butasIsawGreppiintheboxtowhichshetookme，IhadnodoubtthatitmustbeTherese，whichdidnotpleasemequitesowell。Inshort，theladytookoffhermask；itwasTherese，andI
complimentedheronherdisguise。
\"Buthowdidyourecognizeme，dearest？\"
\"Byyoursnuff—box。Iknewit，otherwiseIshouldneverhavefoundyouout。\"
\"Thenyouthinkthatnobodyhasrecognizedme？\"
\"Nobody，unlessinthesamewayasIdid。\"
\"Noneofthepeopleherehaveseenmysnuff—box。\"
ItooktheopportunityofhandingovertoGreppiCanano’scheque，andhegavemeareceiptforit。Thereseaskedustosupperfortheensuingevening，andsaid，——
\"Therewillbefourofusinall。\"
Greppiseemedcurioustoknowwhothefourthpersoncouldbe，butIrightguesseditwouldbemydearsonCesarino。
AsIwentdownoncemoretotheball—roomtwoprettyfemaledominosattackedmerightandleft，tellingmethatMesser—Grandewaswaitingformeoutside。Theythenaskedmeforsomesnuff，andIgavethemaboxornamentedwithanindecentpicture。Ihadtheimpudencetotouchthespringandshewitthem，andafterinspectingittheyexclaimed，——
\"Fie，fie！yourpunishmentisnevertoknowwhoweare。\"
Iwassorrytohavedispleasedthetwofairmasquers，whoseemedworthknowing，soIfollowedthem，andmeetingBarbaro，whokneweverybody，Ipointedthemouttohim，andheardtomydelightthattheywerethetwoMarchionessesQ————andF————。IpromisedBarbarotogoandseethem。Hesaidthateverybodyintheball—
roomknewme，andthatourbankwasdoingverywell，though，ofcourse，thatwasatrifletome。
Towardstheendoftheball，whenitwasalreadyfulldaylight，amasquer，dressedasaVenetiangondolier，wasaccostedbyaladymasquer，alsoinVenetiancostume。ShechallengedthegondoliertoprovehimselfaVenetianbydancingthe’forlana’withher。
Thegondolieraccepted，andthemusicstruckup，buttheboatman，whowasapparentlyaMilanese，washooted，whiletheladydancedexquisitely。Iwasveryfondofthedance，andIaskedtheunknownVenetianladytodanceitagainwithme。Sheagreed，andaringwasformedroundus，andweweresoapplaudedthatwehadtodanceitoveragain。Thiswouldhavesufficedifaveryprettyshepherdesswithoutamaskhadnotbeggedmetodanceitwithher。
Icouldnotrefuseher，andshedancedexquisitely；goingroundandroundthecirclethreetimes，andseemingtohoverintheair。
Iwasquiteoutofbreath。Whenitwasfinished，shecameuptomeandwhisperedmynameinmyear。Iwasastonished，andfeelingthecharmofthesituationdemandedhername。
\"Youshallknow，\"saidshe，inVenetian，\"ifyouwillcometothe’ThreeKings。’\"
\"Areyoualone？\"
\"No，myfatherandmother，whoareoldfriendsofyours，arewithme\"
\"IwillcallonMonday。\"
Whatanumberofadventurestohaveinonenight！Iwenthomewearily，andwenttobed，butIwasonlyallowedtosleepfortwohours。Iwasrousedandbeggedtodressmyself。Thecountess，themarquis，andthecount，allreadyforZenobia’swedding，teasedmetillIwasready，tellingmeitwasnotpolitetokeepabridewaiting。Thentheyallcongratulatedmeonmybreakingthebankandtherunofluckagainstme。Itoldthemarquisthatitwashismoneythathadbroughtmeluck，butherepliedbysayingthatheknewwhathadbecomeofhismoney。
Thisindiscretioneitheronthecount’spartorthecountess’ssurprisedmegreatly；itseemedtomecontrarytoalltheprinciplesinintrigue。
\"Cananoknewyou，\"saidthemarquis，\"bythewayyouopenedyoursnuff—box，andhehopestoseeustodinnerbeforelong。Hesayshehopesyouwillwinahundredpoundsweightofgold；hehasafancyforyou。\"
\"Canano，\"saidI，\"haskeeneyes，andplaysfaroadmirably。I
havenottheslightestwishtowinhismoneyfromhim。\"
Wethenstartedforthe\"AppleGarden，\"wherewefoundascoreofhonestfolksandthebrideandbridegroom，whooverwhelmeduswithcompliments。Wesoonputthecompanyattheirease。Atfirstourpresenceoverawedthem，butalittlefamiliaritysoonrestoredthegeneralhilarity。Wesatdowntodinner，andamongtheguestsweresomeveryprettygirls，butmyheadwastoofullofZenobiatocareaboutthem。Thedinnerlastedthreehours。Itwasanabundantrepast，andtheforeignwinesweresoexquisitethatitwaseasytoseethatthesumIhadfurnishedhadbeenexceeded。
Goodfellowshipprevailed，andafterthefirstbumperhadpassedroundeverybodyproposedsomebodyelse’shealth，andaseachtriedtosaysomethingdifferenttohisneighbourthemostfearfulnonsenseprevailed。Theneverybodythoughthimselfboundtosing，andtheywerenotatallfirst—ratevocalistsbyanymeans。Welaughedheartilyandalsocausedlaughter，forourspeechesandsongswereasbadasthoseofourhumblefriends。
Whenwerosefromthetablekissingbecamegeneral，andthecountesscouldnotresistlaughingwhenshefoundherselfobligedtoholdouthercheeksforthesaluteofthetailor，whothoughtherlaughteraspecialmarkoffavour。
Strainsofsweetmusicwereheard，andtheballwasdulyopenedbythenewly—marriedcouple。Zenobiadanced，ifnotexactlywell，atleastgracefully；butthetailor，whohadneverputhislegstoanyotherusebesidescrossingthem，cutsucharidiculousfigurethatthecountesshadmuchadotorestrainherlaughter。ButinspiteofthatIledoutZenobiaforthenextminuet，andtheproudcountesswasobligedtodancewiththewretchedtailor。
Whentheminuetsstoppedthesquaredancesbegan，andrefreshmentswereliberallyhandedround。Confetti，akindofsweetmeat，evenbetterthanthatmadeatVerdun，wereveryplentiful。
WhenwewerejustgoingIcongratulatedthehusbandandofferedtobringZenobiahomeinmycarriage，whichhewaspleasedtostyleaveryhonourableoffer。IgavemyhandtoZenobia，andhelpedherintothecarriage，andhavingtoldthecoachmantogoslowlyIputheronmyknee，extinguisherfashion，andkeptherthereallthetime。Zenobiawasthefirsttogetdown，andnoticingthatmybreechesofgreyvelvetwerespoiled，ItoldherthatIwouldbewithherinafewminutes。IntwominutesIputonapairofblacksatinbreeches，andIrejoinedtheladybeforeherhusbandcamein。SheaskedwhatIhadbeendoing，andonmytellingherthatourexploitsinthecarriagehadleftveryevidentmarksonmytrousers，shegavemeakiss，andthankedmeformyforethought。
Beforelongthehusbandandhissisterarrived。Hethankedme，callingmehisgossip，andthennoticingthechangeinmydressheaskedmehowIhadcontrivedtomakethealterationsoquickly。
\"Iwenttomyroom，leavingyourwifeatyourhouse，forwhichI
begyourpardon。\"
\"Didn’tyouseethatthegentlemanhadspiltacupofcoffeeoverhishandsomebreeches？\"saidZenobia。
\"Mydearwife，\"saidthecraftytailor，\"Idon’tseeeverything，norisitnecessarythatIshoulddoso，butyoushouldhaveaccompaniedthegentlemantohisroom。\"
Thenturningtomewithalaugh，heaskedmehowIhadenjoyedthewedding。
\"Immensely，andmyfriendshavedonethesame；butyoumustletmepayyou，deargossip，forwhatyouspentoverandabovethetwenty—foursequins。Youcantellmehowmuchitis。\"
\"Verylittle，ameretrifle；Zenobiashallbringyouthebill。\"
Iwenthomefeelingvexedwithmyselffornothavingforeseenthattheroguewouldnoticemychangeofdress，andguessthereason。
However，Iconsoledmyselfwiththethoughtthatthetailorwasnofool，andthatitwasplainthathewascontenttoplaythepartwehadassignedtohim。Soafterwishinggoodnighttothecount，thecountessandthemarquis，whoallthankedmeforthehappydaytheyhadspent，Iwenttobed。
AssoonasIwasawake，Ithoughtoftheshepherdesswhohaddancedthe’forlana’sowellattheball，andIresolvedtopayheravisit。Iwasnotmoreinterestedinherbeautythantofindoutwhoherfatherandmother，\"oldfriendsofmine，\"couldbe。I
dressedandwalkedtothe\"ThreeKings，\"andonwalkingintotheroomwhichtheshepherdesshadindicatedtome，whatwasmyastonishmenttofindmyselffacetofacewiththeCountessRinaldi，whomZavoiskyhadintroducedmetoatthe’locanda’ofCastellettosixteenyearsago。ThereaderwillrememberhowM。deBragadinpaidherhusbandthemoneyhewonfrommeatplay。
MadameRinaldihadagedsomewhat，butIknewherdirectly。
However，asIhadneverhadmorethanapassingfancyforher，wedidnotgobacktodayswhichdidneitherofusanyhonour。
\"Iamdelightedtoseeyouagain，\"saidI；\"areyoustilllivingwithyourhusband？\"
\"Youwillseehiminhalfanhour，andhewillbegladtopresenthisrespectstoyou。\"
\"Ishouldnotatallcareforitmyself，madam；thereareoldquarrelsbetweenuswhichIdonotwanttorenew，so，madam，farewell。\"
\"No，no，don’tgoyet，sitdown。\"
\"Pardonme。\"
\"Irene，don’tletthegentlemango。\"
AtthesewordsIreneranandbarredtheway——notlikeafiercemastiff，butlikeanangel，entreatingmetostaywiththatmingledlookofinnocence，fear，andhope，ofwhichgirlsknowtheeffectsowell。IfeltIcouldnotgo。
\"Letmethrough，fairIrene，\"saidI，\"wemayseeeachothersomewhereelse。\"
\"Praydonotgobeforeyouhaveseenmyfather:\"
Thewordswerespokensotenderlythatourlipsmet。Irenewasvictorious。Howcanoneresistaprettygirlwhoimploreswithakiss？Itookachair，andIrene，proudofhervictory，satonmykneeandcoveredmewithkisses。
ItookitintomyheadtotaskthecountesswhereandwhenIrenewasborn。
\"AtMantua，\"saidshe，\"threemonthsafterIleftVenice。\"
\"AndwhendidyouleaveVenice？\"
\"SixmonthsafterImetyou。\"
\"Thatisacuriouscoincidence，andifwehadbeentenderlyacquaintedyoumightsaythatIrenewasmydaughter，andIshouldbelieveyou，andthinkthatmyaffectionforherwaspurelypaternal。\"
\"Yourmemoryisnotverygood，sir，Iwonderatthat。\"
\"Imaytellyou，thatIneverforgetcertainthings，ButIguessyourmeaning。YouwantmetosubduemylikingforIrene。Iamwillingtodoso，butshewillbetheloser。\"
ThisconversationhadsilencedIrene，butshesoontookcourage，andsaidshewaslikeme。
\"No，no，\"Ianswered，\"ifyouwerelikemeyouwouldnotbesopretty。\"
\"Idon’tthinkso；Ithinkyouareveryhandsome。\"
\"Youflatterme。\"
\"Staytodinnerwithus。\"
\"No，ifIstayedImightfallinlovewithyou，andthatwouldbeapity，asyourmothersaysIamyourfather。\"
\"Iwasjoking，\"saidthecountess，\"youmayloveIrenewithagoodconscience。\"
\"Wewillseewhatcanbedone。\"
WhenIrenehadlefttheroom，Isaidtothemother，——
\"Ilikeyourdaughter，butIwon’tbelongsighingforher，andyoumustn’ttakemeforadupe。\"
\"Speaktomyhusbandaboutit。Weareverypoor，andwewanttogotoCremona。\"
\"IsupposeIrenehasalover？\"
\"No。\"
\"Butshehashadone，ofcourse？\"
\"Neveranythingserious。\"
\"Ican’tbelieveit。\"
\"It’strue，nevertheless。Ireneisintact。\"
JustthenIrenecameinwithherfather，whohadagedtosuchanextentthatIshouldneverhaveknownhiminthestreet。Hecameuptomeandembracedme，beggingmetoforgetthepast。\"Itisonlyyou，\"headded，\"whocanfurnishmewithfundstogotoCremona。
Ihaveseveraldebtshere，andaminsomedangerofimprisonment。
Nobodyofanyconsequencecomestoseeme。MydeardaughteristheonlythingofvaluewhichIstillpossess。Ihavejustbeentryingtosellthispinchbeckwatch，andthoughIaskedonlysixsequins，whichishalfwhatitisworth，theywouldnotgivememorethantwo。Whenamangetsunfortunate，everythingisagainsthim。\"
Itookthewatch，andgavethefathersixsequinsforit，andthenhandedittoIrene。Shesaidwithasmilethatshecouldnotthankme，asIonlygaveherbackherown，butshethankedmeforthepresentIhadmadeherfather。
\"Here，\"saidsheseriouslytotheoldman，\"youcansellitagainnow。\"
Thismademelaugh。Igavethecounttensequinsinaddition，embracedIrene，andsaidImustbegone，butthatIwouldseethemagaininthreeorfourdays。
Ireneescortedmetothebottomofthestairs，andassheallowedmetoassuremyselfthatshestillpossessedtheroseofvirginity，Igaveheranothertensequins，andtoldherthatthefirsttimeshewentalonetotheballwithmeIwouldgiveherahundredsequins。Shesaidshewouldconsultherfather。
FeelingsurethatthepoordevilwouldhandoverIrenetome，andhavingnoapartmentinwhichIcouldenjoyherinfreedom，I
stoppedtoreadabillinapastrycook’swindow。Itannouncedaroomtolet。Iwentin，andthepastrycooktoldmethatthehousebelongedtohim，andhisprettywife，whowassucklingababy，beggedmetocomeupstairsandseetheroom。Thestreetwasalonelyone，andhadapleasingairofmysteryaboutit。Iclimbedtothethirdfloor，buttheroomstherewerewretchedgarretsofnousetome。
\"Thefirstfloor，\"saidthewoman，\"consistsofasuiteoffournicerooms，butweonlyletthemtogether。\"
\"Letusgoandseethem。Good！theywilldo。Whatistherent？\"
\"Youmustsettlethatwithmyhusband。\"
\"Andcan’tIsettleanythingwithyou，mydear？\"
SosayingIgaveherakisswhichshetookverykindly，butshesmeltofnursing，whichIdetested，soIdidnotgoanyfartherdespiteherradiantbeauty。
Imademybargainwiththelandlord，andpaidamonth’srentinadvanceforwhichhegavemeareceipt。ItwasagreedthatI
shouldcomeandgoasIpleased，andthatheshouldprovidemewithfood。Igavehimanamesocommonastotellhimnothingwhateveraboutme，butheseemedtocareverylittleaboutthat。
AsIhadagreedwithBarbarotovisitthefairmarchionesses，I
dressedcarefully，andafteraslightrepastwiththecountess，whowaspleasantbutdidnotquitepleaseme，Imetmyfellow—
countrymanandwecalledonthetwocousins。
\"Ihavecome，\"saidI，\"tobegyourpardonsforhavingrevealedtoyouthesecretofthesnuff—box。\"
Theyblushed，andscoldedBarbaro，thinkingthathehadbetrayedthem。OnexaminingthemIfoundthemfarsuperiortoIrene，mypresentflame，buttheirmanner，therespecttheyseemedtorequire，frightenedme。Iwasnotatalldisposedtodanceattendanceonthem。Irene，onthecontrary，wasaneasyprey。I
hadonlytodoherparentsaservice，andshewasinmypower；
whilethetwocousinshadtheirfullshareofaristocraticpride，whichdebasesthenobilitytothelevelofthevilestofthepeople，andonlyimposesuponfools，whoafterallareinthemajorityeverywhere。FurtherIwasnolongeratthatbrilliantagewhichfearsnothing，andIwasafraidthatmyappearancewouldhardlyovercomethem。ItistruethatBarbarohadmademehopethatpresentswouldbeofsomeuse，butafterwhattheMarquisTriulzihadsaid，IfearedthatBarbarohadonlyspokenonsupposition。
Whenthecompanywassufficientlynumerous，thecard—tableswerebroughtin。IsatdownbyMdlle。Q————，anddisposedmyselftoplayforsmallstakes。Iwasintroducedbytheaunt，themistressofthehouse，toayounggentlemaninAustrianuniformwhosatbesideme。
Mydearcountrymanplayedlikeatruesharper，muchtomydispleasure。Myfairneighbour，attheendofthegame，whichlastedfourhours，foundherselfthegainerofafewsequins，buttheofficer，whohadplayedonhiswordofhonour，afterlosingallthemoneyinhispockets，owedtenlouis。Thebankwasthewinneroffiftysequins，includingtheofficer’sdebt。Astheyoungmanlivedatsomedistancehehonouredmebycominginmycarriage。
Ontheway，BarbarotoldushewouldintroduceustoagirlwhohadjustcomefromVenice。Theofficercaughtfireatthis，andbeggedthatweshouldgoandseeherdirectly，andweaccordinglywent。Thegirlwaswellenoughlooking，butneitherInortheofficercaredmuchabouther。Whiletheyweremakingsomecoffeeforus，andBarbarowasentertainingtheyounglady，Itookapackofcards，andhadnotmuchdifficultyininducingtheofficertorisktwentysequinsagainstthetwentyIputonthetable。WhilewewereplayingIspoketohimofthepassionwithwhichtheyoungmarchionessinspiredme。
\"She’smysister，\"saidhe。
Iknewasmuch，butpretendedtobeastonished，andIwentonplaying。TakingtheopportunityItoldhimthatIknewofnoonewhocouldletthemarchionessknowofmyaffectionbetterthanhe。
Imadehimlaugh，andashethoughtIwasjestingheonlygavevagueanswers；butseeingthatwhileItalkedofmypassionI
forgotmycard，hesoonwonthetwentysequinsfromme，andimmediatelypaidthemtoBarbaro。IntheexcessofhisjoyheembracedmeasifIhadgivenhimthemoney；andwhenwepartedhepromisedtogivemesomegoodnewsofhissisteratournextmeeting。
IhadtogotosupperwithTherese，Greppi，andmyson，buthavingsomesparetimebeforemeIwenttotheopera—house。Thethirdactwasgoingon，andIaccordinglyvisitedthecardroom，andtherelosttwohundredsequinsatasingledeal。IlefttheroomalmostasifIwasflyingfromanenemy。Cananoshookmebythehand，andtoldmeheexpectedmeandthemarquistodinnereveryday，andIpromisedwewouldcomeattheearliestopportunity。
IwenttoTherese’s，andfoundGreppitherebeforeme。ThereseandDonCesarino，whomIcoveredwithkisses，cameinaquarterofanhourafterwards。Thebankerstaredathiminspeechlesswonder。Hecouldnotmakeoutwhetherhewasmysonormybrother。Seeinghisamazement，TheresetoldhimCesarinowasherbrother。Thisstupefiedtheworthymanstillmore。AtlastheaskedmeifIhadknownTherese’smotherprettywell，andonmyansweringintheaffirmativeheseemedmoreatease。
Themealwasexcellent，butallmyattentionwenttomyson。Hehadalltheadvantagesofagooddispositionandanexcellenteducation。HehadgrownagreatdealsinceIhadseenhimatFlorence，andhismentalpowershaddevelopedproportionately。
Hispresencemadethepartygrave，butsweet。Theinnocenceofyouththrowsarounditanineffablecharm；itdemandsrespectandrestraint。AnhouraftermidnightweleftTherese，andIwenttobed，wellpleasedwithmyday’swork，forthelossoftwohundredsequinsdidnottroublememuch。
WhenIgotupIreceivedanotefromIrene，beggingmetocallonher。Herfatherhadgivenherpermissiontogotothenextballwithme，andshehadadomino，butshewantedtospeaktome。I
wroteandtoldherIwouldseeherinthecourseoftheday。I
hadwrittentotelltheMarquisTriulzithatIwasgoingtodinewithCanano，andherepliedthathewouldbethere。
Wefoundthisskilledgamesterinafinehouse，richlyfurnished，andshewingtracesoneverysideofthewealthandtasteofitsowner。Cananointroducedmetotwohandsomewomen，oneofwhomwashismistress，andtofiveorsixmarquises；foratMilannonoblewhoisnotamarquisisthoughtanythingof，justasinthesamewaytheyareallcountsatVicenza。Thedinnerwasmagnificentandtheconversationhighlyintellectual。InamirthfulmomentCananosaidhehadknownmeforseventeenyears，hisacquaintancedatingfromthetimeIhadjuggledaprofessionalgamester，callinghimselfCountCeli，outofaprettyballet—girlwhomIhadtakentoMantua。IconfessedthedeedandamusedthecompanybythestoryofwhathadhappenedatMantuawithOreilan，andhowIhadfoundCountCeliatCesenametamorphosedintoCountAlfani。Somebodymentionedtheballwhichwastobeheldthenextday，andwhenIsaidIwasnotgoingtheylaughed。
\"IbetIknowyou，\"saidCanano，\"ifyoucometothebank。\"
\"Iamnotgoingtoplayanymore，\"saidI。
\"Allthebetterforme，\"answeredCanano；\"forthoughyourpuntingisunlucky，youdon’tleaveofftillyouhavewonmymoney。Butthat’sonlymyjoke；tryagain，andIprotestIwouldseeyouwinhalfmyfortunegladly。\"
CountCananohadaringonhisfingerwithastonenotunlikeoneofmine；ithadcosthimtwothousandsequins，whileminewasworththreethousand。Heproposedthatweshouldstakethemagainsteachotherafterhavingthemunmountedandvalued。
\"When？\"saidI。
\"Beforegoingtotheopera。\"
\"Verygood；butontwoturnsofthecards，andadealtoeach。\"
\"No，Ineverpunt。\"
\"Thenwemustequalisethegame。\"
\"Howdoyoumean？\"
\"Byleavingdoublesandthelasttwocardsoutofaccount。\"
\"Thenyouwouldhavetheadvantage。\"
\"IfyoucanprovethatIwillpayyouahundredsequins。Indeed，Iwouldbetanythingyoulikethatthegamewouldstillbetotheadvantageofthebanker。\"
\"Canyouproveit？\"
\"Yes；andIwillnametheMarquisTriulziasjudge。\"
Iwasaskedtoprovemypointwithoutanyquestionofabet。
\"Theadvantagesofthebanker，\"saidI，\"aretwo。Thefirstandthesmalleristhatallhehasgottoattendtoisnottodealwrongly，whichisaverysmallmattertoanhabitualplayer；andallthetimethepunterhastorackhisbrainsonthechancesofonecardoranothercomingout。Theotheradvantageisoneoftime。Thebankerdrawshiscardatleastasecondbeforethepunter，andthisagaingiveshimapurchase\"
Noonereplied；butaftersomethoughttheMarquisTriulzisaidthattomakethechancesperfectlyequaltheplayerswouldhavetobeequal，whichwasalmostoutofthequestion。
\"Allthatistoosublimeforme，\"saidCanano；\"Idon’tunderstandit。\"But，afterall，therewasnotmuchtounderstand。
AfterdinnerIwenttothe\"ThreeKings\"tofindoutwhatIrenehadtosaytome，andtoenjoyherpresence。Whenshesawmesheranuptome，threwherarmsroundmyneck，andkissedme，butwithtoomucheagernessformetolaymuchvalueonthesalute。
However，Ihavealwaysknownthatifonewantstoenjoypleasureonemustnotphilosophiseaboutit，oronerunsariskoflosinghalftheenjoyment。IfIrenehadstruckmeindancingthe’forlana’，whyshouldnotIhavepleasedherinspiteofmysuperiorityinage？Itwasnotimpossible，andthatshouldbeenoughforme，asIdidnotintendtomakehermywife。
Thefatherandmotherreceivedmeastheirpreserver，andtheymayhavebeensincere。Thecountbeggedmetocomeoutoftheroomforamomentwithhim，andwhenwewereontheothersideofthedoor，said，——
\"Forgiveanoldandunfortunateman，forgiveafather，ifIaskyouwhetheritistruethatyoupromisedIreneahundredsequinsifIwouldlethergototheballwithyou。\"
\"Itisquitetrue，butofcourseyouknowwhattheconsequenceswillbe。\"
AtthesewordsthepooroldrascaltookholdofmeinawaywhichwouldhavefrightenedmeifIhadnotpossessedtwicehisstrength，butitwasonlytoembraceme。
Wewentbacktotheroom，heintearsandIlaughing。Heranandtoldhiswife，whohadnotbeenabletobelieveinsuchluckanymorethanherhusband，andIreneaddedacomicelementtothescenebysaying，——
\"Youmustnotthinkmealiar，orthatmyparentssuspectedthatI
wasimposingonthem；theyonlythoughtyousaidfiftyinsteadofahundred，asifIwerenotworthsuchasum\"
\"Youareworthathousand，mydearIrene；yourcourageinbarringthewaypleasedmeextremely。Butyoumustcometotheballinadomino。\"
\"Oh！youwillbepleasedwithmydress。\"
\"Arethosetheshoesandbucklesyouaregoingtowear？Haveyounootherstockings？Whereareyourgloves？\"
\"Goodheavens！Ihavenothing。\"
\"Quick！Sendforthetradesmen。Wewillchoosewhatwewant，andIwillpay。\"
Rinaldiwentouttosummonajeweller，ashoemaker，astocking—
maker，andaperfumer。IspentthirtysequinsinwhatI
considerednecessary，butthenInoticedthattherewasnoEnglishpointonhermask，andburstoutagain。Thefatherbroughtinamilliner，whoadornedthemaskwithanelloflaceforwhichI
paidtwelvesequins。Irenewasingreatdelight，butherfatherandmotherwouldhavepreferredtohavethemoneyintheirpockets，andatbottomtheywereright。
WhenIreneputonherfineclothesIthoughtherdelicious，andI
sawwhatanessentialthingdressistoawoman。
\"Beready，\"saidI，\"beforethetimefortheoperato—morrow，forbeforegoingtotheballwewillsuptogetherinaroomwhichbelongstome，whereweshallbequiteatourease。Youknowwhattoexpect，\"Iadded，embracingher。Sheansweredmewithanardentkiss。
AsItookleaveofherfather，heaskedmewhereIwasgoingafterleavingMilan。
\"ToMarseilles，thentoParis，andthentoLondon，atwhichplaceIintendstoppingayear。\"
\"YourflightfromTheLeadswaswonderfullylucky。\"
\"Yes，butIriskedmylife。\"
\"Youhavecertainlydeservedallyourgoodfortune。\"
\"Doyouthinkso？Ihaveonlyusedmyfortune——insubserviencetomypleasures。\"
\"Iwonderyoudonothavearegularmistress:\"
\"Thereasonis，thatIliketobemyownmaster。Amistressatmycoat—tailswouldbemoretroublesomethanawife；shewouldbeanobstacletothenumerouspleasantadventuresIencounterateverytown。Forexample，ifIhadamistressIshouldnotbeabletotakethecharmingIrenetotheballto—morrow。\"
\"Youspeaklikeawiseman。\"
\"Yes，thoughmywisdomisbynomeansoftheausterekind。\"
IntheeveningIwenttotheopera，andshouldnodoubthavegonetothecard—tableifIhadnotseenCesarinointhepit。Ispenttwodelightfulhourswithhim。Heopenedhishearttome，andbeggedmetopleadforhimwithhissistertogetherconsenttohisgoingtosea，forwhichhehadagreatlonging。Hesaidthathemightmakealargefortunebyajudiciouscourseoftrading。
Afteratemperatesupperwithmydearboy，Iwenttobed。Thenextmorningthefineyoungofficer，theMarchionessofQ————’sbrother，cameandaskedmetogivehimabreakfast。Hesaidhehadcommunicatedmyproposaltohissister，andthatshehadrepliedthatImustbemakingafoolofhim，asitwasnotlikelythatamanwholivedasIdidwouldbethinkingofmarrying。
\"IdidnottellyouthatIaspiredtothehonourofmarryingher。\"
\"No，andIdidnotsayanythingaboutmarriage；butthat’swhatthegirlsarealwaysaimingat。\"
\"Imustgoanddisabuseherofthenotion。\"
\"That’sagoodidea；principalsarealwaysthebestintheseaffairs。Comeattwoo’clock，Ishallbediningthere，andasI
havegottospeaktohercousinyouwillbeatlibertytosaywhatyoulike。\"
Thisarrangementsuitedmeexactly。Inoticedthatmyfuturebrother—in—lawadmiredalittlegoldcaseonmynight—table，soI
beggedhimtoacceptitasasouvenirofourfriendship。Heembracedme，andputitinhispocket，sayinghewouldkeepittillhisdyingday。
\"Youmeantillthedaywhenitadvancesyoursuitwithalady，\"
saidI。
IwassureofhavingagoodsupperwithIrene，soIresolvedtotakenodinner。AsthecounthadgonetoSt。Angelo，fifteenmilesfromMilan，thedaybefore，Ifeltobligedtowaitonthecountessinherroom，tobeghertoexcusemypresenceatdinner。
Shewasverypolite，andtoldmebynomeanstotroublemyself。I
suspectedthatshewastryingtoimposeonme，butIwantedhertothinkshewasdoingsosuccessfully。InmycharacterofdupeI
toldherthatinLentIwouldmakeamendsforthedissipationwhichpreventedmepayingmycourttoher。\"Happily，\"Iadded，\"Lentisnotfaroff。\"
\"Ihopeitwillbeso，\"saidthedeceitfulwomanwithanenchantingsmile，ofwhichonlyawomanwithpoisoninherheartiscapable。Withthesewordsshetookapinchofsnuff，andofferedmeherbox。
\"Butwhatisthis，mydearcountess，itisn’tsnuff？\"
\"No，\"shereplied，\"itmakesthenosebleed，andisanexcellentthingforthehead—ache。\"
IwassorrythatIhadtakenit，butsaidwithalaugh，thatIhadnotgotahead—ache，anddidnotlikemynosetobleed。
\"Itwon’tbleedmuch，\"saidshe，withasmile，\"anditisreallybeneficial。\"
Asshespoke，webothbegantosneeze，andIshouldhavefeltveryangryifIhadnotseenhersmile。
Knowingsomethingaboutthesesneezingpowders，Ididnotthinkweshouldbleed，butIwasmistaken。Directlyafter，Ifeltadropofblood，andshetookasilverbasinfromhernight—table。
\"Comehere，\"saidshe，\"Iambeginningtobleedtoo。\"
Therewewere，bleedingintothesamebasin，facingeachotherinthemostridiculousposition。Afteraboutthirtydropshadfallenfromeachofus，thebleedingceased。Shewaslaughingallthetime，andIthoughtthebestthingIcoulddowastoimitateherexample。Wewashedourselvesinfairwaterinanotherbasin。
\"Thisadmixtureofourblood，\"saidshe，stillsmiling，\"willcreateasweetsympathybetweenus，whichwillonlyendwiththedeathofoneortheother\"
Icouldmakenosenseofthis，butthereaderwillsoonseethatthewretchedwomandidnotmeanourfriendshiptolastverylong。
Iaskedhertogivemesomeofthepowder，butsherefused；andonmyenquiringthenameofit，sherepliedthatshedidnotknow，asaladyfriendhadgivenittoher。
Iwasagooddealpuzzledbytheeffectsofthispowder，neverhavingheardofthelikebefore，andassoonasIleftthecountessIwenttoanapothecarytoenquireaboutit，butMr。
DrenchwasnowiserthanI。Hecertainlysaidthateuphorbiasometimesproducedbleedingofthenose，butitwasnotacaseofsometimesbutalways。Thissmalladventuremademethinkseriously。TheladywasSpanish，andshemusthateme；andthesetwofactsgaveanimportancetoourblood—lettingwhichitwouldnototherwisepossess。
Iwenttoseethetwocharmingcousins，andIfoundtheyoungofficerwithMdlle。F————intheroombythegarden。Theladywaswriting，andonthepretextofnotdisturbingherIwentafterMdlle。Q————，whowasinthegarden。Igreetedherpolitely，andsaidIhadcometoapologizeforastupidblunderwhichmusthavegivenheraverypooropinionofme。
\"Iguesswhatyoumean，butpleasetounderstandthatmybrothergavemeyourmessageinperfectinnocence。Lethimbelievewhathelikes。DoyouthinkIreallybelievedyoucapableoftakingsuchastep，whenwebarelykneweachother？\"
\"Iamgladtohearyousayso。\"
\"Ithoughtthebestthingwouldbetogiveamatrimonialturntoyourgallantry。Otherwisemybrother，whoisquiteayoungman，mighthaveinterpreteditinanunfavourablesense。\"
\"Thatwascleverlydone，andofcourseIhavenothingmoretosay。
Nevertheless，Iam’gratefultoyourbrotherforhavinggivenyoutounderstandthatyourcharmshaveproducedavividimpressiononme。Iwoulddoanythingtoconvinceyouofmyaffection。\"
\"Thatisallverywell，butitwouldhavebeenwisertoconcealyourfeelingsfrommybrother，and，allowmetoadd，frommyselfaswell。Youmighthavelovedmewithouttellingme，andthen，thoughIshouldhaveperceivedthestateofyouraffections，I
couldhavepretendednottodoso。ThenIshouldhavebeenatmyease，butascircumstancesnowstandIshallhavetobecareful。
Doyousee？\"
\"Really，marchioness，youastonishme。IwasneversoclearlyconvincedthatIhavedoneafoolishthing。Andwhatisstillmoresurprising，isthatIwasawareofallyouhavetoldme。Butyouhavemademelosemyhead。Ihopeyouwillnotpunishmetooseverely？\"
\"Prayinformmehowitliesinmypowertopunishyou。\"
\"Bynotlovingme。\"
\"Ah！lovingandnotloving；thatisoutofone’spower。Ofasuddenweknowthatweareinlove，andourfateissealed。\"
Iinterpretedtheselastwordstomyownadvantage，andturnedtheconversation。Iaskedherifshewasgoingtotheball。
\"No。\"
\"Perhapsyouaregoingincognito？\"
\"Weshouldliketo，butitisanimpossibility；thereisalwayssomeonewhoknowsus。\"
\"Ifyouwouldtakemeintoyourservice，Iwouldwageranythingthatyouwouldnotberecognized。\"
\"Youwouldnotcaretotroubleyourselfaboutus。\"
\"Ilikeyoutobealittlesceptical，butputmetotheproof。Ifyoucouldmanagetoslipoutunobserved，Iwouldengagetodisguiseyouinsuchamannerthatnoonewouldknowyou。\"
\"Wecouldleavethehousewithmybrotherandayoungladywithwhomheisinlove。Iamsurehewouldkeepourcounsel。\"
\"Ishallbedelighted，butitmustbefortheballonSunday。I
willtalkitoverwithyourbrother。KindlywarnhimnottoletBarbaroknowanythingaboutit。YouwillbeabletoputonyourdisguiseinaplaceIknowof。However，wecansettleaboutthatagain。Ishallcarrythematterthrough，youmaybesure，withgreatsecrecy。Permitmetokissyourhand。\"
Shegaveitme，andafterimprintingagentlekissIheldittomyheart，andhadthehappinessoffeelingasoftpressure。Ihadnoparticulardisguiseinmyhead，butfeelingsureofhittingonsomethingIputofftheconsiderationofittillthenextday；thepresentbelongedtoIrene。Iputonmydomino，andwenttothe\"ThreeKings，\"whereIfoundIrenewaitingformeatthedoor。
Shehadrundownassoonasshehadseenmycarriage，andIwasflatteredbythismarkofhereagerness。Wewenttomyrooms，andIorderedtheconfectionertogetmeachoicesupperbymidnight。
Wehadsixhoursbeforeus，butthereaderwillexcusemydescribingthemannerinwhichtheywerespent。Theopeningwasmadewiththeusualfracture，whichIreneborewithasmile，forshewasnaturallyvoluptuous。Wegotupatmidnight，pleasantlysurprisedtofindourselvesfamishingwithhunger，andadelicioussupperwaitingforus。
Irenetoldmethatherfatherhadtaughthertodealinsuchamannerthatshecouldnotlose。Iwascurioustoseehowitwasdone，andonmygivingherapackofcardssheproceededtodistractmyattentionbytalkingtome，andinafewminutesthethingwasdone。IgaveherthehundredsequinsIhadpromisedher，andtoldhertogoonwithherplay。
\"Ifyouonlyplayonasinglecard，\"saidshe，\"youaresuretolose。\"
\"Nevermind；goahead。\"
Shedidso，andIwasforcedtoconfessthatifIhadnotbeenwarnedIshouldneverhavedetectedthetrick。IsawwhatatreasureshemustbetotheoldrascalRinaldi。Withherairofinnocenceandgaiety，shewouldhaveimposedonthemostexperiencedsharpers。Shesaidinamortifiedmannerthatsheneverhadanyopportunityofturninghertalentstoaccount，astheirassociateswerealwaysabeggarlylot。SheaddedtenderlythatifIwouldtakeherwithmeshewouldleaveherparentsthereandwintreasuresforme。
\"WhenIamnotplayingagainstsharpers，\"shesaid，\"Icanalsopuntverywell。\"
\"ThenyoucancometoCanano’sbankandriskthehundredsequinsI
havegivenyou。Puttwentysequinsonacard，andifyouwingoparoli，seven，andtheva，andleavethegamewhentheyturnup。
Ifyoucan’tmakethethreecardscomeoutsecond，youwilllose，butIwillreimburseyou。\"
Atthissheembracedme，andaskedifIwouldtakehalftheprofits。
\"No，\"saidI，\"youshallhaveitall。\"
Ithoughtshewouldhavegonemadwithjoy。
Wewentoffinsedan—chairs，andtheballnothavingcommencedwewenttotheassembly—rooms。Cananohadnotyetdoneanything，andheopenedapackofcardsandpretendednottorecognizeme，buthesmiledtoseetheprettymasker，mycompanion，sitdownandplayinsteadofme。Irenemadehimaprofoundbowashemaderoomforherbyhisside，andputtingthehundredsequinsbeforehershebeganbywinningahundredandtwenty—five，asinsteadofgoingsevenandtheva，sheonlywentthepaixdeparoli。Iwaspleasedtoseeherthuscareful，andIlethergoon。Inthefollowingdealshelostonthreecardsinsuccession，andthenwonanotherpaixdeparoli。Shethenbowedtothebanker，pocketedherwinnings，andleftthetable，butjustasweweregoingoutI
heardsomebodysobbing，andonmyturningtohershesaid，\"Iamsureitismyfatherweepingforjoy。\"
Shehadthreehundredandsixtysequinswhichshetooktohimafteramusingherselfforafewhours。Ionlydancedoneminuetwithher，formyamorousexploitsandtheheavysupperIhadtakenhadtiredme，andIlongedforrest。IletIrenedancewithwhomsheliked，andgoingintoacornerfellasleep。IwokeupwithastartandsawIrenestandingbeforeme。Ihadbeenasleepforthreehours。Itookherbacktothe\"ThreeKings，\"andleftherinthechargeofherfatherandmother。Thepoormanwasquitealarmedtoseesomuchgoldonthetable，andtoldmetowishhimapleasantjourney，ashewasstartinginafewhours。IcouldmakenooppositionandIdidnotwishtodoso，butIrenewasfurious。
\"Iwon’tgo，\"shecried；\"Iwanttostaywithmylover。Youaretheruinofmylife。Wheneveranybodytakesalikingtome，yousnatchmeaway。Ibelongtothisgentleman，andIwon’tleavehim。\"
However，shesawthatIdidnotbackherup，andbegantoweep，thenkissedmeagainandagain，andjustasshewasgoingtositdown，wornoutwithfatigueanddespair，Iwentoff，wishingthemapleasantjourney，andtellingIreneweshouldmeetagain。ThereaderwilllearninduetimewhenandhowIsawthemagain。
AfterallthefatigueIhadgonethroughIwasgladtogotobed。
Itwaseighto’clockwhentheyounglieutenantawokeme。
\"Mysisterhastoldmeaboutthemasquerade，\"saidhe，\"butIhaveagreatsecrettoconfideinyou。\"
\"Sayon，andcountonmykeepingyoursecret。\"
\"Oneofthefinestnoblemenofthetown，myfriendandmycousin’slover，whohastobeverycarefulofhisactionsonaccountofhisexaltedposition，wouldliketobeofthepartyifyouhavenoobjection。Mysisterandmycousinwouldlikehimtocomeverymuch。\"
\"Ofcourseheshall。Ihavebeenmakingmycalculationsforapartyoffive，andnowitwillbeapartyofsix，thatisall。\"
\"Youreallyareasplendidfellow。\"
\"OnSundayeveningyoumustbeatacertainplace，ofwhichIwilltellyou。Firstofallwewillhavesupper，thenputonourdisguises，andthengototheball。To—morrowatfiveo’clockweshallmeetatyoursister’s。AllIwanttoknowiswhatistheheightofyourmistressandoftheyoungnobleman。\"
\"Mysweetheartistwoinchesshorterthanmysister，andalittlethinner；myfriendisjustaboutthesamemakeasyouare，andifyouweredressedalikeyouwouldbemistakenforeachother。\"
\"Thatwilldo。Letmethinkitover，andleavemealonenow；
there’saCapuchinwaitingforme，andIamcurioustolearnhisbusiness。\"
ACapuchinhadcalledonmeandIhadtoldClairmonttogivehimanalms，buthehadsaidhewantedtospeaktomeinprivate。I
waspuzzled，forwhatcouldaCapuchinhavetosaytome？
Hecamein，andIwasatonceimpressedbyhisgraveandreverendappearance。Imadehimaprofoundbowandofferedhimaseat，butheremainedstanding，andsaid，\"Sir，listenattentivelytowhatIamabouttotellyou，andbewareofdespisingmyadvice，foritmightcostyouyourlife。
Youwouldrepentwhenitwastoolate。Afterhearingme，followmyadviceimmediately；butasknoquestions，forIcananswernone。Youmayguess，perhaps，thatwhatsilencesmeisareasonincumbentonallChristians——thesacredsealoftheconfessional。
Youmaybesurethatmywordisabovesuspicion；Ihavenointerestsofmyowntoserve。Iamactinginobediencetoaninspiration；Ithinkitmustbeyourguardianangelspeakingwithmyvoice。Godwillnotabandonyoutothemaliceofyourenemies。
TellmeifIhavetouchedyourheart，andifyoufeeldisposedtofollowthecounselsIamgoingtogiveyou。\"
\"Ihavelistenedtoyou，father，withattentionandrespect。
Speakfreelyandadviseme；whatyouhavesaidhasnotonlymovedme，buthasalmostfrightenedme。Ipromisetodoasyoutellmeifitisnothingagainsthonourorthelightofreason。\"
\"Verygood。Afeelingofcharitywillpreventyourdoinganythingtocompromiseme，whatevermaybetheendoftheaffair。Youwillnotspeakofmetoanyone，orsayeitherthatyouknowmeordonotknowme？\"
\"IsweartoyouIwillnotonmyfaithasaChristian。Butspeak，Ientreatyou。Yourlongprefacehasmademeburnwithimpatience。\"
\"Thisday，beforenoon，gobyyourselfto—————Square，No。———，onthesecondfloor，andringatthebellonyourleft。TellthepersonwhoopensthedoorthatyouwanttospeaktoMadame。Youwillbetakentoherroomwithoutanydifficulty；Iamsureyournamewillnotbeasked，butiftheydoaskyou，giveanimaginaryname。Whenyouarefacetofacewiththewoman，beghertohearyou，andaskherforhersecret，andtoinspireconfidenceputasequinortwoinherhand。Sheispoor，andIamsurethatyourgenerositywillmakeheryourfriend。Shewillshutherdoor，andtellyoutosayon。
\"Youmustthenlookgrave，andtellherthatyouarenotgoingtoleaveherhousebeforeshegivesyouthelittlebottlethataservantbroughtheryesterdaywithanote。Ifsheresists，remainfirm，butmakenonoise；donotletherleavetheroomorcallanybody。Finally，tellherthatyouwillgiveherdoublethemoneyshemaylosebygivingyouthebottleandallthatdependsonit。Rememberthesewords:andallthatdependsonit。Shewilldowhateveryouwant。Itwillnotcostyoumuch，butevenifitdid，yourlifeisworthmorethanallthegoldofPeru。Icansaynomore，butbeforeIgo，promisemethatyouwillfollowmyadvice。\"
\"Yes，reverendfather，Iwillfollowtheinspirationoftheangelwholedyouhere。\"
\"MayGodgiveyouHisblessing。\"
WhenthegoodpriestwentoutIdidnotfeelatalldisposedtolaugh。Reason，certainly，bademedespisethewarning，butmyinherentsuperstitionwastoostrongforreason。Besides，IlikedtheCapuchin。Helookedlikeagoodman，andIfeltboundbythepromiseIhadgivenhim。Hehadpersuadedme，andmyreasontoldmethatamanshouldnevergoagainsthispersuasion；infine，I
hadmadeupmymind。ItookthepieceofpaperonwhichIhadwrittenthewordsIhadtouse，Iputapairofpistolsinmypocket，andItoldClairmonttowaitformeinthesquare。Thislatter，Ithought，wasaprecautionthatcoulddonoharm。
EverythinghappenedasthegoodCapuchinhadsaid。Theawfuloldcreaturetookcourageatthesightofthetwosequins，andboltedherdoor。ShebeganbylaughingandsayingthatsheknewIwasamorous，andthatitwasmyfaultifIwerenothappy，butthatshewoulddomybusinessforme。IsawbythesewordsthatIhadtodowithapretendedsorceress。ThefamousMotherBontempshadspokeninthesamewaytomeatParis。ButwhenItoldherthatI
wasnotgoingtoleavetheroomtillIhadgotthemysteriousbottle，andallthatdependedonit，herfacebecamefearful；shetrembled，andwouldhaveescapedfromtheroom；butIstoodbeforeherwithanopenknife，andwouldnotsufferhertopass。ButonmytellingherthatIwouldgiveherdoublethesumshewastobepaidforherwitchcraft，andthatthusshewouldbethegainerandnotaloserincomplyingwithmydemands，shebecamecalmoncemore。
\"Ishalllosesixsequins，\"saidshe，\"butyouwillgladlypaydoublewhenIshewyouwhatIhavegot；Iknowwhoyouare。\"
\"WhoamI？\"
\"GiacomoCasanova，theVenetian。\"
ItwasthenIdrewthetensequinsfrommypurse。Theoldwomanwassoftenedatthesightofthemoney，andsaid，\"Iwouldnothavekilledyououtright，certainly，butIwouldhavemadeyouamorousandwretched。\"
\"Explainwhatyoumean。\"
\"Followme。\"
Iwentafterherintoacloset，andwasgreatlyamazedatsingnumerousarticlesaboutwhichmycommonsensecouldtellmenothing。Therewerephialsofallshapesandsizes，stonesofdifferentcolours，metals，minerals，bignailsandsmallnails，pincers，crucibles，misshapenimages，andthelike。
\"Hereisthebottle，\"saidtheoldwoman。
\"Whatdoesitcontain？\"
\"Yourbloodandthecountess’s，asyouwillseeinthisletter。\"
Iunderstoodeverythingthen，andnowIwonderIdidnotburstoutlaughing。Butasamatteroffactmyhairstoodonend，asI
reflectedontheawfulwickednessofwhichtheSpaniardwascapable。Acoldsweatburstoutallovermybody。
\"Whatwouldyouhavedonewiththisblood？\"
\"Ishouldhaveplasteredyouwithit。\"
\"Whatdoyoumeanby’plastered’？Idon’tunderstandyou。\"
\"Iwillshewyou。\"
AsItrembledwithfeartheoldwomanopenedacasket，acubitlong，containingawaxenstatueofamanlyingonhisback。Mynamewaswrittenonit，andthoughitwasbadlymoulded，myfeatureswererecognizable。TheimageboremycrossoftheOrderoftheGoldenSpur，andthegenerativeorgansweremadeofanenormoussize。AtthisIburstintoafitofhystericallaughter，andhadtositdowninanarm—chairtillitwasover。
AssoonasIhadgotbackmybreaththesorceresssaid，\"Youlaugh，doyou？WoetoyouifIhadbathedyouinthebathofbloodmingledaccordingtomyart，andmorewoestillif，afterI
hadbathedyon，Ihadthrownyourimageonaburningcoal:\"
\"Isthisall？\"
\"Yes。\"
\"Alltheapparatusistobecomeminefortwelvesequins；heretheyare。Andnow，quick！lightmeafirethatImaymeltthismonster，andasforthebloodIthinkIwillthrowitoutofthewindow。\"
Thiswasnosoonersaidthandone。
TheoldwomanhadbeenafraidthatIshouldtakethebottleandtheimagehomewithme，andusethemtoherruin；andshewasdelightedtoseememelttheimage。ShetoldmethatIwasanangelofgoodness，andbeggedmenottotellanyoneofwhathadpassedbetweenus。IsworeIwouldkeepmyowncounsel，evenwiththecountess。
Iwasastonishedwhenshecalmlyofferedtomakethecountessmadlyinlovewithmeforanothertwelvesequins，butIpolitelyrefusedandadvisedhertoabandonherfearfultradeifshedidnotwanttobeburntalive。
IfoundClairmontathispost，andIsenthimhome。InspiteofallIhadgonethrough，Iwasnotsorrytohaveacquiredtheinformation，andtohavefollowedtheadviceofthegoodCapuchinwhoreallybelievedmetobeindeadlyperil。Hehaddoubtlessheardofitintheconfessionalfromthewomanwhohadcarriedthebloodtothewitch。Auricularconfessionoftenworksmiraclesofthiskind。
IwasdeterminednevertoletthecountesssuspectthatIhaddiscoveredhercriminalproject，andIresolvedtobehavetowardshersoastoappeaseheranger，andtomakeherforgetthecruelinsulttowhichIhadsubjectedher。Itwasluckyformethatshebelievedinsorcery；otherwiseshewouldhavehadmeassassinated。
AssoonasIgotin，IchosethebetterofthetwocloaksIhad，andpresentedherwithit。Sheacceptedthegiftwithexquisitegrace，andaskedmewhyIgaveither。
\"Idreamt，\"saidI，\"thatyouweresoangrywithmethatyouweregoingtohavemeassassinated。\"
Sheblushed，andansweredthatshehadnotgonemad。Ileftherabsorbedinasombrereverie。Nevertheless，whethersheforgotandforgave，orwhethershecouldhituponnootherwayoftakingvengeance，shewasperfectlyagreeabletomeduringtherestofmystayinMilan。
Thecountcamebackfromhisestate，andsaidthatwemustreallygoandseetheplaceatthebeginningofLent。IpromisedIwouldcome，butthecountesssaidshecouldnotbeoftheparty。I
pretendedtobemortified，butinrealityherdeterminationwasanextremelypleasantonetome。
CHAPTERXX
TheMasquerade——MyAmourwiththeFairMarchioness——TheDesertedGirl；IBecomeHerDeliverer——MyDepartureforSt。AngeloAsIhadengagedmyselftoprovideanabsolutelyimpenetrabledisguise，Iwantedtoinventacostumeremarkableatonceforitsoriginalityanditsrichness。Itorturedmybrainssotospeak，andmyreadersshallseeiftheythinkmyinventionwasagoodone。
IwantedsomeoneonwhomIcouldrely，andaboveall，atailor。
ItmaybeimaginedthatmyworthygossipwasthetailorI
immediatelythoughtof。Zenobiawouldbeasserviceableasherhusband；shecoulddosomeofthework，andwaitontheyoungladieswhomIwasgoingtodressup。
Italkedtomygossip，andtoldhimtotakemetothebestsecond—
handclothesdealerinMilan。
WhenwegottotheshopIsaidtotheman——
\"Iwanttolookatyourveryfinestcostumes，bothforladiesandgentlemen。\"
\"Wouldyoulikesomethingthathasneverbeenworn？\"
\"Certainly，ifyouhavegotsuchathing。\"
\"Ihaveaveryrichassortmentofnewclothes。\"
\"Getme，then，inthefirstplace，ahandsomevelvetsuit，allinonepiece，whichnobodyinMilanwillbeabletorecognize。\"
Insteadofoneheshewedmeadozensuchsuits，allinexcellentcondition。Ichoseabluevelvetlinedwithwhitesatin。Thetailorconductedthebargaining，anditwaslaidononeside；thiswasfortheprettycousin’slover。Anothersuit，insmoothsulphur—colouredvelvetthroughout，Iputasidefortheyoungofficer。Ialsotooktwohandsomepairsoftrousersinsmoothvelvet，andtwosuperbsilkvests。
Ithenchosetwodresses，oneflame—colouredandtheotherpurple，andathirddressinshotsilk。Thiswasfortheofficer’smistress。Thencamelaceshirts，twoformen，andthreeforwomen，thenlacehandkerchiefs，andfinallyscrapsofvelvet，satin，shotsilk，etc。，allofdifferentcolours。
Ipaidtwohundredgoldducatsforthelot，butontheconditionthatifanybodycametoknowthatIhadboughtthembyanyindiscretionofhisheshouldgivemethemoneyandtakebackthematerialsinwhateverconditiontheymightbein。Theagreementwaswrittenoutandsigned，andIreturnedwiththetailor，whocarriedthewholebundletomyroomsoverthepastrycook’s。
WhenitwasallspreadoutonthetableItoldthetailorthatI
wouldblowouthisbrainsifhetoldanybodyaboutit，andthentakingastilettoIproceededtocutandslashthecoats，vests，andtrousersallover，totheastonishmentofthetailor，whothoughtImustbemadtotreatsuchbeautifulclothesinthismanner。
Afterthisoperation，whichmakesmelaughtothisdaywhenI
rememberit，ItookthescrapsIhadboughtandsaidtothetailor，——
\"Now，’gossip，itisyourturn；IwantyoutosewinthesepiecesintotheholesIhavemade，andIhopeyourtailoringgeniuswillaidyoutoproducesomeprettycontrasts。Youseethatyouhavegotyourworkcutoutforyouandnotimetolose。Iwillseethatyourmealsareproperlyservedinanadjoiningchamber，butyoumustnotleavethehousetilltheworkisfinished。Iwillgoforyourwife，whowillhelpyou，andyoucansleeptogether。\"
\"ForGod’ssake，sir！youdon’twanttheladies’dressestreatedlikethecoatsandtrousers？\"
\"Justthesame。\"
\"Whatapity！itwillmakemywifecry。\"
\"Iwillconsoleher。\"
OnmywaytoZenobia’sIboughtfivepairsofwhitesilkstockings，men’sandwomen’sgloves，twofinecastorhats，twoburlesquemen’smasks，andthreegraceful—lookingfemalemasks。I
alsoboughttwoprettychinaplates，andIcarriedthemalltoZenobia’sinasedanchair。
Ifoundthatcharmingwomanengagedinhertoilet。Herbeautifultresseshungaboutherneck，andherfullbreastwasconcealedbynokerchief。Suchcharmscalledformyhomage，andtobeginwithIdevouredherwithkisses。Ispenthalfanhourwithher，andmyreaderswillguessthatitwaswellemployed。Ithenhelpedhertofinishhertoilette，andwewentoffinthesedan—chair。
WefoundthetailorengagedinpickingoutthescrapsandcuttingthemtofittheholesIhadmade。Zenobialookedoninakindofstupor，andwhenshesawmebegintoslashthedressessheturnedpaleandmadeaninvoluntarymotiontostaymyhand，fornotknowingmyintentionsshethoughtImustbebesidemyself。Herhusbandhadgothardened，andreassuredher，andwhensheheardmyexplanationshebecamecalm，thoughtheideastruckherasaveryoddone。
Whenitisaquestionofanaffairoftheheart，ofthepassions，orofpleasure，awoman’sfancymovesmuchfasterthanaman’s。
WhenZenobiaknewthatthesedressesweremeantforthreebeautifulwomen，whomIwishedtomakeacentreofattractiontothewholeassembly，sheimprovedonmycutsandslashes，andarrangedtherentsinsuchamannerthattheywouldinspirepassionwithoutwoundingmodesty。Thedresseswereslashedespeciallyatthebreast，theshoulders，andthesleeves；sothatthelaceshiftcouldbeseen，andinitsturntheshiftwascutopenhereandthere，andthesleevesweresoarrangedthathalfthearmscouldbeseen。IsawsurethatsheunderstoodwhatI
wanted，andthatshewouldkeepherhusbandright；andIleftthem，encouragingthemtoworktheirbestandquickest。ButI
lookedinthreeorfourtimesintheday，andwasmoresatisfiedeverytimewithmyideaandtheirexecution。
TheworkwasnotfinishedtilltheSaturdayafternoon。Igavethetailorsixsequinsanddismissedhim，butIkeptZenobiatoattendontheladies。Itookcaretoplacepowder，pomade，combs，pins，andeverythingthataladyneeds，onthetable，notforgettingribbonsandpack—thread。
ThenextdayIfoundplaygoingoninaveryspiritedmanner，butthetwocousinswerenotatthetables，soIwentafterthem。
TheytoldmetheyhadgivenupplayingasBarbaroalwayswon。