ImadeupmymindtogotoTreviso，fifteenmilesdistantfromVenice，topawntheringattheMont—de—piete，whichtherelendsmoneyuponvaluablesattherateoffivepercent。ThatusefulestablishmentdoesnotexistinVenice，wheretheJewshavealwaysmanagedtokeepthemonopolyintheirhands。
Igotupearlyonemorning，andwalkedtotheendofthecanaleregio，intendingtoengageagondolatotakemeasfarasMestra，whereIcouldtakeposthorses，reachTrevisoinlessthantwohours，pledgemydiamondring，andreturntoVenicethesameevening。
AsIpassedalongSt。Job’sQuay，Isawinatwo—oaredgondolaacountrygirlbeautifullydressed。Istoppedtolookather；thegondoliers，supposingthatIwantedanopportunityofreachingMestraatacheaprate，rowedbacktotheshore。
Observingthelovelyfaceoftheyounggirl，Idonothesitate，butjumpintothegondola，andpaydoublefare，onconditionthatnomorepassengersaretaken。Anelderlypriestwasseatedneartheyounggirl，herisestoletmetakehisplace，butIpolitelyinsistuponhiskeepingit。
CHAPTERXIX
IFallinLovewithChristine，andFindaHusbandWorthyofHer——
Christine’sWedding\"Thosegondoliers，\"saidtheelderlypriest，addressingmeinordertobegintheconversation，\"areveryfortunate。TheytookusupattheRialtoforthirtysoldi，onconditionthattheywouldbeallowedtoembarkotherpassengers，andhereisonealready；theywillcertainlyfindmore。\"
\"WhenIaminagondola，reverendsir，thereisnoroomleftforanymorepassengers。\"
Sosaying，Igivefortymoresolditothegondoliers，who，highlypleasedwithmygenerosity，thankmeandcallmeexcellency。Thegoodpriest，acceptingthattitleastrulybelongingtome，entreatsmypardonfornothavingaddressedmeassuch。
\"IamnotaVenetiannobleman，reverendsir，andIhavenorighttothetitleofExcellenza。\"
\"Ah！\"saystheyounglady，\"Iamverygladofit。\"
\"Whyso，signora？\"
\"BecausewhenIfindmyselfnearanoblemanIamafraid。ButI
supposethatyouareanillustrissimo。\"
\"Noteventhat，signora；Iamonlyanadvocate’sclerk。\"
\"Somuchthebetter，forIliketobeinthecompanyofpersonswhodonotthinkthemselvesaboveme。Myfatherwasafarmer，brotherofmyunclehere，rectorofP————，whereIwasbornandbred。AsIamanonlydaughterIinheritedmyfather’spropertyafterhisdeath，andIshalllikewisebeheiresstomymother，whohasbeenillalongtimeandcannotlivemuchlonger，whichcausesmeagreatdealofsorrow；butitisthedoctorwhosaysit。Now，toreturntomysubject，Idonotsupposethatthereismuchdifferencebetweenanadvocate’sclerkandthedaughterofarichfarmer。Ionlysaysoforthesakeofsayingsomething，forIknowverywellthat，intravelling，onemustacceptallsortsofcompanions:isitnotso，uncle？\"
\"Yes，mydearChristine，andasaproofyouseethatthisgentlemanhasacceptedourcompanywithoutknowingwhoorwhatweare。\"
\"ButdoyouthinkIwouldhavecomeifIhadnotbeenattractedbythebeautyofyourlovelyniece？\"
Atthesewordsthegoodpeopleburstoutlaughing。AsIdidnotthinkthattherewasanythingverycomicinwhatIhadsaid，Ijudgedthatmytravellingcompanionswererathersimple，andIwasnotsorrytofindthemso。
\"Whydoyoulaughsoheartily，beautiful’demigella’？Isittoshewmeyourfineteeth？IconfessthatIhaveneverseensuchasplendidsetinVenice。\"
\"Oh！itisnotforthat，sir，althougheveryoneinVenicehaspaidmethesamecompliment。IcanassureyouthatinP————allthe’girlshaveteethasfineasmine。Isitnotafact，uncle？\"
\"Yes，mydearniece。\"
\"Iwaslaughing，sir，atathingwhichIwillnevertellyou。\"
\"Oh！tellme，Ientreatyou。\"
\"Oh！certainlynot，never。\"
\"Iwilltellyoumyself，\"saysthecurate。
\"Youwillnot，\"sheexclaims，knittingherbeautifuleyebrows。\"IfyoudoIwillgoaway。\"
\"Idefyyoutodoit，mydear。Doyouknowwhatshesaid，sir，whenshesawyouonthewharf？’Hereisaveryhandsomeyoungmanwhoislookingatme，andwouldnotbesorrytobewithus。’Andwhenshesawthatthegondolierswereputtingbackforyoutoembarkshewasdelighted。\"
Whiletheunclewasspeakingtome，theindignantniecewasslappinghimontheshoulder。
\"Whyareyouangry，lovelyChristine，atmyhearingthatyoulikedmyappearance，whenIamsogladtoletyouknowhowtrulycharmingI
thinkyou？\"
\"Youaregladforamoment。Oh！IknowtheVenetiansthoroughlynow。
Theyhavealltoldmethattheywerecharmedwithme，andnotoneofthoseIwouldhavelikedevermadeadeclarationtome。\"
\"Whatsortofdeclarationdidyouwant？\"
\"There’sonlyonesortforme，sir；thedeclarationleadingtoagoodmarriageinchurch，inthesightofallmen。YetweremainedafortnightinVenice；didwenot，uncle？\"
\"Thisgirl，\"saidtheuncle，\"isagoodmatch，forshepossessesthreethousandcrowns。ShehasalwayssaidthatshewouldmarryonlyaVenetian，andIhaveaccompaniedhertoVenicetogiveheranopportunityofbeingknown。Aworthywomangaveushospitalityforafortnight，andhaspresentedmynieceinseveralhouseswhereshemadetheacquaintanceofmarriageableyoungmen，butthosewhopleasedherwouldnothearofmarriage，andthosewhowouldhavebeengladtomarryherdidnottakeherfancy。\"
\"Butdoyouimagine，reverendsir，thatmarriagescanbemadelikeomelets？AfortnightinVenice，thatisnothing；yououghttolivethereatleastsixmonths。Now，forinstance，Ithinkyourniecesweetlypretty，andIshouldconsidermyselffortunateifthewifewhomGodintendsformewerelikeher，but，evenifsheofferedmenowadowryoffiftythousandcrownsonconditionthatourweddingtakesplaceimmediately，Iwouldrefuseher。Aprudentyoungmanwantstoknowthecharacterofagirlbeforehemarriesher，foritisneithermoneynorbeautywhichcanensurehappinessinmarriedlife。\"
\"Whatdoyoumeanbycharacter？\"askedChristine；\"isitabeautifulhand—writing？\"
\"No，mydear。Imeanthequalitiesofthemindandtheheart。I
shallmostlikelygetmarriedsometime，andIhavebeenlookingforawifeforthelastthreeyears，butIamstilllookinginvain。I
haveknownseveralyounggirlsalmostaslovelyasyouare，andallwithagoodmarriageportion，butafteranacquaintanceoftwoorthreemonthsIfoundoutthattheycouldnotmakemehappy。\"
\"Inwhatweretheydeficient？\"
\"Well，Iwilltellyou，becauseyouarenotacquaintedwiththem，andtherecanbenoindiscretiononmypart。OnewhomIcertainlywouldhavemarried，forIlovedherdearly，wasextremelyvain。Shewouldhaveruinedmeinfashionableclothesandbyherloveforluxuries。
Fancy！shewasinthehabitofpayingonesequineverymonthtothehair—dresser，andasmuchatleastforpomatumandperfumes。\"
\"Shewasagiddy，foolishgirl。Now，IspendonlytensoldiinoneyearonwaxwhichImixwithgoat’sgrease，andthereIhaveanexcellentpomatum。\"
\"Another，whomIwouldhavemarriedtwoyearsago，labouredunderadiseasewhichwouldhavemademeunhappy；assoonasIknewofit，I
ceasedmyvisits。\"
\"Whatdiseasewasit？\"
\"Adiseasewhichwouldhavepreventedherfrombeingamother，and，ifIgetmarried，Iwishtohavechildren。\"
\"AllthatisinGod’shands，butIknowthatmyhealthisexcellent。
Isitnot，uncle？\"
\"Anotherwastoodevout，andthatdoesnotsuitme。Shewassoover—
scrupulousthatshewasinthehabitofgoingtoherconfessortwiceaweek，andeverytimeherconfessionlastedatleastonehour。I
wantmywifetobeagoodChristian，butnotbigoted。\"
\"Shemusthavebeenagreatsinner，orelseshewasveryfoolish。I
confessonlyonceamonth，andgetthrougheverythingintwominutes。
Isitnottrue，uncle？andifyouweretoaskmeanyquestions，uncle，Ishouldnotknowwhatmoretosay。\"
\"OneyoungladythoughtherselfmorelearnedthanI，althoughshewould，everyminute，uttersomeabsurdity。Anotherwasalwayslow—
spirited，andmywifemustbecheerful。\"
\"Harktothat，uncle！Youandmymotherarealwayschidingmeformycheerfulness。\"
\"Another，whomIdidnotcourtlong，wasalwaysafraidofbeingalonewithme，andifIgaveherakissshewouldrunandtellhermother。\"
\"Howsillyshemusthavebeen！Ihaveneveryetlistenedtoalover，forwehaveonlyrudepeasantsinP————，butIknowverywellthattherearesomethingswhichIwouldnottellmymother。\"
\"Onehadarankbreath；anotherpaintedherface，and，indeed，almosteveryyounggirlisguiltyofthatfault。Iamafraidmarriageisoutofthequestionforme，becauseIwant，forinstance，mywifetohaveblackeyes，andinourdaysalmosteverywomancoloursthembyart；butIcannotbedeceived，forIamagoodjudge。\"
\"Aremineblack？\"
\"Youarelaughing？\"
\"Ilaughbecauseyoureyescertainlyappeartobeblack，buttheyarenotsoinreality。Nevermind，youareverycharminginspiteofthat。\"
\"Now，thatisamusing。Youpretendtobeagoodjudge，yetyousaythatmyeyesaredyedblack。Myeyes，sir，whetherbeautifulorugly，arenowthesameasGodmadethem。Isitnotso，uncle？\"
\"Ineverhadanydoubtofit，mydearniece。\"
\"Andyoudonotbelieveme，sir？\"
\"No，theyaretoobeautifulformetobelievethemnatural。\"
\"Oh，dearme！Icannotbearit。\"
\"Excuseme，mylovelydamigella，IamafraidIhavebeentoosincere。\"
Afterthatquarrelweremainedsilent。Thegoodcuratesmilednowandthen，buthisniecefounditveryhardtokeepdownhersorrow。
AtintervalsIstolealookatherface，andcouldseethatshewasverynearcrying。Ifeltsorry，forshewasacharminggirl。Inherhair，dressedinthefashionofwealthycountrywomen，shehadmorethanonehundredsequins’worthofgoldpinsandarrowswhichfastenedtheplaitsofherlonglocksasdarkasebony。Heavygoldear—rings，andalongchain，whichwaswoundtwentytimesroundhersnowyneck，madeafinecontrasttohercomplexion，onwhichtheliliesandtheroseswereadmirablyblended。ItwasthefirsttimethatIhadseenacountrybeautyinsuchsplendidapparel。Sixyearsbefore，LucieatPaseanhadcaptivatedme，butinadifferentmanner。
Christinedidnotutterasingleword，shewasindespair，forhereyesweretrulyofthegreatestbeauty，andIwascruelenoughtoattackthem。Sheevidentlyhatedme，andherangeralonekeptbackhertears。YetIwouldnotundeceiveher，forIwantedhertobringmatterstoaclimax。
WhenthegondolahadenteredthelongcanalofMarghera，IaskedtheclergymanwhetherhehadacarriagetogotoTreviso，throughwhichplacehehadtopasstoreachP————。
\"Iintendedtowalk，\"saidtheworthyman，\"formyparishispoorandIamthesame，butIwilltrytoobtainaplaceforChristineinsomecarriagetravellingthatway。\"
\"Youwouldconferarealkindnessonmeifyouwouldbothacceptaseatinmychaise；itholdsfourpersons，andthereisplentyofroom。\"
\"Itisagoodfortunewhichwewerefarfromexpecting\"
\"Notatall，uncle；Iwillnotgowiththisgentleman。\"
\"Whynot，mydearniece？\"
\"BecauseIwillnot。\"
\"Suchistheway，\"Iremarked，withoutlookingather，\"thatsincerityisgenerallyrewarded。\"
\"Sincerity，sir！nothingofthesort，\"sheexclaimed，angrily，\"itissheerwickedness。Therecanbenotrueblackeyesnowforyouintheworld，but，asyoulikethem，Iamverygladofit。\"
\"Youaremistaken，lovelyChristine，forIhavethemeansofascertainingthetruth。\"
\"Whatmeans？\"
\"Onlytowashtheeyeswithalittlelukewarmrose—water；oriftheladycries，theartificialcolouriscertaintobewashedoff。\"
Atthosewords，thescenechangedasifbythewandofaconjuror。
Thefaceofthecharminggirl，whichhadexpressednothingbutindignation，spiteanddisdain，tookanairofcontentmentandofplaciditydelightfultowitness。Shesmiledatherunclewhowasmuchpleasedwiththechangeinhercountenance，fortheofferofthecarriagehadgonetohisheart。
\"Nowyouhadbettercryalittle，mydearniece，and’ilsignore’
willrenderfulljusticetoyoureyes。\"
Christinecriedinreality，butitwasimmoderatelaughterthatmadehertearsflow。
Thatspeciesofnaturaloriginalitypleasedmegreatly，andasweweregoingupthestepsatthelanding—place，Iofferedhermyfullapologies；sheacceptedthecarriage。Iorderedbreakfast，andtolda’vetturino’togetaveryhandsomechaisereadywhilewehadourmeal，butthecuratesaidthathemustfirstofallgoandsayhismass。
\"Verywell，reverendsir，wewillhearit，andyoumustsayitformyintention。\"
Iputasilverducatinhishand。
\"ItiswhatIaminthehabitofgiving，\"Iobserved。
Mygenerositysurprisedhimsomuchthathewantedtokissmyhand。
Weproceededtowardsthechurch，andIofferedmyarmtotheniecewho，notknowingwhethersheoughttoacceptitornot，saidtome，\"DoyousupposethatIcannotwalkalone？\"
\"Ihavenosuchidea，butifIdonotgiveyoumyarm，peoplewillthinkmewantinginpoliteness。\"
\"Well，Iwilltakeit。ButnowthatIhaveyourarm，whatwillpeoplethink？\"
\"Perhapsthatweloveeachotherandthatwemakeaverynicecouple。\"
\"Andifanyoneshouldinformyourmistressthatweareinlovewitheachother，oreventhatyouhavegivenyourarmtoayounggirl？\"
\"Ihavenomistress，andIshallhavenoneinfuture，becauseIcouldnotfindagirlasprettyasyouinallVenice。\"
\"Iamverysorryforyou，forwecannotgoagaintoVenice；andevenifwecould，howcouldweremaintheresixmonths？Yousaidthatsixmonthswerenecessarytoknowagirlwell。\"
\"Iwouldwillinglydefrayallyourexpenses。\"
\"Indeed？Thensaysotomyuncle，andhewillthinkitover，forI
couldnotgoalone。\"
\"Insixmonthsyouwouldknowmelikewise。\"
\"Oh！Iknow—youverywellalready。\"
\"Couldyouacceptamanlikeme？\"
\"Whynot？\"
\"Andwillyouloveme？\"
\"Yes，verymuch，whenyouaremyhusband。\"
Ilookedattheyounggirlwithastonishment。Sheseemedtomeaprincessinthedisguiseofapeasantgirl。Herdress，madeof’grosdeTours’andallembroideredingold，wasveryhandsome，andcostcertainlytwiceasmuchasthefinestdressofaVenetianlady。Herbracelets，matchingtheneckchain，completedherrichtoilet。Shehadthefigureofanymph，andthenewfashionofwearingamantlenothavingyetreachedhervillage，Icouldseethemostmagnificentbosom，althoughherdresswasfasteneduptotheneck。Theendoftherichly—embroideredskirtdidnotgolowerthantheankles，whichallowedmetoadmiretheneatestlittlefootandthelowerpartofanexquisitelymouldedleg。Herfirmandeasywalk，thenaturalfreedomofallhermovements，acharminglookwhichseemedtosay，\"Iamverygladthatyouthinkmepretty，\"everything，inshort，causedtheardentfireofamorousdesirestocirculatethroughmyveins。I
couldnotconceivehowsuchalovelygirlcouldhavespentafortnightinVenicewithoutfindingamantomarryortodeceiveher。
Iwasparticularlydelightedwithhersimple，artlesswayoftalking，whichinthecitymighthavebeentakenforsilliness。
Absorbedinmythoughts，andhavingresolvedinmyownmindonrenderingbrillianthomagetohercharms，Iwaitedimpatientlyfortheendofthemass。
AfterbreakfastIhadgreatdifficultyinconvincingthecuratethatmyseatinthecarriagewasthelastone，butIfounditeasiertopersuadehimonourarrivalinTrevisotoremainfordinnerandforsupperatasmall，unfrequentedinn，asItookalltheexpenseuponmyself。HeacceptedverywillinglywhenIaddedthatimmediatelyaftersupperacarriagewouldbeinreadinesstoconveyhimtoP————，wherehewouldarriveinanhourafterapeasantjourneybymoonlight。Hehadnothingtohurryhimon，excepthiswishtosaymassinhisownchurchthenextmorning。
Iorderedafireandagooddinner，andtheideastruckmethatthecuratehimselfmightpledgetheringforme，andthusgivemetheopportunityofashortinterviewwithhisniece。Iproposedittohim，sayingthatIcouldnotverywellgomyself，asIdidnotwishtobeknown。Heundertookthecommissionatonce，expressinghispleasureatdoingsomethingtoobligeme。
Heleftus，andIremainedalonewithChristine。Ispentanhourwithherwithouttryingtogiveherevenakiss，althoughIwasdyingtodoso，butIpreparedherhearttoburnwiththesamedesireswhichwerealreadyburninginmebythosewordswhichsoeasilyinflametheimaginationofayoung’girl。
Thecuratecamebackandreturnedmethering，sayingthatitcouldnotbepledgeduntilthedayafterthemorrow，inconsequenceoftheFestivaloftheHolyVirgin。Hehadspokentothecashier，whohadstatedthatifIlikedthebankwouldlenddoublethesumIhadasked。
\"Mydearsir，\"Isaid，\"youwouldgreatlyobligemeifyouwouldcomebackherefromP————topledgetheringyourself。Nowthatithasbeenofferedoncebyyou，itmightlookverystrangeifitwerebroughtbyanotherperson。OfcourseIwillpayallyourexpenses。\"
\"Ipromiseyoutocomeback。\"
Ihopedhewouldbringhisniecewithhim。
IwasseatedoppositetoChristineduringthedinner，anddiscoveredfreshcharmsinhereveryminute，but，fearingImightloseherconfidenceifItriedtoobtainsomeslightfavour，Imadeupmymindnottogotoworktooquickly，andtocontrivethatthecurateshouldtakeheragaintoVenice。IthoughtthatthereonlyIcouldmanagetobringloveintoplayandtogiveitthefooditrequires。
\"Reverendsir，\"Isaid，\"letmeadviseyoutotakeyournieceagaintoVenice。Iundertaketodefrayallexpenses，andtofindanhonestwomanwithwhomyourChristinewillbeassafeaswithherownmother。Iwanttoknowherwellinordertomakehermywife，andifshecomestoVeniceourmarriageiscertain。\"
\"Sir，IwillbringmyniecemyselftoVeniceassoonasyouinformmethatyouhavefoundaworthywomanwithwhomIcanleaveherinsafety。\"
WhileweweretalkingIkeptlookingatChristine，andIcouldseehersmilewithcontentment。
\"MydearChristine，\"Isaid，\"withinaweekIshallhavearrangedtheaffair。Inthemeantime，Iwillwritetoyou。Ihopethatyouhavenoobjectiontocorrespondwithme。\"
\"Myunclewillwriteforme，forIhaveneverbeentaughtwriting。\"
\"What，mydearchild！youwishtobecomethewifeofaVenetian，andyoucannotwrite。\"
\"Isitthennecessarytoknowhowtowriteinordertobecomeawife？
Icanreadwell。\"
\"Thatisnotenough，andalthoughagirlcanbeawifeandamotherwithoutknowinghowtotraceoneletter，itisgenerallyadmittedthatayounggirloughttobeabletowrite。Iwonderyouneverlearned。\"
\"Thereisnowonderinthat，fornotonegirlinourvillagecandoit。Askmyuncle。\"
\"Itisperfectlytrue，butthereisnotonewhothinksofgettingmarriedinVenice，andasyouwishforaVenetianhusbandyoumustlearn。\"
\"Certainly，\"Isaid，\"andbeforeyoucometoVenice，foreverybodywouldlaughatyou，ifyoucouldnotwrite。Iseethatitmakesyousad，mydear，butitcannotbehelped。\"
\"Iamsad，becauseIcannotlearnwritinginaweek。\"
\"Iundertake，\"saidheruncle，\"toteachyouinafortnight，ifyouwillonlypracticediligently。Youwillthenknowenoughtobeabletoimprovebyyourownexertions。\"
\"Itisagreatundertaking，butIacceptit；Ipromiseyoutoworknightandday，andtobeginto—morrow。\"
Afterdinner，Iadvisedthepriestnottoleavethatevening，torestduringthenight，andIobservedthat，bygoingawaybeforeday—
break，hewouldreachP————ingoodtime，andfeelallthebetterforit。Imadethesameproposaltohimintheevening，andwhenhesawthathisniecewassleepy，hewaseasilypersuadedtoremain。I
calledfortheinnkeeper，orderedacarriagefortheclergyman，anddesiredthatafiremightbelitformeinthenextroomwhereI
wouldsleep，butthegoodpriestsaidthatitwasunnecessary，becausethereweretwolargebedsinourroom，thatonewouldbeformeandtheotherforhimandhisniece。
\"Weneednotundress，\"headded，\"aswemeantoleaveveryearly，butyoucantakeoffyourclothes，sir，becauseyouarenotgoingwithus，andyouwillliketoremaininbedto—morrowmorning。\"
\"Oh！\"remarkedChristine，\"Imustundressmyself，otherwiseIcouldnotsleep，butIonlywantafewminutestogetreadyinthemorning。\"
Isaidnothing，butIwasamazed。Christinethen，lovelyandcharmingenoughtowreckthechastityofaXenocrates，wouldsleepnakedwithheruncle！True，hewasold，devout，andwithoutanyoftheideaswhichmightrendersuchapositiondangerous，yetthepriestwasaman，hehadevidentlyfeltlikeallmen，andheoughttohaveknownthedangerhewasexposinghimselfto。Mycarnal—
mindednesscouldnotrealizesuchastateofinnocence。Butitwastrulyinnocent，somuchsothathediditopenly，anddidnotsupposethatanyonecouldseeanythingwronginit。Isawitallplainly，butIwasnotaccustomedtosuchthings，andfeltlostinwonderment。
AsIadvancedinageandinexperience，Ihaveseenthesamecustomestablishedinmanycountriesamongsthonestpeoplewhosegoodmoralswereinnowaydebasedbyit，butitwasamongstgoodpeople，andI
donotpretendtobelongtothatworthyclass。
Wehadhadnomeatfordinner，andmydelicatepalatewasnotover—
satisfied。Iwentdowntothekitchenmyself，andItoldthelandladythatIwantedthebestthatcouldbeprocuredinTrevisoforsupper，particularlyinwines。
\"Ifyoudonotmindtheexpense，sir，trusttome，andIundertaketopleaseyou。IwillgiveyousomeGattawine。\"
\"Allright，butletushavesupperearly。\"
WhenIreturnedtoourroom，IfoundChristinecaressingthecheeksofherolduncle，whowaslaughing；thegoodmanwasseventy—fiveyearsold。
\"Doyouknowwhatisthematter？\"hesaidtome；\"mynieceiscaressingmebecauseshewantsmetoleaveherhereuntilmyreturn。
Shetellsmethatyouwerelikebrotherandsisterduringthehouryouhavespentalonetogetherthismorning，andIbelieveit，butshedoesnotconsiderthatshewouldbeagreattroubletoyou。\"
\"Notatall，quitethereverse，shewillaffordmegreatpleasure，forIthinkherverycharming。Astoourmutualbehaviour，Ibelieveyoucantrustusbothtodoourduty。\"
\"Ihavenodoubtofit。Well，Iwillleaveherunderyourcareuntilthedayafterto—morrow。Iwillcomebackearlyinthemorningsoastoattendtoyourbusiness。\"
Thisextraordinaryandunexpectedarrangementcausedthebloodtorushtomyheadwithsuchviolencethatmynosebledprofuselyforaquarterofanhour。Itdidnotfrightenme，becauseIwasusedtosuchaccidents，butthegoodpriestwasinagreatfright，thinkingthatitwasaserioushaemorrhage。
WhenIhadallayedhisanxiety，heleftusonsomebusinessofhisown，sayingthathewouldreturnatnight—fall。Iremainedalonewiththecharming，artlessChristine，andlostnotimeinthankingherfortheconfidencesheplacedinme。
\"Icanassureyou，\"shesaid，\"thatIwishyoutohaveathoroughknowledgeofme；youwillseethatIhavenoneofthefaultswhichhavedispleasedyousomuchintheyoungladiesyouhaveknowninVenice，andIpromisetolearnwritingimmediately。\"
\"Youarecharmingandtrue；butyoumustbediscreetinP————，andconfidetonoonethatwehaveenteredintoanagreementwitheachother。Youmustactaccordingtoyouruncle’sinstructions，foritistohimthatIintendtowritetomakeallarrangements。\"
\"Youmayrelyuponmydiscretion。Iwillnotsayanythingeventomymother，untilyougivemepermissiontodoso。\"
Ipassedtheafternoon，indenyingmyselfeventheslightestlibertieswithmylovelycompanion，butfallingeveryminutedeeperinlovewithher。ItoldherafewlovestorieswhichIveiledsufficientlynottoshockhermodesty。Shefeltinterested，andI
couldseethat，althoughshedidnotalwaysunderstand，shepretendedtodoso，inordernottoappearignorant。
Whenherunclereturned，Ihadarrangedeverythinginmymindtomakehermywife，andIresolvedonplacingher，duringherstayinVenice，inthehouseofthesamehonestwidowwithwhomIhadfoundalodgingformybeautifulCountessA————S————。
Wehadadelicioussupper。IhadtoteachChristinehowtoeatoystersandtruffles，whichshethensawforthefirsttime。Gattawineislikechampagne，itcausesmerrimentwithoutintoxicating，butitcannotbekeptformorethanoneyear。Wewenttobedbeforemidnight，anditwasbroaddaylightwhenIawoke。ThecuratehadlefttheroomsoquietlythatIhadnotheardhim。
Ilookedtowardstheotherbed，Christinewasasleep。Iwishedhergoodmorning，sheopenedhereyes，andleaningonherelbow，shesmiledsweetly。
\"Myunclehasgone。Ididnothearhim。\"
\"DearestChristine，youareaslovelyasoneofGod’sangels。Ihaveagreatlongingtogiveyouakiss。\"
\"Ifyoulongforakiss，mydearfriend，comeandgivemeone。\"
Ijumpoutofmybed，decencymakesherhideherface。Itwascold，andIwasinlove。Ifindmyselfinherarmsbyoneofthosespontaneousmovementswhichsentimentalonecancause，andwebelongtoeachotherwithouthavingthoughtofit，shehappyandratherconfused，Idelighted，yetunabletorealizethetruthofavictorywonwithoutanycontest。
Anhourpassedinthemidstofhappiness，duringwhichweforgotthewholeworld。Calmfollowedthestormygustsofpassionatelove，andwegazedateachotherwithoutspeaking。
Christinewasthefirsttobreakthesilence\"Whathavewedone？\"shesaid，softlyandlovingly。
\"Wehavebecomehusbandandwife。\"
\"Whatwillmyunclesayto—morrow？\"
\"Heneednotknowanythingaboutituntilhegivesusthenuptialbenedictioninhisownchurch。\"
\"Andwhenwillhedoso？\"
\"Assoonaswehavecompletedallthearrangements。necessaryforapublicmarriage。\"
\"Howlongwillthatbe？\"
\"Aboutamonth。\"
\"WecannotbemarriedduringLent。\"
\"Iwillobtainpermission。\"
\"Youarenotdeceivingme？\"
\"No，forIadoreyou。\"
\"Then，younolongerwanttoknowmebetter？\"
\"No；Iknowyouthoroughlynow，andIfeelcertainthatyouwillmakemehappy。\"
\"Andwillyoumakemehappy，too？\"
\"Ihopeso。\"
\"Letusgetupandgotochurch。Whocouldhavebelievedthat，togetahusband，itwasnecessarynottogotoVenice，buttocomebackfromthatcity！\"
Wegotup，and，afterpartakingofsomebreakfast，wewenttohearmass。Themorningpassedoffquickly，buttowardsdinner—timeI
thoughtthatChristinelookeddifferenttowhatshedidthedaybefore，andIaskedherthereasonofthatchange。
\"Itmustbe，\"shesaid，\"thesamereasonwhichcausesyoutobethoughtful。\"
\"Anairofthoughtfulness，mydear，ispropertolovewhenitfindsitselfinconsultationwithhonour。Thisaffairhasbecomeserious，andloveisnowcompelledtothinkandconsider。Wewanttobemarriedinthechurch，andwecannotdoitbeforeLent，nowthatweareinthelastdaysofcarnival；yetwecannotwaituntilEaster，itwouldbetoolong。Wemustthereforeobtainadispensationinordertobemarried。HaveInotreasontobethoughtful？\"
Heronlyanswerwastocomeandkissmetenderly。Ihadspokenthetruth，yetIhadnottoldherallmyreasonsforbeingsopensive。I
foundmyselfdrawnintoanengagementwhichwasnotdisagreeabletome，butIwishedithadnotbeensoverypressing。Icouldnotconcealfrommyselfthatrepentancewasbeginningtocreepintomyamorousandwell—disposedmind，andIwasgrievedatit。Ifeltcertain，however，thatthecharminggirlwouldneverhaveanycausetoreproachmeforhermisery。
Wehadthewholeeveningbeforeus，andasshehadtoldmethatshehadnevergonetoatheatre，Iresolvedonaffordingherthatpleasure。IsentforaJewfromwhomIprocuredeverythingnecessarytodisguiseher，andwewenttothetheatre。Amaninloveenjoysnopleasurebutthatwhichhegivestothewomanheloves。Aftertheperformancewasover，ItookhertotheCasino，andherastonishmentmademelaughwhenshesawforthefirsttimeafarobank。Ihadnotmoneyenoughtoplaymyself，butIhadmorethanenoughtoamuseherandtoletherplayareasonablegame。Igavehertensequins，andexplainedwhatshehadtodo。Shedidnotevenknowthecards，yetinlessthananhourshehadwononehundredsequins。Imadeherleaveoffplaying，andwereturnedtotheinn。Whenwewereinourroom，Itoldhertoseehowmuchmoneyshehad，andwhenIassuredherthatallthatgoldbelongedtoher，shethoughtitwasadream。
\"Oh！whatwillmyunclesay？\"sheexclaimed。
Wehadalightsupper，andspentadelightfulnight，takinggoodcaretopartbyday—break，soasnottobecaughtinthesamebedbytheworthyecclesiastic。Hearrivedearlyandfoundussleepingsoundlyinourrespectivebeds。Hewokeme，andIgavehimtheringwhichhewenttopledgeimmediately。Whenhereturnedtwohourslater，hesawusdressedandtalkingquietlynearthefire。Assoonashecamein，Christinerushedtoembracehim，andsheshewedhimallthegoldshehadinherpossession。Whatapleasantsurpriseforthegoodoldpriest！Hedidnotknowhowtoexpresshiswonder！HethankedGodforwhathecalledamiracle，andheconcludedbysayingthatweweremadetoinsureeachother’shappiness。
Thetimetoparthadcome。IpromisedtopaythemavisitinthefirstdaysofLent，butonconditionthatonmyarrivalinP————I
wouldnotfindanyoneinformedofmynameorofmyconcerns。Thecurategavemethecertificateofbirthofhisnieceandtheaccountofherpossessions。AssoonastheyhadgoneItookmydepartureforVenice，fullofloveforthecharminggirl，anddeterminedonkeepingmyengagementwithher。Iknewhoweasyitwouldbeformetoconvincemythreefriendsthatmymarriagehadbeenirrevocablywritteninthegreatbookoffate。
Myreturncausedthegreatestjoytothethreeexcellentmen，because，notbeingaccustomedtoseemethreedaysabsent，M。
DandoloandM。Barbarowereafraidofsomeaccidenthavingbefallenme；butM。deBragadin’sfaithwasstronger，andheallayedtheirfears，sayingtothemthat，withParaliswatchingoverme，Icouldnotbeinanydanger。
TheverynextdayIresolvedoninsuringChristine’shappinesswithoutmakinghermywife。IhadthoughtofmarryingherwhenI
lovedherbetterthanmyself，butafterobtainingpossessionthebalancewassomuchonmysidethatmyself—loveprovedstrongerthanmyloveforChristine。Icouldnotmakeupmymindtorenouncetheadvantages，thehopeswhichIthoughtwereattachedtomyhappyindependence。YetIwastheslaveofsentiment。Toabandontheartless，innocentgirlseemedtomeanawfulcrimeofwhichIcouldnotbeguilty，andthemereideaofitmademeshudder。Iwasawarethatshewas，perhaps，bearinginherwombalivingtokenofourmutuallove，andIshiveredatthebarepossibilitythatherconfidenceinmemightberepaidbyshameandeverlastingmisery。
Ibethoughtmyselfoffindingherahusbandineverywaybetterthanmyself；ahusbandsogoodthatshewouldnotonlyforgivemefortheinsultIshouldthusbeguiltyoftowardsher，butalsothankmeattheend，andlikemeallthebetterformydeceit。
Tofindsuchahusbandcouldnotbeverydifficult，forChristinewasnotonlyblessedwithwonderfulbeauty，andwithawell—establishedreputationforvirtue，butshewasalsothepossessorofafortuneamountingtofourthousandVenetianducats。
Shutupinaroomwiththethreeworshippersofmyoracle，I
consultedParalisupontheaffairwhichIhadsomuchatheart。Theanswerwas:
\"Serenusmustattendtoit。\"
SerenuswasthecabalisticnameofM。deBragadin，andtheexcellentmanimmediatelyexpressedhimselfreadytoexecutealltheordersofParalis。Itwasmydutytoinformhimofthoseorders。
\"Youmust，\"Isaidtohim，\"obtainfromtheHolyFatheradispensationforaworthyandvirtuousgirl，soastogivehertheprivilegeofmarryingduringLentinthechurchofhervillage；sheisayoungcountrygirl。Hereishercertificateofbirth。Thehusbandisnotyetknown；butitdoesnotmatter，Paralisundertakestofindone。\"
\"Trusttome，\"saidmyfather，\"IwillwriteatoncetoourambassadorinRome，andIwillcontrivetohavemylettersentbyspecialexpress。Youneednotbeanxious，leaveitalltome，Iwillmakeitabusinessofstate，andImustobeyParalisallthemorereadilythatIforeseethattheintendedhusbandisoneofusfour。
Indeed，wemustprepareourselvestoobey。\"
Ihadsometroubleinkeepingmylaughterdown，foritwasinmypowertometamorphoseChristineintoagrandVenetianlady，thewifeofasenator；butthatwasnotmyintention。Iagainconsultedtheoracleinordertoascertainwhowouldbethehusbandoftheyounggirl，andtheanswerwasthatM。Dandolowasentrustedwiththecareoffindingone，young，handsome，virtuous，andabletoservetheRepublic，eitherathomeorabroad。M。Dandolowastoconsultmebeforeconcludinganyarrangements。Igavehimcourageforhistaskbyinforminghimthatthegirlhadadowryoffourthousandducats，butIaddedthathischoicewastobemadewithinafortnight。M。
deBragadin，delightedatnotbeingentrustedwiththecommission，laughedheartily。
Thosearrangementsmademefeelatpeacewithmyself。IwascertainthatthehusbandIwantedwouldbefound，andIonlythoughtoffinishingthecarnivalgaily，andofcontrivingtofindmypursereadyforacaseofemergency。
Fortunesoonrenderedmepossessorofathousandsequins。Ipaidmydebts，andthelicenceforthemarriagehavingarrivedfromRometendaysafterM。deBragadinhadappliedforit，Igavehimonehundredducats，thatbeingthesumithadcost。ThedispensationgaveChristinetherightofbeingmarriedinanychurchinChristendom，shewouldonlyhavetoobtainthesealoftheepiscopalcourtofthedioceseinwhichthemarriagewastotakeplace，andnopublicationofbannswasrequired。Wewanted，therefore，butonething——atriflingone，namely，thehusband。M。Dandolohadalreadyproposedthreeorfourtome，butIhadrefusedthemforexcellentreasons。
Atlastheofferedonewhosuitedmeexactly。
Ihadtotakethediamondringoutofpledge，andnotwishingtodoitmyself，IwrotetothepriestmakinganappointmentinTreviso。I
wasnot，ofcourse，surprisedwhenIfoundthathewasaccompaniedbyhislovelyniece，who，thinkingthatIhadcometocompleteallarrangementsforourmarriage，embracedmewithoutceremony，andI
didthesame。Iftheunclehadnotbeenpresent，Iamafraidthatthosekisseswouldhavecausedallmyheroismtovanish。Igavethecuratethedispensation，andthehandsomefeaturesofChristineshonewithjoy。ShecertainlycouldnotimaginethatIhadbeenworkingsoactivelyforothers，and，asIwasnotyetcertainofanything，Ididnotundeceiveherthen。IpromisedtobeinP————withineightortendays，whenwewouldcompleteallnecessaryarrangements。Afterdinner，Igavethecuratetheticketfortheringandthemoneytotakeitoutofpledge，andweretiredtorest。Thistime，veryfortunately，therewasbutonebedintheroom，andIhadtotakeanotherchamberformyself。
Thenextmorning，IwentintoChristine’sroom，andfoundherinbed。
Herunclehadgoneoutformydiamondring，andalonewiththatlovelygirl，IfoundthatIhad，whennecessary，completecontrolovermypassions。Thinkingthatshewasnottobemywife，andthatshewouldbelongtoanother，Iconsidereditmydutytosilencemydesires。Ikissedher，butnothingmore。
Ispentonehourwithher，fightinglikeSaintAnthonyagainstthecarnaldesiresofmynature。Icouldseethecharminggirlfullofloveandofwonderatmyreserve，andIadmiredhervirtueinthenaturalmodestywhichpreventedherfrommakingthefirstadvances。
Shegotoutofbedanddressedherselfwithoutshewinganydisappointment。Shewould，ofcourse，havefeltmortifiedifshebadhadtheslightestideathatIdespisedher，orthatIdidnotvaluehercharms。
Herunclereturned，gavemethering，andwehaddinner，afterwhichhetreatedmetoawonderfulexhibition。Christinehadlearnedhowtowrite，and，togivemeaproofofhertalent，shewroteveryfluentlyandveryprettilyinmypresence。
Weparted，aftermypromisingtocomebackagainwithintendays，andIreturnedtoVenice。
OnthesecondSundayinLent，M。Dandolotoldmewithanairoftriumphthatthefortunatehusbandhadbeenfound，andthattherewasnodoubtofmyapprovalofthenewcandidate。HenamedCharles————
whomIknewbysight——veryhandsomeyoungman，ofirreproachableconduct，andabouttwenty—twoyearsofage。HewasclerktoM。
Ragionatoandgod—sonofCountAlgarotti，asisterofwhomhadmarriedM。Dandolo’sbrother。
\"Charles，\"saidM。Dandolotome，\"haslosthisfatherandhismother，andIfeelsatisfiedthathisgodfatherwillguaranteethedowrybroughtbyhiswife。Ihavespokentohim，andIbelievehimdisposedtomarryanhonestgirlwhosedowrywouldenablehimtopurchaseM。Ragionato’soffice。\"
\"Itseemstopromiseverywell，butIcannotdecideuntilIhaveseenhim。\"
\"Ihaveinvitedhimtodinewithusto—morrow。\"
Theyoungmancame，andIfoundhimworthyofallM。Dandolo’spraise。Webecamefriendsatonce；hehadsometasteforpoetry，I
readsomeofmyproductionstohim，andhavingpaidhimavisitthefollowingday，heshewedmeseveralpiecesofhisowncompositionwhichwerewellwritten。Heintroducedmetohisaunt，inwhosehousehelivedwithhissister，andIwasmuchpleasedwiththeirfriendlywelcome。Beingalonewithhiminhisroom，Iaskedhimwhathethoughtoflove。
\"Idonotcareforlove，\"heanswered:\"butIshouldliketogetmarriedinordertohaveahouseofmyown。\"
WhenIreturnedtothepalace，ItoldM。DandolothathemightopentheaffairwithCountAlgarotti，andthecountmentionedittoCharles，whosaidthathecouldnotgiveanyanswer，eitheronewayortheother，untilheshouldhaveseentheyounggirl，talkedwithher，andenquiredaboutherreputation。AsforCountAlgarotti，hewasreadytobeanswerableforhisgod—son，thatistoguaranteefourthousandducatstothewife，providedherdowrywasworththatamount。Thosewereonlythepreliminaries；therestbelongedtomyprovince。
DandolohavinginformedCharlesthatthematterwasentirelyinmyhands，hecalledonmeandenquiredwhenIwouldbekindenoughtointroducehimtotheyoungperson。Inamedtheday，addingthatitwasnecessarytodevoteawholedaytothevisit，assheresidedatadistanceoftwentymilesfromVenice，thatwewoulddinewithherandreturnthesameevening。Hepromisedtobereadyformebyday—
break。IimmediatelysentanexpresstothecuratetoinformhimofthedayonwhichIwouldcallwithafriendofminewhomIwishedtointroducetohisniece。
Ontheappointedday，Charleswaspunctual。ItookcaretolethimknowalongtheroadthatIhadmadetheacquaintanceoftheyounggirlandofheruncleastravellingcompanionsfromVenicetoMestraaboutonemonthbefore，andthatIwouldhaveofferedmyselfasahusband，ifIhadbeeninapositiontoguaranteethedowryoffourthousandducats。Ididnotthinkitnecessarytogoanyfurtherinmyconfidences。
Wearrivedatthegoodpriest’shousetwohoursbeforemid—day，andsoonafterourarrival，Christinecameinwithanairofgreatease，expressingallherpleasureatseeingme。SheonlybowedtoCharles，enquiringfrommewhetherhewaslikewiseaclerk。
CharlesansweredthathewasclerkatRagionato。
Shepretendedtounderstand，inordernottoappearignorant。
\"Iwantyoutolookatmywriting，\"shesaidtome，\"andafterwardswewillgoandseemymother。\"
DelightedatthepraisebestoweduponherwritingbyCharles，whenheheardthatshehadlearnedonlyonemonth，sheinvitedustofollowher。Charlesaskedherwhyshehadwaiteduntiltheageofnineteentostudywriting。
\"Well，sir，whatdoesitmattertoyou？Besides，ImusttellyouthatIamseventeen，andnotnineteenyearsofage。\"
Charlesentreatedhertoexcusehim，smilingatthequicknessofheranswer。
Shewasdressedlikeasimplecountrygirl，yetveryneatly，andsheworeherhandsomegoldchainsroundherneckandonherarms。ItoldhertotakemyarmandthatofCharles，whichshedid，castingtowardsmealookoflovingobedience。Wewenttohermother’shouse；thegoodwomanwascompelledtokeepherbedowingtosciatica。Asweenteredtheroom，arespectable—lookingman，whowasseatednearthepatient，roseatthesightofCharles，andembracedhimaffectionately。Iheardthathewasthefamilyphysician，andthecircumstancepleasedmemuch。
Afterwehadpaidourcomplimentstothegoodwoman，thedoctorenquiredafterCharles’sauntandsister；andalludingtothesisterwhowassufferingfromasecretdisease，Charlesdesiredtosayafewwordstohiminprivate；theylefttheroomtogether。BeingalonewiththemotherandChristine，IpraisedCharles，hisexcellentconduct，hishighcharacter，hisbusinessabilities，andextolledthehappinessofthewomanwhowouldbehiswife。TheybothconfirmedmypraisesbysayingthateverythingIsaidofhimcouldbereadonhisfeatures。Ihadnotimetolose，soItoldChristinetobeonherguardduringdinner，asCharlesmightpossiblybethehusbandwhomGodhadintendedforher。
\"Forme？\"
\"Yes，foryou。Charlesisoneofathousand；youwouldbemuchhappierwithhimthanyoucouldbewithme；thedoctorknowshim，andyoucouldascertainfromhimeverythingwhichIcannotfindtimetotellyounowaboutmyfriend。\"
ThereadercanimagineallIsufferedinmakingthisdeclaration，andmysurprisewhenIsawtheyounggirlcalmandperfectlycomposed！
Hercomposuredriedthetearsalreadygatheringinmyeyes。Afterashortsilence，sheaskedmewhetherIwascertainthatsuchahandsomeyoungmanwouldhaveher。ThatquestiongavemeaninsightintoChristine’sheartandfeelings，andquietedallmysorrow，forI
sawthatIhadnotknownherwell。Iansweredthat，beautifulasshewas，therewasnodoubtofherbeinglovedbyeverybody。
\"Itwillbeatdinner，mydearChristine，thatmyfriendwillexamineandstudyyou；donotfailtoshewallthecharmsandqualitieswithwhichGodhasendowedyou，butdonotlethimsuspectourintimacy。\"
\"Itisallverystrange。Ismyuncleinformedofthiswonderfulchange？\"
\"No。\"
\"Ifyourfriendshouldfeelpleasedwithme，whenwouldhemarryme？\"
\"Withintendays。Iwilltakecareofeverything，andyouwillseemeagaininthecourseoftheweek:\"
Charlescamebackwiththedoctor，andChristine，leavinghermother’sbedside，tookachairoppositetous。SheansweredverysensiblyallthequestionsaddressedtoherbyCharles，oftenexcitinghismirthbyherartlessness，butnotshewinganysilliness。
Oh！charmingsimplicity！offspringofwitandofignorance！thycharmisdelightful，andthoualonehasttheprivilegeofsayinganythingwithoutevergivingoffence！Buthowunpleasantthouartwhenthouartnotnatural！andthouartthemasterpieceofartwhenthouartimitatedwithperfection！
Wedinedratherlate，andItookcarenottospeaktoChristine，noteventolookather，soasnottoengrossherattention，whichshedevotedentirelytoCharles，andIwasdelightedtoseewithwhateaseandinterestshekeptuptheconversation。Afterdinner，andasweweretakingleave，IheardthefollowingwordsutteredbyCharles，whichwenttomyveryheart:
\"Youaremade，lovelyChristine，toministertothehappinessofaprince。\"
AndChristine？Thiswasheranswer:
\"Ishouldesteemmyselffortunate，sir，ifyoushouldjudgemeworthyofministeringtoyours。\"
ThesewordsexcitedCharlessomuchthatheembracedme！
Christinewassimple，butherartlessnessdidnotcomefromhermind，onlyfromherheart。Thesimplicityofmindisnothingbutsilliness，thatoftheheartisonlyignoranceandinnocence；itisaqualitywhichsubsistsevenwhenthecausehasceasedtobe。Thisyounggirl，almostachildofnature，wassimpleinhermanners，butgracefulinathousandtriflingwayswhichcannotbedescribed。Shewassincere，becauseshedidnotknowthattoconcealsomeofourimpressionsisoneofthepreceptsofpropriety，andasherintentionswerepure，shewasastrangertothatfalseshameandmockmodestywhichcausepretendedinnocencetoblushataword，oratamovementsaidormadeveryoftenwithoutanywickedpurpose。
DuringourjourneybacktoVeniceCrarlesspokeofnothingbutofhishappiness。Hehaddecidedlyfalleninlove。
\"Iwillcallto—morrowmorninguponCountAlgarotti，\"hesaidtome，\"andyoumaywritetothepriesttocomewithallthenecessarydocumentstomakethecontractofmarriagewhichIlongtosign。\"
HisdelightandhissurprisewereintensewhenItoldhimthatmyweddingpresenttoChristinewasadispensationfromthePopeforhertobemarriedinLent。
\"Then，\"heexclaimed，\"wemustgofullspeedahead！\"
Intheconferencewhichwasheldthenextdaybetweenmyyoungsubstitute，hisgod—father，andM。Dandolo，itwasdecidedthattheparsonshouldbeinvitedtocomewithhisniece。Iundertooktocarrythemessage，andleavingVenicetwohoursbeforemorningI
reachedP————early。Thepriestsaidhewouldbereadytostartimmediatelyaftermass。IthencalledonChristine，andItreatedhertoafatherlyandsentimentalsermon，everywordofwhichwasintendedtopointouttoherthetrueroadtohappinessinthenewconditionwhichshewasonthepointofadopting。Itoldherhowsheoughttobehavetowardsherhusband，towardshisauntandhissister，inordertocaptivatetheiresteemandtheirlove。Thelastpartofmydiscoursewaspatheticandratherdisparagingtomyself，for，asI
enforceduponherthenecessityofbeingfaithfultoherhusband，I
wasnecessarilyledtoentreatherpardonforhavingseducedher。
\"Whenyoupromisedtomarryme，afterwehadbothbeenweakenoughtogivewaytoourlove，didyouintendtodeceiveme？\"
\"Certainlynot。\"
\"Thenyouhavenotdeceivedme。Onthecontrary，Ioweyousomegratitudeforhavingthoughtthat，ifourunionshouldproveunhappy，itwasbettertofindanotherhusbandforme，andIthankGodthatyouhavesucceededsowell。Tellme，now，whatIcananswertoyourfriendincaseheshouldaskme，duringthefirstnight，whyIamsodifferenttowhatavirginoughttobe？\"
\"ItisnotlikelythatCharles，whoisfullofreserveandpropriety，wouldaskyousuchathing，butifheshould，tellhimpositivelythatyouneverhadalover，andthatyoudonotsupposeyourselftobedifferenttoanyothergirl。\"
\"Willhebelieveme？\"
\"Hewoulddeserveyourcontempt，andentailpunishmentonhimselfifhedidnot。Butdismissallanxiety；thatwillnotoccur。A
sensibleman，mydearChristine，whenhehasbeenrightlybroughtup，neverventuresuponsuchaquestion，becauseheisnotonlycertaintodisplease，butalsosurethathewillneverknowthetruth，forifthetruthislikelytoinjureawomanintheopinionofherhusband，shewouldbeveryfoolish，indeed，toconfessit。\"
\"Iunderstandyourmeaningperfectly，mydearfriend；letus，then，embraceeachotherforthelasttime。\"
\"No，forwearealoneandIamveryweak。Iadoretheeasmuchasever。\"
\"Donotcry，dearfriend，for，trulyspeaking，Ihavenowishforit。\"
Thatsimpleandcandidanswerchangedmydispositionsuddenly，and，insteadofcrying，Ibegantolaugh。Christinedressedherselfsplendidly，andafterbreakfastweleftP————。WereachedVeniceinfourhours。Ilodgedthematagoodinn，andgoingtothepalace，I
toldM。Dandolothatourpeoplehadarrived，thatitwouldbehisprovincetobringthemandCharlestogetheronthefollowingday，andtoattendtothematteraltogether，becausethehonourofthefuturehusbandandwife，therespectduetotheirparentsandtopropriety，forbadeanyfurtherinterferenceonmypart。
Heunderstoodmyreasons，andactedaccordingly。HebroughtCharlestome，Ipresentedbothofthemtothecurateandhisniece，andthenleftthemtocompletetheirbusiness。
IheardafterwardsfromM。DandolothattheyallcalleduponCountAlgarotti，andattheofficeofanotary，wherethecontractofmarriagewassigned，andthat，afterfixingadayforthewedding，CharleshadescortedhisintendedbacktoP————。
Onhisreturn，Charlespaidmeavisit。HetoldmethatChristinehadwonbyherbeautyandpleasingmannerstheaffectionofhisaunt，ofhissister，andofhisgod—father，andthattheyhadtakenuponthemselvesalltheexpenseofthewedding。
\"Weintendtobemarried，\"headded，\"onsuchadayatP————，andI
trustthatyouwillcrownyourworkofkindnessbybeingpresentattheceremony。\"
Itriedtoexcusemyself，butheinsistedwithsuchafeelingofgratitude，andwithsomuchearnestness，thatIwascompelledtoaccept。IlistenedwithrealpleasuretotheaccounthegavemeoftheimpressionproduceduponallhisfamilyanduponCountAlgarottibythebeauty，theartlessness，therichtoilet，andespeciallybythesimpletalkofthelovelycountrygirl。
\"Iamdeeplyinlovewithher，\"Charlessaidtome，\"andIfeelthatitistoyouthatIshallbeindebtedforthehappinessIamsuretoenjoywithmycharmingwife。ShewillsoongetridofhercountrywayoftalkinginVenice，becausehereenvyandslanderwillbuttooeasilyshewhertheabsurdityofit。\"
Hisenthusiasmandhappinessdelightedme，andIcongratulatedmyselfuponmyownwork。YetIfeltinwardlysomejealousy，andIcouldnothelpenvyingalotwhichImighthavekeptformyself。
M。DaridoloandM。BarbarohavingbeenalsoinvitedbyCharles，I
wentwiththemtoP————。Wefoundthedinner—tablelaidoutintherector’shousebytheservantsofCountAlgarotti，whowasactingasCharles’sfather，andhavingtakenuponhimselfalltheexpenseofthewedding，hadsenthiscookandhismajor—domotoP————。
WhenIsawChristine，thetearsfilledmyeyes，andIhadtoleavetheroom。Shewasdressedasacountrygirl，butlookedaslovelyasanymph。Herhusband，heruncle，andCountAlgarottihadvainlytriedtomakeheradopttheVenetiancostume，butshehadverywiselyrefused。
\"AssoonasIamyourwife，\"shehadsaidtoCharles，\"Iwilldressasyouplease，buthereIwillnotappearbeforemyyoungcompanionsinanyothercostumethantheoneinwhichtheyhavealwaysseenme。
Ishallthusavoidbeinglaughedat，andaccusedofpride，bythegirlsamongwhomIhavebeenbroughtup。\"
Therewasinthesewordssomethingsonoble，sojust，andsogenerous，thatCharlesthoughthissweetheartasupernaturalbeing。
Hetoldmethathehadenquired，fromthewomanwithwhomChristinehadspentafortnight，abouttheoffersofmarriageshehadrefusedatthattime，andthathehadbeenmuchsurprised，fortwoofthoseofferswereexcellentones。
\"Christine，\"headded，\"wasevidentlydestinedbyHeavenformyhappiness，andtoyouIamindebtedforthepreciouspossessionofthattreasure。\"
Hisgratitudepleasedme，andImustrendermyselfthejusticeofsayingthatIentertainednothoughtofabusingit。IfelthappyinthehappinessIhadthusgiven。
Werepairedtothechurchtowardseleveno’clock，andwereverymuchastonishedatthedifficultyweexperiencedingettingin。AlargenumberofthenobilityofTreviso，curioustoascertainwhetheritwastruethatthemarriageceremonyofacountrygirlwouldbepubliclyperformedduringLentwhen，bywaitingonlyonemonth，adispensationwouldhavebeenuseless，hadcometoP————。EveryonewonderedatthepermissionhavingbeenobtainedfromthePope，everyoneimaginedthattherewassomeextraordinaryreasonforit，andwasindespairbecauseitwasimpossibletoguessthatreason。
Inspiteofallfeelingsofenvy，everyfacebeamedwithpleasureandsatisfactionwhentheyoungcouplemadetheirappearance，andnoonecoulddenythattheydeservedthatextraordinarydistinction，thatexceptiontoallestablishedrules。
AcertainCountessofTos……，fromTreviso，Christine’sgod—mother，wentuptoheraftertheceremony，andembracedhermosttenderly，complainingthatthehappyeventhadnotbeencommunicatedtoherinTreviso。Christine，inherartlessway，answeredwithasmuchmodestyassweetness，thatthecountessoughttoforgiveherifshehadfailedinherdutytowardsher，onaccountofthemarriagehavingbeendecidedonsohastily。Shepresentedherhusband，andbeggedCountAlgarottitoatoneforhererrortowardshergod—motherbyinvitinghertojointheweddingrepast，aninvitationwhichthecountessacceptedwithgreatpleasure。Thatbehaviour，whichisusuallytheresultofagoodeducationandalongexperienceofsociety，wasinthelovelypeasant—girldueonlytoacandidandwell—balancedmindwhichshoneallthemorebecauseitwasallnatureandnotart。
Astheyreturnedfromthechurch，CharlesandChristinekneltdownbeforetheyoungwife’smother，whogavethemherblessingwithtearsofjoy。
Dinnerwasserved，and，ofcourse，Christineandherhappyspousetooktheseatsofhonour。Minewasthelast，andIwasverygladofit，butalthougheverythingwasdelicious，Iateverylittle，andscarcelyopenedmylips。
Christinewasconstantlybusy，sayingprettythingstoeveryoneofherguests，andlookingatherhusbandtomakesurethathewaspleasedwithher。
Onceortwicesheaddressedhisauntandsisterinsuchagraciousmannerthattheycouldnothelpleavingtheirplacesandkissinghertenderly，congratulatingCharlesuponhisgoodfortune。IwasseatednotveryfarfromCountAlgarotti，andIheardhimsayseveraltimestoChristine’sgod—motherthathehadneverfeltsodelightedinhislife。
Whenfouro’clockstruck，Charleswhisperedafewwordstohislovelywife，shebowedtohergod—mother，andeverybodyrosefromthetable。
Aftertheusualcompliments——andinthiscasetheyborethestampofsincerity——thebridedistributedamongallthegirlsofthevillage，whowereintheadjoiningroom，packetsfullofsugar—plumswhichhadbeenpreparedbeforehand，andshetookleaveofthem，kissingthemallwithoutanypride。CountAlgarottiinvitedallthegueststosleepatahousehehadinTreviso，andtopartakethereofthedinnerusuallygiventhedayafterthewedding。Theunclealoneexcusedhimself，andthemothercouldnotcome，owingtoherdiseasewhichpreventedherfrommoving。ThegoodwomandiedthreemonthsafterChristine’smarriage。
Christinethereforelefthervillagetofollowherhusband，andfortheremainderoftheirlivestheylivedtogetherinmutualhappiness。
CountAlgarotti，Christine’sgod—motherandmytwonoblefriends，wentawaytogether。Thebrideandbridegroomhad，ofcourse，acarriagetothemselves，andIkepttheauntandthesisterofCharlescompanyinanother。Icouldnothelpenvyingthehappymansomewhat，althoughinmyinmostheartIfeltpleasedwithhishappiness。
Thesisterwasnotwithoutmerit。Shewasayoungwidowoftwenty—
five，andstilldeservedthehomageofmen，butIgavethepreferencetotheaunt，whotoldmethathernewniecewasatreasure，ajewelwhichwasworthyofeverybody’sadmiration，butthatshewouldnotlethergointosocietyuntilshecouldspeaktheVenetiandialectwell。