AttheplayMarcolinedidnothingbutchatterwithBabetRangoni，whowantedmetobringthefairVenetiantoseeher，butIhadmyownreasonsfornotdoingso。
IwasthinkinghowIcouldsendMadamed’UrfetoLyons，forIhadnofurtheruseforheratMarseilles，andshewasoftenembarrassing。
Forinstance，onthethirddayafterherregeneration，sherequestedmetoaskParaliswhereshewastodie——thatis，tobebroughttobed。Imadetheoraclereplythatshemustsacrificetothewater—
spiritsonthebanksoftworivers，atthesamehour，andthatafterwardsthequestionofherlying—inwouldberesolved。TheoracleaddedthatImustperformthreeexpiatorysacrificestoSaturn，onaccountofmytooharshtreatmentofthefalseQuerilinthos，andthatSemiramisneednottakepartintheseceremonies，thoughsheherselfmustperformthesacrificestothewater—spirits。
AsIwaspretendingtothinkofaplacewheretworiversweresufficientlyneartoeachothertofulfiltherequirementsoftheoracle，SemiramisherselfsuggestedthatLyonswaswateredbytheRhoneandtheSaone，andthatitwouldbeanexcellentplacefortheceremony。Asmaybeimagined，Iimmediatelyagreedwithher。OnaskingParalisiftherewereanypreparationstobemade，herepliedthatitWouldbenecessarytopourabottleofsea—waterintoeachriverafortnightbeforethesacrifice，andthatthisceremonywastobeperformedbySemiramisinperson，atthefirstdiurnalhourofthemoon。
\"Then，\"saidthemarchioness，\"thebottlesmustbefilledhere，fortheotherFrenchportsarefartheroff。IwillgoassoonaseverI
canleavemybed，andwillwaitforyouatLyons；forasyouhavetoperformexpiatorysacrificestoSaturninthisplace，youcannotcomewithme。\"
Iassented，pretendingsorrowatnotbeingabletoaccompanyher。
ThenextmorningIbroughthertwowell—sealedbottlesofsea—water，tellingherthatshewastopourthemoutintothetworiversonthe15thofMay（thecurrentmonth）。Wefixedherdepartureforthe11th，andIpromisedtorejoinherbeforetheexpirationofthefortnight。Igaveherthehoursofthemooninwriting，andalsodirectionsforthejourney。
AssoonasthemarchionesshadgoneIleftthe\"TreizeCantons\"andwenttolivewithMarcoline，givingherfourhundredandsixtylouis，which，withthehundredandfortyshehadwonatbiribi，gaveheratotalofsixhundredlouis，orfourteenthousandfourhundredfrancs。
Withthissumshecouldlookthefutureinthefacefearlessly。
ThedayafterMadamed’Urfe’sdeparture，thebetrothedofMdlle。
CrosinarrivedatMarseilleswithaletterfromRosalie，whichhehandedtomeonthedayofhisarrival。Shebeggedmeinthenameofourcommonhonourtointroducethebearerinpersontothefatherofthebetrothed。Rosaliewasright，butastheladywasnotmyrealniecethereweresomedifficultiesintheway。IwelcomedtheyoungmanandtoldhimthatIwouldfirsttakehimtoMadameAudibert，andthatwecouldthengotogethertohisfather—in—lawinprospective。
TheyoungGenoesehadgonetothe\"TreizeCantons，\"wherehethoughtIwasstaying。Hewasdelightedtofindhimselfsonearthegoalofhisdesires，andhisecstacyreceivedanewmomentumwhenhesawhowcordiallyMadameAudibertreceivedhim。Weallgotintomycarriageanddrovetothefather’swhogavehimanexcellentreception，andthenpresentedhimtohiswife，whowasalreadyfriendlydisposedtowardshim。
Iwaspleasantlysurprisedwhenthisgoodandsensiblemanintroducedmetohiswifeashiscousin，theChevalierdeSeingalt，whohadtakensuchcareoftheirdaughter。Thegoodwifeandgoodmother，herhusband’sworthypartner，stretchedoutherhandtome，andallmytroublewasover。
Mynewcousinimmediatelysentanexpressmessengertohissister，tellingherthatheandhiswife，hisfutureson—in—law，MadameAudibert，andacousinshehadnotmetbefore，wouldcomeanddinewithheronthefollowingday。Thisdoneheinvitedus，andMadameAudibertsaidthatshewouldescortus。ShetoldhimthatIhadanotherniecewithme，ofwhomhisdaughterwasveryfond，andwouldbedelightedtoseeagain。Theworthymanwasoverjoyedtobeabletoincreasehisdaughter’shappiness。
I，too，waspleasedwithMadameAudibert’stactandthoughtfulness；
andasmakingMarcolinehappywastomakemehappyalso，Iexpressedmygratitudetoherinverywarmterms。
ItooktheyoungGenoesetotheplay，toMarcoline’sdelight，forshewouldhavelikedtheFrenchverymuchifshecouldhaveunderstoodthem。Wehadanexcellentsuppertogether，inthecourseofwhichI
toldMarcolineofthepleasurewhichawaitedheronthemorrow。I
thoughtshewouldhavegonewildwithjoy。
ThenextdaywewereatMadameAudibert’saspunctuallyasAchillesonthefieldofbattle。TheladyspokeItalianwell，andwascharmedwithMarcoline，reproachingmefornothavingintroducedherbefore。
AtelevenwegottoSt。Louis，andmyeyeswerecharmedwiththedramaticsituation。Mylateniecehadanairofdignitywhichbecamehertoadmiration，andreceivedherfuturehusbandwithgreatgraciousness；andthen，afterthankingmewithapleasantsmileforintroducinghimtoherfather，shepassedfromdignitytogaiety，andgavehersweetheartahundredkisses。
Thedinnerwasdelicious，andpassedoffmerrily；butIalonepreservedatendermelancholy，thoughIlaughedtomyselfwhentheyaskedmewhyIwassad。IwasthoughttobesadbecauseIdidnottalkinmyusualvivaciousmanner，butfarfrombeingreallysadthatwasoneofthehappiestmomentsofmylife。Mywholebeingwasabsorbedinthecalmdelightwhichfollowsagoodaction。Iwastheauthorofthecomedywhichpromisedsuchahappyending。Iwaspleasedwiththethoughtthatmyinfluenceintheworldwasmoreforgoodthanforill，andthoughIwasnotbornakingyetIcontrivedtomakemanypeoplehappy。Everyoneattablewasindebtedtomeforsomepartoftheirhappiness，andthefather，themother，andthebetrothedpairwhollyso。ThisthoughtmademefeelapeacefulcalmwhichIcouldonlyenjoyinsilence。
Mdlle。CrosinreturnedtoMarseilleswithherfather，hermother，andherfuturehusband，whomthefatherwishedtotakeuphisabodewiththem。IwentbackwithMadameAudibert，whomademepromisetobringthedelightfulMarcolinetosupwithher。
Themarriagedependedonthereceiptofaletterfromtheyoungman’sfather，inanswertoonefrommyniece’sfather。Itwillbetakenforgrantedthatwewereallaskedtothewedding，andMarcoline’saffectionformeincreasedeveryday。
WhenwewenttosupwithMadameAudibertwefoundarichandwittyyoungwinemerchantatherhouse。HesatbesideMarcoline，whoentertainedhimwithhersallies；andastheyoungmancouldspeakItalian，andeventheVenetiandialect（forhehadspentayearatVenice），hewasmuchimpressedbythecharmsofmynewniece。
Ihavealwaysbeenjealousofmymistresses；butwhenarivalpromisestomarrythemandgivethemagoodestablishment，jealousygiveswaytoamoregenerousfeeling。ForthemomentIsatisfiedmyselfbyaskingMadameAudibertwhohewas，andIwasdelightedtohearthathehadanexcellentreputation，ahundredthousandcrowns，alargebusiness，andcompleteindependence。
Thenextdayhecametoseeusinourboxatthetheatre，andMarcolinereceivedhimverygraciously。WishingtopushthematteronIaskedhimtosupwithus，andwhenhecameIwaswellpleasedwithhismannersandhisintelligence；toMarcolinehewastenderbutrespectful。OnhisdepartureItoldhimIhopedhewouldcomeandseeusagain，andwhenwewerealoneIcongratulatedMarcolineonherconquest，andshewedherthatshemightsucceedalmostaswellasMdlle。Crosin。Butinsteadofbeinggratefulshewasfuriously，angry。
\"Ifyouwanttogetridofme，\"saidshe，\"sendmebacktoVenice，butdon’ttalktomeaboutmarrying。\"
\"Calmyourself，myangel！Igetridofyou？Whatanidea！Hasmybehaviourledyoutosupposethatyouareinmyway？Thishandsome，well—educated，andrichyoungmanhascomeundermynotice。Iseehelovesyouandyoulikehim，andasIloveyouandwishtoseeyoushelteredfromthestormsoffortune，andasIthinkthispleasantyoungFrenchmanwouldmakeyouhappy，Ihavepointedouttoyoutheseadvantages，butinsteadofbeinggratefulyouscoldme。Donotweep，sweetheart，yougrievemyverysoul！\"
\"IamweepingbecauseyouthinkthatIcanlovehim。\"
\"Itmightbeso，dearest，andwithoutmyhonourtakinganyhurt；butletussaynomoreaboutitandgetintobed。\"
Marcoline’stearschangedtosmilesandkisses，andwesaidnomoreabouttheyoungwinemerchant。Thenextdayhecametoourboxagain，butthescenehadchanged；shewaspolitebutreserved，andI
darednotaskhimtosupperasIhaddonethenightbefore。WhenwehadgothomeMarcolinethankedmefornotdoingso，addingthatshehadbeenafraidIwould。
\"Whatyousaidlastnightisasufficientguideformeforthefuture。\"
InthemorningMadameAudibertcalledonbehalfofthewinemerchanttoaskustosupwithhim。IturnedtowardsthefairVenetian，andguessingmythoughtsshehastenedtoreplythatshewouldbehappytogoanywhereincompanywithMadameAudibert。Thatladycameforusintheevening，andtookustotheyoungman’shouse，wherewefoundamagnificentsupper，butnootherguestsawaitingus。Thehousewasluxuriouslyfurnished，itonlylackedamistress。Themasterdividedhisattentionbetweenthetwoladies，andMarcolinelookedravishing。
Everythingconvincedmethatshehadkindledtheardouroftheworthyyoungwinemerchant。
ThenextdayIreceivedanotefromMadameAudibert，askingmetocallonher。WhenIwentIfoundshewantedtogivemyconsenttothemarriageofMarcolinewithherfriend。
\"Theproposalisaveryagreeableonetome，\"Ianswered，\"andI
wouldwillinglygiveherthirtythousandfrancsasadowry，butIcanhavenothingtodowiththematterpersonally。Iwillsendhertoyou；andifyoucanwinheroveryoumaycountonmyword，butdonotsaythatyouarespeakingonmybehalf，forthatmightspoileverything。\"
\"Iwillcomeforher，andifyoulikesheshalldinewithme，andyoucantakehertotheplayintheevening。\"
MadameAudibertcamethefollowingday，andMarcolinewenttodinnerwithher。Icalledforheratfiveo’clock，andfindingherlookingpleasedandhappyIdidnotknowwhattothink。AsMadameAudibertdidnottakemeasideIstifledmycuriosityandwentwithMarcolinetothetheatre，withoutknowingwhathadpassed。
OnthewayMarcolinesangthepraisesofMadameAudibert，butdidnotsayawordoftheproposalshemusthavemadetoher。Aboutthemiddleofthepiece，however，IthoughtIsawtheexplanationoftheriddle，fortheyoungmanwasinthepit，anddidnotcometoourboxthoughthereweretwoemptyplaces。
WereturnedhomewithoutawordaboutthemerchantorMadameAudibert，butasIknewinmyownmindwhathadhappened，Ifeltdisposedtobegrateful，andIsawthatMarcolinewasoverjoyedtofindmemoreaffectionatethanever。Atlast，amidstouramorousassaults，Marcoline，feelinghowdearlyIlovedher，toldmewhathadpassedbetweenherandMadameAudibert。
\"Shespoketomesokindlyandsosensibly，\"saidshe，\"butI
contentedmyselfwithsayingthatIwouldnevermarrytillyoutoldmetodoso。AllthesameIthankyouwithallmyheartforthetenthousandcrownsyouarewillingtogiveme。YouhavetossedtheballtomeandIhavesentitback。IwillgobacktoVenicewheneveryoupleaseifyouwillnottakemetoEnglandwithyou，butIwillnevermarry。Iexpectweshallseenomoreoftheyounggentleman，thoughifIhadnevermetyouImighthavelovedhim。\"
Itwasevidentlyallover，andIlikedherforthepartshehadtaken，foramanwhoknowshisownworthisnotlikelytosighlongatthefeetofanobduratelady。
Thewedding—dayofmylateniececameround。Marcolinewasthere，withoutdiamonds，butcladinarichdresswhichsetoffherbeautyandsatisfiedmyvanity。
CHAPTERIV
ILeaveMarseilles——HenrietteatAix——IreneatAvignon——TreacheryofPossano——Madamed’UrfeLeavesLyonTheweddingonlyinterestedmebecauseofthebride。Theplentifulratherthanchoicerepast，thenumerousandnoisycompany，theemptycompliments，thesillyconversation，theroarsoflaughteratverypoorjokes——allthiswouldhavedrivenmetodespairifithadnotbeenforMadameAudibert，whomIdidnotleaveforamoment。
Marcolinefollowedtheyoungbrideaboutlikeashadow，andthelatter，whowasgoingtoGenoainaweek，wantedMarcolinetocomeinhertram，promisingtohavehertakentoVenicebyapersonoftrust，butmysweetheartwouldlistentonoproposalforseparatingherfromme，——
\"Iwon’tgo。toVenice，\"shesaid，\"tillyousendmethere。\"
Thesplendoursofherfriend’smarriagedidnotmakeherexperiencetheleastregretathavingrefusedtheyoungwinemerchant。Thebridebeamedwithhappiness，andonmycongratulatinghersheconfessedherjoytobegreat，addingthatitwasincreasedbythefactthatsheoweditalltome。ShewasalsoverygladtobegoingtoGenoa，whereshewassureoffindingatruefriendinRosalie，whowouldsympathizewithher，theirfortuneshavingbeenverysimilar。
ThedayaftertheweddingIbegantomakepreparationsformydeparture。ThefirstthingIdisposedofwastheboxcontainingtheplanetaryofferings。Ikeptthediamondsandpreciousstones，andtookallthegoldandsilvertoRoussedeCosse，whostillheldthesumwhichGreppihadplacedtomycredit。ItookabillofexchangeonTourtonandBauer，forIshouldnotbewantinganymoneyatLyonsasMadamed’Urfewasthere，andconsequentlythethreehundredlouisIhadaboutmewouldbeample。IacteddifferentlywhereMarcolinewasconcerned。Iaddedasufficientsumtohersixhundredlouistogiveheracapitalinroundnumbersoffifteenthousandfrancs。I
gotabilldrawnonLyonsforthatamount，forIintendedatthefirstopportunitytosendherbacktoVenice，andwiththatideahadhertrunkspackedseparatelywithallthelinenanddresseswhichI
hadgivenherinabundance。
Ontheeveofourdeparturewetookleaveofthenewly—marriedcoupleandthewholefamilyatsupper，andwepartedwithtears，promisingeachotheralifelongfriendship。
ThenextdaywesetoutintendingtotravelallnightandnottostoptillwegottoAvignon，butaboutfiveo’clockthechainofthecarriagebroke，andwecouldgonofurtheruntilawheelwrighthadrepairedthedamage。Wesettledourselvesdowntowaitpatiently，andClairmontwenttogetinformationatafinehouseonourright，whichwasapproachedbyanalleyoftrees。AsIhadonlyonepostillion，Ididnotallowhimtoleavehishorsesforamoment。
BeforelongwesawClairmontreappearwithtwoservants，oneofwhominvitedme，onbehalfofhismaster，toawaitthearrivalofthewheelwrightathishouse。ItwouldhavebeenchurlishtorefusethisinvitationwhichwasinthetruespiritofFrenchpoliteness，soleavingClairmontinchargeMarcolineandIbegantowendourwaytowardsthehospitableabode。
Threeladiesandtwogentlemancametomeetus，andoneofthegentlemensaidtheycongratulatedthemselvesonmysmallmishap，sinceitenabledmadamtooffermeherhouseandhospitality。I
turnedtowardstheladywhomthegentlemanhadindicated，andthankedher，saying，thatIhopednottotroubleherlong，butthatIwasdeeplygratefulforherkindness。Shemademeagracefulcurtsy，butIcouldnotmakeoutherfeatures，forastormywindwasblowing，andsheandhertwofriendshaddrawntheirhoodsalmostentirelyovertheirfaces。Marcoline’sbeautifulheadwasuncoveredandherhairstreaminginthebreeze。Sheonlyrepliedbygracefulbowsandsmilestothecomplimentswhichwereaddressedtoheronallsides。
Thegentlemanwhohadfirstaccostedmeaskedme，ashegaveherhisarm，ifsheweremydaughter。MarcolinesmiledandIansweredthatshewasmycousin，andthatwewerebothVenetians。
AFrenchmanissobentonflatteringaprettywomanthathewillalwaysdoso，evenifitbeattheexpenseofathirdparty。NobodycouldreallythinkthatMarcolinewasmydaughter，forthoughIwastwentyyearsolderthanshewas，Ilookedtenyearsyoungerthanmyrealage，andsoMarcolinesmiledsuggestively。
Wewerejustgoingintothehousewhenalargemastiffrantowardsus，chasingaprettyspaniel，andthelady，beingafraidofgettingbitten，begantorun，madeafalsestep，andfelltotheground。Werantohelpher，butshesaidshehadsprainedherankle，andlimpedintothehouseonthearmofoneofthegentlemen。Refreshmentswerebroughtin，andIsawthatMarcolinelookeduneasyinthecompanyofaladywhowastalkingtoher。Ihastenedtoexcuseher，sayingthatshedidnotspeakFrench。Asamatteroffact，MarcolinehadbeguntotalkasortofFrench，butthemostcharminglanguageintheworldwillnotbearbeingspokenbadly，andIhadbeggedhernottospeakatalltillshehadlearnedtoexpressherselfproperly。Itisbettertoremainsilentthantomakestrangerslaughbyoddexpressionsandabsurdequivocations。
Thelesspretty，orrathertheuglier，ofthetwoladiessaidthatitwasastonishingthattheeducationofyoungladieswasneglectedinsuchashockingmanneratVenice。\"FancynotteachingthemFrench！\"
\"Itiscertainlyverywrong，butinmycountryyoungladiesareneithertaughtforeignlanguagesnorroundgames。Theseimportantbranchesofeducationareattendedtoafterwards。\"
\"ThenyouareaVenetian，too？\"
\"Yes，madam。\"
\"Really，Ishouldnothavethoughtso。\"
Imadeabowinreturnforthiscompliment，whichinrealitywasonlyaninsult；forifflatteringtomeitwasinsultingtotherestofmyfellow—countrymen，andMarcolinethoughtasmuchforshemadealittlegrimaceaccompaniedbyaknowingsmile。
\"IseethattheyoungladyunderstandsFrench，\"saidourflatteringfriend，\"shelaughsexactlyintherightplace。\"
\"Yes，sheunderstandsit，andasforherlaughteritwasduetothefactthatsheknowsmetobelikeallotherVenetians。\"
\"Possibly，butitiseasytoseethatyouhavelivedalongtimeinFrance。\"
\"Yes，madam，\"saidMarcoline；andthesewordsinherprettyVenetianaccentwereapleasuretohear。
Thegentlemanwhohadtakentheladytoherroomsaidthatshefoundherfoottoberatherswollen，andhadgonetobedhopingwewouldallcomeupstairs。
Wefoundherlyinginasplendidbed，placedinanalcovewhichthethickcurtainsofredsatinmadestilldarker。Icouldnotseewhethershewasyoungorold，prettyorugly。IsaidthatIwasverysorrytobetheindirectcauseofhermishap，andsherepliedingoodItalianthatitwasamatterofnoconsequence，andthatshedidnotthinkshecouldpaytoodearfortheprivilegeofentertainingsuchpleasantguests。
\"YourladyshipmusthavelivedinVenicetospeakthelanguagewithsomuchcorrectness。\"
\"No，Ihaveneverbeenthere，butIhaveassociatedagooddealwithVenetians。\"
Aservantcameandtoldmethatthewheelwrighthadarrived，andthathewouldtakefourhourstomendmycarriage，soIwentdownstairs。
Themanlivedataquarterofaleague’sdistance，andbytyingthecarriagepolewithropes，Icoulddrivetohisplace，andwaitthereforthecarriagetobemended。Iwasabouttodoso，whenthegentlemanwhodidthehonoursofthehousecameandaskedme，onbehalfofthelady，tosupandpassthenightatherhouse，astogotothewheelwright’swouldbeoutofmyway；themanwouldhavetoworkbynight，Ishouldbeuncomfortable，andtheworkwouldbeilldone。Iassentedtothecountess’sproposal，andhavingagreedwiththemantocomeearlythenextdayandbringhistoolswithhim，I
toldClairmonttotakemybelongingsintotheroomwhichwasassignedtome。
WhenIreturnedtothecountess’sroomIfoundeveryonelaughingatMarcoline’ssallies，whichthecountesstranslated。IwasnotastonishedatseeingthewayinwhichmyfairVenetiancaressedthecountess，butIwasenragedatnotbeingabletoseeher，forIknewMarcolinewouldnottreatanywomaninthatmannerunlessshewerepretty。
Thetablewasspreadinthebedroomofthecountess，whomIhopedtoseeatsupper—time，butIwasdisappointed；forshedeclaredthatshecouldnottakeanything，andallsupper—timeshetalkedtoMarcolineandmyself，shewingintelligence，education，andagreatknowledgeofItalian。Sheletfalltheexpression，\"mylatehusband，\"soIknewherforawidow，butasIdidnotdaretoaskanyquestions，myknowledgeendedatthatpoint。WhenClairmontwasundressingmehetoldmehermarriedname，butasIknewnothingofthefamilythatwasnoadditiontomyinformation。
Whenwehadfinishedsupper，Marcolinetookupheroldpositionbythecountess’sbed，andtheytalkedsovolublytooneanotherthatnobodyelsecouldgetinaword。
Whenpolitenessbademeretire，mypretendedcousinsaidshewasgoingtosleepwiththecountess。Asthelatterlaughinglyassented，Irefrainedfromtellingmymadcapthatshewastooforward，andI
couldseebytheirmutualembracesthattheywereagreedinthematter。IsatisfiedmyselfwithsayingthatIcouldnotguaranteethesexofthecountess’sbed—fellow，butsheanswered，\"Nevermind；iftherebeamistakeIshallbethegainer。\"
Thisstruckmeasratherfree，butIwasnotthemantobescandalized。IwasamusedatthetastesofmyfairVenetian，andatthemannerinwhichshecontrivedtogratifythemasshehaddoneatGenoawithmylastniece。AsaruletheProvencalwomenareinclinedthisway，andfarfromreproachingthemIlikethemallthebetterforit。
ThenextdayIroseatday—breaktohurryonthewheelwright，andwhentheworkwasdoneIaskedifthecountesswerevisible。
DirectlyafterMarcolinecameoutwithoneofthegentlemen，whobeggedmetoexcusethecountess，asshecouldnotreceivemeinherpresentextremelyscantyattire；\"butshehopesthatwheneveryouareinthesepartsyouwillhonourherandherhousebyyourcompany，whetheryouarealoneorwithfriends。\"
Thisrefusal，gildedasitwas，wasabitterpillformetoswallow，butIconcealedmydisgust，asIcouldonlyputitdowntoMarcoline’sdoings；sheseemedinhighspirits，andIdidnotliketomortifyher。Ithankedthegentlemanwitheffusion，andplacingaLouisinthehandsofalltheservantswhowerepresentItookmyleave。
IkissedMarcolineaffectionately，sothatsheshouldnotnoticemyillhumour，andaskedhowsheandthecountessspentthenight。\"
\"Capitally，\"saidshe。\"Thecountessischarming，andweamusedourselvesallnightwiththetricksoftwoamorouswomen。\"
\"Issheprettyorold？\"
\"Sheisonlythirty—three，and，Iassureyou，sheisasprettyasmyfriendMdlle。Crosin。Icanspeakwithauthorityforwesaweachotherinastateofnature。\"
\"Youareasingularcreature；youwereunfaithfultomeforawoman，andleftmetopassthenightbymyself。\"
\"Youmustforgiveme，andIhadtosleepwithherasshewasthefirsttodeclareherlove。\"
\"Really？Howwasthat？\"
\"WhenIgaveherthefirstofmykissesshereturneditintheFlorentinemanner，andourtonguesmet。Aftersupper，Iconfess，I
wasthefirsttobeginthesuggestivecaresses，butshemetmehalf—
way。Icouldonlymakeherhappybyspendingthenightwithher。
Look，thiswillshewyouhowpleasedshewas。\"
WiththesewordsMarcolinedrewasuperbring，setwithbrilliants，fromherfinger。Iwasastonished。
\"Truly，\"Isaid，\"thiswomanisfondofpleasureanddeservestohaveit。\"
IgavemyLesbian（whomighthaveviedwithSappho）ahundred。
kisses，andforgaveherherinfidelity。
\"But，\"Iremarked，\"Ican’tthinkwhyshedidnotwantmetoseeher；
Ithinkshehastreatedmerathercavalierly。\"
\"No，Ithinkthereasonwasthatshewasashamedtobeseenbymyloverafterhavingmademeunfaithfultohim；Ihadtoconfessthatwewerelovers。\"
\"Maybe。Atalleventsyouhavebeenwellpaid；thatringisworthtwohundredlouis:\"
\"ButImayaswelltellyouthatIwaswellenoughpaidforthepleasureIgavebythepleasureIreceived。\"
\"That’sright；Iamdelightedtoseeyouhappy。\"
\"Ifyouwanttomakemereallyhappy，takemetoEnglandwithyou。
Myunclewillbethere，andIcouldgobacktoVenicewithhim。\"
\"What！youhaveanuncleinEngland？Doyoureallymeanit？Itsoundslikeafairy—tale。Younevertoldmeofitbefore。\"
\"Ihaveneversaidanythingaboutituptonow，becauseIhavealwaysimaginedthatthismightpreventyouraccomplishingyourdesire。\"
\"IsyouruncleaVenetian？WhatishedoinginEngland？Areyousurethathewillwelcomeyou？\"
\"Yes。\"
\"Whatishisname？Andhowarewetofindhiminatownofmorethanamillioninhabitants？\"
\"Heisreadyfound。HisnameisMattioBoisi，andheisvaletdechambretoM。Querini，theVenetianambassadorsenttoEnglandtocongratulatethenewking；heisaccompaniedbytheProcuratorMorosini。Myuncleismymother’sbrother；heisveryfondofme，andwillforgivemyfault，especiallywhenhefindsIamrich。WhenhewenttoEnglandhesaidhewouldbebackinVeniceinJuly，andweshalljustcatchhimonthepointofdeparture。\"
AsfarastheembassywentIknewitwasalltrue，fromthelettersI
hadreceivedfromM。deBragadin，andasfortherestMarcolineseemedtometobespeakingthetruth。IwasflatteredbyherproposalandagreedtotakehertoEnglandsothatIshouldpossessherforfiveorsixweekslongerwithoutcommittingmyselftoanything。
WereachedAvignonatthecloseoftheday，andfoundourselvesveryhungry。Iknewthatthe\"St。Omer\"wasanexcellentinn，andwhenI
gotthereIorderedachoicemealandhorsesforfiveo’clockthenextmorning。Marcoline，whodidnotlikenighttravelling，wasinhighglee，andthrewherarmsaroundmyneck，saying，——
\"AreweatAvignonnow？\"
\"Yes，dearest。\"
\"ThenIconscientiouslydischargethetrustwhichthecountessplacedinmewhensheembracedmeforthelasttimethismorning。ShemademeswearnottosayawordaboutittillwegottoAvignon。\"
\"Allthispuzzlesme，dearest；explainyourself。\"
\"Shegavemealetterforyou，\"
\"Aletter？\"
\"Willyouforgivemefornotplacingitinyourhandssooner？\"
\"Certainly，ifyoupassedyourwordtothecountess；butwhereisthisletter？\"
\"Waitaminute。\"
Shedrewalargebundleofpapersfromherpocket，saying，——
\"Thisismycertificateofbaptism。\"
\"Iseeyouwerebornin1746。\"
\"Thisisacertificateof’goodconduct。’\"
\"Keepit，itmaybeusefultoyou。\"
\"Thisismycertificateofvirginity。\"
\"That’snouse。Didyougetitfromamidwife？\"
\"No，fromthePatriarchofVenice。\"
\"Didhetestthematterforhimself？\"
\"No，hewastooold；hetrustedinme。\"
\"Well，well，letmeseetheletter。\"
\"IhopeIhaven’tlostit。\"
\"Ihopenot，toGod。\"
\"Hereisyourbrother’spromiseofmarriage；hewantedtobeaProtestant。\"
\"Youmaythrowthatintothefire。\"
\"WhatisaProtestant？\"
\"Iwilltellyouanothertime。Givemetheletter。\"
\"PraisedbeGod，hereitis！\"
\"That’slucky；butithasnoaddress。\"
Myheartbeatfast，asIopenedit，andfound，insteadofanaddress，thesewordsinItalian:
\"Tothemosthonestmanofmyacquaintance。\"
Couldthisbemeantforme？Iturneddowntheleaf，andreadoneword——Henriette！Nothingelse；therestofthepaperwasblank。
AtthesightofthatwordIwasforamomentannihilated。
\"Iononmori，enonrimasivivo。\"
Henriette！Itwasherstyle，eloquentinitsbrevity。IrecollectedherlastletterfromPontarlier，whichIhadreceivedatGeneva，andwhichcontainedonlyoneword——Farewell！
Henriette，whomIhadlovedsowell，whomIseemedatthatmomenttoloveaswellasever。\"CruelHenriette，\"saidItomyself，\"yousawmeandwouldnotletmeseeyou。Nodoubtyouthoughtyourcharmswouldnothavetheiroldpower，andfearedlestIshoulddiscoverthatafterallyouwerebutmortal。AndyetIloveyouwithalltheardourofmyearlypassion。Whydidyounotletmelearnfromyourownmouththatyouwerehappy？ThatistheonlyquestionIshouldhaveaskedyou，cruelfairone。Ishouldnothaveenquiredwhetheryoulovedmestill，forIfeelmyunworthiness，whohavelovedotherwomenafterlovingthemostperfectofhersex。AdorableHenriette，Iwillflytoyouto—morrow，sinceyoutoldmethatIshouldbealwayswelcome。\"
Iturnedthesethoughtsoverinmyownmind，andfortifiedmyselfinthisresolve；butatlastIsaid，——
\"No，yourbehaviourprovesthatyoudonotwishtoseemenow，andyourwishesshallberespected；butImustseeyouoncebeforeI
die。\"
Marcolinescarcelydaredbreathetoseemethusmotionlessandlostinthought，andIdonotknowwhenIshouldhavecometomyselfifthelandlordhadnotcomeinsayingthatherememberedmytastes，andhadgotmeadelicioussupper。Thisbroughtmetomysenses，andI
mademyfairVenetianhappyagainbyembracingherinasortofecstacy。
\"Doyouknow，\"shesaid，\"youquitefrightenedme？Youwereaspaleandstillasadeadman，andremainedforaquarterofanhourinakindofswoon，thelikeofwhichIhaveneverseen。Whatisthereason？Iknewthatthecountesswasacquaintedwithyou，butI
shouldneverhavethoughtthathernamebyitselfcouldhavesuchanastonishingeffect。\"
\"Well，itisstrange；buthowdidyoufindoutthatthecountessknewme？\"
\"Shetoldmeasmuchtwentytimesoverinthenight，butshemademepromisetosaynothingaboutittillIhadgivenyoutheletter。\"
\"Whatdidshesaytoyouaboutme？\"
\"Sheonlyrepeatedindifferentwayswhatshehaswrittenforanaddress。\"
\"Whataletteritis！Hername，andnothingmore。\"
\"Itisverystrange。\"
\"Yes，butthenametellsall。\"
\"ShetoldmethatifIwantedtobehappyIshouldalwaysremainwithyou。IsaidIknewthatwell；butthatyouwantedtosendmebacktoVenice，thoughyouwereveryfondofme。Icanguessnowthatyouwerelovers。Howlongagowasit？\"
\"Sixteenorseventeenyears。\"
\"Shemusthavebeenveryyoung，butshecannothavebeenprettierthansheisnow。\"
\"Bequiet，Marcoline。\"
\"Didyourunionwithherlastlong？\"
\"Welivedtogetherfourmonthsinperfecthappiness。\"
\"Ishallnotbehappyforsolongasthat。\"
\"Yesyouwill，andlonger，too；butwithanotherman，andonemoresuitabletoyouinage。IamgoingtoEnglandtotrytogetmydaughterfromhermother。\"
\"Yourdaughter？Thecountessaskedmeifyouweremarried，andI
saidno。\"
\"Youwereright；sheismyillegitimatedaughter。Shemustbetennow，andwhenyouseeheryouwillconfessthatshemustbelongtome。\"
Justasweweresittingdowntotableweheardsomeonegoingdownstairstothetabled’hoteintheroomwhereIhadmadeMadameStuard’sacquaintance，ourdoorwasopen，andwecouldseethepeopleonthestairs；andoneofthemseeingusgaveacryofjoy，andcamerunningin，exclaiming，\"Mydearpapa！\"IturnedtothelightandsawIrene，thesamewhomIhadtreatedsorudelyatGenoaaftermydiscussionwithherfatheraboutbiribi。Iembracedhereffusively，andtheslylittlepuss，pretendingtobesurprisedtoseeMarcoline，madeheraprofoundbow，whichwasreturnedwithmuchgrace。
Marcolinelistenedattentivelytoourconversation。
\"Whatareyoudoinghere，fairIrene？\"
\"Wehavebeenhereforthelastfortnight。Goodheavens！howluckyIamtofindyouagain。Iamquiteweak。Willyouallowmetositdown，madam？\"
\"Yes，yes，mydear，\"saidI，\"sitdown；\"andIgaveheraglassofwinewhichrestoredher。
Awaitercameup，andsaidtheywerewaitingforheratsupper，butshesaid，\"Iwon’ttakeanysupper；\"andMarcoline，alwaysdesirousofpleasingme，orderedathirdplacetobelaid。Imadeherhappybygivinganapprovingnod。
Wesatdowntotable，andateourmealwithgreatappetite。\"Whenwehavedone，\"IsaidtoIrene，\"youmusttelluswhatchancehasbroughtyoutoAvignon。\"
Marcoline，whohadnotspokenawordhitherto，noticinghowhungryIrenewas，saidpleasantlythatitwouldhavebeenamistakeifshehadnottakenanysupper。IrenewasdelightedtohearVenetianspoken，andthankedherforherkindness，andinthreeorfourminutestheyhadkissedandbecomefriends。
ItamusedmetoseethewayinwhichMarcolinealwaysfellinlovewithprettywomen，justasifshehadbeenaman。
InthecourseofconversationIfoundthatIrene’sfatherandmotherwereatthetabled’hotebelow，andfromsundryexclamations，suchas\"youhavebeenbroughttoAvignonoutofGod’sgoodness，\"Ilearnedthattheywereindistress。InspiteofthatIrene’smirthfulcountenancematchedMarcoline’ssallies，andthelatterwasdelightedtohearthatIrenehadonlycalledmepapabecausehermotherhadstyledhermydaughteratMilan。
Wehadonlygothalf—waythroughoursupperwhenRinaldiandhiswifecamein。Iaskedthemtositdown，butifithadnotbeenforIreneIshouldhavegiventheoldrascalaverywarmreception。HebegantochidehisdaughterfortroublingmewithherpresencewhenIhadsuchfaircompanyalready，butMarcolinehastenedtosaythatIrenecouldonlyhavegivenmepleasure，forinmycapacityofheruncleI
wasalwaysgladwhenshewasabletoenjoythesocietyofasweetyounggirl。
\"Ihope，\"sheadded，\"thatifshedoesn’tmindshewillsleepwithme。\"
\"Yes，yes，\"resoundedonallsides，andthoughIshouldhavepreferredtosleepwithMarcolinebyherself，Ilaughedandagreed；I
havealwaysbeenabletoaccommodatemyselftocircumstances。
IrenesharedMarcoline’sdesires，forwhenitwassettledthattheyshouldsleeptogethertheyseemedwildwithjoy，andIaddedfueltothefirebyplyingthemwithpunchandchampagne。
Rinaldiandhiswifedidnotleaveustilltheywerequitedrunk。
Whenwehadgotridofthem，IrenetoldushowaFrenchmanhadfalleninlovewithheratGenoa，andhadpersuadedherfathertogotoNicewherehighplaywasgoingon，butmeetingwithnoluckthereshehadbeenobligedtosellwhatshehadtopaytheinn—keeper。HerloverhadassuredherthathewouldmakeituptoheratAix，wheretherewassomemoneyowingtohim，andshepersuadedherfathertogothere；butthepersonswhoowedthemoneyhavinggonetoAvignon，therehadtobeanothersaleofgoods。
\"Whenwegotheretheluckwasnobetter，andthepooryoungman，whommyfatherreproachedbitterly，wouldhavekilledhimselfifI
hadnotgivenhimthemantleyougavemethathemightpawnitandgoonhisquest。Hegotfourlouisforit，andsentmetheticketwithaverytenderletter，inwhichheassuredmethathewouldfindsomemoneyatLyons，andthathewouldthenreturnandtakeustoBordeaux，wherewearetofindtreasures。Inthemeanwhilewearepenniless，andaswehavenothingmoretosellthelandlordthreatenstoturnusoutnaked。\"
\"Andwhatdoesyourfathermeantodo？\"
\"Idon’tknow。HesaysProvidencewilltakecareofus。\"
\"Whatdoesyourmothersay？\"
\"Oh！shewasasquietasusual。\"
\"Howaboutyourself？\"
\"Alas！Ihavetobearathousandmortificationseveryday。TheyarecontinuallyreproachingmewithhavingfalleninlovewiththisFrenchman，andbringingthemtothisdreadfulpass。\"
\"Wereyoureallyinlovewithhim？\"
\"Yes，really。\"
\"Thenyoumustbeveryunhappy。\"
\"Yes，very；butnotonaccountofmylove，forIshallgetoverthatintime，butbecauseofthatwhichwillhappento—morrow。\"
\"Can’tyoumakeanyconquestsatthetable—d’hote？\"
\"Someofthemensayprettythingstome，butastheyallknowhowpoorwearetheyareafraidtocometoourroom。\"
\"Andyetinspiteofallyoukeepcheerful；youdon’tlooksadlikemostoftheunhappy。Icongratulateyouonyourgoodspirits。\"
Irene’stalewaslikethefairStuard’sstoryoveragain，andMarcoline，thoughshehadtakenrathertoomuchchampagne，wasdeeplymovedatthispictureofmisery。Shekissedthegirl，tellingherthatIwouldnotforsakeher，andthatinthemeanwhiletheywouldspendapleasantnight。
\"Come！letustobed！\"saidshe；andaftertakingoffherclothesshehelpedIrenetoundress。Ihadnowishtofight，againsttwo，andsaidthatIwantedtorest。ThefairVenetianburstoutlaughingandsaid，——
\"Gotobedandleaveusalone。\"
\"Ididso，andamusedmyselfbywatchingthetwoBacchantes；butIrene，whohadevidentlyneverengagedinsuchacombatbefore，wasnotnearlysoadroitasMarcoline。
BeforelongMarcolinebroughtIreneinherarmstomybedside，andtoldmetokissher。
\"Leavemealone，dearest，\"saidI，\"thepunchhasgotintoyourhead，andyoudon’tknowwhatyouaredoing。\"
Thisstungher；andurgingIrenetofollowherexample，shetookupapositioninmybedbyforce；andastherewasnotenoughroomforthree，MarcolinegotontopofIrene，callingherherwife。
Iwasvirtuousenoughtoremainawhollypassivespectatorofthescene，whichwasalwaysnewtome，thoughIhadseenitsooften；butatlasttheyflungthemselvesonmewithsuchviolencethatIwasobligedtogiveway，andforthemostpartofthenightIperformedmyshareofthework，tilltheysawthatIwascompletelyexhausted。
Wefellasleep，andIdidnotwakeuptillnoon，andthenIsawmytwobeautiesstillasleep，withtheirlimbsinterlacedlikethebranchesofatree。Ithoughtwithasighofthepleasuresofsuchasleep，andgotoutofbedgentlyforfearofrousingthem。Iorderedagooddinnertobeprepared，andcountermandedthehorseswhichhadbeenwaitingseveralhours。
ThelandlordrememberingwhatIhaddoneforMadameStuardguessedI
wasgoingtodothesamefortheRinaldis，andlefttheminpeace。
WhenIcamebackIfoundmytwoLesbiansawake，andtheygavemesuchanamorouswelcomethatIfeltinclinedtocompletetheworkofthenightwithalover’sgoodmorning；butIbegantofeeltheneedofhusbandingmyforces，soIdidnothing，andboretheirsarcasmsinsilencetilloneo’clock，whenItoldthemtogetup，asweoughttohavedoneatfiveo’clock，andherewastwoo’clockandbreakfastnotdone。
\"Wehaveenjoyedourselves，\"saidMarcoline，\"andtimethatisgiventoenjoymentisneverlost。\"
Whentheyweredressed，Ihadcoffeebroughtin，andIgaveIrenesixteenlouis，fourofwhichweretoredeemhercloak。Herfatherandmotherwhohadjustdinedcameintobidusgood—day，andIreneproudlygaveherfathertwelveLouistellinghimtoscoldheralittlelessinfuture。Helaughed，wept，andwentout，andthencamebackandsaidhefoundagoodwayofgettingtoAntibesatasmallcost，buttheywouldhavetogodirectly，asthedriverwantedtogettoSt。Andiolbynightfall。
\"Iamquiteready。\"
\"No，dearIrene，\"saidI，\"youshallnotgo；youshalldinewithyourfriend，andyourdrivercanwait。Makehimdoso，CountRinaldi；myniecewillpay，willyounot，Marcoline？\"
\"Certainly。Ishouldliketodinehere，andstillbettertoputoffourdeparturetillthenextday。\"
Herwishesweremyorders。Wehadadelicioussupperatfiveo’clock，andateightwewenttobedandspentthenightinwantonness，butatfiveinthemorningallwerereadytostart。
Irene，whoworeherhandsomecloak，shedhottearsatpartingfromMarcoline，whoalsoweptwithallherheart。OldRinaldi，whoprovedhimselfnoprophet，toldmethatIshouldmakeagreatfortuneinEngland，andhisdaughtersighedtobeinMarcoline’splace。
WeshallhearofRinaldilateron。
Wedroveonforfifteenpostswithoutstopping，andpassedthenightatValence。Thefoodwasbad，butMarcolineforgotherdiscomfortintalkingofIrene。
\"Doyouknow，\"saidshe，\"thatifithadbeeninmypowerIshouldhavetakenherfromherparents。Ibelievesheisyourdaughter，thoughsheisnotlikeyou。\"
\"HowcanshebemydaughterwhenIhaveneverknownhermother？\"
\"Shetoldmethatcertainly。\"
\"Didn’tshetellyouanythingelse？\"
\"Yes，shetoldmethatyoulivedwithherforthreedaysandboughthermaidenheadforathousandsequins。\"
\"Quiteso，butdidshetellyouthatIpaidthemoneytoherfather？\"
\"Yes，thelittlefooldoesn’tkeepanythingforherself。Idon’tthinkIshouldeverbejealousofyourmistresses，ifyouletmesleepwiththem。Isnotthatamarkofagooddisposition？
Tellme。\"
\"Youhave，nodoubt，agooddisposition，butyoucouldbequiteasgoodwithoutyourdominantpassion。\"
\"Itisnotapassion。IonlyhavedesiresforthoseIlove。\"
\"Whogaveyouthistaste？\"
\"Nature。Ibeganatseven，andinthelasttenyearsIhavecertainlyhadfourhundredsweethearts。\"
\"Youbeginearly。Butwhendidyoubegintohavemalesweethearts？\"
\"Ateleven。\"
\"Tellmeallaboutit。\"
\"FatherMolini，amonk，wasmyconfessor，andheexpressedadesiretoknowthegirlwhowasthenmysweetheart。Itwasinthecarnivaltime，andhegaveusamoraldiscourse，tellingusthathewouldtakeustotheplayifwewouldpromisetoabstainforaweek。Wepromisedtodoso，andattheendoftheweekwewenttotellhimthatwehadkeptourwordfaithfully。ThenextdayFatherMolinicalledonmysweetheart’sauntinamask，andassheknewhim，andashewasamonkandaconfessor，wewereallowedtogowithhim。
Besides，weweremerechildren；mysweetheartwasonlyayearolderthanI。
\"Aftertheplaythefathertookustoaninn，andgaveussomesupper；andwhenthemealwasoverhespoketousofoursin，andwantedtoseeourprivates。’It’sagreatsinbetweentwogirls，’
saidhe，’butbetweenamanandawomanitisavenialmatter。Doyouknowhowmenaremade？’Webothknew，butwesaidnowithoneconsent。’Thenwouldyouliketoknow？’saidhe。Wesaidweshouldliketoknowverymuch，andheadded，’Ifyouwillpromisetokeepitasecret，Imaybeabletosatisfyyourcuriosity。’Wegaveourpromises，andthegoodfatherproceededtogratifyuswithasightofthericheswhichnaturehadlavishedonhim，andinthecourseofanhourhehadturnedusintowomen。Imustconfessthatheunderstoodsowellhowtoworkonourcuriositythattherequestcamefromus。
Threeyearslater，whenIwasfourteen，Ibecamethemistressofayoungjeweller。Thencameyourbrother；buthegotnothingfromme，becausehebeganbysayingthathecouldnotaskmetogivehimanyfavourstillweweremarried。\"
\"Youmusthavebeenamusedatthat。\"
\"Yes，itdidmakemelaugh，becauseIdidnotknowthatapriestcouldgetmarried；andheexcitedmycuriositybytellingmethattheymanageditatGeneva。Curiosityandwantonnessmademeescapewithhim；youknowtherest。\"
ThusdidMarcolineamusemeduringtheevening，andthenwewenttobedandsleptquietlytillthemorning。WestartedfromValenceatfive，andintheeveningweweresetdownatthe\"HotelduParc\"atLyons。
AssoonasIwassettledinthepleasantapartmentsallottedtomeI
wenttoMadamed’Urfe，whowasstayinginthePlaceBellecour，andsaid，asusual，thatshewassureIwascomingonthatday。Shewantedtoknowifshehadperformedtheceremoniescorrectly，andParalis，ofcourse，informedherthatshehad，whereatshewasmuchflattered。TheyoungArandawaswithher，andafterIhadkissedhimaffectionatelyItoldthemarchionessthatIwouldbewithheratteno’clockthenextmorning，andsoIlefther。
Ikepttheappointmentandwespentthewholeofthedayincloseconference，askingoftheoracleconcerningherbeingbroughttobed，howshewastomakeherwill，andhowsheshouldcontrivetoescapepovertyinherregeneratedshape。TheoracletoldherthatshemustgotoParisforherlying—in，andleaveallherpossessionstoherson，whowouldnotbeabastard，asParalispromisedthatassoonasIgottoLondonanEnglishgentlemanshouldbesentovertomarryher。Finally，theoracleorderedhertopreparetostartinthreedays，andtotakeArandawithher。IhadtotakethelattertoLondonandreturnhimtohismother，forhisrealpositioninlifewasnolongeramystery，thelittlerascalhavingconfessedall；
however，IhadfoundaremedyforhisindiscretionasforthetreacheryoftheCorticelliandPossano。
Ilongedtoreturnhimtothekeepingofhismother，whoconstantlywrotemeimpertinentletters。Ialsowishedtotakemydaughter，who，accordingtohermother，hadbecomeaprodigyofgraceandbeauty。
Aftertheoracularbusinesshadbeensettled，Ireturnedtothe\"HotelduParc\"todinewithMarcoline。Itwasverylate，andasI
couldnottakemysweethearttotheplayIcalledonM。BonotoenquirewhetherhehadsentmybrothertoParis。Hetoldmethathehadgonethedaybefore，andthatmygreatenemy，Possano，wasstillinLyons，andthatIwoulddowelltobeonmyguardasfarashewasconcerned。
\"Ihaveseenhim，\"saidBono；\"helookspaleandundone，andseemsscarcelyabletostand。’Ishalldiebeforelong，’saidhe，’forthatscoundrelCasanovahashadmepoisoned；butIwillmakehimpaydearlyforhiscrime，andinthisverytownofLyons，whereIknowhewillcome，soonerorlater。’
\"Infact，inthecourseofhalfanhour，hemadesometerribleaccusationsagainstyou，speakingasifhewereinafury。Hewantsalltheworldtoknowthatyouarethegreatestvillainunhung，thatyouareruiningMadamed’Urfewithyourimpiouslies；thatyouareasorcerer，aforger，anutteroffalsemoneys，apoisoner——inshort，theworstofmen。Hedoesnotintendtopublishalibellouspamphletuponyou，buttoaccuseyoubeforethecourts，allegingthathewantsreparationforthewrongsyouhavedonehisperson，hishonour，andhislife，forhesaysyouarekillinghimbyaslowpoison。Headdsthatforeveryarticlehepossessesthestrongestproof。
\"Iwillsaynothingaboutthevagueabuseheaddstotheseformalaccusations，butIhavefeltitmydutytowarnyouofhistreacherousdesignsthatyoumaybeabletodefeatthem。It’snogoodsayingheisamiserablewretch，andthatyoudespisehim；youknowhowstrongathingcalumnyis。\"
\"Wheredoesthefellowlive？\"
\"Idon’tknowintheleast。\"
\"HowcanIfindout？\"
\"Ican’tsay，forifheishidinghimselfonpurposeitwouldbehardtogetathim。\"
\"Nevertheless，Lyonsisnotsovastaplace。\"
\"Lyonsisaperfectmaze，andthereisnobetterhiding—place，especiallytoamanwithmoney，andPossanohasmoney。\"
\"Butwhatcanhedotome？\"
\"Hecaninstituteproceedingsagainstyouinthecriminalcourt，whichwouldcauseyouimmenseanxietyandbringdownyourgoodnametothedust，eventhoughyoubethemostinnocent，themostjustofmen。\"
\"Itseemstome，then，thatthebestthingIcandowillbetobefirstinthefield。\"
\"SoIthink，buteventhenyoucannotavoidpublicity。\"
\"Tellmefranklyifyoufeeldisposedtobearwitnesstowhattherascalhassaidinacourtofjustice。\"
\"IwilltellallIknowwithperfecttruth。\"
\"Bekindenoughtotellmeofagoodadvocate。\"
\"Iwillgiveyoutheaddressofoneofthebest；butreflectbeforeyoudoanything。Theaffairwillmakeanoise。\"
\"AsIdon’tknowwherehelives，Ihavereallynochoiceinthematter。\"
IfIhadknownwherehelivedIcouldhavehadPossanoexpelledfromLyonsthroughtheinfluenceofMadamed’Urfe，whoserelative，M。delaRochebaron，wasthegovernor；butasitwas，IhadnoothercoursethantheoneItook。
AlthoughPossanowasaliarandanungrateful，treacheroushound，yetIcouldnothelpbeinguneasy。Iwenttomyhotel，andproceededtoaskforpoliceprotectionagainstamaninhidinginLyons，whohaddesignsagainstmylifeandhonour。
ThenextdayM。BonocametodissuademefromthecourseIhadtaken。
\"For，\"saidhe，\"thepolicewillbegintosearchforhim，andassoonashehearsofithewilltakeproceedingsagainstyouinthecriminalcourts，andthenyourpositionswillbechanged。ItseemstomethatifyouhavenoimportantbusinessatLyonsyouhadbetterhastenyourdeparture。\"
\"DoyouthinkIwoulddosuchathingforamiserablefellowlikePossano？No！IwoulddespisemyselfifIdid。IwoulddieratherthanhastenmydepartureonaccountofarascalwhomIloadedwithkindnesses，despitehisunworthiness！Iwouldgiveahundredlouistoknowwhereheisnow。\"
\"IamdelightedtosaythatIdonotknowanythingaboutit，forifI
didIwouldtellyou，andthenGodknowswhatwouldhappen！Youwon’tgoanysooner；well，then，beginproceedings，andIwillgivemyevidencebywordofmouthorwritingwheneveryouplease。\"
IwenttotheadvocatewhomM。Bonohadrecommendedtome，andtoldhimmybusiness。WhenheheardwhatIwantedhesaid，————
\"Icandonothingforyou，sir，asIhaveundertakenthecaseofyouropponent。Youneednotbealarmed，however，athavingspokentome，forIassureyouthatIwillmakenousewhateveroftheinformation。
Possano’spleaoraccusationwillnotbedrawnuptillthedayafterto—morrow，butIwillnottellhimtomakebasteforfearofyouranticipatinghim，asIhaveonlybeeninformedofyourintentionsbyhazard。However，youwillfindplentyofadvocatesatLyonsashonestasIam，andmoreskilled。\"
\"Couldyougivemethenameofone？\"
\"Thatwouldnotbeetiquette，butM。Bono，whoseemstohavekindlyspokenofmewithsomeesteem，willbeabletoserveyou。\"
\"Canyoutellmewhereyourclientlives？\"
\"Sincehischiefaimistoremainhidden，andwithgoodcause，youwillseethatIcouldnotthinkofdoingsuchathing。\"
InbiddinghimfarewellIputalouisonthetable，andthoughIdiditwiththeutmostdelicacyheranaftermeandmademetakeitback。
\"Foronceinaway，\"Isaidtomyself，\"here’sanhonestadvocate。\"
AsIwalkedalongIthoughtofputtingaspyonPossanoandfindingouthisabode，forIfeltastrongdesiretohavehimbeatentodeath；butwherewasItofindaspyinatownofwhichIknewnothing？M。Bonogavemethenameofanotheradvocate，andadvisedmetomakehaste。
\"’Tisincriminalmatters\"saidhe，\"andinsuchcasesthefirstcomeralwayshastheadvantage。\"
IaskedhimtofindmeatrustyfellowtotrackouttherascallyPossano，buttheworthymanwouldnothearofit。HeshewedmethatitwouldbedishonourabletosetaspyontheactionsofPossano’sadvocate。Iknewitmyself；butwhatmanistherewhohasnotyieldedtothevoiceofvengeance，themostviolentandleastreasonableofallthepassions。
Iwenttothesecondadvocate，whomIfoundtobeamanvenerablenotonlyinyearsbutinwisdom。Itoldhimallthecircumstancesoftheaffair，whichheagreedtotakeup，sayinghewouldpresentmypleainthecourseoftheday。
\"That’sjustwhatIwantyoutodo，\"saidI，\"forhisownadvocatetoldmethathispleaswouldbepresentedthedayafterto—morrow。\"
\"That，sir，\"saidher\"wouldnotinducemetoactwithanygreaterpromptness，asIcouldnotconsenttoyourabusingtheconfidenceofmycolleague。\"
\"Butthereisnothingdishonourableinmakinguseofinformationwhichonehasacquiredbychance。\"
\"Thatmaybeatenablepositioninsomecases，butinthepresentinstancethenatureoftheaffairjustifiespromptaction。’Priorintempore，Potiorinjure’。Prudencebidsusattackourenemy。Besokind，ifyouplease，tocallhereatthreeo’clockintheafternoon。\"
\"Iwillnotfailtodoso，andinthemeanwhileherearesixlouis。\"
\"Iwillkeepaccountofmyexpenditureonyourbehalf。\"
\"Iwantyounottosparemoney。\"
\"Sir，Ishallspendonlywhatisabsolutelynecessary。\"
IalmostbelievedthatprobityhadchosenahomeforherselfamongsttheLyonsadvocates，andhereImaysay，tothehonouroftheFrenchbar，thatIhaveneverknownamorehonestbodyofmenthantheadvocatesofFrance。
Atthreeo’clock，havingseenthattheplanwasproperlydrawnup，I
wenttoMadamed’Urfe’s，andforfourhoursIworkedtheoracleinamannerthatfilledherwithdelight，andinspiteofmyvexationI
couldnothelplaughingatherinsanefanciesonthesubjectofherpregnancy。Shewascertainofit；shefeltallthesymptoms。ThenshesaidhowsorryshefeltthatshewouldnotbealivetolaughatallthehypothesesoftheParisdoctorsastoherbeingdeliveredofachild，whichwouldbethoughtveryextraordinaryinawomanofherage。
WhenIgotbacktotheinnIfoundMarcolineverymelancholy。Shesaidshehadbeenwaitingformetotakehertotheplay，accordingtomypromise，andthatIshouldnothavemadeherwaitinvain。
\"Youareright，dearest，butanaffairofimportancehaskeptmewiththemarchioness。Don’tbeputout。\"
Ihadneedofsomesuchadvicemyself，forthelegalaffairworriedme，andIsleptveryill。EarlythenextmorningIsawmycounsel，whotoldmethatmypleahadbeenlaidbeforethecriminallieutenant。
\"Forthepresent，\"saidhe，\"thereisnothingmoretobedone，foraswedon’tknowwhereheiswecan’tcitehimtoappear。\"
\"CouldInotsetthepoliceonhistrack？\"
\"Youmight，butIdon’tadviseyoutodoso。Letusconsiderwhattheresultwouldbe。Theaccuserfindinghimselfaccusedwouldhavetodefendhimselfandprovetheaccusationhehasmadeagainstyou。
Butinthepresentstateofthings，ifhedoesnotputinanappearancewewillgetjudgmentagainsthimforcontemptofcourtandalsoforlibel。Evenhiscounselwillleavehiminthelurchifhepersistentlyrefusestoshewhimself。\"
Thisquietedmyfearsalittle，andIspenttherestofthedaywithMadamed’Urfe，whowasgoingtoParisonthemorrow。IpromisedtobewithherassoonasIhaddealtwithcertainmatterswhichconcernedthehonouroftheFraternityR。C……
Hergreatmaximwasalwaystorespectmysecrets，andnevertotroublemewithhercuriosity。Marcoline，whohadbeenpiningbyherselfallday，breathedagainwhenItoldherthathenceforthI
shouldbeallforher。
InthemorningM。BonocametomeandbeggedmetogowithhimtoPossano’scounsel，whowantedtospeaktome。Theadvocatesaidthathisclientwasasortofmadmanwhowasreadytodoanything，ashebelievedhimselftobedyingfromtheeffectsofaslowpoison。
\"Hesaysthatevenifyouarefirstinthefieldhewillhaveyoucondemnedtodeath。Hesayshedoesn’tcareifheissenttoprison，asheiscertainofcomingoutintriumphashehastheproofofallhisaccusations。Heshewstwenty—fivelouiswhichyougavehim，allofwhichareclipped，andheexhibitsdocumentsdatedfromGenoastatingthatyouclippedanumberofgoldpieces，whichweremeltedbyM。Grimaldiinorderthatthepolicemightnotfindtheminyourpossession。Hehasevenaletterfromyourbrother，theabbe，deposingagainstyou。Heisamadman，avictimtosyphilis，whowishestosendyoutotheotherworldbeforehimself，ifhecan。Nowmyadvicetoyouistogivehimsomemoneyandgetridofhim。Hetellsmethatheisthefatherofafamily，andthatifM。Bonowouldgivehimathousandlouishewouldsacrificevengeancetonecessity。
HetoldmetospeaktoM。Bonoaboutit；andnow，sirwhatdoyousay？\"
\"ThatwhichmyjustindignationinspiresmetosayregardingarascalwhomIrescuedfrompoverty，andwhoneverthelesspursuesmewithatrociouscalumnies；heshallnothaveonesinglefarthingofmine。\"
IthentoldtheGenoastory，puttingthingsintheirtruelight，andaddingthatIcouldcallM。Grimaldiasawitnessifnecessary。
\"Ihavedelayedpresentingtheplea，\"saidthecounsel，\"toseeifthescandalcouldbehushedupinanyway，butIwarnyouthatI
shallnowpresentit。\"
\"Doso；Ishallbegreatlyobligedtoyou。\"