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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of In London And Moscow: To London
+by Jacques Casanova de Seingalt
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: In London And Moscow: To London
+       The Memoirs Of Jacques Casanova De Seingalt 1725-1798
+
+Author: Jacques Casanova de Seingalt
+
+Release Date: October 31, 2006 [EBook #2972]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK IN LONDON AND MOSCOW: TO LONDON ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by David Widger
+
+
+
+
+
+MEMOIRS OF JACQUES CASANOVA de SEINGALT 1725-1798
+
+IN LONDON AND MOSCOW, Volume 5b--TO LONDON
+THE MEMOIRS OF JACQUES CASANOVA DE SEINGALT
+
+THE RARE UNABRIDGED LONDON EDITION OF 1894 TRANSLATED BY ARTHUR MACHEN TO
+WHICH HAS BEEN ADDED THE CHAPTERS DISCOVERED BY ARTHUR SYMONS.
+
+
+
+
+TO LONDON
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+I Meet the Venetian Ambassadors at Lyons, and also Marcoline's Uncle--I
+Part from Marcoline and Set Out for Paris--An Amorous Journey
+
+Thus freed from the cares which the dreadful slanders of Possano had
+caused me, I gave myself up to the enjoyment of my fair Venetian, doing
+all in my power to increase her happiness, as if I had had a premonition
+that we should soon be separated from one another.
+
+The day after the supper I gave to Madame Pernon and M. Bono, we went to
+the theatre together, and in the box opposite to us I saw M. Querini, the
+procurator, Morosini, M. Memmo, and Count Stratico, a Professor of the
+University of Padua. I knew all these gentlemen; they had been in London,
+and were passing through Lyons on their return to Venice.
+
+"Farewell, fair Marcoline!" I said to myself, feeling quite
+broken-hearted, but I remained calm, and said nothing to her. She did not
+notice them as she was absorbed in her conversation with M. Bono, and
+besides, she did not know them by sight. I saw that M. Memmo had seen me
+and was telling the procurator of my presence, and as I knew the latter
+very well I felt bound to pay them my respects then and there.
+
+Querini received me very politely for a devotee, as also did Morosini,
+while Memmo seemed moved; but no doubt he remembered that it was chiefly
+due to his mother that I had been imprisoned eight years ago. I
+congratulated the gentlemen on their embassy to England, on their return
+to their native land, and for form's sake commended myself to their good
+offices to enable me to return also. M. Morosini, noticing the richness
+of my dress and my general appearance of prosperity, said that while I
+had to stay away he had to return, and that he considered me the luckier
+man.
+
+"Your excellency is well aware," said I, "that nothing is sweeter than
+forbidden fruit."
+
+He smiled, and asked me whither I went and whence I came.
+
+"I come from Rome," I answered, "where I had some converse with the Holy
+Father, whom I knew before, and I am going through Paris on my way to
+London.
+
+"Call on me here, if you have time, I have a little commission to give
+you."
+
+"I shall always have time to serve your excellency in. Are you stopping
+here for long?"
+
+"Three or four days."
+
+When I 'got back to my box Marcoline asked me who were the gentlemen to
+whom I had been speaking. I answered coolly and indifferently, but
+watching her as I spoke, that they were the Venetian ambassadors on their
+way from London. The flush of her cheek died away and was replaced by
+pallor; she raised her eyes to heaven, lowered them, and said not a word.
+My heart was broken. A few minutes afterwards she asked me which was M.
+Querini, and after I had pointed him out to her she watched him furtively
+for the rest of the evening.
+
+The curtain fell, we left our box, and at the door of the theatre we
+found the ambassadors waiting for their carriage. Mine was in the same
+line as theirs. The ambassador Querini said,--
+
+"You have a very pretty young lady with you."
+
+Marcoline stepped forward, seized his hand, and kissed it before I could
+answer.
+
+Querini, who was greatly astonished, thanked her and said,--
+
+"What have I done to deserve this honour?"
+
+"Because," said Marcoline, speaking in the Venetian dialect, "I have the
+honour of knowing his excellency M. Querini."
+
+"What are you doing with M. Casanova?"
+
+"He is my uncle."
+
+My carriage came up. I made a profound bow to the ambassadors, and called
+out to the coachman, "To the 'Hotel du Parc'." It was the best hotel in
+Lyons, and I was not sorry for the Venetians to hear where I was staying.
+
+Marcoline was in despair, for she saw that the time for parting was near
+at hand.
+
+"We have three or four days before us," said I, "in which we can contrive
+how to communicate with your uncle Mattio. I must commend you highly for
+kissing M. Querini's hand. That was a masterstroke indeed. All will go
+off well; but I hope you will be merry, for sadness I abhor."
+
+We were still at table when I heard the voice of M. Memmo in the
+ante-chamber; he was a young man, intelligent and good-natured. I warned
+Marcoline not to say a word about our private affairs, but to display a
+moderate gaiety. The servant announced the young nobleman, and we rose to
+welcome him; but he made us sit down again, and sat beside us, and drank
+a glass of wine with the utmost cordiality. He told me how he had been
+supping with the old devotee Querini, who had had his hand kissed by a
+young and fair Venetian. The ambassadors were much amused at the
+circumstance, and Querini himself, in spite of his scrupulous conscience,
+was greatly flattered.
+
+"May I ask you, mademoiselle," he added, "how you came to know M.
+Querini?"
+
+"It's a mystery, sir."
+
+"A mystery, is it? What fun we shall have tomorrow! I have come," he
+said, addressing himself to me, "to ask you to dine with us to-morrow,
+and you must bring your charming niece."
+
+"Would you like to go, Marcoline?"
+
+"'Con grandissimo piacere'! We shall speak Venetian, shall we not?"
+
+"Certainly."
+
+"'E viva'! I cannot learn French."
+
+"M. Querini is in the same position," said M. Memmo.
+
+After half an hour's agreeable conversation he left us, and Marcoline
+embraced me with delight at having made such a good impression on these
+gentlemen.
+
+"Put on your best dress to-morrow," said I, "and do not forget your
+jewels. Be agreeable to everybody, but pretend not to see your Uncle
+Mattio, who will be sure to wait at table."
+
+"You may be sure I shall follow your advice to the letter."
+
+"And I mean to make the recognition a scene worthy of the drama. I intend
+that you shall be taken back to Venice by M. Querini himself, while your
+uncle will take care of you by his special orders."
+
+"I shall be delighted with this arrangement, provided it succeeds."
+
+"You may trust to me for that."
+
+At nine o'clock the next day I called on Morosini concerning the
+commissions he had for me. He gave me a little box and a letter for Lady
+Harrington, and another letter with the words,--
+
+"The Procurator Morosini is very sorry not to have been able to take a
+last leave of Mdlle. Charpillon."
+
+"Where shall I find her?"
+
+"I really don't know. If you find her, give her the letter; if not, it
+doesn't matter. That's a dazzling beauty you have with you, Casanova."
+
+"Well, she has dazzled me."
+
+"But how did she know Querini?"
+
+"She has seen him at Venice, but she has never spoken to him."
+
+"I thought so; we have been laughing over it, but Querini is hugely
+pleased. But how did you get hold of her? She must be very young, as
+Memmo says she cannot speak French."
+
+"It would be a long story to tell, and after all we met through a mere
+chance."
+
+"She is not your niece."
+
+"Nay, she is more--she is my queen."
+
+"You will have to teach her French, as when you get to London."
+
+"I am not going to take her there; she wants to return to Venice."
+
+"I pity you if you are in love with her! I hope she will dine with us?"
+
+"Oh, yes! she is delighted with the honour."
+
+"And we are delighted to have our poor repast animated by such a charming
+person."
+
+"You will find her worthy of your company; she is full of wit."
+
+When I got back to the inn I told Marcoline that if anything was said at
+dinner about her return to Venice, she was to reply that no one could
+make her return except M. Querini, but that if she could have his
+protection she would gladly go back with him.
+
+"I will draw you out of the difficulty," said I; and she promised to
+carry out my instructions.
+
+Marcoline followed my advice with regard to her toilette, and looked
+brilliant in all respects; and I, wishing to shine in the eyes of the
+proud Venetian nobles, had dressed myself with the utmost richness. I
+wore a suit of grey velvet, trimmed with gold and silver lace; my point
+lace shirt was worth at least fifty louis; and my diamonds, my watches,
+my chains, my sword of the finest English steel, my snuff-box set with
+brilliants, my cross set with diamonds, my buckles set with the same
+stones, were altogether worth more than fifty thousand crowns. This
+ostentation, though puerile in itself, yet had a purpose, for I wished M.
+de Bragadin to know that I did not cut a bad figure in the world; and I
+wished the proud magistrates who had made me quit my native land to learn
+that I had lost nothing, and could laugh at their severity.
+
+In this gorgeous style we drove to the ambassador's dinner at half-past
+one.
+
+All present were Venetians, and they welcomed Marcoline enthusiastically.
+She who was born with the instinct of good manners behaved with the grace
+of a nymph and the dignity of a French princess; and as soon as she was
+seated between two grave and reverend signors, she began by saying that
+she was delighted to find herself the only representative of her sex in
+this distinguished company, and also that there were no Frenchmen
+present.
+
+"Then you don't like the French," said M. Memmo.
+
+"I like them well enough so far as I know them, but I am only acquainted
+with their exterior, as I don't speak or understand the language."
+
+After this everybody knew how to take her, and the gaiety became general.
+
+She answered all questions to the point, and entertained the company with
+her remarks on French manners, so different to Venetian customs.
+
+In the course of dinner M. Querini asked how she had known him, and she
+replied that she had often seen him at Divine service, whereat the
+devotee seemed greatly flattered. M. Morosini, pretending not to know
+that she was to return to Venice, told her that unless she made haste to
+acquire French, the universal language, she would find London very
+tedious, as the Italian language was very little known there.
+
+"I hope," she replied, "that M. de Seingalt will not bring me into the
+society of people with whom I cannot exchange ideas. I know I shall never
+be able to learn French."
+
+When we had left the table the ambassadors begged me to tell the story of
+my escape from The Leads, and I was glad to oblige them. My story lasted
+for two whole hours; and as it was noticed that Marcoline's eyes became
+wet with tears when I came to speak of my great danger. She was rallied
+upon the circumstance, and told that nieces were not usually so
+emotional.
+
+"That may be, gentlemen," she replied, "though I do not see why a niece
+should not love her uncle. But I have never loved anyone else but the
+hero of the tale, and I cannot see what difference there can be between
+one kind of love and another."
+
+"There are five kinds of love known to man," said M. Querini. "The love
+of one's neighbour, the love of God, which is beyond compare, the highest
+of all, love matrimonial, the love of house and home, and the love of
+self, which ought to come last of all, though many place it in the first
+rank."
+
+The nobleman commented briefly on these diverse kinds of love, but when
+he came to the love of God he began to soar, and I was greatly astonished
+to see Marcoline shedding tears, which she wiped away hastily as if to
+hide them from the sight of the worthy old man whom wine had made more
+theological than usual. Feigning to be enthusiastic, Marcoline took his
+hand and kissed it, while he in his vain exaltation drew her towards him
+and kissed her on the brow, saying, "Poveretta, you are an angel!"
+
+At this incident, in which there was more love of our neighbour than love
+of God, we all bit our lips to prevent ourselves bursting out laughing,
+and the sly little puss pretended to be extremely moved.
+
+I never knew Marcoline's capacities till then, for she confessed that her
+emotion was wholly fictitious, and designed to win the old man's good
+graces; and that if she had followed her own inclinations she would have
+laughed heartily. She was designed to act a part either upon the stage or
+on a throne. Chance had ordained that she should be born of the people,
+and her education had been neglected; but if she had been properly
+tutored she would have been fit for anything.
+
+Before returning home we were warmly invited to dinner the next day.
+
+As we wanted to be together, we did not go to the theatre that day and
+when we got home I did not wait for Marcoline to undress to cover her
+with kisses.
+
+"Dear heart," said I, "you have not shewn me all your perfections till
+now, when we are about to part; you make me regret you are going back to
+Venice. Today you won all hearts."
+
+"Keep me then, with you, and I will ever be as I have been to-day. By the
+way, did you see my uncle?"
+
+"I think so. Was it not he who was in continual attendance?"
+
+"Yes. I recognized him by his ring. Did he look, at me?"
+
+"All the time, and with an air of the greatest astonishment. I avoided
+catching his eye, which roved from you to me continually."
+
+"I should like to know what the good man thinks! You will see him again
+to-morrow. I am sure he will have told M. Querini that, I am his niece,
+and consequently not yours.
+
+"I expect so, too."
+
+"And if M. Querini says as much to me to-morrow, I, expect I shall have
+to, admit the fact. What do you think?"
+
+"You must undoubtedly tell him the truth, but frankly and openly, and so
+as not to let him think that you have need of him to return to Venice. He
+is not your father, and has no right over your liberty."
+
+"Certainly not."
+
+"Very good. You must also agree that I am not your uncle, and that the
+bond between us is, of the most tender description. Will, there be any
+difficulty is that?"
+
+"How can you ask me such a question? The link between us makes me feel
+proud, and will ever do so."
+
+"Well, well, I say no more. I trust entirely in your tact. Remember that
+Querini and no other must take you back to Venice; he must treat you as
+if you were his daughter. If he will not consent, you shall not return at
+all."
+
+"Would to God it were so!"
+
+Early the next morning I got a note from M. Querini requesting me to call
+on him, as he wanted to speak to me on a matter of importance.
+
+"We are getting on," said Marcoline. "I am very glad that things have
+taken this turn, for when you come back you can tell me the whole story,
+and I can regulate my conduct accordingly."
+
+I found Querini and Morosini together. They gave me their hands when I
+came in, and Querini asked me to sit down, saying that there would be
+nothing in our discussion which M. Morosini might not hear.
+
+"I have a confidence to make to you, M. Casanova," he began; "but first I
+want you to do me the same favor."
+
+"I can have no secrets from your excellency."
+
+"I am obliged to you, and will try to deserve your good opinion. I beg
+that you will tell me sincerely whether you know the young person who is
+with you, for no one believes that she is your niece."
+
+"It is true that she is--not my niece, but not being acquainted with her
+relations or family I cannot be said to know her in the sense which your
+excellency gives to the word. Nevertheless, I am proud to confess that I
+love her with an affection which will not end save with my life."
+
+"I am delighted to hear you say so. How long have you had her?"
+
+"Nearly two months."
+
+"Very good! How did she fall into your hands?"
+
+"That is a point which only concerns her, and you will allow me not to
+answer that question."
+
+"Good! we will go on. Though you are in love with her, it is very
+possible that you have never made any enquiries respecting her family."
+
+"She has told me that she has a father and a mother, poor but honest, but
+I confess I have never been curious enough to enquire her name. I only
+know her baptismal name, which is possibly not her true one, but it does
+quite well for me."
+
+"She has given you her true name."
+
+"Your excellency surprises me! You know her, then?"
+
+"Yes; I did not know her yesterday, but I do now. Two months . . .
+Marcoline . . . yes, it must be she. I am now certain that my man is not
+mad."
+
+"Your man?"
+
+"Yes, she is his niece. When we were at London he heard that she had left
+the paternal roof about the middle of Lent. Marcoline's mother, who is
+his sister, wrote to him. He was afraid to speak to her yesterday,
+because she looked so grand. He even thought he must be mistaken, and he
+would have been afraid of offending me by speaking to a grand lady at my
+table. She must have seen him, too."
+
+"I don't think so, she has said nothing about it to me."
+
+"It is true that he was standing behind her all the time. But let us come
+to the point. Is Marcoline your wife, or have you any intention of
+marrying her?"
+
+"I love her as tenderly as any man can love a woman, but I cannot make
+her a wife; the reasons are known only to herself and me."
+
+"I respect your secret; but tell me if you would object to my begging her
+to return to Venice with her uncle?"
+
+"I think Marcoline is happy, but if she has succeeded in gaining the
+favour of your excellency, she is happier still; and I feel sure that if
+she were to go back to Venice under the exalted patronage of your
+excellency, she would efface all stains on her reputation. As to
+permitting her to go, I can put no stumbling-block in the way, for I am
+not her master. As her lover I would defend her to the last drop of my
+blood, but if she wants to leave me I can only assent, though with
+sorrow."
+
+"You speak with much sense, and I hope you will not be displeased at my
+undertaking this good work. Of course I shall do nothing without your
+consent."
+
+"I respect the decrees of fate when they are promulgated by such a man as
+you. If your excellency can induce Marcoline to leave me, I will make no
+objection; but I warn you that she must be won mildly. She is
+intelligent, she loves me, and she knows that she is independent; besides
+she reckons on me, and she has cause to do so. Speak to her to-day by
+herself; my presence would only be in your way. Wait till dinner is over;
+the interview might last some time."
+
+"My dear Casanova, you are an honest man. I am delighted to have made
+your acquaintance."
+
+"You do me too much honour. I may say that Marcoline will hear nothing of
+all this."
+
+When I got back to the inn, I gave Marcoline an exact account of the
+whole conversation, warning her that she would be supposed to know
+nothing about it.
+
+"You must execute a masterly stroke, dearest," said I, "to persuade M.
+Querini that I did not lie in saying that you had not seen your uncle. As
+soon as you see him, you must give a shout of surprise, exclaim, 'My dear
+uncle!' and rush to his arms. This would be a splendid and dramatic
+situation, which would do you honour in the eyes of all the company."
+
+"You may be sure that I shall play the part very well, although my heart
+be sad."
+
+At the time appointed we waited on the ambassadors, and found that all
+the other guests had assembled. Marcoline, as blithe and smiling as
+before, first accosted M. Querini, and then did the polite to all the
+company. A few minutes before dinner Mattio brought in his master's
+spectacles on a silver tray. Marcoline, who was sitting next to M.
+Querini, stopped short in something she was saying, and staring at the
+man, exclaimed in a questioning voice,--
+
+"My uncle?"
+
+"Yes, my dear niece."
+
+Marcoline flung herself into his arms, and there was a moving scene,
+which excited the admiration of all.
+
+"I knew you had left Venice, dear uncle, but I did not know you were in
+his excellency's service. I am so glad to see you again! You will tell my
+father and mother about me? You see I am happy. Where were you
+yesterday?"
+
+"Here."
+
+"And you didn't see me?"
+
+"Yes; but your uncle there . . ."
+
+"Well," said I, laughing, "let us know each other, cousin, and be good
+friends. Marcoline, I congratulate you on having such an honest man for
+an uncle."
+
+"That is really very fine," said M. Querini; and everybody exclaimed,
+"Very affecting, very affecting indeed!"
+
+The newly-found uncle departed, and we sat down to dinner, but in spirits
+which differed from those of yesterday. Marcoline bore traces of those
+mingled emotions of happiness and regret which move loyal hearts when
+they call to mind ther native land. M. Querini looked at her admiringly,
+and seemed to have all the confidence of success which a good action
+gives to the mind. M. Morosini sat a pleased spectator. The others were
+attentive and curious as to what would come next. They listened to what
+was said, and hung on Marcoline's lips.
+
+After the first course there was greater unison in the company, and M.
+Morosini told Marcoline that if she would return to Venice she would be
+sure of finding a husband worthy of her.
+
+"I must be the judge of that," said she.
+
+"Yes, but it is a good thing to have recourse to the advice of discreet
+persons who are interested in the happiness of both parties."
+
+"Excuse me, but I do not think so. If I ever marry, my husband will have
+to please me first."
+
+"Who has taught you this maxim?" said Querini.
+
+"My uncle, Casanova, who has, I verily believe, taught me everything that
+can be learnt in the two months I have been happy enough to live with
+him."
+
+"I congratulate the master and the pupil, but you are both too young to
+have learnt all the range of science. Moral science cannot be learnt in
+two months."
+
+"What his excellency has just said," said I, turning to Marcoline, "is
+perfectly correct. In affairs of marriage both parties should rely to a
+great extent on the advice of friends, for mere marriages of inclination
+are often unhappy."
+
+"That is a really philosophical remark, my dear Marcoline," said Querini;
+"but tell me the qualities which in your opinion are desirable in a
+husband."
+
+"I should be puzzled to name them, but they would all become manifest in
+the man that pleased me."
+
+"And supposing he were a worthless fellow?"
+
+"He would certainly not please me, and that's the reason why I have made
+up my mind never to marry a man whom I have not studied."
+
+"Supposing you made a mistake?"
+
+"Then I would weep in secret."
+
+"How if you were poor?"
+
+"She need never fear poverty, my lord," said I. "She has an income of
+fifty crowns a month for the remainder of her life."
+
+"Oh, that's a different matter. If that is so, sweetheart, you are
+privileged. You will be able to live at Venice in perfect independence."
+
+"I think that to live honourably there I only need the protection of a
+lord like your excellency."
+
+"As to that, Marcoline, I give you my word that I will do all in my power
+for you if you come to Venice. But let me ask you one question, how are
+you sure of your income of fifty crowns a month? You are laughing."
+
+"I laugh because I am such a silly little thing. I don't have any heed
+for my own business. My friend there will tell you all about it."
+
+"You have not been joking, have you?" said the worthy old man to me.
+
+"Marcoline," said I, "has not only capital which will produce a larger
+sum than that which I have named, but she has also valuable possessions.
+Your excellency will note her wisdom in saying that she would need your
+lordship's protection at Venice, for she will require someone to look
+after the investment of her capital. The whole amount is in my hands, and
+if she likes Marcoline can have it all in less than two hours."
+
+"Very good; then you must start for Venice the day after to-morrow.
+Mattio is quite ready to receive you."
+
+"I have the greatest respect and love for my uncle, but it is not to his
+care that your excellency must commend me if I resolve to go."
+
+"Then to whom?"
+
+"To your own care, my lord. Your excellency has called me dear daughter
+two or three times, lead me, then, to Venice, like a good father, and I
+will come willingly; otherwise I protest I will not leave the man to whom
+I owe all I have. I will start for London with him the day after
+to-morrow."
+
+At these words which delighted me silence fell on all. They waited for M.
+Querini to speak, and the general opinion seemed to be that he had gone
+too far to be able to draw back. Nevertheless, the old man kept silence;
+perhaps in his character of devotee he was afraid of being led into
+temptation, or of giving occasion to scandal, and the other guests were
+silent like him, and ate to keep each other in countenance. Mattio's hand
+trembled as he waited; Marcoline alone was calm and collected. Dessert
+was served, and still no one dared to say a word. All at once this
+wonderful girl said, in an inspired voice, as if speaking to herself,--
+
+"We must adore the decrees of Divine Providence, but after the issue,
+since mortals are not able to discern the future, whether it be good or
+whether it be evil."
+
+"What does that reflection relate to, my dear daughter?" said M. Querini,
+"and why do you kiss my hand now?"
+
+"I kiss your hand because you have called me your dear daughter for the
+fourth time."
+
+This judicious remark elicited a smile of approval from all, and restored
+the general gaiety; but M. Querini asked Marcoline to explain her
+observation on Providence.
+
+"It was an inspiration, and the result of self-examination. I am well; I
+have learned something of life; I am only seventeen, and in the course of
+two months I have become rich by honest means. I am all happy, and yet I
+owe my happiness to the greatest error a maiden can commit. Thus I humble
+myself before the decrees, of Providence and adore its wisdom."
+
+"You are right, but, none the less you ought to repent of what you have
+done."
+
+"That's where I am puzzled; for before I can repent; I must think of it,
+and when I think of it I find nothing for which to repent. I suppose I
+shall have to consult some great theologian on the point."
+
+"That will not be necessary; you are, intelligent, and your heart is
+good, and I will give you the necessary instruction on the way. When one
+repents there is no need to think of the pleasure which our sins have
+given us."
+
+In his character of apostle the good M. Querini was becoming piously
+amorous of his fair proselyte. He left the table for a few moments, and
+when he returned he, told Marcoline that if he had a young lady to take
+to, Venice he should be obliged to leave her in the care of his
+housekeeper, Dame Veneranda, in whom he had every confidence.
+
+"I have just been speaking to her; and if you would like to come, all is
+arranged. You shall sleep with her, and dine with us till we get to
+Venice, and then I will deliver, you into your mother's keeping, in the
+presence of your uncle. What do you say?"
+
+"I will come with pleasure:"
+
+"Come and see Dame Veneranda."
+
+"Willingly."
+
+"Come with us, Casanova."
+
+Dame Veneranda looked a perfect cannoness, and I did not think that
+Marcoline would fall, in love with her, but she seemed sensible and
+trustworthy. M. Querini told her in our presence what he had just told
+Marcoline, and the duenna assured him that she would take, the utmost
+care of the young lady. Marcoline kissed her and called her mother, thus
+gaining the old lady's, good graces. We rejoined, the company, who
+expressed to Marcoline their intense pleasure at having her for a
+companion on their journey.
+
+"I shall have to put my steward in another carriage," said M. Querini,
+"as the calash only holds two."
+
+"That will not be necessary," I remarked, "for Marcoline has her
+carriage, and Mistress Veneranda will find it a very comfortable one. It
+will hold her luggage as well."
+
+"You, want to give me your carriage," said Marcoline. "You are too good
+to me."
+
+I could made no reply, my emotion was so great. I turned aside and wiped,
+away my tears. Returning to the company, I found that Marcoline had
+vanished and M. Morosini, who, was also much affected told me she had
+gome, to speak to Mistress Veneranda. Everybody was melancholy, and
+seeing that I was the cause I began to talk about England, where I hoped
+to make my fortune with a project of mine, the success of which only
+depended on Lord Egremont. M. de Morosini said he would give me a letter
+for Lord Egremont and another for M. Zuccata, the Venetian ambassador.
+
+"Are you not afraid," said M. Querini, "of getting into, trouble with the
+State Inquisitors for recommending M. Casanova?"
+
+Morosini replied coldly that as the Inquisitors had, not told him for
+what crime I was condemned, he did not feel himself bound to share their
+judgment. Old Querini, who was extremely particular, shook his head and
+said nothing.
+
+Just then Marcoline came back to the room, and everybody could see that
+she had been weeping. I confess that this mark of her affection was as
+pleasing to my vanity as to my love; but such is man, and such,
+doubtless, is the reader who may be censuring my conduct. This charming
+girl, who still, after all these years, dwells in my old heart, asked me
+to take her back to the inn, as she wanted to pack up her trunks. We left
+directly, after having promised to come to dinner on the following day.
+
+I wept bitterly when I got to my room. I told Clairmont to see that the
+carriage was in good order, and then, hastily undressing, I flung myself
+on the bed in my dressing-gown, and wept as if some blessing was being
+taken from me against my will. Marcoline, who was much more sensible, did
+what she could to console me, but I liked to torment myself, and her
+words did but increase my despair.
+
+"Reflect," said she, "that it is not I who am leaving you, but you who
+are sending me away; that I long to spend the rest of my days with you,
+and that you have only got to say a word to keep me."
+
+I knew that she was right; but still a fatal fear which has always swayed
+me, the fear of being bound to anyone, and the hypocrisy of a libertine
+ever longing for change, both these feelings made me persist in my
+resolution and my sadness.
+
+About six o'clock MM. Morosini and Querini came into the courtyard and
+looked at the carriage, which was being inspected by the wheelwright.
+They spoke to Clairmont, and then came to see us.
+
+"Good heavens!" said M. Querini, seeing the numerous boxes which she was
+going to place on her carriage; and when he had heard that her carriage
+was the one he had just looked at, he seemed surprised; it was indeed a
+very good vehicle.
+
+M. Morosini told Marcoline that if she liked to sell it when she got to
+Venice he would give her a thousand Venetian ducats, or three thousand
+francs for it.
+
+"You might give her double that amount," said I, "for it is worth three
+thousand ducats."
+
+"We will arrange all that," said he; and Querini added,--
+
+"It will be a considerable addition to the capital she proposes to
+invest."
+
+After some agreeable conversation I told M. Querini that I would give him
+a bill of exchange for five thousand ducats, which, with the three or
+four thousand ducats the sale of her jewellery would realize, and the
+thousand for the carriage, would give her a capital of nine or ten
+thousand ducats, the interest of which would bring her in a handsome
+income.
+
+Next morning I got M. Bono to give me a bill of exchange on M. Querini's
+order, and at dinner-time Marcoline handed it over to her new protector,
+who wrote her a formal receipt. M. Morosini gave me the letters he had
+promised, and their departure was fixed for eleven o'clock the next day.
+The reader may imagine that our dinner-party was not over gay. Marcoline
+was depressed, I as gloomy as a splenetic Englishman, and between us we
+made the feast more like a funeral than a meeting of friends.
+
+I will not attempt to describe the night I passed with my charmer. She
+asked me again and again how I could be my own executioner; but I could
+not answer, for I did not know. But how often have I done things which
+caused me pain, but to which I was impelled by some occult force it was
+my whim not to resist.
+
+In the morning, when I had put on my boots and spurs, and told Clairmont
+not to be uneasy if I did not return that night, Marcoline and I drove to
+the ambassadors' residence. We breakfasted together, silently enough, for
+Marcoline had tears in her eyes, and everyone knowing my noble conduct
+towards her respected her natural grief. After breakfast we set out, I
+sitting in the forepart of the carriage, facing Marcoline and Dame
+Veneranda, who would have made me laugh under any other circumstances,
+her astonishment at finding herself in a more gorgeous carriage than the
+ambassador's was so great. She expatiated on the elegance and comfort of
+the equipage, and amused us by saying that her master was quite right in
+saying that the people would take her for the ambassadress. But in spite
+of this piece of comedy, Marcoline and I were sad all the way. M.
+Querini, who did not like night travelling, made us stop at
+Pont-Boivoisin, at nine o'clock, and after a bad supper everyone went to
+bed to be ready to start at daybreak. Marcoline was to sleep with
+Veneranda, so I accompanied her, and the worthy old woman went to bed
+without any ceremony, lying so close to the wall that there was room for
+two more; but after Marcoline had got into bed I sat down on a chair, and
+placing my head beside hers on the pillow we mingled our sobs and tears
+all night.
+
+When Veneranda, who had slept soundly, awoke, she was much astonished to
+see me still in the same position. She was a great devotee, but women's
+piety easily gives place to pity, and she had moved to the furthest
+extremity of the bed with the intention of giving me another night of
+love. But my melancholy prevented my profiting by her kindness.
+
+I had ordered a saddle horse to be ready for me in the morning. We took a
+hasty cup of coffee and bade each other mutual farewells. I placed
+Marcoline in the carriage, gave her a last embrace, and waited for the
+crack of the postillion's whip to gallop back to Lyons. I tore along like
+a madman, for I felt as if I should like to send the horse to the ground
+and kill myself. But death never comes to him that desires it, save in
+the fable of the worthy Lafontaine. In six hours I had accomplished the
+eighteen leagues between Pont-Boivoisin and Lyons, only stopping to
+change horses. I tore off my clothes and threw myself on the bed, where
+thirty hours before I had enjoyed all the delights of love. I hoped that
+the bliss I had lost would return to me in my dreams. However, I slept
+profoundly, and did not wake till eight o'clock. I had been asleep about
+nineteen hours.
+
+I rang for Clairmont, and told him to bring up my breakfast, which I
+devoured eagerly. When my stomach was restored in this manner I fell
+asleep again, and did not get up till the next morning, feeling quite
+well, and as if I could support life a little longer.
+
+Three days after Marcoline's departure I bought a comfortable two-wheeled
+carriage with patent springs, and sent my trunks to Paris by the
+diligence. I kept a portmanteau containing the merest necessaries, for I
+meant to travel in a dressing-gown and night-cap, and keep to myself all
+the way to Paris. I intended this as a sort of homage to Marcoline, but I
+reckoned without my host.
+
+I was putting my jewellery together in a casket when Clairmont announced
+a tradesman and his daughter, a pretty girl whom I had remarked at
+dinner, for since the departure of my fair Venetian I had dined at the
+table-d'hote by way of distraction.
+
+I shut up my jewels and asked them to come in, and the father addressed
+me politely, saying,--
+
+"Sir, I have come to ask you to do me a favour which will cost you but
+little, while it will be of immense service to my daughter and myself."
+
+"What can I do for you? I am leaving Lyons at day-break to-morrow."
+
+"I know it, for you said so at dinner; but we shall be ready at any hour.
+Be kind enough to give my daughter a seat in your carriage. I will, of
+course, pay for a third horse, and will ride post."
+
+"You cannot have seen the carriage."
+
+"Excuse me, I have done so. It is, I know, only meant for one, but she
+could easily squeeze into it. I know I am troubling you, but if you were
+aware of the convenience it would be to me I am sure you would not
+refuse. All the places in the diligence are taken up to next week, and if
+I don't get to Paris in six days I might as well stay away altogether. If
+I were a rich man I would post, but that would cost four hundred francs,
+and I cannot afford to spend so much. The only course open to me is to
+leave by the diligence tomorrow, and to have myself and my daughter bound
+to the roof. You see, sir, the idea makes her weep, and I don't like it
+much better myself."
+
+I looked attentively at the girl, and found her too pretty for me to keep
+within bounds if I travelled alone with her. I was sad, and the torment I
+had endured in parting from Marcoline had made me resolve to avoid all
+occasions which might have similar results. I thought this resolve
+necessary for my peace of mind.
+
+"This girl," I said to myself, "may be so charming that I should fall in
+love with her if I yield to the father's request, and I do not wish for
+any such result."
+
+I turned to the father and said,--
+
+"I sympathize with you sincerely; but I really don't see what I can do
+for you without causing myself the greatest inconvenience."
+
+"Perhaps you think that I shall not be able to ride so many posts in
+succession, but you needn't be afraid on that score:"
+
+"The horse might give in; you might have a fall, and I know that I should
+feel obliged to stop, and I am in a hurry. If that reason does not strike
+you as a cogent one, I am sorry, for to me it appears unanswerable."
+
+"Let us run the risk, sir, at all events."
+
+"There is a still greater risk of which I can tell you nothing. In brief,
+sir, you ask what is impossible."
+
+"In Heaven's name, sir," said the girl, with a voice and a look that
+would have pierced a heart of stone, "rescue me from that dreadful
+journey on the roof of the diligence! The very idea makes me shudder; I
+should be afraid of falling off all the way; besides, there is something
+mean in travelling that way. Do but grant me this favour, and I will sit
+at your feet so as not to discomfort you."
+
+"This is too much! You do not know me, mademoiselle. I am neither cruel
+nor impolite, especially where your sex is concerned, though my refusal
+must make you feel otherwise. If I give way you may regret it afterwards,
+and I do not wish that to happen." Then, turning to the father, I said,--
+
+"A post-chaise costs six Louis. Here they are; take them. I will put off
+my departure for a few hours, if necessary, to answer for the chaise,
+supposing you are not known here, and an extra horse will cost four Louis
+take them. As to the rest, you would have spent as much in taking two
+places in the diligence."
+
+"You are very kind, sir, but I cannot accept your gift. I am not worthy
+of it, and I should be still less worthy if I accepted the money. Adele,
+let us go. Forgive us, sir, if we have wasted half an hour of your time.
+Come, my poor child."
+
+"Wait a moment, father."
+
+Adele begged him to wait, as her sobs almost choked her. I was furious
+with everything, but having received one look from her beautiful eyes I
+could not withstand her sorrow any longer, and said,
+
+"Calm yourself, mademoiselle. It shall never be said that I remained
+unmoved while beauty wept. I yield to your request, for if I did not I
+should not be able to sleep all night. But I accede on one condition," I
+added, turning to her father, "and that is that you sit at the back of
+the carriage."
+
+"Certainly; but what is to become of your servant?"
+
+"He will ride on in front. Everything is settled. Go to bed now, and be
+ready to start at six o'clock."
+
+"Certainly, but you will allow me to pay for the extra horse?"
+
+"You shall pay nothing at all; it would be a shame if I received any
+money from you. You have told me you are poor, and poverty is no
+dishonour; well, I may tell you that I am rich, and riches are no honour
+save when they are used in doing good. Therefore, as I said, I will pay
+for all."
+
+"Very good, but I will pay for the extra horse in the carriage."
+
+"Certainly not, and let us have no bargaining, please; it is time to go
+to bed. I will put you down at Paris without the journey costing you a
+farthing, and then if you like you may thank me; these are the only
+conditions on which I will take you. Look! Mdlle. Adele is laughing,
+that's reward enough for me."
+
+"I am laughing for joy at having escaped that dreadful diligence roof."
+
+"I see, but I hope you will not weep in my carriage, for all sadness is
+an abomination to me."
+
+I went, to bed, resolved to struggle against my fate no longer. I saw
+that I could not withstand the tempting charms of this new beauty, and I
+determined that everything should be over in a couple of days. Adele had
+beautiful blue eyes, a complexion wherein were mingled the lily and the
+rose, a small mouth, excellent teeth, a figure still slender but full of
+promise; here, surely, were enough motives for a fresh fall. I fell
+asleep, thanking my good genius for thus providing me with amusement on
+the journey.
+
+Just before we started the father came and asked if it was all the same
+to me whether we went by Burgundy or the Bourbonnais.
+
+"Certainly. Do you prefer any particular route?"
+
+"If I went through Nevers I might be able to collect a small account."
+
+"Then we will go by the Bourbonnais."
+
+Directly after Adele, simply but neatly dressed, came down and wished me
+good day, telling me that her father was going to put a small trunk
+containing their belongings at the back of the carriage. Seeing me busy,
+she asked if she could help me in any way.
+
+"No," I replied, "you had better take a seat."
+
+She did so, but in a timid manner, which annoyed me, because it seemed to
+express that she was a dependent of mine. I told her so gently, and made
+her take some coffee with me, and her shyness soon wore off.
+
+We were just stepping into the carriage when a man came and told me that
+the lamps were out of repair and would come off if something were not
+done to them. He offered to put them into good repair in the course of an
+hour. I was in a terrible rage, and called Clairmont and began to scold
+him, but he said that the lamps were all right a short while ago, and
+that the man must have put them out of order that he might have the task
+of repairing them.
+
+He had hit it off exactly. I had heard of the trick before, and I called
+out to the man; and on his answering me rather impudently, I began to
+kick him, with my pistol in my hand. He ran off swearing, and the noise
+brought up the landlord and five or six of his people. Everybody said I
+was in the right, but all the same I had to waste two hours as it would
+not have been prudent to travel without lamps.
+
+Another lamp-maker was summoned; he looked at the damage, and laughed at
+the rascally trick his fellow-tradesman had played me.
+
+"Can I imprison the rascal?" I said to the landlord. "I should like to
+have the satisfaction of doing so, were it to cost me two Louis."
+
+"Two Louis! Your honour shall be attended to in a moment."
+
+I was in a dreadful rage, and did not notice Adele, who was quite afraid
+of me. A police official came up to take my information, and examine
+witnesses, and to draw up the case.
+
+"How much is your time worth, sir?" he asked me.
+
+"Five louis."
+
+With these words I slid two louis into his hand, and he immediately wrote
+down a fine of twenty louis against the lamp-maker, and then went his
+way, saying,--
+
+"Your man will be in prison in the next ten minutes." I breathed again at
+the prospect of vengeance. I then begged Mdlle. Adele's pardon, who asked
+mine in her turn, not knowing how I had offended her. This might have led
+to some affectionate passages, but her father came in saying that the
+rascal was in prison, and that everyone said I was right.
+
+"I am perfectly ready to swear that he did the damage," said he.
+
+"You saw him, did you?"
+
+"No, but that's of no consequence, as everybody is sure he did it."
+
+This piece of simplicity restored my good temper completely, and I began
+to ask Moreau, as he called himself, several questions. He told me he was
+a widower, that Adele was his only child, that he was going to set up in
+business at Louviers, and so on.
+
+In the course of an hour the farce turned into a tragedy, in the
+following manner. Two women, one of them with a baby at her breast, and
+followed by four brats, all of whom might have been put under a bushel
+measure, came before me, and falling on their knees made me guess the
+reason of this pitiful sight. They were the wife, the mother, and the
+children of the delinquent.
+
+My heart was soon moved with pity for them, for my vengeance had been
+complete, and I did not harbour resentment; but the wife almost put me in
+a fury again by saying that her husband was an innocent man, and that
+they who had accused him were rascals.
+
+The mother, seeing the storm ready to burst, attacked me more adroitly,
+admitting that her son might be guilty, but that he must have been driven
+to it by misery, as he had got no bread wherewith to feed his children.
+She added:
+
+"My good sir, take pity on us, for he is our only support. Do a good deed
+and set him free, for he would stay in prison all his days unless we sold
+our beds to pay you."
+
+"My worthy woman, I forgive him completely. Hand this document to the
+police magistrate and all will be well."
+
+At the same time I gave her a louis and told her to go, not wishing to be
+troubled with her thanks. A few moments after, the official came to get
+my signature for the man's release, and I had to pay him the legal costs.
+My lamps cost twelve francs to mend, and at nine o'clock I started,
+having spent four or five louis for nothing.
+
+Adele was obliged to sit between my legs, but she was ill at ease. I told
+her to sit further back, but as she would have had to lean on me, I did
+not urge her; it would have been rather a dangerous situation to begin
+with. Moreau sat at the back of the carriage, Clairmont went on in front,
+and we were thus neck and neck, or rather neck and back, the whole way.
+
+We got down to change horses, and as we were getting into the carriage
+again Adele had to lift her leg, and shewed me a pair of black breeches.
+I have always had a horror of women with breeches, but above all of black
+breeches.
+
+"Sir," said I to her father, "your daughter has shewn me her black
+breeches."
+
+"It's uncommonly lucky for her that she didn't shew you something else."
+
+I liked the reply, but the cursed breeches had so offended me that I
+became quite sulky. It seemed to me that such clothes were a kind of
+rampart or outwork, very natural, no doubt, but I thought a young girl
+should know nothing of the danger, or, at all events, pretend ignorance
+if she did not possess it. As I could neither scold her nor overcome my
+bad temper, I contented myself with being polite, but I did not speak
+again till we got to St. Simphorien, unless it was to ask her to sit more
+comfortably.
+
+When we got to St. Simphorien I told Clairmont to go on in front and
+order us a good supper at Roanne, and to sleep there. When we were about
+half-way Adele told me that she must be a trouble to me, as I was not so
+gay as I had been. I assured her that it was not so, and that I only kept
+silence that she might be able to rest.
+
+"You are very kind," she answered, "but it is quite a mistake for you to
+think that you would disturb me by talking. Allow me to tell you that you
+are concealing the real cause of your silence."
+
+"Do you know the real cause?"
+
+"Yes, I think I do."
+
+"Well, what is it?"
+
+"You have changed since you saw my breeches."
+
+"You are right, this black attire has clothed my soul with gloom."
+
+"I am very sorry, but you must allow that in the first place I was not to
+suppose that you were going to see my breeches, and in the second place
+that I could not be aware that the colour would be distasteful to you."
+
+"True again, but as I chanced to see the articles you must forgive my
+disgust. This black has filled my soul with funereal images, just as
+white would have cheered me. Do you always wear those dreadful breeches?"
+
+"I am wearing them for the first time to-day."
+
+"Then you must allow that you have committed an unbecoming action."
+
+"Unbecoming?"
+
+"Yes, what would you have said if I had come down in petticoats this
+morning? You would have pronounced them unbecoming. You are laughing."
+
+"Forgive me, but I never heard anything so amusing. But your comparison
+will not stand; everyone would have seen your petticoats, whereas no one
+has any business to see my breeches."
+
+I assented to her logic, delighted to find her capable of tearing my
+sophism to pieces, but I still preserved silence.
+
+At Roanne we had a good enough supper, and Moreau, who knew very well
+that if it had not been for his daughter there would have been no free
+journey and free supper for him, was delighted when I told him that she
+kept me good company. I told him about our discussion on breeches, and he
+pronounced his daughter to be in the wrong, laughing pleasantly. After
+supper I told him that he and his daughter were to sleep in the room in
+which we were sitting, while I would pass the night in a neighbouring
+closet.
+
+Just as we were starting the next morning, Clairmont told me that he
+would go on in front, to see that our beds were ready, adding that as we
+had lost one night it would not do much harm if we were to lose another.
+
+This speech let me know that my faithful Clairmont began to feel the need
+of rest, and his health was dear to me. I told him to stop at St. Pierre
+le Mortier, and to take care that a good supper was ready for us. When we
+were in the carriage again, Adele thanked me.
+
+"Then you don't like night travelling?" I said.
+
+"I shouldn't mind it if I were not afraid of going to sleep and falling
+on you."
+
+"Why, I should like it. A pretty girl like you is an agreeable burden."
+
+She made no reply, but I saw that she understood; my declaration was
+made, but something more was wanted before I could rely on her docility.
+I relapsed into silence again till we got to Varennes, and then I said,--
+
+"If I thought you could eat a roast fowl with as good an appetite as
+mine, I would dine here."
+
+"Try me, I will endeavour to match you."
+
+We ate well and drank better, and by the time we started again we were a
+little drunk. Adele, who was only accustomed to drink wine two or three
+times a year, laughed at not being able to stand upright, but seemed to
+be afraid that something would happen. I comforted her by saying that the
+fumes of champagne soon evaporated; but though she strove with all her
+might to keep awake, nature conquered, and letting her pretty head fall
+on my breast she fell asleep, and did not rouse herself for two hours. I
+treated her with the greatest respect, though I could not resist
+ascertaining that the article of clothing which had displeased me so much
+had entirely disappeared.
+
+While she slept I enjoyed the pleasure of gazing on the swelling curves
+of her budding breast, but I restrained my ardour, as the disappearance
+of the black breeches assured me that I should find her perfectly
+submissive whenever I chose to make the assault. I wished, however, that
+she should give herself up to me of her own free will, or at any rate
+come half-way to meet me, and I knew that I had only to smooth the path
+to make her do so.
+
+When she awoke and found that she had been sleeping in my arms, her
+astonishment was extreme. She apologized and begged me to forgive her,
+while I thought the best way to put her at ease would be to give her an
+affectionate kiss. The result was satisfactory; who does not know the
+effect of a kiss given at the proper time?
+
+As her dress was in some disorder she tried to adjust it, but we were
+rather pushed for space, and by an awkward movement she uncovered her
+knee. I burst out laughing and she joined me, and had the presence of
+mind to say:
+
+"I hope the black colour has given you no funereal thoughts this time."
+
+"The hue of the rose, dear Adele, can only inspire me with delicious
+fancies."
+
+I saw that she lowered her eyes, but in a manner that shewed she was
+pleased.
+
+With this talk--and, so to speak, casting oil on the flames--we reached
+Moulin, and got down for a few moments. A crowd of women assailed us with
+knives and edged tools of all sorts, and I bought the father and daughter
+whatever they fancied. We went on our way, leaving the women quarrelling
+and fighting because some had sold their wares and others had not.
+
+In the evening we reached St. Pierre; but during the four hours that had
+elapsed since we left Moulin we had made way, and Adele had become quite
+familiar with me.
+
+Thanks to Clairmont, who had arrived two hours before, an excellent
+supper awaited us. We supped in a large room, where two great white beds
+stood ready to receive us.
+
+I told Moreau that he and his daughter should sleep in one bed, and I in
+the other; but he replied that I and Adele could each have a bed to
+ourselves, as he wanted to start for Nevers directly after supper, so as
+to be able to catch-his debtor at daybreak, and to rejoin us when we got
+there the following day.
+
+"If you had told me before, we would have gone on to Nevers and slept
+there."
+
+"You are too kind. I mean to ride the three and a half stages. The riding
+will do me good, and I like it. I leave my daughter in your care. She
+will not be so near you as in the carriage."
+
+"Oh, we will be very discreet, you may be sure!"
+
+After his departure I told Adele to go to bed in her clothes, if she were
+afraid of me.
+
+"I shan't be offended," I added.
+
+"It would be very wrong of me," she answered, "to give you such a proof
+of my want of confidence."
+
+She rose, went out a moment, and when she came back she locked the door,
+and as soon as she was ready to slip off her last article of clothing
+came and kissed me. I happened to be writing at the time, and as she had
+come up on tiptoe I was surprised, though in a very agreeable manner. She
+fled to her bed, saying saucily,
+
+"You are frightened of me, I think?"
+
+"You are wrong, but you surprised me. Come back, I want to see you fall
+asleep in my arms."
+
+"Come and see me sleep."
+
+"Will you sleep all the time?"
+
+"Of course I shall."
+
+"We will see about that."
+
+I flung the pen down, and in a moment I held her in my arms, smiling,
+ardent, submissive to my desires, and only entreating me to spare her. I
+did my best, and though she helped me to the best of her ability, the
+first assault was a labour of Hercules. The others were pleasanter, for
+it is only the first step that is painful, and when the field had been
+stained with the blood of three successive battles, we abandoned
+ourselves to repose. At five o'clock in the morning Clairmont knocked,
+and I told him to get us some coffee. I was obliged to get up without
+giving fair Adele good day, but I promised that she should have it on the
+way.
+
+When she was dressed she looked at the altar where she had offered her
+first sacrifice to love, and viewed the signs of her defeat with a sigh.
+She was pensive for some time, but when we were in the carriage again her
+gaiety returned, and in our mutual transports we forgot to grieve over
+our approaching parting.
+
+We found Moreau at Nevers; he was in a great state because he could not
+get his money before noon. He dared not ask me to wait for him, but I
+said that we would have a good dinner and start when the money was paid.
+
+While dinner was being prepared we shut ourselves up in a room to avoid
+the crowd of women who pestered us to buy a thousand trifles, and at two
+o'clock we started, Moreau having got his money. We got to Cosne at
+twilight, and though Clairmont was waiting for us at Briane, I decided on
+stopping where I was, and this night proved superior to the first. The
+next day we made a breakfast of the meal which had been prepared for our
+supper, and we slept at Fontainebleau, where I enjoyed Adele for the last
+time. In the morning I promised to come and see her at Louviers, when I
+returned from England, but I could not keep my word.
+
+We took four hours to get from Fontainebleau to Paris, but how quickly
+the time passed. I stopped the carriage near the Pont St. Michel,
+opposite to a clockmaker's shop, and after looking at several watches I
+gave one to Adele, and then dropped her and her father at the corner of
+the Rue aux Ours. I got down at the "Hotel de Montmorenci," not wanting
+to stop with Madame d'Urfe, but after dressing I went to dine with her.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+I Drive My Brother The Abbe From Paris--Madame du Rumain Recovers Her
+Voice Through My Cabala--A Bad Joke--The Corticelli--I Take d'Aranda to
+London My Arrival At Calais
+
+As usual, Madame d'Urfe received me with open arms, but I was surprised
+at hearing her tell Aranda to fetch the sealed letter she had given him
+in the morning. I opened it, found it was dated the same day, and
+contained the following:
+
+"My genius told me at day-break that Galtinardus was starting from
+Fontainebleau, and that he will come and dine with me to-day."
+
+She chanced to be right, but I have had many similar experiences in the
+course of my life-experiences which would have turned any other man's
+head. I confess they have surprised me, but they have never made me lose
+my reasoning powers. Men make a guess which turns out to be correct, and
+they immediately claim prophetic power; but they forgot all about the
+many cases in which they have been mistaken. Six months ago I was silly
+enough to bet that a bitch would have a litter of five bitch pups on a
+certain day, and I won. Everyone thought it a marvel except myself, for
+if I had chanced to lose I should have been the first to laugh.
+
+I naturally expressed my admiration for Madame d'Urfe's genius, and
+shared her joy in finding herself so well during her pregnancy. The
+worthy lunatic had given orders that she was not at home to her usual
+callers, in expectation of my arrival, and so we spent the rest of the
+day together, consulting how we could make Aranda go to London of his own
+free will; and as I did not in the least know how it was to be done, the
+replies of the oracle were very obscure. Madame d'Urfe had such a strong
+dislike to bidding him go, that I could not presume on her obedience to
+that extent, and I had to rack my brains to find out some way of making
+the little man ask to be taken to London as a favour.
+
+I went to the Comedie Italienne, where I found Madame du Rumain, who
+seemed glad to see me back in Paris again.
+
+"I want to consult the oracle on a matter of the greatest importance,"
+said she, "and I hope you will come and see me tomorrow."
+
+I, of course, promised to do so.
+
+I did not care for the performance, and should have left the theatre if I
+had not wanted to see the ballet, though I could not guess the peculiar
+interest it would have for me. What was my surprise to see the Corticelli
+amongst the dancers. I thought I would like to speak to her, not for any
+amorous reasons, but because I felt curious to hear her adventures. As I
+came out I met the worthy Baletti, who told me he had left the stage and
+was living on an annuity. I asked him about the Corticelli, and he gave
+me her address, telling me that she was in a poor way.
+
+I went to sup with my brother and his wife, who were delighted to see me,
+and told me that I had come just in time to use a little gentle
+persuasion on our friend the abbe, of whom they had got tired.
+
+"Where is he?"
+
+"You will see him before long, for it is near supper-time; and as eating
+and drinking are the chief concerns of his life, he will not fail to put
+in an appearance."
+
+"What has he done?"
+
+"Everything that a good-for-nothing can do; but I hear him coming, and I
+will tell you all about it in his presence."
+
+The abbe was astonished to see me, and began a polite speech, although I
+did not favour him with so much as a look. Then he asked me what I had
+against him.
+
+"All that an honest man can have against a monster. I have read the
+letter you wrote to Possano, in which I am styled a cheat, a spy, a
+coiner, and a poisoner. What does the abbe think of that?"
+
+He sat down to table without a word, and my brother began as follows:
+
+"When this fine gentleman first came here, my wife and I gave him a most
+cordial welcome. I allowed him a nice room, and told him to look upon my
+house as his own. Possibly with the idea of interesting us in his favour,
+he began by saying that you were the greatest rascal in the world. To
+prove it he told us how he had carried off a girl from Venice with the
+idea of marrying her, and went to you at Genoa as he was in great
+necessity. He confesses that you rescued him from his misery, but he says
+that you traitorously took possession of the girl, associating her with
+two other mistresses you had at that time. In fine, he says that you lay
+with her before his eyes, and that you drove him from Marseilles that you
+might be able to enjoy her with greater freedom.
+
+"He finished his story by saying that as he could not go back to Venice,
+he needed our help till he could find some means of living on his talents
+or through his profession as a priest. I asked him what his talents were,
+and he said he could teach Italian; but as he speaks it vilely, and
+doesn't know a word of French, we laughed at him. We were therefore
+reduced to seeing what we could do for him in his character of priest,
+and the very next day my wife spoke to M. de Sauci, the ecclesiastical
+commissioner, begging him to give my brother an introduction to the
+Archbishop of Paris, who might give him something that might lead to his
+obtaining a good benefice. He would have to go to our parish church, and
+I spoke to the rector of St. Sauveur, who promised to let him say mass,
+for which he would receive the usual sum of twelve sols. This was a very
+good beginning, and might have led to something worth having; but when we
+told the worthy abbe of our success, he got into a rage, saying that he
+was not the man to say mass for twelve sols, nor to toady the archbishop
+in the hope of being taken into his service. No, he was not going to be
+in anyone's service. We concealed our indignation, but for the three
+weeks he has been here he has turned everything upside down. My wife's
+maid left us yesterday, to our great annoyance, because of him; and the
+cook says she will go if he remains, as he is always bothering her in the
+kitchen. We are therefore resolved that he shall go, for his society is
+intolerable to us. I am delighted to have you here, as I think we ought
+to be able to drive him away between us, and the sooner the better."
+
+"Nothing easier," said I; "if he likes to stay in Paris, let him do so.
+You can send off his rags to some furnished apartments, and serve him
+with a police order not to put foot in your house again. On the other
+hand if he wants to go away, let him say where, and I will pay his
+journey-money this evening."
+
+"Nothing could be more generous. What do you say, abbe?"
+
+"I say that this is the way in which he drove me from Marseilles. What
+intolerable violence!"
+
+"Give God thanks, monster, that instead of thrashing you within an inch
+of your life as you deserve, I am going to give you some money! You
+thought you would get me hanged at Lyons, did you?"
+
+"Where is Marcoline?"
+
+"What is that to you? Make haste and choose between Rome and Paris, and
+remember that if you choose Paris you will have nothing to live on."
+
+"Then I will go to Rome."
+
+"Good! The journey only costs twenty louis, but I will give you
+twenty-five."
+
+"Hand them over."
+
+"Patience. Give me pens, ink and paper."
+
+"What are you going to write?"
+
+"Bills of exchange on Lyons, Turin, Genoa, Florence, and Rome. Your place
+will be paid as far as Lyons, and there you will be able to get five
+louis, and the same sum in the other towns, but as long as you stay in
+Paris not one single farthing will I give you. I am staying at the 'Hotel
+Montmorenci;' that's all you need know about me."
+
+I then bade farewell to my brother and his wife, telling them that we
+should meet again. Checco, as we called my brother, told me he would send
+on the abbe's trunk the day following, and I bade him do so by all means.
+
+The next day trunk and abbe came together. I did not even look at him,
+but after I had seen that a room had been assigned to him, I called out
+to the landlord that I would be answerable for the abbe's board and
+lodging for three days, and not a moment more. The abbe tried to speak to
+me, but I sternly declined to have anything to say to him, strictly
+forbidding Clairmont to admit him to my apartments.
+
+When I went to Madame du Rumain's, the porter said,--
+
+"Sir, everybody is still asleep, but who are you? I have instructions."
+
+"I am the Chevalier de Seingalt."
+
+"Kindly come into my lodge, and amuse yourself with my niece. I will soon
+be with you."
+
+I went in, and found a neatly-dressed and charming girl.
+
+"Mademoiselle," said I, "your uncle has told me to come and amuse myself
+with you."
+
+"He is a rascal, for he consulted neither of us."
+
+"Yes, but he knew well enough that there could be no doubt about my
+opinion after I had seen you."
+
+"You are very flattering, sir, but I know the value of compliments."
+
+"Yes, I suppose that you often get them, and you well deserve them all."
+
+The conversation, as well as the pretty eyes of the niece, began to
+interest me, but fortunately the uncle put an end to it by begging me to
+follow him. He took me to the maid's room, and I found her putting on a
+petticoat, and grumbling the while.
+
+"What is the matter, my pretty maid? You don't seem to be in a good
+humour."
+
+"You would have done better to come at noon; it is not nine o'clock yet,
+and madame did not come home till three o'clock this morning. I am just
+going to wake her, and I am sorry for her."
+
+I was taken into the room directly, and though her eyes were half closed
+she thanked me for awaking her, while I apologized for having disturbed
+her sleep.
+
+"Raton," said she, "give us the writing materials, and go away. Don't
+come till I call you, and if anyone asks for me, I am asleep."
+
+"Very good, madam, and I will go to sleep also."
+
+"My dear M. Casanova, how is it that the oracle has deceived us? M. du
+Rumain is still alive, and he ought to have died six months ago. It is
+true that he is not well, but we will not go into all that again. The
+really important question is this: You know that music is my favourite
+pursuit, and that my voice is famous for its strength and compass; well,
+I have completely lost it. I have not sung a note for three months. The
+doctors have stuffed me with remedies which have had no effect: It makes
+me very unhappy, for singing was the one thing that made me cling to
+life. I entreat you to ask the oracle how I can recover my voice. How
+delighted I should be if I could sing by to-morrow. I have a great many
+people coming here, and I should enjoy the general astonishment. If the
+oracle wills it I am sure that it might be so, for I have a very strong
+chest. That is my question; it is a long one, but so much the better; the
+answer will be long too, and I like long answers."
+
+I was of the same opinion, for when the question was a long one, I had
+time to think over the answer as I made the pyramid. Madame Rumain's
+complaint was evidently something trifling, but I was no physician, and
+knew nothing about medicine. Besides, for the honour of the cabala, the
+oracle must have nothing to do with mere empiric remedies. I soon made up
+my mind that a little care in her way of living would soon restore the
+throat to its normal condition, and any doctor with brains in his head
+could have told her as much. In the position I was in, I had to make use
+of the language of a charlatan, so I resolved on prescribing a ceremonial
+worship to the sun, at an hour which would insure some regularity in her
+mode of life.
+
+The oracle declared that she would recover her voice in twenty-one days,
+reckoning from the new moon, if she worshipped the rising sun every
+morning, in a room which had at least one window looking to the east.
+
+A second reply bade her sleep seven hours in succession before she
+sacrificed to the sun, each hour symbolizing one of the seven planets;
+and before she went to sleep she was to take a bath in honour of the
+moon, placing her legs in lukewarm water up to the knees. I then pointed
+out the psalms which she was to recite to the moon, and those which she
+was to say in the face of the rising sun, at a closed window.
+
+This last direction filled her with admiration, "for," said she, "the
+oracle knew that I should catch cold if the window were open. I will do
+everything the oracle bids me," added the credulous lady, "but I hope you
+will get me everything necessary for the ceremonies."
+
+"I will not only take care that you have all the requisites, but as a
+proof of my zeal for you, I will come and do the suffumigations myself
+that you may learn how it is done."
+
+She seemed deeply moved by this offer, but I expected as much. I knew how
+the most trifling services are assessed at the highest rates; and herein
+lies the great secret of success in the world, above all, where ladies of
+fashion are concerned.
+
+As we had to begin the next day, being the new moon, I called on her at
+nine o'clock. As she had to sleep for seven successive hours before
+performing the ceremonies to the rising sun, she would have to go to bed
+before ten; and the observance of all these trifles was of importance, as
+anyone can understand.
+
+I was sure that if anything could restore this lady's voice a careful
+regimen would do it. I proved to be right, and at London I received a
+grateful letter announcing the success of my method.
+
+Madame du Rumain, whose daughter married the Prince de Polignac, was a
+lover of pleasure, and haunted grand supper-parties. She could not expect
+to enjoy perfect health, and she had lost her voice by the way in which
+she had abused it. When she had recovered her voice, as she thought, by
+the influence of the genii, she laughed at anyone who told her that there
+was no such thing as magic.
+
+I found a letter from Therese at Madame d'Urfe's, in which she informed
+me that she would come to Paris and take her son back by force if I did
+not bring him to London, adding that she wanted a positive reply. I did
+not ask for anything more, but I thought Therese very insolent.
+
+I told Aranda that his mother would be waiting for us at Abbeville in a
+week's time, and that she wanted to see him.
+
+"We will both give her the pleasure of seeing us."
+
+"Certainly," said he; "but as you are going on to London, how shall I
+come back?"
+
+"By yourself," said Madame d'Urfe, "dressed as a postillion."
+
+"What shall I ride post? How delightful!"
+
+"You must only cover eight or ten posts a day, for you have no need to
+risk your life by riding all night."
+
+"Yes, yes; but I am to dress like a postillion, am I not?"
+
+"Yes; I will have a handsome jacket and a pair of leather breeches made
+for you, and you shall have a flag with the arms of France on it."
+
+"They will take me for a courier going to London."
+
+With the idea that to throw difficulties in the way would confirm him in
+his desire to go, I said roughly that I could not hear of it, as the
+horse might fall and break his neck. I had to be begged and entreated for
+three days before I would give in, and I did so on the condition that he
+should only ride on his way back.
+
+As he was certain of returning to Paris, he only took linen sufficient
+for a very short absence; but as I knew that once at Abbeville he could
+not escape me, I sent his trunk on to Calais, where we found it on our
+arrival. However, the worthy Madame d'Urfe got him a magnificent
+postillion's suit, not forgetting the top-boots.
+
+This business which offered a good many difficulties was happily arranged
+by the action of pure chance; and I am glad to confess that often in my
+life has chance turned the scale in my favour.
+
+I called on a banker and got him to give me heavy credits on several of
+the most important houses in London, where I wished to make numerous
+acquaintances.
+
+While I was crossing the Place des Victoires, I passed by the house where
+the Corticelli lived, and my curiosity made me enter. She was astonished
+to see me, and after a long silence she burst into tears, and said,--
+
+"I should never have been unhappy if I had never known you."
+
+"Yes, you would, only in some other way; your misfortunes are the result
+of your bad conduct. But tell me what are your misfortunes."
+
+"As I could not stay in Turin after you had dishonoured me . . ."
+
+"You came to dishonour yourself here, I suppose. Drop that tone, or else
+I will leave you."
+
+She began her wretched tale, which struck me with consternation, for I
+could not help feeling that I was the first and final cause of this long
+list of woes. Hence I felt it was my duty to succour her, however ill she
+had treated me in the past.
+
+"Then," said I, "you are at present the victim of a fearful disease,
+heavily in debt, likely to be turned out of doors and imprisoned by your
+creditors. What do you propose to do?"
+
+"Do! Why, throw myself in the Seine, to be sure; that's all that is left
+for me to do. I have not a farthing left."
+
+"And what would you do if you had some money?"
+
+"I would put myself under the doctor's hands, in the first place, and
+then if any money was left I would go to Bologna and try to get a living
+somehow. Perhaps I should have learnt a little wisdom by experience."
+
+"Poor girl, I pity you! and in spite of your bad treatment of me, which
+has brought you to this pass, I will not abandon you. Here are four louis
+for your present wants, and to-morrow I will tell you where you are to go
+for your cure. When you have got well again, I will give you enough money
+for the journey. Dry your tears, repent, amend your ways, and may God
+have mercy on you!"
+
+The poor girl threw herself on the ground before me, and covered one of
+my hands with kisses, begging me to forgive her for the ill she had done
+me. I comforted her and went my way, feeling very sad. I took a coach and
+drove to the Rue de Seine, where I called on an old surgeon I knew, told
+him the story, and what I wanted him to do. He told me he could cure her
+in six weeks without anybody hearing about it, but that he must be paid
+in advance.
+
+"Certainly; but the girl is poor, and I am doing it out of charity."
+
+The worthy man took a piece of paper and gave me a note addressed to a
+house in the Faubourg St. Antoine, which ran as follows:
+
+"You will take in the person who brings you this note and three hundred
+francs, and in six weeks you will send her back cured, if it please God.
+The person has reasons for not wishing to be known."
+
+I was delighted to have managed the matter so speedily and at such a
+cheap rate, and I went to bed in a calmer state of mind, deferring my
+interview with my brother till the next day.
+
+He came at eight o'clock, and, constant to his folly, told me he had a
+plan to which he was sure I could have no objection.
+
+"I don't want to hear anything about it; make your choice, Paris or
+Rome."
+
+"Give me the journey-money, I will remain at Paris; but I will give a
+written engagement not to trouble you or your brother again. That should
+be sufficient."
+
+"It is not for you to judge of that. Begone! I have neither the time nor
+the wish to listen to you. Remember, Paris without a farthing, or Rome
+with twenty-five louis."
+
+Thereupon I called Clairmont, and told him to put the abbe out.
+
+I was in a hurry to have done with the Corticelli affair, and went to the
+house in the Faubourg St. Antoine, where I found a kindly and
+intelligent-looking man and woman, and all the arrangements of the house
+satisfactory and appropriate to the performance of secret cures. I saw
+the room and the bath destined for the new boarder, everything was clean
+and neat, and I gave them a hundred crowns, for which they handed me a
+receipt. I told them that the lady would either come in the course of the
+day, or on the day following.
+
+I went to dine with Madame d'Urfe and the young Count d'Aranda. After
+dinner the worthy marchioness talked to me for a long time of her
+pregnancy, dwelling on her symptoms, and on the happiness that would be
+hers when the babe stirred within her. I had put to a strong restrain
+upon myself to avoid bursting out laughing. When I had finished with her
+I went to the Corticelli, who called me her saviour and her guardian
+angel. I gave her two louis to get some linen out of pawn, and promised
+to come and see her before I left Paris, to give her a hundred crowns,
+which would take her back to Bologna. Then I waited on Madame du Rumain
+who had said farewell to society for three weeks.
+
+This lady had an excellent heart, and was pretty as well, but she had so
+curious a society-manner that she often made me laugh most heartily. She
+talked of the sun and moon as if they were two Exalted Personages, to
+whom she was about to be presented. She was once discussing with me the
+state of the elect in heaven, and said that their greatest happiness was,
+no doubt, to love God to distraction, for she had no idea of calm and
+peaceful bliss.
+
+I gave her the incense for the fumigation, and told her what psalms to
+recite, and then we had a delicious supper. She told her chamber-maid to
+escort me at ten o'clock to a room on the second floor which she had
+furnished for me with the utmost luxury, adding,--
+
+"Take care that the Chevalier de Seingalt is able to come into my room at
+five o'clock to-morrow."
+
+At nine o'clock I placed her legs in a bath of lukewarm water, and taught
+her how to suffumigate. Her legs were moulded by the hand of the Graces
+and I wiped them amorously, laughing within myself at her expression of
+gratitude, and I then laid her in bed, contenting myself with a solemn
+kiss on her pretty forehead. When it was over I went up to my room where
+I was waited on by the pretty maid, who performed her duties with that
+grace peculiar to the French soubrette, and told me that as I had become
+her mistress's chambermaid it was only right that she should be my valet.
+Her mirth was infectious, and I tried to make her sit down on my knee;
+but she fled away like a deer, telling me that I ought to take care of
+myself if I wanted to cut a good figure at five o'clock the next day. She
+was wrong, but appearances were certainly against us, and it is well
+known that servants do not give their masters and mistresses the benefit
+of the doubt.
+
+At five o'clock in the morning I found Madame du Rumain nearly dressed
+when I went into her room, and we immediately went into another, from
+which the rising sun might have been see if the "Hotel de Bouillon" had
+not been in the way, but that, of course, was a matter of no consequence.
+Madame du Rumain performed the ceremonies with all the dignity of an
+ancient priestess of Baal. She then sat down to her piano, telling me
+that to find some occupation for the long morning of nine hours would
+prove the hardest of all the rules, for she did not dine till two, which
+was then the fashionable hour. We had a meat breakfast without coffee,
+which I had proscribed, and I left her, promising to call again before I
+left Paris.
+
+When I got back to my inn, I found my brother there looking very uneasy
+at my absence at such an early hour. When I saw him I cried,--
+
+"Rome or Paris, which is it to be?"
+
+"Rome," he replied, cringingly.
+
+"Wait in the antechamber. I will do your business for you."
+
+When I had finished I called him in, and found my other brother and his
+wife, who said they had come to ask me to give them a dinner.
+
+"Welcome!" said I. "You are come just in time to see me deal with the
+abbe, who has resolved at last to go to Rome and to follow my
+directions."
+
+I sent Clairmont to the diligence office, and told him to book a place
+for Lyons; and then I wrote out five bills of exchange, of five louis
+each, on Lyons, Turin, Genoa, Florence, and Rome.
+
+"Who is to assure me that these bills will be honoured?"
+
+"I assure you, blockhead. If you don't like them you can leave them."
+
+Clairmont brought the ticket for the diligence and I gave it to the abbe,
+telling him roughly to be gone.
+
+"But I may dine with you, surely?" said he.
+
+"No, I have done with you. Go and dine with Possano, as you are his
+accomplice in the horrible attempt he made to murder me. Clairmont, shew
+this man out, and never let him set foot here again."
+
+No doubt more than one of my readers will pronounce my treatment of the
+abbe to have been barbarous; but putting aside the fact that I owe no man
+an account of my thoughts, deeds, and words, nature had implanted in me a
+strong dislike to this brother of mine, and his conduct as a man and a
+priest, and, above all, his connivance with Possano, had made him so
+hateful to me that I should have watched him being hanged with the utmost
+indifference, not to say with the greatest pleasure. Let everyone have
+his own principles and his own passions, and my favourite passion has
+always been vengeance.
+
+"What did you do with the girl he eloped with?" said my sister-in-raw.
+
+"I sent her back to Venice with the ambassadors the better by thirty
+thousand francs, some fine jewels, and a perfect outfit of clothes. She
+travelled in a carriage I gave her which was worth more than two hundred
+louis."
+
+"That's all very fine, but you must make some allowance for the abbe's
+grief and rage at seeing you sleep with her."
+
+"Fools, my dear sister, are made to suffer such grief, and many others
+besides. Did he tell you that she would not let him have anything to do
+with her, and that she used to box his ears?"
+
+"On the the contrary, he was always talking of her love for him."
+
+"He made himself a fine fellow, I have no doubt, but the truth is, it was
+a very ugly business."
+
+After several hours of pleasant conversation my brother left, and I took
+my sister-in-law to the opera. As soon as we were alone this poor sister
+of mine began to make the most bitter complaints of my brother.
+
+"I am no more his wife now," said she, "than I was the night before our
+marriage."
+
+"What! Still a maid?"
+
+"As much a maid as at the moment I was born. They tell me I could easily
+obtain a dissolution of the marriage, but besides the scandal that would
+arise, I unhappily love him, and I should not like to do anything that
+would give him pain."
+
+"You are a wonderful woman, but why do you not provide a substitute for
+him?"
+
+"I know I might do so, without having to endure much remorse, but I
+prefer to bear it."
+
+"You are very praiseworthy, but in the other ways you are happy?"
+
+"He is overwhelmed with debt, and if I liked to call upon him to give me
+back my dowry he would not have a shirt to his back. Why did he marry me?
+He must have known his impotence. It was a dreadful thing to do."
+
+"Yes, but you must forgive him for it."
+
+She had cause for complaint, for marriage without enjoyment is a thorn
+without roses. She was passionate, but her principles were stronger than
+her passions, or else she would have sought for what she wanted
+elsewhere. My impotent brother excused himself by saying that he loved
+her so well that he thought cohabitation with her would restore the
+missing faculty; he deceived himself and her at the same time. In time
+she died, and he married another woman with the same idea, but this time
+passion was stronger than virtue, and his new wife drove him away from
+Paris. I shall say more of him in twenty years time.
+
+At six o'clock the next morning the abbe went off in the diligence, and I
+did not see him for six years. I spent the day with Madame d'Urfe, and I
+agreed, outwardly, that young d'Aranda should return to Paris as a
+postillion. I fixed our departure for the day after next.
+
+The following day, after dining with Madame d'Urfe who continued to revel
+in the joys of her regeneration, I paid a visit to the Corticelli in her
+asylum. I found her sad and suffering, but content, and well pleased with
+the gentleness of the surgeon and his wife, who told me they would effect
+a radical cure. I gave her twelve louis, promising to send her twelve
+more as soon as I had received a letter from her written at Bologna. She
+promised she would write to me, but the poor unfortunate was never able
+to keep her word, for she succumbed to the treatment, as the old surgeon
+wrote to me, when I was at London. He asked what he should do with the
+twelve louis which she had left to one Madame Laura, who was perhaps
+known to me. I sent him her address, and the honest surgeon hastened to
+fulfil the last wishes of the deceased.
+
+All the persons who helped me in my magical operations with Madame d'Urfe
+betrayed me, Marcoline excepted, and all save the fair Venetian died
+miserably. Later on the reader will hear more of Possano and Costa.
+
+The day before I left for London I supped with Madame du Rumain, who told
+me that her voice was already beginning to return. She added a sage
+reflection which pleased me highly.
+
+"I should think," she observed, "that the careful living prescribed by
+the cabala must have a good effect on my health."
+
+"Most certainly," said I, "and if you continue to observe the rules you
+will keep both your health and your voice."
+
+I knew that it is often necessary to deceive before one can instruct; the
+shadows must come before the dawn.
+
+I took leave of my worthy Madame d'Urfe with an emotion which I had never
+experienced before; it must have been a warning that I should never see
+her again. I assured her that I would faithfully observe all my promises,
+and she replied that her happiness was complete, and that she knew she
+owed it all to me. In fine, I took d'Aranda and his top-boots, which he
+was continually admiring, to my inn, whence we started in the evening, as
+he had begged me to travel by night. He was ashamed to be seen in a
+carriage dressed as a courier.
+
+When we reached Abbeville he asked me where his mother was.
+
+"We will see about it after dinner."
+
+"But you can find out in a moment whether she is here or not?"
+
+"Yes, but there is no hurry."
+
+"And what will you do if she is not here?"
+
+"We will go on till we meet her on the way. In the meanwhile let us go
+and see the famous manufactory of M. Varobes before dinner."
+
+"Go by yourself. I am tired, and I will sleep till you come back."
+
+"Very good."
+
+I spent two hours in going over the magnificent establishment, the owner
+himself shewing it me, and then I went back to dinner and called for my
+young gentleman.
+
+"He started for Paris riding post," replied the innkeeper, who was also
+the post-master, "five minutes after you left. He said he was going after
+some dispatches you had left at Paris."
+
+"If you don't get him back I will ruin you with law-suits; you had no
+business to let him have a horse without my orders."
+
+"I will capture the little rascal, sir, before he has got to Amiens."
+
+He called a smart-looking postillion, who laughed when he heard what was
+wanted.
+
+"I would catch him up," said he, "even if he had four hours start. You
+shall have him here at six o'clock."
+
+"I will give you two louis."
+
+"I would catch him for that, though he were a very lark."
+
+He was in the saddle in five minutes, and by the rate at which he started
+I did not doubt his success. Nevertheless I could not enjoy my dinner. I
+felt so ashamed to have been taken in by a lad without any knowledge of
+the world. I lay down on a bed and slept till the postillion aroused me
+by coming in with the runaway, who looked half dead. I said nothing to
+him, but gave orders that he should be locked up in a good room, with a
+good bed to sleep on, and a good supper; and I told the landlord that I
+should hold him answerable for the lad as long as I was in his inn. The
+postillion had caught him up at the fifth post, just before Amiens, and
+as he was already quite tired out the little man surrendered like a lamb.
+
+At day-break I summoned him before me, and asked him if he would come to
+London of his own free will or bound hand and foot.
+
+"I will come with you, I give you my word of honour; but you must let me
+ride on before you. Otherwise, with this dress of mine, I should be
+ashamed to go. I don't want it to be thought that you had to give chase
+to me, as if I had robbed you."
+
+"I accept your word of honour, but be careful to keep it. Embrace me, and
+order another saddle-horse."
+
+He mounted his horse in high spirits, and rode in front of the carriage
+with Clairmont. He was quite astonished to find his trunk at Calais,
+which he reached two hours before me.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+My Arrival in London; Madame Cornelis--I Am Presented at Court--I Rent a
+Furnished House--I Make a Large Circle of Acquaintance--Manners of the
+English
+
+When I got to Calais I consigned my post-chaise to the care of the
+landlord of the inn, and hired a packet. There was only one available for
+a private party, there being another for public use at six francs apiece.
+I paid six guineas in advance, taking care to get a proper receipt, for I
+knew that at Calais a man finds himself in an awkward position if he is
+unable to support his claim by documents.
+
+Before the tide was out Clairmont got all my belongings on board, and I
+ordered my supper. The landlord told me that louis were not current in
+England, and offered to give me guineas in exchange for mine; but I was
+surprised when I found he gave me the same number of guineas as I had
+given him of louis. I wanted him to take the difference--four per
+cent.--but he refused, saying that he did not allow anything when the
+English gave him guineas for louis. I do not know whether he found his
+system a profitable one on the whole, but it was certainly so for me.
+
+The young Count d'Aranda, to whom I had restored his humble name of
+Trenti, was quite resigned, but proud of having given me a specimen of
+his knowingness by riding post. We were just going to sit down at table,
+well pleased with one another, when I heard a loud conversation in
+English going on near my door, and mine host came in to tell me what it
+was about.
+
+"It's the courier of the Duke of Bedford, the English ambassador," said
+he; "he announces the approach of his master, and is disputing with the
+captain of the packet. He says he hired the boat by letter, and that the
+captain had no right to let it to you. The master maintains that he has
+received no such letter, and no one can prove that he is telling a lie."
+
+I congratulated myself on having taken the packet and paid the
+earnest-money, and went to bed. At day-break the landlord said that the
+ambassador had arrived at midnight, and that his man wanted to see me.
+
+He came in and told me that the nobleman, his master, was in a great
+hurry to get to London, and that I should oblige him very much by
+yielding the boat to him.
+
+I did not answer a word, but wrote a note which ran as follows:
+
+"My lord duke may dispose of the whole of the packet, with the exception
+of the space necessary for my own accommodation, that of two other
+persons, and my luggage. I am delighted to have the opportunity of
+obliging the English ambassador."
+
+The valet took the note, and returned to thank me on behalf of his
+master, who stipulated, however, that he should be allowed to pay for the
+packet.
+
+"Tell him that it is out of the question, as the boat is paid for
+already."
+
+"He will give you the six guineas."
+
+"Tell your master that I cannot allow him to pay. I do not buy to sell
+again."
+
+The duke called on me in the course of half an hour, and said that we
+were both of us in the right.
+
+"However," he added, "there is a middle course, let us adopt it, and I
+shall be just as much indebted to you."
+
+"What is that, my lord?"
+
+"We will each pay half."
+
+"My desire to oblige you, my lord, will not allow me to refuse, but it is
+I who will be indebted to you for the honour your lordship does me. We
+will start as soon as you like, and I can make my arrangements
+accordingly."
+
+He shook my hand and left the room, and when he had gone I found three
+guineas on the table. He had placed them there without my noticing them.
+An hour afterwards I returned his call, and then told the master to take
+the duke and his carriages on board.
+
+We took two hours and a half in crossing the Channel; the wind was
+strong, but we made a good passage.
+
+The stranger who sets his foot on English soil has need of a good deal of
+patience. The custom-house officials made a minute, vexatious and even an
+impertinent perquisition; but as the duke and ambassador had to submit, I
+thought it best to follow his example; besides, resistance would be
+useless. The Englishman, who prides himself on his strict adherence to
+the law of the land, is curt and rude in his manner, and the English
+officials cannot be compared to the French, who know how to combine
+politeness with the exercise of their rights.
+
+English is different in every respect from the rest of Europe; even the
+country has a different aspect, and the water of the Thames has a taste
+peculiar to itself. Everything has its own characteristics, and the fish,
+cattle, horses, men, and women are of a type not found in any other land.
+Their manner of living is wholly different from that of other countries,
+especially their cookery. The most striking feature in their character is
+their national pride; they exalt themselves above all other nations.
+
+My attention was attracted by the universal cleanliness, the beauty of
+the country, the goodness of the roads, the reasonable charges for
+posting, the quickness of the horses, although they never go beyond a
+trot; and lastly, the construction of the towns on the Dover road;
+Canterbury and Rochester for instance, though large and populous, are
+like long passages; they are all length and no breadth.
+
+We got to London in the evening and stopped at the house of Madame
+Cornelis, as Therese called herself. She was originally married to an
+actor named Imer, then to the dancer Pompeati, who committed suicide at
+Venice by ripping up his stomach with a razor.
+
+In Holland she had been known as Madame Trenti, but at London she had
+taken the name of her lover Cornelius Rigerboos, whom she had contrived
+to ruin.
+
+She lived in Soho Square, almost facing the house of the Venetian
+ambassador. When I arrived I followed the instructions I had received in
+her last letter. I left her son in the carriage, and sent up my name,
+expecting she would fly to meet me; but the porter told me to wait, and
+in a few minutes a servant in grand livery brought me a note in which
+Madame Cornelis asked me to get down at the house to which her servant
+would conduct me. I thought this rather strange behaviour, but still she
+might have her reasons for acting in this manner, so I did not let my
+indignation appear. When we got to the house, a fat woman named Rancour,
+and two servants, welcomed us, or rather welcomed my young friend; for
+the lady embraced him, told him how glad she was to see him, and did not
+appear to be aware of my existence.
+
+Our trunks were taken in, and Madame Rancour having ascertained which
+belonged to Cornelis, had them placed in a fine suite of three rooms, and
+said, pointing out to him the apartment and the two servants,
+
+"This apartment and the two servants are for you, and I, too, am your
+most humble servant."
+
+Clairmont told me that he had put my things in a room which communicated
+with Cornelis's. I went to inspect it, and saw directly that I was being
+treated as if I were a person of no consequence. The storm of anger was
+gathering, but wonderful to relate, I subdued myself, and did not say a
+word.
+
+"Where is your room?" I said to Clairmont.
+
+"Near the roof, and I am to share it with one of those two louts you
+saw."
+
+The worthy Clairmont, who knew my disposition, was surprised at the calm
+with which I said,--
+
+"Take your trunk there."
+
+"Shall I open yours?"
+
+"No. We will see what can be done to-morrow."
+
+I still kept on my mask, and returned to the room of the young gentleman
+who seemed to be considered as my master. I found him listening with a
+foolish stare to Madame Rancour, who was telling him of the splendid
+position his mother occupied, her great enterprise, her immense credit,
+the splendid house she had built, her thirty-three servants, her two
+secretaries, her six horses, her country house, etc., etc.
+
+"How is my sister Sophie?" said the young gentleman.
+
+"Her name is Sophie, is it? She is only known as Miss Cornelis. She is a
+beauty, a perfect prodigy, she plays at sight on several instruments,
+dances like Terpsichore, speaks English, French, and Italian equally
+well--in a word, she is really wonderful. She has a governess and a maid.
+Unfortunately, she is rather short for her age; she is eight."
+
+She was ten, but as Madame Rancour was not speaking to me I refrained
+from interrupting her.
+
+My lord Cornelis, who felt very tired, asked at what hour they were to
+sup.
+
+"At ten o'clock and not before," said the duenna, "for Madame Cornelis is
+always engaged till then. She is always with her lawyer, on account of an
+important law-suit she has against Sir Frederick Fermer."
+
+I could see that I should learn nothing worth learning by listening to
+the woman's gossip, so I took my hat and cane and went for a walk in the
+immense city, taking care not to lose my way.
+
+It was seven o'clock when I went out, and a quarter of an hour after,
+seeing a number of people in a coffeehouse, I entered it. It was the most
+notorious place in London, the resort of all the rascally Italians in
+town. I had heard of it at Lyons, and had taken a firm resolve never to
+set foot in it, but almighty chance made me go there unknown to myself.
+But it was my only visit.
+
+I sat down by myself and called for a glass of lemonade, and before long
+a man came and sat by me to profit by the light. He had a printed paper
+in his hand, and I could see that the words were Italian. He had a pencil
+with which he scratched out some words and letters, writing the
+corrections in the margin. Idle curiosity made me follow him in his work,
+and I noticed him correcting the word 'ancora', putting in an 'h' in the
+margin. I was irritated by this barbarous spelling, and told him that for
+four centuries 'ancora' had been spelt without an 'h'.
+
+"Quite so," said he, "but I am quoting from Boccaccio, and one should be
+exact in quotations."
+
+"I apologize, sir; I see you are a man of letters."
+
+"Well, in a small way. My name is Martinelli."
+
+"Then you are in a great way indeed. I know you by repute, and if I am
+not mistaken you are a relation of Calsabigi, who has spoken of you to
+me. I have read some of your satires."
+
+"May I ask to whom I have the honour of speaking?"
+
+"My name is Seingalt. Have you finished your edition of the Decameron?"
+
+"I am still at work on it, and trying to increase the number of my
+subscribers."
+
+"If you will be so kind I should be glad to be of the number."
+
+"You do me honour."
+
+He gave me a ticket, and seeing that it was only for a guinea I took
+four, and telling him I hoped to see him again at the same coffee-house,
+the name of which I asked him, he told it me, evidently astonished at my
+ignorance; but his surprise vanished when I informed him that I had only
+been in London for an hour, and that it was my first visit to the great
+city.
+
+"You will experience some trouble in finding your way back," said he,
+"allow me to accompany you."
+
+When we had got out he gave me to understand that chance had led me to
+the "Orange Coffee House," the most disreputable house in London.
+
+"But you go there."
+
+"Yes, but I can say with Juvenal:
+
+"'Cantabit vacuus coram latrone viator.'
+
+"The rogues can't hurt me; I know them and they know me; we never trouble
+each other."
+
+"You have been a long time in London, I suppose."
+
+"Five years."
+
+"I presume you know a good many people."
+
+"Yes, but I seldom wait on anyone but Lord Spencer. I am occupied with
+literary work and live all by myself. I don't make much, but enough to
+live on. I live in furnished apartments, and have twelve shirts and the
+clothes you see on my back, and that is enough for my happiness.
+
+        "'Nec ultra deos lacesso.'"
+
+I was pleased with this honest man, who spoke Italian with the most
+exquisite correctness.
+
+On the way back I asked him what I had better do to get a comfortable
+lodging. When he heard the style in which I wished to live and the time I
+proposed to spend in London, he advised me to take a house completely
+furnished.
+
+"You will be given an inventory of the goods," said he, "and as soon as
+you get a surety your house will be your castle."
+
+"I like the idea," I answered, "but how shall I find such a house?"
+
+"That is easily done."
+
+He went into a shop, begged the mistress to lend him the Advertiser,
+noted down several advertisements, and said,--
+
+"That's all we have to do."
+
+The nearest house was in Pall Mall and we went to see it. An old woman
+opened the door to us, and shewed us the ground floor and the three
+floors above. Each floor contained two rooms and a closet. Everything
+shone with cleanliness; linen, furniture, carpets, mirrors, and china,
+and even the bells and the bolts on the doors. The necessary linen was
+kept in a large press, and in another was the silver plate and several
+sets of china. The arrangements in the kitchen were excellent, and in a
+word, nothing was lacking in the way of comfort. The rent was twenty
+guineas a week, and, not stopping to bargain, which is never of any use
+in London, I told Martinelli that I would take it on the spot.
+
+Martinelli translated what I said to the old woman, who told me that if I
+liked to keep her on as housekeeper I need not have a surety, and that it
+would only be necessary for me to pay for each week in advance. I
+answered that I would do so, but that she must get me a servant who could
+speak French or Italian as well as English. She promised to get one in a
+day's time, and I paid her for four weeks' rent on the spot, for which
+she gave me a receipt under the name of the Chevalier de Seingalt. This
+was the name by which I was known during the whole of my stay in London.
+
+Thus in less than two hours I was comfortably settled in a town which is
+sometimes described as a chaos, especially for a stranger. But in London
+everything is easy to him who has money and is not afraid of spending it.
+I was delighted to be able to escape so soon from a house where I was
+welcomed so ill, though I had a right to the best reception; but I was
+still more pleased at the chance which had made me acquainted with
+Martinelli, whom I had known by repute for six years.
+
+When I got back Madame Cornelis had not yet arrived, though ten o'clock
+had struck. Young Cornelis was asleep on the sofa. I was enraged at the
+way the woman treated me, but I resolved to put a good face on it.
+
+Before long three loud knocks announced the arrival of Madame Cornelis in
+a sedan-chair, and I heard her ascending the stairs. She came in and
+seemed glad to see me, but did not come and give me those caresses which
+I had a right to expect. She ran to her son and took him on her knee, but
+the sleepy boy did not respond to her kisses with any great warmth.
+
+"He is very tired, like myself," said I, "and considering that we are
+travellers in need of rest you have kept us waiting a long time."
+
+I do not know whether she would have answered at all, or, if so, what her
+answer would have been, for just at that moment a servant came in and
+said that supper was ready. She rose and did me the honour to take my
+arm, and we went into another room which I had not seen. The table was
+laid for four, and I was curious enough to enquire who was the fourth
+person.
+
+"It was to have been my daughter, but I left her behind, as when I told
+her that you and her brother had arrived she asked me if you were well."
+
+"And you have punished her for doing so?"
+
+"Certainly, for in my opinion she ought to have asked for her brother
+first and then for you. Don't you think I was right?"
+
+"Poor Sophie! I am sorry for her. Gratitude has evidently more influence
+over her than blood relationship."
+
+"It is not a question of sentiment, but of teaching young persons to
+think with propriety."
+
+"Propriety is often far from proper."
+
+The woman told her son that she was working hard to leave him a fortune
+when she died, and that she had been obliged to summon him to England as
+he was old enough to help her in her business.
+
+"And how am I to help you, my dear mother?"
+
+"I give twelve balls and twelve suppers to the nobility, and the same
+number to the middle classes in the year. I have often as many as six
+hundred guests at two guineas a head. The expenses are enormous, and
+alone as I am I must be robbed, for I can't be in two places at once. Now
+that you are here you can keep everything under lock and key, keep the
+books, pay and receive accounts, and see that everyone is properly
+attended to at the assemblies; in fine, you will perform the duties of
+the master."
+
+"And do you think that I can do all that?"
+
+"You will easily learn it."
+
+"I think it will be very difficult."
+
+"One of my secretaries will come and live with you, and instruct you in
+everything. During the first year you will only have to acquire the
+English language, and to be present at my assemblies, that I may
+introduce you to the most distinguished people in London. You will get
+quite English before long."
+
+"I would rather remain French."
+
+"That's mere prejudice, my dear, you will like the sound of Mister
+Cornelis by-and-bye."
+
+"Cornelis?"
+
+"Yes; that is your name."
+
+"It's a very funny one."
+
+"I will write it down, so that you may not forget it." Thinking that her
+dear son was joking. Madame Cornelis looked at me in some astonishment,
+and told him to go to bed, which he did instantly. When we were alone she
+said he struck her as badly educated, and too small for his age.
+
+"I am very much afraid," said she, "that we shall have to begin his
+education all over again. What has he learnt in the last six years?"
+
+"He might have learnt a great deal, for he went to the best boarding
+school in Paris; but he only learnt what he liked, and what he liked was
+not much. He can play the flute, ride, fence, dance a minuet, change his
+shirt every day, answer politely, make a graceful bow, talk elegant
+trifles, and dress well. As he never had any application, he doesn't know
+anything about literature; he can scarcely write, his spelling is
+abominable, his arithmetic limited, and I doubt whether he knows in what
+continent England is situated."
+
+"He has used the six years well, certainly."
+
+"Say, rather, he has wasted them; but he will waste many more."
+
+"My daughter will laugh at him; but then it is I who have had the care of
+her education. He will be ashamed when he finds her so well instructed
+though she is only eight."
+
+"He will never see her at eight, if I know anything of reckoning; she is
+fully ten."
+
+"I think I ought to know the age of my own daughter. She knows geography,
+history, languages, and music; she argues correctly, and behaves in a
+manner which is surprising in so young a child. All the ladies are in
+love with her. I keep her at a school of design all day; she shews a
+great taste for drawing. She dines with me on Sundays, and if you would
+care to come to dinner next Sunday you will confess that I have not
+exaggerated her capacities."
+
+It was Monday. I said nothing, but I thought it strange that she did not
+seem to consider that I was impatient to see my daughter. She should have
+asked me to meet her at supper the following evening.
+
+"You are just in time," said she, "to witness the last assembly of the
+year; for in a few weeks all the nobility will leave town in order to
+pass the summer in the country. I can't give you a ticket, as they are
+only issued to the nobility, but you can come as my friend and keep close
+to me. You will see everything. If I am asked who you are, I will say
+that you have superintended the education of my son in Paris, and have
+brought him back to me."
+
+"You do me too much honour."
+
+We continued talking till two o'clock in the morning, and she told me all
+about the suit she had with Sir Frederick Fermer. He maintained that the
+house she had built at a cost of ten thousand guineas belonged to him as
+he had furnished the money. In equity he was right, but according to
+English law wrong, for it was she who had paid the workmen, the
+contractors, and the architect; it was she that had given and received
+receipts, and signed all documents.  The house, therefore, belonged to
+her, and Fermer admitted as much; but he claimed the sum he had
+furnished, and here was the kernel of the whole case, for she had defied
+him to produce a single acknowledgment of money received.
+
+"I confess," said this honest woman, "that you have often given me a
+thousand pounds at a time, but that was a friendly gift, and nothing to
+be wondered at in a rich Englishman, considering that we were lovers and
+lived together."
+
+She had won her suit four times over in two years, but Fermer took
+advantage of the intricacies of English law to appeal again and again,
+and now he had gone to the House of Lords, the appeal to which might last
+fifteen years.
+
+"This suit," said the honest lady, "dishonours Fermer."
+
+"I should think it did, but you surely don't think it honours you."
+
+"Certainly I do."
+
+"I don't quite understand how you make that out."
+
+"I will explain it all to you."
+
+"We will talk it over again."
+
+In the three hours for which we talked together this woman did not once
+ask me how I was, whether I was comfortable, how long I intended to stay
+in London, or whether I had made much money. In short she made no
+enquiries what ever about me, only saying with a smile, but not
+heedlessly,--
+
+"I never have a penny to spare."
+
+Her receipts amounted to more than twenty-four thousand pounds per annum,
+but her expenses were enormous and she had debts.
+
+I avenged myself on her indifference by not saying a word about myself. I
+was dresssed simply but neatly, and had not any jewellry or diamonds
+about my person.
+
+I went to bed annoyed with her, but glad to have discovered the badness
+of her heart. In spite of my longing to see my daughter I determined not
+to take any steps to meet her till the ensuing Sunday, when I was invited
+to dinner.
+
+Early next morning I told Clairmont to pull all my goods and chattels in
+a carriage, and when all was ready I went to take leave of young
+Cornelis, telling him I was going to live in Pall Mall, and leaving him
+my address.
+
+"You are not going to stay with me, then?" said he.
+
+"No, your mother doesn't know how to welcome or to treat me."
+
+"I think you are right. I shall go back to Paris."
+
+"Don't do anything so silly. Remember that here you are at home, and that
+in Paris you might not find a roof to shelter you. Farewell; I shall see
+you on Sunday."
+
+I was soon settled in my new house, and I went out to call on M. Zuccato,
+the Venetian ambassador. I gave him M. Morosini's letter, and he said,
+coldly, that he was glad to make my acquaintance. When I asked him to
+present me at Court the insolent fool only replied with a smile, which
+might fairly be described as contemptuous. It was the aristocratic pride
+coming out, so I returned his smile with a cold bow, and never set foot
+in his house again.
+
+On leaving Zuccato I called on Lord Egremont, and finding him ill left my
+letter with the porter. He died a few days after, so M. Morosini's
+letters were both useless through no fault of his. We shall learn
+presently what was the result of the little note.
+
+I then went to the Comte de Guerchi, the French ambassador, with a letter
+from the Marquis Chauvelin, and I received a warm welcome. This nobleman
+asked me to dine with him the following day, and told me that if I liked
+he would present me at Court after chapel on Sunday. It was at that
+ambassador's table that I made the acquaintance of the Chevalier d'Eon,
+the secretary of the embassy, who afterwards became famous. This
+Chevalier d'Eon was a handsome woman who had been an advocate and a
+captain of dragoons before entering the diplomatic service; she served
+Louis XV. as a valiant soldier and a diplomatist of consummate skill. In
+spite of her manly ways I soon recognized her as a woman; her voice was
+not that of a castrato, and her shape was too rounded to be a man's. I
+say nothing of the absence of hair on her face, as that might be an
+accident.
+
+In the first days of my stay in London I made the acquaintance of my
+bankers; who held at least three hundred thousand francs of my money.
+They all honoured my drafts and offered their services to me, but I did
+not make use of their good offices.
+
+I visited the theatres of Covent Garden and Drury Lane, but I could not
+extract much enjoyment out of the performances as I did not know a word of
+English. I dined at all the taverns, high and low, to get some insight
+into the peculiar manners of the English. In the morning I went on
+'Change, where I made some friends. It was there that a merchant to whom
+I spoke got me a Negro servant who spoke English, French, and Italian
+with equal facility; and the same individual procured me a cook who spoke
+French. I also visited the bagnios where a rich man can sup, bathe, and
+sleep with a fashionable courtezan, of which species there are many in
+London. It makes a magnificent debauch and only costs six guineas. The
+expense may be reduced to a hundred francs, but economy in pleasure is
+not to my taste.
+
+On Sunday I made an elegant toilette and went to Court about eleven, and
+met the Comte de Guerchi as we had arranged. He introduced me to George
+III., who spoke to me, but in such a low voice that I could not
+understand him and had to reply by a bow. The queen made up for the king,
+however, and I was delighted to observe that the proud ambassador from my
+beloved Venice was also present. When M. de Guerchi introduced me under
+the name of the Chevalier de Seingalt, Zuccato looked astonished, for Mr.
+Morosini had called me Casanova in his letter. The queen asked me from
+what part of France I came, and understanding from my answer that I was
+from Venice, she looked at the Venetian ambassador, who bowed as if to
+say that he had no objection to make. Her Majesty then asked me if I knew
+the ambassadors extraordinary, who had been sent to congratulate the
+king, and I replied that I had the pleasure of knowing them intimately,
+and that I had spent three days in their society at Lyons, where M.
+Morosini gave me letters for my Lord d'Egremont and M. Zuccato.
+
+"M. Querini amused me extremely," said the queen; "he called me a little
+devil."
+
+"He meant to say that your highness is as witty as an angel."
+
+I longed for the queen to ask me why I had not been presented by M.
+Zuccatto, for I had a reply on the tip of my tongue that would have
+deprived the ambassador of his sleep for a week, while I should have
+slept soundly, for vengeance is a divine pleasure, especially when it is
+taken on the proud and foolish; but the whole conversation was a compound
+of nothings, as is usual in courts.
+
+After my interview was over I got into my sedan-chair and went to Soho
+Square. A man in court dress cannot walk the streets of London without
+being pelted with mud by the mob, while the gentleman look on and laugh.
+All customs must be respected; they are all at once worthy and absurd.
+
+When I got to the house of Madame Cornelis, I and my Negro Jarbe were
+shewn upstairs, and conducted through a suite of gorgeous apartments to a
+room where the lady of the house was sitting with two English ladies and
+two English gentlemen. She received me with familiar politeness, made me
+sit down in an armchair beside her, and then continued the conversation
+in English without introducing me. When her steward told her that dinner
+was ready, she gave orders for the children to be brought down.
+
+I had long desired this meeting, and when I saw Sophie I ran to meet her;
+but she, who had profited by her mother's instructions, drew back with
+profound courtesy and a compliment learnt by heart. I did not say
+anything for fear I should embarrass her, but I felt grieved to the
+heart.
+
+Madame Cornelis then brought forward her son, telling the company that I
+had brought him to England after superintending his education for six
+years. She spoke in French, so I was glad to see that her friends
+understood that language.
+
+We sat down to table; Madame Cornelis between her two children, and I
+between the two Englishwomen, one of whom delighted me by her pleasant
+wit. I attached myself to her as soon as I noticed that the mistress of
+the house only spoke to me by chance, and that Sophie did not look at me.
+She was so like me that no mistake was possible. I could see that she had
+been carefully tutored by her mother to behave in this manner, and I felt
+this treatment to be both absurd and impertinent.
+
+I did not want to let anyone see that I was angry, so I began to
+discourse in a pleasant strain on the peculiarities of English manners,
+taking care, however, not to say anything which might wound the insular
+pride of the English guests. My idea was to make them laugh and to make
+myself agreeable, and I succeeded, but not a word did I speak to Madame
+Cornelis; I did not so much as look at her.
+
+The lady next to me, after admiring the beauty of my lace, asked me what
+was the news at Court.
+
+"It was all news to me," said I, "for I went there to-day for the first
+time."
+
+"Have you seen the king?" said Sir Joseph Cornelis.
+
+"My dear, you should not ask such questions," said his mother.
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"Because the gentleman may not wish to answer them."
+
+"On the contrary, madam, I like being questioned. I have been teaching
+your son for the last six years to be always asking something, for that
+is the way to acquire knowledge. He who asks nothing knows nothing."
+
+I had touched her to the quick, and she fell into a sulky silence.
+
+"You have not told me yet," said the lad, "whether you saw the king."
+
+"Yes, my man, I saw the king and the queen, and both their majesties did
+me the honour to speak to me."
+
+"Who introduced you?"
+
+"The French ambassador."
+
+"I think you will agree with me," said the mother, "that last question
+was a little too much."
+
+"Certainly it would be if it were addressed to a stranger, but not to me
+who am his friend. You will notice that the reply he extracted from me
+did me honour. If I had not wished it to be known that I had been at
+Court, I should not have come here in this dress."
+
+"Very good; but as you like to be questioned, may I ask you why you were
+not presented by your own ambassador?"
+
+"Because the Venetian ambassador would not present me, knowing that his
+Government have a bone to pick with me."
+
+By this time we had come to the dessert, and poor Sophie had not uttered
+a syllable.
+
+"Say something to M. de Seingalt," said her mother.
+
+"I don't know what to say," she answered. "Tell M. de Seingalt to ask me
+some questions, and I will answer to the best of my ability."
+
+"Well, Sophie, tell me in what studies you are engaged at the present
+time."
+
+"I am learning drawing; if you like I will shew you some of my work."
+
+"I will look at it with pleasure; but tell me how you think you have
+offended me; you have a guilty air."
+
+"I, sir? I do not think I have done anything amiss."
+
+"Nor do I, my dear; but as you do not look at me when you speak I thought
+you must be ashamed of something. Are you ashamed of your fine eyes? You
+blush. What have you done?"
+
+"You are embarrassing her," said the mother. "Tell him, my dear, that you
+have done nothing, but that a feeling of modesty and respect prevents you
+from gazing at the persons you address."
+
+"Yes," said I; "but if modesty bids young ladies lower their eyes,
+politeness should make them raise them now and again."
+
+No one replied to this objection, which was a sharp cut for the absurd
+woman; but after an interval of silence we rose from the table, and
+Sophie went to fetch her drawings.
+
+"I won't look at anything, Sophie, unless you will look at me."
+
+"Come," said her mother, "look at the gentleman."
+
+She obeyed as quickly as lightning, and I saw the prettiest eyes
+imaginable.
+
+"Now," said I, "I know you again, and perhaps you may remember having
+seen me."
+
+"Yes, although it is six years ago since we met, I recognized you
+directly."
+
+"And yet you did not look me in the face! If you knew how impolite it was
+to lower your eyes when you are addressing anyone, you would not do it.
+Who can have given you such a bad lesson?"
+
+The child glanced towards her mother, who was standing by a window, and I
+saw who was her preceptress.
+
+I felt that I had taken sufficient vengeance, and began to examine her
+drawings, to praise them in detail, and to congratulate her on her
+talents. I told her that she ought to be thankful to have a mother who
+had given her so good an education. This indirect compliment pleased
+Madame Cornelis, and Sophie, now free from all restraint, gazed at me
+with an expression of child-like affection which ravished me. Her
+features bore the imprint of a noble soul within, and I pitied her for
+having to grow up under the authority of a foolish mother. Sophie went to
+the piano, played with feeling, and then sang some Italian airs, to the
+accompaniment of the guitar, too well for her age. She was too
+precocious, and wanted much more discretion in her education than Madame
+Cornelis was able to give her.
+
+When her singing had been applauded by the company, her mother told her
+to dance a minuet with her brother, who had learnt in Paris, but danced
+badly for want of a good carriage. His sister told him so with a kiss,
+and then asked me to dance with her, which I did very readily. Her
+mother, who thought she had danced exquisitely, as was indeed the case,
+told her that she must give me a kiss. She came up to me, and drawing her
+on my knee I covered her face with kisses, which she returned with the
+greatest affection. Her mother laughed with all her heart, and then
+Sophie, beginning to be doubtful again, went up to her and asked if she
+were angry. Her mother comforted her with a kiss.
+
+After we had taken coffee, which was served in the French fashion, Madame
+Cornelis shewed me a magnificent hall which she had built, in which she
+could give supper to four hundred persons seated at one table. She told
+me, and I could easily believe her, that there was not such another in
+all London.
+
+The last assembly was given before the prorogation of Parliament; it was
+to take place in four or five days. She had a score of pretty girls in
+her service, and a dozen footmen all in full livery.
+
+"They all rob me," said she, "but I have to put up with it. What I want
+is a sharp man to help me and watch over my interests; if I had such an
+one I should make an immense fortune in a comparatively short time; for
+when it is a question of pleasure, the English do not care what they
+spend."
+
+I told her I hoped she would find such man and make the fortune, and then
+I left her, admiring her enterprise.
+
+When I left Soho Square I went to St. James's Park to see Lady Harrington
+for whom I bore a letter, as I have mentioned. This lady lived in the
+precincts of the Court, and received company every Sunday. It was
+allowable to play in her house, as the park is under the jurisdiction of
+the Crown. In any other place there is no playing cards or singing on
+Sundays. The town abounds in spies, and if they have reason to suppose
+that there is any gaming or music going on, they watch for their
+opportunity, slip into the house, and arrest all the bad Christians, who
+are diverting themselves in a manner which is thought innocent enough in
+any other country. But to make up for this severity the Englishman may go
+in perfect liberty to the tavern or the brothel, and sanctify the Sabbath
+as he pleases.
+
+I called on Lady Harrington, and having sent up my letter she summoned me
+into her presence. I found her in the midst of about thirty persons, but
+the hostess was easily distinguished by the air of welcome she had for
+me.
+
+After I had made my bow she told me she had seen me at Court in the
+morning, and that without knowing who I was she had been desirous of
+making my acquaintance. Our conversation lasted three-quarters of an
+hour, and was composed of those frivolous observations and idle questions
+which are commonly addressed to a traveller.
+
+The lady was forty, but she was still handsome. She was well known for
+her gallantries and her influence at Court. She introduced me to her
+husband and her four daughters, charming girls of a marriageable age. She
+asked me why I had come to London when everybody was on the point of
+going out of town. I told her that as I always obeyed the impulse of the
+moment, I should find it difficult to answer her question; besides, I
+intended staying for a year, so that the pleasure would be deferred but
+not lost.
+
+My reply seemed to please her by its character of English independence,
+and she offered with exquisite grace to do all in her power for me.
+
+"In the meanwhile," said she, "we will begin by letting you see all the
+nobility at Madame Cornelis's on Thursday next. I can give you a ticket
+to admit to ball and supper. It is two guineas."
+
+I gave her the money, and she took the ticket again, writing on it,
+"Paid.--Harrington."
+
+"Is this formality necessary, my lady?"
+
+"Yes; or else they would ask you for the money at the doors."
+
+I did not think it necessary to say anything about my connection with the
+lady of Soho Square.
+
+While Lady Harrington was making up a rubber at whist, she asked me if I
+had any other letters for ladies.
+
+"Yes," said I, "I have one which I intend to present to-morrow. It is a
+singular letter, being merely a portrait."
+
+"Have you got it about you?"
+
+"Yes, my lady."
+
+"May I see it?"
+
+"Certainly. Here it is."
+
+"It is the Duchess of Northumberland. We will go and give it her."
+
+"With pleasure!"
+
+"Just wait till they have marked the game."
+
+Lord Percy had given me this portrait as a letter of introduction to his
+mother.
+
+"My dear duchess," said Lady Harrington, "here is a letter of
+introduction which this gentleman begs to present to you."
+
+"I know, it is M. de Seingalt. My son has written to me about him. I am
+delighted to see you, Chevalier, and I hope you will come and see me. I
+receive thrice a week."
+
+"Will your ladyship allow me to present my valuable letter in person?"
+
+"Certainly. You are right."
+
+I played a rubber of whist for very small stakes, and lost fifteen
+guineas, which I paid on the spot. Directly afterwards Lady Harrington
+took me apart, and gave me a lesson which I deem worthy of record.
+
+"You paid in gold," said she; "I suppose you had no bank notes about
+you?"
+
+"Yes, my lady, I have notes for fifty and a hundred pounds."
+
+"Then you must change one of them or wait till another time to play, for
+in England to pay in gold is a solecism only pardonable in a stranger.
+Perhaps you noticed that the lady smiled?"
+
+"Yes; who is she?"
+
+"Lady Coventry, sister of the Duchess of Hamilton."
+
+"Ought I to apologize?"
+
+"Not at all, the offence is not one of those which require an apology.
+She must have been more surprised than offended, for she made fifteen
+shillings by your paying her in gold."
+
+I was vexed by this small mischance, for Lady Coventry was an exquisitely
+beautiful brunette. I comforted myself, however, without much trouble.
+
+The same day I made the acquaintance of Lord Hervey, the nobleman who
+conquered Havana, a pleasant an intelligent person. He had married Miss
+Chudleigh, but the marriage was annulled. This celebrated Miss Chudleigh
+was maid of honour to the Princess Dowager of Wales, and afterwards
+became Duchess of Kingston. As her history is well known I shall say
+something more of her in due course. I went home well enough pleased with
+my day's work.
+
+The next day I began dining at home, and found my cook very satisfactory;
+for, besides the usual English dishes, he was acquainted with the French
+system of cooking, and did fricandeaus, cutlets, ragouts, and above all,
+the excellent French soup, which is one of the principal glories of
+France.
+
+My table and my house were not enough for my happiness. I was alone, and
+the reader will understand by this that Nature had not meant me for a
+hermit. I had neither a mistress nor a friend, and at London one may
+invite a man to dinner at a tavern where he pays for himself, but not to
+one's own table. One day I was invited by a younger son of the Duke of
+Bedford to eat oysters and drink a bottle of champagne. I accepted the
+invitation, and he ordered the oysters and the champagne, but we drank
+two bottles, and he made me pay half the price of the second bottle. Such
+are manners on the other side of the Channel. People laughed in my face
+when I said that I did not care to dine at a tavern as I could not get
+any soup.
+
+"Are you ill?" they said, "soup is only fit for invalids."
+
+The Englishman is entirely carnivorous. He eats very little bread, and
+calls himself economical because he spares himself the expense of soup
+and dessert, which circumstance made me remark that an English dinner is
+like eternity: it has no beginning and no end. Soup is considered very
+extravagant, as the very servants refuse to eat the meat from which it
+has been made. They say it is only fit to give to dogs. The salt beef
+which they use is certainly excellent. I cannot say the same for their
+beer, which was so bitter that I could not drink it. However, I could not
+be expected to like beer after the excellent French wines with which the
+wine merchant supplied me, certainly at a very heavy cost.
+
+I had been a week in my new home without seeing Martinelli. He came on a
+Monday morning, and I asked him to dine with me. He told me that he had
+to go to the Museum, and my curiosity to see the famous collection which
+is such an honour to England made me accompany him. It was there that I
+made the acquaintance of Dr. Mati, of whom I shall speak in due course.
+
+At dinner Martinelli made himself extremely pleasant. He had a profound
+knowledge of the English manners and customs which it behoved me to know
+if I wished to get on. I happened to speak of the impoliteness of which I
+had been guilty in paying a gaming debt in gold instead of paper, and on
+this text he preached me a sermon on the national prosperity,
+demonstrating that the preference given to paper shews the confidence
+which is felt in the Bank, which may or may not be misplaced, but which
+is certainly a source of wealth. This confidence might be destroyed by a
+too large issue of paper money, and if that ever took place by reason of
+a protracted or unfortunate war, bankruptcy would be inevitable, and no
+one could calculate the final results.
+
+After a long discussion on politics, national manners, literature, in
+which subjects Martinelli shone, we went to Drury Lane Theatre, where I
+had a specimen of the rough insular manners. By some accident or other
+the company could not give the piece that had been announced, and the
+audience were in a tumult. Garrick, the celebrated actor who was buried
+twenty years later in Westminster Abbey, came forward and tried in vain
+to restore order. He was obliged to retire behind the curtain. Then the
+king, the queen, and all the fashionables left the theatre, and in less
+than an hour the theatre was gutted, till nothing but the bare walls were
+left.
+
+After this destruction, which went on without any authority interposing,
+the mad populace rushed to the taverns to consume gin and beer. In a
+fortnight the theatre was refitted and the piece announced again, and
+when Garrick appeared before the curtain to implore the indulgence of the
+house, a voice from the pit shouted, "On your knees." A thousand voices
+took up the cry "On your knees," and the English Roscius was obliged to
+kneel down and beg forgiveness. Then came a thunder of applause, and
+everything was over. Such are the English, and above all, the Londoners.
+They hoot the king and the royal family when they appear in public, and
+the consequence is, that they are never seen, save on great occasions,
+when order is kept by hundreds of constables.
+
+One day, as I was walking by myself, I saw Sir Augustus Hervey, whose
+acquaintance I had made, speaking to a gentleman, whom he left to come to
+me. I asked him whom he had been speaking to.
+
+"That's the brother of Earl Ferrers," said he, "who was hanged a couple
+of months ago for murdering one of his people."
+
+"And you speak to his brother?"
+
+"Why shouldn't I?"
+
+"Is he not dishonoured by the execution of his relative?"
+
+"Dishonoured! Certainly not; even his brother was not dishonoured. He
+broke the law, but he paid for it with his life, and owed society nothing
+more. He's a man of honour, who played high and lost; that's all. I don't
+know that there is any penalty in the statute book which dishonours the
+culprit; that would be tyrannical, and we would not bear it. I may break
+any law I like, so long as I am willing to pay the penalty. It is only a
+dishonour when the criminal tries to escape punishment by base or
+cowardly actions."
+
+"How do you mean?"
+
+"To ask for the royal mercy, to beg forgiveness of the people, and the
+like."
+
+"How about escaping from justice?"
+
+"That is no dishonour, for to fly is an act of courage; it continues the
+defiance of the law, and if the law cannot exact obedience, so much the
+worse for it. It is an honour for you to have escaped from the tyranny of
+your magistrates; your flight from The Leads was a virtuous action. In
+such cases man fights with death and flees from it. 'Vir fugiens denuo
+pugnabit'."
+
+"What do you think of highway robbers, then?"
+
+"I detest them as wretches dangerous to society, but I pity them when I
+reflect that they are always riding towards the gallows. You go out in a
+coach to pay a visit to a friend three or four miles out of London. A
+determined and agile-looking fellow springs upon you with his pistol in
+his hand, and says, 'Your money or your life.' What would you do in such
+a case?"
+
+"If I had a pistol handy I would blow out his brains, and if not I would
+give him my purse and call him a scoundrelly assassin."
+
+"You would be wrong in both cases. If you killed him, you would be
+hanged, for you have no right to take the law into your own hands; and if
+you called him an assassin, he would tell you that he was no assassin as
+he attacked you openly and gave you a free choice. Nay, he is generous,
+for he might kill you and take your money as well. You might, indeed,
+tell him he has an evil trade, and he would tell you that you were right,
+and that he would try to avoid the gallows as long as possible. He would
+then thank you and advise you never to drive out of London without being
+accompanied by a mounted servant, as then no robber would dare to attack
+you. We English always carry two purses on our journeys; a small one for
+the robbers and a large one for ourselves."
+
+What answer could I make to such arguments, based as they were on the
+national manners? England is a rich sea, but strewn with reefs, and those
+who voyage there would do well to take precautions. Sir Augustus Hervey's
+discourse gave me great pleasure.
+
+Going from one topic to another, as is always the way with a desultory
+conversation, Sir Augustus deplored the fate of an unhappy Englishman who
+had absconded to France with seventy thousand pounds, and had been
+brought back to London, and was to be hanged.
+
+"How could that be?" I asked.
+
+"The Crown asked the Duc de Nivernois to extradite him, and Louis XV.
+granted the request to make England assent to some articles of the peace.
+It was an act unworthy of a king, for it violates the right of nations.
+It is true that the man is a wretch, but that has nothing to do with the
+principle of the thing."
+
+"Of course they have got back the seventy thousand pounds?"
+
+"Not a shilling of it."
+
+"How was that?"
+
+"Because no money was found on him. He has most likely left his little
+fortune to his wife, who can marry again as she is still young and
+pretty."
+
+"I wonder the police have not been after her."
+
+"Such a thing is never thought of. What could they do? It's not likely
+that she would confess that her husband left her the stolen money. The
+law says robbers shall be hanged, but it says nothing about what they
+have stolen, as they are supposed to have made away with it. Then if we
+had to take into account the thieves who had kept their theft and thieves
+who had spent it, we should have to make two sets of laws, and make all
+manner of allowances; the end of it would be inextricable confusion. It
+seems to us Englishmen that it would not be just to ordain two
+punishments for theft. The robber becomes the owner of what he has
+stolen; true, he 'got it by violence, but it is none the less his, for he
+can do what he likes with it. That being the case, everyone should be
+careful to keep what he has, since he knows that once stolen he will
+never see it again. I have taken Havana from Spain: this was robbery on a
+large scale."
+
+He talked at once like a philosopher and a faithful subject of his king.
+
+Engaged in this discussion we walked towards the Duchess of
+Northumberland's, where I made the acquaintance of Lady Rochefort, whose
+husband had just been appointed Spanish ambassador. This lady's
+gallantries were innumerable, and furnished a fresh topic of conversation
+every day.
+
+The day before the assembly at Soho Square Martinelli dined with me, and
+told me that Madame Cornelis was heavily in debt, and dared not go out
+except on Sundays, when debtors are privileged.
+
+"The enormous and unnecessary expense which she puts herself to," said
+he, "will soon bring her to ruin. She owes four times the amount of her
+assets, even counting in the house, which is a doubtful item, as it is
+the subject of litigation."
+
+This news only distressed me for her children's sake, for I thought that
+she herself well deserved such a fate.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+The Assembly--Adventure at Ranelagh The English Courtezans--Pauline
+
+I went in due time to the assembly, and the secretary at the door wrote
+down my name as I handed in my ticket. When Madame Cornelis saw me she
+said she was delighted I had come in by ticket, and that she had had some
+doubts as to whether I would come.
+
+"You might have spared yourself the trouble of doubting," said I, "for
+after hearing that I had been to Court you might have guessed that a
+matter of two guineas would not have kept me away. I am sorry for our old
+friendship's sake that I did not pay the money to you; for you might have
+known that I would not condescend to be present in the modest manner you
+indicated."
+
+This address, delivered with an ironical accent, embarrassed Madame
+Cornelis, but Lady Harrington, a great supporter of hers, came to her
+rescue.
+
+"I have a number of guineas to hand over to you, my dear Cornelis, and
+amongst others two from M. de Seingalt, who, I fancy, is an old friend of
+yours. Nevertheless, I did not dare to tell him so," she added, with a
+sly glance in my direction.
+
+"Why not, my lady? I have known Madame Cornelis for many years."
+
+"I should think you have," she answered, laughing, "and I congratulate
+you both. I suppose you know the delightful Miss Sophie too, Chevalier?"
+
+"Certainly, my lady, who so knows the mother knows the daughter."
+
+"Quite so, quite so."
+
+Sophie was standing by, and after kissing her fondly Lady Harrington
+said,--
+
+"If you love yourself, you ought to love her, for she is the image of
+you."
+
+"Yes, it is a freak of nature."
+
+"I think there is something more than a freak in this instance."
+
+With these words the lady took Sophie's hand, and leaning on my arm she
+led us through the crowd, and I had to bear in silence the remarks of
+everyone.
+
+"There is Madame Cornelis's husband."
+
+"That must be M. Cornelis."
+
+"Oh! there can be no doubt about it."
+
+"No, no," said Lady Harrington, "you are all quite wrong."
+
+I got tired of these remarks, which were all founded on the remarkable
+likeness between myself and Sophie. I wanted Lady Harrington to let the
+child go, but she was too much amused to do so.
+
+"Stay by me," she said, "if you want to know the names of the guests."
+She sat down, making me sit on one side and Sophie on the other.
+
+Madame Cornelis then made her appearance, and everyone asked her the same
+questions, and made the same remarks about me. She said bravely that I
+was her best and her oldest friend, and that the likeness between me and
+her daughter might possibly be capable of explanation. Everyone laughed
+and said it was very natural that it should be so. To change the subject,
+Madame Cornelis remarked that Sophie had learnt the minuet and danced it
+admirably.
+
+"Then fetch a violin player," said Lady Harrington, "that we may have the
+pleasure of witnessing the young artist's performance."
+
+The ball had not yet begun, and as soon as the violinist appeared, I
+stepped forward and danced with Sophie, to the delight of the select
+circle of spectators.
+
+The ball lasted all night without ceasing, as the company ate by relays,
+and at all times and hours; the waste and prodigality were worthy of a
+prince's palace. I made the acquaintance of all the nobility and the
+Royal Family, for they were all there, with the exception of the king and
+queen, and the Prince of Wales. Madame Cornelis must have received more
+than twelve hundred guineas, but the outlay was enormous, without any
+control or safeguard against the thefts, which must have been perpetrated
+on all sides. She tried to introduce her son to everybody, but the poor
+lad looked like a victim, and did nothing but make profound bows. I
+pitied him from my heart.
+
+As soon as I got home I went to bed and spent the whole of the next day
+there. The day after I went to the "Staven Tavern," as I had been told
+that the prettiest girls in London resorted to it. Lord Pembroke gave me
+this piece of information; he went there very frequently himself. When I
+got to the tavern I asked for a private room, and the landlord,
+perceiving that I did not know English, accosted me in French, and came
+to keep me company. I was astonished at his grave and reverend manner of
+speaking, and did not like to tell him that I wanted to dine with a
+pretty Englishwoman. At last, however, I summoned up courage to say, with
+a great deal of circumlocution, that I did not know whether Lord Pembroke
+had deceived me in informing me that I should find the prettiest girls in
+London at his house.
+
+"No, sir," said he, "my lord has not deceived you, and you can have as
+many as you like."
+
+"That's what I came for."
+
+He called out some name, and a tidy-looking lad making his appearance, he
+told him to get me a wench just as though he were ordering a bottle of
+champagne. The lad went out, and presently a girl of herculean
+proportions entered.
+
+"Sir," said I, "I don't like the looks of this girl."
+
+"Give her a shilling and send her away. We don't trouble ourselves about
+ceremonies in London."
+
+This put me at my ease, so I paid my shilling and called for a prettier
+wench. The second was worse than the first, and I sent her away, and ten
+others after her, while I could see that my fastidiousness amused the
+landlord immensely.
+
+"I'll see no more girls," said I at last, "let me have a good dinner. I
+think the procurer must have been making game of me for the sake of the
+shillings."
+
+"It's very likely; indeed it often happens so when a gentleman does not
+give the name and address of the wench he wants."
+
+In the evening as I was walking in St. James's Park, I remembered it was
+a Ranelagh evening, and wishing to see the place I took a coach and drove
+there, intending to amuse myself till midnight, and to find a beauty to
+my taste.
+
+I was pleased with the rotunda. I had some tea, I danced some minuets,
+but I made no acquaintances; and although I saw several pretty women, I
+did not dare to attack any of them. I got tired, and as it was near
+midnight I went out thinking to find my coach, for which I had not paid,
+still there, but it was gone, and I did not know what to do. An extremely
+pretty woman who was waiting for her carriage in the doorway, noticed my
+distress, and said that if I lived anywhere near Whitehall, she could
+take me home. I thanked her gratefully, and told her where I lived. Her
+carriage came up, her man opened the door, and she stepped in on my arm,
+telling me to sit beside her, and to stop the carriage when it got to my
+house.
+
+As soon as we were in the carriage, I burst out into expressions of
+gratitude; and after telling her my name I expressed my regret at not
+having seen her at Soho Square.
+
+"I was not in London," she replied, "I returned from Bath to-day."
+
+I apostrophised my happiness in having met her. I covered her hands with
+kisses, and dared to kiss her on the cheek; and finding that she smiled
+graciously, I fastened my lips on hers, and before long had given her an
+unequivocal mark of the ardour with which she had inspired me.
+
+She took my attentions so easily that I flattered myself I had not
+displeased her, and I begged her to tell me where I could call on her and
+pay my court while I remained in London, but she replied,--
+
+"We shall see each other again; we must be careful."
+
+I swore secrecy, and urged her no more. Directly after the carriage
+stopped, I kissed her hand and was set down at my door, well pleased with
+the ride home.
+
+For a fortnight I saw nothing of her, but I met her again in a house
+where Lady Harrington had told me to present myself, giving her name. It
+was Lady Betty German's, and I found her out, but was asked to sit down
+and wait as she would be in soon. I was pleasantly surprised to find my
+fair friend of Ranelagh in the room, reading a newspaper. I conceived the
+idea of asking her to introduce me to Lady Betty, so I went up to her and
+proffered my request, but she replied politely that she could not do so
+not having the honour to know my name.
+
+"I have told you my name, madam. Do you not remember me?"
+
+"I remember you perfectly, but a piece of folly is not a title of
+acquaintance."
+
+I was dumbfounded at the extraordinary reply, while the lady calmly
+returned to her newspaper, and did not speak another word till the
+arrival of Lady Betty.
+
+The fair philosopher talked for two hours without giving the least sign
+of knowing who I was, although she answered me with great politeness
+whenever I ventured to address her. She turned out to be a lady of high
+birth and of great reputation.
+
+Happening to call on Martinelli, I asked him who was the pretty girl who
+was kissing her hands to me from the house opposite. I was pleasantly
+surprised to hear that she was a dancer named Binetti. Four years ago she
+had done me a great service at Stuttgart, but I did not know she was in
+London. I took leave of Martinelli to go and see her, and did so all the
+more eagerly when I heard that she had parted from her husband, though
+they were obliged to dance together at the Haymarket.
+
+She received me with open arms, telling me that she had recognized me
+directly.
+
+"I am surprised, my dear elder," said she, "to see you in London."
+
+She called me "elder" because I was the oldest of her friends.
+
+"Nor did I know that you were here. I came to town after the close of the
+opera. How is it that you are not living with your husband?"
+
+"Because he games, loses, and despoils me of all I possess. Besides, a
+woman of my condition, if she be married, cannot hope that a rich lover
+will come and see her, while if she be alone she can receive visits
+without any constraint."
+
+"I shouldn't have thought they would be afraid of Binetti; he used to be
+far from jealous."
+
+"Nor is he jealous now; but you must know that there is an English law
+which allows the husband to arrest his wife and her lover if he finds
+them in 'flagrante delicto'. He only wants two witnesses, and it is
+enough that they are sitting together on a bed. The lover is forced to
+pay to the husband the half of all he possesses. Several rich Englishmen
+have been caught in this way, and now they are very shy of visiting
+married women, especially Italians."
+
+"So you have much to be thankful for. You enjoy perfect liberty, can
+receive any visitors you like, and are in a fair way to make a fortune."
+
+"Alas! my dear friend, you do not know all. When he has information from
+his spies that I have had a visitor, he comes to me in a sedan-chair at
+night, and threatens to turn me out into the street if I do not give him
+all the money I have. He is a terrible rascal!"
+
+I left the poor woman, after giving her my address, and telling her to
+come and dine with me whenever she liked. She had given me a lesson on
+the subject of visiting ladies. England has very good laws, but most of
+them are capable of abuse. The oath which jurymen have to take to execute
+them to the letter has caused several to be interpreted in a manner
+absolutely contrary to the intention of the legislators, thus placing the
+judges in a difficult predicament. Thus new laws have constantly to be
+made, and new glosses to explain the old ones.
+
+My Lord Pembroke, seeing me at my window, came in, and after examining my
+house, including the kitchen, where the cook was at work, told me that
+there was not a nobleman in town who had such a well-furnished and
+comfortable house. He made a calculation, and told me that if I wanted to
+entertain my friends I should require three hundred pounds a month. "You
+can't live here," said he, "without a pretty girl, and those who know
+that you keep bachelor's hall are of opinion that you are very wise, and
+will save a great deal of useless expense."
+
+"Do you keep a girl, my lord?"
+
+"No, for I am unfortunate enough to be disgusted with a woman after I
+have had her for a day."
+
+"Then you require a fresh one every day?"
+
+"Yes, and without being as comfortable as you I spend four times as much.
+You must know that I live in London like a stranger. I never dine at my
+own house. I wonder at your dining alone."
+
+"I can't speak English. I like soup and good wine, and that is enough to
+keep me from your taverns."
+
+"I expect so, with your French tastes."
+
+"You will confess that they are not bad tastes."
+
+"You are right, for, good Englishman as I am, I get on very well in
+Paris."
+
+He burst out laughing when I told him how I had dispatched a score of
+wenches at the "Staven Tavern," and that my disappointment was due to
+him.
+
+"I did not tell you what names to send for, and I was wrong."
+
+"Yes, you ought to have told me."
+
+"But even if I did they wouldn't have come, for they are not at the
+orders of the procurers. If you will promise to pay them as I do, I will
+give you some tickets which will make them come."
+
+"Can I have them here?"
+
+"Just as you like."
+
+"That will be most convenient for me. Write out the tickets and let them
+know French if you can."
+
+"That's the difficulty; the prettiest only speak English."
+
+"Never mind, we shall understand each other well enough for the purpose I
+dare say."
+
+He wrote several tickets for four and six guineas each; but one was
+marked twelve guineas.
+
+"She is doubly pretty, is she?" said I.
+
+"Not exactly, but she has cuckolded a duke of Great Britain who keeps
+her, and only uses her once or twice a month."
+
+"Would you do me the honour of testing the skill of my cook?"
+
+"Certainly, but I can't make an appointment."
+
+"And supposing I am out."
+
+"I'll go to the tavern."
+
+Having nothing better to do I sent Jarbe to one of the four-guinea
+wenches, telling him to advise her that she would dine with me. She came.
+She did not attract me sufficiently to make me attempt more than some
+slight toying. She went away well pleased with her four guineas, which
+she had done nothing to earn. Another wench, also at four guineas, supped
+with me the following evening. She had been very pretty, and, indeed, was
+so still, but she was too melancholy and quiet for my taste, and I could
+not makeup my mind to tell her to undress.
+
+The third day, not feeling inclined to try another ticket, I went to
+Covent Garden, and on meeting an attractive young person I accosted her
+in French, and asked her if she would sup with me.
+
+"How much will you give me at dessert?"
+
+"Three guineas."
+
+"Come along."
+
+After the play I ordered a good supper for two, and she displayed an
+appetite after mine own heart. When we had supped I asked for her name
+and address, and I was astonished to find that she was one of the girls
+whom Lord Pembroke had assessed at six guineas. I concluded that it was
+best to do one's own business, or, at any rate, not to employ noblemen as
+agents. As to the other tickets, they procured me but little pleasure.
+The twelve-guinea one, which I had reserved for the last, as a choice
+morsel, pleased me the least of all, and I did not care to cuckold the
+noble duke who kept her.
+
+Lord Pembroke was young, handsome, rich, and full of wit. I went to see
+him one day, and found him just getting out of bed. He said he would walk
+with me and told his valet to shave him.
+
+"But," said I, "there's not a trace of beard on your face."
+
+"There never is," said he, "I get myself shaved three times a day."
+
+"Three times?"
+
+"Yes, when I change my shirt I wash my hands; when I wash my hands I have
+to wash my face, and the proper way to wash a man's face is with a
+razor."
+
+"When do you make these three ablutions?"
+
+"When I get up, when I dress for dinner, and when I go to bed, for I
+should not like the woman who is sleeping with me to feel my beard."
+
+We had a short walk together, and then I left him as I had some writing
+to do. As we parted, he asked me if I dined at home. I replied in the
+affirmative, and foreseeing that he intended dining with me I warned my
+cook to serve us well, though I did not let him know that I expected a
+nobleman to dinner. Vanity has more than one string to its bow.
+
+I had scarcely got home when Madame Binetti came in, and said that if she
+were not in the way, she would be glad to dine with me. I gave her a warm
+welcome, and she said I was really doing her a great service, as her
+husband would suffer the torments of hell in trying to find out with whom
+she had dined.
+
+This woman still pleased me; and though she was thirty-five, nobody would
+have taken her for more than twenty-five. Her appearance was in every way
+pleasing. Her lips were of the hue of the rose, disclosing two exquisite
+rows of teeth. A fine complexion, splendid eyes, and a forehead where
+Innocence might have been well enthroned, all this made an exquisite
+picture. If you add to this, that her breast was of the rarest
+proportions, you will understand that more fastidious tastes than mine
+would have been satisfied with her.
+
+She had not been in my house for half an hour when Lord Pembroke came in.
+They both uttered an exclamation, and the nobleman told me that he had
+been in love with her for the last six months; that he had written ardent
+letters to her of which she had taken no notice.
+
+"I never would have anything to do with him," said she, "because he is
+the greatest profligate in all England; and it's a pity," she added,
+"because he is a kindhearted nobleman."
+
+This explanation was followed by a score of kisses, and I saw that they
+were agreed.
+
+We had a choice dinner in the French style, and Lord Pembroke swore he
+had not eaten so good a dinner for the last year.
+
+"I am sorry for you," he said, "when I think of you being alone every
+day."
+
+Madame Binetti was as much a gourmet as the Englishman, and when we rose
+from table we felt inclined to pass from the worship of Comus to that of
+Venus; but the lady was too experienced to give the Englishman anything
+more than a few trifling kisses.
+
+I busied myself in turning over the leaves of some books I had bought the
+day before, and left them to talk together to their heart's content; but
+to prevent their asking me to give them another dinner I said that I
+hoped chance would bring about such another meeting on another occasion.
+
+At six o'clock, after my guests had left me, I dressed and went to
+Vauxhaull, where I met a French officer named Malingan, to whom I had
+given some money at Aix-la-Chapelle. He said he would like to speak to
+me, so I gave him my name and address. I also met a well-known character,
+the Chevalier Goudar, who talked to me about gaming and women. Malingan
+introduced me to an individual who he said might be very useful to me in
+London. He was a man of forty, and styled himself son of the late
+Theodore, the pretender to the throne of Corsica, who had died miserably
+in London fourteen years before, after having been imprisoned for debt
+for seven years. I should have done better if I had never gone to
+Vauxhall that evening.
+
+The entrance-fee at Vauxhall was half the sum charged at Ranelagh, but in
+spite of that the amusements were of the most varied kinds. There was
+good fare, music, walks in solitary alleys, thousands of lamps, and a
+crowd of London beauties, both high and low.
+
+In the midst of all these pleasures I was dull, because I had no girl to
+share my abode or my good table, and make it dear to me. I had been in
+London for six weeks; ana in no other place had I been alone for so long.
+
+My house seemed intended for keeping a mistress with all decency, and as
+I had the virtue of constancy a mistress was all I wanted to make me
+happy. But how was I to find a woman who should be the equal of those
+women I had loved before? I had already seen half a hundred of girls,
+whom the town pronounced to be pretty, and who did not strike me as even
+passable. I thought the matter over continually, and at last an odd idea
+struck me.
+
+I called the old housekeeper, and told her by the servant, who acted as
+my interpreter, that I wanted to let the second or third floor for the
+sake of company; and although I was at perfect liberty to do what I liked
+with the house, I would give her half-a-guinea a week extra. Forthwith I
+ordered her to affix the following bill to the window:
+
+Second or third floor to be let, furnished, to a young lady speaking
+English and French, who receives no visitors, either by day or night.
+
+The old Englishwoman, who had seen something of the world, began to laugh
+so violently when the document was translated to her that I thought she
+would have choked.
+
+"What are you laughing at, my worthy woman?"
+
+"Because this notice is a laughing matter."
+
+"I suppose you think I shall have no applications?"
+
+"Not at all, the doorstep will be crowded from morn to night, but I shall
+leave it all to Fanny. Only tell me how much to ask."
+
+"I will arrange about the rent in my interview with the young lady. I
+don't think I shall have so many enquiries, for the young lady is to
+speak French and English, and also to be respectable. She must not
+receive any visits, not even from her father and mother, if she has
+them."
+
+"But there will be a mob in front of the house reading the notice."
+
+"All the better. Nothing is the worse for being a little odd."
+
+It happened just as the old woman had foretold; as soon as the notice was
+up, everybody stopped to read it, made various comments, and passed on.
+On the second day after it was up, my Negro told me that my notice was
+printed in full in the St. James's Chronicle, with some amusing remarks.
+I had the paper brought up to me, and Fanny translated it. It ran as
+follows:
+
+"The landlord of the second and third floors probably occupies the first
+floor himself. He must be a man of the world and of good taste, for he
+wants a young and pretty lodger; and as he forbids her to receive visits,
+he will have to keep her company himself."
+
+He added,--
+
+"The landlord should take care lest he become his own dupe, for it is
+very likely that the pretty lodger would only take the room to sleep in,
+and possibly only to sleep in now and then; and if she chose she would
+have a perfect right to refuse to receive the proprietor's visits."
+
+These sensible remarks delighted me, for after reading them I felt
+forewarned.
+
+Such matters as these give their chief interest to the English
+newspapers. They are allowed to gossip about everything, and the writers
+have the knack of making the merest trifles seem amusing. Happy is the
+nation where anything may be written and anything said!
+
+Lord Pembroke was the first to come and congratulate me on my idea, and
+he was succeeded by Martinelli; but he expressed some fears as to the
+possible consequences, "for," said he, "there are plenty of women in
+London who would come and lodge with you to be your ruin."
+
+"In that case," I answered, "it would be a case of Greek meeting Greek;
+however, we shall see. If I am taken in, people will have the fullest
+right to laugh at me, for I have been warned."
+
+I will not trouble my readers with an account of the hundred women who
+came in the first ten days, when I refused on one pretext or another,
+though some of them were not wanting in grace and beauty. But one day,
+when I was at dinner, I received a visit from a girl of from twenty to
+twenty-four years, simply but elegantly dressed; her features were sweet
+and gracious, though somewhat grave, her complexion pale, and her hair
+black. She gave me a bow which I had to rise to return, and as I remained
+standing she politely begged me not to put myself out, but to continue my
+dinner. I begged her to be seated and to take dessert, but she refused
+with an air of modesty which delighted me.
+
+This fair lady said, not in French, but in Italian worthy of a Sinnese,
+its purity was so perfect, that she hoped I would let her have a room on
+the third floor, and that she would gladly submit to all my conditions.
+
+"You may only make use of one room if you like, but all the floor will
+belong to you."
+
+"Although the notice says the rooms will be let cheaply, I shall not be
+able to afford more than one room. Two shillings a week is all I can
+spend."
+
+"That's exactly what I want for the whole suite of rooms; so you see you
+can use them all. My maid will wait on you, get you whatever food you may
+require, and wash your linen as well. You can also employ her to do your
+commissions, so that you need not go out for trifles."
+
+"Then I will dismiss my maid," she said; "she robs me of little, it is
+true, but still too much for my small means. I will tell your maid what
+food to buy for me every day, and she shall have six sots a week for her
+pains."
+
+"That will be ample. I should advise you to apply to my cook's wife, who
+will get your dinner and supper for you as cheaply as you could buy it."
+
+"I hardly think so, for I am ashamed to tell you how little I spend."
+
+"Even if you only spend two sols a day, she will give you two sols'
+worth. All the same I advise you to be content with what you get from the
+kitchen, without troubling about the price, for I usually have provision
+made for four, though I dine alone, and the rest is the cook's
+perquisite. I merely advise you to the best of my ability, and I hope you
+will not be offended at my interest in your welfare."
+
+"Really, sir, you are too generous."
+
+"Wait a moment, and you will see how everything will be settled
+comfortably."
+
+I told Clairmont to order up the maid and the cook's wife, and I said to
+the latter:
+
+"For how much could you provide dinner and supper for this young lady who
+is not rich, and only wants to eat to live?"
+
+"I can do it very cheaply; for you usually eat alone, and have enough for
+four."
+
+"Very good; then I hope you will treat her very well for the sum she
+gives you."
+
+"I can only afford five sols a day."
+
+"That will do nicely."
+
+I gave orders that the bill should be taken down directly, and that the
+young lady's room should be made comfortable. When the maid and the
+cook's wife had left the room, the young lady told me that she should
+only go out on Sundays to hear mass at the Bavarian ambassador's chapel,
+and once a month to a person who gave her three guineas to support her.
+
+"You can go out when you like," said I, "and without rendering an account
+to anybody of your movements."
+
+She begged me not to introduce anyone to her, and to tell the porter to
+deny her to anyone who might come to the door to make enquiries. I
+promised that her wishes should be respected, and she went away saying
+that she was going for her trunk.
+
+I immediately ordered my household to treat her with the utmost respect.
+The old housekeeper told me that she had paid the first week in advance,
+taking a receipt, and had gone, as she had come, in a sedan-chair. Then
+the worthy old woman made free to tell me to be on my guard.
+
+"Against what? If I fall in love with her, so much the better; that is
+just what I want. What name did she give you?"
+
+"Mistress Pauline. She was quite pale when she came, and she went away
+covered with blushes."
+
+I was delighted to hear it. I did not want a woman merely to satisfy my
+natural desires, for such can be found easily enough; I wished for some
+one whom I could love. I expected beauty, both of the body and the soul;
+and my love increased with the difficulties and obstacles I saw before
+me. As to failure, I confess I did not give it a moment's thought, for
+there is not a woman in the world who can resist constant and loving
+attentions, especially when her lover is ready to make great sacrifices.
+
+When I got back from the theatre in the evening the maid told me that the
+lady had chosen a modest closet at the back, which was only suitable for
+a servant. She had had a moderate supper, only drinking water, and had
+begged the cook's wife only to send her up soup and one dish, to which
+the woman had replied that she must take what was served, and what she
+did not eat would do for the servant.
+
+"When she finished she shut herself up to write, and wished me good
+evening with much politeness."
+
+"What is she going to take in the morning?"
+
+"I asked her, and she said she would only take a little bread."
+
+"Then you had better tell her that it is the custom of the house for the
+cook to serve everybody with coffee, chocolate, or tea, according to
+taste, in the morning, and that I shall be pained if she refuses to fare
+like the rest of us. But don't tell her I said so. Here's a crown for
+you, and you shall have one every week if you will wait upon and care for
+her properly."
+
+Before going to bed I wrote her a polite note, begging her to leave the
+closet. She did so, but she went into another back room, and consented to
+take coffee for her breakfast. Wishing to make her dine and sup with me,
+I was dressing myself, and preparing to proffer my request in such a way
+as to make a refusal impossible, when young Cornelis was announced. I
+received him smilingly, and thanked him for the first visit he had paid
+me in the course of six weeks.
+
+"Mamma hasn't allowed me to come. I have tried to do so a score of times
+without her leave. Read this letter, and you will find something which
+will surprise you."
+
+I opened the letter and read as follows:
+
+"Yesterday a bailiff waited for my door to be opened and slipped in and
+arrested me. I was obliged to go with him, and I am now in the
+sponging-house, and if I can't get bail by to-day he will take me to
+Kings Bench Prison. The bail I require is to the amount of two hundred
+pounds, to pay a bill which has fallen due. Dear friend, come and succour
+me or else my other creditors will get wind of my imprisonment and I
+shall be ruined. You surely will not allow that to happen, if not for my
+sake at least for the sake of my innocent children. You cannot bail me
+yourself, but you can easily get a householder to do so. If you have the
+time come and call on me, and I will shew you that I could not help doing
+the bill, otherwise I could not have given my last ball, as the whole of
+my plate and china was pledged."
+
+I felt angry with the impudent woman who had hitherto paid me so little
+attention, and I wrote that I could only pity her, and that I had no time
+to go and see her, and that I should be ashamed to ask anyone to bail her
+out.
+
+When young Cornelis had gone away in a melancholy mood, I told Clairmont
+to ask Pauline if she would allow me to bid her a good day. She sent word
+that I was at liberty to do so, and on going upstairs to her room I found
+her sitting at a table on which were several books.
+
+Some linen on a chest of drawers did not give me the idea that she was
+very poor.
+
+"I am immensely obliged," said she, "for all your goodness to me."
+
+"Say nothing of that, madam; it is I who have need of your goodness."
+
+"What can I do to shew my gratitude?"
+
+"Could you trouble yourself to take your meals with me? When I am alone I
+eat like an ogre, and my health suffers. If you do not feel inclined to
+grant me that favour, do not hesitate to refuse, and I assure you you
+shall fare just as well as if you had acceded to my request."
+
+"I shall be delighted to dine and sup with you; sir, whenever you are
+alone and you like to send for me. Nevertheless, I am not sure that my
+society will amuse you."
+
+"Very good, I am grateful to you, and I promise you you shall never
+repent of your kindness. I will do my best to amuse you, and I hope I
+shall succeed, for you have inspired me with the liveliest interest. We
+will dine at one to-day."
+
+I did not sit down or look at her books, or even ask her if she had spent
+a good night. The only thing I noted was that she had looked pale and
+careworn when I came in, and when I went out her cheeks were the colour
+of the rose.
+
+I went for a walk in the park, feeling quite taken with this charming
+woman, and resolved to make her love me, for I did not want to owe
+anything to gratitude. I felt curious to know where she came from, and
+suspected she was an Italian; but I determined to ask her no questions
+for fear of offending her.
+
+When I got home Pauline came down of her own free will, and I was
+delighted with this, which I took for a good omen. As we had half an hour
+before us, I asked her how she found her health.
+
+"Nature," she replied, "has favoured me with such a good constitution
+that I have never had the least sickness in my life, except on the sea."
+
+"You have made a voyage, then."
+
+"I must have done so to come to England."
+
+"You might be an Englishwoman."
+
+"Yes, for the English language has been familiar to me from my
+childhood."
+
+We were seated on a sofa, and on the table in front of us was a
+chess-board. Pauline toyed with the pawns, and I asked her if she could
+play chess.
+
+"Yes, and pretty well too from what they tell me."
+
+"Then we will have a game together; my blunders will amuse you."
+
+We began, and in four moves I was checkmated. She laughed, and I admired
+her play. We began again, and I was checkmated in five moves. My
+agreeable guest laughed heartily, and while she laughed I became
+intoxicated with love, watching the play of her features, her exquisite
+teeth, and her happy expression. We began another game, Pauline played
+carelessly, and I placed her in a difficult position.
+
+"I think you may conquer me," said she.
+
+"What happiness for me!"
+
+The servant came in to tell us that dinner was ready.
+
+"Interruptions are often extremely inconvenient," said I, as I offered
+her my arm, feeling quite sure that she had not lost the significance of
+my last words, for women find a meaning for everything.
+
+We were just sitting down to table when Clairmont announced my daughter
+and Madame Rancour.
+
+"Tell them that I am at dinner, and that I shall not be disengaged till
+three o'clock."
+
+Just as my man was leaving the room to carry back my answer, Sophie
+rushed in and knelt before me, choking with sobs.
+
+This was too much for me, and raising her I took her on my knees, saying
+I knew what she had come for, and that for love of her I would do it.
+
+Passing from grief to joy the dear child kissed me, calling me her
+father, and at last made me weep myself.
+
+"Dine with us, dear Sophie," said I, "I shall be the more likely to do
+what you wish."
+
+She ran from my arms to embrace Pauline, who was weeping out of sympathy,
+and we all dined happily together. Sophie begged me to give Madame
+Rancour some dinner.
+
+"It shall be so if you please, but only for your sake, for that woman
+Rancour deserves that I should leave her standing at the door to punish
+her for her impertinence to me when I came to London."
+
+The child amused us in an astonishing way all dinnertime, Pauline keeping
+her ears open and not saying a word, so surprised was she to hear a child
+of her age talk in a way that would have excited attention in a woman of
+twenty. Although perfectly respectful she condemned her mother's conduct,
+and said that she was unfortunate in being obliged to give her a blind
+obedience.
+
+"I would wager that you don't love her much."
+
+"I respect, but I cannot love her, for I am always afraid. I never see
+her without fearing her."
+
+"Why do you weep, then, at her fate?"
+
+"I pity her, and her family still more, and the expressions she used in
+sending me to you were very affecting."
+
+"What were these expressions?"
+
+"'Go,' said she, 'kneel before him, for you and you alone can soften his
+heart.'"
+
+"Then you knelt before me because your mother told you to do so."
+
+"Yes, for if I had followed my own inclination I should have rushed to
+your arms."
+
+"You answer well. But are you sure of persuading me?"
+
+"No, for one can never be sure of anything; but I have good hopes of
+success, remembering what you told me at the Hague. My mother told me
+that I was only three then, but I know I was five. She it was who told me
+not to look at you when I spoke to you, but fortunately you made her
+remove her prohibition. Everybody says that you are my father, and at the
+Hague she told me so herself; but here she is always dinning it into my
+ears that I am the daughter of M. de Monpernis."
+
+"But, Sophie dear, your mother does wrong in making you a bastard when
+you are the legitimate daughter of the dancer Pompeati, who killed
+himself at Vienna."
+
+"Then I am not your daughter?"
+
+"Clearly, for you cannot have two fathers, can you?"
+
+"But how is it that I am your image?"
+
+"It's a mere chance."
+
+"You deprive me of a dream which has made me happy."
+
+Pauline said nothing, but covered her with kisses, which Sophie returned
+effusively. She asked me if the lady was my wife, and on my replying in
+the affirmative she called Pauline her "dear mamma," which made "dear
+mamma" laugh merrily.
+
+When the dessert was served I drew four fifty-pound notes out of my
+pocket-book, and giving them to Sophie told her that she might hand them
+over to her mother if she liked, but that the present was for her and not
+for her mother.
+
+"If you give her the money," I said, "she will be able to sleep to-night
+in the fine house where she gave me such a poor reception."
+
+"It makes me unhappy to think of it, but you must forgive her."
+
+"Yes, Sophie; but out of love for you."
+
+"Write to her to the effect that it is to me you give the money, not to
+her; I dare not tell her so myself."
+
+"I could not do that, my dear; it would be insulting her in her
+affliction. Do you understand that?"
+
+"Yes, quite well."
+
+"You may tell her that whenever she sends you to dine or sup with me, she
+will please me very much."
+
+"But you can write that down without wounding her, can you not? Do so, I
+entreat you. Dear mamma," said she, addressing Pauline, "ask papa to do
+so, and then I will come and dine with you sometimes."
+
+Pauline laughed with all her heart as she addressed me as husband, and
+begged me to write the desired epistle. The effect on the mother could
+only let her know how much I loved her daughter, and would consequently
+increase her love for her child. I gave in, saying that I could not
+refuse anything to the adorable woman who had honoured me with the name
+of husband. Sophie kissed us, and went away in a happy mood.
+
+"It's a long time since I have laughed so much," said Pauline, "and I
+don't think I have ever had such an agreeable meal. That child is a
+perfect treasure. She is unhappy, poor little girl, but she would not be
+so if I were her mother."
+
+I then told her of the true relationship between Sophie and myself, and
+the reasons I had for despising her mother.
+
+"I wonder what she will say when Sophie tells her that she found you at
+table with your wife."
+
+"She won't believe it, as she knows my horror for the sacrament of
+matrimony."
+
+"How is that?"
+
+"I hate it because it is the grave of love."
+
+"Not always."
+
+As she said this Pauline sighed, and lowering her eyes changed the
+conversation. She asked me how long I intended to stay in London and when
+I had replied, "Nine or ten months," I felt myself entitled to ask her
+the same question.
+
+"I really can't say," she answered, "my return to my country depends on
+my getting a letter."
+
+"May I ask you what country you come from?"
+
+"I see I shall soon have no secrets from you, but let me have a little
+time. I have only made your acquaintance to-day, and in a manner which
+makes me have a very high opinion of you."
+
+"I shall try my best to deserve the good opinions you have conceived of
+my character."
+
+"You have shewn yourself to me in a thoroughly estimable light."
+
+"Give me your esteem, I desire it earnestly, but don't say anything of
+respect, for that seems to shut out friendship; I aspire to yours, and I
+warn you that I shall do my best to gain it."
+
+"I have no doubt you are very clever in that way, but you are generous
+too, and I hope you will spare me. If the friendship between us became
+too ardent, a parting would be dreadful, and we may be parted at any
+moment, indeed I ought to be looking forward to it."
+
+Our dialogue was getting rather sentimental, and with that ease which is
+only acquired in the best society, Pauline turned it to other topics, and
+soon asked me to allow her to go upstairs. I would have gladly spent the
+whole day with her, for I have never met a woman whose manners were so
+distinguished and at the same time so pleasant.
+
+When she left me I felt a sort of void, and went to see Madame Binetti,
+who asked me for news of Pembroke. She was in a rage with him.
+
+"He is a detestable fellow," said she; "he would like to have a fresh
+wife every day! What do you think of such conduct?"
+
+"I envy him his happiness."
+
+"He enjoys it because all women are such fools. He caught me through
+meeting me at your house; he would never have done so otherwise. What are
+you laughing at?"
+
+"Because if he has caught you, you have also caught him; you are
+therefore quits."
+
+"You don't know what you are talking about."
+
+I came home at eight o'clock, and as soon as Fanny had told Pauline that
+I had returned she came downstairs. I fancied she was trying to captivate
+me by her attentions, and as the prospect was quite agreeable to me I
+thought we should come to an understanding before very long.
+
+Supper was brought in and we stayed at table till midnight, talking about
+trifles, but so pleasantly that the time passed away very quickly. When
+she left me she wished me good night, and said my conversation had made
+her forget her sorrows.
+
+Pembroke came next morning to ask me to give him breakfast, and
+congratulated me on the disappearance of the bill from my window.
+
+"I should very much like to see your boarder," said he.
+
+"I daresay, my lord, but I can't gratify your curiosity just now, for the
+lady likes to be alone, and only puts up with my company because she
+can't help it."
+
+He did not insist, and to turn the conversation I told him that Madame
+Binetti was furious with him for his inconstancy, which was a testimony
+to his merits. That made him laugh, and without giving me any answer he
+asked me if I dined at home that day.
+
+"No, my lord, not to-day."
+
+"I understand. Well, it's very natural; bring the affair to a happy
+conclusion."
+
+"I will do my best."
+
+Martinelli had found two or three parodies of my notice in the
+Advertiser, and came and read them to me. I was much amused with them;
+they were mostly indecent, for the liberty of the press is much abused in
+London. As for Martinelli he was too discreet and delicate a man to ask
+me about my new boarder. As it was Sunday, I begged him to take me to
+mass at the Bavarian ambassador's chapel; and here I must confess that I
+was not moved by any feelings of devotion, but by the hope of seeing
+Pauline. I had my trouble for nothing, for, as I heard afterwards, she
+sat in a dark corner where no one could see her. The chapel was full, and
+Martinelli pointed out several lords and ladies who were Catholics, and
+did not conceal their religion.
+
+When I got home I received a note from Madame Cornelis, saying that as it
+was Sunday and she could go out freely, she hoped I would let her come to
+dinner. I shewed the letter to Pauline, not knowing whether she would
+object to dining with her, and she said she would be happy to do so,
+provided there were no men. I wrote in answer to Madame Cornelis that I
+should be glad to see her and her charming daughter at dinner. She came,
+and Sophie did not leave my side for a moment. Madame Cornelis, who was
+constrained in Pauline's presence, took me aside to express her gratitude
+and to communicate to me some chimerical schemes of hers which were soon
+to make her rich.
+
+Sophie was the life and soul of the party, but as I happened to tell her
+mother that Pauline was a lady who was lodging in my house, she said,
+
+"Then she is not your wife?"
+
+"No; such happiness is not for me. It was a joke of mine, and the lady
+amused herself at the expense of your credulity."
+
+"Well, I should like to sleep with her."
+
+"Really? When?"
+
+"Whenever mamma will let me."
+
+"We must first ascertain," said the mother, "what the lady thinks of the
+arrangement."
+
+"She needn't fear a refusal," said Pauline, giving the child a kiss.
+
+"Then you shall have her with pleasure, madam. I will get her governess
+to fetch her away to-morrow."
+
+"At three o'clock," said I, "for she must dine with us."
+
+Sophie, taking her mother's silence for consent, went up to her and
+kissed her, but these attentions were but coldly received. She
+unfortunately did not know how to inspire love.
+
+After Madame Cornelis had gone, I asked Pauline if she would like to take
+a walk with Sophie and myself in the suburbs, where nobody would know
+her.
+
+"In prudence," said she, "I cannot go out unless I am alone."
+
+"Then shall we stay here?"
+
+"We could not do better."
+
+Pauline and Sophie sang Italian, French, and English duets, and the
+concert of their voices seemed to me ravishing. We supped gaily, and at
+midnight I escorted them to the third floor, telling Sophie that I would
+come and breakfast with her in the morning, but that I should expect to
+find her in bed. I wanted to see if her body was as beautiful as her
+face. I would gladly have asked Pauline to grant me the same favour, but
+I did not think things had advanced far enough for that. In the morning I
+found Pauline up and dressed.
+
+When Sophie saw me she laughed and hid her head under the sheets, but as
+soon as she felt me near her she soon let me see her pretty little face,
+which I covered with kisses.
+
+When she had got up we breakfasted together, and the time went by as
+pleasantly as possible till Madame Rancour came for her little charge,
+who went away with a sad heart. Thus I was left alone with my Pauline who
+began to inspire me with such ardent desires that I dreaded an explosion
+every moment. And yet I had not so much as kissed her hand.
+
+When Sophie had gone I made her sit beside me, and taking her hand I
+kissed it rapturously, saying,
+
+"Are you married, Pauline?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Do you know what it is to be a mother?"
+
+"No, but I can partly imagine what happiness it must be."
+
+"Are you separated from your husband?"
+
+"Yes, by circumstances and against our will. We were separated before we
+had cohabited together."
+
+"Is he at London?"
+
+"No, he is far away, but please don't say anything more about it."
+
+"Only tell me whether my loss will be his gain."
+
+"Yes, and I promise not to leave you till I have to leave England--that
+is, unless you dismiss me--and I shall leave this happy island to be
+happy with the husband of my choice."
+
+"But I, dear Pauline, will be left unhappy, for I love you with all my
+heart, and am afraid to give you any proof of my love."
+
+"Be generous and spare me, for I am not my own mistress, and have no
+right to give myself to you; and perhaps, if you were so ungenerous as to
+attack me, I should not have the strength to resist."
+
+"I will obey, but I shall still languish. I cannot be unhappy unless I
+forfeit your favour."
+
+"I have duties to perform, my dear friend, and I cannot neglect them
+without becoming contemptible in my own eyes and yours too."
+
+"I should deem myself the most miserable of men if I despised a woman for
+making me happy."
+
+"Well, I like you too well to think you capable of such conduct, but let
+us be moderate, for we may have to part to-morrow. You must confess that
+if we yielded to desire, this parting would be all the more bitter. If
+you are of another opinion, that only shews that your ideas of love and
+mine are different."
+
+"Then tell me of what sort of love is that with which I am happy enough
+to have inspired you?"
+
+"It is of such a kind that enjoyment would only increase it, and yet
+enjoyment seems to me a mere accident."
+
+"Then what is its essence?"
+
+"To live together in perfect unity."
+
+"That's a blessing we can enjoy from morning to eve, but why should we
+not add the harmless accident which would take so short a time, and give
+us such peace and tranquillity. You must confess, Pauline, that the
+essence cannot exist long without the accident."
+
+"Yes, but you in your turn, you will agree that the food often proves in
+time to be deadly."
+
+"No, not when one loves truly, as I do. Do you think that you will not
+love me so well after having possessed me?"
+
+"No, it's because I think quite otherwise, that I dread to make the
+moment of parting so bitter."
+
+"I see I must yield to your logic. I should like to see the food on which
+you feed your brain, otherwise your books. Will you let me come
+upstairs?"
+
+"Certainly, but you will be caught."
+
+"How?"
+
+"Come and see."
+
+We went to her room, and I found that all her books were Portuguese, with
+the exception of Milton, in English, Ariosto, in Italian, and Labruyere's
+"Characters," in French.
+
+"Your selection gives me a high idea of your mental qualities," said I,
+"but tell me, why do you give such a preference to Camoens and all these
+Portuguese authors?"
+
+"For a very good reason, I am Portuguese myself."
+
+"You Portuguese? I thought you were Italian. And so you already know five
+languages, for you doubtless know Spanish."
+
+"Yes, although Spanish is not absolutely necessary."
+
+"What an education you have had!"
+
+"I am twenty-two now, but I knew all these languages at eighteen."
+
+"Tell me who you are, tell me all about yourself. I am worthy of your
+confidence."
+
+"I think so too, and to give you a proof of my trust in you I am going to
+tell you my history, for since you love me you can only wish to do me
+good."
+
+"What are all these manuscripts?"
+
+"My history, which I have written down myself. Let us sit down:"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+Pauline's Story--I Am Happy--Pauline Leaves Me
+
+I am the only daughter of the unfortunate Count X---- o, whom Carvailho
+Oeiras killed in prison on suspicion of being concerned in the attempt on
+the king's life, in which the Jesuits were supposed to have had a hand. I
+do not know whether my father was innocent or guilty, but I do know that
+the tyrannical minister did not dare to have him tried, or to confiscate
+the estates, which remain in my possession, though I can only enjoy them
+by returning to my native land.
+
+"My mother had me brought up in a convent where her sister was abbess. I
+had all kinds of masters, especially an Italian from Leghorn, who in six
+years taught me all that he thought proper for me to know. He would
+answer any questions I chose to put him, save on religious matters, but I
+must confess that his reserve made me all the fonder of him, for in
+leaving me to reflect on certain subjects by myself he did a great deal
+to form my judgment.
+
+"I was eighteen when my grandfather removed me from the convent, although
+I protested that I would gladly stay there till I got married. I was
+fondly attached to my aunt, who did all in her power after my mother's
+death to make me forget the double loss I had sustained. My leaving the
+convent altered the whole course of my existence, and as it was not a
+voluntary action I have nothing to repent of.
+
+"My grandfather placed me with his sister-in-law, the Marchioness X----o,
+who gave me up half her house. I had a governess, a companion, maids,
+pages, and footmen, all of whom, though in my service, were under the
+orders of my governess, a well-born lady, who was happily honest and
+trustworthy.
+
+"A year after I had left the convent my grandfather came and told me in
+the presence of my governess that Count Fl---- had asked my hand for his
+son, who was coming from Madrid end would arrive that day.
+
+"'What answer did you give him, dear grandfather?'
+
+"'That the marriage would be acceptable to the whole of the nobility, and
+also to the king and royal family.'
+
+"'But are you quite sure that the young count will like me and that I
+shall like the count?'
+
+"'That, my dear daughter, is a matter of course, and there need be no
+discussion on the subject.'
+
+"'But it is a question in which I am strongly interested, and I should
+like to consider it very carefully. We shall see how matters arrange
+themselves.'
+
+"'You can see each other before deciding, but you must decide all the
+same.'
+
+"'I hope so, but let us not be too certain. We shall see.'
+
+"As soon as my grandfather had gone I told my governess that I had made
+up my mind never to give my hand save where I had given my heart, and
+that I should only marry a man whose character and tastes I had carefully
+studied. My governess gave me no answer, and on my pressing her to give
+me her opinion, she replied that she thought her best course would be to
+keep silence on such a delicate question. This was as much as to tell me
+that she thought I was right; at least I persuaded myself that it was so.
+
+"The next day I went to the convent, and told the story to my aunt, the
+abbess, who listened to me kindly and said it was to be hoped that I
+should fall in love with him and he with me, but that even if it were
+otherwise she was of opinion that the marriage would take place, as she
+had reasons for believing that the scheme came from the Princess of
+Brazil, who favoured Count Fl----.
+
+"Though this information grieved me, I was still glad to hear it, and my
+resolution never to marry save for love was all the more strongly
+confirmed.
+
+"In the course of a fortnight the count arrived, and my grandfather
+presented him to me, several ladies being in the company. Nothing was
+said about marrying, but there was a deal of talk about the strange lands
+and peoples the new arrival had seen. I listened with the greatest
+attention, not opening my mouth the whole time. I had very little
+knowledge of the world, so I could not make any comparisons between my
+suitor and other men, but my conclusion was that he could never hope to
+please any woman, and that he would certainly never be mine. He had an
+unpleasant sneering manner, joked in bad taste, was stupid, and a
+devotee, or rather a fanatic. Furthermore he was ugly and ill-shapen, and
+so great a fop that he was not ashamed to relate the story of his
+conquests in France and Italy.
+
+"I went home hoping with all my heart that he had taken a dislike to me,
+and a week which passed away without my hearing anything on the subject
+confirmed me in this belief, but I was doomed to be disappointed. My
+great-aunt asked me to dinner, and when I went I found the foolish young
+man and his father present, together with my grandfather, who formally
+introduced him to me as my future husband, and begged me to fix the
+wedding day. I made up my mind that I would rather die than marry him,
+and answered politely but coldly that I would name the day when I had
+decided on marrying, but I should require time to think it over. The
+dinner went off silently, and I only opened my mouth to utter
+monosyllables in reply to questions which I could not avoid. After the
+coffee had been served I left the house, taking no notice of anyone
+besides my aunt and my grandfather.
+
+"Some time elapsed; and I again began to hope that I had effectually
+disgusted my suitor, but one morning my governess told me that Father
+Freire was waiting to speak to me in the ante-chamber. I ordered him to
+be sent in. He was the confessor of the Princess of Brazil, and after
+some desultory conversation he said the princess had sent him to
+congratulate me on my approaching marriage with Count Fl----.
+
+"I did not evince any surprise, merely replying that I was sensible of
+her highness's kindness, but that nothing had been decided so far, as I
+was not thinking of getting married.
+
+"The priest, who was a perfect courtier, smiled in a manner, half kindly,
+half sardonic, and said that I was at that happy age when I had no need
+to think of anything, as my kind friends and relations did all my
+thinking for me.
+
+"I only answered by an incredulous smile, which, for all his monastic
+subtlety, struck him as the expression of a young girl's coyness.
+
+"Foreseeing the persecution to which I should be subjected, I went the
+next day to my aunt the abbess, who could not refuse me her advice. I
+began by stating my firm resolve to die rather than wed a being I
+detested.
+
+"The worthy nun replied that the count had been introduced to her, and
+that to tell the truth she thought him insufferable; all the same, she
+said she was afraid I should be made to marry him.
+
+"These words were such a shock to me that I turned the conversation, and
+spoke of other subjects for the remainder of my visit. But when I got
+back to my house I pursued an extraordinary course. I shut myself up in
+my closet and wrote a letter to the executioner of my unhappy father, the
+pitiless Oeiras, telling him the whole story, and imploring him to
+protect me and to speak to the king in my favour; 'for,' said I, 'as you
+have made me an orphan it is your duty before God to care for me.' I
+begged him to shelter me from the anger of the Princess of Brazil, and to
+leave me at liberty to dispose of my hand according to my pleasure.
+
+"Though I did not imagine Oeiras to be a humane man, yet I thought he
+must have some sort of a heart; besides, by this extraordinary step and
+the firmness of my language, I hoped to appeal to his pride and to
+interest him in my favour. I felt sure that he would do me justice, if
+only to prove that he had not been unjust to my father. I was right, as
+will be seen, and although I was but an inexperienced girl my instinct
+served me well.
+
+"Two days elapsed before I was waited on by a messenger from Oeiras, who
+begged the honour of a private interview with me. The messenger told me
+that the minister wished me to reply to all who pressed me to marry that
+I should not decide until I was assured that the princess desired the
+match. The minister begged me to excuse his not answering my letter, but
+he had good reasons for not doing so. The messenger assured me that I
+could count on his master's support.
+
+"His message delivered, the gentleman took leave with a profound bow, and
+went back without waiting for an answer. I must confess that the young
+man's looks had made a great impression on me. I cannot describe my
+feelings, but they have exerted great influence on my conduct, and will
+no doubt continue to do so for the rest of my life.
+
+"This message put me quite at ease, for he would never have given me the
+instructions he did without being perfectly sure that the princess would
+not interfere any farther with my marriage; and so I gave myself up
+entirely to the new sentiments which possessed my heart. Though strong,
+the flame would no doubt soon have died down if it had not received fresh
+fuel every day, for when I saw the young messenger a week later in church
+I scarcely recognized him. From that moment, however, I met him
+everywhere; out walking, in the theatre, in the houses where I called,
+and especially when I was getting in or out of my carriage he was ever
+beside me, ready to offer his hand; and I got so used to his presence
+that when I missed his face I felt a void at my heart that made me
+unhappy.
+
+"Almost every day I saw the two Counts Fl---- at my great-aunt's, but as
+there was no longer any engagement between us their presence neither
+joyed me nor grieved me. I had forgiven them but I was not happy. The
+image of the young messenger, of whom I knew nothing, was ever before me,
+and I blushed at my thoughts though I would not ask myself the reasons.
+
+"Such was my state of mind, when one day I heard a voice, which was
+unknown to me, in my maid's room. I saw a quantity of lace on a table and
+proceeded to examine it without paying any attention to a girl who was
+standing near the table and curtsying to me. I did not like any of the
+lace, so the girl said that she would bring me some more to choose from
+the next day, and as I raised my eyes I was astonished to see that she
+had the face of the young man who was always in my thoughts. My only
+resource was to doubt their identity and to make myself believe that I
+had been deceived by a mere chance likeness. I was reassured on second
+thoughts; the girl seemed to me to be taller than the young man, whom I
+hesitated to believe capable of such a piece of daring. The girl gathered
+up her lace and went her way without raising her eyes to mine, and this
+made me feel suspicious again.
+
+"'Do you know that girl?' I said, coldly, to my maid, and she replied
+that she had never seen her before. I went away without another word, not
+knowing what to think.
+
+"I thought it over and resolved to examine the girl when she came on the
+following day, and to unmask her if my suspicions proved to be well
+founded. I told myself that she might be the young man's sister, and that
+if it were otherwise it would be all the more easy to cure myself of my
+passion. A young girl who reasons on love falls into love, especially if
+she have no one in whom to confide.
+
+"The pretended lace-seller duly came the next day with a box of lace. I
+told her to come into my room, and then speaking to her to force her to
+raise her eyes I saw before me the being who exerted such a powerful
+influence over me. It was such a shock that I had no strength to ask her
+any of the questions I had premeditated. Besides, my maid was in the
+room, and the fear of exposing myself operated, I think, almost as
+strongly as emotion. I set about choosing some pieces of lace in a
+mechanical way, and told my maid to go and fetch my purse. No sooner had
+she left the room than the lace-seller fell at my feet and exclaimed
+passionately,
+
+"'Give me life or death, madam, for I see you know who I am.'
+
+"'Yes, I do know you, and I think you must have gone mad.'
+
+"'Yes, that may be; but I am mad with love. I adore you.'
+
+"'Rise, for my maid will come back directly.'
+
+"'She is in my secret.'
+
+"'What! you have dared--'
+
+"He got up, and the maid came in and gave him his money with the utmost
+coolness. He picked up his lace, made me a profound bow, and departed.
+
+"It would have been natural for me to speak to my maid, and still more
+natural if I had dismissed her on the spot. I had no courage to do so,
+and my weakness will only astonish those rigorous moralists who know
+nothing of a young girl's heart, and do not consider my painful position,
+passionately in love and with no one but myself to rely on.
+
+"I did not follow at once the severe dictates of duty; afterwards it was
+too late, and I easily consoled myself with the thought that I could
+pretend not to be aware that the maid was in the secret. I determined to
+dissemble, hoping that I should never see the adventurous lover again,
+and that thus all would be as if it had never happened.
+
+"This resolve was really the effect of anger, for a fortnight passed by
+without my seeing the young man in the theatre, the public walks, or in
+any of the public places he used to frequent, and I became sad and
+dreamy, feeling all the time ashamed of my own wanton fancies. I longed
+to know his name, which I could only learn from my maid, and it was out
+of the question for me to ask Oeiras. I hated my maid, and I blushed when
+I saw her, imagining that she knew all. I was afraid that she would
+suspect my honour, and at another time I feared lest she might think I
+did not love him; and this thought nearly drove me mad. As for the young
+adventurer I thought him more to be pitied than to be blamed, for I did
+not believe that he knew I loved him, and it seemed to me that the idea
+of my despising him was enough vengeance for his audacity. But my
+thoughts were different when my vanity was stronger than love, for then
+despair avenged itself on pride, and I fancied he would think no more of
+me, and perhaps had already forgotten me.
+
+"Such a state cannot last long, for if nothing comes to put an end to the
+storm which tosses the soul to and fro, it ends at last by making an
+effort of itself to sail into the calm waters of peace.
+
+"One day I put on a lace kerchief I had bought from him, and asked my
+maid,
+
+"'What has become of the girl who sold me this kerchief?'
+
+"I asked this question without premeditation; it was, as it were, an
+inspiration from my 'good or my evil genius.
+
+"As crafty as I was simple, the woman answered that to be sure he had not
+dared to come again, fearing that I had found out his disguise.
+
+"'Certainly,' I replied, 'I found it out directly, but I was astonished
+to hear that you knew this lace-seller was a young man.'
+
+"'I did not think I should offend you, madam, I know him well.'
+
+"'Who is he?
+
+"'Count d'Al----; you ought to know him, for he paid you a visit about
+four months ago.'
+
+"'True, and it is possible that I did not know him, but why did you tell
+a lie when I asked you, "Do you know that girl?"'
+
+"'I lied to spare your feelings, madam, and I was afraid you would be
+angry at the part I had taken:
+
+"'You would have honoured me more by supposing the contrary. When you
+went out, and I told him he was mad, and that you would find him on his
+knees when you returned, he told me you were in the secret.'
+
+"'If it be a secret, but it seems to me a mere joke:
+
+"'I wished to think so too, but nevertheless it seemed of such weight to
+me, that I resolved to be silent that I might not be obliged to send you
+away.'
+
+"'My idea was that you would have been amused, but as you take it
+seriously I am sorry that I have failed in my strict duty.'
+
+"So weak is a woman in love that in this explanation which should have
+shewn me the servant's fault in all its enormity I only saw a full
+justification. In fact she had given peace to my heart, but my mind was
+still uneasy. I knew that there was a young Count d'Al---- belonging to a
+noble family, but almost penniless. All he had was the minister's
+patronage, and the prospect of good State employments. The notion that
+Heaven meant me to remedy the deficiencies in his fortune made me fall
+into a sweet reverie, and at last I found myself deciding that my maid
+who put it all down as a jest had more wit than I. I blamed myself for my
+scrupulous behaviour, which seemed no better than prudery. My love was
+stronger than I thought, and this is my best excuse, besides I had no one
+to guide or counsel me.
+
+"But after sunshine comes shadow. My soul was like the ebb and tide of
+the sea, now in the heights and now in the depths. The resolve, which the
+count seemed to have taken, to see me no more, either shewed him to be a
+man of little enterprise or little love, and this supposition humiliated
+me. 'If,' I said to myself, 'the count is offended with me for calling
+him a madman, he can have no delicacy and no discretion; he is unworthy
+of my love.'
+
+"I was in this dreadful state of uncertainty when my maid took upon
+herself to write to the count that he could come and see me under the
+same disguise. He followed her advice, and one fine morning the crafty
+maid came into my chamber laughing, and told me that the lace-seller was
+in the next room. I was moved exceedingly, but restraining myself I began
+to laugh also, though the affair was no laughing matter for me.
+
+"'Shall I shew her in? said the maid.
+
+"'Are you crazy?
+
+"Shall I send her away?
+
+"'No, I will go and speak to him myself.'
+
+"This day was a memorable one. My maid left the room now and again, and
+we had plenty of time to disclose our feelings to one another. I frankly
+confessed that I loved him, but added that it were best that I should
+forget him, as it was not likely that my relations would consent to our
+marriage. In his turn he told me that the minister having resolved to
+send him to England, he would die of despair unless he carried with him
+the hope of one day possessing me, for he said he loved me too well to
+live without me. He begged me to allow him to come and see me under the
+same disguise, and though I could not refuse him anything I said that we
+might be discovered.
+
+"'It is enough for me,' he replied, tenderly, 'that you will incur no
+danger, my visits will be set down to the account of your maid.'
+
+"'But I am afraid for you,' I replied, 'your disguise is a crime in
+itself; your reputation will suffer, and that will not tend to bring the
+wish of your heart nearer.'
+
+"In spite of my objections, my heart spoke in his favour, and he pleaded
+so well and promised to be so discreet that at last I said I would see
+him gladly whenever he liked to come.
+
+"Count Al---- is twenty-two, and is shorter than I; he is small-boned, and
+in his disguise as a lace-seller it was hard to recognize him, even by
+his voice, which is very soft. He imitated the gestures and ways of women
+to perfection, and not a few women would be only too glad to be like him.
+
+"Thus for nearly three months the disguised count came to see me three or
+four times a week, always in my maid's room, and mostly in her presence.
+But even if we had been perfectly alone his fear of my displeasure was
+too great to allow him to take the slightest liberties. I think now that
+this mutual restraint added fuel to our flames, for when we thought of
+the moment of parting it was with dumb sadness and with no idea of taking
+the opportunity of rendering one another happy. We flattered ourselves
+that Heaven would work some miracle in our favour, and that the day would
+never come wherein we should be parted.
+
+"But one morning the count came earlier than usual, and, bursting into
+tears, told me that the minister had given him a letter for M. de Saa,
+the Portuguese ambassador at London, and another letter open for the
+captain of a ship which was shortly to sail for London. In this letter
+the minister ordered the captain to embark Count Al----, to take him to
+London, and to treat him with distinction.
+
+"My poor lover was overwhelmed, he was nearly choked with sobs, and his
+brain was all confusion. For his sake, and taking pity on his grief and
+my love, I conceived the plan of accompanying him as his servant, or
+rather to avoid disguising my sex, as his wife. When I told him, he was
+at once stupefied and dazzled. He was beyond reasoning, and left
+everything in my hands. We agreed to discuss the matter at greater length
+on the following day, and parted.
+
+"Foreseeing that it would be difficult for me to leave the house in
+woman's dress, I resolved to disguise myself as a man. But if I kept to
+my man's dress I should be obliged to occupy the position of my lover's
+valet, and have to undertake tasks beyond my strength. This thought made
+me resolve to impersonate the master myself, but thinking that I should
+not care to see my lover degraded to the rank of a servant, I determined
+that he should be my wife, supposing that the captain of the ship did not
+know him by sight.
+
+"'As soon as we get to England,' I thought, 'we will get married, and can
+resume our several dresses. This marriage will efface whatever shame may
+be attached to our flight; they will say, perhaps, that the count carried
+me off; but a girl is not carried off against her will, and Oeiras surely
+will not persecute me for having made the fortune of his favourite. As to
+our means of subsistence, till I get my rents, I can sell my diamonds,
+and they will realize an ample sum.'
+
+"The next day, when I told my lover of this strange plan, he made no
+objections. The only obstacle which he thought of was the circumstance
+that the sea-captain might know him by sight, and this would have been
+fatal; but as he did not think it likely we determined to run the risk,
+and it was agreed that he should get me the clothes for the new part I
+was to play.
+
+"I saw my lover again after an interval of three days; it was nightfall
+when he came. He told me that the Admiralty had informed him that the
+ship was riding at the mouth of the Tagus, and that the captain would put
+out to sea as soon as he had delivered his dispatches and had received
+fresh instructions. Count Al was consequently requested to be at a
+certain spot at midnight, and a boat would be in waiting to take him on
+board.
+
+"I had made up my mind, and this was enough for me; and after having
+fixed the time and place of meeting, I shut myself up, pretending to be
+unwell. I put a few necessaries into a bag, not forgetting the precious
+jewel-casket, and I dressed myself up as a man and left the house by a
+stair only used by the servants. Even the porter did not see me as I made
+my escape.
+
+"Fearing lest I should go astray the count was waiting for me at a short
+distance, and I was pleasantly surprised when he took me by the arm,
+saying, ''Tis I.' From this careful action, simple though it was, I saw
+that he had intelligence; he was afraid to catch hold of me without
+making himself known. We went to a house where he had his trunk, and in
+half an hour his disguise was made. When all was ready a man came for our
+slight baggage, and we walked to the river where the count was waiting
+for us. It was eleven o'clock when we left land, and thinking my jewels
+would be safer in his pocket than in my bag, I gave them to him, and we
+anxiously awaited the arrival of the captain. He came aboard with his
+officers at midnight, and accosted me politely, saying he had received
+orders to treat me with distinction. I thanked him cordially, and
+introduced my wife to him, whom he greeted respectfully, saying he was
+delighted to have such a charming passenger, who would doubtless give us
+a fortunate voyage. He was too polite to be astonished that the minister
+had made no mention of the count's wife in his letter.
+
+"We got to the frigate in less than an hour; she was three leagues from
+land, and as soon as we got on board the captain ordered the men to set
+sail. He took us to a room which was extremely comfortable, considering
+it was only a cabin, and after doing the honours left us to ourselves.
+
+"When we were alone we thanked Heaven that everything had gone off so
+well, and far from going to sleep we spent the night in discussing the
+bold step we had taken, or rather, only just begun to take; however, we
+hoped it would have as fortunate an ending as beginning. When the day
+dawned our hearts were gladdened because Lisbon was no longer in sight,
+and as we were in need of rest I laid down on a seat, while the count got
+into a hammock, neither of us troubling to undress.
+
+"We were just falling asleep, when we began to feel the approach of
+sea-sickness, and for three days we knew no peace.
+
+"On the fourth day, scarcely being able to stand upright for weakness, we
+began to be hungry, and had to exercise a careful moderation, so as not
+to become seriously ill. Happily for us the captain had a store of good
+food, and our meals were delicate and well-served.
+
+"My lover, whose sickness has been more severe than mine, used this as a
+pretext for not leaving his room. The captain only came to see us once;
+this must have been out of extreme politeness, for in Portugal one may be
+jealous and yet not ridiculous. As for me, I stood upon the bridge nearly
+all day; the fresh air did me good, and I amused myself by scanning the
+horizon with my telescope.
+
+"The seventh day of the voyage my heart trembled as with a presentiment
+of misfortune, when the sailors said that a vessel which could be seen in
+the distance was a corvette which was due to sail a day after us, but
+being a swift sailor would probably reach England two or three days
+before us.
+
+"Though the voyage from Lisbon to England is a long one we had a fair
+wind all the way, and in fourteen days we dropped anchor at day-break in
+the port of Plymouth.
+
+"The officer sent ashore by the captain to ask leave to disembark
+passengers came on board in the evening with several letters. One the
+captain read with peculiar attention, and then called me to one side and
+said,
+
+"'This letter comes from Count Oeiras, and enjoins me, on my life, not to
+let any Portuguese young lady land, unless she be known to me. I am to
+take her back to Lisbon after having executed my various commissions.
+There is neither wife nor maid on my frigate, except the countess your
+wife. If you can prove that she is really your wife she may land with
+you; otherwise, you see, I cannot disobey the minister's orders.'
+
+"'She is my wife,' I said, coolly; 'but as I could not foresee this
+accident I have no papers to prove the fact.'
+
+"'I am sorry to hear it, as in that case she must go back to Lisbon. You
+may be sure I will treat her with all possible respect.'
+
+"'But a wife may not be parted from her husband.'
+
+"'Quite so, but I cannot disobey orders. If you like you can return to
+Lisbon in the corvette; you will be there before us.'
+
+"'Why cannot I return in this frigate?
+
+"'Because I have distinct orders to put you on land. And now I come to
+think of it, how was it that there was not a word about your wife in the
+letter you gave me when we started? If the lady is not the person meant
+by the minister, you may be sure she will be sent back to join you in
+London.'
+
+"'You will allow me to go and speak to her?
+
+"'Certainly, but in my presence.'
+
+"My heart was broken; nevertheless, I had to put a good face on the
+losing game I was playing. I went to the count, and addressing him as my
+dear wife communicated the order which was to part us.
+
+"I was afraid he would betray himself, but he was strong-minded enough to
+restrain his emotion, and only replied that we must needs submit, and
+that we should see each other again in a couple of months.
+
+"As the captain stood beside us, I could only utter common-places. I
+warned him, however, that I should write to the abbess directly I got to
+London, who was the first person he must go and see at Lisbon, as she
+would have my address. I took care not to ask for my jewel-case, as the
+captain might have thought that my false wife was some rich young lady
+whom I had seduced.
+
+"We had to abandon ourselves to our destiny. We embraced each other and
+mingled our ears, and the captain wept, too, when he heard me say,
+
+"'Trust in all things to the worthy captain, and let us not fear at all.'
+
+"The count's trunk was lowered into the boat, and as I did not dare to
+take my bag I found myself loaded with nothing but a man's clothes, which
+would not have fitted me, even if I had intended to keep up my disguise.
+
+"When I came to the custom-house I saw my possessions. There were books,
+letters, linen, some suits of clothes, a sword and two pairs of pistols,
+one pair of which I put in my pockets, and then I went to an inn where
+the host said that if I wanted to travel to London the next morning I
+should only have to pay for one horse.
+
+"'Who are the people,' said I, 'who desire a companion?
+
+"'You shall sup with them if you like,' said he.
+
+"I accepted the offer, and found the party consisted of a minister of
+religion and two ladies whose faces pleased me. I was fortunate enough to
+win their good graces, and early the next day we got to London and
+alighted in the Strand at an inn where I only dined, going out to seek a
+lodging appropriate to my means and the kind of life I wished to lead.
+Fifty Lisbon pieces and a ring of about the same value was all that I
+possessed in the world.
+
+"I took a room on the third floor, being attracted by the honest and
+kindly expression of the landlady. I could only trust in God and confide
+my position to her. I agreed to pay her ten shillings a week, and begged
+her to get me some woman's clothes, for I was afraid to go out in my
+man's dress any longer.
+
+"The next day I was clothed like a poor girl who desires to escape
+notice. I spoke English well enough to seem a native of the country, and
+I knew how I must behave if I wished to be let alone. Although the
+landlady was a worthy woman, her house was not exactly suitable for me;
+my stay in England might be protracted, and if I came to destitution I
+should be wretched indeed; so I resolved to leave the house. I received
+no visitors, but I could not prevent the inquisitive from hovering round
+my door, and the more it became known that I saw no one, the more their
+curiosity increased. The house was not quiet enough. It was near the
+Exchange, and the neighborhood swarmed with young men who came to dine on
+the first floor of the house, and did their best to cure me of my
+sadness, as they called it, though I had not shewn any signs of wishing
+to be cured.
+
+"I made up my mind not to spend more than a guinea a week, and resolved
+to sell my ring if I could have the money paid to me at intervals. An old
+jeweler who lodged next door, and for whose honesty my landlady answered,
+told me it was worth a hundred and fifty guineas, and asked me to let him
+have it if I had no better offer. I had not thought it to be so valuable,
+and I sold it to him on condition that he would pay me four guineas a
+month, and that I should be at liberty to buy it back if I could do so
+before all the payments had been made.
+
+"I wanted to keep my ready money, which I still have by me, so as to be
+able to go back to Lisbon by land when I can do so in safety, for I could
+not face the horrors of a sea voyage a second time.
+
+"I told my case to my worthy landlady who still befriends me, and she
+helped me to get another lodging, but I had to procure a servant to fetch
+me my food; I could not summon up courage to have my meals in a
+coffee-house. However, all my servants turned out ill; they robbed me
+continually, and levied a tax on all their purchases.
+
+"The temperance I observed--for I almost lived on bread and water--made
+me get thinner every day, still I saw no way of mending my existence till
+chance made me see your singular announcement. I laughed at it; and then
+drawn by some irresistible power, or perhaps by the curiosity that falls
+to the lot of most of us women, I could not resist going in and speaking
+to you. Instinct thus pointed out the way to improve my lot without
+increasing my expenditure.
+
+"When I got back I found a copy of the Advertiser on my landlady's table;
+it contained some editorial fun on the notice I had just read. The writer
+said that the master of the house was an Italian, and had therefore
+nothing to fear from feminine violence. On my side I determined to hazard
+everything, but I feel I have been too hasty, and that there are certain
+attacks which it is pleasant not to resist. I was brought up by an
+Italian, a clever and good man, and I have always had a great respect for
+your fellow-countrymen."
+
+My fair Portuguese had finished her story, and I observed,--
+
+"Really, your history has amused me very much; it has all the air of a
+romance."
+
+"Quite so," said she; "but it is a strictly historical romance. But the
+most amusing thing to me is that you have listened to it without
+weariness."
+
+"That is your modesty, madam; not only, has your tale interested me, but
+now that I know you are a Portuguese I am at peace with the nation."
+
+"Were you at war with us, then?"
+
+"I have never forgiven you for letting your Portuguese Virgil die
+miserably two hundred years ago."
+
+"You mean Camoens. But the Greeks treated Homer in the same way."
+
+"Yes, but the faults of others are no excuse for our own."
+
+"You are right; but how can you like Camoens so much if you do not know
+Portuguese?"
+
+"I have read a translation in Latin hexameters so well done that I
+fancied I was reading Virgil."
+
+"Is that truly so?"
+
+"I would never lie to you."
+
+"Then I make a vow to learn Latin."
+
+"That is worthy of you, but it is of me that you must learn the language.
+I will go to Portugal and live and die there, if you will give me your
+heart.'
+
+"My heart! I have only one, and that is given already. Since I have known
+you I have despised myself, for I am afraid I have an inconstant nature."
+
+"It will be enough for me if you will love me as your father, provided I
+may sometimes take my daughter to my arms. But go on with your story, the
+chief part is yet untold. What became of your lover, and what did your
+relations do when they found out your flight?"
+
+"Three days after I arrived in this vast city I wrote to the abbess, my
+aunt, and told her the whole story, begging her to protect my lover, and
+to confirm me in my resolution never to return to Lisbon till I could do
+so in security, and have no obstacles placed in the way of my marriage. I
+also begged her to write and inform me of all that happened, addressing
+her letters to 'Miss Pauline,' under cover of my landlady.
+
+"I sent my letter by Paris and Madrid, and I had to wait three months
+before I got an answer. My aunt told me that the frigate had only
+returned a short time, and that the captain immediately on his arrival
+wrote to the minister informing him that the only lady who was in his
+ship when he sailed was still on board, for he had brought her back with
+him, despite the opposition of Count Al----, who declared she was his
+wife. The captain ended by asking his excellency for further orders with
+respect to the lady aforesaid.
+
+"Oeiras, feeling sure that the lady was myself, told the captain to take
+her to the convent of which my aunt was abbess, with a letter he had
+written. In this letter he told my aunt that he sent her her niece, and
+begged her to keep the girl securely till further orders. My aunt was
+extremely surprised, but she would have been still more surprised if she
+had not got my letter a few days before. She thanked the captain for his
+care, and took the false niece to a room and locked her up. She then
+wrote to Oeiras, telling him that she had received into her convent a
+person supposed to be his niece, but as this person was really a man in
+woman's dress she begged his excellency to remove him as soon as
+possible.
+
+"When the abbess had written this curious letter she paid a visit to the
+count, who fell on his knees before her. My good aunt raised him, and
+shewed him my letter. She said that she had been obliged to write to the
+minister, and that she had no doubt he would be removed from the convent
+in the course of a few hours. The count burst into tears, and begging the
+abbess to protect us both gave her my jewel-casket, which the worthy
+woman received with great pleasure. She left him, promising to write to
+me of all that happened.
+
+"The minister was at one of his country estates, and did not receive the
+abbess's letter till the next day, but hastened to reply in person. My
+aunt easily convinced his excellency of the need for keeping the matter
+secret, for a man had been sent into the convent, which would be to her
+dishonour. She shewed the proud minister the letter she had had from me,
+and told him how the honest young man had given her my jewel-casket. He
+thanked her for her open dealing, and begged her pardon with a smile for
+sending a fine young man to her nunnery.
+
+"'The secret,' said he, 'is of the greatest importance; we must see that
+it goes no farther. I will relieve you of your false niece, and take her
+away in my carriage.'
+
+"My aunt took him at his word and brought out the young recluse, who
+drove away with the minister. The abbess tells me that from that day she
+has heard nothing about him, but that all Lisbon is talking over the
+affair, but in a wholly distorted manner. They say that the minister
+first of all put me under the care of my aunt, but soon after took me
+away, and has kept me in some secret place ever since. Count Al---- is
+supposed to be in London, and I in the minister's power, and probably we
+are supposed to have entered into a tender relationship. No doubt his
+excellency is perfectly well informed of my doings here, for he knows my
+address and has spies everywhere.
+
+"On the advice of my aunt I wrote to Oeiras a couple of months ago,
+telling him that I am ready to return to Lisbon, if I may marry Count
+Al---- and live in perfect liberty. Otherwise, I declared, I would stay in
+London, where the laws guaranteed my freedom. I am waiting for his answer
+every day, and I expect it will be a favourable one, for no one can
+deprive me of my estates, and Oeiras will probably be only too glad to
+protect me to lessen the odium which attaches to his name as the murderer
+of my father."
+
+Pauline made no mystery of the names of the characters, but she may be
+still alive, and I respect her too well to run the risk of wounding her,
+though these Memoirs will not see the light of day during my lifetime. It
+is sufficient to say that the story is known to all the inhabitants of
+Lisbon, and that the persons who figure in it are public characters in
+Portugal.
+
+I lived with dear Pauline in perfect harmony, feeling my love for her
+increase daily, and daily inspiring her with tenderer feelings towards
+myself. But as my love increased in strength, I grew thin and feeble; I
+could not sleep nor eat. I should have languished away if I had not
+succeeded in gratifying my passion. On the other hand, Pauline grew
+plumper and prettier every day.
+
+"If my sufferings serve to increase your charms," said I, "you ought not
+to let me die, for a dead man has no suffering."
+
+"Do you think that your sufferings are due to your love for me?"
+
+"Certainly."
+
+"There may be something in it, but, believe me, the tender passion does
+not destroy the appetite nor take away the power of sleep. Your
+indisposition is undoubtedly due to the sedentary life you have been
+leading of late. If you love me, give me a proof of it; go out for a
+ride."
+
+"I cannot refuse you anything, dearest Pauline, but what then?"
+
+"Then you shall find me grateful to you, you will have a good appetite,
+and will sleep well."
+
+"A horse, a horse! Quick! My boots!" I kissed her hand--for I had not got
+any farther than that--and began to ride towards Kingston. I did not care
+for the motion of trotting, so I put my horse at a gallop, when all of a
+sudden he stumbled, and in an instant I was lying on the ground in front
+of the Duke of Kingston's house. Miss Chudleigh happened to be at the
+window, and seeing me thrown to the ground uttered a shriek. I raised my
+head and she recognized me, and hastened to send some of her people to
+help me. As soon as I was on my feet I wanted to go and thank her, but I
+could not stir, and a valet who knew something of surgery examined me,
+and declared that I had put out my collar-bone and would require a week's
+rest.
+
+The young lady told me that if I liked to stay in her house the greatest
+care should be taken of me. I thanked her warmly, but begged her to have
+me taken home, as I should not like to give her so much trouble. She
+immediately gave the necessary orders, and I was driven home in a
+comfortable carriage. The servants in charge would not accept any money,
+and I saw in the incident a proof of that hospitality for which the
+English are famed, although they are at the same time profoundly
+egotistic.
+
+When I got home I went to bed, and sent for a surgeon, who laughed when I
+told him that I had put out a bone.
+
+"I'll wager it is nothing more than a sprain. I only wish it was put out
+that I might have some chance of shewing my skill."
+
+"I am delighted," I said, "not to be in a position to call for that
+amount of talent, but I shall have a high opinion of you if you set me up
+in a short time."
+
+I did not see Pauline, much to my astonishment. I was told she had gone
+out in a sedan-chair, and I almost felt jealous. In two hours she came in
+looking quite frightened, the old house-keeper having told her that I had
+broken my leg, and that the doctor had been with me already.
+
+"Unhappy wretch that I am!" she exclaimed as she came to my bedside,
+"'tis I that have brought you to this."
+
+With these words she turned pale and almost fell in a swoon beside me.
+
+"Divine being!" I cried, as I pressed her to my breast, "it is nothing;
+only a sprain."
+
+"What pain that foolish old woman has given me!
+
+"God be praised that it is no worse! Feel my heart."
+
+"Oh, yes! I felt it with delight. It was a happy fall for me."
+
+Fastening my lips on hers, I felt with delight that our transports were
+mutual, and I blessed the sprain that had brought me such bliss.
+
+After these ecstasies I felt that Pauline was laughing.
+
+"What are you laughing at, sweetheart?"
+
+"At the craft of love, which always triumphs at last."
+
+"Where have you been?"
+
+"I went to my old jeweler's to redeem my ring, that you might have a
+souvenir of me; here it is."
+
+"Pauline! Pauline! a little love would have been much more precious to me
+than this beautiful ring."
+
+"You shall have both. Till the time of my departure, which will come only
+too soon, we will live together like man and wife; and to-night shall be
+our wedding night, and the bed the table for the feast."
+
+"What sweet news you give me, Pauline! I cannot believe it till my
+happiness is actually accomplished."
+
+"You may doubt, if you like; but let it be a slight doubt, or else you
+will do me wrong. I am tired of living with you as a lover and only
+making you wretched, and the moment I saw you on horseback I determined
+to belong to you. Consequently I went to redeem the ring directly you
+left, and I do not intend to leave you until I receive the fatal message
+from Lisbon. I have dreaded its arrival every day for the last week."
+
+"May the messenger that brings it be robbed on the way."
+
+"No such luck, I am afraid."
+
+As Pauline was standing, I asked her to come to my arms, for I longed to
+give her some palpable signs of my love.
+
+"No, dearest, one can love and yet be wise; the door is open."
+
+She got down Ariosto and began to read to me the adventure of
+Ricciardetto with Fiordespina, an episode which gives its beauty to the
+twenty-ninth canto of that beautiful poem which I knew by heart. She
+imagined that she was the princess, and I Ricciardetto. She liked to
+fancy,
+
+   'Che il ciel L'abbia concesso,
+   Bradamante cangiata in miglior sesso.'
+
+When she came to the lines;
+
+   'Le belle braccia al collo indi mi getta,
+   E dolcemente stringe, a baccia in bocca:
+   Tu puoi pensar se allora la saetta
+   Dirizza Amor, se in mezzo al cor mi tocca.'
+
+She wanted some explanations on the expression 'baccia in bocca', and on
+the love which made Ricciardetto's arrow so stiff, and I, only too ready
+to comment on the text, made her touch an arrow as stiff as
+Ricciardetto's. Of course, she was angry at that, but her wrath did not
+last long. She burst out laughing when she came to the lines,
+
+   'Io il veggo, io il sento, e a pena vero parmi:
+   Sento in maschio in femina matarsi.'
+
+And then,
+
+   'Cosi le dissi, e feci ch'ella stessa
+   Trovo con man la veritade expressa.
+
+She expressed her, wonder that this poem abounding in obscenities had not
+been put on the "Index" at Rome.
+
+"What you call obscenity is mere license, and there is plenty of that at
+Rome."
+
+"That's a joke which should bring the censures of the Church upon you.
+But what do you call obscenities, if Ariosto is not obscene?"
+
+"Obscenity disgusts, and never gives pleasure."
+
+"Your logic is all your own, but situated as I am I cannot reargue your
+proposition. I am amused at Ariosto's choosing a Spanish woman above all
+others to conceive that strange passion for Bradamante."
+
+"The heat of the Spanish climate made him conclude that the Spanish
+temperament was also ardent, and consequently whimsical in its tastes."
+
+"Poets are a kind of madmen who allow themselves to give utterance to all
+their fancies."
+
+The reading was continued, and I thought my time had come when she read
+the verses:
+
+   Io senza scale in su la rooca salto,
+   E to stendardo piantovi di botto,
+   E la nemica mia mi caccio sotto**
+
+**I scaled the rock without a ladder, I planted my standard suddenly, and
+held my enemy beneath me.
+
+I wanted to give her a practical illustration of the lines, but with that
+sensibility so natural to women, and which they can use so well as a goad
+to passion, she said,--
+
+"Dearest, you might make yourself worse; let us wait till your sprain is
+cured."
+
+"Are we to wait till I am cured for the consummation of our marriage?"
+
+"I suppose so, for if I am not mistaken the thing can't be done without a
+certain movement."
+
+"You are wrong, dear Pauline, but it would make no difference to me even
+if it were so. You may be sure I would not put it off till to-morrow,
+even if it cost me my leg. Besides, you shall see that there are ways and
+means of satisfying our passions without doing me any harm. Is that
+enough for you?"
+
+"Well, well, as it is written that a wife should obey her husband, you
+will find me docile."
+
+"When?"
+
+"After supper."
+
+"Then we will have no supper. We shall dine with all the better appetite
+to-morrow. Let us begin now."
+
+"No, for the suspicions of the servants might be aroused. Love has its
+rules of decency like everything else."
+
+"You talk as wisely as Cato, and I am obliged to confess that you are
+right in all you say."
+
+Supper was served as usual; it was delicate enough, but the thought of
+approaching bliss had taken away our appetites, and we ate only for
+form's sake. At ten o'clock we were at liberty, and could indulge our
+passion without any fear of being disturbed.
+
+But this delightful woman, who had so plainly told me a few hours before
+that when I was cured we would live together as man and wife, was now
+ashamed to undress before me. She could not make up her mind, and told me
+so, laughing at herself. From this circumstance I gathered that the
+decency of the body is more tenacious in its grasp than the purity of the
+soul.
+
+"But, sweetheart," said I, "you dressed and undressed for a fortnight
+before your betrothed."
+
+"Yes, but he was always lying in his hammock with his back towards me at
+night, and in the morning he never turned round and wished me good day
+till he knew I was dressed."
+
+"What, he never turned?"
+
+"I never let him take any liberties."
+
+"Such virtue is incomprehensible to me."
+
+"You see the count was to be my husband, and I was to be his wife, and in
+such cases a young woman is careful. Besides, I believe that if one will
+but refrain from taking the first step, continence is easy. Then the
+count was naturally timid, and would never have taken any liberties
+without my encouraging him, which I took care not to do. For this once,
+you will allow me to sleep with you in my clothes."
+
+"Certainly, if you wish me to be dressed also, otherwise it would be
+unbearable for both of us."
+
+"You are very cruel."
+
+"But, dearest, are you not ashamed of these foolish scruples?"
+
+"Well, well, put out the candles, and in a minute I will be beside you."
+
+"Very good; though the want of light will deprive me of a great pleasure.
+Quick, out with them!"
+
+My charming Portuguese did not reflect that the moon shone full into the
+room, and that the muslin curtains would not prevent my seeing her
+exquisite figure, which shewed to greater advantage in the position she
+happened to take. If Pauline had been a coquette I should have considered
+her scruples as mere artifice calculated to increase my ardour; but she
+had no need to use such stratagems. At last she was within my arms, and
+we clasped each other closely and in silence that was only broken by the
+murmur of our kisses. Soon our union became closer, and her sighs and the
+ardour of her surrender shewed me that her passion was more in need of
+relief than mine. I was sufficiently master of myself to remember that I
+must have a care for her honour, greatly to her astonishment, for she
+confessed she had never thought of such a thing, and had given herself up
+freely, resolved to brave the consequences which she believed to be
+inevitable. I explained the mystery and made her happy.
+
+Till this moment love alone had swayed me, but now that the bloody
+sacrifice was over I felt full of respect and gratitude. I told her
+effusively that I knew how great was my happiness, and that I was ready
+to sacrifice my life to her to prove my love.
+
+The thought that our embraces would have no dangerous result had put
+Pauline at her ease, and she have reins to her ardent temperament, while
+I did valiant service, till at last we were exhausted and the last
+sacrifice was not entirely consummated. We abandoned ourselves to a
+profound and peaceful sleep. I was the first to awake; the sun was
+shining in through the window, and I gazed on Pauline. As I looked at
+this woman, the first beauty in Portugal, the only child of an
+illustrious family, who had given herself to me all for love, and whom I
+should possess for so short a time, I could not restrain a profound sigh.
+
+Pauline awoke, and her gaze, as bright as the rising sun in springtime,
+fixed itself on me truthfully and lovingly.
+
+"What are you thinking of, dearest?"
+
+"I am trying to convince myself that my happiness is not a dream, and if
+it be real I want it to last for ever. I am the happy mortal to whom you
+have given up your great treasure, of which I am unworthy, though I love
+you tenderly."
+
+"Sweetheart, you are worthy of all my devotion and affection, if you have
+not ceased to respect me."
+
+"Can you doubt it, Pauline?"
+
+"No, dearest, I think you love me, and that I shall never repent having
+trusted in you."
+
+The sweet sacrifice was offered again, and Pauline rose and laughed to
+find that she was no longer ashamed of her nakedness before me. Then,
+passing from jest to earnest, she said,--
+
+"If the loss of shame is the result of knowledge, how was it that our
+first parents were not ashamed till they had acquired knowledge?"
+
+"I don't know, dearest, but tell me, did you ever ask your learned
+Italian master that same question?"
+
+"Yes, I did."
+
+"What did he say?"
+
+"That their shame arose not from their enjoyment, but from disobedience;
+and that in covering the parts which had seduced them, they discovered,
+as it were, the sin they had committed. Whatever may be said on the
+subject, I shall always think that Adam was much more to blame than Eve."
+
+"How is that?"
+
+"Because Adam had received the prohibition from God, while Eve had only
+received it from Adam."
+
+"I thought that both of them received the prohibition directly from God."
+
+"You have not read Genesis, then."
+
+"You are laughing at me."
+
+"Then you have read it carelessly, because it is distinctly stated that
+God made Eve after he had forbidden Adam to eat of the fruit."
+
+"I wonder that point has not been remarked by our commentators; it seems
+a very important one to me."
+
+"They are a pack of knaves, all sworn enemies of women."
+
+"No, no, they give proofs of quite another feeling only too often."
+
+"We won't say anything more about it. My teacher was an honest man."
+
+"Was he a Jesuit?"
+
+"Yes, but of the short robe."
+
+"What do you mean?"
+
+"We will discuss the question another time."
+
+"Very good; I should like to have it proved to me that a man can be a
+Jesuit and honest at the same time."
+
+"There are exceptions to all rules."
+
+My Pauline was a profound thinker, and strongly attached to her religion.
+I should never have discovered that she possessed this merit if I had not
+slept with her. I have known several women of the same stamp; if you wish
+to know the elevation of their souls, you must begin by damning them.
+When this is done, one enjoys their confidence, for they have no secrets
+for the happy victor. This is the reason why the charming though feeble
+sex loves the brave and despises the cowardly. Sometimes they appear to
+love cowards, but always for their physical beauty. Women amuse
+themselves with such fellows, but are the first to laugh if they get
+caned.
+
+After the most delicious night I had ever passed, I resolved not to leave
+my house till Pauline had to return to Portugal. She did not leave me for
+a moment, save to hear mass on Sundays. I shut my door to everybody, even
+to the doctor, for my sprain disappeared of itself. I did not fail to
+inform Miss Chudleigh of my rapid cure; she had sent twice a day ever
+since the accident to learn how I was.
+
+Pauline went to her room after our amorous conflict, and I did not see
+her again till dinner-time; but when I did see her I thought her an
+angel. Her face had caught the hues of the lily and the rose, and had an
+air of happiness I could not help admiring.
+
+As we both wanted to have our portraits taken, I asked Martinelli to send
+me the best miniature-painter in London. He sent a Jew, who succeeded
+admirably. I had my miniature mounted in a ring and gave it to Pauline;
+and this was the only present she would accept from me, who would have
+thought myself all the richer if she had accepted all I had.
+
+We spent three weeks in a happy dream which no pen can describe. I was
+quite well again, and we tasted all the sweets of love together. All day
+and all night we were together, our desires were satisfied only to be
+renewed; we enjoyed the extremest bliss. In a word, it is difficult to
+form a just idea of the state of two individuals who enjoy all the range
+of physical and mental pleasures together, whose life is for the present
+without thought of the future; whose joys are mutual and continual; such,
+nevertheless, was the position of myself and my divine Pauline.
+
+Every day I discovered in her some fresh perfection which made me love
+her more; her nature was inexhaustible in its treasures, for her mental
+qualities even surpassed her physical beauties, and an excellent
+education had wonderfully increased the powers of her intelligence. With
+all the beauty and grace of a woman she had that exalted character which
+is the lot of the best of men. She began to flatter herself that the
+fatal letter would never come, and the count was little more than a dream
+of the past. Sometimes she would say that she could not understand how a
+pretty face could exercise such a strong influence over us in spite of
+our reason.
+
+"I have found out too late," she added, "that chance alone can make a
+marriage, contracted for such physical reasons, happy."
+
+The 1st of August was a fatal day for both of us. Pauline received a
+letter from Lisbon, which summoned her home without delay, and I had a
+letter from Paris announcing the death of Madame d'Urfe. Madame du Rumain
+told me that on the evidence of her maid the doctors had pronounced her
+death to be due to an overdose of the liquid she called "The Panacea."
+She added that a will had been found which savoured of a lunatic asylum,
+for she had left all her wealth to the son or daughter that should be
+born of her, declaring that she was with child. I was to be the governor
+of the infant; this vexed me exceedingly, as I knew I should be the
+laughing-stock of Paris for a week at least. Her daughter, the Comtesse
+de Chatelet, had taken possession of all her real estate and of her
+pocket-book, which contained, to my surprise, four hundred thousand
+francs. It was a great shock for me, but the contents of the two letters
+Pauline had received was a greater blow. One was from her aunt, and the
+other from Oeiras, who begged her to return to Lisbon as soon as
+possible, and assured her that she should be put in possession of her
+property on her arrival, and would be at liberty to marry Count Al---- in
+the sight of all the world. He sent her a cheque for twenty million reis.
+I was not aware of the small value of the coin, and was in an ecstasy;
+but Pauline laughed, and said it only came to two thousand pounds, which
+was a sufficient sum, however, to allow her to travel in the style of a
+duchess. The minister wanted her to come by sea, and all she had to do
+was to communicate with the Portuguese ambassador, who had orders to give
+her a passage on a Portuguese frigate which happened to be riding in an
+English port. Pauline would not hear of the voyage, or of applying to the
+ambassador, for she did not want anyone to think that she had been
+obliged to return. She was angry with the minister for having sent her a
+cheque, thinking that he must be aware that she had been in need, but I
+soon brought her to see reason on this point, telling her that it was a
+very thoughtful and delicate proceeding on the part of Oeiras, and that
+he had merely lent-her the money, and not given it to her.
+
+Pauline was rich, and she was a high-minded woman. Her generosity may be
+estimated by her giving me her ring when she was in want, and she
+certainly never counted on my purse, though she may have felt sure that I
+would not abandon her. I am sure she believed me to be very rich, and my
+conduct was certainly calculated to favour that idea.
+
+The day and even the night passed sadly. The next day Pauline addressed
+me as follows:
+
+"We must part, dear friend, and try to forget one another, for my honour
+obliges me to become the wife of the count as soon as I arrive in Lisbon.
+The first fancy of my heart, which you have almost effaced, will regain
+all its old force when I see you no longer, and I am sure I shall love my
+husband, for he is a goodhearted, honest, and pleasant young man; that
+much I know from the few days we lived together.
+
+"Now I have a favour to ask of you, which I am sure you will grant.
+Promise me never to come to Lisbon without my permission. I hope you will
+not seek to know my reasons; you would not, I am sure, come to trouble my
+peace, for if I sinned I should be unhappy, and you would not desire that
+for me. I have dreamed we have lived together as man and wife, and now we
+are parted I shall fancy myself a widow about to undertake another
+marriage."
+
+I burst into tears, and pressing her to my breast promised I would do as
+she wished.
+
+Pauline wrote to her aunt and Oeiras that she would be in Lisbon in
+October, and that they should have further news of her when she reached
+Spain. She had plenty of money, and bought a carriage and engaged a maid,
+and these arrangements took up her time during the last week she spent
+with me. I made her promise me to let Clairmont accompany her as far as
+Madrid. She was to send me back my faithful servant when she reached the
+Spanish capital, but fate had decreed that I should see his face no more.
+
+The last few days were spent partly in sorrow and partly in delight. We
+looked at each other without speaking, and spoke without knowing what we
+said. We forgot to eat, and went to bed hoping that love and anguish
+would keep us awake, but our exhausted bodies fell into a heavy sleep,
+and when we awoke we could only sigh and kiss again.
+
+Pauline allowed me to escort her as far as Calais, and we started on the
+10th of August, only stopping at Dover to embark the carriage on the
+packet, and four hours afterwards we disembarked at Calais, and Pauline,
+considering her widowhood had begun, begged me to sleep in another room.
+She started on the 12th of August, preceded by my poor Clairmont, and
+resolved only to travel by daytime.
+
+The analogy between my parting with Pauline and my parting with Henriette
+fifteen years before, was exceedingly striking; the two women were of
+very similar character, and both were equally beautiful, though their
+beauty was of a different kind. Thus I fell as madly in love with the
+second as with the first, both being equally intelligent. The fact that
+one had more talent and less prejudices than the other must have been an
+effect of their different educations. Pauline had the fine pride of her
+nation, her mind was a serious cast, and her religion was more an affair
+of the heart than the understanding. She was also a far more ardent
+mistress than Henriette. I was successful with both of them because I was
+rich; if I had been a poor man I should never have known either of them.
+I have half forgotten them, as everything is forgotten in time, but when
+I recall them to my memory I find that Henriette made the profounder
+impression on me, no doubt because I was twenty-five when I knew her,
+while I was thirty-seven in London.
+
+The older I get the more I feel the destructive effects of old age; and I
+regret bitterly that I could not discover the secret of remaining young
+and happy for ever. Vain regrets! we must finish as we began, helpless
+and devoid of sense.
+
+I went back to England the same day, and had a troublesome passage.
+Nevertheless, I did not rest at Dover; and as soon as I got to London I
+shut myself up with a truly English attack of the spleen, while I thought
+of Pauline and strove to forget her. Jarbe put me to bed, and in the
+morning, when he came into my room, he made me shudder with a speech at
+which I laughed afterwards.
+
+"Sir," said he, "the old woman wants to know whether she is to put up the
+notice again."
+
+"The old hag! Does she want me to choke her?"
+
+"Good heavens-no, sir! She is very fond of you, seeing you seemed so sad,
+she thought . . . ."
+
+"Go and tell her never to think such things again, and as for you . . . ."
+
+"I will do as you wish, sir."
+
+"Then leave me."
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of In London And Moscow: To London
+by Jacques Casanova de Seingalt
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