\"MyLord，——Yesterdayeveningyourexcellencyinsultedmewithalightheart，withoutmyhavinggivenyouanycauseorreasonfordoingso。
Thisseemstoindicatethatyouhateme，andwouldgladlyeffacemefromthelandoftheliving。Ibothcanandwillobligeyouinthismatter。Bekindenough，therefore，todrivemeinyourcarriagetoaplacewheremydeathwillnotsubjectyourlordshiptothevengeanceofthelaw，incaseyouobtainthevictory，andwhereIshallenjoythesameadvantageifGodgivemegracetokillyourlordship。I
shouldnotmakethisproposalunlessIbelieveyourlordshiptobeofanobledisposition。
\"Ihavethehonourtobe，etc。\"
Isentthisletteranhourbeforeday—breaktoBranicki’slodginginthepalace。Mymessengerhadorderstogivetheletterintothecount’sownhands，towaitforhimtorise，andalsoforananswer。
InhalfanhourIreceivedthefollowinganswer:
\"Sir，——Iacceptyourproposal，andshallbegladifyouwillhavethekindnesstoinformmewhenIshallhavethehonourofseeingyou。
\"Iremain，sir，etc。\"
Iansweredthisimmediately，informinghimIwouldcallonhimthenextday，atsixo’clockinthemorning。
Shortlyafter，Ireceivedasecondletter，inwhichhesaidthatI
mightchoosethearmsandplace，butthatourdifferencesmustbesettledinthecourseoftheday。
Isenthimthemeasureofmysword，whichwasthirty—twoincheslong，tellinghimhemightchooseanyplacebeyondtheban。Inreply，I
hadthefollowing:
\"Sir，——Youwillgreatlyobligemebycomingnow。Ihavesentmycarriage。
\"Ihavethehonourtobe，etc。\"
IrepliedthatIhadbusinessalltheday，andthatasIhadmadeupmymindnottocalluponhim，exceptforthepurposeoffighting，I
beggedhimnottobeoffendedifItookthelibertyofsendingbackhiscarriage。
AnhourlaterBranickicalledinperson，leavinghissuiteatthedoor。Hecameintotheroom，requestedsomegentlemenwhoweretalkingwithmetoleaveusalone，lockedthedoorafterthem，andthensatdownonmybed。IdidnotunderstandwhatallthismeantsoItookupmypistols。
\"Don’tbeafraid，\"saidhe，\"Iamnotcometoassassinateyou，butmerelytosaythatIacceptyourproposal，onconditiononlythattheduelshalltakeplaceto—day。Ifnot，never！\"
\"Itisoutofthequestion。Ihaveletterstowrite，andsomebusinesstodofortheking。\"
\"Thatwilldoafterwards。Inallprobabilityyouwillnotfall，andifyoudoIamsurethekingwillforgiveyou。Besides，adeadmanneedfearnoreproaches。\"
\"Iwanttomakemywill。\"
\"Come，come，youneedn’tbeafraidofdying；itwillbetimeenoughforyoutomakeyourwillinfiftyyears。\"
\"Butwhyshouldyourexcellencynotwaittilltomorrow？\"
\"Idon’twanttobecaught。\"
\"Youhavenothingofthekindtofearfromme。\"
\"Idaresay，butunlesswemakehastethekingwillhaveusbotharrested。\"
\"Howcanhe，unlessyouhavetoldhimaboutourquarrel？\"
\"Ah，youdon’tunderstand！Well，Iamquitewillingtogiveyousatisfaction，butitmustbeto—dayornever。\"
\"Verygood。Thisduelistoodeartomyheartformetoleaveyouanypretextforavoidingit。Callformeafterdinner，forIshallwantallmystrength。\"
\"Certainly。FormypartIlikeagoodsupperafter，betterthanagooddinnerbefore。\"
\"Everyonetohistaste。\"
\"True。Bytheway，whydidyousendmethelengthofyoursword？I
intendtofightwithpistols，forIneveruseswordswithunknownpersons。\"
\"Whatdoyoumean？Ibegofyoutorefrainfrominsultingmeinmyownhouse。Idonotintendtofightwithpistols，andyoucannotcompelmetodoso，forIhaveyourlettergivingmethechoiceofweapons。\"
\"Strictlyspeaking，nodoubtyouareintheright；butIamsureyouaretoopolitenottogiveway，whenIassureyouthatyouwilllaymeunderagreatobligationbydoingso。Veryoftenthefirstshotisamiss，andifthatisthecasewithbothofus，Ipromisetofightwithswordsaslongasyoulike。Willyouobligemeinthematter？\"
\"Yes，forIlikeyourwayofasking，though，inmyopinion，apistolduelisabarbarousaffair。Iaccept，butonthefollowingconditions:Youmustbringtwopistols，chargetheminmypresence，andgivemethechoice。Ifthefirstshotisamiss，wewillfightwithswordstillthefirstbloodortothedeath，whicheveryouprefer。Callformeatthreeo’clock，andchoosesomeplacewhereweshallbesecurefromthelaw。\"
\"Verygood。Youareagoodfellow，allowmetoembraceyou。Givemeyourwordofhonournottosayawordaboutittoanyone，forifyoudidweshouldbearrestedimmediately。\"
\"Youneednotbeafraidofmytalking；theprojectistoodeartome。\"
\"Good。Farewelltillthreeo’clock。\"
Assoonasthebravebraggarthadleftme，IplacedthepapersIwasdoingforthekingapart，andwenttoCampioni，inwhomIhadgreatconfidence。
\"Takethispackettotheking，\"Isaid，\"ifIhappentobekilled。
Youmayguess，perhaps，whatisgoingtohappen，butdonotsayawordtoanyone，oryouwillhavemeforyourbitterestenemy，asitwouldmeanlossofhonourtome。\"
\"Iunderstand。Youmayreckononmydiscretion，andIhopetheaffairmaybeendedhonourablyandprosperouslyforyou。Buttakeapieceoffriendlyadvice——don’tspareyouropponent，wereitthekinghimself，foritmightcostyouyourlife。Iknowthatbyexperience。\"
\"Iwillnotforget。Farewell。\"
Wekissedeachother，andIorderedanexcellentdinner，forIhadnomindtobesenttoPlutofasting。Campionicameintodinneratoneo’clock，andatdessertIhadavisitfromtwoyoungcounts，withtheirtutor，Bertrand，akindlySwiss。TheywerewitnessestomycheerfulnessandtheexcellentappetitewithwhichIate。Athalf—
pasttwoIdismissedmycompany，andstoodatthewindowtobereadytogodowndirectlyBranicki’scarriageappeared。Hedroveupinatravellingcarriageandsix；twogrooms，leadingsaddle—horses，wentinfront，followedbyhistwoaide—de—campsandtwohussars。Behindhiscarriagestoodfourservants。Ihastenedtodescend，andfoundmyenemywasaccompaniedbyalieutenant—generalandanarmedfootman。Thedoorwasopened，thegeneralgavemehisplace，andI
orderedmyservantsnottofollowmebuttoawaitmyordersatthehouse。
\"Youmightwantthem，\"saidBranicki；\"theyhadbettercomealong。\"
\"IfIhadasmanyasyou，Iwouldcertainlyagreetoyourproposition；butasitisIshalldostillbetterwithoutanyatall。
Ifneedbe，yourexcellencywillseethatIamtendedbyyourownservants。\"
Hegavemehishand，andassuredmetheyshouldwaitonmebeforehimself。
Isatdown，andwewentoff。
ItwouldhavebeenabsurdifIhadaskedwhereweweregoing，soI
heldmytongue，foratsuchmomentsamanshouldtakeheedtohiswords。Branickiwassilent，andIthoughtthebestthingIcoulddowouldbetoengagehiminatrivialconversation。
\"DoesyourexcellencyintendspendingthespringatWarsaw？\"
\"Ihadthoughtofdoingso，butyoumaypossiblysendmetopassthespringsomewhereelse。\"
\"Oh，Ihopenot！\"
\"Haveyouseenanymilitaryservice？\"
\"Yes；butmayIaskwhyyourexcellencyasksmethequestion，for——\"
\"Ihadnoparticularreason；itwasonlyforthesakeofsayingsomething。\"
Wehaddrivenabouthalfanhourwhenthecarriagestoppedatthedoorofalargegarden。Wegotdownand，followingthepostoli，reachedagreenarbourwhich，bytheway，wasnotatallgreenonthat5thofMarch。Initwasastonetableonwhichthefootmanplacedtwopistols，afootandhalflong，withapowderflaskandscales。Heweighedthepowder，loadedthemequally，andlaidthemdowncrosswiseonthetable。
Thisdone，Branickisaidboldly，\"Chooseyourweapon，sir。\"
Atthisthegeneralcalledout，\"Isthisaduel，sir？\"
\"Yes。\"
\"Youcannotfighthere；youarewithintheban。\"
\"Nomatter。\"
\"Itdoesmatter；andI，atallevents，refusetobeawitness。Iamonguardatthecastle，andyouhavetakenmebysurprise。\"
\"Bequiet；Iwillanswerforeverything。Iowethisgentlemansatisfaction，andImeantogiveithimhere。\"
\"M。Casanova，\"saidthegeneral，\"youcannotfighthere。\"
\"ThenwhyhaveIbeenbroughthere？IshalldefendmyselfwhereverI
amattacked。\"
\"Laythewholematterbeforetheking，andyoushallhavemyvoiceinyourfavour。\"
\"Iamquitewillingtodoso，general，ifhisexcellencywillsaythatheregretswhatpassedbetweenuslastnight。\"
Branickilookedfiercelyatme，andsaidwrathfullythathehadcometofightandnottoparley。
\"General，\"saidI，\"youcanbearwitnessthatIhavedoneallinmypowertoavoidthisduel。\"
Thegeneralwentawaywithhisheadbetweenhishands，andthrowingoffmycloakItookthefirstpistolthatcametomyhand。Branickitooktheother，andsaidthathewouldguaranteeuponhishonourthatmyweaponwasagoodone。
\"Iamgoingtotryitsgoodnessonyourhead，\"Ianswered。
Heturnedpaleatthis，threwhisswordtooneofhisservants，andbaredhisthroat，andIwasobliged，tomysorrow，tofollowhisexample，formyswordwastheonlyweaponIhad，withtheexceptionofthepistol。Ibaredmychestalso，andsteppedbackfiveorsixpaces，andhedidthesame。
AssoonaswehadtakenupourpositionsItookoffmyhatwithmylefthand，andbeggedhimtofirefirst。
Insteadofdoingsoimmediatelyhelosttwoorthreesecondsinsighting，aiming，andcoveringhisheadbyraisingtheweaponbeforeit。Iwasnotinapositiontolethimkillmeathisease，soI
suddenlyaimedandfiredonhimjustashefiredonme。ThatIdidsoisevident，asallthewitnesseswereunanimousinsayingthattheyonlyheardonereport。IfeltIwaswoundedinmylefthand，andsoputitintomypocket，andIrantowardsmyenemywhohadfallen。Allofasudden，asIkneltbesidehim，threebareswordswereflourishedovermyhead，andthreenobleassassinspreparedtocutmedownbesidetheirmaster。Fortunately，Branickihadnotlostconsciousnessorthepowerofspeaking，andhecriedoutinavoiceofthunder，——
\"Scoundrels！havesomerespectforamanofhonour。\"
Thisseemedtopetrifythem。Iputmyrighthandunderthepistoli’sarmpit，whilethegeneralhelpedhimontheotherside，andthuswetookhimtotheinn，whichhappenedtobenearathand。
Branickistoopedashewalked，andgazedatmecuriously，apparentlywonderingwhereallthebloodonmyclothescamefrom。
Whenwegottotheinn，Branickilaidhimselfdowninanarm—chair。
Weunbuttonedhisclothesandlifteduphisshirt，andhecouldseehimselfthathewasdangerouslywounded。Myballhadenteredhisbodybytheseventhribontherighthand，andhadgoneoutbythesecondfalseribontheleft。Thetwowoundswereteninchesapart，andthecasewasofanalarmingnature，astheintestinesmusthavebeenpierced。Branickispoketomeinaweakvoice，——
\"Youhavekilledme，somakehasteaway，asyouareindangerofthegibbet。Theduelwasfoughtintheban，andIamahighcourtofficer，andaKnightoftheWhiteEagle。Solosenotime，andifyouhavenotenoughmoneytakemypurse。\"
Ipickedupthepursewhichhadfallenout，andputitbackinhispocket，thankinghim，andsayingitwouldbeuselesstome，forifI
wereguiltyIwascontenttolosemyhead。\"Ihope，\"Iadded，\"thatyourwoundwillnotbemortal，andIamdeeplygrievedatyourobligingmetofight。\"
WiththesewordsIkissedhimonhisbrowandlefttheinn，seeingneitherhorsesnorcarriage，norservant。Theyhadallgoneofffordoctor，surgeon，priest，andthefriendsandrelativesofthewoundedman。
Iwasaloneandwithoutanyweapon，inthemidstofasnow—coveredcountry，myhandwaswounded，andIhadnottheslightestideawhichwasthewaytoWarsaw。
Itooktheroadwhichseemedmostlikely，andafterIhadgonesomedistanceImetapeasantwithanemptysleigh。
\"Warszawa？\"Icried，shewinghimaducat。
Heunderstoodme，andliftedacoarsemat，withwhichhecoveredmewhenIgotintothesleigh，andthensetoffatagallop。
AllatonceBiniski，Branicki’sbosom—friend，camegallopingfuriouslyalongtheroadwithhisbareswordinhishand。Hewasevidentlyrunningafterme。HappilyhedidnotglanceatthewretchedsleighinwhichIwas，orelsehewouldundoubtedlyhavemurderedme。IgotatlasttoWarsaw，andwenttothehouseofPrinceAdamCzartoryskitobeghimtoshelterme，buttherewasnobodythere。WithoutdelayIdeterminedtoseekrefugeintheConventoftheRecollets，whichwashandy。
Irangatthedoorofthemonastery，andtheporterseeingmecoveredwithbloodhastenedtoshutthedoor，guessingtheobjectofmyvisit。ButIdidnotgivehimthetimetodoso，buthonouringhimwithaheartykickforcedmywayin。Hiscriesattractedatroopoffrightenedmonks。Idemandedsanctuary，andthreatenedthemwithvengeanceiftheyrefusedtograntit。Oneoftheirnumberspoketome，andIwastakentoalittledenwhichlookedmorelikeadungeonthananythingelse。Iofferednoresistance，feelingsurethattheywouldchangetheirtunebeforeverylong。Iaskedthemtosendformyservants，andwhentheycameIsentforadoctorandCampioni。
BeforethesurgeoncouldcomethePalatinofPolduchiawasannounced。
Ihadneverhadthehonourofspeakingtohim，butafterhearingthehistoryofmyduelhewassokindastogivemealltheparticularsofaduelhehadfoughtinhisyouthfuldays。SoonaftercamethePalatinofKalisch，PrinceJablenowski。PrinceSanguska，andthePalatinofWilna，whoalljoinedinachorusofabuseofthemonkswhohadlodgedmesoscurvily。ThepoorreligiousexcusedthemselvesbysayingthatIhadill—treatedtheirporter，whichmademynoblefriendslaugh；butIdidnotlaugh，formywoundwasverypainful。
HoweverIwasimmediatelymovedintotwooftheirbestguest—rooms。
Theballhadpiercedmyhandbythemetacarpusundertheindexfinger，andhadbrokenthefirstphalanges。Itsforcehadbeenarrestedbyametalbuttononmywaistcoat，andithadonlyinflictedaslightwoundonmystomachclosetothenavel。However，thereitwasandithadtobeextracted，foritpainedmeextremely。AnempiricnamedGendron，thefirstsurgeonmyservantshadfound，madeanopeningontheoppositesideofmyhandwhichdoubledthewound。
WhilehewasperformingthispainfuloperationItoldthestoryofthedueltothecompany，concealingtheanguishIwasenduring。Whatapowervanityexercisesonthemoralandphysicalforces！IfIhadbeenaloneIshouldprobablyhavefainted。
AssoonastheempiricGendronwasgone，thepalatin’ssurgeoncameinandtookchargeofthecase，callingGendronalowfellow。AtthesametimePrinceLubomirski，thehusbandofthepalatin’sdaughter，arrived，andgaveusallasurprisebyrecountingthestrangeoccurrenceswhichhadhappenedaftertheduel。BininskicametowhereBranickiwaslying，andseeinghiswoundrodeofffuriouslyonhorseback，swearingtostrikemedeadwhereverhefoundme。HefanciedIwouldbewithTomatis，andwenttohishouse。HefoundTomatiswithhismistress，PrinceLubomirski，andCountMoszczinski，butnoCasanovawasvisible。HeaskedwhereIwas，andonTomatisreplyingthathedidnotknowhedischargedapistolathishead。AtthisdastardlyactionCountMoszczinckiseizedhimandtriedtothrowhimoutofthewindow，butthemadmangotloosewiththreecutsofhissabre，oneofwhichslashedthecountonthefaceandknockedoutthreeofhisteeth。
\"Afterthisexploit，\"PrinceLubomirskicontinued，\"heseizedmebythethroatandheldapistoltomyhead，threateningtoblowoutmybrainsifIdidnottakehiminsafetytothecourtwherehishorsewas，sothathemightgetawayfromthehousewithoutanyattackbeingmadeonhimbyTomatis’sservants；andIdidsoimmediately。
Moszczinskiisinthedoctor’shands，andwillbelaidupforsometime。
\"AssoonasitwasreportedthatBranickiwaskilled，hisUhlansbegantorideaboutthetownswearingtoavengetheircolonel，andtoslaughteryou。Itisveryfortunatethatyoutookrefugehere。
\"Thechiefmarshalhashadthemonasterysurroundedbytwohundreddragoons，ostensiblytopreventyourescape，butinrealitytodefendyoufromBranicki’ssoldiers。
\"Thedoctorssaythatthepostoliisingreatdangeriftheballhaswoundedtheintestines，butifnottheyanswerforhisrecovery。Hisfatewillbeknowntomorrow。Henowliesatthelordchamberlain’s，notdaringtohavehimselfcarriedtohisapartmentsatthepalace。
Thekinghasbeentoseehim，andthegeneralwhowaspresenttoldhismajestythattheonlythingthatsavedyourlifewasyourthreattoaimatBranicki’shead。Thisfrightenedhim，andtokeepyourballfromhisheadhestoodinsuchanawkwardpositionthathemissedyourvitalparts。Otherwisehewouldundoubtedlyhaveshotyouthroughtheheart，forhecansplitabulletintotwohalvesbyfiringagainstthebladeofaknife。ItwasalsoaluckythingforyouthatyouescapedBininski，whoneverthoughtoflookingforyouinthewretchedsleigh。\"
\"Mylord，themostfortunatethingformeisthatIdidnotkillmymanoutright。OtherwiseIshouldhavebeencuttopiecesjustasI
wenttohishelpbythreeofhisservants，whostoodovermewithdrawnswords。However，thepostoliorderedthemtoleavemealone。
\"IamsorryforwhathashappenedtoyourhighnessandCountMoszczinski；andifTomatiswasnotkilledbythemadmanitisonlybecausethepistolwasonlychargedwithpowder。\"
\"That’swhatIthink，fornooneheardthebullet；butitwasamerechance。\"
\"Quiteso。\"
Justthenanofficerofthepalatin’scametomewithanotefromhismaster，whichranasfollows:
\"Readwhatthekingsaystome，andsleepwell。\"
Theking’snotewasthusconceived:
\"Branicki，mydearuncle，isdangerouswounded。Mysurgeonsaredoingalltheycanforhim，butIhavenotforgottenCasanova。Youmayassurehimthatheispardoned，evenifBranickishoulddie。\"
Ikissedthelettergratefully，andshewedittomyvisitors，wholaudedthisgenerousmantrulyworthyofbeingaking。
AfterthispleasantnewsIfeltinneedofrest，andmylordsleftme。Assoonastheyweregone，Campioni，whohadcomeinbeforeandhadstoodinthebackground，cameuptomeandgavemebackthepacketofpapers，andwithtearsofjoycongratulatedmeonthehappyissueoftheduel。
NextdayIhadshoalsofvisitors，andmanyofthechiefsofthepartyopposedtoBranickisentmepursesfullofgold。Thepersonswhobroughtthemoneyonbehalfofsuchalordorlady，saidthatbeingaforeignerImightbeinneedofmoney，andthatwastheirexcuseforthelibertytheyhadtaken。Ithankedandrefusedthemall，andsentbackatleastfourthousandducats，andwasveryproudofhavingdoneso。Campionithoughtitwasabsurd，andhewasright，forIrepentedafterwardsofwhatIhaddone。TheonlypresentI
acceptedwasadinnerforfourpersons，whichPrinceAdamCzartoryskisentmeineveryday，thoughthedoctorwouldnotletmeenjoyit，hebeingagreatbelieverindiet。
Thewoundinmystomachwasprogressingfavourably，butonthefourthdaythesurgeonssaidmyhandwasbecominggangrened，andtheyagreedthattheonlyremedywasamputation。IsawthisannouncedintheCourtGazettethenextmorning，butasIhadotherviewsonthematterIlaughedheartilyattheparagraph。Thesheetwasprintedatnight，afterthekinghadplacedhisinitialstothecopy。Inthemorningseveralpersonscametocondolewithme，butIreceivedtheirsympathywithgreatirreverence。ImerelylaughedatCountClary，whosaidIwouldsurelysubmittotheoperation；andjustasheutteredthewordsthethreesurgeonscameintogether。
\"Well，gentlemen，\"saidI，\"youhavemusteredingreatstrength；whyisthis？\"
Myordinarysurgeonrepliedthathewishedtohavetheopinionoftheothertwobeforeproceedingtoamputation，andtheywouldrequiretolookatthewound。
Thedressingwasliftedandgangrenewasdeclaredtobeundoubtedlypresent，andexecutionwasorderedthatevening。Thebutchersgavemethenewswithradiantfaces，andassuredmeIneednotbeafraidastheoperationwouldcertainlyproveefficacious。
\"Gentlemen，\"Ireplied，\"youseemtohaveagreatmanysolidscientificreasonsforcuttingoffmyhand；butonethingyouhavenotgot，andthatismyconsent。Myhandismyown，andIamgoingtokeepit。\"
\"Sir，itiscertainlygangrened；byto—morrowthearmwillbegintomortify，andthenyouwillhavetoloseyourarm。\"
\"Verygood；ifthatprovesoyoushallcutoffmyarm，butIhappentoknowsomethingofgangrene，andthereisnoneaboutme。\"
\"Youcannotknowasmuchaboutitaswedo。\"
\"Possibly；butasfarasIcanmakeout，youknownothingatall。\"
\"That’sratherastrongexpression。\"
\"Idon’tcarewhetheritbestrongorweak；youcangonow。\"
Inacoupleofhourseveryonewhomthesurgeonshadtoldofmyobstinacycamepesteringme。Eventheprince—palatinwrotetomethatthekingwasextremelysurprisedatmylackofcourage。Thisstungmetothequick，andIwrotethekingalongletter，halfinearnestandhalfinjest，inwhichIlaughedattheignoranceofthesurgeons，andatthesimplicityofthosewhotookwhatevertheysaidforgospeltruth。Iaddedthatasanarmwithoutahandwouldbequiteasuselessasnoarmatall，Imeanttowaittillitwasnecessarytocutoffthearm。
MyletterwasreadatCourt，andpeoplewonderedhowamanwithgangrenecouldwritealongletteroffourpages。LubomirskitoldmekindlythatIwasmistakeninlaughingatmyfriends，forthethreebestsurgeonsinWarsawcouldnotbemistakeninsuchasimplecase。
\"Mylord，theyarenotdeceivedthemselves，buttheywanttodeceiveme。\"
\"Whyshouldthey？\"
\"TomakethemselvesagreeabletoBranicki，whoisinadangerousstate，andmightpossiblygetbetterifheheardthatmyhandhadbeentakenoff。\"
\"Reallythatseemsanincredibleideatome！\"
\"WhatwillyourhighnesssayonthedaywhenIamprovedtoberight？\"
\"Ishallsayyouaredeservingofthehighestpraise，butthedaymustfirstcome。\"
\"Weshallseethisevening，andIgiveyoumywordthatifanygangrenehasattackedthearm，Iwillhaveitcutoffto—morrowmorning。\"
Foursurgeonscametoseeme。Myarmwaspronouncedtobehighlyaedematous，andofalividcolouruptotheelbow；butwhenthelintwastakenoffthewoundIcouldseeformyselfthatitwasprogressingadmirably。However，Iconcealedmydelight。PrinceAugustusSulkowskiandtheAbbeGouvelwerepresent；thelatterbeingattachedtothepalatin’scourt。Thejudgmentofthesurgeonswasthatthearmwasgangrened，andmustbeamputatedbythenextmorningatlatest。
Iwastiredofarguingwiththeserascals，soItoldthemtobringtheirinstruments，andthatIwouldsubmittotheoperation。Atthistheywentwayinhighglee，totellthenewsattheCourt，toBranicki，tothepalatin，andsoforth。Imerelygavemyservantsorderstosendthemawaywhentheycame。
Icandwellnomoreonthismatter，thoughitisinterestingenoughtome。However，thereaderwillnodoubtbeobligedtomebymysimplysayingthataFrenchsurgeoninPrinceSulkowski’shouseholdtookchargeofthecaseindefianceofprofessionaletiquette，andcuredmeperfectly，soIhavemyhandandmyarmtothisday。
OnEasterDayIwenttomasswithmyarminasling。Mycurehadonlylastedthreeweeks，butIwasnotabletoputthehandtoanyactiveemploymentforeighteenmonthsafterwards。Everyonewasobligedtocongratulatemeonhavingheldoutagainsttheamputation，andthegeneralconsentdeclaredthesurgeonsgrosslyignorant，whileIwassatisfiedwiththinkingthemverygreatknaves。
Imustheresetdownanincidentwhichhappenedthreedaysaftertheduel。
IwastoldthataJesuitfatherfromthebishopofthediocesewantedtospeaktomeinprivate，andIhadhimshewnin，andaskedhimwhathewanted。
\"Ihavecomefrommylord—bishop，\"saidhe，\"toabsolveyoufromtheecclesiasticalcensure，whichyouhaveincurredbyduelling。\"
\"Iamalwaysdelightedtoreceiveabsolution，father，butonlyafterIhaveconfessedmyguilt。InthepresentcaseIhavenothingtoconfess；Iwasattacked，andIdefendedmyself。Praythankmylordforhiskindness。Ifyouliketoabsolvemewithoutconfession，I
shallbemuchobliged。\"
\"Ifyoudonotconfess，Icannotgiveyouabsolution，butyoucandothis:askmetoabsolveyou，supposingyouhavefoughtaduel。\"
\"Certainly；Ishallbegladifyouwillabsolveme，supposingIhavefoughtaduel。\"
ThedelightfulJesuitgavemeabsolutioninsimilarterms。Hewaslikehisbrethren——neveratalosswhenaloopholeofanykindisrequired。
ThreedaysbeforeIleftthemonastery，thatisonHolyThursday，themarshalwithdrewmyguard。AfterIhadbeentomassonEasterDay，I
wenttoCourt，andasIkissedtheking’shand，heaskedme（ashadbeenarranged）whyIworemyarminasling。IsaidIhadbeensufferingfromarheum，andhereplied，withameaningsmile，——
\"Takecarenottocatchanother。\"
Aftermyvisittotheking，IcalledonBranicki，whohadmadedailyenquiriesafermyhealth，andhadsentmebackmysword，Hewascondemnedtostayinbedforsixweekslongeratleast，forthewadofmypistolhadgotintothewound，andinextractingittheopeninghadtobeenlarged，whichretardedhisrecovery。Thekinghadjustappointedhimchiefhuntsman，notsoexaltedanofficeaschamberlain，butamorelucrativeone。Itwassaidhehadgottheplacebecausehewassuchagoodshot；butifthatwerethereasonI
hadabetterclaimtoit，forIhadprovedthebettershot——foronedayatallevents。
Ienteredanenormousante—roominwhichstoodofficers，footmen，pages，andlacqueys，allgazingatmewiththegreatestastonishment。
Iaskedifmylordwastobeseen，andbeggedthedoor—keepertosendinmyname。Hedidnotanswer，butsighed，andwentintohismaster’sroom。Directlyafter，hecameoutandbeggedme，withaprofoundbow，tostepin。
Branicki，whowasdressedinamagnificentgownandsupportedbypillowsandcushions，greetedmebytakingoffhisnightcap。Hewasaspaleasdeath。
\"Ihavecomehere，mylord，\"Ibegan，\"toofferyoumyservice，andtoassureyouhowIregretthatIdidnotpassoverafewtriflingwordsofyours。\"
\"Youhavenoreasontoreproachyourself，M。Casanova。\"
\"Yourexcellencyisverykind。Iamalsocometosaythatbyfightingwithmeyouhavedonemeanhonourwhichcompletelyswallowsupalloffence，andItrustthatyouwillgivemeyourprotectionforthefuture。\"
\"IconfessIinsultedyou，butyouwillallowthatIhavepaidforit。Astomyfriends，Iopenlysaythattheyaremyenemiesunlesstheytreatyouwithrespect。Bininskihasbeencashiered，andhisnobilitytakenfromhim；heiswellserved。Astomyprotectionyouhavenoneedofit，thekingesteemsyouhighly，likemyself，andallmenofhonour。Sitdown；wewillbefriends。Acupofchocolateforthisgentleman。Youseemtohavegotoveryourwoundcompletely。\"
\"Quiteso，mylord，exceptastotheuseofmyfingers，andthatwilltakesometime。\"
\"Youwerequiterighttowithstandthoserascallysurgeons，andyouhadgoodreasonforyouropinionthatthefoolsthoughttopleasemebyrenderingyouone—handed。Theyjudgedmyheartbytheirown。I
congratulateyouonthepreservationofyourhand，butIhavenotbeenabletomakeouthowmyballcouldhavewoundedyouinthehandafterstrikingyourstomach。\"
Justthenthechocolatewasbrought，andthechamberlaincameinandlookedatmewithasmile。InfiveminutestheroomwasfulloflordsandladieswhohadheardIwaswithBranicki，andwantedtoknowhowweweregettingon。Icouldseethattheydidnotexpecttofindusonsuchgoodterms，andwereagreeablysurprised。Branickiaskedthequestionwhichhadbeeninterruptedbythechocolateandthevisitorsoveragain。
\"YourexcellencywillallowmetoassumethepositionIwasinasI
receivedyourfire。\"
\"Praydoso。\"
Iroseandplacedmyselfintheposition，andhesaidheunderstoodhowitwas。
Aladysaid，——
\"Youshouldhaveputyourhandbehindyourbody。\"
\"Excuseme，madam，butIthoughtitbettertoputmybodybehindmyhand。\"
ThissallymadeBranickilaugh，buthissistersaidtome，——
\"Youwantedtokillmybrother，foryouaimedathishead。\"
\"Godforbid，madam！myinterestlayinkeepinghimalivetodefendmefromhisfriends。\"
\"Butyousaidyouweregoingtofireathishead。\"
\"That’samerefigureofspeech，justasonesays，’I’llblowyourbrainsout。’Theskilledduellist，however，alwaysaimsatthemiddleofthebody；theheaddoesnotofferalargeenoughsurface。\"
\"Yes，\"saidBranicki，\"yourtacticsweresuperiortomine，andIamobligedtoyouforthelessonyougaveme。\"
\"Yourexcellencygavemealessoninheroismoffargreatervalue。\"
\"Youmusthavehadagreatdealofpracticewiththepistol，\"
continuedhissister。
\"Notatall，madam，Iregardtheweaponwithdetestation。Thisunluckyshotwasmyfirst；butIhavealwaysknownastraightline，andmyhandhasalwaysbeensteady。\"
\"That’sallonewants，\"saidBranicki。\"Ihavethoseadvantagesmyself，andIamonlytoowellpleasedthatIdidnotaimsowellasusual。\"
\"Yourballbrokemyfirstphalanges。Hereitisyousee，flattenedbymybone。Allowmetoreturnittoyou。\"
\"IamsorrytosayIcan’treturnyours，whichIsupposeremainsonthefieldofbattle。\"
\"Youseemtobegettingbetter，thankGod！\"
\"Thewoundishealingpainfully。IfIhadimitatedyouIshouldnolongerbeinthelandoftheliving；Iamtoldyoumadeanexcellentdinner？\"
\"Yes，mylord，IwasafraidImightneverhaveanotherchanceofdiningagain。\"
\"IfIhaddined，yourballwouldhavepiercedmyintestines；butbeingemptyityieldedtothebullet，andletitpassbyharmlessly。\"
IheardafterwardsthatonthedayoftheduelBranickihadgonetoconfessionandmass，andhadcommunicated。Thepriestcouldnotrefusehimabsolution，ifhesaidthathonourobligedhimtofight；
forthiswasinaccordancewiththeancientlawsofchivalry。AsformeIonlyaddressedthesewordstoGod:
\"Lord，ifmyenemykillme，Ishallbedamned；deign，therefore，topreservemefromdeath。Amen。\"
AfteralongandpleasantconversationItookleaveoftheherotovisitthehighconstable，CountBielinski，brotherofCountessSalmor。Hewasaveryoldman，butthesovereignadministratorofjusticeinPoland。Ihadneverspokentohim，buthehaddefendedmefromBranicki’sUhlans，andhadmadeoutmypardon，soIfeltboundtogoandthankhim。
Isentinmyname，andtheworthyoldmangreetedmewith:
\"WhatcanIdoforyou？\"
\"Ihavecometokissthehandofthekindlymanthatsignedmypardon，andtopromiseyourexcellencytobemorediscreetinfuture。\"
\"Iadviseyoutobemorediscreetindeed。Asforyourpardon，thanktheking；forifhehadnotrequestedmeespeciallytograntityou，Ishouldhavehadyoubeheaded。\"
\"Inspiteoftheextenuatingcircumstances，mylord？\"
\"Whatcircumstances？Didyouordidyounotfightaduel。\"
\"Thatisnotaproperwayofputtingit；Iwasobligedtodefendmyself。YoumighthavechargedmewithfightingaduelifBranickihadtakenmeoutsidetheban，asIrequested，butasitwashetookmewherehewilledandmademefight。UnderthesecircumstancesIamsureyourexcellencywouldhavesparedmyhead。\"
\"Ireallycan’tsay。Thekingrequestedthatyoushouldbepardoned，andthatshewshebelievesyoutobedeservingofpardon；I
congratulateyouonhisgoodwill。Ishallbepleasedifyouwilldinewithmetomorrow。\"
\"Mylord，Iamdelightedtoacceptyourinvitation。\"
Theillustriousoldconstablewasamanofgreatintelligence。Hehadbeenabosom—friendofthecelebratedPoniatowski，theking’sfather。Wehadagooddealofconversationtogetheratdinnerthenextday。
\"Whatacomfortitwouldhavebeentoyourexcellency’sfriend，\"saidI，\"ifhecouldhavelivedtoseehissoncrownedKingofPoland。\"
\"Hewouldneverhaveconsented。\"
Thevehemencewithwhichhepronouncedthesewordsgavemeadeepinsightintohisfeelings。HewasoftheSaxonparty。Thesameday，thatisonEasterDay，Idinedatthepalatin’s。
\"Politicalreasons，\"saidhe，\"preventedmefromvisitingyouatthemonastery；butyoumustnotthinkIhadforgottenyou，foryouwereconstantlyinmythoughts。Iamgoingtolodgeyouhere，formywifeisveryfondofyoursociety；buttheroomswillnotbereadyforanothersixweeks。\"
\"Ishalltaketheopportunity，mylord，ofpayingavisittothePalatinofKiowia，whohashonouredmewithaninvitationtocomeandseehim。\"
\"Whogaveyoutheinvitation？\"
\"CountBruhl，whoisatDresden；hiswifeisdaughterofthepalatin。\"
\"Thisjourneyisanexcellentidea，forthisduelofyourshasmadeyouinnumerableenemies，andIonlyhopeyouwillhavetofightnomoreduels。Igiveyoufairwarning；beonyourguard，andnevergoonfoot，especiallyatnight。\"
Ispentafortnightingoingouttodinnerandsuppereveryday。I
hadbecomethefashion，andwhereverIwentIhadtotelltheduelstoryoveragain。Iwasrathertiredofitmyself，butthewishtopleaseandmyownself—loveweretoostrongtoberesisted。Thekingwasnearlyalwayspresent，butfeignednottohearme。However，heonceaskedmeifIhadbeeninsultedbyapatricianinVenice，whetherIshouldhavecalledhimoutimmediately。
\"No，sire，forhispatricianpridewouldhavepreventedhiscomplying，andIshouldhavehadmypainsformytrouble。\"
\"Thenwhatwouldyouhavedone？\"
\"Sire，Ishouldhavecontainedmyself，thoughifanobleVenetianweretoinsultmeinaforeigncountryhewouldhavetogivemesatisfaction。\"
IcalledonPrinceMoszczinski，andMadameBinettihappenedtobethere；themomentshesawmeshemadeherescape。
\"Whathassheagainstme？\"Iaskedthecount。
\"Sheisafraidofyou，becauseshewasthecauseoftheduel，andnowBranickiwhowasherloverwillhavenothingmoretosaytoher。ShehopedhewouldserveyouasheservedTomatis，andinsteadofthatyoualmostkilledherbravo。Shelaysthefaultonhimforhavingacceptedyourchallenge，buthehasresolvedtohavedonewithher。\"
ThisCountMoszczinskiwasbothgood—heartedandquick—witted，andso，generousthatheruinedhimselfbymakingpresents。Hiswoundswerebeginningtoheal，butthoughIwastheindirectcauseofhismishap，farfrombearingmaliceagainstmehehadbecomemyfriend。
ThepersonwhomIshouldhaveexpectedtobemostgratefultomefortheduelwasTomatis，butonthecontraryhehatedthesightofmeandhardlyconcealedhisfeelings。Iwasthelivingreproachofhiscowardice；mywoundedhandseemedtoshewhimthathehadlovedhismoneymorethanhishonour。IamsurehewouldhavepreferredBranickitohavekilledme，forthenhewouldhavebecomeanobjectofgeneralexecration，andTomatiswouldhavebeenreceivedwithlesscontemptinthegreathouseshestillfrequented。
Iresolvedtopayavisittothediscontentedpartywhohadonlyrecognizedthenewkingoncompulsion，andsomeofwhomhadnotrecognizedhimatall；soIsetoutwithmytruefriendCampioniandoneservant。
PrinceCharlesofCourlandhadstartedforVenice，whereIhadgivenhimlettersformyillustriousfriendswhowouldmakehisvisitapleasantone。TheEnglishambassadorwhohadgivenmeanintroductiontoPrinceAdamhadjustarrivedatWarsaw。Idinedwithhimattheprince’shouse，andthekingsignifiedhiswishtobeoftheparty。IheardagooddealofconversationaboutMadamedeGeoffrin，anoldsweetheartoftheking’swhomhehadjustsummonedtoWarsaw。ThePolishmonarch，ofwhomIcannotspeakintoofavourableterms，wasyetweakenoughtolistentotheslanderousreportsagainstme，andrefusedtomakemyfortune。Ihadthepleasureofconvincinghimthathewasmistaken，butIwillspeakofthislateron。
IarrivedatLeopolthesixthdayafterIhadleftWarsaw，havingstoppedacoupleofdaysatPrinceZamoiski’s；hehadfortythousandducatsa—year，butalsothefallingsickness。
\"Iwouldgiveallmygoods，\"saidhe，\"tobecured。\"
Ipitiedhisyoungwife。Shewasveryfondofhim，andyethadtodenyhim，forhisdiseasealwayscameonhiminmomentsofamorousexcitement。Shehadthebittertaskofconstantlyrefusinghim，andevenofrunningawayifhepressedherhard。Thisgreatnobleman，whodiedsoonafter，lodgedmeinasplendidroomutterlydevoidoffurniture。ThisisthePolishcustom；oneissupposedtobringone’sfurniturewithone。
AtLeopolIputup，atanhotel，butIsoonhadtomovefromthencetotakeupmyabodewiththefamousKaminska，thedeadlyfoeofBranicki，theking，andallthatparty。Shewasveryrich，butshehassincebeenruinedbyconspiracies。Sheentertainedmesumptuouslyforaweek，butthevisitwasagreeabletoneitherside，asshecouldonlyspeakPolishandGerman。FromLeopolIproceededtoasmalltown，thenameofwhichIforget（thePolishnamesareverycrabbed）totakeanintroductionfromPrinceLubomirskitoJosephRzewuski，alittleoldmanwhoworealongbeardasasignofmourningfortheinnovationsthatwerebeingintroducedintohiscountry。Hewasrich，learned，superstitiouslyreligious，andpoliteexceedingly。Istayedwithhimforthreedays。Hewasthecommanderofastrongholdcontainingagarrisonoffivehundredmen。
Onthefirstday，asIwasinhisroomwithsomeotherofficers，abouteleveno’clockinthemorning，anotherofficercamein，whisperedtoRzewuski，andthencameuptomeandwhisperedinmyear，\"VeniceandSt。Mark。\"
\"St。Mark，\"Iansweredaloud，\"isthepatronsaintandprotectorofVenice，\"andeverybodybegantolaugh。
Itdawneduponmethat\"VeniceandSt。Mark\"wasthewatchword，andI
begantoapologizeprofusely，andthewordwaschanged。
Theoldcommanderspoketomewithgreatpoliteness。HeneverwenttoCourt，buthehadresolvedongoingtotheDiettoopposetheRussianpartywithallhismight。Thepoorman，aPoleofthetrueoldleaven，wasoneofthefourwhomRepninarrestedandsenttoSiberia。
Aftertakingleaveofthisbravepatriot，IwenttoChristianpol，wherelivedthefamouspalatinPotocki，whohadbeenoneoftheloversoftheempressAnnaIvanovna。Hehadfoundedthetowninwhichhelivedandcalleditafterhisownname。Thisnobleman，stillafineman，keptasplendidcourt。HehonouredCountBruhlbykeepingmeathishouseforafortnight，andsendingmeouteverydaywithhisdoctor，thefamousStyrneus，theswornfoeofVanSwieten，astillmorefamousphysician。AlthoughStyrneuswasundoubtedlyalearnedman，Ithoughthimsomewhatextravagantandempirical。HissystemwasthatofAsclepiades，consideredasexplodedsincethetimeofthegreatBoerhaave；nevertheless，heeffectedwonderfulcures。
IntheeveningsIwasalwayswiththepalatinandhiscourt。Playwasnotheavy，andIalwayswon，whichwasfortunateandindeednecessaryforme。AfteranextremelyagreeablevisittothepalatinIreturnedtoLeopol，whereIamusedmyselfforaweekwithaprettygirlwhoafterwardssocaptivatedCountPotocki，starostofSniatin，thathemarriedher。Thisispurityofbloodwithavengeanceinyournoblefamilies！
LeavingLeopolIwenttoPalavia，asplendidpalaceontheVistula，eighteenleaguesdistantfromWarsaw。Itbelongedtotheprincepalatin，whohadbuiltithimself。
Howsoevermagnificentanabodemaybe，alonelymanwillwearyofitunlesshehasthesolaceofbooksorofsomegreatidea。Ihadneither，andboredomsoonmadeitselffelt。
Aprettypeasantgirlcameintomyroom，andfindinghertomytasteItriedtomakeherunderstandmewithouttheuseofspeech，butsheresistedandshoutedsoloudlythatthedoor—keepercameup，andaskedme，coolly，——
\"Ifyoulikethegirl，whydon’tyougotheproperwaytowork？\"
\"Whatwayisthat？\"
\"Speaktoherfather，whoisathand，andarrangethematteramicably。\"
\"Idon’tknowPolish。Willyoucarrythethingthrough？\"
\"Certainly。Isupposeyouwillgivefiftyflorins？\"
\"Youarelaughingatme。Iwillgiveahundredwillingly，providedsheisamaidandisassubmissiveasalamb。\"
Nodoubtthearrangementwasmadewithoutdifficulty，forourhymentookplacethesameevening，butnosoonerwastheoperationcompletedthanthepoorlambfledawayinhothaste，whichmademesuspectthatherfatherhadusedratherforciblepersuasionwithher。
IwouldnothaveallowedthishadIbeenawareofit。
Thenextmorningseveralgirlswereofferedtome，butthefacesofallofthemwerecovered。
\"Whereisthegirl？\"saidI。\"Iwanttoseeherface。\"
\"Nevermindabouttheface，iftherestisallright。\"
\"Thefaceistheessentialpartforme，\"Ireplied，\"andtherestI
lookuponasanaccessory。\"
Hedidnotunderstandthis。However，theywereuncovered，butnoneoftheirfacesexcitedmydesires。
Asarule，thePolishwomenareugly；abeautyisamiracle，andaprettywomanarareexception。Attheendofaweekoffeastingandweariness，IreturnedtoWarsaw。
InthismannerIsawPodoliaandVolkynia，whichwererebaptizedafewyearslaterbythenamesofGaliciaandLodomeria，fortheyarenowpartoftheAustrianEmpire。Itissaid，however，thattheyaremoreprosperousthantheyeverwerebefore。
AtWarsawIfoundMadameGeoffrintheobjectofuniversaladmiration；
andeverybodywasremarkingwithwhatsimplicityshewasdressed。Asformyself，Iwasreceivednotcoldly，butpositivelyrudely。Peoplesaidtomyface，——
\"Wedidnotexpecttoseeyouhereagain。Whydidyoucomeback？\"
\"Topaymydebts。\"
Thisbehaviourastonishedanddisgustedme。Theprince—palatinevenseemedquitechangedtowardsme。Iwasstillinvitedtodinner，butnoonespoketome。However，PrinceAdam’ssisteraskedmeverykindlytocomeandsupwithher，andIacceptedtheinvitationwithdelight。Ifoundmyselfseatedoppositetheking，whodidnotspeakonewordtomethewholetime。Hehadneverbehavedtomethusbefore。
ThenextdayIdinedwiththeCountessOginski，andinthecourseofdinnerthecountessaskedwherethekinghadsupperthenightbefore；
nobodyseemedtoknow，andIdidnotanswer。Justaswewererising，GeneralRonikercamein，andthequestionwasrepeated。
\"AtPrincessStrasnikowa’s，\"saidthegeneral，\"andM。Casanovawasthere。\"
\"Thenwhydidyounotanswermyquestion？\"saidthecountesstome。
\"BecauseIamverysorrytohavebeenthere。Hismajestyneitherspoketomenorlookedatme。IseeIamindisgrace，butforthelifeofmeIknownotwhy。\"
OnleavingthehouseIwenttocallonPrinceAugustusSulkowski，whowelcomedmeasofold，buttoldmethatIhadmadeamistakeinreturningtoWarsawaspublicopinionwasagainstme。
\"WhathaveIdone？\"
\"Nothing；butthePolesarealwaysinconstantandchangeable。
’Sarmatarumvirtusvelutiextraipsos’。Thisinconstancywillcostusdearsoonerorlater。Yourfortunewasmade，butyoumissedtheturnofthetide，andIadviseyoutogo。\"
\"Iwillcertainlydoso，butitseemstomeratherhard。\"
WhenIgothomemyservantgavemealetterwhichsomeunknownpersonhadleftatmydoor。Iopeneditandfoundittobeanonymous，butI
couldseeitcamefromawell—wisher。Thewritersaidthattheslanderershadgottheearsoftheking，andthatIwasnolongerapersonagrataatCourt，ashehadbeenassuredthattheParisianshadburntmeineffigyformyabscondingwiththelotterymoney，andthatIhadbeenastrollingplayerinItalyandlittlebetterthanavagabond。
Suchcalumniesareeasytoutterbuthardtorefuteinaforeigncountry。AtallCourtshatred，bornofenvy，iseveratwork。I
mighthavedespisedtheslandersandleftthecountry，butIhadcontracteddebtsandhadnotsufficientmoneytopaythemandmyexpensestoPortugal，whereIthoughtImightdosomething。
Inolongersawanycompany，withtheexceptionofCampioni，whoseemedmoredistressedthanmyself。IwrotetoVeniceandeverywhereelse，wheretherewasachanceofmygettingfunds；butonedaythegeneral，whohadbeenpresentattheduel，calledonme，andtoldme（thoughheseemedashamedofhistask）thatthekingrequestedmetoleavethebaninthecourseofaweek。
Suchapieceofinsolencemademybloodboil，andIinformedthegeneralthathemighttellthekingthatIdidnotfeelinclinedtoobeysuchanunjustorder，andthatifIleftIwouldletalltheworldknowthatIhadbeencompelledtodosobybruteforce。
\"Icannottakesuchamessageasthat，\"saidthegeneral，kindly。
\"IshallsimplytellthekingthatIhaveexecutedhisorders，andnomore；butofcourseyoumustfollowyourownjudgment。\"
IntheexcessofmyindignationIwrotetothekingthatIcouldnotobeyhisordersandkeepmyhonour。Isaidinmyletter，——
\"Mycreditors，sire，willforgivemeforleavingPolandwithoutpayingmydebts，whentheylearnthatIhaveonlydonesobecauseyourmajestygavemenochoice。\"
IwasthinkinghowIcouldensurethisletterreachingtheking，whenwhoshouldarrivebutCountMoszczinski。Itoldhimwhathadhappened，andaskedifhecouldsuggestanymeansofdeliveringtireletter。\"Giveittome，\"saidhe；\"Iwillplaceitintheking’shands。\"
AssoonashehadgoneIwentouttotaketheair，andcalledonPrinceSulkowski，whowasnotatallastonishedatmynews。AsiftosweetenthebitterpillIhadtoswallow，hetoldmehowtheEmpressofAustriahadorderedhimtoleaveViennaintwenty—fourhours，merelybecausehehadcomplimentedtheArchduchessChristinaonbehalfofPrinceLouisofWurtemberg。
ThenextdayCountMoszczinskibroughtmeapresentofathousandducatsfromtheking，whosaidthatmyleavingWarsawwouldprobablybethemeansofpreservingmylife，asinthatcityIwasexposedtodangerwhichIcouldnotexpecttoescapeeventually。
ThisreferredtofiveorsixchallengesIhadreceived，andtowhichIhadnoteventakenthetroubletoreply。Myenemiesmightpossiblyassassinateme，andthekingdidnotcaretobeconstantlyanxiousonmyaccount。CountMoszczinskiaddedthattheordertoleavecarriednodishonourwithit，consideringbywhomithadbeendelivered，andthedelayitgavemetomakemypreparations。
TheconsequenceofallthiswasthatInotonlygavemywordtogo，butthatIbeggedthecounttothankhismajestyforhiskindness，andtheinteresthehadbeenpleasedtotakeinme。
WhenIgavein，thegenerousMoszczinskiembracedme，beggedmetowritetohim，andacceptapresentofatravellingcarriageasatokenofhisfriendship。HeinformedmethatMadameBinetti’shusbandhadgoneoffwithhiswife’smaid，takingwithhimherdiamonds，jewels，linen，andevenhersilverplate，leavinghertothetendermerciesofthedancer，Pic。Heradmirershadclubbedtogethertomakeuptoherforwhatherhusbandhadstolen。Ialsoheardthattheking’ssisterhadarrivedatWarsawfromBialistock，anditwashopedthatherhusbandwouldfollowher。ThishusbandwastherealCountBranicki，andtheBranicki，orratherBranecki，orBragnecki，whohadfoughtwithme，wasnorelationtohimwhatever。
ThefollowingdayIpaidmydebts，whichamountedtoabouttwohundredducats，andImadepreparationsforstartingforBreslau，thedayafter，withCountClary，eachofushavinghisowncarriage。
Clarywasoneofthosementowhomlyinghasbecomeasortofsecondnature；wheneversuchanoneopenshismouth，youmaysafelysaytohim，\"Youhavelied，oryouaregoingtolie。\"Iftheycouldfeeltheirowndegradation，theywouldbemuchtobepitied，forbytheirownfaultatlastnoonewillbelievethemevenwhenbychancetheyspeakthetruth。ThisCountClary，whowasnotoneoftheClarysofTeplitz，couldneithergotohisowncountrynortoVienna，becausehehaddesertedthearmyontheeveofabattle。Hewaslame，buthewalkedsoadroitlythathisdefectdidnotappear。Ifthishadbeentheonlytruthheconcealed，itwouldhavebeenwell，foritwasapieceofdeceptionthathurtnoone。HediedmiserablyinVenice。
WereachedBreslauinperfectsafety，andwithoutexperiencinganyadventures。Campioni，whohadaccompaniedmeasfarasWurtemburg，returned，butrejoinedmeatViennainthecourseofsevenmonths。
CountClaryhadleftBreslau，andIthoughtIwouldmaketheacquaintanceoftheAbbeBastiani，acelebratedVenetian，whosefortunehadbeenmadebytheKingofPrussia。Hewascanonofthecathedral，andreceivedmecordially；infact，eachmutuallydesiredtheother’sacquaintance。Hewasafinewell—mademan，fair—
complexioned，andatleastsixfeethigh。Hewasalsowitty，learned，eloquent，andgiftedwithapersuasivevoice；hiscookwasanartist，hislibraryfullofchoicevolumes，andhiscellaraverygoodone。Hewaswelllodgedonthegroundfloor，andonthefirstfloorheaccommodatedalady，ofwhosechildrenhewasveryfond，possiblybecausehewastheirfather。Althoughagreatadmirerofthefairsex，histasteswerebynomeansexclusive，andhedidnotdespiseloveoftheGreekorphilosophickind。IcouldseethatheentertainedapassionforayoungpriestwhomImetathistable。
ThisyoungabbewasCountdiCavalcanoandBastianiseemedtoadorehim，iffieryglancessignifiedanything；buttheinnocentyoungmandidnotseemtounderstand，andIsupposeBastianididnotliketolowerhisdignitybydeclaringhislove。ThecanonshewedmeallthelettershehadreceivedfromtheKingofPrussiabeforehehadbeenmadecanon。HewasthesonofatailoratVenice，andbecameafriar，buthavingcommittedsomepeccadillowhichgothimintotrouble，hewasfortunateenoughtobeabletomakehisescape。HefledtoTheHague，andtheremetTron，theVenetianambassador，wholenthimahundredducatswithwhichhemadehiswaytoBerlinandfavourwiththeking。Sucharethewaysbywhichmenarriveatfortune！’Sequeredeum’！
OntheeventofmydeparturefromBreslauIwenttopayacallonabaronessforwhomIhadaletterofintroductionfromherson，whowasanofficerofthePolishCourt。Isentupmynameandwasaskedtowaitafewmoments，asthebaronesswasdressing。Isatdownbesideaprettygirl，whowasneatlydressedinamantlewithahood。
Iaskedherifshewerewaitingforthebaronesslikemyself。
\"Yes，sir，\"shereplied，\"Ihavecometooffermyselfasgovernessforherthreedaughters。\"
\"What！Governessatyourage？\"
\"Alas！sir，agehasnothingtodowithnecessity。Ihaveneitherfathernormother。Mybrotherisapoorlieutenantwhocannothelpme；whatcanIdo？Icanonlygetalivelihoodbyturningmygoodeducationtoaccount。\"
\"Whatwillyoursalarybe？\"
\"Fiftywretchedcrowns，enoughtobuymydresses。\"
\"It’sverylittle。\"
\"Itisasmuchaspeoplegive。\"
\"Whereareyoulivingnow？\"
\"Withapooraunt，whereIcanscarceearnenoughbreadtokeepmealivebysewingfrommorningtillnight。\"
\"Ifyoulikedtobecomemygovernessinsteadofbecomingachildren’sgoverness，Iwouldgiveyoufiftycrowns，notperyear，butpermonth。\"
\"Yourgoverness？Governesstoyourfamily，youmean，Isuppose？\"
\"Ihavenofamily；Iamabachelor，andIspendmytimeintravelling。Ileaveatfiveo’clockto—morrowmorningforDresden，andifyouliketocomewithmethereisaplaceforyouinmycarriage。Iamstayingatsuchaninn。Cometherewithyourtrunk，andwewillstarttogether。\"
\"Youarejoking；besides，Idon’tknowyou。\"
\"Iamnotjesting；andweshouldgettoknoweachotherperfectlywellintwenty—fourhours；thatisampletime。\"
MyseriousairconvincedthegirlthatIwasnotlaughingather；butshewasstillverymuchastonished，whileIwasverymuchastonishedtofindIhadgonesofarwhenIhadonlyintendedtojoke。IntryingtowinoverthegirlIhadwonovermyself。Itseemedtomearareadventure，andIwasdelightedtoseethatshewasgivingitherseriousattentionbytheside—glancesshekeptcastinginmydirectiontoseeifIwaslaughingather。IbegantothinkthatfatehadbroughtustogetherthatImightbecomethearchitectofherfortune。Ihadnodoubtwhateverastohergoodnessorherfeelingsforme，forshecompletelyinfatuatedmyjudgment。ToputthefinishingstrokeontheaffairIdrewouttwoducatsandgavethemherasanearnestofherfirstmonth’swages。Shetookthemtimidly，butseemedconvincedthatIwasnotimposingonher。
Bythistimethebaronesswasready，andshewelcomedmeverykindly；
butIsaidIcouldnotacceptherinvitationtodinewithherthefollowingday，asIwasleavingatday—break。Irepliedtoallthequestionsthatafondmothermakesconcerningherson，andthentookleaveoftheworthylady。AsIwentoutInoticedthatthewould—begovernesshaddisappeared。TherestofthedayIspentwiththecanon，makinggoodcheer，playingombre，drinkinghard，andtalkingaboutgirlsorliterature。ThenextdaymycarriagecametothedooratthetimeIhadarranged，andIwentoffwithoutthinkingofthegirlIhadmetatthebaroness’s。Butwehadnotgonetwohundredpaceswhenthepostillionstopped，abundleoflinenwhirledthroughthewindowintothecarriage，andthegovernessgotin。Igaveheraheartywelcomebyembracingher，andmadehersitdownbesideme，andsowedroveoff。
Intheensuingchapterthereaderwillbecomemorefullyacquaintedwithmyfreshconquest。InthemeantimelethimimaginemerollingpeacefullyalongtheDresdenroad。
CHAPTERXXIII
MyArrivalatDresdenwithMaton——SheMakesMeaPresent——Leipzig——
Castelbajac——Schwerin——ReturntoDresdenandDeparture——IArriveatVienna——Pocchini’sVengeanceWhenIsawmyselfinthecarriagewiththisprettygirl，whohadfallenonmeasiffromtheclouds，IimaginedIwasintendedtoshapeherdestiny。Hertutelarygeniusmusthaveplacedherinmyhands，forIfeltinclinedtodoherallthegoodthatlayinmypower。Butformyself；wasitapieceofgoodorillluckforme？
Iformedthequestion，butfeltthattimealonecouldgivetheanswer。IknewthatIwasstilllivinginmyoldstyle，whileIwasbeginningtofeelthatIwasnolongerayoungman。
Iwassurethatmynewcompanioncouldnothaveabandonedherselftomeinthismanner，withouthavingmadeuphermindtobecomplaisant；
butthiswasnotenoughforme，itwasmyhumourtobeloved。Thiswasmychiefaim，everythingelsewasonlyfleetingenjoyment，andasIhadnothadaloveaffairsinceIpartedwithZaira，Ihopedmostferventlythatthepresentadventurewouldprovetobeone。
BeforelongIlearntthatmycompanion’snamewasMaton；thisatleastwashersurname，andIdidnotfeelanycuriositytoknowthenameoftheheorshesaintwhomhergodmothershadconstitutedherpatronatthebaptismalfont。IaskedherifshecouldwriteFrenchaswellasshespokeit，andsheshewedmealetterbywayofsample。
Itassuredmethatshehadreceivedanexcellenteducation，andthisfactincreasedmypleasureintheconquestIhadmade。ShesaidshehadleftBreslauwithouttellingherauntorhercousinthatshewasgoing，perhapsnevertoreturn。
\"Howaboutyourbelongings？\"
\"Belongings？Theywerenotworththetroubleofgatheringtogether。
AllIhaveisincludedinthatsmallpackage，whichcontainsachemise，apairofstockings，somehandkerchiefs，andafewnicknacks。\"
\"Whatwillyourloversay？\"
\"Alas！Ihaven’tgotonetosayanything。\"
\"Icannotcreditthat。\"
\"Ihavehadtwolovers；thefirstonewasarascal，whotookadvantageofmyinnocencetoseduceme，andthenleftmewhenI
ceasedtopresentanynoveltyforhim；mysecondwasanhonestman，butapoorlieutenantwithnoprospectsofgettingon。Hehasnotabandonedme，buthisregimentwasorderedtoStetin，andsincethen——\"
\"Andsincethen？\"