Sarablushed，saidnothing，andthemotherlookedkindlyatus；butafteramoment’ssilenceshespokeatsomelength，andwiththeutmostcandourandwisdom。Shegavemecircumstantialinformationastothepositionofthefamilyandherhusband’srestrictedmeans，sayingthatunderthecircumstanceshecouldnothaveavoidedrunningintodebt，butthathehaddonewrongtobringthemallwithhimtoLondon。
\"Ifhehadbeenbyhimself，\"shesaid，\"hecouldhavelivedherecomfortablyenoughwithonlyoneservant，butwithafamilytoprovideforthetwothousandcrownsperannumprovidedbytheGovernmentarequiteinsufficient。MyoldfatherhassucceededinpersuadingtheStatetodischargemyhusband’sdebts，buttomakeuptheextraexpensetheywillnotemployaCharged’affaires；abankerwiththetitleofagentwillcollecttheinterestontheirEnglishsecurities。\"
SheendedbysayingthatshethoughtSarawasfortunatetohavepleasedme，butthatshewasnotsurewhetherherhusbandwouldconsenttothemarriage。
Theword\"marriage\"madeSarablush，andIwaspleased，thoughitwasevidenttherewouldbedifficultiesintheway。
M————F————camebackandtoldhiswifethattwoclothesdealerswouldcometopurchasetheirsuperfluousclothesintheafternoon；
butafterexplainingmyideasIhadnotmuchtroubleinconvincinghimthatitwouldbebetternottosellthem，andthathecouldbecomemydebtortotheamountoftwohundredpounds，onwhichhecouldpayinteresttillhewasabletoreturnmemycapital。Theagreementwaswrittenoutthesameday，butIdidnotmentionthemarriagequestion，ashiswifehadtoldmeshewoulddiscussitwithhiminprivate。
Onthethirddayhecamedownbyhimselftotalkwithme。
\"Mywife，\"hebegan，\"hastoldmeofyourintentions，andItakeitasagreathonour，Iassureyou；butIcannotgiveyoumySara，assheispromisedtoM。deW————，andfamilyreasonspreventmefromgoingbackfrommyword。Besidesmyoldfather，astrictCalvinist，wouldobjecttothedifferenceinreligion。HewouldneverbelievethathisdearlittlegrandchildwouldbehappywithaRomanCatholic\"
AsamatteroffactIwasnotatalldispleasedatwhathesaid。I
wascertainlyveryfondofSara，buttheword\"marriage\"hadadisagreeablesoundtome。Iansweredthatcircumstancesmightchangeintime，andthatinthemeanwhileIshouldbequitecontentifhewouldallowmetobethefriendofthefamilyandtotakeuponmyselfalltheresponsibilityofthejourney。Hepromisedeverything，andassuredmethathewasdelightedathisdaughterhavingwonmyaffection。
AfterthisexplanationIgaveSaraaswarmmarksofmyloveasdecencywouldallowinthepresenceofherfatherandmother，andI
couldseethatallthegirlthoughtofwaslove。
ThefifthdayIwentuptoherroom，andfindingherinbedallthefiresofpassionflamedupinmybreast，forsincemyfirstvisittotheirhouseIhadnotbeenalonewithher。Ithrewmyselfuponher，coveringherwithkisses，andsheshewedherselfaffectionatebutreserved。InvainIendeavouredtosucceed；sheopposedagentleresistancetomyefforts，andthoughshecaressedme，shewouldnotletmeattainmyend。
\"Why，divineSara，\"saidI，\"doyouopposemylovingecstasy？\"
\"Dearest，IentreatofyounottoaskforanymorethanIamwillingtogive。\"
\"Thenyounolongerloveme？\"
\"Cruelman，Iadoreyou！\"
\"Thenwhydoyoutreatmetoarefusal，afterhavingoncesurrenderedunreservedly？\"
\"Ihavegivenmyselftoyou，andwehavebothbeenhappy，andIthinkthatshouldbeenoughforus。\"
\"Theremustbesomereasonforthischange。Ifyouloveme，dearestSara，thisrenunciationmustbehardforyoutobear。\"
\"Iconfessit，butneverthelessIfeelitismyduty。Ihavemadeupmymindtosubduemypassionfromnoweakmotive，butfromasenseofwhatIowetomyself。Iamunderobligationstoyou，andifIweretorepaythedebtIhavecontractedwithmybodyIshouldbedegradedinmyowneyes。Whenweenjoyedeachotherbeforeonlylovewasbetweenus——therewasnoquestionofdebitandcredit。MyheartisnowthethrallofwhatIoweyou，andtothesedebtsitwillnotgivewhatitgavesoreadilytolove。\"
\"Thisisastrangephilosophy，Sara；believemeitisfallacious，andtheenemyofyourhappinessaswellasmine。Thesesophismsleadyouastrayandwoundmetotheheart。Givemesomecreditfordelicacyoffeeling，andbelievemeyouowemenothing。\"
\"Youmustconfessthatifyouhadnotlovedmeyouwouldhavedonenothingformyfather。\"
\"CertainlyIwillconfessnothingofthekind；Iwouldreadilydoasmuch，andmaybemore，outofregardforyourworthymother。Itisquitepossible，indeed，thatindoingthissmallserviceforyourfatherIhadnothoughtsofyouatall。\"
\"Itmightbeso；butIdonotbelieveitwasso。Forgiveme，dearest，butIcannotmakeupmymindtopaymydebtsinthewayyouwish。\"
\"Itseemstomethatifyouaregratefultomeyourloveoughttobestillmoreardent。\"
\"Itcannotbemoreardentthanitisalready。\"
\"Doyouknowhowgrievouslyyoumakemesuffer？\"
\"Alas！Isuffertoo；butdonotreproachme；letusloveeachotherstill。\"
Thisdialogueisnotthehundredthpartofwhatactuallypassedbetweenustilldinner—time。Themothercamein，andfindingmeseatedatthefootofthedaughter’sbed，laughed，andaskedmewhyI
keptherinbed。Iansweredwithperfectcoolnessthatwehadbeensointerestedinourconversationthatwehadnotnoticedtheflightoftime。
Iwenttodress，andasIthoughtovertheextraordinarychangewhichhadtakenplaceinSaraIresolvedthatitshouldnotlastforlong。
Wedinedtogethergaily，andSaraandIbehavedinallrespectsliketwolovers。IntheeveningItookthemtotheItalianOpera，cominghometoanexcellentsupper。
ThenextmorningIpassedinthecity，havingaccountstosettlewithmybankers。IgotsomelettersofexchangeonGeneva，andsaidfarewelltotheworthyMr。Bosanquet。IntheafternoonIgotacoachforMadameM————F————topaysomefarewellscalls，andIwenttosaygood—byetomydaughteratschool。Thedearlittlegirlburstintotears，sayingthatshewouldbelostwithoutme，andbeggingmenottoforgether。Iwasdeeplymoved。SophiebeggedmetogoandseehermotherbeforeIleftEngland，andIdecidedondoingso。
Atsupperwetalkedoverourjourney，andM。M————F————agreedwithmethatitwouldbebettertogobyDunkirkthanOstend。Hehadverylittlemorebusinesstoattendto。Hisdebtswerepaid，andhesaidhethoughthewouldhaveamatteroffiftyguineasinhispocketatthejourney’send，afterpayingathirdshareofallthetravellingexpenses。Ihadtoagreetothis，thoughImadeupmymindatthesametimenottolethimseeanyoftheaccounts。IhopedtowinSara，inonewayoranother，whenwegottoBerne。
Thenextday，afterbreakfast，Itookherhandinpresenceofhermother，andaskedherifshewouldgivemeherheartifIcouldobtainherfather’sconsentatBerne。
\"Yourmother，\"Iadded，\"haspromisedmethathersshallnotbewanting。\"
Atthisthemothergotup，andsayingthatwehadnodoubtagooddealtotalkover，sheandhereldestdaughterwentouttopaysomecalls。
AssoonaswewerealoneSarasaidthatshecouldnotunderstandhowIcouldhavethesmallestdoubtastowhetherherconsentwouldbegiven。
\"IhaveshewnyouhowwellIloveyou，\"saidshe，tenderly；\"andIamsureIshouldbeveryhappyasyourwife。Youmaybesurethatyourwisheswillbemine，andthat，howeverfaryouleadme，Switzerlandshallclaimnothoughtofmine。\"
IpressedtheamorousSaratomybosominatransportofdelight，whichwassharedbyher；butasshesawmegrowmoreardentshebeggedmetobemoderate。Claspingmeinherarmssheadjuredmenottoaskherforthatwhichshewasdeterminednottogranttillshewasminebylawfulwedlock。
\"Youwilldrivemetodespair！Haveyoureflectedthatthisresistancemaycostmemylife？Canyoulove，andyetentertainthisfatalprejudice？AndyetIamsureyouloveme，andpleasuretoo。\"
\"Yes，dearestone，Idoloveyou，andamorouspleasurewithyou；butyoumustrespectmydelicacy。\"
Myeyeswerewetwithtears，andshewassoaffectedthatshefellfaintingtotheground。Iliftedherupandgentlylaidheronthebed。Herpalloralarmedme。Ibroughtsmelling—salts，IrubbedherforeheadwithSavoy—water，andshesoonopenedhereyes，andseemeddelightedtofindmecalmagain。
Thethoughtoftakingadvantageofherhelplessnesswouldhavehorrifiedme。Shesatuponthebed，andsaid，——
\"Youhavejustgivenatrueproofofthesincerityofyouraffection。\"
\"Didyouthink，sweetheart，thatIwasvileenoughtoabuseyourweakness？CouldIenjoyapleasureinwhichyouhadnoshare？\"
\"Ididnotthinkyouwoulddosuchathing，butIshouldnothaveresisted，thoughitispossiblethatIshouldnothavelovedyouafterwards。\"
\"Sara，thoughyoudonotknow，youcharmmysouloutofmybody。\"
AfterthisIsatdownsadlyonthebed，andabandonedmyselftothemostmelancholyreflections，fromwhichSaradidnotendeavourtorouseme。
Hermothercameinandaskedwhyshewasonthebed，butnotatallsuspiciously。Saratoldherthetruth。
M。M————F————cameinsoonafter，andwedinedtogether，butsilently。WhatIhadheardfromthegirl’slipshadcompletelyoverwhelmedme。IsawIhadnothingtohopefor，andthatitwastimeformetolooktomyself。Sixweeksbefore，Godhaddeliveredmefrommybondagetoaninfamouswoman，andnowIwasindangerofbecomingtheslaveofanangel。SuchweremyreflectionswhilstSarawasfainting，butitwasnecessaryformetoconsiderthematteratmyleisure。
Therewasasaleofvaluablearticlesinthecity，themeanstakenfordisposingofthembeingalottery。Sarahadreadtheannouncement，andIaskedherwithhermotherandsistertocomewithmeandtakepartinit。Ihadnotmuchtroubleinobtainingtheirconsent，andwefoundourselvesindistinguishedcompany，amongthepersonspresentbeingtheCountessofHarrington，LadyStanhope，andEmilieandherdaughters。Emiliehadastrangecasebeforethecourts。Shehadgiveninformationtothepolicethatherhusbandhadbeenrobbedofsixthousandpounds，thougheveryonesaidthatsheherselfwasthethief。
MadameM————F————didnottakeaticket，butsheallowedmetotaketicketsforherdaughters，whowereinhighglee，sincefortenortwelveguineastheygotarticlesworthsixty。
EverydayIwasmoretakenwithSara；butfeelingsurethatIshouldonlyobtainslightfavoursfromher，Ithoughtitwastimetocometoanexplanation。SoaftersupperIsaidthatasitwasnotcertainthatSaracouldbecomemywifeIhaddeterminednottoaccompanythemtoBerne。ThefathertoldmeIwasverywise，andthatIcouldstillcorrespondwithhisdaughter，Sarasaidnothing，butIcouldseeshewasmuchgrieved。
Ipassedadreadfulnight；suchanexperiencewasaltogethernewtome。IweighedSara’sreasons，andtheyseemedtometobemerelyfrivolous，whichdrovemetoconcludethatmycaresseshaddispleasedher。
ForthelastthreedaysIfoundmyselfmorethanoncealonewithher；
butIwasstudiouslymoderate，andshecaressedmeinamannerthatwouldhavemademyblissifIhadnotalreadyobtainedtheonegreatfavour。ItwasatthistimeIlearntthetruthofthemaximthatifabstinenceissometimesthespuroflove，ithasalsothecontraryeffect。Sarahadbroughtmyfeelingtoapitchofgentlefriendship，whileaninfamousprostituteliketheCharpillon，whoknewhowtorenewhopeandyetgrantnothing，endedbyinspiringmewithcontempt，andfinallywithhatred。
ThefamilysailedforOstend，andIaccompaniedthemtothemouthoftheThames。IgaveSaraaletterforMadamedeW————。ThiswasthenameofthelearnedHedvigwhomshedidnotknow。Theyafterwardsbecamesisters—in—law，asSaramarriedabrotherofM。deW————，andwashappywithhim。
EvennowIamgladtoheartidingsofmyoldfriendsandtheirdoings，buttheinterestItakeinsuchmattersisnottobecomparedtomyinterestinsomeobscurestoryofancienthistory。Forourcontemporaries，thecompanions，ofouryouthfulfollies，wehaveakindofcontempt，somewhatsimilartothatwhichweentertainforourselves。FouryearsagoIwrotetoMadameG————atHamburg，andmyletterbegan:
\"Afterasilenceoftwenty—oneyears……\"
Shedidnotdeigntoreply，andIwasbynomeansdispleased。Wecarednolongerforoneanother，anditisquitenaturalthatitshouldbeso。
WhenItellmyreaderwhoMadameG————is，hewillbeamused。TwoyearsagoIsetoutforHamburg，butmygoodgeniusmademeturnbacktoDux；whathadItodoatHamburg？
AftermyguestsweregoneIwenttotheItalianOperaatCoventGarden，andmetGoudar，whoaskedmeifIwouldcometotheSartori’sconcert。HetoldmeIshouldseeabeautifulyoungEnglishwomantherewhospokeItalian。AsIhadjustlostSaraIdidnotmuchcareaboutmakingnewacquaintances，butstillIwascurioustoseetheyoungmarvel。Iindulgedmycuriosity，andIamgladtosaythatinsteadofbeingamusedIwaswearied，thoughtheyoungEnglishwomanwasprettyenough。AyoungLivonian，whocalledhimselfBaronofStenau，seemedextremelyinterestedinher。Aftersuppersheofferedusticketsforthenextconcert，andItookoneformyselfandoneforGondar，givinghertwoguineas，buttheLivonianbarontookfiftytickets，andgaveherabanknoteforfiftyguineas。Isawbythisthathewantedtotaketheplacebystorm，andIlikedhiswayofdoingit。Isupposedhimtoberich，withoutcaringtoenquireintohismeans。Hemadeadvancestomeandwebecamefriends，andthereaderwillseeinduetimewhatafatalacquaintancehewas。
OnedayasIwaswalkingwithGoudarinHydeParkheleftmetospeaktotwoladieswhoseemedpretty。
Hewasnotlongabsent，andsaid，whenherejoinedme，——
\"AHanoverianlady，awidowandthemotheroffivedaughters，cametoEnglandtwomonthsagowithherwholefamily。Shelivescloseby，andisoccupiedinsolicitingcompensationfromtheGovernmentforanyinjurythatwasdoneherbythepassageoftheDukeofCumberland’sarmy。Themotherherselfissickandandneverleavesherbed；shesendshertwoeldestdaughterstopetitiontheGovernment，andtheyarethetwoyoungladiesyouhavejustseen。
Theyhavenotmetwithanysuccess。Theeldestdaughteristwenty—
two，andtheyoungestfourteen；theyareallprettyandcanspeakEnglish，French，andGermanequallywell，andarealwaysgladtoseevisitors。Ihadbeentovisitthemmyself，butasIgavethemnothingIdonotcaretogotherealoneasecondtime。Ifyoulike，however，Icanintroduceyou。\"
\"Youirritatemycuriosity。Comealong，butiftheonethatpleasesmeisnotcomplaisantsheshallhavenothing。\"
\"Theywillnotevenallowonetotakethembythehand。\"
\"TheyareCharpillons，Isuppose。\"
\"Itlookslikeit。Butyouwon’tseeanymenthere:\"
WewereshewnintoalargeroomwhereInoticedthreeprettygirlsandanevil—lookingman。Ibeganwiththeusualcompliments，towhichthegirlsrepliedpolitely，butwithanairofgreatsadness。
Goudarspoketotheman，andthencametomeshrugginghisshoulders，andsaying，——
\"Wehavecomeatasadtime。Thatmanisabailiffwhohascometotakethemothertoprisonifshecan’tpayherlandlordthetwentyguineas’rentsheoweshim，andtheyhaven’tgotafarthing。Whenthemotherhasbeensenttoprisonthelandlordwillnodoubtturnthegirlsoutofdoors。\"
\"Theycanlivewiththeirmotherfornothing。\"
\"Notatall。Iftheyhavegotthemoneytheycanhavetheirmealsinprison，butnooneisallowedtoliveinaprisonexcepttheprisoners。\"
Iaskedoneofthemwherehersisterswere。
\"Theyhavegoneout，tolookformoney，forthelandlordwon’tacceptanysurety，andwehavenothingtosell。\"
\"Allthisisverysad；whatdoesyourmothersay？\"
\"Sheonlyweeps，andyet，thoughsheisillandcannotleaveherbed，theyaregoingtotakehertoprison。Bywayofconsolationthelandlordsayshewillhavehercarried。\"
\"Itisveryhard。Butyourlookspleaseme，mademoiselle，andifyouwillbekindImaybeabletoextricateyoufromthedifficulty。\"
\"Idonotknowwhatyoumeanby’kind。’\"
\"Yourmotherwillunderstand；goandaskher。\"
\"Sir，youdonotknowus；wearehonestgirls，andladiesofpositionbesides。\"
Withthesewordstheyoungwomanturnedherbackonme，andbegantoweepagain。Thetwoothers，whowerequiteaspretty，stoodstraightupandsaidnotaword。GoudarwhisperedtomeinItalianthatunlesswedidsomethingforthemweshouldcutbutasorryfigurethere；andIwascruelenoughtogoawaywithoutsayingaword。
CHAPTERXV
TheHanoveriansAswewereleavingthehousewemetthetwoeldestsisters，whocamehomelookingverysad。Iwasstruckbytheirbeauty，andextremelysurprisedtohearmyselfgreetedbyoneofthem，whosaid，——
\"ItisM。theChevalierdeSeingalt。\"
\"Himself，mademoiselle，andsorelygrievedatyourmisfortune。\"
\"Bekindenoughtocomeinagainforamoment。\"
\"IamsorrytosaythatIhaveanimportantengagement。\"
\"Iwillnotkeepyouforlongerthanaquarterofanhour。\"
Icouldnotrefusesosmallafavour，andsheemployedthetimeintellingmehowunfortunatetheyhadbeeninHanover，howtheyhadcometoLondontoobtaincompensation，oftheirfailure，theirdebts，thecrueltyofthelandlord，theirmother’sillness，theprisonthatawaitedher，thelikelihoodoftheirbeingcastintothestreet，andthecrueltyofalltheiracquaintances。
\"Wehavenothingtosell，andallourresourcesconsistoftwoshillings，whichweshallhavetospendonbread，onwhichwelive。\"
\"Whoareyourfriends？Howcantheyabandonyouatsuchatime？\"
Shementionedseveralnames——amongothers，LordBaltimore，MarquisCarracioli，theNeapolitanambassador，andLordPembroke。
\"Ican’tbelieveit，\"saidI，\"forIknowthetwolastnoblementobebothrichandgenerous。Theremustbesomegoodreasonfortheirconduct，sinceyouarebeautiful；andforthesegentlemenbeautyisabilltobehonouredonsight。\"
\"Yes，thereisareason。Theserichnoblemenabandonuswithcontempt。Theyrefusetotakepityonusbecausewerefusetoyieldtotheirguiltypassion。\"
\"Thatistosay，theyhavetakenafancytoyou，andasyouwillnothavepityonthemtheyrefusetohavepityonyou。Isitnotso？\"
\"Thatisexactlythesituation。\"
\"ThenIthinktheyareintheright。\"
\"Intheright？\"
\"Yes，Iamquiteoftheiropinion。Weleaveyoutoenjoyyoursenseofvirtue，andwespendourmoneyinprocuringthosefavourswhichyourefuseus。Yourmisfortunereallyisyourprettiness，ifyouwereuglyyouwouldgettwentyguineasfastenough。Iwouldgiveyouthemoneymyself，andtheactionwouldbeputdowntobenevolence；
whereas，asthecasestands，ifIweretogiveyouanythingitwouldbethoughtthatIwasactuatedbythehopeoffavourstocome，andI
shouldbelaughedat，anddeservedly，asadupe。\"
Ifeltthatthiswastheproperwaytospeaktothegirl，whoseeloquenceinpleadinghercausewassimplywonderful。
Shedidnotreplytomyoration，andIaskedherhowshecametoknowme。
\"IsawyouatRichmondwiththeCharpillon。\"
\"Shecostmetwothousandguineas，andIgotnothingformymoney；
butIhaveprofitedbythelesson，andinfutureIshallneverpayinadvance。\"
Justthenhermothercalledher，and，beggingmetowaitamoment，shewentintoherroom，andreturnedalmostdirectlywiththerequestthatIwouldcomeandspeaktotheinvalid。
Ifoundhersittingupinherbed；shelookedaboutforty—five，andstillpreservedtracesofherformerbeauty；hercountenanceboretheimprintofsadness，buthadnomarksofsicknesswhatsoever。Herbrilliantandexpressiveeyes，herintellectualface，andasuggestionofcraftabouther，allbademebeonmyguard，andasortoffalselikenesstotheCharpillon’smothermademestillmorecautious，andfortifiedmeinmyresolutiontogivenoheedtotheappealsofpity。
\"Madam，\"Ibegan，\"whatcanIdoforyou？\"
\"Sir，\"shereplied，\"Ihaveheardthewholeofyourconversationswithmydaughters，andyoumustconfessthatyouhavenottalkedtotheminaveryfatherlymanner。\"
\"Quiteso，buttheonlypartwhichIdesiretoplaywiththemisthatoflover，andafatherlystylewouldnothavebeensuitabletothepart。IfIhadthehappinessofbeingtheirfather，thecasewouldbealtered。WhatIhavesaidtoyourdaughtersiswhatIfeel，andwhatIthinkmostlikelytobringabouttheendIhaveinview。I
havenottheslightestpretencetovirtue，butIadorethefairsex，andnowyouandtheyknowtheroadtomypurse。Iftheywishtopreservetheirvirtue，whyletthem；nobodywilltroublethem，andthey，ontheirside，mustnotexpectanythingfrommen。Good—bye，madam；youmayreckononmyneveraddressingyourdaughtersagain。\"
\"Waitamoment，sir。MyhusbandwastheCountof————，andyouseethatmydaughtersareofrespectablebirth。\"
\"Haveyounotpityforoursituation？\"
\"Ipityyouextremely，andIwouldrelieveyouinaninstantifyourdaughterswereugly，butasitistheyarepretty，andthataltersthecase。\"
\"Whatanargument！\"
\"Itisaverystrongonewithme，andIthinkIamthebestjudgeofargumentswhichapplytomyself。Youwanttwentyguineas；well，youshallhavethemafteroneofyourfivecountesseshasspentajoyousnightwithme。\"
\"Whatlanguagetoawomanofmystation！Nobodyhaseverdaredtospeaktomeinsuchawaybefore。\"
\"Pardonme，butwhatuseisrankwithoutahalfpenny？Allowmetoretire。
\"To—daywehaveonlybreadtoeat。\"
\"Well，certainlythatisratherhardoncountesses。\"
\"Youarelaughingatthetitle，apparently。\"
\"Yes，Iam；butIdon’twanttooffendyou。Ifyoulike，Iwillstoptodinner，andpayforall，yourselfincluded。\"
\"Youareaneccentricindividual。Mygirlsaresad，forIamgoingtoprison。Youwillfindtheircompanywearisome。\"
\"Thatismyaffair。\"
\"Youhadmuchbettergivethemthemoneyyouwouldspendonthedinner。\"
\"No，madam。Imusthaveatleastthepleasuresofsightandsoundformymoney。Iwillstayyourarresttillto—morrow，andafterwardsProvidencemaypossiblyinterveneonyourbehalf。\"
\"Thelandlordwillnotwait。\"
\"Leavemetodealwithhim。\"
ItoldGoudartogoandseewhatthemanwouldtaketosendthebailiffawayfortwenty—fourhours。Hereturnedwiththemessagethathemusthaveaguineaandbailforthetwentyguineas，incasethelodgersmighttaketoflightbeforethenextday。
Mywinemerchantlivedcloseby。ItoldGondartowaitforme，andthematterwassoonsettledandthebailiffsentaway，andItoldthefivegirlsthattheymighttaketheireasefortwenty—fourhoursmore。
IinformedGondarofthestepsIhadtaken，andtoldhimtogooutandgetagooddinnerforeightpeople。Hewentonhiserrand，andI
summonedthegirlstotheirmother’sbedside，anddelightedthemallbytellingthemthatforthenexttwenty—fourhourstheyweretomakegoodcheer。TheycouldnotgetovertheirsurpriseatthesuddennessofthechangeIhadworkedinthehouse。
\"ButthisisallIcandoforyou，\"saidItothemother。\"Yourdaughtersarecharming，andIhaveobtainedaday’srespiteforyouallwithoutaskingforanythinginreturn；Ishalldine，sup，andpassthenightwiththemwithoutaskingsomuchasasinglekiss，butifyourideashavenotchangedbyto—morrowyouwillbeinexactlythesamepositionasyouwereafewminutesago，andIshallnottroubleyouanymorewithmyattentions。\"
\"Whatdoyoumeanmy’changingmyideas’？\"
\"Ineednottellyou，foryouknowperfectlywellwhatImean。\"
\"Mydaughtersshallneverbecomeprostitutes。\"
\"IwillproclaimtheirspotlesschastityalloverLondon——butIshallspendmyguineaselsewhere。\"
\"Youareacruelman。\"
\"IconfessIcanbeverycruel，butitisonlywhenIdon’tmeetwithkindness。\"
Goudarcamebackandwereturnedtotheladies’room，asthemotherdidnotliketoshewherselftomyfriend，tellingmethatIwastheonlymanshehadpermittedtoseeherinbedduringthewholetimeshehadbeeninLondon。
OurEnglishdinnerwasexcellentinitsway，butmychiefpleasurewastoseethevoracitywithwhichthegirlsdevouredthemeal。Onewouldhavethoughttheyweresavagesdevouringrawmeatafteralongfast。IhadgotacaseofexcellentwineandImadeeachofthemdrinkabottle，butnotbeingaccustomedtosuchanindulgencetheybecamequitedrunk。ThemotherhaddevouredthewholeoftheplentifulhelpingsIhadsentintoher，andshehademptiedabottleofBurgundy，whichshecarriedverywell。
Inspiteoftheirintoxication，thegirlswereperfectlysafe；Ikeptmyword，andGoudardidnottaketheslightestliberty。Wehadapleasantsupper，andafterabowlofpunchIleftthemfeelinginlovewiththewholebevy，andveryuncertainwhetherIshouldbeabletoshewasbraveafrontthenextday。
AsweweregoingawayGoudarsaidthatIwasconductingtheaffairadmirably，butifImadeasingleslipIshouldbeundone。
Isawthegoodsenseofhisadvice，anddeterminedtoshewthatIwasassharpashe。
Thenextday，feelinganxioustoheartheresultofthecouncilwhichthemotherhaddoubtlessheldwiththedaughters，Icalledattheirhouseatteno’clock。Thetwoeldestsisterswereout，endeavouringtobeatupsomemorefriends，andthethreeyoungestrusheduptomeasiftheyhadbeenspanielsandItheirmaster，buttheywouldnotevenallowmetokissthem。Itoldthemtheymadeamistake，andknockedatthemother’sdoor。Shetoldmetocomein，andthankedmeforthehappydayIhadgiventhem。
\"AmItowithdrawmybail，countess？\"
\"Youcandowhatyoulike，butIdonotthinkyoucapableofsuchanaction。\"
\"Youaremistaken。Youhavedoubtlessmadeadeepstudyofthehumanheart；butyoueitherknowlittleofthehumanmind，orelseyouthinkyouhavealargersharethananyotherperson。Allyourdaughtershaveinspiredmewithlove，butwereitamatteroflifeanddeathIwouldnotdoasinglethingforthemoryoubeforeyouhavedonemetheonlyfavourthatisinyourpower。Ileaveyoutoyourreflections，andmoreespeciallytoyourvirtues。\"
Shebeggedmetostay，butIdidnotevenlistentoher。Ipassedbythethreecharmers，andaftertellingmywinemerchanttowithdrawhissecurityIwentinafuriousmoodtocallonLordPembroke。AssoonasImentionedtheHanoveriansheburstoutlaughing，andsaidthesefalseinnocentsmustbemadetofulfiltheiroccupationinapropermanner。
\"Theycamewhiningtomeyesterday，\"heproceeded，\"andInotonlywouldnotgivethemanything，butIlaughedthemtoscorn。Theyhavegotabouttwelveguineasoutofmeonfalsepretences；theyareascunningslutsastheCharpillon。\"
ItoldhimwhatIhaddonethedaybefore，andwhatIintendedtooffer:twentyguineasforthefirst，andasmuchforeachoftheothers，butnothingtobepaidinadvance。
\"Ihadthesameideamyself，butIcriedoff，andIdon’tthinkyou’llsucceed，asLordBaltimoreofferedthemfortyapiece；thatistwohundredguineasinall，andthebargainhasfallenthroughbecausetheywantthemoneytobepaidinadvance。Theypaidhimavisityesterday，butfoundhimpitiless，forhehasbeentakeninseveraltimesbythem。\"
\"Weshallseewhatwillhappenwhenthemotherisunderlockandkey；
I’llbetweshallhavethemcheaply。\"
Icamehomefordinner，andGoudar，whohadjustbeenattheirhouse，reportedthatthebailiffwouldonlywaittillfouro’clock，thatthetwoeldestdaughtershadcomebackempty—handed，andthattheyhadbeenobligedtoselloneoftheirdressestobuyamorselofbread。
Ifeltcertainthattheywouldhaverecoursetomeagain，andIwasright。Wewereatdessertwhentheyputinanappearance。Imadethemsitdown，andtheeldestsisterexhaustedhereloquencetopersuademetogivethemanotherthreedays’grace。
\"Youwillfindmeinsensible，\"saidI，\"unlessyouarewillingtoadoptmyplan。Ifyouwishtohearit，kindlyfollowmeintothenextroom。\"
Shedidso，leavinghersisterwithGoudar，andmakinghersitdownonasofabesideme，Ishewedhertwentyguineas，saying，——
\"Theseareyours；butyouknowonwhatterms？\"
Sherejectedmyofferwithdisdain，andthinkingshemightwishtosalvehervirtuebybeingattacked，Isettowork；butfindingherresistanceseriousIletheralone，andbeggedhertoleavemyhouseimmediately。Shecalledtohersister，andtheybothwentout。
Intheevening，asIwasgoingtotheplay，Icalledonmywinemerchanttohearthenews。Hetoldmethatthemotherhadbeentakentoprison，andthattheyoungestdaughterhadgonewithher；buthedidnotknowwhathadbecomeofthefourothers。
Iwenthomefeelingquitesad，andalmostreproachingmyselffornothavingtakencompassiononthen；however，justasIwassittingdowntosuppertheyappearedbeforemelikefourMagdalens。Theeldest，whowastheoratorofthecompany，toldmethattheirmotherwasinprison，andthattheywouldhavetopassthenightinthestreetifI
didnottakepityonthem。
\"Youshallhaverooms，beds，andgoodfires，\"saidI，\"butfirstletmeseeyoueat。\"
Delightappearedoneverycountenance，andIhadnumerousdishesbroughtforthem。Theyateeagerlybutsadly，andonlydrankwater。
\"Yourmelancholyandyourabstinencedispleasesme，\"saidI，totheeldestgirl；\"goupstairsandyouwillfindeverythingnecessaryforyourcomfort，buttakecaretobegoneatseveninthemorningandnottoletmeseeyourfacesagain。\"
Theywentuptothesecondfloorwithoutaword。
Anhourafterwards，justasIwasgoingtobed，theeldestgirlcameintomyroomandsaidshewishedtohaveaprivateinterviewwithme。
Itoldmynegrotowithdraw，andaskedhertoexplainherself。
\"Whatwillyoudoforus，\"saidshe，\"ifIconsenttoshareyourcouch？\"
\"Iwillgiveyoutwentyguineas，andIwilllodgeandboardyouaslongasyougivemesatisfaction。\"
Withoutsayingawordshebegantoundress，andgotintobed。Shewassubmissiveandnothingmore，anddidnotgivemesomuchasakiss。AttheendofaquarterofanhourIwasdisgustedwithherandgotup，andgivingherabanknotefortwentyguineasItoldhertoputonherclothesandgobacktoherroom。
\"Youmustallleavemyhouseto—morrow，\"Isaid，\"forIamillpleasedwithyou。Insteadofgivingyourselfupforloveyouhaveprostitutedyourself。Iblushforyou。\"
Sheobeyedmutely，andIwenttosleepinanillhumour。
Ataboutseveno’clockinthemorningIwasawakenedbyahandshakingmegently。Iopenedmyeyes，andIwassurprisedtoseetheseconddaughter。
\"Whatdoyouwant？\"Isaid，coldly。
\"Iwantyoutotakepityonus，andshelterusinyourhouseforafewdayslonger。Iwillbeverygrateful。Mysisterhastoldmeall，youaredispleasedwithher，butyoumustforgiveher，forherheartisnotherown。SheisinlovewithanItalianwhoisinprisonfordebt。\"
\"AndIsupposeyouareinlovewithsomeoneelse？\"\"No，Iamnot。\"
\"Couldyouloveme？\"
Sheloweredhereyes，andpressedmyhandgently。Idrewhertowardsme，andembracedher，andasIfeltherkissesanswermine，Isaid，——
\"Youhaveconquered。\"
\"MynameisVictoire。\"
\"Ilikeit，andIwillprovetheomenatrueone。\"
Victoire，whowastenderandpassionate，mademespendtwodelicioushours，whichcompensatedmeformybadquarterofanhourofthenightbefore。
Whenourexploitswereover，Isaid，——
\"DearestVictoire，Iamwhollythroe。Letyourmotherbebroughthereassoonassheisfree。Herearetwentyguineasforyou。\"
Shedidnotexpectanything，andtheagreeablesurprisemadeherinanecstasy；shecouldnotspeak，butherheartwasfullofhappiness。
Itoowashappy，andIbelievedthatagreatpartofmyhappinesswascausedbytheknowledgethatIhaddoneagooddeed。Wearequeercreaturesallofus，whetherwearebadorgood。FromthatmomentI
gavemyservantsorderstolaythetableforeightpersonseveryday，andtoldthemthatIwasonlyathometoGoudar。Ispentmoneymadly，andfeltthatIwaswithinameasurabledistanceofpoverty。
Atnoonthemothercameinasedan—chair，andwenttobeddirectly。
Iwenttoseeher，anddidnotevinceanysurprisewhenshebegantothankmeformynoblegenerosity。ShewantedmetosupposethatshethoughtIhadgivenherdaughtersfortyguineasfornothing，andI
letherenjoyherhypocrisy。
IntheeveningItookthemtoCoventGarden，wherethecastratoTenduccisurprisedmebyintroducingmetohiswife，ofwhomhehadtwochildren。Helaughedatpeoplewhosaidthatacastratocouldnotprocreate。Naturehadmadehimamonsterthathemightremainaman；hewasborntriorchis，andasonlytwooftheseminalglandshadbeendestroyedtheremainingonewassufficienttoendowhimwithvirility。
WhenIgotbacktomysmallseraglioIsuppedmerrilywiththefivenymphs，andspentadeliciousnightwithVictoire，whowasoverjoyedathavingmademyconquest。Shetoldmethathersister’sloverwasaNeapolitan，callinghimselfMarquisdePetina，andthattheyweretogetmarriedassoonashewasoutofprison。Itseemedhewasexpectingremittances，andthemotherwouldbedelightedtoseeherdaughteramarchioness。
\"Howmuchdoesthemarquisowe？\"
\"Twentyguineas。\"
\"AndtheNeapolitanambassadorallowshimtolanguishinprisonforsuchabeggarlysum？Ican’tbelieveit。\"
\"Theambassadorwon’thaveanythingtodowithhim，becauseheleftNapleswithouttheleaveoftheGovernment。\"
\"Tellyoursisterthatiftheambassadorassuresmethatherlover’snameisreallytheMarquisdePetina，Iwillgethimoutofprisonimmediately。\"
Iwentouttoaskmydaughter，andanotherboarderofwhomIwasveryfond，todinner，andonmywaycalledontheMarquisofCaraccioli，anagreeableman，whoseacquaintanceIhadmadeatTurin。IfoundthefamousChevalierd’Eonathishouse，andIhadnoneedofaprivateinterviewtomakemyinquiriesaboutPetina。
\"Theyoungmanisreallywhatheprofessestome，\"saidtheambassador，\"butIwillneitherreceivehimnorgivehimanymoneytillIhearfrommyGovernmentthathehasreceivedleavetotravel。\"
Thatwasenoughforme，andIstayedthereforanhourlisteningtod’Eon’samusingstory。
EonhaddesertedtheembassyonaccountoftenthousandfrancswhichthedepartmentofforeignaffairsatVersailleshadrefusedtoallowhim，thoughthemoneywashisbyright。HehadplacedhimselfundertheprotectionoftheEnglishlaws，andaftersecuringtwothousandsubscribersataguineaapiece，hehadsenttopressahugevolumeinquartocontainingallthelettershehadreceivedfromtheFrenchGovernmentforthelastfiveorsixyears。
AboutthesametimeaLondonbankerhaddepositedthesumoftwentythousandguineasattheBankofEngland，beingreadytowagerthatsumthatEonwasawoman。Thebetwastakenbyanumberofpersonswhohadformedthemselvesintoakindofcompanyforthepurpose，andtheonlywaytodecideitwasthatEonshouldbeexaminedinthepresenceofwitnesses。Thechevalierwasofferedhalfthewager，buthelaughedthemtoscorn。Hesaidthatsuchanexaminationwoulddishonourhim，werehemanorwoman。Caracciolisaidthatitcouldonlydishonourhimifhewereawoman，butIcouldnotagreewiththisopinion。Attheendofayearthebetwasdeclaredoff；butinthecourseofthreeyearshereceivedhispardonfromtheking，andappearedatCourtinwoman’sdress，wearingthecrossofSt。Louis。
LouisXV。hadalwaysbeenawareofthechevalier’ssex，butCardinalFleurihadtaughthimthatitbecamekingstobeimpenetrable，andLouisremainedsoallhislife。
WhenIgothomeIgavetheeldestHanoveriantwentyguineas，tellinghertofetchhermarquisoutofprison，andbringhimtodinewithus，asIwantedtoknowhim。Ithoughtshewouldhavediedwithjoy。
Thethirdsister，havingtakencounselwithVictoire，anddoubtlesswithhermotheralso，determinedtoearntwentyguineasforherself，andshehadnotmuchtroubleindoingso。SheitwasonwhomLordPembrokehadcasttheeyeofdesire。
Thesefivegirlswerelikefivedishesplacedbeforeagourmand，whoenjoysthemoneaftertheother。Tomyfancythelastwasalwaysthebest。Thethirdsister’snamewasAugusta。
NextSundayIhadalargenumberofguests。Thereweremydaughterandherfriend，MadameCornelis，andherson。SophiewaskissedandcaressedbytheHanoverians，whileIbestowedahundredkissesonMissNancySteyne，whowasonlythirteen，butwhoseyoungbeautyworkedsadhavocwithmysenses。Myaffectionwassupposedtobefatherlyinitscharacter，but，alasIitwasofamuchmorefleshlykind。ThisMissNancy，whoseemedtomealmostdivine，wasthedaughterofarichmerchant。IsaidthatIwantedtomakeherfather’sacquaintance，andsherepliedthatherfatherproposedcomingtocallonmethatveryday。Iwasdelightedtohearofthecoincidence，andgaveorderthatheshouldbeshewninassoonashecame。
Thepoormarquiswastheonlysadfigureinthecompany。Hewasyoungandwell—made，butthinandrepulsivelyugly。Hethankedmeformykindness，sayingthatIhaddoneawisething，ashefeltsurethetimewouldcomewhenhewouldrepaymeahundredfold。
Ihadgivenmydaughtersixguineastobuyapelisse，andshetookmetomybedroomtoshewitme。Hermotherfollowedhertocongratulatemeonmyseraglio。
Atdinnergaietyreignedsupreme。IsatbetweenmydaughterandMissNancySteyne，andfelthappy。Mr。Steynecameinaswewereattheoysters。Hekissedhisdaughterwiththattenderaffectionwhichismorecharacteristic，Ithink，ofEnglishparentsthanthoseofanyothernation。
Mr。Steynehaddined，butheneverthelessateahundredscollopedoysters，inthepreparationofwhichmycookwaswonderfullyexpert；
healsohonouredthechampagnewithequalattention。
Wespentthreehoursatthetableandthenproceededtothethirdfloor，whereSophieaccompaniedhermother’ssingingonthepiano，andyoungCornelisdisplayedhisflute—playingtalents。Mr。Steynesworethathehadneverbeenpresentatsuchapleasantpartyinhislife，addingthatpleasurewasforbiddenfruitinEnglandonSundaysandholidays。ThisconvincedmethatSteynewasanintelligentman，thoughhisFrenchwasexecrable。Heleftatseven，aftergivingabeautifulringtomydaughter，whomheescortedbacktoschoolwithMissNancy。
TheMarquisPetinafoolishlyobservedtomethathedidnotknowwheretofindabed。Iunderstoodwhathewanted，butItoldhimhewouldeasilyfindonewithalittlemoney。TakinghissweetheartasideIgaveheraguineaforhim，begginghertotellhimnottovisitmeagaintillhewasinvited。
Whenalltheguestsweregone，Iledthefivesisterstothemother’sroom。Shewaswonderfullywell，eating，drinking，andsleepingtoadmiration，andneverdoinganything，notevenreadingorwriting。
Sheenjoyedthe’dolcefarniente’inalltheforceoftheterm。
However，shetoldmeshewasalwaysthinkingofherfamily，andofthelawswhichitimposedonher。
Icouldscarcelyhelplaughing，butIonlysaidthatiftheselawswerethesameasthosewhichhercharmingdaughtersfollowed，I
thoughtthemwiserthanSolon’s。
IdrewAugustaontomyknee，andsaid，——
\"Mylady，allowmetokissyourdelightfuldaughter。\"
Insteadofgivingmeadirectanswer，theoldhypocritebeganalongsermononthelawfulnessoftheparentalkiss。AllthetimeAugustawaslavishingonmesecretbutdeliciousendearments。
’Otempora！Omores！’
ThenextdayIwasstandingatmywindow，whentheMarquisCaraccioli，whowaspassingby，greetedme，andaskedmeifhecouldcomein。Ibadehimwelcome，andsummoningtheeldestsistertoldtheambassadorthatthisyoungladywasgoingtomarrytheMarquisPetinaassoonashisremittancesarrived。
Headdressedhimselftoher，andspokeasfollows:
\"Mademoiselle，itistruethatyourloverisreallyamarquis，butheisverypoorandwillneverhaveanymoney；andifhegoesbacktoNapleshewillbeimprisoned，andifheisreleasedfromtheStateprisonhiscreditorswillputhimintheVittoria。\"
Howeverthissalutarywarninghadnoeffect。
AftertheambassadorhadtakenhisleaveIwasdressingtotakearidewhenAugustatoldmethat，ifIliked，Hippolytahersisterwouldcomewithme，asshecouldridebeautifully。
\"That’samusing，\"saidI，\"makehercomedown。\"
Hippolytacamedownandbeggedmetoletherridewithme，sayingthatshewoulddomecredit。
\"Certainly；\"saidI，\"buthaveyouaman’sridingsuitorawoman’scostume？\"
\"No。\"
\"Thenwemustputofftheexcursiontillto—morrow。\"
Ispentthedayinseeingthatasuitwasmadeforher，andIfeltquiteamorouswhenPegu，thetailor，measuredherforthebreeches。
Everythingwasdoneintimeandwehadacharmingride，forshemanagedherhorsewithwonderfulskill。
Afteranexcellentsupper，towhichwinehadnotbeenlacking，thehappyHippolytaaccompaniedVictoireintomyroomandhelpedhertoundress。WhenshekissedhersisterIaskedifshewouldnotgivemeakisstoo，andaftersomejestingAugustachangedthejokeintoearnestbybiddinghercometobedbesideme，withouttakingthetroubletoaskmyleave，sosuredidshefeelofmyconsent。Thenightwaswellspent，andIhadnoreasontocomplainofwantofmaterial，butAugustawiselyletthenewcomerhavethelion’sshareofmyattentions。
Nextdaywerodeoutagainintheafternoon，followedbymynegro，whowasaskilfulhorsemanhimself。InRichmondParkHippolyta’sdexterityastonishedme；shedrewalleyesonher。Intheeveningwecamehomewellpleasedwithourday’sride，andhadagoodsupper。
AsthemealproceededInoticedthatGabrielle，theyoungestofall，lookedsadandalittlesulky。Iaskedherthereason，andwithalittlepoutthatbecameherchildishfaceadmirably，shereplied，——
\"BecauseIcanrideonhorsebackaswellasmysister。\"
\"Verygood，\"saidI，\"thenyoushallridethedayafterto—morrow。\"
Thisputherintoagoodtemperagain。
SpeakingofHippolyta’sskill，Iaskedherwhereshehadlearnttoride。Shesimplyburstoutlaughing。Iaskedherwhyshelaughed，andshesaid，——
\"Why，becauseIneverlearntanywhere；myonlymasterswerecourageandsomenaturalskill。\"
\"Andhasyoursisterlearnt？\"
\"No，\"saidGabrielle，\"butIcanridejustaswell。\"
Icouldscarcelybelieveit，forHippolytahadseemedtofloatonherhorse，andherridingskewedtheutmostskillandexperience。Hopingthathersisterwouldviewithher，IsaidthatIwouldtakethemouttogether，andtheveryideamadethembothjumpwithjoy。
Gabriellewasonlyfifteen，andhershape，thoughnotfullydeveloped，waswellmarked，andpromisedaperfectbeautybythetimeshewasinhermaturity。Fullofgraceandsimplicity，shesaidshewouldliketocomewithmetomyroom，andIreadilyacceptedheroffer，notcaringwhethertheschemehadbeenconcertedbetweenherandherothersisters。
Assoonaswewerealone，shetoldmethatshehadneverhadalover，andsheallowedmetoassuremyselfofthefactwiththesamechild—
likesimplicity。Gabriellewaslikealltheothers；IwouldhavechosenherifIhadbeenobligedtomakethechoice。Shemademefeelsorryforhersake，tohearthatthemotherhadmadeuphermindtoleave。InthemorningIgaveherherfeeoftwentyguineasandahandsomeringasamarkofmypeculiarfriendship，andwespentthedayingettingreadyourhabitsfortherideofthedayfollowing。
Gabriellegotonhorsebackasifshehadhadtwoyearsintheridingschool。Wewentalongthestreetsatawalkingpace，butassoonaswewereintheopencountrywebrokeintoafuriousgallop，andkeptituptillwegottoBarnet，wherewestoppedtobreakfast。Wehaddonethejourneyintwenty—fiveminutes，althoughthedistanceisnearlytenmiles。Thismayseemincredible，buttheEnglishhorsesarewonderfullyswift，andwewereallofuswellmounted。Mytwonymphslookedravishing。Iadoredthem，andIadoredmyselfformakingthemsohappy。
Justaswewereremounting，whoshouldarrivebutLordPembroke。HewasonhiswaytoSt。Alban’s。Hestoppedhishorse，andadmiredthegracefulridingofmytwocompanions；andnotrecognizingthemimmediately，hebeggedleavetopayhiscourttothem。HowIlaughedtomyself！Atlastherecognizedthem，andcongratulatedmeonmyconquest，askingifIlovedHippolyta。Iguessedhismeaning，andsaidIonlylovedGabrielle。
\"Verygood，\"saidhe；\"mayIcomeandseeyou？\"
\"Certainly，\"Ireplied。
Afterafriendlyhand—shakewesetoutoncemore，andweresoonbackinLondon。
Gabriellewasdoneupandwenttobeddirectly；shesleptontillthenextmorningwithoutmydisturbingherpeacefulsleep，andwhensheawokeandfoundherselfinmyarms，shebegantophilosophise。
\"Howeasyitis，\"saidshe，\"tobehappywhenoneisrich，andhowsaditistoseehappinessoutofone’sreachforlackofalittlemoney。YesterdayIwasthehappiestofbeings，andwhyshouldInotbeashappyallmydays？Iwouldgladlyagreethatmylifeshouldbeshortprovidedthatitshouldbeahappyone。\"
I，too，philosophised，butmyreflectionsweresombre。Isawmyresourcesallbutexhausted，andIbegantomeditateajourneytoLisbon。Ifmyfortunehadbeeninexhaustible，theHanoveriansmighthaveheldmeintheirsilkenfetterstotheendofmydays。ItseemedtomeasifIlovedthemmorelikeafatherthanalover，andthefactthatIsleptwiththemonlyaddedtothetendernessofthetie。IlookedintoGabrielle’seyes，andthereIsawbutlove。Howcouldsuchaloveexistinherunlessshewerenaturallyvirtuous，andyetdevoidofthoseprejudiceswhichareinstilledintousinourearlyyears。
ThenextdayPembrokecalledandaskedmetogivehimadinner。
Augustadelightedhim。Hemadeproposalstoherwhichexcitedherlaughterashedidnotwanttopaytillaftertheevent，andshewouldnotadmitthiscondition。However，hegaveherabanknotefortenguineasbeforeheleft，andsheaccepteditwithmuchgrace。Thedayafterhewroteheraletter，ofwhichIshallspeakpresently。
Afewminutesafterthenoblemanhadgonethemothersentformetocometoher，andafterpayinganeloquenttributetomyvirtues，mygenerosity，andmyunceasingkindnesstowardsherfamily，shemadethefollowingproposal:
\"AsIfeelsurethatyouhavealltheloveofafatherformydaughters，Iwishyoutobecometheirfatherinreality！Iofferyoumyhandandheart；becomemyhusband，youwillbetheirfather，theirlordandmine。Whatdoyousaytothis？\"
Ibitmylipshardandhadgreatdifficultyinrestrainingmyinclinationtolaughter。Nevertheless，theamazement，thecontempt，andtheindignationwhichthisunparalleledpieceofimpudencearousedinmesoonbroughtmetomyself。Iperceivedthatthisconsummatehypocritehadcountedonanabruptrefusal，andhadonlymadethisridiculousofferwiththeideaofconvincingmethatshewasundertheimpressionthatIhadleftherdaughtersasIhadfoundthem，andthatthemoneyIhadspentonthemwasmerelyasignofmytenderandfatherlyaffection。Ofcoursesheknewperfectlywellhowthelandlay，butshethoughttojustifyherselfbytakingthisstep。
ShewasawarethatIcouldonlylookuponsuchaproposalasaninsult，butshedidnotcareforthat。
Iresolvedtokeeponthemask，andrepliedthatherpropositionwasundoubtedlyaverygreathonourforme，butitwasalsoaveryimportantquestion，andsoIbeggedhertoallowmesometimeforconsideration。
WhenIgotbacktomyroomIfoundtherethemistressofthewretchedMarquisPetina，whotoldmethatherhappinessdependedonacertificatefromtheNeapolitanambassadorthatherloverwasreallythepersonheprofessedtobe。Withthisdocumenthewouldbeabletoclaimasumoftwohundredguineas，andthentheycouldbothgotoNaples，andhewouldmarryherthere。\"Hewilleasilyobtaintheroyalpardon，\"saidshe。\"You，andyoualone，canhelpusinthematter，andIcommendmyselftoyourkindness。\"
IpromisedtodoallIcouldforher。Infact，Icalledontheambassador，whomadenodifficultyaboutgivingtherequiredcertificate。Forthemomentmychillyconquestwasperfectlyhappy，butthoughIsawshewasverygratefultomeIdidnotaskhertoprovehergratitude。
CHAPTERXVI
AugustaBecomesLordPembroke’sTitularMistressTheKingofCorsica’sSon——M。duClaude，ortheJesuitLavalette——DepartureoftheHanoveriansIBalanceMyAccounts——TheBaronStenau——TheEnglishGirl，andWhatSheGaveMe——Daturi——MyFlightfromLondon——ComteSt。
Germain——WeselLordPembrokewrotetoAugustaofferingherfiftyguineasamonthforthreeyears，withlodging，，board，servants，andcarriageatSt。
Albans，withoutreckoningwhatshemightexpectfromhisgratefulaffectionifitwerereturned。
Augustatranslatedtheletterforme，andaskedformyadvice。
\"Ican’tgiveyouanycounsel，\"saidI，\"inamatterwhichonlyconcernsyourownheartandyourowninterests。\"
Shewentuptohermother，whowouldcometonoconclusionwithoutfirstconsultingme，because，asshesaid，Iwasthewisestandmostvirtuousofmen。Iamafraidthereaderwilldifferfromherhere，butIcomfortmyselfbythethoughtthatI，too，thinklikethereader。AtlastitwasagreedthatAugustashouldaccepttheofferifLordPembrokewouldfindasuretyinthepersonofsomereputableLondonmerchant，forwithherbeautyandnumerousgracesshewassureto，becomeLadyPembrokebeforelong。Indeed，themothersaidshewasperfectlycertainofit，asotherwiseshecouldnothavegivenherconsent，asherdaughterswerecountesses，andtoogoodtobeanyman’smistresses。
TheconsequencewasthatAugustawrotemylordaletter，andinthreedaysitwasallsettled。Themerchantdulysignedthecontract，atthefootofwhichIhadthehonourofinscribingmynameasawitness，andthenItookthemerchanttothemother，andhewitnessedhercessionofherdaughter。ShewouldnotseePembroke，butshekissedherdaughter，andheldaprivatecolloquywithher。
ThedayonwhichAugustaleftmyhousewassignalizedbyaneventwhichImustsetdown。
ThedayafterIhadgiventheMarquisPetina’sfuturebridetherequiredcertificate，IhadtakenoutGabrielleandHippolytaforaride。WhenIgothomeIfoundwaitingformeapersoncallinghimselfSirFrederick，whowassaidtobethesonofTheodore，KingofCorsica，whohaddiedinLondon。Thisgentlemansaidhewishedtospeaktomeinprivate，andwhenwewerealonehesaidhewasawareofmyacquaintancewiththeMarquisPetina，andbeingontheeveofdiscountingabilloftwohundredguineasforhimhewishedtobeinformedwhetheritwaslikelythathecouldmeetthebillwhenitfelldue。
\"ItisimportantthatIshouldbeinformedonthatpoint，\"headded，\"forthepersonswhoaregoingtodiscountthebillwantmetoputmysignaturetoit。\"
\"Sir，\"Ireplied，\"Icertainlyamacquaintedwiththemarquis，butI
knownothingabouthisfortune。However，theNeapolitanambassadorassuredmethathewastheMarquisPetina。\"
\"Ifthepersonswhohavethematterinhandshoulddropit，wouldyoudiscountthebill？Youshallhaveitcheap。\"
\"Inevermeddlewiththesespeculations。Goodday，SirFrederick。\"
ThenextdayGoudarcameandsaidthataM。duClaudewantedtospeaktome。
\"WhoisM。duClaude？\"
\"ThefamousJesuitLavalette，whowasconcernedinthegreatbankruptcycasewhichruinedtheSocietyinFrance。HefledtoEnglandunderafalsename。Iadviseyoutolistentohim，forhemusthaveplentyofmoney。\"
\"AJesuitandabankrupt；thatdoesnotsoundverywell。\"
\"Well，Ihavemethimingoodhouses，andknowingthatIwasacquaintedwithyouheaddressedhimselftome。Afterall，yourunnoriskinlisteningtowhathehastosay。\"
\"Well，well，youcantakemetohim；itwillbeeasiertoavoidanyentanglementthanifhecametoseeme。\"
GoudarwenttoLavalettetopreparetheway，andintheafternoonhetookmetoseehim。Iwaswellenoughpleasedtoseetheman，whoserascalityhaddestroyedtheinfamousworkofmanyyears。Hewelcomedmewithgreatpoliteness，andassoonaswewerealoneheshewedmeabillofPetina’s，saying，——
\"Theyoungmanwantsmetodiscountit，andsaysyoucangivemethenecessaryinformation。\"
IgavethereverendfatherthesameanswerasIhadgiventheKingofCorsica’sson，andlefthimangrywiththisMarquisofMiserywhohadgivenmesomuchneedlesstrouble。Iwasmindedtohavedonewithhim，andresolvedtolethimknowthroughhismistressthatIwouldnotbehisreference，butIcouldnotfindanopportunitythatday。
ThenextdayItookmytwonymphsforaride，andaskedPembroketodinner。InvainwewaitedforPetina’smistress；shewasnowheretobefound。Atnineo’clockIgotaletterfromher，withaGermanletterenclosedforhermother。Shesaidthatfeelingcertainthathermotherwouldnotgiveherconsenttohermarriage，shehadelopedwithherlover，whohadgottogetherenoughmoneytogotoNaples，andwhentheyreachedthattownhewouldmarryher。Shebeggedmetoconsolehermotherandmakeherlistentoreason，asshehadnotgoneoffwithanadventurerbutwithamanofrank，herequal。Mylipscurledintoasmileofpityandcontempt，whichmadethethreesisterscurious。IshewedthemtheletterIhadjustreceived，andaskedthemtocomewithmetotheirmother。
\"Notto—night，\"saidVictoire，\"thisterriblenewswouldkeepherawake。\"
Itookheradviceandwesuppedtogether，sadlyenough。
Ithoughtthepoorwretchwasruinedforlife，andIreproachedmyselfwithbeingthecauseofhermisfortune；forifIhadnotreleasedthemarquisfromprisonthiscouldneverhavehappened。TheMarquisCaracciolihadbeenrightinsayingthatIhaddoneagooddeed，butafoolishone。IconsoledmyselfinthearmsofmydearGabrielle。
Ihadapainfulscenewiththemotherthenextmorning。Shecursedherdaughterandherseducer，andevenblamedme。Sheweptandstormedalternately。
Itisneverofanyusetotryandconvincepeopleindistressthattheyarewrong，foronemayonlydoharm，whileiftheyarelefttothemselvestheysoonfeelthattheyhavebeenunjust，andaregratefultothepersonwholetthemexhausttheirgriefwithoutanycontradiction。
AfterthiseventIspentahappyfortnightinthesocietyofGabrielle，whomHippolytaandVictoirelookedonasmywife。ShemademyhappinessandImadehersinallsortsofways，butespeciallybymyfidelity；forItreatedhersistersasiftheyhadbeenmysisters，shewingnorecollectionofthefavoursIhadobtainedfromthem，andnevertakingtheslightestliberty，forI
knewthatfriendshipbetweenwomenwillhardlybrookamorousrivalry。
Ihadboughtthemdressesandlineninabundance，theywerewelllodgedandwellfed，Itookthemtothetheatreandtothecountry，andtheconsequencewastheyalladoredme，andseemedtothinkthatthismanneroflivingwouldgoonforever。Nevertheless，Iwaseverydaynearerandnearertomoralandphysicalbankruptcy。Ihadnomoremoney，andIhadsoldallmydiamondsandpreciousstones。I
stillpossessedmysnuff—boxes，mywatches，andnumeroustrifles，whichIlovedandhadnotthehearttosell；and，indeed，IshouldnothavegotthefifthpartofwhatIgaveforthem。ForawholemonthIhadnotpaidmycook，ormywinemerchant，butIlikedtofeelthattheytrustedme。AllIthoughtofwasGabrielle’slove，andofthisIassuredmyselfbyathousanddelicaciesandattentions。
ThiswasmyconditionwhenonedayVictoirecametomewithsadnessonherface，andsaidthathermotherhadmadeuphermindtoreturntoHanover，asshehadlostallhopeofgettinganythingfromtheEnglishCourt。
\"Whendoessheintendtoleave？\"
\"Inthreeorfourdays。\"
\"Andisshegoingwithouttellingme，asifshewereleavinganinnafterpayingherbill？\"
\"Onthecontrary，shewishestohaveaprivatetalkwithyou。\"
Ipaidheravisit，andshebeganbyreproachingmetenderlyfornotcomingtoseehermoreoften。ShesaidthatasIhadrefusedherhandshewouldnotruntheriskofincurringcensureorslanderofanykind。\"Ithankyoufrommyheart，\"sheadded，\"forallthekindnessyouhaveshewnmygirls，andIamgoingtotakethethreeI
haveleftaway，lestIlosethemasIhavelostthetwoeldest。Ifyoulike，youmaycometooandstaywithusaslongasyoulikeinmyprettycountryhousenearthecapital。\"
OfcourseIhadtothankherandreplythatmyengagementsdidnotallowmetoacceptherkindoffer。
Threedaysafter，Victoiretoldme，asIwasgettingup，thattheyweregoingonboardshipatthreeo’clock。HippolytaandGabriellemademecomeforaride，accordingtoapromiseIhadgiventhemthenightbefore。Thepoorthingsamusedthemselves，whileIgrievedbitterly，aswasmyhabitwhenIhadtoseparatefromanyonethatI
loved。
WhenwecamehomeIlaydownonmybed，nottakinganydinner，andseeingnothingofthethreesisterstilltheyhadmadeeverythingreadyforthejourney。Igotupdirectlybeforetheyleft，soasnottoseethemotherinmyownroom，andIsawherinhersjustasshewasabouttobetakendownintomycarriage，whichwasinreadinessatthedoor。Theimpudentcreatureexpectedmetogivehersomemoneyforthejourney，butperceivingthatIwasnotlikelytobleed，sheobserved，withinvoluntarysincerity，thatherpursecontainedthesumofahundredandfiftyguineas，whichIhadgiventoherdaughters；andthesedaughtersofherswerepresent，andsobbedbitterly。
WhentheyweregoneIclosedmydoorstoeveryone，andspentthreedaysinthemelancholyoccupationofmakingupmyaccounts。InthemonthIhadspentwiththeHanoveriansIhaddissipatedthewholeofthesumresultingfromthesaleofthepreciousstones，andIfoundthatIwasindebttotheamountoffourhundredguineas。IresolvedtogotoLisbonbysea，andsoldmydiamondcross，sixorsevengoldsnuff—boxes（afterremovingtheportraits），allmywatchesexceptone，andtwogreattrunksfullofclothes。IthendischargedmydebtsandfoundIwaseightyguineastothegood，thisbeingwhatremainedofthefinefortuneIhadsquanderedawaylikeafooloraphilosopher，or，perhaps，alittlelikeboth。IleftmyfinehousewhereIhadlivedsopleasantly，andtookalittleroomataguineaaweek。Istillkeptmynegro，asIhadeveryreasontobelievehimtobeafaithfulservant。
AftertakingthesemeasuresIwrotetoM。deBragadin，begginghimtosendmetwohundredsequins。
ThushavingmadeupmymindtoleaveLondonwithoutowingapennytoanyone，andunderobligationstonoman’spurse，IwaitedforthebillofexchangefromVenice。WhenitcameIresolvedtobidfarewelltoallmyfriendsandtotrymyfortuneinLisbon，butsuchwasnotthefatewhichtheficklegoddesshadassignedtome。
AfortnightafterthedepartureoftheHanoverians（itwastheendofFebruaryintheyear1764），myevilgeniusmademegotothe\"CanonTavern，\"whereIusuallydinedinaroombymyself。ThetablewaslaidandIwasjustgoingtositdown，whenBaronStenaucameinandbeggedmetohavemydinnerbroughtintothenextroom，whereheandhismistressweredining。
\"Ithankyou，\"saidI，\"forthesolitarymangrowswearyofhiscompany。\"
IsawtheEnglishwomanIhadmetatSartori’s，thesametowhomthebaronhadbeensogenerous。ShespokeItalian，andwasattractiveinmanyways，soIwaswellpleasedtofindmyselfoppositetoher，andwehadapleasantdinner。
Afterafortnight’sabstinenceitwasnotsurprisingthatsheinspiredmewithdesires，butIconcealedthemnevertheless，forherloverseemedtorespecther。IonlyallowedmyselftotellthebaronthatIthoughthimthehappiestofmen。
Towardsthecloseofthedinnerthegirlnoticedthreediceonthemantelandtookthemup，saying，——
\"Letushaveawagerofaguinea，andspenditonoystersandchampagne。\"
Wecouldnotrefuse，andthebaronhavinglostcalledthewaiterandgavehimhisorders。
Whilewewereeatingtheoystersshesuggestedthatweshouldthrowagaintoseewhichshouldpayforthedinner。
Wedidsoandshelost。
Ididnotlikemyluck，andwishingtoloseacoupleofguineasI
offeredtothrowagainstthebaron。Heaccepted，andtomyannoyanceIwon。Heaskedforhisrevengeandlostagain。
\"Idon’twanttowinyourmoney，\"saidI，\"andIwillgiveyouyourrevengeuptoahundredguineas。\"
Heseemedgratefulandwewentonplaying，andinlessthanhalfanhourheowedmeahundredguineas。
\"Letusgoon，\"saidhe。