Hedidnotevendrawhisswordonthewaiterwhohadcaughtholdofhim，thoughthemanonlyhadaknifeinhisbelt。
\"Atallevents，\"headded，\"Iwillgooutwithyou。\"
Itoldhimthathehaddonewellthistime，butthatforthefuturehemustnotinterfereinmyaffairs。
\"Sir，\"hereplied，\"youraffairsofthiskindareminetoo，I
shalltakecarenottogobeyondmyduty。\"
Withthisspeech，whichIthoughtverysensible，thoughIdidnottellhimso，hetookoneofmypistolsandsawtothepriming，smilingatmesignificantly。
AllgoodFrenchservantsareofthesamestampasClairmont；theyaredevotedandintelligent，buttheyallthinkthemselvesclevererthantheirmasters，whichindeedisoftenthecase，andwhentheyaresureofittheybecomethemastersoftheirmasters，tyrannizeoverthem，andgivethemmarksofcontemptwhichthefoolishgentlemenendeavourtoconceal。Butwhenthemasterknowshowtomakehimselfrespected，theClairmontsareexcellent。
Thelandlordofmyinnsentareportoftheaffairtothepolice，andtheFrenchofficerwasbanishedfromthetownthesameday。
AtdinnerColonelBasiliaskedtohearthestory，andsaidthatnoonebutaFrenchofficerwouldthinkofattackingamaninhisownroominsuchafoolishmanner。Idifferedfromhim。
\"TheFrencharebrave，\"Ireplied，\"butgenerallytheyareperfectlypoliteandhavewonderfultact。Wretchednessandlove，joinedtoafalsespiritofcourage，makesafoolofamanalltheworldover。\"
Atsuppertheballet—girlthankedmeforriddingherofthepoordevil，who（asshesaid）wasalwaysthreateningtokillher，andweariedherbesides。Thoughshewasnotbeautiful，therewassomethingcaptivatingaboutthisgirl。Shewasgraceful，well—
mannered，andintelligent，hermouthwaswell—shaped，andhereyeslargeandexpressive。IthinkIshouldhavefoundheragoodbargain，butasIwantedtogetawayfromPavia，andpiquedmyselfonhavingbeengood—naturedwithoutulteriormotive，Ibadeherfarewellaftersupper，withmanythanksforherkindnessincoming。Mypolitenessseemedrathertoconfuseher，butshewentawayreiteratinghergratitude。
NextdayIdinedatthecelebratedChartreuse，andintheeveningIreachedMilan，andgotoutatCountA————B————’s，whohadnotexpectedmetillthefollowingday。
Thecountess，ofwhommyfancyhadmadeaperfectwoman，disappointedmedreadfully。Itisalwayssowhenpassiongivesreinstotheimagination。TheCountesswascertainlypretty，thoughtoosmall，andImightstillhavelovedher，inspiteofmydisappointment，butatourmeetingshegreetedmewithagravitythatwasnottomytaste，andwhichgavemeadisliketoher。
Aftertheusualcompliments，Igaveherthetwopiecesofsarcenetshehadcommissionedmetoget。Shethankedme，tellingmethatherconfessorwouldreimbursemeformyexpenditure。Thecountthentookmetomyroom，andleftmetheretillsupper。Itwasnicelyfurnished，butIfeltillatease，andresolvedtoleaveinadayortwoifthecountessremainedimmovable。Twenty—fourhourswasasmuchasIcaredtogiveher。
Wemadeapartyoffouratsupper；thecounttalkingallthetimetodrawmeout，andtohidehiswife’ssulkiness。Iansweredinthesamegaystrain，speakingtohiswife，however，inthehopeofrousingher。Itwasalllostlabour。Thelittlewomanonlyrepliedbyfaintsmileswhichvanishedalmostastheycame，andbymonosyllabicanswersofthebriefestdescription，withouttakinghereyesoffthedisheswhichshethoughttasteless；anditwastothepriest，whowasthefourthpersonpresent，thatsheaddressedhercomplaints，almostspeakingaffablytohim。
AlthoughIlikedthecountverywell，Icouldnothelppronouncinghiswifedecidedlyungracious。IwaslookingathertoseeifI
couldfindanyjustificationforherillhumouronherfeatures，butassoonasshesawmesheturnedawayinaverymarkedmanner，andbegantospeakaboutnothingtothepriest。Thisconductoffendedme，andIlaughedheartilyathercontempt，orherdesignsonme，forasshehadnotfascinatedmeatallIwassafefromhertyranny。
Aftersupperthesarcenetwasbroughtin；itwastobeusedforadresswithhoops，madeaftertheextravagantfashionthenprevailing。
Thecountwasgrievedtoseeherfallsoshortofthepraiseshehadlavishedonher，andcametomyroomwithme，beggingmetoforgiveherSpanishways，andsayingthatshewouldbeverypleasantwhensheknewmebetter。
Thecountwaspoor，hishousewassmall，hisfurnitureshabby，andhisfootman’sliverythreadbare；insteadofplatehehadchina，andoneofthecountess’smaidswaschiefcook。Hehadnocarriagesnorhorses，notevenasaddlehorseofanykind。
Clairmontgavemeallthisinformation，andaddedthathehadtosleepinalittlekitchen，andwastosharehisbedwiththemanwhohadwaitedattable。
Ihadonlyoneroom，andhavingthreeheavytrunksfoundmyselfveryuncomfortable，andIdecidedonseekingsomeotherlodgingmoreagreeabletomytastes。
ThecountcameearlyinthemorningtoaskwhatIusuallytookforbreakfast。
\"Mydearcount，\"Ireplied，\"IhaveenoughfineTurinchocolatetogoallround。Doesthecountesslikeit？\"
\"Verymuch，butshewon’ttakeitunlessitismadebyherwoman。\"
\"Herearesixpounds:makeheracceptit，andtellherthatifI
hearanythingaboutpaymentIshalltakeitback。\"
\"Iamsureshewillacceptit，andthankyoutoo。ShallIhaveyourcarriagehoused？\"
\"Ishallbeextremelyobligedtoyou，andIshallbegladifyouwouldgetmeahiredcarriage，andaguideforwhomyoucananswer。\"
\"Itshallbedone。\"
Thecountwasgoingoutwhenthepriest，whohadsuppedwithusthenightbefore，cameintomakehisbow。Hewasamanofforty—
oneofthetribeofdomesticchaplainswhoaresocommoninItaly——who，inreturnforkeepingtheaccountsofthehouse，livewithitsmasterandmistress。Inthemorningthispriestsaidmassinaneighbouringchurch，fortherestofthedayheeitheroccupiedhimselfwiththecaresofthehouse，orwasthelady’sobedientservant。
AssoonasWewerealonehebeggedmetosaythathehadpaidmethethreehundredMilanesecrownsforthesarcenet，ifthecountessaskedmeaboutit。
\"Dear，dear，abbe！\"saidI，laughing，\"thissortofthingisnotexactlyproperinamanofyoursacredprofession。Howcanyouadvisemetotellalie？No，sir；ifthecountessasksmeanysuchimpertinentquestion，Ishalltellherthetruth。\"
\"Iamsureshewillaskyou，andifyouanswerlikethatIshallsufferforit。\"
\"Well，sir，ifyouareinthewrongyoudeservetosuffer。\"
\"Butasithappens，Ishouldbeblamedfornothing。\"
\"Well，goandtellherit’sapresent；andifshewon’thavethat，tellherIaminnohurrytobepaid。\"
\"Isee，sir，thatyoudon’tknowtheladyorthewayinwhichthishouseismanaged。Iwillspeaktoherhusband。\"
Inaquarterofanhourthecounttoldmethatheowedmealotofmoney，whichhehopedtopaybackinthecourseofLent，andthatImustaddthesarcenettotheaccount。Iembracedhimandsaidthathewouldhavetokeeptheaccounthimself，asInevernoteddownanyofthemoneysthatIwasonlytoohappytolendtomyfriends。
\"IfyourwifeasksmewhetherIhavereceivedthemoney，besureI
willanswerintheaffirmative。\"
Hewentoutsheddinggratefultears，whileIfeltindebtedtohimforhavinggivenmetheopportunityofdoinghimaservice；forI
wasveryfondofhim。
Inthemorning，thecountessbeinginvisible，Iwatchedmymanspreadingoutmysuitsoverthechairs，amongstthembeingsomehandsomewomen’scloaks，andarichreddressdeeplytrimmedwithfur，whichhadbeenoriginallyintendedforthelucklessCorticelli。IshouldnodoubthavegivenittoAgatha，ifIhadcontinuedtolivewithher，andIshouldhavemadeamistake，assuchadresswasonlyfitforaladyofrank。
Atoneo’clockIreceivedanothervisitfromthecount，whotoldmethatthecountesswasgoingtointroducemetotheirbestfriend。ThiswastheMarquisTriuizi，amanofabout，myownage，tall，wellmade，squintingslightly，andwithallthemannerofanobleman。Hetoldmethatbesidescomingtohavethehonourofmyacquaintance，healsocametoenjoythefire，\"for，\"saidhe，\"there’sonlyonefireplaceinthehouseandthat’sinyourroom。\"
Asallthechairswerecovered，themarquisdrewthecountessontohiskneeandmadehersittherelikeababy；butsheblushed，andescapedfromhisgrasp。Themarquislaughedheartilyatherconfusion，andshesaid，——
\"Isitpossiblethatamanofyouryearshasnotyetlearnttorespectawoman？\"
\"Really，countess，\"saidhe，\"Ithoughtitwouldbeverydisrespectfultocontinuesittingwhileyouwerestanding。\"
WhileClairmontwastakingtheclothesoffthechairs，themarquisnoticedthemantlesandthebeautifuldress，andaskedmeifI
wereexpectingalady。
\"No，\"saidI，\"butIhopetofindsomeoneatMilanwhowillbeworthyofsuchpresents。\"Iadded，\"IknowthePrinceTriulzi，atVenice；Isupposeheisofyourfamily？\"
\"Hesaysheis，anditmaybeso；butIamcertainlynotamemberofhisfamily。\"
ThisletmeknowthatIshoulddowelltosaynomoreabouttheprince。
\"Youmuststaytodinner，marquis，\"saidCountA————B————；\"andasyouonlylikedishespreparedbyyourowncookyouhadbettersendforthem。\"
Themarquisagreed，andwemadegoodcheer。Thetablewascoveredwithfairlinenandhandsomeplate，thewinewasgoodandplentiful，andtheservantsquickandwelldressed。Icouldnowunderstandthemarquis’spositioninthehouse。Itwashiswitandmirthwhichkepttheconversationgoing，andthecountesscameinforashareofhispleasantries，whileshescoldedhimforhisfamiliarity。
Icouldsee，however，thatthemarquisdidnotwanttohumiliateher；onthecontrary，hewasfondofher，andonlywishedtobringdownherexaggeratedpride。Whenhesawheronthepointofburstingintotearsofrageandshame，hequietedherdownbysayingthatnooneinMilanrespectedhercharmsandherhighbirthmorethanhe。
Afterdinnerthetailorwhowastomeasurethecountessforadominofortheballwasannounced。Onthemarquis’spraisingthecoloursandthebeautyofthematerials，shetoldhimthatIhadbroughtherthesarcenetfromTurin，andthisremindedhertoaskmewhetherIhadbeenpaid。
\"Yourhusbandsettledwithme，\"saidI，\"butyouhavegivenmealessonIcanneverforget。\"
\"Whatlesson？\"saidthemarquis。
\"Ihadhopedthatthecountesswouldhavedeignedtoreceivethispoorpresentatmyhands。\"
\"Andshewouldn’ttakeit？It’sabsurd，onmylife。\"
\"Thereisnothingtolaughat，\"saidthecountess，\"butyoulaughateverything。\"
Whilethemanwasmeasuringher，shecomplainedoffeelingcold，asshewasinherstays，andherbeautifulbreastwasexposed。
Thereupon，themarquisputhishandsonit，asifhewerequiteaccustomedtousesuchfamiliarities。ButtheSpaniard，nodoubtashamedbecauseofmypresence，gotintoarage，andabusedhiminthemostawfulmanner，whilehelaughedpleasantly，asifhecouldcalmthestormwhenhepleased。Thiswasenoughtoinformmeofthepositioninwhichtheystoodtooneanother，andofthepartI
oughttotake。
Weremainedtogethertilltheevening，whenthecountessandthemarquiswenttotheopera，andthecountcamewithmetomyroom，tillmycarriagewasreadytotakeustheretoo。Theoperahadbegunwhenwegotin，andthefirstpersonInoticedonthestagewasmydearTheresePalesi，whomIhadleftatFlorence。Itwasapleasantsurprisetome，andIforesawthatweshouldrenewoursweetinterviewswhileIremainedatMilanIwasdiscreetenoughtosaynothingtothecountabouthiswife’scharms，orthewaytheirhousewasmanaged。Isawthattheplacewastaken，andtheoddhumoursoftheladypreventedmyfallinginlovewithher。
Afterthesecondactwewenttotheassemblyrooms，wherefiveorsixbanksatfarowerebeingheld；Istakedandlostahundredducatsasiftopayformywelcome，andthenrosefromthetable。
Atsupperthecountessseemedtounbendalittle，shecondoledwithmeonmyloss，andIsaidthatIwasgladofitasitmadeherspeakso。
JustasIrangmybellthenextmorning，Clairmonttoldmethatawomanwantedtospeaktome。
\"Issheyoung？\"
\"Bothyoungandpretty，sir。\"
\"Thatwilldonicely，shewherin。\"
Isawasimplydressedgirl，whoremindedmeofLeah。Shewastallandbeautiful，buthadnotashighpretensionsastheJewess；
assheonlywantedtoknowwhethershecoulddomywashingforme。
Iwasquitetakenwithher。Clairmonthadjustbroughtmemychocolate，andIaskedhertositdownonthebed；butsheansweredmodestlythatshedidnotwanttotroubleme，andwouldcomeagainwhenIwasup。
\"Doyouliveatanydistance？\"
\"Iliveonthegroundfloorofthishouse。\"
\"Allbyyourself？\"
\"Nosir，Ihavemyfatherandmother。\"
\"Andwhatisyourname？\"
\"Zenobia。\"
\"Yournameisasprettyasyouare。Willyougivemeyourhandtokiss？\"
\"Ican’t，\"shereplied，withasmile，\"myhandisanother’s。\"
\"Youareengaged，areyou？\"
\"Yes，toatailor，andwearegoingtobemarriedbeforetheendofthecarnival:\"
\"Isherichorhandsome？\"
\"Neithertheonenortheother。\"
\"Thenwhyareyougoingtomarryhim？\"
\"BecauseIwanttohaveahouseofmyown:\"
\"Ilikeyou，andwillstandyourfriend。Goandfetchyourtailor。Iwillgivehimsomeworktodo。\"
AssoonasshewentoutIgotupandtoldClairmonttoputmylinenonatable。Ihadscarcelyfinisheddressingwhenshecamebackwithhertailor。Itwasastrikingcontrast，forhewasalittleshrivelled—upman，whoseappearancemadeonelaugh。
\"Well，mastertailor，\"saidI，\"soyouaregoingtomarrythischarminggirl？\"
\"Yes，sir，thebannshavebeenpublishedalready。\"
\"Youarealuckyfellowindeedtohavesomuchhappinessinstore。
Whenareyougoingtomarryher？\"
\"Intenortwelvedays。\"
\"Whynotto—morrow？\"
\"Yourworshipisinagreathurry。\"
\"IthinkIshouldbe，indeed，\"saidI，laughing，\"ifIwereinyourplace。Iwantyoutomakemeadominofortheballto—
morrow。\"
\"Certainly，sir；butyourexcellencymustfindmethestuff，fornobodyinMilanwouldgivemecreditforit，andIcouldn’taffordtolayoutsomuchmoneyinadvance。\"
\"Whenyouaremarriedyouwillhavemoneyandcredittoo。Inthemeanwhileherearetensequinsforyou。\"
Hewentawayinhighgleeatsuchawindfall。
IgaveZenobiasomelacetodoup，andaskedherifshewasafraidofhavingajealoushusband。
\"Heisneitherjealousnoramorous，\"shereplied。\"HeisonlymarryingmebecauseIearnmorethanhedoes。\"
\"WithyourcharmsIshouldhavethoughtyoumighthavemadeabettermatch。\"
\"Ihavewaitedlongenough；Ihavegottiredofmaidenhood。
Besides，heissharpifheisnothandsome，andperhapsakeenheadisbetterthanahandsomeface。\"
\"Youaresharpenoughyourself，anyhow。Butwhydoesheputoffthewedding？\"
\"Becausehehasn’tgotanymoney，andwantstohaveafineweddingforhisrelationstocometo。Ishouldlikeitmyself。\"
\"Ithinkyouareright；butIcan’tseewhyyoushouldnotletanhonestmankissyourhand。\"
\"ThatwasonlyapieceofslynesstoletyouknowIwastobemarried。Ihavenosillyprejudicesmyself。\"
\"Ah，that’sbetter！TellyourfuturehusbandthatifhelikesmetobethepatronoftheweddingIwillpayforeverything。\"
\"Really？\"
\"Yes，really。Iwillgivehimtwenty—fivesequinsontheconditionthathespendsitallonthewedding。\"
\"Twenty—fivesequins！Thatwillmakepeopletalk；butwhatcarewe？Iwillgiveyouananswerto—morrow。\"
\"Andakissnow？\"
\"Withallmyheart。\"
Zenobiawentawayingreatdelight，andIwentouttocallonmybankeranddearTherese。
Whenthedoorwasopenedtheprettymaidrecognizedme，andtakingmebythehandledmetohermistress，whowasjustgoingtogetup。Heremotionatseeingmewassogreatthatshecouldnotutteraword，butonlyclapsmetoherbreast。
Ournaturaltransportsover，Theresetoldmethatshehadgottiredofherhusband，andthatforthelastsixmonthstheyhadnotbeenlivingtogether。Shehadmadehimanallowancetogetridofhim，andhelivedonitatRome。
\"AndwhereisCesarino？\"
\"Inthistown。Youcanseehimwheneveryoulike。\"
\"Areyouhappy？\"
\"Quite。PeoplesaythatIhavealover，butitisnottrue；andyoucanseemeatanytimewithperfectliberty。\"
Wespenttwopleasanthoursintellingeachotherofourexperiencessinceourlastmeeting，andthen，findingherasfreshandfairasintheseasonofourearlyloves，Iaskedherifshehadvowedtobefaithfultoherhusband。
\"AtFlorence，\"shereplied，\"Iwasstillinlovewithhim；butnow，ifIamstillpleasinginyoureyes，wecanrenewourconnection，andlivetogethertillwedie。\"
\"Iwillsoonshewyou，dearling，thatIloveyouaswellasever。\"
Sheansweredonlybygivingherselfuptomyembrace。
AfteractionandcontemplationIleftherasamorousasshehadbeeneighteenyearsbefore，butmypassionfoundtoomanynewobjectstoremainconstantlong。
CountessA————B————begantobemorepolite。\"Iknowwhereyouhavebeen，\"saidshe，withapleasedair；\"butifyoulovethatperson，youwillnotgoandseeheragain，orelseherloverwillleaveher。\"
\"ThenIwouldtakehisplace，madam。\"
\"Youarerightinamusingyourselfwithwomenwhoknowhowtoearnyourpresents。Iamawarethatyounevergiveanythingtillyouhavereceivedevidentproofsoftheiraffection。\"
\"Thathasalwaysbeenmyprinciple。\"
\"It’sanexcellentwaytoavoidbeingduped。Theloverofthepersonyouhavebeenwithkeptaladyinsocietyforsometimeingreatsplendour，butalltherestofusdespisedher。\"
\"Whyso，ifyouplease？\"
\"Becausesheloweredherselfsoterribly。Greppiisabsolutelyamanofnofamilywhatever。\"
WithoutexpressingmysurpriseatthenameofGreppi，Irepliedthatamanneednotbewellborntobeanexcellentlover。
\"Theonlythingneedful，\"saidI，\"isafinephysiqueandplentyofmoney，andthoseladieswhodespisedtheirfriendwereeitherridiculouslyproudorabominablyenvious。IhavenottheslightestdoubtthatiftheycouldfindanymoreGieppistheywouldbewillingenoughtolowerthemselves。\"
Shewoulddoubtlesshavemadeasharpreply，forwhatIhadsaidhadangeredher；buttheMarquisTriulziarriving，shewentoutwithhim，whileherhusbandandmyselfwenttoaplacewheretherewasabankatfaro，thebankeronlyhavingahundredsequinsbeforehim。
Itookacardandstakedsmallsumsliketherestofthecompany。
AfterlosingtwentyducatsIlefttheplace。
AsweweregoingtotheoperathepoorcounttoldmeIhadmadehimlosetenducatsonhiswordofhonour，andthathedidnotknowhowhecouldpayitbythenextday。Ipitiedhim，andgavehimthemoneywithoutaword；formiseryhasalwaysappealedstronglytome。AfterwardsIlosttwohundredducatsatthesamebanktowhichIhadlostmoneytheeveningbefore。Thecountwasinthegreatestdistress。HedidnotknowthatGreppi，whomhisproudwifeconsideredsoworthless，hadahundredthousandfrancsofmymoney，andthatIpossessedjewellerytoanevengreateramount。
Thecountess，whohadseenmelose，askedmeifIwouldsellmybeautifuldress。
\"Theysayit’sworthathousandsequins，\"saidshe。
\"Yes，thatisso；butIwouldselleverythingIpossessbeforepartingwithanyofthearticleswhichIintendforthefairsex。\"
\"MarquisTriulziwantsitbadlytopresenttosomeone。\"
\"Iamverysorry，butIcannotsellittohim。\"
Shewentawaywithoutaword，butIcouldseethatshewasexceedinglyvexedatmyrefusal。
AsIwasleavingtheopera—houseIsawTheresegettingintohersedan—chair。Iwentuptoher，andtoldherthatIwassureshewasgoingtosupwithherlover。Shewhisperedinmyearthatshewasgoingtosupbyherself，andthatImightcomeifIdared。I
gaveheranagreeablesurprisebyacceptingtheinvitation。
\"Iwillexpectyou，then，\"shesaid。
Iaskedthecounttoridehomeinmycarriage，andtakingachairIreachedTherese’shousejustasshewasgoingin。
Whatahappyeveningwehad！Welaughedheartilywhenwetoldeachotherourthoughts。
\"IknowyouwereinlovewithCountessA————B————，\"saidshe，\"andIfeltsureyouwouldnotdaretocometosupperwithme。\"
\"AndIthoughtIshouldconfoundyoubyacceptingyourinvitation，asIknewGreppiwasyourlover。\"
\"Heismyfriend，\"shereplied。\"Ifhelovesmeinanyotherwaythanthatoffriendship，Ipityhim，forasyethehasnotdiscoveredthesecretofseduction。\"
\"Doyouthinkheeverwill？\"
\"No，Idon’t。Iamrich。\"
\"Yes，butheisricherthanyou。\"
\"Iknowthat，butIthinkheloveshismoneybetterthanhelovesme。\"
\"Iunderstand。Youwillmakehimhappyifhelovesyouwellenoughtoruinhimself。\"
\"Thatisit，butitwillnevercometopass。Buthereweare，togetheragainafteradivorceofnearlytwentyyears。Idon’tthinkyouwillfindanychangeinme。\"
\"Thatisaprivilegewhichnaturegrantstothefairsexonly。
Youwillfindmechanged，butyouwillbeabletoworkmiracles。\"
Thiswasapieceofpoliteness，forshewashardlycapableofworkinganymiracle。However，afteranexcellentsupper，wespenttwohoursinamorousraptures，andthenMorpheusclaimedusforhisown。WhenweawokeIdidnotleaveherbeforegivingheragooddayequaltothegoodnightwhichhadsentustosleep。
WhenIgotbackIfoundthefairZenobia，whosaidthetailorwasreadytomarryhernextSundayifmyofferwasnotajoke。
\"Toconvinceyouofthecontrary，\"saidI，\"herearethetwenty—
fivesequins。\"
Fullofgratitudesheletherselffallintomyarms，andIcoveredhermouthandherbeautifulbosomwithmyfierykisses。Theresehadexhaustedme，soIdidnotgoanyfurther，butthegirlnodoubtattributedmyself—restrainttothefactthatthedoorwasopen。Idressedcarefully，andmademyselflooklessweary，andtofreshenmyselfupIhadalongdriveinanopencarriage。
WhenIreturned，IfoundtheMarquisofTriulziteasingthecountessasusual。Onthatdayhefurnishedthedinner，anditwasconsequently，averygoodone。
Theconversationturnedonthedressinmypossession，andthecountesstoldthemarquis，likeanidiot，thatitwasdestinedfortheladywhowouldmakemedesirousandgratifymydesire。
WithexquisitepolitenessthemarquistoldmethatIdeservedtoenjoyfavoursatacheaperrate。
\"Isupposeyouwillbegivingittothepersonwithwhomyouspentthenight，\"saidthecountess。
\"That’sanimpossibility，\"Ianswered，\"forIspentthenightinplay。\"
JustthenClairmontcamein，andtoldmeanofficerwantedtospeaktome。Iwenttothedoor，andsawahandsomeyoungfellow，whogreetedmewithanembrace。IrecognizedhimasBarbaro，thesonofaVenetiannoble，andbrotherofthefairandfamousMadameGrittiScombro，ofwhomIspoketenyearsago，whosehusbandhaddiedinthecitadelofCattaro，wheretheStateInquisitorshadimprisonedhim。MyyoungfriendhadalsofallenintodisgracewiththedespoticInquisitors。Wehadbeengoodfriendsduringtheyearbeforemyimprisonment，butIhadheardnothingofhimsince。
Barbarotoldmethechiefincidentsinalifethathadbeenadventurousenough，andinformedmethathewasnowintheserviceoftheDukeofModena，theGovernorofMilan。
\"IsawyoulosingmoneyatCanano’sbank，\"saidhe，\"andrememberingouroldfriendshipIwanttocommunicatetoyouasurewayofwinningmoney。Allthatisnecessaryisformetointroduceyoutoaclubofyoungmenwhoareveryfondofplay，andcannotpossiblywin。\"
\"Wheredoesthisclubmeet？\"
\"Inanextremelyrespectablehouse。IfyouagreeIwillkeepthebankmyself，andIamsureofwinning。Iwantyoutolendmecapital，andIonlyaskafourthoftheprofits。\"
\"Isupposeyoucanholdthecardswell。\"
\"Youareright。\"
Thiswasasmuchastotellmethathewasanadroitsharper，or，inotherwords，askilfulcorrectoroffortune’smistakes。HeconcludedbysayingthatIshouldfindsomethingworthlookingatinthehousehehadmentioned。
\"Mydearsir，\"Ireplied，\"Iwillgiveyoumydecisionafterseeingtheclubtowhichyouwanttointroduceme。\"
\"Willyoubeatthetheatrecoffee—houseatthreeo’clockto—
morrow？\"
\"Yes，butIhopetoseeyouattheballintheevening。\"
Zenobia’sbetrothedbroughtmemydomino，andthecountesshadhersalready。Astheballdidnotbegintilltheoperawasover，IwenttohearTherese’ssinging。IntheintervalbetweentheactsIlostanothertwohundredsequins，andthenwenthometodressfortheball。ThecountesssaidthatifIwouldbekindenoughtotakehertotheballinmycarriageandfetchherhomeinit，shewouldnotsendfortheMarquisTriulzi’s。IrepliedthatIwasatherservice。
UndertheimpressionthatthefairSpaniardhadonlygivenmethepreferencetoenablemetotakelibertieswithher，ItoldherI
shouldbeverygladtogiveherthedress，andthattheonlyconditionwasthatIshouldspentanightwithher。
\"Youinsultmecruelly，\"saidshe，\"youmustknowmycharacterbetterthanthat。\"
\"Iknoweverything，mydearcountess；but，afterall，theinsult’snothing；youcaneasilyforgivemeifyoupluckupalittlespirit；trampleonafoolishprejudice；getthedress，andmakemehappyforawholenightlong。\"
\"Thatitallverywellwhenoneisinlove，butyoumustconfessthatyourcoarsewayofspeakingismorelikelytomakemehateyouthanloveyou。\"
\"Iusethatstyle，becauseIwanttocometothepoint；Ihavenotimetowaste。Andyou，countess，mustconfessinyourturn，thatyouwouldbedelightedtohavemesighingatyourfeet。\"
\"Itwouldbeallthesametome，Idon’tthinkIcouldloveyou。\"
\"Thenweareagreedononepointatallevents，forIloveyounomorethanyouloveme。\"
\"Andyetyouwouldspendathousandsequinsforthepleasureofpassinganightwithme。\"
\"Notatall，Idon’twanttosleepwithyouforthesakeofthepleasure，buttomortifyyourinfernalpride，whichbecomesyousoill。\"
GodknowswhatthefierceSpaniardwouldhaveanswered，butatthatmomentthecarriagestoppedatthedoorofthetheatre。Weparted，andafterIhadgottiredofthreadingmywayamidstthecrowdIpaidavisittothegaming—room，hopingtoregainthemoneyIhadlost。Ihadmorethanfivehundredsequinsaboutmeandagoodcreditatthebank，butIcertainlydidmybesttoloseeverythingIhad。IsatdownatCanano’sbank，andnoticingthatthepoorcount，whofollowedmewhereverIwent，wastheonlypersonwhoknewme，IthoughtIshouldhavealuckyevening。I
onlypuntedononecard，andspentfourhourswithoutlosingorgaining。Towardstheend，wishingtoforcefortune’sfavour，I
lostrapidly，andleftallmymoneyinthehandsofthebanker。I
wentbacktotheball—room，wherethecountessrejoinedme，andwereturnedhome。
Whenwewereinthecarriage，shesaid，——
\"Youlostanimmensesum，andIamverygladofit。Themarquiswillgiveyouathousandsequins，andthemoneywillbringyouluck。\"
\"Andyou，too，forIsupposeyouwillhavethedress？\"
\"Maybe。\"
\"No，madam，youshallneverhaveitinthisway，andyouknowtheother。Idespiseathousandsequins。\"
\"AndIdespiseyouandyourpresents。\"
\"Youmaydespisemeasmuchasyouplease，andyoumaybesureI
despiseyou。\"
Withthesepoliteexpressionswereachedthehouse。WhenIgottomyroomIfoundthecounttherewithalongface，asifhewantedtopitymebutdarednotdoit。However，mygoodtempergavehimthecouragetosay:——
\"Triulziwillgiveyouathousandsequins；thatwillfityouupagain。\"
\"Forthedressyoumean？\"
\"Yes。\"
\"Iwantedtogiveittoyourwife，butshesaidshewoulddespiseit，comingfrommyhands。\"
\"Youastonishme；sheismadafterit。Youmusthavewoundedherhaughtytemperinsomewayoranother。Butsellit，andgetthethousandsequins。\"
\"Iwillletyouknowto—morrow。\"
Isleptfourorfivehours，andthenroseandwentoutinmygreatcoattocallonGreppi，forIhadnomoremoney。Itookathousandsequins，begginghimnottotellmyaffairstoanyone。
Herepliedthatmyaffairswerehisown，andthatIcouldcountonhissecrecy。HecomplimentedmeontheesteeminwhichMadamePalesiheldme，andsaidhehopedtomeetmeatsupperatherhouseonenight。
\"Suchameetingwouldgivemethegreatestpleasure，\"Ireplied。
OnleavinghimIcalledonTherese，butasthereweresomepeoplewithherIdidnotstaylong。Iwasgladtoseethatsheknewnothingaboutmylossesormyaffairs。ShesaidthatGreppiwantedtosupwithmeatherhouse，andthatshewouldletmeknowwhenthedaywasfixed。WhenIgothomeIfoundthecountinfrontofmyfire。
\"Mywifeisinafuriousragewithyou，\"saidhe，\"andwon’ttellmewhy。\"
\"Thereasonis，mydearcount，thatIwon’tletheracceptthedressfromanyhandbutmine。Shetoldmethatsheshoulddespiseitasagiftfromme，butshehasnothingtobefuriousaboutthatIknow。\"
\"It’ssomemadnotionofhers，andIdon’tknowwhattomakeofit。ButprayattendtowhatIamabouttosaytoyou。Youdespiseathousandsequins——good。Icongratulateyou。Butifyouareinapositiontodespiseasumwhichwouldmakemehappy，offerupafoolishvanityontheshrineoffriendship，takethethousandsequins，andlendthemtome，andletmywifehavethedress，forofcoursehewillgiveither。\"
Thisproposalmademeroarwithlaughter，andcertainlyitwasofanaturetoexcitethehilarityofasuffererfromconfirmedmelancholia，whichIwasfarfrombeing。However，IstoppedlaughingwhenIsawhowthepoorcountblushedfromshame。I
kissedhimaffectionatelytocalmhim，butatlastIwascruelenoughtosay，\"Iwillwillinglyassistyouinthisarrangement。Iwillsellthedresstothemarquisassoonasyouplease，butIwon’tlendyouthemoney。I’llgiveittoyouinthepersonofyourwifeataprivateinterview；butwhenshereceivesmeshemustnotonlybepoliteandcomplaisant，butasgentleasalamb。Goandseeifitcanbearranged，mydearcount；’tisabsolutelymylastword。\"
\"Iwillsee，\"saidthepoorhusband；andwiththathewentout。
Barbarokepthisappointmentwithexactitude。Imadehimgetintomycarriage，andwealightedatahouseattheendofMilan。Wewenttothefirstfloor，andthereIwasintroducedtoafine—
lookingoldman，anamiableladyofpleasingappearance，andthentotwocharmingcousins。HeintroducedmeasaVenetiangentlemanindisgracewiththeStateInquisitors，likehimself，adding，thatasIwasarichbachelortheirgoodorillfavourmadenodifferencetome。
HesaidIwasrich，andIlookedlikeit。Myluxuryofattirewasdazzling:Myrings，mysnuff—boxes，mychains，mydiamonds，myjewelledcrosshangingonmybreast—allgavemetheairofanimportantpersonage。ThecrossbelongedtotheOrderoftheSpurthePopehadgivenme，butasIhadcarefullytakenthespurawayitwasnotknowntowhatorderIbelonged。Thosewhomightbecuriousdidnotdaretoaskme，foronecannomoreenquireofaknightwhatorderhebelongsto，thanonecansaytoaladyhowoldareyou？Iworeittill1785，whenthePrincePalatineofRussiatoldmeinprivatethatIwoulddowelltogetridofthething。
\"Itonlyservestodazzlefools，\"saidhe，\"andhereyouhavenonesuchtodealwith。\"
Ifollowedhisadvice，forhewasamanofprofoundintelligence。
Nevertheless，heremovedthecorner—stoneofthekingdomofPoland。Heruineditbythesamemeansbywhichhehadmadeitgreater。
TheoldmantowhomBarbaropresentedmewasamarquis。HetoldmethatheknewVenice，andasIwasnotapatricianIcouldliveaspleasantlyanywhereelse。Hetoldmetoconsiderhishouseandallhepossessedasmine。
Thetwoyoungmarchionesseshadenchantedme；theywerealmostidealbeauties。Ilongedtoenquireaboutthemofsomegoodauthority，forIdidnotputmuchfaithinBarbaro。
Inhalfanhourthevisitorscommencedtocomeonfootandincarriages。Amongthearrivalswereseveralprettyandwell—
dressedgirls，andnumeroussmartyoungmenallvyingwitheachotherintheireagernesstopaycourttothetwocousins。Thereweretwentyofusinall。Wesatroundalargetable，andbegantoplayagamecalledbankruptcy。Afteramusingmyselfforacoupleofhoursinlosingsequins，IwentoutwithBarbarototheopera。
\"Thetwoyoungladiesaretwoincarnateangels，\"Isaidtomycountryman。\"Ishallpaymydutytothem，andshallfindoutinafewdayswhethertheyareforme。Asforthegamingspeculation，Iwilllendyoutwohundredsequins；butIdon’twanttolosethemoney，soyoumustgivemegoodsecurity。\"
\"TothatIagreewillingly，butIamcertainofgivingityoubackwithgoodinterest。\"
\"Youshallhaveahalfshareandnottwenty—fivepercent。，andI
muststronglyinsistthatnobodyshallknowofmyhavinganythingtodowithyourbank。IfIhearanyrumours，Ishallbetheavilyonmyownaccount。\"
\"YoumaybesureIshallkeepthesecret；itistomyowninteresttohaveitbelievedthatIammyowncapitalist。\"
\"Verygood。Cometomeearlyto—morrowmorning，andbringmegoodsecurity，andyoushallhavethemoney。\"
Heembracedmeinthejoyofhisheart。
Thepictureofthetwofairladieswasstillinmybrain，andI
wasthinkingofenquiringofGreppiwhenIchancedtoseeTriulziinthepitoftheopera—house。Hesawmeatthesamemoment，andcameuptome，sayinggailythathewassureIhadhadabaddinner，andthatIhadmuchbetterdinewithhimeveryday。
\"Youmakemeblush，marquis，fornothavingcalledonyouyet。\"
\"No，no；therecanbenothingofthatkindbetweenmenoftheworld，whoknowtheworld’sworth。\"
\"Weareagreedthere，atallevents。\"
\"Bytheway，Ihearyouhavedecidedonsellingmethathandsomedressofyours。Iamreallyverymuchobligedtoyou，andwillgiveyouthefifteenthousandlivreswheneveryoulike。\"
\"Youcancomeandtakeitto—morrowmorning。\"
HethenproceededtotellmeaboutthevariousladiesInoticedinthetheatre。Seizingtheopportunity，Isaid，——
\"WhenIwasinchurchtheotherdayIsawtwoexquisitebeauties。
Amanatmysidetoldmetheywerecousins，theMarchionessesQ———
—andI————，Ithinkhesaid。Doyouknowthem？Iamquitecurioustohearaboutthem。\"
\"Iknowthem。Asyousay，theyarecharming。It’snotverydifficulttoobtainaccesstothem；andIsupposetheyaregoodgirls，asIhavenotheardtheirnamesinconnectionwithanyscandal。However，IknowthatMdlle。Fhasalover，butitisagreatsecret；heistheonlysonofoneofthenoblestofourfamilies。Unfortunately，theyarenotrich；butiftheyareclever，asIamsuretheyare，theymaymakegoodmatches。IfyoulikeIcangetsomeonetointroduceyouthere。\"
\"Ihaven’tmadeupmymindyet。Imaybeabletoforgetthemeasilyonlyhavingseenthemonce。Nevertheless，Iaminfinitelyobligedtoyouforyourkindoffer\"
AftertheballetIwentintotheassembly—roomandIheard\"thereheis\"severaltimesrepeatedasIcamein。Thebankermademeabow，andofferedmeaplacenexttohim。Isatdownandhehandedmeapackofcards。Ipunted，andwithsuchinveteratebadluckthatinlessthananhourIlostsevenhundredsequins。IshouldprobablyhavelostallthemoneyIhadinmypocketifCananohadnotbeenobligedtogoaway。Hegavethecardstoamanwhoselooksdispleasedme，andIroseandwenthomeandgotintobeddirectly，soasnottobeobligedtoconcealmyilltemper。
InthemorningBarbarocametoclaimthetwohundredsequins。Hegavemetherighttosequestratehispaybywayofsurety。IdonotthinkIshouldhavehadthehearttoexercisemyrightsifthingshadgonewrong，butIlikedtohavesomecontroloverhim。
WhenIwentoutIcalledonGreppi，andtooktwothousandsequinsingold。
CHAPTERXIX
HumiliationofTheCountess——Zenobia’sWedding——FaroConquestofTheFairIrene——PlanforaMasqueradeOnmyreturnIfoundthecountwithoneofthemarquis’sservants，whogavemeanote，beggingmetosendthedress，whichIdiddirectly。
\"Themarquiswilldinewithus，\"saidthecount，\"and，nodoubt，hewillbringthemoneywithhimforthistreasure。\"
\"Youthinkitatreasure，then？\"
\"Yes，fitforaqueentowear。\"
\"Iwishthetreasurehadthevirtueofgivingyouacrown；onehead—dressisasgoodasanother。\"
Thepoordevilunderstoodtheallusion，andasIlikedhimI
reproachedmyselfforhavinghumiliatedhimunintentionally，butI
couldnotresistthetemptationtojest。IhastenedtosmoothhisbrowbysayingthatassoonasIgotthemoneyforthedressI
wouldtakeittothecountess。
\"Ihavespokentoheraboutit，\"saidhe，\"andyourproposalmadeherlaugh；butIamsureshewillmakeuphermindwhenshefindsherselfinpossessionofthedress。\"
ItwasaFriday。Themarquissentinanexcellentfishdinner，andcamehimselfsoonafterwiththedressinabasket。Thepresentwasmadewithallceremony，andtheproudcountesswasprofuseinherexpressionsofthanks，whichthegiverreceivedcoollyenough，asifaccustomedtothatkindofthing。However，heendedbythenomeansflatteringremarkthatifshehadanysenseshewouldsellit，aseverybodyknewshewastoopoortowearit。Thissuggestionbynomeansmetwithherapproval。Sheabusedhimtoherheart’scontent，andtoldhimhemustbeagreatfooltogiveheradresswhichheconsideredunsuitabletoher。
TheyweredisputingwarmlywhentheMarchionessMenafogliowasannounced。Assoonasshecameinhereyeswereattractedbythedress，whichwasstretchedoverachair，andfindingitsuperbsheexclaimed，\"Iwouldgladlybuythatdress。\"
\"Ididnotbuyittosellagain，\"saidthecountess，sharply。
\"Excuseme，\"repliedthemarchioness，\"Ithoughtitwasforsale，andIamsorryitisnot。\"
Themarquis，whowasnoloverofdissimulation，begantolaugh，andthecountess，fearinghewouldcoverherwithridicule，hastenedtochangetheconversation。Butwhenthemarchionesswasgonethecountessgavereinstoherpassion，andscoldedthemarquisbitterlyforhavinglaughed。However，heonlyrepliedbyremarkswhich，thoughexquisitelypolite，hadastinginthem；andatlasttheladysaidshewastired，andwasgoingtoliedown。
Whenshehadlefttheroomthemarquisgavemethefifteenthousandfrancs，tellingmethattheywouldbringmegoodluckatCanano’s。
\"YouareagreatfavouriteofCanano’s，\"headded，\"andhewantsyoutocomeanddinewithhim。Hecan’taskyoutosupper，asheisobligedtospendhisnightsintheassembly—rooms。\"
\"TellhimIwillcomeanydayhelikesexceptthedayafterto—
morrow，whenIhavetogotoaweddingatthe’AppleGarden。’\"
\"Icongratulateyou，\"saidthecountandthemarquistogether，\"itwillnodoubtbeverypleasant。\"
\"Iexpecttoenjoymyselfheartilythere。\"
\"Couldnotwecome，too？\"
\"Doyoureallywantto？\"
\"Certainly。\"
\"ThenIwillgetyouaninvitationfromthefairbrideherselfontheconditionthatthecountesscomesaswell。Imustwarnyouthatthecompanywillconsistofhonestpeopleofthelowerclasses，andIcannothavethemhumiliatedinanyway。\"
\"Iwillpersuadethecountess，\"saidTriulzi。
\"Tomakeyourtaskaneasierone，ImayaswelltellyouthattheweddingisthatofthefairZenobia。\"
\"Bravo！Iamsurethecountesswillcometothat。\"
Thecountwentout，andshortlyreappearedwithZenobia。Themarquiscongratulatedher，andencouragedhertoaskthecountesstothewedding。Sheseemeddoubtful，sothemarquistookherbythehandandletherintotheproudSpaniard’sroom。Inhalfanhourtheyreturnedinformingusthatmyladyhaddeignedtoaccepttheinvitation。
Whenthemarquishadgone，thecounttoldmethatImightgoandkeephiswifecompany，ifIhadnothingbettertodo，andthathewouldseetosomebusiness。
\"Ihavethethousandsequinsinmypocket，\"Iremarked，\"andifI
findherreasonable，Iwillleavethemwithher。\"
\"Iwillgoandspeaktoherfirst。\"
\"Doso。\"
Whilethecountwasoutoftheroom，IexchangedthethousandsequinsforthefifteenthousandfrancsinbanknoteswhichGreppihadgivenme。
Iwasjustshuttingupmycash—boxwhenZenobiacameinwithmylacecuffs。SheaskedmeifIwouldliketobuyapieceoflace。
Irepliedintheaffirmative，andshewentoutandbroughtitme。
Ilikedthelace，andboughtitforeighteensequins，andsaid，——
\"Thislaceisyours，dearestZenobia，ifyouwillcontentmethismoment。\"
\"Iloveyouwell，butIshouldbegladifyouwouldwaittillaftermymarriage。\"
\"No，dearest，nowornever。Icannotwait。Ishalldieifyoudonotgrantmyprayer。Look！doyounotseewhatastateIamin？\"
\"Iseeitplainlyenough，butitcan’tbedone。\"
\"Whynot？Areyouafraidofyourhusbandnoticingthelossofyourmaidenhead？\"
\"NotI，andifhedidIshouldn’tcare。Ipromiseyouifhedaredtoreproachme，heshouldnothavemeatall。\"
\"Wellsaid，formyleavingsaretoogoodforhim。Comequick！\"
\"Butyouwillshutthedoor，atleast？\"
\"No，thenoisewouldbeheard，andmightgiverisetosuspicion。
Nobodywillcomein。\"
WiththesewordsIdrewhertowardsme，andfindingherasgentleasalambandaslovingasadove，theamoroussacrificewasofferedwithabundantlibationsonbothsides。Afterthefirstecstacywasover，Iproceededtoexamineherbeauties，andwithmyusualamorousfrenzytoldherthatsheshouldsendhertailorouttograzeandlivewithme。Fortunatelyshedidnotbelieveintheconstancyofmypassion。AfterasecondassaultIrested，greatlyastonishedthatthecounthadnotinterruptedourpleasures。I
thoughthemusthavegoneout，andItoldZenobiamyopinion，whereonsheoverwhelmedmewithcaresses。Feelingatmyease，I
setherfreefromhertroublesomeclothes，andgavemyselfuptotoyingwithherinamannercalculatedtoarousetheexhaustedsenses；andthenforthethirdtimewewereclaspedtoeachother’sarms，whileImadeZenobiaputherselfintothemanyattitudeswhichIknewfromexperienceasmostpropitioustothevoluptuoustriumph。
Wewereoccupiedawholehourinthesepleasures，butZenobia，intheflowerofherageandanovice，pouredforthmanymorelibationsthanI。
JustasIlostlifeforthethirdtime，andZenobiaforthefourteenth，Iheardthecount’svoice。Itoldmysweetheart，whohadhearditaswell，andafterwehaddressedhastilyIgavehertheeighteensequins，andshelefttheroom。
Amomentafterthecountcameinlaughing，andsaid，——
\"Ihavebeenwatchingyouallthetimebythischink\"（whichheshewedme），\"andIhavefounditveryamusing。\"
\"Iamdelightedtohearit，butkeepittoyouself。\"
\"Ofcourse，ofcourse。\"
\"Mywife，\"saidhe，\"willbeverypleasedtoseeyou；andI，\"headded，\"shallbeverypleasedaswell。\"
\"Youareaphilosophicalhusband，\"saidI，\"butIamafraidaftertheexercisesyouwitnessedthecountesswillfindmeratherslow。\"
\"Notatall，therecollectionwillmakeitallthepleasanterforyou。\"
\"Mentallyperhaps，butinotherrespects……\"
\"Oh！youwillmanagetogetoutofit。\"
\"Mycarriageisatyourservice，asIshallnotbegoingoutfortherestoftheday。\"
Isoftlyenteredthecountess’sroomandfindingherinbedenquiredaffectionatelyafterherhealth。
\"Iamverywell，\"saidshe，smilingagreeably，\"myhusbandhasdonemegood。\"
Ihadseatedmyselfquietlyonthebed，andshehadshewnnovexation；certainlyagoodomen。
\"Aren’tyougoingoutanymoreto—day？\"saidshe，\"youhavegotyourdressing—gownon。\"
\"Ifellasleeplyingonmybed，andwhenIawokeIdecidedonkeepingyoucompanyifyouwillbeasgoodandgentleasyouarepretty。\"
\"Ifyoubehavewelltome，youwillalwaysfindmeso。
\"Andwillyouloveme？\"
\"Thatdependsonyou。SoyouaregoingtosacrificeCananotomethisevening。\"
\"Yes，andwiththegreatestpleasure。Hehaswonalotfrommealready，andIforeseethathewillwinthefifteenthousandfrancsIhaveinmypocketto—morrow。ThisisthemoneytheMarquisTriulzigavemeforthedress。\"
\"Itwouldbeapitytolosesuchalargesum。\"
\"Youareright，andIneednotlosethemifyouwillbecomplaisant，fortheyaremeantforyou。Allowmetoshutthedoor。\"
\"Whatfor？\"
\"BecauseIamperishingwithcoldanddesire，andintendwarmingmyselfinyourbed。\"
\"Iwillneverallowthat。\"
\"Idon’twanttoforceyou。Good—bye，countess，Iwillgoandwarmmyselfbymyownfire，andto—morrowIwillwagewaronCanano’sbank。\"
\"Youarecertainlyasaddog。Stayhere，Ilikeyourconversation。\"
WithoutmoreadoIlockedthedoor，tookoffmyclothes，andseeingthatherbackwasturnedtome，jumpedintobedbesideher。
Shehadmadeuphermind，andletmedoasIliked，butmycombatswithZenobiahadexhaustedme。Withclosedeyessheletmeplaceherinallthepostureswhichlubricitycouldsuggest，whileherhandswerenotidle；butallwasinvain，mytorporwascomplete，andnothingwouldgivelifetotheinstrumentwhichwasnecessarytotheoperation。
DoubtlesstheSpaniardfeltthatmynullitywasaninsulttohercharms；doubtlessImusthavetorturedherbyraisingdesireswhichIcouldnotappease；forseveraltimesIfeltmyfingersdrenchedwithaflowthatshewedshewasnotpassiveinthematter；butshepretendedallthewhiletobeasleep。Iwasvexedatherbeingabletofeigninsensibilitytosuchanextent，andI
attachedmyselftoherhead；butherlips，whichsheabandonedtome，andwhichIabuseddisgracefully，producednomoreeffectthantherestofherbody。IfeltangrythatIcouldnoteffectthemiracleofresurrection，andIdecidedonleavingastagewhereI
hadsowretchedapart，butIwasnotgeneroustoher，andputthefinishingstroketoherhumiliationbysaying，——
\"’Tisnotmyfault，madam，thatyourcharmshavesolittlepoweroverme。Here，takethesefifteenthousandfrancsbywayofconsolation。\"
WiththisapostropheIlefther。
Myreaders，moreespeciallymyladyreaders，ifIeverhaveany，willnodoubtpronouncemeadetestablefellowafterthis。I
understandtheirfeelings，butbegthemtosuspendtheirjudgment。
TheywillseeafterwardsthatmyinstinctservedmewonderfullyinthecourseIhadtaken。
Earlythenextdaythecountcameintomyroomwithaverypleasedexpression。
\"Mywifeisverywell，\"saidhe，\"andtoldmetowishyougoodday。\"
Ididnotexpectthis，andInodoubtlookedsomewhatastonished。
\"Iamglad，\"hesaid，\"thatyougaveherfrancsinsteadofthesequinsyougotfromTriulzi，andIhope，asTriulzisaid，youwillhaveluckwithitatthebank。\"
\"Iamnotgoingtotheopera，\"saidI，\"buttothemaskedball，andIdon’twantanyonetorecognizeme。\"
Ibeggedhimtogoandbuymeanewdomino，andnottocomenearmeintheevening，sothatnonebutheshouldknowwhoIwas。AssoonashehadgoneoutIbegantowriteletters。Ihadheavyarrearstomakeupinthatdirection。
Thecountbroughtmemydominoatnoon，andafterhidingitwewenttodinewiththecountess。Heraffability，politeness，andgentlenessastoundedme。ShelookedsosweetlyprettythatI
repentedhavingoutragedhersoscandalously。Herinsensibilityoftheeveningbeforeseemedinconceivable，andIbegantosuspectthatthesignsIhadnoticedtothecontrarywereonlyduetotheanimalfacultieswhicharespeciallyactiveinsleep。
\"Wasshereallyasleep，\"saidItomyself，\"whenIwasoutraginghersoshamefully？\"
Ihopedithadbeenso。Whenherhusbandleftusalone，Isaid，humblyandtenderly，thatIknewIwasamonster，andthatshemustdetestme。
\"Youamonster？\"saidshe。\"OnthecontraryIowemuchtoyou，andthereisnothingIcanthinkofforwhichIhavecausetoreproachyou。\"
Itookherhand，tenderly，andwouldhavecarriedittomylips，butshedrewitawaygentlyandgavemeakiss。Myrepentancebroughtadeepblushtomyface。
WhenIgotbacktomyroomIsealedmylettersandwenttotheball。Iwasabsolutelyunrecognizable。Nobodyhadeverseenmywatchesormysnuff—boxesbefore，andIhadevenchangedmypursesforfearofanybodyrecognizingmebythem。
Thusarmedagainsttheglancesofthecurious，IsatdownatCanano’stableandcommencedtoplayinquiteadifferentfashion。
IhadahundredSpanishpiecesinmypocketworthsevenhundredVenetiansequins。IhadgotthisSpanishmoneyfromGreppi，andI
tookcarenottousewhatTriulzihadgivenmeforfearheshouldknowme。
Iemptiedmypurseonthetable，andinlessthananhouritwasallgone。IrosefromthetableandeverybodythoughtIwasgoingtobeataretreat，butItookoutanotherpurseandputahundredsequinsononecard，goingsecond，withparoli，seven，andtheva。
ThestrokewassuccessfulandCananogavemebackmyhundredSpanishpieces，onwhichIsatdownagainbythebanker，andrecommencedregularplay。Cananowaslookingatmehard。Mysnuff—boxwastheonewhichtheElectorofColognehadgivenme，withtheprince’sportraitonthelid。Itookapinchofsnuffandhegavemetounderstandthathewouldlikeonetoo，andtheboxwassubjectedtoageneralexamination。AladywhomIdidnotknowsaidtheportraitrepresentedtheElectorofCologneinhisrobesasGrandMasteroftheTeutonicOrder。TheboxwasreturnedtomeandIsawthatithadmademerespected，sosmallathingimposesonpeople。Ithenputfiftysequinsononecard，goingparoliandpaixdeparoli，andatdaybreakIhadbrokenthebank。
CananosaidpolitelythatifIlikedtobesparedthetroubleofcarryingallthatgoldhewouldhaveitweighedandgivemeacheque。Apairofscaleswasbrought，anditwasfoundthatIhadthirty—fourpoundsweightingold，amountingtotwothousandeighthundredandfifty—sixsequins。Cananowrotemeacheque，andI
slowlyreturnedtotheball—room。
BarbarohadrecognizedmewiththekeennessofaVenetian。Heaccostedmeandcongratulatedmeonmyluck，butIgavehimnoanswer，andseeingthatIwishedtoremainincognitoheleftme。
AladyinaGreekdressrichlyadornedwithdiamondscameuptome，andsaidinafalsettovoicethatshewouldliketodancewithme。
Imadeasignofassent，andasshetookoffhergloveIsawafinely—shapedhandaswhiteasalabaster，oneofthefingersbearinganexquisitediamondring。Itwasevidentlynoordinaryperson，andthoughIpuzzledmyheadIcouldnotguesswhoshecouldbe。
Shedancedadmirably，inthestyleofawomanoffashion，andI
tooexertedmyselftotheutmost。BythetimethedancewasoverIwascoveredwithperspiration。
\"Youlookhot，\"saidmypartner，inherfalsettovoice，\"comeandrestinmybox。\"
Myheartleapedwithjoy，andIfollowedherwithgreatdelight；