Rometheholy，whichthusstrivestomakeallmenpederasts，deniesthefact，andwillnotbelieveintheeffectsoftheglamourofherowndevising。
Imadethesereflectionsaloud，andanecclesiastic，wishingtoblindmetothetruth，spokeasfollows:——
\"Youarequiteright。Whyshouldthiscastratobeallowedtoshewhisbreast，ofwhichthefairestRomanladymightbeproud，andyetwisheveryonetoconsiderhimasamanandnotawoman？Ifthestageisforbiddentothefairsexlesttheyexcitedesires，whydotheyseekoutmen—monstersmadeintheformofwomen，whoexcitemuchmorecriminaldesires？Theykeeponpreachingthatpederastyiscomparativelyunknownandentrapsonlyafew，butmanyclevermenendeavourtobeentrapped，andendbythinkingitsopleasantthattheypreferthesemonsterstothemostbeautifulwomen。\"
\"ThePopewouldbesureofheavenifheputastoptothisscandalouspractice。\"
\"Idon’tagreewithyou。Onecouldnothaveaprettyactresstosupperwithoutcausingascandal，butsuchaninvitationtoacastratomakesnobodytalk。Itisofcourseknownperfectlywellthataftersupperbothheadsrestononepillow，butwhateverybodyknowsisignoredbyall。Onemaysleepwithamanoutofmerefriendship，itisnotsowithawoman。\"
\"True，monsignor，appearancesaresaved，andasinconcealedishalfpardoned，astheysayinParis。\"
\"AtRomewesayitispardonedaltogether。’Peccatonascostononoffende’。\"
Hisjesuiticalargumentsinterestedme，forIknewthathewasanavowedpartisanoftheforbiddenfruit。
InoneoftheboxesIsawtheMarchionessPassarini（whomIhadknownatDresden）withDonAntonioBorghese，andIwenttopaymyaddressestothem。Theprince，whomIhadknownatParistenyearsbefore，recognizedme，andaskedmetodinewithhimonthefollowingday。Iwent，butmylordwasnotathome。Apagetoldmethatmyplacewaslaidattable，andthatIcoulddinejustasiftheprincewasthere，onwhichIturnedmybackonhimandwentaway。OnAshWednesdayhesenthismantoaskmetosupwithhimandthemarchioness，whowashismistress，andIsentwordthatI
wouldnotfailtocome；buthewaitedformeinvain。Prideisthedaughteroffolly，andalwayskeepsitsmother’snature。
AftertheoperaIwenttoMomolo’s，whereIfoundMariuccia，herfather，hermother，andherfuturehusband。Theywereanxiouslyexpectingme。Itisnotdifficulttomakepeoplehappywhenoneselectsforone’sbountypersonswhoreallydeservehappiness。I
wasamidstpoorbuthonestpeople，andIcantrulysaythatIhadadelightfulsupper。Itmaybethatsomeofmyenjoymentproceededfromafeelingofvanity，forIknewthatIwastheauthorofthehappinessdepictedonthefacesofthebrideandbridegroomandofthefatherandmotherofMariuccia；butwhenvanitycausesgooddeedsitisavirtue。Nevertheless，Ioweittomyselftotellmyreadersthatmypleasurewastoopuretohaveinitanyadmixtureofvice。
AftersupperImadeasmallbankatfaro，makingeverybodyplaywithcounters，asnobodyhadapenny，andIwassofortunateastomakeeveryonewinafewducats。
AfterthegamewedancedinspiteoftheprohibitionofthePope，whomnoRomancanbelievetobeinfallible，forheforbidsdancingandpermitsgamesofchance。HissuccessorGanganellifollowedtheoppositecourse，andwasnobetterobeyed。ToavoidsuspicionIdidnotgivethepairanypresent，butIgaveupmylandautothemthattheymightenjoythecarnivalontheCorso，andItoldCostatogetthemaboxattheCapranicaTheatre。MomoloaskedmetosupperonShroveTuesday。
IwishedtoleaveRomeontheseconddayofLent，andIcalledontheHolyFatheratatimewhenallRomewasontheCorso。HisHolinesswelcomedmemostgraciously，andsaidhewassurprisedthatIhadnotgonetoseethesightsontheCorsolikeeverybodyelse。IrepliedthatasaloverofpleasureIhadchosenthegreatestpleasureofallforaChristian——namely，tokneelatthefeetofthevicarofChristonearth。Hebowedwithakindofmajestichumility，whichshewedmehowthecomplimenthadpleasedhim。Hekeptmeformorethananhour，talkingaboutVenice，Padua，andParis，whichlattercitytheworthymanwouldnothavebeensorrytohavevisited。Iagaincommendedmyselftohisapostolicintercessiontoenablemetoreturntomynativecountry，andhereplied，——
\"HaverecoursetoGod，dearson；Hisgracewillbemoreefficaciousthanmyprayers；\"andthenheblessedmeandwishedmeaprosperousjourney。
IsawthattheHeadoftheChurchhadnogreatopinionofhisownpower。
OnShroveTuesdayIdressedmyselfrichlyinthecostumeofPolichinello，androdealongtheCorsoshoweringsweetmeatsonalltheprettywomenIsaw。FinallyIemptiedthebasketonthedaughtersoftheworthy’scopatore’，whomCostawastakingaboutinmylandauwithallthedignityofapasha。
Atnight—timeItookoffmycostumeandwenttoMomolo’s，whereI
expectedtoseedearMariucciaforthelasttime。SupperpassedoffinalmostasimilarmannertothesupperoflastSunday；buttherewasaninterestingnoveltyforme——namely，thesightofmybelovedmistressinhercharacterofbride。Herhusbandseemedtobemuchmorereservedwithrespecttomethanatourfirstmeeting。Iwaspuzzledbyhisbehaviour，andsatdownbyMariucciaandproceededtoquestionher。Shetoldmeallthecircumstanceswhichhadpassedonthefirstnight，andshespokehighlyofherhusband’sgoodqualities。Hewaskind，amorous，good—tempered，anddelicate。Nodoubthemusthavenoticedthatthecaskethadbeenopened，buthehadsaidnothingaboutit。Ashehadspokenaboutme，shehadnotbeenabletoresistthepleasureoftellinghimthatIwashersolebenefactor，atwhich，sofarfrombeingoffended，heseemedtotrustinhermorethanever。
\"Buthashenotquestionedyouindirectlyastotheconnectionbetweenus？\"
\"Notatall。Itoldhimthatyouwenttomyconfessorafterhavingspokentomeonceonlyinthechurch，whereItoldyouwhatagoodchanceIhadofbeingmarriedtohim。\"
\"Doyouthinkhebelievedyou？\"
\"Iamnotsure；however，evenifitwereotherwise，itisenoughthathepretendsto，forIamdeterminedtowinhisesteem。\"
\"Youareright，andIthinkallthebetterofhimforhissuspicions，foritisbettertomarryamanwithsomesenseinhisheadthantomarryafool。\"
IwassopleasedwithwhatshetoldmethatwhenItookleaveofthecompanyIembracedthehairdresser，anddrawingahandsomegoldwatchfrommyfobIbeggedhimtoacceptitasasouvenirofme。Hereceiveditwiththeutmostgratitude。FrommypocketI
tookaring，worthatleastsixhundredfrancs，andputitonhiswife’sfinger，wishingthemafairposterityandallmannerofhappiness，andIthenwenthometobed，tellingLeDucandCostathatwemustbegintopackupnextday。
IwasjustgettingupwhentheybroughtmeanotefromLordLismore，beggingmetocomeandspeaktohimatnoonattheVillaBorghese。
Ihadsomesuspicionofwhathemightwant，andkepttheappointment。Ifeltinamoodtogivehimsomegoodadvice。
Indeed，consideringthefriendshipbetweenhismotherandmyself，itwasmydutytodoso。
Hecameuptomeandgavemealetterhehadreceivedtheeveningbeforefromhismother。ShetoldhimthatParisdeMonmartelhadjustinformedherthathewasinpossessionofabillfortwohundredthousandfrancsdrawnbyherson，andthathewouldhonouritifshewouldfurnishhimwiththefunds。Shehadrepliedthatshewouldlethimknowintwoorthreedaysifshecoulddoso；
butshewarnedhersonthatshehadonlyaskedforthisdelaytogivehimtimetoescape，asthebillwouldcertainlybeprotestedandreturned，itbeingabsolutelyoutofthequestionforhertogetthemoney。
\"Youhadbettermakeyourselfscarceassoonasyoucan，\"saidI，returninghimtheletter。
\"Buythisring，andsofurnishmewiththemeansformyescape。
YouwouldnotknowthatitwasnotmypropertyifIhadnottoldyousoinconfidence。\"
Imadeanappointmentwithhim，andhadthestonetakenoutandvaluedbyoneofthebestjewellersinRome。
\"Iknowthisstone，\"saidhe，\"itisworthtwothousandRomancrowns。\"
Atfouro’clockItooktheearlfivehundredcrownsingoldandfifteenhundredcrownsinpaper，whichhewouldhavetotaketoabanker，whowouldgivehimabillofexchangeinAmsterdam。
\"Iwillbeoffatnightfall，\"saidhe，\"andtravelbymyselftoAmsterdam，onlytakingsucheffectsasareabsolutelynecessary，andmybelovedblueribbon。\"
\"Apleasantjourneytoyou，\"saidI，andlefthim。IntendaysI
hadthestonemountedatBologna。
IgotaletterofintroductionfromCardinalAlbaniforOnorati，thenuncioatFlorence，andanotherletterfromM。MengstoSirMann，whomhebeggedtoreceivemeinhishouse。IwasgoingtoFlorenceforthesakeoftheCorticelliandmydearTherese，andI
reckonedontheauditor’sfeigningtoignoremyreturn，inspiteofhisunjustorder，especiallyifIwereresidingattheEnglishminister’s。
OntheseconddayofLentthedisappearanceofLordLismorewasthetalkofthetown。TheEnglishtailorwasruined，theJewwhoownedtheringwasindespair，andallthesillyfellow’sservantswereturnedoutofthehouseinalmostastateofnakedness，asthetailorhadunceremoniouslytakenpossessionofeverythinginthewayofclothesthathecouldlayhishandson。
PoorPoinsinetcametoseemeinapitiablecondition；hehadonlyhisshirtandovercoat。Hehadbeendespoiledofeverything，andthreatenedwithimprisonment。\"Ihaven’tafarthing，\"saidthepoorchildofthemuses，\"Ihaveonlytheshirtonmyback。I
knownobodyhere，andIthinkIshallgoandthrowmyselfintotheTiber。\"
Hewasdestined，nottobedrownedintheTiberbutintheGuadalquivir。IcalmedhimbyofferingtotakehimtoFlorencewithme，butIwarnedhimthatImustleavehimthere，assomeonewasexpectingmeatFlorence。Heimmediatelytookuphisabodewithme，andwroteversesincessantlytillitwastimetogo。
MybrotherJeanmademeapresentofanonyxofgreatbeauty。Itwasacameo，representingVenusbathing，andagenuineantique，asthenameoftheartist，Sostrates，wascutonthestone。TwoyearslaterIsoldittoDr。Masti，atLondon，forthreehundredpounds，anditispossiblystillintheBritishMuseum。
IwentmywaywithPoinsinetwhoamusedme，inspiteofhissadness，withhisdrollfancies。IntwodaysIgotdownatDr。
Vannini’s，whotriedtoconcealhissurpriseatseeingme。Ilostnotime，butwaitedonSir————Mannimmediately，andfoundhimsittingattable。Hegavemeaveryfriendlyreception，butheseemedalarmedwhen，inreplytohisquestion，Itoldhimthatmydisputewiththeauditorhadnotbeenarranged。HetoldmeplainlythathethoughtIhadmadeamistakeinreturningtoFlorence，andthathewouldbecompromisedbymystayingwithhim。
IpointedoutthatIwasonlypassingthroughFlorence。
\"That’sallverywell，\"saidhe，\"butyouknowyououghttocallontheauditor。\"
Ipromisedtodoso，andreturnedtomylodging。Ihadscarcelyshutthedoor，whenanagentofpolicecameandtoldmethattheauditorhadsomethingtosaytome，andwouldbegladtoseemeatanearlyhournextmorning。
Iwasenragedatthisorder，anddeterminedtostartforthwithratherthanobey。FullofthisideaIcalledonThereseandfoundshewasatPisa。IthenwenttoseetheCorticelli，whothrewherarmsroundmyneck，andmadeuseoftheBolognesegrimacesappropriatetotheoccasion。Tospeakthetruth，althoughthegirlwaspretty，herchiefmeritinmyeyeswasthatshemademelaugh。
Igavesomemoneytohermothertogetusagoodsupper，andI
tookthegirloutonpretenceofgoingforawalk。Iwentwithhertomylodging，andleftherwithPoinsinet，andgoingtoanotherroomIsummonedCostaandVannini。ItoldCostainVannini’spresencetogoonwithLeDucandmyluggagethefollowingday，andtocallformeatthe\"Pilgrim\"atBologna。I
gaveVanninimyinstructions，andhelefttheroom；andthenI
orderedCostatoleaveFlorencewithSignoraLauraandherson，andtotellthemthatIandthedaughterwereoninfront。LeDucreceivedsimilarorders，andcallingPoinsinetIgavehimtenLouis，andbeggedhimtolookoutforsomeotherlodgingthatveryevening。Theworthybutunfortunateyoungmanweptgratefultears，andtoldmethathewouldsetoutforParmaonfootnextday，andthatthereM。Tillotwoulddosome，thingforhim。
Iwentbacktothenextroom，andtoldtheCorticellitocomewithme。Shedidsoundertheimpressionthatweweregoingbacktohermother’s，butwithouttakingthetroubletoundeceiveherI
hadacarriageandpairgotready，andtoldthepostilliontodrivetoUccellatoio，thefirstpostontheBolognaroad。
\"Whereintheworldarewegoing？\"saidshe。
\"Bologna。\"
\"Howaboutmamma？\"
\"Shewillcomeonto—morrow。\"
\"Doessheknowaboutit？\"
\"No，butshewillto—morrowwhenCostacomestotellher，andtofetchherandyourbrother\"
Shelikedthejoke，andgotintothecarriagelaughing，andwedroveaway。
CHAPTERXI
MyArrivalatBologna——IAmExpelledfromModena——IVisitParmaandTurin——ThePrettyJewess——TheDressmakerTheCorticellihadagoodwarmmantle，butthefoolwhocarriedheroffhadnocloak，evenofthemostmeagrekind，tokeepoffthepiercingcold，whichwasincreasedbyakeenwindblowingrightinourfaces。
InspiteofallIwouldnothalt，forIwasafraidImightbepursuedandobligedtoreturn，whichwouldhavegreatlyvexedme。
WhenIsawthatthepostillionwasslackeninghisspeed，I
increasedtheamountofthepresentIwasgoingtomakehim，andoncemorewerushedalongataheadlongpace。Ifeltperishingwiththecold；whilethepostillionsseeingmesolightlyclad，andsoprodigalofmymoneytospeedthemontheirway，imaginedthatIwasaprincecarryingofftheheiressofsomenoblefamily。
Weheardthemtalkingtothiseffectwhiletheychangedhorses，andtheCorticelliwassomuchamusedthatshedidnothingbutlaughfortherestoftheway。Infivehourswecoveredfortymiles；westartedfromFlorenceateighto’clock，andatoneinthemorningwestoppedatapostinthePope’sterritory，whereI
hadnothingtofear。Thestagegoesunderthenameof\"TheAssUnburdened。\"
Theoddnameoftheinnmademymistresslaughafresh。Everybodywasasleep，butthenoiseImadeandthedistributionofafewpaulsprocuredmetheprivilegeofafire。Iwasdyingofhunger，andtheycoollytoldmetherewasnothingtoeat。Ilaughedinthelandlord’sface，andtoldhimtobringmehisbutter，hiseggs，hismacaroni，aham，andsomeParmesancheese，forIknewthatsomuchwillbefoundintheinnsalloverItaly。Therepastwassoonready，andIshewedtheidiothostthathehadmaterialsforanexcellentmeal。Weatelikefour，andafterwardstheymadeupanimpromptubedandwewenttosleep，tellingthemtocallmeassoonasacarriageandfourdrewup。
Fullofhamandmacaroni，slightlywarmedwiththeChiantiandMontepulciano，andtiredwithourjourney，westoodmoreinneedofslumberthanoflove，andsowegaveourselvesuptosleeptillmorning。Thenwegaveafewmomentstopleasure，butitwassoslightanaffairasnottobeworthtalkingabout。
Atoneo’clockwebegantofeelhungryagainandgotup，andthehostprovideduswithanexcellentdinner，afterreceivinginstructionsfromme。Iwasastonishednottoseethecarriagedrawup，butIwaitedpatientlyallday。Nightcameonandstillnocoach，andIbegantofeelanxious；buttheCorticellipersistedinlaughingateverything。NextmorningIsentoffanexpressmessengerwithinstructionsforCosta。Intheeventofanyviolencehavingtakenplace，IwasresolvedtoreturntoFlorence，ofwhichcityIcouldatanytimemakemyselffreebytheexpenditureoftwohundredcrowns。
Themessengerstartedatnoon，andreturnedattwoo’clockwiththenewsthatmyservantswouldshortlybewithme。Mycoachwasonitsway，andbehinditasmallercarriagewithtwohorses，inwhichsatanoldwomanandayoungman。
\"That’sthemother，\"saidCorticelli；\"nowweshallhavesomefun。
Let’sgetsomethingforthemtoeat，andbereadytohearthehistoryofthismarvellousadventurewhichshewillremembertoherdyingday。\"
Costatoldmethattheauditorhadrevengedmycontemptofhisordersbyforbiddingthepostauthoritiestofurnishanyhorsesformycarriage。Hencethedelay。ButhereweheardtheallocutionoftheSignoraLaura。
\"Igotanexcellentsupperready，\"shebegan，\"accordingtoyourorders；itcostmemorethantenpauls，asIshallshewyou，andI
hopeyouwillmakeituptomeasI’mbutapoorwoman。AllwasreadyandIjoyfullyexpectedyou，butinvain；Iwasindespair。
AtlastwhenmidnightcameIsentmysontoyourlodgingtoenquireafteryou，butyoumayimaginemy’griefwhenIheardthatnobodyknewwhathadbecomeofyou。Ipassedasleeplessnight，weepingallthetime，andinthemorningIwentandcomplainedtothepolicethatyouhadtakenoffmydaughter，andaskedthemtosendafteryouandmakeyougiveherbacktome。Butonlythink，theylaughedatme！’Whydidyoulethergooutwithoutyou？
laughinginmyface。’Yourdaughter’singoodhands，’saysanother，’youknowperfectlywellwheresheis。’InfactIwasgrosslyslandered。\"
\"Slandered？\"saidtheCorticelli。
\"Yes，slandered，foritwasasmuchastosaythatIhadconsentedtoyourbeingcarriedoff，andifIhaddonethatthefoolsmighthaveknownIwouldnothavecometothemaboutit。IwentawayinaragetoDr。Vannini’s，whereIfoundyourman，whotoldmethatyouhadgonetoBologna，andthatIcouldfollowyouifIliked。
Iconsentedtothisplan，andIhopeyouwiltpaymytravellingexpenses。ButIcan’thelptellingyouthatthisisratherbeyondajoke。\"
IconsoledherbytellingherIwouldpayallshehadspent，andwesetoffforBolognathenextday，andreachedthattownatanearlyhour。Isentmyservantstotheinnwithmycarriage，andI
wenttolodgewiththeCorticelli。
Ispentaweekwiththegirl，gettingmymealsfromtheinn，andenjoyingadiversityofpleasureswhichIshallrememberallmydays；myyoungwantonhadalargecircleoffemalefriends，allprettyandallkind。Ilivedwiththemlikeasultan，andstillI
delighttorecallthishappytime，andIsaywithasigh，’Tempipassati’！
TherearemanytownsinItalywhereonecanenjoyallthepleasuresobtainableatBologna；butnowheresocheaply，soeasily，orwithsomuchfreedom。Thelivingisexcellent，andtherearearcadeswhereonecanwalkintheshadeinlearnedandwittycompany。Itisagreatpitythateitherfromtheair，thewater，orthewine——formenofsciencehavenotmadeuptheirmindsonthesubjectpersonswholiveatBolognaaresubjecttoaslightitch。TheBolognese，however，farfromfindingthisunpleasant，seemtothinkitanadvantage；itgivesthemthepleasureofscratchingthemselves。Inspringtimetheladiesdistinguishthemselvesbythegracewithwhichtheyusetheirfingers。
Towardsmid—LentIlefttheCorticelli，wishingherapleasantjourney，forshewasgoingtofulfilayear’sengagementatPragueasseconddancer。IpromisedtofetchherandhermothertoParis，andmyreaderswillseehowIkeptmyword。
IgottoModenatheeveningafterIleftBologna，andIstoppedthere，withoneofthosesuddenwhimstowhichIhavealwaysbeensubject。NextmorningIwentouttoseethepictures，andasI
wasreturningtomylodgingfordinnerablackguardly—lookingfellowcameupandorderedme，onthepartoftheGovernment，tocontinuemyjourneyonthedayfollowingatlatest。
\"Verygood，\"saidI，andthefellowwentaway。
\"Whoisthatman？\"Isaidtothelandlord。
\"ASPY。\"
\"Aspy；andtheGovernmentdarestosendsuchafellowtome？\"
\"The’borgello’musthavesenthim。\"
\"Thenthe’borgello’istheGovernorofModena——theinfamouswretch！\"
\"Hush！hush！allthebestfamiliesspeaktohiminthestreet。\"
\"Thenthebestpeopleareverylowhere，Isuppose？\"
\"Notmorethananywhereelse。Heisthemanageroftheoperahouse，andthegreatestnoblemendinewithhimandthussecurehisfavour。\"
\"It’sincredible！ButwhyshouldthehighandmightyborgellosendmeawayfromModena？\"
\"Idon’tknow，butdoyoutakemyadviceandgoandspeaktohim；
youwillfindhimafinefellow。\"
Insteadofgoingtoseethisb……IcalledontheAbbeTestaGrossa，whomIhadknownatVenicein1753。Althoughhewasamanoflowextractionhehadakeenwit。Atthistimehewasoldandrestingonhislaurels；hehadfoughthiswayintofavourbythesheerforceofmerit，andhismaster，theDukeofModena，hadlongchosenhimashisrepresentativewithotherpowers。
AbbeTestaGrossarecognizedmeandgavemethemostgraciousreception，butwhenheheardofwhathadbefallenmeheseemedmuchannoyed。
\"WhatcanIdo？\"saidI。
\"Youhadbettergo，asthemanmayputamuchmoregrievousinsultonyou。\"
\"Iwilldoso，butcouldyouobligemebytellingmethereasonforsuchahigh—handedaction？\"
\"Comeagainthisevening；Ishallprobablybeabletosatisfyyou。\"
Icalledontheabbeagainintheevening，forIfeltanxioustolearninwhatwayIhadoffendedthelordborgello，towhomI
thoughtIwasquiteunknown。Theabbesatisfiedme。
\"Theborgello，\"saidhe，\"sawyournameonthebillwhichhereceivesdailycontainingalistofthenamesofthosewhoenterorleavethecity。HerememberedthatyouweredaringenoughtoescapefromTheLeads，andashedoesnotatallapproveofthatsortofthingheresolvednottolettheModenesebecontaminatedbysoegregiousanexampleofthedefianceofjustice，howeverunjustitmaybe；andinshorthehasgivenyoutheordertoleavethetown。\"
\"Iammuchobliged，butIreallywonderhowitisthatwhileyouweretellingmethisyoudidnotblushtobeasubjectoftheDukeofModena’s。Whatanunworthyaction！Howcontraryissuchasystemofgovernmenttoallthebestinterestsofthestate！\"
\"Youarequiteright，mydearsir，butIamafraidthatasyetmen’seyesarenotopentowhatbestservestheirinterests。\"
\"Thatisdoubtlessduetothefactthatsomanymenareunworthy。\"
\"Iwillnotcontradictyou。\"
\"Farewell，abbe。\"
\"Farewell，M。Casanova。\"
Nextmorning，justasIwasgoingtogetintomycarriage，ayoungmanbetweentwenty—fiveandthirty，tallandstrongandbroadshouldered，hiseyesblackandglittering，hiseyebrowsstronglyarched，andhisgeneralairbeingthatofacut—throat，accostedmeandbeggedmetostepasideandhearwhathehadtosay。
\"IfyouliketostopatParmaforthreedays，andifyouwillpromisetogivemefiftysequinswhenIbringyouthenewsthattheborgelloisdead，Ipromisetoshoothimwithinthenexttwenty—fourhours。\"
\"Thanks。Suchananimalasthatshouldbeallowedtodieanaturaldeath。Here’sacrowntodrinkmyhealth。\"
AtthepresenttimeIfeelverythankfulthatIactedasIdid，butIconfessthatifIhadfeltsurethatitwasnotatrapI
shouldhavepromisedthemoney。Thefearofcommittingmyselfsparedmethiscrime。
ThenextdayIgottoParma，andIputupattheposting—houseunderthenameoftheChevalierdeSeingalt，whichIstillbear。
Whenanhonestmanadoptsanamewhichbelongstonoone，noonehasarighttocontesthisuseofit；itbecomesaman’sdutytokeepthename。Ihadnowborneitfortwoyears，butIoftensubjoinedtoitmyfamilyname。
WhenIgottoParmaIdismissedCosta，butinaweekafterIhadthemisfortunetotakehimonagain。Hisfather，whowasapoorviolinplayer，asIhadoncebeen，withalargefamilytoprovidefor，excitedmypity。
ImadeenquiriesaboutM。Antonio，buthehadlefttheplace；andM。DuboisChalelereux，DirectoroftheMint，hadgonetoVenicewiththepermissionoftheDukeofParma，tosetupthebeam，whichwasneverbroughtintouse。Republicsarefamousfortheirsuperstitiousattachmenttooldcustoms；theyareafraidthatchangesforthebettermaydestroythestabilityofthestate，andthegovernmentofaristocraticVenicestillpreservesitsoriginalGreekcharacter。
MySpaniardwasdelightedwhenIdismissedCostaandproportionatelysorrywhenItookhimback。
\"He’snoprofligate，\"saidLeDuc；\"heissober，andhasnolikingforbadcompany。ButIthinkhe’sarobber，andadangerousrobber，too。Iknowit，becauseheseemssoscrupulouslycarefulnottocheatyouinsmallthings。RememberwhatIsay，sir；hewilldoyou。Heiswaitingtogainyourconfidence，andthenhewillstrikehome。Now，Iamquiteadifferentsortoffellow，arogueinasmallway；butyouknowme。\"
Hisinsightwas，keenerthanmine，forfiveorsixmonthslatertheItalianrobbedmeoffiftythousandcrowns。Twenty—threeyearsafterwards，in1784，IfoundhiminVenice，valettoCountHardegg，andIfeltinclinedtohavehimhanged。IshewedhimbyproofpositivethatIcoulddosoifIliked；buthehadresourcetotearsandsupplications，andtotheintercessionofaworthymannamedBertrand，wholivedwiththeambassadoroftheKingofSardinia。Iesteemedthisindividual，andheappealedtomesuccessfullytopardonCosta。Iaskedthewretchwhathehaddonewiththegoldandjewelshehadstolenfromme，andhetoldmethathehadlostthewholeofitinfurnishingfundsforabankatBiribi，thathehadbeendespoiledbyhisownassociates，andhadbeenpoorandmiserableeversince。
InthesameyearinwhichherobbedmehemarriedMomolo’sdaughter，andaftermakingheramotherheabandonedher。
Topursueourstory。
AtTurinIlodgedinaprivatehousewiththeAbbeGama，whohadbeenexpectingme。Inspiteofthegoodabbe’ssermononeconomy，Itookthewholeofthefirstfloor，andafinesuiteitwas。
Wediscusseddiplomatictopics，andheassuredmethatIshouldbeaccreditedinMay，andthathewouldgivemeinstructionsastothepartIwastoplay。Iwaspleasedwithhiscommission，andI
toldtheabbethatIshouldbereadytogotoAugsburgwhenevertheambassadorsofthebelligerentpowersmetthere。
AftermakingthenecessaryarrangementswithmylandladywithregardtomymealsIwenttoacoffeehousetoreadthepapers，andthefirstpersonIsawwastheMarquisDesarmoises，whomIhadknowninSavoy。Thefirstthinghesaidwasthatallgamesofchancewereforbidden，andthattheladiesIhadmetwouldnodoubtbedelightedtoseeme。Asforhimself，hesaidthathelivedbyplayingbackgammon，thoughhewasnotatallluckyatit，astalentwentformorethanluckatthatgame。Icanunderstandhow，iffortuneisneutral，thebestplayerwillwin，butIdonotseehowthecontrarycantakeplace。
Wewentforawalkinthepromenadeleadingtothecitadel，whereIsawnumerousextremelyprettywomen。InTurinthefairsexismostdelightful，butthepoliceregulationsaretroublesometoadegree。Owingtothetownbeingasmalloneandthinlypeopled，thepolicespiesfindouteverything。Thusonecannotenjoyanylittlefreedomswithoutgreatprecautionsandtheaidofcunningprocuresses，whohavetobewellpaid，astheywouldbecruellypunishediftheywerefoundout。Noprostitutesandnokeptwomenareallowed，muchtothedelightofthemarriedwomen，andwithresultswhichtheignorantpolicemighthaveanticipated。Aswellbeimagined，pederastyhasafinefieldinthistown，wherethepassionsarekeptunderlockandkey。
AmongstthebeautiesIlookedat，oneonlyattractedme。IaskedDesarmoiseshername，asheknewallofthem。
\"That’sthefamousLeah，\"saidhe；\"sheisaJewess，andimpregnable。ShehasresistedtheattacksofthebeststrategistsinTurin。Herfather’safamoushorse—dealer；youcangoandseehereasilyenough，butthere’snothingtobedonethere。\"
ThegreaterthedifficultythemoreIfeltspurredontoattemptit。
\"Takemethere，\"saidI，toDesarmoises。
\"Assoonasyouplease。\"
Iaskedhimtodinewithme，andwewereonourwaywhenwemetM。
ZeroliandtwoorthreeotherpersonswhomIhadmetatAix。I
gaveandreceivedplentyofcompliments，butnotwishingtopaythemanyvisitsIexcusedmyselfonthepretextofbusiness。
WhenwehadfinisheddinnerDesarmoisestookmetothehorse—
dealer’s。Iaskedifhehadagoodsaddlehorse。Hecalledaladandgavehisorders，andwhilsthewasspeakingthecharmingdaughterappearedonthescene。Shewasdazzlinglybeautiful，andcouldnotbemorethantwenty—two。Herfigurewasaslissomasanymph’s，herhairaravenblack，hercomplexionameetingofthelilyandtherose，hereyesfulloffire，herlasheslong，andhereye—browssowellarchedthattheyseemedreadytomakewaronanywhowoulddaretheconquestofhercharms。Allaboutherbetokenedaneducatedmindandknowledgeoftheworld。
IwassoabsorbedinthecontemplationofhercharmsthatIdidnotnoticethehorsewhenitwasbroughttome。However，I
proceededtoscrutiniseit，pretendingtobeanexpert，andafterfeelingthekneesandlegs，turningbacktheears，andlookingattheteeth，Itesteditsbehaviouratawalk，atrot，andagallop，andthentoldtheJewthatIwouldcomeandtryitmyselfintop—
bootsthenextday。Thehorsewasafinedappledbay，andwaspricedatfortyPiedmontesepistoles——aboutahundredsequins。
\"Heisgentlenessitself，\"saidLeah，\"andheamblesasfastasanyotherhorsetrots。\"
\"Youhaveriddenit，then？\"
\"Often，sir，andifIwererichIwouldneversellhim。\"
\"Iwon’tbuythehorsetillIhaveseenyourideit。\"
Sheblushedatthis。
\"Youmustobligethegentleman，\"saidherfather。Sheconsentedtodoso，andIpromisedtocomeagainatnineo’clockthenextday。
Iwasexacttotime，asmaybeimagined，andIfoundLeahinridingcostume。Whatproportions！WhataVenusCallipyge！Iwascaptivated。
Twohorseswereready，andsheleaptonherswiththeeaseandgraceofapractisedrider，andIgotuponmyhorse。Werodetogetherforsomedistance。Thehorsewentwellenough，butwhatofthat；allmyeyeswereforher。
Aswewereturning，Isaid，——
\"FairLeah，Iwillbuythehorse，butasapresentforyou；andifyouwillnottakeitIshallleaveTurintoday。TheonlyconditionIattachtothegiftis，thatyouwillridewithmewheneverIaskyou。\"
Isawsheseemedfavourablyinclinedtomyproposal，soItoldherthatIshouldstaysixweeksatTurin，thatIhadfalleninlovewithheronthepromenade，andthatthepurchaseofthehorsehadbeenamerepretextfordiscoveringtohermyfeelings。SherepliedmodestlythatshewasvastlyflatteredbythelikingIhadtakentoher，andthatIneednothavemadehersuchapresenttoassuremyselfofherfriendship。
\"Theconditionyouimposeonmeisanextremelypleasantone，andIamsurethatmyfatherwilllikemetoacceptit。\"
Tothissheadded，——
\"AllIaskisforyoutomakemethepresentbeforehim，repeatingthatyouwillonlybuyitontheconditionthatIwillacceptit。\"
IfoundthewaysmootherthanIhadexpected，andIdidwhatsheaskedme。Herfather，whosenamewasMoses，thoughtitagoodbargain，congratulatedhisdaughter，tookthefortypistolesandgavemeareceipt，andbeggedmetodothemthehonourofbreakfastingwiththemthenextday。ThiswasjustwhatIwanted。
ThefollowingmorningMosesreceivedmewithgreatrespect。Leah，whowasinherordinaryclothes，toldmethatifIlikedtorideshewouldputonherridinghabit。
\"Anotherday，\"saidI；\"to—dayIshouldliketoconversewithyouinyourownhouse。\"
Butthefather，whowasasgreedyasmostJewsare，saidthatifI
likeddrivinghecouldsellmeaprettyphaetonwithtwoexcellenthorses。
\"Youmustshewthemtothegentleman，\"saidLeah，possiblyinconcertwithherfather。
Mosessaidnothing，butwentouttogetthehorsesharnessed。
\"Iwilllookatthem，\"IsaidtoLeah，\"butIwon’tbuy，asI
shouldnotknowwhattodowiththem。\"
\"Youcantakeyourlady—loveoutforadrive。\"
\"Thatwouldbeyou；butperhapsyouwouldbeafraid！\"
\"Notatall，ifyoudroveinthecountryorthesuburbs。\"
\"Verygood，Leah，thenIwilllookatthem。\"
Thefathercamein，andwewentdownstairs。Ilikedthecarriageandthehorses，andItoldLeahso。
\"Well，\"saidMoses，\"youcanhavethemnowforfourhundredsequins，butafterEasterthepricewillbefivehundredsequinsatleast。\"
Leahgotintothecarriage，andIsatbesideher，andwewentforanhour’sdriveintothecountry。ItoldMosesIwouldgivehimananswerbythenextday，andhewentabouthisbusiness，whileLeahandIwentupstairsagain。
\"It’squiteworthfourhundredsequins，\"saidI，\"andto—morrowI
willbuyitwithpleasure；butonthesameconditionasthatonwhichIboughtthehorse，andsomethingmore——namely，thatyouwillgrantmeallthefavoursthatatenderlovercandesire。\"
\"Youspeakplainly，andIwillansweryouinthesameway。I’manhonestgirl，sir，andnotforsale。\"
\"Allwomen，dearLeah，whethertheyarehonestornot，areforsale。Whenamanhasplentyoftimehebuysthewomanhisheartdesiresbyunremittingattentions；butwhenhe’sinahurryhebuysherwithpresents，andevenwithmoney。\"
\"Thenhe’saclumsyfellow；hewoulddobettertoletsentimentandattentionpleadhiscauseandgainthevictory。\"
\"IwishIcouldgivemyselfthathappiness，fairLeah，butI’minagreathurry。\"
AsIfinishedthissentenceherfathercamein，andIleftthehousetellinghimthatifIcouldnotcomethenextdayIwouldcomethedayafter，andthatwecouldtalkaboutthephaetonthen。
ItwasplainthatLeahthoughtIwaslavishofmymoney，andwouldmakeacapitaldupe。Shewouldrelishthephaeton，asshehadrelishedthehorse，butIknewthatIwasnotquitesuchafoolasthat。Ithadnotcostmemuchtroubletoresolvetochancethelossofahundredsequins，butbeyondthatIwantedsomevalueformymoney。
ItemporarilysuspendedmyvisitstoseehowLeahandherfatherwouldsettleitamongstthemselves。IreckonedontheJew’sgreedinesstoworkwellforme。Hewasveryfondofmoney，andmusthavebeenangrythathisdaughterhadnotmademebuythephaetonbysomemeansoranother，forsolongasthephaetonwasboughttherestwouldbeperfectlyindifferenttohim。Ifeltalmostcertainthattheywouldcomeandseeme。
ThefollowingSaturdayIsawthefairJewessonthepromenade。Wewerenearenoughformetoaccostherwithoutseemingtobeanxioustodoso，andherlookseemedtosay，\"Come。\"
\"Weseenomoreofyounow，\"saidshe，\"butcomeandbreakfastwithmeto—morrow，orIwillsendyoubackthehorse。\"
Ipromisedtobewithheringoodtime，and，asthereaderwillimagine，Ikeptmyword。
Thebreakfastpartywasalmostconfinedtoourselves，forthoughherauntwaspresentshewasonlytherefordecency’ssake。Afterbreakfastweresolvedtohavearide，andshechangedherclothesbeforeme，butalsobeforeheraunt。Shefirstputonherleatherbreeches，thenletherskirtsfall，tookoffhercorset，anddonnedajacket。WithseemingindifferenceIsucceededincatchingaglimpseofamagnificentbreast；buttheslypussknewhowmuchmyindifferencewasworth。
\"Willyouarrangemyfrill？\"saidshe。
Thiswasawarmoccupationforme，andIamafraidmyhandwasindiscreet。Nevertheless，IthoughtIdetectedafixeddesignunderallthisseemingcomplaisance，andIwasonmyguard。
Herfathercameupjustasweweregettingonhorseback。
\"Ifyouwillbuythephaetonandhorses，\"saidhe，\"Iwillabatetwentysequins。\"
\"Allthatdependsonyourdaughter，\"saidI。
Wesetoffatawalk，andLeahtoldmethatshehadbeenimprudentenoughtoconfesstoherfatherthatshecouldmakemebuythecarriage，andthatifIdidnotwishtoembroilherwithhimI
wouldbekindenoughtopurchaseit。
\"Strikethebargain，\"saidshe，\"andyoucangiveitmewhenyouaresureofmylove。\"
\"MydearLeah，Iamyourhumbleservant，butyouknowonwhatcondition。\"
\"Ipromisetodriveoutwithyouwheneveryouplease，withoutgettingoutofthecarriage，butIknowyouwouldnotcareforthat。No，youraffectionwasonlyatemporarycaprice。\"
\"ToconvinceyouofthecontraryIwillbuythephaetonandputitinacoach—house。Iwillseethatthehorsesaretaken—careof，thoughIshallnotusethem。ButifyoudonotmakemehappyinthecourseofaweekIshallre—sellthewhole。\"
\"Cometousto—morrow。\"
\"Iwilldoso，butItrusthavesomepledgeofyouraffectionthismorning。\"
\"Thismorning？It’simpossible。\"
\"Excuseme；Iwillgoupstairswithyou，andyoucanshewmemorethanonekindnesswhileyouareundressing。\"
Wecameback，andIwasastonishedtohearhertellingherfatherthatthephaetonwasmine，andallhehadtodowastoputinthehorses。TheJewgrinned，andweallwentupstairs，andLeahcoollysaid，——
\"Countoutthemoney。\"
\"Ihavenotanymoneyaboutme，butIwillwriteyouacheque，ifyoulike。\"
\"Hereispaper。\"
IwroteachequeonZappataforthreehundredsequins，payableatsight。TheJewwentofftogetthemoney，andLeahremainedalonewithme。
\"Youhavetrustedme，\"shesaid，\"andhavethusshewnyourselfworthyofmylove。\"
\"Thenundress，quick！\"
\"No，myauntisaboutthehouse；andasIcannotshutthedoorwithoutexcitingsuspicion，shemightcomein；butIpromisethatyoushallbecontentwithmetomorrow。Nevertheless，Iamgoingtoundress，butyoumustgointhiscloset；youmaycomebackwhenIhavegotmywoman’sclothesonagain。\"
Iagreedtothisarrangement，andsheshutmein。Iexaminedthedoor，anddiscoveredasmallchinkbetweentheboards。Igotonastool，andsawLeahsittingonasofaoppositetomeengagedinundressingherself。Shetookoffhershiftandwipedherbreastsandherfeetwithatowel，andjustasshehadtakenoffherbreeches，andwasasnakedasmyhand，oneofherringshappenedtoslipoffherfinger，androlledunderthesofa。Shegotup，lookedtorightandleft，andthenstoopedtosearchunderthesofa，andtodothisshehadtokneelwithherheaddown。Whenshegotbacktocouch，thetowelcameagainintorequisition，andshewipedherselfalloverinsuchamannerthatallhercharmswererevealedtomyeagereyes。IfeltsurethatsheknewIwasawitnessofalltheseoperations，andsheprobablyguessedwhatafirethesightwouldkindleinmyinflammablebreast。
Atlasthertoilettewasfinished，andsheletmeout。Iclaspedherinmyarms，withthewords，\"Ihaveseeneverything。\"Shepretendednottobelieveme，soIchewedherthechink，andwasgoingtoobtainmyjustdues，whentheaccursedMosescamein。Hemusthavebeenblindorhewouldhaveseenthestatehisdaughterhadputmein；however，hethankedme，andgavemeareceiptforthemoney，saying，\"Everythinginmypoorhouseisatyourservice。\"
Ibadethemadieu，andIwentawayinanilltemper。Igotintomyphaeton，anddrovehomeandtoldthecoachmantofindmeastableforthehorsesandacoach—houseforthecarriage。
IdidnotexpecttoseeLeahagain，andIfeltenragedwithher。
Shehadpleasedmeonlytoomuchbyhervoluptuousattitudes，butshehadsetupanirritationwhollyhostiletoLove。ShehadmadeLovearobber，andthehungryboyhadconsented，butafterwards，whenhecravedmoresubstantialfare，sherefusedhim，andardourwassucceededbycontempt。Leahdidnotwanttoconfessherselftobewhatshereallywas，andmylovewouldnotdeclareitselfknavish。
Imadetheacquaintanceofanamiablechevalier，asoldier，amanofletters，andagreatloverofhorses，whointroducedmetoseveralpleasantfamilies。However，Ididnotcultivatethem，astheyonlyofferedmethepleasuresofsentiment，whileIlongedforlustierfareforwhichIwaswillingtopayheavily。TheChevalierdeBrezewasnotthemanforme；hewastoorespectableforaprofligatelikemyself。Heboughtthephaetonandhorses，andIonlylostthirtysequinsbythetransaction。
AcertainM。Baretti，whohadknownmeatAix，andhadbeentheMarquisdePriescroupier，tookmetoseetheMazzoli，formerlyadancer，andthenmistresstotheChevalierRaiberti，ahardheadedbuthonestman，whowasthensecretaryforforeignaffairs。
AlthoughtheMazzoliwasbynomeanspretty，shewasextremelycomplaisant，andhadseveralgirlsatherhouseformetosee；
butIdidnotthinkanyofthemworthyofoccupyingLeah’splace。
IfanciedInolongerlovedLeah，butIwaswrong。
TheChevalierCocona，whohadthemisfortunetobesufferingfromavenerealdisease，gavemeuphismistress，aprettylittle’soubrette’；butinspiteoftheevidenceofmyowneyes，andinspiteoftheassurancesshegaveme，Icouldnotmakeupmymindtohaveher，andmyfearmademeleaveheruntouched。CountTrana，abrotherofthechevalier’swhomIhadknownatAix，introducedmetoMadamedeSc————，aladyofhighrankandverygood—looking，butshetriedtoinvolvemeinacriminaltransaction，andIceasedtocallonher。Shortlyafter，CountTrana’sunclediedandhebecamerichandgotmarried，buthelivedanunhappylife。
Iwasgettingbored，andDesarmoises，whohadallhismealswithme，didnotknowwhattodo。AtlastheadvisedmetomaketheacquaintanceofacertainMadameR————，aFrenchwoman，andwellknowninTurinasamillineranddressmaker。Shehadsixoreightgirlsworkingforherinaroomadjoininghershop。DesarmoisesthoughtthatifIgotinthereImightpossiblybeabletofindonetomytaste。AsmypursewaswellfurnishedIthoughtI
shouldnothavemuchdifficulty，soIcalledonMadameR————。I
wasagreeablysurprisedtofindLeahthere，bargainingforaquantityofarticles，allofwhichshepronouncedtobetoodear。
ShetoldmekindlybutreproachfullythatshehadthoughtImustbeill。
\"Ihavebeenverybusy，\"Isaid；andfeltallmyoldardourrevive。SheaskedmetocometoaJewishwedding，wheretherewouldbeagoodmanypeopleandseveralprettygirls。Iknewthatceremoniesofthiskindareveryamusing，andIpromisedtobepresent。Sheproceededwithherbargaining，butthepricewasstilltoohighandshelefttheshop。MadameR————wasgoingtoputbackallthetriflesintheirplaces，butIsaid，——
\"Iwilltakethelotmyself。\"
Shesmiled，andIdrewoutmypurseandpaidthemoney。
\"Wheredoyoulive，sir？\"saidshe；\"andwhenshallIsendyouyourpurchases？\"
\"Youmaybringthemto—morrowyourself，anddomethehonourofbreakfastingwithme。\"
\"Icanneverleavetheshop，sir。\"Inspiteofherthirty—fiveyears，MadameR————wasstillwhatwouldbecalledatastymorsel，andshehadtakenmyfancy。
\"Iwantsomedarklace，\"saidI。
\"Thenkindlyfollowme，sir。\"
IwasdelightedwhenIenteredtheroomtoseealotofyoungwork—girls，allcharming，hardatwork，andscarcelydaringtolookatme。MadameR————openedseveralcupboards，andshowedmesomemagnificentlace。Iwasdistractedbythesightofsomanydeliciousnymphs，andItoldherthatIwantedthelacefortwo’baoutes’intheVenetianstyle。SheknewwhatImeant。Thelacecostmeupwardsofahundredsequins。MadameR————toldtwoofhergirlstobringmethelacethenextday，togetherwiththegoodswhichLeahhadthoughttoodear。Theymeeklyreplied，——
\"Yes，mother。\"
Theyroseandkissedthemother’shand，whichIthoughtaridiculousceremony；however，itgavemeanopportunityofexaminingthem，andIthoughtthemdelicious。Wewentbacktotheshop，andsittingdownbythecounterIenlargedonthebeautyofthegirls，adding，thoughnotwithstricttruth，thatIvastlypreferredtheirmistress。Shethankedmeforthecomplimentandtoldmeplainlythatshehadalover，andsoonafternamedhim。
HewastheComtedeSt。Giles，aninfirmandelderlyman，andbynomeansamodellover。IthoughtMadameR————wasjesting，butnextdayIascertainedthatshewasspeakingthetruth。Well，everyonetohistaste，andIsuspectthatshewasmoreinlovewiththecount’spursethanhisperson。Ihadmethimatthe\"Exchange\"coffeehouse。
Thenextdaythetwoprettymillinersbroughtmemygoods。I
offeredthemchocolate，buttheyfirmlyandpersistentlydeclined。
ThefancytookmetosendthemtoLeahwithallthethingsshehadchosen，andIbadethemreturnandtellmewhatsortofareceptiontheyhadhad。Theysaidtheywoulddoso，andwaitedformetowriteheranote。
Icouldnotgivethemtheslightestmarkofaffection。Idarednotshutthedoor，andthemistressandtheuglyyoungwomanofthehousekeptgoingandcomingallthetime；butwhentheycamebackIwaitedforthemonthestairs，andgivingthemasequineachtoldeachofthemthatshemightcommandmyheartifshewould。Leahhadacceptedmyhandsomepresentandsenttosaythatshewaswaitingforme。
AsIwaswalkingaimlesslyaboutintheafternoonIhappenedtopassthemilliner’sshop，andMadameR————sawmeandmademecomeinandsitdownbesideher。
\"Iamreallymuchobligedtoyou，\"saidshe，\"foryourkindnesstomygirls。Theycamehomeenchanted。TellmefranklywhetheryouarereallyinlovewiththeprettyJewess。\"
\"Iamreallyinlovewithher，butasshewillnotmakemehappyI
havesignedmyowndismissal。\"
\"Youwerequiteright。AllLeahthinksofisdupingthosewhoarecaptivatedbyhercharms。\"
\"Donotyourcharmingapprenticesfollowyourmaxims？\"
\"No；buttheyareonlycomplaisantwhenIgivethemleave。\"
\"ThenIcommendmyselftoyourintercession，fortheywouldnoteventakeacupofchocolatefromme。\"
\"Theywereperfectlyrightnottoacceptyourchocolate:butIseeyoudonotknowthewaysofTurin。Doyoufindyourselfcomfortableinyourpresentlodging？\"
\"Quiteso。\"
\"Areyouperfectlyfreetodowhatyoulike？\"
\"Ithinkso。\"
\"Canyougivesuppertoanyoneyoulikeinyourownrooms？Iamcertainyoucan’t。\"
\"Ihavenothadtheopportunityoftryingtheexperimentsofar，butIbelieve……\"
\"Don’tflatteryourselfbybelievinganything；thathouseisfullofthespiesofthepolice。\"
\"ThenyouthinkthatIcouldnotgiveyouandtwoorthreeofyourgirlsalittlesupper？\"
\"Ishouldtakeverygoodcarenottogotoit，that’sallIknow。
Bynextmorningitwouldbeknowntoallthetown，andespeciallytothepolice。\"
\"Well，supposingIlookoutforanotherlodging？\"
\"It’sthesameeverywhere。Turinisaperfectnestofspies；butIdoknowahousewhereyoucouldliveatease，andwheremygirlsmightperhapsbeabletobringyouyourpurchases。Butweshouldhavetobeverycareful。\"
\"WhereisthehouseIwillbeguidedbyyouineverything。\"
\"Don’ttrustaPiedmontese；that’sthefirstcommandmenthere。\"
Shethengavemetheaddressofasmallfurnishedhouse，whichwasonlyinhabitedbyanolddoor—keeperandhiswife。
\"Theywillletityoubythemonth，\"saidshe，\"andifyoupayamonthinadvanceyouneednoteventellthemyourname。\"
Ifoundthehousetobeaveryprettyone，standinginalonelystreetatabouttwohundredpacesfromthecitadel。Onegate，largeenoughtoadmitacarriage，ledintothecountry。IfoundeverythingtobeasMadameR————haddescribedit。Ipaidamonthinadvancewithoutanybargaining，andinadayIhadsettledinmynewlodging。MadameR————admiredmycelerity。
IwenttotheJewishweddingandenjoyedmyself，forthereissomethingatoncesolemnandridiculousabouttheceremony；butI
resistedallLeah’sendeavourstogetmeoncemoreintohermeshes……Ihiredaclosecarriagefromherfather，whichwiththehorsesIplacedinthecoach—houseandstablesofmynewhouse。
ThusIwasabsolutelyfreetogowheneverIwouldbynightorbyday，forIwasatonceinthetownandinthecountry。IwasobligedtotelltheinquisitiveGamawhereIwasliving，andIhidnothingfromDesarmoises，whoseneedsmadehimaltogetherdependentonme。NeverthelessIgaveordersthatmydoorwasshuttothemastoeveryoneelse，unlessIhadgivenspecialinstructionsthattheyweretobeadmitted。Ihadnoreasontodoubtthefidelityofmytwoservants。
InthisblissfulabodeIenjoyedallMdlle。R————’sgirls，oneaftertheother。TheoneIwantedalwaysbroughtacompanion，whomIusuallysentbackaftergivingherasliceofthecake。
Thelastofthem，whosenamewasVictorine，asfairasdayandassoftasadove，hadthemisfortunetobetied，thoughsheknewnothingaboutit。Mdlle。R————，whowasequallyignorantonthesubject，hadrepresentedhertomeasavirgin，andsoIthoughtherfortwolonghoursinwhichIstrovewithmightandmaintobreakthecharm，orratheropentheshell。Allmyeffortswereinvain。Iwasexhaustedatlast，andIwantedtoseeinwhattheobstacleconsisted。Iputherintheproperposition，andarmedwithacandleIbeganmyscrutiny。Ifoundafleshymembranepiercedbysosmallaholethatlargepin’sheadcouldscarcelyhavegonethrough。Victorineencouragedmetoforceapassagewithmylittlefinger，butinvainItriedtopiercethiswall，whichnaturehadmadeimpassablebyallordinarymeans。IwastemptedtoseewhatIcoulddowithabistoury，andthegirlwantedmetotry，butIwasafraidofthehaemorrhagewhichmighthavebeendangerous，andIwiselyrefrained。
PoorVictorine，condemnedtodieamaid，unlesssomecleversurgeonperformedthesameoperationthatwasundergonebyMdlle。
CheruffinishortlyafterM。Leprimarriedher，weptwhenIsaid，——
\"Mydearchild，yourlittleHymendefiesthemostvigorouslovertoenterhistemple。\"
ButIconsoledherbysayingthatagoodsurgeoncouldeasilymakeaperfectwomanofher。
InthemorningItoldMadameR————ofthecase。
Shelaughedandsaid，——
\"ItmayproveahappyaccidentforVictorine；itmaymakeherfortune。\"
AfewyearsaftertheCountofPaduahadheroperatedon，andmadeherfortune。WhenIcamebackfromSpainIfoundthatshewaswithchild，sothatIcouldnotexacttheduerewardforallthetroubleIhadtakenwithher。
EarlyinthemorningonMaundayThursdaytheytoldmethatMosesandLeahwantedtoseeme。Ihadnotexpectedtoseethem，butI
welcomedthemwarmly。ThroughoutHolyWeektheJewsdarednotshewthemselvesinthestreetsofTurin，andIadvisedthemtostaywithmetilltheSaturday。Mosesbegantotryandgetmetopurchasearingfromhim，andIjudgedfromthatthatIshouldnothavetopressthemverymuch。
\"IcanonlybuythisringfromLeah’shands，\"saidI。
Hegrinned，thinkingdoubtlessthatIintendedtomakeherapresentofit，butIwasresolvedtodisappointhim。Igavethemamagnificentdinnerandsupper，andintheeveningtheywereshewnadouble—beddedroomnotfarfrommine。Imighthaveputthemindifferentrooms，andLeahinaroomadjoiningmine，whichwouldhavefacilitatedanynocturnalexcursions；butafterallI
haddoneforherIwasresolvedtoowenothingtoasurprise；sheshouldcomeofherself。
ThenextdayMoses（whonoticedthatIhadnotyetboughtthering）wasobligedtogooutonbusiness，andaskedfortheloanofmycarriageforthewholeday，tellingmethathewouldcomeforhisdaughterintheevening。Ihadthehorsesharnessed，andwhenhewasgoneIboughttheringforsixhundredsequins，butonmyownterms。Iwasinmyownhouse，andLeahcouldnotdeceiveme。
AssoonasthefatherwassafelyoutofthewayIpossessedmyselfofthedaughter。Sheprovedadocileandamoroussubjectthewholeday。Ihadreducedhertoastateofnature，andthoughherbodywasasperfectascanwellbeimaginedIuseditandabuseditineverywayimaginable。Intheeveningherfatherfoundherlookingrathertired，butheseemedaspleasedasIwas。Leahwasnotquitesowellsatisfied，fortillthemomentoftheirdepartureshewasexpectingmetogiveherthering，butI
contentedmyselfwithsayingthatIshouldliketoreservemyselfthepleasureoftakingittoher。
OnEasterMondayamanbroughtmeanotesummoningmetoappearatthepoliceoffice。
CHAPTERXII
MyVictoryOvertheDeputyChiefofPolice——MyDeparture——
Chamberi——Desarmoises’sDaughter——M。Morin——M***M***
——AtAix——TheYoungBoarder——Lyons——ParisThiscitation，whichdidnotpromisetoleadtoanythingagreeable，surprisedanddispleasedmeexceedingly。However，I
couldnotavoidit，soIdrovetotheofficeofthedeputy—
superintendentofpolice。Ifoundhimsittingatalongtable，surroundedbyaboutascoreofpeopleinastandingposture。Hewasamanofsixty，hideouslyugly，hisenormousnosehalfdestroyedbyanulcerhiddenbyalargeblacksilkplaster，hismouthofhugedimensions，hislipsthick，withsmallgreeneyesandeyebrowswhichhadpartlyturnedwhite。Assoonasthisdisgustingfellowsawme，hebegan，——
\"YouaretheChevalierdeSeingalt？\"
\"Thatismyname，andIhavecomeheretoaskhowIcanobligeyou？\"
\"Ihavesummonedyouheretoorderyoutoleavetheplaceinthreedaysatlatest。\"
\"Andasyouhavenorighttogivesuchanorder，IhavecomeheretotellyouthatIshallgowhenIplease，andnotbefore。\"
\"Iwillexpelyoubyforce。\"
\"Youmaydothatwheneveryouplease。Icannotresistforce，butItrustyouwillgivethematterasecondthought；forinawell—
orderedcitytheydonotexpelamanwhohascommittednocrimes，andhasabalanceofahundredthousandfrancsatthebank。\"
\"Verygood，butinthreedaysyouhaveplentyoftimetopackupandarrangematterswithyourbanker。Iadviseyoutoobey，asthecommandcomesfromtheking。\"
\"IfIweretoleavethetownIshouldbecomeaccessorytoyourinjustice！Iwillnotobey，butsinceyoumentiontheking’sname，Iwillgotohismajestyatonce，andhewilldenyyourwordsorrevoketheunjustorderyouhavegivenmewithsuchpublicity。\"
\"Pray，doesnotthekingpossessthepowertomakeyougo？\"
\"Yes，byforce，butnotbyjustice。Hehasalsothepowertokillme，buthewouldhavetoprovidetheexecutioner，ashecouldnotmakemecommitsuicide。\"
\"Youarguewell，butneverthelessyouwillobey。\"
\"Iarguewell，butIdidnotlearntheartfromyou，andIwillnotobey。\"
WiththesewordsIturnedmybackonhim，andleftwithoutanotherword。
Iwasinafuriousrage。Ifeltinclinedtoofferovertresistancetoallthemyrmidonsoftheinfamoussuperintendent。
NeverthelessIsooncalmedmyself，andsummoningprudencetomyaidIrememberedtheChevalierRaiberti，whomIhadseenathismistress’shouse，andIdecidedonaskinghisadvice。Hewasthechiefpermanentofficialinthedepartmentofforeignaffairs。I
toldthecoachmantodrivetohishouse，andIrecountedtohimthewholetale，saying，finally，thatIshouldliketospeaktotheking，asIwasresolvedthatIwouldnotgounlessIwasforcedtodoso。TheworthymanadvisedmetogototheChevalierOsorio，theprincipalsecretaryforforeignaffairs，whocouldalwaysgetanaudienceoftheking。Iwaspleasedwithhisadvice，andIwentimmediatelytotheminister，whowasaSicilianandamanofparts。Hegavemeaverygoodreception，andafterI
hadinformedhimofthecircumstancesofthecaseIbeggedhimtocommunicatethemattertohismajesty，addingthatasthesuperintendent’sorderappearedhorriblyunjusttomeIwasresolvednottoobeyitunlesscompelledtodosobymainforce。
HepromisedtoobligemeinthewayIwished，andtoldmetocallagainthenextday。
AfterleavinghimItookashortwalktocoolmyself，andthenwenttotheAbbeGama，hopingtobethefirsttoimpartmyridiculousadventuretohim。Iwasdisappointed；healreadyknewthatIhadbeenorderedtogo，andhowIhadansweredthesuperintendent。WhenhesawthatIpersistedinmydeterminationtoresist，hedidnotcondemnmyfirmness，thoughhemusthavethoughtitveryextraordinary，forthegoodabbecouldnotunderstandanybody’sdisobeyingtheorderoftheauthorities。HeassuredmethatifIhadtogohewouldsendmethenecessaryinstructionstoanyaddressIlikedtoname。