\"Themidwife，\"Iadded，\"isabsolutelyunknowntome。Sheismostlikelyanabandonedwoman，whowithherworthycompanionwantstocheatmeofmymoney。\"
\"Ishouldbedelightedtothinkso，\"heanswered，\"butadmittingthefact，seehowchancefavoursher，andmakesitamostdifficultthingforyoutoproveyourinnocence。
\"Theyoungladydisappearedthreemonthsago。Shewasknowntobeyourintimatefriend，youcalleduponheratallhours；youspentaconsiderabletimewithherthedaybeforeshedisappeared，andnooneknowswhathasbecomeofher；buteveryone’ssuspicionspointatyou，andpaidspiesarecontinuallydoggingyoursteps。Themidwifesentmearequisitionyesterdaybyhercounsel，Vauversin。ShesaysthatthepregnantladyyoubroughttoherhouseisthesamewhomMadameX。
C。V。issearchingfor。Shealsosaysthatyoubothworeblackdominoes，andthepolicehaveascertainedthatyouwerebothattheballinblackdominoesonthesamenightasthatonwhichthemidwifesaysyoucametoherhouse；youarealsoknowntohavelefttheball—
roomtogether。Allthis，itistrue，doesnotconstitutefullproofofyourguilt，butitmakesonetrembleforyourinnocence。\"
\"WhatcausehaveItotremble？\"
\"Whatcause！Whyafalsewitness，easilyenoughhiredforalittlemoney，mightswearwithimpunitythathesawyoucomefromtheoperatogether；andacoachmaninthesamewaymightswearhehadtakenyoutothemidwife’s。InthatcaseIshouldbecompelledtoorderyourarrestandexamination，withaviewtoascertainthenameofthepersonwhomyoutookwithyou。Doyourealizethatyouareaccusedofprocuringabortion；thatthreemonthshavegonebywithoutthelady’sretreathavingbeendiscovered；thatsheissaidtobedead。
Doyourealize，inshort，whataveryseriouschargemurderis？\"
\"Certainly；butifIdieinnocent，youwillhavecondemnedmewrongly，andwillbemoretobepitiedthanI。\"
\"Yes，yes，butthatwouldn’tmakeyourcaseanybetter。Youmaybesure，however，thatIwillnotcondemnaninnocentman；butIamafraidthatyouwillbealongtimeinprisonbeforeyousucceedinprovingyourinnocence。Tobebrief，youseethatintwenty—fourhoursthecaselooksverybad，andinthecourseofaweekitmightlookverymuchworse。Myinterestwasarousedinyourfavourbytheevidentabsurdityoftheaccusations，butitistheothercircumstancesaboutthecasewhichmakeitaseriousoneforyou。I
canpartlyunderstandthecircumstances，andthefeelingsofloveandhonourwhichbidyoubesilent。Ihavespokentoyou，andIhopeyouwillhavenoreserveswithme。Iwillspareyoualltheunpleasantcircumstanceswhichthreatenyou，believing，asIdo，thatyouareinnocent。Tellmeall，andbesurethatthelady’shonourwillnotsuffer；butif，ontheotherhand，youareunfortunatelyguiltyofthecrimeslaidtoyourcharge，Iadviseyoutobeprudent，andtotakestepswhichitisnotmybusinesstosuggest。IwarnyouthatinthreeorfourdaysIshallciteyoutothebarofthecourt，andthatyouwillthenfindinmeonlythejudge——just，certainly，butsevereandimpartial。\"
Iwaspetrified；forthesewordsshewedmemydangerinallitsnakedness。IsawhowIshouldesteemthisworthyman’sgoodoffices，andsaidtohiminquiteanothertone，thatinnocentasIwas，IsawthatmybestcoursewastothrowmyselfonhiskindnessrespectingMdlle。X。C。V。，whohadcommittednocrime，butwouldloseherreputationbythisunhappybusiness。
\"Iknowwheresheis，\"Iadded，\"andImaytellyouthatshewouldneverhavelefthermotherifshehadnotendeavouredtoforceherintoamarriagesheabhorred\"
\"Well，butthemanisnowmarried；letherreturntohermother’shouse，andyouwillbesafe，unlessthemidwifepersistsinmaintainingthatyouincitedhertoprocureabortion。\"
\"Thereisnoabortioninthematter；butotherreasonspreventherreturningtoherfamily。Icantellyounomorewithoutobtainingtheconsentofanotherparty。IfIsucceedindoingsoIshallbeabletothrowthedesiredlightonthequestion。Bekindenoughtogivemeasecondhearingonthedayafterto—morrow。\"
\"Iunderstand。Ishallbedelightedtohearwhatyouhavetosay。
Ithankandcongratulateyou。Farewell！\"
Iwasonthebrinkoftheprecipice，butIwasdeterminedtoleavethekingdomratherthanbetraythehonourofmypoordearsweetheart。
Ifithadbeenpossible，Iwouldgladlyhaveputanendtothecasewithmoney；butitwastoolate。IwassurethatFarsettihadthechiefhandinallthistrouble，thathewascontinuallyonmytrack，andthathepaidthespiesmentionedbyM。deSartine。HeitwaswhohadsetVauversin，thebarrister，afterme，andIhadnodoubtthathewoulddoallinhispowertoruinme。
IfeltthatmyonlycoursewastotellthewholestorytoM。deSartine，buttodothatIrequiredMadameduRumain’spermission。
CHAPTERIX
MyExaminationIGivetheClerkThreeHundredLouis——TheMidwifeandCartel—BajacImprisoned——Mdlle。X。C。V。IsBroughttoBedofaSonandObligesHerMothertoMakeMeAmends——TheSuitAgainstMeIsQuashed——Mdlle。X。C。V。GoesWithHerMothertoBrusselsandFromThencetoVenice，WhereSheBecomesaGreatLady——MyWork—girls——
MadameBaret——IAmRobbed，PutinPrison，andSetatLibertyAgain——
IGotoHolland——Helvetius’\"Esprit\"——PiccolominiThedayaftermyinterviewwithM。deSartineIwaitedonMadameduRumainatanearlyhour。ConsideringtheurgencyofthecaseItookthelibertyofrousingherfromherslumbers，andassoonasshewasreadytoreceivemeItoldherall。
\"Therecanbenohesitationinthematter，\"saidthisdelightfulwoman。\"WemustmakeaconfidantofM。deSartine，andIwillspeaktohimmyselfto—daywithoutfail。\"
Forthwithshewenttoherdeskandwrotetothecriminallieutenantaskinghimtoseeheratthreeo’clockintheafternoon。Inlessthananhourtheservantreturnedwithanoteinwhichhesaidhewouldexpecther。WeagreedthatIshouldcomeagainintheevening，whenshewouldtellmetheresultofherinterview。
Iwenttothehouseatfiveo’clock，andhadonlyafewminutestowait。
\"Ihaveconcealednothing，\"saidshe；\"heknowsthatsheisontheeveofherconfinement，andthatyouarenotthefather，whichspeakshighlyforyourgenerosity。Itoldhimthatassoonastheconfinementwasover，andtheyoungladyhadrecoveredherhealth，shewouldreturntohermother，thoughshewouldmakenoconfession，andthatthechildshouldbewelllookedafter。Youhavenownothingtofear，andcancalmyourself；butasthecasemustgoonyouwillbecitedbeforethecourtthedayafterto—morrow。Iadviseyoutoseetheclerkofthecourtonsomepretextorother，andtomakehimacceptasumofmoney。\"
Iwassummonedtoappear，andIappeared。IsawM。deSartine，’sedentemprotribunali’。Attheendofthesittinghetoldmethathewasobligedtoremandme，andthatduringmyremandImustnotleaveParisorgetmarried，asallmycivilrightswereinsuspensependingthedecision。Ipromisedtofollowhiscommands。
IacknowledgedinmyexaminationthatIwasattheballinablackdominoonthenightnamedinmyaccusation，butIdeniedeverythingelse。AsforMdlle。X。C。V。，IsaidthatneitherInoranyoneofherfamilyhadanysuspicionthatshewaswithchild。
RecollectingthatIwasanalien，andthatthiscircumstancemightmakeVauversincallformyarrest，onthepleathatImightflythekingdom，Ithoughtthemomentopportuneformakinginterestwiththeclerkofthecourt，andIaccordinglypaidhimavisit。Aftertellinghimofmyfears，Islippedintohishandapacketofthreehundredlouis，forwhichIdidnotaskforareceipt，sayingthattheyweretodefrayexpensesifIweremulctedincosts。Headvisedmetorequirethemidwifetogivebailforherappearance，andItoldmyattorneytodoso；but，fourdaysafter，thefollowingincidenttookplace:
IwaswalkingintheTempleGardens，whenIwasaccostedbyaSavoyard，whogavemeanoteinwhichIwasinformedthatsomebodyinanalley，fiftypacesoff，wantedtospeaktome。\"Eitheraloveaffairorachallenge，\"Isaidtomyself，\"let’ssee。\"Istoppedmycarriage，whichwasfollowingme，andwenttotheplace。
IcannotsayhowsurprisedIwastoseethewretchedCartel—Bajacstandingbeforeme。\"Ihaveonlyawordtosay，\"saidhe，whenhesawme。\"Wewillnotbeoverheardhere。Themidwifeisquitesurethatyouarethemanwhobroughtapregnantladytoher，butsheisvexedthatyouareaccusedofmakingawaywithher。Giveherahundredlouis；shewillthendeclaretothecourtthatshehasbeenmistaken，andyourtroublewillbeended。Youneednotpaythemoneytillshehasmadeherdeclaration；wewilltakeyourwordforit。
ComewithmeandtalkitoverwithVauversin。IamsurehewillpersuadeyoutodoasIsuggest。Iknowwheretofindhim，followmeatsomedistance。\"
Ihadlistenedtohiminsilence，andIwasdelightedtoseethattherascalswerebetrayingthemselves。\"Verygood，\"saidItothefellow，\"yougoon，andIwillfollow。\"IwentafterhimtothethirdfloorofahouseintheRueauxOurs，whereIfoundVauversinthebarrister。NosoonerhadIarrivedthanhewenttobusinesswithoutanyprefatoryremarks。
\"Themidwife，\"hesaid，\"willcallonyouwithawitnessapparentlywiththeintentionofmaintainingtoyourfacethatyouareherman；
butshewon’tbeabletorecognizeyou。Shewillthenproceedwiththewitnesstothecourt，andwilldeclarethatshehasmadeamistake，andthecriminallieutenantwillforthwithputanendtotheproceedings。Youwillthusbecertainofgainingyourcaseagainstthelady’smother。\"
Ithoughttheplanwellconceived，andsaidthattheywouldfindmeattheTempleanydayuptonoon。
\"Butthemidwifewantsahundredlouisbadly。\"
\"Youmeanthattheworthywomanratesherperjuryatthatprice。
Well，nevermind，Iwillpaythemoney，andyoumaytrusttomyword；
butIcan’tdosobeforeshehastakenoathtohermistakebeforethecourt。\"
\"Verygood，butyoumustfirstgivemetwenty—fivelouistoreimbursemeformycostsandfees。\"
\"Certainly，ifyouwillgivemeaformalreceiptforthemoney。\"
Hehesitatedatfirst，butaftertalkingitoverthemoneyprovedtoostrongabait，andhewroteoutthereceiptandIgavehimthetwenty—fivelouis。Hethankedme，andsaidthatthoughMadameX。C。
V。washisclient，hewouldletmeknowconfidentiallyhowbesttoputastoptotheproceedings。IthankedhimwithasmuchgratitudeasifIhadreallyintendedtomakeuseofhisservices，andIlefttowriteandtellM。deSartinewhathadtakenplace。
ThreedaysafterwardsIwastoldthatamanandwomanwantedtoseeme。Iwentdownandaskedthewomanwhatshewanted。
\"IwanttospeaktoM。Casanova。\"
\"Iamhe。\"
\"ThenIhavemadeamistake，forwhichIhopeyouwillforgiveme。\"
Hercompanionsmiled，andtheywentoff。
ThesamedayMadameduRumainhadaletterfromtheabbesstellingherthatheryoungfriendhadgivenbirthtoafineboy，whohadbeensentawaytoaplacewherehewouldbewelllookedafter。Shestatedthattheyoungladycouldnotleavetheconventforthenextsixweeks，attheendofwhichtimeshecouldreturntohermotherwithacertificatewhichwouldprotectherfromallannoyance。
Soonafterthemidwifewasputinsolitaryconfinement，Castel—BajacwassenttoTheBicetre，andVauversin’snamewasstruckofftherolls。ThesuitinstitutedagainstmebyMadameX。C。V。wentontillherdaughterreappeared，butIknewthatIhadnothingtofear。
ThegirlreturnedtohermotherabouttheendofAugustarmedwithacertificatefromtheabbess，whosaidshehadbeenunderherprotectionforfourmonths，duringwhichtimeshehadneverlefttheconventorseenanypersonsfromoutside。Thiswasperfectlytrue，buttheabbessaddedthatheronlyreasonforhergoingbacktoherfamilywasthatshehadnothingmoretodreadfromtheattentionsofM。delaPopeliniere，andinthistheabbesslied。
Mdlle。X。C。V。profitedbythedelightofhermotherinseeingheragainsafeandsound，andmadeherwaitonM。deSartinewiththeabbess’scertificate，stopallproceedingsagainstme，andwithdrawallthechargesshehadmade。HerdaughtertoldherthatifIlikedImightclaimdamagesforlibel，andthatifshedidnotwishtoinjureherreputationshewouldsaynothingmoreaboutwhathadhappened。
Themotherwrotemealetterofthemostsatisfactorycharacter，whichIhadregisteredincourt，thusputtinganendtotheprosecution。InmyturnIwrotetocongratulateherontherecoveryofherdaughter，butIneversetfootinherhouseagain，toavoidanydisagreeablesceneswithFarsetti。
Mdlle。X。C。V。couldnotstayanylongerinParis，wherehertalewasknowntoeveryone，andFarsettitookhertoBrusselswithhersisterMadelaine。Sometimeafter，hermotherfollowedher，andtheythenwentontoVenice，andthereinthreeyears’timeshebecameagreatlady。FifteenyearsafterwardsIsawheragain，andshewasawidow，happyenoughapparently，andenjoyingagreatreputationonaccountofherrank，wit，andsocialqualities，butourconnectionwasneverrenewed。
InfouryearsthereaderwillhearmoreofCastel—Bajac。Towardstheendofthesameyear（1759），beforeIwenttoHolland，Ispentseveralhundredfrancstoobtainthereleaseofthemidwife。
Ilivedlikeaprince，andmenmighthavethoughtmehappy，butIwasnot。TheenormousexpensesIincurred，myloveofspendingmoney，andmagnificentpleasures，warnedme，inspiteofmyself，thattherewererocksahead。Mybusinesswouldhavekeptmegoingforalongtime，ifcustomhadnotbeenparalyzedbythewar；butasitwas，I，likeeverybodyelse，experiencedtheeffectofbadtimes。Mywarehousecontainedfourhundredpiecesofstuffswithdesignsonthem，butasIcouldnothopetodisposeofthembeforethepeace，andaspeaceseemedalongwayoff，Iwasthreatenedwithruin。
WiththisfearIwrotetoEsthertogetherfathertogivemetheremainderofmymoney，tosendmeasharpclerk，andtojoininmyspeculation。M。d’O————saidthatifIwouldsetupinHollandhewouldbecomeresponsibleforeverythingandgivemehalfprofits，butIlikedParistoowelltoagreetosogoodanoffer。Iwassorryforitafterwards。
Ispentagooddealofmoneyatmyprivatehouse，butthechiefexpenseofmylife，whichwasunknowntoothersbutwhichwasruiningme，wasincurredinconnectionwiththegirlswhoworkedinmyestablishment。Withmycomplexionandmypronouncedlikingforvariety，ascoreofgirls，nearlyallofthemprettyandseductive，asmostParisgirlsare，wasareefonwhichmyvirtuemadeshipwreckeveryday。Curiosityhadagooddealtodowithit，andtheyprofitedbymyimpatiencetotakepossessionbysellingtheirfavoursdearly。Theyallfollowedtheexampleofthefirstfavourite，andeveryoneclaimedinturnanestablishment，furniture，money，andjewels；andIknewtoolittleofthevalueofmoneytocarehowmuchtheyasked。Myfancyneverlastedlongerthanaweek，andoftenwanedinthreeorfourdays，andthelastcomeralwaysappearedthemostworthyofmyattentions。
AssoonasIhadmadeanewchoiceIsawnomoreofmyoldloves，butIcontinuedtoprovideforthem，andthatwithagooddealofmoney。
Madamed’Urfe，whothoughtIwasrich，gavemenotrouble。Imadeherhappybyusingmyoracletosecondthemagicalceremoniesofwhichshegrewfondereveryday，althoughsheneverattainedheraim。
ManonBaletti，however，grievedmesorelybyherjealousyandherwell—foundedreproaches。Shewouldnotunderstand——andIdidnotwonderatit——howIcouldputoffmarryingherifIreallylovedher。
Sheaccusedmeofdeceivingher。Hermotherdiedofconsumptioninourarms。Silviahadwonmytruefriendship。Ilookeduponherasamostworthywoman，whosekindnessofheartandpurityoflifedeservedtheesteemofall。Istayedinthefamilyforthreedaysafterherdeath，sincerelysympathizingwiththemintheiraffliction。
Afewdaysafterwards，myfriendTirettalosthismistressthroughagrievousillness。Fourdaysbeforeherdeath，perceivingthatshewasnearherend，shewilledtoconsecratetoGodthatwhichmancouldhavenolonger，anddismissedherloverwiththegiftofavaluablejewelandapurseoftwohundredlouis。Tirettamarchedoffandcameandtoldmethesadnews。IgothimalodgingneartheTemple，andamonthafter，approvinghisideatotryhisfortuneinIndia，IgavehimaletterofintroductiontoM。d’O————，ofAmsterdam；andinthecourseofaweekthisgentlemangothimapostasclerk，andshippedhimaboardoneofthecompany’sshipswhichwasboundforBatavia。Ifhehadbehavedwellhemighthavebecomearichman，buthegotinvolvedinsomeconspiracyandhadtofly，andafterwardsexperiencedmanyvicissitudesoffortune。IheardfromoneofhisrelationsthathewasinBengalin1788，ingoodcircumstances，butunabletorealizehispropertyandsoreturntohisnativecountry。Idonotknowwhatbecameofhimeventually。
InthebeginningofNovemberanofficialbelongingtotheDucd’Elbeuf’shouseholdcametomyestablishmenttobuyaweddingdressforhisdaughter。Iwasdazzledwithherbeauty。Shechoseafinesatin，andherprettyfacelightedupwhensheheardherfathersayhedidnotthinkitwastoomuch；butshelookedquitepiteouswhensheheardtheclerktellherfatherthathewouldhavetobuythewholepiece，astheycouldnotcutit。IfeltthatImustgivein，andtoavoidmakinganexceptioninherfavourIbeatahastyretreatintomyprivateroom。IwishIhadgoneoutofthehouse，asI
shouldhavesavedagooddealofmoney；butwhatpleasureshouldI
havealsolost！Inherdespairthecharminggirlbeggedthemanagertotakehertome，andhedarednotrefusetodoso。Shecamein；
twobigtearsfallingdownhercheeksanddimmingtheardourofhergaze。
\"Oh，sir！\"shebegan，\"youarerich，doyoubuythepieceandletmehaveenoughforadress，whichwillmakemehappy。\"
Ilookedatherfatherandsawheworeanapologeticair，asifdeprecatingtheboldnessofhischild。
\"Ilikeyoursimplicity，\"Isaidtoher，\"andsinceitwillmakeyouhappy，youshallhavethedress。\"
Sheranuptome，threwherarmsroundmyneckandkissedme，whileherworthyfatherwasdyingwithlaughter。Herkissesputthelaststroketomybewitchment。Afterhehadpaidforthedress，herfathersaid，\"IamgoingtogetthislittlemadcapmarriednextSunday；therewillbeasupperandaball，andweshallbedelightedifyouwillhonouruswithyourpresence。MynameisGilbert。IamcomptrolleroftheDucd’Elbeuf’shousehold。\"
Ipromisedtobeatthewedding，andtheyoungladygaveaskipofjoywhichmademethinkherprettierthanever。
OnSundayIrepairedtothehouse，butIcouldneithereatnordrink。
ThefairMdlle。GilbertkeptmeinakindofenchantmentwhichlastedwhileIwasincompanywithherfriends，forwhomIdidnotcare。
Theywereallofficialsinnoblemen’shouses，withtheirwivesanddaughters，whoallapedthemannersoftheirbettersinthemostridiculousway；nobodyknewmeandIwasknowntonobody，andIcutasorryfigureamongstthemall，forinacompanyofthissortthewittiestmanisthegreatestfool。Everybodycrackedhisjoketothebride，sheansweredeverybody，andpeoplelaughedatnothing。
Herhusband，athinandmelancholyman，witharatherfoolishexpression，wasdelightedathiswife’skeepingeverybodyamused。
AlthoughIwasinlovewithher，Ipitiedratherthanenviedhim。
Iguessedthathehadmarriedformonetaryconsiderations，andIknewprettywellwhatkindofahead—dresshishandsome，fierywifewouldgiveherhusband，whowasplain—featured，andseemednottobeawareofhiswife’sbeauty。Iwasseizedwiththedesireofaskinghersomequestions，andshegavemetheopportunitybycomingtositnexttomeafteraquadrille。Shethankedmeagainformykindness，andsaidthatthebeautifuldressIhadsuppliedhadwonhermanycompliments。
\"Allthesame，\"Isaid，\"Iknowyouarelongingtotakeitoff。I
knowwhatloveisandhowimpatientitmakesone。\"
\"It’sveryfunnythateveryonepersistsinthinkingthatIaminlove，thoughIsawM。Baretforthefirsttimeonlyaweekago。
BeforethenIwasabsolutelyunconsciousofhisexistence。\"
\"Butwhyareyougettingmarriedinsuchahurrywithoutwaitingtillyouknowhimbetter？\"
\"Becausemyfatherdoeseverythinginahurry。\"
\"Isupposeyourhusbandisaveryrichman？\"
\"No，buthemaybecomerich。WearegoingtoopenashopforsilkstockingsatthecorneroftheRueSt。HonoreandtheRuedesProuveres，andIhopethatyouwilldealwithus，aswewouldserveyouwiththebest。\"
\"Ishallcertainlydoso——nay，Iwillbeyourfirstcustomer，ifI
havetowaitatthedoor。\"
\"Youarekind！M。Baret，\"saidshetoherhusband，whowasstandingcloseby，\"thisgentlemanpromisestobeourfirstcustomer。\"
\"Thegentlemanisverygood，\"saidthehusband，\"andIamsurehewillbesatisfied，asmystockingsaregenuinesilk。\"
NextTuesdayatday—breakIbegantodanceattendanceatthecorneroftheRuedesProuveres，andwaitedtheretilltheservantcameouttotakedowntheshutters。Iwentinandthegirlaskedmemybusiness。
\"Iwanttobuysomestockings，\"wasmyanswer。
\"Masterandmistressarestillinbed，soyouhadbettercomelateron。\"
\"No，Iwillwaithere。Stopaminute，\"saidI，givinghersixfrancs，\"goandgetmesomecoffee；Iwilldrinkitintheshop。\"
\"Imightgoandgetyousomecoffee，butIamnotsosillyastoleaveyouintheshopbyyourself。\"
\"YouareafraidImightstealsomething！\"
\"Well，onedoeshearofsuchthingsbeingdone，andIdon’tknowyoufromAdam。\"
\"Verygood；butIshallstayhereallthesame。\"
BeforelongBaretcamedownandscoldedthepoorgirlfornothavingtoldhimofmypresence。\"Goandtellmywifetocome，\"saidhe，ashebeganopeningpacketsofstockingsformetochoosefrom。Hekeptstockings，vests，andsilkdrawers，andIturnedonepacketoverafteranother，lookingatthemallandnotfixingonanythingtillI
sawhiswifecomingdownasfreshasaroseandasbrightasalily。
Shesmiledatmeinthemostseductivemanner，apologizedforthedisorderofherdress，andthankedmeforkeepingmyword。
\"Ineverbreakmyword，\"Isaid，\"especiallywhensuchacharmingladyisconcerned！\"
MadameBaretwasseventeen，ofamoderateheight，andanexquisitefigure；withoutbeingclassicallybeautiful，aRaphaelcouldnotwishtodepictamoreenticingface。Hereyeswerelargeandbrilliant。
Herdroopingeyelids，whichgavehersomodestandyetsovoluptuousanappearance，theever—smilingmouth，hersplendidteeth，thedazzlingwhitenessofhercomplexion，thepleasingairwithwhichshelistenedtowhatwasbeingsaid，hersilveryvoice，thesweetnessandsparklingvivacityofhermanner，herlackofconceit，orratherherunconsciousnessofthepowerofhercharms—infine，everythingaboutthismasterpieceofnaturemademewonderandadmire；whileshe，bychanceorvilemonetaryconsiderations，wasinthepowerofBaret，who，paleandsickly，thoughtagooddealmoreofhisstockingsthanofthetreasuremarriagehadgivenhim——atreasureofwhichhewasallunworthy，sincehecouldnotseeitsbeautynortasteitssweetness。
Ichosestockingsandveststotheamountoftwenty—fivelouis，andI
paidthepricewithouttryingtocheapenthem。Isawthefaceofthefairshopwomanlightup，andIauguredwellformysuccess，thoughI
couldnotexpecttodomuchwhilethehoneymoonlasted。ItoldtheservantthatIwouldgivehersixfrancsifshewouldbringthepackettomyhouse，andsoIleftthem。
NextSundayBaretcamehimselfwithmypurchases。Igavehimsixfrancstohandovertohisservant，buthehintedthathewasnottooproudtokeepthemhimself。Iwasdisgustedatthispettygreed，andathismeannessindeprivinghismaidofthesixfrancsafterhavingmadeagoodprofitinwhathehadsoldme；butIwantedtostandwellwithhim，andIwasnotsorrytofindsosimpleawayofthrowingdustintohiseyes。SowhileIresolvedthattheservantshouldnotbealoserIgavethehusbandagoodreceptionthatImightthebettermouldhimtomypurpose。Ihadbreakfastbroughttohim，askingwhyhehadnotbroughthiswife。
\"Shewantedmetotakeher，\"saidhe，\"butIwasafraidyoumightbeoffended。\"
\"Notatall，Ishouldhavebeendelighted。Ithinkyourwifeacharmingwoman。\"
\"Youareverykindtosayso；butshe’syoung，she’syoung。\"
\"Idon’tthinkthat’sanyobjection；andifshecaresforthewalk，bringherwithyouanothertime。\"Hesaidheshouldbeverypleasedtodoso。
WhenIpassedbytheshopinmycarriageIblewkissestoherwithmyhand，butIdidnotstopasIdidnotwantanymorestockings。
Indeed，Ishouldhavebeenboredwiththecrowdoffopswithwhichtheshopwasalwaysfull。Shebegantobeatopicofconversationinthetown；thePalaisRoyalwasfullofher；andIwasgladtohearthatshekepttoherselfasifshehadricherpreyinview。Thattoldmethatnoonepossessedhersofar，andIhopedthatImightbethepreymyself；Iwasquitewillingtobecaptured。
Somedaysafter，shesawmycarriagecoming，andbeckonedtomeasI
passed。Igotout，andherhusbandwithmanyapologiestoldmethathewantedmetobethefirsttoseeanewfashioninbreecheshehadjustgotin。Thebreecheswereparti—coloured，andnomanoffashionwouldbeseenwithoutthem。Theywereodd—lookingthings，butbecameawell—madeyoungman。Astheyhadtofitexactly，Itoldhimtomeasuremeforsixpairs，offeringtopayinadvance。\"Wehavetheminallsizes，\"saidhe，\"gouptomywife’sroomandtrysomeon。\"
ItwasagoodopportunityandIaccepted，especiallywhenIheardhimtellhiswifetogoandhelpme。Iwentupstairs，shefollowing，andIbegantoundress，apologizingfordoingsobeforeher。
\"IwillfancyIamyourvalet，\"saidshe，\"andIwillhelpyou。\"
Ididnotmakeanydifficulties，andaftertakingoffmyshoesIgavehermybreeches，takingcare，however，tokeeponmydrawers，lesthermodestyshouldreceivetoosevereashock。Thisdoneshetookapairofbreeches，drewthemonme，tookthemoff，andtriedonothers，andallthiswithoutanyimproprietyoneitherside；forI
haddeterminedtobehavewithdiscretiontilltheopportunitycametobeindiscreet。Shedecidedthatfourpairsfittedmeadmirably，and，notwishingtocontradicther，Igaveherthesixteenlouissheasked，andtoldherIshouldbedelightedifshewouldbringthemherselfatanytimewhenshewasatleisure。Shecamedownstairsquiteproudofherknowledgeofbusiness，andBaretsaidthatnextSundayheandhiswifewouldhavethehonourofbringingmemypurchase。
\"Ishallbecharmed，M。Baret，\"saidI，\"especiallyifyouwillstaytodinner。\"
Heansweredthathavinganimportantengagementfortwoo’clockhecouldonlyacceptontheconditionthatIwouldlethimgoatthattime，andhewouldreturnataboutfivetofetchhiswife。Ifoundtheplanvastlytomytaste，butIknewhowtoconcealmyjoy；andI
quietlysaidthatthoughIshouldlosethepleasureofhissociety，hewasfreetogowhenheliked，especiallyasIhadnottogooutmyselfbeforesix。
IlookedforwardtotheSunday，andthetradesmanandhiswifedidnotfailme。Assoonastheyarrived，Itoldmyservanttosay\"Notathome\"fortherestoftheday，andasIwasimpatienttoknowwhatwouldhappenintheafternoonIhaddinnerservedatanearlyhour。
Thedisheswereexquisite，andthewinesdelicious。Thegoodmanatemuchanddrankdeeply，indeedtosuchanextentthatincommonpolitenessIwasobligedtoremindhimthathehadanimportantappointmentattwo。Hiswitsbeingsharpenedwithchampagne，thehappythoughtoccurredtohimtotellhiswifetogohomebyherself，ifhewerekeptlaterthanfive；andIhastenedtoaddthatIwouldtakeherhomemyselfinmycarriage。Hethankedme，andIsoothedhisuneasinessaboutbeingpunctualtohisappointmentbytellinghimthatacoachwaswaiting，andthatthefarehadbeenpaid。Hewentoff，andIfoundmyselfalonewithmyjewel，whomIwascertainofpossessingtillsixo’clock。
AssoonasIheardthehalldoorshutonthekindhusband，Isaidtohiswife，\"Youaretobecongratulatedonhavingsuchakindhusband；withamanlikethatyourhappinessisassured。\"
\"Itiseasytosayhappiness，butenjoyingitisadifferentthing。
Myhusband’shealthissodelicatethatIcanonlyconsidermyselfashisnurse；andthenhecontractedheavydebtstosetupinbusinesswhichobligeustoobservethestrictesteconomy。Wecamehereonfoottosavethetwenty—foursons。Wecouldliveontheprofitsofthebusiness，iftherewerenodebts，butasitiseverythinggoestopaytheinterest，andoursalesarenotlargeenoughtocovereverything。\"
\"Butyouhaveplentyofcustomers，forwheneverIpassIseetheshopfullofpeople。\"
\"Thesecustomersyouseeareidlers，crackersofbadjokes，andprofligates，whocomeandmakemyheadachewiththeirjests。Theyhavenotapennytoblessthemselveswith，andwedarenotletthemoutofoursightforfearoftheirhandswandering。Ifwehadcaredtogivethemcredit，ourshopwouldhavebeenemptiedlongago。Iamrudetothem，inthehopesthattheymayleavemealone，butit’sofnouse。Theirimpudenceisastonishing。WhenmyhusbandisinI
retreattomyroom，butheisoftenaway，andthenIamobligedtoputupwiththem。Andthescarcityofmoneypreventsusfromdoingmuchbusiness，butweareobligedtopayourworkmenallthesame。
AsfarasIcansee，weshallbeobligedtodismissthem，asweshallsoonhavetomeetseveralbills。NextSaturdaywehavegottopaysixhundredfrancs，andwehaveonlygottwohundred。\"
\"Iamsurprisedatyourhavingallthisworryintheseearlydaysofyourmarriage。Isupposeyourfatherknewaboutyourhusband’scircumstances；howaboutyourdowry？\"
\"Mydowryofsixthousandfrancshasserved，mostofit，tostocktheshopandtopayourdebts。Wehavegoodswhichwouldpayourdebtsthreetimesover；butinbadtimescapitalsunkiscapitaldead。\"
\"Iamsorrytohearallthis，asifpeaceisnotmadeyoursituationwillbecomeworse，forasyougoonyourneedswillbecomegreater。\"
\"Yes，forwhenmyhusbandisbetterwemayhavechildren。\"
\"What！Doyoumeantosayhishealthpreventshimfrommakingyouamother？Ican’tbelieveit。\"
\"Idon’tseehowIcanbeamotherwhoamstillamaid；notthatI
caremuchaboutthematter。\"
\"Ishouldn’thavebelievedit！Howcanamannotintheagonyofdeathfeelillbesideyou？Hemustbedead。\"
\"Well，heisnotexactlydead，buthedoesn’tshewmanysignsoflife。\"
Thispieceofwitmademelaugh，andundercoverofmyapplauseI
embracedherwithoutexperiencingmuchresistance。Thefirstkisswaslikeanelectricspark；itfiredmyimaginationandIincreasedmyattentionstillshebecameassubmissiveasalamb。
\"Iwillhelpyou，dearest，tomeetthebillonSaturday；\"andsosayingIdrewhergentlyintoaclosetwhereasoftdivanformedasuitablealtarforthecompletionofanamoroussacrifice。
Iwasenchantedtofindhersubmissivetomycaressesandmyinquisitiveness，butshesurprisedmegreatlywhen，asIplacedmyselfinreadinessfortheconsummationoftheact，andwasalreadyintheproperposturebetweenthetwocolumns，shemovedinsuchawayastohindermyadvance。Ithoughtatfirstthatitwasonlyoneofthosedevicesintendedtomakethefinalvictorymoresweetbyputtingdifficultiesintheway；but，findingthatherresistancewasgenuine，Iexclaimed，\"HowwasItoexpectarefusallikethisatamomentwhenIthoughtI
sawmyardoursreflectedinyoureyes？\"
\"Youreyesdidnotdeceiveyou；butwhatwouldmyhusbandsayifhefoundmeotherwisethanasGodhasmademe？\"
\"Hecan’thaveleftyouuntouched！\"
\"Hereallyhasdoneso。Youcanseeforyourselfifyoulike。CanI，then，givetoyouwhatappertainstothegeniusofthemarriage—
bed。\"
\"Youareright，myangel；thisfruitmustbekeptforamouthunworthytotasteit。Ipityandadoreyou。Cometomyarms，abandonyourselftomylove，andfearnothing。Thefruitshallnotbedamaged；Iwillbuttastetheoutersurfaceandleavenotracebehind。\"
Wepassedthreehoursintriflingtogetherinamannercalculatedtoinflameourpassionsdespitethelibationswhichwenowandagainpouredforth。IwasconsoledbyherswearingtobemineassoonasBarethadgoodgroundsforthinkingthatshewashis，and，aftertakingherontheBoulevards，Ileftheratherdoor，withapresentoftwenty—fiveLouis。
IwasinlovewithherasIhadneverbeenbefore，andIpassedtheshopthreeorfourtimesaday，goingroundandround，tothewrathofmycoachman，whogotsickoftellingmethatIwasruiningmyhorses。IwashappytoseeherwatchforthemomentthatIpassed，andwaftmeakissbyputtingherprettyfingerstohermouth。
Wehadagreedthatsheshouldnotmakemeasigntoleavemycoachtillherhusbandhadforcedapassage。Atlastthisday，soardentlydesiredandsolongwaitedfor，arrived。Thesignwasgiven，andI
stoppedthecoachandshecameoutand，standingonthestep，toldmetogoandwaitforheratthechurchdoorofSt。Germainl’Auxerrois。
Iwascurioustoknowwhattheresultswouldbe，andhadnotbeenattheplaceappointedmorethanaquarterofanhourwhenshecametowardsme，herheadmuffledinahood。Shegotintothecarriageand，sayingthatshewantedtomakesomepurchases，beggedmetotakehertotheshops。
Ihadbusinessofmyown，andpressingbusinesstoo，butwhocanrefusetheBelovedObjectanything？ItoldthecoachmantodrivetothePlaceDauphine，andIpreparedtoloosenmypurse—strings，asI
hadafeelingshewasgoingtotreatmeasafriend。Inpointoffactsheleftfewshopsunvisited，goingfromjewelstoprettytriflesandtoysofdifferentkinds，andfromthesetodressesofthelatestfashion，whichtheydisplayedbeforeher，addressingherasprincess，andsayingthatthiswouldbecomeheradmirably。Shelookedatme，andsaiditmustbeconfessedthatitwasveryprettyandthatshewouldlikeitifitwerenotsodear。Iwasawillingdupe，andassuredherthatifshelikedititcouldnotbetoodear，andthatIwouldpay。
Whilemysweetheartwasthuschoosingonetrifleafteranothermyill—luckbroughtaboutanincidentwhichplacedmeinafearfulsituationfouryearsafterwards。Thechainofeventsisendless。
Iperceivedatmylefthandaprettygirloftwelveorthirteen，withanoldanduglywomanwhowasdisparagingapairofear—ringswhichthegirlhadinherhands，andonwhichshehadevidentlysetherheart:shelookedsadatnotbeingabletobuythem。Iheardhersaytotheoldwomanthattheywouldmakeherhappy，butshesnatchedthemfromthegirl’shandsandtoldherto，comeaway。
\"Icanletyouhaveacheaperpairandalmostasfine，\"saidtheshopwoman，buttheyoungladysaidshedidnot；careaboutit，andwasgettingreadytogo，makingaprofoundreverencetomyprincessBaret。
She，nodoubtflatteredbythissignofrespectwentuptoher，calledherlittlequeen，toldhershewasasfairasaMaymorning，andaskedtheoldwomanhername，\"SheisMdlle。deBoulainvilier，myniece。\"
\"Howcanyoubesohard—hearted，\"saidItotheaunt，\"astorefuseyourcharmingnieceatoywhichwouldmakeherhappy？Allowmetomakeherapresentofthem。\"
SosayingIputtheear—ringsinthegirl’shands，whilesheblushedandlookedatherauntasiftoaskherpermission。
\"Youmayhavetheear—rings，\"saidshe，\"asthisgentlemanhasbeenkindenoughtogiveyousuchapresent，andyoushouldgivehimakissbywayofthanks。\"
\"Theear—rings，\"saidtheshopwoman，\"willbeonlythreelouis。\"
Hereupontheaffairtookacomicturn；theoldwomangotintoarageandsaid，\"Howcanyoubesuchacheat？Youtoldmetheywereonlytwolouis。\"
\"Nay，madam，Iaskedthree。\"
\"That’salie，andIshallnotallowyoutorobthisgentleman。
Niece，putthoseear—ringsdown；lettheshopwomankeepthem。\"
Sofarallwaswellenough；buttheoldauntspoilteverythingbysayingthatifIlikedtogiveherniecethethreelouisshecouldgetherapairtwiceasgoodatanothershop。Itwasallthesametome，soIsmilinglyputthethreelouisinfrontoftheyounglady，whostillhadtheear—ringsinherhands。Theshop—woman，whowasonthelook—out，pocketedthemoney，sayingthatthebargainwasmade，thatthethreelouisbelongedtoherandtheear—ringstotheyounglady。
\"Youareacheat，\"criedouttheenragedoldwoman。
\"Andyouareanoldb————d，\"answeredtheshop—woman，\"Iknowyouwell。\"Acrowdbegantogatherinfrontoftheshop，hearingthecriesofthetwoharpies。Foreseeingagooddealofunpleasantness，Itooktheauntbythearmandledhergentlyaway。Theniece，whowasquitecontentwiththeear—rings，anddidnotcarewhethertheycostthreelouisortwo，followedher。Weshallhearofthemagaininduecourse。
MydearBarethavingmademewasteascoreoflouis，whichherpoorhusbandwouldhaveregrettedmuchmorethanmyself，wegotintothecarriageagain，andItookhertothechurchdoorfromwhichwehadstarted。OnthewayshetoldmeshewascomingtostopafewdayswithmeatLittlePoland，andthatitwasherhusbandwhowouldaskmefortheinvitation。
\"Whenwillhedothat？\"
\"To—morrow，ifyougobytheshop。Comeandbuysomestockings；I
shallhaveabadheadache，andBaretwillspeaktoyou。\"
ItmaybeimaginedthatItookcaretocallthenextday，andasI
didnotseehiswifeintheshopIaskedinafriendlywayafterherhealth。
\"Sheisillinbed，\"hereplied；\"shewantsalittlecountryair。\"
\"Ifyouhavenotfixedforanyplace，IshallbehappytoputyouupatLittlePoland。\"
Herepliedbyasmileofdelight。
\"Iwillgoandurgehertocomemyself；inthemeanwhile，M。Baret，willyoupackmeupadozenpairsofstockings？\"
Iwentupstairsandfoundtheinvalidinbed，andlaughinginspiteofherimaginaryheadache。\"Thebusinessisdone，\"saidI，\"youwillsoonhearofit。\"AsIhadsaid，thehusbandcameupstairswithmystockingsandtoldherthatIhadbeengoodenoughtogiveheraroominmyhouse。Thecraftylittlecreaturethankedme，assuringherhusbandthatthefreshairwouldsooncureher。
\"Youshallbewelllookedafter，\"saidI，\"butyoumustexcusemeifIdonotkeepyoucompany——Ihavetoattendtomybusiness。
M。Baretwillbeabletocomeandsleepwithyoueverynight，andstartearlyenoughinthemorningtobeintimefortheopeningofhisshop。\"
Aftermanycomplimentshadbeeninterchanged，Baretdecidedonhavinghissisterstayinthehousewhilehiswifewasaway，andasItookleaveIsaidthat，Ishouldgiveordersfortheirreceptionthatveryevening，incaseIwasoutwhentheycame。
NextdayIstayedouttillaftermidnight，andthecooktoldmethattheweddedcouplehadmadeagoodsupperandhadgonetobed。I
warnedherthatIshouldbediningathomeeveryday，andthatI
shouldnotseemycompany。
ThefollowingdayIwasupbetimes，andonenquiringifthehusbandhadrisenIlearntthathehadgotupatday—breakandwouldnotbebacktillsupper—time。Thewifewasstillasleep。Ithoughtwithreasonshewasnotasleepforme，andIwenttopayhermyfirstvisit。Inpointoffactshewasawake，andItookaforetasteofgreaterjoysbyathousandkisses，whichshereturnedwithinterest。
WejestedattheexpenseoftheworthymanwhohadtrustedmewithajewelofwhichIwasabouttomakesuchgooduse，andwecongratulatedeachotherontheprospectofaweek’smutualpleasures。
\"Come，mydear，\"saidI，\"getupandputonafewclothesandwewilltakebreakfastinmyroom。\"
Shedidnotmakeanelaboratetoilette；acottondressinggown，aprettylacecap，alawnkerchief，thatwasall，buthowthesimpledresswaslightedbytherosesofhercheeks！Wewerequickoverourbreakfast，wewereinahurry，andwhenwehaddoneIshutthedoorandwegaveourselvesovertotheenjoymentofourbliss。
SurprisedtofindherinthesameconditioninwhichIhadlefther，ItoldherIhadhoped……butshe，withoutgivingmetimetofinishthephrase，said，\"Myjewel，Baretthinks，orpretendstothink，thathehasdonehisdutyasahusband；butheisnohandatthebusiness，andIamdisposedtoputmyselfinyourhands，andthentherewillbenodoubtofmycondition。\"
\"Weshallthus，mysweet，bedoinghimaservice，andtheserviceshallbewelldone。\"
AsIsaidthesewordsIwasonthethresholdofthetemple，andI
openedthedoorinamannerthatoverthrewallobstacles。Alittlescreamandthenseveralsighsannouncedthecompletionofthesacrifice，and，totellthetruth，thealtaroflovewascoveredwiththebloodofthevictim。Afterthenecessaryablutionsthepriestoncemorebeganhispiouswork，whilethevictimgrowingboldersoprovokedhisragethatitwasnottillthefourthmactationthatwerestedandputoffourjousttoanotherseason。Wesworeathousandtimestoloveeachotherandtoremainconstant，andwemaypossiblyhavebeensincere，aswewereinourecstasyofpleasure。
Weonlyseparatedtodress；thenaftertakingaturninthegardenwedinedtogether，surethatinasumptuousrepast，washeddownbythechoicestwines，weshouldfindstrengthtoreanimateourdesiresandtolullthemtosleepinbliss。
Atdessert，asIwaspouringchampagneintoherglass，Iaskedherhowwithsuchafierytemperamentshehadmanagedtopreservehervirtue？
\"Cupid，\"saidI，\"mighthavegatheredthefruitthatHymencouldnottaste。Youareseventeen，andthepearhasbeenripefortwoyearsatleast。\"
\"Verytrue，butIhaveneverhadalover。\"
\"Never？\"
\"Ihavebeencourted，buttonoeffect。Myheartwaseversilent。
PossiblymyfatherthoughtotherwisewhenIbeggedhim，amonthago，togetmemarriedsoon。\"
\"Verylikely，butasyouwerenotinlove，whywereyouinsuchahurry？\"
\"IknewthattheDucd’Elbeufwouldsoonbecomingtotown，andthatifhefoundmestillsinglehewouldobligemetobecomethewifeofamanIdetest，whowouldhavemeatanyprice。\"
\"Whoisthismanforwhomyouhavesuchanaversion？\"
\"Heisoneoftheduke’spets，amonsterwhosleepswithhismaster。\"
\"Really！Ididnotknowthedukehadsuchtastes。\"
\"Ohyes；heiseighty—four，andhethinkshimselfawoman；hesayshemusthaveahusband。\"
\"Thatisveryfunny。Andisthisaspiranttoyourhandahandsomeman？\"
\"Ithinkhimhorrible；buteverybodyelsethinksheisafineman。\"
ThecharmingBaretspentaweekwithme，andeachdaywerenewedthecombatinwhichwewerealwaysconquerorsandalwaysconquered。I
haveseenfewwomenasprettyandseductive，andnonewhoseskinwasmoreexquisitelysoftandfair。Herbreathwasaromatic，andthismadeherkissesmostsweet。Herneckwasexquisitelyshaped，andthetwoglobes，tippedwithcoral，wereashardasmarble。Theexquisitecurvesofherfigurewouldhavedefiedtheskilloftheablestpainter。Iexperiencedanineffablejoyincontemplatingher，andinthemidstofmyhappinessIcalledmyselfunhappybecauseIcouldnotsatisfyallthedesireswhichhercharmsarousedinme。Thefriezewhichcrownedhercolumnswascomposedoflinksofpalegoldoftheutmostfineness，andmyfingersstroveinvaintogivethemanotherdirectiontothatwhichnaturehadgiventhem。Shecouldeasilyhavebeentaughtthoselivelyyetgracefulmovementswhichdoublethepleasure；naturehaddoneherpartinthatdirection，andIdonotthinkamoreexpertmistressintheartoflovecouldbefound。
Eachofuslookedforwardtothedayofherdeparturewithequalgrief，andouronlyconsolationlayinthehopeofmeetingagain，andoften。Threedaysaftershewentaway，Iwenttoseeher，moreinlovethanever，andIgavehertwonotesoffivethousandfrancsapiece。Herhusbandmighthavehissuspicions，buthewastoohappyatbeingenabledtopayhisdebtsandtokeephisshopopentosayanythingunpleasant。Manyhusbandsbesideshimselfthinkthemselvesluckytohavesuchproductivewives。
InthebeginningofNovemberIsoldsharesforfiftythousandfrancstoamannamedGamier，livingintheRueduMail，givinguptohimathirdpartofthematerialsinmywarehouse，andacceptingamanagerchosenbyhimandpaidbythecompany。ThreedaysaftersigningthedeedIreceivedthemoney；butinthenightthedoctor，mywarehouseman，emptiedthetillandabsconded。Ihavealwaysthoughtthatthisrobberycouldnothavebeeneffectedwithouttheconnivanceofthepainter。Thislosswasaseriousblowtome，asmyaffairsweregettingintoanembroiledcondition；and，forafinishingtouchtomymisfortunes，Gamierhadmeservedwithasummonstorepayhimthefiftythousandfrancs。MyanswerwasthatIwasnotliable，thathismanagerhadbeenappointed，theagreementandsaleoftheshareswasvalid，andthathebeingoneofthecompanywouldhavetoshareintheloss。Ashepersistedinhisclaim，Iwasadvisedtogotolaw，butGamierdeclaredtheagreementnullandvoid，accusingmeinanindirectmannerofhavingappropriatedthemoneywhichIhadsaidwasstolen。Iwouldwillinglyhavegivenhimagoodthrashing，buthewasanoldman，andthatcoursewouldnothavemendedmatters，soIkeptmytemper。Themerchantwhohadgivensuretyforthedoctorwasnottobefound；hehadbecomebankrupt。Garnierhadallmystockseized，andsequestratedmyhorses，carriages，andallmyprivateproperty。
Whilethesetroubleswereharassingme，Idismissedallmywork—
girls，whohadalwaysbeenagreatexpense，andreplacedthemwithworkmenandsomeofmyservants。Thepainterstillretainedhisposition，whichwasanassuredone，ashealwayspaidhimselfoutofthesales。
Myattorneywasanhonestman——ararebirdamongstlawyers——butmycounsel，whokepttellingmethatthecasewouldsoonbedecided，wasarascal。Whilethedecisionwaspending，Garnierservedmewithawrittopaythesumclaimed。Itookittomycounsel，whopromisedtoappealthesameday，whichhedidnotdo，whileheappropriatedtohisownusethemoneyassignedbymeforthecostsofanactionwhich，iftherehadbeenjusticeinFrance，Ishouldcertainlyhavegained。Twoothersummonseswereissuedagainstme，andbeforeI
knewwhatwasgoingonawarrantwasissuedformyarrest。Iwasseizedateighto’clockinthemorning，asIwasdrivingalongtheRueSt。Denis。Thesergeantofpolicesatbesideme，asecondgotupbesidethecoachman，andathirdstationedhimselfatthebackofthecoach，andinthisstatewedrovetoFortl’Eveque。
Assoonasthepolicehadhandedmeovertothegaoler，heinformedmethatbypaymentofthefiftythousandfrancs，orbygivinggoodbail，Imightinstantlyregainmyfreedom。
\"Forthemoment，\"saidI，\"Icanneithercommandmoneynorbail。\"
\"Verygood，thenyouwillstayinprison。\"
Thegaolertookmetoadecent—lookingroom，andItoldhimIhadonlybeenservedwithonewrit。
\"Verylikely，\"answeredhe，\"itoftenhappenslikethat；butitisratherdifficulttoprove。\"
\"Bringmewritingmaterials，andhaveatrustymessengeratmydisposal。\"
Iwrotetomycounsel，myattorney，toMadamed’Urfe，andtoallmyfriends，includingmybrother，whowasjustmarried。Theattorneycalledimmediately，butthebarristercontentedhimselfwithwritingtotheeffectthatashehadputinanappealmyseizurewasillegal，andthatdamagesmightberecovered。Heendedbybeggingmetogivehimafreehand，andtohavepatienceforafewdays。
ManonBalettisentherbrotherwithherdiamondearrings。MadameduRumaindispatchedherbarrister——amanofrarehonesty——tome，andwroteafriendlynoteinwhichshesaidthatifIwantedfivehundredlouisIshouldhavethemto—morrow。Mybrotherneitherwrotenorcametoseeme。AstodearMadamed’Urfeshesenttosaythatshewouldexpectmeatdinner。Ithoughtshehadgonemad，asIcouldnotthinkshewasmakingfunofme。
Ateleveno’clockmyroomwasfullofpeople。PoorBarethadcomeweeping，andofferingmeallhisshopheld。Iwastouchedbytheworthyman’skindness。AtlastIwastoldthataladyinacoachwantedtoseeme。Iwaited，butnobodycame。InmyimpatienceI
calledtheturnkey，whotoldmethat，afterquestioningtheclerkoftheprison，shehadgoneawayagain。FromthedescriptionIwasgivenIhadnodifficultyinidentifyingtheladywithMadamed’Urfe。
Tofindmyselfdeprivedofmylibertywasadisagreeableshocktome。
IthoughtofTheLeads，andthoughmypresentsituationwasnottobecomparedwiththat，IcursedmyfateasIforesawthatmyimprisonmentwoulddamagemyreputation。Ihadthirtythousandfrancsinhardcashandjewelstomorethandoublethatamount，butI
couldnotdecideonmakingsuchasacrifice，inspiteoftheadvicegivenbyMadameduRumain’sbarrister，whowouldhavemegotoutofprisonatanycost。
\"Allyouhavetodo，\"saidthebarrister，\"istodeposithalfthesumdemandedwhichIwillgivetotheclerkofthecourt，andinashorttimeIcanpromiseadecisioninyourfavourandtherestorationofyourmoney。\"
Wewerediscussingthematter，whenthegaolerentered，andsaid，verypolitely，\"Sir，youareafreemanagain，andaladyiswaitingforyouatthedoorinhercarriage\"
IcalledLeDuc，myman，andtoldhimtogoandseewhotheladywas。
HereturnedwiththeinformationthatitwasMadamed’Urfe。Imademybowtoeverybody，andafterfourverydisagreeablehoursofimprisonment，Ifoundmyselffreeagainandsittinginasplendidcoach。
Madamed’Urfereceivedmewithdignifiedkindness，andajudgewhowasinthecarriageapologizedforhiscountry，wherestrangerswereexposedtosuchinsults。IthankedMadamed’Urfeinafewwords，tellingherthatIwasgladtobecomeherdebtor，butthatitwasGarnierwhobenefitedbyhergenerosity。Sherepliedwithapleasantsmilethatshewasnotsosureofthat，andthatwewouldtalkitoveratdinner。ShewantedmetogoandwalkintheTuileriesandthePalaisRoyal，toconvincepeoplethatthereportofmyimprisonmenthadbeenfalse。Ithoughttheadviceexcellent，andasIsetoutIpromisedtobewithherattwoo’clock。
AfterskewingmyselfatthetwoprincipalwalksofParis，amusingmyselfbytheastonishmentdepictedoncertainfaceswellknowntome，Iwentandreturnedtheear—ringstomydearManon，whogaveanastonishedbutahappycrywhenshesawme。Ithankedhertenderlyfortheproofshehadgivenmeofherattachment，andsaidthatIhadbeenarrestedbyaplotforwhichIwouldmaketheplotterspaydear。
AfterpromisingtospendtheeveningwiththemIwenttoMadamed’Urfe’s。
Thisgoodlady，whosefoibleiswellknowntomyreaders，mademelaughwhenshesaidthathergeniushadtoldherthatIhadgotmyselfarrestedtobetalkedabout，forreasonswhichwereknownonlytomyself。
\"AssoonasIwasinformedofyourarrest，\"saidshe，\"IwenttotheFortl’Eveque，andonlearningfromtheclerkwhattheaffairwasabout，Idepositedbondstobailyouout。Ifyouarenotinapositiontohavejusticedoneyou，GamierwillhavetoreckonwithmebeforehetakesthemoneyIhavedeposited。Butyourfirststepshouldbetocommenceacriminalprosecutionagainstyourcounsel，whohasnotonlyfailedtoputinyourappealbuthasrobbedanddeceivedyou。\"
Ileftherintheevening，assuringherthatinafewdaysherbailshouldbereturnedtoher；andwenttotheFrenchandItalianplaysinsuccession，takingcaretorendermyselfconspicuousthatmyreappearancemightbecomplete。AfterwardsIwenttosupwithManonBaletti，whowastoohappytohavehadanopportunityofspewingheraffectionforme；andherjoywasfullwhenItoldherthatIwasgoingtogiveupbusiness，forshethoughtthatmyseragliowastheonlyobstacletomymarriagewithher。
ThenextdaywaspassedwithMadameduRumain。Ifeltthatmyobligationstoherweregreat，whileshe，inthegoodnessofherheart，waspersuadedthatshecouldmakenoadequatereturntomefortheoracleswithwhichIfurnishedher，andbyfollowingwhichshewassafelyguidedthroughtheperplexitiesoflife。Icannotunderstandhowshe，whosewitwaskeen，andwhosejudgmentonothersubjectswasofthesoundestkind，couldbeliabletosuchfolly。I
wassorrywhenIreflectedthatIcouldnotundeceiveher，andgladwhenIreflectedthattothisdeceitofminethekindnessshehadshewnmewaschieflydue。
MyimprisonmentdisgustedmewithParis，andmademeconceiveahatredofthelaw，whichIfeelnow。Ifoundmyselfentangledinadoublemazeofknavery——Garnierwasmyfoe，andsowasmyowncounsel。EverytimeIwenttoplead，tospendmymoneyamongstlawyers，andtowastethetimebettergiventopleasure，IfeltasifIwasgoingtoexecution。Inthisperturbedkindoflife，socontrarytomyinclinations，Iresolvedtosettoworkinearnesttomakemyfortune，sothatImightbecomeindependentandfreetoenjoylifeaccordingtomytastes。IdecidedinthefirstplacethatI
wouldcutmyselffreeofallthatboundmetoParis，makeasecondjourneyintoHollandtoreplenishmypurseandinvestmymoneyinayearlyincomefortwolives，andfromthenceforthlivefreefromcare。Thetwoliveswerethoseofmywifeandmyself；mywifewouldbeManonBaletti，andwhenItoldhermyplansshewouldhavethoughtthemdelightfulifIhadbegunbymarryingher。
ThefirstthingIdidwastogiveupLittlePoland。Ithendrewthetwenty—fourthousandfrancswhichweremysuretyforkeepingalotteryofficeintheRueSt。Denis。ThusIgotridofmyridiculousofficeoflotteryreceiver，andaftergettingmyclerkmarriedI
handedovertheofficetohim；inshort，Imadehisfortune。A
friendofhiswife’swashissurety；suchthingsoftenhappen。
IdidnotliketoleaveMadamed’UrfeinvolvedinatroublesomesuitwithGamier，soIwenttoVersaillestoseetheAbbedelaVille，agreatfriendofhis，andbeggedhimtoinduceGamiertomakeacomposition。
Theabbesawthathisfriendwasinthewrong，andsowasallthemorewillingtohelpme；andafewdaysafterwardshewrotetometogoandseehim，assuringmethatIshouldfindhiminclinedtoarrangemattersinafriendlymanner。
GamierwasatRuelle，wherehehadahousewhichcosthimfourhundredthousandfrancs——afineestateforamanwhohadmadehismoneyasanarmycontractorduringthelastwar。Hewasrich，buthewassounfortunateastobestillfondofwomenattheageofseventy，whilehisimpotencedebarredhimfromtheproperenjoymentoftheirsociety。Ifoundhimincompanywiththreeyoungladies，allofwhomwerepretty，and（asIheardafterwards）ofgoodfamilies；buttheywerepoor，andtheirnecessitiesforcedthemtosubmittoadisgustingintercoursewiththeoldprofligate。Istayedtodinnerandadmiredtheproprietyandmodestyoftheirbehaviourinspiteofthehumiliationwhichaccompaniespoverty。Afterdinner，Gamierwenttosleep，andleftmetoentertainthesegirlswhomI
wouldwillinglyhaverescuedfromtheirunfortunatesituationifI
hadbeenable。AfterGamierwoke，wewentintohisstudytotalkoverourbusiness。
Atfirsthemaintainedhisclaimtenaciously，andseemedunwillingtoyieldaninch；butwhenItoldhimthatIwasleavingParisinafewdays，hesawthatashecouldnotkeepme，Madamed’Urfemighttakethesuitoverandcarryitontoinfinity，andthathemightloseitatlast。Thatmadehimthinkitover，andheaskedmetostayinhishouseforthenight。Thenextday，afterbreakfast，hesaid，——
\"Ihavemadeupmymind:Iwillhavetwenty—fivethousandfrancs，orkeepthematterbeforethecourtstillmydyingday。\"
IansweredthathewouldfindthesuminthehandsofMadamed’Urfe’ssolicitor，andthathecouldreceiveitassoonashehadgivenreplevyonthebailattheFortl’Eveque。
IcouldnotpersuadeMadamed’UrfethatIhadactedwiselyincomingtoanarrangementtillIhadtoldherthatmygeniushadcommandedmenottoleaveParisbeforemyaffairsweresettled，sothatnoonemightbeabletoaccusemeofhavinggoneawaytoavoidcreditorswhoseclaimsIcouldnotsatisfy。
ThreeorfourdaysafterwardsIwenttotakeleaveofM。deChoiseul，whopromisedtoinstructM。d’Afritoaidmeinnegotiatingaloanatfivepercent。eitherwiththeStates—Generaloraprivatecompany。
\"Youcantelleveryone，\"saidhe，\"thatpeaceiscertaintobemadeinthecourseofthewinter，andIwilltakecarethatyoushallhavewhatisduetoyouonyourreturntoFrance。\"
M。deChoiseuldeceivedme，forheknewverywellthatpeacewouldnotbemade；butIhadnodefiniteproject，andIrepentedofhavinggivenM。deBoulognemyconfidence，andalsoofhavingdoneanythingfortheGovernment，therewardofwhichwasnotimmediateandcertain。
Isoldmyhorses，mycarriages，myfurniture；Iwentbailformybrotherwhohadcontracteddebtshewassureofpaying，ashehadseveralpicturesontheeaselwhichhehadbeenorderedtopaintbysomeofhisrichandnoblepatrons。ItookleaveofManon，whomI
leftinfloodsoftears，thoughIsworewiththeutmostsinceritytocomebacksoonandmarryher。
Atlastallmypreparationswerefinished，andIleftPariswithahundredthousandfrancsinbillsofexchangeandjewelstothesameamount。Iwasaloneinmypost—chaise，LeDucprecedingmeonhorseback，whichtherascalpreferredtobeingshutupinacarriage。
ThisLeDucofminewasaSpaniard，agedeighteen，asharpfellow，whomIvaluedhighly，especiallybecausehedidmyhairbetterthananyoneelse。Ineverrefusedhimapleasurewhichalittlemoneywouldbuy。BesideshimIhadagoodSwissservant，whoservedasmycourier。
Itwasthe1stofDecember，1759，andtheairwasfrosty，butIwasfortifiedagainsttheinclemencyoftheseason。Iwasabletoreadcomfortably，andItookHelvetius’s\"Esprit，\"whichIhadneverhadtimetoreadbefore。AfterperusingitIwasequallyastonishedatthesensationitcreatedandatthestupidityoftheHighCourtwhichcondemnedit。Ofcoursethatexaltedbodywaslargelyinfluencedbythekingandtheclergy，andbetweenthemallnoeffortwassparedtoruinHelvetius，agood—heartedmanwithmorewitthanhisbook。I
sawnothingnoveleitherinthehistoricalpartrelatingtothemoralsofnations（inwhichHelvetiusdismissesusastriflers），orinthepositionthatmoralityisdependentonthereason。Allthathesayshasbeensaidoverandoveragain，andBlaisePascalwentmuchfarther，buthewrotemoreskilfullyandbetterineverywaythanHelvetius，who，wishingtoremaininFrance，wasobligedtoretract。Hepreferredaquietlifetohishonourandhisphilosophy。
Hiswifehadanoblersoulthanhe，asshewantedtosellalltheyhad，andtotakerefugeinHollandratherthansubmittotheshameofarecantation。PerhapsHelvetiuswouldhavefollowedthenobleadviceofhiswifeifhehadforeseenthatthismonstrousrecantationwouldmakehisbookintoafraud；forhehadtoconfessthathehadwrittenwithoutduereflection，thathewasmoreinjestthanearnest，andthathisargumentsweremeresophisms。Butmanymenofkeenintellectshadnotwaitedforhimtorecantbeforeexposingthiswretchedsystemofhis。Andadmittingthatwhatevermandoesisdoneforhisowninterest，doesitfollowthatgratitudeisafolly，andvirtueandviceidentical？Areavillainandamanofhonourtobeweighedinthesamebalance？Ifsuchadreadfulsystemwerenotabsurd，virtuewouldbemerehypocrisy；andifbyanypossibilityitweretrue，itoughttobeproscribedbygeneralconsent，sinceitwouldleadtogeneralruinandcorruption。
ItmighthavebeenprovedtoHelvetiusthatthepropositionsthatthefirstmotiveisalwaysself—interest，andthatweshouldalwaysconsultourowninterestfirst，arefallacious。Itisastrangethingthatsovirtuousamanwouldnotadmittheexistenceofvirtue。
Itisanamusingsuggestionthatheonlypublishedhisbookoutofmodesty，butthatwouldhavecontradictedhisownsystem。Butifitwereso，wasitwelldonetorenderhimselfcontemptibletoescapetheimputationofpride？Modestyisonlyavirtuewhenitisnatural；ifitisputon，ormerelytheresultoftraining，itisdetestable。Thegreatd’AlembertwasthemosttrulymodestmanI
haveeverseen。