whydidyoudissuadeM。DandolofromdoingwhatIhadinsinuatedtohim。？\"
\"Whathadyouinsinuatedtohim？\"
\"Youknowwellenough。\"
\"IfIknewit，Iwouldnotaskyou\"
\"M。Dandolohimselftoldmethatyouhadadvisedhimagainstit。\"
\"Advisedagainst，thatmaybe，butcertainlynotdissuaded，forifhehadbeenpersuadedinhisownmindhewouldnothaveaskedmyadvice。\"
\"Asyouplease；butmayIenquireyourreasons？\"
\"Tellmefirstwhatyourproposalwas。\"
\"Hashenottoldyou？\"
\"Perhapshehas；butifyouwishtoknowmyreasons，Imusthearthewholeaffairfromyourownlips，becauseM。Dandolospoketomeunderapromiseofsecrecy。\"
\"Ofwhatgoodisallthisreserve？\"
\"Everyonehashisownprinciplesandhisownwayofthinking:IhaveasufficientlygoodopinionofyoutobelievethatyouwouldactexactlyasIdo，forIhaveheardyousaythatinallsecretmattersoneoughttoguardagainstsurprise。\"
\"Iamincapableoftakingsuchanadvantageofafriend；butasageneralruleyourmaximisarightone；Ilikeprudence。Iwilltellyouthewholeaffair。YouareawarethatMadameTripolohasbeenleftawidow，andthatM。Dandoloiscourtingherassiduously，afterhavingdonethesameforfourteenyearsduringthelifeofthehusband。Thelady，whoisstillyoung，beautifulandlovely，andalsoisveryrespectable，wishestobecomehiswife。Itistomethatshehasconfidedherwishes，andasIsawnothingthatwasnotpraiseworthy，eitherinatemporalorinaspiritualpointofview，inthatunion，forafterallweareallmen，Itooktheaffairinhandwithrealpleasure。IfanciedeventhatM。Dandolofeltsomeinclinationforthatmarriagewhenhetoldmethathewouldgivemehisdecisionthismorning。Iamnotastonishedathishavingaskedyouradviceinsuchanimportantaffair，foraprudentmanisrightinaskingtheopinionofawisefriendbeforetakingadecisivestep；
butImusttellyoucandidlythatIamastonishedatyourdisapprovalofsuchamarriage。Prayexcusemeif，inordertoimprovebytheinformation，Iaskwhyyouropinionisexactlythereverseofmine。\"
Delightedathavingdiscoveredthewholeaffair，athavingarrivedintimetopreventmyfriendwhowasgoodnessitselfcontractinganabsurdmarriage，IansweredthehypocritethatIlovedM。Dandolo，thatIknewhistemperament，andthatIwascertainthatamarriagewithawomanlikeMadameTripolowouldshortenhislife。
\"Thatbeingmyopinion，\"Iadded，\"youmustadmitthatasatruefriendIwasrightinadvisinghimagainstyourproposal。Doyourecollecthavingtoldmethatyounevermarriedfortheverysamereason？DoyourecollectyourstrongargumentsinfavourofcelibacywhilewewereatParma？Consideralso，Ibeg，thateverymanhasacertainsmallstockofselfishness，andthatImaybeallowedtohaveminewhenIthinkthatifM。Dandolotookawifetheinfluenceofthatwifewouldofcoursehavesomeweight，andthatthemoreshegainedininfluenceoverhimthemoreIshouldlose。Soyouseeitwouldnotbenaturalformetoadvisehimtotakeastepwhichwouldultimatelyproveverydetrimentaltomyinterests。Ifyoucanprovethatmyreasonsareeithertriflingorsophistical，speakopenly:I
willtellM。Dandolothatmymindhaschanged；MadameTripolowillbecomehiswifewhenwereturntoVenice。Butletmewarnyouthatthoroughconvictioncanalonemoveme。\"
\"Idonotbelievemyselfcleverenoughtoconvinceyou。IshallwritetoMadameTripolothatshemustapplytoyou。\"
\"Donotwriteanythingofthesorttothatlady，orshewillthinkthatyouarelaughingather。DoyousupposeherfoolishenoughtoexpectthatIwillgivewaytoherwishes？SheknowsthatIdonotlikeher。\"
\"Howcanshepossiblyknowthat？\"
\"ShemusthaveremarkedthatIhavenevercaredtoaccompanyM。Dandolotoherhouse。Learnfrommeonceforall，thataslongasIlivewithmythreefriendstheyshallhavenowifebutme。Youmaygetmarriedassoonasyouplease；Ipromisenottothrowanyobstacleinyourway；butifyouwishtoremainonfriendlytermswithmegiveupallideaofleadingmythreefriendsastray。\"
\"Youareverycausticthismorning。\"
\"Ilostallmymoneylastnight。
\"ThenIhavechosenabadtime。Farewell。\"
>Fromthatday，DelaHayebecamemysecretenemy，andtohimIwasinagreatmeasureindebted，twoyearslater，formyimprisonmentunderTheLeadsofVenice；notowingtohisslanders，forIdonotbelievehewascapableofthat，Jesuitthoughhewas——andevenamongstsuchpeoplethereissometimessomehonourablefeeling——butthroughthemysticalinsinuationswhichhemadeinthepresenceofbigotedpersons。Imustgivefairnoticetomyreadersthat，iftheyarefondofsuchpeople，theymustnotreadtheseMemoirs，fortheybelongtoatribewhichIhavegoodreasontoattackunmercifully。
Thefinemarriagewasneveragainalludedto。M。Dandolocontinuedtovisithisbeautifulwidoweveryday，andItookcaretoelicitfromParalisastronginterdictionevertoputmyfootinherhouse。
DonAntonioCroce，ayoungMilanesewhomIhadknowninReggio，aconfirmedgambler，andadownrightcleverhandinsecuringthefavoursofDameFortune，calledonmeafewminutesafterDelaHayehadretired。Hetoldmethat，havingseenmeloseallmymoneythenightbefore，hehadcometooffermethemeansofretrievingmylosses，ifIwouldtakeanequalinterestwithhiminafarobankthathemeanttoholdathishouse，andinwhichhewouldhaveaspunterssevenoreightrichforeignerswhowerecourtinghiswife。
\"Ifyouwillputthreehundredsequinsinmybank，\"headded，\"youshallbemypartner。Ihavethreehundredsequinsmyself，butthatisnotenoughbecausethepuntersplayhigh。Comeanddineatmyhouse，andyouwillmaketheiracquaintance。WecanplaynextFridayastherewillbenoopera，andyoumayrelyuponourwinningplentyofgold，foracertainGilenspetz，aSwede，maylosetwentythousandsequins。\"
Iwaswithoutanyresources，oratalleventsIcouldexpectnoassistanceexceptfromM。deBragadinuponwhomIfeltashamedofencroaching。IwaswellawarethattheproposalmadebyCrocewasnotstrictlymoral，andthatImighthavechosenamorehonourablesociety；butifIhadrefused，thepurseofMadameCroce’sadmirerswouldnothavebeenmoremercifullytreated；anotherwouldhaveprofitedbythatstrokeofgoodfortune。Iwasthereforenotrigidenoughtorefusemyassistanceasadjutantandmyshareofthepie；I
acceptedCroce’sinvitation。
CHAPTERXIV
IGetRichAgain——MyAdventureAtDolo——AnalysisofaLongLetter>FromC。C。——MischievousTrickPlayedUponMeByP。C。——AtVincenza——ATragi—comedyAttheInnNecessity，thatimperiouslawandmyonlyexcuse，havingmademealmostthepartnerofacheat，therewasstillthedifficultyoffindingthethreehundredsequinsrequired；butIpostponedthetaskoffindingthemuntilafterIshouldhavemadetheacquaintanceofthedupesofthegoddesstowhomtheyaddressedtheirworship。CrocetookmetothePratodeltaValle，wherewefoundmadamesurroundedwithforeigners。Shewaspretty；andasasecretaryoftheimperialambassador，CountRosemberg，hadattachedhimselftoher，notoneoftheVenetiannoblesdaredcourther。ThosewhointerestedmeamongthesatellitesgravitatingaroundthatstarweretheSwedeGilenspetz，aHamburger，theEnglishmanMendez，whohasalreadybeenmentioned，andthreeorfourotherstowhoreCrocecalledmyattention。
Wedinedalltogether，andafterdinnertherewasageneralcallforafarobank；butCrocedidnotaccept。Hisrefusalsurprisedme，becausewiththreehundredsequins，beingaveryskilfulplayer，hehadenoughtotryhisfortune。Hedidnot，however，allowmysuspicionstolastlong，forhetookmetohisownroomandshewedmefiftypiecesofeight，whichwereequaltothreehundredsequins。
WhenIsawthattheprofessionalgamblerhadnotchosenmeashispartnerwiththeintentionofmakingadupeofme，ItoldhimthatI
wouldcertainlyprocuretheamount，anduponthatpromiseheinvitedeverybodytosupperforthefollowingday。Weagreedthatwewoulddividethespoilsbeforepartingintheevening，andthatnooneshouldbeallowedtoplayontrust。
Ihadtoprocuretheamount，buttowhomcouldIapply？IcouldasknoonebutM。deBragadin。Theexcellentmanhadnotthatsuminhispossession，forhispursewasgenerallyempty；buthefoundausurer—
—aspeciesofanimaltoonumerousunfortunatelyforyoungmen——who，uponanoteofhandendorsedbyhim，gavemeathousandducats，atfivepercent。foronemonth，thesaidinterestbeingdeductedbyanticipationfromthecapital。ItwasexactlytheamountIrequired。
Iwenttothesupper；Croceheldthebankuntildaylight，andwedividedsixteenhundredsequinsbetweenus。Thegamecontinuedthenextevening，andGilenspetzalonelosttwothousandsequins；theJewMendezlostaboutonethousand。Sundaywassanctifiedbyrest，butonMondaythebankwonfourthousandsequins。OntheTuesdaywealldinedtogether，andtheplaywasresumed；butwehadscarcelybegunwhenanofficerofthepodestamadehisappearanceandinformedCrocethathewantedalittleprivateconversationwithhim。Theylefttheroomtogether，andafterashortabsenceCrocecamebackrathercrestfallen；heannouncedthatbysuperiorordershewasforbiddentoholdabankathishouse。Madamefaintedaway，thepuntershurriedout，andIfollowedtheirexample，assoonasIhadsecuredone—halfofthegoldwhichwasonthetable。Iwasgladenoughitwasnotworse。AsIleft，CrocetoldmethatwewouldmeetagaininVenice，forhehadbeenorderedtoquitPaduawithintwenty—fourhours。I
expecteditwouldbeso，becausehewastowellknown；buthisgreatestcrime，intheopinionofthepodesta，wasthatheattractedtheplayerstohisownhouse，whilsttheauthoritieswantedalltheloversofplaytolosetheirmoneyattheopera，wherethebankersweremostlynoblemenfromVenice。
Ileftthecityonhorsebackintheeveningandinverybadweather，butnothingcouldhavekeptmeback，becauseearlythenextmorningI
expectedaletterfrommydearprisoner。IhadonlytravelledsixmilesfromPaduawhenmyhorsefell，andIfoundmyleftlegcaughtunderit。Mybootsweresoftones，andIfearedIhadhurtmyself。
Thepostillionwasaheadofme，buthearingthenoisemadebythefallhecameupanddisengagedme；Iwasnothurt，butmyhorsewaslame。Iimmediatelytookthehorseofthepostillion，towhichIwasentitled，buttheinsolentfellowgettingholdofthebitrefusedtoletmeproceed。Itriedtomakehimunderstandthathewaswrong；
but，farfromgivingwaytomyarguments，hepersistedinstoppingme，andbeinginagreathurrytocontinuemyjourneyIfiredoneofmypistolsinhisface，butwithouttouchinghim。Frightenedoutofhiswits，themanletgo，andIgallopedoff。WhenIreachedtheDolo，Iwentstraighttothestables，andImyselfsaddledahorsewhichapostillion，towhomIgaveacrown，pointedouttomeasbeingexcellent。Noonethoughtofbeingastonishedatmyotherpostillionhavingremainedbehind，andwestartedatfullspeed。Itwasthenoneo’clockinthemorning；thestormhadbrokenuptheroad，andthenightwassodarkthatIcouldnotseeanythingwithinayardaheadofme；thedaywasbreakingwhenwearrivedinFusina。
Theboatmenthreatenedmewithafreshstorm；butsettingeverythingatdefianceItookafour—oaredboat，andreachedmydwellingquitesafebutshiveringwithcoldandwettotheskin。IhadscarcelybeeninmyroomforaquarterofanhourwhenthemessengerfromMuranpresentedherselfandgavemealetter，tellingmethatshewouldcallfortheanswerintwohours。Thatletterwasajournalofsevenpages，thefaithfultranslationofwhichmightwearymyreaders，buthereisthesubstanceofit:
AftertheinterviewwithM。deBragadin，thefatherofC————C————
hadgonehome，hadhiswifeanddaughtertohisroom，andenquiredkindlyfromthelastwhereshehadmademyacquaintance。Sheansweredthatshehadseenmefiveorsixtimesinherbrother’sroom，thatIhadaskedherwhethershewouldconsenttobemywife，andthatshehadtoldmethatshewasdependentuponherfatherandmother。Thefatherhadthensaidthatshewastooyoungtothinkofmarriage，andbesides，Ihadnotyetconqueredapositioninsociety。
Afterthatdecisionherepairedtohisson’sroom，andlockedthesmalldoorinsideaswellastheonecommunicatingwiththeapartmentofthemother，whowasinstructedbyhimtoletmebelievethatshehadgonetothecountry，incaseIshouldcallonher。
TwodaysafterwardshecametoC————C————，whowasbesidehersickmother，andtoldherthatherauntwouldtakehertoaconvent，whereshewastoremainuntilahusbandhadbeenprovidedforherbyherparents。Sheansweredthat，beingperfectlydisposedtosubmittohiswill，shewouldgladlyobeyhim。Pleasedwithherreadyobediencehepromisedtogoandseeher，andtolethismothervisitherlikewise，assoonasherhealthwasbetter。Immediatelyafterthatconversationtheaunthadcalledforher，andagondolahadtakenthemtotheconvent，whereshehadbeeneversince。Herbedandherclotheshadbeenbroughttoher；shewaswellpleasedwithherroomandwiththenuntowhomshehadbeenentrusted，andunderwhosesupervisionshewas。Itwasbyherthatshehadbeenforbiddentoreceiveeitherlettersorvisits，ortowritetoanybody，underpenaltyofexcommunicationfromtheHolyFather，ofeverlastingdamnation，andofothersimilartrifles；yetthesamenunhadsuppliedherwithpaper，inkandbooks，anditwasatnightthatmyyoungfriendtransgressedthelawsoftheconventinordertowritealltheseparticularstome。Sheexpressedherconvictionrespectingthediscretionandthefaithfulnessofthemessenger，andshethoughtthatshewouldremaindevoted，because，beingpoor，oursequinswerealittlefortuneforher。
Sherelatedtomeinthemostassuringmannerthatthehandsomestofallthenunsintheconventlovedhertodistraction，gaveheraFrenchlessontwicea—day，andhadamicablyforbiddenhertobecomeacquaintedwiththeotherboarders。Thatnunwasonlytwenty—twoyearsofage；shewasbeautiful，richandgenerous；alltheothernunsshewedhergreatrespect。\"Whenwearealone，\"wrotemyfriend，\"shekissesmesotenderlythatyouwouldbejealousifshewerenotawoman。\"Astoourprojectofrunningaway，shedidnotthinkitwouldbeverydifficulttocarryitintoexecution，butthatitwouldbebettertowaituntilsheknewthelocalitybetter。Shetoldmetoremainfaithfulandconstant，andaskedmetosendhermyportraithiddeninaringbyasecretspringknownonlytous。SheaddedthatImightsendittoherbyhermother，whohadrecoveredherusualhealth，andwasinthehabitofattendingearlymassatherparishchurcheverydaybyherself。Sheassuredmethattheexcellentwomanwouldbedelightedtoseeme，andtodoanythingImightaskher。
\"Atallevents，\"sheconcluded，\"Ihopetofindmyselfinafewmonthsinapositionwhichwillscandalizetheconventiftheyareobstinatelybentuponkeepingmehere。\"
IwasjustfinishingmyanswerwhenLaura，themessenger，returnedforit。AfterIhadpaidthesequinIhadpromisedher，Igaveheraparcelcontainingsealing—wax，paper，pens，andatinder—box，whichshepromisedtodelivertoC————C————。MydarlinghadtoldherthatIwashercousin，andLaurafeignedtobelieveit。
NotknowingwhattodoinVenice，andbelievingthatIoughtforthesakeofmyhonourtoshewmyselfinPadua，orelsepeoplemightsupposethatIhadreceivedthesameorderasCroce，Ihurriedmybreakfast，andprocureda’bolletta’fromthebooking—officeforRome；becauseIforesawthatthefiringofmypistolandthelamehorsemightnothaveimprovedthetemperofthepost—masters；butbyshewingthemwhatiscalledinItalya’bolletta’，Iknewthattheycouldnotrefusetosupplymewithhorseswhenevertheyhadanyintheirstables。Asfarasthepistol—shotwasconcernedIhadnofear，forIhadpurposelymissedtheinsolentpostillion；andevenifIhadkilledhimonthespotitwouldnothavebeenofmuchimportance。
InFusinaItookatwo—wheeledchaise，forIwassotiredthatI
couldnothaveperformedthejourneyonhorseback，andIreachedtheDolo，whereIwasrecognizedandhorseswererefusedme。
Imadeagooddealofnoise，andthepost—master，comingout，threatenedtohavemearrestedifIdidnotpayhimforhisdeadhorse。IansweredthatifthehorseweredeadIwouldaccountforittothepostmasterinPadua，butwhatIwantedwasfreshhorseswithoutdelay。
AndIshewedhimthedread’bolletta’，thesightofwhichmadehimlowerhistone；buthetoldmethat，evenifhesuppliedmewithhorses，Ihadtreatedthepostillionsobadlythatnotoneofhismenwoulddriveme。\"Ifthatisthecase，\"Ianswered，\"youshallaccompanymeyourself。\"Thefellowlaughedinmyface，turnedhisbackuponme，andwentaway。Itooktwowitnesses，andIcalledwiththemattheofficeofapublicnotary，whodrewupaproperly—wordeddocument，bywhichIgavenoticetothepost—masterthatIshouldexpectanindemnityoftensequinsforeachhourofdelayuntilIhadhorsessuppliedtome。
Assoonashehadbeenmadeacquaintedwiththecontentsofthis，hegaveorderstobringouttworestivehorses。Isawatoncethathisintentionwastohavemeupsetalongtheroad，andperhapsthrownintotheriver；butIcalmlytoldthepostillionthatattheverymomentmychaisewasupsetIwouldblowhisbrainsoutwithapistol—
shot；thisthreatfrightenedtheman；hetookhishorsesbacktothestables，anddeclaredtohismasterthathewouldnotdriveme。Atthatverymomentacourierarrived，whocalledforsixcarriagehorsesandtwosaddleones。Iwarnedthepost—masterthatnooneshouldleavetheplacebeforeme，andthatifheopposedmywilltherewouldbeasanguinarycontest；inordertoprovethatIwasinearnestItookoutmypistols。Thefellowbegantoswear，but，everyonesayingthathewasinthewrong，hedisappeared。
FiveminutesafterwardswhomshouldIsee，arrivinginabeautifulberlindrawnbysixhorses，butCrocewithhiswife，alady’smaid，andtwolackeysingrandlivery。Healighted，weembracedoneanother，andItoldhim，assuminganairofsadness，thathecouldnotleavebeforeme。Iexplainedhowthecasestood；hesaidIwasright，scoldedloudly，asifhehadbeenagreatlord，andmadeeverybodytremble。Thepostmasterhaddisappeared；hiswifecameandorderedthepostillionstoattendtomywants。DuringthattimeCrocesaidtomethatIwasquiterightingoingbacktoPadua，wherethepublicrumourhadspreadthereportofmyhavingleftthecityinconsequenceofanorderfromthepolice。HeinformedmethatthepodestahadlikewiseexpelledM。deGondoin，acolonelintheserviceoftheDukeofModena，becauseheheldafarobankathishouse。
IpromisedhimtopayhimavisitinVeniceintheensuingweek。
Croce，whohaddroppedfromtheskytoassistmeinamomentofgreatdistress，hadwontenthousandsequinsinfourevenings:Ihadreceivedfivethousandformyshare；andlostnotimeinpayingmydebtsandinredeemingallthearticleswhichIhadbeencompelledtopledge。ThatscampbroughtmebackthesmilesofFortune，andfromthatmomentIgotridoftheillluckwhichhadseemedtofastenonme。
IreachedPaduainsafety，andthepostillion，whoverylikelyoutoffearhaddrivenmeingoodstyle，waswellpleasedwithmyliberality；itwasthebestwayofmakingpeacewiththetribe。Myarrivalcausedgreatjoytomythreefriends，whommysuddendeparturehadalarmed，withtheexceptionofM。deBragadin，inwhosehandsIhadplacedmycash—boxthedaybefore。Histwofriendshadgivencredencetothegeneralreport，statingthatthepodestahadorderedmetoleavePadua。TheyforgotthatIwasacitizenofVenice，andthatthepodestacouldnotpasssuchasentenceuponmewithoutexposinghimselftolegalproceedings。Iwastired，butinsteadofgoingtobedIdressedmyselfinmybestattireinordertogototheoperawithoutamask。Itoldmyfriendsthatitwasnecessaryformetoshewmyself，soastogivethelietoallthathadbeenreportedaboutmebyslanderingtongues。DelaHayesaidtome，\"Ishallbedelightedifallthosereportsarefalse；butyouhavenoonetoblamebutyourself，foryourhurrieddeparturegavesufficientcauseforallsortsofsurmises。\"
\"Andforslander。\"
\"Thatmaybe；butpeoplewanttoknoweverything，andtheyinventwhentheycannotguessthetruth。\"
\"Andevil—mindedfoolslosenotimeinrepeatingthoseinventionseverywhere。\"
\"Buttherecanbenodoubtthatyouwantedtokillthepostillion。
Isthatacalumnylikewise？\"
\"Thegreatestofall。Doyouthinkthatagoodshotcanmissamanwhenheisfiringinhisveryface，unlesshedoesitpurposely？\"
\"Itseemsdifficult；butatalleventsitiscertainthatthehorseisdead，andyoumustpayforit。\"
\"No，sir，notevenifthehorsebelongedtoyou，forthepostillionprecededme。Youknowagreatmanythings；doyouhappentoknowthepostingregulations？Besides，IwasinagreathurrybecauseIhadpromisedaprettywomantobreakfastwithher，andsuchengagements，asyouarewellaware，cannotbebroken。\"
MasterdelaHayelookedangryattherathercausticironywithwhichIhadsprinkledthedialogue；buthewasstillmorevexedwhen，takingsomegoldoutofmypocket，IreturnedtohimthesumhehadlentmeinVienna。Amanneverargueswellexceptwhenhispurseiswellfilled；thenhisspiritsarepitchedinahighkey，unlessheshouldhappentobestupefiedbysomepassionraginginhissoul。
M。deBragadinthoughtIwasquiterighttoshewmyselfattheoperawithoutamask。
ThemomentImademyappearanceinthepiteverybodyseemedquiteastonished，andIwasoverwhelmedwithcompliments，sincereornot。
AfterthefirstballetIwenttothecard—room，andinfourdealsI
wonfivehundredsequins。Starving，andalmostdeadforwantofsleep，Ireturnedtomyfriendstoboastofmyvictory。MyfriendBavoiswasthere，andheseizedtheopportunitytoborrowfrommefiftysequins，whichheneverreturned；true，Ineveraskedhimforthem。
MythoughtsbeingconstantlyabsorbedinmydearC————C————，IspentthewholeofthenextdayinhavingmylikenesspaintedinminiaturebyaskilfulPiedmontese，whohadcomefortheFairofPadua，andwhoinaftertimesmadeagreatdealofmoneyinVenice。WhenhehadcompletedmyportraithepaintedformeabeautifulSt。Catherineofthesamesize，andacleverVenetianjewellermadethering，thebezelofwhichshewedonlythesaintedvirgin；butabluespot，hardlyvisibleonthewhiteenamelwhichsurroundedit，correspondedwiththesecretspringwhichbroughtoutmyportrait，andthechangewasobtainedbypressingonthebluespotwiththepointofapin。
OnthefollowingFriday，aswewererisingfromthedinner—table，aletterwashandedtome。ItwaswithgreatsurprisethatI
recognizedthewritingofP————C————。Heaskedmetopayhimavisitatthe\"StarHotel，\"wherehewouldgivemesomeinterestinginformation。Thinkingthathemighthavesomethingtosayconcerninghissister，Iwenttohimatonce。
IfoundhimwithMadameC————，andaftercongratulatinghimuponhisreleasefromprisonIaskedhimforthenewshehadtocommunicate。
\"Iamcertain，\"hesaid，\"thatmysisterisinaconvent，andIshallbeabletotellyouthenameofitwhenIreturntoVenice。\"
\"Youwillobligeme，\"Ianswered，pretendingnottoknowanything。
Buthisnewshadonlybeenapretexttomakemecometohim，andhiseagernesstocommunicateithadaverydifferentobjectinviewthanthegratificationofmycuriosity。
\"Ihavesold，\"hesaidtome，\"myprivilegedcontractforthreeyearsforasumoffifteenthousandflorins，andthemanwithwhomIhavemadethebargaintookmeoutofprisonbygivingsecurityforme，andadvancedmesixthousandflorinsinfourlettersofexchange。\"
Heshewedmethelettersofexchange，endorsedbyanamewhichIdidnotknow，butwhichhesaidwasaverygoodone，andhecontinued，\"IintendtobuysixthousandflorinsworthofsilkgoodsfromtheloomsofVicenza，andtogiveinpaymenttothemerchantstheselettersofexchange。Iamcertainofsellingthosegoodsrapidlywithaprofitoftenpercent。ComewithustoVicenza；Iwillgiveyousomeofmygoodstotheamountoftwohundredsequins，andthusyouwillfindyourselfcoveredfortheguaranteewhichyouhavebeenkindenoughtogivetothejewellerforthering。Weshallcompletethetransactionwithintwenty—fourhours。\"
Ididnotfeelmuchinclinationforthetrip，butIallowedmyselftobeblindedbythewishtocovertheamountwhichIhadguaranteed，andwhichIhadnodoubtIwouldbecalledupontopaysomedayorother。
\"IfIdonotgowithhim，\"Isaidtomyself\"hewillsellthegoodsatalossoftwenty—fivepercent。，andIshallgetnothing。\"
Ipromisedtoaccompanyhim。HeshewedmeseverallettersofrecommendationforthebesthousesinVicenza，andourdeparturewasfixedforearlythenextmorning。Iwasatthe\"StarHotel\"bydaybreak。Acarriageandfourwasready；thehotel—keepercameupwithhisbill，andP————C————beggedmetopayit。Thebillamountedtofivesequins；fourofwhichhadbeenadvancedincashbythelandlordtopaythedriverwhohadbroughtthemfromFusina。
Isawthatitwasaput—upthing，yetIpaidwithprettygoodgrace，forIguessedthatthescoundrelhadleftVenicewithoutapenny。WereachedVicenzainthreehours，andweputupatthe\"Cappello，\"
whereP————C————orderedagooddinnerbeforeleavingmewiththeladytocalluponthemanufacturers。
Whenthebeautyfoundherselfalonewithme，shebeganbyaddressingfriendlyreproachestome。
\"Ihavelovedyou，\"shesaid，\"foreighteenyears；thefirsttimethatIsawyouwewereinPadua，andwewerethenonlynineyearsold。\"
Icertainlyhadnorecollectionofit。ShewasthedaughteroftheantiquarianfriendofM。Grimani，whohadplacedmeasaboarderwiththeaccursedSclavonianwoman。Icouldnothelpsmiling，forI
recollectedthathermotherhadlovedme。
Shop—boyssoonbegantomaketheirappearance，bringingpiecesofgoods，andthefaceofMadameC————brightenedup。Inlessthantwohourstheroomwasfilledwiththem，andP————C————camebackwithtwomerchants，whomhehadinvitedtodinner。Madamealluredthembyherprettymanners；wedined，andexquisitewinesweredrunkinprofusion。Intheafternoonfreshgoodswerebroughtin；P————C————
madealistofthemwiththeprices；buthewantedmore，andthemerchantspromisedtosendthemthenextday，althoughitwasSunday。
Towardstheeveningseveralcountsarrived，forinVicenzaeverynoblemanisacount。P————C————hadlefthislettersofrecommendationattheirhouses。WehadaCountVelo，aCountSesso，aCountTrento——allveryamiablecompanions。Theyinvitedustoaccompanythemtothecasino，whereMadameC————shonebyhercharmsandhercoquettishmanners。Afterwehadspenttwohoursinthatplace，P————C————invitedallhisnewfriendstosupper，anditwasasceneofgaietyandprofusion。Thewholeaffairannoyedmegreatly，andthereforeIwasnotamiable；theconsequencewasthatnoonespoketome。Irosefrommyseatandwenttobed，leavingthejoyouscompanystillroundthefestiveboard。InthemorningIcamedownstairs，hadmybreakfast，andlookedaboutme。TheroomwassofullofgoodsthatIdidnotseehowP————C————couldpossiblypayforallwithhissixthousandflorins。Hetoldme，however，thathisbusinesswouldbecompletedonthemorrow，andthatwewereinvitedtoaballwhereallthenobilitywouldbepresent。Themerchantswithwhomhehaddealtcametodinewithus，andthedinnerwasremarkableforitsextremeprofusion。
Wewenttotheball；butIsoongotverywearyofit，foreverybodywasspeakingtoMadameC————andtoP————C————，whoneverutteredawordwithanymeaning，butwheneverIopenedmylipspeoplewouldpretendnottohearme。Iinvitedaladytodanceaminuet；sheaccepted，butshelookedconstantlytotherightortotheleft，andseemedtoconsidermeasameredancingmachine。Aquadrillewasformed，butthethingwascontrivedinsuchamannerastoleavemeoutofit，andtheveryladywhohadrefusedmeasapartnerdancedwithanothergentleman。HadIbeeningoodspiritsIshouldcertainlyhaveresentedsuchconduct，butIpreferredtoleavetheball—room。Iwenttobed，unabletounderstandwhythenobilityofVicenzatreatedmeinsuchaway。PerhapstheyneglectedmebecauseIwasnotnamedinthelettersofintroductiongiventoP————C————，butIthoughtthattheymighthaveknownthelawsofcommonpoliteness。Iboretheevilpatiently，however，asweweretoleavethecitythenextday。
OnMonday，theworthypairbeingtired，theysleptuntilnoon，andafterdinnerP————C————wentouttopayforthegoods。
WeweretogoawayearlyontheTuesday，andIinstinctivelylongedforthatmoment。ThecountswhomP————C————hadinvitedweredelightedwithhismistress，andtheycametosupper；butIavoidedmeetingthem。
OntheTuesdaymorningIwasdulyinformedthatbreakfastwasready，butasIdidnotanswerthesummonsquicklyenoughtheservantcameupagain，andtoldmethatmywiferequestedmetomakehaste。
Scarcelyhadtheword\"wife\"escapedhislipsthanIvisitedthecheekofthepoorfellowwithatremendoussmack，andinmyragekickedhimdownstairs，thebottomofwhichhereachedinfoursprings，totheimminentriskofhisneck。MaddenedwithrageI
enteredthebreakfast—room，andaddressingmyselftoP————C————，IaskedhimwhowasthescoundrelwhohadannouncedmeinthehotelasthehusbandofMadameC————。Heansweredthathedidnotknow；
butatthesamemomentthelandlordcameintotheroomwithabigknifeinhishand，andaskedmewhyIhadkickedhisservantdownthestairs。Iquicklydrewapistol，andthreateninghimwithitI
demandedimperativelyfromhimthenameofthepersonwhohadrepresentedmeasthehusbandofthatwoman。
\"CaptainP————C————，\"answeredthelandlord，\"gavethenames，profession，etc。，ofyourparty。\"
AtthisIseizedtheimpudentvillainbythethroat，andpinninghimagainstthewallwithastronghandIwouldhavebrokenhisheadwiththebuttofmypistol，ifthelandlordhadnotpreventedme。Madamehadpretendedtoswoon，forthosewomencanalwayscommandtearsorfaintingfits，andthecowardlyP————C————keptonsaying，\"Itisnottrue，itisnottrue！\"
Thelandlordranouttogetthehotelregister，andheangrilythrustitunderthenoseofthecoward，daringhimtodenyhishavingdictated:CaptainP————C————，withM。andMadameCasanova。Thescoundrelansweredthathiswordshadcertainlynotbeenheardrightly，andtheincensedlandlordslappedthebookinhisfacewithsuchforcethathesenthimrolling，almoststunned，againstthewall。
WhenIsawthatthewretchedpoltroonwasreceivingsuchdegradingtreatmentwithoutrememberingthathehadaswordhangingbyhisside，Ilefttheroom，andaskedthelandlordtoordermeacarriagetotakemetoPadua。
Besidemyselfwithrage，blushingforveryshame，seeingbuttoolatethefaultIhadcommittedbyacceptingthesocietyofascoundrel，I
wentuptomyroom，andhurriedlypackedupmycarpet—bag。IwasjustgoingoutwhenMadameC————presentedherselfbeforeme。
\"Begone，madam，\"Isaidtoher，\"or，inmyrage，Imightforgettherespectduetoyoursex。\"
Shethrewherself，cryingbitterly，onachair，entreatedmetoforgiveher，assuringmethatshewasinnocent，andthatshewasnotpresentwhentheknavehadgiventhenames。Thelandlady，cominginatthatmoment，vouchedforthetruthofherassertion。Myangerbegantoabate，andasIpassednearthewindowIsawthecarriageI
hadorderedwaitingformewithapairofgoodhorses。Icalledforthelandlordinordertopaywhatevermyshareoftheexpensemightcometo，buthetoldmethatasIhadorderednothingmyselfIhadnothingtopay。JustatthatjunctureCountVelocamein。
\"Idaresay，count，\"Isaid，\"thatyoubelievethiswomantobemywife。\"
\"Thatisafactknowntoeverybodyinthecity。\"
\"Damnation！Andyouhavebelievedsuchathing，knowingthatI
occupythisroomalone，andseeingmeleavetheball—roomandthesupper—tableyesterdayalone，leavingherwithyouall！\"
\"Somehusbandsareblessedwithsucheasydispositions！\"
\"IdonotthinkIlooklikeoneofthatspecies，andyouarenotajudgeofmenofhonour，letusgoout，andIundertaketoproveittoyou。\"
Thecountrusheddownthestairsandoutofthehotel。ThemiserableC————waschoking，andIcouldnothelppityingher；forawomanhasinhertearsaweaponwhichthroughmylifeIhaveneverknowntoresist。IconsideredthatifIleftthehotelwithoutpayinganything，peoplemightlaughatmyangerandsupposethatIhadashareintheswindle；Irequestedthelandlordtobringmetheaccount，intendingtopayhalfofit。Hewentforit，butanothersceneawaitedme。MadameC————，bathedintears，fellonherknees，andtoldmethatifIabandonedhershewaslost，forshehadnomoneyandnothingtoleaveassecurityforherhotelbill。
\"What，madam！Haveyounotlettersofexchangetotheamountofsixthousandflorins，orthegoodsboughtwiththem？\"
\"Thegoodsarenolongerhere；theyhaveallbeentakenaway，becausethelettersofexchange，whichyousaw，andwhichweconsideredasgoodascash，onlymadethemerchantslaugh；theyhavesentforeverything。Oh！whocouldhavesupposedit？\"
\"Thescoundrel！Heknewitwellenough，andthatiswhyhewassoanxioustobringmehere。Well，itisrightthatIshouldpaythepenaltyofmyownfolly。\"
Thebillbroughtbythelandlordamountedtofortysequins，averyhighfigureforthreedays；butalargeportionofthatsumwascashadvancedbythelandlord，IimmediatelyfeltthatmyhonourdemandedthatIshouldpaythebillinfull；andIpaidwithoutanyhesitation，takingcaretogetareceiptgiveninthepresenceoftwowitnesses。Ithenmadeapresentoftwosequinstothenephewofthelandlordtoconsolehimforthethrashinghehadreceived，andI
refusedthesamesumtothewretchedC————，whohadsentthelandladytobegitforher。
Thusendedthatunpleasantadventure，whichtaughtmealesson，andalessonwhichIoughtnottohaverequired。Twoorthreeweekslater，IheardthatCountTrentohadgiventhosetwomiserablebeingssomemoneytoenablethemtoleavethecity；asfarasIwasconcerned，I
wouldnothaveanythingtodowiththem。AmonthafterwardsP————
C————wasagainarrestedfordebt，themanwhohadbeensecurityforhimhavingbecomeabankrupt。Hehadtheaudacitytowritealonglettertome，entreatingmetogoandseehim，butIdidnotanswerhim。IwasquiteasinflexibletowardsMadameC————，whomIalwaysrefusedtosee。Shewasreducedtogreatpoverty。
IreturnedtoPadua，whereIstoppedonlylongenoughtotakemyringandtodinewithM。deBragadin，whowentbacktoVeniceafewdaysafterwards。
Themessengerfromtheconventbroughtmealetterveryearlyinthemorning；Idevoureditscontents；itwasveryloving，butgavenonews。InmyanswerIgavemydearC————C————theparticularsoftheinfamoustrickplayeduponmebyhervillainousbrother，andmentionedthering，withthesecretofwhichIacquaintedher。
AccordingtotheinformationIhadreceivedfromC————C————，Iplacedmyself，onemorning，soastoseehermotherenterthechurch，intowhichIfollowedher。Kneelingclosetoher，ItoldherthatIwishedtospeakwithher，andshefollowedmetothecloister。
Ibeganbyspeakingafewconsolingwords；thenItoldherthatI
wouldremainfaithfultoherdaughter，andIaskedherwhethershevisitedher。
\"Iintend，\"shesaid，\"togoandkissmydearchildnextSunday，andIshallofcoursespeakofyouwithher，forIknowwellenoughthatshewillbedelightedtohavenewsofyou；buttomygreatregretI
amnotatlibertytotellyouwheresheis。\"
\"Idonotwishyoutotellme，mygoodmother，butallowmetosendherthisringbyyou。Itisthepictureofherpatroness，andIwishyoutoentreathertowearitalwaysonherfinger；tellhertolookattheimageduringherdailyprayers，forwithoutthatprotectionshecanneverbecomemywife。Tellherthat，onmyside，IaddresseverydayacredotoSt。James。\"
Delightedwiththepietyofmyfeelingsandwiththeprospectofrecommendingthisnewdevotiontoherdaughter，thegoodwomanpromisedtofulfilmycommission。Ilefther，butnotbeforeIhadplacedinherhandtensequinswhichIbeggedhertoforceuponherdaughter’sacceptancetosupplyherselfwiththetriflesshemightrequire。Sheaccepted，butatthesametimesheassuredmethatherfatherhadtakencaretoprovideherwithallnecessaries。
TheletterwhichIreceivedfromC————C————，onthefollowingWednesday，wastheexpressionofthemosttenderaffectionandthemostlivelygratitude。ShesaidthatthemomentshewasalonenothingcouldbemorerapidthanthepointofthepinwhichmadeSt。
Catherinecutasomersault，andpresentedtohereagereyesthebelovedfeaturesofthebeingwhowasthewholeworldtoher。
\"Iamconstantlykissingyou，\"sheadded，\"evenwhensomeofthenunsarelookingatme，forwhenevertheycomenearmeIhaveonlytoletthetoppartoftheringfallbackandmydearpatronesstakescaretoconcealeverything。AllthenunsarehighlypleasedwithmydevotionandwiththeconfidenceIhaveintheprotectionofmyblessedpatroness，whomtheythinkverymuchlikemeintheface。\"
Itwasnothingbutabeautifulfacecreatedbythefancyofthepainter，butmydearlittlewifewassolovelythatbeautywassuretobelikeher。
Shesaid，likewise，thatthenunwhotaughtherFrenchhadofferedherfiftysequinsfortheringonaccountofthelikenessbetweenherandtheportraitofthesaint，butnotoutofvenerationforherpatroness，whomsheturnedintoridiculeasshereadherlife。ShethankedmeforthetensequinsIhadsenther，because，hermotherhavinggiventhemtoherinthepresenceofseveralofthesisters，shewasthusenabledtospendalittlemoneywithoutraisingthesuspicionsofthosecuriousandinquisitivenuns。Shelikedtooffertriflingpresentstotheotherboarders，andthemoneyallowedhertogratifythatinnocenttaste。
\"Mymother，\"addedshe，\"praisedyourpietyveryhighly；sheisdelightedwithyourfeelingsofdevotion。Nevermentionagain，I
beg，thenameofmyunworthybrother。\"
ForfiveorsixweeksherletterswerefulloftheblessedSt。
Catherine，whocausedhertotremblewithfeareverytimeshefoundherselfcompelledtotrusttheringtothemysticcuriosityoftheelderlynuns，who，inordertoseethelikenessbetterthroughtheirspectacles，broughtitclosetotheireyes，andrubbedtheenamel。
\"Iaminconstantfear，\"C————C————wrote，\"oftheirpressingtheinvisiblebluespotbychance。Whatwouldbecomeofme，ifmypatroness，jumpingup，discoveredtotheireyesaface——verydivine，itistrue，butwhichisnotatalllikethatofasaint？Tellme，whatcouldIdoinsuchacase？\"
OnemonthafterthesecondarrestofP————C————，thejeweller，whohadtakenmysecurityforthering，calledonmeforpaymentofthebill。Imadeanarrangementwithhim；andonconditionofmygivinghimtwentysequins，andleavinghimeveryrightoverthedebtor，heexoneratedme。FromhisprisontheimpudentP————C————harassedmewithhiscowardlyentreatiesforalmsandassistance。
CrocewasinVenice，andengrossedagreatshareofthegeneralattention。Hekeptafinehouse，anexcellenttable，andafarobankwithwhichheemptiedthepocketsofhisdupes。Foreseeingwhatwouldhappensoonerorlater，Ihadabstainedfromvisitinghimathishouse，butwewerefriendlywheneverwemet。Hiswifehavingbeendeliveredofaboy，Croceaskedmetostandasgod—father，afavourwhichIthoughtIcouldgrant；butaftertheceremonyandthesupperwhichwastheconsequenceofit，Ineverenteredthehouseofmyformerpartner，andIactedrightly。IwishIhadalwaysbeenasprudentinmyconduct。
CHAPTERXV
CroceIsExpelledFromVenice——Sgombro——HisInfamyandDeath——
MisfortuneWhichBefallsMyDearC。C。——IReceiveAnAnonymousLetter>FromaNun，andAnswerIt——AnAmorousIntrigueMyformerpartnerwas，asIhavesaidbefore，askilfulandexperiencedhandatsecuringthefavoursofFortune；hewasdrivingagoodtradeinVenice，andashewasamiable，andwhatiscalledinsocietyagentleman，hemighthaveheldthatexcellentfootingforalongtime，ifhehadbeensatisfiedwithgambling；fortheStateInquisitorswouldhavetoomuchtoattendtoiftheywishedtocompelfoolstosparetheirfortunes，dupestobeprudent，andcheatsnottodupethefools；but，whetherthroughthefollyofyouthorthroughaviciousdisposition，thecauseofhisexilewasofanextraordinaryanddisgustingnature。
AVenetiannobleman，noblebybirth，butveryignobleinhispropensities，calledSgombro，andbelongingtotheGrittifamily，felldeeplyinlovewithhim，andCroce，eitherforfunorfromtaste，shewedhimselfverycompliant。Unfortunatelythereservecommandedbycommondecencywasnotaguestattheiramorousfeats，andthescandalbecamesonotoriousthattheGovernmentwascompelledtonotifytoCrocetheordertoquitthecity，andtoseekhisfortuneinsomeotherplace。
SometimeafterwardstheinfamousSgombroseducedhisowntwosons，whowerebothveryyoung，and，unfortunatelyforhim，heputtheyoungestinsuchastateastorendernecessaryanapplicationtoasurgeon。Theinfamousdeedbecamepubliclyknown，andthepoorchildconfessedthathehadnothadthecouragetorefuseobediencetohisfather。Suchobediencewas，asamatterofcourse，notconsideredasformingapartofthedutieswhichasonowestohisfather，andtheStateInquisitorssentthedisgustingwretchtothecitadelofCataro，wherehediedafteroneyearofconfinement。
ItiswellknownthattheairofCataroisdeadly，andthattheTribunalsentencestoinhaleitonlysuchcriminalsasarenotjudgedpubliclyforfearofexcitingtoodeeplythegeneralhorrorbythepublicationofthetrial。
ItwastoCatarothattheCouncilofTensent，fifteenyearsago，thecelebratedadvocateCantarini，aVenetiannobleman，whobyhiseloquencehadmadehimselfmasterofthegreatCouncil，andwasonthepointofchangingtheconstitutionoftheState。Hediedthereattheendoftheyear。Asforhisaccomplices，theTribunalthoughtthatitwasenoughtopunishthefourorfiveleaders，andtopretendnottoknowtheothers，whothroughfearofpunishmentreturnedsilentlytotheirallegiance。
ThatSgombro，ofwhomIspokebefore，hadacharmingwifewhoisstillalive，Ibelieve。HernamewasCorneliaGitti；shewasascelebratedbyherwitasbyherbeauty，whichshekeptinspiteofheryears。Havingrecoveredherlibertythroughthedeathofherhusband，sheknewbetterthantomakeherselfasecondtimetheprisoneroftheHymeneangod；shelovedherindependencetoomuch；
butasshelovedpleasuretoo，sheacceptedthehomageoftheloverswhopleasedhertaste。
OneMonday，towardstheendofJuly，myservantwokemeatday—breaktotellmethatLaurawishedtospeaktome。Iforesawsomemisfortune，andorderedtheservanttoshewherinimmediately。
Thesearethecontentsoftheletterwhichshehandedtome:
\"Mydearest，amisfortunehasbefallenmelastevening，anditmakesmeverymiserablebecauseImustkeepitasecretfromeveryoneintheconvent。Iamsufferingfromaveryseverelossofblood，andI
donotknowwhattodo，havingbutverylittlelinen。LauratellsmeIshallrequireagreatdealofitiftheflowofbloodcontinues。I
cantakenooneintomyconfidencebutyou，andIentreatyoutosendmeasmuchlinenasyoucan。YouseethatIhavebeencompelledtomakeaconfidanteofLaura，whoistheonlypersonallowedtoentermyroomatalltimes。IfIshoulddie，mydearhusband，everybodyintheconventwould，ofcourse，knowthecauseofmydeath；butIthinkofyou，andIshudder。Whatwillyoudoinyourgrief？Ah，darlinglove！whatapity！\"
Idressedmyselfhurriedly，plyingLaurawithquestionsallthetime。
Shetoldmeplainlythatitwasamiscarriage，andthatitwasnecessarytoactwithgreatdiscretioninordertosavethereputationofmyyoungfriend；thatafterallsherequirednothingbutplentyoflinen，andthatitwouldbenothing。Commonplacewordsofconsolation，whichdidnotallaythefearfulanxietyunderwhichI
waslabouring。IwentoutwithLaura，calledonaJewfromwhomI
boughtaquantityofsheetsandtwohundrednapkins，and，puttingitallinalargebag，IrepairedwithhertoMuran。OnourwaythereI
wroteinpenciltomysweetheart，tellinghertohaveentireconfidenceinLaura，andassuringherthatIwouldnotleaveMuranuntilalldangerhadpassed。Beforewelanded，Lauratoldmethat，inordernottoberemarked，Ihadbetterconcealmyselfinherhouse。Atanyothertimeitwouldhavebeenshuttingupthewolfinthesheep—fold。Sheleftmeinamiserable—lookingsmallroomonthegroundfloor，andconcealingaboutherselfasmuchlinenasshecouldshehurriedtoherpatient，whomshehadnotseensincethepreviousevening。Iwasinhopesthatshewouldfindheroutofdanger，andI
longedtoseehercomebackwiththatgoodnews。
Shewasabsentaboutonehour，andwhenshereturnedherlooksweresad。Shetoldmethatmypoorfriend，havinglostagreatdealofbloodduringthenight，wasinbedinaveryweakstate，andthatallwecoulddowastopraytoGodforher，because，ifthefloodingoftheblooddidnotstopsoon，shecouldnotpossiblylivetwenty—fourhours。
WhenIsawthelinenwhichshehadconcealedunderherclothestobringitout，Icouldnotdisguisemyhorror，andIthoughtthesightwouldkillme。Ifanciedmyselfinaslaughter—house！Laura，thinkingofconsolingme，toldmethatIcouldrelyuponthesecretbeingwellkept。
\"Ah！whatdoIcare！\"Iexclaimed。\"Providedshelives，letthewholeworldknowthatsheismywife！\"
Atanyothertime，thefoolishnessofpoorLaurawouldhavemademelaugh；butinsuchasadmomentIhadneithertheinclinationnorthecouragetobemerry。
\"Ourdearpatient，\"addedLaura，\"smiledasshewasreadingyourletter，andshesaidthat，withyousonearher，shewascertainnottodie。\"
Thosewordsdidmegood，butamanneedssolittletoconsolehimortosoothehisgrief。
\"Whenthenunsareattheirdinner，\"saidLaura，\"IwillgobacktotheconventwithasmuchlinenasIcanconcealaboutme，andinthemeantimeIamgoingtowashallthis。\"
\"Hasshehadanyvisitors？\"
\"Oh，yes！alltheconvent；butnoonehasanysuspicionofthetruth。\"
\"Butinsuchhotweatherasthisshecanhaveonlyaverylightblanketoverher，andhervisitorsmustremarkthegreatbulkofthenapkins。\"
\"Thereisnofearofthat，becausesheissittingupinherbed。\"
\"Whatdoessheeat？\"
\"Nothing，forshemustnoteat。\"
SoonafterwardsLaurawentout，andIfollowedher。Icalleduponaphysician，whereIwastedmytimeandmymoney，inordertogetfromhimalongprescriptionwhichwasuseless，foritwouldhaveputalltheconventinpossessionofthesecret，or，tospeakmoretruly，hersecretwouldhavebeenknowntothewholeworld，forasecretknowntoanunsoonescapesoutoftheconvent’swalls。Besides，thephysicianoftheconventhimselfwouldmostlikelyhavebetrayeditthroughaspiritofrevenge。
IreturnedsadlytomymiserableholeinLaura’shouse。Halfanhourafterwardsshecametome，cryingbitterly，andsheplacedinmyhandsthisletter，whichwasscarcelylegible:
\"Ihavenotstrengthenoughtowritetoyou，mydarling；Iamgettingweakerandweaker；Iamlosingallmyblood，andIamafraidthereisnoremedy。IabandonmyselftothewillofGod，andIthankHimforhavingsavedmefromdishonour。Donotmakeyourselfunhappy。Myonlyconsolationistoknowthatyouarenearme。Alas！ifIcouldseeyoubutforonemomentIwoulddiehappy。\"
ThesightofadozennapkinsbroughtbyLauramademeshudder，andthegoodwomanimaginedthatsheaffordedmesomeconsolationbytellingmethatasmuchlinencouldbesoakedwithabottleofblood。
Mymindwasnotdisposedtotastesuchconsolation；Iwasindespair，andIaddressedtomyselfthefiercestreproaches，upbraidingmyselfasthecauseofthedeathofthatadorablecreature。Ithrewmyselfonthebed，andremainedthere，almoststunned，formorethansixhours，untilLaura’sreturnfromtheconventwithtwentynapkinsentirelysoaked。Nighthadcomeon，andshecouldnotgobacktoherpatientuntilmorning。Ipassedafearfulnightwithoutfood，withoutsleep，lookinguponmyselfwithhorror，andrefusingallthekindattentionsthatLaura’sdaughterstriedtoshewme。
ItwasbarelydaylightwhenLaurasametoannouncetome，inthesaddesttone，thatmypoorfrienddidnotbleedanymore。Ithoughtshewasdead，andIscreamedloudly，\"Oh！sheisnomore！\"
\"Sheisstillbreathing，sir；butIfearshewillnotoutlivethisday，forsheiswornout。Shecanhardlyopenhereyes，andherpulseisscarcelytobefelt。\"
Aweightwastakenoffme；Iwasinstinctivelycertainthatmydarlingwassaved。
\"Laura，\"Isaid，\"thisisnotbadnews；providedthefloodinghasceasedentirely，allthatisnecessaryistogivehersomelightfood。\"
\"Aphysicianhasbeensentfor。Hewillprescribewhateverisright，buttotellyouthetruthIhavenotmuchhope。\"
\"Onlygivemetheassurancethatsheisstillalive。\"
\"Yes，sheis，Iassureyou；butyouunderstandverywellthatshewillnottellthetruthtothedoctor，andGodknowswhathewillorder。Iwhisperedtohernottotakeanything，andsheunderstoodme。\"
\"Youarethebestofwomen。Yes，ifshedoesnotdiefromweaknessbeforeto—morrow，sheissaved；natureandlovewillhavebeenherdoctors。\"
\"MayGodhearyou！Ishallbebackbytwelve。\"
\"Whynotbefore？\"
\"Becauseherroomwillbefullofpeople。\"
Feelingtheneedofhope，andalmostdeadforwantoffood，Iorderedsomedinner，andpreparedalongletterformybelovedmistress，tobedeliveredtoherwhenshewaswellenoughtoreadit。Theinstantsgiventorepentanceareverysad，andIwastrulyafitsubjectforpity。IlongedtoseeLauraagain，soastohearwhatthedoctorhadsaid。Ihadverygoodcauseforlaughingatallsortsoforacles，yetthroughsomeunaccountableweaknessIlongedforthatofthedoctor；Iwanted，beforeall，tofinditapropitiousone。
Laura’syoungdaughterswaiteduponmeatdinner；Icouldnotmanagetoswallowamouthful，butitamusedmetoseethethreesistersdevourmydinneratthefirstinvitationIgavethem。Theeldestsister，averyfinegirl，neverraisedherlargeeyesoncetowardsme。Thetwoyoungeronesseemedtomedisposedtobeamiable，butifIlookedatthemitwasonlytofeedmydespairandthecruelpangsofrepentance。
AtlastLaura，whomIexpectedanxiously，cameback；shetoldmethatthedearpatientremainedinthesamestateofdebility；thedoctorhadbeengreatlypuzzledbyherextremeweaknessbecausehedidnotknowtowhatcausetoattributeit。Lauraadded，\"Hehasorderedsomerestorativesandasmallquantityoflightbroth；ifshecansleep，heanswersforherlife。Hehaslikewisedesiredhertohavesomeonetowatchheratnight，andsheimmediatelypointedherfingeratme，asifshewishedmetoundertakethatoffice。Now，Ipromiseyounevertoleavehereithernightorday，excepttobringyounews。\"
Ithankedher，assuringherthatIwouldrewardhergenerously。I
heardwithgreatpleasurethathermotherhadpaidheravisit，andthatshehadnosuspicionoftherealstateofthings，forshehadlavishedonherthemosttendercaresses。