TheworthyPopedidnotstopthere。Heorderedarigidscrutinyoftheaccountstobemade，andreducedthenumberfromahundredtofifty，doublingthedower。Healsoorderedthatallgirlswhoreachedtheageoftwenty—fivewithoutgettingmarriedshouldbesentawaywiththeirfourhundredcrownsapiece；thattwelvediscreetmatronsshouldhavechargeoftheyoungergirls，andthattwelveservantsshouldbepaidtodothehardworkofthehouse。
CHAPTERXVI
ISupattheInnWithArmellineandEmilieTheseinnovationsweretheworkofsomesixmonths。Thefirstreformwastheabolitionoftheprohibitiononenteringthelargeparlourandeventheinterioroftheconvent；forastheinmateshadtakennovowsandwerenotcloisterednuns，thesuperiorshouldhavebeenatlibertytoactaccordingtoherdiscretion。Menicucciohadlearntthisfromanotehissisterwrotehim，andwhichhebroughttomeinhighglee，askingmetocomewithhimtotheconvent，accordingtohissister’srequest，whosaidmypresencewouldbeacceptabletohergoverness。Iwastoaskforthegoverness。
Iwasonlytoogladtolendmyselftothispleasantarrangement，andfeltcurioustoseethefacesofthethreerecluses，aswellastohearwhattheyhadtosayonthesegreatchanges。
WhenwegotintothelargeparlourIsawtwogrates，oneoccupiedbytheAbbeGuasco，whomIhadknowninParisin1751，theotherbyaRussiannobleman，IvanIvanovitchSchuvaloff，andbyFatherJacquier，afriarminimoftheTrinitadeiMonti，andalearnedastronomer。BehindthegrateIsawthreeveryprettygirls。
Whenourfriendscamedownwebeganaveryinterestingconversation，whichhadtobeconductedinalowtoneforfearofourbeingoverheard。
Wecouldnottalkatoureasetilltheothervisitorshadtakentheirleave。Myyoungfriend’smistresswasaveryprettygirl，buthissisterwasaravishingbeauty。Shehadjustenteredonhersixteenthyear，butshewastallandherfigurewelldeveloped；inshort，sheenchantedme。IthoughtIhadneverseenawhiterskinorblackerhairandeyebrowsandeyes，butstillmorecharmingwasthesweetnessofhervoiceandexpression，andthenaivesimplicityofherexpressions。Hergovernesswhowastenortwelveyearsolderthanshewas，wasawomanofanextremelyinterestingexpression；shewaspaleandmelancholylooking，nodoubtfromthefireswhichshehadbeenforcedtoquenchwithinher。
Shedelightedmebytellingmeoftheconfusionwhichthenewregulationshadcausedinthehouse。
\"Themother—superioriswellpleased，\"shesaid，\"andallmyyoungcompanionsareoverjoyed；buttheolderoneswhomcircumstancehasmadeintobigotsarescandalizedateverything。Thesuperiorhasalreadygivenordersforwindowstobemadeinthedarkparlours，thoughtheoldwomensaythatshecannotgobeyondtheconcessionsshehasalreadyreceived。Tothisthesuperioransweredthatasfreecommunicationhadbeenallowed，itwouldbeabsurdtoretainthedarkness。Shehasalsogivenordersforthealterationofthedoublegrating，astherewasonlyasingleoneinthelargeparlour。\"
Ithoughtthesuperiormustbeawomanofintelligence，andexpressedadesiretoseeher。Emilieobtainedthispleasureformethefollowingday。
EmiliewasthefriendofArmelline，Menicuccio’ssister。Thisfirstvisitlastedtwohours，andseemedalltooshort。Menicucciospoketohiswell—belovedattheothergrating。
Iwentaway，afterhavinggiventhemtenRomancrownsasbefore。I
kissedArmelline’sfairhands，andasshefeltthecontactofmylipsherfacewassuffusedbyavividblush。Neverhadthelipsofmantouchedmoredaintyhandsbefore，andshelookedquiteastoundedattheardourwithwhichIkissedthem。
Iwenthomefullofloveforher，andwithoutheedingtheobstaclesinmypathIgavereinstomypassion，whichseemedtomethemostardentIhadeverexperienced。
Myyoungfriendwasinanoceanofbliss。Hehaddeclaredhislove，andthegirlhadsaidthatshewouldgladlybecomehiswifeifhecouldgetthecardinal’sconsent。Asthisconsentonlydependedonhisabilitytokeephimself，Ipromisedtogivehimahundredcrownsandmypatronage。
Hehadservedhistimeasatailor’sapprentice，andwasinapositiontoopenashopofhisown。
\"Ienvyyourlot，\"saidI，\"foryourhappinessisassured，whileI，thoughIloveyoursister，despairofpossessingher。\"
\"Areyoumarriedthen？\"heasked。
\"Alas，yes！Keepmycounsel，forIproposevisitinghereveryday，andifitwereknownthatIwasmarried，myvisitswouldbereceivedwithsuspicion。\"
Iwasobligedtotellthislietoavoidthetemptationofmarryingher，andtopreventArmellinethinkingthatIwascourtingherwiththatintention。
Ifoundthesuperioressapoliteandcleverwoman，whollyfreefromprejudices。Aftercomingdowntothegratetoobligeme，shesometimescameforherownpleasure。SheknewthatIwastheauthorofthehappyreformintheinstitution，andshetoldmethatsheconsideredherselfundergreatobligationstome。Inlessthansixweeksthreeofhergirlsmadeexcellentmarriages，andsixhundredcrownshadbeenaddedtotheyearlyincomeofthehouse。
Shetoldmethatshewasillpleasedwithoneoftheirconfessors。HewasaDominican，andmadeitarulethathispenitentsshouldapproachtheholytableeverySundayandfeastday；hekeptthemforhoursintheconfessional，andimposedpenancesandfastingswhichwerelikelytoinjurethehealthofyounggirls。
\"Allthis，\"saidshe，\"cannotimprovethemfromamortalpointofview，andtakesupalotoftheirtime，sothattheyhavenoneleftfortheirwork，bythesaleofwhichtheyprocuresomesmallcomfortsforthemselves。
\"Howmanyconfessorshaveyou？\"
\"Four。\"
\"Areyousatisfiedwiththeotherthree？\"
\"Yes，theyaresensiblemen，anddonotasktoomuchofpoorhumannature。\"
\"Iwillcarryyourjustcomplainttothecardinal；willyouwriteoutyourpetition？\"
\"Kindlygivemeamodel。\"
Igaveheraroughdraft，whichshecopiedoutandsigned，andIlaiditbeforehiseminence。AfewdaysaftertheDominicanwasremoved，andhispenitentsdividedamongstthethreeremainingconfessors。Theyoungermembersofthecommunityowedmeagreatdebtofgratitudeonaccountofthischange。
Menicucciowenttoseehissweethearteveryholiday，whileI，inmyamorousardour，visitedhissistereverymorningatnineo’clock。I
breakfastedwithherandEmilie，andremainedintheparlourtilleleven。
AstherewasonlyonegratingIcouldlockthedoorbehindme，butwecouldbeseenfromtheinterioroftheconvent，asthedoorwasleftopentoadmitlight，therebeingnowindow。Thiswasagreatannoyanceforme；recluses，youngorold，werecontinuallypassingby，andnoneofthemfailedtogiveaglanceinthedirectionofthegrate；thusmyfairArmellinecouldnotstretchoutherhandtoreceivemyamorouskisses。
TowardstheendofDecemberthecoldbecameintense，andIbeggedthesuperiortoallowmetoplaceascreeninfrontofthedoor，asIfearedIshouldcatchcoldotherwise。Theworthywomangrantedmyrequestwithoutanydifficulty，andwewereatoureaseforthefuture，thoughthedesireswithwhichArmellineinspiredmehadbecomedreadfultorment。
Onthe1stdayofJanuary，1771，Ipresentedeachofthemwithagoodwinterdress，andsentthesuperioraquantityofchocolate，sugar，andcoffee，allofwhichwereextremelywelcome。
Emilieoftencamebyherselftothegrating，asArmellinewasnotready，andinthesamewayArmellinewouldcomebyherselfwhenhergovernesshappenedtobebusy。Itwasinthesequartersofanhourthatshesucceededincaptivatingme，heartandsoul。
EmilieandArmellineweregreatfriends，buttheirprejudicesonthesubjectofsensualenjoymentweresostrongthatIcouldnevergetthemtolistentolicentioustalk，toallowcertainsmalllibertieswhichI
wouldgladlyhavetaken，ortoaffordmethosepleasuresoftheeyesthatweacceptindefaultofbetterthings。
Onedaytheywerepetrifiedbymyaskingthemwhethertheydidnotsometimessleepinthesamebed，soastogiveeachotherproofsofthetendernessoftheirmutualaffection。
HowtheyblushedEmilieaskedmewiththemostperfectinnocencewhattherewasincommonbetweenaffectionandtheinconvenienceofsleepingtwoinanarrowbed。
Itookcarenottoexplainmyself，forIsawthatIhadfrightenedthem。
NodoubttheywereofthesamefleshandbloodasI，butoureducatorshaddifferedwidely。Theyhadevidentlyneverconfidedtheirlittlesecretstooneanother，possiblynoteventotheirconfessor，eitherthroughshame，orwiththeideathatthelibertiestheyindulgedinalonewerenosin。
Imadethemapresentofsomesilkstockings，linedwithplushtokeepoutthecold，andvainlyendeavouredtomakethemtrythestockingsonbeforeme。ImightsayasoftenasIpleasedthattherewasnorealdifferencebetweenaman’slegsandawoman’s，andthattheirconfessorwouldlaughatthemiftheyconfessedtoshewingtheirlegs。Theyonlyansweredthatgirlswerenotallowedtotakesuchaliberty，astheyworepetticoatsonpurposetoconcealtheirlegs。
ThemannerinwhichEmiliespoke，alwayswithArmelline’sapprobation，convincedmethattheirmodestywasgenuine。Ipenetratedheridea；shethoughtthatinaccedingtomyrequestshewouldbeloweringherselfinmyeyes，andthatIshoulddespisehereverafter。NeverthelessEmiliewasawomanoftwenty—seven，andbynomeansadevotee。
AsforArmelline，IcouldseethatshetookEmilieforhermodel，andwouldhavebeenashamedofappearinglessprecisethanherfriend。I
thoughtshelovedme，andthat，contrarytothegeneralrule，shewouldbemoreeasilywonbyherselfthanincompanywithherfriend。
Imadethetrialonemorningwhensheappearedatthegratingbyherself，tellingmethathergovernesswasbusy。IsaidthatIadoredherandwasthemosthaplessofmen，forbeingamarriedmanIhadnohopeofeverbeingabletoclasphertomyarmsandcoverherwithkisses。
\"CanIcontinuetolive，dearArmelline，withnootherconsolationthanthatofkissingyourfairhands？\"
Atthesewords，pronouncedwithsomuchpassion，shefixedhergazeonme，andafterafewmoments’reflectionshebegantokissmyhandsasardentlyasIhadkissedhers。
IbeggedhertoputhermouthsothatImightkissit。Sheblushedaridlookeddown，anddidnothing。Ibewailedmyfatebitterly，butinvain。
ShewasdeafanddumbtillEmiliecameandaskeduswhyweweresodull。
Aboutthistime，thebeginningof1771，IwasvisitedbyMariuccia，whomIhadmarriedtenyearsbeforetoayounghairdresser。MyreadersmayrememberhowImetheratAbbeMomolo’s。DuringthethreemonthsIhadbeeninRomeIhadenquiredinvainastowhathadbecomeofher；sothatIwasdelightedwhenshemadeherappearance。
\"IsawyouatSt。Peter’s，\"saidshe，\"atthemidnightmassonChristmasEve，butnotdaringtoapproachyoubecauseofthepeoplewithwhomI
was，Itoldafriendofminetofollowyouandfindoutwhereyoulived。\"
\"HowisitthatIhavetriedtofindyououtinvainforthelastthreemonths？\"
\"MyhusbandsetupatFrascatieightyearsago，andwehavelivedthereveryhappilyeversince。\"
\"Iamverygladtohearit。Haveyouanychildren？\"
\"Four；andtheeldest，whoisnineyearsold，isverylikeyou。\"
\"Doyouloveher？\"
\"Iadoreher，butIlovetheotherthreeaswell。\"
AsIwantedtogotobreakfastwithArmellineIbeggedMargaritatokeepMariucciacompanytillmyreturn。
Mariucciadinedwithme，andwespentapleasantdaytogetherwithoutattemptingtorenewourmoretenderrelationship。Wehadplentytotalkabout，andshetoldmethatCosta，myoldservant，hadcomebacktoRomeinasplendidcoach，threeyearsafterIhadleft，andthathehadmarriedoneofMomolo’sdaughters。
\"He’sarascal；herobbedme。\"
\"Iguessedasmuch；histheftdidhimnogood。Helefthiswifetwoyearsaftertheirmarriage，andnooneknowswhathasbecomeofhim。\"
\"Howabouthiswife？\"
\"SheislivingmiserablyinRome。Herfatherisdead。\"
Ididnotcaretogoandseethepoorwoman，forIcouldnotdoanythingforher，andIcouldnothavehelpedsayingthatifIcaughtherhusbandIwoulddomybesttohavehimhanged。Suchwasindeedmyintentionuptotheyear1785，whenIfoundthisrunagateatVienna。HewasthenCountErdich’sman，andwhenwecometothatperiodthereadershallhearwhatIdid。
IpromisedMariucciatocomeandseeherinthecourseofLent。
ThePrincessSantaCroceandtheworthyCardinalBernispitiedmeformyhaplesslove；Ioftenconfidedmysufferingstotheirsympathizingears。
ThecardinaltoldtheprincessthatshecouldverywellobtainpermissionfromCardinalOrsinitotakeArmellinetothetheatre，andthatifI
caredtojointhepartyImightfindherlesscruel。
\"Thecardinalwillmakenoobjection，\"saidhe，\"asArmellinehastakennovows；butasyoumustknowourfriend’smistressbeforemakingyourrequest，youhaveonlytotellthecardinalthatyouwouldliketoseetheinteriorofthehouse。\"
\"Doyouthinkhewillgivemeleave？\"
\"Certainly；theinmatesarenotcloisterednuns。Wewillgowithyou。\"
\"Youwillcometoo？thatwillbeadelightfulpartyindeed。\"
\"Askforleave，andwewillarrangetheday。\"
Thisplanseemedtomeadeliciousdream。IguessedthatthegallantcardinalwascurioustoseeArmelline，butIwasnotafraidasIknewhewasaconstantlover。BesidesIfeltsurethatifhetookaninterestinthefairreclusehewouldbecertaintofindherahusband。
InthreeorfourdaystheprincesssummonedmetoherboxintheAlbertiTheatre，andshewedmeCardinalOrsini’snote，allowingherandherfriendstoseetheinteriorofthehouse。
\"To—morrowafternoon，\"saidshe，\"wewillfixthedayandthehourforthevisit。\"
NextdayIpaidmyusualvisittotherecluses，andthesuperioresscametotellmethatthecardinalhadtoldherthatthePrincessSantaCrocewascomingtovisitthehousewithsomefriends。
\"Iknowit，\"saidI；\"Iamcomingwithher。\"
\"Whenisshecoming？\"
\"Idon’tknowyet，butIwillinformyoulateron。\"
\"Thisnoveltyhasturnedthehouseupsidedown。Thedevoteesscarcelyknowwhethertheyareawakeordreaming，forwiththeexceptionofafewpriests，thedoctor，andthesurgeon，noonehaseverenteredthehousesinceitsfoundation。\"
\"Alltheserestrictionsarenowremoved，andyouneednotaskthecardinal’spermissiontoreceivevisitsfromyourfriends。\"
\"Iknowthat，butIdon’tliketogosofar。\"
Thetimeforthevisitwasfixedfortheafternoonofthenextday，andI
letthesuperioressknowearlythenextmorning。TheDuchessofFianohadaskedtojoinus；thecardinalcame，ofcourse，dressedasasimplepriest，withnoindicationofhisexaltedrank。HeknewArmellinedirectlyfrommydescription，andcongratulatedheronhavingmademyacquaintance。
Thepoorgirlblushedtotherootsofherhair；andIthoughtshewouldhavefaintedwhentheprincess，aftertellinghershewastheprettiestgirlinthehouse，gavehertwoaffectionatekisses，amarkoffriendshipstrictlyforbiddenbytherules。
Afterthesecaresses，theprincessproceededtocomplimentthesuperioress。ShesaidthatIhaddonewelltopraiseherparts，asshecouldjudgeofthembytheorderandneatnesswhichreignedeverywhere。
\"IshallmentionyournametoCardinalOrsini，\"sheadded，\"andyoumaybesureIshalldoyouallthejusticeyoudeserve。\"
Whenwehadseenalltherooms，whichcontainednothingworthseeing，I
presentedEmilietotheprincess，whoreceivedherwithgreatcordiality。
\"Ihaveheardofyoursadness，\"shesaid，\"butIknowthereasonofit。
Youareagoodgirl，andprettytoo，andIshallgetyouahusbandwhowillcureyouofyourmelancholy。\"
Thesuperioressgaveasmileofapprobation，butIsawadozenageddevoteespullingwryfaces。
Emiliedarednotreply，butshetooktheprincess’shandandkissedit，asiftosummonhertokeepherpromise。
Asforme，Iwasdelightedtoseethatthoughallthegirlswerereallypretty，myArmellineeclipsedthemall，asthelightofthesunobscuresthestars。
Whenwecamedowntotheparlour，theprincesstoldArmellinethatshemeanttoaskleaveofthecardinaltotakehertwoorthreetimestothetheatrebeforeLentbegan。Thisobservationseemedtopetrifyeveryoneexceptthesuperioress，whosaidthathiseminencehadnowaperfectrighttorelaxanyoralloftherulesoftheestablishment。
PoorArmellinewassooverwhelmedbetweenjoyandconfusionthatshecouldnotspeak。Sheseemedunabletofindwordswhereintothanktheprincess，whocommendedherandherfriendEmilietothesuperioressbeforesheleftthehouse，andgaveherasmallpresenttobuynecessariesforthem。
Nottobeoutdone，theDuchessofFianotoldthesuperioressthatshewouldmakemethealmonerofherbountytowardsArmellineandEmilie。
Myexpressionsofgratitudetotheprincesswhenwewerebackinthecarriagemaybeimagined。
IhadnoneedtoexcuseArmelline，fortheprincessandthecardinalhadgaugedhercapacities。Herconfusionhadpreventedhershewinghercleverness，butherfaceshewedhertopossessit。Besides，theinfluenceoftheeducationshehadreceivedhadtobetakenintoaccount。
Theprincesswasimpatienttotakehertothetheatre，andafterwardstosupperataninn，accordingtotheRomancustom。
ShewrotethenamesofArmellineandEmilieuponhertablets，soastorememberthemoneveryoccasion。
IdidnotforgetthemistressofmypoorfriendMenicuccio，butthetimewasnotopportuneformentioninghername。Thenextday，however，Igotthecardinal’sear，andtoldhimthatIwasanxioustodosomethingfortheyoungman。Thecardinalsawhim，andMenicucciopleasedhimsowellthatthemarriagetookplacebeforetheendofthecarnival，thebridehavingadowryoffivehundredcrowns。WiththissumandthehundredcrownsIgavehim，hewasinapositiontoopenashopforhimself。
Thedayaftertheprincess’svisitwasatriumphantoneforme。AssoonasIappearedatthegratingthesuperioresswassentfor，andwehadaninterview。
Theprincesshadgivenherfiftycrowns，whichshewasgoingtolayoutonlinenforArmellineandEmilie。
TherecluseswerestupefiedwhenItoldthemthatthefatpriestwasCardinalBernis，astheyhadanideathatacardinalcanneverdoffthepurple。
TheDuchessofFianohadsentacaskofwine，whichwasanunknownbeveragethere，andthesepresentsmadethemhopeforothers。Iwaslookeduponasthebringerofallthisgoodluck，andgratitudesheweditselfsoplainlyineverywordandglancethatIfeltImighthopeforeverything。
Afewdayslater，theprincesstoldCardinalOrsinithatshehadtakenapeculiarinterestintwooftheyoungrecluses，anddesiringtoprovidethemwithsuitableestablishmentsshewishedtotakethemnowandagaintothetheatresoastogivethemsomeknowledgeoftheworld。Sheundertooktotakethemandbringthembackherselforonlytoconfidethemtosurehands。Thecardinalrepliedthatthesuperioressshouldreceiveinstructionstoobligeherineveryparaticular。
AssoonasIheardofthisfromtheprincess，IsaidthatIwouldascertainwhatordershadbeenactuallyreceivedattheconvent。
Thenextdaythesuperioresstoldmethathiseminencehadinstructedhertodowhatshethoughtbestforthewelfareoftheyoungpeoplecommittedtohercharge。
\"Ihavealsoreceivedorders，\"sheadded，\"tosendinthenamesofthosewhohaveattainedtheageofthirty，andwishtoleavetheconvent，thattheymayreceiveawarrantfortheirtwohundredcrowns。Ihavenotyetpublishedthiscommand，butIhaven’ttheslightestdoubtthatweshallgetridofascoreatleast。\"
Itoldtheprincessofthecardinal’sorders，andsheagreedwithmethathisbehaviourwasmostgenerous。
CardinalBernis，whowasby，advisedherthatthefirsttimeshetookthegirlstothetheatreshehadbettergoinperson，andtellthesuperioressthatshewouldalwayssendhercarriageandliveriedservantstofetchthem。
Theprincessapprovedofthisadvice，andafewdayslatershecalledforEmilieandArmelline，andbroughtthemtoherpalace，whereIawaitedthemwiththecardinal，theprince，andtheDuchessofFiano。
Theywerewelcomedwarmly，encouragedtoreply，tolaugh，andtosaywhatwasintheirminds，butallinvain；findingthemselvesforthefirsttimeinasplendidapartmentsurroundedbybrilliantcompany，theyweresoconfoundedthattheycouldnotsayaword。Emiliepersistedinrisingfromherseatwhenevershewasaddressed，andArmellineshoneonlybyherbeautyandthevividblushwhichsuffusedherfacewhenevershewasaddressed。Theprincessmightkissherasmuchasshepleased，butthenovicehadnotthecouragetoreturnherkisses。
AtlastArmellinemusteredupcouragetotaketheprincess’shandandkissit，butwhentheladykissedheronthelipsthegirlremainedinactive，seemingtobeabsolutelyignorantofsuchanaturalandeasymatterasthereturningofakiss。
Thecardinalandtheprincelaughed；theduchesssaidthatsomuchrestraintwasunnatural。AsformeIwasonthorns，suchawkwardnessseemedtomenearakintostupidity，forArmellinehadonlytodototheprincess’slipswhatshehadalreadydonetoherhand。Nodoubtshefanciedthattodototheprincesswhattheprincesshaddonetoherwouldshewtoomuchfamiliarity。
ThecardinaltookmeononesideandsaidhecouldnotbelievethatIhadnotinitiatedherinthecourseoftwomonths’intimacy，butIpointedouttohimtheimmenseforceoflongengrainedprejudice。
FarthisfirsttinetheprincesshadmadeuphermindtotakethemtotheTorrediNonnaTheatre，ascomicpieceswereplayedthere，andtheycouldnothelpbutlaugh。
Aftertheplaywewenttosupataninn，andattablethegoodcheerandmyexhortationsbegantotakesomeeffectonher。Wepersuadedthemtodrinkalittlewine，andtheirspiritsimprovedvisibly。Emilieceasedtobesad，andArmellinegavetheprincesssomerealkisses。Weapplaudedtheireffortstobegayandourapplauseconvincedthemthattheyhaddonenothingwrong。
Ofcoursetheprincesschargedmewiththepleasanttrustoftakingthetwoguestsbacktotheconvent。Now，Ithought，mytimehascome；butwhenwewereinthecarriageIsawthatIhadreckonedwithoutmyhost。
WhenIwouldhavekissed，headswereturnedaside；whenIwouldhavestretchedforthanindiscreethand，dresseswerewrappedmoretightly；
whenIwouldhaveforcedmyway，Iwasresistedbyforce；whenI
complained，IwastoldthatIwasinthewrong；whenIgotinarage，I
wasallowedtosayon；andwhenIthreatenedtoseethemnomore，theydidnotbelieveme。
Whenwegottotheconventaservantopenedthesidedoor，andnoticingthatshedidnotshutitafterthegirls，Iwentintoo，andwentwiththemtoseethesuperioress，whowasinbed，anddidnotseematallastonishedtoseeme。ItoldherthatIconsidereditmydutytobringbackheryoungchargesinperson。Shethankedme，askedthemiftheyhadhadapleasantevening，andbademegoodnight，beggingmetomakeaslittlenoiseaspossibleonmywaydownstairs。
Iwishedthemallhappyslumbers，andaftergivingasequintotheservantwhoopenedthedoor，andanothertothecoachman，Ihadmyselfsetdownatthedoorofmylodging。Margaritawasasleeponasofaandwelcomedmewithabuse，butshesoonfoundoutbytheardourofmycaressesthatIhadnotbeenguiltyofinfidelity。
Ididnotgetuptillnoon，andatthreeo’clockIcalledontheprincessandfoundthecardinalalreadythere。
Theyexpectedtohearthestoryofmytriumph，butthetaleItoldandmyapparentindifferenceinthemattercameasasurprise。
Imayaswellconfessthatmyfacewasbynomeanstheindexofmymind。
However，Ididmybesttogivethethingacomicturn，sayingthatIdidnotcareforPamelas，andthatIhadmadeupmymindtogiveuptheadventure。
\"Mydearfellow，\"saidthecardinal，\"IshalltaketwoorthreedaysbeforeIcongratulateyouonyourself—restraint。\"
Hisknowledgeofthehumanheartwasveryextensive。
ArmellinethoughtImusthaveslepttilllateasshedidnotseemeinthemorningasusual；butwhentheseconddaywentbywithoutmycomingshesentherbrothertoaskifIwereill，forIhadneverlettwodayspasswithoutpayingheravisit。
Menicucciocameaccordingly，andwasdelightedtofindmeinperfecthealth。
\"Goandtellyoursister，\"Isaid，\"thatIshallcontinuetointeresttheprincessonherbehalf，butthatIshallseehernomore。\"
\"Whynot？\"
\"BecauseIwishtocuremyselfofanunhappypassion。Yoursisterdoesnotloveme:Iamsureofit。Iamnolongerayoungman，andIdon’tfeelinclinedtobecomeamartyrtohervirtue。Virtuegoesrathertoofarwhenitpreventsagirlgivingthemanwhoadoresherasinglekiss。\"
\"Indeed，Iwouldnothavebelievedthatofher。\"
\"Neverthelessitisthefact，andImustmakeanendofit。Yoursistercannotunderstandthedangersherunsintreatingaloverinthisfashion。Tellherallthat，mydearMenicuccio，butdon’tgiveheranyadviceofyourown。\"
\"Youcan’tthinkhowgrievedIamtohearallthis；perhapsit’sEmilie’spresencethatmakeshersocold。\"
\"No；Ihaveoftenpressedherwhenwehavebeenalonetogether，butallinvain。Iwanttocuremyself，forifshedoesnotlovemeIdonotwishtoobtainhereitherbyseductionorbyanyfeelingofgratitudeonherpart。Tellmehowyourfuturebridetreatsyou。\"
\"Verywell，eversinceshehasbeensureofmymarryingher。\"
IfeltsorrythenthatIhadgivenmyselfoutasamarriedman，forinmystateofirritationIcouldevenhavegivenherapromiseofmarriagewithoutdeliberatelyintendingtodeceiveher。
Menicucciowentonhiswaydistressed，andIwenttothemeetingofthe\"Arcadians，\"attheCapitol，toheartheMarchionessd’Aoutreciteherreceptionpiece。ThismarchionesswasayoungFrenchwomanwhohadbeenatRomeforthelastsixmonthswithherhusband，amanofmanytalents，butinferiortoher，forshewasagenius。FromthisdayIbecameherintimatefriend，butwithouttheslightestideaofanintrigue，leavingallthattoaFrenchpriestwhowashopelesslyinlovewithher，andhadthrownuphischancesofprefermentforhersake。
EverydaythePrincessSantaCrocetoldmethatIcouldhavethekeytoherboxatthetheatrewheneverIlikedtotakeArmellineandEmilie，butwhenaweekpassedbywithoutmygivinganysignshebegantobelievethatIhadreallybrokenofftheconnection。
Thecardinal，ontheotherhand，believedmetobestillinlove，andpraisedmyconduct。HetoldmethatIshouldhavealetterfromthesuperioress，andhewasright；forattheendoftheweekshewrotemeapolitenotebeggingmetocallonher，whichIwasobligedtoobey。
Icalledonher，andshebeganbyaskingmeplainlywhymyvisitshadceased。
\"BecauseIaminlovewithArmelline。\"
\"Ifthatreasonbroughtyouhereeveryday，Idonotseehowitcanhavesuddenlyoperatedinanotherdirection。\"
\"Andyetitisallquitenatural；forwhenonelovesonedesires，andwhenonedesiresinvainonesuffers，andcontinualsufferingisgreatunhappiness。AndsoyouseethatIamboundtoactthusformyownsake。\"
\"Ipityyou，andseethewisdomofyourcourse；butallowmetotellyouthat，esteemingArmelline，youhavenorighttolayheropentoajudgmentbeingpasseduponherwhichisveryfarfromthetruth。\"
\"Andwhatjudgmentisthat？\"
\"Thatyourlovewasonlyawhim，andthatassoonasitwassatisfiedyouabandonedher。\"
\"Iamsorryindeedtohearofthis，butwhatcanIdo？Imustcuremyselfofthisunhappypassion。Doyouknowanyotherremedythanabsence？Kindlyadviseme。\"
\"Idon’tknowmuchabouttheaffectioncalledlove，butitseemstomethatbyslowdegreeslovebecomesfriendship，andpeaceisrestored。\"
\"True，butifitistobecomefriendship，lovemustbegentlytreated。
Ifthebelovedobjectisnotverytender，lovegrowsdesperateandturnstoindifferenceorcontempt。IneitherwishtogrowdesperatenortodespiseArmelline，whoisamiracleofbeautyandgoodness。Ishalldomyutmostforher，justasifshehadmademehappy，butIwillseehernomore。\"
\"Iamincompletedarknessonthematter。Theyassuremethattheyhaveneverfailedintheirdutytowardsyou，andthattheycannotimaginewhyyouhaveceasedcominghere。\"
\"Whetherbyprudence，ortimidity，oradelicatewishnottosayanythingagainstme，theyhavetoldyoualie；butyoudeservetoknowall，andmyhonourrequiresthatIshouldtellyouthewholestory。\"
\"Pleasedoso；youmaycountonmydiscretion。\"
Ithentoldmytale，andIsawshewasmoved。
\"Ihavealwaystried，\"shesaid，\"nevertobelieveevilexceptoncompulsion，nevertheless，knowingasIdotheweaknessofthehumanheart，Icouldneverhavebelievedthatthroughoutsolongandintimateanacquaintanceyoucouldhavekeptyourselfsoseverelywithinbounds。
Inmyopiniontherewouldbemuchlessharminakissthaninallthisscandal。\"
\"IamsurethatArmellinedoesnotcareaboutit。\"
\"Shedoesnothingbutweep。\"
\"Hertearsprobablyspringfromvanity，orfromthecausehercompanionsassignformyabsence。\"
\"No，Ihavetoldthemallthatyouareill。\"
\"WhatdoesEmiliesay？\"
\"Shedoesnotweep，butshelookssad，andsaysoverandoveragainthatitisnotherfaultifyoudonotcome，therebyhintingthatitisArmelline’sfault。Cometomorrowtoobligeme。TheyaredyingtoseetheoperaattheAliberti，andthecomicoperaattheCapronica。\"
\"Verygood，thenIwillbreakfastwiththemto—morrowmorning，andto—
morroweveningtheyshallseetheopera。\"
\"Youareverygood；Ithankyou。ShallItellthemthenews？\"
\"PleasetellArmellinethatIamonlycomingafterhearingallthatyouhavesaidtome。\"
Theprincessskippedforjoywhensheheardofmyinterviewwiththesuperioress，andthecardinalsaidhehadguessedasmuch。Theprincessgavemethekeyofherbox，andorderedthathercarriageandservantsshouldbeatmyorders。
ThenextdaywhenIwenttotheconventEmiliecamedownbyherselftoreproachmeonmycruelconduct。Shetoldmethatamanwhoreallylovedwouldnothaveactedinsuchamanner，andthatIhadbeenwrongtotellthesuperioresseverything。
\"IwouldnothavesaidanythingifIhadhadanythingimportanttosay。\"
\"Armellinehasbecomeunhappythroughknowingyou。\"
\"Becauseshedoesnotwanttofailinherduty，andsheseesthatyouonlylovehertoturnherfromit。\"
\"ButherunhappinesswillceasewhenIceasetroublingher。\"
\"Doyoumeanyouarenotgoingtoseeheranymore？\"
\"Exactly。Doyouthinkthatitcostsmenopain？ButImustmaketheeffortforthesakeofmypeaceofmind。\"
\"Thenshewillbesurethatyoudonotloveher。\"
\"Shemustthinkwhatshepleases。InthemeanwhileIfeelsurethatifshelovedmeasIlovedher，weshouldbeofonemind。\"
\"Wehavedutieswhichseemtopresslightlyonyou。\"
\"Thenbefaithfultoyourduties，andpermitamanofhonourtorespectthembyvisitingyounomore。\"
Armellinethenappeared。Ithoughtherchanged。
\"Whydoyoulooksograveandpale？\"
\"Becauseyouhavegrievedme。\"
\"Comethen，begayoncemore，andallowmetocuremyselfofapassion，theessenceofwhichistoinduceyoutofailinyourduty。Ishallbestillyourfriend，andIshallcometoseeyouonceaweekwhileIremaininRome。\"
\"Onceaweek！Youneedn’thavebegunbycomingonceaday。\"
\"Youareright；itwasyourkindexpressionwhichdeceivedme，butIhopeyouwillallowmetobecomerationalagain。Forthistohappen，ImusttrynottoseeyoumorethanIcanhelp。Thinkoverit，andyouwillseethatIamdoingallforthebest。\"
\"It’sveryhardthatyoucan’tlovemeasIloveyou。\"
\"Youmeancalmly，andwithoutdesires。\"
\"Idon’tsaythat；butholdingyourdesiresincheck，iftheyarecontrarytothevoiceofduty。\"
\"I’mtoooldtolearnthismethod，anditdoesnotseemtomeanattractiveone。Kindlytellmewhethertherestraintofyourdesiresgivesyoumuchpain？\"
\"Idon’trepressmydesireswhenIthinkofyou，Icherishthem；IwishyouwerethePope，Iwishyouweremyfather，thatImightcaressyouinallinnocence；inmydreamsIwishyoucouldbecomeagirl，sothatwemightalwayslivehappilytogether。\"
Atthistruetouchofnativesimplicity，Icouldnothelpsmiling。
ItoldthemthatIshouldcomeintheeveningtotakethemtotheAliberti，andfeltinabetterhumouraftermyvisit，forIcouldseethattherewasnoartorcoquetryinwhatArmellinesaid。Isawthatshelovedme，butwouldnotcometoaparleywithherlove，henceherrepugnancetograntingmeherfavours；ifsheoncedidso，hereyeswouldbeopened。Allthiswaspurenature，forexperiencehadnotyettaughtherthatsheoughteithertoavoidmeortosuccumbtomyaffection。
IntheeveningIcalledforthetwofriendstotakethemtotheopera，andIhadnotlongtowait。Iwasbymyselfinthecarriage，buttheyevincednosurprise。Emilieconveyedtomethecomplimentsofthesuperioress，whowouldbeobligedbymycallingonherthefollowingday。
AttheoperaIletthemgazeatthespectaclewhichtheysawforthefirsttime，andansweredwhateverquestionstheyputtome。AstheywereRomans，theyoughttohaveknownwhatacastratowas，nevertheless，Armellinetookthewretchedindividualwhosangtheprimadonna’spartforawoman，andpointedtohisbreast，whichwasreallyafineone。
\"Wouldyoudaretosleepinthesamebedwithhim？\"Iasked。
\"No；anhonestgirloughtalwaystosleepbyherself。\"
Suchwastheseverityoftheeducationtheyhadreceived。Everythingconnectedwithlovewasmadeamysteryof，andtreatedwithakindofsuperstitiousawe。ThusArmellinehadonlyletmekissherhandsafteralongcontest，andneithershenorEmiliewouldallowmetoseewhetherthestockingsIhadgiventhemfittedwellornot。Thesevereprohibitionthatwaslaidonsleepingwithanothergirlmusthavemadethemthinkthattoshewtheirnakednesstoacompanionwouldbeagreatsin，andletamanseetheirbeautiesahideouscrime。Theveryideaofsuchathingmusthavegiventhemashudder。
WheneverIhadattemptedtoindulgeinconversationwhichwasalittlefree，Ihadfoundthemdeafanddumb。
AlthoughEmiliewasahandsomegirlinspiteofherpallor，Ididnottakesufficientinterestinhertotrytodissipatehermelancholy；butlovingArmellinetodesperationIwascuttothequicktoseeherlookgravewhenIaskedherifshehadanyideaofthedifferencebetweenthephysicalconformationofmenandwomen。
AswewereleavingArmellinesaidshewashungry，asshehadscarcelyeatenanythingforthelastweekonaccountofthegriefIhadgivenher。
\"IfIhadforeseenthat，\"Ianswered，\"Iwouldhaveorderedagoodsupper，whereasIhavenowonlypotlucktoofferyou。\"
\"Nevermind。Howmanyshallwebe？\"
\"Wethree。\"
\"Somuchthebetter；weshallbemoreatliberty。\"
\"Thenyoudon’tliketheprincess？\"
\"Ibegyourpardon，butshewantsmetokissherinawayIdon’tlike。\"
\"Nevertheless，youkissedherardentlyenough。\"
\"IwasafraidshewouldtakemeforasimpletonifIdidnotdoso。\"
\"Thendoyouthinkyoucommittedasininkissingherlikethat？\"
\"Certainlynot，foritwasveryunpleasantforme。\"
\"Thenwhywon’tyoumakethesameeffortonmybehalf？\"
Shesaidnothing，andwhenwegottotheinnIorderedthemtolightafireandtogetagoodsupperready。
ThewaiteraskedmeifIwouldlikesomeoysters，andnoticingthecuriosityofmyguestsonthesubjectIaskedhimhowmuchtheywere。\"
\"TheyarefromthearsenalatVenice，\"hereplied，\"andwecan’tsellthemunderfiftypainsahundred。\"
\"Verygood，Iwilltakeahundred，butyoumustopenthemhere。\"
ArmellinewashorrifiedtothinkthatIwasgoingtopayfivecrownsforherwhim，andbeggedmetorevoketheorder；butshesaidnothingwhenI
toldherthatnopleasureofherscouldbeboughttoodearlybyme。
Atthisshetookmyhandandwouldhavecarriedittoherlips，butI
tookitawayratherroughly，greatlytohermortification。
Iwassittinginfrontofthefirebetweenthem，andIwassorryathavinggrievedher。
\"Ibegpardon，Armelline，\"Isaid，\"Ionlytookmyhandawaybecauseitwasnotworthyofbeingcarriedtoyourfairlips。\"
Inspiteofthisexcuseshecouldnothelptwobigtearscoursingdownherblushingcheeks。Iwasgreatlypained。
Armellinewasatenderdove，notmadetoberoughlytreated。IfIdidnotwanthertohatemeIfeltthatImusteithernotseeheratallortreathermoregentlyforthefuture。
HertearsconvincedmethatIhadwoundedherfeelingsterribly，andI
gotupandwentouttoordersomechampagne。
WhenIcamebackIfoundthatshehadbeenweepingbitterly。Ididnotknowwhattodo；Ibeggedheragainandagaintoforgiveme，andtobegayoncemore，unlessshewishedtosubjectmetotheseverestofallpunishments。
Emiliebackedmeup，andontakingherhandandcoveringitwithkisses，Ihadthepleasureofseeinghersmileoncemore。
Theoysterswereopenedinourpresence，andtheastonishmentdepictedonthegirls’countenanceswouldhaveamusedmeifmyhearthadbeenmoreatease。ButIwasdesperatewithlove，andArmellinebeggedmevainlytobeasIwaswhenwefirstmet。
Wesatdown，andItaughtmyguestshowtosuckuptheoysters，whichswamintheirownliquid，andwereverygood。
Armellineswallowedhalfadozen，andthenobservedtoherfriendthatsodelicateamorselmustbeasin。
\"Notonaccountofitsdelicacy，\"saidEmilie，\"butbecauseateverymouthfulweswallowhalfaPaul。\"
\"HalfaPaul！\"saidArmelline，\"andtheHolyFatherdoesnotforbidsuchaluxury？Ifthisisnotthesinofgluttony，Idon’tknowwhatis。
Theseoystersaredelightful；butIshallspeakaboutthemattertomydirector。\"
Thesesimplicitiesofhersaffordedmegreatmentalpleasure，butI
wantedbodilypleasureaswell。
Weatefiftyoysters，anddranktwobottlesofsparklingchampagne，whichmademytwoguestseructandblushandlaughatthesametime。
IwouldfainhavelaughedtooanddevouredArmellinewithmykisses，butIcouldonlydevourherwithbyeyes。
Ikepttheremainderoftheoystersfordessert，andorderedthesuppertobeserved。Itwasanexcellentmeal，andthetwoheroinesenjoyedit；
evenEmiliebecamequitelively。
Iordereduplemonsandabottleofrum，andafterhavingthefiftyremainingoystersopenedIsentthewaiteraway。Ithenmadeabowlofpunch，pouringinabottleofchampagneasafinishingtouch。
Aftertheyhadswallowedafewoystersanddrankoneortwoglassesofpunch，whichtheylikedamazingly，IbeggedEmilietogivemeanoysterwithherlips。
\"Iamsureyouaretoosensibletofindanythingwronginthat，\"Iadded。
Emiliewasastonishedattheproposition，andthoughtitover。Armellinegazedatheranxiously，asifcuriousastohowshewouldanswerme。
\"Whydon’tyouaskArmelline？\"shesaidatlength。
\"Doyougivehimonefirst，\"saidArmelline，\"andifyouhavethecourageIwilltrytodothesame。\"
\"Whatcouragedoyouwant？It’sachild’sgame；there’snoharminit。\"
Afterthisreply，Iwassureofvictory。Iplacedtheshellontheedgeofherlips，andafteragooddealoflaughingshesuckedintheoyster，whichsheheldbetweenherlips。Iinstantlyrecovereditbyplacingmylipsonhers。
Armellineclappedherhands，tellingEmiliethatshewouldneverhavethoughthersobrave；shethenimitatedherexample，andwasdelightedwithmydelicacyinsuckingawaytheoyster，scarcelytouchingherlipswithmine。MyagreeablesurprisemaybeimaginedwhenIheardhersaythatitwasmyturntoholdtheoysters。ItisneedlesstosaythatI
acquittedmyselfofthedutywithmuchdelight。
Afterthesepleasantinterludeswewenttodrinkingpunchandswallowingoysters。
Weallsatinarowwithourbackstothefire，andourbrainsbegantowhirl，butneverwastheresuchasweetintoxication。However，thepunchwasnotfinishedandweweregettingveryhot。Itookoffmycoat，andtheywereobligedtounlacetheirdresses，thebodicesofwhichwerelinedwithfur。Guessingatnecessitieswhichtheydidnotdaretomention，Ipointedoutaclosetwheretheycouldmakethemselvescomfortable，andtheywentinhand—in—hand。Whentheycameouttheywerenolongertimidrecluses，theywereshriekingwithlaughter，andreelingfromsidetoside。
Iwastheirscreenaswesatinfrontofthefire，andIgazedfreelyoncharmswhichtheycouldnolongerconceal。Itoldthemthatwemustnotthinkofgoingtillthepunchwasfinished，andtheyagreed，saying，inhighglee，thatitwouldbeagreatsintoleavesogoodathingbehind。
Ithenpresumedsofarastotellthemthattheyhadbeautifullegs，andthatIshouldbepuzzledtoassigntheprizebetweenthem。Thismadethemgayerthanever，fortheyhadnotnoticedthattheirunlacedbodicesandshortpetticoatsletmeseealmosteverything。
Afterdrinkingourpunchtothedregs，weremainedtalkingforhalfanhour，whileIcongratulatedmyselfonmyself—restraint。JustasweweregoingIaskedthemiftheyhadanygroundsofcomplaintagainstme。
ArmellinerepliedthatifIwouldadoptherasmydaughtershewasreadytofollowmetotheendoftheworld。\"Thenyouarenotafraidofmyturningyoufromthepathofduty？\"
\"No，Ifeelquitesafewithyou。\"
\"Andwhatdoyousay，dearEmilie？\"
\"Ishallloveyoutoo，whenyoudoformewhatthesuperioresswilltellyouto—morrow。\"
\"Iwilldoanything，butIshan’tcometospeaktohertilltheevening，foritisthreeo’clocknow。\"
Theylaughedallthelouder，exclaiming，——
\"Whatwillthemothersay？\"
Ipaidthebill，gavesomethingtothewaiter，andtookthembacktotheconvent，wheretheporteressseemedwellenoughpleasedwiththenewruleswhenshesawtwosequinsinherpalm。
Itwastoolatetoseethesuperioress，soIdrovehomeafterrewardingthecoachmanandthelackey。
MargaritawasreadytoscratchmyeyesoutifIcouldnotprovemyfidelity，butIsatisfiedherbyquenchingonherthefiresArmellineandthepunchhadkindled。ItoldherIhadbeenkeptbyagamingparty，andsheaskednomorequestions。
ThenextdayIamusedtheprincessandthecardinalbyacircumstantialaccountofwhathadhappened。
\"Youmissedyouropportunity，\"saidtheprincess。
\"Idon’tthinkso，\"saidthecardinal，\"Ibelieve，onthecontrary，thathehasmadehisvictorymoresureforanothertime。\"
Intheevening，Iwenttotheconventwherethesuperioressgavemeherwarmestwelcome。Shecomplimentedmeonhavingamusedmyselfwiththetwogirlstillthreeo’clockinthemorningwithoutdoinganythingwrong。
Theyhadtoldherhowwehadeatentheoysters，andshesaiditwasanamusingidea。Iadmiredhercandour，simplicity，orphilosophy，whicheveryouliketocallit。
Afterthesepreliminaries，shetoldmethatIcouldmakeEmiliehappybyobtaining，throughtheinfluenceoftheprincess，adispensationtomarrywithoutthepublicationofbannsamerchantofCivitaVecchia，whowouldhavemarriedherlongagoonlythattherewasawomanwhopretendedtohaveclaimsuponhim。Ifbannswerepublishedthiswomanwouldinstituteasuitwhichmightgoonforever。
\"Ifyoudothis，\"sheconcluded，\"youwillhavethemeritofmakingEmiliehappy。\"
Itookdowntheman’sname，andpromisedtodomybestwiththeprincess。
\"AreyoustilldeterminedtocureyourselfofyourloveforArmelline？\"
\"Yes，butIshallnotbeginthecuretillLent。\"
\"Icongratulateyou；thecarnivalisunusuallylongthisyear。\"
ThenextdayIspokeofthemattertotheprincess。ThefirstrequisitewasacertificatefromtheBishopofCivitaVecchia，statingthatthemanwasfreetomarry。ThecardinalsaidthatthemanmustcometoRome，andthattheaffaircouldbemanagedifhecouldbringforwardtwogoodwitnesseswhowouldswearthathewasunmarried。
Itoldthesuperioresswhatthecardinalsaid，andshewrotetothemerchant，andafewdaysafterIsawhimtalkingtothesuperioressandEmiliethroughthegrating。
Hecommendedhimselftomyprotection，andsaidthatbeforehemarriedhewantedtobesureofhavingsixhundredcrowns。
Theconventwouldgivehimfourhundredcrowns，soweshouldhavetoobtainagrantoftwohundredmore。
Isucceededingettingthegrant，butIfirstcontrivedtohaveanothersupperwithArmelline，whoaskedmeeverymorningwhenIwasgoingtotakehertothecomicopera。IsaidIwasafraidofturningherastrayfromthepathofduty，butsherepliedthatexperiencehadtaughthertodreadmenolonger。
CHAPTERXVII
TheFlorentine——MarriageofEmilie——Scholastica——ArmellineattheBallBeforethesupperIhadlovedArmellinetosuchanextentthatIhaddeterminedtoseehernomore，butafteritIfeltthatImustobtainherordie。Isawthatshehadonlyconsentedtomysmalllibertiesbecausesheregardedthemasmerejokes，ofnoaccount，andIresolvedtotakeadvantageofthiswayoflookingatittogoasfarasIcould。Ibegintoplaythepartofindifferenttothebestofmyability，onlyvisitinghereveryotherday，andlookingatherwithanexpressionofpoliteinterest。Ioftenpretendedtoforgettokissherhand，whileIkissedEmilie’sandtoldherthatifIfeltcertainofreceivingpositivemarksofheraffectionIshouldstayatCivitaVecchiaforsomeweeksaftershewasmarried。IwouldnotseeArmelline’shorror，whocouldnotbearmetotakeafancytoEmilie。
Emiliesaidthatshewouldbemoreatlibertywhenshewasmarried，whileArmelline，vexedathergivingmeanyhopes，toldhersharplythatamarriedwomanhadstricterdutiestoperformthanagirl。
Iagreedwithherinmyheart，butasitwouldnothavesuitedmypurposetosaysoopenlyIinsinuatedthefalsedoctrinethatamarriedwoman’schiefdutyistokeepherhusband’sdescentintact，andthateverythingelseisoftriflingimportance。
WiththeideaofdrivingEmilietoanextremityItoldEmiliethatifshewantedmetoexertmyselftomyutmostforhershemustgivemegoodhopesofobtainingherfavoursnotonlyafterbutbeforemarriage。
\"Iwillgiveyounootherfavours。\"shereplied，\"thanthosewhichArmellinemaygiveyou。Yououghttotrytogethermarriedalso。\"
Inspiteofhergriefattheseproposals，gentleArmellinereplied，————
\"YouaretheonlymanIhaveeverseen；andasIhavenohopesofgettingmarriedIwillgiveyounopledgesatall，thoughIdonotknowwhatyoumeanbytheword。\"
ThoughIsawhowpureandangelicshewas，Ihadthecrueltytogoaway，leavinghertoherdistress。
Itwashardformetotormentherthus，butIthoughtitwastheonlywaytoovercomeherprejudices。
CallingontheVenetianambassador’sstewardIsawsomepeculiarlyfineoysters，andIgothimtoletmehaveahundred。IthentookaboxattheCapronicaTheatre，andorderedagoodsupperattheinnwherewehadsuppedbefore。
\"Iwantaroomwithabed，\"Isaidtothewaiter。
\"That’snotallowedinRome，signor，\"hereplied，\"butonthethirdfloorwehavetworoomswithlargesofaswhichmightdoinstead，withouttheHolyOfficebeingabletosayanything。\"
Ilookedattheroomsandtookthem，andorderedthemantogetthebestsupperthatRomecouldoffer。
AsIwasenteringtheboawiththetwogirlsIsawtheMarchionessd’Aoutwasmynearneighbour。Sheaccostedme，andcongratulatedherselfonhervicinitytome。ShewasaccompaniedbyherFrenchabbe，herhusband，andafine—lookingyoungman，whomIhadneverseenbefore。Sheaskedwhomycompanionswere，andItoldhertheywereintheVenetianambassador’shousehold。ShepraisedtheirbeautyandbegantotalktoArmelline，whoansweredwellenoughtillthecurtainwentup。Theyoungmanalsocomplimentedher，andafterhavingaskedmypermissionhegaveheralargepacketofbonbons，tellinghertosharethemwithherneighbour。
IhadguessedhimtobeaFlorentinefromhisaccent，andaskedhimifthesweetscamefromthebanksoftheArno；hetoldmetheywerefromNaples，whencehehadjustarrived。
AttheendofthefirstactIwassurprisedtohearhimsaythathehadaletterofintroductionformefromtheMarchionessofC————。
\"Ihavejustheardyourname，\"hesaid，\"andtomorrowIshallhavethehonourofdeliveringtheletterinperson，ifyouwillkindlygivemeyouraddress。\"
AfterthesepolitepreliminariesIfeltthatImustcomplywithhisrequest。
Iaskedafterthemarquis，hismother—in—law，andAnastasia，sayingthatIwasdelightedtohearfromthemarchionessfromwhomIhadbeenexpectingananswerforthelastmonth。
\"Thecharmingmarchionesshasdeignedtoentrustmewiththeansweryouspeakof。\"
\"Ilongtoreadit。\"
\"ThenImaygiveyoutheletternow，thoughIshallstillclaimtheprivilegeofcallingonyouto—morrow。Iwillbringittoyouinyourbox，ifyouwillallowme。\"
\"Praydoso。\"
Hemighteasilyhavegivenittomefromtheboxwherehewas，butthiswouldnothavesuitedhisplans。Hecamein，andpolitenessobligedmetogivehimmyplacenexttoArmelline。Hetookoutanelaboratepocket—
book，andgavemetheletter。Iopenedit，butfindingthatitcoveredfourpages，IsaidIwouldreaditwhenIgothome，astheboxwasdark。
\"IshallstayinRometillEaster，\"hesaid，\"asIwanttoseeallthesights；thoughindeedIcannothopetoseeanythingmorebeautifulthanthevisionnowbeforeme。\"
Armelline，whowasgazingfixedlyathim，blusheddeeply。Ifeltthathiscompliment，thoughpolite，wasentirelyoutofplace，andinsomesortaninsulttomyself。However，Isaidnothing，butdecidedmentallythattheFlorentineAdonismustbeafopofthefirstwater。
Findinghiscomplimentcreatedasilence，hesawhehadmadehimselfoffensive，andafterafewdisconnectedremarkswithdrewfromthebox。
Inspiteofmyselfthemanannoyedme，andIcongratulatedArmellineontherapidityofherconquest，askingherwhatshethoughtofhim。
\"Heisafineman，buthiscomplimentsshewshehasnotaste。Tellme，isitthecustomforpeopleoffashiontomakeayounggirlblushthefirsttimetheyseeher？\"
\"No，dearArmelline，itisneithercustomarynorpolite；andanyonewhowishestomixingoodsocietywouldneverdosuchathing。\"
Ilapsedintosilence，asthoughIwantedtolistentothemusic；butasamatteroffactmyheartwasapreytocrueljealousy。Ithoughtthematterover，andcametotheconclusionthattheFlorentinehadtreatedmerudely。HemighthaveguessedthatIwasinlovewithArmelline，andtomakesuchanopendeclarationoflovetomyveryfacewasnothingmorenorlessthananinsulttome。
AfterIhadkeptthisunusualsilenceforaquarterofanhourthesimpleArmellinemademeworsebysayingthatImustcalmmyself，asImightbesurethattheyoungman’scomplimenthadnotgivenhertheslightestpleasure。Shedidnotseethatbysayingthisshemademefeelthatthecomplimenthadhadthedirectlyoppositeeffect。
IsaidthatIhadhopedhehadpleasedher。
Tofinishthematterup，shesaidbywayofsoothingmethattheyoungmandidnotmeantovexme，ashedoubtlesstookmeforherfather。
WhatcouldIreplytothisobservation，ascruelasitwasreasonable？
Nothing；Icouldonlytakerefugeinsilenceandafitofchildishill—
humour。
AtlastIcouldbearitnolonger，andbeggedthetwogirlstocomeawaywithme。
Thesecondactwasjustover，andifIhadbeeninmyrightsensesI
shouldneverhavemadethemsuchanunreasonablerequest；butthecrassnessofmyproceedingsdidnotstrikemetillthefollowingday。
Inspiteofthestrangenessofmyrequesttheymerelyexchangedglancesandgotreadytogo。NotknowingwhatbetterexcusetogiveItoldthemIdidnotwanttheprincess’scarriagetobenoticedaseveryoneleftthetheatre，andthatIwouldbringthemagaintothetheatrethefollowingday。
IwouldnotletArmellineputherheadinsidetheMarchionessd’Aout’sbox，andsowewentout。Ifoundthemanwhoaccompaniedthecarriagetalkingtooneofhismatesatthedoorofthetheatre，andthismademethinkthattheprincesshadcometotheopera。
Wegotdownattheinn，andIwhisperedtothemantotakehishorseshomeandtocallforusatthreeo’clock；forthecoldwasintense，andbothhorsesandmenhadtobeconsidered。
Webeganbysittingdowninfrontofaroaringfire，andforhalfanhourwedidnothingbuteatoysters，whichwereopenedinourpresencebyacleverwaiter，whotookcarenottoloseadropofthefluid。Asquickasheopenedweate，andthelaughterofthegirls，whotalkedofhowwehadeatenthembefore，causedmyangertograduallydisappear。
InArmelline’sgentlenessIsawthegoodnessofherheart，andIwasangrywithmyselfformyabsurdjealousyofamanwhowasmuchmorecalculatedtopleaseayounggirlthanI。
Armellinedrankchampagne，andstoleoccasionalglancesinmydirectionasiftoentreatmetojointhemintheirmirth。
Emiliespokeofhermarriage，andwithoutsayinganythingaboutmyprojectedvisittoCivitaVecchiaIpromisedthatherfuturehusbandshouldhavehisplenarydispensationbeforeverylong。WhileIspokeI
kissedArmelline’sfairhands，andshelookedatmeasifthankfulforthereturnofmyaffection。
Theoystersandchampagnehadtheirnaturaleffect，andwehadadelightfulsupper。Wehadsturgeonandsomedelicioustruffles，whichI
enjoyednotsomuchformyownsakeasforthepleasurewithwhichmycompanionsdevouredthem。
Amaninloveisprovidedwithakindofinstinctwhichtellshimthatthesurestwaytosuccessistoprovidethebelovedobjectwithpleasuresthatarenewtoher。
WhenArmellinesawmebecomegayandardentoncemoresherecognizedherhandiwork，andwasdoubtlessproudofthepowersheexercisedoverme。
Shetookmyhandofherownaccord，andcontinuedgazingintomyeyes。
Emiliewasoccupiedintheenjoymentofthemeal，anddidnottroubleherselfaboutourbehaviour。ArmellinewassotenderandlovingthatI
madesureofvictoryafterwehadhadsomemoreoystersandabowlofpunch。
Whenthedessert，thefiftyoysters，andallthematerialsformakingthepunchwereonthetable，thewaiterlefttheroom，sayingthattheladieswouldfindeveryrequisiteintheneighbouringapartment。
Theroomwassmall，andthefireveryhot，andIbadethetwofriendsarrangetheirdressmorecomfortably。
Theirdressesfittedtheirfigures，andweretrimmedwithfurandstiffenedwithwhalebones，sotheywentintothenextroom，andcamebackinwhitebodicesandshortdimitypetticoats，laughingattheslightnessoftheirattire。
Ihadsufficientstrengthofmindtoconcealmyemotion，andevennottolookattheirbreastswhentheycomplainedofhavingnoneckerchiefsorbreast—bandstotheirchemises。Iknewhowinexperiencedtheywere，andfeltcertainthatwhentheysawtheindifferencewithwhichItooktheirslightattiretheythemselveswouldthinkitwasofnoconsequence。