TheChevalierdeBrechecametotheLuganoFairtobuysomehorses，andstoppedafortnight。IoftenmethimatM。deR————’s，forwhosewifehehadagreatadmiration，andIwassorrytoseehimgo。
IleftLuganomyselfafewdayslater，havingmadeupmymindtowinterinTurin，whereIhopedtoseesomepleasantsociety。
BeforeIleftIreceivedafriendlyletterfromPrinceLubomirski，withabillforahundredducats，inpaymentoffiftycopiesofmybook。TheprincehadbecomelordhighmarshalonthedeathofCountBilinski。
WhenIgottoTurinIfoundaletterfromthenobleVenetianM。GirolamoZulian，thesamethathadgivenmeanintroductiontoMocenigo。HislettercontainedanenclosuretoM。Berlendis，therepresentativeoftheRepublicatTurin，whothankedmeforhavingenabledhimtoreceiveme。
Theambassador，arichman，andagreatloverofthefairsex，keptupasplendidestablishment，andthiswasenoughforhisGovernment，forintelligenceisnotconsideredanecessaryqualificationforaVenetianambassador。Indeeditisapositivedisadvantage，andawittyambassadorwouldnodoubtfallintodisgracewiththeVenetianSenate。However，Berlendisrannoriskwhateveronthisscore；therealmofwitwasanunknownlandtohim。
IgotthisambassadortocalltheattentionofhisGovernmenttotheworkIhadrecentlypublished，andtheanswertheStateInquisitorsgavemayastonishmyreaders，butitdidnotastonishme。ThesecretaryofthefamousandaccursedTribunalwrotetosaythathehaddonewelltocalltheattentionoftheInquisitorstothiswork，astheauthor’spresumptionappearedonthetitle—page。Headdedthattheworkwouldbeexamined，andinthemeantimetheambassadorwasinstructedtoshewmenosignalmarksoffavourlesttheCourtshouldsupposehewasprotectingmeasaVenetian。
Nevertheless，itwasthesametribunalthathadfacilitatedmyaccesstotheambassadortoMadrid——Mocenigo。
ItoldBerlendisthatmyvisitsshouldbelimitedinnumber，andfreefromallostentation。
Iwasmuchinterestedinhisson’stutor；hewasapriest，amanofletters，andapoet。HisnamewasAndreis，andheisnowresidentinEngland，whereheenjoysfullliberty，thegreatestofallblessings。
IspentmytimeatTurinverypleasantly，inthemidstofasmallcircleofEpicureans；thereweretheoldChevalierRaiberti，theComtedelaPerouse，acertainAbbeRoubien，adelightfulman，thevoluptuousComtedeRiva，andtheEnglishambassador。TotheamusementswhichthissocietyaffordedIaddedacourseofreading，butnoloveaffairswhatever。
WhileIwasatTurin，amilliner，Perouse’smistress，feelingherselfin’articulomortis’，swallowedtheportraitofherloverinsteadoftheEucharist。Thisincidentmademecomposetwosonnets，whichpleasedmeagooddealatthetime，andwithwhichIamstillsatisfied。Nodoubtsomewillsaythateverypoetispleasedwithhisownhandiwork，butasamatteroffact，theseverestcriticofasensibleauthorishimself。
TheRussiansquadron，underthecommandofCountAlexisOrloff，wasthenatLeghorn；thissquadronthreatenedConstantinople，andwouldprobablyhavetakenitifanEnglishmanhadbeenincommand。
AsIhadknownCountOrloffinRussia，IimaginedthatImightpossiblyrendermyselfofservicetohim，andatthesametimemakemyfortune。
TheEnglishambassadorhavinggivenmealetterfortheEnglishconsul，I
leftTurinwithverylittlemoneyinmypurseandnoletterofcreditonanybanker。
AnEnglishmannamedActoncommendedmetoanEnglishbankeratLeghorn，butthisletterdidnotempowermetodrawanysupplies。
Actonwasjusttheninvolvedinacuriouscomplication。WhenhewasatVenicehehadfalleninlovewithaprettywoman，eitheraGreekoraNeapolitan。Thehusband，bybirthanativeofTurin，andbyprofessionagood—for—nothing，placednoobstacleinActon’sway，astheEnglishmanwasgenerouswithhismoney；buthehadaknackofturningupatthosemomentswhenhisabsencewouldhavebeenmostdesirable。
ThegenerousbutproudandimpatientEnglishmancouldnotbeexpectedtobearthisforlong。Heconsultedwiththelady，anddeterminedtoshewhisteeth。Thehusbandpersistedinhisuntimelyvisits，andonedayActonsaid，dryly，——
\"Doyouwantathousandguineas？Youcanhavethemifyoulike，ontheconditionthatyourwifetravelswithmeforthreeyearswithoutourhavingthepleasureofyoursociety。\"
Thehusbandthoughtthebargainagoodone，andsignedanagreementtothateffect。
Afterthethreeyearswereoverthehusbandwrotetohiswife，whowasatVenice，toreturntohim，andtoActontoputnoobstacleintheway。
Theladyrepliedthatshedidnotwanttolivewithhimanymore，andActonexplainedtothehusbandthathecouldnotbeexpectedtodrivehismistressawayagainstherwill。Heforesaw，however，thatthehusbandwouldcomplaintotheEnglishambassador，anddeterminedtobebefore—
handedwithhim。
InduecoursethehusbanddidapplytotheEnglishambassador，requestinghimtocompelActontorestoretohimhislawfulwife。HeevenaskedtheChevalierRaibertitowritetotheCommendatoreCamarana，theSardinianambassadoratVenice，toapplypressureontheVenetianGovernment，andhewoulddoubtlesshavesucceededifM。Raibertihaddonehimthisfavour。However，asitwashedidnothingofthesort，andevengaveActonawarmwelcomewhenhecametoTurintolookintothematter。HehadlefthismistressatVeniceundertheprotectionoftheEnglishconsul。
Thehusbandwasashamedtocomplainpublicly，ashewouldhavebeenconfrontedwiththedisgracefulagreementhehadsigned；butBerlendismaintainedthathewasintheright，andarguedthequestioninthemostamusingmanner。Ontheonehandheurgedthesacredandinviolablecharacterofthemarriagerite，andontheotherheshewedhowthewifewasboundtosubmittoherhusbandinallthings。Iarguedthematterwithhimmyself，shewinghimhisdisgracefulpositionindefendingamanwhotradedonhiswife’scharms，andhewasobligedtogiveinwhenI
assuredhimthatthehusbandhadofferedtorenewtheleaseforthesametimeandonthesametermsasbefore。
TwoyearslaterImetActonatBologna，andadmiredthebeautywhomheconsideredandtreatedashiswife。SheheldonherkneesafinelittleActon。
IleftTurinforParmawithaVenetianwho，likemyself，wasanexilefromhiscountry。Hehadturnedactortogainalivelihood；andwasgoingtoParmawithtwoactresses，oneofwhomwasinteresting。AssoonasIfoundoutwhohewas，webecamefriends，andhewouldhavegladlymademeapartnerinallhisamusements，bytheway，ifIhadbeeninthehumourtojoinhim。
ThisjourneytoLeghornwasundertakenundertheinfluenceofchimercialideas。IthoughtImightbeusefultoCountOrloff，intheconquesthewasgoingtomake，asitwassaid，ofConstantinople。IfanciedthatithadbeendecreedbyfatethatwithoutmehecouldneverpassthroughtheDardanelles。Inspiteofthewildideaswithwhichmymindwasoccupied，Iconceivedawarmfriendshipformytravellingcompanion，whosenamewasAngeloBentivoglio。TheGovernmentneverforgavehimacertaincrime，whichtothephilosophiceyeappearsameretrifle。Infouryearslater，whenIdescribemystayatVenice，Ishallgivesomefurtheraccountofhim。
AboutnoonwereachedParma，andIbadeadieutoBentivoglioandhisfriends。TheCourtwasatColorno，buthavingnothingtogainfromthismockeryofacourt，andwishingtoleaveforBolognathenextmorning，I
askedDubois—Chateleraux，ChiefoftheMint，andatalentedthoughvainman，togivemesomedinner。ThereaderwillrememberthatIhadknownhimtwentytwoyearsbefore，whenIwasinlovewithHenriette。Hewasdelightedtoseeme，andseemedtosetgreatstorebymypolitenessingivinghimthebenefitofmyshortstayatParma。ItoldhimthatCountOrloffwaswaitingformeatLeghorn，andthatIwasobligedtotraveldayandnight。
\"Hewillbesettingsailbeforelong，\"saidhe；\"IhaveadvicesfromLeghorntothateffect。\"
Isaidinamysterioustoneofvoicethathewouldnotsailwithoutme，andIcouldseethatmyhosttreatedmewithincreasedrespectafterthis。HewantedtodiscusstheRussianExpedition，butmyairofreservemadehimchangetheconversation。
AtdinnerwetalkedagooddealaboutHenriette，whomhesaidhehadsucceededinfindingout；butthoughhespokeofherwithgreatrespect，Itookcarenottogivehimanyinformationonthesubject。HespentthewholeafternooninutteringcomplaintsagainstthesovereignsofEurope，theKingofPrussiaexcepted，ashehadmadehimabaron，thoughInevercouldmakeoutwhy。
HecursedtheDukeofParmawhopersistedinretaininghisservices，althoughtherewasnomintinexistenceintheduchy，andhistalentswereconsequentlywastedthere。
Ilistenedtoallhiscomplaints，andagreedthatLouisXV。hadbeenungratefulinnotconferringtheOrderofSt。Michaelonhim；thatVenicehadrewardedhisservicesveryshabbily；thatSpainwasstingy，andNaplesdevoidofhonesty，etc。，etc。Whenhehadfinished，Iaskedhimifhecouldgivemeabillonabankerforfiftysequins。
Herepliedinthemostfriendlymannerthathewouldnotgivemethetroubleofgoingtoabankerforsuchawretchedsumasthat；hewouldbedelightedtoobligemehimself。
Itookthemoneypromisingtorepayhimatanearlydate，butIhaveneverbeenabletodoso。Idonotknowwhetherheisaliveordead，butifheweretoattaintheageofMethuselahIshouldnotentertainanyhopesofpayinghim；forIgetpoorereveryday，andfeelthatmyendisnotfaroff。
ThenextdayIwasinBologna，andthedayafterinFlorence，whereImettheChevalierMorosini，nephewoftheVenetianprocurator，ayoungmanofnineteen，whowastravellingwithCountStratico，professorofmathematicsattheUniversityofPadua。Hegavemealetterforhisbrother，aJacobinmonk，andprofessorofliteratureatPisa，whereI
stoppedforacoupleofhoursonpurposetomakethecelebratedmonk’sacquaintance。Ifoundhimevengreaterthanhisfame，andpromisedtocomeagaintoPisa，andmakealongerstayforthepurposeofenjoyinghissociety。
IstoppedanhourattheWells，whereImadetheacquaintanceofthePretendertothethroneofGreatBritain，andfromtherewentontoLeghorn，whereIfoundCountOrloffstillwaiting，butonlybecausecontrarywindskepthimfromsailing。
TheEnglishconsul，withwhomhewasstaying，introducedmeatoncetotheRussianadmiral，whoreceivedmewithexpressionsofdelight。HetoldmehewouldbecharmedifIwouldcomeonboardwithhim。Hetoldmetohavemyluggagetakenoffatonce，ashewouldsetsailwiththefirstfairwind。WhenhewasgonetheEnglishconsulaskedmewhatwouldbemystatuswiththeadmiral。
\"That’sjustwhatImeantofindoutbeforeembarkingmyeffects。\"
\"Youwon’tbeabletospeaktohimtillto—morrow。\"NextmorningI
calledonCountOrloff，andsenthiminashortnote，askinghimtogivemeashortinterviewbeforeIembarkedmymails。
Anofficercameouttotellmethattheadmiralwaswritinginbed，andhopedIwouldwait。
\"Certainly。\"
Ihadbeenwaitingafewminutes，whenDaLoglio，thePolishagentatVeniceandanoldfriendofmine，camein。
\"Whatareyoudoinghere，mydearCasanova？\"saidhe。
\"Iamwaitingforaninterviewwiththeadmiral。\"
\"Heisverybusy。\"
Afterthis，DaLogliocoollywentintotheadmiral’sroom。Thiswasimpertinentofhim；itwasasifhesaidinsomanywordsthattheadmiralwastoobusytoseeme，butnottoobusytoseehim。
Amomentafter，MarquisManuccicameinwithhisorderofSt。Anneandhisformalair。HecongratulatedmeonmyvisittoLeghorn，andthensaidhehadreadmyworkonVenice，andhadbeensurprisedtofindhimselfinit。
Hehadsomereasonforsurprise，fortherewasnoconnectionbetweenhimandthesubject—matter；butheshouldhavediscoveredbeforethattheunexpectedoftenhappens。Hedidnotgivemetimetotellhimso，butwentintotheadmiral’sroomasDaLogliohaddone。
IwasvexedtoseehowthesegentlemenwereadmittedwhileIdancedattendance，andtheprojectofsailingwithOrloffbegantodispleaseme。
InfivehoursOrloffcameoutfollowedbyanumeroustrain。Hetoldmepleasantlythatwecouldhaveourtalkattableorafterdinner。
\"Afterdinner，ifyouplease，\"Isaid。
Hecameinandsatdownattwoo’clock，andIwasamongtheguests。
Orloffkeptonsaying，\"Eataway，gentlemen，eataway；\"andreadhiscorrespondenceandgavehissecretarylettersallthetime。
Afterdinnerhesuddenlyglancedupatme，andtakingmebythehandledmetothewindow，andtoldmetomakehastewithmyluggage，asheshouldsailbeforethemorningifthewindkeptup。
\"Quiteso；butkindlytellme，count，whatistobemystatusoremploymentanboardyourship？\"
\"AtpresentIhavenospecialemploytogiveyou；thatwillcomeintime。
Comeonboardasmyfriend。\"
\"Theofferisanhonourableonesofarasyouareconcerned，butalltheotherofficersmighttreatmewithcontempt。Ishouldberegardedasakindoffool，andIshouldprobablykillthefirstmanwhodaredtoinsultme。Givemeadistinctoffice，andletmewearyouruniform；I
willbeusefultoyou。Iknowthecountryforwhichyouarebound，Icanspeakthelanguage，andIamnotwantingincourage。\"
\"Mydearsir，Ireallyhavenoparticularofficetogiveyou。\"
\"Then，count，Iwishyouapleasantsail；IamgoingtoRome。Ihopeyoumayneverrepentofnottakingme，forwithoutmeyouwillneverpasstheDardanelles。\"
\"Isthataprophecy？\"
\"It’sanoracle。\"
\"Wewilltestitsveracity，mydearCalchus。\"
SuchwastheshortdialogueIhadwiththeworthycount，who，asamatteroffact，didnotpasstheDardanelles。WhetherhewouldhavesucceededifIhadbeenonboardismorethanIcansay。
NextdayIdeliveredmyletterstoM。RivarolaandtheEnglishbanker。
Thesquadronhadsailedintheearlymorning。
ThedayafterIwenttoPisa，andspentapleasantweekinthecompanyofFatherStratico，whowasmadeabishoptwoorthreeyearsafterbymeansofaboldstrokethatmighthaveruinedhim。HedeliveredafuneralorationoverFatherRicci，thelastgeneraloftheJesuits。ThePope，Ganganelli，hadthechoiceofpunishingthewriterandincreasingtheodiumofmanyofthefaithful，orofrewardinghimhandsomely。Thesovereignpontifffollowedthelattercourse。Isawthebishopsomeyearslater，andhetoldmeinconfidencethathehadonlywrittentheorationbecausehefeltcertain，fromhisknowledgeofthehumanheart，thathispunishmentwouldbeagreatreward。
ThisclevermonkinitiatedmeintoallthecharmsofPisansociety。Hehadorganizedalittlechoirofladiesofrank，remarkablefortheirintelligenceandbeauty，andhadtaughtthemtosingextemporetotheguitar。HehadhadtheminstructedbythefamousGorilla，whowascrownedpoetess—laureateatthecapitolbynight，sixyearslater。ShewascrownedwhereourgreatItalianpoetswerecrowned；andthoughhermeritwasnodoubtgreat，itwas，nevertheless，moretinselthangold，andnotofthatordertoplaceheronaparwithPetrarchorTasso。
Shewassatirisedmostbitterlyaftershehadreceivedthebays；andthesatiristswereevenmoreinthewrongthantheprofanersofthecapitol，forallthepamphletsagainstherlaidstressonthecircumstancethatchastity，atallevents，wasnotoneofhermerits。Allpoetesses，fromthedaysofHomertoourown，havesacrificedonthealtarofVenus。NoonewouldhaveheardofGorillaifshehadnothadthesensetochooseherloversfromtheranksofliterarymen；andshewouldneverhavebeencrownedatRomeifshehadnotsucceededingainingoverPrinceGonzagaSolferino，whomarriedtheprettyMdlle。Rangoni，daughteroftheRomanconsul，whomIknewatMarseilles，andofwhomIhavealreadyspoken。
ThiscoronationofGorillaisablotonthepontificateofthepresentPope，forhenceforthnomanofgenuinemeritwillacceptthehonourwhichwasoncesocarefullyguardedbythegiantsofhumanintellect。
TwodaysafterthecoronationGorillaandheradmirersleftRome，ashamedofwhattheyhaddone。TheAbbePizzi，whohadbeenthechiefpromoterofherapotheosis，wassoinundatedwithpamphletsandsatiresthatforsomemonthshedarednotshewhisface。
Thisisalongdigression，andIwillnowreturntoFatherStratico，whomadethetimepasssopleasantlyforme。
Thoughhewasnotahandsomeman，hepossessedtheartofpersuasiontoperfection；andhesucceededininducingmetogotoSienna，wherehesaidIshouldenjoymyself。HegavemealetterofintroductionfortheMarchionessChigi，andalsoonefortheAbbeChiaccheri；andasIhadnothingbettertodoIwenttoSiennabytheshortestway，notcaringtovisitFlorence。
TheAbbeChiaccherigavemeawarmwelcome，andpromisedtodoallhecouldtoamuseme；andhekepthisword。HeintroducedmehimselftotheMarchionessChigi，whotookmebystormassoonasshehadreadtheletteroftheAbbeStratico，herdearabbe，asshecalledhim，whenshereadthesuperscriptioninhiswriting。
Themarchionesswasstillhandsome，thoughherbeautyhadbeguntowane；
butwithherthesweetness，thegrace，andtheeaseofmannersuppliedthelackofyouth。Sheknewhowtomakeacomplimentoftheslightestexpression，andwastotallydevoidofanyaffectionofsuperiority。
\"Sitdown，\"shebegan。\"Soyouaregoingtostayaweek，Isee，fromthedearabbe’sletter。That’sashorttimeforus，butperhapsitmaybetoolongforyou。Ihopetheabbehasnotpaintedusintoorosycolours。\"
\"HeonlytoldmethatIwastospendaweekhere，andthatIshouldfindwithyouallthecharmsofintellectandsensibility。\"
\"Straticoshouldhavecondemnedyoutoamonthwithoutmercy。\"
\"Whymercy？WhathazarddoIrun？\"
\"Ofbeingtiredtodeath，orofleavingsomesmallmorselofyourheartatSienna。\"
\"Allthatmighthappeninaweek，butIamreadytodarethedanger，forStraticohasguardedmefromthefirstbycountingonyou，andfromthesecondbycountingonmyself。Youwillreceivemypureandintelligenthomage。MyheartwillgoforthfromSiennaasfreeasitcame，forI
havenohopeofvictory，anddefeatwouldmakemewretched。\"
\"Isitpossiblethatyouareamongstthedespairing？\"
\"Yes，andtothatfactIowemyhappiness。\"
\"Itwouldbeapityforyouifyoufoundyourselfmistaken。\"
\"Notsuchapityasyoumaythink，Madam。’Carpediem’ismymotto。
’Tislikewisethemottoofthatfinishedvoluptuary，Horace，butIonlytakeitbecauseitsuitsme。Thepleasurewhichfollowsdesiresisthebest，foritisthemostacute。
\"True，butitcannotbecalculatedon，anddefiesthephilosopher。MayGodpreserveyou，madam，fromfindingoutthispainfultruthbyexperience！Thehighestgoodliesinenjoyment；desiretoooftenremainsunsatisfied。IfyouhavenotyetfoundoutthetruthofHorace’smaxim，Icongratulateyou。\"
Theamiablemarchionesssmiledpleasantlyandgavenopositiveanswer。
Chiaccherinowopenedhismouthforthefirsttime，andsaidthatthegreatesthappinesshecouldwishuswasthatweshouldneveragree。Themarchionessassented，rewardingChiaccheriwithasmile，butIcouldnotdoso。
\"Ihadrathercontradictyou，\"Isaid，\"thanrenounceallhopesofpleasingyou。Theabbehasthrowntheappleofdiscordbetweenus，butifwecontinueaswehavebegunIshalltakeupmyabodeatSienna。\"
Themarchionesswassatisfiedwiththesampleofherwitwhichshehadgivenme，andbegantotalkcommonplaces，askingmeifIshouldliketoseecompanyandenjoysocietyofthefairsex。Shepromisedtotakemeeverywhere。
\"Praydonottakethetrouble，\"Ireplied。\"IwanttoleaveSiennawiththefeelingthatyouaretheonlyladytowhomIhavedonehomage，andthattheAbbeChiaccherihasbeenmyonlyguide。\"
Themarchionesswasflattered，andaskedtheabbeandmyselftodinewithheronthefollowingdayinadelightfulhouseshehadatahundredpacesfromthetown。
TheolderIgrewthemoreIbecameattachedtotheintellectualcharmsofwomen。Withthesensualist，thecontrarytakesplace；hebecomesmorematerialinhisoldage:requireswomenwelltaughtinVenus’sshrines，andfliesfromallmentionofphilosophy。
AsIwasleavingherItoldtheabbethatifIstayedatSiennaIwouldseenootherwomanbuther，comewhatmight，andheagreedthatIwasveryright。
TheabbeshewedmealltheobjectsofinterestinSienna，andintroducedmetotheliterati，whointheirturnvisitedme。
ThesamedayChiaccheritookmetoahousewherethelearnedsocietyassembled。Itwastheresidenceoftwosisters——theelderextremelyuglyandtheyoungerverypretty，buttheeldersisterwasaccounted，andveryrightly，theCorinnaoftheplace。Sheaskedmetogiveheraspecimenofmyskill，promisingtoreturnthecompliment。Irecitedthefirstthingthatcameintomyhead，andsherepliedwithafewlinesofexquisitebeauty。Icomplimentedher，butChiaccheri（whohadbeenhermaster）guessedthatIdidnotbelievehertobetheauthor，andproposedthatweshouldtryboutsrimes。Theprettysistergaveouttherhymes，andweallsettowork。Theuglysisterfinishedfirst，andwhentheversescametoberead，herswerepronouncedthebest。Iwasamazed，andmadeanimprovisationonherskill，whichIgaveherinwriting。Infiveminutesshereturnedittome；therhymeswerethesame，buttheturnofthethoughtwasmuchmoreelegant。Iwasstillmoresurprised，andtookthelibertyofaskinghername，andfoundhertobethefamous\"Shepherdess，\"MariaFortuna，oftheAcademyofArcadians。
IhadreadthebeautifulstanzasshehadwritteninpraiseofMetastasio。
Itoldherso，andshebroughtmethepoet’sreplyinmanuscript。
Fullofadmiration，Iaddressedmyselftoheralone，andallherplainnessvanished。
Ihadhadanagreeableconversationwiththemarchionessinthemorning，butintheeveningIwasliterallyinanecstacy。
IkeptontalkingofFortuna，andaskedtheabbeifshecouldimproviseinthemannerofGorilla。Herepliedthatshehadwishedtodoso，butthathehaddisallowedit，andheeasilyconvincedmethatthisimprovisationwouldhavebeentheruinofherfinetalent。Ialsoagreedwithhimwhenhesaidthathehadwarnedheragainstmakingimpromptustoofrequently，assuchhastyversesareapttosacrificewittorhyme。
ThehonourinwhichimprovisationwasheldamongsttheGreeksandRomansisduetothefactthatGreekandLatinverseisnotunderthedominionofrhyme。Butasitwas，thegreatpoetsseldomimprovised；knowingastheydidthatsuchverseswereusuallyfeebleandcommon—place。
Horaceoftenpassedawholenightsearchingforavigorousandelegantly—
turnedphrase。Whenhehadsucceeded，hewrotethewordsonthewallandwenttosleep。Thelineswhichcosthimnothingaregenerallyprosaic；
theymayeasilybepickedoutinhisepistles。
TheamiableandlearnedAbbeChiaccheri，confessedtomethathewasinlovewithhispupil，despiteherugliness。Headdedthathehadneverexpecteditwhenhebegantoteachhertomakeverses。
\"Ican’tunderstandthat，\"Isaid，\"sublatalucerna’，youknow。\"
\"Notatall，\"saidhe，withalaugh，\"Iloveherforherface，sinceitisinseperablefrommyideaofher。\"
ATuscanhascertainlymorepoeticrichesathisdisposalthananyotherItalian，andtheSiennesedialectissweeterandmoreenergeticthanthatofFlorence，thoughthelatterclaimsthetitleoftheclassicdialect，onaccountofitspurity。Thispurity，togetherwithitsrichnessandcopiousnessofdictionitowestotheacademy。FromthegreatrichnessofItalianwecantreatasubjectwithfargreatereloquencethanaFrenchwriter；Italianaboundsinsynonyms，whileFrenchislamentablydeficientinthisrespect。VoltaireusedtolaughatthosewhosaidthattheFrenchtonguecouldnotbechargedwithpoverty，asithadallthatwasnecessary。Amanmayhavenecessaries，andyetbepoor。TheobstinacyoftheFrenchacademyinrefusingtoadoptforeignwordsskewsmorepridethanwisdom。Thisexclusivenesscannotlast。
Asforuswetakewordsfromalllanguagesandallsources，providedtheysuitthegeniusofourownlanguage。Welovetoseeourrichesincrease；
weevenstealfromthepoor，buttodosoisthegeneralcharacteristicoftherich。
TheamiablemarchionessgaveusadeliciousdinnerinahousedesignedbyPalladio。ChiaccherihadwarnedmetosaynothingabouttheShepherdessFortuna；butatdinnershetoldhimshewassurehehadtakenmetoherhouse。Hehadnotthefacetodenyit，andIdidnotconcealthepleasureIhadreceived。
\"StraticoadmiresFortuna，\"saidthemarchioness，\"andIconfessthatherwritingshavegreatmerit，butit’sapityonecannotgotothehouse，exceptunderanincognito。\"
\"Whynot？\"Iasked，insomeastonishment。
\"What！\"saidshetotheabbe，\"youdidnottellhimwhosehouseitis？\"
\"Ididnotthinkitnecessary，herfatherandmotherrarelyshewthemselves。\"
\"Well，it’sofnoconsequence。\"
\"Butwhatisherfather？\"Iasked，\"thehangman，perhaps？\"
\"Worse，he’sthe’bargello’，andyoumustseethatastrangercannotbereceivedintogoodsocietyhereifhegoestosuchplacesasthat。\"
Chiaccherilookedratherhurt，andIthoughtitmydutytosaythatI
wouldnotgothereagaintilltheeveofmydeparture。
\"Isawhersisteronce，\"saidthemarchioness；\"sheisreallycharminglypretty，andit’sagreatpitythatwithherbeautyandirreproachablemoralitysheshouldbecondemnedtomarryamanofherfather’sclass。\"
\"IonceknewamannamedColtellini，\"Ireplied；\"heisthesonofthebargelloofFlorence，andispoet—inordinarytotheEmpressofRussia。
IshalltrytomakeamatchbetweenhimandFortuna’ssister；heisayoungmanofthegreatesttalents。\"
Themarchionessthoughtmyideaanexcellentone，butsoonafterIheardthatColtelliniwasdead。
The’bargello’isacordially—detestedpersonalloverItaly，ifyouexceptModena，wheretheweaknobilitymakemuchofthe’bargello’，anddojusticetohisexcellenttable。Thisisacuriousfact，forasarulethesebargellosarespies，liars，traitors，cheats，andmisanthropes，foramandespisedhateshisdespisers。
AtSiennaIwasshewnaCountPiccolomini，alearnedandagreeableman。
Hehadastrangewhim，however，ofspendingsixmonthsintheyearinthestrictestseclusioninhisownhouse，nevergoingoutandneverseeinganycompany；readingandworkingthewholetime。Hecertainlydidhisbesttomakeupforhishibernationduringtheothersixmonthsintheyear。
ThemarchionesspromisedshewouldcometoRomeinthecourseofthesummer。ShehadthereanintimatefriendinBianconiwhohadabandonedthepracticeofmedicine，andwasnowtherepresentativeoftheCourtofSaxony。
Ontheeveofmydeparture，thedriverwhowastotakemetoRomecameandaskedmeifIwouldliketotakeatravellingcompanion，andsavemyselfthreesequins。
\"Idon’twantanyone。\"
\"Youarewrong，forsheisverybeautiful\"
\"Isshebyherself？\"
\"No，sheiswithagentlemanonhorseback，whowishestorideallthewaytoRome。\"
\"Thenhowdidthegirlcomehere？\"
\"Onhorseback，butsheistiredout，andcannotbearitanylonger。ThegentlemanhasofferedmefoursequinstotakehertoRome，andasIamapoormanIthinkyoumightletmeearnthemoney。\"
\"Isupposehewillfollowthecarriage？\"
\"Hecangoashelikes；thatcan’tmakemuchdifferencetoeitherofus。\"
\"Yousaysheisyoungandpretty。\"
\"Ihavebeentoldso，butIhaven’tseenhermyself。\"
\"Whatsortofamanishercompanion？\"
\"He’safineman，buthecanspeakverylittleItalian。\"
\"Hashesoldthelady’shorse？\"
\"No，itwashired。Hehasonlyonetrunk，whichwillgobehindthecarriage。\"
\"Thisisallverystrange。Ishallnotgiveanydecisionbeforespeakingtothisman。\"
\"Iwilltellhimtowaitonyou。\"
Directlyafterwards，abrisk—lookingyoungfellow，carryinghimselfwellenough，andcladinafancyuniform，camein。HetoldmethetaleIhadheardfromthecoachman，andendedbysayingthathewassureIwouldnotrefusetoaccommodatehiswifeinmycarriage。
\"Yourwife，sir？\"
IsawhewasaFrenchman，andIaddressedhiminFrench。
\"Godbepraised！Youcanspeakmynativetongue。Yes，sir，sheisanEnglishwomanandmywife。Iamsureshewillbenotroubletoyou。\"
\"Verygood。Idon’twanttostartlaterthanIhadarranged。Willshebereadyatfiveo’clock？\"
\"Certainly。\"
ThenextmorningwhenIgotintomycarriage，Ifoundheralreadythere。
Ipaidhersomeslightcompliment，andsatdownbesideher，andwedroveoff。
CHAPTERXII
MissBetty——TheComtedeL’Etoile——SirB***M***——ReassuredThiswasthefourthadventureIhadhadofthiskind。Thereisnothingparticularlyoutofthecommoninhavingafellow—travellerinone’scarriage；thistime，however，theaffairhadsomethingdecidedlyromanticaboutit。
Iwasforty—five，andmypursecontainedtwohundredsequins。Istilllovedthefairsex，thoughmyardourhaddecreased，myexperiencehadripened，andmycautionincreased。Iwasmorelikeaheavyfatherthanayounglover，andIlimitedmyselftopretensionsofthemostmodestcharacter。
Theyoungpersonbesidemewasprettyandgentle—looking，shewasneatlythoughsimplydressedintheEnglishfashion，shewasfairandsmall，andherbuddingbreastcouldbeseenoutlinedbeneaththefinemuslinofherdress。Shehadalltheappearancesofmodestyandnoblebirth，andsomethingofvirginalinnocence，whichinspiredonewithattachmentandrespectatthesametime。
\"IhopeyoucanspeakFrenchmadam？\"Ibegan。
\"Yes，andalittleItaliantoo。\"
\"Icongratulatemyselfonhavingyouformytravellingcompanion。\"
\"Ithinkyoushouldcongratulateme。\"
\"IheardyoucametoSiennaonhorseback。\"
\"Yes，butIwillneverdosuchafoolishthingagain。\"\"Ithinkyourhusbandwouldhavebeenwisetosellhishorseandbuyacarriage。\"
\"Hehiredit；itdoesnotbelongtohim。FromRomewearegoingtodrivetoNaples。\"
\"Youliketravelling？\"
\"Verymuch，butwithgreatercomfort。\"
WiththesewordstheEnglishgirl，whosewhiteskindidnotlookasifitcouldcontainadropofblood，blushedmostviolently。
Iguessedsomethingofhersecret，andbeggedpardon；andformorethananhourIremainsilent，pretendingtogazeatthescenery，butinrealitythinkingofher，forshebegantoinspiremewithalivelyinterest。
Thoughthepositionofmyyoungcompanionwasmorethanequivocal，I
determinedtoseemywayclearlybeforeItookanydecisivestep；andI
waitedpatientlytillwegottoBonCouvent，whereweexpectedtodineandmeetthehusband。
Wegotthereatteno’clock。
InItalythecarriagesnevergofasterthanawalk；amanonfootcanoutstripthem，astheyrarelyexceedthreemilesanhour。Thetediumofajourneyundersuchcircumstancesissomethingdreadful，andinthehotmonthsonehastostopfiveorsixhoursinthemiddleofthedaytoavoidfallingill。
MycoachmansaidhedidnotwanttogobeyondSt。Quirico，wheretherewasanexcellentinn，thatnight，soheproposedwaitingatBonCouventtillfouro’clock。Wehadthereforesixhourswhereintorest。
TheEnglishgirlwasastonishedatnotfindingherhusband，andlookedforhiminalldirections。Inoticedher，andaskedthelandlordwhathadbecomeofhim。Heinformedusthathehadbreakfastedandbaitedhishorse，andhadthengoneon，leavingwordthathewouldawaitusatSt。
Quiricoandordersupperthere。
Ithoughtitallverystrange，butIsaidnothing。Thepoorgirlbeggedmetoexcuseherhusband’sbehaviour。
\"Hehasgivenmeamarkofhisconfidence，madam，andthereisnothingtobeoffendedat。\"
Thelandlordaskedmeifthevetturinopaidmyexpenses，andIansweredinthenegative；andthegirlthentoldhimtoaskthevetturinoifhewaspayingforher。
Themancamein，andtoconvincetheladythatprovidingherwithmealswasnotinthecontract，hegaveherapaperwhichshehandedtometoread。Itwassigned\"Comtedel’Etoile。\"
Whenshewasalonewithmemyyoungcompanionbeggedmeonlytoorderdinnerformyself。
Iunderstoodherdelicacy，andthismadeherallthedearertome。
\"Madame，\"saidI，\"youmustpleaselookuponmeasanoldfriend。
Iguessyouhavenomoneyaboutyou，andthatyouwishtofastfrommotivesofdelicacy。Yourhusbandshallrepayme，ifhewillhaveitso。
IfItoldthelandlordtoonlypreparedinnerformyselfIshouldbedishonouringthecount，yourselfpossibly，andmyselfmostofall。\"
\"Ifeelyouarerightsir。Letdinnerbeservedfortwo，then；butI
cannoteat，forIfeelill，andIhopeyouwillnotmindmylyingonthebedforamoment。\"
\"Praydonotletmedisturbyou。Thisisapleasantroom，andtheycanlaythetableinthenext。Liedown，andsleepifyoucan，andIwillorderdinnertobereadybytwo。Ihopeyouwillbefeelingbetterbythen。\"
Ileftherwithoutgivinghertimetoanswer，andwenttoorderdinner。
IhadceasedtobelievetheFrenchmantobethebeautifulEnglishwoman’shusband，andbegantothinkIshouldhavetofighthim。
Thecase，Ifeltcertain，wasoneofelopementandseduction；and，superstitiousasusual，Iwassurethatmygoodgeniushadsentmeinthenickoftimetosaveherandcareforher，andinshorttosnatchherfromthehandsofherinfamousdeceiver。
ThusIfondledmygrowingpassion。
Ilaughedattheabsurdtitletherascalhadgivenhimself，andwhenthethoughtstruckmethathehadpossiblyabandonedhertomealtogether，I
madeupmymindthathedeservedhanging。Nevertheless，Iresolvednevertoleaveher。
Ilaydownonthebed，andasIbuiltathousandcastlesintheairI
fellasleep。
Thelandladyawokemesoftly，sayingthatthreeo’clockhadstruck。
\"Waitamomentbeforeyoubringinthedinner。Iwillgoandseeiftheladyisawake。\"
Iopenedthedoorgently，andsawshewasstillasleep，butasIclosedthedooraftermethenoiseawokeher，andsheaskedifIhaddined。
\"Ishallnottakeanydinner，madam，unlessyoudomethehonourtodinewithme。Youhavehadafivehours’rest，andIhopeyouarebetter。\"
\"Iwillsitdownwithyoutodinner，asyouwishit。\"
\"Thatmakesmehappy，andIwillorderdinnertobeservedforthwith。\"
Sheatelittle，butwhatlittleshedideatwastakenwithagoodappetite。Shewasagreeablysurprisedtoseethebeefsteaksandplumpudding，whichIhadorderedforher。
Whenthelandladycamein，sheaskedherifthecookwasanEnglishman，andwhensheheardthatIhadgivendirectionsforthepreparationofhernationaldishes，sheseemedfullofgratitude。Shecheeredup，andcongratulatedmeonmyappetite，whileIencouragedhertodrinksomeexcellentMontepulcianoandMontefiascone。Bydessertshewasingoodspirits，whileIfeltratherexcited。Shetoldme，inItalian，thatshewasborninLondon，andIthoughtIshouldhavediedwithjoy，inreplytomyquestionwhethersheknewMadameCornelis，sherepliedthatshehadknownherdaughterastheyhadbeenatschooltogether。
\"HasSophiegrowntall？\"
\"No，sheisquitesmall，butsheisverypretty，andsoclever。\"
\"Shemustnowbeseventeen。\"
\"Exactly。Weareofthesameage。\"
Asshesaidthissheblushedandloweredhereyes。
\"Areyouill？\"
\"Notatall。Iscarcelyliketosayit，butSophieistheveryimageofyou。\"
\"Whyshouldyouhesitatetosayso？。Ithasbeenremarkedtomebefore。
Nodoubtitisamerecoincidence。Howlongagoisitsinceyouhaveseenher？\"
\"Eighteenmonths；shewentbacktohermother’s，tobemarriedasitwassaid，butIdon’tknowtowhom。\"
\"Yournewsinterestsmedeeply。\"
Thelandlordbroughtmethebill，andIsawanoteofthreepainswhichherhusbandhadspentonhimselfandhishorse。
\"Hesaidyouwouldpay，\"observedthelandlord。
TheEnglishwomanblushed。Ipaidthebill，andwewenton。
Iwasdelightedtoseeherblushing，itprovedshewasnotapartytoherhusband’sproceedings。
IwasburningwiththedesiretoknowhowshehadleftLondonandhadmettheFrenchman，andwhytheyweregoingtoRome；butIdidnotwanttotroubleherbymyquestions，andIlovedhertoowellalreadytogiveheranypain。
Wehadathreehours’drivebeforeus，soIturnedtheconversationtoSophie，withwhomshehadbeenatschool。
\"WasMissNancySteynetherewhenyouleft？\"saidI。
ThereadermayrememberhowfondIhadbeenofthisyounglady，whohaddinedwithme，andwhomIhadcoveredwithkisses，thoughshewasonlytwelve。
MycompanionsighedathearingthenameofNancy，andtoldmethatshehadleft。
\"Wassheprettywhenyouknewher？\"
\"Shewasabeauty，butherlovelinesswasafatalgifttoher。Nancywasaclosefriendofmine，welovedeachothertenderly；andperhapsoursympathyarosefromthesimilarityofthefateinstoreforus。Nancy，toolovingandtoosimple，isnow，perhaps，evenmoreunhappythanmyself。\"
\"Moreunhappy？Whatdoyoumean？\"
\"Alas！\"
\"Isitpossiblethatfatehastreatedyouharshly？Isitpossiblethatyoucanbeunhappywithsuchaletterofcommendationasnaturehasgivenyou？\"
\"Alas！letusspeakofsomethingelse。\"
Hercountenancewassuffusedwithemotion。Ipitiedherinsecret，andledtheconversationbacktoNancy。
\"TellmewhyyouthinkNancyisunhappy。\"
\"Sheranawaywithayoungmansheloved；theydespairedofgainingtheparents’consenttothematch。Sinceherflightnothinghasbeenheardofher，andyouseeIhavesomereasontofearthatsheisunhappy。\"
\"Youareright。Iwouldwillinglygivemylifeifitcouldbethesavingofher。\"
\"Wheredidyouknowher？\"
\"Inmyownhouse。SheandSophiedinedwithme，andherfathercameinattheendofthemeal。\"
\"NowIknowwhoyouare。HowoftenhaveIheardSophietalkingofyou。
Nancylovedyouaswellasherfather。IheardthatyouhadgonetoRussia，andhadfoughtaduelwithageneralinPoland。Isthistrue？
HowIwishIcouldtelldearSophieallthis，butImaynotentertainsuchhopesnow。\"
\"Youhaveheardthetruthaboutme；butwhatshouldpreventyouwritingwhatyouliketoEngland？Itakealivelyinterestinyou，trustinme，andIpromiseyouthatyoushallcommunicatewithwhomyouplease。\"
\"Iamvastlyobligedtoyou。\"
Withthesewordsshebecamesilent，andIlefthertoherthoughts。
Atseveno’clockwearrivedatSt。Quirico，andtheso—calledComtedel’Etoilecameoutandwelcomedhiswifeinthemostlovingfashion，kissingherbeforeeverybody，nodoubtwiththeobjectofgivingpeopletounderstandthatshewashiswife，andIherfather。
Thegirlrespondedtoallhiscaresses，lookingasifaloadhadbeenliftedoffherbreast，andwithoutawordofreproachshewentupstairswithhim，havingapparentlyforgottenmyexistence。Isetthatdowntolove，youth，andtheforgetfulnessnaturaltothatearlyage。
Iwentupstairsinmyturnwithmycarpetbag，andsupperwasserveddirectly，aswehadtostartveryearlythenextmorningifwewishedtoreachRadicofanibeforethenoondayheat。
Wehadanexcellentsupper，asthecounthadprecededusbysixhours，andthelandlordhadhadplentyoftimetomakehispreparations。TheEnglishgirlseemedasmuchinlovewithdel’Etoileashewithher，andIwasleftcompletelyoutinthecold。Icannotdescribethehighspirits，thesomewhatriskysallies，andtheoutrageoushumoursoftheyounggentleman；thegirllaughedwithallherheart，andIcouldnothelplaughingtoo。
IconsideredthatIwaspresentatakindofcomedy，andnotagesture，notaword，notalaughdidIallowtoescapeme。
\"Hemaybemerelyarichandfeather—brainedyoungofficer，\"Isaidtomyself，\"whotreatseverythinginthisfarcicalmanner。Hewon’tbethefirstofthespeciesIhaveseen。Theyareamusing，butfrivolous，andsometimesdangerous，wearingtheirhonourlightly，andtooapttocarryitatthesword’spoint。\"
OnthishypothesisIwasillpleasedwithmyposition。Ididnotmuchlikehismannertowardsmyself；heseemedtobemakingadupeofme，andbehavedallthewhileasifheweredoingmeanhonour。
OnthesuppositionthattheEnglishwomanwashiswife，histreatmentofmyselfwascertainlynotwarranted，andIwasnotthemantoplayzero。
Icouldnotdisguisethefact，however，thatanyonlookerwouldhavepronouncedmetobeplayinganinferiorpart。
Thereweretwobedsintheroomwherewehadoursupper。Whenthechambermaidcametoputonthesheets，Itoldhertogivemeanotherroom。Thecountpolitelybeggedmetosleepinthesameroomwiththem，andtheladyremainedneutral；butIdidnotmuchcarefortheircompany，andinsistedonleavingthemalone。
Ihadmycarpetbagtakentomyroom，wishedthemagoodnightandlockedmyselfin。Myfriendshadonlyonesmalltrunk，whenceIconcludedthattheyhadsentontheirluggagebyanotherway；buttheydidnotevenhavethetrunkbroughtuptotheirroom。Iwenttobedtranquilly，feelingmuchlessinterestedabouttheladythanIhadbeenonthejourney。
Iwasrousedearlyinthemorning，andmadeahastytoilette。Icouldhearmyneighboursdressing，soIhalfopenedmydoor，andwishedthemgooddaywithoutgoingintotheirroom。
InaquarterofanhourIheardthesoundofadisputeinthecourt—yard，andonlookingout，thereweretheFrenchmanandthevetturinoarguinghotly。Thevetturinoheldthehorse’sbridle，andthepretendedcountdidhisbesttosnatchitawayfromhim。
Iguessedtheboneofcontention:theFrenchmanhadnomoney，andthevetturinoaskedinvainforhisdue。IknewthatIshouldbedrawnintothedispute，andwasmakingupmymindtodomydutywithoutmercy，whentheCountdel’Etoilecameinandsaid，——
\"ThisblockheaddoesnotunderstandwhatIsaytohim；butashemayhaverightonhisside，Imustaskyoutogivehimtwosequins。IwillreturnyouthemoneyatRome。ByanoddchanceIhappentohavenomoneyaboutme，butthefellowmighttrustmeashehasgotmytrunk。However，hesayshemustbepaid，sowillyoukindlyobligeme？YoushallhearmoreofmeatRome。\"
Withoutwaitingformetoreply，therascalwentoutandrandownthestairs。Thevetturinoremainedintheroom。Iputmyheadoutofthewindow，andsawhimleaponhorsebackandgallopaway。
Isatdownonmybed，andturnedthesceneoverinmymind，rubbingmyhandsgently。AtlastIwentoffintoamadroaroflaughter；itstruckmeassowhimsicalandoriginalanadventure。
\"Laughtoo，\"saidItothelady，\"laughorIwillnevergetup。\"
\"Iagreewithyouthatit’slaughableenough，butIhavenotthespirittolaugh。\"
\"Well，sitdownatallevents。\"
Igavethepoordevilofavetturinotwosequins，tellinghimthatI
shouldlikesomecoffeeandtostartinaquarterofanhour。
Iwasgrievedtoseemycompanion’ssadness。
\"Iunderstandyourgrief，\"saidI，\"butyoumusttrytoovercomeit。I
haveonlyonefavourtoaskofyou，andifyourefusetograntmethat，I
shallbeassadasyou，soweshallberatheramelancholycouple。\"
\"WhatcanIdoforyou？\"
\"Youcantellmeonyourwordofhonourwhetherthatextraordinarycharacterisyourhusband，oronlyyourlover。\"
\"Iwilltellyouthesimpletruth；heisnotmyhusband，butwearegoingtobemarriedatRome。\"
\"Ibreatheagain。Henevershallbeyourhusband，andsomuchthebetterforyou。Hehasseducedyou，andyoulovehim，butyouwillsoongetoverthat。\"
\"Never，unlesshedeceivesme。\"
\"Hehasdeceivedyoualready。Iamsurehehastoldyouthatheisrich，thatheisamanofrank，andthathewillmakeyouhappy；andallthatisalie。\"
\"Howcanyouknowallthis？\"
\"Experience——experienceismygreatteacher。Yourloverisayoungfeather—brain，amanofnoworth。Hemightpossiblymarryyou，butitwouldbeonlytosupporthimselfbythesaleofyourcharms。\"
\"Helovesme；Iamsureofit。\"
\"Yes，helovesyou，butnotwiththeloveofamanofhonour。Withoutknowingmyname，ormycharacter，oranythingaboutme，hedeliveredyouovertomytendermercies。Amanofanydelicacywouldneverabandonhislovedonethus。\"
\"Heisnotjealous。YouknowFrenchmenarenot。\"
\"AmanofhonouristhesameinFrance，andEngland，andItaly，andalltheworldover。Ifhelovedyou，wouldhehaveleftyoupennilessinthisfashion？Whatwouldyoudo，ifIwereinclinedtoplaythebrutallover？Youmayspeakfreely。\"
\"Ishoulddefendmyself。\"
\"Verygood；thenIshouldabandonyouhere，andwhatwouldyoudothen？
Youarepretty，youareawomanofsensibility，butmanymenwouldtakebutlittleaccountofyourvirtue。Yourloverhasleftyoutome；forallheknewImightbethevilestwretch；butasitis，cheerup，youhavenothingtofear。
\"Howcanyouthinkthatadventurerlovesyou？Heisameremonster。I
amsorrythatwhatIsaymakesyouweep，butitmustbesaid。IevendaretellyouthatIhavetakenagreatlikingtoyou；butyoumayfeelquitesurethatIshallnotaskyoutogivemesomuchasakiss，andI
willneverabandonyou。BeforewegettoRomeIshallconvinceyouthatthecount，ashecallshimself，notonlydoesnotloveyou，butisacommonswindleraswellasadeceiver。\"
\"Youwillconvincemeofthat？\"
\"Yes，onmywordofhonour！Dryyoureyes，andletustrytomakethisdaypassaspleasantlyasyesterday。YoucannotimaginehowgladIfeelthatchancehasconstitutedmeyourprotector。Iwantyoutofeelassuredofmyfriendship，andifyoudonotgivemealittleloveinreturn，Iwilltryandbearitpatiently。
Thelandlordcameinandbroughtthebillforthecountandhismistressaswellasformyself。Ihadexpectedthis，andpaiditwithoutaword，andwithoutlookingatthepoorwanderingsheepbesideme。Irecollectedthattoostrongmedicineskill，anddonotcure，andIwasafraidIhadsaidalmosttoomuch。
Ilongedtoknowherhistory，andfeltsureIshouldhearitbeforewereachedRome。Wetooksomecoffeeanddeparted，andnotawordpassedbetweenustillwegottotheinnatLaScala，wherewegotdown。
TheroadfromLaScalatoRadicofaniissteepandtroublesome。Thevetturinowouldrequireanextrahorse，andeventhenwouldhavetakenfourhours。Idecided，therefore，totaketwoposthorses，andnottobeginthejourneytillteno’clock。
\"Woulditnotbebettertogoonnow？\"saidtheEnglishgirl；\"itwillbeveryhotfromtentillnoon。\"
\"Yes，buttheComtedel’Ltoile，whomweshouldbesuretomeetatRadicofani，wouldnotliketoseeme。\"
\"Whynot？Iamsurehewould。\"
IfIhadtoldhermyreasonshewouldhaveweptanew，soinpityIsparedher。Isawthatshewasblindedbylove，andcouldnotseethetruecharacterofherlover。Itwouldbeimpossibletocureherbygentleandpersuasiveargument；Imustspeaksharply，thewoundmustbesubjectedtotheactualcautery。Butwasvirtuethecauseofallthisinterest？Wasitdevotiontoayoungandinnocentgirlthatmademewillingtoundertakesodifficultandsodelicateatask？Doubtlessthesemotiveswentforsomething，butIwillnotattempttostrutinborrowedplumes，andmustfreelyconfessthatifshehadbeenuglyandstupidIshouldprobablyhavelefthertoherfate。Inshort，selfishnesswasatthebottomofitall，soletussaynomoreaboutvirtue。
Mytrueaimwastosnatchthisdelicatemorselfromanother’shandthatI
mightenjoyitmyself。Ididnotconfessasmuchtomyself，forIcouldneverbeartocalmlyviewmyownfailings，butafterwardsIcametotheconclusionthatIactedapartthroughout。Isselfishness，then，theuniversalmotorofouractions？Iamafraiditis。
ImadeBetty（suchwashername）takeacountrywalkwithme，andthescenerythereissobeautifulthatnopoetnorpaintercouldimagineamoredeliciousprospect。BettyspokeTuscanwithEnglishidiomsandanEnglishaccent，buthervoicewassosilveryandclearthatherItalianwasdelightfultolistento。Ilongedtokissherlipsastheyspokesosweetly，butIrespectedherandrestrainedmyself。
Wewerewalkingalongengagedinagreeableconverse，whenallatonceweheardthechurchbellspealout。BettysaidshehadneverseenaCatholicservice，andIwasgladtogiveherthatpleasure。Itwasthefeastdayofsomelocalsaint，andBettyassistedathighmasswithallpropriety，imitatingthegesturesofthepeople，sothatnoonewouldhavetakenherforaProtestant。Afteritwasover，shesaidshethoughttheCatholicritewasmuchmoreadaptedtotheneedsoflovingsoulsthantheAngelican。Shewasastonishedatthesouthernbeautyofthevillagegirls，whomshepronouncedtobemuchhandsomerthatthecountrylassesinEngland。Sheaskedmethetime，andIrepliedwithoutthinkingthatI
wonderedshehadnotgotawatch。Sheblushedandsaidthecounthadaskedhertogiveithimtoleaveinpawnforthehorsehehired。
IwassorryforwhatIhadsaid，forIhadputBetty，whowasincapableofalie，togreatpain。
Westartedatteno’clockwiththreehorses，andasacoolwindwasblowingwehadapleasantdrive，arrivingatRadicofaniatnoon。
Thelandlord，whowasalsothepostmaster，askedifIwouldpaythreepaulswhichtheFrenchmanhadexpendedforhishorseandhimself，assuringthelandlordthathisfriendwouldpay。
ForBetty’ssakeIsaidIwouldpay；butthiswasnotall。
\"Thegentleman，\"addedtheman，\"hasbeatenthreeofmypostillionswithhisnakedsword。Oneofthemwaswoundedintheface，andhehasfollowedhisassailant，andwillmakehimpaydearlyforit。Thereasonoftheassaultwasthattheywantedtodetainhimtillhehadpaid。\"
\"Youwerewrongtoallowviolencetobeused；hedoesnotlooklikeathief，andyoumighthavetakenitforgrantedthatIshouldpay。\"
\"Youaremistaken；Iwasnotobligedtotakeanythingofthesortforgranted；Ihavebeencheatedinthissortmanytimesbefore。Yourdinnerisreadyifyouwantany。
PoorBettywasindespair。Sheobservedadistressedsilence；andI
triedtoraiseherspirits，andtomakehereatagooddinner，andtotastetheexcellentMuscat，ofwhichthehosthadprovidedanenormousflask。
Allmyeffortswereinvain，soIcalledthevetturinototellhimthatI
wantedtostartdirectlyafterdinner。ThisorderactedonBettylikemagic。
\"YoumeantogoasfarasCentino，Isuppose，\"saidtheman。\"Wehadbetterwaittheretilltheheatisover。\"
\"No，wemustpushon，asthelady’shusbandmaybeinneedofhelp。Thewoundedpostillionhasfollowedhim；andashespeaksItalianveryimperfectly，there’snoknowingwhatmayhappentohim。\"
\"Verygood；wewillgooff。\"
Bettylookedatmewiththeutmostgratitude；andbywayofprovingit，shepretendedtohaveagoodappetite。Shehadnoticedthatthiswasacertainwayofpleasingme。
WhilewewereatdinnerIordereduponeofthebeatenpostillions，andheardhisstory。Hewasafrankrogue；hesaidhehadreceivedsomeblowswiththeflatofthesword，butheboastedofhavingsentastoneaftertheFrenchmanwhichmusthavemadeanimpressiononhim。
IgavehimaPaul，andpromisedtomakeitacrownifhewouldgotoCentinotobearwitnessagainsthiscomrade，andheimmediatelybegantospeakupforthecount，muchtoBetty’samusement。Hesaidtheman’swoundinthefacewasamerescratch，andthathehadbroughtitonhimself，ashehadnobusinesstoopposeatravellerashehaddone。BywayofcomforthetoldusthattheFrenchmanhadonlybeenhitbytwoorthreestones。Bettydidnotfindthisveryconsoling，butIsawthattheaffairwasmorecomicthantragic，andwouldendinnothing。Thepostillionwentoff，andwefollowedhiminhalfanhour。
Bettywastranquilenoughtillwegotthere，andheardthatthecounthadgoneontoAcquapendentewiththetwopostillionsathisheels；sheseemedquitevexed。Itoldherthatallwouldbewell；thatthecountknewhowtodefendhimself；butsheonlyansweredmewithadeepsigh。
Isuspectedthatshewasafraidweshouldhavetopassthenighttogether，andthatIwoulddemandsomepaymentforallthetroubleIhadtaken。
\"WouldyoulikeustogoontoAcquapendente？\"Iaskedher。
Atthisquestionherfacebeamedallover；sheopenedherarms，andI
embracedher。
Icalledthevetturino，andtoldhim。IwantedtogoontoAcquapendenteimmediately。
Thefellowrepliedthathishorseswereinthestable，andthathewasnotgoingtoputthemin；butthatIcouldhaveposthorsesifIliked。
\"Verygood。Getmetwohorsesimmediately。\"
Itismybeliefthat，ifIhadliked，Bettywouldhavegivenmeeverythingatthatmoment，forsheletherselffallintomyarms。I
pressedhertenderlyandkissedher，andthatwasallSheseemedgratefulformyself—restraint。
Thehorseswereputin，andafterIhadpaidthelandlordforthesupper，whichhesworehehadpreparedforus，westarted。
WereachedAcquapendenteinthreequartersofanhour，andwefoundthemadcapcountinhighspirits。HeembracedhisDulcineawithtransports，andBettyseemeddelightedtofindhimsafeandsound。Hetoldustriumphantlythathehadbeatentherascallypostillions，andhadwardedtheirstonesoff。
\"Where’stheslashedpostillion？\"Iasked。
\"Heisdrinkingtomyhealthwithhiscomrade；theyhavebothbeggedmypardon。\"
\"Yes，\"saidBetty，\"thisgentlemangavehimacrown。\"
\"Whatapity！Youshouldn’thavegiventhemanything。\"
BeforesuppertheComtedel’Etoileskewedusthebruisesonhisthighsandside；therascalwasafinewell—madefellow。However，Betty’sadoringairsirritatedme，thoughIwasconsoledatthethoughtoftheearnestIhadreceivedfromher。
Nextday，theimpudentfellowtoldmethathewouldorderusagoodsupperatViterbo，andthatofcourseIwouldlendhimasequintopayforhisdinneratMontefiascone。Sosaying，heskewedmeinanoff—handwayabillofexchangeonRomeforthreethousandcrowns。
Ididnottroubletoreadit，andgavehimthesequin，thoughIfeltsureIshouldneverseeitagain。
Bettynowtreatedmequiteconfidentially，andIfeltImightaskheralmostanyquestions。