\"Really？\"
\"Yes，really；anditwillbetoyouthatmyhusbandwillowethehappinesshehassolongdesired。Hetoldmesowhenheleftmeanhourago。
\"Ishallbedelightedtoaddtoyourmutualhappiness。\"
ShelookedsofreshandhappythatIlongedtokissher，butIwasobligedtorestrainmyselfasshewassurroundedbyherprettymaids。
ThebettertothrowanyspiesoffthescentIbegantomakelovetoAnastasia，andLeonildapretendedtoencourageme。
Ifeignedapassionatedesire，andIcouldseethatIshouldnothavemuchtroubleingainingmysuit。IsawIshouldhavetobecarefulifI
didnotwanttobetakenatmyword；Icouldnotbearsuchasurfeitofpleasures。
Wewenttobreakfastwiththemarquis，whowasdelightedtoseeus。Hewasquitewell，exceptthegoutwhichpreventedhiswalking。
Afterbreakfastweheardmass，andIsawabouttwentyservantsinthechapel。AftertheserviceIkeptthemarquiscompanytilldinner—time。
HesaidIwasverygoodtosacrificethecompanyoftheladiesforhissake。
Afterdinnerwesetoutforhiscountryhouse；Iinacarriagewiththetwoladies，andthemarquisinalitterbornebytwomules。
Inanhourandahalfwearrivedathisfineandwell—situatedcastle。
Thefirstthingthemarchionessdidwastotakemeintothegarden，wheremyardourreturnedandsheoncemoreabandonedherselftome。
WeagreedthatIshouldonlygotoherroomtocourtAnastasia，asitwasnecessarytoavoidtheslightestsuspicion。
Thisfancyofmineforhiswife’smaidamusedthemarquis，forhiswifekepthimwellpostedintheprogressofourintrigue。
DonnaLucreziaapprovedofthearrangementasshedidnotwantthemarquistothinkthatIhadonlycometoSalernoforhersake。MyapartmentswerenexttoLeonilda’s，butbeforeIcouldgetintoherroomIshouldbeobligedtopassthroughthatoccupiedbyAnastasia，whosleptwithanothermaidstillprettierthanherself。
Themarquiscameanhourlater，andhesaidhewouldgethispeopletocarryhiminanarm—chairroundthegardens，sothathemightpointouttheirbeautiestome。Aftersupperhefelttiredandwenttobed，leavingmetoentertaintheladies。
Afterafewmoments’conversation，Iledthemarchionesstoherroom，andshesaidIhadbettergotomyownapartmentthroughthemaids’room，tellingAanastasiatoshewmetheway。
Politenessobligedmetoshewmyselfsensibleofsuchafavour，andI
saidIhopedshewouldnotbesoharshastolockherdooruponme。
\"Ishalllockmydoor，\"saidshe，\"becauseitismydutytodoso。Thisroomismymistress’scloset，andmycompanionwouldprobablymakesomeremarkifIleftthedooropencontrarytomyusualcustom。\"
\"Yourreasonsaretoogoodformetoovercome，butwillyounotsitdownbesidemeforafewminutesandhelpmetorecollecthowIusedtoteaseyou？\"
\"Idon’twantyoutorecollectanythingaboutit；pleaseletmego。\"
\"Youmustpleaseyourself，\"saidI；andafterembracingherandgivingherakiss，Iwishedhergoodnight。
Myservantcameinasshewentout，andItoldhimthatIwouldsleepbymyselfforthefuture。
ThenextdaythemarchionesslaughinglyrepeatedthewholeofmyconversationwithAnastasia。
\"Iapplaudedhervirtuousresistance，butIsaidshemightsafelyassistatyourtoiletteeveryevening。\"
LeonildagavethemarquisafullaccountofmytalkwithAnastasia。TheoldmanthoughtIwasreallyinlovewithher，andhadherintosupperformysake，soIwasincommondecencyboundtoplaythelover。
Anastasiawashighlypleasedatmypreferringhertohercharmingmistress，andatthelatter’scomplaisancetowardsourlove—making。
Themarquisinhisturnwasequallypleasedashethoughttheintriguewouldmakemestaylongerathishouse。
IntheeveningAnastasiaaccompaniedmetomyroomwithacandle，andseeingthatIhadnovaletsheinsistedcombingmyhair。Shefeltflatteredatmynotpresumingtogotobedinherpresence，andkeptmecompanyforanhour；andasIwasnotreallyamorousofher，Ihadnodifficultyinplayingthepartofthetimidlover。Whenshewishedmegoodnightshewasdelightedtofindmykissesasaffectionatebutnotsodaringasthoseofthenightbefore。
Themarchionesssaid，thenextmorning，thatiftherecitalshehadheardweretrue，shewasafraidAnastasia’scompanytiredme，assheverywellknewthatwhenIreallylovedIcasttimiditytothewinds。
\"No，shedoesn’ttiremeatall；sheisprettyandamusing。ButhowcanyouimaginethatIreallyloveher，whenyouknowverywellthatthewholeaffairisonlydesignedtocastdustineveryone’seyes？\"
\"Anastasiafullybelievesthatyouadoreher，andindeedIamnotsorrythatyoushouldgiveheralittletasteforgallantry。\"
\"IfIcanpersuadehertoleaveherdooropenIcaneasilyvisityou，forshewillnotimagineforamomentthatafterleavingherIgotoyourroominsteadofmyown。\"
\"Takecarehowyousetaboutit。\"
\"IwillseewhatIcandothisevening。\"
ThemarquisandLucreziahadnottheslightestdoubtthatAnastasiaspenteverynightwithme，andtheyweredelightedattheidea。
ThewholeofthedayIdevotedtotheworthymarquis，whosaidmycompanymadehimhappy。Itwasnosacrificeonmypart，forIlikedhisprinciplesandhiswayofthinking。
OntheoccasionofmythirdsupperwithAnastasiaIwasmoretenderthanever，andshewasverymuchastonishedtofindthatIhadcooleddownwhenIgottomyroom。
\"Iamgladtoseeyousocalm，\"saidshe，\"youquitefrightenedmeatsupper。\"
\"ThereasonisthatIknowyouthinkyourselfindangerwhenyouarealonewithme。\"
\"Notatall；youaremuchmorediscreetthanyouwerenineyearsago。\"
\"WhatfollydidIcommitthen？\"
\"Nofolly，butyoudidnotrespectmychildhood。\"
\"Ionlygaveyouafewcaresses，forwhichIamnowsorry，asyouarefrightenedofme，andpersistinlockingyourdoor。\"
\"Idon’tmistrustyou，butIhavetoldyoumyreasonsforlockingthedoor。Ithinkthatyoumustmistrustme，asyouwon’tgotobedwhileI
amintheroom。\"
\"Youmustthinkmeverypresumptuous。Iwillgotobed，butyoumustnotleavemewithoutgivingmeakiss。\"
\"Ipromisetodoso。\"
Iwenttobed，andAnastasiaspenthalfanhourbesideme。Ihadagooddealofdifficultyincontrollingmyself，butIwasafraidofhertellingthemarchionesseverything。
AssheleftmeshegavemesuchakindembracethatIcouldbearitnolonger，andguidingherhandIskewedherthepowersheexercisedoverme。Shethenwentaway，andIshallnotsaywhethermybehaviourirritatedorpleasedher。
ThenextdayIwascurioustoknowhowmuchshehadtoldthemarchioness，andonhearingnothingoftheprincipalfactIfeltcertainshewouldnotlockherdoorthatevening。
WhentheeveningcameIdefiedhertoskewthesameconfidenceinmeasI
hadshewninher。Sherepliedthatshewoulddosowithpleasure，ifI
wouldblowoutmycandleandpromisenottoputmyhandonher。Ieasilygavehertherequiredpromise，forImeanttokeepmyselffreshforLeonilda。
Iundressedhastily，followedherwithbarefeet，andlaidmyselfbesideher。
Shetookmyhandsandheldthem，towhichIofferednoresistance。Wewereafraidofawakeningherbedfellow，andkeptperfectsilence。Ourlipshowevergavethemselvesfreecourse，andcertainmotions，naturalunderthecircumstances，musthavemadeherbelievethatIwasintorments。ThehalfhourIpassedbesideherseemedextremelylongtome，butitmusthavebeendelicioustoher，asgivinghertheideathatshecoulddowhatshelikedwithme。
WhenIleftherafterwehadsharedanecstaticembrace，Ireturnedtomyroom，leavingthedooropen。AssoonasIhadreasontosupposethatshewasasleep，Ireturned，andpassedthroughherroomtoLeonilda’s。Shewasexpectingme，butdidnotknowofmypresencetillInotifieditwithakiss。
AfterIhadgivenherastrongproofofmylove，ItoldherofmyadventurewithAnastasia，andthenouramorousexploitsbeganagain，andIdidnotleavehertillIhadspenttwomostdelicioushours。Weagreedthattheyshouldnotbethelast，andIreturnedtomyroomontiptoeasIhadcome。
Ididnotgetuptillnoon，andthemarquisandhiswifejestedwithmeatdinneronthesubjectofmylaterising。AtsupperitwasAnastasia’sturn，andsheseemedtoenjoythesituation。Shetoldmeintheeveningthatshewouldnotlockherdoor，butthatImustnotcomeintoherroom，asitwasdangerous。Itwouldbemuchbetter，shesaid，forustotalkinmyroom，wheretherewouldbenoneedofputtingoutthelight。SheaddedthatIhadbettergotobed，asthenshewouldfeelcertainthatshewasnottiringmeinanyway。
Icouldnotsayno，butIflatteredmyselfthatIwouldkeepmystrengthintactforLeonilda。
Ireckonedwithoutmyhost，astheproverbgoes。
WhenIheldAnastasiabetweenmyarmsinbed，herlipsgluedtomine，I
toldher，asindutybound，thatshedidnottrustinmeenoughtoliebesidemewithherclothesoff。
ThereuponsheaskedmeifIwouldbeverydiscreet。
IfIhadsaidno，Ishouldhavelookedafool。Imadeupmymind，andtoldheryes，determinedtosatisfytheprettygirl’sdesires。
Inamomentshewasinmyarms，notatallinclinedtokeepmetomypromise。
Appetite，itissaid，comesineating。Herardourmademeamorous，andI
renderedhomagetohercharmstillIfellasleepwithfatigue。
AnastasialeftmewhileIwasasleep，andwhenIawokeIfoundmyselfinthesomewhatridiculouspositionofbeingobligedtomakeafullconfessiontothemarchionessastowhyIhadfailedinmydutiestoher。
WhenItoldLeonildamytale，shebegantolaughandagreedthatfurthervisitswereoutofthequestion。Wemadeupourminds，andfortheremainderofmyvisitouramorousmeetingsonlytookplaceinthesummerhousesinthegarden。
IhadtoreceiveAnastasiaeverynight，andwhenIleftforRomeanddidnottakeherwithmesheconsideredmeasatraitor。
Theworthymarquisgavemeagreatsurpriseontheeveofmydeparture。
Wewerealonetogether，andhebeganbysayingthattheDukeofMatalonehadtoldhimthereasonwhichhadpreventedmemarryingLeonilda，andthathehadalwaysadmiredmygenerosityinmakingherapresentoffivethousandducats，thoughIwasfarfromrich。
\"Thesefivethousandducats，\"headded，\"withseventhousandfromtheduke，composedherdower，andIhaveaddedahundredthousand，sothatsheissureofacomfortableliving，evenifIdiewithoutasuccessor。
\"Now，Iwantyoutotakebackthefivethousandducatsyougaveher；andsheherselfisasdesirousofyourdoingsoasIam。Shedidnotliketoaskyouherself；sheistoodelicate。\"
\"Well，IshouldhaverefusedLeonildaifshehadaskedme，butIacceptthismarkofyourfriendship。Arefusalwouldhavebornewitnesstonothingbutafoolishpride，asIamapoorman。IshouldlikeLeonildaandhermothertobepresentwhenyougivemethemoney。\"
\"Embraceme；wewilldoourbusinessafterdinner。\"
Napleshasalwaysbeenatempleoffortunetome，butifIwenttherenowIshouldstarve。Fortunefloutsoldage。
LeonildaandLucreziaweptwithjoywhenthegoodmarquisgavemethefivethousandducatsinbanknotes，andpresentedhismother—in—lawwithanequalsuminwitnessofhisgratitudetoherforhavingintroducedmetohim。
Themarquiswasdiscreetenoughnottorevealhischiefreason。DonnaLucreziadidnotknowthattheDukeofMatalonehadtoldhimthatLeonildawasmydaughter。
Anexcessofgratitudelessenedmyhighspiritsfortherestoftheday，andAnastasiadidnotspendaverylivelynightwithme。
Iwentoffateighto’clockthenextmorning。Iwassad，andthewholehousewasintears。
IpromisedthatIwouldwritetothemarquisfromRome，andIreachedNaplesateleveno’clock。
IwenttoseeAgatha，whowasastonishedatmyappearanceasshehadthoughtIwasatRome。Herhusbandwelcomedmeinthemostfriendlymanner，althoughhewassufferingagreatdeal。
IsaidIwoulddinewiththemandstartdirectlyafterwards，andIaskedtheadvocatetogetmeabillonRomeforfivethousandducats，inexchangeforthebanknotesIgavehim。
Agathasawthatmymindwasmadeup，andwithoutendeavoringtopersuademetostaywentinsearchofCallimena。
ShetoohadthoughtIwasinRome，andwasinanecstasyofdelighttoseemeagain。
Mysuddendisappearanceandmyunexpectedreturnwerethemysteryoftheday，butIdidnotsatisfyanyone’scuriosity。
Ileftthematthreeo’clock，andstoppedatMontecasino，whichIhadneverseen。Icongratulatedmyselfonmyidea，forImettherePrinceXaverdeSaxe，whowastravellingunderthenameofComtedeLusacewithMadameSpinucci，aladyofFermo，withwhomhehadcontractedasemi—
clandestinemarriage。HehadbeenwaitingforthreedaystohearfromthePope，forbySt。Benedict’srulewomenarenotallowedinmonasteries；andasMadameSpinucciwasextremelycuriousonthesubject，herhusbandhadbeenobligedtoapplyforadispensationtotheHolyFather。
IsleptatMontecasinoafterhavingseenthecuriositiesoftheplace，andIwentontoRome，andputupwithRoland’sdaughterinthePlaced’Espagne。
CHAPTERXV
Margarita——MadameBuondcorsi——TheDuchessofFiano——CardinalBernis——
ThePrincessSantaCroce——MenicuccioandHisSisterIhadmadeupmymindtospendaquietsixmonthsatRome，andthedayaftermyarrivalItookapleasantsuiteofroomsoppositetheSpanishAmbassador，whosenamewasd’Aspura。Ithappenedtobethesameroomsaswereoccupiedtwenty—sevenyearsagobytheteacheroflanguages，towhomIhadgoneforlessonswhileIwaswithCardinalAcquaviva。Thelandladywasthewifeofacookwhoonly，sleptwithhisbetterhalfonceaweek。
Thewomanhadadaughterofsixteenorseventeenyearsold，whowouldhavebeenveryprettyifthesmall—poxhadnotdeprivedherofoneeye。
Theyhadprovidedherwithanill—madeartificialeye，ofawrongsizeandabadcolour，whichgaveaveryunpleasantexpressiontoherface。
Margarita，asshewascalled，madenoimpressiononme，butImadeherapresentwhichshevaluedveryhighly。TherewasanEnglishoculistnamedTaylorinRomeatthattime，andIgothimtomakeheraneyeoftherightsizeandcolour。ThismadeMargaritaimaginethatIhadfalleninlovewithher，andthemother，adevotee，wasinsometroubleastowhethermyintentionswerestrictlyvirtuous。
Imadearrangementswiththemothertosupplymewithagooddinnerandsupperwithoutanyluxury。Ihadthreethousandsequins，andIhadmadeupmymindtoliveinaquietandrespectablemanner。
ThenextdayIfoundlettersformeinseveralpost—offices，andthebankerBelloni，whohadknownmeforseveralyears，hadbeenalreadyadvisedofmybillofexchange。MygoodfriendDandolosentmetwolettersofintroduction，ofwhichonewasaddressedtoM。Erizzo，theVenetianambassador。HewasthebrotheroftheambassadortoParis。
Thisletterpleasedmegreatly。TheotherwasaddressedtotheDuchessofFiano，byherbrotherM。Zuliani。
IsawthatIshouldbefreeofallthebesthouses，andIpromisedmyselfthepleasureofanearlyvisittoCardinalBernis。
Ididnothireeitheracarriageoraservant。AtRomeboththesearticlesareprocurableatamoment’snotice。
MyfirstcallwasontheDuchessofFiano。Shewasanuglywoman，andthoughshewasreallyverygood—natured，sheassumedthecharacterofbeingmalicioussoastoobtainsomeconsideration。
Herhusband，whoborethenameofOttoboni，hadonlymarriedhertoobtainanheir，butthepoordevilturnedouttobewhattheRomanscall’babilano’，andweimpotent。Theduchesstoldmeasmuchontheoccasionofmythirdvisit。Shedidnotgivemetheinformationinacomplainingtone，orasifshewasfaintobeconsoled，butmerelytodefyherconfessor，whohadthreatenedherwithexcommunicationifshewentontellingpeopleaboutherhusband’scondition，orifshetriedtocurehimofit。
Theduchessgavealittlesuppereveryeveningtoherselectcircleoffriends。Iwasnotadmittedtothesereunionsforaweekortendays，bywhichtimeIhadmademyselfgenerallypopular。Thedukedidnotcareforcompanyandsuppedapart。
ThePrinceofSantaCrocewastheduchess’s’cavaliereservante’，andtheprincesswasservedbyCardinalBernis。TheprincesswasadaughteroftheMarquisFalconieri，andwasyoung，pretty，lively，andintendedbynatureforalifeofpleasure。However，herprideatpossessingthecardinalwassogreatthatshedidnotgiveanyhopetoothercompetitorsforherfavour。
Theprincewasafinemanofdistinguishedmannersandgreatcapability，whichheemployedinbusinessspeculations，beingofopinion，andrightly，thatitwasnoshameforanoblemantoincreasehisfortunebytheexerciseofhisintelligence。Hewasacarefulman，andhadattachedhimselftotheduchessbecauseshecosthimnothing，andherannoriskoffallinginlovewithher。
TwoorthreeweeksaftermyarrivalheheardmecomplainingoftheobstaclestoresearchintheRomanlibraries，andheofferedtogivemeanintroductiontotheSuperioroftheJesuits。Iacceptedtheoffer，andwasmadefreeofthelibrary；IcouldnotonlygoandreadwhenI
liked，butIcould，onwritingmynamedown，takebooksawaywithme。
Thekeepersofthelibraryalwaysbroughtmecandleswhenitgrewdark，andtheirpolitenesswassogreatthattheygavemethekeyofasidedoor，sothatIcouldslipinandoutasIpleased。
TheJesuitswerealwaysthemostpoliteoftheregularclergy，or，indeed，Imaysaytheonlypolitemenamongstthem；butduringthecrisisinwhichtheyweretheninvolved，theyweresimplycringing。
TheKingofSpainhadcalledforthesuppressionoftheorder，andthePopehadpromisedthatitshouldbedone；buttheJesuitsdidnotthinkthatsuchablowcouldeverbestruck，andfeltalmostsecure。TheydidnotthinkthatthePope’spowerwassuperhumansofarastheywereconcerned。Theyevenintimatedtohimbyindirectchannelsthathisauthoritydidnotextendtothesuppressionoftheorder；buttheyweremistaken。Thesovereignpontiffdelayedthesignatureofthebull，buthishesitationproceededfromthefactthatinsigningithefearedlestheshouldbesigninghisownsentenceofdeath。Accordinglyheputitofftillhefoundthathishonourwasthreatened。TheKingofSpain，themostobstinatetyrantinEurope，wrotetohimwithhisownhand，tellinghimthatifhedidnotsuppresstheorderhewouldpublishinallthelanguagesofEuropethelettershehadwrittenwhenhewasacardinal，promisingtosuppresstheorderwhenhebecamePope。OnthestrengthoftheselettersGanganellihadbeenelected。
Anothermanwouldhavetakenrefugeincasuistryandtoldthekingthatitwasnotforapopetobeboundtothecardinal’spromises，inwhichcontentionhewouldhavebeensupportedbytheJesuits。However，inhisheartGanganellihadnolikingfortheJesuits。HewasaFranciscan，andnotagentlemanbybirth。Hehadnotastrongenoughintellecttodefythekingandallhisthreats，ortobeartheshameofbeingexhibitedtothewholeworldasanambitiousandunscrupulousman。
IamamusedwhenpeopletellmethatGanganellipoisonedhimselfbytakingsomanyantidotes。Itistruethathavingreason，andgoodreason，todreadpoison，hemadeuseofantidoteswhich，withhisignoranceofscience，mighthaveinjuredhishealth；butIammorallycertainthathediedofpoisonwhichwasgivenbyotherhandsthanhisown。
Myreasonsforthisopinionareasfollows:
IntheyearofwhichIamspeaking，thethirdofthePontificateofClementXIV。，awomanofViterbowasputinprisononthechargeofmakingpredictions。SheobscurelyprophesiedthesuppressionoftheJesuits，withoutgivinganyindicationofthetime；butshesaidveryclearlythatthecompanywouldbedestroyedbyapopewhowouldonlyreignfiveyearsthreemonthsandthreedays——thatis，aslongasSixtusV。，notadaymoreandnotadayless。
Everybodytreatedthepredictionwithcontempt，astheproductofabrain—sickwoman。Shewasshutupandquiteforgotten。
Iaskmyreaderstogiveadispassionatejudgment，andtosaywhethertheyhaveanydoubtastothepoisoningofGanganelliwhentheyhearthathisdeathverifiedtheprophecy。
Inacaselikethis，moralcertaintyassumestheforceofscientificcertainty。ThespiritwhichinspiredthePythiaofViterbotookitsmeasurestoinformtheworldthatiftheJesuitswereforcedtosubmittobeingsuppressed，theywerenotsoweakastoforegoafearfulvengeance。
TheJesuitwhocutshortGanganelli’sdaysmightcertainlyhavepoisonedhimbeforethebullwassigned，butthefactwasthattheycouldnotbringthemselvestobelieveittillittookplace。ItisclearthatifthePopehadnotsuppressedtheJesuits，theywouldnothavepoisonedhim，andhereagaintheprophecycouldnotbetaxedwithfalsity。WemaynotethatClementXIV。，likeSixtusV。，wasaFranciscan，andbothwereoflowbirth。ItisalsonoteworthythatafterthePope’sdeaththeprophetesswasliberated，and，thoughherprophecyhadbeenfulfilledtotheletter，alltheauthoritiespersistedinsayingthatHisHolinesshaddiedfromhisexcessiveuseofantidotes。
ItseemstomethatanyimpartialjudgewillscouttheideaofGanganellihavingkilledhimselftoverifythewomanofViterbo’sprediction。Ifyousayitwasamerecoincidence，ofcourseIcannotabsolutelydenyyourposition，foritmayhavebeenchance；butmythoughtsonthesubjectwillremainunchanged。
ThispoisoningwasthelastsigntheJesuitsgaveoftheirpower。Itwasacrime，becauseitwascommittedaftertheevent，whereas，ifithadbeendonebeforethesuppressionoftheorder，itwouldhavebeenastrokeofpolicy，andmighthavebeenjustifiedonpoliticgrounds。Thetruepoliticianlooksintothefuture，andtakesswiftandcertainmeasurestoobtaintheendhehasinview。
ThesecondtimethatthePrinceofSantaCrocesawmeattheDuchessofFiano’s，heaskedme’exabrupta’whyIdidnotvisitCardinalBernis。
\"Ithinkofpayingmysuittohimto—morrow，\"saidI。
\"Doso，forIhaveneverheardhiseminencespeakofanyonewithasmuchconsiderationashespeaksofyourself。\"
\"Hehasbeenverykindtome，andIshallalwaysbegratefultohim。\"
Thecardinalreceivedmethenextdaywitheverysignofdelightatseeingme。HepraisedthereservewithwhichIhadspokenofhimtotheprince，andsaidheneednotremindmeofthenecessityfordiscretionastoouroldVenetianadventures。
\"Youreminence，\"Isaid，\"isalittlestouter，otherwiseyoulookasfreshaseverandnotatallchanged。\"
\"Youmakeamistake。IamverydifferentfromwhatIwasthen。Iamfifty—fivenow，andthenIwasthirty—six。Moreover，Iamreducedtoavegetablediet。\"
\"Isthattokeepdownthelustsoftheflesh？\"
\"Iwishpeoplewouldthinkso；butnoonedoes，Iamafraid。\"
HewasgladtohearthatIborealettertotheVenetianambassador，whichIhadnotyetpresented。Hesaidhewouldtakecaretogivetheambassadoraprejudiceinmyfavour，andthathewouldgivemeagoodreception。
\"Wewillbegintobreaktheiceto—morrow，\"addedthischarmingcardinal。
\"Youshalldinewithme，andhisexcellenceshallhearofit。\"
HeheardwithpleasurethatIwaswellprovidedforasfarasmoneywasconcerned，andthatIhadmadeupmymindtolivesimplyanddiscreetlysolongasIremainedinRome。
\"IshallwriteaboutyoutoM————M————，\"hesaid。\"Ihavealwayskeptupacorrespondencewiththatdelightfulnun。\"
Ithenamusedhimbythe，talkofmyadventurewiththenunofChamberi。
\"YououghttoaskthePrinceofSantaCrocetointroduceyoutotheprincess。Wemightpasssomepleasanthourswithher，thoughnotinouroldVenetianstyle，fortheprincessisnotatalllikeM————M————。
\"Andyetsheservestoamuseyoureminence？\"
\"Well，IhavetobecontentwithwhatIcanget。\"
ThenextdayasIwasgettingupfromdinnerthecardinaltoldmethatM。
Zulianihadwrittenaboutmetotheambassador，whowouldbedelightedtomakemyacquaintance，andwhenIwentIhadanexcellentreceptionfromhim。
TheChevalierErizzo，whoisstillalive，wasamanofgreatintelligence，commonsense，andoratoricalpower。HecomplimentedmeonmytravelsandonmybeingprotectedbytheStateInquisitorsinsteadofbeingpersecutedbythem。Hekeptmetodinner，andaskedmetodinewithhimwheneverIhadnootherengagement。
ThesameeveningImetPrinceSantaCroceattheduchess’s，andaskedhimtointroducemetohiswife。
\"Ihavebeenexpectingthat，\"hereplied\"evensincethecardinaltalkedtoheraboutyouformorethananhour。Youcancallanydayateleveninthemorningortwointheafternoon。\"
Icalledthenextdayattwoo’clock。Shewastakinghersiestainbed，butasIhadtheprivilegesallowedtoapersonofnoconsequencesheletmeindirectly。Shewasyoung，pretty，lively，curious，andtalkative；
shehadnotenoughpatiencetowaitformyanswertoherquestions。Shestruckmeasatoy，welladaptedtoamuseamanofaffairs，whofelttheneedofsomedistraction。Thecardinalsawherregularlythreetimesaday；thefirstthinginthemorninghecalledtoaskifshehadhadagoodnight，atthreeo’clockintheafternoonhetookcoffeewithher，andintheeveninghemetherattheassembly。Healwaysplayedatpiquet，andplayedwithsuchtalentthatheinvariablylostsixRomansequins，nomoreandnoless。Theselossesofthecardinal’smadetheprincesstherichestyoungwifeinRome。
Althoughthemarquiswassomewhatinclinedtobejealous，hecouldnotpossiblyobjecttohiswifeenjoyingarevenueofeighteenhundredfrancsamonth，andthatwithouttheleastscandal，foreverythingwasdoneinpublic，andthegamewashonestlyconducted。Whyshouldnotfortunefallinlovewithsuchaprettywoman？
ThePrinceofSantaCrocecouldnotfailtoappreciatethefriendshipofthecardinalforhiswife，whogavehimachildeveryyear，andsometimeseveryninemonths，inspiteofthedoctor’swarningstobewareofresults。Itwassaidthattomakeupforhisenforcedabstinenceduringthelastfewdaysofhiswife’spregnancy，theprinceimmediatelysettoagainwhenthechildwasbeingbaptized。
Thefriendshipofthecardinalfortheprince’swifealsogavehimtheadvantageofgettingsilksfromLyonswithoutthePope’streasurerbeingabletosayanything，asthepacketswereaddressedtotheFrenchambassador。Itmustalsobenotedthatthecardinal’spatronagekeptotherloversfromthehouse。TheHighConstableColonnawasverymuchtakenwithher。Theprincehadsurprisedthisgentlemantalkingtotheprincessinaroomofthepalaceandatanhourwhenshewascertainthatthecardinalwouldnotbeintheway。ScarcelyhadtheColonnagonewhentheprincetoldhiswifethatshewouldaccompanyhimintothecountrythenextday。Sheprotested，sayingthatthissuddenorderwasonlyacapriceandthatherhonourwouldnotallowofherobeyinghim。Theprince，however，wasverydetermined，andshewouldhavebeenobligedtogoifthecardinalhadnotcomeinandheardthestoryfromthemouthoftheinnocentprincess。Heshewedthehusbandthatitwastohisownintereststogointothecountrybyhimself，andtolethiswiferemaininRome。Hespokeforher，assuringtheprincethatshewouldtakemorecareforthefutureandavoidsuchmeetings，alwaysunpleasantinahouse。
InlessthanamonthIbecametheshadowofthethreeprincipalpersonsintheplay。Ilistenedandadmiredandbecameasnecessarytothepersonagesasamarkeratbilliards。WhenanyofthepartieswereafflictedIconsoledthemwithtalesoramusingcomments，and，naturally，theyweregratefultome。Thecardinal，theprince，andhisfairwifeamusedeachotherandoffendednoone。
TheDuchessofFianowasproudofbeingthepossessoroftheprincewholefthiswifetothecardinal，butnoonewasdeceivedbutherself。Thegoodladywonderedwhynooneacknowledgedthatthereasonwhytheprincessnevercametoseeherwasmerejealousy。ShespoketomeonthesubjectwithsomuchfirethatIhadtosuppressmygoodsensetokeephergoodgraces。
Ihadtoexpressmyastonishmentastowhatthecardinalcouldseeintheprincess，who，accordingtoher，wasskinnyinpersonandsillyinmind，altogetherawomanofnoconsequence。Iagreedtoallthis，butIwasfarfromthinkingso，fortheprincesswasjustthewomantoamuseavoluptuousandphilosophicloverlikethecardinal。
Icouldnothelpthinkingnowandagainthatthecardinalwashappierinthepossessionofthistreasureofawomanthaninhishonoursanddignities。
Ilovedtheprincess，butasIdidnothopeforsuccessIconfinedmyselfstrictlytothelimitsofmyposition。
Imight，nodoubt，havesucceeded，butmoreprobablyIshouldhaveraisedherprideagainstme，andwoundedthefeelingsofthecardinal，whowasnolongerthesameaswhenwesharedM————M————incommon。Hehadtoldmethathisaffectionforherwasofapurelyfatherlycharacter，andI
tookthatasahintnottotrespassonhispreserves。
Ihadreasontocongratulatemyselfthatsheobservednomoreceremonywithmethanwithhermail。Iaccordinglypretendedtoseenothing，whileshefeltcertainIsawall。
Itisnoeasymattertowintheconfidenceofsuchawoman，especiallyifshebeservedbyakingoracardinal。
MylifeatRomewasatranquilandhappyone。Margaritahadcontrivedtogainmyinterestbytheassiduityofherattentions。Ihadnoservant，soshewaitedonmenightandmorning，andherfalseeyewassuchanexcellentmatchthatIquiteforgotitsfalsity。Shewasaclever，butavaingirl，andthoughatfirstIhadnodesignsuponherIflatteredhervanitybymyconversationandthelittlepresentsIbestoweduponher，whichenabledhertocutafigureinchurchonSundays。SobeforelongI
hadmyeyesopenedtotwofacts；theonethatshewassureofmylove，andwonderedwhyIdidnotdeclareit；theother，thatifIchoseIhadaneasyconquestbeforeme。
Iguessedthelattercircumstanceonedaywhen，afterIhadaskedhertotellmeheradventuresfromtheageofeleventothatofeighteen，sheproceededtotellmetales，thetellingofwhichnecessitatedherthrowingallmodestytothewinds。
Itooktheutmostdelightinthesescandalousnarrations，andwheneverI
thoughtshehadtoldthewholetruthIgaveherafewpiecesofmoney；
whilewheneverIhadreasontosupposethatshehadsuppressedsomeinterestingcircumstancesIgavehernothing。
Sheconfessedtomethatshenolongerpossessedthatwhichamaidcanlosebutonce，thatafriendofhersnamedBuonacorsiwasinthesamecase，andfinallyshetoldmethenameoftheyoungmanwhohadrelievedthembothoftheirmaidenheads。
WehadforneighborayoungPiedmonteseabbenamedCeruti，onwhomMargaritawasobligedtowaitwhenhermotherwastoobusy。Ijestedwithherabouthim，butshesworetherewasnolovemakingbetweenthem。
Thisabbewasafineman，learnedandwitty，buthewasoverwhelmedwithdebtandinverybadodouratRomeonaccountofanextremelyunpleasantstoryofwhichhewasthehero。
TheysaidthathehadtoldanEnglishman，whowasinlovewithPrincessLanti，thatshewasinwantoftwohundredsequins，thattheEnglishmanhadhandedoverthemoneytotheabbe，andthatthelatterhadappropriatedit。
ThisactofmeannesshadbeenbroughttolightbyanexplanationbetweentheladyandtheEnglishman。Onhissayingtotheprincessthathewasreadytodoanythingforher，andthatthetwohundredsequinshehadgivenherwereasnothingincomparisonwithwhathewasreadytodo，sheindignantlydeniedallknowledgeofthetransaction。Everythingcameout。TheEnglishmanbeggedpardon，andtheabbewasexcludedfromtheprincess’shouseandtheEnglishman’salso。
ThisAbbeCerutiwasoneofthosejournalistsemployedtowritetheweeklynewsofRomebyBianconi；heandIhadinamannerbecomefriendssincewewereneighbours。IsawthathelovedMargarita，andIwasnotintheleastjealous，butashewasahandsomeyoungfellowIcouldnotbelievethatMargaritawascrueltohim。Nevertheless，sheassuredmethatshedetestedhim，andthatshewasverysorrythathermothermadeherwaitonhimatall。
Cerutihadalreadylaidhimselfunderobligationstome。Hehadborrowedascoreofcrownsfromme，promisingtorepaytheminaweek，andthreeweekshadgonebywithoutmyseeingthemoney。However，Ididnotaskforit，andwouldhavelenthimasmuchmoreifhehadrequestedme。ButImusttellthestoryasithappened。
WheneverIsuppedwiththeDuchessofFianoIcameinlate，andMargaritawaitedupforme。Hermotherwouldgotobed。ForthesakeofamusementIusedtokeepherforanhourortwowithoutcaringwhetherourpleasantriesdisturbedtheabbe，whocouldheareverythingwesaid。
OneeveningIcamehomeatmidnightandwassurprisedtofindthemotherwaitingforme。
\"Whereisyourdaughter？\"Ienquired。
\"She’sasleep，andIreallycannotallowyoutopassthewholenightwithheranylonger。\"
\"ButsheonlystayswithmetillIgetintobed。Thisnewwhimwoundsmyfeelings。Iobjecttosuchunworthysuspicions。WhathasMargaritabeentellingyou？Ifshehasmadeanycomplaintsofme，shehaslied，andI
shallleaveyourhouseto—morrow。\"
\"Youarewrong；Margaritahasmadenocomplaints；onthecontraryshesaysthatyouhavedonenothingtoher。\"
\"Verygood。Doyouthinkthereisanyharminalittlejoking？\"
\"No，butyoumightbebetteremployed。\"
\"Andtheseareyourgroundsforasuspicionofwhichyoushouldbeashamed，ifyouareagoodChristian。\"
\"Godsavemefromthinkingevilofmyneighbour，butIhavebeeninformedthatyourlaughterandyourjestsareofsuchanatureastobeoffensivetopeopleofmorality。\"
\"Thenitismyneighbourtheabbewhohasbeenfoolishenoughtogiveyouthisinformation？\"
\"IcannottellyouhowIheardit，butIhaveheardit。\"
\"Verygood。To—morrowIshallseekanotherlodging，soastoaffordyourtenderconsciencesomerelief。\"
\"Can’tIattendonyouaswellasmydaughter？\"
\"No；yourdaughtermakesmelaugh，andlaughingisbeneficialtome，whereasyouwouldnotmakemelaughatall。Youhaveinsultedme，andI
leaveyourhouseto—morrow。\"
\"Ishallhavetotellmyhusbandthereasonofyourdeparture，andIdonotwanttodothat。\"
\"Youcandoasyoulike；that’snobusinessofmine。Goaway；Iwanttogetintobed。\"
\"Allowmetowaitonyou。\"
\"Certainlynot；ifyouwantanybodytowaitonme，sendMargarita。\"
\"She’sasleep。\"
\"Thenwakeherup。\"
Thegoodwomanwentherway，andtwominuteslater，thegirlcameinwithlittleonbutherchemise。Shehadnothadtimetoputinherfalseeye，andherexpressionwassoamusingthatIwentoffintoaroaroflaughter。
\"Iwassleepingsoundly，\"shebegan，\"andmymotherwokemeupallofasudden，andtoldmetocomeandwaitonyou，orelseyouwouldleave，andmyfatherwouldthinkwehadbeeninmischief。\"
\"Iwillstay，ifyouwillcontinuetowaitonme。\"
\"Ishouldliketocomeverymuch，butwemustn’tlaughanymore，astheabbehascomplainedofus。\"
\"Oh！itistheabbe，isit？\"
\"Ofcourseitis。Ourjestsandlaughterirritatehispassions。\"
\"Therascal！Wewillpunishhimrarely。Ifwelaughedlastnight，wewilllaughtentimesloudertonight。\"
Thereuponwebeganathousandtricks，accompaniedbyshoutsandshrieksoflaughter，purposelycalculatedtodrivethelittlepriestdesperate。
Whenthefunwasatitsheight，thedooropenedandthemothercamein。
IhadMargarita’snight—caponmyhead，andMargarita’sfacewasadornedwithtwohugemoustaches，whichIhadstuckonwithink。Hermotherhadprobablyanticipatedtakingusinthefact，butwhenshecameinshewasobligedtore—echoourshoutsofmirth。
\"Comenow，\"saidI，\"doyouthinkouramusementscriminal？\"
\"Notabit；butyouseeyourinnocentorgieskeepyourneighbourawake。\"
\"Thenhehadbettergoandsleepsomewhereelse；Iamnotgoingtoputmyselfoutforhim。Iwillevensaythatyoumustchoosebetweenhimandme；ifIconsenttostaywithyou，youmustsendhimaway，andIwilltakehisroom。\"
\"Ican’tsendhimawaybeforetheendofthemonth，andIamafraidhewillsaythingstomyhusbandwhichwilldisturbthepeaceofthehouse。\"
\"Ipromiseyouheshallgoto—morrowandsaynothingatall。Leavehimtome；the，abbeshallleaveofhisownfreewill，withoutgivingyoutheslightesttrouble。Infuturebeafraidforyourdaughterwhensheisalonewithamanandyoudon’thearlaughing。Whenonedoesnotlaugh，onedoessomethingserious。\"
Afterthisthemotherseemedsatisfiedandwentofftobed。MargaritawasinsuchhighspiritsoverthepromiseddismissaloftheabbethatI
couldnotresistdoingherjustice。Wepassedanhourtogetherwithoutlaughing，andsheleftmeveryproudofthevictoryshehadgained。
EarlythenextdayIpaidtheabbeavisit，andafterreproachinghimforhisbehaviourIgavehimhischoicebetweenpayingmethemoneyheowedmeandleavingthehouseatonce。Hedidhisbesttogetoutofthedilemma，butseeingthatIwaspitilesshesaidhecouldnotleavewithoutpayingafewsmallsumsheowedthelandlord，andwithoutthewherewithaltoobtainanotherlodging。
\"Verygood，\"saidI，\"Iwillpresentyouwithanothertwentycrowns；butyoumustgoto—day，andnotsayawordtoanyone，unlessyouwishmetobecomeyourimplacableenemy。\"
Ithusgotridofhimandenteredintopossessionofthetworooms。
Margaritawasalwaysatmydisposal，andafterafewdayssowasthefairBuonacorsi，whowasmuchtheprettierofthetwo。
Thetwogirlsintroducedmetotheyoungmanwhohadseducedthem。
Hewasaladoffifteenorsixteen，andveryhandsomethoughshort。
Naturehadendowedhimwithanenormoussymbolofvirility，andatLampsacushewouldnodoubthavehadanaltarerectedtohimbesidethatofPriapus，withwhichdivinityhemightwellhavecontended。
Hewaswell—manneredandagreeable，andseemedmuchaboveacommonworkman。HedidnotloveMargaritaorMdlle。Bounacorsi；hehadmerelysatisfiedtheircuriosity。Theysawandadmired，andwishedtocometoaneareracquaintance；hereadtheirmindsandofferedtosatisfythem。
Thereuponthetwogirlsheldaconsultation，andpretendingtosubmitoutofmerecomplaisance；thedoubledeedwasdone。Ilikedthisyoungman，andgavehimlinenandclothes。Sobeforelonghehadcompleteconfidenceinme。Hetoldmehewasinlovewithagirl，butunhappilyforhimshewasinaconvent，andnotbeingabletowinherhewasbecomingdesperate。Thechiefobstacletothematchlayinthefactthathisearningsonlyamountedtoapauladay，whichwascertainlyaninsufficientsumtosupportawifeon。
HetalkedsomuchaboutherthatIbecamecurious，andexpressedadesiretoseeher。ButbeforecomingtothisImustrecitesomeotherincidentsofmystayatRome。
OnedayIwenttotheCapitoltoseetheprizesgiventotheartstudents，andthefirstfaceIsawwasthefaceofMengs。HewaswithBattoniandtwoorthreeotherpainters，allbeingoccupiedinadjudgingthemeritsofthevariouspictures。
IhadnotforgottenhistreatmentofmeatMadrid，soIpretendednottoseehim；butassoonashesawme，hecameupandaddressedmeasfollows:
\"MydearCasanova，letusforgetwhathappenedatMadridandbefriendsoncemore。\"
\"Sobeit，providednoallusionismadetothecauseofourquarrel；forIwarnyouthatIcannotspeakofitandkeepmyheadcool。\"
\"Idaresay；butifyouhadunderstoodmypositionatMadridyouwouldneverhaveobligedmetotakeacoursewhichgavemegreatpain。\"
\"Idonotunderstandyou。\"
\"Idaresaynot。Youmustknow，then，thatIwasstronglysuspectedofbeingaProtestant；andifIhadshewnmyselfindifferenttoyourconduct，Imightpossiblyhavebeenruined。Butdinewithmetomorrow；
wewillmakeupapartyoffriends，anddiscussourquarrelinagoodbottleofwine。Iknowthatyoudonotreceiveyourbrother，soheshallnotbethere。Indeed，Idonotreceivehimmyself，forifIdidallhonestpeoplewouldgivemethecoldshoulder。\"
Iacceptedhisfriendlyinvitation，andwaspunctualtotheappointment。
MybrotherleftRomeashorttimeafterwardswithPrinceBeloselski，theRussianambassadortoDresden，withwhomhehadcome；buthisvisitwasunsuccessful，asRezzonicoprovedinexorable。WeonlysaweachothertwoorthreetimesatRome。
ThreeorfourdaysafterhehadgoneIhadtheagreeablesurpriseofseeingmybrotherthepriest，inragsasusual。Hehadtheimpudencetoaskmetohelphim。
\"Wheredoyoucomefrom？\"
\"FromVenice；Ihadtoleavetheplace，asIcouldnolongermakealivingthere。\"
\"ThenhowdoyouthinkofmakingalivingatRome？\"
\"BysayingmassesandteachingFrench。\"
\"Youateacheroflanguages！Why，youdonotknowyournativetongue。\"
\"IknowItalianandFrenchtoo，andIhavealreadygottwopupils。\"
\"Theywillnodoubtmakewonderfulprogressunderyourfosteringcare。
Whoarethey？\"
\"Thesonanddaughteroftheinn—keeper，atwhosehouseIamstaying。
Butthat’snotenoughtokeepme，andyoumustgivemesomethingwhileI
amstarting。\"
\"Youhavenorighttocountonme。Leavetheroom。\"
Iwouldnotlistentoanotherword，andtoldMargaritatoseethathedidnotcomeinagain。
Thewretchedfellowdidhisbesttoruinmewithallmyfriends，includingtheDuchessofFianoandtheAbbeGama。EverybodytoldmethatIshouldeithergivehimsomehelp，orgethimoutofRome；Igotheartilysickofthesoundofhisname。AtlasttheAbbeCeruticameandtoldmethatifIdidnotwanttoseemybrotherbegginghisbreadinthestreetsImustgivehimsomeassistance。
\"YoucankeephimoutofRome，\"hesaid，\"andheisreadytogoifyouwillallowhimthreepaulsaday。\"Iconsented，andCerutihitonaplanwhichpleasedmeverymuch。HespoketoapriestwhoservedaconventofFranciscannuns。Thispriesttookmybrotherintohisservice，andgavehimthreepaulsforsayingonemasseveryday。Ifhecouldpreachwellhemightearnmore。
ThustheAbbeCasanovapassedaway，andIdidnotcarewhetherheknewornotwherethethreepaulshadcomefrom。AslongasIstayedatRometheninepiastresamonthcameinregularly，butaftermydeparturehereturnedtoRome，wenttoanotherconvent，anddiedtheresuddenlythirteenorfourteenyearsago。
MedinihadalsoarrivedinRome，butwehadnotseeneachother。HelivedinthestreetoftheUrsulinesatthehouseofoneofthePope’slight—cavalrymen，andsubsistedonthemoneyhecheatedstrangersof。
TherascalhaddonewellandhadsenttoMantuaforhismistress，whocamewithhermotherandaveryprettygirloftwelveorthirteen。
ThinkingitwouldbetohisadvantagetotakehandsomefurnishedapartmentshemovedtothePlaced’Espagne，andoccupiedahousefourorfivedoorsfromme，butIknewnothingofallthisatthetime。
HappeningtodineonedaywiththeVenetianambassador，hisexcellencytoldmethatIshouldmeetacertainCount。ManucciwhohadjustarrivedfromParis，andhadevincedmuchdelightonlearningthatIwasatRome。
\"Isupposeyouknowhimwell，\"saidtheambassador，\"andasIamgoingtopresenthimtotheHolyFatherto—morrow，Ishouldbemuchobligedifyoucouldtellmewhohereallyis。\"
\"IknewhimatMadrid，wherehelivedwithMocenigoourambassador；heiswellmannered，polite，andafinelookingyoungman，andthat’sallI
knowabouthim。\"
\"WashereceivedattheSpanishCourt？\"
\"Ithinkso，butIcannotbepositive。\"
\"Well，Ithinkhewasnotreceived；butIseethatyouwon’ttellmeallyouknowabouthim。It’sofnoconsequence；IshallrunnoriskinpresentinghimtothePope。HesaysheisdescendedfromManucci，thefamoustravellerofthethirteenthcentury，andfromthecelebratedprintersofthesamenamewhodidsomuchforliterature。HeshewedmetheAldineanchoronhiscoatofarmswhichhassixteenquarters。\"
Iwasastonishedbeyondmeasurethatthismanwhohadplottedmyassassinationshouldspeakofmeasanintimatefriend，andIdeterminedtoconcealmyfeelingsandawaitevents。Ididnotshewtheleastsignofanger，andwhenaftergreetingtheambassadorhecameuptomewithopenarms，IreceivedhimcordiallyandaskedafterMocenigo。
Manuccitalkedagreatdealatdinner，tellingascoreoflies，allinmyhonour，aboutmyreceptionatMadrid。Ibelievehisobjectwastoforcemetolietoo，andtomakemedothesameforhimanothertime。
Iswallowedallthesebitterpills，forIhadnochoiceinthematter，butImadeupmymindIwouldhaveathoroughexplanationthenextday。
AFrenchman，theChevalierdeNeuvillebyname，whohadcomewithManucci，interestedmeagreatdeal。HehadcometoRometoendeavourtoobtaintheannulmentofmarriageofaladywhowasinaconventatMantua。HehadaspecialrecommendationtoCardinalGalli。
Hisconversationwasparticularlyagreeable，andwhenwelefttheambassador’sIacceptedtheoffertocomeintohiscarriagewithManucci，andwedroveabouttilltheevening。
Aswewerereturningatnightfallhetoldusthathewasgoingtopresentustoaprettygirlwithwhomwewouldsupandwhereweshouldhaveagameoffaro。
ThecarriagestoppedatthePlaced’Espagne，atashortdistancefrommylodging，andwewentuptoaroomonthesecondfloor。WhenIwentinI
wassurprisedtoseeCountMediniandhismistress，theladywhomthechevalierhadpraised，andwhomIfoundnotatalltomytaste。Medinireceivedmecordially，andthankedtheFrenchmanforhavingmademeforgetthepast，andhavingbroughtmetoseehim。
M。deNeuvillelookedastonished，andtoavoidanyunpleasantexplanationsIturnedtheconversation。
WhenMedinithoughtasufficientnumberofpunterswerepresenthesatdownatalargetable，placedfiveorsixhundredcrownsingoldandnotesbeforehim，andbegantodeal。Manuccilostallthegoldhehadabouthim，Neuvillesweptawayhalfthebank，andIwascontentwiththehumblepartofspectator。
Aftersupper，Mediniaskedthechevaliertogivehimhisrevenge，andManucciaskedmetolendhimahundredsequins。Ididso，andinanhourhehadnotoneleft。Neuville，ontheotherhand，broughtdownMedini’sbanktotwentyorthirtysequins，andafterthatweretiredtoourseveralhomes。
Manuccilodgedwithmysister—in—law，Roland’sdaughter，andIhadmadeupmymindtogivehimanearlycall；buthedidnotleavemetheopportunity，ashecalledonmeearlyinthemorning。
Afterreturningmethehundredsequinsheembracedmeaffectionately，and，shewingmealargeletterofcreditonBettoni，saidthatImustconsiderhispurseasmine。Inshort，thoughhesaidnothingaboutthepast，hegavemetounderstandthathewishedtoinitiateamutualpolicyofforgetandforgive。
Onthisoccasionmyheartprovedtoostrongformybrain；suchhasoftenbeenthecasewithme。Iagreedtothearticlesofpeaceheofferedandrequired。
Besides，Iwasnolongeratthatheadstrongagewhichonlyknowsonekindofsatisfaction，thatofthesword。IrememberedthatifManuccihadbeenwrongsohadI，andIfeltthatmyhonourrannodangerofbeingcompromised。
Thedayafter，Iwenttodinnerwithhim。TheChevalierdeNeuvillecameintowardsthecloseofthemeal，andMediniafewmomentslater。Thelattercalledonustoholdabank，eachinhisturn，andweagreed。
Manuccigaineddoublewhathehadlost；Neuvilielostfourhundredsequins，andIonlylostatrifle。Mediniwhohadonlylostaboutfiftysequinswasdesperate，andwouldhavethrownhimselfoutofthewindow。
AfewdayslaterManuccisetoutforNaples，aftergivingahundredlouistoMedini’smistress，whousedtosupwithhim；butthiswindfalldidnotsaveMedinifrombeingimprisonedfordebt，hisliabilitiesamountingtomorethanathousandcrowns。
Thepoorwretchwrotemedolefulepistles，entreatingmetocometohisassistance；butthesoleeffectofhisletterswastomakemelookafterwhathecalledhisfamily，repayingmyselfwiththeenjoymentofhismistress’syoungsister。Ididnotfeelcalledupontobehavegenerouslytohimfornothing。
AboutthistimetheEmperorofGermanycametoRomewithhisbrother，theGrandDukeofTuscany。
Oneofthenoblemenintheirsuitemadethegirl’sacquaintance，andgaveMedinienoughtosatisfyhiscreditors。HeleftRomesoonafterrecoveringhisliberty，andweshallmeethimagaininafewmonths。
IlivedveryhappilyamongstthefriendsIhadmadeformyself。IntheeveningsIvisitedtheDuchessofFiano，intheafternoonsthePrincessofSantaCroce。TherestofmytimeIspentathome，whereIhadMargarita，thefairBuonacorsi，andyoungMenicuccio，whotoldmesomuchabouthislady—lovethatIfeltquitecurioustoseeher。
Thegirlwasinakindofconventwhereshehadbeenplacedoutofcharity。Shecouldonlyleaveittogetmarried，withtheconsentofthecardinalwhosuperintendedtheestablishment。Whenagirlwentoutandgotmarried，shereceivedadoweroftwohundredRomancrowns。
Menicucciohadasisterinthesameconvent，andwasallowedtovisitheronSundays；shecametothegrating，followedbyhergoverness。ThoughMenicucciowasherbrother，shewasnotpermittedtoseehimalone。
FiveorsixmonthsbeforethedateofwhichIamwritinghissisterhadbeenaccompaniedtothegratingbyanothergirl，whomhehadneverseenbefore，andheimmediatelyfellinlovewithher。
Thepooryoungmanhadtoworkhardalltheweek，andcouldonlyvisittheconventonholidays；andeventhenhehadrarelythegoodlucktoseehislady—love。Infiveorsixmonthshehadonlyseenhersevenoreighttimes。
Hissisterknewofhislove，andwouldhavedoneallinherpowerforhim，butthechoiceofacompaniondidnotrestwithher，andshewasafraidofaskingforthisparticulargirlforfearofexcitingsuspicion。
AsIhavesaid，Ihadmadeupmymindtopaytheplaceavisit，andonourwayMenicucciotoldmethatthewomenoftheconventwerenotnuns，properlyspeaking，astheyhadnevertakenanyvowanddidnotwearamonasticdress。Inspiteofthattheyhadfewtemptationstoleavetheirprisonhouse，astheywouldonlyfindthemselvesaloneintheworldwiththeprospectofstarvationorhardworkbeforethem。Theyounggirlsonlycameouttogetmarried，whichwasuncommon，orbyflight，whichwasextremelydifficult。
Wereachedavastill—builthouse，nearoneofthetowngates——alonelyanddesertedsituation，asthegateledtonohighway。WhenwewentintotheparlourIwasastonishedtoseethedoublegratingwithbarssothickandclosetogetherthatthehandofagirloftencouldscarcehavegotthrough。Thegratingwassoclosethatitwasextremelydifficulttomakeoutthefeaturesofthepersonsstandingontheinnerside，especiallyasthiswasonlylightedbytheuncertainreflectionfromtheouterroom。Thesightofthesearrangementsmademeshudder。
\"Howandwherehaveyouseenyourmistress？\"IaskedMenicuccio；\"forthereIseenothingbutdarkness。\"
\"Thefirsttimethegovernesschancedtohaveacandle，butthisprivilegeisconfined，underpainofexcommunication，torelations。\"
\"Thenshewillhavealightto—day？\"
\"Iexpectnot，astheportresswillhavesentupwordthattherewasastrangerwithme。\"
\"Buthowcouldyouseeyoursweetheart，asyouarenotrelatedtoher？\"
\"Bychance；thefirsttimeshecamemysister’sgoverness——agoodsoul——
saidnothingaboutit。Eversincetherehasbeennocandlewhenshehasbeenpresent。\"Soonafter，theformsofthreeorfourwomenweredimlytobeseen；buttherewasnocandle，andthegovernesswouldnotbringoneonanyconsideration。Shewasafraidofbeingfoundoutandexcommunicated。
IsawthatIwasdeprivingmyyoungfriendofapleasure，andwouldhavegone，buthetoldmetostay。Ipassedanhourwhichinterestedmeinspiteofitspainfulness。ThevoiceofMenicuccio’ssistersentathrillthroughme，andIfanciedthattheblindmustfallinlovethroughtheirsenseofhearing。Thegovernesswasawomanunderthirty。Shetoldmethatwhenthegirlsattainedtheirtwenty—fifthyeartheywereplacedinchargeoftheyoungerones，andatthirty—fivetheywerefreetoleavetheconventiftheyliked，butthatfewcaredtotakethisstep，forfearoffallingintomisery。
\"Thenthereareagoodmanyoldwomenhere？\"
\"Thereareahundredofus，andthenumberisonlydecreasedbydeathandbyoccasionalmarriages。\"
\"Buthowdothosewhogoouttogetmarriedsucceedininspiringtheloveoftheirhusbands？\"
\"Ihavebeenherefortwentyyears，andinthattimeonlyfourhavegoneout，andtheydidnotknowtheirhusbandstilltheymetatthealtar。Asmightbeexpected，themenwhosolicitthecardinalforourhandsareeithermadmen，orfellowsofdesperatefortuneswhowantthetwohundredpiastres。However，thecardinal—superintendentrefusespermissionunlessthepostulantcansatisfyhimthatheiscapableofsupportingawife。\"
\"Howdoeshechoosehisbride？\"
\"Hetellsthecardinalwhatageanddispositionhewouldprefer，andthecardinalinformsthemother—superior。\"
\"Isupposeyoukeepagoodtable，andarecomfortablylodged。\"
\"Notatall。Threethousandcrownsayeararenotmuchtokeepahundredpersons。Thosewhodoalittleworkandearnsomethingarethebestoff。\"
\"Whatmannerofpeopleputtheirdaughtersinsuchaprison？\"
\"Eitherpoorpeopleorbigotswhoareafraidoftheirchildrenfallingintoevilways。Weonlyreceiveprettygirlshere。\"
\"Whoisthejudgeoftheirprettiness？\"
\"Theparents，thepriest，andonthelastappealthecardinal—
superintendent，whorejectsplaingirlswithoutpity，observingthatuglywomenhavenoreasontofeartheseductionsofvice。Soyoumayimaginethat，wretchedasweare，wecursethosewhopronounceduspretty。\"
\"Ipityyou，andIwonderwhyleaveisnotgiventoseeyouopenly；youmighthavesomechanceofgettingmarriedthen。\"
\"Thecardinalsaysthatitisnotinhispowertogivepermission，asanyonetransgressingthefoundationisexcommunicated。\"
\"ThenIshouldimaginethatthefounderofthishouseisnowconsumedbytheflamesofhell\"
\"Weallthinkso，andhopehemaystaythere。ThePopeoughttotakesomeorderwiththehouse。\"
Igavehertencrowns，sayingthatasIcouldnotseeherIcouldnotpromiseasecondvisit，andthenIwentawaywithMenicuccio，whowasangrywithhimselfforhavingprocuredmesuchatedioushour。
\"IsupposeIshallneverseeyourmistressoryoursister，\"saidI；\"yoursister’svoicewenttomyheart。\"
\"Ishouldthinkyourtenpaistresoughttoworkmiracles。\"
\"Isupposethereisanotherparlour。\"
\"Yes；butonlypriestsareallowedtoenteritunderpainofexcommunication，unlessyougetleavefromtheHolyFather。\"
Icouldnotimaginehowsuchamonstrousestablishmentcouldbetolerated，foritwasalmostimpossible，underthecircumstances，forthepoorgirlstogetahusband。Icalculatedthatastwohundredpiastreswereassignedtoeachasadowryincaseofmarriage，thefoundermusthavecalculatedontwomarriagesayearatleast，anditseemedprobablethatthesesumsweremadeawaywithbysomescoundrel。
IlaidmyideasbeforeCardinalBernisinthepresenceoftheprincess，whoseemedmovedwithcompassionforthesepoorwomen，andsaidImustwriteoutapetitionandgetitsignedbyallofthem，entreatingtheHolyFathertoallowthemtheprivilegescustomaryinallotherconvents。
Thecardinaltoldmetodraftthesupplication，toobtainthesignatures，andtoplaceitinthehandsoftheprincess。InthemeantimehewouldgettheearoftheHolyFather，andascertainbywhosehandsitwasmostproperforthepetitiontobepresented。
Ifeltprettysureofthesignaturesofthegreaternumberoftherecluses，andafterwritingoutthepetitionIleftitinthehandsofthegovernesstowhomIhadspokenbefore。Shewasdelightedwiththeidea，andpromisedtogivemebackthepaperwhenIcameagain，withthesignaturesofallhercompanionsinmisfortune。
AssoonasthePrincessSantaCrocehadthedocumentsheaddressedherselftotheCardinal—SuperintendentOrsini，whopromisedtobringthematterbeforethePope。CardinalBernishadalreadyspokentoHisHoliness。
Thechaplainoftheinstitutewasorderedtowarnthesuperiorthatforthefuturevisitorsweretobeallowedtoseegirlsinthelargeparlour，providedtheywereaccompaniedbyagoverness。
Menicucciobroughtmethisnews，whichtheprincesshadnotheard，andwhichshewasdelightedtohearfrommylips。