WhenIgottoBrussels，whereIspenttwodays，Iwenttothe\"Hoteldel’Imperatrice，\"andchancesentMdlle。X。C。V。andFarsettiinmyway，butIpretendednottoseethem。FromBrusselsIwentstraighttotheHague，andgotoutatthe\"PrinceofOrange。\"Onmyaskingthehostwhosatdownathistable，hetoldmehiscompanyconsistedofgeneralofficersoftheHanoverianarmy，sameEnglishladies，andaPrincePiccolominiandhiswife；andthismadememakeupmymindtojointhisillustriousassemblage。
Iwasunknowntoall，andkeepingmyeyesaboutmeIgavemychiefattentiontotheobservationofthesupposedItalianprincess，whowasprettyenough，andmoreespeciallyofherhusbandwhomIseemedtorecognize。InthecourseofconversationIheardsometalkofthecelebratedSt。Germain，anditseemedthathewasstoppinginthesamehotel。
Ihadreturnedtomyroom，andwasthinkingofgoingtobed，whenPrincePiccolominientered，andembracedmeasanoldfriend。
\"Alookinyourface，\"saidhe，\"tellsmethattherecognitionhasbeenmutual。IknewyoudirectlyinspiteofthesixteenyearsthathavepassedsincewesaweachotheratVicenza。To—morrowyoucantelleverybodythatwearefriends，andthatthoughIamnotaprinceIamreallyacount；hereismypassportfromtheKingofNaples，prayreadit。\"
DuringthisrapidmonologueIcouldnotgetinasingleword，andonattentivelyscanninghisfeaturesIcouldonlyrecollectthatIhadseenhimbefore，butwhenorwhereorhowIknewnot。IopenedthepassportandreadthenameofRuggerodiRocco，CountPiccolomini。
Thatwasenough；Irememberedanindividualofthatnamewhowasafencing—masterinVicenza，andonlookingathimagainhisaspect，thoughmuchchangedleftnodoubtastotheidentityoftheswordsmanandthecount。
\"Icongratulateyou，\"saidI，\"onyourchangeofemployment，yournewbusinessisdoubtlessmuchbetterthantheold。\"
\"Itaughtfencing，\"hereplied，\"tosavemyselffromdyingofhunger，formyfatherwassohardamanthathewouldnotgivemethewherewithaltolive，andIdisguisedmynamesoasnottodisgraceit。Onmyfather’sdeathIsucceededtotheproperty，andatRomeI
marriedtheladyyouhaveseen。\"
\"Youhadgoodtaste，forshe’saprettywoman。\"
\"Sheisgenerallythoughtso，anditwasalovematchonmyside。\"
Heendedbyaskingmetocomeandseehiminhisroomthenextday，afterdinner，tellingmethatIshouldfindgoodcompanyandabankatfaro，whichhekepthimself。Headded，withoutceremony，thatifIlikedwecouldgohalfshares，andthatIshouldfinditprofitable。Ithankedhim，andpromisedtopayhimavisit。
Iwentabroadatanearlyhournextmorning，andafterhavingspentsometimewiththeJew，Boaz，andhavinggivenapoliterefusaltohisofferofabed，IwenttopaymyrespectstoM。d’Afri，whosincethedeathofthePrincessofOrange，theRegentoftheLowCountries，wasgenerallyknownasHisMostChristianMajesty’sambassador。Hegavemeanexcellentreception，buthesaidthatifIhadreturnedtoHollandhopingtodobusinessonbehalfoftheGovernmentIshouldwastemytime，sincetheactionofthecomptroller—generalhadloweredthecreditofthenation，whichwasthoughttobeonthevergeofbankruptcy。
\"ThisM。Silhouette，\"saidhe，\"hasservedthekingverybadly。Itisallverywelltosaythatpaymentsareonlysuspendedforayear，butitisnotbelieved。\"
HethenaskedmeifIknewacertainComtedeSt。Germain，whohadlatelyarrivedattheHague。
\"Hehasnotcalledonme，\"saidtheambassador，\"thoughhesaysheiscommissionedbythekingtonegotiatealoanofahundredmillions。
WhenIamaskedabouthim，IamobligedtosaythatIknownothingabouthim，forfearofcompromisingmyself。Suchareply，asyoucanunderstand，isnotlikelytoincreasehischanceofsuccess，butthatishisfaultandnotmine。WhyhashenotbroughtmealetterfromtheDucdeChoiseulortheMarquisedePompadour？Itakehimtobeanimpostor，butIshallknowsomethingmoreabouthiminthecourseoftendays。\"
Itoldhim，inmyturn，allIknewofthistrulyeccentricindividual。HewasnotalittlesurprisedtohearthatthekinghadgivenhimanapartmentatChambord，butwhenItoldhimthatthecountprofessedtobeabletomakediamondshelaughedandsaidthatinthatcasehewouldnodoubtmakethehundredmillions。JustasI
wasleaving，M。d’Afriaskedmetodinewithhimonthefollowingday。
OnreturningtothehotelIcalledontheComtedeSt。Germain。
\"Youhaveanticipatedme，\"saidhe，onseeingmeenter，\"Iintendedtohavecalledonyou。Isuppose，mydearCasanova，thatyouhavecometotrywhatyoucandoforourCourt，butyouwillfindyourtaskadifficultone，astheExchangeishighlyoffendedatthelatedoingsofthatfoolSilhouette。AllthesameIhopeIshallbeabletogetmyhundredmillions。Ihavepassedmywordtomyfriend，LouisXV。（Imaycallhimso），andIcan’tdisappointhim；thebusinesswillbedoneinthenextthreeorfourweeks。\"
\"IshouldthinkM。d’Afrimightassistyou。\"
\"Idonotrequirehisassistance。ProbablyIshallnotevencalluponhim，ashemightsayhehelpedme。No，Ishallhaveallthetrouble，andImeantohavealltheglory，too。\"
\"IpresumeyouwillbegoingtoCourt，wheretheDukeofBrunswickmaybeofservicetoyou？\"
\"WhyshouldIgotoCourt？AsfortheDukeofBrunswick，Idonotcaretoknowhim。AllIhavegottodoistogotoAmsterdam，wheremycreditissufficientlygoodforanything。IamfondoftheKingofFrance；there’snotabettermaninthekingdom。\"
\"Well，comeanddineatthehightable，thecompanyisofthebestandwillpleaseyou。\"
\"YouknowInevereat；moreover，IneversitdownatatablewhereI
maymeetpersonswhoareunknowntome。\"
\"Then，mylord，farewell；weshallseeeachotheragainatAmsterdam。\"
Iwentdowntothedining—roam，where，whiledinnerwasbeingserved，Iconversedwithsomeofficers。TheyaskedmeifIknewPrincePiccolomini，towhichIansweredthathewasnotaprincebutacount，andthatitwasmanyyearssinceIhadseenhim。
Whenthecountandhisfairwife（whoonlyspokeItalian）camedown，Ishewedthemsomepoliteattentions，andwethensatdowntodinner。
EndMEMOIRSOFJACQUESCASANOVAdeSEINGALT1725—1798
THEETERNALQUEST，Volume3c——HOLLANDANDGERMANY
THERAREUNABRIDGEDLONDONEDITIONOF1894TRANSLATEDBYARTHUR
MACHENTOWHICHHASBEENADDEDTHECHAPTERSDISCOVERED
BYARTHURSYMONS。
THEETERNALQUEST
HOLLANDANDGERMANY
CHAPTERX
PortraitofthePretendedCountessPiccolomini——QuarrelandDuel——
EstherandHerFather，M。D’O。——EstherStillTakenwiththeCabala——
PiccolominiForgesaBillofExchange:ResultsIAmFleeced，andinDangerofBeingAssassinated——DebauchwiththeTwoPaduanGirls——
IRevealAGreatSecretToEsther——IBatetheRascallySt。Germain；
HisFlight——ManonBalettiProvesFaithlesstoMe；HerLetterAnnouncingHerMarriage:MyDespair——EstherSpendsaDayWithMe——MyPortraitandMyLetterstoManonGetIntoEsther’sHands—IPassaDaywithHer——WeTalkofMarryingEachOtherTheso—calledCountessPiccolominiwasafineexampleoftheadventurers。Shewasyoung，tall，well—made，hadeyesfulloffire，andskinofadazzlingwhiteness；not，however，thatnaturalwhitenesswhichdelightsthosewhoknowthevalueofasatinskinandrosepetals，butratherthatartificialfairnesswhichiscommonlytobeseenatRomeonthefacesofcourtezans，andwhichdisguststhosewhoknowhowitisproduced。Shehadalsosplendidteeth，glorioushairasblackasjet，andarchedeyebrowslikeebony。Totheseadvantagessheaddedattractivemanners，andtherewassomethingintelligentaboutthewayshespoke；butthroughallIsawtheadventuresspeepingout，whichmademedetesther。
AsshedidnotspeakanythingbutItalianthecountesshadtoplaythepartofamuteattable，exceptwhereanEnglishofficernamedWalpolewasconcerned，who，findinghertohistaste，sethimselftoamuseher。IfeltfriendlydisposedtowardsthisEnglishman，thoughmyfeelingswerecertainlynottheresultofsympathy。IfIhadbeenblindordeafSirJamesWalpolewouldhavebeentotallyindifferenttome，aswhatIfeltforhimwastheresultofmyobservation。
AlthoughIdidnotcareforthecountess，forallthatIwentuptoherroomafterdinnerwiththegreaterpartoftheguests。Thecountarrangedagameofwhist，andWalpoleplayedatprimerowiththecountess，whocheatedhiminamasterlymanner；butthoughhesawithelaughedandpaid，becauseitsuitedhispurposetodoso。WhenhehadlostfiftyLouishecalledquarter，andthecountessaskedhimtotakehertothetheatre。Thiswaswhatthegood—naturedEnglishmanwanted；andheandthecountesswentoff，leavingthehusbandplayingwhist。
I，too，wenttotheplay，andaschancewouldhaveitmyneighbourinthepitwasCountTot，brothertothecountfamousforhisstayinConstantinople。
Wehadsomeconversationtogether，andhetoldmehehadbeenobligedtoleaveFranceonaccountofaduelwhichhehadhadwithamanwhohadjestedwithhimfornotbeingpresentatthebattleofMinden，sayingthathehadabsentedhimselfinviewofthebattle。Thecounthadprovedhiscouragewiththeswordontheother’sbody——aroughkindofargumentwhichwasfashionablethenasnow。Hetoldmehehadnomoney，andIimmediatelyputmypurseathisservice；but，asthesayinggoes，akindnessisneverthrownaway，andfiveyearslaterhedidthesamebymeatSt。Petersburg。BetweentheactshehappenedtonoticetheCountessPiccolomini，andaskedmeifIknewherhusband。\"Iknowhimveryslightly，\"Ianswered，\"butwehappentobestayingatthesamehotel。\"
\"He’saregularblacksheep，\"saidthecount，\"andhiswife’snobetterthanhe。\"
Itseemedthattheyhadalreadywonareputationinthetown。
AftertheplayIwentbacktothehotelbymyself，andthehead—
waitertoldmethatPiccolominihadsetouthot—footwithhisservant，hisonlyluggagebeingalightportmanteau。Hedidnotknowthereasonofthissuddendeparture，butaminuteafterwardsthecountesscamein，andhermaidhavingwhisperedsomethingtohershetoldmethatthecounthadgoneawaybecausehehadfoughtaduelbutthatoftenhappened。SheaskedmetosupwithherandWalpole，andherappetitedidnotseemtosufferfromtheabsenceofherspouse。
Justaswewerefinishingsupper，anEnglishman，whohadbeenofthewhistparty，cameupandtoldWalpolethattheItalianhadbeencaughtcheatingandhadgiventhelietotheirfellowEnglishman，whohaddetectedhim，andthattheyhadgoneouttogether。AnhourafterwardstheEnglishmanreturnedwithtwowounds，oneonthefore—
armandoneontheshoulder。Itwasatriflingaffairaltogether。
Nextday，afterIhadhaddinnerwiththeComted’Afri，IfoundaletterfromPiccolomini，withanenclosureaddressedtothecountess，waitingformeattheinn。Hebeggedmetogivehiswifetheletter，whichwouldinformherofhisplans，andthentobringhertotheVilledeLyonatAmsterdam，wherehewasstaying。HewantedtoknowhowtheEnglishmanwhomhehadwoundedwasgettingon。
Thedutystruckmeasanamusingone，andIshouldhavelaughedwithallmyheartifIhadfelttheleastdesiretoprofitbytheconfidencehewaspleasedtoplaceinme。NeverthelessIwentuptothecountess，whomIfoundsittingupinbedplayingwithWalpole。
Shereadtheletter，toldmethatshecouldnotstarttillthedayfollowing，andinformedmewhattimeshewouldgo，asifithadbeenallsettled；butIsmiledsardonically，andtoldherthatmybusinesskeptmeattheHague，andthatIcouldnotpossiblyescorther。WhenWalpoleheardmesaythisheofferedtobemysubstitute，towhichsheagreed。Theysetoutthedayfollowing，intendingtolieatLeyden。
Twodaysaftertheirdeparture，Iwassittingdowntodinnerwiththeusualcompany，increasedbytwoFrenchmenwhohadjustcome。Afterthesouponeofthemsaid，coolly，\"ThefamousCasanovaisnowinHolland。\"
\"Ishe？\"saidtheother，\"Ishallbegladtoseehim，andaskforanexplanationwhichhewillnotlike。\"
Ilookedattheman，andfeelingcertainthatIhadneverseenhimbeforeIbegantogetenraged；butImerelyaskedthefellowifheknewCasanova。
I’lloughttooknowhim，\"saidhe，inthatself—satisfiedtonewhichisalwayssounpleasant。
\"Nay，sir，youaremistaken；IamCasanova。\"
Withoutlosinghisself—possession，hereplied，insolently，\"YouarereallyverymuchmistakenifyouthinkyouaretheonlyCasanovaintheworld。\"
Itwasasharpanswer，andputmeinthewrong。Ibitmylipsandheldmytongue，butIwasgrievouslyoffended，anddeterminedtomakehimfindtheCasanovawhowasinHolland，andfromwhomhewasgoingtoextractanunpleasantexplanation，inmyself。InthemeanwhileI
boreaswellasIcouldthepoorfigurehemustbecuttingbeforetheofficersattable，who，afterhearingtheinsolenceofthisyoungblockhead，mighttakemeforacoward。He，theinsolentfellow，hadnoscrupleinabusingthetriumphhisanswerhadgivenhim，andtalkedawayintherandomfashion。AtlastheforgothimselfsofarastoaskfromwhatcountryIcame。
\"IamaVenetian，sir，\"Ireplied。
\"Ah！thenyouareagoodfriendtoFrance，asyourrepublicisunderFrenchprotection。\"
Atthesewordsmyill—temperboiledaver，and，inthetoneofvoiceoneusestoputdownapuppy，IrepliedthattheRepublicofVenicewasstrongenoughtodowithouttheprotectionofFranceorofanyotherpower，andthatduringthethirteencenturiesofitsexistenceithadhadmanyfriendsandalliesbutnoprotectors。\"Perhaps，\"I
ended，\"youwillreplybybeggingmypardonfornotknowingthatthesewasonlyoneVeniceintheworld。\"
Ihadnosoonersaidthisthanaburstoflaughterfromthewholetablesetmerightagain。Theyoungblockheadseemedtakenabackandinhisturnbithislips，buthisevilgeniusmadehim，strikeinagainatdessert。Asusualtheconversationwentfromonesubjecttoanother，andwebegantotalkabouttheDukeofAlbermarle。TheEnglishmenspokeinhisfavour，andsaidthatifhehadbeenalivetherewouldhavebeennowarbetweenEnglandandFrance；theywereprobablyright，butevenifthedukehadlivedwarmighthavebrokenout，asthetwonationsinquestionhaveneveryetsucceededinunderstandingthatitisforboththeirintereststoliveatpeacetogether。AnotherEnglishmanpraisedLolotte，hismistress。IsaidIhadseenthatcharmingwomanattheDuchessofFulvi’s，andthatnoonedeservedbettertobecometheCountessofEronville。TheCountofEronville，alieutenant—generalandamanofletters，hadjustmarriedher。
IhadscarcelyfinishedwhatIhadtosaywhenMasterBlockheadsaid，withalaugh，thatheknewLolottetobeagoodsortofgirl，ashehadsleptwithheratParis。Icouldrestrainmyselfnolonger；myindignationandrageconsumedme。Itookupmyplate，andmadeasifIwouldthrowitathishead，sayingatthesametime，\"Youinfernalliar！\"Hegotup，andstoodwithhisbacktothefire，butIcouldseebyhissword—knotthathewasasoldier。
Everybodypretendednottohearanythingofthis，andtheconversationwentonforsometimeonindifferentsubjects；andatlasttheyallrosefromtheirseatsandlefttheroom。
Myenemysaidtohiscompanionthattheywouldseeoneanotheragainaftertheplay，andremainedbythefire，withhiselbowrestingonthechimney—piece。Iremainedattabletillthecompanyhadalllefttheroom，andwhenwewerealonetogetherIgotupandlookedhimstraightintheface，andwentout，walkingtowardsSheveningue，surethathewouldfollowmeifhewereamanofanymettle。WhenIhadgottosomedistancefromthehotelIlookedround，andsawthathewasfollowingmeatadistanceoffiftypaces。
WhenIgottothewoodIstoppedatasuitableplace，andstoodawaitingmyantagonist。Hewastenpacesoffwhenhedrewhissword，andIhadplentyoftimetodrawminethoughhecameonfast。Thefightdidnotlastlong，forassoonashewasnearenoughIgavehimathrustwhichhasneverfailedme，andsenthimbackquickerthanhecame。Hewaswoundedinthechestabovetherightbreast，butasmyswordwasflatandtheopeninglargeenoughthewoundbledeasily。I
loweredmyswordandranuptohim，butIcoulddonothing；hesaidthatweshouldmeetagainatAmsterdam，ifIwasgoingthere，andthathewouldhavehisrevenge。IsawhimagainfiveorsixyearsafterwardsatWarsaw，andthenIdidhimakindness。IheardafterwardsthathisnamewasVarnier，butIdonotknowwhetherhewasidenticalwiththepresidentoftheNationalConventionundertheinfamousRobespierre。
Ididnotreturntothehoteltillaftertheplay，andIthenheardthattheFrenchman，afterhavingthesurgeonwithhimforanhour，hadsetoutforRotterdamwithhisfriend。Wehadapleasantsupperandtalkedcheerfullytogetherwithoutawordbeingsaidabouttheduel，withtheexceptionthatanEnglishladysaid，Iforgetinwhatconnection，thatamanofhonourshouldneverrisksittingdowntodinneratanhotelunlesshefeltinclined，ifnecessary，tofight。
Theremarkwasverytrueatthattime，whenonehadtodrawtheswordforanidleword，andtoexposeone’sselftotheconsequencesofaduel，orelsebepointedat，evenbytheladies，withthefingerofscorn。
IhadnothingmoretokeepmeattheHague，andIsetoutnextmorningbeforeday—breakforAmsterdam。OnthewayIstoppedfordinnerandrecognizedSirJamesWalpole，whotoldmethathehadstartedfromAmsterdamtheeveningbefore，anhouraftergivingthecountessintoherhusband’scharge。Hesaidthathehadgotverytiredofher，ashehadnothingmoretogetfromawomanwhogavemorethanoneasked，ifone’spurse—stringswereopenedwideenough。
IgottoAmsterdamaboutmidnightandtookupmyabodeat\"TheOldBible。\"TheneighbourhoodofEstherhadawakenedmyloveforthatcharminggirl，andIwassoimpatienttoseeherthatIcouldnotsleep。
Iwentoutaboutteno’clockandcalledonM。d’O，whowelcomedmeinthefriendliestmannerandreproachedmefornothavingalightedathishouse。WhenheheardthatIhadgivenupbusinesshecongratulatedmeonnothavingremoveditintoHolland，asIshouldhavebeenruined。IdidnottellhimthatIhadnearlycometothatinFrance，asIconsideredsuchapieceofinformationwouldnotassistmydesigns。HecomplainedbitterlyofthebadfaithoftheFrenchGovernment，whichhadinvolvedhiminconsiderablelosses；andthenheaskedmetocomeandseeEsther。
Iwastooimpatienttoembracehertostaytobeaskedtwice；Irantogreether。Assoonasshesawmeshegaveacryofsurpriseanddelight，andthrewherselfinmyarms，whereIreceivedherwithfondnessequaltoherown。Ifoundhergrownandimproved；shelookedlovely。Wehadscarcelysatdownwhenshetoldmethatshehadbecomeasskilledinthecabalaasmyself。
\"Itmakesmylifehappy，\"saidshe，\"foritgivesmeapowerovermyfather，andassuresmethathewillnevermarrymetoanyonebutthemanofmychoice。\"
\"Iamdelightedthatyouextracttheonlygoodthatcanproceedfromthisidlescience，namely，thepowertoguidepersonsdevoidofstrengthofwill。ButyourfathermustthinkthatItaughtyouthesecret？\"
\"Yes，hedoes；andhesaid，oneday，thathewouldforgivemeanysacrificesImighthavemadetoobtainthisprecioussecretfromyou。\"
\"Hegoesalittlefurtherthanwedid，mydearestEsther。\"
\"Yes，andItoldhimthatIhadgaineditfromyouwithoutanysacrifice，andthatnowIwasatruePythonesswithouthavingtoendurethetormentsofthetripod；andIamsurethattherepliesyougavewereinventedbyyourself。\"
\"ButifthatweresohowcouldIhaveknownwherethepocket—bookwas，orwhethertheshipwassafe？\"
\"Yousawtheportfolioyourselfandthrewitwhereitwasdiscovered，andasforthevesselyouspokeatrandom；butasyouareanhonestman，confessthatyouwereafraidoftheresults。Iamneversoboldasthat，andwhenmyfatherasksmequestionsofthatkind，myrepliesaremoreobscurethanasibyl’s。Idon’twishhimtoloseconfidenceinmyoracle，nordoIwishhimtobeabletoreproachmewithalossthatwouldinjuremyowninterests。\"
\"IfyourmistakemakesyouhappyIshallleaveyouinit。Youarereallyawomanofextraordinarytalents——，youarequiteunique。\"
\"Idon’twantyourcompliments，\"saidshe，inarathervexedmanner，\"Iwantasincereavowalofthetruth。\"
\"Idon’tthinkIcangoasfarasthat。\"
Atthesewords，whichIpronouncedinaseriousway，Estherwentintoareverie，butIwasnotgoingtolosethesuperiorityIhadoverher，andrackedmybrainstofindsomeconvincingpredictiontheoraclemightmaketoher，andwhileIwasdoingsodinnerwasannounced。
Therewerefourofusattable，andIconcludedthatthefourthofthepartymustbeinlovewithEsther，ashekepthiseyesonherthewholetime。Hewasherfather’sfavouriteclerk，andnodoubtherfatherwouldhavebeengladifshehadfalleninlovewithhim，butI
soonsawthatshewasnotlikelytodoso。Estherwassilentallthroughdinner，andwedidnotmentionthecabalatilltheclerkwasgone。
\"Isitpossible，\"saidM。d’O，\"formydaughtertoobtaintheanswersoftheoraclewithoutyourhavingtaughther？\"
\"Ialwaysthoughtsuchathingimpossibletillto—day，\"Ianswered，\"butEstherhasconvincedmethatIwasmistaken。Icanteachthesecrettonoonewithoutlosingitmyself，fortheoathIsworetothesagewhotaughtmeforbidsmetoimpartittoanotherunderpainofforfeiture。Butasyourdaughterhastakennosuchoath，havingacquireditherself，shemaybeforallIknowatperfectlibertytocommunicatethesecrettoanyone。\"
Esther，whowasaskeenasarazor，tookcaretosaythatthesameoaththatIhadtakenhadbeenimposedonherbytheoracle，andthatshecouldnotcommunicatethecabalisticsecrettoanyonewithoutthepermissionofhergenius，underpainoflosingitherself。
Ireadherinmostthoughts，andwasrejoicedtoseethathermindwascalmed。Shehadreasontobegratefultome，whetherIhadliedornot，forIhadgivenherapoweroverherfatherwhichafather’skindnesscouldnothaveassured；butsheperceivedthatwhatIhadsaidaboutheroracularabilitieshadbeendictatedmerelybypoliteness，andshewaitedtillwewerealonetomakemeconfessasmuch。
Herworthyfather，whobelievedentirelyintheinfallibilityofouroracles，hadthecuriositytoputthesamequestiontobothofus，toseeifweshouldagreeintheanswer。Estherwasdelightedwiththeidea，asshesuspectedthattheoneanswerwouldflatlycontradicttheother，andM。d’Ohavingwrittenhisquestionontwosheetsofpapergavethemtous。Estherwentuptoherownroomfortheoperation，andIquestionedtheoracleonthetableatwhichwehadhaddinner，inthepresenceofthefather。Estherwasquick，asshecamedownbeforeIhadextractedfromthepyramidtheletterswhichweretocomposemyreply，butasIknewwhattosayassoonasIsawherfatherreadtheanswershegavehimIwasnotlonginfinishingwhatIhadtodo。
M。d’O————askedifheshouldtrytogetridoftheFrenchsecuritiesheheldinspiteofthelosshewouldincurbysellingout。
Esther’soraclereplied，\"Youmustsowplentifullybeforeyoureap。Plucknotupthevinebeforetheseasonofthevintage，foryourvineisplantedinafruitfulsoil。\"
Mineranasfollows:——
\"Ifyouselloutyouwillrepent，fortherewillbeanewcomptroller—general，whowillpayallclaimsbeforeanotheryearhaselapsed。\"
Esther’sanswerwasconceivedinthesibyllinestyle，andIadmiredthereadinessofherwit；butminewentrighttothepoint，andtheworthymanembracedusjoyfully，and，takinghishatandstick，saidthatsinceourrepliesagreedhewouldruntheriskoflosingthreemillionfrancsandmakeaprofitoffiveorsixhundredthousandinthecourseoftheyear。Hisdaughterbegantorecant，andwouldhavewarnedhimagainstthedanger，buthe，whowasasfirmasaMussulman，kissedheragain，saying，\"Theoracleisnotwonttolie，andevenifitdoesdeceivemethistimeitwillonlybeafourthpartofmyfortunethatIshalllose。\"
WhenEstherandIwerealoneIbegantocomplimenther，muchtoherdelight，ontheclevernessofheranswer，theeleganceofherstyle，andherboldness，forshecouldnotbeaswellacquaintedwithFrenchaffairsasIwas。
\"Iammuchobligedtoyou，\"saidshe，\"forhavingconfirmedmyreply，butconfessthatyouliedtopleaseme。\"
\"Iconfess，sincethatwillpleaseyou，andIwilleventellyouthatyouhavenothingmoretolearn。\"
\"Youareacruelman！Buthowcouldyoureplythattherewouldbeanothercomptroller—generalinayear’stime，andruntheriskofcompromisingtheoracle？Ineverdaretosaythingslikethat；I
lovetheoracletoowelltoexposeittoshameandconfusion。\"
\"ThatshewsthatIdonotinventtheanswers；butsincetheoraclehaspronounceditIamwillingtobetthatSilhouettewillbedismissed。\"
\"Yourobstinacydrivesmetodespair，forIshallnotresttillI
knowthatIamasmuchamasterofthecabalaasyouare，andyetyouwillnotconfessthatyouinventtheanswersyourself。Forcharity’ssakedosomethingtoconvincemeofthecontrary。\"
\"Iwillthinkitover。\"
Ipassedthewholedaywiththisdelightfulgirl，whoseamiabledispositionandgreatwealthwouldhavemademeahappymanifitwerenotformymaster—passion，theloveofindependence，andmyaversiontomakeupmymindtolivefortherestofmydaysinHolland。
InthecourseofmylifeIhaveoftenobservedthatthehappiesthoursareoftentheheraldsofmisfortune。TheverynextdaymyevilgeniustookmetotheVilledeLyon。ThiswastheinnwherePiccolominiandhiswifewerestaying，andIfoundthemthereinthemidstofahordeofcheatsandsharpers，likethemselves。Assoonasthegoodpeopleheardmynametheyrushedforward，sometogreetme，andotherstohaveacloserlookatme，asifIweresomestrangewildbeast。AmongstthosepresentwereaChevalierdeSabi，whoworetheuniformofaPolishmajor，andprotestedhehadknownmeatDresden；aBarondeWiedan，claimingBohemiaashisfatherland，whogreetedmebysayingthathisfriendtheComteSt。GermainhadarrivedattheEtoiled’Orient，andhadbeenenquiringafterme；anattenuated—lookingbravowhowasintroducedtomeastheChevalierdelaPerine，whomIrecognizedatthefirstglanceasthefellowcalledTalvis，whohadrobbedthePrince—BishopofPresburg，whohadlentmeahundredLouisthesameday，andwithwhomIhadfoughtaduelatParis。Finally，therewasanItaliannamedNeri，wholookedlikeablacksmithminushishonesty，andsaidthatherememberedseeingmeoneeveningatthecasino。IrecollectedhavingseenhimattheplacewhereImetthewretchedLucie。
Inthemidstofthisbandofcut—pursesIsawtheso—calledwifeofthepretendedChevalierdeSabi，aprettywomanfromSaxony，who，speakingItalianindifferentlywell，waspayingheraddressestotheCountessPiccolomini。
Ibitmylipswithangertofindmyselfinsuchhonourablecompany，butputtingagoodfaceonabadgameIgreetedeverybodypolitely，andthendrawingarollofahundredLouisfrommypocketIpresentedthemtoMasterPerineTalvis，tellinghimIwasgladtobeabletoreturnthemtohimwithmybestthanks。
Mypolitenessdidnotmeetwithmuchofareception，fortheimpudentscoundrelansweredme，ashepocketedthemoney，thatherememberedhavinglentitmeatPresburg，buthealsorememberedamoreimportantmatter。
\"Andpraywhatisthat？\"saidI，inadryandhalf—disdainfultone。
\"Youowemearevengeatthesword’spoint，asyouknowrightwell。
Hereisthemarkofthegashyougavemesevenyearsago。\"
Sosaying，thewretchedlittlemanopenedhisshirtandshewedthesmallroundscar。Thisscene，whichbelongedmoretofarcethancomedy，seemedtohavestruckalltongueswithparalysis。
\"AnywhereelsethaninHolland，whereimportantanddelicatebusinessdebarsmefromfighting，Ishallbegladtomeetyouandmarkyouagain，ifyoustilldesiretocrossswordswithme；butwhileIamhereImustbegyounottodisturbme。Allthesame，youmayaswellknowthatInevergooutwithoutacoupleoffriendsinmypockets，andthatifyouattackmeIshallblowyourbrainsoutinself—
defence\"
\"Myrevengemustbewithcrossedswords，\"saidhe。\"However，Iwillletyoufinishyourbusiness。\"
\"Youwilldowisely。\"
Piccolomini，whohadbeencastingahungryeyeuponmyhundredlouis，proposedimmediatelyafterwardsabankatfaro，andbegantodeal。
Prudencewouldhaverestrainedmefromplayinginsuchcompany，butthedictatesofprudencewereovercomebymydesiretogetbackthehundredlouiswhichIhadgivenTalvis，soIcutin。Ihadarunofbadluckandlostahundredducats，but，asusual，mylossonlyexcitedme。IwishedtoregainwhatIhadlost，soIstayedtosupper，andafterwards，withbetterluck，wonbackmymoney。Iwascontenttostopatthis，andtoletthemoneyIhadpaidtoTalvisgo，soIaskedPiccolominitopayme，whichhedidwithabillofexchangeonanAmsterdambankdrawnbyafirminMiddlesburg。AtfirstImadesomedifficultyintakingit，onthepretextthatitwouldbedifficulttonegotiate，buthepromisedtoletmehavethemoneynextday，andIhadtogivein。
Imadehastetoleavethiscut—throatplace，afterrefusingtolendTalvisahundredLouis，whichhewantedtoborrowofmeonthestrengthoftherevengeIowedhim。Hewasinabadhumour，bothonthisaccountandbecausehehadlostthehundredLouisIhadpaidhim，andheallowedhimselftouseabusivelanguage，whichItreatedwithcontempt。Iwenttobed，promisingmyselfnevertosetfootinsuchaplaceagain。
Thenextmorning，however，IwentoutwiththeintentionofcallingonPiccolominitogetthebillofexchangecashed，butonmywayI
happenedtogointoacoffee—houseandtomeetRigerboos，Therese’sfriend，whoseacquaintancethereaderhasalreadymade。Aftergreetingeachother，andtalkingaboutTherese，whowasnowinLondonanddoingwell，Iskewedhimmybill，tellinghimthecircumstancesunderwhichIhadit。Helookedatitclosely，andsaid，\"It’saforgery，andtheoriginalfromwhichitwascopiedwashonouredyesterday。\"
HesawthatIcouldscarcelybelieveit，andtoldmetocomewithhimtobeconvincedofthetruthofwhathesaid。
Hetookmetoamerchantofhisacquaintance，whoskewedmethegenuinebill，whichhehadcashedthedaybeforeforanindividualwhowasunknowntohim。InmyindignationIbeggedRigerboostocomewithmetoPiccolomini，tellinghimthathemightcashitwithoutremark，andthatotherwisehewouldwitnesswhathappened。
Wearrivedatthecount’sandwerepolitelyreceived，thecountaskingmetogivehimthebillandhewouldsendittothebanktobecashed，butRigerboosbrokeinbysayingthatitwouldbedishonoured，asitwasamerecopyofabillwhichhadbeencashedtheeveningbefore。
Piccolominipretendedtobegreatlyastonished，andsaidthat，\"thoughhecouldnotbelieveit，hewouldlookintothematter。\"
\"Youmaylookintoitwhenyouplease，\"saidI，\"butinthemeantimeIshouldbeobligedbyyourgivingmefivehundredflorins。\"
\"Youknowme，sir，\"saidhe，raisinghisvoice，\"Iguaranteetopayyou，andthatoughttobeenough。\"
\"Nodoubtitwouldbeenough，ifIchose；butIwantmymoney。\"
Atthishiswifecameinandbegantotakeherpartinthedispute，andonthearrivalofthecount’sman，averycut—threat，Rigerboostookholdofmebythearmanddrewmeforciblyaway。\"Followme，\"
saidhe，whenwewereoutside，\"andletmeseetothisbusinessmyself。\"Hetookmetoafine—lookingman，whoturnedouttobethelieutenantofpolice，andafterhehadheardthecasehetoldmetogivehimthebillofexchangeandtosaywhereIwasgoingtodine。
ItoldhimIshouldbeatM。d’O’s，andsayingthatwoulddohewentoff。IthankedRigerboos，andwenttoEsther，whoreproachedmetenderlyfornothavingbeentoseehertheeveningbefore。Thatflatteredme，andIthoughtherareallycharminggirl。
\"Imusttakecare，\"saidI，\"nottoseeyoueveryday，foryoureyeshaveaswayovermethatIshallnotbeabletoresistmuchlonger。\"
\"IshallbelieveasmuchofthatasIchoose，but，by—the—by，haveyouthoughtofanywayofconvincingme？\"
\"Whatdoyouwanttobeconvincedabout？\"
\"Ifitbetruethatthereisinyourcabalaanintelligencedistinctfromyourownyououghttobeabletofindsomewayofprovingittome。\"
\"Thatisahappythought；Iwillthinkitover。\"
AtthatmomentherfathercameinfromtheExchange，andwesatdawntodinner。
Wewereatdessertwhenapoliceofficialbroughtmefivehundredflorins，forwhichIgavehimareceipt。
WhenhehadgoneItoldmyentertainerswhathadhappenedtheeveningbeforeandinthemorning，andthefairEstherreproachedmeforpreferringsuchbadcompanytoher。\"Bywayofpunishment，\"saidshe，\"Ihopeyouwillcomewithmetothetheatrethisevening，thoughtheyaregoingtogiveaDutchplay，ofwhichyouwillnotunderstandaword。\"
\"Ishallbenearyou，andthatisenoughforme:\"
Infact，Ididnotcomprehendawordoftheactors’gibberish，andwasterriblybored，asEstherpreservedasolemnandserioussilencethewholetime。
Aswewerecomingfromthetheatreshetoldmeallaboutthepiecewithcharminggraceandwonderfulmemory；sheseemedtowishtogivemesomepleasureinreturnforthetediumtowhichshehadcondemnedme。Whenwegothomewehadsupper，andthatevening，Heavenbethanked！Iheardnothingmoreaboutthecabala。Beforeweparted，Estherandherfathermademepromisetodinewiththemeveryday，andtoletthemknowifanythingpreventedmycoming。
Nextmorning，abouteighto’clock，whileIwasstilldressing，I
suddenlysawPiccoloministandingbeforeme，andashehadnotsentinhisnameIbegantofeelsuspicious。IrangthebellformyfaithfulSpaniard，whocameindirectly。
\"Iwanttospeaktoyouprivately，\"saidhe，\"tellthatfellowtogoout。\"
\"Hecanstay，\"Ianswered，\"hedoesnotknowawordofItalian。\"LeDuc，ofcourse，knewItalianperfectlywell。
\"Yesterday，aboutnoon，\"hebegan，\"twomencameintomyroom。Theywereaccompaniedbytheinnkeeper，whoservedasinterpreter。OneofthemenaskedmeifIfeltinclinedtocashthereandthenaforgedbillofexchange，whichIhadgiventhenightbefore，andwhichheheldinhishands。AsIgavenoreply，hetoldmethattherewasnotimeforconsiderationorargument；Imustsayyesornothereandthen，forsuchweretheirinstructionsfromthechiefofpolice。I
hadnochoiceinthematter，soIpaidthefivehundredflorins，butIdidnotgetbackthebill，andthemantoldmeIcouldnothaveitunlessItoldthepolicethenameofthepersonfromwhomIgotit，as，intheinterestsofcommerce，theforgermustbeprosecuted。MyreplywasthatIcouldnotpossiblytellthemwhattheywanted，asI
hadgotitofastrangerwhohadcomeintomyroomwhileIwasholdingasmallbankoffaro，topassthetime。
\"Itoldhimthatafterthisperson（whoIhadthoughtintroducedbysomeoneinthecompany）hadgone，Ifoundtomysurprisethatnobodyknewhim；andIaddedthatifIhadbeenawareofthisIwouldnotonlyhaverefusedthebillbutwouldnothaveallowedhimtoplay。
ThereuponthesecondpolicemansaidthatIhadbetterfindoutwhothispersonwas，orelseIshouldbeconsideredastheforgerandprosecutedaccordingly；afterthisthreattheywentout。
\"Intheafternoonmywifecalledonthechiefofpoliceandwaspolitelyreceived，butafterhearingwhatshehadtosayheinformedherthatshemustfindouttheforger，sinceM。Casanova’shonourmightbeendangeredbythebankertakingproceedingsagainsthim，inwhichcasehewouldhavetoprosecuteme。
\"Youseeinwhatadifficultpositionweareplaced，andIthinkyououghttotrytohelpus。Youhavegotyourmoneyandyouarenotwithoutfriends。Gettheirinfluenceexertedinthematter，andweshallhearnomoreaboutit。Yourinterestsaswellasmineareconcerned。\"
\"Exceptasawitnessofthefact，\"Ianswered，\"Icanhavenothingtodowiththisaffair。YouagreethatIreceivedthebillfromyou，sinceyoucashedit；thatisenoughforme。Ishouldbegladtobeofservicetoyou，butIreallydon’tseewhatIcando。ThebestadviceIcangiveyouistomakeasacrificeoftherascallysharperwhogaveyoutheforgedbill，andifyoucan’tdothatIwouldcounselyoutodisappear，andthesoonerthebetter，orelseyoumaycometothegalleys，orworse。\"
Hegotintoarageatthis，andturninghisbackonmewentout，sayingIshouldbesorryforwhatIhadsaid。
MySpaniardfollowedhimdownthestairandcamebacktotellmethatthesignorhadgoneoffthreateningvengeance，andthat，inhisopinion，Iwoulddowelltobeonmyguard。
\"Allright，\"saidI，\"saynomoreaboutit。\"
AllthesameIwasreallyverygratefulforhisadvice，andIgavethematteragooddealofthought。
IdressedmyselfandwenttoseeEsther，whomIhadtoconvinceofthedivinityofmyoracle，adifferenttaskwithonewhoseownwitshadtoldhersomuchconcerningmymethods。Thiswastheproblemshegavemetosolve，\"YouroraclemusttellmesomethingwhichI，andonlyI，know。\"
Feelingthatitwouldbeimpossibletofulfiltheseconditions，I
toldherthattheoraclemightrevealsomesecretshemightnotcaretohavedisclosed。
\"Thatisimpossible，\"sheanswered，\"asthesecretwillbeknownonlytomyself。\"
\"But，iftheoraclerepliesIshallknowtheansweraswellasyou，anditmaybesomethingyouwouldnotlikemetoknow。\"
\"Thereisnosuchthing，and，eveniftherewere，iftheoracleisnotyourownbrainyoucanalwaysfindoutanythingyouwanttoknow。\"
\"Butthereissomelimittothepowersoftheoracle。\"
\"Youaremakingidleexcuses；eitherprovethatIammistakeninmyideasoracknowledgethatmyoracleisasgoodasyours。\"
Thiswaspushingmehard，andIwasonthepointofdeclaringmyselfconqueredwhenabrightideastruckme。
InthemidstofthedimplewhichaddedsuchacharmtoherchinEstherhadalittledarkmole，garnishedwiththreeorfourextremelyfinehairs。Thesemoles，whichwecallinItalian’neo，nei’，andwhichareusuallyanimprovementtotheprettiestface，whentheyoccurontheface，theneck，thearms，orthehands，areduplicatedonthecorrespondingpartsofthebody。Iconcluded，therefore，thatEstherhadamolelikethatonherchininacertainplacewhichavirtuousgirldoesnotshew；andinnocentasshewasIsuspectedthatsheherselfdidnotknowofthissecondmole’sexistence。\"I
shallastonishher，\"Isaidtomyself，\"andestablishmysuperiorityinamannerwhichwillputtheideaofhavingequalskilltomineoutofherheadforgood。\"Thenwiththesolemnandfar—awaylookofaseerImademypyramidandextractedthesewordsfromit，\"FairanddiscreetEsther，nooneknowsthatattheentranceofthetempleofloveyouhaveamolepreciselylikethatwhichappearsonyourchin。\"
WhileIwasworkingatmycalculations，Estherwasleaningovermeandfollowingeverymovement。AsshereallyknewasmuchaboutthecabalaasIdidshedidnotwantittobeexplainedtoher，buttranslatedthenumbersintolettersasIwrotethemdown。AssoonasIhadextractedallthecombinationsofnumbersfromthepyramidshesaid，quietly，thatasIdidnotwanttoknowtheanswer，shewouldbemuchobligedifIwouldlethertranslatethecypher。
\"Withpleasure，\"Ireplied。\"AndIshalldosoallthemorewillinglyasIshalltherebysaveyourdelicacyfromsharingwithmeasecretwhichmayormaynotbeagreeable。Ipromiseyounottotrytofinditout。Itisenoughformetoseeyouconvinced。\"
\"IshallbeconvincedwhenIhaveverifiedthetruthofthereply。\"
\"Areyoupersuaded，dearestEsther，thatIhavehadnothingtodowithframingthisanswer？\"
\"Ishallhequitesureofitifithasspokenthetruth，andifsotheoraclewillhaveconquered，forthematterissosecretaonethatevenIdonotknowofit。Youneednotknowyourself，asitisonlyatriflewhichwouldnotinterestyou；butitwillbeenoughtoconvincemethattheanswersofyouroraclearedictatedbyanintelligencewhichhasnothingincommonwithyours。\"
Therewassomuchcandourandfranknessinwhatshesaidthatafeelingofshamereplacedthedesireofdeceivingher，andIshedsometears，whichEsthercouldonlyinterpretfavourablytome。
Nevertheless，theyweretearsofremorse，andnow，asIwriteaftersuchalapseofyears，Istillregrethavingdeceivedonesoworthyofmyesteemandlove。EventhenIreproachedmyself，butapitiablefeelingofshamewouldnotletmetellthetruth；butIhatedmyselfforthusleadingastrayonewhoseesteemIdesiredtogain。
InthemeantimeIwasnotabsolutelysurethatIhadhitthemark，forinnature，likeeverythingelse，everylawhasitsexceptions，andImightpossiblyhavedugapitfallformyself。Ontheotherhand，ifIwereright，Estherwouldnodoubtbeconvincedforthemoment，butherbeliefwouldspeedilydisappearifshechancedtodiscoverthatthecorrespondenceofmolesonthehumanbodywasanecessarylawofnature。InthatcaseIcouldonlyanticipateherscorn。ButhoweverImighttrembleIhadcarriedthedeceptiontoofar，andcouldnotdrawback。
IleftEsthertocallonRigerboos，whomIthankedforhisofficesonmybehalfwiththechiefofthepolice。HetoldmethatIhadnothingtofearfromPiccolominiinHolland，butallthesameheadvisedmenottogoaboutwithoutpistols。\"IamontheeveofembarkingforBatavia，\"saidhe，\"inavesselwhichIhaveladenwiththeruinsofmyfortune。InthestatemyaffairsareinIthoughtthisthebestplan。Ihavenotinsuredthecargo，soasnotdiminishmyprofits，whichwillbeconsiderableifIsucceed。IftheshipistakenorwreckedIshalltakecarenottosurviveitsloss；andafterallIshallnotlosemuch。\"
PoorRiberboossaidallthisasifhewerejesting，butdespairhadnodoubtagooddealtodowithhisresolve，sinceitisonlyingreatmiserythatwedespisebothlifeandfortune。ThecharmingThereseTrenti，whomRigerboosalwaysspokeofasOurLady，hadcontributedtohisruininnosmalldegree。ShewastheninLondon，where，byherownaccount，shewasdoingwell。ShehadexchangedthenameofTrentiforthatofCornelis，orCornely，which，asIfoundoutafterwards，wasRigerboo’srealname。Wespentanhourinwritingtothiscuriouswoman，aswedesiredtotakeadvantageofthecircumstancethatamanwhomRigerboosdesiredtocommendtoherwasshortlygoingtoEngland。WhenwehadfinishedwewentsleighingontheAmstel，whichhadbeenfrozenoverforseveraldays。Thisdiversion，ofwhichtheDutchareveryfond，is，tomythinking，thedullestimaginable，foranobjectlessjourneyisnopleasuretome。
Afterwewerewellfrozenwewenttoeatoysters，withSillery，towarmourselvesagain，andafterthatwewentfromonecasinotoanother，notintendingtocommitanydebauchery，butforwantofsomethingbettertodo；butitseemeddecreedthatwheneverI
preferredanyamusementofthiskindtothecharmsofEsther’ssocietyIshouldcometogrief。
Idonotknowhowithappened，butasweweregoingintooneofthesecasinosRigerbooscalledmeloudlybymyname，andatthatinstantawoman，suchasoneusuallyfindsintheseplaces，cameforwardandbegantogazeatme。AlthoughtheroomwasillenoughlightedIsawitwasthewretchedLucie，whomIhadmetayearbeforewithoutherrecognizingme。Iturnedaway，pretendingnottoknowher，forthesightofherwasdisagreeabletome，butinasadvoiceshecalledmebymyname，congratulatingmeonmyprosperityandbewailingherownwretchedness。IsawthatIcouldneitheravoidhernorrepulseherwithoutinhumanity，soIcalledtoRigerboostocomeupstairsandthegirlwoulddivertusbyrecountingthehistoryofherlife。
Strictlyspeaking，Luciehadnotbecomeugly；onecouldstillseethatshehadbeenabeautifulwoman；butforallthatherappearanceinspiredmewithterroranddisgust。SincethedayswhenIhadknownheratPasean，nineteenyearsofmisery，profligacy，andshamehadmadeherthemostdebased，thevilestcreaturethatcanbeimagined。
Shetoldusherstoryatgreatlength；thepithofitmightbeexpressedinsixlines。
ThefootmanwhohadseducedherhadtakenhertoTriestetoliein，andthescoundrellivedonthesaleofhercharmsforfiveorsixmonths，andthenaseacaptain，whohadtakenafancytoher，tookhertoZantewiththefootman，whopassedforherhusband。
AtZantethefootmanturnedsoldier，anddesertedthearmyfouryearsafter。Shewasleftaloneandcontinuedlivingonthewagesofprostitutionforsixyears；butthegoodsshehadtoofferloweringinvalue，andhercustomersbeingoftheinferiorkind，shesetoutforEnglandwithayoungGreekgirl，whomanEnglishofficerofmarinestreatedashiswife，andwhomheabandonedinthestreetsofLondonwhenhegottiredofher。AfterlivingfortwoorthreeyearsinthevilesthauntsinLondon，LuciecametoHolland，where，notbeingabletosellherownpersonanylonger，shebecameaprocuress——anaturalendingtohercareer。Luciewasonlythirty—three，butshewasthewreckofawoman，andwomenarealwaysasoldastheylook。
WhileshetoldherhistorysheemptiedtwobottlesofBurgundyIhadordered，andwhichneitherInormyfriendtouched。Finally，shetoldusshewasnowsupportedbytwoprettygirlswhomshekept，andwhohadtogiveherthehalfofwhattheygot。
Rigerboosaskedher，jokingly，ifthegirlswereatthecasino。
\"No，\"saidshe，\"theyarenothere，andshallnevercomehere，fortheyareladiesofhighbirth，andtheiruncle，wholooksaftertheirinterests，isaVenetiangentleman。\"
AtthisIcouldnotkeepbackmylaughter，butLucie，withoutlosingcountenance，toldmethatshecouldonlyrepeattheaccounttheyhadgivenofthemselves，thatifwewantedtobeconvincedwehadonlytogoandseethematahousesherentedfiftypacesoff，andthatweneednotbeafraidofbeingdisturbedifwewent，astheirunclelivedinadifferentpartofthetown。
\"Oh，indeed！\"saidI，\"hedoesnotlivewithhishighbornnieces，then？\"
\"No，heonlycomestodinnertohearhowbusinesshasbeengoing，andtotakeallthemoneyfromthem。\"
\"Comealong，\"saidRigerboos，\"wewillgoandseethem。\"
AsIwasdesirousofseeingandaddressingthenobleVenetianladiesofsohonourableaprofession，ItoldLucietotakeustothehouse。
Iknewverywellthatthegirlswereimpostors，andtheirgentleman—
uncleablackguard；butthediewascast。
Wefoundthemtobeyoungandpretty。LucieintroducedmeasaVenetian，andtheywerebesidethemselveswithjoytohavesomeonetowhomtheycouldtalk。IfoundoutdirectlythattheycamefromPadua，notVenice，astheyspokethePaduandialect，whichIknewverywell。Itoldthemso，andtheyconfesseditwasthetruth。I
askedthenameoftheiruncle，buttheysaidtheycouldnottellme。
\"Wecangetonwithoutknowing，\"saidRigerboos，catchingholdoftheonehelikedbest。Luciebroughtinsomeham，oysters，apie，andagoodmanybottlesofwine，andthenleftus。
Iwasnotinthehumourforwantonness，butRigerbooswasdisposedtobemerry；hissweetheartwasatfirstinclinedtobeprudishonhistakinglibertieswithher，butasIbegantofollowhisexampletheladiesrelaxedtheirseverity；wewentfirsttooneandthentheother，andbeforelongtheywerebothinthestateofEvebeforesheusedthefig—leaf。
Afterpassinganhourintheselasciviouscombatswegaveeachofthegirlsfourducats，paidfortheprovisionswehadconsumed，andsentsixLouistoLucie。Wethenleftthem，Igoingtobedcrosswithmyselfforhavingengagedinsuchbrutalpleasures。
NextmorningIawokelateandinabadhumour，partlyfromthedebauchofthenightbefore（forprofligacydepressesaswellasdegradesthemind）andpartlyfromthethoughtthatIhadneglectedEsther，whohadunquestionablybeengrievedbymyabsence。IfeltthatImusthastentoreassureher，feelingcertainthatIshouldfindsomeexcusestomake，andthattheywouldbewellreceived。I
rangforLeDuc，putonmydressing—gown，andsenthimformycoffee。
HehadscarcelylefttheroomwhenthedooropenedandIsawPerineandthefellownamedWiedan，whomIhadseenatPiccolomini’s，andwhostyledhimselfafriendofSt。Germain。Iwassittingonmybed，puttingonmystockings。Myapartmentsconsistedofthreefinerooms，buttheywereatthebackofthehouse，andallthenoiseI
couldhavemadewouldnothavebeenheard。Thebellwasontheothersideoftheroom；LeDucwouldbegonefullytenminutes，andIwasinimminentdangerofbeingassassinatedwithoutthepossibilityofself—defence。
Theabovethoughtsflashedthroughmyheadwithlightningspeed，andallthatIcoulddowastokeepcalmandsay，\"Well，gentlemen，whatcanIdoforyou？\"Wiedantookuponhimselftoanswerme。
\"CountPiccolominihasfoundhimselfforcedtodeclarethathereceivedtheforgedbillfromus，inorderthathemayescapefromthedifficultpositioninwhichyourdenunciationplacedhim。Hehaswarnedusthatheisgoingtodoso，andwemustescapeforthwithifwewanttoavoidprosecution。Wehavenotapenny；wearedesperatemen。\"
\"Well，gentlemen，whathaveItodowiththat？\"
\"Giveusfourhundredflorinsimmediately；wedonotwantmore，butwemusthavethatmuch，andnow。Ifyourefusewewilltaketoflightwitheverythingofyoursthatwecanlayourhandson；andourargumentsarethese。\"
Withthis，eachmandrewapistolfromhispocketandaimeditatmyhead。
\"Youneednothaverecoursetoviolence，\"saidI，\"itcanonlybefataltoyou。Stay，hereareahundredducatsmorethanyouasked。
Begone，andIwishyouapleasantjourney，butIwouldnotbeherewhenmyservantcomesbackifIwereyou。\"
Wiedantooktherollofmoneywithatremblinghandandputitinhispocketwithoutexaminingit；butPerinecameup，andpraisingmynoblegenerosity，wouldhaveputhisarmsaroundmyneckandkissedme。Irepulsedhim，butwithoutrudeness，andtheywenttheirways，leavingmeverygladtohaveridmyselfofthematsocheaparate。
AssoonasIwasoutofthissnareIrangmybell，nottohavethemfollowedbutthatImightgetdressedasquicklyaspossible。IdidnotsayawordtoLeDucaboutwhathadhappened，Iwassilenteventomylandlord；and，afterIhadsentmySpaniardtoM。d’Otoexcusemydiningtherethatday，Iwenttothechiefofpolice，buthadtowaittwohoursbeforeIcouldseehim。Assoonastheworthymanhadheardmyaccountofmymisfortunehesaidhewoulddohisbesttocatchthetworascals，buthedidnotconcealfrommehisfearsthatitwasalreadytoolate。
ItooktheopportunityoftellinghimofPiccolomini’svisittome，hisclaimsandthreats。Hethankedmefordoingso，andpromisedtoseetoit；butheadvisedmeforthefuturetobeonmyguardandreadytodefendmyselfincaseIwasattackedbeforehecouldplacemyenemiesinaplacewheretheycoulddomenoharm。
Ihastenedhomeagain，asIfeltill。Anacidtasteinmymouthskewedmehowalltheseshockshadupsetme；butIknewwhattodo。
Itookastrongglassoflemonade，whichmademebringupagooddealofbile，andIthenfeltmuchbetter。
TowardseveningIwenttoseeEsther，andfoundherlookingseriousandrathervexed；butassoonasshesawhowpaleIwasherfacelightedup，andsheaskedme，inavoiceoftenderestinterest，ifI
hadbeenill。ItoldherIhadbeenoutofsorts，thatIhadtakensomemedicine，andthatInowfeltbetter。
\"Youwillseemyappetiteatsupper，\"addedI，tocalmherfears，\"I
havehadnothingtoeatsincedinneryesterday。\"
Thiswasreallythetruth，asIhadonlyeatenafewoysterswiththePaduangirls。
Shecouldscarcelycontainherjoyatmyrecovery，andbademekissher，withwhichrequestIcompliedgladly，allunworthythoughIfeltofsogreatafavour。
\"Iamgoingtotellyouanimportantpieceofnews，\"saidshe，\"andthatisthatIamsurethatyoudonotinventtheanswerstoyouroracle，oratleastthatyouonlydosowhenyouchoose。Thereplyyouprocuredmewaswonderful—nay，divine，forittoldmeofasecretunknowntoall，eventomyself。YoumayimaginemysurprisewhenI
convincedmyself，withnolittletroubleofthetruthoftheanswer。
\"Youpossessatreasure，youroracleisinfallible；butsurelyitcanneverlie，andmyoracletellsmethatyouloveme。Itmakesmegladtoknowthat，foryouarethemanofmyheart。ButIwantyoutogivemeanexemplaryproofofyourlove，andifyoudolovemeyouwillnothesitatetodoso。Stay，readthereplyyougotme；Iamsureyoudonotknowwhatitsays；thenIwilltellyouhowyoucanmakemequitehappy。\"
Ipretendedtoread，andkissedthewordswhichdeclaredIlovedher。
\"Iamdelighted，\"saidI，\"thattheoraclehasconvincedyousoeasily，butImustbeexcusedifIsaythatIbelieveyouknewasmuchlongago。\"Shereplied，blushing，thatifitwerepossibletochewmetheobjectinquestionIshouldnotwonderatherignorance。
Then，comingtotheproofofmylove，shetoldmethatshewantedmetocommunicatethesecrettoher。\"Youloveme，\"saidshe，\"andyououghttomakenodifficultyinassuringtheblissofagirlwhowillbeyourwife，andinyourpower。Myfatherwillagreetoourmarriage，andwhenIbecomeyourwifeIwilldowhateveryouplease。
Wewillevengoandliveinanothercountryifthatwouldaddtoyourhappiness。Butyoumustteachmehowtoobtaintheanswertoanyquestionwithoutinventingitmyself。\"
ItookEsther’shandsinmine；sheinspiredmewiththetenderestfeelings，andIkissedherhandswithrespectfulfervour，saying，\"Youknow，Esther，dear，thatmywordispassedatParis。Certainly，Manonisnottobecomparedtoyou；butforallthatIgavemypromisetoherpoormother，andImustkeepit。\"
AsighescapedfromEsther，andherheadfelluponherbreast:butwhatcouldIdo？IcouldnotteachheranyotherwayofconsultingtheoraclethanthemethodsheunderstoodaswellasI:mysuperiorityoverheronlyconsistinginmygreatercraftandmoreextensiveexperience。
Earlyonemorning，twoorthreedayslater，amanwasannouncedaswantingtoseeme。Hecalledhimselfanofficer，buthisnamewasperfectlyunknowntome。IsentdowntosaythatIcouldnotseehim，andassoonasmySpaniardwentoutIlockedmydoor。Whathadhappenedalreadyhadmademesuspicious，andIdidnotcaretoseeanymoregentlemenalone。Thetwoscoundrelswhohadrobbedmehadeludedallthesnaresofthepolice，andPiccolominiwasnottobefound；butIknewagoodmanyofthegangwerestillinAmsterdam，andIthoughtitwelltobeonmyguard。
Sometimeafter，LeDuccameinwithaletterwritteninbadItalian，sayingthatithadbeengivenhimbyanofficerwhowaswaitingforananswer。Iopenedit，andrecognizedthenameIhadheardashortwhileago。Thewritersaidwekneweachother，butthathecouldonlygivehistruenamewithhisownlips，andthathehadimportantinformationtogiveme。
ItoldLeDuctoshewhimin，andtostaybythedoor。Isawenterawell—mademanofaboutforty，dressedintheuniformofanofficerofIdonotknowwhatarmy，andbearingonhiscountenanceallthemarksofanescapedgallows’—bird。
\"WhatcanIdoforyou，sir？\"saidI，assoonasheentered。
\"Sir，wekneweachotheratCerigo，sixteenorseventeenyearsago，andIamdelightedtohaveanopportunityofrenewingtheacquaintance。\"
IknewthatIhadspentbutafewminutesatCerigo，onmywaytoConstantinople，andconcludedthatmyvisitormustbeoneoftheunfortunatewretchestowhomIgavealms。
\"Areyoutheman，\"Isaid，\"whotoldmethatyouwerethesonofaCountPeccini，ofPadua，althoughthereisnosuchcountinPaduaatall？\"
\"Icongratulateyouonyourexcellentmemory，\"saidhe，coolly，\"Iamthatveryindividual。\"
\"Well，whatdoyouwantwithmenow？\"
\"Ican’tdivulgemybusinessinthepresenceofyourservant。\"
\"MyservantdoesnotunderstandItalian，soyoucanspeakout；
however，ifyoulike，Iwillsendhimaway。\"
IorderedLeDuctostayintheante—chamber，andwhenhehadlefttheroommyPaduancounttoldmethatIhadbeenwithhisnieces，andhadtreatedthemasiftheywerecourtezans，andthathewascometodemandsatisfaction。
Iwastiredofbeingcheated，andItookholdofmypistolsandpointedthemathim，biddinghimbegoneinstantly。LeDuccameinandthethirdrobbertookhimselfoff，mutteringthat\"atimewouldcome。\"
Iwasplacedinadisagreeableposition；ifIwantedtoprosecute，I
shouldhavetotellthewholestorytothepolice。Ithoughtofmyhonouranddeterminedtobesilent，andtheonlypersontowhomI
mentionedthematterwasRigerboos，whonotbeinginthesamepositionasmyselftookhismeasures，theresultofwhichwasthatLuciehadtosendherhigh—borndamesabouttheirbusiness。Butthewretchedwomancametometosaythatthismisfortunehadplungedherintothedeepestdistress，soImadeherapresentofafewducats，andshewentawaysomewhatconsoled。Ibeggedhernottocallonmeagain。
EverythingIdidwhenIwasawayfromEstherseemedtoturnoutill，andIfeltthatifIwantedtobehappyIshoulddowelltokeepnearher；butmydestiny，orrathermyinconstancy，drewmeaway。
Threedaysafterwards，thevillainousMajorSabicalledonmetowarnmetobeonmyguard，as，accordingtohisaccount，aVenetianofficerIhadinsultedandrefusedtogivesatisfactiontohadvowedvengeanceagainstme。
\"Then，\"saidI，\"Ishallhavehimarrestedasanescapedgalleyslave，inwhichcharacterIhavegivenhimalms，andforwearingwithouttherighttodosotheuniformofanofficer，therebydisgracingthewholearmy。AndpraywhatoutragecanIhavecommittedagainstgirlswholiveinabrothel，andwhomIhavepaidaccordingtotheirdeserts？\"
\"Ifwhatyousayistrueyouarequiteright，butthispoordevilisinadesperatesituation；hewantstoleavethecountry，anddoesnotpossessasingleflorin。Iadviseyoutogivehimanalmsoncemore，andyouwillhavedonewithhim。Twoscoreflorinswillnotmakeyouanythepoorer，andwillridyouofavillainousenemy。\"
\"Amostvillainousone，Ithink。\"AtlastIagreedtogivehimthefortyflorins，andIhandedthemtohiminacoffee—housewherethemajortoldmeIshouldfindhim。ThereaderwillseehowImetthisblackguardfourmonthslater。
Now，whenallthesetroubleshavebeenlongoverandIcanthinkoverthemcalmly，reflectingontheannoyancesIexperiencedatAmsterdam，whereImighthavebeensohappy，Iamforcedtoadmitthatweourselvesaretheauthorsofalmostallourwoesandgriefs，ofwhichwesounreasonablycomplain。IfIcouldlivemylifeoveragain，shouldIbewiser？Perhaps；butthenIshouldnotbemyself。
M。d’O————askedmetosupwithhimattheBurgomasters’Lodge，andthiswasagreatdistinction，for，contrarytotherulesofFreemasonry，noonebutthetwenty—fourmemberswhocomposethelodgeisadmitted，andthesetwenty—fourmasonsweretherichestmenontheExchange。
\"Ihavetoldthemthatyouarecoming，\"saidM。d’O————，\"andtowelcomeyoumorehonourablythelodgewillbeopenedinFrench。\"Inshort，thesegentlemengavemethemostdistinguishedreception，andIhadthefortunetomakemyselfsoagreeabletothemthatIwasunanimouslychosenanhonorarymemberduringthetimeIshouldstayatAmsterdam。Asweweregoingaway，M。d’O————toldmethatIhadsuppedwithacompanywhichrepresentedacapitalofthreehundredmillions。
NextdaytheworthyDutchmanbeggedmetoobligehimbyansweringaquestiontowhichhisdaughter’soraclehadrepliedinaveryobscuremanner。Estherencouragedme，andIaskedwhatthequestionwas。Itranasfollows:
\"IwishtoknowwhethertheindividualwhodesiresmeandmycompanytotransactamatterofthegreatestimportanceisreallyafriendoftheKingofFrance？\"
ItwasnotdifficultformetodivinethattheComtedeSt。Germainwasmeant。M。d’OwasnotawarethatIknewhim，andIhadnotforgottenwhatM。d’Afrihadtoldme。
\"Here’safineopportunity，\"thoughtI，\"forcoveringmyoraclewithglory，andgivingmyfairEsthersomethingtothinkabout。\"
Isettowork，andaftererectingmypyramidandplacingabovethefourkeysthelettersO，S，A，D，thebettertoimposeonEsther，I
extractedthereply，beginningwiththefourthkey，D。Theoracleranasfollows:
\"Thefrienddisavows。Theorderissigned。Theygrant。Theyrefuse。Allvanishes。Delay。\"
Ipretendedtothinkthereplyaveryobscureone，butEsthergaveacryofastonishmentanddeclaredthatitgavealotofinformationinanextraordinarystyle。M。d’O————，inanecstasyofdelight，exclaimed，\"Thereplyisclearenoughforme。Theoracleisdivine；theword’delay’isaddressedtome。Youandmydaughterarecleverenoughinmakingtheoraclespeak，butIammoreskilledthanyouintheinterpretationthereof。Ishallpreventthethinggoinganyfurther。
Theprojectisnolessaonethantolendahundredmillions，takinginpledgethediamondsoftheFrenchcrown。Thekingwishestheloantobeconcludedwithouttheinterferenceofhisministersandwithouttheirevenknowinganythingaboutit。Ientreatyounottomentionthemattertoanyone。\"
Hethenwentout。