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diff --git a/39303-h/39303-h.htm b/39303-h/39303-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..474a7db --- /dev/null +++ b/39303-h/39303-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,25987 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + The Memoirs of Jacques Casanova de Seingalt 1725-1798 + </title> + <style type="text/css"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Memoires of Casanova, 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at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Memoires of Casanova + The Rare Unabridged London Edition Of 1894, plus An + Unpublished Chapter of History, By Arthur Symons + +Author: Jacques Casanova de Seingalt + +Translator: Arthur Machen + +Release Date: November 2, 2006 [EBook #39303] +Last Updated: December 15, 2016 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MEMOIRES OF CASANOVA *** + + + + +Produced by David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + <br /> <br /> <br /> + <h1> + THE MEMOIRS + </h1> + <br /> + <h3> + OF + </h3> + <br /> + <h1> + JACQUES CASANOVA de SEINGALT <br /> <br /> 1725-1798 + </h1> + <br /> <br /> <br /> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img alt="spines (178K)" src="images/spines.jpg" width="100%" /> + </div> + <br /> + <h3> + THE RARE UNABRIDGED LONDON EDITION OF 1894 TRANSLATED BY ARTHUR MACHEN TO + WHICH HAS BEEN ADDED THE CHAPTERS DISCOVERED BY ARTHUR SYMONS. + </h3> + <br /><br /> + <hr /> + <div class="tr"> + [Transcriber’s Note: These memoires were not written for children, they + may outrage readers also offended by Chaucer, La Fontaine, Rabelais and + The Old Testament. D.W.] + </div> + + <br /> <br /> + <hr /> + <br /> <br /> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <br /> + + + + + <br /> <a href="images/cover3.jpg">ENLARGE TO FULL SIZE</a> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/cover3th.jpg" width="100%" alt="Bookcover 3 " /> + </div> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkC2H_4_0001"> <b>EPISODE 11 — PARIS AND HOLLAND</b> + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkC2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkC2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkC2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkC2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV </a> + </p> + <br /> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkC2H_4_0006"> <b>EPISODE 12 — RETURN TO PARIS</b> + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkC2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkC2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkC2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkC2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkC2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX </a> + </p> + <br /> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkC2H_4_0012"> <b>EPISODE 13 — HOLLAND AND GERMANY</b> + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkC2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkC2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkC2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII </a> + </p> + <br /> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkC2H_4_0016"> <b>EPISODE 14 — SWITZERLAND</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkC2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkC2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkC2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkC2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkC2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkC2HCH0018"> CHAPTER XVIII </a> + </p> + <br /> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkC2H_4_0023"> <b>EPISODE 15 — WITH VOLTAIRE</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkC2HCH0019"> CHAPTER XIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkC2HCH0020"> CHAPTER XX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkC2HCH0021"> CHAPTER XXI </a> + </p> + + + + + + <br /> <br /> + <hr /> + <br /> <br /> <br /> + <h1> + VOLUME 3 — THE ETERNAL QUEST + </h1> + <br /> <a name="linkC2H_4_0001" id="linkC2H_4_0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> <a name="linkepisode11" id="linkepisode11"></a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + EPISODE 11 — PARIS AND HOLLAND + </h2> + <a name="linkC2HCH0001" id="linkC2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Count Tiretta of Trevisa Abbe Coste—Lambertini, the Pope’s + Niece—Her Nick-Name for Tiretta—The Aunt and Niece— + Our Talk by the Fireside—Punishment of Damien—Tiretta’s + Mistake Anger of Madame***—Their Reconciliation— + My Happiness with Mdlle. de la Meure Silvia’s Daughter—Mdlle. + de la Meure Marries—My Despair and Jealousy—A Change for + the Better +</pre> + <p> + In the beginning of March, 1757, I received a letter from my friend Madame + Manzoni, which she sent to me by a young man of good appearance, with a + frank and high-born air, whom I recognized as a Venetian by his accent. He + was young Count Tiretta de Trevisa, recommended to my care by Madame + Manzoni, who said that he would tell me his story, which I might be sure + would be a true one. The kind woman sent to me by him a small box in which + she told me I should find all my manuscripts, as she did not think she + would ever see me again. + </p> + <p> + I gave Tiretta the heartiest of welcomes, telling him that he could not + have found a better way to my favour than through a woman to whom I was + under the greatest obligations. + </p> + <p> + “And now, that you may be at your ease with me, I should like to know in + what manner I can be of service to you?” + </p> + <p> + “I have need of your friendship, perhaps of your purse, but at any rate of + your protection.” + </p> + <p> + “You have my friendship and my protection already, and my purse is at your + service.” + </p> + <p> + After expressing his gratitude to me, Tiretta said, + </p> + <p> + “A year ago the Supreme Council of my country entrusted me with an + employment dangerous to one of my years. I was made, with some other young + gentlemen of my own age, a keeper of the Mont de Piete. The pleasures of + the carnival having put us to a good deal of expense, we were short of + money, and borrowed from the till hoping to be able to make up the money + before balancing-day, but hoping all in vain. + </p> + <p> + “The fathers of my two companions, richer than mine, paid the sums they + had taken, and I, not being able to pay, took the part of escaping by + flight from the shame and the punishment I should have undergone. + </p> + <p> + “Madame Manzoni advised me to throw myself on your mercy, and she gave me + a little box which you shall have to-day. I only got to Paris yesterday, + and have only two louis, a little linen, and the clothes on my back. I am + twenty-five, have an iron constitution, and a determination to do all in + my power to make an honest living; but I can do nothing. I have not + cultivated any one talent in a manner to make use of it now. I can play on + the flute, but only as an amateur. I only know my own language, and I have + no taste for literature. So what can you make of me? I must add that I + have not a single expectation, least of all from my father, for to save + the honour of the family he will be obliged to sell my portion of the + estate, to which I shall have to bid an eternal farewell.” + </p> + <p> + If the count’s story had surprised me, the simplicity with which he told + it had given me pleasure; and I was resolved to do honour to Madame + Manzoni’s introduction, feeling that it was my duty to serve a + fellow-countryman, who was really guilty of nothing worse than gross + thoughtlessness. + </p> + <p> + “Begin,” said I, “by bringing your small belongings to the room next to + mine, and get your meals there. I will pay for everything while I am + looking out for something which may do for you. + </p> + <p> + “We will talk of business to-morrow, for as I never dine here I rarely if + ever come home till late, and I do not expect to have the honour of seeing + you again today. Leave me for the present, as I have got some work to do; + and if you go out to walk, beware of bad company, and whatever you do keep + your own counsel. You are fond of gaming, I suppose?” + </p> + <p> + “I hate it, as it has been the cause of half my troubles.” + </p> + <p> + “And the other half, I’ll wager, was caused by women.” + </p> + <p> + “You have guessed aright—oh, those women!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, don’t be angry with them, but make them pay for the ill they have + done you.” + </p> + <p> + “I will, with the greatest pleasure, if I can.” + </p> + <p> + “If you are not too particular in your goods, you will find Paris rich in + such commodities.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean by particular? I would never be a prince’s pathic.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no, I was not thinking of that. I mean by ‘particular’ a man who + cannot be affectionate unless he is in love. The man who . . . .” + </p> + <p> + “I see what you mean, and I can lay no claim to such a character. Any hag + with golden eyes will always find me as affectionate as a Celadon.” + </p> + <p> + “Well said! I shall soon be able to arrange matters for you.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope you will.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you going to the ambassador’s?” + </p> + <p> + “Good God!—no! What should I do when I got there? Tell him my story? + He might make things unpleasant for me.” + </p> + <p> + “Not without your going to see him, but I expect he is not concerning + himself with your case.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s all I ask him.” + </p> + <p> + “Everybody, my dear count, is in mourning in Paris, so go to my tailor’s + and get yourself a black suit. Tell him you come from me, and say you want + it by tomorrow. Good bye.” + </p> + <p> + I went out soon after, and did not come back till midnight. I found the + box which Madame Manzoni had sent me in my room, and in it my manuscripts + and my beloved portraits, for I never pawned a snuff-box without taking + the portrait out. + </p> + <p> + Next day Tiretta made his appearance all in black, and thanked me for his + transformation. + </p> + <p> + “They are quick, you see, at Paris. It would have taken a week at + Trevisa.” + </p> + <p> + “Trevisa, my dear fellow, is not Paris.” + </p> + <p> + As I said this, the Abbe de la Coste was announced. I did not know the + name, but I gave orders for him to be admitted; and there presently + appeared the same little priest with whom I had dined at Versailles after + leaving the Abbe de la Ville. + </p> + <p> + After the customary greetings he began by complimenting me on the success + of my lottery, and then remarked that I had distributed tickets for more + than six thousand francs. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” I said, “and I have tickets left for several thousands more.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good, then I will invest a thousand crowns in it.” + </p> + <p> + “Whenever you please. If you call at my office you can choose the + numbers.” + </p> + <p> + “No, I don’t think I’ll trouble to do so; give me any numbers just as they + come.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good; here is the list you can choose from.” + </p> + <p> + He chose numbers to the amount of three thousand francs, and then asked me + for a piece of paper to write an acknowledgment. + </p> + <p> + “Why so? I can’t do business that way, as I only dispose of my tickets for + cash.” + </p> + <p> + “But you may be certain that you will have the money to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “I am quite sure I should, but you ought to be certain that you will have + the tickets to-morrow. They are registered at my office, and I can dispose + of them in no other manner.” + </p> + <p> + “Give me some which are not registered.” + </p> + <p> + “Impossible; I could not do it.” + </p> + <p> + “Why not?” + </p> + <p> + “Because if they proved to be winning numbers I should have to pay out of + my own pocket an honour I do not desire.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I think you might run the risk.” + </p> + <p> + “I think not, if I wish to remain an honest man, at all events.” + </p> + <p> + The abbe, who saw he could get nothing out of me, turned to Tiretta, and + began to speak to him in bad Italian, and at last offered to introduce him + to Madame de Lambertini, the widow of one of the Pope’s nephews. Her name, + her relationship to the Pope, and the abbe’s spontaneous offer, made me + curious to know more, so I said that my friend would accept his offer, and + that I would have the honour to be of the party; whereupon we set out. + </p> + <p> + We got down at the door of the supposed niece of the Holy Father in the + Rue Christine, and we proceeded to go upstairs. We saw a woman who, + despite her youthful air, was, I am sure, not a day under forty. She was + rather thin, had fine black eyes, a good complexion, lively but giddy + manners, was a great laugher, and still capable of exciting a passing + fancy. I soon made myself at home with her, and found out, when she began + to talk, that she was neither a widow nor the niece of the Pope. She came + from Modena, and was a mere adventuress. This discovery shewed me what + sort of a man the abbe was. + </p> + <p> + I thought from his expression that the count had taken a fancy to her, and + when she asked us to dinner I refused on the plea of an engagement; but + Tiretta, who took my meaning, accepted. Soon after I went away with the + abbe, whom I dropped at the Quai de la Ferraille, and I then went to beg a + dinner at Calsabigi’s. + </p> + <p> + After dinner Calsabigi took me on one side, and told me that M. du Vernai + had commissioned him to warn me that I could not dispose of tickets on + account. + </p> + <p> + “Does M. du Vernai take me for a fool or a knave? As I am neither, I shall + complain to M. de Boulogne.” + </p> + <p> + “You will be wrong; he merely wanted to warn you and not offend you.” + </p> + <p> + “You offend me very much yourself, sir, in talking to me in that fashion; + and you may make up your mind that no one shall talk to me thus a second + time.” + </p> + <p> + Calsabigi did all in his power to quiet me down, and at last persuaded me + to go with him to M. du Vernai’s. The worthy old gentleman seeing the rage + I was in apologized to me for what he had said, and told me that a certain + Abbe de la Coste had informed him that I did so. At this I was highly + indignant, and I told him what had happened that morning, which let M. du + Vernai know what kind of a man the abbe was. I never saw him again, either + because he got wind of my discovery, or because a happy chance kept him + out of my way; but I heard, three years after, that he had been condemned + to the hulks for selling tickets of a Trevaux lottery which was + non-existent, and in the hulks he died. + </p> + <p> + Next day Tiretta came in, and said he had only just returned. + </p> + <p> + “You have been sleeping out, have you, master profligate?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I was so charmed with the she-pope that I kept her company all the + night.” + </p> + <p> + “You were not afraid of being in the way?” + </p> + <p> + “On the contrary, I think she was thoroughly satisfied with my + conversation.” + </p> + <p> + “As far as I can see, you had to bring into play all your powers of + eloquence.” + </p> + <p> + “She is so well pleased with my fluency that she has begged me to accept a + room in her house, and to allow her to introduce me as a cousin to M. le + Noir, who, I suppose, is her lover.” + </p> + <p> + “You will be a trio, then; and how do you think you will get on together?” + </p> + <p> + “That’s her business. She says this gentleman will give me a good + situation in the Inland Revenue.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you accepted her offer?” + </p> + <p> + “I did not refuse it, but I told her that I could do nothing without your + advice. She entreated me to get you to come to dinner with her on Sunday.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall be happy to go.” + </p> + <p> + I went with my friend, and as soon as the harebrain saw us she fell on + Tiretta’s neck, calling him dear Count “Six-times”—a name which + stuck to him all the time he was at Paris. + </p> + <p> + “What has gained my friend so fine a title, madam?” + </p> + <p> + “His erotic achievements. He is lord of an honour of which little is known + in France, and I am desirous of being the lady.” + </p> + <p> + “I commend you for so noble an ambition.” + </p> + <p> + After telling me of his feats with a freedom which shewed her exemption + from vulgar prejudice, she informed me that she wished her cousin to live + in the same house, and had already obtained M. le Noir’s permission, which + was given freely. + </p> + <p> + “M. le Noir,” added the fair Lambertini, “will drop in after dinner, and I + am dying to introduce Count ‘Sixtimes’ to him.” + </p> + <p> + After dinner she kept on speaking of the mighty deeds of my countryman, + and began to stir him up, while he, no doubt, pleased to have a witness to + his exploits, reduced her to silence. I confess that I witnessed the scene + without excitement, but as I could not help seeing the athletic person of + the count, I concluded that he might fare well everywhere with the ladies. + </p> + <p> + About three o’clock two elderly women arrived, to whom the Lambertini + eagerly introduced Count “Six-times.” In great astonishment they enquired + the origin of his title, and the heroine of the story having whispered it + to them, my friend became an object of interest. + </p> + <p> + “I can’t believe it,” said one of these ladies, ogling the count, while + his face seemed to say, + </p> + <p> + “Would you like to try?” + </p> + <p> + Shortly after, a coach stopped at the door, and a fat woman of middle-aged + appearance and a very pretty girl were ushered in; after them came a pale + man in a black suit and a long wig. After greeting them in a manner which + implied intimacy, the Pope’s niece introduced her cousin Count + “Six-strokes”. The elderly woman seemed to be astonished at such a name, + but the Lambertini gave no explanation. Nevertheless, people seemed to + think it rather curious that a man who did not know a word of French + should be living in Paris, and that in spite of his ignorance he continued + to jabber away in an easy manner, though nobody could understand what he + was talking about. + </p> + <p> + After some foolish conversation, the Pope’s niece proposed a game at Loo. + She asked me to play but on my refusing did not make a point of it, but + she insisted on her cousin being her partner. + </p> + <p> + “He knows nothing about cards,” said she; “but that’s no matter, he will + learn, and I will undertake to instruct him.” + </p> + <p> + As the girl, by whose beauty I was struck, did not understand the game, I + offered her a seat by the fire, asking her to grant me the honour of + keeping her company, whereupon the elderly woman who had brought her began + to laugh, and said I should have some difficulty in getting her niece to + talk about anything, adding, in a polite manner, that she hoped I would be + lenient with her as she had only just left a convent. I assured her that I + should have no difficulty in amusing myself with one so amiable, and the + game having begun I took up my position near the pretty niece. + </p> + <p> + I had been near her for several minutes, and solely occupied in mute + admiration of her beauty, when she asked me who was that handsome + gentleman who talked so oddly. + </p> + <p> + “He is a nobleman, and a fellow-countryman of mine, whom an affair of + honour has banished from his country.” + </p> + <p> + “He speaks a curious dialect.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but the fact is that French is very little spoken in Italy; he will + soon pick it up in Paris, and then he will be laughed at no longer. I am + sorry to have brought him here, for in less than twenty-four hours he was + spoiled.” + </p> + <p> + “How spoiled?” + </p> + <p> + “I daren’t tell you as, perhaps, your aunt would not like it.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t think I should tell her, but, perhaps, I should not have asked.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes! you should; and as you wish to know I will make no mystery of + it. Madame Lambertini took a fancy to him; they passed the night together, + and in token of the satisfaction he gave her she has given him the + ridiculous nickname of ‘Count Sixtimes.’ That’s all. I am vexed about it, + as my friend was no profligate.” + </p> + <p> + Astonishment—and very reasonable astonishment—will be + expressed that I dared to talk in this way to a girl fresh from a convent; + but I should have been astonished myself at the bare idea of any + respectable girl coming to Lambertini’s house. I fixed my gaze on my fair + companion, and saw the blush of shame mounting over her pretty face; but I + thought that might have more than one meaning. + </p> + <p> + Judge of my surprise when, two minutes afterwards, I heard this question: + </p> + <p> + “But what has ‘Sixtimes’ got to do with sleeping with Madame Lambertini?” + </p> + <p> + “My dear young lady, the explanation is perfectly simple: my friend in a + single night did what a husband often takes six weeks to do.” + </p> + <p> + “And you think me silly enough to tell my aunt of what we have been + talking? Don’t believe it.” + </p> + <p> + “But there’s another thing I am sorry about.” + </p> + <p> + “You shall tell me what that is directly.” + </p> + <p> + The reason which obliged the charming niece to retire for a few minutes + may be guessed without our going into explanations. When she came back she + went behind her aunt’s chair, her eyes fixed on Tiretta, and then came up + to me, and taking her seat again, said: + </p> + <p> + “Now, what else is it that you are sorry about?” her eyes sparkling as she + asked the question. + </p> + <p> + “May I tell you, do you think?” + </p> + <p> + “You have said so much already, that I don’t think you need have any + scruples in telling me the rest.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good: you must know, then, that this very day and in my presence he—— + -her.” + </p> + <p> + “If that displeased you, you must be jealous.” + </p> + <p> + “Possibly, but the fact is that I was humbled by a circumstance I dare not + tell you.” + </p> + <p> + “I think you are laughing at me with your ‘dare not tell you.’” + </p> + <p> + “God forbid, mademoiselle! I will confess, then, that I was humbled + because Madame Lambertini made me see that my friend was taller than + myself by two inches.” + </p> + <p> + “Then she imposed on you, for you are taller than your friend.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not speaking of that kind of tallness, but another; you know what I + mean, and there my friend is really monstrous.” + </p> + <p> + “Monstrous! then what have you to be sorry about? Isn’t it better not to + be monstrous?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly; but in the article we are discussing, some women, unlike you, + prefer monstrosity.” + </p> + <p> + “I think that’s absurd of them, or rather mad; or perhaps, I have not + sufficiently clear ideas on the subject to imagine what size it would be + to be called monstrous; and I think it is odd that such a thing should + humble you.” + </p> + <p> + “You would not have thought it of me, to see me?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not, for when I came into the room I thought you looked a + well-proportioned man, but if you are not I am sorry for you.” + </p> + <p> + “I won’t leave you in doubt on the subject; look for yourself, and tell me + what you think.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, it’s you who are the monster! I declare you make me feel quite + afraid.” + </p> + <p> + At this she began to perspire violently, and went behind her aunt’s chair. + I did not stir, as I was sure she would soon come back, putting her down + in my own mind as very far removed from silliness or innocence either. I + supposed she wished to affect what she did not possess. I was, moreover, + delighted at having taken the opportunity so well. I had punished her for + having tried to impose on me; and as I had taken a great fancy to her, I + was pleased that she seemed to like her punishment. As for her possession + of wit, there could be no doubt on that point, for it was she who had + sustained the chief part in our dialogue, and my sayings and doings were + all prompted by her questions, and the persevering way in which she kept + to the subject. + </p> + <p> + She had not been behind her aunt’s chair for five minutes when the latter + was looed. She, not knowing whom to attack, turned on her niece and said, + “Get you gone, little silly, you are bringing me bad luck! Besides, it is + bad manners to leave the gentleman who so kindly offered to keep you + company all by himself.” + </p> + <p> + The amiable niece made no answer, and came back to me smiling. “If my + aunt knew,” said she, “what you had done to me, she would not have accused + me of bad manners.” + </p> + <p> + “I can’t tell you how sorry I am. I want you to have some evidence of my + repentance, but all that I can do is to go. Will you be offended if I do?” + </p> + <p> + “If you leave me, my aunt will call me a dreadful stupid, and will say + that I have tired you out.” + </p> + <p> + “Would you like me to stay, then?” + </p> + <p> + “You can’t go.” + </p> + <p> + “Had you no idea what I shewed you was like till just now?” + </p> + <p> + “My ideas on the subject were inaccurate. My aunt only took me out of the + convent a month ago, and I had been there since I was seven.” + </p> + <p> + “How old are you now?” + </p> + <p> + “Seventeen. They tried to make me take the veil, but not having any relish + for the fooleries of the cloister I refused.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you vexed with me?” + </p> + <p> + “I ought to be very angry with you, but I know it was my fault, so I will + only ask you to be discreet.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t be afraid, if I were indiscreet I should be the first to suffer.” + </p> + <p> + “You have given me a lesson which will come in useful. Stop! stop! or I + will go away.” + </p> + <p> + “No, keep quiet; it’s done now.” + </p> + <p> + I had taken her pretty hand, with which she let me do as I liked, and at + last when she drew it back she was astonished to find it wanted wiping. + </p> + <p> + “What is that?” + </p> + <p> + “The most pleasant of substances, which renovates the world.” + </p> + <p> + “I see you are an excellent master. Your pupils make rapid progress, and + you give your lessons with such a learned air.” + </p> + <p> + “Now don’t be angry with me for what has happened. I should never have + dared to go so far if your beauty had not inspired me.” + </p> + <p> + “Am I to take that speech as a declaration of love?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, it is bold, sweetheart, but it is sincere. If it were not, I should + be unworthy both of you and of myself.” + </p> + <p> + “Can I believe you?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, with all your heart. But tell me if I may hope for your love?” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know. All I know at present is that I ought to hate you, for in + the space of a quarter of an hour you have taught me what I thought I + should never know till I was married.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you sorry?” + </p> + <p> + “I ought to be, although I feel that I have nothing more to learn on a + matter which I never dared to think about. But how is it that you have got + so quiet?” + </p> + <p> + “Because we are talking reasonably and after the rapture love requires + some repose. But look at this!” + </p> + <p> + “What! again? Is that the rest of the lesson?” + </p> + <p> + “It is the natural result of it.” + </p> + <p> + “How is it that you don’t frighten me now?” + </p> + <p> + “The soldier gets used to fire.” + </p> + <p> + “I see our fire is going out.” + </p> + <p> + With these words she took up a stick to poke the fire, and as she was + stooping down in a favourable position my rash hand dared to approach the + porch of the temple, and found the door closed in such sort that it would + be necessary to break it open if one wished to enter the sanctuary. She + got up in a dignified way, and told me in a polite and feeling manner that + she was a well-born girl and worthy of respect. Pretending to be confused + I made a thousand excuses, and I soon saw the amiable expression return to + the face which it became so well. I said that in spite of my repentance I + was glad to know that she had never made another man happy. + </p> + <p> + “Believe me,” she said, “that if I make anyone happy it will be my + husband, to whom I have given my hand and heart.” + </p> + <p> + I took her hand, which she abandoned to my rapturous kisses. I had reached + this pleasant stage in the proceedings when M. le Noir was announced, he + having come to enquire what the Pope’s niece had to say to him. + </p> + <p> + M. le Noir, a man of a certain age and of a simple appearance, begged the + company to remain seated. The Lambertini introduced me to him, and he + asked if I were the artist; but on being informed that I was his elder + brother, he congratulated me on my lottery and the esteem in which M. du + Vernai held me. But what interested him most was the cousin whom the fair + niece of the Pope introduced to him under his real name of Tiretta, + thinking, doubtless, that his new title would not carry much weight with + M. le Noir. Taking up the discourse, I told him that the count was + commanded to me by a lady whom I greatly esteemed, and that he had been + obliged to leave his country for the present on account of an affair of + honour. The Lambertini added that she wished to accommodate him, but had + not liked to do so till she had consulted M. le Noir. “Madam,” said the + worthy man, “you have sovereign power in your house, and I shall be + delighted to see the count in your society.” + </p> + <p> + As M. le Noir spoke Italian very well, Tiretta left the table, and we sat + down all four of us by the fire, where my fresh conquest had an + opportunity of shewing her wit. M. le Noir was a man of much intelligence + and great experience. He made her talk of the convent where she had been, + and as soon as he knew her name he began to speak of her father, with whom + he had been well acquainted. He was a councillor of the Parliament of + Rouen, and had enjoyed a great reputation during his lifetime. + </p> + <p> + My sweetheart was above the ordinary height, her hair was a fine golden + colour, and her regular features, despite the brilliance of her eyes, + expressed candour and modesty. Her dress allowed me to follow all the + lines of her figure, and the eyes dwelt pleasantly on the beauty of her + form, and on the two spheres which seemed to lament their too close + confinement. Although M. le Noir said nothing of all this, it was easy to + see that in his own way he admired her perfections no less than I. He left + us at eight o’clock, and half an hour afterwards the fat aunt went away + followed by her charming niece and the pale man who had come with them. I + lost no time in taking leave with Tiretta, who promised the Pope’s niece + to join her on the morrow, which he did. + </p> + <p> + Three or four days later I received at my office a letter from Mdlle. de + la Meure—the pretty niece. It ran as follows: “Madame, my aunt, my + late mother’s sister, is a devotee, fond of gaming, rich, stingy, and + unjust. She does not like me, and not having succeeded in persuading me to + take the veil, she wants to marry me to a wealthy Dunkirk merchant, whom I + do not know, but (mark this) whom she does not know any more than I do. + The matrimonial agent has praised him very much, and very naturally, as a + man must praise his own goods. This gentleman is satisfied with an income + of twelve hundred francs per annum, but he promises to leave me in his + will no less than a hundred and fifty thousand francs. You must know that + by my mother’s will my aunt is obliged to pay me on my wedding day + twenty-five thousand crowns. + </p> + <p> + “If what has taken place between us has not made me contemptible in your + sight, I offer you my hand and heart with sixty-five thousand francs, and + as much more on my aunt’s death. + </p> + <p> + “Don’t send me any answer, as I don’t know how or by whom to receive your + letter. You can answer me in your own person next Sunday at Madame + Lambertini’s. You will thus have four days whereon to consider this most + important question. I do not exactly know whether I love you, but I am + quite sure that I prefer you to any other man. I know that each of us has + still to gain the other’s esteem, but I am sure you would make my life a + happy one, and that I should be a faithful wife. If you think that the + happiness I seek can add to your own, I must warn you that you will need + the aid of a lawyer, as my aunt is miserly, and will stick at trifles. + </p> + <p> + “If you decide in the affirmative you must find a convent for me to take + refuge in before I commit myself to anything, as otherwise I should be + exposed to the harsh treatment I wish to avoid. If, on the other hand, my + proposal does not meet your views, I have one favour to ask by granting + which you will earn my everlasting gratitude. This is that you will + endeavour to see me no more, and will take care not to be present in any + company in which you think I am to be found. Thus you will help me to + forget you, and this is the least you can do for me. You may guess that I + shall never be happy till I have become your wife or have forgotten you. + Farewell! I reckon upon seeing you on Sunday.” + </p> + <p> + This letter affected me. I felt that it was dictated by prudent, virtuous, + and honourable feelings, and I found even more merit in the intellectual + endowments of the girl than in her beauty. I blushed at having in a manner + led her astray, and I should have thought myself worthy of punishment if I + had been capable of refusing the hand offered to me with so much nobility + of feeling. And a second but still a powerful consideration made me look + complacently upon a fortune larger than I could reasonably expect to win. + Nevertheless, the idea of the marriage state, for which I felt I had no + vocation, made me tremble. + </p> + <p> + I knew myself too well not to be aware that as a married man I should be + unhappy, and, consequently, with the best intentions I should fail in + making the woman’s life a happy one. My uncertainty in the four days which + she had wisely left me convinced me that I was not in love with her. In + spite of that, so weak was I that I could not summon up courage to reject + her offer—still less to tell her so frankly, which would have made + her esteem me. + </p> + <p> + During these four days I was entirely absorbed in this one subject. I + bitterly repented of having outraged her modesty, for I now esteemed and + respected her, but yet I could not make up my mind to repair the wrong I + had done her. I could not bear to incur her dislike, but the idea of tying + myself down was dreadful to me; and such is the condition of a man who has + to choose between two alternatives, and cannot make up his mind. + </p> + <p> + Fearing lest my evil genius should take me to the opera or elsewhere, and + in spite of myself make me miss my appointment, I resolved to dine with + the Lambertini without having come to any decision. The pious niece of the + Pope was at mass when I reached her house. I found Tiretta engaged in + playing on the flute, but as soon as he saw me he dropped the instrument, + ran up to me, embraced me, and gave me back the money his suit had cost + me. + </p> + <p> + “I see you are in cash, old fellow; I congratulate you.” + </p> + <p> + “It’s a grievous piece of luck to me, for the money is stolen, and I am + sorry I have got it though I was an accomplice in the theft.” + </p> + <p> + “What! the money is stolen?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sharping is done here, and I have been taught to help. I share in + their ill-gotten gains because I have not the strength of mind to refuse. + My landlady and two or three women of the same sort pluck the pigeons. The + business does not suit me, and I am thinking of leaving it. Sooner or + later I shall kill or be killed, and either event will be the death of me, + so I am thinking of leaving this cutthroat place as soon as possible.” + </p> + <p> + “I advise you—nay, I bid you do so by all means, and I should think + you had better be gone to-day than to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t want to do anything suddenly, as M. le Noir is a gentleman and my + friend, and he thinks me a cousin to this wretched woman. As he knows + nothing of the infamous trade she carries on, he would suspect something, + and perhaps would leave her after learning the reason of my departure. I + shall find some excuse or other in the course of the next five or six + days, and then I will make haste and return to you.” + </p> + <p> + The Lambertini thanked me for coming to dinner in a friendly manner, and + told me that we should have the company of Mdlle. de la Meure and her + aunt. I asked her if she was still satisfied with my friend “Sixtimes,” + and she told me that though the count did not always reside on his manor, + she was for all that delighted with him; and said she, + </p> + <p> + “I am too good a monarch to ask too much of my vassals.” + </p> + <p> + I congratulated her, and we continued to jest till the arrival of the two + other guests. + </p> + <p> + As soon as Mdlle. de la Meure saw me she could scarcely conceal her + pleasure. She was in half mourning, and looked so pretty in this costume, + which threw up the whiteness of her skin, that I still wonder why that + instant did not determine my fate. + </p> + <p> + Tiretta, who had been making his toilette, rejoined us, and as nothing + prevented me from shewing the liking I had taken for the amiable girl I + paid her all possible attention. I told the aunt that I found her niece so + pretty that I would renounce my bachelorhood if I could find such a mate. + </p> + <p> + “My niece is a virtuous and sweet-tempered girl, sir, but she is utterly + devoid either of intelligence or piety.” + </p> + <p> + “Never mind the intelligence,” said the niece, “but I was never found + wanting in piety at the convent.” + </p> + <p> + “I dare say the nuns are of the jesuitical party.” + </p> + <p> + “What has that got to do with it, aunt?” + </p> + <p> + “Very much, child; the Jesuits and their adherents are well known to have + no vital religion. But let us talk of something else. All that I want you + to do is to know how to please your future husband.” + </p> + <p> + “Is mademoiselle about to marry, then?” + </p> + <p> + “Her intended will probably arrive at the beginning of next month.” + </p> + <p> + “Is he a lawyer?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir; he is a well-to-do merchant.” + </p> + <p> + “M. le Noir told me that your niece was the daughter of a councillor, and + I did not imagine that you would sanction her marrying beneath her.” + </p> + <p> + “There will be no question of such a thing in this instance, sir; and, + after all, what is marrying beneath one? My niece’s intended is an honest, + and therefore a noble, man, and I am sure it will be her fault if she does + not lead a life of perfect happiness with him.” + </p> + <p> + “Quite so, supposing she loves him.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! love and all that kind of thing will come in good time, you know.” + </p> + <p> + As these remarks could only give pain to the young lady, who listened in + silence, I changed the conversation to the enormous crowd which would be + present at the execution of Damien, and finding them extremely desirous of + witnessing this horrible sight I offered them a large window with an + excellent view. The ladies accepted with great pleasure, and I promised to + escort them in good time. + </p> + <p> + I had no such thing as a window, but I knew that in Paris, as everywhere, + money will procure anything. After dinner I went out on the plea of + business, and, taking the first coach I came across, in a quarter of an + hour I succeeded in renting a first floor window in excellent position for + three louis. I paid in advance, taking care to have a receipt. + </p> + <p> + My business over, I hastened to rejoin the company, and found them engaged + in piquet. Mdlle. de la Meure, who knew nothing about it, was tired of + looking on. I came up to her, and having something to say we went to the + other end of the room. + </p> + <p> + “Your letter, dearest, has made me the happiest of men. You have displayed + in it such intelligence and such admirable characteristics as would win + you the fervent adoration of every man of good sense.” + </p> + <p> + “I only want one man’s love. I will be content with the esteem of the + rest.” + </p> + <p> + “My angel, I will make you my wife, and I shall bless till my latest + breath the lucky audacity to which I owe my being chosen before other men + who would not have refused your hand, even without the fifty thousand + crowns, which are nothing in comparison with your beauty and your wit.” + </p> + <p> + “I am very glad you like me so much.” + </p> + <p> + “Could I do otherwise? And now that you know my heart, do nothing hastily, + but trust in me.” + </p> + <p> + “You will not forget how I am placed.” + </p> + <p> + “I will bear it in mind. Let me have time to take a house, to furnish it + and to put myself in a position in which I shall be worthy of your hand. + You must remember that I am only in furnished apartments; that you are + well connected, and that I should not like to be regarded as a + fortune-hunter.” + </p> + <p> + “You know that my intended husband will soon arrive?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I will take care of that.” + </p> + <p> + “When he does come, you know, matters will be pushed on rapidly.” + </p> + <p> + “Not too rapidly for me to be able to set you free in twenty-four hours, + and without letting your aunt know that the blow comes from me. You may + rest assured, dearest, that the minister for foreign affairs, on being + assured that you wish to marry me, and me only, will get you an inviolable + asylum in the best convent in Paris. He will also retain counsel on your + behalf, and if your mother’s will is properly drawn out your aunt will + soon be obliged to hand over your dowry, and to give security for the rest + of the property. Do not trouble yourself about the matter, but let the + Dunkirk merchant come when he likes. At all hazards, you may reckon upon + me, and you may be sure you will not be in your aunt’s house on the day + fixed for the wedding.” + </p> + <p> + “I confide in you entirely, but for goodness’ sake say no more on a + circumstance which wounds my sense of modesty. You said that I offered you + marriage because you took liberties with me?” + </p> + <p> + “Was I wrong?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, partly, at all events; and you ought to know that if I had not good + reasons I should have done a very foolish thing in offering to marry you, + but I may as well tell you that, liberties or no liberties, I should + always have liked you better than anyone.” + </p> + <p> + I was beside myself with joy, and seizing her hand I covered it with + tender and respectful kisses; and I feel certain that if a notary and + priest had been then and there available, I should have married her + without the smallest hesitation. + </p> + <p> + Full of each other, like all lovers, we paid no attention to the horrible + racket that was going on at the other end of the room. At last I thought + it my duty to see what was happening, and leaving my intended I rejoined + the company to quiet Tiretta. + </p> + <p> + I saw on the table a casket, its lid open, and full of all sorts of + jewels; close by were two men who were disputing with Tiretta, who held a + book in one hand. I saw at once that they were talking about a lottery, + but why were they disputing? Tiretta told me they were a pair of knaves + who had won thirty or forty louis of him by means of the book, which he + handed to me. + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” said one of the gamesters, “this book treats of a lottery in which + all the calculations are made in the fairest manner possible. It contains + twelve hundred leaves, two hundred being winning leaves, while the rest + are blanks. Anyone who wants to play has only to pay a crown, and then to + put a pin’s point at random between two leaves of the closed book. The + book is then opened at the place where the pin is, and if the leaf is + blank the player loses; but if, on the other hand, the leaf bears a + number, he is given the corresponding ticket, and an article of the value + indicated on the ticket is then handed to him. Please to observe, sir, + that the lowest prize is twelve francs, and there are some numbers worth + as much as six hundred francs, and even one to the value of twelve + hundred. We have been playing for an hour, and have lost several costly + articles, and madam,” pointing to my sweetheart’s aunt, “has won a ring + worth six louis, but as she preferred cash, she continued playing and lost + the money she had gained.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said the aunt, “and these gentlemen have won everybody’s money with + their accursed game; which proves it is all a mere cheat.” + </p> + <p> + “It proves they are rogues,” said Tiretta. + </p> + <p> + “But gentlemen,” answered one of them, “in that case the receivers of the + Government lottery are rogues too”; whereon Tiretta gave him a box on the + ear. I threw myself between the two combatants, and told them not to speak + a word. + </p> + <p> + “All lotteries,” said I, “are advantageous to the holders, but the king is + at the head of the Government lottery, and I am the principal receiver, in + which character I shall proceed to confiscate this casket, and give you + the choice of the following alternatives: You can, if you like, return to + the persons present the money you have unlawfully won from them, whereupon + I will let you go with your box. If you refuse to do so, I shall send for + a policeman, who will take you to prison, and to-morrow you will be tried + by M. Berier, to whom I shall take this book in the morning. We shall soon + see whether we are rogues as well as they.” + </p> + <p> + Seeing that they had to do with a man of determination, and that + resistance would only result in their losing all, they resolved with as + good a grace as they could muster to return all their winnings, and for + all I know double the sum, for they were forced to return forty louis, + though they swore they had only won twenty. The company was too select for + me to venture to decide between them. In point of fact I was rather + inclined to believe the rascals, but I was angry with them, and I wanted + them to pay a good price for having made a comparison, quite right in the + main, but odious to me in the extreme. The same reason, doubtless, + prevented me from giving them back their book, which I had no earthly + right to keep, and which they asked me in vain to return to them. My + firmness and my threats, and perhaps also the fear of the police, made + them think themselves lucky to get off with their jewel-box. As soon as + they were gone the ladies, like the kindly creatures they were, began to + pity them. “You might have given them back their book,” they said to me. + </p> + <p> + “And you, ladies, might have let them keep their money.” + </p> + <p> + “But they cheated us of it.” + </p> + <p> + “Did they? Well, their cheating was done with the book, and I have done + them a kindness by taking it from them.” + </p> + <p> + They felt the force of my remarks, and the conversation took another turn. + </p> + <p> + Early next morning the two gamesters paid me a visit bringing with them as + a bribe a beautiful casket containing twenty-four lovely pieces of Dresden + china. I found this argument irresistible, and I felt obliged to return + them the book, threatening them at the same time with imprisonment if they + dared to carry on their business in Paris for the future. They promised me + to abstain from doing so—no doubt with a mental reservation, but I + cared nothing about that. + </p> + <p> + I resolved to offer this beautiful gift to Mdlle. de la Meure, and I took + it to her the same day. I had a hearty welcome, and the aunt loaded me + with thanks. + </p> + <p> + On March the 28th, the day of Damien’s martyrdom, I went to fetch the + ladies in good time; and as the carriage would scarcely hold us all, no + objection was made to my taking my sweetheart on my knee, and in this + order we reached the Place de Greve. The three ladies packing themselves + together as tightly as possible took up their positions at the window, + leaning forward on their elbows, so as to prevent us seeing from behind. + The window had two steps to it, and they stood on the second; and in order + to see we had to stand on the same step, for if we had stood on the first + we should not have been able to see over their heads. I have my reasons + for giving these minutiae, as otherwise the reader would have some + difficulty in guessing at the details which I am obliged to pass over in + silence. + </p> + <p> + We had the courage to watch the dreadful sight for four hours. The + circumstances of Damien’s execution are too well known to render it + necessary for me to speak of them; indeed, the account would be too long a + one, and in my opinion such horrors are an offence to our common humanity. + </p> + <p> + Damien was a fanatic, who, with the idea of doing a good work and + obtaining a heavenly reward, had tried to assassinate Louis XV.; and + though the attempt was a failure, and he only gave the king a slight + wound, he was torn to pieces as if his crime had been consummated. + </p> + <p> + While this victim of the Jesuits was being executed, I was several times + obliged to turn away my face and to stop my ears as I heard his piercing + shrieks, half of his body having been torn from him, but the Lambertini + and the fat aunt did not budge an inch. Was it because their hearts were + hardened? They told me, and I pretended to believe them, that their horror + at the wretch’s wickedness prevented them feeling that compassion which + his unheard-of torments should have excited. The fact was that Tiretta + kept the pious aunt curiously engaged during the whole time of the + execution, and this, perhaps, was what prevented the virtuous lady from + moving or even turning her head round. + </p> + <p> + Finding himself behind her, he had taken the precaution to lift up her + dress to avoid treading on it. That, no doubt, was according to the rule; + but soon after, on giving an involuntary glance in their direction, I + found that Tiretta had carried his precautions rather far, and, not + wishing to interrupt my friend or to make the lady feel awkward, I turned + my head and stood in such a way that my sweetheart could see nothing of + what was going on; this put the good lady at her ease. For two hours after + I heard a continuous rustling, and relishing the joke I kept quiet the + whole time. I admired Tiretta’s hearty appetite still more than his + courage, but what pleased me most was the touching resignation with which + the pious aunt bore it all. + </p> + <p> + At the end of this long session I saw Madame turn round, and doing the + same I fixed my gaze on Tiretta, and found him looking as fresh and cool + as if nothing had happened, but the aunt seemed to me to have a rather + pensive appearance. She had been under the fatal necessity of keeping + quiet and letting Tiretta do what he liked for fear of the Lambertini’s + jests, and lest her niece might be scandalized by the revelation of + mysteries of which she was supposed to know nothing. + </p> + <p> + We set out, and having dropped the Pope’s niece at her door, I begged her + to lend me Tiretta for a few hours, and I then took Madame to her house in + the Rue St. Andre-des-Arts. She asked me to come and see her the following + day as she had something to tell me, and I remarked that she took no + notice of my friend as she left us. We went to the “Hotel de Russie,” + where they gave you an excellent dinner for six francs a head, and I + thought my mad friend stood in need of recruiting his strength. + </p> + <p> + “What were you doing behind Madame—?” said I. + </p> + <p> + “I am sure you saw nothing, or anybody else either.” + </p> + <p> + “No, because when I saw the beginning of your manoeuvres, and guessed what + was coming, I stood in such a way that neither the Lambertini or the + pretty niece could see you. I can guess what your goal was, and I must say + I admire your hearty appetite. But your wretched victim appears to be + rather angry.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! my dear fellow, that’s all the affectation of an old maid. She may + pretend to be put out, but as she kept quiet the whole time I am certain + she would be glad to begin all over again.” + </p> + <p> + “I think so, too, in her heart of hearts; but her pride might suggest that + you had been lacking in respect, and the suggestion would be by no means + groundless.” + </p> + <p> + “Respect, you say; but must one not always be lacking in respect to women + when one wants to come to the point?” + </p> + <p> + “Quite so, but there’s a distinction between what lovers may do when they + are together, and what is proper in the presence of a mixed company.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but I snatched four distinct favours from her, without the least + opposition; had I not therefore good reasons for taking her consent for + granted?” + </p> + <p> + “You reason well, but you see she is out of humour with you. She wants to + speak to me to-morrow, and I have no doubt that you will be the subject of + our conversation.” + </p> + <p> + “Possibly, but still I should think she would not speak to you of the + comic piece of business; it would be very silly of her.” + </p> + <p> + “Why so? You don’t know these pious women. They are brought up by Jesuits, + who often give them some good lessons on the subject, and they are + delighted to confess to a third party; and these confessions with a + seasoning of tears gives them in their own eyes quite a halo of + saintliness.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, let her tell you if she likes. We shall see what comes of it.” + </p> + <p> + “Possibly she may demand satisfaction; in which case I shall be glad to do + my best for her.” + </p> + <p> + “You make me laugh! I can’t imagine what sort of satisfaction she could + claim, unless she wants to punish me by the ‘Lex talionis’, which would be + hardly practicable without a repetition of the original offence. If she + had not liked the game, all she had to do was to give me a push which + would have sent me backwards.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but that would have let us know what you had been trying to do.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, if it comes to that, the slightest movement would have rendered the + whole process null and void; but as it was she stood in the proper + position as quiet as a lamb; nothing could be easier.” + </p> + <p> + “It’s an amusing business altogether. But did you notice that the + Lambertini was angry with you, too? She, perhaps, saw what you were doing, + and felt hurt.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! she has got another cause of complaint against me. We have fallen + out, and I am leaving her this evening.” + </p> + <p> + “Really?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I will tell you all about it. Yesterday evening, a young fellow in + the Inland Revenue who had been seduced to sup with us by a hussy of + Genoa, after losing forty louis, threw, the cards in the face of my + landlady and called her a thief. On the impulse of the moment I took a + candle and put it out on his face. I might have destroyed one of his eyes, + but I fortunately hit him on the cheek. He immediately ran for his sword, + mine was ready, and if the Genoese had not thrown herself between us + murder might have been committed. When the poor wretch saw his cheek in + the glass, he became so furious that nothing short of the return of all + his money would appease him. They gave it him back, in spite of my advice, + for in doing so they admitted, tacitly at all events, that it had been won + by cheating. This caused a sharp dispute between the Lambertini and myself + after he had gone. She said we should have kept the forty louis, and + nothing would have happened except for my interference, that it was her + and not me whom the young man had insulted. The Genoese added that if we + had kept cool we should have had the plucking of him, but that God alone + knew what he would do now with the mark of the burn on his face. Tired of + the talk of these infamous women, I was about to leave them, but my + landlady began to ride the high horse, and went so far as to call me a + beggar. + </p> + <p> + “If M. le Noir had not come in just then, she would have had a bad time of + it, as my stick was already in my hand. As soon as they saw him they told + me to hold my tongue, but my blood was up; and turning towards the worthy + man I told him that his mistress had called me a beggar, that she was a + common prostitute, that I was not her cousin, nor in any way related to + her, and that I should leave her that very day. As soon as I had come to + the end of this short and swift discourse, I went out and shut myself up + in my room. In the course of the next two hours I shall go and fetch my + linen, and I hope to breakfast with you to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + Tiretta did well. His heart was in the right place, and he was wise not to + allow the foolish impulses of youth to plunge him in the sink of + corruption. As long as a man has not committed a dishonourable action, as + long as his heart is sound, though his head may go astray, the path of + duty is still open to him. I should say the same of women if prejudice + were not so strong in their case, and if they were not much more under the + influence of the heart than the head. + </p> + <p> + After a good dinner washed down by some delicious Sillery we parted, and I + spent the evening in writing. Next morning I did some business, and at + noon went to see the distressed devotee, whom I found at home with her + charming niece. We talked a few minutes about the weather, and she then + told my sweetheart to leave us as she wanted to speak to me. I was + prepared for what was coming and I waited for her to break the silence + which all women of her position observe. “You will be surprised, sir, at + what I am going to tell you, for I have determined to bring before you a + complaint of an unheard-of character. The case is really of the most + delicate nature, and I am impelled to make a confidant of you by the + impression you made on me when I first saw you. I consider you to be a man + of discretion, of honour, and above all a moral man; in short, I believe + you have experienced religion, and if I am making a mistake it will be a + pity, for though I have been insulted I don’t lack means of avenging + myself, and as you are his friend you will be sorry for him.” + </p> + <p> + “Is Tiretta the guilty party, madam?” + </p> + <p> + “The same.” + </p> + <p> + “And what is his crime?” + </p> + <p> + “He is a villain; he has insulted me in the most monstrous manner.” + </p> + <p> + “I should not have thought him capable of doing so.” + </p> + <p> + “I daresay not, but then you are a moral man.” + </p> + <p> + “But what was the nature of his offence? You may confide in my secrecy.” + </p> + <p> + “I really couldn’t tell you, it’s quite out of the question; but I trust + you will be able to guess it. Yesterday, during the execution of the + wretched Damien, he strongly abused the position in which he found himself + behind me.” + </p> + <p> + “I see; I understand what you mean; you need say no more. You have cause + for anger, and he is to blame for acting in such a manner. But allow me to + say that the case is not unexampled or even uncommon, and I think you + might make some allowance for the strength of love, the close quarters, + and above all for the youth and passion of the sinner. Moreover, the + offence is one which may be expiated in a number of ways, provided the + parties come to an agreement. Tiretta is young and a perfect gentleman, he + is handsome and at bottom a good fellow; could not a marriage be + arranged?” + </p> + <p> + I waited for a reply, but perceiving that the injured party kept silence + (a circumstance which seemed to me a good omen) I went on. + </p> + <p> + “If marriage should not meet your views, we might try a lasting + friendship, in which he could shew his repentance and prove himself + deserving of pardon. Remember, madam, that Tiretta is only a man, and + therefore subject to all the weaknesses of our poor human nature; and even + you have your share of the blame.” + </p> + <p> + “I, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “Involuntarily, madam, involuntarily; not you but your charms led him + astray. Nevertheless, without this incentive the circumstance would never + have taken place, and I think you should consider your beauty as a + mitigation of the offence.” + </p> + <p> + “You plead your cause well, sir, but I will do you justice and confess + that all your remarks have been characterized by much Christian feeling. + However, you are reasoning on false premises; you are ignorant of his real + crime, yet how should you guess it?” + </p> + <p> + With this she burst into tears, leading me completely off the scent, and + not knowing what to think. + </p> + <p> + “He can’t have stolen her purse,” said I to myself, “as I don’t think him + capable of such an action; and if I did I’d blow his brains out.” + </p> + <p> + The afflicted lady soon dried her tears, and went on as follows: + </p> + <p> + “You are thinking of a deed which one might possibly succeed in + reconciling with reason, and in making amends for; but the crime of which + that brute has been guilty I dare scarcely imagine, as it is almost enough + to drive me mad.” + </p> + <p> + “Good heavens! you can’t mean it? This is dreadful; do I hear you aright?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes. You are moved, I see, but such are the circumstances of the case. + Pardon my tears, which flow from anger and the shame with which I am + covered.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and from outraged religion, too.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, certainly. That is the chief source of my grief, and I should + have mentioned it if I had not feared you were not so strongly attached to + religion as myself.” + </p> + <p> + “Nobody, God be praised! could be more strongly attached to religion than + I, and nothing can ever unloose the ties which bind me to it.” + </p> + <p> + “You will be grieved, then, to hear that I am destined to suffer eternal + punishment, for I must and will be avenged.” + </p> + <p> + “Not so, madam, perish the thought, as I could not become your accomplice + in such a design, and if you will not abandon it at least say nothing to + me on the subject. I will promise you to tell him nothing, although as he + lives with me the sacred laws of hospitality oblige me to give him due + warning.” + </p> + <p> + “I thought he lived with the Lambertini” + </p> + <p> + “He left her yesterday. The connection between them was a criminal one, + and I have drawn him back from the brink of the precipice.” + </p> + <p> + “You don’t mean to say so!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, upon my word of honour.” + </p> + <p> + “You astonish one. This is very edifying. I don’t wish the young man’s + death, but you must confess he owes me some reparation.” + </p> + <p> + “He does indeed. A charming Frenchwoman is not to be handled in the + Italian manner without signal amends, but I can think of nothing at all + commensurate with the offence. There is only one plan, which I will + endeavour to carry out if you will agree to it.” + </p> + <p> + “What is that?” + </p> + <p> + “I will put the guilty party in your power without his knowing what is to + happen, and I will leave you alone, so that you can wreak all your wrath + upon him, provided you will allow me to be, unknown to him, in the next + room, as I shall regard myself as responsible for his safety.” + </p> + <p> + “I consent. You will stay in this room, and he must be left in the other + where I shall receive you, but take care he has no suspicion of your + presence.” + </p> + <p> + “He shan’t dream of it. He will not even know where I am taking him, for + he must not think that I have been informed of his misdoings. As soon as + we be there, and the conversation becomes general, I shall leave the room, + pretending to be going away.” + </p> + <p> + “When will you bring him? I long to cover him with confusion. I will make + him tremble. I am curious to hear how he will justify himself for such an + offence.” + </p> + <p> + “I can’t say, but I think and hope that your presence will make him + eloquent, as I should like to see your differences adjusted.” + </p> + <p> + At one o’clock the Abbe des Forges arrived, and she made me sit down to + dinner with them. This abbe was a pupil of the famous Bishop of Auxerre, + who was still living. I talked so well on the subject of grace, and made + so many quotations from St. Augustine, that the abbe and the devotee took + me for a zealous Jansenista character with which my dress and appearance + did not at all correspond. My sweetheart did not give me a single glance + while the meal was going on, and thinking she had some motives I abstained + from speaking to her. + </p> + <p> + After dinner, which, by the way, was a very good one, I promised the + offended lady to bring her the culprit bound hand and foot next day, after + the play was over. To put her at her ease I said I should walk, as I was + certain that he would not recognize the house in the dark. + </p> + <p> + As soon as I saw Tiretta, I began with a seriocomic air to reproach him + for the dreadful crime he had committed on the body of a lady in every way + virtuous and respectable, but the mad fellow began to laugh, and it would + have been waste of time for me to try to stop him. + </p> + <p> + “What!” said he, “she has had the courage to tell you all?” + </p> + <p> + “You don’t deny the fact, then?” + </p> + <p> + “If she says it is so, I don’t think I can give her the lie, but I am + ready to swear that I don’t know how the land lay. In the position I was + in it was impossible for me to say where I took up my dwelling. However, I + will quiet her indignation, as I shall come to the point quickly, and not + let her wait.” + </p> + <p> + “You will ruin the business if you don’t take care; be as long as you can; + she will like that best, and it will be to your interest. Don’t hurry + yourself, and never mind me, as I am sure to get on all right while you + are changing anger into a softer passion. Remember not to know that I am + in the house, and if you only stay with her a short time (which I don’t + think will be the case) take a coach and be off. You know the least a + pious woman like her can do will be to provide me with fire and company. + Don’t forget that she is well-born like yourself. These women of quality + are, no doubt, as immoral as any other women, since they are constructed + of the same material, but they like to have their pride flattered by + certain attentions. She is rich, a devote, and, what is more, inclined to + pleasure; strive to gain her friendship ‘faciem ad faciem’, as the King of + Prussia says. You may, perhaps, make your fortune.” + </p> + <p> + “If she asks you why you have left the Pope’s niece, take care not to tell + her the reason. She will be pleased with your discretion. In short, do + your best to expiate the enormity of your offence.” + </p> + <p> + “I have only to speak the truth. I went in in the dark.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s an odd reason, but it may seem convincing to a Frenchwoman.” + </p> + <p> + I need not tell the reader that I gave Tiretta a full account of my + conversation with the lady. If any complain of this breach of honour, I + must tell them that I had made a mental reservation not to keep my + promise, and those who are acquainted with the morality of the children of + Ignatius will understand that I was completely at my ease. + </p> + <p> + Next day we went to the opera, and afterwards, our plans made out, we + walked to the house of the insulted and virtuous lady. She received us + with great dignity, but yet there was an agreeable undercurrent in her + voice and manner which I thought very promising. + </p> + <p> + “I never take supper,” she said, “but if you had forewarned me of your + visit I should have got something for you.” + </p> + <p> + After telling her all the news I had heard in the theatre, I pretended to + be obliged to go, and begged her to let me leave the count with her for a + few minutes. + </p> + <p> + “If I am more than a quarter of an hour,” said I to the count, “don’t + wait. Take a coach home and we shall see each other to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + Instead of going downstairs I went into the next room, and two minutes + after who should enter but my sweetheart, who looked charmed and yet + puzzled at my appearance. + </p> + <p> + “I think I must be dreaming,” said she, “but my aunt has charged me not to + leave you alone, and to tell her woman not to come upstairs unless she + rings the bell. Your friend is with her, and she told me to speak low as + he is not to know that you are here. What does it all mean?” + </p> + <p> + “You are curious, are you?” + </p> + <p> + “I confess I am in this instance, for all this mystery seems designed to + excite curiosity.” + </p> + <p> + “Dearest, you shall know all; but how cold it is.” + </p> + <p> + “My aunt has told me to make a good fire, she has become liberal or rather + lavish all of a sudden; look at the wax candles.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s a new thing, is it?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, quite new.” + </p> + <p> + As soon as we were seated in front of the fire I began to tell her the + story, to which she listened with all the attention a young girl can give + to such a matter; but as I had thought it well to pass over some of the + details, she could not properly understand what crime it was that Tiretta + had committed. I was not sorry to be obliged to tell her the story in + plain language, and to give more expression I employed the language of + gesture, which made her blush and laugh at the same time. I then told her + that, having taken up the question of the reparation that was due to her + aunt, I had so arranged matters that I was certain of being alone with her + all the time my friend was engaged. Thereupon I began to cover her pretty + face with kisses, and as I allowed myself no other liberties she received + my caresses as a proof of the greatness of my love and the purity of my + feelings. + </p> + <p> + “Dearest,” she said, “what you say puzzles me; there are two things which + I can’t understand. How could Tiretta succeed in committing this crime + with my aunt, which I think would only be possible with the consent of the + party attacked, but quite impossible without it; and this makes me believe + that if the thing was done it was done with her hearty good will.” + </p> + <p> + “Very true, for if she did not like it she had only to change her + position.” + </p> + <p> + “Not so much as that; she need only have kept the door shut.” + </p> + <p> + “There, sweetheart, you are wrong, for a properly-made man only asks you + to keep still and he will overcome all obstacles. Moreover, I don’t expect + that your aunt’s door is so well shut as yours.” + </p> + <p> + “I believe that I could defy all the Tirettas in the world. + </p> + <p> + “There’s another thing I don’t understand, and that is how my blessed aunt + came to tell you all about it; for if she had any sense she might have + known that it would only make you laugh. And what satisfaction does she + expect to get from a brute like that, who possibly thinks the affair a + matter of no consequence. I should think he would do the same to any woman + who occupied the same position as my aunt.” + </p> + <p> + “You are right, for he told me he went in like a blind man, not knowing + where he was going.” + </p> + <p> + “Your friend is a queer fellow, and if other men are like him I am sure I + should have no feeling but contempt for them.” + </p> + <p> + “She has told me nothing about the satisfaction she is thinking of, and + which she possibly feels quite sure of attaining; but I think I can guess + what it will be namely, a formal declaration of love; and I suppose he + will expiate his crime by becoming her lover, and doubtless this will be + their wedding night.” + </p> + <p> + “The affair is getting amusing. I can’t believe it. My dear aunt is too + anxious about her salvation; and how do you imagine the young man can ever + fall in love with her, or play the part with such a face as hers before + his eyes. Have you ever seen a countenance as disgusting as my aunt’s? Her + skin is covered with pimples, her eyes distil humours, and her teeth and + breath are enough to discourage any man. She’s hideous.” + </p> + <p> + “All that is nothing to a young spark of twenty-five; one is always ready + for an assault at that age; not like me who only feel myself a man in + presence of charms like yours, of which I long to be the lawful + possessor.” + </p> + <p> + “You will find me the most affectionate of wives, and I feel quite sure + that I shall have your heart in such good keeping that I shall never be + afraid of losing it.” + </p> + <p> + We had talked thus pleasantly for an hour, and Tiretta was still with the + aunt. I thought things pointed towards a reconciliation, and judged the + matter was getting serious. I told my sweetheart my opinion, and asked her + to give me something to eat. + </p> + <p> + “I can only give you,” said she, “some bread and cheese, a slice of ham, + and some wine which my aunt pronounces excellent.” + </p> + <p> + “Bring them quick, then; I am fainting with hunger.” + </p> + <p> + She soon laid the table for two, and put on it all the food she had. The + cheese was Roquefort, and the ham had been covered with jelly. About ten + persons with reasonable appetites should have been able to sup on what + there was; but (how I know not) the whole disappeared, and also two + bottles of Chambertin, which I seem to taste now. My sweetheart’s eyes + gleamed with pleasure: truly Chambertin and Roquefort are excellent thinks + to restore an old love and to ripen a young one. + </p> + <p> + “Don’t you want to know what your aunt has been doing the last two hours + with M. Sixtimes?” + </p> + <p> + “They are playing, perhaps; but there is a small hole in the wall, and I + will look and see. I can only see the two candles, and the wicks are an + inch long.” + </p> + <p> + “Didn’t I say so? Give me a coverlet and I will sleep on the sofa here, + and do you go to bed. But let me look at it first.” + </p> + <p> + She made me come into her little room, where I saw a pretty bed, a prayer + desk, and a large crucifix. + </p> + <p> + “Your bed is too small for you, dear heart.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, not at all! I am very comfortable”; and so saying she laid down at + full length. + </p> + <p> + “What a beautiful wife I shall have! Nay, don’t move, let me look at you + so.” My hand began to press the bosom of her dress, where were imprisoned + two spheres which seemed to lament their captivity. I went farther, I + began to untie strings . . . for where does desire stop short? + </p> + <p> + “Sweetheart, I cannot resist, but you will not love me afterwards.” + </p> + <p> + “I will always love you.” + </p> + <p> + Soon her beautiful breasts were exposed to my burning kisses. The flame of + my love lit another in her heart, and forgetting her former self she + opened her arms to me, making me promise not to despise her, and what + would one not promise! The modesty inherent in the sex, the fear of + results, perhaps a kind of instinct which reveals to them the natural + faithlessness of men make women ask for such promises, but what mistress, + if really amorous, would even think of asking her lover to respect her in + the moment of delirious ecstacy, when all one’s being is centred on the + fulfilment of desire? + </p> + <p> + After we had passed an hour in these amorous toyings, which set my + sweetheart on fire, her charms having never before been exposed to the + burning lips or the free caresses of a man, I said to her, + </p> + <p> + “I grieve to leave you without having rendered to your beauty the greatest + homage which it deserves so well.” + </p> + <p> + A sigh was her only answer. + </p> + <p> + It was cold, the fire was out, and I had to spend the night on the sofa. + </p> + <p> + “Give me a coverlet, dearest, that I may go away from you, for I should + die here between love and cold if you made me abstain.” + </p> + <p> + “Lie where I have been, sweetheart. I will get up and rekindle the fire.” + </p> + <p> + She got up in all her naked charms, and as she put a stick to the fire the + flame leapt up; I rose, I found her standing so as to display all her + beauties, and I could refrain no longer. I pressed her to my heart, she + returned my caresses, and till day-break we gave ourselves up to an + ecstacy of pleasure. + </p> + <p> + We had spent four or five delicious hours on the sofa. She then left me, + and after making a good fire she went to her room, and I remained on the + sofa and slept till noon. I was awakened by Madame, who wore a graceful + undress. + </p> + <p> + “Still asleep, M. Casanova?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! good morning, madam, good morning. And what has become of my friend?” + </p> + <p> + “He has become mine, I have forgiven him.” + </p> + <p> + “What has he done to be worthy of so generous a pardon?” + </p> + <p> + “He proved to me that he made a mistake.” + </p> + <p> + “I am delighted to hear it; where is he?” + </p> + <p> + “He has gone home, where you will find him; but don’t say anything about + your spending the night here, or he will think it was spent with my niece. + I am very much obliged to you for what you have done, and I have only to + ask you to be discreet.” + </p> + <p> + “You can count on me entirely, for I am grateful to you for having + forgiven my friend.” + </p> + <p> + “Who would not do so? The dear young man is something more than mortal. If + you knew how he loved me! I am grateful to him, and I have taken him to + board for a year; he will be well lodged, well fed, and so on.” + </p> + <p> + “What a delightful plan! You have arranged the terms, I suppose.” + </p> + <p> + “All that will be settled in a friendly way, and we shall not need to have + recourse to arbitration. We shall set out to-day for Villette, where I + have a nice little house; for you know that it is necessary, at first, to + act in such a way as to give no opportunity to slanderers. My lover will + have all he wants, and whenever you, sir, honour us with your presence you + will find a pretty room and a good bed at your disposal. All I am sorry + for is that you will find it tedious; my poor niece is so dull.” + </p> + <p> + “Madam, your niece is delightful; she gave me yesterday evening an + excellent supper and kept me company till three o’clock this morning.” + </p> + <p> + “Really? I can’t make it out how she gave you anything, as there was + nothing in the house.” + </p> + <p> + “At any rate, madam, she gave me an excellent supper, of which there are + no remains, and after keeping me company she went to bed, and I have had a + good night on this comfortable sofa.” + </p> + <p> + “I am glad that you, like myself, were pleased with everything, but I did + not think my niece so clever.” + </p> + <p> + “She is very clever, madam—in my eyes, at all events.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, sir! you are a judge of wit, let us go and see her. She has locked + her door. Come open the door, why have you shut yourself up, you little + prude? what are you afraid of. My Casanova is incapable of hurting you.” + </p> + <p> + The niece opened her door and apologized for the disorder of her dress, + but what costume could have suited her better? Her costume was dazzling.” + </p> + <p> + “There she is,” said the aunt, “and she is not so bad looking after all, + but it is a pity she is so stupid. You were very right to give this + gentleman a supper. I am much obliged to you for doing so. I have been + playing all night, and when one is playing one only thinks of the game. I + have determined on taking young Tiretta to board with us. He is an + excellent and clever young man, and I am sure he will learn to speak + French before long. Get dressed, my dear, as we must begin to pack. We + shall set out this afternoon for Villette, and shall spend there the whole + of the spring. There is no need, you know, to say anything about this to + my sister.” + </p> + <p> + “I, aunt? Certainly not. Did I ever tell her anything on the other + occasions?” + </p> + <p> + “Other occasions! You see what a silly girl it is. Do you mean by ‘other + occasions,’ that I have been circumstanced like this before?” + </p> + <p> + “No, aunt. I only meant to say that I had never told her anything of what + you did.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s right, my dear, but you must learn to express yourself properly. + We dine at two, and I hope to have the pleasure of M. Casanova’s company + at dinner; we will start immediately after the meal. Tiretta promised to + bring his small portmanteau with him, and it will go with our luggage.” + </p> + <p> + After promising to dine with them, I bade the ladies good-bye; and I went + home as fast as I could walk, for I was as curious as a woman to know what + arrangements had been made. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said I to Tiretta, “I find you have got a place. Tell me all about + it.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear fellow, I have sold myself for a year. My pay is to be + twenty-five louis a month, a good table, good lodging, etc., etc.” + </p> + <p> + “I congratulate you.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you think it is worth the trouble?” + </p> + <p> + “There’s no rose without a thorn. She told me you were something more than + mortal.” + </p> + <p> + “I worked hard all night to prove it to her; but I am quite sure your time + was better employed than mine.” + </p> + <p> + “I slept like a king. Dress yourself, as I am coming to dinner, and I want + to see you set out for Villette. I shall come and see you there now and + then, as your sweetheart has told me that a room shall be set apart for my + convenience.” + </p> + <p> + We arrived at two o’clock. Madame dressed in a girlish style presented a + singular appearance, but Mdlle. de la Meure’s beauty shone like a star. + Love and pleasure had given her a new life, a new being. We had a capital + dinner, as the good lady had made the repast dainty like herself; but in + the dishes there was nothing absurd, while her whole appearance was comic + in the highest degree. At four they all set out, and I spent my evening at + the Italian comedy. + </p> + <p> + I was in love with Mdlle. de la Meure, but Silvia’s daughter, whose + company at supper was all I had of her, weakened a love which now left + nothing more to desire. + </p> + <p> + We complain of women who, though loving us and sure of our love, refuse us + their favours; but we are wrong in doing so, for if they love they have + good reason to fear lest they lose us in the moment of satisfying our + desires. Naturally they should do all in their power to retain our hearts, + and the best way to do so is to cherish our desire of possessing them; but + desire is only kept alive by being denied: enjoyment kills it, since one + cannot desire what one has got. I am, therefore, of opinion that women are + quite right to refuse us. But if it be granted that the passions of the + two sexes are of equal strength, how comes it that a man never refuses to + gratify a woman who loves him and entreats him to be kind? + </p> + <p> + We cannot receive the argument founded on the fear of results, as that is + a particular and not a general consideration. Our conclusion, then, will + be that the reason lies in the fact that a man thinks more of the pleasure + he imparts than that which he receives, and is therefore eager to impart + his bliss to another. We know, also, that, as a general rule, women, when + once enjoyed, double their love and affection. On the other hand, women + think more of the pleasure they receive than of that which they impart, + and therefore put off enjoyment as long as possible, since they fear that + in giving themselves up they lose their chief good—their own + pleasure. This feeling is peculiar to the sex, and is the only cause of + coquetry, pardonable in a woman, detestable in a man. + </p> + <p> + Silvia’s daughter loved me, and she knew I loved her, although I had never + said so, but women’s wit is keen. At the same time she endeavoured not to + let me know her feelings, as she was afraid of encouraging me to ask + favours of her, and she did not feel sure of her strength to refuse them; + and she knew my inconstant nature. Her relations intended her for Clement, + who had been teaching her the clavichord for the last three years. She + knew of the arrangement and had no objection, for though she did not love + him she liked him very well. Most girls are wedded without love, and they + are not sorry for it afterwards. They know that by marriage they become of + some consequence in the world, and they marry to have a house of their own + and a good position in society. They seem to know that a husband and a + lover need not be synonymous terms. At Paris men are actuated by the same + views, and most marriages are matters of convenience. The French are + jealous of their mistresses, but never of their wives. + </p> + <p> + There could be no doubt that M. Clement was very much in love, and Mdlle. + Baletti was delighted that I noticed it, as she thought this would bring + me to a declaration, and she was quite right. The departure of Mdlle. de + la Meure had a good deal to do with my determination to declare myself; + and I was very sorry to have done so afterwards, for after I had told her + I loved her Clement was dismissed, and my position was worse than before. + The man who declares his love for a woman in words wants to be sent to + school again. + </p> + <p> + Three days after the departure of Tiretta, I took him what small + belongings he had, and Madame seemed very glad to see me. The Abbe des + Forges arrived just as we were sitting down to dinner, and though he had + been very friendly to me at Paris he did not so much as look at me all + through the meal, and treated Tiretta in the same way. I, for my part, + took no notice of him, but Tiretta, not so patient as I, at last lost his + temper and got up, begging Madame to tell him when she was going to have + that fellow to dine with her. We rose from table without saying a word, + and the silent abbe went with madam into another room. + </p> + <p> + Tiretta took me to see his room, which was handsomely furnished, and, as + was right, adjoined his sweetheart’s. Whilst he was putting his things in + order, Mdlle. de la Meure made me come and see my apartment. It was a very + nice room on the ground floor, and facing hers. I took care to point out + to her how easily I could pay her a visit after everyone was in bed, but + she said we should not be comfortable in her room, and that she would + consequently save me the trouble of getting out of bed. It will be guessed + that I had no objections to make to this arrangement. + </p> + <p> + She then told me of her aunt’s folly about Tiretta. + </p> + <p> + “She believes,” said she, “that we do not know he sleeps with her.” + </p> + <p> + “Believes, or pretends to believe.” + </p> + <p> + “Possibly. She rang for me at eleven o’clock this morning and told me to + go and ask him what kind of night he had passed. I did so, but seeing his + bed had not been slept in I asked him if he had not been to sleep. + </p> + <p> + “‘No,’ said he, ‘I have been writing all night, but please don’t say + anything about it to your aunt: I promised with all my heart to be as + silent as the grave.’” + </p> + <p> + “Does he make sheep’s eyes at you?” + </p> + <p> + “No, but if he did it would be all the same. Though he is not over sharp + he knows, I think, what I think of him.” + </p> + <p> + “Why have you such a poor opinion of him?” + </p> + <p> + “Why? My aunt pays him. I think selling one’s self is a dreadful idea.” + </p> + <p> + “But you pay me.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but in the same coin as you give me.” + </p> + <p> + The old aunt was always calling her niece stupid, but on the contrary I + thought her very clever, and as virtuous as clever. I should never have + seduced her if she had not been brought up in a convent. + </p> + <p> + I went back to Tiretta, and had some pleasant conversation with him. I + asked him how he liked his place. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t like it much, but as it costs me nothing I am not absolutely + wretched.” + </p> + <p> + “But her face!” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t look at it, and there’s one thing I like about her—she is + so clean.” + </p> + <p> + “Does she take good care of you?” + </p> + <p> + “O yes, she is full of feeling for me. This morning she refused the + greeting I offered her. ‘I am sure,’ said she, ‘that my refusal will pain + you, but your health is so dear to me that I feel bound to look after it.’” + </p> + <p> + As soon as the gloomy Abbe des Forges was gone and Madame was alone, we + rejoined her. She treated me as her gossip, and played the timid child for + Tiretta’s benefit, and he played up to her admirably, much to my + admiration. + </p> + <p> + “I shall see no more of that foolish priest,” said she; “for after telling + me that I was lost both in this world and the next he threatened to + abandon me, and I took him at his word.” + </p> + <p> + An actress named Quinault, who had left the stage and lived close by, came + to call, and soon after Madame Favart and the Abbe de Voisenon arrived, + followed by Madame Amelin with a handsome lad named Calabre, whom she + called her nephew. He was as like her as two peas, but she did not seem to + think that a sufficient reason for confessing she was his mother. M. + Patron, a Piedmontese, who also came with her, made a bank at faro and in + a couple of hours won everybody’s money with the exception of mine, as I + knew better than to play. My time was better occupied in the company of my + sweet mistress. I saw through the Piedmontese, and had put him down as a + knave; but Tiretta was not so sharp, and consequently lost all the money + he had in his pockets and a hundred louis besides. The banker having + reaped a good harvest put down the cards, and Tiretta told him in good + Italian that he was a cheat, to which the Piedmontese replied with the + greatest coolness that he lied. Thinking that the quarrel might have an + unpleasant ending, I told him that Tiretta was only jesting, and I made my + friend say so, too. He then left the company and went to his room. + </p> + <p> + Eight years afterwards I saw this Patron at St. Petersburg, and in the + year 1767 he was assassinated in Poland. + </p> + <p> + The same evening I preached Tiretta a severe yet friendly sermon. I + pointed out to him that when he played he was at the mercy of the banker, + who might be a rogue but a man of courage too, and so in calling him a + cheat he was risking his life. + </p> + <p> + “Am I to let myself be robbed, then?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, you have a free choice in the matter; nobody will make you play.” + </p> + <p> + “I certainly will not pay him that hundred louis.” + </p> + <p> + “I advise you to do so, and to do so before you are asked.” + </p> + <p> + “You have a knack of persuading one to do what you will, even though one + be disposed to take no notice of your advice.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s because I speak from heart and head at once, and have some + experience in these affairs as well.” + </p> + <p> + Three quarters of an hour afterwards I went to bed and my mistress came to + me before long. We spent a sweeter night than before, for it is often a + matter of some difficulty to pluck the first flower; and the price which + most men put on this little trifle is founded more on egotism than any + feeling of pleasure. + </p> + <p> + Next day, after dining with the family and admiring the roses on my + sweetheart’s cheeks, I returned to Paris. Three or four days later Tiretta + came to tell me that the Dunkirk merchant had arrived, that he was coming + to dine at Madame’s, and that she requested me to make one of the party. I + was prepared for the news, but the blood rushed into my face. Tiretta saw + it, and to a certain extent divined my feelings. “You are in love with the + niece,” said he. + </p> + <p> + “Why do you think so?” + </p> + <p> + “By the mystery you make about her; but love betrays itself even by its + silence.” + </p> + <p> + “You are a knowing fellow, Tiretta. I will come to dinner, but don’t say a + word to anybody.” + </p> + <p> + My heart was rent in twain. Possibly if the merchant had put off his + arrival for a month I should have welcomed it; but to have only just + lifted the nectar to my lips, and to see the precious vessel escape from + my hands! To this day I can recall my feelings, and the very recollection + is not devoid of bitterness. + </p> + <p> + I was in a fearful state of perplexity, as I always was whenever it was + necessary for me to resolve, and I felt that I could not do so. If the + reader has been placed in the same position he will understand my + feelings. I could not make up my mind to consent to her marrying, nor + could I resolve to wed her myself and gain certain happiness. + </p> + <p> + I went to Villette and was a little surprised to find Mdlle. de la Meure + more elaborately dressed than usual. + </p> + <p> + “Your intended,” I said, “would have pronounced you charming without all + that.” + </p> + <p> + “My aunt doesn’t think so” + </p> + <p> + “You have not seen him yet?” + </p> + <p> + “No, but I should like to, although I trust with your help never to become + his wife.” + </p> + <p> + Soon after, she arrived with Corneman, the banker, who had been the agent + in this business transaction. The merchant was a fine man, about forty, + with a frank and open face. His dress was good though not elaborate. He + introduced himself simply but in a polite manner to Madame, and he did not + look at his future wife till the aunt presented her to him. His manner + immediately became more pleasing; and without making use of flowers of + speech he said in a very feeling way that he trusted the impression he had + made on her was equal to that which she had made on him. Her only answer + was a low curtsy, but she studied him carefully. + </p> + <p> + Dinner was served, and in the course of the meal we talked of almost + everything—except marriage. The happy pair only caught each other’s + eyes by chance, and did not speak to one another. After dinner Mdlle. de + la Meure went to her room, and the aunt went into her closet with the + banker and the merchant, and they were in close conversation for two + hours. At the end of that time the gentlemen were obliged to return to + Paris, and Madame, after summoning her niece, told the merchant she would + expect him to dinner on the day following, and that she was sure that her + niece would be glad to see him again. + </p> + <p> + “Won’t you, my dear?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, aunt, I shall be very glad to see the gentleman again.” + </p> + <p> + If she had not answered thus, the merchant would have gone away without + hearing his future bride speak. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said the aunt, “what do you think of your husband?” + </p> + <p> + “Allow me to put off my answer till to-morrow; but be good enough, when we + are at table, to draw me into the conversation, for it is very possible + that my face has not repelled him, but so far he knows nothing of my + mental powers; possibly my want of wit may destroy any slight impression + my face may have made.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I am afraid you will begin to talk nonsense, and make him lose the + good opinion he seems to have formed of you.” + </p> + <p> + “It is not right to deceive anybody. If he is disabused of his fictitious + ideas by the appearance of the truth, so much the better for him; and so + much the worse for both of us, if we decide on marrying without the + slightest knowledge of each other’s habits and ways of thought.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you think of him?” + </p> + <p> + “I think he is rather nice-looking, and his manners are kind and polite; + but let us wait till to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps he will have nothing more to say to me; I am so stupid.” + </p> + <p> + “I know very well that you think yourself very clever, and that’s where + your fault lies; it’s your self-conceit which makes you stupid, although + M. Casanova takes you for a wit.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps he may know what he is talking about.” + </p> + <p> + “My poor dear, he is only laughing at you.” + </p> + <p> + “I have good reasons for thinking otherwise, aunt.” + </p> + <p> + “There you go; you will never get any sense.” + </p> + <p> + “Pardon me, madam, if I cannot be of your opinion. Mademoiselle is quite + right in saying that I do not laugh at her. I dare to say that to-morrow + she will shine in the conversation.” + </p> + <p> + “You think so? I am glad to hear it. Now let us have a game at piquet, and + I will play against you and my niece, for she must learn the game.” + </p> + <p> + Tiretta asked leave of his darling to go to the play, and we played on + till supper-time. On his return, Tiretta made us almost die of laughing + with his attempts to tell us in his broken French the plot of the play he + had seen. + </p> + <p> + I had been in my bedroom for a quarter of an hour, expecting to see my + sweetheart in some pretty kind of undress, when all of a sudden I saw her + come in with all her clothes on. I was surprised at this circumstance, and + it seemed to me of evil omen. + </p> + <p> + “You are astonished to see me thus,” said she, “but I want to speak to you + for a moment, and then I will take off my clothes. Tell me plainly whether + I am to consent to this marriage or no?” + </p> + <p> + “How do you like him?” + </p> + <p> + “Fairly well.” + </p> + <p> + “Consent, then!” + </p> + <p> + “Very good; farewell! From this moment our love ends, and our friendship + begins. Get you to bed, and I will go and do the same. Farewell!” + </p> + <p> + “No, stay, and let our friendship begin to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “Not so, were my refusal to cost the lives of both of us. You know what it + must cost me to speak thus, but it is my irrevocable determination. If I + am to become another’s wife, I must take care to be worthy of him; perhaps + I may be happy. Do not hold me, let me go. You know how well I love you.” + </p> + <p> + “At least, let us have one final embrace.” + </p> + <p> + “Alas! no.” + </p> + <p> + “You are weeping.” + </p> + <p> + “No, I am not. In God’s name let me go.” + </p> + <p> + “Dear heart, you go but to weep in your chamber; stay here. I will marry + you.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, no more of that.” + </p> + <p> + With these words she made an effort, escaped from my hands, and fled from + the room. I was covered with shame and regret, and could not sleep. I + hated myself, for I knew not whether I had sinned most grievously in + seducing her or in abandoning her to another. + </p> + <p> + I stayed to dinner next day in spite of my heartbreak and my sadness. + Mdlle. de la Meure talked so brilliantly and sensibly to her intended that + one could easily see he was enchanted with her. As for me, feeling that I + had nothing pleasant to say, I pretended to have the toothache as an + excuse for not talking. Sick at heart, absent-minded, and feeling the + effects of a sleepless night, I was well-nigh mad with love, jealousy, and + despair. Mdlle. de la Meure did not speak to me once, did not so much as + look at me. She was quite right, but I did not think so then. I thought + the dinner would never come to an end, and I do not think I was ever + present at so painful a meal. + </p> + <p> + As we rose from the table, Madame went into her closet with her niece and + nephew that was to be, and the niece came out in the course of an hour and + bade us congratulate her, as she was to be married in a week, and after + the wedding she would accompany her husband to Dunkirk. “To-morrow,” she + added, “we are all to dine with M. Corneman, where the deed of settlement + will be signed.” + </p> + <p> + I cannot imagine how it was I did not fall dead on the spot. My anguish + cannot be expressed. + </p> + <p> + Before long it was proposed that we should go to the play, but excusing + myself on the plea of business I returned to Paris. As I got to my door I + seemed to be in a fever, and I lay down on my bed, but instead of the rest + I needed I experienced only remorse and fruitless repentance—the torments + of the damned. I began to think it was my duty to stop the marriage or + die. I was sure that Mdlle. de la Meure loved me, and I fancied she would + not say no if I told her that her refusal to marry me would cost me my + life. Full of that idea I rose and wrote her a letter, strong with all the + strength of tumultuous passion. This was some relief, and getting into bed + I slept till morning. As soon as I was awake I summoned a messenger and + promised him twelve francs if he would deliver my letter, and report its + receipt in an hour and a half. My letter was under cover of a note + addressed to Tiretta, in which I told him that I should not leave the + house till I had got an answer. I had my answer four hours after; it ran + as follows: “Dearest, it is too late; you have decided on my destiny, and + I cannot go back from my word. Come to dinner at M. Corneman’s, and be + sure that in a few weeks we shall be congratulating ourselves on having + won a great victory. Our love, crowned all too soon, will soon live only + in our memories. I beg of you to write to me no more.” + </p> + <p> + Such was my fate. Her refusal, with the still more cruel charge not to + write to her again, made me furious. In it I only saw inconstancy. I + thought she had fallen in love with the merchant. My state of mind may be + judged from the fact that I determined to kill my rival. The most savage + plans, the most cruel designs, ran a race through my bewildered brain. I + was jealous, in love, a different being from my ordinary self; anger, + vanity, and shame had destroyed my powers of reasoning. The charming girl + whom I was forced to admire, whom I should have esteemed all the more for + the course she had taken, whom I had regarded as an angel, became in my + eyes a hateful monster, a meet object for punishment. At last I determined + on a sure method of revenge, which I knew to be both dishonourable and + cowardly, but in my blind passion I did not hesitate for a moment. I + resolved to go to the merchant at M. Corneman’s, where he was staying, to + tell him all that had passed between the lady and myself, and if that did + not make him renounce the idea of marrying her I would tell him that one + of us must die, and if he refused my challenge I determined to assassinate + him. + </p> + <p> + With this terrible plan in my brain, which makes me shudder now when I + think of it, I ate with the appetite of a wild beast, lay down and slept + till day. I was in the same mind when I awoke, and dressed myself hastily + yet carefully, put two good pistols in my pocket and went to M. + Corneman’s. My rival was still asleep; I waited for him, and for a quarter + of an hour my thoughts only grew more bitter and my determination more + fixed. All at once he came into the room, in his dressing-gown, and + received me with open arms, telling me in the kindest of voices that he + had been expecting me to call, as he could guess what feelings I, a friend + of his future wife’s, could have for him, and saying that his friendship + for me should always be as warm as hers. His honest open face, his + straightforward words, overwhelmed me, and I was silent for a few minutes—in + fact I did not know what to say. Luckily he gave me enough time to + recollect myself, as he talked on for a quarter of an hour without + noticing that I did not open my lips. + </p> + <p> + M. Corneman then came in; coffee was served, and my speech returned to me; + but I am happy to say I refrained from playing the dishonourable part I + had intended; the crisis was passed. + </p> + <p> + It may be remarked that the fiercest spirits are like a cord stretched too + tight, which either breaks or relaxes. I have known several persons of + that temperament—the Chevalier L——, amongst others, who + in a fit of passion used to feel his soul escaping by every pore. If at + the moment when his anger burst forth he was able to break something and + make a great noise, he calmed down in a moment; reason resumed her sway, + and the raging lion became as mild as a lamb. + </p> + <p> + After I had taken a cup of coffee, I felt myself calmed but yet dizzy in + the head, so I bade them good morning and went out. I was astonished but + delighted that I had not carried my detestable scheme into effect. I was + humbled by being forced to confess to myself that chance and chance alone + had saved me from becoming a villain. As I was reflecting on what had + happened I met my brother, and he completed my cure. I took him to dine at + Silvia’s and stayed there till midnight. I saw that Mdlle. Baletti would + make me forget the fair inconstant, whom I wisely determined not to see + again before the wedding. To make sure I set out the next day for + Versailles, to look after my interests with the Government. + </p> + <a name="linkC2HCH0002" id="linkC2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The Abby de la Ville—The Abby Galiani—The Neapolitan + Dialect—I Set Out for Dunkirk on a Secret Mission— + I Succeed—I Return to Paris by Amiens—My Adventure by the + Way—M. de la Bretonniere—My Report Gives Satisfaction— + I Am Paid Five Hundred Louis—Reflections. +</pre> + <p> + A new career was opening before me. Fortune was still my friend, and I had + all the necessary qualities to second the efforts of the blind goddess on + my behalf save one—perseverance. My immoderate life of pleasure + annulled the effect of all my other qualities. + </p> + <p> + M. de Bernis received me in his usual manner, that is more like a friend + than a minister. He asked me if I had any inclination for a secret + mission. + </p> + <p> + “Have I the necessary talents?” + </p> + <p> + “I think so.” + </p> + <p> + “I have an inclination for all honest means of earning a livelihood, and + as for my talents I will take your excellency’s opinion for granted.” + </p> + <p> + This last observation made him smile, as I had intended. + </p> + <p> + After a few words spoken at random on the memories of bygone years which + time had not entirely defaced, the minister told me to go to the Abbe de + la Ville and use his name. + </p> + <p> + This abbe, the chief permanent official of the foreign office, was a man + of cold temperament, a profound diplomatist, and the soul of the + department, and high in favour with his excellency the minister. He had + served the state well as an agent at The Hague, and his grateful king + rewarded him by giving him a bishopric on the day of his death. It was a + little late, but kings have not always sufficient leisure to remember + things. His heir was a wealthy man named Garnier, who had formerly been + chief cook at M. d’Argenson’s, and had become rich by profiting by the + friendship the Abbe de la Ville had always had for him. These two friends, + who were nearly of the same age, had deposited their wills in the hands of + the same attorney, and each had made the other his residuary legatee. + </p> + <p> + After the abbe had delivered a brief discourse on the nature of secret + missions and the discretion necessary to those charged with them, he told + me that he would let me know when anything suitable for me presented + itself. + </p> + <p> + I made the acquaintance of the Abbe Galiani, the secretary of the + Neapolitan Embassy. He was a brother to the Marquis de Galiani, of whom I + shall speak when we come to my Italian travels. The Abbe Galiani was a man + of wit. He had a knack of making the most serious subjects appear comic; + and being a good talker, speaking French with the ineradicable Neapolitan + accent, he was a favourite in every circle he cared to enter. The Abbe de + la Ville told him that Voltaire had complained that his Henriade had been + translated into Neapolitan verse in such sort that it excited laughter. + </p> + <p> + “Voltaire is wrong,” said Galiani, “for the Neapolitan dialect is of such + a nature that it is impossible to write verses in it that are not + laughable. And why should he be vexed; he who makes people laugh is sure + of being beloved. The Neapolitan dialect is truly a singular one; we have + it in translations of the Bible and of the Iliad, and both are comic.” + </p> + <p> + “I can imagine that the Bible would be, but I should not have thought that + would have been the case with the Iliad.” + </p> + <p> + “It is, nevertheless.” + </p> + <p> + I did not return to Paris till the day before the departure of Mdlle. de + la Meure, now Madame P——. I felt in duty bound to go and see + her, to give her my congratulations, and to wish her a pleasant journey. I + found her in good spirits and quite at her ease, and, far from being vexed + at this, I was pleased, a certain sign that I was cured. We talked without + the slightest constraint, and I thought her husband a perfect gentleman. + He invited us to visit him at Dunkirk, and I promised to go without + intending to do so, but the fates willed otherwise. + </p> + <p> + Tiretta was now left alone with his darling, who grew more infatuated with + her Strephon every day, so well did he prove his love for her. + </p> + <p> + With a mind at ease, I now set myself to sentimentalize with Mdlle. + Baletti, who gave me every day some new mark of the progress I was making. + </p> + <p> + The friendship and respect I bore her family made the idea of seduction + out of the question, but as I grew more and more in love with her, and had + no thoughts of marriage, I should have been puzzled to say at what end I + was aiming, so I let myself glide along the stream without thinking where + I was going. + </p> + <p> + In the beginning of May the Abbe de Bernis told me to come and call on him + at Versailles, but first to see the Abbe de la Ville. The first question + the abbe asked me was whether I thought myself capable of paying a visit + to eight or ten men-of-war in the roads at Dunkirk, of making the + acquaintance of the officers, and of completing a minute and + circumstantial report on the victualling, the number of seamen, the guns, + ammunition, discipline, etc., etc. + </p> + <p> + “I will make the attempt,” I said, “and will hand you in my report on my + return, and it will be for you to say if I have succeeded or not.” + </p> + <p> + “As this is a secret mission, I cannot give you a letter of commendation; + I can only give you some money and wish you a pleasant journey.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not wish to be paid in advance—on my return you can give me + what you think fit. I shall want three or four days before setting out, as + I must procure some letters of introduction.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good. Try to come back before the end of the month. I have no + further instructions to give you.” + </p> + <p> + On the same day I had some conversation at the Palais Bourbon with my + patron, who could not admire sufficiently my delicacy in refusing payment + in advance; and taking advantage of my having done so he made me accept a + packet of a hundred Louis. This was the last occasion on which I made use + of his purse; I did not borrow from him at Rome fourteen years afterwards. + </p> + <p> + “As you are on a secret mission, my dear Casanova, I cannot give you a + passport. I am sorry for it, but if I did so your object would be + suspected. However, you will easily be able to get one from the first + gentleman of the chamber, on some pretext or other. Silvia will be more + useful to you in that way than anybody else. You quite understand how + discreet your behaviour must be. Above all, do not get into any trouble; + for I suppose you know that, if anything happened to you, it would be of + no use to talk of your mission. We should be obliged to know nothing about + you, for ambassadors are the only avowed spies. Remember that you must be + even more careful and reserved than they, and yet, if you wish to succeed, + all this must be concealed, and you must have an air of freedom from + constraint that you may inspire confidence. If, on your return, you like + to shew me your report before handing it in, I will tell you what may + require to be left out or added.” + </p> + <p> + Full of this affair, the importance of which I exaggerated in proportion + to my inexperience, I told Silvia that I wanted to accompany some English + friends as far as Calais, and that she would oblige me by getting me a + passport from the Duc de Gesvres. Always ready to oblige me, she sat down + directly and wrote the duke a letter, telling me to deliver it myself + since my personal description was necessary. These passports carry legal + weight in the Isle de France only, but they procure one respect in all the + northern parts of the kingdom. + </p> + <p> + Fortified with Silvia’s letter, and accompanied by her husband, I went to + the duke who was at his estate at St. Toro, and he had scarcely read the + letter through before he gave me the passport. Satisfied on this point I + went to Villette, and asked Madame if she had anything I could take to her + niece. “You can take her the box of china statuettes,” said she, “if M. + Corneman has not sent them already.” I called on the banker who gave me + the box, and in return for a hundred Louis a letter of credit on a Dunkirk + house. I begged him to name me in the letter in a special manner, as I was + going for the sake of pleasure. He seemed glad to oblige me, and I started + the same evening, and three days later I was at the “Hotel de la + Conciergerie,” in Dunkirk. + </p> + <p> + An hour after my arrival I gave the charming Madame P—— an + agreeable surprise by handing her the box, and giving her her aunt’s + messages. Just as she was praising her husband, and telling me how happy + she was, he came in, saying he was delighted to see me and asked me to + stay in his house, without enquiring whether my stay in Dunkirk would be a + long or short one. I of course thanked him, and after promising to dine + now and again at his house I begged him to take me to the banker on whom I + had a letter. + </p> + <p> + The banker read my letter, and gave me the hundred louis, and asked me to + wait for him at my inn where he would come for me with the governor, a M. + de Barail. This gentleman who, like most Frenchmen, was very polite, after + making some ordinary enquiries, asked me to sup with him and his wife who + was still at the play. The lady gave me as kind a reception as I had + received from her husband. After we had partaken of an excellent supper + several persons arrived, and play commenced in which I did not join, as I + wished to study the society of the place, and above all certain officers + of both services who were present. By means of speaking with an air of + authority about naval matters, and by saying that I had served in the navy + of the Venetian Republic, in three days I not only knew but was intimate + with all the captains of the Dunkirk fleet. I talked at random about naval + architecture, on the Venetian system of manoeuvres, and I noticed that the + jolly sailors were better pleased at my blunders than at my sensible + remarks. + </p> + <p> + Four days after I had been at Dunkirk, one of the captains asked me to + dinner on his ship, and after that all the others did the same; and on + every occasion I stayed in the ship for the rest of the day. I was curious + about everything—and Jack is so trustful! I went into the hold, I + asked questions innumerable, and I found plenty of young officers + delighted to shew their own importance, who gossipped without needing any + encouragement from me. I took care, however, to learn everything which + would be of service to me, and in the evenings I put down on paper all the + mental notes I had made during the day. Four or five hours was all I + allowed myself for sleep, and in fifteen days I had learnt enough. + </p> + <p> + Pleasure, gaming, and idleness—my usual companions—had no part + in this expedition, and I devoted all my energies to the object of my + mission. I dined once with the banker, once with Madame P——, + in the town, and once in a pretty country house which her husband had, at + about a league’s distance from Dunkirk. She took me there herself, and on + finding myself alone with the woman I had loved so well I delighted her by + the delicacy of my behaviour, which was marked only by respect and + friendship. As I still thought her charming, and as our connection had + only ended six weeks ago, I was astonished to see myself so quiet, knowing + my disposition too well to attribute my restraint to virtue. What, then, + was the reason? An Italian proverb, speaking for nature, gives the true + solution of the riddle. + </p> + <p> + ‘La Mona non vuol pensieri’, and my head was full of thought. + </p> + <p> + My task was done, and bidding good-bye to all my friends, I set out in my + post-chaise for Paris, going by another way for the sake of the change. + About midnight, on my asking for horses at some stage, the name of which I + forget, they told me that the next stage was the fortified town of Aire, + which we should not be allowed to pass through at midnight. + </p> + <p> + “Get me the horses,” said I, “I will make them open the gates.” + </p> + <p> + I was obeyed, and in due time we reached the gates. + </p> + <p> + The postillion cracked his whip and the sentry called out, “Who goes + there?” + </p> + <p> + “Express messenger.” + </p> + <p> + After making me wait for an hour the gate was opened, and I was told that + I must go and speak to the governor. I did so, fretting and fuming on my + way as if I were some great person, and I was taken to a room where a man + in an elegant nightcap was lying beside a very pretty woman. + </p> + <p> + “Whose messenger are you?” + </p> + <p> + “Nobody’s, but as I am in a hurry.” + </p> + <p> + “That will do. We will talk the matter over tomorrow. In the meanwhile you + will accept the hospitality of the guard-room.” + </p> + <p> + “But, sir . . .” + </p> + <p> + “But me no buts, if you please; leave the room.” + </p> + <p> + I was taken to the guard-room where I spent the night seated on the + ground. The daylight appeared. I shouted, swore, made all the racket I + could, said I wanted to go on, but nobody took any notice of me. + </p> + <p> + Ten o’clock struck. More impatient than I can say, I raised my voice and + spoke to the officer, telling him that the governor might assassinate me + if he liked, but had no right to deny me pen and paper, or to deprive me + of the power of sending a messenger to Paris. + </p> + <p> + “Your name, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “Here is my passport.” + </p> + <p> + He told me that he would take it to the governor, but I snatched it away + from him. + </p> + <p> + “Would you like to see the governor?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I should.” + </p> + <p> + We started for the governor’s apartments. The officer was the first to + enter, and in two minutes came out again and brought me in. I gave up my + passport in proud silence. The governor read it through, examining me all + the while to see if I was the person described; he then gave it me back, + telling me that I was free to go where I liked. + </p> + <p> + “Not so fast, sir, I am not in such a hurry now. I shall send a messenger + to Paris and wait his return; for by stopping me on my journey you have + violated all the rights of the subject.” + </p> + <p> + “You violated them yourself in calling yourself a messenger.” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all; I told you that I was not one.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but you told your postillion that you were, and that comes to the + same thing.” + </p> + <p> + “The postillion is a liar, I told him nothing of the kind.” + </p> + <p> + “Why didn’t you shew your passport?” + </p> + <p> + “Why didn’t you give me time to do so? In the course of the next few days + we shall see who is right.” + </p> + <p> + “Just as you please.” + </p> + <p> + I went out with the officer who took me to the posting-place, and a minute + afterwards my carriage drew up. The posting-place was also an inn, and I + told the landlord to have a special messenger ready to carry out my + orders, to give me a good room and a good bed, and to serve me some rich + soup immediately; and I warned him that I was accustomed to good fare. I + had my portmanteau and all my belongings taken into my room, and having + washed and put on my dressing-gown I sat down to write, to whom I did not + know, for I was quite wrong in my contention. However, I had begun by + playing the great man, and I thought myself bound in honour to sustain the + part, without thinking whether I stood to have to back out of it or no. + All the same I was vexed at having to wait in Aire till the return of the + messenger, whom I was about to send to the moon! In the meanwhile, not + having closed an eye all night, I determined to take a rest. I was sitting + in my shirt-sleeves and eating the soup which had been served to me, when + the governor came in unaccompanied. I was both surprised and delighted to + see him. + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry for what has happened, sir, and above all that you think you + have good reason for complaint, inasmuch as I only did my duty, for how + was I to imagine that your postillion had called you a messenger on his + own responsibility.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s all very well, sir, but your sense of duty need not have made you + drive me from your room.” + </p> + <p> + “I was in need of sleep.” + </p> + <p> + “I am in the same position at the present moment, but a feeling of + politeness prevents me from imitating your example.” + </p> + <p> + “May I ask if you have ever been in the service?” + </p> + <p> + “I have served by land and sea, and have left off when most people are + only beginning.” + </p> + <p> + “In that case you will be aware that the gates of a fortified town are + only opened by night to the king’s messengers or to military superiors.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I know; but since they were opened the thing was done, and you might + as well have been polite.” + </p> + <p> + “Will you not put on your clothes, and walk a short distance with me!” + </p> + <p> + His invitation pleased me as well as his pride had displeased me. I had + been thinking of a duel as a possible solution of the difficulty, but the + present course took all trouble out of my hands. I answered quietly and + politely that the honour of walking with him would be enough to make me + put off all other calls, and I asked him to be seated while I made haste + to dress myself. + </p> + <p> + I drew on my breeches, throwing the splendid pistols in my pockets on to + the bed, called up the barber, and in ten minutes was ready. I put on my + sword, and we went out. + </p> + <p> + We walked silently enough along two or three streets, passed through a + gate, up a court, till we got to a door where my guide stopped short. He + asked me to come in, and I found myself in a fine room full of people. I + did not think of going back, but behaved as if I had been in my own house. + </p> + <p> + “Sir—my wife,” said the governor; and turning to her without pausing, + “here is M. de Casanova, who has come to dinner with us.” + </p> + <p> + “I am delighted to hear it, sir, as otherwise I should have had no chance + of forgiving you for waking me up the other night.” + </p> + <p> + “I paid dearly for my fault, madam, but after the purgatory I had endured + I am sure you will allow me to be happy in this paradise.” + </p> + <p> + She answered with a charming smile, and after asking me to sit beside her + she continued whatever conversation was possible in the midst of a game at + cards. + </p> + <p> + I found myself completely outwitted, but the thing was done so pleasantly + that all I could do was to put a good face on it—a feat which I + found sufficiently easy from the relief I felt at no longer being bound to + send a messenger to I did not know whom. + </p> + <p> + The governor well satisfied with his victory, got all at once into high + spirits, and began to talk about military matters, the Court, and on + general topics, often addressing me with that friendly ease which good + French society knows so well how to reconcile with the rules of + politeness; no one could have guessed that there had ever been the + slightest difference between us. He had made himself the hero of the piece + by the dexterous manner in which he had led up to the situation, but I had + a fair claim to the second place, for I had made an experienced officer + high in command give me the most flattering kind of satisfaction, which + bore witness to the esteem with which I had inspired him. + </p> + <p> + The dinner was served. The success of my part depended on the manner in + which it was played, and my wit has seldom been keener than during this + meal. The whole conversation was in a pleasant vein, and I took great care + to give the governor’s wife opportunities for shining in it. She was a + charming and pretty woman, still quite youthful, for she was at least + thirty years younger than the governor. Nothing was said about my six + hours’ stay in the guard-room, but at dessert the governor escaped + speaking plainly by a joke that was not worth the trouble of making. + </p> + <p> + “You’re a nice man,” said he, “to think I was going to fight you. Ah! ha! + I have caught you, haven’t I?” + </p> + <p> + “Who told you that I was meditating a duel?” + </p> + <p> + “Confess that such was the case?” + </p> + <p> + “I protest; there is a great difference between believing and supposing; + the one is positive, the other merely hypothetical. I must confess, + however, that your invitation to take a walk roused my curiosity as to + what was to come next, and I admire your wit. But you must believe me that + I do not regard myself as caught in a trap—far from that, I am so + well pleased that I feel grateful to you.” + </p> + <p> + In the afternoon we all took a walk, and I gave my arm to the charming + mistress of the house. In the evening I took my leave, and set out early + the next day having made a fair copy of my report. + </p> + <p> + At five o’clock in the morning I was fast asleep in my carriage, when I + was suddenly awakened. We were at the gate of Amiens. The fellow at the + door was an exciseman—a race everywhere detested and with good + cause, for besides the insolence of their manners nothing makes a man feel + more like a slave than the inquisitorial search they are accustomed to + make through one’s clothes and most secret possessions. He asked me if I + had anything contraband; and being in a bad temper at being deprived of my + sleep to answer such a question I replied with an oath that I had nothing + of the sort, and that he would have done better to let me sleep. + </p> + <p> + “As you talk in that style,” said the creature, “we will see what we can + see.” + </p> + <p> + He ordered the postillion to pass on with the carriage. He had my luggage + hauled down, and not being able to hinder him I fumed in silence. + </p> + <p> + I saw my mistake, but there was nothing to be done; and having no + contraband goods I had nothing to fear, but my bad temper cost me two + weary hours of delay. The joys of vengeance were depicted on the features + of the exciseman. At the time of which I am writing these gaugers were the + dregs of the people, but would become tractable on being treated with a + little politeness. The sum of twenty-four sous given with good grace would + make them as supple as a pair of gloves; they would bow to the travellers, + wish them a pleasant journey, and give no trouble. I knew all this, but + there are times when a man acts mechanically as I had done, unfortunately. + </p> + <p> + The scoundrels emptied my boxes and unfolded everything even to my shirts, + between which they said I might have concealed English lace. + </p> + <p> + After searching everything they gave me back my keys, but they had not yet + done with us; they began to search my carriage. The rascal who was at the + head of them began to shout “victory,” he had discovered the remainder of + a pound of snuff which I had bought at St. Omer on my way to Dunkirk. + </p> + <p> + With a voice of triumph the chief exciseman gave orders that my carriage + should be seized, and warned me that I would have to pay a fine of twelve + hundred francs. + </p> + <p> + For the nonce my patience was exhausted, and I leave the names I called + them to the imagination of the reader; but they were proof against words. + I told them to take me to the superintendent’s. + </p> + <p> + “You can go if you like,” said they, “we are not your servants.” + </p> + <p> + Surrounded by a curious crowd, whom the noise had drawn together, I began + to walk hurriedly towards the town, and entering the first open shop I + came to, I begged the shopkeeper to take me to the superintendent’s. As I + was telling the circumstances of the case, a man of good appearance, who + happened to be in the shop, said that he would be glad to show me the way + himself, though he did not think I should find the superintendent in, as + he would doubtless be warned of my coming. + </p> + <p> + “Without your paying either the fine or caution money,” said he, “you will + find it a hard matter to get yourself out of the difficulty.” + </p> + <p> + I entreated him to shew me the way to the superintendent’s, and not to + trouble about anything else. He advised me to give the rabble a louis to + buy drink, and thus to rid myself of them, on which I gave him the louis, + begging him to see to it himself, and the bargain was soon struck. He was + a worthy attorney, and knew his men. + </p> + <p> + We got to the superintendent’s; but, as my guide had warned me, my + gentleman was not to be seen. The porter told us that he had gone out + alone, that he would not be back before night, and that he did not know + where he had gone. + </p> + <p> + “There’s a whole day lost, then,” said the attorney. + </p> + <p> + “Let us go and hunt him up; he must have well-known resorts and friends, + and we will find them out. I will give you a louis for the day’s work; + will that be enough?” + </p> + <p> + “Ample.” + </p> + <p> + We spent in vain four hours in looking for the superintendent in ten or + twelve houses. I spoke to the masters of all of them, exaggerating + considerably the injury that had been done to me. I was listened to, + condoled with, and comforted with the remark that he would certainly be + obliged to return to his house at night, and then he could not help + hearing what I had to say. That would not suit me, so I continued the + chase. + </p> + <p> + At one o’clock the attorney took me to an old lady, who was thought a + great deal of in the town. She was dining all by herself. After giving + great attention to my story, she said that she did not think she could be + doing wrong in telling a stranger the whereabouts of an individual who, in + virtue of his office, ought never to be inaccessible. + </p> + <p> + “And so, sir, I may reveal to you what after all is no secret. My daughter + told me yesterday evening that she was going to dine at Madame N——‘s, + and that the superintendent was to be there. Do you go after him now, and + you will find him at table in the best society in Amiens, but,” said she, + with a smile, “I advise you not to give your name at the door. The + numerous servants will shew you the way without asking for your name. You + can then speak to him whether he likes it or not, and though you don’t + know him he will hear all you say. I am sorry that I cannot be present at + so fine a situation.” + </p> + <p> + I gratefully took leave of the worthy lady, and I set off in all haste to + the house I had been told of, the attorney, who was almost tired out, + accompanying me. Without the least difficulty he and I slipped in between + the crowds of servants till we got to a hall where there were more than + twenty people sitting down to a rich and delicate repast. + </p> + <p> + “Ladies and gentlemen, you will excuse my troubling your quiet on this + festive occasion with a tale of terror.” + </p> + <p> + At these words, uttered in the voice of Jupiter Tonans, everybody rose. + The surprise of the high-born company of knights and ladies at my + apparition can easily be imagined. + </p> + <p> + “Since seven o’clock this morning I have been searching from door to door + and from street to street for his honour the superintendent, whom I have + at last been fortunate enough to find here, for I know perfectly well that + he is present, and that if he have ears he hears me now. I am come to + request him to order his scoundrelly myrmidons who have seized my carriage + to give it up, so that I may continue my journey. If the laws bid me pay + twelve hundred francs for seven ounces of snuff for my own private use, I + renounce those laws and declare that I will not pay a farthing. I shall + stay here and send a messenger to my ambassador, who will complain that + the ‘jus gentium’ has been violated in the Ile-de-France in my person, and + I will have reparation. Louis XV. is great enough to refuse to become an + accomplice in this strange onslaught. And if that satisfaction which is my + lawful right is not granted me, I will make the thing an affair of state, + and my Republic will not revenge itself by assaulting Frenchmen for a few + pinches of snuff, but will expel them all root and branch. If you want to + know whom I am, read this.” + </p> + <p> + Foaming with rage, I threw my passport on the table. + </p> + <p> + A man picked it up and read it, and I knew him to be the superintendent. + While my papers were being handed round I saw expressed on every face + surprise and indignation, but the superintendent replied haughtily that he + was at Amiens to administer justice, and that I could not leave the town + unless I paid the fine or gave surety. + </p> + <p> + “If you are here to do justice, you will look upon my passport as a + positive command to speed me on my way, and I bid you yourself be my + surety if you are a gentleman.” + </p> + <p> + “Does high birth go bail for breaches of the law in your country?” + </p> + <p> + “In my country men of high birth do not condescend to take dishonourable + employments.” + </p> + <p> + “No service under the king can be dishonourable.” + </p> + <p> + “The hangman would say the same thing.” + </p> + <p> + “Take care what you say.” + </p> + <p> + “Take care what you do. Know, sir, that I am a free man who has been + grievously outraged, and know, too, that I fear no one. Throw me out of + the window, if you dare.” + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” said a lady to me in the voice of the mistress of the house, “in my + house there is no throwing out of windows.” + </p> + <p> + “Madam, an angry man makes use of terms which his better reason disowns. I + am wronged by a most cruel act of injustice, and I humbly crave your + pardon for having offended you. Please to reflect that for the first time + in my life I have been oppressed and insulted, and that in a kingdom where + I thought myself safe from all but highway robbers. For them I have my + pistols, and for the worthy superintendents I have a passport, but I find + the latter useless. For the sake of seven ounces of snuff which I bought + at St. Omer three weeks ago, this gentleman robs me and interrupts my + journey, though the king’s majesty is my surety that no one shall + interfere with me; he calls on me to pay fifty louis, he delivers me to + the rage of his impudent menials and to the derision of the mob, from whom + I had to rid myself by my money and the aid of this worthy man beside me. + I am treated like a scoundrel, and the man who should have been my + defender and deliverer slinks away and hides himself, and adds to the + insults I have received. His myrmidons have turned my clothes upside down, + and pitchforked my linen at the foot of the town gates, to revenge + themselves on me for not giving them twenty-four sous. To-morrow the + manner in which I have been treated will be known to the diplomatic bodies + at Versailles and Paris, and in a few days it will be in all the + newspapers. I will pay not a farthing because I owe not a farthing. Now, + sir, am I to send a courier to the Duc de Gesvres?” + </p> + <p> + “What you have got to do is to pay, and if you do not care to pay, you may + do whatever you like.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, ladies and gentlemen, good-bye. As for you, sir, we shall meet + again.” + </p> + <p> + As I was rushing out of the room like a madman, I heard somebody calling + out to me in good Italian to wait a minute. I turned round, and saw the + voice had proceeded from a man past middle age, who addressed the + superintendent thus:— + </p> + <p> + “Let this gentleman proceed on his journey; I will go bail for him. Do you + understand me, superintendent? I will be his surety. You don’t know these + Italians. I went through the whole of the last war in Italy, and I + understand the national character. Besides, I think the gentleman is in + the right.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good,” said the official, turning to me. “All you have to do is to + pay a matter of thirty or forty francs at the customs’ office as the + affair is already booked.” + </p> + <p> + “I thought I told you that I would not pay a single farthing, and I tell + it you again. But who are you, sir,” said I, turning to the worthy old + man, “who are good enough to become surety for me without knowing me?” + </p> + <p> + “I am a commissary of musters, sir, and my name is de la Bretonniere. I + live in Paris at the ‘Hotel de Saxe,’ Rue Colombien, where I shall be glad + to see you after to-morrow. We will go together to M. Britard, who, after + hearing your case, will discharge my bail.” + </p> + <p> + After I had expressed my gratitude, and told him that I would wait upon + him without fail, I made my excuses to the mistress of the house and the + guests, and left them. + </p> + <p> + I took my worthy attorney to dinner at the best inn in the place, and I + gave him two louis for his trouble. Without his help and that of the + commissary I should have been in great difficulty; it would have been a + case of the earthen pot and the iron pot over again; for with + jacks-in-office reason is of no use, and though I had plenty of money I + would never have let the wretches rob me of fifty louis. + </p> + <p> + My carriage was drawn up at the door of the tavern; and just as I was + getting in, one of the excisemen who had searched my luggage came and told + me that I should find everything just as I left it:— + </p> + <p> + “I wonder at that since it has been left in the hands of men of your + stamp; shall I find the snuff?” + </p> + <p> + “The snuff has been confiscated, my lord.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry for you, then; for if it had been there I would have given you + a louis.” + </p> + <p> + “I will go and look for it directly.” + </p> + <p> + “I have no time to wait for it. Drive on, postillion.” + </p> + <p> + I got to Paris the next day, and four days after I waited on M. de la + Bretonniere, who gave me a hearty welcome, and took me to M. Britard, the + fermier-general, who discharged his bail. This M. Britard was a pleasant + young man. He blushed when he heard all I had gone through. + </p> + <p> + I took my report to M. de Bernis, at the “Hotel Bourbon,” and his + excellence spent two hours over it, making me take out all unnecessary + matter. I spent the time in making a fair copy, and the next day I took it + to M. de la Ville, who read it through in silence, and told me that he + would let me know the result. A month after I received five hundred louis, + and I had the pleasure of hearing that M. de Cremille, the first lord of + the admiralty, had pronounced my report to be not only perfectly accurate + but very suggestive. Certain reasonable apprehensions prevented me from + making myself known to him—an honour which M. de Bernis wished to + procure for me. + </p> + <p> + When I told him my adventures on the way back, he laughed, but said that + the highest merit of a secret agent was to keep out of difficulties; for + though he might have the tact to extricate himself from them, yet he got + talked of, which it should be his chief care to avoid. + </p> + <p> + This mission cost the admiralty twelve thousand francs, and the minister + might easily have procured all the information I gave him without spending + a penny. Any intelligent young naval officer would have done it just as + well, and would have acquitted himself with zeal and discretion, to gain + the good opinion of the ministers. But all the French ministers are the + same. They lavished money which came out of other people’s pockets to + enrich their creatures, and they were absolute; the downtrodden people + counted for nothing, and of this course the indebtedness of the state and + the confusion of the finances were the inevitable results. It is quite + true that the Revolution was a necessity, but it should have been marked + with patriotism and right feeling, not with blood. However, the nobility + and clergy were not men of sufficient generosity to make the necessary + sacrifices to the king, the state, and to themselves. + </p> + <p> + Silvia was much amused at my adventures at Aire and Amiens, and her + charming daughter shewed much pity for the bad night I had passed in the + guard-room. I told her that the hardship would have been much less if I + had had a wife beside me. She replied that a wife, if a good one, would + have been only too happy to alleviate my troubles by sharing in them, but + her mother observed that a woman of parts, after seeing to the safety of + my baggage and my coach, would have busied herself in taking the necessary + steps for setting me at liberty, and I supported this opinion as best + indicating the real duty of a good wife. + </p> + <a name="linkC2HCH0003" id="linkC2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The Count de la Tour D’Auvergne and Madame D’Urfe—Camille— + My Passion for the Count’s Mistress—The Ridiculous Incident + Which Cured Me—The Count de St. Germain +</pre> + <p> + In spite of my love for Mdlle. Baletti, I did not omit to pay my court to + the most noted ladies of the pavement; but I was chiefly interested in + kept women, and those who consider themselves as belonging to the public + only in playing before them night by night, queens or chamber-maids. + </p> + <p> + In spite of this affection, they enjoy what they call their independence, + either by devoting themselves to Cupid or to Plutus, and more frequently + to both together. As it is not very difficult to make the acquaintance of + these priestesses of pleasure and dissipation, I soon got to know several + of them. + </p> + <p> + The halls of the theatres are capital places for amateurs to exercise + their talents in intriguing, and I had profited tolerably well by the + lessons I had learnt in this fine school. + </p> + <p> + I began by becoming the friend of their lovers, and I often succeeded by + pretending to be a man of whom nobody need be afraid. + </p> + <p> + Camille, an actress and dancer at the Italian play, with whom I had fallen + in love at Fontainebleu seven years ago, was one of those of whom I was + most fond, liking the society at her pretty little house, where she lived + with the Count d’Eigreville, who was a friend of mine, and fond of my + company. He was a brother of the Marquis de Gamache and of the Countess du + Rumain, and was a fine young fellow of an excellent disposition. He was + never so well pleased as when he saw his mistress surrounded by people—a + taste which is rarely found, but which is very convenient, and the sign of + a temperament not afflicted by jealousy. Camille had no other lovers—an + astonishing thing in an actress of the kind, but being full of tact and + wit she drove none of her admirers to despair. She was neither over + sparing nor over generous in the distribution of her favours, and knew how + to make the whole town rave about her without fearing the results of + indiscretion or sorrows of being abandoned. + </p> + <p> + The gentleman of whom, after her lover, she took most notice, was the + Count de la Tour d’Auvergne, a nobleman of an old family, who idolized + her, and, not being rich enough to possess her entirely, had to be content + with what she gave him. Camille had given him a young girl, for whose keep + she paid, who lived with Tour d’Auvergne in furnished apartments in the + Rue de Taranne, and whom he said he loved as one loves a portrait, because + she came from Camille. The count often took her with him to Camille’s to + supper. She was fifteen, simple in her manners, and quite devoid of + ambition. She told her lover that she would never forgive him an act of + infidelity except with Camille, to whom she felt bound to yield all since + to her she owed all. + </p> + <p> + I became so much in love with her that I often went to Camille’s solely to + see her and to enjoy those artless speeches with which she delighted the + company. I strove as best I could to conceal my flame, but often I found + myself looking quite sad at the thought of the impossibility of my love + being crowned with success. If I had let my passion be suspected I should + have been laughed at, and should have made myself a mark for the pitiless + sarcasms of Camille. However, I got my cure in the following ridiculous + manner:— + </p> + <p> + Camille lived at the Barriere Blanche, and on leaving her house, one rainy + evening, I sought in vain for a coach to take me home. + </p> + <p> + “My dear Casanova,” said Tour d’Auvergne, “I can drop you at your own door + without giving myself the slightest inconvenience, though my carriage is + only seated for two; however, my sweetheart can sit on our knees.” + </p> + <p> + I accepted his offer with pleasure, and we seated ourselves in the + carriage, the count on my left hand and Babet on both our knees. + </p> + <p> + Burning with amorous passion I thought I would take the opportunity, and, + to lose no time, as the coachman was driving fast, I took her hand and + pressed it softly. The pressure was returned. Joy! I carried the hand to + my lips, and covered it with affectionate though noiseless kisses. Longing + to convince her of the ardour of my passion, and thinking that her hand + would not refuse to do me a sweet service, I . . . but just at critical + moment, + </p> + <p> + “I am really very much obliged to you, my dear fellow,” said the Count de + la Tour d’Auvergne, “for a piece of politeness thoroughly Italian, of + which, however, I do not feel worthy; at least, I hope it’s meant as + politeness and not as a sign of contempt.” + </p> + <p> + At these dreadful words I stretched out my hand and felt the sleeve of his + coat. Presence of mind was no good in a situation like this, when his + words were followed by a peal of loud laughter which would have confounded + the hardiest spirit. As for me, I could neither join in his laughter nor + deny his accusation; the situation was a fearful one, or would have been + if the friendly shades of night had not covered my confusion. Babet did + her best to find out from the count why he laughed so much, but he could + not tell her for laughing, for which I gave thanks with all my heart. At + last the carriage stopped at my house, and as soon as my servant had + opened the door of my carriage I got down as fast as I could, and wished + them good night—a compliment which Tour d’Auvergne returned with + fresh peals of laughter. I entered my house in a state of stupefaction, + and half an hour elapsed before I, too, began to laugh at the adventure. + What vexed me most was the expectation of having malicious jests passed + upon me, for I had not the least right to reckon on the count’s + discretion. However, I had enough sense to determine to join in the + laughter if I could, and if not, to take it well, for this is, and always + will be, the best way to get the laughers on one’s own side at Paris. + </p> + <p> + For three days I saw nothing of the delightful count, and on the fourth I + resolved to ask him to take breakfast with me, as Camille had sent to my + house to enquire how I was. My adventure would not prevent me visiting her + house, but I was anxious to know how it had been taken. + </p> + <p> + As soon as Tour d’Auvergne saw me he began to roar with laughter, and I + joined in, and we greeted each other in the friendliest manner possible. + “My dear count,” said I, “let us forget this foolish story. You have no + business to attack me, as I do not know how to defend myself.” + </p> + <p> + “Why should you defend yourself, my dear fellow. We like you all the + better for it, and this humorous adventure makes us merry every evening.” + </p> + <p> + “Everybody knows it, then?” + </p> + <p> + “Of course, why not? It makes Camille choke with laughter. Come this + evening; I will bring Babet, and she will amuse you as she maintains that + you were not mistaken.” + </p> + <p> + “She is right.” + </p> + <p> + “Eh? what? You do me too much honour, and I don’t believe you; but have it + as you like.” + </p> + <p> + “I can’t do better, but I must confess when all’s said that you were not + the person to whom my fevered imagination offered such ardent homage.” + </p> + <p> + At supper I jested, pretended to be astonished at the count’s + indiscretion, and boasted of being cured of my passion. Babet called me a + villain, and maintained that I was far from cured; but she was wrong, as + the incident had disgusted me with her, and had attached me to the count, + who, indeed, was a man of the most amiable character. Nevertheless, our + friendship might have been a fatal one, as the reader will see presently. + </p> + <p> + One evening, when I was at the Italian theatre, Tour d’Auvergne came up to + me and asked me to lend him a hundred louis, promising to repay me next + Saturday. + </p> + <p> + “I haven’t got the money,” I said, “but my purse and all it contains is at + your service.” + </p> + <p> + “I want a hundred louis, my dear fellow, and immediately, as I lost them + at play yesterday evening at the Princess of Anhalt’s.” + </p> + <p> + “But I haven’t got them.” + </p> + <p> + “The receiver of the lottery ought always to be able to put his hand on a + hundred louis.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but I can’t touch my cash-box; I have to give it up this day week.” + </p> + <p> + “So you can; as I will repay you on Saturday. Take a hundred louis from + the box, and put in my word of honour instead; don’t you think that is + worth a hundred Louis?” + </p> + <p> + “I have nothing to say to that, wait for me a minute.” + </p> + <p> + I ran to my office, took out the money and gave it to him. Saturday came + but no count, and as I had no money I pawned my diamond ring and replaced + the hundred louis I owed the till. Three or four days afterwards, as I was + at the Comedie Francaise, the Count de la Tour d’Auvergne came up to me + and began to apologize. I replied by shewing my hand, and telling him that + I had pawned my ring to save my honour. He said, with a melancholy air, + that a man had failed to keep his word with him, but he would be sure to + give me the hundred louis on the Saturday following, adding, “I give you + my word of honour.” + </p> + <p> + “Your word of honour is in my box, so let’s say nothing about that. You + can repay me when you like.” + </p> + <p> + The count grew as pale as death. + </p> + <p> + “My word of honour, my dear Casanova, is more precious to me than my life; + and I will give you the hundred louis at nine o’clock to-morrow morning at + a hundred paces from the cafe at the end of the Champs-Elysees. I will + give you them in person, and nobody will see us. I hope you will not fail + to be there, and that you will bring your sword. I shall have mine.” + </p> + <p> + “Faith, count! that’s making me pay rather dear for my jest. You certainly + do me a great honour, but I would rather beg your pardon, if that would + prevent this troublesome affair from going any further.” + </p> + <p> + “No, I am more to blame than you, and the blame can only be removed by the + sword’s point. Will you meet me? + </p> + <p> + “I do not see how I can refuse you, although I am very much averse to the + affair.” + </p> + <p> + I left him and went to Silvia’s, and took my supper sadly, for I really + liked this amiable nobleman, and in my opinion the game we were going to + play was not worth the candle. I would not have fought if I could have + convinced myself that I was in the wrong, but after turning the matter + well over, and looking at it from every point of view, I could not help + seeing that the fault lay in the count’s excessive touchiness, and I + resolved to give him satisfaction. At all hazards I would not fail to keep + the appointment. + </p> + <p> + I reached the cafe a moment after him. We took breakfast together and he + payed. We then went out and walked towards the Etoile. When we got to a + sheltered place he drew a bundle of a hundred louis from his pocket, gave + it to me with the greatest courtesy, and said that one stroke of the sword + would be sufficient. I could not reply. + </p> + <p> + He went off four paces and drew his sword. I did the same without saying a + word, and stepping forward almost as soon as our blades crossed I thrust + and hit him. I drew back my sword and summoned him to keep his word, + feeling sure that I had wounded him in his chest. + </p> + <p> + He gently kissed his sword, and putting his hand into his breast he drew + it out covered with blood, and said pleasantly to me, “I am satisfied.” + </p> + <p> + I said to him all that I could, and all that it was my duty to say in the + way of compliment, while he was stanching the blood with his handkerchief, + and on looking at the point of my sword I was delighted to find that the + wound was of the slightest. I told him so offering to see him home. He + thanked me and begged me to keep my own counsel, and to reckon him + henceforth amongst my truest friends. After I had embraced him, mingling + my tears with my embraces, I returned home, sad at heart but having learnt + a most useful lesson. No one ever knew of our meeting, and a week + afterwards we supped together at Camille’s. + </p> + <p> + A few days after, I received from M. de la Ville the five hundred louis + for my Dunkirk mission. On my going to see Camille she told me that Tour + d’Auvergne was kept in bed by an attack of sciatica, and that if I liked + we could pay him a visit the next day. I agreed, and we went. After + breakfast was over I told him in a serious voice that if he would give me + a free hand I could cure him, as he was not suffering from sciatica but + from a moist and windy humour which I could disperse my means of the + Talisman of Solomon and five mystic words. He began to laugh, but told me + to do what I liked. + </p> + <p> + “Very good, then I will go out and buy a brush.” + </p> + <p> + “I will send a servant.” + </p> + <p> + “No, I must get it myself, as I want some drugs as well.” I bought some + nitre, mercury, flower of sulphur, and a small brush, and on my return + said, “I must have a little of your——, this liquid is + indispensable, and it must be quite fresh.” + </p> + <p> + Camille and he began to laugh, but I succeeded in keeping the serious face + suitable to my office. I handed him a mug and modestly lowered the + curtains, and he then did what I wanted. + </p> + <p> + I made a mixture of the various ingredients, and I told Camille that she + must rub his thigh whilst I spoke the charm, but I warned her that if she + laughed while she was about it it would spoil all. This threat only + increased their good humour, and they laughed without cessation; for as + soon as they thought they had got over it, they would look at one another, + and after repressing themselves as long as they could would burst out + afresh, till I began to think that I had bound them to an impossible + condition. At last, after holding their sides for half an hour, they set + themselves to be serious in real earnest, taking my imperturbable gravity + for their example. De la Tour d’Auvergne was the first to regain a serious + face, and he then offered Camille his thigh, and she, fancying herself on + the boards, began to rub the sick man, whilst I mumbled in an undertone + words which they would not have understood however clearly I had spoken, + seeing that I did not understand them myself. + </p> + <p> + I was nearly spoiling the efficacy of the operation when I saw the + grimaces they made in trying to keep serious. Nothing could be more + amusing than the expression on Camille’s face. At last I told her that she + had rubbed enough, and dipping the brush into the mixture I drew on his + thigh the five-pointed star called Solomon’s seal. I then wrapped up the + thigh in three napkins, and I told him that if he would keep quiet for + twenty-four hours without taking off his napkins, I would guarantee + a cure. + </p> + <p> + The most amusing part of it all was, that by the time I had done the count + and Camille laughed no more, their faces wore a bewildered look, and as + for me . . . I could have sworn I had performed the most wonderful work in + the world. If one tells a lie a sufficient number of times, one ends by + believing it. + </p> + <p> + A few minutes after this operation, which I had performed as if by + instinct and on the spur of the moment, Camille and I went away in a + coach, and I told her so many wonderful tales that when she got out at her + door she looked quite mazed. + </p> + <p> + Four or five days after, when I had almost forgotten the farce, I heard a + carriage stopping at my door, and looking out of my window saw M. de la + Tour d’Auvergne skipping nimbly out of the carriage. + </p> + <p> + “You were sure of success, then,” said he, “as you did not come to see me + the day after your astounding operation.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course I was sure, but if I had not been too busy you would have seen + me, for all that.” + </p> + <p> + “May I take a bath?” + </p> + <p> + “No, don’t bathe till you feel quite well.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good. Everybody is in a state of astonishment at your feat, as I + could not help telling the miracle to all my acquaintances. There are + certainly some sceptics who laugh at me, but I let them talk.” + </p> + <p> + “You should have kept your own counsel; you know what Paris is like. + Everybody will be considering me as a master-quack.” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all, not at all. I have come to ask a favour of you.” + </p> + <p> + “What’s that?” + </p> + <p> + “I have an aunt who enjoys a great reputation for her skill in the occult + sciences, especially in alchemy. She is a woman of wit, very, rich, and + sole mistress of her fortune; in short, knowing her will do you no harm. + She longs to see you, for she pretends to know you, and says that you are + not what you seem. She has entreated me to take you to dine with her, and + I hope you will accept the invitation. Her name is the Marchioness + d’Urfe.” + </p> + <p> + I did not know this lady, but the name of d’Urfe caught my attention + directly, as I knew all about the famous Anne d’Urfe who flourished + towards the end of the seventeenth century. The lady was the widow of his + great-grandson, and on marrying into the family became a believer in the + mystical doctrines of a science in which I was much interested, though I + gave it little credit. I therefore replied that I should be glad to go, + but on the condition that the party should not exceed the count, his aunt, + and myself. + </p> + <p> + “She has twelve people every day to dinner, and you will find yourself in + the company of the best society in Paris.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear fellow, that’s exactly what I don’t want; for I hate to be + thought a magician, which must have been the effect of the tales you have + told.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no! not at all; your character is well known, and you will find + yourself in the society of people who have the greatest regard for you.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you sure of that?” + </p> + <p> + “The Duchess de l’Oragnais told me, that, four or five years ago, you were + often to be seen at the Palais Royal, and that you used to spend whole + days with the Duchess d’Orleans; Madame de Bouffers, Madame de Blots, and + Madame de Melfort have also talked to me about you. You are wrong not to + keep up your old acquaintances. I know at least a hundred people of the + first rank who are suffering from the same malady as that of which you + cured me, and would give the half of their goods to be cured.” + </p> + <p> + De la Tour d’Auvergne had reason on his side, but as I knew his wonderful + cure had been due to a singular coincidence, I had no desire to expose + myself to public ridicule. I therefore told him that I did not wish to + become a public character, and that he must tell Madame d’Urfe that I + would have the honour of calling on her in strict privacy only, and that + she might tell me the day and hour on which I should kneel before her. + </p> + <p> + The same evening I had a letter from the count making an appointment at + the Tuileries for the morrow; he was to meet me there, and take me to his + aunt’s to dinner. No one else was to be present. + </p> + <p> + The next day we met each other as had been arranged, and went to see + Madame d’Urfe, who lived on the Quai des Theatins, on the same side as the + “Hotel Bouillon.” + </p> + <p> + Madame d’Urfe, a woman advanced in years, but still handsome, received me + with all the courtly grace of the Court of the Regency. We spent an hour + and a half in indifferent conversation, occupied in studying each other’s + character. Each was trying to get at the bottom of the other. + </p> + <p> + I had not much trouble in playing the part of the unenlightened, for such, + in point of fact, was my state of mind, and Madame d’Urfe unconsciously + betrayed the desire of shewing her learning; this put me at my ease, for I + felt sure I could make her pleased with me if I succeeded in making her + pleased with herself. + </p> + <p> + At two o’clock the same dinner that was prepared every day for twelve was + served for us three. Nothing worthy of note (so far as conversation went) + was done at dinner, as we talked commonplace after the manner of people of + fashion. + </p> + <p> + After the dessert Tour d’Auvergne left us to go and see the Prince de + Turenne, who was in a high fever, and after he was gone Madame d’Urfe + began to discuss alchemy and magic, and all the other branches of her + beloved science, or rather infatuation. When we got on to the magnum opus, + and I asked her if she knew the nature of the first matter, it was only + her politeness which prevented her from laughing; but controlling herself, + she replied graciously that she already possessed the philosopher’s stone, + and that she was acquainted with all the operations of the work. She then + shewed me a collection of books which had belonged to the great d’Urfe, + and Renee of Savoy, his wife; but she had added to it manuscripts which + had cost her more than a hundred thousand francs. Paracelsus was her + favourite author, and according to her he was neither man, woman, nor + hermaphrodite, and had the misfortune to poison himself with an overdose + of his panacea, or universal medicine. She shewed me a short manuscript in + French, where the great work was clearly explained. She told me that she + did not keep it under lock and key, because it was written in a cypher, + the secret of which was known only to herself. + </p> + <p> + “You do not believe, then, in steganography.” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir, and if you would like it, I will give you this which has been + copied from the original.” + </p> + <p> + “I accept it, madam, with all the more gratitude in that I know its + worth.” + </p> + <p> + From the library we went into the laboratory, at which I was truly + astonished. She shewed me matter that had been in the furnace for fifteen + years, and was to be there for four or five years more. It was a powder of + projection which was to transform instantaneously all metals into the + finest gold. She shewed me a pipe by which the coal descended to the + furnace, keeping it always at the same heat. The lumps of coal were + impelled by their own weight at proper intervals and in equal quantities, + so that she was often three months without looking at the furnace, the + temperature remaining the same the whole time. The cinders were removed by + another pipe, most ingeniously contrived, which also answered the purpose + of a ventilator. + </p> + <p> + The calcination of mercury was mere child’s play to this wonderful woman. + She shewed me the calcined matter, and said that whenever I liked she + would instruct me as to the process. I next saw the Tree of Diana of the + famous Taliamed, whose pupil she was. His real name was Maillot, and + according to Madame d’Urfe he had not, as was supposed, died at + Marseilles, but was still alive; “and,” added she, with a slight smile, “I + often get letters from him. If the Regent of France,” said she, “had + listened to me he would be alive now. He was my first friend; he gave me + the name of Egeria, and he married me to M. d’Urfe.” + </p> + <p> + She possessed a commentary on Raymond Lully, which cleared up all + difficult points in the comments of Arnold de Villanova on the works of + Roger Bacon and Heber, who, according to her, were still alive. This + precious manuscript was in an ivory casket, the key of which she kept + religiously; indeed her laboratory was a closed room to all but myself. I + saw a small cask full of ‘platina del Pinto’, which she told me she could + transmute into gold when she pleased. It had been given her by M. Vood + himself in 1743. She shewed me the same metal in four phials. In the first + three the platinum remained intact in sulphuric, nitric, and muriatic + acid, but in the fourth, which contained ‘aqua regia’, the metal had not + been able to resist the action of the acid. She melted it with the + burning-glass, and said it could be melted in no other way, which proved, + in her opinion, its superiority to gold. She shewed me some precipitated + by sal ammoniac, which would not precipitate gold. + </p> + <p> + Her athanor had been alight for fifteen years. The top was full of black + coal, which made me conclude that she had been in the laboratory two or + three days before. Stopping before the Tree of Diana, I asked her, in a + respectful voice, if she agreed with those who said it was only fit to + amuse children. She replied, in a dignified manner, that she had made it + to divert herself with the crystallization of the silver, spirit of nitre, + and mercury, and that she looked upon it as a piece of metallic + vegetation, representing in little what nature performed on a larger + scale; but she added, very seriously, that she could make a Tree of Diana + which should be a very Tree of the Sun, which would produce golden fruit, + which might be gathered, and which would continue to be produced till no + more remained of a certain ingredient. I said modestly that I could not + believe the thing possible without the powder of projection, but her only + answer was a pleased smile. + </p> + <p> + She then pointed out a china basin containing nitre, mercury, and sulphur, + and a fixed salt on a plate. + </p> + <p> + “You know the ingredients, I suppose?” said she. + </p> + <p> + “Yes; this fixed salt is a salt of urine.” + </p> + <p> + “You are right.” + </p> + <p> + “I admire your sagacity, madam. You have made an analysis of the mixture + with which I traced the pentacle on your nephew’s thigh, but in what way + can you discover the words which give the pentacle its efficacy?” + </p> + <p> + “In the manuscript of an adept, which I will shew you, and where you will + find the very words you used.” + </p> + <p> + I bowed my head in reply, and we left this curious laboratory. + </p> + <p> + We had scarcely arrived in her room before Madame d’Urfe drew from a + handsome casket a little book, bound in black, which she put on the table + while she searched for a match. While she was looking about, I opened the + book behind her back, and found it to be full of pentacles, and by good + luck found the pentacle I had traced on the count’s thigh. It was + surrounded by the names of the spirits of the planets, with the exception + of those of Saturn and Mars. I shut up the book quickly. The spirits named + were the same as those in the works of Agrippa, with which I was + acquainted. With an unmoved countenance I drew near her, and she soon + found the match, and her appearance surprised me a good deal; but I will + speak of that another time. + </p> + <p> + The marchioness sat down on her sofa, and making me to do the like she + asked me if I was acquainted with the talismans of the Count de Treves? + </p> + <p> + “I have never heard of them, madam, but I know those of Poliphilus.” + </p> + <p> + “It is said they are the same.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t believe it.” + </p> + <p> + “We shall see. If you will write the words you uttered, as you drew the + pentacle on my nephew’s thigh, and if I find the same talisman with the + same words around it, the identity will be proved.” + </p> + <p> + “It will, I confess. I will write the words immediately.” + </p> + <p> + I wrote out the names of the spirits. Madame d’Urfe found the pentacle and + read out the names, while I pretending astonishment, gave her the paper, + and much to her delight she found the names to be the same. + </p> + <p> + “You see,” said she, “that Poliphilus and the Count de Treves possessed + the same art.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall be convinced that it is so, if your book contains the manner of + pronouncing the ineffable names. Do you know the theory of the planetary + hours?” + </p> + <p> + “I think so, but they are not needed in this operation.” + </p> + <p> + “They are indispensable, madam, for without them one cannot work with any + certainty. I drew Solomon’s pentacle on the thigh of Count de la Tour + d’Auvergne in the hour of Venus, and if I had not begun with Arael, the + spirit of Venus, the operation would have had no effect.” + </p> + <p> + “I did not know that. And after Arael?” + </p> + <p> + “Next comes Mercury, then the Moon, then Jupiter, and then the Sun. It is, + you see, the magic cycle of Zoroaster, in which Saturn and Mars are + omitted.” + </p> + <p> + “And how would you have proceeded if you had gone to work in the hour of + the Moon?” + </p> + <p> + “I should have begun with Jupiter, passed to the Sun, then to Arael or + Venus, and I should have finished at Mercury.” + </p> + <p> + “I see sir, that you are most apt in the calculation of the planetary + hours.” + </p> + <p> + “Without it one can do nothing in magic, as one would have no proper data; + however, it is an easy matter to learn. Anyone could pick it up in a + month’s time. The practical use, however, is much more difficult than the + theory; this, indeed, is a complicated affair. I never leave my house + without ascertaining the exact number of minutes in the day, and take care + that my watch is exact to the time, for a minute more or less would make + all the difference in the world.” + </p> + <p> + “Would you have the goodness to explain the theory to me.” + </p> + <p> + “You will find it in Artephius and more clearly in Sandivogius.” + </p> + <p> + “I have both works, but they are in Latin.” + </p> + <p> + “I will make you a translation of them.” + </p> + <p> + “You are very kind; I shall be extremely obliged to you.” + </p> + <p> + “I have seen such things here, madam, that I could not refuse, for reasons + which I may, perhaps, tell you to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “Why not to-day?” + </p> + <p> + “Because I ought to know the name of your familiar spirit before I tell + you.” + </p> + <p> + “You know, then, that I have a familiar? You should have one, if it is + true that you possess the powder of projection.” + </p> + <p> + “I have one.” + </p> + <p> + “Give me the oath of the order.” + </p> + <p> + “I dare not, and you know why.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps I shall be able to remove your fears by tomorrow.” + </p> + <p> + This absurd oath was none other than that of the princes of the Rosy + Cross, who never pronounce it without being certain that each party is a + Rosicrucian, so Madame d’Urfe was quite right in her caution, and as for + me I had to pretend to be afraid myself. The fact is I wanted to gain + time, for I knew perfectly well the nature of the oath. It may be given + between men without any indecency, but a woman like Madame d’Urfe would + probably not relish giving it to a man whom she saw for the first time. + </p> + <p> + “When we find this oath alluded to in the Holy Scriptures,” she said, “it + is indicated by the words ‘he swore to him by laying his hand on his + thigh.’” + </p> + <p> + “But the thigh is not really what is meant; and consequently we never find + any notice of a man taking this oath to a woman, as a woman has no + ‘verbum’.” + </p> + <p> + The Count de la Tour d’Auvergne came back at nine o’clock in the evening, + and he shewed no little astonishment at seeing me still with his aunt. He + told us that his cousin’s fever had increased, and that small-pox had + declared itself; “and I am going to take leave of you, my dear aunt, at + least for a month, as I intend to shut myself up with the sick man.” + </p> + <p> + Madame d’Urfe praised his zeal, and gave him a little bag on his promising + to return it to her after the cure of the prince. + </p> + <p> + “Hang it round his neck and the eruption will come out well, and he will + be perfectly cured.” + </p> + <p> + He promised to do so, and having wished us good evening he went out. + </p> + <p> + “I do not know, madam, what your bag contains, but if it have aught to do + with magic, I have no confidence in its efficacy, as you have neglected to + observe the planetary hour.” + </p> + <p> + “It is an electrum, and magic and the observance of the hour have nothing + to do with it.” + </p> + <p> + “I beg your pardon.” + </p> + <p> + She then said that she thought my desire for privacy praiseworthy, but she + was sure I should not be ill pleased with her small circle, if I would but + enter it. + </p> + <p> + “I will introduce you to all my friends,” said she, “by asking them one at + a time, and you will then be able to enjoy the company of them all.” + </p> + <p> + I accepted her proposition. + </p> + <p> + In consequence of this arrangement I dined the next day with M. Grin and + his niece, but neither of them took my fancy. The day after, I dined with + an Irishman named Macartney, a physician of the old school, who bored me + terribly. The next day the guest was a monk who talked literature, and + spoke a thousand follies against Voltaire, whom I then much admired, and + against the “Esprit des Lois,” a favourite work of mine, which the cowled + idiot refused to attribute to Montesquieu, maintaining it had been written + by a monk. He might as well have said that a Capuchin created the heavens + and the earth. + </p> + <p> + On the day following Madame d’Urfe asked me to dine with the Chevalier + d’Arzigny, a man upwards of eighty, vain, foppish, and consequently + ridiculous, known as “The Last of the Beaus.” However, as he had moved in + the court of Louis XIV., he was interesting enough, speaking with all the + courtesy of the school, and having a fund of anecdote relating to the + Court of that despotic and luxurious monarch. + </p> + <p> + His follies amused me greatly. He used rouge, his clothes were cut in the + style which obtained in the days of Madame de Sevigne, he professed + himself still the devoted lover of his mistress, with whom he supped every + night in the company of his lady friends, who were all young and all + delightful, and preferred his society to all others; however, in spite of + these seductions, he remained faithful to his mistress. + </p> + <p> + The Chevalier d’Arzigny had an amiability of character which gave whatever + he said an appearance of truth, although in his capacity of courtier truth + was probably quite unknown to him. He always wore a bouquet of the most + strongly-smelling flowers, such as tuberoses, jonquils, and Spanish + jasmine; his wig was plastered down with amber-scented pomade, his teeth + were made of ivory, and his eyebrows dyed and perfumed, and his whole + person exhaled an odour to which Madame d’Urfe did not object, but which I + could scarcely bear. If it had not been for this drawback I should + probably have cultivated his society. He was a professed Epicurean, and + carried out the system with an amazing tranquillity. He said that he would + undertake to receive twenty-four blows with the stick every morning on the + condition that he should not die within the twenty-four hours, and that + the older he grew the more blows he would gladly submit to. This was being + in love with life with a vengeance. + </p> + <p> + Another day I dined with M. Charon, who was a counsellor, and in charge of + a suit between Madame d’Urfe and her daughter Madame du Chatelet, whom she + disliked heartily. The old counsellor had been the favoured lover of the + marchioness forty years before, and he thought himself bound by the + remembrance of their love-passages to support the cause of his old + sweetheart. In those days French magistrates thought they had a right to + take the side of their friends, or of persons in whom they had an + interest, sometimes for friendship’s sake, and sometimes for a monetary + consideration; they thought, in fact, that they were justified in selling + justice. + </p> + <p> + M. Charon bored me like the others, as was natural, considering we had no + two tastes in common. + </p> + <p> + The scene was changed the next day when I was amused with the company of + M. de Viarme, a young counsellor, a nephew of Madame d’Urfe’s, and his + pretty and charming wife. He was the author of the “Remonstrances to the + King,” a work which got him a great reputation, and had been read eagerly + by the whole town. He told me that the business of a counsellor was to + oppose everything done by the crown, good and bad. His reasons for this + theory were those given by all minorities, and I do not think I need + trouble my readers with them. + </p> + <p> + The most enjoyable dinner I had was with Madame de Gergi, who came with + the famous adventurer, known by the name of the Count de St. Germain. This + individual, instead of eating, talked from the beginning of the meal to + the end, and I followed his example in one respect as I did not eat, but + listened to him with the greatest attention. It may safely be said that as + a conversationalist he was unequalled. + </p> + <p> + St. Germain gave himself out for a marvel and always aimed at exciting + amazement, which he often succeeded in doing. He was scholar, linguist, + musician, and chemist, good-looking, and a perfect ladies’ man. For awhile + he gave them paints and cosmetics; he flattered them, not that he would + make them young again (which he modestly confessed was beyond him) but + that their beauty would be preserved by means of a wash which, he said, + cost him a lot of money, but which he gave away freely. + </p> + <p> + He had contrived to gain the favour of Madame de Pompadour, who had spoken + about him to the king, for whom he had made a laboratory, in which the + monarch—a martyr to boredom—tried to find a little pleasure or + distraction, at all events, by making dyes. The king had given him a suite + of rooms at Chambord, and a hundred thousand francs for the construction + of a laboratory, and according to St. Germain the dyes discovered by the + king would have a materially beneficial influence on the quality of French + fabrics. + </p> + <p> + This extraordinary man, intended by nature to be the king of impostors and + quacks, would say in an easy, assured manner that he was three hundred + years old, that he knew the secret of the Universal Medicine, that he + possessed a mastery over nature, that he could melt diamonds, professing + himself capable of forming, out of ten or twelve small diamonds, one large + one of the finest water without any loss of weight. All this, he said, was + a mere trifle to him. Notwithstanding his boastings, his bare-faced lies, + and his manifold eccentricities, I cannot say I thought him offensive. In + spite of my knowledge of what he was and in spite of my own feelings, I + thought him an astonishing man as he was always astonishing me. I shall + have something more to say of this character further on. + </p> + <p> + When Madame d’Urfe had introduced me to all her friends, I told her that I + would dine with her whenever she wished, but that with the exception of + her relations and St. Germain, whose wild talk amused me, I should prefer + her to invite no company. St. Germain often dined with the best society in + the capital, but he never ate anything, saying that he was kept alive by + mysterious food known only to himself. One soon got used to his + eccentricities, but not to his wonderful flow of words which made him the + soul of whatever company he was in. + </p> + <p> + By this time I had fathomed all the depths of Madame d’Urfe’s character. + She firmly believed me to be an adept of the first order, making use of + another name for purposes of my own; and five or six weeks later she was + confirmed in this wild idea on her asking me if I had diciphered the + manuscript which pretended to explain the Magnum Opus. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said I, “I have deciphered it, and consequently read it, and I now + beg to return it you with my word of honour that I have not made a copy; + in fact, I found nothing in it that I did not know before.” + </p> + <p> + “Without the key you mean, but of course you could never find out that.” + </p> + <p> + “Shall I tell you the key?” + </p> + <p> + “Pray do so.” + </p> + <p> + I gave her the word, which belonged to no language that I know of, and the + marchioness was quite thunderstruck. + </p> + <p> + “This is too amazing,” said she; “I thought myself the sole possessor of + that mysterious word—for I had never written it down, laying it up + in my memory—and I am sure I have never told anyone of it.” + </p> + <p> + I might have informed her that the calculation which enabled me to + decipher the manuscript furnished me also with the key, but the whim took + me to tell her that a spirit had revealed it to me. This foolish tale + completed my mastery over this truly learned and sensible woman on + everything but her hobby. This false confidence gave me an immense + ascendancy over Madame d’Urfe, and I often abused my power over her. Now + that I am no longer the victim of those illusions which pursued me + throughout my life, I blush at the remembrance of my conduct, and the + penance I impose on myself is to tell the whole truth, and to extenuate + nothing in these Memoirs. + </p> + <p> + The wildest notion in the good marchioness’s brain was a firm belief in + the possibility of communication between mortals and elementary spirits. + She would have given all her goods to attain to such communication, and + she had several times been deceived by impostors who made her believe that + she attained her aim. + </p> + <p> + “I did not think,” said she, sadly, “that your spirit would have been able + to force mine to reveal my secrets.” + </p> + <p> + “There was no need to force your spirit, madam, as mine knows all things + of his own power.” + </p> + <p> + “Does he know the inmost secrets of my soul?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, and if I ask him he is forced to disclose all to me.” + </p> + <p> + “Can you ask him when you like?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes! provided I have paper and ink. I can even ask him questions + through you by telling you his name.” + </p> + <p> + “And will you tell it me?” + </p> + <p> + “I can do what I say; and, to convince you, his name is Paralis. Ask him a + simple question in writing, as you would ask a common mortal. Ask him, for + instance, how I deciphered your manuscript, and you shall see I will + compel him to answer you.” + </p> + <p> + Trembling with joy, Madame d’Urfe put her question, expressed it in + numbers, then following my method in pyramid shape; and I made her extract + the answer, which she wrote down in letters. At first she only obtained + consonants, but by a second process which supplied the vowels she received + a clear and sufficient answer. Her every feature expressed astonishment, + for she had drawn from the pyramid the word which was the key to her + manuscript. I left her, carrying with me her heart, her soul, her mind, + and all the common sense which she had left. + </p> + <a name="linkC2HCH0004" id="linkC2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Absurd Ideas of Madame D’Urfe on My Supernatural Powers— + Marriage of My Brother—I Conceive a Plan on His Wedding + Day—I Go to Holland on a Financial Mission—The Jew Boaz + Gives Me a Lesson—M. d’Afri—Esther—Another Casanova—I + Find Therese Imer Again +</pre> + <p> + By the time that the Prince du Turenne had recovered from the small-pox + and the Count de la Tour d’Auvergne had left him, the latter, knowing his + aunt’s taste for the occult sciences, was not surprised to find me become + her confident and most intimate friend. + </p> + <p> + I was glad to see him and all the relations of the marchioness at dinner, + as I was delighted with the courtesy with which they treated me. I am + referring more especially to her brothers MM. de Pont-Carre and de Viarme + who had lately been chosen head of the trade companies, and his son. I + have already spoken of Madame du Chatelet, the marchioness’s daughter, but + an unlucky lawsuit separated them, and she no longer formed one of the + family circle. + </p> + <p> + De la Tour d’Auvergne having been obliged to rejoin his regiment which was + in garrison in Brittany, the marchioness and I dined together almost every + day and people looked upon me as her husband, and despite the + improbability of the supposition this was the only way in which they could + account for the long hours we spent together. Madame d’Urfe thought that I + was rich and looked upon my position at the lottery as a mere device for + preserving my incognito. + </p> + <p> + I was the possessor in her estimation, not only of the philosopher’s + stone, but also of the power of speaking with the whole host of elementary + spirits; from which premises she drew the very logical deduction that I + could turn the world upside down if I liked, and be the blessing or the + plague of France; and she thought my object in remaining incognito was to + guard myself from arrest and imprisonment; which according to her would be + the inevitable result of the minister’s discovering my real character. + These wild notions were the fruit of the nocturnal revelations of her + genius, that is, of the dreams of her disordered spirit, which seemed to + her realities. She did not seem to think that if I was endowed as she + supposed no one would have been able to arrest me, in the first place, + because I should have had foreknowledge of the attempt, and in the second + place because my power would have been too strong for all bolts and bars. + All this was clear enough, but strong passion and prejudice cannot reason. + </p> + <p> + One day, in the course of conversation, she said, with the utmost + seriousness, that her genius had advised her that not even I had power to + give her speech with the spirits, since she was a woman, and the genii + only communicated with men, whose nature is more perfect. Nevertheless, by + a process which was well known to me, I might make her soul pass into the + body of a male child born of the mystic connection between a mortal and an + immortal, or, in other words, between an ordinary man and a woman of a + divine nature. + </p> + <p> + If I had thought it possible to lead back Madame d’Urfe to the right use + of her senses I would have made the attempt, but I felt sure that her + disease was without remedy, and the only course before me seemed to abet + her in her ravings and to profit by them. + </p> + <p> + If I had spoken out like an honest man and told her that her theories were + nonsensical, she would not have believed me; she would have thought me + jealous of her knowledge, and I should have lost her favour without any + gain to her or to myself. I thus let things take their course, and to + speak the truth I was flattered to see myself treated as one of the most + profound brothers of the Rosy Cross, as the most powerful of men by so + distinguished a lady, who was in high repute for her learning, who + entertained and was related to the first families of France, and had an + income of eighty thousand francs, a splendid estate, and several + magnificent houses in Paris. I was quite sure that she would refuse me + nothing, and though I had no definite plan of profiting by her wealth I + experienced a certain pleasure at the thought that I could do so if I + would. + </p> + <p> + In spite of her immense fortune and her belief in her ability to make + gold, Madame d’Urfe was miserly in her habits, for she never spent more + than thirty thousand francs in a year, and she invested her savings in the + exchange, and in this way had nearly doubled them. A brother used to buy + her in Government securities at their lowest rate and sell at their rise, + and in this manner, being able to wait for their rise, and fall, she had + amassed a considerable sum. + </p> + <p> + She had told me more than once that she would give all she possessed to + become a man, and that she knew I could do this for her if I would. One + day, as she was speaking to me on this subject in a tone of persuasion + almost irresistible, I told her that I must confess I had the power to do + what she wanted, but that I could not make up my mind to perform the + operation upon her as I should have to kill her first. I thought this + would effectually check her wish to go any further, but what was my + surprise to hear her say, + </p> + <p> + “I know that, and what is more I know the death I shall have to die; but + for all that I am ready.” + </p> + <p> + “What, then, is that death, madam?” + </p> + <p> + “It is by the same poison which killed Paracelsus.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you think that Paracelsus obtained the hypostasis?” + </p> + <p> + “No, but I know the reason of his not doing so.” + </p> + <p> + “What is the reason?” + </p> + <p> + “It is that he was neither man or woman, and a composite nature is + incapable of the hypostasis, to obtain which one must be either the one or + the other.” + </p> + <p> + “Very true, but do you know how to make the poison, and that the thing is + impossible without the aid of a salamander?” + </p> + <p> + “That may or may not be! I beseech you to enquire of the oracle whether + there be anyone in Paris in possession of this potion.” + </p> + <p> + It was easy to see that she thought herself in possession of it, so I had + no hesitation in extracting her name from the oracular pyramid. I + pretended to be astonished at the answer, but she said boastfully, + </p> + <p> + “You see that all we want is a male child born of an immortal. This, I am + advised, will be provided by you; and I do not think you will be found + wanting out of a foolish pity for this poor old body of mine.” + </p> + <p> + At these words I rose and went to the window, where I stayed for more than + a quarter of an hour reflecting on her infatuation. When I returned to the + table where she was seated she scanned my features attentively, and said, + with much emotion, “Can it be done, my dear friend? I see that you have + been weeping.” + </p> + <p> + I did not try to undeceive her, and, taking my sword and hat, I took leave + of her sadly. Her carriage, which was always at my disposal, was at the + door, and I drove to the Boulevards, where I walked till the evening, + wondering all the while at the extraordinary fantasies of the marchioness. + </p> + <p> + My brother had been made a member of the Academy, on the exhibition of a + battle piece which had taken all the critics by storm. The picture was + purchased by the Academy for five hundred louis. + </p> + <p> + He had fallen in love with Caroline, and would have married her but for a + piece of infidelity on her part, which so enraged him that in a week after + he married an Italian dancer. M. de Sanci, the ecclesiastical + commissioner, gave the wedding party. He was fond of the girl, and out of + gratitude to my brother for marrying her he got him numerous orders among + his friends, which paved the way to the large fortune and high repute + which my brother afterwards attained. + </p> + <p> + M. Corneman, the banker, who was at my brother’s wedding, spoke to me at + considerable length on the great dearth of money, and asked me to discuss + the matter with the comptroller-general. + </p> + <p> + He told me that one might dispose of Government securities to an + association of brokers at Amsterdam, and take in exchange the securities + of any other country whose credit was higher than that of France, and that + these securities could easily be realized. I begged him to say no more + about it, and promised to see what I could do. + </p> + <p> + The plan pleased me, and I turned it over all night; and the next day I + went to the Palais Bourbon to discuss the question with M. de Bernis. He + thought the whole idea an excellent one, and advised me to go to Holland + with a letter from M. de Choiseul for M. d’Afri, the ambassador at the + Hague. He thought that the first person I should consult with M. de + Boulogne, with whom he warned me to appear as if I was sure of my ground. + </p> + <p> + “As you do not require money in advance,” said he, “you will be able to + get as many letters of recommendation as you like.” + </p> + <p> + The same day I went to the comptroller-general, who approved of my plan, + and told me that M. le Duc de Choiseul would be at the Invalides the next + day, and that I should speak to him at once, and take a letter he would + write for me. + </p> + <p> + “For my part,” said he, “I will credit our ambassador with twenty + millions, and if, contrary to my hopes, you do not succeed, the paper can + be sent back to France.” + </p> + <p> + I answered that there would be no question of the paper being returned, if + they would be content with a fair price. + </p> + <p> + “The margin will be a small one; however, you will hear about that from + the ambassador, who will have full instructions.” + </p> + <p> + I felt so flattered by this mission that I passed the night in thinking it + over. The next day I went to the Invalides, and M. de Choiseul, so famous + for taking decisive action, had no sooner read M. de Boulogne’s letter and + spoken a few words to me on the subject, than he got me to write a letter + for M. d’Afri, which he signed, sealed, returned to me, and wished me a + prosperous journey. + </p> + <p> + I immediately got a passport from M. de Berkenrode, and the same day took + leave of Madame Baletti and all my friends except Madame d’Urfe, with whom + I was to spend the whole of the next day. I gave my clerk at the lottery + office full authority to sign all tickets. + </p> + <p> + About a month before, a girl from Brussels, as excellent as she was + pretty, had been married under my auspices to an Italian named Gaetan, by + trade a broker. This fellow, in his fit of jealousy, used to ill-treat her + shamefully; I had reconciled them several times already, and they regarded + me as a kind of go-between. They came to see me on the day on which I was + making my preparations for going to Holland. My brother and Tiretta were + with me, and as I was still living in furnished apartments I took them all + to Laudel’s, where they gave one an excellent dinner. Tiretta, drove his + coach-and-four; he was ruining his ex-methodist, who was still desperately + in love with him. + </p> + <p> + In the course of dinner Tiretta, who was always in high spirits and loved + a jest, began to flirt with the girl, whom he saw for the first time. She, + who neither meant nor suspected any ill, was quite at her ease, and we + should have enjoyed the joke, and everything would have gone on + pleasantly, if her husband had possessed some modicum of manners and + common sense, but he began to get into a perfect fury of jealousy. He ate + nothing, changed colour ten times in a minute, and looked daggers at his + wife, as much as to say he did not see the joke. To crown all, Tiretta + began to crack jests at the poor wretch’s expense, and I, foreseeing + unpleasantness, endeavoured, though all in vain, to moderate his high + spirits and his sallies. An oyster chanced to fall on Madame Gaetan’s + beautiful breast; and Tiretta, who was sitting near her, took it up with + his lips as quick as lightning. Gaetan was mad with rage and gave his wife + such a furious box on the ear that his hand passed on from her cheek to + that of her neighbour. Tiretta now as enraged as Gaetan took him by his + middle and threw him down, where, having no arms, he defended himself with + kicks and fisticuffs, till the waiter came, and we put him out of the + room. + </p> + <p> + The poor wife in tears, and, like Tiretta, bleeding at the nose, besought + me to take her away somewhere, as she feared her husband would kill her if + she returned to him. So, leaving Tiretta with my brother, I got into a + carriage with her and I took her, according to her request, to her + kinsman, an old attorney who lived in the fourth story of a house in the + Quai de Gevres. He received us politely, and after having heard the tale, + he said, + </p> + <p> + “I am a poor man, and I can do nothing for this unfortunate girl; while if + I had a hundred crowns I could do everything.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t let that stand in your way,” said I, and drawing three hundred + francs from my pockets I gave him the money. + </p> + <p> + “Now, sir,” said he, “I will be the ruin of her husband, who shall never + know where his wife is.” + </p> + <p> + She thanked me and I left her there; the reader shall hear what became of + her when I return from my journey. + </p> + <p> + On my informing Madame d’Urfe that I was going to Holland for the good of + France, and that I should be coming back at the beginning of February, she + begged me to take charge of some shares of hers and to sell them for her. + They amounted in value to sixty thousand francs, but she could not dispose + of them on the Paris Exchange owing to the tightness in the money market. + In addition, she could not obtain the interest due to her, which had + mounted up considerably, as she had not had a dividend for three years. + </p> + <p> + I agreed to sell the shares for her, but it was necessary for me to be + constituted depositary and owner of the property by a deed, which was + executed the same day before a notary, to whose office we both went. + </p> + <p> + On returning to her house I wished to give her an I O U for the moneys, + but she would not hear of such a thing, and I let her remain satisfied of + my honesty. + </p> + <p> + I called on M. Corneman who gave me a bill of exchange for three hundred + florins on M. Boaz, a Jewish banker at the Hague, and I then set out on my + journey. I reached Anvers in two days, and finding a yacht ready to start + I got on board and arrived at Rotterdam the next day. I got to the Hague + on the day following, and after depositing my effects at the “Hotel + d’Angleterre” I proceeded to M. d’Afri’s, and found him reading M. de + Choiseul’s letter, which informed him of my business. He asked me to dine + in his company and in that of the ambassador of the King of Poland, who + encouraged me to proceed in my undertaking though he had not much opinion + of my chances of success. + </p> + <p> + Leaving the ambassador I went to see Boaz, whom I found at table in the + midst of a numerous and ugly family. He read my letter and told me he had + just received a letter from M. Corneman in which I was highly commended to + him. By way of a joke he said that as it was Christmas Eve he supposed I + should be going to rock the infant Jesus asleep, but I answered that I was + come to keep the Feast of the Maccabees with him—a reply which + gained me the applause of the whole family and an invitation to stay with + them. I accepted the offer without hesitation, and I told my servant to + fetch my baggage from the hotel. Before leaving the banker I asked him to + shew me some way of making twenty thousand florins in the short time I was + going to stay in Holland. + </p> + <p> + Taking me quite seriously he replied that the thing might easily be done + and that he would think it over. + </p> + <p> + The next morning after breakfast, Boaz said, + </p> + <p> + “I have solved your problem, sir; come in here and I will tell you about + it.” + </p> + <p> + He took me into his private office, and, after counting out three thousand + florins in notes and gold, he told me that if I liked I could undoubtedly + make the twenty thousand florins I had spoken of. + </p> + <p> + Much surprised at the ease with which money may be got in Holland, as I + had been merely jesting in the remarks I had made, I thanked him for his + kindness, and listened to his explanation. + </p> + <p> + “Look at this note,” said he, “which I received this morning from the + Mint. It informs me that an issue of four hundred thousand ducats is about + to be made which will be disposed of at the current rate of gold, which is + fortunately not high just now. Each ducat will fetch five florins, two + stivers and three-fifths. This is the rate of exchange with Frankfort. Buy + in four hundred thousand ducats; take them or send them to Frankfort, with + bills of exchange on Amsterdam, and your business is done. On every ducat + you will make a stiver and one-ninth, which comes to twenty-two thousand, + two hundred and twenty-two of our florins. Get hold of the gold to-day, + and in a week you will have your clear profit. That’s my idea.” + </p> + <p> + “But,” said I, “will the clerks of the Mint trust me with such a sum?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not, unless you pay them in current money or in good paper.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear sir, I have neither money nor credit to that amount.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you will certainly never make twenty thousand florins in a week. By + the way you talked yesterday I took you for a millionaire.” + </p> + <p> + “I am very sorry you were so mistaken.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall get one of my sons to transact the business to-day.” + </p> + <p> + After giving me this rather sharp lesson, M. Boaz went into his office, + and I went to dress. + </p> + <p> + M. d’Afri had paid his call on me at the “Hotel d’Angleterre,” and not + finding me there he had written me a letter asking me to come and see him. + I did so, and he kept me to dinner, shewing me a letter he had received + from M. de Boulogne, in which he was instructed not to let me dispose of + the twenty millions at a greater loss than eight per cent., as peace was + imminent. We both of us laughed at this calm confidence of the Parisian + minister, while we who were in a country where people saw deeper into + affairs knew that the truth was quite otherwise. + </p> + <p> + On M. d’Afri’s hearing that I was staying with a Jew, he advised me to + keep my own counsel when with Jews, “because,” said he, “in business, most + honest and least knavish mean pretty much the same thing. If you like,” he + added, “I will give you a letter of introduction to M. Pels, of + Amsterdam.” I accepted his offer with gratitude, and in the hope of being + useful to me in the matter of my foreign shares he introduced me to the + Swedish ambassador, who sent me to M. d’O——. + </p> + <p> + Wanting to be present at a great festival of Freemasons on St. John’s Day, + I remained at the Hague till the day after the celebration. The Comte de + Tot, brother of the baron, who lost all his money at the seraglio, and + whom I had met again at the Hague, introduced me. I was not sorry to be in + company with all the best society in Holland. + </p> + <p> + M. d’Afri introduced me to the mother of the stadtholder, who was only + twelve, and whom I thought too grave for his years. His mother was a + worthy, patient kind of woman, who fell asleep every minute, even while + she was speaking. She died shortly after, and it was discovered at the + postmortem examination that she had a disease of the brain which caused + her extreme propensity to sleep. Beside her I saw Count Philip de + Zinzendorf, who was looking for twelve millions for the empress—a + task which was not very difficult, as he offered five per cent. interest. + </p> + <p> + At the play I found myself sitting next to the Turkish minister, and I + thought he would die with laughter before my eyes. It happened thus: + </p> + <p> + They were playing Iphigenia, that masterpiece of Racine’s. The statue of + Diana stood in the midst of the stage, and at the end of one act Iphigenia + and her train of priestesses, while passing before it, all made a profound + bow to the goddess. The candlesnuffer, who perhaps may have been a bad + wit, crossed the stage just afterwards, and likewise bowed to the + goddess. This put pit and boxes in a good humour, and peals of laughter + sounded from all parts of the house. All this had to be explained to the + Turk, and he fell into such a fit of laughter that I thought he would + burst. At last he was carried to his inn still laughing but almost + senseless. + </p> + <p> + To have taken no notice of the Dutchman’s heavy wit would have been, I + confess, a mark of stupidity, but no one but a Turk could have laughed + like that. It may be said that a great Greek philosopher died of laughter + at seeing a toothless old woman trying to eat figs. But there is a great + difference between a Turk and a Greek, especially an ancient Greek. + </p> + <p> + Those who laugh a good deal are more fortunate than those who do not laugh + at all, as laughter is good for the digestion; but there is a just mean in + everything. + </p> + <p> + When I had gone two leagues from Amsterdam in my posting-chaise on two + wheels, my servant sitting beside me, I met a carriage on four wheels, + drawn like mine by two horses, and containing a fine-looking young man and + his servant. His coachman called out to mine to make way for him. My + coachman answered that if he did he might turn me into the ditch, but the + other insisted on it. I spoke to the master, begging him to tell his + coachman to make way for me. + </p> + <p> + “I am posting, sir,” said I; “and, moreover, I am a foreigner.” + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” answered he, “in Holland we take no notice of posting or not + posting; and if you are foreigner, as you say, you must confess that you + have fewer rights than I who am in my own country.” + </p> + <p> + The blood rushed to my face. I flung open the door with one hand and took + my sword with the other; and leaping into the snow, which was up to my + knees, I drew my sword, and summoned the Dutchman to give way or defend + himself. He was cooler than I, and replied, smiling, that he was not going + to fight for so foolish a cause, and that I might get into my carriage + again, as he would make way for me. I was somewhat interested in his cool + but pleasant manner. I got back into my chaise, and the next night reached + Amsterdam. + </p> + <p> + I put up at the excellent inn “L’Etoile d’Orient,” and in the morning I + went on ‘Change and found M. Pels. He told me he would think my business + over, and finding M, d’O—— directly afterwards he offered to + do me my sixty bills and give me twelve per cent. M. Pels told me to wait, + as he said he could get me fifteen per cent. He asked me to dinner, and, + on my admiring his Cape wine, he told me with a laugh that he had made it + himself by mixing Bordeaux and Malaga. + </p> + <p> + M. d’O—— asked me to dinner on the day following; and on + calling I found him with his daughter Esther, a young lady of fourteen, + well developed for her age, and exquisite in all respects except her + teeth, which were somewhat irregular. M. d’O—— was a widower, and had this + only child; consequently, Esther was heiress to a large fortune. Her + excellent father loved her blindly, and she deserved his love. Her skin + was snow white, delicately tinted with red; her hair was black as ebony, + and she had the most beautiful eyes I have ever seen. She made an + impression on me. Her father had given her an excellent education; she + spoke French perfectly, played the piano admirably, and was passionately + fond of reading. + </p> + <p> + After dinner M. d’O—— shewed me the uninhabited part of the + house, for since the death of his wife, whose memory was dear to him, he + lived on the ground floor only. He shewed me a set of rooms where he kept + a treasure in the way of old pottery. The walls and windows were covered + with plates of marble, each room a different colour, and the floors were + of mosaic, with Persian carpets. The dining-hall was cased in alabaster, + and the table and the cupboards were of cedar wood. The whole house looked + like a block of solid marble, for it was covered with marble without as + well as within, and must have cost immense sums. Every Saturday + half-a-dozen servant girls, perched on ladders, washed down these splendid + walls. These girls wore wide hoops, being obliged to put on breeches, as + otherwise they would have interested the passers by in an unseemly manner. + After looking at the house we went down again, and M. d’O—— + left me alone with Esther in the antechamber, where he worked with his + clerks. As it was New Year’s Day there was not business going on. + </p> + <p> + After playing a sonata, Mdlle. d’O—— asked me if I would go to + a concert. I replied that, being in her company, nothing could make me + stir. “But would you, mademoiselle, like to go?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I should like to go very well, but I cannot go by myself.” + </p> + <p> + “If I might presume to offer to escort you . . . but I dare not think you + would accept.” + </p> + <p> + “I should be delighted, and if you were to ask my father I am sure he + would not refuse his permission.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you sure of that?” + </p> + <p> + “Quite sure, for otherwise he would be guilty of impoliteness, and my + father would not do such a thing. But I see you don’t know the manners of + the country.” + </p> + <p> + “I confess I do not.” + </p> + <p> + “Young ladies enjoy great liberty here—liberty which they lose only + by marrying. Go and ask, and you will see.” + </p> + <p> + I went to M. d’O—— and made my request, trembling lest I + should meet with a refusal. + </p> + <p> + “Have you a carriage?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I need not give orders to get mine ready. Esther!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, father.” + </p> + <p> + “Go and dress, my dear; M. Casanova has been kind enough to offer to take + you to the concert.” + </p> + <p> + “How good of him! Thank you, papa, for letting me go.” + </p> + <p> + She threw her arms around his neck, ran to dress, and reappeared an hour + after, as fair as the joy which was expressed on her every feature. I + could have wished she had used a little powder, but Esther was jealous of + her ebon tresses, which displayed the whiteness of her skin to admiration. + The chief aim of women in making their toilette is to please men, but how + poor is the judgment of most men in such matters compared to the unerring + instinct of the generality of women! + </p> + <p> + A beautiful lace kerchief veiled her bosom, whose glories made my heart + beat faster. + </p> + <p> + We went down the stair, I helped her into the carriage, and stopped, + thinking she would be accompanied by one of her women; but seeing nobody I + got in myself. The door was shut, and we were off. I was overwhelmed with + astonishment. A treasure like this in my keeping I could hardly think. I + asked myself whether I was to remember that I was a free-lance of love, or + whether honour bade me forget it. Esther, in the highest spirits, told me + that we were going to hear an Italian singer whose voice was exquisite, + and noticing my confusion she asked what was the matter. I did not know + what to say, and began to stammer out something, but at last succeeded in + saying that she was a treasure of whom I was not worthy to be the keeper. + </p> + <p> + “I know that in other countries a young girl would not be trusted alone + with a gentleman, but here they teach us discretion and how to look after + ourselves.” + </p> + <p> + “Happy the man who is charged with your welfare, and happier still he on + whom your choice has fallen!” + </p> + <p> + “That choice is not for me to make; ‘tis my father’s business.” + </p> + <p> + “But supposing your father’s choice is not pleasing to you, or supposing + you love another?” + </p> + <p> + “We are not allowed to love a man until we know he is to be our husband.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you are not in love with anyone?” + </p> + <p> + “No, and I have never felt the desire to love.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I may kiss your hand?” + </p> + <p> + “Why should you kiss my hand?” + </p> + <p> + She drew away her hand and offered me her lovely lips. I took a kiss, + which she gave modestly enough, but which went to my heart. My delight was + a little alloyed when she said that she would give me another kiss before + her father whenever I liked. + </p> + <p> + We reached the concert-room, where Esther found many of her young friends—all + daughters of rich merchants, some pretty, some plain, and all curious to + know who I was. The fair Esther, who knew no more than my name, could not + satisfy them. All at once seeing a fair young girl a little way off she + pointed her out to me and asked me my opinion of her. Naturally enough I + replied that I did not care for fair girls. + </p> + <p> + “All the same, I must introduce you to her, for she may be a relation of + yours. Her name is the same; that is her father over there.” + </p> + <p> + “M. Casanova,” said she, speaking to a gentleman, “I beg to introduce to + you M. Casanova, a friend of my father’s.” + </p> + <p> + “Really? The same name; I wish, sir, you were my friend, as we are, + perhaps, related. I belong to the Naples branch.” + </p> + <p> + “Then we are related, though distantly, as my father came from Parma. Have + you your pedigree?” + </p> + <p> + “I ought to have such a thing, but to tell you the truth, I don’t think + much of such matters. Besants d’or and such heraldic moneys are not + currency in a mercantile republic.” + </p> + <p> + “Pedigree-hunting is certainly a somewhat foolish pursuit; but it may + nevertheless afford us a few minutes’ amusement without our making any + parade of our ancestry.” + </p> + <p> + “With all my heart.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall have the honour of calling on you to-morrow, and I will bring my + family-tree with me. Will you be vexed if you find the root of your family + also?” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all; I shall be delighted. I will call on you myself to-morrow. + May I ask if you are a business man?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I am a financial agent in the employ of the French ministry. I am + staying with M. Pels.” + </p> + <p> + M. Casanova made a sign to his daughter and introduced me to her. She was + Esther’s dearest friend, and I sat down between them, and the concert + began. + </p> + <p> + After a fine symphony, a concerto for the violin, another for the + hautbois, the Italian singer whose repute was so great and who was styled + Madame Trend made her appearance. What was my surprise when I recognized + in her Therese Imer, wife of the dancer Pompeati, whose name the reader + may remember. I had made her acquaintance eighteen years ago, when the old + senator Malipiero had struck me because we were playing together. I had + seen her again at Venice in 1753, and then our pastime had been of a more + serious nature. She had gone to Bayreuth, where she had been the + margrave’s mistress. I had promised to go and see her, but C—— + C—— and my fair nun M—— M—— had left + me neither the time nor the wish to do so. Soon after I was put under the + Leads, and then I had other things to think about. I was sufficiently + self-controlled not to shew my astonishment, and listened to an aria which + she was singing, with her exquisite voice, beginning “Eccoti giunta al + fin, donna infelice,” words which seemed made for the case. + </p> + <p> + The applause seemed as if it would never come to an end. Esther told me + that it was not known who she was, but that she was said to be a woman + with a history, and to be very badly off. “She goes from one town to + another, singing at all the public concerts, and all she receives is what + those present choose to give her on a plate which she takes round.” + </p> + <p> + “Does she find that pay?” + </p> + <p> + “I should suspect not, as everyone has paid already at coming in. She + cannot get more than thirty or forty florins. The day after to-morrow she + will go to the Hague, then to Rotterdam, then back here again. She had + been performing for six months, and she is always well received.” + </p> + <p> + “Has she a lover?” + </p> + <p> + “She is said to have lovers in every town, but instead of enriching her + they make her poorer. She always wears black, not only because she is a + widow, but also on account of a great grief she is reported to have gone + through. She will soon be coming round.” I took out my purse; and counted + out twelve ducats, which I wrapped in paper; my heart beating all the + while in a ridiculous manner, for I had really nothing to be excited + about. + </p> + <p> + When Therese was going along the seats in front of me, I glanced at her + for an instant, and I saw that she looked surprised. I turned my head to + speak to Esther, and when she was directly in front of me I put my little + packet on the plate without looking at her, and she passed on. A little + girl, four or five years old, followed her, and when she got to the end of + the bench she came back to kiss my hand. I could not help recognizing in + her a facsimile of myself, but I concealed my emotion. The child stood + still, and gazed at me fixedly, to my no small confusion. “Would you like + some sweets, my dear?” said I, giving her my box, which I should have been + glad to turn into gold. The little girl took it smilingly, made me a + curtsy, and went on. + </p> + <p> + “Does it strike you, M. Casanova,” said Esther, with a laugh, “that you + and that little girl are as like each other as two peas?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, indeed,” added Mdlle. Casanova, “there is a striking likeness.” + </p> + <p> + “These resemblances are often the work of chance.” + </p> + <p> + “Just so,” said Esther, with a wicked smile, “but you admit a likeness, + don’t you?” + </p> + <p> + “I confess I was struck with it, though of course I cannot judge so well + as you.” + </p> + <p> + After the concert M. d’O—— arrived, and giving back his + daughter to his care I betook myself to my lodging. I was just sitting + down to a dish of oysters, before going to bed, when Therese made her + appearance, holding her child by the hand. Although I had not expected her + to visit me that evening, I was nevertheless not much surprised to see + her. I, of course, rose to greet her, when all at once she fell fainting + on the sofa, though whether the fainting fit was real or assumed I cannot + say. Thinking that she might be really ill I played my part properly, and + brought her to herself by sprinkling her with cold water and putting my + vinaigrette to her nose. As soon as she came to herself she began to gaze + at me without saying a word. At last, tired of her silence, I asked her if + she would take any supper; and on her replying in the affirmative, I rang + the bell and ordered a good supper for three, which kept us at the table + till seven o’clock in the morning, talking over our various fortunes and + misfortunes. She was already acquainted with most of my recent adventures, + but I knew nothing at all about hers, and she entertained me with a + recital of them for five or six hours. + </p> + <p> + Sophie, the little girl, slept in my bed till day, and her mother, keeping + the best of her tale to the last, told me that she was my daughter, and + shewed me her baptismal certificate. The birth of the child fell in with + the period at which I had been intimate with Therese, and her perfect + likeness to myself left no room for doubt. I therefore raised no + objections, but told the mother that I was persuaded of my paternity, and + that, being in a position to give the child a good education, I was ready + to be a father to her. + </p> + <p> + “She is too precious a treasure in my sight; if we were separated I should + die.” + </p> + <p> + “You are wrong; for if I took charge of the little girl I should see that + she was well provided for.” + </p> + <p> + “I have a son of twelve to whom I cannot give a proper education; take + charge of him instead of Sophie.” + </p> + <p> + “Where is he?” + </p> + <p> + “He is boarding, or rather in pawn, at Rotterdam.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean by in pawn?” + </p> + <p> + “I mean that he will not be returned to me until I pay the person who has + got him all my debts.” + </p> + <p> + “How much do you owe?” + </p> + <p> + “Eighty florins. You have already given me sixty-two, give me four ducats + more; you can then take my son, and I shall be the happiest of mothers. I + will send my son to you at the Hague next week, as I think you will be + there.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, my dear Therese; and instead of four ducats, here are twenty.” + </p> + <p> + “We shall see each other again at the Hague.” + </p> + <p> + She was grateful to excess, but I only felt pity for her and a sort of + friendly interest, and kept quite cool, despite the ardour of her + embraces. Seeing that her trouble was of no avail, she sighed, shed some + tears, and, taking her daughter, she bid me adieu, promising once more to + send me her son. + </p> + <p> + Therese was two years older than I. She was still pretty, and even + handsome, but her charms no longer retained their first beauty, and my + passion for her, having been a merely physical one, it was no wonder that + she had no longer any attraction for me. Her adventures during the six + years in which I had lost her would certainly interest my readers, and + form a pleasing episode in my book, and I would tell the tale if it were a + true one; but not being a romance writer, I am anxious that this work + shall contain the truth and nothing but the truth. Convicted by her + amorous and jealous margarve of infidelity, she had been sent about her + business. She was separated from her husband Pompeati, had followed a new + lover to Brussels, and there had caught the fancy of Prince Charles de + Lorraine, who had obtained her the direction of all the theatres in the + Austrian Low Countries. She had then undertaken this vast responsibility, + entailing heavy expenditure, till at last, after selling all her diamonds + and lace, she had fled to Holland to avoid arrest. Her husband killed + himself at Vienna in a paroxysm caused by internal pain—he had cut + open his stomach with a razor, and died tearing at his entrails. + </p> + <p> + My business left me no time for sleep. M. Casanova came and asked me to + dinner, telling me to meet him on the Exchange—a place well worth + seeing. Millionaires are as plentiful as blackberries, and anyone who is + not worth more than a hundred thousand florins is considered a poor man. I + found M. d’O—— there, and was asked by him to dinner the + following day at a small house he had on the Amstel. M. Casanova treated + me with the greatest courtesy. After reading my pedigree he went for his + own, and found it exactly the same; but he merely laughed, and seemed to + care little about it, differing in that respect from Don Antonio of + Naples, who set such store by my pedigree, and treated me with such + politeness on that account. Nevertheless, he bade me make use of him in + anything relating to business if I did anything in that way. I thought his + daughter pretty, but neither her charms nor her wit made any impression on + me. My thoughts were taken up with Esther, and I talked so much about her + at dinner that at last my cousin declared that she did not consider her + pretty. Oh, you women! beauty is the only unpardonable offence in your + eyes. Mdlle. Casanova was Esther’s friend, and yet she could not bear to + hear her praised. + </p> + <p> + On my seeing M. d’O—— again after dinner, he told me that if I + cared to take fifteen per cent. on my shares, he would take them from me + and save broker’s expenses. I thought the offer a good one, and I accepted + it, taking a bill of exchange on Tourton & Baur. At the rate of + exchange at Hamburg I found I should have seventy-two thousand francs, + although at five per cent. I had only expected sixty-nine thousand. This + transaction won me high favour with Madame d’Urfe, who, perhaps, had not + expected me to be so honest. + </p> + <p> + In the evening I went with M. Pels to Zaandam, in a boat placed on a + sleigh and impelled by a sail. It was an extraordinary, but at the same + time an amusing and agreeable, mode of travelling. The wind was strong, + and we did fifteen miles an hour; we seemed to pass through the air as + swiftly as an arrow. A safer and more convenient method of travelling + cannot be imagined; it would be an ideal way of journeying round the world + if there were such a thing as a frozen sea all round. The wind, however, + must be behind, as one cannot sail on a side wind, there being no rudder. + I was pleased and astonished at the skill of our two sailors in lowering + sail exactly at the proper time; for the sleigh ran a good way, from the + impetus it had already received, and we stopped just at the bank of the + river, whereas if the sail had been lowered a moment later the sleigh + might have been broken to pieces. We had some excellent perch for dinner, + but the strength of the wind prevented us from walking about. I went there + again, but as Zaandam is well known as the haunt of the millionaire + merchants who retire and enjoy life there in their own way, I will say no + more about it. We returned in a fine sleigh drawn by two horses, belonging + to M. Pels, and he kept me to supper. This worthy man, whose face bore + witness to his entire honesty, told me that as I was now the friend of M. + d’O—— and himself, I should have nothing whatever to do with + the Jews, but should address myself to them alone. I was pleased with this + proposal, which made a good many of my difficulties disappear, and the + reader will see the results of this course. + </p> + <p> + Next day snow fell in large flakes, and I went early to M. d’O——‘s, + where I found Esther in the highest of spirits. She gave me a warm + welcome, and began to rally me on having spent the whole night with Madame + Trenti. + </p> + <p> + I might possibly have shewn some slight confusion, but her father said an + honest man had nothing to be ashamed of in admiring talent. Then, turning + to me, he said, + </p> + <p> + “Tell me, M. Casanova, who this woman is?” + </p> + <p> + “She is a Venetian whose husband died recently; I knew her when I was a + lad, and it was six years since I had seen her last.” + </p> + <p> + “You were agreeably surprised, then, to see your daughter?” said Esther. + </p> + <p> + “Why do you think the child is my daughter? Madame Trenti was married + then.” + </p> + <p> + “The likeness is really too strong. And how about your falling asleep + yesterday when you were supping with M. Pels?” + </p> + <p> + “It was no wonder that I went asleep, as I had not closed an eye the night + before.” + </p> + <p> + “I am envious of anyone who possesses the secret of getting a good sleep, + for I have always to wait long hours before sleep comes to me, and when I + awake, instead of being refreshed, I feel heavy and languid from fatigue.” + </p> + <p> + “Try passing the night in listening to one in whom you take an interest, + telling the story of her life, and I promise you that you will sleep well + the night after.” + </p> + <p> + “There is no such person for me.” + </p> + <p> + “No, because you have as yet only seen fourteen summers; but afterwards + there will be someone.” + </p> + <p> + “Maybe, but what I want just now is books, and the help of someone who + will guide my reading.” + </p> + <p> + “That would be an easy matter for anyone who knew your tastes.” + </p> + <p> + “I like history and travels, but for a book to please me it must be all + true, as I lay it down at the slightest suspicion of its veracity.” + </p> + <p> + “Now I think I may venture to offer my services, and if you will accept + them I believe I shall be able to give satisfaction.” + </p> + <p> + “I accept your offer, and shall keep you to your word.” + </p> + <p> + “You need not be afraid of my breaking it, and before I leave for the + Hague I will prove that I am reliable.” + </p> + <p> + She then began to rally me on the pleasure I should have at the Hague, + where I should see Madame Trenti again. Her freedom, mirth, and extreme + beauty set my blood on fire, and M. d’O—— laughed heartily at + the war his charming daughter waged on me. At eleven o’clock we got into a + well-appointed sleigh and we set out for his small house, where she told + me I should find Mdlle. Casanova and her betrothed. + </p> + <p> + “Nevertheless,” said I, “you will continue to be my only attraction.” + </p> + <p> + She made no answer, but it was easy to perceive that my avowal had not + displeased her. + </p> + <p> + When we had gone some distance we saw the lovers, who had come out, in + spite of the snow, to meet us. We got down, and after taking off our furs + we entered the house. I gazed at the young gentleman, who looked at me a + moment in return and then whispered in Mdlle. Casanova’s ear. She smiled + and whispered something to Esther. Esther stepped up to her father and + said a few words to him in a low voice, and everybody began to laugh at + once. They all looked at me and I felt certain that I was somehow the + point of the joke, but I put on an indifferent air. + </p> + <p> + “There may be a mistake,” said M. d’O——; “at any rate we + should ascertain the truth of the matter.” + </p> + <p> + “M. Casanova, had you any adventures on your journey from the Hague to + Amsterdam?” + </p> + <p> + At this I looked again at the young gentleman, and I guessed what they + were talking about. + </p> + <p> + “No adventure to speak of,” I answered, “except a meeting with a fine + fellow who desired to see my carriage turn upside down into the ditch, and + who I think is present now.” + </p> + <p> + At these words the laughter broke out afresh, and the gentleman and I + embraced each other; but after he had given the true account of the + adventure his mistress pretended to be angry, and told him that he ought + to have fought. Esther observed that he had shewn more true courage in + listening to reason, and M. d’O—— said he was strongly of his + daughter’s opinion; however, Mdlle. Casanova, after airing her high-flown + ideas, began to sulk with her lover. + </p> + <p> + To restore the general mirth, Esther said, gaily, “Come, come, let us put + on our skates, and try the Amstel, for I am afraid that unless we go + forthwith the ice will have melted.” I was ashamed to ask her to let me + off, though I would gladly have done so! but what will not love do! M. d’O—— + left us to our own devices. Mdlle. Casanova’s intended put on my skates, + and the ladies put on their short petticoats with black velvet drawers to + guard against certain accidents. We reached the river, and as I was a + perfect neophyte in this sport the figure I cut may be imagined. However, + I resolutely determined to conquer my awkwardness, and twenty times, to + the peril of my spine, did I fall down upon the ice. I should have been + wiser to have left off, but I was ashamed to do so, and I did not stop + till, to my huge delight, we were summoned in to dinner. But I paid dear + for my obstinacy, for when I tried to rise from the table I felt as if I + had lost the use of my limbs. Esther pitied me, and said she would cure + me. There was a good deal of laughter at my expense, and I let them laugh, + as I felt certain that the whole thing had been contrived to turn me into + derision, and wishing to make Esther love me I thought it best to + stimulate a good temper. I passed the afternoon with M. d’O——, + letting the young people go by themselves on the Amstel, where they + stopped till dusk. + </p> + <p> + Next morning when I awoke I thought I was a lost man. I suffered a + martyrdom of pain. The last of my vertebral bones, called by doctors the + os sacrum, felt as if it had been crushed to atoms, although I had used + almost the whole of a pot of ointment which Esther had given me for that + purpose. In spite of my torments I did not forget my promise, and I had + myself taken to a bookseller’s where I bought all the books I thought + likely to interest her. She was very grateful, and told me to come and + embrace her before I started if I wanted a pretty present. + </p> + <p> + It was not likely that I was going to refuse such an invitation as that, + so I went early in the morning, leaving my post-chaise at the door. Her + governess took me to her bed, where she was lying as fair and gay as Venus + herself. + </p> + <p> + “I am quite sure,” said she, “that you would not have come at all unless I + had asked you to come and embrace me.” + </p> + <p> + At this my lips were fastened on her mouth, her eyes, and on every spot of + her lovely face. But seeing my eyes straying towards her bosom, and + guessing that I should make myself master of it, she stopped laughing and + put herself on the defensive. + </p> + <p> + “Go away,” said she, slyly, “go away and enjoy yourself at the Hague with + the fair Trenti, who possesses so pretty a token of your love.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear Esther, I am going to the Hague to talk business with the + ambassador, and for no other reason, and in six days at latest you will + see me back again, as much your lover as before, and desiring nothing + better than to please you.” + </p> + <p> + “I rely upon your word of honour, but mind you do not deceive me.” + </p> + <p> + With these words she put up her mouth and gave me so tender and passionate + a kiss that I went away feeling certain of my bliss being crowned on my + return. That evening, at supper-time, I reached Boaz’s house. + </p> + <a name="linkC2H_4_0006" id="linkC2H_4_0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> <a name="linkepisode12" id="linkepisode12"></a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + EPISODE 12 — RETURN TO PARIS + </h2> + <a name="linkC2HCH0005" id="linkC2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + My Fortune in Holland—My Return to Paris with Young + Pompeati +</pre> + <a name="linkCimage-0003" id="linkCimage-0003"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/3c05.jpg" width="100%" alt="Chapter 5 " /> + </div> + <p> + Amongst the letters which were waiting for me was one from the + comptroller-general, which advised me that twenty millions in Government + securities had been placed in the hands of M. d’Afri, who was not to go + beyond a loss of eight per cent.; and another letter from my good patron, + M. de Bernis, telling me to do the best I could, and to be assured that + the ambassador would be instructed to consent to whatever bargain might be + made, provided the rate was not more disadvantageous than that of the + exchange at Paris. Boaz, who was astonished at the bargain I had made with + my shares, wanted to discount the Government securities for me, and I + should very likely have agreed to his terms if he had not required me to + give him three months, and the promise that the agreement should hold even + in the case of peace being concluded in the meanwhile. It was not long + before I saw that I should do well to get back to Amsterdam, but I did not + care to break my word to Therese, whom I had promised to meet at the + Hague. I received a letter from her while I was at the play, and the + servant who brought it told me he was waiting to conduct me to her. I sent + my own servant home, and set out on my quest. + </p> + <p> + My guide made me climb to the fourth floor of a somewhat wretched house, + and there I found this strange woman in a small room, attended by her son + and daughter. The table stood in the midst of the room, and was covered + with a black cloth, and the two candles standing upon it made it look like + some sort of sepulchral altar. The Hague was a Court town. I was richly + dressed; my elaborate attire made the saddest possible contrast with the + gloom of my surroundings. Therese, dressed in black and seated between her + children at that black table, reminded me of Medea. To see these two fair + young creatures vowed to a lot of misery and disgrace was a sad and + touching sight. I took the boy between my arms, and pressing him to my + breast called him my son. His mother told him to look upon me as his + father from henceforth. The lad recognized me; he remembered, much to my + delight, seeing me in the May of 1753, in Venice, at Madame Manzoni’s. He + was slight but strong; his limbs were well proportioned, and his features + intellectual. He was thirteen years old. + </p> + <p> + His sister sat perfectly still, apparently waiting for her turn to come. I + took her on my knee, and as I embraced her, nature herself seemed to tell + me that she was my daughter. She took my kisses in silence, but it was + easy to see that she thought herself preferred to her brother, and was + charmed with the idea. All her clothing was a slight frock, and I was able + to feel every limb and to kiss her pretty little body all over, delighted + that so sweet a being owed her existence to me. + </p> + <p> + “Mamma, dear,” said she, “is not this fine gentleman the same we saw at + Amsterdam, and who was taken for my papa because I am like him? But that + cannot be, for my papa is dead.” + </p> + <p> + “So he is, sweetheart; but I may be your dear friend, mayn’t I? Would you + like to have me for a friend?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes!” she cried, and throwing her arms about my neck gave me a + thousand kisses, which I returned with delight. + </p> + <p> + After we had talked and laughed together we sat down at table, and the + heroine Therese gave me a delicate supper accompanied by exquisite wines. + “I have never given the margrave better fare,” said she, “at those nice + little suppers we used to take together.” + </p> + <p> + Wishing to probe the disposition of her son, whom I had engaged to take + away with me, I addressed several remarks to him, and soon discovered that + he was of a false and deceitful nature, always on his guard, taking care + of what he said, and consequently speaking only from his head and not from + his heart. Every word was delivered with a quiet politeness which, no + doubt, was intended to please me. + </p> + <p> + I told him that this sort of thing was all very well on occasion; but that + there were times when a man’s happiness depended on his freedom from + constraint; then and only then was his amiability, if he had any, + displayed. His mother, thinking to praise him, told me that reserve was + his chief characteristic, that she had trained him to keep his counsel at + all times and places, and that she was thus used to his being reserved + with her as with everyone else. + </p> + <p> + “All I can say is,” said I, “your system is an abominable one. You may + have strangled in their infancy all the finer qualities with which nature + has endowed your son, and have fairly set him on the way to become a + monster instead of an angel. I don’t see how the most devoted father can + possibly have any affection for a son who keeps all his emotions under + lock and key.” + </p> + <p> + This outburst, which proceeded from the tenderness I would fain have felt + for the boy, seemed to strike his mother dumb. + </p> + <p> + “Tell me, my dear, if you feel yourself capable of shewing me that + confidence which a father has a right to expect of a good son, and if you + can promise to be perfectly open and unreserved towards me?” + </p> + <p> + “I promise that I will die rather than tell you a falsehood.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s just like him,” said the mother. “I have succeeded in inspiring + him with the utmost horror of untruthfulness.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s all very well, my dear madam, but you might have pursued a still + better course, and one which would have been still more conducive to his + happiness.” + </p> + <p> + “What is that?” + </p> + <p> + “I will tell you. It was necessary to make him detest a lie; you should + have rather endeavoured to make him a lover of the truth by displaying it + to him in all its native beauty. This is the only way to make him lovable, + and love is the sole bestower of happiness in this world.” + </p> + <p> + “But isn’t it the same thing not to lie and to tell the truth,” said the + boy, with a smile which charmed his mother and displeased me. + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not; there is a great difference—for to avoid lying you + have only to hold your tongue; and do you think that comes to the same + thing as speaking the truth? You must open your mind to me, my son, and + tell me all your thoughts, even if you blush in the recital. I will teach + you how to blush, and soon you will have nothing to fear in laying open + all your thoughts and deeds. When we know each other a little longer we + shall see how we agree together. You must understand that I cannot look + upon you as my son until I see cause to love you, and I cannot have you + call me father till you treat me as the best friend you have. You may be + quite sure that I shall find a way to discover your thoughts, however + cleverly you try to hide them. If I find you deceitful and suspicious I + shall certainly entertain no regard for you. As soon as I have finished my + business at Amsterdam we will set out for Paris. I am leaving the Hague + to-morrow, and on my return I hope to find you instructed by your mother + in a system of morality more consonant with my views, and more likely to + lead to your happiness.” + </p> + <p> + On glancing at my little daughter, who had been listening to me with the + greatest attention, I saw that her eyes were swimming with tears, which + she could hardly retain. + </p> + <p> + “Why are you crying?” said the mother; “it is silly to cry.” And with that + the child ran to her mother and threw her arms round her neck. + </p> + <p> + “Would you like to come to Paris, too?” said I to her. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes! But mamma must come too, as she would die without me.” + </p> + <p> + “What would you do if I told you to go?” said the mother. + </p> + <p> + “I would obey you, mamma, but how could I exist away from you?” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon my little daughter pretended to cry. I say pretended, as it was + quite evident that the child did not mean what she said, and I am sure + that her mother knew it as well as I. + </p> + <p> + It was really a melancholy thing to see the effects of a bad education on + this young child, to whom nature had given intelligence and feeling. I + took the mother on one side, and said that if she had intended to make + actors of her children she had succeeded to admiration; but if she wished + them to become useful members of society her system had failed lamentably, + as they were in a fair way to become monsters of deceit. I continued + making her the most pointed remonstrances until, in spite of her efforts + to control herself, she burst into tears. However, she soon recovered her + composure, and begged me to stay at the Hague a day longer, but I told her + it was out of the question, and left the room. I came in again a few + minutes after, and Sophie came up to me and said, in a loving little + voice, + </p> + <p> + “If you are really my friend, you will give me some proof of your + friendship.” + </p> + <p> + “And what proof do you want, my dear?” + </p> + <p> + “I want you to come and sup with me to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “I can’t, Sophie dear, for I have just said no to your mother, and she + would be offended if I granted you what I had refused her.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no! she wouldn’t; it was she who told me to ask you just now.” + </p> + <p> + I naturally began to laugh, but on her mother calling the girl a little + fool, and the brother adding that he had never committed such an + indiscretion, the poor child began to tremble all over, and looked + abashed. I reassured her as best I could, not caring whether what I said + displeased her mother or not, and I endeavoured to instill into her + principles of a very different nature to those in which she had been + reared, while she listened with an eagerness which proved that her heart + was still ready to learn the right way. Little by little her face cleared, + and I saw that I had made an impression, and though I could not flatter + myself that any good I might do her would be lasting in its effects as + long as she remained under the bad influence of her mother, I promised to + come and sup with her next evening, “but on the condition,” I said, “that + you give me a plain meal, and one bottle of chambertin only, for you are + not too well off.” + </p> + <p> + “I know that, but mamma says that you pay for everything.” + </p> + <p> + This reply made me go off into a roar of laughter; and in spite of her + vexation the mother was obliged to follow my example. The poor woman, + hardened by the life she led, took the child’s simplicity for stupidity, + but I saw in her a rough diamond which only wanted polishing. + </p> + <p> + Therese told me that the wine did not cost her anything, as the son of the + Rotterdam burgomaster furnished her with it, and that he would sup with us + the next day if I would allow him to be present. I answered smilingly that + I should be delighted to see him, and I went away after giving my + daughter, of whom I felt fond, a tender embrace. I would have done + anything to be entrusted with her, but I saw it would be no good trying to + get possession of her, as the mother was evidently keeping her as a + resource for her old age. This is a common way for adventuresses to look + upon their daughters, and Therese was an adventuress in the widest + acceptation of the term. I gave her twenty ducats to get clothes for my + adopted son and Sophie, who, with spontaneous gratitude, and her eyes + filled with tears, came and gave me a kiss. Joseph was going to kiss my + hand, but I told him that it was degrading for one man to kiss another’s + hand, and that for the future he was to shew his gratitude by embracing me + as a son embraces his father. + </p> + <p> + Just as I was leaving, Therese took me to the closet where the two + children were sleeping. I knew what she was thinking of; but all that was + over long ago; I could think of no one but Esther. + </p> + <p> + The next day I found the burgomaster’s son at my actress’s house. He was a + fine young fellow of twenty or twenty-one, but totally devoid of manner. + He was Therese’s lover, but he should have regulated his behaviour in my + presence. Therese, seeing that he was posing as master of the field, and + that his manners disgusted me, began to snub him, much to his displeasure, + and after sneering at the poorness of the dishes, and praising the wine + which he had supplied, he went out leaving us to finish our dessert by + ourselves. I left myself at eleven, telling Therese that I should see her + again before I went away. The Princesse de Galitzin, a Cantimir by birth, + had asked me to dinner, and this made me lose another day. + </p> + <p> + Next day I heard from Madame d’Urfe, who enclosed a bill of exchange on + Boaz for twelve thousand francs. She said that she had bought her shares + for sixty thousand, that she did not wish to make anything of them, and + that she hoped I would accept the overplus as my broker’s fee. She worded + her offer with too much courtesy for me to refuse it. The remainder of the + letter was devoted to the wildest fancies. She said that her genius had + revealed to her that I should bring back to Paris a boy born of the + Mystical Marriage, and she hoped I would take pity on her. It was a + strange coincidence, and seemed likely to attach the woman still more + closely to her visionary theories. I laughed when I though how she would + be impressed by Therese’s son, who was certainly not born of the Mystical + Marriage. + </p> + <p> + Boaz paid me my twelve thousand francs in ducats, and I made him my + friend, as he thanked me for receiving the moneys in ducats, and he + doubtless made a profit on the transaction, gold being a commodity in + Holland, and all payments being made in silver or paper money. + </p> + <p> + At that time gold was at a low rate, and nobody would take ducats. + </p> + <p> + After having an excellent dinner with the Princesse de Galitzin, I put on + my cloak and went to the cafe. I found there the burgomaster’s son, who + was just beginning a game of billiards. He whispered to me that I might + back him with advantage, and thinking he was sure of his stroke I thanked + him and followed his advice. However, after losing three games one after + the other, I took his measure and began to lay against him without his + knowledge. After playing for three hours and losing all the time, he + stopped play and came to condole with me on my heavy loss. It is + impossible to describe his amazed expression when I shewed him a handful + of ducats, and assured him that I had spent a very profitable evening in + laying against him. Everybody in the room began to laugh at him, but he + was the sort of young man who doesn’t understand a joke, and he went out + in a rage. Soon after I left the billiard-room myself, and, according to + my promise went to see Therese, as I was leaving for Amsterdam the next + day. + </p> + <p> + Therese was waiting for her young wine merchant, but on my recounting his + adventures she expected him no longer. I took my little daughter on my + knee and lavished my caresses on her, and so left them, telling them that + we should see each other again in the course of three weeks or a month at + latest. + </p> + <p> + As I was going home in the moonlight by myself, my sword under my arm, I + was encountered all of a sudden by the poor dupe of a burgomaster’s son. + </p> + <p> + “I want to know,” said he, “if your sword has as sharp a point as your + tongue.” + </p> + <p> + I tried to quiet him by speaking common sense, and I kept my sword wrapped + in my cloak, though his was bared and directed against me. + </p> + <p> + “You are wrong to take my jests in such bad part,” said I; “however, I + apologize to you.” + </p> + <p> + “No apologies; look to yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “Wait till to-morrow, you will be cooler then, but if you still wish it I + will give you satisfaction in the midst of the billiard-room.” + </p> + <p> + “The only satisfaction you can give me is to fight; I want to kill you.” + </p> + <p> + As evidence of his determination, and to provoke me beyond recall, he + struck me with the flat of his sword, the first and last time in my life + in which I have received such and insult. I drew my sword, but still + hoping to bring him to his senses I kept strictly on the defensive and + endeavoured to make him leave off. This conduct the Dutchman mistook for + fear, and pushed hard on me, lunging in a manner that made me look to + myself. His sword passed through my necktie; a quarter of an inch farther + in would have done my business. + </p> + <p> + I leapt to one side, and, my danger no longer admitting of my fighting on + the defensive, I lunged out and wounded him in the chest. I thought this + would have been enough for him, so I proposed we should terminate our + engagement. + </p> + <p> + “I’m not dead yet,” said he; “I want to kill you.” + </p> + <p> + This was his watchword; and, as he leapt on me in a paroxysm of rage, more + like a madman than a sensible being, I hit him four times. At the fourth + wound he stepped back, and, saying he had had enough, begged me to leave + him. + </p> + <p> + I went off as fast as I could, and was very glad to see from the look of + my sword that his wounds were slight. I found Boaz still up, and on + hearing what had taken place he advised me to go to Amsterdam at once, + though I assured him that the wounds were not mortal. I gave in to his + advice, and as my carriage was at the saddler’s he lent me his, and I set + out, bidding my servant to come on the next day with my luggage, and to + rejoin me at the “Old Bible,” in Amsterdam. I reached Amsterdam at noon + and my man arrived in the evening. + </p> + <p> + I was curious to hear if my duel had made any noise, but as my servant had + left at an early hour he had heard nothing about it. Fortunately for me + nothing whatever was known about it at Amsterdam for a week after; + otherwise, things might not have gone well with me, as the reputation of + being a duellist is not a recommendation to financiers with whom one is + about to transact business of importance. + </p> + <p> + The reader will not be surprised when I tell him that my first call was on + M. d’O——, or rather on his charming daughter Esther, for she it was on whom + I waited. It will be remembered that the way in which we parted did a good + deal towards augmenting the warmth of my affection for her. On entering + the room I found Esther writing at a table. + </p> + <p> + “What are you doing Esther, dear?” + </p> + <p> + “An arithmetical problem.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you like problems?” + </p> + <p> + “I am passionately fond of anything which contains difficulties and offers + curious results.” + </p> + <p> + “I will give you something which will please you.” + </p> + <p> + I made her, by way of jest, two magic squares, which delighted her. In + return, she spewed me some trifles with which I was well acquainted, but + which I pretended to think very astonishing. My good genius then inspired + me with the idea of trying divination by the cabala. I told her to ask a + question in writing, and assured her that by a certain kind of calculation + a satisfactory answer would be obtained. She smiled, and asked why I had + returned to Amsterdam so soon. I shewed her how to make the pyramid with + the proper numbers and the other ceremonies, then I made her extract the + answer in numbers, translating it into French, and greatly was she + surprised to find that the cause which had made me return to Amsterdam so + soon was—love. + </p> + <p> + Quite confounded, she said it was very wonderful, even though the answer + might not be true, and she wished to know what masters could teach this + mode of calculation. + </p> + <p> + “Those who know it cannot teach it to anyone.” + </p> + <p> + “How did you learn it, then?” + </p> + <p> + “From a precious manuscript I inherited from my father.” + </p> + <p> + “Sell it me.” + </p> + <p> + “I have burnt it; and I am not empowered to communicate the secret to + anyone before I reach the age of fifty.” + </p> + <p> + “Why fifty?” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know; but I do know that if I communicated it to anyone before + that age I should run the risk of losing it myself. The elementary spirit + who is attached to the oracle would leave it.” + </p> + <p> + “How do you know that?” + </p> + <p> + “I saw it so stated in the manuscript I have spoken of.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you are able to discover all secrets?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, or I should be if the replies were not sometimes too obscure to be + understood.” + </p> + <p> + “As it does not take much time, will you be kind enough to get me an + answer to another question?” + </p> + <p> + “With pleasure; you can command me in anything not forbidden by my + familiar spirit.” + </p> + <p> + She asked what her destiny would be, and the oracle replied that she had + not yet taken the first step towards it. Esther was astonished and called + her governess to see the two answers, but the good woman saw nothing + wonderful in them whatever. Esther impatiently called her a blockhead, and + entreated me to let her ask another question. I begged her to do so, and + she asked, + </p> + <p> + “Who loves me most in Amsterdam?” The oracle replied that no one loved her + as well as he who had given her being: Poor Esther then told me that I had + made her miserable, and that she would die of grief if she could not + succeed in learning the method of calculation. I gave no answer, and + pretended to feel sad at heart. She began to write down another question, + putting her hand in front so as to screen the paper. I rose as if to get + out of her way, but while she was arranging the pyramid I cast my eyes on + the paper whilst walking up and down the room, and read her question. + After she had gone as far as I had taught her, she asked me to extract the + answer, saying that I could do so without reading the question. I agreed + to do so on the condition that she would not ask a second time. + </p> + <p> + As I had seen her question, it was easy for me to answer it. She had asked + the oracle if she might shew the questions she had propounded to her + father, and the answer was that she would be happy as long as she had no + secrets from her father. + </p> + <p> + When she read these words she gave a cry of surprise, and could find no + words wherewith to express her gratitude to me. I left her for the + Exchange, where I had a long business conversation with M. Pels. + </p> + <p> + Next morning a handsome and gentlemanly man came with a letter of + introduction from Therese, who told me that he would be useful in case I + wanted any assistance in business. His name was Rigerboos. She informed me + that the burgomaster’s son was only slightly wounded, and that I had + nothing to fear as the matter was not generally known, and that if I had + business at the Hague I might return there in perfect safety. She said + that my little Sophie talked of me all day, and that I should find my son + much improved on my return. I asked M. Rigerboos to give me his address, + assuring him that at the proper time I should rely on his services. + </p> + <p> + A moment after Rigerboos had gone, I got a short note from Esther, who + begged me, in her father’s name, to spend the day with her—at least, + if I had no important engagement. I answered that, excepting a certain + matter of which her father knew, I had no chiefer aim than to convince her + that I desired a place in her heart, and that she might be quite sure that + I would not refuse her invitation. + </p> + <p> + I went to M. d’O—— at dinner time. I found Esther and her + father puzzling over the method which drew reasonable answers out of a + pyramid of numbers. As soon as her father saw me, he embraced me, saying + how happy he was to possess a daughter capable of attracting me. + </p> + <p> + “She will attract any man who has sufficient sense to appreciate her.” + </p> + <p> + “You appreciate her, then?” + </p> + <p> + “I worship her.” + </p> + <p> + “Then embrace her.” + </p> + <p> + Esther opened her arms, and with a cry of delight threw them round my + neck, and gave the back all my caresses, kiss for kiss. + </p> + <p> + “I have got through all my business,” said M. d’O——, “and the + rest of my day is at your disposal. I have known from my childhood that + there is such a science as the one you profess, and I was acquainted with + a Jew who by its aid made an immense fortune. He, like you, said that, + under pain of losing the secret, it could only be communicated to one + person, but he put off doing so so long that at last it was too late, for + a high fever carried him off in a few days. I hope you will not do as the + Jew did; but in the meanwhile allow me to say that if you do not draw a + profit from this treasure, you do not know what it really is.” + </p> + <p> + “You call this knowledge of mine a treasure, and yet you possess one far + more excellent,” looking at Esther as I spoke. + </p> + <p> + “We will discuss that again. Yes, sir, I call your science a treasure.” + </p> + <p> + “But the answers of the oracle are often very obscure.” + </p> + <p> + “Obscure! The answers my daughter received are as clear as day.” + </p> + <p> + “Apparently, she is fortunate in the way she frames her questions; for on + this the reply depends.” + </p> + <p> + “After dinner we will try if I am so fortunate—at least, if you will + be so kind as to help me.” + </p> + <p> + “I can refuse you nothing, as I consider father and daughter as one + being.” + </p> + <p> + At table we discussed other subjects, as the chief clerks were present—notably + the manager, a vulgar-looking fellow, who had very evident aspirations in + the direction of my fair Esther. After dinner we went into M. d’O——‘s + private closet, and thereupon he drew two long questions out of his + pocket. In the first he desired to know how to obtain a favourable + decision from the States-General in an important matter, the details of + which he explained. I replied in terms, the obscurity of which would have + done credit to a professed Pythoness, and I left Esther to translate the + answer into common sense, and find a meaning in it. + </p> + <p> + With regard to the second answer I acted in a different manner; I was + impelled to answer clearly, and did so. M. d’O. asked what had become of a + vessel belonging to the India Company of which nothing had been heard. It + was known to have started on the return voyage, and should have arrived + two months ago, and this delay gave rise to the supposition that it had + gone down. M. d’O—— wished to know if it were still above + water, or whether it were lost, etc. As no tidings of it had come to hand, + the company were on the look-out for someone to insure it, and offered ten + per cent., but nobody cared to run so great a risk, especially as a letter + had been received from an English sea captain who said he had seen her + sink. + </p> + <p> + I may confess to my readers, though I did not do so to M. d’O——. + that with inexplicable folly I composed an answer that left no doubt as to + the safety of the vessel, pronouncing it safe and sound, and that we + should hear of it in a few days. No doubt I felt the need of exalting my + oracle, but this method was likely to destroy its credit for ever. In + truth, if I had guessed M. d’O——‘s design, I would have curbed + my vanity, for I had no wish to make him lose a large sum without + profiting myself. + </p> + <p> + The answer made him turn pale, and tremble with joy. He told us that + secrecy in the matter was of the last importance, as he had determined to + insure the vessel and drive a good bargain. At this, dreading the + consequences, I hastened to tell him that for all I knew there might not + be a word of truth in the oracle’s reply, and that I should die of grief + if I were the involuntary cause of his losing an enormous sum of money + through relying on an oracle, the hidden sense of which might be + completely opposed to the literal translation. + </p> + <p> + “Have you ever been deceived by it?” + </p> + <p> + “Often.” + </p> + <p> + Seeing my distress, Esther begged her father to take no further steps in + the matter. For some moments nobody spoke. + </p> + <p> + M. d’O—— looked thoughtful and full of the project which his + fancy had painted in such gay colours. He said a good deal about it, + dwelling on the mystic virtues of numbers, and told his daughter to read + out all the questions she had addressed to the oracle with the answers she + had received. There were six or seven of them, all briefly worded, some + direct and some equivocal. Esther, who had constructed the pyramids, had + shone, with my potent assistance, in extracting the answers, which I had + really invented, and her father, in the joy of his heart, seeing her so + clever, imagined that she would become an adept in the science by the + force of intelligence. The lovely Esther, who was much taken with the + trifle, was quite ready to be of the same opinion. + </p> + <p> + After passing several hours in the discussion of the answers, which my + host thought divine, we had supper, and at parting M. d’O—— + said that as Sunday was a day for pleasure and not business he hoped I + would honour them by passing the day at their pretty house on the Amstel, + and they were delighted at my accepting their invitation. + </p> + <p> + I could not help pondering over the mysteries of the commercial mind, + which narrows itself down to considerations of profit and loss. M. d’O—— + was decidedly an honest man; but although he was rich, he was by no means + devoid of the greed incident to his profession. I asked myself the + question, how a man, who would consider it dishonourable to steal a ducat, + or to pick one up in the street and keep it, knowing to whom it belonged, + could reconcile it with his conscience to make an enormous profit by + insuring a vessel of the safety of which he was perfectly certain, as he + believed the oracle infallible. Such a transaction was certainly + fraudulent, as it is dishonest to play when one is certain of winning. + </p> + <p> + As I was going home I passed a tea-garden, and seeing a good many people + going in and coming out I went in curious to know how these places were + managed in Holland. Great heavens! I found myself the witness of an orgy, + the scene a sort of cellar, a perfect cesspool of vice and debauchery. The + discordant noise of the two or three instruments which formed the + orchestra struck gloom to the soul and added to the horrors of the cavern. + The air was dense with the fumes of bad tobacco, and vapours reeking of + beer and garlic issued from every mouth. The company consisted of sailors, + men of the lowest-class, and a number of vile women. The sailors and the + dregs of the people thought this den a garden of delight, and considered + its pleasures compensation for the toils of the sea and the miseries of + daily labour. There was not a single woman there whose aspect had anything + redeeming about it. I was looking at the repulsive sight in silence, when + a great hulking fellow, whose appearance suggested the blacksmith, and his + voice the blackguard, came up to me and asked me in bad Italian if I would + like to dance. I answered in the negative, but before leaving me he + pointed out a Venetian woman who, he said, would oblige me if I gave her + some drink. + </p> + <p> + Wishing to discover if she was anyone I knew I looked at her attentively, + and seemed to recollect her features, although I could not decide who she + could be. Feeling rather curious on the subject I sat down next to her, + and asked if she came from Venice, and if she had left that country some + time ago. + </p> + <p> + “Nearly eighteen years,” she replied. + </p> + <p> + I ordered a bottle of wine, and asked if she would take any; she said yes, + and added, if I liked, she would oblige me. + </p> + <p> + “I haven’t time,” I said; and I gave the poor wretch the change I received + from the waiter. She was full of gratitude, and would have embraced me if + I had allowed her. + </p> + <p> + “Do you like being at Amsterdam better than Venice?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “Alas, no! for if I were in my own country I should not be following this + dreadful trade.” + </p> + <p> + “How old were you when you left Venice.” + </p> + <p> + “I was only fourteen and lived happily with my father and mother, who now + may have died of grief.” + </p> + <p> + “Who seduced you?” + </p> + <p> + “A rascally footman.” + </p> + <p> + “In what part of Venice did you live?” + </p> + <p> + “I did not live in Venice, but at Friuli, not far off.” + </p> + <p> + Friuli . . . eighteen years ago . . . a footman . . . I felt moved, and + looking at the wretched woman more closely I soon recognized in her Lucie + of Pasean. I cannot describe my sorrow, which I concealed as best I could, + and tried hard to keep up my indifferent air. A life of debauchery rather + than the flight of time had tarnished her beauty, and ruined the once + exquisite outlines of her form. Lucie, that innocent and pretty maiden, + grown ugly, vile, a common prostitute! It was a dreadful thought. She + drank like a sailor, without looking at me, and without caring who I was. + I took a few ducats from my purse, and slipped them into her hand, and + without waiting for her to find out how much I had given her I left that + horrible den. + </p> + <p> + I went to bed full of saddening thoughts. Not even under the Leads did I + pass so wretched a day. I thought I must have risen under some unhappy + star! I loathed myself. With regard to Lucie I felt the sting of remorse, + but at the thought of M. d’O—— I hated myself. I considered + that I should cause him a loss of three or four hundred thousand florins; + and the thought was a bitter drop in the cup of my affection for Esther. I + fancied, she, as well as her father, would become my implacable foe; and + love that is not returned is no love at all. + </p> + <p> + I spent a dreadful night. Lucie, Esther, her father, their hatred of me, + and my hatred of myself, were the groundwork of my dreams. I saw Esther + and her father, if not ruined, at all events impoverished by my fault, and + Lucie only thirty-two years old, and already deep in the abyss of vice, + with an infinite prospect of misery and shame before her. The dawn was + welcome indeed, for with its appearance a calm came to my spirit; it is, + the darkness which is terrible to a heart full of remorse. + </p> + <p> + I got up and dressed myself in my best, and went in a coach to do my suit + to the Princesse de Galitzin, who was staying at the “Etoile d’Orient.” I + found her out; she had gone to the Admiralty. I went there, and found her + accompanied by M. de Reissak and the Count de Tot, who had just received + news of my friend Pesselier, at whose house I made his acquaintance, and + who was dangerously ill when I left Paris. + </p> + <p> + I sent away my coach and began to walk towards M. d’O——‘s + house on the Amsel. The extreme elegance of my costume was displeasing in + the eyes of the Dutch populace, and they hissed and hooted me, after the + manner of the mob all the world over, Esther saw me coming from the + window, drew the rope, and opened the door. I ran in, shut the door behind + me, and as I was going up the wooden staircase, on the fourth or fifth + step my foot struck against some yielding substance. I looked down and saw + a green pocket-book. I stooped down to pick it up, but was awkward enough + to send it through an opening in the stairs, which had been doubtless made + for the purpose of giving light to a stair below. I did not stop, but went + up the steps and was received with the usual hospitality, and on their + expressing some wonder as to the unusual brilliance of my attire I + explained the circumstances of the case. Esther smiled and said I looked + quite another person, but I saw that both father and daughter were sad at + heart. Esther’s governess came in and said something to her in Dutch, at + which, in evident distress, she ran and embraced her father. + </p> + <p> + “I see, my friends, that something has happened to you. If my presence is + a restraint, treat me without ceremony, and bid me go.” + </p> + <p> + “It’s not so great an ill-hap after all; I have enough money left to bear + the loss patiently.” + </p> + <p> + “If I may ask the question, what is the nature of your loss?” + </p> + <p> + “I have lost a green pocket-book containing a good deal of money, which if + I had been wise I would have left behind, as I did not require it till + to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “And you don’t know where you lost it?” + </p> + <p> + “It must have been in the street, but I can’t imagine how it can have + happened. It contained bills of exchange for large amounts, and of course + they don’t matter, as I can stop payment of them, but there were also + notes of the Bank of England for heavy sums, and they are gone, as they + are payable to the bearer. Let us give thanks to God, my dear child, that + it is no worse, and pray to Him to preserve to us what remains, and above + all to keep us in good health. I have had much heavier losses than this, + and I have been enabled not only to bear the misfortune but to make up the + loss. Let us say no more about the matter.” + </p> + <p> + While he was speaking my heart was full of joy, but I kept up the sadness + befitting the scene. I had not the slightest doubt that the pocket-book in + question was the one I had unluckily sent through the staircase, but which + could not be lost irretrievably. My first point was how to make capital of + my grand discovery in the interests of my cabalistic science. It was too + fine an opportunity to be lost, especially as I still felt the sting of + having been the cause of an enormous loss to the worthy man. I would give + them a grand proof of the infallibility of my oracle: how many miracles + are done in the same way! The thought put me into a good humour. I began + to crack jokes, and my jests drew peals of laughter from Esther. + </p> + <p> + We had an excellent dinner and choice wine. After we had taken coffee I + said that if they liked we would have a game of cards, but Esther said + that this would be a waste of time, as she would much prefer making the + oracular pyramids. This was exactly what I wanted. + </p> + <p> + “With all my heart,” I said. + </p> + <p> + “We will do as you suggest.” + </p> + <p> + “Shall I ask where my father lost his pocket-book?” + </p> + <p> + “Why not? It’s a plain question: write it down.” + </p> + <p> + She made the pyramid, and the reply was that the pocket-book had not been + found by anyone. She leapt up from her seat, danced for joy, and threw her + arms round her father’s neck, saying, + </p> + <p> + “We shall find it, we shall find it, papa!” + </p> + <p> + “I hope so, too, my dear, that answer is really very consoling.” + </p> + <p> + Wherewith Esther gave her father one kiss after another. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said I, “there is certainly ground for hope, but the oracle will be + dumb to all questions.” + </p> + <p> + “Dumb! Why?” + </p> + <p> + “I was going to say it will be dumb if you do not give me as many kisses + as you have given your father.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, then I will soon make it speak!” said she, laughing; and throwing her + arms about my neck she began to kiss me, and I to give her kisses in + return. + </p> + <p> + Ah! what happy days they seem when I recall them; and still I like + dwelling on these days despite my sad old age, the foe of love. When I + recall these events I grow young again and feel once more the delights of + youth, despite the long years which separate me from that happy time. + </p> + <p> + At last Esther sat down again, and asked, “Where is the pocket-book?” And + the pyramid told her that the pocket-book had fallen through the opening + in the fifth step of the staircase. + </p> + <p> + M. d’O—— said to his daughter, + </p> + <p> + “Come, my dear Esther, let us go and test the truth of the oracle.” And + full of joy and hope they went to the staircase, I following them, and M. + d’O shewed her the hole through which the pocket-book must have fallen. He + lighted a candle and we went down to the cellar, and before long he picked + up the book, which had fallen into some water. We went up again in high + spirits, and there we talked for over an hour as seriously as you please + on the divine powers of the oracle, which, according to them, should + render its possessor the happiest of mortals. + </p> + <p> + He opened the pocket-book and shewed us the four thousand pound notes. He + gave two to his daughter, and made me take the two remaining; but I took + them with one hand and with the other gave them to Esther begging her to + keep them for me; but before she would agree to do so I had to threaten + her with the stoppage of the famous cabalistic oracle. I told M. d’O—— that + all I asked was his friendship, and thereon he embraced me, and swore to + be my friend to the death. + </p> + <p> + By making the fair Esther the depositary of my two thousand pounds, I was + sure of winning her affection by an appeal, not to her interest, but to + her truthfulness. This charming girl had about her so powerful an + attraction that I felt as if my life was wound up with hers. + </p> + <p> + I told M. d’O—— that my chief object was to negotiate the twenty millions at + a small loss. + </p> + <p> + “I hope to be of service to you in the matter,” he said, “but as I shall + often want to speak to you, you must come and live in our house, which you + must look upon as your own.” + </p> + <p> + “My presence will be a restraint on you. I shall be a trouble.” + </p> + <p> + “Ask Esther.” + </p> + <p> + Esther joined her entreaties to her father’s and I gave in, taking good + care not to let them see how pleased I was. I contented myself with + expressing my gratitude, to which they answered that it was I who + conferred a favour. + </p> + <p> + M. d’O—— went into his closet, and as soon as I found myself alone with + Esther I kissed her tenderly, saying that I should not be happy till I had + won her heart. + </p> + <p> + “Do you love me?” + </p> + <p> + “Dearly, and I will do all in my power to shew how well I love you, if you + will love me in return.” + </p> + <p> + She gave me her hand, which I covered with kisses, and she went on to say, + “As soon as you come and live with us, you must look out for a good + opportunity for asking my hand of my father. You need not be afraid he + will refuse you, but the first thing for you to do is to move into our + house.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear little wife! I will come to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + We said many sweet things to one another, talked about the future, and + told each other our inmost thoughts; and I was undoubtedly truly in love, + for not a single improper fancy rose in my mind in the presence of my dear + who loved me so well. + </p> + <p> + The first thing that M. d’O—— said on his return was, that there would be a + piece of news on the Exchange the next day. + </p> + <p> + “What is that, papa dear?” + </p> + <p> + “I have decided to take the whole risk—amounting to three hundred + thousand florins—of the ship which is thought to have gone down. They will + call me mad, but they themselves will be the madmen; which is what I + should be if, after the proof we have had, I doubted the oracle any more.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear sir, you make me frightened. I have told you that I have been + often deceived by the oracle.” + </p> + <p> + “That must have been, my dear fellow, when the reply was obscure, and you + did not get at the real sense of it; but in the present case there is no + room, for doubt. I shall make three million florins, or, if the worst + comes to the worse, my loss won’t ruin me.” + </p> + <p> + Esther, whom the finding of the pocket-book had made enthusiastic, told + her father to lose no time. As for me, I could not recall what I had done, + but I was again overwhelmed with sadness. M. d’O—— saw it, and + taking my hand said, “If the oracle does lie this time, I shall be none + the less your friend.” + </p> + <p> + “I am glad to hear it,” I answered; “but as this is a matter of the utmost + importance, let me consult the oracle a second time before you risk your + three hundred thousand florins.” This proposition pleased the father and + daughter highly; they could not express their gratitude to me for being so + careful of their interests. + </p> + <p> + What followed was truly surprising—enough to make one believe in + fatality. My readers probably will not believe it; but as these Memoirs + will not be published till I have left this world, it would be of no use + for me to disguise the truth in any way, especially as the writing of them + is only the amusement of my leisure hours. Well, let him who will believe + it; this is absolutely what happened. I wrote down the question myself, + erected the pyramid, and carried out all the magical ceremonies without + letting Esther have a hand in it. I was delighted to be able to check an + act of extreme imprudence, and I was determined to do so. A double + meaning, which I knew how to get, would abate M. d’O——‘s + courage and annihilate his plans. I had thought over what I wanted to say, + and I thought I had expressed it properly in the numbers. With that idea, + as Esther knew the alphabet perfectly well, I let her extract the answer, + and transfer it into letters. What was my surprise when I heard her read + these words: + </p> + <p> + “In a matter of this kind neither fear nor hesitate. Your repentance would + be too hard for you to bear.” + </p> + <p> + That was enough. Father and daughter ran to embrace me, and M. d’O. said + that when the vessel was sighted a tithe of the profits should be mine. My + surprise prevented me giving any answer; I had intended to write trust and + hazard, and I had written fear and hesitate. But thanks to his prejudice, + M. d’O—— only saw in my silence confirmation of the + infallibility of the oracle. In short, I could do nothing more, and I took + my leave leaving everything to the care of chance, who sometimes is kind + to us in spite of ourselves. + </p> + <p> + The next morning I took up my abode in a splendid suite of rooms in + Esther’s house, and the day after I took her to a concert, where she joked + with me on the grief I should endure on account of the absence of Madame + Trend and my daughter. Esther was the only mistress of my soul. I lived + but to adore her, and I should have satisfied my love had not Esther been + a girl of good principles. I could not gain possession of her, and was + full of longing and desire. + </p> + <p> + Four or five days after my installation in my new quarters, M. d’O—communicated + to me the result of a conference which he had had with M. Pels and six + other bankers on the twenty millions. They offered ten millions in hard + cash and seven millions in paper money, bearing interest at five or six + per cent. with a deduction of one per cent. brokerage. Furthermore, they + would forgive a sum of twelve hundred thousand florins owed by the French + India Company to the Dutch Company. + </p> + <p> + With such conditions I could not venture to decide on my own + responsibility, although, personally, I thought them reasonable enough, + the impoverished state of the French treasury being taken into + consideration. I sent copies of the proposal to M. de Boulogne and M. + d’Afri, begging from them an immediate reply. At the end of a week I + received an answer in the writing of M. de Courteil, acting for M. de + Boulogne, instructing me to refuse absolutely any such proposal, and to + report myself at Paris if I saw no chance of making a better bargain. I + was again informed that peace was imminent, though the Dutch were quite of + another opinion. + </p> + <p> + In all probability I should have immediately left for Paris, but for a + circumstance which astonished nobody but myself in the family of which I + had become a member. The confidence of M. d’O—— increased + every day, and as if chance was determined to make me a prophet in spite + of myself, news was received of the ship which was believed to be lost, + and which, on the faith of my oracle, M. d’O—— had bought for three hundred + thousand florins. The vessel was at Madeira. The joy of Esther, and still + more my own, may be imagined when we saw the worthy man enter the house + triumphantly with confirmation of the good news. + </p> + <p> + “I have insured the vessel from Madeira to the mouth of the Texel for a + trifle,” said he, “and so,” turning to me, “you may count from this moment + on the tenth part of the profit, which I owe entirely to you.” + </p> + <p> + The reader may imagine my delight; but there is one thing he will not + imagine, unless he knows my character better than I do myself, the + confusion into which I was thrown by the following remarks: + </p> + <p> + “You are now rich enough,” said M. d’O——, “to set up for + yourself amongst us, and you are positively certain to make an enormous + fortune in a short time merely by making use of your cabala. I will be + your agent; let us live together, and if you like my daughter as she likes + you, you can call yourself my son as soon as you please.” + </p> + <p> + In Esther’s face shone forth joy and happiness, and in mine, though I + adored her, there was to be seen, alas! nothing but surprise. I was stupid + with happiness and the constraint in which I held myself. I did not + analyze my feelings, but, though I knew it not, there can be no doubt that + my insuperable objection to the marriage tie was working within my soul. A + long silence followed; and last, recovering my powers of speech, I + succeeded, with an effort, in speaking to them of my gratitude, my + happiness, my love, and I ended by saying that, in spite of my affection + for Esther, I must, before settling in Holland, return to Paris, and + discharge the confidential and responsible duty which the Government had + placed in my hands. I would then return to Amsterdam perfectly + independent. + </p> + <p> + This long peroration won their approval. Esther was quite pleased, and we + spent the rest of the day in good spirits. Next day M. d’O—gave a + splendid dinner to several of his friends, who congratulated him on his + good fortune, being persuaded that his courageous action was to be + explained by his having had secret information of the safety of the + vessel, though none of them could see from what source he, and he only, + had obtained it. + </p> + <p> + A week after this lucky event he gave me an ultimatum on the matter of the + twenty millions, in which he guaranteed that France should not lose more + than nine per cent. in the transaction. + </p> + <p> + I immediately sent a copy of his proposal to M. d’Afri, begging him to be + as prompt as possible, and another copy to the comptroller-general, with a + letter in which I warned him that the thing would certainly fall through + if he delayed a single day in sending full powers to M. d’Afri to give me + the necessary authority to act. + </p> + <p> + I wrote to the same effect to M. de Courteil and the Duc de Choiseul, + telling them that I was to receive no brokerage; but that I should all the + same accept a proposal which I thought a profitable one, and saying that I + had no doubt of obtaining my expenses from the French Government. + </p> + <p> + As it was a time of rejoicing with us, M. d’O—— thought it + would be a good plan to give a ball. All the most distinguished people in + Amsterdam were invited to it. The ball and supper were of the most + splendid description, and Esther, who was a blaze of diamonds, danced all + the quadrilles with me, and charmed every beholder by her grace and + beauty. + </p> + <p> + I spent all my time with Esther, and every day we grew more and more in + love, and more unhappy, for we were tormented by abstinence, which + irritated while it increased our desires. + </p> + <p> + Esther was an affectionate mistress, but discreet rather by training than + disposition the favours she accorded me were of the most insignificant + description. She was lavish of nothing but her kisses, but kisses are + rather irritating than soothing. I used to be nearly wild with love. She + told me, like other virtuous women, that if she agreed to make me happy + she was sure I would not marry her, and that as soon as I made her my wife + she would be mine and mine only. She did not think I was married, for I + had given her too many assurances to the contrary, but she thought I had a + strong attachment to someone in Paris. I confessed that she was right, and + said that I was going there to put an end to it that I might be bound to + her alone. Alas! I lied when I said so, for Esther was inseparable from + her father, a man of forty, and I could not make up my mind to pass the + remainder of my days in Holland. + </p> + <p> + Ten or twelve days after sending the ultimatum, I received a letter from + M. de Boulogne informing me that M. d’Afri had all necessary instructions + for effecting the exchange of the twenty millions, and another letter from + the ambassador was to the same effect. He warned me to take care that + everything was right, as he should not part with the securities before + receiving 18,200,000 francs in current money. + </p> + <p> + The sad time of parting at last drew near, amid many regrets and tears + from all of us. Esther gave me the two thousand pounds I had won so + easily, and her father at my request gave me bills of exchange to the + amount of a hundred thousand florins, with a note of two hundred thousand + florins authorizing me to draw upon him till the whole sum was exhausted. + Just as I was going, Esther gave me fifty shirts and fifty handkerchiefs + of the finest quality. + </p> + <p> + It was not my love for Manon Baletti, but a foolish vanity and a desire to + cut a figure in the luxurious city of Paris, which made me leave Holland. + But such was the disposition that Mother Nature had given me that fifteen + months under The Leads had not been enough to cure this mental malady of + mine. But when I reflect upon after events of my life I am not astonished + that The Leads proved ineffectual, for the numberless vicissitudes which I + have gone through since have not cured me—my disorder, indeed, being + of the incurable kind. There is no such thing as destiny. We ourselves + shape our lives, notwithstanding that saying of the Stoics, ‘Volentem + ducit, nolentem trahit’. + </p> + <p> + After promising Esther to return before the end of the year, I set out + with a clerk of the company who had brought the French securities, and I + reached the Hague, where Boaz received me with a mingled air of wonder and + admiration. He told me that I had worked a miracle; “but,” he added, “to + succeed thus you must have persuaded them that peace was on the point of + being concluded.” + </p> + <p> + “By no means,” I answered; “so far from my persuading them, they are of + the opposite opinion; but all the same I may tell you that peace is really + imminent.” + </p> + <p> + “If you like to give me that assurance in writing,” said he, “I will make + you a present of fifty thousand florins’ worth of diamonds.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” I answered, “the French ambassador is of the same opinion as + myself; but I don’t think the certainty is sufficiently great as yet for + you to risk your diamonds upon it.” + </p> + <p> + Next day I finished my business with the ambassador, and the clerk + returned to Amsterdam. + </p> + <p> + I went to supper at Therese’s, and found her children very well dressed. I + told her to go on to Rotterdam the next day and wait for me there with her + son, as I had no wish to give scandal at the Hague. + </p> + <p> + At Rotterdam, Therese told me that she knew I had won half a million at + Amsterdam, and that her fortune would be made if she could leave Holland + for London. She had instructed Sophie to tell me that my good luck was the + effect of the prayers she had addressed to Heaven on my behalf. I saw + where the land lay, and I enjoyed a good laugh at the mother’s craft and + the child’s piety, and gave her a hundred ducats, telling her that she + should have another hundred when she wrote to me from London. It was very + evident that she thought the sum a very moderate one, but I would not give + her any more. She waited for the moment when I was getting into my + carriage to beg me to give her another hundred ducats, and I said, in a + low tone, that she should have a thousand if she would give me her + daughter. She thought it over for a minute, and then said that she could + not part with her. + </p> + <p> + “I know very well why,” I answered; and drawing a watch from my fob I gave + it to Sophie, embraced her, and went on my way. I arrived at Paris on + February 10th, and took sumptuous apartments near the Rue Montorgueil. + </p> + <a name="linkC2HCH0006" id="linkC2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + I Meet With a Flattering Reception From My Patron—Madame + D’Urfe’s Infatuation—Madame X. C. V. And Her Family—Madame + du Rumain +</pre> + <a name="linkCimage-0004" id="linkCimage-0004"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/3c06.jpg" width="100%" alt="Chapter 6 " /> + </div> + <p> + During my journey from the Hague to Paris, short as it was, I had plenty + of opportunities for seeing that the mental qualities of my adopted son + were by no means equal to his physical ones. + </p> + <p> + As I had said, the chief point which his mother had impressed on him was + reserve, which she had instilled into him out of regard for her own + interests. My readers will understand what I mean, but the child, in + following his mother’s instructions, had gone beyond the bounds of + moderation; he possessed reserve, it is true, but he was also full of + dissimulation, suspicion, and hypocrisy—a fine trio of deceit in one + who was still a boy. He not only concealed what he knew, but he pretended + to know that which he did not. His idea of the one quality necessary to + success in life was an impenetrable reserve, and to obtain this he had + accustomed himself to silence the dictates of his heart, and to say no + word that had not been carefully weighed. Giving other people wrong + impressions passed with him for discretion, and his soul being incapable + of a generous thought, he seemed likely to pass through life without + knowing what friendship meant. + </p> + <p> + Knowing that Madame d’Urfe counted on the boy for the accomplishment of + her absurd hypostasis, and that the more mystery I made of his birth the + more extravagant would be her fancies about it, I told the lad that if I + introduced him to a lady who questioned him by himself about his birth, he + was to be perfectly open with her. + </p> + <p> + On my arrival at Paris my first visit was to my patron, whom I found in + grand company amongst whom I recognized the Venetian ambassador, who + pretended not to know me. + </p> + <p> + “How long have you been in Paris?” said the minister, taking me by the + hand. + </p> + <p> + “I have only just stepped out of my chaise.” + </p> + <p> + “Then go to Versailles. You will find the Duc de Choiseul and the + comptroller-general there. You have been wonderfully successful, go and + get your meed of praise and come and see me afterwards. Tell the duke that + Voltaire’s appointment to be a gentleman-in-ordinary to the king is + ready.” + </p> + <p> + I was not going to start for Versailles at midday, but ministers in Paris + are always talking in this style, as if Versailles were at the end of the + street. Instead of going there, I went to see Madame d’Urfe. + </p> + <p> + She received me with the words that her genius had informed her that I + should come to-day, and that she was delighted with the fulfilment of the + prophecy. + </p> + <p> + “Corneman tells me that you have been doing wonders in Holland; but I see + more in the matter than he does, as I am quite certain that you have taken + over the twenty millions yourself. The funds have risen, and a hundred + millions at least will be in circulation in the course of the next week. + You must not be offended at my shabby present, for, of course, twelve + thousand francs are nothing to you. You must look upon them as a little + token of friendship.” + </p> + <p> + “I am going to tell my servants to close all the doors, for I am too glad + to see you not to want to have you all to myself.” + </p> + <p> + A profound bow was the only reply I made to this flattering speech, and I + saw her tremble with joy when I told her that I had brought a lad of + twelve with me, whom I intended to place in the best school I could find + that he might have a good education. + </p> + <p> + “I will send him myself to Viar, where my nephews are. What is his name? + Where is he? I know well what this boy is, I long to see him. Why did you + not alight from your journey at my house?” + </p> + <p> + Her questions and replies followed one another in rapid succession. I + should have found it impossible to get in a word edgeways, even if I had + wanted to, but I was very glad to let her expend her enthusiasm, and took + good care not to interrupt her. On the first opportunity, I told her that + I should have the pleasure of presenting the young gentleman to her the + day after tomorrow, as on the morrow I had an engagement at Versailles. + </p> + <p> + “Does the dear lad speak French? While I am arranging for his going to + school you must really let him come and live with me.” + </p> + <p> + “We will discuss that question on the day after tomorrow, madam.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, how I wish the day after to-morrow was here!” + </p> + <p> + On leaving Madame d’Urfe I went to my lottery office and found everything + in perfect order. I then went to the Italian play, and found Silvia and + her daughter in their dressing-room. + </p> + <p> + “My dear friend,” said she when she saw me, “I know that you have achieved + a wonderful success in Holland, and I congratulate you.” + </p> + <p> + I gave her an agreeable surprise by saying that I had been working for her + daughter, and Manon herself blushed, and lowered her eyes in a very + suggestive manner. “I will be with you at supper,” I added, “and then we + can talk at our ease.” On leaving them I went to the amphitheatre, and + what was my surprise to see in one of the first boxes Madame X—— + C—— V——, with all her family. My readers will be + glad to hear their history. + </p> + <p> + Madame X—— C—— V——, by birth a Greek, + was the widow of an Englishman, by whom she had six children, four of whom + were girls. On his death-bed he became a Catholic out of deference to the + tears of his wife; but as his children could not inherit his forty + thousand pounds invested in England, without conforming to the Church of + England, the family returned to London, where the widow complied with all + the obligations of the law of England. What will people not do when their + interests are at stake! though in a case like this there is no need to + blame a person for yielding, to prejudices which had the sanction of the + law. + </p> + <p> + It was now the beginning of the year 1758, and five years before, when I + was at Padua, I fell in love with the eldest daughter, but a few months + after, when we were at Venice, Madame X. C. V. thought good to exclude me + from her family circle. The insult which the mother put upon me was + softened by the daughter, who wrote me a charming letter, which I love to + read even now. I may as well confess that my grief was the easier to bear + as my time was taken up by my fair nun, M—— M——, + and my dear C—— C——. Nevertheless, Mdlle. X. C. + V., though only fifteen, was of a perfect beauty, and was all the more + charming in that to her physical advantages she joined those of a cultured + mind. + </p> + <p> + Count Algarotti, the King of Prussia’s chamberlain, gave her lessons, and + several young nobles were among her suitors, her preference apparently + being given to the heir of the family of Memmo de St. Marcuola. He died a + year afterwards, while he was procurator. + </p> + <p> + My surprise at seeing this family at such a time and place may be + imagined. Mdlle. X. C. V. saw me directly, and pointed me out to her + mother, who made a sign to me with her fan to come to their box. + </p> + <p> + She received me in the friendliest manner possible, telling me that we + were not at Venice now, and that she hoped I would often come and see them + at the “Hotel de Bretagne,” in the Rue St. Andre des Arts. I told them + that I did not wish to recall any events which might have happened at + Venice, and her daughter having joined her entreaties to those of her + mother, I promised to accept their invitation. + </p> + <p> + Mdlle. X. C. V. struck me as prettier than ever; and my love, after + sleeping for five years, awoke to fresh strength and vigour. They told me + that they were going to pass six months at Paris before returning to + Venice. In return I informed them that I intended making Paris my home, + that I had just left Holland, that I was going to Versailles the next day, + so that I could not pay my respects to them till the day after. I also + begged them to accept my services, in a manner which let them know I was a + person of some importance. + </p> + <p> + Mdlle. X. C. V. said that she was aware that the results of my Dutch + mission should render me dear to France, that she had always lived in + hopes of seeing me once more, that my famous flight from The Leads had + delighted them; “for,” she added, “we have always been fond of you.” + </p> + <p> + “I fancy your mother has kept her fondness for me very much to herself,” I + whispered to her. + </p> + <p> + “We won’t say anything about that,” said she in the same tone. “We learnt + all the circumstances of your wonderful flight from a letter of sixteen + pages you wrote to M. Memmo. We trembled with joy and shuddered with fear + as we read it.” + </p> + <p> + “How did you know I have been in Holland?” + </p> + <p> + “M. de la Popeliniere told us about it yesterday.” + </p> + <p> + M. de la Popeliniere, the fermier-general, whom I had known seven years + ago at Passi, came into the box just as his name was spoken. After + complimenting me he said that if I could carry through the same operation + for the India Company my fortune would be made. + </p> + <p> + “My advice to you is,” he said, “to get yourself naturalized before it + becomes generally known that you have made half a million of money.” + </p> + <p> + “Half a million! I only wish I had!” + </p> + <p> + “You must have made that at the lowest calculation.” + </p> + <p> + “On the contrary, I give you my assurance, that if my claim for brokerage + is not allowed, the transaction will prove absolutely ruinous to me.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! no doubt you are right to take that tone. Meanwhile, everyone wants + to make your acquaintance, for France is deeply indebted to you. You have + caused the funds to recover in a very marked degree.” + </p> + <p> + After the play was over I went to Silvia’s, where I was received as if I + had been the favourite child of the family; but on the other hand I gave + them certain proofs that I wished to be regarded in that light. I was + impressed with the idea that to their unshaken friendship I owed all my + good luck, and I made the father, mother, the daughter, and the two sons, + receive the presents I had got for them. The best was for the mother, who + handed it on to her daughter. It was a pair of diamond ear-rings of great + beauty, for which I had given fifteen thousand francs. Three days after I + sent her a box containing fine linen from Holland, and choice Mechlin and + Alencon lace. Mario, who liked smoking, got a gold pipe; the father a + choice gold and enamelled snuff-box, and I gave a repeater to the younger + son, of whom I was very fond. I shall have occasion later on to speak of + this lad, whose natural qualities were far superior to his position in + life. But, you will ask, was I rich enough to make such presents? No, I + was not, and I knew it perfectly well; but I gave these presents because I + was afraid of not being able to do so if I waited. + </p> + <p> + I set out for Versailles at day-break, and M. de Choiseul received me as + before, his hair was being dressed, but for a moment he laid down his pen, + which shewed that I had become a person of greater importance in his eyes. + After a slight but grateful compliment, he told me that if I thought + myself capable of negotiating a loan of a hundred millions to bear + interest at four per cent., he would do all in his power to help me. My + answer was that I would think it over when I heard how much I was to have + for what I had done already. + </p> + <p> + “But everybody says that you have made two hundred thousand florins by + it.” + </p> + <p> + “That would not be so bad; half a million of francs would be a fair + foundation on which to build a fortune; but I can assure your excellence + that there is not a word of truth in the report. I defy anyone to prove + it; and till some substantial proof is offered, I think I can lay claim to + brokerage.” + </p> + <p> + “True, true. Go to the comptroller-general and state your views to him.” + </p> + <p> + M. de Boulogne stopped the occupation on which he was engaged to give me a + most friendly greeting, but when I said that he owed me a hundred thousand + florins he smiled sardonically. + </p> + <p> + “I happen to know,” he said, “that you have bills of exchange to the + amount of a hundred thousand crowns payable to yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, but that money has no connection with my mission, as I can + prove to you by referring you to M. d’Afri. I have in my head an + infallible project for increasing the revenue by twenty millions, in a + manner which will cause no irritation.” + </p> + <p> + “You don’t say so! Communicate your plan, and I promise to get you a + pension of a hundred thousand francs, and letters of nobility as well, if + you like to become a Frenchman.” + </p> + <p> + “I will think it over.” + </p> + <p> + On leaving M. de Boulogne I went to the Palace, where a ballet was going + on before the Marquise de Pompadour. + </p> + <p> + She bowed to me as soon as she saw me, and on my approaching her she told + me that I was an able financier, and that the “gentlemen below” could not + appreciate my merits. She had not forgotten what I had said to her eight + years before in the theatre at Fontainebleau. I replied that all good + gifts were from above, whither, with her help, I hoped to attain. + </p> + <p> + On my return to Paris I went to the “Hotel Bourbon” to inform my patron of + the result of my journey. His advice to me was to continue to serve the + Government well, as its good fortune would come to be mine. On my telling + him of my meeting with the X. C. V.‘s, he said that M. de la Popeliniere + was going to marry the elder daughter. + </p> + <p> + When I got to my house my son was nowhere to be found. My landlady told me + that a great lady had come to call on my lord, and that she had taken him + away with her. Guessing that this was Madame d’Urfe, I went to bed without + troubling myself any further. Early next morning my clerk brought me a + letter. It came from the old attorney, uncle to Gaetan’s wife, whom I had + helped to escape from the jealous fury of her brutal husband. The attorney + begged me to come and speak to him at the courts, or to make an + appointment at some place where he could see me. I went to the courts and + found him there. + </p> + <p> + “My niece,” he began, “found herself obliged to go into a convent; and + from this vantage ground she is pleading against her husband, with the aid + of a barrister, who will be responsible for the costs. However, to win our + case, we require the evidence of yourself, Count Tiretta, and other + servants who witnessed the scene at the inn.” + </p> + <p> + I did all I could, and four months afterwards Gaetan simplified matters by + a fraudulent bankruptcy, which obliged him to leave France: in due time + and place, I shall have something more to say about him. As for his wife, + who was young and pretty, she paid her counsel in love’s money, and was + very happy with him, and may be happy still for all I know, but I have + entirely lost sight of her. + </p> + <p> + After my interview with the old attorney I went to Madame—— to + see Tiretta, who was out. Madame was still in love with him, and he + continued to make a virtue of necessity. I left my address, and went to + the “Hotel de Bretagne” to pay my first call on Madame X. C. V. The lady, + though she was not over fond of me, received me with great politeness. I + possibly cut a better figure in her eyes when rich, and at Paris, then + when we were in Venice. We all know that diamonds have the strange power + of fascination, and that they form an excellent substitute for virtue! + </p> + <p> + Madame X. C. V. had with her an old Greek named Zandiri, brother to M. de + Bragadin’s major-domo, who was just dead. I uttered some expressions of + sympathy, and the boor did not take the trouble to answer me, but I was + avenged for his foolish stiffness by the enthusiasm with which I was + welcomed by everyone else. The eldest girl, her sisters, and the two sons, + almost overwhelmed me with friendliness. The eldest son was only fourteen, + and was a young fellow of charming manners, but evidently extremely + independent, and sighed for the time when he would be able to devote + himself to a career of profligacy for which he was well fitted. Mdlle. X. + C. V. was both beautiful and charming in her manner, and had received an + excellent education of which, however, she made no parade. One could not + stay in her presence without loving her, but she was no flirt, and I soon + saw that she held out no vain hopes to those who had the misfortune not to + please her. Without being rude she knew how to be cold, and it was all the + worse for those whom her coldness did not shew that their quest was + useless. + </p> + <p> + The first hour I passed in her company chained me a captive to her + triumphant car. I told her as much, and she replied that she was glad to + have such a captive. She took the place in my heart where Esther had + reigned a week before, but I freely confess that Esther yielded only + because she was away. As to my attachment to Sylvia’s daughter, it was of + such a nature as not to hinder me falling in love with any other woman who + chanced to take my fancy. In the libertine’s heart love cannot exist + without substantial food, and women who have had some experience of the + world are well aware of this fact. The youthful Baletti was a beginner, + and so knew nothing of these things. + </p> + <p> + M. Farsetti, a Venetian of noble birth, a knight of Malta, a great student + of the occult sciences, and a good Latin versifier, came in at one + o’clock. Dinner was just ready and Madame X. C. V. begged him to stay. She + asked me also to dine with them, but wishing to dine with Madame d’Urfe I + refused the invitation for the nonce. + </p> + <p> + M. Farsetti, who had known me very well at Venice, only noticed me by a + side-glance, and without shewing any vexation I paid him back in the same + coin. He smiled at Mdlle. X. C. V.‘s praise of my courage. She noticed his + expression, and as if to punish him for it went on to say that I had now + the admiration of every Venetian, and that the French were anxious to have + the honour of calling me a fellow-citizen. M. Farsetti asked me if my post + at the lottery paid well. I replied, coolly, + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes, well enough for me to pay my clerks’ salaries.” + </p> + <p> + He understood the drift of my reply, and Mdlle. X. C. V. smiled. + </p> + <p> + I found my supposed son with Madame d’Urfe, or rather in that amiable + visionary’s arms. She hastened to apologize for carrying him off, and I + turned it off with a jest, having no other course to take. + </p> + <p> + “I made him sleep with me,” she said, “but I shall be obliged to deprive + myself of this privilege for the future, unless he promises to be more + discreet.” + </p> + <p> + I thought the idea a grand one, and the little fellow, in spite of his + blushes, begged her to say how he had offended. + </p> + <p> + “We shall have the Comte de St. Germain,” said Madame d’Urfe, “to dinner. + I know he amuses you, and I like you to enjoy yourself in my house.” + </p> + <p> + “For that, madam, your presence is all I need; nevertheless, I thank you + for considering me.” + </p> + <p> + In due course St. Germain arrived, and in his usual manner sat himself + down, not to eat but to talk. With a face of imperturbable gravity he told + the most incredible stories, which one had to pretend to believe, as he + was always either the hero of the tale or an eye witness of the event. All + the same, I could not help bursting into laughter when he told us of + something that happened as he was dining with the Fathers of the Council + of Trent. + </p> + <p> + Madame d’Urfe wore on her neck a large magnet. She said that it would one + day happen that this magnet would attract the lightning, and that she + would consequently soar into the sun. I longed to tell her that when, she + got there she could be no higher up than on the earth, but I restrained + myself; and the great charlatan hastened to say that there could be no + doubt about it, and that he, and he only, could increase the force of the + magnet a thousand times. I said, dryly, that I would wager twenty thousand + crowns he would not so much as double its force, but Madame d’Urfe would + not let us bet, and after dinner she told me in private that I should have + lost, as St. Germain was a magician. Of course I agreed with her. + </p> + <p> + A few days later, the magician set out for Chambord, where the king had + given him a suite of rooms and a hundred thousand francs, that he might be + at liberty to work on the dyes which were to assure the superiority of + French materials over those of any other country. St. Germain had got over + the king by arranging a laboratory where he occasionally tried to amuse + himself, though he knew little about chemistry, but the king was the + victim of an almost universal weariness. To enjoy a harem recruited from + amongst the most ravishing beauties, and often from the ranks of + neophytes, with whom pleasure had its difficulties, one would have needed + to be a god, and Louis XV. was only a man after all. + </p> + <p> + It was the famous marquise who had introduced the adept to the king in the + hope of his distracting the monarch’s weariness, by giving him a taste for + chemistry. Indeed Madame de Pompadour was under the impression that St. + Germain had given her the water of perpetual youth, and therefore felt + obliged to make the chemist a good return. This wondrous water, taken + according to the charlatan’s directions, could not indeed make old age + retire and give way to youth, but according to the marquise it would + preserve one in statu quo for several centuries. + </p> + <p> + As a matter of fact, the water, or the giver of it, had worked wonders, if + not on her body, at least on her mind; she assured the king that she was + not getting older. The king was as much deluded by this grand impostor as + she was, for one day he shewed the Duc des Deux-Ponts a diamond of the + first water, weighing twelve carats, which he fancied he had made himself. + “I melted down,” said Louis XV., “small diamonds weighing twenty-four + carats, and obtained this one large one weighing twelve.” Thus it came to + pass that the infatuated monarch gave the impostor the suite formerly + occupied by Marshal Saxe. The Duc des Deux-Ponts told me this story with + his own lips, one evening, when I was supping with him and a Swede, the + Comte de Levenhoop, at Metz. + </p> + <p> + Before I left Madame d’Urfe, I told her that the lad might be he who + should make her to be born again, but that she would spoil all if she did + not wait for him to attain the age of puberty. After what she had said + about his misbehavior, the reader will guess what made me say this. She + sent him to board with Viar, gave him masters on everything, and disguised + him under the name of the Comte d’Aranda, although he was born at + Bayreuth, and though his mother never had anything to do with a Spaniard + of that name. It was three or four months before I went to see him, as I + was afraid of being insulted on account of the name which the visionary + Madame d’Urfe had given him. + </p> + <p> + One day Tiretta came to see me in a fine coach. He told me that his + elderly mistress wanted to become his wife, but that he would not hear of + it, though she offered to endow him with all her worldly goods. I told him + that if he gave in he might pay his debts, return to Trevisa, and live + pleasantly there; but his destiny would not allow him to take my advice. + </p> + <p> + I had resolved on taking a country house, and fixed on one called “Little + Poland,” which pleased me better than all the others I had seen. It was + well furnished, and was a hundred paces distant from the Madeleine Gate. + It was situated on slightly elevated ground near the royal park, behind + the Duc de Grammont’s garden, and its owner had given it the name of + “Pleasant Warsaw.” It had two gardens, one of which was on a level with + the first floor, three reception rooms, large stables, coach houses, + baths, a good cellar, and a splendid kitchen. The master was called “The + Butter King,” and always wrote himself down so; the name had been given to + him by Louis XV. on the monarch’s stopping at the house and liking the + butter. The “Butter King” let me his house for a hundred Louis per annum, + and he gave me an excellent cook called “The Pearl,” a true blue-ribbon of + the order of cooks, and to her he gave charge of all his furniture and the + plate I should want for a dinner of six persons, engaging to get me as + much plate as I wanted at the hire of a sous an ounce. He also promised to + let me have what wine I wanted, and said all he had was of the best, and, + moreover, cheaper than I could get it at Paris, as he had no gate-money to + pay on it. + </p> + <p> + Matters having been arranged on these terms, in the course of a week I got + a good coachman, two fine carriages, five horses, a groom, and two + footmen. Madame d’Urfe, who was my first guest, was delighted with my new + abode, and as she imagined that I had done it all for her, I left her in + that flattering opinion. I never could believe in the morality of + snatching from poor mortal man the delusions which make them happy. I also + let her retain the notion that young d’Aranda, the count of her own + making, was a scion of the nobility, that he was born for a mysterious + operation unknown to the rest of mankind, that I was only his caretaker + (here I spoke the truth), and that he must die and yet not cease to live. + All these whimsical ideas were the products of her brain, which was only + occupied with the impossible, and I thought the best thing I could do was + to agree with everything. If I had tried to undeceive her, she would have + accused me of want of trust in her, for she was convinced that all her + knowledge was revealed to her by her genius, who spoke to her only by + night. After she had dined with me I took her back to her house, full of + happiness. + </p> + <p> + Camille sent me a lottery ticket, which she had invested in at my office, + and which proved to be a winning one, I think, for a thousand crowns or + thereabouts. She asked me to come and sup with her, and bring the money + with me. I accepted her invitation, and found her surrounded by all the + girls she knew and their lovers. After supper I was asked to go to the + opera with them, but we had scarcely got there when I lost my party in the + crowd. I had no mask on, and I soon found myself attacked by a black + domino, whom I knew to be a woman, and as she told me a hundred truths + about myself in a falsetto voice, I was interested, and determined on + finding out who she was. At last I succeeded in persuading her to come + with me into a box, and as soon as we were in and I had taken off her mask + I was astonished to find she was Mdlle. X. C. V. + </p> + <p> + “I have come to the ball,” said she, “with one of my sisters, my elder + brother, and M. Farsetti. I left them to go into a box and change my + domino. + </p> + <p> + “They must feel very uneasy.” + </p> + <p> + “I dare say they do, but I am not going to take pity on them till the end + of the ball.” + </p> + <p> + Finding myself alone with her, and certain of having her in my company for + the rest of the night, I began to talk of our old love-making; and I took + care to say that I was more in love with her than ever. She listened to me + kindly, did not oppose my embraces, and by the few obstacles she placed in + my way I judged that the happy moment was not far off. Nevertheless I felt + that I must practice restraint that evening, and she let me see that she + was obliged to me. + </p> + <p> + “I heard at Versailles, my dear mademoiselle, that you are going to marry + M. de la Popeliniere.” + </p> + <p> + “So they say. My mother wishes me to do so, and the old financier fancies + he has got me in his talons already; but he makes a mistake, as I will + never consent to such a thing.” + </p> + <p> + “He is old, but he is very rich.” + </p> + <p> + “He is very rich and very generous, for he promises me a dowry of a + million if I become a widow without children; and if I had a son he would + leave me all his property.” + </p> + <p> + “You wouldn’t have much difficulty in complying with the second + alternative.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall never have anything to do with his money, for I should never make + my life miserable by a marriage with a man whom I do not love, while I do + love another.” + </p> + <p> + “Another! Who is the fortunate mortal to whom you have given your heart’s + treasure?” + </p> + <p> + “I do not know if my loved one is fortunate. My lover is a Venetian, and + my mother knows of it; but she says that I should not be happy, that he is + not worthy of me.” + </p> + <p> + “Your mother is a strange woman, always crossing your affections.” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot be angry with her. She may possibly be wrong, but she certainly + loves me. She would rather that I should marry M. Farsetti, who would be + very glad to have me, but I detest him.” + </p> + <p> + “Has he made a declaration in terms?” + </p> + <p> + “He has, and all the marks of contempt I have given him seem to have no + effect.” + </p> + <p> + “He clings hard to hope; but the truth is you have fascinated him.” + </p> + <p> + “Possibly, but I do not think him susceptible of any tender or generous + feeling. He is a visionary; surly, jealous, and envious in his + disposition. When he heard me expressing myself about you in the manner + you deserve, he had the impudence to say to my mother before my face that + she ought not to receive you.” + </p> + <p> + “He deserves that I should give him a lesson in manners, but there are + other ways in which he may be punished. I shall be delighted to serve you + in any way I can.” + </p> + <p> + “Alas! if I could only count on your friendship I should be happy.” + </p> + <p> + The sigh with which she uttered these words sent fire through my veins, + and I told her that I was her devoted slave; that I had fifty thousand + crowns which were at her service, and that I would risk my life to win her + favours. She replied that she was truly grateful to me, and as she threw + her arms about my neck our lips met, but I saw that she was weeping, so I + took care that the fire which her kisses raised should be kept within + bounds. She begged me to come and see her often, promising that as often + as she could manage it we should be alone. I could ask no more, and after + I had promised to come and dine with them on the morrow, we parted. + </p> + <p> + I passed an hour in walking behind her, enjoying my new position of + intimate friend, and I then returned to my Little Poland. It was a short + distance, for though I lived in the country I could get to any part of + Paris in a quarter of an hour. I had a clever coachman, and capital horses + not used to being spared. I got them from the royal stables, and as soon + as I lost one I got another from the same place, having to pay two hundred + francs. This happened to me several times, for, to my mind, going fast is + one of the greatest pleasures which Paris offers. + </p> + <p> + Having accepted an invitation to dinner at the X. C. V.‘s, I did not give + myself much time for sleep, and I went out on foot with a cloak on. The + snow was falling in large flakes, and when I got to madame’s I was as + white as a sheet from head to foot. She gave me a hearty welcome, + laughing, and saying that her daughter had been telling her how she had + puzzled me, and that she was delighted to see me come to dinner without + ceremony. “But,” added she, “it’s Friday today, and you will have to fast, + though, after all, the fish is very good. Dinner is not ready yet. You had + better go and see my daughter, who is still a-bed.” + </p> + <p> + As may be imagined, this invitation had not to be repeated, for a pretty + woman looks better in bed than anywhere else. I found Mdlle. X. C. V. + sitting up in bed writing, but she stopped as soon as she saw me. + </p> + <p> + “How is this, sweet lie-a-bed, not up yet?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I am staying in bed partly because I feel lazy, and partly because I + am freer here.” + </p> + <p> + “I was afraid you were not quite well.” + </p> + <p> + “Nor am I. However, we will say no more about that now. I am just going to + take some soup, as those who foolishly establish the institution of + fasting were not polite enough to ask my opinion on the subject. It does + not agree with my health, and I don’t like it, so I am not going to get up + even to sit at table, though I shall thus deprive myself of your society.” + </p> + <p> + I naturally told her that in her absence dinner would have no savour; and + I spoke the truth. + </p> + <p> + As the presence of her sister did not disturb us, she took out of her + pocket-book an epistle in verse which I had addressed to her when her + mother had forbidden me the house. “This fatal letter,” said she, “which + you called ‘The Phoenix,’ has shaped my life and may prove the cause of my + death.” + </p> + <p> + I had called it the Phoenix because, after bewailing my unhappy lot, I + proceeded to predict how she would afterwards give her heart to a mortal + whose qualities would make him deserve the name of Phoenix. A hundred + lines were taken up in the description of these imaginary mental and moral + characteristics, and certainly the being who should have them all would be + right worthy of worship, for he would be rather a god than a man. + </p> + <p> + “Alas!” said Mdlle. X. C. V., “I fell in love with this imaginary being, + and feeling certain that such an one must exist I set myself to look for + him. After six months I thought I had found him. I gave him my heart, I + received his, we loved each other fondly. But for the last four months we + have been separated, and during the whole time I have only had one letter + from him. Yet I must not blame him, for I know he cannot help it. Such, is + my sorry fate: I can neither hear from him nor write to him.” + </p> + <p> + This story was a confirmation of a theory of mine namely, that the most + important events in our lives proceed often from the most trifling causes. + My epistle was nothing better than a number of lines of poetry more or + less well written, and the being I had delineated was certainly not to be + found, as he surpassed by far all human perfections, but a woman’s heart + travels so quickly and so far! Mdlle. X. C. V. took the thing literally, + and fell in love with a chimera of goodness, and then was fain to turn + this into a real lover, not thinking of the vast difference between the + ideal and the real. For all that, when she thought that she had found the + original of my fancy portrait, she had no difficulty in endowing him with + all the good qualities I had pictured. Of course Mdlle. X. C. V. would + have fallen in love if I had never written her a letter in verse, but she + would have done so in a different manner, and probably with different + results. + </p> + <p> + As soon as dinner was served we were summoned to do justice to the choice + fish which M. de la Popeliniere had provided. Madame X. C. V. a + narrowminded Greek, was naturally bigoted and superstitious. In the mind + of a silly woman the idea of an alliance between the most opposite of + beings, God and the Devil, seems quite natural. A priest had told her + that, since she had converted her husband, her salvation was secure, for + the Scriptures solemnly promised a soul for a soul to every one who would + lead a heretic or a heathen within the fold of the church. And as Madame + X. C. V. had converted her husband, she felt no anxiety about the life of + the world to come, as she had done all that was necessary. However, she + ate fish on the days appointed; the reason being that she preferred it to + flesh. + </p> + <p> + Dinner over, I returned to the lady’s bedside, and there stayed till + nearly nine o’clock, keeping my passions well under control all the time. + I was foppish enough to think that her feelings were as lively as mine, + and I did not care to shew myself less self-restrained than she, though I + knew then, as I know now, that this was a false line of argument. It is + the same with opportunity as with fortune; one must seize them when they + come to us, or else they go by, often to return no more. + </p> + <p> + Not seeing Farsetti at the table, I suspected there had been a quarrel, + and I asked my sweetheart about it; but she told me I was mistaken in + supposing they had quarreled with him, and that the reason of his absence + was that he would never leave his house on a Friday. The deluded man had + had his horoscope drawn, and learning by it that he would be assassinated + on a Friday he resolved always to shut himself up on that day. He was + laughed at, but persisted in the same course till he died four years ago + at the age of seventy. He thought to prove by the success of his + precautions that a man’s destiny depends on his discretion, and on the + precautions he takes to avoid the misfortunes of which he has had warning. + The line of argument holds good in all cases except when the misfortunes + are predicted in a horoscope; for either the ills predicted are avoidable, + in which case the horoscope is a useless piece of folly, or else the + horoscope is the interpreter of destiny, in which case all the precautions + in the world are of no avail. The Chevalier Farsetti was therefore a fool + to imagine he had proved anything at all. He would have proved a good deal + for many people if he had gone out on a Friday, and had chanced to have + been assassinated. Picas de la Mirandola, who believed in astrology, says, + “I have no doubt truly, ‘Astra influunt, non cogunt.’” But would it have + been a real proof of the truth of astrology, if Farsetti had been + assassinated on a Friday? In my opinion, certainly not. + </p> + <p> + The Comte d’Eigreville had introduced me to his sister, the Comtesse du + Rumain, who had been wanting to make my acquaintance ever since she had + heard of my oracle. It was not long before I made friends with her husband + and her two daughters, the elder of whom, nicknamed “Cotenfau,” married M. + de Polignac later on. Madame du Rumain was handsome rather than pretty, + but she won the love of all by her kindness, her frank courtesy, and her + eagerness to be of service to her friends. She had a magnificent figure, + and would have awed the whole bench of judges if she had pleaded before + them. + </p> + <p> + At her house I got to know Mesdames de Valbelle and de Rancerolles, the + Princess de Chimai, and many others who were then in the best society of + Paris. Although Madame du Rumain was not a proficient in the occult + sciences, she had nevertheless consulted my oracle more frequently than + Madame d’Urfe. She was of the utmost service to me in connection with an + unhappy circumstance of which I shall speak presently. + </p> + <p> + The day after my long conversation with Mdlle. X. C. V., my servant told + me that there was a young man waiting who wanted to give me a letter with + his own hands. I had him in, and on my asking him from whom the letter + came, he replied that I should find all particulars in the letter, and + that he had orders to wait for an answer. The epistle ran as follows: + </p> + <p> + “I am writing this at two o’clock in the morning. I am weary and in need + of rest, but a burden on my soul deprives me of sleep. The secret I am + about to tell you will no longer be so grievous when I have confided in + you; I shall feel eased by placing it in your breast. I am with child, and + my situation drives me to despair. I was obliged to write to you because I + felt I could not say it. Give me a word in reply.” + </p> + <p> + My feelings on reading the above may be guessed. I was petrified with + astonishment and could only write, “I will be with you at eleven o’clock.” + </p> + <p> + No one should say that he has passed through great misfortunes unless they + have proved too great for his mind to bear. The confidence of Mdlle. X. C. + V. shewed me that she was in need of support. I congratulated myself on + having the preference, and I vowed to do my best for her did it cost me my + life. These were the thoughts of a lover, but for all that I could not + conceal from myself the imprudence of the step she had taken. In such + cases as these there is always the choice between speaking or writing, and + the only feeling which can give the preference to writing is false shame, + at bottom mere cowardice. If I had not been in love with her, I should + have found it easier to have refused my aid in writing than if she had + spoken to me, but I loved her to distraction. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said I to myself, “she can count on me. Her mishap makes her all + the dearer to me.” + </p> + <p> + And below this there was another voice, a voice which whispered to me that + if I succeeded in saving her my reward was sure. I am well aware that more + than one grave moralist will fling stones at me for this avowal, but my + answer is that such men cannot be in love as I was. + </p> + <p> + I was punctual to my appointment, and found the fair unfortunate at the + door of the hotel. + </p> + <p> + “You are going out, are you? Where are you going?” + </p> + <p> + “I am going to mass at the Church of the Augustinians.” + </p> + <p> + “Is this a saint’s day?” + </p> + <p> + “No; but my mother makes me go every day.” + </p> + <p> + “I will come with you.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes do, give me your arm; we will go into the cloisters and talk there.” + </p> + <p> + Mdlle. X. C. V. was accompanied by her maid, but she knew better than to + be in the way, so we left her in the cloisters. As soon as we were alone + she said to me, + </p> + <p> + “Have you read my letter?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, of course; here it is, burn it yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “No, keep it, and do so with your own hands.” + </p> + <p> + “I see you trust in me, and I assure you I will not abuse your trust.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sure you will not. I am four months with child; I can doubt it no + longer, and the thought maddens me!” + </p> + <p> + “Comfort yourself, we will find some way to get over it.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; I leave all to you. You must procure an abortion.” + </p> + <p> + “Never, dearest! that is a crime!” + </p> + <p> + “Alas! I know that well; but it is not a greater crime than suicide, and + there lies my choice: either to destroy the wretched witness of my shame, + or to poison myself. For the latter alternative I have everything ready. + You are my only friend, and it is for you to decide which it shall be. + Speak to me! Are you angry that I have not gone to the Chevalier Farsetti + before you?” + </p> + <p> + She saw my astonishment, and stopped short, and tried to wipe away the + tears which escaped from her eyes. My heart bled for her. + </p> + <p> + “Laying the question of crime on one side,” said I, “abortion is out of + our power. If the means employed are not violent they are uncertain, and + if they are violent they are dangerous to the mother. I will never risk + becoming your executioner; but reckon on me, I will not forsake you. Your + honour is as dear to me as your life. Be calm, and henceforth think that + the peril is mine, not yours. Make up your mind that I shall find some way + of escape, and that there will be no need to cut short that life, to + preserve which I would gladly die. And allow me to say that when I read + your note I felt glad, I could not help it, that at such an emergency you + chose me before all others to be your helper. You will find that your + trust was not given in vain, for no one loves you as well as I, and no one + is so fain to help you. Later you shall begin to take the remedies I will + get for you, but I warn you to be on your guard, for this is a serious + matter—one of life and death. Possibly you have already told + somebody about it—your maid or one of your sisters?” + </p> + <p> + “I have not told anybody but you, not even the author of my shame. I + tremble when I think what my mother would do and say if she found out my + situation. I am afraid she will draw her conclusions from my shape.” + </p> + <p> + “So far there is nothing to be observed in that direction, the beauty of + the outline still remains intact.” + </p> + <p> + “But every day increases its size, and for that reason we must be quick in + what we do. You must find a surgeon who does not know my name and take me + to him to be bled.” + </p> + <p> + “I will not run the risk, it might lead to the discovery of the whole + affair. I will bleed you myself; it is a simple operation.” + </p> + <p> + “How grateful I am to you! I feel as if you had already brought me from + death to life. What I should like you to do would be to take me to a + midwife’s. We can easily go without attracting any notice at the first + ball at the opera.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sweetheart, but that step is not necessary, and it might lead to our + betrayal.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no, in this great town there are midwives in every quarter, and we + should never be known; we might keep our masks on all the time. Do me this + kindness. A midwife’s opinion is certainly worth having.” + </p> + <p> + I could not refuse her request, but I made her agree to wait till the last + ball, as the crowd was always greater, and we had a better chance of going + out free from observation. I promised to be there in a black domino with a + white mask in the Venetian fashion, and a rose painted beside the left + eye. As soon as she saw me go out she was to follow me into a carriage. + All this was carried out, but more of it anon. + </p> + <p> + I returned with her, and dined with them without taking any notice of + Farsetti, who was also at the table, and had seen me come back from mass + with her. We did not speak a word to one another; he did not like me and I + despised him. + </p> + <p> + I must here relate a grievous mistake of which I was guilty, and which I + have not yet forgiven myself. + </p> + <p> + I had promised to take Mdlle. X. C. V. to a midwife, but I certainly ought + to have taken her to a respectable woman’s, for all we wanted to know was + how a pregnant woman should regulate her diet and manner of living. But my + evil genius took me by the Rue St. Louis, and there I saw the Montigni + entering her house with a pretty girl whom I did not know, and so out of + curiosity I went in after them. After amusing myself there, with Mdlle. X. + C. V. running in my head all the time, I asked the woman to give me the + address of a midwife, as I wanted to consult one. She told me of a house + in the Marais, where according to her dwelt the pearl of midwives, and + began telling me some stories of her exploits, which all went to prove + that the woman was an infamous character. I took her address, however, and + as I should have to go there by night, I went the next day to see where + the house was. + </p> + <p> + Mdlle. X. C. V. began to take the remedies which I brought her, which + ought to have weakened and destroyed the result of love, but as she did + not experience any benefit, she was impatient to consult a midwife. On the + night of the last ball she recognized me as we had agreed, and followed me + out into the coach she saw me enter, and in less than a quarter of an hour + we reached the house of shame. + </p> + <p> + A woman of about fifty received us with great politeness, and asked what + she could do. + </p> + <p> + Mdlle. X. C. V. told her that she believed herself pregnant, and that she + desired some means of concealing her misfortune. The wretch answered with + a smile that she might as well tell her plainly that it would be easy to + procure abortion. “I will do your business,” said she, “for fifty Louis, + half to be paid in advance on account of drugs, and the rest when it’s all + over. I will trust in your honesty, and you will have to trust in mine. + Give me the twenty-five Louis down, and come or send to-morrow for the + drugs, and instructions for using them.” + </p> + <p> + So saying she turned up her clothes without any ceremony, and as I, at + Mdlle. X. C. V.‘s request, looked away, she felt her and pronounced, as + she let down her dress, that she was not beyond the fourth month. + </p> + <p> + “If my drugs,” said she, “contrary to my expectation, do not do any good, + we will try some other ways, and, in any case, if I do not succeed in + obliging you I will return you your money.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t doubt it for a moment,” said I, “but would you tell me what are + those other ways!” + </p> + <p> + “I should tell the lady how to destroy the foetus.” + </p> + <p> + I might have told her that to kill the child meant giving a mortal wound + to the mother, but I did not feel inclined to enter into an argument with + this vile creature. + </p> + <p> + “If madame decides on taking your advice,” said I, “I will bring you the + money for drugs to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + I gave her two Louis and left. Mdlle. X. C. V. told me that she had no + doubt of the infamy of this woman, as she was sure it was impossible to + destroy the offspring without the risk of killing the mother also. “My + only trust,” said she, “is in you.” I encouraged her in this idea, + dissuading her from any criminal attempts, and assured her over and over + again that she should not find her trust in me misplaced. All at once she + complained of feeling cold, and asked if we had not time to warm ourselves + in Little Poland, saying that she longed to see my pretty house. I was + surprised and delighted with the idea. The night was too dark for her to + see the exterior charms of my abode, she would have to satisfy herself + with the inside, and leave the rest to her imagination. I thought my hour + had come. I made the coach stop and we got down and walked some way, and + then took another at the corner of the Rue de la Ferannerie. I promised + the coachman six francs beyond his fare, and in a quarter of an hour he + put us down at my door. + </p> + <p> + I rang with the touch of the master, the Pearl opened the door, and told + me that there was nobody within, as I very well knew, but it was her habit + to do so. + </p> + <p> + “Quick!” said I, “light us a fire, and bring some glasses and a bottle of + champagne.” + </p> + <p> + “Would you like an omelette?” + </p> + <p> + “Very well.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I should like an omelette so much!” said Mdlle. X. C. V. She was + ravishing, and her laughing air seemed to promise me a moment of bliss. I + sat down before the blazing fire and made her sit on my knee, covering her + with kisses which she gave me back as lovingly. I had almost won what I + wanted when she asked me in a sweet voice to stop. I obeyed, thinking it + would please her, feeling sure that she only delayed my victory to make it + more complete, and that she would surrender after the champagne. I saw + love, kindness, trust, and gratitude shining in her face, and I should + have been sorry for her to think that I claimed her as a mere reward. No, + I wanted her love, and nothing but her love. + </p> + <p> + At last we got to our last glass of champagne, we rose from the table, and + sentimentally but with gentle force I laid her on a couch and held her + amorously in my arms. But instead of giving herself up to my embraces she + resisted them, at first by those prayers which usually make lovers more + enterprising, then by serious remonstrances, and at last by force. This + was too much, the mere idea of using violence has always shocked me, and I + am still of opinion that the only pleasure in the amorous embrace springs + from perfect union and agreement. I pleaded my cause in every way, I + painted myself as the lover flattered, deceived, despised! At last I told + her that I had had a cruel awakening, and I saw that the shaft went home. + I fell on my knees and begged her to forgive me. “Alas!” said she, in a + voice full of sadness, “I am no longer mistress of my heart, and have far + greater cause for grief than you.” The tears flowed fast down her cheeks, + her head rested on my shoulder, and our lips met; but for all that the + piece was over. The idea of renewing the attack never came into my head, + and if it had I should have scornfully rejected it. After a long silence, + of which we both stood in need, she to conquer her shame, and I to repress + my anger, we put on our masks and returned to the opera. On our way she + dared to tell me that she should be obliged to decline my friendship if + she had to pay for it so dearly. + </p> + <p> + “The emotions of love,” I replied, “should yield to those of honour, and + your honour as well as mine require us to continue friends. What I would + have done for love I will now do for devoted friendship, and for the + future I will die rather than make another attempt to gain those favours + of which I thought you deemed me worthy.” + </p> + <p> + We separated at the opera, and the vast crowd made me lose sight of her in + an instant. Next day she told me that she had danced all night. She + possibly hoped to find in that exercise the cure which no medicine seemed + likely to give her. + </p> + <p> + I returned to my house in a bad humour, trying in vain to justify a + refusal which seemed humiliating and almost incredible. My good sense + shewed me, in spite of all sophisms, that I had been grievously insulted. + I recollected the witty saying of Populia, who was never unfaithful to her + husband except when she was with child; “Non tollo vectorem,” said she, + “nisi navi plena.” + </p> + <p> + I felt certain that I was not loved, and the thought grieved me; and I + considered that it would be unworthy of me to love one whom I could no + longer hope to possess. I resolved to avenge myself by leaving her to her + fate, feeling that I could not allow myself to be duped as I had been. + </p> + <p> + The night brought wisdom with it, and when I awoke in the morning my mind + was calm and I was still in love. I determined to act generously by the + unfortunate girl. Without my aid she would be ruined; my course, then, + would be to continue my services and to shew myself indifferent to her + favours. The part was no easy one, but I played it right well, and at last + my reward came of itself. + </p> + <a name="linkC2HCH0007" id="linkC2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + I Continue My Relations With Mdlle. X. C. V.—Vain Attempts + to Procure Abortion—The Aroph—She Flies From Home and + Takes Refuge in a Convent +</pre> + <p> + The difficulties I encountered only served to increase my love for my + charming Englishwoman. I went to see her every morning, and as my interest + in her condition was genuine, she could have no suspicion that I was + acting a part, or attribute my care of her to anything but the most + delicate feelings. For her part she seemed well pleased in the alteration + of my behaviour, though her satisfaction may very probably have been + assumed. I understood women well enough to know that though she did not + love me she was probably annoyed at seeing my new character sit upon me so + easily. + </p> + <p> + One morning in the midst of an unimportant and disconnected conversation, + she complimented me upon my strength of mind in subduing my passion, + adding, with a smile, that my desire could not have pricked me very + sharply, seeing that I had cured myself so well in the course of a week. I + quietly replied that I owed my cure not to the weakness of my passion but + to my self-respect. + </p> + <p> + “I know my own character,” I said, “and without undue presumption, I think + I may say that I am worthy of a woman’s love. Naturally, after your + convincing me that you think differently, I feel humiliated and indignant. + Do you know what effect such feelings have on the heart?” + </p> + <p> + “Alas!” said she, “I know too well. Their effect is to inspire one with + contempt for her who gave rise to them.” + </p> + <p> + “That is going too far, at least in my case. My indignation was merely + succeeded by a renewed confidence in myself, and a determination to be + revenged.” + </p> + <p> + “To be revenged! In what way?” + </p> + <p> + “I wish to compel you to esteem me, by proving to you that I am lord of + myself, and can pass by with indifference what I once so ardently desired. + I do not know whether I have succeeded yet, but I may say that I can now + contemplate your charms without desiring to possess them.” + </p> + <p> + “You are making a mistake, for I never ceased to esteem you, and I + esteemed you as much a week ago as I do to-day. Nor for a moment I did + think you capable of leaving me to my fate as a punishment for having + refused to give way to your transports, and I am glad that I read your + character rightly.” + </p> + <p> + We went on to speak of the opiate I made her take, and as she saw no + change in her condition she wanted me to increase the dose—a request + I took care not to grant, as I knew that more than half a drachm might + kill her. I also forbade her to bleed herself again, as she might do + herself a serious injury without gaining anything by it. Her maid, of whom + she had been obliged to make a confidante, had had her bled by a student, + her lover. I told Mdlle. X. C. V. that if she wanted these people to keep + her counsel she must be liberal with them, and she replied that she had no + money. I offered her money and she accepted fifty louis, assuring me that + she would repay me that sum which she needed for her brother Richard. I + had not as much money about me, but I sent her the same day a packet of + twelve hundred francs with a note in which I begged her to have recourse + to me in all her necessities. Her brother got the money, and thought + himself authorized to apply to me for aid in a much more important matter. + </p> + <p> + He was a young man and a profligate, and had got into a house of ill-fame, + from which he came out in sorry plight. He complained bitterly that M. + Farsetti had refused to lend him four louis, and he asked me to speak to + his mother that she might pay for his cure. I consented, but when his + mother heard what was the matter with him, she said it would be much + better to leave him as he was, as this was the third time he had been in + this condition, and that to have him cured was a waste of money, as no + sooner was he well than he began his dissipated life afresh. She was quite + right, for I had him cured at my expense by an able surgeon, and he was in + the same way a month after. This young man seemed intended by nature for + shameful excesses, for at the age of fourteen he was an accomplished + profligate. + </p> + <p> + His sister was now six months with child, and as her figure grew great so + did her despair. She resolved not to leave her bed, and it grieved me to + see her thus cast down. Thinking me perfectly cured of my passion for her, + she treated me purely as a friend, making me touch her all over to + convince me that she dare not shew herself any longer. I played in short + the part of a midwife, but with what a struggle! I had to pretend to be + calm and unconcerned when I was consumed with passion. She spoke of + killing herself in a manner that made me shudder, as I saw that she had + reflected on what she was saying. I was in a difficult position when + fortune came to my assistance in a strange and amusing manner. + </p> + <p> + One day, as I was dining with Madame d’Urfe, I asked her if she knew of + any way by which a girl, who had allowed her lover to go too far, might be + protected from shame. “I know of an infallible method,” she replied, “the + aroph of Paracelsus to wit, and it is easy of application. Do you wish to + know more about it?” she added; and without waiting for me to answer she + brought a manuscript, and put it in my hands. This powerful emmenagogue + was a kind of unguent composed of several drugs, such as saffron, myrrh, + etc., compounded with virgin honey. To obtain the necessary result one had + to employ a cylindrical machine covered with extremely soft skin, thick + enough to fill the opening of the vagina, and long enough to reach the + opening of the reservoir or case containing the foetus. The end of this + apparatus was to be well anointed with aroph, and as it only acted at a + moment of uterine excitement it was necessary to apply it with the same + movement as that of coition. The dose had to be repeated five or six times + a day for a whole week. + </p> + <p> + This nostrum, and the manner of administering it, struck me in so + laughable a light that I could not keep my countenance. I laughed with all + my heart, but for all that I spent the next two hours in reading the + dreams of Paracelsus, in which Madame d’Urfe put more trust than in the + truths of the Gospel; I afterwards referred to Boerhaave, who speaks of + the aroph in more reasonable terms. + </p> + <p> + Seeing, as I have remarked, the charming X. C. V. several hours a day + without any kind of constraint, feeling in love with her all the time, and + always restraining my feelings, it is no wonder if the hidden fire + threatened at every moment to leap up from the ashes of its concealment. + Her image pursued me unceasingly, of her I always thought, and every day + made it more evident that I should know rest no more till I succeeded in + extinguishing my passion by obtaining possession of all her charms. + </p> + <p> + As I was thinking of her by myself I resolved to tell her of my discovery, + hoping she would need my help in the introduction of the cylinder. I went + to see her at ten o’clock, and found her, as usual, in bed; she was + weeping because the opiate I gave her did not take effect. I thought the + time a good one for introducing the aroph of Paracelsus, which I assured + her was an infallible means of attaining the end she desired; but whilst I + was singing the praises of this application the idea came into my head to + say that, to be absolutely certain, it was necessary for the aroph to be + mingled with semen which had not lost its natural heat. + </p> + <p> + “This mixture,” said I, “moistening several times a day the opening of the + womb, weakens it to such a degree that the foetus is expelled by its own + weight.” + </p> + <p> + To these details I added lengthy arguments to persuade her of the efficacy + of this cure, and then, seeing that she was absorbed in thought, I said + that as her lover was away she would want a sure friend to live in the + same house with her, and give her the dose according to the directions of + Paracelsus. + </p> + <p> + All at once she burst into a peal of laughter, and asked me if I had been + jesting all the time. + </p> + <p> + I thought the game was up. The remedy was an absurd one, on the face of + it; and if her common sense told her as much it would also make her guess + my motive. But what limits are there to the credulity of a woman in her + condition? + </p> + <p> + “If you wish,” said I, persuasively, “I will give you the manuscript where + all that I have said is set down plainly. I will also shew you what + Boerhaeve thinks about it.” + </p> + <p> + I saw that these words convinced her; they had acted on her as if by + magic, and I went on while the iron was hot. + </p> + <p> + “The aroph,” said I, “is the most powerful agent for bringing on + menstruation.” + </p> + <p> + “And that is incompatible with the state I am now in; so the aroph should + procure me a secret deliverance. Do you know its composition?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly; it is quite a simple preparation composed of certain + ingredients which are well known to me, and which have to be made into a + paste with butter or virgin honey. But this composition must touch the + orifice of the uterus at a moment of extreme excitement.” + </p> + <p> + “But in that case it seems to me that the person who gives the dose must + be in love.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, unless he is a mere animal requiring only physical + incentives.” + </p> + <p> + She was silent for some time, for though she was quick-witted enough, a + woman’s natural modesty and her own frankness, prevented her from guessing + at my artifice. I, too, astonished at my success in making her believe + this fable, remained silent. + </p> + <p> + At last, breaking the silence, she said, sadly, + </p> + <p> + “The method seems to me an excellent one, but I do not think I ought to + make use of it.” + </p> + <p> + Then she asked me if the aroph took much time to make. + </p> + <p> + “Two hours at most,” I answered, “if I succeed in procuring English + saffron, which Paracelsus prefers to the Oriental saffron.” + </p> + <p> + At that moment her mother and the Chevalier Farsetti came in, and after + some talk of no consequence she asked me to stay to dinner. I was going to + decline, when Mdlle. X. C. V. said she would sit at table, on which I + accepted; and we all left the room to give her time to dress. She was not + long in dressing, and when she appeared her figure seemed to me quite + nymph-like. I was astonished, and could scarcely believe my eyes, and I + was on the point of thinking that I had been imposed on, for I could not + imagine how she could manage to conceal the fulness I had felt with my own + hands. + </p> + <p> + M. Farsetti sat by her, and I by the mother. Mdlle. X. C. V., whose head + was full of the aroph, asked her neighbour, who gave himself out for a + great chemist, if he knew it. + </p> + <p> + “I fancy I know it better than anyone,” answered Farsetti, in a + self-satisfied manner. + </p> + <p> + “What is it good for?” + </p> + <p> + “That is too vague a question.” + </p> + <p> + “What does the word mean?” + </p> + <p> + “It is an Arabic word, of which I do not know the meaning; but no doubt + Paracelsus would tell us.” + </p> + <p> + “The word,” said I, “is neither Arabic nor Hebrew, nor, indeed, of any + language at all. It is a contraction which conceals two other words.” + </p> + <p> + “Can you tell us what they are?” said the chevalier. + </p> + <p> + “Certainly; aro comes from aroma, and ph is the initial of philosophorum.” + </p> + <p> + “Did you get that out of Paracelsus?” said Farsetti, evidently annoyed. + </p> + <p> + “No, sir; I saw it in Boerhaave.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s good,” said he, sarcastically; “Boerhaave says nothing of the + sort, but I like a man who quotes readily.” + </p> + <p> + “Laugh, sir, if you like,” said I, proudly, “but here is the test of what + I say; accept the wager if you dare. I don’t quote falsely, like persons + who talk of words being Arabic.” + </p> + <p> + So saying I flung a purse of gold on the table, but Farsetti, who was by + no means sure of what he was saying, answered disdainfully that he never + betted. + </p> + <p> + However, Mdlle. X. C. V., enjoying his confusion, told him that was the + best way never to lose, and began to joke him on his Arabic derivation. + But, for my part, I replaced my purse in my pocket, and on some trifling + pretext went out and sent my servant to Madame d’Urfe’s to get me + Boerhaave. + </p> + <p> + On my return to the room I sat down again at table, and joined gaily in + the conversation till the return of my messenger with the book. I opened + it, and as I had been reading it the evening before I soon found the place + I wanted, and giving it to him begged him to satisfy himself that I had + quoted not readily but exactly. Instead of taking the book, he got up and + went out without saying a word. + </p> + <p> + “He has gone away in a rage,” said the mother; “and I would wager anything + that he will not come back again.” + </p> + <p> + “I wager he will,” said the daughter, “he will honour us with his + agreeable company before to-morrow’s sun has set.” + </p> + <p> + She was right. From that day Farsetti became my determined enemy, and let + no opportunity slip of convincing me of his hatred. + </p> + <p> + After dinner we all went to Passy to be present at a concert given by M. + de la Popeliniere, who made us stay to supper. I found there Silvia and + her charming daughter, who pouted at me and not without cause, as I had + neglected her. The famous adept, St. Germain, enlivened the table with his + wild tirades so finely delivered. I have never seen a more intellectual or + amusing charlatan than he. + </p> + <p> + Next day I shut myself up to answer a host of questions that Esther had + sent me. I took care to answer all those bearing on business matters as + obscurely as possible, not only for the credit of the oracle, but also for + fear of misleading the father and making him lose money. The worthy man + was the most honest of Dutch millionaires, but he might easily make a + large hole in his fortune, if he did not absolutely ruin himself, by + putting an implicit trust in my infallibility. As for Esther, I confess + that she was now no more to me than a pleasant memory. + </p> + <p> + In spite of my pretence of indifference, my whole heart was given to + Mdlle. X. C. V., and I dreaded the moment when she would be no longer able + to hide her condition from her family. I was sorry for having spoken about + the aroph, as three days had gone by without her mentioning it, and I + could not very well reopen the question myself. I was afraid that she + suspected my motives, and that the esteem she professed for me had been + replaced by a much less friendly sentiment. I felt that her scorn would be + too much for me to bear. So humiliated was I that I could not visit her, + and I doubt if I should have seen her again if she had not intervened. She + wrote me a note, in which she said I was her only friend, and that the + only mark of friendship she wanted was that I should come and see her + every day, if it were but for a moment. I hasted to take her my reply in + my own person, and promised not to neglect her, assuring her that at all + hazards she might rely on me. I flattered myself that she would mention + the aroph, but she did not do so. I concluded that, after thinking it + over, she had resolved to think no more about it. + </p> + <p> + “Would you like me,” I said, “to invite your mother and the rest of you to + dine with me?” + </p> + <p> + “I shall be delighted,” she replied. “It will be a forbidden pleasure to + me before long.” + </p> + <p> + I gave them a dinner both sumptuous and delicate. I had spared no expense + to have everything of the best. I had asked Silvia, her charming daughter, + an Italian musician named Magali, with whom a sister of Mdlle. X. C. V.‘s + was taken, and the famous bass La Garde. Mdlle. X. C. V. was in the + highest spirits all the time. Sallies of wit, jests, good stories and + enjoyment, were the soul of the banquet. We did not separate till + midnight, and before leaving Mdlle. X. C. V. found a moment to whisper to + me to come and see her early next morning, as she wanted to speak to me on + matters of importance. + </p> + <p> + It will be guessed that I accepted the invitation. I waited on her before + eight o’clock. She was very melancholy, and told me that she was in + despair, that la Popeliniere pressed on the marriage, and that her mother + persecuted her. + </p> + <p> + “She tells me that I must sign the contract, and that the dressmaker will + soon be coming to take my measure for my wedding dress. To that I cannot + consent, for a dressmaker would certainly see my situation. I will die + rather than confide in my mother, or marry before I am delivered.” + </p> + <p> + “There is always time enough to talk about dying,” said I, “when all other + means have failed. I think you could easily get rid of la Popeliniere, who + is a man of honour. Tell him how you are situated, and he will act without + compromising you, as his own interest is sufficiently involved to make him + keep the secret.” + </p> + <p> + “But should I be much better off then? And how about my mother?” + </p> + <p> + “Your mother? Oh! I will make her listen to reason.” + </p> + <p> + “You know not what she is like. The honour of the family would oblige her + to get me out of the way, but before that she would make me suffer + torments to which death is preferable by far. But why have you said no + more about the aroph? Is it not all a jest? It would be a very cruel one.” + </p> + <p> + “On the contrary, I believe it to be infallible, though I have never been + a witness of its effects; but what good is it for me to speak to you? You + can guess that a delicacy of feeling has made me keep silence. Confide in + your lover, who is at Venice; write him a letter, and I will take care + that it is given into his hands, in five or six days, by a sure messenger. + If he is not well off I will give you whatever money may be needed for him + to come without delay, and save your honour and life by giving you the + aroph.” + </p> + <p> + “This idea is a good one and the offer generous on your part, but it is + not feasible, as you would see if you knew more about my circumstances. Do + not think any more of my lover; but supposing I made up my mind to receive + the aroph from another, tell me how it could be done. Even if my lover + were in Paris, how could he spend an entire week with me, as he would have + to? And how could he give me the dose five or six times a day for a week? + You see yourself that this remedy is out of the question.” + </p> + <p> + “So you would give yourself to another, if you thought that would save + your honour?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, if I were sure that the thing would be kept secret. But where + shall I find such a person? Do you think he would be easy to find, or that + I can go and look for him?” + </p> + <p> + I did not know what to make of this speech; for she knew I loved her, and + I did not see why she should put herself to the trouble of going far when + what she wanted was to her hand. I was inclined to think that she wanted + me to ask her to make choice of myself as the administrator of the remedy, + either to spare her modesty, or to have the merit of yielding to my love + and thus obliging me to be grateful; but I might be wrong, and I did not + care to expose myself to the humiliation of a refusal. On the other hand I + could hardly think she wanted to insult me. Not knowing what to say or + which way to turn, and wanting to draw an explanation from her, I sighed + profoundly, took up my hat, and made as if I were going, exclaiming, + “Cruel girl, my lot is more wretched than yours.” + </p> + <p> + She raised herself in the bed and begged me with tears in her eyes to + remain, and asked me how I could call myself more wretched than her. + Pretending to be annoyed and yet full of love for her, I told her that the + contempt in which she held me had affected me deeply, since in her + necessity she preferred the offices of one who was unknown to her rather + than make use of me. + </p> + <p> + “You are cruel and unjust,” she said, weeping. “I see, for my part, that + you love me no longer since you wish to take advantage of my cruel + necessity to gain a triumph over me. This is an act of revenge not worthy + of a man of feeling.” + </p> + <p> + Her tears softened me, and I fell on my knees before her. + </p> + <p> + “Since you know, dearest, that I worship you, how can you think me capable + of revenging myself on you? Do you think that I can bear to hear you say + that since your lover cannot help you you do not know where to look for + help?” + </p> + <p> + “But after refusing you my favours, could I ask this office of you with + any decency? Have I not good reason to be afraid that as I refused to take + pity on your love so you would refuse to take pity on my necessity?” + </p> + <p> + “Do you think that a passionate lover ceases to love on account of a + refusal which may be dictated by virtue? Let me tell you all I think. I + confess I once thought you did not love me, but now I am sure of the + contrary; and that your heart would have led you to satisfy my love, even + if you had not been thus situated. I may add that you no doubt feel vexed + at my having any doubts of your love.” + </p> + <p> + “You have interpreted my feelings admirably. But how we are to be together + with the necessary freedom from observation remains to be seen.” + </p> + <p> + “Do not be afraid. Now I am sure of your consent, it will not be long + before I contrive some plan. In the meanwhile I will go and make the + aroph.” + </p> + <p> + I had resolved that if ever I succeeded in persuading Mdlle. X. C. V. to + make use of my specific I would use nothing but honey, so the composition + of the aroph would not be a very complicated process. But if one point was + then plain and simple, another remained to be solved, and its solution + gave me some difficulty. I should have to pass several nights in continual + toils. I feared I had promised more than I could perform, and I should not + be able to make any abatement without hazarding, not the success of the + aroph, but the bliss I had taken such pains to win. Again, as her younger + sister slept in the same room with her and close to her, the operation + could not be performed there. At last chance—a divinity which often + helps lovers—came to my aid. + </p> + <p> + I was obliged to climb up to the fourth floor and met the scullion on my + way, who guessed where I was going, and begged me not to go any farther as + the place was taken. + </p> + <p> + “But,” said I, “you have just come out of it.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but I only went in and came out again.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I will wait till the coast is clear.” + </p> + <p> + “For goodness’ sake, sir, do not wait!” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, you rascal! I see what is going on. Well I will say nothing about it, + but I must see her.” + </p> + <p> + “She won’t come out, for she heard your steps and shut herself in.” + </p> + <p> + “She knows me, does she?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and you know her.” + </p> + <p> + “All right, get along with you! I won’t say anything about it.” + </p> + <p> + He went down, and the idea immediately struck me that the adventure might + be useful to me. I went up to the top, and through a chink I saw + Madelaine, Mdlle. X. C. V.‘s maid. I reassured her, and promised to keep + the secret, whereon she opened the door, and after I had given her a + louis, fled in some confusion. Soon after, I came down, and the scullion + who was waiting for me on the landing begged me to make Madelaine give him + half the louis. + </p> + <p> + “I will give you one all to yourself,” said I, “if you will tell me the + story”—an offer which pleased the rogue well enough. He told me the + tale of his loves, and said he always spent the night with her in the + garret, but that for three days they had been deprived of their pleasures, + as madam had locked the door and taken away the key. I made him shew me + the place, and looking through the keyhole I saw that there was plenty of + room for a mattress. I gave the scullion a Louis, and went away to ripen + my plans. + </p> + <p> + It seemed to me that there was no reason why the mistress should not sleep + in the garret as well as the maid. I got a picklock and several skeleton + keys, I put in a tin box several doses of the aroph—that is, some honey + mixed with pounded stag’s horn to make it thick enough, and the next + morning I went to the “Hotel de Bretagne,” and immediately tried my + picklock. I could have done without it, as the first skeleton key I tried + opened the wornout lock. + </p> + <p> + Proud of my idea, I went down to see Mdlle. X. C. V., and in a few words + told her the plan. + </p> + <p> + “But,” said she, “I should have to go through Madelaine’s room to get to + the garret.” + </p> + <p> + “In that case, dearest, we must win the girl over.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell her my secret?” + </p> + <p> + “Just so.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I couldn’t!” + </p> + <p> + “I will see to it; the golden key opens all doors.” + </p> + <p> + The girl consented to all I asked her, but the scullion troubled me, for + if he found us out he might be dangerous. I thought, however, that I might + trust to Madelaine, who was a girl of wit, to look after him. + </p> + <p> + Before going I told the girl that I wanted to discuss some important + matters with her, and I told her to meet me in the cloisters of the + Augustinian Church. She came at the appointed time and I explained to her + the whole plan in all its details. She soon understood me, and after + telling me that she would take care to put her own bed in the new kind of + boudoir, she added that, to be quite safe, we must make sure of the + scullion. + </p> + <p> + “He is a sharp lad,” said Madelaine, “and I think I can answer for him. + However, you may leave that to me.” + </p> + <p> + I gave her the key and six louis, bidding her inform her mistress of what + we had agreed upon, and get the garret ready to receive us. She went away + quite merry. A maid who is in love is never so happy as when she can make + her mistress protect her intrigues. + </p> + <p> + Next morning the scullion called on me at my house. The first thing I told + him was to take care not to betray himself to my servants, and never to + come and see me except in a case of necessity. He promised discretion, and + assured me of his devotion to my service. He gave me the key of the garret + and told me that he had got another. I admired his forethought, and gave + him a present of six louis, which had more effect on him than the finest + words. + </p> + <p> + Next morning I only saw Mdlle. X. C. V. for a moment to warn her that I + should be at the appointed place at ten that evening. I went there early + without being seen by anybody. I was in a cloak, and carried in my pocket + the aroph, flint and steel, and a candle. I found a good bed, pillows, and + a thick coverlet—a very useful provision, as the nights were cold, + and we should require some sleep in the intervals of the operation. + </p> + <p> + At eleven a slight noise made my heart begin to beat—always a good + sign. I went out, and found my mistress by feeling for her, and reassured + her by a tender kiss. I brought her in, barricaded the door, and took care + to cover up the keyhole to baffle the curious, and, if the worse happened, + to avoid a surprise. + </p> + <p> + On my lighting the candle she seemed uneasy, and said that the light might + discover us if anybody came up to the fourth floor. + </p> + <p> + “That’s not likely,” I said; “and besides, we can’t do without it, for how + am I to give you the aroph in the dark?” + </p> + <p> + “Very good,” she replied, “we can put it out afterwards.” + </p> + <p> + Without staying for those preliminary dallyings which are so sweet when + one is at ease, we undressed ourselves, and began with all seriousness to + play our part, which we did to perfection. We looked like a medical + student about to perform an operation, and she like a patient, with this + difference that it was the patient who arranged the dressing. When she was + ready—that is, when she had placed the aroph as neatly as a + skull-cap fits a parson—she put herself in the proper position for + the preparation to mix with the semen. + </p> + <p> + The most laughable part of it all was that we were both as serious as two + doctors of divinity. + </p> + <p> + When the introduction of the aroph was perfect the timid lady put out the + candle, but a few minutes after it had to be lighted again. I told her + politely that I was delighted to begin again, and the voice in which I + paid her this compliment made us both burst into laughter. + </p> + <p> + I didn’t take so short a time over my second operation as my first, and my + sweetheart, who had been a little put out, was now quite at her ease. + </p> + <p> + Her modesty had now been replaced by confidence, and as she was looking at + the aroph fitted in its place, she shewed me with her pretty finger very + evident signs of her co-operation in the work. Then with an affectionate + air, she asked me if I would not like to rest, as we had still a good deal + to do before our work was at an end. + </p> + <p> + “You see,” said I, “that I do not need rest, and I think we had better set + to again.” + </p> + <p> + No doubt she found my reason a good one, for, without saying anything, she + put herself ready to begin again, and afterwards we took a good long + sleep. When I woke up, feeling as fresh as ever, I asked her to try + another operation; and after carrying this through successfully, I + determined to be guided by her and take care of myself, for we had to + reserve our energies for the following nights. So, about four o’clock in + the morning she left me, and softly made her way to her room, and at + daybreak I left the hotel under the protection of the scullion, who took + me by a private door I did not know of. + </p> + <p> + About noon, after taking an aromatic bath, I went to call on Mdlle. X. C. + V., whom I found sitting up in bed as usual, elegantly attired, and with a + happy smile on her lips. She spoke at such length on her gratitude, and + thanked me so often, that, believing myself, and with good cause, to be + her debtor, I began to get impatient. + </p> + <p> + “Is it possible,” I said, “that you do not see how degrading your thanks + are to me? They prove that you do not love me, or that if you love me, you + think my love less strong than yours.” + </p> + <p> + Our conversation then took a tender turn, and we were about to seal our + mutual ardours without troubling about the aroph, when prudence bade us + beware. It would not have been safe, and we had plenty of time before us. + We contented ourselves with a tender embrace till the night should come. + </p> + <p> + My situation was a peculiar one, for though I was in love with this + charming girl I did not feel in the least ashamed of having deceived her, + especially as what I did could have no effect, the place being taken. It + was my self-esteem which made me congratulate myself on the sharp practice + which had procured me such pleasures. She told me that she was sorry she + had denied me when I had asked her before, and said that she felt now that + I had good reason to suspect the reality of her love. I did my best to + reassure her, and indeed all suspicions on my part would have been but + idle thoughts, as I had succeeded beyond all expectation. However, there + is one point upon which I congratulate myself to this day—namely, + that during those nightly toils of mine, which did so little towards the + object of her desires, I succeeded in inspiring her with such a feeling of + resignation that she promised, of her own accord, not to despair any more, + but to trust in and be guided by me. She often told me during our + nocturnal conversations that she was happy and would continue to be so, + even though the aroph had no effect. Not that she had ceased to believe in + it, for she continued the application of the harmless preparation till our + last assaults, in which we wanted in those sweet combats to exhaust all + the gifts of pleasure. + </p> + <p> + “Sweetheart,” said she, just before we parted finally, “it seems to me + that what we have been about is much more likely to create than to + destroy, and if the aperture had not been hermetically closed we should + doubtless have given the little prisoner a companion.” + </p> + <p> + A doctor of the Sorbonne could not have reasoned better. + </p> + <p> + Three or four days afterwards I found her thoughtful but quiet. She told + me that she had lost all hope of getting rid of her burden before the + proper time. All the while, however, her mother persecuted her, and she + would have to choose in a few days between making a declaration as to her + state and signing the marriage contract. She would accept neither of these + alternatives, and had decided on escaping from her home, and asked me to + help her in doing so. + </p> + <p> + I had determined to help her, but I desired to save my reputation, for it + might have been troublesome if it had been absolutely known that I had + carried her off or furnished her with the means to escape. And as for any + other alternative, neither of us had any idea of matrimony. + </p> + <p> + I left her and went to the Tuileries, where a sacred concert was being + given. The piece was a motet composed by Moudonville, the words by the + Abbe de Voisenon, whom I had furnished with the idea, “The Israelites on + Mount Horeb.” + </p> + <p> + As I was getting out of my carriage, I saw Madame du Rumain descending + alone from hers. I ran up to her, and received a hearty welcome. “I am + delighted,” said she, “to find you here, it is quite a piece of luck. I am + going to hear this novel composition, and have two reserved seats. Will + you do me the honour of accepting one?” + </p> + <p> + Although I had my ticket in my pocket I could not refuse so honourable an + offer, so, giving her my arm, we walked up to two of the best places in + the house. + </p> + <p> + At Paris no talking is allowed during the performance of sacred music, + especially when the piece is heard for the first time; so Madame du Rumain + could draw no conclusions from my silence throughout the performance, but + she guessed that something was the matter from the troubled and absent + expression of my face, which was by no means natural to me. + </p> + <p> + “M. Casanova,” said she, “be good enough to give me your company for an + hour. I want to ask you two or three questions which can only be solved by + your cabala. I hope you will oblige me, as I am, very anxious to know the + answers, but we must be quick as I have an engagement to sup in Paris.” + </p> + <p> + It may be imagined that I did not wait to be asked twice, and as soon as + we got to her house I went to work on the questions, and solved them all + in less than half an hour. + </p> + <p> + When I had finished, “M. Casanova;” said she, in the kindest manner + possible, “what is the matter with you? You are not in your usual state of + equanimity, and if I am not mistaken you are dreading some dire event. Or + perhaps you are on the eve of taking some important resolution? I am not + inquisitive, but if I can be of any service to you at Court, make use of + me, and be sure that I will do my best. If necessary, I will go to + Versailles to-morrow morning. I know all the ministers. Confide in me your + troubles, if I cannot lighten them I can at least share them, and be sure + I will keep your counsel.” + </p> + <p> + Her words seemed to me a voice from heaven, a warning from my good genius + to open my heart to this lady, who had almost read my thoughts, and had so + plainly expressed her interest in my welfare. + </p> + <p> + After gazing at her for some seconds without speaking, but with a manner + that shewed her how grateful I was, “Yes madam,” I said, “I am indeed + critically situated, may be on the verge of ruin, but your kindness has + calmed my soul and made me once more acquainted with hope. You shall hear + how I am placed. I am going to trust you with a secret of the most + delicate description, but I can rely on your being as discreet as you are + good. And if after hearing my story you deign to give me your advice, I + promise to follow it and never to divulge its author.” + </p> + <p> + After this beginning, which gained her close attention, I told her all the + circumstances of the case, neither concealing the young lady’s name nor + any of the circumstances which made it my duty to watch over her welfare. + All the same I said nothing about the aroph or the share I had taken in + its exhibition. The incident appeared to me too farcical for a serious + drama, but I confessed that I had procured the girl drugs in the hope of + relieving her of her burden. + </p> + <p> + After this weighty communication I stopped, and Madame du Rumain remained + silent, as if lost in thought, for nearly a quarter of an hour. At last + she rose, saying, + </p> + <p> + “I am expected at Madame de la Marque’s, and I must go, as I am to meet + the Bishop of Montrouge, to whom I want to speak, but I hope I shall + eventually be able to help you. Come here the day after tomorrow, you will + find me alone; above all, do nothing before you see me. Farewell.” + </p> + <p> + I left her full of hope, and resolved to follow her advice and hers only + in the troublesome affair in which I was involved. + </p> + <p> + The Bishop of Montrouge whom she was going to address on an important + matter, the nature of which was well known to me, was the Abbe de + Voisenon, who was thus named because he often went there. Montrouge is an + estate near Paris, belonging to the Duc de la Valiere. + </p> + <p> + I saw Mdlle. X. C. V. the following day, and contented myself with telling + her that in a couple of days I hope to give her some good news. I was + pleased with her manner, which was full of resignation and trust in my + endeavours. + </p> + <p> + The day after, I went to Madame du Rumain’s punctually at eight. The + porter told me that I should find the doctor with my lady, but I went + upstairs all the same, and as soon as the doctor saw me he took his leave. + His name was Herrenschwand, and all the ladies in Paris ran after him. + Poor Poinsinet put him in a little one-act play called Le Cercle, which, + though of very ordinary merit, was a great success. + </p> + <p> + “My dear sir,” said Madame du Rumain, as soon as we were alone, “I have + succeeded in my endeavours on your behalf, and it is now for you to keep + secret my share in the matter. After I had pondered over the case of + conscience you submitted to me, I went to the convent of C— where + the abbess is a friend of mine, and I entrusted her with the secret, + relying on her discretion. We agreed that she should receive the young + lady in her convent, and give her a good lay-sister to nurse her through + her confinement. Now you will not deny,” said she, with a smile, “that the + cloisters are of some use. Your young friend must go by herself to the + convent with a letter for the abbess, which I will give her, and which she + must deliver to the porter. She will then be admitted and lodged in a + suitable chamber. She will receive no visitors nor any letters that have + not passed through my hands. The abbess will bring her answers to me, and + I will pass them on to you. You must see that her only correspondent must + be yourself, and you must receive news of her welfare only through me. On + your hand in writing to her you must leave the address to be filled in by + me. I had to tell the abbess the lady’s name, but not yours as she did not + require it. + </p> + <p> + “Tell your young friend all about our plans, and when she is ready come + and tell me, and I will give you the letter to the abbess. Tell her to + bring nothing but what is strictly necessary, above all no diamonds or + trinkets of any value. You may assure her that the abbess will be + friendly, will come and see her every now and then, will give her proper + books—in a word, that she will be well looked after. Warn her not to + confide in the laysister who will attend on her. I have no doubt she is an + excellent woman, but she is a nun, and the secret might leak out. After + she is safely delivered, she must go to confession and perform her Easter + duties, and the abbess will give her a certificate of good behaviour; and + she can then return to her mother, who will be too happy to see her to say + anything more about the marriage, which, of course, she ought to give as + her reason of her leaving home.” + </p> + <p> + After many expressions of my gratitude to her, and of my admiration of her + plan, I begged her to give me the letter on the spot, as there was no time + to be lost. She was good enough to go at once to her desk, where she wrote + as follows: + </p> + <p> + “My dear abbess—The young lady who will give you this letter is the + same of whom we have spoken. She wishes to spend three of four months + under your protection, to recover her peace of mind, to perform her + devotions, and to make sure that when she returns to her mother nothing + more will be said about the marriage, which is partly the cause of her + temporary separation from her family.” + </p> + <p> + After reading it to me, she put it into my hands unsealed that Mdlle. X. + C. V. might be able to read it. The abbess in question was a princess, and + her convent was consequently a place above all suspicion. As Madame du + Rumain gave me the letter, I felt such an impulse of gratitude that I fell + on my knees before her. This generous woman was useful to me on another + occasion, of which I shall speak later on. + </p> + <p> + After leaving Madame du Rumain I went straight to the “Hotel de Bretagne,” + where I saw Mdlle. X. C. V., who had only time to tell me that she was + engaged for the rest of the day, but that she would come to the garret at + eleven o’clock that night, and that then we could talk matters over. I was + overjoyed at this arrangement, as I foresaw that after this would come the + awakening from a happy dream, and that I should be alone with her no more. + </p> + <p> + Before leaving the hotel I gave the word to Madelaine, who in turn got the + scullion to have everything in readiness. + </p> + <p> + I kept the appointment, and had not long to wait for my mistress. After + making her read the letter written by Madame du Rumain (whose name I + withheld from her without her taking offence thereat) I put out the + candle, and without troubling about the aroph, we set ourselves to the + pleasant task of proving that we truly loved each other. + </p> + <p> + In the morning, before we separated, I gave her all the instructions I had + received from Madame du Rumain; and we agreed that she should leave the + house at eight o’clock with such things as she absolutely required, that + she should take a coach to the Place Maubert, then send it away, and take + another to the Place Antoine, and again, farther on, a third coach, in + which she was to go to the convent named. I begged her not to forget to + burn all the letters she had received from me, and to write to me from the + convent as often as she could, to seal her letters but to leave the + address blank. She promised to carry out my instructions, and I then made + her accept a packet of two hundred louis, of which she might chance to be + in need. She wept, more for my situation than her own, but I consoled her + by saying that I had plenty of money and powerful patrons. + </p> + <p> + “I will set out,” said she, “the day after to-morrow, at the hour agreed + on.” And thereupon, I having promised to come to the house the day after + her departure, as if I knew nothing about it, and to let her know what + passed, we embraced each other tenderly, and I left her. + </p> + <p> + I was troubled in thinking about her fate. She had wit and courage, but + when experience is wanting wit often leads men to commit acts of great + folly. + </p> + <p> + The day after the morrow I took a coach, and posted myself in a corner of + the street by which she had to pass. I saw her come, get out of the coach, + pay the coachman, go down a narrow street, and a few minutes after + reappear again, veiled and hooded, carrying a small parcel in her hand. + She then took another conveyance which went off in the direction we had + agreed upon. + </p> + <p> + The day following being Low Sunday, I felt that I must present myself at + the “Hotel de Bretagne,” for as I went there every day before the + daughter’s flight I could not stop going there without strengthening any + suspicions which might be entertained about me. But it was a painful task. + I had to appear at my ease and cheerful in a place where I was quite sure + all would be sadness and confusion. I must say that it was an affair + requiring higher powers of impudence than fall to the lot of most men. + </p> + <p> + I chose a time when all the family would be together at table, and I + walked straight into the dining-room. I entered with my usual cheerful + manner, and sat down by madame, a little behind her, pretending not to see + her surprise, which, however, was plainly to be seen, her whole face being + flushed with rage and astonishment. I had not been long in the room before + I asked where her daughter was. She turned round, looked me through and + through, and said not a word. + </p> + <p> + “Is she ill?” said I. + </p> + <p> + “I know nothing about her.” + </p> + <p> + This remark, which was pronounced in a dry manner, put me at my ease, as I + now felt at liberty to look concerned. I sat there for a quarter of an + hour, playing the part of grave and astonished silence, and then, rising, + I asked if I could do anything, for which all my reward was a cold + expression of thanks. I then left the room and went to Mdlle. X. C. V.‘s + chamber as if I had thought she was there, but found only Madelaine. I + asked her with a meaning look where her mistress was. She replied by + begging me to tell her, if I knew. + </p> + <p> + “Has she gone by herself?” + </p> + <p> + “I know nothing at all about it, sir, but they say you know all. I beg of + you to leave me.” + </p> + <p> + Pretending to be in the greatest astonishment, I slowly walked away and + took a coach, glad to have accomplished this painful duty. After the + reception I had met with I could without affectation pose as offended, and + visit the family no more, for whether I were guilty or innocent, Madame X. + C. V. must see that her manner had been plain enough for me to know what + it meant. + </p> + <p> + I was looking out of my window at an early hour two or three days + afterwards, when a coach stopped before my door, and Madame X C V-, + escorted by M. Farsetti got out. I made haste to meet them on the stair, + and welcomed them, saying I was glad they had done me the honour to come + and take breakfast with me, pretending not to know of any other reason. I + asked them to sit down before the fire, and enquired after the lady’s + health; but without noticing my question she said that she had not come to + take breakfast, but to have some serious conversation. + </p> + <p> + “Madam,” said I, “I am your humble servant; but first of all pray be + seated.” + </p> + <p> + She sat down, while Farsetti continued standing. I did not press him, but + turning towards the lady begged her to command me. + </p> + <p> + “I am come here,” she said, “to ask you to give me my daughter if she be + in your power, or to tell me where she is.” + </p> + <p> + “Your daughter, madam? I know nothing about her! Do you think me capable + of a crime?” + </p> + <p> + “I do not accuse you of abducting her; I have not come here to reproach + you nor to utter threats, I have only come to ask you to shew yourself my + friend. Help me to get my daughter again this very day; you will give me + my life. I am certain that you know all. You were her only confidant and + her only friend; you passed hours with her every day; she must have told + you of her secret. Pity a bereaved mother! So far no one knows of the + facts; give her back to me and all shall be forgotten, and her honour + saved.” + </p> + <p> + “Madam, I feel for you acutely, but I repeat that I know nothing of your + daughter.” + </p> + <p> + The poor woman, whose grief touched me, fell at my feet and burst into + tears. I was going to lift her from the ground, when Farsetti told her, in + a voice full of indignation, that she should blush to humble herself in + such a manner before a man of my description. I drew myself up, and + looking at him scornfully said, + </p> + <p> + “You insolent scoundrel! What do you mean by talking of me like that?” + </p> + <p> + “Everybody is certain that you know all about it.” + </p> + <p> + “Then they are impudent fools, like you. Get out of my house this instant + and wait for me, I will be with you in a quarter of an hour.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, I took the poor chevalier by the shoulders, and giving him + sundry shakes I turned him out of the room. He came back and called to the + lady to come, too, but she rose and tried to quiet me. + </p> + <p> + “You ought to be more considerate towards a lover,” said she, “for he + would marry my daughter now, even after what she has done.” + </p> + <p> + “I am aware of the fact, madam, and I have no doubt that his courtship was + one of the chief reasons which made your daughter resolve to leave her + home, for she hated him even more than she hated the fermier-general.” + </p> + <p> + “She has behaved very badly, but I promise not to say anything more about + marrying her. But I am sure you know all about it, as you gave her fifty + louis, without which she could not have done anything.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, not so.” + </p> + <p> + “Do not deny it, sir; here is the evidence—a small piece of your + letter to her.” + </p> + <p> + She gave me a scrap of the letter I had sent the daughter, with the fifty + louis for her brother. It contained the following lines, + </p> + <p> + “I hope that these wretched louis will convince you that I am ready to + sacrifice everything, my life if need be, to assure you of my affection.” + </p> + <p> + “I am far from disavowing this evidence of my esteem for your daughter, + but to justify myself I am obliged to tell you a fact which I should have + otherwise kept secret—namely, that I furnished your daughter with + this sum to enable her to pay your son’s debts, for which he thanked me in + a letter which I can shew you.” + </p> + <p> + “My son?” + </p> + <p> + “Your son, madam.” + </p> + <p> + “I will make you an ample atonement for my suspicions.” + </p> + <p> + Before I had time to make any objection, she ran down to fetch Farsetti, + who was waiting in the courtyard, and made him come up and hear what I had + just told her. + </p> + <p> + “That’s not a likely tale,” said the insolent fellow. + </p> + <p> + I looked at him contemptuously, and told him he was not worth convincing, + but that I would beg the lady to ask her son and see whether I told the + truth. + </p> + <p> + “I assure you,” I added, “that I always urged your daughter to marry M. de + la Popeliniere.” + </p> + <p> + “How can you have the face to say that,” said Farsetti, “when you talk in + the letter of your affection?” + </p> + <p> + “I do not deny it,” said I. “I loved her, and I was proud of my affection + for her. This affection, of whatever sort it may have been (and that is + not this gentleman’s business), was the ordinary topic of conversation + between us. If she had told me that she was going to leave her home, I + should either have dissuaded her or gone with her, for I loved her as I do + at this moment; but I would never have given her money to go alone.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear Casanova,” said the mother, “if you will help me to find her I + shall believe in your innocence.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall be delighted to aid you, and I promise to commence the quest + to-day.” + </p> + <p> + “As soon as you have any news, come and tell me.” + </p> + <p> + “You may trust me to do so,” said I, and we parted. + </p> + <p> + I had to play my part carefully; especially it was essential that I should + behave in public in a manner consistent with my professions. Accordingly, + the next day I went to M. Chaban, first commissary of police, requesting + him to institute enquiries respecting the flight of Mdlle. X. C. V. I was + sure that in this way the real part I had taken in the matter would be the + better concealed; but the commissary, who had the true spirit of his + profession, and had liked me when he first saw me six years before, began + to laugh when he heard what I wanted him to do. + </p> + <p> + “Do you really want the police to discover,” said he, “where the pretty + Englishwoman is to be found?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly.” + </p> + <p> + It then struck me that he was trying to make me talk and to catch me + tripping, and I had no doubt of it when I met Farsetti going in as I was + coming out. + </p> + <p> + Next day I went to acquaint Madame X. C. V. with the steps I had taken, + though as yet my efforts had not been crowned with success. + </p> + <p> + “I have been more fortunate than you,” said she, “and if you will come + with me to the place where my daughter has gone, and will join me in + persuading her to return, all will be well.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly,” said I, “I shall be most happy to accompany you.” + </p> + <p> + Taking me at my word, she put on her cloak, and leaning on my arm walked + along till we came to a coach. She then gave me a slip of paper, begging + me to tell the coachman to drive us to the address thereon. + </p> + <p> + I was on thorns, and my heart beat fast, for I thought I should have to + read out the address of the convent. I do not know what I should have done + if my fears had been well grounded, but I should certainly not have gone + to the convent. At last I read what was written; it was “Place Maubert,” + and I grew calm once more. + </p> + <p> + I told the coachman to drive us to the Place Maubert. We set off, and in a + short time stopped at the opening of an obscure back street before a + dirty-looking house, which did not give one a high idea of the character + of its occupants. I gave Madame X. C. V. my arm, and she had the + satisfaction of looking into every room in the five floors of the house, + but what she sought for was not there, and I expected to see her + overwhelmed with grief. I was mistaken, however. She looked distressed but + satisfied, and her eyes seemed to ask pardon of me. She had found out from + the coachman, who had taken her daughter on the first stage of her + journey, that she had alighted in front of the house in question, and had + gone down the back street. She told me that the scullion had confessed + that he had taken me letters twice from his young mistress, and that + Madelaine said all the time that she was sure her mistress and I were in + love with each other. They played their parts well. + </p> + <p> + As soon as I had seen Madame X. C. V. safely home, I went to Madame du + Rumain to tell her what had happened; and I then wrote to my fair recluse, + telling her what had gone on in the world since her disappearance. + </p> + <p> + Three or four days after this date, Madame du Rumain gave me the first + letter I received from Mdlle. X. C. V. She spoke in it of the quiet life + she was leading, and her gratitude to me, praised the abbess and the + lay-sister, and gave me the titles of the books they lent her, which she + liked reading. She also informed me what money she had spent, and said she + was happy in everything, almost in being forbidden to leave her room. + </p> + <p> + I was delighted with her letter, but much more with the abbess’s epistle + to Madame du Rumain. She was evidently fond of the girl, and could not say + too much in her praise, saying how sweet-tempered, clever, and lady-like + she was; winding up by assuring her friend that she went to see her every + day. + </p> + <p> + I was charmed to see the pleasure this letter afforded Madame du Rumain—pleasure + which was increased by the perusal of the letter I had received. The only + persons who were displeased were the poor mother, the frightful Farsetti, + and the old fermier, whose misfortune was talked about in the clubs, the + Palais-Royal, and the coffee-houses. Everybody put me down for some share + in the business, but I laughed at their gossip, believing that I was quite + safe. + </p> + <p> + All the same, la Popeliniere took the adventure philosophically and made a + one-act play out of it, which he had acted at his little theatre in Paris. + Three months afterwards he got married to a very pretty girl, the daughter + of a Bordeaux alderman. He died in the course of two years, leaving his + widow pregnant with a son, who came into the world six months after the + father’s death. The unworthy heir to the rich man had the face to accuse + the widow of adultery, and got the child declared illegitimate to the + eternal shame of the court which gave this iniquitous judgment and to the + grief of every honest Frenchman. The iniquitous nature of the judgment was + afterwards more clearly demonstrated—putting aside the fact that + nothing could be said against the mother’s character—by the same + court having the face to declare a child born eleven months after the + father’s death legitimate. + </p> + <p> + I continued for ten days to call upon Madame X. C. V., but finding myself + coldly welcomed, decided to go there no more. + </p> + <a name="linkC2HCH0008" id="linkC2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Fresh Adventures—J. J. Rousseau—I set Up A Business— + Castel—Bajac—A Lawsuit is Commenced Against Me—M. de + Sartin +</pre> + <p> + Mdlle. X. C. V. had now been in the convent for a month, and her affair + had ceased to be a common topic of conversation. I thought I should hear + no more of it, but I was mistaken. I continued, however, to amuse myself, + and my pleasure in spending freely quite prevented me from thinking about + the future. The Abbe de Bernis, whom I went to see regularly once a week, + told me one day that the comptroller-general often enquired how I was + getting on. “You are wrong,” said the abbe, “to neglect him.” He advised + me to say no more about my claims, but to communicate to him the means I + had spoken of for increasing the revenues of the state. I laid too great + store by the advice of the man who had made my fortune not to follow it. I + went to the comptroller, and trusting in his probity I explained my scheme + to him. This was to pass a law by which every estate, except that left by + father to son, should furnish the treasury with one year’s income; every + deed of gift formally drawn up being subject to the same provision. It + seemed to me that the law could not give offence to anyone; the heir had + only to imagine that he had inherited a year later than was actually the + case. The minister was of the same opinion as myself, told me that there + would not be the slightest difficulty involved, and assured me that my + fortune was made. In a week afterwards his place was taken by M. de + Silhouette, and when I called on the new minister he told me coldly that + when my scheme became law he would tell me. It became law two years + afterwards, and when, as the originator of the scheme, I attempted to get + my just reward, they laughed in my face. + </p> + <p> + Shortly after, the Pope died, and he was succeeded by the Venetian + Rezzonico, who created my patron, the Abby de Bernis, a cardinal. However, + he had to go into exile by order of the king two days after his gracious + majesty had presented him with the red cap: so good a thing it is to be + the friend of kings! + </p> + <p> + The disgrace of my delightful abbe left me without a patron, but I had + plenty of money, and so was enabled to bear this misfortune with + resignation. + </p> + <p> + For having undone all the work of Cardinal Richelieu, for having changed + the old enmity between France and Austria into friendship, for delivering + Italy from the horrors of war which befell her whenever these countries + had a bone to pick, although he was the first cardinal made by a pope who + had had plenty of opportunities for discovering his character, merely + because, on being asked, he had given it as his opinion that the Prince de + Soubise was not a fit person to command the French armies, this great + ecclesiastic was driven into exile. The moment the Pompadour heard of this + opinion of his, she decreed his banishment—a sentence which was + unpopular with all classes of society; but they consoled themselves with + epigrams, and the new cardinal was soon forgotten. Such is the character + of the French people; it cares neither for its own misfortunes nor for + those of others, if only it can extract laughter from them. + </p> + <p> + In my time epigrammatists and poetasters who assailed ministers or even + the king’s mistresses were sent to the Bastille, but the wits still + persisted in being amusing, and there were some who considered a jest + incomplete that was not followed by a prosecution. A man whose name I have + forgotten—a great lover of notoriety—appropriated the + following verses by the younger Crebellon and went to the Bastille rather + than disown them. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “All the world’s upside down! + Jupiter has donned the gown—the King. + Venus mounts the council stair—the Pompadour. + Plutus trifles with the fair—M. de Boulogne. + Mercury in mail is drest—Marechal de Richelieu. + Mighty Mars has turned a priest—the Duc de Clermont, abbe of + St. Germain-des-pres.” + </pre> + <p> + Crebillon, who was not the sort of man to conceal his writings, told the + Duc de Choiseul that he had written some verses exactly like these, but + that it was possible the prisoner had been inspired with precisely the + same ideas. This jest was applauded, and the author of “The Sofa” was let + alone. + </p> + <p> + Cardinal de Bernis passed ten years in exile, ‘procul negotiis’, but he + was not happy, as he told me himself when I knew him in Rome fifteen years + afterwards. It is said that it is better to be a minister than a king—an + opinion which seems ridiculous when it is analyzed. The question is, which + is the better, independence or its contrary. The axiom may possibly be + verified in a despotic government under an absurd, weak, or careless king + who serves as a mere mask for his master the minister; but in all other + cases it is an absurdity. + </p> + <p> + Cardinal de Bernis was never recalled; there is no instance of Louis XV. + having ever recalled a minister whom he had disgraced; but on the death of + Rezzonico he had to go to Rome to be present at the conclave, and there he + remained as French ambassador. + </p> + <p> + About this time Madame d’Urfe conceived a wish to make the acquaintance of + J. J. Rousseau, and we went to call upon him at Montmorenci, on the + pretext of giving him music to copy—an occupation in which he was + very skilled. He was paid twice the sum given to any other copyist, but he + guaranteed that the work should be faultlessly done. At that period of his + life copying music was the great writer’s sole means of subsistence. + </p> + <p> + We found him to be a man of a simple and modest demeanour, who talked + well, but who was not otherwise distinguished either intellectually or + physically. We did not think him what would be called a good-natured man, + and as he was far from having the manners of good society Madame d’Urfe + did not hesitate to pronounce him vulgar. We saw the woman with whom he + lived, and of whom we had heard, but she scarcely looked at us. On our way + home we amused ourselves by talking about Rousseau’s eccentric habits. + </p> + <p> + I will here note down the visit of the Prince of Conti (father of the + gentleman who is now known as the Comte de la March) to Rousseau. + </p> + <p> + The prince—a good-natured man—went by himself to Montmorenci, on + purpose to spend a day in conversation with the philosopher, who was even + then famous. He found him in the park, accosted him, and said that he had + come to dine with him and to talk without restraint. + </p> + <p> + “Your highness will fare but badly,” said Rousseau: “however, I will tell + them to lay another knife and fork.” + </p> + <p> + The philosopher gave his instructions, and came out and rejoined the + prince, with whom he walked up and down for two or three hours. When it + was dinner-time he took the prince into his dining-room, where the table + was laid for three. + </p> + <p> + “Who is going to dine with us?” said the prince. “I thought we were to be + alone.” + </p> + <p> + “The third party,” said Rousseau, “is my other self—a being who is + neither my wife, nor my mistress, nor my servant-maid, nor my mother, nor + my daughter, but yet personates all these characters at once.” + </p> + <p> + “I daresay, my dear fellow, I daresay; but as I came to dine with you + alone, I will not dine with your other self, but will leave you with + all the rest of you to keep your company.” + </p> + <p> + So saying the prince bade him farewell and went out. Rousseau did not try + to keep him. + </p> + <p> + About this time I witnessed the failure of a play called ‘Aristides’ + Daughter’, written by the ingenious Madame de Graffini, who died of + vexation five days after her play was damned. The Abbe de Voisenon was + horrified, as he had advised the lady to produce it, and was thought to + have had some hand in its composition, as well as in that of the ‘Lettres + Peruviennes’ and ‘Cenie’. By a curious coincidence, just about the same + date, Rezzonico’s mother died of joy because her son had become pope. + Grief and joy kill many more women than men, which proves that if women + have mere feeling than men they have also less strength. + </p> + <p> + When Madame d’Urfe thought that my adopted son was comfortably settled in + Viar’s house, she made me go with her and pay him a visit. I found him + lodged like a prince, well dressed, made much of, and almost looked up to. + I was astonished, for this was more than I had bargained for. Madame + d’Urfe had given him masters of all sorts, and a pretty little pony for + him to learn riding on. He was styled M. le Comte d’Aranda. A girl of + sixteen, Viar’s daughter, a fine-looking young woman, was appointed to + look after him, and she was quite proud to call herself my lord’s + governess. She assured Madame d’Urfe that she took special care of him; + that as soon as he woke she brought him his breakfast in bed; that she + then dressed him, and did not leave his side the whole day. Madame d’Urfe + approved of everything, told the girl to take even greater care of the + count, and promised that she should not go unrewarded. As for the young + gentleman, he was evidently quite happy, as he told me himself again and + again, but I suspected a mystery somewhere, and determined that I would go + and see him by myself another time and solve it. + </p> + <p> + On our journey home I told Madame d’Urfe how grateful I was for all her + goodness to the boy, and that I approved of all the arrangements that had + been made with the exception of the name Aranda, “which,” said I, “may + some day prove a thorn in his side.” She answered that the lad had said + enough to convince her that he had a right to bear that name. “I had,” she + said, “in my desk a seal with the arms of the house of Aranda, and + happening to take it up I shewed it him as we shew trinkets to children to + amuse them, but as soon as he saw it he burst out, + </p> + <p> + “‘How came you to have my arms?’ + </p> + <p> + “Your arms!” I answered. “I got this seal from the Comte d’Aranda; how can + you prove that you are a scion of that race?” + </p> + <p> + “‘Do not ask me, madam; my birth is a secret I can reveal to no one.’” + </p> + <p> + The imposition and above all the impudence of the young knave astounded + me. I should not have thought him capable of it, and a week after I went + to see him by myself to get at the bottom of all this mystery. + </p> + <p> + I found my young count with Viar, who, judging by the awe the child shewed + of me, must have thought he belonged to me. He was unsparing in his + praises of his pupil, saying that he played the flute capitally, danced + and fenced admirably, rode well, and wrote a good hand. He shewed me the + pens he had cut himself with three, five, and even nine points, and begged + to be examined on heraldry, which, as the master observed, was so + necessary a science for a young nobleman. + </p> + <p> + The young gentleman then commenced in the jargon of heraldry to blazon his + own pretended arms, and I felt much inclined to burst into laughter, + partly because I did not understand a word he said, and partly because he + seemed to think the matter as important as would a country squire with his + thirty-two quarters. However, I was delighted to see his dexterity in + penmanship, which was undoubtedly very great, and I expressed my + satisfaction to Viar, who soon left us to ourselves. We proceeded into the + garden. + </p> + <p> + “Will you kindly inform me,” I said, “how you can be so foolish as to call + yourself the Comte d’Aranda?” + </p> + <p> + He replied, with the utmost calmness, “I know it is foolish, but leave me + my title; it is of service to me here and gains me respect.” + </p> + <p> + “It is an imposition I cannot wink at, as it may be fraught with serious + results, and may do harm to both of us. I should not have thought that at + your age you would be capable of such a knavish trick. I know you did it + out of stupidity, but after a certain limit stupidity becomes criminal; + and I cannot see how I am to remedy your fault without disgracing you in + the eyes of Madame d’Urfe.” + </p> + <p> + I kept on scolding him till he burst into tears, saying, + </p> + <p> + “I had rather the shame of being sent back to my mother than the shame of + confessing to Madame d’Urfe that I had imposed on her; and I could not + bear to stay here if I had to give up my name.” + </p> + <p> + Seeing that I could do nothing with him, unless, indeed, I sent him to + some place far removed from Paris under his proper name, I told him to + take comfort as I would try and do the best I could for both of us. + </p> + <p> + “And now tell me—and take care to tell the truth—what sort of + feelings does Viar’s daughter entertain for you?” + </p> + <p> + “I think, papa, that this is a case in which the reserve commended by + yourself, as well as by mother, would be appropriate.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that sort of answer tells me a good deal, but I think you are rather + too knowing for your age. And you may as well observe that when you are + called upon for a confession, reserve is out of place, and it’s a + confession I require from you.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, papa, Viar’s daughter is very fond of me, and she shews her love in + all sorts of ways.” + </p> + <p> + “And do you love her?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes!” + </p> + <p> + “Is she much with you in the morning?” + </p> + <p> + “She is with me the whole day.” + </p> + <p> + “She is present when you go to bed?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, she helps me to undress.” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing else?” + </p> + <p> + “I do not care to tell you.” + </p> + <p> + I was astonished at the measured way in which he answered me, and as I had + heard enough to guess that the boy and girl were very good friends indeed, + I contented myself with warning him to take care of his health, and with + this I left him. + </p> + <p> + Some time after, my thoughts were occupied with a business speculation + which all my calculations assured me would be extremely profitable. The + plan was to produce on silks, by means of printing, the exquisite designs + which are produced at Lyons by the tedious process of weaving, and thus to + give customers excellent value at much lower prices. I had the requisite + knowledge of chemistry, and enough capital to make the thing a success. I + obtained the assistance of a man with the necessary technical skill and + knowledge, intending to make him my manager. + </p> + <p> + I told my plan to the Prince de Conti, who encouraged me to persevere, + promising me his patronage, and all the privileges I could wish for. That + decided me to begin. + </p> + <p> + I rented a very large house near the Temple for a thousand crowns per + annum. The house contained a spacious hall, in which I meant to put my + workmen; another hall which was to be the shop; numerous rooms for my + workpeople to live in; and a nice room for myself in case I cared to live + on the premises. + </p> + <p> + I made the scheme into a company with thirty shares, of which I gave five + to my designer, keeping the remaining twenty-five to distribute to those + who were inclined to join the company. I gave one to a doctor who, on + giving surety, became the storekeeper, and came to live in the house with + his whole family; and I engaged four servants, a waiting-maid, and a + porter. I had to give another share to an accountant, who furnished me + with two clerks, who also took up their abode in the house. The + carpenters, blacksmiths, and painters worked hard from morning to night, + and in less than three weeks the place was ready. I told the manager to + engage twenty girls to paint, who were to be paid every Saturday. I + stocked the warehouse with three hundred pieces of sarcenet and camlet of + different shades and colours to receive the designs, and I paid for + everything in ready money. + </p> + <p> + I had made an approximate calculation with my manager that I should have + to spend three hundred thousand francs, and that would not break me. If + the worst happened I could fall back on my shares, which produced a good + income, but I hoped I should not be compelled to do so, as I wanted to + have an income of two hundred thousand francs a year. + </p> + <p> + All the while I did not conceal from myself that the speculation might be + my ruin, if custom did not come in, but on looking at my beautiful + materials these fears were dispelled, especially as I heard everybody + saying that I sold them much too cheap. + </p> + <p> + To set up the business I spent in the course of a month about sixty + thousand francs, and my weekly expenses amounted to twelve hundred francs. + </p> + <p> + As for Madame d’Urfe she laughed every time she saw me, for she was quite + certain that this business was only meant to put the curious off the scent + and to preserve my incognito: so persuaded was she of my omnipotence. + </p> + <p> + The sight of twenty girls, all more or less pretty, the eldest of whom was + not twenty-five, far from making me tremble as it ought, delighted me. I + fancied myself in the midst of a seraglio, and I amused myself by watching + their meek and modest looks as they did their work under the direction of + the foreman. The best paid did not get more than twenty-four sous a day, + and all of them had excellent reputations, for they had been selected at + her own request by the manager’s wife, a devout woman of ripe age, whom I + hoped to find obliging if the fancy seized me to test her choice. Manon + Baletti did not share my satisfaction in them. She trembled to see me the + owner of a harem, well knowing that sooner or later the barque of my + virtue would run on the rocks. She scolded me well about these girls, + though I assured her that none of them slept in the house. + </p> + <p> + This business increased my own ideas of my importance; partly from the + thought that I was on the high road to fortune, and partly because I + furnished so many people with the means of subsistence. Alas! I was too + fortunate; and my evil genius soon crossed my career. + </p> + <p> + It was now three months since Mdlle. X. C. V. had gone into the convent, + and the time of her delivery drew near. We wrote to each other twice a + week, and I considered the matter happily settled; M. de la Popeliniere + had married, and when Mdlle. X. C. V. returned to her mother there would + be nothing more to be said But just at this period, when my happiness + seemed assured, the hidden fire leapt forth and threatened to consume me; + how, the reader will see. + </p> + <p> + One day after leaving Madame d’Urfe’s I went to walk in the Tuileries. I + had taken a couple of turns in the chief walk when I saw that an old + woman, accompanied by a man dressed in black, was looking at me closely + and communicating her observations to her companion. There was nothing + very astonishing in this in a public place, and I continued my walk, and + on turning again saw the same couple still watching me. In my turn I + looked at them, and remembered seeing the man in a gaming-house, where he + was known by the name of Castel-Bajac. On scrutinizing the features of the + hag, I at last succeeded in recollecting who she was; she was the woman to + whom I had taken Mdlle. X. C. V. I felt certain that she had recognized + me, but not troubling myself about the matter I left the gardens to walk + elsewhere. The day after next, just as I was going to get into my + carriage, a man of evil aspect gave me a paper and asked me to read it. I + opened it, but finding it covered with an illegible scrawl I gave it him + back, telling him to read it himself. He did so, and I found myself + summoned to appear before the commissary of police to answer to the plea + which the midwife (whose name I forget) brought against me. + </p> + <p> + Although I could guess what the charge would be, and was certain that the + midwife could furnish no proofs of her accusation, I went to an attorney I + knew and told him to appear for me. I instructed him that I did not know + any midwife in Paris whatsoever. The attorney waited on the commissary, + and on the day after brought me a copy of the pleas. + </p> + <p> + The midwife said that I came to her one night, accompanied by a young lady + about five months with child, and that, holding a pistol in one hand and a + packet of fifty Louis in the other, I made her promise to procure + abortion. We both of us (so she said) had masks on, thus shewing that we + had been at the opera ball. Fear, said she, had prevented her from flatly + refusing to grant my request; but she had enough presence of mind to say + that the necessary drugs were not ready, that she would have all in order + by the next night; whereupon we left, promising to return. In the belief + that we would not fail to keep the appointment, she went in to M. + Castel-Bajac to ask him to hide in the next room that she might be + protected from my fury, and that he might be a witness of what I said, but + she had not seen me again. She added that she would have given information + the day after the event if she had known who I was, but since M. + Castel-Bajac had told her my name on her recognizing me in the Tuileries, + she had thought it her bounden duty to deliver me to the law that she + might be compensated for the violence I had used to her. And this document + was signed by the said Castel-Bajac as a witness. + </p> + <p> + “This is an evident case of libel,” said my attorney, “at least, if she + can’t prove the truth of her allegations. My advice to you is to take the + matter before the criminal lieutenant, who will be able to give you the + satisfaction you require.” + </p> + <p> + I authorized him to do what he thought advisable, and three or four days + after he told me that the lieutenant wished to speak to me in private, and + would expect me the same day at three o’clock in the afternoon. + </p> + <p> + As will be expected, I was punctual to the appointment. I found the + magistrate to be a polite and good-hearted gentleman. He was, in fact, the + well-known M. de Sartine, who was the chief of police two years later. His + office of criminal lieutenant was saleable, and M. de Sartine sold it when + he was appointed head of the police. + </p> + <p> + As soon as I had made my bow, he asked me to sit down by him, and + addressed me as follows: + </p> + <p> + “I have asked you to call upon me in the interests of both of us, as in + your position our interests are inseparable. If you are innocent of the + charge which has been brought against you, you are quite right to appeal + to me; but before proceedings begin, you should tell me the whole truth. I + am ready to forget my position as judge, and to give you my help, but you + must see yourself that to prove the other side guilty of slander, you must + prove yourself innocent. What I want from you is an informal and strictly + confidential declaration, for the case against you is a serious one, and + of such a kind as to require all your efforts to wipe off this blot upon + your honour. Your enemies will not respect your delicacy of feeling. They + will press you so hard that you will either be obliged to submit to a + shameful sentence, or to wound your feelings of honour in proving your + innocence. You see I am confiding in you, for in certain cases honour + seems so precious a thing to me that I am ready to defend it with all the + power of the law. Pay me back, then, in the same coin, trust in me + entirely, tell me the whole story without any reserves, and you may rely + upon my good offices. All will be well if you are innocent, for I shall + not be the less a judge because I am your friend; but if you are guilty I + am sorry for you, for I warn you that I shall be just.” + </p> + <p> + After doing my best to express my gratitude to him, I said that my + position did not oblige me to make any reservations on account of honour, + and that I had, consequently, no informal statement to make him. + </p> + <p> + “The midwife,” I added, “is absolutely unknown to me. She is most likely + an abandoned woman, who with her worthy companion wants to cheat me of my + money.” + </p> + <p> + “I should be delighted to think so,” he answered, “but admitting the fact, + see how chance favours her, and makes it a most difficult thing for you to + prove your innocence. + </p> + <p> + “The young lady disappeared three months ago. She was known to be your + intimate friend, you called upon her at all hours; you spent a + considerable time with her the day before she disappeared, and no one + knows what has become of her; but everyone’s suspicions point at you, and + paid spies are continually dogging your steps. The midwife sent me a + requisition yesterday by her counsel, Vauversin. She says that the + pregnant lady you brought to her house is the same whom Madame X. C. V. is + searching for. She also says that you both wore black dominoes, and the + police have ascertained that you were both at the ball in black dominoes + on the same night as that on which the midwife says you came to her house; + you are also known to have left the ball-room together. All this, it is + true, does not constitute full proof of your guilt, but it makes one + tremble for your innocence.” + </p> + <p> + “What cause have I to tremble?” + </p> + <p> + “What cause! Why a false witness, easily enough hired for a little money, + might swear with impunity that he saw you come from the opera together; + and a coachman in the same way might swear he had taken you to the + midwife’s. In that case I should be compelled to order your arrest and + examination, with a view to ascertain the name of the person whom you took + with you. Do you realize that you are accused of procuring abortion; that + three months have gone by without the lady’s retreat having been + discovered; that she is said to be dead. Do you realize, in short, what a + very serious charge murder is?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly; but if I die innocent, you will have condemned me wrongly, and + will be more to be pitied than I.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes, but that wouldn’t make your case any better. You may be sure, + however, that I will not condemn an innocent man; but I am afraid that you + will be a long time in prison before you succeed in proving your + innocence. To be brief, you see that in twenty-four hours the case looks + very bad, and in the course of a week it might look very much worse. My + interest was aroused in your favour by the evident absurdity of the + accusations, but it is the other circumstances about the case which make + it a serious one for you. I can partly understand the circumstances, and + the feelings of love and honour which bid you be silent. I have spoken to + you, and I hope you will have no reserves with me. I will spare you all + the unpleasant circumstances which threaten you, believing, as I do, that + you are innocent. Tell me all, and be sure that the lady’s honour will not + suffer; but if, on the other hand, you are unfortunately guilty of the + crimes laid to your charge, I advise you to be prudent, and to take steps + which it is not my business to suggest. I warn you that in three or four + days I shall cite you to the bar of the court, and that you will then find + in me only the judge—just, certainly, but severe and impartial.” + </p> + <p> + I was petrified; for these words shewed me my danger in all its nakedness. + I saw how I should esteem this worthy man’s good offices, and said to him + in quite another tone, that innocent as I was, I saw that my best course + was to throw myself on his kindness respecting Mdlle. X. C. V., who had + committed no crime, but would lose her reputation by this unhappy + business. + </p> + <p> + “I know where she is,” I added, “and I may tell you that she would never + have left her mother if she had not endeavoured to force her into a + marriage she abhorred.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, but the man is now married; let her return to her mother’s house, + and you will be safe, unless the midwife persists in maintaining that you + incited her to procure abortion.” + </p> + <p> + “There is no abortion in the matter; but other reasons prevent her + returning to her family. I can tell you no more without obtaining the + consent of another party. If I succeed in doing so I shall be able to + throw the desired light on the question. Be kind enough to give me a + second hearing on the day after to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “I understand. I shall be delighted to hear what you have to say. I thank + and congratulate you. Farewell!” + </p> + <p> + I was on the brink of the precipice, but I was determined to leave the + kingdom rather than betray the honour of my poor dear sweetheart. If it + had been possible, I would gladly have put an end to the case with money; + but it was too late. I was sure that Farsetti had the chief hand in all + this trouble, that he was continually on my track, and that he paid the + spies mentioned by M. de Sartine. He it was who had set Vauversin, the + barrister, after me, and I had no doubt that he would do all in his power + to ruin me. + </p> + <p> + I felt that my only course was to tell the whole story to M. de Sartine, + but to do that I required Madame du Rumain’s permission. + </p> + <a name="linkC2HCH0009" id="linkC2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + My Examination—I Give the Clerk Three Hundred Louis—The + Midwife and Cartel-Bajac Imprisoned—Mdlle. X. C. V. Is + Brought to Bed of a Son and Obliges Her Mother to Make Me + Amends—The Suit Against Me Is Quashed—Mdlle. X. C. V. Goes + With Her Mother to Brussels and From Thence to Venice, Where + She Becomes a Great Lady—My Work-girls—Madame Baret—I Am + Robbed, Put in Prison, and Set at Liberty Again—I Go to + Holland—Helvetius’ “Esprit”—Piccolomini +</pre> + <p> + The day after my interview with M. de Sartine I waited on Madame du Rumain + at an early hour. Considering the urgency of the case I took the liberty + of rousing her from her slumbers, and as soon as she was ready to receive + me I told her all. + </p> + <p> + “There can be no hesitation in the matter,” said this delightful woman. + “We must make a confidant of M. de Sartine, and I will speak to him myself + to-day without fail.” + </p> + <p> + Forthwith she went to her desk and wrote to the criminal lieutenant asking + him to see her at three o’clock in the afternoon. In less than an hour the + servant returned with a note in which he said he would expect her. We + agreed that I should come again in the evening, when she would tell me the + result of her interview. + </p> + <p> + I went to the house at five o’clock, and had only a few minutes to wait. + </p> + <p> + “I have concealed nothing,” said she; “he knows that she is on the eve of + her confinement, and that you are not the father, which speaks highly for + your generosity. I told him that as soon as the confinement was over, and + the young lady had recovered her health, she would return to her mother, + though she would make no confession, and that the child should be well + looked after. You have now nothing to fear, and can calm yourself; but as + the case must go on you will be cited before the court the day after + to-morrow. I advise you to see the clerk of the court on some pretext or + other, and to make him accept a sum of money.” + </p> + <p> + I was summoned to appear, and I appeared. I saw M. de Sartine, ‘sedentem + pro tribunali’. At the end of the sitting he told me that he was obliged + to remand me, and that during my remand I must not leave Paris or get + married, as all my civil rights were in suspense pending the decision. I + promised to follow his commands. + </p> + <p> + I acknowledged in my examination that I was at the ball in a black domino + on the night named in my accusation, but I denied everything else. As for + Mdlle. X. C. V., I said that neither I nor anyone of her family had any + suspicion that she was with child. + </p> + <p> + Recollecting that I was an alien, and that this circumstance might make + Vauversin call for my arrest, on the plea that I might fly the kingdom, I + thought the moment opportune for making interest with the clerk of the + court, and I accordingly paid him a visit. After telling him of my fears, + I slipped into his hand a packet of three hundred louis, for which I did + not ask for a receipt, saying that they were to defray expenses if I were + mulcted in costs. He advised me to require the midwife to give bail for + her appearance, and I told my attorney to do so; but, four days after, the + following incident took place: + </p> + <p> + I was walking in the Temple Gardens, when I was accosted by a Savoyard, + who gave me a note in which I was informed that somebody in an alley, + fifty paces off, wanted to speak to me. “Either a love affair or a + challenge,” I said to myself, “let’s see.” I stopped my carriage, which + was following me, and went to the place. + </p> + <p> + I cannot say how surprised I was to see the wretched Cartel-Bajac standing + before me. “I have only a word to say,” said he, when he saw me. “We will + not be overheard here. The midwife is quite sure that you are the man who + brought a pregnant lady to her, but she is vexed that you are accused of + making away with her. Give her a hundred louis; she will then declare to + the court that she has been mistaken, and your trouble will be ended. You + need not pay the money till she has made her declaration; we will take + your word for it. Come with me and talk it over with Vauversin. I am sure + he will persuade you to do as I suggest. I know where to find him, follow + me at some distance.” + </p> + <p> + I had listened to him in silence, and I was delighted to see that the + rascals were betraying themselves. “Very good,” said I to the fellow, “you + go on, and I will follow.” I went after him to the third floor of a house + in the Rue aux Ours, where I found Vauversin the barrister. No sooner had + I arrived than he went to business without any prefatory remarks. + </p> + <p> + “The midwife,” he said, “will call on you with a witness apparently with + the intention of maintaining to your face that you are her man; but she + won’t be able to recognize you. She will then proceed with the witness to + the court, and will declare that she has made a mistake, and the criminal + lieutenant will forthwith put an end to the proceedings. You will thus be + certain of gaining your case against the lady’s mother.” + </p> + <p> + I thought the plan well conceived, and said that they would find me at the + Temple any day up to noon. + </p> + <p> + “But the midwife wants a hundred louis badly.” + </p> + <p> + “You mean that the worthy woman rates her perjury at that price. Well, + never mind, I will pay the money, and you may trust to my word; but I + can’t do so before she has taken oath to her mistake before the court.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good, but you must first give me twenty-five louis to reimburse me + for my costs and fees.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, if you will give me a formal receipt for the money.” + </p> + <p> + He hesitated at first, but after talking it over the money proved too + strong a bait, and he wrote out the receipt and I gave him the twenty-five + louis. He thanked me, and said that though Madame X. C. V. was his client, + he would let me know confidentially how best to put a stop to the + proceedings. I thanked him with as much gratitude as if I had really + intended to make use of his services, and I left to write and tell M. de + Sartine what had taken place. + </p> + <p> + Three days afterwards I was told that a man and woman wanted to see me. I + went down and asked the woman what she wanted. + </p> + <p> + “I want to speak to M. Casanova.” + </p> + <p> + “I am he.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I have made a mistake, for which I hope you will forgive me.” + </p> + <p> + Her companion smiled, and they went off. + </p> + <p> + The same day Madame du Rumain had a letter from the abbess telling her + that her young friend had given birth to a fine boy, who had been sent + away to a place where he would be well looked after. She stated that the + young lady could not leave the convent for the next six weeks, at the end + of which time she could return to her mother with a certificate which + would protect her from all annoyance. + </p> + <p> + Soon after the midwife was put in solitary confinement, Castel-Bajac was + sent to The Bicetre, and Vauversin’s name was struck off the rolls. The + suit instituted against me by Madame X. C. V. went on till her daughter + reappeared, but I knew that I had nothing to fear. The girl returned to + her mother about the end of August armed with a certificate from the + abbess, who said she had been under her protection for four months, during + which time she had never left the convent or seen any persons from + outside. This was perfectly true, but the abbess added that her only + reason for her going back to her family was that she had nothing more to + dread from the attentions of M. de la Popeliniere, and in this the abbess + lied. + </p> + <p> + Mdlle. X. C. V. profited by the delight of her mother in seeing her again + safe and sound, and made her wait on M. de Sartine with the abbess’s + certificate, stop all proceedings against me, and withdraw all the charges + she had made. Her daughter told her that if I liked I might claim damages + for libel, and that if she did not wish to injure her reputation she would + say nothing more about what had happened. + </p> + <p> + The mother wrote me a letter of the most satisfactory character, which I + had registered in court, thus putting an end to the prosecution. In my + turn I wrote to congratulate her on the recovery of her daughter, but I + never set foot in her house again, to avoid any disagreeable scenes with + Farsetti. + </p> + <p> + Mdlle. X. C. V. could not stay any longer in Paris, where her tale was + known to everyone, and Farsetti took her to Brussels with her sister + Madelaine. Some time after, her mother followed her, and they then went on + to Venice, and there in three years’ time she became a great lady. Fifteen + years afterwards I saw her again, and she was a widow, happy enough + apparently, and enjoying a great reputation on account of her rank, wit, + and social qualities, but our connection was never renewed. + </p> + <p> + In four years the reader will hear more of Castel-Bajac. Towards the end + of the same year (1759), before I went to Holland, I spent several hundred + francs to obtain the release of the midwife. + </p> + <p> + I lived like a prince, and men might have thought me happy, but I was not. + The enormous expenses I incurred, my love of spending money, and + magnificent pleasures, warned me, in spite of myself, that there were + rocks ahead. My business would have kept me going for a long time, if + custom had not been paralyzed by the war; but as it was, I, like everybody + else, experienced the effect of bad times. My warehouse contained four + hundred pieces of stuffs with designs on them, but as I could not hope to + dispose of them before the peace, and as peace seemed a long way off, I + was threatened with ruin. + </p> + <p> + With this fear I wrote to Esther to get her father to give me the + remainder of my money, to send me a sharp clerk, and to join in my + speculation. M. d’O—— said that if I would set up in Holland + he would become responsible for everything and give me half profits, but I + liked Paris too well to agree to so good an offer. I was sorry for it + afterwards. + </p> + <p> + I spent a good deal of money at my private house, but the chief expense of + my life, which was unknown to others but which was ruining me, was + incurred in connection with the girls who worked in my establishment. With + my complexion and my pronounced liking for variety, a score of girls, + nearly all of them pretty and seductive, as most Paris girls are, was a + reef on which my virtue made shipwreck every day. Curiosity had a good + deal to do with it, and they profited by my impatience to take possession + by selling their favours dearly. They all followed the example of the + first favourite, and everyone claimed in turn an establishment, furniture, + money, and jewels; and I knew too little of the value of money to care how + much they asked. My fancy never lasted longer than a week, and often waned + in three or four days, and the last comer always appeared the most worthy + of my attentions. + </p> + <p> + As soon as I had made a new choice I saw no more of my old loves, but I + continued to provide for them, and that with a good deal of money. Madame + d’Urfe, who thought I was rich, gave me no trouble. I made her happy by + using my oracle to second the magical ceremonies of which she grew fonder + every day, although she never attained her aim. Manon Baletti, however, + grieved me sorely by her jealousy and her well-founded reproaches. She + would not understand—and I did not wonder at it—how I could + put off marrying her if I really loved her. She accused me of deceiving + her. Her mother died of consumption in our arms. Silvia had won my true + friendship. I looked upon her as a most worthy woman, whose kindness of + heart and purity of life deserved the esteem of all. I stayed in the + family for three days after her death, sincerely sympathizing with them in + their affliction. + </p> + <p> + A few days afterwards, my friend Tiretta lost his mistress through a + grievous illness. Four days before her death, perceiving that she was near + her end, she willed to consecrate to God that which man could have no + longer, and dismissed her lover with the gift of a valuable jewel and a + purse of two hundred louis. Tiretta marched off and came and told me the + sad news. I got him a lodging near the Temple, and a month after, + approving his idea to try his fortune in India, I gave him a letter of + introduction to M. d’O——, of Amsterdam; and in the course of a + week this gentleman got him a post as clerk, and shipped him aboard one of + the company’s ships which was bound for Batavia. If he had behaved well he + might have become a rich man, but he got involved in some conspiracy and + had to fly, and afterwards experienced many vicissitudes of fortune. I + heard from one of his relations that he was in Bengal in 1788, in good + circumstances, but unable to realize his property and so return to his + native country. I do not know what became of him eventually. + </p> + <p> + In the beginning of November an official belonging to the Duc d’Elbeuf’s + household came to my establishment to buy a wedding dress for his + daughter. I was dazzled with her beauty. She chose a fine satin, and her + pretty face lighted up when she heard her father say he did not think it + was too much; but she looked quite piteous when she heard the clerk tell + her father that he would have to buy the whole piece, as they could not + cut it. I felt that I must give in, and to avoid making an exception in + her favour I beat a hasty retreat into my private room. I wish I had gone + out of the house, as I should have saved a good deal of money; but what + pleasure should I have also lost! In her despair the charming girl begged + the manager to take her to me, and he dared not refuse to do so. She came + in; two big tears falling down her cheeks and dimming the ardour of her + gaze. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, sir!” she began, “you are rich, do you buy the piece and let me have + enough for a dress, which will make me happy.” + </p> + <p> + I looked at her father and saw he wore an apologetic air, as if + deprecating the boldness of his child. + </p> + <p> + “I like your simplicity,” I said to her, “and since it will make you + happy, you shall have the dress.” + </p> + <p> + She ran up to me, threw her arms round my neck and kissed me, while her + worthy father was dying with laughter. Her kisses put the last stroke to + my bewitchment. After he had paid for the dress, her father said, + </p> + <p> + “I am going to get this little madcap married next Sunday; there will be a + supper and a ball, and we shall be delighted if you will honour us with + your presence. My name is Gilbert. I am comptroller of the Duc d’Elbeuf’s + household.” + </p> + <p> + I promised to be at the wedding, and the young lady gave a skip of joy + which made me think her prettier than ever. + </p> + <p> + On Sunday I repaired to the house, but I could neither eat nor drink. The + fair Mdlle. Gilbert kept me in a kind of enchantment which lasted while I + was in company with her friends, for whom I did not care. They were all + officials in noblemen’s houses, with their wives and daughters, who all + aped the manners of their betters in the most ridiculous way; nobody knew + me and I was known to nobody, and I cut a sorry figure amongst them all, + for in a company of this sort the wittiest man is the greatest fool. + Everybody cracked his joke to the bride, she answered everybody, and + people laughed at nothing. + </p> + <p> + Her husband, a thin and melancholy man, with a rather foolish expression, + was delighted at his wife’s keeping everybody amused. Although I was in + love with her, I pitied rather than envied him. I guessed that he had + married for monetary considerations, and I knew pretty well what kind of a + head-dress his handsome, fiery wife would give her husband, who was + plain-featured, and seemed not to be aware of his wife’s beauty. I was + seized with the desire of asking her some questions, and she gave me the + opportunity by coming to sit next to me after a quadrille. She thanked me + again for my kindness, and said that the beautiful dress I had supplied + had won her many compliments. + </p> + <p> + “All the same,” I said, “I know you are longing to take it off. I know + what love is and how impatient it makes one.” + </p> + <p> + “It’s very funny that everyone persists in thinking that I am in love, + though I saw M. Baret for the first time only a week ago. Before then I + was absolutely unconscious of his existence.” + </p> + <p> + “But why are you getting married in such a hurry without waiting till you + know him better?” + </p> + <p> + “Because my father does everything in a hurry.” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose your husband is a very rich man?” + </p> + <p> + “No, but he may become rich. We are going to open a shop for silk + stockings at the corner of the Rue St. Honore and the Rue des Prouveres, + and I hope that you will deal with us, as we would serve you with the + best.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall certainly do so—nay, I will be your first customer, if I + have to wait at the door.” + </p> + <p> + “You are kind! M. Baret,” said she to her husband, who was standing close + by, “this gentleman promises to be our first customer.” + </p> + <p> + “The gentleman is very good,” said the husband, “and I am sure he will be + satisfied, as my stockings are genuine silk.” + </p> + <p> + Next Tuesday at day-break I began to dance attendance at the corner of the + Rue des Prouveres, and waited there till the servant came out to take down + the shutters. I went in and the girl asked me my business. + </p> + <p> + “I want to buy some stockings,” was my answer. + </p> + <p> + “Master and mistress are still in bed, so you had better come later on.” + </p> + <p> + “No, I will wait here. Stop a minute,” said I, giving her six francs, “go + and get me some coffee; I will drink it in the shop.” + </p> + <p> + “I might go and get you some coffee, but I am not so silly as to leave you + in the shop by yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “You are afraid I might steal something!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, one does hear of such things being done, and I don’t know you from + Adam.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good; but I shall stay here all the same.” + </p> + <p> + Before long Baret came down and scolded the poor girl for not having told + him of my presence. “Go and tell my wife to come,” said he, as he began + opening packets of stockings for me to choose from. He kept stockings, + vests, and silk drawers, and I turned one packet over after another, + looking at them all and not fixing on anything till I saw his wife coming + down as fresh as a rose and as bright as a lily. She smiled at me in the + most seductive manner, apologized for the disorder of her dress, and + thanked me for keeping my word. + </p> + <p> + “I never break my word,” I said, “especially when such a charming lady is + concerned!” + </p> + <p> + Madame Baret was seventeen, of a moderate height, and an exquisite figure; + without being classically beautiful, a Raphael could not wish to depict a + more enticing face. Her eyes were large and brilliant. Her drooping + eyelids, which gave her so modest and yet so voluptuous an appearance, the + ever-smiling mouth, her splendid teeth, the dazzling whiteness of her + complexion, the pleasing air with which she listened to what was being + said, her silvery voice, the sweetness and sparkling vivacity of her + manner, her lack of conceit, or rather her unconsciousness of the power of + her charms—in fine, everything about this masterpiece of nature made me + wonder and admire; while she, by chance or vile monetary considerations, + was in the power of Baret, who, pale and sickly, thought a good deal more + of his stockings than of the treasure marriage had given him—a + treasure of which he was all unworthy, since he could not see its beauty + nor taste its sweetness. + </p> + <p> + I chose stockings and vests to the amount of twenty-five louis, and I paid + the price without trying to cheapen them. I saw the face of the fair + shopwoman light up, and I augured well for my success, though I could not + expect to do much while the honeymoon lasted. I told the servant that I + would give her six francs if she would bring the packet to my house, and + so I left them. + </p> + <p> + Next Sunday Baret came himself with my purchases. I gave him six francs to + hand over to his servant, but he hinted that he was not too proud to keep + them himself. I was disgusted at this petty greed, and at his meanness in + depriving his maid of the six francs after having made a good profit in + what he had sold me; but I wanted to stand well with him, and I was not + sorry to find so simple a way of throwing dust into his eyes. So while I + resolved that the servant should not be a loser I gave the husband a good + reception that I might the better mould him to my purpose. I had breakfast + brought to him, asking why he had not brought his wife. + </p> + <p> + “She wanted me to take her,” said he, “but I was afraid you might be + offended.” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all, I should have been delighted. I think your wife a charming + woman.” + </p> + <p> + “You are very kind to say so; but she’s young, she’s young.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t think that’s any objection; and if she cares for the walk, bring + her with you another time.” He said he should be very pleased to do so. + </p> + <p> + When I passed by the shop in my carriage I blew kisses to her with my + hand, but I did not stop as I did not want any more stockings. Indeed, I + should have been bored with the crowd of fops with which the shop was + always full. She began to be a topic of conversation in the town; the + Palais Royal was full of her; and I was glad to hear that she kept to + herself as if she had richer prey in view. That told me that no one + possessed her so far, and I hoped that I might be the prey myself; I was + quite willing to be captured. + </p> + <p> + Some days after, she saw my carriage coming, and beckoned to me as I + passed. I got out, and her husband with many apologies told me that he + wanted me to be the first to see a new fashion in breeches he had just got + in. The breeches were parti-coloured, and no man of fashion would be seen + without them. They were odd-looking things, but became a well-made young + man. As they had to fit exactly, I told him to measure me for six pairs, + offering to pay in advance. “We have them in all sizes,” said he, “go up + to my wife’s room and try some on.” + </p> + <p> + It was a good opportunity and I accepted, especially when I heard him tell + his wife to go and help me. I went upstairs, she following, and I began to + undress, apologizing for doing so before her. + </p> + <p> + “I will fancy I am your valet,” said she, “and I will help you.” + </p> + <p> + I did not make any difficulties, and after taking off my shoes I gave her + my breeches, taking care, however, to keep on my drawers, lest her modesty + should receive too severe a shock. This done she took a pair of breeches, + drew them on me, took them off, and tried on others, and all this without + any impropriety on either side; for I had determined to behave with + discretion till the opportunity came to be indiscreet. She decided that + four pairs fitted me admirably, and, not wishing to contradict her, I gave + her the sixteen louis she asked, and told her I should be delighted if she + would bring them herself at any time when she was at leisure. She came + downstairs quite proud of her knowledge of business, and Baret said that + next Sunday he and his wife would have the honour of bringing me my + purchase. + </p> + <p> + “I shall be charmed, M. Baret,” said I, “especially if you will stay to + dinner.” + </p> + <p> + He answered that having an important engagement for two o’clock he could + only accept on the condition that I would let him go at that time, and he + would return at about five to fetch his wife. I found the plan vastly to + my taste, but I knew how to conceal my joy; and I quietly said that though + I should lose the pleasure of his society, he was free to go when he + liked, especially as I had not to go out myself before six. + </p> + <p> + I looked forward to the Sunday, and the tradesman and his wife did not + fail me. As soon as they arrived, I told my servant to say “Not at home” + for the rest of the day, and as I was impatient to know what would happen + in the afternoon I had dinner served at an early hour. The dishes were + exquisite, and the wines delicious. The good man ate much and drank + deeply, indeed to such an extent that in common politeness I was obliged + to remind him that he had an important appointment at two. His wits being + sharpened with champagne, the happy thought occurred to him to tell his + wife to go home by herself, if he were kept later than five; and I + hastened to add that I would take her home myself in my carriage. He + thanked me, and I soothed his uneasiness about being punctual to his + appointment by telling him that a coach was waiting, and that the fare had + been paid. He went off, and I found myself alone with my jewel, whom I was + certain of possessing till six o’clock. + </p> + <p> + As soon as I heard the hall door shut on the kind husband, I said to his + wife, + </p> + <p> + “You are to be congratulated on having such a kind husband; with a man + like that your happiness is assured.” + </p> + <p> + “It is easy to say happiness, but enjoying it is a different thing. My + husband’s health is so delicate that I can only consider myself as his + nurse; and then he contracted heavy debts to set up in business which + oblige us to observe the strictest economy. We came here on foot to save + the twenty-four sous. We could live on the profits of the business, if + there were no debts, but as it is everything goes to pay the interest, and + our sales are not large enough to cover everything.” + </p> + <p> + “But you have plenty of customers, for whenever I pass I see the shop full + of people.” + </p> + <p> + “These customers you see are idlers, crackers of bad jokes, and + profligates, who come and make my head ache with their jests. They have + not a penny to bless themselves with, and we dare not let them out of our + sight for fear of their hands wandering. If we had cared to give them + credit, our shop would have been emptied long ago. I am rude to them, in + the hopes that they may leave me alone, but it’s of no use. Their + impudence is astonishing. When my husband is in I retreat to my room, but + he is often away, and then I am obliged to put up with them. And the + scarcity of money prevents us from doing much business, but we are obliged + to pay our workmen all the same. As far as I can see, we shall be obliged + to dismiss them, as we shall soon have to meet several bills. Next + Saturday we have got to pay six hundred francs, and we have only got two + hundred.” + </p> + <p> + “I am surprised at your having all this worry in these early days of your + marriage. I suppose your father knew about your husband’s circumstances; + how about your dowry?” + </p> + <p> + “My dowry of six thousand francs has served, most of it, to stock the shop + and to pay our debts. We have goods which would pay our debts three times + over; but in bad times capital sunk is capital dead.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry to hear all this, as if peace is not made your situation will + become worse, for as you go on your needs will become greater.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, for when my husband is better we may have children.” + </p> + <p> + “What! Do you mean to say his health prevents him from making you a + mother? I can’t believe it.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t see how I can be a mother who am still a maid; not that I care + much about the matter.” + </p> + <p> + “I shouldn’t have believed it! How can a man not in the agony of death + feel ill beside you? He must be dead.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, he is not exactly dead, but he doesn’t shew many signs of life.” + </p> + <p> + This piece of wit made me laugh, and under cover of my applause I embraced + her without experiencing much resistance. The first kiss was like an + electric spark; it fired my imagination and I increased my attentions till + she became as submissive as a lamb. + </p> + <p> + “I will help you, dearest, to meet the bill on Saturday;” and so saying I + drew her gently into a closet where a soft divan formed a suitable altar + for the completion of an amorous sacrifice. + </p> + <p> + I was enchanted to find her submissive to my caresses and my + inquisitiveness, but she surprised me greatly when, as I placed myself in + readiness for the consummation of the act, and was already in the proper + posture between the two columns, she moved in such a way as to hinder my + advance. I thought at first that it was only one of those devices intended + to make the final victory more sweet by putting difficulties in the way; + but, finding that her resistance was genuine, I exclaimed, + </p> + <p> + “How was I to expect a refusal like this at a moment when I thought I saw + my ardours reflected in your eyes?” + </p> + <p> + “Your eyes did not deceive you; but what would my husband say if he found + me otherwise than as God has made me?” + </p> + <p> + “He can’t have left you untouched!” + </p> + <p> + “He really has done so. You can see for yourself if you like. Can I, then, + give to you what appertains to the genius of the marriage-bed.” + </p> + <p> + “You are right, my angel; this fruit must be kept for a mouth unworthy to + taste it. I pity and adore you. Come to my arms, abandon yourself to my + love, and fear nothing. The fruit shall not be damaged; I will but taste + the outer surface and leave no trace behind.” + </p> + <p> + We passed three hours in trifling together in a manner calculated to + inflame our passions despite the libations which we now and again poured + forth. I was consoled by her swearing to be mine as soon as Baret had good + grounds for thinking that she was his, and, after taking her on the + Boulevards, I left her at her door, with a present of twenty-five Louis. + </p> + <p> + I was in love with her as I had never been before, and I passed the shop + three or four times a day, going round and round, to the wrath of my + coachman, who got sick of telling me that I was ruining my horses. I was + happy to see her watch for the moment that I passed, and waft me a kiss by + putting her pretty fingers to her mouth. + </p> + <p> + We had agreed that she should not make me a sign to leave my coach till + her husband had forced a passage. At last this day, so ardently desired + and so long waited for, arrived. The sign was given, and I stopped the + coach and she came out and, standing on the step, told me to go and wait + for her at the church door of St. Germain l’Auxerrois. + </p> + <p> + I was curious to know what the results would be, and had not been at the + place appointed more than a quarter of an hour when she came towards me, + her head muffled in a hood. She got into the carriage and, saying that she + wanted to make some purchases, begged me to take her to the shops. + </p> + <p> + I had business of my own, and pressing business too, but who can refuse + the Beloved Object anything? I told the coachman to drive to the Place + Dauphine, and I prepared to loosen my purse-strings, as I had a feeling + she was going to treat me as a friend. In point of fact she left few shops + unvisited, going from jewels to pretty trifles and toys of different + kinds, and from these to dresses of the latest fashion, which they + displayed before her, addressing her as princess, and saying that this + would become her admirably. She looked at me, and said it must be + confessed that it was very pretty and that she would like it if it were + not so dear. I was a willing dupe, and assured her that if she liked it it + could not be too dear, and that I would pay. + </p> + <p> + While my sweetheart was thus choosing one trifle after another my ill-luck + brought about an incident which placed me in a fearful situation four + years afterwards. The chain of events is endless. + </p> + <p> + I perceived at my left hand a pretty girl of twelve or thirteen, with an + old and ugly woman who was disparaging a pair of ear-rings which the girl + had in her hands, and on which she had evidently set her heart: she looked + sad at not being able to buy them. I heard her say to the old woman that + they would make her happy, but she snatched them from the girl’s hands and + told her to come away. + </p> + <p> + “I can let you have a cheaper pair and almost as fine,” said the + shopwoman, but the young lady said she did not care about it, and was + getting ready to go, making a profound reverence to my princess Baret. + </p> + <p> + She, no doubt flattered by this sign of respect went up to her, called her + little queen, told her she was as fair as a May morning, and asked the old + woman her name, + </p> + <p> + “She is Mdlle. de Boulainvilier, my niece.” + </p> + <p> + “How can you be so hard-hearted,” said I to the aunt, “as to refuse your + charming niece a toy which would make her happy? Allow me to make her a + present of them.” + </p> + <p> + So saying I put the ear-rings in the girl’s hands, while she blushed and + looked at her aunt as if to ask her permission. + </p> + <p> + “You may have the ear-rings,” said she, “as this gentleman has been kind + enough to give you such a present, and you should give him a kiss by way + of thanks.” + </p> + <p> + “The ear-rings,” said the shopwoman, “will be only three louis.” + </p> + <p> + Hereupon the affair took a comic turn; the old woman got into a rage and + said, + </p> + <p> + “How can you be such a cheat? You told me they were only two louis.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, madam, I asked three.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s a lie, and I shall not allow you to rob this gentleman. Niece, put + those ear-rings down; let the shopwoman keep them.” + </p> + <p> + So far all was well enough; but the old aunt spoilt everything by saying + that if I liked to give her niece the three louis she could get her a pair + twice as good at another shop. It was all the same to me, so I smilingly + put the three louis in front of the young lady, who still had the + ear-rings in her hands. The shop-woman, who was on the look-out, pocketed + the money, saying that the bargain was made, that the three louis belonged + to her and the ear-rings to the young lady. + </p> + <p> + “You are a cheat,” cried out the enraged old woman. + </p> + <p> + “And you are an old b——d,” answered the shop-woman, “I know + you well.” A crowd began to gather in front of the shop, hearing the cries + of the two harpies. Foreseeing a good deal of unpleasantness, I took the + aunt by the arm and led her gently away. The niece, who was quite content + with the ear-rings, and did not care whether they cost three louis or two, + followed her. We shall hear of them again in due course. + </p> + <p> + My dear Baret having made me waste a score of louis, which her poor + husband would have regretted much more than myself, we got into the + carriage again, and I took her to the church door from which we had + started. On the way she told me she was coming to stop a few days with me + at Little Poland, and that it was her husband who would ask me for the + invitation. + </p> + <p> + “When will he do that?” + </p> + <p> + “To-morrow, if you go by the shop. Come and buy some stockings; I shall + have a bad headache, and Baret will speak to you.” + </p> + <p> + It may be imagined that I took care to call the next day, and as I did not + see his wife in the shop I asked in a friendly way after her health. + </p> + <p> + “She is ill in bed,” he replied; “she wants a little country air.” + </p> + <p> + “If you have not fixed for any place, I shall be happy to put you up at + Little Poland.” + </p> + <p> + He replied by a smile of delight. + </p> + <p> + “I will go and urge her to come myself; in the meanwhile, M. Baret, will + you pack me up a dozen pairs of stockings?” + </p> + <p> + I went upstairs and found the invalid in bed, and laughing in spite of her + imaginary headache. “The business is done,” said I, “you will soon hear of + it.” As I had said, the husband came upstairs with my stockings and told + her that I had been good enough to give her a room in my house. The crafty + little creature thanked me, assuring her husband that the fresh air would + soon cure her. + </p> + <p> + “You shall be well looked after,” said I, “but you must excuse me if I do + not keep you company—I have to attend to my business. M. Baret will + be able to come and sleep with you every night, and start early enough in + the morning to be in time for the opening of his shop.” + </p> + <p> + After many compliments had been interchanged, Baret decided on having his + sister stay in the house while his wife was away, and as I took leave I + said that, I should give orders for their reception that very evening, in + case I was out when they came. + </p> + <p> + Next day I stayed out till after midnight, and the cook told me that the + wedded couple had made a good supper and had gone to bed. I warned her + that I should be dining at home every day, and that I should not see my + company. + </p> + <p> + The following day I was up betimes, and on enquiring if the husband had + risen I learnt that he had got up at day-break and would not be back till + supper-time. The wife was still asleep. I thought with reason she was not + asleep for me, and I went to pay her my first visit. In point of fact she + was awake, and I took a foretaste of greater joys by a thousand kisses, + which she returned with interest. We jested at the expense of the worthy + man who had trusted me with a jewel of which I was about to make such good + use, and we congratulated each other on the prospect of a week’s mutual + pleasures. + </p> + <p> + “Come, my dear,” said I, “get up and put on a few clothes and we will take + breakfast in my room.” + </p> + <p> + She did not make an elaborate toilette; a cotton dressing gown, a pretty + lace cap, a lawn kerchief, that was all, but how the simple dress was + lighted by the roses of her cheeks! We were quick over our breakfast, we + were in a hurry, and when we had done I shut the door and we gave + ourselves over to the enjoyment of our bliss. + </p> + <p> + Surprised to find her in the same condition in which I had left her, I + told her I had hoped . . . but she, without giving me time to finish the + phrase, said, + </p> + <p> + “My jewel, Baret thinks, or pretends to think, that he has done his duty + as a husband; but he is no hand at the business, and I am disposed to put + myself in your hands, and then there will be no doubt of my condition.” + </p> + <p> + “We shall thus, my sweet, be doing him a service, and the service shall be + well done.” + </p> + <p> + As I said these words I was on the threshold of the temple, and I opened + the door in a manner that overthrew all obstacles. A little scream and + then several sighs announced the completion of the sacrifice, and, to tell + the truth, the altar of love was covered with the blood of the victim. + After the necessary ablutions the priest once more began his pious work, + while the victim growing bolder so provoked his rage that it was not till + the fourth mactation that we rested and put off our joust to another + season. We swore a thousand times to love each other and to remain + constant, and we may possibly have been sincere, as we were in our ecstasy + of pleasure. + </p> + <p> + We only separated to dress; then after taking a turn in the garden we + dined together, sure that in a sumptuous repast, washed down by the + choicest wines, we should find strength to reanimate our desires and to + lull them to sleep in bliss. + </p> + <p> + At dessert, as I was pouring champagne into her glass, I asked her how + with such a fiery temperament she had managed to preserve her virtue? + </p> + <p> + “Cupid,” said I, “might have gathered the fruit that Hymen could not + taste. You are seventeen, and the pear has been ripe for two years at + least.” + </p> + <p> + “Very true, but I have never had a lover.” + </p> + <p> + “Never?” + </p> + <p> + “I have been courted, but to no effect. My heart was ever silent. Possibly + my father thought otherwise when I begged him, a month ago, to get me + married soon.” + </p> + <p> + “Very likely, but as you were not in love, why were you in such a hurry?” + </p> + <p> + “I knew that the Duc d’Elbeuf would soon be coming to town, and that if he + found me still single he would oblige me to become the wife of a man I + detest, who would have me at any price.” + </p> + <p> + “Who is this man for whom you have such an aversion?” + </p> + <p> + “He is one of the duke’s pets, a monster who sleeps with his master.” + </p> + <p> + “Really! I did not know the duke had such tastes.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh yes; he is eighty-four, and he thinks himself a woman; he says he must + have a husband.” + </p> + <p> + “That is very funny. And is this aspirant to your hand a handsome man?” + </p> + <p> + “I think him horrible; but everybody else thinks he is a fine man.” + </p> + <p> + The charming Baret spent a week with me, and each day we renewed the + combat in which we were always conquerors and always conquered. I have + seen few women as pretty and seductive, and none whose skin was more + exquisitely soft and fair. Her breath was aromatic, and this made her + kisses most sweet. Her neck was exquisitely shaped, and the two globes, + tipped with coral, were as hard as marble. The exquisite curves of her + figure would have defied the skill of the ablest painter. I experienced an + ineffable joy in contemplating her, and in the midst of my happiness I + called myself unhappy because I could not satisfy all the desires which + her charms aroused in me. The frieze which crowned her columns was + composed of links of pale gold of the utmost fineness, and my fingers + strove in vain to give them another direction to that which nature had + given them. She could easily have been taught those lively yet graceful + movements which double the pleasure; nature had done her part in that + direction, and I do not think a more expert mistress in the art of love + could be found. + </p> + <p> + Each of us looked forward to the day of her departure with equal grief, + and our only consolation lay in the hope of meeting again, and often. + Three days after she went away, I went to see her, more in love than ever, + and I gave her two notes of five thousand francs apiece. Her husband might + have his suspicions, but he was too happy at being enabled to pay his + debts and to keep his shop open to say anything unpleasant. Many husbands + besides himself think themselves lucky to have such productive wives. + </p> + <p> + In the beginning of November I sold shares for fifty thousand francs to a + man named Garnier, living in the Rue du Mail, giving up to him a third part + of the materials in my warehouse, and accepting a manager chosen by him + and paid by the company. Three days after signing the deed I received the + money; but in the night the doctor, my warehouseman, emptied the till and + absconded. I have always thought that this robbery could not have been + effected without the connivance of the painter. This loss was a serious + blow to me, as my affairs were getting into an embroiled condition; and, + for a finishing touch to my misfortunes, Garnier had me served with a + summons to repay him the fifty thousand francs. My answer was that I was + not liable, that his manager had been appointed, the agreement and sale of + the shares was valid, and that he being one of the company would have to + share in the loss. As he persisted in his claim, I was advised to go to + law, but Garnier declared the agreement null and void, accusing me in an + indirect manner of having appropriated the money which I had said was + stolen. I would willingly have given him a good thrashing, but he was an + old man, and that course would not have mended matters, so I kept my + temper. The merchant who had given surety for the doctor was not to be + found; he had become bankrupt. Garnier had all my stock seized, and + sequestrated my horses, carriages, and all my private property. + </p> + <p> + While these troubles were harassing me, I dismissed all my work-girls, who + had always been a great expense, and replaced them with workmen and some + of my servants. The painter still retained his position, which was an + assured one, as he always paid himself out of the sales. + </p> + <p> + My attorney was an honest man—a rare bird amongst lawyers—but + my counsel, who kept telling me that the case would soon be decided, was a + rascal. While the decision was pending, Garnier served me with a writ to + pay the sum claimed. I took it to my counsel, who promised to appeal the + same day, which he did not do, while he appropriated to his own use the + money assigned by me for the costs of an action which, if there had been + justice in France, I should certainly have gained. Two other summonses + were issued against me, and before I knew what was going on a warrant was + issued for my arrest. I was seized at eight o’clock in the morning, as I + was driving along the Rue St. Denis. The sergeant of police sat beside me, + a second got up beside the coachman, and a third stationed himself at the + back of the coach, and in this state we drove to Fort l’Eveque. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the police had handed me over to the gaoler, he informed me + that by payment of the fifty thousand francs, or by giving good bail, I + might instantly regain my freedom. + </p> + <p> + “For the moment,” said I, “I can neither command money nor bail.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good, then you will stay in prison.” + </p> + <p> + The gaoler took me to a decent-looking room, and I told him I had only + been served with one writ. + </p> + <p> + “Very likely,” answered he, “it often happens like that; but it is rather + difficult to prove.” + </p> + <p> + “Bring me writing materials, and have a trusty messenger at my disposal.” + </p> + <p> + I wrote to my counsel, my attorney, to Madame d’Urfe, and to all my + friends, including my brother, who was just married. The attorney called + immediately, but the barrister contented himself with writing to the + effect that as he had put in an appeal my seizure was illegal, and that + damages might be recovered. He ended by begging me to give him a free + hand, and to have patience for a few days. + </p> + <p> + Manon Baletti sent her brother with her diamond earrings. Madame du Rumain + dispatched her barrister—a man of rare honesty—to me, and + wrote a friendly note in which she said that if I wanted five hundred + louis I should have them to-morrow. My brother neither wrote nor came to + see me. As to dear Madame d’Urfe she sent to say that she would expect me + at dinner. I thought she had gone mad, as I could not think she was making + fun of me. + </p> + <p> + At eleven o’clock my room was full of people. Poor Baret had come weeping, + and offering me all his shop held. I was touched by the worthy man’s + kindness. At last I was told that a lady in a coach wanted to see me. I + waited, but nobody came. In my impatience I called the turnkey, who told + me that, after questioning the clerk of the prison, she had gone away + again. From the description I was given I had no difficulty in identifying + the lady with Madame d’Urfe. + </p> + <p> + To find myself deprived of my liberty was a disagreeable shock to me. I + thought of The Leads, and though my present situation was not to be + compared with that, I cursed my fate as I foresaw that my imprisonment + would damage my reputation. I had thirty thousand francs in hard cash and + jewels to more than double that amount, but I could not decide on making + such a sacrifice, in spite of the advice given by Madame du Rumain’s + barrister, who would have me got out of prison at any cost. + </p> + <p> + “All you have to do,” said the barrister, “is to deposit half the sum + demanded which I will give to the clerk of the court, and in a short time + I can promise a decision in your favour and the restoration of your + money.” + </p> + <p> + We were discussing the matter, when the gaoler entered, and said, very + politely, + </p> + <p> + “Sir, you are a free man again, and a lady is waiting for you at the door + in her carriage.” + </p> + <p> + I called Le Duc, my man, and told him to go and see who the lady was. He + returned with the information that it was Madame d’Urfe. I made my bow to + everybody, and after four very disagreeable hours of imprisonment, I found + myself free again and sitting in a splendid coach. + </p> + <p> + Madame d’Urfe received me with dignified kindness, and a judge who was in + the carriage apologized for his country, where strangers were exposed to + such insults. I thanked Madame d’Urfe in a few words, telling her that I + was glad to become her debtor, but that it was Garnier who benefited by + her generosity. She replied with a pleasant smile that she was not so sure + of that, and that we would talk it over at dinner. She wanted me to go and + walk in the Tuileries and the Palais Royal, to convince people that the + report of my imprisonment had been false. I thought the advice excellent, + and as I set out I promised to be with her at two o’clock. + </p> + <p> + After shewing myself at the two principal walks of Paris, amusing myself + by the astonishment depicted on certain faces well known to me, I went and + returned the ear-rings to my dear Manon, who gave an astonished but a + happy cry when she saw me. I thanked her tenderly for the proof she had + given me of her attachment, and said that I had been arrested by a plot + for which I would make the plotters pay dear. After promising to spend the + evening with them I went to Madame d’Urfe’s. + </p> + <p> + This good lady, whose foible is well known to my readers, made me laugh + when she said that her genius had told her that I had got myself arrested + to be talked about, for reasons which were known only to myself. + </p> + <p> + “As soon as I was informed of your arrest,” said she, “I went to the Fort + l’Eveque, and on learning from the clerk what the affair was about, I + deposited bonds to bail you out. If you are not in a position to have + justice done you, Garnier will have to reckon with me before he takes the + money I have deposited. But your first step should be to commence a + criminal prosecution against your counsel, who has not only failed to put + in your appeal but has robbed and deceived you.” + </p> + <p> + I left her in the evening, assuring her that in a few days her bail should + be returned to her; and went to the French and Italian plays in + succession, taking care to render myself conspicuous that my reappearance + might be complete. Afterwards I went to sup with Manon Baletti, who was + too happy to have had an opportunity of shewing her affection for me; and + her joy was full when I told her that I was going to give up business, for + she thought that my seraglio was the only obstacle to my marriage with + her. + </p> + <p> + The next day was passed with Madame du Rumain. I felt that my obligations + to her were great, while she, in the goodness of her heart, was persuaded + that she could make no adequate return to me for the oracles with which I + furnished her, and by following which she was safely guided through the + perplexities of life. I cannot understand how she, whose wit was keen, and + whose judgment on other subjects was of the soundest kind, could be liable + to such folly. I was sorry when I reflected that I could not undeceive + her, and glad when I reflected that to this deceit of mine the kindness + she had shewn me was chiefly due. + </p> + <p> + My imprisonment disgusted me with Paris, and made me conceive a hatred of + the law, which I feel now. I found myself entangled in a double maze of + knavery—Garnier was my foe, and so was my own counsel. Every time I + went to plead, to spend my money amongst lawyers, and to waste the time + better given to pleasure, I felt as if I was going to execution. In this + perturbed kind of life, so contrary to my inclinations, I resolved to set + to work in earnest to make my fortune, so that I might become independent + and free to enjoy life according to my tastes. I decided in the first + place that I would cut myself free of all that bound me to Paris, make a + second journey into Holland to replenish my purse and invest my money in a + yearly income for two lives, and from thenceforth live free from care. The + two lives were those of my wife and myself; my wife would be Manon + Baletti, and when I told her my plans she would have thought them + delightful if I had begun by marrying her. + </p> + <p> + The first thing I did was to give up Little Poland. I then drew the + twenty-four thousand francs which were my surety for keeping a lottery + office in the Rue St. Denis. Thus I got rid of my ridiculous office of + lottery receiver, and after getting my clerk married I handed over the + office to him; in short, I made his fortune. A friend of his wife’s was + his surety; such things often happen. + </p> + <p> + I did not like to leave Madame d’Urfe involved in a troublesome suit with + Garnier, so I went to Versailles to see the Abbe de la Ville, a great + friend of his, and begged him to induce Garnier to make a composition. + </p> + <p> + The abbe saw that his friend was in the wrong, and so was all the more + willing to help me; and a few days afterwards he wrote to me to go and see + him, assuring me that I should find him inclined to arrange matters in a + friendly manner. + </p> + <p> + Garnier was at Ruelle, where he had a house which cost him four hundred + thousand francs—a fine estate for a man who had made his money as an + army contractor during the last war. He was rich, but he was so + unfortunate as to be still fond of women at the age of seventy, while his + impotence debarred him from the proper enjoyment of their society. I found + him in company with three young ladies, all of whom were pretty, and (as I + heard afterwards) of good families; but they were poor, and their + necessities forced them to submit to a disgusting intercourse with the old + profligate. I stayed to dinner and admired the propriety and modesty of + their behaviour in spite of the humiliation which accompanies poverty. + After dinner, Garnier went to sleep, and left me to entertain these girls + whom I would willingly have rescued from their unfortunate situation if I + had been able. After Garnier woke, we went into his study to talk over our + business. + </p> + <p> + At first he maintained his claim tenaciously, and seemed unwilling to + yield an inch; but when I told him that I was leaving Paris in a few days, + he saw that as he could not keep me, Madame d’Urfe might take the suit + over and carry it on to infinity, and that he might lose it at last. That + made him think it over, and he asked me to stay in his house for the + night. The next day, after breakfast, he said,— + </p> + <p> + “I have made up my mind: I will have twenty-five thousand francs, or keep + the matter before the courts till my dying day.” + </p> + <p> + I answered that he would find the sum in the hands of Madame d’Urfe’s + solicitor, and that he could receive it as soon as he had given replevy on + the bail at the Fort l’Eveque. + </p> + <p> + I could not persuade Madame d’Urfe that I had acted wisely in coming to an + arrangement till I had told her that my genius had commanded me not to + leave Paris before my affairs were settled, so that no one might be able + to accuse me of having gone away to avoid creditors whose claims I could + not satisfy. + </p> + <p> + Three or four days afterwards I went to take leave of M. de Choiseul, who + promised to instruct M. d’Afri to aid me in negotiating a loan at five per + cent. either with the States-General or a private company. + </p> + <p> + “You can tell everyone,” said he, “that peace is certain to be made in the + course of the winter, and I will take care that you shall have what is due + to you on your return to France.” + </p> + <p> + M. de Choiseul deceived me, for he knew very well that peace would not be + made; but I had no definite project, and I repented of having given M. de + Boulogne my confidence, and also of having done anything for the + Government, the reward of which was not immediate and certain. + </p> + <p> + I sold my horses, my carriages, my furniture; I went bail for my brother + who had contracted debts he was sure of paying, as he had several pictures + on the easel which he had been ordered to paint by some of his rich and + noble patrons. I took leave of Manon, whom I left in floods of tears, + though I swore with the utmost sincerity to come back soon and marry her. + </p> + <p> + At last all my preparations were finished, and I left Paris with a hundred + thousand francs in bills of exchange and jewels to the same amount. I was + alone in my post-chaise, Le Duc preceding me on horseback, which the + rascal preferred to being shut up in a carriage. + </p> + <p> + This Le Duc of mine was a Spaniard, aged eighteen, a sharp fellow, whom I + valued highly, especially because he did my hair better than anyone else. + I never refused him a pleasure which a little money would buy. Besides him + I had a good Swiss servant, who served as my courier. + </p> + <p> + It was the 1st of December, 1759, and the air was frosty, but I was + fortified against the inclemency of the season. I was able to read + comfortably, and I took Helvetius’s “Esprit,” which I had never had time + to read before. After perusing it I was equally astonished at the + sensation it created and at the stupidity of the High Court which + condemned it. Of course that exalted body was largely influenced by the + king and the clergy, and between them all no effort was spared to ruin + Helvetius, a good-hearted man with more wit than his book. I saw nothing + novel either in the historical part relating to the morals of nations (in + which Helvetius dismisses us as triflers), or in the position that + morality is dependent on the reason. All that he says has been said over + and over again, and Blaise Pascal went much farther, but he wrote more + skilfully and better in every way than Helvetius, who, wishing to remain + in France, was obliged to retract. He preferred a quiet life to his honour + and his philosophy. His wife had a nobler soul than he, as she wanted to + sell all they had, and to take refuge in Holland rather than submit to the + shame of a recantation. Perhaps Helvetius would have followed the noble + advice of his wife if he had foreseen that this monstrous recantation + would make his book into a fraud; for he had to confess that he had + written without due reflection, that he was more in jest than earnest, and + that his arguments were mere sophisms. But many men of keen intellects had + not waited for him to recant before exposing this wretched system of his. + And admitting that whatever man does is done for his own interest, does it + follow that gratitude is a folly, and virtue and vice identical? Are a + villain and a man of honour to be weighed in the same balance? If such a + dreadful system were not absurd, virtue would be mere hypocrisy; and if by + any possibility it were true, it ought to be proscribed by general + consent, since it would lead to general ruin and corruption. + </p> + <p> + It might have been proved to Helvetius that the propositions that the + first motive is always self-interest, and that we should always consult + our own interest first, are fallacious. It is a strange thing that so + virtuous a man would not admit the existence of virtue. It is an amusing + suggestion that he only published his book out of modesty, but that would + have contradicted his own system. But if it were so, was it well done to + render himself contemptible to escape the imputation of pride? Modesty is + only a virtue when it is natural; if it is put on, or merely the result of + training, it is detestable. The great d’Alembert was the most truly modest + man I have ever seen. + </p> + <p> + When I got to Brussels, where I spent two days, I went to the “Hotel de + l’Imperatrice,” and chance sent Mdlle. X. C. V. and Farsetti in my way, + but I pretended not to see them. From Brussels I went straight to the + Hague, and got out at the “Prince of Orange.” On my asking the host who + sat down at his table, he told me his company consisted of general + officers of the Hanoverian army, same English ladies, and a Prince + Piccolomini and his wife; and this made me make up my mind to join this + illustrious assemblage. + </p> + <p> + I was unknown to all, and keeping my eyes about me I gave my chief + attention to the observation of the supposed Italian princess, who was + pretty enough, and more especially of her husband whom I seemed to + recognize. In the course of conversation I heard some talk of the + celebrated St. Germain, and it seemed that he was stopping in the same + hotel. + </p> + <p> + I had returned to my room, and was thinking of going to bed, when Prince + Piccolomini entered, and embraced me as an old friend. + </p> + <p> + “A look in your face,” said he, “tells me that the recognition has been + mutual. I knew you directly in spite of the sixteen years that have passed + since we saw each other at Vicenza. To-morrow you can tell everybody that + we are friends, and that though I am not a prince I am really a count; + here is my passport from the King of Naples, pray read it.” + </p> + <p> + During this rapid monologue I could not get in a single word, and on + attentively scanning his features I could only recollect that I had seen + him before, but when or where or how I knew not. I opened the passport and + read the name of Ruggero di Rocco, Count Piccolomini. That was enough; I + remembered an individual of that name who was a fencing-master in Vicenza, + and on looking at him again his aspect, though much changed left no doubt + as to the identity of the swordsman and the count. + </p> + <p> + “I congratulate you,” said I, “on your change of employment, your new + business is doubtless much better than the old.” + </p> + <p> + “I taught fencing,” he replied, “to save myself from dying of hunger, for + my father was so hard a man that he would not give me the wherewithal to + live, and I disguised my name so as not to disgrace it. On my father’s + death I succeeded to the property, and at Rome I married the lady you have + seen.” + </p> + <p> + “You had good taste, for she’s a pretty woman.” + </p> + <p> + “She is generally thought so, and it was a love match on my side.” + </p> + <p> + He ended by asking me to come and see him in his room the next day, after + dinner, telling me that I should find good company and a bank at faro, + which he kept himself. He added, without ceremony, that if I liked we + could go half shares, and that I should find it profitable. I thanked him, + and promised to pay him a visit. + </p> + <p> + I went abroad at an early hour next morning, and after having spent some + time with the Jew, Boaz, and having given a polite refusal to his offer of + a bed, I went to pay my respects to M. d’Afri, who since the death of the + Princess of Orange, the Regent of the Low Countries, was generally known + as His Most Christian Majesty’s ambassador. He gave me an excellent + reception, but he said that if I had returned to Holland hoping to do + business on behalf of the Government I should waste my time, since the + action of the comptroller-general had lowered the credit of the nation, + which was thought to be on the verge of bankruptcy. + </p> + <p> + “This M. Silhouette,” said he, “has served the king very badly. It is all + very well to say that payments are only suspended for a year, but it is + not believed.” + </p> + <p> + He then asked me if I knew a certain Comte de St. Germain, who had lately + arrived at the Hague. + </p> + <p> + “He has not called on me,” said the ambassador, “though he says he is + commissioned by the king to negotiate a loan of a hundred millions. When I + am asked about him, I am obliged to say that I know nothing about him, for + fear of compromising myself. Such a reply, as you can understand, is not + likely to increase his chance of success, but that is his fault and not + mine. Why has he not brought me a letter from the Duc de Choiseul or the + Marquise de Pompadour? I take him to be an impostor, but I shall know + something more about him in the course of ten days.” + </p> + <p> + I told him, in my turn, all I knew of this truly eccentric individual. He + was not a little surprised to hear that the king had given him an + apartment at Chambord, but when I told him that the count professed to be + able to make diamonds he laughed and said that in that case he would no + doubt make the hundred millions. Just as I was leaving, M. d’Afri asked me + to dine with him on the following day. + </p> + <p> + On returning to the hotel I called on the Comte de St. Germain. + </p> + <p> + “You have anticipated me,” said he, on seeing me enter, “I intended to + have called on you. I suppose, my dear Casanova, that you have come to try + what you can do for our Court, but you will find your task a difficult + one, as the Exchange is highly offended at the late doings of that fool + Silhouette. All the same I hope I shall be able to get my hundred + millions. I have passed my word to my friend, Louis XV. (I may call him + so), and I can’t disappoint him; the business will be done in the next + three or four weeks.” + </p> + <p> + “I should think M. d’Afri might assist you.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not require his assistance. Probably I shall not even call upon him, + as he might say he helped me. No, I shall have all the trouble, and I mean + to have all the glory, too.” + </p> + <p> + “I presume you will be going to Court, where the Duke of Brunswick may be + of service to you?” + </p> + <p> + “Why should I go to Court? As for the Duke of Brunswick, I do not care to + know him. All I have got to do is to go to Amsterdam, where my credit is + sufficiently good for anything. I am fond of the King of France; there’s + not a better man in the kingdom.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, come and dine at the high table, the company is of the best and + will please you.” + </p> + <p> + “You know I never eat; moreover, I never sit down at a table where I may + meet persons who are unknown to me.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, my lord, farewell; we shall see each other again at Amsterdam.” + </p> + <p> + I went down to the dining-room, where, while dinner was being served, I + conversed with some officers. They asked me if I knew Prince Piccolomini, + to which I answered that he was not a prince but a count, and that it was + many years since I had seen him. + </p> + <p> + When the count and his fair wife (who only spoke Italian) came down, I + shewed them some polite attentions, and we then sat down to dinner. + </p> + <a name="linkC2H_4_0012" id="linkC2H_4_0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> <a name="linkepisode13" id="linkepisode13"></a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + EPISODE 13 — HOLLAND AND GERMANY + </h2> + <a name="linkC2HCH0010" id="linkC2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Portrait of the Pretended Countess Piccolomini—Quarrel and + Duel—Esther and Her Father, M. D’O.—Esther Still Taken + with the Cabala—Piccolomini Forges a Bill of Exchange: + Results I Am Fleeced, and in Danger of Being Assassinated— + Debauch with the Two Paduan Girls—I Reveal A Great Secret + To Esther—I Bate the Rascally St. Germain; His Flight— + Manon Baletti Proves Faithless to Me; Her Letter Announcing + Her Marriage: My Despair—Esther Spends a Day With Me— + My Portrait and My Letters to Manon Get Into Esther’s Hands— + I Pass a Day with Her—We Talk of Marrying Each Other +</pre> + <p> + The so-called Countess Piccolomini was a fine example of the adventuress. + She was young, tall, well-made, had eyes full of fire, and skin of a + dazzling whiteness; not, however, that natural whiteness which delights + those who know the value of a satin skin and rose petals, but rather that + artificial fairness which is commonly to be seen at Rome on the faces of + courtezans, and which disgusts those who know how it is produced. She had + also splendid teeth, glorious hair as black as jet, and arched eyebrows + like ebony. To these advantages she added attractive manners, and there + was something intelligent about the way she spoke; but through all I saw + the adventuress peeping out, which made me detest her. + </p> + <p> + As she did not speak anything but Italian the countess had to play the + part of a mute at table, except where an English officer named Walpole was + concerned, who, finding her to his taste, set himself to amuse her. I felt + friendly disposed towards this Englishman, though my feelings were + certainly not the result of sympathy. If I had been blind or deaf Sir + James Walpole would have been totally indifferent to me, as what I felt + for him was the result of my observation. + </p> + <p> + Although I did not care for the countess, for all that I went up to her + room after dinner with the greater part of the guests. The count arranged + a game of whist, and Walpole played at primero with the countess, who + cheated him in a masterly manner; but though he saw it he laughed and + paid, because it suited his purpose to do so. When he had lost fifty Louis + he called quarter, and the countess asked him to take her to the theatre. + This was what the good-natured Englishman wanted; and he and the countess + went off, leaving the husband playing whist. + </p> + <p> + I, too, went to the play, and as chance would have it my neighbour in the + pit was Count Tot, brother to the count famous for his stay in + Constantinople. + </p> + <p> + We had some conversation together, and he told me he had been obliged to + leave France on account of a duel which he had had with a man who had + jested with him for not being present at the battle of Minden, saying that + he had absented himself in view of the battle. The count had proved his + courage with the sword on the other’s body—a rough kind of argument + which was fashionable then as now. He told me he had no money, and I + immediately put my purse at his service; but, as the saying goes, a + kindness is never thrown away, and five years later he did the same by me + at St. Petersburg. Between the acts he happened to notice the Countess + Piccolomini, and asked me if I knew her husband. “I know him very + slightly,” I answered, “but we happen to be staying at the same hotel.” + </p> + <p> + “He’s a regular black sheep,” said the count, “and his wife’s no better + than he.” + </p> + <p> + It seemed that they had already won a reputation in the town. + </p> + <p> + After the play I went back to the hotel by myself, and the head-waiter + told me that Piccolomini had set out hot-foot with his servant, his only + luggage being a light portmanteau. He did not know the reason of this + sudden departure, but a minute afterwards the countess came in, and her + maid having whispered something to her she told me that the count had gone + away because he had fought a duel but that often happened. She asked me to + sup with her and Walpole, and her appetite did not seem to suffer from the + absence of her spouse. + </p> + <p> + Just as we were finishing supper, an Englishman, who had been of the whist + party, came up and told Walpole that the Italian had been caught cheating + and had given the lie to their fellow Englishman, who had detected him, + and that they had gone out together. An hour afterwards the Englishman + returned with two wounds, one on the fore-arm and one on the shoulder. It + was a trifling affair altogether. + </p> + <p> + Next day, after I had had dinner with the Comte d’Afri, I found a letter + from Piccolomini, with an enclosure addressed to the countess, waiting for + me at the inn. He begged me to give his wife the letter, which would + inform her of his plans, and then to bring her to the Ville de Lyon at + Amsterdam, where he was staying. He wanted to know how the Englishman whom + he had wounded was getting on. + </p> + <p> + The duty struck me as an amusing one, and I should have laughed with all + my heart if I had felt the least desire to profit by the confidence he was + pleased to place in me. Nevertheless I went up to the countess, whom I + found sitting up in bed playing with Walpole. She read the letter, told me + that she could not start till the day following, and informed me what time + she would go, as if it had been all settled; but I smiled sardonically, + and told her that my business kept me at the Hague, and that I could not + possibly escort her. When Walpole heard me say this he offered to be my + substitute, to which she agreed. They set out the day following, intending + to lie at Leyden. + </p> + <p> + Two days after their departure, I was sitting down to dinner with the + usual company, increased by two Frenchmen who had just come. After the + soup one of them said, coolly, + </p> + <p> + “The famous Casanova is now in Holland.” + </p> + <p> + “Is he?” said the other, “I shall be glad to see him, and ask for an + explanation which he will not like.” + </p> + <p> + I looked at the man, and feeling certain that I had never seen him before + I began to get enraged; but I merely asked the fellow if he knew Casanova. + </p> + <p> + “I’ll ought to know him,” said he, in that self-satisfied tone which is + always so unpleasant. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, sir, you are mistaken; I am Casanova.” + </p> + <p> + Without losing his self-possession, he replied, insolently, + </p> + <p> + “You are really very much mistaken if you think you are the only Casanova + in the world.” + </p> + <p> + It was a sharp answer, and put me in the wrong. I bit my lips and held my + tongue, but I was grievously offended, and determined to make him find the + Casanova who was in Holland, and from whom he was going to extract an + unpleasant explanation, in myself. In the meanwhile I bore as well as I + could the poor figure he must be cutting before the officers at table, + who, after hearing the insolence of this young blockhead, might take me + for a coward. He, the insolent fellow, had no scruple in abusing the + triumph his answer had given him, and talked away in the random fashion. + At last he forgot himself so far as to ask from what country I came. + </p> + <p> + “I am a Venetian, sir,” I replied. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! then you are a good friend to France, as your republic is under + French protection.” + </p> + <p> + At these words my ill-temper boiled over, and, in the tone of voice one + uses to put down a puppy, I replied that the Republic of Venice was strong + enough to do without the protection of France or of any other power, and + that during the thirteen centuries of its existence it had had many + friends and allies but no protectors. “Perhaps,” I ended, “you will reply + by begging my pardon for not knowing that there was only one Venice in the + world.” + </p> + <p> + I had no sooner said this than a burst of laughter from the whole table + set me right again. The young blockhead seemed taken aback and in his turn + bit his lips, but his evil genius made him strike in again at dessert. As + usual the conversation went from one subject to another, and we began to + talk about the Duke of Albermarle. The Englishmen spoke in his favour, and + said that if he had been alive there would have been no war between + England and France; they were probably right, but even if the duke had + lived war might have broken out, as the two nations in question have never + yet succeeded in understanding that it is for both their interests to live + at peace together. Another Englishman praised Lolotte, his mistress. I + said I had seen that charming woman at the Duchess of Fulvi’s, and that no + one deserved better to become the Countess of Eronville. The Count of + Eronville, a lieutenant-general and a man of letters, had just married + her. + </p> + <p> + I had scarcely finished what I had to say when Master Blockhead said, with + a laugh, that he knew Lolotte to be a good sort of girl, as he had slept + with her at Paris. I could restrain myself no longer; my indignation and + rage consumed me. I took up my plate, and made as if I would throw it at + his head, saying at the same time, “You infernal liar!” He got up, and + stood with his back to the fire, but I could see by his sword-knot that he + was a soldier. + </p> + <p> + Everybody pretended not to hear anything of this, and the conversation + went on for some time on indifferent subjects; and at last they all rose + from their seats and left the room. + </p> + <p> + My enemy said to his companion that they would see one another again after + the play, and remained by the fire, with his elbow resting on the + chimney-piece. I remained at table till the company had all left the room, + and when we were alone together I got up and looked him straight in the + face, and went out, walking towards Sheveningue, sure that he would follow + me if he were a man of any mettle. When I had got to some distance from + the hotel I looked round, and saw that he was following me at a distance + of fifty paces. + </p> + <p> + When I got to the wood I stopped at a suitable place, and stood awaiting + my antagonist. He was ten paces off when he drew his sword, and I had + plenty of time to draw mine though he came on fast. The fight did not last + long, for as soon as he was near enough I gave him a thrust which has + never failed me, and sent him back quicker than he came. He was wounded in + the chest above the right breast, but as my sword was flat and the opening + large enough the wound bled easily. I lowered my sword and ran up to him, + but I could do nothing; he said that we should meet again at Amsterdam, if + I was going there, and that he would have his revenge. I saw him again + five or six years afterwards at Warsaw, and then I did him a kindness. I + heard afterwards that his name was Varnier, but I do not know whether he + was identical with the president of the National Convention under the + infamous Robespierre. + </p> + <p> + I did not return to the hotel till after the play, and I then heard that + the Frenchman, after having the surgeon with him for an hour, had set out + for Rotterdam with his friend. We had a pleasant supper and talked + cheerfully together without a word being said about the duel, with the + exception that an English lady said, I forget in what connection, that a + man of honour should never risk sitting down to dinner at an hotel unless + he felt inclined, if necessary, to fight. The remark was very true at that + time, when one had to draw the sword for an idle word, and to expose one’s + self to the consequences of a duel, or else be pointed at, even by the + ladies, with the finger of scorn. + </p> + <p> + I had nothing more to keep me at the Hague, and I set out next morning + before day-break for Amsterdam. On the way I stopped for dinner and + recognized Sir James Walpole, who told me that he had started from + Amsterdam the evening before, an hour after giving the countess into her + husband’s charge. He said that he had got very tired of her, as he had + nothing more to get from a woman who gave more than one asked, if one’s + purse-strings were opened wide enough. I got to Amsterdam about midnight + and took up my abode at “The Old Bible.” The neighbourhood of Esther had + awakened my love for that charming girl, and I was so impatient to see her + that I could not sleep. + </p> + <p> + I went out about ten o’clock and called on M. d’O, who welcomed me in the + friendliest manner and reproached me for not having alighted at his house. + When he heard that I had given up business he congratulated me on not + having removed it into Holland, as I should have been ruined. I did not + tell him that I had nearly come to that in France, as I considered such a + piece of information would not assist my designs. He complained bitterly + of the bad faith of the French Government, which had involved him in + considerable losses; and then he asked me to come and see Esther. + </p> + <p> + I was too impatient to embrace her to stay to be asked twice; I ran to + greet her. As soon as she saw me she gave a cry of surprise and delight, + and threw herself in my arms, where I received her with fondness equal to + her own. I found her grown and improved; she looked lovely. We had + scarcely sat down when she told me that she had become as skilled in the + cabala as myself. + </p> + <p> + “It makes my life happy,” said she, “for it gives me a power over my + father, and assures me that he will never marry me to anyone but the man + of my choice.” + </p> + <p> + “I am delighted that you extract the only good that can proceed from this + idle science, namely, the power to guide persons devoid of strength of + will. But your father must think that I taught you the secret?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, he does; and he said, one day, that he would forgive me any + sacrifices I might have made to obtain this precious secret from you.” + </p> + <p> + “He goes a little further than we did, my dearest Esther.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and I told him that I had gained it from you without any sacrifice, + and that now I was a true Pythoness without having to endure the torments + of the tripod; and I am sure that the replies you gave were invented by + yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “But if that were so how could I have known where the pocket-book was, or + whether the ship was safe?” + </p> + <p> + “You saw the portfolio yourself and threw it where it was discovered, and + as for the vessel you spoke at random; but as you are an honest man, + confess that you were afraid of the results. I am never so bold as that, + and when my father asks me questions of that kind, my replies are more + obscure than a sibyl’s. I don’t wish him to lose confidence in my oracle, + nor do I wish him to be able to reproach me with a loss that would injure + my own interests.” + </p> + <p> + “If your mistake makes you happy I shall leave you in it. You are really a + woman of extraordinary talents—, you are quite unique.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t want your compliments,” said she, in a rather vexed manner, “I + want a sincere avowal of the truth.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t think I can go as far as that.” + </p> + <p> + At these words, which I pronounced in a serious way, Esther went into a + reverie, but I was not going to lose the superiority I had over her, and + racked my brains to find some convincing prediction the oracle might make + to her, and while I was doing so dinner was announced. + </p> + <p> + There were four of us at table, and I concluded that the fourth of the + party must be in love with Esther, as he kept his eyes on her the whole + time. He was her father’s favourite clerk, and no doubt her father would + have been glad if she had fallen in love with him, but I soon saw that she + was not likely to do so. Esther was silent all through dinner, and we did + not mention the cabala till the clerk was gone. + </p> + <p> + “Is it possible,” said M. d’O, “for my daughter to obtain the answers of + the oracle without your having taught her?” + </p> + <p> + “I always thought such a thing impossible till to-day,” I answered, “but + Esther has convinced me that I was mistaken. I can teach the secret to no + one without losing it myself, for the oath I swore to the sage who taught + me forbids me to impart it to another under pain of forfeiture. But as + your daughter has taken no such oath, having acquired it herself, she may + be for all I know at perfect liberty to communicate the secret to anyone.” + </p> + <p> + Esther, who was as keen as a razor, took care to say that the same oath + that I had taken had been imposed on her by the oracle, and that she could + not communicate the cabalistic secret to anyone without the permission of + her genius, under pain of losing it herself. + </p> + <p> + I read her inmost thoughts, and was rejoiced to see that her mind was + calmed. She had reason to be grateful to me, whether I had lied or not, + for I had given her a power over her father which a father’s kindness + could not have assured; but she perceived that what I had said about her + oracular abilities had been dictated merely by politeness, and she waited + till we were alone to make me confess as much. + </p> + <p> + Her worthy father, who believed entirely in the infallibility of our + oracles, had the curiosity to put the same question to both of us, to see + if we should agree in the answer. Esther was delighted with the idea, as + she suspected that the one answer would flatly contradict the other, and + M. d’O—— having written his question on two sheets of paper gave them to us. + Esther went up to her own room for the operation, and I questioned the + oracle on the table at which we had had dinner, in the presence of the + father. Esther was quick, as she came down before I had extracted from the + pyramid the letters which were to compose my reply, but as I knew what to + say as soon as I saw her father read the answer she gave him I was not + long in finishing what I had to do. + </p> + <p> + M. d’O—— asked if he should try to get rid of the French + securities he held in spite of the loss he would incur by selling out. + </p> + <p> + Esther’s oracle replied, + </p> + <p> + “You must sow plentifully before you reap. Pluck not up the vine before + the season of the vintage, for your vine is planted in a fruitful soil.” + </p> + <p> + Mine ran as follows:— + </p> + <p> + “If you sell out you will repent, for there will be a new + comptroller-general, who will pay all claims before another year has + elapsed.” + </p> + <p> + Esther’s answer was conceived in the sibylline style, and I admired the + readiness of her wit; but mine went right to the point, and the worthy man + embraced us joyfully, and, taking his hat and stick, said that since our + replies agreed he would run the risk of losing three million francs and + make a profit of five or six hundred thousand in the course of the year. + His daughter began to recant, and would have warned him against the + danger, but he, who was as firm as a Mussulman, kissed her again, saying, + </p> + <p> + “The oracle is not wont to lie, and even if it does deceive me this time + it will only be a fourth part of my fortune that I shall lose.” + </p> + <p> + When Esther and I were alone I began to compliment her, much to her + delight, on the cleverness of her answer, the elegance of her style, and + her boldness, for she could not be as well acquainted with French affairs + as I was. + </p> + <p> + “I am much obliged to you,” said she, “for having confirmed my reply, but + confess that you lied to please me.” + </p> + <p> + “I confess, since that will please you, and I will even tell you that you + have nothing more to learn.” + </p> + <p> + “You are a cruel man! But how could you reply that there would be another + comptroller-general in a year’s time, and run the risk of compromising the + oracle? I never dare to say things like that; I love the oracle too well + to expose it to shame and confusion.” + </p> + <p> + “That shews that I do not invent the answers; but since the oracle has + pronounced it I am willing to bet that Silhouette will be dismissed.” + </p> + <p> + “Your obstinacy drives me to despair, for I shall not rest till I know + that I am as much a master of the cabala as you are, and yet you will not + confess that you invent the answers yourself. For charity’s sake do + something to convince me of the contrary.” + </p> + <p> + “I will think it over.” + </p> + <p> + I passed the whole day with this delightful girl, whose amiable + disposition and great wealth would have made me a happy man if it were not + for my master-passion, the love of independence, and my aversion to make + up my mind to live for the rest of my days in Holland. + </p> + <p> + In the course of my life I have often observed that the happiest hours are + often the heralds of misfortune. The very next day my evil genius took me + to the Ville de Lyon. This was the inn where Piccolomini and his wife were + staying, and I found them there in the midst of a horde of cheats and + sharpers, like themselves. As soon as the good people heard my name they + rushed forward, some to greet me, and others to have a closer look at me, + as if I were some strange wild beast. Amongst those present were a + Chevalier de Sabi, who wore the uniform of a Polish major, and protested + he had known me at Dresden; a Baron de Wiedan, claiming Bohemia as his + fatherland, who greeted me by saying that his friend the Comte St. Germain + had arrived at the Etoile d’Orient, and had been enquiring after me; an + attenuated-looking bravo who was introduced to me as the Chevalier de la + Perine, whom I recognized at the first glance as the fellow called Talvis, + who had robbed the Prince-Bishop of Presburg, who had lent me a hundred + Louis the same day, and with whom I had fought a duel at Paris. Finally, + there was an Italian named Neri, who looked like a blacksmith minus his + honesty, and said that he remembered seeing me one evening at the casino. + I recollected having seen him at the place where I met the wretched Lucie. + </p> + <p> + In the midst of this band of cut-purses I saw the so-called wife of the + pretended Chevalier de Sabi, a pretty woman from Saxony, who, speaking + Italian indifferently well, was paying her addresses to the Countess + Piccolomini. + </p> + <p> + I bit my lips with anger to find myself in such honourable company, but + putting a good face on a bad game I greeted everybody politely, and then + drawing a roll of a hundred Louis from my pocket I presented them to + Master Perine Talvis, telling him I was glad to be able to return them to + him with my best thanks. + </p> + <p> + My politeness did not meet with much of a reception, for the impudent + scoundrel answered me, as he pocketed the money, that he remembered having + lent it me at Presburg, but he also remembered a more important matter. + </p> + <p> + “And pray what is that?” said I, in a dry and half-disdainful tone. + </p> + <p> + “You owe me a revenge at the sword’s point, as you know right well. Here + is the mark of the gash you gave me seven years ago.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, the wretched little man opened his shirt and shewed the small + round scar. This scene, which belonged more to farce than comedy, seemed + to have struck all tongues with paralysis. + </p> + <p> + “Anywhere else than in Holland, where important and delicate business + debars me from fighting, I shall be glad to meet you and mark you again, + if you still desire to cross swords with me; but while I am here I must + beg you not to disturb me. All the same, you may as well know that I never + go out without a couple of friends in my pockets, and that if you attack + me I shall blow your brains out in self-defence.” + </p> + <p> + “My revenge must be with crossed swords,” said he. “However, I will let + you finish your business.” + </p> + <p> + “You will do wisely.” + </p> + <p> + Piccolomini, who had been casting a hungry eye upon my hundred louis, + proposed immediately afterwards a bank at faro, and began to deal. + Prudence would have restrained me from playing in such company, but the + dictates of prudence were overcome by my desire to get back the hundred + louis which I had given Talvis, so I cut in. I had a run of bad luck and + lost a hundred ducats, but, as usual, my loss only excited me. I wished to + regain what I had lost, so I stayed to supper, and afterwards, with better + luck, won back my money. I was content to stop at this, and to let the + money I had paid to Talvis go, so I asked Piccolomini to pay me, which he + did with a bill of exchange on an Amsterdam bank drawn by a firm in + Middlesburg. At first I made some difficulty in taking it, on the pretext + that it would be difficult to negotiate, but he promised to let me have + the money next day, and I had to give in. + </p> + <p> + I made haste to leave this cut-throat place, after refusing to lend Talvis + a hundred Louis, which he wanted to borrow of me on the strength of the + revenge I owed him. He was in a bad humour, both on this account and + because he had lost the hundred Louis I had paid him, and he allowed + himself to use abusive language, which I treated with contempt. I went to + bed, promising myself never to set foot in such a place again. + </p> + <p> + The next morning, however, I went out with the intention of calling on + Piccolomini to get the bill of exchange cashed, but on my way I happened + to go into a coffee-house and to meet Rigerboos, Therese’s friend, whose + acquaintance the reader has already made. After greeting each other, and + talking about Therese, who was now in London and doing well, I shewed him + my bill, telling him the circumstances under which I had it. He looked at + it closely, and said, + </p> + <p> + “It’s a forgery, and the original from which it was copied was honoured + yesterday.” + </p> + <p> + He saw that I could scarcely believe it, and told me to come with him to + be convinced of the truth of what he said. + </p> + <p> + He took me to a merchant of his acquaintance, who shewed me the genuine + bill, which he had cashed the day before for an individual who was unknown + to him. In my indignation I begged Rigerboos to come with me to + Piccolomini, telling him that he might cash it without remark, and that + otherwise he would witness what happened. + </p> + <p> + We arrived at the count’s and were politely received, the count asking me + to give him the bill and he would send it to the bank to be cashed, but + Rigerboos broke in by saying that it would be dishonoured, as it was a + mere copy of a bill which had been cashed the evening before. + </p> + <p> + Piccolomini pretended to be greatly astonished, and said that, “though he + could not believe it, he would look into the matter.” + </p> + <p> + “You may look into it when you please,” said I, “but in the mean time I + should be obliged by your giving me five hundred florins.” + </p> + <p> + “You know me, sir,” said he, raising his voice, “I guarantee to pay you, + and that ought to be enough.” + </p> + <p> + “No doubt it would be enough, if I chose; but I want my money.” + </p> + <p> + At this his wife came in and began to take her part in the dispute, and on + the arrival of the count’s man, a very cut-threat, Rigerboos took hold of + me by the arm and drew me forcibly away. “Follow me,” said he, when we + were outside, “and let me see to this business myself.” He took me to a + fine-looking man, who turned out to be the lieutenant of police, and after + he had heard the case he told me to give him the bill of exchange and to + say where I was going to dine. I told him I should be at M. d’O——‘s, and + saying that would do he went off. I thanked Rigerboos, and went to Esther, + who reproached me tenderly for not having been to see her the evening + before. That flattered me, and I thought her a really charming girl. + </p> + <p> + “I must take care,” said I, “not to see you every day, for your eyes have + a sway over me that I shall not be able to resist much longer.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall believe as much of that as I choose, but, by-the-by, have you + thought of any way of convincing me?” + </p> + <p> + “What do you want to be convinced about?” + </p> + <p> + “If it be true that there is in your cabala an intelligence distinct from + your own you ought to be able to find some way of proving it to me.” + </p> + <p> + “That is a happy thought; I will think it over.” + </p> + <p> + At that moment her father came in from the Exchange, and we sat down to + dinner. + </p> + <p> + We were at dessert when a police official brought me five hundred florins, + for which I gave him a receipt. + </p> + <p> + When he had gone I told my entertainers what had happened the evening + before and in the morning, and the fair Esther reproached me for + preferring such bad company to her. “By way of punishment,” said she, “I + hope you will come with me to the theatre this evening, though they are + going to give a Dutch play, of which you will not understand a word.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall be near you, and that is enough for me.” + </p> + <p> + In fact, I did not comprehend a word of the actors’ gibberish, and was + terribly bored, as Esther preserved a solemn and serious silence the whole + time. + </p> + <p> + As we were coming from the theatre she told me all about the piece with + charming grace and wonderful memory; she seemed to wish to give me some + pleasure in return for the tedium to which she had condemned me. When we + got home we had supper, and that evening, Heaven be thanked! I heard + nothing more about the cabala. Before we parted, Esther and her father + made me promise to dine with them every day, and to let them know if + anything prevented my coming. + </p> + <p> + Next morning, about eight o’clock, while I was still dressing, I suddenly + saw Piccolomini standing before me, and as he had not sent in his name I + began to feel suspicious. I rang the bell for my faithful Spaniard, who + came in directly. + </p> + <p> + “I want to speak to you privately,” said he, “tell that fellow to go out.” + </p> + <p> + “He can stay,” I answered, “he does not know a word of Italian.” Le Duc, + of course, knew Italian perfectly well. + </p> + <p> + “Yesterday, about noon,” he began, “two men came into my room. They were + accompanied by the innkeeper, who served as interpreter. One of the men + asked me if I felt inclined to cash there and then a forged bill of + exchange, which I had given the night before, and which he held in his + hands. As I gave no reply, he told me that there was no time for + consideration or argument; I must say yes or no there and then, for such + were their instructions from the chief of police. I had no choice in the + matter, so I paid the five hundred florins, but I did not get back the + bill, and the man told me I could not have it unless I told the police the + name of the person from whom I got it, as, in the interests of commerce, + the forger must be prosecuted. My reply was that I could not possibly tell + them what they wanted, as I had got it of a stranger who had come into my + room while I was holding a small bank of faro, to pass the time. + </p> + <p> + “I told him that after this person (who I had thought introduced by + someone in the company) had gone, I found to my surprise that nobody knew + him; and I added that if I had been aware of this I would not only have + refused the bill but would not have allowed him to play. Thereupon the + second policeman said that I had better find out who this person was, or + else I should be considered as the forger and prosecuted accordingly; + after this threat they went out. + </p> + <p> + “In the afternoon my wife called on the chief of police and was politely + received, but after hearing what she had to say he informed her that she + must find out the forger, since M. Casanova’s honour might be endangered + by the banker taking proceedings against him, in which case he would have + to prosecute me. + </p> + <p> + “You see in what a difficult position we are placed, and I think you ought + to try to help us. You have got your money and you are not without + friends. Get their influence exerted in the matter, and we shall hear no + more about it. Your interests as well as mine are concerned.” + </p> + <p> + “Except as a witness of the fact,” I answered, “I can have nothing to do + with this affair. You agree that I received the bill from you, since you + cashed it; that is enough for me. I should be glad to be of service to + you, but I really don’t see what I can do. The best advice I can give you + is to make a sacrifice of the rascally sharper who gave you the forged + bill, and if you can’t do that I would counsel you to disappear, and the + sooner the better, or else you may come to the galleys, or worse.” + </p> + <p> + He got into a rage at this, and turning his back on me went out, saying I + should be sorry for what I had said. + </p> + <p> + My Spaniard followed him down the stair and came back to tell me that the + signor had gone off threatening vengeance, and that, in his opinion, I + would do well to be on my guard. + </p> + <p> + “All right,” said I, “say no more about it.” + </p> + <p> + All the same I was really very grateful for his advice, and I gave the + matter a good deal of thought. + </p> + <p> + I dressed myself and went to see Esther, whom I had to convince of the + divinity of my oracle, a different task with one whose own wits had told + her so much concerning my methods. This was the problem she gave me to + solve, + </p> + <p> + “Your oracle must tell me something which I, and only I, know.” + </p> + <p> + Feeling that it would be impossible to fulfil these conditions, I told her + that the oracle might reveal some secret she might not care to have + disclosed. + </p> + <p> + “That is impossible,” she answered, “as the secret will be known only to + myself.” + </p> + <p> + “But, if the oracle replies I shall know the answer as well as you, and it + may be something you would not like me to know.” + </p> + <p> + “There is no such thing, and, even if there were, if the oracle is not + your own brain you can always find out anything you want to know.” + </p> + <p> + “But there is some limit to the powers of the oracle.” + </p> + <p> + “You are making idle excuses; either prove that I am mistaken in my ideas + or acknowledge that my oracle is as good as yours.” + </p> + <p> + This was pushing me hard, and I was on the point of declaring myself + conquered when a bright idea struck me. + </p> + <p> + In the midst of the dimple which added such a charm to her chin Esther had + a little dark mole, garnished with three or four extremely fine hairs. + These moles, which we call in Italian ‘neo, nei’, and which are usually an + improvement to the prettiest face, when they occur on the face, the neck, + the arms, or the hands, are duplicated on the corresponding parts of the + body. I concluded, therefore, that Esther had a mole like that on her chin + in a certain place which a virtuous girl does not shew; and innocent as + she was I suspected that she herself did not know of this second mole’s + existence. “I shall astonish her,” I said to myself, “and establish my + superiority in a manner which will put the idea of having equal skill to + mine out of her head for good.” Then with the solemn and far-away look of + a seer I made my pyramid and extracted these words from it, + </p> + <p> + “Fair and discreet Esther, no one knows that at the entrance of the temple + of love you have a mole precisely like that which appears on your chin.” + </p> + <p> + While I was working at my calculations, Esther was leaning over me and + following every movement. As she really knew as much about the cabala as I + did she did not want it to be explained to her, but translated the numbers + into letters as I wrote them down. As soon as I had extracted all the + combinations of numbers from the pyramid she said, quietly, that as I did + not want to know the answer, she would be much obliged if I would let her + translate the cypher. + </p> + <p> + “With pleasure,” I replied. “And I shall do so all the more willingly as I + shall thereby save your delicacy from sharing with me a secret which may + or may not be agreeable. I promise you not to try to find it out. It is + enough for me to see you convinced.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall be convinced when I have verified the truth of the reply.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you persuaded, dearest Esther, that I have had nothing to do with + framing this answer?” + </p> + <p> + “I shall be quite sure of it if it has spoken the truth, and if so the + oracle will have conquered, for the matter is so secret a one that even I + do not know of it. You need not know yourself, as it is only a trifle + which would not interest you; but it will be enough to convince me that + the answers of your oracle are dictated by an intelligence which has + nothing in common with yours.” + </p> + <p> + There was so much candour and frankness in what she said that a feeling of + shame replaced the desire of deceiving her, and I shed some tears, which + Esther could only interpret favourably to me. Nevertheless, they were + tears of remorse, and now, as I write after such a lapse of years, I still + regret having deceived one so worthy of my esteem and love. Even then I + reproached myself, but a pitiable feeling of shame would not let me tell + the truth; but I hated myself for thus leading astray one whose esteem I + desired to gain. + </p> + <p> + In the mean time I was not absolutely sure that I had hit the mark, for in + nature, like everything else, every law has its exceptions, and I might + possibly have dug a pitfall for myself. On the other hand, if I were + right, Esther would no doubt be convinced for the moment, but her belief + would speedily disappear if she chanced to discover that the + correspondence of moles on the human body was a necessary law of nature. + In that case I could only anticipate her scorn. But however I might + tremble I had carried the deception too far, and could not draw back. + </p> + <p> + I left Esther to call on Rigerboos, whom I thanked for his offices on my + behalf with the chief of the police. He told me that I had nothing to fear + from Piccolomini in Holland, but all the same he advised me not to go + about without pistols. “I am on the eve of embarking for Batavia,” said + he, “in a vessel which I have laden with the ruins of my fortune. In the + state my affairs are in I thought this the best plan. I have not insured + the cargo, so as not diminish my profits, which will be considerable if I + succeed. If the ship is taken or wrecked I shall take care not to survive + its loss; and after all I shall not lose much.” + </p> + <p> + Poor Riberboos said all this as if he were jesting, but despair had no + doubt a good deal to do with his resolve, since it is only in great misery + that we despise both life and fortune. The charming Therese Trenti, whom + Rigerboos always spoke of as Our Lady, had contributed to his ruin in no + small degree. She was then in London, where, by her own account, she was + doing well. She had exchanged the name of Trenti for that of Cornelis, or + Cornely, which, as I found out afterwards, was Rigerboo’s real name. We + spent an hour in writing to this curious woman, as we desired to take + advantage of the circumstance that a man whom Rigerboos desired to commend + to her was shortly going to England. When we had finished we went + sleighing on the Amstel, which had been frozen over for several days. This + diversion, of which the Dutch are very fond, is, to my thinking, the + dullest imaginable, for an objectless journey is no pleasure to me. After + we were well frozen we went to eat oysters, with Sillery, to warm + ourselves again, and after that we went from one casino to another, not + intending to commit any debauchery, but for want of something better to + do; but it seemed decreed that whenever I preferred any amusement of this + kind to the charms of Esther’s society I should come to grief. + </p> + <p> + I do not know how it happened, but as we were going into one of these + casinos Rigerboos called me loudly by my name, and at that instant a + woman, such as one usually finds in these places, came forward and began + to gaze at me. Although the room was ill enough lighted I saw it was the + wretched Lucie, whom I had met a year before without her recognizing me. I + turned away, pretending not to know her, for the sight of her was + disagreeable to me, but in a sad voice she called me by my name, + congratulating me on my prosperity and bewailing her own wretchedness. I + saw that I could neither avoid her nor repulse her without inhumanity, so + I called to Rigerboos to come upstairs and the girl would divert us by + recounting the history of her life. + </p> + <p> + Strictly speaking, Lucie had not become ugly; one could still see that she + had been a beautiful woman; but for all that her appearance inspired me + with terror and disgust. Since the days when I had known her at Pasean, + nineteen years of misery, profligacy, and shame had made her the most + debased, the vilest creature that can be imagined. She told us her story + at great length; the pith of it might be expressed in six lines. + </p> + <p> + The footman who had seduced her had taken her to Trieste to lie in, and + the scoundrel lived on the sale of her charms for five or six months, and + then a sea captain, who had taken a fancy to her, took her to Zante with + the footman, who passed for her husband. + </p> + <p> + At Zante the footman turned soldier, and deserted the army four years + after. She was left alone and continued living on the wages of + prostitution for six years; but the goods she had to offer lowering in + value, and her customers being of the inferior kind, she set out for + England with a young Greek girl, whom an English officer of marines + treated as his wife, and whom he abandoned in the streets of London when + he got tired of her. After living for two or three years in the vilest + haunts in London, Lucie came to Holland, where, not being able to sell her + own person any longer, she became a procuress—a natural ending to + her career. Lucie was only thirty-three, but she was the wreck of a woman, + and women are always as old as they look. + </p> + <p> + While she told her history she emptied two bottles of Burgundy I had + ordered, and which neither I nor my friend touched. Finally, she told us + she was now supported by two pretty girls whom she kept, and who had to + give her the half of what they got. + </p> + <p> + Rigerboos asked her, jokingly, if the girls were at the casino. + </p> + <p> + “No,” said she, “they are not here, and shall never come here, for they + are ladies of high birth, and their uncle, who looks after their + interests, is a Venetian gentleman.” + </p> + <p> + At this I could not keep back my laughter, but Lucie, without losing + countenance, told me that she could only repeat the account they had given + of themselves, that if we wanted to be convinced we had only to go and see + them at a house she rented fifty paces off, and that we need not be afraid + of being disturbed if we went, as their uncle lived in a different part of + the town. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, indeed!” said I, “he does not live with his highborn nieces, then?” + </p> + <p> + “No, he only comes to dinner to hear how business has been going, and to + take all the money from them.” + </p> + <p> + “Come along,” said Rigerboos, “we will go and see them.” + </p> + <p> + As I was desirous of seeing and addressing the noble Venetian ladies of so + honourable a profession, I told Lucie to take us to the house. I knew very + well that the girls were impostors, and their gentleman-uncle a + blackguard; but the die was cast. + </p> + <p> + We found them to be young and pretty. Lucie introduced me as a Venetian, + and they were beside themselves with joy to have someone to whom they + could talk. I found out directly that they came from Padua, not Venice, as + they spoke the Paduan dialect, which I knew very well. I told them so, and + they confessed it was the truth. I asked the name of their uncle, but they + said they could not tell me. + </p> + <p> + “We can get on without knowing,” said Rigerboos, catching hold of the one + he liked best. Lucie brought in some ham, oysters, a pie, and a good many + bottles of wine, and then left us. + </p> + <p> + I was not in the humour for wantonness, but Rigerboos was disposed to be + merry; his sweetheart was at first inclined to be prudish on his taking + liberties with her, but as I began to follow his example the ladies + relaxed their severity; we went first to one and then the other, and + before long they were both in the state of Eve before she used the + fig-leaf. + </p> + <p> + After passing an hour in these lascivious combats we gave each of the + girls four ducats, paid for the provisions we had consumed, and sent six + Louis to Lucie. We then left them, I going to bed cross with myself for + having engaged in such brutal pleasures. + </p> + <p> + Next morning I awoke late and in a bad humour, partly from the debauch of + the night before (for profligacy depresses as well as degrades the mind) + and partly from the thought that I had neglected Esther, who had + unquestionably been grieved by my absence. I felt that I must hasten to + reassure her, feeling certain that I should find some excuses to make, and + that they would be well received. I rang for Le Duc, put on my + dressing-gown, and sent him for my coffee. He had scarcely left the room + when the door opened and I saw Perine and the fellow named Wiedan, whom I + had seen at Piccolomini’s, and who styled himself a friend of St. Germain. + I was sitting on my bed, putting on my stockings. My apartments consisted + of three fine rooms, but they were at the back of the house, and all the + noise I could have made would not have been heard. The bell was on the + other side of the room; Le Duc would be gone fully ten minutes, and I was + in imminent danger of being assassinated without the possibility of + self-defence. + </p> + <p> + The above thoughts flashed through my head with lightning speed, and all + that I could do was to keep calm and say, + </p> + <p> + “Well, gentlemen, what can I do for you?” Wiedan took upon himself to + answer me. + </p> + <p> + “Count Piccolomini has found himself forced to declare that he received + the forged bill from us, in order that he may escape from the difficult + position in which your denunciation placed him. He has warned us that he + is going to do so, and we must escape forthwith if we want to avoid + prosecution. We have not a penny; we are desperate men.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, gentlemen, what have I to do with that?” + </p> + <p> + “Give us four hundred florins immediately; we do not want more, but we + must have that much, and now. If you refuse we will take to flight with + everything of yours that we can lay our hands on; and our arguments are + these.” + </p> + <p> + With this, each man drew a pistol from his pocket and aimed it at my head. + </p> + <p> + “You need not have recourse to violence,” said I, “it can only be fatal to + you. Stay, here are a hundred ducats more than you asked. Begone, and I + wish you a pleasant journey, but I would not be here when my servant comes + back if I were you.” + </p> + <p> + Wiedan took the roll of money with a trembling hand and put it in his + pocket without examining it; but Perine came up, and praising my noble + generosity, would have put his arms around my neck and kissed me. I + repulsed him, but without rudeness, and they went their ways, leaving me + very glad to have rid myself of them at so cheap a rate. + </p> + <p> + As soon as I was out of this snare I rang my bell, not to have them + followed but that I might get dressed as quickly as possible. I did not + say a word to Le Duc about what had happened, I was silent even to my + landlord; and, after I had sent my Spaniard to M. d’O—— to excuse my dining + there that day, I went to the chief of police, but had to wait two hours + before I could see him. As soon as the worthy man had heard my account of + my misfortune he said he would do his best to catch the two rascals, but + he did not conceal from me his fears that it was already too late. + </p> + <p> + I took the opportunity of telling him of Piccolomini’s visit to me, his + claims and threats. He thanked me for doing so, and promised to see to it; + but he advised me for the future to be on my guard and ready to defend + myself in case I was attacked before he could place my enemies in a place + where they could do me no harm. + </p> + <p> + I hastened home again, as I felt ill. An acid taste in my mouth shewed me + how all these shocks had upset me; but I knew what to do. I took a strong + glass of lemonade, which made me bring up a good deal of bile, and I then + felt much better. + </p> + <p> + Towards evening I went to see Esther, and found her looking serious and + rather vexed; but as soon as she saw how pale I was her face lighted up, + and she asked me, in a voice of tenderest interest, if I had been ill. I + told her I had been out of sorts, that I had taken some medicine, and that + I now felt better. + </p> + <p> + “You will see my appetite at supper,” added I, to calm her fears, “I have + had nothing to eat since dinner yesterday.” + </p> + <p> + This was really the truth, as I had only eaten a few oysters with the + Paduan girls. + </p> + <p> + She could scarcely contain her joy at my recovery, and bade me kiss her, + with which request I complied gladly, all unworthy though I felt of so + great a favour. + </p> + <p> + “I am going to tell you an important piece of news,” said she, “and that + is that I am sure that you do not invent the answers to your oracle, or at + least that you only do so when you choose. The reply you procured me was + wonderful—nay, divine, for it told me of a secret unknown to all, even to + myself. You may imagine my surprise when I convinced myself, with no + little trouble of the truth of the answer. + </p> + <p> + “You possess a treasure, your oracle is infallible; but surely it can + never lie, and my oracle tells me that you love me. It makes me glad to + know that, for you are the man of my heart. But I want you to give me an + exemplary proof of your love, and if you do love me you will not hesitate + to do so. Stay, read the reply you got me; I am sure you do not know what + it says; then I will tell you how you can make me quite happy.” + </p> + <p> + I pretended to read, and kissed the words which declared I loved her. “I + am delighted,” said I, “that the oracle has convinced you so easily, but I + must be excused if I say that I believe you knew as much long ago.” She + replied, blushing, that if it were possible to shew me the object in + question I should not wonder at her ignorance. Then, coming to the proof + of my love, she told me that she wanted me to communicate the secret to + her. “You love me,” said she, “and you ought to make no difficulty in + assuring the bliss of a girl who will be your wife, and in your power. My + father will agree to our marriage, and when I become your wife I will do + whatever you please. We will even go and live in another country if that + would add to your happiness. But you must teach me how to obtain the + answer to any question without inventing it myself.” + </p> + <p> + I took Esther’s hands in mine; she inspired me with the tenderest + feelings, and I kissed her hands with respectful fervour, saying, “You + know, Esther, dear, that my word is passed at Paris. Certainly, Manon is + not to be compared to you; but for all that I gave my promise to her poor + mother, and I must keep it.” + </p> + <p> + A sigh escaped from Esther, and her head fell upon her breast: but what + could I do? I could not teach her any other way of consulting the oracle + than the method she understood as well as I: my superiority over her only + consisting in my greater craft and more extensive experience. + </p> + <p> + Early one morning, two or three days later, a man was announced as wanting + to see me. He called himself an officer, but his name was perfectly + unknown to me. I sent down to say that I could not see him, and as soon as + my Spaniard went out I locked my door. What had happened already had made + me suspicious, and I did not care to see any more gentlemen alone. The two + scoundrels who had robbed me had eluded all the snares of the police, and + Piccolomini was not to be found; but I knew a good many of the gang were + still in Amsterdam, and I thought it well to be on my guard. + </p> + <p> + Some time after, Le Duc came in with a letter written in bad Italian, + saying that it had been given him by an officer who was waiting for an + answer. I opened it, and recognized the name I had heard a short while + ago. The writer said we knew each other, but that he could only give his + true name with his own lips, and that he had important information to give + me. + </p> + <p> + I told Le Duc to shew him in, and to stay by the door. I saw enter a + well-made man of about forty, dressed in the uniform of an officer of I do + not know what army, and bearing on his countenance all the marks of an + escaped gallows’-bird. + </p> + <p> + “What can I do for you, sir?” said I, as soon as he entered. + </p> + <p> + “Sir, we knew each other at Cerigo, sixteen or seventeen years ago, and I + am delighted to have an opportunity of renewing the acquaintance.” + </p> + <p> + I knew that I had spent but a few minutes at Cerigo, on my way to + Constantinople, and concluded that my visitor must be one of the + unfortunate wretches to whom I gave alms. + </p> + <p> + “Are you the man,” I said, “who told me that you were the son of a Count + Peccini, of Padua, although there is no such count in Padua at all?” + </p> + <p> + “I congratulate you on your excellent memory,” said he, coolly, “I am that + very individual.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, what do you want with me now?” + </p> + <p> + “I can’t divulge my business in the presence of your servant.” + </p> + <p> + “My servant does not understand Italian, so you can speak out; however, if + you like, I will send him away.” + </p> + <p> + I ordered Le Duc to stay in the ante-chamber, and when he had left the + room my Paduan count told me that I had been with his nieces, and had + treated them as if they were courtezans, and that he was come to demand + satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + I was tired of being cheated, and I took hold of my pistols and pointed + them at him, bidding him be gone instantly. Le Duc came in and the third + robber took himself off, muttering that “a time would come.” + </p> + <p> + I was placed in a disagreeable position; if I wanted to prosecute, I + should have to tell the whole story to the police. I thought of my honour + and determined to be silent, and the only person to whom I mentioned the + matter was Rigerboos, who not being in the same position as myself took + his measures, the result of which was that Lucie had to send her high-born + dames about their business. But the wretched woman came to me to say that + this misfortune had plunged her into the deepest distress, so I made her a + present of a few ducats, and she went away somewhat consoled. I begged her + not to call on me again. + </p> + <p> + Everything I did when I was away from Esther seemed to turn out ill, and I + felt that if I wanted to be happy I should do well to keep near her; but + my destiny, or rather my inconstancy, drew me away. + </p> + <p> + Three days afterwards, the villainous Major Sabi called on me to warn me + to be on my guard, as, according to his account, a Venetian officer I had + insulted and refused to give satisfaction to had vowed vengeance against + me. + </p> + <p> + “Then,” said I, “I shall have him arrested as an escaped galley slave, in + which character I have given him alms, and for wearing without the right + to do so the uniform of an officer, thereby disgracing the whole army. And + pray what outrage can I have committed against girls who live in a + brothel, and whom I have paid according to their deserts?” + </p> + <p> + “If what you say is true you are quite right, but this poor devil is in a + desperate situation; he wants to leave the country, and does not possess a + single florin. I advise you to give him an alms once more, and you will + have done with him. Two score florins will not make you any the poorer, + and will rid you of a villainous enemy.” + </p> + <p> + “A most villainous one, I think.” At last I agreed to give him the forty + florins, and I handed them to him in a coffee-house where the major told + me I should find him. The reader will see how I met this blackguard four + months later. + </p> + <p> + Now, when all these troubles have been long over and I can think over them + calmly, reflecting on the annoyances I experienced at Amsterdam, where I + might have been so happy, I am forced to admit that we ourselves are the + authors of almost all our woes and griefs, of which we so unreasonably + complain. If I could live my life over again, should I be wiser? Perhaps; + but then I should not be myself. + </p> + <p> + M. d’O—— asked me to sup with him at the Burgomasters’ Lodge, + and this was a great distinction, for, contrary to the rules of + Freemasonry, no one but the twenty-four members who compose the lodge is + admitted, and these twenty-four masons were the richest men on the + Exchange. + </p> + <p> + “I have told them that you are coming,” said M. d’O——, “and to + welcome you more honourably the lodge will be opened in French.” In short, + these gentlemen gave me the most distinguished reception, and I had the + fortune to make myself so agreeable to them that I was unanimously chosen + an honorary member during the time I should stay at Amsterdam. As we were + going away, M. d’O—— told me that I had supped with a company + which represented a capital of three hundred millions. + </p> + <p> + Next day the worthy Dutchman begged me to oblige him by answering a + question to which his daughter’s oracle had replied in a very obscure + manner. Esther encouraged me, and I asked what the question was. It ran as + follows: + </p> + <p> + “I wish to know whether the individual who desires me and my company to + transact a matter of the greatest importance is really a friend of the + King of France?” + </p> + <p> + It was not difficult for me to divine that the Comte de St. Germain was + meant. M. d’O—— was not aware that I knew him, and I had not forgotten what + M. d’Afri had told me. + </p> + <p> + “Here’s a fine opportunity,” thought I, “for covering my oracle with + glory, and giving my fair Esther something to think about.” + </p> + <p> + I set to work, and after erecting my pyramid and placing above the four + keys the letters O, S, A, D, the better to impose on Esther, I extracted + the reply, beginning with the fourth key, D. The oracle ran as follows: + </p> + <p> + “The friend disavows. The order is signed. They grant. They refuse. All + vanishes. Delay.” + </p> + <p> + I pretended to think the reply a very obscure one, but Esther gave a cry + of astonishment and declared that it gave a lot of information in an + extraordinary style. M. d’O——, in an ecstasy of delight, + exclaimed, + </p> + <p> + “The reply is clear enough for me. The oracle is divine; the word ‘delay’ + is addressed to me. You and my daughter are clever enough in making the + oracle speak, but I am more skilled than you in the interpretation + thereof. I shall prevent the thing going any further. The project is no + less a one than to lend a hundred millions, taking in pledge the diamonds + of the French crown. The king wishes the loan to be concluded without the + interference of his ministers and without their even knowing anything + about it. I entreat you not to mention the matter to anyone.” + </p> + <p> + He then went out. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” said Esther, when we were by ourselves, “I am quite sure that that + reply came from another intelligence than yours. In the name of all you + hold sacred, tell me the meaning of those four letters, and why you + usually omit them.” + </p> + <p> + “I omit them, dearest Esther, because experience has taught me that in + ordinary cases they are unnecessary; but while I was making the pyramid + the command came to me to set them down, and I thought it well to obey.” + </p> + <p> + “What do they mean?” + </p> + <p> + “They are the initial letters of the holy names of the cardinal + intelligences of the four quarters of the world.” + </p> + <p> + “I may not tell you, but whoever deals with the oracle should know them.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! do not deceive me; I trust in you, and it would be worse than murder + to abuse so simple a faith as mine.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not deceiving you, dearest Esther.” + </p> + <p> + “But if you were to teach me the cabala, you would impart to me these holy + names?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, but I cannot reveal them except to my successor. If I violate + this command I should lose my knowledge; and this condition is well + calculated to insure secrecy, is it not?” + </p> + <p> + “It is, indeed. Unhappy that I am, your successor will be, of course, + Manon.” + </p> + <p> + “No, Manon is not fitted intellectually for such knowledge as this.” + </p> + <p> + “But you should fix on someone, for you are mortal after all. If you like, + my father would give you the half of his immense fortune without your + marrying me.” + </p> + <p> + “Esther! what is it that you have said? Do you think that to possess you + would be a disagreeable condition in my eyes?” + </p> + <p> + After a happy day—I think I may call it the happiest of my life—I + left the too charming Esther, and went home towards the evening. + </p> + <p> + Three or four days after, M. d’O—— came into Esther’s room, + where he found us both calculating pyramids. I was teaching her to double, + to triple, and to quadruple the cabalistic combinations. M. d’O—— + strode into the room in a great hurry, striking his breast in a sort of + ecstasy. We were surprised and almost frightened to see him so strangely + excited, and rose to meet him, but he running up to us almost forced us to + embrace him, which we did willingly. + </p> + <p> + “But what is the matter, papa dear?” said Esther, “you surprise me more + than I can say.” + </p> + <p> + “Sit down beside me, my dear children, and listen to your father and your + best friend. I have just received a letter from one of the secretaries of + their high mightinesses informing me that the French ambassador has + demanded, in the name of the king his master, that the Comte St. Germain + should be delivered over, and that the Dutch authorities have answered + that His Most Christian Majesty’s requests shall be carried out as soon as + the person of the count can be secured. In consequence of this the police, + knowing that the Comte St. Germain was staying at the Etoile d’Orient, + sent to arrest him at midnight, but the bird had flown. The landlord + declared that the count had posted off at nightfall, taking the way to + Nimeguen. He has been followed, but there are small hopes of catching him + up. + </p> + <p> + “It is not known how he can have discovered that a warrant existed against + him, or how he continued to evade arrest.” + </p> + <p> + “It is not known;” went an M. d’O——, laughing, “but everyone + guesses that M. Calcoen, the same that wrote to me, let this friend of the + French king’s know that he would be wanted at midnight, and that if he did + not get the key of the fields he would be arrested. He is not so foolish + as to despise a piece of advice like that. The Dutch Government has + expressed its sorrow to M. d’Afri that his excellence did not demand the + arrest of St. Germain sooner, and the ambassador will not be astonished at + this reply, as it is like many others given on similar occasions. + </p> + <p> + “The wisdom of the oracle has been verified, and I congratulate myself on + having seized its meaning, for we were on the point of giving him a + hundred thousand florins on account, which he said he must have + immediately. He gave us in pledge the finest of the crown diamonds, and + this we still retain. But we will return it to him an demand, unless it is + claimed by the ambassador. I have never seen a finer stone. + </p> + <p> + “And now, my children, you see what I owe to the oracle. On the Exchange + the whole company can do nothing but express their gratitude to me. I am + regarded as the most prudent and most farseeing man in Holland. To you, my + dear children, I owe this honour, but I wear my peacock’s feathers without + scruple. + </p> + <p> + “My dear Casanova, you will dine with us, I hope. After dinner I shall beg + you to enquire of your inscrutable intelligence whether we ought to + declare ourselves in possession of the splendid diamond, or to observe + secrecy till it is reclaimed.” + </p> + <p> + After this discourse papa embraced us once more and left us. + </p> + <p> + “Sweetheart,” said Esther, throwing her arms round my neck, “you have an + opportunity for giving me a strong proof of your friendship. It will cost + you nothing, but it will cover me with honour and happiness.” + </p> + <p> + “Command me, and it shall be done. You cannot think that I would refuse + you a favour which is to cost me nothing, when I should deem myself happy + to shed my blood for your sake.” + </p> + <p> + “My father wishes you to tell him after dinner whether it will be better + to declare that they have the diamond or to keep silence till it is + claimed. When he asks you a second time, tell him to seek the answer of + me, and offer to consult the oracle also, in case my answer may be too + obscure. Then perform the operation, and I will make my father love me all + the better, when he sees that my knowledge is equal to yours.” + </p> + <p> + “Dearest one, would I not do for thee a task a thousand times more + difficult than this to prove my love and my devotion? Let us set to work. + Do you write the question, set up the pyramids, and inscribe with your own + hand the all-powerful initials. Good. Now begin to extract the answer by + means of the divine key. Never was a cleverer pupil!” + </p> + <p> + When all this had been done, I suggested the additions and subtractions I + wanted made, and she was quite astonished to read the following reply: + “Silence necessary. Without silence, general derision. Diamond valueless; + mere paste.” + </p> + <p> + I thought she would have gone wild with delight. She laughed and laughed + again. + </p> + <p> + “What an amazing reply!” said she. “The diamond is false, and it is I who + am about to reveal their folly to them. I shall inform my father of this + important secret. It is too much, it overwhelms me; I can scarcely contain + myself for joy! How much I owe you, you wonderful and delightful man! They + will verify the truth of the oracle immediately, and when it is found that + the famous diamond is but glittering paste the company will adore my + father, for it will feel that but for him it would have been covered with + shame, by avowing itself the dupe of a sharper. Will you leave the pyramid + with me?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly; but it will not teach you anything you do not know.” The + father came in again and we had dinner, and after the dessert, when the + worthy d’O—— learnt from his daughter’s oracle that the stone + was false, the scene became a truly comical one. He burst into + exclamations of astonishment, declared the thing impossible, incredible, + and at last begged me to ask the same question, as he was quite sure that + his daughter was mistaken, or rather that the oracle was deluding her. + </p> + <p> + I set to work, and was not long in obtaining my answer. When he saw that + it was to the same effect as Esther’s, though differently expressed, he + had no longer any doubts as to his daughter’s skill, and hastened to go + and test the pretended diamond, and to advise his associates to say + nothing about the matter after they had received proofs of the + worthlessness of the stone. This advice was, as it happened, useless; for + though the persons concerned said nothing, everybody knew about it, and + people said, with their usual malice, that the dupes had been duped most + thoroughly, and that St. Germain had pocketed the hundred thousand + florins; but this was not the case. + </p> + <p> + Esther was very proud of her success, but instead of being satisfied with + what she had done, she desired more fervently every day to possess the + science in its entirety, as she supposed I possessed it. + </p> + <p> + It soon became known that St. Germain had gone by Emden and had embarked + for England, where he had arrived in safety. In due time we shall hear + some further details concerning this celebrated impostor; and in the + meanwhile I must relate a catastrophe of another kind, which was near to + have made me die the death of a fool. + </p> + <p> + It was Christmas Day. I had got up early in the morning in better spirits + than usual. The old women tell you that always presages misfortune, but I + was as far then as I am now from making my happiness into an omen of + grief. But this time chance made the foolish belief of good effect. I + received a letter and a large packet from Paris; they came from Manon. I + opened the letter and I thought I should have died of grief when I read,— + </p> + <p> + “Be wise, and receive the news I give you calmly. The packet contains your + portrait and all the letters you have written to me. Return me my + portrait, and if you have kept my letters be kind enough to burn them. I + rely on your honour. Think of me no more. Duty bids me do all I can to + forget you, for at this hour to-morrow I shall become the wife of M. + Blondel of the Royal Academy, architect to the king. Please do not seem as + if you knew me if we chance to meet on your return to Paris.” + </p> + <p> + This letter struck me dumb with astonishment, and for more than two hours + after I read it I was, as it were, bereft of my senses. I sent word to M. + d’O—— that, not feeling well, I was going to keep my room all + day. When I felt a little better I opened the packet. The first thing to + fall out was my portrait. I looked at it, and such was the perturbation of + my mind, that, though the miniature really represented me as of a cheerful + and animated expression, I thought I beheld a dreadful and a threatening + visage. I went to my desk and wrote and tore up a score of letters in + which I overwhelmed the faithless one with threats and reproaches. + </p> + <p> + I could bear no more; the forces of nature were exhausted, and I was + obliged to lie down and take a little broth, and court that sleep which + refused to come. A thousand designs came to my disordered imagination. I + rejected them one by one, only to devise new ones. I would slay this + Blondel, who had carried off a woman who was mine and mine only; who was + all but my wife. Her treachery should be punished by her losing the object + for whom she had deserted me. I accused her father, I cursed her brother + for having left me in ignorance of the insult which had so traitorously + been put upon me. + </p> + <p> + I spent the day and night in these delirious thoughts, and in the morning, + feeling worse than ever, I sent to M. d’O—— to say that I + could not possibly leave my room. Then I began to read and re-read the + letters I had written to Manon, calling upon her name in a sort of frenzy; + and again set myself to write to her without finishing a single letter. + The emptiness of my stomach and the shock I had undergone began to stupefy + me, and for a few moments I forgot my anguish only to re-awaken to acuter + pains soon after. + </p> + <p> + About three o’clock, the worthy M. d’O—— came to invite me to + go with him to the Hague, where the chief masons of Holland met on the day + following to keep the Feast of St. John, but when he saw my condition he + did not press me to come. + </p> + <p> + “What is the matter with you, my dear Casanova?” said he. + </p> + <p> + “I have had a great grief, but let us say no more about it.” + </p> + <p> + He begged me to come and see Esther, and left me looking almost as + downcast as I was. However, the next morning Esther anticipated my visit, + for at nine o’clock she and her governess came into the room. The sight of + her did me good. She was astonished to see me so undone and cast down, and + asked me what was the grief of which I had spoken to her father, and which + had proved too strong for my philosophy. + </p> + <p> + “Sit down beside me, Esther dear, and allow me to make a mystery of what + has affected me so grievously. Time, the mighty healer, and still more + your company, will effect a cure which I should in vain seek by appealing + to my reason. Whilst we talk of other things I shall not feel the + misfortune which gnaws at my heart.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, get up, dress yourself, and come and spend the day with me, and I + will do my best to make you forget your sorrow.” + </p> + <p> + “I feel very weak; for the last three days I have only taken a little + broth and chocolate.” + </p> + <p> + At these words her face fell, and she began to weep. + </p> + <p> + After a moment’s silence she went to my desk, took a pen, and wrote a few + lines, which she brought to me. They were,— + </p> + <p> + “Dear, if a large sum of money, beyond what my father owes you, can remove + or even soothe your grief I can be your doctor, and you ought to know that + your accepting my treatment would make me happy.” + </p> + <p> + I took her hands and kissed them affectionately, saying,— + </p> + <p> + “No, dear Esther, generous Esther, it is not money I want, for if I did I + would ask you and your father as a friend: what I want, and what no one + can give me, is a resolute mind, and determination to act for the best.” + </p> + <p> + “Ask advice of your oracle.” + </p> + <p> + I could not help laughing. + </p> + <p> + “Why do you laugh?” said she, “if I am not mistaken, the oracle must know + a remedy for your woes.” + </p> + <p> + “I laughed, dearest, because I felt inclined to tell you to consult the + oracle this time. As for me I will have nothing to do with it, lest the + cure be worse than the disease.” + </p> + <p> + “But you need not follow your advice unless you like it.” + </p> + <p> + “No, one is free to act as one thinks fit; but not to follow the advice of + the oracle would be a contempt of the intelligence which directs it.” + </p> + <p> + Esther could say no more, and stood silent for several minutes, and then + said that if I like she would stay with me for the rest of the day. The + joy which illumined my countenance was manifest, and I said that if she + would stay to dinner I would get up, and no doubt her presence would give + me an appetite. “Ah!” said she, “I will make you the dish you are so fond + of.” She ordered the sedan-chairs to be sent back, and went to my landlady + to order an appetising repast, and to procure the chafing-dish and the + spirits of wine she required for her own cooking. + </p> + <p> + Esther was an angel, a treasure, who consented to become mine if I would + communicate to her a science which did not exist. I felt that I was + looking forward to spending a happy day; this shewed me that I could + forget Manon, and I was delighted with the idea. I got out of bed, and + when Esther came back and found me on my feet she gave a skip of pleasure. + “Now,” said she, “you must oblige me by dressing, and doing your hair as + if you were going to a ball.” + </p> + <p> + “That,” I answered, “is a funny idea, but as it pleases you it pleases + me.” + </p> + <p> + I rang for Le Duc, and told him I wanted to have my hair done, and to be + dressed as if I were going to a ball. “Choose the dress that suits me + best.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Esther, “I will choose it myself.” + </p> + <p> + Le Duc opened my trunk, and leaving her to rummage in it he came to shave + me, and to do my hair. Esther, delighted with her task, called in the + assistance of her governess. She put on my bed a lace shirt, and the suit + she found most to her taste. Then coming close, as if to see whether Le + Duc was dressing my hair properly, she said, + </p> + <p> + “A little broth would do you good; send for a dish, it will give you an + appetite for dinner.” + </p> + <p> + I thought her advice dictated by the tenderest care, and I determined to + benefit by it. So great was the influence of this charming girl over me, + that, little by little, instead of loving Manon, I hated her. That gave me + courage, and completed my cure. At the present time I can see that Manon + was very wise in accepting Blondel’s offer, and that my love for self and + not my love for her was wounded. + </p> + <p> + I was in my servant’s hands, my face turned away towards the fire, so that + I could not see Esther, but only divert myself with the idea that she was + inspecting my belongings, when all at once she presented herself with a + melancholy air, holding Manon’s fatal letter in her hand. + </p> + <p> + “Am I to blame,” said she, timidly, “for having discovered the cause of + your sorrow?” + </p> + <p> + I felt rather taken aback, but looking kindly at her, I said, + </p> + <p> + “No, no, my dear Esther; pity your friend, and say no more about it.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I may read all the letters?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, dearest, if it will amuse you.” + </p> + <p> + All the letters of the faithless Manon Baletti to me, with mine to her, + were together on my table. I pointed them out to Esther, who begun to read + them quite eagerly. + </p> + <p> + When I was dressed, as if for some Court holiday, Le Duc went out and left + us by ourselves, for the worthy governess, who was working at her lace by + the window, looked at her lace, and nothing else. Esther said that nothing + had ever amused her so much as those letters. + </p> + <p> + “Those cursed epistles, which please you so well, will be the death of + me.” + </p> + <p> + “Death? Oh, no! I will cure you, I hope.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope so, too; but after dinner you must help me to burn them all from + first to last.” + </p> + <p> + “Burn them! No; make me a present of them. I promise to keep them + carefully all my days.” + </p> + <p> + “They are yours, Esther. I will send them to you to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + These letters were more than two hundred in number, and the shortest were + four pages in length. She was enchanted to find herself the possessor of + the letters, and she said she would make them into a parcel and take them + away herself. + </p> + <p> + “Shall you send back the portrait to your faithless mistress?” said she. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know what to do with it.” + </p> + <p> + “Send it back to her; she is not worthy of your honouring her by keeping + it. I am sure that your oracle would give you the same advice. Where is + the portrait? Will you shew it me?” + </p> + <p> + I had the portrait in the interior of a gold snuff-box, but I had never + shewn it to Esther for fear she should think Manon handsomer than herself, + and conclude that I only shewd it her out of vanity; but as she now asked + to see it I opened the box where it was and gave it her. + </p> + <p> + Any other woman besides Esther would have pronounced Manon downright ugly, + or have endeavored at the least to find some fault with her, but Esther + pronounced her to be very beautiful, and only said it was a great pity so + fair a body contained so vile a soul. + </p> + <p> + The sight of Manon’s portrait made Esther ask to see all the other + portraits which Madame Manzoni had sent me from Venice. There were naked + figures amongst them, but Esther was too pure a spirit to put on the + hateful affectations of the prude, to whom everything natural is an + abomination. O-Morphi pleased her very much, and her history, which I + related, struck her as very curious. The portrait of the fair nun, M—— + M——, first in the habit of her order and afterwards naked, + made her laugh, but I would not tell Esther her story, in spite of the + lively desire she displayed to hear it. + </p> + <p> + At dinner-time a delicate repast was brought to us, and we spent two + delightful hours in the pleasures of a conversation and the table. I + seemed to have passed from death to life, and Esther was delighted to have + been my physician. Before we rose from table I had declared my intention + of sending Manon’s portrait to her husband on the day following, but her + good nature found a way of dissuading me from doing so without much + difficulty. + </p> + <p> + Some time after, while we were talking in front of the fire, she took a + piece of paper, set up the pyramids, and inscribed the four keys O, S, A, + D. She asked if I should send the portrait to the husband, or whether it + would not be more generous to return it to the faithless Manon. Whilst she + was calculating she said over and over again, with a smile, “I have not + made up the answer.” I pretend to believe her, and we laughed like two + augurs meeting each other alone. At last the reply came that I ought to + return the portrait, but to the giver, since to send it to the husband + would be an act unworthy of a man of honour. + </p> + <p> + I praised the wisdom of the oracle, and kissed the Pythoness a score of + times, promising that the cabala should be obeyed implicitly, adding that + she had no need of being taught the science since she knew it as well as + the inventor. + </p> + <p> + I spoke the truth, but Esther laughed, and, fearing lest I should really + think so, took pains to assure me of the contrary. + </p> + <p> + It is thus that love takes his pleasure, thus his growth increases, and + thus that he so soon becomes a giant in strength. + </p> + <p> + “Shall I be impertinent,” said Esther, “if I ask you where your portrait + is? Manon says in her letter that she is sending it back; but I don’t see + it anywhere.” + </p> + <p> + “In my first paroxysm of rage, I threw it down; I don’t know in what + direction. What was thus despised by her cannot be of much value to me.” + </p> + <p> + “Let us look for it; I should like to see it.” + </p> + <p> + We soon found it on my table, in the midst of a of books; Esther said it + was a speaking likeness. + </p> + <p> + “I would give it you if such a present were worthy of you.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! you could not give me anything I would value more.” + </p> + <p> + “Will you deign to accept it, Esther, though it has been possessed by + another?” + </p> + <p> + “It will be all the dearer to me.” + </p> + <p> + At last she had to leave me, after a day which might be called delightful + if happiness consists of calm and mutual joys without the tumultuous + raptures of passion. She went away at ten, after I had promised to spend + the whole of the next day with her. + </p> + <p> + After an unbroken sleep of nine hours’ duration I got up refreshed and + feeling once more in perfect health, and I went to see Esther immediately. + I found she was still abed and asleep, but her governess went and roused + her in spite of my request that her repose should be respected. + </p> + <p> + She received me with a sweet smile as she sat up in bed, and shewd me my + voluminous correspondence with Manon on her night-table, saying that she + had been reading it till two o’clock in the morning. + </p> + <p> + Her appearance was ravishing. A pretty cambric night-cap, tied with a + light-blue ribbon and ornamented with lace, set off the beauties of her + face; and a light shawl of Indian muslin, which she had hastily thrown on, + veiled rather than concealed her snowy breast, which would have shamed the + works of Praxiteles. She allowed me to take a hundred kisses on her rosy + lips—ardent kisses which the sight of such charms made yet more + ardent; but her hands forbade my approach to those two spheres I so longed + to touch. + </p> + <p> + I sat down by her and told her that her charms of body and mind would make + a man forget all the Manons that ever were. + </p> + <p> + “Is your Manon fair to see all over?” said she. + </p> + <p> + “I really can’t say, for, not being her husband, I never had an + opportunity of investigating the matter.” + </p> + <p> + “Your discretion is worthy of all praise,” she said, with a smile, “such + conduct becomes a man of delicate feeling.” + </p> + <p> + “I was told by her nurse that she was perfect in all respects, and that no + mole or blemish relieved the pure whiteness of her skin.” + </p> + <p> + “You must have a different notion of me?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Esther, as the oracle revealed to me the great secret you desired to + know. Nevertheless, I should find you perfect in all your parts.” + </p> + <p> + Hereupon I was guilty of a stupidity which turned to my confusion. I said, + </p> + <p> + “If I became your husband, I could easily refrain from touching you + there.” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose you think,” said she, blushing, and evidently a little vexed, + “that if you touched it your desires might be lessened?” + </p> + <p> + This question probed me to the core and covered me with shame. I burst + into tears, and begged her pardon in so truly repentant a voice that + sympathy made her mingle her tears with mine. The incident only increased + our intimacy, for, as I kissed her tears away, the same desires consumed + us, and if the voice of prudence had not intervened, doubtless all would + have been over. As it was, we had but a foretaste and an earnest of that + bliss which it was in our power to procure. Three hours seemed to us as + many minutes. She begged me to go into her sitting-room while she dressed, + and we then went down and dined with the wretched secretary, who adored + her, whom she did not love, and who must have borne small love to me, + seeing how high I stood in her graces. + </p> + <p> + We passed the rest of the day together in that confidential talk which is + usual when the foundations of the most intimate friendship have been laid + between two persons of opposite sex, who believe themselves created for + each other. Our flames burnt as brightly, but with more restraint, in the + dining-room as in the bedroom. In the very air of the bedroom of a woman + one loves there is something so balmy and voluptuous that the lover, asked + to choose between this garden of delights and Paradise, would not for one + moment hesitate in his choice. + </p> + <p> + We parted with hearts full of happiness, saying to each other, “Till + to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + I was truly in love with Esther, for my sentiment for her was composed of + sweeter, calmer, and more lively feelings than mere sensual love, which is + ever stormy and violent. I felt sure I could persuade her to marry me + without my first teaching her what could not be taught. I was sorry I had + not let her think herself as clever as myself in the cabala, and I feared + it would be impossible to undeceive her without exciting her to anger, + which would cast out love. Nevertheless, Esther was the only woman who + would make me forget Manon, whom I began to think unworthy of all I had + proposed doing for her. + </p> + <p> + M. d’O—— came back and I went to dine with him. He was pleased + to hear that his daughter had effected a complete cure by spending a day + with me. When we were alone he told me that he had heard at the Hague that + the Comte St. Germain had the art of making diamonds which only differed + from the real ones in weight, and which, according to him, would make his + fortune. M. d’O—— would have been amused if I had told him all + I knew about this charlatan. + </p> + <p> + Next day I took Esther to the concert, and while we were there she told me + that on the day following she would not leave her room, so that we could + talk about getting married without fear of interruption. This was the last + day of the year 1759. + </p> + <a name="linkC2HCH0011" id="linkC2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + I Undeceive Esther—I set out for Germany—Adventure Near + Cologne—The Burgomaster’s Wife; My Conquest of Her—Ball at + Bonn—Welcome From the Elector of Cologne—Breakfast at + Bruhl—First Intimacy—I sup Without Being Asked at General + Kettler’s—I am Happy—I Leave Cologne—The Toscani — + The Jewel—My Arrival at Stuttgart +</pre> + <a name="linkCimage-0005" id="linkCimage-0005"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/3c11.jpg" width="100%" alt="Chapter 11 " /> + </div> + <p> + The appointment which Esther had made with me would probably have serious + results; and I felt it due to my honour not to deceive her any longer, + even were it to cost me my happiness; however, I had some hope that all + would turn out well. + </p> + <p> + I found her in bed, and she told me that she intended to stop there + throughout the day. I approved, for in bed I thought her ravishing. + </p> + <p> + “We will set to work,” said she; and her governess set a little table by + her bed, and she gave me a piece of paper covered with questions tending + to convince me that before I married her I should communicate to her my + supposed science. All these questions were artfully conceived, all were so + worded as to force the oracle to order me to satisfy her, or to definitely + forbid my doing so. I saw the snare, and all my thoughts were how to avoid + it, though I pretended to be merely considering the questions. I could not + make the oracle speak to please Esther, and I could still less make it + pronounce a positive prohibition, as I feared that she would resent such + an answer bitterly and revenge herself on me. Nevertheless, I had to + assume an indifferent air, and I got myself out of the difficulty by + equivocal answers, till the good-humoured papa came to summon me to + dinner. + </p> + <p> + He allowed his daughter to stay in bed on the condition that she was to do + no more work, as he was afraid that by applying herself so intently she + would increase her headache. She promised, much to my delight, that he + should be obeyed, but on my return from dinner I found her asleep, and + sitting at her bedside I let her sleep on. + </p> + <p> + When she awoke she said she would like to read a little; and as if by + inspiration, I chanced to take up Coiardeau’s ‘Heroides’, and we inflamed + each other by reading the letters of Heloise and Abelard. The ardours thus + aroused passed into our talk and we began to discuss the secret which the + oracle had revealed. + </p> + <p> + “But, Esther dear,” said I, “did not the oracle reveal a circumstance of + which you knew perfectly well before?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sweetheart, the secret was perfectly unknown to me and would have + continued unknown.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you have never been curious enough to inspect your own person?” + </p> + <p> + “However curious I may have been, nature placed that mole in such a + position as to escape any but the most minute search.” + </p> + <p> + “You have never felt it, then?” + </p> + <p> + “It is too small to be felt.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t believe it.” + </p> + <p> + She allowed my hand to wander indiscreetly, and my happy fingers felt all + the precincts of the temple of love. This was enough to fire the chastest + disposition. I could not find the object of my research, and, not wishing + to stop short at so vain an enjoyment, I was allowed to convince myself + with my eyes that it actually existed. There, however, her concessions + stopped short, and I had to content myself by kissing again and again all + those parts which modesty no longer denied to my gaze. + </p> + <p> + Satiated with bliss, though I had not attained to the utmost of enjoyment, + which she wisely denied me, after two hours had been devoted to those + pastimes which lead to nothing, I resolved to tell her the whole truth and + to shew her how I had abused her trust in me, though I feared that her + anger would be roused. + </p> + <p> + Esther, who had a large share of intelligence (indeed if she had had less + I could not have deceived her so well), listened to me without + interrupting me and without any signs of anger or astonishment. At last, + when I had brought my long and sincere confession to an end, she said, + </p> + <p> + “I know your love for me is as great as mine for you; and if I am certain + that what you have just said cannot possibly be true, I am forced to + conclude that if you do not communicate to me all the secrets of your + science it is because to do so is not in your power. Let us love one + another till death, and say no more about this matter.” + </p> + <p> + After a moment’s silence, she went on,— + </p> + <p> + “If love has taken away from you the courage of sincerity I forgive you, + but I am sorry for you. You have given me too positive proof of the + reality of your science to be able to shake my belief. You could never + have found out a thing of which I myself was ignorant, and of which no + mortal man could know.” + </p> + <p> + “And if I shew you, Esther dear, that I knew you had this mole, that I had + good reasons for supposing you to be ignorant of it, will your belief be + shaken then?” + </p> + <p> + “You knew it? How could you have seen it? It’s incredible!” + </p> + <p> + “I will tell you all.” + </p> + <p> + I then explained to her the theory of the correspondence of moles on the + various parts of the human body, and to convince her I ended by saying + that her governess who had a large mark on her right cheek ought to have + one very like it on her left thigh. At this she burst into laughter, and + said, “I will find out, but after all you have told me I can only admire + you the more for knowing what no one else does.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you really think, Esther, that I am the sole possessor of this + science? Undeceive yourself. All who have studied anatomy, physiology, and + astrology, know of it.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I beg you to get me, by to-morrow—yes, tomorrow—all the + books which will teach me secrets of that nature. I long to be able to + astonish the ignorant with my cabala, which I see requires a mixture of + knowledge and imposition. I wish to devote myself entirely to this study. + We can love each other to the death, but we can do that without getting + married.” + </p> + <p> + I re-entered my lodging in a peaceful and happy frame of mind; an enormous + weight seemed taken off my spirits. Next morning I purchased such volumes + as I judged would instruct and amuse her at the same time, and went to + present them to her. She was most pleased with my Conis, as she found in + it the character of truth. As she wished to shine by her answers through + the oracle it was necessary for her to have an extensive knowledge of + science, and I put her on the way. + </p> + <p> + About that time I conceived the idea of making a short tour in Germany + before returning to Paris, and Esther encouraged me to do so, after I had + promised that she should see me again before the end of the year. This + promise was sincerely, given; and though from that day to this I have not + beheld the face of that charming and remarkable woman, I cannot reproach + myself with having deceived her wilfully, for subsequent events prevented + me from keeping my word. + </p> + <p> + I wrote to M. d’Afri requesting him to procure me a passport through the + empire, where the French and other belligerent powers were then + campaigning. He answered very politely that I had no need of a passport, + but that if I wished to have one he would send it me forthwith. I was + content with this letter and put it among my papers, and at Cologne it got + me a better reception than all the passports in the world. + </p> + <p> + I made M. d’O—— the depositary of the various moneys I had in + different banking houses, and the worthy man, who was a true friend to me, + gave me a bill of exchange on a dozen of the chief houses in Germany. + </p> + <p> + When my affairs were all in order I started in my post-chaise, with the + sum of nearly a hundred thousand Dutch florins to my credit, some valuable + jewels, and a well-stocked wardrobe. I sent my Swiss servant back to + Paris, keeping only my faithful Spaniard, who on this occasion travelled + with me, seated behind my chaise. + </p> + <p> + Thus ends the history of my second visit to Holland, where I did nothing + to augment my fortune. I had some unpleasant experiences there for which I + had my own imprudence to thank, but after the lapse of so many years I + feel that these mishaps were more than compensated by the charms of + Esther’s society. + </p> + <p> + I only stopped one day at Utrecht, and two days after I reached Cologne at + noon, without accident, but not without danger, for at a distance of half + a league from the town five deserters, three on the right hand and two on + the left, levelled their pistols at me, with the words, “Your money or + your life.” However, I covered the postillion with my own pistol, + threatening to fire if he did not drive on, and the robbers discharged + their weapons at the carriage, not having enough spirit to shoot the + postillion. + </p> + <p> + If I had been like the English, who carry a light purse for the benefit of + the highwaymen, I would have thrown it to these poor wretches; but, as it + was, I risked my life rather than be robbed. My Spaniard was quite + astonished not to have been struck by any of the balls which whistled past + his ears. + </p> + <p> + The French were in winter quarters at Cologne, and I put up at the “Soleil + d’Or.” As I was going in, the first person I met was the Comte de Lastic, + Madame d’Urfe’s nephew, who greeted me with the utmost politeness, and + offered to take me to M. de Torci, who was in command. I accepted, and + this gentleman was quite satisfied with the letter M. d’Afri had written + me. I told him what had happened to me as I was coming into Cologne, and + he congratulated me on the happy issue of the affair, but with a soldier’s + freedom blamed the use I had made of my courage. + </p> + <p> + “You played high,” said he, “to save your money, but you might have lost a + limb, and nothing would have made up for that.” + </p> + <p> + I answered that to make light of a danger often diminished it. We laughed + at this, and he said that if I was going to make any stay in Cologne I + should probably have the pleasure of seeing the highwaymen hanged. + </p> + <p> + “I intend to go to-morrow,” said I, “and if anything could keep me at + Cologne it would certainly not be the prospect of being present at an + execution, as such sights are not at all to my taste.” + </p> + <p> + I had to accept M. de Lastic’s invitation to dinner, and he persuaded me + to go with himself and his friend, M. de Flavacour, an officer of high + rank, and an agreeable man, to the theatre. As I felt sure that I should + be introduced to ladies, and wished to make something of a figure, I spent + an hour in dressing. + </p> + <p> + I found myself in a box opposite to a pretty woman, who looked at me again + and again through her opera-glass. That was enough to rouse my curiosity, + and I begged M. de Lastic to introduce me; which he did with the best + grace imaginable. He first presented me to Count Kettler, + lieutenant-general in the Austrian army, and on the general staff of the + French army—just as the French General Montacet was on the staff of + the Austrian army. I was then presented to the lady whose beauty had + attracted my attention the moment I entered my box. She greeted me + graciously, and asked me questions about Paris and Brussels, where she had + been educated, without appearing to pay any attention to my replies, but + gazing at my lace and jewellery. + </p> + <p> + While we were talking of indifferent matters, like new acquaintances, she + suddenly but politely asked me if I intended to make a long stay in + Cologne. + </p> + <p> + “I think of crossing the Rhine to-morrow,” I answered, “and shall probably + dine at Bonn.” + </p> + <p> + This reply, which was given as indifferently as her question, appeared to + vex her; and I thought her vexation a good omen. General Kettler then + rose, saying,— + </p> + <p> + “I am sure, sir, that this lady will persuade you to delay your departure—at + least, I hope so, that I may have the pleasure of seeing more of your + company.” + </p> + <p> + I bowed and he went out with Lastic, leaving me alone with this ravishing + beauty. She was the burgomaster’s wife, and the general was nearly always + with her. + </p> + <p> + “Is the count right,” said she, pleasantly, “in attributing such power to + me?” + </p> + <p> + “I think so, indeed,” I answered, “but he may possibly be wrong in + thinking you care to exercise it.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good! We must catch him, then, if only as the punishment of his + indiscretion. Stay.” + </p> + <p> + I was so astonished at this speech that I looked quite foolish and had to + collect my senses. I thought the word indiscretion sublime, punishment + exquisite, and catching admirable; and still more the idea of catching him + by means of me. I thought it would be a mistake to enquire any further, + and putting on an expression of resignation and gratitude I lowered my + lips and kissed her hand with a mixture of respect and sentiment, which, + without exactly imparting my feelings for her, let her know that they + might be softened without much difficulty. + </p> + <p> + “Then you will stay, sir! It is really very kind of you, for if you went + off to-morrow people might say that you only came here to shew your + disdain for us. Tomorrow the general gives a ball, and I hope you will be + one of the party.” + </p> + <p> + “Can I hope to dance with you all the evening?” + </p> + <p> + “I promise to dance with nobody but you, till you get tired of me.” + </p> + <p> + “Then we shall dance together through all the ball.” + </p> + <p> + “Where did you get that pomade which perfumes the air? I smelt it as soon + as you came into the box.” + </p> + <p> + “It came from Florence, and if you do not like it you shall not be + troubled with it any more.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! but I do like it. I should like some of it myself.” + </p> + <p> + “And I shall be only too happy if you will permit me to send you a little + to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + Just then the door of the box opened and the entrance of the general + prevented her from replying. I was just going, when the count said: + </p> + <p> + “I am sure madame has prevailed on you to stay, and to come to my ball and + supper to-morrow?” + </p> + <p> + “She has led me to anticipate that you would do me that honour, and she + promises to dance the quadrilles with me. How can one resist entreaty from + such lips?” + </p> + <p> + “Quite so, and I am obliged to her for having kept you with us. I hope to + see you to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + I went out of the box in love, and almost happy in anticipation. The + pomade was a present from Esther, and it was the first time I had used it. + The box contained twenty-four pots of beautiful china. The next day I put + twelve into an elegant casket, which I wrapped up in oil-cloth and sent to + her without a note. + </p> + <p> + I spent the morning by going over Cologne with a guide; I visited all the + marvels of the place, and laughed with all my heart to see the horse + Bayard, of whom Ariosto has sung, ridden by the four sons of Aimon, or + Amone, father of Bradamante the Invincible, and Ricciardetto the + Fortunate. + </p> + <p> + I dined with M. de Castries, and everybody was surprised that the general + had asked me himself to the ball, as his jealousy was known, while the + lady was supposed only to suffer his attentions through a feeling of + vanity. The dear general was well advanced in years, far from + good-looking, and as his mental qualities by no means compensated for his + lack of physical ones he was by no means an object to inspire love. In + spite of his jealousy, he had to appear pleased that I sat next the fair + at supper, and that I spent the night in dancing with her or talking to + her. It was a happy night for me, and I re-entered my lodging no longer + thinking of leaving Cologne. In a moment of ecstasy, emboldened by the + turn the conversation had taken, I had dared to tell her that if she would + meet me alone I would stay in Cologne till the end of the carnival. “And + what would you say,” she asked, “if I give my promise, and do not keep + it?” + </p> + <p> + “I should bemoan my lot, without accusing you; I should say to myself that + you had found it impossible to keep your word.” + </p> + <p> + “You are very good; you must stay with us.” + </p> + <p> + The day after the ball I went to pay her my first visit. She made me + welcome, and introduced me to her worthy husband, who, though neither + young nor handsome, was extremely good-hearted. After I had been there an + hour, we heard the general’s carriage coming, and she said to me: + </p> + <p> + “If he asks you whether you are going to the Elector’s ball at Bonn, say + yes!” + </p> + <p> + The general came in, and after the usual compliments had been passed I + withdrew. + </p> + <p> + I did not know by whom the ball was to be given, or when it was to take + place, but scenting pleasure from afar off I hastened to make enquiries + about it, and heard that all the good families in Cologne were going. It + was a masked ball, and consequently open to all. I decided then that I + would go; indeed I concluded that I had had orders to that effect, and at + all events my lady would be there, and I might hope for a happy meeting + with her. But as I wished to keep up my incognito as much as possible, I + resolved to reply to all who asked me that important business would + prevent my being present. + </p> + <p> + It fell out that the general asked me this very question in the presence + of the lady, and without regard to the orders I had received from her I + replied that my health would forbid my having that pleasure. + </p> + <p> + “You are very wise, sir,” said the general, “all the pleasures on earth + should be sacrificed when it is a question of one’s health.” + </p> + <p> + I think so, too, now, but I thought differently then. + </p> + <p> + On the day of the ball, towards the evening, I set out in a post-chaise, + disguised so that not a soul in Cologne could have recognized me, and + provided with a box containing two dominoes; and on my arrival at Bonn I + took a room and put on one of the dominoes, locking up the other in the + box; and I then had myself carried to the ball in a sedan-chair. + </p> + <p> + I got in easily and unperceived, and recognized all the ladies of Cologne + without their masks, and my mistress sitting at a faro-table risking a + ducat. I was glad to see in the banker, Count Verita of Verona, whom I had + known in Bavaria. He was in the Elector’s service. His small bank did not + contain more than five or six ducats, and the punters, men and women, were + not more than twelve. I took up a position by my mistress, and the banker + asked me to cut. I excused myself with a gesture, and my neighbour cut + without being asked. I put ten ducats on a single card, and lost four + times running; I played at the second deal, and experienced the same fate. + At the third deal nobody would cut, and the general, who was standing by + but not playing, agreed to do so. I fancied his cutting would be lucky, + and I put fifty ducats on one card. I won. I went ‘paroli’, and at the + second deal I broke the bank. Everybody was curious about me; I was stared + at and followed, but seizing a favourable opportunity I made my escape. + </p> + <p> + I went to my room, took out my money, changed my costume, and returned to + the ball. I saw the table occupied by new gamesters, and another banker + who seemed to have a good deal of gold, but not caring to play any more I + had not brought much money with me. I mingled in all the groups in the + ballroom, and on all sides I heard expressions of curiosity about the mask + who broke the first bank. + </p> + <p> + I did not care to satisfy the general curiosity, but made my way from one + side of the room to the other till I found the object of my search talking + to Count Verita, and as I drew near I found out that they were talking of + me. The count was saying that the Elector had been asking who had broken + the bank, and that General Kettler had expressed his opinion that it was a + Venetian who had been in Cologne for the last week. My mistress answered + that she did not think I was there, as she had heard me say that the state + of my health would keep me at home. + </p> + <p> + “I know Casanova,” said the count, “and if he be at Bonn the Elector shall + hear of it, and he shan’t go off without my seeing him.” I saw that I + might easily be discovered after the ball, but I defied the keenest eyes + to penetrate beneath my present disguise. I should have, no doubt, + remained unknown, but when the quadrilles were being arranged I took my + place in one, without reflecting that I should have to take off my mask. + </p> + <p> + As soon as my mistress saw me she told me she had been deceived, as she + would have wagered that I was the masker who broke Count Verita’s bank. I + told her I had only just come. + </p> + <p> + At the end of the dance the count spied me out and said, “My dear + fellow-countryman, I am sure you are the man who broke my bank; I + congratulate you.” + </p> + <p> + “I should congratulate myself if I were the fortunate individual.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sure that it was you.” + </p> + <p> + I left him laughing, and after having taken some refreshments I continued + dancing. Two hours afterwards the count saw me again and said,— + </p> + <p> + “You changed your domino in such a room, in such a house. The Elector + knows all about it, and as a punishment for this deceit he has ordered me + to tell you that you are not to leave Bonn to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “Is he going to arrest me, then?” + </p> + <p> + “Why not, if you refuse his invitation to dinner tomorrow?” + </p> + <p> + “Tell his highness that his commands shall be obeyed. Will you present me + to him now?” + </p> + <p> + “He has left the ball, but wait on me to-morrow at noon.” So saying, he + gave me his hand and went away. + </p> + <p> + I took care to keep the appointment on the day following, but when I was + presented I was in some confusion, as the Elector was surrounded by five + or six courtiers, and never having seen him I looked in vain for an + ecclesiastic. He saw my embarrassment and hastened to put an end to it, + saying, in bad Venetian, “I am wearing the costume of Grand Master of the + Teutonic Order to-day.” In spite of his costume I made the usual + genuflexion, and when I would have kissed his hand he would not allow it, + but shook mine in an affectionate manner. “I was at Venice,” said he, + “when you were under the Leads, and my nephew, the Elector of Bavaria, + told me that after your fortunate escape you stayed some time at Munich; + if you had come to Cologne I should have kept you. I hope that after + dinner you will be kind enough to tell us the story of your escape, that + you will stay to supper, and will join in a little masquerade with which + we propose to amuse ourselves.” + </p> + <p> + I promised to tell my tale if he thought it would not weary him, warning + him that it would take two hours. “One could never have too much of a good + thing,” he was kind enough to say; and I made him laugh by my account of + the conversation between the Duc de Choiseul and myself. + </p> + <p> + At dinner the prince spoke to me in Venetian, and was pleased to be most + gracious towards me. He was a man of a jovial and easy-going disposition, + and with his look of health one would not have prophesied so soon an end + as came to him. He died the year following. + </p> + <p> + As soon as we rose from table he begged me to begin my story, and for two + hours I had the pleasure of keeping this most brilliant company amused. + </p> + <p> + My readers know the history; its interest lies in the dramatic nature of + the details, but it is impossible to communicate the fire of a well-told + story to an account in writing. + </p> + <p> + The Elector’s little ball was very pleasant. We were all dressed as + peasants, and the costumes were taken from a special wardrobe of the + prince’s. It would have been ridiculous to choose any other dresses, as + the Elector wore one of the same kind himself. General Kettler was the + best disguised of us all; he looked the rustic to the life. My mistress + was ravishing. We only danced quadrilles and German dances. There were + only four or five ladies of the highest rank; all the others, who were + more or less pretty, were favourites of the prince, all his days a great + lover of the fair sex. Two of these ladies danced the Forlana, and the + Elector was much amused in making me dance it also. I have already said + that the Forlana is a Venetian dance, and one of the most energetic kind + imaginable. It is danced by a lady and gentleman opposite to one another, + and as the two ladies relieved one another they were almost the death of + me. One has to be strong to dance twelve turns, and after the thirteenth I + felt I could do no more, and begged for mercy. + </p> + <p> + Soon after we danced another dance, where each gentleman kisses a lady. I + was not too shy, and each time I continued to kiss my mistress with + considerable ardour, which made the peasant-elector burst with laughter + and the peasant-general burst with rage. + </p> + <p> + In a lull between the dances, this charming and original woman found means + to tell me in private that all the Cologne ladies would leave at noon on + the next day, and that I would increase my popularity by inviting them all + to breakfast at Bruhl. + </p> + <p> + “Send each one a note with the name of her cavalier, and trust in Count + Verita to do everything for the best; you need only tell him that you wish + to give an entertainment similar to that given two years ago by the Prince + de Deux-Ponts. Lose no time. You will have a score of guests; mind you let + them know the hour of the repast. Take care, too, that your invitations + are sent round by nine o’clock in the morning.” + </p> + <p> + All these instructions were uttered with lightning speed, and I, enchanted + with the power my mistress thought she possessed over me, thought only of + obeying, without reflecting whether I owed her obedience. Bruhl, + breakfast, a score of people like the Prince Deux-Ponts, invitations to + the ladies, Count Verita; I knew as much as she could have told me if she + had taken an hour. + </p> + <p> + I left the room in my peasant’s dress, and begged a page to take me to + Count Verita, who began to laugh on seeing my attire. I told my business + with the importance of an ambassador, and this made him in a still better + humour. + </p> + <p> + “It can all easily be arranged,” said he, “I have only to write to the + steward, and I will do so immediately. But how much do you want to spend?” + </p> + <p> + “As much as possible.” + </p> + <p> + “As little as possible, I suppose you mean.” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all; I want to treat my guests with magnificence.” + </p> + <p> + “All the same you must fix on a sum, as I know whom I’ve got to deal + with.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, well! two-three hundred ducats; will that do?” + </p> + <p> + “Two hundred; the Prince de Deux-Ponts did not spend more.” + </p> + <p> + He began to write, and gave me his word that everything should be in + readiness. I left him and addressing myself to a sharp Italian page said + that I would give two ducats to the valet who would furnish me with the + names of the Cologne ladies who were in Bonn, and of the gentlemen who had + accompanied them. I got what I wanted in less than half an hour, and + before leaving the ball I told my mistress that all should be done + according to her desires. + </p> + <p> + I wrote eighteen notes before I went to bed, and in the morning a + confidential servant had delivered them before nine o’clock. + </p> + <p> + At nine o’clock I went to take leave of Count Verita, who gave me, on + behalf of the Elector, a superb gold snuff-box with his portrait set in + diamonds. I was very sensible of this mark of kindness, and I wished to go + and thank his serene highness before my departure, but my friendly + fellow-countryman told me that I might put off doing so till I passed + through Bonn on my way to Frankfort. + </p> + <p> + Breakfast was ordered for one o’clock. At noon I had arrived at Bruhl, a + country house of the Elector’s, with nothing remarkable about it save its + furniture. In this it is a poor copy of the Trianon. In a fine hall I + found a table laid for twenty-four persons, arranged with silver gilt + plates, damask linen, and exquisite china, while the sideboard was adorned + with an immense quantity of silver and silvergilt plate. At one end of the + room were two other tables laden with sweets and the choicest wines + procurable. I announced myself as the host, and the cook told me I should + be perfectly satisfied. + </p> + <p> + “The collation,” said he, “will be composed of only twenty-four dishes, + but in addition there will be twenty-four dishes of English oysters and a + splendid dessert.” + </p> + <p> + I saw a great number of servants, and told him that they would not be + necessary, but he said they were, as the guests’ servants could not be + admitted. + </p> + <p> + I received all my guests at the door, confining my compliments to begging + their pardons for having been so bold as to procure myself this great + honour. + </p> + <p> + The breakfast was served at one exactly, and I had the pleasure of + enjoying the astonishment in my mistress’s eyes when she saw that I had + treated them as well as a prince of the empire. She was aware that + everybody knew her to be the chief object of this lavish outlay, but she + was delighted to see that I did not pay her any attentions which were at + all invidious. The table was seated for twenty-four, and though I had only + asked eighteen people every place was occupied. Three couples, therefore, + had come without being asked; but that pleased me all the more. Like a + courtly cavalier I would not sit down, but waited on the ladies, going + from one to the other, eating the dainty bits they gave me, and seeing + that all had what they wanted. + </p> + <p> + By the time the oysters were done twenty bottles of champagne had been + emptied, so that when the actual breakfast commenced everybody began to + talk at once. The meal might easily have passed for a splendid dinner, and + I was glad to see that not a drop of water was drunk, for the Champagne, + Tokay, Rhine wine, Madeira, Malaga, Cyprus, Alicante, and Cape wine would + not allow it. + </p> + <p> + Before dessert was brought on an enormous dish of truffles was placed on + the table. I advised my guests to take Maraschino with it, and those + ladies who appreciated the liqueur drank it as if it had been water. The + dessert was really sumptuous. In it were displayed the portraits of all + the monarchs of Europe. Everyone complimented the cook on his achievement, + and he, his vanity being tickled and wishing to appear good-natured, said + that none of it would spoil in the pocket, and accordingly everybody took + as much as they chose. + </p> + <p> + General Kettler, who, in spite of his jealousy and the part he saw me + play, had no suspicion of the real origin of the banquet, said, + </p> + <p> + “I will wager that this is the Elector’s doing. His highness has desired + to preserve his incognito, and M. Casanova has played his part to + admiration.” + </p> + <p> + This remark set all the company in a roar. + </p> + <p> + “General,” said I, “if the Elector had given me such an order, I should, + of course, have obeyed him, but I should have felt it a humiliating part + to play. His highness, however, has deigned to do me a far greater honour; + look here.” So saying, I shewed him the gold snuff-box, which made the + tour of the table two or three times over. + </p> + <p> + When we had finished, we rose from table, astonished to find we had been + engaged for three hours in a pleasurable occupation, which all would + willingly have prolonged; but at last we had to part, and after many + compliments they all went upon their way, in order to be in time for the + theatre. As well pleased as my guests, I left twenty ducats with the + steward, for the servants, and promised him to let Count Verita know of my + satisfaction in writing. + </p> + <p> + I arrived at Cologne in time for the French play, and as I had no carriage + I went to the theatre in a sedan chair. As soon as I got into the house, I + saw the Comte de Lastic alone with my fair one. I thought this a good + omen, and I went to them directly. As soon as she saw me, she said with a + melancholy air that the general had got so ill that he had been obliged to + go to bed. Soon after, M. de Lastic left us, and dropping her assumed + melancholy she made me, with the utmost grace, a thousand compliments, + which compensated me for the expenses of my breakfast a hundred times + over. + </p> + <p> + “The general,” said she, “had too much to drink; he is an envious devil, + and has discovered that it is not seemly of you to treat us as if you were + a prince. I told him that, on the contrary, you had treated us as if we + were princes, waiting on us with your napkin on your arm. He thereupon + found fault with me for degrading you.” + </p> + <p> + “Why do you not send him about his business? So rude a fellow is not + worthy of serving so famous a beauty.” + </p> + <p> + “It’s too late. A woman whom you don’t know would get possession of him. I + should be obliged to conceal my feelings, and that would vex me.” + </p> + <p> + “I understand—I understand. Would that I were a great prince! In the + mean time, let me tell you that my sickness is greater than Kettler’s.” + </p> + <p> + “You are joking, I hope.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, not at all; I am speaking seriously, for the kisses I was so happy + to snatch from you at the ball have inflamed my blood, and if you have not + enough kindness to cure me in the only possible way I shall leave Cologne + with a life-long grief.” + </p> + <p> + “Put off your departure: why should you desire to go to Stuttgart so + earnestly? I think of you, believe me, and I do not wish to deceive you; + but it is hard to find an opportunity.” + </p> + <p> + “If you had not the general’s carriage waiting for you to-night, and I had + mine, I could take you home with perfect propriety.” + </p> + <p> + “Hush! As you have not your carriage, it is my part to take you home. It + is a splendid idea, that we must so contrive it that it may not seem to be + a concerted plan. You must give me your arm to my carriage, and I shall + then ask you where your carriage is; you will answer that you have not got + one. I shall ask you to come into mine, and I will drop you at your hotel. + It will only give us a couple of minutes, but that is something till we + are more fortunate.” + </p> + <p> + I replied to her only by a look which expressed the intoxication of my + spirits at the prospect of so great bliss. + </p> + <p> + Although the play was quite a short one, it seemed to me to last for ever. + At last the curtain fell, and we went downstairs. When we got to the + portico she asked me the questions we had agreed upon, and when I told her + I had not got a carriage, she said, “I am going to the general’s to ask + after his health; if it will not take you too much out of your way, I can + leave you at your lodging as we come back.” + </p> + <p> + It was a grand idea. We should pass the entire length of the ill-paved + town twice, and thus we secured a little more time. Unfortunately, the + carriage was a chariot, and as we were going the moon shone directly on + us. On that occasion the planet was certainly not entitled to the + appellation of the lovers’ friend. We did all we could, but that was + almost nothing, and I found the attempt a desperate one, though my lovely + partner endeavoured to help me as much as possible. To add to our + discomforts, the inquisitive and impudent coachman kept turning his head + round, which forced us to moderate the energy of our movements. The sentry + at the general’s door told our coachman that his excellency could see no + one, and we joyfully turned towards my hotel, and now that the moon was + behind us and the man’s curiosity less inconvenient, we got on a little + better, or rather not so badly as before, but the horses seemed to me to + fly rather than gallop; however, feeling that it would be well to have the + coachman on my side in case of another opportunity, I gave him a ducat as + I got down. + </p> + <p> + I entered the hotel feeling vexed and unhappy, though more in love than + ever, for my fair one had convinced me that she was no passive mistress, + but could experience pleasure as well as give it. That being the case I + resolved not to leave Cologne before we had drained the cup of pleasure + together, and that, it seemed to me, could not take place till the general + was out of the way. + </p> + <p> + Next day, at noon, I went to the general’s house to write down my name, + but I found he was receiving visitors and I went in. I made the general an + appropriate compliment, to which the rude Austrian only replied by a cold + inclination of the head. He was surrounded by a good many officers, and + after four minutes I made a general bow and went out. The boor kept his + room for three days, and as my mistress did not come to the theatre I had + not the pleasure of seeing her. + </p> + <p> + On the last day of the carnival Kettler asked a good many people to a ball + and supper. On my going to pay my court to my mistress in her box at the + theatre, and being left for a moment alone with her, she asked me if I + were invited to the general’s supper. I answered in the negative. + </p> + <p> + “What!” said she, in an imperious and indignant voice, “he has not asked + you? You must go, for all that.” + </p> + <p> + “Consider what you say,” said I, gently, “I will do anything to please you + but that.” + </p> + <p> + “I know all you can urge; nevertheless, you must go. I should feel + insulted if you were not at that supper. If you love me you will give me + this proof of your affection and (I think I may say) esteem.” + </p> + <p> + “You ask me thus? Then I will go. But are you aware that you are exposing + me to the danger of losing my life or taking his? for I am not the man to + pass over an affront.” + </p> + <p> + “I know all you can say,” said she. “I have your honour at heart as much + as mine, or perhaps more so, but nothing will happen to you; I will answer + for everything. You must go, and you must give me your promise now, for I + am resolved if you do not go, neither will I, but we must never see each + other more.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you may reckon upon me.” + </p> + <p> + At that moment M. de Castries came in, and I left the box and went to the + pit, where I passed two anxious hours in reflecting on the possible + consequences of the strange step this woman would have me take. + Nevertheless, such was the sway of her beauty over my soul, I determined + to abide by my promise and to carry the matter through, and to put myself + in the wrong as little as possible. I went to the general’s at the end of + the play, and only found five or six people there. I went up to a canoness + who was very fond of Italian poetry, and had no trouble in engaging her in + an interesting discussion. In half an hour the room was full, my mistress + coming in last on the general’s arm. I was taken up with the canoness and + did not stir, and consequently Kettler did not notice me, while the lady + in great delight at seeing me left him no time to examine his guests, and + he was soon talking to some people at the other end of the room. In a + quarter of an hour afterwards supper was announced. The canoness rose, + took my arm, and we seated ourselves at table together, still talking + about Italian literature. Then came the catastrophe. When all the places + had been taken one gentleman was left standing, there being no place for + him. “How can that have happened?” said the general, raising his voice, + and while the servants were bringing another chair and arranging another + place he passed his guests in review. All the while I pretended not to + notice what was going on, but when he came to me he said loudly, + </p> + <p> + “Sir, I did not ask you to come.” + </p> + <p> + “That is quite true, general,” I said, respectfully, “but I thought, no + doubt correctly, that the omission was due to forgetfulness, and I thought + myself obliged all the same to come and pay my court to your excellency.” + </p> + <p> + Without a pause I renewed my conversation with the canoness, not so much + as looking around. A dreadful silence reigned for four or five minutes, + but the canoness began to utter witticisms which I took up and + communicated to my neighbours, so that in a short time the whole table was + in good spirits except the general, who preserved a sulky silence. This + did not much matter to me, but my vanity was concerned in smoothing him + down, and I watched for my opportunity. + </p> + <p> + M. de Castries was praising the dauphin, and his brothers, the Comte de + Lusace and the Duc de Courlande, were mentioned; this led the conversation + up to Prince Biron, formerly a duke, who was in Siberia, and his personal + qualities were discussed, one of the guests having said that his chiefest + merit was to have pleased the Empress Anne. I begged his pardon, saying,— + </p> + <p> + “His greatest merit was to have served faithfully the last Duke Kettler; + who if it had not been for the courage of him who is now so unfortunate, + would have lost all his belongings in the war. It was Duke Kettler who so + heroically sent him to the Court of St. Petersburg, but Biron never asked + for the duchy. An earldom would have satisfied him, as he recognized the + rights of the younger branch of the Kettler family, which would be + reigning now if it were not for the empress’s whim: nothing would satisfy + her but to confer a dukedom on the favourite.” + </p> + <p> + The general, whose face had cleared while I was speaking, said, in the + most polite manner of which he was capable, that I was a person of + remarkable information, adding regretfully,— + </p> + <p> + “Yes, if it were not for that whim I should be reigning now.” + </p> + <p> + After this modest remark he burst into a fit of laughter and sent me down + a bottle of the best Rhine wine, and addressed his conversation to me till + the supper was over. I quietly enjoyed the turn things had taken, but + still more the pleasure I saw expressed in the beautiful eyes of my + mistress. + </p> + <p> + Dancing went on all night, and I did not leave my canoness, who was a + delightful woman and danced admirably. With my lady I only danced one + minuet. Towards the end of the ball the general, to finish up with a piece + of awkwardness, asked me if I was going soon. I replied that I did not + think of leaving Cologne till after the grand review. + </p> + <p> + I went to bed full of joy at having given the burgomaster’s wife such a + signal proof of my love, and full of gratitude to fortune who had helped + me so in dealing with my doltish general, for God knows what I should have + done if he had forgotten himself so far as to tell me to leave the table! + The next time I saw the fair she told me she had felt a mortal pang of + fear shoot through her when the general said he had not asked me. + </p> + <p> + “I am quite sure,” said she, “that he would have gone further, if your + grand answer had not stopped his mouth; but if he had said another word, + my mind was made up.” + </p> + <p> + “To do what?” + </p> + <p> + “I should have risen from the table and taken your arm, and we should have + gone out together. M. de Castries has told me that he would have done the + same, and I believe all the ladies whom you asked to breakfast would have + followed our example.” + </p> + <p> + “But the affair would not have stopped then, for I should certainly have + demanded immediate satisfaction, and if he had refused it I should have + struck him with the flat of my sword.” + </p> + <p> + “I know that, but pray forget that it was I who exposed you to this + danger. For my part, I shall never forget what I owe to you, and I will + try to convince you of my gratitude.” + </p> + <p> + Two days later, on hearing that she was indisposed, I went to call on her + at eleven o’clock, at which time I was sure the general would not be + there. She received me in her husband’s room, and he, in the friendliest + manner possible, asked me if I had come to dine with them. I hastened to + thank him for his invitation, which I accepted with pleasure, and I + enjoyed this dinner better than Kettler’s supper. The burgomaster was a + fine-looking man, pleasant-mannered and intelligent, and a lover of peace + and quietness. His wife, whom he adored, ought to have loved him, since he + was by no means one of those husbands whose motto is, “Displease whom you + like, so long as you please me.” + </p> + <p> + On her husband’s going out for a short time, she shewed me over the house. + </p> + <p> + “Here is our bedroom,” said she; “and this is the closet in which I sleep + for five or six nights in every month. Here is a church which we may look + upon as our private chapel, as we hear mass from those two grated windows. + On Sundays we go down this stair and enter the church by a door, the key + to which is always in my keeping.” It was the second Saturday in Lent; we + had an excellent fasting dinner, but I did not for once pay much attention + to eating. To see this young and beautiful woman surrounded by her + children, adored by her family, seemed to me a beautiful sight. I left + them at an early hour to write to Esther, whom I did not neglect, all + occupied as I was with this new flame. + </p> + <p> + Next day I went to hear mass at the little church next to the + burgomaster’s house. I was well cloaked so as not to attract attention. I + saw my fair one going out wearing a capuchin, and followed by her family. + I noted the little door which was so recessed in the wall that it would + have escaped the notice of anyone who was unaware of its existence; it + opened, I saw, towards the staircase. + </p> + <p> + The devil, who, as everybody knows, has more power in a church than + anywhere else, put into my head the idea of enjoying my mistress by means + of the door and stair. I told her my plan the next day at the theatre. + </p> + <p> + “I have thought of it as well as you,” said she, laughing, “and I will + give you the necessary instructions in writing; you will find them in the + first gazette I send you.” + </p> + <p> + We could not continue this pleasant interview, as my mistress had with her + a lady from Aix-la-Chapelle, who was staying with her for a few days. And + indeed the box was full of company. + </p> + <p> + I had not long to wait, for next day she gave me back the gazette openly, + telling me that she had not found anything to interest her in it. I knew + that it would be exceedingly interesting to me. Her note was as follows: + </p> + <p> + “The design which love inspired is subject not to difficulty but + uncertainty. The wife only sleeps in the closet when her husband asks her—an + event which only occurs at certain periods, and the separation does not + last for more than a few days. This period is not far off, but long custom + has made it impossible for the wife to impose on her husband. It will, + therefore, be necessary to wait. Love will warn you when the hour of bliss + has come. The plan will be to hide in the church; and there must be no + thought of seducing the door-keeper, for though poor he is too stupid to + be bribed, and would betray the secret. The only way will be to hide so as + to elude his watchfulness. He shuts the church at noon on working days; on + feast days he shuts it at evening, and he always opens it again at dawn. + When the time comes, all that need be done is to give the door a gentle + push—it will not be locked. As the closet which is to be the scene of the + blissful combat is only separated from the room by a partition, there must + be no spitting, coughing, nor nose-blowing: it would be fatal. The escape + will be a matter of no difficulty; one can go down to the church, and go + out as soon as it is opened. Since the beadle has seen nobody in the + evening, it is not likely that he will see more in the morning.” + </p> + <p> + I kissed again and again this charming letter, which I thought shewed + great power of mental combination, and I went next day to see how the + coast lay: this was the first thing to be done. There was a chair in the + church in which I should never have been seen, but the stair was on the + sacristy side, and that was always locked up. I decided on occupying the + confessional, which was close to the door. I could creep into the space + beneath the confessor’s seat, but it was so small that I doubted my + ability to stay there after the door was shut. I waited till noon to make + the attempt, and as soon as the church was empty I took up my position. I + had to roll myself up into a ball, and even then I was so badly concealed + by the folding door that anyone happening to pass by at two paces distance + might easily have seen me. However I did not care for that, for in + adventures of that nature one must leave a great deal to fortune. + Determined to run all risks I went home highly pleased with my + observations. I put everything I had determined down in writing, and sent + it to her box at the theatre, enclosed in an old gazette. + </p> + <p> + A week after she asked the general in my presence if her husband could do + anything for him at Aix-la-Chapelle, where he was going on the morrow, + with the intention of returning in three days. That was enough for me, but + a glance from her added meaning to her words. I was all the more glad as I + had a slight cold, and the next day being a feast day I could take up my + position at night fall, and thus avoid a painful vigil of several hours’ + duration. + </p> + <p> + I curled myself up in the confessional at four o’clock, hiding myself as + best I could, and commending myself to the care of all the saints. At five + o’clock the beadle made his usual tour of inspection, went out and locked + the door. As soon as I heard the noise of the key I came out of my narrow + cell and sat down on a bench facing the windows. Soon after my mistress’s + shadow appeared on the grated panes, and I knew she had seen me. + </p> + <p> + I sat on the bench for a quarter of an hour and then pushed open the + little door and entered. I shut it and sat down on the lowest step of the + stair, and spent there five hours which would probably have not been + unpleasant ones if I had not been dreadfully tormented by the rats running + to and fro close to me. Nature has given me a great dislike to this + animal, which is comparatively harmless; but the smell of rats always + sickens me. + </p> + <p> + At last I heard the clock strike ten, the hour of bliss, and I saw the + form of my beloved holding a candle, and I was then freed from my painful + position. If my readers have been in such a situation they can imagine the + pleasures of that happy night, but they cannot divine the minute + circumstances; for if I was an expert my partner had an inexhaustible + store of contrivances for augmenting the bliss of that sweet employment. + She had taken care to get me a little collation, which looked delicious, + but which I could not touch, my appetite lying in another quarter. + </p> + <p> + For seven hours, which I thought all too short, we enjoyed one another, + not resting, except for talk, which served to heighten our pleasure. + </p> + <p> + The burgomaster was not the man for an ardent passion, but his strength of + constitution enabled him to do his duty to his wife every night without + failing, but, whether from regard to his health or from a religious + scruple, he suspended his rights every month while the moon exercised + hers, and to put himself out of temptation he made his wife sleep apart. + But for once in a way, the lady was not in the position of a divorcee. + </p> + <p> + Exhausted, but not satiated with pleasure, I left her at day-break, + assuring her that when we met again she would find me the same; and with + that I went to hide in the confessional, fearing lest the growing light + might betray me to the beadle. However, I got away without any difficulty, + and passed nearly the whole day in bed, having my dinner served to me in + my room. In the evening I went to the theatre, to have the pleasure of + seeing the beloved object of whom my love and constancy had made me the + possessor. + </p> + <p> + At the end of a fortnight she sent me a note in which she told me that she + would sleep by herself on the night following. It was a ferial day, and I + therefore went to the church at eleven in the morning after making an + enormous breakfast. I hid myself as before, and the beadle locked me in + without making any discovery. + </p> + <p> + I had a wait of ten hours, and the reflection that I should have to spend + the time partly in the church and partly on the dark and rat-haunted + staircase, without being able to take a pinch of snuff for fear of being + obliged to blow my nose, did not tend to enliven the prospect; however, + the hope of the great reward made it easy to be borne. But at one o’clock + I heard a slight noise, and looking up saw a hand appear through the + grated window, and a paper drop on the floor of the church. I ran to pick + it up, while my heart beat fast, for my first idea was that some obstacle + had occurred which would compel me to pass the night on a bench in the + church. I opened it, and what was my joy to read as follows: + </p> + <p> + “The door is open, and you will be more comfortable on the staircase, + where you will find a light, a little dinner, and some books, than in the + church. The seat is not very easy, but I have done my best to remedy the + discomfort with a cushion. Trust me, the time will seem as long to me as + to you, but be patient. I have told the general that I do not feel very + well, and shall not go out to-day. May God keep you from coughing, + especially during the night, for on the least noise we should be undone.” + </p> + <p> + What stratagems are inspired by love! I opened the door directly, and + found a nicely-laid meal, dainty viands, delicious wine, coffee, a chafing + dish, lemons, spirits of wine, sugar, and rum to make some punch if I + liked. With these comforts and some books, I could wait well enough; but I + was astonished at the dexterity of my charming mistress in doing all this + without the knowledge of anybody in the house. + </p> + <p> + I spent three hours in reading, and three more in eating, and making + coffee and punch, and then I went to sleep. At ten o’clock my darling came + and awoke me. This second night was delicious, but not so much so as the + former, as we could not see each other, and the violence of our ecstatic + combats was restrained by the vicinity of the good husband. We slept part + of the time, and early in the morning I had to make good my retreat. Thus + ended my amour with this lady. The general went to Westphalia, and she was + soon to go into the country. I thus made my preparations for leaving + Cologne, promising to come and see her the year following, which promise + however I was precluded, as the reader will see, from keeping. I took + leave of my acquaintance and set out, regretted by all. + </p> + <p> + The stay of two months and a half which I made in Cologne did not diminish + my monetary resources, although I lost whenever I was persuaded to play. + However, my winnings at Bonn made up all deficiencies, and my banker, M. + Franck, complained that I had not made any use of him. However, I was + obliged to be prudent so that those persons who spied into my actions + might find nothing reprehensible. + </p> + <p> + I left Cologne about the middle of March, and I stopped at Bonn, to + present my respects to the Elector, but he was away. I dined with Count + Verita and the Abbe Scampar, a favourite of the Elector’s. After dinner + the count gave me a letter of introduction to a canoness at Coblentz, of + whom he spoke in very high terms. That obliged me to stop at Coblentz; but + when I got down at the inn, I found that the canoness was at Manheim, + while in her stead I encountered an actress named Toscani, who was going + to Stuttgart with her young and pretty daughter. She was on her way from + Paris, where her daughter had been learning character-dancing with the + famous Vestris. I had known her at Paris, but had not seen much of her, + though I had given her a little spaniel dog, which was the joy of her + daughter. This daughter was a perfect jewel, who had very little + difficulty in persuading me to come with them to Stuttgart, where I + expected, for other reasons, to have a very pleasant stay. The mother was + impatient to know what the duke would think of her daughter, for she had + destined her from her childhood to serve the pleasures of this voluptuous + prince, who, though he had a titular mistress, was fond of experimenting + with all the ballet-girls who took his fancy. + </p> + <p> + We made up a little supper-party, and it may be guessed that two of us + belonging to the boards the conversation was not exactly a course in moral + theology. The Toscani told me that her daughter was a neophyte, and that + she had made up her mind not to let the duke touch her till he had + dismissed his reigning mistress, whose place she was designed to take. The + mistress in question was a dancer named Gardella, daughter of a Venetian + boatman, whose name has been mentioned in my first volume—in fine, + she was the wife of Michel d’Agata, whom I found at Munich fleeing from + the terrible Leads, where I myself languished for so long. + </p> + <p> + As I seemed to doubt the mother’s assertion, and threw out some rather + broad hints to the effect that I believed that the first bloom had been + plucked at Paris, and that the Duke of Wurtemburg would only have the + second, their vanity was touched; and on my proposing to verify the matter + with my own eyes it was solemnly agreed that this ceremony should take + place the next day. They kept their promise, and I was pleasantly engaged + for two hours the next morning, and was at last obliged to extinguish in + the mother the flames her daughter had kindled in my breast. + </p> + <p> + Although the Toscani was young enough, she would have found me ice if her + daughter had been able to satisfy my desires, but she did not trust me + well enough to leave us alone together. As it was she was well satisfied. + </p> + <p> + I resolved, then, on going to Stuttgart in company with the two nymphs, + and I expected to see there the Binetti, who was always an enthusiastic + admirer of mine. This actress was the daughter of a Roman boatman. I had + helped her to get on the boards the same year that Madame de Valmarana had + married her to a French dancer named Binet, whose name she had Italianized + by the addition of one syllable, like those who ennoble themselves by + adding another syllable to their names. I also expected to see the + Gardella, young Baletti, of whom I was very fond, his young wife the + Vulcani, and several other of my old friends, who I thought would combine + to make my stay at Stuttgart a very pleasant one. But it will be seen that + it is a risky thing to reckon without one’s host. At the last posting + station I bid adieu to my two friends, and went to the “Bear.” + </p> + <a name="linkC2HCH0012" id="linkC2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Gardella Portrait of The Duke of Wurtemburg—My Dinner with + Gardella, And its Consequences—Unfortunate Meeting—I Play + and Lose Four Thousand Louis—Lawsuit—Lucky Flight— + My Arrival at Zurich—Church Consecrated By Jesus Christ + Himself +</pre> + <a name="linkCimage-0006" id="linkCimage-0006"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/3c12.jpg" width="100%" alt="Chapter 12 " /> + </div> + <p> + At that period the Court of the Duke of Wurtemburg was the most brilliant + in Europe. The heavy subsidies paid by France for quartering ten thousand + men upon him furnished him with the means for indulging in luxury and + debauchery. The army in question was a fine body of men, but during the + war it was distinguished only by its blunders. + </p> + <p> + The duke was sumptuous in his tastes, which were for splendid palaces, + hunting establishments on a large scale, enormous stables—in short, + every whim imaginable; but his chief expense was the large salaries he + paid his theatre, and, above all, his mistresses. He had a French play, an + Italian opera, grand and comic, and twenty Italian dancers, all of whom + had been principal dancers in Italian theatres. His director of ballets + was Novers, and sometimes five hundred dancers appeared at once. A clever + machinist and the best scene painters did their best to make the audience + believe in magic. All the ballet-girls were pretty, and all of them + boasted of having been enjoyed at least once by my lord. The chief of them + was a Venetian, daughter of a gondolier named Gardella. She was brought up + by the senator Malipiero, whom my readers know for his good offices + towards myself, who had her taught for the theatre, and gave her a + dancing-master. I found her at Munich, after my flight from The Leads, + married to Michel Agata. The duke took a fancy to her, and asked her + husband, who was only too happy to agree, to yield her; but he was + satisfied with her charms in a year, and put her on the retired list with + the title of madame. + </p> + <p> + This honour had made all the other ballet-girls jealous, and they all + thought themselves as fit as she to be taken to the duke’s titular + mistress, especially as she only enjoyed the honour without the pleasure. + They all intrigued to procure her dismissal, but the Venetian lady + succeeded in holding her ground against all cabals. + </p> + <p> + Far from reproaching the duke for this incorrigible infidelity, she + encouraged him in it, and was very glad to be left to herself, as she + cared nothing for him. Her chief pleasure was to have the ballet-girls who + aspired to the honours of the handkerchief come to her to solicit her good + offices. She always received them politely, gave them her advice, and bade + them do their best to please the prince. In his turn the duke thought + himself bound to shew his gratitude for her good nature, and gave her in + public all the honours which could be given to a princess. + </p> + <p> + I was not long in finding out that the duke’s chief desire was to be + talked about. He would have liked people to say that there was not a + prince in Europe to compare with him for wit, taste, genius, in the + invention of pleasures, and statesman-like capacities; he would fain be + regarded as a Hercules in the pleasures of Bacchus and Venus, and none the + less an Aristides in governing his people. He dismissed without pity an + attendant who failed to wake him after he had been forced to yield to + sleep for three or four hours, but he did not care how roughly he was + awakened. + </p> + <p> + It has happened that after having given his highness a large cup of + coffee, the servant has been obliged to throw him into a bath of cold + water, where the duke had to choose between awaking or drowning. + </p> + <p> + As soon as he was dressed the duke would assemble his council and dispatch + whatever business was on hand, and then he would give audience to whoever + cared to come into his presence. Nothing could be more comic than the + audiences he gave to his poorer subjects. Often there came to him dull + peasants and workmen of the lowest class; the poor duke would sweat and + rage to make them hear reason, in which he was sometimes unsuccessful, and + his petitioners would go away terrified, desperate, and furious. As to the + pretty country maidens, he examined into their complaints in private, and + though he seldom did anything for them they went away consoled. + </p> + <p> + The subsidies which the French Crown was foolish enough to pay him for a + perfectly useless service did not suffice for his extravagant expenses. He + loaded his subjects with taxes till the patient people could bear it no + longer, and some years after had recourse to the Diet of Wetzlar, which + obliged him to change his system. He was foolish enough to wish to imitate + the King of Prussia, while that monarch made fun of the duke, and called + him his ape. His wife was the daughter of the Margrave of Bayreuth, the + prettiest and most accomplished princess in all Germany. When I had come + to Stuttgart she was no longer there; she had taken refuge with her + father, on account of a disgraceful affront which had been offered her by + her unworthy husband. It is incorrect to say that this princess fled from + her husband because of his infidelities. + </p> + <p> + After I had dined by myself, I dressed and went to the opera provided + gratis by the duke in the fine theatre he had built. The prince was in the + front of the orchestra, surrounded by his brilliant Court. I sat in a box + on the first tier, delighted to be able to hear so well the music of the + famous Jumella, who was in the duke’s service. In my ignorance of the + etiquette of small German Courts I happened to applaud a solo, which had + been exquisitely sung by a castrato whose name I have forgotten, and + directly afterwards an individual came into my box and addressed me in a + rude manner. However, I knew no German, and could only answer by ‘nich + verstand’—“I don’t understand.” + </p> + <p> + He went out, and soon after an official came in, who told me, in good + French, that when the sovereign was present all applause was forbidden. + </p> + <p> + “Very good, sir. Then I will go away and come again when the sovereign is + not here, as when an air pleases me I always applaud.” + </p> + <p> + After this reply I called for my carriage, but just as I was getting into + it the same official came and told me that the duke wanted to speak to me. + I accordingly followed him to the presence. + </p> + <p> + “You are M. Casanova, are you?” said the duke. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, my lord.” + </p> + <p> + “Where do you come from?” + </p> + <p> + “From Cologne.” + </p> + <p> + “Is this the first time you have been to Stuttgart?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, my lord.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you think of staying long?” + </p> + <p> + “For five or six days, if your highness will allow me.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, you may stay as long as you like, and you may clap when you + please.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall profit by your permission, my lord.” + </p> + <p> + “Good.” + </p> + <p> + I sat down again, and the whole audience settled down to the play. Soon + after, an actor sung an air which the duke applauded, and of course all + the courtiers, but not caring much for the song I sat still—everyone + to his taste. After the ballet the duke went to the favourite’s box, + kissed her hand, and left the theatre. An official, who was sitting by me + and did not know that I was acquainted with the Gardella, told me that as + I had had the honour of speaking to the prince I might obtain the honour + of kissing his favourite’s hand. + </p> + <p> + I felt a strong inclination to laugh, but I restrained myself; and a + sudden and very irrational impulse made me say that she was a relation of + mine. The words had no sooner escaped me than I bit my lip, for this + stupid lie could only do me harm, but it was decreed that I should do + nothing at Stuttgart but commit blunders. The officer, who seemed + astonished at my reply, bowed and went to the favourite’s box to inform + her of my presence. The Gardella looked in my direction and beckoned to me + with her fan, and I hastened to comply with the invitation, laughing + inwardly at the part I was going to play. As soon as I came in she + graciously gave me her hand, which I kissed, calling her my cousin. + </p> + <p> + “Did you tell the duke you were my cousin?” said she. + </p> + <p> + “No,” I replied. + </p> + <p> + “Very good, then I will do so myself; come and dine with me to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + She then left the house, and I went to visit the ballet-girls, who were + undressing: The Binetti, who was one of the oldest of my acquaintances, + was in an ecstasy of joy at seeing me, and asked me to dine with her every + day. Cartz, the violin, who had been with me in the orchestra at St. + Samuel’s, introduced me to his pretty daughter, saying, + </p> + <p> + “She is not made for the duke’s eyes to gaze on, and he shall never have + her.” + </p> + <p> + The good man was no prophet, as the duke got possession of her a short + time after. She presented him with two babies, but these pledges of + affection could not fix the inconstant prince. Nevertheless, she was a + girl of the most captivating kind, for to the most perfect beauty she + added grace, wit, goodness, and kindness, which won everyone’s heart. But + the duke was satiated, and his only pleasure lay in novelty. + </p> + <p> + After her I saw the Vulcani, whom I had known at Dresden, and who suddenly + presented her husband to me. He threw his arms round my neck. He was + Baletti, brother of my faithless one, a young man of great talent of whom + I was very fond. + </p> + <p> + I was surrounded by all these friends, when the officer whom I had so + foolishly told that I was related to the Gardella came in and began to + tell the story. The Binetti, after hearing it, said to him, + </p> + <p> + “It’s a lie.” + </p> + <p> + “But my dear,” said I to her, “you can’t be better informed on the subject + than I am.” She replied by laughing, but Cartz said, very wittily, + </p> + <p> + “As Gardella is only a boatman’s daughter, like Binetti, the latter + thinks, and very rightly, that you ought to have given her the refusal of + your cousinship.” + </p> + <p> + Next day I had a pleasant dinner with the favourite, though she told me + that, not having seen the duke, she could not tell me how he would take my + pleasantry, which her mother resented very much. This mother of hers, a + woman of the lowest birth, had become very proud since her daughter was a + prince’s mistress, and thought my relationship a blot on their escutcheon. + She had the impudence to tell me that her relations had never been + players, without reflecting that it must be worse to descend to this + estate than to rise from it, if it were dishonourable. I ought to have + pitied her, but not being of a forbearing nature I retorted by asking if + her sister was still alive, a question which made her frown and to which + she gave no answer. The sister I spoke of was a fat blind woman, who + begged on a bridge in Venice. + </p> + <p> + After having spent a pleasant day with the favourite, who was the oldest + of my theatrical friends, I left her, promising to come to breakfast the + next day; but as I was going out the porter bade me not to put my feet + there again, but would not say on whose authority he gave me this polite + order. It would have been wiser to hold my tongue, as this stroke must + have come from the mother; or, perhaps, from the daughter, whose vanity I + had wounded: she was a good-enough actress to conceal her anger. + </p> + <p> + I was angry with myself, and went away in an ill humour; I was humiliated + to see myself treated in such a manner by a wretched wanton of an actress; + though if I had been more discreet I could have got a welcome in the best + society. If I had not promised to dine with Binetti the next day I should + have posted off forthwith, and I should thus have escaped all the + misadventures which befell me in that wretched town. + </p> + <p> + The Binetti lived in the house of her lover, the Austrian ambassador, and + the part of the house she occupied adjoined the town wall. As will be + seen, this detail is an important one. I dined alone with my good + fellow-countrywoman, and if I had felt myself capable of love at that + period all my old affection would have resumed its sway over me, as her + beauty was undiminished, and she had more tact and knowledge of the world + than when I knew her formerly. + </p> + <p> + The Austrian ambassador was a good-natured, easygoing, and generous man; + as for her husband he was not worthy of her, and she never saw him. I + spent a pleasant day with her, talking of our old friends, and as I had + nothing to keep me in Wurtemburg I decided to leave in two days, as I had + promised the Toscani and her daughter to go with them on the next day to + Louisbourg. We were to start at five in the morning, but the following + adventure befell me:— + </p> + <p> + As I was leaving Binetti’s house I was greeted very courteously by three + officers whom I had become acquainted with at the coffee house, and I + walked along the promenade with them. + </p> + <p> + “We are going,” said one of them, “to visit certain ladies of easy virtue; + we shall be glad to have you of our company.” + </p> + <p> + “I only speak a few words of German,” I answered, “and if I join you I + shall be bored.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! but the ladies are Italians,” they exclaimed, “nothing could suit you + better.” + </p> + <p> + I did not at all like following them, but my evil genius led me in that + wretched town from one blunder to another, and so I went in spite of + myself. + </p> + <p> + We turned back into the town, and I let myself be led up to the third + floor of an ill-looking house, and in the meanest of rooms I saw the + pretended nieces of Peccini. A moment after Peccini appeared, and had the + impudence to throw his arms around my neck, calling me his best friend. + His nieces overwhelmed me with caresses, and seemed to confirm the idea + that we were old friends. I did nothing and held my tongue. + </p> + <p> + The officers prepared for a debauch; I did not imitate their example, but + this made no difference to them. I saw into what an evil place I had been + decoyed, but a false shame prevented me from leaving the house without + ceremony. I was wrong, but I determined to be more prudent for the future. + </p> + <p> + Before long a pot-house supper was served, of which I did not partake; but + not wishing to seem bad company I drank two or three small glasses of + Hungarian wine. After supper, which did not last very long, cards were + produced, and one of the officers held a bank at faro. I punted and lost + the fifty or sixty Louis I had about me. I felt that I was drunk, my head + was reeling, and I would have gladly given over playing and gone away, but + I have never been so possessed as on that day, either from false shame or + from the effects of the drugged wine they gave me. My noble officers + seemed vexed that I had lost, and would give me my revenge. They made me + hold a bank of a hundred Louis in fish, which they counted out to me. I + did so, and lost. I made a bank again, and again I lost. My inflamed + understanding, my increasing drunkenness, and my anger, deprived me of all + sense, and I kept increasing my bank, losing all the time, till at + midnight my good rascals declared they would play no more. They made a + calculation, and declared that I had lost nearly a hundred thousand + francs. So great was my intoxication, although I had had no more wine, + that they were obliged to send for a sedan chair to take me to my inn. + While my servant was undressing me he discovered that I had neither my + watches nor my gold snuff-box. + </p> + <p> + “Don’t forget to wake me at four in the morning,” said I. Therewith I went + to bed and enjoyed a calm and refreshing sleep. + </p> + <p> + While I was dressing next morning I found a hundred Louis in my pocket, at + which I was much astonished, for my dizziness of brain being over now, I + remembered that I had not this money about me the evening before; but my + mind was taken up with the pleasure party, and I put off thinking of this + incident and of my enormous losses till afterwards. I went to the Toscani + and we set out for Louisbourg, where we had a capital dinner, and my + spirits ran so high that my companions could never have guessed the + misfortune that had just befallen me. We went back to Stuttgart in the + evening. + </p> + <p> + When I got home my Spaniard told me that they knew nothing about my + watches and snuff-box at the house where I had been the evening before, + and that the three officers had come to call on me, but not finding me at + home they had told him to warn me that they would breakfast with me on the + following morning. They kept the appointment. + </p> + <p> + “Gentlemen,” said I, as soon as they came in, “I have lost a sum which I + cannot pay, and which I certainly should not have lost without the drugged + wine you gave me. You have taken me to a den of infamy, where I was + shamefully robbed of jewellery to the value of more than three hundred + Louis. I complain of no one, since I have only my own folly to complain + of. If I had been wiser all this would not have happened to me.” + </p> + <p> + They exclaimed loudly at this speech, and tried to play the part of men of + honour. They spoke in vain, as I had made up my mind to pay nothing. + </p> + <p> + Whilst we were in the thick of the fight, and were beginning to get angry + over it, Baletti, Toscani, and Binetti came in, and heard the discussion. + I then had breakfast brought in, and after we had finished my friends left + me. + </p> + <p> + When we were once more alone, one of the rascals addressed me as follows: + </p> + <p> + “We are too honest, sir, to take advantage of your position. You have been + unfortunate, but all men are sometimes unfortunate, and we ask nothing + better than a mutual accommodation. We will take over all your properties; + jewels, diamonds, arms, and carriage, and have them valued; and if the sum + realized does not cover your debt we will take your acceptance, payable at + date, and remain good friends.” + </p> + <p> + “Sir, I do not wish for the friendship of robbers, and I will not play a + single farthing.” + </p> + <p> + At this they tried threats, but I kept cool and said,— + </p> + <p> + “Gentlemen, your menaces will not intimidate me, and, as far as I can see, + you have only two ways of getting paid; either by way of the law, in which + case I do not think I shall find it difficult to get a barrister to take + up my case, or, secondly, you can pay yourselves on my body, honourably, + with sword in hand.” + </p> + <p> + As I had expected, they replied that if I wished they would do me the + honour of killing me after I had paid them. They went off cursing, telling + me that I would be sorry for what I had said. + </p> + <p> + Soon after I went out and spent the day with the Toscani in gaiety which, + situated as I was, was not far off madness. At the time I placed it to the + daughter’s charms, and to the need my spirits were in of recovering their + elasticity. + </p> + <p> + However, the mother having witnessed the rage of the three robbers was the + first to urge me to fortify myself against their villainy by an appeal to + the law. + </p> + <p> + “If you give them the start,” said she, “they may possibly gain a great + advantage over you in spite of the right being on your side.” + </p> + <p> + And whilst I toyed with her charming daughter, she sent for a barrister. + After hearing my case the counsel told me that my best way would be to + tell the whole story to the sovereign as soon as possible. + </p> + <p> + “They took you to the house of ill-fame; they poured out the drugged wine + which deprived you of your reason; they made you play in spite of their + prince’s prohibition (for gaming is strictly forbidden); in this company + you were robbed of your jewels after they had made you lose an enormous + sum. It’s a hanging matter, and the duke’s interest will be to do you + justice, for an act of scoundrelism like this committed by his officers + would dishonour him all over Europe.” + </p> + <p> + I felt some repugnance to this course, for though the duke was a shameless + libertine I did not like telling him such a disgraceful story. However, + the case was a serious one, and after giving it due reflection I + determined to wait on the dike on the following morning. + </p> + <p> + “As the duke gives audience to the first comer,” I said to myself, “why + should I not have as good a reception as a labouring man?” In this way I + concluded that it would be no use to write to him, and I was on my way to + the Court, when, at about twenty paces from the gate of the castle, I met + my three gentlemen who accosted me rudely and said I had better make up my + mind to pay, or else they would play the devil with me. + </p> + <p> + I was going on without paying any attention to them, when I felt myself + rudely seized by the right arm. A natural impulse of self-defence made me + put my hand to my sword, and I drew it in a manner that shewed I was in + earnest. The officer of the guard came running up, and I complained that + the three were assaulting me and endeavouring to hinder my approach to the + prince. On enquiry being made, the sentry and the numerous persons who + were present declared that I had only drawn in self-defence, so the + officer decided that I had perfect liberty to enter the castle. + </p> + <p> + I was allowed to penetrate to the last antechamber without any obstacle + being raised. Here I addressed myself to the chamberlain, demanding an + audience with the sovereign, and he assured me that I should be introduced + into the presence. But directly afterwards the impudent scoundrel who had + taken hold of my arm came up and began to speak to the chamberlain in + German. He said his say without my being able to contradict him, and his + representations were doubtless not in my favour. Very possibly, too, the + chamberlain was one of the gang, and I went from Herod to Pilate. An hour + went by without my being able to see the prince, and then the chamberlain, + who had assured me that I should have an audience, came and told me that I + might go home, as the duke had heard all the circumstances of the case, + and would no doubt see that justice was done me. + </p> + <p> + I saw at once that I should get no justice at all, and as I was walking + away I thought how best I could get out of the difficulty. On my way I met + Binetti, who knew how I was placed, and he asked me to come and dine with + him, assuring me that the Austrian ambassador would take me under his + protection, and that he would save me from the violent measures which the + rascals no doubt intended to take, in spite of the chamberlain’s + assurances. I accepted the invitation, and Binetti’s charming wife, taking + the affair to heart, did not lose a moment in informing her lover, the + ambassador, of all the circumstances. + </p> + <p> + This diplomatist came into the room with her, and after hearing all the + details from my lips he said that in all probability the duke knew nothing + about it. + </p> + <p> + “Write a brief account of the business,” said he, “and I will lay it + before the sovereign, who will no doubt see justice done.” + </p> + <p> + I went to Binetti’s desk, and as soon as I had written down my true + relation I gave it, unsealed, to the ambassador, who assured me that it + should be in the duke’s hands in the course of an hour. + </p> + <p> + At dinner my country-woman assured me again that her lover should protect + me, and we spent the day pleasantly enough; but towards evening my + Spaniard came and assured me that if I returned to the inn I should be + arrested, “for,” said he, “an officer came to see you, and finding you + were out he took up his position at the street door and has two soldiers + standing at the foot of the staircase.” + </p> + <p> + The Binetti said, “You must not go to the inn; stay here, where you have + nothing to fear. Send for what you want, and we will wait and see what + happens.” I then gave orders to my Spaniard to go and fetch the belongings + which were absolutely necessary to me. + </p> + <p> + At midnight the ambassador came in; we were still up, and he seemed + pleased that his mistress had sheltered me. He assured me that my plea had + been laid before the sovereign, but during the three days I was in the + house I heard no more about it. + </p> + <p> + On the fourth day, whilst I was pondering as to how I should act, the + ambassador received a letter from a minister requesting him, on behalf of + the sovereign, to dismiss me from his house, as I had a suit pending with + certain officers of his highness, and whilst I was with the ambassador + justice could not take its course. The ambassador gave me the letter, and + I saw that the minister promised that strict justice should be done me. + There was no help for it; I had to make up my mind to return to my inn, + but the Binetti was so enraged that she began to scold her lover, at which + he laughed, saying, with perfect truth, that he could not keep me there in + defiance of the prince. + </p> + <p> + I re-entered the inn without meeting anyone, but when I had had my dinner + and was just going to see my counsel an officer served me with a summons, + which was interpreted to me by my landlord, which ordered me to appear + forthwith before the notary appointed to take my deposition. I went to him + with the officer of the court, and spent two hours with the notary, who + wrote down my deposition in German while I gave it in Latin. When it was + done he told me to sign my name; to which I answered that I must decline + to sign a document I did not understand. He insisted on my doing it, but I + was immovable. He then got in a rage and said I ought to be ashamed of + myself for suspecting a notary’s honour. I replied calmly that I had no + doubts as to his honour, but that I acted from principle, and that as I + did not understand what he had written I refused to sign it. I left him, + and was accompanied by the officer to my own counsel, who said I had done + quite right, and promised to call on me the next day to receive my power + of attorney. + </p> + <p> + “And when I have done that,” he said, “your business will be mine.” + </p> + <p> + I was comforted by this man, who inspired me with confidence, and went + back to the hotel, where I made a good supper and went tranquilly to + sleep. Next morning, however, when I awoke, my Spaniard announced an + officer who had followed him, and told me in good French that I must not + be astonished to find myself a prisoner in my room, for being a stranger + and engaged in a suit at law it was only right that the opposite party + should be assured that I would not escape before judgment was given. He + asked very politely for my sword, and to my great regret I was compelled + to give it him. The hilt was of steel, exquisitely chased; it was a + present from Madame d’Urfe, and was worth at least fifty louis. + </p> + <p> + I wrote a note to my counsel to tell him what had happened; he came to see + me and assured me that I should only be under arrest for a few days. + </p> + <p> + As I was obliged to keep my room, I let my friends know of my confinement, + and I received visits from dancers and ballet-girls, who were the only + decent people I was acquainted with in that wretched Stuttgart, where I + had better never have set foot. My situation was not pleasant to + contemplate: I had been drugged, cheated, robbed, abused, imprisoned, + threatened with a mulct of a hundred thousand francs, which would have + stripped me to my shirt, as nobody knew the contents of my pocket-book. I + could think of nothing else. I had written to Madame the Gardella, but to + no purpose, as I got no answer. All the consolation I got was from + Binetti, Toscani, and Baletti, who dined or supped with me every day. The + three rascals came to see me one by one, and each tried to get me to give + him money unknown to the other two, and each promised that if I would do + that, he would get me out of the difficulty. Each would have been content + with three or four hundred louis, but even if I had given that sum to one + of them I had no guarantee that the others would desist from their + persecution. Indeed, if I had done so I should have given some ground to + their pretensions, and bad would have been made worse. My answer was that + they wearied me, and that I should be glad if they would desist from + visiting me. + </p> + <p> + On the fifth day of my arrest the duke left for Frankfort; and the same + day Binetti came and told me from her lover that the duke had promised the + officers not to interfere, and that I was therefore in danger of an + iniquitous sentence. His advice was to neglect no means of getting out of + the difficulty, to sacrifice all my property, diamonds, and jewellery, and + thus to obtain a release from my enemies. The Binetti, like a wise woman, + disliked this counsel, and I relished it still less, but she had to + perform her commission. + </p> + <p> + I had jewellery and lace to the value of more than a hundred thousand + francs, but I could not resolve to make the sacrifice. I did not know + which way to turn or where to go, and while I was in this state of mind my + barrister came in. He spoke as follows: + </p> + <p> + “Sir, all my endeavors on your behalf have been unsuccessful. There is a + party against you which seems to have support in some high quarter, and + which silences the voice of justice. It is my duty to warn you that unless + you find some way of arranging matters with these rascals you are a ruined + man. The judgment given by the police magistrate, a rascal like the rest + of them, is of a summary character, for as a stranger you will not be + allowed to have recourse to the delays of the law. You would require bail + to do that. They have managed to procure witnesses who swear that you are + a professional gamester, that it was you who seduced the three officers + into the house of your countryman Peccini, that it is not true that your + wine was drugged that you did not lose your watches nor your snuff-box, + for, they say, these articles will be found in your mails when your goods + are sold. For that you will only have to wait till to-morrow or the day + after, and do not think that I am deceiving you in any particular, or you + will be sorry for it. They will come here and empty your mails, boxes, and + pockets, a list will be made, and they will be sold by auction the same + day. If the sum realized is greater than the debt the surplus will go in + costs, and you may depend upon it that a very small sum will be returned + to you; but if, on the other hand, the sum is not sufficient to pay + everything, including the debt, costs, expenses of the auction, etc., you + will be enrolled as a common soldier in the forces of His Most Serene + Highness. I heard it said to the officer, who is your greatest creditor, + that the four Louis enlistment money would be taken into account, and that + the duke would be glad to get hold of such a fine man.” + </p> + <p> + The barrister left me without my noticing him. I was so petrified by what + he had said. I was in such a state of collapse that in less than an hour + all the liquids in my body must have escaped. I, a common soldier in the + army of a petty sovereign like the duke, who only existed by the horrible + traffic in human flesh which he carried on after the manner of the Elector + of Hesse. I, despoiled by those knaves, the victim of an iniquitous + sentence. Never! I would endeavour to hit upon some plan to gain time. + </p> + <p> + I began by writing to my chief creditor that I had decided to come to an + agreement with them, but I wished them all to wait upon my notary, with + witnesses, to put a formal close to the action and render me a free man + again. + </p> + <p> + I calculated that one of them was sure to be on duty on the morrow, and + thus I should gain a day at any rate. In the mean time I hoped to discover + some way of escape. + </p> + <p> + I next wrote to the head of the police, whom I styled “your excellency” + and “my lord,” begging him to vouchsafe his all-powerful protection. I + told him that I had resolved on selling all my property to put an end to + the suit which threatened to overwhelm me, and I begged him to suspend the + proceedings, the cost of which could only add to my difficulties. I also + asked him to send me a trustworthy man to value my effects as soon as I + had come to an agreement with my creditors, with whom I begged for his + good offices. When I had done I sent my Spaniard to deliver the letters. + </p> + <p> + The officer to whom I had written, who pretended that I was his debtor to + the amount of two thousand Louis, came to see me after dinner. I was in + bed; and I told him I thought I had fever. He began to offer his sympathy, + and, genuine or not, I was pleased with it. He told me he had just had + some conversation with the chief of the police, who had shewn him my + letter. + </p> + <p> + “You are very wise,” said he, “in consenting to a composition, but we need + not all three be present. I have full powers from the other two, and that + will be sufficient for the notary.” + </p> + <p> + “I am in bad enough case,” I replied, “for you to grant me the favour of + seeing you all together; I cannot think you will refuse me.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, well, you shall be satisfied, but if you are in a hurry to leave + Stuttgart I must warn you that we cannot come before Monday, for we are on + duty for the next four days.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry to hear it, but I will wait. Give me your word of honour that + all proceedings shall be suspended in the mean time.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly; here is my hand, and you may reckon on me. In my turn I have a + favour to ask. I like your post-chaise; will you let me have it for what + it cost you?” + </p> + <p> + “With pleasure.” + </p> + <p> + “Be kind enough to call the landlord, and tell him in my presence that the + carriage belongs to me.” + </p> + <p> + I had the landlord upstairs and did as the rascal had asked me, but mine + host told him that he could dispose of it after he had paid for it, and + with that he turned his back on him and left the room. + </p> + <p> + “I am certain of having the chaise,” said the officer, laughing. He then + embraced me, and went away. + </p> + <p> + I had derived so much pleasure from my talk with him that I felt quite + another man. I had four days before me; it was a rare piece of good luck. + </p> + <p> + Some hours after, an honest-looking fellow who spoke Italian well came to + tell me, from the chief of police, that my creditors would meet on the + ensuing Monday, and that he himself was appointed to value my goods. He + advised me to make it a condition of the agreement that my goods should + not be sold by auction, and that my creditors should consider his + valuation as final and binding. He told me that I should congratulate + myself if I followed his advice. + </p> + <p> + I told him that I would not forget his services, and begged him to examine + my mails and my jewel-box. He examined everything and told me that my lace + alone was worth twenty thousand francs. “In all,” he added, “your goods + are worth more than a hundred thousand francs, but I promise to tell your + adversaries another story, Thus, if you can persuade them to take half + their debt, you will get off with half your effects.” + </p> + <p> + “In that case,” I said, “you shall have fifty louis, and here are six as + an earnest.” + </p> + <p> + “I am grateful to you, and you can count upon my devotion. The whole town + and the duke as well know your creditors to be knaves, but they have their + reasons for refusing to see their conduct in its true light.” + </p> + <p> + I breathed again, and now all my thoughts were concentrated on making my + escape with all I possessed, my poor chaise excepted. I had a difficult + task before me, but not so difficult a one as my flight from The Leads, + and the recollection of my great escape gave me fresh courage. + </p> + <p> + My first step was to ask Toscani, Baletti, and the dancer Binetti to + supper, as I had measures to concert with these friends of mine, whom I + could rely on, and who had nothing to fear from the resentment of three + rascals. + </p> + <p> + After we had had a good supper I told them how the affair stood, and that + I was determined to escape, and to carry my goods with me. “And now,” I + said, “I want your advice.” + </p> + <p> + After a brief silence Binetti said if I could get to his house I could + lower myself down from a window, and once on the ground I should be + outside the town walls and at a distance of a hundred paces from the high + road, by which I could travel post and be out of the duke’s dominions by + daybreak. Thereupon Baletti opened the window and found that it would be + impossible to escape that way, on account of a wooden roof above a shop. I + looked out also, and seeing that he was right I said that I should no + doubt hit on some way of making my escape from the inn, but what troubled + me chiefly was my luggage. The Toscani then said:— + </p> + <p> + “You will have to abandon your mails, which you could not take off without + attracting attention, and you must send all your effects to my house. I + engage to deliver safely whatever you may put in my care. I will take away + your effects under my clothes in several journeys, and I can begin + to-night.” + </p> + <p> + Baletti thought this idea a good one, and said that to do it the quicker + his wife would come and help. We fixed on this plan, and I promised + Binetti to be with him at midnight on Sunday, even if I had to stab the + sentry, who was at my door all day, but who went away at night after + locking me in. Baletti said he would provide me with a faithful servant, + and a post-chaise with swift horses, which would take my effects in other + mails. To make the best use of the time, the Toscani began to load + herself, putting two of my suits of clothes under her dress. For the next + few days my friends served me so well that, at midnight on Saturday, my + mails and my dressing case were empty; I kept back all the jewellery + intending to carry it in my pocket. + </p> + <p> + On Sunday, the Toscani brought me the keys of the two mails, in which she + had put my goods; and Baletti came also to tell me that all the necessary + measures had been taken, and that I should find a post-chaise, under the + charge of his servant, waiting for me on the high road. So far good, and + the reader shall now hear how I contrived to escape from my inn. + </p> + <p> + The sentry confined himself to a small ante-chamber, where he walked up + and down, without ever coming into my room, except at my invitation. As + soon as he heard that I had gone to bed he locked the door, and went off + till the next day. He used to sup on a little table in a corner of the + ante-room; his food being sent out by me. Profiting by my knowledge of his + habits, I gave my Spaniard the following instructions: + </p> + <p> + “After supper, instead of going to bed, I shall hold myself in readiness + for leaving my room, and I shall leave it when I see the light + extinguished in the ante-room, while I shall take care that my candle be + so placed as not to shew any light outside, or to reflect my shadow. Once + out of my room, I shall have no difficulty in reaching the stairs, and my + escape will be accomplished. I shall go to Binetti’s, leave the town by + his house, and wait for you at Furstenburg. No one can hinder you from + joining me in the course of a day or two. So when you see me ready in my + room, and this will be whilst the sentry is having his supper, put out the + candle on the table: you can easily manage to do so whilst snuffing it. + You will then take it to re-light it, and I shall seize that moment to get + off in the darkness. When you conclude that I have got out of the + ante-room, you can come back to the soldier with the lighted candle, and + you can help him to finish his bottle. By that time I shall be safe, and + when you tell him I have gone to bed he will come to the door, wish me + good night, and after locking the door and putting the key in his pocket + he will go away with you. It is not likely that he will come in and speak + to me when he hears I have gone to bed.” + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, as he might possibly take it into his head to come into the + room, I carefully arranged a wig-block in a night-cap on the pillow, and + huddled up the coverlet so as to deceive a casual glance. + </p> + <p> + All my plans were successful, as I heard afterwards from my Spaniard. + Whilst he was drinking with the sentry I was getting on my great coat, + girding on my hanger (I had no longer a sword), and putting my loaded + pistols in my pocket. As soon as the darkness told me that Le Duc had put + out the candle I went out softly, and reached the staircase without making + the least noise. Once there the rest was easy, for the stair led into the + passage, and the passage to the main door, which was always open till + nearly midnight. + </p> + <p> + I stepped out along the street, and at a quarter to twelve I got to + Binetti’s, and found his wife looking out for me at the window. When I was + in the room, whence I intended to escape, we lost no time. I threw my + overcoat to Baletti, who was standing in the ditch below, up to the knees + in mud, and binding a strong cord round my waist I embraced the Binetti + and Baletti’s wife, who lowered me down as gently as possible. Baletti + received me in his arms, I cut the cord, and after taking my great coat I + followed his footsteps. We strode through the mud, and going along a hedge + we reached the high road in a state of exhaustion, although it was not + more than a hundred paces as the crow flies from where we stood to the + house. At a little distance off, beside a small wayside inn, we found the + postchaise in which sat Baletti’s servant. He got out, telling us that the + postillion had just gone into the inn to have a glass of beer and light + his pipe. I took the good servant’s place, and gave him a reward, and + begged them both to be gone, saying I would manage all the rest myself. + </p> + <p> + It was April and, 1760—my birthday—and a remarkable period in + my career, although my whole life has been filled with adventures, good or + bad. + </p> + <p> + I had been in the carriage for two or three minutes when the postillion + came and asked me if we had much longer to wait. He thought he was + speaking to the same person that he had left in the chaise, and I did not + undeceive him. “Drive on,” I answered, “and make one stage of it from here + to Tubingen, without changing horses at Waldenbach.” He followed my + instructions, and we went along at a good pace, but I had a strong + inclination to laugh at the face he made when he saw me at Tubingen. + Baletti’s servant was a youth, and slightly built; I was tall, and quite a + man. He opened his eyes to their utmost width, and told me I was not the + same gentleman that was in the carriage when he started. “You’re drunk,” + said I, putting in his hand four times what he was accustomed to get, and + the poor devil did not say a word. Who has not experienced the persuasive + influence of money? I went on my journey, and did not stop till I reached + Furstenburg, where I was quite safe. + </p> + <p> + I had eaten nothing on the way, and by the time I got to the inn I was + dying of hunger. I had a good supper brought to me, and then I went to bed + and slept well. As soon as I awoke I wrote to my three rascals. I promised + to wait ten days for them at the place from which I dated the letter, and + I challenged them to a duel a l’outrance, swearing that I would publish + their cowardice all over Europe if they refused to measure swords with me. + I next wrote to the Toscani, to Baletti, and to the good-natured mistress + of the Austrian ambassador, commending Le Duc to their care, and thanking + them for their friendly help. + </p> + <p> + The three rascals did not come, but the landlord’s two daughters, both of + them pretty, made me pass the three days very agreeably. + </p> + <p> + On the fourth day, towards noon, I had the pleasure of seeing my faithful + Spaniard riding into the town carrying his portmanteau on his saddle. + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” said he, “all Stuttgart knows you to be here, and I fear, lest the + three officers who were too cowardly to accept your challenge may have you + assassinated. If you are wise you will set out for Switzerland forthwith.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s cowardly, my lad,” said I. “Don’t be afraid about me, but tell me + all that happened after my escape.” + </p> + <p> + “As soon as you were gone, sir, I carried out your instructions, and + helped the poor devil of a sentry to empty his bottle, though he would + have willingly dispensed with my assistance in the matter; I then told him + you had gone to bed, and he locked the door as usual, and went away after + shaking me by the hand. After he had gone I went to bed. Next morning the + worthy man was at his post by nine o’clock, and at ten the three officers + came, and on my telling them that you were still asleep they went away, + bidding me come to a coffee-house, and summon them when you got up. As + they waited and waited to no purpose, they came again at noon, and told + the soldier to open the door. What followed amused me, though I was in + some danger in the midst of the rascals. + </p> + <p> + “They went in, and taking the wig-block for your head they came up to the + bed and politely wished you good morning. You took no notice, so one of + them proceeded to give you a gentle shake, and the bauble fell and rolled + along the floor. I roared with laughter at the sight of their amazement. + </p> + <p> + “‘You laugh, do you, rascal? Tell us where your master is.’ And to give + emphasis to their words they accompanied them with some strokes of the + cane. + </p> + <p> + “I was not going to stand this sort of thing, so I told them, with an + oath, that if they did not stop I should defend myself, adding that I was + not my master’s keeper, and advising them to ask the sentry. + </p> + <p> + “The sentry on his part swore by all the saints that you must have escaped + by the window, but in spite of this a corporal was summoned, and the poor + man was sent to prison. + </p> + <p> + “The clamour that was going on brought up the landlord, who opened your + mails, and on finding them empty said that he would be well enough paid by + your postchaise, replying only with a grin to the officer who pretended + you had given it him. + </p> + <p> + “In the midst of the tumult a superior officer came up, who decided that + you must have escaped through the window, and ordered the sentry to be set + at liberty on the spot. Then came my turn, for, as I kept on laughing and + answered all questions by ‘I don’t know,’ these gentleman had me taken to + prison, telling me I should stay there till I informed them where you, or + at least your effects, could be found. + </p> + <p> + “The next day one of them came to the prison, and told me that unless I + confessed I should undoubtedly be sent to the galleys. + </p> + <p> + “‘On the faith of a Spaniard,’ I answered, I know nothing, but if I did it + would be all the same to you, for no one can make an honest servant betray + his master. + </p> + <p> + “At this the rascal told the turnkey to give me a taste of the lash, and + after this had been done I was set at liberty. + </p> + <p> + “My back was somewhat scarified, but I had the proud consciousness of + having done my duty, and I went back and slept at the inn, where they were + glad to see me. Next morning everyone knew you were here and had sent a + challenge to the three sharpers, but the universal opinion was that they + were too knowing to risk their lives by meeting you. Nevertheless, Madame + Baletti told me to beg you to leave Furstenburg, as they might very likely + have you assassinated. The landlord sold your chaise and your mails to the + Austrian ambassador, who, they say, let you escape from a window in the + apartment occupied by his mistress. No one offered to prevent me coming + here. + </p> + <p> + “Three hours after Le Duc’s arrival I took post and went to Schaffhaus, + and from there to Zurich, with hired horses, as there are no posts in + Switzerland. At Zurich I put up at the ‘Sword,’ an excellent inn. + </p> + <p> + “After supper, pondering over my arrival in Zurich where I had dropped + from the clouds as it were, I began, to reflect seriously upon my present + situation and the events of my past life. I recalled my misfortunes and + scrutinized my conduct; and was not long in concluding that all I had + suffered was through my own fault, and that when fortune would have + crowned me with happiness I had persistently trifled that happiness away. + I had just succeeded in escaping from a trap where I might have perished, + or at least have been overwhelmed with shame, and I shuddered at the + thought. I resolved to be no more fortune’s plaything, but to escape + entirely from her hands. I calculated my assets and found I was possessed + of a hundred thousand crowns. ‘With that,’ said I, ‘I can live secure + amidst the changes and chances of this life, and I shall at last + experience true happiness.’” + </p> + <p> + I went to bed pondering over these fancies, and my sleep was full of happy + dreams. I saw myself dwelling in a retired spot amidst peace and plenty. I + thought I was surrounded on all sides by a fair expanse of country which + belonged to me, where I enjoyed that freedom the world cannot give. My + dreams had all the force of reality, till a sudden awakening at day-break + came to give them the lie. But the imaginary bliss I had enjoyed had so + taken my fancy that I could not rest till I realized it. I arose, dressed + myself hastily, and went out, fasting, without knowing where I was going. + </p> + <p> + I walked on and on, absorbed in contemplation, and did not really awake + till I found myself in a ravine between two lofty mountains. Stepping + forward I reached a valley surrounded by mountains on all sides, and in + the distance a fine church, attached to a pile of buildings, magnificently + situated. I guessed it to be a monastery, and I made my way towards it. + </p> + <p> + The church door was open, and I went in and was amazed at the rich marbles + and the beauty of the altars; and, after hearing the last mass, I went to + the sacristy and found myself in a crowd of Benedictines. + </p> + <p> + The abbot, whom I recognized by his cross, came towards me and asked if I + wished to see the church and monastery. I replied that I should be + delighted, and he, with two other brethren, offered to shew me all. I saw + their rich ornaments, chasubles embroidered with gold and pearls, the + sacred vessels adorned with diamonds and other precious stones, a rich + balustrade, etc. + </p> + <p> + As I understood German very imperfectly and the Swiss dialect (which is + hard to acquire and bears the same relation to German that Genoese has to + Italian) not at all, I began to speak Latin, and asked the abbot if the + church had been built for long. Thereupon the very reverend father entered + into a long history, which would have made me repent my inquisitiveness if + he had not finished by saying that the church was consecrated by Jesus + Christ Himself. This was carrying its foundation rather far back, and no + doubt my face expressed some surprise, for to convince me of the truth of + the story the abbot bade me follow him into the church, and there on a + piece of marble pavement he shewed me the imprint of the foot of Jesus, + which He had left there at the moment of the consecration, to convince the + infidels and to save the bishop the trouble of consecrating the church. + </p> + <p> + The abbot had had this divinely revealed to him in a dream, and going into + the church to verify the vision he saw the print of the Divine Foot, and + gave thanks to the Lord. + </p> + <a name="linkC2H_4_0016" id="linkC2H_4_0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> <a name="linkepisode14" id="linkepisode14"></a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + EPISODE 14 — SWITZERLAND + </h2> + <a name="linkC2HCH0013" id="linkC2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + I Resolve to Become a Monk—I go to Confession—Delay of a + Fortnight—Giustiniani, the Apostle Capuchin—I Alter my + Mind; My Reasons—My Pranks at the Inn—I Dine With the + Abbot +</pre> + <p> + The cool way in which the abbot told these cock-and-bull stories gave me + an inclination to laughter, which the holiness of the place and the laws + of politeness had much difficulty in restraining. All the same I listened + with such an attentive air that his reverence was delighted with me and + asked where I was staying. + </p> + <p> + “Nowhere,” said I; “I came from Zurich on foot, and my first visit was to + your church.” + </p> + <p> + I do not know whether I pronounced these words with an air of compunction, + but the abbot joined his hands and lifted them to heaven, as if to thank + God for touching my heart and bringing me there to lay down the burden of + my sins. I have no doubt that these were his thoughts, as I have always + had the look of a great sinner. + </p> + <p> + The abbot said it was near noon and that he hoped I would do him the + honour of dining with him, and I accepted with pleasure, for I had had + nothing to eat and I knew that there is usually good cheer in such places. + I did not know where I was and I did not care to ask, being willing to + leave him under the impression that I was a pilgrim come to expiate my + sins. + </p> + <p> + On our way from the church the abbot told me that his monks were fasting, + but that we should eat meat in virtue of a dispensation he had received + from Benedict XIV., which allowed him to eat meat all the year round with + his guests. I replied that I would join him all the more willingly as the + Holy Father had given me a similar dispensation. This seemed to excite his + curiosity about myself, and when we got to his room, which did not look + the cell of a penitent, he hastened to shew me the brief, which he had + framed and glazed and hung up opposite the table so that the curious and + scrupulous might have it in full view. + </p> + <p> + As the table was only laid for two, a servant in full livery came in and + brought another cover; and the humble abbot then told me that he usually + had his chancellor with him at dinner, “for,” said he, “I have a chancery, + since as abbot of Our Lady of Einsiedel I am a prince of the Holy Roman + Empire.” + </p> + <p> + This was a relief to me, as I now knew where I was, and I no longer ran + the risk of shewing my ignorance in the course of conversation. + </p> + <p> + This monastery (of which I had heard before) was the Loretto of the + Mountains, and was famous for the number of pilgrims who resorted to it. + </p> + <p> + In the course of dinner the prince-abbot asked me where I came from, + if I were married, if I intended to make a tour of Switzerland, adding + that he should be glad to give me letters of introduction. I replied that + I was a Venetian, a bachelor, and that I should be glad to accept the + letters of introduction he had kindly offered me, after I had had a + private conference with him, in which I desired to take his advice on my + conscience. + </p> + <p> + Thus, without premeditation, and scarcely knowing what I was saying, I + engaged to confess to the abbot. + </p> + <p> + This was my way. Whenever I obeyed a spontaneous impulse, whenever I did + anything of a sudden, I thought I was following the laws of my destiny, + and yielding to a supreme will. When I had thus plainly intimated to him + that he was to be my confessor, he felt obliged to speak with religious + fervour, and his discourses seemed tolerable enough during a delicate and + appetising repast, for we had snipe and woodcock; which made me exclaim,— + </p> + <p> + “What! game like that at this time of year?” + </p> + <p> + “It’s a secret,” said he, with a pleased smile, “which I shall be glad to + communicate to you.” + </p> + <p> + The abbot was a man of taste, for though he affected sobriety he had the + choicest wines and the most delicious dishes on the table. A splendid + salmon-trout was brought, which made him smile with pleasure, and + seasoning the good fare with a jest, he said in Latin that we must taste + it as it was fish, and that it was right to fast a little. + </p> + <p> + While he was talking the abbot kept a keen eye on me, and as my fine dress + made him feel certain that I had nothing to ask of him he spoke at ease. + </p> + <p> + When dinner was over the chancellor bowed respectfully and went out. Soon + after the abbot took me over the monastery, including the library, which + contained a portrait of the Elector of Cologne in semi-ecclesiastical + costume. I told him that the portrait was a good though ugly likeness, and + drew out of my pocket the gold snuffbox the prince had given me, telling + him that it was a speaking likeness. He looked at it with interest, and + thought his highness had done well to be taken in the dress of a + grand-master. But I perceived that the elegance of the snuff-box did no + harm to the opinion the abbot had conceived of me. As for the library, if + I had been alone it would have made me weep. It contained nothing under + the size of folio, the newest books were a hundred years old, and the + subject-matter of all these huge books was solely theology and + controversy. There were Bibles, commentators, the Fathers, works on canon + law in German, volumes of annals, and Hoffman’s dictionary. + </p> + <p> + “I suppose your monks have private libraries of their own,” I said, “which + contain accounts of travels, with historical and scientific works.” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all,” he replied; “my monks are honest folk, who are content to do + their duty, and to live in peace and sweet ignorance.” + </p> + <p> + I do not know what happened to me at that moment, but a strange whim came + into my head—I would be a monk, too. I said nothing about it at the + moment, but I begged the abbot to take me to his private chamber. + </p> + <p> + “I wish to make a general confession of all my sins,” said I, “that I may + obtain the benefit of absolution, and receive the Holy Eucharist on the + morrow.” + </p> + <p> + He made no answer, but led the way to a pretty little room, and without + requiring me to kneel down said he was ready to hear me. + </p> + <p> + I sat down before him and for three consecutive hours I narrated + scandalous histories unnumerable, which, however, I told simply and not + spicily, since I felt ascetically disposed and obliged myself to speak + with a contrition I did not feel, for when I recounted my follies I was + very far from finding the remembrance of them disagreeable. + </p> + <p> + In spite of that, the serene or reverend abbot believed, at all events, in + my attrition, for he told me that since by the appointed means I had once + more placed myself in a state of grace, contrition would be perfected in + me. + </p> + <p> + According to the good abbot, and still more according to me, without grace + contrition is impossible. + </p> + <p> + After he had pronounced the sacramental words which take away the sins of + men, he advised me to retire to the chamber he had appointed for me, to + pass the rest of the day in prayer, and to go to bed at an early hour, but + he added that I could have supper if I was accustomed to that meal. He + told me that I might communicate at the first mass next morning, and with + that we parted. + </p> + <p> + I obeyed with a docility which has puzzled me ever since, but at the time + I thought nothing of it. I was left alone in a room which I did not even + examine, and there I pondered over the idea which had come into my head + before making my confession; and I quite made up my mind that chance, or + rather my good genius, had led me to that spot, where happiness awaited + me, and where I might shelter all my days from the tempests of the world. + </p> + <p> + “Whether I stay here,” said I, “depends on myself alone, as I am sure the + abbot will not refuse me the cowl if I give him ten thousand crowns for my + support.” + </p> + <p> + All that was needed to secure my happiness seemed a library of my own + choosing, and I did not doubt but that the abbot would let me have what + books I pleased if I promised to leave them to the monastery after my + death. + </p> + <p> + As to the society of the monks, the discord, envy, and all the bickerings + inseparable from such a mode of life, I thought I had nothing to pass in + that way, since I had no ambitions which could rouse the jealousy of the + other monks. Nevertheless, despite my fascination, I foresaw the + possibility of repentance, and I shuddered at the thought, but I had a + cure for that also. + </p> + <p> + “When I ask for the habit,” I said, “I will also ask that my novitiate be + extended for ten years, and if repentance do not come in ten years it will + not come at all. I shall declare that I do not wish for any cure or any + ecclesiastical dignity. All I want is peace and leave to follow my own + tastes, without scandalising anyone.” I thought: I could easily remove any + objections which might be made to the long term of my novitiate, by + agreeing, in case I changed my mind, to forfeit the ten thousand crowns + which I would pay in advance. + </p> + <p> + I put down this fine idea in writing before I went to bed; and in the + morning, finding myself unshaken in my resolve, after I had communicated I + gave my plan to the abbot, who was taking chocolate in his room. + </p> + <p> + He immediately read my plan, and without saying anything put it on the + table, and after breakfast he walked up and down the room and read it + again, and finally told me that he would give me an answer after dinner. + </p> + <p> + I waited till night with the impatience of a child who has been promised + toys on its birthday—so completely and suddenly can an infatuation + change one’s nature. We had as good a dinner as on the day before, and + when we had risen from the table the good abbot said, + </p> + <p> + “My carriage is at the door to take you to Zurich. Go, and let me have a + fortnight to think it over. I will bring my answer in person. In the + meanwhile here are two sealed letters, which please deliver yourself.” + </p> + <p> + I replied that I would obey his instructions and that I would wait for him + at the “Sword,” in the hope that he would deign to grant my wishes. I took + his hand, which he allowed me to kiss, and I then set out for Zurich. + </p> + <p> + As soon as my Spaniard saw me the rascal began to laugh. I guessed what he + was thinking, and asked him what he was laughing at. + </p> + <p> + “I am amazed to see that no sooner do you arrive in Switzerland than you + contrive to find some amusement which keeps you away for two whole days.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, I see; go and tell the landlord that I shall want the use of a good + carriage for the next fortnight, and also a guide on whom I can rely.” + </p> + <p> + My landlord, whose name was Ote, had been a captain, and was thought a + great deal of at Zurich. He told me that all the carriages in the + neighbourhood were uncovered. I said they would do, as there was nothing + better to be had, and he informed me I could trust the servant he would + provide me with. + </p> + <p> + Next morning I took the abbot’s letters. One was for M. Orelli and the + other for a M. Pestalozzi, neither of whom I found at home; but in the + afternoon they both called on me, asked me to dinner, and made me promise + to come with them the same evening to a concert. This is the only species + of entertainment allowed at Zurich, and only members of the musical + society can be present, with the exception of strangers, who have to be + introduced by a member, and are then admitted on the payment of a crown. + The two gentlemen both spoke in very high terms of the Abbot of Einsiedel. + </p> + <p> + I thought the concert a bad one, and got bored at it. The men sat on the + right hand and the women on the left. I was vexed with this arrangement, + for in spite of my recent conversation I saw three or four ladies who + pleased me, and whose eyes wandered a good deal in my direction. I should + have liked to make love to them, to make the best of my time before I + became a monk. + </p> + <p> + When the concert was over, men and women went out together, and the two + citizens presented me to their wives and daughters, who looked pleasant, + and were amongst those I had noticed. + </p> + <p> + Courtesy is necessarily cut short in the street, and, after I had thanked + the two gentlemen, I went home to the “Sword.” + </p> + <p> + Next day I dined with M. Orelli, and I had an opportunity for doing + justice to his daughter’s amiability without being able to let her + perceive how she had impressed me. The day after, I played the same part + with M. Pestalozzi, although his charming daughter was pretty enough to + excite my gallantry. But to my own great astonishment I was a mirror of + discretion, and in four days that was my character all over the town. I + was quite astonished to find myself accosted in quite a respectful manner, + to which I was not accustomed; but in the pious state of mind I was in, + this confirmed me in the belief that my idea of taking the cowl had been a + Divine inspiration. Nevertheless, I felt listless and weary, but I looked + upon that as the inevitable consequence of so complete a change of life, + and thought it would disappear when I grew more accustomed to goodness. + </p> + <p> + In order to put myself, as soon as possible, on an equality with my future + brethren, I passed three hours every morning in learning German. My master + was an extraordinary man, a native of Genoa, and an apostate Capuchin. His + name was Giustiniani. The poor man, to whom I gave six francs every + morning, looked upon me as an angel from heaven, although I, with the + enthusiasm of a devotee, took him for a devil of hell, for he lost no + opportunity of throwing a stone at the religious orders. Those orders + which had the highest reputation, were, according to him, the worst of + all, since they led more people astray. He styled monks in general as a + vile rabble, the curse of the human race. + </p> + <p> + “But,” said I to him one day, “you will confess that Our Lady of Einsiedel + . . .” + </p> + <p> + “What!” replied the Genoese, without letting me finish my remark, “do you + think I should make an exception in favour of a set of forty ignorant, + lazy, vicious, idle, hypocritical scoundrels who live bad lives under the + cloak of humility, and eat up the houses of the poor simpletons who + provide for them, when they ought to be earning their own bread?” + </p> + <p> + “But how about his reverend highness the abbot?” + </p> + <p> + “A stuck-up peasant who plays the part of a prince, and is fool enough to + think himself one.” + </p> + <p> + “But he is a prince.” + </p> + <p> + “As much a prince as I am. I look upon him as a mere buffoon.” + </p> + <p> + “What has he done to you?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing; but he is a monk.” + </p> + <p> + “He is a friend of mine.” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot retract what I have said, but I beg your pardon.” + </p> + <p> + This Giustiniani had a great influence upon me, although I did not know + it, for I thought my vocation was sure. But my idea of becoming a monk at + Einsiedel came to an end as follows: + </p> + <p> + The day before the abbot was coming to see me, at about six o’clock in the + evening, I was sitting at my window, which looked out on the bridge, and + gazing at the passers-by, when all at once a carriage and four came up at + a good pace and stopped at the inn. There was no footman on it, and + consequently the waiter came out and opened the door, and I saw four + well-dressed women leave the carriage. In the first three I saw nothing + noticeable, but the fourth, who was dressed in a riding-habit, struck me + at once with her elegance and beauty. She was a brunette with fine and + well-set eyes, arched eyebrows, and a complexion in which the hues of the + lily and the rose were mingled. Her bonnet was of blue satin with a silver + fillet, which gave her an air I could not resist. I stretched out from the + window as far as I could, and she lifted her eyes and looked at me as if I + had bade her do so. My position obliged me to look at her for half a + minute; too much for a modest woman, and more than was required to set me + all ablaze. + </p> + <p> + I ran and took up my position at the window of my ante-chamber, which + commanded a view of the staircase, and before long I saw her running by to + rejoin her three companions. When she got opposite to my window she + chanced to turn in that direction, and on seeing me cried out as if she + had seen a ghost; but she soon recollected herself and ran away, laughing + like a madcap, and rejoined the other ladies who were already in their + room. + </p> + <p> + Reader, put yourself in my place, and tell me how I could have avoided + this meeting. And you who would bury yourselves in monastic shades, + persevere, if you can, after you have seen what I saw at Zurich on April + 23rd. + </p> + <p> + I was in such a state of excitement that I had to lie down on my bed. + After resting a few minutes, I got up and almost unconsciously went + towards the passage window and saw the waiter coming out of the ladies’ + room. + </p> + <p> + “Waiter,” said I, “I will take supper in the dining-room with everybody + else.” + </p> + <p> + “If you want to see those ladies, that won’t do, as they have ordered + their supper to be brought up to them. They want to go to bed in good time + as they are to leave at day-break.” + </p> + <p> + “Where are they going?” + </p> + <p> + “To Our Lady of Einsiedel to pay their vows.” + </p> + <p> + “Where do they come from?” + </p> + <p> + “From Soleure.” + </p> + <p> + “What are their names?” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know.” + </p> + <p> + I went to lie down again, and thought how I could approach the fair one of + my thoughts. Should I go to Einsiedel, too? But what could I do when I got + there? These ladies are going to make their confessions; I could not get + into the confessional. What kind of a figure should I cut among the monks? + And if I were to meet the abbot on the way, how could I help returning + with him? If I had had a trusty friend I would have arranged an ambuscade + and carried off my charmer. It would have been an easy task, as she had + nobody to defend her. What if I were to pluck up my heart and beg them to + let me sup in their company? I was afraid of the three devotees; I should + meet with a refusal. I judged that my charmer’s devotion was more a matter + of form than any thing else, as her physiognomy declared her to be a lover + of pleasure, and I had long been accustomed to read womens’ characters by + the play of their features. + </p> + <p> + I did not know which way to turn, when a happy idea came into my head. I + went to the passage window and stayed there till the waiter went by. I had + him into the room, and began my discourse by sliding a piece of gold into + his hand. I then asked him to lend me his green apron, as I wished to wait + upon the ladies at supper. + </p> + <p> + “What are you laughing at?” + </p> + <p> + “At your taking such a fancy, sir, though I think I know why.” + </p> + <p> + “You are a sharp fellow.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir, as sharp as most of them; I will get you a new apron. The + pretty one asked me who you were.” + </p> + <p> + “What did you tell her?” + </p> + <p> + “I said you were an Italian; that’s all.” + </p> + <p> + “If you will hold your tongue I will double that piece of gold.” + </p> + <p> + “I have asked your Spaniard to help me, sir, as I am single-handed, and + supper has to be served at the same time both upstairs and downstairs.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good; but the rascal mustn’t come into the room or he would be sure + to laugh. Let him go to the kitchen, bring up the dishes, and leave them + outside the door.” + </p> + <p> + The waiter went out, and returned soon after with the apron and Le Duc, to + whom I explained in all seriousness what he had to do. He laughed like a + madman, but assured me he would follow my directions. I procured a + carving-knife, tied my hair in a queue, took off my coat, and put on the + apron over my scarlet waistcoat ornamented with gold lace. I then looked + at myself in the glass, and thought my appearance mean enough for the + modest part I was about to play. I was delighted at the prospect, and + thought to myself that as the ladies came from Soleure they would speak + French. + </p> + <p> + Le Duc came to tell me that the waiter was going upstairs. I went into the + ladies’ room and said, “Supper is about to be served, ladies.” + </p> + <p> + “Make haste about it, then,” said the ugliest of them, “as we have got to + rise before day-break.” + </p> + <p> + I placed the chairs round the table and glanced at my fair one, who looked + petrified. The waiter came in, and I helped him to put the dishes on the + table, and he then said to me, “Do you stay here, as I have to go + downstairs.” + </p> + <p> + I took a plate and stood behind a chair facing the lady, and without + appearing to look at her I saw her perfectly, or rather I saw nothing + else. She was astonished the others did not give me a glance, and they + could not have pleased me better. After the soup I hurried to change her + plate, and then did the same office for the rest: they helped themselves + to the boiled beef. + </p> + <p> + While they were eating, I took a boiled capon and cut it up in a masterly + manner. + </p> + <p> + “We have a waiter who knows his work,” said the lady of my thoughts. + </p> + <p> + “Have you been long at this inn?” + </p> + <p> + “Only a few weeks, madam.” + </p> + <p> + “You wait very well.” + </p> + <p> + “Madam is very good.” + </p> + <p> + I had tucked in my superb ruffles of English point lace, but my frilled + shirt front of the same material protruded slightly through my vest, which + I had not buttoned carefully. She saw it, and said, “Come here a moment.” + </p> + <p> + “What does madam require?” + </p> + <p> + “Let me see it. What beautiful lace!” + </p> + <p> + “So I have been told, madam, but it is very old. An Italian gentleman who + was staying here made me a present of it.” + </p> + <p> + “You have ruffles of the same kind, I suppose?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, madam;” and so saying I stretched out my hand, unbuttoning my + waistcoat. She gently drew out the ruffle, and seemed to place herself in + a position to intoxicate me with the sight of her charms, although she was + tightly laced. What an ecstatic moment! I knew she had recognized me, and + the thought that I could not carry the masquerade beyond a certain point + was a veritable torment to me. + </p> + <p> + When she had looked a long time, one of the others said, + </p> + <p> + “You are certainly very curious, my dear, one would think you had never + seen lace before.” + </p> + <p> + At this she blushed. + </p> + <p> + When the supper was done, the three ugly ladies each went apart to + undress, while I took away the dishes, and my heroine began to write. I + confess that I was almost infatuated enough to think that she was writing + to me; however, I had too high an opinion of her to entertain the idea. + </p> + <p> + As soon as I had taken away the dishes, I stood by the door in the + respectful manner becoming the occasion. + </p> + <p> + “What are you waiting for?” she said. + </p> + <p> + “For your orders, madam.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, I don’t want anything.” + </p> + <p> + “Your boots, madam, you will like them removed before you retire.” + </p> + <p> + “True, but still I don’t like to give you so much trouble.” + </p> + <p> + “I am here to attend on you, madam.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, I knelt on one knee before her, and slowly unplaced her boots + while she continued writing. I went farther; I unbuckled her garters, + delighting in the contemplation and still more in the touch of her + delicately-shaped legs, but too soon for me she turned her head, and said, + </p> + <p> + “That will do, thank you. I did not notice that you were giving yourself + so much trouble. We shall see you to-morrow evening.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you will sup here, ladies?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly.” + </p> + <p> + I took her boots away, and asked if I should lock the door. + </p> + <p> + “No, my good fellow,” said she, in the voice of a syren, “leave the key + inside.” + </p> + <p> + Le Duc took the charmer’s boots from me, and said, laughing,— + </p> + <p> + “She has caught you.” + </p> + <p> + “What?” + </p> + <p> + “I saw it all, sir, you played your part as well as any actor in Paris; + and I am certain that she will give you a louis to-morrow, but if you + don’t hand it over to me I will blow on the whole thing.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s enough, you rascal; get me my supper as quickly as possible.” + </p> + <p> + Such are the pleasures which old age no longer allows me to enjoy, except + in my memory. There are monsters who preach repentance, and philosophers + who treat all pleasures as vanity. Let them talk on. Repentance only + befits crimes, and pleasures are realities, though all too fleeting. + </p> + <p> + A happy dream made me pass the night with the fair lady; doubtless it was + a delusion, but a delusion full of bliss. What would I not give now for + such dreams, which made my nights so sweet! + </p> + <p> + Next morning at day-break I was at her door with her boots in my hand just + as their coachman came to call them. I asked them, as a matter of form, if + they would have breakfast, and they replied merrily that they had made too + good a supper to have any appetite at such an early hour. I went out of + the room to give them time to dress, but the door was half open, and I saw + reflected in the glass the snow-white bosom of my fair one; it was an + intoxicating sight. When she had laced herself and put on her dress she + called for her boots. I asked if I should put them on, to which she + consented with a good grace, and as she had green velvet breeches, she + seemed to consider herself as almost a man. And, after all, a waiter is + not worth putting one’s self out about. All the worst for him if he dare + conceive any hopes from the trifling concessions he receives. His + punishment will be severe, for who would have thought he could have + presumed so far? As for me, I am now, sad to say, grown old, and enjoy + some few privileges of this description, which I relish, though despising + myself, and still more those who thus indulge me. + </p> + <p> + After she had gone I went to sleep again, hoping to see her in the + evening. When I awoke I heard that the abbot of Einsiedel was at Zurich, + and my landlord told me that his reverend highness would dine with me in + my room. I told him that I wished to treat the abbot well, and that he + must set the best dinner he could for us. + </p> + <p> + At noon the worthy prelate was shewn up to my room, and began by + complimenting me on the good reputation I had at Zurich, saying that this + made him believe that my vocation was a real one. + </p> +<p> +“The following distich,” he added, “should now become your motto: +</p> +<pre> + “Inveni portum. Spes et fortuna valete; + Nil mihi vobiscum est: ludite nuns alios.” + </pre> + <p> + “That is a translation of two verses from Euripides,” I answered; “but, my + lord, they will not serve me, as I have changed my mind since yesterday.” + </p> + <p> + “I congratulate you,” said he, “and I hope you will accomplish all your + desires. I may tell you confidentially that it is much easier to save + one’s soul in the world where one can do good to one’s neighbours, than in + the convent, where a man does no good to himself nor to anyone else.” + </p> + <p> + This was not speaking like the hypocrite Guistiniani had described to me; + on the contrary, it was the language of a good and sensible man. + </p> + <p> + We had a princely dinner, as my landlord had made each of the three + courses a work of art. The repast was enlivened by an interesting + conversation, to which wit and humour were not lacking. After coffee I + thanked the abbot with the greatest respect, and accompanied him to his + carriage, where the reverend father reiterated his offers of serving me, + and thus, well pleased with one another, we parted. + </p> + <p> + The presence and the conversation of this worthy priest had not for a + moment distracted my thoughts from the pleasing object with which they + were occupied. So soon as the abbot had gone, I went to the bridge to + await the blessed angel, who seemed to have been sent from Soleure with + the express purpose of delivering me from the temptation to become a monk, + which the devil had put into my heart. Standing on the bridge I built many + a fine castle in Spain, and about six in the evening I had the pleasure of + seeing my fair traveller once more. I hid myself so as to see without + being seen. I was greatly surprised to see them all four looking towards + my window. Their curiosity shewed me that the lady had told them of the + secret, and with my astonishment there was some admixture of anger. This + was only natural, as I not only saw myself deprived of the hope of making + any further advances, but I felt that I could no longer play my part of + waiter with any confidence. In spite of my love for the lady I would not + for the world become the laughing-stock of her three plain companions. If + I had interested her in my favour, she would certainly not have divulged + my secret, and I saw in her doing so proof positive that she did not want + the jest to go any further, or rather of her want of that spirit so + necessary to ensure the success of an intrigue. If the three companions of + my charmer had had anything attractive about them, I might possibly have + persevered and defied misfortune; but in the same measure as beauty cheers + my heart, ugliness depresses it. Anticipating the melancholy which I + foresaw would result from this disappointment, I went out with the idea of + amusing myself, and happening to meet Giustiniani I told him of my + misfortune, saying that I should not be sorry to make up for it by a + couple of hours of the society of some mercenary beauty. + </p> + <p> + “I will take you to a house,” said he, “where you will find what you want. + Go up to the second floor and you will be well received by an old woman, + if you whisper my name to her. I dare not accompany you, as I am well + known in the town and it might get me into trouble with the police, who + are ridiculously strict in these matters. Indeed I advise you to take care + that nobody sees you going in.” + </p> + <p> + I followed the ex-Capuchin’s advice and waited for the dusk of the + evening. I had a good reception, but the supper was poor, and the hours + that I spent with two young girls of the working class were tedious. They + were pretty enough, but my head was full of my perfidious charmer, and + besides, despite their neatness and prettiness, they were wanting in that + grace which adds so many charms to pleasure. The liberality of my payment, + to which they were not accustomed, captivated the old woman, who said she + would get me all the best stuff in the town; but she warned me to take + care that nobody saw me going into her house. + </p> + <p> + When I got back Le Duc told me that I had been wise to slip away, as my + masquerade had become generally known, and the whole house, including the + landlord, had been eagerly waiting to see me play the part of waiter. “I + took your place,” he added. “The lady who has taken your fancy is Madame——, + and I must confess she is vastly fine.” + </p> + <p> + “Did she ask where the other waiter was?” + </p> + <p> + “No, but the other ladies asked what had become of you several times.” + </p> + <p> + “And Madame said nothing?” + </p> + <p> + “She didn’t open her mouth, but looked sad and seemed to care for nothing, + till I said you were away because you were ill.” + </p> + <p> + “That was stupid of you. Why did you say that?” + </p> + <p> + “I had to say something.” + </p> + <p> + “True. Did you untie her shoe?” + </p> + <p> + “No; she did not want me to do so.” + </p> + <p> + “Good. Who told you her name?” + </p> + <p> + “Her coachman. She is just married to a man older than herself.” + </p> + <p> + I went to bed, but could only think of the indiscretion and sadness of my + fair lady. I could not reconcile the two traits in her character. Next + day, knowing that she would be starting early, I posted myself at the + window to see her get into the carriage, but I took care to arrange the + curtain in such a way that I could not be seen. Madame was the last to get + in, and pretending that she wanted to see if it rained, she took off her + bonnet and lifted her head. Drawing the curtain with one hand, and taking + off my cap with the other, I wafted her a kiss with the tips of my + fingers. In her turn she bowed graciously, returning my kiss with a + good-natured smile. + </p> + <a name="linkC2HCH0014" id="linkC2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + I Leave Zurich—Comic Adventure at Baden—Soleure—M. De + Chavigni—M. and Madame * * * I Act in a Play—I Counterfeit + Sickness to Attain Happiness +</pre> + <p> + M. Mote, my landlord, introduced his two sons to me. He had brought them + up like young princes. In Switzerland, an inn-keeper is not always a man + of no account. There are many who are as much respected as people of far + higher rank are in other countries. But each country has its own manners. + My landlord did the honours of the table, and thought it no degradation to + make his guests pay for the meal. He was right; the only really degrading + thing in the world is vice. A Swiss landlord only takes the chief place at + table to see that everyone is properly attended to. If he have a son, he + does not sit down with his father, but waits on the guests, with napkin in + hand. At Schaffhaus, my landlord’s son, who was a captain in the Imperial + army, stood behind my chair and changed my plate, while his father sat at + the head of the table. Anywhere else the son would have been waited on, + but in his father’s house he thought, and rightly, that it was an honour + to wait. + </p> + <p> + Such are Swiss customs, of which persons of superficial understanding very + foolishly make a jest. All the same, the vaunted honour and loyalty of the + Swiss do not prevent them from fleecing strangers, at least as much as the + Dutch, but the greenhorns who let themselves be cheated, learn thereby + that it is well to bargain before-hand, and then they treat one well and + charge reasonably. In this way, when I was at Bale, I baffled the + celebrated Imhoff, the landlord of the “Three Kings.” + </p> + <p> + M. Ote complimented me on my waiter’s disguise, and said he was sorry not + to have seen me officiating, nevertheless, he said he thought I was wise + not to repeat the jest. He thanked me for the honour I had done his house, + and begged me to do him the additional favour of dining at his table some + day before I left. I answered that I would dine with him with pleasure + that very day. I did so, and was treated like a prince. + </p> + <p> + The reader will have guessed that the last look my charmer gave me had not + extinguished the fire which the first sight of her had kindled in my + breast. It had rather increased my flame by giving me hopes of being + better acquainted with her; in short, it inspired me with the idea of + going to Soleure in order to give a happy ending to the adventure. I took + a letter of credit on Geneva, and wrote to Madame d’Urfe, begging her to + give me a written introduction, couched in strong terms to M. de Chavigni, + the French ambassador, telling her that the interests of our order were + highly involved in my knowing this diplomatist, and requesting her to + address letters to me at the post office at Soleure. I also wrote to the + Duke of Wurtemburg, but had no answer from him, and indeed he must have + found my epistle very unpleasant reading. + </p> + <p> + I visited the old woman whom Giustiniani had told me of several times + before I left Zurich, and although I ought to have been well satisfied as + far as physical beauty was concerned, my enjoyment was very limited, as + the nymphs I wooed only spoke Swiss dialect—a rugged corruption of + German. I have always found that love without speech gives little + enjoyment, and I cannot imagine a more unsatisfactory mistress than a + mute, were she as lovely as Venus herself. + </p> + <p> + I had scarcely left Zurich when I was obliged to stop at Baden to have the + carriage M. Ote had got me mended. I might have started again at eleven, + but on hearing that a young Polish lady on her way to Our Lady of + Einseidel was to dine at the common table, I decided to wait; but I had my + trouble for nothing, as she turned out to be quite unworthy of the delay. + </p> + <p> + After dinner, while my horses were being put in, the host’s daughter, a + pretty girl enough, came into the room and made me waltz with her; it + chanced to be a Sunday. All at once her father came in, and the girl fled. + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” said the rascal, “you are condemned to pay a fine of one louis.” + </p> + <p> + “Why?” + </p> + <p> + “For having danced on a holy day.” + </p> + <p> + “Get out; I won’t pay.” + </p> + <p> + “You will pay, though,” said he, shewing me a great parchment covered with + writing I did not understand. + </p> + <p> + “I will appeal.” + </p> + <p> + “To whom, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “To the judge of the place.” + </p> + <p> + He left the room, and in a quarter of an hour I was told that the judge + was waiting for me in an adjoining chamber. I thought to myself that the + judges were very polite in that part of the world, but when I got into the + room I saw the rascally host buried in a wig and gown. + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” said he, “I am the judge.” + </p> + <p> + “Judge and plaintiff too, as far as I can see.” + </p> + <p> + He wrote in his book, confirming the sentence, and mulcting me in six + francs for the costs of the case. + </p> + <p> + “But if your daughter had not tempted me.” said I, “I should not have + danced; she is therefore as guilty as I.” + </p> + <p> + “Very true, sir; here is a Louis for her.” So saying he took a Louis out + of his pocket, put it into a desk beside him, and said; “Now yours.” + </p> + <p> + I began to laugh, paid my fine, and put off my departure till the morrow. + </p> + <p> + As I was going to Lucerne I saw the apostolic nuncio (who invited me to + dinner), and at Fribourg Comte d’Afri’s young and charming wife; but at + ten leagues from Soleure I was a witness of the following curious + circumstances. + </p> + <p> + I was stopping the night in a village, and had made friends with the + surgeon, whom I had found at the inn, and while supper, which he was to + share with me, was getting ready, we walked about the village together. It + was in the dusk of the evening, and at a distance of a hundred paces I saw + a man climbing up the wall of a house, and finally vanishing through a + window on the first floor. + </p> + <p> + “That’s a robber,” said I, pointing him out to the surgeon. He laughed and + said,— + </p> + <p> + “The custom may astonish you, but it is a common one in many parts of + Switzerland. The man you have just seen is a young lover who is going to + pass the night with his future bride. Next morning he will leave more + ardent than before, as she will not allow him to go too far. If she was + weak enough to yield to his desires he would probably decline to marry + her, and she would find it difficult to get married at all.” + </p> + <p> + At Soleure I found a letter from Madame d’Urfe, with an enclosure from the + Duc de Choiseul to the ambassador, M. de Chavigni. It was sealed, but the + duke’s name was written below the address. + </p> + <p> + I made a Court toilet, took a coach, and went to call on the ambassador. + His excellency was not at home, so I left my card and the letter. It was a + feast-day, and I went to high mass, not so much, I confess, to seek for + God as for my charmer, but she was not there. After service I walked + around the town, and on my return found an officer who asked me to dinner + at the ambassador’s. + </p> + <p> + Madame d’Urfe said that on the receipt of my letter she had gone + straightway to Versailles, and that with the help of Madame de Grammont + she had got me an introduction of the kind I wanted. This was good news + for me, as I desired to cut an imposing figure at Soleure. I had plenty of + money, and I knew that this magic metal glittered in the eyes of all. M. + de Chavigni had been ambassador at Venice thirty years before, and I knew + a number of anecdotes about his adventures there, and I was eager to see + what I could make out of him. + </p> + <p> + I went to his house at the time appointed, and found all his servants in + full livery, which I looked upon as a happy omen. My name was not + announced, and I remarked that when I came in both sides of the door were + opened for me by the page. A fine old man came forward to meet me, and + paying me many well-turned compliments introduced me to those present. + Then, with the delicate tact of the courtier, pretending not to recollect + my name, he drew the Duc de Choiseul’s letter from his pocket, and read + aloud the paragraph in which the minister desired him to treat me with the + utmost consideration. He made me sit on an easy chair at his right hand, + and asked me questions to which I could only answer that I was travelling + for my pleasure, and that I considered the Swiss nation to be in many + respects superior to all other nations whatsoever. + </p> + <p> + Dinner was served, and his excellency set me on his right hand in a + position of equal honour to his own. We were sixteen in company, and + behind every chair stood a magnificent lackey in the ambassador’s livery. + In the course of conversation I got an opportunity of telling the + ambassador that he was still spoken of at Venice with the utmost + affection. + </p> + <p> + “I shall always remember,” he said, “the kindness with which the Venetians + treated me; but tell me, I beg, the names of those gentlemen who still + remember me; they must be quite old now.” + </p> + <p> + This was what I was waiting for. M. de Malipiero had told me of certain + events which had happened during the regency, and M. de Bragadin had + informed me of the ambassador’s amours with the celebrated Stringhetta. + </p> + <p> + His excellency’s fare was perfect, but in the pleasure of conversing I + forgot that of eating. I told all my anecdotes so racily that his features + expressed the pleasure I was affording him, and when we rose from the + table he shook me by the hand, and told me he had not had so agreeable a + dinner since he had been at Soleure. + </p> + <p> + “The recollection of my Venetian gallantries,” said the worthy old man, + “makes me recall many a happy moment; I feel quite young again.” + </p> + <p> + He embraced me, and bade me consider myself as one of his family during my + stay at Soleure. + </p> + <p> + After dinner he talked a good deal about Venice, praising the Government, + and saying that there was not a town in the world where a man could fare + better, provided he took care to get good oil and foreign wines. About + five o’clock he asked me to come for a drive with him, getting into the + carriage first to give me the best place. + </p> + <p> + We got out at a pretty country house where ices were served to us. On our + way back he said that he had a large party every evening, and that he + hoped I would do him the honour to be present whenever it suited my + inclinations, assuring me that he would do his best to amuse me. I was + impatient to take part in the assembly, as I felt certain I should see my + charmer there. It was a vain hope, however, for I saw several ladies, some + old and ugly, some passable, but not one pretty. + </p> + <p> + Cards were produced, and I soon found myself at a table with a young lady + of fair complexion and a plain-looking woman well advanced in years, who + seemed, however, not to be destitute of wit. Though I was looed I played + on, and I lost five or six hundred fish without opening my lips. When it + came to a profit and loss account, the plain woman told me I owed three + louis. + </p> + <p> + “Three louis, madam.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir; we have been playing at two sous the fish. You thought, + perhaps, we were playing for farthings.” + </p> + <p> + “On the contrary, I thought it was for francs, as I never play lower.” She + did not answer this boast of mine, but she seemed annoyed. On rejoining + the company after this wearisome game, I proceeded to scrutinize all the + ladies present rapidly but keenly, but I could not see her for whom I + looked, and was on the point of leaving, when I happened to notice two + ladies who were looking at me attentively. I recognized them directly. + They were two of my fair one’s companions, whom I had had the honour of + waiting on at Zurich. I hurried off, pretending not to recognize them. + </p> + <p> + Next day, a gentleman in the ambassador’s suite came to tell me that his + excellency was going to call on me. I told him that I would not go out + till I had the honour of receiving his master, and I conceived the idea of + questioning him concerning that which lay next to my heart. However, he + spared me the trouble, as the reader will see for himself. + </p> + <p> + I gave M. de Chavigni the best reception I could, and after we had + discussed the weather he told me, with a smile, that he had the most + ridiculous affair to broach to me, begging me to credit him when he said + that he did not believe it for a moment. + </p> + <p> + “Proceed, my lord.” + </p> + <p> + “Two ladies who saw you at my house yesterday told me in confidence, after + you had gone, that I should do well to be on my guard, as you were the + waiter in an inn at Zurich where they had stayed. They added that they had + seen the other waiter by the Aar, and that in all probability you had run + away from the inn together; God alone knows why! They said, furthermore, + that you slipped away from my house yesterday as soon as you saw them. I + told them that even if you were not the bearer of a letter from his grace + the Duc de Choiseul I should have been convinced that they were mistaken, + and that they should dine with you to-day, if they would accept my + invitation. I also hinted that you might have merely disguised yourself as + a waiter in the hopes of winning some favours from them, but they rejected + the hypothesis as absurd, and said that you could carve a capon and change + a plate dexterously enough, but were only a common waiter for all that, + adding that with my permission they would compliment you on your skill + to-day. + </p> + <p> + “‘Do so, by all means, ladies,’ said I, ‘M. Casanova and myself will be + highly amused.’ And now do you mind telling me whether there be any + foundation of truth in the whole story?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, my lord, I will tell you all without reserve, but in + confidence, as this ridiculous report may injure the honour of one who is + dear to me, and whom I would not injure for the world.” + </p> + <p> + “It is true, then? I am quite interested to hear all about it.” + </p> + <p> + “It is true to a certain extent; I hope you don’t take me for the real + waiter at the ‘Sword.’” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not, but I supposed you played the part of waiter?” + </p> + <p> + “Exactly. Did they tell you that they were four in company.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, I have got it! Pretty Madame was one of the party. That explains the + riddle; now I understand everything. But you were quite right in saying + that discretion was needful; she has a perfectly blameless reputation.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! I did not know that. What happened was quite innocent, but it might + be so garbled in the telling as to become prejudicial to the honour of a + lady whose beauty struck me with admiration.” + </p> + <p> + I told him all the details of the case, adding that I had only come to + Soleure in the hopes of succeeding in my suit. + </p> + <p> + “If that prove an impossibility,” said I, “I shall leave Soleure in three + or four days; but I will first turn the three ugly companions of my + charmer into ridicule. They might have had sense enough to guess that the + waiter’s apron was only a disguise. They can only pretend to be ignorant + of the fact in the hope of getting some advantage over me, and injuring + their friend, who was ill advised to let them into the secret.” + </p> + <p> + “Softly, softly, you go too fast and remind me of my own young days. + Permit me to embrace you, your story has delighted me. You shall not go + away, you shall stay here and court your charmer. To-day you can turn two + mischievous women into ridicule, but do it in an easy way. The thing is so + straightforward that M.—— will be the first to laugh at it. + His wife cannot be ignorant of your love for her, and I know enough of + women to pronounce that your disguise cannot have displeased her. She does + know of your love?” + </p> + <p> + “Undoubtedly.” + </p> + <p> + He went away laughing, and at the door of his coach embraced me for the + third time. + </p> + <p> + I could not doubt that my charmer had told the whole story to her three + friends as they were returning from Einsiedel to Zurich, and this made the + part they had played all the more ill-natured; but I felt that it was to + my interest to let their malice pass for wit. + </p> + <p> + I went to the ambassador’s at half-past one, and after making my bow to + him I proceeded to greet the company, and saw the two ladies. Thereupon, + with a frank and generous air, I went up to the more malicious-looking of + the two (she was lame, which may have made me think her more ill-looking) + and asked if she recognized me. + </p> + <p> + “You confess, then, that you are the waiter at the ‘Sword’?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, not quite that, madam, but I confess that I was the waiter for an + hour, and that you cruelly disdained to address a single word to me, + though I was only a waiter, because I longed for the bliss of seeing you. + But I hope I shall be a little more fortunate here, and that you will + allow me to pay you my respectful homage.” + </p> + <p> + “This is very wonderful! You played your part so well that the sharpest + eye would have been deceived. Now we shall see if you play your new part + as well. If you do me the honour to call on me I will give you a good + welcome.” + </p> + <p> + After these complimentary speeches, the story became public property, and + the whole table was amusing itself with it, when I had the happiness of + seeing M.—— and Madame coming into the room. + </p> + <p> + “There is the good-natured waiter,” said she to her husband. + </p> + <p> + The worthy man stepped forward, and politely thanked me for having done + his wife the honour of taking off her boots. + </p> + <p> + This told me that she had concealed nothing, and I was glad. Dinner was + served, M. de Chavigni made my charmer sit at his right hand, and I was + placed between my two calumniators. I was obliged to hide my game, so, + although I disliked them intensely, I made love to them, hardly raising my + eyes to glance at Madame, who looked ravishing. I did not find her husband + either as old or as jealous as I had expected. The ambassador asked him + and his wife to stay the evening to an impromptu ball, and then said, that + in order for me to be able to tell the Duc de Choiseul that I was well + amused at Soleure, he would be delighted to have a play, if Madame would + act the fair ‘Ecossaise’ again. She said she should be delighted, but two + more actors were wanted. + </p> + <p> + “That is all right,” said the kind old gentleman, “I will play Montrose.” + </p> + <p> + “And I, Murray,” I remarked. + </p> + <p> + My lame friend, angry at this arrangement, which only left her the very + bad part of Lady Alton, could not help lancing a shaft at me. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! why isn’t there a waiter’s part in the play?” said she, “you would + play it so well.” + </p> + <p> + “That is well said, but I hope you will teach me to play Murray even + better.” + </p> + <p> + Next morning, I got the words of my part, and the ambassador told me that + the ball would be given in my honour. After dinner I went to my inn, and + after making an elaborate toilette I returned to the brilliant company. + </p> + <p> + The ambassador begged me to open the ball, and introduced me to the + highest born but not the most beautiful lady in the place. I then danced + with all the ladies present until the good-natured old man got me the + object of my vows as a partner in the quadrilles, which he did so easily + that no one could have made any remark. “Lord Murray,” said he, “must + dance with no one but Lindane.” + </p> + <p> + At the first pause I took the opportunity of saying that I had only come + to Soleure for her sake, that it was for her sake that I had disguised + myself at Zurich, and that I hoped she would permit me to pay my addresses + to her. + </p> + <p> + “I cannot invite you to my house,” said she, “for certain sufficient + reasons; but if you will stay here some time we shall be able to see each + other. But I entreat you not to shew me any marked attention in public, + for there are those who will spy upon our actions, and it is not pleasant + to be talked about.” + </p> + <p> + I was quite satisfied with this, and told her that I would do all in my + power to please her, and that the most prying eyes should have nothing to + fix on. I felt that the pleasure I looked forward to would be rendered all + the sweeter by a tincture of mystery. + </p> + <p> + I had proclaimed myself as a novice in the mimic art, and had entreated my + lame friend to be kind enough to instruct me. I therefore went to her in + the morning, but she could only flatter herself that hers was a reflected + light, as I had opportunities for paying my court to my charmer in her + house, and however great her vanity may have been, she must have had some + suspicions of the truth. + </p> + <p> + This woman was a widow, aged between thirty and forty years, of a + jaundiced complexion, and a piercing and malicious aspect. In her efforts + to hide the inequality of her legs, she walked with a stiff and awkward + air; and, wishing to be thought a wit, she increased her natural dullness + by a ceaseless flow of small talk. I persisted in behaving towards her + with a great air of respect, and one day she said that, having seen me in + the disguise of a waiter, she would not have thought I was a man of a + timid nature. + </p> + <p> + “In what respect do you think me timid?” said I; to which she gave me no + answer, but I knew perfectly well what she meant. I was tired of my part, + and I had determined to play it no more when we had acted L’Ecossaise. + </p> + <p> + All the best people at Soleure were present at our first performance. The + lame lady was delighted with the horror inspired by her acting; but she + might credit a great deal of it to her appearance. M. de Chavigni drew + forth the tears of the audience, his acting was said to be better than the + great Voltaire’s. As for me, I remember how near I was to fainting when, + in the third scene of the fifth act, Lindane said to me, + </p> + <p> + “What! You! You dare to love me?” + </p> + <p> + She pronounced these words with such fiery scorn that all the spectators + applauded vehemently. I was almost put out of countenance, for I thought I + detected in her voice an insult to my honour. However, I collected myself + in the minute’s respite which the loud applause gave me, and I replied,— + </p> + <p> + “Yes; I adore you! How should I not?” + </p> + <p> + So pathetically and tenderly did I pronounce these words that the hall + rang again with the applause, and the encores from four hundred throats + made me repeat the words which, indeed, came from my heart. + </p> + <p> + In spite of the pleasure we had given to the audience, we judged ourselves + not perfect in our parts, and M. de Chavigni advised us to put off our + second performance for a couple of days. + </p> + <p> + “We will have a rehearsal to-morrow at my country house,” said he, “and I + beg the favour of all your companies to dinner there.” + </p> + <p> + However, we all made each other compliments on our acting. My lame friend + told me I had played well, but not so well as in the part of waiter, which + really suited me admirably. This sarcasm got the laugh on her side, but I + returned it by telling her that my performance was a work of art, while + her playing of Lady Alton was pure nature. M. de Chavigni told Madame that + the spectators were wrong to applaud when she expressed her wonder at my + loving her, since she had spoken the words disdainfully; and it was + impossible that Lindane could have despised Murray. The ambassador called + for me the next day in his carriage, and when we reached his country-house + we found all the actors assembled there. His excellency addressed himself + in the first place to M.——, telling him he thought his + business was as good as done, and that they would talk about it after + dinner. We sat down to table, and afterwards rehearsed the piece without + any need of the prompter’s assistance. + </p> + <p> + Towards evening the ambassador told the company that he would expect them + to supper that evening at Soleure, and everyone left with the exception of + the ambassador, myself, and M.—— and Madame——. + Just as we were going I had an agreeable surprise. + </p> + <p> + “Will you come with me,” said the Ambassador to M.——, “we can + talk the matter over at our ease? M. Casanova will have the honour of + keeping your wife company in your carriage.” + </p> + <p> + I gave the fair lady my hand respectfully, and she took it with an air of + indifference, but as I was helping her in she pressed my hand with all her + might. The reader can imagine how that pressure made my blood circulate + like fire in my veins. + </p> + <p> + Thus we were seated side by side, our knees pressed tenderly against each + other. Half an hour seemed like a minute, but it must not be thought that + we wasted the time. Our lips were glued together, and were not set apart + till we came within ten paces of the ambassador’s house, which I could + have wished at ten leagues distance. She was the first to get down, and I + was alarmed to see the violent blush which overspread her whole face. Such + redness looked unnatural; it might betray us; our spring of happiness + would soon be dry. The watchful eye of the envious Alton would be fixed + upon us, and not in vain; her triumph would outweigh her humiliation. I + was at my wits’ end. + </p> + <p> + Love and luck, which have so favoured me throughout the course of my life, + came to my aid. I had about me a small box containing hellebore. I opened + it as if by instinct, and invited her to take a small pinch. She did so, + and I followed her example; but the dose was too strong, and as we were + going up the stairs we began to sneeze, and for the next quarter of an + hour we continued sneezing. People were obliged to attribute her high + colour to the sneezing, or at least no one could give voice to any other + suppositions. When the sneezing fit was over, this woman, who was as + clever as she was pretty, said her headache was gone, but she would take + care another time not to take so strong a dose. I looked out of the corner + of my eye at the malicious widow, who said nothing but seemed deep in + thought. + </p> + <p> + This piece of good luck decided me on staying at Soleure till my love was + crowned with success, and I determined to take a country house. I shall + not have much opinion of my readers if they find themselves in my position—rich, + young, independent, full of fire, and having only pleasure to seek for—and + do not follow my example. A perfect beauty was before me with whom I was + madly in love, and who, I was sure, shared that love. I had plenty of + money, and I was my own master. I thought this a much better plan than + turning monk, and I was above caring “what people would say.” As soon as + the ambassador had returned, which he always did at an early hour on + account of his advanced age, I left the company and went to see him in his + private room. In truth I felt I must give him that confidence which he had + so well deserved. + </p> + <p> + As soon as he saw me he said,— + </p> + <p> + “Well, well, did you profit by the interview I got you?” + </p> + <p> + I embraced him, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “I may hope for everything.” + </p> + <p> + When I was telling him about the hellebore he was lavish in his + compliments on my presence of mind, for, as he said, such an unusual + colour would have made people think there had been some kind of a combat—a + supposition which would not have tended towards my success. After I had + told him all, I imparted my plan. + </p> + <p> + “I shall do nothing in a hurry,” said I, “as I have to take care that the + lady’s honour does not suffer, and I trust to time to see the + accomplishment of my wishes. I shall want a pretty country house, a good + carriage, two lackeys, a good cook, and a housekeeper. All that I leave to + your excellency, as I look upon you as my refuge and guardian angel.” + </p> + <p> + “To-morrow, without fail, I will see what I can do, and I have good hopes + of doing you a considerable service and of rendering you well content with + the attractions of Soleure.” + </p> + <p> + Next day our rehearsal went off admirably, and the day after the + ambassador spoke to me as follows: + </p> + <p> + “So far as I can see, what you are aiming at in this intrigue is the + satisfying of your desires without doing any harm to the lady’s + reputation. I think I know the nature of your love for her well enough to + say that if she told you that your leaving Soleure was necessary to her + peace of mind you would leave her at once. You see that I have sounded you + well enough to be a competent adviser in this delicate and important + affair, to which the most famous events in the annals of diplomacy are not + to be compared.” + </p> + <p> + “Your excellency does not do sufficient justice to a career which has + gained you such distinction.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s because I am an old man, my dear fellow, and have shaken off the + rust and dust of prejudices, and am able to see things as they really are, + and appreciate them at their true value. But let us return to your + love-affair. If you wish to keep it in the dark, you must avoid with the + greatest care any action which may awaken suspicion in the minds of people + who do not believe that anything is indifferent. The most malicious and + censorious will not be able to get anything but the merest chance out of + the interview I procured you today, and the accident of the sneezing bout, + defy the most ill-natured to draw any deductions; for an eager lover does + not begin his suit by sending the beloved one into convulsions. Nobody can + guess that your hellebore was used to conceal the blush that your caresses + occasioned, since it does not often happen that an amorous combat leaves + such traces; and how can you be expected to have foreseen the lady’s + blushes, and to have provided yourself with a specific against them? In + short, the events of to-day will not disclose your secret. M.—— + who, although he wishes to pass for a man devoid of jealousy, is a little + jealous; M.—— himself cannot have seen anything out of the + common in my asking him to return with me, as I had business of importance + with him, and he has certainly no reasons for supposing that I should be + likely to help you to intrigue with his wife. Furthermore, the laws of + politeness would have forbidden me, under any circumstances, offering the + lady the place I offered him, and as he prides himself on his politeness + he can raise no possible objection to the arrangement which was made. To + be sure I am old and you are young—a distinction not unimportant in + a husband’s eyes.” After this exordium, added the good-natured ambassador, + with a laugh, “an exordium which I have delivered in the official style of + a secretary of state, let us see where we are. Two things are necessary + for you to obtain your wished-for bliss. The first thing, which concerns + you more particularly, is to make M.—— your friend, and to + conceal from him that you have conceived a passion for his wife, and here + I will aid you to the best of my ability. The second point concerns the + lady’s honour; all your relations with her must appear open and + above-board. Consider yourself under my protection; you must not even take + a country house before we have found out some plan for throwing dust into + the eyes of the observant. However, you need not be anxious; I have hit + upon a plan. + </p> + <p> + “You must pretend to be taken ill, but your illness must be of such a kind + that your doctor will be obliged to take your word for the symptoms. + Luckily, I know a doctor whose sole idea is to order country air for all + complaints. This physician, who is about as clever as his brethren, and + kills or cures as well as any of them, will come and feel my pulse one of + these days. You must take his advice, and for a couple of louis he will + write you a prescription with country air as the chief item. He will then + inform everybody that your case is serious, but that he will answer for + your cure.” + </p> + <p> + “What is his name?” + </p> + <p> + “Doctor Herrenschwand.” + </p> + <p> + “What is he doing here? I knew him at Paris; he was Madame du Rumain’s + doctor.” + </p> + <p> + “That is his brother. Now find out some polite complaint, which will do + you credit with the public. It will be easy enough to find a house, and I + will get you an excellent cook to make your gruel and beef-tea.” + </p> + <p> + The choice of a complaint cost me some thought; I had to give it a good + deal of attention. The same evening I managed to communicate my plan to + Madame who approved of it. I begged her to think of some way of writing to + me, and she said she would. + </p> + <p> + “My husband,” said she, “has a very high opinion of you. He has taken no + offence at our coming in the same carriage. But tell me, was it an + accident or design that made M. de Chavigni take my husband and leave us + together?” + </p> + <p> + “It was the result of design, dearest.” She raised her beautiful eyes and + bit her lips. “Are you sorry it was so?” + </p> + <p> + “Alas! no.” + </p> + <p> + In three or four days, on the day on which we were going to act + L’Ecossaise, the doctor came to dine with the ambassador and stayed till + the evening to see the play. At dessert he complimented me on my good + health, on which I took the opportunity, and told him that appearances + were deceitful, and that I should be glad to consult him the next day. No + doubt he was delighted to be deceived in his estimate of my health, and he + said he should be glad if he could be of any service. He called on me at + the hour agreed upon, and I told him such symptoms as my fancy dictated; + amongst other things, that I was subject to certain nocturnal irritations + which made me extremely weak, especially in the reins. + </p> + <p> + “Quite so, quite so; it’s a troublesome thing, but we will see what can be + done. My first remedy, which you may possibly not care much for, is for + you to pass six weeks in the country, where you will not see those objects + which impress your brain, acting on the seventh pair of nerves, and + causing that lumbar discharge which no doubt leaves you in a very + depressed state.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, it certainly does.” + </p> + <p> + “Quite so, quite so. My next remedy is cold bathing.” + </p> + <p> + “Are the baths far from here?” + </p> + <p> + “They are wherever you like. I will write you a prescription, and the + druggist will make it up.” + </p> + <p> + I thanked him, and after he had pouched the double-louis I slipped + politely into his hand, he went away assuring me that I should soon + experience an improvement in my health. By the evening the whole town knew + that I was ill and had to go into the country. M. de Chavigni said + pleasantly at dinner to the doctor, that he should have forbidden me all + feminine visitors; and my lame friend, refining on the idea, added that I + should above all be debarred access to certain portraits, of which I had a + box-full. I laughed approvingly, and begged M. de Chavigni, in the + presence of the company, to help me to find a pretty house and a good + cook, as I did not intend to take my meals alone. + </p> + <p> + I was tired of playing a wearisome part, and had left off going to see my + lame friend, but she soon reproached me for my inconstancy, telling me + that I had made a tool of her. “I know all,” said this malicious woman, + “and I will be avenged.” + </p> + <p> + “You cannot be avenged for nothing,” said I, “for I have never done you an + injury. However, if you intend to have me assassinated, I shall apply for + police protection.” + </p> + <p> + “We don’t assassinate here,” said she, savagely. “We are not Italians.” + </p> + <p> + I was delighted to be relieved from the burden of her society, and + henceforth Madame was the sole object of my thoughts. M. de Chavigni, who + seemed to delight in serving me, made her husband believe that I was the + only person who could get the Duc de Choiseul to pardon a cousin of his + who was in the guards, and had had the misfortune to kill his man in a + duel. “This,” said the kindly old gentleman, “is the best way possible of + gaining the friendship of your rival. Do you think you can manage it?” + </p> + <p> + “I am not positive of success.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps I have gone a little too far; but I told him that by means of + your acquaintance with the Duchesse de Grammont you could do anything with + the minister.” + </p> + <p> + “I must make you a true prophet; I will do all I can.” + </p> + <p> + The consequence was that M.—— informed me of the facts in the + ambassador’s presence, and brought me all the papers relative to the case. + </p> + <p> + I spent the night in writing to the Duchesse de Grammont. I made my letter + as pathetic as possible, with a view to touching her heart, and then her + father’s; and I then wrote to the worthy Madame d’Urfe telling her that + the well-being of the sublime order of the Rosy Cross was concerned in the + pardon of a Swiss officer, who had been obliged to leave the kingdom on + account of a duel in which the order was highly concerned. + </p> + <p> + In the morning, after resting for an hour, I went to the ambassador, and + shewed him the letter I had written to the duchess. He thought it + excellently expressed, and advised me to shew it to M.—— I + found him with his night-cap on; he was extremely grateful for the + interest I took in a matter which was so near to his heart. He told me + that his wife had not yet risen, and asked me to wait and take breakfast + with her. I should have much liked to accept the invitation, but I begged + him to make my excuses to his lady for my absence, on the pretence that I + had to finish my letters, and hand them to the courier who was just + leaving. I hoped in this way to scatter any jealousy that might be + hovering in his brain, by the slight importance I attached to a meeting + with his wife. + </p> + <p> + I went to dine with M. de Chavigni, who thought my conduct had been very + politic, and said that he was certain that henceforth M.—— + would be my best friend. He then shewed me a letter from Voltaire thanking + him for playing Montrose in his Ecossaise; and another from the Marquis de + Chauvelin, who was then at Delices with the philosopher of Ferney. He + promised to come and see him after he had been to Turin, where he had been + appointed ambassador. + </p> + <a name="linkC2HCH0015" id="linkC2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + My Country House—Madame Dubois—Malicious Trick Played on + Me by My Lame Enemy—My Vexation +</pre> + <p> + There was a reception and a supper at the Court, as they styled the hotel + of M. de Chavigni, or rather of the ambassador of the King of France in + Switzerland. As I came in I saw my charmer sitting apart reading a letter. + I accosted her, apologizing for not having stayed to breakfast, but she + said I had done quite right, adding that if I had not chosen a country + house she hoped I would take one her husband would probably mention to me + that evening. She could not say any more, as she was called away to a game + at quadrille. For my part I did not play, but wandered from one table to + another. + </p> + <p> + At supper everybody talked to me about my health, and my approaching stay + in the country. This gave M.—— an opportunity to mention a + delightful house near the Aar; “but,” he added, “it is not to be let for + less than six months.” + </p> + <p> + “If I like it,” I replied, “and am free to leave it when I please, I will + willingly pay the six months’ rent in advance.” + </p> + <p> + “There is a fine hall in it.” + </p> + <p> + “All the better; I will give a ball as evidence of my gratitude to the + people of Soleure for the kind welcome I have received from them.” + </p> + <p> + “Would you like to come and see it to-morrow?” + </p> + <p> + “With pleasure.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good, then I will call for you at eight o’clock, if that hour will + suit you.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall expect you.” + </p> + <p> + When I got back to my lodging I ordered a travelling carriage and four, + and the next morning, before eight o’clock, I called for M. who was ready, + and seemed flattered at my anticipating him. + </p> + <p> + “I made my wife promise to come with us; but she is a sluggard, who + prefers her bed to the fresh air.” + </p> + <p> + In less than an hour we reached our journey’s end, and I found the house a + beautiful one and large enough to lodge the whole court of a prince of the + Holy Roman Empire. Besides the hall, which I thought magnificent, I noted + with great pleasure a closet arranged as a boudoir, and covered with the + most exquisite pictures. A fine garden, fountains, baths, several + well-furnished rooms, a good kitchen—in a word, everything pleased + me, and I begged M.—— to arrange for me to take up my abode + there in two days’ time. + </p> + <p> + When we got back to Soleure, Madame told me how pleased she was that I + liked the house; and seizing the opportunity, I said that I hoped they + would often do me the honour of dining with me. They promised they would + do so. I drew from my pocket a packet containing a hundred louis, which I + gave M.—— to pay the rent. I then embraced him, and after + imprinting a respectful kiss on the hand of his fair mate I went to M. de + Chavigni, who approved of my having taken the house as it pleased my lady, + and asked me if it was true that I was going to give a ball. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, if I see any prospect of its being a brilliant one, and if I have + your approbation.” + </p> + <p> + “You need have no doubts on that point, my dear fellow, and whatever you + can’t find in the shops come to me for. Come, I see you are going to spend + a little money. It is a good plan, and overcomes many difficulties. In the + meanwhile you shall have two footmen, an excellent cook, a housekeeper, + and whatever other servants you require. The head of my household will pay + them, and you can settle with him afterwards, he is a trustworthy man. I + will come now and then and take a spoonful of soup with you, and you shall + reward me for what services I may have done you by telling me how things + are getting on. I have a great esteem for your charming friend, her + discretion is beyond her years, and the pledges of love you will obtain of + her will doubtless increase your passion and your esteem. Is she aware + that I know all?” + </p> + <p> + “She knows that we are firm friends, and she is glad of it, as she is sure + that you will be discreet.” + </p> + <p> + “She may count on my discretion. She is really a delicious woman; I should + have been tempted to seduce her myself thirty years ago.” + </p> + <p> + A druggist, whom the doctor had recommended to me, set out the same day to + get ready the baths which were to cure me of my imaginary complaint, and + in two days I went myself, after having given Le Duc orders to bring my + baggage on. + </p> + <p> + I was extremely surprised, on entering the apartment I was to occupy, to + see a pretty young woman who came up to me in a modest way to kiss my + hand. I stopped her doing so, and my astonished air made her blush. + </p> + <p> + “Do you belong to the household?” I said. + </p> + <p> + “The ambassador’s steward has engaged me as your housekeeper.” + </p> + <p> + “Pardon my surprise. Take me to my room.” + </p> + <p> + She obeyed, and sitting down on the couch I begged her to sit beside me. + </p> + <p> + “That is an honour,” said she, in the most polite and modest way, “I + cannot allow myself. I am only your servant.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good, but when I am alone I hope you will consent to take your meals + with me, as I don’t like eating by myself.” + </p> + <p> + “I will do so, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Where is your room?” + </p> + <p> + “This is the one the steward assigned to me, but you have only to speak if + you wish me to sleep in another.” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all; it will do very well.” + </p> + <p> + Her room was just behind the recess in which my bed stood. I went in with + her and was astonished to see a great display of dresses, and in an + adjoining closet all the array of the toilette, linen in abundance, and a + good stock of shoes and embroidered slippers. Dumb with surprise I looked + at her, and was thoroughly satisfied with what I saw. Nevertheless I + determined to subject her to a close examination, as I thought her manners + too interesting and her linen too extensive for her to be a mere servant. + All at once I was struck with the idea that it might be a trick of the + ambassador’s, for a fine woman, well educated, and aged twenty-four or at + the most twenty-five years, seemed to me more fitted to be my mistress + than my housekeeper. I therefore asked her if she knew the ambassador, and + what wages she was to receive. She replied that she only knew M. de + Chavigni by sight, and that the steward had promised her two louis a month + and her meals in her own room. + </p> + <p> + “Where do you come from? What’s your name?” + </p> + <p> + “I come from Lyons; I am a widow, and my name is Dubois.” + </p> + <p> + “I am delighted to have you in my service. I shall see you again.” + </p> + <p> + She then left me, and I could not help thinking her a very interesting + woman, as her speech was as dignified as her appearance. I went down to + the kitchen and found the cook, an honest-looking fellow, who told me his + name was Rosier. I had known his brother in the service of the French + ambassador at Venice. He told me that supper would be ready at nine + o’clock. + </p> + <p> + “I never eat by myself,” said I. + </p> + <p> + “So I hear, sir; and I will serve supper accordingly.” + </p> + <p> + “What are your wages?” + </p> + <p> + “Four louis a month.” + </p> + <p> + I then went to see the rest of my people. I found two sharp-looking + footmen, and the first of them told me he would see I had what wine I + wanted. Then I inspected my bath, which seemed convenient. An apothecary + was preparing certain matters for my imaginary cure. Finally, I took a + walk round my garden, and before going in I went into the gate-keeper’s, + where I found a numerous family, and some girls who were not to be + despised. I was delighted to hear everybody speak French, and I talked + with them some time. + </p> + <p> + When I got back to my room, I found Le Duc occupied in unpacking my mails; + and telling him to give my linen to Madame Dubois, I went into a pretty + cabinet adjoining, where there was a desk and all materials necessary for + writing. This closet had only one window facing north, but it commanded a + view capable of inspiring the finest thoughts. I was amusing myself with + the contemplation of this sublime prospect, when I heard a knock at my + door. It was my pretty housekeeper, who wore a modest and pleasant + expression, and did not in the least resemble a person who bears a + complaint. + </p> + <p> + “What can I do for you, madam?” + </p> + <p> + “I hope you will be good enough to order your man to be polite to me?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly; how has he failed in politeness?” + </p> + <p> + “He might possibly tell you in no respect. He wanted to kiss me, and as I + refused he thought himself justified in being rather insolent.” + </p> + <p> + “How?” + </p> + <p> + “By laughing at me. You will pardon me, sir, but I do not like people who + make game.” + </p> + <p> + “You are right; they are sure to be either silly or malicious. Make + yourself easy; Le Duc shall understand that you are to be treated with + respect. You will please sup with me.” + </p> + <p> + Le Duc came in soon after, and I told him to behave respectfully towards + Madame Dubois. + </p> + <p> + “She’s a sly cat,” said the rascal; “she wouldn’t let me kiss her.” + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid you are a bad fellow.” + </p> + <p> + “Is she your servant or your mistress?” + </p> + <p> + “She might be my wife.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! well, that’s different. That will do; Madame Dubois shall have all + respect, and I will try my luck somewhere else.” + </p> + <p> + I had a delicious supper. I was contented with my cook, my butler, my + housekeeper, and even with my Spaniard, who waited capitally at table. + </p> + <p> + After supper I sent out Le Duc and the other servant, and as soon as I was + alone with my too lovely housekeeper, who had behaved at table like a + woman of the world, I begged her to tell me her history. + </p> + <p> + “My history, sir, is short enough, and not very interesting. I was born + at Lyons, and my relations took me to Lausanne, as I have been told, for I + was too young at the time to remember anything about it. My father, who + was in the service of Madame d’Ermance, left me an orphan when I was + fourteen. Madame d’Ermance was fond of me, and knowing that my mother’s + means were small she took me to live with her. I had attained my + seventeenth year when I entered the service of Lady Montagu as lady’s + maid, and some time after I was married to Dubois, an old servant of the + house. We went to England, and three years after my marriage I lost my + husband. The climate of England affected my lungs, and I was obliged to + beg my lady to allow me to leave her service. The worthy lady saw how weak + I was, and paid the expenses of my journey and loaded me with rich + presents. I returned to my mother at Lausanne, where my health soon + returned, and I went into the service of an English lady who was very fond + of me, and would have taken me with her to Italy if she had not conceived + some suspicions about the young Duke of Rosebury, with whom she was in + love, and whom she thought in love with me. She suspected me, but + wrongfully, of being her rival in secret. She sent me away, after giving + me rich presents, and saying how sorry she was she could not keep me. I + went back to my mother, and for two years I have lived with the toil of my + hands. Four days ago M. Lebel, the ambassador’s steward, asked me if I + would enter the service of an Italian gentleman as housekeeper. I agreed, + in the hope of seeing Italy, and this hope is the cause of my stupidity. + In short: here I am.” + </p> + <p> + “What stupidity are you referring to?” + </p> + <p> + “The stupidity of having entered your service before I knew you.” + </p> + <p> + “I like your freedom. You would not have come, then, if you had not known + me?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not, for no lady will ever take me after having been with you.” + </p> + <p> + “Why not? may I ask.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, sir; do you think you are the kind of man to have a house-keeper + like myself without the public believing my situation to be of quite a + different nature?” + </p> + <p> + “No, you are too pretty, and I don’t look like a fossil, certainly; but + after all, what matter does it make?” + </p> + <p> + “It is all very well for you to make light of it, and if I were in your + place I would do the same; but how am I, who am a woman and not in an + independent position, to set myself above the rules and regulations of + society?” + </p> + <p> + “You mean, Madame Dubois, that you would very much like to go back to + Lausanne?” + </p> + <p> + “Not exactly, as that would not be just to you.” + </p> + <p> + “How so?” + </p> + <p> + “People would be sure to say that either your words or your deeds were too + free, and you might possibly pass a rather uncharitable judgment on me.” + </p> + <p> + “What judgment could I pass on you?” + </p> + <p> + “You might think I wanted to impose on you.” + </p> + <p> + “That might be, as I should be very much hurt by so sudden and + uncalled-for a departure. All the same I am sorry for you, as with your + ideas you can neither go nor stay with any satisfaction. Nevertheless, you + must do one or the other.” + </p> + <p> + “I have made up my mind. I shall stay, and I am almost certain I shall not + regret it.” + </p> + <p> + “I am glad to hear that, but there is one point to which I wish to call + your attention.” + </p> + <p> + “What is that?” + </p> + <p> + “I will tell you. Let us have no melancholy and no scruples.” + </p> + <p> + “You shall not see me melancholy, I promise you; but kindly explain what + you mean by the word ‘scruples.’” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly. In its ordinary acceptation, the word ‘scruple’ signifies a + malicious and superstitious whim, which pronounces an action which may be + innocent to be guilty.” + </p> + <p> + “When a course of action seems doubtful to me, I never look upon the worst + side of it. Besides, it is my duty to look after myself and not other + people.” + </p> + <p> + “I see you have read a good deal.” + </p> + <p> + “Reading is my greatest luxury. Without books I should find life + unbearable.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you any books?” + </p> + <p> + “A good many. Do you understand English?” + </p> + <p> + “Not a word.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry for that, as the English books would amuse you.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not care for romances.” + </p> + <p> + “Nor do I. But you don’t think that there are only romances in English, do + you? I like that. Why do you take me for such a lover of the romantic, + pray?” + </p> + <p> + “I like that, too. That pretty outburst is quite to my taste, and I am + delighted to be the first to make you laugh.” + </p> + <p> + “Pardon me if I laugh, but . . .” + </p> + <p> + “But me no buts, my dear; laugh away just as you like, you will find that + the best way to get over me. I really think, though, that you put your + services at too cheap a rate.” + </p> + <p> + “That makes me laugh again, as it is for you to increase my wages if you + like.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall take care that it is done.” + </p> + <p> + I rose from table, not taken, but surprised, with this young woman, who + seemed to be getting on my blind side. She reasoned well, and in this + first interview she had made a deep impression on me. She was young, + pretty, elegant, intellectual, and of distinguished manners; I could not + guess what would be the end of our connection. I longed to speak to M. + Lebel, to thank him for getting me such a marvel, and still more, to ask + him some questions about her. + </p> + <p> + After the supper had been taken away, she came to ask if I would have my + hair put in curl papers. + </p> + <p> + “It’s Le Duc’s business,” I answered, “but if you like, it shall be yours + for the future.” + </p> + <p> + She acquitted herself like an expert. + </p> + <p> + “I see,” said I, “that you are going to serve me as you served Lady + Montagu.” + </p> + <p> + “Not altogether; but as you do not like melancholy, allow me to ask a + favour.” + </p> + <p> + “Do so, my dear.” + </p> + <p> + “Please do not ask me to give you your bath.” + </p> + <p> + “Upon my honour, I did not think of doing so. It would be scandalous. + That’s Le Duc’s business.” + </p> + <p> + “Pardon me, and allow me to ask another favour.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell me everything you want.” + </p> + <p> + “Allow me to have one of the door-keeper’s daughters to sleep with me.” + </p> + <p> + “If it had come into my head, I would have proposed it to you. Is she in + your room now?” + </p> + <p> + “No.” + </p> + <p> + “Go and call her, then.” + </p> + <p> + “Let us leave that till to-morrow, as if I went at this time of night it + might make people talk.” + </p> + <p> + “I see you have a store of discretion, and you may be sure I will not + deprive you of any of it.” + </p> + <p> + She helped me to undress, and must have found me very modest, but I must + say it was not from virtue. My heart was engaged elsewhere, and Madame + Dubois had impressed me; I was possibly duped by her, but I did not + trouble myself to think whether I was or not. I rang for Le Duc in the + morning, and on coming in he said he had not expected the honour. + </p> + <p> + “You’re a rascal,” I said, “get two cups of chocolate ready directly after + I have had my bath.” + </p> + <p> + After I had taken my first cold bath, which I greatly enjoyed, I went to + bed again. Madame Dubois came in smiling, dressed in a style of careless + elegance. + </p> + <p> + “You look in good spirits.” + </p> + <p> + “I am, because I am happy with you. I have had a good night, and there is + now in my room a girl as lovely as an angel, who is to sleep with me.” + </p> + <p> + “Call her in.” + </p> + <p> + She called her, and a monster of ugliness entered, who made me turn my + head away. + </p> + <p> + “You haven’t given yourself a rival certainly, my dear, but if she suits + you it is all right. You shall have your breakfast with me, and I hope you + will take chocolate with me every morning.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall be delighted, as I am very fond of it.” + </p> + <p> + I had a pleasant afternoon. M. de Chavigni spent several hours with me. He + was pleased with everything, and above all with my fair housekeeper, of + whom Lebel had said nothing to him. + </p> + <p> + “She will be an excellent cure for your love for Madame,” said he. + </p> + <p> + “There you are wrong,” I answered, “she might make me fall in love with + her without any diminution of my affection for my charmer.” + </p> + <p> + Next day, just as I was sitting down to table with my housekeeper, I saw a + carriage coming into the courtyard, and my detestable lame widow getting + out of it. I was terribly put out, but the rules of politeness compelled + me to go and receive her. + </p> + <p> + “I was far from anticipating that you would do me so great an honour, + madam.” + </p> + <p> + “I daresay; I have come to dine with you, and to ask you to do me a + favour.” + </p> + <p> + “Come in, then, dinner is just being served. I beg to introduce Madame + Dubois to you.” + </p> + <p> + I turned towards my charming housekeeper, and told her that the lady would + dine with us. + </p> + <p> + Madame Dubois, in the character of mistress of the house, did the honours + admirably, and my lame friend, in spite of her pride, was very polite to + her. I did not speak a dozen words during the meal, and paid no sort of + attention to the detestable creature; but I was anxious to know what she + could want me to do for her. As soon as Madame Dubois had left the room + she told me straight out that she had come to ask me to let her have a + couple of rooms in my house for three weeks or a month at the most. + </p> + <p> + I was astonished at such a piece of impudence, and told her she asked more + than I was at liberty to give. + </p> + <p> + “You can’t refuse me, as everybody knows I have come on purpose to ask + you.” + </p> + <p> + “Then everybody must know that I have refused you. I want to be alone—absolutely + alone, without any kind of restriction on my liberty. The least suspicion + of company would bore me.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall not bore you in any way, and you will be at perfect liberty to + ignore my presence. I shall not be offended if you don’t enquire after me, + and I shall not ask after you—even if you are ill. I shall have my + meals served to me by my own servant, and I shall take care not to walk in + the garden unless I am perfectly certain you are not there. You must allow + that if you have any claims to politeness you cannot refuse me.” + </p> + <p> + “If you were acquainted with the most ordinary rules of politeness, madam, + you would not persist in a request to which I have formally declined to + accede.” + </p> + <p> + She did not answer, but my words had evidently produced no effect. I was + choking with rage. I strode up and down the room, and felt inclined to + send her away by force as a madwoman. However, I reflected that she had + relations in a good position whom I might offend if I treated her roughly, + and that I might make an enemy capable of exacting a terrible revenge; + and, finally, that Madame might disapprove of my using violence to this + hideous harpy.... + </p> + <p> + “Well, madam,” said I, “you shall have the apartment you have solicited + with so much importunity, and an hour after you come in I shall be on my + way back to Soleure.” + </p> + <p> + “I accept the apartment, and I shall occupy it the day after to-morrow. As + for your threat of returning to Soleure, it is an idle one, as you would + thereby make yourself the laughing-stock of the whole town.” + </p> + <p> + With this final impertinence she rose and went away, without taking any + further notice of me. I let her go without moving from my seat. I was + stupefied. I repented of having given in; such impudence was unparalleled. + I called myself a fool, and vowed I deserved to be publicly hooted. I + ought to have taken the whole thing as a jest; to have contrived to get + her out of the house on some pretext, and then to have sent her about her + business as a madwoman, calling all my servants as witnesses. + </p> + <p> + My dear Dubois came in, and I told my tale. She was thunderstruck. + </p> + <p> + “I can hardly credit her requesting, or your granting, such a thing,” said + she, “unless you have some motives of your own.” + </p> + <p> + I saw the force of her argument, and not wishing to make a confidante of + her I held my tongue, and went out to work off my bile. + </p> + <p> + I came in tired, after taking a stiff walk. I took supper with Madame + Dubois, and we sat at table till midnight. Her conversation pleased me + more and more; her mind was well-furnished, her speech elegant, and she + told her stories and cracked her jokes with charming grace. She was devoid + of prejudices, but by no means devoid of principle. Her discretion was + rather the result of system than of virtue; but if she had not a virtuous + spirit, her system would not have shielded her from the storms of passion + or the seductions of vice. + </p> + <p> + My encounter with the impudent widow had so affected me that I could not + resist going at an early hour on the following day to communicate it to M. + de Chavigni. I warned Madame Dubois that if I were not back by dinner-time + she was not to wait for me. + </p> + <p> + M. de Chavigni had been told by my enemy that she was going to pay me a + visit, but he roared with laughter on hearing the steps she had taken to + gain her ends. + </p> + <p> + “Your excellency may find it very funny,” said I, “but I don’t.” + </p> + <p> + “So I see; but take my advice, and be the first to laugh at the adventure. + Behave as if you were unaware of her presence, and that will be a + sufficient punishment for her. People will soon say she is smitten with + you, and that you disdain her love. Go and tell the story to M.——, + and stay without ceremony to dinner. I have spoken to Lebel about your + pretty housekeeper: the worthy man had no malicious intent in sending her + to you. He happened to be going to Lausanne, and just before, I had told + him to find you a good housekeeper; thinking it over on his way, he + remembered his friend Madame Dubois, and the matter was thus arranged + without malice or pretense. She is a regular find, a perfect jewel for + you, and if you get taken with her I don’t think she will allow you to + languish for long.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know, she seems to be a woman of principle.” + </p> + <p> + “I shouldn’t have thought you would be taken in by that sort of thing. I + will ask you both to give me a dinner to-morrow, and shall be glad to hear + her chatter.” + </p> + <p> + M—— welcomed me most kindly, and congratulated me on my + conquest, which would make my country house a paradise. I joined in the + jest, of course, with the more ease that his charming wife, though I could + see that she suspected the truth, added her congratulations to those of + her husband; but I soon changed the course of their friendly mirth by + telling them the circumstances of the case. They were indignant enough + then, and the husband said that if she had really quartered herself on me + in that fashion, all I had to do was to get an injunction from the courts + forbidding her to put her foot within my doors. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t want to do that,” said I, “as besides publicly disgracing her I + should be shewing my own weakness, and proclaiming that I was not the + master in my own house, and that I could not prevent her establishing + herself with me.” + </p> + <p> + “I think so, too,” said the wife, “and I am glad you gave way to her. That + shews how polite you are, and I shall go and call on her to congratulate + her on the welcome she got, as she told me that her plans had succeeded.” + </p> + <p> + Here the matter ended, and I accepted their invitation to dine with them. + I behaved as a friend, but with that subtle politeness which takes away + all ground for suspicion; accordingly, the husband felt no alarm. My + charmer found the opportunity to tell me that I had done wisely in + yielding to the ill-timed demand of that harpy, and that as soon as M. de + Chauvelin, whom they were expecting, had gone away again, I could ask her + husband to spend a few days with me, and that she would doubtless come + too. + </p> + <p> + “Your door-keeper’s wife,” she added, “was my nurse. I have been kind to + her, and when necessary I can write to you by her without running any + risk.” + </p> + <p> + After calling on two Italian Jesuits who were passing through Soleure, and + inviting them to dine with me on the following day, I returned home where + the good Dubois amused me till midnight by philosophical discussions. She + admired Locke; and maintained that the faculty of thought was not a proof + of the existence of spirit in us, as it was in the power of God to endow + matter with the capacity for thought; I was unable to controvert this + position. She made me laugh by saying that there was a great difference + between thinking and reasoning, and I had the courage to say,— + </p> + <p> + “I think you would reason well if you let yourself be persuaded to sleep + with me, and you think you reason well in refusing to be so persuaded.” + </p> + <p> + “Trust me, sir,” said she; “there is as much difference between the + reasoning powers of men and women as there is between their physical + characteristics.” + </p> + <p> + Next morning at nine o’clock we were taking our chocolate, when my enemy + arrived. I heard her carriage, but I did not take the slightest notice. + The villainous woman sent away the carriage and installed herself in her + room with her maid. + </p> + <p> + I had sent Le Duc to Soleure for my letters, so I was obliged to beg my + housekeeper to do my hair; and she did it admirably, as I told her we + should have the ambassador and the two Jesuits to dinner. I thanked her, + and kissed her for the first time on the cheek, as she would not allow me + to touch her beautiful lips. I felt that we were fast falling in love with + one another, but we continued to keep ourselves under control, a task + which was much easier for her than for me, as she was helped by that + spirit of coquetry natural to the fair sex, which often has greater power + over them than love itself. + </p> + <p> + M. de Chavigni came at two; I had consulted him before asking the Jesuits, + and had sent my carriage for them. While we were waiting for these + gentlemen we took a turn in the garden, and M. de Chavigni begged my fair + housekeeper to join us as soon as she had discharged certain petty duties + in which she was then engaged. + </p> + <p> + M. de Chavigni was one of those men who were sent by France to such powers + as she wished to cajole and to win over to her interests. M. de l’Hopital, + who knew how to gain the heart of Elizabeth Petrovna, was another; the Duc + de Nivernois, who did what he liked with the Court of St. James’s in 1762, + is a third instance. + </p> + <p> + Madame Dubois came out to us in due course, and entertained us very + agreeably; and M. de Chavigni told me that he considered she had all the + qualities which would make a man happy. At dinner she enchanted him and + captivated the two Jesuits by her delicate and subtle wit. In the evening + this delightful old nobleman told me he had spent a most pleasant day, and + after asking me to dine at his house while M. de Chauvelin was there, he + left me with an effusive embrace. + </p> + <p> + M. de Chauvelin, whom I had the honour to know at Versailles, at M. de + Choiseul’s, was an extremely pleasant man. He arrived at Soleure in the + course of two days, and M. de Chavigni having advised me of his presence I + hastened to pay my court to him. He remembered me, and introduced me to + his wife, whom I had not the honour of knowing. As chance placed me next + to my charmer at table, my spirits rose, and my numerous jests and stories + put everybody in a good temper. On M. de Chauvelin remarking that he knew + some pleasant histories of which I was the hero, M. de Chavigni told him + that he did not know the best of all, and recounted to him my adventure at + Zurich. M. de Chauvelin then told Madame that to serve her he would + willingly transform himself into a footman, on which M.—— + joined in and said that I had a finer taste for beauty, as she, for whose + sake I had made myself into a waiter, was at that moment a guest of mine + in my country house. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, indeed!” said M. de Chauvelin, “then we must come and see your + quarters, M. Casanova.” + </p> + <p> + I was going to reply, when M. de Chavigni anticipated me by saying, + </p> + <p> + “Yes, indeed! and I hope he will lend me his beautiful hall to give you a + ball next Sunday.” + </p> + <p> + In this manner the good-natured courtier prevented me from promising to + give a ball myself, and relieved me of my foolish boast, which I should + have been wrong in carrying out, as it would have been an encroachment on + his privilege as ambassador of entertaining these distinguished strangers + during the five or six days they might stay at Soleure. Besides, if I had + kept to my word, it would have involved me in a considerable expense, + which would not have helped me in my suit. + </p> + <p> + The conversation turning on Voltaire, the Ecossaise was mentioned, and the + acting of my neighbour was highly commended in words that made her blush + and shine in her beauty like a star, whereat her praises were renewed. + </p> + <p> + After dinner the ambassador invited us to his ball on the day after the + morrow, and I went home more deeply in love than ever with my dear + charmer, whom Heaven had designed to inflict on me the greatest grief I + have had in my life, as the reader shall see. + </p> + <p> + I found that my housekeeper had gone to bed, and I was glad of it, for the + presence of my fair one had excited my passions to such an extent that my + reason might have failed to keep me within the bounds of respect. Next + morning she found me sad, and rallied me in such a way that I soon + recovered my spirits. While we were taking our chocolate the lame + creature’s maid brought me a note, and I sent her away, telling her that I + would send the answer by my own servant. This curious letter ran as + follows: + </p> + <p> + “The ambassador has asked me to his ball on Sunday. I answered that I was + not well, but if I found myself better in the evening I would come. I + think that as I am staying in your house I ought to be introduced by you + or stay away altogether. So if you do not wish to oblige me by taking me, + I must beg of you to tell the ambassador that I am ill. Pardon me if I + have taken the liberty of infringing our agreement in this peculiar + instance, but it is a question of keeping up some sort of appearance in + public.” + </p> + <p> + “Not so,” I cried, mad with rage; and taking my pen I wrote thus: + </p> + <p> + “I think your idea is a beautiful one, madam. You will have to be ill, as + I mean to keep to the conditions you made yourself, and to enjoy full + liberty in all things, and I shall therefore deny myself the honour of + taking you to the ball which the ambassador is to give in my hall.” + </p> + <p> + I read her insolent letter and my reply to my housekeeper, who thought the + answer just what she deserved. I then sent it to her. + </p> + <p> + I passed the next two days quietly and agreeably without going out or + seeing any visitors, but the society of Madame Dubois was all-sufficient + for me. Early on Sunday morning the ambassador’s people came to make the + necessary preparations for the ball and supper. Lebel came to pay me his + respects while I was at table. I made him sit down, while I thanked him + for procuring me a housekeeper who was all perfection. + </p> + <p> + Lebel was a fine man, middle-aged, witty, and an excellent steward, though + perfectly honest. + </p> + <p> + “Which of you two,” said he to me, “is the most taken in?” + </p> + <p> + “We are equally pleased with each other,” answered my charming + housekeeper. + </p> + <p> + To my great delight the first pair to appear were M.—— and + Madame. She was extremely polite to Madame Dubois, and did not shew the + slightest astonishment when I introduced her as my housekeeper. She told + me that I must take her to see her lame friend, and to my great disgust I + had to go. We were received with a show of great friendship, and she went + out with us into the garden, taking M.——‘s arm, while his wife + leant amorously on mine. + </p> + <p> + When we had made a few turns of the garden, Madame begged me to take her + to her nurse. As her husband was close by, I said,— + </p> + <p> + “Who is your nurse?” + </p> + <p> + “Your door-keeper’s wife,” said her husband, “we will wait for you in this + lady’s apartment.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell me, sweetheart,” said she on the way, “does not your pretty + housekeeper sleep with you?” + </p> + <p> + “I swear she does not; I can only love you.” + </p> + <p> + “I would like to believe you, but I find it hard to do so; however, if you + are speaking the truth it is wrong of you to keep her in the house, as + nobody will believe in your innocence.” + </p> + <p> + “It is enough for me that you believe in it. I admire her, and at any + other time I expect we could not sleep under the same roof without + sleeping in the same bed; but now that you rule my heart I am not capable + of a passion for her.” + </p> + <p> + “I am delighted to hear it; but I think she is very pretty.” + </p> + <p> + We went in to see her nurse, who called her “my child,” and kissed her + again and again, and then left us alone to prepare some lemonade for us. + As soon as we found ourselves alone our mouths were glued together, and my + hands touched a thousand beauties, covered only by a dress of light + sarcenet; but I could not enjoy her charms without this cruel robe, which + was all the worse because it did not conceal the loveliness beneath it. I + am sure that the good nurse would have kept us waiting a long time if she + had known how we longed to be left alone for a few moments longer; but, + alas! the celerity with which she made those two glasses of lemonade was + unexampled. + </p> + <p> + “It was made beforehand, was it?” said I, when I saw her coming in. + </p> + <p> + “Not at all, sir; but I am a quick hand.” + </p> + <p> + “You are, indeed.” + </p> + <p> + These words made my charmer go off into a peal of laughter, which she + accompanied with a significant glance in my direction. As we were going + away she said that as things seemed to be against us we must wait till her + husband came to spend a few days with me. + </p> + <p> + My terrible enemy gave us some sweets, which she praised very highly, and + above all some quince marmalade, which she insisted on our testing. We + begged to be excused, and Madame pressed my foot with hers. When we had + got away she told me I had been very wise not to touch anything, as the + widow was suspected of having poisoned her husband. + </p> + <p> + The ball, the supper, the refreshments, and the guests were all of the + most exquisite and agreeable kind. I only danced one minuet with Madame de + Chauvelin, nearly all my evening being taken up with talking to her + husband. I made him a present of my translation of his poem on the seven + deadly sins, which he received with much pleasure. + </p> + <p> + “I intend,” said I, “to pay you a visit at Turin.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you going to bring your housekeeper with you?” + </p> + <p> + “No.” + </p> + <p> + “You are wrong, for she is a delightful person.” + </p> + <p> + Everybody spoke of my dear Dubois in the same way. She had a perfect + knowledge of the rules of good breeding, and she knew how to make herself + respected without being guilty of the slightest presumption. In vain she + was urged to dance, and she afterwards told me that if she had yielded she + would have become an object of hatred to all the ladies. She knew that she + could dance exquisitely. + </p> + <p> + M. de Chauvelin went away in two days, and towards the end of the week I + heard from Madame d’Urfe, who told me that she had spent two days at + Versailles in furtherance of my desires. She sent me a copy of the letters + of pardon signed by the king in favour of the relation of M.——, + assuring me that the original had been sent to the colonel of his + regiment, where he would be reinstated in the rank which he held before + the duel. + </p> + <p> + I had my horses put into my carriage, and hastened to carry this good news + to M. de Chavigni. I was wild with joy, and I did not conceal it from the + ambassador, who congratulated me, since M.—— having obtained + by me, without the expenditure of a penny, a favour which would have cost + him dear if he had succeeded in purchasing it, would henceforth be only + too happy to treat me with the utmost confidence. + </p> + <p> + To make the matter still more important, I begged my noble friend to + announce the pardon to M.—— in person, and he immediately + wrote a note to that gentleman requesting his presence. + </p> + <p> + As soon as he made his appearance, the ambassador handed him the copy of + the pardon, telling him that he owed it all to me. The worthy man was in + an ecstasy, and asked what he owed me. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing, sir, unless you will give me your friendship, which I value more + than all the gold in the world; and if you would give me a proof of your + friendship, come and spend a few days with me; I am positively dying of + loneliness. The matter I have done for you is a mere trifle; you see how + quickly it has been arranged.” + </p> + <p> + “A mere trifle! I have devoted a year’s labour to it; I have moved heaven + and earth without succeeding, and in a fortnight you have accomplished it. + Sir, you may dispose of my life.” + </p> + <p> + “Embrace me, and come and see me. I am the happiest of men when I am + enabled to serve persons of your merit.” + </p> + <p> + “I will go and tell the good news to my wife, who will love you as well as + I do.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, do so,” said the ambassador, “and bring her to dinner here + to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + When we were alone together, the Marquis de Chavigni, an old courtier and + a wit, began to make some very philosophical reflections on the state of a + court where nothing can be said to be easy or difficult per se, as the one + at a moment’s notice may become the other; a court where justice often + pleads in vain, while interest or even importunity get a ready hearing. He + had known Madame d’Urfe, had even paid his court to her at the period when + she was secretly beloved by the regent. He it was who had given her the + name of Egeria, because she said she had a genius who directed her and + passed the nights with her when she slept by herself. The ambassador then + spoke of M.——, who had undoubtedly become a very great friend + of mine. + </p> + <p> + “The only way to blind a jealous husband,” said he, “is to make him your + friend, for friendship will rarely admit jealousy.” + </p> + <p> + The next day at dinner, at the ambassador’s, Madame gave me a thousand + proofs of grateful friendship, which my heart interpreted as pledges of + love. The husband and wife promised to pay me a three days’ visit in the + following week at my country house. + </p> + <p> + They kept their word without giving me any further warning, but I was not + taken by surprise as I had made all preparations for their reception. + </p> + <p> + My heart leapt with joy on seeing my charmer getting down from the + carriage, but my joy was not unalloyed, as the husband told me that they + must absolutely return on the fourth day, and the wife insisted on the + horrible widow being present at all our conversation. + </p> + <p> + I took my guests to the suite of rooms I had prepared for them, and which + I judged most suitable for my designs. It was on the ground floor, + opposite to my room. The bedroom had a recess with two beds, separated by + a partition through which one passed by a door. I had the key to all the + doors, and the maid would sleep in a closet beyond the ante-chamber. + </p> + <p> + In obedience to my divinity’s commands we went and called on the widow, + who gave us a cordial welcome; but under the pretext of leaving us in + freedom refused to be of our company during the three days. However, she + gave in when I told her that our agreement was only in force when I was + alone. + </p> + <p> + My dear Dubois, with her knowledge of the rules of society, did not need a + hint to have her supper in her room, and we had an exquisite meal as I had + given orders that the fare should be of the best. After supper I took my + guests to their apartment, and felt obliged to do the same by the widow. + She wanted me to assist at her toilet, but I excused myself with a bow. + She said, maliciously, that after all the pains I had taken I deserved to + be successful. I gave her no answer. + </p> + <p> + Next morning, as we were walking in the garden, I warned my charmer that I + had all the keys of the house, and that I could introduce myself into her + room at any moment. + </p> + <p> + “I am waiting,” said she, “for my husband’s embraces, which he has + prefaced with caresses, as is usual with him. We must therefore wait till + the night after next, which will take away all risk, as I have never known + him to embrace me for two nights in succession.” + </p> + <p> + About noon we had a visit from M. de Chavigni, who came to ask for dinner, + and made a great to-do when he heard that my housekeeper dined in her + room. The ladies said he was quite right, so we all went and made her sit + down at table with us. She must have been flattered, and the incident + evidently increased her good humour, as she amused us by her wit and her + piquant stories about Lady Montagu. When we had risen from table Madame + said to me,— + </p> + <p> + “You really must be in love with that young woman; she is ravishing.” + </p> + <p> + “If I could pass two hours in your company to-night, I would prove to you + that I am yours alone.” + </p> + <p> + “It is still out of the question, as my husband has ascertained that the + moon changes to-day.” + </p> + <p> + “He has to ask leave of the moon, has he, before discharging so sweet a + duty?” + </p> + <p> + “Exactly. According to his system of astrology, it is the only way to keep + his health and to have the son that Heaven wills to grant him, and indeed + without aid from above it is hardly likely that his wishes will be + accomplished.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope to be the instrument of Heaven,” said I, laughing. + </p> + <p> + “I only hope you may.” + </p> + <p> + Thus I was obliged to wait. Next morning, as we were walking in the + garden, she said to me,— + </p> + <p> + “The sacrifice to the moon has been performed, and to make sure I will + cause him to renew his caresses tonight as soon as we go to bed; and after + that he is certain to sleep soundly. You can come at an hour after + midnight; love will await you.” + </p> + <p> + Certain of my bliss, I gave myself up to the joy that such a certainty + kindles in a fiery heart. It was the only night remaining, as M.—— + had decided that on the next day they would return to Soleure. + </p> + <p> + After supper I took the ladies to their apartments, and on returning told + my housekeeper that I had a good deal of writing to do, and that she + should go to bed. + </p> + <p> + Just before one o’clock I left my room, and the night being a dark one I + had to feel my way half round my house, and to my surprise found the door + open; but I did not pay any attention to this circumstance. I opened the + door of the second ante-chamber, and the moment I shut it again a hand + seized mine, whilst another closed my lips. I only heard a whispered + “hush!” which bade me silent. A sofa was at hand; we made it our altar of + sacrifice, and in a moment I was within the temple of love. It was summer + time and I had only two hours before me, so I did not lose a moment, and + thinking I held between my arms the woman I had so long sighed for I + renewed again and again the pledges of my ardent love. In the fulness of + my bliss I thought her not awaiting me in her bed an admirable idea, as + the noise of our kisses and the liveliness of our motions might have + awakened the troublesome husband. Her tender ecstasies equalled mine, and + increased my bliss by making me believe (oh, fatal error!) that of all my + conquests this was the one of which I had most reason to boast. + </p> + <p> + To my great grief the clock warned me that it was time for me to be gone. + I covered her with the tenderest kisses, and returning to my room, in the + greatest gladness, I resigned myself to sleep. + </p> + <p> + I was roused at nine o’clock by M.——, who seemed in a happy + frame of mind, and shewed me a letter he had just received, in which his + relative thanked me for restoring him to his regiment. In this letter, + which was dictated by gratitude, he spoke of me as if I had been a + divinity. + </p> + <p> + “I am delighted,” I said, “to have been of service to you.” + </p> + <p> + “And I,” said he, “am equally pleased to assure you of my gratitude. Come + and breakfast with us, my wife is still at her toilette. Come along.” + </p> + <p> + I rose hastily, and just as I was leaving the room I saw the dreadful + widow, who seemed full of glee, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “I thank you, sir; I thank you with all my heart. I beg to leave you at + liberty again; I am going back to Soleure.” + </p> + <p> + “Wait for a quarter of an hour, we are going to breakfast with Madame.” + </p> + <p> + “I can’t stop a moment, I have just wished her good day, and now I must be + gone. Farewell, and remember me.” + </p> + <p> + “Farewell, madam.” + </p> + <p> + She had hardly gone before M.—— asked me if the woman was + beside herself. + </p> + <p> + “One might think so, certainly,” I replied, “for she has received nothing + but politeness at my hands, and I think she might have waited to go back + with you in the evening.” + </p> + <p> + We went to breakfast and to discuss this abrupt leave-taking, and + afterwards we took a turn in the garden where we found Madame Dubois. M.—— + took possession of her; and as I thought his wife looking rather downcast + I asked her if she had not slept well. + </p> + <p> + “I did not go to sleep till four o’clock this morning,” she replied, + “after vainly sitting up in bed waiting for you till that time. What + unforeseen accident prevented your coming?” + </p> + <p> + I could not answer her question. I was petrified. I looked at her fixedly + without replying; I could not shake off my astonishment. At last a + dreadful suspicion came into my head that I had held within my arms for + two hours the horrible monster whom I had foolishly received in my house. + I was seized with a terrible tremor, which obliged me to go and take + shelter behind the arbour and hide my emotion. I felt as though I should + swoon away. I should certainly have fallen if I had not rested my head + against a tree. + </p> + <p> + My first idea had been a fearful thought, which I hastened to repel, that + Madame, having enjoyed me, wished to deny all knowledge of the fact—a + device which is in the power of any woman who gives up her person in the + dark to adopt, as it is impossible to convict her of lying. However, I + knew the divine creature I had thought I possessed too well to believe her + capable of such base deceit. I felt that she would have been lacking in + delicacy, if she had said she had waited for me in vain by way of a jest; + as in such a case as this the least doubt is a degradation. I was forced, + then, to the conclusion that she had been supplanted by the infernal + widow. How had she managed it? How had she ascertained our arrangements? I + could not imagine, and I bewildered myself with painful surmises. Reason + only comes to the aid of the mind when the confusion produced by painful + thoughts has almost vanished. I concluded, then, that I had spent two + hours with this abominable monster; and what increased my anguish, and + made me loathe and despise myself still more, was that I could not help + confessing that I had been perfectly happy. It was an unpardonable + mistake, as the two women differed as much as white does from black, and + though the darkness forbade my seeing, and the silence my hearing, my + sense of touch should have enlightened me—after the first set-to, at + all events, but my imagination was in a state of ecstasy. I cursed love, + my nature, and above all the inconceivable weakness which had allowed me + to receive into my house the serpent that had deprived me of an angel, and + made me hate myself at the thought of having defiled myself with her. I + resolved to die, after having torn to pieces with my own hands the monster + who had made me so unhappy. + </p> + <p> + While I was strengthening myself in this resolution M.—— came + up to me and asked me kindly if I were ill; he was alarmed to see me pale + and covered with drops of sweat. “My wife,” said the worthy man, “is + uneasy about you, and sent me to look after you.” I told him I had to + leave her on account of a sudden dizziness, but that I began to feel + better. “Let us rejoin her.” Madame Dubois brought me a flask of strong + waters, saying pleasantly that she was sure it was only the sudden + departure of the widow that had put me out. + </p> + <p> + We continued our walk, and when we were far enough from the husband, who + was with my housekeeper, I said I had been overcome by what she had said, + but that it had doubtless been spoken jestingly. + </p> + <p> + “I was not jesting at all,” said she, with a sigh, “tell me what prevented + your coming.” + </p> + <p> + Again I was struck dumb. I could not make up my mind to tell her the + story, and I did not know what to say to justify myself. I was silent and + confused when my housekeeper’s little servant came up and gave me a letter + which the wretched widow had sent her by an express. She had opened it, + and found an enclosure addressed to me inside. I put it in my pocket, + saying I would read it at my leisure. On Madame saying in joke that it was + a love-letter, I could not laugh, and made no answer. The servant came to + tell us that dinner was served, but I could touch nothing. My abstinence + was put down to my being unwell. + </p> + <p> + I longed to read the letter, but I wished to be alone to do so, and that + was a difficult matter to contrive. + </p> + <p> + Wishing to avoid the game of piquet which formed our usual afternoon’s + amusement, I took a cup of coffee, and said that I thought the fresh air + would do me good. Madame seconded me, and guessing what I wanted she asked + me to walk up and down with her in a sheltered alley in the garden. I + offered her my arm, her husband offered his to my housekeeper, and we went + out. + </p> + <p> + As soon as my mistress saw that we were free from observation, she spoke + as follows,— + </p> + <p> + “I am sure that you spent the night with that malicious woman, and I am + afraid of being compromised in consequence. Tell me everything; confide in + me without reserve; ‘tis my first intrigue, and if it is to serve as a + lesson you should conceal nothing from me. I am sure you loved me once, + tell me that you have not become my enemy.” + </p> + <p> + “Good heavens! what are you saying? I your enemy!” + </p> + <p> + “Then tell me all, and before you read that wretched creature’s letter. I + adjure you in the name of love to hide nothing from me.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, divine creature, I will do as you bid me. I came to your apartment + at one o’clock, and as soon as I was in the second ante-chamber, I was + taken by the arm, and a hand was placed upon my lips to impose silence; I + thought I held you in my arms, and I laid you gently on the sofa. You must + remember that I felt absolutely certain it was you; indeed, I can scarcely + doubt it even now. I then passed with you, without a word being spoken, + two of the most delicious hours I have ever experienced. Cursed hours! of + which the remembrance will torment me for the remainder of my days. I left + you at a quarter past three. The rest is known to you.” + </p> + <p> + “Who can have told the monster that you were going to visit me at that + hour?” + </p> + <p> + “I can’t make out, and that perplexes me.” + </p> + <p> + “You must confess that I am the most to be pitied of us three, and + perhaps, alas! the only one who may have a just title to the name + ‘wretched.’” + </p> + <p> + “If you love me, in the name of Heaven do not say that; I have resolved to + stab her, and to kill myself after having inflicted on her that punishment + she so well deserves.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you considered that the publicity of such an action would render me + the most unfortunate of women? Let us be more moderate, sweetheart; you + are not to blame for what has happened, and if possible I love you all the + more. Give me the letter she has written to you. I will go away from you + to read it, and you can read it afterwards, as if we were seen reading it + together we should have to explain matters.” + </p> + <p> + “Here it is.” + </p> + <p> + I then rejoined her husband, whom my housekeeper was sending into fits of + laughter. The conversation I had just had had calmed me a little, and the + trustful way in which she had asked for the letter had done me good. I was + in a fever to know the contents, and yet I dreaded to read it, as it could + only increase my rage and I was afraid of the results. + </p> + <p> + Madame rejoined us, and after we had separated again she gave me the + letter, telling me to keep it till I was alone. She asked me to give her + my word of honour to do nothing without consulting her, and to communicate + all my designs to her by means of her nurse. + </p> + <p> + “We need not fear the harpy saying anything about it,” she remarked, “as + she would first have to proclaim her own prostitution, and as for us, + concealment is the best plan. And I would have you note that the horrible + creature gives you a piece of advice you would do well to follow.” + </p> + <p> + What completely tore my heart asunder during this interview was to see + great tears—tears of love and grief—falling from her beautiful + eyes; though to moderate my anguish she forced a smile. I knew too well + the importance she attached to her fair fame not to guess that she was + tormented with the idea that the terrible widow knew of the understanding + between us, and the thought added fresh poignancy to my sorrow. + </p> + <p> + This amiable pair left me at seven in the evening, and I thanked the + husband in such a manner that he could not doubt my sincerity, and, in + truth, I said no more than I felt. There is no reason why the love one + feels for a woman should hinder one from being the true friend of her + husband—if she have a husband. The contrary view is a hateful + prejudice, repugnant both to nature and to philosophy. After I had + embraced him I was about to kiss the hand of his charming wife, but he + begged me to embrace her too, which I did respectfully but feelingly. + </p> + <p> + I was impatient to read the terrible letter, and as soon as they were gone + I shut myself up in my room to prevent any interruptions. The epistle was + as follows: + </p> + <p> + “I leave your house, sir, well enough pleased, not that I have spent a + couple of hours with you, for you are no better than any other man, but + that I have revenged myself on the many open marks of contempt you have + given me; for your private scorn I care little, and I willingly forgive + you. I have avenged myself by unmasking your designs and the hypocrisy of + your pretty prude, who will no longer be able to treat me with that + irritating air of superiority which she, affecting a virtue which she does + not possess, has displayed towards me. I have avenged myself in the fact + that she must have been waiting for you all the night, and I would have + given worlds to have heard the amusing conversation you must have had when + she found out that I had taken for vengeance’s sake, and not for love, the + enjoyment which was meant for her. I have avenged myself because you can + no longer pretend to think her a marvel of beauty, as having mistaken me + for her, the difference between us must needs be slight; but I have done + you a service, too, as the thought of what has happened should cure you of + your passion. You will no longer adore her before all other women who are + just as good as she. Thus I have disabused you, and you ought to feel + grateful to me; but I dispense you from all gratitude, and do not care if + you choose to hate me, provided your hatred leaves me in peace; but if I + find your conduct objectionable in the future, I warn you that I will tell + all, since I do not care for my own fame as I am a widow and mistress of + my own actions. I need no man’s favour, and care not what men may say of + me. Your mistress, on the other hand, is in quite a different position. + </p> + <p> + “And here I will give you a piece of advice, which should convince you of + my generosity. For the last ten years I have been troubled with a little + ailment which has resisted all attempts at treatment. You exerted yourself + to such an extent to prove how well you loved me that you must have caught + the complaint. I advise you, then, to put yourself under treatment at once + to weaken the force of the virus; but above all do not communicate it to + your mistress, who might chance to hand it on to her husband and possibly + to others, which would make a wretched woman of her, to my grief and + sorrow, since she has never done me any harm. I felt certain that you two + would deceive the worthy husband, and I wished to have proof; thus I made + you take me in, and the position of the apartment you gave them was enough + to remove all doubts; still I wanted to have proof positive. I had no need + of any help to arrive at my ends, and I found it a pleasant joke to keep + you in the dark. After passing two nights on the sofa all for nothing, I + resolved on passing the third night there, and my perseverance was crowned + with success. No one saw me, and my maid even is ignorant of my nocturnal + wanderings, though in any case she is accustomed to observe silence. You + are, then, at perfect liberty to bury the story in oblivion, and I advise + you to do so. + </p> + <p> + “If you want a doctor, tell him to keep his counsel, for people at Soleure + know of my little indisposition, and they might say you caught it from me, + and this would do us both harm.” + </p> + <p> + Her impudence struck me so gigantic in its dimensions that I almost + laughed. I was perfectly aware that after the way I had treated her she + must hate me, but I should not have thought she would have carried her + perverse hatred so far. She had communicated to me an infectious disease, + though I did not so far feel any symptoms; however, they would no doubt + appear, and I sadly thought I should have to go away to be cured, to avoid + the gossip of malicious wits. I gave myself up to reflection, and after + two hours’ thought I wisely resolved to hold my tongue, but to be revenged + when the opportunity presented itself. + </p> + <p> + I had eaten nothing at dinner, and needed a good supper to make me sleep. + I sat down to table with my housekeeper, but, like a man ashamed of + himself, I dared not look her in the face. + </p> + <a name="linkC2HCH0016" id="linkC2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Continuation of the Preceding Chapter—I Leave Soleure +</pre> + <p> + When the servants had gone away and left us alone, it would have looked + strange if we had remained as dumb as two posts; but in my state of mind I + did not feel myself capable of breaking the silence. My dear Dubois, who + began to love me because I made her happy, felt my melancholy react on + herself, and tried to make me talk. + </p> + <p> + “Your sadness,” said she, “is not like you, it frightens me. You may + console yourself by telling me of your troubles, but do not imagine that + my curiosity springs from any unworthy motive, I only want to be of + service to you. You may rely on my being perfectly discreet; and to + encourage you to speak freely, and to give you that trust in me which I + think I deserve, I will tell you what I know and what I have learnt about + yourself. My knowledge has not been obtained by any unworthy stratagems, + or by a curiosity in affairs which do not concern me.” + </p> + <p> + “I am pleased with what you say, my dear housekeeper. I see you are my + friend, and I am grateful to you. Tell me all you know about the matter + which is now troubling me, and conceal nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good. You are the lover and the beloved of Madame——. The + widow whom you have treated badly has played you some trick which has + involved you with your mistress, and then the wretched woman has left + your house with the most unpardonable rudeness. This tortures you. You fear + some disastrous consequences from which you cannot escape, your heart and + mind are at war, and there is a struggle in your breast between passion + and sentiment. Perhaps I am wrong, but yesterday you seemed to me happy + and to-day miserable. I pity you, because you have inspired me with the + tenderest feelings of friendship. I did my best to-day to converse with + the husband that you might be free to talk to the wife, who seems to me + well worthy of your love.” + </p> + <p> + “All that you have said is true. Your friendship is dear to me, and I have + a high opinion of your intellectual powers. The widow is a monster who has + made me wretched in return for my contempt, and I cannot revenge myself on + her. Honour will not allow me to tell you any more, and indeed it would be + impossible for you or any one else to alleviate the grief that overwhelms + me. It may possibly be my death, but in the mean time, my dear Dubois, I + entreat you to continue your friendship towards me, and to treat me with + entire candour. I shall always attend to what you say, and thus you will + be of the greatest service to me. I shall not be ungrateful.” + </p> + <p> + I spent a weary night as I had expected, for anger, the mother of + vengeance, always made me sleepless, while sudden happiness had sometimes + the same effect. + </p> + <p> + I rang for Le Duc early in the morning, but, instead of him, Madame + Dubois’s ugly little attendant came, and told me that my man was ill, and + that the housekeeper would bring me my chocolate. She came in directly + after, and I had no sooner swallowed the chocolate than I was seized with + a violent attack of sickness, the effect of anger, which at its height may + kill the man who cannot satisfy it. My concentrated rage called for + vengeance on the dreadful widow, the chocolate came on the top of the + anger, and if it had not been rejected I should have been killed; as it + was I was quite exhausted. Looking at my housekeeper I saw she was in + tears, and asked her why she wept. + </p> + <p> + “Good heavens! Do you think I have a heart of stone?” + </p> + <p> + “Calm yourself; I see you pity me. Leave me, and I hope I shall be able to + get some sleep.” + </p> + <p> + I went to sleep soon after, and I did not wake till I had slept for seven + hours. I felt restored to life. I rang the bell, my housekeeper came in, + and told me the surgeon of the place had called. She looked very + melancholy, but on seeing my more cheerful aspect I saw gladness + reappearing on her pretty face. + </p> + <p> + “We will dine together, dearest,” said I, “but tell the surgeon to come + in. I want to know what he has to say to me.” + </p> + <p> + The worthy man entered, and after looking carefully round the room to see + that we were alone, he came up to me, and whispered in my ear that Le Duc + had a malady of a shameful character. + </p> + <p> + I burst out laughing, as I had been expecting some terrible news. + </p> + <p> + “My dear doctor,” said I, “do all you can to cure him, and I will pay you + handsomely, but next time don’t look so doleful when you have anything to + tell me. How old are you?” + </p> + <p> + “Nearly eighty.” + </p> + <p> + “May God help you!” + </p> + <p> + I was all the more ready to sympathize with my poor Spaniard, as I + expected to find myself in a like case. + </p> + <p> + What a fellow-feeling there is between the unfortunate! The poor man will + seek in vain for true compassion at the rich man’s doors; what he receives + is a sacrifice to ostentation and not true benevolence; and the man in + sorrow should not look for pity from one to whom sorrow is unknown, if + there be such a person on the earth. + </p> + <p> + My housekeeper came in to dress me, and asked me what had been the + doctor’s business. + </p> + <p> + “He must have said something amusing to make you laugh.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and I should like to tell you what it was; but before I do so I must + ask you if you know what the venereal disease is?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I do; Lady Montagu’s footman died of it while I was with her.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good, but you should pretend not to know what it is, and imitate + other ladies who assume an ignorance which well becomes them. Poor Le Duc + has got this disease.” + </p> + <p> + “Poor fellow, I am sorry for him! Were you laughing at that?” + </p> + <p> + “No; it was the air of mystery assumed by the old doctor which amused me.” + </p> + <p> + “I too have a confidence to make, and when you have heard it you must + either forgive me or send me away directly.” + </p> + <p> + “Here is another bother. What the devil can you have done? Quick! tell + me.” + </p> + <p> + “Sir, I have robbed you!” + </p> + <p> + “What robbed me? When? How? Can you return me what you have taken? I + should not have thought you capable of such a thing. I never forgive a + robber or a liar.” + </p> + <p> + “You are too hasty, sir. I am sure you will forgive me, as I robbed you + only half an hour ago, and I am now going to return to you the theft.” + </p> + <p> + “You are a singular woman, my dear. Come, I will vouchsafe full + forgiveness, but restore immediately what you have taken.” + </p> + <p> + “This is what I stole.” + </p> + <p> + “What! that monster’s letter? Did you read it?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, of course, for otherwise I should not have committed a theft, should + I?” + </p> + <p> + “You have robbed me my secret, then, and that is a thing you cannot give + me back. You have done very wrong.” + </p> + <p> + “I confess I have. My theft is all the greater in that I cannot make + restoration. Nevertheless, I promise never to speak a word of it all my + life, and that ought to gain me my pardon. Give it me quickly.” + </p> + <p> + “You are a little witch. I forgive you, and here is the pledge of my + mercy.” So saying I fastened my lips on hers. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t doubt the validity of your pardon; you have signed with a double + and a triple seal.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; but for the future do not read, or so much as touch, any of my + papers, as I am the depositary of secrets of which I am not free to + dispose.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good; but what shall I do when I find papers on the ground, as that + letter was?” + </p> + <p> + “You must pick them up, but not read them.” + </p> + <p> + “I promise to do so.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well, my dear; but you must forget the horrors you have read.” + </p> + <p> + “Listen to me. Allow me to remember what I have read; perhaps you may be + the gainer. Let us talk over this affair, which has made my hair stand on + end. This monster of immodesty has given you two mortal blows—one in + the body and one in the soul; but that is not the worst, as she thinks + that Madame’s honour is in her keeping. This, in my thinking, is the worst + of all; for, in spite of the affront, your mutual love might continue, and + the disease which the infamous creature has communicated to you would pass + off; but if the malicious woman carries out her threats, the honour of + your charming mistress is gone beyond return. Do not try to make me forget + the matter, then, but let us talk it over and see what can be done.” + </p> + <p> + I thought I was dreaming when I heard a young woman in her position + reasoning with more acuteness than Minerva displays in her colloquies with + Telemachus. She had captured not only my esteem but my respect. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, my dear,” I answered, “let us think over some plan for delivering a + woman who deserves the respect of all good men from this imminent danger; + and the very thought that we have some chance of success makes me indebted + to you. Let us think of it and talk of it from noon to night. Think kindly + of Madame——, pardon her first slip, protect her honour, and + have pity on my distress. From henceforth call me no more your master but + your friend. I will be your friend till death; I swear it to you. What you + say is full of wisdom; my heart is yours. Embrace me.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no, that is not necessary; we are young people, and we might perhaps + allow ourselves to go astray. I only wish for your friendship; but I do + not want you to give it to me for nothing. I wish to deserve it by giving + you solid proofs of my friendship for you. In the meanwhile I will tell + them to serve dinner, and I hope that after you have eaten something you + will be quite well.” + </p> + <p> + I was astonished at her sagacity. It might all be calculated artifice, and + her aim might be to seduce me, but I did not trouble myself about that. I + found myself almost in love with her, and like to be the dupe of her + principles, which would have made themselves felt, even if she had openly + shared my love. I decided that I would add no fuel to my flames, and felt + certain that they would go out of their own accord. By leaving my love + thus desolate it would die of exhaustion. I argued like a fool. I forgot + that it is not possible to stop at friendship with a pretty woman whom one + sees constantly, and especially when one suspects her of being in love + herself. At its height friendship becomes love, and the palliative one is + forced to apply to soothe it for a moment only increases its intensity. + Such was the experience of Anacreon with Smerdis, and Cleobulus with + Badyllus. A Platonist who pretends that one is able to live with a young + woman of whom one is fond, without becoming more than her friend, is a + visionary who knows not what he says. My housekeeper was too young, too + pretty, and above all too pleasant, she had too keen a wit, for me not to + be captivated by all these qualities conjoined; I was bound to become her + lover. + </p> + <p> + We dined quietly together without saying anything about the affair we had + at heart, for nothing is more imprudent or more dangerous than to speak in + the presence of servants, who out of maliciousness or ignorance put the + worst construction on what they hear; add or diminish, and think + themselves privileged to divulge their master’s secrets, especially as + they know them without having been entrusted with them. + </p> + <p> + As soon as we were alone, my dear Dubois asked me if I had sufficient + proof of Le Duc’s fidelity. + </p> + <p> + “Well, my dear, he is a rascal and a profligate, full of impudence, + sharp-witted, ignorant, a fearful liar, and nobody but myself has any + power over him. However, he has one good quality, and that is blind + obedience to my orders. He defies the stick, and he would defy the gallows + if it were far enough off. When I have to ford a river on my travels, he + strips off his clothes without my telling him, and jumps in to see if I + can across in safety.” + </p> + <p> + “That will do; he is just what we want under the circumstances. I will + begin by assuring you, my dear friend, as you will have me style you thus, + that Madame’s honour is perfectly safe. Follow my advice, and if the + detestable widow does not take care she will be the only person put to + shame. But we want Le Duc; without him we can do nothing. Above all we + must find out how he contracted his disease, as several circumstances + might throw obstacles in the way of my design. Go to him at once and find + out all particulars, and if he has told any of the servants what is the + matter with him. When you have heard what he has to say, warn him to keep + the matter quiet.” + </p> + <p> + I made no objection, and without endeavouring to penetrate her design I + went to Le Duc. I found him lying on his bed by himself. I sat down beside + him with a smile on my face, and promised to have him cured if he would + tell me all the circumstances of the case. + </p> + <p> + “With all my heart, sir, the matter happened like this. The day you sent + me to Soleure to get your letters, I got down at a roadside dairy to get a + glass of milk. It was served to me by a young wench who caught my fancy, + and I gave her a hug; she raised no objection, and in a quarter of an hour + she made me what you see.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you told anyone about it?” + </p> + <p> + “I took good care not to do so, as I should only have got laughed at. The + doctor is the only one who knows what is the matter, and he tells me the + swelling will be gone down before tomorrow, and I hope I shall be able by + that time to wait upon you.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good, but remember to keep your own counsel.” + </p> + <p> + I proceeded to inform my Minerva of our conversation, and she said,— + </p> + <p> + “Tell me whether the widow could take her oath that she had spent the two + hours on the sofa with you.” + </p> + <p> + “No, for she didn’t see me, and I did not say a word.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good; then sit down at your desk and write, and tell her she is a + liar, as you did not leave your room at all, and that you are making the + necessary enquiries in your household to find out who is the wretched + person she has unwittingly contaminated. Write at once and send off your + letter directly. In an hour and a half’s time you can write another + letter; or rather you can copy what I am just going to put down.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear, I see your plan; it is an ingenious one, but I have given my + word of honour to Madame to take no steps in the matter without first + consulting her.” + </p> + <p> + “Then your word of honour must give way to the necessity of saving her + honour. Your love retards your steps, but everything depends on our + promptitude, and on the interval between the first and second letter. + Follow my advice, I beg of you, and you will know the rest from the letter + I am going to write for you to copy. Quick I write letter number one.” + </p> + <p> + I did not allow myself to reflect. I was persuaded that no better plan + could be found than that of my charming governess, and I proceeded to + write the following love-letter to the impudent monster: + </p> + <p> + “The impudence of your letter is in perfect accord with the three nights + you spent in discovering a fact which has no existence save in your own + perverse imagination. Know, cursed woman, that I never left my room, and + that I have not to deplore the shame of having passed two hours with a + being such as you. God knows with whom you did pass them, but I mean to + find out if the whole story is not the creation of your devilish brain, + and when I do so I will inform you. + </p> + <p> + “You may thank Heaven that I did not open your letter till after M. and + Madame had gone. I received it in their presence, but despising the hand + that wrote it I put it in my pocket, little caring what infamous stuff it + contained. If I had been curious enough to read it and my guests had seen + it, I would have you know that I would have gone in pursuit of you, and at + this moment you would have been a corpse. I am quite well, and have no + symptoms of any complaint, but I shall not lower myself to convince you of + my health, as your eyes would carry contagion as well as your wretched + carcase.” + </p> + <p> + I shewed the letter to my dear Dubois, who thought it rather strongly + expressed, but approved of it on the whole; I then sent it to the horrible + being who had caused me such unhappiness. An hour and a half afterwards I + sent her the following letter, which I copied without addition or + subtraction: + </p> + <p> + “A quarter of an hour after I had sent off my letter, the village doctor + came to tell me that my man had need of his treatment for a disease of a + shameful nature which he had contracted quite recently. I told him to take + care of his patient; and when he had gone I went to see the invalid, who + confessed, after some pressure, that he had received this pretty present + from you. I asked him how he had contrived to obtain access to you, and he + said that he saw you going by yourself in the dark into the apartment of + M.——. Knowing that I had gone to bed, and having no further + services to render me, curiosity made him go and see what you were doing + there by stealth, as if you had wanted to see the lady, who would be in + bed by that time, you would not have gone by the door leading to the + garden. He at first thought that you went there with ill-intent, and he + waited an hour to see if you stole anything, in which case he would have + arrested you; but as you did not come out, and he heard no noise, he + resolved to go in after you, and found you had left the door open. He has + assured me that he had no intentions in the way of carnal enjoyment, and I + can well believe him. He tells me he was on the point of crying for help, + when you took hold of him and put your hand over his mouth; but he changed + his plans on finding himself drawn gently to a couch and covered with + kisses. You plainly took him for somebody else, ‘and,’ said he, ‘I did her + a service which she has done ill to recompense in this fashion.’ He left + you without saying a word as soon as the day began to dawn, his motive + being fear of recognition. It is easy to see that you took my servant for + myself, for in the night, you know, all cats are grey, and I congratulate + you on obtaining an enjoyment you certainly would not have had from me, as + I should most surely have recognized you directly from your breath and + your aged charms, and I can tell you it would have gone hard with you. + Luckily for you and for me, things happened otherwise. I may tell you that + the poor fellow is furious, and intends making you a visit, from which + course I believe I have no right to dissuade him. I advise you to hear him + politely, and to be in a generous mood when he comes, as he is a + determined fellow like all Spaniards, and if you do not treat him properly + he will publish the matter, and you will have to take the consequences. He + will tell you himself what his terms are, and I daresay you will be wise + enough to grant them.” + </p> + <p> + An hour after I had sent off this epistle I received a reply to my first + letter. She told me that my device was an ingenious one, but that it was + no good, as she knew what she was talking about. She defied me to shew her + that I was healthy in the course of a few days. + </p> + <p> + While we were at supper, my dear Dubois tried her utmost to cheer me up, + but all to no purpose; I was too much under the influence of strong + emotion to yield to her high spirits. We discussed the third step, which + would put an apex to the scheme and cover the impudent woman with shame. + As I had written the two letters according to my housekeeper’s + instructions, I determined to follow her advice to the end. She told me + what to say to Le Duc in the morning; and she was curious to know what + sort of stuff he was made of, she begged me to let her listen behind the + curtains of my bed. + </p> + <p> + Next morning Le Due came in, and I asked if he could ride on horseback to + Soleure. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir,” he replied, “but the doctor tells me I must begin to bathe + to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good. As soon as your horse is ready, set out and go to Madame F——, + but do not let her know you come from me, or suspect that you are a mere + emissary of mine. Say that you want to speak to her. If she refuses to + receive you, wait outside in the street; but I fancy she will receive you, + and without a witness either. Then say to her, ‘You have given me my + complaint without having been asked, and I require you to give me + sufficient money to get myself cured.’ Add that she made you work for two + hours in the dark, and that if it had not been for the fatal present she + had given to you, you would have said nothing about it; but that finding + yourself in such a state (you needn’t be ashamed to shew her) she ought + not to be astonished at your taking such a course. If she resists, + threaten her with the law. That’s all you have to do, but don’t let my + name appear. Return directly without loss of time, that I may know how you + have got on.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s all very fine, sir, but if this jolly wench has me pitched out of + window, I shan’t come home quite so speedily.” + </p> + <p> + “Quite so, but you needn’t be afraid; I will answer for your safety.” + </p> + <p> + “It’s a queer business you are sending me on.” + </p> + <p> + “You are the only man I would trust to do it properly.” + </p> + <p> + “I will do it all right, but I want to ask you one or two essential + questions. Has the lady really got the what d’you call it?” + </p> + <p> + “She has.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry for her. But how am I to stick to it that she has peppered me, + when I have never spoken to her?” + </p> + <p> + “Do you usually catch that complaint by speaking, booby?” + </p> + <p> + “No, but one speaks in order to catch it, or while one is catching it.” + </p> + <p> + “You spent two hours in the dark with her without a word being spoken, and + she will see that she gave this fine present to you while she thought she + was giving it to another.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! I begin to see my way, sir. But if we were in the dark, how was I to + know it was she I had to do with? + </p> + <p> + “Thus: you saw her going in by the garden door, and you marked her + unobserved. But you may be sure she won’t ask you any of these questions.” + </p> + <p> + “I know what to do now. I will start at once, and I am as curious as you + to know what her answer will be. But here’s another question comes into my + head. She may try to strike a bargain over the sum I am to ask for my + cure; if so, shall I be content with three hundred francs?” + </p> + <p> + “That’s too much for her, take half.” + </p> + <p> + “But it isn’t much for two hours of such pleasure for her and six weeks of + such pain for me.” + </p> + <p> + “I will make up the rest to you.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s good hearing. She is going to pay for damage she has done. I fancy + I see it all, but I shall say nothing. I would bet it is you to whom she + has made this fine present, and that you want to pay her out.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps so; but keep your own counsel and set out.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you know I think the rascal is unique,” said my dear Dubois, emerging + from her hiding-place, “I had hard work to keep from laughing when he said + that if he were pitched out of the window he would not come back so soon. + I am sure he will acquit himself better than ever did diplomatist. When he + gets to Soleure the monster will have already dispatched her reply to your + second letter. I am curious to see how it will turn out.” + </p> + <p> + “To you, my dear, the honour of this comedy belongs. You have conducted + this intrigue like a past master in the craft. It could never be taken for + the work of a novice.” + </p> + <p> + “Nevertheless, it is my first and I hope it will be my last intrigue.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope she won’t defy me to ‘give evidence of my health’.” + </p> + <p> + “You are quite well so far, I think?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; and, by the way, it is possible she may only have leucorrhoea. I am + longing to see the end of the piece, and to set my mind at rest.” + </p> + <p> + “Will you give Madame an account of our scheme?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; but I shall not be able to give you the credit you deserve.” + </p> + <p> + “I only want to have credit in your eyes.” + </p> + <p> + “You cannot doubt that I honour you immensely, and I shall certainly not + deprive you of the reward that is your due.” + </p> + <p> + “The only reward I ask for is for you to be perfectly open with me.” + </p> + <p> + “You are very wonderful. Why do you interest yourself so much in my + affairs? I don’t like to think you are really inquisitive.” + </p> + <p> + “You would be wrong to think that I have a defect which would lower me in + my own eyes. Be sure, sir, that I shall only be curious when you are sad.” + </p> + <p> + “But what can have made you feel so generously towards me?” + </p> + <p> + “Only your honourable conduct towards me.” + </p> + <p> + “You touch me profoundly, and I promise to confide in you for the future.” + </p> + <p> + “You will make me happy.” + </p> + <p> + Le Duc had scarcely gone an hour when a messenger on foot came to bring me + a second letter from the widow. He also gave me a small packet, telling me + that he had orders to wait for a reply. I sent him down to wait, and I + gave the letter to Madame Dubois, that she might see what it contained. + While she was reading it I leant upon the window, my heart beating + violently. + </p> + <p> + “Everything is getting on famously,” cried my housekeeper. “Here is the + letter; read it.” + </p> + <p> + “Whether I am being told the truth, or whether I am the victim of a myth + arising from your fertile imagination (for which you are too well known + all over Europe), I will regard the whole story as being true, as I am not + in a position to disprove it. I am deeply grieved to have injured an + innocent man who has never done me any ill, and I will willingly pay the + penalty by giving him a sum which will be more than sufficient to cure him + of the plague with which I infected him. I beg that you will give him the + twenty-five louis I am sending you; they will serve to restore him to + health, and to make him forget the bitterness of the pleasure I am so + sorry to have procured for him. And now are you sufficiently generous to + employ your authority as master to enjoin on your man the most absolute + secrecy? I hope so, for you have reason to dread my vengeance otherwise. + Consider that, if this affair is allowed to transpire, it will be easy for + me to give it a turn which may be far from pleasant to you, and which will + force the worthy man you are deceiving to open his eyes; for I have not + changed my opinion, as I have too many proofs of your understanding with + his wife. As I do not desire that we should meet again, I shall go to + Lucerne on the pretext of family concerns. Let me know that you have got + this letter.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry,” I said, “to have sent Le Duc, as the harpy is violent, and I + am afraid of something happening to him.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t be afraid,” she replied, “nothing will happen, and it is better + that they should see each other; it makes it more certain. Send her the + money directly; she will have to give it to him herself, and your + vengeance will be complete. She will not be able to entertain the + slightest suspicion, especially if Le Duc shews her her work, and in two + or three hours you will have the pleasure of hearing everything from his + lips. You have reason to bless your stars, as the honour of the woman you + love is safe. The only thing that can trouble you is the remembrance of + the widow’s foul embraces, and the certainty that the prostitute has + communicated her complaint to you. Nevertheless, I hope it may prove a + slight attack and be easily cured. An inveterate leucorrhoea is not + exactly a venereal disease, and I have heard people in London say that it + was rarely contagious. We ought to be very thankful that she is going to + Lucerne. Laugh and be thankful; there is certainly a comic touch in our + drama.” + </p> + <p> + “Unfortunately, it is tragi-comic. I know the human heart, and I am sure + that I must have forfeited Madame’s affections.” + </p> + <p> + “It is true that——; but this is not the time to be thinking of + such matters. Quick! write to her briefly and return her the twenty-five + Louis.” + </p> + <p> + My reply was as follows: + </p> + <p> + “Your unworthy suspicions, your abominable design of revenge, and the + impudent letter you wrote me, are the only causes of your no doubt bitter + repentance. I hope that it will restore peace to your conscience. Our + messengers have crossed, through no fault of mine. I send you the + twenty-five Louis; you can give them to the man yourself. I could not + prevent my servant from paying you a visit, but this time you will not + keep him two hours, and you will not find it difficult to appease his + anger. I wish you a good journey, and I shall certainly flee all occasions + of meeting you, for I always avoid the horrible; and you must know, odious + woman, that it isn’t everybody who endeavours to ruin the reputation of + their friends. If you see the apostolic nuncio at Lucerne, ask him about + me, and he will tell you what sort of a reputation I have in Europe. I can + assure you that Le Duc has only spoken to me of his misadventure, and that + if you treat him well he will be discreet, as he certainly has nothing to + boast of. Farewell.” + </p> + <p> + My dear Minerva approved of this letter, and I sent it with the money by + the messenger. + </p> + <p> + “The piece is not yet done,” said my housekeeper, “we have three scenes + more.” + </p> + <p> + “What are they?” + </p> + <p> + “The return of your Spaniard, the appearance of the disease, and the + astonishment of Madame when she hears it all.” + </p> + <p> + I counted the moments for Le Duc to return, but in vain; he did not + appear. I was in a state of great anxiety, although my dear Dubois kept + telling me that the only reason he was away so long was that the widow was + out. Some people are so happily constituted that they never admit the + possibility of misfortune. I was like that myself till the age of thirty, + when I was put under the Leads. Now I am getting into my dotage and look + on the dark side of everything. I am invited to a wedding, and see nought + but gloom; and witnessing the coronation of Leopold, at Prague, I say to + myself, ‘Nolo coronari’. Cursed old age, thou art only worthy of dwelling + in hell, as others before me have thought also, ‘tristisque senectus’. + </p> + <p> + About half-past nine my housekeeper looked out, and saw Le Duc by the + moonlight coming along at a good pace. That news revived me. I had no + light in the room, and my housekeeper ran to hide in the recess, for she + would not have missed a word of the Spaniard’s communication. + </p> + <p> + “I am dying of hunger,” said he, as he came in. “I had to wait for that + woman till half-past six. When she came in she found me on the stairs and + told me to go about my business, as she had nothing to say to me. + </p> + <p> + “‘That may be, fair lady,’ I replied; ‘but I have a few words to say to + you, and I have been waiting here for a cursed time with that intent.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Wait a minute,’ she replied; and then putting into her pocket a packet + and a letter which I thought was addressed in your writing, she told me to + follow her. As soon as I got to her room, I saw there was no one else + present, and I told her that she had infected me, and that I wanted the + wherewithal to pay the doctor. As she said nothing I proceeded to convince + her of my infected state, but she turned away her head, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “‘Have you been waiting for me long? + </p> + <p> + “‘Since eleven, without having had a bite or a sup.’ + </p> + <p> + “Thereupon she went out, and after asking the servant, whom I suppose she + had sent here, what time he had come back, she returned to me, shut the + door, and gave me the packet, telling me that it contained twenty-five + Louis for my cure, and that if I valued my life I would keep silence in + the matter. I promised to be discreet, and with that I left here, and here + I am. + </p> + <p> + “Does the packet belong to me?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly. Have some supper and go to bed.” + </p> + <p> + My dear Dubois came out of her recess and embraced me, and we spent a + happy evening. Next morning I noticed the first symptoms of the disease + the hateful widow had communicated to me, but in three or four days I + found it was of a very harmless character, and a week later I was quite + rid of it. My poor Spaniard, on the other hand, was in a pitiable case. + </p> + <p> + I passed the whole of the next morning in writing to Madame. I told her + circumstantially all I had done, in spite of my promise to consult her, + and I sent her copies of all the letters to convince her that our enemy + had gone to Lucerne with the idea that her vengeance had been only an + imaginary one. Thus I shewed her that her honour was perfectly safe. I + ended by telling her that I had noticed the first symptoms of the disease, + but that I was certain of getting rid of it in a very few days. I sent my + letter through her nurse, and in two days’ time I had a few lines from her + informing me that I should see her in the course of the week in company + with her husband and M. de Chavigni. + </p> + <p> + Unhappy I! I was obliged to renounce all thoughts of love, but my Dubois, + who was with me nearly all day on account of Le Duc’s illness, began to + stand me in good stead. The more I determined to be only a friend to her, + the more I was taken with her; and it was in vain that I told myself that + from seeing her without any love-making my sentiment for her would die a + natural death. I had made her a present of a ring, telling her that + whenever she wanted to get rid of it I would give her a hundred louis for + it; but this could only happen in time of need—an impossible + contingency while she continued with me, and I had no idea of sending her + away. She was natural and sincere, endowed with a ready wit and good + reasoning powers. She had never been in love, and she had only married to + please Lady Montagu. She only wrote to her mother, and to please her I + read the letters. They were full of filial piety, and were admirably + written. + </p> + <p> + One day the fancy took me to ask to read the letters her mother wrote in + reply. “She never replies,” said she, “For an excellent reason, namely, + that she cannot write. I thought she was dead when I came back from + England, and it was a happy surprise to find her in perfect health when I + got to Lausanne.” + </p> + <p> + “Who came with you from England?” + </p> + <p> + “Nobody.” + </p> + <p> + “I can’t credit that. Young, beautiful, well dressed, obliged to associate + casually with all kinds of people, young men and profligates (for there + are such everywhere), how did you manage to defend yourself?” + </p> + <p> + “Defend myself? I never needed to do so. The best plan for a young woman + is never to stare at any man, to pretend not to hear certain questions and + certainly not to answer them, to sleep by herself in a room where there is + a lock and key, or with the landlady when possible. When a girl has + travelling adventures, one may safely say that she has courted them, for + it is easy to be discreet in all countries if one wishes.” + </p> + <p> + She spoke justly. She assured me that she had never had an adventure and + had never tripped, as she was fortunate enough not to be of an amorous + disposition. Her naive stories, her freedom from prudery, and her sallies + full of wit and good sense, amused me from morning till night, and we + sometimes thoued each other; this was going rather far, and should have + shewn us that we were on the brink of the precipice. She talked with much + admiration of the charms of Madame, and shewed the liveliest interest in + my stories of amorous adventure. When I got on risky ground, I would make + as if I would fain spare her all unseemly details, but she begged me so + gracefully to hide nothing, that I found myself obliged to satisfy her; + but when my descriptions became so faithful as almost to set us on fire, + she would burst into a laugh, put her hand over my mouth, and fly like a + hunted gazelle to her room, and then lock herself in. One day I asked her + why she did so, and she answered, “To hinder you from coming to ask me for + what I could not refuse you at such moments.” + </p> + <p> + The day before that on which M. and Madame and M. de Chavigni came to dine + with me, she asked me if I had had any amorous adventures in Holland. I + told her about Esther, and when I came to the mole and my inspection of + it, my charming curiosity ran to stop my mouth, her sides shaking with + laughter. I held her gently to me, and could not help seeking whether she + had a mole in the same place, to which she opposed but a feeble + resistance. I was prevented by my unfortunate condition from immolating + the victim on the altar of love, so we confined ourselves to a + make-believe combat which only lasted a minute; however, our eyes took in + it, and our excited feelings were by no means appeased. When we had done + she said, laughing, but yet discreetly,— + </p> + <p> + “My dear friend, we are in love with one another; and if we do not take + care we shall not long be content with this trifling.” + </p> + <p> + Sighing as she spoke, she wished me good night and went to bed with her + ugly little maid. This was the first time we had allowed ourselves to be + overcome by the violence of our passion, but the first step was taken. As + I retired to rest I felt that I was in love, and foresaw that I should + soon be under the rule of my charming housekeeper. + </p> + <p> + M. and Madame and M. Chavigni gave us an agreeable surprise, the + next day, by coming to dine with us, and we passed the time till dinner by + walking in the garden. My dear Dubois did the honours of the table, and I + was glad to see that my two male guests were delighted with her, for they + did not leave her for a moment during the afternoon, and I was thus + enabled to tell my charmer all I had written to her. Nevertheless I took + care not to say a word about the share my housekeeper had had in the + matter, for my mistress would have been mortified at the thought that her + weakness was known to her. + </p> + <p> + “I was delighted to read your letters,” said she, “and to hear that that + villainous woman can no longer flatter herself upon having spent two hours + with you. But tell me, how can you have actually spent them with her + without noticing, in spite of the dark, the difference between her and me? + She is much shorter, much thinner, and ten years older. Besides, her + breath is disagreeable, and I think you know that I have not that defect. + Certainly, you could not see her hair, but you could touch, and yet you + noticed nothing! I can scarcely believe it!” + </p> + <p> + “Unhappily, it is only too true. I was inebriated with love, and thinking + only of you, I saw nothing but you.” + </p> + <p> + “I understand how strong the imagination would be at first, but this + element should have been much diminished after the first or second + assault; and, above all, because she differs from me in a matter which I + cannot conceal and she cannot supply.” + </p> + <p> + “You are right—a burst of Venus! When I think that I only touched + two dangling flabby breasts, I feel as if I did not deserve to live!” + </p> + <p> + “And you felt them, and they did not disgust you!” + </p> + <p> + “Could I be disgusted, could I even reflect, when I felt certain that I + held you in my arms, you for whom I would give my life. No, a rough skin, + a stinking breath, and a fortification carried with far too much ease; + nothing could moderate my amorous fury.” + </p> + <p> + “What do I hear? Accursed and unclean woman, nest of impurities! And could + you forgive me all these defects?” + </p> + <p> + “I repeat, the idea that I possessed you deprived me of my thinking + faculties; all seemed to me divine.” + </p> + <p> + “You should have treated me like a common prostitute, you should even have + beaten me on finding me such as you describe.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! now you are unjust!” + </p> + <p> + “That may be; I am so enraged against that monster that my anger deprives + me of reason. But now that she thinks that she had to do with a servant, + and after the degrading visit she has had she ought to die of rage and + shame. What astonishes me is her believing it, for he is shorter than you + by four inches. And how can she imagine that a servant would do it as well + as you? It’s not likely. I am sure she is in love with him now. + Twenty-five louis! He would have been content with ten. What a good thing + that the poor fellow’s illness happened so conveniently. But I suppose you + had to tell him all?” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all. I gave him to understand that she had made an appointment + with me in that room, and that I had really spent two hours with her, not + speaking for fear of being heard. Then, thinking over the orders I gave + him, he came to the conclusion that on finding myself diseased afterwards + I was disgusted, and being able to disavow my presence I had done so for + the sake of revenge.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s admirable, and the impudence of the Spaniard passes all belief. + But her impudence is the most astonishing thing of all. But supposing her + illness had been a mere trick to frighten you, what a risk the rascal + would have run!” + </p> + <p> + “I was afraid of that, as I had no symptoms of disease whatever.” + </p> + <p> + “But now you really have it, and all through my fault. I am in despair.” + </p> + <p> + “Be calm, my angel, my disease is of a very trifling nature. I am only + taking nitre, and in a week I shall be quite well again. I hope that then + . . . .” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! my dear friend.” + </p> + <p> + “What?” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t let us think of that any more, I beseech you.” + </p> + <p> + “You are disgusted, and not unnaturally; but your love cannot be very + strong, Ah! how unhappy I am.” + </p> + <p> + “I am more unhappy than you. I love you, and you would be thankless indeed + if you ceased to love me. Let us love each other, but let us not endeavour + to give one another proofs of our love. It might be fatal. That accursed + widow! She is gone away, and in a fortnight we shall be going also to + Bale, where we remain till the end of November.” + </p> + <p> + The die is cast, and I see that I must submit to your decision, or rather + to my destiny, for none but fatal events have befallen me since I came to + Switzerland. My only consoling thought is that I have made your honour + safe.” + </p> + <p> + “You have won my husband’s friendship and esteem; we shall always be good + friends.” + </p> + <p> + “If you are going I feel that I must go before you. That will tend to + convince the wretched author of my woe that there is nothing blame-worthy + in my friendship for you.” + </p> + <p> + “You reason like an angel, and you convince me more and more of your love. + Where are you going?” + </p> + <p> + “To Italy; but I shall take Berne and Geneva on my way.” + </p> + <p> + “You will not be coming to Bale, then? I am glad to hear it, in spite of + the pleasure it would give me to see you. No doubt your arrival would give + a handle for the gossips, and I might suffer by it. But if possible, in + the few days you are to remain, shew yourself to be in good spirits, for + sadness does not become you.” + </p> + <p> + We rejoined the ambassador and M.—— who had not had time to + think about us, as my dear Dubois had kept them amused by her lively + conversation. I reproached her for the way in which she husbanded her wit + as far as I was concerned, and M. de Chavigni, seizing the opportunity, + told us it was because we were in love, and lovers are known to be chary + of their words. My housekeeper was not long in finding a repartee, and she + again began to entertain the two gentlemen, so that I was enabled to + continue my walk with Madame, who said,— + </p> + <p> + “Your housekeeper, my dear friend, is a masterpiece. Tell me the truth, + and I promise to give you a mark of my gratitude that will please you + before I go.” + </p> + <p> + “Speak; what do you wish to know?” + </p> + <p> + “You love her and she loves you in return.” + </p> + <p> + “I think you are right, but so far . . . .” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t want to know any more, for if matters are not yet arranged they + soon will be, and so it comes to the same thing. If you had told me you + did not love her I should not have believed you, for I can’t conceive that + a man of your age can live with a woman like that without loving her. She + is very pretty and exceedingly intelligent, she has good spirits, talents, + an excellent manner, and she speaks exceedingly well: that is enough to + charm you, and I expect you will find it difficult to separate from her. + Lebel did her a bad turn in sending her to you, as she used to have an + excellent reputation, and now she will no longer be able to get a place + with ladies in the highest society.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall take her to Berne.” + </p> + <p> + “That is a good idea.” + </p> + <p> + Just as they were going I said that I should soon be coming to Soleure to + thank them for the distinguished reception they had given me, as I + proposed leaving in a few days. The idea of never seeing Madame again was + so painful to me that as soon as I got in I went to bed, and my + housekeeper, respecting my melancholy, retired after wishing me + good-night. + </p> + <p> + In two or three days I received a note from my charmer, bidding me call + upon them the day following at about ten o’clock, and telling me I was to + ask for dinner. I carried out her orders to the letter. M. gave me a most + friendly reception, but saying that he was obliged to go into the country + and could not be home till one o’clock, he begged me not to be offended if + he delivered me over to his wife for the morning. Such is the fate of a + miserable husband! His wife was engaged with a young girl at tambour-work; + I accepted her company on the condition that she would not allow me to + disturb her work. + </p> + <p> + The girl went away at noon, and soon after we went to enjoy the fresh air + outside the house. We sat in a summer-house from which, ourselves unseen, + we could see all the carriages that approached the house. + </p> + <p> + “Why, dearest, did you not procure me the bliss when I was in good + health.” + </p> + <p> + “Because at that time my husband suspected that you turned yourself into a + waiter for my sake, and that you could not be indifferent towards me. Your + discretion has destroyed his suspicions; and also your housekeeper, whom + he believes to be your wife, and who has taken his fancy to such an + extent, that I believe he would willingly consent to an exchange, for a + few days at any rate. Would you agree?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! if the exchange could be effected.” + </p> + <p> + Having only an hour before me, and foreseeing that it would be the last I + should pass beside her, I threw myself at her feet. She was full of + affection, and put no obstacles in the way of my desires, save those which + my own feelings dictated, for I loved her too well to consent to injure + her health. I did all I could to replace the utmost bliss, but the + pleasure she enjoyed doubtless consisted in a great measure in shewing me + her superiority to the horrible widow. + </p> + <p> + When we saw the husband’s carriage coming, we rose and took care that the + worthy man should not find us in the arbour. He made a thousand excuses + for not having returned sooner. + </p> + <p> + We had an excellent dinner, and at table he talked almost entirely of my + housekeeper, and he seemed moved when I said I meant to take her to + Lausanne to her mother. I took leave of them at five o’clock with a broken + heart, and from there I went to M. de Chavigni and told him all my + adventures. He had a right to be told, as he had done all in his power to + insure the success of a project which had only failed by an unexampled + fatality. + </p> + <p> + In admiration of my dear Dubois’s wit—for I did not conceal the part + she played he said that old as he was he should think himself quite happy + if he had such a woman with him, and he was much pleased when I told him + that I was in love with her. “Don’t give yourself the trouble, my dear + Casanova, of running from house to house to take leave,” said the amiable + nobleman. “It can be done just as well at the assembly, and you need not + even stay to supper, if you don’t want to.” + </p> + <p> + I followed his advice, and thus saw again Madame as I thought, for the + last time, but I was wrong; I saw her ten years afterwards; and at the + proper time the reader will see where, when, how, and under what + circumstances. + </p> + <p> + Before going away, I followed the ambassador to his room to thank him as + he deserved, for his kindness, and to ask him to give me a letter of + introduction for Berne, where I thought of staying a fortnight. I also + begged him to send Lebel to me that we might settle our accounts. He told + me that Lebel should bring me a letter for M. de Muralt, the Mayor of + Thun. + </p> + <p> + When I got home, feeling sad on this, the eve of my leaving a town where I + had but trifling victories and heavy losses, I thanked my housekeeper for + waiting for me, and to give her a good night I told her that in three days + we should set out for Berne, and that my mails must be packed. + </p> + <p> + Next day, after a somewhat silent breakfast, she said,— + </p> + <p> + “You will take me with you, won’t you?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, if you like me well enough to want to go.” + </p> + <p> + “I would go with you to the end of the world, all the more as you are now + sick and sad, and when I saw you first you were blithe and well. If I must + leave you, I hope at least to see you happy first.” + </p> + <p> + The doctor came in just then to tell me that my poor Spaniard was so ill + that he could not leave his bed. + </p> + <p> + “I will have him cured at Berne,” said I; “tell him that we are going to + dine there the day after to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “I must tell you, sir, that though it’s only a seven leagues’ journey, he + cannot possibly undertake it as he has lost the use of all his limbs.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry to hear that, doctor.” + </p> + <p> + “I dare say, but it’s true.” + </p> + <p> + “I must verify the matter with my own eyes;” and so saying I went to see + Le Duc. + </p> + <p> + I found the poor rascal, as the doctor had said, incapable of motion. He + had only the use of his tongue and his eyes. + </p> + <p> + “You are in a pretty state,” said I to him. + </p> + <p> + “I am very ill, sir, though otherwise I feel quite well.” + </p> + <p> + “I expect so, but as it is you can’t move, and I want to dine at Berne the + day after to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “Have me carried there, I shall get cured.” + </p> + <p> + “You are right, I will have you carried in a litter.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall look like a saint out for a walk.” + </p> + <p> + I told one of the servants to look after him, and to see to all that was + necessary for our departure. I had him taken to the “Falcon” by two horses + who drew his litter. + </p> + <p> + Lebel came at noon and gave me the letter his master had written for M. de + Murat. He brought his receipts and I paid everything without objection, as + I found him an entirely honest man, and I had him to dinner with Madame + Dubois and myself. I did not feel disposed to talk, and I was glad to see + that they got on without me; they talked away admirably and amused me, for + Lebel was by no means wanting in wit. He said he was very glad I had given + him an opportunity of knowing the housekeeper, as he could not say he had + known her before, having only seen her two or three times in passing + through Lausanne. On rising from the table he asked my permission to write + to her, and she, putting in her voice, called on him not to forget to do + so. + </p> + <p> + Lebel was a good-natured man, of an honest appearance, and approaching his + fiftieth year. Just as he was going, without asking my leave, he embraced + her in the French fashion, and she seemed not to have the slightest + objection. + </p> + <p> + She told me as soon as he was gone that this worthy man might be useful to + her, and that she was delighted to enter into a correspondence with him. + </p> + <p> + The next day was spent in putting everything in order for our short + journey, and Le Duc went off in his litter, intending to rest for the + night at four leagues from Soleure. On the day following, after I had + remembered the door-keeper, the cook, and the man-servant I was leaving + behind, I set out in my carriage with the charming Dubois, and at eleven + o’clock I arrived at the inn at Berne, where Le Duc had preceded me by two + hours. In the first place, knowing the habits of Swiss innkeepers, I made + an agreement with the landlord; and I then told the servant I had kept, + who came from Berne, to take care of Le Duc, to put him under good medical + superintendence, and to bid the doctor spare nothing to cure him + completely. + </p> + <p> + I dined with my housekeeper in her room, for she had a separate lodging, + and after sending my letter to M. de Muralt I went out for a walk. + </p> + <a name="linkC2HCH0017" id="linkC2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Berne—La Mata Madame de la Saone—Sara—My Departure— + Arrival at Bale +</pre> + <p> + I reached an elevation from which I could look over a vast stretch of + country watered by a little river, and noticing a path leading to a kind + of stair, the fancy took me to follow it. I went down about a hundred + steps, and found forty small closets which I concluded were bathing + machines. While I was looking at the place an honest-looking fellow came + up to me, and asked me if I would like a bath. I said I would, and he + opened one of the closets, and before long I surrounded by a crowd of + young girls. + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” said the man, “they all aspire to the honour of attending you while + you bathe; you have only to choose which it shall be. Half-a-crown will + pay for the bath, the girl, and your coffee.” + </p> + <p> + As if I were the Grand Turk, I examined the swarm of rustic beauties, and + threw my handkerchief at the one I liked the best. We went into a closet, + and shutting the door with the most serious air, without even looking at + me, she undressed me, and put a cotton cap on my head, and as soon as she + saw me in the water she undressed herself as coolly as possible, and + without a word came into the bath. Then she rubbed me all over, except in + a certain quarter, which I had covered with my hands. When I thought I had + been manipulated sufficiently, I asked for coffee. She got out of the + bath, opened the door, and after asking for what I wanted got in again + without the slightest consciousness. + </p> + <p> + When the coffee came she got out again to take it, shut the door, and + returned to the bath, and held the tray while I was drinking, and when I + had finished she remained beside me. + </p> + <p> + Although I had taken no great notice of her, I could see that she + possessed all the qualifications a man could desire in a woman: fine + features, lively eyes, a pretty mouth, and an excellent row of teeth, a + healthy complexion, a well-rounded bosom, a curved back, and all else in + the same sort. I certainly thought her hands might have been softer, but + their hardness was probably due to hard work. Furthermore, she was only + eighteen, and yet I remained cold to all her charms. How was that? That + was the question I asked myself; and I think the reason probably was that + she was too natural, too devoid of those assumed graces and coquettish + airs which women employ with so much art for the seduction of men. We only + care for artifice and false show. Perhaps, too, our senses, to be + irritated, require woman’s charms to be veiled by modesty. But if, + accustomed as we are to clothe ourselves, the face is the smallest factor + in our perfect happiness, how is it that the face plays the principal part + in rendering a man amorous? Why do we take the face as an index of a + woman’s beauty, and why do we forgive her when the covered parts are not + in harmony with her features? Would it not be much more reasonable and + sensible to veil the face, and to have the rest of the body naked? Thus + when we fall in love with a woman, we should only want, as the crown of + our bliss, to see a face answerable to those other charms which had taken + our fancy. There can be no doubt that that would be the better plan, as in + that case we should only be seduced by a perfect beauty, and we should + grant an easy pardon if at the lifting of the mask we found ugliness + instead of loveliness. Under those circumstances an ugly woman, happy in + exercising the seductive power of her other charms, would never consent to + unveil herself; while the pretty ones would not have to be asked. The + plain women would not make us sigh for long; they would be easily subdued + on the condition of remaining veiled, and if they did consent to unmask, + it would be only after they had practically convinced one that enjoyment + is possible without facial beauty. And it is evident and undeniable that + inconstancy only proceeds from the variety of features. If a man did not + see the face, he would always be constant and always in love with the + first woman who had taken his fancy. I know that in the opinion of the + foolish all this will seem folly, but I shall not be on the earth to + answer their objections. + </p> + <p> + When I had left the bath, she wiped me with towels, put on my shirt, and + then in the same state—that is, quite naked, she did my hair. + </p> + <p> + While I was dressing she dressed herself too, and having soon finished she + came to buckle my shoes. I then gave her half-a-crown for the bath and six + francs for herself; she kept the half-crown, but gave me back the six + francs with silent contempt. I was mortified; I saw that I had offended + her, and that she considered her behaviour entitled her to respect. I went + away in a bad enough humour. + </p> + <p> + After supper I could not help telling my dear Dubois of the adventure I + had had in the afternoon, and she made her own comments on the details. + “She can’t have been pretty,” said she, “for if she had been, you would + certainly have given way. I should like to see her.” + </p> + <p> + “If you like I will take you there.” + </p> + <p> + “I should be delighted.” + </p> + <p> + “But you will have to dress like a man.” + </p> + <p> + She rose, went out without a word, and in a quarter of an hour returned in + a suit of Le Duc’s, but minus the trousers, as she had certain + protuberances which would have stood out too much. I told her to take a + pair of my breeches, and we settled to go to the bath next morning. + </p> + <p> + She came to wake at six o’clock. She was dressed like a man, and wore a + blue overcoat which disguised her shape admirably. I rose and went to La + Mata, as the place is called. + </p> + <p> + Animated by the pleasure the expedition gave her, my dear Dubois looked + radiant. Those who saw her must have seen through her disguise, she was so + evidently a woman; so she wrapped herself up in her overcoat as well as + she could. + </p> + <p> + As soon as we arrived we saw the master of the baths, who asked me if I + wanted a closet for four, and I replied in the affirmative. We were soon + surrounded by the girls, and I shewed my housekeeper the one who had not + seduced me; she made choice of her, and I having fixed upon a big, + determined-looking wench, we shut ourselves up in the bath. + </p> + <p> + As soon as I was undressed I went into the water with my big attendant. My + housekeeper was not so quick; the novelty of the thing astonished her, and + her expression told me that she repented of having come; but putting a + good face on it, she began to laugh at seeing me rubbed by the feminine + grenadier. She had some trouble before she could take off her chemise, but + as it is only the first step that costs, she let it fall off, and though + she held her two hands before her she dazzled me, in spite of myself, by + the beauty of her form. Her attendant prepared to treat her as she had + treated me, but she begged to be left alone; and on my following her + example she felt obliged to let me look after her. + </p> + <p> + The two Swiss girls, who had no doubt often been present at a similar + situation, began to give us a spectacle which was well known to me, but + which was quite strange to my dear Dubois. + </p> + <p> + These two Bacchantes began to imitate the caresses I lavished on my + housekeeper, who was quite astonished at the amorous fury with which my + attendant played the part of a man with the other girl. I confess I was a + little surprised myself, in spite of the transports which my fair Venetian + nun had shewn me six years before in conjunction with C—— C——. + </p> + <p> + I could not have imagined that anything of the kind could have distracted + my attention, holding, as I did, the woman I loved, whose charms were + sufficient to captivate all the senses; but the strange strife of the two + young Menads took up her attention as well as mine. + </p> + <p> + “Your attendant,” said she, “must be a boy, not a girl.” + </p> + <p> + “But,” said I, “you saw her breasts.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but she may be a boy all the same.” + </p> + <p> + The big Swiss girl who had heard what we had said turned round and shewed + me what I should not have credited. There could be no mistake, however. It + was a feminine membrane, but much longer than my little finger, and stiff + enough to penetrate. I explained to my dear Dubois what it was, but to + convince her I had to make her touch it. The impudent creature pushed her + shamelessness so far as to offer to try it on her, and she insisted so + passionately that I was obliged to push her away. She then turned to her + companion and satiated on her body her fury of lust. In spite of its + disgusting nature, the sight irritated us to such a degree that my + housekeeper yielded to nature and granted me all I could desire. + </p> + <p> + This entertainment lasted for two hours, and we returned to the town well + pleased with one another. On leaving the bath I gave a Louis to each of + the two Bacchantes, and we went away determined to go there no more. It + will be understood that after what had happened there could be no further + obstacle to the free progress of our love; and accordingly my dear Dubois + became my mistress, and we made each other happy during all the time we + spent at Berne. I was quite cured of my misadventure with the horrible + widow, and I found that if love’s pleasures are fleeting so are its pains. + I will go farther and maintain that the pleasures are of much longer + duration, as they leave memories which can be enjoyed in old age, whereas, + if a man does happen to remember the pains, it is so slightly as to have + no influence upon his happiness. + </p> + <p> + At ten o’clock the Mayor of Thun was announced. He was dressed in the + French fashion, in black, and had a manner at once graceful and polite + that pleased me. He was middle-aged, and enjoyed a considerable position + in the Government. He insisted on my reading the letter that M. de + Chavigni had written to him on my account. It was so flattering that I + told him that if it had not been sealed I should not have had the face to + deliver it. He asked me for the next day to a supper composed of men only, + and for the day after that, to a supper at which women as well as men + would be present. I went with him to the library where we saw M. Felix, an + unfrocked monk, more of a scribbler than a scholar, and a young man named + Schmidt, who gave good promise, and was already known to advantage in the + literary world. I also had the misfortune of meeting here a very learned + man of a very wearisome kind; he knew the names of ten thousand shells by + heart, and I was obliged to listen to him for two hours, although I was + totally ignorant of his science. Amongst other things he told me that the + Aar contained gold. I replied that all great rivers contained gold, but he + shrugged his shoulders and did not seem convinced. + </p> + <p> + I dined with M. de Muralt in company with four or five of the most + distinguished women in Berne. I liked them very well, and above all Madame + de Saconai struck me as particularly amiable and well-educated. I should + have paid my addresses to her if I had been staying long in the so-called + capital of Switzerland. + </p> + <p> + The ladies of Berne are well though not extravagantly dressed, as luxury + is forbidden by the laws. Their manners are good and they speak French + with perfect ease. They enjoy the greatest liberty without abusing it, for + in spite of gallantry decency reigns everywhere. The husbands are not + jealous, but they require their wives to be home by supper-time. + </p> + <p> + I spent three weeks in the town, my time being divided between my dear + Dubois and an old lady of eighty-five who interested me greatly by her + knowledge of chemistry. She had been intimately connected with the + celebrated Boerhaave, and she shewed me a plate of gold he had transmuted + in her presence from copper. I believed as much as I liked of this, but + she assured me that Boerhaave possessed the philosopher’s stone, but that + he had not discovered the secret of prolonging life many years beyond the + century. Boerhaave, however, was not able to apply this knowledge to + himself, as he died of a polypus on the heart before he had attained the + age of perfect maturity, which Hypocrates fixes at between sixty and + seventy years. The four millions he left to his daughter, if they do not + prove that he could make gold, certainly prove that he could save it. The + worthy old woman told me he had given her a manuscript in which the whole + process was explained, but that she found it very obscure. + </p> + <p> + “You should publish it,” said I. + </p> + <p> + “God forbid!” + </p> + <p> + “Burn it, then.” + </p> + <p> + “I can’t make up my mind to do so.” + </p> + <p> + M. de Muralt took me to see the military evolutions gone through by the + citizens of Berne, who are all soldiers, and I asked him the meaning of + the bear to be seen above the gate of the town. The German for bear is + ‘bar’, ‘bern’, and the animal has given its name to the town and canton + which rank second in the Republic, although it is in the first place for + its wealth and culture. It is a peninsula formed by the Aar, which rises + near the Rhine. The mayor spoke to me of the power of the canton, its + lordships and bailiwicks, and explained his own powers; he then described + the public policy, and told me of the different systems of government + which compose the Helvetic Union. + </p> + <p> + “I understand perfectly well,” I said, “that each of the thirteen cantons + has its own government.” + </p> + <p> + “I daresay you do,” he replied, “but what you don’t understand any more + than I do is, that there is a canton which has four separate governments.” + </p> + <p> + I had an excellent supper with fourteen or fifteen senators. There were no + jokes, no frivolous conversation, and no literature; but law, the + commonweal, commerce, political economy, speculation, love of country, and + the duty of preferring liberty to life, in abundance. + </p> + <p> + I felt as if I were in a new element, but I enjoyed the privilege of being + a man amidst men who were all in honour to our common humanity. But as the + supper went on, these rigid republicans began to expand, the discourse + became less measured, there were even some bursts of laughter, owing to + the wine. I excited their pity, and though they praised sobriety they + thought mine excessive. However, they respected my liberty, and did not + oblige me to drink, as the Russians, Swedes, Poles, and most northern + peoples do. + </p> + <p> + We parted at midnight—a very late hour in Switzerland, and as they + wished me a good night, each of them made me a sincere offer of his + friendship. One of the company at an early period of the supper, before he + had begun to get mellow, had condemned the Venetian Republic for banishing + the Grisons, but on his intellect being enlightened by Bacchus he made his + apologies. + </p> + <p> + “Every government,” said he, “ought to know its own interests better than + strangers, and everybody should be allowed to do what he wills with his + own.” + </p> + <p> + When I got home I found my housekeeper lying in my bed. I gave her a + hundred caresses in witness of my joy, and I assured her practically of my + love and gratitude. I considered her as my wife, we cherished each other, + and did not allow the thought of separating to enter our minds. When two + lovers love each other in all freedom, the idea of parting seems + impossible. + </p> + <p> + Next morning I got a letter from the worthy Madame d’Urfe, who begged me + to call on Madame de la Saone, wife of a friend of hers—a + lieutenant-general. This lady had come to Berne in the hope of getting + cured of a disease which had disfigured her in an incredible manner. + Madame de la Saone was immediately introduced to all the best society in + the place. She gave a supper every day, only asking men; she had an + excellent cook. She had given notice that she would pay no calls, and she + was quite right. I hastened to make my bow to her; but, good Heavens! what + a terrible and melancholy sight did I behold! + </p> + <p> + I saw a woman dressed with the utmost elegance, reclining voluptuously + upon a couch. As soon as she saw me she arose, gave me a most gracious + reception, and going back to her couch invited me to sit beside her. She + doubtless noticed my surprise, but being probably accustomed to the + impression which the first sight of her created, she talked on in the most + friendly manner, and by so doing diminished my aversion. + </p> + <p> + Her appearance was as follows: Madame de Saone was beautifully dressed, + and had the whitest hands and the roundest arms that can be imagined. Her + dress, which was cut very low, allowed me to see an exquisite breast of + dazzling whiteness, heightened by two rosy buds; her figure was good, and + her feet the smallest I have ever seen. All about her inspired love, but + when one’s eyes turned to her face every other feeling gave way to those + of horror and pity. She was fearful. Instead of a face, one saw a + blackened and disgusting scab. No feature was distinguishable, and her + ugliness was made more conspicuous and dreadful by two fine eyes full of + fire, and by a lipless mouth which she kept parted, as if to disclose two + rows of teeth of dazzling whiteness. She could not laugh, for the pain + caused by the contraction of the muscles would doubtless have drawn tears + to her eyes; nevertheless she appeared contented, her conversation was + delightful, full of wit and humour, and permeated with the tone of good + society. She might be thirty at the most, and she had left three beautiful + young children behind in Paris. Her husband was a fine, well-made man, who + loved her tenderly, and had never slept apart from her. It is probable + that few soldiers have shewn such courage as this, but it is to be + supposed that he did not carry his bravery so far as to kiss her, as the + very thought made one shudder. A disorder contracted after her first + child-bed had left the poor woman in this sad state, and she had borne it + for ten years. All the best doctors in France had tried in vain to cure + her, and she had come to Berne to put herself into the hands of two + well-known physicians who had promised to do so. Every quack makes + promises of this sort; their patients are cured or not cured as it + happens, and provided that they pay heavily the doctor is ready enough to + lay the fault, not on his ignorance, but at the door of his poor deluded + patient. + </p> + <p> + The doctor came while I was with her, and just as her intelligent + conversation was making me forget her face. She had already began to take + his remedies, which were partly composed of mercury. + </p> + <p> + “It seems to me,” said she, “that the itching has increased since I have + taken your medicines.” + </p> + <p> + “It will last,” said the son of AEsculapius, “till the end of the cure, + and that will take about three months.” + </p> + <p> + “As long as I scratch myself,” said she, “I shall be in the same state, + and the cure will never be completed.” + </p> + <p> + The doctor replied in an evasive manner. I rose to take my leave, and + holding my hand she asked me to supper once for all. I went the same + evening; the poor woman took everything and drank some wine, as the doctor + had not put her on any diet. I saw that she would never be cured. + </p> + <p> + Her good temper and her charming conversational powers kept all the + company amused. I conceived that it would be possible to get used to her + face, and to live with her without being disgusted. In the evening I + talked about her to my housekeeper, who said that the beauty of her body + and her mental endowments might be sufficient to attract people to her. I + agreed, though I felt that I could never become one of her lovers. + </p> + <p> + Three or four days after, I went to a bookseller’s to read the newspaper, + and was politely accosted by a fine young man of twenty, who said that + Madame de la Saone was sorry not to have seen me again at supper. + </p> + <p> + “You know the lady?” + </p> + <p> + “I had the honour to sup at her house with you.” + </p> + <p> + “True; I remember you.” + </p> + <p> + “I get her the books she likes, as I am a bookseller, and not only do I + sup with her every evening, but we breakfast together every morning before + she gets up.” + </p> + <p> + “I congratulate you. I bet you are in love with her.” + </p> + <p> + “You are pleased to jest, but she is pleasanter than you think.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not jest at all, but I would wager she would not have the courage to + push things to an extremity.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps you would lose.” + </p> + <p> + “Really? I should be very glad to.” + </p> + <p> + “Let us make a bet.” + </p> + <p> + “How will you convince me I have lost?” + </p> + <p> + “Let us bet a louis, and you must promise to be discreet.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good.” + </p> + <p> + “Come and sup at her house this evening, and I will tell you something.” + </p> + <p> + “You shall see me there.” + </p> + <p> + When I got home I told my housekeeper what I had heard. + </p> + <p> + “I am curious to know,” said she, “how he will convince you.” I promised + to tell her, which pleased her very much. + </p> + <p> + I was exact to my appointment. Madame de la Saone reproached me pleasantly + for my absence, and gave me a delicious supper. The young bookseller was + there, but as his sweetheart did not speak a word to him he said nothing + and passed unnoticed. + </p> + <p> + After supper we went out together, and he told me on the way that if I + liked he would satisfy me the next morning at eight o’clock. “Call here, + and the lady’s maid will tell you her mistress is not visible, but you + have only to say that you will wait, and that you will go into the + ante-chamber. This room has a glass door commanding a view of madame’s + bed, and I will take care to draw back the curtains over the door so that + you will be able to see at your ease all that passes between us. When the + affair is over I shall go out by another door, she will call her maid, and + you will be shewn in. At noon, if you will allow me, I will bring you some + books to the ‘Falcon,’ and if you find that you have lost you shall pay me + my louis.” I promised to carry out his directions, and we parted. + </p> + <p> + I was curious to see what would happen, though I by no means regarded it + as an impossibility; and on my presenting myself at eight o’clock, the + maid let me in as soon as I said that I could wait. I found a corner of + the glass door before which there was no curtain, and on applying my eye + to the place I saw my young adventurer holding his conquest in his arms on + the bed. An enormous nightcap entirely concealed her face—an + excellent precaution which favoured the bookseller’s enterprise. + </p> + <p> + When the rascal saw that I had taken up my position, he did not keep me + waiting, for, getting up, he presented to my dazzled gaze, not only the + secret treasures of his sweetheart, but his own also. He was a small man, + but where the lady was most concerned he was a Hercules, and the rogue + seemed to make a parade of his proportions as if to excite my jealousy. He + turned his victim round so that I should see her under all aspects, and + treated her manfully, while she appeared to respond to his ardour with all + her might. Phidias could not have modelled his Venus on a finer body; her + form was rounded and voluptuous, and as white as Parian marble. I was + affected in a lively manner by the spectacle, and re-entered my lodging so + inflamed that if my dear Dubois had not been at hand to quench my fire I + should have been obliged to have extinguished it in the baths of La Mata. + </p> + <p> + When I had told her my tale she wanted to know the hero of it, and at noon + she had that pleasure. The young bookseller brought me some books I had + ordered, and while paying him for them I gave him our bet and a Louis over + and above as a mark of my satisfaction at his prowess. He took it with a + smile which seemed to shew that he thought I ought to think myself lucky + to have lost. My housekeeper looked at him for some time, and asked if he + knew her; he said he did not. + </p> + <p> + “I saw you when you were a child,” said she. “You are the son of M. + Mignard, minister of the Gospel. You must have been ten when I saw you.” + </p> + <p> + “Possibly, madam.” + </p> + <p> + “You did not care to follow your father’s profession, then?” + </p> + <p> + “No madam, I feel much more inclined to the worship of the creature than + to that of the Creator, and I did not think my father’s profession would + suit me.” + </p> + <p> + “You are right, for a minister of the Gospel ought to be discreet, and + discretion is a restraint.” + </p> + <p> + This stroke made him blush, but we did not give him time to lose courage. + I asked him to dine with me, and without mentioning the name of Madame de + la Saone he told his amorous adventures and numerous anecdotes about the + pretty women of Berne. + </p> + <p> + After he had gone, my housekeeper said that once was quite enough to see a + young man of his complexion. I agreed with her, and had no more to do with + him; but I heard that Madame de Saone took him to Paris and made his + fortune. Many fortunes are made in this manner, and there are some which + originated still more nobly. I only returned to Madame de la Saone to take + my leave, as I shall shortly relate. + </p> + <p> + I was happy with my charmer, who told me again and again that with me she + lived in bliss. No fears or doubts as to the future troubled her mind; she + was certain, as I was, that we should never leave each other; and she told + me she would pardon all the infidelities I might be guilty of, provided I + made full confession. Hers, indeed, was a disposition with which to live + in peace and content, but I was not born to enjoy such happiness. + </p> + <p> + After we had been a fortnight at Berne, my housekeeper received a letter + from Soleure. It came from Lebel. As I saw she read it with great + attention, I asked her what it was about. + </p> + <p> + “Take it and read it,” said she; and she sat down in front of me to read + my soul by the play of my features. + </p> + <p> + Lebel asked her, in concise terms, if she would become his wife. + </p> + <p> + “I have only put off the proposition,” said he, “to set my affairs in + order, and to see if I could afford to marry you, even if the consent of + the ambassador were denied us. I find I am rich enough to live well in + Berne or elsewhere without the necessity of my working; however I shall + not have to face the alternative, for at the first hint of the matter M. + de Chavigni gave his consent with the best grace imaginable.” + </p> + <p> + He went on begging her not to keep him long waiting for a reply, and to + tell him in the first place if she consented; in the second, whether she + would like to live at Berne and be mistress in her own house, or whether + she would prefer to return to Soleure and live with the ambassador, which + latter plan might bring them some profit. He ended by declaring that + whatever she had would be for her sole use, and that he would give her a + dower of a hundred thousand francs. He did not say a word about me. + </p> + <p> + “Dearest,” said I, “you are at perfect liberty to choose your own course, + but I cannot contemplate your leaving me without considering myself as the + most unhappy of men.” + </p> + <p> + “And if I lose you I should be the most unhappy of women; for if you love + me I care not whether we are married or no.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good; but what answer are you going to make.” + </p> + <p> + “You shall see my letter to-morrow. I shall tell him politely but plainly + that I love you, that I am yours, that I am happy, and that it is thus + impossible for me to accept his flattering propositions. I shall also say + that I appreciate his generosity, and that if I were wise I should accept + him, but that being the slave of my love for you I can only follow my + inclination.” + </p> + <p> + “I think you give an excellent turn to your letter. In refusing such an + offer you could not have better reasons than those you give, and it would + be absurd to try and persuade him that we are not lovers, as the thing is + self-evident. Nevertheless, my darling, the letter saddens me.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, dearest?” + </p> + <p> + “Because I have not a hundred thousand francs to offer you.” + </p> + <p> + “I despise them; and if you were to offer me such a sum, I should only + accept it to lay it at your feet. You are certainly not destined to become + miserable, but if that should come to pass, be sure that I should be only + too happy to share your misery.” + </p> + <p> + We fell into one another’s arms, and love made us taste all its pleasures. + Nevertheless, in the midst of bliss, some tinge of sadness gained upon our + souls. Languishing love seems to redouble its strength, but it is only in + appearance; sadness exhausts love more than enjoyment. Love is a madcap + who must be fed on laughter and mirth, otherwise he dies of inanition. + </p> + <p> + Next day my sweetheart wrote to Lebel in the sense she had decided on, and + I felt obliged to write M. de Chavigni a letter in which love, sentiment, + and philosophy were mingled. I did not conceal from him that I loved the + woman whom Lebel coveted to distraction, but I said that as a man of + honour I would rather die than deprive my sweetheart of such solid + advantages. + </p> + <p> + My letter delighted the housekeeper, for she was anxious to know what the + ambassador thought of the affair, which needed much reflection. + </p> + <p> + I got on the same day the letters of introduction I had asked Madame + d’Urfe to give me, and I determined, to the joy of my dear Dubois, to set + out for Lausanne. But we must hark back a little. + </p> + <p> + When one is sincerely in love, one thinks the beloved object full of + deserts, and the mind, the dupe of the feelings, thinks all the world + jealous of its bliss. + </p> + <p> + A. M. de F——, member of the Council of the Two Hundred, whom I + had met at Madame de la Saone’s, had become my friend. He came to see me + and I introduced him to my dear Dubois, whom he treated with the same + distinction he would have used towards my wife. He had presented us to his + wife, and had come several times to see us with her and her daughter Sara. + Sara was only thirteen, but she was extremely precocious, dark + complexioned, and full of wit; she was continually uttering naivetes, of + which she understood the whole force, although looking at her face one + would have thought her perfectly innocent. She excelled in the art of + making her father and mother believe in her innocence, and thus she + enjoyed plenty of liberty. + </p> + <p> + Sara had declared that she was in love with my housekeeper, and as her + parents laughed at her she lavished her caresses on my dear Dubois. She + often came to breakfast with us, and when she found us in bed she would + embrace my sweetheart, whom she called her wife, passing her hand over the + coverlet to tickle her, telling her that she was her wife, and that she + wanted to have a child. My sweetheart laughed and let her go on. + </p> + <p> + One day I told her jokingly that she would make me jealous, that I thought + she really was a man, and that I was going to make sure. The sly little + puss told me that I was making a mistake, but her hand seemed rather to + guide mine than to oppose it. That made me curious, and my mind was soon + set at rest as to her sex. Perceiving that she had taken me in and got + exactly what she wanted, I drew back my hand, and imparted my suspicions + to my housekeeper, who said I was right. However, as the little girl had + no part in my affections, I did not push the thing any farther. + </p> + <p> + Two or three days after, this girl came in as I was getting up, and said + in her usual simple way, + </p> + <p> + “Now that you know I am not really a man you can not be jealous or have + objection to my taking your place beside my little wife, if she will let + me.” + </p> + <p> + My housekeeper, who looked inclined to laugh, said, + </p> + <p> + “Come along.” + </p> + <p> + In the twinkling of an eye she was undressed and in the arms of her little + wife, whom she proceeded to treat as an amorous husband. My sweetheart + laughed, and Sara, having contrived in the combat to rid herself of her + chemise and the coverlet, displayed herself to me without any veil, while + at the same time she shewed me all the beauties of my sweetheart. This + sight inflamed me. I shut the door, and made the little hussy witness of + my ardour with my sweetheart. Sara looked on attentively, playing the part + of astonishment to perfection, and when I had finished she said, with the + utmost simplicity, + </p> + <p> + “Do it again.” + </p> + <p> + “I can’t, my dear; don’t you see I am a dead man?” + </p> + <p> + “That’s very funny,” she cried; and with the most perfect innocence she + came over, and tried to effect my resurrection. + </p> + <p> + When she had succeeded in placing me in the wished-for condition, she + said, “Now go in;” and I should doubtless have obeyed, but my housekeeper + said, “No, dearest, since you have effected its resurrection, you must + make it die again.” + </p> + <p> + “I should like to,” said she, “but I am afraid I have not got enough + room;” and so saying she placed herself in a position to shew me that she + was speaking the truth, and that if she did not make me die it was not her + fault. + </p> + <p> + Imitating her simplicity I approached her, as if I wished to oblige her, + but not to go too far; but not finding any resistance I accomplished the + act in all its forms, without her giving the slightest evidence of pain, + without any of the accidents of a first trial, but, on the contrary, with + all the marks of the utmost enjoyment. + </p> + <p> + Although I was sure of the contrary, I kept my self-possession enough to + tell my housekeeper that Sara had given me what can only be given once, + and she pretended to believe me. + </p> + <p> + When the operation was finished, we had another amusing scene. Sara begged + us not to say a word about it to her papa or mamma, as they would be sure + to scold her as they had scolded her when she got her ears pierced without + asking their leave. + </p> + <p> + Sara knew that we saw through her feigned simplicity, but she pretended + not to do so as it was to her own advantage. Who could have instructed her + in the arts of deceit? Nobody; only her natural wit, less rare in + childhood than in youth, but always rare and astonishing. Her mother said + her simplicities shewed that she would one day be very intelligent, and + her father maintained that they were signs of her stupidity. But if Sara + had been stupid, our bursts of laughter would have disconcerted her; and + she would have died for shame, instead of appearing all the better pleased + when her father deplored her stupidity. She would affect astonishment, and + by way of curing one sort of stupidity she corroborated it by displaying + another. She asked us questions to which we could not reply, and laughed + at her instead, although it was evident that before putting such questions + she must have reasoned over them. She might have rejoined that the + stupidity was on our side, but by so doing she would have betrayed + herself. + </p> + <p> + Lebel did not reply to his sweetheart, but M. de Chavigni wrote me a + letter of four pages. He spoke like a philosopher and an experienced man + of the world. + </p> + <p> + He shewed me that if I were an old man like him, and able to insure a + happy and independent existence to my sweetheart after my death, I should + do well to keep her from all men, especially as there was so perfect a + sympathy between us; but that as I was a young man, and did not intend to + bind myself to her by the ties of marriage, I should not only consent to a + union which seemed for her happiness, but that as a man of honour it was + my duty to use my influence with her in favour of the match. “With your + experience,” said the kind old gentleman, “you ought to know that a time + would come when you would regret both having lost this opportunity, for + your love is sure to become friendship, and then another love will replace + that which you now think as firm as the god Terminus. + </p> + <p> + “Lebel,” he added, “has told me his plans, and far from disapproving, I + have encouraged him, for your charming friend won my entire esteem in the + five or six times I had the pleasure of seeing her with you. I shall be + delighted, therefore, to have her in my house, where I can enjoy her + conversation without transgressing the laws of propriety. Nevertheless, + you will understand that at my age I have formed no desires, for I could + not satisfy them even if their object were propitious.” He ended by + telling me that Lebel had not fallen in love in a young man’s style, that + he had reflected on what he was doing, and that he would consequently not + hurry her, as she would see in the letter he was going to send her. A + marriage ought always to be undertaken in cold blood. + </p> + <p> + I gave the letter to my housekeeper, who read it attentively, and gave it + back to me quite coolly. + </p> + <p> + “What do you think of his advice, dearest?” + </p> + <p> + “I think I had better follow it: he says there is no hurry, and delay is + all we want. Let us love each other and think only of that. This letter is + written with great wisdom, but I cannot imagine our becoming indifferent + to each other, though I know such a thing is possible.” + </p> + <p> + “Never indifferent; you make a mistake there.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, friends, then; and that is not much better after being lovers.” + </p> + <p> + “But friendship, dearest, is never indifferent. Love, it is true, may be + in its composition. We know it, as it has been thus from the beginning of + the world.” + </p> + <p> + “Then the ambassador was right. Repentance might come and torment us when + love had been replaced by calmer friendship.” + </p> + <p> + “If you think so, let us marry each other to-morrow, and punish thereby + the vices of our human nature.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, we will marry, but there is no hurry; fearing lest hymen should + quicken the departure of love, let us enjoy our happiness while we can.” + </p> + <p> + “You speak admirably, my angel, and deserve the greatest good fortune.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish for no greater than what you procure me.” + </p> + <p> + We went to bed, continuing our discussions, and when we were in each + other’s arms we made an arrangement which suited us very well. + </p> + <p> + “Lausanne,” said she, “is a little town where you would meet with the + warmest hospitality, and during your fortnight’s stay you will have + nothing to do but to make visits and to go to suppers. I am known to all + the nobility, and the Duke of Rosebury, who wearied me with his + love-making, is still there. My appearance with you will make everybody + talk, and it will be as annoying for you as for me. My mother lives there, + too. She would say nothing, but in her heart she would be ill-pleased to + see me as the housekeeper of a man like you, for common sense would inform + everyone that I was your mistress.” + </p> + <p> + I thought she was right, and that it would be well to respect the rules of + society. We decided that she should go to Lausanne by herself and stay + with her mother, that in two or three days I should follow her, and should + live by myself, as long as I liked, having full liberty to see her at her + mother’s. + </p> + <p> + “When you leave Lausanne,” said she, “I will rejoin you at Geneva, and + then we will travel together where you please and as long as our love + lasts.” + </p> + <p> + In two days she started early in the morning, sure of my constancy, and + congratulating herself on her discretion. I was sad at her leaving me, but + my calls to take leave served to rouse me from my grief. I wished to make + M. Haller’s acquaintance before I left Switzerland, and the mayor, M. de + Muralt, gave me a letter of introduction to him very handsomely expressed. + M. de Haller was the bailiff of Roche. + </p> + <p> + When I called to take leave of Madame de la Saone I found her in bed, and + I was obliged to remain by her bedside for a quarter of an hour. She spoke + of her disease, and gave the conversation such a turn that she was able + with perfect propriety to let me see that the ravages of the disease had + not impaired the beauty of her body. The sight convinced me that Mignard + had need of less courage than I thought, and I was within an inch of doing + her the same service. It was easy enough to look only at her body, and it + would have been difficult to behold anything more beautiful. + </p> + <p> + I know well that prudes and hypocrites, if they ever read these Memoirs, + will be scandalized at the poor lady, but in shewing her person so readily + she avenged herself on the malady which had disfigured her. Perhaps, too, + her goodness of heart and politeness told her what a trial it was to look + at her face, and she wished to indemnify the man who disguised his + feelings of repugnance by shewing him what gifts nature had given her. I + am sure, ladies, that the most prudish—nay, the most virtuous, + amongst you, if you were unfortunate enough to be so monstrously deformed + in the face, would introduce some fashion which would conceal your + ugliness, and display those beauties which custom hides from view. And + doubtless Madame de la Saone would have been more chary of her person if + she had been able to enchant with her face like you. + </p> + <p> + The day I left I dined with M—— I——, and was + severely taken to task by pretty Sara for having sent her little wife away + before me. The reader will see how I met her again at London three years + later. Le Duc was still in the doctor’s hands, and very weak; but I made + him go with me, as I had a good deal of property, and I could not trust it + to anybody else. + </p> + <p> + I left Berne feeling naturally very sad. I had been happy there, and to + this day the thought of it is a pleasant one. + </p> + <p> + I had to consult Dr. Herrenschwand about Madame d’Urfe, so I stopped at + Morat, where he lived, and which is only four leagues from Berne. The + doctor made me dine with him that I might try the fish of the lake, which + I found delicious. I had intended to go on directly after dinner, but I + was delayed by a curiosity of which I shall inform the reader. + </p> + <p> + After I had given the doctor a fee of two Louis for his advice, in + writing, on a case of tapeworm, he made me walk with him by the Avanches + road, and we went as far as the famous mortuary of Morat. + </p> + <p> + “This mortuary,” said the doctor, “was constructed with part of the bones + of the Burgundians, who perished here at the well-known battle lost by + Charles the Bold.” + </p> + <p> + The Latin inscription made me laugh. + </p> + <p> + “This inscription,” said I, “contains an insulting jest; it is almost + burlesque, for the gravity of an inscription should not allow of + laughter.” + </p> + <p> + The doctor, like a patriotic Swiss, would not allow it, but I think it was + false shame on his part. The inscription ran as follows, and the impartial + reader can judge of its nature: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Deo. opt. Max. Caroli incluti et fortissimi + Burgundie duds exercitus + Muratum obsidens, ab Helvetiis cesus, hoc sui monumentum reliquit + anno MCDLXXVI.” + </pre> + <p> + Till then I had had a great idea of Morat. Its fame of seven centuries, + three sieges sustained and repulsed, all had given me a sublime notion of + it; I expected to see something and saw nothing. + </p> + <p> + “Then Morat has been razed to the ground?” said I to the doctor. + </p> + <p> + “Not at all, it is as it always has been, or nearly so.” + </p> + <p> + I concluded that a man who wants to be well informed should read first and + then correct his knowledge by travel. To know ill is worse than not to + know at all, and Montaigne says that we ought to know things well. + </p> + <p> + But it was the following comic adventure which made me spend the night at + Morat: + </p> + <p> + I found at the inn a young maid who spoke a sort of rustic Italian. She + struck me by her great likeness to my fair stocking-seller at Paris. She + was called Raton, a name which my memory has happily preserved. I offered + her six francs for her favours, but she refused the money with a sort of + pride, telling me that I had made a mistake and that she was an honest + girl. + </p> + <p> + “It may be so,” said I, and I ordered my horses to be put in. When the + honest Raton saw me on the point of leaving, she said, with an air that + was at once gay and timid, that she wanted two louis, and if I liked to + give her them and pass the night with her I should be well content. + </p> + <p> + “I will stay, but remember to be kind.” + </p> + <p> + “I will.” + </p> + <p> + When everybody had gone to bed, she came into my room with a little + frightened manner, calculated to redouble my ardour, but by great good + luck, feeling I had a necessity, I took the light and ran to the place + where I could satisfy it. While there I amused myself by reading + innumerable follies one finds written in such places, and suddenly my eyes + lighted on these words:— + </p> + <p> + “This tenth day of August, 1760, the wretched Raton gave me the + what-d’-you-call-it: reader, beware.” + </p> + <p> + I was almost tempted to believe in miracles, for I could not think there + were two Ratons in the same house. I returned gaily to my room and found + my sweetheart in bed without her chemise. I went to the place beside the + bed where she had thrown it down, and as soon as she saw me touching it + she begged me in a fright not to do so, as it was not clean. She was + right, for it bore numerous marks of the disease which infected her. It + may be imagined that my passion cooled, and that I sent her away in a + moment; but I felt at the same time the greatest gratitude to what is + called chance, for I should have never thought of examining a girl whose + face was all lilies and roses, and who could not be more than eighteen. + </p> + <p> + Next day I went to Roche to see the celebrated Haller. + </p> + <a name="linkC2HCH0018" id="linkC2HCH0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + M. Haller—My Stay at Lausanne—Lord Rosebury—The Young + Saconai—Dissertation on Beauty—The Young Theologian +</pre> + <p> + M. Haller was a man six feet high and broad in a proportion; he was a + well-made man, and a physical as well as a mental colossus. He received me + courteously, and when he had read M. de Muralt’s letter, he displayed the + greatest politeness, which shews that a good letter of introduction is + never out of place. This learned man displayed to me all the treasures of + his knowledge, replying with exactitude to all my questions, and above all + with a rare modesty which astonished me greatly, for whilst he explained + the most difficult questions, he had the air of a scholar who would fain + know; but on the other hand, when he asked me a scientific question, it + was with so delicate an art that I could not help giving the right answer. + </p> + <p> + M. de Haller was a great physiologist, a great doctor, and a great + anatomist. He called Morgagni his master, though he had himself made + numerous discoveries relating to the frame of man. While I stayed with him + he shewed me a number of letters from Morgagni and Pontedera, a professor + of botany, a science of which Haller had an extensive knowledge. Hearing + me speak of these learned men whose works I had read at an early age, he + complained that Pontedera’s letters were almost illegible and written in + extremely obscure Latin. He shewed me a letter from a Berlin Academician, + whose name I have forgotten, who said that since the king had read his + letter he had no more thoughts of suppressing the Latin language. Haller + had written to Frederick the Great that a monarch who succeeded in the + unhappy enterprise of proscribing the language of Cicero and Virgil from + the republic of letters would raise a deathless monument to his own + ignorance. If men of letters require a universal language to communicate + with one another, Latin is certainly the best, for Greek and Arabic do not + adapt themselves in the same way to the genius of modern civilization. + </p> + <p> + Haller was a good poet of the Pindaric kind; he was also an excellent + statesman, and had rendered great services to his country. His morals were + irreproachable, and I remember his telling me that the only way to give + precepts was to do so by example. As a good citizen he was an admirable + paterfamilias, for what greater proof could he give of his love of country + than by presenting it with worthy subjects in his children, and such + subjects result from a good education. His wife was still young, and bore + on her features the marks of good nature and discretion. He had a charming + daughter of about eighteen; her appearance was modest, and at table she + only opened her mouth to speak in a low tone to a young man who sat beside + her. After dinner, finding myself alone with M. Haller, I asked him who + this young man was. He told me he was his daughter’s tutor. + </p> + <p> + “A tutor like that and so pretty a pupil might easily become lovers.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, please God.” + </p> + <p> + This Socratic reply made me see how misplaced my remark had been, and I + felt some confusion. Finding a book to my hand I opened it to restore my + composure. + </p> + <p> + It was an octavo volume of his works, and I read in it: + </p> + <p> + “Utrum memoria post mortem dubito.” + </p> + <p> + “You do not think, then,” said I, “that the memory is an essential part of + the soul?” + </p> + <p> + “How is that question to be answered?” M. de Haller replied, cautiously, + as he had his reasons for being considered orthodox. + </p> + <p> + During dinner I asked if M. de Voltaire came often to see him. By way of + reply he repeated these lines of the poet:— + </p> + <p> + “Vetabo qui Cereris sacrum vulgarit arcanum sub usdem sit trabibus.” + </p> + <p> + I spent three days with this celebrated man, but I thought myself obliged + to refrain from asking his opinion on any religious questions, although I + had a great desire to do so, as it would have pleased me to have had his + opinion on that delicate subject; but I believe that in matters of that + kind M. Haller judged only by his heart. I told him, however, that I + should consider a visit to Voltaire as a great event, and he said I was + right. He added, without the slightest bitterness, + </p> + <p> + “M. de Voltaire is a man who ought to be known, although, in spite of the + laws of nature, many persons have found him greater at a distance than + close at hand.” + </p> + <p> + M. de Haller kept a good and abundant though plain table; he only drank + water. At dessert only he allowed himself a small glass of liqueur drowned + in an enormous glass of water. He talked a great deal of Boerhaave, whose + favourite pupil he had been. He said that after Hypocrates, Boerhaave was + the greatest doctor and the greatest chemist that had ever existed. + </p> + <p> + “How is it,” said I, “that he did not attain mature age?” + </p> + <p> + “Because there is no cure for death. Boerhaave was born a doctor, as Homer + was born a poet; otherwise he would have succumbed at the age of fourteen + to a malignant ulcer which had resisted all the best treatment of the day. + He cured it himself by rubbing it constantly with salt dissolved in his + own urine.” + </p> + <p> + “I have been told that he possessed the philosopher’s stone.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but I don’t believe it.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you think it possible?” + </p> + <p> + “I have been working for the last thirty years to convince myself of its + impossibility; I have not yet done so, but I am sure that no one who does + not believe in the possibility of the great work can be a good chemist.” + </p> + <p> + When I left him he begged me to write and tell him what I thought of the + great Voltaire, and in, this way our French correspondence began. I + possess twenty-two letters from this justly celebrated man; and the last + word written six months before, his too early death. The longer I live + the more interest I take in my papers. They are the treasure which + attaches me to life and makes death more hateful still. + </p> + <p> + I had been reading at Berne Rousseau’s “Heloise,” and I asked M. Haller’s + opinion of it. He told me that he had once read part of it to oblige a + friend, and from this part he could judge of the whole. “It is the worst + of all romances, because it is the most eloquently expressed. You will see + the country of Vaud, but don’t expect to see the originals of the + brilliant portraits which Jean Jacques painted. He seems to have thought + that lying was allowable in a romance, but he has abused the privilege. + Petrarch, was a learned man, and told no lies in speaking of his love for + Laura, whom he loved as every man loves the woman with whom he is taken; + and if Laura had not contented her illustrious lover, he would not have + celebrated her.” + </p> + <p> + Thus Haller spoke to me of Petrarch, mentioning Rousseau with aversion. He + disliked his very eloquence, as he said it owed all its merits to + antithesis and paradox. Haller was a learned man of the first class, but + his knowledge was not employed for the purpose of ostentation, nor in + private life, nor when he was in the company of people who did not care + for science. No one knew better than he how to accommodate himself to his + company he was friendly with everyone, and never gave offence. But what + were his qualifications? It would be much easier to say what he had not + than what he had. He had no pride, self-sufficiency, nor tone of + superiority—in fact, none of those defects which are often the + reproach of the learned and the witty. + </p> + <p> + He was a man of austere virtue, but he took care to hide the austerity + under a veil of a real and universal kindness. Undoubtedly he thought + little of the ignorant, who talk about everything right or wrong, instead + of remaining silent, and have at bottom only contempt for the learned; but + he only shewed his contempt by saying nothing. He knew that a despised + ignoramus becomes an enemy, and Haller wished to be loved. He neither + boasted of nor concealed his knowledge, but let it run like a limpid + stream flowing through the meadows. He talked well, but never absorbed the + conversation. He never spoke of his works; when someone mentioned them he + would turn the conversation as soon as he conveniently could. He was sorry + to be obliged to contradict anyone who conversed with him. + </p> + <p> + When I reached Lausanne I found myself enabled to retain my incognito for + a day at any rate. I naturally gave the first place to my affections. I + went straight to my sweetheart without needing to ask my way, so well had + she indicated the streets through which I had to pass. I found her with + her mother, but I was not a little astonished to see Lebel there also. + However, my surprise must have passed unnoticed, for my housekeeper, + rising from her seat with a cry of joy, threw her arms about my neck, and + after having kissed me affectionately presented me to her worthy mother, + who welcomed me in the friendliest manner. I asked Lebel after the + ambassador, and how long he had been at Lausanne. + </p> + <p> + He replied, with a polite and respectful air, that his master was quite + well, and that he had come to Lausanne on business, and had only been + there a few hours; and that, wishing to pay his regards to Madame Dubois’s + mother, he had been pleasantly surprised to see the daughter there as + well. + </p> + <p> + “You know,” he added, “what my intentions are. I have to go back + to-morrow, and when you have made up your minds, write to me and I will + come and take her to Soleure, where I will marry her.” + </p> + <p> + He could not have spoken more plainly or honourably. I said that I would + never oppose the will of my sweetheart, and my Dubois, interrupting me, + said in her turn that she would never leave me until I sent her away. + </p> + <p> + Lebel found these replies too vague, and told me with noble freedom that + we must give him a definite reply, since in such cases uncertainty spoils + all. At that moment I felt as if I could never agree to his wishes, and I + told him that in ten days I would let him know of our resolution, whatever + it was. At that he was satisfied, and left us. + </p> + <p> + After his departure my sweetheart’s mother, whose good sense stood her + instead of wit, talked to us in a manner that answered our inclinations, + for, amorous as we were, we could not bear the idea of parting. I agreed + that my housekeeper should wait up for me till midnight, and that we could + talk over our reply with our heads on the pillow. + </p> + <p> + My Dubois had a separate room with a good bed and excellent furniture. She + gave me a very good supper, and we spent a delicious night. In the morning + we felt more in love than ever, and were not at all disposed to comply + with Lebel’s wishes. Nevertheless, we had a serious conversation. + </p> + <p> + The reader will remember that my mistress had promised to pardon my + infidelities, provided that I confessed them. I had none to confess, but + in the course of conversation I told her about Raton. + </p> + <p> + “We ought to think ourselves very fortunate,” said she, “for if it had not + been for chance, we should have been in a fine state now.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and I should be in despair.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t doubt it, and you would be all the more wretched as I should + never complain to you.” + </p> + <p> + “I only see one way of providing against such a misfortune. When I have + been unfaithful to you I will punish myself by depriving myself of the + pleasure of giving you proofs of my affection till I am certain that I can + do so without danger.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! you would punish me for your faults, would you? If you love me as I + love you, believe me you would find a better remedy than that.” + </p> + <p> + “What is that?” + </p> + <p> + “You would never be unfaithful to me.” + </p> + <p> + “You are right. I am sorry I was not the first to think of this plan, + which I promise to follow for the future.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t make any promises,” said she, with a sigh, “it might prove too + difficult to keep them.” + </p> + <p> + It is only love which can inspire such conversations, but unfortunately it + gains nothing by them. + </p> + <p> + Next morning, just as I was going out to take my letters, the Baron de + Bercei, uncle of my friend Bavois, entered. + </p> + <p> + “I know,” said he, “that my nephew owes his fortune to you; he is just + going to be made general, and I and all the family will be enchanted to + make your acquaintance. I have come to offer my services, and to beg that + you will dine with me to-day, and on any other day you please when you + have nothing better to do, and I hope you will always consider yourself of + the family. + </p> + <p> + “At the same time I beg of you not to tell anybody that my nephew has + become a Catholic, as according to the prejudices of the country it would + be a dishonour which would reflect on the whole family.” + </p> + <p> + I accepted his invitation, and promised to say nothing about the + circumstance he had mentioned. + </p> + <p> + I left my letters of introduction, and I received everywhere a welcome of + the most distinguished kind. Madame de Gentil-Langalerie appeared the most + amiable of all the ladies I called on, but I had not time to pay my court + to one more than another. Every day politeness called me to some dinner, + supper, ball, or assembly. I was bored beyond measure, and I felt inclined + to say how troublesome it is to have such a welcome. I spent a fortnight + in the little town, where everyone prides himself on his liberty, and in + all my life I have never experienced such a slavery, for I had not a + moment to myself. I was only able to pass one night with my sweetheart, + and I longed to set off with her for Geneva. Everybody would give me + letters of introduction for M. de Voltaire, and by their eagerness one + would have thought the great man beloved, whereas all detested him on + account of his sarcastic humour. + </p> + <p> + “What, ladies!” said I, “is not M. de Voltaire good-natured, polite, and + affable to you who have been kind enough to act in his plays with him?” + </p> + <p> + “Not in the least. When he hears us rehearse he grumbles all the time. We + never say a thing to please him: here it is a bad pronunciation, there a + tone not sufficiently passionate, sometimes one speaks too softly, + sometimes too loudly; and it’s worse when we are acting. What a hubbub + there is if one add a syllable, or if some carelessness spoil one of his + verses. He frightens us. So and so laughed badly; so and so in Alzire had + only pretended to weep.” + </p> + <p> + “Does he want you to weep really?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly. He will have real tears. He says that if an actor wants to + draw tears he must shed them himself.” + </p> + <p> + “I think he is right there; but he should not be so severe with amateurs, + above all with charming actresses like you. Such perfection is only to be + looked for from professionals, but all authors are the same. They never + think that the actor has pronounced the words with the force which the + sense, as they see it, requires.” + </p> + <p> + “I told him, one day, that it was not my fault if his lines had not the + proper force.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sure he laughed.” + </p> + <p> + “Laughed? No, sneered, for he is a rude and impertinent man.” + </p> + <p> + “But I suppose you overlook all these failings?” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all; we have sent him about his business.” + </p> + <p> + “Sent him about his business?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes. He left the house he had rented here, at short notice, and retired + to where you will find him now. He never comes to see us now, even if we + ask him.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, you do ask him, though you sent him about his business?” + </p> + <p> + “We cannot deprive ourselves of the pleasure of admiring his talents, and + if we have teased him, that was only from revenge, and to teach him + something of the manners of good society.” + </p> + <p> + “You have given a lesson to a great master.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; but when you see him mention Lausanne, and see what he will say of + us. But he will say it laughingly, that’s his way.” + </p> + <p> + During my stay I often saw Lord Rosebury, who had vainly courted my + charming Dubois. I have never known a young man more disposed to silence. + I have been told that he had wit, that he was well educated, and even in + high spirits at times, but he could not get over his shyness, which gave + him an almost indefinable air of stupidity. At balls, assemblies—in + fact, everywhere, his manners consisted of innumerable bows. When one + spoke to him, he replied in good French but with the fewest possible + words, and his shy manner shewed that every question was a trouble to him. + One day when I was dining with him, I asked him some question about his + country, which required five or six small phrases by way of answer. He + gave me an excellent reply, but blushed all the time like a young girl + when she comes out. The celebrated Fox who was then twenty, and was at the + same dinner, succeeded in making him laugh, but it was by saying something + in English, which I did not understand in the least. Eight months after I + saw him again at Turin, he was then amorous of a banker’s wife, who was + able to untie his tongue. + </p> + <p> + At Lausanne I saw a young girl of eleven or twelve by whose beauty I was + exceedingly struck. She was the daughter of Madame de Saconai, whom I had + known at Berne. I do not know her after history, but the impression she + made on me has never been effaced. Nothing in nature has ever exercised + such a powerful influence over me as a pretty face, even if it be a + child’s. + </p> + <p> + The Beautiful, as I have been told, is endowed with this power of + attraction; and I would fain believe it, since that which attracts me is + necessarily beautiful in my eyes, but is it so in reality? I doubt it, as + that which has influenced me has not influenced others. The universal or + perfect beauty does not exist, or it does not possess this power. All who + have discussed the subject have hesitated to pronounce upon it, which they + would not have done if they had kept to the idea of form. According to my + ideas, beauty is only form, for that which is not beautiful is that which + has no form, and the deformed is the opposite of the ‘pulchrum’ and + ‘formosum’. + </p> + <p> + We are right to seek for the definitions of things, but when we have them + to hand in the words; why should we go farther? If the word ‘forma’ is + Latin, we should seek for the Latin meaning and not the French, which, + however, often uses ‘deforme’ or ‘difforme’ instead of ‘laid’, ugly, + without people’s noticing that its opposite should be a word which implies + the existence of form; and this can only be beauty. We should note that + ‘informe’ in French as well as in Latin means shapeless, a body without + any definite appearance. + </p> + <p> + We will conclude, then, that it is the beauty of woman which has always + exercised an irresistible sway over me, and more especially that beauty + which resides in the face. It is there the power lies, and so true is + that, that the sphinxes of Rome and Versailles almost make me fall in love + with them though, the face excepted, they are deformed in every sense of + the word. In looking at the fine proportions of their faces one forgets + their deformed bodies. What, then, is beauty? We know not; and when we + attempt to define it or to enumerate its qualities we become like + Socrates, we hesitate. The only thing that our minds can seize is the + effect produced by it, and that which charms, ravishes, and makes me in + love, I call beauty. It is something that can be seen with the eyes, and + for my eyes I speak. If they had a voice they would speak better than I, + but probably in the same sense. + </p> + <p> + No painter has surpassed Raphael in the beauty of the figures which his + divine pencil produced; but if this great painter had been asked what + beauty was, he would probably have replied that he could not say, that he + knew it by heart, and that he thought he had reproduced it whenever he had + seen it, but that he did not know in what it consisted. + </p> + <p> + “That face pleases me,” he would say, “it is therefore beautiful!” + </p> + <p> + He ought to have thanked God for having given him such an exquisite eye + for the beautiful; but ‘omne pulchrum difficile’. + </p> + <p> + The painters of high renown, all those whose works proclaim genius, have + excelled in the delineation of the beautiful; but how small is their + number compared to the vast craved who have strained every nerve to depict + beauty and have only left us mediocrity! + </p> + <p> + If a painter could be dispensed from making his works beautiful, every man + might be an artist; for nothing is easier than to fashion ugliness, and + brush and canvas would be as easy to handle as mortar and trowel. + </p> + <p> + Although portrait-painting is the most important branch of the art, it is + to be noted that those who have succeeded in this line are very few. There + are three kinds of portraits: ugly likenesses, perfect likenesses, and + those which to a perfect likeness add an almost imperceptible character of + beauty. The first class is worthy only of contempt and their authors of + stoning, for to want of taste and talent they add impertinence, and yet + never seem to see their failings. The second class cannot be denied to + possess real merit; but the palm belongs to the third, which, + unfortunately, are seldom found, and whose authors deserve the large + fortunes they amass. Such was the famous Notier, whom I knew in Paris in + the year 1750. This great artist was then eighty, and in spite of his + great age his talents seemed in all their freshness. He painted a plain + woman; it was a speaking likeness, and in spite of that those who only saw + the portrait pronounced her to be a handsome woman. Nevertheless, the most + minute examination would not have revealed any faithlessness to the + original, but some imperceptible touches gave a real but indefinite air of + beauty to the whole. Whence does that magic art take its source? One day, + when he had been painting the plain-looking “Mesdames de France,” who on + the canvas looked like two Aspasias, I asked him the above question. He + answered:— + </p> + <p> + “It is a magic which the god of taste distils from my brains through my + brushes. It is the divinity of Beauty whom all the world adores, and which + no one can define, since no one knows of what it consists. That canvas + shews you what a delicate shade there is between beauty and ugliness; and + nevertheless this shade seems an enormous difference to those unacquainted + with art.” + </p> + <p> + The Greek painters made Venus, the goddess of beauty, squint-eyed, and + this odd idea has been praised by some; but these painters were certainly + in the wrong. + </p> + <p> + Two squinting eyes might be beautiful, but certainly not so beautiful as + if they did not squint, for whatever beauty they had could not proceed + from their deformity. + </p> + <p> + After this long digression, with which the reader may not be very well + pleased, it is time for me to return to my sweetheart. The tenth day of my + visit to Lausanne, I went to sup and sleep with my mistress, and that + night was the happiest I remember. In the morning, while we were taking + coffee with her mother, I observed that we seemed in no hurry to part. At + this, the mother, a woman of few words, took up the discourse in a polite + and dignified manner, and told me it was my duty to undeceive Lebel before + I left; and at the same time she gave me a letter she had had from him the + evening before. The worthy man begged her to remind me that if I could not + make up my mind to separate from her daughter before I left Lausanne, it + would be much more difficult for me to do so when I was farther off; above + all, if, as would probably be the case, she gave me a living pledge of her + love. He said that he had no thoughts of drawing back from his word, but + he should wish to be able to say that he had taken his wife from her + mother’s hands. + </p> + <p> + When I had read the letter aloud, the worthy mother wept, and left us + alone. A moment’s silence ensued, and with a sigh that shewed what it cost + her, my dear Dubois had the courage to tell me that I must instantly write + to Lebel to give up all pretensions to her, or to come and take her at + once. + </p> + <p> + “If I write and tell him to think no more of you, I must marry you + myself.” + </p> + <p> + “No.” + </p> + <p> + With this no she arose and left me. I thought it over for a quarter of an + hour, I weighed the pros and cons and still my love shrank from the + sacrifice. At last, on consideration that my housekeeper would never have + such a chance again, that I was not sure that I could always make her + happy, I resolved to be generous, and determined to write to Lebel that + Madame Dubois had decided of her own free will to become his wife, that I + had no right to oppose her resolution, and that I would go so far as to + congratulate him on a happiness I envied him. I begged him to leave + Soleure at once and come and receive her in my presence from the hands of + her worthy mother. + </p> + <p> + I signed the letter and took it to my housekeeper, who was in her mother’s + room. “Take this letter, dearest, and read it, and if you approve its + contents put your signature beside mine.” She read it several times, while + her good mother wept, and then, with an affectionate and sorrowful air, + she took the pen and signed. I begged her mother to find somebody to take + the letter to Soleure immediately, before my resolution was weakened by + repentance. + </p> + <p> + The messenger came, and as soon as he had gone, “Farewell,” said I, + embracing her, with my eyes wet with tears, “farewell, we shall see each + other again as soon as Lebel comes.” + </p> + <p> + I went to my inn, a prey to the deepest grief. This sacrifice had given a + new impetus to my love for this charming woman, and I felt a sort of + spasm, which made me afraid I should get ill. I shut myself up in my room, + and I ordered the servants to say I was unwell and could see no one. + </p> + <p> + In the evening of the fourth day after, Lebel was announced. He embraced + me, saying his happiness would be due to me. He then left me, telling me + he would expect me at the house of his future bride. + </p> + <p> + “Excuse me to-day, my dear fellow,” said I, “but I will dine with you + there to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + When he had left me, I told Le Duc to make all preparations for our + leaving the next day after dinner. + </p> + <p> + I went out early on the following day to take leave of everybody, and at + noon Lebel came to take me to that sad repast, at which, however, I was + not so sad as I had feared. + </p> + <p> + As I was leaving I begged the future Madame Lebel to return me the ring I + had given her, and as we had agreed, I presented her with a roll of a + hundred Louis, which she took with a melancholy air. + </p> + <p> + “I should never have sold it,” she said, “for I have no need of money.” + </p> + <p> + “In that case I will give it back to you, but promise me never to part + with it, and keep the hundred Louis as some small reward of the services + you have rendered me.” + </p> + <p> + She shook my hand affectionately, put on my finger her wedding ring, and + left me to hide her grief. I wiped my tears away, and said to Lebel, + </p> + <p> + “You are about to possess yourself of a treasure which I cannot commend + too highly. You are a man of honour; you will appreciate her excellent + qualities, and you will know how to make her happy. She will love you + only, take care of your household, and keep no secrets from you. She is + full of wit and spirits, and will easily disperse the slightest shadow of + ill humour which may fall on you.” + </p> + <p> + I went in with him to the mother’s room to take leave of her, and Madame + Dubois begged me to delay my departure and sup once more with her. I told + her that my horses were put in and the carriage waiting at my door, and + that such a delay would set tongues talking; but that if she liked, she, + her future husband and her mother, could come and see me at an inn two + leagues off on the Geneva road, where we could stay as long as we liked. + Lebel approved of the plan, and my proposition was accepted. + </p> + <p> + When I got back to my inn I found my carriage ready, and I got in and + drove to the meeting-place, and ordered a good supper for four, and an + hour later my guests arrived. + </p> + <p> + The gay and even happy air of the newly betrothed surprised me, but what + astonished me more was the easy way with which she threw herself into my + arms as soon as she saw me. It put me quite out of countenance, but she + had more wit than I. However, I mustered up sufficient strength to follow + her cue, but I could not help thinking that if she had really loved me she + would not have found it possible to pass thus from love to mere + friendship. However, I imitated her, and made no objections to those marks + of affection allowed to friendship, which are supposed to have no tincture + of love in them. + </p> + <p> + At supper I thought I saw that Lebel was more delighted at having such a + wife than at the prospect of enjoying her and satisfying a strong passion. + That calmed me; I could not be jealous of a man like that. I perceived, + too, that my sweetheart’s high spirits were more feigned than real; she + wished to make me share them so as to render our separation less bitter, + and to tranquillise her future husband as to the nature of our feelings + for one another. And when reason and time had quieted the tempest in my + heart, I could not help thinking it very natural that she should be + pleased at the prospect of being independent, and of enjoying a fortune. + </p> + <p> + We made an excellent supper, which we washed down so well that at last the + gaiety which had been simulated ended by being real. I looked at the + charming Dubois with pleasure; I regarded her as a treasure which had + belonged to me, and which after making me happy was with my full consent + about to ensure the happiness of another. It seemed to me that I had been + magnanimous enough to give her the reward she deserved, like a good + Mussulman who gives a favourite slave his freedom in return for his + fidelity. Her sallies made me laugh and recalled the happy moments I had + passed with her, but the idea of her happiness prevented my regretting + having yielded my rights to another. + </p> + <p> + As Lebel was obliged to return to Lausanne in order to get back to Soleure + in two days, we had to part. I embraced him and asked him to continue his + friendship towards me, and he promised with great effusion to be my friend + till death. As we were going down the stair, my charming friend said, with + great candour, + </p> + <p> + “I am not really gay, but I oblige myself to appear so. I shall not be + happy till the scar on my heart has healed. Lebel can only claim my + esteem, but I shall be his alone though my love be all for you. When we + see each other again, as from what you say I hope we shall, we shall be + able to meet as true friends, and perhaps we shall congratulate each other + on the wise part we have taken. As for you, though I do not think you will + forget me, I am sure that before long some more or less worthy object will + replace me and banish your sorrow. I hope it will be so. Be happy. I may + be with child; and if it prove to be so, you shall have no cause to + complain of my care of your child, which you shall take away when you + please. We made an agreement on this point yesterday. We arranged that the + marriage should not be consummated for two months; thus we shall be + certain whether the child belongs to you or no, and we will let people + think that it is the legitimate offspring of our marriage. Lebel conceived + this plan that he might have his mind at rest on the supposed force of + blood, in which he declares he believes no more than I do. He has promised + to love the child as if he were its father. If you write to me, I will + keep you acquainted with everything; and if I have the happiness to give + you a child, it will be much dearer to me than your ring.” + </p> + <p> + We wept, and Lebel laughed to see us. + </p> + <p> + I could only reply by pressing her to my breast, and then I gave her over + to her future husband, who told me as he got into the carriage that our + long talk had pleased him very much. + </p> + <p> + I went to bed sadly enough. Next morning when I awoke, a pastor of the + Church of Geneva came to ask me to give him a place in my carriage. I + agreed, and was not sorry I had done so. + </p> + <p> + This priest was an eloquent man, although a theologian, who answered the + most difficult religious questions I could put to him. There was no + mystery with him, everything was reason. I have never found a more + compliant Christianity than that of this worthy man, whose morals, as I + heard afterwards at Geneva, were perfectly pure. But I found out that this + kind of Christianity was not peculiar to him, all his fellow-Calvinists + thought in the same way. + </p> + <p> + Wishing to convince him that he was a Calvinist in name only, since he did + not believe that Jesus Christ was of the same substance as the Father, he + replied that Calvin was only infallible where he spoke ‘ex cathedra’, but + I struck him dumb by quoting the words of the Gospel. He blushed when I + reproached him with Calvin’s belief that the Pope was the Antichrist of + the Apocalypse. + </p> + <p> + “It will be impossible to destroy this prejudice at Geneva,” said he, + “till the Government orders the effacement of an inscription on the church + door which everybody reads, and which speaks of the head of the Roman + Church in this manner.” + </p> + <p> + “The people,” he added, “are wholly ignorant; but I have a niece of + twenty, who does not belong to the people in this way. I shall have the + honour of making you known to her; she is a theologian, and pretty as + well.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall be delighted to see her, but God preserve me from arguing with + her!” + </p> + <p> + “She will make you argue, and I can assure you that it will be a pleasure + for you!” + </p> + <p> + “We shall see; but will you give me your address?” + </p> + <p> + “No sir, but I shall have the honour of conducting you to your inn and + acting as your guide.” + </p> + <p> + I got down at Balances, and was well lodged. It was the 20th of August, + 1760. On going to the window I noticed a pane of glass on which I read + these words, written with the point of a diamond: “You will forget + Henriette.” In a moment my thoughts flew back to the time in which + Henriette had written these words, thirteen years ago, and my hair stood + on end. We had been lodged in this room when she separated from me to + return to France. I was overwhelmed, and fell on a chair where I abandoned + myself to deep thought. Noble Henriette, dear Henriette, whom I had loved + so well; where was she now? I had never heard of her; I had never asked + anyone about her. Comparing my present and past estates, I was obliged to + confess that I was less worthy of possessing her now than then. I could + still love, but I was no longer so delicate in my thoughts; I had not + those feelings which justify the faults committed by the senses, nor that + probity which serves as a contrast to the follies and frailties of man; + but, what was worst of all, I was not so strong. Nevertheless, it seemed + that the remembrance of Henriette restored me to my pristine vigour. I had + no longer my housekeeper; I experienced a great void; and I felt so + enthusiastic that if I had known where Henriette was I should have gone to + seek her out, despite her prohibition. + </p> + <p> + Next day, at an early hour, I went to the banker Tronchin, who had all my + money. After seeing my account, he gave me a letter of credit on + Marseilles, Genoa, Florence and Rome, and I only took twelve thousand + francs in cash. I had only fifty thousand crowns, three hundred francs, + but that would take me a good way. As soon as I had delivered my letters, + I returned to Balances, impatient to see M. de Voltaire. + </p> + <p> + I found my fellow-traveller in my room. He asked me to dinner, telling me + that I should have M. Vilars-Chandieu, who would take me after dinner to + M. de Voltaire, who had been expecting me for several days. I followed the + worthy man, and found at his house excellent company, and the young + theologian whom the uncle did not address till dessert. + </p> + <p> + I will endeavour to report as faithfully as possible the young woman’s + conversation. + </p> + <p> + “What have you been doing this morning, my dear niece?” + </p> + <p> + “I have been reading St. Augustine, whom I thought absurd, and I think I + can refute him very shortly.” + </p> + <p> + “On what point?” + </p> + <p> + “Concerning the mother of the Saviour.” + </p> + <p> + “What does St. Augustine say?” + </p> + <p> + “You have no doubt remarked the passage, uncle. He says that the Virgin + Mary conceived Jesus Christ through the ears.” + </p> + <p> + “You do not believe that?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not, and for three good reasons. In the first place because + God, being immaterial, had no need of a hole to go in or come out by; in + the second place, because the ear has no connection with the womb; and in + the third place, because Mary, if she had conceived by the ear, would have + given birth by the same channel. This would do well enough for the + Catholics,” said she, giving me a glance, “as then they would be + reasonable in calling her a virgin before her conception, during her + pregnancy, and after she had given birth to the child.” + </p> + <p> + I was extremely astonished, and my astonishment was shared by the other + guests. Divine theology rises above all fleshly considerations, and after + what we had heard we had either to allow her this privilege, or to + consider the young theologian as a woman without shame. The learned niece + did not seem to care what we thought, as she asked for my opinion on the + matter. + </p> + <p> + “If I were a theologian and allowed myself an exact examination into the + miracles, it is possible I should be of your opinion; but as this is by no + means the case, I must limit myself to condemning St. Augustine for having + analysed the mystery of the Annunciation. I may say, however, that if the + Virgin had been deaf, St. Augustine would have been guilty of a manifest + absurdity, since the Incarnation would have been an impossibility, as in + that case the nerves of the ear would have had no sort of communication + with the womb, and the process would have been inconceivable; but the + Incarnation is a miracle.” + </p> + <p> + She replied with great politeness that I had shown myself a greater + theologian than she, and her uncle thanked me for having given her a + lesson. He made her discuss various subjects, but she did not shine. Her + only subject was the New Testament. I shall have occasion to speak of this + young woman when I get back to Geneva. + </p> + <p> + After dinner we went to see Voltaire, who was just leaving the table as we + came in. He was in the middle of a court of gentlemen and ladies, which + made my introduction a solemn one; but with this great man solemnity could + not fail to be in my favour. + </p> + <a name="linkC2H_4_0023" id="linkC2H_4_0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> <a name="linkepisode15" id="linkepisode15"></a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + EPISODE 15 — WITH VOLTAIRE + </h2> + <a name="linkC2HCH0019" id="linkC2HCH0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIX + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + M. de Voltaire; My Discussions with That Great Man—Ariosto- + -The Duc de Villars—The Syndic and the Three Girls—Dispute + with Voltaire—Aix-en-Savoie—The Marquis Desarmoises +</pre> + <p> + “M. de Voltaire,” said I, “this is the happiest moment of my life. I have + been your pupil for twenty years, and my heart is full of joy to see my + master.” + </p> + <p> + “Honour me with your attendance on my course for twenty years more, and + promise me that you will bring me my fees at the end of that time.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, if you promise to wait for me.” + </p> + <p> + This Voltairean sally made all present laugh, as was to be expected, for + those who laugh keep one party in countenance at the other’s expense, and + the side which has the laughter is sure to win; this is the rule of good + society. + </p> + <p> + I was not taken by surprise, and waited to have my revenge. + </p> + <p> + Just then two Englishmen came in and were presented to him. + </p> + <p> + “These gentlemen are English,” said Voltaire; “I wish I were.” + </p> + <p> + I thought the compliment false and out of place; for the gentlemen were + obliged to reply out of politeness that they wished they had been French, + or if they did not care to tell a lie they would be too confused to tell + the truth. I believe every man of honour should put his own nation first. + </p> + <p> + A moment after, Voltaire turned to me again and said that as I was a + Venetian I must know Count Algarotti. + </p> + <p> + “I know him, but not because I am a Venetian, as seven-eighths of my dear + countrymen are not even aware of his existence.” + </p> + <p> + “I should have said, as a man of letters.” + </p> + <p> + “I know him from having spent two months with him at Padua, seven years + ago, and what particularly attracted my attention was the admiration he + professed for M. de Voltaire.” + </p> + <p> + “That is flattering for me, but he has no need of admiring anyone.” + </p> + <p> + “If Algarotti had not begun by admiring others, he would never have made a + name for himself. As an admirer of Newton he endeavoured to teach the + ladies to discuss the theory of light.” + </p> + <p> + “Has he succeeded?” + </p> + <p> + “Not as well as M. de Fontenelle in his ‘Plurality of Worlds;’ however, + one may say he has succeeded.” + </p> + <p> + “True. If you see him at Bologna, tell him I am expecting to hear from him + about Russia. He can address my letters to my banker, Bianchi, at Milan, + and they will be sent on to me.” + </p> + <p> + “I will not fail to do so if I see him.” + </p> + <p> + “I have heard that the Italians do not care for his style.” + </p> + <p> + “No; all that he writes is full of French idioms. His style is wretched.” + </p> + <p> + “But do not these French turns increase the beauty of your language?” + </p> + <p> + “They make it insufferable, as French would be mixed with Italian or + German even though it were written by M. de Voltaire.” + </p> + <p> + “You are right; every language should preserve its purity. Livy has been + criticised on this account; his Latin is said to be tainted with + patavinity.” + </p> + <p> + “When I began to learn Latin, the Abbe Lazzarini told me he preferred Livy + to Sallust.” + </p> + <p> + “The Abbe Lazzarini, author of the tragedy, ‘Ulisse il giovine’? You must + have been very young; I wish I had known him. But I knew the Abbe Conti + well; the same that was Newton’s friend, and whose four tragedies contain + the whole of Roman history.” + </p> + <p> + “I also knew and admired him. I was young, but I congratulated myself on + being admitted into the society of these great men. It seems as if it were + yesterday, though it is many years ago; and now in your presence my + inferiority does not humiliate me. I wish to be the younger son of all + humanity.” + </p> + <p> + “Better so than to be the chief and eldest. May I ask you to what branch + of literature you have devoted yourself?” + </p> + <p> + “To none; but that, perhaps, will come afterwards. In the meantime I read + as much as I can, and try to study character on my travels.” + </p> + <p> + “That is the way to become learned, but the book of humanity is too vast. + Reading a history is the easier way.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, if history did not lie. One is not sure of the truth of the facts. + It is tiring, while the study of the world is amusing. Horace, whom I know + by heart, is my guide-book.” + </p> + <p> + “Algarotti, too, is very fond of Horace. Of course you are fond of + poetry?” + </p> + <p> + “It is my passion.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you made many sonnets?” + </p> + <p> + “Ten or twelve I like, and two or three thousand which in all probability + I have not read twice.” + </p> + <p> + “The Italians are mad after sonnets.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; if one can call it a madness to desire to put thought into measured + harmony. The sonnet is difficult because the thought has to be fitted + exactly into the fourteen lines.” + </p> + <p> + “It is Procrustes’ bed, and that’s the reason you have so few good ones. + As for us, we have not one; but that is the fault of our language.” + </p> + <p> + “And of the French genius, which considers that a thought when extended + loses all its force.” + </p> + <p> + “And you do not think so?” + </p> + <p> + “Pardon me, it depends on the kind of thought. A witty saying, for + example, will not make a sonnet; in French or Italian it belongs to the + domain of epigram.” + </p> + <p> + “What Italian poet do you like best?” + </p> + <p> + “Ariosto; but I cannot say I love him better than the others, for he is my + only love.” + </p> + <p> + “You know the others, though?” + </p> + <p> + “I think I have read them all, but all their lights pale before Ariosto’s. + Fifteen years ago I read all you have written against him, and I said that + you would retract when you had read his works.” + </p> + <p> + “I am obliged to you for thinking that I had not read them. As a matter of + fact I had done so, but I was young. I knew Italian very imperfectly, and + being prejudiced by the learned Italians who adore Tasso I was unfortunate + enough to publish a criticism of Ariosto which I thought my own, while it + was only the echo of those who had prejudiced me. I adore your Ariosto!” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! M. de Voltaire, I breathe again. But be good enough to have the work + in which you turned this great man into ridicule excommunicated.” + </p> + <p> + “What use would that be? All my books are excommunicated; but I will give + you a good proof of my retractation.” + </p> + <p> + I was astonished! The great man began to recite the two fine passages from + the thirty-fourth and thirty-fifth cantos, in which the divine poet speaks + of the conversation of Astolpho with St. John and he did it without + missing a single line or committing the slightest fault against the laws + of prosody. He then pointed out the beauties of the passages with his + natural insight and with a great man’s genius. I could not have had + anything better from the lips of the most skilled commentators in Italy. I + listened to him with the greatest attention, hardly daring to breath, and + waiting for him to make a mistake, but I had my trouble for nothing. I + turned to the company crying that I was more than astonished, and that all + Italy should know what I had seen. “And I, sir,” said the great man, “will + let all Europe know of the amends I owe to the greatest genius our + continent has produced.” + </p> + <p> + Greedy of the praise which he deserved so well, Voltaire gave me the next + day his translation which Ariosto begins thus: + </p> + <p> + “Quindi avvien the tra principi a signori.” + </p> + <p> + At the end of the recitation which gained the applause of all who heard + it, although not one of them knew Italian, Madame Denis, his niece, asked + me if I thought the passage her uncle had just recited one of the finest + the poet had written. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but not the finest.” + </p> + <p> + “It ought to be; for without it Signor Lodovico would not have gained his + apotheosis.” + </p> + <p> + “He has been canonised, then? I was not aware of that.” + </p> + <p> + At these words the laugh, headed by Voltaire, went for Madame Denis. + Everybody laughed except myself, and I continued to look perfectly + serious. + </p> + <p> + Voltaire was vexed at not seeing me laugh like the rest, and asked me the + reason. + </p> + <p> + “Are you thinking,” said he, “of some more than human passage?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” I answered. + </p> + <p> + “What passage is that?” + </p> + <p> + “The last thirty-six stanzas of the twenty-third canto, where the poet + describes in detail how Roland became mad. Since the world has existed no + one has discovered the springs of madness, unless Ariosto himself, who + became mad in his old age. These stanzas are terrible, and I am sure they + must have made you tremble.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I remember they render love dreadful. I long to read them again.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps the gentleman will be good enough to recite them,” said Madame + Denis, with a side-glance at her uncle. + </p> + <p> + “Willingly,” said I, “if you will have the goodness to listen to me.” + </p> + <p> + “You have learn them by heart, then, have you?” said Voltaire. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, it was a pleasure and no trouble. Since I was sixteen, I have read + over Ariosto two or three times every year; it is my passion, and the + lines naturally become linked in my memory without my having given myself + any pains to learn them. I know it all, except his long genealogies and + his historical tirades, which fatigue the mind and do not touch the heart. + It is only Horace that I know throughout, in spite of the often prosaic + style of his epistles, which are certainly far from equalling Boileau’s.” + </p> + <p> + “Boileau is often too lengthy; I admire Horace, but as for Ariosto, with + his forty long cantos, there is too much of him.” + </p> + <p> + “It is fifty-one cantos, M. de Voltaire.” + </p> + <p> + The great man was silent, but Madame Denis was equal to the occasion. + </p> + <p> + “Come, come,” said she, “let us hear the thirty-six stanzas which earned + the author the title of divine, and which are to make us tremble.” + </p> + <p> + I then began, in an assured voice, but not in that monotonous tone adopted + by the Italians, with which the French so justly reproach us. The French + would be the best reciters if they were not constrained by the rhyme, for + they say what they feel better than any other people. They have neither + the passionate monotonous tone of my fellow-countrymen, nor the + sentimentality of the Germans, nor the fatiguing mannerisms of the + English; to every period they give its proper expression, but the + recurrence of the same sounds partly spoils their recitation. I recited + the fine verses of Ariosto, as if it had been rhythmic prose, animating it + by the sound of my voice and the movements of my eyes, and by modulating + my intonation according to the sentiments with which I wished to inspire + my audience. They saw how hardly I could restrain my tears, and every eye + was wet; but when I came to the stanza, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Poiche allargare il freno al dolor puote, + Che resta solo senza altrui rispetto, + Giu dagli occhi rigando per le gote + Sparge un fiume de lacrime sul petto,” + </pre> + <p> + my tears coursed down my cheeks to such an extent that everyone began to + sob. M. de Voltaire and Madame Denis threw their arms round my neck, but + their embraces could not stop me, for Roland, to become mad, had to notice + that he was in the same bed in which Angelica had lately been found in the + arms of the too fortunate Medor, and I had to reach the next stanza. For + my voice of sorrow and wailing I substituted the expression of that terror + which arose naturally from the contemplation of his fury, which was in its + effects like a tempest, a volcano, or an earthquake. + </p> + <p> + When I had finished I received with a sad air the congratulations of the + audience. Voltaire cried, + </p> + <p> + “I always said so; the secret of drawing tears is to weep one’s self, but + they must be real tears, and to shed them the heart must be stirred to its + depths. I am obliged to you, sir,” he added, embracing me, “and I promise + to recite the same stanzas myself to-morrow, and to weep like you.” + </p> + <p> + He kept his word. + </p> + <p> + “It is astonishing,” said Madame Denis, “that intolerant Rome should not + have condemned the song of Roland.” + </p> + <p> + “Far from it,” said Voltaire, “Leo X. excommunicated whoever should dare + to condemn it. The two great families of Este and Medici interested + themselves in the poet’s favour. Without that protection it is probable + that the one line on the donation of Rome by Constantine to Silvester, + where the poet speaks ‘puzza forte’ would have sufficed to put the whole + poem under an interdict.” + </p> + <p> + “I believe,” said I, “that the line which has excited the most talk is + that in which Ariosto throws doubt on the general resurrection. Ariosto,” + I added, “in speaking of the hermit who would have hindered Rhodomonte + from getting possession of Isabella, widow of Zerbin, paints the African, + who wearied of the hermit’s sermons, seizes him and throws him so far that + he dashes him against a rock, against which he remains in a dead swoon, so + that ‘che al novissimo di forse fia desto’.” + </p> + <p> + This ‘forse’ which may possibly have only been placed there as a flower of + rhetoric or as a word to complete the verse, raised a great uproar, which + would doubtless have greatly amused the poet if he had had time! + </p> + <p> + “It is a pity,” said Madame Denis, “that Ariosto was not more careful in + these hyperbolical expressions.” + </p> + <p> + “Be quiet, niece, they are full of wit. They are all golden grains, which + are dispersed throughout the work in the best taste.” + </p> + <p> + The conversation was then directed towards various topics, and at last we + got to the ‘Ecossaise’ we had played at Soleure. + </p> + <p> + They knew all about it. + </p> + <p> + M. de Voltaire said that if I liked to play it at his house he would write + to M. de Chavigni to send the Lindane, and that he himself would play + Montrose. I excused myself by saying that Madame was at Bale and that I + should be obliged to go on my journey the next day. At this he exclaimed + loudly, aroused the whole company against me, and said at last that he + should consider my visit as an insult unless I spared him a week at least + of my society. + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” said I, “I have only come to Geneva to have the honour of seeing + you, and now that I have obtained that favour I have nothing more to do.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you come to speak to me, or for me to speak to you?” + </p> + <p> + “In a measure, of course, to speak to you, but much more for you to speak + to me.” + </p> + <p> + “Then stay here three days at least; come to dinner every day, and we will + have some conversation.” + </p> + <p> + The invitation was so flattering and pressing that I could not refuse it + with a good grace. I therefore accepted, and I then left to go and write. + </p> + <p> + I had not been back for a quarter of an hour when a syndic of the town, an + amiable man, whom I had seen at M. de Voltaire’s, and whose name I shall + not mention, came and asked me to give him supper. “I was present,” said + he, “at your argument with the great man, and though I did not open my + mouth I should much like to have an hour’s talk with you.” By way of + reply, I embraced him, begging him to excuse my dressing-gown, and telling + him that I should be glad if he would spend the whole night with me. + </p> + <p> + The worthy man spent two hours with me, without saying a word on the + subject of literature, but to please me he had no need to talk of books, + for he was a disciple of Epicurus and Socrates, and the evening was spent + in telling little stories, in bursts of laughter, and in accounts of the + various kinds of pleasure obtainable at Geneva. Before leaving me he asked + me to come and sup with him on the following evening, promising that + boredom should not be of the party. + </p> + <p> + “I shall wait for you,” said I. + </p> + <p> + “Very good, but don’t tell anyone of the party.” + </p> + <p> + I promised to follow his instructions. + </p> + <p> + Next morning, young Fox came to see me with the two Englishmen I had seen + at M. de Voltaire’s. They proposed a game of quinze, which I accepted, and + after losing fifty louis I left off, and we walked about the town till + dinner-time. + </p> + <p> + We found the Duc de Villars at Delices; he had come there to consult Dr. + Tronchin, who had kept him alive for the last ten years. + </p> + <p> + I was silent during the repast, but at dessert, M. de Voltaire, knowing + that I had reasons for not liking the Venetian Government, introduced the + subject; but I disappointed him, as I maintained that in no country could + a man enjoy more perfect liberty than in Venice. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said he, “provided he resigns himself to play the part of a dumb + man.” + </p> + <p> + And seeing that I did not care for the subject, he took me by the arm to + his garden, of which, he said, he was the creator. The principal walk led + to a pretty running stream. + </p> + <p> + “‘Tis the Rhone,” said he, “which I send into France.” + </p> + <p> + “It does not cost you much in carriage, at all events,” said I. + </p> + <p> + He smiled pleasantly and shewed me the principal street of Geneva, and + Mont Blanc which is the highest point of the Alps. + </p> + <p> + Bringing back the conversation to Italian literature, he began to talk + nonsense with much wit and learning, but always concluding with a false + judgment. I let him talk on. He spoke of Homer, Dante, and Petrarch, and + everybody knows what he thought of these great geniuses, but he did + himself wrong in writing what he thought. I contented myself with saying + that if these great men did not merit the esteem of those who studied + them; it would at all events be a long time before they had to come down + from the high place in which the praise of centuries, had placed them. + </p> + <p> + The Duc de Villars and the famous Tronchin came and joined us. The doctor, + a tall fine man, polite, eloquent without being a conversationalist, a + learned physician, a man of wit, a favourite pupil of Boerhaeve, without + scientific jargon, or charlatanism, or self-sufficiency, enchanted me. His + system of medicine was based on regimen, and to make rules he had to be a + man of profound science. I have been assured, but can scarcely believe it, + that he cured a consumptive patient of a secret disease by means of the + milk of an ass, which he had submitted to thirty strong frictions of + mercury by four sturdy porters. + </p> + <p> + As to Villars he also attracted my attention, but in quite a different way + to Tronchin. On examining his face and manner I thought I saw before me a + woman of seventy dressed as a man, thin and emaciated, but still proud of + her looks, and with claims to past beauty. His cheeks and lips were + painted, his eyebrows blackened, and his teeth were false; he wore a huge + wig, which exhaled amber, and at his buttonhole was an enormous bunch of + flowers, which touched his chin. He affected a gracious manner, and he + spoke so softly that it was often impossible to hear what he said. He was + excessively polite and affable, and his manners were those of the Regency. + His whole appearance was supremely ridiculous. I was told that in his + youth he was a lover of the fair sex, but now that he was no longer good + for anything he had modestly made himself into a woman, and had four + pretty pets in his employ, who took turns in the disgusting duty of + warming his old carcase at night. + </p> + <p> + Villars was governor of Provence, and had his back eaten up with cancer. + In the course of nature he should have been buried ten years ago, but + Tronchin kept him alive with his regimen and by feeding the wounds on + slices of veal. Without this the cancer would have killed him. His life + might well be called an artificial one. + </p> + <p> + I accompanied M. de Voltaire to his bedroom, where he changed his wig and + put on another cap, for he always wore one on account of the rheumatism to + which he was subject. I saw on the table the Summa of St. Thomas, and + among other Italian poets the ‘Secchia Rapita’ of Tassoni. + </p> + <p> + “This,” said Voltaire, “is the only tragicomic poem which Italy has. + Tassoni was a monk, a wit and a genius as well as a poet.” + </p> + <p> + “I will grant his poetical ability but not his learning, for he ridiculed + the system of Copernicus, and said that if his theories were followed + astronomers would not be able to calculate lunations or eclipses.” + </p> + <p> + “Where does he make that ridiculous remark?” + </p> + <p> + “In his academical discourses.” + </p> + <p> + “I have not read them, but I will get them.” + </p> + <p> + He took a pen and noted the name down, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “But Tassoni has criticised Petrarch very ingeniously.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but he has dishonoured taste and literature, like Muratori.” + </p> + <p> + “Here he is. You must allow that his learning is immense.” + </p> + <p> + “Est ubi peccat.” + </p> + <p> + Voltaire opened a door, and I saw a hundred great files full of papers. + </p> + <p> + “That’s my correspondence,” said he. “You see before you nearly fifty + thousand letters, to which I have replied.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you a copy of your answers?” + </p> + <p> + “Of a good many of them. That’s the business of a servant of mine, who has + nothing else to do.” + </p> + <p> + “I know plenty of booksellers who would give a good deal to get hold of + your answers. + </p> + <p> + “Yes; but look out for the booksellers when you publish anything, if you + have not yet begun; they are greater robbers than Barabbas.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall not have anything to do with these gentlemen till I am an old + man.” + </p> + <p> + “Then they will be the scourge of your old age.” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon I quoted a Macaronic verse by Merlin Coccaeus. + </p> + <p> + “Where’s that from?” + </p> + <p> + “It’s a line from a celebrated poem in twenty-four cantos.” + </p> + <p> + “Celebrated?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; and, what is more, worthy of being celebrated; but to appreciate it + one must understand the Mantuan dialect.” + </p> + <p> + “I could make it out, if you could get me a copy.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall have the honour of presenting you with one to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “You will oblige me extremely.” + </p> + <p> + We had to leave his room and spend two hours in the company, talking over + all sorts of things. Voltaire displayed all the resources of his brilliant + and fertile wit, and charmed everyone in spite of his sarcastic + observations which did not even spare those present, but he had an + inimitable manner of lancing a sarcasm without wounding a person’s + feelings. When the great man accompanied his witticisms with a graceful + smile he could always get a laugh. + </p> + <p> + He kept up a notable establishment and an excellent table, a rare + circumstance with his poetic brothers, who are rarely favourites of Plutus + as he was. He was then sixty years old, and had a hundred and twenty + thousand francs a year. It has been said maliciously that this great man + enriched himself by cheating his publishers; whereas the fact was that he + fared no better than any other author, and instead of duping them was + often their dupe. The Cramers must be excepted, whose fortune he made. + Voltaire had other ways of making money than by his pen; and as he was + greedy of fame, he often gave his works away on the sole condition that + they were to be printed and published. During the short time I was with + him, I was a witness of such a generous action; he made a present to his + bookseller of the “Princess of Babylon,” a charming story which he had + written in three days. + </p> + <p> + My epicurean syndic was exact to his appointment, and took me to a house + at a little distance where he introduced me to three young ladies, who, + without being precisely beautiful, were certainly ravishing. Two of them + were sisters. I had an easy and pleasant welcome, and from their + intellectual appearance and gay manners I anticipated a delightful + evening, and I was not disappointed. The half hour before supper was + passed in conversation, decent but without restraint, and during supper, + from the hints the syndic gave me, I guessed what would happen after + dessert. + </p> + <p> + It was a hot evening, and on the pretext of cooling ourselves, we + undressed so as to be almost in a state of nature. What an orgy we had! I + am sorry I am obliged to draw a veil over the most exciting details. In + the midst of our licentious gaiety, whilst we were heated by love, + champagne, and a discourse of an exciting nature, I proposed to recite + Grecourt’s ‘Y Gyec’. When I had finished the voluptuous poem, worthy of an + abbe’s pen, I saw that the eyes of the three beauties were all aflame, and + said,— + </p> + <p> + “Ladies, if you like, I will shew you all three, one after the other, why + the sentence, ‘Gaudeant bene nati’, was uttered”; and without waiting for + their reply, I succeeded in making them happy. The syndic was radiant, he + was pleased at having given me a present entirely to my taste; and I + fancied that the entertainment was not displeasing to the three Graces, + who were kept low by the Sybarite, as his powers were almost limited to + desires. The girls lavished their thanks on me, while I endeavoured to + assure them of my gratitude; but they leapt for joy when they heard the + syndic asking me to come next day. + </p> + <p> + As he was taking me back to my inn I told him how great a pleasure he had + given me, and he said he had brought up the three jewels himself. + </p> + <p> + “You,” he added, “are the only man besides myself they know. You shall see + them again, but I beg you will take care not to leave anything behind you, + for in this town of prejudices that would be a great misfortune for them + and for me.” + </p> + <p> + “You are always moderate in your enjoyment, then?” I said to him. + </p> + <p> + “Unfortunately, that is no merit as far as I am concerned. I was born for + the service of love, and Venus has punished me for worshipping her when I + was too young.” + </p> + <p> + After a good night’s sleep I awoke in an active mood, and began to write a + letter to Voltaire in blank verse, which cost me four times the pains that + rhymed verses would have done. I sent it to him with the poem of Theophile + Falengue, but I made a mistake in doing so, as I might have known he would + not care for it; one cannot appreciate what one does not understand. I + then went to Mr. Fox, where I found the two Englishmen who offered me my + revenge. I lost a hundred Louis, and was glad to see them set out for + Lausanne. + </p> + <p> + The syndic had told me that the three young ladies belonged to respectable + families, but were not rich. I puzzled my head to think of some useful + present I might make them without offending them, and at last I hit on a + plan of the most ridiculous nature, as the reader will see. I went to a + jeweller and told him to make me three golden balls, each of two ounces in + weight. + </p> + <p> + At noon I went to M. de Voltaire’s. He was not to be seen, but Madame + Denis consoled me for his absence. She had wit, learning without + pretension, taste, and a great hatred for the King of Prussia, whom she + called a villain. She asked about my beautiful housekeeper, and + congratulated me on having married her to a respectable man. Although I + feel now that she was quite right, I was far from thinking so then; the + impression was too fresh on my mind. Madame Denis begged me to tell her + how I had escaped from The Leads, but as the story was rather a long one I + promised to satisfy her another time. + </p> + <p> + M. de Voltaire did not dine with us; he appeared, however, at five + o’clock, holding a letter in his hand. + </p> + <p> + “Do you know,” said he, “the Marquis Albergati Capacelli, senator of + Bologna, and Count Paradisi?” + </p> + <p> + “I do not know Paradisi, but I know Albergati by sight and by reputation; + he is not a senator, but one of the Forty, who at Bologna are Fifty.” + </p> + <p> + “Dear me! That seems rather a riddle!” + </p> + <p> + “Do you know him?” + </p> + <p> + “No, but he has sent me Goldoni’s ‘Theatre,’ the translation of my + Tancred, and some Bologna sausages, and he says he will come and see me.” + </p> + <p> + “He will not come; he is not such a fool.” + </p> + <p> + “How a fool? Would there be anything foolish in coming to see me?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not, as far as you are concerned; but very much so far his own + sake.” + </p> + <p> + “Would you mind telling me why?” + </p> + <p> + “He knows what he would lose; for he enjoys the idea you seem to have of + him, and if he came you would see his nothingness, and good-bye to the + illusion. He is a worthy man with six thousand sequins a year, and a craze + for the theatre. He is a good actor enough, and has written several + comedies in prose, but they are fit neither for the study nor the stage.” + </p> + <p> + “You certainly give him a coat which does not make him look any bigger.” + </p> + <p> + “I assure you it is not quite small enough.” + </p> + <p> + “But tell me how he can belong to the Forty and the Fifty?” + </p> + <p> + “Just as at Bale noon is at eleven.” + </p> + <p> + “I understand; just as your Council of Ten is composed of seventeen + members.” + </p> + <p> + “Exactly; but the cursed Forty of Bologna are men of another kind.” + </p> + <p> + “Why cursed?” + </p> + <p> + “Because they are not subject to the fisc, and are thus enabled to commit + whatever crimes they like with perfect impunity; all they have got to do + is to live outside the state borders on their revenues.” + </p> + <p> + “That is a blessing, and not a curse; but let me return to our subject. I + suppose the Marquis Albergati is a man of letters?” + </p> + <p> + “He writes well enough, but he is fond of the sound of his own voice, his + style is prolix, and I don’t think he has much brains.” + </p> + <p> + “He is an actor, I think you said?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and a very good one, above all, when he plays the lover’s part in + one of his own plays.” + </p> + <p> + “Is he a handsome man?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, on the stage, but not elsewhere; his face lacks expression.” + </p> + <p> + “But his plays give satisfaction?” + </p> + <p> + “Not to persons who understand play writing; they would be hissed if they + were intelligible.” + </p> + <p> + “And what do you think of Goldoni?” + </p> + <p> + “I have the highest opinion of him. Goldoni is the Italian Moliere.” + </p> + <p> + “Why does he call himself poet to the Duke of Parma?” + </p> + <p> + “No doubt to prove that a wit as well as a fool has his weak points; in + all probability the duke knows nothing about it. He also calls himself a + barrister, though he is such only in his own imagination. Goldoni is a + good play writer, and nothing more. Everybody in Venice knows me for his + friend, and I can therefore speak of him with authority. He does not shine + in society, and in spite of the fine satire of his works he is a man of an + extremely gentle disposition.” + </p> + <p> + “So I have been told. He is poor, and wants to leave Venice. The managers + of the theatres where they play his pieces will not like that.” + </p> + <p> + “People talked about getting him a pension, but the project has been + relegated to the Greek Kalends, as they said that if he had a pension he + would write no more.” + </p> + <p> + “Cumae refused to give a pension to Homer, for fear that all the blind men + would ask for a pension.” + </p> + <p> + We spent a pleasant day, and he thanked me heartily for the copy of the + Macaronicon, which he promised to read. He introduced me to a Jesuit he + had in his household, who was called Adam, and he added, after telling me + his name, “not the first Adam.” I was told afterwards that Voltaire used + to play backgammon with him, and when he lost he would throw the dice and + the box at his head. If Jesuits were treated like that all the world over, + perhaps we should have none but inoffensive Jesuits at last, but that + happy time is still far off. + </p> + <p> + I had scarcely got to my inn in the evening when I received my three + golden balls, and as soon as the syndic came we set off to renew our + voluptuous orgy. On the way he talked about modesty, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “That feeling which prevents our shewing those parts which we have been + taught to cover from our childhood, may often proceed from virtue, but is + weaker than the force of education, as it cannot resist an attack when the + attacking party knows what he is about. I think the easiest way to + vanquish modesty is to ignore its presence, to turn it into ridicule, to + carry it by storm. Victory is certain. The hardihood of the assailer + subdues the assailed, who usually only wishes to be conquered, and nearly + always thanks you for your victory. + </p> + <p> + “Clement of Alexandria, a learned man and a philosopher, has remarked that + the modesty which appears so deeply rooted in women’s hearts really goes + no farther than the clothes they wear, and that when these are plucked off + no trace of it remains.” + </p> + <p> + We found the three girls lightly clad and sitting on a large sopha, and we + sat down opposite to them. Pleasant talk and a thousand amorous kisses + occupied the half hour just before supper, and our combat did not begin + till we had eaten a delicious repast, washed down with plenty of + champagne. + </p> + <p> + We were sure of not being interrupted by the maid and we put ourselves at + our ease, whilst our caresses became more lively and ardent. The syndic, + like a careful man, drew a packet of fine French letters from his pocket, + and delivered a long eulogium on this admirable preservative from an + accident which might give rise to a terrible and fruitless repentance. The + ladies knew them, and seemed to have no objection to the precaution; they + laughed heartily to see the shape these articles took when they were blown + out. But after they had amused themselves thus for some time, I said, + </p> + <p> + “My dear girls, I care more for your honour than your beauty; but do not + think I am going to shut myself in a piece of dead skin to prove that I am + alive. Here,” I added, drawing out the three golden balls, “is a surer and + less disagreeable way of securing you from any unpleasant consequences. + After fifteen years’ experience I can assure you that with these golden + balls you can give and take without running the least risk. For the future + you will have no need of those humiliating sheaths. Trust in me and accept + this little present from a Venetian who adores you.” + </p> + <p> + “We are very grateful,” said the elder of the two sisters, “but how are + these pretty balls used?” + </p> + <p> + “The ball has to be at the rear of the temple of love, whilst the amorous + couple are performing the sacrifice. The antipathy communicated to the + metal by its being soaked for a certain time in an alkaline solution + prevents impregnation.” + </p> + <p> + “But,” said the cousin, “one must take great care that the ball is not + shaken out by the motion before the end of the sacrifice.” + </p> + <p> + “You needn’t be afraid of that if you place yourself in a proper + position.” + </p> + <p> + “Let us see how it’s done,” said the syndic, holding a candle for me to + put the ball in place. + </p> + <p> + The charming cousin had gone too far to turn back; she had to submit to + the operation. I placed the ball in such a position that it could not fall + out before I was in; however, it fell out towards the end, just as we were + separating. The victim perceived that I had taken her in. However, she + said nothing, picked up the ball, and challenged the two sisters to submit + to the pleasant experiment, to which they lent themselves with the + greatest interest; while the syndic, who had no faith in the virtues of + the metal, contented himself with looking on. After half an hour’s rest I + began again, without balls, assuring them that I would be careful, and I + kept my word, without depriving them of the pleasure in the slightest + degree. + </p> + <p> + When it was time to part, these girls, who had formerly been scantily + provided for, threw their arms round my neck, overwhelmed me with + caresses, and declared how much they owed me. The syndic told them that I + was going in two days, and suggested that they should make me stay a day + longer in Geneva, and I made this sacrifice joyfully. The worthy syndic + had an engagement on the following day, and I sorely needed a holiday + myself. He took me back to my inn, thanking me almost as heartily as his + charming nymphs. + </p> + <p> + After having enjoyed a calm and refreshing sleep ten hours, I felt myself + able to enjoy the delightful society of M. de Voltaire. I went to his + house, but I was disappointed in my hopes, as it pleased the great man to + be in a fault-finding and sarcastic mood the whole day. He knew I had to + leave on the morrow. + </p> + <p> + He began by thanking me at table for my present of Merlin Coccaeus. + </p> + <p> + “You certainly gave it me with good intentions,” said he, “but I owe you + no thanks for praising it so highly, as you made me lose four hours in + reading nonsense.” + </p> + <p> + I felt my hair stand on end, but I mastered my emotions, and told him + quietly enough that one day, perhaps, he would find himself obliged to + praise the poem more highly than I had done. I quoted several instances of + the insufficiency of a first perusal. + </p> + <p> + “That’s true,” said he; “but as for your Merlin, I will read him no more. + I have put him beside Chapelain’s ‘Pucelle’.” + </p> + <p> + “Which pleases all the critics, in spite of its bad versification, for it + is a good poem, and Chapelain was a real poet though he wrote bad verses. + I cannot overlook his genius.” + </p> + <p> + My freedom must have shocked him, and I might have guessed it when he told + me he had put the ‘Macaronicon’ beside the ‘Pucelle’. I knew that there + was a poem of the same title in circulation, which passed for Voltaire’s; + but I also knew that he disavowed it, and I thought that would make him + conceal the vexation my explanation must have caused him. It was not so, + however; he contradicted me sharply, and I closed with him. + </p> + <p> + “Chapelain,” said I, “has the merit of having rendered his subject-matter + pleasant, without pandering to the tastes of his readers by saying things + shocking to modesty and piety. So thinks my master Crebillon.” + </p> + <p> + “Crebillon! You cite a weighty authority. But how is my friend Crebillon + your master, may I ask?” + </p> + <p> + “He taught me to speak French in less than two years, and as a mark of my + gratitude I translated his Radamiste into Italian Alexandrines. I am the + first Italian who has dared to use this metre in our language.” + </p> + <p> + “The first? I beg your pardon, as that honour belongs to my friend Pierre + Jacques Martelli.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry to be obliged to tell you that you are making a mistake.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, I have his works, printed at Bologna, in my room!” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t deny that, I am only talking about the metre used by Martelli. + What you are thinking of must be verses of fourteen syllables; without + alternative masculine and feminine rhymes. However, I confess that he + thinks he has imitated the French Alexandrines, and his preface made me + explode with laughter. Did you read it?” + </p> + <p> + “Read it? I always read prefaces, and Martelli proves there that his + verses have the same effect in Italian as our Alexandrine verses have in + French.” + </p> + <p> + “Exactly, that’s what’s so amusing. The worthy man is quite mistaken, and + I only ask you to listen to what I have to say on the subject. Your + masculine verse has only twelve poetic syllables, and the feminine + thirteen. All Martelli’s lines have fourteen syllables, except those that + finish with a long vowel, which at the end of a line always counts as two + syllables. You will observe that the first hemistitch in Martelli always + consists of seven syllables, while in French it only has six. Your friend + Pierre Jacques was either stone deaf or very hard of hearing.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you have followed our theory of versification rigorously.” + </p> + <p> + “Just so, in spite of the difficulty, as nearly all our words end with a + short syllable.” + </p> + <p> + “What reception has been accorded to your innovation?” + </p> + <p> + “It has not been found pleasing, because nobody knows how to recite my + verses; but I hope to triumph when I deliver them myself before our + literary clubs.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you remember any of your version of the Radamiste?” + </p> + <p> + “I remember it all.” + </p> + <p> + “You have a wonderful memory; I should be glad to hear it.” + </p> + <p> + I began to recite the same scene that I had recited to Crebillon ten years + before, and I thought M. de Voltaire listened with pleasure. + </p> + <p> + “It doesn’t strike one as at all harsh,” said he. + </p> + <p> + This was the highest praise he would give me. In his turn the great man + recited a passage from Tancred which had not as yet been published, and + which was afterwards considered, and rightly, as a masterpiece. + </p> + <p> + We should have got on very well if we had kept to that, but on my quoting + a line of Horace to praise one of his pieces, he said that Horace was a + great master who had given precepts which would never be out of date. + Thereupon I answered that he himself had violated one of them, but that he + had violated it grandly. + </p> + <p> + “Which is that?” + </p> + <p> + “You do not write, ‘Contentus paucis lectoribus’.” + </p> + <p> + “If Horace had had to combat the hydra-headed monster of superstition, he + would have written as I have written—for all the world.” + </p> + <p> + “It seems to me that you might spare yourself the trouble of combating + what you will never destroy.” + </p> + <p> + “That which I cannot finish others will, and I shall always have the glory + of being the first in the field.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good; but supposing you succeed in destroying superstition, what are + you going to put in its place?” + </p> + <p> + “I like that. If I deliver the race of man from a wild beast which is + devouring it, am I to be asked what I intend to put in its place?” + </p> + <p> + “It does not devour it; on the contrary, it is necessary to its + existence.” + </p> + <p> + “Necessary to its existence! That is a horrible blasphemy, the falsity of + which will be seen in the future. I love the human race; I would fain see + men like myself, free and happy, and superstition and freedom cannot go + together. Where do you find an enslaved and yet a happy people?” + </p> + <p> + “You wish, then, to see the people sovereign?” + </p> + <p> + “God forbid! There must be a sovereign to govern the masses.” + </p> + <p> + “In that case you must have superstition, for without it the masses will + never obey a mere man decked with the name of monarch.” + </p> + <p> + “I will have no monarch; the word expresses despotism, which I hate as I + do slavery.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean, then? If you wish to put the government in the hands of + one man, such a man, I maintain, will be a monarch.” + </p> + <p> + “I would have a sovereign ruler of a free people, of which he is the chief + by an agreement which binds them both, which would prevent him from + becoming a tyrant.” + </p> + <p> + “Addison will tell you that such a sovereign is a sheer impossibility. I + agree with Hobbes, of two evils choose the least. A nation without + superstition would be a nation of philosophers, and philosophers would + never obey. The people will only be happy when they are crushed and + down-trodden, and bound in chains.” + </p> + <p> + “This is horrible; and you are of the people yourself. If you have read my + works you must have seen how I shew that superstition is the enemy of + kings.” + </p> + <p> + “Read your works? I have read and re-read them, especially in places where + I have differed from you. Your ruling passion is the love of humanity. + ‘Est ubi peccas’. This blinds you. Love humanity, but love it as it is. It + is not fit to receive the blessings you would lavish on it, and which + would only make it more wretched and perverse. Leave men their devouring + monster, it is dear to them. I have never laughed so heartily as at Don + Quixote assailed by the galley-slaves whom his generosity had set free.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry that you have such a bad opinion of your fellow-creatures. And + by the way, tell me whether there is freedom in Venice.” + </p> + <p> + “As much as can be expected under an aristocracy. Our liberty is not so + great as that which the English enjoy, but we are content.” + </p> + <p> + “Even under The Leads?” + </p> + <p> + “My imprisonment was certainly despotic; but as I had knowingly abused my + liberty I am satisfied that the Government was within its rights in + shutting me up without the usual formalities.” + </p> + <p> + “All the same, you made your escape.” + </p> + <p> + “I used my rights as they had used theirs.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good! But as far as I can see, no one in Venice is really free.” + </p> + <p> + “That may be; but you must agree that the essence of freedom consists in + thinking you have it.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall not agree to that so easily. You and I see liberty from very + different points of view. The aristocrats, the members of the Government + even, are not free at Venice; for example, they cannot travel without + permission.” + </p> + <p> + “True, but that is a restriction of their own making to preserve their + power. Would you say that a Bernese is not free, because he is subject to + the sumptuary laws, which he himself had made.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, well, I wish the people made the laws everywhere.” + </p> + <p> + After this lively answer, he abruptly asked me what part I came from. + </p> + <p> + “From Roche,” said I. “I should have been very sorry to leave Switzerland + without seeing the famous Haller. In my travels I render homage to my + learned contemporaries, and you come the last and best.” + </p> + <p> + “You must have liked Haller.” + </p> + <p> + “I spent three of the happiest days of my life with him.” + </p> + <p> + “I congratulate you. He is a great man and worthy of all honour.” + </p> + <p> + “I think as you do, and I am glad to hear you doing him justice; I am + sorry he was not so just towards you.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, you see we may be both of us mistaken.” + </p> + <p> + At this reply, the quickness of which constituted its chief merit, + everybody present began to laugh and applaud. + </p> + <p> + No more was said of literature, and I became a silent actor till M. de + Voltaire retired, when I approached Madame Denis, and asked her if she had + any commands for me at Rome. I went home well pleased at having compelled + the giant of intellect to listen to reason, as I then thought foolishly + enough; but there was a rankling feeling left in my heart against him + which made me, ten years later, criticise all he had written. + </p> + <p> + I am sorry now for having done so, though on reading my censures over + again I find that in many places I was right. I should have done better, + however, to have kept silence, to have respected his genius, and to have + suspected my own opinions. I should have considered that if it had not + been for those quips and cranks which made me hate him on the third day, I + should have thought him wholly sublime. This thought alone should have + silenced me, but an angry man always thinks himself right. Posterity on + reading my attack will rank me among the Zoyluses, and the humble apology + I now make to the great man’s shades may not be read. + </p> + <p> + If we meet in the halls of Pluto, the more peccant parts of our mortal + nature purged away, all will be made up; he will receive my heartfelt + apologies, and he will be my friend, I his sincere admirer. + </p> + <p> + I spent part of the night and the whole of the following day in writing + down my conversations with Voltaire, and they amounted nearly to a volume, + of which I have only given a mere abridgment. Towards the evening my + Epicurean syndic called on me, and we went to sup with the three nymphs, + and for five hours we indulged in every species of wantonness, in which I + had a somewhat fertile imagination. On leaving I promised to call on them + again on my return from Rome, and I kept my word. I set out the next day, + after dining with the syndic, who accompanied me as far as Anneci, where I + spent the night. Next day I dined at Aix, with the intention of lying at + Chamberi, but my destiny ordered otherwise. + </p> + <p> + Aix is a villainous hole where the mineral waters attract people of + fashion towards the end of the summer—a circumstance of which I was + then ignorant. I dined hastily, wishing to set out immediately for + Chamberi, when in the middle of my repast a crowd of fashionable people + burst into the room. I looked at them without stirring, replying with an + inclination of the head to the bows which some of them made me. I soon + discovered from their conversation that they had all come to take the + waters. A gentleman of a fine presence came up to me and asked if I were + going to Turin; I answered that my way was to Marseilles. + </p> + <p> + Their dinner was served, and everybody sat down. Among them I noticed + several pleasant-looking ladies, with gentlemen who were either their + husbands or their lovers. I concluded that I might find some amusement + with them, as they all spoke French with that easy tone of good society + which is so attractive, and I felt that I should be inclined to stay + without much pressing, for that day at all events. + </p> + <p> + I finished my dinner before the company had come to the end of their first + course, and as my coach could not go for another hour I went up to a + pretty woman, and complimented her on the good the waters of Aix seemed to + have done her, for her appetite made all who looked at her feel hungry. + </p> + <p> + “I challenge you to prove that you are speaking the truth,” said she, with + a smile. I sat down next to her, and she gave me a nice piece of the roast + which I ate as if I had been fasting. + </p> + <p> + While I was talking with the lady, and eating the morsels she gave me, I + heard a voice saying that I was in the abbe’s place, and another voice + replying that the abbe had been gone for half an hour. + </p> + <p> + “Why has he gone?” asked a third, “he said he was going to stay here for + another week.” At this there was some whispering, but the departure of an + abbe had nothing interesting in it for me, and I continued eating and + talking. I told Le Duc, who was standing behind my chair, to get me some + champagne. I offered the lady some, she accepted, and everyone began to + call for champagne. Seeing my neighbour’s spirits rising, I proceeded to + make love to her, and asked her if she were always as ready to defy those + who paid their court to her. + </p> + <p> + “So many of them,” she answered, “are not worthy the trouble.” + </p> + <p> + She was pretty and quick-witted, and I took a fancy to her, and wished for + some pretext on which I could put off my departure, and chance came to my + aid. + </p> + <p> + “The place next to you was conveniently empty,” said a lady to my + neighbour who was drinking with me. + </p> + <p> + “Very conveniently, for my neighbour wearied me.” + </p> + <p> + “Had he no appetite?” said I. + </p> + <p> + “Gamesters only have an appetite for money.” + </p> + <p> + “Usually, but your power is extraordinary; for I have never made two + dinners on one day before now.” + </p> + <p> + “Only out of pride; as I am sure you will eat no supper.” + </p> + <p> + “Let us make a bet on it.” + </p> + <p> + “We will; we will bet the supper.” + </p> + <p> + “All right.” + </p> + <p> + All the guests began to clap, and my fair neighbour blushed with pleasure. + I ordered Le Duc to tell my coachman that I should not be going till the + next day. + </p> + <p> + “It is my business,” said the lady, “to order the supper.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, you are right; for he who pays, orders. My part will be to oppose + you to the knife, and if I eat as much as you I shall be the winner.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good.” + </p> + <p> + At the end of dinner, the individual who had addressed me before called + for cards, and made a small bank of faro. He put down twenty-five + Piedmontese pistoles, and some silver money to amuse the ladies—altogether + it amounted nearly to forty louis. I remained a spectator during the first + deal, and convinced myself that the banker played very well. + </p> + <p> + Whilst he was getting ready for the second deal, the lady asked me why I + did not play. I whispered to her that she had made me lose my appetite for + money. She repaid this compliment with a charming smile. + </p> + <p> + After this declaration, feeling myself entitled to play, I put down forty + louis, and lost them in two deals. I got up, and on the banker saying very + politely that he was sorry for my loss, I replied that it was a mere + nothing, but that I always made it a rule never to risk a sum of money + larger than the bank. Somebody then asked me if I knew a certain Abbe + Gilbert. + </p> + <p> + “I knew a man of that name,” said I, “at Paris; he came from Lyons, and + owes me a pair of ears, which I mean to cut off his head when I meet him.” + </p> + <p> + My questioner made no reply to this, and everybody remained silent, as if + nothing had been said. From this I concluded that the abbe aforesaid must + be the same whose place I had occupied at dinner. He had doubtless seen me + on my arrival and had taken himself off. This abbe was a rascal who had + visited me at Little Poland, to whom I had entrusted a ring which had cost + me five thousand florins in Holland; next day the scoundrel had + disappeared. + </p> + <p> + When everybody had left the table, I asked Le Duc if I were well lodged. + </p> + <p> + “No,” said he; “would you like to see your room?” + </p> + <p> + He took me to a large room, a hundred paces from the inn, whose sole + furniture consisted of its four walls, all the other rooms being occupied. + I complained vainly to the inn-keeper, who said, + </p> + <p> + “It’s all I can offer you, but I will have a good bed, a table, and chairs + taken there.” + </p> + <p> + I had to content myself with it, as there was no choice. + </p> + <p> + “You will sleep in my room,” said I to Le Duc, “take care to provide + yourself with a bed, and bring my baggage in.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you think of Gilbert, sir?” said my Spaniard; “I only recognized + him just as he was going, and I had a lively desire to take him by the + back of his neck.” + </p> + <p> + “You would have done well to have satisfied that desire.” + </p> + <p> + “I will, when I see him again.” + </p> + <p> + As I was leaving my big room, I was accosted politely by a man who said he + was glad to be my neighbour, and offered to take me to the fountain if I + were going there. I accepted his offer. He was a tall fair man, about + fifty years old; he must once have been handsome, but his excessive + politeness should have made me suspect him; however, I wanted somebody to + talk to, and to give me the various pieces of information I required. On + the way he informed me of the condition of the people I had seen, and I + learnt that none of them had come to Aix for the sake of the waters. + </p> + <p> + “I am the only one,” said he, “who takes them out of necessity. I am + consumptive; I get thinner every day, and if the waters don’t do me any + good I shall not last much longer.” + </p> + <p> + So all the others have only come here for amusement’s sake?” + </p> + <p> + “And to game, sir, for they are all professional gamesters.” + </p> + <p> + “Are they French?” + </p> + <p> + “They are all from Piedmont or Savoy; I am the only Frenchman here.” + </p> + <p> + “What part of France do you come from?” + </p> + <p> + “From Lorraine; my father, who is eighty years old, is the Marquis + Desarmoises. He only keeps on living to spite me, for as I married against + his wishes he has disinherited me. However, as I am his only son, I shall + inherit his property after his death, in spite of him. My house is at + Lyons, but I never go there, as I have the misfortune to be in love with + my eldest daughter, and my wife watches us so closely as to make my + courtship hopeless.” + </p> + <p> + “That is very fine; otherwise, I suppose, your daughter would take pity on + her amorous papa?” + </p> + <p> + “I daresay, for she is very fond of me, and has an excellent heart.” + </p> + <a name="linkC2HCH0020" id="linkC2HCH0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XX + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + My Adventures at Aix—My Second M. M.—Madame Zeroli +</pre> + <p> + This man, who, though he did not know me, put the utmost confidence in me, + so far from thinking he was horrifying me by the confession of such + wickedness, probably considered he was doing me a great honour. While I + listened to him I reflected that though depraved he might have his good + points, and that his weakness might have a pitiable if not a pardonable + side. However, wishing to know more of him, I said,— + </p> + <p> + “In spite of your father’s sternness, you live very well.” + </p> + <p> + “On the contrary, I live very ill. I enjoy a pension from the Government, + which I surrender to my wife, and as for me I make a livelihood on my + travels. I play black gammon and most other games perfectly. I win more + often than I lose, and I live on my winnings.” + </p> + <p> + “But is what you have told me about your daughter known to the visitors + here?” + </p> + <p> + “Everybody knows it; why should I hide it? I am a man of honour and injure + no one; and, besides, my sword is sharp.” + </p> + <p> + “Quite so; but would you tell me whether you allow your daughter to have a + lover?” + </p> + <p> + “I should have no objection, but my wife is religious.” + </p> + <p> + “Is your daughter pretty?” + </p> + <p> + “Very; if you are going to Lyons, you can go and see her; I will give you + a letter of introduction for her.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, but I am going to Italy. Can you tell me the name of the + gentleman who kept the bank?” + </p> + <p> + “That is the famous Parcalier, Marquis de Prie since the death of his + father, whom you may have known as ambassador at Venice. The gentleman who + asked you if you knew the Abbe Gilbert is the Chevalier Zeroli, husband of + the lady you are to sup with. The rest are counts, marquises, and barons + of the usual kind, some from Piedmont and some from Savoy. Two or three + are merchants’ sons, and the ladies are all their friends or relations. + They are all professional gamblers and sharp-witted. When a stranger comes + here they know how to get over him, and if he plays it is all up with him, + for they go together like pickpockets at a fair. They think they have got + you, so take care of yourself.” + </p> + <p> + In the evening we returned to the inn, and found all the company playing, + and my companion proceeded to play with a Count de Scarnafisch. + </p> + <p> + The Chevalier Zeroli offered to play faro with me for forty sequins, and I + had just lost that sum when supper was served. My loss had not affected my + spirits, and the lady finding me at once hungry and gay paid the bet with + a good grace. At supper I surprised her in certain side-glances, which + warned me that she was going to try to dupe me; I felt myself safe as far + as love was concerned, but I had reason to dread fortune, always the + friend of those who keep a bank at faro, especially as I had already lost. + I should have done well to go, but I had not the strength; all I could do + was to promise myself that I would be extremely prudent. Having large sums + in paper money and plenty of gold, it was not difficult for me to be + careful. + </p> + <p> + Just after supper the Marquis de Prie made a bank of about three hundred + sequins. His staking this paltry sum shewed me that I had much to lose and + little to win, as it was evident that he would have made a bank of a + thousand sequins if he had had them. I put down fifty Portuguese crowns, + and said that as soon as I had lost them I should go to bed. In the middle + of the third deal I broke the bank. + </p> + <p> + “I am good for another two hundred louis,” said the marquis. + </p> + <p> + “I should be glad to continue playing,” I replied, “if I had not to go at + day-break”; and I thereupon left the room. + </p> + <p> + Just as I was going to bed, Desarmoises came and asked me to lend him + twelve louis. I had expected some such request, and I counted them out to + him. He embraced me gratefully, and told me that Madame Zeroli had sworn + to make me stay on at least for another day. I smiled and called Le Duc, + and asked him if my coachman knew that I was starting early; he replied + that he would be at the door by five o’clock. + </p> + <p> + “Very good,” said Desarmoises, “but I will wager that you will not go for + all that.” + </p> + <p> + He went out and I went to bed, laughing at his prophecy. + </p> + <p> + At five o’clock next morning the coachman came to tell me that one of the + horses was ill and could not travel. I saw that Desarmoises had had an + inkling of some plot, but I only laughed. I sent the man roughly about his + business, and told Le Duc to get me post-horses at the inn. The inn-keeper + came and told me that there were no horses, and that it would take all the + morning to find some, as the Marquis de Prie, who was leaving at one + o’clock in the morning, had emptied his stables. I answered that in that + case I would dine at Aix, but that I counted on his getting me horses by + two o’clock in the afternoon. + </p> + <p> + I left the room and went to the stable, where I found the coachman weeping + over one of his horses stretched out on the straw. I thought it was really + an accident, and consoled the poor devil, paying him as if he had done his + work, and telling him I should not want him any more. I then went towards + the fountain, but the reader will be astonished by a meeting of the most + romantic character, but which is yet the strict truth. + </p> + <p> + At a few paces from the fountain I saw two nuns coming from it. They were + veiled, but I concluded from their appearance that one was young and the + other old. There was nothing astonishing in such a sight, but their habit + attracted my attention, for it was the same as that worn by my dear M—— + M——, whom I had seen for the last time on July 24th, 1755, + five years before. The look of them was enough, not to make me believe + that the young nun was M—— M——, but to excite my + curiosity. They were walking towards the country, so I turned to cut them + off that I might see them face to face and be seen of them. What was my + emotion when I saw the young nun, who, walking in front, and lifting her + veil, disclosed the veritable face of M—— M——. I + could not doubt that it was she, and I began to walk beside her; but she + lowered her veil, and turned to avoid me. + </p> + <p> + The reasons she might have for such a course passed in a moment through my + mind, and I followed her at a distance, and when she had gone about five + hundred paces I saw her enter a lonely house of poor appearance that was + enough for me. I returned to the fountain to see what I could learn about + the nun. + </p> + <p> + On my way there I lost myself in a maze of conjectures. + </p> + <p> + “The too charming and hapless M—— M——,” said I to + myself, “must have left her convent, desperate—nay, mad; for why + does she still wear the habit of her order? Perhaps, though, she has got a + dispensation to come here for the waters; that must be the reason why she + has a nun with her, and why she has not left off her habit. At all events + the journey must have been undertaken under false pretences. Has she + abandoned herself to some fatal passion, of which the result has been + pregnancy? She is doubtless perplexed, and must have been pleased to see + me. I will not deceive her expectations; I will do all in my power to + convince her that I am worthy of her.” + </p> + <p> + Lost in thought I did not notice I had arrived at the fountain, round + which stood the whole host of gamesters. They all crowded round me, and + said how charmed they were to see me still there. I asked the Chevalier + Zeroli after his wife, and he told me she was still abed, and that it + would be a good thing if I would go and make her get up. I was just going + when the doctor of the place accosted me, saying, that the waters of the + Aix would increase my good health. Full of the one idea, I asked him + directly if he were the doctor in attendance on a pretty nun I had seen. + </p> + <p> + “She takes the waters,” he replied, “but she does not speak to anyone.” + </p> + <p> + “Where does she come from?” + </p> + <p> + “Nobody knows; she lives in a peasant’s house.” + </p> + <p> + I left the doctor, and instead of going towards the inn, where the hussy + Zeroli was doubtless waiting for me, I made my way towards the peasant’s + house, which already seemed to me the temple of the most blissful deities, + determined to obtain the information I required as prudently as might be. + But as if love had favoured my vows, when I was within a hundred paces of + the cottage I saw the peasant woman coming out to meet me. + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” said she, accosting me, “the young nun begs you to return this + evening at nine o’clock; the lay-sister will be asleep then, and she will + be able to speak freely to you.” + </p> + <p> + There could be no more doubt. My heart leapt with joy. I gave the + country-woman a louis, and promised to be at the house at nine exactly. + </p> + <p> + With the certainty of seeing my dear M—— M—— again + I returned to the inn, and on ascertaining which was Madame Zeroli’s room + I entered without ceremony, and told her that her husband had sent me to + make her get up. + </p> + <p> + “I thought you were gone?” + </p> + <p> + “I am going at two.” + </p> + <p> + I found her still more enticing in bed than at table. I helped her to put + on her stays, and the sight of her charms inflamed my ardour, but I + experienced more resistance than I had anticipated. I sat down at the foot + of the bed, and told her how fervently I loved her, and how unhappy I was + at not being able to give her marks of my love before I left. + </p> + <p> + “But,” said she, laughing, “you have only got to stay.” + </p> + <p> + “Give me some hope, and I will stay till to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “You are in too much of a hurry, take things more quietly.” + </p> + <p> + I contented myself with the few favours she granted me, pretending as + usual only to yield to violence, when I was obliged to restrain myself on + the appearance of her husband, who took the precaution of making a noise + before he came in. As soon as she saw him, she said, without the slightest + perturbation, “I have persuaded the gentleman to stay tell the day after + to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “I am all the more pleased to hear it, my dear,” said the chevalier, “as I + owe him his revenge.” + </p> + <p> + With these words he took up a pack of cards, which came as readily to his + hands as if they had been placed there on purpose, and seating himself + beside his wife, whom he made into the table, he began to deal. + </p> + <p> + I could not draw back, and as my thoughts were distracted I kept on losing + till they came to tell me dinner was ready. + </p> + <p> + “I have no time to dress,” said the lady, “so I will have my dinner in + bed, if you gentlemen will keep me company.” + </p> + <p> + How could I refuse? The husband went out to order the dinner, and feeling + myself authorized by the loss of twenty Louis, I told the hussy that if + she would not give me a plain promise to make me happy that afternoon I + should go away when I had had my dinner. + </p> + <p> + “Breakfast with me to-morrow morning. We shall be alone.” + </p> + <p> + After receiving from her certain earnests of her promise, I promised to + stay on. + </p> + <p> + We dined by her bedside, and I told Le Duc that I should not be going till + the afternoon of the next day, which made the husband and wife radiant. + When we had done, the lady said she would like to get up; and I went out, + promising to return and play piquet with her. I proceeded to reline my + purse, and I met Desarmoises, who said, + </p> + <p> + “I have found out the secret; they gave her coachman two Louis to + substitute a sick horse for his own.” + </p> + <p> + “It’s a matter of give and take,” said I; “I am in love with the + chevalier’s wife, and I am putting off my departure till I have got all I + want out of her.” + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid you will have to pay pretty dearly for your pleasure. + However, I will do what I can for your interests.” + </p> + <p> + I thanked him smilingly, and returned to the lady, whom I left at eight + o’clock under pretext of a violent headache, after having lost ten louis + to her. I reminded her of her promise for next morning at nine o’clock, + and I left her in the midst of the company. + </p> + <p> + It was a fine moonlight night as I walked towards the peasant’s house, + where I was to see my dear M—— M—— once more. I + was impatient to see what the visit, on which the rest of my life might + depend, would bring forth. + </p> + <p> + I had taken the precaution to provide myself with a pair of pistols, and + my sword hung at my side, for I was not wholly devoid of suspicion in this + place, where there were so many adventurers; but at twenty paces from the + cottage I saw the woman coming towards me. She told me that the nun could + not come down, so I must be content to enter through the window, by means + of a ladder which she had placed there for the purpose. I drew near, and + not seeing any light I should not have easily decided on going up, if I + had not heard the voice I thought I knew so well, saying, “Fear nothing; + come.” Besides, the window was not very high up, and there could not be + much danger of a trap. I ascended, and thought for certain that I held my + dear M—— M—— in my arms, as I covered her face + with my ardent kisses. + </p> + <p> + “Why,” said I, in Venetian, “have you not a light? I hope you are going to + inform me of an event which seems wonderful to me; quick, dearest, satisfy + my impatience.” + </p> + <p> + The reader will guess my surprise when he learns that on hearing her voice + close to me I found that she was not M—— M——. She + told me that she did not understand Venetian, and that I did not require a + light to tell her what M. de Coudert had decided on doing to save her from + her peril. + </p> + <p> + “You surprise me; I do not know M. de Coudert. What! Are you not a + Venetian? Are you not the nun I saw this morning?” + </p> + <p> + “Hapless one! I have made a mistake. I am the nun you saw this morning, + but I am French. In the name of God keep my counsel and begone, for I have + nothing to say to you! Whisper, for if the lay-sister woke up I should be + undone.” + </p> + <p> + “Do not be afraid of my discretion. What deceived me was your exact + likeness to a nun of your order who will be always dear to me: and if you + had not allowed me to see your features I should not have followed you. + Forgive the tenderness I shewed towards you, though you must think me very + audacious.” + </p> + <p> + “You astonished me very much, but you did not offend me. I wish I were the + nun in whom you are interested. I am on the brink of a fearful precipice.” + </p> + <p> + “If ten louis are any good to you, it will be an honour for me to give you + them.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, I have no need of money. Allow me to give you back the louis + you sent me this morning.” + </p> + <p> + “The louis was for the country-woman. You increase my surprise; pray tell + me what is the misfortune under which you labour, for which money can do + nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps God has sent you to my aid. Maybe you will give me good advice. + Listen to what I am about to tell you.” + </p> + <p> + “I am at your service, and I will listen with the greatest attention. Let + us sit down.” + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid there is neither seat nor bed.” + </p> + <p> + “Say on, then; we will remain standing.” + </p> + <p> + “I come from Grenoble. I was made to take the veil at Chamberi. Two years + after my profession, M. de Coudert found means to see me. I received him + in the convent garden, the walls of which he scaled, and at last I was so + unfortunate as to become pregnant. The idea of giving birth to a child at + the convent was too dreadful—I should have languished till I died in + a terrible dungeon—and M. de Coudert thought of a plan for taking me + out of the convent. A doctor whom he gained over with a large sum of money + declared that I should die unless I came here to take the waters, which he + declared were the only cure for my illness. A princess whom M. de Coudert + knew was partly admitted to the secret, and she obtained the leave of + absence for three months from the Bishop of Chamberi, and the abbess + consented to my going. + </p> + <p> + “I thus hoped to be delivered before the expiration of the three months; + but I have assuredly made a mistake, for the time draws to an end and I + feel no signs of a speedy delivery. I am obliged to return to the convent, + and yet I cannot do so. The lay-sister who is with me is a perfect shrew. + She has orders not to let me speak to anybody, and never to let my face be + seen. She it was who made me turn when she saw you following us. I lifted + my veil for you to see that I was she of whom I thought you were in + search, and happily the lay-sister did not notice me. She wants me to + return with her to the convent in three days, as she thinks I have an + incurable dropsy. She does not allow me to speak to the doctor, whom I + might, perhaps, have gained over by telling him the truth. I am only + twenty-one, and yet I long for death.” + </p> + <p> + “Do not weep so, dear sister, and tell me how you expect to be delivered + here without the lay-sister being aware of it?” + </p> + <p> + “The worthy woman with whom I am staying is an angel of goodness. I have + confided in her, and she promised me that when I felt the pangs coming on + she would give that malicious woman a soporific, and thus we should be + freed from all fears of her. By virtue of the drug she now sleeps soundly + in the room under this garret.” + </p> + <p> + “Why was I not let in by the door?” + </p> + <p> + “To prevent the woman’s brother seeing you; he is a rude boor.” + </p> + <p> + “What made you think that I had anything to do with M. de Coudert?” + </p> + <p> + “Ten or twelve days ago, I wrote to him and told him of my dreadful + position. I painted my situation with such lively colours that I thought + he must do all in his power to help me. As the wretched cling to every + straw, I thought, when I saw you following me, that you were the deliverer + he had sent.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you sure he got your letter?” + </p> + <p> + “The woman posted it at Anneci.” + </p> + <p> + “You should write to the princess.” + </p> + <p> + “I dare not.” + </p> + <p> + “I will see her myself, and I will see M. de Coudert. In fine, I will move + heaven and earth, I will even go to the bishop, to obtain an extension of + your leave; for it is out of the question for you to return to the convent + in your present situation. You must decide, for I can do nothing without + your consent. Will you trust in me? If so, I will bring you a man’s + clothes to-morrow and take you to Italy with me, and while I live I swear + I will care for you.” + </p> + <p> + For reply, I only heard long-drawn sobs, which distressed me beyond words, + for I felt acutely the situation of this poor creature whom Heaven had + made to be a mother, and whom the cruelty of her parents had condemned to + be a useless nun. + </p> + <p> + Not knowing what else to say, I took her hand and promised to return the + next day and hear her decision, for it was absolutely necessary that she + should decide on some plan. I went away by the ladder, and gave a second + louis to the worthy woman, telling her that I should be with her on the + morrow at the same hour, but that I should like to be able to enter by the + door. I begged her to give the lay-sister a stronger dose of opium, so + that there should be no fear of her awaking while I talked with the young + nun. + </p> + <p> + I went to bed glad at heart that I had been wrong in thinking that the nun + was M—— M——. Nevertheless the great likeness + between them made me wish to see her nearer at hand, and I was sure that + she would not refuse me the privilege of looking at her the next day. I + smiled at the thought of the ardent kisses I had given her, but I felt + that I could not leave her to her fate. I was glad to find that I did not + need any sensual motive to urge me to a good deed, for as soon as I found + that it was not M—— M—— who had received those + tender kisses I felt ashamed of having given them. I had not even given + her a friendly kiss when I left her. + </p> + <p> + In the morning Desarmoises came and told me that all the company, not + seeing me at supper, had been puzzling itself to find out what had become + of me. Madame Zeroli had spoken enthusiastically about me, and had taken + the jests of the two other ladies in good part, boasting that she could + keep me at Aix as long as she remained there herself. The fact was that I + was not amorous but curious where she was concerned, and I should have + been sorry to have left the place without obtaining complete possession of + her, for once at all events. + </p> + <p> + I kept my appointment, and entered her room at nine o’clock exactly. I + found her dressed, and on my reproaching her she said that it should be of + no consequence to me whether she were dressed or undressed. I was angry, + and I took my chocolate without so much as speaking to her. When I had + finished she offered me my revenge at piquet, but I thanked her and begged + to be excused, telling her that in the humour in which she had put me I + should prove the better player, and that I did not care to win ladies’ + money. So saying I rose to leave the room. + </p> + <p> + “At least be kind enough to take me to the fountain.” + </p> + <p> + “I think not. If you take me for a freshman, you make a mistake, and I + don’t care to give the impression that I am pleased when I am displeased. + You can get whomsoever you please to take you to the fountain, but as for + me I must beg to be excused. Farewell, madam.” + </p> + <p> + With these words I went out, paying no attention to her efforts to recall + me. + </p> + <p> + I found the inn-keeper, and told him that I must leave at three o’clock + without a fail. The lady, who was at her window, could hear me. I went + straight to the fountain where the chevalier asked me what had become of + his wife, and I answered that I had left her in her room in perfect + health. In half an hour we saw her coming with a stranger, who was + welcomed by a certain M. de St. Maurice. Madame Zeroli left him, and + tacked herself on to me, as if there had been nothing the matter. I could + not repulse her without the most troublesome consequences, but I was very + cold. After complaining of my conduct she said that she had only been + trying me, that if I really loved her I should put off my departure, and + that I should breakfast with her at eight o’clock the next day. I answered + coolly that I would think it over. I was serious all dinner-time, and said + once or twice that I must go at three o’clock, but as I wanted to find + some pretext for staying on account of the nun, I let myself be persuaded + into making a bank at faro. + </p> + <p> + I staked all the gold I had, and I saw every face light up as I put down + about four hundred louis in gold, and about six hundred francs in silver. + “Gentlemen,” said I, “I shall rise at eight o’clock precisely.” The + stranger said, with a smile, that possibly the bank might not live so + long, but I pretended not to understand him. It was just three o’clock. I + begged Desarmoises to be my croupier, and I began to deal with due + deliberation to eighteen or twenty punters, all professional gamblers. I + took a new pack at every deal. + </p> + <p> + By five o’clock I had lost money. We heard carriage wheels, and they said + it was three Englishmen from Geneva, who were changing horses to go on to + Chamberi. A moment after they came in, and I bowed. It was Mr. Fox and his + two friends, who had played quinze with me. My croupier gave them cards, + which they received gladly, and went ten louis, playing on two and three + cards, going paroli, seven and the ‘va’, as well as the ‘quinze’, so that + my bank was in danger of breaking. However, I kept up my face, and even + encouraged them to play, for, God being neutral, the chances were in my + favour. So it happened, and at the third deal I had cleared the Englishmen + out, and their carriage was ready. + </p> + <p> + While I was shuffling a fresh pack of cards, the youngest of them drew out + of his pocket-book a paper which he spewed to his two companions. It was a + bill of exchange. “Will you stake the value of this bill on a card, + without knowing its value?” said he. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” I replied, “if you will tell me upon whom it is drawn, and provided + that it does not exceed the value of the bank.” + </p> + <p> + After a rapid glance at the pile of gold before me, he said, “The bill is + not for so large a sum as your bank, and it is payable at sight by + Zappata, of Turin.” + </p> + <p> + I agreed, he cut, and put his money on an ace, the two friends going half + shares. I drew and drew and drew, but no ace appeared. I had only a dozen + cards left. + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” said I, calmly to the punter, “you can draw back if you like.” + </p> + <p> + “No, go on.” + </p> + <p> + Four cards more, and still no ace; I had only eight cards left. + </p> + <p> + “My lord,” said I, “it’s two to one that I do not hold the ace, I repeat + you can draw back.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no, you are too generous, go on.” + </p> + <p> + I continued dealing, and won; I put the bill of exchange in my pocket + without looking at it. The Englishmen shook me by the hand and went off + laughing. I was enjoying the effect this bold stroke had made on the + company, when young Fox came in and with a roar of laughter begged me to + lend him fifty Louis. I counted them out with the greatest pleasure, and + he paid me them back in London three years later. + </p> + <p> + Everyone was curious to know the value of the bill of exchange, but I was + not polite enough to satisfy their curiosity. It was for eight thousand + Piedmontese francs, as I saw as soon as I was alone. The Englishmen had + brought me good luck, for when they had gone fortune declared for the + bank. I rose at eight o’clock, some ladies having won a few louis, all the + others were dried up. I had won more than a thousand louis, and I gave + twenty-five to Desarmoises, who jumped for joy. I locked up my money, put + my pistols in my pocket, and set out towards the meeting-place. + </p> + <p> + The worthy peasant woman brought me in by the door, telling me that + everybody was asleep, and that she had not found it necessary to renew the + lay-sister’s dose, as she was still asleep. + </p> + <p> + I was terrified. I went upstairs, and by the light of a single candle I + saw the wretched, veiled figure of the nun, extended upon a sack which the + peasant woman had placed along the wall instead of a sofa. The candle + which lighted this dreary place was fixed in a bottle. + </p> + <p> + “What have you decided on doing?” said I. + </p> + <p> + “I have decided on nothing, for an unforeseen incident has confounded us. + The lay-sister has been asleep for eighteen hours.” + </p> + <p> + “She will die of convulsions or of an apoplectic fit to-night if you do + not call a doctor, who may possibly restore her to life with a dose of + castor oil.” + </p> + <p> + “We have thought of that, but we did not dare to take that step for fear + of consequences; for whether he restores her or not, he will say that we + have poisoned her.” + </p> + <p> + “I pity you, upon my soul! Indeed, I believe that it is too late, and that + a doctor could do nothing. One must obey the laws of prudence and let her + die. The mischief is done, and I see no remedy.” + </p> + <p> + “At any rate, we ought to think of her soul and send for a priest.” + </p> + <p> + “A priest would do her no good, as she is in a perfect lethargy; her soul + is safe enough. Besides, an ignorant priest would find out too much, and + would tell the whole story either through malice or stupidity. It will be + time to call a priest when she has ceased to breathe. You must tell him + that she died very suddenly; you must weep a great deal, and give him a + fee, and he will think only of calming your grief, and nothing about the + sudden death.” + </p> + <p> + “Then we must let her die?” + </p> + <p> + “We must leave her to nature.” + </p> + <p> + “If she dies I will send a messenger to the abbess, who will dispatch + another lay-sister.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and that will give you another ten days. During that time you may be + delivered, and you will confess that every cloud has a silver lining. Do + not grieve so, but let us endeavour to submit to the will of God. Send for + the country-woman, for I must give her some hints as to her conduct in + this delicate matter, on which the honour and life of all three may + depend. For instance, if it were discovered that I had come here, I might + be taken for the poisoner.” + </p> + <p> + The woman came, and I shewed her how necessary it was for her to be + prudent and discreet. She understood me perfectly, perceived her own + dangerous position, and promised that she would not send for the priest + till she was certain of the sister’s death. I then made her accept ten + louis in case of need. + </p> + <p> + Seeing herself made rich by my liberality, she kissed my hands, knelt + down, and bursting into tears promised to follow my advice carefully. When + she had left us, the nun began to weep bitterly, accusing herself of the + murder of the lay-sister, and thinking that she saw hell opening beneath + her feet. I sought in vain to calm her; her grief increased, and at last + she fell in a dead faint on the sack. I was extremely distressed, and not + knowing what to do I called to the woman to bring some vinegar, as I had + no essences about me. All at once I remembered the famous hellebore, which + had served me so well with Madame and, taking the little box, I held it to + her nostrils. It took effect just as the woman brought the vinegar. “Rub + her temples,” said I. She took off her cap, and the blackness of her hair + was the only thing that convinced me it was not my fair Venetian. The + hellebore having brought her to her senses, she opened her large black + eyes, and from that moment I fell madly in love with her. The peasant + woman, seeing that she was herself again and out of danger, went away, and + taking her between my arms I covered her with fiery kisses, in spite of + her continuous sneezes. + </p> + <p> + “Please let me put on my veil again,” said she, “or else I shall be + excommunicated.” + </p> + <p> + I laughed at her fears, and continued to lavish my burning kisses on her + face. + </p> + <p> + “I see you do not believe me, but I assure you that the abbess threatened + me with excommunication if I let myself be seen by a man.” + </p> + <p> + “Fear these bolts no longer, dear, they cannot hurt you.” + </p> + <p> + But she sneezed more violently than ever, and fearing lest her efforts + might bring on her delivery I called the woman again, and left the nun in + her care, promising to return at the same hour on the next day. + </p> + <p> + It would not have been like me to leave this interesting creature in her + distress, but my devotion to her cause had no merit, since I was madly in + love with this new M—— M—— with black eyes; and + love always makes men selfish, since all the sacrifices they make for the + beloved object are always ultimately referable to their own desires. + </p> + <p> + I had determined, then, to do all in my power for her, and certainly not + to allow her to return to the convent in the state she was in. I concluded + that to save her would be an action pleasing to God, since God alone could + have made her so like my beloved, and God had willed that I should win a + good deal of money, and had made me find the Zeroli, who would serve as a + shield to my actions and baffle the curiosity of spies. The philosophers + and the mystics may perhaps laugh at me, but what do I care? I have always + delighted in referring all the actions of my life to God, and yet people + have charged me with Atheism! + </p> + <p> + Next morning I did not forget the Zeroli, and I went to her room at eight + and found her asleep. Her maid begged me to go in quietly for fear of + awakening her, and then left me and shut the door. I knew my part, for I + remembered how, twenty years before, a Venetian lady, whose sleep I had + foolishly respected, had laughed at me and sent me about my business. I + therefore knew what to do; and having gently uncovered her, I gave myself + up to those delicate preliminary delights which sweeten the final + pleasure. The Zeroli wisely continued to sleep; but at last, conquered by + passion, she seconded my caresses with greater ardour than my own, and she + was obliged to laugh at her stratagem. She told me that her husband had + gone to Geneva to buy a repeating watch, and that he would not return till + next day, and that she could spend the night with me. + </p> + <p> + “Why the night, dearest, while we have the day before us? The night is for + slumber, and in the day one enjoys double bliss, since the light allows + all the senses to be satisfied at once. If you do not expect anybody, I + will pass the whole morning with you.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good; nobody will interrupt us.” + </p> + <p> + I was soon in her arms, and for four hours we gave ourselves up to every + kind of pleasure, cheating each other the better to succeed, and laughing + with delight each time we convinced each other of our love. After the last + assault she asked me, in return for her kindness, to spend three more days + at Aix. + </p> + <p> + “I promise you,” I said, “to stay here as long as you continue giving me + such marks of your love as you have given me this morning.” + </p> + <p> + “Let us get up, then, and go to dinner.” + </p> + <p> + “In company, dearest? Look at your eyes.” + </p> + <p> + “All the better. People will guess what has happened, and the two + countesses will burst with envy. I want everybody to know that it is for + me alone that you are remaining at Aix.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not worth the trouble, my angel, but so be it; I will gladly oblige + you, even though I lose all my money in the next three days.” + </p> + <p> + “I should be in despair if you lost; but if you abstain from punting you + will not lose, though you may let yourself be robbed.” + </p> + <p> + “You may be sure that I know what I am about, and that I shall only allow + ladies to rob me. You have had some money out of me yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but not nearly so much as the countesses, and I am sorry you allowed + them to impose on you, as they no doubt put it down to your being in love + with them.” + </p> + <p> + “They are quite wrong, poor dears, for neither would have kept me here a + day.” + </p> + <p> + “I am delighted to hear it. But let me tell you what the Marquis of St. + Maurice was saying about you yesterday.” + </p> + <p> + “Say on. I hope he did not allow himself any offensive remarks.” + </p> + <p> + “No; he only said that you should never have offered the Englishman to be + off at eight cards, as you had as much chance as he, and if he had won he + might have thought that you knew the card was there.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good, but tell the marquis that a gentleman is incapable of such a + thought, and besides I knew the character of the young nobleman, and I was + almost sure he would not accept my offer.” + </p> + <p> + When we appeared in the dining-room we were received with applause. The + fair Zeroli had the air of regarding me as her property, and I affected an + extremely modest manner. No one dared to ask me to make a bank after + dinner; the purses were too empty, and they contented themselves with + trente-quarante, which lasted the whole day, and which cost me a score of + louis. + </p> + <p> + I stole away as usual towards evening, and after having ordered Le Duc not + to leave my room for a moment during my stay at Aix, I went towards the + cottage where the unfortunate nun was no doubt expecting me anxiously. + Soon, in spite of the darkness, I thought I made out somebody following + me. I stopped short, and some persons passed me. In two or three minutes I + went on again, and I saw the same people, whom I could not have caught up + if they had not slackened their pace. It might all be accidental, but I + wanted to be sure about it. I left the road without losing my reckoning, + feeling quite sure of finding my way when I ceased to be followed; but I + soon felt sure that my steps were dogged, as I saw the same shadowy + figures at a little distance off. I doubled my speed, hid behind a tree, + and as soon as I saw the spies fired a pistol in the air. I looked round + shortly after, saw no one, and went on my way. + </p> + <p> + I went upstairs and found the nun in bed, with two candles on the table. + </p> + <p> + “Are you ill?” + </p> + <p> + “I was ill for a time, but praised be God! I am now quite well, having + given birth to a fine boy at two o’clock this morning.” + </p> + <p> + “Where is the child?” + </p> + <p> + “Alas! I did but kiss him once, and my good hostess carried him away I + know not where. The Holy Virgin heard my prayers, for my pains, though + sharp, were soon over, and a quarter of an hour after my delivery I was + still sneezing. Tell me whether you are a man or an angel, for I fear lest + I sin in adoring you.” + </p> + <p> + “This is good news indeed. And how about the lay-sister?” + </p> + <p> + “She still breathes, but we have no hope that she will recover. Her face + is terribly distorted. We have sinned exceedingly, and God will punish me + for it.” + </p> + <p> + “No, dearest, God will forgive you, for the Most Holy judges by the heart, + and in your heart you had no evil thoughts. Adore Divine Providence, which + doeth all things well.” + </p> + <p> + “You console me. The country-woman assures me that you are an angel, for + the powder you gave me delivered me. I shall never forget you, though I do + not know your name.” + </p> + <p> + The woman then came, and I thanked her for the care she had taken of the + invalid. I again warned her to be prudent, and above all to treat the + priest well when the lay-sister breathed her last, and thus he would not + take notice of anything that might involve her in disaster. + </p> + <p> + “All will be well,” said she, “for no one knows if the lay-sister is well + or ill, or why the lady does not leave her bed.” + </p> + <p> + “What have you done with the child?” + </p> + <p> + “I took him with my own hands to Anneci, where I bought everything + necessary for the well-being of this lady and for the death of the other + one.” + </p> + <p> + “Doesn’t your brother know anything about it?” + </p> + <p> + “Lord preserve us—no! He went away yesterday, and will not be back + for a week. We have nothing to fear.” + </p> + <p> + I gave her another ten louis, begging her to buy some furniture, and to + get me something to eat by the time I came next day. She said she had + still plenty of money left, and I thought she would go mad when I told her + that whatever was over was her own. I thought the invalid stood in need of + rest, and I left her, promising to return at the same hour on the + following day. + </p> + <p> + I longed to get this troublesome matter safely over, and I knew that I + could not regard myself as out of the wood till the poor lay-sister was + under the sod. I was in some fear on this account, for if the priest was + not an absolute idiot he must see that the woman had been poisoned. + </p> + <p> + Next morning I went to see the fair Zeroli, and I found her and her + husband examining the watch he had bought her. He came up to me, took my + hand, and said he was happy that his wife had the power to keep me at Aix. + I replied that it was an easy task for her, and a “bravo” was all he + answered. + </p> + <p> + The chevalier was one of those men who prefer to pass for good-natured + than foolish husbands. His wife took my arm, and we left him in his room + while we proceeded to the fountain. On the way she said she would be alone + the next day, and that she would no longer indulge her curiosity in my + nocturnal excursions. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! it is you who have had me followed, is it?” + </p> + <p> + “No, it is I who followed you, but to no effect. However, I did not think + you were so wicked. You frightened me dreadfully! Do you know, sir, you + might have killed me if your shot had not luckily missed.” + </p> + <p> + “I missed on purpose, dearest; for though I did not suspect that it was + you, I fired in the air, feeling certain that that would be enough to + scare off the spies.” + </p> + <p> + “You won’t be troubled with them any more.” + </p> + <p> + “If they like to follow me, perhaps I shall let them, for my walk is quite + innocent. I am always back by ten.” + </p> + <p> + While we were at table we saw a travelling carriage and six horses drawn + up. It was the Marquis de Prie, with a Chevalier de St. Louis and two + charming ladies, of whom one, as the Zeroli hastened to inform me, was the + Marquis’s mistress. Four places were laid, and while the newcomers were + waiting to be served, they were told the story of my bet with the + Englishman. + </p> + <p> + The marquis congratulated me, telling me that he had not hoped to find me + at Aix on his return; and here Madame Zeroli put in her word, and said + that if it had not been for her he would not have seen me again. I was + getting used to her foolish talk, and I could only agree with a good + grace, which seemed to delight her intensely although her husband was + present, but he seemed to share her triumph. + </p> + <p> + The marquis said that he would make a little bank for me, and feeling + obliged to accept I soon lost a hundred louis. I went to my room to write + some letters, and at twilight I set out to see my nun. + </p> + <p> + “What news have you?” + </p> + <p> + “The lay-sister is dead, and she is to be buried tomorrow. To-morrow is + the day we were to have returned to the convent. This is the letter I am + sending to the abbess. She will dispatch another laysister, unless she + orders the country-woman to bring me back to the convent.” + </p> + <p> + “What did the priest say?” + </p> + <p> + “He said the lay-sister died of a cerebral lethargy, which super-induced + an attack of apoplexy.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good, very good.” + </p> + <p> + “I want him to say fifteen masses for her, if you will let me?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, my dear, they will serve as the priest’s reward, or rather as + the reward of his happy ignorance.” + </p> + <p> + I called the peasant woman, and gave her the order to have the masses + said, and bade her tell the priest that the masses were to be said for the + intention of the person who paid for them. She told me that the aspect of + the dead sister was dreadful, and that she had to be guarded by two women + who sprinkled her with holy water, lest witches, under the form of cats, + should come and tear her limb from limb. Far from laughing at her, I told + her she was quite right, and asked where she had got the laudanum. + </p> + <p> + “I got it from a worthy midwife, and old friend of mine. We got it to send + the poor lay-sister to sleep when the pains of child-birth should come + on.” + </p> + <p> + “When you put the child at the hospital door, were you recognized?” + </p> + <p> + “Nobody saw me as I put it into the box, and I wrote a note to say the + child had not been baptized.” + </p> + <p> + “Who wrote the note?” + </p> + <p> + “I did.” + </p> + <p> + “You will, of course, see that the funeral is properly carried out?” + </p> + <p> + “It will only cost six francs, and the parson will take that from two + louis which were found on the deceased; the rest will do for masses to + atone for her having had the money.” + </p> + <p> + “What! ought she not to have had the two louis?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said the nun, “we are forbidden to have any money without the + knowledge of the abbess, under pain of excommunication.” + </p> + <p> + “What did they give you to come here?” + </p> + <p> + “Ten Savoy sols a day. But now I live like a princess, as you shall see at + supper, for though this worthy woman knows the money you gave her is for + herself she lavishes it on me.” + </p> + <p> + “She knows, dear sister, that such is my intention, and here is some more + to go on with.” + </p> + <p> + So saying I took another ten louis from my purse, and bade the + country-woman spare nothing for the invalid’s comfort. I enjoyed the + worthy woman’s happiness; she kissed my hands, and told me that I had made + her fortune, and that she could buy some cows now. + </p> + <p> + As soon as I was alone with the charming nun, whose face recalled to my + memory the happy hours I had passed with M—— M——, + my imagination began to kindle, and drawing close to her I began to talk + of her seducer, telling her I was surprised that he had not helped her in + the cruel position in which he had placed her. She replied that she was + debarred from accepting any money by her vow of poverty and obedience, and + that she had given up to the abbess what remained of the alms the bishop + had procured her. + </p> + <p> + “As to my state when I was so fortunate as to meet you, I think he cannot + have received my letter.” + </p> + <p> + “Possibly, but is he a rich or handsome man?” + </p> + <p> + “He is rich but certainly not handsome. On the contrary, he is extremely + ugly, deformed, and over fifty.” + </p> + <p> + “How did you become amorous of a fellow like that?” + </p> + <p> + “I never loved him, but he contrived to gain my pity. I thought he would + kill himself, and I promised to be in the garden on the night he + appointed, but I only went there with the intention of bidding him begone, + and he did so, but after he had carried his evil designs into effect.” + </p> + <p> + “Did he use violence towards you, then?” + </p> + <p> + “No, for that would have been no use. He wept, threw himself on his knees, + and begged so hard, that I let him do what he liked on the condition that + he would not kill himself, and that he would come no more to the garden.” + </p> + <p> + “Had you no fear of consequences?” + </p> + <p> + “I did not understand anything about it; I always thought that one could + not conceive under three times at least.” + </p> + <p> + “Unhappy ignorance! how many woes are caused by it! Then he did not ask + you to give him any more assignations?” + </p> + <p> + “He often asked me, but I would not grant his request because our + confessor made me promise to withstand him thenceforth, if I wished to be + absolved.” + </p> + <p> + “Did you tell him the name of the seducer?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not; the good confessor would not have allowed me to do so; it + would have been a great sin.” + </p> + <p> + “Did you tell your confessor the state you were in?” + </p> + <p> + “No, but he must have guessed it. He is a good old man, who doubtless + prayed to God for me, and my meeting you was, perhaps, the answer to his + prayers.” + </p> + <p> + I was deeply moved, and for a quarter of an hour I was silent, and + absorbed in my thoughts. I saw that this interesting girl’s misfortune + proceeded from her ignorance, her candour, her perfect innocence, and a + foolish feeling of pity, which made her grant this monster of lubricity a + thing of which she thought little because she had never been in love. She + was religious, but from mere habit and not from reflection, and her + religion was consequently very weak. She abhorred sin, because she was + obliged to purge herself of it by confession under pain of everlasting + damnation, and she did not want to be damned. She had plenty of natural + common sense, little wit, for the cultivation of which she had no + opportunities, and she was in a state of ignorance only pardonable in a + nun. On weighing these facts I foresaw that I should find it a difficult + task to gain those favours which she had granted to Coudert; her + repentance had been too bitter for her to expose herself to the same + danger over again. + </p> + <p> + The peasant woman returned, laid the table for two, and brought us our + supper. Everything was new—napkins, plates, glasses, spoons, knives, + etc., and everything was exquisitely clean. The wines were excellent, and + the dishes delightful in their simplicity. We had roast game, fish, cheese + with cream, and very good fruit. I spent an hour and a half at supper, and + drank two bottles of wine as I talked to the nun, who ate very little. + </p> + <p> + I was in the highest spirits, and the woman, delighted with my praise of + her provision, promised I should be served the same way every evening. + </p> + <p> + When I was alone with the nun, whose face filled me with such burning + recollections, I began to speak of her health, and especially of the + inconveniences attached to child-birth. She said she felt quite well, and + would be able to return to Chamberi on foot. “The only thing that troubles + me is my breasts, but the woman assures me that the milk will recede + to-morrow, and that they will then assume their usual shape.” + </p> + <p> + “Allow me to examine them, I know something about it.” + </p> + <p> + “Look!” + </p> + <p> + She uncovered her bosom, not thinking it would give me any pleasure, but + wishing to be polite, without supposing I had any concealed desires. I + passed my hands over two spheres whose perfect shape and whiteness would + have restored Lazarus to life. I took care not to offend her modesty, but + in the coolest manner possible asked her how she felt a little lower down, + and as I put the question I softly extended my hand. However, she kept it + back gently, telling me not to go any further as she still felt a little + uneasy. I begged her pardon, and said I hoped I should find everything + quite right by the next day. + </p> + <p> + “The beauty of your bosom,” I added, “makes me take a still greater + interest in you.” + </p> + <p> + So saying I let my mouth meet hers, and I felt a kiss escape as if + involuntarily from her lips. It ran like fire through my veins, my brain + began to whirl, and I saw that unless I took to a speedy flight I should + lose all her confidence. I therefore left her, calling her “dear daughter” + as I bade her farewell. + </p> + <p> + It poured with rain, and I got soaked through before I reached my lodging. + This was a bath well fitted to diminish the ardour of my passion, but it + made me very late in rising the next morning. + </p> + <p> + I took out the two portraits of M—— M——, one in a + nun’s dress, and the other nude, as Venus. I felt sure they would be of + service to me with the nun. + </p> + <p> + I did not find the fair Zeroli in her room, so I went to the fountain, + where she reproached me with a tenderness I assessed at its proper value, + and our quarrel was made up in the course of our walk. When dinner was + over the Marquis the Prie made a bank, but as he only put down a hundred + louis I guessed that he wanted to win a lot and lose a little. I put down + also a hundred louis, and he said that it would be better sport if I did + not stake my money on one card only. I replied that I would stake a louis + on each of the thirteen. + </p> + <p> + “You will lose.” + </p> + <p> + “We will see. Here is my hand on the table, and I stake a louis on each of + the thirteen cards.” + </p> + <p> + According to the laws of probability, I should certainly have lost, but + fate decided otherwise and I won eighty louis. At eight o’clock I bowed to + the company, and I went as usual to the place where my new love dwelt. I + found the invalid ravishing. She said she had had a little fever, which + the country-woman pronounced to be milk fever, and that she would be quite + well and ready to get up by the next day. As I stretched out my hand to + lift the coverlet; she seized it and covered it with kisses, telling me + that she felt as if she must give me that mark of her filial affection. + She was twenty-one, and I was thirty-five. A nice daughter for a man like + me! My feelings for her were not at all of a fatherly character. + Nevertheless, I told her that her confidence in me, as shewn by her seeing + me in bed, increased my affection for her, and that I should be grieved if + I found her dressed in her nun’s clothes next day. + </p> + <p> + “Then I will stop in bed,” said she; “and indeed I shall be very glad to + do so, as I experience great discomfort from the heat of my woollen habit; + but I think I should please you more if I were decently dressed; however, + as you like it better, I will stop in bed.” + </p> + <p> + The country-woman came in at that moment, and gave her the abbess’ letter + which her nephew had just brought from Chamberi. She read it and gave it + to me. The abbess told her that she would send two lay-sisters to bring + her back to the convent, and that as she had recovered her health she + could come on-foot, and thus save money which could be spent in better + ways. She added that as the bishop was away, and she was unable to send + the lay-sisters without his permission, they could not start for a week or + ten days. She ordered her, under pain of the major excommunication, never + to leave her room, never to speak to any man, not even to the master of + the house, and to have nothing to do with anybody except with the woman. + She ended by saying that she was going to have a mass said for the repose + of the departed sister’s soul. + </p> + <p> + “I am obliged to you for having shewn me this letter, but be pleased to + tell me if I may visit you for the next week or ten days, without doing + hurt to your conscience; for I must tell you I am a man. I have only + stopped in this place because of the lively interest with which you have + inspired me, but if you have the least objection to receive me on account + of the singular excommunication with which you are threatened, I will + leave Aix tomorrow. Speak.” + </p> + <p> + “Sir, our abbess is lavish of these thunders, and I have already incurred + the excommunication with which she threatens me; but I hope it will not be + ratified by God, as my fault has made me happy and not miserable. I will + be sincere with you; your visits are my only joy, and that joy is doubled + when you tell me you like to come. But if you can answer my question + without a breach of confidence, I should like to know for whom you took me + the first time you saw me; you cannot imagine how you astonished and + frightened me. I have never felt such kisses as those you lavished on me, + but they cannot increase my sin as I was not a consenting party, and you + told me yourself that you thought you were kissing another.” + </p> + <p> + “I will satisfy your curiosity. I think I can do so as you are aware by + this time that the flesh is weak, or rather stronger than the spirit, and + that it compels the strongest intellects to commit faults against right + reason. You shall hear the history of an amour that lasted for two years + with the fairest and the best of all the nuns of Venice.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell me all, sir. I have fallen myself, and I should be cruel and unjust + if I were to take offence at anything you may tell me, for you cannot have + done anything with her that Coudert did not do to me.” + </p> + <p> + “I did much more and much less, for I never gave her a child. If I had + been so unfortunate I should have carried her off to Rome, where we should + have fallen at the feet of the Holy Father, who would have absolved her + from her vows, and my dear M—— M—— would now be my + wife.” + </p> + <p> + “Good heavens M—— M—— is my name.” + </p> + <p> + This circumstance, which was really a mere coincidence, rendered our + meeting still more wonderful, and astonished me as much as it did her. + Chance is a curious and fickle element, but it often has the greatest + influence on our lives. + </p> + <p> + After a brief silence I told her all that had taken place between the fair + Venetian and myself. I painted our amorous combats in a lively and natural + manner, for, besides my recollections, I had her living picture before my + eyes, and I could follow on her features the various emotions aroused by + my recital. When I had finished she said, + </p> + <p> + “But is your M—— M—— really so like me, that you + mistook me for her?” + </p> + <p> + Drawing from my pocket-book the portrait in which M—— M—— + was dressed as a nun, I gave it to her, saying, + </p> + <p> + “Judge for yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “She really is; it might pass for my portrait. It is my dress and my face; + it is wonderful. To this likeness I owe all my good fortune. Thanks be to + God that you do not love me as you loved her, whom I am glad to call my + sister. There are indeed two M—— M——s. Mighty + Providence, all Thy least ways are wonderful, and we are at best poor, + weak, ignorant mortals.” + </p> + <p> + The worthy country-woman came up and have us a still better supper than on + the previous night. The invalid only ate soup, but she promised to do + better by the following evening. + </p> + <p> + I spent an hour with her after supper, and I convinced her by my reserve + that she had made a mistake in thinking that I only loved her as a + daughter. Of her own accord she shewed me that her breast had regained its + usual condition. I assured myself of the fact by my sense of touch, to + which she made no opposition, not thinking that I could be moved by such a + trifle. All the kisses which I lavished on her lips and eyes she put down + to the friendship for her. She said, smiling, that she thanked God she was + not fair like her sister, and I smiled myself at her simplicity. + </p> + <p> + But I could not keep up this sort of thing for long, and I had to be + extremely careful. As soon as I felt that passion was getting the upper + hand, I gave her a farewell kiss and went away. When I got home Le Duc + gave me a note from Madame Zeroli, who said she would expect me at the + fountain, as she was going to breakfast with the marquis’s mistress. + </p> + <p> + I slept well, but in my dreams I saw again and again the face of the new M—— + M——. Next day, as soon as I got to the fountain, Madame Zeroli + told me that all the company maintained that I ought to have lost in + playing on thirteen cards at once, as it was not true that one card won + four times in each deal; however, the marquis, though he agreed with the + rest, had said that he would not let me play like that again. + </p> + <p> + “I have only one objection to make to that—namely, that if I wanted + to play in the same way again he could only prevent me by fighting for + it.” + </p> + <p> + “His mistress swears she will make you play in the usual way.” + </p> + <p> + I smiled, and thanked her for her information. + </p> + <p> + When I got back to the inn I played a game of quinze with the marquis, and + lost fifty louis; afterwards I let myself be persuaded to hold a bank. I + put down five hundred louis, and defied fortune. Desarmoises was my + croupier, and I warned the company that every card must have the stake + placed on it, and that I should rise at half-past seven. I was seated + between two ladies. I put the five hundred louis on the board, and I got + change from the inn-keeper to the amount of a hundred crowns, to amuse the + ladies with. But something happened. All the cards before me were loose + packs, and I called for new ones. The inn-keeper said he had sent to + Chamberi for a hundred packs, and that the messenger would be back soon. + </p> + <p> + “In the meanwhile,” said he, “you can use the cards on the table, which + are as good as new.” + </p> + <p> + “I want them new, not as good as new. I have my prejudices, and they are + so strong as to be invincible. In the meanwhile I shall remain a + spectator, though I am sorry to keep the ladies waiting.” + </p> + <p> + Nobody dared say a word, and I rose, after replacing my money in my + cash-box. The Marquis de Prie took the bank, and played splendidly. I + stood beside Madame Zeroli, who made me her partner, and gave me five or + six Louis the next day. The messenger who was to be back soon did not + return till midnight, and I thanked my stars for the escape I had had, for + in such a place, full of professional gamesters, there are people whose + eyes are considerably sharper than a lynx’s. I put the money back in my + room, and proceeded on my usual way. + </p> + <p> + I found my fair nun in bed, and asked her, + </p> + <p> + “How do you feel to-day, madam?” + </p> + <p> + “Say daughter, that name is so sweet to me that I would you were my father + that I might clasp you in my arms without fearing anyone.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, my dear daughter, do not fear anything, but open your arms to me.” + </p> + <p> + “I will; we will embrace one another.” + </p> + <p> + “My little ones are prettier than they were yesterday let me suck them.” + </p> + <p> + “You silly papa, you are drinking your daughter’s milk.” + </p> + <p> + “It is so sweet, darling, and the little drop I tasted has made me feel so + happy. You cannot be angry at my enjoying this harmless privilege.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course I am not angry; you delighted me. But I shall have to call you + baby, not papa.” + </p> + <p> + “How glad I am to find you in better spirits to-night!” + </p> + <p> + “You have given me back my happiness, and I feel at peace once more. The + country-woman told me that in a few days I should be just the same as if I + had never seen Coudert.” + </p> + <p> + “That is not quite true; how about your stomach, for instance?” + </p> + <p> + “Be quiet; you can’t know anything about such things, and I am quite + astonished myself.” + </p> + <p> + “Let me see.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no; you mustn’t see, but you may feel.” + </p> + <p> + “All right.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! please don’t go there.” + </p> + <p> + “Why not? You can’t be made differently from your sister, who would be now + about thirty. I want to shew you her portrait naked.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you got it with you? I should so like to see it.” + </p> + <p> + I drew it out and gave it to her. She admired it, kissed it, and asked me + if the painter had followed nature in all respects. + </p> + <p> + “Certainly,” said I. “She knew that such a picture would give me + pleasure.” + </p> + <p> + “It is very fine. It is more like me than the other picture. But I suppose + the long hair is only put in to please you?” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all. Italian nuns are allowed to wear their hair as long as they + please, provided they do not shew it. + </p> + <p> + “We have the same privilege. Our hair is cut once, and then we may let it + grow as long as we like.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you have long hair?” + </p> + <p> + “As long as in the picture; but you would not like my hair as it is + black.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, black is my favourite colour. In the name of God, let me see it.” + </p> + <p> + “You ask me in God’s name to commit a sin; I shall incur another + excommunication, but I cannot refuse you anything. You shall see my hair + after supper, as I don’t want to scandalize the countrywoman.” + </p> + <p> + “You are right; I think you are the sweetest of your sex. I shall die of + grief when you leave this cottage to return to your sad prison.” + </p> + <p> + “I must indeed return and do penance for my sins.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope you have the wit to laugh at the abbess’s silly excommunications?” + </p> + <p> + “I begin not to dread them so much as I used to.” + </p> + <p> + “I am delighted to hear it, as I see you will make me perfectly happy + after supper.” + </p> + <p> + The country-woman came up, and I gave her another ten louis; but it + suddenly dawned upon me that she took me for a madman. To disabuse her of + this idea I told her that I was very rich, and that I wanted to make her + understand that I could not give her enough to testify my gratitude to her + for the care she had taken of the good nun. She wept, kissed my hand, and + served us a delicious supper. The nun ate well and drank indifferently, + but I was in too great a hurry to see the beautiful black hair of this + victim to her goodness of heart, and I could not follow her example. The + one appetite drove out the other. + </p> + <p> + As soon as we were relieved of the country-woman’s presence, she removed + her hood, and let a mass of ebon hair fall upon her alabaster shoulders, + making a truly ravishing contrast. She put the portrait before her, and + proceeded to arrange her hair like the first M—— M——. + </p> + <p> + “You are handsomer than your sister,” said I, “but I think she was more + affectionate than you.” + </p> + <p> + “She may have been more affectionate, but she had not a better heart.” + </p> + <p> + “She was much more amorous than you.” + </p> + <p> + “I daresay; I have never been in love.” + </p> + <p> + “That is strange; how about your nature and the impulse of the senses?” + </p> + <p> + “We arrange all that easily at the convent. We accuse ourselves to the + confessor, for we know it is a sin, but he treats it as a childish fault, + and absolves us without imposing any penances.” + </p> + <p> + “He knows human nature, and makes allowances for your sad position.” + </p> + <p> + “He is an old man, very learned, and of ascetic habits, but he is all + indulgence. It will be a sad day when we lose him.” + </p> + <p> + “But in your amorous combats with another nun, don’t you feel as if you + would like her to change into a man?” + </p> + <p> + “You make me laugh. To be sure, if my sweetheart became a man I should not + be sorry, but we do not desire such a miracle.” + </p> + <p> + “That is, perhaps, through a coldness of temperament. In that your sister + was better, for she liked me much more than C—— C——, + and you do not like me as well as the sweetheart you left behind you at + the convent.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not, for with you I should violate my own chastity and expose + myself to consequences I tremble to think of.” + </p> + <p> + “You do not love me, then?” + </p> + <p> + “What are you saying? I adore you, and I am very sorry you are not a + woman.” + </p> + <p> + “I love you too, but your desire makes me laugh; for I would rather not be + turned into a woman to please you, especially as I expect I should not + think you nearly as beautiful. Sit down, my dear, and let me see your fine + hair flowing over your beautiful body.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you want me to take off my chemise?” + </p> + <p> + “Of course; how handsome you look without it. Let me suck your pretty + breasts, as I am your baby.” + </p> + <p> + She granted me this privilege, and looking at me with a face full of + pleasure, she allowed me to press her naked body to my breast, not seeing, + or pretending not to see, the acuteness of my enjoyment. She then said, + </p> + <p> + “If such delights as these were allowed friendship, I should say it is + better than love; for I have never experienced so great pleasure as when + you put your lips to my bosom. Let me do the same to you.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish you could, but you will find nothing there.” + </p> + <p> + “Never mind; it will amuse us.” + </p> + <p> + After she had fulfilled her desire, we spent a quarter of an hour in + mutual embraces, and my excitement was more than I could bear. + </p> + <p> + “Tell me truly,” said I, “amidst our kisses, amidst these ecstacies which + we call child-like, do you not feel a desire for something more?” + </p> + <p> + “I confess that I do, but such desires are sinful; and as I am sure that + your passions are as high as mine, I think we had better stop our + agreeable employment; for, papa dear, our friendship is becoming burning + love, is it not?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, love, and love that cannot be overcome.” + </p> + <p> + “I know it.” + </p> + <p> + “If you know it, let us perform to love the sweetest of all sacrifices.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no; on the contrary, let us stop and be more prudent in the future, + lest we become the victims of love. If you love me, you should say so + too.” + </p> + <p> + With these words she slipped gently from my arms, put back her beautiful + hair under her cap, and when I had helped her on with her chemise, the + coarseness of which horrified me, I told her she might calm herself. I + told her how sorry I felt to see her delicate body frayed by so coarse a + stuff, and she told me it was of the usual material, and that all the nuns + wore chemises of the same kind. + </p> + <p> + My mind was in a state of consternation, for the constraint I had imposed + on myself seemed much greater than the utmost pleasure I could have + gained. I neither determined on persevering in nor on abandoning the + pursuit; all I wanted was to be sure that I should not encounter the least + resistance. A folded rose-leaf spoilt the repose of the famous + Smindyrides, who loved a soft bed. I preferred, therefore, to go away, + than to risk finding the rose-leaf which troubled the voluptuous Sybarite. + I left the cottage in love and unhappy, and as I did not go to bed till + two o’clock in the morning I slept till mid-day. + </p> + <p> + When I woke up Le Duc gave me a note which he should have given me the + night before. He had forgotten it, and I was not sorry. The note came from + Madame Zeroli, who said she would expect me at nine o’clock in the + morning, as she would be alone. She told me that she was going to give a + supper-party, that she was sure I would come, and that as she was leaving + Aix directly after, she counted on my coming too—at any rate, as far + as Chamberi. Although I still liked her, her pretensions made me laugh. It + was too late now to be with her at nine, I could not go to her + supper-party because of my fair nun, whom I would not have left just then + for the seraglio of the Grand Turk; and it was impossible for me to + accompany her to Chamberi, as when I came back I might no longer find the + only object which kept me at Aix. + </p> + <p> + However, as soon as I had finished dressing, I went to see her and found + her furious. I excused myself by saying that I had only had her letter for + an hour, but she went away without giving me time to tell her that I could + not sup with her or go to Chamberi with her. She scowled at me at table, + and when the meal was over the Marquis de Prie told me that they had some + new cards, and that everybody was longing to see me make a bank. I went + for my money, and I made a bank of five hundred louis. At seven o’clock I + had lost more than half that sum, but for all that I put the rest in my + pocket and rose from the table. + </p> + <p> + After a sad glance in the direction of Madame Zeroli I went to the + cottage, where I found my angel in a large new bed, with a small but + pretty bed beside it which was meant for me. I laughed at the incongruity + of these pieces of furniture with our surroundings, but by way of thanking + the thoughtful country-woman I drew fifty louis from my purse and gave + them to her, telling her it was for the remainder of the time the lady was + with her, and I told her to spend no more money in furniture. + </p> + <p> + This was done in true gamester fashion. I had lost nearly three hundred + louis, but I had risked more than five hundred, and I looked on the + difference as pure profit. If I had gained as much as I had lost I should + probably have contented myself with giving her ten louis, but I fancied I + was losing the fifty louis on a card. I have always liked spending money, + but I have never been careless with it except in gaming. + </p> + <p> + I was in an ecstasy to see the face of my M—— M—— + light up with delight and astonishment. + </p> + <p> + “You must be very rich,” said she. + </p> + <p> + “Don’t think it, dearest, but I love you passionately; and not being able + to give you anything by reason of your unfortunate vow of poverty, I + lavish what I possess on this worthy woman, to induce her to spare nothing + for your comfort while you are here. Perhaps, too—though it is not a + definite thought—I hope that it will make you love me more.” + </p> + <p> + “How can I love you more than I do? The only thing that makes me unhappy + is the idea of returning to the convent.” + </p> + <p> + “But you told me yesterday that it was exactly that idea which made you + happy.” + </p> + <p> + “I have changed my mind since yesterday. I passed a cruel night, for as + soon as I fell asleep I was in your arms, and I awoke again and again on + the point of consummating the greatest of crimes.” + </p> + <p> + “You did not go through such a struggle before committing the same crime + with a man you did not love.” + </p> + <p> + “It is exactly because I did not love him that my sin struck me as venial. + Do you understand what I mean?” + </p> + <p> + “It’s a piece of superstitious metaphysics, but I understand you + perfectly.” + </p> + <p> + “You have made me happy, and I feel very grateful to you, and I feel glad + and certain of conquering when I reflect that your situation is different + to mine.” + </p> + <p> + “I will not dispute it with you, although I am sorry for what you say.” + </p> + <p> + “Why?” + </p> + <p> + “Because you think yourself in duty bound to refuse caresses which would + not hurt you, and which would give me new life and happiness.” + </p> + <p> + “I have thought it over.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you weeping?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and what is more, these tears are dear to me.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not understand.” + </p> + <p> + “I have two favours to ask of you.” + </p> + <p> + “Say on, and be sure you will obtain what you ask.” + </p> + <a name="linkC2HCH0021" id="linkC2HCH0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXI + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + End of My Adventure with the Nun from Chamberi—My Flight + from Aix +</pre> + <p> + “Yesterday,” said the charming nun, “you left in my hands the two + portraits of my Venetian sister. I want you to give them to me.” + </p> + <p> + “They are yours.” + </p> + <p> + “I thank you. My second favour is, that you will be good enough to take my + portrait in exchange; you shall have it to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall be delighted. It will be the most precious of all my jewels, but + I wonder how you can ask me to take it as a favour, whereas you are doing + me a favour I should never have dared to demand. How shall I make myself + worthy of giving you my portrait?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, dearest! it would be a dear possession, but God preserve me from + having it at the convent!” + </p> + <p> + “I will get myself painted under the costume of St. Louis of Gonzaga, or + St. Anthony of Padua.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall be damned eternally.” + </p> + <p> + “We will say no more about it.” + </p> + <p> + She had on a dimity corset, trimmed with red ribbon, and a cambric + chemise. I was surprised, but politeness did not allow me to ask where + they came from, so I contented myself with staring at them. She guessed my + thoughts, and said, smilingly, that it was a present from the + countrywoman. + </p> + <p> + “Seeing her fortune made, the worthy woman tries every possible way to + convince her benefactor that she is grateful to him. Look at the bed; she + was certainly thinking of you, and look at these fine materials. I confess + I enjoy their softness extremely. I shall sleep better to-night if I am + not plagued by those seductive dreams which tormented me last night.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you think that the bed and the fine linen will deliver you from the + dreams you fear?” + </p> + <p> + “No doubt they will have a contrary effect, for softness irritates the + passions. I shall leave everything with the good woman. I do not know what + they would say if I took them with me to the convent.” + </p> + <p> + “You are not so comfortable there?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no! A straw bed, a couple of blankets, and sometimes, as a great + favour, a thin mattress and two coarse sheets. But you seem sad; you were + so happy yesterday.” + </p> + <p> + “How can I be happy when I can no longer toy with you without making you + unhappy.” + </p> + <p> + “You should have said without giving me the greatest delight.” + </p> + <p> + “Then will you consent to receive pleasure in return for that which you + give me?” + </p> + <p> + “But yours is innocent and mine is not.” + </p> + <p> + “What would you do, then, if mine and yours were the same?” + </p> + <p> + “You might have made me wretched yesterday, for I could not have refused + you anything.” + </p> + <p> + “Why wretched? You would have had none of those dreams, but would have + enjoyed a quiet night. I am very sorry the peasant woman has given you + that corset, as otherwise I might at least have seen my little pets + without fear of bad dreams.” + </p> + <p> + “But you must not be angry with the good woman, for she knows that a + corset is easy to unlace. And I cannot bear to see you sad.” + </p> + <p> + With these words she turned her ardent gaze upon me, and I covered her + with kisses which she returned with interest. The country-woman came up to + lay the pretty new table, just as I was taking off her corset without her + offering the least resistance. + </p> + <p> + This good omen put me in high spirits, but as I looked at her I saw a + shadow passing across her face. I took care not to ask her the reason, for + I guessed what was the matter, and I did not wish to discuss those vows + which religion and honour should have made inviolable. To distract her + mind from these thoughts, I made her eat by the example I set, and she + drank the excellent claret with as much pleasure as I, not thinking that + as she was not used to it it would put her in a frame of mind not + favourable to continence. But she did not notice this, for her gaiety made + her look prettier than before, and aroused her passions. + </p> + <p> + When we were alone I congratulated her on her high spirits, telling her + that my sadness had fled before her gaiety, and that the hours I could + spend with her would be all too short. + </p> + <p> + “I should be blithe,” said she, “if it were only to please you.” + </p> + <p> + “Then grant me the favour you accorded me yesterday evening.” + </p> + <p> + “I would rather incur all the excommunications in the world than run the + risk of appearing unjust to you. Take me.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, she took off her cap, and let down her beautiful hair. I + unlaced her corset, and in the twinkling of an eye I had before me such a + siren as one sees on the canvas of Correggio. I could not look upon her + long without covering her with my burning kisses, and, communicating my + ardour, before long she made a place for me beside herself. I felt that + there was no time for thinking, that nature had spoken out, and that love + bade me seize the opportunity offered by that delicious weakness. I threw + myself on her, and with my lips glued to hers I pressed her between my + amorous arms, pending the moment of supreme bliss. + </p> + <p> + But in the midst of these joys, she turned her head, closed her eyelids, + and fell asleep. I moved away a little, the better to contemplate the + treasures that love displayed before me. The nun slept, as I thought; but + even if her sleep was feigned, should I be angry with her for the + stratagem? Certainly not; true or feigned, the sleep of a loved one should + always be respected by a delicate lover, although there are some pleasures + he may allow himself. If the sleep is real there is no harm done, and if + it is put on the lover only responds to the lady’s desires. All that is + necessary is so to manage one’s caresses that they are pleasant to the + beloved object. But M—— M—— was really asleep; the + claret had numbed her senses, and she had yielded to its influence without + any ulterior motives. While I gazed at her I saw that she was dreaming. + Her lips uttered words of which I could not catch the meaning, but her + voluptuous aspect told me of what she dreamt. I took off my clothes; and + in two minutes I had clasped her fair body to mine, not caring much + whether she slept on or whether I awoke her and brought our drama to a + climax, which seemed inevitable. + </p> + <p> + I was not long uncertain, for the instinctive movements she made when she + felt the minister that would fain accomplish the sacrifice at the door of + the sanctuary, convinced me that her dream still lasted, and that I could + not make her happier than by changing it into reality. I delicately moved + away all obstacles, and gently and by degrees consummated this sweet + robbery, and when at last I abandoned myself to all the force of passion, + she awoke with a sigh of bliss, murmuring, + </p> + <p> + “Ah! it is true then.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, my angel! are you happy?” + </p> + <p> + For all reply she drew me to her and fastened her lips on mine, and thus + we awaited the dawn of day, exhausting all imaginable kinds of pleasure, + exciting each other’s desires, and only wishing to prolong our enjoyment. + </p> + <p> + “Alas!” said she, “I am happy now, but you must leave me till the evening. + Let us talk of our happiness, and enjoy it over again.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you do not repent having made me a happy man?” + </p> + <p> + “No; it is you who have made me happy. You are an angel from heaven. We + loved, we crowned our love; I cannot have done aught to offend God. I am + free from all my fears. We have obeyed nature and our destinies. Do you + love me still?” + </p> + <p> + “Can you ask me? I will shew you to-night.” + </p> + <p> + I dressed myself as quickly as possible while we talked of our love, and I + left her in bed, bidding her rest. + </p> + <p> + It was quite light when I got home. Le Duc had not gone to bed, and gave + me a letter from the fair Zeroli, telling me that it had been delivered at + eleven o’clock. I had not gone to her supper, and I had not escorted her + to Chamberi; I had not had time to give her a moment’s thought. I was + sorry, but I could not do anything. I opened her letter which consisted of + only six lines, but they were pregnant ones. She advised me never to go to + Turin, for if I went there she would find means to take vengeance on me + for the dastardly affront I had put upon her. She reproached me with + having put her to public shame, said I had dishonoured her, and vowed she + would never forgive me. I did not distress myself to any great extent; I + tore up the friendly missive, and after I had had my hair done I went to + the fountain. + </p> + <p> + Everybody flew at me for not having been at Madame Zeroli’s supper. I + defended myself as best I could, but my excuses were rather tame, about + which I did not trouble myself. I was told that all was known, and this + amused me as I was aware that nothing was known. The marquis’s mistress + took hold of my arm, and told me, without any circumlocution, that I had + the reputation of being inconstant, and by way of reply I observed + politely that I was wrongfully accused, but that if there was any ground + for the remark it was because I had never served so sweet a lady as + herself. She was flattered by my compliment, and I bit my lip when I heard + her ask in the most gracious manner why I did not breakfast sometimes with + the marquis. + </p> + <p> + “I was afraid of disturbing him,” said I. + </p> + <p> + “How do you mean?” + </p> + <p> + “I should be interrupting him in his business.” + </p> + <p> + “He has no business, and he would be delighted to see you. Come to-morrow, + he always breakfasts in my room.” + </p> + <p> + This lady was the widow of a gentleman of quality; she was young, + undoubtedly pretty, and possessing in perfection the jargon of good + society; nevertheless, she did not attract me. After recently enjoying the + fair Zeroli, and finding my suit with the fair nun at the height of its + prosperity, I was naturally hard to please, and in plain words—I was + perfectly contented with my situation. For all that, I had foolishly + placed myself in such a position that I was obliged to give her to + understand that she had delighted me by her preference. + </p> + <p> + She asked the marquis if she could return to the inn. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said he, “but I have some business in hand, and cannot come with + you.” + </p> + <p> + “Would you be kind enough to escort me?” said she to me. I bowed in + assent. + </p> + <p> + On the way she told me that if Madame Zeroli were still there she would + not have dared to take my arm. I could only reply by equivocating, as I + had no wish to embark in a fresh intrigue. However, I had no choice; I was + obliged to accompany her to her room and sit down beside her; but as I had + had no sleep the night before I felt tired and began to yawn, which was + not flattering for the lady. I excused myself to the best of my ability, + telling her that I was ill, and she believed me or pretended to believe + me. But I felt sleep stealing upon me, and I should have infallibly + dropped off if it had not been for my hellebore, which kept me awake by + making me sneeze. + </p> + <p> + The marquis came in, and after a thousand compliments he proposed a game + of quinze. I begged him to excuse me, and the lady backed me up, saying I + could not possibly play in the midst of such a sneezing fit. We went down + to dinner, and afterwards I easily consented to make a bank, as I was + vexed at my loss of the day before. As usual I staked five hundred louis, + and about seven o’clock, though two-thirds of the bank had gone, I + announced the last deal. The marquis and two other heavy gamesters then + endeavoured to break the bank, but fortune turned, and I not only got back + my losses but won three hundred Louis besides. Thereupon I rose, promising + the company to begin again next day. All the ladies had won, as + Desarmoises had orders to let them play as they liked up to a certain + limit. + </p> + <p> + I locked up my money, and warning my faithful Spaniard that I should not + be coming back, I went to my idol, having got wet through on the way, and + being obliged to undress as soon as I arrived. The good woman of the + house took care to dry my clothes. + </p> + <p> + I found the fair nun dressed in her religious habit, and lying on the + small bed. + </p> + <p> + “Why are you not in your own bed, dearest?” + </p> + <p> + “Because I feel quite well again, my darling, and I wished to sup with you + at table. We will go to bed afterwards, if that will give you any + pleasure.” + </p> + <p> + “It will give me pleasure if you share in my delight.” + </p> + <p> + “Alas! I am undone, and I shall doubtless die when I have to leave you.” + </p> + <p> + “Do not leave me, sweetheart; come with me to Rome; and leave the matter + in my hands. I will make you my wife, and we will live happily together + ever after.” + </p> + <p> + “That would be too great a bliss, but I could never make up my mind to it; + say no more about it.” + </p> + <p> + I was sure of spending a delicious night in the possession of all + her charms, and we stayed an hour at table, seasoning the dishes with + sweet converse. When we had done, the woman came up, gave her a packet, + and went away again, wishing us good night. + </p> + <p> + “What does this packet contain, darling?” + </p> + <p> + “It is the present I have got for you my portrait, but you must not see it + till I am in bed.” + </p> + <p> + “I will indulge you in that fancy, although I am very curious to see the + portrait.” + </p> + <p> + “You will say I am right afterwards.” + </p> + <p> + I wanted to undress her myself, and she submitted like a lamb. When she + was in bed, she opened the packet, and shewed me her portrait, naked, and + very like the naked portrait of M—— M——. I praised + the painter for the excellence of the copy he had made; nothing was + altered but the colour of the hair and eyes. + </p> + <p> + “It isn’t a copy,” she said, “there would not have been time. He only made + the eyes and hair black, and the latter more abundant. Thus you have in it + a portrait of the first and also of the second M—— M——, + in whom you must forget the first. She has also vanished from the clothed + portrait, for you see the nun has black eyes. I could shew this picture to + anyone as my portrait.” + </p> + <p> + “You do not know how precious your present is to me! Tell me, dearest, how + you succeeded in carrying out your plan so well.” + </p> + <p> + “I told the country-woman about it yesterday morning, and she said that + she had a foster-son at Anneci, who was a miniature painter. Through him + she sent the two miniatures to a more skilful painter at Geneva, who made + the change you see for four or five Louis; he was probably able to do it + in two or three hours. I entrusted the two portraits to him, and you see + how well he did his work. The woman has no doubt just received them, and + to-morrow she may be able to tell you more about it.” + </p> + <p> + “She is really a wonderful woman. I will indemnify her for the expense. + But now tell me why you did not want me to see the portrait before you + were in bed?” + </p> + <p> + “Guess.” + </p> + <p> + “Because I can now see you in the same posture as that in which you are + represented.” + </p> + <p> + “Exactly.” + </p> + <p> + “It is an excellent idea; only love can have given it you. But you must + wait till I am in the same state.” + </p> + <p> + When we were both in a state of nature, exactly like Adam and Eve before + they tasted the fatal apple, I placed her in the position of the portrait, + and guessing my intention from my face she opened her arms for me to come + to her; but I asked her to wait a moment, for I had a little packet too, + which contained something she would like. I then drew from my pocket-book + a little article of transparent skin, about eight inches long, with one + opening, which was ornamented with a red rosette. I gave her this + preventive sheath, and she looked, admired, and laughed loudly, asking me + if I had used such articles with her Venetian sister. “I will put it on + myself; you don’t know how I shall enjoy it. Why didn’t you use one last + night? How could you have forgotten it? Well, I shall be very wretched if + anything comes of it. What shall I do in four or five months, when my + condition becomes past doubt?” + </p> + <p> + “Dearest, the only thing to do is not to think of it, for if the damage is + done, there is no cure for it; but from my experience and knowledge of the + laws of nature I expect that our sweet combats of last night will probably + have no troublesome consequences. It has been stated that after + child-birth a woman cannot conceive afresh without having seen something + which I expect you have not seen.” + </p> + <p> + “No, God be thanked!” + </p> + <p> + “Good. Then let us not give any thought to the dismal future lest we lose + our present bliss.” + </p> + <p> + “I am quite comforted; but I can’t understand why you are afraid to-day of + what you were not afraid yesterday; my state is the same.” + </p> + <p> + “The event has sometimes given the lie to the most eminent physicians. + Nature, wiser than they, has exceptions to her rules, let us not defy them + for the future, but let us not trouble ourselves if we have defied them + in the past.” + </p> + <p> + “I like to hear you talk so sagely. Yes, we will be prudent whatever it + costs. There you are, hooded like a mother abbess, but in spite of the + fineness of the sheath I like the little fellow better quite naked. I + think that this covering degrades us both.” + </p> + <p> + “You are right, it does. But let us not dwell on these ideas which will + only spoil our pleasure.” + </p> + <p> + “We will enjoy our pleasure directly; let me be reasonable now, for I have + never thought of these matters before. Love must have invented these + little sheaths, but it must first have listened to the voice of prudence, + and I do not like to see love and prudence allied.” + </p> + <p> + “The correctness of your arguments surprises me, but we will philosophize + another time.” + </p> + <p> + “Wait a minute. I have never seen a man before, and I have never wished to + enjoy the sight as much as now. Ten months ago I should have called that + article an invention of the devil; but now I look upon the inventor as a + benefactor, for if my wretched hump-back had provided himself with such a + sheath he would not have exposed me to the danger of losing my honour and + my life. But, tell me, how is that the makers of these things remain + unmolested; I wonder they are not found out, excommunicated, or heavily + fined, or even punished corporeally, if they are Jews as I expect. Dear + me, the maker of this one must have measured you badly! Look! it is too + large here, and too small there; it makes you into a regular curve. What a + stupid the fellow must be, he can’t know his own trade! But what is that?” + </p> + <p> + “You make me laugh; it’s all your fault. You have been feeling and + fondling, and you see the natural consequence. I knew it would be so.” + </p> + <p> + “And you couldn’t keep it back a minute. It is going on now. I am so + sorry; it is a dreadful pity.” + </p> + <p> + “There is not much harm done, so console yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “How can I? you are quite dead. How can you laugh?” + </p> + <p> + “At your charming simplicity. You shall see in a moment that your charms + will give me new life which I shall not lose so easily.” + </p> + <p> + “Wonderful! I couldn’t have believed it!” + </p> + <p> + I took off the sheath, and gave her another, which pleased her better, as + it seemed to fit me better, and she laughed for joy as she put it on. She + knew nothing of these wonders. Her thoughts had been bound in chains, and + she could not discover the truth before she knew me; but though she was + scarcely out of Egypt she shewed all the eagerness of an enquiring and + newly emancipated spirit. “But how if the rubbing makes the sheath fall + off?” said she. I explained to her that such an accident could scarcely + happen, and also told her of what material the English made these + articles. + </p> + <p> + After all this talking, of which my ardour began to weary, we abandoned + ourselves to love, then to sleep, then to love again, and so on + alternately till day-break. As I was leaving, the woman of the house told + us that the painter had asked four louis, and that she had give two louis + to her foster-son. I gave her twelve, and went home, where I slept till + morn, without thinking of breakfasting with the Marquis de Prie, but I + think I should have given him some notice of my inability to come. His + mistress sulked with me all dinner-time, but softened when I allowed + myself to be persuaded into making a bank. However, I found she was + playing for heavy stakes, and I had to check her once or twice, which made + her so cross that she went to hide her ill-temper in a corner of the hall. + However, the marquis won, and I was losing, when the taciturn Duke of + Rosebury, his tutor Smith, and two of his fellow-countrymen, arrived from + Geneva. He came up to me and said, “How do you do?” and without another + word began to play, inviting his companions to follow his example. + </p> + <p> + Seeing my bank in the last agony I sent Le Duc to my room for the + cash-box, whence I drew out five rolls of a hundred louis each. The + Marquis de Prie said, coolly, that he wouldn’t mind being my partner, and + in the same tone I begged to be excused. He continued punting without + seeming to be offended at my refusal and when I put down the cards and + rose from the table he had won two hundred louis; but all the others had + lost, especially one of the Englishmen, so that I had made a profit of a + thousand louis. The marquis asked me if I would give him chocolate in my + room next morning, and I replied that I should be glad to see him. I + replaced my cash-box in my room, and proceeded to the cottage, pleased + with the day’s work and feeling inclined to crown it with love. + </p> + <p> + I found my fair friend looking somewhat sad, and on my enquiring the + reason she told me that a nephew of the country-woman’s, who had come from + Chamberi that morning, had told her that he had heard from a lay-sister of + the same convent, whom he knew, that two sisters would start at day-break + in two days’ time to fetch her; this sad news, she said, had made her + tears flow fast. + </p> + <p> + “But the abbess said the sisters could not start before ten days had + expired.” + </p> + <p> + “She must have changed her mind.” + </p> + <p> + “Sorrow intrudes into our happy state. Will you be my wife? Will you + follow me to Rome and receive absolution from your vows. You may be sure + that I shall have a care for your happiness.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, I have lived long enough; let me return to my tomb.” + </p> + <p> + After supper I told the good woman that if she could rely on her nephew, + she would do well to send him at once to Chamberi with orders to return + directly the lay-sisters started, and to endeavour to reach Aix two hours + before them. She told me that I might reckon on the young man’s silence, + and on his carrying out my orders. I quieted in this way the charming + nun’s alarm, and got into bed with her, feeling sad though amorous; and on + the pretext that she required rest I left her at midnight, as I wanted to + be at home in the morning since I had an engagement with the marquis. In + due course he arrived with his mistress, two other ladies, and their + husbands or lovers. + </p> + <p> + I did not limit myself to giving them chocolate; my breakfast consisted of + all the luxuries the place afforded. When I had got rid of my troublesome + company, I told Le Duc to shut my door, and to tell everybody that I was + ill in bed and could not see any visitors. I also warned him that I should + be away for two days, and that he must not leave my room a moment till I + came back. Having made these arrangements, I slipped away unperceived and + went to my mistress, resolved not to leave her till half an hour before + the arrival of the lay-sisters. + </p> + <p> + When she saw me and heard that I was not going to leave her till she went + away, she jumped for joy; and we conceived the idea of not having any + dinner that we might enjoy our supper the better. + </p> + <p> + “We will go to bed after supper,” said she, “and will not get up till the + messenger brings the fatal news that the lay-sisters have started.” + </p> + <p> + I thought the idea an excellent one, and I called the woman of the house + to tell her of our arrangements, and she promised to see that we were not + disturbed. + </p> + <p> + We did not find the time long, for two passionate lovers find plenty to + talk about since their talk is of themselves. And besides our caresses, + renewed again and again, there was something so mysterious and solemn in + our situation that our souls and our senses were engaged the whole time. + </p> + <p> + After a supper which would have pleased a Lucullus, we spent twelve hours + in giving each other proofs, of our passionate love, sleeping after our + amorous struggles, and waking only to renew the fight. The next day we + rose to refresh ourselves, and after a good dinner, washed down by some + excellent Burgundy, we went to bed again; but at four the country-woman + came to tell us that the lay-sisters would arrive about six. We had + nothing now to look for in the future, the die was cast, and we began our + farewell caresses. I sealed the last with my blood. My first M—— + M—— had seen it, and my second rightly saw it also. She was + frightened, but I calmed her fears. I then rose, and taking a roll + containing fifty louis I begged her to keep them for me, promising to come + for them in two years, and take them from her hands through the grating of + her terrible prison. She spent the last quarter of an hour in tears, and + mine were only restrained lest I should add to her grief. I cut off a + piece of her fleece and a lock of her beautiful hair, promising her always + to bear them next my heart. + </p> + <p> + I left her, telling the country-woman that she should see me again the + next day, and I went to bed as soon as I got home. Next morning I was on + the way to Chamberi. At a quarter of a league’s distance from Aix I saw my + angel slowly walking along. As soon as the lay-sisters were near enough + they asked an alms in the name of God. I gave them a Louis, but my saint + did not look at me. + </p> + <p> + With a broken heart I went to the good countrywoman, who told me that M—— + M—— had gone at day-break, bidding her to remind me of the + convent grating. I kissed the worthy woman, and I gave her nephew all the + loose silver I had about me, and returning to the inn I had my luggage put + on to the carriage, and would have started that moment if I had had any + horses. But I had two hours to wait, and I went and bade the marquis + farewell. He was out, but his mistress was in the room by herself. On my + telling her of my departure, she said, + </p> + <p> + “Don’t go, stay with me a couple of days longer.” + </p> + <p> + “I feel the honour you are conferring on me, but business of the greatest + importance obliges me to be gone forthwith.” + </p> + <p> + “Impossible,” said the lady, as she went to a glass the better to lace + herself, shewing me a superb breast. I saw her design, but I determined to + baulk her. She then put one foot upon a couch to retie her garter, and + when she put up the other foot I saw beauties more enticing than Eve’s + apple. It was nearly all up with me, when the marquis came in. He proposed + a little game of quinze, and his mistress asked me to be her partner. I + could not escape; she sat next to me, and I had lost forty Louis by + dinner-time. + </p> + <p> + “I owe you twenty,” said the lady, as we were going down. + </p> + <p> + At dessert Le Duc came to tell me that my carriage was at the door, and I + got up, but under the pretence of paying me the twenty louis the marquis’s + mistress made me come with her to her room. + </p> + <p> + When we were there she addressed me in a serious and supplicating voice, + telling me that if I went she would be dishonoured, as everybody knew that + she had engaged to make me stay. + </p> + <p> + “Do I look worthy of contempt?” said she, making me sit down upon the + sofa. + </p> + <p> + Then with a repetition of her tactics in the morning she contrived that I + should see everything. Excited by her charms I praised her beauties, I + kissed, I touched; she let herself fall on me, and looked radiant when her + vagrant hand found palpable proof of her powers of attraction. + </p> + <p> + “I promise to be yours to-morrow, wait till then.” + </p> + <p> + Not knowing how to refuse, I said I would keep her to her word, and would + have my horses taken out. Just then the marquis came in, saying he would + give me my revenge and without answering I went downstairs as if to come + back again, but I ran out of the inn, got into my carriage, and drove off, + promising a good fee to the postillion if he would put his horses at a + gallop. + </p> + <div style="height: 6em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + +<pre> + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Memoires of Casanova, by +Jacques Casanova de Seingalt + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MEMOIRES OF CASANOVA *** + +***** This file should be named 39303-h.htm or 39303-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/3/9/3/0/39303/ + +Produced by David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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