\"What’sthat？Twoloversandstillamaid！Idon’tunderstand；
pleasetellmeaboutit，forIhaveneverheardofsuchathing。\"
\"BeforeIsatisfiedmyfirstloverwhichhappenedwhenIwasonlytwelve，IwasjustthesameasIamnow。\"
\"It’swonderful。Andwhatdidhesaywhenhesawit？\"
\"Isworethathewasmyfirst，andhebelievedme，puttingitdowntothepeculiarshapeofmybody。\"
\"Hewasamanofspirit；butdidn’thehurtyou？\"
\"Notabit；butthenhewasverygentle。\"
\"Youmusthaveatryaftersupper，\"saidtheAstroditome，\"thatwouldbefinefun。\"
\"No，no，\"saidtheLepi，\"thegentlemanwouldbetoobigforme。\"
\"Nonsense！Youdon’twanttotakeinallofhim。Iwillshowyouhowitis。\"
Withthesewordstheimpudenthussyproceededtoexhibitme，andI
letherdowhatsheliked。
\"That’sjustwhatIshouldhavethought，\"criedtheLepi；\"itcouldneverbedone。\"
\"Well，heisratherbig，\"answeredtheAstrodi；\"butthere’sacureforeverything，andhewillbecontentwithhalf—measures。\"
\"It’snotthelength，mydear，butthethicknesswhichfrightensme；Iamafraidthedooristoonarrow。\"
\"Allthebetterforyou，foryoucansellyourmaidenheadafterhavinghadtwolovers。\"
Thisconversation，notdevoidofwit，andstillmorethesimplicityofthehunchback，hadmademeresolvetoverifythingsformyself。
Suppercameup，andIhadthepleasureofseeingthetwonymphseatlikestarvingsavages，anddrinkstillbetter。WhentheHermitagehaddoneitsworktheAstrodiproposedthatweshouldcastofftheclotheswhichdisfigurenature。
\"Certainly，\"saidI；\"andIwillturnawaywhileyouaregettingready。\"
Iwentbehindthecurtains，tookoffmyclothes，andwenttobedwithmybacktothem。AtlasttheAstroditoldmethattheywereready，andwhenIlookedtheLepitookupallmyattention。Inspiteofherdoubledeformityshewasahandsomewoman。Myglancesfrightenedher，forshewasdoubtlesstakingpartinanorgyforthefirsttime。Igavehercourage，however，bydintofpraisingthosecharmswhichthewhiteandbeautifulhandscouldnothide，andatlastIpersuadedhertocomeandliebesideme。
Herhumppreventedherlyingonherback，buttheingeniousAstrodidoubledupthepillowsandsucceededinplacingherinapositionsimilartothatofashipabouttobelaunched。ItwasalsobythetendercareoftheAstrodithattheintroductionoftheknifewasmanaged，tothegreatdelightofpriestandvictim。
Aftertheoperationwasovershegotupandkissedme，whichshecouldnotdobefore，forhermouthreachedtothemiddleofmychest，whilemyfeetwerescarcelydowntoherknees。Iwouldhavegiventenlouistohavebeenabletoseethecurioussightwemusthavepresentedatwork。
\"Nowcomesmyturn，\"saidtheAstrodi；\"butIdon’twantyoutoinfringeontherightsofmyauditor，socomeandlookroundandseewherethepathlies。Takethat。\"
\"WhatamItodowiththissliceoflemon？\"
\"Iwantyoutotrywhethertheplaceisfreefrominfection，orwhetheritwouldbedangerousforyoutopayitavisit。\"
\"Isthatasuremethod？\"
\"Infallible；ifeverythingwerenotrightIcouldnotbearthesmart。\"
\"Thereyouare。How’sthat？\"
\"Allright；butdon’tdeceiveme，Iwantnohalfmeasures。MyreputationwouldbemadeifIbecamewithchild。\"
Iaskmyreader’sleavetodrawaveiloversomeincidentsofthistrulyscandalousorgy，inwhichtheuglywomantaughtmesomethingsIdidnotknowbefore。Atlast，moretiredthanexhausted，Itoldthemtobegone，buttheAstrodiinsistedonfinishingupwithabowlofpunch。Iagreed，butnotwishingtohaveanythingmoretodowitheitherofthemIdressedmyselfagain。However，thechampagnepunchexcitedthemtosuchanextentthatatlasttheymademesharetheirtransports。TheAstrodiplacedherfriendinsuchasingularpositionthatthehumpswerenolongervisible，andimaginingthatIhadbeforemethehighpriestessofJove，Ipaidheralongsacrifice，inwhichdeathandresurrectionfollowedoneanotherinsuccession。ButIfeltdisgustedwithmyself，anddrewawayfromtheirlasciviousfrenzies，andgavethemtenLouistogetridofthem。TheAstrodifellonherknees，blessedme，thankedme，calledmehergod；andtheLepiweptandlaughedforjoyatthesametime；andthusforaquarterofanhourIwastreatedtoasceneofanextraordinarykind。
Ihadthemtakenhomeinmycarriage，andslepttillteno’clocknextmorning。JustasIwasgoingoutforawalkStuardcametomyroomandtoldme，withanairofdespair，thatifIdidnotgivehimthemeansofgoingawaybeforeIlefthewouldthrowhimselfintheRhine。
\"That’srathertragic，\"saidI，\"butIcanfindacure。Iwilldisbursetwenty—fiveLouis，butitisyourwifewhomustreceivethem；andtheonlyconditionisthatshemustreceivemealoneforanhour，andbeentirelykind。\"
\"Sir，weneedjustthatsum；mywifeisdisposedtoreceiveyou；
goandtalktoher。Ishallnotbeintillnoon。\"
Iputtwenty—fiveLouisinaprettylittlepurse，andleftmyroomthinkingthatthevictorywaswon。Ienteredherroomandapproachedherbedrespectfully。Whensheheardmeshesatupinbedwithouttakingthetroubletocoverherbreast，andbeforeI
couldwishhergood—dayshespoketomeasfollows:
\"Iamready，sir，topaywithmybodyforthewretchedtwenty—fiveLouisofwhichmyhusbandisinneed。Youcandowhatyoulikewithme；butrememberthatintakingadvantageofmypositiontoassuageyourbrutallustyouarethevilerofthetwo，forIonlysellmyselfsocheaplybecausenecessitycompelsmetodoso。
Yourbasenessismoreshamefulthanmine。Comeon；hereIam。\"
Withthisflatteringaddressshethrewoffthecoverletwithavigorousgesture，anddisplayedallherbeauties，whichImighthavegazedonwithsuchdifferentfeelingsfromthosewhichnowfilledmybreast。ForamomentIwassilentwithindignation。
Allmypassionhadevaporated；inthosevoluptuousroundedlimbsI
sawnowonlythecoveringofawildbeast’ssoul。Iputbackthecoverletwiththegreatestcalmness，andaddressedherinatoneofcoldcontempt:
\"No，madam，Ishallnotleavethisroomdegradedbecauseyouhavetoldmeso，butIshallleaveitafterimpartingtoyouafewdegradingtruths，ofwhichyoucannotbeignorantifyouareawomanofanydecencywhatever。Herearetwenty—fivelouis，awretchedsumtogiveavirtuouswomaninpaymentofherfavours，butmuchmorethanyoudeserve。Iamnotbrutal，andtoconvinceyouofthefactIamgoingtoleaveyouintheundisturbedpossessionofyourcharms，whichIdespiseasheartilyasIshouldhaveadmiredthemifyourbehaviourhadbeendifferent。IonlygiveyouthemoneyfromafeelingofcompassionwhichIcannotovercome，andwhichistheonlyfeelingInowhaveforyou。
Nevertheless，letmetellyouthatwhetherawomansellsherselffortwenty—fivelouisortwenty—fivemillionlouissheisasmuchaprostituteintheonecaseasintheother，ifshedoesnotgiveherlovewithherself，oratalleventsthesemblanceoflove。
Farewell。\"
Iwentbacktomyroom，andincourseoftimeStuardcametothankme。
\"Sir，\"saidI，\"letmealone；Iwishtohearnomoreaboutyourwife。\"
TheywentawaythenextdayforLyons，andmyreaderswillhearofthemagainatLiege。
IntheafternoonDolcitookmetohisgardenthatImightseethegardener’ssister。Shewaspretty，butnotsoprettyashewas。
Hesoongotherintoagoodhumour，andaftersometriflingobjectionsheconsentedtobelovedbyhiminmypresence。IsawthatthisAdonishadbeenrichlydoweredbynature，andItoldhimthatwithsuchaphysicalconformationhehadnoneedofemptyinghisfather’spursetotravel，andbeforelonghetookmyadvice。
ThisfairGanymedemighteasilyhaveturnedmeintoJove，ashestruggledamorouslywiththegardener’ssister。
AsIwasgoinghomeIsawayoungmancomingoutofaboat；hewasfromtwentytotwenty—fiveyearsold，andlookedverysad。Seeingmelookingathim，heaccostedme，andhumblyaskedforalms，shewingmeadocumentauthorizinghimtobeg，andapassportstatinghehadleftMadridsixweeksbefore。HecamefromParma，andwasnamedCosta。WhenIsawParmamynationalprejudicespokeinhisfavour，andIaskedhimwhatmisfortunehadreducedhimtobeggary。
\"Onlylackofmoneytoreturntomynativecountry，\"saidhe。
\"WhatwereyoudoingatMadrid，andwhydidyouleave？\"
\"IwastherefouryearsasvalettoDr。Pistoria，physiciantotheKingofSpain，butonmyhealthfailingIlefthim。HereisacertificatewhichwillshewyouthatIgavesatisfaction。\"
\"Whatcanyoudo？\"
\"Iwriteagoodhand，Icanassistagentlemanashissecretary，andIintendbeingascribewhenIgethome。HerearesomeversesIcopiedyesterday。\"
\"Youwritewell；butcanyouwritecorrectlywithoutabook？\"
\"IcanwritefromdictationinFrench，Latin，andSpanish。\"
\"Correctly？\"
\"Yes，sir，ifthedictationisdoneproperly，foritisthebusinessoftheonewhodictatestoseethateverythingiscorrect。\"
IsawthatMasterGaetanCostawasanignoramus，butinspiteofthatItookhimtomyroomandtoldLeDuctoaddresshiminSpanish。Heansweredwellenough，butonmydictatingtohiminItalianandFrenchIfoundhehadnottheremotestideasonorthography。
\"Butyoucan’twrite，\"saidItohim。However，Isawhewasmortifiedatthis，andIconsoledhimbysayingthatIwouldtakehimtohisowncountryatmyexpense。Hekissedmyhand，andassuredmethatIshouldfindafaithfulservantinhim。
Thisyoungfellowtookmyfancybyhisoriginality；hehadprobablyassumedittodistinguishhimselffromtheblockheadsamongstwhomhehadhithertolived，andnowuseditinperfectgoodfaithwitheverybody。Hethoughtthattheartofascribesolelyconsistedinpossessingagoodhand，andthatthefairestwriterwouldbethebestscribe。HesaidasmuchwhilehewasexaminingapaperIhadwritten，andasmywritingwasnotaslegibleashishetacitlytoldmeIwashisinferior，andthatI
shouldthereforetreathimwithsomedegreeofrespect。Ilaughedatthisfad，and，notthinkinghimincorrigibleItookhimintomyservice。IfithadnotbeenforthatoddnotionofhisIshouldprobablyhavemerelygivenhimalouis，andnomore。Hesaidthatspellingwasofnoconsequence，asthosewhoknewhowtospellcouldeasilyguessthewords，whilethosewhodidnotknowwereunabletopickoutthemistakes。Ilaughed，butasIsaidnothinghethoughtthelaughsignifiedapproval。InthedictationIgavehimtheCouncilofTrenthappenedtooccur。AccordingtohissystemhewroteTrentbyathreeandanought。Iburstoutlaughing；buthewasnotintheleastputout，onlyremarkingthatthepronunciationbeingthesameitwasofnoconsequencehowthewordwasspelt。Inpointoffactthisladwasafoolsolelythroughhisintelligence，matchedwithignoranceandunboundedself—confidence。Iwaspleasedwithhisoriginalityandkepthim，andwasthusthegreaterfoolofthetwo，asthereaderwillsee。
IleftAvignonnextday，andwentstraighttoMarseilles，nottroublingtostopatAix。Ihaltedatthe\"TreizeCantons，\"
wishingtostayforaweekatleastinthisancientcolonyofthePhocaeans，andtodoasIlikedthere。WiththisideaItooknoletterofintroduction；Ihadplentyofmoney，andneedednobody’shelp。Itoldmylandlordtogivemeachoicefishdinnerinmyownroom，asIwasawarethatthefishinthosepartsisbetterthananywhereelse。
Iwentoutthenextmorningwithaguide，totakemebacktotheinnwhenIwastiredofwalking。NotheedingwhereIwent，I
reachedafinequay；IthoughtIwasatVeniceagain，andIfeltmybosomswell，sodeeplyistheloveoffatherlandgravenontheheartofeverygoodman。IsawanumberofstallswhereSpanishandLevantinewineswerekept，andanumberofpeopledrinkinginthem。Acrowdofbusinessmenwenthitherandthither，runningupagainsteachother，crossingeachother’spaths，eachoccupiedwithhisownbusiness，andnotcaringwhosewayhegotinto。
Hucksters，welldressedandilldressed，women，prettyandplain，womenwhostaredboldlyateveryone，modestmaidenswithdowncasteyes，suchwasthepictureIsaw。
Themixtureofnationalities，thegraveTurkandtheglitteringAndalusian，theFrenchdandy，thegrossNegro，thecraftyGreek，thedullHollander；everythingremindedmeofVenice，andI
enjoyedthescene。
Istoppedamomentatastreetcornertoreadaplaybill，andthenIwentbacktotheinnandrefreshedmywearybodywithadeliciousdinner，washeddownwithchoiceSyracusanwine。AfterdinnerIdressedandtookaplaceintheamphitheatreofthetheatre。
CHAPTERIII
Rosalie——Toulon——Nice——IArriveatGenoa——M。Grimaldi——VeroniqueandHerSisterInoticedthatthefourprincipalboxesonbothsidesoftheprosceniumwereadornedwithprettywomen，butnotasinglegentleman。IntheintervalbetweenthefirstandsecondactsI
sawgentlemenofallclassespayingtheirdevoirstotheseladies。
SuddenlyIheardaKnightofMaltasaytoagirl，whowasthesoleoccupantofaboxnexttome，\"Iwillbreakfastwithyouto—morrow。\"
Thiswasenoughforme。IlookedathermorecloselyandfindinghertobeadaintymorselIsaid，assoonastheknighthadgone，—
\"Willyougivememysupper？\"
\"Withpleasure；butIhavebeentakeninsooftenthatIshan’texpectyouwithoutanearnest。\"
\"HowcanIgiveyouanearnest？Idon’tunderstand。\"
\"Youmustbeanew—comerhere。\"
\"Justarrived。\"
Shelaughed，calledtheknight，andsaid，——
\"Bepleasedtoexplaintothisgentleman，whohasjustaskedmeforsupper，themeaningoftheword’earnest。’\"
Thegood—naturedknightexplained，withasmile，thatthelady，fearinglestmymemoryshouldprovedefective，wantedmetopayformysupperinadvance。Ithankedhim，andaskedherifalouiswouldbeenough；andonherreplyingintheaffirmative，IgavehertheLouisandaskedforheraddress。Theknighttoldmepolitelythathewouldtakemetherehimselfafterthetheatre，adding，——
\"She’sthewantonestwenchinallMarseilles。\"
HethenaskedmeifIknewthetown，andwhenItoldhimthatI
hadonlycomethatdayhesaidhewasgladtobethefirsttomakemyacquaintance。Wewenttothemiddleof，theamphitheatreandhepointedoutascoreofgirlstorightandleft，allofthemreadytotreatthefirstcomertosupper。Theyareallonthefreelist，andthemanagerfindstheyservehisendsasrespectablewomenwillnotsitintheirboxes，andtheydrawpeopletothetheatre。InoticedfiveorsixofabettertypethantheoneIhadengaged，butIresolvedtosticktoherfortheevening，andtomaketheacquaintanceoftheothersanothertime。
\"Isyourfavouriteamongstthem？\"Isaidtotheknight。
\"No，Ikeepaballet—girl，andIwillintroduceyoutoher，asI
amgladtosaythatIamfreefromalljealousy。\"
Whentheplaycametoanendhetookmetomynymph’slodging，andwepartedwiththeunderstandingthatweweretoseemoreofoneanother。
Ifoundtheladyinundress——acircumstancewhichwentagainsther，forwhatIsawdidnotpleaseme。Shegavemeacapitalsupper，andenlivenedmebysomewittyandwantonsallieswhichmademeregardherinamorefavourablelight。Whenwehadsuppershegotintobed，andaskedmetofollowherexample；butItoldherthatIneversleptout。ShethenofferedmetheEnglisharticlewhichbringspeacetothesoul，butIdidnotaccepttheonesheofferedasIthoughtitlookedofacommonmake。
\"Ihavefinerones，buttheyarethreefrancseach，andthemakeronlysellsthembythedozen，\"shesaid。\"Iwilltakeadozeniftheyarereallygood，\"Ireplied。
Sherangthebell，andayoung，charming，andmodest—lookinggirlcamein。Iwasstruckwithher。
\"Youhavegotanicemaid，\"Iremarked，whenthegirlhadgonefortheprotectivesheaths。
\"Sheisonlyfifteen，\"shesaid，\"andwon’tdoanything，assheisnewtoit。\"
\"Willyouallowmetoseeformyself？\"
\"Youmayaskherifyoulike，butIdon’tthinkshewillconsent。\"
Thegirlcamebackwiththepacket，andputtingmyselfinaproperpositionItoldhertotryoneon。Sheproceededtodosowithasulkyairandwithakindofrepugnancewhichmademefeelinterestedinher。Numberonewouldnotgoon，soshehadtotryonasecond，andtheresultwasthatIbesprinkledherplentifully。Themistresslaughed，butshewasindignant，threwthewholepacketinmyface，andranawayinarage。Iwantednothingmoreafterthis，soIputthepacketinmypocket，gavethewomantwoLouis，andlefttheroom。ThegirlIhadtreatedsocavalierlycametolightmedownstairs，andthinkingIowedheranapologyIgaveheraLouisandbeggedherpardon。Thepoorgirlwasastonished，kissedmyhand，andbeggedmetosaynothingtohermistress。
\"Iwillnot，mydear，buttellmetrulywhetheryouarestilla’virgointacta’。\"
\"Certainly，sir！\"
\"Wonderful！buttellmewhyyouwouldn’tletmeseeformyself？\"
\"Becauseitrevoltedme。\"
\"Neverthelessyouwillhavetodoso，forotherwise，inspiteofyourprettiness，peoplewillnotknowwhattomakeofyou。Wouldyouliketoletmetry？\"
\"Yes，butnotinthishorriblehouse。\"
\"Where，then？\"
\"Gotomymother’sto—morrow，Iwillbethere。Yourguideknowswhereshelives。\"
WhenIgotoutside，Iaskedthemanifheknewher。Herepliedintheaffirmative，andsaidhebelievedhertobeanhonestgirl。
\"Youwilltakemeto—morrowtoseehermother，\"Isaid。
Nextmorninghetookmetotheendofthetown，toapoorhouse，whereIfoundapoorwomanandpoorchildrenlivingonthegroundfloor，andeatinghardblackbread。
\"Whatdoyouwant？\"saidshe。
\"Isyoudaughterhere？\"
\"No，andwhatifshewere？Iamnotherbawd。\"
\"No，ofcoursenot，mygoodwoman。\"
Justthenthegirlcamein，andtheenragedmotherflunganoldpotwhichcamehandy，atherhead。Luckilyitmissed，butshewouldnothaveescapedhermother’stalonsifIhadnotflungmyselfbetweenthem。However，theoldwomansetupadismalshriek，thechildrenimitatedher，andthepoorgirlbegantocry。
Thishubbubmademymancomein。
\"Youhussy！\"screamedthemother，\"youarebringingdisgraceonme；getoutofmyhouse。Youarenolongermydaughter！\"
Iwasinadifficultposition。Themanbeggedhernottomakesuchanoise，asitwoulddrawalltheneighboursaboutthehouse；
buttheenragedwomanansweredonlybyabuse。Idrewsixfrancsfrommypocketandgavethemtoher，butsheflungtheminmyface。AtlastIwentoutwiththedaughter，whosehairsheattemptedtopulloutbytheroots，whichprojectwasdefeatedbytheaidofmyman。Assoonaswegotoutside，themobwhichtheuproarhadattractedhootedmeandfollowedme，andnodoubtI
shouldhavebeentorntopiecesifIhadnotescapedintoachurch，whichIleftbyanotherdooraquarterofanhourlater。
Myfrightsavedme，forIknewtheferocityoftheProvencals，andItookcarenottoreplyawordtothestormofabusewhichpouredonme。IbelievethatIwasneveringreaterdangerthanonthatday。
BeforeIgotbacktomyinnIwasrejoinedbytheservantandthegirl。
\"Howcouldyouleadmeintosuchadangerousposition？\"saidI。
\"Youmusthaveknownyourmotherwassavage。\"
\"Ihopedshewouldbehaverespectfullytoyou。\"
\"Becalm；don’tweepanymore。TellmehowIcanserveyou。\"
\"RatherthanreturntothathorriblehouseIwasinyesterdayI
wouldthrowmyselfintothesea。\"
\"DoyouknowofanyrespectablehousewhereIcankeepher？\"saidItotheman。
Hetoldmehedidknowarespectableindividualwholetfurnishedapartments。
\"Takemetoit，then。\"
Themanwasofanadvancedage，andhehadroomstoletonallthefloors。
\"Ionlywantalittlenook，\"saidthegirl；andtheoldmantookustothehigheststory，andopenedthedoorofagarret，saying，—
\"Thisclosetissixfrancsamonth，amonth’srenttobepaidinadvance，andImaytellyouthatmydoorisalwaysshutatteno’clock，andthatnobodycancomeandpassthenightwithyou。\"
Theroomheldabedwithcoarsesheets，twochairs，alittletable，andachestofdrawers。
\"Howmuchwillyouboardthisyoungwomanfor？\"saidI。
Heaskedtwentysous，andtwosousforthemaidwhowouldbringhermealsanddoherroom。
\"Thatwilldo，\"saidthegirl，andshepaidthemonth’srentandtheday’sboard。IlefthertellingherIwouldcomebackagain。
AsIwentdownthestairsIaskedtheoldmantoshewmearoomformyself。HeskewedmeaveryniceoneataLouisamonth，andIpaidinadvance。Hethengavemealatch—key，thatImightgoandcomewhenIliked。
\"Ifyouwishtoboardhere，\"saidhe，\"IthinkIcouldgivesatisfaction。\"
Havingdonethisgoodwork，Ihadmydinnerbymyself，andthenwenttoacoffee—housewhereIfoundtheamiableKnightofMaltawhowasplaying。Heleftthegameassoonashesawme，putthefistfullofgoldhehadwonintohispocket，accostedmewiththepolitenessnaturaltoaFrenchman，andaskedmehowIhadlikedtheladywhohadgivenmemysupper。Itoldhimwhathadhappened，atwhichhelaughed，andaskedmetocomeandseehisballet—girl。Wefoundherunderthehairdresser’shands，andshereceivedmewiththeplayfulfamiliaritywithwhichonegreetsanoldacquaintance。Ididnotthinkmuchofher，butIpretendedtobeimmenselystruck，withtheideaofpleasingthegood—naturedknight。
Whenthehairdresserlefther，itwastimeforhertogetreadyforthetheatre，andshedressedherself，withoutcaringwhowaspresent。Theknighthelpedhertochangeherchemise，whichsheallowedhimtodoasamatterofcourse，thoughindeedshebeggedmetoexcuseher。
AsIowedheracompliment，Icouldthinkofnothingbetterthantotellherthatthoughshehadnotoffendedmeshehadmademefeelveryuncomfortable。
\"Idon’tbelieveyou，\"saidshe。
\"It’strueallthesame。\"
Shecameuptometoverifythefact，andfindingIhaddeceivedher，shesaidhalfcrossly，\"Youareabadfellow。\"
ThewomenofMarseillesareundoubtedlythemostprofligateinFrance。Theynotonlypridethemselvesonneverrefusing，butalsoonbeingthefirsttopropose。Thisgirlskewedmearepeater，forwhichshehadgotupalotteryattwelvefrancsaticket。Shehadtenticketsleft；Itookthemall，andsodelightedwasshetotouchmyfiveLouisthatshecameandkissedme，andtoldtheknightthatherunfaithfulnesstohimrestedonlywithme。
\"Iamcharmedtohearit，\"saidtheMaltese。Heaskedmetosupwithher，andIacceptedtheinvitation，butthesolepleasureI
hadwaslookingattheknightatwork。HewasfarinferiortoDolci！
Iwishedthemgoodnight，andwenttothehousewhereIhadplacedthepoorgirl。Themaidskewedmetomyroom，andIaskedherifImightgotothegarret。Shetookthelight，Ifollowedherup，andRosalie，asthepoorgirlwasnamed，heardmyvoiceandopenedthedoor。Itoldthemaidtowaitformeinmyroom，andIwentinandsatdownonthebed。
\"Areyoucontented，dear？\"Isaid。
\"Iamquitehappy。\"
\"ThenIhopeyouwillbekind，andfindroomformeinyourbed。\"
\"Youmaycomeifyoulike，butImusttellyouthatyouwillnotfindmeamaid，asIhavehadonelover。\"
\"Youtoldmealie，then？\"
\"Forgiveme，Icouldnotguessyouwouldbemylover。\"
\"Iforgiveyouwillingly；allthemoresoasIamnogreatsticklerformaidenheads。\"
Shewasasgentleasalamb，andallowedmetogazeonallthosecharmsofwhichmyhandsandmylipsdisputedthepossession；andthenotionthatIwasmasterofallthesetreasuresputfireinallmyveins，buthersubmissiveairdistressedme。
\"Howisityoudonotpartakemydesires？\"saidI。
\"Idarenot，lestyoutakemeforapretender。\"
Artificeorstudiedcoquetrymighthavepromptedsuchananswer，buttherealtimidityandthefranknesswithwhichthesewordswereutteredcouldnothavebeenassumed。ImpatienttogainpossessionofherItookoffmyclothes，andongettingintobedtoherIwasastonishedtofindheramaid。
\"Whydidyoutellmeyouhadalover？\"saidI。\"Ineverheardofagirltellingalieofthatsortbefore。\"
\"AllthesameIdidnottellalie，butIamverygladthatIseemasifIhaddoneso。\"
\"Tellmeallaboutit。\"
\"CertainlyI，will，forIwanttowinyourconfidence。Thisisthestory:
\"Twoyearsagomymother，thoughshewashot—tempered，stilllovedme。Iwasaneedle—woman，andearnedfromtwentytothirtysousaday。WhateverIearnedIgavemymother。Ihadneverhadalover，neverthoughtofsuchathing，andwhenmygoodnesswaspraisedIfeltinclinedtolaugh。IhadbeenbroughtupfromachildnevertolookatyoungmenwhenImettheminthestreet，andnevertoreplytothemwhentheyaddressedanyimpudencetome。
\"Twomonthsagoafineenoughlookingyoungman，anativeofGenoa，andamerchantinasmallway，cametomymothertogethertowashsomeveryfinecottonstockingswhichthesea—waterhadstained。Whenhesawmehewasverycomplimentary，butinanhonestway。Ilikedhim，and，nodoubtseeingit，hecameandcameagaineveryevening。Mymotherwasalwayspresentatourinterviews，andhelookedatmeandtalkedtome，butdidnotsomuchasasktokissmyhand。Mymotherwasverypleasedtonoticethattheyoungmanlikedme，andoftenscoldedmebecauseIwasnotpoliteenoughtohim。IntimehehadtogotoGenoainasmallshipwhichbelongedtohim，andwhichwasladenwithgoods。
Heassuredusthathewouldreturnagainthenextspringanddeclarehisintentions。Hesaidhehopedheshouldfindmeasgoodasever，andstillwithoutanylover。Thiswasenough；mymotherlookeduponhimasmybetrothed，andletustalktogetheratthedoortillmidnight。WhenhewentIwouldshutthedoorandliedownbesidemymother，whowasalwaysasleep。
\"Fourorfivedaysbeforehisdeparture，hetookmyarmandgotmetogowithhimtoaplaceaboutfiftypacesfromthehousetodrinkaglassofMuscatataGreek’s，whokepthistavernopenallnight。Wewereonlyawayforhalfanhour，andthenitwasthathefirstkissedme。WhenIgothomeIfoundmymotherawake，andtoldherall；itseemedsoharmlesstome。
\"Nextday，excitedbytherecollectionofwhathadhappenedthenightbefore，Iwentwithhimagain，andlovebegantogainground。Weindulgedincaresseswhichwerenolongerinnocent，aswewellknew。However，weforgaveeachother，aswehadabstainedfromthechiefliberty。
\"Thedayafter，mylover——ashehadtojourneyinthenight——tookleaveofmymother，andassoonasshewasinbedIwasnotlongeringrantingwhatIdesiredasmuchashe。WewenttotheGreek’s，ateanddrank，andourheatedsensesgainedlove’scause；weforgotourduty，andfanciedourmisdemeanouratriumph。
\"Afterwardswefellasleep，andwhenweawokewesawourfaultintheclear，coldlightofday。Wepartedsorrowfulratherthanrejoicing，andthereceptionmymothergavemewaslikethatyouwitnessedthismorning。Iassuredherthatmarriagewouldtakeawaytheshameofmysin，andwiththisshetookupastickandwouldhavedoneforme，ifIhadnottakentomyheels，morefrominstinctthanfromanyideaofwhatIwasdoing。
\"OnceinthestreetIknewnotwheretoturn，andtakingrefugeinachurchIstayedtherelikeoneinadreamtillnoon。Thinkofmyposition。Iwashungry，Ihadnorefuge，nothingbuttheclothesIwore，nothingthatwouldgetmeamorselofbread。A
womanaccostedmeinthestreet。IknewherandIalsoknewthatshekeptaservants’agency。Iaskedherforthwithifshecouldgetmeaplace。
\"’Ihadenquiriesaboutamaidthismorning，’saidshe，’butitisforagaywoman，andyouarepretty。Youwouldhaveagooddealofdifficultyinremainingvirtuous。’
\"’Icankeepofftheinfection，’Ianswered，’andinthepositionIaminIcannotpickandchoose。’
\"Shethereupontookmetothelady，whowasdelightedtoseeme，andstillmoredelightedwhenItoldherthatIhadneverhadanythingtodowithaman。Ihaverepentedofthisliebitterlyenough，forintheweekIspentatthatprofligatewoman’shouseI
havehadtoendurethemosthumiliatinginsultsthatanhonestgirleversuffered。NosoonerdidthemenwhocametothehousehearthatIwasamaidthantheylongedtoslaketheirbrutallustuponme，offeringmegoldifIwouldsubmittotheircaresses。I
refusedandwasreviled，butthatwasnotall。FiveorsixtimeseverydayIwasobligedtoremainawitnessofthedisgustingscenesenactedbetweenmymistressandhercustomers，who，whenI
wascompelledtolightthemaboutthehouseatnight，overwhelmedmewithinsults，becauseIwouldnotdothemadisgustingserviceforatwelve—souspiece。Icouldnotbearthissortoflifemuchlonger，andIwasthinkingofdrowningmyself。Whenyoucameyoutreatedmesoignominiouslythatmyresolvetodiewasstrengthened，butyouweresokindandpoliteasyouwentawaythatIfellinlovewithyoudirectly，thinkingthatProvidencemusthavesentyoutosnatchmeawayfromtheabyss。Ithoughtyourfinepresencemightcalmmymotherandpersuadehertotakemebacktillmylovercametomarryme。Iwasundeceived，andI
sawthatshetookmeforaprostitute。Now，ifyoulike，Iamaltogetheryours，andIrenouncemyloverofwhomIamnolongerworthy。Takemeasyourmaid，Iwillloveyouandyouonly；I
willsubmitmyselftoyouanddowhateveryoubidme。\"
Whetheritwereweaknessorvirtueonmypart，thistaleofwoeandamother’stoogreatseveritydrewtearsfrommyeyes，andwhenshesawmyemotionsheweptprofusely，forherheartwasinneedofsomerelief。
\"Ithink，mypoorRosalie，youhaveonlyonechemise。\"
\"Alas！thatisall。\"
Comfortyourself，mydear；allyourwantsshallbesuppliedtomorrow，andintheeveningyoushallsupwithmeinmyroomonthesecondfloor。Iwilltakecareofyou。\"
\"Youpityme，then？\"
\"Ifancythereismorelovethanpityinit。\"
\"WouldtoGoditwereso！\"
This\"wouldtoGod，\"whichcamefromtheverydepthsofhersoul，sentmeawayinamerrymood。Theservantwhohadbeenwaitingformefortwohours，andwaslookingratherglum，relaxedwhenshesawthecolourofacrownwhichIgaveherbywayofatonement。
\"Tellyourmaster，\"saidI，\"thatRosaliewillsupwithmeto—
morrow；letushaveafastingdinner，butletitbeagoodone。\"
IreturnedtomyinnquiteinlovewithRosalie，andI
congratulatedmyselfonhavingatlastheardatruetalefromaprettymouth。Sheappearedtomesowelldisposedthathersmallfailingseemedtomakehershinethemore。Iresolvednevertoabandonher，andIdidsoinallsincerity；wasInotinlove？
AfterIhadhadmychocolatenextmorningIwentoutwithaguidetotheshops，whereIgotthenecessaryarticles，payingagoodbutnotanexcessiveprice。Rosaliewasonlyfifteen，butwithherfigure，herwell—formedbreasts，andherroundedarms，shewouldhavebeentakenfortwenty。HershapewassoimprintedonmybrainthateverythingIgotforherfittedasifshehadbeenmeasuredforit。Thisshoppingtookupallthemorning，andintheafternoonthemantookherasmalltrunkcontainingtwodresses，chemises，petticoats，handkerchiefs，stockings，gloves，caps，apairofslippers，afan，awork—bag，andamantle。Iwaspleasedatgivinghersuchadelightfulsurprise，andIlongedforsuppertimethatImightenjoythesightofherpleasure。
TheKnightofMaltacametodinewithmewithoutceremony，andI
wascharmedtoseehim。Afterwehaddinedhepersuadedmetogotothetheatre，asinconsequenceofthesuspenseofthesubscriptionarrangementstheboxeswouldbefilledwithallthequalityinMarseilles。
\"Therewillbenoloosewomenintheamphitheatre，\"saidhe，\"aseverybodyhastopay。\"
ThatdecidedmeandIwent。Hepresentedmetoaladywithanexcellentconnection，whoaskedmetocomeandseeher。IexcusedmyselfonthepleathatIwasleavingsoshortly。NeverthelessshewasveryusefultomeonmysecondvisittoMarseilles。HernamewasMadameAudibert。
Ididnotwaitfortheplaytoend，butwentwherelovecalledme。
IhadadelightfulsurprisewhenIsawRosalie；Ishouldnothaveknownher。ButIcannotresistthepleasureofrecallingherpictureasshestoodbeforemethen，despitetheyearsthathaverolledbysincethathappymoment。
Rosaliewasanenticing—lookingbrunette，abovethemiddleheight。
Herfacewasaperfectoval，andexquisitelyproportioned。Twofineblackeyesshedasoftandravishinglightaround。Hereyebrowswerearched，andshehadawealthofhair，blackandshiningasebony；herskinwaswhileandlightlytingedwithcolour。Onherchinwasadimple，andherslightestsmilesummonedintobeingtwootherdimples，oneoneachcheek。Hermouthwassmall，disclosingtworowsoffairestorientpearls，andfromherredlipsflowedforthanindefinablesweetness。Thelowerlipprojectedeversolightly，andseemeddesignedtoholdakiss。Ihavespokenofherarms，herbreast，andherfigure，whichleftnothingtobedesired，butImustaddtothiscatalogueofhercharms，thatherhandwasexquisitelyshaped，andthatherfootwasthesmallestIhaveeverseen。Astoherotherbeauties，IwillcontentmyselfwithsayingthattheywereinharmonywiththoseIhavedescribed。
Toseeheratherbest，onehadtoseehersmiling；andhithertoshehadbeensadorvexed——statesofmindwhichdetractfromawoman’sappearance。Butnowsadnesswasgone，andgratitudeandpleasurehadtakenitsplace。Iexaminedherclosely，andfeltproud，asIsawwhatatransformationIhadeffected；butI
concealedmysurprise，lestsheshouldthinkIhadformedanunfavourableimpressionofher。Iproceeded，therefore，totellherthatIshouldexposemyselftoridiculeifIattemptedtokeepabeautylikeherselfforaservant。
\"Youshallbemymistress，\"Isaid，\"andmyservantsshallrespectyouasifyouweremywife。\"
AtthisRosalie，asifIhadgivenheranotherbeing，begantotryandexpresshergratitudeforwhatIhaddone。Herwords，whichpassionmadeconfused，increasedmyjoy；herewasnoartnordeceit，butsimplenature。
Therewasnomirrorinhergarret，soshehaddressedbyhersenseoftouch，andIcouldseethatshewasafraidtostandupandlookatherselfinthemirrorinmyroom。Iknewtheweakspotinallwomen’shearts（whichmenareverywronginconsideringasmatterforreproach），andIencouragedhertoadmireherself，whereuponshecouldnotrestrainasmileofsatisfaction。
\"IthinkImustbeindisguise，\"saidshe，\"forIhaveneverseenmyselfsodeckedoutbefore。\"
ShepraisedthetastefulsimplicityofthedressIhadchosen，butwasvexedatthethoughtthathermotherwouldstillbedispleased。
\"Thinknomoreofyourmother，dearestone。Youlooklikealadyofquality，andIshallbequiteproudwhenthepeopleatGenoaaskmeifyouaremydaughter。\"
\"AtGenoa？\"
\"Yes，atGenoa。Whydoyoublush？\"
\"Fromsurprise；perhapsImayseethereonewhomIhavenotyetforgotten。\"
\"Wouldyouliketostayherebetter？\"
\"No，no！LovemeandbesurethatIloveyouandforyourownsake，notfromanythoughtofmyowninterests。\"
\"Youaremoved，myangel；letmewipeawayyourtearswithkisses。\"
Shefellintomyarms，andsherelievedthevariousfeelingsofwhichherheartwasfullbyweepingforsometime。Ididnottrytoconsoleher，forshehadnotgrief；sheweptastendersouls，andwomen，moreespecially，oftenwill。WehadadelicioussuppertowhichIdidhonourfortwo，forsheatenothing。Iaskedherifshewassounfortunateasnottocareforgoodfood。
\"Ihaveasgoodanappetiteasanyone，\"shereplied，\"andanexcellentdigestion。YoushallseeforyourselfwhenIgrowmoreaccustomedtomysuddenhappiness。\"
\"Atleastyoucandrink；thiswineisadmirable。IfyoupreferGreekmuscatIwillsendforsome。Itwillremindyouofyourlover。\"
\"Ifyoulovemeatall，Ibegyouwillsparemethatmortification。\"
\"Youshallhavenomoremortificationfromme，Ipromiseyou。Itwasonlyajoke，andIbegyourpardonforit。\"
\"AsIlookuponyouIfeelindespairatnothavingknownyoufirst。\"
\"Thatfeelingofyours，whichwellsforthfromthedepthsofyouropensoul，isgrand。Youarebeautifulandgood，foryouonlyyieldedtothevoiceoflovewiththeprospectofbecominghiswife；andwhenIthinkwhatyouaretomeIamindespairatnotbeingsureyouloveme。AnevilgeniuswhispersinmyearthatyouonlybearwithmebecauseIhadthehappinessofhelpingyou。\"
\"Indeed，thatisanevilgenius。Tobesure，ifIhadmetyouinthestreetIshouldnothavefallenheadoverearsinlovewithyou，likeawanton，butyouwouldcertainlyhavepleasedme。IamsureIloveyou，andnotforwhatyouhavedoneforme；forifI
wererichandyouwerepoor，Iwoulddoanythingintheworldforyou。ButIdon’twantittobelikethat，forIhadratherbeyourdebtorthanforyoutobemine。Thesearemyrealfeelings，andyoucanguesstherest。\"
Wewerestilltalkingonthesamesubjectwhenmidnightstruck，andmyoldlandlordcameandaskedmeifIwerepleased。
\"Imustthankyou，\"Ireplied，\"Iamdelighted。Whocookedthisdelicioussupper？\"
\"Mydaughter。\"
\"Sheunderstandshercraft；tellherIthoughtitexcellent。\"
\"Yes，sir，butitisdear。\"
\"Nottoodearforme。YoushallbepleasedwithmeasIwithyou，andtakecaretohaveasgoodasupperto—morrowevening，asI
hopetheladywillbewellenoughtodojusticetotheproductsofyourdaughter’sculinaryskill。\"
\"Bedisacapitalplacetogetanappetite。Ah！itissixtyyearssinceIhavehadanythingtodowiththatsortofthing。Whatareyoulaughingat，mademoiselle？\"
\"Atthedelightwithwhichyoumustrecollectit。\"
\"Youareright，itisapleasantrecollection；andthusIamalwaysreadytoforgiveyoungfolksthepeccadilloesthatlovemakesthemcommit。\"
\"Youareawiseoldman，\"saidI，\"everyoneshouldsympathisewiththetenderestofallourmortalfollies。\"
\"Iftheoldmaniswise，\"saidRosalie，whenhehadlefttheroom，\"mymothermustbeveryfoolish。\"
\"Wouldyoulikemetotakeyoutotheplayto—morrow？\"
\"Praydonot。Iwillcomeifyoulike，butitwillvexmeverymuch。Idon’twanttowalkoutwithyouortogotothetheatrewithyouhere。Goodheavens！Whatwouldpeoplesay。No，neitheratMarseilles；butelsewhere，anythingyoupleaseandwithallmyheart。\"
\"Verygood，mydear，justasyouplease。Butlookatyourroom；
nomoregarretforyou；andinthreedayswewillstart。\"
\"Sosoon？\"
\"Yes；tellmeto—morrowwhatyourequireforthejourney，forI
don’twantyoutolackforanything，andifyouleaveitalltomeImightforgetsomethingwhichwouldvexme。\"
\"Well，Ishouldlikeanothercloak，acloakwithalining，someboots，anight—cap，andaprayer—book。\"
\"Youknowhowtoread，doyou？\"
\"Certainly；andIcanwritefairlywell。\"
\"Iamgladtohearit。Youraskingmesofreelyforwhatyouwantisatrueproofofyourlove；whereconfidencedwellsnotthereisnolove。Iwillnotforgetanything，butyourfeetaresosmallthatIshouldadviseyoutogetyourbootsyourself。\"
Ourtalkwassopleasant，andIexperiencedsuchdelightinstudyingherdisposition，thatwedidnotgotobedtillfiveo’clock。Inthearmsofloveandsleepwespentsevendelicioushours，andwhenweroseatnoonwewerefastlovers。Shecalledmethou，talkedofloveandnotofgratitude，and，grownmorefamiliarwithhernewestate，laughedathertroubles。Shekissedmeateveryopportunity，calledmeherdarlingboy，herjoy，andasthepresentmomentistheonlyrealthinginthislife，I
enjoyedherlove，Iwaspleasedwithhercaresses，andputawayallideasofthedreadfulfuture，whichhasonlyonecertainty——
death，’ultimalinearerum’。
Thesecondnightwasfarsweeterthanthefirst；shehadmadeagoodsupper，anddrunkwell，thoughmoderately；thusshewasdisposedtorefineonherpleasure，andtodeliverherselfwithgreaterardourtoallthevoluptuousenjoymentswhichloveinspires。
Igaveheraprettywatchandagoldshuttleforhertoamuseherselfwith。
\"Iwantedit，\"saidshe，\"butIshouldneverhavedaredtoaskforit。\"
Itoldherthatthisfearofmydispleasuremademedoubtoncemorewhethershereallylovedme。Shethrewherselfintomyarms，andpromisedthathenceforthshewouldshewmetheutmostconfidence。
Iwaspleasedtoeducatethisyounggirl，andIfeltthatwhenhermindhadbeendevelopedshewouldbeperfect。
OnthefourthdayIwarnedhertoholdherselfinreadinesstostartatamoment’snotice。IhadsaidnothingaboutmyplanstoCostaorLeDuc，butRosalieknewthatIhadtwoservants，andI
toldherthatIshouldoftenmakethemtalkonthejourneyforthesakeofthelaughtertheirfollywouldaffordme。
\"You，mydear，\"Ihadsaidtoher，\"mustbeveryreservedwiththem，andnotallowthemtotaketheslightestliberty。Givethemyourordersasamistress，butwithoutpride，andyouwillbeobeyedandrespected。Iftheyforgetthemselvesintheslightestparticular，tellmeatonce。\"
Istartedfromthehotelofthe\"TreizeCantons\"withfourpost—
horses，LeDucandCostasittingonthecoachman’sseat。Theguide，whomIhadpaidwellforhisservices，tookustoRosalie’sdoor。Igotoutofthecarriage，andafterthankingthekindlyoldlandlord，whowassorrytolosesogoodaboarder，Imadehergetin，satdownbesideher，andorderedthepostillionstogotoToulon，asIwishedtoseethatfineportbeforereturningtoItaly。WegottoToulonatfiveo’clock。
MyRosaliebehavedherselfatsupperlikethemistressofahouseaccustomedtothebestsociety。InoticedthatLeDucasheadmanmadeCostawaituponher，butIgotoverhimbytellingmysweetheartthathewouldhavethehonourofdoingherhair，ashecoulddoitaswellasthebestbarberinParis。Heswallowedthegoldenpill，andgaveinwithagoodgrace，andsaid，withaprofoundbow，thathehopedtogivemadamsatisfaction。
Wewentoutnextmorningtoseetheport，andwereshewnovertheplacebythecommandant，whoseacquaintancewemadebyaluckychance。HeofferedhisarmtoRosalie，andtreatedherwiththeconsiderationshedeservedforherappearanceandthegoodsenseofherquestions。Thecommandantacceptedmyinvitationtodinner，atwhichRosaliespoketothepointthoughnottoexcess，andreceivedthepolitecomplimentsofourworthyguestwithmuchgrace。Intheafternoonhetookusoverthearsenal，andafterhavinghimtodinnercouldnotrefusehisinvitationtosupper。
TherewasnodifficultyaboutRosalie；thecommandantintroducedherimmediatelytohiswife，hisdaughter，andhisson。Iwasdelightedtoseethathermannerwithladiesevensurpassedhermannerwithgentlemen。ShewasoneofNature’sownladies。Thecommandant’swifeanddaughtercaressedheragainandagain，andshereceivedtheirattentionswiththatmodestsensibilitywhichisthesealofagoodeducation。
Theyaskedmetodinnerthenextday，butIwassatisfiedwithwhatIhadseen，soItookleave，intendingtostartonthemorrow。
WhenwegotbacktotheinnItoldherhowpleasedIwaswithher，andshethrewherarmsroundmyneckforjoy。
\"Iamalwaysafraid，\"saidshe，\"ofbeingaskedwhoIam。\"
\"Youneedn’tbeafraid，dearest；inFrancenogentlemanorladywouldthinkofaskingsuchaquestion。\"
\"Butiftheydid，whatoughtItodo？\"
\"Youshouldmakeuseofanevasion。\"
\"What’sanevasion？\"
\"Awayofescapingfromadifficultywithoutsatisfyingimpertinentcuriosity。\"
\"Givemeanexample。\"
\"Well，ifsuchaquestionwereaskedyou，youmightsay，’Youhadbetteraskthisgentleman。’\"
\"Isee，thequestionisavoided；butisnotthatimpolite？\"
\"Yes；butnotsoimpoliteastoaskanembarrassingquestion。\"
\"Andwhatwouldyousayifthequestionwaspassedontoyou？\"
\"Well，myanswerwouldvaryinaratiowiththerespectinwhichI
heldthequestioner。Iwouldnottellthetruth，butIshouldsaysomething。AndIamgladtoseeyouattentivetomylessons。
Alwaysaskquestions，andyouwillalwaysfindmereadytoanswer，forIwanttoteachyou。Andnowletustobed；wehavetostartforAntibesatanearlyhour，andlovewillrewardyouforthepleasureyouhavegivenmeto—day。\"
AtAntibesIhiredafeluccatotakemetoGenoa，andasI
intendedtoreturnbythesamerouteIhadmycarriagewarehousedforasmallmonthlypayment。Westartedearlywithagoodwind，buttheseabecomingrough，andRosaliebeingmortallyafraid，I
hadthefeluccarowedintoVillafranca，whereIengagedacarriagetotakemetoNice。Theweatherkeptusbackforthreedays，andIfeltobligedtocallonthecommandant，anoldofficernamedPeterson。
Hegavemeanexcellentreception，andaftertheusualcomplimentshadpassed，said，——
\"DoyouknowaRussianwhocallshimselfCharlesIvanoff？\"
\"IsawhimonceatGrenoble。\"
\"ItissaidthathehasescapedfromSiberia，andthatheistheyoungersonoftheDukeofCourland。\"
\"SoIhaveheard，butIknownoproofofhisclaimtothetitle。\"
\"HeisatGenoa，whereitissaidabankeristogivehimtwentythousandcrowns。Inspiteofthat，noonewouldgivehimasouhere，soIsenthimtoGenoaatmyownexpense，toridtheplaceofhim。\"
IfeltverygladthattheRussianhadgoneawaybeforemyarrival。
AnofficernamedRamini，whowasstayingatthesameinnasmyself，askedifIwouldmindtakingchargeofapacketwhichM。deSt。Pierre，theSpanishconsul，hadtosendtotheMarquisGrimaldi，atGenoa。ItwasthenoblemanIhadjustseenatAvignon，andIwaspleasedtoexecutethecommission。ThesameofficeraskedmewhetherIhadeverseenacertainMadameStuard。
\"Shecamehereafortnightagowithamanwhocallshimselfherhusband。Thepoordevilshadn’tapenny，andshe，agreatbeauty，enchantedeverybody，butwouldgivenooneasmileoraword。\"
\"Ihavebothseenandknowher，\"Ianswered。\"Ifurnishedherwiththemeanstocomehere。HowcouldsheleaveNicewithoutanymoney？\"
\"That’sjustwhatnoonecanunderstand。Shewentoffinacarriage，andthelandlord’sbillwaspaid。Iwasinterestedinthewoman。TheMarquisGrimalditoldmethatshehadrefusedahundredlouisheofferedher，andthataVenetianofhisacquaintancehadfaredjustasbadly。Perhapsthatisyou？\"
\"Itis，andIgavehersomemoneydespitemytreatment。\"
M。Petersoncametoseeme，andwasenchantedwithRosalie’samiablemanner。Thiswasanotherconquestforher，andIdulycomplimentedheruponit。
Niceisaterriblydullplace，andstrangersaretormentedbythemidges，whopreferthemtotheinhabitants。However，Iamusedmyselfatasmallbankatfaro，whichwasheldatacoffee—house，andatwhichRosalie，whoseplayIdirected，wonascoreofPiedmontesepistoles。Sheputherlittleearningsintoapurse，andtoldmeshelikedtohavesomemoneyofherown。Iscoldedherfornothavingtoldmesobefore，andremindedherofherpromise。
\"Idon’treallywantit，\"saidshe，\"it’sonlymythoughtlessness。\"
Wesoonmadeupourlittlequarrel。
InsuchwaysdidImakethisgirlmyown，inthehopethatfortheremnantofmydaysshewouldbemine，andsoIshouldnotbeforcedtoflyfromoneladytoanother。Butinexorablefateordaineditotherwise。
Theweathergrewfineagain，andwegotonboardoncemore，andthenextdayarrivedatGenoa，whichIhadneverseenbefore。I
putupat\"St。Martin’sInn，\"andfordecency’ssaketooktworooms，buttheywereadjoiningoneanother。ThefollowingdayI
sentthepackettoM。Grimaldi，andalittlelaterIleftmycardathispalace。
Myguidetookmetoalinen—draper’s，andIboughtsomestuffforRosalie，whowasinwantoflinen。Shewasverypleasedwithit。
WewerestillattablewhentheMarquisGrimaldiwasannounced；hekissedmeandthankedmeforbringingtheparcel。HisnextremarkreferredtoMadameStuard。Itoldhimwhathadhappened，andhelaughed，sayingthathewasnotquitesurewhathewouldhavedoneunderthecircumstances。
IsawhimlookingatRosalieattentively，andItoldhimshewasasgoodasshewasbeautiful。
\"Iwanttofindheramaid，\"Isaid，\"agoodseamstress，whocouldgooutwithher，andaboveallwhocouldtalkItaliantoher，forIwanthertolearnthelanguagethatImaytakeherintosocietyatFlorence，RomeandNaples。\"
\"Don’tdepriveGenoaofthepleasureofentertainingher，\"saidthemarquis。\"Iwillintroduceherunderwhatevernameshepleases，andinmyownhousetobeginwith。\"
\"Shehasgoodreasonsforpreservingherincognitohere。\"
\"Ah，Isee！——Doyouthinkofstayingherelong？\"
\"Amonth，orthereabouts，andourpleasureswillbelimitedtoseeingthetownanditssurroundingsandgoingtothetheatre。Weshallalsoenjoythepleasuresofthetable。Ihopetoeatchampignonseveryday，theyarebetterherethananywhereelse\"
\"Anexcellentplan。Icouldn’tsuggestabetter。IamgoingtoseewhatIcandointhewayofgettingyouamaid，mademoiselle。\"
\"Yousir？HowcanIdeservesuchgreatkindness？\"
\"Myinterestinyouisthegreater，asIthinkyoucomefromMarseilles。\"
Rosalieblushed。Shewasnotawarethatshelisped，andthatthisbetrayedher。Iextricatedherfromherconfusionbytellingthemarquishisconjecturewaswellfounded。
IaskedhimhowIcouldgettheJournaldeSavans，theMercuredeFrance，andotherpapersofthesamedescription。Hepromisedtosendmeamanwhowouldgetmeallthatkindofthing。HeaddedthatifIwouldallowhimtosendmesomeofhisexcellentchocolatehewouldcomeandbreakfastwithus。Isaidthatbothgiftandguestwerevastlyagreeabletome。
AssoonashehadgoneRosalieaskedmetotakehertoamilliner’s。
\"Iwantribbonsandotherlittlethings，\"saidshe，\"butIshouldliketobargainforthemandpayforthemoutofmyownmoney，withoutyourhavinganythingtodowithit。\"
\"Dowhateveryoulike，mydear，andafterwardswewillgototheplay。\"
ThemillinertowhomwewentprovedtobeaFrenchwoman。ItwasacharmingsighttoseeRosalieshopping。Sheputonanimportantair，seemedtoknowallaboutit，orderedbonnetsinthelatestfashion，bargained，andcontrivedtospendfiveorsixlouiswithgreatgrandeur。AswelefttheshopItoldherthatIhadbeentakenforherfootman，andImeanttoberevenged。Sosaying，I
madehercomeintoajeweller’s，whereIboughtheranecklace，ear—rings，andbroochesinimitationdiamonds，andwithoutlettinghersayawordIpaidthepriceandlefttheshop。
\"Youhaveboughtmesomebeautifulthings，\"saidshe，\"butyouaretoolavishwithyourmoney；ifyouhadbargainedyoumighthavesavedfourlouisatleast。\"
\"Verylikely，dearest，butIneverwasanyhandatabargain。\"
Itookhertotheplay，butasshedidnotunderstandthelanguageshegotdreadfullytired，andaskedmetotakeherhomeattheendofthefirstact，whichIdidverywillingly。WhenwegotinI
foundaboxwaitingformefromM。Grimaldi。Itprovedtocontaintwenty—fourpoundsofchocolate。Costa，whohadboastedofhisskillinmakingchocolateintheSpanishfashion，receivedorderstomakeusthreecupsinthemorning。
Atnineo’clockthemarquisarrivedwithatradesman，whosoldmesomebeautifulorientalmaterials。IgavethemtoRosalietomaketwo’mezzaro’forherself。The’mezzaro’isakindofhoodedcloakwornbytheGenoesewomen，asthe’cendal’iswornatVenice，andthe’mantilla’atMadrid。
IthankedM。Grimaldiforthechocolate，whichwasexcellent；
Costawasquiteproudofthepraisethemarquisgavehim。LeDuccameintoannounceawoman，whosenameIdidnotknow。
\"It’sthemotherofthemaidIhaveengaged，\"saidM。Grimaldi。
Shecamein，andIsawbeforemeawell—dressedwoman，followedbyagirlfromtwentytotwenty—fouryearsold，whopleasedmeatthefirstglance。Themotherthankedthemarquis，andpresentedherdaughtertoRosalie，enumeratinghergoodqualities，andtellingherthatshewouldserveherwell，andwalkwithherwhenshewishedtogoout。
\"Mydaughter，\"sheadded，\"speaksFrench，andyouwillfindheragood，faithful，andobliginggirl。\"
Sheendedbysayingthatherdaughterhadbeeninservicelatelywithalady，andthatshewouldbeobligedifshecouldhavehermealsbyherself。
ThegirlwasnamedVeronique。Rosalietoldherthatshewasagoodgirl，andthattheonlywaytoberespectedwastoberespectable。Veroniquekissedherhand，themotherwentaway，andRosalietookthegirlintoherroomtobeginherwork。
Ididnotforgettothankthemarquis，forhehadevidentlychosenamaidmorewithaviewtomylikingsthantothoseofmysweetheart。ItoldhimthatIshouldnotfailtocallonhim，andherepliedthathewouldbehappytoseemeatanyhour，andthatIshouldeasilyfindhimathiscasinoatSt。Pierred’Arena，whereheoftenspentthenight。
EndMEMOIRSOFJACQUESCASANOVAdeSEINGALT1725—1798
ADVENTURESINTHESOUTH，Volume4b——RETURNTOITALY
THERAREUNABRIDGEDLONDONEDITIONOF1894TRANSLATEDBYARTHUR
MACHENTOWHICHHASBEENADDEDTHECHAPTERSDISCOVERED
BYARTHURSYMONS。
RETURNTOITALY
GENOA——TUSCANY——ROME
CHAPTERIV
ThePlay——TheRussian——Petri——RosalieattheConventWhenthemarquishadgone，seeingRosalieengagedwithVeronique，Isetmyselftotranslatethe’Ecossaise’fortheactorsatGenoa，whoseemedprettygoodones，toplay。
IthoughtRosalielookingsadatdinner，andsaid，\"Whatisthematter，dearest？YouknowIdonotliketoseeyoulookingmelancholy。\"
\"IamvexedatVeronique’sbeingprettierthanI。\"
\"Iseewhatyoumean；Ilikethat！Butconsoleyour，self，Veroniqueisnothingcomparedtoyou，inmyeyesatallevents。
Youaremyonlybeauty；buttoreassureyouIwillaskM。deGrimalditotellhermothertocomeandfetchheraway，andtogetmeanothermaidasuglyaspossible。\"
\"Oh，no！praydonotdoso；hewillthinkIamjealous，andI
wouldn’thavehimthinksofortheworld。\"