Ibeggedthemtoseekforhereverywherewhendawnappeared，andtoletmeknowofherreturnthatImightfallatherfeettobegpardon，andneverseeherfaceagain。IalsopromisedtopayforallthedamageIhaddone，andtogivethemafullreceiptforthebillsofexchange。Aftertheseacts，donetotheeverlastingshameofmygoodsense，afterthisapologymadetoprocuresseswholaughedatmeandmyhonour，Iwenthome，promisingtwoguineastotheservantwhoshouldbringmetidingsthatheryoungmistresshadcomehome。
OnleavingthehouseIfoundthewatchmanatthedoor；hehadbeenwaitingtoseemehome。Itwastwoo’clock。Ithrewmyselfonmybed，andthesixhoursofsleepIobtained，thoughtroubledbyfearfuldreams，probablysavedmefrommadness。
Ateighto’clockIheardaknockatthedoor，andonopeningthewindowfounditwasoneoftheservantsfromthehouseofmyfoes。I
criedouttoletherin，andIbreathedagainonhearingthatMissCharpillonhadjustarrivedinasedan—chairinapitiablecondition，andthatshehadbeenputtobed。
\"Imadehastetocomeandtellyou，\"saidthecunningmaid，\"notforthesakeofyourtwoguineas，butbecauseIsawyouweresounhappy。\"
Thisdupedmedirectly。Igaveherthetwoguineas，andmadehersitdownonmybed，begginghertotellmeallabouthermistress’sreturn。Ididnotdreamthatshehadbeenschooledbymyenemies；
butduringthewholeofthisperiodIwasdeprivedoftherightuseofmyreason。
Theslutbeganbysayingthatheryoungmistresslovedme，andhadonlydeceivedmeinaccordancewithhermother’sorders。
\"Iknowthat，\"Isaid，\"butwheredidshepassthenight？\"
\"Atashopwhichshefoundopen，andwhereshewasknownfromhavingboughtvariousarticlesthere。Sheisinbedwithafever，andIamafraiditmayhaveseriousconsequencesassheisinhermonthlyperiod。\"
\"That’simpossible，forIcaughtherintheactwithherhairdresser。\"
\"Oh，thatprovesnothing！thepooryoungmandoesnotlookintothingsveryclosely。\"
\"Butsheisinlovewithhim。\"
\"Idon’tthinkso，thoughshehasspentseveralhoursinhiscompany。\"
\"Andyousaythatshelovesme！\"
\"Oh，thathasnothingtodowithit！Itisonlyawhimofherswiththehairdresser。\"
\"TellherthatIamcomingtopassthedaybesideherbed，andbringmeherreply。\"
\"Iwillsendtheothergirlifyoulike。\"
\"No，sheonlyspeaksEnglish。\"
Shewentaway，andasshehadnotreturnedbythreeo’clockIdecidedoncallingtohearhowshewas。Iknockedatthedoor，andoneoftheauntsappearedandbeggedmenottoenterasthetwofriendsofthehousewerethereinafuryagainstme，andherniecelayinadelirium，cryingout\"There’sSeingalt，there’sSeingalt！He’sgoingtokillme。Help！help！\"\"ForGod’ssake，sir，goaway，\"
Iwenthomedesperate，withouttheslightestsuspicionthatitwasallalie。Ispentthewholedaywithouteatinganything；Icouldnotswallowamouthful。AllnightIkeptawake，andthoughItookseveralglassesofstrongwatersIcouldobtainnorest。
Atnineo’clockthenextmorningIknockedattheCharpillon’sdoor，andtheoldauntcameandheldithalfopenasbefore。Sheforbademetoenter，sayingthatherniecewasstilldelirious，continuallycallingonmeinhertransports，andthatthedoctorhaddeclaredthatifthediseasecontinueditscourseshehadnottwenty—fourhourstolive。\"Thefrightyougaveherhasarrestedherperiods；
sheisinaterriblestate。\"
\"O，fatalhairdresser！\"Iexclaimed。
\"Thatwasamereyouthfulfolly；youshouldhavepretendednottohaveseenanything。\"
\"Youthinkthatpossible，youoldwitch，doyou？Donotletherlackforanything；takethat。\"
WiththesewordsIgaveherabanknotefortenguineasandwentaway，likethefoolIwas。OnmywaybackImetGoudar，whowasquitefrightenedatmyaspect。IbeggedhimtogoandseehowtheCharpillonreallywas，andthentocomeandpasstherestofthedaywithme。Anhourafterhecamebackandsaidhehadfoundthemallintearsandthatthegirlwasinextremis。
\"Didyouseeher？\"
\"No，theysaidshecouldseenoone。\"
\"Doyouthinkitisalltrue？\"
\"Idon’tknowwhattothink；butoneofthemaids，whotellsmethetruthasarule，assuredmethatshehadbecomemadthroughhercoursesbeingstopped，whileshehasalsoafeverandviolentconvulsions。Itisallcredibleenough，forthesearetheusualresultsofashockwhenawomanisinsuchasituation。Thegirltoldmeitwasallyourfault。\"
Ithentoldhimthewholestory。Hecouldonlypityme，butwhenheheardthatIhadneithereatennorsleptforthelastforty—eighthourshesaidverywiselythatifIdidnottakecareIshouldlosemyreasonormylife。Iknewit，butIcouldfindnoremedy。Hespentthedaywithmeanddidmegood。AsIcouldnoteatIdrankagooddeal，andnotbeingabletosleepIspentthenightinstridingupanddownmyroomlikeamanbesidehimself。
Onthethirdday，havingheardnothingpositiveabouttheCharpillon，Iwentoutatseveno’clockinthemorningtocallonher。AfterI
hadwaitedaquarterofanhourinthestreet，thedoorwaspartlyopened，andIsawthemotherallintears，butshewouldnotletmecomein。Shesaidherdaughterwasinthelastagony。Atthesameinstantapaleandthinoldmancameout，tellingthemotherthatwemustresignourselvestothewillofGod。Iaskedtheinfamouscreatureifitwerethedoctor。
\"Thedoctorisnogoodnow，\"saidtheoldhypocrite，weepinganew，\"heisaministeroftheGospel，andthereisanotherofthemupstairs。Mypoordaughter！Inanotherhourshewillbenomore。\"
Ifeltasifanicyhandhadcloseduponmyheart。Iburstintotearsandleftthewoman，saying，——
\"Itistruethatmyhanddealttheblow，butherdeathliesatyourdoor。\"
AsIwalkedawaymykneesseemedtobendunderme，andIenteredmyhousedeterminedtocommitsuicide，——
Withthisfearfulidea，IgaveordersthatIwasnotathometoanyone。AssoonasIgottomyroomIputmywatches，rings，snuff—
boxes，purseandpocket—bookinmycasket，andshutitupinmyescritoire。IthenwrotealettertotheVenetianambassador，informinghimthatallmypropertywastogotoM。deBragadinaftermydeath。Isealedtheletterandputitwiththecasket，andtookthekeywithme，andalsosilvertotheamountofafewguineas。I
tookmypistolsandwentoutwiththefirmintentionofdrowningmyselfintheThames，neartheTowerofLondon。
Ponderingovermyplanwiththeutmostcoolness，Iwentandboughtsomeballsofleadaslargeasmypocketswouldhold，andasheavyasIcouldbear，tocarrytotheTower，whereIintendedtogoonfoot。
OnmywayIwasstrengthenedinmypurposebythereflection，thatifIcontinuedtoliveIshouldbetormentedfortheremainderofmydaysbythepaleshadeoftheCharpillonreproachingmeashermurderer。Ievencongratulatedmyselfonbeingabletocarryoutmypurposewithoutanyeffort，andIalsofeltasecretprideinmycourage。
IwalkedslowlyonaccountoftheenormousweightIbore，whichwouldassuremeaspeedypassagetothebottomoftheriver。
ByWestminsterBridgemygoodfortunemadememeetSirEdgar，arichyoungEnglishman，wholivedacarelessandjoyouslife。IhadmadehisacquaintanceatLordPembroke’s，andhehaddinedwithmeseveraltimes。Wesuitedoneanother，hisconversationwasagreeable，andwehadpassedmanypleasanthourstogether。Itriedtoavoidhim，buthesawme，andcameupandtookmebythearminafriendlymanner。
\"Whereareyougoing？Comewithme，unlessyouaregoingtodeliversomecaptive。Comealong，weshallhaveapleasantparty。\"
\"Ican’tcome，mydearfellow，letmego。\"
\"What’sthematter？Ihardlyrecognizedyou，youlookedsosolemn。\"
\"Nothingisthematter。\"
\"Nothing？Youshouldlookatyourfaceintheglass。NowIfeelquitesurethatyouaregoingtocommitafoolishaction。\"
\"Notatall。\"
\"It’snogooddenyingit。\"
\"Itellyouthere’snothingthematterwithme。Goodbye，Ishallseeyouagain。\"
\"It’snogood，Iwon’tleaveyou。Comealong，wewillwalktogether。\"
Hiseyeshappeningtofallonmybreechespocket，henoticedmypistol，andputtinghishandontheotherpockethefelttheotherpistol，andsaid，——
\"Youaregoingtofightaduel；Ishouldliketoseeit。Iwon’tinterferewiththeaffair，butneitherwillIleaveyou。\"
Itriedtoputonasmile，andassuredhimthathewasmistaken，andthatIwasonlygoingforawalktopassthetime。
\"Verygood，\"saidEdgar，\"thenIhopemysocietyisaspleasanttoyouasyoursistome；Iwon’tleaveyou。Afterwehavetakenawalkwewillgoanddineatthe’Canon。’Iwillgettwogirlstocomeandjoinus，andweshallhaveagaylittlepartyoffour。\"
\"Mydearfriend，youmustexcuseme；Iaminamelancholymood，andI
wanttobealonetogetoverit。\"
\"Youcanbealoneto—morrow，ifyoulike，butIamsureyouwillbeallrightinthenextthreehours，andifnot，whyIwillshareyourmadness。Wheredidyouthinkofdining？\"
\"Nowhere；Ihavenoappetite。Ihavebeenfastingforthelastthreedays，andIcanonlydrink。\"
\"Ah！Ibegintoseedaylight。Somethinghascrossedyou，andyouaregoingtoletitkillyouasitkilledoneofmybrothers。Imustseewhatcanbedone。\"
Edgarargued，insisted，andjokedtillatlastIsaidtomyself，\"A
daylongerwillnotmatter，Icandothedeedwhenheleavesme，andIshallonlyhavetobearwithlifeafewhourslonger。\"
WhenEdgarheardthatIhadnoparticularobjectincrossingthebridgehesaidthatwehadbetterturnback，andIletmyselfbepersuaded；butinhalfanhourIbeggedhimtotakemesomewherewhereIcouldwaitforhim，asIcouldnotbeartheweightoftheleadanylonger。IgavehimmywordofhonourthatIwouldmeethimatthe\"Canon。\"
AssoonasIwasaloneIemptiedmypockets，andputtheleadenballsintoacupboard。ThenIlaydownandbegantoconsiderwhetherthegood—naturedyoungmanwouldpreventmecommittingsuicide，ashehadalreadymademepostponeit。
Ireasoned，notasonethathopes，butratherasonethatforesawthatEdgarwouldhindermefromshorteningmydays。ThusIwaitedinthetavernfortheyoungEnglishman，doubtfulwhetherhewasdoingmeaserviceoraninjury。
Hecamebackbeforelong，andwaspleasedtofindme。
\"Ireckonedonyourkeepingyourword，\"saidhe。
\"YoudidnotthinkthatIwouldbreakmywordofhonour。\"
\"That’sallright；Iseeyouareonthewaytorecovery。\"
Thesensibleandcheerfultalkoftheyoungmandidmegood，andI
begantofeelbetter，whenthetwoyoungwantons，oneofwhomwasaFrenchwoman，arrivedinhighspirits。Theyseemedintendedforpleasure，andNaturehaddoweredthemwithgreatattractions。I
appreciatedtheircharms，butIcouldnotwelcometheminthemannertowhichtheywereaccustomed。Theybegantothinkmesomepoorvaletudinarian；butthoughIwasintorments，afeelingofvanitymademeendeavourtobehavesensibly。IgavethemsomecoldkissesandbeggedEdgartotellhisfellow—countrywomanthatifIwerenotthreepartsdeadIwouldprovehowlovelyandcharmingIthoughther。
Theypitiedme。Amanwhohasspentthreedayswithouteatingorsleepingisalmostincapableofanyvoluptuousexcitement，butmerewordswouldnothaveconvincedthesepriestessesofVenusifEdgarhadnotgiventhemmyname。Ihadareputation，andIsawthatwhentheyheardwhoIwastheywerefullofrespect。TheyallhopedthatBacchusandComuswouldpleadthecauseofLove，andIletthemtalk，knowingthattheirhopeswerevain。
WehadanEnglishdinner；thatis，adinnerwithouttheessentialcourseofsoup，soIonlytookafewoystersandadraughtofdeliciouswine，butIfeltbetter，andwaspleasedtoseeEdgaramusinghimselfwiththetwonymphs。
TheyoungmadcapsuddenlyproposedthatthegirlsshoulddanceahornpipeinthecostumeofMotherEve，andtheyconsentedontheconditionthatwewouldadoptthedressofFatherAdam，andthatblindmusiciansweresummoned。ItoldthemthatIwouldtakeoffmyclothestoobligethem，butthatIhadnohopesofbeingabletoimitatetheseductiveserpent。Iwasallowedtoretainmydress，ontheconditionthatifIfelttheprickofthefleshIshouldimmediatelyundress。Iagreedtodoso，andtheblindmusiciansweresentfor，andwhiletheytunedtheirinstrumentstoilettesweremade，andtheorgybegan。
Ittaughtmesameusefullessons。Ilearntfromitthatamorouspleasuresaretheeffectandnotthecauseofgaiety。Isatgazingatthreenakedbodiesofperfectgraceandbeauty，thedanceandthemusicwereravishingandseductive，butnothingmadeanyimpressiononme。Afterthedancewasoverthemaledancertreatedthetwofemales，oneaftertheother，untilhewasforcedtorest。TheFrenchgirlcameuptoascertainwhetherIskewedanysignsoflife，butfeelingmyhopelessconditionshepronouncedmeuseless。
WhenitwasalloverIbeggedEdgartogivetheFrenchgirlfourguineas，andtopaymyshare，asIhadverylittlemoneyaboutme。
WhatshouldIhavesaidifIhadbeentoldinthemorningthatinsteadofdrowningmyselfIshouldtakepartinsopleasantanentertainment？
ThedebtIhadcontractedwiththeyoungEnglishmanmademeresolvetoputoffmysuicidetoanotherday。AfterthenymphshadgoneI
triedtogetridofEdgar，butinvain；hetoldmeIwasgettingbetter，thattheoystersIhadtakenskewedmystomachwasimproving，andthatifIcamewithhimtoRanelaghIshouldbeabletomakeagooddinnerthenextday。Iwasweakandindifferentandletmyselfbepersuaded，andgotintoacoachwithEdgarinobediencetotheStoicmaximIhadlearntinthehappydaysofmyyouth:’SequereDeum’。
Weenteredthefinerotundawithourhatsoff，andbegantowalkroundandround，ourarmsbehindourbacks——acommoncustominEngland，atleastinthosedays。
Aminuetwasbeingdanced，andIwassoattractedbyaladywhodancedextremelywellthatIwaitedforhertoturnround。WhatmademenoticehermoreparticularlywasthatherdressandhatwereexactlylikethoseIhadgiventotheCharpillonafewdaysbefore，butasIbelievedthepoorwretchtobedeadordyingthelikenessdidnotinspiremewithanysuspicion。Buttheladyturnedround，liftedherface，andIsaw——theCharpillonherself！
Edgartoldmeafterwardsthatatthatmomenthethoughttoseemefalltothegroundinanepilepticfit；Itrembledandshudderedsoterribly。
However，IfeltsosureshewasillthatIcouldnotbelievemyowneyes，andthedoubtbroughtmetomysenses。
\"Shecan’tbetheCharpillon，\"Isaidtomyself，\"sheissomeothergirllikeher，andmyenfeebledsenseshaveledmeastray。\"Inthemeanwhilethelady，intentonherdancing，didnotglanceinmydirection，butIcouldaffordtowait。Atlastsheliftedherarmstomakethecurtsyattheendoftheminuet，IwentupinstinctivelyasifIwereabouttodancewithher；shelookedmeintheface，andfled。
Iconstrainedmyself；butnowthattherecouldbenodoubtmyshudderingfitreturned，andImadehastetositdown。Acoldsweatbedewedmyfaceandmywholebody。EdgaradvisedmetotakeacupofteabutIbeggedhimtoleavemealoneforafewmoments。
IwasafraidthatIwasonthepointofdeath；Itrembledallover，andmyheartbeatsorapidlythatIcouldnothavestooduphadI
wished。
Atlast，insteadofdying，Igotnewlife。WhatawonderfulchangeI
experienced！Littlebylittlemypeaceofmindreturned，andIcouldenjoytheglitterofthemultitudinouswaxlights。ByslowdegreesI
passedthroughalltheshadesoffeelingbetweendespairandanecstasyofjoy。MysoulandmindweresoastonishedbytheshockthatIbegantothinkIshouldneverseeEdgaragain。
\"Thisyoungman，\"Isaidtomyself，\"ismygoodgenius，myguardianangel，myfamiliarspirit，whohastakentheformofEdgartorestoremetomysensesagain。\"
Ishouldcertainlyhavepersistedinthisideaifmyfriendhadnotreappearedbeforeverylong。
Chancemighthavethrownhiminthewayofoneofthoseseductivecreatureswhomakeoneforgeteverythingelse；hemighthaveleftRanelaghwithouthavingtimetotellmehewasgoing，andIshouldhavegonebacktoLondonfeelingperfectlycertainthatIhadonlyseenhisearthlyshape。ShouldIhavebeendisabusedifIhadseenhimafewdaysafter？Possibly；butIamnotsureofit。Ihavealwayshadahankeringaftersuperstition，ofwhichIdonotboast；
butIconfessthefact，andleavethereadertojudgeme。
However，hecamebackinhighspirits，butanxiousaboutme。Hewassurprisedtofindmefullofanimation，andtohearmetalkinginapleasantstrainonthesurroundingobjectsandpersons。
\"Why，youarelaughing！\"saidhe，\"yoursadnesshasdeparted，then？\"
\"Yes，goodgenius，butIamhungry，andIwantyoutodomeafavour，ifyouhavenootherpressingengagements。\"
\"Iamfreetillthedayafterto—morrow，andtillthenyoucandowhatyoulikewithme。\"
\"Iowemylifetoyou，buttomakeyourgiftcompleteIwantyoutospendthisnightandthewholeofthenextdaywithme。\"
\"Done。\"
\"Thenletusgohome。\"
\"Withallmyheart；comealong。\"
Ididnottellhimanythingaswewereinthecoach，andwhenwegothomeIfoundnothingfresh，exceptanotefromGoudar，whichIputinmypocket，intendingtoreserveallbusinessforthenextday。
Itwasanhouraftermidnight。Agoodsupperwasservedtous，andwefellto；formypartIdevouredmyfoodlikeawildbeast。Edgarcongratulatedme，andwewenttobed，andIsleptprofoundlytillnoon。WhenIawokeIbreakfastedwithEdgar，andtoldhimthewholestory，whichwouldhaveendedwithmylifeifhehadnotmetmeonWestminsterBridge，andhehadnotbeenkeenenoughtomarkmycondition。Itookhimtomyroom，andshewedhimmyescritoire，mycasket，andmywill。IthenopenedGoudar’sletter，andread:
\"Iamquitesurethatthegirlyouknowofisveryfarfromdying，asshehasgonetoRanelaghwithLordGrosvenor。\"
AlthoughEdgarwasaprofligate，hewasasensibleman，andmystorymadehimfurious。Hethrewhisarmsaroundmyneck，andtoldmeheshouldalwaysthinkthedayonwhichherescuedmefromdeathforsounworthyanobjectthehappiestinhislife。HecouldscarcelycredittheinfamyoftheCharpillonandhermother。HetoldmeI
couldhavethemotherarrested，thoughIhadnotgotthebillsofexchange，ashermother’sletteracknowledgingherdaughter’spossessionofthebillswassufficientevidence。
Withoutinforminghimofmyintention，Iresolvedthatmomenttohaveherarrested。Beforewepartedwesworeeternalfriendship，butthereaderwillseebeforelongwhatapenancethekindEnglishmanhadtodoforbefriendingme。
ThenextdayIwenttotheattorneyIhademployedagainstCountSchwerin。AfterhearingmystoryhesaidthatIhadanundoubtedclaim，andthatIcouldarrestthemotherandthetwoaunts。
WithoutlosingtimeIwentbeforeamagistrate，whotookmysworninformationandgrantedmeawarrant。ThesameofficialwhohadarrestedSchwerintookchargeoftheaffair；butashedidnotknowthewomenbysightitwasnecessarythatsomeonewhodidshouldgowithhim，forthoughhewascertainofsurprisingthemtheremightbeseveralotherwomenpresent，andhemightnotarresttherightones。
AsGoudarwouldnothaveundertakenthedelicatetaskofpointingthemout，Iresolvedonaccompanyinghimmyself。
ImadeanappointmentwithhimatanhourwhenIknewtheywouldbeallintheparlour。Hewastoenterdirectlythedoorwasopened，andIwouldcomeinatthesameinstantandpointoutthewomenhehadtoarrest。InEnglandalljudicialproceedingsareconductedwiththeutmostpunctuality，andeverythingwentoffasIhadarranged。ThebailiffandhissubalternsteppedintotheparlourandIfollowedintheirfootsteps。Ipointedoutthemotherandthetwosistersandthenmadehastetoescape，forthesightoftheCharpillon，dressedinblack，standingbythehearth，mademeshudder。Ifeltcured，certainly；butthewoundsshehadgivenmewerenotyethealed，andIcannotsaywhatmighthavehappenediftheCircehadhadthepresenceofmindtothrowherarmsaboutmyneckandbegformercy。
AssoonasIhadseenthesewomeninthehandsofjusticeIfled，tastingthesweetsofvengeance，whichareverygreat，butyetasignofunhappiness。TherageinwhichIhadarrestedthethreeprocuresses，andmyterrorinseeingthewomanwhohadwell—nighkilledme，shewedthatIwasnotreallycured。TobesoImustflyfromthemandforgetthemaltogether。
ThenextmorningGoudarcameandcongratulatedmeontheboldstepI
hadtaken，whichproved，hesaid，thatIwaseithercuredormoreinlovethanever。\"IhavejustcomefromDenmarkStreet，\"headded，\"andIonlysawthegrandmother，whowasweepingbitterly，andanattorney，whomnodoubtshewasconsulting。\"
\"Thenyouhaveheardwhathashappened？\"
\"Yes，IcameupaminuteafteryouhadgoneandIstayedtillthethreeoldslutsmadeuptheirmindstogowiththeconstable。Theyresistedandsaidheoughttoleavethemtillthenextday，whentheywouldbeabletofindsomeonetobailthem。Thetwobravosdrewtheirswordstoresistthelaw，buttheotherconstabledisarmedthemoneaftertheother，andthethreewomenwereledoff。TheCharpillonwantedtoaccompanythem，butitwasjudgedbestthatsheshouldremainatliberty，inordertotryandsetthemfree。\"
Goudarconcludedbysayingthatheshouldgoandseetheminprison，andifIfeltdisposedtocometoanarrangementhewouldmediatebetweenus。ItoldhimthattheonlyarrangementIwouldacceptwasthepaymentofthesixthousandfrancs，andthattheymightthinkthemselvesveryluckythatIdidnotinsistonhavingmyinterest，andthusrepayingmyselfinpartforthesumstheyhadcheatedoutofme。
Afortnightelapsedwithoutmyhearinganymoreofthematter。TheCharpillondinedwiththemeveryday，andinfact，keptthem。Itmusthavecostheragooddeal，fortheyhadtworooms，andtheirlandlordwouldnotallowthemtohavetheirmealspreparedoutsidetheprison。GoudartoldmethattheCharpillonsaidshewouldneverbegmetolistentohermother，thoughsheknewshehadonlytocallonmetoobtainanythingshewanted。Shethoughtmethemostabominableofmen。IfIfeelobligedtomaintainthatshewasequallyabominable，ImustconfessthatonthisoccasionsheshewedmorestrengthofmindthanI；butwhereasIhadactedoutofpassion，hermisdeedswerecalculated，andtendedsolelytoherowninterests。
ForthewholeofthisfortnightIhadsoughtforEdgarinvain，butonemorninghecametoseeme，lookinginhighspirits。
\"Wherehaveyoubeenhidingallthistime？\"saidI，\"Ihavebeenlookingforyoueverywhere。\"
\"Lovehasbeenkeepingmeaprisoner，\"saidhe，\"Ihavegotsomemoneyforyou。\"
\"Forme？Fromwhatquarter？\"
\"OnbehalfoftheAnsperghers。Givemeareceiptandthenecessarydeclaration，forIamgoingtorestorethemmyselftothepoorCharpillon，whohasbeenweepingforthelastfortnight。\"
\"Idaresayshehas，Ihaveseenherweepmyself；butIlikethewayinwhichshehaschosenthebeingwhodeliveredmefromherchainsasaprotector。DoessheknowthatIowemylifetoyou？\"
\"SheonlyknewthatIwaswithyouatRanelaghwhenyousawherdancinginsteadofdying，butIhavetoldherthewholestorysince。\"
\"Nodoubtshewantsyoutopleadwithmeinherfavour。\"
\"Bynomeans。Shehasjustbeentellingmethatyouareamonsterofingratitude，forshelovedyouandgaveyouseveralproofsofheraffection，butnowshehatesyou。\"
\"ThankHeavenforthat！Thewretchedwoman！It’scurioussheshouldhaveselectedyouasherloverbywayoftakingvengeanceonme，buttakecare！shewillpunishyou。\"
\"Itmaybeso，butatalleventsit’sapleasantkindofpunishment。\"
\"Ihopeyoumaybehappy，butlooktoyourself；sheisamistressinallsortsofdeceit。\"
Edgarcountedmeouttwohundredandfiftyguineas，forwhichIgavehimareceiptandthedeclarationherequired，andwiththesedocumentshewentoffinhighspirits。
AfterthisImightsurelyflattermyselfthatallwasatanendbetweenus，butIwasmistaken。
JustaboutthistimetheCrownPrinceofBrunswick，nowthereigningduke，marriedtheKingofEngland’ssister。TheCommonCouncilpresentedhimwiththefreedomoftheCity，andtheGoldsmith’sCompanyadmittedhimintotheirsociety，andgavehimasplendidboxcontainingthedocumentswhichmadehimaLondoncitizen。TheprincewasthefirstgentlemaninEurope，andyethedidnotdisdaintoaddthisnewhonourtoafamilyillustriousforfourteenhundredyears。
OnthisoccasionLadyHarringtonwasthemeansofgettingMadameCornelistwohundredguineas。ShelentherroominSohoSquaretoaconfectionerwhogaveaballandsuppertoathousandpersonsatthreeguineaseach。Ipaidmythreeguineas，andhadthehonourofstandingupalltheeveningwithsixhundredothers，forthetableonlyseatedfourhundred，andtherewereseveralladieswhowereunabletoprocureseats。ThateveningIsawLadyGraftonseatedbesidetheDukeofCumberland。Sheworeherhairwithoutanypowder，andalltheotherladieswereexclaimingaboutit，andsayinghowveryunbecomingitwas。Theycouldnotanathematizetheinnovatortoomuch，butinlessthansixmonthsLadyGrafton’sstyleofdoingthehairbecamecommon，crossedtheChannel，andspreadalloverEurope，thoughithasbeengivenanothername。Itisstillinfashion，andistheonlymethodthatcanboasttheageofthirtyyears，thoughitwassounmercifullyridiculedatfirst。
Thesupperforwhichthegiverofthefeasthadreceivedthreethousandguineas，orsixty—fivethousandfrancs，containedamostvariedassortmentofdelicacies，butasIhadnotbeendancing，anddidnotfeeltakenwithanyoftheladiespresent，Ileftatoneinthemorning。ItwasSunday，adayonwhichallpersons，savecriminals，areexemptfromarrest；but，nevertheless，thefollowingadventurebefellme:
Iwasdressedmagnificently，andwasdrivinghomeinmycarriage，withmynegroandanotherservantseatedbehindme；andjustasweenteredPallMallIheardavoicecrying，\"Goodnight，Seingalt。\"I
putmyheadoutofthewindowtoreply，andinaninstantthecarriagewassurroundedbymenarmedwithpistols，andoneofthemsaid，——
\"Intheking’sname！\"
Myservantaskedwhattheywanted，andtheyanswered，——
\"TotakehimtoNewgate，forSundaymakesnodifferencetocriminals。\"
\"AndwhatcrimehaveIcommitted？\"
\"Youwillhearthatinprison。\"
\"Mymasterhasarighttoknowhiscrimebeforehegoestoprison，\"
saidthenegro。
\"Yes，butthemagistrate’sabed。\"
Thenegrostucktohisposition，however，andthepeoplewhohadcomeupdeclaredwithoneconsentthathewasintheright。
Thehead—constablegavein，andsaidhewouldtakemetoahouseinthecity。
\"Thendrivetothatcity，\"saidI，\"andhavedonewithit。\"
Westoppedbeforethehouse，andIwasplacedinalargeroomonthegroundfloor，furnishedsolelywithbenchesandlongtables。Myservantsentbackthecarriage，andcametokeepmecompany。Thesixconstablessaidtheycouldnotleaveme，andtoldmeIshouldsendoutforsomemeatanddrinkforthem。Itoldmynegrotogivethemwhattheywanted，andtobeasamicablewiththemaswaspossible。
AsIhadnotcommittedanycrime，Iwasquiteatease；Iknewthatmyarrestmustbetheeffectofaslander，andasIwasawarethatLondonjusticewasspeedyandequitable，IthoughtIshouldsoonbefree。ButIblamedmyselfforhavingtransgressedtheexcellentmaxim，nevertoansweranyoneinthenighttime；forifIhadnotdonesoIshouldhavebeeninmyhouse，andnotinprison。Themistake，however，hadbeencommitted，andtherewasnothingtobedonebuttowaitpatiently。IamusedmyselfbyreflectingonmyrapidpassagefromanumerousandexaltedassemblagetothevileplaceInowoccupied，thoughIwasstilldressedlikeaprince。
Atlastthedaydawned，andthekeeperofthetaverncametoseewhotheprisonerwas。Icouldnothelpinglaughingathimwhenhesawme，forheimmediatelybegantoabusetheconstablesfornotawakinghimwhenIcame；hehadlosttheguineaIshouldhavepaidforaprivateroom。Atlastnewswasbroughtthatthemagistratewassitting，andthatImustbebroughtup。
Acoachwassummoned，andIgotintoit，forifIhaddaredtowalkalongthestreetsinmymagnificentattirethemobwouldhavepeltedme。
Iwentintothehallofjustice，andalleyeswereatonceattractedtowardsme；mysilksandsatinsappearedtothemtheheightofimpertinence。
AttheendoftheroomIsawagentlemansittinginanarm—chair，andconcludedhimtobemyjudge。Iwasright，andthejudgewasblind。
Heworeabroadbandroundhishead，passingoverhiseyes。Amanbesideme，guessingIwasaforeigner，saidinFrench，——
\"Beofgoodcourage，Mr。Fieldingisajustandequitablemagistrate。\"
Ithankedthekindlyunknown，andwasdelightedtoseebeforemethisfamousandestimablewriter，whoseworksareanhonourtotheEnglishnation。
Whenmyturncame，theclerkofthecourttoldMr。Fieldingmyname，atleast，soIpresume。
\"SignorCasanova，\"saidhe，inexcellentItalian，\"bekindenoughtostepforward。Iwishtospeaktoyou。\"
Iwasdelightedtoheartheaccentsofmynativetongue，andmakingmywaythroughthepressIcameuptothebarofthecourt，andsaid，——
\"Eccomi，Signore。\"
HecontinuedtospeakItalian，andsaid，——
\"SignordeCasanova，ofVenice，youarecondemnedtoperpetualconfinementintheprisonsofHisMajestytheKingofGreatBritain。\"
\"Ishouldliketoknow，sir，forwhatcrimeIamcondemned。Wouldyoubekindenoughtoinformmeastoitsnature？\"
\"Yourdemandisareasonableone，forwithusnooneiscondemnedwithoutknowingthecauseofhiscondemnation。Youmustknow，then，thattheaccusation（whichissupportedbytwowitnesses）chargesyouwithintendingtodogrievousbodilyharmtothepersonofaprettygirl；andasthisprettygirlaforesaidgoesindreadofyou，thelawdecreesthatyoumustbekeptinprisonfortherestofyourdays。\"
\"Sir，thisaccusationisagroundlesscalumny；tothatIwilltakemyoath！Itisverypossibleindeedthatthegirlmayfearmyvengeancewhenshecomestoconsiderherownconduct，butIcanassureyouthatIhavehadnosuchdesignshitherto，andIdon’tthinkIevershall。\"
\"Shehastwowitnesses。\"
\"Thentheyarefalseones。ButmayIaskyourworshipthenameofmyaccuser？\"
\"MissCharpillon。\"
\"Ithoughtasmuch；butIhavenevergivenheraughtbutproofsofmyaffection。\"
\"Thenyouhavenowishtodoheranybodilyharm？\"
\"Certainlynot。\"
\"ThenIcongratulateyou。Youcandineathome；butyoumustfindtwosureties。Imusthaveanassurancefromthemouthsoftwohouseholdersthatyouwillnevercommitsuchacrime。\"
\"WhomshallIfindtodoso？\"
\"Twowell—knownEnglishmen，whosefriendshipyouhavegained，andwhoknowthatyouareincapableofsuchanaction。Sendforthem，andiftheyarrivebeforeIgotodinnerIwillsetyouatliberty。\"
Theconstabletookmebacktoprison，whereIhadpassedthenight，andIgavemyservantstheaddressesofallthehouseholdersI
recollected，biddingthemexplainmysituation，andtobeasquickaspossible。Theyoughttohavecomebeforenoon，butLondonissuchalargeplace！Theydidnotarrive，andthemagistratewenttodinner。
Icomfortedmyselfbythethoughtthathewouldsitintheafternoon，butIhadtoputupwithadisagreeableexperience。
Thechiefconstable，accompaniedbyaninterpreter，cametosaythatImustgotoNewgate。Thisisaprisonwherethemostwretchedandabjectcriminalsarekept。
IsignifiedtohimthatIwasawaitingbail，andthathecouldtakemetoNewgateintheeveningifitdidnotcome，butheonlyturnedadeafeartomypetition。Theinterpretertoldmeinawhisperthatthefellowwascertainlypaidbytheothersidetoputmetotrouble，butthatifIlikedtobribehimIcouldstaywhereIwas。
\"Howmuchwillhewant？\"
Theinterpretertooktheconstableaside，andthentoldmethatI
couldstaywhereIwasfortenguineas。
\"ThensaythatIshouldliketoseeNewgate。\"
Acoachwassummoned，andIwastakenaway。
WhenIgottothisabodeofmiseryanddespair，ahell，suchasDantemighthaveconceived，acrowdofwretches，someofwhomweretobehangedinthecourseoftheweek，greetedmebyderidingmyelegantattire。Ididnotanswerthem，andtheybegantogetangryandtoabuseme。ThegaolerquietedthembysayingthatIwasaforeigneranddidnotunderstandEnglish，andthentookmetoacell，informingmehowmuchitwouldcostme，andoftheprisonrules，asifhefeltcertainthatIshouldmakealongstay。Butinthecourseofhalfanhour，theconstablewhohadtriedtogettenguineasoutofmetoldmethatbailhadarrivedandthatmycarriagewasatthedoor。
IthankedGodfromthebottomofmyheart，andsoonfoundmyselfinthepresenceoftheblindmagistrate。MybailconsistedofPegu，mytailor，andMaisonneuve，mywinemerchant，whosaidtheywerehappytobeabletorendermethisslightservice。InanotherpartofthecourtInoticedtheinfamousCharpillon，Rostaing，Goudar，andanattorney。Theymadenoimpressiononme，andIcontentedmyselfwithgivingthemalookofprofoundcontempt。
Mytwosuretieswereinformedoftheamountinwhichtheyweretobailme，andsignedwithalightheart，andthenthemagistratesaid，politely，——
\"SignorCasanova，pleasetosignyournamefordoubletheamount，andyouwillthenbeafreemanagain。\"
Iwenttowardstheclerk’stable，andonaskingthesumIwastoanswerforwasinformedthatitwasfortyguineas，eachofmysuretiessigningfortwenty。Isignedmyname，tellingGoudarthatifthemagistratecouldhaveseentheCharpillonhewouldhavevaluedherbeautyattenthousandguineas。Iaskedthenamesofthetwowitnesses，andwastoldthattheywereRostaingandBottarelli。I
lookedcontemptuouslyatRostaing，whowasaspaleasdeath，andavertingmyfacefromtheCharpillonoutofpity，Isaid，——
\"Thewitnessesareworthyofthecharge。\"
Isalutedthejudgewithrespect，althoughhecouldnotseeme，andaskedtheclerkifIhadanythingtopay。Herepliedinthenegative，andadisputeensuedbetweenhimandtheattorneyofmyfairenemy，whowasdisgustedonhearingthatshecouldnotleavethecourtwithoutpayingthecostsofmyarrest。
JustasIwasgoing，fiveorsixwell—knownEnglishmenappearedtobailmeout，andweremortifiedtohearthattheyhadcometoolate。
Theybeggedmetoforgivethelawsoftheland，whichareonlytoooftenconvertedintoameansfortheannoyanceofforeigners。
Atlast，afteroneofthemosttediousdaysIhaveeverspent，I
returnedhomeandwenttobed，laughingattheexperienceIhadundergone。
EndLondontoBerlinByJacquesCasanovaMEMOIRSOFJACQUESCASANOVAdeSEINGALT1725—1798
INLONDONANDMOSCOW，Volume5d——LONDONTOBERLIN
THEMEMOIRSOFJACQUESCASANOVADESEINGALT
THERAREUNABRIDGEDLONDONEDITIONOF1894TRANSLATEDBYARTHUR
MACHENTOWHICHHASBEENADDEDTHECHAPTERSDISCOVEREDBYARTHUR
SYMONS。
FLIGHTFROMLONDONTOBERLIN
CHAPTERXIV
Bottarelli——ALetterfromPauline——TheAvengingParrot——Pocchini——
Guerra，theVenetian——IMeetSaraAgain；MyIdeaofMarryingHerandSettlinginSwitzerland——TheHanoveriansThusendedthefirstactofthecomedy；thesecondbeganthenextmorning。Iwasjustgettingup，whenIheardanoiseatthestreetdoor，andonputtingmyheadoutofthewindowIsawPocchini，thescoundrelwhohadrobbedmeatStuttgarttryingtogetintomyhouse。
IcriedoutwrathfullythatIwouldhavenothingtodowithhim，andslammeddownmywindow。
AlittlelaterGoudarputinanappearance。HehadgotacopyoftheSt。James’sChronicle，containingabriefreportofmyarrest，andofmybeingsetalibertyunderabailofeightyguineas。Mynameandthelady’sweredisguised，butRostaingandBottarelliweresetdownplainly，andtheeditorpraisedtheirconduct。IfeltasifIshouldliketoknowBottarelli，andbeggedGoudartotakemetohim，andMartinelli，happeningtocalljustthen，saidhewouldcomewithus。
Weenteredawretchedroomonthethirdfloorofawretchedhouse，andtherewebeheldapictureofthegreatestmisery。Awomanandfivechildrenclothedinragsformedtheforeground，andinthebackgroundwasBottarelli，inanolddressing—gown，writingatatableworthyofPhilemonandBaucis。Heroseaswecamein，andthesightofhimmovedmetocompassion。Isaid，——
\"Doyouknowme，sir？\"
\"No，sir，Idonot。\"
\"IamCasanova，againstwhomyouborefalsewitness；whomyoutriedtocastintoNewgate。\"
\"Iamverysorry，butlookaroundyouandsaywhatchoicehaveI？I
havenobreadtogivemychildren。Iwilldoasmuchinyourfavouranothertimefornothing。\"
\"Areyounotafraidofthegallows？\"
\"No，forperjuryisnotpunishedwithdeath；besidesitisverydifficulttoprove。\"
\"Ihaveheardyouareapoet。\"
\"Yes。IhavelengthenedtheDidoneandabridgedtheDemetrio。\"
\"Youareagreatpoet，indeed！\"
Ifeltmorecontemptthanhatredfortherascal，andgavehiswifeaguinea，forwhichshepresentedmewithawretchedpamphletbyherhusband:\"TheSecretsoftheFreemasonsDisplayed。\"Bottarellihadbeenamonkinhisnativecity，Pisa，andhadfledtoEnglandwithhiswife，whohadbeenanun。
AboutthistimeM。deSaasurprisedmebygivingmealetterfrommyfairPortuguese，whichconfirmedthesadfateofpoorClairmont。
PaulinesaidshewasmarriedtoCountAl————。IwasastonishedtohearM。deSaaobservethathehadknownallaboutPaulinefromthemomentshearrivedinLondon。Thatisthehobbyofalldiplomatists；
theylikepeopletobelievethattheyareomniscient。However，M。deSaawasamanofworthandtalent，andonecouldexcusethisweaknessasanincidentinseparablefromhisprofession；whilemostdiplomatistsonlymakethemselvesridiculousbytheirassumptionofuniversalknowledge。
M。deSaahadbeenalmostasbadlytreatedbytheCharpillonasmyself，andwemighthavecondoledwithoneanother，butthesubjectwasnotmentioned。
Afewdaysafterwards，asIwaswalkingidlyabout，IpassedaplacecalledtheParrotMarket。AsIwasamusingmyselfbylookingatthesecuriousbirds，Isawafineyoungoneinacage，andaskedwhatlanguageitspoke。Theytoldmethatitwasquiteyounganddidnotspeakatallyet，soIboughtitfortenguineas。IthoughtIwouldteachthebirdaprettyspeech，soIhadthecagehungbymybed，andrepeateddozensoftimeseverydaythefollowingsentence:\"TheCharpillonisabiggerwh——ethanhermother。\"
TheonlyendIhadinviewwasmyprivateamusement，andinafortnightthebirdhadlearntthephrasewiththeutmostexactness；
andeverytimeitutteredthewordsitaccompaniedthemwithashriekoflaughterwhichIhadnottaughtit，butwhichmademelaughmyself。
OnedayGondarheardthebird，andtoldmethatifIsentittotheExchangeIshouldcertainlygetfiftyguineasforit。Iwelcomedtheidea，andresolvedtomaketheparrottheinstrumentofmyvengeanceagainstthewomanwhohadtreatedmesobadly。Isecuredmyselffromfearofthelaw，whichissevereinsuchcases，byentrustingthebirdtomynegro，towhomsuchmerchandisewasverysuitable。
Forthefirsttwoorthreedaysmyparrotdidnotattractmuchattention，itsobservationsbeinginFrench；butassoonasthosewhoknewthesubjectofthemhadheardit，itsaudienceincreasedandbidsweremade。Fiftyguineasseemedrathertoomuch，andmynegrowantedmetolowertheprice，butIwouldnotagree，havingfalleninlovewiththisoddrevenge。
InthecourseofaweekGoudarcametoinformmeoftheeffecttheparrot’scriticismhadproducedintheCharpillonfamily。Asthevendorwasmynegro，therecouldbenodoubtastowhomitbelonged，andwhohadbeenitsmasteroflanguages。GoudarsaidthattheCharpillonthoughtmyvengeanceveryingenious，butthatthemotherandauntswerefurious。Theyhadconsultedseveralcounsel，whoagreedinsayingthataparrotcouldnotbeindictedforlibel，butthattheycouldmakemepaydearlyformyjestiftheycouldprovethatIhadbeenthebird’sinstructor。Goudarwarnedmetobecarefulofowningtothefact，astwowitnesseswouldsufficetoundome。
ThefacilitywithwhichfalsewitnessesmaybeproducedinLondonissomethingdreadful。Ihavemyselfseenthewordevidencewritteninlargecharactersinawindow；thisisasmuchastosaythatfalsewitnessesmaybeprocuredwithin。
TheSt。James’sChroniclecontainedanarticleonmyparrot，inwhichthewriterremarkedthattheladieswhomthebirdinsultedmustbeverypoorandfriendless，ortheywouldhaveboughtitatonce，andhavethuspreventedthethingfrombecomingthetalkofthetown。Headded，——
\"Theteacheroftheparrothasnodoubtmadethebirdaninstrumentofhisvengeance，andhasdisplayedhiswitindoingso；heoughttobeanEnglishman。\"
ImetmygoodfriendEdgar，andaskedhimwhyhehadnotboughtthelittleslanderer。
\"Becauseitdelightsallwhoknowanythingabouttheobjectoftheslander，\"saidhe。
AtlastJarbefoundapurchaserforfiftyguineas，andIheardafterwardsthatLordGrosvenorhadboughtittopleasetheCharpillon，withwhomheoccasionallydivertedhimself。
Thusmyrelationswiththatgirlcametoanend。Ihaveseenhersincewiththegreatestindifference，andwithoutanyrenewaloftheoldpain。
Oneday，asIwasgoingintoSt。James’sPark，Isawtwogirlsdrinkingmilkinaroomonthegroundfloorofahouse。Theycalledouttome，butnotknowingthemIpassedonmyway。However，ayoungofficerofmyacquaintancecameaftermeandsaidtheywereItalians，andbeingcurioustoseethemIretractedmysteps。
WhenIenteredtheroomIwasaccostedbythescoundrellyPocchini，dressedinamilitaryuniform，whosaidhehadthehonourofintroducingmetohisdaughters。
\"Indeed，\"saidI，\"Iremembertwootherdaughtersofyoursrobbingmeofasnuff—boxandtwowatchesatStuttgart。\"
\"Youlie！\"saidtheimpudentrascal。
Igavehimnoverbalanswer，buttookupaglassofmilkandflungitinhisface，andthenlefttheroomwithoutmoreado。
Iwaswithoutmysword。TheyoungofficerwhohadbroughtmeintotheplacefollowedmeandtoldmeImustnotgowithoutgivinghisfriendsomesatisfaction。
\"Tellhimtocomeout，anddoyouescorthimtotheGreenPark，andI
shallhavethepleasureofgivinghimacaninginyourpresence，unlessyouwouldliketofightforhim；ifso，youmustletmegohomeandgetmysword。Butdoyouknowthismanwhomyoucallyourfriend？\"
\"No，butheisanofficer，anditisIthatbroughthimhere。\"
\"Verygood，Iwillfighttothelastdropofmyblood；butIwarnyouyourfriendisathief。Butgo；Iwillawaityou。\"
Inthecourseofaquarterofanhourtheyallcameout，buttheEnglishmanandPocchinifollowedmealone。Therewereagoodmanypeopleabout，andIwentbeforethemtillwereachedHydePark。
Pocchiniattemptedtospeaktome，butIreplied，liftingmycane，——
\"Scoundrel，drawyoursword，unlessyouwantmetogiveyouathrashing！\"
\"Iwillneverdrawuponadefencelessman。\"
Igavehimablowwithmycanebywayofanswer，andthecoward，insteadofdrawinghissword，begantocryoutthatIwishedtodrawhimintoafight。TheEnglishmanburstoutlaughingandbeggedmetopardonhisinterference，andthen，takingmebythearm，said，——
\"Comealong，sir，Iseeyouknowthegentleman。\"
Thecowardwentoffinanotherdirection，grumblingashewent。
OnthewayIinformedtheofficeroftheverygoodreasonsIhadfortreatingPocchiniasarogue，andheagreedthatIhadbeenperfectlyright。\"Unfortunately，\"headded，\"Iaminlovewithoneofhisdaughters。\"
WhenwewereinthemidstofSt。James’sParkwesawthem，andI
couldnothelplaughingwhenInoticedGoudarwithoneofthemoneachside。
\"Howdidyoucometoknowtheseladies？\"saidI。
\"Theirfatherthecaptain，\"heanswered，\"hassoldmejewels；heintroducedmetothem。\"
\"Wheredidyouleaveourfather？\"askedone。
\"InHydePark，aftergivinghimacaning。\"
\"Youservedhimquiteright。\"
TheyoungEnglishmanwasindignanttohearthemapprovingmyill—
treatmentoftheirfather，andshookmyhandandwentaway，swearingtomethathewouldneverbeseenintheircompanyagain。
AwhimofGoudar’s，towhichIwasweakenoughtoconsent，mademedinewiththesemiserablewomeninatavernonthebordersofLondon。
TherascallyGoudarmadethemdrunk，andinthisstatetheytoldsometerribletruthsabouttheirpretendedfather。Hedidnotlivewiththem，butpaidthemnocturnalvisitsinwhichherobbedthemofallthemoneytheyhadearned。Hewastheirpander，andmadethemrobtheirvisitorsinstructingthemtopassitoffasajokeifthetheftwasdiscovered。Theygavehimthestolenarticles，butheneversaidwhathedidwiththem。Icouldnothelplaughingatthisinvoluntaryconfession，rememberingwhatGoudarhadsaidaboutPocchinisellinghimjewels。
AfterthiswretchedmealIwentawayleavingthedutyofescortingthembacktoGoudar。Hecameandsawmethenextday，andinformedmethatthegirlshadbeenarrestedandtakentoprisonjustastheywereenteringtheirhouse。
\"IhavejustbeentoPocchini’s，\"saidhe，\"butthelandlordtellsmehehasnotbeeninsinceyesterday。\"
TheworthyandconscientiousGoudaraddedthathedidnotcareifheneversawhimagain，asheowedthefellowtenguineasforawatch，whichhisdaughtershadprobablystolen，andwhichwaswellworthdouble。
FourdayslaterIsawhimagain，andheinformedmethattherascalhadleftLondonwithaservant—maid，whomhehadengagedataregistryofficewhereanynumberofservantsarealwaysreadytotakeservicewiththefirstcomer。Thekeeperoftheofficeanswersfortheirfidelity。
\"Thegirlhehasgonewithisaprettyone，fromwhatthemantellsme，andtheyhavetakenshipfromLondon。IamsorryhewentawaybeforeIcouldpayhimforthewatch；Iamdreadingeverymomenttomeettheindividualfromwhomitwasstolen。\"
Ineverheardwhatbecameofthegirls，butPocchiniwillre—appearonthesceneinduecourse。
Iledatranquilandorderlylife，whichIshouldhavebeenpleasedtocontinuefortheremainderofmydays；butcircumstancesandmydestinyordereditotherwise，andagainsttheseitisnotbecominginaChristianphilosophertocomplain。Iwentseveraltimestoseemydaughteratherschool，andIalsofrequentedtheBritishMuseum，whereImetDr。Mati。OnedayIfoundanAnglicanministerwithhim，andIaskedtheclergymanhowmanydifferentsectstherewereinEngland。
\"Sir，\"herepliedinverytolerableItalian，\"noonecangiveapositiveanswertothatquestion，foreveryweeksomesectdiesandsomenewoneisbroughtintobeing。Allthatisnecessaryisforamanofgoodfaith，orsomeroguedesirousofmoneyornotoriety，tostandinsomefrequentedplaceandbeginpreaching。HeexplainssometextsoftheBibleinhisownfashion，andifhepleasesthegapersaroundhimtheyinvitehimtoexpoundnextSunday，ofteninatavern。
Hekeepstheappointmentandexplainshisnewdoctrinesinaspiritedmanner。Thenpeoplebegintotalkofhim；hedisputeswithministersofothersects；heandhisfollowersgivethemselvesaname，andthethingisdone。Thus，oralmostthus，areallthenumerousEnglishsectsproduced。\"
AboutthistimeM。SteffanoGuerra，anobleVenetianwhowastravellingwiththeleaveofhisGovernment，lostacaseagainstanEnglishpainterwhohadexecutedaminiaturepaintingofoneoftheprettiestladiesinLondon，Guerrahavinggivenawrittenpromisetopaytwenty—fiveguineas。WhenitwasfinishedGuerradidnotlikeit，andwouldnottakeitorpaytheprice。TheEnglishman，inaccordancewiththeEnglishcustom，beganbyarrestinghisdebtor；
butGuerrawasreleasedonbail，andbroughtthematterbeforethecourts，whichcondemnedhimtopaythetwenty—fiveguineas。Heappealed，lostagain，andwasintheendobligedtopay。Guerracontentedthathehadorderedaportrait，thatapicturebearingnolikenesstotheladyinquestionwasnotaportrait，andthathehadthereforearighttorefusepayment。Thepainterrepliedthatitwasaportraitasithadbeenpaintedfromlife。Thejudgmentwasthatthepaintermustlivebyhistrade，andthatasGuerrahadgivenhimpaintingtodohemustthereforeprovidehimwiththewherewithaltolive，seeingthattheartistsworehehaddonehisbesttocatchthelikeness。Everybodythoughtthissentencejust，andsodidI；butI
confessitalsoseemedratherhard，especiallytoGuerra，whowithcostshadtopayahundredguineasfortheminiature。
Malingan’sdaughterdiedjustasherfatherreceivedapublicboxontheearfromanoblemanwholikedpiquet，butdidnotlikeplayerswhocorrectedthecapricesoffortune。IgavethepoorwretchthewherewithaltoburyhisdaughterandtoleaveEngland。HediedsoonafteratLiege，andhiswifetoldmeofthecircumstance，sayingthathehadexpiredregrettinghisinabilitytopayhisdebts。
M。M————F————cametoLondonastherepresentativeofthecantonofBerne，andIcalled，butwasnotreceived。IsuspectedthathehadgotwindofthelibertiesIhadtakenwithprettySara，anddidnotwantmetohaveanopportunityforrenewingthem。Hewasasomewhateccentricman，soIdidnottakeoffence，andhadalmostforgottenallaboutitwhenchanceledmetotheMaryleboneTheatreoneevening。Thespectatorssatatlittletables，andthechargeforadmittancewasonlyashilling，buteveryonewasexpectedtoordersomething，wereitonlyapotofale。
OngoingintothetheatreIchancedtositdownbesideagirlwhomI
didnotnoticeatfirst，butsoonafterIcameinsheturnedtowardsme，andIbeheldaravishingprofilewhichsomehowseemedfamiliar；
butIattributedthattotheideaofperfectbeautythatwasgravenonmysoul。ThemoreIlookedatherthesurerIfeltthatIhadneverseenherbefore，thoughasmileofinexpressibleslynesshadbeguntoplayaboutherlips。Oneofherglovesfell，andIhastenedtorestoreittoher，whereuponshethankedmeinafewwell—chosenFrenchsentences。
\"MadamisnotEnglish，then？\"saidI，respectfully。
\"No，sir，IamaSwiss，andafriendofyours。\"
AtthisIlookedround，andonmyrighthandsatMadameM————F————，thenhereldestdaughter，thenherhusband。Igotup，andafterbowingtothelady，forwhomIhadagreatesteem，Isalutedherhusband，whoonlyrepliedbyaslightmovementofthehead。IaskedMadameM————F————whatherhusbandhadagainstme，andshesaidthatPossanohadwrittentohimtellingsomedreadfulstoriesaboutme。
Therewasnottimeformetoexplainandjustifymyself，soIdevotedallmyenergiestothetaskofwinningthedaughter’sgoodgraces。
Inthreeyearsshehadgrownintoaperfectbeauty:sheknewit，andbyherblushesasshespoketomeIknewshewasthinkingofwhathadpassedbetweenusinthepresenceofmyhousekeeper。Iwasanxioustofindoutwhethershewouldacknowledgethefact，ordenyitaltogether。IfshehaddonesoIshouldhavedespisedher。WhenI
hadseenherbefore，theblossomofherbeautywasstillinthebud，nowithadopenedoutinallitssplendour。
\"CharmingSara，\"Isaid，\"youhavesoenchantedmethatIcannothelpaskingyouacoupleofquestions，whichifyouvaluemypeaceofmindyouwillanswer。DoyourememberwhathappenedatBerne？\"
\"Yes。\"
\"Anddoyourepentofwhatyoudid？\"
\"No。\"
Nomanofanydelicacycouldaskthethirdquestion，whichmaybeunderstood。IfeltsurethatSarawouldmakemehappy—nay，thatshewasevenlongingforthemoment，andgavereinstomypassions，determinedtoconvinceherthatIwasdeservingofherlove。
Thewaitercametoenquireifwehadanyorders，andIbeggedMadameM————F————toallowmetoofferhersomeoysters。Aftertheusualpoliterefusalsshegavein，andIprofitedbyheracceptancetoorderallthedelicaciesoftheseason，includingahare（agreatdelicacyinLondon），champagne，choiceliqueurs，larks，ortolans，truffles，sweetmeats——everything，infact，thatmoneycouldbuy，andIwasnotatallsurprisedwhenthebillprovedtoamounttotenguineas。ButIwasverymuchsurprisedwhenM。M————F————，whohadeatenlikeaTurkanddrunklikeaSwiss，saidcalmlythatitwastoodear。
Ibeggedhimpolitelynottotroublehimselfaboutthecost；andbywayofprovingthatIdidnotsharehisopinion，Igavethewaiterhalf—a—guinea；theworthymanlookedasifhewishedthatsuchcustomerscamemoreoften。TheSwiss，whohadbeenpaleandgloomyenoughashortwhilebefore；wasrubicundandaffable。Saraglancedatmeandsqueezedmyhand；Ihadconquered。
Whentheplaywasover，M————F————askedmeifIwouldallowhimtocallonme。Iembracedhiminreply。Hisservantcamein，andsaidthathecouldnotfindacoach；andI，feelingrathersurprisedthathehadnotbroughthiscarriage，offeredhimtheuseofmine，tellingmymantogetmeasedan—chair。
\"Iacceptyourkindoffer，\"saidhe，\"ontheconditionthatyouallowmetooccupythechair。\"
Iconsentedtothisarrangement，andtookthemotherandthetwodaughterswithmeinthecarriage。
Ontheway，MadameM————F————wasverypolite，gentlyblamingherhusbandfortherudenessofwhichIhadtocomplain。IsaidthatI
wouldavengemyselfbypayinganassiduouscourttohiminthefuture；butshepiercedmetotheheartbysayingthattheywereonthepointofdeparting。\"Wewantedtogoonthedayafternext，\"shesaid，\"andto—morrowweshallhavetoleaveourpresentroomstotheirnewoccupants。Amatterofbusinesswhichmyhusbandwasnotabletoconcludewillobligeustostayforanotherweek，andto—
morrowweshallhavethedoubletaskofmovingandfindingnewapartments。\"
\"Thenyouhavenotyetgotnewrooms？\"
\"No，butmyhusbandsaysheiscertaintofindsometo—morrowmorning。\"
\"Furnished，Isuppose，forasyouintendtoleaveyouwillbeselling，yourfurniture。\"
\"Yes，andweshallhavetopaytheexpensesofcarriagetothebuyer。\"
OnhearingthatM。M————F————wassureoffindinglodgings，Iwasprecludedfromofferingtoaccommodatetheminmyownhouse，astheladymightthinkthatIonlymadetheofferbecauseIwassureitwouldnotbeaccepted。
Whenwegottothedooroftheirhousewealighted，andthemotherbeggedmetocomein。Sheandherhusbandsleptonthesecondfloor，andthetwogirlsonthethird。Everythingwasupsidedown，andasMadameM————F————hadsomethingtosaytothelandladysheaskedmetogoupwithherdaughters。Itwascold，andtheroomweenteredhadnofireinit。ThesisterwentintotheroomadjoiningandI
stayedwithSara，andallofasuddenIclaspedhertomybreast，andfeelingthatherdesireswereasardentasmineIfellwithherontoasofawherewemingledourbeingsinallthedelightsofvoluptuousardours。Butthishappinesswasshortlived；scarcelywastheworkachievedwhenweheardafootsteponthestair。Itwasthefather。
IfM————F————hadhadanyeyeshemusthavefoundusout，formyfaceborethemarksofagitation，thenatureofwhichitwaseasytodivine。Weexchangedafewbriefcompliments；Ishookhishandanddisappeared。IwasinsuchastateofexcitementwhenIgothomethatImadeupmymindtoleaveEnglandandtofollowSaratoSwitzerland。InthenightIformedmyplans，andresolvedtoofferthefamilymyhouseduringthetimetheystayedinEngland，andifnecessarytoforcethemtoacceptmyoffer。
InthemorningIhastenedtocallonM————F————，andfoundhimonhisdoorstep。
\"Iamgoingtotryandgetacoupleofrooms，\"saidhe。
\"Theyarealreadyfound，\"Ireplied。\"Myhouseisatyourservice，andyoumustgivemethepreference。Letuscomeupstairs。\"
\"Everybodyisinbed。\"
\"Nevermind，\"saidI，andweproceededtogoupstairs。
MadameM————F————apologizedforbeinginbed。HerhusbandtoldherthatIwantedtoletthemsomerooms，butIlaughedandsaidI
desiredtheywouldacceptmyhospitalityasthatofafriend。Aftersomepolitedenialsmyofferwasaccepted，anditwasagreedthatthewholefamilyshouldtakeuptheirquarterswithmeintheevening。
Iwenthome，andwasgivingthenecessaryorderswhenIwastoldthattwoyoungladieswishedtoseeme。Iwentdowninperson，andIwasagreeablysurprisedtoseeSaraandhersister。Iaskedthemtocomein，andSaratoldmethatthelandladywouldnotlettheirbelongingsoutofthehousebeforeherfatherpaidadebtoffortyguineas，althoughacitymerchanthadassuredheritshouldbesettledinaweek。ThelongandsnortofitwasthatSara’sfatherhadsentmeabillandbeggedmetodiscountit。
Itookthebillandgaveherabanknoteforfiftypoundsinexchange，tellingherthatshecouldgivemethechangeanothertime。
Shethankedmewithgreatsimplicityandwentherway，leavingmedelightedwiththeconfidenceshehadplacedinme。
ThefactofM。M————F————’swantingfortyguineasdidnotmakemedivinethathewasinsomestraits，forIlookedateverythingthroughrose—colouredglasses，andwasonlytoohappytobeofservicetohim。
Imadeaslightdinnerinordertohaveabetterappetiteforsupper，andspenttheafternooninwritingletters。IntheeveningM。M————
F————’smancamewiththreegreattrunksandinnumerablecard—boardboxes，tellingmethatthefamilywouldsoonfollow；butIawaitedtheminvaintillnineo’clock。Ibegantogetalarmedandwenttothehouse，whereIfoundthemallinastateofconsternation。Twoill—lookingfellowswhowereintheroomenlightenedme；andassumingajovialandunconcernedair，Isaid，——
\"I’llwager，now，thatthisistheworkofsomefiercecreditor。\"
\"Youareright，\"answeredthefather，\"butIamsureofdischargingthedebtinfiveorsixdays，andthat’swhyIputoffmydeparture。\"
\"Thenyouwerearrestedafteryouhadsentonyourtrunks。\"
\"Justafter。\"
\"Andwhathaveyoudone？\"
\"Ihavesentforbail。\"
\"Whydidyounotsendtome？\"
\"Thankyou，Iamgratefulforyourkindness，butyouareaforeigner，andsuretieshavetobehouseholders。\"
\"Butyououghttohavetoldmewhathadhappened，forIhavegotyouanexcellentsupper，andIamdyingofhunger。\"
Itwaspossiblethatthisdebtmightexceedmymeans，soIdidnotdaretooffertopayit。ItookSaraaside，andonhearingthatallhistroublewasonaccountofadebtofahundredandfiftypounds，I
askedthebailiffwhetherwecouldgoawayifthedebtwaspaid。
\"Certainly，\"saidhe，shewingmethebillofexchange。
Itookoutthreebanknotesoffiftypoundseach，andgavethemtotheman，andtakingthebillIsaidtothepoorSwiss，——
\"YoushallpaymethemoneybeforeyouleaveEngland。\"
Thewholefamilyweptwithjoy，andafterembracingthemallI
summonedthemtocomeandsupwithmeandforgetthetroublesoflife。
Wedroveofftomyhouseandhadamerrysupper，thoughtheworthymothercouldnotquiteforgethersadness。AftersupperItookthemtotheroomswhichhadbeenpreparedforthem，andwithwhichtheyweredelighted，andsoIwishedthemgoodnight，tellingthemthattheyshouldbewellentertainedtilltheirdeparture，andthatI
hopedtofollowthemintoSwitzerland。
WhenIawokethenextdayIwasinahappyframeofmind。OnexaminingmydesiresIfoundthattheyhadgrowntoostrongtobeovercome，butIdidnotwishtoovercomethem。IlovedSara，andI
feltsocertainofpossessingherthatIputalldesiresoutofmymind；desiresarebornonlyofdoubt，anddoubttormentsthesoul。
Sarawasmine；shehadgivenherselftomeoutofpurepassion，withoutanyshadowofself—interest。
Iwenttothefather’sroom，andfoundhimengagedinopeninghistrunks。Hiswifelookedsad，soIaskedherifshewerenotwell。
Sherepliedthatherhealthwasperfect，butthatthethoughtoftheseavoyagetroubledhersorely。Thefatherbeggedmetoexcusehimatbreakfastashehadbusinesstoattendto。Thetwoyoungladiescamedown，andafterwehadbreakfastIaskedthemotherwhytheywereunpackingtheirtrunkssoshortatimebeforestarting。Shesmiledandsaidthatonetrunkwouldbeampleforalltheirpossessions，astheyhadresolvedtosellallsuperfluities。AsI
hadseensomebeautifuldresses，finelinen，andexquisitelace，I
couldnotrefrainfromsayingthatitwouldbeagreatpitytosellcheaplywhatwouldhavetobereplaceddearly。
\"Youareright，\"shesaid，\"but，nevertheless，thereisnopleasuresogreatastheconsciousnessofhavingpaidone’sdebts。\"
\"Youmustnotsellanything，\"Ireplied，inalivelymanner，\"forasIamgoingtoSwitzerlandwithyouIcanpayyourdebts，andyoushallrepaymewhenyoucan。\"
Atthesewordsastonishmentwasdepictedonherface。
\"Ididnotthinkyouwerespeakingseriously，\"saidshe。
\"Perfectlyseriously，andhereistheobjectofmyvows。\"
WiththesewordsIseizedSara’shandandcovereditwithkisses。