\"Pleaseletmeputonmyveilagain，\"saidshe，\"orelseIshallbeexcommunicated。\"
Ilaughedatherfears，andcontinuedtolavishmyburningkissesonherface。
\"Iseeyoudonotbelieveme，butIassureyouthattheabbessthreatenedmewithexcommunicationifIletmyselfbeseenbyaman。\"
\"Feartheseboltsnolonger，dear，theycannothurtyou。\"
Butshesneezedmoreviolentlythanever，andfearinglesthereffortsmightbringonherdeliveryIcalledthewomanagain，andleftthenuninhercare，promisingtoreturnatthesamehouronthenextday。
Itwouldnothavebeenlikemetoleavethisinterestingcreatureinherdistress，butmydevotiontohercausehadnomerit，sinceIwasmadlyinlovewiththisnewM————M————withblackeyes；andlovealwaysmakesmenselfish，sinceallthesacrificestheymakeforthebelovedobjectarealwaysultimatelyreferabletotheirowndesires。
Ihaddetermined，then，todoallinmypowerforher，andcertainlynottoallowhertoreturntotheconventinthestateshewasin。
IconcludedthattosaveherwouldbeanactionpleasingtoGod，sinceGodalonecouldhavemadehersolikemybeloved，andGodhadwilledthatIshouldwinagooddealofmoney，andhadmademefindtheZeroli，whowouldserveasashieldtomyactionsandbafflethecuriosityofspies。Thephilosophersandthemysticsmayperhapslaughatme，butwhatdoIcare？IhavealwaysdelightedinreferringalltheactionsofmylifetoGod，andyetpeoplehavechargedmewithAtheism！
NextmorningIdidnotforgettheZeroli，andIwenttoherroomateightandfoundherasleep。Hermaidbeggedmetogoinquietlyforfearofawakeningher，andthenleftmeandshutthedoor。Iknewmypart，forIrememberedhow，twentyyearsbefore，aVenetianlady，whosesleepIhadfoolishlyrespected，hadlaughedatmeandsentmeaboutmybusiness。Ithereforeknewwhattodo；andhavinggentlyuncoveredher，Igavemyselfuptothosedelicatepreliminarydelightswhichsweetenthefinalpleasure。TheZeroliwiselycontinuedtosleep；butatlast，conqueredbypassion，shesecondedmycaresseswithgreaterardourthanmyown，andshewasobligedtolaughatherstratagem。ShetoldmethatherhusbandhadgonetoGenevatobuyarepeatingwatch，andthathewouldnotreturntillnextday，andthatshecouldspendthenightwithme。
\"Whythenight，dearest，whilewehavethedaybeforeus？Thenightisforslumber，andinthedayoneenjoysdoublebliss，sincethelightallowsallthesensestobesatisfiedatonce。Ifyoudonotexpectanybody，Iwillpassthewholemorningwithyou。\"
\"Verygood；nobodywillinterruptus。\"
Iwassooninherarms，andforfourhourswegaveourselvesuptoeverykindofpleasure，cheatingeachotherthebettertosucceed，andlaughingwithdelighteachtimeweconvincedeachotherofourlove。Afterthelastassaultsheaskedme，inreturnforherkindness，tospendthreemoredaysatAix。
\"Ipromiseyou，\"Isaid，\"tostayhereaslongasyoucontinuegivingmesuchmarksofyourloveasyouhavegivenmethismorning。\"
\"Letusgetup，then，andgotodinner。\"
\"Incompany，dearest？Lookatyoureyes。\"
\"Allthebetter。Peoplewillguesswhathashappened，andthetwocountesseswillburstwithenvy。IwanteverybodytoknowthatitisformealonethatyouareremainingatAix。\"
\"Iamnotworththetrouble，myangel，butsobeit；Iwillgladlyobligeyou，eventhoughIloseallmymoneyinthenextthreedays。\"
\"Ishouldbeindespairifyoulost；butifyouabstainfrompuntingyouwillnotlose，thoughyoumayletyourselfberobbed。\"
\"YoumaybesurethatIknowwhatIamabout，andthatIshallonlyallowladiestorobme。Youhavehadsomemoneyoutofmeyourself。\"
\"Yes，butnotnearlysomuchasthecountesses，andIamsorryyouallowedthemtoimposeonyou，astheynodoubtputitdowntoyourbeinginlovewiththem。\"
\"Theyarequitewrong，poordears，forneitherwouldhavekeptmehereaday。\"
\"Iamdelightedtohearit。ButletmetellyouwhattheMarquisofSt。Mauricewassayingaboutyouyesterday。\"
\"Sayon。Ihopehedidnotallowhimselfanyoffensiveremarks。\"
\"No；heonlysaidthatyoushouldneverhaveofferedtheEnglishmantobeoffateightcards，asyouhadasmuchchanceashe，andifhehadwonhemighthavethoughtthatyouknewthecardwasthere。\"
\"Verygood，buttellthemarquisthatagentlemanisincapableofsuchathought，andbesidesIknewthecharacteroftheyoungnobleman，andIwasalmostsurehewouldnotacceptmyoffer。\"
Whenweappearedinthedining—roomwewerereceivedwithapplause。
ThefairZerolihadtheairofregardingmeasherproperty，andI
affectedanextremelymodestmanner。Noonedaredtoaskmetomakeabankafterdinner；thepursesweretooempty，andtheycontentedthemselveswithtrente—quarante，whichlastedthewholeday，andwhichcostmeascoreoflouis。
Istoleawayasusualtowardsevening，andafterhavingorderedLeDucnottoleavemyroomforamomentduringmystayatAix，Iwenttowardsthecottagewheretheunfortunatenunwasnodoubtexpectingmeanxiously。Soon，inspiteofthedarkness，IthoughtImadeoutsomebodyfollowingme。Istoppedshort，andsomepersonspassedme。
IntwoorthreeminutesIwentonagain，andIsawthesamepeople，whomIcouldnothavecaughtupiftheyhadnotslackenedtheirpace。
Itmightallbeaccidental，butIwantedtobesureaboutit。Ilefttheroadwithoutlosingmyreckoning，feelingquitesureoffindingmywaywhenIceasedtobefollowed；butIsoonfeltsurethatmystepsweredogged，asIsawthesameshadowyfiguresatalittledistanceoff。Idoubledmyspeed，hidbehindatree，andassoonasIsawthespiesfiredapistolintheair。Ilookedroundshortlyafter，sawnoone，andwentonmyway。
Iwentupstairsandfoundthenuninbed，withtwocandlesonthetable。
\"Areyouill？\"
\"Iwasillforatime，butpraisedbeGod！Iamnowquitewell，havinggivenbirthtoafineboyattwoo’clockthismorning。\"
\"Whereisthechild？\"
\"Alas！Ididbutkisshimonce，andmygoodhostesscarriedhimawayIknownotwhere。TheHolyVirginheardmyprayers，formypains，thoughsharp，weresoonover，andaquarterofanhouraftermydeliveryIwasstillsneezing。Tellmewhetheryouareamanoranangel，forIfearlestIsininadoringyou。\"
\"Thisisgoodnewsindeed。Andhowaboutthelay—sister？\"
Shestillbreathes，butwehavenohopethatshewillrecover。Herfaceisterriblydistorted。Wehavesinnedexceedingly，andGodwillpunishmeforit。\"
\"No，dearest，Godwillforgiveyou，fortheMostHolyjudgesbytheheart，andinyourheartyouhadnoevilthoughts。AdoreDivineProvidence，whichdoethallthingswell。\"
\"Youconsoleme。Thecountry—womanassuresmethatyouareanangel，forthepowderyougavemedeliveredme。Ishallneverforgetyou，thoughIdonotknowyourname。\"
Thewomanthencame，andIthankedherforthecareshehadtakenoftheinvalid。Iagainwarnedhertobeprudent，andabovealltotreatthepriestwellwhenthelay—sisterbreathedherlast，andthushewouldnottakenoticeofanythingthatmightinvolveleerindisaster。
\"Allwillbewell，\"saidshe，\"fornooneknowsifthelay—sisteriswellorill，orwhytheladydoesnotleaveherbed。\"
\"Whathaveyoudonewiththechild？\"
\"ItookhimwithmyownhandstoAnneci，whereIboughteverythingnecessaryforthewell—beingofthisladyandforthedeathoftheotherone。\"
\"Doesn’tyourbrotherknowanythingaboutit？\"
\"Lordpreserveus——no！Hewentawayyesterday，andwillnotbebackforaweek。Wehavenothingtofear。\"
Igaveheranothertenlouis，begginghertobuysomefurniture，andtogetmesomethingtoeatbythetimeIcamenextday。Shesaidshehadstillplentyofmoneyleft，andIthoughtshewouldgomadwhenI
toldherthatwhateverwasoverwasherown。Ithoughttheinvalidstoodinneedofrest，andIlefther，promisingtoreturnatthesamehouronthefollowingday。
Ilongedtogetthistroublesomemattersafelyover，andIknewthatIcouldnotregardmyselfasoutofthewoodtillthepoorlay—sisterwasunderthesod。Iwasinsomefearonthisaccount，forifthepriestwasnotanabsoluteidiothemustseethatthewomanhadbeenpoisoned。
NextmorningIwenttoseethefairZeroli，andIfoundherandherhusbandexaminingthewatchhehadboughther。Hecameuptome，tookmyhand，andsaidhewashappythathiswifehadthepowertokeepmeatAix。Irepliedthatitwasaneasytaskforher，anda\"bravo\"wasallheanswered。
Thechevalierwasoneofthosemenwhoprefertopassforgood—
naturedthanfoolishhusbands。Hiswifetookmyarm，andwelefthiminhisroomwhileweproceededtothefountain。Onthewayshesaidshewouldbealonethenextday，andthatshewouldnolongerindulgehercuriosityinmynocturnalexcursions。
\"Oh！itisyouwhohavehadmefollowed，isit？\"
\"No，itisIwhofollowedyou，buttonoeffect。However，Ididnotthinkyouweresowicked。Youfrightenedmedreadfully！Doyouknow，sir，youmighthavekilledmeifyourshothadnotluckilymissed。\"
\"Imissedonpurpose，dearest；forthoughIdidnotsuspectthatitwasyou，Ifiredintheair，feelingcertainthatthatwouldbeenoughtoscareoffthespies。\"
\"Youwon’tbetroubledwiththemanymore。\"
\"Iftheyliketofollowme，perhapsIshallletthem，formywalkisquiteinnocent。Iamalwaysbackbyten。\"
Whilewewereattablewesawatravellingcarriageandsixhorsesdrawnup。ItwastheMarquisdePrie，withaChevalierdeSt。Louisandtwocharmingladies，ofwhomone，astheZerolihastenedtoinformme，wastheMarquis’smistress。Fourplaceswerelaid，andwhilethenewcomerswerewaitingtobeserved，theyweretoldthestoryofmybetwiththeEnglishman。
Themarquiscongratulatedme，tellingmethathehadnothopedtofindmeatAixonhisreturn；andhereMadameZeroliputinherword，andsaidthatifithadnotbeenforherhewouldnothaveseenmeagain。Iwasgettingusedtoherfoolishtalk，andIcouldonlyagreewithagoodgrace，whichseemedtodelightherintenselyalthoughherhusbandwaspresent，butheseemedtosharehertriumph。
Themarquissaidthathewouldmakealittlebankforme，andfeelingobligedtoacceptIsoonlostahundredlouis。Iwenttomyroomtowritesomeletters，andattwilightIsetouttoseemynun。
\"Whatnewshaveyou？\"
\"Thelay—sisterisdead，andsheistobeburiedtomorrow。To—morrowisthedayweweretohavereturnedtotheconvent。ThisistheletterIamsendingtotheabbess。Shewilldispatchanotherlaysister，unlesssheordersthecountry—womantobringmebacktotheconvent。\"
\"Whatdidthepriestsay？\"
\"Hesaidthelay—sisterdiedofacerebrallethargy，whichsuper—
inducedanattackofapoplexy。\"
\"Verygood，verygood。\"
\"Iwanthimtosayfifteenmassesforher，ifyouwillletme？\"
\"Certainly，mydear，theywillserveasthepriest’sreward，orratherastherewardofhishappyignorance。\"
Icalledthepeasantwoman，andgavehertheordertohavethemassessaid，andbadehertellthepriestthatthemassesweretobesaidfortheintentionofthepersonwhopaidforthem。Shetoldmethattheaspectofthedeadsisterwasdreadful，andthatshehadtobeguardedbytwowomenwhosprinkledherwithholywater，lestwitches，undertheformofcats，shouldcomeandtearherlimbfromlimb。Farfromlaughingather，Itoldhershewasquiteright，andaskedwhereshehadgotthelaudanum。
\"Igotitfromaworthymidwife，andoldfriendofmine。Wegotittosendthepoorlay—sistertosleepwhenthepainsofchild—birthshouldcomeon。\"
\"Whenyouputthechildatthehospitaldoor，wereyourecognized？\"
\"NobodysawmeasIputitintothebox，andIwroteanotetosaythechildhadnotbeenbaptized。\"
\"Whowrotethenote？\"
\"Idid。\"
\"Youwill，ofcourse，seethatthefuneralisproperlycarriedout？\"
\"Itwillonlycostsixfrancs，andtheparsonwilltakethatfromtwolouiswhichwerefoundonthedeceased；therestwilldoformassestoatoneforherhavinghadthemoney。\"
\"What！oughtshenottohavehadthetwolouis？\"
\"No，\"saidthenun，\"weareforbiddentohaveanymoneywithouttheknowledgeoftheabbess，underpainofexcommunication。\"
\"Whatdidtheygiveyoutocomehere？\"
\"TenSavoysolsaday。ButnowIlivelikeaprincess，asyoushallseeatsupper，forthoughthisworthywomanknowsthemoneyyougaveherisforherselfshelavishesitonme。\"
\"Sheknows，dearsister，thatsuchismyintention，andhereissomemoretogoonwith。\"
SosayingItookanothertenlouisfrommypurse，andbadethecountry—womansparenothingfortheinvalid’scomfort。Ienjoyedtheworthywoman’shappiness；shekissedmyhands，andtoldmethatIhadmadeherfortune，andthatshecouldbuysomecowsnow。
AssoonasIwasalonewiththecharmingnun，whosefacerecalledtomymemorythehappyhoursIhadpassedwithM————M————，myimaginationbegantokindle，anddrawingclosetoherIbegantotalkofherseducer，tellingherIwassurprisedthatbehadnothelpedherinthecruelpositioninwhichhehadplacedher。Sherepliedthatshewasdebarredfromacceptinganymoneybyhervowofpovertyandobedience，andthatshehadgivenuptotheabbesswhatremainedofthealmsthebishophadprocuredher。
\"AstomystatewhenIwassofortunateastomeetyou，Ithinkhecannothavereceivedmyletter。\"
\"Possibly，butishearichorhandsomeman？\"
\"Heisrichbutcertainlynothandsome。Onthecontrary，heisextremelyugly，deformed，andoverfifty。\"
\"Howdidyoubecomeamorousofafellowlikethat？\"
\"Ineverlovedhim，buthecontrivedtogainmypity。Ithoughthewouldkillhimself，andIpromisedtobeinthegardenonthenightheappointed，butIonlywenttherewiththeintentionofbiddinghimbegone，andhedidso，butafterhehadcarriedhisevildesignsintoeffect。\"
\"Didheuseviolencetowardsyou，then？\"
\"No，forthatwouldhavebeennouse。Hewept，threwhimselfonhisknees，andbeggedsohard，thatIlethimdowhathelikedontheconditionthathewouldnotkillhimself，andthathewouldcomenomoretothegarden。\"
\"Hadyounofearofconsequences？\"
\"Ididnotunderstandanythingaboutit；Ialwaysthoughtthatonecouldnotconceiveunderthreetimesatleast。\"
\"Unhappyignorance！howmanywoesarecausedbyit！Thenhedidnotaskyoutogivehimanymoreassignations？\"
\"Heoftenaskedme，butIwouldnotgranthisrequestbecauseourconfessormademepromisetowithstandhimthenceforth，ifIwishedtobeabsolved。\"
\"Didyoutellhimthenameoftheseducer？\"
\"Certainlynot；thegoodconfessorwouldnothaveallowedmetodoso；itwouldhavebeenagreatsin。\"
\"Didyoutellyourconfessorthestateyouwerein？\"
\"No，buthemusthaveguessedit。Heisagoodoldman，whodoubtlessprayedtoGodforme，andmymeetingyouwas，perhaps，theanswertohisprayers。\"
Iwasdeeplymoved，andforaquarterofanhourIwassilent，andabsorbedinmythoughts。Isawthatthisinterestinggirl’smisfortuneproceededfromherignorance，hercandour，herperfectinnocence，andafoolishfeelingofpity，whichmadehergrantthismonsteroflubricityathingofwhichshethoughtlittlebecauseshehadneverbeeninlove。Shewasreligious，butfrommerehabitandnotfromreflection，andherreligionwasconsequentlyveryweak。
Sheabhorredsin，becauseshewasobligedtopurgeherselfofitbyconfessionunderpainofeverlastingdamnation，andshedidnotwanttobedamned。Shehadplentyofnaturalcommonsense，littlewit，forthecultivationofwhichshehadnoopportunities，andshewasinastateofignoranceonlypardonableinanun。OnweighingthesefactsIforesawthatIshouldfinditadifficulttasktogainthosefavourswhichshehadgrantedtoCoudert；herrepentancehadbeentoobitterforhertoexposeherselftothesamedangeroveragain。
Thepeasantwomanreturned，laidthetablefortwo，andbroughtusoursupper。Everythingwasnew——napkins，plates，glasses，spoons，knives，etc。，andeverythingwasexquisitelyclean。Thewineswereexcellent，andthedishesdelightfulintheirsimplicity。Wehadroastgame，fish，cheesewithcream，andverygoodfruit。Ispentanhourandahalfatsupper，anddranktwobottlesofwineasItalkedtothenun，whoateverylittle。
Iwasinthehighestspirits，andthewoman，delightedwithmypraiseofherprovision，promisedIshouldbeservedthesamewayeveryevening。
WhenIwasalonewiththenun，whosefacefilledmewithsuchburningrecollections，Ibegantospeakofherhealth，andespeciallyoftheinconveniencesattachedtochild—birth。Shesaidshefeltquitewell，andwouldbeabletoreturntoChamberionfoot。\"Theonlythingthattroublesmeismybreasts，butthewomanassuresmethatthemilkwillrecedeto—morrow，andthattheywillthenassumetheirusualshape。\"
\"Allowmetoexaminethem，Iknowsomethingaboutit。\"
\"Look！\"
Sheuncoveredherbosom，notthinkingitwouldgivemeanypleasure，butwishingtobepolite，withoutsupposingIhadanyconcealeddesires。IpassedmyhandsovertwosphereswhoseperfectshapeandwhitenesswouldhaverestoredLazarustolife。Itookcarenottooffendhermodesty，butinthecoolestmannerpossibleaskedherhowshefeltalittlelowerdown，andasIputthequestionIsoftlyextendedmyhand。However，shekeptitbackgently，tellingmenottogoanyfurtherasshestillfeltalittleuneasy。Ibeggedherpardon，andsaidIhopedIshouldfindeverythingquiterightbythenextday。
\"Thebeautyofyourbosom，\"Iadded，\"makesmetakeastillgreaterinterestinyou。\"
SosayingIletmymouthmeethers，andIfeltakissescapeasifinvoluntarilyfromherlips。Itranlikefirethroughmyveins，mybrainbegantowhirl，andIsawthatunlessItooktoaspeedyflightIshouldloseallherconfidence。Ithereforelefther，callingher\"deardaughter\"asIbadeherfarewell。
Itpouredwithrain，andIgotsoakedthroughbeforeIreachedmylodging。Thiswasabathwellfittedtodiminishtheardourofmypassion，butitmademeverylateinrisingthenextmorning。
ItookoutthetwoportraitsofM————M————，oneinanun’sdress，andtheothernude，asVenus。Ifeltsuretheywouldbeofservicetomewiththenun。
IdidnotfindthefairZeroliinherroom，soIwenttothefountain，whereshereproachedmewithatendernessIassessedatitspropervalue，andourquarrelwasmadeupinthecourseofourwalk。
WhendinnerwasovertheMarquisthePriemadeabank，butasheonlyputdownahundredlouisIguessedthathewantedtowinalotandlosealittle。Iputdownalsoahundredlouis，andhesaidthatitwouldbebettersportifIdidnotstakemymoneyononecardonly。
IrepliedthatIwouldstakealouisoneachofthethirteen。
\"Youwilllose。\"
\"Wewillsee。Hereismyhandonthetable，andIstakealouisoneachofthethirteencards。\"
Accordingtothelawsofprobability，Ishouldcertainlyhavelost，butfatedecidedotherwiseandIwoneightylouis。Ateighto’clockIbowedtothecompany，andIwentasusualtotheplacewheremynewlovedwelt。Ifoundtheinvalidravishing。Shesaidshehadhadalittlefever，whichthecountry—womanpronouncedtobemilkfever，andthatshewouldbequitewellandreadytogetupbythenextday。
AsIstretchedoutmyhandtoliftthecoverlet；sheseizeditandcovereditwithkisses，tellingmethatshefeltasifshemustgivemethatmarkofherfilialaffection。Shewastwenty—one，andIwasthirty—five。Anicedaughterforamanlikeme！Myfeelingsforherwerenotatallofafatherlycharacter。Nevertheless，Itoldherthatherconfidenceinme，asshewnbyherseeingmeinbed，increasedmyaffectionforher，andthatIshouldbegrievedifI
foundherdressedinhernun’sclothesnextday。
\"ThenIwillstopinbed，\"saidshe；\"andindeedIshallbeverygladtodoso，asIexperiencegreatdiscomfortfromtheheatofmywoollenhabit；butIthinkIshouldpleaseyoumoreifIweredecentlydressed；however，asyoulikeitbetter，Iwillstopinbed。\"
Thecountry—womancameinatthatmoment，andgavehertheabbess’
letterwhichhernephewhadjustbroughtfromChamberi。Shereaditandgaveittome。Theabbesstoldherthatshewouldsendtwolay—
sisterstobringherbacktotheconvent，andthatasshehadrecoveredherhealthshecouldcomeon—foot，andthussavemoneywhichcouldbespentinbetterways。Sheaddedthatasthebishopwasaway，andshewasunabletosendthelay—sisterswithouthispermission，theycouldnotstartforaweekortendays。Sheorderedher，underpainofthemajorexcommunication，nevertoleaveherroom，nevertospeaktoanyman，noteventothemasterofthehouse，andtohavenothingtodowithanybodyexceptwiththewoman。Sheendedbysayingthatshewasgoingtohaveamasssaidforthereposeofthedepartedsister’ssoul。
\"Iamobligedtoyouforhavingshewnmethisletter，butbepleasedtotellmeifImayvisityouforthenextweekortendays，withoutdoinghurttoyourconscience；forImusttellyouIamaman。I
haveonlystoppedinthisplacebecauseofthelivelyinterestwithwhichyouhaveinspiredme，butifyouhavetheleastobjectiontoreceivemeonaccountofthesingularexcommunicationwithwhichyouarethreatened，IwillleaveAixtomorrow。Speak。\"
\"Sir，ourabbessislavishofthesethunders，andIhavealreadyincurredtheexcommunicationwithwhichshethreatensme；butIhopeitwillnotberatifiedbyGod，asmyfaulthasmademehappyandnotmiserable。Iwillbesincerewithyou；yourvisitsaremyonlyjoy，andthatjoyisdoubledwhenyoutellmeyouliketocome。Butifyoucananswermyquestionwithoutabreachofconfidence，Ishouldliketoknowforwhomyoutookmethefirsttimeyousawme；youcannotimaginehowyouastonishedandfrightenedme。Ihaveneverfeltsuchkissesasthoseyoulavishedonme，buttheycannotincreasemysinasIwasnotaconsentingparty，andyoutoldmeyourselfthatyouthoughtyouwerekissinganother。\"
\"Iwillsatisfyyourcuriosity。IthinkIcandosoasyouareawarebythistimethatthefleshisweak，orratherstrongerthanthespirit，andthatitcompelsthestrongestintellectstocommitfaultsagainstrightreason。YoushallhearthehistoryofanamourthatlastedfortwoyearswiththefairestandthebestofallthenunsofVenice。\"
\"Tellmeall，sir。Ihavefallenmyself，andIshouldbecruelandunjustifIweretotakeoffenceatanythingyoumaytellme，foryoucannothavedoneanythingwithherthatCoudertdidnotdotome。\"
\"Ididmuchmoreandmuchless，forInevergaveherachild。IfI
hadbeensounfortunateIshouldhavecarriedherofftoRome，whereweshouldhavefallenatthefeetoftheHolyFather，whowouldhaveabsolvedherfromhervows，andmydearM————M————wouldnowbemywife。\"
\"GoodheavensM————M————ismyname。\"
Thiscircumstance，whichwasreallyamerecoincidence，renderedourmeetingstillmorewonderful，andastonishedmeasmuchasitdidher。Chanceisacuriousandfickleelement，butitoftenhasthegreatestinfluenceonourlives。
AfterabriefsilenceItoldherallthathadtakenplacebetweenthefairVenetianandmyself。Ipaintedouramorouscombatsinalivelyandnaturalmanner，for，besidesmyrecollections，Ihadherlivingpicturebeforemyeyes，andIcouldfollowonherfeaturesthevariousemotionsarousedbymyrecital。WhenIhadfinishedshesaid，\"ButisyourM————M————reallysolikeme，thatyoumistookmeforher？\"
Drawingfrommypocket—booktheportraitinwhichM————M————wasdressedasanun，Igaveittoher，saying，\"Judgeforyourself。\"
\"Shereallyis；itmightpassformyportrait。Itismydressandmyface；itiswonderful。TothislikenessIoweallmygoodfortune。
ThanksbetoGodthatyoudonotlovemeasyoulovedher，whomIamgladtocallmysister。ThereareindeedtwoM————M————s。MightyProvidence，allThyleastwaysarewonderful，andweareatbestpoor，weak，ignorantmortals。\"
Theworthycountry—womancameupandhaveusastillbettersupperthanonthepreviousnight。Theinvalidonlyatesoup，butshepromisedtodobetterbythefollowingevening。
Ispentanhourwithheraftersupper，andIconvincedherbymyreservethatshehadmadeamistakeinthinkingthatIonlylovedherasadaughter。Ofherownaccordsheshewedmethatherbreasthadregaineditsusualcondition。Iassuredmyselfofthefactbymysenseoftouch，towhichshemadenoopposition，notthinkingthatI
couldbemovedbysuchatrifle。AllthekisseswhichIlavishedonherlipsandeyessheputdowntothefriendshipforher。Shesaid，smiling，thatshethankedGodshewasnotfairlikehersister，andI
smiledmyselfathersimplicity。
ButIcouldnotkeepupthissortofthingforlong，andIhadtobeextremelycareful。AssoonasIfeltthatpassionwasgettingtheupperhand，Igaveherafarewellkissandwentaway。WhenIgothomeLeDucgavemeanotefromMadameZeroli，whosaidshewouldexpectmeatthefountain，asshewasgoingtobreakfastwiththemarquis’smistress。
Isleptwell，butinmydreamsIsawagainandagainthefaceofthenewM————M————。Nextday，assoonasIgottothefountain，MadameZerolitoldmethatallthecompanymaintainedthatIoughttohavelostinplayingonthirteencardsatonce，asitwasnottruethatonecardwonfourtimesineachdeal；however，themarquis，thoughheagreedwiththerest，hadsaidthathewouldnotletmeplaylikethatagain。
\"Ihaveonlyoneobjectiontomaketothat——namely，thatifIwantedtoplayinthesamewayagainhecouldonlypreventmebyfightingforit。\"
\"Hismistressswearsshewillmakeyouplayintheusualway。\"
Ismiled，andthankedherforherinformation。
WhenIgotbacktotheinnIplayedagameofquinzewiththemarquis，andlostfiftylouis；afterwardsIletmyselfbepersuadedtoholdabank。Iputdownfivehundredlouis，anddefiedfortune。
Desarmoiseswasmycroupier，andIwarnedthecompanythateverycardmusthavethestakeplacedonit，andthatIshouldriseathalf—pastseven。Iwasseatedbetweentwoladies。Iputthefivehundredlouisontheboard，andIgotchangefromtheinn—keepertotheamountofahundredcrowns，toamusetheladieswith。Butsomethinghappened。Allthecardsbeforemewereloosepacks，andIcalledfornewones。Theinn—keepersaidhehadsenttoChamberiforahundredpacks，andthatthemessengerwouldbebacksoon。
\"Inthemeanwhile，\"saidhe，\"youcanusethecardsonthetable，whichareasgoodasnew。\"
\"Iwantthemnew，notasgoodasnew。Ihavemyprejudices，andtheyaresostrongastobeinvincible。InthemeanwhileIshallremainaspectator，thoughIamsorrytokeeptheladieswaiting。\"
Nobodydaredsayaword，andIrose，afterreplacingmymoneyinmycash—box。TheMarquisdePrietookthebank，andplayedsplendidly。
IstoodbesideMadameZeroli，whomademeherpartner，andgavemefiveorsixLouisthenextday。Themessengerwhowastobebacksoondidnotreturntillmidnight，andIthankedmystarsfortheescapeIhadhad，forinsuchaplace，fullofprofessionalgamesters，therearepeoplewhoseeyesareconsiderablysharperthanalynx’s。Iputthemoneybackinmyroom，andproceededonmyusualway。
Ifoundmyfairnuninbed，andaskedher，\"Howdoyoufeelto—day，madam？\"
\"Saydaughter，thatnameissosweettomethatIwouldyouweremyfatherthatImightclaspyouinmyarmswithoutfearinganyone。\"
\"Well，mydeardaughter，donotfearanything，butopenyourarmstome。\"
\"Iwill；wewillembraceoneanother。\"
\"Mylittleonesareprettierthantheywereyesterdayletmesuckthem。\"
\"Yousillypapa，youaredrinkingyourdaughter’smilk。\"
\"Itissosweet，darling，andthelittledropItastedhasmademefeelsohappy。Youcannotbeangryatmyenjoyingthisharmlessprivilege。\"
\"OfcourseIamnotangry；youdelightedme。ButIshallhavetocallyoubaby，notpapa。\"
\"HowgladIamtofindyouinbetterspiritsto—night！\"
\"Youhave’givenmebackmyhappiness，andIfeelatpeaceoncemore。
Thecountry—womantoldmethatinafewdaysIshouldbejustthesameasifIhadneverseenCoudert。\"
\"Thatisnotquitetrue；howaboutyourstomach，forinstance？\"
\"Bequiet；youcan’tknowanythingaboutsuchthings，andIamquiteastonishedmyself。\"
\"Letmesee。\"
\"Oh，no；youmustn’tsee，butyoumayfeel。\"
\"Allright。\"
\"Oh！pleasedon’tgothere。\"
\"Whynot？Youcan’tbemadedifferentlyfromyoursister，whowouldbenowaboutthirty。Iwanttoshewyouherportraitnaked。\"
\"Haveyougotitwithyou？Ishouldsoliketoseeit。\"
Idrewitoutandgaveittoher。Sheadmiredit，kissedit，andaskedmeifthepainterhadfollowednatureinallrespects。
\"Certainly，\"saidI。\"Sheknewthatsuchapicturewouldgivemepleasure。\"
\"Itisveryfine。Itismorelikemethantheotherpicture。ButI
supposethelonghairisonlyputintopleaseyou？\"
\"Notatall。Italiannunsareallowedtoweartheirhairaslongastheyplease，providedtheydonotshewit。
\"Wehavethesameprivilege。Ourhairiscutonce，andthenwemayletitgrowaslongaswelike。\"
\"Thenyouhavelonghair？\"
\"Aslongasinthepicture；butyouwouldnotlikemyhairasitisblack。\"
\"Why，blackismyfavouritecolour。InthenameofGod，letmeseeit。\"
\"YouaskmeinGod’snametocommitasin；Ishallincuranotherexcommunication，butIcannotrefuseyouanything。Youshallseemyhairaftersupper，asIdon’twanttoscandalizethecountrywoman。\"
\"Youareright；Ithinkyouarethesweetestofyoursex。Ishalldieofgriefwhenyouleavethiscottagetoreturntoyoursadprison。\"
\"Imustindeedreturnanddopenanceformysins。\"
\"Ihopeyouhavethewittolaughattheabbess’ssillyexcommunications？\"
\"IbeginnottodreadthemsomuchasIusedto。\"
\"Iamdelightedtohearit，asIseeyouwillmakemeperfectlyhappyaftersupper。\"
Thecountry—womancameup，andIgaveheranothertenlouis；butitsuddenlydawneduponmethatshetookmeforamadman。TodisabuseherofthisideaItoldherthatIwasveryrich，andthatIwantedtomakeherunderstandthatIcouldnotgiveherenoughtotestifymygratitudetoherforthecareshehadtakenofthegoodnun。Shewept，kissedmyhand，andservedusadelicioussupper。Thenunatewellanddrankindifferently，butIwasintoogreatahurrytoseethebeautifulblackhairofthisvictimtohergoodnessofheart，andIcouldnotfollowherexample。Theoneappetitedroveouttheother。
Assoonaswewererelievedofthecountry—woman’spresence，sheremovedherhood，andletamassofebonhairfalluponheralabastershoulders，makingatrulyravishingcontrast。Sheputtheportraitbeforeher，andproceededtoarrangeherhairlikethefirstM————
M————。
\"Youarehandsomerthanyoursister，\"saidI，\"butIthinkshewasmoreaffectionatethanyou。\"
\"Shemayhavebeenmoreaffectionate，butshehadnotabetterheart。\"
\"Shewasmuchmoreamorousthanyou。\"
\"Idaresay；Ihaveneverbeeninlove。\"
\"Thatisstrange；howaboutyournatureandtheimpulseofthesenses？\"
\"Wearrangeallthateasilyattheconvent。Weaccuseourselvestotheconfessor，forweknowitisasin，buthetreatsitasachildishfault，andabsolvesuswithoutimposinganypenances。\"
\"Heknowshumannature，andmakesallowancesforyoursadposition。\"
\"Heisanoldman，verylearned，andofascetichabits，butheisallindulgence。Itwillbeasaddaywhenwelosehim。\"
\"Butinyouramorous，combatswithanothernun，don’tyoufeelasifyouwouldlikehertochangeintoaman？\"
\"Youmakemelaugh。Tobesure，ifmysweetheartbecameamanI
shouldnotbesorry，butwedonotdesiresuchamiracle。\"
\"Thatis，perhaps，throughacoldnessoftemperament。Inthatyoursisterwasbetter，forshelikedmemuchmorethanC————C————，andyoudonotlikemeaswellasthesweetheartyouleftbehindyouattheconvent。\"
\"Certainlynot，forwithyouIshouldviolatemyownchastityandexposemyselftoconsequencesItrembletothinkof。\"
\"Youdonotloveme，then？\"
\"Whatareyousaying？Iadoreyou，andIamverysorryyouarenotawoman。\"
\"Iloveyoutoo，butyourdesiremakesmelaugh；forIwouldrathernotbeturnedintoawomantopleaseyou，especiallyasIexpectI
shouldnotthinkyounearlyasbeautiful。Sitdown，mydear，andletmeseeyourfinehairflowingoveryourbeautifulbody。\"
\"Doyouwantmetotakeoffmychemise？\"
\"Ofcourse；howhandsomeyoulookwithoutit。Letmesuckyourprettybreasts，asIamyourbaby。\"
Shegrantedmethisprivilege，andlookingatmewithafacefullofpleasure，sheallowedmetopresshernakedbodytomybreast，notseeing，orpretendingnottosee，theacutenessofmyenjoyment。Shethensaid，\"Ifsuchdelightsasthesewereallowedfriendship，Ishouldsayitisbetterthanlove；forIhaveneverexperiencedsogreatpleasureaswhenyouputyourlipstomybosom。Letmedothesametoyou。\"
\"Iwishyoucould，butyouwillfindnothingthere。\"
\"Nevermind；itwillamuseus。\"
Aftershehadfulfilledherdesire，wespentaquarterofanhourinmutualembraces，andmyexcitementwasmorethanIcouldbear。
\"Tellmetruly，\"saidI，\"amidstourkisses，amidsttheseecstacieswhichwecallchild—like，doyounotfeeladesireforsomethingmore？\"
\"IconfessthatIdo，butsuchdesiresaresinful；andasIamsurethatyourpassionsareashighasmine，Ithinkwehadbetterstopouragreeableemployment；for，papadear，ourfriendshipisbecomingburninglove，isitnot？\"
\"Yes，love，andlovethatcannotbeovercome。\"
\"Iknowit。\"
\"Ifyouknowit，letusperformtolovethesweetestofallsacrifices。\"
\"No，no；onthecontrary，letusstopandbemoreprudentinthefuture，lestwebecomethevictimsoflove。Ifyouloveme，youshouldsaysotoo。\"
Withthesewordssheslippedgentlyfrommyarms，putbackherbeautifulhairunderhercap，andwhenIhadhelpedheronwithherchemise，thecoarsenessofwhichhorrifiedme，Itoldhershemightcalmherself。ItoldherhowsorryIfelttoseeherdelicatebodyfrayedbysocoarseastuff，andshetoldmeitwasoftheusualmaterial，andthatallthenunsworechemisesofthesamekind。
Mymindwasinastateofconsternation，fortheconstraintIhadimposedonmyselfseemedmuchgreaterthantheutmostpleasureI
couldhavegained。Ineitherdeterminedonperseveringinnoronabandoningthepursuit；allIwantedwastobesurethatIshouldnotencountertheleastresistance。Afoldedrose—leafspoiltthereposeofthefamousSmindyrides，wholovedasoftbed。Ipreferred，therefore，togoaway，thantoriskfindingtherose—leafwhichtroubledthevoluptuousSybarite。Ileftthecottageinloveandunhappy，andasIdidnotgotobedtilltwoo’clockinthemorningI
slepttillmid—day。
WhenIwokeupLeDucgavemeanotewhichheshouldhavegivenmethenightbefore。Hehadforgottenit，andIwasnotsorry。ThenotecamefromMadameZeroli，whosaidshewouldexpectmeatnineo’clockinthemorning，asshewouldbealone。Shetoldmethatshewasgoingtogiveasupper—party，thatshewassureIwouldcome，andthatasshewasleavingAixdirectlyafter，shecountedonmycomingtoo——atanyrate，asfarasChamberi。AlthoughIstilllikedher，herpretensionsmademelaugh。Itwastoolatenowtobewithheratnine，Icouldnotgotohersupper—partybecauseofmyfairnun，whomIwouldnothaveleftjustthenfortheseragliooftheGrandTurk；
anditwasimpossibleformetoaccompanyhertoChamberi，aswhenI
camebackImightnolongerfindtheonlyobjectwhichkeptmeatAix。
However，assoonasIhadfinisheddressing，Iwenttoseeherandfoundherfurious。IexcusedmyselfbysayingthatIhadonlyhadherletterforanhour，butshewentawaywithoutgivingmetimetotellherthatIcouldnotsupwithherorgotoChamberiwithher。
Shescowledatmeattable，andwhenthemealwasovertheMarquisdePrietoldmethattheyhadsomenewcards，andthateverybodywaslongingtoseememakeabank。Iwentformymoney，andImadeabankoffivehundredlouis。Atseveno’clockIhadlostmorethanhalfthatsum，butforallthatIputtherestinmypocketandrosefromthetable。
AfterasadglanceinthedirectionofMadameZeroliIwenttothecottage，whereIfoundmyangelinalargenewbed，withasmallbutprettybedbesideitwhichwasmeantforme。Ilaughedattheincongruityofthesepiecesoffurniturewithoursurroundings，butbywayofthankingthethoughtfulcountry—womanIdrewfiftylouisfrommypurseandgavethemtoher，tellingheritwasfortheremainderofthetimetheladywaswithher，andItoldhertospendnomoremoneyinfurniture。
Thiswasdoneintruegamesterfashion。Ihadlostnearlythreehundredlouis，butIhadriskedmorethanfivehundred，andIlookedonthedifferenceaspureprofit。IfIhadgainedasmuchasIhadlostIshouldprobablyhavecontentedmyselfwithgivinghertenlouis，butIfanciedIwaslosingthefiftylouisonacard。Ihavealwayslikedspendingmoney，butIhaveneverbeencarelesswithitexceptingaming。
IwasinanecstasytoseethefaceofmyM————M————lightupwithdelightandastonishment。
\"Youmustbeveryrich，\"saidshe。
\"Don’tthinkit，dearest，butIloveyoupassionately；andnotbeingabletogiveyouanythingbyreasonofyourunfortunatevowofpoverty，IlavishwhatIpossessonthisworthywoman，toinducehertosparenothingforyourcomfortwhileyouarehere。Perhaps，too——
thoughitisnotadefinitethought——Ihopethatitwillmakeyoulovememore。\"
\"HowcanIloveyoumorethanIdo？Theonlythingthatmakesmeunhappyistheideaofreturningtotheconvent。\"
\"Butyoutoldmeyesterdaythatitwasexactlythatideawhichmadeyouhappy。\"
\"Ihavechangedmymindsinceyesterday。Ipassedacruelnight，forassoonasIfellasleepIwasinyourarms，andIawokeagainandagainonthepointofconsummatingthegreatestofcrimes。\"
\"Youdidnotgothroughsuchastrugglebeforecommittingthesamecrimewithamanyoudid——notlove。\"
\"ItisexactlybecauseIdidnotlovehimthatmysinstruckmeasvenial。DoyouunderstandwhatImean？\"
\"It’sapieceofsuperstitiousmetaphysics，butIunderstandyouperfectly。\"
\"Youhavemademehappy，andIfeelverygratefultoyou，andIfeelgladandcertainofconqueringwhenIreflectthatyoursituationisdifferenttomine。\"
\"Iwillnotdisputeitwithyou，althoughIamsorryforwhatyousay。\"
\"Why？\"
\"Becauseyouthinkyourselfindutyboundtorefusecaresseswhichwouldnothurtyou，andwhichwouldgivemenewlifeandhappiness。\"
\"Ihavethoughtitover。\"
\"Areyouweeping？\"
\"Yes，andwhatismore，thesetearsaredeartome。\"
\"Idonotunderstand。\"
\"Ihavetwofavourstoaskofyou。\"
\"Sayon，andbesureyouwillobtainwhatyouask。\"
CHAPTERXXI
EndofMyAdventurewiththeNunfromChamberi——MyFlightfromAix\"Yesterday，\"saidthecharmingnun，\"youleftinmyhandsthetwoportraitsofmyVenetiansister。Iwantyoutogivethemtome。\"
\"Theyareyours。\"
\"Ithankyou。Mysecondfavouris，thatyouwillbegoodenoughtotakemyportraitinexchange；youshallhaveitto—morrow。\"
\"Ishallbedelighted。Itwillbethemostpreciousofallmyjewels，butIwonderhowyoucanaskmetotakeitasafavour，whereasyouaredoingmeafavourIshouldneverhavedaredtodemand。HowshallImakemyselfworthyofgivingyoumyportrait？\"
\"Ah，dearest！itwouldbeadearpossession，butGodpreservemefromhavingitattheconvent！\"
\"IwillgetmyselfpaintedunderthecostumeofSt。LouisofGonzaga，orSt。AnthonyofPadua。\"
\"Ishallbedamnedeternally。\"
\"Wewillsaynomoreaboutit。\"
Shehadonadimitycorset，trimmedwithredribbon，andacambricchemise。Iwassurprised，butpolitenessdidnotallowmetoaskwheretheycamefrom，soIcontentedmyselfwithstaringatthem。
Sheguessedmythoughts，andsaid，smilingly，thatitwasapresentfromthecountrywoman。
\"Seeingherfortunemade，theworthywomantrieseverypossiblewaytoconvinceherbenefactorthatsheisgratefultohim。Lookatthebed；shewascertainlythinkingofyou，andlookatthesefinematerials。IconfessIenjoytheirsoftnessextremely。Ishallsleepbetterto—nightifIamnotplaguedbythoseseductivedreamswhichtormentedmelastnight。\"
\"Doyouthinkthatthebedandthefinelinenwilldeliveryoufromthedreamsyoufear？\"
\"Nodoubttheywillhaveacontraryeffect，forsoftnessirritatesthepassions。Ishallleaveeverythingwiththegoodwoman。IdonotknowwhattheywouldsayifItookthemwithmetotheconvent。\"
\"Youarenotsocomfortablethere？\"
\"Oh，no！Astrawbed，acoupleofblankets，andsometimes，asagreatfavour，athinmattressandtwocoarsesheets。Butyouseemsad；youweresohappyyesterday。\"
\"HowcanIbehappywhenIcannolongertoywithyouwithoutmakingyouunhappy。\"
\"Youshouldhavesaidwithoutgivingmethegreatestdelight。\"
\"Thenwillyouconsenttoreceivepleasureinreturnforthatwhichyougiveme？\"
\"Butyoursisinnocentandmineisnot。\"
\"Whatwouldyoudo，then，ifmineandyourswerethesame？\"
\"Youmighthavemademewretchedyesterday，forIcouldnothaverefusedyouanything。\"
\"Whywretched？Youwouldhavehadnoneofthosedreams，butwouldhaveenjoyedaquietnight。Iamverysorrythepeasantwomanhasgivenyouthatcorset，asotherwiseImightatleasthaveseenmylittlepetswithoutfearofbaddreams。\"
\"Butyoumustnotbeangrywiththegoodwoman，forsheknowsthatacorsetiseasytounlace。AndIcannotbeartoseeyousad。\"
Withthesewordssheturnedherardentgazeuponme，andIcoveredherwithkisseswhichshereturnedwithinterest。Thecountry—womancameuptolaytheprettynewtable，justasIwastakingoffhercorsetwithoutherofferingtheleastresistance。
Thisgoodomenputmeinhighspirits，butasIlookedatherIsawashadowpassingacrossherface。Itookcarenottoaskherthereason，forIguessedwhatwasthematter，andIdidnotwishtodiscussthosevowswhichreligionandhonourshouldhavemadeinviolable。Todistracthermindfromthesethoughts，ImadehereatbytheexampleIset，andshedranktheexcellentclaretwithasmuchpleasureasI，notthinkingthatasshewasnotusedtoititwouldputherinaframeofmindnotfavourabletocontinence。Butshedidnotnoticethis，forhergaietymadeherlookprettierthanbefore，andarousedherpassions。
WhenwewerealoneIcongratulatedheronherhighspirits，tellingherthatmysadnesshadfledbeforehergaiety，andthatthehoursI
couldspendwithherwouldbealltooshort。
\"Ishouldbeblithe，\"saidshe，\"ifitwereonlytopleaseyou。\"
\"Thengrantmethefavouryouaccordedmeyesterdayevening。\"
\"Iwouldratherincuralltheexcommunicationsintheworldthanruntheriskofappearingunjusttoyou。Takeme。\"
\"Sosaying，shetookoffhercap，andletdownherbeautifulhair。I
unlacedhercorset，andinthetwinklingofaneyeIhadbeforemesuchasirenasoneseesonthecanvasofCorreggio。Icouldnotlookuponherlongwithoutcoveringherwithmyburningkisses，and，communicatingmyardour，beforelongshemadeaplaceformebesideherself。Ifeltthattherewasnotimeforthinking，thatnaturehadspokenout，andthatlovebademeseizetheopportunityofferedbythatdeliciousweakness。Ithrewmyselfonher，andwithmylipsgluedtohersIpressedherbetweenmyamorousarms，pendingthemomentofsupremebliss。
Butinthemidstofthesejoys，sheturnedherhead，closedhereyelids，andfellasleep。Imovedawayalittle，thebettertocontemplatethetreasuresthatlovedisplayedbeforeme。Thenunslept，asIthought；butevenifhersleepwasfeigned，shouldIbeangrywithherforthestratagem？Certainlynot；trueorfeigned，thesleepofalovedoneshouldalwaysberespectedbyadelicatelover，althoughtherearesomepleasureshemayallowhimself。Ifthesleepisrealthereisnoharmdone，andifitisputontheloveronlyrespondstothelady’sdesires。Allthatisnecessaryissotomanageone’scaressesthattheyarepleasanttothebelovedobject。ButM————M————wasreallyasleep；theclarethadnumbedhersenses，andshehadyieldedtoitsinfluencewithoutanyulteriormotives。WhileIgazedatherIsawthatshewasdreaming。HerlipsutteredwordsofwhichIcouldnotcatchthemeaning，buthervoluptuousaspecttoldmeofwhatshedreamt。Itookoffmyclothes；
andintwominutesIhadclaspedherfairbodytomine，notcaringmuchwhethershesleptonorwhetherIawokeherandbroughtourdramatoaclimax，whichseemedinevitable。
Iwasnotlonguncertain，fortheinstinctivemovementsshemadewhenshefelttheministerthatwouldfainaccomplishthesacrificeatthedoorofthesanctuary，convincedmethatherdreamstilllasted，andthatIcouldnotmakeherhappierthanbychangingitintoreality。
Idelicatelymovedawayallobstacles，andgentlyandbydegreesconsummatedthissweetrobbery，andwhenatlastIabandonedmyselftoalltheforceofpassion，sheawokewithasighofbliss，murmuring，\"Ah！itistruethen。\"
\"Yes，myangel！areyouhappy？\"
Forallreplyshedrewmetoherandfastenedherlipsonmine，andthusweawaitedthedawnofday，exhaustingallimaginablekindsofpleasure，excitingeachother’sdesires，andonlywishingtoprolongourenjoyment。
\"Alas！\"saidshe，\"Iamhappynow，butyoumustleavemetilltheevening。Letustalkofourhappiness，andenjoyitoveragain。\"
\"Thenyoudonotrepenthavingmademeahappyman？\"
\"No；itisyouwhohavemademehappy。Youareanangelfromheaven。
Weloved，wecrownedourlove；IcannothavedoneaughttooffendGod。Iamfreefromallmyfears。Wehaveobeyednatureandourdestinies。Doyoulovemestill？\"
\"Canyouaskme？Iwillshewyouto—night。\"
Idressedmyselfasquicklyaspossiblewhilewetalkedofourlove，andIleftherinbed，biddingherrest。
ItwasquitelightwhenIgothome。LeDuchadnotgonetobed，andgavemealetterfromthefairZeroli，tellingmethatithadbeendeliveredateleveno’clock。Ihadnotgonetohersupper，andIhadnotescortedhertoChamberi；Ihadnothadtimetogiveheramoment’sthought。Iwassorry，butIcouldnotdoanything。I
openedherletterwhichconsistedofonlysixlines，buttheywerepregnantones。SheadvisedmenevertogotoTurin，forifIwentthereshewouldfindmeanstotakevengeanceonmeforthedastardlyaffrontIhadputuponher。Shereproachedmewithhavingputhertopublicshame，saidIhaddishonouredher，andvowedshewouldneverforgiveme。Ididnotdistressmyselftoanygreatextent；Itoreupthefriendlymissive，andafterIhadhadmyhairdoneIwenttothefountain。
EverybodyflewatmefornothavingbeenatMadameZeroli’ssupper。
IdefendedmyselfasbestIcould，butmyexcuseswererathertame，aboutwhichIdidnottroublemyself。Iwastoldthatallwasknown，andthisamusedmeasIwasawarethatnothingwasknown。Themarquis’smistresstookholdofmyarm，andtoldme，withoutanycircumlocution，thatIhadthereputationofbeinginconstant，andbywayofreplyIobservedpolitelythatIwaswrongfullyaccused，butthatiftherewasanygroundfortheremarkitwasbecauseIhadneverservedsosweetaladyasherself。Shewasflatteredbymycompliment，andIbitmylipwhenIheardheraskinthemostgraciousmannerwhyIdidnotbreakfastsometimeswiththemarquis。
\"Iwasafraidofdisturbinghim，\"saidI。
\"Howdoyoumean？\"
\"Ishouldbeinterruptinghiminhisbusiness。\"
\"Hehasnobusiness，andhewouldbedelightedtoseeyou。Cometo—
morrow，healwaysbreakfastsinmyroom\"
Thisladywasthewidowofagentlemanofquality；shewasyoung，undoubtedlypretty，andpossessinginperfectionthejargonofgoodsociety；nevertheless，shedidnotattractme。AfterrecentlyenjoyingthefairZeroli，andfindingmysuitwiththefairnunattheheightofitsprosperity，Iwasnaturallyhardtoplease，andinplainwords——Iwasperfectlycontentedwithmysituation。Forallthat，IhadfoolishlyplacedmyselfinsuchapositionthatIwasobligedtogivehertounderstandthatshehaddelightedmebyherpreference。
Sheaskedthemarquisifshecouldreturntotheinn。
\"Yes，\"saidhe，\"butIhavesomebusinessinhand，andcannotcomewithyou。\"
\"Wouldyoubekindenoughtoescortme？\"saidshetome。Ibowedinassent。
OnthewayshetoldmethatifMadameZeroliwerestillthereshewouldnothavedaredtotakemyarm。Icouldonlyreplybyequivocating，asIhadnowishtoembarkinafreshintrigue。
However，Ihadnochoice；Iwasobligedtoaccompanyhertoherroomandsitdownbesideher；butasIhadhadnosleepthenightbeforeI
felttiredandbegantoyawn，whichwasnotflatteringforthelady。
Iexcusedmyselftothebestofmyability，tellingherthatIwasill，andshebelievedmeorpretendedtobelieveme。ButIfeltsleepstealinguponme，andIshouldhaveinfalliblydroppedoffifithadnotbeenformyhellebore，whichkeptmeawakebymakingmesneeze。
Themarquiscamein，andafterathousandcomplimentsheproposedagameofquinze。Ibeggedhimtoexcuseme，andtheladybackedmeup，sayingIcouldnotpossiblyplayinthemidstofsuchasneezingfit。Wewentdowntodinner，andafterwardsIeasilyconsentedtomakeabank，asIwasvexedatmylossofthedaybefore。AsusualI
stakedfivehundredlouis，andaboutseveno’clock，thoughtwo—thirdsofthebankhadgone，Iannouncedthelastdeal。Themarquisandtwootherheavygamestersthenendeavouredtobreakthebank，butfortuneturned，andInotonlygotbackmylossesbutwonthreehundredLouisbesides。ThereuponIrose，promisingthecompanytobeginagainnextday。Alltheladieshadwon，asDesarmoiseshadorderstoletthemplayastheylikeduptoacertainlimit。
Ilockedupmymoney，andwarningmyfaithfulSpaniardthatIshouldnotbecomingback，Iwenttomyidol，havinggotwetthroughontheway，andbeingobligedtoundressassoonasIarrived。Thegoodwoman’ofthehousetookcaretodrymyclothes。
Ifoundthefairnundressedinherreligioushabit，andlyingonthesmallbed。
\"Whyareyounotinyourownbed，dearest？\"
\"BecauseIfeelquitewellagain，mydarling，andIwishedtosupwithyouattable。Wewillgotobedafterwards，ifthatwillgiveyouanypleasure。\"
\"Itwillgivemepleasureifyoushareinmydelight。\"
\"Alas！Iamundone，andIshalldoubtlessdiewhenIhavetoleaveyou。\"
\"Donotleaveme，sweetheart；comewithmetoRome；andleavethematterinmyhands。Iwillmakeyoumywife，andwewilllivehappilytogethereverafter。\"
\"Thatwouldbetoogreatabliss，butIcouldnevermakeupmymindtoit；saynomoreaboutit。\"
Iwassureofspendingadeliciousnight——inthepossessionofallhercharms，andwestayedanhourattable，seasoningthedisheswithsweetconverse。Whenwehaddone，thewomancameup，gaveherapacket，andwentawayagain，wishingusgoodnight。
\"Whatdoesthispacketcontain，darling？\"
\"ItisthepresentIhavegotforyou—myportrait，butyoumustnotseeittillIaminbed。\"
\"Iwillindulgeyouinthatfancy，althoughIamverycurioustoseetheportrait。\"
\"YouwillsayIamrightafterwards。\"
Iwantedtoundresshermyself，andshesubmittedlikealamb。Whenshewasinbed，sheopenedthepacket，andshewedmeherportrait，naked，andverylikethenakedportraitofM————M————。Ipraisedthepainterfortheexcellenceofthecopyhehadmade；nothingwasalteredbutthecolourofthehairandeyes。
\"Itisn’tacopy，\"shesaid，\"therewouldnothavebeentime。Heonlymadetheeyesandhairblack，andthelattermoreabundant。
ThusyouhaveinitaportraitofthefirstandalsoofthesecondM————M————，inwhomyoumustforgetthefirst。Shehasalsovanishedfromtheclothedportrait，foryouseethenunhasblackeyes。Icouldshewthispicturetoanyoneasmyportrait。\"
\"Youdonotknowhowpreciousyourpresentistome！Tellme，dearest，howyousucceededincarryingoutyourplansowell。\"
\"Itoldthecountry—womanaboutityesterdaymorning，andshesaidthatshehadafoster—sonatAnneci，whowasaminiaturepainter。
ThroughhimshesentthetwominiaturestoamoreskilfulpainteratGeneva，whomadethechangeyouseeforfourorfiveLouis；hewasprobablyabletodoitintwoorthreehours。Ientrustedthetwoportraitstohim，andyouseehowwellhedidhiswork。Thewomanhasnodoubtjustreceivedthem，andto—morrowshemaybeabletotellyoumoreaboutit。\"
\"Sheisreallyawonderfulwoman。Iwillindemnifyherfortheexpense。Butnowtellmewhyyoudidnotwantmetoseetheportraitbeforeyouwereinbed？\"
\"Guess。\"
\"BecauseIcannowseeyouinthesamepostureasthatinwhichyouarerepresented。\"
\"Exactly。\"
\"Itisanexcellentidea；onlylovecanhavegivenityou。ButyoumustwaittillIaminthesamestate。\"
Whenwewerebothinastateofnature，exactlylikeAdamandEvebeforetheytastedthefatalapple，Iplacedherinthepositionoftheportrait，andguessingmyintentionfrommyfacesheopenedherarmsformetocometoher；butIaskedhertowaitamoment，forI
hadalittlepackettoo，whichcontainedsomethingshewouldlike。