Thechildamusedusinanastonishingwayalldinnertime，Paulinekeepingherearsopenandnotsayingaword，sosurprisedwasshetohearachildofheragetalkinawaythatwouldhaveexcitedattentioninawomanoftwenty。Althoughperfectlyrespectfulshecondemnedhermother’sconduct，andsaidthatshewasunfortunateinbeingobligedtogiveherablindobedience。
\"Iwouldwagerthatyoudon’tlovehermuch。\"
\"Irespect，butIcannotloveher，forIamalwaysafraid。Ineverseeherwithoutfearingher。\"
\"Whydoyouweep，then，atherfate？\"
\"Ipityher，andherfamilystillmore，andtheexpressionssheusedinsendingmetoyouwereveryaffecting。\"
\"Whatweretheseexpressions？\"
\"’Go，’saidshe，’kneelbeforehim，foryouandyoualonecansoftenhisheart。’\"
\"Thenyoukneltbeforemebecauseyourmothertoldyoutodoso。\"
\"Yes，forifIhadfollowedmyowninclinationIshouldhaverushedtoyourarms。\"
\"Youanswerwell。Butareyousureofpersuadingme？\"
\"No，foronecanneverbesureofanything；butIhavegoodhopesofsuccess，rememberingwhatyoutoldmeattheHague。MymothertoldmethatIwasonlythreethen，butIknowIwasfive。SheitwaswhotoldmenottolookatyouwhenIspoketoyou，butfortunatelyyoumadeherremoveherprohibition。Everybodysaysthatyouaremyfather，andattheHagueshetoldmesoherself；butheresheisalwaysdinningitintomyearsthatIamthedaughterofM。deMonpernis。\"
\"But，Sophiedear，yourmotherdoeswronginmakingyouabastardwhenyouarethelegitimatedaughterofthedancerPompeati，whokilledhimselfatVienna。\"
\"ThenIamnotyourdaughter？\"
\"Clearly，foryoucannothavetwofathers，canyou？\"
\"ButhowisitthatIamyourimage？\"
\"It’samerechance。\"
\"Youdeprivemeofadreamwhichhasmademehappy。\"
Paulinesaidnothing，butcoveredherwithkisses，whichSophiereturnedeffusively。Sheaskedmeiftheladywasmywife，andonmyreplyingintheaffirmativeshecalledPaulineher\"dearmamma，\"
whichmade\"dearmamma\"laughmerrily。
WhenthedessertwasservedIdrewfourfifty—poundnotesoutofmypocket—book，andgivingthemtoSophietoldherthatshemighthandthemovertohermotherifsheliked，butthatthepresentwasforherandnotforhermother。
\"Ifyougiveherthemoney，\"Isaid，\"shewillbeabletosleepto—
nightinthefinehousewhereshegavemesuchapoorreception。\"
\"Itmakesmeunhappytothinkofit，butyoumustforgiveher。\"
\"Yes，Sophie；butoutofloveforyou。\"
\"Writetohertotheeffectthatitistomeyougivethemoney，nottoher；Idarenottellhersomyself。\"
\"Icouldnotdothat，mydear；itwouldbeinsultingherinheraffliction。Doyouunderstandthat？\"
\"Yes，quitewell。\"
\"Youmaytellherthatwhenevershesendsyoutodineorsupwithme，shewillpleasemeverymuch。\"
\"Butyoucanwritethatdownwithoutwoundingher，canyounot？Doso，Ientreatyou。Dearmamma，\"saidshe，addressingPauline，\"askpapatodoso，andthenIwillcomeanddinewithyousometimes。\"
Paulinelaughedwithallherheartassheaddressedmeashusband，andbeggedmetowritethedesiredepistle。TheeffectonthemothercouldonlyletherknowhowmuchIlovedherdaughter，andwouldconsequentlyincreaseherloveforherchild。Igavein，sayingthatIcouldnotrefuseanythingtotheadorablewomanwhohadhonouredmewiththenameofhusband。Sophiekissedus，andwentawayinahappymood。
\"It’salongtimesinceIhavelaughedsomuch，\"saidPauline，\"andI
don’tthinkIhaveeverhadsuchanagreeablemeal。Thatchildisaperfecttreasure。Sheisunhappy，poorlittlegirl，butshewouldnotbesoifIwerehermother。\"
IthentoldherofthetruerelationshipbetweenSophieandmyself，andthereasonsIhadfordespisinghermother。
\"IwonderwhatshewillsaywhenSophietellsherthatshefoundyouattablewithyourwife。\"
\"Shewon’tbelieveit，assheknowsmyhorrorforthesacramentofmatrimony。\"
\"Howisthat？\"
\"Ihateitbecauseitisthegraveoflove。\"
\"Notalways。\"
AsshesaidthisPaulinesighed，andloweringhereyeschangedtheconversation。SheaskedmehowlongIintendedtostayinLondonandwhenIhadreplied，\"Nineortenmonths，\"Ifeltmyselfentitledtoaskherthesamequestion。
\"Ireallycan’tsay，\"sheanswered，\"myreturntomycountrydependsonmygettingaletter。\"
\"MayIaskyouwhatcountryyoucomefrom？\"
\"IseeIshallsoonhavenosecretsfromyou，butletmehavealittletime。Ihaveonlymadeyouracquaintanceto—day，andinamannerwhichmakesmehaveaveryhighopinionofyou。\"
\"Ishalltrymybesttodeservethegoodopinionsyouhaveconceivedofmycharacter。\"
\"Youhaveshewnyourselftomeinathoroughlyestimablelight。\"
\"Givemeyouresteem，Idesireitearnestly，butdon’tsayanythingofrespect，forthatseemstoshutoutfriendship；Iaspiretoyours，andIwarnyouthatIshalldomybesttogainit。\"
\"Ihavenodoubtyouareverycleverinthatway，butyouaregeneroustoo，andIhopeyouwillspareme。Ifthefriendshipbetweenusbecametooardent，apartingwouldbedreadful，andwemaybepartedatanymoment，indeedIoughttobelookingforwardtoit。\"
Ourdialoguewasgettingrathersentimental，andwiththateasewhichisonlyacquiredinthebestsociety，Paulineturnedittoothertopics，andsoonaskedmetoallowhertogoupstairs。Iwouldhavegladlyspentthewholedaywithher，forIhavenevermetawomanwhosemannersweresodistinguishedandatthesametimesopleasant。
WhensheleftmeIfeltasortofvoid，andwenttoseeMadameBinetti，whoaskedmefornewsofPembroke。Shewasinaragewithhim。
\"Heisadetestablefellow，\"saidshe；\"hewouldliketohaveafreshwifeeveryday！Whatdoyouthinkofsuchconduct？\"
\"Ienvyhimhishappiness。\"
\"Heenjoysitbecauseallwomenaresuchfools。Hecaughtmethroughmeetingmeatyourhouse；hewouldneverhavedonesootherwise。
Whatareyoulaughingat？\"
\"Becauseifhehascaughtyou，youhavealsocaughthim；youarethereforequits。\"
\"Youdon’tknowwhatyouaretalkingabout。\"
Icamehomeateighto’clock，andassoonasFannyhadtoldPaulinethatIhadreturnedshecamedownstairs。Ifanciedshewastryingtocaptivatemebyherattentions，andastheprospectwasquiteagreeabletomeIthoughtweshouldcometoanunderstandingbeforeverylong。
Supperwasbroughtinandwestayedattabletillmidnight，talkingabouttrifles，butsopleasantlythatthetimepassedawayveryquickly。Whensheleftmeshewishedmegoodnight，andsaidmyconversationhadmadeherforgethersorrows。
Pembrokecamenextmorningtoaskmetogivehimbreakfast，andcongratulatedmeonthedisappearanceofthebillfrommywindow。
\"Ishouldverymuchliketoseeyourboarder，\"saidhe。
\"Idaresay，mylord，butIcan’tgratifyyourcuriosityjustnow，fortheladylikestobealone，andonlyputsupwithmycompanybecauseshecan’thelpit。\"
Hedidnotinsist，andtoturntheconversationItoldhimthatMadameBinettiwasfuriouswithhimforhisinconstancy，whichwasatestimonytohismerits。Thatmadehimlaugh，andwithoutgivingmeanyanswerheaskedmeifIdinedathomethatday。
\"No，mylord，notto—day。\"
\"Iunderstand。Well，it’sverynatural；bringtheaffairtoahappyconclusion。\"
\"Iwilldomybest。\"
MartinellihadfoundtwoorthreeparodiesofmynoticeintheAdvertiser，andcameandreadthemtome。Iwasmuchamusedwiththem；theyweremostlyindecent，forthelibertyofthepressismuchabusedinLondon。AsforMartinellihewastoodiscreetanddelicateamantoaskmeaboutmynewboarder。AsitwasSunday，IbeggedhimtotakemetomassattheBavarianambassador’schapel；andhereI
mustconfessthatIwasnotmovedbyanyfeelingsofdevotion，butbythehopeofseeingPauline。Ihadmytroublefornothing，for，asI
heardafterwards，shesatinadarkcornerwherenoonecouldseeher。Thechapelwasfull，andMartinellipointedoutseverallordsandladieswhowereCatholics，anddidnotconcealtheirreligion。
WhenIgothomeIreceivedanotefromMadameCornelis，sayingthatasitwasSundayandshecouldgooutfreely，shehopedIwouldlethercometodinner。IshewedthelettertoPauline，notknowingwhethershewouldobjecttodiningwithher，andshesaidshewouldbehappytodoso，providedtherewerenomen。IwroteinanswertoMadameCornelisthatIshouldbegladtoseeherandhercharmingdaughteratdinner。Shecame，andSophiedidnotleavemysideforamoment。MadameCornelis，whowasconstrainedinPauline’spresence，tookmeasidetoexpresshergratitudeandtocommunicatetomesomechimericalschemesofherswhichweresoontomakeherrich。
Sophiewasthelifeandsouloftheparty，butasIhappenedtotellhermotherthatPaulinewasaladywhowaslodginginmyhouse，shesaid，\"Thensheisnotyourwife？\"
\"No；suchhappinessisnotforme。Itwasajokeofmine，andtheladyamusedherselfattheexpenseofyourcredulity。\"
\"Well，Ishouldliketosleepwithher。\"
\"Really？When？\"
\"Whenevermammawillletme。\"
\"Wemustfirstascertain，\"saidthemother，\"whattheladythinksofthearrangement。\"
\"Sheneedn’tfeararefusal，\"saidPauline，givingthechildakiss。
\"Thenyoushallhaveherwithpleasure，madam。Iwillgethergovernesstofetchherawayto—morrow。\"
\"Atthreeo’clock，\"saidI，\"forshemustdinewithus。\"
Sophie，takinghermother’ssilenceforconsent，wentuptoherandkissedher，buttheseattentionswerebutcoldlyreceived。Sheunfortunatelydidnotknowhowtoinspirelove。
AfterMadameCornelishadgone，IaskedPaulineifshewouldliketotakeawalkwithSophieandmyselfinthesuburbs，wherenobodywouldknowher。
\"Inprudence，\"saidshe，\"IcannotgooutunlessIamalone。\"
\"Thenshallwestayhere？\"
\"Wecouldnotdobetter。\"
PaulineandSophiesangItalian，French，andEnglishduets，andtheconcertoftheirvoicesseemedtomeravishing。Wesuppedgaily，andatmidnightIescortedthemtothethirdfloor，tellingSophiethatI
wouldcomeandbreakfastwithherinthemorning，butthatIshouldexpecttofindherinbed。Iwantedtoseeifherbodywasasbeautifulasherface。IwouldgladlyhaveaskedPaulinetograntmethesamefavour，butIdidnotthinkthingshadadvancedfarenoughforthat。InthemorningIfoundPaulineupanddressed。
WhenSophiesawmeshelaughedandhidherheadunderthesheets，butassoonasshefeltmenearhershesoonletmeseeherprettylittleface，whichIcoveredwithkisses。
Whenshehadgotupwebreakfastedtogether，andthetimewentbyaspleasantlyaspossibletillMadameRancourcameforherlittlecharge，whowentawaywithasadheart。ThusIwasleftalonewithmyPaulinewhobegantoinspiremewithsuchardentdesiresthatI
dreadedanexplosioneverymoment。AndyetIhadnotsomuchaskissedherhand。
WhenSophiehadgoneImadehersitbesideme，andtakingherhandI
kisseditrapturously，saying，\"Areyoumarried，Pauline？\"
\"Yes。\"
\"Doyouknowwhatitistobeamother？\"
\"No，butIcanpartlyimaginewhathappinessitmustbe。\"
\"Areyouseparatedfromyourhusband？\"
\"Yes，bycircumstancesandagainstourwill。Wewereseparatedbeforewehadcohabitedtogether。\"
\"IsheatLondon？\"
\"No，heisfaraway，butpleasedon’tsayanythingmoreaboutit。\"
\"Onlytellmewhethermylosswillbehisgain。\"
\"Yes，andIpromisenottoleaveyoutillIhavetoleaveEngland——
thatis，unlessyoudismissme——andIshallleavethishappyislandtobehappywiththehusbandofmychoice。\"
\"ButI，dearPauline，willbeleftunhappy，forIloveyouwithallmyheart，andamafraidtogiveyouanyproofofmylove。\"
\"Begenerousandspareme，forIamnotmyownmistress，andhavenorighttogivemyselftoyou；andperhaps，ifyouweresoungenerousastoattackme，Ishouldnothavethestrengthtoresist。\"
\"Iwillobey，butIshallstilllanguish。IcannotbeunhappyunlessIforfeityourfavour。\"
\"Ihavedutiestoperform，mydearfriend，andIcannotneglectthemwithoutbecomingcontemptibleinmyowneyesandyourstoo。\"
\"IshoulddeemmyselfthemostmiserableofmenifIdespisedawomanformakingmehappy。\"
\"Well，Ilikeyoutoowelltothinkyoucapableofsuchconduct，butletusbemoderate，forwemayhavetopartto—morrow。Youmustconfessthatifweyieldedtodesire，thispartingwouldbeallthemorebitter。Ifyouareofanotheropinion，thatonlyshewsthatyourideasofloveandminearedifferent。\"
\"ThentellmeofwhatsortofloveisthatwithwhichIamhappyenoughtohaveinspiredyou？\"
\"Itisofsuchakindthatenjoymentwouldonlyincreaseit，andyetenjoymentseemstomeamereaccident。\"
\"Thenwhatisitsessence？\"
\"Tolivetogetherinperfectunity。\"
\"That’sablessingwecanenjoyfrommorningtoeve，butwhyshouldwenotaddtheharmlessaccidentwhichwouldtakesoshortatime，andgiveussuchpeaceandtranquillity。Youmustconfess，Pauline，thattheessencecannotexistlongwithouttheaccident。\"
\"Yes，butyouinyourturn，youwillagreethatthefoodoftenprovesintimetobedeadly。\"
\"No，notwhenonelovestruly，asIdo。Doyouthinkthatyouwillnotlovemesowellafterhavingpossessedme？\"
\"No，it’sbecauseIthinkquiteotherwise，thatIdreadtomakethemomentofpartingsobitter。\"
\"IseeImustyieldtoyourlogic。Ishouldliketoseethefoodonwhichyoufeedyourbrain，otherwiseyourbooks。Willyouletmecomeupstairs？\"
\"Certainly，butyouwillbecaught。\"
\"How？\"
\"Comeandsee。\"
Wewenttoherroom，andIfoundthatallherbookswerePortuguese，withtheexceptionofMilton，inEnglish，Ariosto，inItalian，andLabruyere’s\"Characters，\"inFrench。
\"Yourselectiongivesmeahighideaofyourmentalqualities，\"saidI，\"buttellme，whydoyougivesuchapreferencetoCamoensandallthesePortugueseauthors？\"
\"Foraverygoodreason，IamPortuguesemyself。\"
\"YouPortuguese？IthoughtyouwereItalian。Andsoyoualreadyknowfivelanguages，foryoudoubtlessknowSpanish。\"
\"Yes，althoughSpanishisnotabsolutelynecessary。\"
\"Whataneducationyouhavehad！\"
\"Iamtwenty—twonow，butIknewalltheselanguagesateighteen。\"
\"Tellmewhoyouare，tellmeallaboutyourself。Iamworthyofyourconfidence。\"
\"Ithinksotoo，andtogiveyouaproofofmytrustinyouIamgoingtotellyoumyhistory，forsinceyoulovemeyoucanonlywishtodomegood。\"
\"Whatareallthesemanuscripts？\"
\"Myhistory，whichIhavewrittendownmyself。Letussitdown:\"
CHAPTERIX
Pauline’sStory——IAmHappy——PaulineLeavesMeIamtheonlydaughteroftheunfortunateCountX————o，whomCarvailhoOeiraskilledinprisononsuspicionofbeingconcernedintheattemptontheking’slife，inwhichtheJesuitsweresupposedtohavehadahand。Idonotknowwhethermyfatherwasinnocentorguilty，butIdoknowthatthetyrannicalministerdidnotdaretohavehimtried，ortoconfiscatetheestates，whichremaininmypossession，thoughIcanonlyenjoythembyreturningtomynativeland。
\"Mymotherhadmebroughtupinaconventwherehersisterwasabbess。Ihadallkindsofmasters，especiallyanItalianfromLeghorn，whoinsixyearstaughtmeallthathethoughtproperformetoknow。HewouldansweranyquestionsIchosetoputhim，saveonreligiousmatters，butImustconfessthathisreservemademeallthefonderofhim，forinleavingmetoreflectoncertainsubjectsbymyselfhedidagreatdealtoformmyjudgment。
\"Iwaseighteenwhenmygrandfatherremovedmsfromtheconvent，althoughIprotestedthatIwouldgladlystaytheretillIgotmarried。Iwasfondlyattachedtomyaunt，whodidallinherpoweraftermymother’sdeathtomakemeforgetthedoublelossIhadsustained。Myleavingtheconventalteredthewholecourseofmyexistence，andasitwasnotavoluntaryactionIhavenothingtorepentof。
\"Mygrandfatherplacedmewithhissister—in—law，theMarchionessX————o，whogavemeuphalfherhouse。Ihadagoverness，acompanion，maids，pages，andfootmen，allofwhom，thoughinmyservice，wereundertheordersofmygoverness，awell—bornlady，whowashappilyhonestandtrustworthy。
\"AyearafterIhadlefttheconventmygrandfathercameandtoldmeinthepresenceofmygovernessthatCountFl————hadaskedmyhandforhisson，whowascomingfromMadridendwouldarrivethatday。
\"’Whatanswerdidyougivehim，deargrandfather？’
\"’Thatthemarriagewouldbeacceptabletothewholeofthenobility，andalsotothekingandroyalfamily。’
\"’ButareyouquitesurethattheyoungcountwilllikemeandthatI
shalllikethecount？’
\"’That，mydeardaughter，isamatterofcourse，andthereneedbenodiscussiononthesubject。’
\"’ButitisaquestioninwhichIamstronglyinterested，andI
shouldliketoconsideritverycarefully。Weshallseehowmattersarrangethemselves。’
\"’Youcanseeeachotherbeforedeciding，butyoumustdecideallthesame。’
\"’Ihopeso，butletusnotbetoocertain。Weshallsee。’
\"AssoonasmygrandfatherhadgoneItoldmygovernessthatIhadmadeupmymindnevertogivemyhandsavewhereIhadgivenmyheart，andthatIshouldonlymarryamanwhosecharacterandtastesIhadcarefullystudied。Mygovernessgavemenoanswer，andonmypressinghertogivemeheropinion，sherepliedthatshethoughtherbestcoursewouldbetokeepsilenceonsuchadelicatequestion。
ThiswasasmuchastotellmethatshethoughtIwasright；atleastIpersuadedmyselfthatitwasso。
\"ThenextdayIwenttotheconvent，andtoldthestorytomyaunt，theabbess，wholistenedtomekindlyandsaiditwastobehopedthatIshouldfallinlovewithhimandhewithme，butthatevenifitwereotherwiseshewasofopinionthatthemarriagewouldtakeplace，asshehadreasonsforbelievingthattheschemecamefromthePrincessofBrazil，whofavouredCountFl————。
\"Thoughthisinformationgrievedme，Iwasstillgladtohearit，andmyresolutionnevertomarrysaveforlovewasallthemorestronglyconfirmed。
\"Inthecourseofafortnightthecountarrived，andmygrandfatherpresentedhimtome，severalladiesbeinginthecompany。Nothingwassaidaboutmarrying，buttherewasadealoftalkaboutthestrangelandsandpeoplesthenewarrivalhadseen。Ilistenedwiththegreatestattention，notopeningmymouththewholetime。Ihadverylittleknowledgeoftheworld，soIcouldnotmakeanycomparisonsbetweenmysuitorandothermen，butmyconclusionwasthathecouldneverhopetopleaseanywoman，andthathewouldcertainlyneverbemine。Hehadanunpleasantsneeringmanner，jokedinbadtaste，wasstupid，andadevotee，orratherafanatic。
Furthermorehewasuglyandill—shapen，andsogreatafopthathewasnotashamedtorelatethestoryofhisconquestsinFranceandItaly。
\"Iwenthomehopingwithallmyheartthathehadtakenadisliketome，andaweekwhichpassedawaywithoutmyhearinganythingonthesubjectconfirmedmeinthisbelief，butIwasdoomedtobedisappointed。Mygreat—auntaskedmetodinner，andwhenIwentI
foundthefoolishyoungmanandhisfatherpresent，togetherwithmygrandfather，whoformallyintroducedhimtomeasmyfuturehusband，andbeggedmetofixtheweddingday。ImadeupmymindthatIwouldratherdiethanmarryhim，andansweredpolitelybutcoldlythatI
wouldnamethedaywhenIhaddecidedonmarrying，butIshouldrequiretimetothinkitover。Thedinnerwentoffsilently，andI
onlyopenedmymouthtouttermonosyllablesinreplytoquestionswhichIcouldnotavoid。AfterthecoffeehadbeenservedIleftthehouse，takingnonoticeofanyonebesidesmyauntandmygrandfather。
\"Sometimeelapsed；andIagainbegantohopethatIhadeffectuallydisgustedmysuitor，butonemorningmygovernesstoldmethatFatherFreirewaswaitingtospeaktomeintheante—chamber。Iorderedhimtobesentin。HewastheconfessorofthePrincessofBrazil，andaftersomedesultoryconversationhesaidtheprincesshadsenthimtocongratulatemeonmyapproachingmarriagewithCountFl————。
\"Ididnotevinceanysurprise，merelyreplyingthatIwassensibleofherhighness’skindness，butthatnothinghadbeendecidedsofar，asIwasnotthinkingofgettingmarried。
\"Thepriest，whowasaperfectcourtier，smiledinamanner，halfkindly，halfsardonic，andsaidthatIwasatthathappyagewhenI
hadnoneedtothinkofanything，asmykindfriendsandrelationsdidallmythinkingforme。
\"Ionlyansweredbyanincreduloussmile，which，forallhismonasticsubtlety，struckhimastheexpressionofayounggirl’scoyness。
\"ForeseeingthepersecutiontowhichIshouldbesubjected，Iwentthenextdaytomyaunttheabbess，whocouldnotrefusemeheradvice。IbeganbystatingmyfirmresolvetodieratherthanwedabeingIdetested。
\"Theworthynunrepliedthatthecounthadbeenintroducedtoher，andthattotellthetruthshethoughthiminsufferable；allthesame，shesaidshewasafraidIshouldbemadetomarryhim。
\"ThesewordsweresuchashocktomethatIturnedtheconversation，andspokeofothersubjectsfortheremainderofmyvisit。ButwhenIgotbacktomyhouseIpursuedanextraordinarycourse。Ishutmyselfupinmyclosetandwrotealettertotheexecutionerofmyunhappyfather，thepitilessOeiras，tellinghimthewholestory，andimploringhimtoprotectmeandtospeaktothekinginmyfavour；
’for，’saidI，’asyouhavemademeanorphanitisyourdutybeforeGodtocareforme。’IbeggedhimtosheltermefromtheangerofthePrincessofBrazil，andtoleavemeatlibertytodisposeofmyhandaccordingtomypleasure。
\"ThoughIdidnotimagineOeirastobeahumaneman，yetIthoughthemusthavesomesortofaheart；besides，bythisextraordinarystepandthefirmnessofmylanguage，Ihopedtoappealtohisprideandtointeresthiminmyfavour。Ifeltsurethathewoulddomejustice，ifonlytoprovethathehadnotbeenunjusttomyfather。
Iwasright，aswillbeseen，andalthoughIwasbutaninexperiencedgirlmyinstinctservedmewell。
\"TwodayselapsedbeforeIwaswaitedonbyamessengerfromOeiras，whobeggedthehonourofaprivateinterviewwithme。ThemessengertoldmethattheministerwishedmetoreplytoallwhopressedmetomarrythatIshouldnotdecideuntilIwasassuredthattheprincessdesiredthematch。Theministerbeggedmetoexcusehisnotansweringmyletter，buthehadgoodreasonsfornotdoingso。ThemessengerassuredmethatIcouldcountonhismaster’ssupport。
\"Hismessagedelivered，thegentlemantookleavewithaprofoundbow，andwentbackwithoutwaitingforananswer。Imustconfessthattheyoungman’slookshadmadeagreatimpressiononme。Icannotdescribemyfeelings，buttheyhaveexertedgreatinfluenceonmyconduct，andwillnodoubtcontinuetodosofortherestofmylife。
\"Thismessageputmequiteatease，forhewouldneverhavegivenmetheinstructionshedidwithoutbeingperfectlysurethattheprincesswouldnotinterfereanyfartherwithmymarriage；andsoI
gavemyselfupentirelytothenewsentimentswhichpossessedmyheart。Thoughstrong，theflamewouldnodoubtsoonhavedieddownifithadnotreceivedfreshfueleveryday，forwhenIsawtheyoungmessengeraweeklaterinchurchIscarcelyrecognizedhim。Fromthatmoment，however，Imethimeverywhere；outwalking，inthetheatre，inthehouseswhereIcalled，andespeciallywhenIwasgettinginoroutofmycarriagehewaseverbesideme，readytoofferhishand；andIgotsousedtohispresencethatwhenImissedhisfaceIfeltavoidatmyheartthatmademeunhappy。
\"AlmosteverydayIsawthetwoCountsFl————atmygreat—aunt’s，butastherewasnolongeranyengagementbetweenustheirpresenceneitherjoyedmenorgrievedme。IhadforgiventhembutIwasnothappy。Theimageoftheyoungmessenger，ofwhomIknewnothing，waseverbeforeme，andIblushedatmythoughtsthoughIwouldnotaskmyselfthereasons。
\"Suchwasmystateofmind，whenonedayIheardavoice，whichwasunknowntome，inmymaid’sroom。Isawaquantityoflaceonatableandproceededtoexamineitwithoutpayinganyattentiontoagirlwhowasstandingnearthetableandcurtsyingtome。Ididnotlikeanyofthelace，sothegirlsaidthatshewouldbringmesomemoretochoosefromthenextday，andasIraisedmyeyesIwasastonishedtoseethatshehadthefaceoftheyoungmanwhowasalwaysinmythoughts。MyonlyresourcewastodoubttheiridentityandtomakemyselfbelievethatIhadbeendeceivedbyamerechancelikeness。Iwasreassuredonsecondthoughts；thegirlseemedtometobetallerthantheyoungman，whomIhesitatedtobelievecapableofsuchapieceofdaring。Thegirlgatheredupherlaceandwentherwaywithoutraisinghereyestomine，andthismademefeelsuspiciousagain。
\"’Doyouknowthatgirl？’Isaid，coldly，tomymaid，andsherepliedthatshehadneverseenherbefore。Iwentawaywithoutanotherword，notknowingwhattothink。
\"Ithoughtitoverandresolvedtoexaminethegirlwhenshecameonthefollowingday，andtounmaskherifmysuspicionsprovedtobewellfounded。Itoldmyselfthatshemightbetheyoungman’ssister，andthatifitwereotherwiseitwouldbeallthemoreeasytocuremyselfofmypassion。Ayounggirlwhoreasonsonlovefallsintolove，especiallyifshehavenooneinwhomtoconfide。
\"Thepretendedlace—sellerdulycamethenextdaywithaboxoflace。
Itoldhertocomeintomyroom，andthenspeakingtohertoforcehertoraisehereyesIsawbeforemethebeingwhoexertedsuchapowerfulinfluenceoverme。ItwassuchashockthatIhadnostrengthtoaskheranyofthequestionsIhadpremeditated。
Besides，mymaidwasintheroom，andthefearofexposingmyselfoperated，Ithink，almostasstronglyasemotion。Isetaboutchoosingsomepiecesoflaceinamechanicalway，andtoldmymaidtogoandfetchmypurse。Nosoonerhadshelefttheroomthanthelace—sellerfellatmyfeetandexclaimedpassionately，\"’Givemelifeordeath，madam，forIseeyouknowwhoIam。’
\"’Yes，Idoknowyou，andIthinkyoumusthavegonemad。’
\"’Yes，thatmaybe；butIammadwithlove。Iadoreyou。’
\"’Rise，formymaidwillcomebackdirectly。’
\"’Sheisinmysecret。’
\"’What！youhavedared’
\"Hegotup，andthemaidcameinandgavehimhismoneywiththeutmostcoolness。Hepickeduphislace，mademeaprofoundbow，anddeparted。
\"Itwouldhavebeennaturalformetospeaktomymaid，andstillmorenaturalifIhaddismissedheronthespot。Ihadnocouragetodoso，andmyweaknesswillonlyastonishthoserigorousmoralistswhoknownothingofayounggirl’sheart，anddonotconsidermypainfulposition，passionatelyinloveandwithnoonebutmyselftorelyon。
\"Ididnotfollowatoncetheseveredictatesofduty；afterwardsitwastoolate，andIeasilyconsoledmyselfwiththethoughtthatI
couldpretendnottobeawarethatthemaidwasinthesecret。I
determinedtodissemble，hopingthatIshouldneverseetheadventurousloveragain，andthatthusallwouldbeasifithadneverhappened。
\"Thisresolvewasreallytheeffectofanger，forafortnightpassedbywithoutmyseeingtheyoungmaninthetheatre，thepublicwalks，orinanyofthepublicplacesheusedtofrequent，andIbecamesadanddreamy，feelingallthetimeashamedofmyownwantonfancies。
Ilongedtoknowhisname，whichIcouldonlylearnfrommymaid，anditwasoutofthequestionformetoaskOeiras。Ihatedmymaid，andIblushedwhenIsawher，imaginingthatsheknewall。Iwasafraidthatshewouldsuspectmyhonour，andatanothertimeIfearedlestshemightthinkIdidnotlovehim；andthisthoughtnearlydrovememad。AsfortheyoungadventurerIthoughthimmoretobepitiedthantobeblamed，forIdidnotbelievethatheknewIlovedhim，anditseemedtomethattheideaofmydespisinghimwasenoughvengeanceforhisaudacity。Butmythoughtsweredifferentwhenmyvanitywasstrongerthanlove，forthendespairavengeditselfonpride，andIfanciedhewouldthinknomoreofme，andperhapshadalreadyforgottenme。
\"Suchastatecannotlastlong，forifnothingcomestoputanendtothestormwhichtossesthesoultoandfro，itendsatlastbymakinganeffortofitselftosailintothecalmwatersofpeace。
\"OnedayIputonalacekerchiefIhadboughtfromhim，andaskedmymaid，\"’Whathasbecomeofthegirlwhosoldmethiskerchief？’
\"Iaskedthisquestionwithoutpremeditation；itwas，asitwere，aninspirationfrommy’goodormyevilgenius。
\"AscraftyasIwassimple，thewomanansweredthattobesurehehadnotdaredtocomeagain，fearingthatIhadfoundouthisdisguise。
\"’Certainly，’Ireplied，’Ifounditoutdirectly，butIwasastonishedtohearthatyouknewthislace—sellerwasayoungman。’
\"’IdidnotthinkIshouldoffendyou，madam，Iknowhimwell。’
\"’Whoishe？
\"’Countd’Al————；yououghttoknowhim，forhepaidyouavisitaboutfourmonthsago’
\"’True，anditispossiblethatIdidnotknowhim，butwhydidyoutellaliewhenIaskedyou，\"Doyouknowthatgirl？\"’
\"’Iliedtospareyourfeelings，madam，andIwasafraidyouwouldbeangryatthepartIhadtaken:
\"’Youwouldhavehonouredmemorebysupposingthecontrary。Whenyouwentout，andItoldhimhewasmad，andthatyouwouldfindhimonhiskneeswhenyoureturned，hetoldmeyouwereinthesecret。’
\"’Ifitbeasecret，butitseemstomeamerejoke:
\"’Iwishedtothinksotoo，butneverthelessitseemedofsuchweighttome，thatIresolvedtobesilentthatImightnotbeobligedtosendyouaway。’
\"’Myideawasthatyouwouldhavebeenamused，butasyoutakeitseriouslyIamsorrythatIhavefailedinmystrictduty。’
\"Soweakisawomaninlovethatinthisexplanationwhichshouldhaveshewnmetheservant’sfaultinallitsenormityIonlysawafulljustification。Infactshehadgivenpeacetomyheart，butmymindwasstilluneasy。IknewthattherewasayoungCountd’Al————
belongingtoanoblefamily，butalmostpenniless。Allhehadwastheminister’spatronage，andtheprospectofgoodStateemployments。
ThenotionthatHeavenmeantmetoremedythedeficienciesinhisfortunemademefallintoasweetreverie，andatlastIfoundmyselfdecidingthatmymaidwhoputitalldownasajesthadmorewitthanI。Iblamedmyselfformyscrupulousbehaviour，whichseemednobetterthanprudery。MylovewasstrongerthanIthought，andthisismybestexcuse，besidesIhadnoonetoguideorcounselme。
\"Butaftersunshinecomesshadow。Mysoulwasliketheebbandtideofthesea，nowintheheightsandnowinthedepths。Theresolve，whichthecountseemedtohavetaken，toseemenomore，eithershewedhimtobeamanoflittleenterpriseorlittlelove，andthissuppositionhumiliatedme。’If，’Isaidtomyself，’thecountisoffendedwithmeforcallinghimamadman，hecanhavenodelicacyandnodiscretion；heisunworthyofmylove。’
\"Iwasinthisdreadfulstateofuncertaintywhenmymaidtookuponherselftowritetothecountthathecouldcomeandseemeunderthesamediguise。Hefollowedheradvice，andonefinemorningthecraftymaidcameintomychamberlaughing，andtoldmethatthelace—
sellerwasinthenextroom。Iwasmovedexceedingly，butrestrainingmyselfIbegantolaughalso，thoughtheaffairwasnolaughingmatterforme。
\"’ShallIshewherin？saidthemaid。
\"’Areyoucrazy？
\"ShallIsendheraway？
\"’No，Iwillgoandspeaktohimmyself。’
\"Thisdaywasamemorableone。Mymaidlefttheroomnowandagain，andwehadplentyoftimetodiscloseourfeelingstooneanother。I
franklyconfessedthatIlovedhim，butaddedthatitwerebestthatIshouldforgethim，asitwasnotlikelythatmyrelationswouldconsenttoourmarriage。InhisturnhetoldmethattheministerhavingresolvedtosendhimtoEngland，hewoulddieofdespairunlesshecarriedwithhimthehopeofonedaypossessingme，forhesaidhelovedmetoowelltolivewithoutme。Hebeggedmetoallowhimtocomeandseemeunderthesamedisguise，andthoughIcouldnotrefusehimanythingIsaidthatwemightbediscovered。
\"’Itisenoughforme，’hereplied，tenderly，’thatyouwillincurnodanger，myvisitswillbesetdowntotheaccountofyourmaid。’
\"’ButIamafraidforyou，’Ireplied，’yourdisguiseisacrimeinitself；yourreputationwillsuffer，andthatwillnottendtobringthewishofyourheartnearer。’
\"Inspiteofmyobjections，myheartspokeinhisfavour，andhepleadedsowellandpromisedtobesodiscreetthatatlastIsaidI
wouldseehimgladlywheneverhelikedtocome。
\"CountAl————istwenty—two，andisshorterthanI；heissmall—
boned，andinhisdisguiseasalace—selleritwashardtorecognizehim，evenbyhisvoice，whichisverysoft。Heimitatedthegesturesandwaysofwomentoperfection，andnotafewwomenwouldbeonlytoogladtobelikehim。
\"Thusfornearlythreemonthsthedisguisedcountcametoseemethreeorfourtimesaweek，alwaysinmymaid’sroom，andmostlyinherpresence。Butevenifwehadbeenperfectlyalonehisfearofmydispleasurewastoogreattoallowhimtotaketheslightestliberties。Ithinknowthatthismutualrestraintaddedfueltoourflames，forwhenwethoughtofthemomentofpartingitwaswithdumbsadnessandwithnoideaoftakingtheopportunityofrenderingoneanotherhappy。WeflatteredourselvesthatHeavenwouldworksomemiracleinourfavour，andthatthedaywouldnevercomewhereinweshouldbeparted。
\"Butonemorningthecountcameearlierthanusual，and，burstingintotears，toldmethattheministerhadgivenhimaletterforM。deSaa，thePortugueseambassadoratLondon，andanotherletteropenforthecaptainofashipwhichwasshortlytosailforLondon。
InthislettertheministerorderedthecaptaintoembarkCountAl————，totakehimtoLondon，andtotreathimwithdistinction。
\"Mypoorloverwasoverwhelmed，hewasnearlychokedwithsobs，andhisbrainwasallconfusion。Forhissake，andtakingpityonhisgriefandmylove，Iconceivedtheplanofaccompanyinghimashisservant，orrathertoavoiddisguisingmysex，ashiswife。WhenI
toldhim，hewasatoncestupefiedanddazzled。Hewasbeyondreasoning，andlefteverythinginmyhands。Weagreedtodiscussthematteratgreaterlengthonthefollowingday，andparted。
\"Foreseeingthatitwouldbedifficultformetoleavethehouseinwoman’sdress，Iresolvedtodisguisemyselfasaman。ButifIkepttomyman’sdressIshouldbeobligedtooccupythepositionofmylover’svalet，andhavetoundertaketasksbeyondmystrength。Thisthoughtmademeresolvetoimpersonatethemastermyself，butthinkingthatIshouldnotcaretoseemyloverdegradedtotherankofaservant，Ideterminedthatheshouldbemywife，supposingthatthecaptainoftheshipdidnotknowhimbysight。
\"’AssoonaswegettoEngland，’Ithought，’wewillgetmarried，andcanresumeourseveraldresses。Thismarriagewilleffacewhatevershamemaybeattachedtoourflight；theywillsay，perhaps，thatthecountcarriedmeoff；butagirlisnotcarriedoffagainstherwill，andOeirassurelywillnotpersecutemeforhavingmadethefortuneofhisfavourite。Astoourmeansofsubsistence，tillIgetmyrents，Icansellmydiamonds，andtheywillrealizeanamplesum。’
\"Thenextday，whenItoldmyloverofthisstrangeplan，hemadenoobjections。Theonlyobstaclewhichhethoughtofwasthecircumstancethatthesea—captainmightknowhimbysight，andthiswouldhavebeenfatal；butashedidnotthinkitlikelywedeterminedtoruntherisk，anditwasagreedthatheshouldgetmetheclothesforthenewpartIwastoplay。
\"Isawmyloveragainafteranintervalofthreedays；itwasnightfallwhenhecame。HetoldmethattheAdmiraltyhadinformedhimthattheshipwasridingatthemouthoftheTagus，andthatthecaptainwouldputouttoseaassoonashehaddeliveredhisdispatchesandhadreceivedfreshinstructions。CountAlwasconsequentlyrequestedtobeatacertainspotatmidnight，andaboatwouldbeinwaitingtotakehimonboard。
\"Ihadmadeupmymind，andthiswasenoughforme；andafterhavingfixedthetimeandplaceofmeeting，Ishutmyselfup，pretendingtobeunwell。Iputafewnecessariesintoabag，notforgettingthepreciousjewel—casket，andIdressedmyselfupasamanandleftthehousebyastaironlyusedbytheservants。EventheporterdidnotseemeasImademyescape。
\"FearinglestIshouldgoastraythecountwaswaitingformeatashortdistance，andIwaspleasantlysurprisedwhenhetookmebythearm，saying，\"TisI。\"Fromthiscarefulaction，simplethoughitwas，Isawthathehadintelligence；hewasafraidtocatchholdofmewithoutmakinghimselfknown。Wewenttoahousewherehehadhistrunk，andinhalfanhourhisdisguisewasmade。Whenallwasreadyamancameforourslightbaggage，andwewalkedtotheriverwherethecountwaswaitingforus。Itwaseleveno’clockwhenweleftland，andthinkingmyjewelswouldbesaferinhispocketthaninmybag，Igavethemtohim，andweanxiouslyawaitedthearrivalofthecaptain。Hecameaboardwithhisofficersatmidnight，andaccostedmepolitely，sayinghehadreceivedorderstotreatmewithdistinction。Ithankedhimcordially，andintroducedmywifetohim，whomhegreetedrespectfully，sayinghewasdelightedtohavesuchacharmingpassenger，whowoulddoubtlessgiveusafortunatevoyage。
Hewastoopolitetobeastonishedthattheministerhadmadenomentionofthecount’swifeinhisletter。
\"Wegottothefrigateinlessthananhour；shewasthreeleaguesfromland，andassoonaswegotonboardthecaptainorderedthementosetsail。Hetookustoaroomwhichwasextremelycomfortable，consideringitwasonlyacabin，andafterdoingthehonoursleftustoourselves。
\"WhenwewerealonewethankedHeaventhateverythinghadgoneoffsowell，andfarfromgoingtosleepwespentthenightindiscussingtheboldstepwehadtaken，orrather，onlyjustbeguntotake；
however，wehopeditwouldhaveasfortunateanendingasbeginning。
WhenthedaydawnedourheartsweregladdenedbecauseLisbonwasnolongerinsight，andaswewereinneedofrestIlaiddownonaseat，whilethecountgotintoahammock，neitherofustroublingtoundress。
\"Wewerejustfallingasleep，whenwebegantofeeltheapproachofsea—sickness，andforthreedaysweknewnopeace。
\"Onthefourthday，scarcelybeingabletostanduprightforweakness，webegantobehungry，andhadtoexerciseacarefulmoderation，soasnottobecomeseriouslyill。Happilyforusthecaptainhadastoreofgoodfood，andourmealsweredelicateandwell—served。
\"Mylover，whosesicknesshasbeenmoreseverethanmine，usedthisasapretextfornotleavinghisroom。Thecaptainonlycametoseeusonce；thismusthavebeenoutofextremepoliteness，forinPortugalonemaybejealousandyetnotridiculous。Asforme，I
stooduponthebridgenearlyallday；thefreshairdidmegood，andIamusedmyselfbyscanningthehorizonwithmytelescope。
\"Theseventhdayofthevoyagemyhearttrembledaswithapresentimentofmisfortune，whenthesailorssaidthatavesselwhichcouldbeseeninthedistancewasacorvettewhichwasduetosailadayafterus，butbeingaswiftsailorwouldprobablyreachEnglandtwoorthreedaysbeforeus。
\"ThoughthevoyagefromLisbontoEnglandisalongonewehadafairwindalltheway，andinfourteendayswedroppedanchoratday—breakintheportofPlymouth。
\"Theofficersentashorebythecaptaintoaskleavetodisembarkpassengerscameonboardintheeveningwithseveralletters。Onethecaptainreadwithpeculiarattention，andthencalledmetoonesideandsaid，\"’ThislettercomesfromCountOeiras，andenjoinsme，onmylife，nottoletanyPortugueseyoungladyland，unlessshebeknowntome。
IamtotakeherbacktoLisbonafterhavingexecutedmyvariouscommissions。Thereisneitherwifenormaidonmyfrigate，exceptthecountessyourwife。Ifyoucanprovethatsheisreallyyourwifeshemaylandwithyou；otherwise，yousee，Icannotdisobeytheminister’sorders。’
\"’Sheismywife，’Isaid，coolly；’butasIcouldnotforeseethisaccidentIhavenopaperstoprovethefact。’
\"’Iamsorrytohearit，asinthatcaseshemustgobacktoLisbon。
YoumaybesureIwilltreatherwithallpossiblerespect。’
\"’Butawifemaynotbepartedfromherhusband。’
\"’Quiteso，butIcannotdisobeyorders。IfyoulikeyoucanreturntoLisboninthecorvette；youwillbetherebeforeus。’
\"’WhycannotIreturninthisfrigate？
\"’BecauseIhavedistinctorderstoputyouonland。AndnowIcometothinkofit，howwasitthattherewasnotawordaboutyourwifeintheletteryougavemewhenwestarted？Iftheladyisnotthepersonmeantbytheminister，youmaybesureshewillbesentbacktojoinyouinLondon。’
\"’Youwillallowmetogoandspeaktoher？
\"’Certainly，butinmypresence。’
\"Myheartwasbroken；nevertheless，IhadtoputagoodfaceonthelosinggameIwasplaying。Iwenttothecount，andaddressinghimasmydearwifecommunicatedtheorderwhichwastopartus。
\"Iwasafraidhewouldbetrayhimself，buthewasstrong—mindedenoughtorestrainhisemotion，andonlyrepliedthatwemustneedssubmit，andthatweshouldseeeachotheragaininacoupleofmonths。
\"Asthecaptainstoodbesideus，Icouldonlyuttercommon—places。I
warnedhim，however，thatIshouldwritetotheabbessdirectlyIgottoLondon，whowasthefirstpersonhemustgoandseeatLisbon，asshewouldhavemyaddress。Itookcarenottoaskformyjewel—case，asthecaptainmighthavethoughtthatmyfalsewifewassomerichyoungladywhomIhadseduced。
\"Wehadtoabandonourselvestoourdestiny。Weembracedeachotherandmingledourears，andthecaptainwept，too，whenheheardmesay，\"’Trustinallthingstotheworthycaptain，andletusnotfearatall。’
\"Thecount’strunkwasloweredintotheboat，andasIdidnotdaretotakemybagIfoundmyselfloadedwithnothingbutaman’sclothes，whichwouldnothavefittedme，evenifIhadintendedtokeepupmydisguise。
\"WhenIcametothecustom—houseIsawmypossessions。Therewerebooks，letters，linen，somesuitsofclothes，aswordandtwopairsofpistols，onepairofwhichIputinmypockets，andthenIwenttoaninnwherethehostsaidthatifIwantedtotraveltoLondonthenextmorningIshouldonlyhavetopayforonehorse。
\"’Whoarethepeople，’saidI，’whodesireacompanion？
\"’Youshallsupwiththemifyoulike，’saidhe。
\"Iacceptedtheoffer，andfoundthepartyconsistedofaministerofreligionandtwoladieswhosefacespleasedme。Iwasfortunateenoughtowintheirgoodgraces，andearlythenextdaywegottoLondonandalightedintheStrandataninnwhereIonlydined，goingouttoseekalodgingappropriatetomymeansandthekindoflifeI
wishedtolead。FiftyLisbonpiecesandaringofaboutthesamevaluewasallthatIpossessedintheworld。
\"Itookaroomonthethirdfloor，beingattractedbythehonestandkindlyexpressionofthelandlady。IcouldonlytrustinGodandconfidemypositiontoher。Iagreedtopayhertenshillingsaweek，andbeggedhertogetmesomewoman’sclothes，forIwasafraidtogooutinmyman’sdressanylonger。
\"ThenextdayIwasclothedlikeapoorgirlwhodesirestoescapenotice。IspokeEnglishwellenoughtoseemanativeofthecountry，andIknewhowImustbehaveifIwishedtobeletalone。Althoughthelandladywasaworthywoman，herhousewasnotexactlysuitableforme；mystayinEnglandmightbeprotracted，andifIcametodestitutionIshouldbewretchedindeed；soIresolvedtoleavethehouse。Ireceivednovisitors，butIcouldnotpreventtheinquisitivefromhoveringroundmydoor，andthemoreitbecameknownthatIsawnoone，themoretheircuriosityincreased。Thehousewasnotquietenough。ItwasneartheExchange，andtheneighborhoodswarmedwithyoungmenwhocametodineonthefirstfloorofthehouse，anddidtheirbesttocuremeofmysadness，astheycalledit，thoughIhadnotshewnanysignsofwishingtobecured。
\"Imadeupmymindnottospendmorethanaguineaaweek，andresolvedtosellmyringifIcouldhavethemoneypaidtomeatintervals。Anoldjewelerwholodgednextdoor，andforwhosehonestymylandladyanswered，toldmeitwasworthahundredandfiftyguineas，andaskedmetolethimhaveitifIhadnobetteroffer。Ihadnotthoughtittobesovaluable，andIsoldittohimonconditionthathewouldpaymefourguineasamonth，andthatI
shouldbeatlibertytobuyitbackifIcoulddosobeforeallthepaymentshadbeenmade。
\"Iwantedtokeepmyreadymoney，whichIstillhavebyme，soastobeabletogobacktoLisbonbylandwhenIcandosoinsafety，forIcouldnotfacethehorrorsofaseavoyageasecondtime。
\"Itoldmycasetomyworthylandladywhostillbefriendsme，andshehelpedmetogetanotherlodging，butIhadtoprocureaservanttofetchmemyfood；Icouldnotsummonupcouragetohavemymealsinacoffee—house。However，allmyservantsturnedoutill；theyrobbedmecontinually，andleviedataxonalltheirpurchases。
\"ThetemperanceIobserved——forIalmostlivedonbreadandwater——
mademegetthinnereveryday，stillIsawnowayofmendingmyexistencetillchancemademeseeyoursingularannouncement。I
laughedatit；andthendrawnbysomeirresistiblepower，orperhapsbythecuriositythatfallstothelotofmostofuswomen，Icouldnotresistgoinginandspeakingtoyou。Instinctthuspointedoutthewaytoimprovemylotwithoutincreasingmyexpenditure。
\"WhenIgotbackIfoundacopyoftheAdvertiseronmylandlady’stable；itcontainedsomeeditorialfunonthenoticeIhadjustread。
ThewritersaidthatthemasterofthehousewasanItalian，andhadthereforenothingtofearfromfeminineviolence。OnmysideI
determinedtohazardeverything，butIfeelIhavebeentoohasty，andthattherearecertainattackswhichitispleasantnottoresist。IwasbroughtupbyanItalian，acleverandgoodman，andI
havealwayshadagreatrespectforyourfellow—countrymen。\"
MyfairPortuguesehadfinishedherstory，andIobserved，——
\"Really，yourhistoryhasamusedmeverymuch；ithasalltheairofaromance。\"
\"Quiteso，\"saidshe；\"butitisastrictlyhistoricalromance。Butthemostamusingthingtomeisthatyouhavelistenedtoitwithoutweariness。\"
\"Thatisyourmodesty，madam；notonly，hasyourtaleinterestedme，butnowthatIknowyouareaPortugueseIamatpeacewiththenation。\"
\"Wereyouatwarwithus，then？\"
\"IhaveneverforgivenyouforlettingyourPortugueseVirgildiemiserablytwohundredyearsago。\"
\"YoumeanCamoens。ButtheGreekstreatedHomerinthesameway。\"
\"Yes，butthefaultsofothersarenoexcuseforourown。\"
\"Youareright；buthowcanyoulikeCamoenssomuchifyoudonotknowPortuguese？\"
\"IhavereadatranslationinLatinhexameterssowelldonethatI
fanciedIwasreadingVirgil。\"
\"Isthattrulyso？\"
\"Iwouldneverlietoyou。\"
\"ThenImakeavowtolearnLatin。\"
\"Thatisworthyofyou，butitisofmethatyoumustlearnthelanguage。IwillgotoPortugalandliveanddiethere，ifyouwillgivemeyourheart。’
\"Myheart！Ihaveonlyone，andthatisgivenalready。SinceIhaveknownyouIhavedespisedmyself，forIamafraidIhaveaninconstantnature。\"
\"Itwillbeenoughformeifyouwilllovemeasyourfather，providedImaysometimestakemydaughtertomyarms。Butgoonwithyourstory，thechiefpartisyetuntold。Whatbecameofyourlover，andwhatdidyourrelationsdowhentheyfoundoutyourflight？\"
\"ThreedaysafterIarrivedinthisvastcityIwrotetotheabbess，myaunt，andtoldherthewholestory，begginghertoprotectmylover，andtoconfirmmeinmyresolutionnevertoreturntoLisbontillIcoulddosoinsecurity，andhavenoobstaclesplacedinthewayofmymarriage。Ialsobeggedhertowriteandinformmeofallthathappened，addressingherlettersto’MissPauline，’undercoverofmylandlady。
\"IsentmyletterbyParisandMadrid，andIhadtowaitthreemonthsbeforeIgotananswer。Myaunttoldmethatthefrigatehadonlyreturnedashorttime，andthatthecaptainimmediatelyonhisarrivalwrotetotheministerinforminghimthattheonlyladywhowasinhisshipwhenhesailedwasstillonboard，forhehadbroughtherbackwithhim，despitetheoppositionofCountAl—————，whodeclaredshewashiswife。Thecaptainendedbyaskinghisexcellencyforfurtherorderswithrespecttotheladyaforesaid。
\"Oeiras，feelingsurethattheladywasmyself，toldthecaptaintotakehertotheconventofwhichmyauntwasabbess，withaletterhehadwritten。Inthisletterhetoldmyauntthathesentherherniece，andbeggedhertokeepthegirlsecurelytillfurtherorders。
Myauntwasextremelysurprised，butshewouldhavebeenstillmoresurprisedifshehadnotgotmyletterafewdaysbefore。Shethankedthecaptainforhiscare，andtookthefalseniecetoaroomandlockedherup。ShethenwrotetoOeiras，tellinghimthatshehadreceivedintoherconventapersonsupposedtobehisniece，butasthispersonwasreallyamaninwoman’sdressshebeggedhisexcellencytoremovehimassoonaspossible。
\"Whentheabbesshadwrittenthiscuriouslettershepaidavisittothecount，whofellonhiskneesbeforeher。Mygoodauntraisedhim，andshewedhimmyletter。Shesaidthatshehadbeenobligedtowritetotheminister，andthatshehadnodoubthewouldberemovedfromtheconventinthecourseofafewhours。Thecountburstintotears，andbeggingtheabbesstoprotectusbothgavehermyjewel—
casket，whichtheworthywomanreceivedwithgreatpleasure。Shelefthim，promisingtowritetomeofallthathappened。
\"Theministerwasatoneofhiscountryestates，anddidnotreceivetheabbess’slettertillthenextday，buthastenedtoreplyinperson。Myaunteasilyconvincedhisexcellencyoftheneedforkeepingthemattersecret，foramanhadbeensentintotheconvent，whichwouldbetoherdishonour。Sheshewedtheproudministerthelettershehadhadfromme，andtoldhimhowthehonestyoungmanhadgivenhermyjewel—casket。Hethankedherforheropendealing，andbeggedherpardonwithasmileforsendingafineyoungmantohernunnery。
\"’Thesecret，’saidhe，’isofthegreatestimportance；wemustseethatitgoesnofarther。Iwillrelieveyouofyourfalseniece，andtakeherawayinmycarriage。’
\"Myaunttookhimathiswordandbroughtouttheyoungrecluse，whodroveawaywiththeminister。Theabbesstellsmethatfromthatdayshehasheardnothingabouthim，butthatallLisbonistalkingovertheaffair，butinawhollydistortedmanner。Theysaythattheministerfirstofallputmeunderthecareofmyaunt，butsoonaftertookmeaway，andhaskeptmeinsomesecretplaceeversince。
CountAl————issupposedtobeinLondon，andIintheminister’spower，andprobablywearesupposedtohaveenteredintoatenderrelationship。Nodoubthisexcellencyisperfectlywellinformedofmydoingshere，forheknowsmyaddressandhasspieseverywhere。
\"OntheadviceofmyauntIwrotetoOeirasacoupleofmonthsago，tellinghimthatIamreadytoreturntoLisbon，ifImaymarryCountAl————andliveinperfectliberty。Otherwise，Ideclared，IwouldstayinLondon，wherethelawsguaranteedmyfreedom。Iamwaitingforhisanswereveryday，andIexpectitwillbeafavourableone，fornoonecandeprivemeofmyestates，andOeiraswillprobablybeonlytoogladtoprotectmetolessentheodiumwhichattachestohisnameasthemurdererofmyfather。\"
Paulinemadenomysteryofthenamesofthecharacters，butshemaybestillalive，andIrespecthertoowelltoruntheriskofwoundingher，thoughtheseMemoirswillnotseethelightofdayduringmylifetime。ItissufficienttosaythatthestoryisknowntoalltheinhabitantsofLisbon，andthatthepersonswhofigureinitarepubliccharactersinPortugal。
IlivedwithdearPaulineinperfectharmony，feelingmyloveforherincreasedaily，anddailyinspiringherwithtendererfeelingstowardsmyself。Butasmyloveincreasedinstrength，Igrewthinandfeeble；Icouldnotsleepnoreat。IshouldhavelanguishedawayifIhadnotsucceededingratifyingmypassion。Ontheotherhand，Paulinegrewplumperandprettiereveryday。
\"Ifmysufferingsservetoincreaseyourcharms，\"saidI，\"yououghtnottoletmedie，foradeadmanhasnosuffering。\"
\"Doyouthinkthatyoursufferingsareduetoyourloveforme？\"\"
\"Certainly。\"
\"Theremaybesomethinginit，but，believeme，thetenderpassiondoesnotdestroytheappetitenortakeawaythepowerofsleep。Yourindispositionisundoubtedlyduetothesedentarylifeyouhavebeenleadingoflate。Ifyouloveme，givemeaproofofit；gooutforaride。\"
\"Icannotrefuseyouanything，dearestPauline，butwhatthen？\"
\"Thenyoushallfindmegratefultoyou，youwillhaveagoodappetite，andwillsleepwell。\"
\"Ahorse，ahorse！Quick！Myboots！\"Ikissedherhand——forIhadnotgotanyfartherthanthat——andbegantoridetowardsKingston。
Ididnotcareforthemotionoftrotting，soIputmyhorseatagallop，whenallofasuddenhestumbled，andinaninstantIwaslyingonthegroundinfrontoftheDukeofKingston’shouse。MissChudleighhappenedtobeatthewindow，andseeingmethrowntothegroundutteredashriek。Iraisedmyheadandsherecognizedme，andhastenedtosendsomeofherpeopletohelpme。AssoonasIwasonmyfeetIwantedtogoandthankher，butIcouldnotstir，andavaletwhoknewsomethingofsurgeryexaminedme，anddeclaredthatI
hadputoutmycollar—boneandwouldrequireaweek’srest。
TheyoungladytoldmethatifIlikedtostayinherhousethegreatestcareshouldbetakenofme。Ithankedherwarmly，butbeggedhertohavemetakenhome，asIshouldnotliketogivehersomuchtrouble。Sheimmediatelygavethenecessaryorders，andIwasdrivenhomeinacomfortablecarriage。Theservantsinchargewouldnotaceptanymoney，andIsawintheincidentaproofofthathospitalityforwhichtheEnglisharefamed，althoughtheyareatthesametimeprofoundlyegotistic。
WhenIgothomeIwenttobed，andsentforasurgeon，wholaughedwhenItoldhimthatIhadputoutabone。
\"I’llwageritisnothingmorethanasprain。IonlywishitwasputoutthatImighthavesomechanceofshewingmyskill。\"
\"Iamdelighted，\"Isaid，\"nottobeinapositiontocallforthatamountoftalent，butIshallhaveahighopinionofyouifyousetmeupinashorttime。\"
IdidnotseePauline，muchtomyastonishment。Iwastoldshehadgoneoutinasedan—chair，andIalmostfeltjealous。Intwohoursshecameinlookingquitefrightened，theoldhouse—keeperhavingtoldherthatIhadbrokenmyleg，andthatthedoctorhadbeenwithmealready。
\"UnhappywretchthatIam！\"sheexclaimedasshecametomybedside，\"’tisIthathavebroughtyoutothis。\"
Withthesewordssheturnedpaleandalmostfellinaswoonbesideme。
\"Divinebeing！\"Icried，asIpressedhertomybreast，\"itisnothing；onlyasprain。\"
\"Whatpainthatfoolisholdwomanhasgivenme！
Godbepraisedthatitisnoworse！Feelmyheart。\"
\"Oh，yes！Ifeltitwithdelight。Itwasahappyfallforme。\"
Fasteningmylipsonhers，Ifeltwithdelightthatourtransportsweremutual，andIblessedthesprainthathadbroughtmesuchbliss。
AftertheseectasiesIfeltthatPaulinewaslaughing。
\"Whatareyoulaughingat，sweetheart？\"
\"Atthecraftoflove，whichalwaystriumphsatlast。\"
\"Wherehaveyoubeen？\"
\"Iwenttomyoldjeweler’storedeemmyring，thatyoumighthaveasouvenirofme；hereitis。\"
\"Pauline！Pauline！alittlelovewouldhavebeenmuchmoreprecioustomethanthisbeautifulring。\"
\"Youshallhaveboth。Tillthetimeofmydeparture，whichwillcomeonlytoosoon，wewilllivetogetherlikemanandwife；andto—nightshallbeourweddingnight，andthebedthetableforthefeast。\"
\"Whatsweetnewsyougiveme，Pauline！Icannotbelieveittillmyhappinessisactuallyaccomplished。\"
\"Youmaydoubt，ifyoulike；butletitbeaslightdoubt，orelseyouwilldomewrong。Iamtiredoflivingwithyouasaloverandonlymakingyouwretched，andthemomentIsawyouonhorsebackI
determinedtobelongtoyou。ConsequentlyIwenttoredeemtheringdirectlyyouleft，andIdonotintendtoleaveyouuntilIreceivethefatalmessagefromLisbon。Ihavedreadeditsarrivaleverydayforthelastweek。\"
\"Maythemessengerthatbringsitberobbedontheway。\"
\"Nosuchluck，Iamafraid。\"
AsPaulinewasstanding，Iaskedhertocometomyarms，forIlongedtogivehersomepalpablesignsofmylove。
\"No，dearest，onecanloveandyetbewise；thedoorisopen。\"
ShegotdownAriostoandbegantoreadtometheadventureofRicciardettowithFiordespina，anepisodewhichgivesitsbeautytothetwenty—ninthcantoofthatbeautifulpoemwhichIknewbyheart。
Sheimaginedthatshewastheprincess，andIRicciardetto。Shelikedtofancy，’CheilcielL’abbiaconcesso，Bradamantecangiatainmigliorsesso。’
Whenshecametothelines；
’Lebellebracciaalcolloindimigetta，Edolcementestringe，abacciainbocca:
TupuoipensarsealloralasaettaDirizzaAmor，seinmezzoalcormitocca。’
Shewantedsomeexplanationsontheexpression’bacciainbocca’，andonthelovewhichmadeRicciardetto’sarrowsostiff，andI，onlytooreadytocommentonthetext，madehertouchanarrowasstiffasRicciardetto’s。Ofcourse，shewasangryatthat，butherwrathdidnotlastlong。Sheburstoutlaughingwhenshecametothelines，’Ioilveggo，ioilsento，eapenaveroparmi:
Sentoinmaschioinfeminamatarsi。’
Andthen，’Cosiledissi，efecich’ellastessaTrovoconmanlaveritadeexpressa。
Sheexpressedher，wonderthatthispoemaboundinginobscenitieshadnotbeenputonthe\"Index\"atRome。
\"Whatyoucallobscenityismerelicense，andthereisplentyofthatatRome。\"
\"That’sajokewhichshouldbringthecensuresoftheChurchuponyou。Butwhatdoyoucallobscenities，ifAriostoisnotobscene？\"
\"Obscenitydisgusts，andnevergivespleasure。\"
\"Yourlogicisallyourown，butsituatedasIamIcannotreargueyourproposition。IamamusedatAriosto’schoosingaSpanishwomanaboveallotherstoconceivethatstrangepassionforBradamante。\"
\"TheheatoftheSpanishclimatemadehimconcludethattheSpanishtemperamentwasalsoardent，andconsequentlywhimsicalinitstastes。\"
\"Poetsareakindofmadmenwhoallowthemselvestogiveutterancetoalltheirfancies。\"