Ithendrewfrommypocket—bookalittlearticleoftransparentskin，abouteightincheslong，withoneopening，whichwasornamentedwitharedrosette。Igaveherthispreventivesheath，andshelooked，admired，andlaughedloudly，askingmeifIhadusedsucharticleswithherVenetiansister。\"Iwillputitonmyself；youdon’tknowhowIshallenjoyit。Whydidn’tyouuseonelastnight？Howcouldyouhaveforgottenit？Well，Ishallbeverywretchedifanythingcomesofit。WhatshallIdoinfourorfivemonths，whenmyconditionbecomespastdoubt？\"
\"Dearest，theonlythingtodoisnottothinkofit，forifthedamageisdone，thereisnocureforit；butfrommyexperienceandknowledgeofthelawsofnatureIexpectthatoursweetcombatsoflastnightwillprobablyhavenotroublesomeconsequences。Ithasbeenstatedthatafterchild—birthawomancannotconceiveafreshwithouthavingseensomethingwhichIexpectyouhavenotseen。\"
\"No，Godbethanked！\"
\"Good。Thenletusnotgiveanythoughttothedismalfuturelestweloseourpresentbliss。\"
\"Iamquitecomforted；butIcan’tunderstandwhyyouareafraidto—
dayofwhatyouwerenotafraidyesterday；mystateisthesame。\"
\"Theeventhassometimesgiventhelietothemosteminentphysicians。Nature，wiserthanthey，hasexceptionstoherrules，letusnotdefythemforthefuture，butletusnottroubleourselvesifwehavedefiedthereinthepast。\"
\"Iliketohearyoutalksosagely。Yes，wewillbeprudentwhateveritcosts。Thereyouare，hoodedlikeamotherabbess，butinspiteofthefinenessofthesheathIlikethelittlefellowbetterquitenaked。Ithinkthatthiscoveringdegradesusboth。\"
\"Youareright，itdoes。Butletusnotdwellontheseideaswhichwillonlyspoilourpleasure。\"
\"Wewillenjoyourpleasuredirectly；letmebereasonablenow，forI
haveneverthoughtofthesemattersbefore。Lovemusthaveinventedtheselittlesheaths，butitmustfirsthavelistenedtothevoiceofprudence，andIdonotliketoseeloveandprudenceallied。\"
\"Thecorrectnessofyourargumentssurprisesme，butwewillphilosophizeanothertime。\"
\"Waitaminute。Ihaveneverseenamanbefore，andIhaveneverwishedtoenjoythesightasmuchasnow。TenmonthsagoIshouldhavecalledthatarticleaninventionofthedevil；butnowIlookupontheinventorasabenefactor，forifmywretchedhump—backhadprovidedhimselfwithsuchasheathhewouldnothaveexposedmetothedangeroflosingmyhonourandmylife。But，tellme，howisthatthemakersofthesethingsremainunmolested；Iwondertheyarenotfoundout，excommunicated，orheavilyfined，orevenpunishedcorporeally，iftheyareJewsasIexpect。Dearme，themakerofthisonemusthavemeasuredyoubadly！Look！itistoolargehere，andtoosmallthere；itmakesyouintoaregularcurve。Whatastupidthefellowmustbe，hecan’tknowhisowntrade！Butwhatisthat？\"
\"Youmakemelaugh；it’sallyourfault。Youhavebeenfeelingandfondling，andyouseethenaturalconsequence。Iknewitwouldbeso。\"
\"Andyoucouldn’tkeepitbackaminute。Itisgoingonnow。Iamsosorry；itisadreadfulpity。\"
\"Thereisnotmuchharmdone，soconsoleyourself。\"
\"HowcanI？youarequitedead。Howcanyoulaugh？\"
\"Atyourcharmingsimplicity。YoushallseeinamomentthatyourcharmswillgivemenewlifewhichIshallnotlosesoeasily。\"
\"Wonderful！Icouldn’thavebelievedit！\"
Itookoffthesheath，andgaveheranother，whichpleasedherbetter，asitseemedtofitmebetter，andshelaughedforjoyassheputiton。Sheknewnothingofthesewonders。Herthoughtshadbeenboundinchains，andshecouldnotdiscoverthetruthbeforesheknewme；butthoughshewasscarcelyoutofEgyptsheshewedalltheeagernessofanenquiringandnewlyemancipatedspirit。\"Buthowiftherubbingmakesthesheathfalloff？\"saidshe。Iexplainedtoherthatsuchanaccidentcouldscarcelyhappen，andalsotoldherofwhatmaterialtheEnglishmadethesearticles。
Afterallthistalking，ofwhichmyardourbegantoweary，weabandonedourselvestolove，thentosleep，thentoloveagain，andsoonalternatelytillday—break。AsIwasleaving，thewomanofthehousetoldusthatthepainterhadaskedfourlouis，andthatshehadgivetwolouistoherfoster—son。Igavehertwelve，andwenthome，whereIslepttillmorn，withoutthinkingofbreakfastingwiththeMarquisdePrie，butIthinkIshouldhavegivenhimsomenoticeofmyinabilitytocome。Hismistresssulkedwithmealldinner—time，butsoftenedwhenIallowedmyselftobepersuadedintomakingabank。However，Ifoundshewasplayingforheavystakes，andIhadtocheckheronceortwice，whichmadehersocrossthatshewenttohideherill—temperinacornerofthehall。However，themarquiswon，andIwaslosing，whenthetaciturnDukeofRosebury，histutorSmith，andtwoofhisfellow—countrymen，arrivedfromGeneva。Hecameuptomeandsaid，\"Howdoyoudo？\"andwithoutanotherwordbegantoplay，invitinghiscompanionstofollowhisexample。
SeeingmybankinthelastagonyIsentLeDuctomyroomforthecash—box，whenceIdrewoutfiverollsofahundredlouiseach。TheMarquisdePriesaid，coolly，thathewouldn’tmindbeingmypartner，andinthesametoneIbeggedtobeexcused。HecontinuedpuntingwithoutseemingtobeoffendedatmyrefusalandwhenIputdownthecardsandrosefromthetablehehadwontwohundredlouis；butalltheothershadlost，especiallyoneoftheEnglishmen，sothatIhadmadeaprofitofathousandlouis。ThemarquisaskedmeifIwouldgivehimchocolateinmyroomnextmorning，andIrepliedthatI
shouldbegladtoseehim。Ireplacedmycash—boxinmyroom，andproceededtothecottage，pleasedwiththeday’sworkandfeelinginclinedtocrownitwithlove。
Ifoundmyfairfriendlookingsomewhatsad，andonmyenquiringthereasonshetoldmethatanephewofthecountry—woman’s，whohadcomefromChamberithatmorning，hadtoldherthathehadheardfromalay—sisterofthesameconvent，whomheknew，thattwosisterswouldstartatday—breakintwodays’timetofetchher；thissadnews，shesaid，hadmadehertearsflowfast。
\"Buttheabbesssaidthesisterscouldnotstartbeforetendayshadexpired。\"
\"Shemusthavechangedhermind。\"
\"Sorrowintrudesintoourhappystate。Willyoubemywife？WillyoufollowmetoRomeandreceiveabsolutionfromyourvows。YoumaybesurethatIshallhaveacareforyourhappiness。\"
\"Nay，Ihavelivedlongenough；letmereturntomytomb。\"
AftersupperItoldthegoodwomanthatifshecouldrelyonhernephew，shewoulddowelltosendhimatoncetoChamberiwithorderstoreturndirectlythelay—sistersstarted，andtoendeavourtoreachAixtwohoursbeforethem。ShetoldmethatImightreckonontheyoungman’ssilence，andonhiscarryingoutmyorders。Iquietedinthiswaythecharmingnun’salarm，andgotintobedwithher，feelingsadthoughamorous；andonthepretextthatsherequiredrestIleftheratmidnight，asIwantedtobeathomeinthemorningsinceIhadanengagementwiththemarquis。Induecoursehearrivedwithhismistress，twootherladies，andtheirhusbandsorlovers。
Ididnotlimitmyselftogivingthemchocolate；mybreakfastconsistedofalltheluxuriestheplaceafforded。WhenIhadgotridofmytroublesomecompany，ItoldLeDuctoshutmydoor，andtotelleverybodythatIwasillinbedandcouldnotseeanyvisitors。I
alsowarnedhimthatIshouldbeawayfortwodays，andthathemustnotleavemyroomamomenttillIcameback。Havingmadethesearrangements，Islippedawayunperceivedandwenttomymistress，resolvednottoleavehertillhalfanhourbeforethearrivalofthelay—sisters。
WhenshesawmeandheardthatIwasnotgoingtoleavehertillshewentaway，shejumpedforjoy；andweconceivedtheideaofnothavinganydinnerthatwemightenjoyoursupperthebetter。
\"Wewillgotobedaftersupper，\"saidshe，\"andwillnotgetuptillthemessengerbringsthefatalnewsthatthelay—sistershavestarted。\"
Ithoughttheideaanexcellentone，andIcalledthe，womanofthehousetotellherofourarrangements，andshepromisedtoseethatwewerenotdisturbed。
Wedidnotfindthetimelong，fortwopassionateloversfindplentytotalkaboutsincetheirtalkisofthemselves。Andbesidesourcaresses，renewedagainandagain，therewassomethingsomysteriousandsolemninoursituationthatoursoulsandoursenseswereengagedthewholetime。
AfterasupperwhichwouldhavepleasedaLucullus，wespenttwelvehoursingivingeachotherproofs，ofourpassionatelove，sleepingafterouramorousstruggles，andwakingonlytorenewthefight。Thenextdaywerosetorefreshourselves，andafteragooddinner，masheddownbysomeexcellentBurgundy，wewenttobedagain；butatfourthecountry—womancametotellusthatthelay—sisterswouldarriveaboutsix。Wehadnothingnowtolookforinthefuture，thediewascast，andwebeganourfarewellcaresses。Isealedthelastwithmyblood。MyfirstM————M————hadseenit，andmysecondrightlysawitalso。Shewasfrightened，butIcalmedherfears。I
thenrose，andtakingarollcontainingfiftylouisIbeggedhertokeepthemforme，promisingtocomeforthemintwoyears，andtakethemfromherhandsthroughthegratingofherterribleprison。Shespentthelastquarterofanhourintears，andminewereonlyrestrainedlestIshouldaddtohergrief。Icutoffapieceofherfleeceandalockofherbeautifulhair，promisingheralwaystobearthemnextmyheart。
Ilefther，tellingthecountry—womanthatsheshouldseemeagainthenextday，andIwenttobedassoonasIgothome。NextmorningIwasonthewaytoChamberi。Ataquarterofaleague’sdistancefromAixIsawmyangelslowlywalkingalong。Assoonasthelay—
sisterswerenearenoughtheyaskedanalmsinthenameofGod。I
gavethemaLouis，butmysaintdidnotlookatme。
WithabrokenheartIwenttothegoodcountrywoman，whotoldmethatM————M————hadgoneatday—break，biddinghertoremindmeoftheconventgrating。IkissedtheWorthywoman，andIgavehernephewalltheloosesilverIhadaboutme，andreturningtotheinnIhadmyluggageputontothecarriage，andwouldhavestartedthatmomentifIhadhadanyhorses。ButIhadtwohourstowait，andIwentandbadethemarquisfarewell。Hewasout，buthismistresswasintheroombyherself。Onmytellingherofmydeparture，shesaid，\"Don’tgo，staywithmeacoupleofdayslonger。\"
\"Ifeelthehonouryouareconferringonme，butbusinessofthegreatestimportanceobligesmetobegoneforthwith。\"
\"Impossible，\"saidthelady，asshewenttoaglassthebettertolaceherself，shewingmeasuperbbreast。Isawherdesign，butI
determinedtobaulkher。Shethenputonefootuponacouchtoretiehergarter，andwhensheputuptheotherfootIsawbeautiesmoreenticingthanEve’sapple。Itwasnearlyallupwithme，whenthemarquiscamein。Heproposedalittlegameofquinze，andhismistressaskedmetobeherpartner。Icouldnotescape；shesatnexttome，andIhadlostfortyLouisbydinner—time。
\"Ioweyoutwenty，\"saidthelady，asweweregoingdown。
AtdessertLeDuccametotellmethatmycarriagewasatthedoor，andIgotup，butunderthepretenceofpayingmethetwentylouisthemarquis’smistressmademecomewithhertoherroom。
Whenweweretheresheaddressedmeinaseriousandsupplicatingvoice，tellingmethatifIwentshewouldbedishonoured，aseverybodyknewthatshehadengagedtomakemestay。
\"DoIlookworthyofcontempt？\"saidshe，makingmesitdownuponthesofa。
ThenwitharepetitionofhertacticsinthemorningshecontrivedthatIshouldseeeverything。ExcitedbyhercharmsIpraisedherbeauties，Ikissed，Itouched；sheletherselffallonme，andlookedradiantwhenhervagranthandfoundpalpableproofofherpowersofattraction。
\"Ipromisetobeyoursto—morrow，waittillthen。\"
Notknowinghowtorefuse，IsaidIwouldkeephertoherword，andwouldhavemyhorsestakenout。Justthenthemarquiscamein，sayinghewouldgivememyrevengeandwithoutansweringIwentdownstairsasiftocomebackagain，butIranoutoftheinn，gotintomycarriage，anddroveoff，promisingagoodfeetothepostillionifhewouldputhishorsesatagallop。
EndMEMOIRSOFJACQUESCASANOVAdeSEINGALT1725—1798
ADVENTURESINTHESOUTH，Volume4a——DEPARTSWITZERLAND
THERAREUNABRIDGEDLONDONEDITIONOF1894TRANSLATEDBYARTHUR
MACHENTOWHICHHASBEENADDEDTHECHAPTERSDISCOVERED
BYARTHURSYMONS。
DEPARTSWITZERLAND
CHAPTERI
TheDoor——Keeper’sDaughters——TheHoroscopes——Mdlle。RomanTheideaofthesorryplightinwhichIhadlefttheMarquisdePrie，hismistress，andperhapsallthecompany，whohadundoubtedlycovetedthecontentsofmycash—box，amusedmetillI
reachedChamberi，whereIonlystoppedtochangehorses。WhenI
reachedGrenoble，whereIintendedtostayaweek，Ididnotfindmylodgingtomyliking，andwentinmycarriagetothepost—office，whereIfoundseveralletters，amongstothers，onefromMadamed’Urfe，enclosingaletterofintroductiontoanofficernamedValenglard，who，shetoldme，wasalearnedman，andwouldpresentmeatallthebesthousesinthetown。
Icalledonthisofficerandreceivedacordialwelcome。AfterreadingMadamed’Urfe’sletterhesaidhewasreadytobeusefultomeinanythingIpleased。
Hewasanamiable，middleagedman，andfifteenyearsbeforehadbeenMadamed’Urfe’sfriend，andinamuchmoreintimatedegreethefriendofherdaughter，thePrincessdeToudeville。ItoldhimthatIwasuncomfortableattheinn，andthatthefirstserviceIwouldaskofhimwouldbetoprocuremeacomfortablelodging。Herubbedhishead，andsaid，——
\"IthinkIcangetyouroomsinabeautifulhouse，butitisoutsidethetownwalls。Thedoor—keeperisanexcellentcook，andforthesakeofdoingyourcookingIamsurehewilllodgeyoufornothing。\"
\"Idon’twishthat，\"saidI。
\"Don’tbeafraid，\"saidthebaron，\"hewillmakeitupbymeansofhisdishes；andbesides，thehouseisforsaleandcostshimnothing。Comeandseeit。\"
Itookasuiteofthreeroomsandorderedsupperfortwo，warningthemanthatIwasdainty，likedgoodthings，anddidnotcareforthecost。IalsobeggedM。deValenglardtosupwithme。ThedoorkeepersaidthatifIwasnotpleasedwithhiscookingIhadonlytosayso，andinthatcaseIshouldhavenothingtopay。I
sentformycarriage，andfeltthatIhadestablishedmyselfinmynewabode。OnthegroundfloorIsawthreecharminggirlsandthedoor—keeper’swife，whoallbowedprofoundly。M。deValenglardtookmetoaconcertwiththeideaofintroducingmetoeverybody，butIbeggedhimnottodoso，asIwishedtoseetheladiesbeforedecidingwhichofthemIshouldliketoknow。
Thecompanywasanumerousone，especiallywherewomenwereconcerned，buttheonlyonetoattractmyattentionwasaprettyandmodest—lookingbrunette，whosefinefigurewasdressedwithgreatsimplicity。Hercharmingeyes，afterhavingthrownoneglanceinmydirection，obstinatelyrefusedtolookatmeagain。
Myvanitymademeconcludeatoncethatshebehavedthusonlytoincreasemydesireofknowingher，andtogivemeplentyoftimetoexamineherside—faceandherfigure，theproportionsofwhichwerenotconcealedbyhersimpleattire。Successbegetsassurance，andthewishisfathertothethought。Icastahungrygazeonthisyoungladywithoutmoreado，justasifallthewomeninEuropewereonlyaseragliokeptformypleasures。ItoldthebaronIshouldliketoknowher。
\"Sheisagoodgirl，\"saidhe，\"whoseesnocompany，andisquitepoor。\"
\"Thosearethreereasonswhichmakemethemoreanxioustoknowher。\"
\"Youwillreallyfindnothingtodointhatquarter。\"
\"Verygood。\"
\"Thereisheraunt，Iwillintroduceyoutoherasweleavetheconcert—room。\"
Afterdoingmethisservice，hecametosupwithme。Thedoor—keeperandcookstruckmeasbeingverylikeLebel。Hemadehistwoprettydaughterswaitonme，andIsawthatValenglardwasdelightedathavinglodgedmetomysatisfaction，buthegrumbledwhenhesawfifteendishes。
\"Heismakingafoolofyouandme，\"hesaid。
\"Onthecontrary，hehasguessedmytastes。Don’tyouthinkeverythingwasverygood？\"
\"Idon’tdenyit，but……\"
\"Don’tbeafraid；Ilovespendingmymoney。\"
\"Ibegyourpardon，Ionlywantyoutobepleased。\"
Wehadexquisitewines，andatdessertsomeratafiasuperiortotheTurkish’visnat’IhadtastedseventeenyearsbeforeatYussufAli’s。Whenmylandlordcameupattheendofsupper，ItoldhimthatheoughttobeLouisXV。’sheadcook。
\"Goonasyouhavebegun，anddobetterifyoucan；butletmehaveyourbilleverymorning。\"
\"Youarequiteright；withsuchanarrangementonecantellhowoneisgettingon。\"
\"Ishouldlikeyoualwaystogivemeices，andyoumustletmehavetwomorelights。But，unlessIammistaken，thosearecandlesthatIsee。IamaVenetian，andaccustomedtowaxlights。\"
\"Thatisyourservant’sfault，sir。\"
\"Howisthat？\"
\"Because，aftereatingagoodsupper，hewenttobed，sayinghewasill。ThusIheardnothingastohowyoulikedthingsdone。\"
\"Verygood，youshalllearnfrommyownlips。\"
\"Heaskedmywifetomakechocolateforyoutomorrowmorning；hegaveherthechocolate，Iwillmakeitmyself。\"
WhenhehadlefttheroomM。deValenglardsaid，inamannerthatwasatthesametimepleasedandsurprised，thatMadamed’Urfehadbeenapparentlyjokingintellinghimtosparemeallexpense。
\"It’shergoodnessofheart。Iamobligedtoherallthesame。
Sheisanexcellentwoman。\"
Westayedattabletilleleveno’clock，discussinginnumerablepleasanttopics，andanimatingourtalkwiththatchoiceliqueurmadeatGrenoble，ofwhichwedrankabottle。Itiscomposedofthejuiceofcherries，brandy，sugar，andcinnamon，andcannotbesurpassed，Iamsure，bythenectarofOlympus。
Isenthomethebaroninmycarriage，afterthankinghimforhisservices，andbegginghimtobemycompanionearlyandlatewhileIstayedatGrenoble——arequestwhichhegrantedexceptingforthosedaysonwhichhewasonduty。AtsupperIhadgivenhimmybillofexchangeonZappata，whichIendorsedwiththenamedeSeingalt，whichMadamed’Urfehadgivenme。Hediscounteditformenextday。AbankerbroughtmefourhundredlouisandIhadthirteenhundredinmycash—box。Ialwayshadadreadofpenuriousness，andIdelightedmyselfatthethoughtthatM。deValenglardwouldwriteandtellMadamed’Urfe，whowasalwayspreachingeconomytome，whathehadseen。Iescortedmyguesttothecarriage，andIwasagreeablysurprisedwhenIgotbacktofindthedoorkeeper’stwocharmingdaughters。
LeDuchadnotwaitedformetotellhimtofindsomepretextfornotservingme。Heknewmytastes，andthatwhentherewereprettygirlsinahouse，thelessIsawofhimthebetterIwaspleased。
Thefrankeagernessofthetwogirlstowaitonme，theirutterfreedomfromsuspicionorcoquetry，mademedeterminethatIwouldshewmyselfdeservingoftheirtrust。Theytookoffmyshoesandstockings，didmyhairandputonmynight—gownwithperfectproprietyonbothsides。WhenIwasinbedIwishedthemagoodnight，andtoldthemtoshutthedoorandbringmemychocolateateighto’clocknextmorning。
IcouldnothelpconfessingthatIwasperfectlyhappyasI
reflectedovermypresentcondition。Ienjoyedperfecthealth，I
wasintheprimeoflife，Ihadnocallsonme，Iwasthoroughlyindependent，Ihadarichstoreofexperience，plentyofmoney，plentyofluck，andIwasafavouritewithwomen。ThepainsandtroublesIhadgonethroughhadbeenfollowedbysomanydaysofhappinessthatIfeltdisposedtoblessmydestiny。FulloftheseagreeablethoughtsIfellasleep，andallthenightmydreamswereofhappinessandoftheprettybrunettewhohadplayedwithmeattheconcert。
Iwokewiththoughtsofher，andfeelingsurethatweshouldbecomeacquaintedIfeltcurioustoknowwhatsuccessIshouldhavewithher。Shewasdiscreetandpoor；andasIwasdiscreetinmyownwaysheoughtnottodespisemyfriendship。
Ateighto’clock，oneofthedoor—keeper’sdaughtersbroughtmemychocolate，andtoldmethatLeDuchadgotthefever。
\"Youmusttakecareofthepoorfellow。\"
\"Mycousinhasjusttakenhimsomebroth。\"
\"Whatisyourname？\"
\"MynameisRose，andmysisterisManon。\"
JustthenManoncameinwithmyshirt，onwhichshehadputfreshlace。Ithankedher，andshesaidwithablushthatshedidherfather’shairverywell。
\"Iamdelightedtohearit，andIshallbeverypleasedifyouwillbekindenoughtodothesameofficesformetillmyservantrecovers。\"
\"Withpleasure，sir。\"
\"AndI，\"saidRose，laughing，\"willshaveyou。\"
\"Ishouldliketoseehowyoudoit；getthewater。\"
Irosehastily，whileManonwaspreparingtodomyhair。Rosereturnedandshavedmeadmirably。Assoonasshehadwashedoffthelather，Isaid，\"Youmustgivemeakiss，\"presentingmycheektoher。Shepretendednottounderstand。
\"Ishallbevexed，\"saidI，gravelybutpleasantly，\"ifyourefusetokissme，\"
Shebeggedtobeexcused，sayingwithalittlesmile，thatitwasnotcustomarytodosoatGrenoble。
\"Well，ifyouwon’tkissme，youshan’tshaveme。\"
Thefathercameinatthatpoint，bringinghisbill。
\"Yourdaughterhasjustshavedmeadmirably，\"saidI，\"andsherefusestokissme，becauseitisnotthecustomatGrenoble。\"
\"Youlittlesilly，\"saidhe，\"itisthecustominParis。Youkissmefastenoughafteryouhaveshavedme，whyshouldyoubelesspolitetothisgentleman？\"
ShethenkissedmewithanairofsubmissiontothepaternaldecreewhichmadeManonlaugh。
\"Ah！\"saidthefather，\"yourturnwillcomewhenyouhavefinisheddoingthegentleman’shair。\"
Hewasacunningfellow，whoknewthebestwaytopreventmecheapeninghim，buttherewasnoneed，asIthoughthischargesreasonable，andasIpaidhiminfullhewentoffingreatglee。
ManondidmyhairaswellasmydearDubois，andkissedmewhenshehaddonewithoutmakingasmanydifficultiesasRose。I
thoughtIshouldgetonwellwithbothofthem。Theywentdownstairswhenthebankerwasannounced。
Hewasquiteayoungman，andafterhehadcountedmeoutfourhundredLouis，heobservedthatImustbeverycomfortable。
\"Certainly，\"saidI，\"thetwosistersaredelightful。\"
\"Theircousinisbetter。Theyaretoodiscreet。\"
\"Isupposetheyarewelloff。\"
\"Thefatherhastwothousandfrancsayear。Theywillbeabletomarrywell—to—dotradesmen。\"
Iwascurioustoseethecousinwhowassaidtobeprettierthanthesisters，andassoonasthebankerhadgoneIwentdownstairstosatisfymycuriosity。ImetthefatherandaskedhimwhichwasLeDuc’sroom，andthereonIwenttoseemyfinefellow。Ifoundhimsittingupinacomfortablebedwitharubicundfacewhichdidnotlookasifheweredangerouslyill。
\"Whatisthematterwithyou？
\"Nothing，sir。Iamhavingafinetimeofit。YesterdayI
thoughtIwouldbeill。\"
\"Whatmadeyouthinkthat？\"
\"ThesightofthethreeGraceshere，whoaremadeofbetterstuffthanyourhandsomehousekeeper，whowouldnotletmekissher。
Theyaremakingmewaittoolongformybroth，however。Ishallhavetospeakseverelyaboutit。\"
\"LeDuc，youarearascal。\"
\"Doyouwantmetogetwell？\"
\"Iwantyoutoputastoptothisfarce，asIdon’tlikeit。\"
Justthenthedooropened，andthecousincameinwiththebroth。
Ithoughtherravishing，andInoticedthatinwaitingonLeDucshehadanimperiouslittleairwhichwellbecameher。
\"Ishalldineinbed，\"saidmySpaniard。
\"Youshallbeattendedto，\"saidtheprettygirl，andshewentout。
\"Sheputsonbigairs，\"saidLeDuc，\"butthatdoesnotimposeonme。Don’tyouthinksheisverypretty？\"
\"Ithinkyouareveryimpudent。Youapeyourbetters，andIdon’tapproveofit。Getup。Youmustwaitonmeattable，andafterwardsyouwilleatyourdinnerbyyourself，andtrytogetyourselfrespectedasanhonestmanalwaysis，whateverhiscondition，solongashedoesnotforgethimself。Youmustnotstayanylongerinthisroom，thedoorkeeperwillgiveyouanother。\"
Iwentout，andonmeetingthefaircousinItoldherthatIwasjealousofthehonourwhichshehaddonemyman，andthatIbeggedhertowaitonhimnolonger。
\"Oh，Iamveryglad！\"
Thedoor—keepercameup，andIgavehimmyorders，andwentbacktomyroomtowrite。
Beforedinnerthebaroncameandtoldmethathehadjustcomefromtheladytowhomhehadintroducedme。ShewasthewifeofabarristernamedMorin，andaunttotheyoungladywhohadsointerestedme。
\"Ihavebeentalkingofyou，\"saidthebaron，\"andoftheimpressionherniecemadeonyou。Shepromisedtosendforher，andtokeepheratthehouseallday。\"
Afteradinnerasgoodasthesupperofthenightbefore，thoughdifferentfromitinitsdetails，andappetisingenoughtoawakenthedead，wewenttoseeMadameMorin，whoreceiveduswiththeeasygraceofaParisianlady。Sheintroducedmetosevenchildren，ofwhomshewasthemother。Hereldestdaughter，anordinary—lookinggirl，wastwelveyearsold，butIshouldhavetakenhertobefourteen，andsaidso。Toconvincemeofheragethemotherbroughtabookinwhichtheyear，themonth，theday，thehour，andeventheminuteofherbirthwereentered。Iwasastonishedatsuchminuteaccuracy，andaskedifshehadhadahoroscopedrawn。
\"No，\"saidshe，\"Ihaveneverfoundanybodytodoit。\"
\"Itisnevertoolate，\"Ireplied，\"andwithoutdoubtGodhaswilledthatthispleasureshouldbereservedforme。\"
AtthismomentM。Morincamein，hiswifeintroducedme，andafterthecustomarycomplimentshadpassed，shereturnedtothesubjectofthehoroscope。Thebarristersensiblyobservedthatifjudicialastrologywasnotwhollyfalse，itwas，nevertheless，asuspectedscience；thathehadbeensofoolishasoncetodevoteaconsiderableportionofhistimetoit，butthatonrecognizingtheinabilityofmantodealwiththefuturehehadabandonedastrology，contentinghimselfwiththeveritabletruthsofastronomy。IsawwithpleasurethatIhadtodealwithamanofsenseandeducation，butValenglard，whowasabelieverinastrology，begananargumentwithhimonthesubject。DuringtheirdiscussionIquietlycopiedoutonmytabletsthedateofMdlle。Morin’sbirth。ButM。MorinsawwhatIwasabout，andshookhisheadatme，withasmile。Iunderstoodwhathemeant，butIdidnotallowthattodisconcertme，asIhadmadeupmymindfullyfiveminutesagothatIwouldplaytheastrologeronthisoccasion。
Atlastthefairniecearrived。HerauntintroducedmetoherasMdlle。RomanCoupier，hersister’sdaughter；andthen，turningtoher，sheinformedherhowardentlyIhadbeenlongingtoknowhersinceIhadseenherattheconcert。
Shewasthenseventeen。Hersatinskinbyitsdazzlingwhitenessdisplayedtogreateradvantagehermagnificentblackhair。Herfeatureswereperfectlyregular，andhercomplexionhadaslighttingeofred；herfineeyeswereatoncesweetandsparkling，hereyebrowswerewellarched，hermouthsmall，herteethregularandaswhiteaspearls，andherlips，ofanexquisiterosyhue，affordedaseattothedeitiesofgraceandmodesty。
Aftersomemoments’conversation，M。Morinwasobligedtogooutonbusiness，andagameofquadrillewasproposed，atwhichIwasgreatlypitiedforhavinglostalouis。IthoughtMdlle。Romandiscreet，judicious，pleasantwithoutbeingbrilliant，and，stillbetter，withoutanypretensions。Shewashigh—spirited，even—tempered，andhadanaturalartwhichdidnotallowhertoseemtounderstandtooflatteringacompliment，orajokewhichpassedinanywaytheboundsofpropriety。Shewasneatlydressed，buthadnoornaments，andnothingwhichshewedwealth；
neitherear—rings，rings，norawatch。Onemighthavesaidthatherbeautywasheronlyadornment，theonlyornamentsheworebeingasmallgoldcrosshangingfromhernecklaceofblackribbon。Herbreastwaswellshapedandnottoolarge。Fashionandcustommadehershewhalfofitasinnocentlyassheshewedherplumpwhitehand，orhercheeks，whereonthelilyandtherosewerewedded。IlookedatherfeaturestoseeifImighthopeatall；butIwascompletelypuzzled，andcouldcometonoconclusion。Shegavenosignwhichmademehope，butontheotherhandshedidnothingtomakemedespair。Shewassonaturalandsoreservedthatmysagacitywascompletelyatfault。
Nevertheless，alibertywhichItookatsuppergavemeagleamofhope。Hernapkinfelldown，andinreturningittoherIpressedherthighamorously，andcouldnotdetecttheslightestdispleasureonherfeatures。ContentwithsomuchIbeggedeverybodytocometodinnerwithmenextday，tellingMadameMorinthatIshouldnotbegoingout，andthatIwasthereforedelightedtoputmycarriageatherservice。
WhenIhadtakenValenglardhome，IwenttomylodgingbuildingcastlesinSpainastotheconquestofMdlle。Roman。
Iwarnedmylandlordthatweshouldbesixatdinnerandsupperthefollowingday，andthenIwenttobed。AsLeDucwasundressingmehesaid，\"Sir，youarepunishingme，butwhatmakesmesorryyouarepunishingyourselfindeprivingyourselfoftheservicesofthoseprettygirls。\"
\"Youarearogue。\"
\"Iknowit，butIserveyouwithallmyheart，andIloveyourpleasureaswellasmyown。\"
\"Youpleadwellforyourself；IamafraidIhavespoiltyou。\"
\"ShallIdoyourhairto—morrow？\"
\"No；youmaygoouteverydaytilldinner—time。\"
\"Ishallbecertaintocatchit。\"
\"ThenIshallsendyoutothehospital。\"
\"Thatisafineprospect，’porDios’。\"
Hewasimpudent，sly，profligate，andarascallyfellow；butalsoobedient，devoted，discreet，andfaithful，andhisgoodqualitiesmademeoverlookhisdefects。
Nextmorning，whenRosebroughtmychocolate，shetoldmewithalaughthatmymanhadsentforacarriage，andafterdressinghimselfintheheightoffashionhehadgoneoffwithhisswordathisside，topaycalls，ashesaid。
\"Welaughedathim。\"
\"Youwerequiteright，mydearRose。\"
AsIspoke，Manoncameinundersomepretextorother。Isawthatthetwosistershadanunderstandingnevertobealonewithme；I
wasdispleased，butpretendednottonoticeanything。Igotup，andIhadscarcelyputonmydressing—gownwhenthecousincameinwithapacketunderherarm。
\"Iamdelightedtoseeyou，andabovealltolookatyoursmilingface，forIthoughtyoumuchtooseriousyesterday。\"
\"That’sbecauseM。leDucisagreatergentlemanthanyouare；I
shouldnothavepresumedtolaughinhispresence；butIhadmyrewardinseeinghimstartoffthismorninginhisgildedcoach。\"
\"Didheseeyoulaughingathim？\"
\"Yes，unlessheisblind。\"
\"Hewillbevexed。\"
\"Allthebetter。\"
\"Youarereallyverycharming。Whathaveyougotinthatparcel？\"
\"Somegoodsofourownmanufacture。Look；theyareembroideredgloves。\"
\"Theyarebeautiful；theembroideryisexquisitelydone。Howmuchforthelot？\"
\"Areyouagoodhandatabargain。\"
\"Certainly。\"
\"Thenwemusttakethatintoaccount。\"
Aftersomewhisperingstogetherthecousintookapen，putdownthenumbersofgloves，addedupandsaid，\"Thelotwillcostyoutwohundredandtenfrancs。\"
\"Thereareninelouis；givemesixfrancschange。\"
\"Butyoutoldusyouwouldmakeabargain。\"
\"Youwerewrongtobelieveit。\"
Sheblushedandgavemethesixfrancs。RoseandManonshavedmeanddidmyhair，givingmeakisswiththebestgraceimaginable；
andwhenIofferedmycheektothecousinshekissedmeonthemouthinamannerthattoldmeshewouldbewhollymineonthefirstopportunity。
\"Shallwehavethepleasureofwaitingonyouatthetable？\"saidRose。
\"Iwishyouwould。\"
\"Butweshouldliketoknowwhoiscomingtodinnerfirst；asifitisofficersfromthegarrisonwedarenotcome；theymakesofree。\"
\"MyguestsareMadameMorin，herhusband，andherniece。\"
\"Verygood\"
Thecousinsaid，\"Mdlle。RomanistheprettiestandthebestgirlinGrenoble；butshewillfindsomedifficultyinmarryingasshehasnomoney。\"
\"Shemaymeetsomerichmanwhowillthinkhergoodnessandherbeautyworthamillionofmoney。\"
\"Therearenotmanymenofthatkind。\"
\"No；butthereareafew。\"
Manonandthecousinwentout，andIwasleftalonewithRose，whostayedtodressme。Iattackedher，butshedefendedherselfsoresolutelythatIdesisted，andpromiseditshouldnotoccuragain。WhenshehadfinishedIgaveheralouis，thankedher，andsentheraway。
AssoonasIwasaloneIlockedthedoor，andproceededtoconcoctthehoroscopeIhadpromisedtoMadameMorin。Ifounditaneasytasktofilleightpageswithlearnedfolly；andIconfinedmyselfchieflytodeclaringtheeventswhichhadalreadyhappenedtothenative。Ihaddeftlyextractedsomeitemsofinformationinthecourseofconversation，andfillinguptherestaccordingtothelawsofprobabilityanddressingupthewholeinastrologicaldiction，Iwaspronouncedtobeaseer，andnodoubtswerecastonmyskill。Ididnotindeedrunmuchrisk，foreverythinghungfromanif，andinthejudiciousemploymentofifsliesthesecretofallastrology。
Icarefullyre—readthedocument，andthoughtitadmirable。I
feltinthevein，andtheuseofthecabalahadmademeanexpertinthissortofthing。
Justafternoonallmyguestsarrived，andatonewesatdowntotable。Ihaveneverseenamoresumptuousormoredelicaterepast。Isawthatthecookwasanartistmoreinneedofrestraintthanencouragement。MadameMorinwasverypolitetothethreegirls，whomsheknewwell，andLeDucstoodbehindherchairallthetime，lookingafterherwants，anddressedasrichlyastheking’schamberlain。WhenwehadnearlyfinisheddinnerMdlle。
Romanpassedacomplimentonmythreefairwaiting—maids，andthisgivingmeoccasiontospeakoftheirtalentsIgotupandbroughttheglovesIhadpurchasedfromthem。Mdlle。Romanpraisedthequalityofthematerialandthework。Itooktheopportunity，andbeggedleaveoftheaunttogiveherandhernieceadozenpairapiece。Iobtainedthisfavour，andIthengaveMadameMorinthehoroscope。Herhusbandreadit，andthoughanunbelieverhewasforcedtoadmire，asallthedeductionsweretakennaturallyfromthepositionoftheheavenlybodiesattheinstantofhisdaughter’sbirth。Wespentacoupleofhoursintalkingaboutastrology，andthesametimeinplayingatquadrille，andthenwetookawalkinthegarden，whereIwaspolitelylefttoenjoythesocietyofthefairRoman。
Ourdialogue，orrathermymonologue，turnedsolelyontheprofoundimpressionshehadmadeonme，onthepassionshehadinspired，onherbeauty，hergoodness，thepurityofmyintentions，andonmyneedoflove，lestIshouldgodowntothegravethemosthaplessofmen。
\"Sir，\"saidshe，atlast，\"ifmydestinypointstomarriageIdonotdenythatIshouldbehappytofindahusbandlikeyou。\"
Iwasemboldenedbythisfrankdeclaration，andseizingherhandI
covereditwithfierykisses，sayingpassionatelythatIhopedshewouldnotletmelanguishlong。Sheturnedherheadtolookforheraunt。Itwasgettingdark，andsheseemedtobeafraidofsomethinghappeningtoher。Shedrewmegentlywithher，andonrejoiningtheotherguestswereturnedtothedining—room，whereI
madeasmallbankatfarofortheiramusement。MadameMoringaveherdaughterandniece，whosepocketswereempty，somemoney，andValenglarddirectedtheirplaysowellthatwhenweleftofftogotosupperIhadthepleasureofseeingthateachofthethreeladieshadwontwoorthreelouis。
Wesatattabletillmidnight。AcoldwindfromtheAlpsstoppedmyplanofproposingashortturninthegarden。MadameMorinoverwhelmedmewiththanksformyentertainment，andIgaveeachofmylady—visitorsarespectfulkiss。
Iheardsinginginthekitchen，andongoinginIfoundLeDucinahighstateofexcitementandverydrunk。Assoonashesawmehetriedtorise，buthelosthiscentreofgravity，andfellrightunderthekitchentable。Hewascarriedawaytobed。
Ithoughtthisaccidentfavourabletomydesireofamusingmyself，andImighthavesucceededifthethreeGraceshadnotallbeenthere。Loveonlylaughswhentwoarepresent，andthusitisthattheancientmythologytellsnostoryofthelovesoftheGraces，whowerealwaystogether。Ihadnotyetfoundanopportunityofgettingmythreemaidsoneaftertheother，andIdarednotriskageneralattack，whichmighthavelostmetheconfidenceofeachone。Rose，Isaw，wasopenlyjealousofhercousin，asshekeptakeenlook—outafterhermovements。Iwasnotsorry，forjealousyleadstoanger，andangergoesalongway。WhenIwasinbedI
sentthemawaywithamodestgoodnight。
Nextmorning，Rosecameinbyherselftoaskmeforacakeofchocolate，for，asshesaid，LeDucwasnowillinrealearnest。
Shebroughtmethebox，andIgaveherthechocolate，andindoingsoItookherhandandshewedherhowwellIlovedher。Shewasoffended，drewbackherhandsharply，andlefttheroom。AmomentafterManoncameinunderthepretextofshewingmeapieceoflaceIhadtornawayinmyattemptsofthedaybefore，andofaskingmeifsheshouldmendit。Itookherhandtokissit，butshedidnotgivemetime，presentingherlips，burningwithdesire。Itookherhandagain，anditwasjustonthespotwhenthecousincamein。Manonheldthepieceoflace，andseemedtobewaitingformyanswer。ItoldherabsentlythatIshouldbeobligedifshewouldmenditwhenshehadtime，andwiththisshewentout。
Iwastroubledbythissuccessionofdisasters，andthoughtthatthecousinwouldnotplaymefalsefromtheearnestofheraffectionwhichshehadgivenmethedaybeforeinthatardentkissofhers。Ibeggedhertogivememyhandkerchief，andgentlydrewherhandtowardsme。Hermouthfastenedtomine，andherhand，whichshelefttomypleasurewithallthegentlenessofalamb，wasalreadyinmotionwhenRosecameinwithmychocolate。
Weregainedourcomposureinamoment，butIwasfuriousatheart。
IscowledatRose，andIhadarighttodosoafterthemannerinwhichshehadrepulsedmeaquarterofanhourbefore。Thoughthechocolatewasexcellent，Ipronounceditbadlymade。Ichidherforherawkwardnessinwaitingonme，andrepulsedherateverystep。WhenIgotupIwouldnotlethershaveme；Ishavedmyself，whichseemedtohumiliateher，andthenManondidmyhair。
Roseandthecousinthenwentout，asiftomakecommoncausetogether，butitwaseasytoseethatRosewaslessangrywithhersisterthanhercousin。
AsManonwasfinishingmytoilette，M。deValenglardcamein。Assoonaswewerealone，theofficer，whowasamanofhonourandofmuchsense，inspiteofhisbeliefinastrologyandtheoccultsciences，saidthathethoughtmelookingrathermelancholy，andthatifmysadnesshadanyconnectionwiththefairRoman，hewarnedmetothinknomoreofher，unlessIhadresolvedtoaskherhandinmarriage。IrepliedthattoputanendtoalldifficultiesIhaddecidedonleavingGrenobleinafewdays。WedinedtogetherandwethencalledonMadameMorin，withwhomwefoundherfairniece。
MadameMoringavemeaflatteringwelcome，andMdlle。RomanreceivedmesograciouslythatIwasemboldenedtokissherandplaceheronmyknee。Theauntlaughed，thenieceblushed，andthenslippingintomyhandalittlepieceofpapermadeherescape。Ireadonthepapertheyear，day，Hour，andminuteofherbirth，andguessedwhatshemeant。Shemeant，Ithought，thatIcoulddonothingwithherbeforeIhaddrawnupherhoroscope。
Myresolvewassoontakentoprofitbythiscircumstance，andI
toldherthatIwouldtellherwhetherIcouldobligeherornotnextday，ifshewouldcometoaballIwasgiving。Shelookedatherauntandmyinvitationwasaccepted。
Justthentheservantannounced\"TheRussianGentleman。\"Isawawell—mademanofaboutmyownage，slightlymarkedwiththesmall—pox，anddressedasatraveller。HeaccostedMadameMorinwitheasygrace，waswelcomedheartilybyher，spokewell，scarcelygavemeaglance，anddidnotsayawordtothenieces。
IntheeveningM。Morincamein，andtheRussiangavehimasmallphialfullofawhiteliquid，andthenmadeasifhewouldgo，buthewaskepttosupper。
Attabletheconversationranonthismarvellousliquidofhis。
M。Morintoldmethathehadcuredayoungmanofabruisefromabilliardballinfiveminutes，byonlyrubbingitwiththeliquid。
Hesaidmodestlythatitwasatriflingthingofhisowninvention，andhetalkedagooddealaboutchemistrytoValenglard。AsmyattentionwastakenupbythefairMdlle。
RomanIcouldnottakepartintheirconversation；myhopeofsucceedingwithheronthefollowingdayabsorbedallmythoughts。
AsIwasgoingawaywithValenglardhetoldmethatnobodyknewwhotheRussianwas，andthathewasneverthelessreceivedeverywhere。
\"Hasheacarriageandservants？\"
\"Hehasnothing，noservantsandnomoney。\"
\"Wheredidhecomefrom？\"
\"Fromtheskies。\"
\"Afairabode，certainly；howlonghashebeenhere？\"
\"Forthelastfortnight。Hevisits，butasksfornothing。\"
\"Howdoeshelive？\"
\"Oncreditattheinn；heissupposedtobewaitingforhiscarriageandservants。\"
\"Heisprobablyavagabond。\"
\"Hedoesnotlooklikeone，asyousawforyourself，andhisdiamondscontradictthathypothesis。\"
\"Yes，iftheyarenotimitationstones，foritseemstomethatiftheywererealhewouldsellthem。\"
WhenIgothomeRosecamebyherselftoattendonme，butshecontinuedtosulk。Itriedtorouseherup，butasIhadnosuccessIorderedhertogoandtellherfatherthatIwasgoingtogiveaballnextdayintheroombythegarden，andthatsupperwastobelaidfortwenty。
Whenthedoor—keepercametotakemyordersthefollowingmorning，ItoldhimthatIshouldlikehisgirlstodanceifhedidn’tmind。AtthisRosecondescendedtosmile，andIthoughtitagoodomen。Justasshewentoutwithherfather，ManoncarneinunderthepretextofaskingmewhatlaceIwouldwearfortheday。I
foundherasgentleasalambandaslovingasadove。Theaffairwashappilyconsummated，butwehadanarrowescapeofbeingcaughtbyRose，whocameinwithLeDucandbeggedmetolethimdance，promisingthathewouldbehavehimselfproperly。Iwasgladthateverybodyshouldenjoythemselvesandconsented，tellinghimtothankRose，whohadgothimthisfavour。
IhadanotefromMadameMorin，askingmeifshemightbringwithhertotheballtwoladiesofheracquaintanceandtheirdaughters。IrepliedthatIshouldbedelightedforhertoinvitenotonlyasmanyladiesbutasmanygentlemenasshepleased，asI
hadorderedsupperfortwentypeople。ShecametodinnerwithhernieceandValenglard，herdaughterbeingbusydressingandherhusbandbeingengagedtilltheevening。SheassuredmethatI
shouldhaveplentyofguests。
ThefairMdlle。Romanworethesamedress，butherbeautyunadornedwasdazzling。StandingbymesheaskedifIhadthoughtaboutherhoroscope。Itookherhand，madehersitonmyknee，andpromisedthatsheshouldhaveitonthemorrow。Iheldherthus，pressinghercharmingbreastswithmylefthand，andimprintingfierykissesonherlips，whichsheonlyopenedtobegmetocalmmyself。Shewasmoreastonishedthanafraidtoseemetrembling，andthoughshedefendedherselfsuccessfullyshedidnotlosecountenanceforamoment，andinspiteofmyardentgazeshedidnotturnherfaceaway。Icalmedmyselfwithaneffort，andhereyesexpressedthesatisfactionofonewhohasvanquishedagenerousenemybytheforceofreason。BymysilenceIpraisedthevirtueofthiscelestialbeing，inwhosedestinyIonlyhadapartbyoneofthosecapricesofchancewhichphilosophyseekstoexplaininvain。
MadameMorincameuptome，andaskedmetoexplainsomepointsinherdaughter’shoroscope。ShethentoldmethatifIwantedtohavefourbeautiesatmyballshehadonlytowriteacoupleofnotes。
\"Ishallonlyseeonebeauty，\"saidI，lookingatherniece。\"Godaloneknows，\"saidValenglard，\"whatpeoplewillsayinGrenoble！\"
\"Theywillsayitisyourweddingball，\"saidMadameMorintoherniece。
\"Yes，andtheywilldoubtlesstalkofmymagnificentdress，mylace，andmydiamonds，\"saidtheniece，pleasantly。
\"Theywilltalkofyourbeauty，yourwit，andyourgoodness，\"
Ireplied，passionately，\"goodnesswhichwillmakeyourhusbandahappyman。\"
Therewasasilence，becausetheyallthoughtIwasalludingtomyself。Iwasdoingnothingofthesort。Ishouldhavebeengladtogivefivehundredlouisforher，butIdidnotseehowthecontractwastobedrawnup，andIwasnotgoingtothrowmymoneyaway。
Wewenttomybedroom，andwhileMdlle。Romanwasamusingherselfwithlookingatthejewellryonmytoilette—table，herauntandValenglardexaminedthebooksonthetablebymybedside。IsawMadameMoringoingtothewindowandlookingcloselyatsomethingsheheldinherhand。IrememberedIhadleftouttheportraitofthefairnun。IrantoherandbeggedhertogivemetheindecentpictureIhadsofoolishlyleftabout。
\"Idon’tmindtheindecencyofit，\"shesaid，\"butwhatstrikesmeistheexactlikeness。\"
Iunderstoodeverything，andIshudderedatthecarelessnessofwhichIhadbeenguilty。
\"Madam，\"Isaid，\"thatistheportraitofaVenetian，lady，ofwhomIwasveryfound。\"
\"Idaresay，butit’sverycurious。ThesetwoM’s，thesecast—offrobessacrificedtolove，everythingmakesmysurprisegreater。\"
\"SheisanunandnamedM————M————。\"
\"AndaWelshnieceofmineatCamberiisalsonamedM————M————，andbelongstothesameorder。Nay，more，shehasbeenatAix，whenceyouhavecome，togetcuredofanillness。\"
\"Andthisportraitislikeher？\"
\"Asonedropofwaterislikeanother。\"
\"IfyougotoChambericallonherandsayyoucomefromme；youwillbewelcomeandyouwillbeasmuchsurprisedasIam。\"
\"Iwilldoso，afterIhavebeeninItaly。However，Iwillnotshewherthisportrait，whichwouldscandalizeher；Iwillputitawaycarefully。\"
\"Ibegyounottoshewittoanyone。\"
\"Youmayrelyonme。\"
Iwasinanecstasyathavingputheroffsoeffectually。
Ateighto’clockallmyguestsarrived，andIsawbeforemeallthefairestladiesandthenoblestgentlemenofGrenoble。Theonlythingwhichvexedmewasthecomplimentstheylavishedonme，asiscustomaryintheprovinces。
IopenedtheballwiththeladypointedouttomebyM。Valenglard，andthenIdancedwithalltheladiesinsuccession；
butmypartnerinallthesquaredanceswasthefairMdlle。Roman，whoshonefromhersimplicity——atleast，inmyeyes。
Afteraquadrille，inwhichIhadexertedmyselfagooddeal，I
felthotandwentuptomyroomtoputonalightersuit，andasI
wasdoingso，incamethefaircousin，whoaskedmeifIrequiredanything。
\"Yes，you，dearest，\"Ireplied，goinguptoherandtakingherinmyarms。\"Didanyoneseeyoucominginhere？\"
\"No，Icamefromupstairs，andmycousinsareinthedancing—room。\"
\"Thatiscapital。YouarefairasLovehimself，andthisisanexcellentopportunityforskewingyouhowmuchIloveyou。\"
\"Goodheavens！Whatareyoudoing？Letmego，somebodymightcomein。Well，putoutthelight！\"
Iputitout，shutthedoor，and，myheadfullofMdlle。Roman，thecousinfoundmeasardentasIshouldhavebeenwiththatdelightfulperson。Iconfess，too，thatthedoor—keeper’sniecewaswellworthyofbeinglovedonherownmerits。Ifoundherperfect，perhapsbetterthanMdlle。Roman，anovice，wouldhavebeen。Inspiteofmyardourherpassionwassoonappeased，andshebeggedmetolethergo，andIdidso；butitwasquitetime。
Iwantedtobeginoveragain，butshewasafraidthatourabsencewouldbenoticedbyhertwoArgus—eyedcousins，soshekissedmeandlefttheroom。
Iwentbacktotheball—room，andwedancedontillthekingofdoor—keeperscametotellussupperwasready。
Acollationcomposedoftheluxurieswhichtheseasonandthecountryaffordedcoveredthetable；butwhatpleasedtheladiesmostwasthenumberandartisticarrangementofthewaxlights。
Isatdownatasmalltablewithafewofmyguests，andI
receivedthemostpressinginvitationstospendtheautumnintheirtown。IamsurethatifIhadacceptedIshouldhavebeentreatedlikeaprince，forthenobilityofGrenoblebearthehighestcharacterforhospitality。ItoldthemthatifithadbeenpossibleIshouldhavehadthegreatestpleasureinacceptingtheirinvitation，andinthatcaseIshouldhavebeendelightedtohavemadetheacquaintanceofthefamilyofanillustriousgentleman，afriendofmyfather’s。
\"Whatnameisit？\"theyaskedme，altogether。
\"BouchenudeValbonnais。\"
\"Hewasmyuncle。Ah！sir，youmustcomeandstaywithus。Youdancedwithmydaughter。Whatwasyourfather’sname？
Thisstory，whichIinvented，andutteredasIwaswont，onthespurofthemoment，turnedmeintoasortofwonderintheeyesoftheworthypeople。
Afterwehadlaughed，jested，drank，andeaten，werosefromthetableandbegantodanceanew。
SeeingMadameMorin，herniece，andValenglardgoingintothegarden，Ifollowedthem，andaswewalkedinthemoonlightIledthefairMdlle。Romanthroughacoveredalley；butallmyfinespeecheswereinvain；Icoulddonothing。Iheldherbetweenmyarms，Icoveredherwithburningkisses，butnotonedidshereturntome，andherhandsofferedasuccessfulresistancetomyhardyattempts。Byasuddeneffort，however，Iatlastattainedtheporchofthetempleoflove，andheldherinsuchawaythatfurtherresistancewouldhavebeenofnoavail；butshestoppedmeshortbysayinginavoicewhichnomanoffeelingcouldhaveresisted，——
\"Bemyfriend，sir，andnotmyenemyandthecauseofmyruin。\"
Ikneltbeforeher，andtakingherhandbeggedherpardon，swearingnottorenewmyattempts。Ithenroseandaskedhertokissmeasapledgeofherforgiveness。Werejoinedheraunt，andreturnedtotheball—room，butwithallmyendeavoursIcouldnotregainmycalm。
Isatdowninacorneroftheroom，andIaskedRose，whopassedbyme，togetmeaglassoflemonade。Whenshebroughtitshegentlychidmefornothavingdancedwithher，hersister，orhercousin。
\"Itwillgivepeoplebutapooropinionofourmerits。\"
\"Iamtired，\"saidI，\"butifyouwillpromisetobekindIwilldanceaminuetwithyou。\"
\"Whatdowantmetodo？\"saidshe。
\"Gointomybedroomandwaitformethereinthedarkwhenyouseeyoursisterandyourcousinbusydancing。\"
\"Andyouwillonlydancewithme。\"
\"Iswear\"
\"Thenyouwillfindmeinyourroom。\"
Ifoundherpassionate，andIhadfullsatisfaction。TokeepmywordwithherIwaitedfortheclosingminuet，forhavingdancedwithRoseIfeltobligedincommondecencytodancewiththeothertwo，especiallyasIowedthemthesamedebt。
Atday—breaktheladiesbegantovanish，andasIputtheMorinsintomycarriageItoldthemthatIcouldnothavethepleasureofseeingthemagainthatday，butthatiftheywouldcomeandspendthewholeofthedayafterwithmeIwouldhavethehoroscopeready。
Iwenttothekitchentothanktheworthydoor—keeperforhavingmademecutsuchagallantfigure，andIfoundthethreenymphsthere，fillingtheirpocketswithsweetmeats。Hetoldthem，laughing，thatasthemasterwastheretheymightrobhimwithaclearconscience，andIbadethemtakeasmuchastheywould。I
informedthedoor—keeperthatIshouldnotdinetillsix，andI
thenwenttobed。
Iawokeatnoon，andfeelingmyselfwellrestedIsettoworkatthehoroscope，andIresolvedtotellthefairMdlle。RomanthatfortuneawaitedheratParis，whereshewouldbecomehermaster’smistress，butthatthemonarchmustseeherbeforeshehadattainedhereighteenthyear，asatthattimeherdestinywouldtakeadifferentturn。Togivemyprophecyauthority，Itoldhersomecuriouscircumstanceswhichhadhithertohappenedtoher，andwhichIhadlearntnowandagainfromherselforMadameMorinwithoutpretendingtoheedwhattheysaid。
WithanEphemerisandanotherastrologicalbook，ImadeoutandcopiedinsixhoursMdlle。Roman’shoroscope，andIhadsowellarrangeditthatitstruckValenglardandevenM。Morinwithastonishment，andmadethetwoladiesquiteenthusiastic。
Myhoroscopemustonlybeknowntotheyoungladyandherfamily，whowouldnodoubtkeepthesecretwell。AfterIhadputthefinishingtouchestoit，readit，andreaditagain，IfeltcertainthatIhadmadeamasterpiece，andIthendinedinbedwithmythreenymphs。Iwaspoliteandaffectionatetothemall，andwewereallhappytogether，butIwasthehappiest。M。deValenglardcametoseemeearlythenextday，andinformedmethatnobodysuspectedmeofbeinginlovewithMdlle。Roman，butthatI
wasthoughttobeamorousofmylandlord’sgirls。
\"Well，letthemthinkso，\"saidI；\"theyareworthyoflove，thoughnottobenamedinthesamebreathwithonepastcompare，butwholeavesmenohope。\"
\"LetmetellMadamed’Urfeallaboutit。\"
\"Certainly；Ishallbedelighted。\"
M。andMadameMorinandtheirniececameatnoon，andwespentthehourbeforedinnerinreadingthehoroscope。ItwouldbeimpossibletodescribethefourdistinctsortsofsurprisewhichI
sawbeforeme。TheinterestingMdlle。Romanlookedverygrave，and，notknowingwhethershehadawillofherown，listenedtowhatwassaidinsilence。M。Morinlookedatmenowandagain，andseeingthatIkeptaseriouscountenancedidnotdaretolaugh。Valenglardshewedfanaticbeliefinastrologyineveryfeature。MadameMorinseemedstruckasbyamiracle，and，farfromthinkingthefactprophesiedtooimprobable，remarkedthatherniecewasmuchmoreworthyofbecominghersovereign’swifeormistressthanthebigotedMaintenonhadbeen。
\"Shewouldneverhavedoneanything，\"saidMadameMorin，\"ifshehadnotleftAmericaandcometoFrance；andifmyniecedoesnotgotoParisnobodycansaythatthehoroscopehasprophesiedfalsely。Weshouldtherefore——gotoParis，buthowisittobedone？Idon’tseemywaytoit。Thepredictionofthebirthofasonhassomethingdivineandentrancingaboutit。Idon’twishtoseemprejudiced，butmyniecehascertainlymorequalificationsforgainingtheking’saffectionthantheMaintenonhad:mynieceisagoodgirlandyoung，whiletheMaintenonwasnolongerasyoungasshehadbeen，andhadledastrangelifebeforeshebecameadevotee。ButweshallneveraccomplishthisjourneytoParis。\"