\"Assoonasyouweregone，sir，Icarriedoutyourinstructions，andhelpedthepoordevilofasentrytoemptyhisbottle，thoughhewouldhavewillinglydispensedwithmyassistanceinthematter；I
thentoldhimyouhadgonetobed，andhelockedthedoorasusual，andwentawayaftershakingmebythehand。AfterhehadgoneIwenttobed。Nextmorningtheworthymanwasathispostbynineo’clock，andattenthethreeofficerscame，andonmytellingthemthatyouwerestillasleeptheywentaway，biddingmecometoacoffee—house，andsummonthemwhenyougotup。Astheywaitedandwaitedtonopurpose，theycameagainatnoon，andtoldthesoldiertoopenthedoor。Whatfollowedamusedme，thoughIwasinsomedangerinthemidstoftherascals。
\"Theywentin，andtakingthewig—blockforyourheadtheycameuptothebedandpolitelywishedyougoodmorning。Youtooknonotice，sooneofthemproceededtogiveyouagentleshake，andthebaublefellandrolledalongthefloor。Iroaredwithlaughteratthesightoftheiramazement。
\"’Youlaugh，doyou，rascal？Telluswhereyourmasteris。’Andtogiveemphasistotheirwordstheyaccompaniedthemwithsomestrokesofthecane。
\"Iwasnotgoingtostandthissortofthing，soItoldthem，withanoath，thatiftheydidnotstopIshoulddefendmyself，addingthatI
wasnotmymaster’skeeper，andadvisingthemtoaskthesentry。
\"Thesentryonhispartsworebyallthesaintsthatyoumusthaveescapedbythewindow，butinspiteofthisacorporalwassummoned，andthepoormanwassenttoprison。
\"Theclamourthatwasgoingonbroughtupthelandlord，whoopenedyourmails，andonfindingthememptysaidthathewouldbewellenoughpaidbyyourpostchaise，replyingonlywithagrintotheofficerwhopretendedyouhadgivenithim。
\"Inthemidstofthetumultasuperiorofficercameup，whodecidedthatyoumusthaveescapedthroughthewindow，andorderedthesentrytobesetatlibertyonthespot。Thencamemyturn，for，asIkeptonlaughingandansweredallquestionsby’Idon’tknow，’thesegentlemanhadmetakentoprison，tellingmeIshouldstaytheretillIinformedthemwhereyou，oratleastyoureffects，couldbefound。
\"Thenextdayoneofthemcametotheprison，andtoldmethatunlessIconfessedIshouldundoubtedlybesenttothegalleys。
\"’OnthefaithofaSpaniard，’Ianswered，Iknownothing，butifI
diditwouldbeallthesametoyou，fornoonecanmakeanhonestservantbetrayhismaster。
\"Atthistherascaltoldtheturnkeytogivemeatasteofthelash，andafterthishadbeendoneIwassetatliberty。
\"Mybackwassomewhatscarified，butIhadtheproudconsciousnessofhavingdonemyduty，andIwentbackandsleptattheinn，wheretheyweregladtoseeme。Nextmorningeveryoneknewyouwerehereandhadsentachallengetothethreesharpers，buttheuniversalopinionwasthattheyweretooknowingtorisktheirlivesbymeetingyou。
Nevertheless，MadameBalettitoldmetobegyoutoleaveFurstenburg，astheymightverylikelyhaveyouassassinated。ThelandlordsoldyourchaiseandyourmailstotheAustrianambassador，who，theysay，letyouescapefromawindowintheapartmentoccupiedbyhismistress。Nooneofferedtopreventmecominghere:
ThreehoursafterLeDuc’sarrivalItookpostandwenttoSchaffhaus，andfromtheretoZurich，withhiredhorses，astherearenopostsinSwitzerland。AtZurichIputupatthe\"Sward，\"anexcellentinn。
Aftersupper，powderingovermyarrivalinZurichwhereIhaddroppedfromthecloudsasitwere，Ibegan，toreflectseriouslyuponmypresentsituationandtheeventsofmypastlife。Irecalledmymisfortunesandscrutinizedmyconduct；andwasnotlonginconcludingthatallIhadsufferedwasthroughmyownfault，andthatwhenfortunewouldhavecrownedmewithhappinessIhadpersistentlytrifledthathappinessaway。IhadjustsucceededinescapingfromatrapwhereImighthaveperished，oratleasthavebeenoverwhelmedwithshame，andIshudderedatthethought。Iresolvedtobenomorefortune’splaything，buttoescapeentirelyfromherhands。I
calculatedmyassetsandfoundIwaspossessedofahundredthousandcrowns。\"Withthat，\"saidI，\"Icanlivesecureamidstthechangesandchancesofthislife，andIshallatlastexperiencetruehappiness。\"
Iwenttobedponderingoverthesefancies，andmysleepwasfullofhappydreams。Isawmyselfdwellinginaretiredspotamidstpeaceandplenty。IthoughtIwassurroundedonallsidesbyafairexpanseofcountrywhichbelongedtome，whereIenjoyedthatfreedomtheworldcannotgive。Mydreamshadalltheforceofreality，tillasuddenawakeningatday—breakcametogivethemthelie。ButtheimaginaryblissIhadenjoyedhadsotakenmyfancythatIcouldnotresttillIrealizedit。Iarose，dressedmyselfhastily，andwentout，fasting，withoutknowingwhereIwasgoing。
Iwalkedonandon，absorbedincontemplation，anddidnotreallyawaketillIfoundmyselfinaravinebetweentwoloftymountains。
SteppingforwardIreachedavalleysurroundedbymountainsonallsides，andinthedistanceafinechurch，attachedtoapileofbuildings，magnificentlysituated。Iguessedittobeamonastery，andImademywaytowardsit。
Thechurchdoorwasopen，andIwentinandwasamazedattherichmarblesandthebeautyofthealtars；and，afterhearingthelastmass，IwenttothesacristyandfoundmyselfinacrowdofBenedictines。
Theabbot，whomIrecognizedbyhiscross，cametowardsmeandaskedifIwishedtoseethechurchandmonastery。IrepliedthatIshouldbedelighted，andhe，withtwootherbrethren，offeredtoshewmeall。Isawtheirrichornaments，chasublesembroideredwithgoldandpearls，thesacredvesselsadornedwithdiamondsandotherpreciousstones，arichbalustrade，etc。
AsIunderstoodGermanveryimperfectlyandtheSwissdialect（whichishardtoacquireandbearsthesamerelationtoGermanthatGenoesehastoItalian）notatall，IbegantospeakLatin，andaskedtheabbotifthechurchhadbeenbuiltforlong。Thereupontheveryreverendfatherenteredintoalonghistory，whichwouldhavemademerepentmyinquisitivenessifhehadnotfinishedbysayingthatthechurchwasconsecratedbyJesusChristHimself。Thiswascarryingitsfoundationratherfarback，andnodoubtmyfaceexpressedsomesurprise，fortoconvincemeofthetruthofthestorytheabbotbademefollowhimintothechurch，andthereonapieceofmarblepavementheshewedmetheimprintofthefootofJesus，whichHehadleftthereatthemomentoftheconsecration，toconvincetheinfidelsandtosavethebishopthetroubleofconsecratingthechurch。
Theabbothadhadthisdivinelyrevealedtohiminadream，andgoingintothechurchtoverifythevisionhesawtheprintoftheDivineFoot，andgavethankstotheLord。
EndMEMOIRSOFJACQUESCASANOVAdeSEINGALT1725—1798
THEETERNALQUEST，Volume3d——SWITZERLAND
THERAREUNABRIDGEDLONDONEDITIONOF1894TRANSLATEDBYARTHUR
MACHENTOWHICHHASBEENADDEDTHECHAPTERSDISCOVERED
BYARTHURSYMONS。
THEETERNALQUEST
SWITZERLAND
CHAPTERXIII
IResolvetoBecomeaMonk——IgotoConfession——DelayofaFortnight——Giustiniani，theApostleCapuchin——IAltermyMind；MyReasons——MyPranksattheInn——IDineWiththeAbbotThecoolwayinwhichtheabbottoldthesecock—and—bullstoriesgavemeaninclinationtolaughter，whichtheholinessoftheplaceandthelawsofpolitenesshadmuchdifficultyinrestraining。AllthesameIlistenedwithsuchanattentiveairthathisreverencewasdelightedwithmeandaskedwhereIwasstaying。
\"Nowhere，\"saidI；\"IcamefromZurichonfoot，andmyfirstvisitwastoyourchurch。\"
IdonotknowwhetherIpronouncedthesewordswithanairofcompunction，buttheabbotjoinedhishandsandliftedthemtoheaven，asiftothankGodfortouchingmyheartandbringingmetheretolaydowntheburdenofmysins。Ihavenodoubtthatthesewerehisthoughts，asIhavealwayshadthelookofagreatsinner。
TheabbotsaiditwasnearnoonandthathehopedIwoulddohimthehonourofdiningwithhim，andIacceptedwithpleasure，forIhadhadnothingtoeatandIknewthatthereisusuallygoodcheerinsuchplaces。IdidnotknowwhereIwasandIdidnotcaretoask，beingwillingtoleavehimundertheimpressionthatIwasapilgrimcometoexpiatemysins。
Onourwayfromthechurchtheabbottoldmethathismonkswerefasting，butthatweshouldeatmeatinvirtueofadispensationhehadreceivedfromBenedictXIV。，whichallowedhimtoeatmeatalltheyearroundwithhisguests。IrepliedthatIwouldjoinhimallthemorewillinglyastheHolyFatherhadgivenmeasimilardispensation。Thisseemedtoexcitehiscuriosityaboutmyself，andwhenwegottohisroom，whichdidnotlookthecellofapenitent，hehastenedtoshewmethebrief，whichhehadframedandglazedandhungupoppositethetablesothatthecuriousandscrupulousmighthaveitinfullview。
Asthetablewasonlylaidfortwo，aservantinfullliverycameinandbroughtanothercover；andthehumbleabbotthentoldmethatheusuallyhadhischancellorwithhimatdinner，\"for，\"saidhe，\"I
haveachancery，sinceasabbotofOurLadyofEinsiedelIamaprinceoftheHolyRomanEmpire。\"
Thiswasarelieftome，asInowknewwhereIwas，andInolongerrantheriskofshewingmyignoranceinthecourseofconversation。
Thismonastery（ofwhichIhadheardbefore）wastheLorettooftheMountains，andwasfamousforthenumberofpilgrimswhoresortedtoit。
Inthecourseofdinnertheprince——abbotaskedmewhereIcamefrom，ifIweremarried，ifIintendedtomakeatourofSwitzerland，addingthatheshouldbegladtogivemelettersofintroduction。
IrepliedthatIwasaVenetian，abachelor，andthatIshouldbegladtoacceptthelettersofintroductionhehadkindlyofferedme，afterIhadhadaprivateconferencewithhim，inwhichIdesiredtotakehisadviceonmyconscience。
Thus，withoutpremeditation，andscarcelyknowingwhatIwassaying，Iengagedtoconfesstotheabbot。
Thiswasmyway。WheneverIobeyedaspontaneousimpulse，wheneverI
didanythingofasudden，IthoughtIwasfollowingthelawsofmydestiny，andyieldingtoasupremewill。WhenIhadthusplainlyintimatedtohimthathewastobemyconfessor，hefeltobligedtospeakwithreligiousfervour，andhisdiscoursesseemedtolerableenoughduringadelicateandappetisingrepast，forwehadsnipeandwoodcock；whichmademeexclaim，——
\"What！gamelikethatatthistimeofyear？\"
\"It’sasecret，\"saidhe，withapleasedsmile，\"whichIshallbegladtocommunicatetoyou。\"
Theabbotwasamanoftaste，forthoughheaffectedsobrietyhehadthechoicestwinesandthemostdeliciousdishesonthetable。A
splendidsalmon—troutwasbrought，whichmadehimsmilewithpleasure，andseasoningthegoodfarewithajest，hesaidinLatinthatwemusttasteitasitwasfish，andthatitwasrighttofastalittle。
Whilehewastalkingtheabbotkeptakeeneyeonme，andasmyfinedressmadehimfeelcertainthatIhadnothingtoaskofhimhespokeatease。
Whendinnerwasoverthechancellorbowedrespectfullyandwentout。
Soonaftertheabbottookmeoverthemonastery，includingthelibrary，whichcontainedaportraitoftheElectorofCologneinsemi—ecclesiasticalcostume。Itoldhimthattheportraitwasagoodthoughuglylikeness，anddrewoutofmypocketthegoldsnuffboxtheprincehadgivenme，tellinghimthatitwasaspeakinglikeness。Helookedatitwithinterest，andthoughthishighnesshaddonewelltobetakeninthedressofagrand—master。ButIperceivedthattheeleganceofthesnuff—boxdidnoharmtotheopiniontheabbothadconceivedofme。Asforthelibrary，ifIhadbeenaloneitwouldhavemademeweep。Itcontainednothingunderthesizeoffolio，thenewestbookswereahundredyearsold，andthesubject—matterofallthesehugebookswassolelytheologyandcontroversy。TherewereBibles，commentators，theFathers，worksoncanonlawinGerman，volumesofannals，andHoffman’sdictionary。
\"Isupposeyourmonkshaveprivatelibrariesoftheirown，\"Isaid，\"whichcontainaccountsoftravels，withhistoricalandscientificworks。\"
\"Notatall，\"hereplied；\"mymonksarehonestfolk，whoarecontenttodotheirduty，andtoliveinpeaceandsweetignorance。\"
Idonotknowwhathappenedtomeatthatmoment，butastrangewhimcameintomyhead——Iwouldbeamonk，too。Isaidnothingaboutitatthemoment，butIbeggedtheabbottotakemetohisprivatechamber。
\"Iwishtomakeageneralconfessionofallmysins，\"saidI，\"thatI
mayobtainthebenefitofabsolution，andreceivetheHolyEucharistonthemorrow。\"
Hemadenoanswer，butledthewaytoaprettylittleroom，andwithoutrequiringmetokneeldownsaidhewasreadytohearme。
IsatdownbeforehimandforthreeconsecutivehoursInarratedscandaloushistoriesunnumerable，which，however，Itoldsimplyandnotspicily，sinceIfeltasceticallydisposedandobligedmyselftospeakwithacontritionIdidnotfeel，forwhenIrecountedmyfolliesIwasveryfarfromfindingtheremembranceofthemdisagreeable。
Inspiteofthat，thesereneorreverendabbotbelieved，atallevents，inmyattrition，forhetoldmethatsincebytheappointedmeansIhadoncemoreplacedmyselfinastateofgrace，contritionwouldbeperfectedinme。
Accordingtothegoodabbot，andstillmoreaccordingtome，withoutgracecontritionisimpossible。
Afterhehadpronouncedthesacramentalwordswhichtakeawaythesinsofmen，headvisedmetoretiretothechamberhehadappointedforme，topasstherestofthedayinprayer，andtogotobedatanearlyhour，butheaddedthatIcouldhavesupperifIwasaccustomedtothatmeal。HetoldmethatImightcommunicateatthefirstmassnextmorning，andwiththatweparted。
Iobeyedwithadocilitywhichhaspuzzledmeeversince，butatthetimeIthoughtnothingofit。IwasleftaloneinaroomwhichIdidnotevenexamine，andthereIponderedovertheideawhichhadcomeintomyheadbeforemakingmyconfession；andIquitemadeupmymindthatchance，orrathermygoodgenius，hadledmetothatspot，wherehappinessawaitedme，andwhereImightshelterallmydaysfromthetempestsoftheworld。
\"WhetherIstayhere，\"saidI，\"dependsonmyselfalone，asIamsuretheabbotwillnotrefusemethecowlifIgivehimtenthousandcrownsformysupport。\"
Allthatwasneededtosecuremyhappinessseemedalibraryofmyownchoosing，andIdidnotdoubtbutthattheabbotwouldletmehavewhatbooksIpleasedifIpromisedtoleavethemtothemonasteryaftermydeath。
Astothesocietyofthemonks，thediscord，envy，andallthebickeringsinseparablefromsuchamodeoflife，IthoughtIhadnothingtopassinthatway，sinceIhadnoambitionswhichcouldrousethejealousyoftheothermonks。Nevertheless，despitemyfascination，Iforesawthepossibilityofrepentance，andIshudderedatthethought，butIhadacureforthatalso。
\"WhenIaskforthehabit，\"Isaid，\"Iwillalsoaskthatmynovitiatebeextendedfortenyears，andifrepentancedonotcomeintenyearsitwillnotcomeatall。IshalldeclarethatIdonotwishforanycureoranyecclesiasticaldignity。AllIwantispeaceandleavetofollowmyowntastes，withoutscandalisinganyone。\"
Ithought:Icouldeasilyremoveanyobjectionswhichmightbemadetothelongtermofmynovitiate，byagreeing，incaseIchangedmymind，toforfeitthetenthousandcrownswhichIwouldpayinadvance。
IputdownthisfineideainwritingbeforeIwenttobed；andinthemorning，findingmyselfunshakeninmyresolve，afterIhadcommunicatedIgavemyplantotheabbot，whowastakingchocolateinhisroom。
Heimmediatelyreadmyplan，andwithoutsayinganythingputitonthetable，andafterbreakfasthewalkedupanddowntheroomandreaditagain，andfinallytoldmethathewouldgivemeananswerafterdinner。
Iwaitedtillnightwiththeimpatienceofachildwhohasbeenpromisedtoysonitsbirthday——socompletelyandsuddenlycananinfatuationchangeone’snature。Wehadasgoodadinnerasonthedaybefore，andwhenwehadrisenfromthetablethegoodabbotsaid，\"MycarriageisatthedoortotakeyoutoZurich。Go，andletmehaveafortnighttothinkitover。Iwillbringmyanswerinperson。
Inthemeanwhileherearetwosealedletters，whichpleasedeliveryourself。\"
IrepliedthatIwouldobeyhisinstructionsandthatIwouldwaitforhimatthe\"Sword，\"inthehopethatbewoulddeigntograntmywishes。Itookhishand，whichheallowedmetokiss，andIthensetoutforZurich。
AssoonasmySpaniardsawmetherascalbegantolaugh。Iguessedwhathewasthinking，andaskedhimwhathewaslaughingat。
\"IamamazedtoseethatnosoonerdoyouarriveinSwitzerlandthanyoucontrivetofindsomeamusementwhichkeepsyouawayfortwowholedays。\"
\"Ah，Isee；goandtellthelandlordthatIshallwanttheuseofagoodcarriageforthenextfortnight，andalsoaguideonwhomIcanrely。\"
Mylandlord，whosenamewasOte，hadbeenacaptain，andwasthoughtagreatdealofatZurich。Hetoldmethatallthecarriagesintheneighbourhoodwereuncovered。Isaidtheywoulddo，astherewasnothingbettertobehad，andheinformedmeIcouldtrusttheservanthewouldprovidemewith。
NextmorningItooktheabbot’sletters。OnewasforM。OrelliandtheotherforaM。Pestalozzi，neitherofwhomIfoundathome；butintheafternoontheybothcalledonme，askedmetodinner，andmademepromisetocomewiththemthesameeveningtoaconcert。ThisistheonlyspeciesofentertainmentallowedatZurich，andonlymembersofthemusicalsocietycanbepresent，withtheexceptionofstrangers，whohavetobeintroducedbyamember，andarethenadmittedonthepaymentofacrown。ThetwogentlemenbothspokeinveryhightermsoftheAbbotofEinsiedel。
Ithoughttheconcertabadone，andgotboredatit。Themensatontherighthandandthewomenontheleft。Iwasvexedwiththisarrangement，forinspiteofmyrecentconversationIsawthreeorfourladieswhopleasedme，andwhoseeyeswanderedagooddealinmydirection。Ishouldhavelikedtomakelovetothem，tomakethebestofmytimebeforeIbecameamonk。
Whentheconcertwasover，menandwomenwentouttogether，andthetwocitizenspresentedmetotheirwivesanddaughters，wholookedpleasant，andwereamongstthoseIhadnoticed。
Courtesyisnecessarilycutshortinthestreet，and，afterIhadthankedthetwogentlemen，Iwenthometothe\"Sword。\"
NextdayIdinedwithM。Orelli，andIhadanopportunityfordoingjusticetohisdaughter’samiabilitywithoutbeingabletoletherperceivehowshehadimpressedme。Thedayafter，IplayedthesamepartwithM。Pestalozzi，althoughhischarmingdaughterwasprettyenoughtoexcitemygallantry。ButtomyowngreatastonishmentI
wasamirrorofdiscretion，andinfourdaysthatwasmycharacteralloverthetown。Iwasquiteastonishedtofindmyselfaccostedinquitearespectfulmanner，towhichIwasnotaccustomed；butinthepiousstateofmindIwasin，thisconfirmedmeinthebeliefthatmyideaoftakingthecowlhadbeenaDivineinspiration。Nevertheless，Ifeltlistlessandweary，butIlookeduponthatastheinevitableconsequenceofsocompleteachangeoflife，andthoughtitwoulddisappearwhenIgrewmoreaccustomedtogoodness。
Inordertoputmyself，assoonaspossible，onanequalitywithmyfuturebrethren，IpassedthreehourseverymorninginlearningGerman。Mymasterwasanextraordinaryman，anativeofGenoa，andanapostateCapuchin。HisnamewasGiustiniani。Thepoorman，towhomIgavesixfrancseverymorning，lookeduponmeasanangelfromheaven，althoughI，withtheenthusiasmofadevotee，tookhimforadevilofhell，forhelostnoopportunityofthrowingastoneatthereligiousorders。Thoseorderswhichhadthehighestreputation，were，accordingtohim，theworstofall，sincetheyledmorepeopleastray。Hestyledmonksingeneralasavilerabble，thecurseofthehumanrace。
\"But，\"saidItohimoneday，\"youwillconfessthatOurLadyofEinsiedel……\"
\"What！\"repliedtheGenoese，withoutlettingmefinishmyremark，\"doyouthinkIshouldmakeanexceptioninfavourofasetoffortyignorant，lazy，vicious，idle，hypocriticalscoundrelswholivebadlivesunderthecloakofhumility，andeatupthehousesofthepoorsimpletonswhoprovideforthem，whentheyoughttobeearningtheirownbread？\"
\"Buthowabouthisreverendhighnesstheabbot？\"
\"Astuck—uppeasantwhoplaysthepartofaprince，andisfoolenoughtothinkhimselfone。\"
\"Butheisaprince。\"
\"AsmuchaprinceasIam。Ilookuponhimasamerebuffoon。\"
\"Whathashedonetoyou？\"
\"Nothing；butheisamonk。\"
\"Heisafriendofmine。\"
\"IcannotretractwhatIhavesaid，butIbegyourpardon。\"
ThisGiustinianihadagreatinfluenceuponme，althoughIdidnotknowit，forIthoughtmyvocationwassure。ButmyideaofbecomingamonkatEinsiedelcametoanendasfollows:
Thedaybeforetheabbotwascomingtoseeme，ataboutsixo’clockintheevening，Iwassittingatmywindow，whichlookedoutonthebridge，andgazingatthepassers—by，whenallatonceacarriageandfourcameupatagoodpaceandstoppedattheinn。Therewasnofootmanonit，andconsequentlythewaitercameoutandopenedthedoor，andIsawfourwell—dressedwomenleavethecarriage。InthefirstthreeIsawnothingnoticeable，butthefourth，whowasdressedinariding—habit，struckmeatoncewithhereleganceandbeauty。
Shewasabrunettewithfineandwell—seteyes，archedeyebrows，andacomplexioninwhichthehuesofthelilyandtheroseweremingled。
Herbonnetwasofbluesatinwithasilverfillet，whichgaveheranairIcouldnotresist。IstretchedoutfromthewindowasfarasI
could，andsheliftedhereyesandlookedatmeasifIhadbadeherdoso。Mypositionobligedmetolookatherforhalfaminute；toomuchforamodestwoman，andmorethanwasrequiredtosetmeallablaze。
Iranandtookupmypositionatthewindowofmyante—chamber，whichcommandedaviewofthestaircase，andbeforelongIsawherrunningbytorejoinherthreecompanions。Whenshegotoppositetomywindowshechancedtoturninthatdirection，andonseeingmecriedoutasifshehadseenaghost；butshesoonrecollectedherselfandranaway，laughinglikeamadcap，andrejoinedtheotherladieswhowerealreadyintheirroom。
Reader，putyourselfinmyplace，andtellmehowIcouldhaveavoidedthismeeting。Andyouwhowouldburyyourselvesinmonasticshades，persevere，ifyoucan，afteryouhaveseenwhatIsawatZurichonApril23rd。
IwasinsuchastateofexcitementthatIhadtoliedownonmybed。
Afterrestingafewminutes，Igotupandalmostunconsciouslywenttowardsthepassagewindowandsawthewaitercomingoutoftheladies’room。
\"Waiter，\"saidI，\"Iwilltakesupperinthedining—roomwitheverybodyelse。\"
\"Ifyouwanttoseethoseladies，thatwon’tdo，astheyhaveorderedtheirsuppertobebroughtuptothem。Theywanttogotobedingoodtimeastheyaretoleaveatday—break。\"
\"Wherearetheygoing？\"
\"ToOurLadyofEinsiedeltopaytheirvows。\"
\"Wheredotheycomefrom？\"
\"FromSoleure。\"
\"Whataretheirnames？\"
\"Idon’tknow。\"
Iwenttoliedownagain，andthoughthowIcouldapproachthefaironeofmythoughts。ShouldIgotoEinsiedel，too？ButwhatcouldI
dowhenIgotthere？Theseladiesaregoingtomaketheirconfessions；Icouldnotgetintotheconfessional。WhatkindofafigureshouldIcutamongthemonks？AndifIweretomeettheabbotontheway，howcouldIhelpreturningwithhim？IfIhadhadatrustyfriendIwouldhavearrangedanambuscadeandcarriedoffmycharmer。Itwouldhavebeenaneasytask，asshehadnobodytodefendher。WhatifIweretopluckupmyheartandbegthemtoletmesupintheircompany？Iwasafraidofthethreedevotees；I
shouldmeetwitharefusal。Ijudgedthatmycharmer’sdevotionwasmoreamatterofformthananythingelse，asherphysiognomydeclaredhertobealoverofpleasure，andIhadlongbeenaccustomedtoreadwomens’charactersbytheplayoftheirfeatures。
Ididnotknowwhichwaytoturn，whenahappyideacameintomyhead。Iwenttothepassagewindowandstayedtheretillthewaiterwentby。Ihadhimintotheroom，andbeganmydiscoursebyslidingapieceofgoldintohishand。Ithenaskedhimtolendmehisgreenapron，asIwishedtowaitupontheladiesatsupper。
\"Whatareyoulaughingat？\"
\"Atyourtakingsuchafancy，sir，thoughIthinkIknowwhy。\"
\"Youareasharpfellow。\"
\"Yes，sir，assharpasmostofthem；Iwillgetyouanewapron。Theprettyoneaskedmewhoyouwere。\"
\"Whatdidyoutellher？\"
\"IsaidyouwereanItalian；that’sall。\"
\"IfyouwillholdyourtongueIwilldoublethatpieceofgold。\"
\"IhaveaskedyourSpaniardtohelpme，sir，asIamsingle—handed，andsupperhastobeservedatthesametimebothupstairsanddownstairs。\"
\"Verygood；buttherascalmustn’tcomeintotheroomorhewouldbesuretolaugh。Lethimgotothekitchen，bringupthedishes，andleavethemoutsidethedoor。\"
Thewaiterwentout，andreturnedsoonafterwiththeapronandLeDuc，towhomIexplainedinallseriousnesswhathehadtodo。Helaughedlikeamadman，butassuredmehewouldfollowmydirections。
Iprocuredacarving—knife，tiedmyhairinaqueue，tookoffmycoat，andputontheapronovermyscarletwaistcoatornamentedwithgoldlace。Ithenlookedatmyselfintheglass，andthoughtmyappearancemeanenoughforthemodestpartIwasabouttoplay。I
wasdelightedattheprospect，andthoughttomyselfthatastheladiescamefromSoleuretheywouldspeakFrench。
LeDuccametotellmethatthewaiterwasgoingupstairs。Iwentintotheladies’roomandsaid，\"Supperisabouttobeserved，ladies。\"
\"Makehasteaboutit，then，\"saidtheugliestofthem，\"aswehavegottorisebeforeday—break。\"
Iplacedthechairsroundthetableandglancedatmyfairone，wholookedpetrified。Thewaitercamein，andIhelpedhimtoputthedishesonthetable，andhethensaidtome，\"Doyoustayhere，asI
havetogodownstairs。\"
Itookaplateandstoodbehindachairfacingthelady，andwithoutappearingtolookatherIsawherperfectly，orratherIsawnothingelse。Shewasastonishedtheothersdidnotgivemeaglance，andtheycouldnothavepleasedmebetter。AfterthesoupIhurriedtochangeherplate，andthendidthesameofficefortherest:theyhelpedthemselvestotheboiledbeef。
Whiletheywereeating，Itookaboiledcaponandcutitupinamasterlymanner。
\"Wehaveawaiterwhoknowshiswork，\"saidtheladyofmythoughts。
\"Haveyoubeenlongatthisinn？\"
\"Onlyafewweeks，madam。\"
\"Youwaitverywell。\"
\"Madamisverygood。\"
IhadtuckedinmysuperbrufflesofEnglishpointlace，butmyfrilledshirtfrontofthesamematerialprotrudedslightlythroughmyvest，whichIhadnotbuttonedcarefully。Shesawit，andsaid，\"Comehereamoment。\"
\"Whatdoesmadamrequire？\"
\"Letmeseeit。Whatbeautifullace！\"
\"SoIhavebeentold，madam，butitisveryold。AnItaliangentlemanwhowasstayingheremademeapresentofit。\"
\"Youhaverufflesofthesamekind，Isuppose？\"
\"Yes，madam；\"andsosayingIstretchedoutmyhand，unbuttoningmywaistcoat。Shegentlydrewouttheruffle，andseemedtoplaceherselfinapositiontointoxicatemewiththesightofhercharms，althoughshewastightlylaced。Whatanecstaticmoment！Iknewshehadrecognizedme，andthethoughtthatIcouldnotcarrythemasqueradebeyondacertainpointwasaveritabletormenttome。
Whenshehadlookedalongtime，oneoftheotherssaid，\"Youarecertainlyverycurious，mydear，onewouldthinkyouhadneverseenlacebefore。\"
Atthissheblushed。
Whenthesupperwasdone，thethreeuglyladieseachwentaparttoundress，whileItookawaythedishes，andmyheroinebegantowrite。
IconfessthatIwasalmostinfatuatedenoughtothinkthatshewaswritingtome；however，Ihadtoohighanopinionofhertoentertaintheidea。
AssoonasIhadtakenawaythedishes，Istoodbythedoorintherespectfulmannerbecomingtheoccasion。
\"Whatareyouwaitingfor？\"shesaid。
\"Foryourorders，madam。\"
\"Thankyou，Idon’twantanything。\"
\"Yourboots，madam，youwilllikethemremovedbeforeyouretire。\"
\"True，butstillIdon’tliketogiveyousomuchtrouble。\"
\"Iamheretoattendonyou，madam。\"
Sosaying，Ikneltononekneebeforeher，andslowlyunplacedherbootswhileshecontinuedwriting。Iwentfarther；Iunbuckledhergarters，delightinginthecontemplationandstillmoreinthetouchofherdelicately—shapedlegs，buttoosoonformesheturnedherhead，andsaid，\"Thatwilldo，thankyou。Ididnotnoticethatyouweregivingyourselfsomuchtrouble。Weshallseeyouto—morrowevening。\"
\"Thenyouwillsuphere，ladies？\"
\"Certainly。\"
Itookherbootsaway，andaskedifIshouldlockthedoor。
\"No，mygoodfellow，\"saidshe，inthevoiceofasyren，\"leavethekeyinside。\"
LeDuctookthecharmer’sbootsfromme，andsaid，laughing，——
\"Shehascaughtyou。\"
\"What？\"
\"Isawitall，sir，youplayedyourpartaswellasanyactorinParis；andIamcertainthatshewillgiveyoualouisto—morrow，butifyoudon’thanditovertomeIwillblowonthewholething。\"
\"That’senough，yourascal；getmemysupperasquicklyaspossible。\"
Sucharethepleasureswhicholdagenolongerallowsmetoenjoy，exceptinmymemory。Therearemonsterswhopreachrepentance，andphilosopherswhotreatallpleasuresasvanity。Letthemtalkon。
Repentanceonlybefitscrimes，andpleasuresarerealities，thoughalltoofleeting。
Ahappydreammademepassthenightwiththefairlady；doubtlessitwasadelusion，butadelusionfullofbliss。WhatwouldInotgivenowforsuchdreams，whichmademynightssosweet！
Nextmorningatday—breakIwasatherdoorwithherbootsinmyhandjustastheircoachmancametocallthem。Iaskedthem，asamatterofform，iftheywouldhavebreakfast，andtheyrepliedmerrilythattheyhadmadetoogoodasuppertohaveanyappetiteatsuchanearlyhour。Iwentoutoftheroomtogivethemtimetodress，butthedoorwashalfopen，andIsawreflectedintheglassthesnow—whitebosomofmyfairone；itwasanintoxicatingsight。Whenshehadlacedherselfandputonherdressshecalledforherboots。IaskedifIshouldputthemon，towhichsheconsentedwithagoodgrace，andasshehadgreenvelvetbreeches，sheseemedtoconsiderherselfasalmostaman。And，afterall，awaiterisnotworthputtingone’sselfoutabout。Alltheworstforhimifhedareconceiveanyhopesfromthetriflingconcessionshereceives。Hispunishmentwillbesevere，forwhowouldhavethoughthecouldhavepresumedsofar？
Asforme，Iamnow，sadtosay，grownold，andenjoysomefewprivilegesofthisdescription，whichIrelish，thoughdespisingmyself，andstillmorethosewhothusindulgeme。
AftershehadgoneIwenttosleepagain，hopingtoseeherintheevening。WhenIawokeIheardthattheabbotofEinsiedelwasatZurich，andmylandlordtoldmethathisreverendhighnesswoulddinewithmeinmyroom。ItoldhimthatIwishedtotreattheabbotwell，andthathemustsetthebestdinnerhecouldforus。
Atnoontheworthyprelatewasshewnuptomyroom，andbeganbycomplimentingmeonthegoodreputationIhadatZurich，sayingthatthismadehimbelievethatmyvocationwasarealone。
\"Thefollowingdistich，\"headded，\"shouldnowbecomeyourmotto:
\"Inveniportum。Spesetfortunavalete；
Nilmihivobiscumest:luditenunsalios。\"
\"ThatisatranslationoftwoversesfromEuripides，\"Ianswered；
\"but，mylord，theywillnotserveme，asIhavechangedmymindsinceyesterday。\"
\"Icongratulateyou，\"saidhe，\"andIhopeyouwillaccomplishallyourdesires。Imaytellyouconfidentiallythatitismucheasiertosaveone’ssoulintheworldwhereonecandogoodtoone’sneighbours，thanintheconvent，whereamandoesnogoodtohimselfnortoanyoneelse。\"
ThiswasnotspeakinglikethehypocriteGuistinianihaddescribedtome；onthecontrary，itwasthelanguageofagoodandsensibleman。
Wehadaprincelydinner，asmylandlordhadmadeeachofthethreecoursesaworkofart。Therepastwasenlivenedbyaninterestingconversation，towhichwitandhumourwerenotlacking。AftercoffeeIthankedtheabbotwiththegreatestrespect，andaccompaniedhimtohiscarriage，wherethereverendfatherreiteratedhisoffersofservingme，andthus，wellpleasedwithoneanother，weparted。
Thepresenceandtheconversationofthisworthypriesthadnotforamomentdistractedmythoughtsfromthepleasingobjectwithwhichtheywereoccupied。Sosoonastheabbothadgone，Iwenttothebridgetoawaittheblessedangel，whoseemedtohavebeensentfromSoleurewiththeexpresspurposeofdeliveringmefromthetemptationtobecomeamonk，whichthedevilhadputintomyheart。StandingonthebridgeIbuiltmanyafinecastleinSpain，andaboutsixintheeveningIhadthepleasureofseeingmyfairtravelleroncemore。I
hidmyselfsoastoseewithoutbeingseen。Iwasgreatlysurprisedtoseethemallfourlookingtowardsmywindow。Theircuriosityshewedmethattheladyhadtoldthemofthesecret，andwithmyastonishmenttherewassomeadmixtureofanger。Thiswasonlynatural，asInotonlysawmyselfdeprivedofthehopeofmakinganyfurtheradvances，butIfeltthatIcouldnolongerplaymypartofwaiterwithanyconfidence。InspiteofmylovefortheladyIwouldnotfortheworldbecomethelaughing—stockofherthreeplaincompanions。IfIhadinterestedherinmyfavour，shewouldcertainlynothavedivulgedmysecret，andIsawinherdoingsoproofpositivethatshedidnotwantthejesttogoanyfurther，orratherofherwantofthatspiritsonecessarytoensurethesuccessofanintrigue。Ifthethreecompanionsofmycharmerhadhadanythingattractiveaboutthem，Imightpossiblyhaveperseveredanddefiedmisfortune；butinthesamemeasureasbeautycheersmyheart，uglinessdepressesit。AnticipatingthemelancholywhichIforesawwouldresultfromthisdisappointment，Iwentoutwiththeideaofamusingmyself，andhappeningtomeetGiustinianiItoldhimofmymisfortune，sayingthatIshouldnotbesorrytomakeupforitbyacoupleofhoursofthesocietyofsomemercenarybeauty。
\"Iwilltakeyoutoahouse，\"saidhe，\"whereyouwillfindwhatyouwant。Gouptothesecondfloorandyouwillbewellreceivedbyanoldwoman，ifyouwhispermynametoher。Idarenotaccompanyyou，asIamwellknowninthetownanditmightgetmeintotroublewiththepolice，whoareridiculouslystrictinthesematters。IndeedI
adviseyoutotakecarethatnobodyseesyougoingin。\"
Ifollowedtheex—Capuchin’sadviceandwaitedfortheduskoftheevening。Ihadagoodreception，butthesupperwaspoor，andthehoursthatIspentwithtwoyounggirlsoftheworkingclassweretedious。Theywereprettyenough，butmyheadwasfullofmyperfidiouscharmer，andbesides，despitetheirneatnessandprettiness，theywerewantinginthatgracewhichaddssomanycharmstopleasure。Theliberalityofmypayment，towhichtheywerenotaccustomed，captivatedtheoldwoman，whosaidshewouldgetmeallthebeststuffinthetown；butshewarnedmetotakecarethatnobodysawmegoingintoherhouse。
WhenIgotbackLeDuctoldmethatIhadbeenwisetoslipaway，asmymasqueradehadbecomegenerallyknown，andthewholehouse，includingthelandlord，hadbeeneagerlywaitingtoseemeplaythepartofwaiter。\"Itookyourplace，\"headded。\"TheladywhohastakenyourfancyisMadame————，andImustconfesssheisvastlyfine。\"
\"Didsheaskwheretheotherwaiterwas？\"
\"No，buttheotherladiesaskedwhathadbecomeofyouseveraltimes。\"
\"AndMadamesaidnothing？\"
\"Shedidn’topenhermouth，butlookedsadandseemedtocarefornothing，tillIsaidyouwereawaybecauseyouwereill。\"
\"Thatwasstupidofyou。Whydidyousaythat？\"
\"Ihadtosaysomething。\"
\"True。Didyouuntiehershoe？\"
\"No；shedidnotwantmetodoso。\"
\"Good。Whotoldyouhername？\"
\"Hercoachman。Sheisjustmarriedtoamanolderthanherself。\"
Iwenttobed，butcouldonlythinkoftheindiscretionandsadnessofmyfairlady。Icouldnotreconcilethetwotraitsinhercharacter。Nextday，knowingthatshewouldbestartingearly，I
postedmyselfatthewindowtoseehergetintothecarriage，butI
tookcaretoarrangethecurtaininsuchawaythatIcouldnotbeseen。Madamewasthelasttogetin，andpretendingthatshewantedtoseeifitrained，shetookoffherbonnetandliftedherhead。
Drawingthecurtainwithonehand，andtakingoffmycapwiththeother，Iwaftedherakisswiththetipsofmyfingers。Inherturnshebowedgraciously，returningmykisswithagood—naturedsmile。
CHAPTERXIV
ILeaveZurich——ComicAdventureatBaden——Soleure——M。DeChavigni——
M。andMadame***IActinaPlay——ICounterfeitSicknesstoAttainHappinessM。Mote，mylandlord，introducedhistwosonstome。Hehadbroughtthemuplikeyoungprinces。InSwitzerland，aninn—keeperisnotalwaysamanofnoaccount。Therearemanywhoareasmuchrespectedaspeopleoffarhigherrankareinothercountries。Buteachcountryhasitsownmanners。Mylandlorddidthehonoursofthetable，andthoughtitnodegradationtomakehisguestspayforthemeal。Hewasright；theonlyreallydegradingthingintheworldisvice。ASwisslandlordonlytakesthechiefplaceattabletoseethateveryoneisproperlyattendedto。Ifhehaveason，hedoesnotsitdownwithhisfather，butwaitsontheguests，withnapkininhand。AtSchaffhaus，mylandlord’sson，whowasacaptainintheImperialarmy，stoodbehindmychairandchangedmyplate，whilehisfathersatattheheadofthetable。Anywhereelsethesonwouldhavebeenwaitedon，butinhisfather’shousehethought，andrightly，thatitwasanhonourtowait。
SuchareSwisscustoms，ofwhichpersonsofsuperficialunderstandingveryfoolishlymakeajest。Allthesame，thevauntedhonourandloyaltyoftheSwissdonotpreventthemfromfleecingstrangers，atleastasmuchastheDutch，butthegreenhornswholetthemselvesbecheated，learntherebythatitiswelltobargainbefore—hand，andthentheytreatonewellandchargereasonably。Inthisway，whenI
wasatBale，IbaffledthecelebratedImhoff，thelandlordofthe\"ThreeKings。\"
M。Otecomplimentedmeonmywaiter’sdisguise，andsaidhewassorrynottohaveseenmeofficiating，nevertheless，hesaidhethoughtI
waswisenottorepeatthejest。HethankedmeforthehonourIhaddonehishouse，andbeggedmetodohimtheadditionalfavourofdiningathistablesomedaybeforeIleft。IansweredthatIwoulddinewithhimwithpleasurethatveryday。Ididso，andwastreatedlikeaprince。
Thereaderwillhaveguessedthatthelastlookmycharmergavemehadnotextinguishedthefirewhichthefirstsightofherhadkindledinmybreast。Ithadratherincreasedmyflamebygivingmehopesofbeingbetteracquaintedwithher；inshort，itinspiredmewiththeideaofgoingtoSoleureinordertogiveahappyendingtotheadventure。ItookaletterofcreditonGeneva，andwrotetoMadamed’Urfe，begginghertogivemeawrittenintroduction，couchedinstrongtermstoM。deChavigni，theFrenchambassador，tellingherthattheinterestsofourorderwerehighlyinvolvedinmyknowingthisdiplomatist，andrequestinghertoaddressletterstomeatthepostofficeatSoleure。IalsowrotetotheDukeofWurtemburg，buthadnoanswerfromhim，andindeedhemusthavefoundmyepistleveryunpleasantreading。
IvisitedtheoldwomanwhomGiustinianihadtoldmeofseveraltimesbeforeIleftZurich，andalthoughIoughttohavebeenwellsatisfiedasfarasphysicalbeautywasconcerned，myenjoymentwasverylimited，asthenymphsIwooedonlyspokeSwissdialect——aruggedcorruptionofGerman。Ihavealwaysfoundthatlovewithoutspeechgiveslittleenjoyment，andIcannotimagineamoreunsatisfactorymistressthanamute，weresheaslovelyasVenusherself。
IhadscarcelyleftZurichwhenIwasobligedtostopatBadentohavethecarriageM。Otehadgotmemended。Imighthavestartedagainateleven，butonhearingthatayoungPolishladyonherwaytoOurLadyofEinseidelwastodineatthecommontable，Idecidedtowait；butIhadmytroublefornothing，assheturnedouttobequiteunworthyofthedelay。
Afterdinner，whilemyhorseswerebeingputin，thehost’sdaughter，aprettygirlenough，cameintotheroomandmademewaltzwithher；
itchancedtobeaSunday。Allatonceherfathercamein，andthegirlfled。
\"Sir，\"saidtherascal，\"youarecondemnedtopayafineofonelouis。\"
\"Why？\"
\"Forhavingdancedonaholyday。\"
\"Getout；Iwon’tpay。\"
\"Youwillpay，though，\"saidhe，shewingmeagreatparchmentcoveredwithwritingIdidnotunderstand。
\"Iwillappeal。\"
\"Towhom，sir？\"
\"Tothejudgeoftheplace。\"
Helefttheroom，andinaquarterofanhourIwastoldthatthejudgewaswaitingformeinanadjoiningchamber。Ithoughttomyselfthatthejudgeswereverypoliteinthatpartoftheworld，butwhenIgotintotheroomIsawtherascallyhostburiedinawigandgown。
\"Sir，\"saidhe，\"Iamthejudge。\"
\"Judgeandplaintifftoo，asfarasIcansee。\"
Hewroteinhisbook，confirmingthesentence，andmulctingmeinsixfrancsforthecostsofthecase。
\"Butifyourdaughterhadnottemptedme。\"saidI，\"Ishouldnothavedanced；sheisthereforeasguiltyasI。\"
\"Verytrue，sir；hereisaLouisforher。\"SosayinghetookaLouisoutofhispocket，putitintoadeskbesidehim，andsaid；\"Nowyours。\"
Ibegantolaugh，paidmyfine，andputoffmydeparturetillthemorrow。
AsIwasgoingtoLucerneIsawtheapostolicnuncio（whoinvitedmetodinner），andatFribourgComted’Afri’syoungandcharmingwife；
butattenleaguesfromSoleureIwasawitnessofthefollowingcuriouscircumstances。
Iwasstoppingthenightinavillage，andhadmadefriendswiththesurgeon，whomIhadfoundattheinn，andwhilesupper，whichhewastosharewithme，wasgettingready，wewalkedaboutthevillagetogether。Itwasintheduskoftheevening，andatadistanceofahundredpacesIsawamanclimbingupthewallofahouse，andfinallyvanishingthroughawindowonthefirstfloor。
\"That’sarobber，\"saidI，pointinghimouttothesurgeon。Helaughedandsaid，——
\"Thecustommayastonishyou，butitisacommononeinmanypartsofSwitzerland。Themanyouhavejustseenisayoungloverwhoisgoingtopassthenightwithhisfuturebride。Nextmorninghewillleavemoreardentthanbefore，asshewillnotallowhimtogotoofar。Ifshewasweakenoughtoyieldtohisdesireshewouldprobablydeclinetomarryher，andshewouldfinditdifficulttogetmarriedatall。\"
AtSoleureIfoundaletterfromMadamed’Urfe，withanenclosurefromtheDucdeChoiseultotheambassador，M。deChavigni。Itwassealed，buttheduke’snamewaswrittenbelowtheaddress。
ImadeaCourttoilet，tookacoach，andwenttocallontheambassador。Hisexcellencywasnotathome，soIleftmycardandtheletter。Itwasafeast—day，andIwenttohighmass，notsomuch，Iconfess，toseekforGodasformycharmer，butshewasnotthere。AfterserviceIwalkedaroundthetown，andonmyreturnfoundanofficerwhoaskedmetodinnerattheambassador’s。
Madamed’UrfesaidthatonthereceiptofmylettershehadgonestraightwaytoVersailles，andthatwiththehelpofMadamedeGrammontshehadgotmeanintroductionofthekindIwanted。Thiswasgoodnewsforme，asIdesiredtocutanimposingfigureatSoleure。Ihadplentyofmoney，andIknewthatthismagicmetalglitteredintheeyesofall。M。deChavignihadbeenambassadoratVenicethirtyyearsbefore，andIknewanumberofanecdotesabouthisadventuresthere，andIwaseagertoseewhatIcouldmakeoutofhim。
Iwenttohishouseatthetimeappointed，andfoundallhisservantsinfulllivery，whichIlookeduponasahappyomen。Mynamewasnotannounced，andIremarkedthatwhenIcameinbothsidesofthedoorwereopenedformebythepage。Afineoldmancameforwardtomeetme，andpayingmemanywell—turnedcomplimentsintroducedmetothosepresent。Then，withthedelicatetactofthecourtier，pretendingnottorecollectmyname，hedrewtheDucdeChoiseul’sletterfromhispocket，andreadaloudtheparagraphinwhichtheministerdesiredhimtotreatmewiththeutmostconsideration。Hemademesitonaneasychairathisrighthand，andaskedmequestionstowhichIcouldonlyanswerthatIwastravellingformypleasure，andthatIconsideredtheSwissnationtobeinmanyrespectssuperiortoallothernationswhatsoever。
Dinnerwasserved，andhisexcellencysetmeonhisrighthandinapositionofequalhonourtohisown。Weweresixteenincompany，andbehindeverychairstoodamagnificentlackeyintheambassador’slivery。InthecourseofconversationIgotanopportunityoftellingtheambassadorthathewasstillspokenofatVenicewiththeutmostaffection。
\"Ishallalwaysremember，\"hesaid，\"thekindnesswithwhichtheVenetianstreatedme；buttellme，Ibeg，thenamesofthosegentlemenwhostillrememberme；theymustbequiteoldnow。\"
ThiswaswhatIwaswaitingfor。M。deMalipierohadtoldmeofcertaineventswhichhadhappenedduringtheregency，andM。deBragadinhadinformedmeoftheambassador’samourswiththecelebratedStringhetta。
Hisexcellency’sfarewasperfect，butinthepleasureofconversingIforgotthatofeating。ItoldallmyanecdotessoracilythathisfeaturesexpressedthepleasureIwasaffordinghim，andwhenwerosefromthetableheshookmebythehand，andtoldmehehadnothadsoagreeableadinnersincehehadbeenatSoleure。
\"TherecollectionofmyVenetiangallantries，\"saidtheworthyoldman，\"makesmerecallmanyahappymoment；Ifeelquiteyoungagain。\"
Heembracedme，andbademeconsidermyselfasoneofhisfamilyduringmystayatSoleure。
AfterdinnerhetalkedagooddealaboutVenice，praisingtheGovernment，andsayingthattherewasnotatownintheworldwhereamancouldfarebetter，providedhetookcaretogetgoodoilandforeignwines。Aboutfiveo’clockheaskedmetocomeforadrivewithhim，gettingintothecarriagefirsttogivemethebestplace。
Wegotoutataprettycountryhousewhereiceswereservedtous。
Onourwaybackhesaidthathehadalargepartyeveryevening，andthathehopedIwoulddohimthehonourtobepresentwheneveritsuitedmyinclinations，assuringmethathewoulddohisbesttoamuseme。Iwasimpatienttotakepartintheassembly，asIfeltcertainIshouldseemycharmerthere。Itwasavainhope，however，forIsawseveralladies，someoldandugly，somepassable，butnotonepretty。
Cardswereproduced，andIsoonfoundmyselfatatablewithayoungladyoffaircomplexionandaplain—lookingwomanwelladvancedinyears，whoseemed，however，nottobedestituteofwit。ThoughIwaslooedIplayedon，andIlostfiveorsixhundredfishwithoutopeningmylips。Whenitcametoaprofitandlossaccount，theplainwomantoldmeIowedthreelouis。
\"Threelouis，madam。\"
\"Yes，sir；wehavebeenplayingattwosousthefish。Youthought，perhaps，wewereplayingforfarthings。\"
\"Onthecontrary，Ithoughtitwasforfrancs，asIneverplaylower。\"Shedidnotanswerthisboastofmine，butsheseemedannoyed。Onrejoiningthecompanyafterthiswearisomegame，I
proceededtoscrutinizealltheladiespresentrapidlybutkeenly，butIcouldnotseeherforwhomIlooked，andwasonthepointofleaving，whenIhappenedtonoticetwoladieswhowerelookingatmeattentively。Irecognizedthemdirectly。Theyweretwoofmyfairone’scompanions，whomIhadhadthehonourofwaitingonatZurich。
Ihurriedoff，pretendingnottorecognizethem。
Nextday，agentlemanintheambassador’ssuitecametotellmethathisexcellencywasgoingtocallonme。ItoldhimthatIwouldnotgoouttillIhadthehonourofreceivinghismaster，andIconceivedtheideaofquestioninghimconcerningthatwhichlaynexttomyheart。However，hesparedmethetrouble，asthereaderwillseeforhimself。
IgaveM。deChavignithebestreceptionIcould，andafterwehaddiscussedtheweatherhetoldme，withasmile，thathehadthemostridiculousaffairtobroachtome，beggingmetocredithimwhenhesaidthathedidnotbelieveitforamoment。
\"Proceed，mylord。\"
\"Twoladieswhosawyouatmyhouseyesterdaytoldmeinconfidence，afteryouhadgone，thatIshoulddowelltobeonmyguard，asyouwerethewaiterinaninnatZurichwheretheyhadstayed。TheyaddedthattheyhadseentheotherwaiterbytheAar，andthatinallprobabilityyouhadrunawayfromtheinntogether；Godaloneknowswhy！Theysaid，furthermore，thatyouslippedawayfrommyhouseyesterdayassoonasyousawthem。ItoldthemthatevenifyouwerenotthebearerofaletterfromhisgracetheDucdeChoiseulI
shouldhavebeenconvincedthattheyweremistaken，andthattheyshoulddinewithyouto—day，iftheywouldacceptmyinvitation。I
alsohintedthatyoumighthavemerelydisguisedyourselfasawaiterinthehopesofwinningsomefavoursfromthem，buttheyrejectedthehypothesisasabsurd，andsaidthatyoucouldcarveacaponandchangeaplatedexterouslyenough，butwereonlyacommonwaiterforallthat，addingthatwithmypermissiontheywouldcomplimentyouonyourskillto—day。
\"’Doso，byallmeans，ladies，’saidI，\"M。Casanovaandmyselfwillbehighlyamused。’Andnowdoyoumindtellingmewhethertherebeanyfoundationoftruthinthewholestory？\"
\"Certainly，mylord，Iwilltellyouallwithoutreserve，butinconfidence，asthisridiculousreportmayinjurethehonourofonewhoisdeartome，andwhomIwouldnotinjurefortheworld。\"
\"Itistrue，then？Iamquiteinterestedtohearallaboutit。\"
\"Itistruetoacertainextent；Ihopeyoudon’ttakemefortherealwaiteratthe’Sword。’\"
\"Certainlynot，butIsupposedyouplayedthepartofwaiter？\"
\"Exactly。Didtheytellyouthattheywerefourincompany。\"
\"Ah，Ihavegotit！PrettyMadamewasoneoftheparty。Thatexplainstheriddle；nowIunderstandeverything。Butyouwerequiterightinsayingthatdiscretionwasneedful；shehasaperfectlyblamelessreputation。\"
\"Ah！Ididnotknowthat。Whathappenedwasquiteinnocent，butitmightbesogarbledinthetellingastobecomeprejudicialtothehonourofaladywhosebeautystruckmewithadmiration。\"
Itoldhimallthedetailsofthecase，addingthatIhadonlycometoSoleureinthehopesofsucceedinginmysuit。
\"Ifthatproveanimpossibility，\"saidI，\"IshallleaveSoleureinthreeorfourdays；butIwillfirstturnthethreeuglycompanionsofmycharmerintoridicule。Theymighthavehadsenseenoughtoguessthatthewaiter’sapronwasonlyadisguise。Theycanonlypretendtobeignorantofthefactinthehopeofgettingsomeadvantageoverme，andinjuringtheirfriend，whowasilladvisedtoletthemintothesecret。\"
\"Softly，softly，yougotoofastandremindmeofmyownyoungdays。
Permitmetoembraceyou，yourstoryhasdelightedme。Youshallnotgoaway，youshallstayhereandcourtyourcharmer。To—dayyoucanturntwomischievouswomenintoridicule，butdoitinaneasyway。
ThethingissostraightforwardthatM。————willbethefirsttolaughatit。Hiswifecannotbeignorantofyourloveforher，andI
knowenoughofwomentopronouncethatyourdisguisecannothavedispleasedher。Shedoesknowofyourlove？\"
\"Undoubtedly。\"
Hewentawaylaughing，andatthedoorofhiscoachembracedmeforthethirdtime。
IcouldnotdoubtthatmycharmerhadtoldthewholestorytoherthreefriendsastheywerereturningfromEinsiedeltoZurich，andthismadetheparttheyhadplayedallthemoreill—natured；butI
feltthatitwastomyinteresttolettheirmalicepassforwit。
Iwenttotheambassador’sathalf—pastone，andaftermakingmybowtohimIproceededtogreetthecompany，andsawthetwoladies。
Thereupon，withafrankandgenerousair，Iwentuptothemoremalicious—lookingofthetwo（shewaslame，whichmayhavemademethinkhermoreill—looking）andaskedifsherecognizedme。
\"Youconfess，then，thatyouarethewaiteratthe’Sword’？\"
\"Well，notquitethat，madam，butIconfessthatIwasthewaiterforanhour，andthatyoucruellydisdainedtoaddressasinglewordtome，thoughIwasonlyawaiter，becauseIlongedfortheblissofseeingyou。ButIhopeIshallbealittlemorefortunatehere，andthatyouwillallowmetopayyoumyrespectfulhomage。\"
\"Thisisverywonderful！Youplayedyourpartsowellthatthesharpesteyewouldhavebeendeceived。Nowweshallseeifyouplayyournewpartaswell。IfyoudomethehonourtocallonmeIwillgiveyouagoodwelcome。\"
Afterthesecomplimentaryspeeches，thestorybecamepublicproperty，andthewholetablewasamusingitselfwithit，whenIhadthehappinessofseeingM。————andMadamecomingintotheroom。
\"Thereisthegood—naturedwaiter，\"saidshetoherhusband。
Theworthymansteppedforward，andpolitelythankedmeforhavingdonehiswifethehonouroftakingoffherboots。
Thistoldmethatshehadconcealednothing，andIwasglad。Dinnerwasserved，M。deChavignimademycharmersitathisrighthand，andIwasplacedbetweenmytwocalumniators。Iwasobligedtohidemygame，so，althoughIdislikedthemintensely，Imadelovetothem，hardlyraisingmyeyestoglanceatMadame，wholookedravishing。I
didnotfindherhusbandeitherasoldorasjealousasIhadexpected。Theambassadoraskedhimandhiswifetostaytheeveningtoanimpromptuball，andthensaid，thatinorderformetobeabletotelltheDucdeChoiseulthatIwaswellamusedatSoleure，hewouldbedelightedtohaveaplay，ifMadamewouldactthefair’Ecossaise’again。Shesaidsheshouldbedelighted，buttwomoreactorswerewanted。
\"Thatisallright，\"saidthekindoldgentleman，\"IwillplayMontrose。\"
\"AndI，Murray，\"Iremarked。
Mylamefriend，angryatthisarrangement，whichonlylefthertheverybadpartofLadyAlton，couldnothelplancingashaftatme。
\"Oh！whyisn’tthereawaiter’spartintheplay？\"saidshe，\"youwouldplayitsowell。\"
\"Thatiswellsaid，butIhopeyouwillteachmetoplayMurrayevenbetter。\"
Nextmorning，Igotthewordsofmypart，andtheambassadortoldmethattheballwouldbegiveninmyhonour。AfterdinnerIwenttomyinn，andaftermakinganelaboratetoiletteIreturnedtothebrilliantcompany。
Theambassadorbeggedmetoopentheball，andintroducedmetothehighestbornbutnotthemostbeautifulladyintheplace。Ithendancedwithalltheladiespresentuntilthegood—naturedoldmangotmetheobjectofmyvowsasapartnerinthequadrilles，whichhedidsoeasilythatnoonecouldhavemadeanyremark。\"LordMurray，\"
saidhe，\"mustdancewithnoonebutLindane。\"
AtthefirstpauseItooktheopportunityofsayingthatIhadonlycometoSoleureforhersake，thatitwasforhersakethatIhaddisguisedmyselfatZurich，andthatIhopedshewouldpermitmetopaymyaddressestoher。