Thesyndichadtoldmethatthethreeyoungladiesbelongedtorespectablefamilies，butwerenotrich。IpuzzledmyheadtothinkofsomeusefulpresentImightmakethemwithoutoffendingthem，andatlastIhitonaplanofthemostridiculousnature，asthereaderwillsee。Iwenttoajewellerandtoldhimtomakemethreegoldenballs，eachoftwoouncesinweight。
AtnoonIwenttoM。deVoltaire’s。Hewasnottobeseen，butMadameDenisconsoledmeforhisabsence。Shehadwit，learningwithoutpretension，taste，andagreathatredfortheKingofPrussia，whomshecalledavillain。Sheaskedaboutmybeautifulhousekeeper，andcongratulatedmeonhavingmarriedhertoarespectableman。AlthoughIfeelnowthatshewasquiteright，Iwasfarfromthinkingsothen；theimpressionwastoofreshonmymind。
MadameDenisbeggedmetotellherhowIhadescapedfromTheLeads，butasthestorywasratheralongoneIpromisedtosatisfyheranothertime。
M。deVoltairedidnotdinewithus；heappeared，however，atfiveo’clock，holdingaletterinhishand。
\"Doyouknow，\"saidhe，\"theMarquisAlbergatiCapacelli，senatorofBologna，andCountParadisi？\"
\"IdonotknowParadisi，butIknowAlbergatibysightandbyreputation；heisnotasenator，butoneoftheForty，whoatBolognaareFifty。\"
\"Dearme！Thatseemsratherariddle！\"
\"Doyouknowhim？\"
\"No，buthehassentmeGoldoni’s’Theatre，’thetranslationofmyTancred，andsomeBolognasausages，andhesayshewillcomeandseeme。\"
\"Hewillnotcome；heisnotsuchafool。\"
\"Howafool？Wouldtherebeanythingfoolishincomingtoseeme？\"
\"Certainlynot，asfarasyouareconcerned；butverymuchsofarhisownsake。\"
\"Wouldyoumindtellingmewhy？\"
\"Heknowswhathewouldlose；forheenjoystheideayouseemtohaveofhim，andifhecameyouwouldseehisnothingness，andgood—byetotheillusion。Heisaworthymanwithsixthousandsequinsayear，andacrazeforthetheatre。Heisagoodactorenough，andhaswrittenseveralcomediesinprose，buttheyarefitneitherforthestudynorthestage。\"
\"Youcertainlygivehimacoatwhichdoesnotmakehimlookanybigger。\"
\"Iassureyouitisnotquitesmallenough。\"
\"ButtellmehowhecanbelongtotheFortyandtheFifty？\"
\"JustasatBalenoonisateleven。\"
\"Iunderstand；justasyourCouncilofTeniscomposedofseventeenmembers。\"
\"Exactly；butthecursedFortyofBolognaaremenofanotherkind。\"
\"Whycursed？\"
\"Becausetheyarenotsubjecttothefisc，andarethusenabledtocommitwhatevercrimestheylikewithperfectimpunity；alltheyhavegottodoistoliveoutsidethestatebordersontheirrevenues。\"
\"Thatisablessing，andnotacurse；butletmereturntooursubject。IsupposetheMarquisAlbergatiisamanofletters？\"
\"Hewriteswellenough，butheisfondofthesoundofhisownvoice，hisstyleisprolix，andIdon’tthinkhehasmuchbrains。\"
\"Heisanactor，Ithinkyousaid？\"
\"Yes，andaverygoodone，aboveall，whenheplaysthelover’spartinoneofhisownplays。\"
\"Isheahandsomeman？\"
\"Yes，onthestage，butnotelsewhere；hisfacelacksexpression。\"
\"Buthisplaysgivesatisfaction？\"
\"Nottopersonswhounderstandplaywriting；theywouldbehissediftheywereintelligible。\"
\"AndwhatdoyouthinkofGoldoni？\"
\"Ihavethehighestopinionofhim。GoldoniistheItalianMoliere。\"
\"WhydoeshecallhimselfpoettotheDukeofParma？\"
\"Nodoubttoprovethatawitaswellasafoolhashisweakpoints；
inallprobabilitythedukeknowsnothingaboutit。Healsocallshimselfabarrister，thoughheissuchonlyinhisownimagination。
Goldoniisagoodplaywriter，andnothingmore。EverybodyinVeniceknowsmeforhisfriend，andIcanthereforespeakofhimwithauthority。Hedoesnotshineinsociety，andinspiteofthefinesatireofhisworksheisamanofanextremelygentledisposition。\"
\"SoIhavebeentold。Heispoor，andwantstoleaveVenice。Themanagersofthetheatreswheretheyplayhispieceswillnotlikethat。\"
\"Peopletalkedaboutgettinghimapension，buttheprojecthasbeenrelegatedtotheGreekKalends，astheysaidthatifhehadapensionhewouldwritenomore。\"
\"CumaerefusedtogiveapensiontoHomer，forfearthatalltheblindmenwouldaskforapension。\"
Wespentapleasantday，andhethankedmeheartilyforthecopyoftheMacaronicon，whichhepromisedtoread。HeintroducedmetoaJesuithehadinhishousehold，whowascalledAdam，andheadded，aftertellingmehisname，\"notthefirstAdam。\"IwastoldafterwardsthatVoltaireusedtoplaybackgammonwithhim，andwhenhelosthewouldthrowthediceandtheboxathishead。IfJesuitsweretreatedlikethatalltheworldover，perhapsweshouldhavenonebutinoffensiveJesuitsatlast，butthathappytimeisstillfaroff。
IhadscarcelygottomyinnintheeveningwhenIreceivedmythreegoldenballs，andassoonasthesyndiccamewesetofftorenewourvoluptuousorgy。Onthewayhetalkedaboutmodesty，andsaid，——
\"Thatfeelingwhichpreventsourshewingthosepartswhichwehavebeentaughttocoverfromourchildhood，mayoftenproceedfromvirtue，butisweakerthantheforceofeducation，asitcannotresistanattackwhentheattackingpartyknowswhatheisabout。
Ithinktheeasiestwaytovanquishmodestyistoignoreitspresence，toturnitintoridicule，tocarryitbystorm。Victoryiscertain。Thehardihoodoftheassailersubduestheassailed，whousuallyonlywishestobeconquered，andnearlyalwaysthanksyouforyourvictory。
\"ClementofAlexandria，alearnedmanandaphilosopher，hasremarkedthatthemodestywhichappearssodeeplyrootedinwomen’sheartsreallygoesnofartherthantheclothestheywear，andthatwhenthesearepluckedoffnotraceofitremains。\"
Wefoundthethreegirlslightlycladandsittingonalargesopha，andwesatdownoppositetothem。Pleasanttalkandathousandamorouskissesoccupiedthehalfhourjustbeforesupper，andourcombatdidnotbegintillwehadeatenadeliciousrepast，washeddownwithplentyofchampagne。
Weweresureofnotbeinginterruptedbythemaidandweputourselvesatourease，whilstourcaressesbecamemorelivelyandardent。Thesyndic，likeacarefulman，drewapacketoffineFrenchlettersfromhispocket，anddeliveredalongeulogiumonthisadmirablepreservativefromanaccidentwhichmightgiverisetoaterribleandfruitlessrepentance。Theladiesknewthem，andseemedtohavenoobjectiontotheprecaution；theylaughedheartilytoseetheshapethesearticlestookwhentheywereblownout。Butaftertheyhadamusedthemselvesthusforsometime，Isaid，\"Mydeargirls，Icaremoreforyourhonourthanyourbeauty；butdonotthinkIamgoingtoshutmyselfinapieceofdeadskintoprovethatIamalive。Here，\"Iadded，drawingoutthethreegoldenballs，\"isasurerandlessdisagreeablewayofsecuringyoufromanyunpleasantconsequences。Afterfifteenyears’experienceIcanassureyouthatwiththesegoldenballsyoucangiveandtakewithoutrunningtheleastrisk。Forthefutureyouwillhavenoneedofthosehumiliatingsheaths。TrustinmeandacceptthislittlepresentfromaVenetianwhoadoresyou。\"
\"Weareverygrateful，\"saidtheelderofthetwosisters，\"buthowaretheseprettyballsused？\"
\"Theballhastobeattherearofthetempleoflove，whilsttheamorouscoupleareperformingthesacrifice。Theantipathycommunicatedtothemetalbyitsbeingsoakedforacertaintimeinanalkalinesolutionpreventsimpregnation。\"
\"But，\"saidthecousin，\"onemusttakegreatcarethattheballisnotshakenoutbythemotionbeforetheendofthesacrifice。\"
\"Youneedn’tbeafraidofthatifyouplaceyourselfinaproperposition。\"
\"Letusseehowit’sdone，\"saidthesyndic，holdingacandleformetoputtheballinplace。
Thecharmingcousinhadgonetoofartoturnback；shehadtosubmittotheoperation。IplacedtheballinsuchapositionthatitcouldnotfalloutbeforeIwasin；however，itfellouttowardstheend，justaswewereseparating。ThevictimperceivedthatIhadtakenherin。However，shesaidnothing，pickeduptheball，andchallengedthetwosisterstosubmittothepleasantexperiment，towhichtheylentthemselveswiththegreatestinterest；whilethesyndic，whohadnofaithinthevirtuesofthemetal，contentedhimselfwithlookingon。Afterhalfanhour’srestIbeganagain，withoutballs，assuringthemthatIwouldbecareful，andIkeptmyword，withoutdeprivingthemofthepleasureintheslightestdegree。
Whenitwastimetopart，thesegirls，whohadformerlybeenscantilyprovidedfor，threwtheirarmsroundmyneck，overwhelmedmewithcaresses，anddeclaredhowmuchtheyowedme。ThesyndictoldthemthatIwasgoingintwodays，andsuggestedthattheyshouldmakemestayadaylongerinGeneva，andImadethissacrificejoyfully。Theworthysyndichadanengagementonthefollowingday，andIsorelyneededaholidaymyself。Hetookmebacktomyinn，thankingmealmostasheartilyashischarmingnymphs。
Afterhavingenjoyedacalmandrefreshingsleeptenhours，IfeltmyselfabletoenjoythedelightfulsocietyofM。deVoltaire。I
wenttohishouse，butIwasdisappointedinmyhopes，asitpleasedthegreatmantobeinafault—findingandsarcasticmoodthewholeday。HeknewIhadtoleaveonthemorrow。
HebeganbythankingmeattableformypresentofMerlinCoccaeus。
\"Youcertainlygaveitmewithgoodintentions，\"saidhe，\"butIoweyounothanksforpraisingitsohighly，asyoumademelosefourhoursinreadingnonsense。\"
Ifeltmyhairstandonend，butImasteredmyemotions，andtoldhimquietlyenoughthatoneday，perhaps，hewouldfindhimselfobligedtopraisethepoemmorehighlythanIhaddone。Iquotedseveralinstancesoftheinsufficiencyofafirstperusal。
\"That’strue，\"saidhe；\"butasforyourMerlin，Iwillreadhimnomore。IhaveputhimbesideChapelain’s’Pucelle’。\"
\"Whichpleasesallthecritics，inspiteofitsbadversification，foritisagoodpoem，andChapelainwasarealpoetthoughhewrotebadverses。Icannotoverlookhisgenius。\"
Myfreedommusthaveshockedhim，andImighthaveguesseditwhenhetoldmehehadputthe’Macaronicon’besidethe’Pucelle’。Iknewthattherewasapoemofthesametitleincirculation，whichpassedforVoltaire’s；butIalsoknewthathedisavowedit，andIthoughtthatwouldmakehimconcealthevexationmyexplanationmusthavecausedhim。Itwasnotso，however；hecontradictedmesharply，andIclosedwithhim。
\"Chapelain，\"saidI，\"hasthemeritofhavingrenderedhissubject—matterpleasant，withoutpanderingtothetastesofhisreadersbysayingthingsshockingtomodestyandpiety。SothinksmymasterCrebillon:\"
\"Crebillon！Youciteaweightyauthority。ButhowismyfriendCrebillonyourmaster，mayIask？\"
\"HetaughtmetospeakFrenchinlessthantwoyears，andasamarkofmygratitudeItranslatedhisRadamisteintoItalianAlexandrines。
IamthefirstItalianwhohasdaredtousethismetreinourlanguage。\"
\"Thefirst？Ibegyourpardon，asthathonourbelongstomyfriendPierreJacquesMartelli。\"
\"Iamsorrytobeobligedtotellyouthatyouaremakingamistake。\"
\"Why，Ihavehisworks，printedatBologna，inmyroom！\"
\"Idon’tdenythat，IamonlytalkingaboutthemetreusedbyMartelli。Whatyouarethinkingofmustbeversesoffourteensyllables；withoutalternativemasculineandfemininerhymes。
However，IconfessthathethinkshehasimitatedtheFrenchAlexandrines，andhisprefacemademeexplodewithlaughter。Didyoureadit？\"
\"Readit？Ialwaysreadprefaces，andMartelliprovestherethathisverseshavethesameeffectinItalianasourAlexandrineverseshaveinFrench。\"
\"Exactly，that’swhat’ssoamusing。Theworthymanisquitemistaken，andIonlyaskyoutolistentowhatIhavetosayonthesubject。Yourmasculineversehasonlytwelvepoeticsyllables，andthefemininethirteen。AllMartelli’slineshavefourteensyllables，exceptthosethatfinishwithalongvowel，whichattheendofalinealwayscountsastwosyllables。YouwillobservethatthefirsthemistitchinMartellialwaysconsistsofsevensyllables，whileinFrenchitonlyhassix。YourfriendPierreJacqueswaseitherstonedeaforveryhardofhearing。\"
\"Thenyouhavefollowedourtheoryofversificationrigorously。\"
\"Justso，inspiteofthedifficulty，asnearlyallourwordsendwithashortsyllable。\"
\"Whatreceptionhasbeenaccordedtoyourinnovation？\"
\"Ithasnotbeenfoundpleasing，becausenobodyknowshowtorecitemyverses；butIhopetotriumphwhenIdeliverthemmyselfbeforeourliteraryclubs。\"
\"DoyourememberanyofyourversionoftheRadamiste？\"
\"Irememberitall。\"
\"Youhaveawonderfulmemory；Ishouldbegladtohearit。\"
IbegantorecitethesamescenethatIhadrecitedtoCrebillontenyearsbefore，andIthoughtM。deVoltairelistenedwithpleasure。
\"Itdoesn’tstrikeoneasatallharsh，\"saidhe。
Thiswasthehighestpraisehewouldgiveme。InhisturnthegreatmanrecitedapassagefromTancredwhichhadnotasyetbeenpublished，andwhichwasafterwardsconsidered，andrightly，asamasterpiece。
Weshouldhavegotonverywellifwehadkepttothat，butonmyquotingalineofHoracetopraiseoneofhispieces，hesaidthatHoracewasagreatmasterwhohadgivenpreceptswhichwouldneverbeoutofdate。ThereuponIansweredthathehimselfhadviolatedoneofthem，butthathehadviolateditgrandly。
\"Whichisthat？\"
\"Youdonotwrite，’Contentuspaucislectoribus’。\"
\"IfHoracehadhadtocombatthehydra—headedmonsterofsuperstition，hewouldhavewrittenasIhavewritten——foralltheworld。\"
\"Itseemstomethatyoumightspareyourselfthetroubleofcombatingwhatyouwillneverdestroy。\"
\"ThatwhichIcannotfinishotherswill，andIshallalwayshavethegloryofbeingthefirstinthefield。\"
\"Verygood；butsupposingyousucceedindestroyingsuperstition，whatareyougoingtoputinitsplace？\"
\"Ilikethat。IfIdelivertheraceofmanfromawildbeastwhichisdevouringit，amItobeaskedwhatIintendtoputinitsplace？\"
\"Itdoesnotdevourit；onthecontrary，itisnecessarytoitsexistence。\"
\"Necessarytoitsexistence！Thatisahorribleblasphemy，thefalsityofwhichwillbeseeninthefuture。Ilovethehumanrace；
Iwouldfainseemenlikemyself，freeandhappy，andsuperstitionandfreedomcannotgotogether。Wheredoyoufindanenslavedandyetahappypeople？\"
\"Youwish，then，toseethepeoplesovereign？\"
\"Godforbid！Theremustbeasovereigntogovernthemasses。\"
\"Inthatcaseyoumusthavesuperstition，forwithoutitthemasseswillneverobeyameremandeckedwiththenameofmonarch。\"
\"Iwillhavenomonarch；thewordexpressesdespotism，whichIhateasIdoslavery。\"
\"Whatdoyoumean，then？Ifyouwishtoputthegovernmentinthehandsofoneman，suchaman，Imaintain，willbeamonarch。\"
\"Iwouldhaveasovereignrulerofafreepeople，ofwhichheisthechiefbyanagreementwhichbindsthemboth，whichwouldpreventhimfrombecomingatyrant。\"
\"Addisonwilltellyouthatsuchasovereignisasheerimpossibility。IagreewithHobbes，oftwoevilschoosetheleast。
Anationwithoutsuperstitionwouldbeanationofphilosophers，andphilosopherswouldneverobey。Thepeoplewillonlybehappywhentheyarecrushedanddown—trodden，andboundinchains。\"
\"Thisishorrible；andyouareofthepeopleyourself。IfyouhavereadmyworksyoumusthaveseenhowIshewthatsuperstitionistheenemyofkings。\"
\"Readyourworks？Ihavereadandre—readthem，especiallyinplaceswhereIhavedifferedfromyou。Yourrulingpassionistheloveofhumanity。’Estubipeccas’。Thisblindsyou。Lovehumanity，butloveitasitis。Itisnotfittoreceivetheblessingsyouwouldlavishonit，andwhichwouldonlymakeitmorewretchedandperverse。Leavementheirdevouringmonster，itisdeartothem。
IhaveneverlaughedsoheartilyasatDonQuixoteassailedbythegalley—slaveswhomhisgenerosityhadsetfree。\"
\"Iamsorrythatyouhavesuchabadopinionofyourfellow—
creatures。Andbytheway，tellmewhetherthereisfreedominVenice。\"
\"Asmuchascanbeexpectedunderanaristocracy。OurlibertyisnotsogreatasthatwhichtheEnglishenjoy，butwearecontent。\"
\"EvenunderTheLeads？\"
\"Myimprisonmentwascertainlydespotic；butasIhadknowinglyabusedmylibertyIamsatisfiedthattheGovernmentwaswithinitsrightsinshuttingmeupwithouttheusualformalities。\"
\"Allthesame，youmadeyourescape。\"
\"Iusedmyrightsastheyhadusedtheirs。\"
\"Verygood！ButasfarasIcansee，nooneinVeniceisreallyfree。\"
\"Thatmaybe；butyoumustagreethattheessenceoffreedomconsistsinthinkingyouhaveit。\"
\"Ishallnotagreetothatsoeasily。YouandIseelibertyfromverydifferentpointsofview。Thearistocrats，themembersoftheGovernmenteven，arenotfreeatVenice；forexample，theycannottravelwithoutpermission。\"
\"True，butthatisarestrictionoftheirownmakingtopreservetheirpower。WouldyousaythataBerneseisnotfree，becauseheissubjecttothesumptuarylaws，whichhehimselfhadmade。\"
\"Well，well，Iwishthepeoplemadethelawseverywhere。\"
Afterthislivelyanswer，heabruptlyaskedmewhatpartIcamefrom。
\"FromRoche，\"saidI。\"IshouldhavebeenverysorrytoleaveSwitzerlandwithoutseeingthefamousHaller。InmytravelsIrenderhomagetomylearnedcontemporaries，andyoucomethelastandbest。\"
\"YoumusthavelikedHaller。\"
\"Ispentthreeofthehappiestdaysofmylifewithhim。\"
\"Icongratulateyou。Heisagreatmanandworthyofallhonour。\"
\"Ithinkasyoudo，andIamgladtohearyoudoinghimjustice；Iamsorryhewasnotsojusttowardsyou。\"
\"Well，youseewemaybebothofusmistaken。\"
Atthisreply，thequicknessofwhichconstituteditschiefmerit，everybodypresentbegantolaughandapplaud。
Nomorewassaidofliterature，andIbecameasilentactortillM。deVoltaireretired，whenIapproachedMadameDenis，andaskedherifshehadanycommandsformeatRome。Iwenthomewellpleasedathavingcompelledthegiantofintellecttolistentoreason，asI
thenthoughtfoolishlyenough；buttherewasaranklingfeelingleftinmyheartagainsthimwhichmademe，tenyearslater，criticiseallhehadwritten。
Iamsorrynowforhavingdoneso，thoughonreadingmycensuresoveragainIfindthatinmanyplacesIwasright。Ishouldhavedonebetter，however，tohavekeptsilence，tohaverespectedhisgenius，andtohavesuspectedmyownopinions。Ishouldhaveconsideredthatifithadnotbeenforthosequipsandcrankswhichmademehatehimonthethirdday，Ishouldhavethoughthimwhollysublime。Thisthoughtaloneshouldhavesilencedme，butanangrymanalwaysthinkshimselfright。PosterityonreadingmyattackwillrankmeamongtheZoyluses，andthehumbleapologyInowmaketothegreatman’sshadesmaynotberead。
IfwemeetinthehallsofPluto，themorepeccantpartsofourmortalnaturepurgedaway，allwillbemadeup；hewillreceivemyheartfeltapologies，andhewillbemyfriend，Ihissincereadmirer。
IspentpartofthenightandthewholeofthefollowingdayinwritingdownmyconversationswithVoltaire，andtheyamountednearlytoavolume，ofwhichIhaveonlygivenamereabridgment。TowardstheeveningmyEpicureansyndiccalledonme，andwewenttosupwiththethreenymphs，andforfivehoursweindulgedineveryspeciesofwantonness，inwhichIhadasomewhatfertileimagination。OnleavingIpromisedtocallonthemagainonmyreturnfromRome，andIkeptmyword。Isetoutthenextday，afterdiningwiththesyndic，whoaccompaniedmeasfarasAnneci，whereIspentthenight。
NextdayIdinedatAix，withtheintentionoflyingatChamberi，butmydestinyorderedotherwise。
Aixisavillainousholewherethemineralwatersattractpeopleoffashiontowardstheendofthesummer——acircumstanceofwhichIwasthenignorant。Idinedhastily，wishingtosetoutimmediatelyforChamberi，wheninthemiddleofmyrepastacrowdoffashionablepeopleburstintotheroom。Ilookedatthemwithoutstirring，replyingwithaninclinationoftheheadtothebowswhichsomeofthemmademe。Isoondiscoveredfromtheirconversationthattheyhadallcometotakethewaters。AgentlemanofafinepresencecameuptomeandaskedifIweregoingtoTurin；IansweredthatmywaywastoMarseilles。
Theirdinnerwasserved，andeverybodysatdown。AmongthemI
noticedseveralpleasant—lookingladies，withgentlemenwhowereeithertheirhusbandsortheirlovers。IconcludedthatImightfindsomeamusementwiththem，astheyallspokeFrenchwiththateasytoneofgoodsocietywhichissoattractive，andIfeltthatIshouldbeinclinedtostaywithoutmuchpressing，forthatdayatallevents。
Ifinishedmydinnerbeforethecompanyhadcometotheendoftheirfirstcourse，andasmycoachcouldnotgoforanotherhourIwentuptoaprettywoman，andcomplimentedheronthegoodthewatersofAixseemedtohavedoneher，forherappetitemadeallwholookedatherfeelhungry。
\"Ichallengeyoutoprovethatyouarespeakingthetruth，\"saidshe，withasmile。Isatdownnexttoher，andshegavemeanicepieceoftheroastwhichIateasifIhadbeenfasting。
WhileIwastalkingwiththelady，andeatingthemorselsshegaveme，IheardavoicesayingthatIwasintheabbe’splace，andanothervoicereplyingthattheabbehadbeengoneforhalfanhour。
\"Whyhashegone？\"askedathird，\"hesaidhewasgoingtostayhereforanotherweek。\"Atthistherewassomewhispering，butthedepartureofanabbehadnothinginterestinginitforme，andI
continuedeatingandtalking。ItoldLeDuc，whowasstandingbehindmychair，togetmesomechampagne。Iofferedtheladysome，sheaccepted，andeveryonebegantocallforchampagne。Seeingmyneighbour’sspiritsrising，Iproceededtomakelovetoher，andaskedherifshewerealwaysasreadytodefythosewhopaidtheircourttoher。
\"Somanyofthem，\"sheanswered，\"arenotworthythetrouble。\"
Shewasprettyandquick—witted，andItookafancytoher，andwishedforsomepretextonwhichIcouldputoffmydeparture，andchancecametomyaid。
\"Theplacenexttoyouwasconvenientlyempty，\"saidaladytomyneighbourwhowasdrinkingwithme。
\"Veryconveniently，formyneighbourweariedme。\"
\"Hadhenoappetite？\"saidI。
\"Gamestersonlyhaveanappetiteformoney。\"
\"Usually，butyourpowerisextraordinary；forIhavenevermadetwodinnersononedaybeforenow。\"
\"Onlyoutofpride；asIamsureyouwilleatnosupper。\"
\"Letusmakeabetonit。\"
\"Wewill；wewillbetthesupper。\"
\"Allright。\"
Alltheguestsbegantoclap，andmyfairneighbourblushedwithpleasure。IorderedLeDuctotellmycoachmanthatIshouldnotbegoingtillthenextday。
\"Itismybusiness，\"saidthelady，\"toorderthesupper。\"
\"Yes，youareright；forhewhopays，orders。Mypartwillbetoopposeyoutotheknife，andifIeatasmuchasyouIshallbethewinner。\"
\"Verygood。\"
Attheendofdinner，theindividualwhohadaddressedmebeforecalledforcards，andmadeasmallbankoffaro。Heputdowntwenty—
fivePiedmontesepistoles，andsomesilvermoneytoamusetheladies——altogetheritamountednearlytofortylouis。Iremainedaspectatorduringthefirstdeal，andconvincedmyselfthatthebankerplayedverywell。
Whilsthewasgettingreadyfortheseconddeal，theladyaskedmewhyIdidnotplay。Iwhisperedtoherthatshehadmademelosemyappetiteformoney。Sherepaidthiscomplimentwithacharmingsmile。
Afterthisdeclaration，feelingmyselfentitledtoplay，Iputdownfortylouis，andlostthemintwodeals。Igotup，andonthebankersayingverypolitelythathewassorryformyloss，Irepliedthatitwasamerenothing，butthatIalwaysmadeitarulenevertoriskasumofmoneylargerthanthebank。SomebodythenaskedmeifIknewacertainAbbeGilbert。
\"Iknewamanofthatname，\"saidI，\"atParis；hecamefromLyons，andowesmeapairofears，whichImeantocutoffhisheadwhenI
meethim。\"
Myquestionermadenoreplytothis，andeverybodyremainedsilent，asifnothinghadbeensaid。FromthisIconcludedthattheabbeaforesaidmustbethesamewhoseplaceIhadoccupiedatdinner。Hehaddoubtlessseenmeonmyarrivalandhadtakenhimselfoff。ThisabbewasarascalwhohadvisitedmeatLittlePoland，towhomIhadentrustedaringwhichhadcostmefivethousandflorinsinHolland；
nextdaythescoundrelhaddisappeared。
Wheneverybodyhadleftthetable，IaskedLeDucifIwerewelllodged。
\"No，\"saidhe；\"wouldyouliketoseeyourroom？\"
Hetookmetoalargeroom，ahundredpacesfromtheinn，whosesolefurnitureconsistedofitsfourwalls，alltheotherroomsbeingoccupied。Icomplainedvainlytotheinn—keeper，whosaid，\"It’sallIcanofferyou，butIwillhaveagoodbed，atable，andchairstakenthere。\"
Ihadtocontentmyselfwithit，astherewasnochoice。
\"Youwillsleepinmyroom，\"saidItoLeDuc，\"takecaretoprovideyourselfwithabed，andbringmybaggagein。\"
\"WhatdoyouthinkofGilbert，sir？\"saidmySpaniard；\"Ionlyrecognizedhimjustashewasgoing，andIhadalivelydesiretotakehimbythebackofhisneck。\"
\"Youwouldhavedonewelltohavesatisfiedthatdesire。\"
\"Iwill，whenIseehimagain。\"
AsIwasleavingmybigroom，Iwasaccostedpolitelybyamanwhosaidhewasgladtobemyneighbour，andofferedtotakemetothefountainifIweregoingthere。Iacceptedhisoffer。Hewasatallfairman，aboutfiftyyearsold；hemustoncehavebeenhandsome，buthisexcessivepolitenessshouldhavemademesuspecthim；however，I
wantedsomebodytotalkto，andtogivemethevariouspiecesofinformationIrequired。OnthewayheinformedmeoftheconditionofthepeopleIhadseen，andIlearntthatnoneofthemhadcometoAixforthesakeofthewaters。
\"Iamtheonlyone，\"saidhe，\"whotakesthemoutofnecessity。Iamconsumptive；Igetthinnereveryday，andifthewatersdon’tdomeanygoodIshallnotlastmuchlonger。\"
Soalltheothershaveonlycomehereforamusement’ssake？\"
\"Andtogame，sir，fortheyareallprofessionalgamesters。\"
\"AretheyFrench？\"
\"TheyareallfromPiedmontorSavoy；IamtheonlyFrenchmanhere。\"
\"WhatpartofFrancedoyoucomefrom？\"
\"FromLorraine；myfather，whoiseightyyearsold，istheMarquisDesarmoises。Heonlykeepsonlivingtospiteme，forasImarriedagainsthiswisheshehasdisinheritedme。However，asIamhisonlyson，Ishallinherithispropertyafterhisdeath，inspiteofhim。
MyhouseisatLyons，butInevergothere，asIhavethemisfortunetobeinlovewithmyeldestdaughter，andmywifewatchesussocloselyastomakemycourtshiphopeless。\"
\"Thatisveryfine；otherwise，Isuppose，yourdaughterwouldtakepityonheramorouspapa？\"
\"Idaresay，forsheisveryfondofme，andhasanexcellentheart。\"
CHAPTERXX
MyAdventuresatAix——MySecondM。M。——MadameZeroliThisman，who，thoughhedidnotknowme，puttheutmostconfidenceinme，sofarfromthinkinghewashorrifyingmebytheconfessionofsuchwickedness，probablyconsideredhewasdoingmeagreathonour。
WhileIlistenedtohimIreflectedthatthoughdepravedhemighthavehisgoodpoints，andthathisweaknessmighthaveapitiableifnotapardonableside。However，wishingtoknowmoreofhim，I
said，——
\"Inspiteofyourfather’ssternness，youliveverywell。\"
\"Onthecontrary，Iliveveryill。IenjoyapensionfromtheGovernment，whichIsurrendertomywife，andasformeImakealivelihoodonmytravels。Iplayblackgammonandmostothergamesperfectly。IwinmoreoftenthanIlose，andIliveonmywinnings。\"
\"Butiswhatyouhavetoldmeaboutyourdaughterknowntothevisitorshere？\"
\"Everybodyknowsit；whyshouldIhideit？Iamamanofhonourandinjurenoone；and，besides，myswordissharp。\"
\"Quiteso；butwouldyoutellmewhetheryouallowyourdaughtertohavealover？\"
\"Ishouldhavenoobjection，butmywifeisreligious。\"
\"Isyourdaughterpretty？\"
\"Very；ifyouaregoingtoLyons，youcangoandseeher；Iwillgiveyoualetterofintroductionforher。\"\"Thankyou，butIamgoingtoItaly。Canyoutellmethenameofthegentlemanwhokeptthebank？\"
\"ThatisthefamousParcalier，MarquisdePriesincethedeathofhisfather，whomyoumayhaveknownasambassadoratVenice。ThegentlemanwhoaskedyouifyouknewtheAbbeGilbertistheChevalierZeroli，husbandoftheladyyouaretosupwith。Therestarecounts，marquises，andbaronsoftheusualkind，somefromPiedmontandsomefromSavoy。Twoorthreearemerchants’sons，andtheladiesarealltheirfriendsorrelations。Theyareallprofessionalgamblersandsharp—witted。Whenastrangercomesheretheyknowhowtogetoverhim，andifheplaysitisallupwithhim，fortheygotogetherlikepickpocketsatafair。Theythinktheyhavegotyou，sotakecareofyourself。\"
Intheeveningwereturnedtotheinn，andfoundallthecompanyplaying，andmycompanionproceededtoplaywithaCountdeScarnafisch。
TheChevalierZeroliofferedtoplayfarowithmeforfortysequins，andIhadjustlostthatsumwhensupperwasserved。Mylosshadnotaffectedmyspirits，andtheladyfindingmeatoncehungryandgaypaidthebetwithagoodgrace。AtsupperIsurprisedherincertainside—glances，whichwarnedmethatshewasgoingtotrytodupeme；I
feltmyselfsafeasfaraslovewasconcerned，butIhadreasontodreadfortune，alwaysthefriendofthosewhokeepabankatfaro，especiallyasIhadalreadylost。Ishouldhavedonewelltogo，butIhadnotthestrength；allIcoulddowastopromisemyselfthatI
wouldbeextremelyprudent。Havinglargesumsinpapermoneyandplentyofgold，itwasnotdifficultformetobecareful。
JustaftersuppertheMarquisdePriemadeabankofaboutthreehundredsequins。HisstakingthispaltrysumshewedmethatIhadmuchtoloseandlittletowin，asitwasevidentthathewouldhavemadeabankofathousandsequinsifhehadhadthem。IputdownfiftyPortuguesecrowns，andsaidthatassoonasIhadlostthemI
shouldgotobed。InthemiddleofthethirddealIbrokethebank。
\"Iamgoodforanothertwohundredlouis，\"saidthemarquis。
\"Ishouldbegladtocontinueplaying，\"Ireplied，\"ifIhadnottogoatday—break\"；andIthereuponlefttheroom。
JustasIwasgoingtobed，Desarmoisescameandaskedmetolendhimtwelvelouis。Ihadexpectedsomesuchrequest，andIcountedthemouttohim。Heembracedmegratefully，andtoldmethatMadameZerolihadsworntomakemestayonatleastforanotherday。I
smiledandcalledLeDuc，andaskedhimifmycoachmanknewthatI
wasstartingearly；herepliedthathewouldbeatthedoorbyfiveo’clock。
\"Verygood，\"saidDesarmoises，\"butIwillwagerthatyouwillnotgoforallthat。\"
HewentoutandIwenttobed，laughingathisprophecy。
Atfiveo’clocknextmorningthecoachmancametotellmethatoneofthehorseswasillandcouldnottravel。IsawthatDesarmoiseshadhadaninklingofsomeplot，butIonlylaughed。Isentthemanroughlyabouthisbusiness，andtoldLeDuctogetmepost—horsesattheinn。Theinn—keepercameandtoldmethattherewerenohorses，andthatitwouldtakeallthemorningtofindsome，astheMarquisdePrie，whowasleavingatoneo’clockinthemorning，hademptiedhisstables。IansweredthatinthatcaseIwoulddineatAix，butthatIcountedonhisgettingmehorsesbytwoo’clockintheafternoon。
Ilefttheroomandwenttothestable，whereIfoundthecoachmanweepingoveroneofhishorsesstretchedoutonthestraw。Ithoughtitwasreallyanaccident，andconsoledthepoordevil，payinghimasifhehaddonehiswork，andtellinghimIshouldnotwanthimanymore。Ithenwenttowardsthefountain，butthereaderwillbeastonishedbyameetingofthemostromanticcharacter，butwhichisyetthestricttruth。
AtafewpacesfromthefountainIsawtwonunscomingfromit。Theywereveiled，butIconcludedfromtheirappearancethatonewasyoungandtheotherold。Therewasnothingastonishinginsuchasight，buttheirhabitattractedmyattention，foritwasthesameasthatwornbymydearM————M————，whomIhadseenforthelasttimeonJuly24th，1755，fiveyearsbefore。Thelookofthemwasenough，nottomakemebelievethattheyoungnunwasM————M————，buttoexcitemycuriosity。Theywerewalkingtowardsthecountry，soIturnedtocutthemoffthatImightseethemfacetofaceandbeseenofthem。
WhatwasmyemotionwhenIsawtheyoungnun，who，walkinginfront，andliftingherveil，disclosedtheveritablefaceofM————M————。
Icouldnotdoubtthatitwasshe，andIbegantowalkbesideher；
butsheloweredherveil，andturnedtoavoidme。
Thereasonsshemighthaveforsuchacoursepassedinamomentthroughmymind，andIfollowedheratadistance，andwhenshehadgoneaboutfivehundredpacesIsawherenteralonelyhouseofpoorappearancethatwasenoughforme。IreturnedtothefountaintoseewhatIcouldlearnaboutthenun。
OnmywaythereIlostmyselfinamazeofconjectures。
\"ThetoocharmingandhaplessM————M————，\"saidItomyself，\"musthaveleftherconvent，desperate——nay，mad；forwhydoesshestillwearthehabitofherorder？Perhaps，though，shehasgotadispensationtocomehereforthewaters；thatmustbethereasonwhyshehasanunwithher，andwhyshehasnotleftoffherhabit。Atalleventsthejourneymusthavebeenundertakenunderfalsepretences。Hassheabandonedherselftosomefatalpassion，ofwhichtheresulthasbeenpregnancy？Sheisdoubtlessperplexed，andmusthavebeenpleasedtoseeme。Iwillnotdeceiveherexpectations；I
willdoallinmypowertoconvinceherthatIamworthyofher。\"
LostinthoughtIdidnotnoticeIhadarrivedatthefountain，roundwhichstoodthewholehostofgamesters。Theyallcrowdedroundme，andsaidhowcharmedtheyweretoseemestillthere。IaskedtheChevalierZeroliafterhiswife，andhetoldmeshewasstillabed，andthatitwouldbeagoodthingifIwouldgoandmakehergetup。
Iwasjustgoingwhenthedoctoroftheplaceaccostedme，saying，thatthewatersoftheAixwouldincreasemygoodhealth。Fulloftheoneidea，IaskedhimdirectlyifhewerethedoctorinattendanceonaprettynunIhadseen。
\"Shetakesthewaters，\"hereplied，\"butshedoesnotspeaktoanyone。\"
\"Wheredoesshecomefrom？\"
\"Nobodyknows；shelivesinapeasant’shouse。\"
Ileftthedoctor，andinsteadofgoingtowardstheinn，wherethehussyZeroliwasdoubtlesswaitingforme，Imademywaytowardsthepeasant’shouse，whichalreadyseemedtomethetempleofthemostblissfuldeities，determinedtoobtaintheinformationIrequiredasprudentlyasmightbe。Butasiflovehadfavouredmyvows，whenI
waswithinahundredpacesofthecottageIsawthepeasantwomancomingouttomeetme。
\"Sir，\"saidshe，accostingme，\"theyoungnunbegsyoutoreturnthiseveningatnineo’clock；thelay—sisterwillbeasleepthen，andshewillbeabletospeakfreelytoyou。\"
Therecouldbenomoredoubt。Myheartleaptwithjoy。Igavethecountry—womanalouis，andpromisedtobeatthehouseatnineexactly。
WiththecertaintyofseeingmydearM————M————againIreturnedtotheinn，andonascertainingwhichwasMadameZeroli’sroomIenteredwithoutceremony，andtoldherthatherhusbandhadsentmetomakehergetup。
\"Ithoughtyouweregone？\"
\"Iamgoingattwo。\"
Ifoundherstillmoreenticinginbedthanattable。Ihelpedhertoputonherstays，andthesightofhercharmsinflamedmyardour，butIexperiencedmoreresistancethanIhadanticipated。Isatdownatthefootofthebed，andtoldherhowferventlyIlovedher，andhowunhappyIwasatnotbeingabletogivehermarksofmylovebeforeIleft。
\"But，\"saidshe，laughing，\"youhaveonlygottostay。\"
\"Givemesomehope，andIwillstaytillto—morrow。\"
\"Youareintoomuchofahurry，takethingsmorequietly。\"
Icontentedmyselfwiththefewfavoursshegrantedme，pretendingasusualonlytoyieldtoviolence，whenIwasobligedtorestrainmyselfontheappearanceofherhusband，whotooktheprecautionofmakinganoisebeforehecarnein。Assoonasshesawhim，shesaid，withouttheslightestperturbation，\"Ihavepersuadedthegentlemantostaytellthedayafterto—morrow。\"
\"Iamallthemorepleasedtohearit，mydear，\"saidthechevalier，\"asIowehimhisrevenge。\"
Withthesewordshetookupapackofcards，whichcameasreadilytohishandsasiftheyhadbeenplacedthereonpurpose，andseatinghimselfbesidehiswife，whomhemadeintothetable，hebegantodeal。
Icouldnotdrawback，andasmythoughtsweredistractedIkeptonlosingtilltheycametotellmedinnerwasready。
\"Ihavenotimetodress，\"saidthelady，\"soIwillhavemydinnerinbed，ifyougentlemenwillkeepmecompany。\"
HowcouldIrefuse？Thehusbandwentouttoorderthedinner，andfeelingmyselfauthorizedbythelossoftwentyLouis，ItoldthehussythatifshewouldnotgivemeaplainpromisetomakemehappythatafternoonIshouldgoawaywhenIhadhadmydinner。
\"Breakfastwithmeto—morrowmorning。Weshallbealone。\"
Afterreceivingfromhercertainearnestsofherpromise，Ipromisedtostayon。
Wedinedbyherbedside，andItoldLeDucthatIshouldnotbegoingtilltheafternoonofthenextday，whichmadethehusbandandwiferadiant。Whenwehaddone，theladysaidshewouldliketogetup；
andIwentout，promisingtoreturnandplaypiquetwithher。I
proceededtorelinemypurse，andImetDesarmoises，whosaid，\"Ihavefoundoutthesecret；theygavehercoachmantwoLouistosubstituteasickhorseforhisown。\"
\"It’samatterofgiveandtake，\"saidI；\"Iaminlovewiththechevalier’swife，andIamputtingoffmydeparturetillIhavegotallIwantoutofher。\"
\"Iamafraidyouwillhavetopayprettydearlyforyourpleasure。
However，IwilldowhatIcanforyourinterests。\"
Ithankedhimsmilingly，andreturnedtothelady，whomIleftateighto’clockunderpretextofaviolentheadache，afterhavinglosttenlouistoher。Iremindedherofherpromisefornextmorningatnineo’clock，andIleftherinthemidstofthecompany。
ItwasafinemoonlightnightasIwalkedtowardsthepeasant’shouse，whereIwastoseemydearM————M————oncemore。Iwasimpatienttoseewhatthevisit，onwhichtherestofmylifemightdepend，wouldbringforth。
Ihadtakentheprecautiontoprovidemyselfwithapairofpistols，andmyswordhungatmyside，forIwasnotwhollydevoidofsuspicioninthisplace，wherethereweresomanyadventurers；butattwentypacesfromthecottageIsawthewomancomingtowardsme。Shetoldmethatthenuncouldnotcomedown，soImustbecontenttoenterthroughthewindow，bymeansofaladderwhichshehadplacedthereforthepurpose。Idrewnear，andnotseeinganylightI
shouldnothaveeasilydecidedongoingup，ifIhadnotheardthevoiceIthoughtIknewsowell，saying，\"Fearnothing；come。\"
Besides，thewindowwasnotveryhighup，andtherecouldnotbemuchdangerofatrap。Iascended，andthoughtforcertainthatIheldmydearM————M————inmyarms，asIcoveredherfacewithmyardentkisses。
\"Why，\"saidI，inVenetian，\"haveyounotalight？Ihopeyouaregoingtoinformmeofaneventwhichseemswonderfultome；quick，dearest，satisfymyimpatience。\"
ThereaderwillguessmysurprisewhenhelearnsthatonhearinghervoiceclosetomeIfoundthatshewasnotM————M————。ShetoldmethatshedidnotunderstandVenetian，andthatIdidnotrequirealighttotellherwhatM。deCouderthaddecidedondoingtosaveherfromherperil。
\"Yousurpriseme；IdonotknowM。deCoudert。What！AreyounotaVenetian？AreyounotthenunIsawthismorning？\"
\"Haplessone！Ihavemadeamistake。Iamthenunyousawthismorning，butIamFrench。InthenameofGodkeepmycounselandbegone，forIhavenothingtosaytoyou！Whisper，forifthelay—
sisterwokeupIshouldbeundone。\"
\"Donotbeafraidofmydiscretion。Whatdeceivedmewasyourexactlikenesstoanunofyourorderwhowillbealwaysdeartome:andifyouhadnotallowedmetoseeyourfeaturesIshouldnothavefollowedyou。ForgivethetendernessIshewedtowardsyou，thoughyoumustthinkmeveryaudacious。\"
\"Youastonishedmeverymuch，butyoudidnotoffendme。IwishI
werethenuninwhomyouareinterested。Iamonthebrinkofafearfulprecipice。\"
\"Iftenlouisareanygoodtoyou，itwillbeanhonourformetogiveyouthem。\"
\"Thankyou，Ihavenoneedofmoney。Allowmetogiveyoubackthelouisyousentmethismorning。\"
\"Thelouiswasforthecountry—woman。Youincreasemysurprise；praytellmewhatisthemisfortuneunderwhichyoulabour，forwhichmoneycandonothing。\"
\"PerhapsGodhassentyoutomyaid。Maybeyouwillgivemegoodadvice。ListentowhatIamabouttotellyou。\"
\"Iamatyourservice，andIwilllistenwiththegreatestattention。
Letussitdown。\"
\"Iamafraidthereisneitherseatnorbed。\"
\"Sayon，then；wewillremainstanding。\"
\"IcomefromGrenoble。IwasmadetotaketheveilatChamberi。Twoyearsaftermyprofession，M。deCoudertfoundmeanstoseeme。I
receivedhimintheconventgarden，thewallsofwhichhescaled，andatlastIwassounfortunateastobecomepregnant。Theideaofgivingbirthtoachildattheconventwastoodreadful——IshouldhavelanguishedtillIdiedinaterribledungeon——andM。deCoudertthoughtofaplanfortakingmeoutoftheconvent。AdoctorwhomhegainedoverwithalargesumofmoneydeclaredthatIshoulddieunlessIcameheretotakethewaters，whichhedeclaredweretheonlycureformyillness。AprincesswhomM。deCoudertknewwaspartlyadmittedtothesecret，andsheobtainedtheleaveofabsenceforthreemonthsfromtheBishopofChamberi，andtheabbessconsentedtomygoing。
\"Ithushopedtobedeliveredbeforetheexpirationofthethreemonths；butIhaveassuredlymadeamistake，forthetimedrawstoanendandIfeelnosignsofaspeedydelivery。Iamobligedtoreturntotheconvent，andyetIcannotdoso。Thelay—sisterwhoiswithmeisaperfectshrew。Shehasordersnottoletmespeaktoanybody，andnevertoletmyfacebeseen。Sheitwaswhomademeturnwhenshesawyoufollowingus。IliftedmyveilforyoutoseethatIwassheofwhomIthoughtyouwereinsearch，andhappilythelay—sisterdidnotnoticeme。Shewantsmetoreturnwithhertotheconventinthreedays，asshethinksIhaveanincurabledropsy。Shedoesnotallowmetospeaktothedoctor，whomImight，perhaps，havegainedoverbytellinghimthetruth。Iamonlytwenty—one，andyetIlongfordeath。\"
\"Donotweepso，dearsister，andtellmehowyouexpecttobedeliveredherewithoutthelay—sisterbeingawareofit？\"
\"TheworthywomanwithwhomIamstayingisanangelofgoodness。I
haveconfidedinher，andshepromisedmethatwhenIfeltthepangscomingonshewouldgivethatmaliciouswomanasporific，andthusweshouldbefreedfromallfearsofher。Byvirtueofthedrugshenowsleepssoundlyintheroomunderthisgarret。\"
\"WhywasInotletinbythedoor？\"
\"Topreventthewoman’sbrotherseeingyou；heisarudeboor。\"
\"WhatmadeyouthinkthatIhadanythingtodowithM。deCoudert？\"
\"Tenortwelvedaysago，Iwrotetohimandtoldhimofmydreadfulposition。IpaintedmysituationwithsuchlivelycoloursthatI
thoughthemustdoallinhispowertohelpme。Asthewretchedclingtoeverystraw，Ithought，whenIsawyoufollowingme，thatyouwerethedelivererhehadsent。\"
\"Areyousurehegotyourletter？\"
\"ThewomanposteditatAnneci。\"
\"Youshouldwritetotheprincess。\"
\"Idarenot。\"
\"Iwillseehermyself，andIwillseeM。deCoudert。Infine，I
willmoveheavenandearth，Iwillevengotothebishop，toobtainanextensionofyourleave；foritisoutofthequestionforyoutoreturntotheconventinyourpresentsituation。Youmustdecide，forIcandonothingwithoutyourconsent。Willyoutrustinme？
Ifso，Iwillbringyouaman’sclothesto—morrowandtakeyoutoItalywithme，andwhileIliveIswearIwillcareforyou。\"
Forreply，Ionlyheardlong—drawnsobs，whichdistressedmebeyondwords，forIfeltacutelythesituationofthispoorcreaturewhomHeavenhadmadetobeamother，andwhomthecrueltyofherparentshadcondemnedtobeauselessnun。
Notknowingwhatelsetosay，Itookherhandandpromisedtoreturnthenextdayandhearherdecision，foritwasabsolutelynecessarythatsheshoulddecideonsomeplan。Iwentawaybytheladder，andgaveasecondlouistotheworthywoman，tellingherthatIshouldbewithheronthemorrowatthesamehour，butthatIshouldliketobeabletoenterbythedoor。Ibeggedhertogivethelay—sisterastrongerdoseofopium，sothatthereshouldbenofearofherawakingwhileItalkedwiththeyoungnun。
IwenttobedgladatheartthatIhadbeenwronginthinkingthatthenunwasM————M————。Neverthelessthegreatlikenessbetweenthemmademewishtoseehernearerathand，andIwassurethatshewouldnotrefusemetheprivilegeoflookingatherthenextday。I
smiledatthethoughtoftheardentkissesIhadgivenher，butI
feltthatIcouldnotleavehertoherfate。IwasgladtofindthatIdidnotneedanysensualmotivetourgemetoagooddeed，forassoonasIfoundthatitwasnotM————M————whohadreceivedthosetenderkissesIfeltashamedofhavinggiventhem。IhadnotevengivenherafriendlykisswhenIlefther。
InthemorningDesarmoisescameandtoldmethatallthecompany，notseeingmeatsupper，hadbeenpuzzlingitselftofindoutwhathadbecomeofme。MadameZerolihadspokenenthusiasticallyaboutme，andhadtakenthejestsofthetwootherladiesingoodpart，boastingthatshecouldkeepmeatAixaslongassheremainedthereherself。ThefactwasthatIwasnotamorousbutcuriouswhereshewasconcerned，andIshouldhavebeensorrytohavelefttheplacewithoutobtainingcompletepossessionofher，foronceatallevents。
Ikeptmyappointment，andenteredherroomatnineo’clockexactly。
Ifoundherdressed，andonmyreproachinghershesaidthatitshouldbeofnoconsequencetomewhethersheweredressedorundressed。Iwasangry，andItookmychocolatewithoutsomuchasspeakingtoher。WhenIhadfinishedsheofferedmemyrevengeatpiquet，butIthankedherandbeggedtobeexcused，tellingherthatinthehumourinwhichshehadputmeIshouldprovethebetterplayer，andthatIdidnotcaretowinladies’money。SosayingI
rosetoleavetheroom。
\"Atleastbekindenoughtotakemetothefountain。\"
\"Ithinknot。Ifyoutakemeforafreshman，youmakeamistake，andIdon’tcaretogivetheimpressionthatIampleasedwhenIamdispleased。Youcangetwhomsoeveryoupleasetotakeyoutothefountain，butasformeImustbegtobeexcused。Farewell，madam。\"
WiththesewordsIwentout，payingnoattentiontohereffortstorecallme。
Ifoundtheinn—keeper，andtoldhimthatImustleaveatthreeo’clockwithoutafail。Thelady，whowasatherwindow，couldhearme。Iwentstraighttothefountainwherethechevalieraskedmewhathadbecomeofhiswife，andIansweredthatIhadleftherinherroominperfecthealth。Inhalfanhourwesawhercomingwithastranger，whowaswelcomedbyacertainM。deSt。Maurice。MadameZerolilefthim，andtackedherselfontome，asiftherehadbeennothingthematter。Icouldnotrepulseherwithoutthemosttroublesomeconsequences，butIwasverycold。Aftercomplainingofmyconductshesaidthatshehadonlybeentryingme，thatifI
reallylovedherIshouldputoffmydeparture，andthatIshouldbreakfastwithherateighto’clockthenextday。IansweredcoollythatIwouldthinkitover。Iwasseriousalldinner—time，andsaidonceortwicethatImustgoatthreeo’clock，butasIwantedtofindsomepretextforstayingonaccountofthenun，Iletmyselfbepersuadedintomakingabankatfaro。
IstakedallthegoldIhad，andIsaweveryfacelightupasIputdownaboutfourhundredlouisingold，andaboutsixhundredfrancsinsilver。\"Gentlemen，\"saidI，\"Ishallriseateighto’clockprecisely。\"Thestrangersaid，withasmile，thatpossiblythebankmightnotlivesolong，butIpretendednottounderstandhim。Itwasjustthreeo’clock。IbeggedDesarmoisestobemycroupier，andIbegantodealwithduedeliberationtoeighteenortwentypunters，allprofessionalgamblers。Itookanewpackateverydeal。
Byfiveo’clockIhadlostmoney。Weheardcarriagewheels，andtheysaiditwasthreeEnglishmenfromGeneva，whowerechanginghorsestogoontoChamberi。Amomentaftertheycamein，andIbowed。ItwasMr。Foxandhistwofriends，whohadplayedquinzewithme。Mycroupiergavethemcards，whichtheyreceivedgladly，andwenttenlouis，playingontwoandthreecards，goingparoli，sevenandthe’va’，aswellasthe’quinze’，sothatmybankwasindangerofbreaking。However，Ikeptupmyface，andevenencouragedthemtoplay，for，Godbeingneutral，thechanceswereinmyfavour。Soithappened，andatthethirddealIhadclearedtheEnglishmenout，andtheircarriagewasready。
WhileIwasshufflingafreshpackofcards，theyoungestofthemdrewoutofhispocket—bookapaperwhichhespewedtohistwocompanions。Itwasabillofexchange。\"Willyoustakethevalueofthisbillonacard，withoutknowingitsvalue？\"saidhe。
\"Yes，\"Ireplied，\"ifyouwilltellmeuponwhomitisdrawn，andprovidedthatitdoesnotexceedthevalueofthebank。\"
Afterarapidglanceatthepileofgoldbeforeme，hesaid，\"Thebillisnotforsolargeasumasyourbank，anditispayableatsightbyZappata，ofTurin。\"
Iagreed，hecut，andputhismoneyonanace，thetwofriendsgoinghalfshares。Idrewanddrewanddrew，butnoaceappeared。Ihadonlyadozencardsleft。
\"Sir，\"saidI，calmlytothepunter，\"youcandrawbackifyoulike。\"
\"No，goon。\"
Fourcardsmore，andstillnoace；Ihadonlyeightcardsleft。
\"Mylord，\"saidI，\"it’stwotoonethatIdonotholdtheace，I
repeatyoucandrawback。\"
\"No，no，youaretoogenerous，goon。\"
Icontinueddealing，andwon；Iputthebillofexchangeinmypocketwithoutlookingatit。TheEnglishmenshookmebythehandandwentofflaughing。Iwasenjoyingtheeffectthisboldstrokehadmadeonthecompany，whenyoungFoxcameinandwitharoaroflaughterbeggedmetolendhimfiftyLouis。Icountedthemoutwiththegreatestpleasure，andhepaidmethembackinLondonthreeyearslater。
Everyonewascurioustoknowthevalueofthebillofexchange，butI
wasnotpoliteenoughtosatisfytheircuriosity。ItwasforeightthousandPiedmontesefrancs，asIsawassoonasIwasalone。
TheEnglishmenhadbroughtmegoodluck，forwhentheyhadgonefortunedeclaredforthebank。Iroseateighto’clock，someladieshavingwonafewlouis，alltheothersweredriedup。Ihadwonmorethanathousandlouis，andIgavetwenty—fivetoDesarmoises，whojumpedforjoy。Ilockedupmymoney，putmypistolsinmypocket，andsetouttowardsthemeeting—place。
Theworthypeasantwomanbroughtmeinbythedoor，tellingmethateverybodywasasleep，andthatshehadnotfounditnecessarytorenewthelay—sister’sdose，asshewasstillasleep。
Iwasterrified。Iwentupstairs，andbythelightofasinglecandleIsawthewretched，veiledfigureofthenun，extendeduponasackwhichthepeasantwomanhadplacedalongthewallinsteadofasofa。Thecandlewhichlightedthisdrearyplacewasfixedinabottle。
\"Whathaveyoudecidedondoing？\"saidI。
\"Ihavedecidedonnothing，foranunforeseenincidenthasconfoundedus。Thelay—sisterhasbeenasleepforeighteenhours。\"
\"Shewilldieofconvulsionsorofanapoplecticfitto—nightifyoudonotcalladoctor，whomaypossiblyrestorehertolifewithadoseofcastoroil。\"
\"Wehavethoughtofthat，butwedidnotdaretotakethatstepforfearofconsequences；forwhetherherestoresherornot，hewillsaythatwehavepoisonedher。\"
\"Ipityyou，uponmysoul！Indeed，Ibelievethatitistoolate，andthatadoctorcoulddonothing。Onemustobeythelawsofprudenceandletherdie。Themischiefisdone，andIseenoremedy。\"
\"Atanyrate，weoughttothinkofhersoulandsendforapriest。\"
\"Apriestwoulddohernogood，assheisinaperfectlethargy；hersoulissafeenough。Besides，anignorantpriestwouldfindouttoomuch，andwouldtellthewholestoryeitherthroughmaliceorstupidity。Itwillbetimetocallapriestwhenshehasceasedtobreathe。Youmusttellhimthatshediedverysuddenly；youmustweepagreatdeal，andgivehimafee，andhewillthinkonlyofcalmingyourgrief，andnothingaboutthesuddendeath。\"
\"Thenwemustletherdie？\"
\"Wemustleavehertonature。\"
\"IfshediesIwillsendamessengertotheabbess，whowilldispatchanotherlay—sister。\"
\"Yes，andthatwillgiveyouanothertendays。Duringthattimeyoumaybedelivered，andyouwillconfessthateverycloudhasasilverlining。Donotgrieveso，butletusendeavourtosubmittothewillofGod。Sendforthecountry—woman，forImustgivehersomehintsastoherconductinthisdelicatematter，onwhichthehonourandlifeofallthreemaydepend。Forinstance，ifitwerediscoveredthatIhadcomehere，Imightbetakenforthepoisoner。\"
Thewomancame，andIshewedherhownecessaryitwasforhertobeprudentanddiscreet。Sheunderstoodmeperfectly，perceivedherowndangerousposition，andpromisedthatshewouldnotsendforthepriesttillshewascertainofthesister’sdeath。Ithenmadeheraccepttenlouisincaseofneed。
Seeingherselfmaderichbymyliberality，shekissedmyhands，kneltdown，andburstingintotearspromisedtofollowmyadvicecarefully。
Whenshehadleftus，thenunbegantoweepbitterly，accusingherselfofthemurderofthelay—sister，andthinkingthatshesawhellopeningbeneathherfeet。Isoughtinvaintocalmher；hergriefincreased，andatlastshefellinadeadfaintonthesack。I
wasextremelydistressed，andnotknowingwhattodoIcalledtothewomantobringsomevinegar，asIhadnoessencesaboutme。AllatonceIrememberedthefamoushellebore，whichhadservedmesowellwithMadameand，takingthelittlebox，Iheldittohernostrils。
Ittookeffectjustasthewomanbroughtthevinegar。\"Rubhertemples，\"saidI。Shetookoffhercap，andtheblacknessofherhairwastheonlythingthatconvincedmeitwasnotmyfairVenetian。Thehelleborehavingbroughthertohersenses，sheopenedherlargeblackeyes，andfromthatmomentIfellmadlyinlovewithher。Thepeasantwoman，seeingthatshewasherselfagainandoutofdanger，wentaway，andtakingherbetweenmyarmsIcoveredherwithfierykisses，inspiteofhercontinuoussneezes。