IspenttwelvedaysatNancy，instructingtheyoungmadcapinthepartshehadtoplay，andendeavouringtopersuadehermotherthatshemustcontentherselfwithbeingtheCountessLascaris’shumbleservant。Itwasataskofimmensedifficulty；itwasnotenoughtoshewherthatoursuccessdependedonhersubmitting；IhadtothreatentosendherbacktoBolognabyherself。Ihadgoodreasontorepentofmyperseverance。Thatwoman’sobstinacywasaninspirationofmygoodangel’s，biddingmeavoidthegreatestmistakeIevermade。
OnthedayappointedwereachedPont—Carre。Madamed’Urfe，whomI
hadadvisedoftheexacthourofourarrival，hadthedrawbridgeofthecastlelowered，andstoodinthearchwayinthemidstofherpeople，likeageneralsurrenderingwithallthehonoursofwar。Thedearlady，whosemadnesswasbutanexcessofwit，gavethefalseprincesssodistinguishedareceptionthatshewouldhaveshewnheramazementifIhadnotwarnedherofwhatshemightexpect。Thricedidsheclasphertoherbreastwithatendernessthatwasquitematernal，callingherherbelovedniece，andexplainingtheentirepedigreesofthefamiliesofLascarisandd’Urfetomakethecountessunderstandhowshecametobeherniece。IwasagreeablysurprisedtoseethepoliteanddignifiedairwithwhichtheItalianwenchlistenedtoallthis；shedidnotevensmile，thoughthescenemusthavestruckherasextremelylaughable。
AssoonaswegotintothecastleMadamed’Urfeproceededtocensethenew—comer，whoreceivedtheattentionwithallthedignityofanoperaqueen，andthenthrewherselfintothearmsofthepriestess，whoreceivedherwithenthusiasticaffection。
Atdinnerthecountesswasagreeableandtalkative，whichwonherMadamed’Urfe’sentirefavour；herbrokenFrenchbeingeasilyaccountedfor。Laura，thecountess’smother，onlyknewhernativeItalian，andsokeptsilence。Shewasgivenacomfortableroom，wherehermealswerebroughttoher，andwhichsheonlylefttohearmass。
Thecastlewasafortifiedbuilding，andhadsustainedseveralsiegesinthecivilwars。Asitsname，Pont—Carre，indicated，itwassquare，andwasflankedbyfourcrenelatedtowersandsurroundedbyabroadmoat。Theroomswerevast，andrichlyfurnishedinanold—fashionedway。Theairwasfullofvenomousgnatswhodevouredusandcoveredourfaceswithpainfulbites；
butIhadagreedtospendaweekthere，andIshouldhavebeenhardputtoittofindapretextforshorteningthetime。Madamed’Urfehadabednext，herownforherniece，butIwasnotafraidofherattemptingtosatisfyherselfastothecountess’svirginity，astheoraclehadexpresslyforbiddenitunderpainorfailure。TheoperationwasfixedforthefourteenthdayoftheAprilmoon。
Onthatdaywehadatemperatesupper，afterwhichIwenttobed。
AquarterofanhourafterwardsMadamed’Urfecame，leadingthevirginLascaris。Sheundressedher，scentedher，castalovelyveiloverherbody，andwhenthecountesswaslaidbesidemesheremained，wishingtobepresentatanoperationwhichwastoresultinherbeingbornagaininthecourseofninemonths。
Theactwasconsummatedinform，andthenMadamed’Urfeleftusalonefortherestofthenight，whichwaswellemployed。
Afterwards，thecountesssleptwithheraunttillthelastdayofthemoon，whenIaskedtheoracleiftheCountessLascarishadconceived。Thatwellmightbe，forIhadsparednothingtothatintent；butIthoughtitmoreprudenttomaketheoraclereplythattheoperationhadfailedbecausethesmallCountd’Arandahadwatchedusbehindascreen。Madamed’Urfewasindespair，butI
consoledherbyasecondreply，inwhichtheoracledeclaredthatthoughtheoperationcouldonlybeperformedinFranceinApril，itcouldtakeplaceoutofthatrealminMay；buttheinquisitiveyoungcount，whoseinfluencehadprovedsofatal，mustbesentforatleastayeartosomeplaceahundredleaguesfromParis。Theoraclealsoindicatedthemannerinwhichhewastotravel；hewastohaveatutor，aservant，andallinorder。
Theoraclehadspoken，andnomorewaswanted。Madamed’Urfethoughtofanabbeshelikedforhistutor，andthecountwassenttoLyons，withstronglettersofcommendationtoM。deRochebaron，arelationofhispatroness。Theyoungmanwasdelightedtotravel，andneverhadanysuspicionofthewayinwhichIhadslanderedhim。Itwasnotamerefancywhichsuggestedthiscourseofaction。IhaddiscoveredthattheCorticelliwasmakinguptohim，andthathermotherfavouredtheintrigue。Ihadsurprisedhertwiceintheyoungman’sroom，andthoughheonlycaredforthegirlasayouthcaresforallgirls，theSignoraLauradidnotatallapproveofmyopposingherdaughter’sdesigns。
Ournexttaskwastofixonsomeforeigntownwherewecouldagainattemptthemysteriousoperation。WesettledonAix—la—Chapelle，andinfiveorsixdaysallwasreadyforthejourney。
TheCorticeili，angrywithmeforhavingthwartedherinherprojects，reproachedmebitterly，andfromthattimebegantobemyenemy；sheevenallowedherselftothreatenmeifIdidnotgetbacktheprettyboy，asshecalledhim。
\"Youhavenobusinesstobejealous，\"saidshe，\"andIamthemistressofmyownactions。\"
\"Quiteright，mydear，\"Ianswered；\"butitismybusinesstoseethatyoudonotbehavelikeaprostituteinyourpresentposition。\"
Themotherwasinafuriousrage，andsaidthatsheandherdaughterwouldreturntoBologna，andtoquietthemIpromisedtotakethemtheremyselfassoonaswehadbeentoAix—la—Chapelle。
NeverthelessIdidnotfeelatease，andtopreventanyplotstakingplaceIhastenedourdeparture。
WestartedinMay，inatravellingcarriagecontainingMadamed’Urfe，myself，thefalseLascaris，andhermaidandfavourite，namedBrougnole。Wewerefollowedbyacoachwithtwoseats；initweretheSignoraLauraandanotherservant。Twomen—servantsinfullliverysatontheoutsideofourtravellingcarriage。WestoppedadayatBrussels，andanotheratLiege。AtAixthereweremanydistinguishedvisitors，andatthefirstballweattendedMadamed’UrfepresentedtheLascaristotwoPrincessesofMecklenburgasherniece。Thefalsecountessreceivedtheirembraceswithmucheaseandmodesty，andattractedtheparticularattentionoftheMargraveofBaireuthandtheDuchessofWurtemberg，hisdaughter，whotookpossessionofher，anddidnotleavehertilltheendoftheball。
Iwasonthornsthewholetime，interrorlesttheheroinemightmakesomedreadfulslip。Shedancedsogracefullythateverybodygazedather，andIwasthepersonwhowascomplimentedonherperformance。
Isufferedamartyrdom，forthesecomplimentsseemedtobegivenwithmaliciousintent。Isuspectedthattheballet—girlhadbeendiscoveredbeneaththecountess，andIfeltmyselfdishonoured。I
succeededinspeakingprivatelytotheyoungwantonforamoment，andbeggedhertodancelikeayounglady，andnotlikeachorusgirl；butshewasproudofhersuccess，anddaredtotellmethatayoungladymightknowhowtodanceaswellasaprofessionaldancer，andthatshewasnotgoingtodancebadlytopleaseme。I
wassoenragedwithherimpudence，thatIwouldhavecastheroffthatinstantifithadbeenpossible；butasitwasnot，I
determinedthatherpunishmentshouldlosenoneofitssharpnessbywaiting；andwhetheritbeaviceoravirtue，thedesireofrevengeisneverextinguishedinmyhearttillitissatisfied。
ThedayaftertheballMadamed’Urfepresentedherwithacasketcontainingabeautifulwatchsetwithbrilliants，apairofdiamondear—rings，andaringcontainingarubyoffifteencarats。
Thewholewasworthsixtythousandfrancs。Itookpossessionofittopreventhergoingoffwithoutmyleave。
InthemeanwhileIamusedmyselfwithplayandmakingbadacquaintances。TheworstofallwasaFrenchofficer，namedd’Ache，whohadaprettywifeandadaughterprettierstill。
BeforelongthedaughterhadtakenpossessionoftheheartwhichtheCorticellihadlost，butassoonasMadamed’AchesawthatI
preferredherdaughtertoherselfsherefusedtoreceivemeatherhouse。
Ihadlentd’AchetenLouis，andIconsequentlyfeltmyselfentitledtocomplainofhiswife’sconduct；butheansweredrudelythatasIonlywenttothehouseafterhisdaughter，hiswifewasquiteright；thatheintendedhisdaughtertomakeagoodmatch，andthatifmyintentionswerehonourableIhadonlytospeaktothemother。Hismannerwasstillmoreoffensivethanhiswords，andIfeltenraged，butknowingthebrutaldrunkencharacteristicsoftheman，andthathewasalwaysreadytodrawcoldsteelforayesorano，Iwassilentandresolvedtoforgetthegirl，notcaringtobecomeinvolvedwithamanlikeherfather。
Ihadalmostcuredmyselfofmyfancywhen，afewdaysafterourconversation，Ihappenedtogointoabilliard—roomwhered’AchewasplayingwithaSwissnamedSchmit，anofficerintheSwedisharmy。Assoonasd’AchesawmeheaskedwhetherIwouldlaythetenLouisheowedmeagainsthim。
\"Yes，\"saidI，\"thatwillmakedoubleorquits。\"
Towardstheendofthematchd’Achemadeanunfairstroke，whichwassoevidentthatthemarkertoldhimofit；butasthisstrokemadehimthewinner，d’Acheseizedthestakesandputtheminhispocketwithoutheedingthemarkerortheotherplayer，who，seeinghimselfcheatedbeforehisveryeyes，gavetherascalablowacrossthefacewithhiscue。D’Acheparriedtheblowwithhishand，anddrawinghisswordrushedatSchmit，whohadnoarms。
Themarker，asturdyyoungfellow，caughtholdofd’Acheroundthebody，andthuspreventedmurder。TheSwisswentout，saying，\"Weshallseeeachotheragain。\"
TherascallyFrenchmancooleddown，andsaidtome，\"Now，yousee，wearequits。\"
\"Verymuchquits。\"
\"That’sallverywell；but，byGod！youmighthavepreventedtheinsultwhichhasdishonouredme。\"
\"Imighthavedoneso，butIdidnotcaretointerfere。Youarestrongenoughtolookafteryourself。Schmithadnothissword，butIbelievehimtobeabraveman；andhewillgiveyousatisfactionifyouwillreturnhimhismoney，fortherecanbenodoubtthatyoulostthematch。\"
Anofficer，nameddePyene，tookmeupandsaidthathehimselfwouldgivemethetwentylouiswhichd’Achehadtaken，butthattheSwissmustgivesatisfaction。Ihadnohesitationinpromisingthathewoulddoso，andsaidIwouldbringareplytothechallengethenextmorning。
Ihadnofearsmyself。Themanofhonouroughtalwaystobereadytousetheswordtodefendhimselffrominsult，ortogivesatisfactionforaninsulthehasoffered。Iknowthatthelawofduellingisaprejudicewhichmaybecalled，andperhapsrightly，barbarous，butitisaprejudicewhichnomanofhonourcancontendagainst，andIbelievedSchmittobeathoroughgentleman。
Icalledonhimatday—break，andfoundhimstillinbed。Assoonashesawme，hesaid，\"Iamsureyouhavecometoaskmetofightwithd’Ache。Iamquitereadytoburnpowderwithhim，buthemustfirstpaymethetwentyLouisherobbedmeof。\"
\"Youshallhavethemto—morrow，andIwillattendyou。D’AchewillbesecondedbyM。dePyene。\"
\"Verygood。Ishallexpectyouatday—break。\"
TwohoursafterIsawdePyene，andwefixedthemeetingforthenextday，atsixo’clockinthemorning。Thearmsweretobepistols。Wechoseagarden，halfaleaguefromthetown，asthesceneofthecombat。
Atday—breakIfoundtheSwisswaitingformeatthedoorofhislodgings，carollingthe’ranz—des—vaches’，sodeartohisfellow—
countrymen。Ithoughtthatagoodomen。
\"Hereyouare，\"saidhe；\"letusbeoff，then。\"
Ontheway，heobserved，\"Ihaveonlyfoughtwithmenofhonouruptonow，andIdon’tmuchcareforkillingarascal；it’shangman’swork。\"
\"Iknow，\"Ireplied，\"thatit’sveryhardtohavetoriskone’slifeagainstafellowlikethat。\"
\"There’snorisk，\"saidSchmit，withalaugh。\"IamcertainthatIshallkillhim。\"
\"Howcanyoubecertain？\"
\"Ishallmakehimtremble。\"
Hewasright。Thissecretisinfalliblewhenitisappliedtoacoward。Wefoundd’AcheanddePyeneonthefield，andfiveorsixotherswhomusthavebeenpresentfrommotivesofcuriosity。
D’Achetooktwentylouisfromhispocketandgavethemtohisenemy，saying，\"Imaybemistaken，butIhopetomakeyoupaydearlyforyourbrutality。\"Thenturningtomehesaid，\"Ioweyoutwentylouisalso；\"butImadenoreply。
Schmitputthemoneyinhispursewiththecalmestairimaginable，andmakingnoreplytotheother’sboastplacedhimselfbetweentwotrees，distantaboutfourpacesfromoneanother，anddrawingtwopistolsfromhispocketsaidtod’Ache，\"Placeyourselfatadistanceoftenpaces，andfirefirst。I
shallwalktoandfrobetweenthesetwotrees，andyoumaywalkasfarifyouliketodosowhenmyturncomestofire。\"
Nothingcouldbeclearerormorecalmlydeliveredthanthisexplanation。
\"Butwemustdecide，\"saidI，\"whoistohavethefirstshot。\"
\"Thereisnoneed，\"saidSchmit。\"Ineverfirefirst，besides，thegentlemanhasarighttothefirstshot。\"
DePyeneplacedhisfriendattheproperdistanceandthensteppedaside，andd’Achefiredonhisantagonist，whowaswalkingslowlytoandfrowithoutlookingathim。Schmitturnedroundinthecoolestmannerpossible，andsaid，\"Youhavemissedme，sir；Iknewyouwould。Tryagain。\"
Ithoughthewasmad，andthatsomearrangementwouldbecometo；
butnothingofthekind。D’Achefiredasecondtime，andagainmissed；andSchmit，withoutaword，butascalmasdeath，firedhisfirstpistolintheair，andthencoveringd’Achewithhissecondpistolhithimintheforeheadandstretchedhimdeadontheground。Heputbackhispistolsintohispocketandwentoffdirectlybyhimself，asifheweremerelycontinuinghiswalk。IntwominutesIfollowedhisexample，afterascertainingthattheunfortunated’Achenolongerbreathed。
Iwasinastateofamazement。Suchaduelwasmorelikeacombatofromancethanarealfact。Icouldnotunderstandit；IhadwatchedtheSwiss，andhadnotnoticedtheslightestchangepassoverhisface。
IbreakfastedwithMadamed’Urfe，whomIfoundinconsolable。Itwasthefullmoon，andatthreeminutespastfourexactlyIoughttoperformthemysteriouscreationofthechildinwhichshewastobebornagain。ButtheLascaris，onwhomtheworkwastobewrought，wastwistingandturninginherbed，contortingherselfinsuchawaythatitwouldbeimpossibleformetoaccomplishtheprolificwork。
Mygrief，whenIheardwhathadhappened，washypocritical；inthefirstplacebecauseInolongerfeltanydesireforthegirl，andinthesecondbecauseIthoughtIsawawayinwhichIcouldmakeuseoftheincidenttotakevengeanceonher。
IlavishedconsolationsonMadamed’Urfe；andonconsultingtheoracleIfoundthattheLascarishadbeendefiledbyanevilgenius，andthatImustsearchforanothervirginwhosepuritymustbeundertheprotectionofmorepowerfulspirits。Isawthatmymadwomanwasperfectlyhappywiththis，andIlefthertovisittheCorticelli，whomIfoundinbedwithhermotherbesideher。
\"Youhaveconvulsions，haveyou，dearest？\"saidI。
\"No，Ihaven’t。Iamquitewell，butallthesameIshallhavethemtillyougivemebackmyjewel—casket。\"
\"Youaregettingwicked，mypoorchild；thiscomesoffollowingyourmother’sadvice。Asforthecasket，ifyouaregoingtobehavelikethis，probablyyouwillhaveit。\"
\"Iwillrevealall。\"
\"Youwillnotbebelieved；andIshallsendyoubacktoBolognawithoutlettingyoutakeanyofthepresentswhichMadamed’Urfehasgivenyou。\"
\"YououghttohavegivenmebackthecasketwhenIdeclaredmyselfwithchild。\"
SignoraLauratoldmethatthiswasonlytootrue，thoughIwasnotthefather。
\"Whois，then？\"Iasked。
\"CountN————，whosemistressshewasatPrague。\"
Itdidnotseemprobable，asshehadnosymptomsofpregnancy；
stillitmightbeso。Iwasobligedtoplotmyselftobringtheplotsofthesetworascallywomentonought，andwithoutsayinganythingtothemIshutmyselfupwithMadamed’Urfetoenquireoftheoracleconcerningtheoperationwhichwastomakeherhappy。
Afterseveralanswers，moreobscurethananyreturnedfromtheoraculartripodatDelphi，theinterpretationofwhichIlefttotheinfatuatedMadamed’Urfe，shediscoveredherself——andItookcarenottocontradicther——thattheCountessLascarishadgonemad。Iencouragedherfears，andsucceededinmakingherobtainfromacabalisticpyramidthestatementthatthereasontheprincesshadnotconceivedwasthatshehadbeendefiledbyanevilgenius——anenemyoftheFraternityoftheRosyCross。ThisputMadamed’Urfefairlyontheway，andsheaddedonherownaccountthatthegirlmustbewithchildbyagnome。
Shethenerectedanotherpyramidtoobtainguidanceonourquest，andIsodirectedthingsthattheanswercamethatshemustwritetothemoon。
Thismadreply，whichshouldhavebroughthertohersenses，onlymadehermorecrazythanever。Shewasquiteecstatic，andIamsurethatifIhadendeavouredtoshewherthenothingnessofallthisIshowhavehadnothingformytrouble。HerconclusionwouldprobablyhavebeenthatIwaspossessedbyanevilspirit，andwasnolongeratrueRosyCross。ButIhadnoideaofundertakingacurewhichwouldhavedonemeharmandherno’good。Herchimericalnotionsmadeherhappy，andthecoldnakedtruthwoulddoubtlesshavemadeherunhappy。
Shereceivedtheordertowritetothemoonwiththegreaterdelightassheknewwhatceremoniesweretobeobservedinaddressingthatplanet；butshecouldnotdispensewiththeassistanceofanadept，andIknewshewouldreckononme。ItoldherIshouldalwaysbereadytoserveher，butthat，assheknewherself，weshouldhavetowaitforthefirstphaseofthenewmoon。Iwasverygladtogaintime，forIhadlostheavilyatplay，andIcouldnotleaveAix—la—Chapellebeforeabill，whichI
haddrawnonM。d’O。ofAmsterdam，wascashed。InthemeantimeweagreedthatastheCountessLascarishadbecomemad，wemustnotpayanyattentiontowhatshemightsay，asthewordswouldnotbehersbutwouldproceedfromtheevilspiritwhopossessedher。
Nevertheless，wedeterminedthatasherstatewasapitiableone，andshouldbeasmuchalleviatedaspossible，sheshouldcontinuetodinewithus，butthatintheeveningshewastogotohergovernessandsleepwithher。
AfterhavingthusdisposedofMadamed’UrfetodisbelievewhatevertheCorticellicaredtotellher，andtoconcentrateallherenergiesonthetaskofwritingtoSelenis，theintelligenceofthemoon，IsetmyselfseriouslytoworktoregainthemoneyIhadlostatplay；andheremycabalawasnogoodtome。IpledgedtheCorticelli’scasketforathousandlouis，andproceededtoplayinanEnglishclubwhereIhadamuchbetterchanceofwinningthanwithGermansorFrenchmen。
Threeorfourdaysafterd’Ache’sdeath，hiswidowwrotemeanotebeggingmetocallonher。IfoundherincompanywithdePyene。
Shetoldmeinalugubriousvoicethatherhusbandhadleftmanydebtsunsettled，andthathiscreditorshadseizedeverythingshepossessed；and——thatshewasthusunabletopaytheexpensesofajourney，thoughshewantedtotakeherdaughterwithhertoColmar，andtheretorejoinherfamily。
\"Youcausedmyhusband’sdeath，\"sheadded，\"andIaskyoutogivemeathousandcrowns；ifyourefusemeIshallcommencealawsuitagainstyou，forastheSwissofficerhasleft，youaretheonlypersonIcanprosecute。\"
\"Iamsurprisedatyourtakingsuchatonetowardsme，\"Ireplied，coldly，\"andwereitnotfortherespectIfeelforyourmisfortune，Ishouldanswerasbitterlyasyoudeserve。InthefirstplaceIhavenotathousandcrownstothrowaway，andifI
hadIwouldnotsacrificemymoneytothreats。Iamcurioustoknowwhatkindofacaseyoucouldgetupagainstmeinthecourtsoflaw。AsforSchmit，hefoughtlikeabravegentleman，andI
don’tthinkyoucouldgetmuchoutofhimifhewerestillhere。
Good—day，madam。\"
IhadscarcelygotfiftypacesfromthehousewhenIwasjoinedbydePyene，whosaidthatratherthanMadamed’Acheshouldhavetocomplainofmehewouldcutmythroatonthespot。Weneitherofushadswords。
\"Yourintentionisnotaveryflatteringone，\"saidI，\"andthereissomethingratherbrutalaboutit。IhadrathernothaveanyaffairofthekindwithamanwhomIdon’tknowandtowhomIowenothing。\"
\"Youareacoward。\"
\"Iwouldbe，youmean，ifIweretoimitateyou。Itisamatterofperfectindifferencetomewhatopinionyoumayhaveonthesubject。
\"Youwillbesorryforthis。\"
\"Maybe，butIwarnyouthatInevergooutunattendedbyapairofpistols，whichIkeepingoodorderandknowhowtouse。\"SosayingIshewdhimthepistols，andtookoneinmyrighthand。
Atthisthebullyutteredanoathandweseparated。
AtashortdistancefromtheplacewherethisscenehadoccurredI
metaNeapolitannamedMaliterni，alieutenant—colonelandaidetothePrincedeCondo，commander—in—chiefoftheFrencharmy。ThisMaliterniwasabooncompanion，alwaysreadytooblige，andalwaysshortofmoney。Wewerefriends，andItoldhimwhathadhappened。
\"Ishouldbesorry，\"saidI，\"tohaveanythingtodowithafellowlikedePyene，andifyoucanridmeofhimIpromiseyouahundredcrowns。\"
\"Idaresaythatcanbemanaged，\"hereplied，\"andIwilltellyouwhatIcandoto—morrow！\"
Inpointoffact，hebroughtmenewsthenextdaythatmycut—
throathadreceivedordersfromhissuperiorofficertoleaveAix—
la—Chapelleatday—break，andatthesametimehegavemeapassportfromthePrincedeConde。
Iconfessthatthiswasverypleasanttidings。Ihaveneverfearedtocrossmyswordwithanyman，thoughneversoughtthebarbarouspleasureofspillingmen’sblood；butonthisoccasionI
feltanextremedisliketoaduelwithafellowwhowasprobablyofthesamecasteashisfriendd’Ache。
IthereforegaveMaliternimyheartiestthanks，aswellasthehundredcrownsIhadpromisedhim，whichIconsideredsowellemployedthatIdidnotregrettheirloss。
Maliterni，whowasajesterofthefirstwater，andacreatureoftheMarshald’Estrees，waslackingneitherinwitnorknowledge；
buthewasdeficientinasenseoforderandrefinement。Hewasapleasantcompanion，forhisgaietywasinexhaustibleandhehadalargeknowledgeoftheworld。Heattainedtherankoffield—
marshalin1768，andwenttoNaplestomarryarichheiress，whomheleftawidowayearafter。
ThedayafterdePyene’sdepartureIreceivedanotefromMdlle。
d’Ache，beggingme，forthesakeofhersickmother，tocomeandseeher。IansweredthatIwouldbeatsuchaplaceatsuchatime，andthatshecouldsaywhatshelikedtome。
IfoundherattheplaceandtimeIappointed，withhermother，whoseillness，itappeared，didnotpreventherfromgoingout。
Shecalledmeherpersecutor，andsaidthatsincethedepartureofherbestfriend，dePyene，shedidnotknowwheretoturn；thatshehadpledgedallherbelongings，andthatI，whowasrich，oughttoaidher，ifIwerenotthevilestofmen。
\"Ifeelforyourcondition，\"Ireplied，\"asIfeelyourabuseofme；andIcannothelpsayingthatyouhaveshewnyourselfthevilestofwomeninincitingdePyene，whomaybeanhonestmanforallIknow，toassassinateme。Infine，richornot，andthoughI
oweyounothing，Iwillgiveyouenoughmoneytotakeyourpropertyoutofpawn，andImaypossiblytakeyoutoColmarmyself，butyoumustfirstconsenttomygivingyourcharmingdaughteraproofofmyaffection。\"
\"Andyoudaretomakethishorribleproposaltome？\"
\"Horribleornot，Idomakeit。\"
\"Iwillneverconsent。\"
\"Goodday，madam。\"
IcalledthewaitertopayhimfortherefreshmentsIhadordered，andIgavethegirlsixdoublelouis，butherproudmotherforbadehertoacceptthemoneyfromme。Iwasnotsurprised，inspiteofherdistress；forthemotherwasinrealitystillmorecharmingthanthedaughter，andsheknewit。Ioughttohavegivenherthepreference，andthushaveendedthedispute，butwhocanaccountforhiswhims？Ifeltthatshemusthateme，forshedidnotcareforherdaughter，anditmusthavehumiliatedherbitterlytobeobligedtoregardherasavictoriousrival。
Ileftthemstillholdingthesixdoublelouis，whichprideorscornhadrefused，andIwenttothefaro—tableanddecidedinsacrificingthemtofortune；butthatcapriciousdeity，asproudasthehaughtywidow，refusedthem，andthoughIleftthemontheboardforfivedealsIalmostbrokethebank。AnEnglishman，namedMartin，offeredtogoshareswithme，andIaccepted，asI
knewhewasagoodplayer；andinthecourseofeightortendayswedidsuchgoodbusinessthatIwasnotonlyabletotakethecasketoutofpledgeandtocoveralllosses，butmadeaconsiderableprofitinaddition。
Aboutthisperiod，theCorticelli，inherrageagainstme，hadtoldMadamed’Urfethewholehistoryofherlife，ofouracquaintance，andofherpregnancy。Butthemoretruthfullyshetoldherstorysomuchthemoredidthegoodladybelievehertobemad，andweoftenlaughedtogetherattheextraordinaryfanciesofthetraitress。Madamed’UrfeputallhertrustintheinstructionswhichSeleniswouldgiveinreplytoherletter。
Nevertheless，asthegirl’sconductdispleasedme，Imadehereathermealswithhermother，whileIkeptMadamed’Urfecompany。I
assuredherthatweshouldeasilyfindanothervesselofelection，themadnessoftheCountessLascarishavingmadeherabsolutelyincapableofparticipatinginourmysteriousrites。
Beforelong，d’Ache’swidowfoundherselfobligedtogivemeherMimi；butIwonherbykindness，andinsuchawaythatthemothercouldpretendwithdecencytoknownothingaboutit。Iredeemedallthegoodsshehadpawned，andalthoughthedaughterhadnotyetyieldedentirelytomyardour，IformedtheplanoftakingthemtoColmarwithMadamed’Urfe。Tomakeupthegoodlady’smind，Iresolvedtoletthatbeoneoftheinstructionsfromthemoon，andthisshewouldnotonlyobeyblindlybutwouldhavenosuspicionsastomymotive。
ImanagedthecorrespondencebetweenSelenisandMadamed’Urfeinthefollowingmanner:
Onthedayappointed，wesuppedtogetherinagardenbeyondthetownwalls，andinaroomonthegroundfloorofthehouseIhadmadeallthenecessarypreparations，theletterwhichwastofallfromthemoon，inreplytoMadamed’Urfe’sepistle，beinginmypocket。AtalittledistancefromthechamberofceremoniesIhadplacedalargebathfilledwithlukewarmwaterandperfumespleasingtothedeityofthenight，intowhichweweretoplungeatthehourofthemoon，whichfellatoneo’clock。
Whenwehadburntincense，andsprinkledtheessencesappropriatetothecultofSelenis，wetookoffallourclothes，andholdingtheletterconcealedinmylefthand，withtherightIgraciouslyledMadamed’Urfetothebrinkofthebath。HerestoodanalabastercupcontainingspiritsofwinewhichIkindled，repeatingmagicalwordswhichIdidnotunderstand，butwhichshesaidafterme，givingmetheletteraddressedtoSelenis。Iburnttheletterintheflameofthespirits，beneaththelightofthemoon，andthecredulousladytoldmeshesawthecharactersshehadtracedascendingintheraysoftheplanet。
Wethengotintothebath，andtheletter，whichwaswritteninsilvercharactersongreenpaperappearedonthesurfaceofthewaterinthecourseoftenminutes。AssoonasMadamed’Urfesawit，shepickeditupreverentlyandgotoutofthebathwithme。
Wedriedandscentedourselves，andproceededtoputonourclothes。AssoonaswewereinastateofdecencyItoldMadamed’Urfethatshemightreadtheepistle，whichshehadplacedonascentedsilkcushion。Sheobeyed，andIsawsadnessvisiblyexpressedonherfeatureswhenshesawthatherhypostasiswasdeferredtillthearrivalofQuerilinthus，whomshewouldseewithmeatMarseillesinthespringofnextyear。ThegeniusalsosaidthattheCountessLascariscouldnotonlydoherharm，andthatsheshouldconsultmeastothebestmeansofgettingridofher。
TheletterendedbyorderinghernottoleaveatAixaladywhohadlostherhusband，andhadadaughterwhowasdestinedtobeofgreatservicetothefraternityoftheR。C。ShewastotakethemtoAlsace，andnottoleavethemtilltheywerethere，andsafefromthatdangerwhichthreatenedthemiftheywerelefttothemselves。
Madamed’Urfe，whowithallherfollywasanexceedinglybenevolentwoman，commendedthewidowtomycareenthusiastically，andseemedimpatienttohearherwholehistory。ItoldherallthecircumstanceswhichIthoughtwouldstrengthenherinherresolutiontobefriendthem，andpromisedtointroducetheladiestothematthefirstopportunity。
WereturnedtoAix，andspentthenightindiscussingthephantomswhichcoursedthroughherbrain。Allwasgoingonwell，andmyonlycarewasforthejourneytoAix，andhowtoobtainthecompleteenjoymentofMimiafterhavingsowelldeservedherfavours。
Ihadarunofluckatplaythenextday，andintheeveningI
gaveMadamed’AcheanagreeablesurprisebytellingherthatI
shouldaccompanyherandherMimitoColmar。ItoldherthatI
shouldbeginbyintroducinghertotheladywhomIhadthehonourtoaccompany，andIbeggedhertobereadybythenextdayasthemarchionesswasimpatienttoseeher。Icouldseethatshecouldscarcelybelieveherears，forshethoughtMadamed’Urfewasinlovewithme，andshecouldnotunderstandherdesiretomaketheacquaintanceoftwoladieswhomightbedangerousrivals。
IconductedthemtoMadamed’Urfeattheappointedhour，andtheywerereceivedwithawarmthwhichsurprisedthemexceedingly，fortheycouldnotbeexpectedtoknowthattheirrecommendationcamefromthemoon。Wemadeapartyoffour，andwhilethetwoladiestalkedtogetherinthefashionofladieswhohaveseentheworld，IpaidMimiaparticularattention，whichhermotherunderstoodverywell，butwhichMadamed’Urfeattributedtotheyounglady’sconnectionwiththeRosyCross。
Intheeveningweallwenttoaball，andtheretheCorticelli，whowasalwaystryingtoannoyme，dancedasnoyoungladywoulddance。Sheexecutedrapidsteps，pirouetted，cutcapers，andshewedherlegs；inshort，shebehavedlikeaballet—girl。Iwasonthorns。Anofficer，whoeitherignored，orpretendedtoignore，mysupposedrelationtoher，askedmeifshewasaprofessionaldancer。IheardanothermanbehindmesaythathethoughtherememberedseeingherontheboardsatPrague。I
resolvedonhasteningmydeparture，asIforesawthatifIstayedmuchlongeratAixthewretchedgirlwouldendbycostingmemylife。
AsIhavesaid，Madamed’Achehadagoodsocietymanner，andthisputherinMadamed’Urfe’sgoodgraces，whosawinherpolitenessanewproofofthefavourofSelenis。Madamed’Achefelt，I
suppose，thatsheawedmesomereturnafterallIhaddoneforher，andlefttheballearly，sothatwhenItookMimihomeI
foundmyselfalonewithher，andatperfectlibertytodowhatI
liked。Iprofitedbytheopportunity，andremainedwithMimifortwohours，findinghersocomplaisantandevenpassionatethatwhenIleftherIhadnothingmoretodesire。
InthreedaystimeIprovidedthemotheranddaughterwiththeiroutfit，andweleftAixgladlyinanelegantandconvenienttravellingcarriagewhichIhadprovided。HalfanhourbeforeweleftImadeanacquaintancewhichafterwardsprovedfataltome。
AFlemishofficer，unknowntome，accostedme，andpaintedhisdestituteconditioninsuchsadcoloursthatIfeltobligedtogivehimtwelvelouis。Tenminutesafter，hegavemeapaperinwhichheacknowledgedthedebt，andnamedthetimeinwhichhecouldpayit。FromthepaperIascertainedthathisnamewasMalingan。Intenmonthsthereaderwillheartheresults。
JustaswewerestartingIshewedtheCorticelliacarriagewithfourplaces，inwhichshe，hermother，andthetwomaids，weretotravel。Atthisshetrembled，herpridewaswounded，andforamomentIthoughtshewasgoingoutofhermind；sherainedsobs，abuse，andcursesonme。Istoodthestormunmoved，however，andMadamed’Urfeonlylaughedatherniece’sparoxysms，andseemeddelightedtofindherselfsittingoppositetomewiththeservantofSelenisbesideher，whileMimiwashighlypleasedtobesoclosetome。
WegottoLiegeatnightfallonthenextday，andIcontrivedtomakeMadamed’Urfestaytherethedayfollowing，wishingtogethorsestotakeusthroughtheArdennes，andthustohavethecharmingMimilongerinmypossession。
Iroseearlyandwentouttoseethetown。Bythegreatbridge，awoman，sowrappedupinablackmantillathatonlythetipofhernosewasvisible，accostedme，andaskedmetofollowherintoahousewithanopendoorwhichsheshewedme。
\"AsIhavenotthepleasureofknowingyou，\"Ireplied，\"prudencewillnotallowmetodoso。\"
\"Youdoknowme，though，\"shereplied，andtakingmetothecornerofaneighbouringstreetsheshewedmeherface。WhatwasmysurprisetoseethefairStuartofAvignon，thestatueoftheFountainofVaucluse。Iwasverygladtomeether。
InmycuriosityIfollowedherintothehouse，toaroomonthefirstfloor，whereshewelcomedmemosttenderly。Itwasallnogood，forIfeltangrywithher，anddespisedheradvances，nodoubt，becauseIhadMimi，andwishedtokeepallmyloveforher。
However，Itookthreelouisoutofmypurseandgavethemtoher，askinghertotellmeherhistory。
\"Stuart，\"shesaid，\"wasonlymykeeper；myrealnameisRanson，andIamthemistressofarichlandedproprietor。IgotbacktoLiegeaftermanysufferings。\"
\"Iamdelightedtohearthatyouaremoreprosperousnow，butitmustbeconfessedthatyourbehaviouratAvignonwasbothpreposterousandabsurd。Butthesubjectisnotworthdiscussing。
Goodday，madam。\"
IthenreturnedtomyhoteltowriteanaccountofwhatIhadseentotheMarquisGrimaldi。
ThenextdayweleftLiege，andweretwodayspassingthroughtheArdennes。ThisisoneofthestrangesttractsinEurope:avastforest，thetraditionsofwhichfurnishedAriostowithsomesplendidpassages。
Thereisnotownintheforest，andthoughoneisobligedtocrossittopassfromonecountrytoanother，hardlyanyofthenecessariesoflifearetobefoundinit。
Theenquirerwillseekinvainforvicesorvirtues，ormannersofanykind。Theinhabitantsaredevoidofcorrectideas，buthavewildnotionsoftheirownonthepowerofmentheystylescholars。
Itisenoughtobeadoctortoenjoythereputationofanastrologerandawizard。NeverthelesstheArdenneshavealargepopulation，asIwasassuredthatthereweretwelvehundredchurchesintheforest。Thepeoplearegood—heartedandevenpleasant，especiallytheyounggirls；butasageneralrulethefairsexisbynomeansfairinthosequarters。InthisvastdistrictwateredbytheMeuseisthetownofBouillon——aregularhole，butinmytimeitwasthefreestplaceinEurope。TheDukeofBouillonwassojealousofhisrightsthathepreferredtheexerciseofhisprerogativestoallthehonourshemighthaveenjoyedattheCourtofFrance。WestayedadayatMetz，butdidnotcallonanyone；andinthreedayswereachedColmar，whereweleftMadamed’Ache，whosegoodgracesIhadcompletelywon。Herfamily，inextremelycomfortablecircumstances，receivedthemotheranddaughterwithgreataffection。MimiweptbitterlywhenIlefther，butIconsoledherbysayingthatIwouldcomebackbeforelong。Madamed’Urfeseemednottomindleavingthem，andI
consoledmyselfeasilyenough。Whilecongratulatingmyselfonhavingmademotheranddaughterhappy，IadoredthesecretpathsandwaysofDivineProvidence。
OnthefollowingdaywewenttoSulzbach，wheretheBaronofSchaumburg，whoknewMadamed’Urfe，gaveusawarmwelcome。I
shouldhavebeensadlyboaredinthisdullplaceifithadnotbeenforgaming。Madamed’Urfe，findingherselfinneedofcompany，encouragedtheCorticellitohopetoregainmygoodgraces，and，consequently，herown。Thewretchedgirl，seeinghoweasilyIhaddefeatedherprojects，andtowhatapassofhumiliationIhadbroughther，hadchangedherpart，andwasnowsubmissiveenough。Sheflatteredherselfthatshewouldregainthefavourshehadcompletelylost，andshethoughtthedaywaswonwhenshesawthatMadamed’AcheandherdaughterstayedatColmar。ButwhatshehadmoreatheartthaneithermyfriendshiporMadamed’Urfe’swasthejewel—casket；butshedarednotaskforit，andherhopesofseeingitagainweregrowingdim。ByherpleasantriesattablewhichmadeMadamed’Urfelaughshesucceededingivingmeafewamoroustwinges；butstillIdidnotallowmyfeelingstorelaxmyseverity，andshecontinuedtosleepwithhermother。
AweekafterourarrivalatSulzbachIleftMadamed’UrfewiththeBaronofSchaumburg，andIwenttoColmarinthehopeofgoodfortune。ButIwasdisappointed，asthemotheranddaughterhadbothmadearrangementsforgettingmarried。
Arichmerchant，whohadbeeninlovewiththemothereighteenyearsbefore，seeingherawidowandstillpretty，felthisearlyflamesrevive，andofferedhishandandwasaccepted。AyoungadvocatefoundMimitohistaste，andaskedherinmarriage。Themotheranddaughter，fearingtheresultsofmyaffection，andfindingitwouldbeagoodmatch，lostnotimeingivingtheirconsent。Iwasentertainedinthefamily，andsuppedinthemidstofanumerousandchoiceassemblage；butseeingthatIshouldonlyannoytheladiesandtiremyselfinwaitingforsomechancefavourifIstayed，IbadethemadieuandreturnedtoSulzbachthenextmorning。IfoundthereacharminggirlfromStrasburg，namedSalzmann，threeorfourgamesterswhohadcometodrinkthewaters，andseveralladies，towhomIshallintroducethereaderintheensuingchapter。
CHAPTERXVI
ISendTheCorticellitoTurin——HelenisInitiatedIntoTheMysteriesofLoveIGotoLyons——MyArrivalatTurinOneoftheladies，MadameSaxe，wasintendedbynaturetowinthedevotionofamanoffeeling；andifshehadnothadajealousofficerinhertrainwhoneverlethergooutofhissight，andseemedtothreatenanyonewhoaspiredtoplease，shewouldprobablyhavehadplentyofadmirers。Thisofficerwasfondofpiquet，buttheladywasalwaysobligedtositclosebesidehim，whichsheseemedtodowithpleasure。
IntheafternoonIplayedwithhim，andcontinueddoingsoforfiveorsixdays。AfterthatIcouldstanditnolonger，aswhenhehadwontenortwelvelouisheinvariablyroseandleftmetomyself。Hisnamewasd’Entragues；hewasafine—lookingman，thoughsomewhatthin，andhadagoodshareofwitandknowledgeoftheworld。
Wehadnotplayedtogetherfortwodays，whenoneafternoonheaskedifIwouldliketotakemyrevenge。
\"No，Ithinknot，\"saidI，\"forwedon’tplayonthesameprinciple。Iplayforamusement’ssakeandyouplaytowinmoney。\"
\"Whatdoyoumean？Yourwordsareoffensive。\"
\"Ididn’tmeanthemtobeoffensive，butasamatteroffact，eachtimewehaveplayedyouhaverisenafteraquarterofanhour。\"
\"Yououghttobeobligedtome，asotherwiseyouwouldhavelostheavily。\"
\"Possibly；butIdon’tthinkso。\"
\"Icanproveittoyou:\"
\"Iaccepttheoffer，butthefirsttoleavethetablemustforfeitfiftyLouis。\"
\"Iagree；butmoneydown。\"
\"Ineverplayoncredit。\"
Iorderedawaitertobringcards，andIwenttofetchfourorfiverollsofahundredLouiseach。WebeganplayingforfiveLouisthegame，eachplayerputtingdownthefiftyLouiswagered。
Webegantoplayatthree，andatnineo’clockd’Entraguessaidwemighttakesomesupper。
\"Iamnothungry，\"Ireplied，\"butyoucangoifyouwantmetoputthehundredLouisinmypocket。\"
Helaughedatthisandwentonplaying，butthislacyfairscowledatme，thoughIdidnotcareintheleastforthat。Alltheguestswenttosupper，andreturnedtokeepuscompanytillmidnight，butatthathourwefoundourselvesalone。D’Entraguessawwhatkindofmanhehadgotholdofandsaidneveraword，whileIonlyopenedmylipstoscore；weplayedwiththeutmostcoolness。
Atsixo’clocktheladiesandgentlemenwhoweretakingthewatersbegantoassemble。Wewereapplaudedforourdetermination，inspiteofourgrimlook。TheLouiswereonthetable；Ihadlostahundred，andyetthegamewasgoinginmyfavour。
AtninethefairMadameSaxeputinanappearance，andshortlyafterMadamed’UrfecameinwithM。deSchaumburg。Bothladiesadvisedustotakeacupofchocolate。D’Entragueswasthefirsttoconsent，andthinkingthatIwasalmostdonehesaid，——
\"Letusagreethatthefirstmanwhoasksforfood，whoabsentshimselfformorethanaquarterofanhour，orwhofallsasleepinhischair，losesthebet。\"
\"Iwilltakeyouatyourword，\"Ireplied，\"andIadheretoallyourconditions。\"
Thechocolatecame，wetookit，andproceededwithourplay。Atnoonweweresummonedtodinner，butwebothrepliedthatwewerenothungry。Atfouro’clockweallowedourselvestobepersuadedintotakingsomesoup。Whensupper—timecameandwewerestillplaying，peoplebegantothinkthattheaffairwasgettingserious，andMadameSaxeurgedustodividethewager。
D’Entragues，whohadwonahundredlouis，wouldhavegladlyconsented，butIwouldnotgivein，andM。deSchaumburgpronouncedmewithinmyrights。Myadversarymighthaveabandonedthestakeandstillfoundhimselfwithabalancetothegood，butavariceratherthanpridepreventedhisdoingso。Ifeltthelossmyself，butwhatIcaredchieflyaboutwasthepointofhonour。I
stilllookedfresh，whileheresembledadisinterredcorpse。AsMadameSaxeurgedmestronglytogiveway，IansweredthatIfeltdeeplygrievedatnotbeingabletosatisfysuchacharmingwoman，butthattherewasaquestionofhonourinthecase；
andIwasdeterminednottoyieldtomyantagonistifIsattheretillIfelldeadtotheground。
Ihadtwoobjectsinspeakingthus:Iwantedtofrightenhimandtomakehimjealousofme。Ifeltcertainthatamaninapassionofjealousywouldbequiteconfused，andIhopedhisplaywouldsufferaccordingly，andthatIshouldnothavethemortificationoflosingahundredlouistohissuperiorplay，thoughIwonthefiftylouisofthewager。
ThefairMadameSaxegavemeaglanceofcontemptandleftus，butMadamed’Urfe，whobelievedIwasinfallible，avengedmebysayingtod’Entragues，inatoneoftheprofoundestconviction，——
\"OLord！Ipityyou，sir。\"
Thecompanydidnotreturnaftersupper，andwewereleftalonetoourplay。Weplayedonallthenight，andIobservedmyantagonist’sfaceascloselyasthecards。Hebegantolosehiscomposure，andmademistakes，hiscardsgotmixedup，andhisscoringwaswild。Iwashardlylessdoneupthanhe；Ifeltmyselfgrowingweaker，andIhopedtoseehimfalltothegroundeverymoment，asIbegantobeafraidofbeingbeateninspiteofthesuperiorstrengthofmyconstitution。Ihadwonbackmymoneybyday—break，andIcavilledwithhimforbeingawayformorethanaquarterofanhour。Thisquarrelaboutnothingirritatedhim，androusedmeup；thedifferenceofournaturesproducedthesedifferentresults，andmystratagemsucceededbecauseitwasimpromptu，andcouldnothavebeenforeseen。Inthesamewayinwar，suddenstratagemssucceed。
Atnineo’clockMadameSaxecamein，herloverwaslosing。
\"Now，sir，\"shesaidtome，\"youmayfairlyyield。\"
\"Madam，\"saidI，\"inhopeofpleasingyou，Iwillgladlydividethestakesandrisefromthetable。\"
ThetoneofexaggeratedgallantrywithwhichIpronouncedthesewords，putd’Entraguesintoarage，andheansweredsharplythathewouldnotdesisttilloneofuswasdead。
Withaglanceattheladywhichwasmeanttobelovelorn，butwhichmusthavebeenextremelylanguidinmyexhaustedstate，Isaid，——
\"Yousee，Madam，thatIamnotthemoreobstinateofthetwo。\"
Adishofsoupwasservedtous，butd’Entragues，whowasinthelaststageofexhaustion，hadnosoonerswallowedthesoupthanhefellfromhischairinadeadfaint。Hewassoontakenup，andafterIhadgivensixlouistothemarkerwhohadbeenwatchingforforty—eighthours，Ipocketedthegold，andwenttotheapothecary’swhereItookamildemetic。AfterwardsIwenttobedandsleptforafewhours，andatthreeo’clockImadeanexcellentdinner。
D’Entraguesremainedinhisroomtillthenextday。Iexpectedaquarrel，butthenightbringscounsel，andImadeamistake。Assoonashesawmeheranuptomeandembracedme，saying，——
\"Imadeasillybet，butyouhavegivenmealessonwhichwilllastmeallmydays，andIammuchobligedtoyouforit。\"
\"Iamdelightedtohearit，providedthatyourhealthhasnotsuffered。\"
\"No，Iamquitewell，butwewillplaynomoretogether。\"
\"Well，Ihopeweshan’tplayagainsteachotheranymore。\"
InthecourseofeightortendaysItookMadamed’UrfeandthepretendedLascaristoBale。WeputupattheinnofthefamousImhoff，whoswindledus，but，allthesame，the\"ThreeKings\"isthebestinninthetown。IthinkIhavenotedthatnoonatBaleisateleveno’clock——anabsurdityduetosomehistoricevent，whichIhadexplainedtomebuthaveforgotten。Theinhabitantsaresaidtobesubjecttoakindofmadness，ofwhichtheyarecuredbytakingthewatersofSulzbach；butthey’getitagainassoonastheyreturn。
WeshouldhavestayedatBalesometime，ifithadnotbeenforanincidentwhichmademehastenourdeparture。Itwasasfollows:
MynecessitieshadobligedmetoforgivetheCorticellitoacertainextent，andwhenIcamehomeearlyIspentthenightwithher；butwhenIcamehomelate，asoftenhappened，Isleptinmyownroom。Thelittlehussy，inthelattercase，sleptalsoaloneinaroomnexttohermother’s，throughwhosechamberonehadtopasstogettothedaughter’s。
OnenightIcameinatoneo’clock，andnotfeelinginclinedtosleep，Itookacandleandwentinsearchofmycharmer。IwasrathersurprisedtofindSignoraLaura’sdoorhalfopen，andjustasIwasgoingintheoldwomancameforwardandtookmebythearm，beggingmenottogointoherdaughter’sroom。
\"Why？\"saidI。
\"Shehasbeenverypoorlyalltheevening，andsheisinneedofsleep。\"
\"Verygood；thenIwillsleeptoo。\"
SosayingIpushedthemothertooneside，andenteringthegirl’sroomIfoundherinbedwithsomeonewhowashidingunderthesheets。
I’gazedatthepictureforamomentandthenbegantolaugh，andsittingdownonthebedbeggedtoenquirethenameofthehappyindividualwhomIshouldhavethepleasureofthrowingoutofthewindow。OnachairIsawthecoat，trousers，hat，andcaneofthegentleman；butasIhadmytwotrustypistolsaboutmeIknewI
hadnothingtofear；however，Ididnotwanttomakeanoise。
Withtearsinhereyes，andtremblingallover，thegirltookmyhandandbeggedmetoforgiveher。
\"It’sayounglord，\"saidshe，\"andIdon’tevenknowhisname。\"
\"Oh，heisayounglord，ishe？andyoudon’tknowhisname，youlittlehussy，don’tyou？Well，hewilltellmehimself。\"
Sosaying，Itookapistolandvigorouslystrippedthesheetsoffthecuckoowhohadgotintomynest。IsawthefaceofayoungmanwhomIdidnotknow，hisheadcoveredwithanightcap，buttherestperfectlynaked，asindeedwasmymistress。Heturnedhisbacktometogethisshirtwhichhehadthrownonthefloor，butseizinghimbythearmIheldhimfirmly，withmypistoltohisforehead。
\"Kindlytellmeyourname，fairsir。\"
\"IamCountB————，canonofBale。\"
\"Anddoyouthinkyouhavebeenperforminganecclesiasticalfunctionhere？\"
\"Nosir，no，andIhopeyouwillforgivemeandtheladytoo，forIamtheonlyguiltyparty。\"
\"Iamnotaskingyouwhethersheisguiltyornot。\"
\"Sir，thecountessisperfectlyinnocent。\"
Ifeltinagoodtemper，andfarfrombeingangryIwasstronglyinclinedtolaugh。Ifoundthepicturebeforemeanattractiveone；itwasamusingandvoluptuous。Thesightofthetwonuditiesonthebedwasatrulylasciviousone，andIremainedcontemplatingitinsilenceforaquarterofanhour，occupiedinresistingastrongtemptationtotakeoffmyclothesandliebesidethem。TheonlythingwhichpreventedmyyieldingtoitwasthefearthatImightfindthecanontobeafool，incapableofplayingthepartwithdignity。AsfortheCorticelli，shesoonpassedfromtearstolaughter，andwouldhavedoneitwell，butif，asIfeared，thecanonwasablockhead，Ishouldhavebeendegradingmyself。
Ifeltcertainthatneitherofthemhadguessedmythoughts，soI
roseandtoldthecanontoputonhisclothes。
\"Noonemusthearanythingmoreofthis，\"saidI，\"butyouandI
willgotoadistanceoftwohundredpacesandburnalittlepowder。\"
\"No，no，sir，\"criedmygentleman，\"youmaytakemewhereyoulike，andkillmeifyouplease，butIwasnotmeantforafightingman。\"
\"Really？\"
\"Yes，sir，andIonlybecameapriesttoescapethefataldutyofduelling。\"
\"Thenyouareacoward，andwillnotobjecttoagoodthrashing？\"
\"Anythingyoulike，butitwouldbecruelty，formyloveblindedme。Ionlycamehereaquarterofanhourago，andthecountessandhergovernesswerebothasleep。\"
\"Youarealiar。\"
\"Ihadonlyjusttakenoffmyshirtwhenyoucame，andIhaveneverseenthisangelbefore。\"
\"Andthat’sgospeltruth，\"saidtheCorticelli。
\"Areyouawarethatyouareacoupleofimpudentscoundrels？Andasforyou，mastercanon，youdeservetoberoastedlikeSt。
Laurence。\"
Inthemeanwhilethewretchedecclesiastichadhuddledonhisclothes。
\"Followme，sir，\"saidI，inatonewhichfrozethemarrowofhisbones；andIaccordinglytookhimtomyroom。
\"Whatwillyoudo，\"saidI，\"ifIforgiveyouandletyougowithoutputtingyoutoshame？\"
\"Iwillleaveinanhourandahalf，andyoushallneverseemehereagain；butevenifwemeetinthefuture，youwillfindmealwaysreadytodoyouaservice。\"
\"Verygood。Begone，andinthefuturetakemoreprecautionsinyouramorousadventures。\"
AfterthisIwenttobed，wellpleasedwithwhatIhadseenandwhatIhaddone，forInowhadcompletepowerovertheCorticelli。
InthemorningIcalledonherassoonasIgotup，andtoldhertopackupherthings，forbiddinghertoleaveherroomtillshegotintothecarriage。
\"IshallsayIamill。\"
\"Justasyouplease，butnobodywilltakeanynoticeofyou。\"
Ididnotwaitforhertomakeanyfurtherobjections，butproceededtotellthetaleofwhathadpassedtoMadamed’Urfe，slightlyembroideringthenarrative。Shelaughedheartily，andenquiredoftheoraclewhatmustbedonewiththeLascarisafterherevidentpollutionbytheevilgeniusdisguisedasapriest。
TheoraclerepliedthatwemustsetoutthenextdayforBesancon，whenceshewouldgotoLyonsandawaitmethere，whileIwouldtakethecountesstoGeneva，andthussendherbacktohernativecountry。
Theworthyvisionarywasenchantedwiththisarrangement，andsawinitanotherproofofthebenevolenceofSelenis，whowouldthusgiveheranopportunityofseeingyoungArandaoncemore。ItwasagreedthatIwastorejoinherinthespringofthefollowingyear，toperformthegreatoperationwhichwastomakeherbebornaman。Shehadnottheslightestdoubtsastothereasonablenessofthisperformance。
Allwasready，andthenextdaywestarted；Madamed’UrfeandIinthetravellingcarriage，andtheCorticelli，hermother，andtheservantsinanotherconveyance。
WhenwegottoBesanconMadamed’Urfeleftme，andonthenextdayIjourneyedtowardsGenevawiththemotheranddaughter。
OnthewayInotonlydidnotspeaktomycompanions，Ididnotsomuchaslookatthem。ImadethemhavetheirmealswithaservantfromtheFrancheComte，whomIhadtakenonM。deSchaumburg’srecommendation。
Iwenttomybanker，andaskedhimtogetmeagoodcoachman，whowouldtaketwoladiesofmyacquaintancetoTurin。
WhenIgotbacktotheinnIwrotetotheChevalierRaiberti，sendinghimabillofexchange。IwarnedhimthatinthreeorfourdaysafterthereceiptofmyletterhewouldbeaccostedbyaBolognesedancerandhermother，bearingaletterofcommendation。
Ibeggedhimtoseethattheylodgedinarespectablehouse，andtopayforthemonmybehalf。IalsosaidthatIshouldbemuchobligedifhewouldcontrivethatsheshoulddance，evenfornothing，atthecarnival，andIbeggedhimtowarnherthat，ifI
heardanytalesaboutherwhenIcametoTurin，ourrelationswouldbeatanend。
ThefollowingdayaclerkofM。Tronchin’sbroughtacoachmanformetosee。Themansaidhewasreadytostartassoonashehadhadhisdinner。Iconfirmedtheagreementhehadmadewiththebanker，IsummonedthetwoCorticellis，andsaidtothecoachman，\"Thesearethepersonsyouaretodrive，andtheywillpayyouwhentheyreachTurininsafetywiththeirluggage。Youaretotakefourdaysandahalfforthejourney，asisstipulatedintheagreement，ofwhichtheyhaveonecopyandyouanother。\"Anhourafterhecalledtoputtheluggagein。
TheCorticelliburstintotears，butIwasnotsocruelastosendherawaywithoutanyconsolation。Herbadconducthadbeenseverelyenoughpunishedalready。Imadeherdinewithme，andasIgavehertheletterforM。Raiberti，andtwenty—fiveLouisforthejourney，ItoldherwhatIhadwrittentothegentleman，whowouldtakegoodcareofthem。SheaskedmeforatrunkcontainingthreedressesandasuperbmantlewhichMadamed’Urfehadgivenherbeforeshebecamemad，butIsaidthatwewouldtalkofthatatTurin。Shedarednotmentionthecasket，butcontinuedweeping；however，shedidnotmovemetopity。IlefthermuchbetteroffthanwhenIfirstknewher；shehadgoodclothes，goodlinen，jewels，andanexceedinglyprettywatchIhadgivenher；
altogetheragooddealmorethanshedeserved。
AsshewasgoingIescortedhertothecarriage，lessforpoliteness’sakethantocommendheroncemoretothecoachman。
WhenshewasfairlygoneIfeltasifaloadhadbeentakenoffmyback，andIwenttolookupmyworthysyndic，whomthereaderwillnothaveforgotten。IhadnotwrittentohimsinceIwasinFlorence，andIanticipatedthepleasureofseeinghissurprise，whichwasextreme。Butaftergazingatmeforamomenthethrewhisarmsroundmyneck，kissedmeseveraltimes，andsaidhehadnotexpectedthepleasureofseeingme。
\"Howareoursweetheartsgettingon？\"
\"Excellently。Theyarealwaystalkingaboutyouandregrettingyourabsence；theywillgowildwithjoywhentheyknowyouarehere。\"
\"Youmusttellthemdirectly，then。\"
\"Iwillgoandwarnthemthatweshallallsuptogetherthisevening。Bytheway，M。deVoltairehasgivenuphishouseatDelicestoM。deVillars，andhasgonetoliveatFerney。\"
\"Thatmakesnodifferencetome，asIwasnotthinkingofcallingonhimthistime。Ishallbeherefortwoorthreeweeks，andI
meantodevotemytimetoyou。\"
\"Youaretoogood。\"
\"Willyougivemewritingmaterialsbeforeyougoout？Iwillwriteafewletterswhileyouareaway。\"
Heputmeinpossessionofhisdesk，andIwrotetomylatehousekeeper，MadameLebel，tellingherthatIwasgoingtospendthreeweeksatGeneva，andthatifIweresureofseeingherI
wouldgladlypayavisittoLausanne。Unfortunately，IalsowrotetothebadGenoesepoet，AscanioPogomas，orGiaccomoPassano，whomIhadmetatLeghorn。ItoldhimtogotoTurinandtowaitformethere。AtthesametimeIwrotetoM。F————，towhomIhadcommendedhim，askinghimtogivethepoettwelveLouisforthejourney。
Myevilgeniusmademethinkofthisman，whowasanimposing—
lookingfellow，andhadalltheairofamagician，tointroducehimtoMadamed’Urfeasagreatadept。Youwillsee，dearreader，inthecourseofayearwhetherIhadreasontorepentofthisfatalinspiration。
AsthesyndicandIwereonourwaytoouryoungfriend’shouseI
sawanelegantEnglishcarriageforsale，andIexchangeditformine，givingtheownerahundredLouisaswell。Whilethebargainwasgoingontheuncleoftheyoungtheologianwhoarguedsowell，andtowhomIhadgivensuchpleasantlessonsinphysiology，cameuptome，embracedme，andaskedmetodinewithhimthenextday。
Beforewegottothehousethesyndicinformedmethatweshouldfindanotherextremelyprettybutuninitiatedgirlpresent。
\"Allthebetter，\"saidI，\"Ishallknowhowtoregulatemyconduct，andperhapsImaysucceedininitiatingher。\"
InmypocketIhadplacedacasketcontainingadozenexquisiterings。Ihadlongbeenawarethatsuchtriflingpresentsareoftenveryserviceable。
ThemomentofmeetingthosecharminggirlsoncemorewasoneofthehappiestIhaveeverenjoyed。IntheirgreetingIreaddelightandloveofpleasure。Theirlovewaswithoutenvyorjealousy，oranyideaswhichwouldhaveinjuredtheirself—esteem。
Theyfeltworthyofmyregard，astheyhadlavishedtheirfavoursonmewithoutanydegradingfeelings，anddrawnbythesameemotionthathaddrawnme。
Thepresenceoftheneophyteobligedustogreeteachotherwithwhatiscalleddecency，andsheallowedmetokissherwithoutraisinghereyes，butblushingviolently。
Aftertheusualcommonplaceshadpassedandwehadindulgedinsomedoublemeaningswhichmadeuslaughandherlookthoughtful，Itoldhershewasprettyasalittlelove，andthatIfeltsurethathermind，asbeautifulasitscasket，couldharbournoprejudices。
\"Ihavealltheprejudiceswhichhonourandreligionsuggest，\"shemodestlyreplied。
Isawthatthiswasacaserequiringverydelicatetreatment。
Therewasnoquestionofcarryingthecitadelbysuddenassault。
But，asusual，Ifellinlovewithher。