\"Well，well，smileagainifyoudonotwishtovexme。\"
\"Ishallsoondothat，if，asyouassureme，shewillnotmakemeloseyourlove。Butwhatmadetheoldgentlemangetmeagirllikethat？Doyouthinkhediditoutofmischief？\"
\"No，Idon’tthinkso。Iamsure，ontheotherhand，thathewantedtoletyouknowthatyouneednotfearbeingcomparedwithanybody。Areyoupleasedwithherinotherrespects？\"
\"Sheworkswell，andsheisveryrespectful。Shedoesnotspeakfourwordswithoutaddressingmeassignora，andsheiscarefultotranslatewhatshesaysfromItalianintoFrench。IhopethatinamonthIshallspeakwellenoughforustodispensewithherserviceswhenwegotoFlorence。IhaveorderedLeDuctoclearouttheroomIhavechosenforher，andIwillsendherherdinnerfromourowntable。Iwillbekindtoher，butIhopeyouwillnotmakemewretched。\"
\"Icouldnotdoso；andIdonotseewhattherecanbeincommonbetweenthegirlandmyself。\"
\"Thenyouwillpardonmyfears。\"
\"Themorereadilyastheyshewyourlove。\"
\"Ithankyou，butkeepmysecret。\"
IpromisednevertogiveaglancetoVeronique，ofwhomIwasalreadyafraid，butIlovedRosalieandwouldhavedoneanythingtosavehertheleastgrief。
Isettoatmytranslationafterdinner；itwasworkIliked。I
didnotgooutthatday，andIspentthewholeofthenextmorningwithM。deGrimaldi。
IwenttothebankerBelloniandchangedallmygoldintogigliatisequins。Imademyselfknownafterthemoneywaschanged，andtheheadcashiertreatedmewithgreatcourtesy。IhadbillsonthisbankerforfortythousandRomancrowns，andonLepribillsfortwentythousand。
Rosaliedidnotwanttogototheplayagain，soIgotherapieceofembroiderytoamuseherintheevening。Thetheatrewasanecessityforme；Ialwayswentunlessitinterferredwithsomestillsweeterpleasure。Iwentbymyself，andwhenIgothomeI
foundthemarquistalkingtomymistress。Iwaspleased，andafterIhadembracedtheworthynoblemanIcomplimentedRosalieonhavingkepthimtillmyarrival，addinggentlythatsheshouldhaveputdownherwork。
\"Askhim，\"shereplied，\"ifhedidnotmakemekeepon。HesaidhewouldgoifIdidn’t，soIgaveintokeephim。\"
Shethenrose，stoppedworking，andinthecourseofaninterestingconversationshesucceededinmakingthemarquispromisetostaytosupper，thusforestallingmyintention。Hewasnotaccustomedtotakeanythingatthathour，andatelittle；butIsawhewasenchantedwithmytreasure，andthatpleasedme，forIdidnotthinkIhadanythingtofearfromamanofsixty；
besides，IwasgladattheopportunityofaccustomingRosalietogoodsociety。Iwantedhertobealittlecoquettish，asawomanneverpleasesinsocietyunlesssheshewsadesiretoplease。
Althoughthepositionwasquiteastrangeoneforher，shemademeadmirethenaturalaptitudeofwomen，whichmaybeimprovedorspoiledbyartbutwhichexistsmoreorlessinthemall，fromthethronetothemilk—pail。ShetalkedtoM。deGrimaldiinawaythatseemedtohintshewaswillingtogivealittlehope。Asourguestdidnoteat，shesaidgraciouslythathemustcometodinnersomedaythatshemighthaveanopportunityofseeingwhetherhereallyhadanyappetite。
WhenhehadgoneItookheronmyknee，andcoveringherwithkissesaskedherwhereshehadlearnttotalktogreatpeoplesowell。
\"It’saneasymatter，\"shereplied。\"Youreyesspeaktomysoul，andtellmewhattodoandwhattosay。\"
Aprofessedrhetoriciancouldnothaveansweredmoreelegantlyormoreflatteringly。
Ifinishedthetranslation；IhaditcopiedoutbyCostaandtookittoRossi，themanager，whosaidhewouldputitondirectly，whenItoldhimIwasgoingtomakehimapresentoftheplay。I
namedtheactorsofmychoice，andaskedhimtobringthemtodinewithmeatmyinn，thatImightreadtheplayanddistributetheparts。
Aswillbeguessed，myinvitationwasaccepted，andRosalieenjoyeddiningwiththeactorsandactresses，andespeciallyhearingherselfcalledMadameCasanovaeverymoment。Veroniqueexplainedeverythingshedidnotunderstand。
Whenmyactorswereroundmeinaring，theybeggedmetotellthemtheirparts，butIwouldnotgiveinonthispoint。
\"Thefirstthingtobedone，\"saidI，\"isforyoutolistenattentivelytothewholepiecewithoutmindingaboutyourparts。
WhenyouknowthewholeplayIwillsatisfyyourcuriosity。\"
Iknewthatcarelessoridleactorsoftenpaynoattentiontoanythingexcepttheirownparts，andthusapiece，thoughwellplayedinitsparts，isbadlyrenderedasawhole。
Theysubmittedwithatolerablygoodgrace，whichthehighandmightyplayersoftheComedieFrancaisewouldcertainlynothavedone。JustasIwasbeginningmyheadingtheMarquisdeGrimaldiandthebankerBellonicameintocallonme。Iwasgladforthemtobepresentatthetrial，whichonlylastedanhourandaquarter。
AfterIhadheardtheopinionoftheactors，whobytheirpraiseofvarioussituationsshewedmethattheyhadtakenintheplot，I
toldCostatodistributetheparts；butnosoonerwasthisdonethanthefirstactorandthefirstactressbegantoexpresstheirdispleasure；she，becauseIhadgivenherthepartofLadyAlton；
he，becauseIhadnotgivenhimMurray’spart；buttheyhadtobearitasitwasmywill。Ipleasedeverybodybyaskingthemalltodinnerforthedayafterthemorrow，afterdinnerthepiecetoberehearsedforthefirsttime。
ThebankerBelloniaskedmetodinnerforthefollowingday，includingmylady，whoexcusedherselfwithgreatpoliteness，intheinvitation；andM。Grimaldiwasgladtotakemyplaceatdinneratherrequest。
WhenIgottoM。Belloni’s，IwasgreatlysurprisedtoseetheimpostorIvanoff，whoinsteadofpretendingnottoknowme，asheoughttohavedone，cameforwardtoembraceme。Isteppedbackandbowed，whichmightbeputdowntoafeelingofrespect，althoughmycoldnessandscantceremonywouldhaveconvincedanyobservanteyeofthecontrary。Hewaswelldressed，butseemedsad，thoughhetalkedagooddeal，andtosomepurpose，especiallyonpolitics。TheconversationturnedontheCourtofRussia，whereElizabethPetrovnareigned；andhesaidnothing，butsighedandturnedawaypretendingtowipethetearsfromhiseyes。Atdessert，heaskedmeifIhadheardanythingofMadameMorin，adding，asiftorecallthecircumstancetomymemory，thatwehadsuppedtogetherthere:
\"Ibelievesheisquitewell，\"Ianswered。
Hisservant，inyellowandredlivery，waitedonhimattable。
Afterdinnerhecontrivedtotellmethathehadamatterofthegreatestimportancehewantedtodiscusswithme。
\"Myonlydesiresir，istoavoidallappearanceofknowinganythingaboutyou。\"
\"Onewordfromyouwillgainmeahundredthousandcrowns，andyoushallhavehalf。\"
Iturnedmybackonhim，andsawhimnomoreatGenoa。
WhenIgotbacktotheinnIfoundM。deGrimaldigivingRosaliealessoninItalian。
\"Shehasgivenmeanexquisitedinner，\"saidhe，\"youmustbeveryhappywithher。\"
Inspiteofhishonestface，M。Grimaldiwasinlovewithher，butIthoughtIhadnothingtofear。Beforehewentsheinvitedhimtocometotherehearsalnextday。
WhentheactorscameInoticedamongstthemayoungmanwhosefaceIdidnotknow，andonmyenquiringRossitoldmehewastheprompter。
\"Iwon’thaveanyprompter；sendhimabouthisbusiness。\"
\"Wecan’tgetonwithouthim。\"
\"You’llhaveto；Iwillbetheprompter。\"
Theprompterwasdismissed，butthethreeactressesbegantocomplain。
\"Ifweknewourpartsaswellasthe’paternoster’weshouldbecertaintocometoadeadstopiftheprompterisn’tinhisbox。\"
\"Verygood，\"saidItotheactress，whowastoplayLindane，\"I
willoccupytheboxmyself，butIshallseeyourdrawers。\"
\"Youwouldhavesomedifficultyindoingthat，\"saidthefirstactor，\"shedoesn’twearany。\"
\"Somuchthebetter。\"
\"Youknownothingaboutit，\"saidtheactress。
Theseremarksputusallinhighspirits，andtheministersofThaliaendedbypromisingthattheywoulddispensewithaprompter。Iwaspleasedwiththewaythepiecewasread，andtheysaidtheywouldbeletter—perfectinthreedays。Butsomethinghappened。
OnthedayfixedfortherehearsaltheycamewithouttheLindaneandMurray。Theywerenotwell，butRossisaidtheywouldnotfailuseventually。ItookthepartofMurray，andaskedRosalietobetheLindane。
\"Idon’treadItalianwellenough，\"shewhispered，\"andIdon’twishtohavetheactorslaughingatme；butVeroniquecoulddoit。\"
\"Askifshewillreadthepart。\"
However，Veroniquesaidthatshecouldrepeatitbyheart。
\"Allthebetter，\"saidItoher，laughinginternally，asIthoughtofSoleure，forIsawthatIshouldthusbeobligedtomakelovetothegirltowhomIhadnotspokenforthefortnightshehadbeenwithus。Ihadnotevenhadagoodlookatherface。IwassoafraidofRosalie（whomIlovedbettereveryday）takingfright。
WhatIhadfearedhappened。WhenItookVeronique’shand，andsaid，\"Si，bellaLindana，debbeadorarvi！\"everybodyclapped，becauseIgavethewordstheirproperexpression；butglancingatRosalieIsawashadowonherface，andIwasangryatnothavingcontrolledmyselfbetter。Nevertheless，IcouldnothelpfeelingamazedatthewayVeroniqueplayedthepart。WhenItoldherthatIadoredhersheblusheduptohereyes；shecouldnothaveplayedthelove—sickgirlbetter。
Wefixedadayforthedress—rehearsalatthetheatre，andthecompanyannouncedthefirstnightaweekinadvancetoexcitepubliccuriosity。Thebillsran:
\"WeshallgiveVoltaire’sEcossaise，translatedbyananonymousauthor:noprompterwillbepresent。\"
IcannotgivethereaderanyideaofthetroubleIhadtoquietRosalie。Sherefusedtobecomforted；weptincessantly，andtouchedmyheartbygentlereproaches。
\"YouloveVeronique，\"saidshe，\"andyouonlytranslatedthatpiecetohaveanopportunityofdeclaringyourlove。\"
Isucceededinconvincingherthatshewrongedme，andatlastafterIhadlavishedcaressesonhershesufferedherselftobecalmed。Nextmorningshebeggedpardonforherjealousy，andtocureitinsistedonmyspeakingconstantlytoVeronique。Herheroismwentfarther。ShegotupbeforemeandsentmemycoffeebyVeronique，whowasasastonishedasIwas。
AtheartRosaliewasagreatcreature，capableofnobleresolves，butlikeallwomenshegavewaytosuddenemotions。Fromthatdayshegavemenomoresignsofjealousy，andtreatedhermaidwithmorekindnessthanever。Veroniquewasanintelligentandwell—
manneredgirl，andifmyhearthadnotbeenalreadyoccupiedshewouldhavereignedthere。
ThefirstnightoftheplayItookRosalietoabox，andshewouldhaveVeroniquewithher。M。deGrimaldididnotleaveherforamoment。Theplaywaspraisedtotheskies；thelargetheatrewasfullofthebestpeopleinGenoa。Theactorssurpassedthemselves，thoughtheyhadnoprompter，andwereloudlyapplauded。Thepieceranfivenightsandwasperformedtofullhouses。Rossi，hopingperhapsthatIwouldmakehimapresentofanotherplay，askedmyleavetogivemyladyasuperbpelisseoflynx—fur，whichpleasedherimmensely。
Iwouldhavedoneanythingtosparemysweethearttheleastanxiety，andyetfrommywantofthoughtIcontrivedtovexher。
IshouldneverhaveforgivenmyselfifProvidencehadnotordainedthatIshouldbethecauseofherfinalhappiness。
\"Ihavereasontosuspect，\"shesaidoneday，\"thatIamwithchild，andIamenchantedatthethoughtofgivingyouadearpledgeofmylove。\"
\"Ifitcomesatsuchatimeitwillbemine，andIassureyouI
shallloveitdearly。\"
\"Andifitcomestwoorthreeweekssooneryouwillnotbesurethatyouaretheparent？\"
\"Notquitesure；butIshallloveitjustaswell，andlookuponitasmychildaswellasyours。\"
\"Iamsureyoumustbethefather。ItisimpossiblethechildcanbePetri’s，whoonlyknewmeonce，andthenveryimperfectly，whilstyouandIhavelivedintenderloveforsolongatime。\"
Shewepthottears。
\"Calmyourself，dearest，Iimploreyou！Youareright；itcannotbePetri’schild。YouknowIloveyou，andIcannotdoubtthatyouarewithchildbymeandbymealone。Ifyougivemeababyasprettyasyourself，itwillbemineindeed。Calmyourself。\"
\"HowcanIbecalmwhenyoucanhavesuchasuspicion？\"
Wesaidnomoreaboutit；butinspiteofmytenderness，mycaresses，andallthetriflingcareswhichbearwitnesstolove，shewasoftensadandthoughtful。HowmanytimesIreproachedmyselfbitterlyforhavingletoutmysillycalculations。
Afewdayslatershegavemeasealedletter，saying，——
\"Theservanthasgivenmethisletterwhenyouwereaway。Iamoffendedbyhisdoingso，andIwantyoutoavengeme。\"
Icalledtheman，andsaid，——
\"Wheredidyougetthisletter？\"
\"Fromayoungman，whoisunknowntome。Hegavemeacrown，andbeggedmetogivethelettertotheladywithoutyourseeingme，andhepromisedtogivemetwocrownsmoreifIbroughthimareplytomorrow。IdidnotthinkIwasdoingwrong，sir，astheladywasatperfectlibertytotellyou。\"
\"That’sallverywell，butyoumustgo，asthelady，whogavemetheletterunopened，asyoucanseeforyourself，isoffendedwithyou。\"
IcalledLeDuc，whopaidthemanandsenthimaway。Iopenedtheletter，andfoundittobefromPetri。Rosalieleftmyside，notwishingtoreadthecontents。Theletterranasfollows:
\"Ihaveseenyou，mydearRosalie。Itwasjustasyouwerecomingoutofthetheatre，escortedbytheMarquisdeGrimaldi，whoismygodfather。Ihavenotdeceivedyou；IwasstillintendingtocomeandmarryyouatMarseillesnextspring，asIpromised。Iloveyoufaithfully，andifyouarestillmygoodRosalieIamreadytomarryyouhereinthepresenceofmykinfolk。IfyouhavedonewrongIpromisenevertospeakofit，forIknowthatitwasIwholedyouastray。Tellme，Ientreatyou，whetherImayspeaktotheMarquisdeGrimaldiwithregardtoyou。Iamreadytoreceiveyoufromthehandsofthegentlemanwithwhomyouareliving，providedyouarenothiswife。Besure，ifyouarestillfree，thatyoucanonlyrecoveryourhonourbymarryingyourseducer。\"
\"ThislettercomesfromanhonourablemanwhoisworthyofRosalie，\"Ithoughttomyself，\"andthat’smorethanIshallbe，unlessImarryhermyself。ButRosaliemustdecide。\"
Icalledhertome，gavehertheletter，andbeggedhertoreaditattentively。Shedidso，andgaveitmeback，askingmeifI
advisedhertoacceptPetri’soffer。
\"IfyoudodearRosalie，Ishalldieofgrief；butifIdonotyieldyou，myhonourbidsmemarryyou，andthatIamquitereadytodo。\"
Atthisthecharminggirlthrewherselfonmybreast，cryinginthevoiceoftruelove，\"Iloveyouandyoualone，darling；butitisnottruethatyourhonourbidsyoumarryme。Oursisamarriageoftheheart；ourloveismutual，andthatisenoughformyhappiness。\"
\"DearRosalie，Iadoreyou，butIamthebestjudgeofmyownhonour。IfPetriisawell—to—domanandamanwhowouldmakeyouhappy，Imusteithergiveyouuportakeyoumyself。\"
\"No，no；thereisnohurrytodecide。IfyoulovemeIamhappy，forIloveyouandnoneother。Ishallnotanswertheletter，andIdon’twanttohearanythingmoreofPetri。\"
\"YoumaybesurethatIwillsaynomoreofhim，butIamsurethatthemarquiswillhaveahandinit。\"
\"Idaresay，buthewon’tspeaktometwiceonthesubject。\"
Afterthistreaty——amoresincereonethanthePowersofEuropeusuallymake——IresolvedtoleaveGenoaassoonasIgotsomelettersforFlorenceandRome。InthemeanwhileallwaspeaceandlovebetweenmyselfandRosalie。Shehadnottheslightestshadowofjealousyinhersoul，andM。deGrimaldiwasthesolewitnessofourhappiness。
FiveorsixdayslaterIwenttoseethemarquisathiscasinoatSt。Pierred’Arena，andheaccostedmebysayingthathewashappytoseemeashehadanimportantmatterhewishedtodiscusswithme。Iguessedwhatitwouldbe，butbeggedhimtoexplainhimself。Hethenspokeasfollows:
\"Aworthymerchantofthetownbroughthisnephew，ayoungmannamedPetri，toseemetwodaysago。Hetoldmethattheyoungmanismygodson，andheaskedmetoprotecthim。IansweredthatashisgodfatherIowedhimmyprotection，andIpromisedtodowhatIcould。
\"Heleftmygodsontotalkitoverwithme，andheinformedmethatheknewyourmistressbeforeyoudidatMarseilles，thathehadpromisedtomarryhernextspring，thathehadseenherinmycompany，andthathavingfollowedushefoundoutthatshelivedwithyou。Hewastoldthatshewasyourwife，butnotbelievingit，wroteheralettersayingthathewasreadytomarryher；butthisletterfellintoyourhands，andhehashadnoreplytoit。
\"Hecouldnotmakeuphismindtoloseahopewhichmadehishappiness，soheresolvedtoascertain，throughmygoodoffices，whetherRosaliewouldaccepthisproposition。Heflattershimselfthatonhisinformingmeofhisprosperouscondition，Icantellyouthatheisalikelymantomakehiswifehappy。ItoldhimthatIknewyou，andwouldspeaktoyouonthematter，andafterwardsinformhimoftheresultofourinterview。
\"Ihavemadeenquiresintohiscondition，andfindthathehasalreadyamassedaconsiderablesumofmoney。Hiscredit，morals，andreputation，areallexcellent；besides，heishisuncle’ssoleheir，andtheunclepassesforamanverycomfortablyoff。Andnow，mydearM。Casanova，tellmewhatanswerIamtomake。\"
\"TellhimthatRosalieismuchobligedtohim，andbegshimtoforgether。Wearegoingawayinthreeorfourdays。Rosalielovesme，andIher，andIamreadytomarryherwhenevershelikes。\"
\"That’splainspeaking；butIshouldhavethoughtamanlikeyouwouldpreferfreedomtoawoman，howeverbeautiful，towhomyouwouldbeboundbyindissolubleties。WillyouallowmetospeaktoRosaliemyselfaboutit？\"
\"Youneednotask，myleave；speaktoher，butinyourownpersonandnotasrepresentingmyopinions。Iadoreher，andwouldnothaveherthinkthatIcouldcherishthethoughtofseparatingfromher。\"
\"Ifyoudon’twantmetomeddleinthematter，tellmesofrankly。\"
\"Onthecontrary，IwishyoutoseeforyourselfthatIamnotthetyrantofthewomanIadore。\"
\"Iwilltalktoherto—night。\"
Ididnotcomehometillsupper—time，thatthemarquismightsaywhathehadtosayinperfectfreedom。ThenobleGenoesesuppedwithus，andtheconversationturnedonindifferentsubjects。
Afterhehadgone，mysweethearttoldmewhathadpassedbetweenthem。Hehadspokentoherinalmostthesamewordsthathehadaddressedtome，andourreplieswerenearlyidentical，thoughshehadrequestedthemarquistosaynomoreabouthisgodson，towhichrequesthehadassented。
Wethoughtthemattersettled，andbusiedourselveswithpreparationsforourdeparture；butthreeorfourdaysafter，themarquis（whoweimaginedhadforgottenallabouthisgodson）cameandaskedustodinewithhimatSt。Pierred’Arena，whereRosaliehadneverbeen。
\"Iwantyoutoseemybeautifulgardenbeforeyougo，\"saidM。
Grimalditoher；\"itwillbeonemorepleasantrecollectionofyourstayforme。\"
Wewenttoseehimatnoonthenextday。Hewaswithanelderlymanandwoman，towhomheintroducedus。Heintroducedmebyname，andRosalieasapersonwhobelongedtome。
Weproceededtowalkinthegarden，wherethetwooldpeoplegotRosaliebetweenthem，andoverwhelmedherwithpolitenessandcomplimentaryremarks。She，whowashappyandinhighspirits，answeredinItalian，anddelightedthembyherintelligence，andthegracewhichshegavetohermistakesingrammar。
Theservantscametotellusthatdinnerwasready，andwhatwasmyastonishmentonenteringtheroomtoseethetablelaidforsix。Ididnotwantmuchinsightnowtoseethroughthemarquis’strick，butitwastoolate。Wesatdown，andjustthenayoungmancamein。
\"Youarealittlelate，\"saidthemarquis；andthen，withoutwaitingforhisapology，heintroducedhimtomeasM。Petri，hisgodson，andnephewtohisotherguests，andhemadehimsitdownathislefthand，Rosaliebeingonhisright。Isatoppositetoher，andseeingthatsheturnedaspaleasdeaththebloodrushedtomyface；Iwasterriblyenraged。Thissmalldespot’splotseemeddisgracefultome；itwasascandalousinsulttoRosalieandmyself——aninsultwhichshouldbewashedawayinblood。Iwastemptedtostabhimathistable，butinspiteofmyagitationI
constrainedmyself。WhatcouldIdo？TakeRosalie’sarm，andleavetheroomwithher？Ithoughtitover，butforeseeingtheconsequencesIcouldnotsummonupcourage。
Ihaveneverspentsoterribleanhourasatthatfataldinner。
NeitherRosalienormyselfateamorsel，andthemarquiswhohelpedalltheguestswasdiscreetenoughnottoseethatweleftonecourseafteranotheruntouched。ThroughoutdinnerheonlyspoketoPetriandhisuncle，givingthemopportunitiesforsayinghowlargeatradetheydid。Atdessertthemarquistoldtheyoungmanthathehadbettergoandlookafterhisaffairs，andafterkissinghishandhewithdrewwithabowtowhichnobodyreplied。
Petriwasabouttwenty—four，ofamoderateheight，withordinarybutyetgood—naturedandhonestfeatures；respectfulinhismanner，andsensiblethoughnotwittyinwhathesaid。Afterallwassaidanddone，IthoughthimworthyofRosalie，butI
shudderedatthethoughtthatifshebecamehiswifeshewaslosttomeforever。Afterhehadgone，themarquissaidhewassorryhehadnotknownhimbeforeashemightbeofusetohiminhisbusiness。
\"However，wewillseetothatinthefuture，\"saidhe，meaningly，\"Imeantomakehisfortune。\"
Atthistheuncleandaunt，whonodoubtknewwhattosay，begantolaudandextoltheirnephew，andendedbysayingthatastheyhadnochildrentheyweredelightedthatPetri，whowouldbetheirheir，wastohavehisexcellency’spatronage。
\"Wearelonging，\"theyadded，\"toseethegirlfromMarseillesheisgoingtomarry。Weshouldwelcomeherasabeloveddaughter。\"
Rosaliewhisperedtomethatshecouldbearitnolonger，andbeggedmetotakeheraway。Werose，andafterwehadsalutedthecompanywithcolddignitywelefttheroom。Themarquiswasvisiblydisconcerted。Asheescortedustothedoorhestammeredoutcompliments，forthewantofsomethingtosay，tellingRosaliethatheshouldnothavethehonourofseeingherthatevening，butthathehopedtocallonherthenextday。
Whenwewerebyourselvesweseemedtobreatheagain，andspoketooneanothertorelieveourselvesoftheoppressionwhichweighedonourminds。
Rosaliethought，aswellasI，thatthemarquishadplayedusashamefultrick，andshetoldmeIoughttowritehimanote，begginghimnottogivehimselfthetroubleofcallingonusagain。
\"Iwillfindsomemeansofvengeance，\"saidI；\"butIdon’tthinkitwouldbeagoodplantowritetohim。Wewillhastenourpreparationsforleaving，andreceivehimto—morrowwiththatcoldpolitenesswhichbearswitnesstoindignation。Aboveall，wewillnotmaketheslightestreferencetohisgodson。\"
\"IfPetrireallylovesme，\"saidshe，\"Ipityhim。Ithinkheisagoodfellow，andIdon’tfeelangrywithhimforbeingpresentatdinner，ashemaypossiblybeunawarethatleispresencewaslikelytogivemeoffence。ButIstillshudderwhenIthinkofit:IthoughtIshouldhavediedwhenoureyesmet！Throughoutdinnerhecouldnotseemyeyes，asIkeptthemnearlyshut，andindeedhecouldhardlyseeme。Didhelookatmewhilehewastalking？\"
\"No，heonlylookedatme。Iamassorryforhimasyouare，for，asyousay，helooksanhonestfellow。\"
\"Well，it’sovernow，andIhopeIshallmakeagoodsupper。Didyounoticewhattheauntsaid？Iamsureshewasintheplot。
Shethoughtshewouldgainmeoverbysayingshewasreadytotreatmelikeherownchild。Shewasadecent—lookingwoman，too。\"
Wemadeagoodsupper，andapleasantnightinclinedustoforgettheinsultthemarquishadputuponus。Whenwewokeupinthemorningwelaughedatit。Themarquiscametoseeusintheevening，andgreetingmewithanairofmingledconfusionandvexation，hesaidthatheknewhehaddonewronginsurprisingmeashehad，butthathewasreadytodoanythinginhispowerbywayofatonement，andtogivewhateversatisfactionIliked。
Rosaliedidnotgivemetimetoanswer。\"Ifyoureallyfeel，\"
saidshe，\"thatyouhaveinsultedus，thatisenough；weareamplyavenged。Butallthesame，sir，weshallbeonourguardagainstyouforthefuture，thoughthatwillbeforashortwhile，aswearejustleaving。\"
Withthisproudreplyshemadehimalowbowandlefttheroom。
WhenhewasleftalonewithmeM。Grimaldiaddressedmeasfollows:
\"Itakeagreatinterestinyourmistress’swelfare；andasIfeelsurethatshecannotlongbehappyinherpresentuncertainposition，whileIamsurethatshewouldmakemygodsonanexcellentwife，Iwasdeterminedthatbothofyoushouldmakehisacquaintance，forRosalieherselfknowsverylittleofhim。I
confessthatthemeansIemployedweredishonourable，butyouwillpardonthemeansforthesakeoftheexcellentendIhadinview。
Ihopeyouwillhaveapleasantjourney，andthatyoumayliveforalongtimeinuninterruptedhappinesswithyourcharmingmistress。Ihopeyouwillwritetome，andalwaysreckononmystandingyourfriend，anddoingeverythinginmypowerforyou。
BeforeIgo，IwilltellyousomethingwhichwillgiveyouanideaoftheexcellentdispositionofyoungPetri，towhosehappinessRosalieseemsessential。
\"Heonlytoldmethefollowing，afterIhadabsolutelyrefusedtotakechargeofaletterhehadwrittentoRosalie，despairingofbeingabletosenditanyotherway。AfterassuringmethatRosaliehadlovedhim，andthatconsequentlyshecouldnothaveanyfixedaversionforhim，headdedthatifthefearofbeingwithchildwasthereasonwhyshewouldnotmarryhimhewouldagreetoputoffthemarriagetillafterthechildwasborn，providedthatshewouldagreetostayinGenoainhiding，herpresencetobeunknowntoallsavehimself。Heofferstopayalltheexpensesofherstay。Hemadearemarkablywisereflectionwhenweweretalkingitover。
\"’Ifshegavebirthtoachildtoosoonafterourmarriage，’saidhe，’bothherhonourandminewouldsufferhurt；shemightalsolosethelikingofmyrelations，andifRosalieistobemywifeI
wanthertobehappyineverything。\"’
AtthisRosalie，whohadnodoubtbeenlisteningatthedoorafterthemannerofhersex，burstintotheroom，andastonishedmebythefollowingspeech:
\"IfM。PetrichidnottellyouthatitwaspossiblethatImightbewithchildbyhim，heisarighthonestman，butnowItellyousomyself。Idonotthinkitlikely，butstillitispossible。
Tellhim，sir，thatIwillremainatGenoauntilthechildisborn，inthecaseofmybeingpregnant，ofwhichIhavenocertainknowledge，oruntilIamquitesurethatIamnotwithchild。IfIdohaveachildthetruthwillbemadeknown。InthecaseoftherebeingnodoubtofM。Petri’sbeingtheparent，Iamreadytomarryhim；butifheseesforhimselfthatthechildisnothisI
hopehewillbereasonableenoughtoletmealoneforthefuture。
AstotheexpensesandmylodgingatGenoa，tellhimthatheneednottroublehimselfabouteither。\"
Iwaspetrified。Isawtheconsequenceofmyownimprudentwords，andmyheartseemedbroken。Themarquisaskedmeifthisdecisionwasgivenwithmyauthority，andIrepliedthatasmysweetheart’swillwasminehemighttakeherwordsforlaw。Hewentawayinhighglee，forheforesawthatallwouldgowellwithhisplanswhenoncehewasabletoexerthisinfluenceonRosalie。Theabsentalwaysfareill。
\"Youwanttoleaveme，then，Rosalie？\"saidI，whenwewerealone。
\"Yes，dearest，butitwillnotbeforlong。\"
\"Ithinkweshallneverseeeachotheragain。\"
\"Whynot，dearest？Youhaveonlytoremainfaithfultome。
Listentome。YourhonourandmyownmakeitimperativethatI
shouldconvincePetrithatIamnotwithchildbyhim，andyouthatIamwithchildbyyou。\"
\"Ineverdoubtedit，dearRosalie。\"
\"Yes，dear，youdoubteditonceandthatisenough。Ourpartingwillcostmemanyabittertear，butthesepangsarenecessarytomyfuturehappiness。Ihopeyouwillwritetome，andafterthechildisbornitwillbeforyoutodecideonhowIshallrejoinyou。IfIamnotpregnantIwillrejoinyouinacoupleofmonthsatlatest。\"
\"ThoughImaygrieveatyourresolveIwillnotopposeit，forI
promisedIwouldnevercrossyou。Isupposeyouwillgointoaconvent；andthemarquismustfindyouasuitableone，andprotectyoulikeafather。ShallIspeaktohimonthesubject？Iwillleaveyouasmuchmoneyasyouwillwant。\"
\"Thatwillnotbemuch。AsforM。deGrimaldi，heisboundinhonourtoprocuremeanasylum。Idon’tthinkitwillbenecessaryforyoutospeaktohimaboutit。\"
Shewasright，andIcouldnothelpadmiringthetrulyastonishingtactofthisgirl。
InthemorningIheardthattheself—styledIvanoffhadmadehisescapeanhourbeforethepoliceweretoarresthimatthesuitofthebanker，whohadfoundoutthatoneofthebillshehadpresentedwasforged。Hehadescapedonfoot，leavingallhisbaggagebehindhim。
NextdaythemarquiscametotellRosaliethathisgodsonhadnoobjectiontomaketoherplan。Headdedthattheyoungmanhopedshewouldbecomehiswife，whetherthechildprovedtobehisornot。
\"Hemayhopeasmuchashelikes，\"saidRosalie，withasmile。
\"Healsohopesthatyouwillallowhimtocallonyounowandthen。Ihavespokentomykinswoman，themother—superiorofconvent。Youaretohavetworooms，andaverygoodsortofwomanistokeepyoucompany，waitonyou，andnurseyouwhenthetimecomes。Ihavepaidtheamountyouaretopayeverymonthforyourboard。EverymorningIwillsendyouaconfidentialman，whowillseeyourcompanionandwillbringmeyourorders。AndImyselfwillcomeandseeyouatthegratingasoftenasyouplease。\"
Itwasthenmysadduty，whichthelawsofpolitenessenjoined，tothankthemarquisforhistrouble。
\"’Tistoyou，mylord，\"saidI，\"IentrustRosalie。Iamplacingher，Iamsure，ingoodhands。Iwillgoonmywayassoonassheisintheconvent；Ihopeyouwillwritealettertothemother—
superiorforhertotake。\"
\"Iwillwriteitdirectly，\"saidhe。
AndasRosaliehadtoldhimbeforethatshewouldpayforeverythingherself，hegaveherawrittencopyoftheagreementhehadmade。
\"Ihaveresolved，\"saidRosalietothemarquis，\"togointotheconventto—morrow，andIshallbeverygladtohaveashortvisitfromyouthedayafter。\"
\"Iwillbethere，\"saidthemarquis，\"andyoumaybesurethatI
willdoallinmypowertomakeyourstayagreeable。\"
Thenightwasasadoneforbothofus。Lovescarcelymadeapauseamidstouralternatecomplaintsandconsolations。Wesworetobefaithfulforever，andouroathsweresincere，asardentlovers’oathsalwaysare。Buttheyareasnoughtunlesstheyaresealedbydestiny，andthatnomortalmindmayknow。
Rosalie，whoseeyeswereredandwetwithtears，spentmostofthemorninginpackingupwithVeronique，whocriedtoo。Icouldnotlookather，asIfeltangrywithmyselfforthinkinghowprettyshewas。Rosaliewouldonlytaketwohundredsequins，tellingmethatifshewantedmoreshecouldeasilyletmeknow。
ShetoldVeroniquetolookaftermewellforthetwoorthreedaysIshouldspendatGenoa，mademeamutecurtsy，andwentoutwithCostatogetasedan—chair。Twohoursafter，aservantofthemarquis’scametofetchherbelongings，andIwasthusleftaloneandfullofgrieftillthemarquiscameandaskedmetogivehimsupper，advisingthatVeroniqueshouldbeaskedintokeepuscompany。
\"That’sararegirl，\"saidhe，\"youreallydon’tknowher，andyououghttoknowherbetter。\"
AlthoughIwasrathersurprised，IdidnotstoptoconsiderwhatthemotivesofthecraftyGenoesemightbe，andIwentandaskedVeroniquetocomein。Sherepliedpolitelythatshewoulddoso，addingthatsheknewhowgreatanhonourIdidher。
IshouldhavebeentheblindestofmenifIhadnotseenthattheclevermarquishadsucceededinhiswell—laidplans，andthathehaddupedmeasifIhadbeenthemerestfreshman。AlthoughI
hopedwithallmyheartthatIshouldgetRosaliebackagain，I
hadgoodreasonsforsuspectingthatallthemarquis’switwouldbeemployedtoseduceher，andIcouldnothelpthinkingthathewouldsucceed。
Nevertheless，inthepositionIwasin，Icouldonlykeepmyfearstomyselfandlethimdohisutmost。
Hewasnearlysixty，athoroughdiscipleofEpicurus，aheavyplayer，rich，eloquent，amasterofstate—craft，highlypopularatGenoa，andwellacquaintedwiththeheartsofmen，andstillmoresowiththeheartsofwomen。HehadspentagooddealoftimeatVenicetobemoreatliberty，andtoenjoythepleasuresoflifeathisease。Hehadnevermarried，andwhenaskedthereasonwouldreplythatheknewtoowellthatwomenwouldbeeithertyrantsorslaves，andthathedidnotwanttobeatyranttoanywoman，nortobeunderanywoman’sorders。HefoundsomewayofreturningtohisbelovedVenice，inspiteofthelawforbiddinganynoblewhohasfilledtheofficeofdogetoleavehisnativesoil。Thoughhebehavedtomeinaveryfriendlymannerheknewhowtomaintainanairofsuperioritywhichimposedonme。
NothingelsecouldhavegivenhimthecouragetoaskmetodinnerwhenPetriwastobepresent。IfeltthatIhadbeentricked，andIthoughtmyselfindutyboundtomakehimesteemmebymybehaviourforthefuture。ItwasgratitudeonhispartwhichmadehimsmooththewaytomyconquestofVeronique，whodoubtlessstruckhimasafitandproperpersontoconsolemeforthelossofRosalie。
Ididnottakeanypartintheconversationatsupper，butthemarquisdrewoutVeronique，andsheshone。ItwaseasyformetoseethatshehadmorewitandknowledgeoftheworldthanRosalie，butinmythenstateofmindthisgrievedratherthanrejoicedme。
M。deGrimaldiseemedsorrytoseememelancholy，andforcedme，asitwere，tojoinintheconversation。Ashewasreproachingmeinafriendlymannerformysilence，VeroniquesaidwithapleasingsmilethatIhadagoodreasontobesilentafterthedeclarationofloveIhadmadetoher，andwhichshehadreceivedsoill。Iwasastonishedatthis，andsaidthatIdidnotrememberhavingevermadehersuchadeclaration；butshemademelaughinspiteofmyself，whenshesaidthathernamethatdaywasLindane。
\"Ah，that’sinaplay，\"saidI，\"inreallifethemanwhodeclareshisloveinwordsisasimpleton；’tiswithdeedsthetruelovershewshislove。\"
\"Verytrue，butyourladywasfrightenedallthesame。\"
\"No，no，Veronique；sheisveryfondofyou。\"
\"Iknowsheis；butIhaveseenherjealousofme。\"
\"Ifso，shewasquitewrong。\"
Thisdialogue，whichpleasedmelittle，fellsweetlyonthemarquis’sears；hetoldmethathewasgoingtocallonRosalienextmorning，andthatifIlikedtogivehimasupper，hewouldcomeandtellmeaboutherintheevening。OfcourseItoldhimthathewouldbewelcome。
AfterVeroniquehadlightedmetomyroom，sheaskedmetoletmyservantswaitonme，asifshedidsonowthatmyladywasgone，peoplemighttalkabouther。
\"Youareright，\"saidI，\"kindlysendLeDuctome。\"
NextmorningIhadaletterfromGeneva。ItcamefrommyEpicureansyndic，whohadpresentedM。deVoltairewithmytranslationofhisplay，withanexceedinglypoliteletterfromme，inwhichIbeggedhispardonforhavingtakenthelibertyoftravestyinghisfineFrenchproseinItalian。ThesyndictoldmeplainlythatM。deVoltairehadpronouncedmytranslationtobeabadone。
Myself—esteemwassowoundedbythis，andbyhisimpolitenessinnotansweringmyletter，withwhichhecouldcertainlyfindnofault，whateverhiscriticismofmytranslationmightbe，thatI
becametheswornenemyofthegreatVoltaire。IhavecensuredhiminalltheworksIhavepublished，thinkingthatinwronginghimI
wasavengingmyself，tosuchanextentdidpassionblindme。AtthepresenttimeIfeelthatevenifmyworkssurvive，thesefeeblestingsofminecanhurtnobodybutmyself。PosteritywillclassmeamongsttheZoiluseswhoseownimpotencemadethemattackthisgreatmantowhomcivilizationandhumanhappinessowesomuch。TheonlycrimethatcantruthfullybeallegedagainstVoltaireishisattacksonreligion。Ifhehadbeenatruephilosopherhewouldneverhavespokenonsuchmatters，for，evenifhisattackswerebasedontruth，religionisnecessarytomorality，withoutwhichtherecanbenohappiness。
CHAPTERV
IFallinLoveWithVeronique——HerSister——PlotAgainstPlot——MyVictory——MutualDisappointmentIhaveneverlikedeatingbymyself，andthusIhaveneverturnedhermit，thoughIoncethoughtofturningmonk；butamonkwithoutrenouncingallthepleasuresoflifeliveswellinakindofholyidleness。Thisdisliketolonelinessmademegiveordersthatthetableshouldbelaidfortwo，andindeed，aftersuppingwiththemarquisandmyself，Veroniquehadsomerighttoexpectasmuch，tosaynothingofthoserightswhichherwitandbeautygaveher。
IonlysawCosta，andaskedhimwhathadbecomeofLeDuc。Hesaidhewasill。\"Thengobehindthelady’schair，\"saidI。Heobeyed，butsmiledashedidso。Prideisauniversalfailing，andthoughaservant’sprideisthesilliestofallitisoftenpushedtothegreatestextremes。
IthoughtVeroniqueprettierthanbefore。Herbehaviour，nowfreeandnowreserved，astheoccasiondemanded，shewedmethatshewasnonewhand，andthatshecouldhaveplayedthepartofaprincessinthebestsociety。Nevertheless（sostrangeathingistheheartofman），IwassorrytofindIlikedher，andmyonlyconsolationwasthathermotherwouldcomeandtakeherawaybeforethedaywasover。IhadadoredRosalie，andmyheartstillbledatthethoughtofourparting。
Thegirl’smothercamewhilewewerestillattable。ShewasastoundedatthehonourIshewedherdaughter，andsheoverwhelmedmewiththanks。
\"Youowemenogratitude，\"saidItoher；\"yourdaughterisclever，good，andbeautiful。\"
\"Thankthegentlemanforhiscompliment，\"saidthemother，\"foryouarereallystupid，wanton，andugly；\"andthensheadded，\"Buthowcouldyouhavethefacetositattablewiththegentlemaninadirtychemise？\"
\"Ishouldblush，mother，ifIthoughtyouwereright；butIputacleanoneononlytwohoursago。\"
\"Madam，\"saidItothemother，\"thechemisecannotlookwhitebesideyourdaughter’swhiterskin。\"
Thismadethemotherlaugh，andpleasedthegirlimmensely。Whenthemothertoldherthatshewascometotakeherback，Veroniquesaid，withaslysmile，——
\"Perhapsthegentlemanwon’tbepleasedatmyleavinghimtwenty—
fourhoursbeforehegoesaway。\"
\"Onthecontrary，\"saidI，\"Ishouldbeveryvexed。\"
\"Well；then，shecanstay，sir，\"saidthemother；\"butfordecency’ssakeImustsendheryoungersistertosleepwithher。\"
\"Ifyouplease，\"Irejoined。AndwiththatIleftthem。
ThethoughtofVeroniquetroubledme，asIknewIwastakenwithher，andwhatIhadtodreadwasacalculatedresistance。
ThemothercameintomyroomwhereIwaswriting，andwishedmeapleasantjourney，tellingmeforthesecondtimethatshewasgoingtosendherdaughterAnnette。Thegirlcameintheevening，accompaniedbyaservant，andafterloweringhermezzaro，andkissingmyhandrespectfully，sherangailytokisshersister。
Iwantedtoseewhatshewaslike，andcalledforcandles；andontheirbeingbroughtIfoundshewasablondeofakindIhadneverbeforeseen。Herhair，eyebrows，andeyelasheswerethecolourofpalegold，faireralmostthanherskin，whichwasextremelydelicate。Shewasveryshort—sighted，butherlargepaleblueeyeswerewonderfullybeautiful。Shehadthesmallestmouthimaginable，butherteeth，thoughregular，werenotsowhiteasherskin。ButforthisdefectAnnettemighthavepassedforaperfectbeauty。
Hershortnessofsightmadetoobrilliantalightpainfultoher，butasshestoodbeforemesheseemedtolikemelookingather。
Mygazefedhungrilyonthetwolittlehalf—spheres，whichwerenotyetripe，butsowhiteastomakemeguesshowravishingtherestofherbodymustbe。Veroniquedidnotshewherbreastssofreely。Onecouldseethatshewassuperblyshaped，buteverythingwascarefullyhiddenfromthegaze。Shemadehersistersitdownbesideherandwork，butwhenIsawthatshewasobligedtoholdthestuffclosetoherfaceItoldherthatsheshouldsparehereyes，forthatnightatallevents，andwiththatsheobedientlyputtheworkdown。
Themarquiscameasusual，andlikemyselfhethoughtAnnette，whomhehadneverseenbefore，anastonishingminiaturebeauty。
Takingadvantageofhisageandhighrank，thevoluptuousoldmandaredtopasshishandoverherbreast，andshe，whowastoorespectfultocrossmylord，lethimdoitwithoutmakingtheslightestobjection。Shewasacompoundofinnocenceandcoquetry。
Thewomanwhoshewinglittlesucceedsinmakingamanwanttoseemore，hasaccomplishedthree—fourthsofthetaskofmakinghimfallinlovewithher；forisloveanythingelsethanakindofcuriosity？Ithinknot；andwhatmakesmecertainisthatwhenthecuriosityissatisfiedthelovedisappears。Love，however，isthestrongestkindofcuriosityinexistence，andIwasalreadycuriousaboutAnnette。
M。GrimalditoldVeroniquethatRosaliewishedhertostaywithmetillIleftGenoa，andshewasasmuchastonishedatthisasI
was。
\"Bekindenoughtotellher，\"saidItothemarquis，\"thatVeroniquehasanticipatedherwishesandhasgothersisterAnnettetostaywithher。\"
\"Twoarealwaysbetterthanone，mydearfellow，\"repliedthecraftyGenoese。
Aftertheseremarksweleftthetwosisterstogetherandwentintomyroom，wherehesaid，——
\"YourRosalieiscontented，andyououghttocongratulateyourselfonhavingmadeherhappy，asIamsureshewillbe。Theonlythingthatvexesmeisthatyoucan’tgoandseeheryourselfwithanydecency。\"
\"Youareinlovewithher，mylord。\"
\"IconfessthatIam，butIamanoldman，anditvexesme。\"
\"That’snomatter，shewillloveyoutenderly；andifPetrieverbecomesherhusband，Iamsureshewillneverbeanythingmorethanagoodfriendtohim。WritetomeatFlorenceandtellmehowshereceiveshim。\"
\"Stayhereforanotherthreedays；thetwobeautiestherewillmakethetimeseemshort。\"
\"It’sexactlyforthatreasonthatIwanttogotomorrow。IamafraidofVeronique。\"
\"Ishouldn’thavethoughtthatyouwouldhaveallowedanywomantofrightenyou。\"
\"Iamafraidshehascastherfatalnetsaroundme，andwhenthetimecomesshewillbestrictlymoral。Rosalieismyonlylove。\"
\"Well，here’saletterfromher。\"
Iwentaparttoreadtheletter，thesightofwhichmademyheartbeatviolently；itranasfollows:
\"Dearest，——Iseeyouhaveplacedmeinthehandsofonewhowillcareformelikeafather。ThisisanewkindnesswhichIowetothegoodnessofyourheart。Iwillwritetoyouatwhateveraddressyousendme。IfyoulikeVeronique，mydarling，donotfearanyjealousyfromme；Ishouldbewrongtoentertainsuchafeelinginmypresentposition。Iexpectthatifyoumakemuchofhershewillnotbeabletoresist，andIshallbegladtohearthatsheislesseningyoursadness。Ihopeyouwillwritemeafewlinesbeforeyougo。\"
Iwentuptothemarquisandtoldhimtoreadit。Heseemedgreatlymoved。
\"Yes，\"saidhe，\"thedeargirlwillfindinmeherfriendandfather，andifshemarriesmygodsonandhedoesnottreatherasheought，hewillnotpossessherlong。Ishallrememberherinmywill，andthuswhenIamdeadmycarewillstillcontinue。ButwhatdoyouthinkofheradviceastoVeronique？Idon’texpectsheisexactlyavestalvirgin，thoughIhaveneverheardanythingagainsther。\"
Ihadorderedthatthetableshouldbelaidforfour，soAnnettesatdownwithoutourhavingtoaskher。LeDucappearedonthescene，andItoldhimthatifhewereillhemightgotobed。
\"Iamquitewell，\"saidhe。
\"Iamgladtohearit；butdon’ttroublenow，youshallwaitonmewhenIamatLeghorn。\"
IsawthatVeroniquewasdelightedatmysendinghimaway，andI
resolvedthenandtheretolaysiegetoherheart。Ibeganbytalkingtoherinaverymeaningmannerallsupper—time，whilethemarquisentertainedAnnette。IaskedhimifhethoughtIcouldgetafeluccanextdaytotakemetoLerici。
\"Yes，\"saidhe，\"wheneveryoulikeandwithasmanyoarsmenasyouplease；butIhopeyouwillputoffyourdeparturefortwoorthreedays。\"
\"No，\"Ireplied，oglingVeronique，\"thedelaymightcostmetoodear。\"
Theslypussansweredwithasmilethatshewedsheunderstoodmymeaning。
WhenwerosefromthetableIamusedmyselfwithAnnette，andthemarquiswithVeronique。Afteraquarterofanhourhecameandsaidtome，——
\"Certainpersonshaveaskedmetobegyoutostayafewdayslonger，oratleasttosuphereto—morrownight。\"
\"Verygood。Wewilltalkofthefewdaysmoreatsupperto—
morrow。\"
\"Victory！\"saidthemarquis；andVeroniqueseemedverygratefultomeforgrantingherrequest。Whenourguestwasgone，IaskedmynewhousekeeperifImightsendCostatobed。
\"Asmysisteriswithme，therecanbenogroundforanysuspicion。\"
\"Iamdelightedthatyouconsent；nowIamgoingtotalktoyou。\"
Sheproceededtodomyhair，butshegavenoanswertomysoftspeeches。WhenIwasonthepointofgettingintobedshewishedmegoodnight，andItriedtokissherbywayofreturn。Sherepulsedmeandrantothedoor，muchtomysurprise。Shewasgoingtoleavetheroom，whenIaddressedherinavoiceofgravepoliteness。
\"Ibegyouwillstay；Iwanttospeaktoyou；comeandsitbyme。
Whyshouldyourefusemeapleasurewhichafterallisameremarkoffriendship？\"
\"Because，thingsbeingastheyare，wecouldnotremainfriends，neithercouldwebelovers。\"
\"Lovers！whynot，weareperfectlyfree\"
\"Iamnotfree；Iamboundbycertainprejudiceswhichdonottroubleyou。\"
\"Ishouldhavethoughtyouweresuperiortoprejudices。\"
\"Therearesomeprejudiceswhichawomanoughttorespect。Thesuperiorityyoumentionisapitifulthing；alwaysthedupeofitself。Whatwouldbecomeofme，Ishouldliketoknow，ifI
abandonedmyselftothefeelingsIhaveforyou？\"
\"Iwaswaitingforyoutosaythat，dearVeronique。Whatyoufeelformeisnotlove。Ifitwereso，youwouldfeelasIdo，andyouwouldsoonbreakthebondsofprejudice。\"
\"Iconfessthatmyheadisnotquiteturnedyet，butstillIfeelthatIshallgrieveatyourdeparture。\"
\"Ifso，thatisnofaultofmine。ButtellmewhatIcandoforyouduringmyshortstayhere。\"
\"Nothing；wedonotknowoneanotherwellenough。\"
\"Iunderstandyou，butIwouldhaveyouknowthatIdonotintendtomarryanywomanwhoisnotmyfriend。\"
\"Youmeanyouwillnotmarryhertillyouhaveceasedtobeherlover？\"
\"Exactly。\"
\"YouwouldliketofinishwhereIwouldbegin。\"
\"Youmaybehappysomeday，butyouplayforhighstakes。\"
\"Well，well，it’sacaseofwinallorloseall。\"
\"That’sasmaybe。Butwithoutfurtherargumentitseemstomethatwecouldsafelyenjoyourlove，andpassmanyhappymomentsundisturbedbyprejudice。\"
\"Possibly，butonegetsburntfingersatthatgame，andIshudderattheverythoughtofit。No，no；leavemealone，thereismysisterwhowillwonderwhyIaminyourarms。\"
\"Verygood；IseeIwasmistaken，andRosalietoo。\"
\"Whywhatdidshethinkaboutme？\"
\"Shewroteandtoldmethatshethoughtyouwouldbekind。\"
\"Ihopeshe’mayn’thavetorepentforhavingbeentookindherself。\"
\"Goodbye，Veronique。\"
Ifeltvexedathavingmadethetrial，forinthesemattersonealwaysfeelsangryatfailure。IdecidedIwouldleaveherandherprecepts，trueorfalse，alone；butwhenIawokeinthemorningandsawhercomingtomybedwithapleasantsmileonherface，Isuddenlychangedmymind。IhadsleptuponmyangerandI
wasinloveagain。Ithoughtshehadrepented，andthatIshouldbevictoriouswhenIattackedheragain。Iputonasmilemyselfandbreakfastedgailywithherandhersister。Ibehavedinthesamewayatdinner；andthegeneralhighspiritswhichM。deGrimaldifoundprevailingintheevening，madehimthink，doubtless，thatweweregettingonwell，andhecongratulatedus。
Veroniquebehavedexactlyasifthemarquishadguessedthetruth，andIfeltsureofhavingheraftersupper，andintheecstasyofthethoughtIpromisedtostayforfourdayslonger。
\"Bravo，Veronique！\"saidthemarquis，\"that’stheway。Youareintendedbynaturetoruleyourloverswithanabsolutesway。\"
Ithoughtshewouldsaysomethingtodiminishthemarquis’scertaintythattherewasanagreementbetweenus，butshedidnothingofthesort，seemingtoenjoyhertriumphwhichmadeherappearmorebeautifulthanever；whilstIlookedatherwiththesubmissivegazeofacaptivewhogloriesin，hischain。Itookherbehaviourasanomenofmyapproachingconquest，anddidnotspeaktoM。deGrimaldialonelesthemightaskmequestionswhichIshouldnotcaretoanswer。Hetoldusbeforehewentawaythathewasengagedonthemorrow，andsocouldnotcometoseeustillthedayafter。
AssoonaswewerealoneVeroniquesaidtome，\"YouseehowIletpeoplebelievewhattheyplease；Ihadratherbethoughtkind，asyoucallit，thanridiculous，asanhonestgirlistermednow—a—
days。Isitnotso？\"
\"No，dearVeronique，Iwillnevercallyouridiculous，butIshallthinkyouhatemeifyoumakemepassanothernightintorture。
Youhaveinflamedme。\"
\"Oh，praybequiet！Forpity’ssakeleavemealone！Iwillnotinflameyouanymore。Oh！Oh！\"
Ihadenragedherbythrustingadaringhandintotheverydoorofthesanctuary。Sherepulsedmeandfled。Threeorfourminuteslaterhersistercametoundressme。ItoldhergentlytogotobedasIhadtowriteforthreeorfourhours；butnotcaringthatsheshouldcomeonabootlesserrandIopenedaboxandgaveherawatch。Shetookitmodestly，saying，——
\"Thisisformysister，Isuppose？\"
\"No，dearAnnette，it’sforyou。\"
Shegaveaskipofdelight，andIcouldnotpreventherkissingmyhand。
IproceededtowriteRosaliealetteroffourpages。Ifeltworriedanddispleasedwithmyselfandeveryoneelse。Itoreupmyletterwithoutreadingitover，andmakinganefforttocalmmyselfIwroteheranotherlettermoresubduedthanthefirst，inwhichIsaidnothingofVeronique，butinformedmyfairreclusethatIwasgoingonthedayfollowing。
Ididnotgotobedtillverylate，feelingoutoftemperwiththeworld。IconsideredthatIhadfailedinmydutytoVeronique，whethershelovedmeornot，forIlovedherandIwasamanofhonour。Ihadabadnight，andwhenIawokeitwasnoon，andonringingCostaandAnnetteappeared。TheabsenceofVeroniqueshewedhowIhadoffendedher。WhenCostahadlefttheroomI
askedAnnetteafterhersister，andshesaidthatshewasworking。
Iwroteheranote，inwhichIbeggedherpardon，promisingthatI
wouldneveroffendheragain，andbegginghertoforgeteverythingandtobejustthesameasbefore。Iwastakingmycoffeewhenshecameintomyroomwithanexpressionofmortificationwhichgrievedmeexcessively。
\"Forgeteverything，Ibeg，andIwilltroubleyounomore。Givememybuckles，asIamgoingforacountrywalk，andIshallnotbeintillsuppertime。Ishalldoubtlessgetanexcellentappetite，andasyouhavenothingmoretofearyouneednottroubletosendmeAnnetteagain。\"
Idressedmyselfinhaste，andleftthetownbythefirstroadthatcameinmyway，andIwalkedfastfortwohourswiththeintentionoftiringmyself，andofthusreadjustingthebalancebetweenmindandbody。Ihavealwaysfoundthatsevereexerciseandfreshairarethebestcureforanymentalperturbation。
Ihadwalkedformorethanthreeleagueswhenhungerandwearinessmademestopatavillageinn，whereIhadanomelettecooked。I
ateithungrilywithbrownbreadandwine，whichseemedtomedeliciousthoughitwasrathersharp。
IfelttootiredtowalkbacktoGenoa，soIaskedforacarriage；
buttherewasnosuchthingtobehad。Theinn—keeperprovidedmewithasorrynagandamantoguideme。Darknesswascomingon，andwehadmorethansixmilestodo。FinerainbegantofallwhenIstarted，andcontinuedalltheway，sothatIgothomebyeighto’clockwettotheskin，shiveringwithcold，deadtired，andinasoreplightfromtheroughsaddle，againstwhichmysatinbreecheswerenoprotection。Costahelpedmetochangemyclothes，andashewentoutAnnettecamein。
\"Whereisyoursister？\"
\"Sheisinbedwithabadheadache。Shegavemealetterforyou；
hereitis。\"
\"IhavebeenobligedtogotobedonaccountofasevereheadachetowhichIamsubject。Ifeelbetteralready，andIshallbeabletowaitonyouto—morrow。Itellyouasmuch，becauseIdonotwishyoutothinkthatmyillnessisfeigned。Iamsurethatyourrepentanceforhavinghumiliatedmeissincere，andIhopeinyourturnthatyouwillforgivemeorpityme，ifmywayofthinkingpreventsmefromconformingtoyours。\"
\"Annettedear，goandaskyoursisterifshewouldlikeustosupinherroom。\"
ShesooncamebacktellingmethatVeroniquewasobliged，butbeggedmetolethersleep。
IsuppedwithAnnette，andwasgladtoseethat，thoughsheonlydrankwater，herappetitewasbetterthanmine。Mypassionforhersisterpreventedmethinkingofher，butIfeltthatAnnettewouldotherwisehavetakenmyfancy。Whenweweretakingdessert，Iconceivedtheideaofmakingherdrunktogethertalkofhersister，soIgaveheraglassofLunelmuscat。
\"Ionlydrinkwater，sir。\"
\"Don’tyoulikewine？\"
\"Yes，butasIamnotusedtoitIamafraidofitsgettingintomyhead。\"
\"Thenyoucangotobed；youwillsleepallthebetter。\"
Shedrankthefirstglass，whichsheenjoyedimmensely，thenasecond，andthenathird。Herlittlebrainswereinsomeconfusionwhenshehadfinishedthethirdglass。Imadehertalkabouthersister，andinperfectfaithshetoldmeallthegoodimaginable。
\"ThenyouareveryfondofVeronique？\"saidI。
\"Oh，yes！Iloveherwithallmyheart，butshewillnotletmecaressher。\"
\"Nodoubtsheisafraidofyourceasingtoloveher。Butdoyouthinksheoughttomakemesufferso？\"
\"No，butifyouloveheryououghttoforgiveher。\"
Annettewasstillquitereasonable。Imadeherdrinkafourthglassofmuscat，butaninstantaftershetoldmethatshecouldnotseeanything，andwerosefromthetable。Annettebegantopleasemealittletoomuch，butIdeterminednottomakeanyattemptsuponherforfearoffindinghertoosubmissive。A
littleresistancesharpenstheappetite，whilefavoursgrantedwithtoomucheaseloseagreatdealoftheircharm。Annettewasonlyfourteen，shehadasoftheart，noknowledgeoftheworldorherownrights，andshewouldnothaveresistedmyembracesforfearofbeingrude。ThatsortofthingwouldonlypleasearichandvoluptuousTurk。