CHAPTERXXI
AnAncientCastle——Clementine——TheFairPenitent——Lodi——AMutualPassionThemanorialcastleofthelittletownofSt。Angeloisavastandancientbuilding，datingbackatleasteightcenturies，butdevoidofregularity，andnotindicatingthedateofitserectionbythestyleofitsarchitecture。Thegroundfloorconsistsofinnumerablesmallrooms，afewlargeandloftyapartments，andanimmensehall。Thewalls，whicharefullofchinksandcrannies，areofthatimmensethicknesswhichprovesthatourancestorsbuiltfortheirremotedescendants，andnotinourmodernfashion；
forwearebeginningtobuildintheEnglishstyle，thatis，barelyforonegeneration。Thestonestairshadbeentroddenbysomanyfeetthatonehadtobeverycarefulingoingupordown。
Thefloorwasallofbricks，andasithadbeenrenewedatvariousepochswithbricksofdiverscoloursitformedakindofmosaic，notverypleasanttolookupon。Thewindowswereofapiecewiththerest；theyhadnoglassinthem，andthesasheshavinginmanyinstancesgivenwaytheywerealwaysopen；shutterswereutterlyunknownthere。Happilythewantofglasswasnotmuchfeltinthegenialclimateofthecountry。Theceilingswereconspicuousbytheirabsence，buttherewereheavybeams，thehauntsofbats，owls，andotherbirds，andlightornamentwassuppliedbythenumerousspiders’webs。
InthisgreatGothicpalace——forpalaceitwasratherthancastle，forithadnotowersorotherattributesoffeudalism，excepttheenormouscoat—of—armswhichcrownedthegateway——inthispalace，I
say，thememorialoftheancientgloriesoftheCountsA————B————，whichtheylovedbetterthanthefinestmodernhouse，therewerethreesetsofroomsbetterkeptthantherest。Heredweltthemasters，ofwhomtherewerethree；theCountA————B————，myfriend，CountAmbrose，whoalwayslivedthere，andathird，anofficerintheSpanishWalloonGuards。Ioccupiedtheapartmentofthelastnamed。ButImustdescribethewelcomeIreceived。
CountAmbrosereceivedmeatthegateofthecastleasifIhadbeensomehighandpuissantprince。Thedoorstoodwideopenonbothsides，butIdidnottaketoomuchpridetomyselfonthisaccount，astheyweresooldthatitwasimpossibletoshutthem。
Thenoblecountwhoheldhiscapinhishand，andwasdecentlybutnegligentlydressed，thoughhewasonlyfortyyearsold，toldmewithhigh—bornmodestythathisbrotherhaddonewrongtobringmeheretoseetheirmiserableplace，whereIshouldfindnoneofthoseluxuriestowhichIhadbeenaccustomed，buthepromisedmeagoodold—fashionedMilanesewelcomeinstead。ThisisaphraseofwhichtheMilaneseareveryfond，butastheyputitintopracticeitbecomesthemwell。Theyaregenerallymostworthyandhospitablepeople，andcontrastfavourablywiththePiedmonteseandGenoese。
TheworthyAmbroseintroducedmetohiscountessandhistwosisters—in—law，oneofwhomwasanexquisitebeauty，ratherdeficientinmanner，butthiswasnodoubtduetothefactthattheysawnopolishedcompanywhatever。Theotherwasathoroughlyordinarywoman，neitherprettynorugly，ofatypewhichisplentifulalltheworldover。ThecountesslookedlikeaMadonna；
herfeatureshadsomethingangelicaboutthemintheirdignityandopenness。ShecamefromLodi，andhadonlybeenmarriedtwoyears。Thethreesisterswereveryyoung，verynoble，andverypoor。WhilewewereatdinnerCountAmbrosetoldmethathehadmarriedapoorwomanbecausehethoughtmoreofgoodnessthanriches。
\"Shemakesmehappy，\"headded；\"andthoughshebroughtmenodower，Iseemtobearicherman，forshehastaughtmetolookoneverythingwedon’tpossessasasuperfluity。\"
\"There，indeed，\"saidI，\"youhavethetruephilosophyofanhonestman。\"
Thecountess，delightedatherhusband’spraiseandmyapproval，smiledlovinglyathim，andtookaprettybabyfromthenurse’sarmsandoffereditheralabasterbreast。Thisistheprivilegeofanursingmother；naturetellsherthatbydoingsoshedoesnothingagainstmodesty。Herbosom，feedingthehelpless，arousesnootherfeelingsthanthoseofrespect。Iconfess，however，thatthesightmighthaveproducedatenderersentimentinme；itwasexquisitelybeautiful，andIamsurethatifRaphaelhadbeheldithisMadonnawouldhavebeenstillmorelovely。
Thedinnerwasexcellent，withtheexceptionofthemadedishes，whichweredetestable。Soup，beef，freshsaltedpork，sausages，mortadella，milkdishes，vegetables，game，mascarponcheese，preservedfruits——allweredelicious；butthecounthavingtoldhisbrotherthatIwasagreatgourmand，theworthyAmbrosehadfeltithisdutytogivemesomeragouts，whichwereasbadascanwellbeimagined。Ihadtotastethem，outofpoliteness；butI
madeupmymindthatIwoulddosonomore。AfterdinnerItookmyhostapart，andspewedhimthatwithtenplaincourseshistablewouldbedelicateandexcellent，andthathehadnoneedofintroducinganyragouts。FromthattimeIhadachoicedinnereveryday。
Thereweresixofusattable，andwealltalkedandlaughedwiththeexceptionofthefairClementine。Thiswastheyoungcountesswhohadalreadymadeanimpressiononme。Sheonlyspokewhenshewasobligedtodoso，andherwordswerealwaysaccompaniedwithablush；butasIhadnootherwayofgettingasightofherbeautifuleyes，Iaskedheragoodmanyquestions。However，sheblushedsoterriblythatIthoughtImustbedistressingher，andIleftherinpeace，hopingtobecomebetteracquaintedwithher。
AtlastIwastakentomyapartmentandleftthere。Thewindowswereglazedandcurtainedasinthediningroom，butClairmontcameandtoldmethathecouldnotunpackmytrunksastherewerenolockstoanythingandshouldnotcaretotaketheresponsibility。
Ithoughthewasright，andIwenttoaskmyfriendaboutit。
\"There’snotalockorakey，\"saidhe，\"inthewholecastle，exceptinthecellar，buteverythingissafeforallthat。TherearenorobbersatSt。Angelo，andifthereweretheywouldnotdaretocomehere。\"
\"Idaresay，mydearcount，butyouknow’itismybusinesstosupposerobberseverywhere。Myownvaletmighttaketheopportunityofrobbingme，andyouseeIshouldhavetokeepsilenceifIwererobbed。\"
\"Quiteso，Ifeeltheforceofyourargument。Tomorrowmorningalocksmithshallputlocksandkeystoyourdoors，andyouwillbetheonlypersoninthecastlewhoisproofagainstthieves。\"
ImighthaverepliedinthewordsofJuvenal，’Cantabitvacuuscoramlatroneviator’，butIshouldhavemortifiedhim。ItoldClairmonttoleavemytrunksalonetillnextday，andIwentoutwithCountA————B————andhissisters—in—lawtotakeawalkinthetown。
CountAmbroseandhisbetter—halfstayedinthecastle；thegoodmotherwouldneverleavehernursling。Clementinewaseighteen，hermarriedsisterbeingfouryearsolder。Shetookmyarm，andmyfriendofferedhistoEleanore。
\"Wewillgoandseethebeautifulpenitent，\"saidthecount。
Iaskedhimwhothebeautifulpenitentwas，andheanswered，withouttroublinghimselfabouthissisters—in—law，\"ShewasonceaLaisofMilan，andenjoyedsuchareputationforbeautythatnotonlyalltheflowerofMilanbutpeoplefromtheneighbouringtownswereatherfeet。Herhall—doorwasopenedandshutahundredtimesinaday，andeventhenshewasnotabletosatisfythedesiresaroused。Atlastanendcametowhattheoldandthedevoutcalledascandal。CountFirmian，amanoflearningandwit，wenttoVienna，andonhisdeparturereceivedorderstohavehershutupinaconvent。OuraugustMarieTheresecannotpardonmercenarybeauty，andthecounthadnochoicebuttohavethefairsinnerimprisoned。Shewastoldthatshehaddoneamiss，anddealtwickedly；shewasobligedtomakeageneralconfession，andwascondemnedtoalife—longpenanceinthisconvent。ShewasabsolvedbyCardinalPozzobonelli，ArchbishopofMilan，andhethenconfirmedher，changingthenameofTherese，whichshehadreceivedatthebaptismalfont，toMaryMagdalen，thusshewingherhowsheshouldsavehersoulbyfollowingtheexampleofhernewpatroness，whosewantonnesshadhithertobeenherpattern。
\"Ourfamilyarethepatronsofthisconvent，whichisdevotedtopenitents。Itissituatedinaninaccessiblespot，andtheinmatesareinthechargeofakindmother—superior，whodoesherbesttosoftenthemanifoldausteritiesoftheirexistences。Theyonlyworkandpray，andseenoonebesidestheirconfessor，whosaysmasseveryday。Wearetheonlypersonswhomthesuperioresswouldadmit，aslongassomeofourfamilyarepresentshealwaysletthembringwhomtheylike。\"
Thisstorytouchedmeandbroughttearstomyeyes。PoorMaryMagdalen！Cruelempress！IthinkIhavenotedinanotherpassagethesourceofherausterevirtue。
Whenwewereannouncedthemother—superiorcametomeetus，andtookusintoalargehall，whereIsoonmadeoutthefamouspenitentamongstfiveorsixothergirls，whowerepenitentslikeherself，butIpresumefortriflingoffences，astheywereallugly。Assoonasthepoorwomensawustheyceasedworking，andstooduprespectfully。Inspiteoftheseveresimplicityofherdress，Theresemadeagreatimpressiononme。Whatbeauty！Whatmajestybroughtlow！Withmyprofaneeyes，insteadoflookingtotheenormityoftheoffencesforwhichshewassufferingsocruelly，Isawbeforemeapictureofinnocence——ahumbledVenus。
Herfineeyeswerefixedontheground，butwhatwasmysurprise，when，suddenlylookingatme，sheexclaimed，——
\"OmyGod！whatdoIsee？HolyMary，cometomyaid！Begone，dreadfulsinner，thoughthoudeservesttobeheremorethanI。
Scoundrel！\"
Ididnotfeelinclinedtolaugh。Herunfortunateposition，andthesingularapostropheshehadaddressedtome，piercedmetotheheart。Themother—superiorhastenedtosay，——
\"Donotbeoffended，sir，thepoorgirlhasbecomemad，andunlessshereallyhasrecognizedyou……\"
\"Thatisimpossible，madam，Ihaveneverseenherbefore。\"
\"Ofcoursenot，butyoumustforgiveher，asshehaslosttheuseofherreason\"
\"MaybetheLordhasmadeherthusinmercy。\"
Asamatteroffact，Isawmoresensethanmadnessinthisoutburst，foritmusthavebeenverygrievousforthepoorgirltohavetoencountermyidlecuriosity，intheplaceofherpenitence。Iwasdeeplymoved，andinspiteofmyselfabigtearrolleddownmyface。Thecount，whohadknownher，laughed，butI
beggedhimtorestrainhimself。
Amomentafter，thepoorwretchbeganagain。Sheravedagainstmemadly，andbeggedthemother—superiortosendmeaway，asIhadcometheretodamnher。
Thegoodladychidherwithallatruemother’sgentleness，andtoldhertoleavetheroom，addingthatallwhocamethereonlydesiredthatsheshouldbesavedeternally。Shewassternenough，however，toadd，thatnoonehadbeenagreatersinnerthanshe，andthepoorMagdalenwentoutweepingbitterly。
IfithadbeenmyfortunetoenterMilanattheheadofavictoriousarmy，thefirstthingIshouldhavedonewouldbehesettingfreeofthispoorcaptive，andiftheabbesshadresistedshewouldhavefelttheweightofmywhip。
WhenMagdalenwasgone，themother—superiortoldusthatthepoorgirlhadmanygoodqualities，andifGodwilledthatsheshouldkeepsomeparticleofsenseshedidnotdoubtherbecomingasaintlikeherpatroness。
\"Shehasbeggedme，\"sheadded，\"totakedownthepicturesofSt。
LouisdeGonzagaandSt。Antonyfromthechapelwallbecauseshesaystheydistractherfearfully。Ihavethoughtitmydutytoyieldtoherrequest，inspiteofourconfessor，whosaysit’sallnonsense。\"
Theconfessorwasarudechurl。Ididnotexactlytelltheabbessthat，butIsaidenoughforacleverwomanasshewastograspmymeaning。
Weleftthesorrowfulplaceinsadnessandsilence，cursingthesovereignwhohadmadesuchilluseofherpower。
If，asourholyreligionmaintains，thereisafuturelifebeforeusall，MarieTheresecertainlydeservesdamnation，ifonlytheoppressionsshehasusedtowardsthosepoorwomenwhoselifeiswretchedenoughatthebest。PoorMaryMagdalenhadgonemadandsufferedthetormentsofthedamnedbecausenaturehadgivenhertwoofherbestgifts——beauty，andanexcellentheart。Youwillsayshehadabusedthem，butforafaultwhichisonlyacrimebeforeGod，shouldafellow—creatureandagreatersinnerhavecondemnedhertosuchafearfuldoom？Idefyanyreasonablemantoanswerintheaffirmative。
OnourwaybacktothecastleClementine，whowasonmyarm，laughedtoherselfonceortwice。Ifeltcurioustoknowwhatshewaslaughingat，andsaid，——
\"MayIaskyou，faircountess，whyyoulaughthustoyourself？\"
\"Forgiveme；Iwasnotamusedatthepoorgirl’srecognizingyou，forthatmusthavebeenamistake，butIcannothelplaughingwhenIthinkofyourfaceatherwordy’YouaremoredeservingofimprisonmentthanI。’\"
\"Perhapsyouthinkshewasright。\"
\"I？Notatall。Buthowisitthatsheattackedyouandnotmybrother—in—law？\"
\"ProbablybecauseshethoughtIlookedagreatersinnerthanhe。\"
\"That，Isuppose，musthavebeenthereason。Oneshouldneverheedthetalkofmadpeople。\"
\"Youaresarcastic，butItakeitallingoodpart。PerhapsIamasgreatasinnerasIlook；butbeautyshouldbemercifultome，foritisbybeautythatIamledastray。\"
\"Iwondertheempressdoesnotshutupmenaswellaswomen。\"
\"Perhapsshehopestoseethemallatherfeetwhentherearenomoregirlslefttoamusethem。\"
\"Thatisajest。Youshouldrathersaythatshecannotforgiveherownsexthelackofavirtuewhichsheexercisessoeminently，andwhichissoeasilyobserved。\"
\"Ihavenothingtoallegeagainsttheempress’svirtue，butwithyourleaveIbegtoentertainverystrongdoubtsastothepossibilityofthegeneralexerciseofthatvirtuewhichwecallcontinence。\"
\"Nodoubteveryonethinksbyhisownstandard。Amanmaybepraisedfortemperanceinwhomtemperanceisnomerit。Whatiseasytoyoumaybehardtome，and’viceversa’。Bothofusmayberight。\"
ThisinterestingconversationmademecompareClementinetothefairmarchionessatMilan，buttherewasthisdifferencebetweenthem:Mdlle。Q————spokewithanairofgravityandimportance，whereasClementineexpoundedhersystemwithgreatsimplicityandanutterindifferenceofmanner。Ithoughtherobservationssoacuteandherutterancesoperfectandartistic，thatIfeltashamedofhavingmisjudgedheratdinner。Hersilence，andtheblushwhichmountedtoherfacewhenanyoneaskedheraquestion，hadmademesuspectbothconfusionandpovertyinherideas，fortimidityisoftenanotherwordforstupidity；buttheconversationIhavejustreportedmademefeelthatIhadmadeagreatmistake。
Themarchioness，beingolderandhavingseenmoreoftheworld，wasmoreskilledinargument；butClementinehadtwiceeludedmyquestionswiththeutmostskill，andIfeltobligedtoawardherthepalm。
Whenwegotbacktothecastlewefoundaladywithhersonanddaughter，andanotherrelationofthecount’s，ayoungabbe，whomIfoundmostobjectionable。
Hewasapitilesstalker，andonthepretenceofhavingseenmeatMilanhetooktheopportunityofflatteringmeinadisgustingmanner。Besides，hemadesheep’seyesatClementine，andIdidnotliketheideaofhavingafellowlikethatforarival。I
saidverydrylythatIdidnotrememberhimatall；buthewasnotamanofdelicatefeeling，andthisdidnotdisconcerthimintheleast。HesatdownbesideClementine，andtakingherhandtoldherthatshemustaddmetothelongcatalogueofhervictims。
Shecoulddonothingelsebutlaughatsillytalkofthiskind；I
knewit，butthatlaughofhersdispleasedme。Iwouldhavehadhersay——Idonotknowwhat，butsomethingbitingandsarcastic。
Notatall；theimpertinentfellowwhisperedsomethinginherear，andsheansweredinthesameway。ThiswasmorethanIcouldbear。Somequestionorotherwasbeingdiscussed，andtheabbeaskedformyopinion。IdonotrememberwhatIanswered，butI
knowthatIgavehimabitterreplyinthehopeofputtinghiminabadtemperandreducinghimtosilence。Buthewasabattlecharger，andusedtotrumpet，fife，andgun；nothingputhimout。
HeappealedtoClementine，andIhadthemortificationofhearingheropiniongiven，thoughwithablush，inhisfavour。Thefopwassatisfied，andkissedtheyoungcountess’shandwithanairoffatuoushappiness。Thiswastoomuch；andIcursedtheabbeandClementine，too。Irosefrommyseatandwenttothewindow。
Thewindowisagreatblessingtoanimpatientman，whomtherulesofpolitenessinsomedegreeconstrain。Hecanturnhisbackonbores，withouttheirbeingabletochargehimwitchdirectrudeness；butpeopleknowwhathemeans，andthatsootheshisfeelings。
Ihavenotedthistriflingcircumstanceonlytopointouthowbadtemperblindsitsvictims。ThepoorabbevexedmebecausehemadehimselfagreeabletoClementine，withwhomIwasalreadyinlovewithoutknowingit。Isawinhimarival，butfarfromendeavouringtooffendme，hehaddonehisbesttopleaseme；andIshouldhavetakenaccountofhisgoodwill。ButundersuchcircumstancesIalwaysgavewaytoillhumour，andnowIamtoooldtobegincuringmyself。Idon’tthinkIneeddoso，forifI
amilltemperedthecompanypolitelypassmeover。Mymisfortuneobligesmetosubmit。
Clementinehadconqueredmeinthespaceofafewhours。True，I
wasaninflammablesubject，buthithertonobeautyhadcommittedsuchravagesuponmeinsoshortatime。Ididnotdoubtofsuccess，andIconfessthattherewasacertainamountofvanityinthisassurance；butatthesametimeIwasmodest，forIknewthatattheslightestsliptheenterprisewouldmiscarry。ThusI
regardedtheabbeasawasptobecrushedasspeedilyaspossible。
Iwasalsoavictimtothatmosthorribleofpassions，jealousy；
itseemedtomethatifClementinewasnotinlovewiththisman—
monkey，shewasextremelyindulgenttohim；andwiththisideaI
conceivedahorribleplanofrevengingmywrongsonher。Loveisthegodofnature，butthisgodis，afterall，onlyaspoiltchild。Weknowallhisfolliesandfrailties，butwestilladorehim。
Myfriendthecount，whowassurprised，Isuppose，toseemecontemplatingtheprospectforsuchalongtime，cameuptomeandaskedmeifIwantedanything。
\"Iamthinkingsomematterover，\"saidI，\"andImustgoandwriteoneortwolettersinmyroomtillitistimeforsupper。\"
\"Youwon’tleaveussurely？\"saidhe。
\"Clementine，helpmetokeepM。deSeingalt；youmustmakehimpostponehisletter—writing。\"
\"Butmydearbrother，\"saidthecharminggirl，\"ifM。deSeingalthasbusinesstodo，itwouldberudeofmetotryandpreventhisdoingit。\"
Thoughwhatshesaidwasperfectlyreasonable，itstungmetothequick；whenoneisinanillhumour，everythingisfuelforthefire。ButtheabbesaidpleasantlythatIhadmuchbettercomeandmakeabankatfaro，andaseverythingechoedthissuggestionIhadtogivein。
Thecardswerebroughtin，andvariouscolouredcountershandedround，andIsatdownputtingthirtyducatsbeforeme。Thiswasaverylargesumforacompanywhoonlyplayedforamusement’ssake；
fifteencounterswerevaluedonlyatasequin。CountessAmbrosesatatmyrighthand，andtheabbeatmyleft。Asiftheyhadlaidaplottovexandannoyme，Clementinehadmaderoomforhim。
Itookamereaccidentforastudiedimpertinence，andtoldthepoormanthatIneverdealtunlessIhadaladyoneachsideofme，andneverbyanychancewithapriestbesideme。
\"Doyouthinkitwouldbringyouillluck？\"
\"Idon’tlikebirdsofillomen。\"
Atthishegotup，andClementinetookhisplace。
Attheendofthreehours，supperwasannounced。Everybodyhadwonfrommeexcepttheabbe；thepoordevilhadlostcounterstotheextentoftwentysequins。
Asarelationtheabbestayedtosupper，buttheladyandherchildrenwereaskedinvaintodoso。
Theabbelookedwretched，whichmademeinagoodtemper，andinclinedmetobepleasant。IproceededtoflirtwithClementine，andbymakingherreplytothenumerousquestionsIasked，Igaveheranopportunityofdisplayingherwit，andIcouldseethatshewasgrateful。Iwasoncemoremyself，andItookpityoftheabbe，andspoketohimpolitely，askinghimhisopiniononsometopic。
\"Iwasnotlistening，\"saidhe，\"butIhopeyouwillgivememyrevengeaftersupper。\"
\"AftersupperIshallbegoingtobed，butyoushallhaveyourrevenge，andasmuchasyoulikeofit，tomorrow，providedthatourcharminghostesseslikeplaying。Ihopetheluckwillbeinyourfavour。\"
Aftersupperthepoorabbewentsadlyaway，andthecounttookmetomyroom，tellingmethatIcouldsleepsecurelyinspiteofthelackofkeysforhissisters—in—lawwhowerelodgedclosebywerenobetteroff。
Iwasastonishedanddelightedatthetrustheputinme，andatthereallymagnificenthospitality（itmustberememberedallthingsarerelative）withwhichIhadbeentreatedinthecastle。
ItoldClairmonttobequickaboutputtingmyhairincurl—papers，forIwastiredandinneedofrest，buthewasonlyhalf—waythroughtheoperationwhenIwasagreeablysurprisedbytheapparitionofClementine。
\"Sir，\"saidshe，\"aswehaven’tgotamaidtolookafteryourlinen，Ihavecometobegyoutoletmeundertakethatoffice。\"
\"You！mydearcountess？\"
\"Yes，I，sir，andIhopeyouwillmakenoobjection。Itwillbeapleasuretome，andIhopetoyouaswell。Letmehavetheshirtyouaregoingtowearto—morrow，andsaynomoreaboutit。\"
\"Verygood，itshallbeasyouplease。\"
IhelpedClairmonttocarrymylinentrunkintoherroom，andadded，——
\"EverydayIwantashirt，acollar，afront，apairofdrawers，apairofstocking，andtwohandkerchiefs；butIdon’tmindwhichyoutake，andleavethechoicetoyouasthemistress，asIwishyouwereindeedandtruth。IshallsleepahappiersleepthanJovehimself。Farewell，dearHebe！\"
HersisterEleanorewasalreadyinbed，andbeggedpardonforherposition。ItoldClairmonttogotothecountdirectly，andinformhimthatIhadchangedmymindaboutthelocks。ShouldI
beafraidformypoorpropertieswhentheselivingtreasureswereconfinedtomesofrankly？Ishouldhavebeenafraidofoffendingthem。
Ihadanexcellentbed，andIsleptwonderfully。ClairmontwasdoingmyhairwhenmyyouthfulHebepresentedherselfwithabasketinherhands。ShewishedmegooddayandsaidshehopedI
wouldbecontentedwithherhandiwork。Igazedatherdelightedly，notraceoffalseshameappearedonherfeatures。
Theblushonhercheekswasawitnessofthepleasuresheexperiencedinbeinguseful——apleasurewhichisunknowntothosewhosecurseistheirpride，thecharacteristicoffoolsandupstarts。IkissedherhandandtoldherthatIhadneverseenlinensonicelydone。
JustthenthecountcameinandthankedClementineforattendingonme。Iapprovedofthat，butheaccompaniedhisthankswithakisswhichwaswellreceived，andthisIdidnotapproveofatall。Butyouwillsaytheywerebrother—in—lawandsister—in—law？
Justso，butIwasjealousallthesame。Natureisallwise，anditwasnaturethatmademejealous。Whenonelovesandhasnotasyetgainedpossession，jealousyisinevitable；theheartmustfearlestthatwhichitlongsforsobecarriedawaybyanother。
Thecounttookanotefromhispocketandbeggedmetoreadit。
Itcamefromhiscousintheabbe，whobeggedthecounttoapologizetomeforhimifhewasunabletopaythetwentysequinshehadlosttomeinthepropertime，butthathewoulddischargehisdebtinthecourseoftheweek。
\"Verygood！Tellhimthathecanpaywhenhelikes，butwarnhimnottoplaythisevening。Iwillnottakehisbets。\"
\"Butyouwouldhavenoobjectiontohispuntingwithreadymoney。\"
\"CertainlyIshould，unlesshepaysmefirst，otherwisehewouldbepuntingwithmymoney。Ofcourseit’sameretrifle，andI
hopehewon’ttroublehimselfintheleastorputhimselftoanyinconveniencetopayit。\"
\"Iamafraidhewillbemortified。\"
\"Somuchthebetter，\"saidClementine；\"whatdidheplayfor，whenheknewthathecouldnotpayhisdebtsifheincurredany？Itwillbealessontohim。\"
Thisoutburstwasbalmtomyheart。Suchisman——amereselfishegotist，whenpassionmoveshim。
Thecountmadenoreply，butleftusalone。
\"MydearClementine，tellmefranklywhethertheratheruncivilwayinwhichIhavetreatedtheabbehaspainedyou。Iamgoingtogiveyoutwentysequins，doyousendthemtohim，andto—nighthecanpaymehonourably，andmakeagoodfigure。Ipromiseyounooneshallknowaboutit。\"
\"Thankyou，butthehonouroftheabbeisnotdearenoughtomeformetoacceptyouroffer。Thelessonwilldohimgood。
Alittleshamewillteachhimthathemustmendhisways。\"
\"Youwillseehewon’tcomethisevening。\"
\"Thatmaybe，butdoyouthinkIshallcare？\"
\"Well——yes，Ididthinkso。\"
\"Becausewejokedtogether，Isuppose。Heisahare—brainedfellow，towhomIdonotgivetwothoughtsintheyear。\"
\"Ipityhim，asheartilyasIcongratulateanyoneofwhomyoudothink。\"
\"Maybethereisnosuchperson\"
\"What！Youhavenotyetmetamanworthyofyourregard？\"
\"Manyworthyofregard，butnoneoflove。\"
\"Thenyouhaveneverbeeninlove？\"
\"Never。\"
\"Yourheartisempty？\"
\"Youmakemelaugh。Isithappiness，isitunhappiness？Whocansay。Ifitbehappiness，Iamglad，andifitbeunhappiness，I
donotcare，forIdonotfeelittobeso。\"
\"Nevertheless，itisamisfortune，andyouwillknowittohavebeensoonthedayinwhichyoulove。\"
\"AndifIbecomeunhappythroughlove，shallInotpronouncemyemptinessofhearttohavebeenhappiness。\"
\"Iconfessyouwouldberight，butIamsurelovewouldmakeyouhappy。\"
\"Idonotknow。Tobehappyonemustliveinperfectagreement；
thatisnoeasymatter，andIbelieveittobeharderstillwhenthebondislifelong。\"
\"Iagree，butGodsentusintotheworldthatwemightruntherisk\"
\"Toamanitmaybeanecessityandadelight，butagirlisboundbystricterlaws。\"
\"Innaturethenecessityisthesamethoughtheresultsaredifferent，andthe，lawsyouspeakofarelaiddownbysociety。\"
Thecountcameinatthispointandwasastonishedtoseeusbothtogether。
\"Iwishyouwouldfallinlovewithoneanother，\"saidhe。
\"Youwishtoseeusunhappy，doyou？\"saidshe。
\"Whatdoyoumeanbythat？\"Icried。
\"Ishouldbeunhappywithaninconstantlover，andyouwouldbeunhappytoo，foryouwouldfeelbitterremorseforhavingdestroyedmypeaceofmind。\"
Afterthisshediscreetlyfled。
Iremainedstillasifshehadpetrifiedme，butthecountwhoneverweariedhimselfwithtoomuchthinking，exclaimed，\"Clementineisrathertooromantic；shewillgetoverit，however；
sheisyoungyet。\"
Wewenttobidgooddaytothecountess，whomwefoundsucklingherbaby。
\"Doyouknow，mydearsister，\"saidthecount，\"thatthechevalierhereisinlovewithClementine，andsheseemsinclinedtopayhimbackinhisowncoin？\"
Thecountesssmiledandsaid，——
\"Ihopeasuitablematchlikethatmaymakeusrelations。\"
Thereissomethingmagicalabouttheword\"marriage。\"
Whatthecountesssaidpleasedmeextremely，andIrepliedwithabowofthemostgraciouscharacter。
Wewenttopayacallontheladywhohadcometothecastlethedaybefore。Therewasacanonregularthere，whoafteragreatmanypolitespeechesinpraiseofmycountry，whichheknewonlyfrombooks，askedmeofwhatorderwasthecrossIcarriedonmybreast。
Ireplied，withakindofboastfulmodesty，thatitwasapeculiarmarkofthefavouroftheHolyFather，thePope，whohadfreelymademeaknightoftheOrderofSt。JohnLateran，andaprothonotary—apostolic。
Thismonkhadstayedathomefarfromtheworld，orelsehewouldnothaveaskedmesuchaquestion。However，farfromthinkinghewasoffendingme，hethoughthewashonouringmebygivingmeanopportunityoftalkingofmyownmerit。
AtLondon，thegreatestpossiblerudenessistoaskanyonewhathisreligionis，anditissomethingthesameinGermany；anAnabaptistisbynomeansreadytoconfesshiscreed。Andinfactthebestplanisnevertoaskanyquestionswhatever，notevenifamanhaschangeforalouis。
Clementinewasdelightfulatdinner。Sherepliedwittilyandgracefullytoallthequestionswhichwereaddressedtoher。
True，whatshesaidwaslostonthemajorityofherauditors——forwitcannotstandbeforestupidity——butIenjoyedhertalkimmensely。AsshekeptfillingupmyglassIreproachedher，andthisgaverisetothefollowinglittledialoguewhichcompletedmyconquest。
\"Youhavenorighttocomplain，\"saidshe，\"Hebe’sdutyistokeepthecupofthechiefofthegodsalwaysfull。\"
\"Verygood；butyouknowJupitersentheraway。\"
\"Yes，butIknowwhy。Iwilltakecarenottostumbleinthesameway；andnoGanymedeshalltakemyplaceforalikecause。\"
\"Youareverywise。Jupiterwaswrong，andhenceforthIwillbeHercules。Willthatpleaseyou，fairHebe？\"
\"No；becausehedidnotmarryhertillafterherdeath。\"
\"True，again。IwillbeIolasthen，for……\"
\"Bequiet。Iolaswasold。\"
\"True；butsowasIyesterday。Youhavemademeyoungagain。\"
\"Iamveryglad，dearIolas；butrememberwhatIdidwhenheleftme。\"
\"Andwhatdidyoudo？Idonotremember。\"
\"Ididnotbelieveawordhesaid。\"
\"Youcanbelieve。\"
\"ItookawaythegiftIhadmade。\"
Atthesewordsthischarminggirl’sfacewassufferedwithblushes。IfIhadtouchedherwithmyhand，sureitwouldhavebeenonfire；buttheraysthatdartedfromhereyesfrozemyheart。
Philosophers，benotangryifItalkoffreezingrays。Itisnomiracle，butaverynaturalphenomenon，whichishappeningeveryday。Agreatlove，whichelevatesaman’swholenature，isastrongflamebornoutofagreatcold，suchasIthenfeltforamoment；itwouldhavekilledmeifithadlastedlonger。
ThesuperiormannerinwhichClementinehadappliedthestoryofHebeconvincedmenotonlythatshehadaprofoundknowledgeofmythology，butalsothatshehadakeenandfar—reachingintellect。Shehadgivenmemorethanaglimpseofherlearning；
shehadletmeguessthatIinterestedher，andthatshethoughtofme。
Theseideas，enteringaheartwhichisalreadywarm，speedilysetallthesensesinflames。Inamomentalldoubtwaslaidtorest；
Clementinelovedme，andIwassurethatweshouldbehappy。
Clementineslippedawayfromthetabletocalmherself，andthusI
hadtimetoescapefrommyastonishment。
\"Praywherewasthatyoungladyeducated？\"Isaidtothecountess。
\"Inthecountry。Shewasalwayspresentwhenmybrotherhadhislessons，butthetutor，Sardini，nevertookanynoticeofher，anditwasonlyshewhogainedanything；mybrotheronlyyawned。
Clementineusedtomakemymotherlaugh，andpuzzletheoldtutorsadlysometimes。\"
\"Sardiniwroteandpublishedsomepoemswhicharenotbad；butnobodyreadsthem，becausetheyaresofullofmythology。\"
\"Quiteso。Clementinepossessesamanuscriptwithwhichhepresentedher，containinganumberofmythologicaltalesverified。
Tryandmakehershewyouherbooksandtheversessheusedtowrite；shewon’tshewthemtoanyofus。\"
Iwasinagreatstateofadmiration。WhenshereturnedI
complimentedheruponheracquirements，andsaidthatasIwasagreatloverofliteraturemyselfIshouldbedelightedifshewouldshewmeherverses。
\"Ishouldbeashamed。Ihadtogiveovermystudiestwoyearsago，whenmysistermarriedandwecametolivehere，whereweonlyseehonestfolkswhotalkaboutthestable，theharvest，andtheweather。YouarethefirstpersonIhaveseenwhohastalkedtomeaboutliterature。IfouroldSardinihadcomewithusI
shouldhavegoneonlearning，butmysisterdidnotcaretohavehimhere。\"
\"ButmydearClementine，\"saidthecountess，\"whatdoyouthinkmyhusbandcouldhavedonewithanoldmanofeightywhosesoleaccomplishmentsareweighingthewind，writingverses，andtalkingmythology？\"
\"Hewouldhavebeenusefulenough，\"saidthehusband，\"ifhecouldhavemanagedtheestate，butthehonestoldmanwillnotbelieveintheexistenceofrascals。Heissolearnedthatheisquitestupid。\"
\"Goodheavens！\"criedClementine。\"Sardinistupid？Itiscertainlyeasytodeceivehim，butthatisbecauseheissonoble。
Iloveamanwhoiseasilydeceived，buttheycallmesilly。\"
\"Notatall，mydearsister，\"saidthecountess。\"Onthecontrary，thereiswisdominallyousay，butitiswisdomoutofplaceinawoman；themistressofahouseholddoesnotwanttoknowanythingaboutliterature，poetry，orphilosophy，andwhenitcomestomarryingyouIamverymuchafraidthatyourtasteforthiskindofthingwillstandinyourway。\"
\"Iknowit，andIamexpectingtodieamaid；notthatitismuchcomplimenttothemen。\"
Toknowallthatsuchadialoguemeantforme，thereadermustimaginehimselfmostpassionatelyinlove。Ithoughtmyselfunfortunate。Icouldhavegivenherahundredthousandcrowns，andIwouldhavemarriedherthatmoment。ShetoldmethatSardiniwasatMilan，veryoldandill。
\"Haveyoubeentoseehim？\"Iasked。
\"IhaveneverbeentoMilan。\"
\"Isitpossible？Itisnotfarfromhere。\"
\"Distanceisrelative，youknow。\"
Thiswasbeautifullyexpressed。Ittoldmewithoutanyfalseshamethatshecouldnotaffordtogo，andIwaspleasedbyherfrankness。ButinthestateofmindIwasinIshouldhavebeenpleasedwithanythingshechosetodo。Therearemomentsinaman’slifewhenthewomanhelovescanmakeanythingofhim。
Ispoketoherinamannerthataffectedhersothatshetookmeintoaclosetnexttoherroomtoshewmeherbooks。Therewereonlythirtyinall，buttheywerechosen，althoughsomewhatelementary。AwomanlikeClementineneededsomethingmore。
\"Doyouknow，mydearHebe，thatyouwantmorebooks？\"
\"Ihaveoftensuspectedit，dearIolas，withoutbeingabletosayexactlywhatIwant。\"
AfterspendinganhouringlancingoverSardini’sworks，Ibeggedhertospewmeherown。
\"No，\"saidshe，\"theyaretoobad。\"
\"Iexpectso；butthegoodwilloutweighthebad。\"
\"Idon’tthinkso。\"
\"Oh，yes！youneedn’tbeafraid。Iwillforgivethebadgrammar，badstyle，absurdimages，faultymethod，andeventheversesthatwon’tscan。\"
\"That’stoomuch，Iolas；Hebedoesn’tneedsovastapardonasallthat。Here，sir，thesearemyscribblings；siftthefaultsandthedefaults。Readwhatyouwill。\"
Iwasdelightedthatmyschemeofwoundinghervanityhadsucceeded，andIbeganbyreadingaloudananacreontic，addingtoitsbeautiesbythemodulationofmyvoice，andkeenlyenjoyingherpleasureatfindingherworksofair。WhenIimprovedalinebysometriflingchangeshenoticedit，forshefollowedmewithhereyes；butfarfrombeinghumiliated，shewaspleasedwithmycorrections。Thepicturewasstillhers，shethought，thoughwithmyskilledbrushIbroughtoutthelightsanddarkenedtheshadows，andshewascharmedtoseethatmypleasurewasasgreatorgreaterthanhers。Thereadingcontinuedfortwohours。Itwasaspiritualandpure，butamostintenselyvoluptuous，enjoyment。Happy，andthricehappy，ifwehadgonenofarther；
butloveisatraitorwholaughsatuswhenwethinktoplaywithhimwithoutfallingintohisnets。Shallamantouchhotcoalsandescapetheburning？
Thecountessinterruptedus，andbeggedustojointhecompany。
Clementinehastenedtoputeverythingback，andthankedmeforthehappinessIhadgivenher。Thepleasureshefeltsheweditselfinherblushes，andwhenshecameintothedrawing—roomshewasaskedifshehadbeenfighting，whichmadeherblushstillmore。
Thefaro—tablewasready，butbeforesittingdownItoldClairmonttogetmefourgoodhorsesforthefollowingday。IwantedtogotoLodiandbackbydinnertime。
Everybodyplayedasbefore，theabbeexcepted，andhe，tomyhugedelight，didnotputinanappearanceatall，buthisplacewassuppliedbyacanon，whopuntedaducatatatimeandhadapileofducatsbeforehim。Thismademeincreasemybank，andwhenthegamewasover，Iwasgladtoseethateverybodyhadwonexceptthecanon，buthislosseshadnotspoilthistemper。
NextdayIstartedforLodiatday—breakwithouttellinganybodywhereIwasgoing，andboughtallthebooksIjudgednecessaryforClementine，whoonlyknewItalian。Iboughtnumeroustranslation，whichIwassurprisedtofindatLodi，whichhithertohadbeenonlyfamousinmymindforitscheese，usuallycalledParmesan。
ThischeeseismadeatLodiandnotatParma，andIdidnotfailtomakeanentrytothateffectunderthearticle\"Parmesan\"inmy\"DictionaryofCheeses，\"aworkwhichIwasobligedtoabandonasbeyondmypowers，asRousseauwasobligedtoabandonhis\"DictionaryofBotany。\"ThisgreatbuteccentricindividualwasthenknownunderthepseudonymofRenaud，theBotanist。’Quisquehistrioniamexercet’。ButRousseau，greatmanthoughhewas，wastotallydeficientinhumour。
IconceivedtheideaofgivingabanquetatLodithedayafternext，andaprojectofthiskindnotcallingformuchdeliberationIwentforthwithtothebesthoteltomakethenecessaryarrangements。Iorderedachoicedinnerfortwelve，paidtheearnestmoney，andmadethehostpromisethateverythingshouldbeofthebest。
WhenIgotbacktoSt。Angelo，IhadasackfullofbookscarriedintoClementine’sroom。Shewaspetrified。Thereweremorethanonehundredvolumes，poets，historians，geographers，philosophers，scientists——nothingwasforgotten。Ihadalsoselectedsomegoodnovels，translatedfromtheSpanish，English，andFrench，forwehavenogoodnovelsinItalian。
ThisadmissiondoesnotprovebyanymeansthatItalianliteratureissurpassedbythatofanyothercountry。Italyhaslittletoenvyinotherliteratures，andhasnumerousmasterpieces，whichareunequalledthewholeworldover。WherewillyoufindaworthycompaniontotheOrlandoFurioso？Thereisnone，andthisgreatworkisincapableoftransalation。ThefinestandtruestpanegyricofAriostowaswrittenbyVoltairewhenhewassixty。
Ifhehadnotmadethisapologyfortherashjudgementofhisyouthfuldays，hewouldnothaveenjoyed，inItalyatallevents，thatimmortalitywhichissojustlyhisdue。Thirty—sixyearsagoItoldhimasmuch，andhetookmeatmyword。Hewasafraid，andheactedwisely。
IfIhaveanyreaders，Iasktheirpardonforthesedigressions。
TheymustrememberthattheseMemoirswerewritteninmyoldage，andtheoldarealwaysgarrulous。Thetimewillcometothemalso，andthentheywillunderstandthatiftheagedrepeatthemselves，itisbecausetheyliveinaworldofmemories，withoutapresentandwithoutafuture。
Iwillnowreturntomynarrative，whichIhavekeptsteadilyinview。
Clementinegazedfrommetothebooks，andfromthebookstome。
Shewonderedandadmired，andcouldscarcelybelievethistreasurebelongedtoher。Atlastshecollectedherself，andsaidinatonefullofgratitude，——
\"YouhavecometoSt。Angelotomakemehappy。\"
Suchasayingmakesamanintoagod。Heissurethatshewhospeaksthuswilldoallinherpowertomakeareturnforthehappinesswhichshehasbeengiven。
Thereissomethingsupremelylovelyintheexpressionofgratefulnessonthefaceofthebeingoneloves。IfyouhavenotexperiencedthefeelingsIdescribe，dearreader，Ipityyou，andamforcedtoconcludethatyoumusthavebeeneitherawkwardormiserly，andthereforeunworthyoflove。
Clementineatescarcelyanythingatdinner，andafterwardsretiredtoherroomwhereIsoonjoinedher。Weamusedourselvesbyputtingthebooksinorder，andshesentforacarpentertomakeabookcasewithalockandkey。
\"Itwillbemypleasuretoreadthesebooks，\"saidshe，\"whenyouhaveleftus。\"
Intheeveningshewasluckywiththecards，andindelightfulspirits。IaskedthemalltodinewithmeatLodi，butasthedinnerwasfortwelvetheCountessAmbrosesaidshewouldbeabletofindthetwoguestswhowerewantedatLodi，andthecanonsaidhewouldtaketheladyfriendwithhertwochildren。
Thenextdaywasoneofhappyquiet，andIspentitwithoutleavingthecastle，beingengagedininstructingmyHebeonthenatureofthesphere，andinpreparingherforthebeautiesofWolf。Ipresentedherwithmycaseofmathematicalinstruments，whichseemedtoherinvaluable。
Iburnedwithpassionforthischarminggirl；butwouldIhavedonesoinhertasteforliteratureandsciencehadnotbeenbackedupbyherpersonalcharms？Isuspectnot。Ilikeadishpleasingtothepalate，butifitisnotpleasingtotheeyeaswell，Idonottasteitbutputdownasbad。Thesurfaceisalwaysthefirsttointerest，closeexaminationcomesafterwards。
Themanwhoconfineshimselftosuperficialcharms，issuperficialhimself，butwiththemalllovebegins，exceptthatwhichrisesintherealmoffancy，andthisnearlyalwaysfallsbeforethereality。
WhenIwenttobed，stillthinkingofClementine，Ibegantoreflectseriously，andIwasastonishedtofindthatduringallthehourswehadspenttogethershehadnotcausedtheslightestsensualfeelingtoariseinme。Nevertheless，Icouldnotassignthereasontofear，nortoshynesswhichisunknowntome，nortofalseshame，nortowhatiscalledafeelingofduty。Itwascertainlynotvirtue，forIdonotcarryvirtuesofarasthat。
Thenwhatwasit？Ididnottiremyselfbypursuingthequestion。
IfeltquitesurethatthePlatonicstagemustsooncometoanend，andIwassorry，butmysorrowwasvirtueinextremis。Thefinethingswereadtogetherinterestedussostronglythatwedidnotthinkoflove，norofthepleasurewetookineachother’scompany；butasthesayinggoes，thedevillostnothingbyus。
Whenintellectentersonthefield，thehearthastoyield；virtuetriumphs，butthebattlemustnotlastforlong。Ourconquestsmadeustoosure，butthisfeelingofsecuritywasaColossuswhosefeetwereofclay；weknewthatwelovedbutwerenotsurethatwewerebeloved。ButwhenthisbecamemanifesttheColossusmustfalltotheground。
ThisdangeroustrustmademegotoherroomtotellhersomethingaboutourjourneytoLodi，thecarriageswerealreadywaiting。
Shewasstillasleep，butmysteponthefloormadeherawakewithastart。Ididnoteventhinkitnecessarytoapologize。ShetoldmethatTasso’sAmintahadinterestedhertosuchanextentthatshehadreadittillshefellasleep。
\"ThePastorFidowillpleaseyoustillmore。\"
\"Isitmorebeautiful？\"
\"Notexactly。\"
\"Thenwhydoyousayitwillpleasememore？\"
\"Becauseitcharmstheheart。Itappealstooursoftestfeelings，andseducesus——andweloveseduction。\"
\"Itisaseducer，then？\"
\"No，notaseducer；butseductive，likeyou。\"
\"That’sagooddistinction。Iwillreaditthisevening。NowI
amgoingtodress。\"
SheputonherclothesinseemingoblivionthatIwasaman，butwithoutshewinganysightsthatcouldbecalledindecent。
NeverthelessitstruckmethatifshehadthoughtIwasinlovewithher，shewouldhavebeenmorereserved，forassheputonherchemise，lacedhercorset，fastenedhergartersaboveherknee，anddrewonherboots，IsawglimpsesofbeautywhichaffectedmesostronglythatIwasobligedtogooutbeforeshewasreadytoquenchtheflamesshehadkindledinmysenses。
ItookthecountessandClementineinmycarriage，andsatonthebracketseatholdingthebabyonmyknee。Mytwofaircompanionslaughedmerrily，forIheldthechildasiftothemannerborn。
Whenwehadtraversedhalfthedistancethebabydemandednourishment，andthecharmingmotherhastenedtouncoverasphereoverwhichmyeyesrovedwithdelight，notatalltoherdispleasure。Thechildleftitsmother’sbosomsatisfied，andatthesightoftheliquorwhichflowedsoabundantlyIexclaimed，——
\"Itmustnotbelost，madam；allowmetosipnectarwhichwillelevatemetotherankofthegods。Donotbeafraidofmyteeth。\"Ihadsometeethinthosedays。
Thesmilingcountessmadenoopposition，andIproceededtocarryoutmydesign，whiletheladieslaughedthatmagiclaughwhichnotpaintercanportray。ThedivineHomeristheonlypoetwhohassucceededindelineatingitinthoselinesinwhichhedescribesAndromachewiththeyoungAstyanaxinherarms，whenHectorisleavinghertoreturntothebattle。
IaskedClementineifshehadthecouragetograntmeasimilarfavour。
\"Certainly，\"saidshe，\"ifIhadanymilk。\"
\"Youhavethesourceofthemilk；Iwillseetotherest。\"
Atthisthegirl’sfacesuffusedwithsuchaviolentblushthatI
wassorryIhadspoken；however，Ichangedtheconversation，anditsoonpassedaway。OurspiritsweresohighthatwhenthetimecameforustogetdownattheinnatLodi，wecouldscarcelybelieveitpossible，soswiftlyhadthetimegoneby。
Thecountesssentamessagetoaladyfriendofhers，begginghertodinewithus，andtobringhersister；whileIdispatchedClairmonttoastationer’s，whereheboughtmeabeautifulmoroccocasewithlockandkey，containingpaper，pens，sealing—wax，ink—
well，paperknife，seal，andinfact，everythingnecessaryforwriting。ItwasapresentImeanttogiveClementinebeforedinner。Itwasdelightfultowatchhersurpriseandpleasure，andtoreadgratitudesolegiblywritteninherbeautifuleyes。Thereisnotawomanintheworldwhocannotbeovercomebybeingmadegrateful。Itisthebestandsurestwaytogeton，butitmustbeskilfullyused。Thecountess’sfriendcameandbroughthersister，agirlwhowasdazzlinglybeautiful。Iwasgreatlystruckwithher，butjustthenVenusherselfcouldnothavedethronedClementinefromherplaceinmyaffections。Afterthefriendshadkissedeachother，andexpressedtheirjoyatmeeting，Iwasintroduced，andinsocomplimentaryamannerthatIfeltobligedtoturnitoffwithajest。
Thedinnerwassumptuousanddelicious。Atdesserttwoself—
invitedguestscamein，thelady’shusbandandthesister’slover，buttheywerewelcome，foritwasacaseofthemorethemerrier。
Afterthemeal，inaccordancewiththerequestofthecompany，I
madeabankatfaro，andafterthreehours’playIwasdelightedtofindmyselfalosertotheextentoffortysequins。ItwastheselittlelossesattherighttimewhichgavemethereputationofbeingthefinestgamesterinEurope。
Thelady’sloverwasnamedVigi，andIaskedhimifhewasdescendedfromtheauthorofthethirteenthbookofthe\"AEneid。\"
Hesaidhewas，andthatinhonourofhisancestorhehadtranslatedthepoemintoItalianverse。Iexpressedmyselfcuriousastohisversion，andhepromisedtobringitmeintwodays’time。Icomplimentedhimonbelongingtosuchanobleandancientfamily；MaffeoVigiflourishedatthebeginningofthefifteenthcentury。
Westartedintheevening，andlessthantwohourswegothome。
ThemoonwhichshonebrightlyuponuspreventedmemakinganyattemptsonClementine，whohadputupherfeetinorderthatshemightbeabletoholdherlittlenephewwithmoreease。TheprettymothercouldnothelpthankingmewarmlyforthepleasureI
hadgiventhem；Iwasauniversalfavouritewiththemall。
Wedidnotfeelinclinedtoeatanysupper，andthereforeretiredtoourapartments；andIaccompaniedClementine，whotoldmethatshewasashamedatnotknowinganythingaboutthe\"AEneid。\"
\"Vigiwillbringhistranslationofthethirteenthbook，andI
shallnotknowawordaboutit。\"
IcomfortedherbytellingherthatwewouldreadthefinetranslationbyAnnibaleCarothatverynight。Itwasamongstherbooks，asalsotheversionbyAnguilara，Ovid’sMetamorphoses，andMarchetti’sLucreece。
\"ButIwantedtoreadthePastorFido。\"
\"Weareinahurry；wemustreadthatanothertime。\"
\"Iwillfollowyouradviceinallthings，mydearIolas。\"
\"Thatwillmakemehappy，dearestHebe。\"
WespentthenightinreadingthatmagnificenttranslationinItalianblankverse，butthereadingwasofteninterruptedbymypupil’slaughterwhenwecametosomeratherticklishpassage。
Shewashighlyamusedbytheaccountofthechancewhichgave’AEneasanopportunityofprovinghisloveforDidoinaveryinconvenientplace，andstillmore，whenDido，complainingofthesonofPriam’streachery，says，——
\"Imightstillpardonyouif，beforeabandoningme，youhadleftmealittleAEneastoplayaboutthesehalls。\"
Clementinehadcausetobeamused，forthereproachhassomethinglaughableinit；buthowisitthatonedoesnotfeelinclinedtosmileinreadingtheLatin—’SiquismihiparvulusaulaluderetAEneas？’。ThereasonmustbesoughtforinthegraveanddignifiednatureoftheLatintongue。
Wedidnotfinishourreadingtillday—break。
\"Whatanight！\"exclaimedClementine，withasigh。
\"Ithasbeenoneofgreatpleasuretome，hasitnottoyou？\"
\"Ihaveenjoyeditbecauseyouhave。\"
\"Andifyouhadbeenreadingbyyourself？\"
\"Itwouldhavestillbeenapleasure，butamuchsmallerone。I
loveyourintellecttodistraction，Clementine，buttellme，doyouthinkitpossibletolovetheintellectwithoutlovingthatwhichcontainsit？\"
\"No，forwithoutthebodythespiritwouldvanishaway。\"
\"IconcludefromthatthatIamdeeplyinlovewithyou，andthatIcannotpasssixorsevenhoursinyourcompanywithoutlongingtokissyou。\"
\"Certainly，butweresistthesedesiresbecausewehavedutiestoperform，whichwouldriseupagainstusifweleftthemundone。\"
\"Trueagain，butifyourdispositionatallresemblesminethisconstraintmustbeverypainfultoyou。\"
\"PerhapsIfeelitasmuchasyoudo，butitismybeliefthatitisonlyhardtowithstandtemptationatfirst。Bydegreesonegetsaccustomedtolovingwithoutrunninganyriskandwithouteffort。Oursenses，atfirstsosharpset，endbybecomingblunted，andwhenthisisthecasewemayspendhoursanddaysinsafety，untroubledbydesire。\"
\"IhavemydoubtsasfarasIamconcerned，butweshallsee。
Goodnight，fairHebe。\"
\"Goodnight，mygoodIolas，mayyousleepwell！\"
\"Mysleepwillbehauntedbyvisionsofyou。\"
CHAPTERXXII
OurExcursion——PartingFromClementine——ILeaveMilanWithCroce’sMistressMyArrivalAtGenoaTheancients，whosefancywassofertileinallegory，usedtofigureInnocenceasplayingwithaserpentorwithasharparrow。
Theseoldsageshadmadeadeepstudyofthehumanheart；andwhateverdiscoveriesmodernsciencemayhavemade，theoldsymbolsmaystillbeprofitablystudiedbythosewhowishtogainadeepinsightintotheworkingofman’smind。
Iwenttobed，andafterhavingdismissedClairmontIbegantoreflectonmyrelationswithClementine，whoseemedtohavebeenmadetoshineinaspherefromwhich，inspiteofherhighbirth，herintelligence，andherrarebeauty，herwantoffortunekeptherapart。Ismiledtomyselfatherdoctrines，whichwereasmuchastosaythatthebestwayofcuringappetitewastoplaceaseriesofappetisingdishesbeforeahungryman，forbiddinghimtotouchthem。NeverthelessIcouldbutapprovethewordswhichshehadutteredwithsuchanairofinnocence——thatifoneresistsdesires，thereisnodangerofonebeinghumiliatedbygivingwaytothem。
Thishumiliationwouldarisefromafeelingofduty，andshehonouredmebysupposingthatIhadashighprinciplesasherself。
Butatthesametimethemotiveofself—esteemwasalsopresent，andIdeterminednottodoanythingwhichwoulddeprivemeofherconfidence。
Asmaybeimagined，Ididnotawaketillverylatethenextmorning，andwhenIrangmybellClementinecamein，lookingverypleased，andholdingacopyofthePastorFidoinherhand。Shewishedmegoodday，andsaidshehadreadthefirstact，andthatshethoughtitverybeautiful，andtoldmetogetupthatwemightreadthesecondtogetherbeforedinner。
\"MayIriseinyourpresence？\"
\"Whynot？Amanhasneedofverylittlecaretoobservethelawsofdecency。\"
\"Thenpleasegivemethatshirt。\"
Sheproceededtounfoldit，andthenputitovermyhead，smilingallthetime。
\"Iwilldothesameforyouatthefirstopportunity，\"saidI。
Sheblushedandanswered，\"It’snotnearlysofarfromyoutomeasitisfrommetoyou。\"
\"DivineHebe，thatisbeyondmyunderstanding。YouspeakliketheCumaeansibyls，orasifyouwererenderingoraclesatyourtempleinCorinth。\"
\"HadHebeatempleatCorinth？Sardinineversaidso。\"
\"ButApollodorussaysso。Itwasanasylumaswellasatemple。
Butcomebacktothepoint，andpraydonoteludeit。Whatyousaidisopposedtoallthelawsofgeometry。Thedistancefromyoutomeoughttobepreciselythesameasfrommetoyou。\"
\"Perhaps，then，Ihavesaidastupidthing。\"
\"Notatall，Hebe，youhaveanideawhichmayberightorwrong，butIwanttobringitout。Come，tellme。\"
\"Well，then，thetwodistancesdifferfromeachotherwithrespecttotheascentanddescent，orfall，ifyoulike。Arenotallbodiesinclinedtoobeythelawsofgravitationunlesstheyareheldbackbyasuperiorforce？\"
\"Certainly。\"
\"Andisitnotthecasethatnobodiesmoveinanupwarddirectionunlesstheyareimpelled？\"
\"Quitetrue。\"
\"ThenyoumustconfessthatsinceIamshorterthanyouIshouldhavetoascendtoattainyou，andascensionisalwaysaneffort；
whileifyouwishtoattainme，youhaveonlytoletyourselfgo，whichisnoeffortwhatever。Thusitisnoriskatallforyoutoletmeputonyourshirt，butitwouldbeagreatriskformeifI
allowedyoutodothesameserviceforme。Imightbeoverwhelmedbyyourtoorapiddescentonme。Areyoupersuaded？\"
\"Persuadedisnottheword，fairHebe。Iamravishedinanecstacyofadmiration。Neverwasparadoxsofinelymaintained。I
mightcavilandcontestit，butIprefertokeepsilencetoadmireandadore。\"
\"Thankyou，dearIolas，butIwantnofavour。Tellmehowyoucoulddisprovemyargument？\"
\"Ishouldattackitonthepointofheight。YouknowyouwouldnotletmechangeyourchemiseevenifIwereadwarf。\"
\"Ah，dearIolas！wecannotdeceiveeachother。WouldthatHeavenhaddestinedmetobemarriedtoamanlikeyou！\"
\"Alas！whyamInotworthyofaspiringtosuchaposition？\"
Idonotknowwheretheconversationwouldhavelandedus，butjustthenthecountesscametotellusthatdinnerwaswaiting，addingthatshewasgladtoseewelovedoneanother。
\"Madly，\"saidClementine，\"butwearediscreet。\"
\"Ifyouarediscreet，youcannotlovemadly。\"
\"True，countess，\"saidI，\"forthemadnessofloveandwisdomcannotdwelltogether。Ishouldrathersaywearereasonable，forthemindmaybegravewhiletheheart’sgay。\"
Wedinedmerrilytogether，thenweplayedatcards，andintheeveningwefinishedreadingthePastorFido。WhenwewerediscussingthebeautiesofthisdelightfulworkClementineaskedmeifthethirteenthbookofthe\"AEneid\"wasfine。
\"Mydearcountess，itisquiteworthless；andIonlypraisedittoflatterthedescendantoftheauthor。However，thesamewritermadeapoemonthetricksofcountryfolk，whichisbynomeansdevoidofmerit。Butyouaresleepy，andIampreventingyoufromundressing。\"
\"Notatall。\"
Shetookoffherclothesinamomentwiththegreatestcoolness，anddidnotindulgemylicentiousgazeintheleast。Shegotintobed，andIsatbesideher；whereuponshesatupagain，andhersisterturnedherbackuponus。ThePastorFidowasonhernight—
table，andopeningthebookIproceededtoreadthepassagewhereMirtillodescribesthesweetnessofthekissAmaryllishadgivenhim，attuningmyvoicetothesentimentofthelines。ClementineseemedasmuchaffectedasIwas，andIfastenedmylipsonhers。
Whathappiness！Shedrewinthebalmofmylipswithdelight，andappearedtobefreefromalarm，soIwasabouttoclaspherinmyarmswhenshepushedmeawaywiththeutmostgentleness，beggingmetospareher。
Thiswasmodestyatbay。Ibeggedherpardon，andtakingherhandbreathedoutuponitalltheecstasyofmylips。
\"Youaretrembling，\"saidshe，inavoicethatdidbutincreasetheamoroustumultofmyheart。
\"Yes，dearestcountess，andIassureyouItrembleforfearofyou。Goodnight，Iamgoing；andmyprayermustbethatImayloveyouless。\"
\"Whyso？Tolovelessistobegintohate。DoasIdo，andpraythatyourlovemaygrowandlikewisethestrengthtoresistit。\"
Iwenttobedillpleasedwithmyself。IdidnotknowwhetherI
hadgonetoofarornotfarenough；butwhatdiditmatter？Onethingwascertain，IwassorryforwhatIhaddone，andthatwasalwaysathoughtwhichpainedme。
InClementineIsawawomanworthyofthedeepestloveandthegreatestrespect，andIknewnothowIcouldceasetoloveher，noryethowIcouldcontinuelovingherwithouttherewardwhicheveryfaithfulloverhopestowin。
\"Ifshelovesme，\"Isaidtomyself，\"shecannotrefuseme，butitismyparttobegandpray，andeventopushhertoanextremity，thatshemayfindanexcuseforherdefeat。Alover’sdutyistoobligethewomanhelovestosurrenderatdiscretion，andlovealwaysabsolveshimforsodoing。\"
Accordingtothisargument，whichIcolouredtosuitmypassions，Clementinecouldnotrefusemeunlessshedidnotloveme，andI
determinedtoputhertotheproof。IwasstrengthenedinthisresolvebythewishtofreemyselffromthestateofexcitementI
wasin，andIwassurethatifshecontinuedobdurateIshouldsoongetcured。ButatthesametimeIshudderedatthethought；
theidea，ofmynolongerlovingClementineseemedtomeanimpossibilityandacruelty。
AfteratroublednightIroseearlyandwenttowishhergoodmorning。Shewasstillasleep，buthersisterEleanorewasdressing。
\"Mysister，\"saidshe，\"readtillthreeo’clockthismorning。Nowthatshehassomanybooks，sheisgettingquitemadoverthem。
Letusplayatrickonher；getintothebedbesideher；itwillbeamusingtoseehersurprisewhenshewakesup。\"
\"Butdoyouthinkshewilltakeitasajoke？\"