IntheprincipalityofMonacotherewasaFrenchgarrison，whichwasworthapensionofahundredthousandfrancstotheprince——averywelcomeadditiontohisincome。
Acurledandscentedyoungofficer，passingbyourroom，thedoorofwhichwasopen，stoppedshort，andwithunblushingpolitenessaskedusifwewouldallowhimtojoinourparty。Irepliedpolitely，butcoldly，thathedidushonour——aphrasewhichmeansneitheryesnorno；butaFrenchmanwhohasadvancedonestepneverretreats。
Heproceededtodisplayhisgracesforthebenefitoftheladies，talkingincessantly，withoutgivingthemtimetogetinaword，whenhesuddenlyturnedtomeandsaidthathewonderedhowitwasthattheprincehadnotaskedmeandmyladiestodinner。ItoldhimthatIhadnotsaidanythingtotheprinceaboutthetreasureIhadwithme。
Ihadscarcelyutteredthewords，whenthekindlyblockheadroseandcriedenthusiastically，——
\"Parbleu！Iamnolongersurprised。Iwillgoandtellhishighness，andIshallsoonhavethehonourofdiningwithyouatthecastle。\"
Hedidnotwaittohearmyanswer，butwentoffinhothaste。
Welaughedheartilyathisfolly，feelingquitesurethatweshouldneitherdinewithhimnortheprince，butinaquarterofanhourhereturnedinhighglee，andinvitedusalltodinneronbehalfoftheprince。
\"Ibegyouwillthankhishighness，andatthesametimeaskhimtoexcuseus。Theweatherhasimproved，andIwanttobeoffassoonaswehavetakenahastymorsel。\"
TheyoungFrenchmanexertedallhiseloquenceinvain，andatlengthretiredwithamortifiedairtotakeouranswertotheprince。
IthoughtIhadgotridofhimatlast，butIdidnotknowmyman。
Hereturnedashorttimeafter，andaddressinghimselfinacomplacentmannertotheladies，asifIwasofnomoreaccount，hetoldthemthathehadgiventheprincesuchadescriptionoftheircharmsthathehadmadeuphismindtodinewiththem。
\"Ihavealreadyorderedthetabletobelaidfortwomore，asIshallhavethehonourofbeingoftheparty。Inaquarterofanhour，ladies，theprincewillbehere。\"
\"Verygood，\"saidI，\"butastheprinceiscomingImustgotothefeluccaandfetchacapitalpieofwhichtheprinceisveryfond，I
know。Come，ladies。\"
\"Youcanleavethemhere，sir。Iwillundertaketokeepthemamused。\"
\"Ihavenodoubtyouwould，buttheyhavesomethingstogetfromthefeluccaaswell。\"
\"Thenyouwillallowmetocometoo。\"
\"Certainlywithpleasure。\"
Asweweregoingdownthestairs，IaskedtheinnkeeperwhatIowedhim。
\"Nothing，sir，Ihavejustreceivedorderstoserveyouineverything，andtotakenomoneyfromyou。\"
\"Theprinceisreallymagnificent！\"Duringthisshortdialogue，theladieshadgoneonwiththefop。Ihastenedtorejointhem，andmyniecetookmyarm，laughingheartilytoheartheofficermakinglovetoMarcoline，whodidnotunderstandawordhesaid。Hedidnotnoticeitintheleast，forhistonguekeptgoinglikethewheelofamill，andhedidnotpauseforanyanswers。
\"Weshallhavesomefunatdinner，\"saidmyniece，\"butwhatarewegoingtodoonthefelucca？\"
\"Weareleaving。Saynothing。\"
\"Leaving？\"
\"Immediately。\"
\"Whatajest！itisworthitsweightingold。\"
Wewentonboardthefelucca，andtheofficer，whowasdelightedwiththeprettyvessel，proceededtoexamineit。Itoldmyniecetokeephimcompany，andgoingtothemaster，whisperedtohimtoletgodirectly。
\"Directly？\"
\"Yes，thismoment。\"
\"Buttheabbeandyoursecretaryaregoneforawalk，andtwoofmymenareonshore，too。\"
\"That’snomatter；weshallpickthemupagainatAntibes；it’sonlytenleagues，andtheyhaveplentyofmoney。Imustgo，anddirectly。
Makehaste。\"
\"Allright。\"
Hetrippedtheanchor，andthefeluccabegantoswingawayfromtheshore。Theofficeraskedmeingreatastonishmentwhatitmeant。
\"ItmeansthatIamgoingtoAntibesandIshallbeverygladtotakeyoutherefornothing。\"
\"Thisisafinejest！Youarejoking，surely？\"
\"Yourcompanywillbeverypleasantonthejourney。\"
\"Pardieu！putmeashore，forwithyourleave，ladies，IcannotgotoAntibes。\"
\"Putthegentlemanashore，\"saidItothemaster，\"hedoesnotseemtolikeourcompany。\"
\"It’snotthat，uponmyhonour。Theseladiesarecharming，buttheprincewouldthinkthatIwasintheplottoplaythistrickuponhim，whichyoumustconfessisratherstrong。\"
\"Ineverplayaweaktrick。\"
\"Butwhatwilltheprincesay？\"
\"Hemaysaywhathelikes，andIshalldoasIlike。\"
\"Well，it’snofaultofmine。Farewell，ladies！farewell，sir！\"
\"Farewell，andyoumaythanktheprinceformeforpayingmybill。\"
Marcolinewhodidnotunderstandwhatwaspassinggazedinastonishment，butmyniecelaughedtillhersidesached，forthewayinwhichthepoorofficerhadtakenthematterwasextremelycomic。
Clairmontbroughtusanexcellentdinner，andwelaughedincessantlyduringitsprogress，evenattheastonishmentoftheabbeandPossanowhentheycametothequayandfoundthefeluccahadflown。However，IwassureofmeetingthemagainatAntibes，andwereachedthatportatsixo’clockintheevening。
Themotionoftheseahadtireduswithoutmakingusfeelsick，fortheairwasfresh，andourappetitesfeltthebenefitsofit，andinconsequencewedidgreathonourtothesupperandthewine。
MarcolinewhosestomachwasweakenedbythesicknessshehadundergonesoonfelttheeffectsoftheBurgundy，hereyeswereheavy，andshewenttosleep。Myniecewouldhaveimitatedher，butI
remindedhertenderlythatwewereatAntibes，andsaidIwassureshewouldkeepherword。Shedidnotanswerme，butgavemeherhand，loweringhereyeswithmuchmodesty。
Intoxicatedwithhersubmissionwhichwassolikelove，Igotintobedbesideher，exclaiming，——
\"Atlastthehourofmyhappinesshascome！
\"Andminetoo，dearest。\"
\"Yours？Haveyounotcontinuallyrepulsedme？\"
\"Never！Ialwayslovedyou，andyourindifferencehasbeenabittergrieftome。\"
\"ButthefirstnightweleftMilanyoupreferredbeingalonetosleepingwithme。\"
\"CouldIdootherwisewithoutpassinginyoureyesforonemoreaslavetosensualpassionthantolove？BesidesyoumighthavethoughtIwasgivingmyselftoyouforthebenefitsIhadreceived；
andthoughgratitudebeanoblefeeling，itdestroysallthesweetdelightsoflove。Yououghttohavetoldmethatyoulovedmeandsubduedmebythoseattentionswhichconquertheheartsofuswomen。
ThenyouwouldhaveseenthatIlovedyoutoo，andouraffectionwouldhavebeenmutual。OnmysideIshouldhaveknownthatthepleasureyouhadofmewasnotgivenoutofamerefeelingofgratitude。Idonotknowwhetheryouwouldhavelovedmelessthemorningafter，ifIhadconsented，butIamsureIshouldhavelostyouresteem。\"
Shewasright，andIapplaudedhersentiments，whilegivinghertounderstandthatshewastoputallnotionsofbenefitsreceivedoutofhermind。IwantedtomakeherseethatIknewthattherewasnomoreneedforgratitudeonhersidethanmine。
Wespentanightthatmustbeimaginedratherthandescribed。Shetoldmeinthemorningthatshefeltallhadbeenforthebest，asifshehadgivenwayatfirstshecouldneverhavemadeuphermindtoaccepttheyoungGenoese，thoughheseemedlikelytomakeherhappy。
Marcolinecametoseeusinthemorning，caressedus，andpromisedtosleepbyherselftherestofthevoyage。
\"Thenyouarenotjealous？\"saidI。
\"No，forherhappinessisminetoo，andIknowshewillmakeyouhappy。\"
Shebecamemoreravishinglybeautifuleveryday。
Possanoandtheabbecameinjustasweweresittingdowntotable，andmyniecehavingorderedtwomoreplatesIallowedthemtodinewithus。Mybrother’sfacewaspitifulandyetridiculous。Hecouldnotwalkanydistance，sohehadbeenobligedtocomeonhorseback，probablyforthefirsttimeinhislife。
\"Myskinisdelicate，\"saidhe，\"soIamallblistered。ButGod’swillbedone！IdonotthinkanyofHisservantshaveenduredgreatertormentsthanmineduringthisjourney。Mybodyissore，andsoismysoul。\"
SosayinghecastapiteousglanceatMarcoline，andwehadtoholdoursidestopreventourselveslaughing。Myniececouldbearitnomore，andsaid，——
\"HowIpityyou，dearuncle！\"
Atthisheblushed，andbegantoaddressthemostabsurdcomplimentstoher，stylingher\"mydearniece。\"Itoldhimtobesilent，andnottospeakFrenchtillhewasabletoexpresshimselfinthatequivocallanguagewithoutmakingafoolofhimself。ButthepoetPogomasspokenobetterthanhedid。
IwascurioustoknowwhathadhappenedatMentoneafterwehadleft，andPogomasproceededtotellthestory。
\"Whenwecamebackfromourwalkweweregreatlyastonishednottofindthefeluccaanymore。Wewenttotheinn，whereIknewyouhadordereddinner；buttheinn—keeperknewnothingexceptthathewasexpectingtheprinceandayoungofficertodinewithyou。Itoldhimhemightwaitforyouinvain，andjustthentheprincecameupinarage，andtoldtheinn—keeperthatnowyouweregonehemightlooktoyouforhispayment。’Mylord，’saidtheinn—keeper，’thegentlemanwantedtopayme，butIrespectedtheordersIhadreceivedfromyourhighnessandwouldnottakethemoney。’Atthistheprinceflunghimalouiswithanillgrace，andaskeduswhowewere。I
toldhimthatwebelongedtoyou，andthatyouhadnotwaitedforuseither，whichputustogreattrouble。’Youwillgetawayeasilyenough，’saidhe；andthenhebegantolaugh，andsworethejestwasapleasantone。Hethenaskedmewhotheladieswere。Itoldhimthattheonewasyourniece，andthatIknewnothingoftheother；
buttheabbeinterfered，andsaidshewasyourcuisine。Theprinceguessedhemeanttosay’cousin，’andburstoutlaughing，inwhichhewasjoinedbytheyoungofficer。’Greethimfromme，’saidhe，ashewentaway，’andtellhimthatweshallmeetagain，andthatIwillpayhimoutforthetrickhehasplayedme。’\"Theworthyhostlaughed，too，whentheprincehadgone，andgaveusagooddinner，sayingthattheprince’sLouiswouldpayforitall。Whenwehaddinedwehiredtwohorses，andsleptatNice。Inthemorningwerodeonagain，beingcertainoffindingyouhere。\"Marcolinetoldtheabbeinacoldvoicetotakecarenottotellanyoneelsethatshewashiscuisine，orhiscousin，orelseitwouldgoillwithhim，asshedidnotwishtobethoughteithertheoneortheother。IalsoadvisedhimseriouslynottospeakFrenchforthefuture，astheabsurdwayinwhichhehadcommittedhimselfmadeeveryoneabouthimashamed。
JustasIwasorderingpost—horsestotakeustoFrejus，amanappeared，andtoldmeIowedhimtenlouisforthestorageofacarriagewhichIhadleftonhishandsnearlythreeyearsago。ThiswaswhenIwastakingRosalietoItaly。Ilaughed，forthecarriageitselfwasnotworthfivelouis。\"Friend，\"saidI，\"Imakeyouapresentofthearticle。\"
\"Idon’twantyourpresent。Iwantthetenlouisyouoweme。\"
\"Youwon’tgetthetenlouis。Iwillseeyoufurtherfirst。\"
\"Wewillseeaboutthat\"；andsosayinghetookhisdeparture。
Isentforhorsesthatwemightcontinueourjourney。
Afewmomentsafter，asergeantsummonedmetothegovernor’spresence。Ifollowedhim，andwaspolitelyrequestedtopaythetenlouisthatmycreditordemanded。Iansweredthat，intheagreementI
hadenteredintoforsixfrancsamonth，therewasnomentionofthelengthoftheterm，andthatIdidnotwanttowithdrawmycarriage。
\"Butsupposingyouwerenevertowithdrawit？\"
\"Thenthemancouldbequeathhisclaimtohisheir。\"
\"Ibelievehecouldobligeyoutowithdrawit，ortoallowittobesoldtodefrayexpenses。\"
\"Youareright，sir，andIwishtosparehimthattrouble。Imakehimapresentofthecarriage。\"
\"That’sfairenough。Friend，thecarriageisyours。\"
\"Butsir，\"saidtheplaintiff，\"itisnotenough；thecarriageisnotworthtenlouis，andIwantthesurplus。\"
\"Youareinthewrong。Iwishyouapleasantjourney，sir，andI
hopeyouwillforgivetheignoranceofthesepoorpeople，whowouldliketoshapethelawsaccordingtotheirneeds。\"
Allthistroublehadmademeloseagooddealoftime，andI
determinedtoputoffmydeparturetillthenextday。However，I
wantedacarriageforPossanoandtheabbe，andIgotmysecretarytobuytheoneIhadabandonedforfourlouis。Itwasinadeplorablestate，andIhadtohaveitrepaired，whichkeptustilltheafternoonofthenextday；however，sofaraspleasurewasconcerned，thetimewasnotlost。
CHAPTERIII
MyArrivalatMarseilles——Madamed’Urfe——MyNieceIsWelcomedbyMadameAudibertIGetRidofMyBrotherandPossano——Regeneration——DepartureofMadamed’Urfe——MarcolineRemainsConstantMyniece，nowmymistress，grewmoredeartomeeveryday，andI
couldnothelptremblingwhenIreflectedthatMarseilleswouldbethetombofourlove。ThoughIcouldnothelparrivingthere，I
prolongedmyhappinessaslongasIcouldbytravellingbyshortstages。IgottoFrejusinlessthanthreehours，andstoppedthere，andtellingPossanoandtheabbetodoastheylikedduringourstay，Iorderedadelicatesupperandchoicewineformyselfandmynymphs。
Ourrepastlastedtillmidnight，thenwewenttobed，andpassedthetimeinsweetsleepandsweeterpleasures。ImadethesamearrangementsatLucca，Brignoles，andAubayne，whereIpassedthesixthandlastnightofhappiness。
AssoonasIgottoMarseillesIconductedmyniecetoMadameAudibert’s，andsentPossanoandmybrothertothe\"TriezeCantons\"
inn，biddingthemobservethestrictestsilencewithregardtome，forMadamed’Urfehadbeenawaitingmeforthreeweeks，andIwishedtobemyownheraldtoher。
ItwasatMadameAudibert’sthatmyniecehadmetCroce。Shewasacleverwoman，andhadknownthegirlfromherchildhood，anditwasthroughherthatmyniecehopedtoberestoredtoherfather’sgoodgraces。WehadagreedthatIshouldleavemynieceandMarcolineinthecarriage，andshouldinterviewMadameAudibert，whoseacquaintanceIhadmadebefore，andwithwhomIcouldmakearrangementsformyniece’slodgingtillsomearrangementwascometo。
MadameAudibertsawmegettingoutofmycarriage，andasshedidnotrecognizemehercuriositymadehercomedownandopenthedoor。Shesoonrecognizedme，andconsentedtoletmehaveaprivateinterviewwiththebestgraceintheworld。
Ididnotloseanytimeinleadinguptothesubject，andafterIhadgivenherarapidsketchoftheaffair，howmisfortunehadobligedLaCroixtoabandonMdlle。Crosin，howIhadbeenabletobeofservicetoher，andfinally，howshehadhadthegoodlucktomeetawealthyanddistinguishedperson，whowouldcometoMarseillestoaskherhandinafortnight，IconcludedbysayingthatIshouldhavethehappinessofrestoringtoherhandsthedeargirlwhosepreserverI
hadbeen。
\"Whereisshe？\"criedMadameAudibert。
\"Inmycarriage。Ihaveloweredtheblinds。\"
\"Bringherin，quick！Iwillseetoeverything。Nobodyshallknowthatsheisinmyhouse。\"
Happierthanaprince，Imadeoneboundtothecarriageand，concealingherfacewithhercloakandhood，Iledmyniecetoherfriend’sarms。Thiswasadramaticscenefullofsatisfactionforme。Kissesweregivenandreceived，tearsofhappinessandrepentanceshed，Iweptmyselffrommingledfeelingsofemotion，happiness，andregret。
InthemeanwhileClairmonthadbroughtupmyniece’sluggage，andI
wentawaypromisingtoreturnandseeheranotherday。
Ihadanotherandasimportantanarrangementtoconclude，ImeanwithrespecttoMarcoline。Itoldthepostillionstotakemetotheworthyoldman’swhereIhadlodgedRosaliesopleasantly。Marcolinewasweepingatthisseparationfromherfriend。Igotdownatthehouse，andmademybargainhastily。Mynewmistresswas，Isaid，tobelodged，fed，andattendedonasifshehadbeenaprincess。Heshewedmetheapartmentshewastooccupy；itwasfitforayoungmarchioness，andhetoldmethatsheshouldbeattendedbyhisownniece，thatsheshouldnotleavethehouse，andthatnobodybutmyselfshouldvisither。
HavingmadethesearrangementsImadethefairVenetiancomein。I
gaveherthemoneyshehadwon，whichIhadconvertedintogoldandmadeuptoathousandducats。
\"Youwon’twantithere，\"saidI，\"sotakecareofit。AtVeniceathousandducatswillmakeyousomebody。Donotweep，dearest，myheartiswithyou，andto—morroweveningIwillsupwithyou。\"
Theoldmangavemethelatch—key，andIwentofftothe\"TreizeCantons。\"Iwasexpected，andmyroomswereadjacenttothoseoccupiedbyMadamed’Urfe。
AssoonasIwassettled，Bourgnolewaitedonme，andtoldmehermistresswasaloneandexpectingmeimpatiently。
Ishallnottroublemyreaderswithanaccountofourinterview，asitwasonlycomposedofMadamed’Urfe’smadflightsoffancy，andofliesonmypartwhichhadnoteventhemeritofprobability。Aslavetomylifeofhappyprofligacy，Iprofitedbyherfolly；shewouldhavefoundsomeoneelsetodeceiveher，ifIhadnotdoneso，foritwasreallyshewhodeceivedherself。Inaturallypreferredtoprofitbyherratherthanthatastrangershoulddoso；shewasveryrich，andIdidmyselfagreatdealofgood，withoutdoinganyoneanyharm。
Thefirstthingsheaskedmewas，\"WhereisQuerilinthos？\"AndshejumpedwithjoywhenItoldherthathewasunderthesameroof。
\"’Tishe，then，whoshallmakemeyoungagain。Sohasmygeniusassuredmenightafternight。AskParalisifthepresentsIhavepreparedaregoodenoughforSemiramistopresenttotheheadoftheFraternityoftheRosyCross。\"
Ididnotknowwhatthesepresentswere，andasIcouldnotasktoseethem，Iansweredthat，beforeconsultingParalis，itwouldbenecessarytoconsecratethegiftsundertheplanetaryhours，andthatQuerilinthoshimselfmustnotseethembeforetheconsecration。
Thereuponshetookmetohercloset，andshewedmethesevenpacketsmeantfortheRosicrucianintheformofofferingstothesevenplanets。
Eachpacketcontainedsevenpoundsofthemetalpropertotheplanet，andsevenpreciousstones，alsopropertotheplanets，eachbeingsevencaratsinweight；therewerediamonds，rubies，emeralds，sapphires，chrysolites，topazes，andopals。
ImadeupmymindthatnothingofthisshouldpassintothehandsoftheGenoese，andtoldthemadwomanthatwemusttrustentirelyinParalisforthemethodofconsecration，whichmustbebegunbyourplacingeachpacketinasmallcasketmadeonpurpose。Onepacket，andoneonly，couldbeconsecratedinaday，anditwasnecessarytobeginwiththesun。ItwasnowFriday，andweshouldhavetowaittillSunday，thedayofthesun。OnSaturdayIhadaboxwithsevennichesmadeforthepurpose。
ForthepurposesofconsecrationIspentthreehourseverydaywithMadamed’Urfe，andwehadnotfinishedtilltheensuingSaturday。
ThroughoutthisweekImadePossanoandmybrothertaketheirmealswithus，andasthelatterdidnotunderstandawordthegoodladysaid，hedidnotspeakawordhimself，andmighthavepassedforamuteoftheseraglio。Madamed’Urfepronouncedhimdevoidofsense，andimaginedweweregoingtoputthesoulofasylphintohisbodythathemightengendersomebeinghalfhuman，halfdivine。
Itwasamusingtoseemybrother’sdespairandrageatbeingtakenforanidiot，andwhenheendeavouredtosaysomethingtospewthathewasnotone，sheonlythoughthimmoreidioticthanever。I
laughedtomyself，andthoughthowillhewouldhaveplayedthepartifIhadaskedhimtodoit。Allthesametherascaldidnotloseanythingbyhisreputation，forMadamed’UrfeclothedhimwithadecentsplendourthatwouldhaveledonetosupposethattheabbebelongedtooneofthefirstfamiliesinFrance。ThemostuneasyguestatMadamed’Urfe’stablewasPossano，whohadtoreplytoquestions，ofthemostoccultnature，and，notknowinganythingaboutthesubject，madethemostridiculousmistakes。
IbroughtMadamed’Urfethebox，andhavingmadeallthenecessaryarrangementsfortheconsecrations，Ireceivedanorderfromtheoracletogointothecountryandsleepthereforsevennightsinsuccession，toabstainfromintercoursewithallmortalwomen，andtoperformceremonialworshiptothemooneverynight，atthehourofthatplanet，intheopenfields。ThiswouldmakemefittoregenerateMadamed’UrfemyselfincaseQuerilinthos，forsomemysticreasons，mightnotbeabletodoso。
ThroughthisorderMadamed’Urfewasnotonlynotvexedwithmeforsleepingawayfromthehotel，butwasgratefulforthepainsIwastakingtoensurethesuccessoftheoperation。
ThedayaftermyarrivalIcalledonMadameAudibert，andhadthepleasureoffindingmyniecewailpleasedwiththeeffortsherfriendwasmakinginherfavour。MadameAudiberthadspokentoherfather，tellinghimthathisdaughterwaswithher，andthatshehopedtoobtainhispardonandtoreturntohishouse，whereshewouldsoonbecomethebrideofarichGenoese，whowishedtoreceiveherfromherfather’shands。Theworthyman，gladtofindagainthelostsheep，saidhewouldcomeintwodaysandtakehertoheraunt，whohadahouseatSt。Louis，twoleaguesfromthetown。Shemightthenquietlyawaitthearrivalofherfuturehusband，andavoidalloccasionofscandal。Myniecewassurprisedthatherfatherhadnotyetreceivedaletterfromtheyoungman，andIcouldseethatshewasanxiousaboutit；butIcomfortedherandassuredherthatI
wouldnotleaveMarseillestillIhaddancedatherwedding。
IlefthertogotoMarcoline，whomIlongedtopresstomyheart。
Ifoundherinanecstasyofjoy，andshesaidthatifshecouldunderstandwhathermaidsaidherhappinesswouldbecomplete。Isawthathersituationwasapainfulone，especiallyasshewasawoman，butforthepresentIsawnowayoutofthedifficulty；IshouldhavetogetanItalian—speakingservant，andthiswouldhavebeenatroublesometask。SheweptwithjoywhenItoldherthatmyniecedesiredtoberememberedtoher，andthatinadayshewouldbeonherfather’shearth。Marcolinehadfoundoutthatshewasnotmyrealniecewhenshefoundherinmyarms。
Thechoicesupperwhichtheoldmanhadprocuredus，andwhichspewedhehadagoodmemoryformyfavoritetastes，mademethinkofRosalie。Marcolineheardmetellthestorywithgreatinterest，andsaidthatitseemedtoherthatIonlywentabouttomakeunfortunategirlshappy，providedIfoundthempretty。
\"Ialmostthinkyouareright，\"saidI；\"anditiscertainthatI
havemademanyhappy，andhaveneverbroughtmisfortunetoanygirl。\"
\"Godwillrewardyou，mydearfriend。\"
\"PossiblyIamnotworthHistakingthetrouble！\"
ThoughthewitandbeautyofMarcolinehadcharmedme，herappetitecharmedmestillmore；thereaderknowsthatIhavealwayslikedwomenwhoeatheartily。AndinMarseillestheymakeanexcellentdishofacommonfowl，whichisoftensoinsipid。
ThosewholikeoilwillgetoncapitallyinProvence，foritisusedineverything，anditmustbeconfessedthatifusedinmoderationitmakesanexcellentrelish。
Marcolinewascharminginbed。IhadnotenjoyedtheVenetianvicesfornearlyeightyears，andMarcolinewasabeautybeforewhomPraxiteleswouldhavebenttheknee。Ilaughedatmybrotherforhavingletsuchatreasureslipoutofhishands，thoughIquiteforgavehimforfallinginlovewithher。Imyselfcouldnottakeherabout，andasIwantedhertobeamusedIbeggedmykindoldlandlordtosendhertotheplayeveryday，andtoprepareagoodsuppereveryevening。Igothersomerichdressesthatshemightcutagoodfigure，andthisattentionredoubledheraffectionforme。
Thenextday，whichwasthesecondoccasiononwhichIhadvisitedher，shetoldmethatshehadenjoyedtheplaythoughshecouldnotunderstandthedialogues；andthedayaftersheastonishedmebysayingthatmybrotherhadintrudedhimselfintoherbox，andhadsaidsomanyimpertinentthingsthatifshehadbeenatVeniceshewouldhaveboxedhisears。
\"Iamafraid，\"sheadded，\"thattherascalhasfollowedmehere，andwillbeannoyingme。\"
\"Don’tbeafraid，\"Ianswered，\"IwillseewhatIcando。\"
WhenIgottothehotelIenteredtheabbe’sroom，andbyPossano’sbedIsawanindividualcollectinglintandvarioussurgicalinstruments。
\"What’sallthis？Areyouill？\"
\"Yes，Ihavegotsomethingwhichwillteachmetobewiserforthefuture。\"
\"It’sratherlateforthiskindofthingatsixty。\"
\"Betterlatethannever。\"
\"Youareanoldfool。Youstinkofmercury。\"
\"Ishallnotleavemyroom。\"
\"Thiswillharmyouwiththemarchioness，whobelievesyoutobethegreatestofadepts，andconsequentlyabovesuchweaknesses。\"
\"Damnthemarchioness！Letmebe。\"
Therascalhadnevertalkedinthisstylebefore。Ithoughtitbesttoconcealmyanger，andwentuptomybrotherwhowasinacorneroftheroom。
\"WhatdoyoumeanbypesteringMarcolineatthetheatreyesterday？\"
\"Iwenttoremindherofherduty，andtowarnherthatIwouldnotbehercomplaisantlover。\"
\"Youhaveinsultedmeandhertoo，foolthatyouare！YouowealltoMarcoline，forifithadnotbeenforher，Ishouldneverhavegivenyouasecondglance；andyetyoubehaveinthisdisgracefulmanner。\"
\"Ihaveruinedmyselfforhersake，andIcannevershewmyfaceinVeniceagain。Whatrighthaveyoutotakeherfromme？\"
\"Therightoflove，blockhead，andtherightofluck，andtherightofthestrongest！Howisitthatsheishappywithme，anddoesnotwishtoleaveme？\"
\"Youhavedazzledher。\"
\"Anotherreasonisthatwithyoushewasdyingofmiseryandhunger。\"
\"Yes，buttheendofitwillbethatyouwillabandonherasyouhavedonewithmanyothers，whereasIshouldhavemarriedher。\"
\"Marriedher！Yourenegade，youseemtoforgetthatyouareapriest。Idonotproposetopartwithher，butifIdoIwillsendherawayrich。\"
\"Well，well，doasyouplease；butstillIhavetherighttospeaktoherwheneverIlike。\"
\"Ihaveforbiddenyoutodoso，andyoumaytrustmewhenItellyouthatyouhavespokentoherforthelasttime。\"
SosayingIwentoutandcalledonanadvocate。IaskedhimifI
couldhaveaforeignabbe，whowasindebtedtome，arrested，althoughIhadnoproofofthedebt。
\"Youcandoso，asheisaforeigner，butyouwillhavetopaycaution—money。Youcanhavehimputunderarrestathisinn，andyoucanmakehimpayunlessheisabletoprovethatheowesyounothing。
Isthesumalargeone？\"
\"Twelvelouis。\"
\"Youmustcomewithmebeforethemagistrateanddeposittwelvelouis，andfromthatmomentyouwillbeabletohavehimarrested。
Whereishestaying？\"
\"InthesamehotelasIam，butIdonotwishtohavehimarrestedthere，soIwillgethimtothe’Ste。Baume，’andputhimunderarrest。Herearethetwelvelouiscaution—money，soyoucangetthemagistrate’sorder，andwewillmeetagainto—morrow。\"
\"Givemehisname，andyoursalso。\"
Ireturnedinhastetothe\"TreizeCantons，\"andmettheabbe，dresseduptothenines，andjustabouttogoout。
\"Followme，\"saidI，\"IamgoingtotakeyoutoMarcoline，andyoushallhaveanexplanationinherpresence。\"
\"Withpleasure。\"
Hegotintoacarriagewithme，andItoldthecoachmantotakeustothe\"Ste。Baume\"inn。Whenwegotthere，Itoldhimtowaitforme，thatIwasgoingtofetchMarcoline，andthatIwouldreturnwithherinaminute。
Igotintothecarriageagain，anddrovetotheadvocate，whogavetheorderforarresttoapoliceman，whowastoexecuteit。Ithenreturnedtothe\"TreizeCantons\"andputhisbelongingsintoatrunk，andhadthemtransportedtohisnewabode。
Ifoundhimunderarrest，andtalkingtotheastonishedhost，whocouldnotunderstandwhatitwasallabout。Itoldthelandlordthemythicalhistoryoftheabbedebttome，andhandedoverthetrunk，tellinghimthathehadnothingtofearwithregardtothebill，asI
wouldtakecarethatheshouldbewellpaid。
Ithenbeganmytalkwiththeabbe，tellinghimthathemustgetreadytoleaveMarseillesthenextday，andthatIwouldpayforhisjourneytoParis；butthatifhedidnotliketodoso，Ishouldleavehimtohisfate，andinthreedayshewouldbeexpelledfromMarseilles。ThecowardbegantoweepandsaidhewouldgotoParis。
\"YoumuststartforLyonsto—morrow，butyouwillfirstwritemeoutanIOUfortwelvelouis。\"
\"Why？\"
\"BecauseIsayso。IfyoudosoIwillgiveyoutwelvelouisandtearupthedocumentbeforeyourface。\"
\"Ihavenochoiceinthematter。\"
\"Youareright。\"
WhenhehadwrittentheIOU，Iwenttotakeaplaceinthediligenceforhim，andthenextmorningIwentwiththeadvocatetowithdrawthearrestandtotakebackthetwelvelouis，whichIgavetomybrotherinthediligence，withalettertoM。Bono，whomI
warnednottogivehimanymoney，andtosendhimontoParisbythesamediligence。Ithentoreuphisnoteofhand，andwishedhimapleasantjourney。
ThusIgotridofthisfoolishfellow，whomIsawagaininParisinamonth’stime。
ThedayIhadmybrotherarrestedandbeforeIwenttodinewithMadamed’UrfeIhadaninterviewwithPossanointhehopeofdiscoveringthereasonofhisillhumour。
\"Thereasonis，\"saidhe，\"thatIamsureyouaregoingtolayhandsontwentyorthirtythousandcrownsingoldanddiamonds，whichthemarchionessmeantmetohave。\"
\"Thatmaybe，butitisnotforyoutoknowanythingaboutit。Imaytellyouthatitrestsentirelywithmetopreventyourgettinganything。Ifyouthinkyoucansucceedgotothemarchionessandmakeyourcomplaintstoher。Iwilldonothingtopreventyou。\"
\"ThenyouthinkIamgoingtohelpyouinyourimposturefornothing；
youareverymuchmistaken。Iwantathousandlouis，andIwillhaveit，too。\"
\"Thengetsomebodytogiveityou，\"saidI；andIturnedmybackonhim。
Iwentuptothemarchionessandtoldherthatdinnerwasready，andthatweshoulddinealone，asIhadbeenobligedtosendtheabbeaway。
\"Hewasanidiot；buthowaboutQuerilinthos？\"
\"AfterdinnerParaliswilltellusallabouthim。Ihavestrongsuspicionsthatthereissomethingtobeclearedup。\"
\"SohaveI。Themanseemschanged。Whereishe？\"
\"Heisinbed，illofadiseasewhichIdarenotsomuchasnametoyou。\"
\"Thatisaveryextraordinarycircumstance；Ihaveneverheardofsuchathingbefore。Itmustbetheworkofanevilgenius。\"
\"Ihaveneverheardofsuchathing，either；butnowletusdine。Weshallhavetoworkhardto—dayattheconsecrationofthetin。\"
\"Allthebetter。WemustofferanexpiatorysacrificetoOromasis，for，awfulthought！inthreedayshewouldhavetoregenerateme，andtheoperationwouldbeperformedinthatcondition。\"
\"Letuseatnow，\"Irepeated；\"IfearlestthehourofJupiterbeover—past。\"
\"Fearnothing，Iwillseethatallgoeswell。\"
Aftertheconsecrationofthetinhadbeenperformed，ItransferredthatofOromasistoanotherday，whileIconsultedtheoracleassiduously，themarchionesstranslatingthefiguresintoletters。
TheoracledeclaredthatsevensalamandershadtransportedthetrueQuerilinthostotheMilkyWay，andthatthemaninthenextroomwastheevilgenius，St。Germain，whohadbeenputinthatfearfulconditionbyafemalegnome，whohadintendedtomakehimtheexecutionerofSemiramis，whowastodieofthedreadfulmaladybeforehertermhadexpired。TheoraclealsosaidthatSemiramisshouldleavetoPayaliseusGaltinardus（myself）allthechargeofgettingridoftheevilgenius，St。Germain；andthatshewasnottodoubtconcerningherregeneration，sincethewordwouldbesentmebythetrueQuerilinthosfromtheMilkyWayontheseventhnightofmyworshipofthemoon。FinallytheoracledeclaredthatIwastoembraceSemiramistwodaysbeforetheendoftheceremonies，afteranUndinehadpurifiedusbybathingusintheroomwherewewere。
IhadthusundertakentoregeneratetheworthySemiramis，andIbegantothinkhowIcouldcarryoutmyundertakingwithoutputtingmyselftoshame。Themarchionesswashandsomebutold，andIfearedlestI
shouldbeunabletoperformthegreatact。Iwasthirty—eight，andI
begantofeelagestealingonme。TheUndine，whomIwastoobtainofthemoon，wasnoneotherthanMarcoline，whowastogivemethenecessarygenerativevigourbythesightofherbeautyandbythecontactofherhands。ThereaderwillseehowImadehercomedownfromheaven。
IreceivedanotefromMadameAudibertwhichmademecallonherbeforepayingmyvisittoMarcoline。AssoonasIcameinshetoldmejoyouslythatmyniece’sfatherhadjustreceivedaletterfromthefatheroftheGenoese，askingthehandofhisdaughterforhisonlyson，whohadbeenintroducedtoherbytheChevalierdeSeingalt，heruncle，attheParetti’s。
\"Theworthymanthinkshimselfundergreatobligationstoyou，\"saidMadameAudibert。\"Headoreshisdaughter，andheknowsyouhavecaredforherlikeafather。Hisdaughterhasdrawnyourportraitinveryfavourablecolors，andhewouldbeextremelypleasedtomakeyouracquaintance。Tellmewhenyoucansupwithme；thefatherwillbeheretomeetyou，thoughunaccompaniedbyhisdaughter。\"
\"Iamdelightedatwhatyoutellme，fortheyoungman’sesteemforhisfuturewifewillonlybeaugmentedwhenhefindsthatIamherfather’sfriend。Icannotcometosupper，however；Iwillbehereatsixandstoptilleight。\"
AstheladyleftthechoiceofthedaywithmeIfixedthedayafternext，andthenIrepairedtomyfairVenetian，towhomItoldmynews，andhowIhadmanagedtogetridoftheabbe。
Onthedayafternext，justasweweresittingdowntodinner，themarchionesssmilinglygavemealetterwhichPossanohadwrittenherinbadbutperfectlyintelligibleFrench。HehadfilledeightpagesinhisendeavourtoconvinceherthatIwasdeceivingher，andtomakesurehetoldthewholestorywithoutconcealinganycircumstancetomydisadvantage。HeaddedthatIhadbroughttwogirlswithmetoMarseilles；andthoughhedidnotknowwhereIhadhiddenthem，hewassurethatitwaswiththemthatIspentmynights。
AfterIhadreadthewholeletterthrough，withtheutmostcoolnessI
gaveitbacktoher，askingherifshehadhadthepatiencetoreaditthrough。Sherepliedthatshehadrunthroughit，butthatshecouldnotmakeitoutatall，astheevilgeniusseemedtowriteasortofoutlandishdialect，whichshedidnotcaretopuzzleherselfover，ashecouldonlyhavewrittendownliescalculatedtoleadherastrayatthemostimportantmomentofherlife。Iwasmuchpleasedwiththemarchioness’sprudence，foritwasimportantthatsheshouldhavenosuspicionsabouttheUndine，thesightandthetouchofwhomwerenecessarytomeinthegreatworkIwasabouttoundertake。
Afterdining，anddischargingalltheceremoniesandoracleswhichwerenecessarytocalmthesoulofmypoorvictim，IwenttoabankerandgotabillofahundredlouisonLyons，totheorderofM。Bono，andIadvisedhimofwhatIhaddone，requestinghimtocashitforPossanoifitwerepresentedonthedaynamedthereon。
IthenwrotetheadviceforPossanototakewithhim，itranasfollows:\"M。Bonno，paytoM。Possano，onsight，tohimself，andnottoorder，thesumofonehundredlouis，ifthesepresentsaredeliveredtoyouonthe30thdayofApril，intheyear1763；andafterthedayaforesaidmyordertobecomenullandvoid。\"
WiththisletterinmyhandIwenttothetraitorwhohadbeenlancedanhourbefore。
\"You’reaninfamoustraitor，\"Ibegan，\"butasMadamed’Urfeknowsofthedisgracefulstateyouareinshewouldnotsomuchasreadyourletter。Ihavereadit，andbywayofrewardIgiveyoutwoalternativeswhichyoumustdecideonimmediately。Iaminahurry。
Youwilleithergotothehospital——forwecan’thavepestiferousfellowslikeyouhere——orstartforLyonsinanhour。Youmustnotstopontheway，forIhaveonlygivenyousixtyhours，whichisampletodofortypostsin。AssoonasyougettoLyonspresentthistoM。Bono，andhewillgiveyouahundredlouis。Thisisapresentfromme，andafterwardsIdon’tcarewhatyoudo，asyouarenolongerinmyservice。YoucanhavethecarriageIboughtforyouatAntibes，andthereistwenty—fivelouisforthejourney:thatisall。
Makeyourchoice，butIwarnyouthatifyougotothehospitalI
shallonlygiveyouamonth’swages，asIdismissyoufrommyservicenowatthisinstant。\"
Afteramoment’sreflectionhesaidhewouldgotoLyons，thoughitwouldbeattheriskofhislife，forhewasveryill。
\"Youmustreaptherewardofyourtreachery，\"saidI，\"andifyoudieitwillbeagoodthingforyourfamily，whowillcomeinforwhatI
havegivenyou，butnotwhatIshouldhavegivenyouifyouhadbeenafaithfulservant。\"
IthenlefthimandtoldClairmonttopackuphistrunk。Iwarnedtheinn—keeperofhisdepartureandtoldhimtogettheposthorsesreadyassoonaspossible。
IthengaveClairmontthelettertoBonoandtwenty—fiveLouis，forhimtohandthemovertoPossanowhenhewasinthecarriageandreadytogooff。
WhenIhadthussuccessfullyaccomplishedmydesignsbymeansoftheall—powerfullever，gold，whichIknewhowtolavishintimeofneed，Iwasoncemorefreeformyamours。IwantedtoinstructthefairMarcoline，withwhomIgrewmoreinloveeveryday。ShekepttellingmethatherhappinesswouldbecompleteifsheknewFrench，andifshehadtheslightesthopethatIwouldtakehertoEnglandwithme。
Ihadneverflatteredherthatmylovewouldgoasfarasthat，butyetIcouldnothelpfeelingsadatthethoughtofpartingfromabeingwhoseemedmadetotastevoluptuouspleasures，andtocommunicatethemwithtenfoldintensitytothemanofherchoice。
ShewasdelightedtohearthatIhadgotridofmytwoodiouscompanions，andbeggedmetotakehertothetheatre，\"for，\"saidshe，\"everybodyisaskingwhoandwhatIam，andmylandlord’snieceisquiteangrywithmebecauseIwillnotlethertellthetruth\"
IpromisedIwouldtakeheroutinthecourseofthenextweek，butthatforthepresentIhadamostimportantaffaironhand，inwhichIhadneedofherassistance。
\"Iwilldowhateveryouwish，dearest。\"
\"Verygood！thenlistentome。Iwillgetyouadisguisewhichwillmakeyoulooklikeasmartfootman，andinthatcostumeyouwillcallonthemarchionesswithwhomIlive，atthehourIshallnametoyou，andyouwillgiveheranote。Haveyousufficientcourageforthat？\"
\"Certainly。Willyoubethere？\"
\"Yes。Shewillspeak，butyoumustpretendtobedumb，asthenoteyoubringwithyouwilltellus；asalsothatyouhavecometowaituponuswhilewearebathing。Shewillaccepttheoffer，andwhenshetellsyoutoundressherfromheadtofootyouwilldoso。Whenyouhavedone，undressyourself，andgentlyrubthemarchionessfromthefeettothewaist，butnothigher。InthemeanwhileIshallhavetakenoffmyclothes，andwhileIholdherinacloseembraceyoumuststandsothatIcanseeallyourcharms。
\"Further，sweetheart，whenIleaveyouyoumustgentlywashhergenerativeorgans，andafterwardswipethemwithafinetowel。Thendothesametome，andtrytobringmetolifeagain。Ishallproceedtoembracethemarchionessasecondtime，andwhenitisoverwashheragainandembraceher，andthencomeandembracemeandkissinyourVenetianmannertheinstrumentwithwhichthesacrificeisconsummated。Ishallthenclaspthemarchionesstomyarmsathirdtime，andyoumustcaressustilltheactiscomplete。Finally，youwillwashusforthethirdtime，thendress，takewhatshegivesyouandcomehere，whereIwillmeetyouinthecourseofanhour。\"
\"Youmayreckononmyfollowingallyourinstructions，butyoumustseethatthetaskwillberathertryingtomyfeelings。\"
\"Notmoretryingthantomine。Icoulddonothingwiththeoldwomanifyouwerenotpresent。\"
\"Issheveryold？\"
\"Nearlyseventy。\"
\"Mypoorsweetheart！Idopityyou。Butafterthispainfuldutyisoveryoumustsuphereandsleepwithme。\"
\"Certainly。\"
OnthedayappointedIhadalongandfriendlyinterviewwiththefatherofmylateniece。Itoldhimallabouthisdaughter，onlysuppressingthehistoryofourownamours，whichwerenotsuitableforafather’sears。Theworthymanembracedmeagainandagain，callingmehisbenefactor，andsayingthatIhaddonemoreforhisdaughterthanhewouldhavedonehimself，whichinasensewasperhapstrue。Hetoldmethathehadreceivedanotherletterfromthefather，andaletterfromtheyoungmanhimself，whowroteinthemosttenderandrespectfulmannerpossible。
\"Hedoesn’taskanythingaboutthedower，\"saidhe，\"awonderfulthingthesedays，butIwillgiveherahundredandfiftythousandfrancs，forthemarriageisanexcellentone，aboveallaftermypoorsimpleton’sescape。AllMarseillesknowsthefatherofherfuturehusband，andto—morrowImeantotellthewholestorytomywife，andIamsureshewillforgivethepoorgirlasIhavedone。\"
Ihadtopromisetobepresentatthewedding，whichwastobeatMadameAudibert’s。Thatladyknowingmetobeveryfondofplay，andtherebeingagooddealofplaygoingonatherhouse，wonderedwhyshedidnotseemoreofme；butIwasatMarseillestocreateandnottodestroy:thereisatimeforeverything。
IhadagreenvelvetjacketmadeforMarcoline，withbreechesofthesameandsilver—lacegarters，greensilkstockings，andfineleathershoesofthesamecolour。Herfineblackhairwasconfinedinanetofgreensilk，withasilverbrooch。Inthisdressthevoluptuousandwell—roundedformofMarcolinewasdisplayedtosomuchadvantage，thatifshehadshewnherselfinthestreetallMarseilleswouldhaverunafterher，for，inspiteofherman’sdress，anybodycouldseethatshewasagirl。Itookhertomyroomsinherordinarycostume，toshewherwhereshewouldhavetohideaftertheoperationwasover。
BySaturdaywehadfinishedalltheconsecrations，andtheoraclefixedtheregenerationofSemiramisforthefollowingTuesday，inthehoursofthesun，Venus，andMercury，whichfolloweachotherintheplanetarysystemofthemagicians，asalsoinPtolemy’s。Thesehourswereinordinaryparlancetheninth，tenth，andeleventhoftheday，sincethedaybeingaTuesday，thefirsthourwassacredtoMars。
AndasatthebeginningofMaythehoursaresixty—fiveminuteslong，thereader，howeverlittleofamagicianhemaybe，willunderstandthatIhadtoperformthegreatworkonMadamed’Urfe，beginningathalf—pasttwoandendingatfiveminutestosix。Ihadtakenplentyoftime，asIexpectedIshouldhavegreatneedofit。
OntheMondaynight，atthehourofthemoon，IhadtakenMadamed’Urfetothesea—shore，Clairmontfollowingbehindwiththeboxcontainingtheofferings，whichweighedfiftypounds。
Iwascertainthatnobodycouldseeus，andItoldmycompanionthatthetimewascome。ItoldClairmonttoputdowntheboxbesideus，andtogoandawaitusatthecarriage。WhenwewerealoneweaddressedasolemnprayertoSelenis，andthentothegreatsatisfactionofthemarchionesstheboxwasconsignedtotheaddress。
Mysatisfactionhoweverwasstillgreaterthanhers，fortheboxcontainedfiftypoundsoflead。Therealbox，containingthetreasure，wascomfortablyhiddeninmyroom。
Whenwegotbacktothe\"TreizeCantons，\"IleftMadamed’Urfealone，tellingherthatIwouldreturntothehotelwhenIhadperformedmyconjurationstothemoon，atthesamehourandinthesameplaceinwhichIhadperformedthesevenconsecrations。
Ispokethetruth。IwenttoMarcoline，andwhileshewasputtingonherdisguiseIwroteonasheetofwhitepaper，inlargeandodd—
lookingletters，thefollowingsentences，using，insteadofink，rock—alum:
\"Iamdumbbutnotdeaf。IamcomefromtheRhonetobatheyou。ThehourofOromasishasbegun。\"
\"Thisisthenoteyouaretogivetothemarchioness，\"Isaid，\"whenyouappearbeforeher。\"
Aftersupperwewalkedtothehotelandgotinwithoutanyoneseeingus。IhidMarcolineinalargecupboard，andthenputtingonmydressing—gownIwenttothemarchionesstoinformherthatSelenishadfixedthenextdayforthehourofregeneration，andthatwemustbecarefultofinishbeforethehourofthemoonbegan，asotherwisetheoperationwouldbeannulledoratleastgreatlyenfeebled。
\"Youmusttakecare，\"Iadded，\"thatthebathbeherebesideyourbed，andthatBrougnoledoesnotinterruptus。\"
\"Iwilltellhertogoout。ButSelenispromisedtosendanUndine。\"
\"True，butIhavenotyetseensuchabeing。\"
\"Asktheoracle。\"
\"Willingly。\"
SheherselfaskedthequestionimploringParalisnottodelaythetimeofherregeneration，eventhoughtheUndinewerelacking，sinceshecouldverywellbatheherself。
\"ThecommandsofOromasischangenot，\"camethereply；\"andinthatyouhavedoubtedthemyouhavesinned。\"
Atthisthemarchionessaroseandperformedanexpiatorysacrifice，anditappeared，onconsultingtheoracle，thatOromasiswassatisfied。
Theoldladydidnotmovemypitysomuchasmylaughter。Shesolemnlyembracedmeandsaid，——
\"To—morrow，Galtinardus，youwillbemyspouseandmyfather。\"
WhenIgotbacktomyroomandhadshutthedoor，IdrewtheUndineoutofherplaceofconcealment。Sheundressed，andassheknewthatIshouldbeobligedtohusbandmyforces，sheturnedherbackonme，andwepassedthenightwithoutgivingeachotherasinglekiss，forasparkwouldhavesetusallablaze。
Nextmorning，beforesummoningClairmont，Igaveherherbreakfast，andthenreplacedherinthecupboard。Lateron，Igaveherherinstructionsoveragain，tellinghertodoeverythingwithcalmprecision，acheerfulface，and，aboveall，silence。
\"Don’tbeafraid，\"saidshe，\"Iwillmakenomistakes。\"
Asweweretodineatnoonexactly，Iwenttolookforthemarchioness，butshewasnotinherroom，thoughthebathwasthere，andthebedwhichwastobeouraltarwasprepared。
Afewmomentsafter，themarchionesscameoutofherdressing—room，exquisitelypainted，herhairarrangedwiththechoicestlace，andlookingradiant。Herbreasts，whichfortyyearsbeforehadbeenthefairestinallFrance，werecoveredwithalaceshawl，herdresswasoftheantiquekind，butofextremelyrichmaterial，herear—ringswereemeralds，andanecklaceofsevenaquamarinesofthefinestwater，fromwhichhunganenormousemerald，surroundedbytwentybrilliants，eachweighingacaratandahalf，completedhercostume。
Sheworeonherfingerthecarbunclewhichshethoughtworthamillionfrancs，butwhichwasreallyonlyasplendidimitation。
SeeingSemiramisthusdeckedoutforthesacrifice，Ithoughtitmyboundendutytoofferhermyhomage。Iwouldhavekneltbeforeherandkissedherhand，butshewouldnotletme，andinsteadopenedherarmsandstrainedmetoherbreast。
AftertellingBrougnolethatshecouldgoouttillsixo’clock，wetalkedoverourmysteriestillthedinnerwasbroughtin。
Clairmontwastheonlypersonprivilegedtoseeusatdinner，atwhichSemiramiswouldonlyeatfish。Athalf—pastoneItoldClairmontIwasnotathometoanyone，andgivinghimalouisItoldhimtogoandamusehimselftilltheevening。
Themarchionessbegantobeuneasy，andIpretendedtobeso，too。I
lookedatmywatch，calculatedhowtheplanetaryhourswereproceeding，andsaidfromtimetotime，——
\"WearestillinthehourofMars，thatofthesunhasnotyetcommenced。\"
Atlastthetime—piecestruckhalf—pasttwo，andintwominutesafterwardsthefairandsmilingUndinewasseenadvancingintotheroom。Shecamealongwithmeasuredsteps，andkneltbeforeMadamed’Urfe，andgaveherthepapershecarried。SeeingthatIdidnotrise，themarchionessremainedseated，butsheraisedthespiritwithagraciousairandtookthepaperfromher。Shewassurprised，however，tofindthatitwasallwhite。
Ihastenedtogiveherapentoconsulttheoracleonthesubject，andafterIhadmadeapyramidofherquestion，sheinterpreteditandfoundtheanswer:
\"Thatwhichiswritteninwatermustbereadinwater。\"
\"Iunderstandnow，\"saidshe，andgoingtothebathsheplungedthepaperintoit，andthenreadinstillwhiterletters:\"Iamdumb，butnotdeaf。IamcomefromtheRhonetobatheyou。ThehourofOromasishasbegun。\"
\"Thenbatheme，divinebeing，\"saidSemiramis，puttingdownthepaperandsittingonthebed。
WithperfectexactitudeMarcolineundressedthemarchioness，anddelicatelyplacedherfeetinthewater，andthen，inatwinklingshehadundressedherself，andwasinthebath，besideMadamed’Urfe。
Whatacontrasttherewasbetweenthetwobodies；butthesightoftheonekindledtheflamewhichtheotherwastoquench。
AsIgazedonthebeautifulgirl，I，too，undressed，andwhenIwasreadytotakeoffmyshirtIspokeasfollows:\"Odivinebeing，wipethefeetofSemiramis，andbethewitnessofmyunionwithher，tothegloryoftheimmortalHoromadis，KingoftheSalamanders。\"
ScarcelyhadIutteredmyprayerwhenitwasgranted，andI
consummatedmyfirstunionwithSemiramis，gazingonthecharmsofMarcoline，whichIhadneverseentosuchadvantagebefore。
Semiramishadbeenhandsome，butshewasthenwhatIamnow，andwithouttheUndinetheoperationwouldhavefailed。Nevertheless，Semiramiswasaffectionate，clean，andsweetineveryrespect，andhadnothingdisgustingabouther，soIsucceeded。
Whenthemilkhadbeenpouredforthuponthealtar，Isaid，——
\"WemustnowawaitthehourofVenus。\"
TheUndineperformedtheablutions，embracedthebride，andcametoperformthesameofficeforme。
Semiramiswasinanecstasyofhappiness，andasshepointedouttomethebeautiesoftheUndineIwasobligedtoconfessthatIhadneverseenanymortalwomantobecomparedtoherinbeauty。
Semiramisgrewexcitedbysovoluptuousasight，andwhenthehourofVenusbeganIproceededtothesecondassault，whichwouldbetheseverest，asthehourwasofsixty—fiveminutes。Iworkedforhalfanhour，steamingwithperspiration，andtiringSemiramis，withoutbeingabletocometothepoint。StillIwasashamedtotrickher。
She，thevictim，wipedthedropsofsweatfrommyforehead，whiletheUndine，seeingmyexhaustion，kindledanewtheflamewhichthecontactofthatagedbodyhaddestroyed。Towardstheendofthehour，asIwasexhaustedandstillunsuccessful，Iwasobligedtodeceiveherbymakinguseofthosemovementswhichareincidentaltosuccess。AsIwentoutofthebattlewithallthesignsofmystrengthstillaboutme，Semiramiscouldhavenodoubtsastotherealityofmysuccess，andeventheUndinewasdeceivedwhenshecametowashme。Butthethirdhourhadcome，andwewereobligedtosatisfyMercury。Wespentaquarterofthetimeinthebath，whiletheUndinedelightedSemiramisbycaresseswhichwouldhavedelightedtheregentofFrance，ifhehadeverknownofthem。Thegoodmarchioness，believingtheseendearmentstobepeculiartoriverspirits，waspleasedwitheverything，andbeggedtheUndinetoshewmethesamekindness。Marcolineobeyed，andlavishedonmealltheresourcesoftheVenetianschooloflove。ShewasaperfectLesbian，andhercaresseshavingsoonrestoredmetoallmyvigourIwasencouragedtoundertaketosatisfyMercury。Iproceededtothework，butalas！itwasallinvain。IsawhowmyfruitlesseffortsvexedtheUndine，andperceivingthatMadamed’Urfehadhadenough，Iagaintookthecourseofdeceivingherbypretendedecstaciesandmovements，followedbycompleterest。SemiramisafterwardstoldmethatmyexertionsshewedthatIwassomethingmorethanmortal。
Ithrewmyselfintothebath，andunderwentmythirdablution，thenI
dressed。Marcolinewashedthemarchionessandproceededtoclotheher，anddidsowithsuchagracefulcharmthatMadamed’Urfefollowedtheinspirationofhergoodgenius，andthrewhermagnificentnecklaceovertheUndine’sneck。AfterapartingVenetiankissshevanished，andwenttoherhidingplaceinthecupboard。
Semiramisaskedtheoracleiftheoperationhadbeensuccessful。Theanswerwasthatsheborewithinhertheseedofthesun，andthatinthebeginningofnextFebruaryshewouldbebroughttobedofanotherselfofthesamesexasthecreator；butinorderthattheevilgeniimightnotbeabletodoheranyharmshemustkeepquietinherbedforahundredandsevenhoursinsuccession。
Theworthymarchionesswasdelightedtoreceivethisorder，andlookeduponitasagoodomen，forIhadtiredherdreadfully。I
kissedher，sayingthatIwasgoingtothecountrytocollecttogetherwhatremainedofthesubstancesthatIhadusedinmyceremonies，butIpromisedtodinewithheronthemorrow。
IshutmyselfupinmyroomwiththeUndine，andweamusedourselvesasbestwecouldtillitwasnight，forshecouldnotgooutwhileitwaslightinherspiritualcostume。Itookoffmyhandsomeweddinggarment，andassoonasitwasduskwecreptout，andwentawaytoMarcoline’slodginginahackneycoach，carryingwithustheplanetaryofferingswhichIhadgainedsocleverly。
Weweredyingofhunger，butthedelicioussupperwhichwaswaitingforusbroughtustolifeagain。AssoonaswegotintotheroomMarcolinetookoffhergreenclothesandputonherwoman’sdress，saying，——
\"Iwasnotborntowearthebreeches。Here，takethebeautifulnecklacethemadwomangaveme！\"
\"Iwillsellit，fairUndine，andyoushallhavetheproceeds。\"
\"Isitworthmuch？\"
\"Atleastathousandsequins。BythetimeyougetbacktoVeniceyouwillbeworthatleastfivethousandducats，andyouwillbeabletogetahusbandandlivewithhiminacomfortablestyle。\"
\"Keepitall，Idon’twantit；Iwantyou。Iwillneverceasetoloveyou；Iwilldowhateveryoutellme，andIpromisenevertobejealous。Iwillcareforyou——yes，asifyouweremyson。\"
\"Donotletussayanythingmoreaboutit，fairMarcoline，butletusgotobed，foryouhaveneverinspiredmewithsomuchardourasnow。\"
\"Butyoumustbetired。\"
\"Yes，butnotexhaustion，forIwasonlyabletoperformthedistillationonce。\"
\"Ithoughtyousacrificedtwiceonthatoldaltar。Pooroldwoman！
sheisstillpretty，andIhavenodoubtthatfiftyyearsagoshewasoneofthefirstbeautiesinFrance。Howfoolishofhertobethinkingofloveatthatage。\"
\"Youexcitedme，butsheundidyourworkevenmorequickly。\"
\"Areyoualwaysobligedtohave——agirlbesideyouwhenyoumakelovetoher？\"
\"No；before，therewasnoquestionofmakingason。\"
\"What？youaregoingtomakeherpregnant？That’sridiculous！Doessheimaginethatshehasconceived？\"
\"Certainly；andthehopemakesherhappy。\"
\"Whatamadidea！Butwhydidyoutrytodoitthreetimes？\"
\"Ithoughttoshewmystrength，andthatifIgazedonyouIshouldnotfail；butIwasquitemistaken。\"
\"Ipityyouforhavingsufferedsomuch。\"
\"Youwillrenewmystrength。\"
Asamatteroffact，Idonotknowwhethertoattributeittothedifferencebetweentheoldandtheyoung，butIspentamostdeliciousnightwiththebeautifulVenetian——anightwhichIcanonlycomparetothoseIpassedatParmawithHenriette，andatMuranwiththebeautifulnun。Ispentfourteenhoursinbed，ofwhichfouratleastweredevotedtoexpiatingtheinsultIhadofferedtolove。
WhenIhaddressedandtakenmychocolateItoldMarcolinetodressherselfwithelegance，andtoexpectmeintheeveningjustbeforetheplaybegan。Icouldseethatshewasintenselydelightedwiththeprospect。
IfoundMadamed’Urfeinbed，dressedwithcareandinthefashionofayoungbride，andwithasmileofsatisfactiononherfacewhichI
hadneverremarkedtherebefore。
\"Tothee，belovedGaltinardus，Ioweallmyhappiness，\"saidshe，assheembracedme。
\"Iamhappytohavecontributedtoit，divineSemiramis，butyoumustrememberIamonlytheagentofthegenii。\"
Thereuponthemarchionessbegantoargueinthemostsensiblemanner，butunfortunatelythefoundationofherargumentwaswhollychimerical。
\"Marryme，\"saidshe；\"youwillthenbeabletobegovernorofthechild，whowillbeyourson。Inthismanneryouwillkeepallmypropertyforme，includingwhatIshallhavefrommybrotherM。dePontcarre，whoisoldandcannotlivemuchlonger。IfyoudonotcareformeinFebruarynext，whenIshallbebornagain，intowhathandsshallIfall！Ishallbecalledabastard，andmyincomeoftwenty—fourthousandfrancswillbelosttome。Thinkoverit，dearGaltinardus。ImusttellyouthatIfeelalreadyasifIwereaman。
IconfessIaminlovewiththeUndine，andIshouldliketoknowwhetherIshallbeabletosleepwithherinfourteenorfifteenyearstime。IshallbesoifOromasiswillit，andthenIshallbehappyindeed。Whatacharmingcreaturesheis？Haveyoueverseenawomanlikeher？Whatapitysheisdumb！\"
\"She，nodoubt，hasamalewater—spiritforalover。Butallofthemaredumb，sinceitisimpossibletospeakinthewater。Iwondersheisnotdeafaswell。Ican’tthinkwhyyoudidn’ttouchher。Thesoftnessofherskinissomethingwonderful——velvetandsatinarenottobecomparedtoit！Andthenherbreathissosweet！HowdelightedIshouldbeifIcouldconversewithsuchanexquisitebeing。\"
\"DearGaltinardus，IbegyouwillconsulttheoracletofindoutwhereIamtobebroughttobed，andifyouwon’tmarrymeIthinkI
hadbettersaveallIhavethatImayhavesomeprovisionwhenIambornagain，forwhenIambornIshallknownothing，andmoneywillbewantedtoeducateme。Bysellingthewholealargesummightberealizedwhichcouldbeputoutatinterest。Thustheinterestwouldsufficewithoutthecapitalbeingtouched。\"
\"Theoraclemustbeourguide，\"saidI。\"Youwillbemyson，andI
willneverallowanyonetocallyouabastard。\"
Thesublimemadwomanwasquietbythisassurance。
DoubtlessmanyareaderwillsaythatifIhadbeenanhonestmanI
shouldhaveundeceivedher，butIcannotagreewiththem；itwouldhavebeenimpossible，andIconfessthatevenifithadbeenpossibleIwouldnothavedoneso，foritwouldonlyhavemademeunhappy。
IhadtoldMarcolinetodresswithelegance，andIputononeofmyhandsomestsuitstoaccompanyhertothetheatre。ChancebroughtthetwosistersRangoni，daughtersoftheRomanconsul，intoourbox。AsIhadmadetheiracquaintanceonmyfirstvisittoMarseilles，I
introducedMarcolinetothemasmyniece，whoonlyspokeItalian。AsthetwoyoungladiesspokethetongueofTassoalso，Marcolinewashighlydelighted。Theyoungersister，whowasbyfarthehandsomerofthetwo，afterwardsbecamethewifeofPrinceGonzagaSolferino。
Theprincewasaculturedman，andevenagenius，butverypoor。ForallthathewasatruesonofGonzaga，beingasonofLeopold，whowasalsopoor，andagirloftheMedinifamily，sistertotheMediniwhodiedinprisonatLondonintheyear1787。
BabetRangoni，thoughpoor，deservedtobecomesprincess，forshehadalltheairsandmannersofone。SheshinesunderhernameofRangoniamongsttheprincessandprincessesofthealmanacs。HervainhusbandisdelightedathiswifebeingthoughttobelongtotheillustriousfamilyofMedini——aninnocentfeeling，whichdoesneithergoodnorharm。ThesamepublicationsturnMediniintoMedici，whichisequallyharmless。Thisspeciesofliearisesfromtheidioticprideofthenobleswhothinkthemselvesraisedabovetherestofhumanitybytheirtitleswhichtheyhaveoftenacquiredbysomeactofbaseness。Itisofnouseinterferingwiththemonthispoint，sinceallthingsarefinallyappreciatedattheirtruevalue，andtheprideofthenobilityiseasilydiscountedwhenoneseesthemastheyreallyare。
PrinceGonzagaSolferino，whomIsawatVeniceeighteenyearsago，livedonapensionallowedhimbytheempress。Ihopethelateemperordidnotdeprivehimofit，asitwaswelldeservedbythisgeniusandhisknowledgeofliterature。