Ithankedherforhervisit，beggedhertobeseated，andIexpressedalltheinterestIfeltforher。Hergratitudesheweditselfmorebythetoneofhervoicethanbyherwords，andherconfidencebeingalreadycaptivatedshetoldmeartlessly，butnotwithoutsomedignity，hershorthistoryorratherhersituation，andsheconcludedbythesewords:
\"Imustinthecourseofthedayfindalessexpensivelodging，forI
onlypossesssixfrancs。\"
Iaskedherwhethershehadanylettersofrecommendation，andshedrewoutofherpocketaparcelofpaperscontainingsevenoreighttestimonialsofgoodconductandhonesty，andapassport。
\"Isthisallyouhave，mydearcountrywoman？\"
\"Yes。Iintendtocallwithmybrotheruponthesecretaryofwar，andIhopehewilltakepityonme。\"
\"Youdonotknowanybodyhere？\"
\"Notoneperson，sir；youarethefirstmaninFrancetowhomIhaveexposedmysituation。\"
\"Iamacountrymanofyours，andyouarerecommendedtomebyyourpositionaswellasbyyourage；Iwishtobeyouradviser，ifyouwillpermitme。\"
\"Ah，sir！howgratefulIwouldbe！\"
\"Donotmentionit。Givemeyourpapers，Iwillseewhatistobedonewiththem。Donotrelateyourhistorytoanyone，anddonotsayonewordaboutyourposition。Youhadbetterremainatthishotel。
HerearetwoLouiswhichIwilllendyouuntilyouareinapositiontoreturnthemtome。\"
Sheaccepted，expressingherheart—feltgratitude。
MademoiselleVesianwasaninterestingbrunetteofsixteen。ShehadagoodknowledgeofFrenchandItalian，gracefulmanners，andadignitywhichendowedherwithaverynobleappearance。Sheinformedmeofheraffairswithoutmeanness，yetwithoutthattimiditywhichseemstoarisefromafearofthepersonwholistensbeingdisposedtotakeadvantageofthedistressingpositionconfidedtohishonour。
Sheseemedneitherhumiliatednorbold；shehadhope，andshedidnotboastofhercourage。Hervirtuewasbynomeansostentatious，buttherewasinheranairofmodestywhichwouldcertainlyhaveputarestraintuponanyonedisposedtofailinrespecttowardsher。I
felttheeffectofitmyself，forinspiteofherbeautifuleyes，herfinefigure，ofthefreshnessofhercomplexion，hertransparentskin，hernegligee——inoneword，allthatcantemptamanandwhichfilledmewithburningdesires，Ididnotforoneinstantlosecontrolovermyself；shehadinspiredmewithafeelingofrespectwhichhelpedmetomastermysenses，andIpromisedmyselfnotonlytoattemptnothingagainsthervirtue，butalsonottobethefirstmantomakeherdeviatefromtherightpath。Ieventhoughtitbettertopostponetoanotherinterviewalittlespeechonthatsubject，theresultofwhichmightbetomakemefollowadifferentcourse。
\"Youarenowinacity，\"Isaidtoher，\"inwhichyourdestinymustunfolditself，andinwhichallthefinequalitieswhichnaturehassobountifullybestoweduponyou，andwhichmayultimatelycauseyourfortune，maylikewisecauseyourruin；forhere，bydearcountrywoman，wealthymendespisealllibertinewomenexceptthosewhohaveofferedthemthesacrificeoftheirvirtue。Ifyouarevirtuous，andaredetermineduponremainingso，prepareyourselftobearagreatdealofmisery；ifyoufeelyourselfsufficientlyabovewhatiscalledprejudice，if，inoneword，youfeeldisposedtoconsenttoeverything，inordertosecureacomfortableposition，beverycarefulnottomakeamistake。Distrustaltogetherthesweetwordswhicheverypassionatemanwilladdresstoyouforthesakeofobtainingyourfavours，for，hispassiononcesatisfied，hisardourwillcooldown，andyouwillfindyourselfdeceived。Bewaryofyouradorers；theywillgiveyouabundanceofcounterfeitcoin，butdonottrustthemfar。AsfarasIamconcerned，IfeelcertainthatI
shallneverinjureyou，andIhopetobeofsomeusetoyou。Toreassureyouentirelyonmyaccount，Iwilltreatyouasifyouweremysister，forIamtooyoungtoplaythepartofyourfather，andI
wouldnottellyouallthisifIdidnotthinkyouaverycharmingperson。\"
Herbrotherjoinedusasweweretalkingtogether。Hewasagood—
lookingyoungmanofeighteen，wellmade，butwithoutanystyleabouthim；hespokelittle，andhisexpressionwasdevoidofindividuality。
Webreakfastedtogether，andhavingaskedhimaswewereattableforwhatprofessionhefeltaninclination，heansweredthathewasdisposedtodoanythingtoearnanhonourableliving。
\"Haveyouanypeculiartalent？\"
\"Iwriteprettywell。\"
\"Thatissomething。Whenyougoout，mistrusteverybody；donotenteranycaf？andneverspeaktoanyoneinthestreets。Eatyourmealsinyourroomwithyoursister，andtellthelandladytogiveyouasmallclosettosleepin。WritesomethinginFrenchto—day，letmehaveitto—morrowmorning，andwewillseewhatcanbedone。
Asforyou，mademoiselle，mybooksareatyourdisposal，Ihaveyourpapers；to—morrowImayhavesomenewstotellyou；weshallnotseeeachotheragainto—day，forIgenerallycomehomeverylate。\"Shetookafewbooks，madeamodestreverence，andtoldmewithacharmingvoicethatshehadeveryconfidenceinme。
Feelingdisposedtobeusefultoher，whereverIwentduringthatdayIspokeofnothingbutofherandofheraffairs；andeverywheremenandwomentoldmethatifshewasprettyshecouldnotfail，butthatatalleventsitwouldberightforhertotakeallnecessarysteps。
Ireceivedapromisethatthebrothershouldbeemployedinsomeoffice。IthoughtthatthebestplanwouldbetofindsomeinfluentialladywhowouldconsenttopresentMdlle。VesiantoM。d’Argenson，andIknewthatinthemeantimeIcouldsupporther。
IbeggedSilviatomentionthemattertoMadamedeMontconseil，whohadverygreatinfluencewiththesecretaryofwar。Shepromisedtodoso，butshewishedtobeacquaintedwiththeyounggirl。
Ireturnedtothehoteltowardseleveno’clock，andseeingthattherewasalightstillburningintheroomofMdlle。VesianIknockedatherdoor。Sheopenedit，andtoldmethatshehadsatupinthehopeofseeingme。IgaveheranaccountofwhatIhaddone。Ifoundherdisposedtoundertakeallthatwasnecessary，andmostgratefulformyassistance。Shespokeofherpositionwithanairofnobleindifferencewhichsheassumedinordertorestrainhertears；shesucceededinkeepingthemback，butthemoistureinhereyesprovedalltheeffortsshewasmakingtopreventthemfromfalling。Wehadtalkedfortwohours，andgoingfromonesubjecttoanotherIlearnedthatshehadneverloved，andthatshewasthereforeworthyofaloverwhowouldrewardherinapropermannerforthesacrificeofhervirtue。Itwouldhavebeenabsurdtothinkthatmarriagewastobetherewardofthatsacrifice；theyounggirlhadnotyetmadewhatiscalledafalsestep，butshehadnoneoftheprudishfeelingsofthosegirlswhosaythattheywouldnottakesuchastepforallthegoldintheuniverse，andusuallygivewaybeforetheslightestattack；allmyyoungfriendwantedwastodisposeofherselfinaproperandadvantageousmanner。
IcouldnothelpsighingasIlistenedtoherverysensibleremarks，consideringthepositioninwhichshewasplacedbyanadversedestiny。Hersinceritywascharmingtome；Iwasburningwithdesire。LucieofPaseancamebacktomymemory；IrecollectedhowdeeplyIhadrepentedtheinjuryIhaddoneinneglectingasweetflower，whichanotherman，andalessworthyone，hadhastenedtopluck；Ifeltmyselfnearalambwhichwouldperhapsbecomethepreyofsomegreedywolf；andshe，withhernoblefeelings，hercarefuleducation，andacandourwhichanimpurebreathwouldperhapsdestroyforever，wassurelynotdestinedforalotofshame。IregrettedI
wasnotrichenoughtomakeherfortune，andtosaveherhonourandhervirtue。IfeltthatIcouldneithermakehermineinanillegitimatewaynorbeherguardianangel，andthatbybecomingherprotectorIshoulddohermoreharmthangood；inoneword，insteadofhelpingheroutoftheunfortunatepositioninwhichshewas，I
should，perhaps，onlycontributetoherentireruin。DuringthattimeIhadhernearme，speakingtoherinasentimentalway，andnotutteringonesinglewordoflove；butIkissedherhandandherarmstoooftenwithoutcomingtoaresolution，withoutbeginningathingwhichwouldhavetoorapidlycometoanend，andwhichwouldhavecompelledmetokeepherformyself；inthatcase，therewouldhavebeennolongeranyhopeofafortuneforher，andformenomeansofgettingridofher。Ihavelovedwomeneventomadness，butIhavealwayslovedlibertybetter；andwheneverIhavebeenindangeroflosingitfatehascometomyrescue。
IhadremainedaboutfourhourswithMdlle。Vesian，consumedbythemostintensedesires，andIhadhadstrengthenoughtoconquerthem。
Shecouldnotattributemyreservetoafeelingofmodesty，andnotknowingwhyIdidnotshewmoreboldnessshemusthavesupposedthatIwaseitherillorimpotent。Ilefther，afterinvitinghertodinnerforthenextday。
Wehadapleasantdinner，andherbrotherhavinggoneoutforawalkafterourmealwelookedtogetheroutofthewindowfromwhichwecouldseeallthecarriagesgoingtotheItalianComedy。Iaskedherwhethershewouldliketogo；sheansweredmewithasmileofdelight，andwestartedatonce。
IplacedherintheamphitheatrewhereIlefther，tellingherthatwewouldmeetatthehotelateleveno’clock。Iwouldnotremainwithher，inordertoavoidthequestionswhichwouldhavebeenaddressedtome，forthesimplerhertoiletwasthemoreinterestingshelooked。
AfterIhadleftthetheatre，IwenttosupatSilvia’sandreturnedtothehotel。Iwassurprisedatthesightofanelegantcarriage；I
enquiredtowhomitbelonged，andIwastoldthatitwasthecarriageofayoungnoblemanwhohadsuppedwithMdlle。Vesian。Shewasgettingon。
Thefirstthingnextmorning，asIwasputtingmyheadoutofthewindow，Isawahackneycoachstopatthedoorofthehotel；ayoungman，welldressedinamorningcostume，cameoutofit，andaminuteafterIheardhimentertheroomofMdlle。Vesian。Courage！Ihadmadeupmymind；Iaffectedafeelingofcompleteindifferenceinordertodeceivemyself。
Idressedmyselftogoout，andwhileIwasatmytoiletVesiancameinandtoldmethathedidnotliketogointohissister’sroombecausethegentlemanwhohadsuppedwithherhadjustarrived。
\"That’samatterofcourse，\"Isaid。
\"Heisrichandveryhandsome。HewishestotakeushimselftoVersailles，andpromisestoprocuresomeemploymentforme。\"
\"Icongratulateyou。Whoishe？\"
\"Idonotknow。\"
Iplacedinanenvelopethepapersshehadentrustedtome，andI
handedthemtohimtoreturntohissister。Ithenwentout。WhenI
camehometowardsthreeo’clock，thelandladygavemealetterwhichhadbeenleftformebyMdlle。Vesian，whohadleftthehotel。
Iwenttomyroom，openedtheletter，andreadthefollowinglines:
\"Ireturnthemoneyyouhavelentmewithmybestthanks。TheCountdeNarbonnefeelsinterestedinme，andwishestoassistmeandmybrother。Ishallinformyouofeverything，ofthehouseinwhichhewishesmetogoandlive，wherehepromisestosupplymeallIwant。
Yourfriendshipisverydeartome，andIentreatyounottoforgetme。Mybrotherremainsatthehotel，andmyroombelongstomeforthemonth。Ihavepaideverything。\"
\"Hereis，\"saidItomyself，\"asecondLuciedePasean，andIamasecondtimethedupeofmyfoolishdelicacy，forIfeelcertainthatthecountwillnotmakeherhappy。ButIwashmyhandsofitall。\"
IwenttotheTheatreFrancaisintheevening，andenquiredaboutNarbonne。ThefirstpersonIspoketotoldme，\"Heisthesonofawealthyman，butagreatlibertineanduptohisneckindebts。\"
Nicereferences，indeed！ForaweekIwenttoallthetheatresandpublicplacesinthehopeofmakingtheacquaintanceofthecount，butIcouldnotsucceed，andIwasbeginningtoforgettheadventurewhenonemorning，towardseighto’clockVesiancallingonme，toldmethathissisterwasinherroomandwishedtospeaktome。I
followedhimimmediately。Ifoundherlookingunhappyandwitheyesredfromcrying。Shetoldherbrothertogooutforawalk，andwhenhehadgoneshespoketomethus:
\"M。deNarbonne，whomIthoughtanhonestman，becauseIwantedhimtobesuch，cametositbymewhereyouhadleftmeatthetheatre；
hetoldmethatmyfacehadinterestedhim，andheaskedmewhoI
was。ItoldhimwhatIhadtoldyou。Youhadpromisedtothinkofme，butNarbonnetoldmethathedidnotwantyourassistance，ashecouldactbyhimself。Ibelievedhim，andIhavebeenthedupeofmyconfidenceinhim；hehasdeceivedme；heisavillain。\"
Thetearswerechokingher:Iwenttothewindowsoastolethercrywithoutrestraint:afewminutesafter，IcamebackandIsatdownbyher。
\"Tellmeall，mydearVesian，unburdenyourheartfreely，anddonotthinkyourselfguiltytowardsme；inrealityIhavebeenwrongmorethanyou。YourheartwouldnotnowbeapreytosorrowifIhadnotbeensoimprudentastoleaveyoualoneatthetheatre。\"
\"Alas，sir！donotsayso；oughtItoreproachyoubecauseyouthoughtmesovirtuous？Well，inafewwords，themonsterpromisedtoshewmeeverycare，everyattention，onconditionofmygivinghimanundeniable，proofofmyaffectionandconfidence——namely，totakealodgingwithoutmybrotherinthehouseofawomanwhomherepresentedasrespectable。Heinsisteduponmybrothernotlivingwithme，sayingthatevil—mindedpersonsmightsupposehimtobemylover。Iallowedmyselftobepersuaded。Unhappycreature！HowcouldIgivewaywithoutconsultingyou？HetoldmethattherespectablewomantowhomhewouldtakemewouldaccompanymetoVersailles，andthathewouldsendmybrothertheresothatweshouldbebothpresentedtothewarsecretary。Afterourfirstsupperhetoldmethathewouldcomeandfetchmeinahackneycoachthenextmorning。Hepresentedmewithtwolouisandagoldwatch，andI
thoughtIcouldacceptthosepresentsfromayoungnoblemanwhoshewedsomuchinterestinme。Thewomantowhomheintroducedmedidnotseemtomeasrespectableashehadrepresentedhertobe。
Ihavepassedoneweekwithherwithouthisdoinganythingtobenefitmyposition。Hewouldcome，goout，returnashepleased，tellingmeeverydaythatitwouldbethemorrow，andwhenthemorrowcametherewasalwayssomeimpediment。Atlast，atseveno’clockthismorning，thewomantoldmethatthecountwasobligedtogointothecountry，thatahackneycoachwouldbringmebacktohishotel，andthathewouldcomeandseemeonhisreturn。Then，affectinganairofsadness，shetoldmethatImustgiveherbackthewatchbecausethecounthadforgottentopaythewatchmakerforit。Ihandedittoherimmediatelywithoutsayingaword，andwrappingthelittleI
possessedinmyhandkerchiefIcamebackhere，whereIarrivedhalfanhoursince。\"
\"Doyouhopetoseehimonhisreturnfromthecountry？\"
\"Toseehimagain！Oh，Lord！whyhaveIeverseenhim？\"
Shewascryingbitterly，andImustconfessthatnoyounggirlevermovedmesodeeplyasshedidbytheexpressionofhergrief。PityreplacedinmyheartthetendernessIhadfeltforheraweekbefore。
TheinfamousproceedingsofNarbonnedisgustedmetothatextentthat，ifIhadknownwheretofindhimalone，Iwouldimmediatelyhavecompelledhimtogivemereparation。Ofcourse，ItookgoodcarenottoaskthepoorgirltogivemeadetailedaccountofherstayinthehouseofNarbonne’srespectableprocurers；IcouldguessevenmorethanIwantedtoknow，andtoinsistuponthatrecitalwouldhavehumiliatedMdlle。Vesian。Icouldseealltheinfamyofthecountinthetakingbackofthewatchwhichbelongedtoherasagift，andwhichtheunhappygirlhadearnedbuttoowell。IdidallIcouldtodryhertears，andshebeggedmetobeafathertoher，assuringmethatshewouldneveragaindoanythingtorenderherunworthyofmyfriendship，andthatshewouldalwaysbeguidedbymyadvice。
\"Well，mydearyoungfriend，whatyoumustdonowisnotonlytoforgettheunworthycountandhiscriminalconducttowardsyou，butalsothefaultofwhichyouhavebeenguilty。Whatisdonecannotbeundone，andthepastisbeyondremedy；butcomposeyourself，andrecalltheairofcheerfulnesswhichshoneonyourcountenanceaweekago。ThenIcouldreadonyourfacehonesty，candour，goodfaith，andthenobleassurancewhicharousessentimentinthosewhocanappreciateitscharm。Youmustletallthosefeelingsshineagainonyourfeatures；fortheyalonecaninteresthonestpeople，andyourequirethegeneralsympathymorethanever。Myfriendshipisoflittleimportancetoyou，butyoumayrelyuponitallthemorebecauseIfancythatyouhavenowaclaimuponitwhichyouhadnotaweekago:Bequitecertain，Ibeg，thatIwillnotabandonyouuntilyourpositionisproperlysettled。Icannotatpresenttellyoumore；butbesurethatIwillthinkofyou。\"
\"Ah，myfriend！ifyoupromisetothinkofme，Iaskfornomore。
Oh！unhappycreaturethatIam；thereisnotasoulintheworldwhothinksofme。\"
Shewas:sodeeplymovedthatshefaintedaway。Icametoherassistancewithoutcallinganyone，andwhenshehadrecoveredherconsciousnessandsomecalm，Itoldherahundredstories，trueorpurelyimaginary，oftheknavishtricksplayedinParisbymenwhothinkofnothingbutofdeceivingyounggirls。Itoldherafewamusinginstancesinordertomakehermorecheerful，andatlastI
toldherthatsheoughttobethankfulforwhathadhappenedtoherwithNarbonne，becausethatmisfortunewouldgiveherprudenceforthefuture。
Duringthatlongtete—a—teteIhadnodifficultyinabstainingfrombestowinganycaressesuponher；Ididnoteventakeherhand，forwhatIfeltforherwasatenderpity；andIwasveryhappywhenattheendoftwohoursIsawhercalmanddetermineduponbearingmisfortunelikeaheroine。
Shesuddenlyrosefromherseat，and，lookingatmewithanairofmodesttrustfulness，shesaidtome，\"Are，youparticularlyengagedinanywayto—day？\"
\"No，mydear:\"
\"Well，then，begoodenoughtotakemesomewhereoutofParis；tosomeplacewhereIcanbreathethefreshairfreely；IshallthenrecoverthatappearancewhichyouthinkImusthavetointerestinmyfavourthosewhowillseeme；andifIcanenjoyaquietsleepthroughoutthenextnightIfeelIshallbehappyagain。\"
\"Iamgratefultoyouforyourconfidenceinme。WewillgooutassoonasIamdressed。Yourbrotherwillreturninthemeantime。\"
\"Oh，nevermindmybrother！\"
\"Hispresenceis，onthecontrary，ofgreatimportance。Recollect，mydearVesian，youmustmakeNarbonneashamedofhisownconduct。
Youmustconsiderthatifheshouldhappentohearthat，ontheverydayheabandonedyou，youwentintothecountryalonewithme，hewouldtriumph，andwouldcertainlysaythathehasonlytreatedyouasyoudeserved。Butifyougowithyourbrotherandmeyourcountryman，yougivenooccasionforslander。\"
\"Iblushnottohavemadethatremarkmyself。Wewillwaitformybrother’sreturn。\"
Hewasnotlongincomingback，andhavingsentforacoachwewereonthepointofgoing，whenBaletticalledonme。Iintroducedhimtotheyounglady，andinvitedhimtojoinourparty。Heaccepted，andwestarted。AsmyonlypurposewastoamuseMdlle。Vesian，I
toldthecoachmantodriveustotheGrosCaillou，wherewemadeanexcellentimpromptudinner，thecheerfulnessoftheguestsmakingupforthedeficienciesoftheservants。
Vesian，feelinghisheadratherheavy，wentoutforawalkafterdinner，andIremainedalonewithhissisterandmyfriendBaletti。
IobservedwithpleasurethatBalettithoughtheranagreeablegirl，anditgavemetheideaofaskinghimtoteachherdancing。I
informedhimofherposition，ofthereasonwhichhadbroughthertoParis，ofthelittlehopetherewasofherobtainingapensionfromtheking，andofthenecessitytherewasforhertodosomethingtoearnaliving。Balettiansweredthathewouldbehappytodoanything，andwhenhehadexaminedthefigureandthegeneralconformationoftheyounggirlhesaidtoher，\"IwillgetLanitotakeyoufortheballetattheopera。\"
\"Then，\"Isaid，\"youmustbeginyourlessonstomorrow。Mdlle。Vesianstopsatmyhotel。\"
Theyounggirl，fullofwonderatmyplan，begantolaughheartily，andsaid，\"Butcananoperadancerbeextemporizedlikeaministerofstate？
Icandancetheminuet，andmyearisgoodenoughtoenablemetogothroughaquadrille；butwiththeexceptionofthatIcannotdanceonestep。\"
\"Mostoftheballetgirls，\"saidBaletti，\"knownomorethanyoudo。\"
\"AndhowmuchmustIaskfromM。Lani？IdonotthinkIcanexpectmuch。\"
\"Nothing。Theballetgirlsarenotpaid。\"
\"Thenwhereistheadvantageforme？\"shesaid，withasigh；\"howshallIlive？\"
\"Donotthinkofthat。Suchasyouare，youwillsoonfindtenwealthynoblemenwhowilldisputeamongstthemselvesforthehonourofmakingupfortheabsenceofsalary。Youhaveonlytomakeagoodchoice，andIamcertainthatitwillnotbelongbeforeweseeyoucoveredwithdiamonds。\"
\"NowIunderstandyou。Yousupposesomegreatlordwillkeepme？\"
\"Precisely；andthatwillbemuchbetterthanapensionoffourhundredfrancs，whichyouwould，perhaps，notobtainwithoutmakingthesamesacrifice。
Verymuchsurprised，shelookedatmetoascertainwhetherIwasseriousoronlyjesting。
Balettihavingleftus，Itoldheritwastrulythebestthingshecoulddo，unlessshepreferredthesadpositionofwaiting—maidtosomegrandlady。
\"Iwouldnotbethe’femmedechambre’evenofthequeen。\"
\"And’figurante’attheopera？\"
\"Muchrather。\"
\"Youaresmiling？\"
\"Yes，foritisenoughtomakemelaugh。Ithemistressofarichnobleman，whowillcovermewithdiamonds！Well，Imeantochoosetheoldest。\"
\"Quiteright，mydear；onlydonotmakehimjealous。\"
\"Ipromiseyoutobefaithfultohim。Butshallhefindasituationformybrother？However，untilIamattheopera，untilIhavemetwithmyelderlylover，whowillgivemethemeanstosupportmyself？\"
\"I，mydeargirl，myfriendBaletti，andallmyfriends，withoutotherinterestthanthepleasureofservingyou，butwiththehopethatyouwilllivequietly，andthatweshallcontributetoyourhappiness。Areyousatisfied？\"
\"Quiteso；Ihavepromisedmyselftobeguidedentirelybyyouradvice，andIentreatyoutoremainalwaysmybestfriend。\"
WereturnedtoParisatnight，IleftMdlle。Vesianatthehotel，andaccompaniedBalettitohismother’s。Atsupper—time，myfriendbeggedSilviatospeaktoM。Laniinfavourofour’protegee’，Silviasaidthatitwasamuchbetterplanthantosolicitamiserablepensionwhich，perhaps，wouldnotbegranted。Thenwetalkedofaprojectwhichwasthenspokenof，namelytosellalltheappointmentsofballetgirlsandofchorussingersattheopera。Therewasevensomeideaofaskingahighpriceforthem，foritwasarguedthatthehigherthepricethemorethegirlswouldbeesteemed。Suchaproject，inthemidstofthescandaloushabitsandmannersofthetime，hadasortofapparentwisdom；foritwouldhaveennobledinawayaclassofwomenwhowithveryfewexceptionsseemtogloryinbeingcontemptible。
Therewere，atthattimeattheopera，severalfigurantes，singersanddancers，uglyratherthanplain，withoutanytalent，who，inspiteofitall，livedingreatcomfort；foritisadmittedthatattheoperaagirlmustneedsrenounceallmodestyorstarve。Butifagirl，newlyarrivedthere，iscleverenoughtoremainvirtuousonlyforonemonth，herfortuneiscertainlymade，becausethenthenoblemenenjoyingareputationofwisdomandvirtuearetheonlyoneswhoseektogetholdofher。Thosemenaredelightedtoheartheirnamesmentionedinconnectionwiththenewly—arrivedbeauty；theyevengosofarastoallowherafewfrolics，providedshetakesprideinwhattheygiveher，andprovidedherinfidelitiesarenottoopublic。Besides，itisthefashionnevertogotosupwithone’smistresswithoutgivinghernoticeoftheintendedvisit，andeveryonemustadmitthatitisaverywisecustom。
Icamebacktothehoteltowardseleveno’clock，andseeingthatMdlle。Vesian’sroomwasstillopenIwentin。Shewasinbed。
\"Letmegetup，\"shesaid，\"forIwanttospeaktoyou。\"
\"Donotdisturbyourself；wecantalkallthesame，andIthinkyoumuchprettierasyouare。\"
\"Iamverygladofit。\"
\"Whathaveyougottotellme？\"
\"Nothing，excepttospeakoftheprofessionIamgoingtoadopt。
Iamgoingtopracticevirtueinordertofindamanwholovesitonlytodestroyit。\"
\"Quitetrue；butalmosteverythingislikethatinthislife。Manalwaysreferseverythingtohimself，andeveryoneisatyrantinhisownway。Iampleasedtoseeyoubecomingaphilosopher。\"
\"Howcanonebecomeaphilosopher？\"
\"Bythinking。\"
\"Mustonethinkalongwhile？\"
\"Throughoutlife。\"
\"Thenitisneverover？\"
\"Never；butoneimprovesasmuchaspossible，andobtainsthesumofhappinesswhichoneissusceptibleofenjoying。\"
\"Andhowcanthathappinessbefelt？\"
\"Byallthepleasurewhichthephilosophercanprocurewhenheisconsciousofhavingobtainedthembyhisownexertions，andespeciallybygettingridofthemanyprejudiceswhichmakeofthemajorityofmenatroopofgrown—upchildren。\"
\"Whatispleasure？Whatismeantbyprejudices？\"
\"Pleasureistheactualenjoymentofoursenses；itisacompletesatisfactiongiventoallournaturalandsensualappetites；and，whenourworn—outsenseswantrepose，eithertohavebreathingtime，ortorecoverstrength，pleasurecomesfromtheimagination，whichfindsenjoymentinthinkingofthehappinessaffordedbyrest。Thephilosopherisapersonwhorefusesnopleasureswhichdonotproducegreatersorrows，andwhoknowshowtocreatenewones。\"
\"Andyousaythatitisdonebygettingridofprejudices？Thentellmewhatprejudicesare，andwhatmustbedonetogetridofthem。\"
\"Yourquestion，mydeargirl，isnotaneasyonetoanswer，formoralphilosophydoesnotknowamoreimportantone，oramoredifficultonetodecide；itisalessonwhichlaststhroughoutlife。Iwilltellyouinafewwordsthatwecallprejudiceeveryso—calleddutyfortheexistenceofwhichwefindnoreasoninnature。\"
\"Thennaturemustbethephilosopher’sprincipalstudy？\"
\"Indeeditis；themostlearnedofphilosophersistheonewhocommitsthefewesterrors。\"
\"Whatphilosopher，inyouropinion，hascommittedthesmallestquantityoferrors？\"
\"Socrates。\"
\"Yethewasinerrorsometimes？\"
\"Yes，inmetaphysics。\"
\"Oh！nevermindthat，forIthinkhecouldverywellmanagewithoutthatstudy。\"
\"Youaremistaken；moralsareonlythemetaphysicsofphysics；natureiseverything，andIgiveyouleavetoconsiderasamadmanwhoevertellsyouthathehasmadeanewdiscoveryinmetaphysics。ButifI
wenton，mydear，Imightappearratherobscuretoyou。Proceedslowly，think；letyourmaximsbetheconsequenceofjustreasoning，andkeepyourhappinessinview；intheendyoumustbehappy。\"
\"IpreferthelessonyouhavejusttaughtmetotheonewhichM。
Balettiwillgivemeto—morrow；forIhaveanideathatitwillwearyme，andnowIammuchinterested。\"
\"Howdoyouknowthatyouareinterested？\"
\"BecauseIwishyounottoleaveme。\"
\"Truly，mydearVesian，neverhasaphilosopherdescribedsympathybetterthanyouhavejustdone。HowhappyIfeel！HowisitthatI
wishtoproveitbykissingyou？\"
\"Nodoubtbecause，tobehappy，thesoulmustagreewiththesenses。\"
\"Indeed，mydivineVesian？Yourintelligenceischarming。\"
\"Itisyourwork，dearfriend；andIamsogratefultoyouthatI
shareyourdesires。\"
\"Whatistheretopreventusfromsatisfyingsuchnaturaldesires？
Letusembraceoneanothertenderly。\"
Whatalessoninphilosophy！Itseemedtoussuchasweetone，ourhappinesswassocomplete，thatatdaybreakwewerestillkissingoneanother，anditwasonlywhenwepartedinthemorningthatwediscoveredthatthedooroftheroomhadremainedopenallnight。
Balettigaveherafewlessons，andshewasreceivedattheopera；
butshedidnotremaintheremorethantwoorthreemonths，regulatingherconductcarefullyaccordingtothepreceptsIhadlaidoutforher。SheneverreceivedNarbonneagain，andatlastacceptedanoblemanwhoprovedhimselfverydifferentfromallothers，forthefirstthinghedidwastomakehergiveupthestage，althoughitwasnotathingaccordingtothefashionofthosedays。Idonotrecollecthisnameexactly；itwasCountofTressanorTrean。Shebehavedinarespectableway，andremainedwithhimuntilhisdeath。
Noonespeaksofhernow，althoughsheislivinginveryeasycircumstances；butsheisfifty—six，andinParisawomanofthatageisnolongerconsideredasbeingamongtheliving。
AftershelefttheHoteldeBourgogne，Ineverspoketoher。
WheneverImethercoveredwithjewelsanddiamonds，oursoulssalutedeachotherwithjoy，butherhappinesswastoopreciousformetomakeanyattemptagainstit。Herbrotherfoundasituation，butIlostsightofhim。
CHAPTERIX
TheBeautifulO—Morphi——TheDeceitfulPainter——IPracticeCabalismfortheDuchessdeChartresILeaveParis——MyStayinDresdenandMyDeparturefromthatCityIwenttoSt。Lawrence’sFairwithmyfriendPatu，who，takingitintohisheadtosupwithaFlemishactressknownbythenameofMorphi，invitedmetogowithhim。Ifeltnoinclinationforthegirl，butwhatcanwerefusetoafriend？Ididashewished。Afterwehadsuppedwiththeactress，Patufanciedanightdevotedtoamoreagreeableoccupation，andasIdidnotwanttoleavehimIaskedforasofaonwhichIcouldsleepquietlyduringthenight。
Morphihadasister，aslovenlygirlofthirteen，whotoldmethatifIwouldgiveheracrownshewouldabandonherbedtome。Iagreedtoherproposal，andshetookmetoasmallclosetwhereIfoundastrawpalliasseonfourpiecesofwood。
\"Doyoucallthisabed，mychild？\"
\"Ihavenoother，sir。\"
\"ThenIdonotwantit，andyoushallnothavethecrown。\"
\"Didyouintendundressingyourself？\"
\"Ofcourse。\"
\"Whatanidea！Therearenosheets。\"
\"Doyousleepwithyourclotheson？\"
\"Oh，no！\"
\"Well，then，gotobedasusual，andyoushallhavethecrown。\"
\"Why？\"
\"Iwanttoseeyouundressed。\"
\"Butyouwon’tdoanythingtome？\"
\"Nottheslightestthing。\"
Sheundressed，laidherselfonhermiserablestrawbed，andcoveredherselfwithanoldcurtain。Inthatstate，theimpressionmadebyherdirtytattersdisappeared，andIonlysawaperfectbeauty。ButIwantedtoseeherentirely。Itriedtosatisfymywishes，sheopposedsomeresistance，butadoublecrownofsixfrancsmadeherobedient，andfindingthatheronlyfaultwasacompleteabsenceofcleanliness，Ibegantowashherwithmyownhands。
Youwillallowme，dearreader，tosupposethatyoupossessasimpleandnaturalknowledge，namely，thatadmirationundersuchcircumstancesisinseparablefromanotherkindofapprobation；
luckily，IfoundtheyoungMorphidisposedtoletmedoallI
pleased，excepttheonlythingforwhichIdidnotcare！Shetoldmecandidlythatshewouldnotallowmetodothatonething，becauseinhersister’sestimationitwasworthtwenty—fivelouis。Iansweredthatwewouldbargainonthatcapitalpointanothertime，butthatwewouldnottouchitforthepresent。SatisfiedwithwhatIsaid，alltherestwasatmydisposal，andIfoundinheratalentwhichhadattainedgreatperfectioninspiteofherprecocity。
TheyoungHelenefaithfullyhandedtohersisterthesixfrancsIhadgivenher，andshetoldherthewayinwhichshehadearnedthem。
BeforeIleftthehouseshetoldmethat，asshewasinwantofmoney，shefeltdisposedtomakesomeabatementonthepriceoftwenty—fivelouis。IansweredwithalaughthatIwouldseeheraboutitthenextday。IrelatedthewholeaffairtoPatu，whoaccusedmeofexaggeration；andwishingtoprovetohimthatIwasarealconnoisseuroffemalebeautyIinsisteduponhisseeingHeleneasIhadseenher。HeagreedwithmethatthechiselofPraxiteleshadnevercarvedanythingmoreperfect。Aswhiteasalily，Helenepossessedallthebeautieswhichnatureandtheartofthepaintercanpossiblycombine。Thelovelinessofherfeatureswassoheavenlythatitcarriedtothesoulanindefinablesentimentofecstacy，adelightfulcalm。Shewasfair，butherbeautifulblueeyesequalledthefinestblackeyesinbrilliance。
Iwenttoseeherthenextevening，and，notagreeingabouttheprice，ImadeabargainwithhersistertogivehertwelvefrancseverytimeIpaidheravisit，anditwasagreedthatwewouldoccupyherroomuntilIshouldmakeupmymindtopaysixhundredfrancs。
Itwasregularusury，buttheMorphicamefromaGreekrace，andwasaboveprejudices。Ihadnoideaofgivingsuchalargesum，becauseIfeltnowishtoobtainwhatitwouldhaveprocuredme；whatI
obtainedwasallIcaredfor。
TheeldersisterthoughtIwasduped，forintwomonthsIhadpaidthreehundredfrancswithouthavingdoneanything，andsheattributedmyreservetoavarice。Avarice，indeed！Itookafancytopossessapaintingofthatbeautifulbody，andaGermanartistpainteditformesplendidlyforsixlouis。Thepositioninwhichhepainteditwasdelightful。Shewaslyingonherstomach，herarmsandherbosomleaningonapillow，andholdingherheadsidewaysasifshewerepartlyontheback。Thecleverandtastefulartisthadpaintedhernetherpartswithsomuchskillandtruththatnoonecouldhavewishedforanythingmorebeautiful；Iwasdelightedwiththatportrait；itwasaspeakinglikeness，andIwroteunderit，\"O—Morphi，\"notaHomericword，butaGreekoneafterall，andmeaningbeautiful。
Butwhocananticipatethewonderfulandsecretdecreesofdestiny！
MyfriendPatuwishedtohaveacopyofthatportrait；onecannotrefusesuchaslightservicetoafriend，andIgaveanorderforittothesamepainter。Buttheartist，havingbeensummonedtoVersailles，shewedthatdelightfulpaintingwithseveralothers，andM。deSt。Quentinfounditsobeautifulthathelostnotimeinshewingittheking。HisMostChristianMajesty，agreatconnoisseurinthatline，wishedtoascertainwithhisowneyesiftheartisthadmadeafaithfulcopy；andincasetheoriginalshouldproveasbeautifulasthecopy，thesonofSt。Louisknewverywellwhattodowithit。
M。deSt。Quentin，theking’strustyfriend，hadthechargeofthatimportantaffair；itwashisprovince:HeenquiredfromthepainterwhethertheoriginalcouldbebroughttoVersailles，andtheartist，notsupposingtherewouldbeanydifficulty，promisedtoattendtoit。
Hethereforecalledonmetocommunicatetheproposal；Ithoughtitwasdelightful，andIimmediatelytoldthesister，whojumpedforjoy。Shesettoworkcleaning，washingandclothingtheyoungbeauty，andtwoorthreedaysaftertheywenttoVersailleswiththepaintertoseewhatcouldbedone。M。deSt。Quentin’svalet，havingreceivedhisinstructionsfromhismaster，tookthetwofemalestoapavilioninthepark，andthepainterwenttothehoteltoawaittheresultofhisnegotiation。Halfanhourafterwardsthekingenteredthepavilionalone，askedtheyoungO—MorphiifshewasaGreekwoman，tooktheportraitoutofhispocket，andafteracarefulexaminationexclaimed，\"Ihaveneverseenabetterlikeness。\"
Hismajestythensatdown，tooktheyounggirlonhisknees，bestowedafewcaressesonher，andhavingascertainedwithhisroyalhandthatthefruithadnotyetbeenplucked，hegaveherakiss。
O—Morphiwaslookingattentivelyathermaster，andsmiled。
\"Whatareyoulaughingat？\"saidtheking。
\"Ilaughbecauseyouandacrownofsixfrancsareaslikeastwopeas。\"
Thatnaivetemadethekinglaughheartily，andheaskedherwhethershewouldliketoremaininVersailles。
\"Thatdependsuponmysister，\"answeredthechild。
Butthesisterhastenedtotellthekingthatshecouldnotaspiretoagreaterhonour。Thekinglockedthemupagaininthepavilionandwentaway，butinlessthanaquarterofanhourSt。Quentincametofetchthem，placedtheyounggirlinanapartmentunderthecareofafemaleattendant，andwiththesisterhewenttomeetatthehoteltheGermanartisttowhomhegavefiftyLouisfortheportrait，andnothingtoMorphi。Heonlytookheraddress，promisingherthatshewouldsoonhearfromhim；thenextdayshereceivedonethousandLouis。TheworthyGermangavemetwenty—fivelouisformyportrait，withapromisetomakeacarefulcopyoftheoneIhadgiventoPatu，andheofferedtopaintformegratuitouslythelikenessofeverygirlofwhomImightwishtokeepaportrait。
IenjoyedheartilythepleasureofthegoodFleeting，whenshefoundherselfinpossessionofthethousandgoldpieceswhichshehadreceived。Seeingherselfrich，andconsideringmeastheauthorofherfortune，shedidnotknowhowtoshewmehergratitude。
TheyoungandlovelyO—Morphi——forthekingalwayscalledherbythatname——pleasedthesovereignbyhersimplicityandherprettywaysmoreeventhanbyherrarebeauty——themostperfect，themostregular，Irecollecttohaveeverseen。HeplacedherinoneoftheapartmentsofhisParc—dux—cerfs——thevoluptuousmonarch’sharem，inwhichnoonecouldgetadmittanceexcepttheladiespresentedatthecourt。Attheendofoneyearshegavebirthtoasonwhowent，likesomanyothers，Godknowswhere！foraslongasQueenMarylivednooneeverknewwhatbecameofthenaturalchildrenofLouisXV。
O—Morphifellintodisgraceattheendofthreeyears，buttheking，ashesentheraway，orderedhertoreceiveasumoffourhundredthousandfrancswhichshebroughtasadowrytoanofficerfromBritanny。In1783，happeningtobeinFontainebleau，Imadetheacquaintanceofacharmingyoungmanoftwenty—five，theoffspringofthatmarriageandthelivingportraitofhismother，ofthehistoryofwhomhehadnottheslightestknowledge，andIthoughtitmydutynottoenlightenhim。Iwrotemynameonhistablets，andIbeggedhimtopresentmycomplimentstohismother。
AwickedtrickofMadamedeValentinois，sister—in—lawofthePrinceofMonaco，wasthecauseofO—Morphi’sdisgrace。Thatlady，whowaswellknowninParis，toldheronedaythat，ifshewishedtomakethekingverymerry，shehadonlytoaskhimhowhetreatedhisoldwife。
Toosimpletoguessthesnarethuslaidoutforher，O—Morphiactuallyaskedthatimpertinentquestion；butLouisXV。gaveheralookoffury，andexclaimed，\"Miserablewretch！whotaughtyoutoaddressmethatquestion？\"
ThepoorO—Morphi，almostdeadwithfright，threwherselfonherknees，andconfessedthetruth。
Thekingleftherandneverwouldseeheragain。TheCountessdeValentinoiswasexiledfortwoyearsfromthecourt。LouisXV。，whoknewhowwronglyhewasbehavingtowardshiswifeasahusband，wouldnotdeserveanyreproachatherhandsasaking，andwoetoanyonewhoforgottherespectduetothequeen！
TheFrenchareundoubtedlythemostwittypeopleinEurope，andperhapsinthewholeworld，butParisis，allthesame，thecityforimpostorsandquackstomakeafortune。Whentheirknaveryisfoundoutpeopleturnitintoajokeandlaugh，butinthemidstofthemerrimentanothermountebankmakeshisappearance，whodoessomethingmorewonderfulthanthosewhoprecededhim，andhemakeshisfortune，whilstthescoffingofthepeopleisinabeyance。Itistheunquestionableeffectsofthepowerwhichfashionhasoverthatamiable，clever，andlivelynation。Ifanythingisastonishing，nomatterhowextravagantitmaybe，thecrowdissuretowelcomeitgreedily，foranyonewouldbeafraidofbeingtakenforafoolifheshouldexclaim，\"Itisimpossible！\"Physiciansare，perhaps，theonlymeninFrancewhoknowthataninfinitegulfyawnsbetweenthewillandthedeed，whilstinItalyitisanaxiomknowntoeverybody；
butIdonotmeantosaythattheItaliansaresuperiortotheFrench。
Acertainpaintermetwithgreatsuccessforsometimebyannouncingathingwhichwasanimpossibility——namely，bypretendingthathecouldtakeaportraitofapersonwithoutseeingtheindividual，andonlyfromthedescriptiongiven。Buthewantedthedescriptiontobethoroughlyaccurate。Theresultofitwasthattheportraitdidgreaterhonourtothepersonwhogavethedescriptionthan——tothepainterhimself，butatthesametimetheinformerfoundhimselfundertheobligationoffindingthelikenessverygood；otherwisetheartistallegedthemostlegitimateexcuse，andsaidthatifthelikenesswasnotperfectthefaultwastobeascribedtothepersonwhohadgivenanimperfectdescription。
OneeveningIwastakingsupperatSilvia’swhenoneoftheguestsspokeofthatwonderfulnewartist，withoutlaughing，andwitheveryappearanceofbelievingthewholeaffair。
\"Thatpainter，\"addedhe，\"hasalreadypaintedmorethanonehundredportraits，andtheyareallperfectlikenesses。\"
Everybodywasofthesameopinion；itwassplendid。Iwastheonlyonewho，laughingheartily，tookthelibertyofsayingitwasabsurdandimpossible。Thegentlemanwhohadbroughtthewonderfulnews，feelingangry，proposedawagerofonehundredlouis。IlaughedallthemorebecausehisoffercouldnotbeacceptedunlessIexposedmyselftobeingmadeadupe。
\"Buttheportraitsarealladmirablelikenesses。\"
\"Idonotbelieveit，oriftheyarethentheremustbecheatingsomewhere。\"
Butthegentleman，beingbentuponconvincingSilviaandme——forshehadtakenmypartproposedtomakeusdinewiththeartist；andweaccepted。
Thenextdaywecalleduponthepainter，wherewesawaquantityofportraits，allofwhichtheartistclaimedtobespeakinglikenesses；
aswedidnotknowthepersonswhomtheyrepresentedwecouldnotdenyhisclaim。
\"Sir，\"saidSilviatotheartist，\"couldyoupaintthelikenessofmydaughterwithoutseeingher？\"
\"Yes，madam，ifyouarecertainofgivingmeanexactdescriptionoftheexpressionofherfeatures。\"
Weexchangedaglance，andnomorewassaidaboutit。Thepaintertoldusthatsupperwashisfavouritemeal，andthathewouldbedelightedifwewouldoftengivehimthepleasureofourcompany。
Likeallquacks，hepossessedanimmensequantityoflettersandtestimonialsfromBordeaux，Toulouse，Lyons，Rouen，etc。，whichpaidthehighestcomplimentstotheperfectionofhisportraits，orgavedescriptionsfornewpicturesorderedfromhim。Hisportraits，bytheway，hadtobepaidforinadvance。
TwoorthreedaysafterwardsImethisprettyniece，whoobliginglyupbraidedmefornothavingyetavailedmyselfofheruncle’sinvitationtosupper；theniecewasadaintymorselworthyofaking，and，herreproachesbeingveryflatteringtomyvanityIpromisedI
wouldcomethenextday。Inlessthanaweekitturnedoutaseriousengagement。Ifellinlovewiththeinterestingniece，who，beingfullofwitandwelldisposedtoenjoyherself，hadnoloveforme，andgrantedmenofavour。Ihoped，and，feelingthatIwascaught，I
feltitwastheonlythingIcoulddo。
OnedaythatIwasaloneinmyroom，drinkingmycoffeeandthinkingofher，thedoorwassuddenlyopenedwithoutanyonebeingannounced，andayoungmancamein。Ididnotrecollecthim，but，withoutgivingmetimetoaskanyquestions，hesaidtome，\"Sir，Ihavehadthehonourofmeetingyouatthesupper—tableofM。
Samson，thepainter。\"
\"Ah！yes；Ibegyoutoexcuseme，sir，Ididnotatfirstrecollectyou。\"
\"Itisnatural，foryoureyesarealwaysonMdlle。Samson。\"
\"Verylikely，butyoumustadmitthatsheisacharmingcreature。\"
\"Ihavenodifficultywhateverinagreeingwithyou；tomymisery，I
knowitbuttoowell。\"
\"Youareinlovewithher？\"
\"Alas，yes！andIsay，again，tomymisery。\"
\"Toyourmisery？Butwhy，donotyougainherlove？\"
\"ThatistheverythingIhavebeenstrivingforsincelastyear，andIwasbeginningtohavesomehopewhenyourarrivalhasreducedmetodespair。\"
\"Ihavereducedyoutodespair？\"
\"Yes，sir。\"
\"Iamverysorry，butIcannothelpit。\"
\"Youcouldeasilyhelpit；and，ifyouwouldallowme，Icouldsuggesttoyouthewayinwhichyoucouldgreatlyobligeme。\"
\"Speakcandidly。\"
\"Youmightneverputyourfootinthehouseagain。\"
\"Thatisarathersingularproposal，butIagreethatitistrulytheonlythingIcandoifIhavearealwishtoobligeyou。Doyouthink，however，thatinthatcaseyouwouldsucceedingainingheraffection？\"
\"Thenitwillbemybusinesstosucceed。Donotgothereagain，andIwilltakecareoftherest。\"
\"Imightrenderyouthatverygreatservice；butyoumustconfessthatyoumusthaveasingularopinionofmetosupposethatIamamantodosuchathing。\"
\"Yes，sir，Iadmitthatitmayappearsingular；butItakeyouforamanofgreatsenseandsoundintellect，andafterconsideringthesubjectdeeplyIhavethoughtthatyouwouldputyourselfinmyplace；thatyouwouldnotwishtomakememiserable，ortoexposeyourownlifeforayounggirlwhocanhaveinspiredyouwithbutapassingfancy，whilstmyonlywishistosecurethehappinessorthemiseryofmylife，whicheveritmayprove，byunitingherexistencewithmine。\"
\"ButsupposethatIshouldintend，likeyou，toaskherinmarriage？\"
\"Thenweshouldbothbeworthyofpity，andoneofuswouldhaveceasedtoexistbeforetheotherobtainedher，foraslongasIshallliveMdlle。Samsonshallnotbethewifeofanother。\"
Thisyoungman，well—made，pale，grave，ascoldasapieceofmarble，madlyinlove，who，inhisreasonmixedwithutterdespair，cametospeaktomeinsuchamannerwiththemostsurprisingcalm，mademepauseandconsider。UndoubtedlyIwasnotafraid，butalthoughinlovewithMdlle。SamsonIdidnotfeelmypassionsufficientlystrongtocutthethroatofamanforthesakeofherbeautifuleyes，ortolosemyownlifetodefendmybuddingaffection。Withoutansweringtheyoungman，Ibegantopaceupanddownmyroom，andforaquarterofanhourIweighedthefollowingquestionwhichIputtomyself:
Whichdecisionwillappearmoremanlyintheeyesofmyrivalandwillwinmyownesteemtothedeeperdegree，namely—toacceptcoollyhisoffertocutoneanother’sthroats，ortoallayhisanxietybywithdrawingfromthefieldwithdignity？
Pridewhispered，Fight；Reasonsaid，Compelthyrivaltoacknowledgetheeawisermanthanheis。
\"Whatwouldyouthinkofme，sir，\"Isaidtohim，withanairofdecision，\"ifIconsentedtogiveupmyvisitstoMdlle。Samson？\"
\"Iwouldthinkthatyouhadpityonamiserableman，andIsaythatinthatcaseyouwilleverfindmereadytoshedthelastdropofmybloodtoprovemydeepgratitude。\"
\"Whoareyou？\"
\"MynameisGarnier，IamtheonlysonofM。Garnier，winemerchantintheRuedeSeine。\"
\"Well，M。Gamier，IwillneveragaincallonMdlle。Samson。Letusbefriends。\"
\"Untildeath。Farewell，sir。\"
\"Adieu，behappy！\"
PatucameinfiveminutesafterGarnierhadleftme:Irelatedtheadventuretohim，andhethoughtIwasahero。
\"Iwouldhaveactedasyouhavedone，\"heobserved，\"butIwouldnothaveactedlikeGarnier。\"
ItwasaboutthattimethattheCountdeMelfort，coloneloftheOrleansregiment，entreatedmethroughCamille，Coraline’ssister，toanswertwoquestionsbymeansofmycabalism。Igavetwoanswersveryvague，yetmeaningagreatdeal；IputthemunderasealedenvelopeandgavethemtoCamille，whoaskedmethenextdaytoaccompanyhertoaplacewhichshesaidshecouldnotnametome。
Ifollowedher；shetookmetothePalais—Royal，andthen，throughanarrowstaircase，totheapartmentsoftheDuchessdeChartres。
Iwaitedaboutaquarterofanhour，attheendofwhichtimetheduchesscameinandloadedCamillewithcaressesforhavingbroughtme。Thenaddressingherselftome，shetoldme，withdignityyetverygraciously，thedifficultysheexperiencedinunderstandingtheanswersIhadsentandwhichshewasholdinginherhand。AtfirstI
expressedsomeperplexityatthequestionshavingemanatedfromherroyalhighness，andItoldherafterwardsthatIunderstoodcabalism，butthatIcouldnotinterpretthemeaningoftheanswersobtainedthroughit，andthatherhighnessmustasknewquestionslikelytorendertheanswerseasiertobeunderstood。Shewrotedownallshecouldnotmakeoutandallshewantedtoknow。
\"Madam，youmustbekindenoughtodividethequestions，forthecabalisticoracleneveranswerstwoquestionsatthesametime。\"
\"Well，then，preparethequestionsyourself。\"
\"Yourhighnesswillexcuseme，buteverywordmustbewrittenwithyourownhand。Recollect，madam，thatyouwilladdressyourselftoasuperiorintelligenceknowingallyoursecrets\"
Shebegantowrite，andaskedsevenoreightquestions。Shereadthemovercarefully，andsaid，withafacebeamingwithnobleconfidence，\"Sir，IwishtobecertainthatnooneshalleverknowwhatIhavejustwritten。\"
\"Yourhighnessmayrelyonmyhonour。\"
Ireadattentively，andIsawthatherwishforsecrecywasreasonable，andthatifIputthequestionsinmypocketIshouldruntheriskoflosingthemandimplicatingmyself。
\"Ionlyrequirethreehourstocompletemytask，\"Isaidtotheduchess，\"andIwishyourhighnesstofeelnoanxiety。Ifyouhaveanyotherengagementyoucanleavemeherealone，providedIamnotdisturbedbyanybody。Whenitiscompleted，Iwillputitallinasealedenvelope；IonlywantyourhighnesstotellmetowhomImustdelivertheparcel。\"
\"EithertomeortoMadamedePolignac，ifyouknowher。\"
\"Yes，madam，Ihavethehonourtoknowher。\"
Theduchesshandedmeasmalltinder—boxtoenablemetolightawax—
candle，andshewentawaywithCamille。Iremainedalonelockedupintheroom，andattheendofthreehours，justasIhadcompletedmytask，MadamedePolignaccamefortheparcelandIleftthepalace。
TheDuchessdeChartres，daughterofthePrinceofConti，wastwenty—
sixyearsofage。Shewasendowedwiththatparticularsortofwitwhichrendersawomanadorable。Shewaslively，abovetheprejudicesofrank，cheerful，fullofjest，aloverofpleasure，whichshepreferredtoalonglife。\"Shortandsweet，\"werethewordsshehadconstantlyonherlips。Shewasprettybutshestoodbadly，andusedtolaughatMarcel，theteacherofgracefuldeportment，whowantedtocorrectherawkwardbearing。Shekeptherheadbentforwardandherfeetturnedinsidewhendancing；yetshewasacharmingdancer。
Unfortunatelyherfacewascoveredwithpimples，whichinjuredherbeautyverygreatly。Herphysiciansthoughtthattheywerecausedbyadiseaseoftheliver，buttheycamefromimpurityoftheblood，whichatlastkilledher，andfromwhichshesufferedthroughoutherlife。
Thequestionsshehadaskedfrommyoraclerelatedtoaffairsconnectedwithherheart，andshewishedlikewisetoknowhowshecouldgetridoftheblotcheswhichdisfiguredher。MyanswerswereratherobscureinsuchmattersasIwasnotspeciallyacquaintedwith，buttheywereveryclearconcerningherdisease，andmyoraclebecamepreciousandnecessarytoherhighness。
Thenextday，afterdinner，Camillewrotemeanote，asIexpected，requestingmetogiveupallotherengagementsinordertopresentmyselfatfiveo’clockatthePalais—Royal，inthesameroominwhichtheduchesshadalreadyreceivedmethedaybefore。Iwaspunctual。
Anelderlyvaletdechambre，whowaswaitingforme，immediatelywenttogivenoticeofmyarrival，andfiveminutesafterthecharmingprincessmadeherappearance。Afteraddressingmeinaverycomplimentarymanner，shedrewallmyanswersfromherpocket，andenquiredwhetherIhadanypressingengagements。
\"YourhighnessmaybecertainthatIshallneverhaveanymoreimportantbusinessthantoattendtoyourwishes。\"
\"Verywell；Idonotintendtogoout，andwecanwork。\"
Shethenshewedmeallthequestionswhichshehadalreadypreparedondifferentsubjects，andparticularlythoserelatingtothecureofherpimples。Onecircumstancehadcontributedtorendermyoracleprecioustoher，becausenobodycouldpossiblyknowit，andIhadguessedit。HadInotdoneso，Idaresayitwouldhavebeenallthesame。Ihadlabouredmyselfunderthesamedisease，andIwasenoughofaphysiciantobeawarethattoattemptthecureofacutaneousdiseasebyactiveremediesmightkillthepatient。
Ihadalreadyansweredthatshecouldnotgetridofthepimplesonherfaceinlessthanaweek，butthatayearofdietwouldbenecessarytoeffectaradicalcure。
Wespentthreehoursinascertainingwhatshewastodo，and，believingimplicitlyinthepowerandinthescienceoftheoracle，sheundertooktofollowfaithfullyeverythingordered。Withinoneweekalltheuglypimpleshadentirelydisappeared。
Itookcaretopurgeherslightly；Iprescribedeverydaywhatshewastoeat，andforbadetheuseofallcosmetics；Ionlyadvisedhertowashherselfmorningandeveningwithplantainwater。Themodestoracletoldtheprincesstomakeuseofthesamewaterforherablutionsofeverypartofherbodywhereshedesiredtoobtainthesameresult，andsheobeyedtheprescriptionreligiously。
Iwenttotheoperaonpurposeonthedaywhentheduchessshewedherselftherewithasmoothandrosyshin。Aftertheopera，shetookawalkinthegreatalleyofthePalais—Royal，followedbytheladiesofhersuiteandflatteredbyeverybody。Shesawme，andhonouredmewithasmile。Iwastrulyhappy。Camille，MadamedePolignac，andM。deMelfortweretheonlypersonswhoknewthatIwastheoracleoftheduchess，andIenjoyedmysuccess。Butthenextdayafewpimplesreappearedonherbeautifulcomplexion，andIreceivedanordertorepairatoncetothePalais—Royal。
Thevalet，whodidnotknowme，shewedmeintoadelightfulboudoirnearaclosetinwhichtherewasabath。Theduchesscamein；shelookedsad，forshehadseveralsmallpimplesontheforeheadandthechin。Sheheldinherhandaquestionfortheoracle，andasitwasonlyashortoneIthoughtitwouldgiveherthepleasureoffindingtheanswerbyherself。Thenumberstranslatedbytheprincessreproachedherwithhavingtransgressedtheregimenprescribed；sheconfessedtohavingdrunksomeliquorsandeatensomeham；butshewasastoundedathavingfoundthatanswerherself，andshecouldnotunderstandhowsuchananswercouldresultfromanagglomerationofnumbers。Atthatmoment，oneofherwomencameintowhisperafewwordstoher；shetoldhertowaitoutside，andturningtowardsme，shesaid，\"Haveyouanyobjectiontoseeingoneofyourfriendswhoisasdelicateasdiscreet？\"
Withthesewords，shehastilyconcealedinherpocketallthepaperswhichdidnotrelatetoherdisease；thenshecalledout。
Amanenteredtheroom，whomItookforastableboy；itwasM。deMelfort。
\"See，\"saidtheprincesstohim，\"M。Casanovahastaughtmethecabalisticscience。\"
Andsheshewedhimtheanswershehadobtainedherself。Thecountcouldnotbelieveit。
\"Well，\"saidtheduchesstome，\"wemustconvincehim。WhatshallI
ask？\"
\"Anythingyourhighnesschooses。\"
Sheconsideredforoneinstant，and，drawingfromherpocketasmallivorybox，shewrote，\"Tellmewhythispomatumhasnolongeranyeffect\"
Sheformedthepyramid，thecolumns，andthekey，asIhadtaughther，andasshewasreadytogettheanswer，Itoldherhowtomaketheadditionsandsubtractionswhichseemtocomefromthenumbers，butwhichinrealityareonlyarbitrary；thenItoldhertointerpretthenumbersinletters，andIlefttheroomundersomepretext。I
camebackwhenIthoughtthatshehadcompletedhertranslation，andIfoundherwrappedinamazement。
\"Ah，sir！\"sheexclaimed，\"whatananswer！\"
\"Perhapsitisnottherightone；butthatwillsometimeshappen，madam。\"
\"Nottherightone，sir？Itisdivine！Hereitis:Thatpomatumhasnoeffectupontheskinofawomanwhohasbeenamother。\"
\"Idonotseeanythingextraordinaryinthatanswer，madam。\"
\"Verylikely，sir，butitisbecauseyoudonotknowthatthepomatuminquestionwasgiventomefiveyearsagobytheAbbedeBrosses；itcuredmeatthattime，butitwastenmonthsbeforethebirthoftheDukedeMontpensier。Iwouldgiveanythingintheworldtobethoroughlyacquaintedwiththatsublimecabalisticscience。\"
\"What！\"saidthecount，\"isitthepomatumthehistoryofwhichI
know？\"
\"Precisely。\"
\"Itisastonishing。\"