SuchwastheinfamouscompanyinwhichIfoundmyself，andthoughI
tookitsmeasuredirectly，yetIdidnotmakemyescape，nordidI
resolvenevertogotothehouseagain。Iwasfascinated；IthoughtIwouldbeonmyguardandbesafe，andasIonlywantedthedaughterIlookedonallelseasoflittlemoment。
AttableIledtheconversation，andthoughtthatmypreywouldsoonbewithinmygrasp。TheonlythingwhichannoyedmewasthattheCharpillon，afterapologizingforhavingmademesitdowntosuchapoordinner，invitedherselfandallthecompanytosupwithmeonanydayIlikedtomention。Icouldmakenoopposition，soIbeggedhertonamethedayherself，andshedidso，afteraconsultationwithherworthyfriends。
Aftercoffeehadbeenservedweplayedfourrubbersofwhist，atwhichIlost，andatmidnightIwentawayillpleasedwithmyself，butwithnopurposeofamendment，forthissorceresshadgotmeinhertoils。
AllthesameIhadthestrengthofmindtorefrainfromseeingherfortwodays，andonthethird，whichwasthedayappointedforthecursedsupper，sheandherauntpaidmeacallatnineo’clockinthemorning。
\"Ihavecometobreakfastwithyou，andtodiscussacertainquestion，\"saidshe，inthemostengagingmanner。
\"Willyoutellmeyourbusinessnow，orafterbreakfast？\"
\"Afterbreakfast；forwemustbealone。\"
Wehadourbreakfast，andthentheauntwentintoanotherroom，andtheCharpillon，afterdescribingthemonetarysituationofthefamily，toldmethatitwouldbemuchrelievedifherauntcouldobtainahundredguineas。
\"Whatwouldshedowiththemoney？\"
\"ShewouldmaketheBalmofLife，ofwhichshepossessesthesecret，andnodoubtshewouldmakeherfortune，too。\"
Shethenbegantodilateonthemarvellouspropertiesofthebalm，onitsprobablesuccessinatownlikeLondon，andonthebenefitswhichwouldaccruetomyself，forofcourseIshouldshareintheprofits。
Sheaddedthathermotherandauntwouldgivemeawrittenpromisetorepaythemoneyinthecourseofsixyears。
\"Iwillgiveyouadecidedansweraftersupper。\"
Ithenbegantocaressher，andtomakeassaultsinthestyleofanamorousman，butitwasallinvain，thoughIsucceededinstretchingheronalargesofa。Shemadeherescape，however，andrantoheraunt，whileIfollowedher，feelingobligedtolaughasshedid。Shegavemeherhand，andsaid，——
\"Farewell，tillthisevening。\"
Whentheyweregone，Ireflectedoverwhathadpassedandthoughtthisfirstsceneofnobadaugury。IsawthatIshouldgetnothingoutofherwithoutspendingahundredguineas，andIdeterminednottoattempttobargain，butIwouldletherunderstandthatshemustmakeuphermindnottoplayprude。Thegamewasinmyhands，andallIhadtodowastotakecarenottobeduped。
Intheeveningthecompanyarrived，andthegirlaskedmetoholdabanktillsupperwasready；butIdeclined，withaburstoflaughterthatseemedtopuzzleher。
\"Atleast，letushaveagameofwhist，\"saidshe。
\"Itseemstome，\"Ianswered，\"thatyoudon’tfeelveryanxioustohearmyreply。\"
\"Youhavemadeupyourmind，Isuppose？\"
\"Ihave，followme。\"
Shefollowedmeintoanadjoiningroom，andaftershehadseatedherselfonasofa，Itoldherthatthehundredguineaswereatherdisposal。
\"Thenpleasetogivethemoneytomyaunt，otherwisethesegentlemenmightthinkIgotitfromyoubysomeimpropermeans。\"
\"Iwilldoso。\"
Itriedtogetpossessionofher，butinvain；andIceasedmyendeavourswhenshesaid，——
\"Youwillgetnothingfrommeeitherbymoneyorviolence；butyoucanhopeforallwhenIfindyoureallyniceandquiet。\"
Ire—enteredthedrawing—room，andfeelingmybloodboilingIbegantoplaytoquietmyself。Shewasasgayasever，buthergaietytiredme。AtsupperIhadheronmyrighthand，butthehundredimpertinenceswhich，underothercircumstances，wouldhaveamusedme，onlyweariedme，afterthetworebuffsIhadreceivedfromher。
Aftersupper，justastheyweregoing，shetookmeaside，andtoldmethatifIwantedtohandoverthehundredguineasshewouldtellheraunttogowithmeintothenextroom。
\"Asdocumentshavetobeexecuted，\"Ireplied，\"itwilltakesometime；wewilltalkofitagain。
\"Won’tyoufixthetime？\"
Idrewoutmypursefullofgold，andshewedither，saying，——
\"Thetimedependsentirelyonyou。\"
Whenmyhatefulguestsweregone，Ibegantoreflect，andcametotheconclusionthatthisyoungadventuresshaddeterminedtoplundermewithoutgivingmeanythinginreturn。Ideterminedtohavenothingmoretodowithher，butIcouldnotgetherbeautyoutofmymind。
IfeltIwantedsomedistraction，somethingthatwouldgivemenewaimsandmakemeforgether。WiththisideaIwenttoseemydaughter，takingwithmeanimmensebagofsweets。
AssoonasIwasinthemidstofthelittleflock，thedelightbecamegeneral，Sophiedistributingthesweetmeatstoherfriends，whoreceivedthemgratefully。
Ispentahappyday，andforaweekortwoIpaidseveralvisitstoHarwich。Themistresstreatedmewiththeutmostpolitenessandmydaughterwithboundlessaffection，alwayscallingme\"dearpapa。\"
InlessthanthreeweeksIcongratulatedmyselfonhavingforgottentheCharpillon，andonhavingreplacedherbyinnocentamours，thoughoneofmydaughter’sschoolmatespleasedmerathertoomuchformypeaceofmind。
SuchwasmyconditionwhenonemorningthefavouriteauntoftheCharpillonpaidmeacall，andsaidthattheywereallmystifiedatnothavingseenmesincethesupperIhadgiventhem，especiallyherself，asherniecehadgivenhertounderstandthatIwouldfurnishherwiththemeansofmakingtheBalmofLife。
\"Certainly；Iwouldhavegivenyouthehundredguineasifyourniecehadtreatedmeasafriend，butsherefusedmefavoursavestalmighthavegranted，andyoumustbeawarethatsheisbynomeansavestal。\"
\"Don’tmindmylaughing。Mynieceisaninnocent，giddygirl；shelovesyou，butsheisafraidyouhaveonlyapassingwhimforher。
Sheisinbednowwithabadcold，andifyouwillcomeandseeherI
amsureyouwillbesatisfied。\"
Theseartfulremarks，whichhadnodoubtbeenpreparedinadvance，oughttohavearousedallmyscorn，butinsteadofthattheyawakenedthemostviolentdesires。Ilaughedinchoruswiththeoldwoman，andaskedwhatwouldbethebesttimetocall。
\"Comenow，andgiveoneknock。\"
\"Verygood，thenyoumayexpectmeshortly。\"
Icongratulatedmyselfonbeingonthevergeofsuccess，foraftertheexplanationIhadhadwiththeaunt，andhaving，asIthought，afriendinher，IdidnotdoubtthatIshouldsucceed。
Iputonmygreatcoat，andinlessthanaquarterofanhourI
knockedattheirdoor。Theauntopenedtome，andsaid，——
\"Comebackinaquarterofanhour；shehasbeenorderedabath，andisjustgoingtotakeit。\"
\"Thisisanotherimposture。You’reasbadaliarassheis。\"
\"Youarecruelandunjust，andifyouwillpromisetobediscreet，I
willtakeyouuptothethirdfloorwheresheisbathing。\"
\"Verygood；takeme。\"Shewentupstairs，Ifollowingontiptoe，andpushedmeintoaroom，andshutthedooruponme。TheCharpillonwasinahugebath，withherheadtowardsthedoor，andtheinfernalcoquette，pretendingtothinkitwasheraunt，didnotmove，andsaid，——
\"Givemethetowels，aunt。\"
Shewasinthemostseductiveposture，andIhadthepleasureofgazingonherexquisiteproportions，hardlyveiledbythewater。
Whenshecaughtsightofme，orratherpretendedtodoso，shegaveashriek，huddledherlimbstogether，andsaid，withaffectedanger，——
\"Begone！\"
\"Youneedn’texertyourvoice，forIamnotgoingtobeduped。\"
\"Begone！\"
\"Notso，givemealittletimetocollectmyself。\"
\"Itellyou，go！\"
\"Calmyourself，anddon’tbeafraidofmyskewingyouanyviolence；
thatwouldsuityourgametoowell。\"
\"Myauntshallpaydearlyforthis。\"
\"Shewillfindmeherfriend。Iwon’ttouchyou，soshewmealittlemoreofyourcharms。\"
\"Moreofmycharms？\"
\"Yes；putyourselfasyouwerewhenIcamein。\"
\"Certainlynot。Leavetheroom。\"
\"IhavetoldyouIamnotgoing，andthatyouneednotfearforyour……well，foryourvirginity，wewillsay。\"
Shethenshewedmeapicturemoreseductivethanthefirst，andpretendingkindliness，said，——
\"Please，leaveme；Iwillnotfailtoshewmygratitude。\"
Seeingthatshegotnothing，thatIrefrainedfromtouchingher，andthatthefireshehadkindledwasinafairwaytobeputout，sheturnedherbacktometogivemetounderstandthatitwasnopleasuretohertolookatme。However，mypassionswererunninghigh，andIhadtohaverecoursetoself—abusetocalmmysenses，andwasgladtofindmyselfrelieved，asthisprovedtomethatthedesirewentnodeeperthanthesenses。
TheauntcameinjustasIhadfinished，andIwentoutwithoutaword，wellpleasedtofindmyselfdespisingacharacterwhereinprofitandlossusurpedtheplaceoffeeling。
TheauntcametomeasIwasgoingoutofthehouse，andafterenquiringifIweresatisfiedbeggedmetocomeintotheparlour。
\"Yes，\"saidI，\"Iamperfectlysatisfiedtoknowyouandyourniece。
Hereisthereward。\"
WiththesewordsIdrewabank—noteforahundredpoundsfrommypocket—book，andwasfoolishenoughtogiveither，tellingherthatshecouldmakeherbalm，andneednottroubletogivemeanydocumentasIknewifwouldbeofnovalue。Ihadnotthestrengthtogoawaywithoutgivingheranything，andtheprocuresswassharpenoughtoknowit。
WhenIgothomeIreflectedonwhathadhappened，andpronouncedmyselftheconquerorwithgreattriumph。Ifeltwellatease，andfeltsurethatIshouldneversetfootinthathouseagain。Thereweresevenofthemaltogether，includingservants，andtheneedofsubsistingmadethemdoanythingforaliving；andwhentheyfoundthemselvesobligedtomakeuseofmen，theysummonedthethreerascalsIhavenamed，whowereequallydependentonthem。
Fiveorsixdaysafterwards，ImetthelittlehussyatVauxhallincompanywithGoudar。Iavoidedheratfirst，butshecameuptomereproachingmeformyrudeness。Irepliedcoollyenough，butaffectingnottonoticemymanner，sheaskedmetocomeintoanarbourwithherandtakeacupoftea。
\"No，thankyou，\"Ireplied，\"Iprefersupper。\"
\"ThenIwilltakesometoo，andyouwillgiveitme，won’tyou，justtoshewthatyoubearnomalice？\"
Iorderedsupperforfourandwesatdowntogetherasifwehadbeenintimatefriends。
Hercharmingconversationcombinedwithherbeautygraduallydrewmeunderhercharm，andasthedrinkbegantoexerciseitsinfluenceoverme，Iproposedaturninoneofthedarkwalks，expressingahopethatIshouldfarebetterthanLordPembroke。Shesaidgently，andwithanappearanceofsinceritythatdeceivedme，thatshewantedtobemine，butbydayandontheconditionthatIwouldcomeandseehereveryday。
\"Iwilldoso，butfirstgivemeonelittleproofofyourlove。\"
\"Mostcertainlynot。\"
Igotuptopaythebill，andthenIleftwithoutaword，refusingtotakeherhome。Iwenthomebymyselfandwenttobed。
ThefirstthoughtwhenIawokewasthatIwasgladshehadnottakenmeatmyword；Ifeltverystronglythatitwastomyinteresttobreakoffallconnectionbetweenthatcreatureandmyself。Ifeltthestrengthofherinfluenceoverme，andthatmyonlywaywastokeepawayfromher，ortorenounceallpretensiontothepossessionofhercharms。
Thelatterplanseemedtomeimpossible，soIdeterminedtoadheretothefirst；butthewretchedwomanhadresolvedtodefeatallmyplans。Themannerinwhichshesucceededmusthavebeentheresultofacouncilofthewholesociety。
AfewdaysaftertheVauxhallsupperGoudarcalledonme，andbeganbycongratulatingmeonmyresolutionnottovisittheAnsperghersanymore，\"for，\"saidhe，\"thegirlwouldhavemadeyoumoreandmoreinlovewithher，andintheendshewouldhaveseducedyoutobeggary。\"
\"Youmustthinkmeagreatfool。IfIhadfoundherkindIshouldhavebeengrateful，butwithoutsquanderingallmymoney；andifshehadbeencruel，insteadofridiculous，ImighthavegivenherwhatI
havealreadygivenhereveryday，withoutreducingmyselftobeggary。\"
\"Icongratulateyou；itshewsthatyouarewelloff。Buthaveyoumadeupyourmindnottoseeheragain？\"
\"Certainly。\"
\"Thenyouarenotinlovewithher？\"
\"Ihavebeeninlove，butIamsonolonger；andinafewdaysshewillhavepassedcompletelyoutofmymemory。IhadalmostforgottenherwhenImetherwithyouatVauxhall。\"
\"Youarenotcured。Thewaytobecuredofanamourdoesnotlieinflight，whenthetwopartiesliveinthesametown。Meetingswillhappen，andallthetroublehastobetakenoveragain。\"
\"Thendoyouknowabetterway？\"
\"Certainly；youshouldsatiateyourself。Itisquitepossiblethatthecreatureisnotinlovewithyou，butyouarerichandshehasnothing。Youmighthavehadherforsomuch，andyoucouldhaveleftherwhenyoufoundhertobeunworthyofyourconstancy。Youmustknowwhatkindofawomansheis。\"
\"Ishouldhavetriedthismethodgladly，butIfoundherout。\"
\"Youcouldhavegotthebestofher，though，ifyouhadgonetoworkintheproperway。Youshouldneverhavepaidinadvance。Iknoweverything。\"
\"Whatdoyoumean？\"
\"Iknowshehascostyouahundredguineas，andthatyouhavenotwonsomuchasakissfromher。Why，mydearsir，youmighthavehadhercomfortablyinyourownbedforasmuch！Sheboaststhatshetookyouin，thoughyouprideyourselfonyourcraft。\"
\"Itwasanactofcharitytowardsheraunt。\"
\"Yes，tomakeherBalmofLife；butyouknowifithadnotbeenfortheniecetheauntwouldneverhavehadthemoney。\"
\"Perhapsnot，buthowcomeyouwhoareoftheirpartytobetalkingtomeinthisfashion？\"
\"IsweartoyouIonlyspeakoutoffriendshipforyou，andIwilltellyouhowIcametomaketheacquaintanceofthegirl，hermother，hergrandmotherandhertwoaunts，andthenyouwillnolongerconsidermeasoftheirparty。
\"SixteenmonthsagoIsawM。MorosiniwalkingaboutVauxhallbyhimself。HehadjustcometoEnglandtocongratulatethekingonhisaccessiontothethrone，onbehalfoftheRepublicofVenice。IsawhowenchantedhewaswiththeLondonbeauties，andIwentuptohimandtoldhimthatallthesebeautieswereathisservice。Thismadehimlaugh，andonmyrepeatingthatitwasnotajesthepointedoutoneofthegirls，andaskedifshewouldbeathisservice。Ididnotknowher，soIaskedhimtowaitawhile，andIwouldbringhimtheinformationherequired。Therewasnotimetobelost，andI
couldseethatthegirlwasnotavestalvirgin，soIwentuptoherandtoldherthattheVenetianambassadorwasamorousofher，andthatIwouldtakehertohimifshewouldreceivehisvisits。Theauntsaidthatanoblemanofsuchanexaltedrankcouldonlybringhonourtoherniece。Itooktheiraddress，andonmywaybacktotheambassadorImetafriendofminewhoislearnedinsuchcommodities，andafterIhadshewedhimtheaddresshetoldmeitwastheCharpillon。\"
\"Anditwasshe？\"
\"Itwas。MyfriendtoldmeshewasayoungSwissgirlwhowasnotyetinthegeneralmarket，butwhowouldsoonbethere，asshewasnotrich，andhadanumeroustraintosupport。
\"IrejoinedtheVenetian，andtoldhimthathisbusinesswasdone，andaskedhimatwhattimeIshouldintroducehimthenextday，warninghimthatasshehadamotherandauntsshewouldnotbealone。
\"’Iamgladtohearit，’saidhe，’andalsothatsheisnotacommonwoman。’Hegavemeanappointmentforthenextday，andweparted。
\"ItoldtheladiesatwhathourIshouldhavethepleasureofintroducingthegreatmantothem，andafterwarningthemthattheymustappearnottoknowhimIwenthome。
\"ThefollowingdayIcalledonM。deMorosini，andtookhimtoDenmarkStreetincognito。Wespentanhourinconversation，andthenwentawaywithoutanythingbeingsettled。Onthewaybacktheambassadortoldmethatheshouldliketohavethegirlonconditionswhichhewouldgivemeinwritingathisresidence。
\"Theseconditionswerethatsheshouldliveinafurnishedhousefreeofrent，withoutanycompanion，andwithoutreceivinganyvisitors。
Hisexcellencywouldgiveherfiftyguineasamonth，andpayforsupperwheneverhecameandspentthenightwithher。Hetoldmetogetthehouseifhisconditionswerereceived。Themotherwastosigntheagreement。
\"Theambassadorwasinahurry，andinthreedaystheagreementwassigned；butIobtainedadocumentfromthemotherpromisingtoletmehavethegirlforonenightassoonastheVenetianhadgone；itwasknownhewasonlystoppinginLondonforayear。\"
Goudarextractedthedocumentinquestionfromhispocket，andgaveittome。Ireaditandre—readitwithasmuchsurpriseaspleasure，andhethenproceededwithhisstory。
\"Whentheambassadorhadgone，theCharpillon，findingherselfatlibertyoncemore，hadLordBaltimore，LordGrosvenor，andM。deSaa，thePortugueseambassador，inturn，butnotitularlover。Iinsistedonhavingmynightwithheraccordingtoagreement，butbothmotheranddaughterlaughedatmewhenIspokeofit。Icannotarresther，becausesheisaminor，butIwillhavethemotherimprisonedonthefirstopportunity，andyouwillseehowthetownwilllaugh。NowyouknowwhyIgototheirhouse；andIassureyouyouarewrongifyouthinkIhaveanypartintheircouncils。Nevertheless，Iknowtheyarediscussinghowtheymaycatchyou，andtheywilldosoifyoudonottakecare。\"
\"TellthemotherthatIhaveanotherhundredguineasatherserviceifshewillletmehaveherdaughterforasinglenight。\"
\"Doyoumeanthat？\"
\"Assuredly，butIamnotgoingtopayinadvance。\"
\"That’stheonlywaynottobeduped。Ishallbegladtoexecuteyourcommission。\"
Ikepttheroguetodinner，thinkinghemightbeusefultome。Hekneweverythingandeverybody，andtoldmeanumberofamusingancedotes。Althoughagood—for—nothingfellow，hehadhismerits。
Hehadwrittenseveralworks，which，thoughbadlyconstructed，shewedhewasamanofsomewit。Hewasthenwritinghis\"ChineseSpy，\"andeverydayhewrotefiveorsixnews—lettersfromthevariouscoffee—
houseshefrequented。Iwroteoneortwolettersforhim，withwhichhewasmuchpleased。ThereaderwillseehowImethimagainatNaplessomeyearslater。
Thenextmorning，whatwasmysurprisetoseetheCharpillon，whosaidwithanairthatIshouldhavetakenformodestyinanyotherwoman，——
\"Idon’twantyoutogivemeanybreakfast，Iwantanexplanation，andtointroduceMissLorenzitoyou。\"
Ibowedtoherandtohercompanion，andthensaid，——
\"Whatexplanationdoyourequire？\"
Atthis，MissLorenzi，whomIhadneverseenbefore，thoughtpropertoleaveus，andItoldmymanthatIwasnotathometoanybody。I
orderedbreakfasttobeservedtothecompanionofthenymph，thatshemightnotfindthewaitingtedious。
\"Sir，\"saidtheCharpillon，\"isitafactthatyouchargedtheChevalierGoudartotellmymotherthatyouwouldgiveahundredguineastospendthenightwithme？\"
\"No，nottospendanightwithyou，butafterIhadpassedit。Isn’tthepriceenough？\"
\"Nojesting，sir，ifyouplease。Thereisnoquestionofbargaining；
allIwanttoknowiswhetheryouthinkyouhavearighttoinsultme，andthatIamgoingtobearit？\"
\"Ifyouthinkyourselfinsulted，Imay，perhaps，confessIwaswrong；
butIconfessIdidnotthinkIshouldhavetolistentoanyreproachesfromyou。Gondarisoneofyourintimatefriends，andthisisnotthefirstproposalhehastakentoyou。Icouldnotaddressyoudirectly，asIknowyourartsonlytoowell。\"
\"Ishallnotpayanyattentiontoyourabuseofmyself；IwillonlyremindyouofwhatIsaid’thatneithermoneynorviolencewereofanyuse，’andthatyouronlywaywastomakemeinlovewithyoubygentlemeans。ShewmewhereIhavebrokenmyword！Itisyouthathaveforeswornyourselfincomingintomybath—room，andinsendingsuchabrutalmessagetomymother。NoonebutarascallikeGoudarwouldhavedaredtotakesuchamessage。\"
\"Goudararascal，ishe？Well，heisyourbestfriend。Youknowheisinlovewithyou，andthatheonlygotyoufortheambassadorinthehopeofenjoyingyouhimself。Thedocumentinhispossessionprovesthatyouhavebehavedbadlytowardshim。Youareinhisdebt，dischargeit，andthencallhimarascalifyouhavetheconsciencetodoso。Youneednottroubletoweep，forIknewthesourceofthosetears；itisdefiled。\"
\"Youknownothingofit。Iloveyou，anditishardtohaveyoutreatmeso。\"
\"Youloveme？Youhavenottakenthebestwaytoproveit！\"
\"Asgoodawayasyours。YouhavebehavedtomeasifIwerethevilestofprostitutes，andyesterdayyouseemedtothinkIwasabrutebeast，theslaveofmymother。Youshouldhavewrittentomeinperson，andwithouttheinterventionofsovileanagent；Ishouldhaverepliedinthesameway，andyouneednothavebeenafraidthatyouwouldbedeceived。\"
\"SupposingIhadwritten，whatwouldyouranswerhavebeen？\"
\"Ishouldhaveputallmoneymattersoutofquestion。Ishouldhavepromisedtocontentyouontheconditionthatyouwouldcomeandcourtmeforafortnightwithoutdemandingtheslightestfavour。Weshouldhavelivedapleasantlife；weshouldhavegonetothetheatreandtotheparks。Ishouldhavebecomemadlyinlovewithyou。ThenIshouldhavegivenmyselfuptoyouforlove，andnothingbutlove。
IamashamedtosaythathithertoIhaveonlygivenmyselfoutofmerecomplaisance。UnhappywomanthatIam！butIthinknaturemeantmetolove，andIthoughtwhenIsawyouthatmyhappystarhadsentyoutoEnglandthatImightknowtheblissoftrueaffection。
Insteadofthisyouhaveonlymademeunhappy。Youarethefirstmanthathasseenmeweep；youhavetroubledmypeaceathome，formymothershallneverhavethesumyoupromisedherwereitfornothingbutakiss。\"
\"Iamsorrytohaveinjuredyou，thoughIdidnotintendtodoso；
butIreallydon’tknowwhatIcando。\"
\"Comeandseeus，andkeepyourmoney，whichIdespise。Ifyouloveme，comeandconquermelikeareasonableandnotabrutallover；andIwillhelpyou，fornowyoucannotdoubtthatIloveyou。\"
AllthisseemedsonaturaltomethatIneverdreameditcontainedatrap。Iwascaught，andIpromisedtodowhatshewished，butonlyforafortnight。Sheconfirmedherpromise，andhercountenancebecameoncemoresereneandcalm。TheCharpillonwasabornactress。
Shegotuptogo，andonmybeggingakissasapledgeofourreconciliationshereplied，withasmile，thecharmofwhichshewellknew，thatitwouldnotdotobeginbybreakingthetermofouragreement，andsheleftmemoreinlovethanever，andfullofrepentanceformyconduct。
CHAPTERXII
Goudar’sChairIfshehadwrittenallthistomeinsteadofcominganddeliveringitvivavoce，itwouldprobablyhaveproducednoeffect；therewouldhavebeennotears，noravishingfeatures。Sheprobablycalculatedallthis，forwomenhaveawonderfulinstinctinthesematters。
ThatveryeveningIbeganmyvisits，andjudgedfrommywelcomethatmytriumphwasnighathand。Butlovefillsourmindswithidlevisions，anddrawsaveiloverthetruth。
Thefortnightwentbywithoutmyevenkissingherhand，andeverytimeIcameIbroughtsomeexpensivegift，whichseemedcheaptomewhenIobtainedsuchsmilesofgratitudeinexchange。Besidesthesepresents，notadaypassedwithoutsomeexcursiontothecountryorpartyatthetheatre；thatfortnightmusthavecostmefourhundredguineasattheleast。
Atlastitcametoanend，andIaskedherinthepresenceofhermotherwhereshewouldspendthenightwithme，thereoratmyhouse。
Themothersaidthatwewouldsettleitaftersupper，andImadenoobjection，notlikingtotellherthatinmyhousethesupperwouldbemoresucculent，andabetterpreludeforthekindofexerciseI
expectedtoenjoy。
Whenwehadsuppedthemothertookmeaside，andaskedmetoleavewiththecompanyandthentocomeback。Iobeyed，laughingtomyselfatthisfoolishmystery，andwhenIcamebackIfoundthemotherandthedaughterintheparlour，inwhichabedhadbeenlaidonthefloor。
ThoughIdidnotmuchcareforthisarrangement，IwastooamoroustoraiseanyobjectionatamomentwhenIthoughtmytriumphwasathand；butIwasastonishedwhenthemotheraskedmeifIwouldliketopaythehundredguineasinadvance。
\"Oh，fie！\"exclaimedthegirl；andhermotherlefttheroom，andwelockedthedoor。
Myamorousfeelings，solongpentupwithinmybreast，wouldsoonfindrelief。Iapproachedherwithopenarms；butsheavoidedmycaress，andgentlybeggedmetogetintobedwhileshepreparedtofollowme。Iwatchedherundresswithdelight，butwhenshehadfinishedsheputoutthecandles。Icomplainedofthisactofhers，butshesaidshecouldnotsleepwiththelightshiningonher。I
begantosuspectthatImighthavesomedifficultiesthrowninmywaytosharpenthepleasure，butIdeterminedtoberesignedandtoovercomethemall。
WhenIfeltherinthebedItriedtoclaspherinmyarms，butfoundthatshehadwrappedherselfupinherlongnight—gown；herarmswerecrossed，andherheadburiedinherchest。Ientreated，scolded，cursed，butallinvain；sheletmegoon，andanswerednotaword。
AtfirstIthoughtitwasajoke，butIsoonfoundoutmymistake；
theveilfellfrommyeyesandIsawmyselfinmytruecolours，thedegradeddupeofavileprostitute。
Loveeasilybecomesfury。Ibegantohandleherroughly，butsheresistedanddidnotspeak。Itorehernight—gowntorags，butI
couldnottearitentirelyoffher。Myragegrewterrible，myhandsbecametalons，andItreatedherwiththeutmostcruelty；butallfornothing。Atlast，withmyhandonherthroat，Ifelttemptedtostrangleher；andthenIknewitwastimeformetogo。
Itwasadreadfulnight。Ispoketothismonsterofawomanineverymannerandtone—withgentleness，withargument，rage，remonstrance，prayers，tears，andabuse，butsheresistedmeforthreehourswithoutabandoningherpainfulposition，inspiteofthetormentsI
madeherendure。
Atthreeo’clockinthemorning，feelingmymindandbodyinastateofexhaustion，Igotupanddressedmyselfbymysenseoftouch。I
openedtheparlourdoor，andfindingthestreetdoorlockedIshookittillaservantcameandletmeout。Iwenthomeandgotintobed，butexcitednaturerefusedmethesleepIneededso。Itookacupofchocolate，butitwouldnotstayonmystomach，andsoonafterashiveringfitwarnedmethatIwasfeverish。Icontinuedtobeilltillthenextday，andthenthefeverleftmeinastateofcompleteexhaustion。
AsIwasobligedtokeeptomybedforafewdays，IknewthatI
shouldsoongetmyhealthagain；butmychiefconsolationwasthatatlastIwascured。Myshamehadmademehatemyself。
WhenIfeltthefevercomingonItoldmymannottoletanybodycometoseeme，andtoplaceallmylettersinmydesk；forIwantedtobeperfectlywellbeforeItroubledmyselfwithanything。
OnthefourthdayIwasbetter，andItoldJarbetogivememyletters。IfoundonefromPauline，datedfromMadrid，inwhichsheinformedmethatClairmonthadsavedherlifewhiletheywerefordingariver，andshehaddeterminedtokeephimtillshegottoLisbon，andwouldthensendhimbackbysea。Icongratulatedmyselfatthetimeonherresolve；butitwasafataloneforClairmont，andindirectlyformealso。Fourmonthsafter，Iheardthattheshipinwhichhehadsailedhadbeenwrecked，andasIneverheardfromhimagainIcouldonlyconcludethatmyfaithfulservanthadperishedamidstthewaves。
AmongstmyLondonlettersIfoundtwofromtheinfamousmotheroftheinfamousCharpillon，andonefromthegirlherself。Thefirstofthemother’sletters，writtenbeforeIwasill，toldmethatherdaughterwasillinbed，coveredwithbruisesfromtheblowsIhadgivenher，sothatshewouldbeobligedtoinstitutelegalproceedingsagainstme。InthesecondlettershesaidshehadheardItoowasill，andthatshewassorrytohearit，herdaughterhavinginformedherthatIhadsomereasonformyanger；however，shewouldnotfailtojustifyherselfonthefirstopportunity。TheCharpillonsaidinherletterthatsheknewshehaddonewrong，andthatshewonderedIhadnotkilledherwhenItookherbythethroat。SheaddedthatnodoubtIhadmadeupmymindtovisithernomore，butshehopedI
wouldallowheroneinterviewasshehadanimportantcommunicationtomaketome。TherewasalsoanotefromGoudar，sayingthathewantedtospeaktome，andthathewouldcomeatnoon。Igaveordersthatheshouldbeadmitted。
Thiscuriousindividualbeganbyastonishingme；hetoldmethewholestoryofwhathadtakenplace，themotherhavingbeenhisinformant。
\"TheCharpillon，\"headded，\"hasnotgotafever，butiscoveredwithbruises。Whatgrievestheoldwomanmostisthatshehasnotgotthehundredguineas。\"
\"Shewouldhavehadthemthenextmorning，\"Isaid，\"ifherdaughterhadbeentractable。\"
\"Hermotherhadmadeherswearthatshewouldnotbetractable，andyouneednothopetopossessherwithoutthemother’sconsent。\"
\"Whywon’tsheconsent？\"
\"Becauseshethinksthatyouwillabandonthegirlassoonasyouhaveenjoyedher。\"
\"Possibly，butshewouldhavereceivedmanyvaluablepresents，andnowsheisabandonedandhasnothing。\"
\"Haveyoumadeupyourmindnottohaveanythingmoretodowithher？\"
\"Quite。\"
\"That’syourwisestplan，andIadviseyoutokeeptoit，neverthelessIwanttoshewyousomethingwhichwillsurpriseyou。I
willbebackinamoment。\"
Hereturned，followedbyaporter，whocarriedupanarm—chaircoveredwithacloth。Assoonaswewerealone，GoudartookoffthecoveringandaskedmeifIwouldbuyit。
\"WhatshouldIdowithit？Itisnotaveryattractivepieceoffurniture。\"
\"Nevertheless，thepriceofitisahundredguineas。\"
\"Iwouldnotgivethree。\"
\"Thisarm—chairhasfivesprings，whichcomeintoplayallatonceassoonasanyonesitsdowninit。Twospringscatchthetwoarmsandholdthemtightly，twoothersseparatethelegs，andthefifthliftsuptheseat。\"
AfterthisdescriptionGoudarsatdownquitenaturallyinthechairandthespringscameintoplayandforcedhimintothepositionofawomaninlabour。
\"GetthefairCharpillontositinthischair，\"saidhe，\"andyourbusinessisdone。\"
Icouldnothelplaughingatthecontrivance，whichstruckmeasatonceingeniousanddiabolical，butIcouldnotmakeupmymindtoavailmyselfofit。
\"Iwon’tbuyit，\"saidI，\"butIshallbeobligedifyouwillleaveitheretillto—morrow。\"
\"Ican’tleaveithereanhourunlessyouwillbuyit；theowneriswaitingclosebytohearyouranswer。\"
\"Thentakeitawayandcomebacktodinner。\"
HeshewedmehowIwastoreleasehimfromhisridiculousposition，andthenaftercoveringitupagainhecalledtheporterandwentaway。
Therecouldbenodoubtastotheactionofthemachinery，anditwasnofeelingofavaricewhichhinderedmefrombuyingthechair。AsI
havesaid，itseemedratheradiabolicalidea，andbesidesitmighteasilyhavesentmetothegallows。Furthermore，IshouldneverhavehadthestrengthofmindtoenjoytheCharpillonforcibly，especiallybymeansofthewonderfulchair，themechanismofwhichwouldhavefrightenedheroutofherwits。
AtdinnerItoldGoudarthattheCharpillonhaddemandedaninterview，andthatIhadwishedtokeepthechairsoastoshewherthatIcouldhaveherifIliked。Ishewedhimtheletter，andheadvisedmetoaccedetoherrequest，ifonlyforcuriosity’ssake。
Iwasinnohurrytoseethecreaturewhilethemarksonherfaceandneckwerestillfresh，soIspentsevenoreightdayswithoutmakingupmymindtoreceiveher。Goudarcameeveryday，andtoldmeoftheconfabulationsofthesewomenwhohadmadeuptheirmindsnottolivesavebytrickery。
HetoldmethatthegrandmotherhadtakenthenameofAnspergherwithouthavinganyrighttoit，asshewasmerelythemistressofaworthycitizenofBerne，bywhomshehadfourdaughters；themotheroftheCharpillonwastheyoungestofthefamily，and，asshewasprettyandlooseinhermorals，theGovernmenthadexiledherwithhermotherandsisters。TheyhadthenbetakenthemselvestoFranche—
Comte，wheretheylivedforsometimeontheBalmofLife。HereitwasthattheCharpilloncameintotheworld，hermotherattributinghertoaCountdeBoulainvilliers。Thechildgrewuppretty，andthefamilyremovedtoParisundertheimpressionthatitwouldbethebestmarketforsuchacommodity，butinthecourseoffouryearstheincomefromtheBalmhavingdwindledgreatly，theCharpillonbeingstilltooyoungtobeprofitable，anddebtorsclosingroundthemoneveryside，theyresolvedtocometoLondon。
Hethenproceededtotellmeofthevarioustricksandcheatswhichkeptthemallalive。Ifoundhisnarrativeinterestingenoughthen，butthereaderwouldfinditdull，andIexpectwillbegratefulformypassingitover。
IfeltthatitwasfortunateformethatIhadGoudar，whointroducedmetoallthemostfamouscourtezansinLondon，abovealltotheillustriousKittyFisher，whowasjustbeginningtobefashionable。
Healsointroducedmetoagirlofsixteen，averitableprodigyofbeauty，whoservedatthebarofatavernatwhichwetookabottleofstrongbeer。ShewasanIrishwomanandaCatholic，andwasnamedSarah。Ishouldhavelikedtogetpossessionofher，butGoudarhadviewsofhisownonthesubject，andcarriedheroffinthecourseofthenextyear。Heendedbymarryingher，andshewastheSaraGoudarwhoshoneatNaples，Florence，Venice，andelsewhere。Weshallhearofherinfourorfiveyears，stillwithherhusband。GoudarhadconceivedtheplanofmakinghertaketheplaceofDubarry，mistressofLouisXV。，butalettredecachetcompelledhimtotryelsewhere。
Ah！happydaysoflettresdecachet，youhavegonenevertoreturn！
TheCharpillonwaitedafortnightformetoreply，andthenresolvedtoreturntothechargeinperson。Thiswasnodoubttheresultofaconferenceofthemostsecretkind，forIheardnothingofitfromGondar。
Shecametoseemybyherselfinasedan—chair，andIdecidedonseeingher。IwastakingmychocolateandIlethercomeinwithoutrisingorofferingheranybreakfast。Sheaskedmetogivehersomewithgreatmodesty，andputupherfaceformetogiveherakiss，butIturnedmyheadaway。However，shewasnotintheleastdisconcerted。
\"Isupposethemarksoftheblowsyougavememakemyfacesorepulsive？\"
\"Youlie；Ineverstruckyou。\"
\"No，butyourtiger—likeclawshaveleftbruisesalloverme。Lookhere。No，youneedn’tbeafraidthatwhatyouseemayprovetooseductive；besides，itwillhavenonoveltyforyou。\"
Sosayingthewretchedcreatureletmeseeherbody，onwhichsomelividmarkswerestillvisible。
CowardthatIwas！WhydidInotlookanotherway？Iwilltellyou:
itwasbecauseshewassobeautiful，andbecauseawoman’scharmsareunworthyofthenameiftheycannotsilencereason。Iaffectedonlytolookatthebruises，butitwasanemptyfarce。Iblushformyself；herewasIconqueredbyasimplegirl，ignorantofwellnigheverything。ButsheknewwellenoughthatIwasinhalingthepoisonateverypore。Allatonceshedroppedherclothesandcameandsatbesideme，feelingsurethatIshouldhaverelishedacontinuanceofthespectacle。
However，Imadeaneffortandsaid，coldly，thatitwasallherownfault。
\"Iknowitis，\"saidshe，\"forifIhadbeentractableasIoughttohavebeen，youwouldhavebeenlovinginsteadofcruel。Butrepentanceeffacessin，andIamcometobegpardon。MayIhopetoobtainit？\"
\"Certainly；Iamangrywithyounolonger，butIcannotforgivemyself。Nowgo，andtroublemenomore。\"
\"Iwillifyoulike，butthereissomethingyouhavenotheard，andI
begyouwilllistentomeamoment。\"
\"AsIhavenothingtodoyoucansaywhatyouhavegottosay，Iwilllistentoyou。\"
Inspiteofthecoldnessofmywords，Iwasreallyprofoundlytouched，andtheworstofitwasthatIbegantobelieveinthegenuinenessofhermotives。
Shemighthaverelievedherselfofwhatshehadtosayinaquarterofanhour，butbydintoftears，sighs，groans，digressions，andsoforth，shetooktwohourstotellmethathermotherhadmadehersweartopassthenightasshehaddone。SheendedbysayingthatshewouldliketobemineasshehadbeenM。Morosini’s，tolivewithme，andonlytogooutundermyescort，whileImightallowheramonthlysumwhichshewouldhandovertohermother，whowould，inthatcase，leaveheralone。
Shedinedwithme，anditwasintheeveningthatshemadethisproposition。Isupposebecauseshethoughtmeripeforanothercheat。Itoldherthatitmightbearranged，butthatIshouldprefertosettlewithhermother，andthatshewouldseemeattheirhousethefollowingday，andthisseemedtosurpriseher。
ItispossiblethattheCharpillonwouldhavegrantedmeanyfavouronthatday，andthentherewouldhavebeennoquestionofdeceptionorresistanceforthefuture。WhydidInotpressher？Becausesometimeslovestupefiesinsteadofquickens，andbecauseIhadbeeninawayherjudge，andIthoughtitwouldbebaseofmetorevengemyselfonherbysatisfyingmyamorousdesires，andpossiblybecauseIwasafool，asIhaveoftenbeeninthecourseofmyexistence。
Shemusthaveleftmeinastateofirritation，andnodoubtsheregisteredavowtorevengeherselfonmeforthehalf—contemptuouswayinwhichIhadtreatedher。
Goudarwasastonishedwhenheheardofhervisit，andofthewayinwhichIhadspenttheday。Ibeggedhimtogetmeasmallfurnishedhouse，andintheeveningIwenttoseetheinfamouswomaninherownhouse。
Shewaswithhermother，andIlaidmyproposalbeforethem。
\"YourdaughterwillhaveahouseatChelsea，\"saidItothemother，\"whereIcangoandseeherwheneverIlike，andalsofiftyguineasamonthtodowhatshelikeswith。\"
\"Idon’tcarewhatyougiveheramonth，\"shereplied，\"butbeforeI
letherleavemyhouseshemustgivemethehundredguineasshewastohavehadwhenshesleptwithyou。\"
\"Itisyourfaultthatshedidn’thavethem；however，tocutthemattershort，sheshallgivethemtoyou。\"
\"Andinthemeanwhile，tillyouhavefoundthehouse，Ihopeyouwillcomeandseeme。\"
\"Yes。\"
ThenextdayGoudarshewedmeaprettyhouseatChelsea，andItookit，payingtenguineas，amonth’srent，inadvance，forwhichI
receivedareceipt。IntheafternoonIconcludedthebargainwiththemother，theCharpillonbeingpresent。Themotheraskedmetogiveherthehundredguineas，andIdidso，notfearinganytreachery，asnearlythewholeofthegirl’sclothingwasalreadyatChelsea。
Induecoursewewenttoourcountryhouse。TheCharpillonlikedthehouseimmensely，andafterashorttalkwesuppedmerrilytogether。
Aftersupperwewenttobed，andshegrantedmesomeslightpreliminaryfavours，butwhenIwouldhaveattainedmyendIfoundanobstaclewhichIhadnotexpected。Shegavemesomephysiologicalreasonsforthecircumstances，butnotbeingamantostopforsolittle，Iwouldhavegoneon，butsheresisted，andyetwithsuchgentlenessthatIleftheraloneandwenttosleep。Iawokesoonerthanshedid，anddeterminedtoseewhethershehadimposedonme；soIraisedhernight—gowncarefully，andtookoffherlinenonlytofindthatIhadbeendupedoncemore。Thisrousedher，andshetriedtostopme，butitwastoolate。However，Igentlychidherforthetrick，andfeelingdisposedtoforgiveitsetaboutmakingupforlosttime，butshegotonthehighhorse，andpretendedtobehurtatmytakingherbysurprise。Itriedtocalmherbyrenewedtenderness，butthewretchedcreatureonlygotmorefurious，andwouldgivemenothing。Ileftheralone，butIexpressedmyopinionofherinprettystrongterms。Theimpudentsluthonouredmewithasmileofdisdain，andthenbeginningtodressherselfsheproceededtoindulgeinimpertinentrepartees。Thismademeangry，andIgaveheraboxontheearswhichstretchedheratfulllengthonthefloor。Sheshrieked，stampedherfeet，andmadeahideousuproar；
thelandlordcameup，andshebegantospeaktohiminEnglish，whilethebloodgushedfromhernose。
ThemanfortunatelyspokeItalian，andtoldmethatshewantedtogoaway，andadvisedmetoletherdoso，orshemightmakeitawkwardforme，andhehimselfwouldbeobligedtowitnessagainstme。
\"Tellhertobegoneasfastasshelikes，\"saidI，\"andtokeepoutofmysightforever。\"
Shefinisheddressing，staunchedtheblood，andwentoffinasedan—
chair，whileIremainedpetrified，feelingthatIdidnotdeservetolive，andfindingherconductutterlyoutrageousandincomprehensible。
Afteranhour’sconsiderationIdecidedonsendingherbackhertrunk，andthenIwenthomeandtobed，tellingmyservantsIwasnotathometoanyone。
Ispenttwenty—fourhoursinponderingovermywrongs，andatlastmyreasontoldmethatthefaultwasmine；Idespisedmyself。Iwasonthebrinkofsuicide，buthappilyIescapedthatfate。
IwasjustgoingoutwhenGoudarcameupandmademegoinwithhim，ashesaidhewantedtospeaktome。AftertellingmethattheCharpillonhadcomehomewithaswollencheekwhichpreventedhershewingherself，headvisedmetoabandonallclaimsonherorhermother，orthelatterwouldbringafalseaccusationagainstmewhichmightcostmemylife。ThosewhoknowEngland，andespeciallyLondonwillnotneedtobeinformedastothenatureofthisaccusation，whichissoeasilybroughtinEngland；itwillsufficetosaythatthroughitSodomwasoverwhelmed。
\"Themotherhasengagedmetomediate，\"saidGoudar，\"andifyouwillleaveheralone，shewilldoyounoharm。\"
Ispentthedaywithhim，foolishlycomplaining，andtellinghimthathecouldassurethemotherthatIwouldtakenoproceedingsagainsther，butthatIshouldliketoknowifshehadthecouragetoreceivethisassurancefrommyownlips。
\"Iwillcarryyourmessage，\"saidhe，\"butIpityyou；foryouaregoingintotheirnetsagain，andwillendinutterruin。\"
Ifanciedtheywouldbeashamedtoseeme；butIwasverymuchmistaken，forGoudarcamebacklaughing，andsaidthemotherexpressedahopethatIshouldalwaysbethefriendofthefamily。
Ioughttohaverefusedtohaveanythingmoretodowiththem，butI
hadnotthestrengthtoplaytheman。IcalledatDenmarkStreetthesameevening，andspentanhourwithoututteringasyllable。TheCharpillonsatoppositetome，witheyesloweredtoapieceofembroidery，whilefromtimetotimeshepretendedtowipeawayatearassheletmeseetheravagesIhadworkedonhercheek。
Isawhereverydayandalwaysinsilencetillthefatalmarkhaddisappeared，butduringthesemadvisitsthepoisonofdesirewassoinstilledintomyveinsthatifshehadknownmystateofmindshemighthavedespoiledmeofallIpossessedforasinglefavour。
WhenshewasoncemoreasbeautifulaseverIfeltasifImustdieifIdidnotholdherinmyarmsagain，andIboughtamagnificentpier—glassandasplendidbreakfastserviceinDresdenchina，andsentthemtoherwithanamorousepistlewhichmusthavemadeherthinkmeeitherthemostextravagantorthemostcowardlyofmen。
Shewroteinanswerthatshewouldexpectmetosupwithherinherroom，thatshemightgivemethetenderestproofsofhergratitude。
Thislettersentmecompletelymadwithjoy，andinaparoxysmofdelightIresolvedtosurrendertoherkeepingthetwobillsofexchangewhichBolomeehadgivenme，andwhichgavemepowertosendhermotherandauntstoprison。
Fullofthehappinessthatawaitedme，andenchantedwithmyownidioticheroism，Iwenttoherintheevening。Shereceivedmeintheparlourwithhermother，andIwasdelightedtoseethepier—
glassoverthemantel，andthechinadisplayedonalittletable。
Afterahundredwordsofloveandtendernesssheaskedmetocomeuptoherroom，andhermotherwishedusgoodnight。Iwasoverwhelmedwithjoy。AfteradelicatelittlesupperItookoutthebillsofexchange，andaftertellinghertheirhistorygavethemuptoher，toshewthatIhadnointentionofavengingmyselfonhermotherandaunts。Imadeherpromisethatshewouldneverpartwiththem，andshesaidshewouldneverdoso，andwithmanyexpressionsofgratitudeandwonderatmygenerosityshelockedthemupwithgreatcare。
ThenIthoughtitwastimetogivehersomemarksofmypassion，andIfoundherkind；butwhenIwouldhavepluckedthefruit，sheclaspedmetoherarms，crossedherlegs，andbegantoweepbitterly。
Imadeaneffort，andaskedherifshewouldbethesamewhenwewereinbed。Shesighed，andafteramoment’spause，replied，\"Yes。\"
ForaquarterofanhourIremainedsilentandmotionless，asifpetrified。AtlastIrosewithapparentcoolness，andtookmycloakandsword。
\"What！\"saidshe，\"areyounotgoingtospendthenightwithme？\"
\"No。\"
\"Butweshallseeeachotherto—morrow？\"
\"Ihopeso。Goodnight。\"
Ileftthatinfernalabode，andwenthometobed。
CHAPTERXIII
TheEndoftheStoryStrangerThantheBeginningAteighto’clockthenextmorningJarbetoldmethattheCharpillonwantedtoseeme，andthatshehadsentawayherchairmen。
\"TellherthatIcan’tseeher。\"
ButIhadhardlyspokenwhenshecamein，andJarbewentout。I
addressedherwiththeutmostcalmness，andbeggedhertogivemebackthetwobillsofexchangeIhadplacedinherhandsthenightbefore。
\"Ihaven’tgotthemaboutme；butwhydoyouwantmetoreturnthemtoyou？\"
AtthisquestionIcouldcontainmyselfnolonger，andlaunchedastormofabuseather。Itwasanexplosionwhichrelievednature，andendedwithaninvoluntaryshoweroftears。MyinfamousseductressstoodascalmlyasInnocenceitself；andwhenIwassochokedwithsobsthatIcouldnotutteraword，shesaidshehadonlybeencruelbecausehermotherhadmadeherswearanoathnevertogiveherselftoanyoneinherownhouse，andthatshehadonlycomenowtoconvincemeofherlove，togiveherselftomewithoutreserve，andnevertoleavemeanymoreifIwishedit。
Thereaderwhoimaginesthatatthesewordsragegaveplacetolove，andthatIhastenedtoobtaintheprize，doesnotknowthenatureofthepassionsowellasthevilewomanwhoseplaythingIwas。Fromhotlovetohotangerisashortjourney，butthereturnisslowanddifficult。Iftherebeonlyangerinaman’sbreastitmaybesubduedbytenderness，bysubmission，andaffection；butwhentoangerisaddedafeelingofindignationathavingbeenshamefullydeceived，itisimpossibletopasssuddenlytothoughtsofloveandvoluptuousenjoyment。Withmemereangerhasneverbeenoflongduration，butwhenIamindignanttheonlycureisforgetfulness。
TheCharpillonknewperfectlywellthatIwouldnottakeheratherword，andthiskindofsciencewasinborninher。Theinstinctofwomenteachesthemgreatersecretsthanallthephilosophyandtheresearchofmen。
Intheeveningthismonsterleftme，feigningtobedisappointedanddisconsolate，andsaying，——
\"Ihopeyouwillcomeandseemeagainwhenyouareoncemoreyourself。\"
Shehadspenteighthourswithme，duringwhichtimeshehadonlyspokentodenymysuppositions，whichwereperfectlytrue，butwhichshecouldnotaffordtoletpass。Ihadnottakenanythingallday，inorderthatImightnotbeobligedtoofferheranythingortoeatwithher。
AftershehadleftmeItooksomesoupandthenenjoyedaquietsleep，forwhichIfeltallthebetter。WhenIcametoconsiderwhathadpassedthe，daybeforeIconcludedthattheCharpillonwasrepentant，butIseemednolongertocareanythingabouther。
HereImayaswellconfess，inallhumility，whatachangeloveworkedonmeinLondon，thoughIhadattainedtheageofthirty—
eight。Hereclosedthefirstactofmylife；thesecondclosedwhenIleftVenicein1783，andprobablythethirdwillclosehere，asI
amusemyselfbywritingthesememoirs。Thus，thethree—actcomedywillfinish，andifitbehissed，asmaypossiblybethecase，I
shallnothearthesoundsofdisapproval。ButasyetthereaderhasnotseenthelastandIthinkthemostinterestingsceneofthefirstact。
IwentforawalkintheGreenParkandmetGoudar。Iwasgladtoseehim，astheroguewasusefultome。
\"IhavejustbeenattheCharpillons，\"hebegan；\"theywereallinhighspirits。Itriedinvaintoturntheconversationonyou，butnotawordwouldtheyutter。\"
\"Idespisethementirely，\"Irejoined，\"Idon’twanttohaveanythingmoretodowiththem。\"
HetoldmeIwasquiteright，andadvisedmetopersevereinmyplan。
Imadehimdinewithme，andthenwewenttoseethewell—knownprocuress，Mrs。Wells，andsawthecelebratedcourtezan，KittyFisher，whowaswaitingfortheDukeof————totakehertoaball。
Shewasmagnificentlydressed，anditisnoexaggerationtosaythatshehadondiamondsworthfivehundredthousandfrancs。GoudartoldmethatifIlikedImighthaveherthenandtherefortenguineas。
Ididnotcaretodoso，however，for，thoughcharming，shecouldonlyspeakEnglish，andIlikedtohaveallmysenses，includingthatofhearing，gratified。Whenshehadgone，Mrs。WellstoldusthatKittyhadeatenabank—noteforathousandguineas，onasliceofbreadandbutter，thatveryday。ThenotewasapresentfromSirAkins，brotherofthefairMrs。Pitt。IdonotknowwhetherthebankthankedKittyforthepresentshehadmadeit。
IspentanhourwithagirlnamedKennedy，afairIrishwoman，whocouldspeakasortofFrench，andbehavedmostextravagantlyundertheinfluenceofchampagne；buttheimageoftheCharpillonwasstillbeforeme，thoughIknewitnot，andIcouldnotenjoyanything。
Iwenthomefeelingsadandillpleasedwithmyself。Commonsensetoldmetodriveallthoughtsofthatwretchedwomanoutofmyhead，butsomethingIcalledhonourbademenotleaveherthetriumphofhavingwonthetwobillsofexchangefrommefornothing，andmademedeterminetogetthembackbyfairmeansorfoul。
M。Malingan，atwhosehouseIhadmadetheacquaintanceofthiscreature，comeandaskedmetodinner。Hehadaskedmetodinewithhimseveraltimesbefore，andIhadalwaysrefused，andnowIwouldnotacceptuntilIhadheardwhatguestshehadinvited。Thenameswereallstrangetome，soIagreedtocome。
WhenIarrivedIfoundtwoyoungladiesfromLiege，inoneofwhomI
gotinteresteddirectly。Sheintroducedmetoherhusband，andtoanotheryoungmanwhoseemedtobethecavalieroftheotherlady，hercousin。
Thecompanypleasedme，andIwasinhopesthatIshouldspendahappyday，butmyevilgeniusbroughttheCharpillontomarthefeast。Shecameintotheroominhighglee，andsaidtoMalingan，——
\"IshouldnothavecometobegyoutogivemeadinnerifIhadknownthatyouwouldhavesomanyguests，andifIamatallinthewayI
willgo。\"
Everybodywelcomedher，myselfexcepted，forIwasontherack。Tomakemattersworse，shewasplacedatmylefthand。IfshehadcomeinbeforewesatdowntodinnerIshouldhavemadesomeexcuseandgoneaway，butaswehadbegunthesoupasuddenflightwouldhavecoveredmewithridicule。Iadoptedtheplanofnotlookingather，reservingallmypolitenessfortheladyonmyright。WhenthemealwasoverMalingantookmeapart，andsworetomethathehadnotinvitedtheCharpillon，butIwasnotconvinced，thoughIpretendedtobeforpoliteness’sake。
ThetwoladiesfromLiegeandtheircavalierswereembarkingforOstendinafewdays，andinspeakingoftheirdeparturetheonetowhomIhadtakenafancysaidthatshewassorrytobeleavingEnglandwithouthavingseenRichmond。Ibeggedhertogivemethepleasureofshewingither，andwithoutwaitingforananswerIaskedherhusbandandallthecompanytobepresent，exceptingtheCharpillon，whomIpretendednottosee。
Theinvitationwasaccepted。
\"Twocarriages，\"Isaid，\"holdingfoureach，shallbereadyateighto’clock，andweshallbeexactlyeight。\"
\"No，nine，forIamcoming，\"saidtheCharpillon，givingmeanimpudentstare，\"andIhopeyouwillnotdrivemeaway。\"
\"No，thatwouldbeimpolite，Iwillrideinfrontonhorseback。\"
\"Oh，notatall！Emilieshallsitonmylap。\"
EmiliewasMalingan’sdaughter，andaseverybodyseemedtothinkthearrangementanextremelypleasantoneIhadnotthecouragetoresist。Afewmomentsafter，Iwasobligedtoleavetheroomforafewmoments，andwhenIcamebackImetheronthelanding。ShetoldmeIhadinsultedhergrievously，andthatunlessImadeamendsI
shouldfeelhervengeance。
\"Youcanbeginyourvengeance，\"Isaid，\"byreturningmybillsofexchange\"
\"Youshallhavethemto—morrow，butyouhadbettertryandmakemeforgettheinsultyouhaveputonme。\"
Ileftthecompanyintheevening，havingarrangedthatweshouldallbreakfasttogetherthenextday。
Ateighto’clockthetwocarriageswereready，andMalingan，hiswife，hisdaughter，andthetwogentlemengotintothefirstvehicle，andIhadtogetintothesecondwiththeladiesfromLiegeandtheCharpillon，whoseemedtohavebecomeveryintimatewiththem。Thismademeill—tempered，andIsulkedthewholeway。Wewereanhourandaquarteronthejourney，andwhenwearrivedIorderedagooddinner，andthenweproceededtoviewthegardens；thedaywasabeautifulone，thoughitwasautumn。
WhilstwewereWalkingtheCharpilloncameuptomeandsaidshewantedtoreturnthebillsinthesameplaceinwhichIhadgivenherthem。AswewereatsomedistancefromtheothersIpeltedherwithabuse，tellingherofherperfidyandofhercorruptionatanagewhensheshouldhaveretainedsomevestigesofinnocencecallingherbythenameshedeserved，asIremindedherhowoftenshehadalreadyprostitutedherself；inshortIthreatenedherwithmyvengeanceifshepushedmetoextremities。Butshewasascoldasice，andopposedacalmfronttothestormofinvectiveIrainedinherears。
However，astheotherguestswereatnogreatdistance，shebeggedmetospeakmoresoftly，buttheyheardmeandIwasverygladofit。
Atlastwesatdowntodinner，andthewretchedwomancontrivedtogetaplacebesideme，andbehavedallthewhileasifIwereherlover，oratanyrateasifshelovedme。Shedidnotseemtocarewhatpeoplethoughtofmycoldness，whileIwasinarage，forthecompanymusteitherhavethoughtmeafoolorelsethatshewasmakinggameofme。
Afterdinnerwereturnedtothegarden，andtheCharpillon，determinedtogainthevictory，clungtomyarmandafterseveralturnsledmetowardsthemazewhereshewishedtotryherpower。Shemademesitdownonthegrassbesideherandattackedmewithpassionatewordsandtendercaresses，andbydisplayingthemostinterestingofhercharmsshesucceededinseducingme，butstillI
donotknowwhetherIwereimpelledbyloveorvengeance，andIaminclinedtothinkthatmyfeelingswereacompoundofbothpassions。
Butatthemomentshelookedthepictureofvoluptuousabandon。
Herardenteyes，herfierycheeks，herwantonkisses，herswellingbreast，andherquicksighs，allmademethinkthatshestoodasmuchinneedofdefeatasIofvictory；certainlyIshouldnothavejudgedthatshewasalreadycalculatingonresistance。
ThusIoncemorebecametenderandaffectionate；IbeggedpardonforwhatIhadsaidanddone。Herfierykissesrepliedtomine，andI
thoughtherglanceandthesoftpressureofherbodywereinvitingmetogatherthedeliciousfruit；butjustasmyhandopenedthedoorofthesanctuary，shegaveasuddenmovement，andthechancewaslost。
\"What！youwoulddeceivemeagain。\"
\"No，nobutwehavedoneenoughnow。Ipromisetospendthenightinyourarmsinyourownhouse。\"
ForamomentIlostmysenses。Ionlysawthedeceitfulwretchwhohadprofitedbymyfoolishcredulitysomanytimes，andIresolvedtoenjoyortakevengeance。Iheldherdownwithmyleftarm，anddrawingasmallknifefrommypocketIopeneditwithmyteethandprickedherneck，threateningtokillherifsheresistedme。
\"Doasyoulike，\"shesaidwithperfectcalm，\"Ionlyaskyoutoleavememylife，butafteryouhavesatisfiedyourselfIwillnotleavethespot；Iwillnotenteryourcarriageunlessyoucarrymebyforce，andeverybodyshallknowthereason。\"
Thisthreathadnoeffect，forIhadalreadygotbackmysenses，andIpitiedmyselfforbeingdegradedbyacreatureforwhomIhadthegreatestcontempt，inspiteofthealmostmagicalinfluenceshehadoverme，andthefuriousdesiressheknewhowtokindleinmybreast。
Irosewithoutaword，andtakingmyhatandcaneIhastenedtoleaveaplacewhereunbridledpassionhadbroughtmetothebrinkofruin。
Myreaderswillscarcelybelieveme（butitisneverthelesstheexacttruth）whenIsaythattheimpudentcreaturehastenedtorejoinme，andtookmyarmagainasifnothinghadhappened。Agirlofheragecouldnothaveplayedthepartsowellunlessshehadbeenalreadytriedinahundredbattles。WhenwerejoinedthecompanyIwasaskedifIwereill，whilenobodynoticedtheslightestalterationinher。
WhenwegotbacktoLondonIexcusedmyselfunderthepleaofabadheadache，andreturnedhome。
Theadventurehadmadeaterribleimpressiononme，andIsawthatifIdidnotavoidallintercoursewiththisgirlIshouldbebroughttoruin。TherewassomethingaboutherIcouldnotresist。Ithereforeresolvedtoseehernomore，butfeelingashamedofmyweaknessingivingherthebillsofexchangeIwrotehermotheranoterequestinghertomakeherdaughterreturnthem，orelseIshouldbecompelledtotakeharshmeasures。
IntheafternoonIreceivedthefollowingreply:
\"Sir，——Iamexceedinglysurprisedatyouraddressingyourselftomeaboutthebillsyouhandedtomydaughter。Shetellsmeshewillgiveyouthembackinpersonwhenyoushewmorediscretion，andhavelearnttorespecther。\"
ThisimpudentlettersoenragedmethatIforgotmyvowofthemorning。Iputtwopistolsinmypocketandproceededtothewretchedwoman’sabodetocompelhertoreturnmemybillsifshedidnotwishtobesoundlycaned。
Ionlytookthepistolstooverawethetwomalerascalswhosuppedwiththemeveryevening。IwasfuriouswhenIarrived，butIpassedbythedoorwhenIsawahandsomeyounghairdresser，whodidtheCharpillon’shaireverySaturdayevening，goingintothehouse。
IdidnotwantastrangertobepresentatthesceneImeanttomake，soIwaitedatthecornerofthestreetforthehairdressertogo。
AfterIhadwaitedhalfanhourRostaingandCouman，thetwosupportsofthehouse，cameoutandwentaway，muchtomydelight。Iwaitedon；elevenstruck，andthehandsomebarberhadnotyetgone。A
littlebeforemidnightaservantcameoutwithalamp，Isupposetolookforsomethingthathadfallenoutofthewindow。Iapproachednoiselessly，steppedinandopenedtheparlour—door，whichwasclosetothestreet，andsaw……theCharpillonandthebarberstretchedonthesofaanddoingthebeastwithtwobacks，asShakespearecallsit。
Whentheslutsawmeshegaveashriekandunhorsedhergallant，whomIcanedsoundlyuntilheescapedintheconfusionconsequentontheservants，mother，andauntsallrushingintotheroom。WhilethiswasgoingontheCharpillon，half—naked，remainedcrouchedbehindthesofa，tremblinglesttheblowsshouldbegintodescendonher。Thenthethreehagssetuponmelikefuries；buttheirabuseonlyirritatedme，andIbrokethepier—’glass，thechina，andthefurniture，andastheystillhowledandshriekedIroaredoutthatiftheydidnotceaseIwouldbreaktheirheads。Atthistheybegantocalm。
Ithrewmyselfuponthefatalsofa，andbadethemothertoreturnmethebillsofexchange；butjustthenthewatchmancamein。
Thereisonlyonewatchmantoadistrict，whichheperambulatesallnightwithalanterninonehandandastaffintheother。Onthesementhepeaceofthegreatcitydepends。Iputthreeorfourcrownsintohishandandsaid\"Goaway，\"andsosayingshutthedooruponhim。ThenIsatdownoncemoreandaskedagainforthebillsofexchange:
\"Ihavenotgotthem；mydaughterkeepsthem。\"
\"Callher。\"
ThetwomaidssaidthatwhilstIwasbreakingthechinashehadescapedbythestreetdoor，andthattheydidnotknowwhathadbecomeofher。Thenthemotherandauntsbegantoshriek，weep，andexclaim，——
\"MypoordaughteraloneinthestreetsofLondonatmidnight！Mydearniece，alas！alas！sheislost。CursedbethehourwhenyoucametoEnglandtomakeusallunhappy！\"
Myragehadevaporated，andItrembledatthethoughtofthisyoungfrightenedgirlrunningaboutthestreetsatsuchanhour。
\"Goandlookforherattheneighbours’houses，\"Isaidtotheservants，\"nodoubtyouwillfindher。Whenyoutellmesheissafe，youshallhaveaguineaapiece。\"
WhenthethreeGorgonssawIwasinterested，theirtears，complaints，andinvectivesbeganagainwithrenewedvigor，whileIkeptsilenceasmuchastosaythattheywereintheright。Iawaitedthereturnoftheservantswithimpatience，andatlastatoneo’clocktheycamebackwithlooksofdespair。
\"Wehavelookedforhereverywhere，\"saidthey，\"butwecan’tfindher。\"
Igavethemthetwoguineasasiftheyhadsucceeded，whilstIsatmotionlessreflectingontheterribleconsequencesofmyanger。Howfoolishismanwhenheisinlove！
Iwasidiotenoughtoexpressmyrepentancetothethreeoldcheats。