Stairs，takingnonoticeofFatherBalbi，whokeptcabling:out\"Tothechurch！tothechurch！\"
Thechurchdoorwasonlyabouttwentypacesfromthestairs，butthechurcheswerenolongersanctuariesinVenice；andnooneevertookrefugeinthem。Themonkknewthis，butfrighthaddeprivedhimofhisfaculties。Hetoldmeafterwardsthatthemotivewhichimpelledhimtogotothechurchwasthevoiceofreligionbiddinghimseekthehornsofthealtar。
\"Whydidn’tyougobyyourself？\"saidI。
\"Ididnot，liketoabandonyou，\"butheshouldratherhavesaid，\"I
didnotliketolosethecomfortofyourcompany。\"
ThesafetyIsoughtwasbeyondthebordersoftheRepublic，andthitherwardIbegantobendmysteps。Alreadythereinspirit，I
mustneedsbethereinbodyalso。Iwentstraighttowardsthechiefdoorofthepalace，andlookingatnoonethatmightbetemptedtolookatmeIgottothecanalandenteredthefirstgondolathatI
cameacross，shoutingtotheboatmanonthepoop，\"IwanttogotoFusina；bequickand，callanothergondolier。\"
Thiswassoondone，andwhilethegondolawasbeinggotoffIsatdownontheseatinthemiddle，andBalbiattheside。Theoddappearanceofthemonk，withoutahatandwithafinecloakonhisshoulders，withmyunseasonableattire，wasenoughtomakepeopletakeusforanastrologerandhisman。
Assoonaswehadpassedthecustom—house，thegondoliersbegantorowwithawillalongtheGiudeccaCanal，bywhichwemustpasstogotoFusinaortoMestre，whichlatterplacewasreallyourdestination。WhenwehadtraversedhalfthelengthofthecanalI
putmyheadout，andsaidtothewatermanonthepoop，\"WhendoyouthinkweshallgettoMestre？\"
\"ButyoutoldmetogotoFusina。\"
\"Youmustbemad；IsaidMestre。\"
TheotherboatmansaidthatIwasmistaken，andthefoolofamonk，inhiscapacityofzealousChristianandfriendoftruth，tookcaretotellmethatIwaswrong。Iwantedtogivehimaheartykickasapunishmentforhisstupidity，butreflectingthatcommonsensecomesnotbywishingforitIburstintoapealoflaughter，andagreedthatImighthavemadeamistake，butthatmyrealintentionwastogotoMestre。Tothattheyanswerednothing，butaminuteafterthemasterboatmansaidhewasreadytotakemetoEnglandifIliked。
\"Bravelyspoken，\"saidI，\"andnowforMestre，ho！\"\"Weshallbethereinthreequartersofanhour，asthewindandtideareinourfavour。\"
WellpleasedIlookedatthecanalbehindus，andthoughtithadneverseemedsofair，especiallyastherewasnotasingleboatcomingourway。Itwasagloriousmorning，theairwasclearandglowingwiththefirstraysofthesun，andmytwoyoungwatermenrowedeasilyandwell；andasIthoughtoverthenightofsorrow，thedangersIhadescaped，theabodewhereIhadbeenfastboundthedaybefore，allthechanceswhichhadbeeninmyfavour，andthelibertyofwhichInowbegantotastethesweets，IwassomovedinmyheartandgratefultomyGodthat，wellnighchokedwithemotion，Iburstintotears。
Mynicecompanionwhohadhithertoonlyspokentobackupthegondoliers，thoughthimselfboundtooffermehisconsolations。HedidnotunderstandwhyIwasweeping，andthetonehetookmademepassfromsweetafflictiontoastrangemirthfulnesswhichmadehimgoastrayoncemore，ashethoughtIhadgotmad。Thepoormonk，asIhavesaid，wasafool，andwhateverwasbadabouthimwastheresultofhisfolly。Ihadbeenunderthesadnecessityofturninghimtoaccount，butthoughwithoutintendingtodosohehadalmostbeenmyruin。ItwasnousetryingtomakehimbelievethatIhadtoldthegondolierstogotoFusinawhilstIintendedtogotoMestre；hesaidIcouldnothavethoughtofthattillIgotontotheGrandCanal。
InduecoursewereachedMestre。Therewerenohorsestoridepost，butIfoundmenwithcoacheswhodidaswell，andIagreedwithoneofthemtotakemetoTrevisainanhourandaquarter。Thehorseswereputininthreeminutes，andwiththeideathatFatherBalbiwasbehindmeIturnedroundtosay\"Getup，\"butliewasnotthere。I
toldanostlertogoandlookforhim，withtheintentionofreprimandinghimsharply，evenifhehadgoneforanecessaryoccasion，forwehadnotimetowaste，noteventhus。Themancamebacksayinghecouldnotfind’him，tomygreatrageandindignation。
Iwastemptedtoabandonhim，butafeelingofhumanityrestrainedme。Imadeenquiriesallround；everybodyhadseenhim，butnotasoulknewwherehewas。IwalkedalongtheHighStreet，andsomeinstinctpromptingmetoputmyheadinatthewindowofacaf？
Isawthewretchedmanstandingatthebardrinkingchocolateandmakinglovetothegirl。Catchingsightofme，hepointedtothegirlandsaid——
\"She’scharming，\"andtheninvitedmetotakeacupofchocolate，sayingthatImustpay，ashehadn’tapenny。Ikeptbackmywrathandanswered，\"Idon’twantany，anddoyoumakehaste！\"andcaughtholdofhisarminsuchsortthatheturnedwhitewithpain。Ipaidthemoneyandwewentout。Itrembledwithanger。Wegotintoourcoach，butwehadscarcelygonetenpacesbeforeIrecognised:aninhabitant，ofMestrenamedBalbiTommasi，agoodsortofman；butreportedtobeoneofthefamiliarsoftheHolyOffice。Heknewme，too，andcomingupcalledout，\"Iamdelightedtoseeyouhere。Isupposeyouhavejustescaped。
Howdidyoudoit？\"
\"Ihavenotescaped，buthavebeensetatliberty。\"
\"No，no，that’snotpossible，asIwasatM。Grimani’syesterdayevening，andIshouldhaveheardofit。\"
Itwillbeeasierforthereadertoimaginemystateofmindthanformetodescribeit。IwasdiscoveredbyamanwhomIbelievedtobeahiredagentoftheGovernment，whoonlyhadtogiveaglancetooneofthesbirriwithwhomMestreswarmedtohavemearrested。Itoldhimtospeaksoftly，andgettingdownIaskedhimtocometooneside。Itookhimbehindahouse，andseeingthattherewasnobodyinsight，aditchinfront，beyondwhichtheopencountryextended，I
graspedmypikeandtookhimbytheneck。Atthis:hegaveastruggle，slippedoutofmyhands，leaptovertheditch，andwithoutturningroundsetofftorunat，fullspeed。Assoonashewassomewayoffheslackenedhiscourse，turnedroundandkissedhishandtome，intokenofwishingmeaprosperousjourney。Andassoon；ashewasoutofmysightIgavethankstoGodthat，thismanbyhisquicknesshad—preservedmefromthecommissionofacrime，forI
wouldhavekilledhim；andhe，asitturnedout，boremenoillwill。
Iwasinaterribleposition。Inopenwarwithallthepowersof—
theRepublic，everythinghadtogivewaytomysafety，whichmademeneglectnomeansofattainingmyends。
Withthegloomofamanwhohaspassedthroughagreatperil，Igaveaglanceofcontempttowardsthemonk，whonowsawtowhatdangerhehadexposedus，andthengotupagainintothecarriage。WereachedTrevisawithoutfurtheradventure，andItoldtheposting—mastertogetmeacarriageandtwohorsesreadybyteno’clock；thoughIhadnointentionofcontinuingmyjourneyalongthehighway，bothbecause。Ilackedmeans；andbecauseIfearedpursuit。Theinn—
keeperaskedme，ifIwouldtakeanybreakfast，ofwhichIstoodingreatneed，forIwasdyingwithhunger，butIdidnotdareto，accepthisoffer，asaquarterofanhour’sdelaymight，provefatal。
Iwasafraidofbeingretaken，andofbeingashamedofitfortherestofmylife；foramanofsenseoughttobeabletosnaphisfingersatfourhundredthousandmenintheopencountry，andifhecannotescapecapturehemustbeafool。
IwentoutbySt。Thomas’sGateasifIwasgoingforashortwalk，andafterwalkingforamileonthehighwayIstruckintothefields，resolvingnottoleavethemaslongasIshouldbewithinthebordersoftheRepublic。TheshortestwaywasbyBassano，butItookthelongerpath，thinkingImightpossiblybeexpectedonthemoredirectroad，whiletheywouldneverthinkofmyleavingtheVenetianterritorybywayofFeltre，whichisthelongestwayofgettingintothestatesubjecttotheBishopofTrent。
AfterwalkingforthreehoursIletmyselfdroptotheground，forI
couldnotmoveastepfurther。Imusteithertakesomefoodordiethere，soItoldthemonktoleavethecloakwithmeandgotoafarmIsaw，theretobuysomethingtoeat。Igavehimthemoney，andhesetoff，tellingmethathethoughtIhadmorecourage。Themiserablemandidnotknowwhatcouragewas，buthewasmorerobustthanmyself，andhehad，doubtless，takeninprovisionsbeforeleavingtheprison。Besideshehadhadsomechocolate；hewasthinandwiry，andamonk，andmentalanxietieswereunknowntohim。
Althoughthehousewasnotaninn，thegoodfarmer’swifesentmeasufficientmealwhichonlycostmethirtyVenetiansous。Aftersatisfyingmyappetite，feelingthatsleepwascreepingonme，Isetoutagainonthetramp，wellbracedup。Infourhours’timeI
stoppedatahamlet，andfoundthatIwastwenty—fourmilesfromTrevisa。Iwasdoneup，myankleswereswollen，andmyshoeswereinholes。Therewasonlyanotherhourofday—lightbeforeus。
StretchingmyselfoutbeneathagroveoftreesImadeFatherBalbisitbyme，anddiscoursedtohiminthemannerfollowing:
\"WemustmakeforBorgodiValsugano，itisthefirsttownbeyondthebordersoftheRepublic。WeshallbeassafethereasifwewereinLondon，andwecantakeoureaseforawhile；buttogettherewemustgocarefullytowork，andthefirstthingwemustdoistoseparate。
YoumustgobyMantelloWoods，andIbythemountains；youbytheeasiestandshortestway，andIbythelongestandmostdifficult；
youwithmoneyandIwithoutapenny。Iwillmakeyouapresentofmycloak，whichyoumustexchangeforagreatcoatandahat，andeverybodywilltakeyouforacountryman，asyouareluckilyratherlikeoneintheface。Taketheseseventeenlivres，whichisallthatremainstomeofthetwosequinsCountAsquingaveme。YouwillreachBorgobythedayafterto—morrow，andIshallbetwenty—fourhourslater。Waitformeinthefirstinnontheleft—handsideofthestreet，andbesureIshallcomeindueseason。Irequireagoodnight’srestinagoodbed；andProvidencewillgetmeonesomewhere，butImustsleepwithoutfearofbeingdisturbed，andinyourcompanythatwouldbeoutofthequestion。Iamcertainthatwearebeingsoughtforonallsides，andthatourdescriptionshavebeensocorrectlygiventhatifwewentintoanyinntogetherweshouldbecertaintobearrested。YouseethestateIamin，andmyurgentnecessityforatenhours’rest。Farewell，then，doyougothatwayandIwilltakethis，andIwillfindsomewherenearherearestforthesoleofmyfoot。\"
\"Ihavebeenexpectingyoutosayasmuch，\"saidFatherBalbi，\"andforanswerIwillremindyouofthepromiseyougavemewhenIletmyselfbepersuadedtobreakintoyourcell。Youpromisedmethatweshouldalwayskeepcompany；andsodon’tflatteryourselfthatI
shallleaveyou，yourfateandminearelinkedtogether。Weshallbeabletogetagoodrefugeforourmoney，wewon’tgototheinns，andnoonewillarrestus。\"
\"Youaredetermined，areyou，nottofollowthegoodadviceIhavegivenyou？\"
\"Iam。\"
\"Weshallseeaboutthat。\"
Irosetomyfeet，thoughwithsomedifficulty，andtakingthemeasureofhisheightImarkeditoutupontheground，thendrawingmypikefrommypocket，Iproceededwiththeutmostcoolnesstoexcavatetheearth，takingnonoticeofthequestionsthemonkaskedme。Afterworking:foraquarterofanhourIsetmyselftogazesadlyuponhim，andItoldhimthatIfeltobligedasaChristiantowarnhimtocommendhissoultoGod，\"sinceIamabouttoburyyouhere，aliveordead；andifyouprovethestronger，youwillburyme。
Youcanescapeifyouwishto，asIshallnotpursueyou。\"
Hemadenoreply，andIbetookmyselftomyworkagain，butIconfessthatIbegantobeafraidofbeing（rushedtoextremitiesbythisbrute，ofwhomIwasdeterminedtoridmyself。
Atlast，whetherconvincedbymyargumentsorafraidOfmypike，hecametowardsme。Notguessing。Whathewasabout，Ipresentedthepointofmypiketowardshim，butIhadnothingtofear。
\"Iwilldowhatyouwant，\"saidhe。
IstraightwaygavehimallthemoneyIhad，andpromisingtorejoinhimatBorgoIbadehimfarewell。AlthoughIhadnotapennyinmypocketandhadtworiverstocrossover，Icongratulatedmyselfonhavinggotridofamanofhischaracter，forbymyselfIfeltconfidentofbeingabletocrosstheboundsoftheRepublic。
CHAPTERXXXI
IFindaLodgingintheHouseoftheChiefoftheSbirri——IPassaGoodNightThereandRecoverMyStrength——IGotoMass——
ADisagreeableMeetingIAmObligedtoTakeSixSequinsbyForce——
OutofDanger——ArrivedatMunich——BalbiISetOutforParis——
MyArrival——AttemptontheLifeofLouisXV
AssoonasIsawFatherBalbifarenoughoffIgotup，andseeingatalittledistanceashepherdkeepinghisflockonthehill—side，I
mademyway—towardshimtoobtainsuchinformationasIneeded。
\"Whatisthenameofthisvillage，myfriend？\"saidI。
\"ValdePiadene，signor，\"heanswered，tomysurprise，forIfoundI
wasmuchfartheronmywaythatIthought。InextaskedhimtheownersoffiveorsixhouseswhichIsawscatteredaround，andthepersonshementionedchancedtobeallknowntome，butwerenotthekindofmenIshouldhavecaredtotroublewithmypresence。Onmyaskinghimthenameofapalacebeforeme，hesaiditbelongedtotheGrimanis，thechiefofwhomwasaStateInquisitor，andthenresidentatthepalace，soIhadtotakecarenottolethimseeme。Finally，anmyenquiringtheownerofaredhouseinthedistance，hetoldme，muchtomysurprise，thatitbelongedtothechiefofthesbirri。
BiddingfarewelltothekindlyshepherdIbegantogodownthehillmechanically，andIamstillpuzzledtoknowwhatinstinctdirectedmystepstowardsthathouse，whichcommonsenseandfearalsoshouldhavemademeshun。Isteeredmycourseforitinastraightline，andIcansaywithtruththatIdidsoquiteunwittingly。Ifitbetruethatwehaveallofusaninvisibleintelligence——abeneficentgeniuswhoguidesourstepsaright——aswasthecasewithSocrates，tothataloneIshouldattributetheirresistibleattractionwhichdrewmetowardsthehousewhereIhadmosttodread。Howeverthatmaybe，itwastheboldeststrokeIhaveplayedinmywholelife。
Ienteredwithaneasyandunconstrainedair，andaskedachildwhowasplayingattopinthecourt—yardwherehisfatherwas。Insteadofreplying，thechildwenttocallhismother，anddirectlyafterwardsappearedaprettywomaninthefamilyway，whopolitelyaskedmemybusinesswithherhusband，apologizingforhisabsence。
\"Iamsorry，\"Isaid，\"tohearthatmygossipisnotin，thoughatthesametimeIamdelightedtomaketheacquaintanceofhischarmingwife。\"
\"Yourgossip？YouwillbeM。Vetturi，then？Myhusbandtoldmethatyouhadkindlypromisedtobethegod—fatherofournextchild。Iamdelightedtoknowyou，butmyhusbandwillbeveryvexedtohavebeenaway:
\"Ihopehewillsoonreturn，asIwantedtoaskhimforanight’slodging。Idarenotgoanywhereinthestateyouseeme。\"
\"Youshallhavethebestbedinthehouse，andIwillgetyouagoodsupper。Myhusbandwhenhecomesbackwillthankyourexcellencefordoingussomuchhonour。Hewentawaywithallhispeopleanhourago，andIdon’texpecthimbackforthreeorfourdays。\"
\"Whyisheawayforsuchalongtime，mydearmadam？\"
\"Youhavenotheard，then，thattwoprisonershaveescapedfromTheLeads？OneisanobleandtheotheraprivateindividualnamedCasanova。MyhusbandhasreceivedaletterfromMesser—Grandeorderinghimtomakeasearchforthem；ifhefindthemhewilltakethembacktoVenice，andifnothewillreturnhere，buthewillbeonthelook—outforthreedaysatleast。\"
\"Iamsorryforthisaccident，mydearmadam，butIshouldnotliketoputyouout，andindeedIshouldbegladtoliedownimmediately。\"
\"Youshalldoso，andmymothershallattendtoyourwants。Butwhatisthematterwithyourknees？\"
\"Ifelldownwhilsthuntingonthemountains，andgavemyselfsomeseverewounds，andammuchweakenedbylossofblood。\"
\"Oh！mypoorgentleman，mypoorgentleman！Butmymotherwillcureyou。\"
Shecalledhermother，andhavingtoldherofmynecessitiesshewentout。Thisprettysbirresshadnotthewitofherprofession，forthestoryIhadtoldhersoundedlikeafairy—tale。Onhorsebackwithwhitesilkstockings！Huntinginsarcenet，withoutcloakandwithoutaman！Herhusbandwouldmakefinegameofherwhenhecameback；
butGodblessherforherkindheartandbenevolentstupidity。HermothertendedmewithallthepolitenessIshouldhavemetwithinthebestfamilies。Theworthywomantreatedmelikeamother，andcalledme\"son\"assheattendedtomywounds。Thenamesoundedpleasantlyinmyears，anddidnolittletowardsmycurebythesentimentsitawokeinmybreast。IfIhadbeenlesstakenupwiththepositionIwasinIshouldhaverepaidhercarewithsomeevidentmarksofthegratitudeIfelt，buttheplaceIwasinandthepartI
wasplayingmadethesituationtooseriousaoneformetothinkofanythingelse。
Thiskindlywoman，afterlookingatmykneesandmythighs，toldmethatImustmakemymindtosufferalittlepain，butImightbesureofbeingcuredbythemorning。AllIhadtodowastobeartheapplicationofmedicatedlinentomywounds，andnottostirtillthenextday。Ipromisedtobearthepainpatiently，andtodoexactlyasshetoldme。
Iwasgivenanexcellentsupper，andIateanddrankwithgoodappetite。Ithengavemyselfuptotreatment，andfellasleepwhilstmynursewasattendingtome。Isupposesheundressedmeasshewouldachild，butIrememberednothingaboutitwhenIwokeup——I
was，infact，totallyunconscious。ThoughIhadmadeagoodsupperI
hadonlydonesotosatisfymycravingforfoodandtoregainmystrength，andsleepcametomewithanirresistibleforce，asmyphysicalexhaustiondidnotleavemethepowerofarguingmyselfoutofit。Itookmysupperatsixo’clockintheevening，andIheardsixstrikingasIawoke。Iseemedtohavebeenenchanted。Rousingmyselfupandgatheringmywitstogether，Ifirsttookoffthelinenbandages，andIwasastonishedtofindmywoundshealedandquitefreefrompain。Ididmyhair，dressedmyselfinlessthanfiveminutes，andfindingthedoorofmyroomopenIwentdownstairs，crossedthecourt，andleftthehousebehindme，withoutappearingtonoticetwoindividualswhowerestandingoutside，andmusthavebeensbirri。ImadehastetolengthenthedistancebetweenmeandtheplacewhereIhadfoundthekindliesthospitality，theutmostpoliteness，themosttendercare，andbestofall，newhealthandstrength，andasIwalkedIcouldnothelpfeelingterrifiedatthedangerIhadbeenin。Ishudderedinvoluntarily；andatthepresentmoment，aftersomanyyears，IstillshudderwhenIthinkoftheperiltowhichIhadsoheedlesslyexposedmyself。IwonderedhowI
managedtogoin，andstillmorehowIcameout；itseemedabsurdthatIshouldnotbefollowed。ForfivehoursItrampedon，keepingtothewoodsandmountains，notmeetingasoulbesidesafewcountryfolk，andturningneithertotherightnorleft。
Itwasnotyetnoon，when，asIwentalongmyway，Istoppedshortatthesoundofabell。Iwasonhighground，andlookinginthedirectionfromwhichthesoundcameIsaw，alittlechurchinthevalley，andmany，peoplegoingtowardsittohearmass。MyheartdesiredtoexpressthankfulnessfortheprotectionofProvidence，and，thoughallnaturewasatempleworthyofitsCreator，customdrewmetothechurch。Whenmenareintrouble，everypassingthoughtseemsaninspiration。ItwasAllSouls’Day。Iwentdownthehill，andcameintothechurch，andsaw，tomyastonishment，M。
MarcAntoineGrimani，thenephewoftheStateInquisitor，withMadameMarieVisani，hiswife。Imademybow；whichwasreturned，andafterIhadheardmassIleftthechurch。M。Grimanifollowedmebyhimself，andwhenhehadgotnearme，calledmebyname，saying，\"Whatareyoudoinghere，Casanova，andwhathasbecomeofyourfriend？\"
\"IhavegivenhimwhatlittlemoneyIhadforhimtoescapebyanotherroad，whilstI，withoutapennyinmypocket，amendeavouringtoreachaplaceofsafetybythisway。Ifyourexcellencewouldkindlygivemesomehelp，itwouldspeedmyjourneyforme。\"
\"Ican’tgiveyouanything，butyouwillfindreclusesonyourwaywhowon’tletyoudieofhunger。ButtellmehowyoucontrivedtopiercetheroofofTheLeads。\"
\"Thestoryisaninterestingone，butitwouldtakeuptoomuchtime，andinthemeanwhilethereclusesmighteatupthefoodwhichistokeepmefromdyingofhunger。\"
WiththissarcasmImadehimaprofoundbow，andwentuponmyway。
Inspiteofmygreatwant，hisrefusalpleasedme，asitmademethinkmyselfabettergentlemanthanthe\"excellence\"whohadreferredmetothecharityofrecluses。IheardatParisafterwardsthatwhenhiswifeheardofitshereproachedhimforhishard—
heartedbehaviour。Therecanbenodoubtthatkindlyandgenerousfeelingsaremoreoftentobefoundintheheartsofwomenthanofmen。
Icontinuedmyjourneytillsunset。WearyandfaintwithhungerI
stoppedatagood—lookinghouse，whichstoodbyitself。Iaskedtospeaktothemaster，andtheportertoldmethathewasnotinashehadgonetoaweddingontheothersideoftheriver，andwouldbeawayfortwodays，butthathehadbiddenhimtowelcomeallhisfriendswhilehewasaway。Providence！luck！chance！whicheveryoulike。
Iwentinandwastreatedtoagoodsupperandagoodbed。IfoundbytheaddressesofsomeletterswhichwerelyingaboutthatIwasbeingentertainedinthehouseofM。Rombenchi——aconsul，ofwhatnationIknownot。Iwrotealettertohimandsealedittoawaithisreturn。Aftermakinganexcellentsupperandhavinghadagoodsleep，Irose，anddressingmyselfcarefullysetoutagainwithoutbeingabletoleavetheporteranymarkofmygratitude，andshortlyafterwardscrossedtheriver，promisingtopaywhenIcameback。
AfterwalkingforfivehoursIdinedinamonasteryofCapuchins，whoareveryusefultopeopleinmyposition。Ithensetoutagain，feelingfreshandstrong，andwalkedalongatagoodpacetillthreeo’clock。IhaltedatahousewhichIfoundfromacountrymanbelongedtoafriendofmine。Iwalkedin，askedifthemasterwasathome，andwasshewnintoaroomwherehewaswritingbyhimself。
Isteppedforwardtogreethim，butassoonashesawmeheseemedhorrifiedandbidmebegoneforthwith，givingmeidleandinsultingreasonsforhisbehaviour。IexplainedtohimhowIwassituated，andaskedhimtoletmehavesixtysequinsonmynoteofhand，drawnonM。deBragadin。Herepliedthathecouldnotsomuchasgivemeaglassofwater，sincehedreadedthewrathoftheTribunalformyverypresenceinhishouse。Hewasastockbroker，aboutsixtyyearsold，andwasundergreatobligationstome。HisinhumanrefusalproducedquiteadifferenteffectonmethanthatofM。Grimani。
Whetherfromrage，indignation，ornature，Itookhimbythecollar，Ishewedhimmypike，andraisingmyvoicethreatenedtokillhim。
Tremblingallover，hetookakeyfromhispocketandshewingmeabureautoldmehekeptmoneythere，andIhadonlytoopenitandtakewhatIwanted；Itoldhimtoopenithimself。Hedidso，andonhisopeningadrawercontaininggold，Itoldhimtocountmeoutsixsequins。
\"Youaskedmeforsixty。\"
\"Yes，thatwaswhenIwasaskingaloanofyouasafriend；butsinceIowethemoneytoforce，Irequiresixonly，andIwillgiveyounonoteofhand。YoushallberepaidatVenice，whereIshallwriteofthepasstowhichyouforcedme，youcowardlywretch！\"
\"Ibegyourpardon！takethesixtysequins，Ientreatyou。\"
\"No，nomore。Iamgoingonmyway，andIadviseyounottohinderme，lestinmydespairIcomebackandburnyourhouseaboutyourears。\"
Iwentoutandwalkedfortwohours，untiltheapproachofnightandwearinessmademestopshortatthehouseofafarmer，whereIhadabadsupperandabedofstraw。Inthemorning，Iboughtanoldovercoat，andhiredanasstojourneyon，andnearFeltreIboughtapairofboots。InthisguiseIpassedthehutcalledtheScala。
Therewasaguardtherewho，muchtomydelight，asthereaderwillguess，didnotevenhonourmebyaskingmyname。Ithentookatwo—
horsecarriageandgottoBorgodeValsuganoingoodtime，andfoundFatherBalbiattheinnIhadtoldhimof。IfhehadnotgreetedmefirstIshouldnothaveknownhim。Agreatovercoat，alowhatoverathickcottoncap，disguisedhimtoadmiration。Hetoldmethatafarmerhadgivenhimthesearticlesinexchangeformycloak，thathehadarrivedwithoutdifficulty，andwasfaringwell。Hewaskindenoughtotellmethathedidnotexpecttoseeme，ashedidnotbelievemypromisetorejoinhimwasmadeingoodfaith。PossiblyI
shouldhavebeenwisenottoundeceivehimonthisaccount。
Ipassedthefollowingdayintheinn，where，withoutgettingoutofmybed，IwrotemorethantwentyletterstoVenice，inmanyofwhichIexplainedwhatIhadbeenobligedtodotogetthesixsequins。
Themonkwroteimpudentletterstohissuperior，FatherBarbarigo，andtohisbrothernobles，andlove—letterstotheservantgirlswhohadbeenhisruin。Itookthelaceoffmydress，andsoldmyhat，andthusgotridofagayappearanceunsuitabletomyposition，asitmademetoomuchanobjectofnotice。
ThenextdayIwenttoPerginaandlaythere，andwasvisitedbyayoungCountd’Alberg，whohaddiscovered，insomewayoranother，thatwehadescapedfromthestate—prisonsofVenice。FromPerginaI
wenttoTrentandfromtheretoBolzan，where，needingmoneyformydress，linen，andthecontinuationofmyjourney，IintroducedmyselftoanoldbankernamedMensch，whogavemeamantosendtoVenicewithalettertoM。deBragadin。InthemeantimetheoldbankerputmeinagoodinnwhereIspentthesixdaysthemessengerwasawayinbed。Hebroughtmethesumofahundredsequins，andmyfirstcarewastoclothemycompanion，andafterwardsmyself。EverydayIfoundthesocietyofthewretchedBalbimoreintolerable。\"Withoutmeyouwouldneverhaveescaped\"wascontinuallyinhismouth，andhekeptremindingmethatIhadpromisedhimhalfofwhatevermoneyIgot。
Hemadelovetoalltheservantgirls，andashehadneitherthefigurenorthemannerstopleasethem，hisattentionswerereturnedwithgoodheartyslaps，whichheborepatiently，butwasasoutrageousaseverinthecourseoftwenty—fourhours。Iwasamused，butatthesametimevexedtobecoupledtoamanofsolowanature。
Wetravelledpost，andinthreedayswegottoMunich，whereIwenttolodgeatthesignofthe\"Stag。\"ThereIfoundtwoyoungVenetiansoftheCantarinifamily，whohadbeentheresometimeincompanywithCountPompei，aVeronese；butnotknowingthem，andhavingnolongeranyneedofdependingonreclusesformydailybread，Ididnotcaretopaymyrespectstothem。ItwasotherwisewithCountessCoronini，whomIknewatSt。Justine’sConventatVenice，andwhostoodverywellwiththeBavarianCourt。
Thisillustriouslady，thenseventyyearsold，gavemeagoodreceptionandpromisedtospeak，onmybehalftotheElector，withaviewtohisgrantingmeanasyluminhiscountry。Thenextday，havingfulfilledherpromise，shetoldmethathishighnesshadnothingtosayagainstme，butasforBalbitherewasnosafetyforhiminBavaria，forasafugitivemonkhemightbeclaimedbythemonksatMunich，andhishighnesshadnowishtomeddlewiththemonks。Thecountessadvisedmethereforetogethimoutofthetownassoonaspossible，forhimtoflytosomeotherquarter，andthustoavoidthebadturnwhichhisbelovedbrethrenthemonkswerecertaintodohim。
Feelingindutyboundtolookaftertheinterestsofthewretchedfellow，IwenttotheElector’sconfessortoaskhimtogiveBalbilettersofintroductiontosometowninSwabia。Theconfessor，aJesuit，didnotgivethelietothefinereputationofhisbrethrenoftheorder；hisreceptionofmewasasdiscourteousasitwellcouldbe。HetoldmeinacarelesswaythatatMunichIwaswellknown。IaskedhimwithoutflinchingifIwastotakethisasapieceofgoodorbadnews；buthemadenoanswer，andleftmestanding。Anotherpriesttoldmethathehadgoneouttoverifythetruthofamiracleofwhichthewholetownwastalking。
\"Whatmiracleisthat，reverendfather？\"Isaid。
\"Theempress，thewidowofCharlesVII，whosebodyisstillexposedtothepublicgaze，haswarmfeet，althoughsheisdead。\"
\"Perhapssomethingkeepsthemwarm。\"
\"Youcanassureyourselfpersonallyofthetruthofthiswonderfulcircumstance。\"
Toneglectsuchanopportunitywouldhavebeentolosethechanceofmirthoredification，andIwasasdesirousoftheoneasoftheother。WishingtobeabletoboastthatIhadseenamiracle——andone，moreover，ofapeculiarinterestformyself，whohavealwayshadthemisfortunetosufferfromcoldfeet——Iwenttoseethemightydead。Itwasquitetruethatherfeetwerewarm，butthematterwascapableofasimpleexplanation，asthefeetofherdefunctmajestywereturnedtowardsaburninglampatalittledistanceoff。A
dancerofmyacquaintance，whomcuriosityhadbroughttherewiththerest，cameuptome，complimentedmeuponmyfortunateescape，andtoldmeeverybodywastalkingaboutit。Hisnewspleasedme，asitisalwaysagoodthingtointerestthepublic。ThissonofTerpsichoreaskedmetodinner，andIwasgladtoaccepthisinvitation。HisnamewasMicheldel’Agata，andhiswifewastheprettyGandela，whomIhadknownsixteenyearsagoattheoldMalipiero’s。TheGandelawasenchantedtoseeme，andtohearfrommyownlipsthestoryofmywondrousescape。Sheinterestedherselfonbehalfofthemonk，andofferedmetogivehimaletterofintroductionforAugsburgCanonBassi，ofBologna，whowasDeanofSt。Maurice’sChapter，andafriendofhers。Itookadvantageoftheoffer，andsheforthwithwrotemetheletter，tellingmethatIneednottroublemyselfanymoreaboutthemonk，asshewassurethatthedeanwouldtakecareofhim，andevenmakeitallrightatVenice。
Delightedatgettingridofhiminsohonourableamanner，Irantotheinn，toldhimwhatIhaddone，gavehimtheletter，andpromisednottoabandonhiminthecaseofthedean’snotgivinghimawarmwelcome。Igothimagoodcarriage，andstartedhimoffthenextdayatdaybreak。Fourdaysafter，Balbiwrotethatthedeanhadreceivedhimwithgreatkindness，thathehadgivenhimaroominthedeanery，thathehaddressedhimasanabbe，thathehadintroducedhimtothePrince—BishopofArmstadt，andthathehadreceivedassurancesofhissafetyfromthecivilmagistrates。Furthermore，thedeanhadpromisedtokeephimtillheobtainedhissecularizationfromRome，andwithitfreedomtoreturntoVenice，forassoonasheceasedtobeamonktheTribunalwouldhavenolienuponhim。FatherBalbifinishedbyaskingmetosendhimafewsequinsforpocket—money，ashewastoomuchofagentlemantoaskthedeanwho，quoththeungratefulfellow，\"isnotgentlemanenoughtooffertogivemeanything。\"Igavehimnoanswer。
AsIwasnowaloneinpeaceandquietness，Ithoughtseriouslyofregainingmyhealth，formysufferingshadgivenmenervousspasmswhichmightbecomedangerous。Iputmyselfondiet，andinthreeweeksIwasperfectlywell。InthemeanwhileMadameRivierecamefromDresdenwithhersonandtwodaughters。ShewasgoingtoParistomarrytheelder。Thesonhadbeendiligent，andwouldhavepassedforayoungmanofculture。Theelderdaughter，whowasgoingtomarryanactor，wasextremelybeautiful，anaccomplished，dancer，andplayedontheclavichordlikeaprofessional，andwasaltogethermostcharmingandgraceful。Thispleasantfamilywasdelightedtoseemeagain，andIthoughtmyselffortunatewhenMadameRiviere，anticipatingmywishes，intimatedtomethatmycompanyasfarasPariswouldgivethemgreatpleasure。Ihadnothingtosayrespectingtheexpensesofthejourney。Ihadtoaccepttheirofferinitsentirety。MydesignwastosettleinParis，andItookthisstrokeoffortuneasanomenofsuccessintheonlytownwheretheblindgoddessfreelydispensesherfavourstothosewholeavethemselvestobeguidedbyher，andknowhowtotakeadvantageofhergifts。And，asthereaderwillseebyandby，Iwasnotmistaken；
butallthegiftsoffortunewereofnoavail，sinceIabusedthemallbymyfolly。FifteenmonthsundertheLeadsshouldhavemademeawareofmyweakpoints，butinpointoffactIneededalittlelongerstaytolearnhowtocuremyselfofmyfailings。
MadameRivierewishedtotakemewithher，butshecouldnotputoffherdeparture，andIrequiredaweek’sdelaytogetmoneyandlettersfromVenice。ShepromisedtowaitaweekinStrassburg，andweagreedthatifpossibleIwouldjoinherthere。SheleftMunichonthe18thofDecember。
TwodaysafterwardsIgotfromVenicethebillofexchangeforwhichIwaswaiting。Imadehastetopaymydebts，andimmediatelyafterwardsIstartedforAugsburg，notsomuchforthesakeofseeingFatherBalbi，asbecauseIwantedtomaketheacquaintanceofthekindlydeanwhohadridmeofhim。IreachedAugsburginsevenhoursafterleavingMunich，andIwentimmediatelytothehouseofthegoodecclesiastic。Hewasnotin，butIfoundBalbiinanabbe’sdress，withhishaircoveredwithwhitepowder，whichsetoffinanewbutnotapleasingmannerthebeautiesofhiscomplexionofaboutthesamecolourasahorsechestnut。Balbiwasunderforty，buthewasdecidedlyugly，havingoneofthosefacesinwhichbaseness，cowardice，impudence，andmaliceareplainlyexpressed，joiningtothisadvantageatoneofvoiceandmannersadmirablycalculatedtorepulseanyoneinclinedtodohimaservice。Ifoundhimcomfortablyhoused，welllookedafter，andwellclad；hehadbooksandalltherequisitesforwriting。Icomplimentedhimuponhissituation，callinghimafortunatefellow，andapplyingthesameepithettomyselfforhavinggainedhimalltheadvantagesheenjoyed，andthehopeofonedaybecomingasecularpriest。Buttheungratefulhound，insteadofthankingme，reproachedmeforhavingcraftilyridmyselfofhim，andaddedthat，asIwasgoingtoParis，Imightaswelltakehimwithme，asthedullnessofAugsburgwasalmostkillinghim。
\"WhatdoyouwantatParis？\"
\"Whatdoyouwantyourself？\"
\"Toputmytalentstoaccount。\"
\"SodoI。\"
\"Well，then，youdon’trequireme，andcanflyonyourownwings。
ThepeoplewhoaretakingmetoPariswouldprobablynotcareformeifIhadyouforacompanion。\"
\"Youpromisednottoabandonme。\"
\"Canamanwholeavesanotherwellprovidedforandanassuredfuturebesaidtoabandonhim？\"
\"Wellprovided！Ihavenotgotapenny。\"
\"Whatdoyouwantwithmoney？Youhaveagoodtable，agoodlodging，clothes，linen，attendance，andsoforth。Andifyouwantpocket—
money，whydon’tyouaskyourbrethrenthemonks？\"
\"Askmonksformoney？Theytakeit，buttheydon’tgiveit。\"
\"Askyourfriends，then。\"
\"Ihavenofriends。\"
\"Youaretobepitied，butthereasonprobablyisthatyouhaveneverbeenafriendtoanyone。Yououghttosaymasses，thatisagoodwayofgettingmoney。\"
\"Iamunknown。\"
\"Youmustwait，then，tillyouareknown，andthenyoucanmakeupforlosttime。\"
\"Yoursuggestionsareidle；youwillsurelygivemeafewsequins。\"
\"Ican’tspareany。\"
\"Waitforthedean。Hewillbebackto—morrow。Youcantalktohimandpersuadehimtolendmesomemoney。YoucantellhimthatIwillpayitback。\"
\"Icannotwait，forIamsettingoutonmyjourneydirectly，andwereheherethismomentIshouldnothavethefacetotellhimtolendyoumoneyafterallhisgeneroustreatmentofyou，andwhenheoranyonecanseethatyouhaveallyouneed。\"
AfterthissharpdialogueIlefthim，andtravellingpostIsetout，displeasedwithmyselfforhavinggivensuchadvantagestoamanwhollyunworthyofthem。IntheMarchfollowingIhadaletterfromthegoodDeanBassi，inwhichhetoldmehowBalbihadrunaway，takingwithhimoneofhisservantgirls，asumofmoney，agoldwatch，andadozensilverspoonsandforks。Hedidnotknowwherehewasgone。
TowardstheendofthesameyearIlearntatParisthatthewretchedmanhadtakenrefugeatCoire，thecapitaloftheGrisons，whereheaskedtobemadeamemberoftheCalvinisticChurch，andtoberecognizedaslawfulhusbandofthewomanwithhim；butinashorttimethecommunitydiscoveredthatthenewconvertwasnogood，andexpelledhimfromthebosomoftheChurchofCalvin。Ourne’er—do—
wellhavingnomoremoney，hiswifelefthim，andhe，notknowingwhattodonext，tookthedesperatestepofgoingtoBressa，atownwithintheVenetianterritory，wherehesoughtthegovernor，tellinghimhisname，thestoryofhisflight，andhisrepentance，beggingthegovernortotakehimunderhisprotectionandtoobtainhispardon。
Thefirsteffectofthepodesta’sprotectionwasthatthepenitentwasimprisoned，andhethenwrotetotheTribunaltoknowwhattodowithhim。TheTribunaltoldhimtosendFatherBalbiinchainstoVenice，andonhisarrivalMesser—GrandegavehimovertotheTribunal，whichputhimoncemoreundertheLeads。HedidnotfindCountAsquinthere，astheTribunal，outofconsiderationforhisgreatage，hadmovedhimtoTheFoursacoupleofmonthsafterourescape。
Fiveorsixyearslater，IheardthattheTribunal，afterkeepingtheunluckymonkfortwoyearsundertheLeads，hadsenthimtohisconvent。There，hissuperiorfearinglesthisflockshouldtakecontagionfromthisscabbysheep，senthimtotheiroriginalmonasterynearFeltre，alonelybuildingonaheight。However，Balbididnotstoptheresixmonths。Havinggotthekeyofthefields，hewenttoRome，andthrewhimselfatthefeetofPopeRezzonico，whoabsolvedhimofhissins，andreleasedhimfromhismonasticvows。
Balbi，nowasecularpriest，returnedtoVenice，wherehelivedadissoluteandwretchedlife。In1783hediedthedeathofDiogenes，minusthewitofthecynic。
AtStrassburgIrejoinedMadameRiviereandherdelightfulfamily，fromwhomIreceivedasincereandheartywelcome。Wewerestayingatthe\"Hoteldel’Esprit，\"andwepassedafewdaystheremostpleasurably，afterwardssettingoutinanexcellenttravellingcarriageforParistheOnly，ParistheUniversal。DuringthejourneyIthoughtmyselfboundtotheexpenseofmakingitapleasantone，asIhadnottoputmyhandinmypocketforotherexpenses。ThecharmsofMdlle。Riviereenchantedme，butIshouldhaveesteemedmyselfwantingingratitudeandrespecttothisworthyfamilyifIhaddartedatherasingleamorousglance，orifIhadlethersuspectmyfeelingsforherbyasingleword。InfactIthoughtmyselfobligedtoplaytheheavyfather，thoughmyagedidnotfitmeforthepart，andIlavishedonthisagreeablefamilyallthecarewhichcanbegiveninreturnforpleasantsociety，aseatinacomfortabletravellingcarriage，anexcellenttable，andagoodbed。
WereachedParisonthe5thofJanuary，1757，andIwenttothehouseofmyfriendBaletti，whoreceivedmewithopenarms，andassuredmethatthoughIhadnotwrittenhehadbeenexpectingme，sincehejudgedthatIwouldstrivetoputthegreatestpossibledistancebetweenmyselfandVenice，andhecouldthinkofnootherretreatformethanParis。Thewholehousekeptholidaywhenmyarrivalbecameknown，andIhavenevermetwithmoresincereregardthaninthatdelightfulfamily。Igreetedwithenthusiasmthefatherandmother，whomIfoundexactlythesameaswhenIhadseenthemlastin1752，butIwasstruckwithastonishmentatthedaughterwhomIhadleftachild，forshewasnowatallandwell—shapedgirl。Mdlle。Balettiwasfifteenyearsold，andhermotherhadbroughtherupwithcare，hadgivenherthebestmasters，virtue，grace，talents，agoodmanner，tact，aknowledgeofsociety—inshort，allthataclevermothercangivetoadeardaughter。
AfterfindingapleasantlodgingneartheBaletti’s，Itookacoachandwenttothe\"HoteldeBourbon\"withtheintentionofcallingonM。deBernis，whowasthenchiefsecretaryforforeignaffairs。I
hadgoodreasonsforrelyingonhisassistance。Hewasout；hehadgonetoVersailles。AtParisonemustgosharplytowork，and，asitisvulgarlybutforciblysaid，\"strikewhiletheiron’shot。\"AsI
wasimpatienttoseewhatkindofareceptionIshouldgetfromtheliberal—mindedloverofmyfairM————M————，IwenttothePont—
Royal，tookahackneycoach，andwenttoVersailles。Againbadluck！
Ourcoachescrossedeachotherontheway，andmyhumbleequipagehadnotcaughthisexcellency’seye。M。deBernishadreturnedtoPariswithCountdeCastillana，theambassadorfromNaples，andI
determinedtoreturnalso；butwhenIgottothegateIsawamobofpeoplerunninghereandthereinthegreatestconfusion，andfromallsidesIheardthecry，\"Thekingisassassinated！Thekingisassassinated！\"
Myfrightenedcoachmanonlythoughtofgettingonhisway，butthecoachwasstopped。Iwasmadetogetoutandtakentotheguard—
room，wheretherewereseveralpeoplealready，andinlessthanthreeminutesthereweretwentyofus，allunderarrest，allastonishedatthesituation，andallasmuchguiltyasIwas。Wesatglumandsilent，lookingateachotherwithoutdaringtospeak。Iknewnotwhattothink，andnotbelievinginenchantmentIbegantothinkI
mustbedreaming。Everyfaceexpressedsurprise，aseveryone，thoughinnocent，wasmoreorlessafraid。
Wewerenotleftinthisdisagreeablepositionforlong，asinfiveminutesanofficercamein，andaftersomepoliteapologiestolduswewerefree。
\"Thekingiswounded，\"hesaid，\"andhehasbeentakentohisroom。
Theassassin，whomnobodyknows，isunderarrest。M。delaMartiniereisbeinglookedforeverywhere。\"
AssoonasIhadgotbacktomycoach，andwasthinkingmyselfluckyforbeingthere，agentlemanly—lookingyoungmancameuptomeandbesoughtmetogivehimaseatinmycoach，andhewouldgladlypayhalfthefare；butinspiteofthelawsofpolitenessIrefusedhisrequest。Imaypossiblyhavebeenwrong。OnanyotheroccasionI
shouldhavebeenmosthappytogivehimaplace，buttherearetimeswhenprudencedoesnotallowonetobepolite。Iwasaboutthreehoursontheway，andinthisshorttimeIwasovertakeneveryminutebyatleasttwohundredcouriersridingatabreakneckpace。Everyminutebroughtanewcourier，andeverycouriershoutedhisnewstothewinds。ThefirsttoldmewhatIalreadyknew；thenIheardthatthekinghadbeenbled，thatthewoundwasnotmortal，andfinally，thatthewoundwastrifling，andthathismajestycouldgototheTrianonifheliked。
Fortifiedwiththisgoodnews，IwenttoSilvia’sandfoundthefamilyattable。ItoldthemIhadjustcomefromVersailles。
\"Thekinghasbeenassassinated。\"
\"Notatall；heisabletogototheTrianon，ortheParc—aux—cerfs，ifhelikes。M。delaMartinierehasbledhim，andfoundhimtobeinnodanger。Theassassinhasbeenarrested，andthewretchedmanwillbeburnt，drawnwithred—hotpincers，andquartered。\"
ThisnewswassoonspreadabroadbySilvia’sservants，andacrowdoftheneighbourscametohearwhatIhadtosay，andIhadtorepeatthesamethingtentimesover。AtthisperiodtheParisiansfanciedthattheylovedtheking。Theycertainlyactedthepartofloyalsubjectstoadmiration。Atthepresentdaytheyaremoreenlightened，andwouldonlylovethesovereignwhosesoledesireisthehappinessofhispeople，andsuchaking——thefirstcitizensofagreatnation——notParisanditssuburbs，butallFrance，willbeeagertoloveandobey。AsforkingslikeLouisXV。，theyhavebecometotallyimpracticable；butifthereareanysuch，howevermuchtheymaybesupportedbyinterestedparties，intheeyesofpublicopiniontheywillbedishonouredanddisgracedbeforetheirbodiesareinagraveandtheirnamesarewritteninthebookofhistory。
CHAPTERXXXII
TheMinisterofForeignAffairsM。deBoulogne，theComptroller——
M。leDucdeChoiseul——M。ParisduVernai——EstablishmentoftheLottery——MyBrother’sArrivalatParis；HisReceptionbytheAcademyOncemore，then，IwasinParis，whichIoughttoregardasmyfatherland，sinceIcouldreturnnomoretothatlandwhichgavemebirth:anunworthycountry，yet，inspiteofall，everdeartome，possiblyonaccountofearlyimpressionsandearlyprejudices，orpossiblybecausethebeautiesofVenicearereallyunmatchedintheworld。ButmightyParisisaplaceofgoodluckorill，asonetakesit，anditwasmyparttocatchthefavouringgale。
Pariswasnotwhollynewtome，asmyreadersknowIhadspenttwoyearsthere，butImustconfessthat，havingthennootheraimthantopassthetimepleasantly，Ihadmerelydevotedmyselftopleasureandenjoyment。Fortune，towhomIhadpaidnocourt，hadnotopenedtomehergoldendoors；butInowfeltthatImusttreathermorereverently，andattachmyselftothethrongofherfavouredsonswhomsheloadswithhergifts。Iunderstoodnowthattheneareronedrawstothesunthemoreonefeelsthewarmthofitsrays。IsawthattoattainmyendIshouldhavetoemployallmymentalandphysicaltalents，thatImustmakefriendsofthegreat，andtakecuefromallwhomIfoundittobemyinteresttoplease。Tofollowtheplanssuggestedbythesethoughts，IsawthatImustavoidwhatiscalledbadcompany，thatImustgiveupmyoldhabitsandpretensions，whichwouldbesuretomakemeenemies，whowouldhavenoscrupleinrepresentingmeasatrifler，andnotfittobetrustedwithaffairsofanyimportance。
IthinkIthoughtwisely，andthereader，Ihope，willbeofthesameopinion。\"Iwillbereserved，\"saidI，\"inwhatIsayandwhatIdo，andthusIshallgetareputationfordiscretionwhichwillbringitsreward。\"
Iwasinnoanxietyonthescoreofpresentneeds，asIcouldreckononamonthlyallowanceofahundredcrowns，whichmyadoptedfather，thegoodandgenerousM。deBragadin，sentme，andIfoundthissumsufficientinthemeanwhile，forwithalittleself—restraintonecanlivecheaplyatParis，andcutagoodfigureatthesametime。Iwasobligedtowearagoodsuitofclothes，andtohaveadecentlodging；
forinalllargetownsthemostimportantthingisoutwardshow，bywhichatthebeginningoneisalwaysjudged。Myanxietywasonlyforthepressingneedsofthemoment，fortospeakthetruthIhadneitherclothesnorlinen——inaword，nothing。
IfmyrelationswiththeFrenchambassadorarerecalled，itwillbefoundnaturalthatmyfirstideawastoaddressmyselftohim，asI
knewhimsufficientlywelltoreckononhisservingme。
Beingperfectlycertainthattheporterwouldtellmethatmylordwasengaged，Itookcaretohavealetter，andinthemorningIwenttothePalaisBourbon。Theportertookmyletter，andIgavehimmyaddressandreturnedhome。
WhereverIwentIhadtotellthestoryofmyescapefromTheLeads。
Thisbecameaservicealmostastiringastheflightitselfhadbeen，asittookmetwohourstotellmytale，withouttheslightestbitoffancy—work；butIhadtobepolitetothecuriousenquirers，andtopretendthatIbelievedthemmovedbythemostaffectionateinterestinmywelfare。Ingeneral，thebestwaytopleaseistotakethebenevolenceofallwithwhomonehasrelationforgranted。
IsuppedatSilvia’s，andastheeveningwasquieterthanthenightbefore，Ihadtimetocongratulatemyselfonallthefriendshiptheyshewedme。Thegirlwas，asIhadsaid，fifteenyearsold，andIwasineverywaycharmedwithher。Icomplimentedthemotheronthegoodresultsofhereducation，andIdidnoteventhinkofguardingmyselffromfallingavictimtohercharms。Ihadtakensolatelysuchwell—foundedandphilosophicalresolutions，andIwasnotyetsufficientlyatmyeasetovaluethepainofbeingtempted。Ileftatanearlyhour，impatienttoseewhatkindofananswertheministerhadsentme。Ihadnotlongtowait，andIreceivedashortletterappointingameetingfortwoo’clockintheafternoon。ItmaybeguessedthatIwaspunctual，andmyreceptionbyhisexcellencewasmostflattering。M。deBernisexpressedhispleasureatseeingmeaftermyfortunateescape，andatbeingabletobeofservicetome。HetoldmethatM————M————hadinformedhimofmyescape，andhehadflatteredhimselfthatthefirstpersonIshouldgoandseeinPariswouldbehimself。HeshewedmethelettersfromM————M————
relatingtomyarrestandescape，butallthedetailsinthelatterwerepurelyimaginaryandhadnofoundationinfact。M————M————wasnottoblame，asshecouldonlywritewhatshehadheard，anditwasnoteasyforanyonebesidesmyselftoknowtherealcircumstancesofmyescape。Thecharmingnunsaidthat，nolongerbuoyedupbythehopeofseeingeitherofthemenwhoalonehadmadeherinlovewithlife，herexistencehadbecomeaburdentoher，andshewasunfortunateinnotbeingabletotakeanycomfortinreligion。\"C———
C————oftencomestoseeme，\"shesaid，\"butIgrievetosaysheisnothappywithherhusband。\"
ItoldM。deBernisthattheaccountofmyflightfromTheLeads，astoldbyourfriend，waswhollyinaccurate，andIwouldthereforetakethelibertyofwritingoutthewholestorywiththeminutestdetails。
Hechallengedmetokeepmyword，assuringmethathewouldsendacopytoM————M————，andatthesametime，withtheutmostcourtesy，heputapacketofahundredLouisinmyhand，tellingmethathewouldthinkwhathecoulddoforme，andwouldadvisemeassoonashehadanycommunicationtomake。
Thusfurnishedwithamplefunds，myfirstcarewasformydress；andthisdoneIwenttowork，andinaweeksentmygenerousprotectortheresult，givinghimpermissiontohaveasmanycopiesprintedasheliked，andtomakeanyusehepleasedofittointerestinmybehalfsuchpersonsasmightbeofservicetome。
Threeweeksafter，theministersummonedmetosaythathehadspokenofmetoM。Erizzo，theVenetianambassador，whohadnothingtosayagainstme，butforfearofembroilinghimselfwiththeStateInquisitorsdeclinedtoreceiveme。Notwantinganythingfromhim——
hisrefusaldidmenoharm。M。deBernisthentoldmethathehadgivenacopyofmyhistorytoMadamelaMarquisedePompadour，andhepromisedtotakethefirstopportunityofpresentingmetothisall—
powerfullady。\"Youcanpresentyourself，mydearCasanova，\"addedhisexcellence，\"totheDucdeChoiseul，andM。deBoulogne，thecomptroller。Youwillbewellreceived，andwithalittlewityououghttobeabletomakegooduseoftheletter。Hehimselfwillgiveyouthecue，andyouwillseethathewholistensobtains。Trytoinventsomeusefulplanfortheroyalexchequer；don’tletitbecomplicatedorchimerical，andifyoudon’twriteitoutattoogreatlengthIwillgiveyoumyopiniononit。\"
Ilefttheministerinapleasedandgratefulmood，butextremelypuzzledtofindawayofincreasingtheroyalrevenue。Iknewnothingoffinance，andafterrackingmybrainsallthatIcouldthinkofwasnewmethodsoftaxation；butallmyplanswereeitherabsurdorcertaintobeunpopular，andIrejectedthemallonconsideration。
AssoonasIfoundoutthatM。deChoiseulwasinParisIcalledonhim。Hereceivedmeinhisdressing—room，wherehewaswritingwhilehisvaletdidhishair。Hestretchedhispolitenesssofarastointerrupthimselfseveraltimestoaskmequestions，butassoonasI
begantoreplyhisgracebegantowriteagain，andIsuspectdidnothearwhatIwassaying；andthoughnowandagainheseemedtobelookingatme，itwasplainthathiseyesandhisthoughtswereoccupiedondifferentobjects。Inspiteofthiswayofreceivingvisitors——orme，atallevents，M。deChoiseulwasamanofwit。
WhenhehadfinishedwritinghesaidinItalianthatM。deBernishadtoldhimofsomecircumstancesofmyescape，andheadded，\"Tellmehowyousucceeded。\"
\"Mylord，itwouldbetoolongastory；itwouldtakemeatleasttwohours，andyourgraceseemsbusy。\"
\"Tellmebrieflyaboutit。\"
\"HowevermuchIspeaktothepoint，Ishalltaketwohours。\"
\"Youcankeepthedetailsforanothertime。\"
\"Thestoryisdevoidofinterestwithoutthedetails\"
\"Well，well，youcantellmethewholestoryinbrief，withoutlosingmuchoftheinterest:\"
\"Verygood；afterthatIcansaynomore。Imusttellyourlordship，then，that，theStateInquisitorsshutmeupundertheLeads；thatafterfifteenmonthsandfivedaysofimprisonmentIsucceededinpiercingtheroof；thataftermanydifficultiesIreachedthechancerybyawindow，andbrokeopenthedoor；afterwardsIgottoSt。Mark’sPlace，whence，takingagondolawhichboremetothemainland，IarrivedatParis，andhavehadthehonourtopaymydutytoyourlordship。\"
\"But……whatareTheLeads？\"
\"Mylord，Ishouldtakeaquarterofanhour，atleast，toexplain。\"
\"Howdidyoupiercetheroof？\"
\"Icouldnottellyourlordshipinlessthanhalfanhour:\"
\"Whywereyoushutup？\"
\"Itwouldbealongtale，mylord。\"
\"Ithinkyouareright。Theinterestofthestorylieschieflyinthedetails。\"
\"Itookthelibertyofsayingasmuchtoyourgrace。\"
\"Well，ImustgotoVersailles，butIshallbedelightedifyouwillcomeandseemesometimes。Inthemeanwhile，M。Casanova，thinkwhatIcandoforyou。\"
IhadbeenalmostoffendedatthewayinwhichM。deChoiseulhadreceivedme，andIwasinclinedtoresentit；buttheendofourconversation，andaboveallthekindlytoneofhislastwords，quietedme，andIlefthim，ifnotsatisfied，atleastwithoutbitternessinmyheart。
>FromhimIwenttoM。deBoulogne’s，andfoundhimamanofquiteadifferentstamptotheduke——inmanners，dress，andappearance。Hereceivedmewithgreatpoliteness，andbeganbycomplimentingmeonthehighplaceIenjoyedintheopinionofM。deBernis，andonmyskillinmattersoffinance。
Ifeltthatnocomplimenthadbeensoilldeserved，andIcouldhardlyhelpburstingintolaughter。Mygoodangel，however，mademekeepmycountenance。
M。deBoulognehadanoldmanwithhim，everyfeatureboretheimprintofgenius，andwhoinspiredmewithrespect。
\"Givemeyourviews；\"saidthecomptroller，\"eitheronpaperor’vivavoce’。Youwillfindmewillingtolearnandreadytograspyourideas。HereisM。ParisduVernai，whowantstwentymillionsforhismilitaryschool；andhewishestogetthissumwithoutachargeonthestateoremptyingthetreasury。\"
\"ItisGodalone，sir，whohasthecreativepower。\"
\"Iamnotagod，\"saidM。duVernai，\"butforallthatIhavenowandthencreatedbutthetimeshavechanged。\"
\"Everything，\"Isaid，\"ismoredifficultthanitusedtobe；butinspiteofdifficultiesIhaveaplanwhichwouldgivethekingtheinterestofahundredmillions。\"
\"WhatexpensewouldtherebetotheCrown？\"
\"Merelythecostofreceiving。\"
\"Thenation，then，wouldfurnishthesuminquestion？\"
\"Undoubtedly，butvoluntarily。\"
\"Iknowwhatyouarethinkingof。\"
\"Youastonishme，sir，asIhavetoldnobodyofmyplan。\"
\"Ifyouhavenootherengagement，domethehonourofdiningwithmeto—morrow，andIwilltellyouwhatyourprojectis。Itisagoodone，butsurrounded，Ibelieve，withinsuperabledifficulties。
Nevertheless，wewilltalkitoverandseewhatcanbedone。Willyoucome？\"
\"Iwilldomyselfthathonour。\"
\"Verygood，IwillexpectyouatPlaisance。\"
Afterhehadgone，M。deBoulognepraisedhistalentsandhonesty。
HewasthebrotherofM。deMontmartel，whomsecrethistorymakesthefatherofMadamedePompadour，forhewastheloverofMadamePoissonatthesametimeasM。leNormand。
Ileftthecomptroller’sandwenttowalkintheTuileries，thinkingoverthestrangestrokeofluckwhichhadhappenedtome。Ihadbeentoldthattwentymillionswerewanted，andIhadboastedofbeingabletogetahundred，withouttheslightestideaofhowitwastobedone；andonthatawell—knownmanexperiencedinthepublicbusinesshadaskedmetodinnertoconvincemethatheknewwhatmyschemewas。Therewassomethingoddandcomicaboutthewholeaffair；butthatcorrespondedverywellwithmymodesofthoughtandaction。\"Ifhethinksheisgoingtopumpme，\"saidI，\"hewillfindhimselfmistaken。Whenhetellsmewhattheplanis，itwillrestwithmetosayhehasguesseditorheiswrongastheinspirationofthemomentsuggests。IfthequestionlieswithinmycomprehensionImay，perhaps，beabletosuggestsomethingnew；andifIunderstandnothingIwillwrapmyselfupinamysterioussilence，whichsometimesproducesagoodeffect。Atallevents，IwillnotrepulseFortunewhensheappearstobefavourabletome。\"
M。deBernishadonlytoldM。deBoulognethatIwasafinanciertogetmeahearing，asotherwisehemighthavedeclinedtoseeme。I
wassorrynottobemaster，atleast，ofthejargonofthebusiness，asinthatwaymenhavegotoutofasimilardifficulty，andbyknowingthetechnicalterms，andnothingmore，havemadetheirmark。
Nomatter，Iwasboundtotheengagement。Imustputagoodfaceonabadgame，andifnecessarypaywiththecurrencyofassurance。ThenextmorningItookacarriage，andinapensivemoodItoldthecoachmantotakemetoM。duVernai’s，atPlaisance——aplacealittlebeyondVincennes。
Iwassetdownatthedoorofthefamousmanwho，fortyyearsago，hadrescuedFranceonthebrinkoftheprecipicedownwhichLawhadalmostprecipitatedher。Iwentinandsawagreatfireburningonthehearth，whichwassurroundedbysevenoreightpersons，towhomI
wasintroducedasafriendoftheministerforforeignaffairsandofthecomptroller；afterwardsheintroducedthesegentlementome，givingtoeachhispropertitle，andInotedthatfourofthemweretreasuryofficials。Aftermakingmybowtoeach，IgavemyselfovertotheworshipofHarpocrates，andwithouttoogreatanairoflisteningwasallearsandeyes。
TheconversationatfirstwasofnospecialinterestastheyweretalkingoftheSeinebeingfrozenover，theicebeingafootthick。
ThencametherecentdeathofM。deFontenelle，thenthecaseofDamien，whowouldconfessnothing，andofthefivemillionshistrialwouldcosttheCrown。ThencomingtowartheypraisedM。deSoubise，whohadbeenchosenbythekingtocommandthearmy。Hencethetransitionwaseasytotheexpensesofthewar，andhowtheyweretobedefrayed。
Ilistenedandwasweary，foralltheysaidwassofulloftechnicalitiesthatIcouldnotfollowthemeaning；andifsilencecaneverbeimposing，mydeterminedsilenceofanhourandahalf’sdurationoughttohavemademeseemaveryimportantpersonageintheeyesofthesegentlemen。Atlast，justasIwasbeginningtoyawn，dinnerwasannounced，andIwasanotherhourandahalfwithoutopeningmymouth，excepttodohonourtoanexcellentrepast。
Directlythedesserthadbeenserved，M。duVernaiaskedmetofollowhimintoaneighbouringapartment，andtoleavetheotherguestsatthetable。Ifollowedhim，andwecrossedahallwherewefoundamanofgoodaspect，aboutfiftyyearsold，whofollowedusintoaclosetandwasintroducedtomebyM。duVernaiunderthenameofCalsabigi。Directlyafter，twosuperintendentsofthetreasurycamein，andM。duVernaismilinglygavemeafoliobook，saying，\"That，Ithink，M。Casanova，isyourplan。\"
Itookthebookandread，Lotteryconsistingofninetytickets，tobedrawneverymonth，onlyoneineighteentobeawinningnumber。I
gavehimbackthebookandsaid，withtheutmostcalmness，\"Iconfess，sir，thatisexactlymyidea。\"
\"Youhavebeenanticipated，then；theprojectisbyM。deCalsabigihere。\"
\"Iamdelighted，notatbeinganticipated，buttofindthatwethinkalike；butmayIaskyouwhyyouhavenotcarriedouttheplan？\"
\"Severalveryplausiblereasonshavebeengivenagainstit，whichhavehadnodecisiveanswers。\"
\"Icanonlyconceiveonereasonagainstit，\"saidI，coolly；\"perhapsthekingwouldnotallowhissubjectstogamble。\"
\"Nevermindthat，thekingwilllethissubjectsgambleasmuchastheylike:thequestionis，willtheygamble？\"
\"Iwonderhowanyonecanhaveanydoubtonthatscore，asthewinnersarecertainofbeingpaid。\"
\"Letusgrant，then，thattheywillgamble:howisthemoneytobefound？\"
\"Howisthemoneytobefound？Thesimplestthingintheworld。Allyouwantisadecreeincouncilauthorizingyoutodrawonthetreasury。AllIwantisforthenationtobelievethatthekingcanaffordtopayahundredmillions。\"
\"Ahundredmillions！\"
\"Yes，ahundredmillions，sir。Wemustdazzlepeople。\"
\"ButifFranceistobelievethattheCrowncanaffordtopayahundredmillions，itmustbelievethattheCrowncanaffordtoloseahundredmillions，andwhoisgoingtobelievethat？Doyou？\"
\"TobesureIdo，fortheCrown，beforeitcouldloseahundredmillions，wouldhavereceivedatleastahundredandfiftymillions，andsothereneedbenoanxietyonthatscore。\"