\"Icannotinviteyoutomyhouse，\"saidshe，\"forcertainsufficientreasons；butifyouwillstayheresometimeweshallbeabletoseeeachother。ButIentreatyounottoshewmeanymarkedattentioninpublic，fortherearethosewhowillspyuponouractions，anditisnotpleasanttobetalkedabout。
Iwasquitesatisfiedwiththis，andtoldherthatIwoulddoallinmypowertopleaseher，andthatthemostpryingeyesshouldhavenothingtofixon。IfeltthatthepleasureIlookedforwardtowouldberenderedallthesweeterbyatinctureofmystery。
Ihadproclaimedmyselfasanoviceinthemimicart，andhadentreatedmylamefriendtobekindenoughtoinstructme。I
thereforewenttoherinthemorning，butshecouldonlyflatterherselfthatherswasareflectedlight，asIhadopportunitiesforpayingmycourttomycharmerinherhouse，andhowevergreathervanitymayhavebeen，shemusthavehadsomesuspicionsofthetruth。
Thiswomanwasawidow，agedbetweenthirtyandfortyyears，ofajaundicedcomplexion，andapiercingandmaliciousaspect。Inhereffortstohidetheinequalityofherlegs，shewalkedwithastiffandawkwardair；and，wishingtobethoughtawit，sheincreasedhernaturaldullnessbyaceaselessflowofsmalltalk。Ipersistedinbehavingtowardsherwithagreatairofrespect，andonedayshesaidthat，havingseenmeinthedisguiseofawaiter，shewouldnothavethoughtIwasamanofatimidnature。
\"Inwhatrespectdoyouthinkmetimid？\"saidI；towhichshegavemenoanswer，butIknewperfectlywellwhatshemeant。Iwastiredofmypart，andIhaddeterminedtoplayitnomorewhenwehadactedL’Ecossaise。
AllthebestpeopleatSoleurewerepresentatourfirstperformance。
Thelameladywasdelightedwiththehorrorinspiredbyheracting；
butshemightcreditagreatdealofittoherappearance。M。deChavignidrewforththetearsoftheaudience，hisactingwassaidtobebetterthanthegreatVoltaire’s。Asforme，IrememberhownearIwastofaintingwhen，inthethirdsceneofthefifthact，Lindanesaidtome，\"What！You！Youdaretoloveme？\"
Shepronouncedthesewordswithsuchfieryscornthatallthespectatorsapplaudedvehemently。Iwasalmostputoutofcountenance，forIthoughtIdetectedinhervoiceaninsulttomyhonour。However，Icollectedmyselfintheminute’srespitewhichtheloudapplausegaveme，andIreplied，———
\"Yes；Iadoreyou！HowshouldInot？\"
SopatheticallyandtenderlydidIpronouncethesewordsthatthehallrangagainwiththeapplause，andtheencoresfromfourhundredthroatsmademerepeatthewordswhich，indeed，camefrommyheart。
Inspiteofthepleasurewehadgiventotheaudience，wejudgedourselvesnotperfectinourparts，andM。deChavigniadvisedustoputoffoursecondperformanceforacoupleofdays。
\"Wewillhavearehearsalto—morrowatmycountryhouse，\"saidhe，\"andIbegthefavourofallyourcompaniestodinnerthere。\"
However，weallmadeeachothercomplimentsonouracting。MylamefriendtoldmeIhadplayedwell，butnotsowellasinthepartofwaiter，whichreallysuitedmeadmirably。Thissarcasmgotthelaughonherside，butIreturneditbytellingherthatmyperformancewasaworkofart，whileherplayingofLadyAltonwaspurenature。
M。deChavignitoldMadamethatthespectatorswerewrongtoapplaudwhensheexpressedherwonderatmylovingher，sinceshehadspokenthewordsdisdainfully；anditwasimpossiblethatLindanecouldhavedespisedMurray。Theambassadorcalledformethenextdayinhiscarriage，andwhenwereachedhiscountry—housewefoundalltheactorsassembledthere。HisexcellencyaddressedhimselfinthefirstplacetoM。————，tellinghimhethoughthisbusinesswasasgoodasdone，andthattheywouldtalkaboutitafterdinner。Wesatdowntotable，andafterwardsrehearsedthepiecewithoutanyneedoftheprompter’sassistance。
TowardseveningtheambassadortoldthecompanythathewouldexpectthemtosupperthateveningatSoleure，andeveryoneleftwiththeexceptionoftheambassador，myself，andM。————andMadame————。JustasweweregoingIhadanagreeablesurprise。
\"Willyoucomewithme，\"saidtheAmbassadortoM。————，\"wecantalkthematteroveratourease？M。Casanovawillhavethehonourofkeepingyourwifecompanyinyourcarriage。\"
Igavethefairladymyhandrespectfully，andshetookitwithanairofindifference，butasIwashelpingherinshepressedmyhandwithallhermight。Thereadercanimaginehowthatpressuremademybloodcirculatelikefireinmyveins。
Thuswewereseatedsidebyside，ourkneespressedtenderlyagainsteachother。Halfanhourseemedlikeaminute，butitmustnotbethoughtthatwewastedthetime。Ourlipsweregluedtogether，andwerenotsetaparttillwecamewithintenpacesoftheambassador’shouse，whichIcouldhavewishedattenleaguesdistance。Shewasthefirsttogetdown，andIwasalarmedtoseetheviolentblushwhichoverspreadherwholeface。Suchrednesslookedunnatural；itmightbetrayus；ourspringofhappinesswouldsoonbedry。ThewatchfuleyeoftheenviousAltonwouldbefixeduponus，andnotinvain；hertriumphwouldoutweighherhumiliation。Iwasatmywits’
end。
Loveandluck，whichhavesofavouredmethroughoutthecourseofmylife，cametomyaid。Ihadaboutmeasmallboxcontaininghellebore。Iopeneditasifbyinstinct，andinvitedhertotakeasmallpinch。Shedidso，andIfollowedherexample；butthedosewastoostrong，andasweweregoingupthestairswebegantosneeze，andforthenextquarterofanhourwecontinuedsneezing。
Peoplewereobligedtoattributeherhighcolourtothesneezing，oratleastnoonecouldgivevoicetoanyothersuppositions。Whenthesneezingfitwasover，thiswoman，whowasascleverasshewaspretty，saidherheadachewasgone，butshewouldtakecareanothertimenottotakesostrongadose。Ilookedoutofthecornerofmyeyeatthemaliciouswidow，whosaidnothingbutseemeddeepinthought。
ThispieceofgoodluckdecidedmeonstayingatSoleuretillmylovewascrownedwithsuccess，andIdeterminedtotakeacountryhouse。
Ishallnothavemuchopinionofmyreadersiftheyfindthemselvesinmyposition——rich，young，independent，fulloffire，andhavingonlypleasuretoseekfor——anddonotfollowmyexample。AperfectbeautywasbeforemewithwhomIwasmadlyinlove，andwho，Iwassure，sharedthatlove。Ihadplentyofmoney，andIwasmyownmaster。Ithoughtthisamuchbetterplanthanturningmonk，andI
wasabovecaring\"whatpeoplewouldsay。\"Assoonastheambassadorhadreturned，whichhealwaysdidatanearlyhouronaccountofhisadvancedage，Ileftthecompanyandwenttoseehiminhisprivateroom。IntruthIfeltImustgivehimthatconfidencewhichhehadsowelldeserved。
Assoonashesawmehesaid，——
\"Well，well，didyouprofitbytheinterviewIgotyou？\"
Iembracedhim，andsaid，——
\"Imayhopeforeverything。\"
WhenIwastellinghimaboutthehelleborehewaslavishinhiscomplimentsonmypresenceofmind，for，ashesaid，suchanunusualcolourwouldhavemadepeoplethinktherehadbeensomekindofacombat——asuppositionwhichwouldnothavetendedtowardsmysuccess。
AfterIhadtoldhimall，Iimpartedmyplan。
\"Ishalldonothinginahurry，\"saidI，\"asIhavetotakecarethatthelady’shonourdoesnotsuffer，andItrusttotimetoseetheaccomplishmentofmywishes。Ishallwantaprettycountryhouse，agoodcarriage，twolackeys，agoodcook，andahousekeeper。AllthatIleavetoyourexcellency，asIlookuponyouasmyrefugeandguardianangel。\"
\"To—morrow，withoutfail，IwillseewhatIcando，andIhavegoodhopesofdoingyouaconsiderableserviceandofrenderingyouwellcontentwiththeattractionsofSoleure。\"
Nextdayourrehearsalwentoffadmirably，andthedayaftertheambassadorspoketomeasfollows:
\"SofarasIcansee，whatyouareaimingatinthisintrigueisthesatisfyingofyourdesireswithoutdoinganyharmtothelady’sreputation。IthinkIknowthenatureofyourloveforherwellenoughtosaythatifshetoldyouthatyourleavingSoleurewasnecessarytoherpeaceofmindyouwouldleaveheratonce。YouseethatIhavesoundedyouwellenoughtobeacompetentadviserinthisdelicateandimportantaffair，towhichthemostfamouseventsintheannalsofdiplomacyarenottobecompared。\"
\"Yourexcellencydoesnotdosufficientjusticetoacareerwhichhasgainedyousuchdistinction。\"
\"That’sbecauseIamanoldman，mydearfellow，andhaveshakenofftherustanddustofprejudices，andamabletoseethingsastheyreallyare，andappreciatethemattheirtruevalue。Butletusreturntoyourlove—affair。Ifyouwishtokeepitinthedark，youmustavoidwiththegreatestcareanyactionwhichmayawakensuspicioninthemindsofpeoplewhodonotbelievethatanythingisindifferent。ThemostmaliciousandcensoriouswillnotbeabletogetanythingbutthemerestchanceoutoftheinterviewIprocuredyoutoday，andtheaccidentofthesneezingbout，defythemostill—
naturedtodrawanydeductions；foraneagerloverdoesnotbeginhissuitbysendingthebelovedoneintoconvulsions。Nobodycanguessthatyourhelleborewasusedtoconcealtheblushthatyourcaressesoccasioned，sinceitdoesnotoftenhappenthatanamorouscombatleavessuchtraces；andhowcanyoubeexpectedtohaveforeseenthelady’sblushes，andtohaveprovidedyourselfwithaspecificagainstthem？Inshort，theeventsofto—daywillnotdiscloseyoursecret。
M。————who，althoughhewishestopassforamandevoidofjealousy，isalittlejealous；M。————himselfcannothaveseenanythingoutofthecommoninmyaskinghimtoreturnwithme，asIhadbusinessofimportancewithhim，andhehascertainlynoreasonsforsupposingthatIshouldbelikelytohelpyoutointriguewithhiswife。
Furthermore，thelawsofpolitenesswouldhaveforbiddenme，underanycircumstances，offeringtheladytheplaceIofferedhim，andasheprideshimselfonhispolitenesshecanraisenopossibleobjectiontothearrangementwhichwasmade。TobesureIamoldandyouareyoung——adistinctionnotunimportantinahusband’seyes。
\"Afterthisexordium，\"addedthegood—naturedambassador，withalaugh，\"anexordiumwhichIhavedeliveredintheofficialstyleofasecretaryofstate，letusseewhereweare。Twothingsarenecessaryforyoutoobtainyourwished—forbliss。Thefirstthing，whichconcernsyoumoreparticularly，istomakeM。————yourfriend，andtoconcealfromhimthatyouhaveconceivedapassionforhiswife，andhereIwillaidyoutothebestofmyability。Thesecondpointconcernsthelady’shonour；allyourrelationswithhermustappearopenandabove—board。Consideryourselfundermyprotection；
youmustnoteventakeacountryhousebeforewehavefoundoutsomeplanforthrowingdustintotheeyesoftheobservant。However，youneednotbeanxious；Ihavehituponaplan。
\"Youmustpretendtobetakenill，butyourillnessmustbeofsuchakindthatyourdoctorwillbeobligedtotakeyourwordforthesymptoms。Luckily，Iknowadoctorwhosesoleideaistoordercountryairforallcomplaints。Thisphysician，whoisaboutascleverashisbrethren，andkillsorcuresaswellasanyofthem，willcomeandfeelmypulseoneofthesedays。Youmusttakehisadvice，andforacoupleoflouishewillwriteyouaprescriptionwithcountryairasthechiefitem。Hewilltheninformeverybodythatyourcaseisserious，butthathewillanswerforyourcure。\"
\"Whatishisname？\"
\"DoctorHerrenschwand。\"
\"Whatishedoinghere？IknewhimatParis；hewasMadameduRumain’sdoctor。\"
\"Thatishisbrother。Nowfindoutsomepolitecomplaint，whichwilldoyoucreditwiththepublic。Itwillbeeasyenoughtofindahouse，andIwillgetyouanexcellentcooktomakeyourgruelandbeef—tea。\"
Thechoiceofacomplaintcostmesomethought；Ihadtogiveitagooddealofattention。ThesameeveningImanagedtocommunicatemyplantoMadamewhoapprovedofit。Ibeggedhertothinkofsomewayofwritingtome，andshesaidshewould。
\"Myhusband，\"saidshe，\"hasaveryhighopinionofyou。Hehastakennooffenceatourcominginthesamecarriage。Buttellme，wasitanaccidentordesignthatmadeM。deChavignitakemyhusbandandleaveustogether？\"
\"Itwastheresultofdesign，dearest。\"Sheraisedherbeautifuleyesandbitherlips。\"Areyousorryitwasso？\"
\"Alas！no。\"
Inthreeorfourdays，onthedayonwhichweweregoingtoactL’Ecossaise，thedoctorcametodinewiththeambassadorandstayedtilltheeveningtoseetheplay。Atdesserthecomplimentedmeonmygoodhealth，onwhichItooktheopportunity，andtoldhimthatappearancesweredeceitful，andthatIshouldbegladtoconsulthimthenextday。Nodoubthewasdelightedtobedeceivedinhisestimateofmyhealth，andhesaidheshouldbegladifhecouldbeofanyservice。Hecalledonmeatthehouragreedupon，andItoldhimsuchsymptomsasmyfancydictated；amongstotherthings，thatI
wassubjecttocertainnocturnalirritationswhichmademeextremelyweak，especiallyinthereins。
\"Quiteso，quiteso；it’satroublesomething，butwewillseewhatcanbedone。Myfirstremedy，whichyoumaypossiblynotcaremuchfor，isforyoutopasssixweeksinthecountry，whereyouwillnotseethoseobjectswhichimpressyourbrain，actingontheseventhpairofnerves，andcausingthatlumbardischargewhichnodoubtleavesyouinaverydepressedstate。\"
\"Yes，itcertainlydoes。\"
\"Quiteso，quiteso。Mynextremedyiscoldbathing。\"
\"Arethebathsfarfromhere？\"
\"Theyarewhereveryoulike。Iwillwriteyouaprescription，andthedruggistwillmakeitup。\"
Ithankedhim，andafterhehadpouchedthedouble—louisIslippedpolitelyintohishand，hewentawayassuringmethatIshouldsoonexperienceanimprovementinmyhealth。BytheeveningthewholetownknewthatIwasillandhadtogointothecountry。M。deChavignisaidpleasantlyatdinnertothedoctor，thatheshouldhaveforbiddenmeallfemininevisitors；andmylamefriend，refiningontheidea，addedthatIshouldaboveallbedebarredaccesstocertainportraits，ofwhichIhadabox—full。Ilaughedapprovingly，andbeggedM。deChavigni，inthepresenceofthecompany，tohelpmetofindaprettyhouseandagoodcook，asIdidnotintendtotakemymealsalone。
Iwastiredofplayingawearisomepart，andhadleftoffgoingtoseemylamefriend，butshesoonreproachedmeformyinconstancy，tellingmethatIhadmadeatoolofher。\"Iknowall，\"saidthismaliciouswoman，\"andIwillbeavenged。\"
\"Youcannotbeavengedfornothing，\"saidI，\"forIhaveneverdoneyouaninjury。However，ifyouintendtohavemeassassinated，I
shallapplyforpoliceprotection。\"
\"Wedon’tassassinatehere，\"saidshe，savagely。\"WearenotItalians。\"
Iwasdelightedtoberelievedfromtheburdenofhersociety，andhenceforthMadamewasthesoleobjectofmythoughts。M。deChavigni，whoseemedtodelightinservingme，madeherhusbandbelievethatIwastheonlypersonwhocouldgettheDucdeChoiseultopardonacousinofhiswhowasintheguards，andhadhadthemisfortunetokillhismaninaduel。\"This，\"saidthekindlyoldgentleman，\"isthebestwaypossibleofgainingthefriendshipofyourrival。Doyouthinkyoucanmanageit？\"
\"Iamnotpositiveofsuccess。\"
\"PerhapsIhavegonealittletoofar；butItoldhimthatbymeansofyouracquaintancewiththeDuchessedeGrammontyoucoulddoanythingwiththeminister。\"
\"Imustmakeyouatrueprophet；IwilldoallIcan。\"
TheconsequencewasthatM。————informedmeofthefactsintheambassador’spresence，andbroughtmeallthepapersrelativetothecase。
IspentthenightinwritingtotheDuchessedeGrammont。Imademyletteraspatheticaspossible，withaviewtotouchingherheart，andthenherfather’s；andIthenwrotetotheworthyMadamed’Urfetellingherthatthewell—beingofthesublimeorderoftheRosyCrosswasconcernedinthepardonofaSwissofficer，whohadbeenobligedtoleavethekingdomonaccountofaduelinwhichtheorderwashighlyconcerned。
Inthemorning，afterrestingforanhour，Iwenttotheambassador，andshewedhimtheletterIhadwrittentotheduchess。Hethoughtitexcellentlyexpressed，andadvisedmetoskewittoM。————I
foundhimwithhisnight—capon；hewasextremelygratefulfortheinterestItookinamatterwhichwassoneartohisheart。Hetoldmethathiswifehadnotyetrisen，andaskedmetowaitandtakebreakfastwithher。Ishouldhavemuchlikedtoaccepttheinvitation，butIbeggedhimtomakemyexcusestohisladyformyabsence，onthepretencethatIhadtofinishmyletters，andhandthemtothecourierwhowasjustleaving。Ihopedinthiswaytoscatteranyjealousythatmightbehoveringinhisbrain，bytheslightimportanceIattachedtoameetingwithhiswife。
IwenttodinewithM。deChavigni，whothoughtmyconducthadbeenverypolitic，andsaidthathewascertainthathenceforthM。————
wouldbemybestfriend。HethenskewedmealetterfromVoltairethankinghimforplayingMontroseinhisEcossaise；andanotherfromtheMarquisdeChauvelin，whowasthenatDeliceswiththephilosopherofFerney。HepromisedtocomeandseehimafterhehadbeentoTurin，wherehehadbeenappointedambassador。
CHAPTERXV
MyCountryHouse——MadameDubois——MaliciousTrickPlayedonMebyMyLameEnemy——MyVexationTherewasareceptionandasupperattheCourt，astheystyledthehotelofM。deChavigni，orratheroftheambassadoroftheKingofFranceinSwitzerland。AsIcameinIsawmycharmersittingapartreadingaletter。Iaccostedher，apologizingfornothavingstayedtobreakfast，butshesaidIhaddonequiteright，addingthatifI
hadnotchosenacountryhouseshehopedIwouldtakeoneherhusbandwouldprobablymentiontomethatevening。Shecouldnotsayanymore，asshewascalledawaytoagameatquadrille。FormypartI
didnotplay，butwanderedfromonetabletoanother。
Atsuppereverybodytalkedtomeaboutmyhealth，andmyapproachingstayinthecountry。ThisgaveM。————anopportunitytomentionadelightfulhouseneartheAar；\"but，\"headded，\"itisnottobeletforlessthansixmonths。\"
\"IfIlikeit，\"Ireplied，\"andamfreetoleaveitwhenIplease，I
willwillinglypaythesixmonths’rentinadvance。\"
\"Thereisafinehallinit。\"
\"Allthebetter；IwillgiveaballasevidenceofmygratitudetothepeopleofSoleureforthekindwelcomeIhavereceivedfromthem。\"
\"Wouldyouliketocomeandseeitto—morrow？\"
\"Withpleasure。\"
\"Verygood，thenIwillcallforyouateighto’clock，ifthathourwillsuityou。\"
\"Ishallexpectyou。\"
WhenIgotbacktomylodgingIorderedatravellingcarriageandfour，andthenextmorning，beforeeighto’clock，IcalledforM。
whowasready，andseemedflatteredatmyanticipatinghim。
\"Imademywifepromisetocomewithus；butsheisasluggard，whoprefersherbedtothefreshair。\"
Inlessthananhourwereachedourjourney’send，andIfoundthehouseabeautifuloneandlargeenoughtolodgethewholecourtofaprinceoftheHolyRomanEmpire。Besidesthehall，whichIthoughtmagnificent，Inotedwithgreatpleasureaclosetarrangedasaboudoir，andcoveredwiththemostexquisitepictures。Afinegarden，fountains，baths，severalwell—furnishedrooms，agoodkitchen——inaword，everythingpleasedme，andIbeggedM。————toarrangeformetotakeupmyabodethereintwodays’time。
WhenwegotbacktoSoleure，MadametoldmehowpleasedshewasthatIlikedthehouse；andseizingtheopportunity，IsaidthatIhopedtheywouldoftendomethehonourofdiningwithme。Theypromisedtheywoulddoso。Idrewfrommypocketapacketcontainingahundredlouis，whichIgaveM。————topaytherent。Ithenembracedhim，andafterimprintingarespectfulkissonthehandofhisfairmateIwenttoM。deChavigni，whoapprovedofmyhavingtakenthehouseasitpleasedmylady，andaskedmeifitwastruethatIwasgoingtogiveaball。
\"Yes，ifIseeanyprospectofitsbeingabrilliantone，andifI
haveyourapprobation。\"
\"Youneedhavenodoubtsonthatpoint，mydearfellow，andwhateveryoucan’tfindintheshopscometomefor。Come，Iseeyouaregoingtospendalittlemoney。Itisagoodplan，andovercomesmanydifficulties。Inthemeanwhileyoushallhavetwofootmen，anexcellentcook，ahousekeeper，andwhateverotherservantsyourequire。Theheadofmyhouseholdwillpaythem，andyoucansettlewithhimafterwards，heisatrustworthyman。Iwillcomenowandthenandtakeaspoonfulofsoupwithyou，andyoushallrewardmeforwhatservicesImayhavedoneyoubytellingmehowthingsaregettingon。Ihaveagreatesteemforyourcharmingfriend，herdiscretionisbeyondheryears，andthepledgesofloveyouwillobtainofherwilldoubtlessincreaseyourpassionandyouresteem。
IssheawarethatIknowall？\"
\"Sheknowsthatwearefirmfriends，andsheisgladofit，assheissurethatyouwillbediscreet。\"
\"Shemaycountonmydiscretion。Sheisreallyadeliciouswoman；I
shouldhavebeentemptedtoseducehermyselfthirtyyearsago。\"
Adruggist，whomthedoctorhadrecommendedtome，setoutthesamedaytogetreadythebathswhichweretocuremeofmyimaginarycomplaint，andintwodaysIwentmyself，afterhavinggivenLeDucorderstobringmybaggageon。
Iwasextremelysurprised，onenteringtheapartmentIwastooccupy，toseeaprettyyoungwomanwhocameuptomeinamodestwaytokissmyhand。Istoppedherdoingso，andmyastonishedairmadeherblush。
\"Doyoubelongtothehousehold？\"Isaid。
\"Theambassador’sstewardhasengagedmeasyourhousekeeper。\"
\"Pardonmysurprise。Takemetomyroom。\"
Sheobeyed，andsittingdownonthecouchIbeggedhertositbesideme。
\"Thatisanhonour，\"saidshe，inthemostpoliteandmodestway，\"Icannotallowmyself。Iamonlyyourservant。\"
\"Verygood，butwhenIamaloneIhopeyouwillconsenttotakeyourmealswithme，asIdon’tlikeeatingbymyself。\"
\"Iwilldoso，sir。\"
\"Whereisyourroom？\"
\"Thisistheonethestewardassignedtome，butyouhaveonlytospeakifyouwishmetosleepinanother。\"
\"Notatall；itwilldoverywell。\"
Herroomwasjustbehindtherecessinwhichmybedstood。Iwentinwithherandwasastonishedtoseeagreatdisplayofdresses，andinanadjoiningclosetallthearrayofthetoilette，lineninabundance，andagoodstockofshoesandembroideredslippers。DumbwithsurpriseIlookedather，andwasthoroughlysatisfiedwithwhatIsaw。NeverthelessIdeterminedtosubjecthertoacloseexamination，asIthoughthermannerstoointerestingandherlinentooextensiveforhertobeamereservant。AllatonceIwasstruckwiththeideathatitmightbeatrickoftheambassador’s，forafinewoman，welleducated，andagedtwenty—fouroratthemosttwenty—fiveyears，seemedtomemorefittedtobemymistressthanmyhousekeeper。Ithereforeaskedherifsheknewtheambassador，andwhatwagesshewastoreceive。SherepliedthatsheonlyknewM。deChavignibysight，andthatthestewardhadpromisedhertwolouisamonthandhermealsinherownroom。
\"Wheredoyoucomefrom？What’syourname？\"
\"IcomefromLyons；Iamawidow，andmynameisDubois。\"
\"Iamdelightedtohaveyouinmyservice。Ishallseeyouagain。\"
Shethenleftme，andIcouldnothelpthinkingheraveryinterestingwoman，asherspeechwasasdignifiedasherappearance。
Iwentdowntothekitchenandfoundthecook，anhonest—lookingfellow，whotoldmehisnamewasRosier。IhadknownhisbrotherintheserviceoftheFrenchambassadoratVenice。Hetoldmethatsupperwouldbereadyatnineo’clock。
\"Inevereatbymyself，\"saidI。
\"SoIhear，sir；andIwillservesupperaccordingly。\"
\"Whatareyourwages？\"
\"Fourlouisamonth。\"
Ithenwenttoseetherestofmypeople。Ifoundtwosharp—lookingfootmen，andthefirstofthemtoldmehewouldseeIhadwhatwineI
wanted。ThenIinspectedmybath，whichseemedconvenient。Anapothecarywaspreparingcertainmattersformyimaginarycure。
Finally，Itookawalkroundmygarden，andbeforegoinginIwentintothegate—keeper’s，whereIfoundanumerousfamily，andsomegirlswhowerenottobedespised。IwasdelightedtoheareverybodyspeakFrench，andItalkedwiththemsometime。
WhenIgotbacktomyroom，IfoundLeDucoccupiedinunpackingmymails；andtellinghimtogivemylinentoMadameDubois，Iwentintoaprettycabinetadjoining，wheretherewasadeskandallmaterialsnecessaryforwriting。Thisclosethadonlyonewindowfacingnorth，butitcommandedaviewcapableofinspiringthefinestthoughts。I
wasamusingmyselfwiththecontemplationofthissublimeprospect，whenIheardaknockatmydoor。Itwasmyprettyhousekeeper，whoworeamodestandpleasantexpression，anddidnotintheleastresembleapersonwhobearsacomplaint。
\"WhatcanIdoforyou，madam？\"
\"Ihopeyouwillbegoodenoughtoorderyourmantobepolitetome？\"
\"Certainly；howhashefailedinpoliteness？\"
\"Hemightpossiblytellyouinnorespect。Hewantedtokissme，andasIrefusedhethoughthimselfjustifiedinbeingratherinsolent。\"
\"How？\"
\"Bylaughingatme。Youwillpardonme，sir，butIdonotlikepeoplewhomakegame。\"
\"Youareright；theyaresuretobeeithersillyormalicious。Makeyourselfeasy；LeDucshallunderstandthatyouaretobetreatedwithrespect。Youwillpleasesupwithme。\"
LeDuccameinsoonafter，andItoldhimtobehaverespectfullytowardsMadameDubois。
\"She’saslycat，\"saidtherascal；\"shewouldn’tletmekissher。\"
\"Iamafraidyouareabadfellow。\"
\"Issheyourservantoryourmistress？\"
\"Shemightbemywife。\"
\"Oh！well，that’sdifferent。Thatwilldo；MadameDuboisshallhaveallrespect，andIwilltrymylucksomewhereelse。\"
Ihadadelicioussupper。Iwascontentedwithmycook，mybutler，myhousekeeper，andevenwithmySpaniard，whowaitedcapitallyattable。
AftersupperIsentoutLeDucandtheotherservant，andassoonasIwasalonewithmytoolovelyhousekeeper，whohadbehavedattablelikeawomanoftheworld，Ibeggedhertotellmeherhistory。
\"Myhistory，sir，isshortenough，andnotveryinteresting。Iwas——
bornatLyons，andmyrelationstookmetoLausanne，asIhavebeentold，forIwastooyoungatthetimetorememberanythingaboutit。
Myfather，whowasintheserviceofMadamed’Ermance，leftmeanorphanwhenIwasfourteen。Madamed’Ermancewasfondofme，andknowingthatmymother’smeansweresmallshetookmetolivewithher。IhadattainedmyseventeenthyearwhenIenteredtheserviceofLadyMontaguaslady’smaid，andsometimeafterIwasmarriedtoDubois，anoldservantofthehouse。WewenttoEngland，andthreeyearsaftermymarriageIlostmyhusband。TheclimateofEnglandaffectedmylungs，andIwasobligedtobegmyladytoallowmetoleaveherservice。TheworthyladysawhowweakIwas，andpaidtheexpensesofmyjourneyandloadedmewithrichpresents。IreturnedtomymotheratLausanne，wheremyhealthsoonreturned，andIwentintotheserviceofanEnglishladywhowasveryfondofme，andwouldhavetakenmewithhertoItalyifshehadnotconceivedsomesuspicionsabouttheyoungDukeofRosebury，withwhomshewasinlove，andwhomshethoughtinlovewithme。Shesuspectedme，butwrongfully，ofbeingherrivalinsecret。Shesentmeaway，aftergivingmerichpresents，andsayinghowsorryshewasshecouldnotkeepme。Iwentbacktomymother，andfortwoyearsIhavelivedwiththetoilofmyhands。FourdaysagoM。Lebel，theambassador’ssteward，askedmeifIwouldentertheserviceofanItaliangentlemanashousekeeper。Iagreed，inthehopeofseeingItaly，andthishopeisthecauseofmystupidity。Inshort:hereIam。\"
\"Whatstupidityareyoureferringto？\"
\"ThestupidityofhavingenteredyourservicebeforeIknewyou。\"
\"Ilikeyourfreedom。Youwouldnothavecome，then，ifyouhadnotknownme？\"
\"Certainlynot，fornoladywillevertakemeafterhavingbeenwithyou。\"
\"Whynot？mayIask。\"
\"Well，sir；doyouthinkyouarethekindofmantohaveahouse—
keeperlikemyselfwithoutthepublicbelievingmysituationtobeofquiteadifferentnature？\"
\"No，youaretoopretty，andIdon’tlooklikeafossil，certainly；
butafterall，whatmatterdoesitmake？\"
\"Itisallverywellforyoutomakelightofit，andifIwereinyourplaceIwoulddothesame；buthowamI，whoamawomanandnotinanindependentposition，tosetmyselfabovetherulesandregulationsofsociety？\"
\"Youmean，MadameDubois，thatyouwouldverymuchliketogobacktoLausanne？\"
\"Notexactly，asthatwouldnotbejusttoyou。\"
\"Howso？\"
\"Peoplewouldbesuretosaythateitheryourwordsoryourdeedsweretoofree，andyoumightpossiblypassaratheruncharitablejudgmentonme。\"
\"WhatjudgmentcouldIpassonyou？\"
\"YoumightthinkIwantedtoimposeonyou。\"
\"Thatmightbe，asIshouldbeverymuchhurtbysosuddenanduncalled—foradeparture。AllthesameIamsorryforyou，aswithyourideasyoucanneithergonorstaywithanysatisfaction。
Nevertheless，youmustdooneortheother。\"
\"Ihavemadeupmymind。Ishallstay，andIamalmostcertainI
shallnotregretit。\"
\"Iamgladtohearthat，butthereisonepointtowhichIwishtocallyourattention。\"
\"Whatisthat？\"
\"Iwilltellyou。Letushavenomelancholyandnoscruples。\"
\"Youshallnotseememelancholy，Ipromiseyou；butkindlyexplainwhatyoumeanbytheword’scruples。’\"
\"Certainly。Initsordinaryacceptation，theword’scruple’
signifiesamaliciousandsuperstitiouswhim，whichpronouncesanactionwhichmaybeinnocenttobeguilty。\"
\"Whenacourseofactionseemsdoubtfultome，Ineverlookupontheworstsideofit。Besides，itismydutytolookaftermyselfandnototherpeople。\"
\"Iseeyouhavereadagooddeal。\"
\"Readingismygreatestluxury。WithoutbooksIshouldfindlifeunbearable。\"
\"Haveyouanybooks？\"
\"Agoodmany。DoyouunderstandEnglish？\"
\"Notaword。\"
\"Iamsorryforthat，astheEnglishbookswouldamuseyou。\"
\"Idonotcareforromances。\"
\"NordoI。Butyoudon’tthinkthatthereareonlyromancesinEnglish，doyou？Ilikethat。Whydoyoutakemeforsuchaloveroftheromantic，pray？\"
\"Ilikethat，too。Thatprettyoutburstisquitetomytaste，andI
amdelightedtobethefirsttomakeyoulaugh。\"
\"PardonmeifIlaugh，but……\"
\"Butmenobuts，mydear；laughawayjustasyoulike，youwillfindthatthebestwaytogetoverme。Ireallythink，though，thatyouputyourservicesattoocheaparate。\"
\"Thatmakesmelaughagain，asitisforyoutoincreasemywagesifyoulike。\"
\"Ishalltakecarethatitisdone。\"
Irosefromtable，nottaken，butsurprised，withthisyoungwoman，whoseemedtobegettingonmyblindside。Shereasonedwell，andinthisfirstinterviewshehadmadeadeepimpressiononme。Shewasyoung，pretty，elegant，intellectual，andofdistinguishedmanners；I
couldnotguesswhatwouldbetheendofourconnection。IlongedtospeaktoM。Lebel，tothankhimforgettingmesuchamarvel，andstillmore，toaskhimsomequestionsabouther。
Afterthesupperhadbeentakenaway，shecametoaskifIwouldhavemyhairputincurlpapers。
\"It’sLeDuc’sbusiness，\"Ianswered，\"butifyoulike，itshallbeyoursforthefuture。\"
Sheacquittedherselflikeanexpert。
\"Isee，\"saidI，\"thatyouaregoingtoservemeasyouservedLadyMontagu。\"
\"Notaltogether；butasyoudonotlikemelancholy，allowmetoaskafavour。\"
\"Doso，mydear。\"
\"Pleasedonotaskmetogiveyouyourbath。\"
\"Uponmyhonour，Ididnotthinkofdoingso。Itwouldbescandalous。That’sLeDuc’sbusiness。\"
\"Pardonme，andallowmetoaskanotherfavour。\"
\"Tellmeeverythingyouwant。\"
\"Allowmetohaveoneofthedoor—keeper’sdaughterstosleepwithme。\"
\"Ifithadcomeintomyhead，Iwouldhaveproposedittoyou。Issheinyourroomnow？\"
\"No。\"
\"Goandcallher，then。\"
\"Letusleavethattillto—morrow，asifIwentatthistimeofnightitmightmakepeopletalk。\"
\"Iseeyouhaveastoreofdiscretion，andyoumaybesureIwillnotdepriveyouofanyofit。\"
Shehelpedmetoundress，andmusthavefoundmeverymodest，butI
mustsayitwasnotfromvirtue。Myheartwasengagedelsewhere，andMadameDuboishadimpressedme；Iwaspossiblydupedbyher，butI
didnottroublemyselftothinkwhetherIwasornot。IrangforLeDucinthemorning，andoncominginhesaidhehadnotexpectedthehonour。
\"You’rearascal，\"Isaid，\"gettwocupsofchocolatereadydirectlyafterIhavehadmybath。\"
AfterIhadtakenmyfirstcoldbath，whichIgreatlyenjoyed，Iwenttobedagain。MadameDuboiscameinsmiling，dressedinastyleofcarelesselegance。
\"Youlookingoodspirits。\"
\"Iam，becauseIamhappywithyou。Ihavehadagoodnight，andthereisnowinmyroomagirlaslovelyasanangel，whoistosleepwithme。\"
\"Callherin。\"
Shecalledher，andamonsterofuglinessentered，whomademeturnmyheadaway。
\"Youhaven’tgivenyourselfarivalcertainly，mydear，butifshesuitsyouitisallright。Youshallhaveyourbreakfastwithme，andIhopeyouwilltakechocolatewithmeeverymorning。\"
\"Ishallbedelighted，asIamveryfondofit。\"
Ihadapleasantafternoon。M。deChavignispentseveralhourswithme。Hewaspleasedwitheverything，andaboveallwithmyfairhousekeeper，ofwhomLebelhadsaidnothingtohim。
\"ShewillbeanexcellentcureforyourloveforMadame，\"saidhe。
\"Thereyouarewrong，\"Ianswered，\"shemightmakemefallinlovewithherwithoutanydiminutionofmyaffectionformycharmer。\"
Nextday，justasIwassittingdowntotablewithmyhousekeeper，I
sawacarriagecomingintothecourtyard，andmydetestablelamewidowgettingoutofit。Iwasterriblyputout，buttherulesofpolitenesscompelledmetogoandreceiveher。
\"Iwasfarfromanticipatingthatyouwoulddomesogreatanhonour，madam。\"
\"Idaresay；Ihavecometodinewithyou，andtoaskyoutodomeafavour。\"
\"Comein，then，dinnerisjustbeingserved。IbegtointroduceMadameDuboistoyou。\"
Iturnedtowardsmycharminghousekeeper，andtoldherthattheladywoulddinewithus。
MadameDubois，inthecharacterofmistressofthehouse，didthehonoursadmirably，andmylamefriend，inspiteofherpride，wasverypolitetoher。Ididnotspeakadozenwordsduringthemeal，andpaidnosortofattentiontothedetestablecreature；butIwasanxioustoknowwhatshecouldwantmetodoforher。AssoonasMadameDuboishadlefttheroomshetoldmestraightoutthatshehadcometoaskmetoletherhaveacoupleofroomsinmyhouseforthreeweeksoramonthatthemost。
Iwasastonishedatsuchapieceofimpudence，andtoldhersheaskedmorethanIwasatlibertytogive。
\"Youcan’trefuseme，aseverybodyknowsIhavecomeonpurposetoaskyou。\"
\"TheneverybodymustknowthatIhaverefusedyou。Iwanttobealone——absolutelyalone，withoutanykindofrestrictiononmyliberty。Theleastsuspicionofcompanywouldboreme。\"
\"Ishallnotboreyouinanyway，andyouwillbeatperfectlibertytoignoremypresence。Ishallnotbeoffendedifyoudon’tenquireafterme，andIshallnotaskafteryou——evenifyouareill。I
shallhavemymealsservedtomebymyownservant，andIshalltakecarenottowalkinthegardenunlessIamperfectlycertainyouarenotthere。Youmustallowthatifyouhaveanyclaimstopolitenessyoucannotrefuseme。\"
\"Ifyouwereacquaintedwiththemostordinaryrulesofpoliteness，madam，youwouldnotpersistinarequesttowhichIhaveformallydeclinedtoaccede。\"
Shedidnotanswer，butmywordshadevidentlyproducednoeffect。
Iwaschokingwithrage。Istrodeupanddowntheroom，andfeltinclinedtosendherawaybyforceasamadwoman。However，I
reflectedthatshehadrelationsinagoodpositionwhomImightoffendifItreatedherroughly，andthatImightmakeanenemycapableofexactingaterriblerevenge；and，finally，thatMadamemightdisapproveofmyusingviolencetothishideousharpy……
\"Well，madam，\"saidI，\"youshallhavetheapartmentyouhavesolicitedwithsomuchimportunity，andanhourafteryoucomeinI
shallbeonmywaybacktoSoleure。\"
\"Iaccepttheapartment，andIshalloccupyitthedayafterto—
morrow。AsforyourthreatofreturningtoSoleure，itisanidleone，asyouwouldtherebymakeyourselfthelaughing—stockofthewholetown。\"
Withthisfinalimpertinencesheroseandwentaway，withouttakinganyfurthernoticeofme。Ilethergowithoutmovingfrommyseat。
Iwasstupefied。Irepentedofhavinggivenin；suchimpudencewasunparalleled。Icalledmyselfafool，andvowedIdeservedtobepubliclyhooted。Ioughttohavetakenthewholethingasajest；tohavecontrivedtogetheroutofthehouseonsomepretext，andthentohavesentheraboutherbusinessasamadwoman，callingallmyservantsaswitnesses。
MydearDuboiscamein，andItoldmytale。Shewasthunderstruck。
\"Icanhardlycreditherrequesting，oryourgranting，suchathing，\"
saidshe，\"unlessyouhavesomemotivesofyourown。\"
Isawtheforceofherargument，andnotwishingtomakeaconfidanteofherIheldmytongue，andwentouttoworkoffmybile。
Icameintired，aftertakingastiffwalk。ItooksupperwithMadameDubois，andwesatattabletillmidnight。Herconversationpleasedmemoreandmore；hermindwaswell—furnished，herspeechelegant，andshetoldherstoriesandcrackedherjokeswithcharminggrace。Shewasdevoidofprejudices，butbynomeansdevoidofprinciple。Herdiscretionwasrathertheresultofsystemthanofvirtue；butifshehadnotavirtuousspirit，hersystemwouldnothaveshieldedherfromthestormsofpassionortheseductionsofvice。
MyencounterwiththeimpudentwidowhadsoaffectedmethatIcouldnotresistgoingatanearlyhouronthefollowingdaytocommunicateittoM。deChavigni。IwarnedMadameDuboisthatifIwerenotbackbydinner—timeshewasnottowaitforme。
M。deChavignihadbeentoldbymyenemythatshewasgoingtopaymeavisit，butheroaredwithlaughteronhearingthestepsshehadtakentogainherends。
\"Yourexcellencymayfinditveryfunny，\"saidI，\"butIdon’t。\"
\"SoIsee；buttakemyadvice，andbethefirsttolaughattheadventure。Behaveasifyouwereunawareofherpresence，andthatwillbeasufficientpunishmentforher。Peoplewillsoonsaysheissmittenwithyou，andthatyoudisdainherlove。GoandtellthestorytoM。————，andstaywithoutceremonytodinner。IhavespokentoLebelaboutyourprettyhousekeeper:theworthymanhadnomaliciousintentinsendinghertoyou。HehappenedtobegoingtoLausanne，andjustbefore，Ihadtoldhimtofindyouagoodhousekeeper；thinkingitoveronhisway，herememberedhisfriendMadameDubois，andthematterwasthusarrangedwithoutmaliceorpretense。Sheisaregularfind，aperfectjewelforyou，andifyougettakenwithherIdon’tthinkshewillallowyoutolanguishforlong。\"
\"Idon’tknow，sheseemstobeawomanofprinciple。\"
\"Ishouldn’thavethoughtyouwouldbetakeninbythatsortofthing。Iwillaskyoubothtogivemeadinnerto—morrow，andshallbegladtohearherchatter。\"
M————welcomedmemostkindly，andcongratulatedmeonmyconquest，whichwouldmakemycountryhouseaparadise。Ijoinedinthejest，ofcourse，withthemoreeasethathischarmingwife，thoughIcouldseethatshesuspectedthetruth，addedhercongratulationstothoseofherhusband；butIsoonchangedthecourseoftheirfriendlymirthbytellingthemthecircumstancesofthecase。Theywereindignantenoughthen，andthehusbandsaidthatifshehadreallyquarteredherselfonmeinthatfashion，allIhadtodowastogetaninjunctionfromthecourtsforbiddinghertoputherfootwithinmydoors。
\"Idon’twanttodothat，\"saidI，\"asbesidespubliclydisgracingherIshouldbeskewingmyownweakness，andproclaimingthatIwasnotthemasterinmyownhouse，andthatIcouldnotpreventherestablishingherselfwithme。\"
\"Ithinkso，too，\"saidthewife，\"andIamgladyougavewaytoher。
Thatshewshowpoliteyouare，andIshallgoandcallonhertocongratulateheronthewelcomeshegot，asshetoldmethatherplanshadsucceeded。\"
Herethematterended，andIacceptedtheirinvitationtodinewiththem。Ibehavedasafriend，butwiththatsubtlepolitenesswhichtakesawayallgroundforsuspicion；accordingly，thehusbandfeltnoalarm。MycharmerfoundtheopportunitytotellmethatIhaddonewiselyinyieldingtotheill—timeddemandofthatharpy，andthatassoonasM。deChauvelin，whomtheywereexpecting，hadgoneawayagain，Icouldaskherhusbandtospendafewdayswithme，andthatshewoulddoubtlesscometoo。
\"Yourdoor—keeper’swife，\"sheadded，\"wasmynurse。Ihavebeenkindtoher，andwhennecessaryIcanwritetoyoubyherwithoutrunninganyrisk。\"
AftercallingontwoItalianJesuitswhowerepassingthroughSoleure，andinvitingthemtodinewithmeonthefollowingday，I
returnedhomewherethegoodDuboisamusedmetillmidnightbyphilosophicaldiscussions。SheadmiredLocke；andmaintainedthatthefacultyofthoughtwasnotaproofoftheexistenceofspiritinus，asitwasinthepowerofGodtoendowmatterwiththecapacityforthought；Iwasunabletocontrovertthisposition。Shemademelaughbysayingthattherewasagreatdifferencebetweenthinkingandreasoning，andIhadthecouragetosay，——
\"Ithinkyouwouldreasonwellifyouletyourselfbepersuadedtosleepwithme，andyouthinkyoureasonwellinrefusingtobesopersuaded。\"
\"Trustme，sir，\"saidshe；\"thereisasmuchdifferencebetweenthereasoningpowersofmenandwomenasthereisbetweentheirphysicalcharacteristics。\"
Nextmorningatnineo’clockweweretakingourchocolate，whenmyenemyarrived。Iheardhercarriage，butIdidnottaketheslightestnotice。Thevillainouswomansentawaythecarriageandinstalledherselfinherroomwithhermaid。
IhadsentLeDuctoSoleureformyletters，soIwasobligedtobegmyhousekeepertodomyhair；andshediditadmirably，asItoldherweshouldhavetheambassadorandthetwoJesuitstodinner。I
thankedher，andkissedherforthefirsttimeonthecheek，asshewouldnotallowmetotouchherbeautifullips。Ifeltthatwewerefastfallinginlovewithoneanother，butwecontinuedtokeepourselvesundercontrol，ataskwhichwasmucheasierforherthanforme，asshewashelpedbythatspiritofcoquetrynaturaltothefairsex，whichoftenhasgreaterpoweroverthemthanloveitself。
M。deChavignicameattwo；IhadconsultedhimbeforeaskingtheJesuits，andhadsentmycarriageforthem。Whilewewerewaitingforthesegentlemenwetookaturninthegarden，andM。deChavignibeggedmyfairhousekeepertojoinusassoonasshehaddischargedcertainpettydutiesinwhichshewasthenengaged。
M。deChavigniwasoneofthosemenwhoweresentbyFrancetosuchpowersasshewishedtocajoleandtowinovertoherinterests。
M。del’Hopital，whoknewhowtogaintheheartofElizabethPetrovna，wasanother；theDucdeNivernois，whodidwhathelikedwiththeCourtofSt。James’sin1762，isathirdinstance。
MadameDuboiscameouttousinduecourse，andentertainedusveryagreeably；andM。deChavignitoldmethatheconsideredshehadallthequalitieswhichwouldmakeamanhappy。AtdinnersheenchantedhimandcaptivatedthetwoJesuitsbyherdelicateandsubtlewit。
Intheeveningthisdelightfuloldnoblemantoldmehehadspentamostpleasantday，andafteraskingmetodineathishousewhileM。
deChauvelinwasthere，heleftmewithaneffusiveembrace。
M。deChauvelin，whomIhadthehonourtoknowatVersailles，atM。
deChoiseul’s，wasanextremelypleasantman。HearrivedatSoleureinthecourseoftwodays，andM。deChavignihavingadvisedmeofhispresenceIhastenedtopaymycourttohim。Herememberedme，andintroducedmetohiswife，whomIhadnotthehonourofknowing。
Aschanceplacedmenexttomycharmerattable，myspiritsrose，andmynumerousjestsandstoriesputeverybodyinagoodtemper。OnM。
deChauvelinremarkingthatheknewsomepleasanthistoriesofwhichIwasthehero，M。deChavignitoldhimthathedidnotknowthebestofall，andrecountedtohimmyadventureatZurich。M。deChauvelinthentoldMadamethattoserveherhewouldwillinglytransformhimselfintoafootman，onwhichM。————joinedinandsaidthatI
hadafinertasteforbeauty，asshe，forwhosesakeIhadmademyselfintoawaiter，wasatthatmomentaguestofmineinmycountryhouse。
\"Ah，indeed！\"saidM。deChauvelin，\"thenwemustcomeandseeyourquarters，M。Casanova。\"
Iwasgoingtoreply，whenM。deChavignianticipatedmebysaying，\"Yes，indeed！andIhopehewilllendmehisbeautifulhalltogiveyouaballnextSunday。\"
Inthismannerthegood—naturedcourtierpreventedmefrompromisingtogiveaballmyself，andrelievedmeofmyfoolishboast，whichI
shouldhavebeenwrongincarryingout，asitwouldhavebeenanencroachmentonhisprivilegeasambassadorofentertainingthesedistinguishedstrangersduringthefiveorsixdaystheymightstayatSoleure。Besides，ifIhadkepttomyword，itwouldhaveinvolvedmeinaconsiderableexpense，whichwouldnothavehelpedmeinmysuit。
TheconversationturningonVoltaire，theEcossaisewasmentioned，andtheactingofmyneighbourwashighlycommendedinwordsthatmadeherblushandshineinherbeautylikeastar，whereatherpraiseswererenewed。
Afterdinnertheambassadorinvitedustohisballonthedayafterthemorrow，andIwenthomemoredeeplyinlovethaneverwithmydearcharmer，whomHeavenhaddesignedtoinflictonmethegreatestgriefIhavehadinmylife，asthereadershallsee。
Ifoundthatmyhousekeeperhadgonetobed，andIwasgladofit，forthepresenceofmyfaironehadexcitedmypassionstosuchanextentthatmyreasonmighthavefailedtokeepmewithintheboundsofrespect。Nextmorningshefoundmesad，andralliedmeinsuchawaythatIsoonrecoveredmyspirits。Whileweweretakingourchocolatethelamecreature’smaidbroughtmeanote，andIsentheraway，tellingherthatIwouldsendtheanswerbymyownservant。
Thiscuriousletterranasfollows:
\"TheambassadorhasaskedmetohisballonSunday。IansweredthatIwasnotwell，butifIfoundmyselfbetterintheeveningIwouldcome。IthinkthatasIamstayinginyourhouseIoughttobeintroducedbyyouorstayawayaltogether。Soifyoudonotwishtoobligemebytakingme，ImustbegofyoutotelltheambassadorthatIamill。PardonmeifIhavetakenthelibertyofinfringingouragreementinthispeculiarinstance，butitisaquestionofkeepingupsomesortofappearanceinpublic。\"
\"Notso，\"Icried，madwithrage；andtakingmypenIwrotethus:
\"Ithinkyourideaisabeautifulone，madam。Youwillhavetobeill，asImeantokeeptotheconditionsyoumadeyourself，andtoenjoyfulllibertyinallthings，andIshallthereforedenymyselfthehonouroftakingyoutotheballwhichtheambassadoristogiveinmyhall。\"
Ireadherinsolentletterandmyreplytomyhousekeeper，whothoughttheanswerjustwhatshedeserved。Ithensentittoher。
Ipassedthenexttwodaysquietlyandagreeablywithoutgoingoutorseeinganyvisitors，butthesocietyofMadameDuboiswasall—
sufficientforme。EarlyonSundaymorningtheambassador’speoplecametomakethenecessarypreparationsfortheballandsupper。
LebelcametopaymehisrespectswhileIwasattable。Imadehimsitdown，whileIthankedhimforprocuringmeahousekeeperwhowasallperfection。
Lebelwasafineman，middle—aged，witty，andanexcellentsteward，thoughperfectlyhonest。
\"Whichofyoutwo，\"saidhetome，\"isthemosttakenin？\"
\"Weareequallypleasedwitheachother，\"answeredmycharminghousekeeper。
TomygreatdelightthefirstpairtoappearwereM。————andMadame。
ShewasextremelypolitetoMadameDubois，anddidnotshewtheslightestastonishmentwhenIintroducedherasmyhousekeeper。ShetoldmethatImusttakehertoseeherlamefriend，andtomygreatdisgustIhadtogo。Wewerereceivedwithashowofgreatfriendship，andshewentoutwithusintothegarden，takingM。————’sarm，whilehiswifeleantamorouslyonmine。
Whenwehadmadeafewturnsofthegarden，Madamebeggedmetotakehertohernurse。Asherhusbandwascloseby，Isaid，——
\"Whoisyournurse？\"
\"Yourdoor—keeper’swife，\"saidherhusband，\"wewillwaitforyouinthislady’sapartment。\"
\"Tellme，sweetheart，\"saidsheontheway，\"doesnotyourprettyhousekeepersleepwithyou？\"
\"Iswearshedoesnot；Icanonlyloveyou。\"
\"Iwouldliketobelieveyou，butIfindithardtodoso；however，ifyouarespeakingthetruthitiswrongofyoutokeepherinthehouse，asnobodywillbelieveinyourinnocence。\"
\"Itisenoughformethatyoubelieveinit。Iadmireher，andatanyothertimeIexpectwecouldnotsleepunderthesameroofwithoutsleepinginthesamebed；butnowthatyourulemyheartIamnotcapableofapassionforher。\"
\"Iamdelightedtohearit；butIthinksheisverypretty。\"
Wewentintoseehernurse，whocalledher\"mychild，\"andkissedheragainandagain，andthenleftusalonetopreparesomelemonadeforus。Assoonaswefoundourselvesaloneourmouthsweregluedtogether，andmyhandstouchedathousandbeauties，coveredonlybyadressoflightsarcenet；butIcouldnotenjoyhercharmswithoutthiscruelrobe，whichwasalltheworsebecauseitdidnotconcealthelovelinessbeneathit。Iamsurethatthegoodnursewouldhavekeptuswaitingalongtimeifshehadknownhowwelongedtobeleftaloneforafewmomentslonger；but，alas！theceleritywithwhichshemadethosetwoglassesoflemonadewasunexampled。
\"Itwasmadebeforehand，wasit？\"saidI，whenIsawhercomingin。
\"Notatall，sir；butIamaquickhand。\"
\"Youare，indeed。\"
Thesewordsmademycharmergooffintoapealoflaughter，whichsheaccompaniedwithasignificantglanceinmydirection。Asweweregoingawayshesaidthatasthingsseemedtobeagainstuswemustwaittillherhusbandcametospendafewdayswithme。
Myterribleenemygaveussomesweets，whichshepraisedveryhighly，andaboveallsomequincemarmalade，whichsheinsistedonourtesting。Webeggedtobeexcused，andMadamepressedmyfootwithhers。WhenwehadgotawayshetoldmeIhadbeenverywisenottotouchanything，asthewidowwassuspectedofhavingpoisonedherhusband。
Theball，thesupper，therefreshments，andtheguestswereallofthemostexquisiteandagreeablekind。IonlydancedoneminuetwithMadamedeChauvelin，nearlyallmyeveningbeingtakenupwithtalkingtoherhusband。Imadehimapresentofmytranslationofhispoemonthesevendeadlysins，whichhereceivedwithmuchpleasure。
\"Iintend，\"saidI，\"topayyouavisitatTurin。\"
\"Areyougoingtobringyourhousekeeperwithyou？\"
\"No。\"
\"Youarewrong，forsheisadelightfulperson。\"
EverybodyspokeofmydearDuboisinthesameway。Shehadaperfectknowledgeoftherulesofgoodbreeding，andsheknewhowtomakeherselfrespectedwithoutbeingguiltyoftheslightestpresumption。
Invainshewasurgedtodance，andsheafterwardstoldmethatifshehadyieldedshewouldhavebecomeanobjectofhatredtoalltheladies。Sheknewthatshecoulddanceexquisitely。
M。deChauvelinwentawayintwodays，andtowardstheendoftheweekIheardfromMadamed’Urfe，whotoldmethatshehadspenttwodaysatVersaillesinfurtheranceofmydesires。ShesentmeacopyofthelettersofpardonsignedbythekinginfavouroftherelationofM。————，assuringmethattheoriginalhadbeensenttothecolonelofhisregiment，wherehewouldbereinstatedintherankwhichheheldbeforetheduel。
Ihadmyhorsesputintomycarriage，andhastenedtocarrythisgoodnewstoM。deChavigni。Iwaswildwithjoy，andIdidnotconcealitfromtheambassador，whocongratulatedme，sinceM。————havingobtainedbyme，withouttheexpenditureofapenny，afavourwhichwouldhavecosthimdearifhehadsucceededinpurchasingit，wouldhenceforthbeonlytoohappytotreatmewiththeutmostconfidence。
Tomakethematterstillmoreimportant，IbeggedmynoblefriendtoannouncethepardontoM。————inperson，andheimmediatelywroteanotetothatgentlemanrequestinghispresence。
Assoonashemadehisappearance，theambassadorhandedhimthecopyofthepardon，tellinghimthatheoweditalltome。Theworthymanwasinanecstasy，andaskedwhatheowedme。
\"Nothing，sir，unlessyouwillgivemeyourfriendship，whichIvaluemorethanallthegoldintheworld；andifyouwouldgivemeaproofofyourfriendship，comeandspendafewdayswithme；Iampositivelydyingofloneliness。ThematterIhavedoneforyouisameretrifle；youseehowquicklyithasbeenarranged。\"
\"Ameretrifle！Ihavedevotedayear’slabourtoit；Ihavemovedheavenandearthwithoutsucceeding，andinafortnightyouhaveaccomplishedit。Sir，youmaydisposeofmylife。\"
\"Embraceme，andcomeandseeme。IamthehappiestofmenwhenIamenabledtoservepersonsofyourmerit。\"
\"Iwillgoandtellthegoodnewstomywife，whowillloveyouaswellasIdo。\"
\"Yes，doso，\"saidtheambassador，\"andbringhertodinnerhereto—
morrow。\"
Whenwewerealonetogether，theMarquisdeChavigni，anoldcourtierandawit，begantomakesomeveryphilosophicalreflectionsonthe，stateofacourtwherenothingcanbesaidtobeeasyordifficultperse，astheoneatamoment’snoticemaybecometheother；acourtwherejusticeoftenpleadsinvain，whileinterestorevenimportunitygetareadyhearing。HehadknownMadamed’Urfe，hadevenpaidhiscourttoherattheperiodwhenshewassecretlybelovedbytheregent。HeitwaswhohadgivenherthenameofEgeria，becauseshesaidshehadageniuswhodirectedherandpassedthenightswithherwhenshesleptbyherself。TheambassadorthenspokeofM。————，whohadundoubtedlybecomeaverygreatfriendofmine。