\"Weweretoopoortowritetooneanother，sowehadtosufferinsilence。\"
Thispathetichistoryseemedtobearthemarksoftruth；andI
thoughtitverypossiblethatMatonhadonlycomewithmetomakeherfortuneortodoratherbetterthanshehadbeendoing，whichwouldnotbedifficult。Shewastwenty—fiveyearsold，andasshehadneverbeenoutofBreslaubefore，shewoulddoubtlessbedelightedtoseewhattheworldwaslikeatDresden。IcouldnothelpfeelingthatIhadbeenafooltoburdenmyselfwiththegirl，whowouldmostlikelycostmealotofmoney；butstillIfoundmyconductexcusable，asthechanceswereahundredtooneagainstheracceptingtheproposalIhadbeenfoolishenoughtomake。Inshort，Iresolvedtoenjoythepleasureofhavingaprettygirlalltomyself，andI
determinednottodoanythingduringthejourney，beinganxioustoseewhetherhermoralqualitieswouldpleadasstronglywithmeasherphysicalbeautyundoubtedlydid。AtnightfallIstopped，wishingtospendthenightattheposting—station。Maton，whohadbeenveryhungryallday，buthadnotdaredtotellmeso，atewithanamazingandpleasingappetite；butnotbeingaccustomedtowine，shewouldhavefallenasleepattable，ifIhadnotbeggedhertoretire。Shebeggedmypardon，assuringmeshewouldnotletsuchathingoccuragain。Ismiledbywayofreply，andstayedatthetable，notlookingtoseewhethersheundressedorwenttobedinherclothes。
Iwenttobedmyselfsoonafter，andatfiveo’clockwasupagaintoorderthecoffee，andtoseethatthehorseswereputin。Matonwaslyingonherbedwithallherclotheson，fastasleep，andperspiringwiththeheat。Iwokeher，tellingherthatanothertimeshemustsleepmorecomfortably，assuchheatswereinjurioustohealth。
Shegotupandlefttheroom，nodoubttowash，forshereturnedlookingfreshandgay，andbademegoodday，andaskedmeifIwouldliketogiveherakiss。
\"Ishallbedelighted，\"Ireplied；and，afterkissingher，Imadeherhurryoverthebreakfast，asIwishedtoreachDresdenthatevening。
However，Icouldnotmanageit，mycarriagebrokedown，andtookfivehourstomend，soIhadtosleepatanotherpostingstation。Matonundressedthistime，butIhadthefirmnessnottolookather。
WhenIreachedDresdenIputupatthe\"HoteldeSaxe，\"takingthewholeofthefirstfloor。Mymotherwasinthecountry，andIpaidheravisit，muchtoherdelight；wemadequiteanaffectingpicture，withmyarminasling。IalsosawmybrotherJohnandhiswifeTherese，Roland，andaRomangirlwhomIhadknownbeforehim，andwhomademuchofme。Ialsosawmysister，andIthenwentwithmybrothertopaymysuittoCountBruhlandtohiswife，thedaughterofthepalatinofKiowia，whowasdelightedtohearnewsofherfamily。Iwaswelcomedeverywhere，andeverywhereIhadtotellthestoryofmyduel。Iconfessthatverylittlepressingwasrequired，forIwasveryproudofit。
AtthisperiodtheStateswereassembledinDresden，andPrinceXavier，uncleoftheElector，wasregentduringhisminority。
ThesameeveningIwenttotheopera—house，wherefarowasplayed。I
played，butprudently，formycapitalonlyconsistedofeighteenhundredducats。
WhenIcamebackwehadagoodsupper，andMatonpleasedmebothbyherappetiteandamiability。WhenwehadfinishedIaffectionatelyaskedherifshewouldliketosharemybed，andsherepliedastenderlythatshewaswhollymine。Andso，afterpassingavoluptuousnight，weroseinthemorningthebestfriendsintheworld。
Ispentthewholemorninginfurnishinghertoilette。Agoodmanypeoplecalledonme，andwantedtobepresentedtoMaton；butmyanswerwasthat，asshewasonlymyhousekeeper，andnotmywife，I
couldnothavethepleasureofintroducingher。InthesamewayI
hadinstructedherthatshewasnottoletanyoneinwhenIwasaway。
ShewasworkinginherroomonthelinenIhadprovidedforher，aidedinhertaskbyaseamstress。Nevertheless，Ididnotwanttomakeheraslave，soIoccasionallytookherintothepleasantsuburbsofDresden，whereshewasatlibertytospeaktoanyofmyacquaintanceswemightmeet。
ThisreserveofminewhichlastedforthefortnightwestayedinDresdenwasmortifyingforalltheyoungofficersintheplace，andespeciallyfortheComtedeBellegarde，whowasnotaccustomedtobeingdeniedanygirltowhomhechosetotakeafancy。Hewasafineyoungfellow，ofgreatboldnessandevenimpudence，andonedayhecameintoourroomandaskedmetogivehimadinnerjustasMatonandmyselfweresittingdowntotable。Icouldnotrefusehim，andI
couldnotrequestMatontoleavetheroom，sofromthebeginningtotheendofthemealheshoweredhismilitaryjokesandattentionsonher，thoughhewasperfectlypolitethewholetime。Matonbehavedverywell；shewasnotprudish，nordidsheforgettherespectsheowedtomeandindeedtoherself。
Iwasaccustomedtotakeasiestaeverydayafterdinner，sohalfanhouraftertheconclusionofthemealIstatedthefactandbeggedhimtoleaveus。Heaskedsmilinglyiftheladytookasiestatoo，andIrepliedthatweusuallytookittogether。Thismadehimtakeuphishatandcane，andashedidsoheaskedusbothtodinewithhimthenextday。IrepliedthatInevertookMatonoutanywhere，butthathewouldbewelcometocomeandtakepot—luckwithuseverydayifheliked。
Thisrefusalexhaustedhisresources，andhetookhisleaveifnotangrily，atleastverycoldly。
Mymotherreturnedtohertownapartments，whichwereoppositetomine，andthenextdaywhenIwascallingonherInoticedtheerker（asortofgratingintheSpanishfashion）whichindicatedmyroomsinthehotel。IhappenedtolookinthatdirectionandIsawMatonatthewindowstandingupandtalkingtoM。deBellegarde，whowasataneighbouringwindow。Thiswindowbelongedtoaroomwhichadjoinedmysuiteofrooms，butdidnotbelongtoit。Thisdiscoveryamusedme。IknewwhatIwasabout，anddidnotfeartobemadeacuckoldinspiteofmyself。IwassureIhadnotbeenobserved，andIwasnotgoingtoallowanytrespassers。Iwasjealous，infact；
butthejealousywasofthemind，nottheheart。
Icameintodinnerinthehighestspirits，andMatonwasasgayasmyself。IledtheconversationuptoBellegarde，andsaidIbelievedhimtobeinlovewithher。
\"Oh，heislikeallofficerswithgirls；butIdon’tthinkheismoreinlovewithmethananyothergirl。\"
\"Oh，butdidn’thecometocallonmethismorning？\"
\"Certainlynot；andifhehadcomethemaidwouldhavetoldhimyouwereout。\"
\"Didyounotnoticehimwalkingupanddown’underthewindows？\"
\"No。\"
Thiswasenoughforme；Iknewtheyhadlaidaplottogether。Matonwasdeceivingme，andIshouldbecheatedintwenty—fourhoursunlessItookcare。Atmyagesuchtreasonshouldnothaveastonishedme，butmyvanitywouldnotallowmetoadmitthefact。
Idissembledmyfeelingsandcaressedthetraitress，andthenleavingthehouseIwenttothetheatrewhereIplayedwithsomesuccessandreturnedhomewhilethesecondactwasinprogress；itwasstilldaylight。Thewaiterwasatthedoor，andIaskedhimwhethertherewereanyroomsbesidesthosewhichIoccupiedonthefirstfloor。
\"Yes，tworooms，bothlookingonthestreet。\"
\"TellthelandlordthatIwilltakethemboth。\"
\"Theyweretakenyesterdayevening。\"
\"Bywhom？\"
\"ByaSwissofficer，whoisentertainingapartyoffriendstosupperherethisevening。\"
IsaidnomorelestIshouldawakensuspicion；butIfeltsurethatBellegardecouldeasilyobtainaccesstomyroomsfromhis。Indeed，therewasadoorleadingtotheroomwhereMatonsleptwithhermaidwhenIdidnotcaretohaveherinmyroom。Thedoorwasboltedonherside，butasshewasintheplottherewasnotmuchsecurityinthis。
Iwentupstairssoftly，andfindingMatononthebalcony，Isaid，aftersomeindifferentconversation，thatIshouldliketochangerooms。
\"Youshallhavemyroom，\"Isaid，\"andIwillhaveyours；Icanreadthere，andseethepeoplegoingby。\"
Shethoughtitaverygoodidea，andaddedthatitwouldserveusbothifIwouldallowhertosittherewhenIwasout。
ThisreplyshewedmethatMatonwasanoldhand，andthatIhadbettergiveherupifIdidnotwishtobeduped。
Ichangedtherooms，andwesuppedpleasantlytogether，laughingandtalking，andinspiteofallhercraftMatondidnotnoticeanychangeinme。
Iremainedaloneinmynewroom，andsoonheardthevoicesofBellegardeandhismerrycompanions。Iwentontothebalcony，butthecurtainsofBellegarde’sroomweredrawn，asiftoassuremethattherewasnocomplot。However，Iwasnotsoeasilydeceived，andI
foundafterwardsthatMercuryhadwarnedJupiterthatAmphytrionhadchangedhisroom。
Nextday，asevereheadache，athingfromwhichIseldomsuffer，keptmetothehouseallday。Ihadmyselfletblood，andmyworthymother，whocametokeepmecompany，dinedwithMaton。Mymotherhadtakenaweaknessforthegirl，andhadoftenaskedmetolethercomeandseeher，butIhadthegoodsensetorefusethisrequest。ThenextdayIwasstillfarfromwell，andtookmedicine，andintheevening，tomyhorror，Ifoundmyselfattackedbyafearfuldisease。
ThismustbeapresentfromMaton，forIhadnotknownanyoneelsesinceleavingLeopol。Ispentatroublednight，rageandindignationbeingmyprincipalemotions；andnextmorning，cominguponMatonsuddenly，Ifoundeverythinginthemostdisgustingstate。Thewretchedcreatureconfessedshehadbeeninfectedforthelastsixmonths，butthatshehadhopednottogiveitme，asshehadwashedherselfcarefullywhenevershethoughtIwasgoingtohavetodowithher。
\"Wretch，youhavepoisonedme；butnobodyshallknowit，asitisbymyownfault，andIamashamedofit。Getup，andyoushallseehowgenerousIcanbe。\"
Shegotup，andIhadallthelinenIhadgivenherpackedintoatrunk。Thisdone，Itoldmymantotakeasmallroomforheratanotherinn。Hiserrandwassoonover，andIthentoldMatontogoimmediately，asIhaddonewithher。Igaveherfiftycrowns，andmadehersignareceiptspecifyingthereasonwhyIhadsentheraway，andacknowledgingthatshehadnofurtherclaimuponme。Theconditionswerehumiliating，andshewishedmetosoftenthemdown，butshesoongaveinwhenItoldherthatunlessshesignedIwouldturnherintothestreetsasnakedaswhenIfoundher。
\"WhatamItodohere？Idon’tknowanyone。\"
\"IfyouliketoreturntoBreslauIwillpayyourexpensesthere。\"
Shemadenoanswer，soIsentherawaybagandbaggage，andmerelyturnedmybackonherwhenshewentdownonherkneestoexcitemycompassion。
Igotridofherwithouttheslightestfeelingofpity，forfromwhatshehaddonetomeandfromwhatshewaspreparingtodoIconsideredherasameremonster，whowouldsoonerorlaterhavecostmemylife。
Ilefttheinnthefollowingday，andItookafurnishedapartmentonthefirstfloorofthehousewheremymotherlivedforsixmonths，andproceededaboutmycure。EveryoneaskedmewhatIhaddonewithmyhousekeeper，andIsaidthathavingnofurtherneedofherservicesIhadsentheraway。
AweekafterwardsmybrotherJohncametotellmethatBellegardeandfiveorsixofhisfriendswereonthesicklist；Matonhadcertainlylostnotime。
\"Iamsorryforthem，butit’stheirownfault；whydidn’ttheytakemorecare？\"
\"ButthegirlcametoDresdenwithyou。\"
\"Yes，andIsentheraboutherbusiness。Itwasenoughformetokeepthemoffwhileshewasundermycharge。Tellthemthatiftheycomplainofmetheyarewrong，andstillmorewrongtopublishtheirshame。Letthemlearndiscretionandgetthemselvescuredinsecrecy，iftheydonotwantsensiblementolaughatthem。Don’tyouthinkIamright？\"
\"Theadventureisnotaveryhonourableoneforyou。\"
\"Iknowit，andthat’swhyIsaynothing；Iamnotsuchafoolastoproclaimmyshamefromthehousetops。Thesefriendsofyoursmustbesimpletonsindeed；theymusthaveknownthatIhadgoodreasonsforsendingthegirlaway，andshouldconsequentlyhavebeenontheirguard。Theydeservewhattheygot，andIhopeitmaybealessontothem。\"
\"Theyareallastonishedatyourbeingwell。\"
\"YoumaycomfortthembysayingthatIhavebeenasbadlytreatedasthey，butthatIhaveheldmytongue，notwishingtopassforasimpleton。\"
PoorJohnsawhehadbeenasimpletonhimselfanddepartedinsilence。Iputmyselfunderaseverediet，andbythemiddleofAugustmyhealthwasre—established。
Aboutthistime，PrinceAdamCzartoryski’ssistercametoDresden，lodgingwithCountBruhl。Ihadthehonourofpayingmycourttoher，andIheardfromherownmouththatherroyalcousinhadhadtheweaknesstolethimselfbeimposedonbycalumniesaboutme。ItoldherthatIwasofAriosto’sopinionthatallthevirtuesarenothingworthunlesstheyarecoveredwiththeveilofconstancy。
\"YousawyourselfwhenIsuppedwithyou，howhismajestycompletelyignoredme。YourhighnesswillbegoingtoParisnextyear；youwillmeetmethereandyoucanwritetothekingthatifIhadbeenburntineffigyIshouldnotventuretoshewmyself。\"
TheSeptemberfairbeingagreatoccasionatLeipzig，Iwenttheretoregainmysizebyeatinglarks，forwhichLeipzigisjustlyfamous。
IhadplayedacautiousbutawinninggameatDresden，theresultofwhichhadbeenthegainofsomehundredsofducats，soIwasabletostartforLeipzigwithaletterofcreditforthreethousandcrownsonthebankerHohman，anintelligentoldmanofupwardsofeighty。
ItwasofhimIheardthatthehairoftheEmpressofRussia，whichlookedadarkbrownorevenblack，hadbeenoriginallyquitefair。
TheoldbankerhadseenheratStettineverydaybetweenherseventhandtenthyears，andtoldmethateventhentheyhadbeguntocombherhairwithleadcombs，andtorubacertaincompositionintoit。
>FromanearlyageCatherinehadbeenlookeduponasthefuturebrideoftheDukeofHolstein，afterwardsthehaplessPeterIII。TheRussiansarefairasarule，andsoitwasthoughtitthatthereigningfamilyshouldbedark。
HereIwillnotedownapleasantadventureIhadatLeipzig。ThePrincessofAremberghadarrivedfromVienna，andwasstayingatthesamehotelasmyself。Shetookafancytogotothefairincognito，andasshehadalargesuiteshedresseduponeofhermaidsastheprincess，andmingledwithherfollowing。Isupposemyreaderstobeawarethatthisprincesswaswittyandbeautiful，andthatshewasthefavouritemistressoftheEmperorFrancistheFirst。
Iheardofhismasquerade，andleavingmyhotelatthesametimeI
followedhertillshestoppedatastall，andthengoinguptoherandaddressingherasonewouldanyothermaid，Iaskedifthat（pointingatthefalseprincess）werereallythefamousPrincessofAremberg。
\"Certainly，\"shereplied。
\"Icanscarcelybelieveit，forsheisnotpretty，andshe，has，notthelooknorthemannersofaprincess。\"
\"Perhapsyouarenotagoodjudgeofprincesses。\"
\"Ihaveseenenoughofthemanyhow，andtoprovethatIamagoodjudgeIsaythatitisyouwhooughttobetheprincess；Iwouldwillinglygiveahundredducatstospendthenightwithyou。\"
\"Ahundredducats！WhatwouldyoudoifIweretotakeyouatyourword？\"
\"Tryme。Ilodgeatthesamehotelasyou，andifyetcancontrivewaysandmeans，Iwillgiveyouthemoneyinadvance，butnottillI
amsureofmyprize，forIdon’tlikebeingtakenin。\"
\"Verygood。Saynotawordtoanyone，buttrytospeakwithmeeitherbeforeoraftersupper。Ifyouarebraveenoughtofacecertainrisks，wewillspendthenighttogether。\"
\"Whatisyourname？\"
\"Caroline。\"
Ifeltcertainitwouldcometonothing，butIwasgladtohaveamusedtheprincess，andtohaveletherknowthatIappreciatedherbeauties，andIresolvedtogoonwiththepartIwasplaying。
Aboutsupper—timeIbeganapromenadeneartheprincess’sapartments，stoppingeverynowandtheninfrontoftheroomwhereherwomenweresitting，tilloneofthemcameouttoaskmeifIwantedanything。
\"IwanttospeakforamomenttooneofyourcompanionstowhomIhadthepleasureoftalkingatthefair。\"
\"YoumeanCaroline，Iexpect？\"
\"Yes。\"
\"Sheiswaitingontheprincess，butshewillbeoutinhalfanhour。\"
Ispentthishalfhourinmyownroom，andthenreturnedtodanceattendance。BeforelongthesamemaidtowhomIhadspokencameuptomeandtoldmetowaitinaclosetwhichsheshewedme，tellingmethatCarolinewouldbetherebeforelong。Iwentintothecloset，whichwassmall，dark，anduncomfortable。Iwassoonjoinedbyawoman。ThistimeIwassureitwastherealCaroline，butIsaidnothing。
Shecame，in，tookmyhand，andtoldmethatifIwouldwaitthereshewouldcometomeassoonashermistresswasinbed。
\"Withoutanylight？\"
\"Ofcourse，orelsethepeopleofthehousewouldnoticeit，andI
shouldnotlikethat。\"
\"Icannotdoanythingwithoutlight，charmingCaroline；andbesides，thisclosetisnotaveryniceplacetopassfiveorsixhours。
Thereisanotheralternative，thefirstroomaboveismine。Ishallbealone，andIsweartoyouthatnooneshallcomein；comeupandmakemehappy；Ihavegotthehundredducatshere。\"
\"Impossible！Idarenotgoupstairsforamillionducats。\"
\"Somuchtheworseforyou，asIamnotgoingtostayinthisholewhich\"hasonlyachairinit，ifyouoffermeamillionandahalf。
Farewell，sweetCaroline。\"
\"Waitamoment；letmegooutfirst。\"
Theslypusswentoutquicklyenough，butIwasassharpasshe，andtrodonthetailofherdresssothatshecouldnotshutthedoorafterher。Sowewentouttogether，andIleftheratthedoor，saying，——
\"Goodnight，Caroline，youseeitwasnouse。\"
Iwenttobedwellpleasedwiththeincident。Theprincess，itwasplain，hadintendedtomakemepassthenightintheholeofacloset，asapunishmentforhavingdaredtoaskthemistressofanemperortosleepwithmeforahundredcrowns。
Twodayslater，asIwasbuyingapairoflacecuffs，theprincesscameintotheshopwithCountZinzendorf，whomIhadknownatParistwelveyearsbefore。justasIwasmakingwayfortheladythecountrecognizedme，andaskedmeifIknewanythingabouttheCasanovathathadfoughttheduelatWarsaw。
\"Alas！count，IamthatCasanova，andhereismyarmstillinasling。\"
\"Icongratulateyou，mydearfellow；Ishouldliketohearaboutit。\"
Withthesewordsheintroducedmetotheprincess，askingherifshehadheardoftheduel。
\"Yes；Iheardsomethingaboutitinthepapers。Sothisistheheroofthetale。Delightedtomakeyouracquaintance。\"
Theprincessspokewithgreatkindness，butwiththecoolpolitenessoftheCourt。Shedidnotgivemetheslightestsignofrecognition，andofcourseIimitatedherinherreserve。
Ivisitedthecountintheafternoon，andhebeggedmetocomeandseetheprincess，whowouldbedelightedtoheartheaccountofmyduelfrommyownlips，andIfollowedhimtoherapartmentwithpleasure。Theprincesslistenedtomynarrativeinstatelysort，andherwomenneverlookedatme。Shewentawaythedayafter，andthestorywentnofarther。
TowardstheendofthefairIreceivedaveryunexpectedvisitfromthefairMadameCastelbajac。Iwasjustsittingdowntotabletoeatadozenlarks，whenshemadeherappearance。
\"What，madam，youhere！\"
\"Yes，tomysorrow。Ihavebeenhereforthelastthreeweeks，andhaveseenyouseveraltimes，butyouhavealwaysavoidedus。\"
\"Whoare’us’？\"
\"Schwerinandmyself\"
\"Schwerinishere，ishe？\"
\"Yes；andinprisononaccountofaforgedbill。IamsureIdonotknowwhattheywilldotothepoorwretch。Hewouldhavebeenwisetohavefled，butitseemsasifhewantedtogethanged。\"
\"AndyouhavebeenwithhimeversinceyouleftEngland？thatis，threeyearsago。\"
\"Exactly。Ouroccupationisrobbing，cheating，andescapingfromonelandtoanother。NeverwasawomansounhappyasI。\"
\"Forhowmuchistheforgedbill？\"
\"Forthreehundredcrowns。DoagenerousactionM。Casanova，andletbygonesbebygones；deliverthepoorwretchfromthegallowsandmefromdeath，forifheishangedIshallkillmyself。\"
\"Indeed，madam，hemayhangforme，forhedidhisbesttosendmetothegallowswithhisforgedbills；butIconfessIpityyou。Somuch，indeed，thatIinviteyoutocometoDresdenwithmethedayafterto—morrow，andIpromisetogiveyouthreehundredcrownsassoonasSchwerinhasundergonetheextremepenaltyofthelaw。I
can’tunderstandhowawomanlikeyoucanhavefalleninlovewithamanthathasneitherface，nortalents，norwit，norfortune，forallthathehastoboastofishisnameofSchwerin。\"
\"Iconfess，tomyshame，thatIneverlovedhim。Eversincetheotherrogue，Castelbajac——who，bytheway，wasnevermarriedtome——
mademeknowhim，Ihaveonlylivedwithhimbyforce，thoughhistearsandhisdespairshaveexcitedmycompassion。Ifdestinyhadgivenmeanhonestmaninhisstead，Iwouldhaveforsakenhimlongago，forsoonerorlaterhewillbethedeathofme。\"
\"Wheredoyoulive？\"
\"Nowhere。Ihavebeenturnedoutintothestreetwithnothingbuttheclothesonmyback。Havecompassiononme。\"
Withthesewordsthehaplesswomanthrewherselfatmykneesandburstintotears。Iwasmuchaffected。ThewaiteroftheinnstoodstaringwithamazementtillItoldhimtogoout。ImaysafelysaythatthiswomanwasoneofthemosthandsomeinFrance；shewasprobablyabouttwenty—sixyearsold。ShehadbeenthewifeofadruggistofMontpellier，andhadbeensounfortunateastoletCastelbajacseduceher。AtLondonherbeautyhadproducednoimpressiononme，myheartwasanother’s；nevertheless，shewasmadetoseducetheheartofman。
Iraisedherfromherknees，andsaidIfeltinclinedtohelpher，butthatinthefirstplaceshemustcalmherself，andinthesecondsharemysupper。Thewaiterbroughtanotherbedandputitinmyroom，withoutreceivinganyorderstodoso；thismademefeelinclinedtolaugh。
Theappetitewithwhichthepoorwomanate，despitehersorrow，remindedmeofthematronofEphesus。WhensupperwasoverIgaveherherchoice:shemighteitherstayinLeipzigandfareasbestshemight，orIwouldreclaimhereffects，takeherwithmetoDresden，andpayherahundredgoldducatsassoonasIcouldbecertainthatshewouldnotgivethemoneytothewretchwhohadreducedhertosuchanextremity。Shedidnotaskmuchtimeforreflection。ShesaidthatitwouldbenogoodforhertostayinLeipzig，forshecoulddonothingforthewretchedSchwerinorevenkeepherselfforaday，forshehadnotgotafarthing。Shewouldhavetobegortobecomeaprostitute，andshecouldnotmakeuphermindtoeithercourse。
\"Indeed，\"sheconcluded，\"ifyouweretogivemethehundredducatsthismoment，andIusedthemtofreeSchwerin，Ishouldbenobetteroffthanbefore；soIacceptyourgenerousofferthankfully。\"
Iembracedher，promisedtogetbackwhatherlandlordhadseizedforrent，andthenbeggedhertogotobed，asshewasinneedofrest。
\"Isee，\"sheanswered，\"thateitheroutoflikingorforpoliteness’
sakeyouwillaskmeforthosefavourswhichIshouldbeonlytoohappytogrant，butifIallowedthatitwouldbeabadreturnindeedforyourkindness。Lookatmylinen，andbeholdinwhatastatethatunhappywretchhasleftme！\"
IsawthatIrantheriskofbeinginfectedagain，andthankedherforwarningmeofthedangerIran。Inspiteofherfaultsshewasawomanoffeeling，andhadanexcellentheart，andfromthesegoodqualititesofhersproceededallhermisfortunes。
ThenextmorningIarrangedfortheredemptionofhereffects，whichcostmesixtycrownsofSaxony，andintheafternoonthepoorwomansawherselfoncemoreinpossessionofherbelongings，whichshehadthoughtnevertoseeagain。Sheseemedprofoundlygrateful，anddeploredherstate，whichhinderedherfromprovingthewarmthofherfeelings。
Suchisthewayofwomen:agratefulwomanhasonlyonewayofshewinghergratitude，andthatistosurrenderherselfwithoutreserve。Amanisdifferent，butwearedifferentlyconstituted；amanismadetogiveandawomantoreceive。
Thenextday，ashortwhilebeforeweleft，thebrokerIhademployedintheredemptionofthelady’seffects，toldmethatthebanker，whomSchwerinhadcheated，wasgoingtosendanexpresstoBerlin，toenquirewhetherthekingwouldobjecttoCountSchwerin’sbeingproceededagainstwiththeutmostrigourofthelaw。
\"Alas！\"criedhislatemistress，\"that’swhathewasmostafraidof。
It’sallupwithhim。TheKingofPrussiawillpayhisdebts，buthewillendhisdaysatSpandau。Whydidn’ttheyputhimtherebeforeI
everknewhim？\"
SheleftLeipzigwithme，andourappearanceatDresdencausedagooddealofsurprise。Shewasnotameregirl，likeMaton；shehadagoodappearance，andamodestyetdistinguishedmanner。IcalledherCountessBlasin，andintroducedhertomymotherandrelations，andputherinmybestroom。Isummonedthedoctorwhohadtreatedme，andmadehimswearnottodisclosethecountess’sstate，buttotelleveryonethathecametoseeme。Itookhertothetheatre，anditwasmyhumourtohaveherregardedasapersonofdistinction。Goodtreatmentsoonrestoredhertohealth，andbytheendofNovembershebelievedherselfinastatetorewardmeformykindness。
Theweddingwasasecretone，butnonethelesspleasant；andasifbywayofweddingpresentthenextdayIheardthattheKingofPrussiahadpaidSchwerin’sdebts，andhadhadhimbroughttoBerlinunderastrongescort。Ifheisalive，therascalisatSpandautothisday。
Thetimehadcomeformetopayherthehundredducats。ItoldherfranklythatIwasobligedtogotoPortugal，andthatIcouldnotmakemyappearancethereincompanywithaprettywomanwithoutfailinginmyproject。Iaddedthatmymeanswouldnotallowmetopaydoubleexpensesforsolongajourney。
ShehadreceivedtoomanyproofsofmylovetothinkforamomentthatIhadgottiredofher，andwantedtobeonwithsomeotherwoman。Shetoldmethatsheowedeverythingtome，whileIowednothingtoher；andthatallsheaskedofmewastoenablehertoreturntoMontpellier。
\"Ihaverelationsthere，\"saidshe，\"whowillbegladtoseeme，andIhopethatmyhusbandwillletmereturntohim。IamtheProdigalSon，andIhopetofindinhimtheforgivingfather。\"
ItoldherIwoulddomyutmosttosendherhomeinsafetyandcomfort。
TowardsthemiddleofDecemberIleftDresdenwithMadameBlasin。Mypurseonlycontainedfourhundredducats，forIhadhadarunofbadluckatplay；andthejourneytoLeipzighadcostmealtogetherthreehundredducats。Itoldmymistressnothingofallthis，formyonlythoughtwashowtopleaseher。
WestayedashortwhileatPrague，andreachedViennaonChristmasDay。Weputupatthe\"RedBull，\"theCountessBlasin（whohadbeentransformedintoamilliner）inoneroom，andIinanother，sothatwemightpassforstrangerswhilecontinuingourintimacy。
Thenextmorning，asweweretakingcoffeetogether，twoindividualscameintotheroom，andaskedtherudequestion，——
\"Whoareyou，madam？\"
\"MynameisBlasin。\"
\"Whoisthisgentleman？\"
\"Youhadbetteraskhim。\"
\"WhatareyoudoingatVienna？\"
\"Takingcoffee。Ishouldhavethoughtyoucouldhaveseenthatforyourselves。\"
\"Ifthegentlemanisnotyourhusband，youwillleavethetownwithintwenty—fourhours。\"
\"Thegentlemanismyfriend，andnotmyhusband；andIshallleaveViennaexactlywhenIchoose，unlessyoumakemegoawaybyforce。\"
\"Verygood。Weareaware，sir，thatyouhaveaseparateroom，butthatmakesnodifference。\"
Thereupononeofthepolicemenenteredmyroom，Ifollowinghim。
\"Whatdoyouwanthere？\"saidI。
\"Iamlookingatyourbed，andIcanseeyouhavenotsleptinit。
That’senough。\"
\"Thedevil！Whatbusinesshaveyouhereatall，andwhoauthorizessuchdisgracefulproceedings？\"
Hemadenoreply，butreturnedtoMadameBlasin’sroom，wheretheybothorderedhertoleaveViennainthecourseoftwenty—fourhours，andthentheybothleftus。
\"Dressyourself，\"saidItoher，andtelltheFrenchambassadorthewholestory。Tellhimthatyouareamilliner，Blasinbyname，andthatallyouwantistogofromheretoStrasburg，andfromtheretoMontpellier。\"
WhileshewasdressingIorderedacarriageandaservanttobeinattendance。Shereturnedinanhour’stime，andsaidtheambassadorhadassuredherthatshewouldbeleftalone，andneednotleaveViennatillshethoughtfit。Itookhertomassintriumph，andthen，astheweatherwasbad，wespenttherestofthedayineatinganddrinkingandsittingbythefire。
Ateighto’clockintheeveningthelandlordcameupandsaidverypolitelythathehadbeenorderedbythepolicetogivetheladyaroomatsomedistancefrommine，andthathewasobligedtoobey。
\"Iamquitereadytochangemyroom，\"saidMadameBlasin，withasmile。
\"Istheladytosupalone？\"Iasked。
\"Ihavereceivednoinstructionsonthatpoint。\"
\"ThenIwillsupwithher，andIhopeyouwilltreatuswell。\"
\"Youshallbewellserved，sir。\"
Inspiteofthedetestableandtyrannicalpolicewespentthelastfourdaysandnightstogetherintheclosestintimacy。WhensheleftIwantedhertotakefiftyLouis；butshewouldonlyhavethirty，sayingthatshecouldtraveltoMontpellieronthatsum，andhavemoneyinherpocketwhenshegotthere。Ourpartingwasanaffectingone。ShewrotetomefromStrasburg，andweshallhearofheragainwhenIdescribemyvisittoMontpellier。
Thefirstdayoftheyear1767ItookanapartmentinthehouseofacertainMr。Schroder，andItooklettersofintroductiontoMadamedeSalmorandMadamedeStahremberg。IthencalledontheelderCalsabigi，whowasintheserviceofPrinceKaunitz。
ThisCalsabigi，whosewholebodywasonemassoferuption，alwaysworkedinbed，andtheminister，hismaster，wenttoseehimalmosteveryday。Iwentconstantlytothetheatre，whereMadameVestriswasdancing。OnJanuarythe7thor8th，Isawtheempressdowagercometothetheatredressedinblack；shewasreceivedwithapplause，asthiswasthefirstappearanceshehadmadesincethedeathofherhusband。AtViennaImettheComtedelaPerouse，whowastryingtoinducetheempresstogivehimhalfamillionofflorins，whichCharlesVI。owedhisfather。ThroughhimImadetheacquaintanceoftheSpaniardLasCasas，amanofintelligence，and，whatisararethinginaSpaniard，freefromprejudices。Ialsometatthecount’shousetheVenetianUccelli，withwhomIhadbeenatSt。Cyprian’sCollegeatMuran；hewas，atthetimeofwhichIwrite，secretarytotheambassador，PoloRenieri。Thisgentlemanhadagreatesteemforme，butmyaffairwiththeStateInquisitorspreventedhimfromreceivingme。MyfriendCampioniarrivedatthisdatefromWarsaw；
hehadpassedthroughCracovia。Iaccommodatedhiminmyapartmentwithgreatpleasure。HehadanengagementatLondon，buttomygreatdelighthewasabletospendacoupleofmonthswithme。
PrinceCharlesofCourland，whohadbeenatVeniceandhadbeenwellreceivedbyM。deBragadinandmyotherfriends，hadbeeninViennaandhadleftitafortnightbeforemyarrivaltoreturntoVenice。
PrinceCharleswrotetotellmethattherewasnoboundstothecareandkindnessofmyVenetianfriends，andthathewouldbegratefultomeforallhisdays。
IlivedveryquietlyatVienna；myhealthwasgood，andIthoughtofnothingbutmyjourneytoPortugal，whichIintendedtotakeplaceinthespring。Isawnocompanyofanykind，whethergoodorill。
IoftencalledonCalsabigi，whomadeaparadeofhisAtheism，andslanderedmyfriendMetastasio，whodispisedhim。Calsabigiknewitandlaughedathim；hewasaprofoundpoliticianandtherighthandofPrinceKaunitz。
Onedayafterdinner，asIwassittingattablewithmyfriendCampioni，aprettylittlegirl，betweentwelveandthirteen，asI
shouldimagine，cameintomyroomwithmingledboldnessandfear，andmademealowbow。Iaskedherwhatshewanted，andsherepliedinLatinversetotheeffectthathermotherwasinthenextroom，andthatifIlikedshewouldcomein。IrepliedinLatinprosethatI
didnotcareaboutseeinghermother，tellinghermyreasonswithgreatplainness。SherepliedwithfourLatinlines，butastheywerenottothepointIcouldseethatshehadlearntthembyheart，andrepeatedthemlikeaparrot。Shewenton—stillinLatinverse——totellmethathermothermustcomeinorelsetheauthoritiesmightthinkIwasabusingher。
ThislastphrasewasutteredwithallthedirectnessoftheLatinstyle。Itmademeburstoutlaughing，andIfeltinclinedtoexplaintoherwhatshehadsaidinherownlanguage。ThelittlesluttoldmeshewasaVenetian，andthisputtingmeatmyeaseItoldherthattheauthoritieswouldneversuspectherofdoingsuchathingasshewastooyoung。Atthisthegirlseemedtoreflectamoment，andthenrecitedsomeversesfromthePriapeiatotheeffectthatunripefruitisoftenmorepiquantthanthatwhichisripe。Thiswasenoughtosetmeonfire，andCampioni，seeingthathewasnotwanted，wentbacktohisroom。
IdrewhergentlytomeandaskedherifherfatherwasatVienna。
Shesaidyes，andinsteadofrepulsingmycaressessheproceededtoaccompanymyactionswiththerecitaloferoticverses。Isentherawaywithafeeoftwoducats，butbeforeshewentshegavemeheraddresswritteninGermanwithfourLatinversesbeneath，statingthatherbedfellowwouldfindhereitherHebeorGanymede，accordingtohisliking。
Icouldnothelpadmiringtheingenuityofherfather，whothuscontrivedtomakealivingoutofhisdaughters。Shewasaprettygirlenough，butatViennaprettygirlsaresocommonthattheyoftenhavetostarveinspiteoftheircharms。TheLatinverseshadbeenthrowninasanattractioninthiscase，butIdidnotthinkshewouldfinditveryremunerativeinVienna。
Nexteveningmyevilgeniusmademegoandseekheroutattheaddressshehadgivenme。AlthoughIwasforty—twoyearsold，inspiteoftheexperienceIhadhad，Iwassofoolishastogoalone。
Thegirlsawmecomingfromthewindow，andguessingthatIwaslookingforher，shecamedownandshewedmein。Iwentin，Iwentupstairs，andwhenIfoundmyselfinthepresenceofthewretchPocchinimybloodfrozeinmyveins。Afeelingoffalseshamepreventedmyretracingmysteps，asitmighthavelookedasifIhadbeenafraid。Inthesameroomwerehispretendedwife，Catina，twoSclavonic—lookingassassins，andthedecoy—duck。Isawthatthiswasnotalaughingmatter，soIdissembledtothebestofmyability，andmadeupmymindtoleavetheplaceinfiveminutes’time。
Pocchini，swearingandblaspheming，begantoreproachmewiththemannerinwhichIhadtreatedhiminEngland，andsaidthathistimehadcome，andthatmylifewasinhishands。OneofthetwoSclavsbrokein，andsaidwemustmakefriends，andsomademesitdown，openedabottle，andsaidwemustdrinktogether。ItriedtoputasgoodafaceuponitasIcould，butIbeggedtobeexcused，onwhichPocchinisworethatIwasafraidofhavingtopayforthebottleofwine。
\"Youaremistaken，\"saidI；\"Iamquitereadytopay。\"
Iputmyhandinmypockettotakeoutaducatwithoutdrawingoutmypurse，buttheSclavtoldmeIneednotbeafraid，asIwasamongsthonestpeople。Againshamemademeyield，andasIhadsomedifficultyinextractingmypurse，theSclavkindlydiditforme。
Pocchiniimmediatelysnatcheditfromhishands，andsaidheshouldkeepitaspartcompensationforallIhadmadehimendure。
Isawthatitwasaconcertedscheme，andsaidwithasmilethathecoulddoasheliked，andsoIrosetoleavethem。TheSclavsaidwemustembraceeachother，andonmydeclaringthattobeunnecessary，heandhiscomradedrewtheirsabres，andIthoughtmyselfundone。
Withoutmoreado，Ihastenedtoembracethem。Tomyastonishmenttheyletmego，andIwenthomeinagrievousstate，andnotknowingwhatelsetodowenttobed。
EndSpainbyJacquesCasanovaMEMOIRSOFJACQUESCASANOVAdeSEINGALT1725—1798
SPANISHPASSIONS，Volume6a——SPAIN
THEMEMOIRSOFJACQUESCASANOVADESEINGALT
THERAREUNABRIDGEDLONDONEDITIONOF1894TRANSLATEDBYARTHURMACHENTO
WHICHHASBEENADDEDTHECHAPTERSDISCOVEREDBYARTHURSYMONS。
SPAIN
CHAPTERI
IAmOrderedtoLeaveVienna——TheEmpressModeratesbutDoesNotAnnultheOrder——ZavoiskiatMunich——MyStayatAugsburg——GasconnadeatLouisburg——TheCologneNewspaper——MyArrivalatAix—la—ChapelleThegreatestmistakeamanthatpunishesaknavecancommitistoleavethesaidroguealive，forheiscertaintotakevengeance。
IfIhadhadmyswordinthedenofthieves，Ishouldnodoubthavedefendedmyself，butitwouldhavegoneillwithme，threeagainstone，andIshouldprobablyhavebeencuttopieces，whilethemurdererswouldhaveescapedunpunished。
Ateighto’clockCampionicametoseemeinmybed，andwasastonishedatmyadventure。Withouttroublinghimselftocompassionateme，webothbegantothinkhowwecouldgetbackmypurse；butwecametotheconclusionthatitwouldbeimpossible，asIhadnothingmorethanmymereassertiontoprovethecase。Inspiteofthat，however，Iwroteoutthewholestory，beginningwiththegirlwhorecitedtheLatinverses。I
intendedtobringthedocumentbeforethepolice；however，Ihadnottimetodoso。
Iwasjustsittingdowntodinner，whenanagentofthepolicecameandgavemeanordertogoandspeaktoCountSchrotembach，theStatthalter。
Itoldhimtoinstructmycoachman，whowaswaitingatthedoor，andthatIwouldfollowhimshortly。
WhenIcalledontheStatthalter，Ifoundhimtobeathick—setindividual；hewasstandingup，andsurroundedbymenwhoseemedreadytoexecutehisorders。Whenhesawme，heshewedmeawatch，andrequestedmetonotethehour。
\"Iseeit。\"
\"IfyouareatViennaatthattimeto—morrowIshallhaveyouexpelledfromthecity。\"
\"Whydoyougivemesuchanunjustorder？\"
\"Inthefirstplace，Iamnotheretogiveyouaccountsorreasonsformyactions。However，Imaytellyouthatyouareexpelledforplayingatgamesofchance，whichareforbiddenbythelawsunderpainofthegalleys。Doyourecognizethatpurseandthesecards？\"
Ididnotknowthecards，butIknewthepursewhichhadbeenstolenfromme。Iwasinaterriblerage，andIonlyrepliedbypresentingthemagistratewiththetruthfulnarrativeofwhathadhappenedtome。Hereadit，andthensaidwithalaughthatIwaswellknowntobeamanofparts，thatmycharacterwasknown，thatIhadbeenexpelledfromWarsaw，andthatasforthedocumentbeforehimhejudgedittobeapackoflies，sinceinhisopinionitwasaltogethervoidofprobability。
\"Infine，\"headded，\"youwillobeymyordertoleavethetown，andyoumusttellmewhereyouaregoing。\"
\"IwilltellyouthatwhenIhavemadeupmymindtogo。\"
\"What？Youdaretotellmethatyouwillnotobey？\"
\"YouyourselfhavesaidthatifIdonotgoIshallberemovedbyforce。\"
\"Verygood。Ihaveheardyouhaveastrongwill，buthereitwillbeofnousetoyou。Iadviseyoutogoquietly，andsoavoidharshmeasures。\"
\"Irequestyoutoreturnmethatdocument。\"
\"Iwillnotdoso。Begone！\"
Thiswasoneofthemostterriblemomentsofmylife。IshudderstillwhenIthinkofit。ItwasonlyacowardlyloveoflifethathinderedmefromrunningmyswordthroughthebodyoftheStatthalter，whohadtreatedmeasifhewereahangmanandnotajudge。
AsIwentawayItookitintomyheadtocomplaintoPrinceKaunitz，thoughIhadnotthehonourofknowinghim。Icalledathishouse，andamanImettoldmetostayintheante—chamber，astheprincewouldpassthroughtogotodinner。
Itwasfiveo’clock。Theprinceappeared，followedbyhisguests，amongstwhomwasM。PoloRenieri，theVenetianambassador。Theprinceaskedmewhathecoulddoforme，andItoldmystoryinaloudvoicebeforethemall。
\"Ihavereceivedmyordertogo，butIshallnotobey。Iimploreyourhighnesstogivemeyourprotection，andtohelpmetobringmypleatothefootofthethrone。\"
\"Writeoutyourpetition，\"hereplied，\"andIwillseethattheempressgetsit。ButIadviseyoutoaskhermajestyforarespite，forifyousaythatyouwon’tobey，shewillbepredisposedagainstyou。\"
\"Butiftheroyalgracedoesnotplacemeinsecurity，Ishallbedrivenawaybyviolence。\"
\"Thentakerefugewiththeambassadorofyournativecountry。\"
\"Alas，mylord，mycountryhasforsakenme。Anactoflegalthoughunconstitutionalviolencehasdeprivedmeofmyrightsasacitizen。MynameisCasanova，andmycountryisVenice。\"
TheprincelookedastonishedandturnedtotheVenetianambassador，whosmiled，andwhisperedtohimfortenminutes。
\"It’sapity，\"saidtheprince，kindly，\"thatyoucannotclaimtheprotectionofanyambassador。\"
AtthesewordsanoblemanofcolossalstaturesteppedforwardandsaidI
couldclaimhisprotection，asmywholefamily，myselfincluded，hadservedtheprincehismaster。Hespokethetruth，forhewastheambassadorofSaxony。
\"ThatisCountVitzthum，\"saidtheprince。\"Writetotheempress，andI
willforwardyourpetitionimmediately。Ifthereisanydelayintheanswer，gotothecount；youwillbesafewithhim，untilyouliketoleaveVienna。\"
Inthemeanwhiletheprinceorderedwritingmaterialstobebroughtme，andheandhisguestspassedintothedining—hall。
Igivehereacopyofthepetition，whichIcomposedinlessthantenminutes。ImadeafaircopyfortheVenetianambassadortosendhometotheSenate:
\"MADAM，——Iamsurethatif，asyourroyalandimperialhighnesswerewalkinginyourgarden，aninsectappealedplaintivelytoyounottocrushit，youwouldturnaside，andsoavoiddoingthepoorcreatureanyhurt。
\"I，madam，amaninsect，andIbegofyouthatyouwillorderM。StatthalterSchrotembachtodelaycrushingmewithyourmajesty’sslipperforaweek。Possibly，afterthattimehaselapsed，yourmajestywillnotonlypreventhiscrushingme，butwilldeprivehimofthatslipper，whichwasonlymeanttobetheterrorofrogues，andnotofanhumbleVenetian，whoisanhonestman，thoughheescapedfromTheLeads。
\"Inprofoundsubmissiontoyourmajesty’swill，\"Iremain，\"CASANOVA。
\"GivenatVienna，January21st，1769。\"
WhenIhadfinishedthepetition，Imadeafairdraftofit，andsentitintotheprince，whosentitbacktometellingmethathewouldplaceitintheempress’shandsimmediately，butthathewouldbemuchobligedbymymakingacopyforhisownuse。
Ididso，andgavebothcopiestothevaletdechambre，andwentmyway。
Itrembledlikeaparalytic，andwasafraidthatmyangermightgetmeintodifficulty。Bywayofcalmingmyself，IwroteoutinthestyleofamanifestothenarrativeIhadgiventothevileSchrotembach，andwhichthatunworthymagistratehadrefusedtoreturntome。
Atseveno’clockCountVitzthumcameintomyroom。HegreetedmeinafriendlymannerandbeggedmetotellhimthestoryofthegirlIhadgonetosee，onthepromiseoftheLatinquatrainreferringtoheraccommodatingdisposition。Igavehimtheaddressandcopiedouttheverses，andhesaidthatwasenoughtoconvinceanenlightenedjudgethatIhadbeenslandered；buthe，nevertheless，wasverydoubtfulwhetherjusticewouldbedoneme。
\"What！shallIbeobligedtoleaveViennato—morrow？\"
\"No，no，theempresscannotpossiblyrefuseyoutheweek’sdelay。\"
\"Whynot？\"
\"Oh！noonecouldrefusesuchanappealasthat。Eventheprincecouldnothelpsmilingashewasreadingitinhiscoldway。Afterreadingithepasseditontome，andthentotheVenetianambassador，whoaskedhimifhemeanttogiveittotheempressasitstood。’Thispetition，’
repliedtheprince，’mightbesenttoGod，ifoneknewtheway；’andforthwithheorderedoneofhissecretariestofolditupandseethatitwasdelivered。Wetalkedofyoufortherestofdinner，andIhadthepleasureofhearingtheVenetianambassadorsaythatnoonecoulddiscoveranyreasonforyourimprisonmentundertheLeads。Yourduelwasalsodiscussed，butonthatpointweonlyknewwhathasappearedinthenewspapers。Obligemebygivingmeacopyofyourpetition；thatphraseofSchrotembachandtheslipperpleasedmevastly。\"
Icopiedoutthedocument，andgaveithimwithacopyofmymanifesto。
Beforeheleftmethecountrenewedtheinvitationtotakerefugewithhim，ifIdidnothearfromtheempressbeforetheexpirationofthetwenty—fourhours。
Atteno’clockIhadavisitfromtheComtedelaPerouse，theMarquisdelasCasas，andSignorUccelli，thesecretaryoftheVenetianembassy。
Thelattercametoaskforacopyofmypetitionforhischief。I
promisedheshouldhaveit，andIalsosentacopyofmymanifesto。Theonlythingwhichratherinterferedwiththedignityofthislatterpiece，andgaveitasomewhatcomicair，werethefourLatinverses，whichmightmakepeopleimaginethat，afterenjoyingthegirlasHebe，IhadgoneinsearchofherasGanymede。Thiswasnotthecase，buttheempressunderstoodLatinandwasfamiliarwithmythology，andifshehadlookedonitinthelightIhavementionedIshouldhavebeenundone。ImadesixcopiesofthetwodocumentsbeforeIwenttobed；Iwasquitetiredout，buttheexertionhadsomewhatsoothedme。Atnoonthenextday，youngHasse（sonofthechapel—masterandofthefamousTrustina），secretaryoflegationtoCountVitzthum，cametotellmefromtheambassadorthatnobodywouldattackmeinmyownhouse，norinmycarriageifIwentabroad，butthatitwouldbeimprudenttogooutonfoot。Headdedthathischiefwouldhavethepleasureofcallingonmeatseveno’clock。IbeggedM。Hassetoletmehaveallthisinwriting，andafterhehadwrittenitoutheleftme。
ThustheordertoleaveViennahadbeensuspended；itmusthavebeendonebythesovereign。
\"Ihavenotimetolose，\"saidItomyself，\"Ishallhavejusticedoneme，myassassinswillbecondemned，mypursewillbereturnedwiththetwohundredducatsinit，andnotintheconditioninwhichitwasshewntomebytheinfamousSchrotembach，whowillbepunishedbydismissal，atleast。\"
SuchweremycastlesinSpain；whohasnotbuiltsuch？’Quodnimismiserivolunthocfacilecredunt’，saysSeneca。Thewishisfathertothethought。
Beforesendingmymanifestototheempress，PrinceKaunitz，andtoalltheambassadors，IthoughtitwouldbewelltocallontheCountessofSalmor，whospoketothesovereignearlyandlate。Ihadhadaletterofintroductionforher。
ShegreetedmebysayingthatIhadbettergiveupwearingmyarminasling，asitlookedasiiIwereacharlatan；myarmmustbewellenoughafterninemonths。
Iwasextremelyastonishedbythisgreeting，andrepliedthatifitwerenotnecessaryIshouldnotwearasling，andthatIwasnocharlatan。
\"However，\"Iadded，\"Ihavecometoseeyouonadifferentmatter。\"
\"Yes，Iknow，butIwillhavenothingtodowithit。YouareallasbadasTomatis。\"
Igaveaturnroundandlefttheroomwithouttakinganyfurthernoticeofher。Ireturnedhomefeelingoverwhelmedbythesituation。Ihadbeenrobbedandinsultedbyabandofthorough—pacedrascals；
Icoulddonothing，justicewasdeniedme，andnowIhadbeenmadeamockofbyaworthlesscountess。IfIhadreceivedsuchaninsultfromamanIwouldhavesoonmadehimfeeltheweightofonearmatallevents。I
couldnotbearmyarmwithoutaslingforanhour；painandswellingsetinimmediately。Iwasnotperfectlycuredtilltwentymonthsaftertheduel。
CountVitzthumcametoseemeatseveno’clock。HesaidtheempresshadtoldPrinceKaunitzthatSchrotembachconsideredmynarrativeaspureromance。HistheorywasthatIhadheldabankatfarowithsharpers’
cards，andhaddealtwithbothhandsthearmintheslingbeingamerepretence。Ihadthenbeentakenintheactbyoneofthegamesters，andmyunjustgainshadbeenveryproperlytakenfromme。Mydetectorhadthenhandedovermypurse，containingfortyducats，tothepolice，andthemoneyhadofcoursebeenconfiscated。TheempresshadtochoosebetweenbelievingSchrotembachanddismissinghim；andshewasnotinclinedtodothelatter，asitwouldbeadifficultmattertofindhimasuccessorinhisdifficultandodioustaskofkeepingViennaclearofhumanvermin。
\"ThisiswhatPrinceKaunitzaskedmetotellyou。Butyouneednotbeafraidofanyviolence，andyoucangowhenyoulike。\"
\"ThenIamtoberobbedoftwohundredducatswithimpunity。Theempressmightatleastreimbursemeifshedoesnothingmore。PleasetoasktheprincewhetherIcanaskthesovereigntogivemethatsatisfaction；theleastIcandemand。\"
\"Iwilltellhimwhatyousay。\"
\"Ifnot，Ishallleave；forwhatcanIdoinatownwhereIcanonlydrive，andwheretheGovernmentkeepsassassinsinitspay？\"
\"Youareright。WeareallsurethatPocchinihascalumniatedyou。ThegirlwhorecitesLatinversesiswellknown，butnoneknowheraddress。
ImustadviseyounottopublishyourtaleaslongasyouareinVienna，asitplacesSchrotembachinaverybadlight，andyouseetheempresshastosupporthimintheexerciseofhisauthority。\"
\"Iseetheforceofyourargument，andIshallhavetodevourmyanger。
IwillleaveViennaassoonasthewasherwomansendshomemylinen，butI
willhavethestoryprintedinallitsblackinjustice。\"
\"Theempressisprejudicedagainstyou，Idon’tknowbywhom。\"
\"Iknow，though；itisthatinfernaloldhag，CountessSalmor。\"
ThenextdayIreceivedaletterfromCountVitzthum，inwhichhesaidthatPrinceKaunitzadvisedmetoforgetthetwohundredducats，thatthegirlandherso—calledmotherhadleftViennatoallappearance，assomeonehadgonetotheaddressandhadfailedtofindher。
IsawthatIcoulddonothing，andresolvedtodepartinpeace，andafterwardstopublishthewholestoryandtohangPocchiniwithmyownhandswhennextImethim。Ididneithertheonenortheother。
AboutthattimeayoungladyoftheSalisdeCoirefamilyarrivedatViennawithoutanycompanion。TheimperialhangmanSchrotembach，orderedhertoleaveViennaintwodays。Sherepliedthatshewouldleaveexactlywhenshefeltinclined。Themagistrateconsignedhertoimprisonmentinaconvent，andshewastherestillwhenIleft。Theemperorwenttoseeher，andtheempress，hismother，askedhimwhathethoughtofher。Hisanswerwas，\"IthoughthermuchmoreamusingthanSchrotembach。\"
Undoubtedly，everymanworthyofthenamelongstobefree，butwhoisreallyfreeinthisworld？Noone。Thephilosopher，perchance，maybeaccountedso，butitisatthecostoftooprecioussacrificesatthephantomshrineofLiberty。
Ilefttheuseofmysuiteofrooms，forwhichIhadpaidamonthinadvance，toCampioni，promisingtowaitforhimatAugsburg，wheretheLawaloneissupreme。IdepartedalonecarryingwithmethebitterregretthatIhadnotbeenabletokillthemonster，whosedespotismhadcrushedme。IstoppedatLinzonpurposetowritetoSchrotembachevenamorebitterletterthanthatwhichIhadwrittentotheDukeofWurtemburgin1760。Iposteditmyself，andhaditregisteredsoastobesureofitsreachingthescoundreltowhomithadbeenaddressed。Itwasabsolutelynecessaryformetowritethisletter，forragethathasnoventmustkillatlast。FromLinzIhadathreedays’journeytoMunich，whereIcalledonCountGaetanZavoicki，whodiedatDresdensevenyearsago。IhadknownhimatVenicewhenhewasinwant，andI
hadhappilybeenusefultohim。Onmyrelatingthestoryoftherobberythathadbeencommittedonme，henodoubtimaginedIwasinwant，andgavemetwenty—fivelouis。TotellthetruthitwasmuchlessthanwhatIhadgivenhimatVenice，andifhehadlookeduponhisactionaspayingbackadebtweshouldnothavebeenquits；butasIhadneverwishedhimtothinkthatIhadlent，notgivenhimmoney，Ireceivedthepresentgratefully。HealsogavemealetterforCountMaximilianLamberg，marshalatthecourtofthePrince—BishopofAugsburg，whoseacquaintanceIhadthehonourofhaving。
TherewasnotheatretheninAugsburg，butthereweremaskedballsinwhichallclassesmingledfreely。Therewerealsosmallpartieswherefarowasplayedforsmallstakes。Iwastiredofthepleasure，themisfortune，andthegriefsIhadhadinthreecapitals，andIresolvedtospendfourmonthsinthefreecityofAugsburg，wherestrangershavethesameprivilegesasthecanons。Mypursewasslender，butwiththeeconomicallifeIledIhadnothingtofearonthatscore。IwasnotfarfromVenice，whereahundredducatswerealwaysatmyserviceifIwantedthem。Iplayedalittleandwagedwaragainstthesharperswhohavebecomemorenumerousoflatethanthedupes，astherearealsomoredoctorsthanpatients。Ialsothoughtofgettingamistress，forwhatislifewithoutlove？IhadtriedinvaintoretraceGertrude；theengraverwasdead，andnooneknewwhathadbecomeofhisdaughter。
TwoorthreedaysbeforetheendofthecarnivalIwenttoahirerofcarriages，asIhadtogotoaballatsomedistancefromthetown。
Whilethehorseswerebeingputin，Ienteredtheroomtowarmmyhands，fortheweatherwasverycold。AgirlcameupandaskedmeifIwoulddrinkaglassofwine。
\"No，\"saidI；andonthequestionbeingrepeated，repeatedthemonosyllablesomewhatrudely。Thegirlstoodstillandbegantolaugh，andIwasabouttoturnangrilyawaywhenshesaid，——
\"Iseeyoudonotrememberme？\"
Ilookedatherattentively，andatlastIdiscoveredbeneathherunusuallyuglyfeaturesthelineamentsofAnnaMidel，themaidintheengraver’shouse。
\"YouremindmeofAnnaMidel，\"saidI。
\"Alas，IwasAnnaMidelonce。Iamnolongeranobjectfitforlove，butthatisyourfault。\"
\"Mine？\"
\"Yes；thefourhundredflorinsyougavememadeCountFugger’scoachmanmarryme，andhenotonlyabandonedmebutgavemeadisgustingdisease，whichwasliketohavebeenmydeath。Irecoveredmyhealth，butInevershallrecovermygoodlooks。\"
\"Iamverysorrytohearallthis；buttellmewhathasbecomeofGertrude？\"
\"Thenyoudon’tknowthatyouaregoingtoaballatherhouseto—night？\"
\"Herhouse？\"
\"Yes。Afterherfather’sdeathshemarriedawell—to—doandrespectableman，andIexpectyouwillbepleasedwiththeentertainment\"
\"Issheprettystill？\"
\"Sheisjustassheusedtobe，exceptthatsheissixyearsolderandhashadchildren。\"
\"Isshegallant？\"
\"Idon’tthinkso。\"
Annahadspokenthetruth。Gertrudewaspleasedtoseeme，andintroducedmetoherhusbandasoneofherfather’soldlodgers，andI
hadaltogetherapleasantwelcome；but，onsoundingher，Ifoundsheentertainedthosevirtuoussentimentswhichmighthavebeenexpectedunderthecircumstances。
CampioniarrivedatAugsburgatthebeginningofLent。HewasincompanywithBinetti，whowasgoingtoParis。Hehadcompletelydespoiledhiswife，andhadleftherforever。CampionitoldmethatnooneatViennadoubtedmystoryintheslightestdegree。PocchiniandtheSclavhaddisappearedafewdaysaftermydeparture，andtheStatthalterhadincurredagreatdealofodiumbyhistreatmentofme。Campionispentamonthwithme，andthenwentontoLondon。
IcalledonCountLambergandhiscountess，who，withoutbeingbeautiful，wasanepitomeoffemininecharmandamiability。HernamebeforemarriagewasCountessDachsberg。Threemonthsaftermyarrival，thislady，whowasenciente，butdidnotthinkhertimewasdue，wentwithCountFugger，deanofthechapter，toapartyofpleasureataninnthreequartersofaleaguefromAugsburg。Iwaspresent；andinthecourseofthemealshewastakenwithsuchviolentpainsthatshefearedshewouldbedeliveredonthespot。Shedidnotliketotellthenoblecanon，andthinkingthatIwasmorelikelytobeacquaintedwithsuchemergenciesshecameuptomeandtoldmeall。Iorderedthecoachmantoputinhishorsesinstantly，andwhenthecoachwasreadyItookupthecountessandcarriedhertoit。Thecanonfollowedusinblankastonishment，andaskedmewhatwasthematter。Itoldhimtobidthecoachmandrivefastandnottosparehishorses。Hedidso，butheaskedagainwhatwasthematter。
\"Thecountesswillbedeliveredofachildifwedonotmakehaste。\"
IthoughtIshouldbeboundtolaugh，inspiteofmysympathiesforthepoorlady’spains，whenIsawthedeanturngreenandwhiteandpurple，andlookasifheweregoingintoafit，asherealizedthatthecountessmightbedeliveredbeforehiseyesinhisowncarriage。ThepoormanlookedasgrievouslytormentedasSt。Laurenceonhisgridiron。ThebishopwasatPlombieres；theywouldwriteandtellhim！Itwouldbeinallthepapers！\"Quick！coachman，quick！\"
Wegottothecastlebeforeitwastoolate。Icarriedtheladyintoherrook，andtheyranforasurgeonandamidwife。Itwasnogood，however，forinfiveminutesthecountcameoutandsaidthecountesshadjustbeenhappilydelivered。Thedeanlookedasifaweighthadbeentakenoffhismind；however，hetooktheprecautionofhavinghimselfblooded。