Iimmediatelycalledonmyadvocate，andtoldhimoftherascal’sproposal；andhesaidIwasquiterighttorefusetohaveanydealingswithsuchafellow。HeaddedthatasIhadM。BonoasawitnessIoughttomakePossano’sadvocatepresenthisplea，andI
authorizedhimtotakeproceedingsinmyname。
Aclerkwasimmediatelysenttothecriminallieutenant，prayinghimtocommandtheadvocatetobringbeforehim，inthreedays，thepleaofoneAnami，aliasPogomas，aliasPossano，thesaidpleabeingagainstJacquesCasanova，commonlycalledtheChevalierdeSeingalt。
Thisdocument，towhichIaffixedmysignature，waslaidbeforethecriminallieutenant。
Ididnotcareforthethreedays’delay，butmycounseltoldmeitwasalwaysgiven，andthatImustmakeupmymindtosubmittoallthevexationIshouldbeobligedtoundergo，evenifwewerewhollysuccessful。
AsMadamed’UrfehadtakenherdepartureinconformitywiththeordersofParalis，IdinedwithMarcolineattheinn，andtriedtoraisemyspiritsbyallthemeansinmypower。Itookmymistresstothebestmillinersanddressmakersinthetown，andboughthereverythingshetookafancyto；andthenwewenttothetheatre，whereshemusthavebeenpleasedtoseealleyesfixedonher。
MadamePernon，whowasinthenextboxtoours，mademeintroduceMarcolinetoher；andfromthewaytheyembracedeachotherwhentheplaywasoverIsawtheywerelikelytobecomeintimate，theonlyobstacletotheirfriendshipbeingthatMadamePernondidnotknowawordofItalian，andthatMarcolinedidnotdaretospeakawordofFrenchforfearofmakingherselfridiculous。Whenwegotbacktotheinn，MarcolinetoldmethathernewfriendhadgivenhertheFlorentinekiss:thisistheshibbolethofthesect。
Theprettynick—nacksIhadgivenherhadmadeherhappy；herardourwasredoubled，andthenightpassedjoyously。
Ispentthenextdayingoingfromshoptoshop，makingfreshpurchasesforMarcoline，andwesuppedmerrilyatMadamePernon’s。
Thedayafter，M。Bonocametoseemeatanearlyhourwithasmileofcontentonhisface。
\"Letusgoandbreakfastatacoffee—house，\"saidhe；\"wewillhavesomediscussiontogether。\"
WhenwewerebreakfastingheshewedmealetterwrittenbyPossano，inwhichtherascalsaidthathewasreadytoabandonproceedingsprovidedthatM。deSeingaltgavehimahundredlouis，onreceiptofwhichhepromisedtoleaveLyonsimmediately。
\"Ishouldbeagreatfool，\"saidI，\"ifIgavetheknavemoremoneytoescapefromthehandsofjustice。Lethimgoifhelikes，Iwon’tpreventhim；buthehadbetternotexpectmetogivehimanything。
Hewillhaveawritoutagainsthimto—morrow。Ishouldliketoseehimbrandedbythehangman。Hehasslanderedme，hisbenefactor，toogrievously；lethimprovewhathesays，orbedishonouredbeforeallmen。\"
\"Hisabandoningtheproceedings，\"saidM。Bono，\"wouldinmyopinionamounttothesamethingashisfailingtoprovehischarges，andyouwoulddowelltopreferittoatrialwhichwoulddoyourreputationnogood，evenifyouwerecompletelysuccessful。Andthehundredlouisisnothingincomparisonwiththecostsofsuchatrial。\"
\"M。Bono，Ivalueyouradviceveryhighly，andstillmorehighlythekindlyfeelingswhichpromptyou，butyoumustallowmetofollowmyownopinioninthiscase。\"
IwenttomycounselandtoldhimofthefreshproposalthatPossanohadmade，andofmyrefusaltolistentoit，begginghimtotakemeasuresforthearrestofthevillainwhohadvowedmydeath。
ThesameeveningIhadMadamePernonandM。Bono，whowasherlover，tosupwithme；andasthelatterhadagoodknowledgeofItalianMarcolinewasabletotakepartinthemerrimentofthecompany。
ThenextdayBonowrotetotellmethatPossanohadleftLyonsnevertoreturn，andthathehadsignedafullandsatisfactoryretraction。
Iwasnotsurprisedtohearofhisflight，buttheothercircumstanceIcouldnotunderstand。IthereforehastenedtocallonBono，whoshowedmethedocument，whichwascertainlyplainenough。
\"Willthatdo？\"saidhe。
\"SowellthatIforgivehim，butIwonderhedidnotinsistonthehundredLouis。\"
\"Mydearsir，Igavehimthemoneywithpleasure，topreventascandalousaffairwhichwouldhavedoneusallharminbecomingpublic。IfIhadtoldyounothing，youcouldn’thavetakenanystepsinthematter，andIfeltmyselfobligedtorepairthemischiefIhaddoneinthisway。Youwouldhaveknownnothingaboutit，ifyouhadsaidthatyouwerenotsatisfied。Iamonlytoogladtohavebeenenabledtoskewmyfriendshipbythistriflingservice。Wewillsaynomoreaboutit。\"
\"Verygood，\"saidI，embracinghim，\"wewillsaynomore，butpleasetoreceivetheassuranceofmygratitude。\"
IconfessIfeltmuchrelievedatbeingfreedfromthistroublesomebusiness。
EndToLondonByJacquesCasanovaMEMOIRSOFJACQUESCASANOVAdeSEINGALT1725—1798
INLONDONANDMOSCOW，Volume5b——TOLONDON
THEMEMOIRSOFJACQUESCASANOVADESEINGALT
THERAREUNABRIDGEDLONDONEDITIONOF1894TRANSLATEDBYARTHUR
MACHENTOWHICHHASBEENADDEDTHECHAPTERSDISCOVEREDBYARTHUR
SYMONS。
TOLONDON
CHAPTERV
IMeettheVenetianAmbassadorsatLyons，andalsoMarcoline’sUncle——IPartfromMarcolineandSetOutforParis——AnAmorousJourneyThusfreedfromthecareswhichthedreadfulslandersofPossanohadcausedme，IgavemyselfuptotheenjoymentofmyfairVenetian，doingallinmypowertoincreaseherhappiness，asifIhadhadapremonitionthatweshouldsoonbeseparatedfromoneanother。
ThedayafterthesupperIgavetoMadamePernonandM。Bono，wewenttothetheatretogether，andintheboxoppositetousIsawM。
Querini，theprocurator，Morosini，M。Memmo，andCountStratico，aProfessoroftheUniversityofPadua。Iknewallthesegentlemen；
theyhadbeeninLondon，andwerepassingthroughLyonsontheirreturntoVenice。
\"Farewell，fairMarcoline！\"Isaidtomyself，feelingquitebroken—
hearted，butIremainedcalm，andsaidnothingtoher。ShedidnotnoticethemasshewasabsorbedinherconversationwithM。Bono，andbesides，shedidnotknowthembysight。IsawthatM。Memmohadseenmeandwastellingtheprocuratorofmypresence，andasIknewthelatterverywellIfeltboundtopaythemmyrespectsthenandthere。
Querinireceivedmeverypolitelyforadevotee，asalsodidMorosini，whileMemmoseemedmoved；butnodoubtherememberedthatitwaschieflyduetohismotherthatIhadbeenimprisonedeightyearsago。IcongratulatedthegentlemenontheirembassytoEngland，ontheirreturntotheirnativeland，andforform’ssakecommendedmyselftotheirgoodofficestoenablemetoreturnalso。
M。Morosini，noticingtherichnessofmydressandmygeneralappearanceofprosperity，saidthatwhileIhadtostayawayhehadtoreturn，andthatheconsideredmetheluckierman。
\"Yourexcellencyiswellaware，\"saidI，\"thatnothingissweeterthanforbiddenfruit。\"
Hesmiled，andaskedmewhitherIwentandwhenceIcame。
\"IcomefromRome，\"Ianswered，\"whereIhadsomeconversewiththeHolyFather，whomIknewbefore，andIamgoingthroughParisonmywaytoLondon。
\"Callonmehere，ifyouhavetime，Ihavealittlecommissiontogiveyou。\"
\"Ishallalwayshavetimetoserveyourexcellencyin。Areyoustoppinghereforlong？\"
\"Threeorfourdays。\"
WhenI’gotbacktomyboxMarcolineaskedmewhowerethegentlementowhomIhadbeenspeaking。Iansweredcoollyandindifferently，butwatchingherasIspoke，thattheyweretheVenetianambassadorsontheirwayfromLondon。Theflushofhercheekdiedawayandwasreplacedbypallor；sheraisedhereyestoheaven，loweredthem，andsaidnotaword。Myheartwasbroken。AfewminutesafterwardssheaskedmewhichwasM。Querini，andafterIhadpointedhimouttohershewatchedhimfurtivelyfortherestoftheevening。
Thecurtainfell，weleftourbox，andatthedoorofthetheatrewefoundtheambassadorswaitingfortheircarriage。Minewasinthesamelineastheirs。TheambassadorQuerinisaid，——
\"Youhaveaveryprettyyoungladywithyou。\"
Marcolinesteppedforward，seizedhishand，andkisseditbeforeI
couldanswer。
Querini，whowasgreatlyastonished，thankedherandsaid，——
\"WhathaveIdonetodeservethishonour？\"
\"Because，\"saidMarcoline，speakingintheVenetiandialect，\"IhavethehonourofknowinghisexcellencyM。Querini。\"
\"WhatareyoudoingwithM。Casanova？\"
\"Heismyuncle。\"
Mycarriagecameup。Imadeaprofoundbowtotheambassadors，andcalledouttothecoachman，\"Tothe’HotelduParc’。\"ItwasthebesthotelinLyons，andIwasnotsorryfortheVenetianstohearwhereIwasstaying。
Marcolinewasindespair，forshesawthatthetimeforpartingwasnearathand。
\"Wehavethreeorfourdaysbeforeus，\"saidI，\"inwhichwecancontrivehowtocommunicatewithyouruncleMattio。ImustcommendyouhighlyforkissingM。Querini’shand。Thatwasamasterstrokeindeed。Allwillgooffwell；butIhopeyouwillbemerry，forsadnessIabhor。\"
WewerestillattablewhenIheardthevoiceofM。Memmointheante—chamber；hewasayoungman，intelligentandgood—natured。I
warnedMarcolinenottosayawordaboutourprivateaffairs，buttodisplayamoderategaiety。Theservantannouncedtheyoungnobleman，andwerosetowelcomehim；buthemadeussitdownagain，andsatbesideus，anddrankaglassofwinewiththeutmostcordiality。HetoldmehowhehadbeensuppingwiththeolddevoteeQuerini，whohadhadhishandkissedbyayoungandfairVenetian。Theambassadorsweremuchamusedatthecircumstance，andQuerinihimself，inspiteofhisscrupulousconscience，wasgreatlyflattered。
\"MayIaskyou，mademoiselle，\"headded，\"howyoucametoknowM。
Querini？\"
\"It’samystery，sir。\"
\"Amystery，isit？Whatfunweshallhavetomorrow！Ihavecome，\"
hesaid，addressinghimselftome，\"toaskyoutodinewithusto—
morrow，andyoumustbringyourcharmingniece。\"
\"Wouldyouliketogo，Marcoline？\"
\"’Congrandissimopiacere’！WeshallspeakVenetian，shallwenot？\"
\"Certainly。\"
\"’Eviva’！IcannotlearnFrench。\"
\"M。Queriniisinthesameposition，\"saidM。Memmo。
Afterhalfanhour’sagreeableconversationheleftus，andMarcolineembracedmewithdelightathavingmadesuchagoodimpressiononthesegentlemen。
\"Putonyourbestdressto—morrow，\"saidI，\"anddonotforgetyourjewels。Beagreeabletoeverybody，butpretendnottoseeyourUncleMattio，whowillbesuretowaitattable。\"
\"YoumaybesureIshallfollowyouradvicetotheletter。\"
\"AndImeantomaketherecognitionasceneworthyofthedrama。I
intendthatyoushallbetakenbacktoVenicebyM。Querinihimself，whileyourunclewilltakecareofyoubyhisspecialorders。\"
\"Ishallbedelightedwiththisarrangement，provideditsucceeds。\"
\"Youmaytrusttomeforthat。\"
Atnineo’clockthenextdayIcalledonMorosiniconcerningthecommissionshehadforme。HegavemealittleboxandaletterforLadyHarrington，andanotherletterwiththewords，——
\"TheProcuratorMorosiniisverysorrynottohavebeenabletotakealastleaveofMdlle。Charpillon。\"
\"WhereshallIfindher？\"
\"Ireallydon’tknow。Ifyoufindher，givehertheletter；ifnot，itdoesn’tmatter。That’sadazzlingbeautyyouhavewithyou，Casanova。\"
\"Well，shehasdazzledme。\"
\"ButhowdidsheknowQuerini？\"
\"ShehasseenhimatVenice，butshehasneverspokentohim。\"
\"Ithoughtso；wehavebeenlaughingoverit，butQueriniishugelypleased。Buthowdidyougetholdofher？Shemustbeveryyoung，asMemmosaysshecannotspeakFrench。\"
\"Itwouldbealongstorytotell，andafterallwemetthroughamerechance。\"
\"Sheisnotyourniece。\"
\"Nay，sheismore——sheismyqueen。\"
\"YouwillhavetoteachherFrench，aswhenyougettoLondon。\"
\"Iamnotgoingtotakeherthere；shewantstoreturntoVenice。\"
\"Ipityyouifyouareinlovewithher！Ihopeshewilldinewithus？\"
\"Oh，yes！sheisdelightedwiththehonour。\"
\"Andwearedelightedtohaveourpoorrepastanimatedbysuchacharmingperson。\"
\"Youwillfindherworthyofyourcompany；sheisfullofwit。\"
WhenIgotbacktotheinnItoldMarcolinethatifanythingwassaidatdinneraboutherreturntoVenice，shewastoreplythatnoonecouldmakeherreturnexceptM。Querini，butthatifshecouldhavehisprotectionshewouldgladlygobackwithhim。
\"Iwilldrawyououtofthedifficulty，\"saidI；andshepromisedtocarryoutmyinstructions。
Marcolinefollowedmyadvicewithregardtohertoilette，andlookedbrilliantinallrespects；andI，wishingtoshineintheeyesoftheproudVenetiannobles，haddressedmyselfwiththeutmostrichness。
Iworeasuitofgreyvelvet，trimmedwithgoldandsilverlace；mypointlaceshirtwasworthatleastfiftylouis；andmydiamonds，mywatches，mychains，myswordofthefinestEnglishsteel，mysnuff—
boxsetwithbrilliants，mycrosssetwithdiamonds，mybucklessetwiththesamestones，werealtogetherworthmorethanfiftythousandcrowns。Thisostentation，thoughpuerileinitself，yethadapurpose，forIwishedM。deBragadintoknowthatIdidnotcutabadfigureintheworld；andIwishedtheproudmagistrateswhohadmademequitmynativelandtolearnthatIhadlostnothing，andcouldlaughattheirseverity。
Inthisgorgeousstylewedrovetotheambassador’sdinnerathalf—
pastone。
AllpresentwereVenetians，andtheywelcomedMarcolineenthusiastically。ShewhowasbornwiththeinstinctofgoodmannersbehavedwiththegraceofanymphandthedignityofaFrenchprincess；andassoonasshewasseatedbetweentwograveandreverendsignors，shebeganbysayingthatshewasdelightedtofindherselftheonlyrepresentativeofhersexinthisdistinguishedcompany，andalsothattherewerenoFrenchmenpresent。
\"Thenyoudon’tliketheFrench，\"saidM。Memmo。
\"IlikethemwellenoughsofarasIknowthem，butIamonlyacquaintedwiththeirexterior，asIdon’tspeakorunderstandthelanguage。\"
Afterthiseverybodyknewhowtotakeher，andthegaietybecamegeneral。
Sheansweredallquestionstothepoint，andentertainedthecompanywithherremarksonFrenchmanners，sodifferenttoVenetiancustoms。
InthecourseofdinnerM。Queriniaskedhowshehadknownhim，andsherepliedthatshehadoftenseenhimatDivineservice，whereatthedevoteeseemedgreatlyflattered。M。Morosini，pretendingnottoknowthatshewastoreturntoVenice，toldherthatunlessshemadehastetoacquireFrench，theuniversallanguage，shewouldfindLondonverytedious，astheItalianlanguagewasverylittleknownthere。
\"Ihope，\"shereplied，\"thatM。deSeingaltwillnotbringmeintothesocietyofpeoplewithwhomIcannotexchangeideas。IknowI
shallneverbeabletolearnFrench。\"
WhenwehadleftthetabletheambassadorsbeggedmetotellthestoryofmyescapefromTheLeads，andIwasgladtoobligethem。
Mystorylastedfortwowholehours；andasitwasnoticedthatMarcoline’seyesbecamewetwithtearswhenIcametospeakofmygreatdanger。Shewasrallieduponthecircumstance，andtoldthatnieceswerenotusuallysoemotional。
\"Thatmaybe，gentlemen，\"shereplied，\"thoughIdonotseewhyanieceshouldnotloveheruncle。ButIhaveneverlovedanyoneelsebuttheheroofthetale，andIcannotseewhatdifferencetherecanbebetweenonekindofloveandanother。\"
\"Therearefivekindsofloveknowntoman，\"saidM。Querini。\"Theloveofone’sneighbour，theloveofGod，whichisbeyondcompare，thehighestofall，lovematrimonial，theloveofhouseandhome，andtheloveofself，whichoughttocomelastofall，thoughmanyplaceitinthefirstrank。\"
Thenoblemancommentedbrieflyonthesediversekindsoflove，butwhenhecametotheloveofGodhebegantosoar，andIwasgreatlyastonishedtoseeMarcolinesheddingtears，whichshewipedawayhastilyasiftohidethemfromthesightoftheworthyoldmanwhomwinehadmademoretheologicalthanusual。Feigningtobeenthusiastic，Marcolinetookhishandandkissedit，whileheinhisvainexaltationdrewhertowardshimandkissedheronthebrow，saying，\"Poveretta，youareanangel！\"
Atthisincident，inwhichtherewasmoreloveofourneighbourthanloveofGod，weallbitourlipstopreventourselvesburstingoutlaughing，andtheslylittlepusspretendedtobeextremelymoved。
IneverknewMarcoline’scapacitiestillthen，forsheconfessedthatheremotionwaswhollyfictitious，anddesignedtowintheoldman’sgoodgraces；andthatifshehadfollowedherowninclinationsshewouldhavelaughedheartily。Shewasdesignedtoactaparteitheruponthestageoronathrone。Chancehadordainedthatsheshouldbebornofthepeople，andhereducationhadbeenneglected；butifshehadbeenproperlytutoredshewouldhavebeenfitforanything。
Beforereturninghomewewerewarmlyinvitedtodinnerthenextday。
Aswewantedtobetogether，wedidnotgotothetheatrethatdayandwhenwegothomeIdidnotwaitforMarcolinetoundresstocoverherwithkisses。
\"Dearheart，\"saidI，\"youhavenotshewnmeallyourperfectionstillnow，whenweareabouttopart；youmakemeregretyouaregoingbacktoVenice。Todayyouwonallhearts。\"
\"Keepmethen，withyou，andIwilleverbeasIhavebeento—day。
Bytheway，didyouseemyuncle？\"
\"Ithinkso。Wasitnothewhowasincontinualattendance？\"
\"Yes。Irecognizedhimbyhisring。Didhelook，atme？\"
\"Allthetime，andwithanairofthegreatestastonishment。I
avoidedcatchinghiseye，whichrovedfromyoutomecontinually。\"
\"Ishouldliketoknowwhatthegoodmanthinks！Youwillseehimagainto—morrow。IamsurehewillhavetoldM。Querinithat，Iamhisniece，andconsequentlynotyours。
\"Iexpectso，too。\"
\"AndifM。Querinisaysasmuchtometo—morrow，I，expectIshallhaveto，admitthefact。Whatdoyouthink？\"
\"Youmustundoubtedlytellhimthetruth，butfranklyandopenly，andsoasnottolethimthinkthatyouhaveneedofhimtoreturntoVenice。Heisnotyourfather，andhasnorightoveryourliberty。\"
\"Certainlynot。\"
\"Verygood。YoumustalsoagreethatIamnotyouruncle，andthatthebondbetweenusis，ofthemosttenderdescription。Will，therebeanydifficultyisthat？\"
\"Howcanyouaskmesuchaquestion？Thelinkbetweenusmakesmefeelproud，andwilleverdoso。\"
\"Well，well，Isaynomore。Itrustentirelyinyourtact。RememberthatQueriniandnoothermusttakeyoubacktoVenice；hemusttreatyouasifyouwerehisdaughter。Ifhewillnotconsent，youshallnotreturnatall。\"
\"WouldtoGoditwereso！\"
EarlythenextmorningIgotanotefromM。Querinirequestingmetocallonhim，ashewantedtospeaktomeonamatterofimportance。
\"Wearegettingon，\"saidMarcoline。\"Iamverygladthatthingshavetakenthisturn，forwhenyoucomebackyoucantellmethewholestory，andIcanregulatemyconductaccordingly。\"
IfoundQueriniandMorosinitogether。TheygavemetheirhandswhenIcamein，andQueriniaskedmetositdown，sayingthattherewouldbenothinginourdiscussionwhichM。Morosinimightnothear。
\"Ihaveaconfidencetomaketoyou，M。Casanova，\"hebegan；\"butfirstIwantyoutodomethesamefavor。\"
\"Icanhavenosecretsfromyourexcellency。\"
\"Iamobligedtoyou，andwilltrytodeserveyourgoodopinion。
Ibegthatyouwilltellmesincerelywhetheryouknowtheyoungpersonwhoiswithyou，fornoonebelievesthatsheisyourniece。\"
\"Itistruethatsheis——notmyniece，butnotbeingacquaintedwithherrelationsorfamilyIcannotbesaidtoknowherinthesensewhichyourexcellencygivestotheword。Nevertheless，IamproudtoconfessthatIloveherwithanaffectionwhichwillnotendsavewithmylife。\"
\"Iamdelightedtohearyousayso。Howlonghaveyouhadher？\"
\"Nearlytwomonths。\"
\"Verygood！Howdidshefallintoyourhands？\"
\"Thatisapointwhichonlyconcernsher，andyouwillallowmenottoanswerthatquestion。\"
\"Good！wewillgoon。Thoughyouareinlovewithher，itisverypossiblethatyouhavenevermadeanyenquiriesrespectingherfamily。\"
\"Shehastoldmethatshehasafatherandamother，poorbuthonest，butIconfessIhaveneverbeencuriousenoughtoenquirehername。
Ionlyknowherbaptismalname，whichispossiblynothertrueone，butitdoesquitewellforme。\"
\"Shehasgivenyouhertruename。\"
\"Yourexcellencysurprisesme！Youknowher，then？\"
\"Yes；Ididnotknowheryesterday，butIdonow。Twomonths……
Marcoline……yes，itmustbeshe。Iamnowcertainthatmymanisnotmad。\"
\"Yourman？\"
\"Yes，sheishisniece。WhenwewereatLondonheheardthatshehadleftthepaternalroofaboutthemiddleofLent。Marcoline’smother，whoishissister，wrotetohim。Hewasafraidtospeaktoheryesterday，becauseshelookedsogrand。Heeventhoughthemustbemistaken，andhewouldhavebeenafraidofoffendingmebyspeakingtoagrandladyatmytable。Shemusthaveseenhim，too。\"
\"Idon’tthinkso，shehassaidnothingaboutittome。\"
\"Itistruethathewasstandingbehindherallthetime。Butletuscometothepoint。IsMarcolineyourwife，orhaveyouanyintentionofmarryingher？\"
\"Iloveherastenderlyasanymancanloveawoman，butIcannotmakeherawife；thereasonsareknownonlytoherselfandme。\"
\"Irespectyoursecret；buttellmeifyouwouldobjecttomybegginghertoreturntoVenicewithheruncle？\"
\"IthinkMarcolineishappy，butifshehassucceededingainingthefavourofyourexcellency，sheishappierstill；andIfeelsurethatifsheweretogobacktoVeniceundertheexaltedpatronageofyourexcellency，shewouldeffaceallstainsonherreputation。Astopermittinghertogo，Icanputnostumblingblockintheway，forI
amnothermaster。AsherloverIwoulddefendhertothelastdropofmyblood，butifshewantstoleavemeIcanonlyassent，thoughwithsorrow。\"
\"Youspeakwithmuchsense，andIhopeyouwillnotbedispleasedatmyundertakingthisgoodwork。OfcourseIshalldonothingwithoutyourconsent。\"
\"Irespectthedecreesoffatewhentheyarepromulgatedbysuchamanasyou。IfyourexcellencycaninduceMarcolinetoleaveme，I
willmakenoobjection；butIwarnyouthatshemustbewonmildly。
Sheisintelligent，shelovesme，andsheknowsthatsheisindependent；besidesshereckonsonme，andshehascausetodoso。
Speaktoherto—daybyherself；mypresencewouldonlybeinyourway。Waittilldinnerisover；theinterviewmightlastsometime。\"
\"MydearCasanova，youareanhonestman。Iamdelightedtohavemadeyouracquaintance。\"
\"Youdometoomuchhonour。ImaysaythatMarcolinewillhearnothingofallthis。\"
WhenIgotbacktotheinn，IgaveMarcolineanexactaccountofthewholeconversation，warningherthatshewouldbesupposedtoknownothingaboutit。
\"Youmustexecuteamasterlystroke，dearest，\"saidI，\"topersuadeM。QuerinithatIdidnotlieinsayingthatyouhadnotseenyouruncle。Assoonasyouseehim，youmustgiveashoutofsurprise，exclaim，’Mydearuncle！’andrushtohisarms。Thiswouldbeasplendidanddramaticsituation，whichwoulddoyouhonourintheeyesofallthecompany。\"
\"YoumaybesurethatIshallplaythepartverywell，althoughmyheartbesad。\"
Atthetimeappointedwewaitedontheambassadors，andfoundthatalltheotherguestshadassembled。Marcoline，asblitheandsmilingasbefore，firstaccostedM。Querini，andthendidthepolitetoallthecompany。AfewminutesbeforedinnerMattiobroughtinhismaster’sspectaclesonasilvertray。Marcoline，whowassittingnexttoM。Querini，stoppedshortinsomethingshewassaying，andstaringattheman，exclaimedinaquestioningvoice，——
\"Myuncle？\"
\"Yes，mydearniece。\"
Marcolineflungherselfintohisarms，andtherewasamovingscene，whichexcitedtheadmirationofall。
\"IknewyouhadleftVenice，dearuncle，butIdidnotknowyouwereinhisexcellency’sservice。Iamsogladtoseeyouagain！Youwilltellmyfatherandmotheraboutme？YouseeIamhappy。Wherewereyouyesterday？\"
\"Here。\"
\"Andyoudidn’tseeme？\"
\"Yes；butyourunclethere……\"
\"Well，\"saidI，laughing，\"letusknoweachother，cousin，andbegoodfriends。Marcoline，Icongratulateyouonhavingsuchanhonestmanforanuncle。\"
\"Thatisreallyveryfine，\"saidM。Querini；andeverybodyexclaimed，\"Veryaffecting，veryaffectingindeed！\"
Thenewly—founduncledeparted，andwesatdowntodinner，butinspiritswhichdifferedfromthoseofyesterday。Marcolineboretracesofthosemingledemotionsofhappinessandregretwhichmoveloyalheartswhentheycalltomindthernativeland。M。Querinilookedatheradmiringly，andseemedtohavealltheconfidenceofsuccesswhichagoodactiongivestothemind。M。Morosinisatapleasedspectator。Theotherswereattentiveandcuriousastowhatwouldcomenext。Theylistenedtowhatwassaid，andhungonMarcoline’slips。
Afterthefirstcoursetherewasgreaterunisoninthecompany，andM。MorosinitoldMarcolinethatifshewouldreturntoVeniceshewouldbesureoffindingahusbandworthyofher。
\"Imustbethejudgeofthat，\"saidshe。
\"Yes，butitisagoodthingtohaverecoursetotheadviceofdiscreetpersonswhoareinterestedinthehappinessofbothparties。\"
\"Excuseme，butIdonotthinkso。IfIevermarry，myhusbandwillhavetopleasemefirst。\"
\"Whohastaughtyouthismaxim？\"saidQuerini。
\"Myuncle，Casanova，whohas，Iverilybelieve，taughtmeeverythingthatcanbelearntinthetwomonthsIhavebeenhappyenoughtolivewithhim。\"
\"Icongratulatethemasterandthepupil，butyouarebothtooyoungtohavelearntalltherangeofscience。Moralsciencecannotbelearntintwomonths。\"
\"Whathisexcellencyhasjustsaid，\"saidI，turningtoMarcoline，\"isperfectlycorrect。Inaffairsofmarriagebothpartiesshouldrelytoagreatextentontheadviceoffriends，formeremarriagesofinclinationareoftenunhappy。\"
\"Thatisareallyphilosophicalremark，mydearMarcoline，\"saidQuerini；\"buttellmethequalitieswhichinyouropinionaredesirableinahusband。\"
\"Ishouldbepuzzledtonamethem，buttheywouldallbecomemanifestinthemanthatpleasedme。\"
\"Andsupposinghewereaworthlessfellow？\"
\"Hewouldcertainlynotpleaseme，andthat’sthereasonwhyIhavemadeupmymindnevertomarryamanwhomIhavenotstudied。\"
\"Supposingyoumadeamistake？\"
\"ThenIwouldweepinsecret。\"
\"Howifyouwerepoor？\"
\"Sheneedneverfearpoverty，mylord，\"saidI。\"Shehasanincomeoffiftycrownsamonthfortheremainderofherlife。\"
\"Oh，that’sadifferentmatter。Ifthatisso，sweetheart，youareprivileged。YouwillbeabletoliveatVeniceinperfectindependence。\"
\"IthinkthattolivehonourablythereIonlyneedtheprotectionofalordlikeyourexcellency。\"
\"Astothat，Marcoline，IgiveyoumywordthatIwilldoallinmypowerforyouifyoucometoVenice。Butletmeaskyouonequestion，howareyousureofyourincomeoffiftycrownsamonth？
Youarelaughing。\"
\"IlaughbecauseIamsuchasillylittlething。Idon’thaveanyheedformyownbusiness。Myfriendtherewilltellyouallaboutit。\"
\"Youhavenotbeenjoking，haveyou？\"saidtheworthyoldmantome。
\"Marcoline，\"saidI，\"hasnotonlycapitalwhichwillproducealargersumthanthatwhichIhavenamed，butshehasalsovaluablepossessions。Yourexcellencywillnoteherwisdominsayingthatshewouldneedyourlordship’sprotectionatVenice，forshewillrequiresomeonetolookaftertheinvestmentofhercapital。Thewholeamountisinmyhands，andifshelikesMarcolinecanhaveitallinlessthantwohours。\"
\"Verygood；thenyoumuststartforVenicethedayafterto—morrow。
Mattioisquitereadytoreceiveyou。\"
\"Ihavethegreatestrespectandloveformyuncle，butitisnottohiscarethatyourexcellencymustcommendmeifIresolvetogo。\"
\"Thentowhom？\"
\"Toyourowncare，mylord。Yourexcellencyhascalledmedeardaughtertwoorthreetimes，leadme，then，toVenice，likeagoodfather，andIwillcomewillingly；otherwiseIprotestIwillnotleavethemantowhomIoweallIhave。IwillstartforLondonwithhimthedayafterto—morrow。\"
Atthesewordswhichdelightedmesilencefellonall。TheywaitedforM。Querinitospeak，andthegeneralopinionseemedtobethathehadgonetoofartobeabletodrawback。Nevertheless，theoldmankeptsilence；perhapsinhischaracterofdevoteehewasafraidofbeingledintotemptation，orofgivingoccasiontoscandal，andtheotherguestsweresilentlikehim，andatetokeepeachotherincountenance。Mattio’shandtrembledashewaited；Marcolinealonewascalmandcollected。Dessertwasserved，andstillnoonedaredtosayaword。Allatoncethiswonderfulgirlsaid，inaninspiredvoice，asifspeakingtoherself，——
\"WemustadorethedecreesofDivineProvidence，butaftertheissue，sincemortalsarenotabletodiscernthefuture，whetheritbegoodorwhetheritbeevil。\"
\"Whatdoesthatreflectionrelateto，mydeardaughter？\"saidM。
Querini，\"andwhydoyoukissmyhandnow？\"
\"Ikissyourhandbecauseyouhavecalledmeyourdeardaughterforthefourthtime。\"
Thisjudiciousremarkelicitedasmileofapprovalfromall，andrestoredthegeneralgaiety；butM。QueriniaskedMarcolinetoexplainherobservationonProvidence。
\"Itwasaninspiration，andtheresultofself—examination。Iamwell；Ihavelearnedsomethingoflife；Iamonlyseventeen，andinthecourseoftwomonthsIhavebecomerichbyhonestmeans。Iamallhappy，andyetIowemyhappinesstothegreatesterroramaidencancommit。ThusIhumblemyselfbeforethedecrees，ofProvidenceandadoreitswisdom。\"
\"Youareright，but，nonethelessyououghttorepentofwhatyouhavedone。\"
\"That’swhereIampuzzled；forbeforeIcanrepent；Imustthinkofit，andwhenIthinkofitIfindnothingforwhichtorepent。I
supposeIshallhavetoconsultsomegreattheologianonthepoint。\"
\"Thatwillnotbenecessary；youare，intelligent，andyourheartisgood，andIwillgiveyouthenecessaryinstructionontheway。Whenonerepentsthereisnoneedtothinkofthepleasurewhichoursinshavegivenus。\"
InhischaracterofapostlethegoodM。Queriniwasbecomingpiouslyamorousofhisfairproselyte。Heleftthetableforafewmoments，andwhenhereturnedhe，toldMarcolinethatifhehadayoungladytotaketo，Veniceheshouldbeobligedtoleaveherinthecareofhishousekeeper，DameVeneranda，inwhomhehadeveryconfidence。
\"Ihavejustbeenspeakingtoher；andifyouwouldliketocome，allisarranged。Youshallsleepwithher，anddinewithustillwegettoVenice，andthenIwilldeliver，youintoyourmother’skeeping，inthepresenceofyouruncle。Whatdoyousay？\"
\"Iwillcomewithpleasure:\"
\"ComeandseeDameVeneranda。\"
\"Willingly。\"
\"Comewithus，Casanova。\"
DameVenerandalookedaperfectcannoness，andIdidnotthinkthatMarcolinewouldfall，inlovewithher，butsheseemedsensibleandtrustworthy。M。QuerinitoldherinourpresencewhathehadjusttoldMarcoline，andtheduennaassuredhimthatshewouldtake，theutmostcareoftheyounglady。Marcolinekissedherandcalledhermother，thusgainingtheoldlady’s，goodgraces。Werejoined，thecompany，whoexpressedtoMarcolinetheirintensepleasureathavingherforacompanionontheirjourney。
\"Ishallhavetoputmystewardinanothercarriage，\"saidM。Querini，\"asthecalashonlyholdstwo。\"
\"Thatwillnotbenecessary，\"Iremarked，\"forMarcolinehashercarriage，andMistressVenerandawillfinditaverycomfortableone。
Itwillholdherluggageaswell。\"
\"You，wanttogivemeyourcarriage，\"saidMarcoline。\"Youaretoogoodtome\"
Icouldmadenoreply，myemotionwassogreat。Iturnedasideandwiped，awaymytears。Returningtothecompany，IfoundthatMarcolinehadvanishedandM。Morosini，who，wasalsomuchaffectedtoldmeshehadgome，tospeaktoMistressVeneranda。Everybodywasmelancholy，andseeingthatIwasthecauseIbegantotalkaboutEngland，whereIhopedtomakemyfortunewithaprojectofmine，thesuccessofwhichonlydependedonLordEgremont。M。deMorosinisaidhewouldgivemealetterforLordEgremontandanotherforM。Zuccata，theVenetianambassador。
\"Areyounotafraid，\"saidM。Querini，\"ofgettinginto，troublewiththeStateInquisitorsforrecommendingM。Casanova？\"
MorosinirepliedcoldlythatastheInquisitorshad，nottoldhimforwhatcrimeIwascondemned，hedidnotfeelhimselfboundtosharetheirjudgment。OldQuerini，whowasextremelyparticular，shookhisheadandsaidnothing。
JustthenMarcolinecamebacktotheroom，andeverybodycouldseethatshehadbeenweeping。Iconfessthatthismarkofheraffectionwasaspleasingtomyvanityastomylove；butsuchisman，andsuch，doubtless，isthereaderwhomaybecensuringmyconduct。
Thischarminggirl，whostill，afteralltheseyears，dwellsinmyoldheart，askedmetotakeherbacktotheinn，asshewantedtopackuphertrunks。Weleftdirectly，afterhavingpromisedtocometodinneronthefollowingday。
IweptbitterlywhenIgottomyroom。ItoldClairmonttoseethatthecarriagewasingoodorder，andthen，hastilyundressing，Iflungmyselfonthebedinmydressing—gown，andweptasifsomeblessingwasbeingtakenfrommeagainstmywill。Marcoline，whowasmuchmoresensible，didwhatshecouldtoconsoleme，butIlikedtotormentmyself，andherwordsdidbutincreasemydespair。
\"Reflect，\"saidshe，\"thatitisnotIwhoamleavingyou，butyouwhoaresendingmeaway；thatIlongtospendtherestofmydayswithyou，andthatyouhaveonlygottosayawordtokeepme。\"
Iknewthatshewasright；butstillafatalfearwhichhasalwaysswayedme，thefearofbeingboundtoanyone，andthehypocrisyofalibertineeverlongingforchange，boththesefeelingsmademepersistinmyresolutionandmysadness。
Aboutsixo’clockMM。MorosiniandQuerinicameintothecourtyardandlookedatthecarriage，whichwasbeinginspectedbythewheelwright。TheyspoketoClairmont，andthencametoseeus。
\"Goodheavens！\"saidM。Querini，seeingthenumerousboxeswhichshewasgoingtoplaceonhercarriage；andwhenhehadheardthathercarriagewastheonehehadjustlookedat，heseemedsurprised；itwasindeedaverygoodvehicle。
M。MorosinitoldMarcolinethatifshelikedtosellitwhenshegottoVenicehewouldgiveherathousandVenetianducats，orthreethousandfrancsforit。
\"Youmightgiveherdoublethatamount，\"saidI，\"foritisworththreethousandducats。\"
\"Wewillarrangeallthat，\"saidhe；andQueriniadded，——
\"Itwillbeaconsiderableadditiontothecapitalsheproposestoinvest。\"
AftersomeagreeableconversationItoldM。QuerinithatIwouldgivehimabillofexchangeforfivethousandducats，which，withthethreeorfourthousandducatsthesaleofherjewellerywouldrealize，andthethousandforthecarriage，wouldgiveheracapitalofnineortenthousandducats，theinterestofwhichwouldbringherinahandsomeincome。
NextmorningIgotM。BonotogivemeabillofexchangeonM。
Querini’sorder，andatdinner—timeMarcolinehandeditovertohernewprotector，whowroteheraformalreceipt。M。Morosinigavemethelettershehadpromised，andtheirdeparturewasfixedforeleveno’clockthenextday。Thereadermayimaginethatourdinner—partywasnotovergay。Marcolinewasdepressed，IasgloomyasaspleneticEnglishman，andbetweenuswemadethefeastmorelikeafuneralthanameetingoffriends。
IwillnotattempttodescribethenightIpassedwithmycharmer。
SheaskedmeagainandagainhowIcouldbemyownexecutioner；butI
couldnotanswer，forIdidnotknow。ButhowoftenhaveIdonethingswhichcausedmepain，buttowhichIwasimpelledbysomeoccultforceitwasmywhimnottoresist。
Inthemorning，whenIhadputonmybootsandspurs，andtoldClairmontnottobeuneasyifIdidnotreturnthatnight，MarcolineandIdrovetotheambassadors’residence。Webreakfastedtogether，silentlyenough，forMarcolinehadtearsinhereyes，andeveryoneknowingmynobleconducttowardsherrespectedhernaturalgrief。
Afterbreakfastwesetout，Isittingintheforepartofthecarriage，facingMarcolineandDameVeneranda，whowouldhavemademelaughunderanyothercircumstances，herastonishmentatfindingherselfinamoregorgeouscarriagethantheambassador’swassogreat。Sheexpatiatedontheeleganceandcomfortoftheequipage，andamusedusbysayingthathermasterwasquiterightinsayingthatthepeoplewouldtakeherfortheambassadress。Butinspiteofthispieceofcomedy，MarcolineandIweresadalltheway。M。
Querini，whodidnotlikenighttravelling，madeusstopatPont—
Boivoisin，atnineo’clock，andafterabadsuppereveryonewenttobedtobereadytostartatdaybreak。MarcolinewastosleepwithVeneranda，soIaccompaniedher，andtheworthyoldwomanwenttobedwithoutanyceremony，lyingsoclosetothewallthattherewasroomfortwomore；butafterMarcolinehadgotintobedIsatdownonachair，andplacingmyheadbesidehersonthepillowwemingledoursobsandtearsallnight。
WhenVeneranda，whohadsleptsoundly，awoke，shewasmuchastonishedtoseemestillinthesameposition。Shewasagreatdevotee，butwomen’spietyeasilygivesplacetopity，andshehadmovedtothefurthestextremityofthebedwiththeintentionofgivingmeanothernightoflove。Butmymelancholypreventedmyprofitingbyherkindness。
Ihadorderedasaddlehorsetobereadyformeinthemorning。Wetookahastycupofcoffeeandbadeeachothermutualfarewells。I
placedMarcolineinthecarriage，gaveheralastembrace，andwaitedforthecrackofthepostillion’swhiptogallopbacktoLyons。I
torealonglikeamadman，forIfeltasifIshouldliketosendthehorsetothegroundandkillmyself。Butdeathnevercomestohimthatdesiresit，saveinthefableoftheworthyLafontaine。InsixhoursIhadaccomplishedtheeighteenleaguesbetweenPont—BoivoisinandLyons，onlystoppingtochangehorses。Itoreoffmyclothesandthrewmyselfonthebed，wherethirtyhoursbeforeIhadenjoyedallthedelightsoflove。IhopedthattheblissIhadlostwouldreturntomeinmydreams。However，Isleptprofoundly，anddidnotwaketilleighto’clock。Ihadbeenasleepaboutnineteenhours。
IrangforClairmont，andtoldhimtobringupmybreakfast，whichI
devouredeagerly。WhenmystomachwasrestoredinthismannerIfellasleepagain，anddidnotgetuptillthenextmorning，feelingquitewell，andasifIcouldsupportlifealittlelonger。
ThreedaysafterMarcoline’sdepartureIboughtacomfortabletwo—
wheeledcarriagewithpatentsprings，andsentmytrunkstoParisbythediligence。Ikeptaportmanteaucontainingthemerestnecessaries，forImeanttotravelinadressing—gownandnight—cap，andkeeptomyselfallthewaytoParis。IintendedthisasasortofhomagetoMarcoline，butIreckonedwithoutmyhost。
IwasputtingmyjewellerytogetherinacasketwhenClairmontannouncedatradesmanandhisdaughter，aprettygirlwhomIhadremarkedatdinner，forsincethedepartureofmyfairVenetianIhaddinedatthetable—d’hotebywayofdistraction。
Ishutupmyjewelsandaskedthemtocomein，andthefatheraddressedmepolitely，saying，——
\"Sir，Ihavecometoaskyoutodomeafavourwhichwillcostyoubutlittle，whileitwillbeofimmenseservicetomydaughterandmyself。\"
\"WhatcanIdoforyou？IamleavingLyonsatday—breakto—morrow。\"
\"Iknowit，foryousaidsoatdinner；butweshallbereadyatanyhour。Bekindenoughtogivemydaughteraseatinyourcarriage。I
will，ofcourse，payforathirdhorse，andwillridepost。\"
\"Youcannothaveseenthecarriage。\"
\"Excuseme，Ihavedoneso。Itis，Iknow，onlymeantforone，butshecouldeasilysqueezeintoit。IknowIamtroublingyou，butifyouwereawareoftheconvenienceitwouldbetomeIamsureyouwouldnotrefuse。Alltheplacesinthediligencearetakenuptonextweek，andifIdon’tgettoParisinsixdaysImightaswellstayawayaltogether。IfIwerearichmanIwouldpost，butthatwouldcostfourhundredfrancs，andIcannotaffordtospendsomuch。
Theonlycourseopentomeistoleavebythediligencetomorrow，andtohavemyselfandmydaughterboundtotheroof。Yousee，sir，theideamakesherweep，andIdon’tlikeitmuchbettermyself。\"
Ilookedattentivelyatthegirl，andfoundhertooprettyformetokeepwithinboundsifItravelledalonewithher。Iwassad，andthetormentIhadenduredinpartingfromMarcolinehadmademeresolvetoavoidalloccasionswhichmighthavesimilarresults。Ithoughtthisresolvenecessaryformypeaceofmind。
\"Thisgirl，\"Isaidtomyself，\"maybesocharmingthatIshouldfallinlovewithherifIyieldtothefather’srequest，andIdonotwishforanysuchresult。\"
Iturnedtothefatherandsaid，——
\"Isympathizewithyousincerely；butIreallydon’tseewhatIcandoforyouwithoutcausingmyselfthegreatestinconvenience。\"
\"PerhapsyouthinkthatIshallnotbeabletoridesomanypostsinsuccession，butyouneedn’tbeafraidonthatscore:\"
\"Thehorsemightgivein；youmighthaveafall，andIknowthatI
shouldfeelobligedtostop，andIaminahurry。Ifthatreasondoesnotstrikeyouasacogentone，Iamsorry，fortomeitappearsunanswerable。\"
\"Letusruntherisk，sir，atallevents。\"
\"ThereisastillgreaterriskofwhichIcantellyounothing。Inbrief，sir，youaskwhatisimpossible。\"
\"InHeaven’sname，sir，\"saidthegirl，withavoiceandalookthatwouldhavepiercedaheartofstone，\"rescuemefromthatdreadfuljourneyontheroofofthediligence！Theveryideamakesmeshudder；Ishouldbeafraidoffallingoffalltheway；besides，thereissomethingmeanintravellingthatway。Dobutgrantmethisfavour，andIwillsitatyourfeetsoasnottodiscomfortyou。\"
\"Thisistoomuch！Youdonotknowme，mademoiselle。Iamneithercruelnorimpolite，especiallywhereyoursexisconcerned，thoughmyrefusalmustmakeyoufeelotherwise。IfIgivewayyoumayregretitafterwards，andIdonotwishthattohappen。\"Then，turningtothefather，Isaid，——
\"Apost—chaisecostssixLouis。Heretheyare；takethem。Iwillputoffmydepartureforafewhours，ifnecessary，toanswerforthechaise，supposingyouarenotknownhere，andanextrahorsewillcostfourLouistakethem。Astotherest，youwouldhavespentasmuchintakingtwoplacesinthediligence。\"
\"Youareverykind，sir，butIcannotacceptyourgift。Iamnotworthyofit，andIshouldbestilllessworthyifIacceptedthemoney。Adele，letusgo。Forgiveus，sir，ifwehavewastedhalfanhourofyourtime。Come，mypoorchild。\"
\"Waitamoment，father。\"
Adelebeggedhimtowait，ashersobsalmostchokedher。Iwasfuriouswitheverything，buthavingreceivedonelookfromherbeautifuleyesIcouldnotwithstandhersorrowanylonger，andsaid，\"Calmyourself，mademoiselle。ItshallneverbesaidthatIremainedunmovedwhilebeautywept。Iyieldtoyourrequest，forifIdidnotIshouldnotbeabletosleepallnight。ButIaccedeononecondition，\"Iadded，turningtoherfather，\"andthatisthatyousitatthebackofthecarriage。\"
\"Certainly；butwhatistobecomeofyourservant？\"
\"Hewillrideoninfront。Everythingissettled。Gotobednow，andbereadytostartatsixo’clock。\"
\"Certainly，butyouwillallowmetopayfortheextrahorse？\"
\"Youshallpaynothingatall；itwouldbeashameifIreceivedanymoneyfromyou。Youhavetoldmeyouarepoor，andpovertyisnodishonour；well，ImaytellyouthatIamrich，andrichesarenohonoursavewhentheyareusedindoinggood。Therefore，asIsaid，Iwillpayforall。\"
\"Verygood，butIwillpayfortheextrahorseinthecarriage。\"
\"Certainlynot，andletushavenobargaining，please；itistimetogotobed。IwillputyoudownatPariswithoutthejourneycostingyouafarthing，andthenifyoulikeyoumaythankme；thesearetheonlyconditionsonwhichIwilltakeyou。Look！Mdlle。Adeleislaughing，that’srewardenoughforme。\"
\"Iamlaughingforjoyathavingescapedthatdreadfuldiligenceroof。\"
\"Isee，butIhopeyouwillnotweepinmycarriage，forallsadnessisanabominationtome。\"
Iwent，tobed，resolvedtostruggleagainstmyfatenolonger。I
sawthatIcouldnotwithstandthetemptingcharmsofthisnewbeauty，andIdeterminedthateverythingshouldbeoverinacoupleofdays。Adelehadbeautifulblueeyes，acomplexionwhereinweremingledthelilyandtherose，asmallmouth，excellentteeth，afigurestillslenderbutfullofpromise；here，surely，wereenoughmotivesforafreshfall。Ifellasleep，thankingmygoodgeniusforthusprovidingmewithamusementonthejourney。
JustbeforewestartedthefathercameandaskedifitwasallthesametomewhetherwewentbyBurgundyortheBourbonnais。
\"Certainly。Doyoupreferanyparticularroute？\"
\"IfIwentthroughNeversImightbeabletocollectasmallaccount。\"
\"ThenwewillgobytheBourbonnais。\"
DirectlyafterAdele，simplybutneatlydressed，camedownandwishedmegoodday，tellingmethatherfatherwasgoingtoputasmalltrunkcontainingtheirbelongingsatthebackofthecarriage。
Seeingmebusy，sheaskedifshecouldhelpmeinanyway。
\"No，\"Ireplied，\"youhadbettertakeaseat，\"
Shedidso，butinatimidmanner，whichannoyedme，becauseitseemedtoexpressthatshewasadependentofmine。Itoldhersogently，andmadehertakesmaecoffeewithme，andhershynesssoonworeoff。
Wewerejuststeppingintothecarriagewhenamancameandtoldmethatthelampswereoutofrepairandwouldcomeoffifsomethingwerenotdonetothem。Heofferedtoputthemintogoodrepairinthecourseofanhour。Iwasinaterriblerage，andcalledClairmontandbegantoscoldhim，buthesaidthatthelampswereallrightashortwhileago，andthatthemanmusthaveputthemoutoforderthathemighthavethetaskofrepairingthem。
Hehadhititoffexactly。Ihadheardofthetrickbefore，andI
calledouttotheman；andonhisansweringmeratherimpudently，I
begantokickhim，withmypistolinmyhand。Heranoffswearing，andthenoisebroughtupthelandlordandfiveorsixofhispeople。
EverybodysaidIwasintheright，butallthesameIhadtowastetwohoursasitwouldnothavebeenprudenttotravelwithoutlamps。
Anotherlamp—makerwassummoned；helookedatthedamage，andlaughedattherascallytrickhisfellow—tradesmanhadplayedme。
\"CanIimprisontherascal？\"Isaidtothelandlord。\"Ishouldliketohavethesatisfactionofdoingso，wereittocostmetwoLouis。\"
\"TwoLouis！Yourhonourshallbeattendedtoinamoment。\"
Iwasinadreadfulrage，anddidnotnoticeAdele，whowasquiteafraidofme。Apoliceofficialcameuptotakemyinformation，andexaminewitnesses，andtodrawupthecase。
\"Howmuchisyourtimeworth，sir？\"heaskedme。
\"Fivelouis。\"
WiththesewordsIslidtwolouisintohishand，andheimmediatelywrotedownafineoftwentylouisagainstthelamp—maker，andthenwenthisway，saying，——
\"Yourmanwillbeinprisoninthenexttenminutes。\"Ibreathedagainattheprospectofvengeance。IthenbeggedMdlle。Adele’spardon，whoaskedmineinherturn，notknowinghowIhadoffendedher。Thismighthaveledtosomeaffectionatepassages，butherfathercameinsayingthattherascalwasinprison，andthateveryonesaidIwasright。
\"Iamperfectlyreadytoswearthathedidthedamage，\"saidhe。
\"Yousawhim，didyou？\"
\"No，butthat’sofnoconsequence，aseverybodyissurehedidit。\"
Thispieceofsimplicityrestoredmygoodtempercompletely，andI
begantoaskMoreau，ashecalledhimself，severalquestions。Hetoldmehewasawidower，thatAdelewashisonlychild，thathewasgoingtosetupinbusinessatLouviers，andsoon。
Inthecourseofanhourthefarceturnedintoatragedy，inthefollowingmanner。Twowomen，oneofthemwithababyatherbreast，andfollowedbyfourbrats，allofwhommighthavebeenputunderabushelmeasure，camebeforeme，andfallingontheirkneesmademeguessthereasonofthispitifulsight。Theywerethewife，themother，andthechildrenofthedelinquent。
Myheartwassoonmovedwithpityforthem，formyvengeancehadbeencomplete，andIdidnotharbourresentment；butthewifealmostputmeinafuryagainbysayingthatherhusbandwasaninnocentman，andthattheywhohadaccusedhimwererascals。
Themother，seeingthestormreadytoburst，attackedmemoreadroitly，admittingthathersonmightbeguilty，butthathemusthavebeendriventoitbymisery，ashehadgotnobreadwherewithtofeedhischildren。Sheadded:
\"Mygoodsir，takepityonus，forheisouronlysupport。Doagooddeedandsethimfree，forhewouldstayinprisonallhisdaysunlesswesoldourbedstopayyou。\"
\"Myworthywoman，Iforgivehimcompletely。Handthisdocumenttothepolicemagistrateandallwillbewell。\"
AtthesametimeIgaveheralouisandtoldhertogo，notwishingtobetroubledwithherthanks。Afewmomentsafter，theofficialcametogetmysignaturefortheman’srelease，andIhadtopayhimthelegalcosts。Mylampscosttwelvefrancstomend，andatnineo’clockIstarted，havingspentfourorfivelouisfornothing。
Adelewasobligedtositbetweenmylegs，butshewasillatease。
Itoldhertositfurtherback，butasshewouldhavehadtoleanonme，Ididnoturgeher；itwouldhavebeenratheradangeroussituationtobeginwith。Moreausatatthebackofthecarriage，Clairmontwentoninfront，andwewerethusneckandneck，orratherneckandback，thewholeway。
Wegotdowntochangehorses，andasweweregettingintothecarriageagainAdelehadtoliftherleg，andshewedmeapairofblackbreeches。Ihavealwayshadahorrorofwomenwithbreeches，butaboveallofblackbreeches。
\"Sir，\"saidItoherfather，\"yourdaughterhasshewnmeherblackbreeches。\"
\"It’suncommonlyluckyforherthatshedidn’tshewyousomethingelse。\"
Ilikedthereply，butthecursedbreecheshadsooffendedmethatI
becamequitesulky。Itseemedtomethatsuchclotheswereakindoframpartoroutwork，verynatural，nodoubt，butIthoughtayounggirlshouldknownothingofthedanger，or，atallevents，pretendignoranceifshedidnotpossessit。AsIcouldneitherscoldhernorovercomemybadtemper，Icontentedmyselfwithbeingpolite，butIdidnotspeakagaintillwegottoSt。Simphorien，unlessitwastoaskhertositmorecomfortably。
WhenwegottoSt。SimphorienItoldClairmonttogooninfrontandorderusagoodsupperatRoanne，andtosleepthere。Whenwewereabouthalf—wayAdeletoldmethatshemustbeatroubletome，asI
wasnotsogayasIhadbeen。Iassuredherthatitwasnotso，andthatIonlykeptsilencethatshemightbeabletorest。
\"Youareverykind，\"sheanswered，\"butitisquiteamistakeforyoutothinkthatyouwoulddisturbmebytalking。Allowmetotellyouthatyouareconcealingtherealcauseofyoursilence。\"
\"Doyouknowtherealcause？\"
\"Yes，IthinkIdo。\"
\"Well，whatisit？\"
\"Youhavechangedsinceyousawmybreeches。\"
\"Youareright，thisblackattirehasclothedmysoulwithgloom。\"
\"Iamverysorry，butyoumustallowthatinthefirstplaceIwasnottosupposethatyouweregoingtoseemybreeches，andinthesecondplacethatIcouldnotbeawarethatthecolourwouldbedistastefultoyou。\"
\"Trueagain，butasIchancedtoseethearticlesyoumustforgivemydisgust。Thisblackhasfilledmysoulwithfunerealimages，justaswhitewouldhavecheeredme。Doyoualwayswearthosedreadfulbreeches？\"
\"Iamwearingthemforthefirsttimeto—day。\"
\"Thenyoumustallowthatyouhavecommittedanunbecomingaction。\"
\"Unbecoming？\"
\"Yes，whatwouldyouhavesaidifIhadcomedowninpetticoatsthismorning？Youwouldhavepronouncedthemunbecoming。Youarelaughing。\"
\"Forgiveme，butIneverheardanythingsoamusing。Butyourcomparisonwillnotstand；everyonewouldhaveseenyourpetticoats，whereasnoonehasanybusinesstoseemybreeches。\"
Iassentedtoherlogic，delightedtofindhercapableoftearingmysophismtopieces，butIstillpreservedsilence。
AtRoannewehadagoodenoughsupper，andMoreau，whoknewverywellthatifithadnotbeenforhisdaughtertherewouldhavebeennofreejourneyandfreesupperforhim，wasdelightedwhenItoldhimthatshekeptmegoodcompany。Itoldhimaboutourdiscussiononbreeches，andhepronouncedhisdaughtertobeinthewrong，laughingpleasantly。AftersupperItoldhimthatheandhisdaughterweretosleepintheroominwhichweweresitting，whileIwouldpassthenightinaneighbouringcloset。
Justaswewerestartingthenextmorning，Clairmonttoldmethathewouldgooninfront，toseethatourbedswereready，addingthataswehadlostonenightitwouldnotdomuchharmifweweretoloseanother。
ThisspeechletmeknowthatmyfaithfulClairmontbegantofeeltheneedofrest，andhishealthwasdeartome。ItoldhimtostopatSt。PierreleMortier，andtotakecarethatagoodsupperwasreadyforus。Whenwewereinthecarriageagain，Adelethankedme。
\"Thenyoudon’tlikenighttravelling？\"Isaid。
\"Ishouldn’tminditifIwerenotafraidofgoingtosleepandfallingonyou。\"
\"Why，Ishouldlikeit。Aprettygirllikeyouisanagreeableburden。\"
Shemadenoreply，butIsawthatsheunderstood；mydeclarationwasmade，butsomethingmorewaswantedbeforeIcouldrelyonherdocility。IrelapsedintosilenceagaintillwegottoVarennes，andthenIsaid，——
\"IfIthoughtyoucouldeataroastfowlwithasgoodanappetiteasmine，Iwoulddinehere。\"
\"Tryme，Iwillendeavourtomatchyou。\"
Weatewellanddrankbetter，andbythetimewestartedagainwewerealittledrunk。Adele，whowasonlyaccustomedtodrinkwinetwoorthreetimesayear，laughedatnotbeingabletostandupright，butseemedtobeafraidthatsomethingwouldhappen。I
comfortedherbysayingthatthefumesofchampagnesoonevaporated；
butthoughshestrovewithallhermighttokeepawake，natureconquered，andlettingherprettyheadfallonmybreastshefellasleep，anddidnotrouseherselffortwohours。Itreatedherwiththegreatestrespect，thoughIcouldnotresistascertainingthatthearticleofclothingwhichhaddispleasedmesomuchhadentirelydisappeared。
WhileshesleptIenjoyedthepleasureofgazingontheswellingcurvesofherbuddingbreast，butIrestrainedmyardour，asthedisappearanceoftheblackbreechesassuredmethatIshouldfindherperfectlysubmissivewheneverIchosetomaketheassault。Iwished，however，thatsheshouldgiveherselfuptomeofherownfreewill，oratanyratecomehalf—waytomeetme，andIknewthatIhadonlytosmooththepathtomakeherdoso。
Whensheawokeandfoundthatshehadbeensleepinginmyarms，herastonishmentwasextreme。Sheapologizedandbeggedmetoforgiveher，whileIthoughtthebestwaytoputherateasewouldbetogiveheranaffectionatekiss。Theresultwassatisfactory；whodoesnotknowtheeffectofakissgivenatthepropertime？
Asherdresswasinsomedisordershetriedtoadjustit，butwewereratherpushedforspace，andbyanawkwardmovementsheuncoveredherknee。Iburstoutlaughingandshejoinedme，andhadthepresenceofmindtosay:
\"Ihopetheblackcolourhasgivenyounofunerealthoughtsthistime。\"
\"Thehueoftherose，dearAdele，canonlyinspiremewithdeliciousfancies。\"
Isawthatsheloweredhereyes，butinamannerthatshewedshewaspleased。
Withthistalk——and，sotospeak，castingoilontheflames——wereachedMoulin，andgotdownforafewmoments。Acrowdofwomenassaileduswithknivesandedgedtoolsofallsorts，andIboughtthefatheranddaughterwhatevertheyfancied。Wewentonourway，leavingthewomenquarrellingandfightingbecausesomehadsoldtheirwaresandothershadnot。
IntheeveningwereachedSt。Pierre；butduringthefourhoursthathadelapsedsinceweleftMoulinwehadmadeway，andAdelehadbecomequitefamiliarwithme。
ThankstoClairmont，whohadarrivedtwohoursbefore，anexcellentsupperawaitedus。Wesuppedinalargeroom，wheretwogreatwhitebedsstoodreadytoreceiveus。
ItoldMoreauthatheandhisdaughtershouldsleepinonebed，andI
intheother；butherepliedthatIandAdelecouldeachhaveabedtoourselves，ashewantedtostartforNeversdirectlyaftersupper，soastobeabletocatch—hisdebtoratdaybreak，andtorejoinuswhenwegottherethefollowingday。
\"Ifyouhadtoldmebefore，wewouldhavegoneontoNeversandsleptthere。\"
\"Youaretookind。Imeantoridethethreeandahalfstages。Theridingwilldomegood，andIlikeit。Ileavemydaughterinyourcare。Shewillnotbesonearyouasinthecarriage。\"
\"Oh，wewillbeverydiscreet，youmaybesure！\"
AfterhisdepartureItoldAdeletogotobedinherclothes，ifshewereafraidofme。
\"Ishan’tbeoffended，\"Iadded。
\"Itwouldbeverywrongofme，\"sheanswered，\"togiveyousuchaproofofmywantofconfidence。\"
Sherose，wentoutamoment，andwhenshecamebackshelockedthedoor，andassoonasshewasreadytoslipoffherlastarticleofclothingcameandkissedme。Ihappenedtobewritingatthetime，andasshehadcomeupontiptoeIwassurprised，thoughinaveryagreeablemanner。Shefledtoherbed，sayingsaucily，\"Youarefrightenedofme，Ithink？\"
\"Youarewrong，butyousurprisedme。Comeback，Iwanttoseeyoufallasleepinmyarms。\"
\"Comeandseemesleep。\"
\"Willyousleepallthetime？\"
\"OfcourseIshall。\"
\"Wewillseeaboutthat。\"
Iflungthependown，andinamomentIheldherinmyarms，smiling，ardent，submissivetomydesires，andonlyentreatingmetospareher。Ididmybest，andthoughshehelpedmetothebestofherability，thefirstassaultwasalabourofHercules。Theotherswerepleasanter，foritisonlythefirststepthatispainful，andwhenthefieldhadbeenstainedwiththebloodofthreesuccessivebattles，weabandonedourselvestorepose。Atfiveo’clockinthemorningClairmontknocked，andItoldhimtogetussomecoffee。I
wasobligedtogetupwithoutgivingfairAdelegoodday，butI
promisedthatsheshouldhaveitontheway。
Whenshewasdressedshelookedatthealtarwhereshehadofferedherfirstsacrificetolove，andviewedthesignsofherdefeatwithasigh。Shewaspensiveforsometime，butwhenwewereinthecarriageagainhergaietyreturned，andinourmutualtransportsweforgottogrieveoverourapproachingparting。
WefoundMoreauatNevers；hewasinagreatstatebecausehecouldnotgethismoneybeforenoon。Hedarednotaskmetowaitforhim，butIsaidthatwewouldhaveagooddinnerandstartwhenthemoneywaspaid。