\"No，butIhaveoftenseenyoupassingundermywindow。IliveatSt。Roch，nearthebridge。\"
Thewayinwhichthewomantoldheryarnconvincedusthatshewasanadeptinthescienceofprostitution，butwethoughtCapsucefalo，inspiteofthecount，worthyofthepillory。ThegirlwasabouttenyearsolderthanM。M。，shewaspretty，butlight—complexioned，whilemybeautifulnunhadfinedarkbrownhairandwasatleastthreeinchestaller。
Aftertwelveo’clockwesatdowntosupper，anddidhonourtotheexcellentmealwhichmydearAntoinettehadpreparedforus。Wewerecruelenoughtoleavethepoorwretchwithoutofferinghersomuchasaglassofwine，butwethoughtitourduty。
Whileweweretalking，thejollyEnglishmanmadesomewittycommentsonmyeagernesstoconvincehimthathehadnotenjoyedM。M。’sfavours。
\"Ican’tbelieve，\"saidhe，\"thatyouhaveshewnsomuchinterestwithoutbeinginlovewiththedivinenun。\"
IansweredbysayingthatifIwereherloverIwasmuchtobepitiedinbeingcondemnedtogototheparlour，andnofarther。
\"Iwouldgladlygiveahundredguineasamonth，\"saidhe，\"tohavetheprivilegeofvisitingheratthegrating。\"
Sosayinghegavememyhundredsequins，complimentingmeonmysuccess，andIslippedthemforthwithintomypocket。
Attwoo’clockinthemorningweheardasoftknockonthestreetdoor。
\"Hereisourfriend，\"Isaid，\"bediscreet，andyouwillseethathewillmakeafullconfession。\"
HecameinandsawMurrayandthelady，butdidnotdiscoverthatathirdpartywaspresenttillheheardtheante—roomdoorbeinglocked。Heturnedroundandsawme，andasheknewme，merelysaid，withoutlosingcountenance:
\"Ah，youarehere；youknow，ofcourse，thatthesecretmustbekept？\"
Murraylaughedandcalmlyaskedhimtobeseated，andheenquired，withthelady’spistolsinhishands，wherehewasgoingtotakeherbeforeday—break。
\"Home。\"
\"Ithinkyoumaybemistaken，asitisverypossiblethatwhenyouleavethisplaceyouwillbothofyoubeprovidedwithabedinprison。\"
\"No，Iamnotafraidofthathappening；thethingwouldmaketoomuchnoise，andthelaughwouldnotbeonyourside。Come，\"saidhetohismate，\"putonyourcloakandletusbeoff。\"
Theambassador，wholikeanEnglishmankeptquitecoolthewholetime，pouredhimoutaglassofChambertin，andtheblackguarddrankhishealth。Murrayseeinghehadonafineringsetwithbrilliants，praisedit，andshewingsomecuriositytoseeitmorecloselyhedrewitoffthefellow’sfinger，examinedit，founditwithoutflaw，andaskedhowmuchitwasworth。Capsucefalo，alittletakenaback，saiditcosthimfourhundredsequins。
\"Iwillholditasapledgeforthatsum，\"saidtheambassador，puttingtheringintohispocket。Theotherlookedchop—fallen，andMurraylaughingathisretiringmannerstoldthegirltoputonhercloakandtopackoffwithherworthyacolyte。Shedidsodirectly，andwithalowbowtheydisappeared。
\"Farewell，nunprocurer！\"saidtheambassador，butthecountmadenoanswer。
AssoonastheyweregoneIthankedMurraywarmlyforthemoderationhehadshewn，asascandalwouldhaveonlyinjuredthreeinnocentpeople。
\"Besure，\"saidhe，\"thattheguiltypartiesshallbepunishedwithoutanyone’sknowingthereason\"
IthenmadeToninecomeupstairs，andmyEnglishfriendofferedheraglassofwine，whichshedeclinedwithmuchmodestyandpoliteness。
Murraylookedatherwithflamingglances，andleftaftergivingmehisheartiestthanks。
PoorlittleToninehadbeenresigned，andobedientformanyhours，andshehadgoodcausetothinkIhadbeenunfaithfultoher；
however，Igaveherthemostunmistakableproofsofmyfidelity。Westayedinbedforsixhours，androsehappyinthemorning。
AfterdinnerIhurriedofftomynobleM————M————，andtoldherthewholestory。Shelistenedeagerly，hervariousfeelingsflittingacrossherface。Fear，anger，wrath，approvalofmymethodofclearingupmynaturalsuspicions，joyatdiscoveringmestillherlover——allweredepictedinsuccessioninherglance，andintheplayofherfeatures，andintheredandwhitewhichfollowedoneanotheronhercheeksandforehead。ShewasdelightedtohearthatthemaskerwhowaswithmeintheparlourwastheEnglishambassador，butshebecamenoblydisdainfulwhenItoldherthathewouldgladlygiveahundredguineasamonthforthepleasureofvisitingherintheparlour。Shewasangrywithhimforfancyingthatshehadbeeninhispower，andforfindingalikenessbetweenherandaportrait，when，soshesaid，therewasnolikenessatall；Ihadgivenhertheportrait。Sheadded，withashrewdsmile，thatshewassureIhadnotletmylittlemaidseethefalsenun，asshemighthavebeenmistaken。
\"Youknow，doyou，thatIhaveayoungservant？\"
\"Yes，andaprettyone，too。SheisLaura’sdaughter，andifyouloveherIamveryglad，andsoisC————C————。Ihopeyouwillletmehaveasightofher。C————C————hasseenherbefore。\"
AsIsawthatsheknewtoomuchformetobeabletodeceiveher，I
tookmycuedirectlyandtoldherindetailthehistoryofmyamours。
Sheshewedhersatisfactiontooopenlynottobesincere。BeforeI
lefthershesaidherhonourobligedhertogetCapsucefaloassassinated，forthewretchhadwrongedherbeyondpardon。BywayofquietingherIpromisedthatiftheambassadordidnotridusofhimwithintheweekIwouldchargemyselfwiththeexecutionofourcommonvengeance。
AboutthistimediedBragadintheprocurator，brotherofmypatron，leavingM。deBragadinsufficientlywelloff。However，asthefamilythreatenedtobecomeextinct，hedesiredawomanwhohadbeenhismistress，andofwhomhehadhadanaturalson，tobecomehiswife。
Bythismarriagethesonwouldhavebecomelegitimate，andthefamilyrenewedagain。TheCollegeofCardinalswouldhaverecognizedthewifeforasmallfee，andallwouldhavegoneadmirably。
Thewomanwrotetome，askingmetocallonher；andIwasgoingto，curioustoknowwhatawoman，whomIdidnotknowfromAdam，couldwantwithme，whenIreceivedasummonsfromM。deBragadin。HebeggedmetoaskParalisifheoughttofollowDelaHaye’sadviceinamatterhehadpromisednottoconfidetome，butofwhichtheoraclemustbeinformed。Theoracle，naturallyopposedtotheJesuit，toldhimtoconsulthisownfeelingsandnothingelse。AfterthisIwenttothelady。
Shebeganbytellingmethewholestory。Sheintroducedhersontome，andtoldmethatifthemarriagecouldbeperformed，adeedwouldbedeliveredinmyfavourbywhich，atthedeathofM。deBragadin，Ishouldbecomeentitledtoanestateworthfivethousandcrownsperannum。
AsIguessedwithoutmuchtroublethatthiswasthesamematterwhichDelaHayehadproposedtoM。deBragadin，IansweredwithouthesitationthatsinceDelaHayewasbeforemeIcoulddonothing，andthereuponmadehermybow。
IcouldnothelpwonderingatthisJesuit’scontinuallyintriguingtomarrymyoldfriendswithoutmyknowledge。Twoyearsago，ifIhadnotsetmyfaceagainstit，hewouldhavemarriedM。Dandolo。I
carednotawhitwhetherthefamilyofBragadinbecameextinctornot，butIdidcareforthelifeofmybenefactor，andwasquitesurethatmarriagewouldshortenitbymanyyears；hewasalreadysixty—
three，andhadrecoveredfromaseriousapoplecticstroke。
IwenttodinewithLadyMurray（English—womenwhoaredaughtersoflordskeepthetitle），andafterdinnertheambassadortoldmethathehadtoldM。Cavallithewholestoryofthefalsenun，andthatthesecretaryhadinformedhim，theeveningbefore，thateverythinghadbeendonetohisliking。CountCapsucefalohadbeensenttoCephalonia，hisnativecountry，withtheordernevertoreturntoVenice，andthecourtezanhaddisappeared。
Thefinepart，orratherthefearfulpart，aboutthesesentencesisthatnooneeverknowsthereasonwhyorwherefore，andthatthelotmayfallontheinnocentaswellastheguilty。M。M。wasdelightedwiththeevent，andIwasmorepleasedthanshe，forIshouldhavebeensorrytohavebeenobligedtosoilmyhandswiththebloodofthatrascallycount。
Thereareseasonsinthelifeofmenwhichmaybecalled’fasti’and’nefasti’；Ihaveprovedthisofteninmylongcareer，andonthestrengthoftherubsandstrugglesIhavehadtoencounter。Iamable，aswellasanyman，toverifythetruthofthisaxiom。Ihadjustexperiencedarunofluck。Fortunehadbefriendedmeatplay，I
hadbeenhappyinthesocietyofmen，andfromloveIhadnothingtoask；butnowthereverseofthemedalbegantoappear。Lovewasstillkind，butFortunehadquiteleftme，andyouwillsoonsee，reader，thatmenusedmenobetterthantheblindgoddess。
Nevertheless，sinceone’sfatehasphasesaswellasthemoon，goodfollowsevilasdisasterssucceedtohappiness。
Istillplayedonthemartingale，butwithsuchbadluckthatIwassoonleftwithoutasequin。AsIsharedmypropertywithM。M。Iwasobligedtotellherofmylosses，anditwasatherrequestthatI
soldallherdiamonds，losingwhatIgotforthem；shehadnowonlyfivehundredsequinsbyher。Therewasnomoretalkofherescapingfromtheconvent，forwehadnothingtoliveon！Istillgamed，butforsmallstakes，waitingfortheslowreturnofgoodluck。
OnedaytheEnglishambassador，aftergivingmeasupperathiscasinowiththecelebratedFannyMurray，askedmetolethimsupatmycasinoatMuran，whichInowonlykeptupforthesakeofTonine。
Igrantedhimthefavour，butdidnotimitatehisgenerosity。Hefoundmylittlemistresssmilingandpolite，butalwayskeepingwithintheboundsofdecency，fromwhichhewouldhaveverywillinglyexcusedher。Thenextmorninghewrotetomeasfollows:
\"IammadlyinlovewithTonine。IfyouliketohandherovertomeIwillmakethefollowingprovisionforher:IwillsetherupinasuitablelodgingwhichIwillfurnishthroughout，andwhichIwillgivetoherwithallitscontents，providedthatImayvisitherwheneverIplease，andthatshegivesmealltherightsofafortunatelover。Iwillgiveheramaid，acook，andthirtysequinsamonthasprovisionfortwopeople，withoutreckoningthewine，whichIwillprocuremyself。BesidesthisIwillgiveheralifeincomeoftwohundredcrownsperannum，overwhichshewillhavefullcontrolafterlivingwithmeforayear。Igiveyouaweektosendyouranswer。\"
IrepliedimmediatelythatIwouldlethimknowinthreedayswhetherhisproposalwereaccepted，forToninehadamotherofwhomshewasfond，andshewouldpossiblynotcaretodoanythingwithoutherconsent。Ialsoinformedhimthatinallappearancethegirlwaswithchild。
ThebusinesswasanimportantoneforTonine。Ilovedher，butI
knewperfectlywellthatwecouldnotpasstherestofourlivestogether，andIsawnoprospectofbeingabletomakeherasgoodaprovisionasthatofferedbytheambassador。ConsequentlyIhadnodoubtsonthequestion，andtheverysamedayIwenttoMuranandtoldherall。
\"Youwishtoleaveme，then，\"saidshe，intears。
\"Iloveyou，dearest，andwhatIproposeoughttoconvinceyouofmylove。\"
\"Notso；Icannotservetwomasters。\"
\"Youwillonlyserveyournewlover，sweetheart。Ibegofyoutoreflectthatyouwillhaveafinedowry，onthestrengthofwhichyoumaymarrywell；andthathowevermuchIloveyouIcannotpossiblymakesogoodaprovisionforyou。\"
\"Leavemeto—dayfortearsandreflection，andcometosupperwithmeto—morrow。\"
Ididnotfailtokeeptheappointment。
\"IthinkyourEnglishfriendisaveryprettyman，\"shesaid，\"andwhenhespeaksintheVenetiandialectitmakesmediewithlaughter。
Ifmymotheragrees，Imight，perhaps，forcemyselftolovehim。
Supposingwedidnotagreewecouldpartattheendofayear，andI
shouldbethericherbyanincomeoftwohundredcrowns。\"
\"Iamcharmedwiththesenseofyourarguments；speakaboutittoyourmother。\"
\"Idaren’t，sweetheart；thiskindofthingistoodelicatetobediscussedbetweenamotherandherdaughterspeaktoheryourself。\"
\"Iwill，indeed。\"
Laura，whomIhadnotseensinceshehadgivenmeherdaughter，askedfornotimetothinkitover，butfullofgleetoldmethatnowherdaughterwouldbeabletosootheherdecliningyears，andthatshewouldleaveMuranofwhichshewastired。SheshewedmeahundredandthirtysequinswhichToninehadgainedinmyservice，andwhichshehadplacedinherhands。
Barberine，Tonine’syoungersister，cametokissmyhand。Ithoughthercharming，andIgaveherallthesilverinmypocket。Ithenleft，tellingLaurathatIshouldexpectheratmyhouse。Shesoonfollowedme，andgaveherchildamother’sblessing，tellingherthatsheandherfamilycouldgoandliveinVeniceforsixtysousaday。
Tonineembracedher，andtoldherthatsheshouldhaveit。
Thisimportantaffairhavingbeenmanagedtoeverybody’ssatisfaction，IwenttoseeM————M————，whocameintotheparlourwithC————C————，whomIfoundlookingsad，thoughprettierthanever。Shewasmelancholy，butnonethelesstender。Shecouldnotstayformorethanaquarterofanhourforfearofbeingseen，asshewasforbiddenevertogointotheparlour。ItoldM。M。thestoryofTonine，whowasgoingtolivewithMurrayinVenice；shewassorrytohearit，\"for，\"saidshe，\"nowthatyouhavenolongeranyattractionatMuran，Ishallseeyoulessthanever。\"Ipromisedtocomeandseeheroften，butvainpromises！Thetimewasnearwhichpartedusforever。
ThesameeveningIwenttotellthegoodnewstomyfriendMurray。
Hewasinatransportofjoy，andbeggedmetocomeandsupwithhimathiscasinothedayafternext，andtobringthegirlwithme，thatthesurrendermightbemadeinform。Ididnotfailhim，foroncethematterwasdecided，Ilongedtobringittoanend。InmypresenceheassignedtohertheyearlyincomeforherlifeoftwohundredVenetianducats，andbyaseconddeedhegaveherallthecontentsofthehousewithwhichhewasgoingtoprovideher，providedalwaysthatshelivedwithhimforayear。Heallowedhertoreceivemeasafriend，alsotoreceivehermotherandsisters，andshewasfreetogoandseethemwhenshewould。Toninethrewherarmsabouthisneck，andassuredhimthatshewouldendeavourtopleasehimtotheutmostofherability。\"Iwillseehim，\"saidshe，pointingtome，\"butashisfriendheshallhavenothingmorefromme。\"Throughoutthistrulyaffectingsceneshekeptbackhertears，butIcouldnotconcealmine。Murraywashappy，butIwasnotlongawitnessofhisgoodfortune，thereasonofwhichIwillexplainalittlelater。
ThreedaysafterwardsLauracametome，toldmethatshewaslivinginVenice，andaskedmetotakehertoherdaughter’s。Iowedthiswomantoomuchtorefuseher，andItookherthereforthwith。ToninegavethankstoGod，andalsotome，andhermothertookupthesong，fortheywerenotquitesurewhethertheyweremoreindebtedtoGodortome。ToninewaseloquentinherpraiseofMurray，andmadenocomplaintatmynothavingcometoseeher，atwhichIwasglad。AsIwasgoingLauraaskedmetotakeherbackinmygondola，andaswehadtopassbythehouseinwhichshelivedshebeggedmetocomeinforamoment，andIcouldnothurtherfeelingsbyrefusing。IoweittomyhonourtoremarkherethatIwasthuspolitewithoutthinkingthatIshouldseeBarberineagain。
Thisgirl，asprettyashersister，thoughinanotherstyle，beganbyawakeningmycuriosity——aweaknesswhichusuallyrenderstheprofligatemaninconstant。Ifallwomenweretohavethesamefeatures，thesamedisposition，andthesamemanners，menwouldnotonlyneverbeinconstant，butwouldneverbeinlove。Underthatstateofthingsonewouldchooseawifebyinstinctandkeeptohertilldeath，butourworldwouldthenbeunderadifferentsystemtothepresent。Noveltyisthemasterofthesoul。Weknowthatwhatwedonotseeisverynearlythesameaswhatwehaveseen，butwearecurious，weliketobequitesure，andtoattainourendswegiveourselvesasmuchtroubleasifwewerecertainoffindingsomeprizebeyondcompare。
Barberine，wholookeduponmeasanoldfriend——forhermotherhadaccustomedhertokissmyhandwheneverIwentthere，whohadundressedmorethanonceinmypresencewithouttroublingaboutme，whoknewIhadmadehersister’sfortuneandthefamilyfortuneaswell，andthoughtherselfprettierthanToninebecauseherskinwasfairer，andbecauseshehadfineblackeyes，desiringtotakehersister’splace，knewthattosucceedshemusttakemebystorm。HercommonsensetoldherthatasIhardlyevercametothehouse，I
shouldnotbelikelytobecomeamorousofherunlessshewonmebystorm；andtothisendsheshewedtheutmostcomplaisancewhenshehadthechance，sothatIwonherwithoutanydifficulty。Allthisreasoningcamefromherownhead，forIamsurehermothergavehernoinstructions。Laurawasamotherofakindcommontheworldover，butespeciallyinItaly。Shewaswillingtotakeadvantageoftheearningsofherdaughters，butshewouldneverhaveinducedthemtotakethepathofevil。Therehervirtuestoppedshort。
AfterIhadinspectedhertworoomsandherlittlekitchen，andhadadmiredthecleannesswhichshoneallaround，BarberineaskedmeifI
wouldliketoseetheirsmallgarden。
\"Withpleasure，\"Ireplied，\"foragardenisararityinVenice。\"
Hermothertoldhertogivemesomefigsiftherewereanyripeones。
Thegardenconsistedofaboutthirtysquarefeet，andgrewonlysaladherbsandafinefigtree。Ithadnotagoodcrop，andItoldherthatIcouldnotseeanyfigs。
\"Icanseesomeatthetop，\"saidBarberine，\"andIwillgatherthemifyouwillholdmetheladder。\"
\"Yes，climbaway；Iwillholditquitefirmly。\"
Shesteppeduplightly，andstretchingoutanarmtogetatsomefigstoonesideofher，sheputherbodyoffitsbalance，holdingontotheladderwiththeotherhand。
\"MydearBarberine，whatdoyouthinkIcansee？\"
\"Whatyouhaveoftenseenwithmysister。\"
\"That’strue！butyouareprettierthansheis。\"
Thegirlmadenoreply，but，asifshecouldnotreachthefruit，sheputherfootonahighbranch，andspewedmethemostseductivepicture。Iwasinanecstasy，andBarberine，whosawit，didnothurryherself。AtlastIhelpedhertocomedown，andlettingmyhandwanderindiscreetly，IaskedherifthefruitIheldhadbeenplucked，andshekeptmealongtimetellingmeitwasquitefresh。
Itookherwithinmyarms，andalreadyhercaptive，Ipressedheramorouslytomyheart，printingonherlipsafierykiss，whichshegavemebackwithasmuchardour。
\"WillyougivemewhatIhavecaught，dearest？\"
\"MymotherisgoingtoMuranto—morrow，andshewillstaytherealltheday；ifyoucome，thereisnothingIwillrefuseyou。\"
Whenspeechlikethisproceedsfromamouthstillinnocent，themantowhomitisaddressedoughttobehappy，fordesiresarebutpainandtorment，andenjoymentissweetbecauseitdeliversusfromthem。
Thisshewsthatthosewhopreferalittleresistancetoaneasyconquestareinthewrong；butatooeasyconquestoftenpointstoadepravednature，andthismendonotlike，howeverdepravedtheythemselvesmaybe。
Wereturnedtothehouse，andIgaveBarberineatenderkissbeforeLaura’seyes，tellingherthatshehadaveryjewelinherdaughter——
acomplimentwhichmadeherfacelightupwithpleasure。Igavethedeargirltensequins，andIwentawaycongratulatingmyself，butcursingmyluckatnotbeingabletomakeasgoodprovisionforBarberineasMurrayhadmadeforhersister。
Toninehadtoldmethatformanners’sakeIshouldsuponcewithher。
IwentthesameeveningandfoundRigheliniandMurraythere。Thesupperwasdelicious，andIwasdelightedwiththeexcellentunderstandingthetwolovershadalreadycometo。Icomplimentedtheambassadoronthelossofoneofhistastes，andhetoldmeheshouldbeverysorryatsuchaloss，asitwouldwarnhimofhisdecliningpowers。
\"But，\"saidI，\"youusedtoliketoperformthemysterioussacrificeofLovewithoutaveil。\"
\"ItwasnotIbutAncillawholikedit，andasIpreferredpleasinghertopleasingmyself，Igaveintohertastewithoutanydifficulty。\"
\"Iamdelightedwithyouranswer，asIconfessitwouldcostmesomethingtobethewitnessofyourexploitswithTonine。\"
HavingcasuallyremarkedthatIhadnolongerahouseinMuran，RighelinitoldmethatifIlikedhecouldgetmeadelightfulhouseatalowrentontheTondamenteNuovo。
Asthisquarterfacingnorth，andasagreeableinsummerasdisagreeableinwinter，wasoppositetoMuran，whereIshouldhavetogotwiceaweek，ItoldthedoctorIshouldbegladtolookatthehouse。
Itookleaveoftherichandfortunateambassadoratmidnight，andbeforepassingthedaywithmynewprizeIwenttosleepsoastobefreshandcapableofrunningagoodcourse。
IwenttoBarberineatanearlyhour，andassoonasshesawmeshesaid，\"Mymotherwillnotbebacktilltheevening，andmybrotherwilltakehisdinnerattheschool。Hereisafowl，aham，somecheese，andtwobottlesofScopolowine。Wewilltakeourmesswheneveryoulike:\"
\"Youastonishme，sweetheart，forhowdidyoumanagetogetsuchagooddinner？\"
\"Weoweittomymother，sotoherbethepraise。\"
\"Youhavetoldher，then，whatwearegoingtodo？\"
\"No，notI，forIknownothingaboutit；butItoldheryouwerecomingtoseeme，andatthesametimeIgaveherthetensequins。\"
\"Andwhatdidyourmothersay？\"
\"Shesaidshewouldn’tbesorryifyouweretolovemeasyoulovedmysister。\"
\"Iloveyoubetter，thoughIloveherwell。\"
\"Youloveher？Whyhaveyoulefther，then？\"
\"Ihavenotlefther，forwesuppedtogetheryesterdayevening；butwenolongerlivetogetheraslovers，thatisall。Ihaveyieldedheruptoarichfriendofmine，whohasmadeherfortune。\"
\"Thatiswell，thoughIdon’tunderstandmuchabouttheseaffairs。I
hopeyouwilltellToninethatIhavetakenherplace，andIshouldbeverypleasedifyouwouldletherknowthatyouarequitesureyouaremyfirstlover。\"
\"Andsupposingthenewsvexesher？\"
\"Somuchthebetter。Willyoudoitforme？it’sthefirstfavourI
haveaskedofyou。\"
\"Ipromisetodoso。\"
Afterthisrapiddialoguewetookbreakfast，andthen，perfectlyagreed，wewenttobed，ratherasifwewereabouttosacrificetoHymenthantolove。
ThegamewasnewtoBarberine，andhertransports，hergreennotions—
—whichshetoldmeopenly——herinexperience，orratherherawkwardness，enchantedme。Iseemedforthefirsttimetopluckthefruitofthetreeofknowledge，andneverhadItastedfruitsodelicious。Mylittlemaidwouldhavebeenashamedtoletmeseehowthefirstthornhurther，andtoconvincemethatsheonlysmelttherose，shestrovetomakemethinksheexperiencedmorepleasurethanispossibleinafirsttrial，alwaysmoreorlesspainful。Shewasnotyetabiggirl，therosesonherswellingbreastswereasyetbutbuds，andshewasawomanonlyinherheart。
Aftermorethanoneassaultdeliveredandsustainedwithspirit，wegotupfordinner，andafterwehadrefreshedourselveswemountedoncemorethealtaroflove，whereweremainedtilltheevening。
Laurafoundusdressedandwellpleasedwitheachotheronherreturn。ImadeBarberineanotherpresentoftwentysequins，Isworetoloveheralways，andwentonmyway。AtthetimeIcertainlymeanttokeeptomyoath，butthatwhichdestinyhadinstoreformecouldnotbereconciledwiththesepromiseswhichwelledforthfrommysoulinamomentofexcitement。
ThenextmorningRighelinitookmetoseethelodginghehadspokentomeabout。Ilikeditandtookitonthespot，payingthefirstquarterinadvance。Thehousebelongedtoawidowwithtwodaughters，theelderofwhomhadjustbeenblooded。Righeliniwasherdoctor，andhadtreatedherforninemonthswithoutsuccess。AshewasgoingtopayheravisitIwentinwithhim，andfoundmyselfinthepresenceofafinewaxenstatue。Surprisedrewfrommethesewords:
\"Sheispretty，butthesculptorshouldgivehersomecolour。\"
Onwhichthestatuesmiledinamannerwhichwouldhavebeencharmingifherlipshadbutbeenred。
\"Herpallor，\"saidRighelini，\"willnotastonishyouwhenItellyoushehasjustbeenbloodedforthehundredandfourthtime。\"
Igaveaverynaturalgestureofsurprise。
Thisfinegirlhadattainedtheageofeighteenyearswithoutexperiencingthemonthlyreliefaffordedbynature，theresultbeingthatshefeltadeathlyfaintnessthreeorfourtimesaweek，andtheonlyreliefwastoopenthevein。
\"Iwanttosendhertothecountry，\"saidthedoctor，\"wherepureandwholesomeair，and，aboveall，moreexercise，willdohermoregoodthanallthedrugsintheworld。\"
AfterIhadbeentoldthatmybedshouldbemadereadybytheevening，IwentawaywithRighelini，whotoldmethattheonlycureforthegirlwouldbeagoodstronglover。
\"Butmydeardoctor，\"saidI，\"can’tyoumakeyourownprescription？\"
\"Thatwouldbetooriskyagame，forImightfindmyselfcompelledtomarryher，andIhatemarriagelikethedevil。\"
ThoughIwasnobetterinclinedtowardsmarriagethanthedoctor，I
wastoonearthefirenottogetburnt，andthereaderwillseeinthenextchapterhowIperformedthemiraculouscureofbringingthecoloursofhealthintothecheeksofthispallidbeauty。
CHAPTERXXV
TheFairInvalidICureHer——APlotFormedtoRuinMe——WhatHappenedattheHouseoftheYoungCountessBonafede——TheErberia——DomiciliaryVisit——MyConversationwithM。deBragadin——IAmArrestedbyOrderoftheStateInquisitors。
AfterleavingDr。RigheliniIwenttosupwithM。deBragadin，andgavethegenerousandworthyoldmanahappyevening。Thiswasalwaysthecase；ImadehimandhistwogoodfriendshappywheneverI
tookmealswiththem。
Leavingthematanearlyhour，Iwenttomylodgingandwasgreatlysurprisedtofindmybedroombalconyoccupied。Ayoungladyofanexquisitefigureroseassoonasshesawme，andgracefullyaskedmepardonforthelibertyshehadtaken。
\"Iam，\"shesaid，\"thestatueyousawthismorning。Wedonotlightthecandlesintheeveningforfearofattractingthegnats，butwhenyouwanttogotobedwewillshutthedoorandgoaway。Ibegtointroduceyoutomyyoungersister，mymotherhasgonetobed。\"
Iansweredhertotheeffectthatthebalconywasalwaysatherservice，andthatsinceitwasstillearlyIbeggedtheirpermissiontoputonmydressing—gownandtokeepthemcompany。Herconversationwascharming；shemademespendtwomostdelightfulhours，anddidnotleavemetilltwelveo’clock。Heryoungersisterlightedmeacandle，andastheywenttheywishedmeagoodnight。
Ilaydownfullofthisprettygirl，andIcouldnotbelievethatshewasreallyill。Shespoketothepoint，shewascheerful，clever，andfullofspirits。IcouldnotunderstandhowitcametopassthatshehadnotbeenalreadycuredinatownlikeVenice，ifhercurewasreallyonlytobeeffectedinthemannerdescribedbyDr。Righelini；
forinspiteofherpallorsheseemedtomequitefairenoughtocharmalover，andIbelievedhertobespiritedenoughtodeterminetotakethemostagreeablemedicineadoctorcanprescribe。
InthemorningIrangthebellasIwasgettingup，andtheyoungersistercameintomyroom，andsaidthatastheykeptnoservantshehadcometodowhatIwanted。IdidnotcaretohaveaservantwhenIwasnotatM。deBragadin’s，asIfoundmyselfmoreatlibertytodowhatIliked。Aftershehaddonemesomesmallservices，Iaskedherhowhersisterwas。
\"Verywell，\"saidshe，\"forherpalecomplexionisnotanillness，andsheonlysufferswhenherbreathfailsher。Shehasaverygoodappetite，andsleepsaswellasIdo。\"
\"WhomdoIhearplayingtheviolin？\"
\"It’sthedancingmastergivingmysisteralesson。\"
IhurriedovermydressingthatImightseeher；andIfoundhercharming，thoughherolddancingmasterallowedhertoturninhertoes。AllthatthisyoungandbeautifulgirlwantedwasthePrometheanspark，thecolouroflife；herwhitenesswastoolikesnow，andwasdistressingtolookat。
Thedancingmasterbeggedmetodanceaminuetwithhispupil，andI
assented，askinghimtoplaylarghissimo。\"Thesignorinawouldfindittootiring，\"saidhe；butshehastenedtoanswerthatshedidnotfeelweak，andwouldliketodancethus。Shedancedverywell，butwhenwehaddoneshewasobligedtothrowherselfinachair。\"Infuture，mydearmaster，\"saidshe，\"Iwillonlydancelikethat，forIthinktherapidmotionwilldomegood。\"
Whenthemasterwasgone，Itoldherthatherlessonsweretooshort，andthathermasterwaslettinghergetintobadhabits。Ithensetherfeet，hershoulders，andherarmsinthepropermanner。Itaughtherhowtogiveherhandgracefully，tobendherkneesintime；infine，Igaveheraregularlessonforanhour，andseeingthatshewasgettingrathertiredIbeggedhertositdown，andIwentouttopayavisittoM。M。
Ifoundherverysad，forC————C————’sfatherwasdead，andtheyhadtakenheroutoftheconventtomarryhertoalawyer。BeforeleavingC————C————hadleftaletterforme，inwhichshesaidthatifIwouldpromisetomarryheratsometimesuitabletomyself，shewouldwaitforme，andrefuseallotheroffers。IansweredherstraightforwardlythatIhadnopropertyandnoprospects，thatI
leftherfree，advisinghernottorefuseanyofferwhichmightbetoheradvantage。
InspiteofthisdismissalC————C————didnotmarryN————tillaftermyflightfromTheLeads，whennobodyexpectedtoseemeagaininVenice。Ididnotseeherfornineteenyears，andthenIwasgrievedtofindherawidow，andpoorlyoff。IfIwenttoVenicenowI
shouldnotmarryher，foratmyagemarriageisanabsurdity，butI
wouldsharewithhermylittleall，andlivewithheraswithadearsister。
WhenIhearwomentalkingaboutthebadfaithandinconstancyofmen，andmaintainingthatwhenmenmakepromisesofeternalconstancytheyarealwaysdeceivers，Iconfessthattheyareright，andjoinintheircomplaints。Stillitcannotbehelped，forthepromisesofloversaredictatedbytheheart，andconsequentlythelamentationsofwomenonlymakemewanttolaugh。Alas！welovewithoutheedingreason，andceasetoloveinthesamemanner。
AboutthistimeIreceivedaletterfromtheAbbedeBernis，whowrotealsotoM————M————。HetoldmethatIoughttodomyutmosttomakeournuntakeareasonableviewofthings，dwellingontherisksIshouldrunincarryingheroffandbringinghertoParis，whereallhisinfluencewouldbeofnoavailtoobtainforusthatsafetysoindispensabletohappiness。IsawM————M————；weshewedeachotherourletters，shehadsomebittertears，andhergriefpiercedmetotheheart。Istillhadagreatloveforherinspiteofmydailyinfidelities，andwhenIthoughtofthosemomentsinwhichIhadseenhergivenovertovoluptuousnessIcouldnothelppityingherfateasIthoughtofthedaysofdespairinstoreforher。Butsoonafterthisaneventhappenedwhichgaverisetosomewholesomereflections。Oneday，whenIhadcometoseeher，shesaid，\"Theyhavejustbeenburyinganunwhodiedofconsumptionthedaybeforeyesterdayintheodourofsanctity。Shewascalled’MariaConcetta。’Sheknewyou，andtoldC————C————yournamewhenyouusedtocometomassonfeastdays。C————C————beggedhertobediscreet，butthenuntoldherthatyouwereadangerousman，whosepresenceshouldbeshunnedbyayounggirl。C————C————toldmeallthisafterthemaskofPierrot。\"
\"Whatwasthissaint’snamewhenshewasintheworld？\"
\"Martha。\"
\"Iknowher。\"
IthentoldM————M————thewholehistoryofmyloveswithNanetteandMarton，endingwiththelettershewroteme，inwhichshesaidthatsheowedme，indirectly，thateternalsalvationtowhichshehopedtoattain。
Ineightortendaysmyconversationwithmyhostess’daughter——
conversationwhichtookplaceonthebalcony，andwhichgenerallylastedtillmidnight——andthelessonIgavehereverymorning，producedtheinevitableandnaturalresults；firstly，thatshenolongercomplainedofherbreathfailing，and，secondly，thatIfellinlovewithher。Nature’scurehadnotyetrelievedher，butshenolongerneededtobeletblood。Righelinicametovisitherasusual，andseeingthatshewasbetterheprophesiedthatnature’sremedy，withoutwhichonlyartcouldkeepheralive，wouldmakeallrightbeforetheautumn。HermotherlookeduponmeasanangelsentbyGodtocureherdaughter，whoforherpartshewedmethatgratitudewhichwithwomenisthefirststeptowardslove。Ihadmadeherdismissherolddancingmaster，andIhadtaughthertodancewithextremegrace。
Attheendofthesetenortwelvedays，justasIwasgoingtogiveherherlesson，herbreathfailedinstantaneously，andshefellbackintomyarmslikeadeadwoman。Iwasalarmed，buthermother，whohadbecomeaccustomedtoseeherthus，sentforthesurgeon，andhersisterunlacedher。Iwasenchantedwithherexquisitebosom，whichneedednocolouringtomakeitmorebeautiful。Icovereditup，sayingthatthesurgeonwouldmakeafalsestrokeifheweretoseeherthusuncovered；butfeelingthatIlaidmyhanduponherwithdelight，shegentlyrepulsedme，lookingatmewithalanguishinggazewhichmadethedeepestimpressiononme。
Thesurgeoncameandbledherinthearm，andalmostinstantaneouslysherecoveredfullconsciousness。Atmostonlyfourouncesofbloodweretakenfromher，andhermothertellingmethatthiswastheutmostextenttowhichshewasblooded，IsawitwasnosuchmatterforwonderasRighelinirepresentedit，forbeingbloodedtwiceaweekshelostthreepoundsofbloodamonth，whichshewouldhavedonenaturallyifthevesselshadnotbeenobstructed。
ThesurgeonhadhardlygoneoutofthedoorwhentomyastonishmentshetoldmethatifIwouldwaitforheramomentshewouldcomebackandbeginherdancing。Thisshedid，anddancedasiftherehadbeennothingthematter。
Herbosom，onwhichtwoofmysenseswerequalifiedtogiveevidence，wasthelaststroke，andmadememadlyinlovewithher。Ireturnedtothehouseintheevening，andfoundherinherroomwiththesister。Shetoldmethatshewasexpectinghergod—father，whowasanintimatefriendofherfather’s，andhadcomeeveryeveningtospendanhourwithherforthelasteighteenyears。
\"Howoldishe？\"
\"Heisoverfifty。\"
\"Isheamarriedman？\"
\"Yes，hisnameisCountS————。Heisasfondofmeasafatherwouldbe，andhisaffectionhascontinuedthesamesincemychildhood。
Evenhiswifecomestoseemesometimes，andtoaskmetodinner。
NeatautumnIamgoingintothecountrywithher，andIhopethefreshairwilldomegood。Mygod—fatherknowsyouarestayingwithusandissatisfied。Hedoesnotknowyou，butifyoulikeyoucanmakehisacquaintance。\"
Iwasgladtohearallthis，asIgainedagooddealofusefulinformationwithouthavingtoaskanyawkwardquestions。ThefriendshipofthisGreeklookedverylikelove。HewasthehusbandofCountessS————，whohadtakenmetotheconventatMurantwoyearsbefore。
Ifoundthecountaverypoliteman。Hethankedmeinapaternalmannerformykindnesstohisdaughter，andbeggedmetodohimthehonourofdiningwithhimonthefollowingday，tellingmethathewouldintroducemetohiswife。Iacceptedhisinvitationwithpleasure，forIwasfondofdramaticsituations，andmymeetingwiththecountesspromisedtobeanexcitingone。Thisinvitationbespokethecourteousgentleman，andIcharmedmyprettypupilbysinginghispraisesafterhehadgone。
\"Mygod—father，\"saidshe，\"isinpossessionofallthenecessarydocumentsforwithdrawingfromthehouseofPersicoourfamilyfortune，whichamountstofortythousandcrowns。Aquarterofthissumbelongstome，，andmymotherhaspromisedmysisterandmyselftoshareherdowrybetweenus。\"
IconcludedfromthisthatshewouldbringherhusbandfifteenthousandVenetianducats。
Iguessedthatshewasappealingtomewithherfortune，andwishedtomakemeinlovewithherbyshewingherselfcharyofherfavours；
forwheneverIallowedmyselfanysmallliberties，shecheckedmewithwords，ofremonstrancetowhichIcouldfindnoanswer。I
determinedtomakeherpursueanothercourse。
NextdayItookherwithmetohergod—father’swithouttellingherthatIknewthecountess。Ifanciedtheladywouldpretendnottoknowme，butIwaswrong，asshewelcomedmeinthehandsomestmannerasifIwereanoldfriend。This，nodoubt，wasasurpriseforthecount，buthewastoomuchamanoftheworldto，shewanyastonishment。Heaskedherwhenshehadmademyacquaintance，andshe，likeawomanofexperience，answeredwithouttheslightesthesitationthatwehadseeneachothertwoyearsagoatMira。Thematterwassettled，andwespentaverypleasantday。
TowardseveningItooktheyoungladyinmygondolabacktothehouse，butwishingtoshortenthejourneyIallowedmyselftoindulgeinafewcaresses。Iwashurtatbeingrespondedtobyreproaches，andforthatreason，assoonasshehadsetfootonherowndoorstep，insteadofgettingoutIwenttoTonine’shouse，andspentnearlythewholenighttherewiththeambassador，whocamealittleafterme。
Nextday，asIdidnotgetuptillquitelate，therewasnodancinglesson，andwhenIexcusedmyselfshetoldmenottotroubleanymoreaboutit。IntheeveningIsatonthebalconyfarintothenight，butshedidnotcome。VexedatthisairofindifferenceIroseearlyinthemorningandwentout，notreturningtillnightfall。Shewasonthebalcony，butasshekeptmeatarespectfuldistanceIonlytalkedtoheroncommonplacesubjects。InthemorningIwasrousedbyatremendousnoise。Igotup，andhurriedlyputtingonmydressing—gownranintoherroomtoseewhatwasthematter，onlytofindherdying。Ihadnoneedtofeignaninterestinher，forI
feltthemosttenderconcern。AsitwasatthebeginningofJulyitwasextremelyhot，andmyfairinvalidwasonlycoveredbyathinsheet。Shecouldonlyspeaktomewithhereyes，butthoughthelidswereloweredshelookeduponmesolovingly！Iaskedherifshesufferedfrompalpitations，andlayingmyhanduponherheartI
pressedafierykissuponherbreast。Thiswastheelectricspark，forshegaveasighwhichdidhergood。ShehadnotstrengthtorepulsethehandwhichIpressedamorouslyuponherheart，andbecomingbolderIfastenedmyburninglipsuponherlanguidmouth。
Iwarmedherwithmybreath，andmyaudacioushandpenetratedtotheverysanctuaryofbliss。Shemadeanefforttopushmeback，andtoldmewithhereyes，sinceshecouldnotspeak，howinsultedshefelt。Idrewbackmyhand，andatthatmomentthesurgeoncame。
Hardlywastheveinopenedwhenshedrewalongbreath，andbythetimetheoperationwasovershewishedtogetup。Ientreatedhertostayinbed，andhermotheraddedhervoicetomine；atlastI
persuadedher，tellingherthatIwouldnotleaveherforasecond，andthatIwouldhavemydinnerbyherbedside。Shethenputonacorsetandaskedhersistertodrawasarcenetcoverletoverher，asherlimbscouldbeseenasplainlyasthroughacrapeveil。
Havinggivenordersformydinner，Isatdownbyherbedside，burningwithlove，andtakingherhandandcoveringitwithkissesItoldherthatIwassureshewouldgetbetterifshewouldletherselflove。
\"Alas！\"shesaid，\"whomshallIlove，notknowingwhetherIshallbelovedinreturn？\"
Ididnotleavethisquestionunanswered，andcontinuingtheamorousdiscoursewithanimationIwonasighandalovelornglance。Iputmyhandonherknee，begginghertoletmeleaveitthere，andpromisingtogonofarther，butlittlebylittleIattainedthecenter，andstrovetogivehersomepleasantsensations。
\"Letmealone，\"saidshe，inasentimentalvoice，drawingaway，\"’tisperchancethecauseofmyillness。\"
\"No，sweetheart，\"Ireplied，\"thatcannotbe。\"Andmymouthstoppedallherobjectionsuponherlips。
Iwasenchanted，forIwasnowinafairway，andIsawthemomentofblissinthedistance，feelingcertainthatIcouldeffectacureifthedoctorwasnotmistaken。Isparedherallindiscreetquestionsoutofregardforhermodesty；butIdeclaredmyselfherlover，promisingtoasknothingofherbutwhatwasnecessarytofeedthefireofmylove。Theysentmeupaverygooddinner，andshedidjusticetoit；afterwardssayingthatshewasquitewellshegotup，andIwentawaytodressmyselfforgoingout。Icamebackearlyintheevening，andfoundheronmybalcony。There，asIsatclosetoherlookingintoherface，speakingbyturnsthelanguageoftheeyesandthatofsighs，fixingmyamorousgazeuponthosecharmswhichthemoonlightrenderedsweeter，Imadehershareinthefirewhichconsumedme；andasIpressedheramorouslytomybosomshecompletedmyblisswithsuchwarmththatIcouldeasilyseethatshethoughtshewasreceivingafavourandnotgrantingone。Isacrificedthevictimwithoutstainingthealtarwithblood。
Hersistercametotellherthatitgrewlate。
\"Doyougotobed，\"sheanswered；\"thefreshairisdoingmegood，andIwanttoenjoyitalittlelonger。\"
Assoonaswewerealonewewenttobedtogetherasifwehadbeendoingitforawholeyear，andwepassedagloriousnight，Ifullofloveandthedesireofcuringher，andsheoftenderandardentvoluptuousness。Atday—breaksheembracedme，hereyesdewywithbliss，andwenttoliedowninherownbed。I，likeher，stoodinneedofarest，andonthatdaytherewasnotalkofadancinglesson。Inspiteofthefiercepleasureofenjoymentandthetransportsofthisdelightfulgirl，Ididnotforamomentlayprudenceaside。Wecontinuedtopasssuchnightsastheseforthreeweeks，andIhadthepleasureofseeingherthoroughlycured。I
shoulddoubtlesshavemarriedher，ifaneventhadnothappenedtometowardstheendofthemonth，ofwhichIshallspeaklowerdown。
Youwillremember，dearreader，aboutaromancebytheAbbeChiari，asatiricalromancewhichMr。Murrayhadgivenme，andinwhichIfaredbadlyenoughattheauthor’shandsIhadsmallreasontobepleasedwithhim，andIlethimknowmyopinioninsuchwisethattheabbewhodreadedacaning，keptuponhisguard。AboutthesametimeI
receivedananonymousletter，thewriterofwhichtoldmethatI
shouldbebetteroccupiedintakingcareofmyselfthaninthoughtsofchastisingtheabbe，forIwasthreatenedbyanimminentdanger。
Anonymousletter—writersshouldbeheldincontempt，butoneoughttoknowhow，onoccasion，tomakethebestofadvicegiveninthatway。
Ididnothing，andmadeagreatmistake。
AboutthesametimeamannamedManuzzi，astonesetterforhisfirsttrade，andalsoaspy，avileagentoftheStateInquisitors——amanofwhomIknewnothing——foundawaytomakemyacquaintancebyofferingtoletmehavediamondsoncredit，andbythismeanshegottheentryofmyhouse。Ashewaslookingatsomebooksscatteredhereandthereabouttheroom，hestoppedshortatthemanuscriptswhichwereonmagic。Enjoyingfoolishlyenough，hislookofastonishment，Ishewedhimthebookswhichteachonehowtosummontheelementaryspirits。Myreaderswill，Ihope，domethefavourtobelievethatIputnofaithintheseconjuringbooks，butIhadthembymeandusedtoamusemyselfwiththemasonedoesamuseone’sselfwiththemultitudinousfollieswhichproceedfromtheheadsofvisionaries。Afewdaysafter，thetraitorcametoseemeandtoldmethatacollector，whosenamehemightnottellme，wasreadytogivemeathousandsequinsformyfivebooks，butthathewouldliketoexaminethemfirsttoseeiftheyweregenuine。Ashepromisedtoletmehavethembackintwenty—fourhours，andnotthinkingmuchaboutthematter，Ilethimhavethem。Hedidnotfailtobringthembackthenextday，tellingmethatthecollectorthoughtthemforgeries。Ifoundout，someyearsafter，thathehadtakenthemtotheStateInquisitors，whothusdiscoveredthatIwasanotablemagician。
Everythingthathappenedthroughoutthisfatalmonthtendedtomyruin，forMadameMemmo，motherofAndre，Bernard，andLaurentMemmo，hadtakenitintoherheadthatIhadinclinedhersonstoatheisticopinions，andtookcounselwiththeoldknightAntonyMocenigo，M。deBragadin’suncle，whowasangrywithme，because，ashesaid，Ihadconspiredtoseducehisnephew。Thematterwasaseriousone，andanauto—da—fewasverypossible，asitcameunderthejurisdictionoftheHolyOffice——akindofwildbeast，withwhichitisnotgoodtoquarrel。Nevertheless，astherewouldbesomedifficultyinshuttingmeupintheecclesiasticalprisonsoftheHolyOffice，itwasdeterminedtocarrymycasebeforetheStateInquisitors，whotookuponthemselvestheprovisionaldutyofputtingawatchuponmymannerofliving。
M。AntonyCondulmer，whoasafriendofAbbeChiari’swasanenemyofmine，wasthenanInquisitorofState，andhetooktheopportunityoflookinguponmeinthelightofadisturberofthepeaceofthecommonwealth。Asecretaryofanembassy，whomIknewsomeyearsafter，toldmethatapaidinformer，withtwootherwitnesses，also，doubtless，inthepayofthisgrandtribunal，haddeclaredthatIwasguiltyofonlybelievinginthedevil，asifthisabsurdbelief，ifitwerepossible，didnotnecessarilyconnoteabeliefinGod！ThesethreehonestfellowstestifiedwithanoaththatwhenIlostmoneyatplay，onwhichoccasionallthefaithfularewonttoblaspheme，Iwasneverheardtocursethedevil。Iwasfurtheraccusedofeatingmeatalltheyearround，ofonlygoingtohearfinemasses，andIwasvehementlysuspectedofbeingaFreemason。ItwasaddedthatI
frequentedthesocietyofforeignministers，andthatlivingasIdidwiththreenoblemen，itwascertainthatIrevealed，forthelargesumswhichIwasseentolose，asmanystatesecretsasIcouldwormoutofthem。
Alltheseaccusations，noneofwhichhadanyfoundationinfact，servedtheTribunalasapretexttotreatmeasanenemyofthecommonwealthandasaprimeconspirator。ForseveralweeksIwascounselledbypersonswhomImighthavetrustedtogoabroadwhilsttheTribunalwasengagedonmycase。Thisshouldhavebeenenough，fortheonlypeoplewhocanliveinpeaceatVenicearethosewhoseexistencetheTribunalisignorantof，butIobstinatelydespisedallthesehints。IfIhadlistenedtotheindirectadvicewhichwasgivenme，Ishouldhavebecomeanxious，andIwastheswornfoeofallanxiety。Ikeptsayingtomyself，\"IfeelremorsefornothingandIamthereforeguiltyofnothing，andtheinnocenthavenothingtofear。\"Iwasafool，forIarguedasifIhadbeenafreemaninafreecountry。Imustalsoconfessthatwhattoagreatextentkeptmefromthinkingofpossiblemisfortunewastheactualmisfortunewhichoppressedmefrommorningtonight。Ilosteveryday，Iowedmoneyeverywhere，Ihadpawnedallmyjewels，andevenmyportraitcases，takingtheprecaution，however，ofremovingtheportraits，whichwithmyimportantpapersandmyamorouslettersIhadplacedinthehandsofMadameManzoni。Ifoundmyselfavoidedinsociety。Anoldsenatortoldme，oneday，thatitwasknownthattheyoungCountessBonafedehadbecomemadinconsequenceofthelovephiltresIhadgivenher。Shewasstillattheasylum，andinhermomentsofdeliriumshedidnothingbututtermynamewithcurses。Imustletmyreadersintothesecretofthissmallhistory。
ThisyoungCountessBonafede，towhomIhadgivensomesequinsafewdaysaftermyreturntoVenice，thoughtherselfcapableofmakingmecontinuemyvisits，fromwhichshehadprofitedlargely。WorriedbyherlettersIwenttoseeherseveraltimes，andalwaysleftherafewsequins，butwiththeexceptionofmyfirstvisitIwasneverpoliteenoughtogiveheranyproofsofmyaffection。Mycoldnesshadbaulkedallherendeavoursforayear，whensheplayedacriminalpart，ofwhich，thoughIwasneverableabsolutelytoconvicther，I
hadeveryreasontobelieveherguilty。
Shewrotemealetter，inwhichsheimportunedmetocomeandseeheratacertainhouronimportantbusiness。
Mycuriosity，aswellasadesiretobeofservicetoher，tookmethereattheappointedtime；butassoonasshesawmesheflungherarmsroundmyneck，andtoldmethattheimportantbusinesswaslove。
Thismademelaughheartily，andIwaspleasedtofindherlookingneaterthanusual，which，doubtless，mademefindherlookingprettier。SheremindedmeofSt。Andre，andsucceededsowellinhereffortsthatIwasonthepointofsatisfyingherdesires。Itookoffmycloak，andaskedherifherfatherwerein。Shetoldmehehadgoneout。Beingobligedtogooutforaminute，incomingbackI
mistookthedoor，andIfoundmyselfinthenextroom，whereIwasmuchastonishedtoseethecountandtwovillainous—lookingfellowswithhim。
\"Mydearcount，\"Isaid，\"yourdaughterhasjusttoldmethatyouwereout。\"
\"Imyselftoldhertodoso，asIhavesomebusinesswiththesegentlemen，which，however，canwaitforanotherday。\"
Iwouldhavegone，buthestoppedme，andhavingdismissedthetwomenhetoldmethathewasdelightedtoseeme，andforthwithbeganthetaleofhistroubles，whichwereofmorethanonekind。TheStateInquisitorshadstoppedhisslenderpension，andhewasontheeveofseeinghimselfdrivenoutwithhisfamilyintothestreetstobeghisbread。Hesaidthathehadnotbeenabletopayhislandlordanythingforthreeyears，butifhecouldpayonlyaquarter’srent，hewouldobtainarespite，orifhepersistedinturninghimout，hecouldmakeanight—flittingofit，andtakeuphisabodesomewhereelse。Asheonlywantedtwentyducats，Itookoutsixsequinsandgavethemtohim。Heembracedme，andshedtearsofjoy；then，takinghispoorcloak，hecalledhisdaughter，toldhertokeepmecompany，andwentout。
Alonewiththecountess，Iexaminedthedoorofcommunicationbetweenthetworoomsandfounditslightlyopen。
\"Yourfather，\"Isaid，\"wouldhavesurprisedme，anditiseasytoguesswhathewouldhavedonewiththetwosbirriwhowerewithhim。
Theplotisclear，andIhaveonlyescapedfromitbythehappiestofchances。\"
Shedenied，wept，calledGodtowitness，threwherselfonherknees；
butIturnedmyheadaway，andtakingmycloakwentawaywithoutaword。Shekeptonwritingtome，butherlettersremainedunanswered，andIsawhernomore。
Itwassummer—time，andbetweentheheat，herpassions，hunger，andwretchedness，herheadwasturned，andshebecamesomadthatshewentoutofthehousestarknaked，andranupanddownSt。Peter’sPlace，askingthosewhostoppedhertotakehertomyhouse。Thissadstorywentalloverthetownandcausedmeagreatdealofannoyance。Thepoorwretchwassenttoanasylum，anddidnotrecoverherreasonforfiveyears。Whenshecameoutshefoundherselfreducedtobegherbreadinthestreets，likeallherbrothers，exceptone，whomIfoundacadetintheguardsoftheKingofSpaintwelveyearsafterwards。
AtthetimeofwhichIamspeakingallthishadhappenedayearago，butthestorywasdugupagainstme，anddressedoutintheattireoffiction，andthusformedpartofthosecloudswhichweretodischargetheirthunderuponmetomydestruction。
IntheJulyof1755thehatefulcourtgaveMesser—Grandeinstructionstosecureme，aliveordead。InthisfuriousstyleallordersforarrestsproceedingfromtheThreewereissued，fortheleastoftheircommandscarriedwithitthepenaltyofdeath。
ThreeorfourdaysbeforetheFeastofSt。James，mypatronsaint，M————M————mademeapresentofseveralellsofsilverlacetotrimasarcenetdresswhichIwasgoingtowearontheeveofthefeast。
Iwenttoseeher，dressedinmyfinesuit，andItoldherthatI
shouldcomeagainonthedayfollowingtoaskhertolendmesomemoney，asIdidnotknowwheretoturntofindsome。ShewasstillinpossessionofthefivehundredsequinswhichshehadputasidewhenIhadsoldherdiamonds。
AsIwassureofgettingthemoneyinthemorningIpassedthenightatplay，andIlostthefivehundredsequinsinadvance。Atday—
break，beinginneedofalittlequiet，IwenttotheErberia，aspaceofgroundonthequayoftheGrandCanal。Hereisheldtheherb，fruit，andflowermarket。
PeopleingoodsocietywhocometowalkintheErberiaataratherearlyhourusuallysaythattheycometoseethehundredsofboatsladenwithvegetables，fruitandflowers，whichhailfromthenumerousislandsnearthetown；buteveryoneknowsthattheyaremenandwomenwhohavebeenspendingthenightintheexcessesofVenusorBacchus，orwhohavelostallhopeatthegaming—table，andcomeheretobreathapurerairandtocalmtheirminds。Thefashionofwalkinginthisplaceshewshowthecharacterofanationchanges。
TheVenetiansofoldtimewhomadeasgreatamysteryofloveasofstateaffairs，havebeenreplacedbythemodernVenetians，whosemostprominentcharacteristicistomakeamysteryofnothing。ThosewhocometotheErberiawithwomenwishtoexcitetheenvyoftheirfriendsbythuspublishingtheirgoodfortune。Thosewhocomealoneareonthewatchfordiscoveries，oronthelook—outformaterialstomakewivesorhusbandsjealous，thewomenonlycometobeseen，gladtoleteverybodyknowthattheyarewithoutanyrestraintupontheiractions。Therewascertainlynoquestionofsmartnessthere，consideringthedisorderedstyleofdressworn。Thewomenseemedtohaveagreedtoshewallthesignsofdisorderimaginable，togivethosewhosawthemsomethingtotalkabout。Asforthemen，onwhosearmstheyleaned，theircarelessandloungingairswereintendedtogivetheideaofasurfeitofpleasure，andtomakeonethinkthatthedisorderedappearanceoftheircompanionswasasuretriumphtheyhadenjoyed。Inshortitwasthecorrectthingtolooktiredout，andasifonestoodinneedofsleep。
Thisveraciousdescription，reader，willnotgiveyouaveryhighopinionofthemoralsofmydearfellowcitizens；butwhatobjectshouldIhaveatmyagefordeceiving？Veniceisnotattheworld’send，butiswellenoughknowntothosewhosecuriositybringsthemintoItaly；andeveryonecanseeforhimselfifmypicturesareoverdrawn。
Afterwalkingupanddownforhalfanhour，Icameaway，andthinkingthewholehousestilla—bedIdrewmykeyouttoopenthedoor，butwhatwasmyastonishmenttofindituseless，asthedoorwasopen，andwhatismore，thelockburstoff。Iranupstairs，andfoundthemallup，andmylandladyutteringbitterlamentations。
\"Messer—Grande，\"shetoldme，\"hasenteredmyhouseforcibly，accompaniedbyabandofsbirri。Heturnedeverythingupsidedown，onthepretextthathewasinsearchofaportmanteaufullofsalt——ahighlycontrabandarticle。Hesaidheknewthataportmanteauhadbeenlandedtheretheeveningbefore，whichwasquitetrue；butitbelongedtoCountS————，andonlycontainedlinenandclothes。
Messer—Grande，afterinspectingit，wentoutwithoutsayingaword。\"
Hehadalsopaidmyroomavisit。Shetoldmethatshemusthavesomereparationmadeher，andthinkingshewasintherightI
promisedtospeaktoM。deBragadinonthematterthesameday。
Needingrestaboveallthings，Ilaydown，butmynervousexcitement，whichIattributedtomyheavylossesatplay，mademeriseafterthreeorfourhours，andIwenttoseeM。deBragadin，towhomItoldthewholestorybegginghimtopressforsomesignalamends。Imadealivelyrepresentationtohimofallthegroundsonwhichmylandladyrequiredproportionateamendstobemade，sincethelawsguaranteedthepeaceofalllaw—abidingpeople。
IsawthatthethreefriendsweregreatlysaddenedbywhatIsaid，andthewiseoldman，quietlybutsadly，toldmethatIshouldhavemyanswerafterdinner。
DelaHayedinedwithus，butallthroughthemeal，whichwasamelancholyone，hespokenotaword。Hissilenceshouldhavetoldmeall，ifIhadnotbeenundertheinfluenceofsomemalevolentgeniiwhowouldnotallowmetoexercisemycommonsense:astothesorrowofmythreefriends，Iputthatdowntotheirfriendshipforme。
Myconnectionwiththeseworthymenhadalwaysbeenthetalkofthetown，andasallwereagreedthatitcouldnotbeexplainedonnaturalgrounds，itwasdeemedtobetheeffectofsomesorceryexercisedbyme。Thesethreemenwerethoroughlyreligiousandvirtuouscitizens；Iwasnothingifnotirreligious，andVenicedidnotcontainagreaterlibertine。Virtue，itwassaid，mayhavecompassiononvice，butcannotbecomeitsfriend。
AfterdinnerM。deBragadintookmeintohisclosetwithhistwofriends，fromwhomhehadnosecrets。HetoldmewithwonderfulcalmnessthatinsteadofmeditatingvengeanceonMesser—GrandeI
shouldbethinkingofputtingmyselfinaplaceofsafety。
\"Theportmanteau，\"saidhe，\"wasamerepretext；itwasyoutheywantedandthoughttofind。Sinceyourgoodgeniushasmadethemmissyou，lookoutforyourself；perhapsbyto—morrowitmaybetoolate。IhavebeenaStateInquisitorforeightmonths，andIknowthewayinwhichthearrestsorderedbythecourtarecarriedout。
Theywouldnotbreakopenadoortolookforaboxofsalt。Indeed，itispossiblethattheyknewyouwereout，andsoughttowarnyoutoescapeinthismanner。Takemyadvice，mydearson，andsetoutdirectlyforFusina，andthenceasquicklyasyoucanmakeyourwaytoFlorence，whereyoucanremaintillIwritetoyouthatyoumayreturnwithsafety。IfyouhavenomoneyIwillgiveyouahundredsequinsforpresentexpenses。Believemethatprudencebidsyougo。\"
Blindedbymyfolly，IansweredhimthatbeingguiltyofnothingI
hadnothingtofear，andthatconsequently，althoughIknewhisadvicewasgood，Icouldnotfollowit。
\"Thehighcourt，\"saidhe，\"maydeemyouguiltyofcrimesrealorimaginary；butinanycaseitwillgiveyounoaccountoftheaccusationsagainstyou。Askyouroracleifyoushallfollowmyadviceornot。\"IrefusedbecauseIknewthefollyofsuchaproceeding，butbywayofexcuseIsaidthatIonlyconsulteditwhenIwasindoubt。Finally，IreasonedthatifIfledIshouldbeshewingfear，andthusconfessingmyguilt，foraninnocentman，feelingnoremorse，cannotreasonablybeafraidofanything。
\"Ifsecrecy，\"saidI，\"isoftheessenceoftheCourt，youcannotpossiblyjudge，aftermyescape，whetherIhavedonesorightlyorwrongly。Thesamereasons，which，accordingtoyourexcellence，bidmego，wouldforbidmyreturn。MustIthensaygood—byeforevertomycountry，andallthatisdeartome？\"Asalastresourcehetriedtopersuademetopassthefollowingdayandnight，atleast，atthepalace。IamstillashamedofhavingrefusedtheworthyoldmantowhomIowedsomuchthisfavour；forthepalaceofanobleissacredtothepolicewhodarenotcrossitsthresholdwithoutaspecialorderfromtheTribunal，whichispracticallynevergiven；byyieldingtohisrequestIshouldhaveavoidedagrievousmisfortune，andsparedtheworthyoldmansomeacutegrief。
IwasmovedtoseeM。deBragadinweeping，andperhapsImighthavegrantedtohistearsthatwhichIhadobstinatelyrefusedtohisargumentsandentreaties。\"ForHeaven’ssake！\"saidI，\"sparemetheharrowingsightofyourtears。\"Inaninstanthesummonedallhisstrengthtohisassistance，madesomeindifferentremarks，andthen，withasmilefullofgoodnature，heembracedme，saying，\"PerhapsI
maybefatednevertoseeyouagain，but’Fataviaminvenient’。\"
Iembracedhimaffectionately，andwentaway，buthispredictionwasverified，forIneversawhimagain；hediedelevenyearsafterwards。
Ifoundmyselfinthestreetwithoutfeelingtheslightestfear，butIwasinagooddealoftroubleaboutmydebts。IhadnotthehearttogotoMurantotakeawayfromM。M。herlastfivehundredsequins，whichsumIowedtothemanwhowonitfrommeinthenight；I
preferredaskinghimtowaiteightdays，andIdidso。AfterperformingthisunpleasantpieceofbusinessIreturnedhome，and，havingconsoledmylandladytotheutmostofmypower，Ikissedthedaughter，andlaydowntosleep。ThedatewasJuly25th，1755。
Nextmorningatday—breakwhoshouldentermyroombuttheawfulMesser—Grande。Toawake，toseehim，andtohearhimaskingifI
wereJacquesCasanova，wastheworkofamoment。Atmy\"yes，IamCasanova，\"hetoldmetorise，toputonmyclothes，togivehimallthepapersandmanuscriptsinmypossession，andtofollowhim。
\"Onwhoseauthoritydoyouordermetodothis？\"
\"BytheauthorityoftheTribunal。\"
EndMEMOIRSOFJACQUESCASANOVAdeSEINGALT1725—1798
TOPARISANDPRISON，Volume2e——UNDERTHELEADS
THERAREUNABRIDGEDLONDONEDITIONOF1894TRANSLATEDBYARTHUR
MACHENTOWHICHHASBEENADDEDTHECHAPTERSDISCOVERED
BYARTHURSYMONS。
UNDERTHELEADS
CHAPTERXXVI
UnderTheLeads——TheEarthquakeWhatastrangeandunexplainedpowercertainwordsexerciseuponthesoul！I，whotheeveningbeforesobravelyfortifiedmyselfwithmyinnocenceandcourage，bythewordtribunalwasturnedtoastone，withmerelythefacultyofpassiveobediencelefttome。