\"Iconfideinyouentirely，butforgoodness’sakesaynomoreonacircumstancewhichwoundsmysenseofmodesty。YousaidthatI
offeredyoumarriagebecauseyoutooklibertieswithme？\"
\"WasIwrong？\"
\"Yes，partly，atallevents；andyououghttoknowthatifIhadnotgoodreasonsIshouldhavedoneaveryfoolishthinginofferingtomarryyou，butImayaswelltellyouthat，libertiesornoliberties，Ishouldalwayshavelikedyoubetterthananyone。\"
Iwasbesidemyselfwithjoy，andseizingherhandIcovereditwithtenderandrespectfulkisses；andIfeelcertainthatifanotaryandpriesthadbeenthenandthereavailable，Ishouldhavemarriedherwithoutthesmallesthesitation。
Fullofeachother，likealllovers，wepaidnoattentiontothehorribleracketthatwasgoingonattheotherendoftheroom。AtlastIthoughtitmydutytoseewhatwashappening，andleavingmyintendedIrejoinedthecompanytoquietTiretta。
Isawonthetableacasket，itslidopen，andfullofallsortsofjewels；closebyweretwomenwhoweredisputingwithTiretta，whoheldabookinonehand。Isawatoncethattheyweretalkingaboutalottery，butwhyweretheydisputing？Tirettatoldmetheywereapairofknaveswhohadwonthirtyorfortylouisofhimbymeansofthebook，whichhehandedtome。
\"Sir，\"saidoneofthegamesters，\"thisbooktreatsofalotteryinwhichallthecalculationsaremadeinthefairestmannerpossible。
Itcontainstwelvehundredleaves，twohundredbeingwinningleaves，whiletherestareblanks。Anyonewhowantstoplayhasonlytopayacrown，andthentoputapin’spointatrandombetweentwoleavesoftheclosedbook。Thebookisthenopenedattheplacewherethepinis，andiftheleafisblanktheplayerloses；butif，ontheotherhand，theleafbearsanumber，heisgiventhecorrespondingticket，andanarticleofthevalueindicatedontheticketisthenhandedtohim。Pleasetoobserve，sir，thatthelowestprizeistwelvefrancs，andtherearesomenumbersworthasmuchassixhundredfrancs，andevenonetothevalueoftwelvehundred。Wehavebeenplayingforanhour，andhavelostseveralcostlyarticles，andmadam，\"pointingtomysweetheart’saunt，\"haswonaringworthsixlouis，butasshepreferredcash，shecontinuedplayingandlostthemoneyshehadgained。\"
\"Yes，\"saidtheaunt，\"andthesegentlemenhavewoneverybody’smoneywiththeiraccursedgame；whichprovesitisallamerecheat。\"
\"Itprovestheyarerogues，\"saidTiretta。
\"Butgentlemen，\"answeredoneofthem，\"inthatcasethereceiversoftheGovernmentlotteryareroguestoo\"；whereonTirettagavehimaboxontheear。Ithrewmyselfbetweenthetwocombatants，andtoldthemnottospeakaword。
\"Alllotteries，\"saidI，\"areadvantageoustotheholders，butthekingisattheheadoftheGovernmentlottery，andIamtheprincipalreceiver，inwhichcharacterIshallproceedtoconfiscatethiscasket，andgiveyouthechoiceofthefollowingalternatives:Youcan，ifyoulike，returntothepersonspresentthemoneyyouhaveunlawfullywonfromthem，whereuponIwillletyougowithyourbox。
Ifyourefusetodoso，Ishallsendforapoliceman，whowilltakeyoutoprison，andto—morrowyouwillbetriedbyM。Berier，towhomIshalltakethisbookinthemorning。Weshallsoonseewhetherweareroguesaswellasthey。\"
Seeingthattheyhadtodowithamanofdetermination，andthatresistancewouldonlyresultintheirlosingall，theyresolvedwithasgoodagraceastheycouldmustertoreturnalltheirwinnings，andforallIknowdoublethesum，fortheywereforcedtoreturnfortylouis，thoughtheysworetheyhadonlywontwenty。Thecompanywastooselectformetoventuretodecidebetweenthem。InpointoffactIwasratherinclinedtobelievetherascals，butIwasangrywiththem，andIwantedthemtopayagoodpriceforhavingmadeacomparison，quiterightinthemain，butodioustomeintheextreme。
Thesamereason，doubtless，preventedmefromgivingthembacktheirbook，whichIhadnoearthlyrighttokeep，andwhichtheyaskedmeinvaintoreturntothem。Myfirmnessandmythreats，andperhapsalsothefearofthepolice，madethemthinkthemselvesluckytogetoffwiththeirjewel—box。Assoonastheyweregonetheladies，likethekindlycreaturestheywere，begantopitythem。\"Youmighthavegiventhembacktheirbook，\"theysaidtome。
\"Andyou，ladies，mighthaveletthemkeeptheirmoney。\"
\"Buttheycheatedusofit。\"
\"Didthey？Well，theircheatingwasdonewiththebook，andIhavedonethemakindnessbytakingitfromthem。\"
Theyfelttheforceofmyremarks，andtheconversationtookanotherturn。
Earlynextmorningthetwogamesterspaidmeavisitbringingwiththemasabribeabeautifulcasketcontainingtwenty—fourlovelypiecesofDresdenchina。Ifoundthisargumentirresistible，andI
feltobligedtoreturnthemthebook，threateningthematthesametimewithimprisonmentiftheydaredtocarryontheirbusinessinParisforthefuture。Theypromisedmetoabstainfromdoingso——nodoubtwithamentalreservation，butIcarednothingaboutthat。
IresolvedtoofferthisbeautifulgifttoMdlle。delaMeure，andI
tookittoherthesameday。Ihadaheartywelcome，andtheauntloadedmewiththanks。
OnMarchthe28th，thedayofDamien’smartyrdom，Iwenttofetchtheladiesingoodtime；andasthecarriagewouldscarcelyholdusall，noobjectionwasmadetomytakingmysweetheartonmyknee，andinthisorderwereachedthePlacedeGreve。Thethreeladiespackingthemselvestogetherastightlyaspossibletookuptheirpositionsatthewindow，leaningforwardontheirelbows，soastopreventusseeingfrombehind。Thewindowhadtwostepstoit，andtheystoodonthesecond；andinordertoseewehadtostandonthesamestep，forifwehadstoodonthefirstweshouldnothavebeenabletoseeovertheirheads。Ihavemyreasonsforgivingtheseminutiae，asotherwisethereaderwouldhavesomedifficultyinguessingatthedetailswhichIamobligedtopassoverinsilence。
Wehadthecouragetowatchthedreadfulsightforfourhours。ThecircumstancesofDamien’sexecutionaretoowellknowntorenderitnecessaryformetospeakofthem；indeed，theaccountwouldbetoolongaone，andinmyopinionsuchhorrorsareanoffencetoourcommonhumanity。
Damienwasafanatic，who，withtheideaofdoingagoodworkandobtainingaheavenlyreward，hadtriedtoassassinateLouisXV。；andthoughtheattemptwasafailure，andheonlygavethekingaslightwound，hewastorntopiecesasifhiscrimehadbeenconsummated。
WhilethisvictimoftheJesuitswasbeingexecuted，IwasseveraltimesobligedtoturnawaymyfaceandtostopmyearsasIheardhispiercingshrieks，halfofhisbodyhavingbeentornfromhim，buttheLambertiniandthefatauntdidnotbudgeaninch。Wasitbecausetheirheartswerehardened？Theytoldme，andIpretendedtobelievethem，thattheirhorroratthewretch’swickednesspreventedThemfeelingthatcompassionwhichhisunheard—oftormentsshouldhaveexcited。ThefactwasthatTirettakeptthepiousauntcuriouslyengagedduringthewholetimeoftheexecution，andthis，perhaps，waswhatpreventedthevirtuousladyfrommovingoreventurningherheadround。
Findinghimselfbehindher，hehadtakentheprecautiontoliftupherdresstoavoidtreadingonit。That，nodoubt，wasaccordingtotherule；butsoonafter，ongivinganinvoluntaryglanceintheirdirection，IfoundthatTirettahadcarriedhisprecautionsratherfar，and，notwishingtointerruptmyfriendortomaketheladyfeelawkward，Iturnedmyheadandstoodinsuchawaythatmysweetheartcouldseenothingofwhatwasgoingon；thisputthegoodladyatherease。FortwohoursafterIheardacontinuousrustling，andrelishingthejokeIkeptquietthewholetime。IadmiredTiretta’sheartyappetitestillmorethanhiscourage，butwhatpleasedmemostwasthetouchingresignationwithwhichthepiousauntboreitall。
AttheendofthislongsessionIsawMadameturnround，anddoingthesameIfixedmygazeonTiretta，andfoundhimlookingasfreshandcoolasifnothinghadhappened，buttheauntseemedtometohavearatherpensiveappearance。ShehadbeenunderthefatalnecessityofkeepingquietandlettingTirettadowhathelikedforfearoftheLambertini’sjests，andlestherniecemightbescandalizedbytherevelationofmysteriesofwhichshewassupposedtoknownothing。
Wesetout，andhavingdroppedthePope’snieceatherdoor，IbeggedhertolendmeTirettaforafewhours，andIthentookMadametoherhouseintheRueSt。Andre—des—Arts。Sheaskedmetocomeandseeherthefollowingdayasshehadsomethingtotellme，andIremarkedthatshetooknonoticeofmyfriendassheleftus。Wewenttothe\"HoteldeRussie，\"wheretheygaveyouanexcellentdinnerforsixfrancsahead，andIthoughtmymadfriendstoodinneedofrecruitinghisstrength。
\"WhatwereyoudoingbehindMadame——？\"saidI。
\"Iamsureyousawnothing，oranybodyelseeither。\"
\"No，becausewhenIsawthebeginningofyourmanoeuvres，andguessedwhatwascoming，IstoodinsuchawaythatneithertheLambertiniortheprettyniececouldseeyou。Icanguesswhatyourgoalwas，andImustsayIadmireyourheartyappetite。Butyourwretchedvictimappearstoberatherangry。\"
\"Oh！mydearfellow，that’salltheaffectationofanoldmaid。Shemaypretendtobeputout，butasshekeptquietthewholetimeIamcertainshewouldbegladtobeginalloveragain。\"
\"Ithinkso，too，inherheartofhearts；butherpridemightsuggestthatyouhadbeenlackinginrespect，andthesuggestionwouldbebynomeansgroundless。\"
\"Respect，yousay；butmustonenotalwaysbelackinginrespecttowomenwhenonewantstocometothepoint？\"
\"Quiteso，butthere’sadistinctionbetweenwhatloversmaydowhentheyaretogether，andwhatisproperinthepresenceofamixedcompany。\"
\"Yes，butIsnatchedfourdistinctfavoursfromher，withouttheleastopposition；hadInotthereforegoodreasonsfortakingherconsentforgranted？\"
\"Youreasonwell，butyouseesheisoutofhumourwithyou。Shewantstospeaktometo—morrow，andIhavenodoubtthatyouwillbethesubjectofourconversation。\"
\"Possibly，butstillIshouldthinkshewouldnotspeaktoyouofthecomicpieceofbusiness；itwouldbeverysillyofher。\"
\"Whyso？Youdon’tknowthesepiouswomen。TheyarebroughtupbyJesuits，whooftengivethemsomegoodlessonsonthesubject，andtheyaredelightedtoconfesstoathirdparty；andtheseconfessionswithaseasoningoftearsgivesthemintheirowneyesquiteahaloofsaintliness。\"
\"Well，lethertellyouifshelikes。Weshallseewhatcomesofit。\"
\"Possiblyshemaydemandsatisfaction；inwhichcaseIshallbegladtodomybestforher。\"
\"Youmakemelaugh！Ican’timaginewhatsortofsatisfactionshecouldclaim，unlessshewantstopunishmebythe’Lextalionis’，whichwouldbehardlypracticablewithoutarepetitionoftheoriginaloffence。Ifshehadnotlikedthegame，allshehadtodowastogivemeapushwhichwouldhavesentmebackwards。\"
\"Yes，butthatwouldhaveletusknowwhatyouhadbeentryingtodo。\"
\"Well，ifitcomestothat，theslightestmovementwouldhaverenderedthewholeprocessnullandvoid；butasitwasshestoodintheproperpositionasquietasalamb；nothingcouldbeeasier。\"
\"It’sanamusingbusinessaltogether。ButdidyounoticethattheLambertiniwasangrywithyou，too？She，perhaps，sawwhatyouweredoing，andfelthurt。\"
\"Oh！shehasgotanothercauseofcomplaintagainstme。Wehavefallenout，andIamleavingherthisevening。\"
\"Really？\"
\"Yes，Iwilltellyouallaboutit。Yesterdayevening，ayoungfellowintheInlandRevenuewhohadbeenseducedtosupwithusbyahussyofGenoa，afterlosingfortylouis，threw，thecardsinthefaceofmylandladyandcalledherathief。OntheimpulseofthemomentItookacandleandputitoutonhisface。Imighthavedestroyedoneofhiseyes，butIfortunatelyhithimonthecheek。
Heimmediatelyranforhissword，minewasready，andiftheGenoesehadnotthrownherselfbetweenusmurdermighthavebeencommitted。
Whenthepoorwretchsawhischeekintheglass，hebecamesofuriousthatnothingshortofthereturnofallhismoneywouldappeasehim。
Theygaveithimback，inspiteofmyadvice，forindoingsotheyadmitted，tacitlyatallevents，thatithadbeenwonbycheating。
ThiscausedasharpdisputebetweentheLambertiniandmyselfafterhehadgone。Shesaidweshouldhavekeptthefortylouis，andnothingwouldhavehappenedexceptformyinterference，thatitwasherandnotmewhomtheyoungmanhadinsulted。TheGenoeseaddedthatifwehadkeptcoolweshouldhavehadthepluckingofhim，butthatGodaloneknewwhathewoulddonowwiththemarkoftheburnonhisface。Tiredofthetalkoftheseinfamouswomen，Iwasabouttoleavethem，butmylandladybegantoridethehighhorse，andwentsofarastocallmeabeggar。
\"IfM。leNoirhadnotcomeinjustthen，shewouldhavehadabadtimeofit，asmystickwasalreadyinmyhand。Assoonastheysawhimtheytoldmetoholdmytongue，butmybloodwasup；andturningtowardstheworthymanItoldhimthathismistresshadcalledmeabeggar，thatshewasacommonprostitute，thatIwasnothercousin，norinanywayrelatedtoher，andthatIshouldleaveherthatveryday。AssoonasIhadcometotheendofthisshortandswiftdiscourse，Iwentoutandshutmyselfupinmyroom。InthecourseofthenexttwohoursIshallgoandfetchmylinen，andIhopetobreakfastwithyouto—morrow。\"
Tirettadidwell。Hisheartwasintherightplace，andhewaswisenottoallowthefoolishimpulsesofyouthtoplungehiminthesinkofcorruption。Aslongasamanhasnotcommittedadishonourableaction，aslongashisheartissound，thoughhisheadmaygoastray，thepathofdutyisstillopentohim。Ishouldsaythesameofwomenifprejudicewerenotsostrongintheircase，andiftheywerenotmuchmoreundertheinfluenceoftheheartthanthehead。
AfteragooddinnerwasheddownbysomedeliciousSilleryweparted，andIspenttheeveninginwriting。NextmorningIdidsomebusiness，andatnoonwenttoseethedistresseddevotee，whomI
foundathomewithhercharmingniece。Wetalkedafewminutesabouttheweather，andshethentoldmysweethearttoleaveusasshewantedtospeaktome。IwaspreparedforwhatwascomingandI
waitedforhertobreakthesilencewhichallwomenofherpositionobserve。\"Youwillbesurprised，sir，atwhatIamgoingtotellyou，forIhavedeterminedtobringbeforeyouacomplaintofanunheard—ofcharacter。Thecaseisreallyofthemostdelicatenature，andIamimpelledtomakeaconfidantofyoubytheimpressionyoumadeonmewhenIfirstsawyou。Iconsideryoutobeamanofdiscretion，ofhonour，andaboveallamoralman；inshort，Ibelieveyouhaveexperiencedreligion，andifIammakingamistakeitwillbeapity，forthoughIhavebeeninsultedIdon’tlackmeansofavengingmyself，andasyouarehisfriendyouwillbesorryforhim。\"
\"IsTirettatheguiltyparty，madam？\"
\"Thesame。\"
\"Andwhatishiscrime？\"
\"Heisavillain；hehasinsultedmeinthemostmonstrousmanner。\"
\"Ishouldnothavethoughthimcapableofdoingso。\"
\"Idaresaynot，butthenyouareamoralman。\"
\"Butwhatwasthenatureofhisoffence？Youmayconfideinmysecrecy。\"
\"Ireallycouldn’ttellyou，it’squiteoutofthequestion；butI
trustyouwillbeabletoguessit。Yesterday，duringtheexecutionofthewretchedDamien，hestronglyabusedthepositioninwhichhefoundhimselfbehindme。\"
\"Isee；Iunderstandwhatyoumean；youneedsaynomore。Youhavecauseforanger，andheistoblameforactinginsuchamanner。Butallowmetosaythatthecaseisnotunexampledorevenuncommon，andIthinkyoumightmakesomeallowanceforthestrengthoflove，theclosequarters，andaboveallfortheyouthandpassionofthesinner。Moreover，theoffenceisonewhichmaybeexpiatedinanumberofways，providedthepartiescometoanagreement。Tirettaisyoungandaperfectgentleman，heishandsomeandatbottomagoodfellow；couldnotamarriagebearranged？\"
Iwaitedforareply，butperceivingthattheinjuredpartykeptsilence（acircumstancewhichseemedtomeagoodomen）Iwenton。
\"Ifmarriageshouldnotmeetyourviews，wemighttryalastingfriendship，inwhichhecouldshewhisrepentanceandprovehimselfdeservingofpardon。Remember，madam，thatTirettaisonlyaman，andthereforesubjecttoalltheweaknessesofourpoorhumannature；
andevenyouhaveyourshareoftheblame。\"
\"I，sir？\"
\"Involuntarily，madam，involuntarily；notyoubutyourcharmsledhimastray。Nevertheless，withoutthisincentivethecircumstancewouldneverhavetakenplace，andIthinkyoushouldconsideryourbeautyasamitigationoftheoffence。\"
\"Youpleadyourcausewell，sir，butIwilldoyoujusticeandconfessthatallyourremarkshavebeencharacterizedbymuchChristianfeeling。However，youarereasoningonfalsepremises；youareignorantofhisrealcrime，yethowshouldyouguessit？\"
Withthissheburstintotears，leadingmecompletelyoffthescent，andnotknowingwhattothink。
\"Hecan’thavestolenherpurse，\"saidItomyself，\"asIdon’tthinkhimcapableofsuchanaction；andifIdidI’dblowhisbrainsout。\"
Theafflictedladysoondriedhertears，andwentonasfollows:
\"Youarethinkingofadeedwhichonemightpossiblysucceedinreconcilingwithreason，andinmakingamendsfor；butthecrimeofwhichthatbrutehasbeenguiltyIdarescarcelyimagine，asitisalmostenoughtodrivememad。\"
\"Goodheavens！youcan’tmeanit？Thisisdreadful；doIhearyouaright？\"
\"Yes。Youaremoved，Isee，butsucharethecircumstancesofthecase。Pardonmytears，whichflowfromangerandtheshamewithwhichIamcovered。\"
\"Yes，andfromoutragedreligion，too。\"
\"Certainly，certainly。Thatisthechiefsourceofmygrief，andI
shouldhavementioneditifIhadnotfearedyouwerenotsostronglyattachedtoreligionasmyself。\"
\"Nobody，Godbepraised！couldbemorestronglyattachedtoreligionthanI，andnothingcaneverunloosethetieswhichbindmetoit:\"
\"Youwillbegrieved，then，tohearthatIamdestinedtosuffereternalpunishment，forImustandwillbeavenged。\"
\"Notso，madam，perishthethought，asIcouldnotbecomeyouraccompliceinsuchadesign，andifyouwillnotabandonitatleastsaynothingtomeonthesubject。Iwillpromiseyoutotellhimnothing，althoughasheliveswithmethesacredlawsofhospitalityobligemetogivehimduewarning。\"
\"IthoughthelivedwiththeLambertini\"
\"Heleftheryesterday。Theconnectionbetweenthemwasacriminalone，andIhavedrawnhimbackfromthebrinkoftheprecipice。\"
\"Youdon’tmeantosayso！\"
\"Yes，uponmywordofhonour:\"
\"Youastonishone。Thisisveryedifying。Idon’twishtheyoungman’sdeath，butyoumustconfessheowesmesomereparation。\"
\"Hedoesindeed。AcharmingFrenchwomanisnottobehandledintheItalianmannerwithoutsignalamends，butIcanthinkofnothingatallcommensuratewiththeoffence。Thereisonlyoneplan，whichI
willendeavourtocarryoutifyouwillagreetoit。\"
\"Whatisthat？\"
\"Iwillputtheguiltypartyinyourpowerwithouthisknowingwhatistohappen，andIwillleaveyoualone，sothatyoucanwreakallyourwrathuponhim，providedyouwillallowmetobe，unknowntohim，inthenextroom，asIshallregardmyselfasresponsibleforhissafety。\"
\"Iconsent。Youwillstayinthisroom，andhemustbeleftintheotherwhereIshallreceiveyou，buttakecarehehasnosuspicionofyourpresence。\"
\"Heshan’tdreamofit。HewillnotevenknowwhereIamtakinghim，forhemustnotthinkthatIhavebeeninformedofhismisdoings。Assoonaswebethere，andtheconversationbecomesgeneral，Ishallleavetheroom，pretendingtobegoingaway。\"
\"Whenwillyoubringhim？Ilongtocoverhimwithconfusion。I
willmakehimtremble。Iamcurioustohearhowhewilljustifyhimselfforsuchanoffence。\"
\"Ican’tsay，butIthinkandhopethatyourpresencewillmakehimeloquent，asIshouldliketoseeyourdifferencesadjusted。\"
Atoneo’clocktheAbbedesForgesarrived，andshemademesitdowntodinnerwiththem。ThisabbewasapupilofthefamousBishopofAuxerre，whowasstillliving。Italkedsowellonthesubjectofgrace，andmadesomanyquotationsfromSt。Augustine，thattheabbeandthedevoteetookmeforazealousJansenistacharacterwithwhichmydressandappearancedidnotatallcorrespond。Mysweetheartdidnotgivemeasingleglancewhilethemealwasgoingon，andthinkingshehadsomemotivesIabstainedfromspeakingtoher。
Afterdinner，which，bytheway，wasaverygoodone，Ipromisedtheoffendedladytobringhertheculpritboundhandandfootnextday，aftertheplaywasover。ToputherathereaseIsaidIshouldwalk，asIwascertainthathewouldnotrecognizethehouseinthedark。
AssoonasIsawTiretta，Ibeganwithaseriocomicairtoreproachhimforthedreadfulcrimehehadcommittedonthebodyofaladyineverywayvirtuousandrespectable，butthemadfellowbegantolaugh，anditwouldhavebeenwasteoftimeformetotrytostophim。
\"What！\"saidhe，\"shehashadthecouragetotellyouall？\"
\"Youdon’tdenythefact，then？\"
\"Ifshesaysitisso，Idon’tthinkIcangiveherthelie，butIamreadytoswearthatIdon’tknowhowthelandlay。InthepositionI
wasinitwasimpossibleformetosaywhereItookupmydwelling。
However，Iwillquietherindignation，asIshallcometothepointquickly，andnotletherwait。\"
\"Youwillruinthebusinessifyoudon’ttakecare；beaslongasyoucan；shewilllikethatbest，anditwillbetoyourinterest。Don’thurryyourself，andnevermindme，asIamsuretogetonallrightwhileyouarechangingangerintoasofterpassion。RemembernottoknowthatIaminthehouse，andifyouonlystaywithherashorttime（whichIdon’tthinkwillbethecase）takeacoachandbeoff。
Youknowtheleastapiouswomanlikehercandowillbetoprovidemewithfireandcompany。Don’tforgetthatsheiswell—bornlikeyourself。Thesewomenofqualityare，nodoubt，asimmoralasanyotherwomen，sincetheyareconstructedofthesamematerial，buttheyliketohavetheirprideflatteredbycertainattentions。Sheisrich，adevote，and，whatismore，inclinedtopleasure；strivetogainherfriendship’faciemadfaciem’，astheKingofPrussiasays。
Youmay，perhaps，makeyourfortune。\"
\"IfsheasksyouwhyyouhaveleftthePope’sniece，takecarenottotellherthereason。Shewillbepleasedwithyourdiscretion。Inshort，doyourbesttoexpiatetheenormityofyouroffence。\"
\"Ihaveonlytospeakthetruth。Iwentininthedark。\"
\"That’sanoddreason，butitmayseemconvincingtoaFrenchwoman。\"
IneednottellthereaderthatIgaveTirettaafullaccountofmyconversationwiththelady。Ifanycomplainofthisbreachofhonour，ImusttellthemthatIhadmadeamentalreservationnottokeepmypromise，andthosewhoareacquaintedwiththemoralityofthechildrenofIgnatiuswillunderstandthatIwascompletelyatmyease。
Nextdaywewenttotheopera，andafterwards，ourplansmadeout，wewalkedtothehouseoftheinsultedandvirtuouslady。Shereceiveduswithgreatdignity，butyettherewasanagreeableundercurrentinhervoiceandmannerwhichIthoughtverypromising。
\"Inevertakesupper，\"shesaid，\"butifyouhadforewarnedmeofyourvisitIshouldhavegotsomethingforyou:\"
AftertellingherallthenewsIhadheardinthetheatre，I
pretendedtobeobligedtogo，andbeggedhertoletmeleavethecountwithherforafewminutes。
\"IfIammorethanaquarterofanhour，\"saidItothecount，\"don’twait。Takeacoachhomeandweshallseeeachotherto—morrow。\"
InsteadofgoingdownstairsIwentintothenextroom，andtwominutesafterwhoshouldenterbutmysweetheart，wholookedcharmedandyetpuzzledatmyappearance。
\"IthinkImustbedreaming，\"saidshe，\"butmyaunthaschargedmenottoleaveyoualone，andtotellherwomannottocomeupstairsunlesssheringsthebell。Yourfriendiswithher，andshetoldmetospeaklowasheisnottoknowthatyouarehere。Whatdoesitallmean？\"
\"Youarecurious，areyou？\"
\"IconfessIaminthisinstance，forallthismysteryseemsdesignedtoexcitecuriosity。\"
\"Dearest，youshallknowall；buthowcolditis。\"
\"Myaunthastoldmetomakeagoodfire，shehasbecomeliberalorratherlavishallofasudden；lookatthewaxcandles。\"
\"That’sanewthing，isit？\"
\"Oh，quitenew。\"
AssoonaswewereseatedinfrontofthefireIbegantotellherthestory，towhichshelistenedwithalltheattentionayounggirlcangivetosuchamatter；butasIhadthoughtitwelltopassoversomeofthedetails，shecouldnotproperlyunderstandwhatcrimeitwasthatTirettahadcommitted。Iwasnotsorrytobeobligedtotellherthestoryinplainlanguage，andtogivemoreexpressionI
employedthelanguageofgesture，whichmadeherblushandlaughatthesametime。Ithentoldherthat，havingtakenupthequestionofthereparationthatwasduetoheraunt，IhadsoarrangedmattersthatIwascertainofbeingalonewithherallthetimemyfriendwasengaged。ThereuponIbegantocoverherprettyfacewithkisses，andasIallowedmyselfnootherlibertiesshereceivedmycaressesasaproofofthegreatnessofmyloveandthepurityofmyfeelings。
\"Dearest，\"shesaid，\"whatyousaypuzzlesme；therearetwothingswhichIcan’tunderstand。HowcouldTirettasucceedincommittingthiscrimewithmyaunt，whichIthinkwouldonlybepossiblewiththeconsentofthepartyattacked，butquiteimpossiblewithoutit；
andthismakesmebelievethatifthethingwasdoneitwasdonewithherheartygoodwill。\"
\"Verytrue，forifshedidnotlikeitshehadonlytochangeherposition。\"
\"Notsomuchasthat；sheneedonlyhavekeptthedoorshut。\"
\"There，sweetheart，youarewrong，foraproperly—mademanonlyasksyoutokeepstillandhewillovercomeallobstacles。Moreover，I
don’texpectthatyouraunt’sdoorissowellshutasyours。\"
\"IbelievethatIcoulddefyalltheTirettasintheworld。
\"There’sanotherthingIdon’tunderstand，andthatishowmyblessedauntcametotellyouallaboutit；forifshehadanysenseshemighthaveknownthatitwouldonlymakeyoulaugh。Andwhatsatisfactiondoessheexpecttogetfromabrutelikethat，whopossiblythinkstheaffairamatterofnoconsequence。Ishouldthinkhewoulddothesametoanywomanwhooccupiedthesamepositionasmyaunt。\"
\"Youareright，forhetoldmehewentinlikeablindman，notknowingwherehewasgoing。\"
\"Yourfriendisaqueerfellow，andifothermenarelikehimIamsureIshouldhavenofeelingbutcontemptforthem。\"
\"Shehastoldmenothingaboutthesatisfactionsheisthinkingof，andwhichshepossiblyfeelsquitesureofattaining；butIthinkI
canguesswhatitwillbenamely，aformaldeclarationoflove；andI
supposehewillexpiatehiscrimebybecomingherlover，anddoubtlessthiswillbetheirweddingnight。\"
\"Theaffairisgettingamusing。Ican’tbelieveit。Mydearauntistooanxiousabouthersalvation；andhowdoyouimaginetheyoungmancaneverfallinlovewithher，orplaythepartwithsuchafaceashersbeforehiseyes。Haveyoueverseenacountenanceasdisgustingasmyaunt’s？Herskiniscoveredwithpimples，hereyesdistilhumours，andherteethandbreathareenoughtodiscourageanyman。
She’shideous。\"
\"Allthatisnothingtoayoungsparkoftwenty—five；oneisalwaysreadyforanassaultatthatage；notlikemewhoonlyfeelmyselfamaninpresenceofcharmslikeyours，ofwhichIlongtobethelawfulpossessor。\"
\"Youwillfindmethemostaffectionateofwives，andIfeelquitesurethatIshallhaveyourheartinsuchgoodkeepingthatIshallneverbeafraidoflosingit。\"
Wehadtalkedthuspleasantlyforanhour，andTirettawasstillwiththeaunt。Ithoughtthingspointedtowardsareconciliation，andjudgedthematterwasgettingserious。Itoldmysweetheartmyopinion，andaskedhertogivemesomethingtoeat。
\"Icanonlygiveyou，\"saidshe，\"somebreadandcheese，asliceofham，andsomewinewhichmyauntpronouncesexcellent。\"
\"Bringthemquick，then；Iamfaintingwithhunger。\"
Shesoonlaidthetablefortwo，andputonitallthefoodshehad。
ThecheesewasRoquefort，andthehamhadbeencoveredwithjelly。
Abouttenpersonswithreasonableappetitesshouldhavebeenabletosuponwhattherewas；but（howIknownot）thewholedisappeared，andalsotwobottlesofChambertin，whichIseemtotastenow。Mysweetheart’seyesgleamedwithpleasure:trulyChambertinandRoquefortareexcellentthinkstorestoreanoldloveandtoripenayoungone。
\"Don’tyouwanttoknowwhatyouraunthasbeendoingthelasttwohourswithM。Sixtimes？\"
\"Theyareplaying，perhaps；butthereisasmallholeinthewall，andIwilllookandsee。Icanonlyseethetwocandles，andthewicksareaninchlong。\"
\"Didn’tIsayso？GivemeacoverletandIwillsleeponthesofahere，anddoyougotobed。Butletmelookatitfirst:\"
Shemademecomeintoherlittleroom，whereIsawaprettybed，aprayerdesk，andalargecrucifix。
\"Yourbedistoosmallforyou，dearheart。\"
\"Oh，notatall！Iamverycomfortable\"；andsosayingshelaiddownatfulllength。
\"WhatabeautifulwifeIshallhave！Nay，don’tmove，letmelookatyouso。\"Myhandbegantopressthebosomofherdress，wherewereimprisonedtwosphereswhichseemedtolamenttheircaptivity。I
wentfarther，Ibegantountiestrings……forwheredoesdesirestopshort？
\"Sweetheart，Icannotresist，butyouwillnotlovemeafterwards。\"
\"Iwillalwaysloveyou:\"
Soonherbeautifulbreastswereexposedtomyburningkisses。Theflameofmylovelitanotherinherheart，andforgettingherformerselfsheopenedherarmstome，makingmepromisenottodespiseher，andwhatwouldonenotpromise！Themodestyinherentinthesex，thefearofresults，perhapsakindofinstinctwhichrevealstothemthenaturalfaithlessnessofmenmakewomenaskforsuchpromises，butwhatmistress，ifreallyamorous，wouldeventhinkofaskingherlovertorespectherinthemomentofdeliriousecstacy，whenallone’sbeingiscentredonthefulfilmentofdesire？
Afterwehadpassedanhourintheseamoroustoyings，whichsetmysweetheartonfire，hercharmshavingneverbeforebeenexposedtotheburninglipsorthefreecaressesofaman，Isaidtoher，\"Igrievetoleaveyouwithouthavingrenderedtoyourbeautythegreatesthomagewhichitdeservessowell。\"
Asighwasheronlyanswer。
Itwascold，thefirewasout，andIhadtospendthenightonthesofa。
\"Givemeacoverlet，dearest，thatImaygoawayfromyou，forI
shoulddieherebetweenloveandcoldifyoumademeabstain。\"
\"LiewhereIhavebeen，sweetheart。Iwillgetupandrekindlethefire。\"
Shegotupinallhernakedcharms，andassheputasticktothefiretheflameleaptup；Irose，Ifoundherstandingsoastodisplayallherbeauties，andIcouldrefrainnolonger。Ipressedhertomyheart，shereturnedmycaresses，andtillday—breakwegaveourselvesuptoanecstacyofpleasure。
Wehadspentfourorfivedelicioushoursonthesofa。Shethenleftme，andaftermakingagoodfireshewenttoherroom，andIremainedonthesofaandslepttillnoon。IwasawakenedbyMadame，whoworeagracefulundress。
\"Stillasleep，M。Casanova？\"
\"Ah！goodmorning，madam，goodmorning。Andwhathasbecomeofmyfriend？\"
\"Hehasbecomemine，Ihaveforgivenhim。\"
\"Whathashedonetobeworthyofsogenerousapardon？\"
\"Heprovedtomethathemadeamistake。\"
\"Iamdelightedtohearit；whereishe？\"
\"Hehasgonehome，whereyouwillfindhim；butdon’tsayanythingaboutyourspendingthenighthere，orhewillthinkitwasspentwithmyniece。Iamverymuchobligedtoyouforwhatyouhavedone，andIhaveonlytoaskyoutobediscreet。\"
\"Youcancountonmeentirely，forIamgratefultoyouforhavingforgivenmyfriend。\"
\"Whowouldnotdoso？Thedearyoungmanissomethingmorethanmortal。Ifyouknewhowhelovedme！Iamgratefultohim，andI
havetakenhimtoboardforayear；hewillbewelllodged，wellfed，andsoon。\"
\"Whatadelightfulplan！Youhavearrangedtheterms，Isuppose。\"
\"Allthatwillbesettledinafriendlyway，andweshallnotneedtohaverecoursetoarbitration。Weshallsetoutto—dayforVillette，whereIhaveanicelittlehouse；foryouknowthatitisnecessary，atfirst，toactinsuchawayastogivenoopportunitytoslanderers。Myloverwillhaveallhewants，andwheneveryou，sir，honouruswithyourpresenceyouwillfindaprettyroomandagoodbedatyourdisposal。AllIamsorryforisthatyouwillfindittedious；mypoornieceissodull。\"
\"Madam，yournieceisdelightful；shegavemeyesterdayeveninganexcellentsupperandkeptmecompanytillthreeo’clockthismorning。\"
\"Really？Ican’tmakeitouthowshegaveyouanything，astherewasnothinginthehouse。\"
\"Atanyrate，madam，shegavemeanexcellentsupper，ofwhichtherearenoremains，andafterkeepingmecompanyshewenttobed，andI
havehadagoodnightonthiscomfortablesofa。\"
\"Iamgladthatyou，likemyself，werepleasedwitheverything，butI
didnotthinkmyniecesoclever。\"
\"Sheisveryclever，madam——inmyeyes，atallevents:\"
\"Oh，sir！youareajudgeofwit，letusgoandseeher。Shehaslockedherdoor。Comeopenthedoor，whyhaveyoushutyourselfup，youlittleprude？whatareyouafraidof。MyCasanovaisincapableofhurtingyou。\"
Thenieceopenedherdoorandapologizedforthedisorderofherdress，butwhatcostumecouldhavesuitedherbetter？Hercostumewasdazzling。\"
\"Theresheis，\"saidtheaunt，\"andsheisnotsobadlookingafterall，butitisapitysheissostupid。Youwereveryrighttogivethisgentlemanasupper。Iammuchobligedtoyoufordoingso。
Ihavebeenplayingallnight，andwhenoneisplayingoneonlythinksofthegame。IhavedeterminedontakingyoungTirettatoboardwithus。Heisanexcellentandcleveryoungman，andIamsurehewilllearntospeakFrenchbeforelong。Getdressed，mydear，aswemustbegintopack。WeshallsetoutthisafternoonforVillette，andshallspendtherethewholeofthespring。Thereisnoneed，youknow，tosayanythingaboutthistomysister:\"
\"I，aunt？Certainlynot。DidIevertellheranythingontheotheroccasions？\"
\"Otheroccasions！Youseewhatasillygirlitis。Doyoumeanby’otheroccasions，’thatIhavebeencircumstancedlikethisbefore？\"
\"No，aunt。IonlymeanttosaythatIhadnevertoldheranythingofwhatyoudid。\"
\"That’sright，mydear，butyoumustlearntoexpressyourselfproperly。Wedineattwo，andIhopetohavethepleasureofM。
Casanova’scompanyatdinner；wewillstartimmediatelyafterthemeal。Tirettapromisedtobringhissmallportmanteauwithhim，anditwillgowithourluggage。\"
Afterpromisingtodinewiththem，Ibadetheladiesgood—bye；andI
wenthomeasfastasIcouldwalk，forIwasascuriousasawomantoknowwhatarrangementshadbeenmade。
\"Well，\"saidItoTiretta，\"Ifindyouhavegotaplace。Tellmeallaboutit\"
\"Mydearfellow，Ihavesoldmyselfforayear。Mypayistobetwenty—fivelouisamonth，agoodtable，goodlodging，etc。，etc。\"
\"Icongratulateyou。\"
\"Doyouthinkitisworththetrouble？\"
\"There’snorosewithoutathorn。Shetoldmeyouweresomethingmorethanmortal。\"
\"Iworkedhardallnighttoproveittoher；butIamquitesureyourtimewasbetteremployedthanmine。\"
\"Isleptlikeaking。Dressyourself，asIamcomingtodinner，andIwanttoseeyousetoutforVillette。Ishallcomeandseeyoutherenowandthen，asyoursweethearthastoldmethataroomshallbesetapartformyconvenience。\"
Wearrivedattwoo’clock。Madamedressedinagirlishstylepresentedasingularappearance，butMdlle。delaMeure’sbeautyshonelikeastar。Loveandpleasurehadgivenheranewlife，anewbeing。Wehadacapitaldinner，asthegoodladyhadmadetherepastdaintylikeherself；butinthedishestherewasnothingabsurd，whileherwholeappearancewascomicinthehighestdegree。Atfourtheyallsetout，andIspentmyeveningattheItaliancomedy。
IwasinlovewithMdlle。delaMeure，butSilvia’sdaughter，whosecompanyatsupperwasallIhadofher，weakenedalovewhichnowleftnothingmoretodesire。
Wecomplainofwomenwho，thoughlovingusandsureofourlove，refuseustheirfavours；butwearewrongindoingso，foriftheylovetheyhavegoodreasontofearlesttheyloseusinthemomentofsatisfyingourdesires。Naturallytheyshoulddoallintheirpowertoretainourhearts，andthebestwaytodosoistocherishourdesireofpossessingthem；butdesireisonlykeptalivebybeingdenied:enjoymentkillsit，sinceonecannotdesirewhatonehasgot。
Iam，therefore，ofopinionthatwomenarequiterighttorefuseus。
Butifitbegrantedthatthepassionsofthetwosexesareofequalstrength，howcomesitthatamanneverrefusestogratifyawomanwholoveshimandentreatshimtobekind？
Wecannotreceivetheargumentfoundedonthefearofresults，asthatisaparticularandnotageneralconsideration。Ourconclusion，then，willbethatthereasonliesinthefactthatamanthinksmoreofthepleasureheimpartsthanthatwhichhereceives，andisthereforeeagertoimparthisblisstoanother。Weknow，also，that，asageneralrule，women，whenonceenjoyed，doubletheirloveandaffection。Ontheotherhand，womenthinkmoreofthepleasuretheyreceivethanofthatwhichtheyimpart，andthereforeputoffenjoymentaslongaspossible，sincetheyfearthatingivingthemselvesuptheylosetheirchiefgood——theirownpleasure。Thisfeelingispeculiartothesex，andistheonlycauseofcoquetry，pardonableinawoman，detestableinaman。
Silvia’sdaughterlovedme，andsheknewIlovedher，althoughIhadneversaidso，butwomen’switiskeen。Atthesametimesheendeavourednottoletmeknowherfeelings，asshewasafraidofencouragingmetoaskfavoursofher，andshedidnotfeelsureofherstrengthtorefusethem；andsheknewmyinconstantnature。HerrelationsintendedherforClement，whohadbeenteachinghertheclavichordforthelastthreeyears。Sheknewofthearrangementandhadnoobjection，forthoughshedidnotlovehimshelikedhimverywell。Mostgirlsareweddedwithoutlove，andtheyarenotsorryforitafterwards。Theyknowthatbymarriagetheybecomeofsomeconsequenceintheworld，andtheymarrytohaveahouseoftheirownandagoodpositioninsociety。Theyseemtoknowthatahusbandandaloverneednotbesynonymousterms。AtParismenareactuatedbythesameviews，andmostmarriagesaremattersofconvenience。TheFrencharejealousoftheirmistresses，butneveroftheirwives。
TherecouldbenodoubtthatM。Clementwasverymuchinlove，andMdlle。BalettiwasdelightedthatInoticedit，asshethoughtthiswouldbringmetoadeclaration，andshewasquiteright。ThedepartureofMdlle。delaMeurehadagooddealtodowithmydeterminationtodeclaremyself；andIwasverysorrytohavedonesoafterwards，forafterIhadtoldherIlovedherClementwasdismissed，andmypositionwasworsethanbefore。Themanwhodeclareshisloveforawomaninwordswantstobesenttoschoolagain。
ThreedaysafterthedepartureofTiretta，Itookhimwhatsmallbelongingshehad，andMadameseemedverygladtoseeme。TheAbbedesForgesarrivedjustasweweresittingdowntodinner，andthoughhehadbeenveryfriendlytomeatParishedidnotsomuchaslookatmeallthroughthemeal，andtreatedTirettainthesameway。
I，formypart，tooknonoticeofhim，butTiretta，notsopatientasI，atlastlosthistemperandgotup，beggingMadametotellhimwhenshewasgoingtohavethatfellowtodinewithher。Werosefromtablewithoutsayingaword，andthesilentabbewentwithmadamintoanotherroom。
Tirettatookmetoseehisroom，whichwashandsomelyfurnished，and，aswasright，adjoinedhissweetheart’s。Whilsthewasputtinghisthingsinorder，Mdlle。delaMeuremademecomeandseemyapartment。Itwasaveryniceroomonthegroundfloor，andfacinghers。ItookcaretopointouttoherhoweasilyIcouldpayheravisitaftereveryonewasinbed，butshesaidweshouldnotbecomfortableinherroom，andthatshewouldconsequentlysavemethetroubleofgettingoutofbed。ItwillbeguessedthatIhadnoobjectionstomaketothisarrangement。
Shethentoldmeofheraunt’sfollyaboutTiretta。
\"Shebelieves，\"saidshe，\"thatwedonotknowhesleepswithher。\"
\"Believes，orpretendstobelieve。\"
\"Possibly。Sherangformeateleveno’clockthismorningandtoldmetogoandaskhimwhatkindofnighthehadpassed。Ididso，butseeinghisbedhadnotbeensleptinIaskedhimifhehadnotbeentosleep。
\"’No，’saidhe，’Ihavebeenwritingallnight，butpleasedon’tsayanythingaboutittoyouraunt:Ipromisedwithallmyhearttobeassilentasthegrave。\"
\"Doeshemakesheep’seyesatyou？\"
\"No，butifhediditwouldbeallthesame。Thoughheisnotoversharpheknows，Ithink，whatIthinkofhim。\"
\"Whyhaveyousuchapooropinionofhim？\"
\"Why？Myauntpayshim。Ithinksellingone’sselfisadreadfulidea。\"
\"Butyoupayme。\"
\"Yes，butinthesamecoinasyougiveme。\"
Theoldauntwasalwayscallingherniecestupid，butonthecontraryIthoughtherveryclever，andasvirtuousasclever。Ishouldneverhaveseducedherifshehadnotbeenbroughtupinaconvent。
IwentbacktoTiretta，andhadsomepleasantconversationwithhim。
Iaskedhimhowhelikedhisplace。
\"Idon’tlikeitmuch，butasitcostsmenothingIamnotabsolutelywretched。\"
\"Butherface！\"
\"Idon’tlookatit，andthere’sonethingIlikeabouther——sheissoclean。\"
\"Doesshetakegoodcareofyou？\"
\"Oyes，sheisfulloffeelingforme。ThismorningsherefusedthegreetingIofferedher。’Iamsure，’saidshe，’thatmyrefusalwillpainyou，butyourhealthissodeartomethatIfeelboundtolookafterit。\"
AssoonasthegloomyAbbedesForgeswasgoneandMadamewasalone，werejoinedher。Shetreatedmeashergossip，andplayedthetimidchildforTiretta’sbenefit，andheplayeduptoheradmirably，muchtomyadmiration。
\"Ishallseenomoreofthatfoolishpriest，\"saidshe；\"foraftertellingmethatIwaslostbothinthisworldandthenexthethreatenedtoabandonme，andItookhimathisword。\"
AnactressnamedQuinault，whohadleftthestageandlivedcloseby，cametocall，andsoonafterMadameFavartandtheAbbedeVoisenonarrived，followedbyMadameAmelinwithahandsomeladnamedCalabre，whomshecalledhernephew。Hewasaslikeherastwopeas，butshedidnotseemtothinkthatasufficientreasonforconfessingshewashismother。M。Patron，aPiedmontese，whoalsocamewithher，madeabankatfaroandinacoupleofhourswoneverybody’smoneywiththeexceptionofmine，asIknewbetterthantoplay。Mytimewasbetteroccupiedinthecompanyofmysweetmistress。IsawthroughthePiedmontese，andhadputhimdownasaknave；butTirettawasnotsosharp，andconsequentlylostallthemoneyhehadinhispocketsandahundredlouisbesides。Thebankerhavingreapedagoodharvestputdownthecards，andTirettatoldhimingoodItalianthathewasacheat，towhichthePiedmonteserepliedwiththegreatestcoolnessthathelied。Thinkingthatthequarrelmighthaveanunpleasantending，ItoldhimthatTirettawasonlyjesting，andImademyfriendsayso，too。Hethenleftthecompanyandwenttohisroom。
EightyearsafterwardsIsawthisPatronatSt。Petersburg，andintheyear1767hewasassassinatedinPoland。
ThesameeveningIpreachedTirettaasevereyetfriendlysermon。
Ipointedouttohimthatwhenheplayedhewasatthemercyofthebanker，whomightbearoguebutamanofcouragetoo，andsoincallinghimacheathewasriskinghislife。
\"AmItoletmyselfberobbed，then？\"
\"Yes，youhaveafreechoiceinthematter；nobodywillmakeyouplay。\"
\"Icertainlywillnotpayhimthathundredlouis。\"
\"Iadviseyoutodoso，andtodosobeforeyouareasked。\"
\"Youhaveaknackofpersuadingonetodowhatyouwill，eventhoughonebedisposedtotakenonoticeofyouradvice。\"
\"That’sbecauseIspeakfromheartandheadatonce，andhavesomeexperienceintheseaffairsaswell。\"
ThreequartersofanhourafterwardsIwenttobedandmymistresscametomebeforelong。Wespentasweeternightthanbefore，foritisoftenamatterofsomedifficultytopluckthefirstflower；andthepricewhichmostmenputonthislittletrifleisfoundedmoreonegotismthananyfeelingofpleasure。
Nextday，afterdiningwiththefamilyandadmiringtherosesonmysweetheart’scheeks，IreturnedtoParis。ThreeorfourdayslaterTirettacametotellmethattheDunkirkmerchanthadarrived，thathewascomingtodineatMadame’s，andthatsherequestedmetomakeoneoftheparty。Iwaspreparedforthenews，butthebloodrushedintomyface。Tirettasawit，andtoacertainextentdivinedmyfeelings。\"Youareinlovewiththeniece，\"saidhe。
\"Whydoyouthinkso？\"
\"Bythemysteryyoumakeabouther；butlovebetraysitselfevenbyitssilence。\"
\"Youareaknowingfellow，Tiretta。Iwillcometodinner，butdon’tsayawordtoanybody。\"
Myheartwasrentintwain。PossiblyifthemerchanthadputoffhisarrivalforamonthIshouldhavewelcomedit；buttohaveonlyjustliftedthenectartomylips，andtoseethepreciousvesselescapefrommyhands！TothisdayIcanrecallmyfeelings，andtheveryrecollectionisnotdevoidofbitterness。
Iwasinafearfulstateofperplexity，asIalwayswaswheneveritwasnecessaryformetoresolve，andIfeltthatIcouldnotdoso。
Ifthereaderhasbeenplacedinthesamepositionhewillunderstandmyfeelings。Icouldnotmakeupmymindtoconsenttohermarrying，norcouldIresolvetowedhermyselfandgaincertainhappiness。
IwenttoVilletteandwasalittlesurprisedtofindMdlle。delaMeuremoreelaboratelydressedthanusual。
\"Yourintended，\"Isaid，\"wouldhavepronouncedyoucharmingwithoutallthat。\"
\"Myauntdoesn’tthinkso\"
\"Youhavenotseenhimyet？\"
\"No，butIshouldliketo，althoughItrustwithyourhelpnevertobecomehiswife。\"
Soonafter，shearrivedwithCorneman，thebanker，whohadbeentheagentinthisbusinesstransaction。Themerchantwasafineman，aboutforty，withafrankandopenface。Hisdresswasgoodthoughnotelaborate。HeintroducedhimselfsimplybutinapolitemannertoMadame，andhedidnotlookathisfuturewifetilltheauntpresentedhertohim。Hismannerimmediatelybecamemorepleasing；
andwithoutmakinguseofflowersofspeechhesaidinaveryfeelingwaythathetrustedtheimpressionhehadmadeonherwasequaltothatwhichshehadmadeonhim。Heronlyanswerwasalowcurtsy，butshestudiedhimcarefully。
Dinnerwasserved，andinthecourseofthemealwetalkedofalmosteverything——exceptmarriage。Thehappypaironlycaughteachother’seyesbychance，anddidnotspeaktooneanother。AfterdinnerMdlle。delaMeurewenttoherroom，andtheauntwentintoherclosetwiththebankerandthemerchant，andtheywereincloseconversationfortwohours。AttheendofthattimethegentlemenwereobligedtoreturntoParis，andMadame，aftersummoningherniece，toldthemerchantshewouldexpecthimtodinneronthedayfollowing，andthatshewassurethatherniecewouldbegladtoseehimagain。
\"Won’tyou，mydear？\"
\"Yes，aunt，Ishallbeverygladtoseethegentlemanagain。\"
Ifshehadnotansweredthus，themerchantwouldhavegoneawaywithouthearinghisfuturebridespeak。
\"Well，\"saidtheaunt，\"whatdoyouthinkofyourhusband？\"
\"Allowmetoputoffmyanswertillto—morrow；butbegoodenough，whenweareattable，todrawmeintotheconversation，foritisverypossiblethatmyfacehasnotrepelledhim，butsofarheknowsnothingofmymentalpowers；possiblymywantofwitmaydestroyanyslightimpressionmyfacemayhavemade。\"
\"Yes，Iamafraidyouwillbegintotalknonsense，andmakehimlosethegoodopinionheseemstohaveformedofyou。\"
\"Itisnotrighttodeceiveanybody。Ifheisdisabusedofhisfictitiousideasbytheappearanceofthetruth，somuchthebetterforhim；andsomuchtheworseforbothofus，ifwedecideonmarryingwithouttheslightestknowledgeofeachother’shabitsandwaysofthought。\"
\"Whatdoyouthinkofhim？\"
\"Ithinkheisrathernice—looking，andhismannersarekindandpolite；butletuswaittillto—morrow。\"
\"Perhapshewillhavenothingmoretosaytome；Iamsostupid。\"
\"Iknowverywellthatyouthinkyourselfveryclever，andthat’swhereyourfaultlies；it’syourself—conceitwhichmakesyoustupid，althoughM。Casanovatakesyouforawit。\"
\"Perhapshemayknowwhatheistalkingabout。\"
\"Mypoordear，heisonlylaughingatyou。\"
\"Ihavegoodreasonsforthinkingotherwise，aunt。\"
\"Thereyougo；youwillnevergetanysense。\"
\"Pardonme，madam，ifIcannotbeofyouropinion。MademoiselleisquiterightinsayingthatIdonotlaughather。Idaretosaythatto—morrowshewillshineintheconversation。\"
\"Youthinkso？Iamgladtohearit。Nowletushaveagameatpiquet，andIwillplayagainstyouandmyniece，forshemustlearnthegame。\"
Tirettaaskedleaveofhisdarlingtogototheplay，andweplayedontillsupper—time。Onhisreturn，TirettamadeusalmostdieoflaughingwithhisattemptstotellusinhisbrokenFrenchtheplotoftheplayhehadseen。
Ihadbeeninmybedroomforaquarterofanhour，expectingtoseemysweetheartinsomeprettykindofundress，whenallofasuddenI
sawhercomeinwithallherclotheson。Iwassurprisedatthiscircumstance，anditseemedtomeofevilomen。
\"Youareastonishedtoseemethus，\"saidshe，\"butIwanttospeaktoyouforamoment，andthenIwilltakeoffmyclothes。TellmeplainlywhetherIamtoconsenttothismarriageorno？\"
\"Howdoyoulikehim？\"
\"Fairlywell。\"
\"Consent，then！\"
\"Verygood；farewell！Fromthismomentourloveends，andourfriendshipbegins。Getyoutobed，andIwillgoanddothesame。
Farewell！\"
\"No，stay，andletourfriendshipbeginto—morrow。\"
\"Notso，weremyrefusaltocostthelivesofbothofus。Youknowwhatitmustcostmetospeakthus，butitismyirrevocabledetermination。IfIamtobecomeanother’swife，Imusttakecaretobeworthyofhim；perhapsImaybehappy。Donotholdme，letmego。
YouknowhowwellIloveyou。\"
\"Atleast，letushaveonefinalembrace。\"
\"Alas！no。\"
\"Youareweeping。\"
\"No，Iamnot。InGod’snameletmego。\"
\"Dearheart，yougobuttoweepinyourchamber；stayhere。Iwillmarryyou。\"
\"Nay，nomoreofthat。\"
Withthesewordsshemadeaneffort，escapedfrommyhands，andfledfromtheroom。Iwascoveredwithshameandregret，andcouldnotsleep。Ihatedmyself，forIknewnotwhetherIhadsinnedmostgrievouslyinseducingherorinabandoninghertoanother。
Istayedtodinnernextdayinspiteofmyheartbreakandmysadness。
Mdlle。delaMeuretalkedsobrilliantlyandsensiblytoherintendedthatonecouldeasilyseehewasenchantedwithher。Asforme，feelingthatIhadnothingpleasanttosay，Ipretendedtohavethetoothacheasanexcusefornottalking。Sickatheart，absent—
minded，andfeelingtheeffectsofasleeplessnight，Iwaswell—nighmadwithlove，jealousy，anddespair。Mdlle。delaMeuredidnotspeaktomeonce，didnotsomuchaslookatme。Shewasquiteright，butIdidnotthinksothen。Ithoughtthedinnerwouldnevercometoanend，andIdonotthinkIwaseverpresentatsopainfulameal。
Aswerosefromthetable，Madamewentintoherclosetwithhernieceandnephewthatwastobe，andtheniececameoutinthecourseofanhourandbadeuscongratulateher，asshewastobemarriedinaweek，andaftertheweddingshewouldaccompanyherhusbandtoDunkirk。\"To—morrow，\"sheadded，\"wearealltodinewithM。
Corneman，wherethedeedofsettlementwillbesigned。\"
IcannotimaginehowitwasIdidnotfalldeadonthespot。Myanguishcannotbeexpressed。
Beforelongitwasproposedthatweshouldgototheplay，butexcusingmyselfonthepleaofbusinessIreturnedtoParis。AsI
gottomydoorIseemedtobeinafever，andIlaydownonmybed，butinsteadoftherestIneededIexperiencedonlyremorseandfruitlessrepentance—thetormentsofthedamned。Ibegantothinkitwasmydutytostopthemarriageordie。IwassurethatMdlle。delaMeurelovedme，andIfanciedshewouldnotsaynoifItoldherthatherrefusaltomarrymewouldcostmemylife。FullofthatideaIroseandwroteheraletter，strongwithallthestrengthoftumultuouspassion。Thiswassomerelief，andgettingintobedI
slepttillmorning。AssoonasIwasawakeIsummonedamessengerandpromisedhimtwelvefrancsifhewoulddelivermyletter，andreportitsreceiptinanhourandahalf。MyletterwasundercoverofanoteaddressedtoTiretta，inwhichItoldhimthatIshouldnotleavethehousetillIhadgotananswer。Ihadmyanswerfourhoursafter；itranasfollows:\"Dearest，itistoolate；youhavedecidedonmydestiny，andIcannotgobackfrommyword。CometodinneratM。Corneman’s，andbesurethatinafewweeksweshallbecongratulatingourselvesonhavingwonagreatvictory。Ourlove，crownedalltoosoon，willsoonliveonlyinourmemories。Ibegofyoutowritetomenomore。\"
Suchwasmyfate。Herrefusal，withthestillmorecruelchargenottowritetoheragain，mademefurious。InitIonlysawinconstancy。Ithoughtshehadfalleninlovewiththemerchant。MystateofmindmaybejudgedfromthefactthatIdeterminedtokillmyrival。Themostsavageplans，themostcrueldesigns，ranaracethroughmybewilderedbrain。Iwasjealous，inlove，adifferentbeingfrommyordinaryself；anger，vanity，andshamehaddestroyedmypowersofreasoning。ThecharminggirlwhomIwasforcedtoadmire，whomIshouldhaveesteemedallthemoreforthecourseshehadtaken，whomIhadregardedasanangel，becameinmyeyesahatefulmonster，ameetobjectforpunishment。AtlastIdeterminedonasuremethodofrevenge，whichIknewtobebothdishonourableandcowardly，butinmyblindpassionIdidnothesitateforamoment。IresolvedtogotothemerchantatM。Corneman’s，wherehewasstaying，totellhimallthathadpassedbetweentheladyandmyself，andifthatdidnotmakehimrenouncetheideaofmarryingherIwouldtellhimthatoneofusmustdie，andifherefusedmychallengeIdeterminedtoassassinatehim。
Withthisterribleplaninmybrain，whichmakesmeshuddernowwhenIthinkofit，Iatewiththeappetiteofawildbeast，laydownandslepttillday。IwasinthesamemindwhenIawoke，anddressedmyselfhastilyyetcarefully，puttwogoodpistolsinmypocketandwenttoM。Corneman’s。Myrivalwasstillasleep；Iwaitedforhim，andforaquarterofanhourmythoughtsonlygrewmorebitterandmydeterminationmorefixed。Allatoncehecameintotheroom，inhisdressing—gown，andreceivedmewithopenarms，tellingmeinthekindestofvoicesthathehadbeenexpectingmetocall，ashecouldguesswhatfeelingsI，afriendofhisfuturewife’s，couldhaveforhim，andsayingthathisfriendshipformeshouldalwaysbeaswarmashers。Hishonestopenface，hisstraightforwardwords，overwhelmedme，andIwassilentforafewminutes——infactIdidnotknowwhattosay。Luckilyhegavemeenoughtimetorecollectmyself，ashetalkedonforaquarterofanhourwithoutnoticingthatIdidnotopenmylips。
M。Cornemanthencamein；coffeewasserved，andmyspeechreturnedtome；butIamhappytosayIrefrainedfromplayingthedishonourablepartIhadintended；thecrisiswaspassed。
Itmayberemarkedthatthefiercestspiritsarelikeacordstretchedtootight，whicheitherbreaksorrelaxes。Ihaveknownseveralpersonsofthattemperament——theChevalierL————，amongstothers，whoinafitofpassionusedtofeelhissoulescapingbyeverypore。Ifatthemomentwhenhisangerburstforthhewasabletobreaksomethingandmakeagreatnoise，hecalmeddowninamoment；reasonresumedhersway，andtheraginglionbecameasmildasalamb。
AfterIhadtakenacupofcoffee，Ifeltmyselfcalmedbutyetdizzyinthehead，soIbadethemgoodmorningandwentout。IwasastonishedbutdelightedthatIhadnotcarriedmydetestableschemeintoeffect。Iwashumbledbybeingforcedtoconfesstomyselfthatchanceandchancealonehadsavedmefrombecomingavillain。AsI
wasreflectingonwhathadhappenedImetmybrother，andhecompletedmycure。ItookhimtodineatSilvia’sandstayedtheretillmidnight。IsawthatMdlle。Balettiwouldmakemeforgetthefairinconstant，whomIwiselydeterminednottoseeagainbeforethewedding。TomakesureIsetoutthenextdayforVersailles，tolookaftermyinterestswiththeGovernment。