\"Now，\"saidEsther，whenwewerebyourselves，\"Iamquitesurethatthatreplycamefromanotherintelligencethanyours。Inthenameofallyouholdsacred，tellmethemeaningofthosefourletters，andwhyyouusuallyomitthem。\"
\"Iomitthem，dearestEsther，becauseexperiencehastaughtmethatinordinarycasestheyareunnecessary；butwhileIwasmakingthepyramidthecommandcametometosetthemdown，andIthoughtitwelltoobey。\"
\"Whatdotheymean？\"
\"Theyaretheinitiallettersoftheholynamesofthecardinalintelligencesofthefourquartersoftheworld。\"
\"Imaynottellyou，butwhoeverdealswiththeoracleshouldknowthem。\"
\"Ah！donotdeceiveme；Itrustinyou，anditwouldbeworsethanmurdertoabusesosimpleafaithasmine。\"
\"Iamnotdeceivingyou，dearestEsther。\"
\"Butifyouweretoteachmethecabala，youwouldimparttometheseholynames？\"
\"Certainly，butIcannotrevealthemexcepttomysuccessor。IfI
violatethiscommandIshouldlosemyknowledge；andthisconditioniswellcalculatedtoinsuresecrecy，isitnot？\"
\"Itis，indeed。UnhappythatIam，yoursuccessorwillbe，ofcourse，Manon。\"
\"No，Manonisnotfittedintellectuallyforsuchknowledgeasthis。\"
\"Butyoushouldfixonsomeone，foryouaremortalafterall。Ifyoulike，myfatherwouldgiveyouthehalfofhisimmensefortunewithoutyourmarryingme。\"
\"Esther！whatisitthatyouhavesaid？Doyouthinkthattopossessyouwouldbeadisagreeableconditioninmyeyes？\"
Afterahappyday——IthinkImaycallitthehappiestofmylife——I
leftthetoocharmingEsther，andwenthometowardstheevening。
Threeorfourdaysafter，M。d’O————cameintoEsther’sroom，wherehefoundusbothcalculatingpyramids。Iwasteachinghertodouble，totriple，andtoquadruplethecabalisticcombinations。M。d’O————
strodeintotheroominagreathurry，strikinghisbreastinasortofecstasy。Weweresurprisedandalmostfrightenedtoseehimsostrangelyexcited，androsetomeethim，butherunninguptousalmostforcedustoembracehim，whichwedidwillingly。
\"Butwhatisthematter，papadear？\"saidEsther，\"yousurprisememorethanIcansay。\"
\"Sitdownbesideme，mydearchildren，andlistentoyourfatherandyourbestfriend。IhavejustreceivedaletterfromoneofthesecretariesoftheirhighmightinessesinformingmethattheFrenchambassadorhasdemanded，inthenameofthekinghismaster，thattheComteSt。Germainshouldbedeliveredover，andthattheDutchauthoritieshaveansweredthatHisMostChristianMajesty’srequestsshallbecarriedoutassoonasthepersonofthecountcanbesecured。Inconsequenceofthisthepolice，knowingthattheComteSt。GermainwasstayingattheEtoiled’Orient，senttoarresthimatmidnight，butthebirdhadflown。Thelandlorddeclaredthatthecounthadpostedoffatnightfall，takingthewaytoNimeguen。Hehasbeenfollowed，buttherearesmallhopesofcatchinghimup。
\"Itisnotknownhowhecanhavediscoveredthatawarrantexistedagainsthim，orhowhecontinuedtoevadearrest。\"
\"Itisnotknown；\"wentanM。d’O————，laughing，\"buteveryoneguessesthatM。Calcoen，thesamethatwrotetome，letthisfriendoftheFrenchking’sknowthathewouldbewantedatmidnight，andthatifhedidnotgetthekeyofthefieldshewouldbearrested。
Heisnotsofoolishastodespiseapieceofadvicelikethat。TheDutchGovernmenthasexpresseditssorrowtoM。d’AfrithathisexcellencedidnotdemandthearrestofSt。Germainsooner，andtheambassadorwillnotbeastonishedatthisreply，asitislikemanyothersgivenonsimilaroccasions。
\"Thewisdomoftheoraclehasbeenverified，andIcongratulatemyselfonhavingseizeditsmeaning，forwewereonthepointofgivinghimahundredthousandflorinsonaccount，whichhesaidhemusthaveimmediately。Hegaveusinpledgethefinestofthecrowndiamonds，andthiswestillretain。Butwewillreturnittohimandemand，unlessitisclaimedbytheambassador。Ihaveneverseenafinerstone。
\"Andnow，mychildren，youseewhatIowetotheoracle。OntheExchangethewholecompanycandonothingbutexpresstheirgratitudetome。IamregardedasthemostprudentandmostfarseeingmaninHolland。Toyou，mydearchildren，Iowethishonour，butIwearmypeacock’sfeatherswithoutscruple。
\"MydearCasanova，youwilldinewithus，Ihope。AfterdinnerI
shallbegyoutoenquireofyourinscrutableintelligencewhetherweoughttodeclareourselvesinpossessionofthesplendiddiamond，ortoobservesecrecytillitisreclaimed。\"
Afterthisdiscoursepapaembracedusoncemoreandleftus。
\"Sweetheart，\"saidEsther，throwingherarmsroundmyneck，\"youhaveanopportunityforgivingmeastrongproofofyourfriendship。Itwillcostyounothing，butitwillcovermewithhonourandhappiness。\"
\"Commandme，anditshallbedone。YoucannotthinkthatIwouldrefuseyouafavourwhichistocostmenothing，whenIshoulddeemmyselfhappytoshedmybloodforyoursake。\"
\"Myfatherwishesyoutotellhimafterdinnerwhetheritwillbebettertodeclarethattheyhavethediamondortokeepsilencetillitisclaimed。Whenheasksyouasecondtime，tellhimtoseektheanswerofme，andoffertoconsulttheoraclealso，incasemyanswermaybetooobscure。Thenperformtheoperation，andIwillmakemyfatherlovemeallthebetter，whenheseesthatmyknowledgeisequaltoyours。\"
\"Dearestone，wouldInotdofortheeataskathousandtimesmoredifficultthanthistoprovemyloveandmydevotion？Letussettowork。Doyouwritethequestion，setupthepyramids，andinscribewithyourownhandtheall—powerfulinitials。Good。Nowbegintoextracttheanswerbymeansofthedivinekey。Neverwasaclevererpupil！\"
Whenallthishadbeendone，IsuggestedtheadditionsandsubtractionsIwantedmade，andshewasquiteastonishedtoreadthefollowingreply:\"Silencenecessary。Withoutsilence，generalderision。Diamondvalueless；merepaste。\"
Ithoughtshewouldhavegonewildwithdelight。Shelaughedandlaughedagain。
\"Whatanamazingreply！\"saidshe。\"Thediamondisfalse，anditisIwhoamabouttorevealtheirfollytothem。Ishallinformmyfatherofthisimportantsecret。Itistoomuch，itoverwhelmsme；I
canscarcelycontainmyselfforjoy！HowmuchIoweyou，youwonderfulanddelightfulman！Theywillverifythetruthoftheoracleimmediately，andwhenitisfoundthatthefamousdiamondisbutglitteringpastethecompanywilladoremyfather，foritwillfeelthatbutforhimitwouldhavebeencoveredwithshame，byavowingitselfthedupeofasharper。Willyouleavethepyramidwithme？\"
\"Certainly；butitwillnotteachyouanythingyoudonotknow。\"Thefathercameinagainandwehaddinner，andafterthedessert，whentheworthyd’O————learntfromhisdaughter’soraclethatthestonewasfalse，thescenebecameatrulycomicalone。Heburstintoexclamationsofastonishment，declaredthethingimpossible，incredible，andatlastbeggedmetoaskthesamequestion，ashewasquitesurethathisdaughterwasmistaken，orratherthattheoraclewasdeludingher。
Isettowork，andwasnotlonginobtainingmyanswer。WhenhesawthatitwastothesameeffectasEsther’s，thoughdifferentlyexpressed，hehadnolongeranydoubtsastohisdaughter’sskill，andhastenedtogoandtestthepretendeddiamond，andtoadvisehisassociatestosaynothingaboutthematteraftertheyhadreceivedproofsoftheworthlessnessofthestone。Thisadvicewas，asithappened，useless；forthoughthepersonsconcernedsaidnothing，everybodyknewaboutit，andpeoplesaid，withtheirusualmalice，thatthedupeshadbeendupedmostthoroughly，andthatSt。Germainhadpocketedthehundredthousandflorins；butthiswasnotthecase。
Estherwasveryproudofhersuccess，butinsteadofbeingsatisfiedwithwhatshehaddone，shedesiredmoreferventlyeverydaytopossessthescienceinitsentirety，asshesupposedIpossessedit。
ItsoonbecameknownthatSt。GermainhadgonebyEmdenandhadembarkedforEngland，wherehehadarrivedinsafety。Induetimeweshallhearsomefurtherdetailsconcerningthiscelebratedimpostor；
andinthemeanwhileImustrelateacatastropheofanotherkind，whichwasneartohavemademediethedeathofafool。
ItwasChristmasDay。Ihadgotupearlyinthemorninginbetterspiritsthanusual。Theoldwomentellyouthatalwayspresagesmisfortune，butIwasasfarthenasIamnowfrommakingmyhappinessintoanomenofgrief。Butthistimechancemadethefoolishbeliefofgoodeffect。IreceivedaletterandalargepacketfromParis；theycamefromManon。IopenedtheletterandI
thoughtIshouldhavediedofgriefwhenIread，——
\"Bewise，andreceivethenewsIgiveyoucalmly。Thepacketcontainsyourportraitandallthelettersyouhavewrittentome。
Returnmemyportrait，andifyouhavekeptmylettersbekindenoughtoburnthem。Irelyonyourhonour。Thinkofmenomore。DutybidsmedoallIcantoforgetyou，foratthishourto—morrowI
shallbecomethewifeofM。BlondeloftheRoyalAcademy，architecttotheking。PleasedonotseemasifyouknewmeifwechancetomeetonyourreturntoParis。\"
Thisletterstruckmedumbwithastonishment，andformorethantwohoursafterIreaditIwas，asitwere，bereftofmysenses。IsentwordtoM。d’O————that，notfeelingwell，Iwasgoingtokeepmyroomallday。WhenIfeltalittlebetterIopenedthepacket。Thefirstthingtofalloutwasmyportrait。Ilookedatit，andsuchwastheperturbationofmymind，that，thoughtheminiaturereallyrepresentedmeasofacheerfulandanimatedexpression，IthoughtI
beheldadreadfulandathreateningvisage。IwenttomydeskandwroteandtoreupascoreoflettersinwhichIoverwhelmedthefaithlessonewiththreatsandreproaches。
Icouldbearnomore；theforcesofnaturewereexhausted，andIwasobligedtoliedownandtakealittlebroth，andcourtthatsleepwhichrefusedtocome。Athousanddesignscametomydisorderedimagination。Irejectedthemonebyone，onlytodevisenewones。I
wouldslaythisBlondel，whohadcarriedoffawomanwhowasmineandmineonly；whowasallbutmywife。Hertreacheryshouldbepunishedbyherlosingtheobjectforwhomshehaddesertedme。Iaccusedherfather，Icursedherbrotherforhavingleftmeinignoranceoftheinsultwhichhadsotraitorouslybeenputuponme。
Ispentthedayandnightinthesedeliriousthoughts，andinthemorning，feelingworsethanever，IsenttoM。d’O————tosaythatI
couldnotpossiblyleavemyroom。ThenIbegantoreadandre—readthelettersIhadwrittentoManon，callinguponhernameinasortoffrenzy；andagainsetmyselftowritetoherwithoutfinishingasingleletter。TheemptinessofmystomachandtheshockIhadundergonebegantostupefyme，andforafewmomentsIforgotmyanguishonlytore—awakentoacuterpainssoonafter。
Aboutthreeo’clock，theworthyM。d’O————cametoinvitemetogowithhimtotheHague，wherethechiefmasonsofHollandmetonthedayfollowingtokeeptheFeastofSt。John，butwhenhesawmyconditionhedidnotpressmetocome。
\"Whatisthematterwithyou，mydearCasanova？\"saidhe。
\"Ihavehadagreatgrief，butletussaynomoreaboutit。\"
HebeggedmetocomeandseeEsther，andleftmelookingalmostasdowncastasIwas。However，thenextmorningEstheranticipatedmyvisit，foratnineo’clocksheandhergovernesscameintotheroom。
Thesightofherdidmegood。Shewasastonishedtoseemesoundoneandcastdown，andaskedmewhatwasthegriefofwhichIhadspokentoherfather，andwhichhadprovedtoostrongformyphilosophy。
\"Sitdownbesideme，Estherdear，andallowmetomakeamysteryofwhathasaffectedmesogrievously。Time，themightyhealer，andstillmoreyourcompany，willeffectacurewhichIshouldinvainseekbyappealingtomyreason。WhilstwetalkofotherthingsI
shallnotfeelthemisfortunewhichgnawsatmyheart。\"
\"Well，getup，dressyourself，andcomeandspendthedaywithme，andIwilldomybesttomakeyouforgetyoursorrow。\"
\"Ifeelveryweak；forthelastthreedaysIhaveonlytakenalittlebrothandchocolate。\"
Atthesewordsherfacefell，andshebegantoweep。
Afteramoment’ssilenceshewenttomydesk，tookapen，andwroteafewlines，whichshebroughttome。Theywere，——
\"Dear，ifalargesumofmoney，beyondwhatmyfatherowesyou，canremoveorevensootheyourgriefIcanbeyourdoctor，andyououghttoknowthatyouracceptingmytreatmentwouldmakemehappy。\"
Itookherhandsandkissedthemaffectionately，saying，——
\"No，dearEsther，generousEsther，itisnotmoneyIwant，forifI
didIwouldaskyouandyourfatherasafriend:whatIwant，andwhatnoonecangiveme，isaresolutemind，anddeterminationtoactforthebest。\"
\"Askadviceofyouroracle。\"
Icouldnothelplaughing。
\"Whydoyoulaugh？\"saidshe，\"ifIamnotmistaken，theoraclemustknowaremedyforyourwoes。\"
\"Ilaughed，dearest，becauseIfeltinclinedtotellyoutoconsulttheoraclethistime。AsformeIwillhavenothingtodowithit，lestthecurebeworsethanthedisease。\"
\"Butyouneednotfollowyouradviceunlessyoulikeit。\"
\"No，oneisfreetoactasonethinksfit；butnottofollowtheadviceoftheoraclewouldbeacontemptoftheintelligencewhichdirectsit。\"
Esthercouldsaynomore，andstoodsilentforseveralminutes，andthensaidthatifIlikeshewouldstaywithmefortherestoftheday。Thejoywhichilluminedmycountenancewasmanifest，andIsaidthatifshewouldstaytodinnerIwouldgetup，andnodoubtherpresencewouldgivemeanappetite。\"Ah！\"saidshe，\"Iwillmakeyouthedishyouaresofondof。\"Sheorderedthesedan—chairstobesentback，andwenttomylandladytoorderanappetisingrepast，andtoprocurethechafing—dishandthespiritsofwinesherequiredforherowncooking。
Estherwasanangel，atreasure，whoconsentedtobecomemineifI
wouldcommunicatetoherasciencewhichdidnotexist。IfeltthatIwaslookingforwardtospendingahappyday；thisshewedmethatI
couldforgetManon，andIwasdelightedwiththeidea。Igotoutofbed，andwhenEsthercamebackandfoundmeonmyfeetshegaveaskipofpleasure。\"Now，\"saidshe，\"youmustobligemebydressing，anddoingyourhairasifyouweregoingtoaball。\"
\"That，\"Ianswered，\"isafunnyidea，butasitpleasesyouitpleasesme。\"
IrangforLeDuc，andtoldhimIwantedtohavemyhairdone，andtobedressedasifIweregoingtoaball。\"Choosethedressthatsuitsmebest。\"
\"No，\"saidEsther，\"Iwillchooseitmyself。\"
LeDucopenedmytrunk，andleavinghertorummageinithecametoshaveme，andtodomyhair。Esther，delightedwithhertask，calledintheassistanceofhergoverness。Sheputonmybedalaceshirt，andthesuitshefoundmosttohertaste。Thencomingclose，asiftoseewhetherLeDucwasdressingmyhairproperly，shesaid，\"Alittlebrothwoulddoyougood；sendforadish，itwillgiveyouanappetitefordinner。\"
Ithoughtheradvicedictatedbythetenderestcare，andIdeterminedtobenefitbyit。Sogreatwastheinfluenceofthischarminggirloverme，that，littlebylittle，insteadoflovingManon，Ihatedher。Thatgavemecourage，andcompletedmycure。AtthepresenttimeIcanseethatManonwasverywiseinacceptingBlondel’soffer，andthatmyloveforselfandnotmyloveforherwaswounded。
Iwasinmyservant’shands，myfaceturnedawaytowardsthefire，sothatIcouldnotseeEsther，butonlydivertmyselfwiththeideathatshewasinspectingmybelongings，whenallatonceshepresentedherselfwithamelancholyair，holdingMamon’sfatalletterinherhand。
\"AmItoblame，\"saidshe，timidly，\"forhavingdiscoveredthecauseofyoursorrow？\"
Ifeltrathertakenaback，butlookingkindlyather，Isaid，\"No，no，mydearEsther；pityyourfriend，andsaynomoreaboutit。\"
\"ThenImayreadalltheletters？\"
\"Yes，dearest，ifitwillamuseyou。\"
AllthelettersofthefaithlessManonBalettitome，withminetoher，weretogetheronmytable。IpointedthemouttoEsther，whobeguntoreadthemquiteeagerly。
WhenIwasdressed，asifforsomeCourtholiday，LeDucwentoutandleftusbyourselves，fortheworthygoverness，whowasworkingatherlacebythewindow，lookedatherlace，andnothingelse。Esthersaidthatnothinghadeveramusedhersomuchasthoseletters。
\"Thosecursedepistles，whichpleaseyousowell，willbethedeathofme。\"
\"Death？Oh，no！Iwillcureyou，Ihope。\"
\"Ihopeso，too；butafterdinneryoumusthelpmetoburnthemallfromfirsttolast。\"
\"Burnthem！No；makemeapresentofthem。Ipromisetokeepthemcarefullyallmydays。\"
\"Theyareyours，Esther。Iwillsendthemtoyouto—morrow。\"
Theselettersweremorethantwohundredinnumber，andtheshortestwerefourpagesinlength。Shewasenchantedtofindherselfthepossessoroftheletters，andshesaidshewouldmakethemintoaparcelandtakethemawayherself。
\"Shallyousendbacktheportraittoyourfaithlessmistress？\"saidshe。
\"Idon’tknowwhattodowithit。\"
\"Senditbacktoher；sheisnotworthyofyourhonouringherbykeepingit。Iamsurethatyouroraclewouldgiveyouthesameadvice。Whereistheportrait？Willyoushewitme？\"
Ihadtheportraitintheinteriorofagoldsnuff—box，butIhadnevershewnittoEstherforfearsheshouldthinkManonhandsomerthanherself，andconcludethatIonlyshewditheroutofvanity；
butasshenowaskedtoseeitIopenedtheboxwhereitwasandgaveither。
AnyotherwomanbesidesEstherwouldhavepronouncedManondownrightugly，orhaveendeavoredattheleasttofindsomefaultwithher，butEstherpronouncedhertobeverybeautiful，andonlysaiditwasagreatpitysofairabodycontainedsovileasoul。
ThesightofManon’sportraitmadeEstherasktoseealltheotherportraitswhichMadameManzonihadsentmefromVenice。Therewerenakedfiguresamongstthem，butEstherwastoopureaspirittoputonthehatefulaffectationsoftheprude，towhomeverythingnaturalisanabomination。O—Murphypleasedherverymuch，andherhistory，whichIrelated，struckherasverycurious。Theportraitofthefairnun，M————M————，firstinthehabitofherorderandafterwardsnaked，madeherlaugh，butIwouldnottellEstherherstory，inspiteofthelivelydesireshedisplayedtohearit。
Atdinner—timeadelicaterepastwasbroughttous，andwespenttwodelightfulhoursinthepleasuresofaconversationandthetable。
Iseemedtohavepassedfromdeathtolife，andEstherwasdelightedtohavebeenmyphysician。BeforewerosefromtableIhaddeclaredmyintentionofsendingManon’sportraittoherhusbandonthedayfollowing，buthergoodnaturefoundawayofdissuadingmefromdoingsowithoutmuchdifficulty。
Sometimeafter，whileweweretalkinginfrontofthefire，shetookapieceofpaper，setupthepyramids，andinscribedthefourkeysO，S，A，D。SheaskedifIshouldsendtheportraittothehusband，orwhetheritwouldnotbemoregeneroustoreturnittothefaithlessManon。Whilstshewascalculatingshesaidoverandoveragain，withasmile，\"Ihavenotmadeuptheanswer。\"Ipretendtobelieveher，andwelaughedliketwoaugursmeetingeachotheralone。AtlastthereplycamethatIoughttoreturntheportrait，buttothegiver，sincetosendittothehusbandwouldbeanactunworthyofamanofhonour。
Ipraisedthewisdomoftheoracle，andkissedthePythonessascoreoftimes，promisingthatthecabalashouldbeobeyedimplicitly，addingthatshehadnoneedofbeingtaughtthesciencesincesheknewitaswellastheinventor。
Ispokethetruth，butEstherlaughed，and，fearinglestIshouldreallythinkso，tookpainstoassuremeofthecontrary。
Itisthusthatlovetakeshispleasure，thushisgrowthincreases，andthusthathesosoonbecomesagiantinstrength。
\"ShallIbeimpertinent，\"saidEsther，\"ifIaskyouwhereyourportraitis？Manonsaysinherletterthatsheissendingitback；
butIdon’tseeitanywhere。\"
\"Inmyfirstparoxysmofrage，Ithrewitdown；Idon’tknowinwhatdirection。Whatwasthusdespisedbyhercannotbeofmuchvaluetome。\"
\"Letuslookforit；Ishouldliketoseeit。\"
Wesoonfounditonmytable，inthemidstofaofbooks；Esthersaiditwasaspeakinglikeness。
\"Iwouldgiveityouifsuchapresentwereworthyofyou。\"
\"Ah！youcouldnotgivemeanythingIwouldvaluemore。\"
\"Willyoudeigntoacceptit，Esther，thoughithasbeenpossessedbyanother？\"
\"Itwillbeallthedearertome。\"
Atlastshehadtoleaveme，afteradaywhichmightbecalleddelightfulifhappinessconsistsofcalmandmutualjoyswithoutthetumultuousrapturesofpassion。Shewentawayatten，afterIhadpromisedtospendthewholeofthenextdaywithher。
Afteranunbrokensleepofninehours’durationIgotuprefreshedandfeelingoncemoreinperfecthealth，andIwenttoseeEstherimmediately。Ifoundshewasstillabedandasleep，buthergovernesswentandrousedherinspiteofmyrequestthatherreposeshouldberespected。
Shereceivedmewithasweetsmileasshesatupinbed，andshewdmemyvoluminouscorrespondencewithManononhernight—table，sayingthatshehadbeenreadingittilltwoo’clockinthemorning。
Herappearancewasravishing。Aprettycambricnight—cap，tiedwithalight—blueribbonandornamentedwithlace，setoffthebeautiesofherface；andalightshawlofIndianmuslin，whichshehadhastilythrownon，veiledratherthanconcealedhersnowybreast，whichwouldhaveshamedtheworksofPraxiteles。Sheallowedmetotakeahundredkissesonherrosylips——ardentkisseswhichthesightofsuchcharmsmadeyetmoreardent；butherhandsforbademyapproachtothosetwospheresIsolongedtotouch。
IsatdownbyherandtoldherthathercharmsofbodyandmindwouldmakeamanforgetalltheManonsthateverwere。
\"IsyourMarionfairtoseeallover？\"saidshe。
\"Ireallycan’tsay，for，notbeingherhusband，Ineverhadanopportunityofinvestigatingthematter。\"
\"Yourdiscretionisworthyofallpraise，\"shesaid，withasmile，\"suchconductbecomesamanofdelicatefeeling。\"
\"Iwastoldbyhernursethatshewasperfectinallrespects，andthatnomoteorblemishrelievedthepurewhitenessofherskin。\"
\"Youmusthaveadifferentnotionofme？\"
\"Yes，Esther，astheoraclerevealedtomethegreatsecretyoudesiredtoknow。Nevertheless，Ishouldfindyouperfectinallyourparts。\"
HereuponIwasguiltyofastupiditywhichturnedtomyconfusion。I
said，\"IfIbecameyourhusband，Icouldeasilyrefrainfromtouchingyouthere。\"
\"Isupposeyouthink，\"saidshe，blushing，andevidentlyalittlevexed，\"thatifyoutouchedityourdesiresmightbelessened？\"
Thisquestionprobedmetothecoreandcoveredmewithshame。I
burstintotears，andbeggedherpardoninsotrulyrepentantavoicethatsympathymadeherminglehertearswithmine。Theincidentonlyincreasedourintimacy，for，asIkissedhertearsaway，thesamedesiresconsumedus，andifthevoiceofprudencehadnotintervened，doubtlessallwouldhavebeenover。Asitwas，wehadbutaforetasteandanearnestofthatblisswhichitwasinourpowertoprocure。Threehoursseemedtousasmanyminutes。Shebeggedmetogointohersitting—roomwhileshedressed，andwethenwentdownanddinedwiththewretchedsecretary，whoadoredher，whomshedidnotlove，andwhomusthavebornesmalllovetome，seeinghowhighI
stoodinhergraces。
Wepassedtherestofthedaytogetherinthatconfidentialtalkwhichisusualwhenthefoundationsofthemostintimatefriendshiphavebeenlaidbetweentwopersonsofoppositesex，whobelievethemselvescreatedforeachother。Ourflamesburntasbrightly，butwithmorerestraint，inthedining—roomasinthebedroom。Intheveryairofthebedroomofawomanonelovesthereissomethingsobalmyandvoluptuousthatthelover，askedtochoosebetweenthisgardenofdelightsandParadise，wouldnotforonemomenthesitateinhischoice。
Wepartedwithheartsfullofhappiness，sayingtoeachother，\"Tillto—morrow。\"
IwastrulyinlovewithEsther，formysentimentforherwascomposedofsweeter，calmer，andmorelivelyfeelingsthanmeresensuallove，whichiseverstormyandviolent。IfeltsureIcouldpersuadehertomarrymewithoutmyfirstteachingherwhatcouldnotbetaught。IwassorryIhadnotletherthinkherselfascleverasmyselfinthecabala，andIfeareditwouldbeimpossibletoundeceiveherwithoutexcitinghertoanger，whichwouldcastoutlove。Nevertheless，EstherwastheonlywomanwhowouldmakemeforgetManon，whomIbegantothinkunworthyofallIhadproposeddoingforher。
M。d’O————camebackandIwenttodinewithhim。Hewaspleasedtohearthathisdaughterhadeffectedacompletecurebyspendingadaywithme。WhenwewerealonehetoldmethathehadheardattheHaguethattheComteSt。Germainhadtheartofmakingdiamondswhichonlydifferedfromtherealonesinweight，andwhich，accordingtohim，wouldmakehisfortune。M。d’O————wouldhavebeenamusedifI
hadtoldhimallIknewaboutthischarlatan。
NextdayItookEsthertotheconcert，andwhilewewerethereshetoldmethatonthedayfollowingshewouldnotleaveherroom，sothatwecouldtalkaboutgettingmarriedwithoutfearofinterruption。Thiswasthelastdayoftheyear1759。
CHAPTERXI
IUndeceiveEsther——IsetoutforGermany——AdventureNearCologne——
TheBurgomaster’sWife；MyConquestofHer——BallatBonn——Welcome>FromtheElectorofCologne——BreakfastatBruhl——FirstIntimacy——
IsupWithoutBeingAskedatGeneralKettler’sIamHappy——ILeaveCologne——TheToscaniTheJewelMyArrivalatStuttgartTheappointmentwhichEstherhadmadewithmewouldprobablyhaveseriousresults；andIfeltitduetomyhonournottodeceiveheranylonger，evenwereittocostmemyhappiness；however，Ihadsomehopethatallwouldturnoutwell。
Ifoundherinbed，andshetoldmethatsheintendedtostoptherethroughouttheday。Iapproved，forinbedIthoughtherravishing。
\"Wewillsettowork，\"saidshe；andhergovernesssetalittletablebyherbed，andshegavemeapieceofpapercoveredwithquestionstendingtoconvincemethatbeforeImarriedherIshouldcommunicatetohermysupposedscience。Allthesequestionswereartfullyconceived，allweresowordedastoforcetheoracletoordermetosatisfyher，ortodefinitelyforbidmydoingso。Isawthesnare，andallmythoughtswerehowtoavoidit，thoughIpretendedtobemerelyconsideringthequestions。IcouldnotmaketheoraclespeaktopleaseEsther，andIcouldstilllessmakeitpronounceapositiveprohibition，asIfearedthatshewouldresentsuchananswerbitterlyandrevengeherselfonme。Nevertheless，Ihadtoassumeanindifferentair，andIgotmyselfoutofthedifficultybyequivocalanswers，tillthegood—humouredpapacametosummonmetodinner。
Heallowedhisdaughtertostayinbedontheconditionthatshewastodonomorework，ashewasafraidthatbyapplyingherselfsointentlyshewouldincreaseherheadache。Shepromised，muchtomydelight，thatheshouldbeobeyed，butonmyreturnfromdinnerI
foundherasleep，andsittingatherbedsideIlethersleepon。
Whensheawokeshesaidshewouldliketoreadalittle；andasifbyinspiration，IchancedtotakeupCoiardeau’s’Heroides’，andweinflamedeachotherbyreadingthelettersofHeloiseandAbelard。
Theardoursthusarousedpassedintoourtalkandwebegantodiscussthesecretwhichtheoraclehadrevealed。
\"But，Estherdear，\"saidI，\"didnottheoraclerevealacircumstanceofwhichyouknewperfectlywellbefore？\"
\"No，sweetheart，thesecretwasperfectlyunknowntomeandwouldhavecontinuedunknown。\"
\"Thenyouhaveneverbeencuriousenoughtoinspectyourownperson？\"
\"HowevercuriousImayhavebeen，natureplacedthatmoleinsuchapositionastoescapeanybutthemostminutesearch。\"
\"Youhaveneverfeltit，then？\"
\"Itistoosmalltobefelt。\"
\"Idon’tbelieveit。\"
Sheallowedmyhandtowanderindiscreetly，andmyhappyfingersfeltalltheprecinctsofthetempleoflove。Thiswasenoughtofirethechastestdisposition。Icouldnotfindtheobjectofmyresearch，and，notwishingtostopshortatsovainanenjoyment，Iwasallowedtoconvincemyselfwithmyeyesthatitactuallyexisted。There，however，herconcessionsstoppedshort，andIhadtocontentmyselfbykissingagainandagainallthosepartswhichmodestynolongerdeniedtomygaze。
Satiatedwithbliss，thoughIhadnotattainedtotheutmostofenjoyment，whichshewiselydeniedme，aftertwohourshadbeendevotedtothosepastimeswhichleadtonothing，IresolvedtotellherthewholetruthandtoshewherhowIhadabusedhertrustinme，thoughIfearedthatherangerwouldberoused。
Esther，whohadalargeshareofintelligence（indeedifshehadhadlessIcouldnothavedeceivedhersowell），listenedtomewithoutinterruptingmeandwithoutanysignsofangerorastonishment。Atlast，whenIhadbroughtmylongandsincereconfessiontoanend，shesaid，\"Iknowyourloveformeisasgreatasmineforyou；andifIamcertainthatwhatyouhavejustsaidcannotpossiblybetrue，Iamforcedtoconcludethatifyoudonotcommunicatetomeallthesecretsofyourscienceitisbecausetodosoisnotinyourpower。
Letusloveoneanothertilldeath，andsaynomoreaboutthismatter。\"
Afteramoment’ssilence，shewenton，——
\"IflovehastakenawayfromyouthecourageofsincerityIforgiveyou，butIamsorryforyou。Youhavegivenmetoopositiveproofoftherealityofyoursciencetobeabletoshakemybelief。YoucouldneverhavefoundoutathingofwhichImyselfwasignorant，andofwhichnomortalmancouldknow。\"
\"AndifIshewyou，Estherdear，thatIknewyouhadthismole，thatIhadgoodreasonsforsupposingyoutobeignorantofit，willyourbeliefbeshakenthen？\"\"Youknewit？Howcouldyouhaveseenit？
It’sincredible！\"
\"Iwilltellyouall。\"
Ithenexplainedtoherthetheoryofthecorrespondenceofmolesonthevariouspartsofthehumanbody，andtoconvinceherIendedbysayingthathergovernesswhohadalargemarkonherrightcheekoughttohaveoneverylikeitonherleftthigh。Atthissheburstintolaughter，andsaid，\"Iwillfindout，butafterallyouhavetoldmeIcanonlyadmireyouthemoreforknowingwhatnooneelsedoes。\"
\"Doyoureallythink，Esther，thatIamthesolepossessorofthisscience？Undeceiveyourself。Allwhohavestudiedanatomy，physiology，andastrology，knowofit。\"
\"ThenIbegyoutogetme，byto—morrow——yes，tomorrow——allthebookswhichwillteachmesecretsofthatnature。Ilongtobeabletoastonishtheignorantwithmycabala，whichIseerequiresamixtureofknowledgeandimposition。Iwishtodevotemyselfentirelytothisstudy。Wecanloveeachothertothedeath，butwecandothatwithoutgettingmarried。\"
Ire—enteredmylodginginapeacefulandhappyframeofmind；anenormousweightseemedtakenoffmyspirits。NextmorningI
purchasedsuchvolumesasIjudgedwouldinstructandamuseheratthesametime，andwenttopresentthemtoher。ShewasmostpleasedwithmyConis，asshefoundinitthecharacteroftruth。Asshewishedtoshinebyheranswersthroughtheoracleitwasnecessaryforhertohaveanextensiveknowledgeofscience，andIputherontheway。
AboutthattimeIconceivedtheideaofmakingashorttourinGermanybeforereturningtoParis，andEstherencouragedmetodoso，afterIhadpromisedthatsheshouldseemeagainbeforetheendoftheyear。Thispromisewassincerely，given；andthoughfromthatdaytothisIhavenotbeheldthefaceofthatcharmingandremarkablewoman，Icannotreproachmyselfwithhavingdeceivedherwilfully，forsubsequenteventspreventedmefromkeepingmyword。
IwrotetoM。d’Afrirequestinghimtoprocuremeapassportthroughtheempire，wheretheFrenchandotherbelligerentpowerswerethencampaigning。HeansweredverypolitelythatIhadnoneedofapassport，butthatifIwishedtohaveonehewouldsenditmeforthwith。Iwascontentwiththisletterandputitamongmypapers，andatCologneitgotmeabetterreceptionthanallthepassportsintheworld。
ImadeM。d’O————thedepositaryofthevariousmoneysIhadindifferentbankinghouses，andtheworthyman，whowasatruefriendtome，gavemeabillofexchangeonadozenofthechiefhousesinGermany。
WhenmyaffairswereallinorderIstartedinmypost—chaise，withthesumofnearlyahundredthousandDutchflorinstomycredit，somevaluablejewels，andawell—stockedwardrobe。IsentmySwissservantbacktoParis，keepingonlymyfaithfulSpaniard，whoonthisoccasiontravelledwithme，seatedbehindmychaise。
ThusendsthehistoryofmysecondvisittoHolland，whereIdidnothingtoaugmentmyfortune。IhadsomeunpleasantexperiencesthereforwhichIhadmyownimprudencetothank，butafterthelapseofsomanyyearsIfeelthatthesemishapsweremorethancompensatedbythecharmsofEsther’ssociety。
IonlystoppedonedayatUtrecht，andtwodaysafterIreachedCologneatnoon，withoutaccident，butnotwithoutdanger，foratadistanceofhalfaleaguefromthetownfivedeserters，threeontherighthandandtwoontheleft，levelledtheirpistolsatme，withthewords，\"Yourmoneyoryourlife。\"However，Icoveredthepostillionwithmyownpistol，threateningtofireifhedidnotdriveon，andtherobbersdischargedtheirweaponsatthecarriage，nothavingenoughspirittoshootthepostillion。
IfIhadbeenliketheEnglish，whocarryalightpurseforthebenefitofthehighwaymen，Iwouldhavethrownittothesepoorwretches；but，asitwas，Iriskedmyliferatherthanberobbed。MySpaniardwasquiteastonishednottohavebeenstruckbyanyoftheballswhichwhistledpasthisears。
TheFrenchwereinwinterquartersatCologne，andIputupatthe\"Soleild’Or。\"AsIwasgoingin，thefirstpersonImetwastheComtedeLastic，Madamed’Urfe’snephew，whogreetedmewiththeutmostpoliteness，andofferedtotakemetoM。deTorci，whowasincommand。Iaccepted，andthisgentlemanwasquitesatisfiedwiththeletterM。d’Afrihadwrittenme。ItoldhimwhathadhappenedtomeasIwascomingintoCologne，andhecongratulatedmeonthehappyissueoftheaffair，butwithasoldier’sfreedomblamedtheuseI
hadmadeofmycourage。\"
\"Youplayedhigh，\"saidhe，\"tosaveyourmoney，butyoumighthavelostalimb，andnothingwouldhavemadeupforthat。\"
Iansweredthattomakelightofadangeroftendiminishedit。Welaughedatthis，andhesaidthatifIwasgoingtomakeanystayinCologneIshouldprobablyhavethepleasureofseeingthehighwaymenhanged。
\"Iintendtogoto—morrow，\"saidI，\"andifanythingcouldkeepmeatCologneitwouldcertainlynotbetheprospectofbeingpresentatanexecution，assuchsightsarenotatalltomytaste。\"
IhadtoacceptM。deLastic’sinvitationtodinner，andhepersuadedmetogowithhimselfandhisfriend，M。deFlavacour，anofficerofhighrank，andanagreeableman，tothetheatre。AsIfeltsurethatIshouldbeintroducedtoladies，andwishedtomakesomethingofafigure，Ispentanhourindressing。
Ifoundmyselfinaboxoppositetoaprettywoman，wholookedatmeagainandagainthroughheropera—glass。Thatwasenoughtorousemycuriosity，andIbeggedM。deLastictointroduceme；whichhedidwiththebestgraceimaginable。HefirstpresentedmetoCountKettler，lieutenant—generalintheAustrianarmy，andonthegeneralstaffoftheFrencharmy——justastheFrenchGeneralMontacetwasonthestaffoftheAustrianarmy。IwasthenpresentedtotheladywhosebeautyhadattractedmyattentionthemomentIenteredmybox。
Shegreetedmegraciously，andaskedmequestionsaboutParisandBrussels，whereshehadbeeneducated，withoutappearingtopayanyattentiontomyreplies，butgazingatmylaceandjewellery。
Whileweweretalkingofindifferentmatters，likenewacquaintances，shesuddenlybutpolitelyaskedmeifIintendedtomakealongstayinCologne。
\"IthinkofcrossingtheRhineto—morrow，\"Ianswered，\"andshallprobablydineatBonn。\"
Thisreply，whichwasgivenasindifferentlyasherquestion，appearedtovexher；andIthoughthervexationagoodomen。GeneralKettlerthenrose，saying，——
\"Iamsure，sir，thatthisladywillpersuadeyoutodelayyourdeparture——atleast，Ihopeso，thatImaybanethepleasureofseeingmoreofyourcompany。\"
IbowedandhewentoutwithLastic，leavingmealonewiththisravishingbeauty。Shewastheburgomaster’swife，andthegeneralwasnearlyalwayswithher。
\"Isthecountright，\"saidshe，pleasantly，\"inattributingsuchpowertome？\"
\"Ithinkso，indeed，\"Ianswered，\"buthemaypossiblybewronginthinkingyoucaretoexerciseit。\"
\"Verygood！Wemustcatchhim，then，ifonlyasthepunishmentofhisindiscretion。Stay。\"
IwassoastonishedatthisspeechthatIlookedquitefoolishandhadtocollectmysenses。Ithoughtthewordindiscretionsublime，punishmentexquisite，andcatchingadmirable；andstillmoretheideaofcatchinghimbymeansofme。Ithoughtitwouldbeamistaketoenquireanyfurther，andputtingonanexpressionofresignationandgratitudeIloweredmylipsandkissedherhandwithamixtureofrespectandsentiment，which，withoutexactlyimpartingmyfeelingsforher，letherknowthattheymightbesoftenedwithoutmuchdifficulty。
\"Thenyouwillstay，sir！Itisreallyverykindofyou，forifyouwentoffto—morrowpeoplemightsaythatyouonlycameheretoshewyourdisdainforus。Tomorrowthegeneralgivesaball，andIhopeyouwillbeoneoftheparty。\"
\"CanIhopetodancewithyoualltheevening？\"
\"Ipromisetodancewithnobodybutyou，tillyougettiredofme。\"
\"Thenweshalldancetogetherthroughalltheball。\"
\"Wheredidyougetthatpomadewhichperfumestheair？Ismeltitassoonasyoucameintothebox。\"
\"ItcamefromFlorence，andifyoudonotlikeityoushallnotbetroubledwithitanymore。\"
\"Oh！butIdolikeit。Ishouldlikesomeofitmyself。\"
\"AndIshallbeonlytoohappyifyouwillpermitmetosendyoualittleto—morrow。\"
Justthenthedooroftheboxopenedandtheentranceofthegeneralpreventedherfromreplying。Iwasjustgoing，whenthecountsaid:
\"Iamsuremadamehasprevailedonyoutostay，andtocometomyballandsupperto—morrow？\"
\"Shehasledmetoanticipatethatyouwoulddomethathonour，andshepromisestodancethequadrilleswithme。Howcanoneresistentreatyfromsuchlips？\"
\"Quiteso，andIamobligedtoherforhavingkeptyouwithus。I
hopetoseeyouto—morrow。\"
Iwentoutoftheboxinlove，andalmosthappyinanticipation。ThepomadewasapresentfromEsther，anditwasthefirsttimeIhadusedit。Theboxcontainedtwenty—fourpotsofbeautifulchina。ThenextdayIputtwelveintoanelegantcasket，whichIwrappedupinoil—clothandsenttoherwithoutanote。
IspentthemorningbygoingoverColognewithaguide；Ivisitedallthemarvelsoftheplace，andlaughedwithallmyhearttoseethehorseBayard，ofwhomAriostohassung，riddenbythefoursonsofAimon，orAmone，fatherofBradamantetheInvincible，andRicciardettotheFortunate。
IdinedwithM。deCastries，andeverybodywassurprisedthatthegeneralhadaskedmehimselftotheball，ashisjealousywasknown，whiletheladywassupposedonlytosufferhisattentionsthroughafeelingofvanity。Thedeargeneralwaswelladvancedinyears，farfromgood—looking，andashismentalqualitiesbynomeanscompensatedforhislackofphysicaloneshewasbynomeansanobjecttoinspirelove。Inspiteofhisjealousy，hehadtoappearpleasedthatIsatnextthefairatsupper，andthatIspentthenightindancingwithherortalkingtoher。Itwasahappynightforme，andIre—enteredmylodgingnolongerthinkingofleavingCologne。Inamomentofecstasy，emboldenedbytheturntheconversationhadtaken，IhaddaredtotellherthatifshewouldmeetmealoneIwouldstayinColognetilltheendofthecarnival。
\"Andwhatwouldyousay，\"sheasked，\"ifIgivemypromise，anddonotkeepit？\"
\"Ishouldbemoanmylot，withoutaccusingyou；Ishouldsaytomyselfthatyouhadfounditimpossibletokeepyourword。\"
\"Youareverygood；youmuststaywithus。\"
ThedayaftertheballIwenttopayhermyfirstvisit。Shemademewelcome，andintroducedmetoherworthyhusband，who，thoughneitheryoungnorhandsome，wasextremelygood—hearted。AfterIhadbeenthereanhour，weheardthegeneral’scarriagecoming，andshesaidtome:
\"IfheasksyouwhetheryouaregoingtotheElector’sballatBonn，sayyes！\"
Thegeneralcamein，andaftertheusualcomplimentshadbeenpassedIwithdrew。
Ididnotknowbywhomtheballwastobegiven，orwhenitwastotakeplace，butscentingpleasurefromafaroffIhastenedtomakeenquiriesaboutit，andheardthatallthegoodfamiliesinCologneweregoing。Itwasamaskedball，andconsequentlyopentoall。I
decidedthenthatIwouldgo；indeedIconcludedthatIhadhadorderstothateffect，andatalleventsmyladywouldbethere，andImighthopeforahappymeetingwithher。ButasIwishedtokeepupmyincognitoasmuchaspossible，Iresolvedtoreplytoallwhoaskedmethatimportantbusinesswouldpreventmybeingpresent。
Itfelloutthatthegeneralaskedmethisveryquestioninthepresenceofthelady，andwithoutregardtotheordersIhadreceivedfromherIrepliedthatmyhealthwouldforbidmyhavingthatpleasure。
\"Youareverywise，sir，\"saidthegeneral，\"allthepleasuresonearthshouldbesacrificedwhenitisaquestionofone’shealth。\"
Ithinkso，too，now，butIthoughtdifferentlythen。
Onthedayoftheball，towardstheevening，Isetoutinapost—
chaise，disguisedsothatnotasoulinColognecouldhaverecognizedme，andprovidedwithaboxcontainingtwodominoes；andonmyarrivalatBonnItookaroomandputononeofthedominoes，lockinguptheotherinthebox；andIthenhadmyselfcarriedtotheballinasedan—chair。
Igotineasilyandunperceived，andrecognizedalltheladiesofColognewithouttheirmasks，andmymistresssittingatafaro—tableriskingaducat。Iwasgladtoseeinthebanker，CountVeritaofVerona，whomIhadknowninBavaria。HewasintheElector’sservice。Hissmallbankdidnotcontainmorethanfiveorsixducats，andthepunters，menandwomen，werenotmorethantwelve。I
tookupapositionbymymistress，andthebankeraskedmetocut。I
excusedmyselfwithagesture，andmyneighbourcutwithoutbeingasked。Iputtenducatsonasinglecard，andlostfourtimesrunning；Iplayedattheseconddeal，andexperiencedthesamefate。
Atthethirddealnobodywouldcut，andthegeneral，whowasstandingbybutnotplaying，agreedtodoso。Ifanciedhiscuttingwouldbelucky，andIputfiftyducatsononecard。Iwon。Iwent’paroli’，andattheseconddealIbrokethebank。Everybodywascuriousaboutme；Iwasstaredatandfollowed，butseizingafavourableopportunityImademyescape。
Iwenttomyroom，tookoutmymoney，changedmycostume，andreturnedtotheball。Isawthetableoccupiedbynewgamsters，andanotherbankerwhoseemedtohaveagooddealofgold，butnotcaringtoplayanymoreIhadnotbroughtmuchmoneywithme。Imingledinallthegroupsintheballroom，andonallsidesIheardexpressionsofcuriosityaboutthemaskwhobrokethefirstbank。
Ididnotcaretosatisfythegeneralcuriosity，butmademywayfromonesideoftheroomtotheothertillIfoundtheobjectofmysearchtalkingtoCountVerita，andasIdrewnearIfoundoutthattheyweretalkingofme。ThecountwassayingthattheElectorhadbeenaskingwhohadbrokenthebank，andthatGeneralKettlerhadexpressedhisopinionthatitwasaVenetianwhohadbeeninCologneforthelastweek。MymistressansweredthatshedidnotthinkIwasthere，asshehadheardmesaythatthestateofmyhealthwouldkeepmeathome。
\"IknowCasanova，\"saidthecount，\"andifhebeatBonntheElectorshallhearofit，andheshan’tgooffwithoutmyseeinghim。\"
IsawthatImighteasilybediscoveredaftertheball，butIdefiedthekeenesteyestopenetratebeneathmypresentdisguise。Ishouldhave，nodoubt，remainedunknown，butwhenthequadrilleswerebeingarrangedItookmyplaceinone，withoutreflectingthatIshouldhavetotakeoffmymask。
Assoonasmymistresssawmeshetoldmeshehadbeendeceived，asshewouldhavewageredthatIwasthemaskerwhobrokeCountVerita’sbank。ItoldherIhadonlyjustcome。
Attheendofthedancethecountspiedmeoutandsaid，\"Mydearfellow—countryman，Iamsureyouarethemanwhobrokemybank；I
congratulateyou。\"\"IshouldcongratulatemyselfifIwerethefortunateindividual。\"
\"Iamsurethatitwasyou。\"
Ilefthimlaughing，andafterhavingtakensomerefreshmentsI
continueddancing。Twohoursafterwardsthecountsawmeagainandsaid，——
\"Youchangedyourdominoinsucharoom，insuchahouse。TheElectorknowsallaboutit，andasapunishmentforthisdeceithehasorderedmetotellyouthatyouarenottoleaveBonnto—morrow。\"
\"Ishegoingtoarrestme，then？\"
\"Whynot，ifyourefusehisinvitationtodinnertomorrow？\"
\"Tellhishighnessthathiscommandsshallbeobeyed。Willyoupresentmetohimnow？\"
\"Hehaslefttheball，butwaitonmeto—morrowatnoon。\"Sosaying，hegavemehishandandwentaway。
Itookcaretokeeptheappointmentonthedayfollowing，butwhenI
waspresentedIwasinsomeconfusion，astheElectorwassurroundedbyfiveorsixcourtiers，andneverhavingseenhimIlookedinvainforanecclesiastic。Hesawmyembarrassmentandhastenedtoputanendtoit，saying，inbadVenetian，\"IamwearingthecostumeofGrandMasteroftheTeutonicOrderto—day。\"InspiteofhiscostumeImadetheusualgenuflexion，andwhenIwouldhavekissedhishandhewouldnotallowit，butshookmineinanaffectionatemanner。
\"IwasatVenice，\"saidhe，\"whenyouwereundertheLeads，andmynephew，theElectorofBavaria，toldmethatafteryourfortunateescapeyoustayedsometimeatMunich；ifyouhadcometoCologneI
shouldhavekeptyou。Ihopethatafterdinneryouwillbekindenoughtotellusthestoryofyourescape，thatyouwillstaytosupper，andwilljoininalittlemasqueradewithwhichweproposetoamuseourselves。\"
Ipromisedtotellmytaleifhethoughtitwouldnotwearyhim，warninghimthatitwouldtaketwohours。\"Onecouldneverhavetoomuchofagoodthing，\"hewaskindenoughtosay；andImadehimlaughbymyaccountoftheconversationbetweentheDucdeChoiseulandmyself。
AtdinnertheprincespoketomeinVenetian，andwaspleasedtobemostgracioustowardsme。Hewasamanofajovialandeasy—goingdisposition，andwithhislookofhealthonewouldnothaveprophesiedsosoonanendascametohim。Hediedtheyearfollowing。
Assoonaswerosefromtablehebeggedmetobeginmystory，andfortwohoursIhadthepleasureofkeepingthismostbrilliantcompanyamused。
Myreadersknowthehistory；itsinterestliesinthedramaticnatureofthedetails，butitisimpossibletocommunicatethefireofawell—toldstorytoanaccountinwriting。
TheElector’slittlebailwasverypleasant。Wewerealldressedaspeasants，andthecostumesweretakenfromaspecialwardrobeoftheprince’s。Itwouldhavebeenridiculoustochooseanyotherdresses，astheElectorworeoneofthesamekindhimself。GeneralKettlerwasthebestdisguisedofusall；helookedtherustictothelife。
Mymistresswasravishing。WeonlydancedquadrillesandGermandances。Therewereonlyfourorfiveladiesofthehighestrank；alltheothers，whoweremoreorlesspretty，werefavouritesoftheprince，allhisdaysagreatloverofthefairsex。TwooftheseladiesdancedtheForlana，andtheElectorwasmuchamusedinmakingmedanceitalso。IhavealreadysaidthattheForlanaisaVenetiandance，andoneofthemostenergetickindimaginable。Itisdancedbyaladyandgentlemanoppositetooneanother，andasthetwoladiesrelievedoneanothertheywerealmostthedeathofme。Onehastobestrongtodancetwelveturns，andafterthethirteenthI
feltIcoulddonomore，andbeggedformercy。
Soonafterwedancedanotherdance，whereeachgentlemankissesalady。Iwasnottooshy，andeachtimeIcontinuedtokissmymistresswithconsiderableardour，whichmadethepeasant—electorburstwithlaughterandthepeasant—generalburstwithrage。
Inalullbetweenthedances，thischarmingandoriginalwomanfoundmeanstotellmeinprivatethatalltheCologneladieswouldleaveatnoononthenextday，andthatIwouldincreasemypopularitybyinvitingthemalltobreakfastatBruhl。
\"Sendeachoneanotewiththenameofhercavalier，andtrustinCountVeritatodoeverythingforthebest；youneedonlytellhimthatyouwishtogiveanentertainmentsimilartothatgiventwoyearsagobythePrincedeDeux—Ponts。Losenotime。Youwillhaveascoreofguests；mindyouletthemknowthehouroftherepast。
Takecare，too，thatyourinvitationsaresentroundbynineo’clockinthemorning。\"
Alltheseinstructionswereutteredwithlightningspeed，andI，enchantedwiththepowermymistressthoughtshepossessedoverme，thoughtonlyofobeying，withoutreflectingwhetherIowedherobedience。Bruhl，breakfast，ascoreofpeoplelikethePrinceDeux—
Ponts，invitationstotheladies，CountVerita；Iknewasmuchasshecouldhavetoldmeifshehadtakenanhour。
Ilefttheroominmypeasant’sdress，andbeggedapagetotakemetoCountVerita，whobegantolaughonseeingmyattire。Itoldmybusinesswiththeimportanceofanambassador，andthismadehiminastillbetterhumour。
\"Itcanalleasilybearranged，\"saidhe，\"Ihaveonlytowritetothesteward，andIwilldosoimmediately。Buthowmuchdoyouwanttospend？\"
\"Asmuchaspossible。\"
\"Aslittleaspossible，Isupposeyoumean。\"
\"Notatall；Iwanttotreatmyguestswithmagnificance。\"
\"Allthesameyoumustfixonasum，asIknowwhomI’vegottodealwith。\"
\"Well，well！two—threehundredducats；willthatdo？\"
\"Twohundred；thePrincedeDeux—Pontsdidnotspendmore。\"
Hebegantowrite，andgavemehiswordthateverythingshouldbeinreadiness。IlefthimandaddressingmyselftoasharpItalianpagesaidthatIwouldgivetwoducatstothevaletwhowouldfurnishmewiththenamesoftheCologneladieswhowereinBonn，andofthegentlemenwhohadaccompaniedthem。IgotwhatIwantedinlessthanhalfanhour，andbeforeleavingtheballItoldmymistressthatallshouldbedoneaccordingtoherdesires。
IwroteeighteennotesbeforeIwenttobed，andinthemorningaconfidentialservanthaddeliveredthembeforenineo’clock。
Atnineo’clockIwenttotakeleaveofCountVerita，whogaveme，onbehalfoftheElector，asuperbgoldsnuff—boxwithhisportraitsetindiamonds。Iwasverysensibleofthismarkofkindness，andI
wishedtogoandthankhisserenehighnessbeforemydeparture，butmyfriendlyfellow—countrymantoldmethatImightputoffdoingsotillIpassedthroughBonnonmywaytoFrankfort。
Breakfastwasorderedforoneo’clock。AtnoonIhadarrivedatBruhl，acountryhouseoftheElector’s，withnothingremarkableaboutitsaveitsfurniture。InthisitisapoorcopyoftheTrianon。InafinehallIfoundatablelaidfortwenty—fourpersons，arrangedwithsilvergiltplates，damasklinen，andexquisitechina，whilethesideboardwasadornedwithanimmensequantityofsilverandsilvergiltplate。Atoneendoftheroomweretwoothertablesladenwithsweetsandthechoicestwinesprocurable。
Iannouncedmyselfasthehost，andthecooktoldmeIshouldbeperfectlysatisfied。
\"Thecollation，\"saidhe，\"willbecomposedofonlytwenty—fourdishes，butinadditiontherewillbetwenty—fourdishesofEnglishoystersandasplendiddessert。\"
Isawagreatnumberofservants，andtoldhimthattheywouldnotbenecessary，buthesaidtheywere，astheguests’servantscouldnotbeadmitted。
Ireceivedallmyguestsatthedoor，confiningmycomplimentstobeggingtheirpardonsforhavingbeensoboldastoprocuremyselfthisgreathonour。
Thebreakfastwasservedatoneexactly，andIhadthepleasureofenjoyingtheastonishmentinmymistress’seyeswhenshesawthatI
hadtreatedthemaswellasaprinceoftheempire。Shewasawarethateverybodyknewhertobethechiefobjectofthislavishoutlay，butshewasdelightedtoseethatIdidnotpayheranyattentionswhichwereatallinvidious。Thetablewasseatedfortwenty—four，andthoughIhadonlyaskedeighteenpeopleeveryplacewasoccupied。
Threecouples，therefore，hadcomewithoutbeingasked；butthatpleasedmeallthemore。LikeacourtlycavalierIwouldnotsitdown，butwaitedontheladies，goingfromonetotheother，eatingthedaintybitstheygaveme，andseeingthatallhadwhattheywanted。
Bythetimetheoystersweredonetwentybottlesofchampagnehadbeenemptied，sothatwhentheactualbreakfastcommencedeverybodybegantotalkatonce。Themealmighteasilyhavepassedforasplendiddinner，andIwasgladtoseethatnotadropofwaterwasdrunk，fortheChampagne，Tokay，Rhinewine，Madeira，Malaga，Cyprus，Alicante，andCapewinewouldnotallowit。
Beforedessertwasbroughtonanenormousdishoftruffleswasplacedonthetable。IadvisedmygueststotakeMaraschinowithit，andthoseladieswhoappreciatedtheliqueurdrankitasifithadbeenwater。Thedessertwasreallysumptuous。InitweredisplayedtheportraitsofallthemonarchsofEurope。Everyonecomplimentedthecookonhisachievement，andhe，hisvanitybeingtickledandwishingtoappeargood—natured，saidthatnoneofitwouldspoilinthepocket，andaccordinglyeverybodytookasmuchastheychose。
GeneralKettler，who，inspiteofhisjealousyandtheparthesawmeplay，hadnosuspicionoftherealoriginofthebanquet，said，\"IwillwagerthatthisistheElector’sdoing。Hishighnesshasdesiredtopreservehisincognito，andM。Casanovahasplayedhisparttoadmiration。\"
Thisremarksetallthecompanyinaroar。
\"General，\"saidI，\"iftheElectorhadgivenmesuchanorder，I
should，ofcourse，haveobeyedhim，butIshouldhavefeltitahumiliatingparttoplay。Hishighness，however，hasdeignedtodomeafargreaterhonour；lookhere。\"Sosaying，Ishewedhimthegoldsnuff—box，whichmadethetourofthetabletwoorthreetimesover。
Whenwehadfinished，werosefromtable，astonishedtofindwehadbeenengagedforthreehoursinapleasurableoccupation，whichallwouldwillinglyhaveprolonged；butatlastwehadtopart，andaftermanycomplimentstheyallwentupontheirway，inordertobeintimeforthetheatre。Aswellpleasedasmyguests，Ilefttwentyducatswiththesteward，fortheservants，andpromisedhimtoletCountVeritaknowofmysatisfactioninwriting。
IarrivedatCologneintimefortheFrenchplay，andasIhadnocarriageIwenttothetheatreinasedanchair。AssoonasIgotintothehouse，IsawtheComtedeLasticalonewithmyfairone。
Ithoughtthisagoodomen，andIwenttothemdirectly。Assoonasshesawme，shesaidwithamelancholyairthatthegeneralhadgotsoillthathehadbeenobligedtogotobed。Soonafter，M。deLasticleftus，anddroppingherassumedmelancholyshemademe，withtheutmostgrace，athousandcompliments，whichcompensatedmefortheexpensesofmybreakfastahundredtimesover。
\"Thegeneral，\"saidshe，\"hadtoomuchtodrink；heisanenviousdevil，andhasdiscoveredthatitisnotseemlyofyoutotreatusasifyouwereaprince。Itoldhimthat，onthecontrary，youhadtreatedusasifwewereprinces，waitingonuswithyournapkinonyourarm。Hethereuponfoundfaultwithmefordegradingyou。\"
\"Whydoyounotsendhimabouthisbusiness？Sorudeafellowisnotworthyofservingsofamousabeauty。\"
\"It’stoolate。Awomanwhomyoudon’tknowwouldgetpossessionofhim。Ishouldbeobligedtoconcealmyfeelings，andthatwouldvexme。\"
\"Iunderstand——Iunderstand。WouldthatIwereagreatprince！Inthemeantime，letmetellyouthatmysicknessisgreaterthanKettler’s。\"
\"Youarejoking，Ihope。\"
\"Nay，notatall；Iamspeakingseriously，forthekissesIwassohappytosnatchfromyouattheballhaveinflamedmyblood，andifyouhavenotenoughkindnesstocuremeintheonlypossiblewayI
shallleaveColognewithalife—longgrief。\"
\"Putoffyourdeparture:whyshouldyoudesiretogotoStuttgartsoearnestly？Ithinkofyou，believeme，andIdonotwishtodeceiveyou；butitishardtofindanopportunity。\"
\"Ifyouhadnotthegeneral’scarriagewaitingforyouto—night，andIhadmine，Icouldtakeyouhomewithperfectpropriety。\"
\"Hush！Asyouhavenotyourcarriage，itismyparttotakeyouhome。Itisasplendididea，thatwemustsocontriveitthatitmaynotseemtobeaconcertedplan。Youmustgivemeyourarmtomycarriage，andIshallthenaskyouwhereyourcarriageis；youwillanswerthatyouhavenotgotone。Ishallaskyoutocomeintomine，andIwilldropyouatyourhotel。Itwillonlygiveusacoupleofminutes，butthatissomethingtillwearemorefortunate。\"
Irepliedtoheronlybyalookwhichexpressedtheintoxicationofmyspiritsattheprospectofsogreatbliss。
Althoughtheplaywasquiteashortone，itseemedtometolastforever。Atlastthecurtainfell，andwewentdownstairs。Whenwegottotheporticosheaskedmethequestionswehadagreedupon，andwhenItoldherIhadnotgotacarriage，shesaid，\"Iamgoingtothegeneral’stoaskafterhishealth；ifitwillnottakeyoutoomuchoutofyourway，Icanleaveyouatyourlodgingaswecomeback。\"
Itwasagrandidea。Weshouldpasstheentirelengthoftheill—
pavedtowntwice，andthuswesecuredalittlemoretime。