\"M。Queriniamusedmeextremely，\"saidthequeen；\"hecalledmealittledevil。\"
\"Hemeanttosaythatyourhighnessisaswittyasanangel。\"
IlongedforthequeentoaskmewhyIhadnotbeenpresentedbyM。
Zuccatto，forIhadareplyonthetipofmytonguethatwouldhavedeprivedtheambassadorofhissleepforaweek，whileIshouldhavesleptsoundly，forvengeanceisadivinepleasure，especiallywhenitistakenontheproudandfoolish；butthewholeconversationwasacompoundofnothings，asisusualincourts。
AftermyinterviewwasoverIgotintomysedan—chairandwenttoSohoSquare。AmanincourtdresscannotwalkthestreetsofLondonwithoutbeingpeltedwithmudbythemob，whilethegentlemanlookonandlaugh。Allcustomsmustberespected；theyareallatonceworthyandabsurd。
WhenIgottothehouseofMadameCornelis，IandmyNegroJarbewereshewnupstairs，andconductedthroughasuiteofgorgeousapartmentstoaroomwheretheladyofthehousewassittingwithtwoEnglishladiesandtwoEnglishgentlemen。Shereceivedmewithfamiliarpoliteness，mademesitdowninanarmchairbesideher，andthencontinuedtheconversationinEnglishwithoutintroducingme。Whenherstewardtoldherthatdinnerwasready，shegaveordersforthechildrentobebroughtdown。
Ihadlongdesiredthismeeting，andwhenIsawSophieIrantomeether；butshe，whohadprofitedbyhermother’sinstructions，drewbackwithprofoundcourtesyandacomplimentlearntbyheart。IdidnotsayanythingforfearIshouldembarrassher，butIfeltgrievedtotheheart。
MadameCornelisthenbroughtforwardherson，tellingthecompanythatIhadbroughthimtoEnglandaftersuperintendinghiseducationforsixyears。ShespokeinFrench，soIwasgladtoseethatherfriendsunderstoodthatlanguage。
Wesatdowntotable；MadameCornelisbetweenhertwochildren，andI
betweenthetwoEnglishwomen，oneofwhomdelightedmebyherpleasantwit。IattachedmyselftoherassoonasInoticedthatthemistressofthehouseonlyspoketomebychance，andthatSophiedidnotlookatme。Shewassolikemethatnomistakewaspossible。I
couldseethatshehadbeencarefullytutoredbyhermothertobehaveinthismanner，andIfeltthistreatmenttobebothabsurdandimpertinent。
IdidnotwanttoletanyoneseethatIwasangry，soIbegantodiscourseinapleasantstrainonthepeculiaritiesofEnglishmanners，takingcare，however，nottosayanythingwhichmightwoundtheinsularprideoftheEnglishguests。Myideawastomakethemlaughandtomakemyselfagreeable，andIsucceeded，butnotaworddidIspeaktoMadameCornelis；Ididnotsomuchaslookather。
Theladynexttome，afteradmiringthebeautyofmylace，askedmewhatwasthenewsatCourt。
\"Itwasallnewstome，\"saidI，\"forIwentthereto—dayforthefirsttime。\"
\"Haveyouseentheking？\"saidSirJosephCornelis。
\"Mydear，youshouldnotasksuchquestions，\"saidhismother。
\"Whynot？\"
\"Becausethegentlemanmaynotwishtoanswerthem。\"
\"Onthecontrary，madam，Ilikebeingquestioned。Ihavebeenteachingyoursonforthelastsixyearstobealwaysaskingsomething，forthatisthewaytoacquireknowledge。Hewhoasksnothingknowsnothing。\"
Ihadtouchedhertothequick，andshefellintoasulkysilence。
\"Youhavenottoldmeyet，\"saidthelad，\"whetheryousawtheking。\"
\"Yes，myman，Isawthekingandthequeen，andboththeirmajestiesdidmethehonourtospeaktome。\"
\"Whointroducedyou？\"
\"TheFrenchambassador。\"
\"Ithinkyouwillagreewithme，\"saidthemother，\"thatlastquestionwasalittletoomuch。\"
\"Certainlyitwouldbeifitwereaddressedtoastranger，butnottomewhoamhisfriend。Youwillnoticethatthereplyheextractedfrommedidmehonour。IfIhadnotwishedittobeknownthatIhadbeenatCourt，Ishouldnothavecomehereinthisdress。\"
\"Verygood；butasyouliketobequestioned，mayIaskyouwhyyouwerenotpresentedbyyourownambassador？\"
\"BecausetheVenetianambassadorwouldnotpresentme，knowingthathisGovernmenthaveabonetopickwithme。\"
Bythistimewehadcometothedessert，andpoorSophiehadnotutteredasyllable。
\"SaysomethingtoM。deSeingalt，\"saidhermother。
\"Idon’tknowwhattosay，\"sheanswered。\"TellM。deSeingalttoaskmesomequestions，andIwillanswertothebestofmyability。\"
\"Well，Sophie，tellmeinwhatstudiesyouareengagedatthepresenttime。\"
\"Iamlearningdrawing；ifyoulikeIwillshewyousomeofmywork。\"
\"Iwilllookatitwithpleasure；buttellmehowyouthinkyouhaveoffendedme；youhaveaguiltyair。\"
\"I，sir？IdonotthinkIhavedoneanythingamiss。\"
\"NordoI，mydear；butasyoudonotlookatmewhenyouspeakI
thoughtyoumustbeashamedofsomething。Areyouashamedofyourfineeyes？Youblush。Whathaveyoudone？\"
\"Youareembarrassingher，\"saidthemother。\"Tellhim，mydear，thatyouhavedonenothing，butthatafeelingofmodestyandrespectpreventsyoufromgazingatthepersonsyouaddress。\"
\"Yes，\"saidI；\"butifmodestybidsyoungladieslowertheireyes，politenessshouldmakethemraisethemnowandagain。\"
Noonerepliedtothisobjection，whichwasasharpcutfortheabsurdwoman；butafteranintervalofsilencewerosefromthetable，andSophiewenttofetchherdrawings。
\"Iwon’tlookatanything，Sophie，unlessyouwilllookatme。\"
\"Come，\"saidhermother，\"lookatthegentleman。\"
Sheobeyedasquicklyaslightning，andIsawtheprettiesteyesimaginable。
\"Now，\"saidI，\"Iknowyouagain，andperhapsyoumayrememberhavingseenme。\"
\"Yes，althoughitissixyearsagosincewemet，Irecognizedyoudirectly。\"
\"Andyetyoudidnotlookmeintheface！Ifyouknewhowimpoliteitwastoloweryoureyeswhenyouareaddressinganyone，youwouldnotdoit。Whocanhavegivenyousuchabadlesson？\"
Thechildglancedtowardshermother，whowasstandingbyawindow，andIsawwhowasherpreceptress。
IfeltthatIhadtakensufficientvengeance，andbegantoexamineherdrawings，topraisethemindetail，andtocongratulateheronhertalents。Itoldherthatsheoughttobethankfultohaveamotherwhohadgivenhersogoodaneducation。ThisindirectcomplimentpleasedMadameCornelis，andSophie，nowfreefromallrestraint，gazedatmewithanexpressionofchild—likeaffectionwhichravishedme。Herfeaturesboretheimprintofanoblesoulwithin，andIpitiedherforhavingtogrowupundertheauthorityofafoolishmother。Sophiewenttothepiano，playedwithfeeling，andthensangsomeItalianairs，totheaccompanimentoftheguitar，toowellforherage。Shewastooprecocious，andwantedmuchmorediscretioninhereducationthanMadameCorneliswasabletogiveher。
Whenhersinginghadbeenapplaudedbythecompany，hermothertoldhertodanceaminuetwithherbrother，whohadlearntinParis，butdancedbadlyforwantofagoodcarriage。Hissistertoldhimsowithakiss，andthenaskedmetodancewithher，whichIdidveryreadily。Hermother，whothoughtshehaddancedexquisitely，aswasindeedthecase，toldherthatshemustgivemeakiss。Shecameuptome，anddrawingheronmykneeIcoveredherfacewithkisses，whichshereturnedwiththegreatestaffection。Hermotherlaughedwithallherheart，andthenSophie，beginningtobedoubtfulagain，wentuptoherandaskedifshewereangry。Hermothercomfortedherwithakiss。
Afterwehadtakencoffee，whichwasservedintheFrenchfashion，MadameCornelisshewedmeamagnificenthallwhichshehadbuilt，inwhichshecouldgivesuppertofourhundredpersonsseatedatonetable。Shetoldme，andIcouldeasilybelieveher，thattherewasnotsuchanotherinallLondon。
ThelastassemblywasgivenbeforetheprorogationofParliament；itwastotakeplaceinfourorfivedays。Shehadascoreofprettygirlsinherservice，andadozenfootmenallinfulllivery。
\"Theyallrobme，\"saidshe，\"butIhavetoputupwithit。WhatI
wantisasharpmantohelpmeandwatchovermyinterests；ifIhadsuchanoneIshouldmakeanimmensefortuneinacomparativelyshorttime；forwhenitisaquestionofpleasure，theEnglishdonotcarewhattheyspend。\"
ItoldherIhopedshewouldfindsuchmanandmakethefortune，andthenIlefther，admiringherenterprise。
WhenIleftSohoSquareIwenttoSt。James’sParktoseeLadyHarringtonforwhomIborealetter，asIhavementioned。ThisladylivedintheprecinctsoftheCourt，andreceivedcompanyeverySunday。Itwasallowabletoplayinherhouse，astheparkisunderthejurisdictionoftheCrown。InanyotherplacethereisnoplayingcardsorsingingonSundays。Thetownaboundsinspies，andiftheyhavereasontosupposethatthereisanygamingormusicgoingon，theywatchfortheiropportunity，slipintothehouse，andarrestallthebadChristians，whoaredivertingthemselvesinamannerwhichisthoughtinnocentenoughinanyothercountry。ButtomakeupforthisseveritytheEnglishmanmaygoinperfectlibertytothetavernorthebrothel，andsanctifytheSabbathashepleases。
IcalledonLadyHarrington，andhavingsentupmylettershesummonedmeintoherpresence。Ifoundherinthemidstofaboutthirtypersons，butthehostesswaseasilydistinguishedbytheairofwelcomeshehadforme。
AfterIhadmademybowshetoldmeshehadseenmeatCourtinthemorning，andthatwithoutknowingwhoIwasshehadbeendesirousofmakingmyacquaintance。Ourconversationlastedthree—quartersofanhour，andwascomposedofthosefrivolousobservationsandidlequestionswhicharecommonlyaddressedtoatraveller。
Theladywasforty，butshewasstillhandsome。ShewaswellknownforhergallantriesandherinfluenceatCourt。Sheintroducedmetoherhusbandandherfourdaughters，charminggirlsofamarriageableage。SheaskedmewhyIhadcometoLondonwheneverybodywasonthepointofgoingoutoftown。ItoldherthatasIalwaysobeyedtheimpulseofthemoment，Ishouldfinditdifficulttoanswerherquestion；besides，Iintendedstayingforayear，sothatthepleasurewouldbedeferredbutnotlost。
MyreplyseemedtopleaseherbyitscharacterofEnglishindependence，andsheofferedwithexquisitegracetodoallinherpowerforme。
\"Inthemeanwhile，\"saidshe，\"wewillbeginbylettingyouseeallthenobilityatMadameCornelis’sonThursdaynext。Icangiveyouatickettoadmittoballandsupper。Itistwoguineas。\"
Igaveherthemoney，andshetooktheticketagain，writingonit，\"Paid。——Harrington。\"
\"Isthisformalitynecessary，mylady？\"
\"Yes；orelsetheywouldaskyouforthemoneyatthedoors。\"
IdidnotthinkitnecessarytosayanythingaboutmyconnectionwiththeladyofSohoSquare。
WhileLadyHarringtonwasmakinguparubberatwhist，sheaskedmeifIhadanyotherlettersforladies。
\"Yes，\"saidI，\"IhaveonewhichIintendtopresentto—morrow。Itisasingularletter，beingmerelyaportrait。\"
\"Haveyougotitaboutyou？\"
\"Yes，mylady。\"
\"MayIseeit？\"
\"Certainly。Hereitis。\"
\"ItistheDuchessofNorthumberland。Wewillgoandgiveither。\"
\"Withpleasure！\"
\"Justwaittilltheyhavemarkedthegame。\"
LordPercyhadgivenmethisportraitasaletterofintroductiontohismother。
\"Mydearduchess，\"saidLadyHarrington，\"hereisaletterofintroductionwhichthisgentlemanbegstopresenttoyou。\"
\"Iknow，itisM。deSeingalt。Mysonhaswrittentomeabouthim。
Iamdelightedtoseeyou，Chevalier，andIhopeyouwillcomeandseeme。Ireceivethriceaweek。\"
\"Willyourladyshipallowmetopresentmyvaluableletterinperson？\"
\"Certainly。Youareright。\"
Iplayedarubberofwhistforverysmallstakes，andlostfifteenguineas，whichIpaidonthespot。DirectlyafterwardsLadyHarringtontookmeapart，andgavemealessonwhichIdeemworthyofrecord。
\"Youpaidingold，\"saidshe；\"Isupposeyouhadnobanknotesaboutyou？\"
\"Yes，mylady，Ihavenotesforfiftyandahundredpounds。\"
\"Thenyoumustchangeoneofthemorwaittillanothertimetoplay，forinEnglandtopayingoldisasolecismonlypardonableinastranger。Perhapsyounoticedthattheladysmiled？\"
\"Yes；whoisshe？\"
\"LadyCoventry，sisteroftheDuchessofHamilton。\"
\"OughtItoapologize？\"
\"Notatall，theoffenceisnotoneofthosewhichrequireanapology。Shemusthavebeenmoresurprisedthanoffended，forshemadefifteenshillingsbyyourpayingheringold。\"
Iwasvexedbythissmallmischance，forLadyCoventrywasanexquisitelybeautifulbrunette。Icomfortedmyself，however，withoutmuchtrouble。
ThesamedayImadetheacquaintanceofLordHervey，thenoblemanwhoconqueredHavana，apleasantanintelligentperson。HehadmarriedMissChudleigh，butthemarriagewasannulled。ThiscelebratedMissChudleighwasmaidofhonourtothePrincessDowagerofWales，andafterwardsbecameDuchessofKingston。AsherhistoryiswellknownIshallsaysomethingmoreofherinduecourse。Iwenthomewellenoughpleasedwithmyday’swork。
ThenextdayIbegandiningathome，andfoundmycookverysatisfactory；for，besidestheusualEnglishdishes，hewasacquaintedwiththeFrenchsystemofcooking，anddidfricandeaus，cutlets，ragouts，andaboveall，theexcellentFrenchsoup，whichisoneoftheprincipalgloriesofFrance。
Mytableandmyhousewerenotenoughformyhappiness。Iwasalone，andthereaderwillunderstandbythisthatNaturehadnotmeantmeforahermit。Ihadneitheramistressnorafriend，andatLondononemayinviteamantodinneratatavernwherehepaysforhimself，butnottoone’sowntable。OnedayIwasinvitedbyayoungersonoftheDukeofBedfordtoeatoystersanddrinkabottleofchampagne。Iacceptedtheinvitation，andheorderedtheoystersandthechampagne，butwedranktwobottles，andhemademepayhalfthepriceofthesecondbottle。SucharemannersontheothersideoftheChannel。PeoplelaughedinmyfacewhenIsaidthatIdidnotcaretodineatatavernasIcouldnotgetanysoup。
\"Areyouill？\"theysaid，\"soupisonlyfitforinvalids。\"
TheEnglishmanisentirelycarnivorous。Heeatsverylittlebread，andcallshimselfeconomicalbecausehespareshimselftheexpenseofsoupanddessert，whichcircumstancemademeremarkthatanEnglishdinnerislikeeternity:ithasnobeginningandnoend。Soupisconsideredveryextravagant，astheveryservantsrefusetoeatthemeatfromwhichithasbeenmade。Theysayitisonlyfittogivetodogs。Thesaltbeefwhichtheyuseiscertainlyexcellent。Icannotsaythesamefortheirbeer，whichwassobitterthatIcouldnotdrinkit。However，IcouldnotbeexpectedtolikebeeraftertheexcellentFrenchwineswithwhichthewinemerchantsuppliedme，certainlyataveryheavycost。
IhadbeenaweekinmynewhomewithoutseeingMartinelli。HecameonaMondaymorning，andIaskedhimtodinewithme。HetoldmethathehadtogototheMuseum，andmycuriositytoseethefamouscollectionwhichissuchanhonourtoEnglandmademeaccompanyhim。
ItwastherethatImadetheacquaintanceofDr。Mati，ofwhomI
shallspeakinduecourse。
AtdinnerMartinellimadehimselfextremelypleasant。HehadaprofoundknowledgeoftheEnglishmannersandcustomswhichitbehovedmetoknowifIwishedtogeton。IhappenedtospeakoftheimpolitenessofwhichIhadbeenguiltyinpayingagamingdebtingoldinsteadofpaper，andonthistexthepreachedmeasermononthenationalprosperity，demonstratingthatthepreferencegiventopapershewstheconfidencewhichisfeltintheBank，whichmayormaynotbemisplaced，butwhichiscertainlyasourceofwealth。
Thisconfidencemightbedestroyedbyatoolargeissueofpapermoney，andifthatevertookplacebyreasonofaprotractedorunfortunatewar，bankruptcywouldbeinevitable，andnoonecouldcalculatethefinalresults。
Afteralongdiscussiononpolitics，nationalmanners，literature，inwhichsubjectsMartinellishone，wewenttoDruryLaneTheatre，whereIhadaspecimenoftheroughinsularmanners。Bysomeaccidentorotherthecompanycouldnotgivethepiecethathadbeenannounced，andtheaudiencewereinatumult。Garrick，thecelebratedactorwhowasburiedtwentyyearslaterinWestminsterAbbey，cameforwardandtriedinvaintorestoreorder。Hewasobligedtoretirebehindthecurtain。Thentheking，thequeen，andallthefashionablesleftthetheatre，andinlessthananhourthetheatrewasgutted，tillnothingbutthebarewallswereleft。
Afterthisdestruction，whichwentonwithoutanyauthorityinterposing，themadpopulacerushedtothetavernstoconsumeginandbeer。Inafortnightthetheatrewasrefittedandthepieceannouncedagain，andwhenGarrickappearedbeforethecurtaintoimploretheindulgenceofthehouse，avoicefromthepitshouted，\"Onyourknees。\"Athousandvoicestookupthecry\"Onyourknees，\"
andtheEnglishRosciuswasobligedtokneeldownandbegforgiveness。Thencameathunderofapplause，andeverythingwasover。SucharetheEnglish，andaboveall，theLondoners。Theyhootthekingandtheroyalfamilywhentheyappearinpublic，andtheconsequenceis，thattheyareneverseen，saveongreatoccasions，whenorderiskeptbyhundredsofconstables。
Oneday，asIwaswalkingbymyself，IsawSirAugustusHervey，whoseacquaintanceIhadmade，speakingtoagentleman，whomhelefttocometome。Iaskedhimwhomhehadbeenspeakingto。
\"That’sthebrotherofEarlFerrers，\"saidhe，\"whowashangedacoupleofmonthsagoformurderingoneofhispeople。\"
\"Andyouspeaktohisbrother？\"
\"Whyshouldn’tI？\"
\"Ishenotdishonouredbytheexecutionofhisrelative？\"
\"Dishonoured！Certainlynot；evenhisbrotherwasnotdishonoured。
Hebrokethelaw，buthepaidforitwithhislife，andowedsocietynothingmore。He’samanofhonour，whoplayedhighandlost；that’sall。Idon’tknowthatthereisanypenaltyinthestatutebookwhichdishonourstheculprit；thatwouldbetyrannical，andwewouldnotbearit。ImaybreakanylawIlike，solongasIamwillingtopaythepenalty。Itisonlyadishonourwhenthecriminaltriestoescapepunishmentbybaseorcowardlyactions。\"
\"Howdoyoumean？\"
\"Toaskfortheroyalmercy，tobegforgivenessofthepeople，andthelike。\"
\"Howaboutescapingfromjustice？\"
\"Thatisnodishonour，fortoflyisanactofcourage；itcontinuesthedefianceofthelaw，andifthelawcannotexactobedience，somuchtheworseforit。Itisanhonourforyoutohaveescapedfromthetyrannyofyourmagistrates；yourflightfromTheLeadswasavirtuousaction。Insuchcasesmanfightswithdeathandfleesfromit。’Virfugiensdenuopugnabit’。\"
\"Whatdoyouthinkofhighwayrobbers，then？\"
\"Idetestthemaswretchesdangeroustosociety，butIpitythemwhenIreflectthattheyarealwaysridingtowardsthegallows。YougooutinacoachtopayavisittoafriendthreeorfourmilesoutofLondon。Adeterminedandagile—lookingfellowspringsuponyouwithhispistolinhishand，andsays，’Yourmoneyoryourlife。’Whatwouldyoudoinsuchacase？\"
\"IfIhadapistolhandyIwouldblowouthisbrains，andifnotI
wouldgivehimmypurseandcallhimascoundrellyassassin。\"
\"Youwouldbewronginbothcases。Ifyoukilledhim，youwouldbehanged，foryouhavenorighttotakethelawintoyourownhands；
andifyoucalledhimanassassin，hewouldtellyouthathewasnoassassinasheattackedyouopenlyandgaveyouafreechoice。Nay，heisgenerous，forhemightkillyouandtakeyourmoneyaswell。
Youmight，indeed，tellhimhehasaneviltrade，andhewouldtellyouthatyouwereright，andthathewouldtrytoavoidthegallowsaslongaspossible。HewouldthenthankyouandadviseyounevertodriveoutofLondonwithoutbeingaccompaniedbyamountedservant，asthennorobberwoulddaretoattackyou。WeEnglishalwayscarrytwopursesonourjourneys；asmallonefortherobbersandalargeoneforourselves。\"
WhatanswercouldImaketosucharguments，basedastheywereonthenationalmanners？Englandisarichsea，butstrewnwithreefs，andthosewhovoyagetherewoulddowelltotakeprecautions。SirAugustusHervey’sdiscoursegavemegreatpleasure。
Goingfromonetopictoanother，asisalwaysthewaywithadesultoryconversation，SirAugustusdeploredthefateofanunhappyEnglishmanwhohadabscondedtoFrancewithseventythousandpounds，andhadbeenbroughtbacktoLondon，andwastobehanged。
\"Howcouldthatbe？\"Iasked。
\"TheCrownaskedtheDucdeNivernoistoextraditehim，andLouisXV。
grantedtherequesttomakeEnglandassenttosomearticlesofthepeace。Itwasanactunworthyofaking，foritviolatestherightofnations。Itistruethatthemanisawretch，butthathasnothingtodowiththeprincipleofthething。\"
\"Ofcoursetheyhavegotbacktheseventythousandpounds？\"
\"Notashillingofit。\"
\"Howwasthat？\"
\"Becausenomoneywasfoundonhim。Hehasmostlikelylefthislittlefortunetohiswife，whocanmarryagainassheisstillyoungandpretty。\"
\"Iwonderthepolicehavenotbeenafterher。\"
\"Suchathingisneverthoughtof。Whatcouldtheydo？It’snotlikelythatshewouldconfessthatherhusbandleftherthestolenmoney。Thelawsaysrobbersshallbehanged，butitsaysnothingaboutwhattheyhavestolen，astheyaresupposedtohavemadeawaywithit。Thenifwehadtotakeintoaccountthethieveswhohadkepttheirtheftandthieveswhohadspentit，weshouldhavetomaketwosetsoflaws，andmakeallmannerofallowances；theendofitwouldbeinextricableconfusion。ItseemstousEnglishmenthatitwouldnotbejusttoordaintwopunishmentsfortheft。Therobberbecomestheownerofwhathehasstolen；true，he’gotitbyviolence，butitisnonethelesshis，forhecandowhathelikeswithit。Thatbeingthecase，everyoneshouldbecarefultokeepwhathehas，sinceheknowsthatoncestolenhewillneverseeitagain。IhavetakenHavanafromSpain:thiswasrobberyonalargescale。\"
Hetalkedatoncelikeaphilosopherandafaithfulsubjectofhisking。
EngagedinthisdiscussionwewalkedtowardstheDuchessofNorthumberland’s，whereImadetheacquaintanceofLadyRochefort，whosehusbandhadjustbeenappointedSpanishambassador。Thislady’sgallantrieswereinnumerable，andfurnishedafreshtopicofconversationeveryday。
ThedaybeforetheassemblyatSohoSquareMartinellidinedwithme，andtoldmethatMadameCorneliswasheavilyindebt，anddarednotgooutexceptonSundays，whendebtorsareprivileged。
\"Theenormousandunnecessaryexpensewhichsheputsherselfto，\"
saidhe，\"willsoonbringhertoruin。Sheowesfourtimestheamountofherassets，evencountinginthehouse，whichisadoubtfulitem，asitisthesubjectoflitigation。\"
Thisnewsonlydistressedmeforherchildren’ssake，forIthoughtthatsheherselfwelldeservedsuchafate。
CHAPTERVIII
TheAssembly——AdventureatRanelaghTheEnglishCourtezans——PaulineIwentinduetimetotheassembly，andthesecretaryatthedoorwrotedownmynameasIhandedinmyticket。WhenMadameCornelissawmeshesaidshewasdelightedIhadcomeinbyticket，andthatshehadhadsomedoubtsastowhetherIwouldcome。
\"Youmighthavesparedyourselfthetroubleofdoubting，\"saidI，\"forafterhearingthatIhadbeentoCourtyoumighthaveguessedthatamatteroftwoguineaswouldnothavekeptmeaway。Iamsorryforouroldfriendship’ssakethatIdidnotpaythemoneytoyou；
foryoumighthaveknownthatIwouldnotcondescendtobepresentinthemodestmanneryouindicated。\"
Thisaddress，deliveredwithanironicalaccent，embarrassedMadameCornelis，butLadyHarrington，agreatsupporterofhers，cametoherrescue。
\"Ihaveanumberofguineastohandovertoyou，mydearCornelis，andamongstotherstwofromM。deSeingalt，who，Ifancy，isanoldfriendofyours。Nevertheless，Ididnotdaretotellhimso，\"sheadded，withaslyglanceinmydirection。
\"Whynot，mylady？IhaveknownMadameCornelisformanyyears。\"
\"Ishouldthinkyouhave，\"sheanswered，laughing，\"andI
congratulateyouboth。IsupposeyouknowthedelightfulMissSophietoo，Chevalier？\"
\"Certainly，mylady，whosoknowsthemotherknowsthedaughter。\"
\"Quiteso，quiteso。\"
Sophiewasstandingby，andafterkissingherfondlyLadyHarringtonsaid，——
\"Ifyouloveyourself，yououghttoloveher，forsheistheimageofyou。\"
\"Yes，itisafreakofnature。\"
\"Ithinkthereissomethingmorethanafreakinthisinstance。\"
WiththesewordstheladytookSophie’shand，andleaningonmyarmsheledusthroughthecrowd，andIhadtobearinsilencetheremarksofeveryone。
\"ThereisMadameCornelis’shusband。\"
\"ThatmustbeM。Cornelis。\"
\"Oh！therecanbenodoubtaboutit。\"
\"No，no，\"saidLadyHarrington，\"youareallquitewrong。\"
Igottiredoftheseremarks，whichwereallfoundedontheremarkablelikenessbetweenmyselfandSophie。IwantedLadyHarringtontoletthechildgo，butshewastoomuchamusedtodoso。
\"Staybyme，\"shesaid，\"ifyouwanttoknowthenamesoftheguests。\"Shesatdown，makingmesitononesideandSophieontheother。
MadameCornelisthenmadeherappearance，andeveryoneaskedherthesamequestions，andmadethesameremarksaboutme。ShesaidbravelythatIwasherbestandheroldestfriend，andthatthelikenessbetweenmeandherdaughtermightpossiblybecapableofexplanation。
Everyonelaughedandsaiditwasverynaturalthatitshouldbeso。
Tochangethesubject，MadameCornelisremarkedthatSophiehadlearnttheminuetanddanceditadmirably。
\"Thenfetchaviolinplayer，\"saidLadyHarrington，\"thatwemayhavethepleasureofwitnessingtheyoungartist’sperformance。\"
Theballhadnotyetbegun，andassoonastheviolinistappeared，I
steppedforwardanddancedwithSophie，tothedelightoftheselectcircleofspectators。
Theballlastedallnightwithoutceasing，asthecompanyatebyrelays，andatalltimesandhours；thewasteandprodigalitywereworthyofaprince’spalace。ImadetheacquaintanceofallthenobilityandtheRoyalFamily，fortheywereallthere，withtheexceptionofthekingandqueen，andthePrinceofWales。MadameCornelismusthavereceivedmorethantwelvehundredguineas，buttheoutlaywasenormous，withoutanycontrolorsafeguardagainstthethefts，whichmusthavebeenperpetratedonallsides。Shetriedtointroducehersontoeverybody，butthepoorladlookedlikeavictim，anddidnothingbutmakeprofoundbows。Ipitiedhimfrommyheart。
AssoonasIgothomeIwenttobedandspentthewholeofthenextdaythere。ThedayafterIwenttothe\"StavenTavern，\"asIhadbeentoldthattheprettiestgirlsinLondonresortedtoit。LordPembrokegavemethispieceofinformation；hewentthereveryfrequentlyhimself。WhenIgottothetavernIaskedforaprivateroom，andthelandlord，perceivingthatIdidnotknowEnglish，accostedmeinFrench，andcametokeepmecompany。Iwasastonishedathisgraveandreverendmannerofspeaking，anddidnotliketotellhimthatIwantedtodinewithaprettyEnglishwoman。Atlast，however，Isummonedupcouragetosay，withagreatdealofcircumlocution，thatIdidnotknowwhetherLordPembrokehaddeceivedmeininformingmethatIshouldfindtheprettiestgirlsinLondonathishouse。
\"No，sir，\"saidhe，\"mylordhasnotdeceivedyou，andyoucanhaveasmanyasyoulike。\"
\"That’swhatIcamefor。\"
Hecalledoutsomename，andatidy—lookingladmakinghisappearance，hetoldhimtogetmeawenchjustasthoughhewereorderingabottleofchampagne。Theladwentout，andpresentlyagirlofherculeanproportionsentered。
\"Sir，\"saidI，\"Idon’tlikethelooksofthisgirl。\"
\"Giveherashillingandsendheraway。Wedon’ttroubleourselvesaboutceremoniesinLondon。\"
Thisputmeatmyease，soIpaidmyshillingandcalledforaprettierwench。Thesecondwasworsethanthefirst，andIsentheraway，andtenothersafterher，whileIcouldseethatmyfastidiousnessamusedthelandlordimmensely。
\"I’llseenomoregirls，\"saidIatlast，\"letmehaveagooddinner。
Ithinktheprocurermusthavebeenmakinggameofmeforthesakeoftheshillings。\"
\"It’sverylikely；indeeditoftenhappenssowhenagentlemandoesnotgivethenameandaddressofthewenchhewants。\"
IntheeveningasIwaswalkinginSt。James’sPark，IremembereditwasaRanelaghevening，andwishingtoseetheplaceItookacoachanddrovethere，intendingtoamusemyselftillmidnight，andtofindabeautytomytaste。
Iwaspleasedwiththerotunda。Ihadsometea，Idancedsomeminuets，butImadenoacquaintances；andalthoughIsawseveralprettywomen，Ididnotdaretoattackanyofthem。Igottired，andasitwasnearmidnightIwentoutthinkingtofindmycoach，forwhichIhadnotpaid，stillthere，butitwasgone，andIdidnotknowwhattodo。Anextremelyprettywomanwhowaswaitingforhercarriageinthedoorway，noticedmydistress，andsaidthatifI
livedanywherenearWhitehall，shecouldtakemehome。Ithankedhergratefully，andtoldherwhereIlived。Hercarriagecameup，hermanopenedthedoor，andshesteppedinonmyarm，tellingmetositbesideher，andtostopthecarriagewhenitgottomyhouse。
Assoonaswewereinthecarriage，Iburstoutintoexpressionsofgratitude；andaftertellinghermynameIexpressedmyregretatnothavingseenheratSohoSquare。
\"IwasnotinLondon，\"shereplied，\"IreturnedfromBathto—day。\"
Iapostrophisedmyhappinessinhavingmether。Icoveredherhandswithkisses，anddaredtokissheronthecheek；andfindingthatshesmiledgraciously，Ifastenedmylipsonhers，andbeforelonghadgivenheranunequivocalmarkoftheardourwithwhichshehadinspiredme。
ShetookmyattentionssoeasilythatIflatteredmyselfIhadnotdispleasedher，andIbeggedhertotellmewhereIcouldcallonherandpaymycourtwhileIremainedinLondon，butshereplied，——
\"Weshallseeeachotheragain；wemustbecareful。\"
Isworesecrecy，andurgedhernomore。Directlyafterthecarriagestopped，Ikissedherhandandwassetdownatmydoor，wellpleasedwiththeridehome。
ForafortnightIsawnothingofher，butImetheragaininahousewhereLadyHarringtonhadtoldmetopresentmyself，givinghername。
ItwasLadyBettyGerman’s，andIfoundherout，butwasaskedtositdownandwaitasshewouldbeinsoon。IwaspleasantlysurprisedtofindmyfairfriendofRanelaghintheroom，readinganewspaper。I
conceivedtheideaofaskinghertointroducemetoLadyBetty，soI
wentuptoherandprofferedmyrequest，butsherepliedpolitelythatshecouldnotdosonothavingthehonourtoknowmyname。
\"Ihavetoldyoumyname，madam。Doyounotrememberme？\"
\"Irememberyouperfectly，butapieceoffollyisnotatitleofacquaintance。\"
Iwasdumbfoundedattheextraordinaryreply，whiletheladycalmlyreturnedtohernewspaper，anddidnotspeakanotherwordtillthearrivalofLadyBetty。
ThefairphilosophertalkedfortwohourswithoutgivingtheleastsignofknowingwhoIwas，althoughsheansweredmewithgreatpolitenesswheneverIventuredtoaddressher。Sheturnedouttobealadyofhighbirthandofgreatreputation。
HappeningtocallonMartinelli，Iaskedhimwhowastheprettygirlwhowaskissingherhandstomefromthehouseopposite。IwaspleasantlysurprisedtohearthatshewasadancernamedBinetti。
FouryearsagoshehaddonemeagreatserviceatStuttgart，butI
didnotknowshewasinLondon。ItookleaveofMartinellitogoandseeher，anddidsoallthemoreeagerlywhenIheardthatshehadpartedfromherhusband，thoughtheywereobligedtodancetogetherattheHaymarket。
Shereceivedmewithopenarms，tellingmethatshehadrecognizedmedirectly。
\"Iamsurprised，mydearelder，\"saidshe，\"toseeyouinLondon。\"
Shecalledme\"elder\"becauseIwastheoldestofherfriends。
\"NordidIknowthatyouwerehere。Icametotownafterthecloseoftheopera。Howisitthatyouarenotlivingwithyourhusband？\"
\"Becausehegames，loses，anddespoilsmeofallIpossess。Besides，awomanofmycondition，ifshebemarried，cannothopethatarichloverwillcomeandseeher，whileifshebealoneshecanreceivevisitswithoutanyconstraint。\"
\"Ishouldn’thavethoughttheywouldbeafraidofBinetti；heusedtobefarfromjealous。\"
\"Norishejealousnow；butyoumustknowthatthereisanEnglishlawwhichallowsthehusbandtoarresthiswifeandherloverifhefindsthemin’flagrantedelicto’。Heonlywantstwowitnesses，anditisenoughthattheyaresittingtogetheronabed。Theloverisforcedtopaytothehusbandthehalfofallhepossesses。SeveralrichEnglishmenhavebeencaughtinthisway，andnowtheyareveryshyofvisitingmarriedwomen，especiallyItalians。\"
\"Soyouhavemuchtobethankfulfor。Youenjoyperfectliberty，canreceiveanyvisitorsyoulike，andareinafairwaytomakeafortune。\"
\"Alas！mydearfriend，youdonotknowall。WhenhehasinformationfromhisspiesthatIhavehadavisitor，hecomestomeinasedan—
chairatnight，andthreatenstoturnmeoutintothestreetifIdonotgivehimallthemoneyIhave。Heisaterriblerascal！\"
Ileftthepoorwoman，aftergivinghermyaddress，andtellinghertocomeanddinewithmewheneversheliked。Shehadgivenmealessononthesubjectofvisitingladies。Englandhasverygoodlaws，butmostofthemarecapableofabuse。Theoathwhichjurymenhavetotaketoexecutethemtotheletterhascausedseveraltobeinterpretedinamannerabsolutelycontrarytotheintentionofthelegislators，thusplacingthejudgesinadifficultpredicament。
Thusnewlawshaveconstantlytobemade，andnewglossestoexplaintheoldones。
MyLordPembroke，seeingmeatmywindow，camein，andafterexaminingmyhouse，includingthekitchen，wherethecookwasatwork，toldmethattherewasnotanoblemanintownwhohadsuchawell—furnishedandcomfortablehouse。Hemadeacalculation，andtoldmethatifIwantedtoentertainmyfriendsIshouldrequirethreehundredpoundsamonth。\"Youcan’tlivehere，\"saidhe，\"withoutaprettygirl，andthosewhoknowthatyoukeepbachelor’shallareofopinionthatyouareverywise，andwillsaveagreatdealofuselessexpense。\"
\"Doyoukeepagirl，mylord？\"
\"No，forIamunfortunateenoughtobedisgustedwithawomanafterI
havehadherforaday。\"
\"Thenyourequireafreshoneeveryday？\"
\"Yes，andwithoutbeingascomfortableasyouIspendfourtimesasmuch。YoumustknowthatIliveinLondonlikeastranger。Ineverdineatmyownhouse。Iwonderatyourdiningalone。\"
\"Ican’tspeakEnglish。Ilikesoupandgoodwine，andthatisenoughtokeepmefromyourtaverns。\"
\"Iexpectso，withyourFrenchtastes。\"
\"Youwillconfessthattheyarenotbadtastes。\"
\"Youareright，for，goodEnglishmanasIam，IgetonverywellinParis。\"
HeburstoutlaughingwhenItoldhimhowIhaddispatchedascoreofwenchesatthe\"StavenTavern，\"andthatmydisappointmentwasduetohim。
\"Ididnottellyouwhatnamestosendfor，andIwaswrong。\"
\"Yes，yououghttohavetoldme。\"
\"ButevenifIdidtheywouldn’thavecome，fortheyarenotattheordersoftheprocurers。IfyouwillpromisetopaythemasIdo，I
willgiveyousometicketswhichwillmakethemcome。\"
\"CanIhavethemhere？\"
\"Justasyoulike。\"
\"Thatwillbemostconvenientforme。WriteouttheticketsandletthemknowFrenchifyoucan。\"
\"That’sthedifficulty；theprettiestonlyspeakEnglish。\"
\"Nevermind，weshallunderstandeachotherwellenoughforthepurposeIdaresay。\"
Hewroteseveralticketsforfourandsixguineaseach；butonewasmarkedtwelveguineas。
\"Sheisdoublypretty，isshe？\"saidI。
\"Notexactly，butshehascuckoldedadukeofGreatBritainwhokeepsher，andonlyusesheronceortwiceamonth。\"
\"Wouldyoudomethehonouroftestingtheskillofmycook？\"
\"Certainly，butIcan’tmakeanappointment。\"
\"AndsupposingIamout。\"
\"I’llgotothetavern。\"
HavingnothingbettertodoIsentJarbetooneofthefour—guineawenches，tellinghimtoadviseherthatshewoulddinewithme。Shecame。Shedidnotattractmesufficientlytomakemeattemptmorethansomeslighttoying。Shewentawaywellpleasedwithherfourguineas，whichshehaddonenothingtoearn。Anotherwench，alsoatfourguineas，suppedwithmethefollowingevening。Shehadbeenverypretty，and，indeed，wassostill，butshewastoomelancholyandquietformytaste，andIcouldnotmakeupmymindtotellhertoundress。
Thethirdday，notfeelinginclinedtotryanotherticket，IwenttoCoventGarden，andonmeetinganattractiveyoungpersonIaccostedherinFrench，andaskedherifshewouldsupwithme。
\"Howmuchwillyougivemeatdessert？\"
\"Threeguineas。\"
\"Comealong。\"
AftertheplayIorderedagoodsupperfortwo，andshedisplayedanappetiteaftermineownheart。WhenwehadsuppedIaskedforhernameandaddress，andIwasastonishedtofindthatshewasoneofthegirlswhomLordPembrokehadassessedatsixguineas。I
concludedthatitwasbesttodoone’sownbusiness，or，atanyrate，nottoemploynoblemenasagents。Astotheothertickets，theyprocuredmebutlittlepleasure。Thetwelve—guineaone，whichIhadreservedforthelast，asachoicemorsel，pleasedmetheleastofall，andIdidnotcaretocuckoldthenobledukewhokepther。
LordPembrokewasyoung，handsome，rich，andfullofwit。Iwenttoseehimoneday，andfoundhimjustgettingoutofbed。Hesaidhewouldwalkwithmeandtoldhisvalettoshavehim。
\"But，\"saidI，\"there’snotatraceofbeardonyourface。\"
\"Thereneveris，\"saidhe，\"Igetmyselfshavedthreetimesaday。\"
\"Threetimes？\"
\"Yes，whenIchangemyshirtIwashmyhands；whenIwashmyhandsI
havetowashmyface，andtheproperwaytowashaman’sfaceiswitharazor。\"
\"Whendoyoumakethesethreeablutions？\"
\"WhenIgetup，whenIdressfordinner，andwhenIgotobed，forI
shouldnotlikethewomanwhoissleepingwithmetofeelmybeard。\"
Wehadashortwalktogether，andthenIlefthimasIhadsomewritingtodo。Asweparted，heaskedmeifIdinedathome。I
repliedintheaffirmative，andforeseeingthatheintendeddiningwithmeIwarnedmycooktoserveuswell，thoughIdidnotlethimknowthatIexpectedanoblemantodinner。Vanityhasmorethanonestringtoitsbow。
IhadscarcelygothomewhenMadameBinetticamein，andsaidthatifshewerenotintheway，shewouldbegladtodinewithme。Igaveherawarmwelcome，andshesaidIwasreallydoingheragreatservice，asherhusbandwouldsufferthetormentsofhellintryingtofindoutwithwhomshehaddined。
Thiswomanstillpleasedme；andthoughshewasthirty—five，nobodywouldhavetakenherformorethantwenty—five。Herappearancewasineverywaypleasing。Herlipswereofthehueoftherose，disclosingtwoexquisiterowsofteeth。Afinecomplexion，splendideyes，andaforeheadwhereInnocencemighthavebeenwellenthroned，allthismadeanexquisitepicture。Ifyouaddtothis，thatherbreastwasoftherarestproportions，youwillunderstandthatmorefastidioustastesthanminewouldhavebeensatisfiedwithher。
ShehadnotbeeninmyhouseforhalfanhourwhenLordPembrokecamein。Theybothutteredanexclamation，andthenoblemantoldmethathehadbeeninlovewithherforthelastsixmonths；thathehadwrittenardentletterstoherofwhichshehadtakennonotice。
\"Ineverwouldhaveanythingtodowithhim，\"saidshe，\"becauseheisthegreatestprofligateinallEngland；andit’sapity，\"sheadded，\"becauseheisakindheartednobleman。\"
Thisexplanationwasfollowedbyascoreofkisses，andIsawthattheywereagreed。
WehadachoicedinnerintheFrenchstyle，andLordPembrokesworehehadnoteatensogoodadinnerforthelastyear。
\"Iamsorryforyou，\"hesaid，\"whenIthinkofyoubeingaloneeveryday。\"
MadameBinettiwasasmuchagourmetastheEnglishman，andwhenwerosefromtablewefeltinclinedtopassfromtheworshipofComustothatofVenus；buttheladywastooexperiencedtogivetheEnglishmananythingmorethanafewtriflingkisses。
IbusiedmyselfinturningovertheleavesofsomebooksIhadboughtthedaybefore，andleftthemtotalktogethertotheirheart’scontent；buttopreventtheiraskingmetogivethemanotherdinnerI
saidthatIhopedchancewouldbringaboutsuchanothermeetingonanotheroccasion。
Atsixo’clock，aftermyguestshadleftme，IdressedandwenttoVauxhaull，whereImetaFrenchofficernamedMalingan，towhomIhadgivensomemoneyatAix—la—Chapelle。Hesaidhewouldliketospeaktome，soIgavehimmynameandaddress。Ialsometawell—knowncharacter，theChevalierGoudar，whotalkedtomeaboutgamingandwomen。MalinganintroducedmetoanindividualwhohesaidmightbeveryusefultomeinLondon。Hewasamanofforty，andstyledhimselfsonofthelateTheodore，thepretendertothethroneofCorsica，whohaddiedmiserablyinLondonfourteenyearsbefore，afterhavingbeenimprisonedfordebtforsevenyears。IshouldhavedonebetterifIhadnevergonetoVauxhallthatevening。
Theentrance—feeatVauxhallwashalfthesumchargedatRanelagh，butinspiteofthattheamusementswereofthemostvariedkinds。
Therewasgoodfare，music，walksinsolitaryalleys，thousandsoflamps，andacrowdofLondonbeauties，bothhighandlow。
InthemidstofallthesepleasuresIwasdull，becauseIhadnogirltosharemyabodeormygoodtable，andmakeitdeartome。IhadbeeninLondonforsixweeks；anainnootherplacehadIbeenaloneforsolong。
Myhouseseemedintendedforkeepingamistresswithalldecency，andasIhadthevirtueofconstancyamistresswasallIwantedtomakemehappy。ButhowwasItofindawomanwhoshouldbetheequalofthosewomenIhadlovedbefore？Ihadalreadyseenhalfahundredofgirls，whomthetownpronouncedtobepretty，andwhodidnotstrikemeasevenpassable。Ithoughtthematterovercontinually，andatlastanoddideastruckme。
Icalledtheoldhousekeeper，andtoldherbytheservant，whoactedasmyinterpreter，thatIwantedtoletthesecondorthirdfloorforthesakeofcompany；andalthoughIwasatperfectlibertytodowhatIlikedwiththehouse，Iwouldgiveherhalf—a—guineaaweekextra。
ForthwithIorderedhertoaffixthefollowingbilltothewindow:
Secondorthirdfloortobelet，furnished，toayoungladyspeakingEnglishandFrench，whoreceivesnovisitors，eitherbydayornight。
TheoldEnglishwoman，whohadseensomethingoftheworld，begantolaughsoviolentlywhenthedocumentwastranslatedtoherthatI
thoughtshewouldhavechoked。
\"Whatareyoulaughingat，myworthywoman？\"
\"Becausethisnoticeisalaughingmatter。\"
\"IsupposeyouthinkIshallhavenoapplications？\"
\"Notatall，thedoorstepwillbecrowdedfrommorntonight，butI
shallleaveitalltoFanny。Onlytellmehowmuchtoask。\"
\"Iwillarrangeabouttherentinmyinterviewwiththeyounglady。
Idon’tthinkIshallhavesomanyenquiries，fortheyoungladyistospeakFrenchandEnglish，andalsotoberespectable。Shemustnotreceiveanyvisits，notevenfromherfatherandmother，ifshehasthem。\"
\"Buttherewillbeamobinfrontofthehousereadingthenotice。\"
\"Allthebetter。Nothingistheworseforbeingalittleodd。\"
Ithappenedjustastheoldwomanhadforetold；assoonasthenoticewasup，everybodystoppedtoreadit，madevariouscomments，andpassedon。Ontheseconddayafteritwasup，myNegrotoldmethatmynoticewasprintedinfullintheSt。James’sChronicle，withsomeamusingremarks。Ihadthepaperbroughtuptome，andFannytranslatedit。Itranasfollows:
\"Thelandlordofthesecondandthirdfloorsprobablyoccupiesthefirstfloorhimself。Hemustbeamanoftheworldandofgoodtaste，forhewantsayoungandprettylodger；andasheforbidshertoreceivevisits，hewillhavetokeephercompanyhimself。\"
Headded，——
\"Thelandlordshouldtakecarelesthebecomehisowndupe，foritisverylikelythattheprettylodgerwouldonlytaketheroomtosleepin，andpossiblyonlytosleepinnowandthen；andifshechoseshewouldhaveaperfectrighttorefusetoreceivetheproprietor’svisits。\"
Thesesensibleremarksdelightedme，forafterreadingthemIfeltforewarned。
SuchmattersasthesegivetheirchiefinteresttotheEnglishnewspapers。Theyareallowedtogossipabouteverything，andthewritershavetheknackofmakingthemeresttriflesseemamusing。
Happyisthenationwhereanythingmaybewrittenandanythingsaid！
LordPembrokewasthefirsttocomeandcongratulatemeonmyidea，andhewassucceededbyMartinelli；butheexpressedsomefearsastothepossibleconsequences，\"for，\"saidhe，\"thereareplentyofwomeninLondonwhowouldcomeandlodgewithyoutobeyourruin。\"
\"Inthatcase，\"Ianswered，\"itwouldbeacaseofGreekmeetingGreek；however，weshallsee。IfIamtakenin，peoplewillhavethefullestrighttolaughatme，forIhavebeenwarned。\"
Iwillnottroublemyreaderswithanaccountofthehundredwomenwhocameinthefirsttendays，whenIrefusedononepretextoranother，thoughsomeofthemwerenotwantingingraceandbeauty。
Butoneday，whenIwasatdinner，Ireceivedavisitfromagirloffromtwentytotwenty—fouryears，simplybutelegantlydressed；herfeaturesweresweetandgracious，thoughsomewhatgrave，hercomplexionpale，andherhairblack。ShegavemeabowwhichIhadtorisetoreturn，andasIremainedstandingshepolitelybeggedmenottoputmyselfout，buttocontinuemydinner。Ibeggedhertobeseatedandtotakedessert，butsherefusedwithanairofmodestywhichdelightedme。
Thisfairladysaid，notinFrench，butinItalianworthyofaSinnese，itspuritywassoperfect，thatshehopedIwouldletherhavearoomonthethirdfloor，andthatshewouldgladlysubmittoallmyconditions。
\"Youmayonlymakeuseofoneroomifyoulike，butallthefloorwillbelongtoyou。\"
\"Althoughthenoticesaystheroomswillbeletcheaply，Ishallnotbeabletoaffordmorethanoneroom。TwoshillingsaweekisallI
canspend。\"
\"That’sexactlywhatIwantforthewholesuiteofrooms；soyouseeyoucanusethemall。Mymaidwillwaitonyou，getyouwhateverfoodyoumayrequire，andwashyourlinenaswell。Youcanalsoemployhertodoyourcommissions，sothatyouneednotgooutfortrifles。\"
\"ThenIwilldismissmymaid，\"shesaid；\"sherobsmeoflittle，itistrue，butstilltoomuchformysmallmeans。Iwilltellyourmaidwhatfoodtobuyformeeveryday，andsheshallhavesixsotsaweekforherpains。\"
\"Thatwillbeample。Ishouldadviseyoutoapplytomycook’swife，whowillgetyourdinnerandsupperforyouascheaplyasyoucouldbuyit。\"
\"Ihardlythinkso，forIamashamedtotellyouhowlittleIspend。\"
\"Evenifyouonlyspendtwosolsaday，shewillgiveyoutwosols’
worth。AllthesameIadviseyoutobecontentwithwhatyougetfromthekitchen，withouttroublingabouttheprice，forIusuallyhaveprovisionmadeforfour，thoughIdinealone，andtherestisthecook’sperquisite。Imerelyadviseyoutothebestofmyability，andIhopeyouwillnotbeoffendedatmyinterestinyourwelfare。\"
\"Really，sir，youaretoogenerous。\"
\"Waitamoment，andyouwillseehoweverythingwillbesettledcomfortably。\"
ItoldClairmonttoorderupthemaidandthecook’swife，andIsaidtothelatter:
\"Forhowmuchcouldyouprovidedinnerandsupperforthisyoungladywhoisnotrich，andonlywantstoeattolive？\"
\"Icandoitverycheaply；foryouusuallyeatalone，andhaveenoughforfour。\"
\"Verygood；thenIhopeyouwilltreatherverywellforthesumshegivesyou。\"
\"Icanonlyaffordfivesolsaday。\"
\"Thatwilldonicely。\"
Igaveordersthatthebillshouldbetakendowndirectly，andthattheyounglady’sroomshouldbemadecomfortable。Whenthemaidandthecook’swifehadlefttheroom，theyoungladytoldmethatsheshouldonlygooutonSundaystohearmassattheBavarianambassador’schapel，andonceamonthtoapersonwhogaveherthreeguineastosupporther。
\"Youcangooutwhenyoulike，\"saidI，\"andwithoutrenderinganaccounttoanybodyofyourmovements。\"
Shebeggedmenottointroduceanyonetoher，andtotellthe，portertodenyhertoanyonewhomightcometothedoortomakeenquiries。
Ipromisedthatherwishesshouldberespected，andshewentawaysayingthatshewasgoingforhertrunk。
Iimmediatelyorderedmyhouseholdtotreatherwiththeutmostrespect。Theoldhousekeepertoldmethatshehadpaidthefirstweekinadvance，takingareceipt，andhadgone，asshehadcome，inasedan—chair。Thentheworthyoldwomanmadefreetotellmetobeonmyguard。
\"Againstwhat？IfIfallinlovewithher，somuchthebetter；thatisjustwhatIwant。Whatnamedidshegiveyou？\"
\"MistressPauline。Shewasquitepalewhenshecame，andshewentawaycoveredwithblushes。\"
Iwasdelightedtohearit。Ididnotwantawomanmerelytosatisfymynaturaldesires，forsuchcanbefoundeasilyenough；IwishedforsomeonewhomIcouldlove。Iexpectedbeauty，bothofthebodyandthesoul；andmyloveincreasedwiththedifficultiesandobstaclesI
sawbeforeme。Astofailure，IconfessIdidnotgiveitamoment’sthought，forthereisnotawomanintheworldwhocanresistconstantandlovingattentions，especiallywhenherloverisreadytomakegreatsacrifices。
WhenIgotbackfromthetheatreintheeveningthemaidtoldmethattheladyhadchosenamodestclosetattheback，whichwasonlysuitableforaservant。Shehadhadamoderatesupper，onlydrinkingwater，andhadbeggedthecook’swifeonlytosendherupsoupandonedish，towhichthewomanhadrepliedthatshemusttakewhatwasserved，andwhatshedidnoteatwoulddofortheservant。
\"Whenshefinishedsheshutherselfuptowrite，andwishedmegoodeveningwithmuchpoliteness。\"
\"Whatisshegoingtotakeinthemorning？\"
\"Iaskedher，andshesaidshewouldonlytakealittlebread。\"
\"Thenyouhadbettertellherthatitisthecustomofthehouseforthecooktoserveeverybodywithcoffee，chocolate，ortea，accordingtotaste，inthemorning，andthatIshallbepainedifsherefusestofareliketherestofus。Butdon’ttellherIsaidso。Here’sacrownforyou，andyoushallhaveoneeveryweekifyouwillwaituponandcareforherproperly。\"
BeforegoingtobedIwroteherapolitenote，begginghertoleavethecloset。Shedidso，butshewentintoanotherbackroom，andconsentedtotakecoffeeforherbreakfast。Wishingtomakeherdineandsupwithme，Iwasdressingmyself，andpreparingtoproffermyrequestinsuchawayastomakearefusalimpossible，whenyoungCorneliswasannounced。Ireceivedhimsmilingly，andthankedhimforthefirstvisithehadpaidmeinthecourseofsixweeks。
\"Mammahasn’tallowedmetocome。Ihavetriedtodosoascoreoftimeswithoutherleave。Readthisletter，andyouwillfindsomethingwhichwillsurpriseyou。\"
Iopenedtheletterandreadasfollows:
\"Yesterdayabailiffwaitedformydoortobeopenedandslippedinandarrestedme。Iwasobligedtogowithhim，andIamnowinthesponging—house，andifIcan’tgetbailbyto—dayhewilltakemetoKingsBenchPrison。ThebailIrequireistotheamountoftwohundredpounds，topayabillwhichhasfallendue。Dearfriend，comeandsuccourmeorelsemyothercreditorswillgetwindofmyimprisonmentandIshallberuined。Yousurelywillnotallowthattohappen，ifnotformysakeatleastforthesakeofmyinnocentchildren。Youcannotbailmeyourself，butyoucaneasilygetahouseholdertodoso。Ifyouhavethetimecomeandcallonme，andIwillshewyouthatIcouldnothelpdoingthebill，otherwiseI
couldnothavegivenmylastball，asthewholeofmyplateandchinawaspledged。\"
Ifeltangrywiththeimpudentwomanwhohadhithertopaidmesolittleattention，andIwrotethatIcouldonlypityher，andthatI
hadnotimetogoandseeher，andthatIshouldbeashamedtoaskanyonetobailherout。
WhenyoungCornelishadgoneawayinamelancholymood，ItoldClairmonttoaskPaulineifshewouldallowmetobidheragoodday。
ShesentwordthatIwasatlibertytodoso，andongoingupstairstoherroomIfoundhersittingatatableonwhichwereseveralbooks。
Somelinenonachestofdrawersdidnotgivemetheideathatshewasverypoor。
\"Iamimmenselyobliged，\"saidshe，\"forallyourgoodnesstome。\"
\"Saynothingofthat，madam；itisIwhohaveneedofyourgoodness。\"
\"WhatcanIdotoshewmygratitude？\"
\"Couldyoutroubleyourselftotakeyourmealswithme？WhenIamaloneIeatlikeanogre，andmyhealthsuffers。Ifyoudonotfeelinclinedtograntmethatfavour，donothesitatetorefuse，andI
assureyouyoushallfarejustaswellasifyouhadaccededtomyrequest。\"
\"Ishallbedelightedtodineandsupwithyou；sir，wheneveryouarealoneandyouliketosendforme。Nevertheless，Iamnotsurethatmysocietywillamuseyou。\"
\"Verygood，Iamgratefultoyou，andIpromiseyouyoushallneverrepentofyourkindness。Iwilldomybesttoamuseyou，andIhopeIshallsucceed，foryouhaveinspiredmewiththeliveliestinterest。Wewilldineatoneto—day。\"
Ididnotsitdownorlookatherbooks，orevenaskherifshehadspentagoodnight。TheonlythingInotedwasthatshehadlookedpaleandcarewornwhenIcamein，andwhenIwentouthercheekswerethecolouroftherose。
Iwentforawalkinthepark，feelingquitetakenwiththischarmingwoman，andresolvedtomakeherloveme，forIdidnotwanttooweanythingtogratitude。Ifeltcurioustoknowwhereshecamefrom，andsuspectedshewasanItalian；butIdeterminedtoaskhernoquestionsforfearofoffendingher。
WhenIgothomePaulinecamedownofherownfreewill，andIwasdelightedwiththis，whichItookforagoodomen。Aswehadhalfanhourbeforeus，Iaskedherhowshefoundherhealth。
\"Nature，\"shereplied，\"hasfavouredmewithsuchagoodconstitutionthatIhaveneverhadtheleastsicknessinmylife，exceptonthesea。\"
\"Youhavemadeavoyage，then。\"
\"ImusthavedonesotocometoEngland。\"
\"YoumightbeanEnglishwoman。\"
\"Yes，fortheEnglishlanguagehasbeenfamiliartomefrommychildhood。\"
Wewereseatedonasofa，andonthetableinfrontofuswasachess—board。Paulinetoyedwiththepawns，andIaskedherifshecouldplaychess。
\"Yes，andprettywelltoofromwhattheytellme。\"
\"Thenwewillhaveagametogether；myblunderswillamuseyou。\"
Webegan，andinfourmovesIwascheckmated。Shelaughed，andI
admiredherplay。Webeganagain，andIwascheckmatedinfivemoves。Myagreeableguestlaughedheartily，andwhileshelaughedI
becameintoxicatedwithlove，watchingtheplayofherfeatures，herexquisiteteeth，andherhappyexpression。Webegananothergame，Paulineplayedcarelessly，andIplacedherinadifficultposition。
\"Ithinkyoumayconquerme，\"saidshe。
\"Whathappinessforme！\"
Theservantcameintotellusthatdinnerwasready。
\"Interruptionsareoftenextremelyinconvenient，\"saidI，asI
offeredhermyarm，feelingquitesurethatshehadnotlostthesignificanceofmylastwords，forwomenfindameaningforeverything。
WewerejustsittingdowntotablewhenClairmontannouncedmydaughterandMadameRancour。
\"TellthemthatIamatdinner，andthatIshallnotbedisengagedtillthreeo’clock。\"
Justasmymanwasleavingtheroomtocarrybackmyanswer，Sophierushedinandkneltbeforeme，chokingwithsobs。
Thiswastoomuchforme，andraisingherItookheronmyknees，sayingIknewwhatshehadcomefor，andthatforloveofherIwoulddoit。
Passingfromgrieftojoythedearchildkissedme，callingmeherfather，andatlastmademeweepmyself。
\"Dinewithus，dearSophie，\"saidI，\"Ishallbethemorelikelytodowhatyouwish。\"
SheranfrommyarmstoembracePauline，whowasweepingoutofsympathy，andwealldinedhappilytogether。SophiebeggedmetogiveMadameRancoursomedinner。
\"Itshallbesoifyouplease，butonlyforyoursake，forthatwomanRancourdeservesthatIshouldleaveherstandingatthedoortopunishherforherimpertinencetomewhenIcametoLondon。\"