diff options
| author | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-14 20:12:24 -0700 |
|---|---|---|
| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-14 20:12:24 -0700 |
| commit | 70dbe6962acb7102494a483c4426add609d93e44 (patch) | |
| tree | 221733b6bcdbbcb1a71127960fc55690d13bbe8e /39304-h | |
Diffstat (limited to '39304-h')
| -rw-r--r-- | 39304-h/39304-h.htm | 27791 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | 39304-h/images/4c07.jpg | bin | 0 -> 117850 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 39304-h/images/4c08.jpg | bin | 0 -> 105033 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 39304-h/images/4c16.jpg | bin | 0 -> 139715 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 39304-h/images/4c16b.jpg | bin | 0 -> 126032 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 39304-h/images/cover4.jpg | bin | 0 -> 386545 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 39304-h/images/cover4min.jpg | bin | 0 -> 25367 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 39304-h/images/cover4th.jpg | bin | 0 -> 91163 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 39304-h/images/spines.jpg | bin | 0 -> 182336 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 39304-h/images/title4.jpg | bin | 0 -> 63350 bytes |
10 files changed, 27791 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/39304-h/39304-h.htm b/39304-h/39304-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d915a6e --- /dev/null +++ b/39304-h/39304-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,27791 @@ +<?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 #39304] +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/cover4.jpg">ENLARGE TO FULL SIZE</a> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/cover4th.jpg" width="100%" alt="Bookcover 4 " /> + </div> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkD2H_4_0001"> <big><b>ADVENTURES IN THE SOUTH</b></big> + </a> + </p> + <br /> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkD2H_4_0002"> <b>EPISODE 16 — DEPART SWITZERLAND</b> + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkD2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkD2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkD2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III </a> + </p> + <br /> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkD2H_4_0006"> <b>EPISODE 17 — RETURN TO ITALY</b> + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkD2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkD2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkD2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkD2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII </a> + </p> + <br /> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkD2H_4_0011"> <b>EPISODE 18—RETURN TO NAPLES</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkD2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkD2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkD2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkD2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkD2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII </a> + </p> + <br /> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkD2H_4_0017"> <b>EPISODE 19 — BACK AGAIN TO PARIS</b> + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkD2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkD2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkD2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkD2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkD2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XVII </a> + </p> + <br /> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkD2H_4_0023"> <b>EPISODE 20 — MILAN</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkD2HCH0018"> CHAPTER XVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkD2HCH0019"> CHAPTER XIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkD2HCH0020"> CHAPTER XX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkD2HCH0021"> CHAPTER XXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkD2HCH0022"> CHAPTER XXII </a> + </p> + + + + <br /> <br /> + <hr /> + <br /> <br /> <a name="linkD2H_4_0001" id="linkD2H_4_0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + VOLUME 4 — ADVENTURES IN THE SOUTH + </h1> + <a name="linkD2H_4_0002" id="linkD2H_4_0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> <a name="linkepisode16" id="linkepisode16"></a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + EPISODE 16 — DEPART SWITZERLAND + </h2> + <a name="linkD2HCH0001" id="linkD2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The Door-Keeper’s Daughters—The Horoscopes—Mdlle. Roman +</pre> + <p> + The idea of the sorry plight in which I had left the Marquis de Prie, his + mistress, and perhaps all the company, who had undoubtedly coveted the + contents of my cash-box, amused me till I reached Chamberi, where I only + stopped to change horses. When I reached Grenoble, where I intended to + stay a week, I did not find my lodging to my liking, and went in my + carriage to the post-office, where I found several letters, amongst + others, one from Madame d’Urfe, enclosing a letter of introduction to an + officer named Valenglard, who, she told me, was a learned man, and would + present me at all the best houses in the town. + </p> + <p> + I called on this officer and received a cordial welcome. After reading + Madame d’Urfe’s letter he said he was ready to be useful to me in anything + I pleased. + </p> + <p> + He was an amiable, middle aged man, and fifteen years before had been + Madame d’Urfe’s friend, and in a much more intimate degree the friend of + her daughter, the Princess de Toudeville. I told him that I was + uncomfortable at the inn, and that the first service I would ask of him + would be to procure me a comfortable lodging. He rubbed his head, and + said,— + </p> + <p> + “I think I can get you rooms in a beautiful house, but it is outside the + town walls. The door-keeper is an excellent cook, and for the sake of + doing your cooking I am sure he will lodge you for nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t wish that,” said I. + </p> + <p> + “Don’t be afraid,” said the baron, “he will make it up by means of his + dishes; and besides, the house is for sale and costs him nothing. Come and + see it.” + </p> + <p> + I took a suite of three rooms and ordered supper for two, warning the man + that I was dainty, liked good things, and did not care for the cost. I + also begged M. de Valenglard to sup with me. The doorkeeper said that if I + was not pleased with his cooking I had only to say so, and in that case I + should have nothing to pay. I sent for my carriage, and felt that I had + established myself in my new abode. On the ground floor I saw three + charming girls and the door-keeper’s wife, who all bowed profoundly. M. de + Valenglard took me to a concert with the idea of introducing me to + everybody, but I begged him not to do so, as I wished to see the ladies + before deciding which of them I should like to know. + </p> + <p> + The company was a numerous one, especially where women were concerned, but + the only one to attract my attention was a pretty and modest-looking + brunette, whose fine figure was dressed with great simplicity. Her + charming eyes, after having thrown one glance in my direction, obstinately + refused to look at me again. My vanity made me conclude at once that she + behaved thus only to increase my desire of knowing her, and to give me + plenty of time to examine her side-face and her figure, the proportions of + which were not concealed by her simple attire. Success begets assurance, + and the wish is father to the thought. I cast a hungry gaze on this young + lady without more ado, just as if all the women in Europe were only a + seraglio kept for my pleasures. I told the baron I should like to know + her. + </p> + <p> + “She is a good girl,” said he, “who sees no company, and is quite poor.” + </p> + <p> + “Those are three reasons which make me the more anxious to know her.” + </p> + <p> + “You will really find nothing to do in that quarter.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good.” + </p> + <p> + “There is her aunt, I will introduce you to her as we leave the + concert-room.” + </p> + <p> + After doing me this service, he came to sup with me. The door-keeper and + cook struck me as being very like Lebel. He made his two pretty daughters + wait on me, and I saw that Valenglard was delighted at having lodged me to + my satisfaction, but he grumbled when he saw fifteen dishes. + </p> + <p> + “He is making a fool of you and me,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “On the contrary, he has guessed my tastes. Don’t you think everything was + very good?” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t deny it, but . . . . ” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t be afraid; I love spending my money.” + </p> + <p> + “I beg your pardon, I only want you to be pleased.” + </p> + <p> + We had exquisite wines, and at dessert some ratafia superior to the + Turkish ‘visnat’ I had tasted seventeen years before at Yussuf Ali’s. When + my landlord came up at the end of supper, I told him that he ought to be + Louis XV.‘s head cook. + </p> + <p> + “Go on as you have begun, and do better if you can; but let me have your + bill every morning.” + </p> + <p> + “You are quite right; with such an arrangement one can tell how one is + getting on.” + </p> + <p> + “I should like you always to give me ices, and you must let me have two + more lights. But, unless I am mistaken, those are candles that I see. I am + a Venetian, and accustomed to wax lights.” + </p> + <p> + “That is your servant’s fault, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “How is that?” + </p> + <p> + “Because, after eating a good supper, he went to bed, saying he was ill. + Thus I heard nothing as to how you liked things done.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good, you shall learn from my own lips.” + </p> + <p> + “He asked my wife to make chocolate for you tomorrow morning; he gave her + the chocolate, I will make it myself.” + </p> + <p> + When he had left the room M. de Valenglard said, in a manner that was at + the same time pleased and surprised, that Madame d’Urfe had been + apparently joking in telling him to spare me all expense. + </p> + <p> + “It’s her goodness of heart. I am obliged to her all the same. She is an + excellent woman.” + </p> + <p> + We stayed at table till eleven o’clock, discussing in numerable pleasant + topics, and animating our talk with that choice liqueur made at Grenoble, + of which we drank a bottle. It is composed of the juice of cherries, + brandy, sugar, and cinnamon, and cannot be surpassed, I am sure, by the + nectar of Olympus. + </p> + <p> + I sent home the baron in my carriage, after thanking him for his services, + and begging him to be my companion early and late while I stayed at + Grenoble—a request which he granted excepting for those days on + which he was on duty. At supper I had given him my bill of exchange on + Zappata, which I endorsed with the name de Seingalt, which Madame d’Urfe + had given me. He discounted it for me next day. A banker brought me four + hundred louis and I had thirteen hundred in my cash-box. I always had a + dread of penuriousness, and I delighted myself at the thought that M. de + Valenglard would write and tell Madame d’Urfe, who was always preaching + economy to me, what he had seen. I escorted my guest to the carriage, and + I was agreeably surprised when I got back to find the doorkeeper’s two + charming daughters. + </p> + <p> + Le Duc had not waited for me to tell him to find some pretext for not + serving me. He knew my tastes, and that when there were pretty girls in a + house, the less I saw of him the better I was pleased. + </p> + <p> + The frank eagerness of the two girls to wait on me, their utter freedom + from suspicion or coquetry, made me determine that I would shew myself + deserving of their trust. They took off my shoes and stockings, did my + hair and put on my night-gown with perfect propriety on both sides. When I + was in bed I wished them a goodnight, and told them to shut the door and + bring me my chocolate at eight o’clock next morning. + </p> + <p> + I could not help confessing that I was perfectly happy as I reflected over + my present condition. I enjoyed perfect health, I was in the prime of + life, I had no calls on me, I was thoroughly independent, I had a rich + store of experience, plenty of money, plenty of luck, and I was a + favourite with women. The pains and troubles I had gone through had been + followed by so many days of happiness that I felt disposed to bless my + destiny. Full of these agreeable thoughts I fell asleep, and all the night + my dreams were of happiness and of the pretty brunette who had played with + me at the concert. + </p> + <p> + I woke with thoughts of her, and feeling sure that we should become + acquainted I felt curious to know what success I should have with her. She + was discreet and poor; and as I was discreet in my own way she ought not + to despise my friendship. + </p> + <p> + At eight o’clock, one of the door-keeper’s daughters brought me my + chocolate, and told me that Le Duc had got the fever. + </p> + <p> + “You must take care of the poor fellow.” + </p> + <p> + “My cousin has just taken him some broth.” + </p> + <p> + “What is your name?” + </p> + <p> + “My name is Rose, and my sister is Manon.” + </p> + <p> + Just then Manon came in with my shirt, on which she had put fresh lace. I + thanked her, and she said with a blush that she did her father’s hair very + well. + </p> + <p> + “I am delighted to hear it, and I shall be very pleased if you will be + kind enough to do the same offices for me till my servant recovers.” + </p> + <p> + “With pleasure, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “And I,” said Rose, laughing, “will shave you.” + </p> + <p> + “I should like to see how you do it; get the water.” + </p> + <p> + I rose hastily, while Manon was preparing to do my hair. Rose returned and + shaved me admirably. As soon as she had washed off the lather, I said, + </p> + <p> + “You must give me a kiss,” presenting my cheek to her. She pretended not + to understand. + </p> + <p> + “I shall be vexed,” said I, gravely but pleasantly, “if you refuse to kiss + me.” + </p> + <p> + She begged to be excused, saying with a little smile, that it was not + customary to do so at Grenoble. + </p> + <p> + “Well, if you won’t kiss me, you shan’t shave me.” + </p> + <p> + The father came in at that point, bringing his bill. + </p> + <p> + “Your daughter has just shaved me admirably,” said I, “and she refuses to + kiss me, because it is not the custom at Grenoble.” + </p> + <p> + “You little silly,” said he, “it is the custom in Paris. You kiss me fast + enough after you have shaved me, why should you be less polite to this + gentleman?” + </p> + <p> + She then kissed me with an air of submission to the paternal decree which + made Manon laugh. + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” said the father, “your turn will come when you have finished doing + the gentleman’s hair.” + </p> + <p> + He was a cunning fellow, who knew the best way to prevent me cheapening + him, but there was no need, as I thought his charges reasonable, and as I + paid him in full he went off in great glee. + </p> + <p> + Manon did my hair as well as my dear Dubois, and kissed me when she had + done without making as many difficulties as Rose. I thought I should get + on well with both of them. They went downstairs when the banker was + announced. + </p> + <p> + He was quite a young man, and after he had counted me out four hundred + Louis, he observed that I must be very comfortable. + </p> + <p> + “Certainly,” said I, “the two sisters are delightful.” + </p> + <p> + “Their cousin is better. They are too discreet.” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose they are well off.” + </p> + <p> + “The father has two thousand francs a year. They will be able to marry + well-to-do tradesmen.” + </p> + <p> + I was curious to see the cousin who was said to be prettier than the + sisters, and as soon as the banker had gone I went downstairs to satisfy + my curiosity. I met the father and asked him which was Le Duc’s room, and + thereon I went to see my fine fellow. I found him sitting up in a + comfortable bed with a rubicund face which did not look as if he were + dangerously ill. + </p> + <p> + “What is the matter with you? + </p> + <p> + “Nothing, sir. I am having a fine time of it. Yesterday I thought I would + be ill.” + </p> + <p> + “What made you think that?” + </p> + <p> + “The sight of the three Graces here, who are made of better stuff than + your handsome housekeeper, who would not let me kiss her. They are making + me wait too long for my broth, however. I shall have to speak severely + about it.” + </p> + <p> + “Le Duc, you are a rascal.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you want me to get well?” + </p> + <p> + “I want you to put a stop to this farce, as I don’t like it.” Just then + the door opened, and the cousin came in with the broth. I thought her + ravishing, and I noticed that in waiting on Le Duc she had an imperious + little air which well became her. + </p> + <p> + “I shall dine in bed,” said my Spaniard. + </p> + <p> + “You shall be attended to,” said the pretty girl, and she went out. + </p> + <p> + “She puts on big airs,” said Le Duc, “but that does not impose on me. + Don’t you think she is very pretty?” + </p> + <p> + “I think you are very impudent. You ape your betters, and I don’t approve + of it. Get up. You must wait on me at table, and afterwards you will eat + your dinner by yourself, and try to get yourself respected as an honest + man always is, whatever his condition, so long as he does not forget + himself. You must not stay any longer in this room, the doorkeeper will + give you another.” + </p> + <p> + I went out, and on meeting the fair cousin I told her that I was jealous + of the honour which she had done my man, and that I begged her to wait on + him no longer. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I am very glad!” + </p> + <p> + The door-keeper came up, and I gave him my orders, and went back to my + room to write. + </p> + <p> + Before dinner the baron came and told me that he had just come from the + lady to whom he had introduced me. She was the wife of a barrister named + Morin, and aunt to the young lady who had so interested me. + </p> + <p> + “I have been talking of you,” said the baron, “and of the impression her + niece made on you. She promised to send for her, and to keep her at the + house all day.” + </p> + <p> + After a dinner as good as the supper of the night before, though different + from it in its details, and appetising enough to awaken the dead, we went + to see Madame Morin, who received us with the easy grace of a Parisian + lady. She introduced me to seven children, of whom she was the mother. Her + eldest daughter, an ordinary-looking girl, was twelve years old, but I + should have taken her to be fourteen, and said so. To convince me of her + age the mother brought a book in which the year, the month, the day, the + hour, and even the minute of her birth were entered. I was astonished at + such minute accuracy, and asked if she had had a horoscope drawn. + </p> + <p> + “No,” said she, “I have never found anybody to do it.” + </p> + <p> + “It is never too late,” I replied, “and without doubt God has willed that + this pleasure should be reserved for me.” + </p> + <p> + At this moment M. Morin came in, his wife introduced me, and after the + customary compliments had passed, she returned to the subject of the + horoscope. The barrister sensibly observed that if judicial astrology was + not wholly false, it was, nevertheless, a suspected science; that he had + been so foolish as once to devote a considerable portion of his time to + it, but that on recognizing the inability of man to deal with the future + he had abandoned astrology, contenting himself with the veritable truths + of astronomy. I saw with pleasure that I had to deal with a man of sense + and education, but Valenglard, who was a believer in astrology, began an + argument with him on the subject. During their discussion I quietly copied + out on my tablets the date of Mdlle. Morin’s birth. But M. Morin saw what + I was about, and shook his head at me, with a smile. I understood what he + meant, but I did not allow that to disconcert me, as I had made up my mind + fully five minutes ago that I would play the astrologer on this occasion. + </p> + <p> + At last the fair niece arrived. Her aunt introduced me to her as Mdlle. + Roman Coupier, her sister’s daughter; and then, turning to her, she + informed her how ardently I had been longing to know her since I had seen + her at the concert. + </p> + <p> + She was then seventeen. Her satin skin by its dazzling whiteness displayed + to greater advantage her magnificent black hair. Her features were + perfectly regular, and her complexion had a slight tinge of red; her fine + eyes were at once sweet and sparkling, her eyebrows were well arched, her + mouth small, her teeth regular and as white as pearls, and her lips, of an + exquisite rosy hue, afforded a seat to the deities of grace and modesty. + </p> + <p> + After some moments’ conversation, M. Morin was obliged to go out on + business, and a game of quadrille was proposed, at which I was greatly + pitied for having lost a louis. I thought Mdlle. Roman discreet, + judicious, pleasant without being brilliant, and, still better, without + any pretensions. She was high-spirited, even-tempered, and had a natural + art which did not allow her to seem to understand too flattering a + compliment, or a joke which passed in any way the bounds of propriety. She + was neatly dressed, but had no ornaments, and nothing which shewed wealth; + neither ear-rings, rings, nor a watch. One might have said that her beauty + was her only adornment, the only ornament she wore being a small gold + cross hanging from her necklace of black ribbon. Her breast was well + shaped and not too large. Fashion and custom made her shew half of it as + innocently as she shewed her plump white hand, or her cheeks, whereon the + lily and the rose were wedded. I looked at her features to see if I might + hope at all; but I was completely puzzled, and could come to no + conclusion. She gave no sign which made me hope, but on the other hand she + did nothing to make me despair. She was so natural and so reserved that my + sagacity was completely at fault. Nevertheless, a liberty which I took at + supper gave me a gleam of hope. Her napkin fell down, and in returning it + to her I pressed her thigh amorously, and could not detect the slightest + displeasure on her features. Content with so much I begged everybody to + come to dinner with me next day, telling Madame Morin that I should not be + going out, and that I was therefore delighted to put my carriage at her + service. + </p> + <p> + When I had taken Valenglard home, I went to my lodging building castles in + Spain as to the conquest of Mdlle. Roman. + </p> + <p> + I warned my landlord that we should be six at dinner and supper the + following day, and then I went to bed. As Le Duc was undressing me he + said, + </p> + <p> + “Sir, you are punishing me, but what makes me sorry you are punishing + yourself in depriving yourself of the services of those pretty girls.” + </p> + <p> + “You are a rogue.” + </p> + <p> + “I know it, but I serve you with all my heart, and I love your pleasure as + well as my own.” + </p> + <p> + “You plead well for yourself; I am afraid I have spoilt you.” + </p> + <p> + “Shall I do your hair to-morrow?” + </p> + <p> + “No; you may go out every day till dinner-time.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall be certain to catch it.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I shall send you to the hospital.” + </p> + <p> + “That is a fine prospect, ‘por Dios’.” + </p> + <p> + He was impudent, sly, profligate, and a rascally fellow; but also + obedient, devoted, discreet, and faithful, and his good qualities made me + overlook his defects. + </p> + <p> + Next morning, when Rose brought my chocolate, she told me with a laugh + that my man had sent for a carriage, and after dressing himself in the + height of fashion he had gone off with his sword at his side, to pay + calls, as he said. + </p> + <p> + “We laughed at him.” + </p> + <p> + “You were quite right, my dear Rose.” + </p> + <p> + As I spoke, Manon came in under some pretext or other. I saw that the two + sisters had an understanding never to be alone with me; I was displeased, + but pretended not to notice anything. I got up, and I had scarcely put on + my dressing-gown when the cousin came in with a packet under her arm. + </p> + <p> + “I am delighted to see you, and above all to look at your smiling face, + for I thought you much too serious yesterday.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s because M. le Duc is a greater gentleman than you are; I should + not have presumed to laugh in his presence; but I had my reward in seeing + him start off this morning in his gilded coach.” + </p> + <p> + “Did he see you laughing at him?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, unless he is blind.” + </p> + <p> + “He will be vexed.” + </p> + <p> + “All the better.” + </p> + <p> + “You are really very charming. What have you got in that parcel?” + </p> + <p> + “Some goods of our own manufacture. Look; they are embroidered gloves.” + </p> + <p> + “They are beautiful; the embroidery is exquisitely done. How much for the + lot?” + </p> + <p> + “Are you a good hand at a bargain.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly.” + </p> + <p> + “Then we must take that into account.” + </p> + <p> + After some whisperings together the cousin took a pen, put down the + numbers of gloves, added up and said, + </p> + <p> + “The lot will cost you two hundred and ten francs.” + </p> + <p> + “There are nine louis; give me six francs change.” + </p> + <p> + “But you told us you would make a bargain.” + </p> + <p> + “You were wrong to believe it.” + </p> + <p> + She blushed and gave me the six francs. Rose and Manon shaved me and did + my hair, giving me a kiss with the best grace imaginable; and when I + offered my cheek to the cousin she kissed me on the mouth in a manner that + told me she would be wholly mine on the first opportunity. + </p> + <p> + “Shall we have the pleasure of waiting on you at the table?” said Rose. + </p> + <p> + “I wish you would.” + </p> + <p> + “But we should like to know who is coming to dinner first; as if it is + officers from the garrison we dare not come; they make so free.” + </p> + <p> + “My guests are Madame Morin, her husband, and her niece.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good.” + </p> + <p> + The cousin said, “Mdlle. Roman is the prettiest and the best girl in + Grenoble; but she will find some difficulty in marrying as she has no + money.” + </p> + <p> + “She may meet some rich man who will think her goodness and her beauty + worth a million of money.” + </p> + <p> + “There are not many men of that kind.” + </p> + <p> + “No; but there are a few.” + </p> + <p> + Manon and the cousin went out, and I was left alone with Rose, who stayed + to dress me. I attacked her, but she defended herself so resolutely that I + desisted, and promised it should not occur again. When she had finished I + gave her a louis, thanked her, and sent her away. + </p> + <p> + As soon as I was alone I locked the door, and proceeded to concoct the + horoscope I had promised to Madame Morin. I found it an easy task to fill + eight pages with learned folly; and I confined myself chiefly to declaring + the events which had already happened to the native. I had deftly + extracted some items of information in the course of conversation, and + filling up the rest according to the laws of probability and dressing up + the whole in astrological diction, I was pronounced to be a seer, and no + doubts were cast on my skill. I did not indeed run much risk, for + everything hung from an if, and in the judicious employment of ifs lies + the secret of all astrology. + </p> + <p> + I carefully re-read the document, and thought it admirable. I felt in the + vein, and the use of the cabala had made me an expert in this sort of + thing. + </p> + <p> + Just after noon all my guests arrived, and at one we sat down to table. I + have never seen a more sumptuous or more delicate repast. I saw that the + cook was an artist more in need of restraint than encouragement. Madame + Morin was very polite to the three girls, whom she knew well, and Le Duc + stood behind her chair all the time, looking after her wants, and dressed + as richly as the king’s chamberlain. When we had nearly finished dinner + Mdlle. Roman passed a compliment on my three fair waiting-maids, and this + giving me occasion to speak of their talents I got up and brought the + gloves I had purchased from them. Mdlle. Roman praised the quality of the + material and the work. I took the opportunity, and begged leave of the + aunt to give her and her niece a dozen pair apiece. I obtained this + favour, and I then gave Madame Morin the horoscope. Her husband read it, + and though an unbeliever he was forced to admire, as all the deductions + were taken naturally from the position of the heavenly bodies at the + instant of his daughter’s birth. We spent a couple of hours in talking + about astrology, and the same time in playing at quadrille, and then we + took a walk in the garden, where I was politely left to enjoy the society + of the fair Roman. + </p> + <p> + Our dialogue, or rather my monologue, turned solely on the profound + impression she had made on me, on the passion she had inspired, on her + beauty, her goodness, the purity of my intentions, and on my need of love, + lest I should go down to the grave the most hapless of men. + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” said she, at last, “if my destiny points to marriage I do not deny + that I should be happy to find a husband like you.” + </p> + <p> + I was emboldened by this frank declaration, and seizing her hand I covered + it with fiery kisses, saying passionately that I hoped she would not let + me languish long. She turned her head to look for her aunt. It was getting + dark, and she seemed to be afraid of something happening to her. She drew + me gently with her, and on rejoining the other guests we returned to the + dining-room, where I made a small bank at faro for their amusement. Madame + Morin gave her daughter and niece, whose pockets were empty, some money, + and Valenglard directed their play so well that when we left off to go to + supper I had the pleasure of seeing that each of the three ladies had won + two or three louis. + </p> + <p> + We sat at table till midnight. A cold wind from the Alps stopped my plan + of proposing a short turn in the garden. Madame Morin overwhelmed me with + thanks for my entertainment, and I gave each of my lady-visitors a + respectful kiss. + </p> + <p> + I heard singing in the kitchen, and on going in I found Le Duc in a high + state of excitement and very drunk. As soon as he saw me he tried to rise, + but he lost his centre of gravity, and fell right under the kitchen table. + He was carried away to bed. + </p> + <p> + I thought this accident favourable to my desire of amusing myself, and I + might have succeeded if the three Graces had not all been there. Love only + laughs when two are present, and thus it is that the ancient mythology + tells no story of the loves of the Graces, who were always together. I had + not yet found an opportunity of getting my three maids one after the + other, and I dared not risk a general attack, which might have lost me the + confidence of each one. Rose, I saw, was openly jealous of her cousin, as + she kept a keen look-out after her movements. I was not sorry, for + jealousy leads to anger, and anger goes a long way. When I was in bed I + sent them away with a modest good night. + </p> + <p> + Next morning, Rose came in by herself to ask me for a cake of chocolate, + for, as she said, Le Duc was now ill in real earnest. She brought me the + box, and I gave her the chocolate, and in doing so I took her hand and + shewed her how well I loved her. She was offended, drew back her hand + sharply, and left the room. A moment after Manon came in under the pretext + of shewing me a piece of lace I had torn away in my attempts of the day + before, and of asking me if she should mend it. I took her hand to kiss + it, but she did not give me time, presenting her lips, burning with + desire. I took her hand again, and it was just on the spot when the cousin + came in. Manon held the piece of lace, and seemed to be waiting for my + answer. I told her absently that I should be obliged if she would mend it + when she had time, and with this she went out. + </p> + <p> + I was troubled by this succession of disasters, and thought that the + cousin would not play me false from the earnest of her affection which she + had given me the day before in that ardent kiss of hers. I begged her to + give me my handkerchief, and gently drew her hand towards me. Her mouth + fastened to mine, and her hand, which she left to my pleasure with all the + gentleness of a lamb, was already in motion when Rose came in with my + chocolate. We regained our composure in a moment, but I was furious at + heart. I scowled at Rose, and I had a right to do so after the manner in + which she had repulsed me a quarter of an hour before. Though the + chocolate was excellent, I pronounced it badly made. I chid her for her + awkwardness in waiting on me, and repulsed her at every step. When I got + up I would not let her shave me; I shaved myself, which seemed to + humiliate her, and then Manon did my hair. Rose and the cousin then went + out, as if to make common cause together, but it was easy to see that Rose + was less angry with her sister than her cousin. + </p> + <p> + As Manon was finishing my toilette, M. de Valenglard came in. As soon as + we were alone, the officer, who was a man of honour and of much sense, in + spite of his belief in astrology and the occult sciences, said that he + thought me looking rather melancholy, and that if my sadness had any + connection with the fair Roman, he warned me to think no more of her, + unless I had resolved to ask her hand in marriage. I replied that to put + an end to all difficulties I had decided on leaving Grenoble in a few + days. We dined together and we then called on Madame Morin, with whom we + found her fair niece. + </p> + <p> + Madame Morin gave me a flattering welcome, and Mdlle. Roman received me so + graciously that I was emboldened to kiss her and place her on my knee. The + aunt laughed, the niece blushed, and then slipping into my hand a little + piece of paper made her escape. I read on the paper the year, day, hour, + and minute of her birth, and guessed what she meant. She meant, I thought, + that I could do nothing with her before I had drawn up her horoscope. My + resolve was soon taken to profit by this circumstance, and I told her that + I would tell her whether I could oblige her or not next day, if she would + come to a ball I was giving. She looked at her aunt and my invitation was + accepted. + </p> + <p> + Just then the servant announced “The Russian Gentleman.” I saw a well-made + man of about my own age, slightly marked with the small-pox, and dressed + as a traveller. He accosted Madame Morin with easy grace, was welcomed + heartily by her, spoke well, scarcely gave me a glance, and did not say a + word to the nieces. In the evening M. Morin came in, and the Russian gave + him a small phial full of a white liquid, and then made as if he would go, + but he was kept to supper. + </p> + <p> + At table the conversation ran on this marvellous liquid of his. M. Morin + told me that he had cured a young man of a bruise from a billiard ball in + five minutes, by only rubbing it with the liquid. He said modestly that it + was a trifling thing of his own invention, and he talked a good deal about + chemistry to Valenglard. As my attention was taken up by the fair Mdlle. + Roman I could not take part in their conversation; my hope of succeeding + with her on the following day absorbed all my thoughts. As I was going + away with Valenglard he told me that nobody knew who the Russian was, and + that he was nevertheless received everywhere. + </p> + <p> + “Has he a carriage and servants?” + </p> + <p> + “He has nothing, no servants and no money.” + </p> + <p> + “Where did he come from?” + </p> + <p> + “From the skies.” + </p> + <p> + “A fair abode, certainly; how long has he been here?” + </p> + <p> + “For the last fortnight. He visits, but asks for nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “How does he live?” + </p> + <p> + “On credit at the inn; he is supposed to be waiting for his carriage and + servants.” + </p> + <p> + “He is probably a vagabond.” + </p> + <p> + “He does not look like one, as you saw for yourself, and his diamonds + contradict that hypothesis.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, if they are not imitation stones, for it seems to me that if they + were real he would sell them.” + </p> + <p> + When I got home Rose came by herself to attend on me, but she continued to + sulk. I tried to rouse her up, but as I had no success I ordered her to go + and tell her father that I was going to give a ball next day in the room + by the garden, and that supper was to be laid for twenty. + </p> + <p> + When the door-keeper came to take my orders the following morning, I told + him that I should like his girls to dance if he didn’t mind. At this Rose + condescended to smile, and I thought it a good omen. Just as she went out + with her father, Manon came in under the pretext of asking me what lace I + would wear for the day. I found her as gentle as a lamb and as loving as a + dove. The affair was happily consummated, but we had a narrow escape of + being caught by Rose, who came in with Le Duc and begged me to let him + dance, promising that he would behave himself properly. I was glad that + everybody should enjoy themselves and consented, telling him to thank + Rose, who had got him this favour. + </p> + <p> + I had a note from Madame Morin, asking me if she might bring with her to + the ball two ladies of her acquaintance and their daughters. I replied + that I should be delighted for her to invite not only as many ladies but + as many gentlemen as she pleased, as I had ordered supper for twenty + people. She came to dinner with her niece and Valenglard, her daughter + being busy dressing and her husband being engaged till the evening. She + assured me that I should have plenty of guests. + </p> + <p> + The fair Mdlle. Roman wore the same dress, but her beauty unadorned was + dazzling. Standing by me she asked if I had thought about her horoscope. I + took her hand, made her sit on my knee, and promised that she should have + it on the morrow. I held her thus, pressing her charming breasts with my + left hand, and imprinting fiery kisses on her lips, which she only opened + to beg me to calm myself. She was more astonished than afraid to see me + trembling, and though she defended herself successfully she did not lose + countenance for a moment, and in spite of my ardent gaze she did not turn + her face away. I calmed myself with an effort, and her eyes expressed the + satisfaction of one who has vanquished a generous enemy by the force of + reason. By my silence I praised the virtue of this celestial being, in + whose destiny I only had a part by one of those caprices of chance which + philosophy seeks to explain in vain. + </p> + <p> + Madame Morin came up to me, and asked me to explain some points in her + daughter’s horoscope. She then told me that if I wanted to have four + beauties at my ball she had only to write a couple of notes. + </p> + <p> + “I shall only see one beauty,” said I, looking at her niece. + </p> + <p> + “God alone knows,” said Valenglard, “what people will say in Grenoble!” + </p> + <p> + “They will say it is your wedding ball,” said Madame Morin to her niece. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and they will doubtless talk of my magnificent dress, my lace, and + my diamonds,” said the niece, pleasantly. + </p> + <p> + “They will talk of your beauty, your wit, and your goodness,” I replied, + passionately, “goodness which will make your husband a happy man.” + </p> + <p> + There was a silence, because they all thought I was alluding to myself. I + was doing nothing of the sort. I should have been glad to give five + hundred louis for her, but I did not see how the contract was to be drawn + up, and I was not going to throw my money away. + </p> + <p> + We went to my bedroom, and while Mdlle. Roman was amusing herself with + looking at the jewellery on my toilette-table, her aunt and Valenglard + examined the books on the table by my bedside. I saw Madame Morin going to + the window and looking closely at something she held in her hand. I + remembered I had left out the portrait of the fair nun. I ran to her and + begged her to give me the indecent picture I had so foolishly left about. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t mind the indecency of it,” she said, “but what strikes me is the + exact likeness.” + </p> + <p> + I understood everything, and I shuddered at the carelessness of which I + had been guilty. + </p> + <p> + “Madam,” I said, “that is the portrait of a Venetian, lady, of whom I was + very found.” + </p> + <p> + “I daresay, but it’s very curious. These two M’s, these cast-off robes + sacrificed to love, everything makes my surprise greater.” + </p> + <p> + “She is a nun and named M—— M——.” + </p> + <p> + “And a Welsh niece of mine at Camberi is also named M—— M——, + and belongs to the same order. Nay, more, she has been at Aix, whence you + have come, to get cured of an illness.” + </p> + <p> + “And this portrait is like her?” + </p> + <p> + “As one drop of water is like another.” + </p> + <p> + “If you go to Chamberi call on her and say you come from me; you will be + welcome and you will be as much surprised as I am.” + </p> + <p> + “I will do so, after I have been in Italy. However, I will not shew her + this portrait, which would scandalize her; I will put it away carefully.” + </p> + <p> + “I beg you not to shew it to anyone.” + </p> + <p> + “You may rely on me.” + </p> + <p> + I was in an ecstasy at having put her off so effectually. + </p> + <p> + At eight o’clock all my guests arrived, and I saw before me all the + fairest ladies and the noblest gentlemen of Grenoble. The only thing which + vexed me was the compliments they lavished on me, as is customary in the + provinces. + </p> + <p> + I opened the ball with the lady pointed out to me by M. Valenglard, and + then I danced with all the ladies in succession; but my partner in all the + square dances was the fair Mdlle. Roman, who shone from her simplicity—at + least, in my eyes. + </p> + <p> + After a quadrille, in which I had exerted myself a good deal, I felt hot + and went up to my room to put on a lighter suit, and as I was doing so, in + came the fair cousin, who asked me if I required anything. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, you, dearest,” I replied, going up to her and taking her in my arms. + “Did anyone see you coming in here?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I came from upstairs, and my cousins are in the dancing-room.” + </p> + <p> + “That is capital. You are fair as Love himself, and this is an excellent + opportunity for shewing you how much I love you.” + </p> + <p> + “Good heavens! What are you doing? Let me go, somebody might come in. + Well, put out the light!” + </p> + <p> + I put it out, shut the door, and, my head full of Mdlle. Roman, the cousin + found me as ardent as I should have been with that delightful person. I + confess, too, that the door-keeper’s niece was well worthy of being loved + on her own merits. I found her perfect, perhaps better than Mdlle. Roman, + a novice, would have been. In spite of my ardour her passion was soon + appeased, and she begged me to let her go, and I did so; but it was quite + time. I wanted to begin over again, but she was afraid that our absence + would be noticed by her two Argus-eyed cousins, so she kissed me and left + the room. + </p> + <p> + I went back to the ball-room, and we danced on till the king of + door-keepers came to tell us supper was ready. + </p> + <p> + A collation composed of the luxuries which the season and the country + afforded covered the table; but what pleased the ladies most was the + number and artistic arrangement of the wax lights. + </p> + <p> + I sat down at a small table with a few of my guests, and I received the + most pressing invitations to spend the autumn in their town. I am sure + that if I had accepted I should have been treated like a prince, for the + nobility of Grenoble bear the highest character for hospitality. I told + them that if it had been possible I should have had the greatest pleasure + in accepting their invitation, and in that case I should have been + delighted to have made the acquaintance of the family of an illustrious + gentleman, a friend of my father’s. + </p> + <p> + “What name is it?” they asked me, altogether. + </p> + <p> + “Bouchenu de Valbonnais.” + </p> + <p> + “He was my uncle. Ah! sir, you must come and stay with us. You danced with + my daughter. What was your father’s name?” + </p> + <p> + This story, which I invented, and uttered as I was wont, on the spur of + the moment, turned me into a sort of wonder in the eyes of the worthy + people. + </p> + <p> + After we had laughed, jested, drank, and eaten, we rose from the table and + began to dance anew. + </p> + <p> + Seeing Madame Morin, her niece, and Valenglard going into the garden, I + followed them, and as we walked in the moonlight I led the fair Mdlle. + Roman through a covered alley; but all my fine speeches were in vain; I + could do nothing. I held her between my arms, I covered her with burning + kisses, but not one did she return to me, and her hands offered a + successful resistance to my hardy attempts. By a sudden effort, however, I + at last attained the porch of the temple of love, and held her in such a + way that further resistance would have been of no avail; but she stopped + me short by saying in a voice which no man of feeling could have resisted,— + </p> + <p> + “Be my friend, sir, and not my enemy and the cause of my ruin.” + </p> + <p> + I knelt before her, and taking her hand begged her pardon, swearing not to + renew my attempts. I then rose and asked her to kiss me as a pledge of her + forgiveness. We rejoined her aunt, and returned to the ball-room, but with + all my endeavours I could not regain my calm. + </p> + <p> + I sat down in a corner of the room, and I asked Rose, who passed by me, to + get me a glass of lemonade. When she brought it she gently chid me for not + having danced with her, her sister, or her cousin. + </p> + <p> + “It will give people but a poor opinion of our merits.” + </p> + <p> + “I am tired,” said I, “but if you will promise to be kind I will dance a + minuet with you.” + </p> + <p> + “What do want me to do?” said she. + </p> + <p> + “Go into my bedroom and wait for me there in the dark when you see your + sister and your cousin busy dancing.” + </p> + <p> + “And you will only dance with me.” + </p> + <p> + “I swear!” + </p> + <p> + “Then you will find me in your room.” + </p> + <p> + I found her passionate, and I had full satisfaction. To keep my word with + her I waited for the closing minuet, for having danced with Rose I felt + obliged in common decency to dance with the other two, especially as I + owed them the same debt. + </p> + <p> + At day-break the ladies began to vanish, and as I put the Morins into my + carriage I told them that I could not have the pleasure of seeing them + again that day, but that if they would come and spend the whole of the day + after with me I would have the horoscope ready. + </p> + <p> + I went to the kitchen to thank the worthy door-keeper for having made me + cut such a gallant figure, and I found the three nymphs there, filling + their pockets with sweetmeats. He told them, laughing, that as the master + was there they might rob him with a clear conscience, and I bade them take + as much as they would. I informed the door-keeper that I should not dine + till six, and I then went to bed. + </p> + <p> + I awoke at noon, and feeling myself well rested I set to work at the + horoscope, and I resolved to tell the fair Mdlle. Roman that fortune + awaited her at Paris, where she would become her master’s mistress, but + that the monarch must see her before she had attained her eighteenth year, + as at that time her destiny would take a different turn. To give my + prophecy authority, I told her some curious circumstances which had + hitherto happened to her, and which I had learnt now and again from + herself or Madame Morin without pretending to heed what they said. + </p> + <p> + With an Ephemeris and another astrological book, I made out and copied in + six hours Mdlle. Roman’s horoscope, and I had so well arranged it that it + struck Valenglard and even M. Morin with astonishment, and made the two + ladies quite enthusiastic. + </p> + <p> + My horoscope must only be known to the young lady and her family, who + would no doubt keep the secret well. After I had put the finishing touches + to it, read it, and read it again, I felt certain that I had made a + masterpiece, and I then dined in bed with my three nymphs. I was polite + and affectionate to them all, and we were all happy together, but I was + the happiest. M. de Valenglard came to see me early the next day, and + informed me that nobody suspected me of being in love with Mdlle. Roman, + but that I was thought to be amorous of my landlord’s girls. + </p> + <p> + “Well, let them think so,” said I; “they are worthy of love, though not to + be named in the same breath with one past compare, but who leaves me no + hope.” + </p> + <p> + “Let me tell Madame d’Urfe all about it.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly; I shall be delighted.” + </p> + <p> + M. and Madame Morin and their niece came at noon, and we spent the hour + before dinner in reading the horoscope. It would be impossible to describe + the four distinct sorts of surprise which I saw before me. The interesting + Mdlle. Roman looked very grave, and, not knowing whether she had a will of + her own, listened to what was said in silence. M. Morin looked at me now + and again, and seeing that I kept a serious countenance did not dare to + laugh. Valenglard shewed fanatic belief in astrology in every feature. + Madame Morin seemed struck as by a miracle, and, far from thinking the + fact prophesied too improbable, remarked that her niece was much more + worthy of becoming her sovereign’s wife or mistress than the bigoted + Maintenon had been. + </p> + <p> + “She would never have done anything,” said Madame Morin, “if she had not + left America and come to France; and if my niece does not go to Paris + nobody can say that the horoscope has prophesied falsely. We should + therefore go to Paris, but how is it to be done? I don’t see my way + to it. The prediction of the birth of a son has something divine and + entrancing about it. I don’t wish to seem prejudiced, but my niece has + certainly more qualifications for gaining the king’s affection than the + Maintenon had: my niece is a good girl and young, while the Maintenon was + no longer as young as she had been, and had led a strange life before she + became a devotee. But we shall never accomplish this journey to Paris.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” said Valenglard, in a serious tone, which struck me as supremely + ridiculous, “she must go; her fate must be fulfilled.” + </p> + <p> + The fair Mdlle. Roman seemed all amazed. I let them talk on, and we sat + down to dinner. + </p> + <p> + [The next two paragraphs were misplaced in the original, likely by the + typesetter, and have been inserted here where it seems that they belong. + D.W.] + </p> + <p> + I hoped I should be asked to take the diamond to Paris myself, and I felt + inclined to grant the request. I flattered myself that they could not do + without me, and that I should get what I wanted, if not for love at any + rate through gratitude; indeed, who knew what might become of the plan? + The monarch would be sure to be caught directly. I had no doubts on that + subject, for where is the man in love who does not think that his beloved + object will win the hearts of all others? For the moment I felt quite + jealous of the king, but, from my thorough knowledge of my own + inconstancy, I felt sure that my jealousy would cease when my love had + been rewarded, and I was aware that Louis XV. did not altogether hold the + opinions of a Turk in such concerns. What gave an almost divine character + to the horoscope was the prediction of a son to be born, who would make + the happiness of France, and could only come from the royal blood and from + a singular vessel of election. + </p> + <p> + A curious fancy increased my delight, namely, the thought of becoming a + famous astrologer in an age when reason and science had so justly + demolished astrology. I enjoyed the thought of seeing myself sought out by + crowned heads, which are always the more accessible to superstitious + notions. I determined I would be particular to whom I gave my advice. Who + has not made his castles in Spain? If Mdlle. Roman gave birth to a + daughter instead of a son I should be amused, and all would not be lost, + for a son might come afterwards. + </p> + <p> + At first silence reigned, and then the conversation ran on a thousand + trifles, as is usual in good society, but by degrees, as I had thought, + they returned to the horoscope. + </p> + <p> + “According to the horoscope,” said the aunt, “the king is to fall in love + with my niece in her eighteenth year; she is now close on it. What are we + to do? Where are we to get the hundred louis necessary? And when she gets + to Paris is she to go to the king and say, ‘Here I am, your majesty’? And + who is going to take her there? I can’t.” + </p> + <p> + “My aunt Roman might,” said the young lady, blushing up to her eyes at the + roar of laughter which none of us could restrain. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Madame Morin, “there is Madame Varnier, of the Rue de + Richelieu; she is an aunt of yours. She has a good establishment, and + knows everybody.” + </p> + <p> + “See,” said Valenglard, “how the ways of destiny are made plain. You talk + of a hundred louis; twelve will be sufficient to take you to Madame + Varnier’s. When you get there, leave the rest to your fate, which will + surely favour you.” + </p> + <p> + “If you do go to Paris,” said I, “say nothing to Madame Roman or Madame + Varnier about the horoscope.” + </p> + <p> + “I will say nothing to anyone about it; but, after all, it is only a happy + dream. I shall never see Paris, still less Louis XV.” + </p> + <p> + I arose, and going to my cash-box I took out a roll of a hundred and fifty + louis, which I gave to her, saying it was a packet of sweetmeats. It felt + rather heavy, and on opening it she found it to contain fifty + pieces-of-eight, which she took for medals. + </p> + <p> + “They are gold,” said Valenglard. + </p> + <p> + “And the goldsmith will give you a hundred and fifty louis for them,” + added M. Morin. + </p> + <p> + “I beg you will keep them; you can give me a bill payable at Paris when + you become rich.” + </p> + <p> + I knew she would refuse to accept my present, although I should have been + delighted if she had kept the money. But I admired her strength of mind in + restraining her tears, and that without disturbing for a moment the smile + on her face. + </p> + <p> + We went out to take a turn in the garden. Valenglard and Madame Morin + began on the topic of the horoscope anew, and I left them, taking Mdlle. + Roman with me. + </p> + <p> + “I wish you would tell me,” said she, when we were out of hearing of the + others, “if this horoscope is not all a joke.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” I answered, “it is quite serious, but it all depends on an if. If + you do not go to Paris the prophecy will never be fulfilled.” + </p> + <p> + “You must think so, certainly, or you would never have offered me those + fifty medals.” + </p> + <p> + “Do me the pleasure of accepting them now; nobody will know anything about + it.” + </p> + <p> + “No, I cannot, though I am much obliged to you. But why should you want to + give me such a large sum?” + </p> + <p> + “For the pleasure of contributing to your happiness, and in the hope that + you will allow me to love you.” + </p> + <p> + “If you really love me why should I oppose your love? You need not buy my + consent; and to be happy I do not want to possess the King of France, if + you did but know to what my desires are limited.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell me.” + </p> + <p> + “I would fain find a kind husband, rich enough for us not to lack the + necessaries of life.” + </p> + <p> + “But how if you did not love him?” + </p> + <p> + “If he was a good, kind man how could I help loving him?” + </p> + <p> + “I see that you do not know what love is.” + </p> + <p> + “You are right. I do not know the love that maddens, and I thank God for + it.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I think you are wise; may God preserve you from that love.” + </p> + <p> + “You say, that as soon as the king sees me he will fall in love with me, + and to tell you the truth that strikes me as vastly improbable; for though + it is quite possible that he may not think me plain, or he might even + pronounce me pretty, yet I do not think he will become so madly in love as + you say.” + </p> + <p> + “You don’t? Let us sit down. You have only got to fancy that the king will + take the same liking to you that I have done; that is all.” + </p> + <p> + “But what do you find in me that you will not find in most girls of my + age? I certainly may have struck you; but that only proves that I was born + to exercise this sway over you, and not at all that I am to rule the king + in like manner. Why should I go and look for the king, if you love me + yourself?” + </p> + <p> + “Because I cannot give you the position you deserve.” + </p> + <p> + “I should have thought you had plenty of money.” + </p> + <p> + “Then there’s another reason: you are not in love with me.” + </p> + <p> + “I love you as tenderly as if I were your wife. I might then kiss you, + though duty now forbids my doing so.” + </p> + <p> + “I am much obliged to you for not being angry with me for being so happy + with you!” + </p> + <p> + “On the contrary, I am delighted to please you.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you will allow me to call on you at an early hour to-morrow, and to + take coffee at your bedside.” + </p> + <p> + “Do not dream of such a thing. If I would I could not. I sleep with my + aunt, and I always rise at the same time she does. Take away your hand; + you promised not to do it again. In God’s name, let me alone.” + </p> + <p> + Alas! I had to stop; there was no overcoming her. But what pleased me + extremely was that in spite of my amorous persecution she did not lose + that smiling calm which so became her. As for myself I looked as if I + deserved that pardon for which I pleaded on my knees, and in her eyes I + read that she was sorry that she could not grant what I required of her. + </p> + <p> + I could no longer stay beside her, my senses were too excited by her + beauty. I left her and went to my room where I found the kind Manon + busying herself on my cuffs, and she gave me the relief I wanted, and when + we were both satisfied made her escape. I reflected that I should never + obtain more than I had obtained hitherto from young Mdlle. Roman—at + least, unless I gave the lie to my horoscope by marrying her, and I + decided that I would not take any further steps in the matter. I returned + to the garden, and going up to the aunt I begged her to walk with me. In + vain I urged the worthy woman to accept a hundred louis for her niece’s + journey from me. I swore to her by all I held sacred that no one else + should ever know of the circumstance. All my eloquence and all my prayers + were in vain. She told me that if her niece’s destiny only depended on + that journey all would be well, for she had thought over a plan which + would, with her husband’s consent, enable Mdlle. Roman to go to Paris. At + the same time she gave me her sincerest thanks, and said that her niece + was very fortunate to have pleased me so well. + </p> + <p> + “She pleased me so well,” I replied, “that I have resolved to go away + to-morrow to avoid making proposals to you which would bring the great + fortune that awaits her to nought. If it were not for that I should have + been happy to have asked her hand of you.” + </p> + <p> + “Alas! her happiness would, perhaps, be built on a better foundation. + Explain yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “I dare not wage war with fate.” + </p> + <p> + “But you are not going to-morrow?” + </p> + <p> + “Excuse me, but I shall call to take leave at two o’clock.” + </p> + <p> + The news of my approaching departure saddened the supper-table. Madame + Morin, who, for all I know, may be alive now, was a most kind-hearted + woman. At table she announced her resolve that as I had decided on going, + and as I should only leave my house to take leave of her, she would not + force me to put myself out to such an extent, and ordained that our + farewells should be said that evening. + </p> + <p> + “At least,” I said, “I may have the honour of escorting you to your door?” + </p> + <p> + “That will protract our happiness for some minutes.” Valenglard went away + on foot, and the fair Mdlle. Roman sat on my knee. I dared to be bold with + her, and contrary to expectation she shewed herself so kind that I was + half sorry I was going; but the die was cast. + </p> + <p> + A carriage lying overturned on the road outside an inn made my coachman + stop a short while, and this accident which made the poor driver curse + overwhelmed me with joy, for in these few moments I obtained all the + favours that she could possibly give under the circumstances. + </p> + <p> + Happiness enjoyed alone is never complete. Mine was not until I assured + myself, by looking at my sweetheart’s features, that the part she had + taken had not been an entirely passive one; and I escorted the ladies to + their room. There, without any conceit, I was certain that I saw sadness + and love upon that fair creature’s face. I could see that she was neither + cold nor insensible, and that the obstacles she had put in my way were + only suggested by fear and virtue. I gave Madame Morin a farewell kiss, + and she was kind enough to tell her niece to give me a similar mark of + friendship, which she did in a way that shewed me how completely she had + shared my ardour. + </p> + <p> + I left them, feeling amorous and sorry I had obliged myself to go. On + entering my room I found the three nymphs together, which vexed me as I + only wanted one. I whispered my wishes to Rose as she curled my hair, but + she told me it was impossible for her to slip away as they all slept in + one room. I then told them that I was going away the next day, and that if + they would pass the night with me I would give them a present of six louis + each. They laughed at my proposal and said it couldn’t possibly be done. I + saw by this they had not made confidantes of one another, as girls mostly + do, and I also saw that they were jealous of each other. I wished them a + good night, and as soon as I was in bed the god of dreams took me under + his care, and made me pass the night with the adorable Mdlle. Roman. + </p> + <p> + I rang rather late in the morning, and the cousin came in and said that + Rose would bring my chocolate, and that M. Charles Ivanoff wanted to speak + to me. I guessed that this was the Russian, but as he had not been + introduced to me I thought I might decline to see him. + </p> + <p> + “Tell him I don’t know his name.” + </p> + <p> + Rose went out, and came in again saying he was the gentleman who had had + the honour of supping with me at Madame Morin’s. + </p> + <p> + “Tell him to come in.” + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” said he, “I want to speak with you in private.” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot order these young ladies to leave my room, sir. Be kind enough + to wait for me outside till I have put on my dressing-gown, and then I + shall be ready to speak to you.” + </p> + <p> + “If I am troubling you, I will call again to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “You would not find me, as I am leaving Grenoble to-day.” + </p> + <p> + “In that case I will wait.” + </p> + <p> + I got up in haste and went out to him. + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” said he, “I must leave this place, and I have not a penny to pay my + landlord. I beg of you to come to my aid. I dare not have recourse to + anyone else in the town for fear of exposing myself to the insult of a + refusal.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps I ought to feel myself flattered at the preference you have shewn + me, but without wishing to insult you in any way I am afraid I shall be + obliged to refuse your request.” + </p> + <p> + “If you knew who I am I am sure you would not refuse me some small help.” + </p> + <p> + “If you think so, tell me who you are; you may count on my silence.” + </p> + <p> + “I am Charles, second son of Ivan, Duke of Courland, who is in exile in + Siberia. I made my escape.” + </p> + <p> + “If you go to Genoa you will find yourself beyond the reach of poverty; + for no doubt the brother of your lady-mother would never abandon you.” + </p> + <p> + “He died in Silesia.” + </p> + <p> + “When?” + </p> + <p> + “Two years ago, I believe.” + </p> + <p> + “You have been deceived, for I saw him at Stuttgart scarcely six months + ago. He is the Baron de Treiden.” + </p> + <p> + It did not cost me much to get wind of the adventurer, but I felt angry + that he had had the impudence to try and dupe me. If it had not been for + that I would willingly have given him six louis, for it would have been + bad form on my part to declare war against adventurers, as I was one + myself, and I ought to have pardoned his lies as nearly all adventurers + are more or less impostors. I gave a glance at his diamond buckles, which + were considered real at Grenoble, and I saw directly that they were + counterfeits of a kind made in Venice, which imitate the facets of the + diamonds in perfection, except to people who are experienced in diamonds. + </p> + <p> + “You have diamond buckles,” said I. “Why don’t you sell them?” + </p> + <p> + “It’s the last piece of jewellery I possess out of all my mother gave me, + and I promised her never to part with them.” + </p> + <p> + “I would not shew those buckles if I were you; your pocket would be a + better place for them. I may tell you frankly that I believe the stones to + be counterfeit, and that your lie displeases me.” + </p> + <p> + “Sir, I am not a liar.” + </p> + <p> + “We shall see. Prove that the stones are genuine, and I will give you six + louis. I shall be delighted if I am in the wrong. Farewell.” + </p> + <p> + Seeing M. de Valerlglard coming up to my door, he begged me not to tell + him of what had passed between us; and I promised that I would tell no + one. + </p> + <p> + Valenglard came to wish me a prosperous journey; he himself was obliged to + go with M. Monteinard. He begged me to correspond constantly with him, and + I had been intending to prefer the same request, as I took too great an + interest in the fair Mdlle. Roman not to wish to hear of her fate, and the + correspondence the worthy officer desired was the best way possible for me + to hear about her. As will be imagined, I promised what he asked without + making any difficulty. He shed tears as he embraced me, and I promised to + be his friend. + </p> + <a name="linkD2HCH0002" id="linkD2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + My Departure from Grenoble—Avignon—The Fountain of + Vaucluse—The False Astrodi and the Humpback—Gaetan Costa— + I Arrive at Marseilles +</pre> + <p> + While the three girls were helping Le Duc to pack my mails my landlord + entered, gave me his bill, and finding everything correct I paid him, much + to his satisfaction. I owed him a compliment, too, at which he seemed + extremely gratified. + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” said I, “I do not wish to leave your house without having the + pleasure of dining with your charming girls, to shew them how I appreciate + the care they have taken of me. Let me have, then, a delicate repast for + four, and also order post horses, that I may start in the evening.” + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” broke in Le Duc, “I entreat you to order a saddle-horse besides; I + was not made for a seat behind a chaise.” + </p> + <p> + The cousin laughed openly at his vain boasting, and to avenge himself the + rascal told her that he was better than she. + </p> + <p> + “Nevertheless, M. le Duc, you will have to wait on her at table.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, as she waits on you in bed.” + </p> + <p> + I ran for my stick, but the rogue, knowing what was going to happen, + opened the window and jumped into the courtyard. The girls gave a shriek + of terror, but when we looked out we saw him jumping about and performing + a thousand apish tricks. + </p> + <p> + Very glad to find that he had not broken a limb, I called out, “Come back, + I forgive you.” The girls, and the man himself who escaped so readily, + were as delighted as I. Le Duc came in in high spirits, observing that he + did not know he was such a good jumper. + </p> + <p> + “Very good, but don’t be so impudent another time. Here, take this watch.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, I gave him a valuable gold watch, which he received, saying,— + </p> + <p> + “I would jump again for another watch like this.” + </p> + <p> + Such was my Spaniard, whom I had to dismiss two years afterwards. I have + often missed him. + </p> + <p> + The hours went by with such speed when I was seated at table with the + three girls, whom I vainly endeavoured to intoxicate, that I decided that + I would not leave till the next day. I was tired of making mysteries and + wanted to enjoy them all together, and resolved that the orgy should take + place that night. I told them that if they would pass the night in my room + I would not go till the next day. This proposition was received with a + storm of exclamations and with laughter, as at an impossibility, while I + endeavoured to excite them to grant my request. In the midst of this the + door-keeper came in, advising me not to travel by night, but to go to + Avignon by a boat in which I could ship my carriage. + </p> + <p> + “You will save time and money,” said he. + </p> + <p> + “I will do so,” I answered, “if these girls of yours will keep me company + all night, as I am determined I will not go to bed.” + </p> + <p> + “O Lord!” said he with a laugh, “that’s their business.” + </p> + <p> + This decided them and they gave in. The door-keeper sent to order the + boat, and promised to let me have a dainty supper by midnight. + </p> + <p> + The hours passed by in jests and merriment, and when we sat down to supper + I made the champagne corks fly to such an extent that the girls began to + get rather gay. I myself felt a little heated, and as I held each one’s + secret I had the hardihood to tell them that their scruples were + ridiculous, as each of them had shewn no reserve to me in private. + </p> + <p> + At this they gazed at one another in a kind of blank surprise, as if + indignant at what I had said. Foreseeing that feminine pride might prompt + them to treat my accusation as an idle calumny, I resolved not to give + them time, and drawing Manon on to my knee I embraced her with such ardour + that she gave in and abandoned herself to my passion. Her example overcame + the others, and for five hours we indulged in every kind of voluptuous + enjoyment. At the end of that time we were all in need of rest, but I had + to go. I wanted to give them some jewels, but they said they would rather + I ordered gloves to the amount of thirty louis, the money to be paid in + advance, and the gloves not to be called for. + </p> + <p> + I went to sleep on board the boat, and did not awake till we got to + Avignon. I was conducted to the inn of “St. Omen” and supped in my room in + spite of the marvellous tales which Le Duc told me of a young beauty at + the public table. + </p> + <p> + Next morning my Spaniard told me that the beauty and her husband slept in + a room next to mine. At the same time he brought me a bill of the play, + and I saw Company from Paris, with Mdlle. Astrodi, who was to sing and + dance. I gave a cry of wonder, and exclaimed,— + </p> + <p> + “The famous Astrodi at Avignon—how she will be astonished to see + me!” + </p> + <p> + Not wanting to live in hermit fashion, I went downstairs to dine at the + public table, and I found a score of people sitting down to such a choice + repast that I could not conceive how it could be done for forty sous a + head. The fair stranger drew all eyes, and especially mine, towards her. + She was a young and perfect beauty, silent, her eyes fixed on a napkin, + replying in monosyllables to those who addressed her, and glancing at the + speaker with large blue eyes, the beauty of which it would be difficult to + describe. Her husband was seated at the other end of the table—a man + of a kind that inspires contempt at the first glance. He was young, marked + with the small-pox, a greedy eater, a loud talker, laughing and speaking + at random, and altogether I took him for a servant in disguise. Feeling + sure that such a fellow did not know how to refuse, I sent him a glass of + champagne, which he drank off to my health forthwith. “May I have the + pleasure of sending a glass to your wife?” He replied, with a roar of + laughter, to ask her myself; and with a slight bow she told me that she + never took anything to drink. When the dessert came in she rose, and her + husband followed her to their room. + </p> + <p> + A stranger who like myself had never seen her before, asked me who she + was. I said I was a newcomer and did not know, and somebody else said that + her husband called himself the Chevalier Stuard, that he came from Lyons, + and was going to Marseilles; he came, it appeared, to Avignon a week ago, + without servants, and in a very poor carriage. + </p> + <p> + I intended staying at Avignon only as long as might be necessary to see + the Fountain or Fall of Vaucluse, and so I had not got any letters of + introduction, and had not the pretext of acquaintance that I might stay + and enjoy her fine eyes. But an Italian who had read and enjoyed the + divine Petrarch would naturally wish to see the place made divine by the + poet’s love for Laura. I went to the theatre, where I saw the vice-legate + Salviati, women of fashion, neither fair nor foul, and a wretched comic + opera; but I neither saw Astrodi nor any other actor from the Comedie + Italienne at Paris. + </p> + <p> + “Where is the famous Astrodi?” said I, to a young man sitting by me, “I + have not seen her yet.” + </p> + <p> + “Excuse me, she has danced and sang before your eyes.” + </p> + <p> + “By Jove, it’s impossible! I know her perfectly, and if she has so changed + as not to be recognized she is no longer herself.” + </p> + <p> + I turned to go, and two minutes after the young man I had addressed came + up and begged me to come back, and he would take me to Astrodi’s + dressing-room, as she had recognized me. I followed him without saying a + word, and saw a plain-looking girl, who threw her arms round my neck and + addressed me by my name, though I could have sworn I had never seen her + before, but she did not leave me time to speak. Close by I saw a man who + gave himself out as the father of the famous Astrodi, who was known to all + Paris, who had caused the death of the Comte d’Egmont, one of the most + amiable noblemen of the Court of Louis XV. I thought this ugly female + might be her sister, so I sat down and complimented her on her talents. + She asked if I would mind her changing her dress; and in a moment she was + running here and there, laughing and shewing a liberality which possibly + might have been absent if what she had to display had been worth seeing. + </p> + <p> + I laughed internally at her wiles, for after my experiences at Grenoble + she would have found it a hard task to arouse my desires if she had been + as pretty as she was ugly. Her thinness and her tawny skin could not + divert my attention from other still less pleasing features about her. I + admired her confidence in spite of her disadvantages. She must have + credited me with a diabolic appetite, but these women often contrive to + extract charms out of their depravity which their delicacy would be + impotent to furnish. She begged me to sup with her, and as she persisted I + was obliged to refuse her in a way I should not have allowed myself to use + with any other woman. She then begged me to take four tickets for the play + the next day, which was to be for her benefit. I saw it was only a matter + of twelve francs, and delighted to be quit of her so cheaply I told her to + give me sixteen. I thought she would have gone mad with joy when I gave + her a double louis. She was not the real Astrodi. I went back to my inn + and had a delicious supper in my own room. + </p> + <p> + While Le Duc was doing my hair before I went to bed, he told me that the + landlord had paid a visit to the fair stranger and her husband before + supper, and had said in clear terms that he must be paid next morning; and + if he were not, no place would be laid for them at table, and their linen + would be detained. + </p> + <p> + “Who told you that?” + </p> + <p> + “I heard it from here; their room is only separated from this by a wooden + partition. If they were in it now, I am sure they could hear all we are + saying.” + </p> + <p> + “Where are they, then?” + </p> + <p> + “At table, where they are eating for to-morrow, but the lady is crying. + There’s a fine chance for you, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Be quiet; I shan’t have anything to do with it. It’s a trap, for a woman + of any worth would die rather than weep at a public table.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, if you saw how pretty she looks in tears! I am only a poor devil, but + I would willingly give her two louis if she would earn them.” + </p> + <p> + “Go and offer her the money.” + </p> + <p> + A moment after the gentleman and his wife came back to their room, and I + heard the loud voice of the one and the sobs of the other, but as he was + speaking Walloon I did not understand what he said. + </p> + <p> + “Go to bed,” said I to Le Duc, “and next morning tell the landlord to get + me another room, for a wooden partition is too thin a barrier to keep off + people whom despair drive to extremities.” + </p> + <p> + I went to bed myself, and the sobs and muttering did not die away till + midnight. + </p> + <p> + I was shaving next morning, when Le Duc announced the Chevalier Stuard. + </p> + <p> + “Say I don’t know anybody of that name.” + </p> + <p> + He executed my orders, and returned saying that the chevalier on hearing + my refusal to see him had stamped with rage, gone into his chamber, and + come out again with his sword beside him. + </p> + <p> + “I am going to see,” added Le Duc, “that your pistols are well primed for + the future.” + </p> + <p> + I felt inclined to laugh, but none the less I admired the foresight of my + Spaniard, for a man in despair is capable of anything. + </p> + <p> + “Go,” said I, “and ask the landlord to give me another room.” + </p> + <p> + In due course the landlord came himself and told me that he could not + oblige me until the next day. + </p> + <p> + “If you don’t get me another room I shall leave your house on the spot, + because I don’t like hearing sobs and reproaches all night.” + </p> + <p> + “Can you hear them, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “You can hear them yourself now. What do you think of it? The woman will + kill herself, and you will be the cause of her death.” + </p> + <p> + “I, sir? I have only asked them to pay me my just debts.” + </p> + <p> + “Hush! there goes the husband. I am sure he is telling his wife in his + language that you are an unfeeling monster.” + </p> + <p> + “He may tell her what he likes so long as he pays me.” + </p> + <p> + “You have condemned them to die of hunger. How much do they owe you?” + </p> + <p> + “Fifty francs.” + </p> + <p> + “Aren’t you ashamed of making such a row for a wretched sum like that?” + </p> + <p> + “Sir, I am only ashamed of an ill deed, and I do not commit such a deed in + asking for my own.” + </p> + <p> + “There’s your money. Go and tell them that you have been paid, and that + they may eat again; but don’t say who gave you the money.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s what I call a good action,” said the fellow; and he went and told + them that they did not owe him anything, but that they would never know + who paid the money. + </p> + <p> + “You may dine and sup,” he added, “at the public table, but you must pay + me day by day.” + </p> + <p> + After he had delivered this speech in a high voice, so that I could hear + as well as if I had been in the room, he came back to me. + </p> + <p> + “You stupid fool!” said I, pushing him away, “they will know everything.” + So saying I shut my door. + </p> + <p> + Le Duc stood in front of me, staring stupidly before him. + </p> + <p> + “What’s the matter with you, idiot?” said I. + </p> + <p> + “That’s fine. I see. I am going on the stage. You would do well to become + an actor.” + </p> + <p> + “You are a fool.” + </p> + <p> + “Not so big a fool as you think.” + </p> + <p> + “I am going for a walk; mind you don’t leave my room for a moment.” + </p> + <p> + I had scarcely shut the door when the chevalier accosted me and + overwhelmed me with thanks. + </p> + <p> + “Sir, I don’t know to what you are referring.” + </p> + <p> + He thanked me again and left me, and walking by the banks of the Rhone, + which geographers say is the most rapid river in Europe, I amused myself + by looking at the ancient bridge. At dinner-time I went back to the inn, + and as the landlord knew that I paid six francs a meal he treated me to an + exquisite repast. Here, I remember, I had some exceedingly choice + Hermitage. It was so delicious that I drank nothing else. I wished to make + a pilgrimage to Vaucluse and begged the landlord to procure me a good + guide, and after I had dressed I went to the theatre. + </p> + <p> + I found the Astrodi at the door, and giving her my sixteen tickets, I sat + down near the box of the vice-legate Salviati, who came in a little later, + surrounded by a numerous train of ladies and gentlemen bedizened with + orders and gold lace. + </p> + <p> + The so-called father of the false Astrodi came and whispered that his + daughter begged me to say that she was the celebrated Astrodi I had known + at Paris. I replied, also in a whisper, that I would not run the risk of + being posted as a liar by bolstering up an imposture. The ease with which + a rogue invites a gentleman to share in a knavery is astonishing; he must + think his confidence confers an honour. + </p> + <p> + At the end of the first act a score of lackeys in the prince’s livery took + round ices to the front boxes. I thought it my duty to refuse. A young + gentleman, as fair as love, came up to me, and with easy politeness asked + me why I had refused an ice. + </p> + <p> + “Not having the honour to know anyone here, I did not care that anyone + should be able to say that he had regaled one who was unknown to him.” + </p> + <p> + “But you, sir, are a man who needs no introduction.” + </p> + <p> + “You do me too much honour.” + </p> + <p> + “You are staying at the ‘St. Omer’!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; I am only stopping here to see Vaucluse, where I think of going + to-morrow if I can get a good guide.” + </p> + <p> + “If you would do me the honour of accepting me, I should be delighted. My + name is Dolci, I am son of the captain of the vice-legate’s guard.” + </p> + <p> + “I feel the honour you do me, and I accept your obliging offer. I will put + off my start till your arrival.” + </p> + <p> + “I will be with you at seven.” + </p> + <p> + I was astonished at the easy grace of this young Adonis, who might have + been a pretty girl if the tone of his voice had not announced his manhood. + I laughed at the false Astrodi, whose acting was as poor as her face, and + who kept staring at me all the time. While she sang she regarded me with a + smile and gave me signs of an understanding, which must have made the + audience notice me, and doubtless pity my bad taste. The voice and eyes of + one actress pleased me; she was young and tall, but hunchbacked to an + extraordinary degree. She was tall in spite of her enormous humps, and if + it had not been for this malformation she would have been six feet high. + Besides her pleasing eyes and very tolerable voice I fancied that, like + all hunchbacks, she was intelligent. I found her at the door with the ugly + Astrodi when I was leaving the theatre. The latter was waiting to thank + me, and the other was selling tickets for her benefit. + </p> + <p> + After the Astrodi had thanked me, the hunchbacked girl turned towards me, + and with a smile that stretched from ear to ear and displayed at least + twenty-four exquisite teeth, she said that she hoped I would honour her by + being present at her benefit. + </p> + <p> + “If I don’t leave before it comes off, I will,” I replied. + </p> + <p> + At this the impudent Astrodi laughed, and in the hearing of several ladies + waiting for their carriages told me that her friend might be sure of my + presence, as she would not let me go before the benefit night. “Give him + sixteen tickets,” she added. I was ashamed to refuse, and gave her two + louis. Then in a lower voice the Astrodi said, “After the show we will + come and sup with you, but on the condition that you ask nobody else, as + we want to be alone.” + </p> + <p> + In spite of a feeling of anger, I thought that such a supper-party would + be amusing, and as no one in the town knew me I resolved to stay in the + hope of enjoying a hearty laugh. + </p> + <p> + I was having my supper when Stuard and his wife went to their room. This + night I heard no sobs nor reproaches, but early next morning I was + surprised to see the chevalier who said, as if we had been old friends, + that he had heard that I was going to Vaucluse, and that as I had taken a + carriage with four places he would be much obliged if I would allow him + and his wife, who wanted to see the fountain, to go with me. I consented. + </p> + <p> + Le Duc begged to be allowed to accompany me on horseback, saying that he + had been a true prophet. In fact it seemed as if the couple had agreed to + repay me for my expenditure by giving me new hopes. I was not displeased + with the expedition, and it was all to my advantage, as I had had recourse + to no stratagems to obtain it. + </p> + <p> + Dolci came, looking as handsome as an angel; my neighbours were ready, and + the carriage loaded with the best provisions in food and drink that were + obtainable; and we set off, Dolci seated beside the lady and I beside the + chevalier. + </p> + <p> + I had thought that the lady’s sadness would give place, if not to gaiety, + at least to a quiet cheerfulness, but I was mistaken; for, to all my + remarks, grave or gay, she replied, either in monosyllables or in a + severely laconic style. Poor Dolci, who was full of wit, was stupefied. He + thought himself the cause of her melancholy, and was angry with himself + for having innocently cast a shadow on the party of pleasure. I relieved + him of his fears by telling him that when he offered me his pleasant + society I was not aware that I was to be of service to the fair lady. I + added that when at day-break I received this information, I was pleased + that he would have such good company. The lady did not say a word. She + kept silent and gloomy all the time, and gazed to right and left like one + who does not see what is before his [her] eyes. + </p> + <p> + Dolci felt at ease after my explanation, and did his best to arouse the + lady, but without success. He talked on a variety of topics to the + husband, always giving her an opportunity of joining in, but her lips + remained motionless. She looked like the statue of Pandora before it had + been quickened by the divine flame. + </p> + <p> + The beauty of her face was perfect; her eyes were of a brilliant blue, her + complexion a delicate mixture of white and red, her arms were as rounded + as a Grace’s, her hands plump and well shaped, her figure was that of a + nymph’s, giving delightful hints of a magnificent breast; her hair was a + chestnut brown, her foot small: she had all that constitutes a beautiful + woman save that gift of intellect, which makes beauty more beautiful, and + gives a charm to ugliness itself. My vagrant fancy shewed me her naked + form, all seemed ravishing, and yet I thought that though she might + inspire a passing fancy she could not arouse a durable affection. She + might minister to a man’s pleasures, she could not make him happy. I + arrived at the isle resolved to trouble myself about her no more; she + might, I thought, be mad, or in despair at finding herself in the power of + a man whom she could not possibly love. I could not help pitying her, and + yet I could not forgive her for consenting to be of a party which she knew + she must spoil by her morose behaviour. + </p> + <p> + As for the self-styled Chevalier Stuard, I did not trouble my head whether + he were her husband or her lover. He was young, commonplace-looking, he + spoke affectedly; his manners were not good, and his conversation betrayed + both ignorance and stupidity. He was a beggar, devoid of money and wits, + and I could not make out why he took with him a beauty who, unless she + were over-kind, could add nothing to his means of living. Perhaps he + expected to live at the expense of simpletons, and had come to the + conclusion, in spite of his ignorance, that the world is full of such; + however, experience must have taught him that this plan cannot be relied + on. + </p> + <p> + When we got to Vaucluse I let Dolci lead; he had been there a hundred + times, and his merit was enhanced in my eyes by the fact that he was a + lover of the lover of Laura. We left the carriage at Apt, and wended our + way to the fountain which was honoured that day with a numerous throng of + pilgrims. The stream pours forth from a vast cavern, the handiwork of + nature, inimitable by man. It is situated at the foot of a rock with a + sheer descent of more than a hundred feet. The cavern is hardly half as + high, and the water pours forth from it in such abundance that it deserves + the name of river at its source. It is the Sorgue which falls into the + Rhone near Avignon. There is no other stream as pure and clear, for the + rocks over which it flows harbour no deposits of any kind. Those who + dislike it on account of its apparent blackness should remember that the + extreme darkness of the cavern gives it that gloomy tinge. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Chiare fresche a dolce aque + Ove le belle membra + Pose colei the sola a me pay donna. +</pre> + <p> + I wished to ascend to that part of the rock where Petrarch’s house stood. + I gazed on the remains with tears in my eyes, like Leo Allatius at Homer’s + grave. Sixteen years later I slept at Arqua, where Petrarch died, and his + house still remains. The likeness between the two situations was + astonishing, for from Petrarch’s study at Arqua a rock can be seen similar + to that which may be viewed at Vaucluse; this was the residence of Madonna + Laura. + </p> + <p> + “Let us go there,” said I, “it is not far off.” + </p> + <p> + I will not endeavour to delineate my feelings as I contemplated the ruins + of the house where dwelt the lady whom the amorous Petrarch immortalised + in his verse—verse made to move a heart of stone: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Morte bella parea nel suo bel viso” + </pre> + <p> + I threw myself with arms outstretched upon the ground as if I would + embrace the very stones. I kissed them, I watered them with my tears, I + strove to breathe the holy breath they once contained. I begged Madame + Stuard’s pardon for having left her arm to do homage to the spirit of a + woman who had quickened the profoundest soul that ever lived. + </p> + <p> + I say soul advisedly, for after all the body and the senses had nothing to + do with the connection. + </p> + <p> + “Four hundred years have past and gone,” said I to the statue of a woman + who gazed at me in astonishment, “since Laura de Sade walked here; perhaps + she was not as handsome as you, but she was lively, kindly, polite, and + good of heart. May this air which she breathed and which you breathe now + kindle in you the spark of fire divine; that fire that coursed through her + veins, and made her heart beat and her bosom swell. Then you would win the + worship of all worthy men, and from none would you receive the least + offence. Gladness, madam, is the lot of the happy, and sadness the portion + of souls condemned to everlasting pains. Be cheerful, then, and you will + do something to deserve your beauty.” + </p> + <p> + The worthy Dolci was kindled by my enthusiasm. He threw himself upon me, + and kissed me again and again; the fool Stuard laughed; and his wife, who + possibly thought me mad, did not evince the slightest emotion. She took my + arm, and we walked slowly towards the house of Messer Francesco d’Arezzo. + </p> + <p> + Dolci lavished more attention on the extraordinary woman than I did. + Stuard did nothing but eat and drink, and despised the Sorgue water, + which, said he, would spoil the Hermitage; possibly Petrarch may have been + of the same opinion. We drank deeply without impairing our reason, but the + lady was very temperate. When we reached Avignon we bade her farewell, + declining the invitation of her foolish husband to come and rest in his + rooms. + </p> + <p> + I took Dolci’s arm and we walked beside the Rhone as the sun went down. + Among other keen and witty observations the young man said,— + </p> + <p> + “That woman is an old hand, infatuated with a sense of her own merit. I + would bet that she has only left her own country because her charms, from + being too freely displayed, have ceased to please there. She must be sure + of making her fortune out of anybody she comes across. I suspect that the + fellow who passes for her husband is a rascal, and that her pretended + melancholy is put on to drive a persistent lover to distraction. She has + not yet succeeded in finding a dupe, but as she will no doubt try to catch + a rich man, it is not improbable that she is hovering over you.” + </p> + <p> + When a young man of Dolci’s age reasons like that, he is bound to become a + great master. I kissed him as I bade him good-night, thanked him for his + kindness, and we agreed that we would see more of one another. + </p> + <p> + As I came back to my inn I was accosted by a fine-looking man of middle + age, who greeted me by name and asked with great politeness if I had found + Vaucluse as fine as I had expected. I was delighted to recognize the + Marquis of Grimaldi, a Genoese, a clever and good-natured man, with plenty + of money, who always lived at Venice because he was more at liberty to + enjoy himself there than in his native country; which shews that there is + no lack of freedom at Venice. + </p> + <p> + After I had answered his question I followed him into his room, where + having exhausted the subject of the fountain he asked me what I thought of + my fair companion. + </p> + <p> + “I did not find her satisfactory in all respects,” I answered; and + noticing the reserve with which I spoke, he tried to remove it by the + following confession: + </p> + <p> + “There are some very pretty women in Genoa, but not one to compare with + her whom you took to Vaucluse to-day. I sat opposite to her at table + yesterday evening, and I was struck with her perfect beauty. I offered her + my arm up the stair; I told her that I was sorry to see her so sad, and if + I could do anything for her she had only to speak. You know I was aware + she had no money. Her husband, real or pretended, thanked me for my offer, + and after I had wished them a good night I left them. + </p> + <p> + “An hour ago you left her and her husband at the door of their apartment, + and soon afterwards I took the liberty of calling. She welcomed me with a + pretty bow, and her husband went out directly, begging me to keep her + company till his return. The fair one made no difficulty in sitting next + to me on a couch, and this struck me as a good omen, but when I took her + hand she gently drew it away. I then told, her, in as few words as I + could, that her beauty had made me in love with her, and that if she + wanted a hundred louis they were at her service, if she would drop her + melancholy, and behave in a manner suitable to the feelings with which she + had inspired me. She only replied by a motion of the head, which shewed + gratitude, but also an absolute refusal of my offer. ‘I am going + to-morrow,’ said I. No answer. I took her hand again, and she drew it back + with an air of disdain which wounded me. I begged her to excuse me, and I + left the room without more ado. + </p> + <p> + “That’s an account of what happened an hour ago. I am not amorous of her, + it was only a whim; but knowing, as I do, that she has no money, her + manner astonished me. I fancied that you might have placed her in a + position to despise my offer, and this would explain her conduct, in a + measure; otherwise I can’t understand it at all. May I ask you to tell me + whether you are more fortunate than I?” + </p> + <p> + I was enchanted with the frankness of this noble gentleman, and did not + hesitate to tell him all, and we laughed together at our bad fortune: I + had to promise to call on him at Genoa, and tell him whatever happened + between us during the two days I purposed to remain at Avignon. He asked + me to sup with him and admire the fair recalcitrant. + </p> + <p> + “She has had an excellent dinner,” said I, “and in all probability she + will not have any supper.” + </p> + <p> + “I bet she will,” said the marquis; and he was right, which made me see + clearly that the woman was playing a part. A certain Comte de Bussi, who + had just come, was placed next to her at table. He was a good-looking + young man with a fatuous sense of his own superiority, and he afforded us + an amusing scene. + </p> + <p> + He was good-natured, a wit, and inclined to broad jokes, and his manner + towards women bordered on the impudent. He had to leave at midnight and + began to make love to his fair neighbour forthwith, and teased her in a + thousand ways; but she remained as dumb as a statue, while he did all the + talking and laughing, not regarding it within the bounds of possibility + that she might be laughing at him. + </p> + <p> + I looked at M. Grimaldi, who found it as difficult to keep his countenance + as I did. The young roue was hurt at her silence, and continued pestering + her, giving her all the best pieces on his plate after tasting them first. + The lady refused to take them, and he tried to put them into her mouth, + while she repulsed him in a rage. He saw that no one seemed inclined to + take her part, and determined to continue the assault, and taking her hand + he kissed it again and again. She tried to draw it away, and as she rose + he put his arm round her waist and made her sit down on his knee; but at + this point the husband took her arm and led her out of the room. The + attacking party looked rather taken aback for a moment as he followed her + with his eyes, but sat down again and began to eat and laugh afresh, while + everybody else kept a profound silence. He then turned to the footman + behind his chair and asked him if his sword was upstairs. The footman said + no, and then the fatuous young man turned to an abbe who sat near me, and + enquired who had taken away his mistress: + </p> + <p> + “It was her husband,” said the abbe. + </p> + <p> + “Her husband! Oh, that’s another thing; husbands don’t fight—a man + of honour always apologises to them.” + </p> + <p> + With that he got up, went upstairs, and came down again directly, saying,— + </p> + <p> + “The husband’s a fool. He shut the door in my face, and told me to satisfy + my desires somewhere else. It isn’t worth the trouble of stopping, but I + wish I had made an end of it.” + </p> + <p> + He then called for champagne, offered it vainly to everybody, bade the + company a polite farewell and went upon his way. + </p> + <p> + As M. Grimaldi escorted me to my room he asked me what I had thought of + the scene we had just witnessed. I told him I would not have stirred a + finger, even if he had turned up her clothes. + </p> + <p> + “No more would I,” said he, “but if she had accepted my hundred louis it + would have been different. I am curious to know the further history of + this siren, and I rely upon you to tell me all about it as you go through + Genoa.” + </p> + <p> + He went away at day-break next morning. + </p> + <p> + When I got up I received a note from the false Astrodi, asking me if I + expected her and her great chum to supper. I had scarcely replied in the + affirmative, when the sham Duke of Courland I had left at Grenoble + appeared on the scene. He confessed in a humble voice that he was the son + of clock-maker at Narva, that his buckles were valueless, and that he had + come to beg an alms of me. I gave him four Louis, and he asked me to keep + his secret. I replied that if anyone asked me about him that I should say + what was absolutely true, that I knew him nothing about him. “Thank you; I + am now going to Marseilles.” “I hope you will have a prosperous journey.” + Later on my readers will hear how I found him at Genoa. It is a good thing + to know something about people of his kind, of whom there are far too many + in the world. + </p> + <p> + I called up the landlord and told him I wanted a delicate supper for three + in my own room. + </p> + <p> + He told me that I should have it, and then said, “I have just had a row + with the Chevalier Stuard.” + </p> + <p> + “What about?” + </p> + <p> + “Because he has nothing to pay me with, and I am going to turn them out + immediately, although the lady is in bed in convulsions which are + suffocating her.” + </p> + <p> + “Take out your bill in her charms.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, I don’t care for that sort of thing! I am getting on in life, and I + don’t want any more scenes to bring discredit on my house.” + </p> + <p> + “Go and tell her that from henceforth she and her husband will dine and + sup in their own room and that I will pay for them as long as I remain + here.” + </p> + <p> + “You are very generous, sir, but you know that meals in a private room are + charged double.” + </p> + <p> + “I know they are.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good.” + </p> + <p> + I shuddered at the idea of the woman being turned out of doors without any + resources but her body, by which she refused to profit. On the other hand + I could not condemn the inn-keeper who, like his fellows, was not troubled + with much gallantry. I had yielded to an impulse of pity without any hopes + of advantage for myself. Such were my thoughts when Stuard came to thank + me, begging me to come and see his wife and try and persuade her to behave + in a different manner. + </p> + <p> + “She will give me no answers, and you know that that sort of thing is + rather tedious.” + </p> + <p> + “Come, she knows what you have done for her; she will talk to you, for her + feelings . . . .” + </p> + <p> + “What business have you to talk about feelings after what happened + yesterday evening?” + </p> + <p> + “It was well for that gentleman that he went away at midnight, otherwise I + should have killed him this morning.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear sir, allow me to tell you that all that is pure braggadocio. + Yesterday, not to-day, was the time to kill him, or to throw your plate at + his head, at all events. We will now go and see your wife.” + </p> + <p> + I found her in bed, her face to the wall, the coverlet right up to her + chin, and her body convulsed with sobs. I tried to bring her to reason, + but as usual got no reply. Stuard wanted to leave me, but I told him that + if he went out I would go too, as I could do nothing to console her, as he + might know after her refusing the Marquis of Grimaldi’s hundred louis for + a smile and her hand to kiss. + </p> + <p> + “A hundred Louis!” cried the fellow with a sturdy oath; “what folly! We + might have been at home at Liege by now. A princess allows one to kiss her + hand for nothing, and she.... A hundred Louis! Oh, damnable!” + </p> + <p> + His exclamations, very natural under the circumstances, made me feel + inclined to laugh. The poor devil swore by all his gods, and I was about + to leave the room, when all at once the wretched woman was seized with + true or false convulsions. With one hand she seized a water-bottle and + sent it flying into the middle of the room, and with the other she tore + the clothes away from her breast. Stuard tried to hold her, but her + disorder increased in violence, and the coverlet was disarranged to such a + degree that I could see the most exquisite naked charms imaginable. At + last she grew calm, and her eyes closed as if exhausted; she remained in + the most voluptuous position that desire itself could have invented. I + began to get very excited. How was I to look on such beauties without + desiring to possess them? At this point her wretched husband left the + room, saying he was gone to fetch some water. I saw the snare, and my + self-respect prevented my being caught in it. I had an idea that the whole + scene had been arranged with the intent that I should deliver myself up to + brutal pleasure, while the proud and foolish woman would be free to + disavow all participation in the fact. I constrained myself, and gently + veiled what I would fain have revealed in all its naked beauty. I + condemned to darkness these charms which this monster of a woman only + wished me to enjoy that I might be debased. + </p> + <p> + Stuard was long enough gone. When he came back with the water-bottle full, + he was no doubt surprised to find me perfectly calm, and in no disorder of + any kind, and a few minutes afterwards I went out to cool myself by the + banks of the Rhone. + </p> + <p> + I walked along rapidly, feeling enraged with myself, for I felt that the + woman had bewitched me. In vain I tried to bring myself to reason; the + more I walked the more excited I became, and I determined that after what + I had seen the only cure for my disordered fancy was enjoyment, brutal or + not. I saw that I should have to win her, not by an appeal to sentiment + but by hard cash, without caring what sacrifices I made. I regretted my + conduct, which then struck me in the light of false delicacy, for if I had + satisfied my desires and she chose to turn prude, I might have laughed her + to scorn, and my position would have been unassailable. At last I + determined on telling the husband that I would give him twenty-five louis + if he could obtain me an interview in which I could satisfy my desires. + </p> + <p> + Full of this idea I went back to the inn, and had my dinner in my own room + without troubling to enquire after her. Le Duc told me that she was dining + in her room too, and that the landlord had told the company that she would + not take her meals in public any more. This was information I possessed + already. + </p> + <p> + After dinner I called on the good-natured Dolci, who introduced me to his + father, an excellent man, but not rich enough to satisfy his son’s desire + of travelling. The young man was possessed of considerable dexterity, and + performed a number of very clever conjuring tricks. He had an amiable + nature, and seeing that I was curious to know about his love affairs he + told me numerous little stories which shewed me that he was at that happy + age when one’s inexperience is one’s sole misfortune. + </p> + <p> + There was a rich lady for whom he did not care, as she wanted him to give + her that which he would be ashamed to give save for love, and there was a + girl who required him to treat her with respect. I thought I could give + him a piece of good advice, so I told him to grant his favours to the rich + woman, and to fail in respect now and again to the girl, who would be sure + to scold and then forgive. He was no profligate, and seemed rather + inclined to become a Protestant. He amused himself innocently with his + friends of his own age, in a garden near Avignon, and a sister of the + gardener’s wife was kind to him when they were alone. + </p> + <p> + In the evening I went back to the inn, and I had not long to wait for the + Astrodi and the Lepi (so the hunchbacked girl was named); but when I saw + these two caricatures of women I felt stupefied. I had expected them, of + course, but the reality confounded me. The Astrodi tried to counterbalance + her ugliness by an outrageous freedom of manners; while the Lepi, who + though a hunchback was very talented and an excellent actress, was sure of + exciting desire by the rare beauty of her eyes and teeth, which latter + challenged admiration from her enormous mouth by their regularity and + whiteness. The Astrodi rushed up to me and gave me an Italian embrace, to + which, willy nilly, I was obliged to submit. The quieter Lepi offered me + her cheek, which I pretended to kiss. I saw that the Astrodi was in a fair + way to become intolerable, so I begged her to moderate her transports, + because as a novice at these parties I wanted to get accustomed to them by + degrees. She promised that she would be very good. + </p> + <p> + While we were waiting for supper I asked her, for the sake of something to + say, whether she had found a lover at Avignon. + </p> + <p> + “Only the vice-legate’s auditor,” she replied; “and though he makes me his + pathic he is good-natured and generous. I have accustomed myself to his + taste easily enough, though I should have thought such a thing impossible + a year ago, as I fancied the exercise a harmful one, but I was wrong.” + </p> + <p> + “So the auditor makes a boy of you?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes. My sister would have adored him, as that sort of love is her + passion.” + </p> + <p> + “But your sister has such fine haunches.” + </p> + <p> + “So have I! Look here, feel me.” + </p> + <p> + “You are right; but wait a bit, it is too soon for that kind of thing + yet.” + </p> + <p> + “We will be wanton after supper.” + </p> + <p> + “I think you are wanton now,” said the Lepi. + </p> + <p> + “Why?” + </p> + <p> + “Why? Ought you to shew your person like that?” + </p> + <p> + “My dear girl, you will be shewing yourself soon. When one is in good + company, one is in the golden age.” + </p> + <p> + “I wonder at your telling everyone what sort of a connection you have with + the auditor,” said I. + </p> + <p> + “Nonsense! I don’t tell everyone, but everyone tells me and congratulates + me too. They know the worthy man never cared for women, and it would be + absurd to deny what everybody guesses. I used to be astonished at my + sister, but the best plan in this world is to be astonished at nothing. + But don’t you like that?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I only like this.” + </p> + <p> + As I spoke I laid hands on the Lepi, on the spot where one usually finds + what I called “this;” but the Astrodi, seeing that I found nothing, burst + into a roar of laughter, and taking my hand put it just under her front + hump, where at last I found what I wanted. The reader will guess my + surprise. The poor creature, too ashamed to be prudish, laughed too. My + spirits also begin to rise, as I thought of the pleasure I should get out + of this new discovery after supper. + </p> + <p> + “Have you never had a lover?” said I to the Lepi. + </p> + <p> + “No,” said the Astrodi, “she is still a maid.” + </p> + <p> + “No, I am not,” replied the Lepi, in some confusion, “I had a lover at + Bordeaux, and another at Montpellier.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I know, but you are still as you were born.” + </p> + <p> + “I can’t deny it.” + </p> + <p> + “What’s that? Two lovers and still a maid! I don’t understand; please tell + me about it, for I have never heard of such a thing.” + </p> + <p> + “Before I satisfied my first lover which happened when I was only twelve, + I was just the same as I am now.” + </p> + <p> + “It’s wonderful. And what did he say when he saw it?” + </p> + <p> + “I swore that he was my first, and he believed me, putting it down to the + peculiar shape of my body.” + </p> + <p> + “He was a man of spirit; but didn’t he hurt you?” + </p> + <p> + “Not a bit; but then he was very gentle.” + </p> + <p> + “You must have a try after supper,” said the Astrodi to me, “that would be + fine fun.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no,” said the Lepi, “the gentleman would be too big for me.” + </p> + <p> + “Nonsense! You don’t want to take in all of him. I will show you how it + is.” + </p> + <p> + With these words the impudent hussy proceeded to exhibit me, and I let her + do what she liked. + </p> + <p> + “That’s just what I should have thought,” cried the Lepi; “it could never + be done.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, he is rather big,” answered the Astrodi; “but there’s a cure for + everything, and he will be content with half-measures.” + </p> + <p> + “It’s not the length, my dear, but the thickness which frightens me; I am + afraid the door is too narrow.” + </p> + <p> + “All the better for you, for you can sell your maidenhead after having had + two lovers.” + </p> + <p> + This conversation, not devoid of wit, and still more the simplicity of the + hunchback, had made me resolve to verify things for myself. + </p> + <p> + Supper came up, and I had the pleasure of seeing the two nymphs eat like + starving savages, and drink still better. When the Hermitage had done its + work the Astrodi proposed that we should cast off the clothes which + disfigure nature. + </p> + <p> + “Certainly,” said I; “and I will turn away while you are getting ready.” + </p> + <p> + I went behind the curtains, took off my clothes, and went to bed with my + back to them. At last the Astrodi told me that they were ready, and when I + looked the Lepi took up all my attention. In spite of her double deformity + she was a handsome woman. My glances frightened her, for she was doubtless + taking part in an orgy for the first time. I gave her courage, however, by + dint of praising those charms which the white and beautiful hands could + not hide, and at last I persuaded her to come and lie beside me. Her hump + prevented her lying on her back, but the ingenious Astrodi doubled up the + pillows and succeeded in placing her in a position similar to that of a + ship about to be launched. It was also by the tender care of the Astrodi + that the introduction of the knife was managed, to the great delight of + priest and victim. After the operation was over she got up and kissed me, + which she could not do before, for her mouth reached to the middle of my + chest, while my feet were scarcely down to her knees. I would have given + ten louis to have been able to see the curious sight we must have + presented at work. + </p> + <p> + “Now comes my turn,” said the Astrodi; “but I don’t want you to infringe + on the rights of my auditor, so come and look round and see where the path + lies. Take that.” + </p> + <p> + “What am I to do with this slice of lemon?” + </p> + <p> + “I want you to try whether the place is free from infection, or whether it + would be dangerous for you to pay it a visit.” + </p> + <p> + “Is that a sure method?” + </p> + <p> + “Infallible; if everything were not right I could not bear the smart.” + </p> + <p> + “There you are. How’s that?” + </p> + <p> + “All right; but don’t deceive me, I want no half measures. My reputation + would be made if I became with child.” + </p> + <p> + I ask my reader’s leave to draw a veil over some incidents of this truly + scandalous orgy, in which the ugly woman taught me some things I did not + know before. At last, more tired than exhausted, I told them to begone, + but the Astrodi insisted on finishing up with a bowl of punch. I agreed, + but not wishing to have anything more to do with either of them I dressed + myself again. However, the champagne punch excited them to such an extent + that at last they made me share their transports. The Astrodi placed her + friend in such a singular position that the humps were no longer visible, + and imagining that I had before me the high priestess of Jove, I paid her + a long sacrifice, in which death and resurrection followed one another in + succession. But I felt disgusted with myself, and drew away from their + lascivious frenzies, and gave them ten Louis to get rid of them. The + Astrodi fell on her knees, blessed me, thanked me, called me her god; and + the Lepi wept and laughed for joy at the same time; and thus for a quarter + of an hour I was treated to a scene of an extraordinary kind. + </p> + <p> + I had them taken home in my carriage, and slept till ten o’clock next + morning. Just as I was going out for a walk Stuard came to my room and + told me, with an air of despair, that if I did not give him the means of + going away before I left he would throw himself in the Rhine. + </p> + <p> + “That’s rather tragic,” said I, “but I can find a cure. I will disburse + twenty-five Louis, but it is your wife who must receive them; and the only + condition is that she must receive me alone for an hour, and be entirely + kind.” + </p> + <p> + “Sir, we need just that sum; my wife is disposed to receive you; go and + talk to her. I shall not be in till noon.” + </p> + <p> + I put twenty-five Louis in a pretty little purse, and left my room + thinking that the victory was won. I entered her room and approached her + bed respectfully. When she heard me she sat up in bed without taking the + trouble to cover her breast, and before I could wish her good-day she + spoke to me as follows: + </p> + <p> + “I am ready, sir, to pay with my body for the wretched twenty-five Louis + of which my husband is in need. You can do what you like with me; but + remember that in taking advantage of my position to assuage your brutal + lust you are the viler of the two, for I only sell myself so cheaply + because necessity compels me to do so. Your baseness is more shameful than + mine. Come on; here I am.” + </p> + <p> + With this flattering address she threw off the coverlet with a vigorous + gesture, and displayed all her beauties, which I might have gazed on with + such different feelings from those which now filled my breast. For a + moment I was silent with indignation. All my passion had evaporated; in + those voluptuous rounded limbs I saw now only the covering of a wild + beast’s soul. I put back the coverlet with the greatest calmness, and + addressed her in a tone of cold contempt: + </p> + <p> + “No, madam, I shall not leave this room degraded because you have told me + so, but I shall leave it after imparting to you a few degrading truths, of + which you cannot be ignorant if you are a woman of any decency whatever. + Here are twenty-five louis, a wretched sum to give a virtuous woman in + payment of her favours, but much more than you deserve. I am not brutal, + and to convince you of the fact I am going to leave you in the undisturbed + possession of your charms, which I despise as heartily as I should have + admired them if your behaviour had been different. I only give you the + money from a feeling of compassion which I cannot overcome, and which is + the only feeling I now have for you. Nevertheless, let me tell you that + whether a woman sells herself for twenty-five louis or twenty-five million + louis she is as much a prostitute in the one case as in the other, if she + does not give her love with herself, or at all events the semblance of + love. Farewell.” + </p> + <p> + I went back to my room, and in course of time Stuard came to thank me. + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” said I, “let me alone; I wish to hear no more about your wife.” + </p> + <p> + They went away the next day for Lyons, and my readers will hear of them + again at Liege. + </p> + <p> + In the afternoon Dolci took me to his garden that I might see the + gardener’s sister. She was pretty, but not so pretty as he was. He soon + got her into a good humour, and after some trifling objection she + consented to be loved by him in my presence. I saw that this Adonis had + been richly dowered by nature, and I told him that with such a physical + conformation he had no need of emptying his father’s purse to travel, and + before long he took my advice. This fair Ganymede might easily have turned + me into Jove, as he struggled amorously with the gardener’s sister. + </p> + <p> + As I was going home I saw a young man coming out of a boat; he was from + twenty to twenty-five years old, and looked very sad. Seeing me looking at + him, he accosted me, and humbly asked for alms, shewing me a document + authorizing him to beg, and a passport stating he had left Madrid six + weeks before. He came from Parma, and was named Costa. When I saw Parma my + national prejudice spoke in his favour, and I asked him what misfortune + had reduced him to beggary. + </p> + <p> + “Only lack of money to return to my native country,” said he. + </p> + <p> + “What were you doing at Madrid, and why did you leave?” + </p> + <p> + “I was there four years as valet to Dr. Pistoria, physician to the King of + Spain, but on my health failing I left him. Here is a certificate which + will shew you that I gave satisfaction.” + </p> + <p> + “What can you do?” + </p> + <p> + “I write a good hand, I can assist a gentleman as his secretary, and I + intend being a scribe when I get home. Here are some verses I copied + yesterday.” + </p> + <p> + “You write well; but can you write correctly without a book?” + </p> + <p> + “I can write from dictation in French, Latin, and Spanish.” + </p> + <p> + “Correctly?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir, if the dictation is done properly, for it is the business of + the one who dictates to see that everything is correct.” + </p> + <p> + I saw that Master Gaetan Costa was an ignoramus, but in spite of that I + took him to my room and told Le Duc to address him in Spanish. He answered + well enough, but on my dictating to him in Italian and French I found he + had not the remotest ideas on orthography. + </p> + <p> + “But you can’t write,” said I to him. However, I saw he was mortified at + this, and I consoled him by saying that I would take him to his own + country at my expense. He kissed my hand, and assured me that I should + find a faithful servant in him. + </p> + <p> + This young fellow took my fancy by his originality; he had probably + assumed it to distinguish himself from the blockheads amongst whom he had + hitherto lived, and now used it in perfect good faith with everybody. He + thought that the art of a scribe solely consisted in possessing a good + hand, and that the fairest writer would be the best scribe. He said as + much while he was examining a paper I had written, and as my writing was + not as legible as his he tacitly told me I was his inferior, and that I + should therefore treat him with some degree of respect. I laughed at this + lad, and, not thinking him incorrigible I took him into my service. If it + had not been for that odd notion of his I should probably have merely + given him a louis, and no more. He said that spelling was of no + consequence, as those who knew how to spell could easily guess the words, + while those who did not know were unable to pick out the mistakes. I + laughed, but as I said nothing he thought the laugh signified approval. In + the dictation I gave him the Council of Trent happened to occur. According + to his system he wrote Trent by a three and a nought. I burst out + laughing; but he was not in the least put out, only remarking that the + pronunciation being the same it was of no consequence how the word was + spelt. In point of fact this lad was a fool solely through his + intelligence, matched with ignorance and unbounded self-confidence. I was + pleased with his originality and kept him, and was thus the greater fool + of the two, as the reader will see. + </p> + <p> + I left Avignon next day, and went straight to Marseilles, not troubling to + stop at Aix. I halted at the “Treize Cantons,” wishing to stay for a week + at least in this ancient colony of the Phocaeans, and to do as I liked + there. With this idea I took no letter of introduction; I had plenty of + money, and needed nobody’s help. I told my landlord to give me a choice + fish dinner in my own room, as I was aware that the fish in those parts is + better than anywhere else. + </p> + <p> + I went out the next morning with a guide, to take me back to the inn when + I was tired of walking. Not heeding where I went, I reached a fine quay; I + thought I was at Venice again, and I felt my bosom swell, so deeply is the + love of fatherland graven on the heart of every good man. I saw a number + of stalls where Spanish and Levantine wines were kept, and a number of + people drinking in them. A crowd of business men went hither and thither, + running up against each other, crossing each other’s paths, each occupied + with his own business, and not caring whose way he got into. Hucksters, + well dressed and ill dressed, women, pretty and plain, women who stared + boldly at everyone, modest maidens with downcast eyes, such was the + picture I saw. + </p> + <p> + The mixture of nationalities, the grave Turk and the glittering + Andalusian, the French dandy, the gross Negro, the crafty Greek, the dull + Hollander; everything reminded me of Venice, and I enjoyed the scene. + </p> + <p> + I stopped a moment at a street corner to read a playbill, and then I went + back to the inn and refreshed my weary body with a delicious dinner, + washed down with choice Syracusan wine. After dinner I dressed and took a + place in the amphitheatre of the theatre. + </p> + <a name="linkD2HCH0003" id="linkD2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Rosalie—Toulon—Nice—I Arrive at Genoa—M. Grimaldi— + Veronique and Her Sister +</pre> + <p> + I noticed that the four principal boxes on both sides of the proscenium + were adorned with pretty women, but not a single gentleman. In the + interval between the first and second acts I saw gentlemen of all classes + paying their devoirs to these ladies. Suddenly I heard a Knight of Malta + say to a girl, who was the sole occupant of a box next to me, + </p> + <p> + “I will breakfast with you to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + This was enough for me. I looked at her more closely and finding her to be + a dainty morsel I said, as soon as the knight had gone— + </p> + <p> + “Will you give me my supper?” + </p> + <p> + “With pleasure; but I have been taken in so often that I shan’t expect you + without an earnest.” + </p> + <p> + “How can I give you an earnest? I don’t understand.” + </p> + <p> + “You must be a new-comer here.” + </p> + <p> + “Just arrived.” + </p> + <p> + She laughed, called the knight, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “Be pleased to explain to this gentleman, who has just asked me for + supper, the meaning of the word ‘earnest.’” + </p> + <p> + The good-natured knight explained, with a smile, that the lady, fearing + lest my memory should prove defective, wanted me to pay for my supper in + advance. I thanked him, and asked her if a louis would be enough; and on + her replying in the affirmative, I gave her the Louis and asked for her + address. The knight told me politely that he would take me there himself + after the theatre, adding,— + </p> + <p> + “She’s the wantonest wench in all Marseilles.” + </p> + <p> + He then asked me if I knew the town, and when I told him that I had only + come that day he said he was glad to be the first to make my acquaintance. + We went to the middle of the amphitheatre and he pointed out a score of + girls to right and left, all of them ready to treat the first comer to + supper. They are all on the free list, and the manager finds they serve + his ends as respectable women will not sit in their boxes, and they draw + people to the theatre. I noticed five or six of a better type than the one + I had engaged, but I resolved to stick to her for the evening, and to make + the acquaintance of the others another time. + </p> + <p> + “Is your favourite amongst them?” I said to the knight. + </p> + <p> + “No, I keep a ballet-girl, and I will introduce you to her, as I am glad + to say that I am free from all jealousy.” + </p> + <p> + When the play came to an end he took me to my nymph’s lodging, and we + parted with the understanding that we were to see more of one another. + </p> + <p> + I found the lady in undress—a circumstance which went against her, + for what I saw did not please me. She gave me a capital supper, and + enlivened me by some witty and wanton sallies which made me regard her in + a more favourable light. When we had supper she got into bed, and asked me + to follow her example; but I told her that I never slept out. She then + offered me the English article which brings peace to the soul, but I did + not accept the one she offered as I thought it looked of a common make. + </p> + <p> + “I have finer ones, but they are three francs each, and the maker only + sells them by the dozen,” she said. “I will take a dozen if they are + really good,” I replied. + </p> + <p> + She rang the bell, and a young, charming, and modest-looking girl came in. + I was struck with her. + </p> + <p> + “You have got a nice maid,” I remarked, when the girl had gone for the + protective sheaths. + </p> + <p> + “She is only fifteen,” she said, “and won’t do anything, as she is new to + it.” + </p> + <p> + “Will you allow me to see for myself?” + </p> + <p> + “You may ask her if you like, but I don’t think she will consent.” + </p> + <p> + The girl came back with the packet, and putting myself in a proper + position I told her to try one on. She proceeded to do so with a sulky air + and with a kind of repugnance which made me feel interested in her. Number + one would not go on, so she had to try on a second, and the result was + that I besprinkled her plentifully. The mistress laughed, but she was + indignant, threw the whole packet in my face, and ran away in a rage. I + wanted nothing more after this, so I put the packet in my pocket, gave the + woman two Louis, and left the room. The girl I had treated so cavalierly + came to light me downstairs, and thinking I owed her an apology I gave her + a Louis and begged her pardon. The poor girl was astonished, kissed my + hand, and begged me to say nothing to her mistress. + </p> + <p> + “I will not, my dear, but tell me truly whether you are still a ‘virgo + intacta’.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, sir!” + </p> + <p> + “Wonderful! but tell me why you wouldn’t let me see for myself?” + </p> + <p> + “Because it revolted me.” + </p> + <p> + “Nevertheless you will have to do so, for otherwise, in spite of your + prettiness, people will not know what to make of you. Would you like to + let me try?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but not in this horrible house.” + </p> + <p> + “Where, then?” + </p> + <p> + “Go to my mother’s to-morrow, I will be there. Your guide knows where she + lives.” + </p> + <p> + When I got outside, I asked the man if he knew her. He replied in the + affirmative, and said he believed her to be an honest girl. + </p> + <p> + “You will take me to-morrow to see her mother,” I said. + </p> + <p> + Next morning he took me to the end of the town, to a poor house, where I + found a poor woman and poor children living on the ground floor, and + eating hard black bread. + </p> + <p> + “What do you want?” said she. + </p> + <p> + “Is you daughter here?” + </p> + <p> + “No, and what if she were? I am not her bawd.” + </p> + <p> + “No, of course not, my good woman.” + </p> + <p> + Just then the girl came in, and the enraged mother flung an old pot which + came handy, at her head. Luckily it missed, but she would not have escaped + her mother’s talons if I had not flung myself between them. However, the + old woman set up a dismal shriek, the children imitated her, and the poor + girl began to cry. This hubbub made my man come in. + </p> + <p> + “You hussy!” screamed the mother, “you are bringing disgrace on me; get + out of my house. You are no longer my daughter!” + </p> + <p> + I was in a difficult position. The man begged her not to make such a + noise, as it would draw all the neighbours about the house; but the + enraged woman answered only by abuse. I drew six francs from my pocket and + gave them to her, but she flung them in my face. At last I went out with + the daughter, whose hair she attempted to pull out by the roots, which + project was defeated by the aid of my man. As soon as we got outside, the + mob which the uproar had attracted hooted me and followed me, and no doubt + I should have been torn to pieces if I had not escaped into a church, + which I left by another door a quarter of an hour later. My fright saved + me, for I knew the ferocity of the Provencals, and I took care not to + reply a word to the storm of abuse which poured on me. I believe that I + was never in greater danger than on that day. + </p> + <p> + Before I got back to my inn I was rejoined by the servant and the girl. + </p> + <p> + “How could you lead me into such a dangerous position?” said I. “You must + have known your mother was savage.” + </p> + <p> + “I hoped she would behave respectfully to you.” + </p> + <p> + “Be calm; don’t weep any more. Tell me how I can serve you.” + </p> + <p> + “Rather than return to that horrible house I was in yesterday I would + throw myself into the sea.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you know of any respectable house where I can keep her?” said I to the + man. + </p> + <p> + He told me he did know a respectable individual who let furnished + apartments. + </p> + <p> + “Take me to it, then.” + </p> + <p> + The man was of an advanced age, and he had rooms to let on all the floors. + </p> + <p> + “I only want a little nook,” said the girl; and the old man took us to the + highest story, and opened the door of a garret, saying— + </p> + <p> + “This closet is six francs a month, a month’s rent to be paid in advance, + and I may tell you that my door is always shut at ten o’clock, and that + nobody can come and pass the night with you.” + </p> + <p> + The room held a bed with coarse sheets, two chairs, a little table, and a + chest of drawers. + </p> + <p> + “How much will you board this young woman for?” said I. + </p> + <p> + He asked twenty sous, and two sous for the maid who would bring her meals + and do her room. + </p> + <p> + “That will do,” said the girl, and she paid the month’s rent and the day’s + board. I left her telling her I would come back again. + </p> + <p> + As I went down the stairs I asked the old man to shew me a room for + myself. He shewed me a very nice one at a Louis a month, and I paid in + advance. He then gave me a latch-key, that I might go and come when I + liked. + </p> + <p> + “If you wish to board here,” said he, “I think I could give satisfaction.” + </p> + <p> + Having done this good work, I had my dinner by myself, and then went to a + coffee-house where I found the amiable Knight of Malta who was playing. He + left the game as soon as he saw me, put the fistfull of gold he had won + into his pocket, accosted me with the politeness natural to a Frenchman, + and asked me how I had liked the lady who had given me my supper. I told + him what had happened, at which he laughed, and asked me to come and see + his ballet-girl. We found her under the hairdresser’s hands, and she + received me with the playful familiarity with which one greets an old + acquaintance. I did not think much of her, but I pretended to be immensely + struck, with the idea of pleasing the good-natured knight. + </p> + <p> + When the hairdresser left her, it was time for her to get ready for the + theatre, and she dressed herself, without caring who was present. The + knight helped her to change her chemise, which she allowed him to do as a + matter of course, though indeed she begged me to excuse her. + </p> + <p> + As I owed her a compliment, I could think of nothing better than to tell + her that though she had not offended me she had made me feel very + uncomfortable. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t believe you,” said she. + </p> + <p> + “It’s true all the same.” + </p> + <p> + She came up to me to verify the fact, and finding I had deceived her, she + said half crossly, + </p> + <p> + “You are a bad fellow.” + </p> + <p> + The women of Marseilles are undoubtedly the most profligate in France. + They not only pride themselves on never refusing, but also on being the + first to propose. This girl shewed me a repeater, for which she had got up + a lottery at twelve francs a ticket. She had ten tickets left; I took them + all, and so delighted was she to touch my five Louis that she came and + kissed me, and told the knight that her unfaithfulness to him rested only + with me. + </p> + <p> + “I am charmed to hear it,” said the Maltese. He asked me to sup with her, + and I accepted the invitation, but the sole pleasure I had was looking at + the knight at work. He was far inferior to Dolci! + </p> + <p> + I wished them good night, and went to the house where I had placed the + poor girl. The maid shewed me to my room, and I asked her if I might go to + the garret. She took the light, I followed her up, and Rosalie, as the + poor girl was named, heard my voice and opened the door. I told the maid + to wait for me in my room, and I went in and sat down on the bed. + </p> + <p> + “Are you contented, dear?” I said. + </p> + <p> + “I am quite happy.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I hope you will be kind, and find room for me in your bed.” + </p> + <p> + “You may come if you like, but I must tell you that you will not find me a + maid, as I have had one lover.” + </p> + <p> + “You told me a lie, then?” + </p> + <p> + “Forgive me, I could not guess you would be my lover.” + </p> + <p> + “I forgive you willingly; all the more so as I am no great stickler for + maidenheads.” + </p> + <p> + She was as gentle as a lamb, and allowed me to gaze on all those charms of + which my hands and my lips disputed the possession; and the notion that I + was master of all these treasures put fire in all my veins, but her + submissive air distressed me. + </p> + <p> + “How is it you do not partake my desires?” said I. + </p> + <p> + “I dare not, lest you take me for a pretender.” + </p> + <p> + Artifice or studied coquetry might have prompted such an answer, but the + real timidity and the frankness with which these words were uttered could + not have been assumed. Impatient to gain possession of her I took off my + clothes, and on getting into bed to her I was astonished to find her a + maid. + </p> + <p> + “Why did you tell me you had a lover?” said I. “I never heard of a girl + telling a lie of that sort before.” + </p> + <p> + “All the same I did not tell a lie, but I am very glad that I seem as if I + had done so.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell me all about it.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly I will, for I want to win your confidence. This is the story: + </p> + <p> + “Two years ago my mother, though she was hot-tempered, still loved me. I + was a needle-woman, and earned from twenty to thirty sous a day. Whatever + I earned I gave my mother. I had never had a lover, never thought of such + a thing, and when my goodness was praised I felt inclined to laugh. I had + been brought up from a child never to look at young men when I met them in + the street, and never to reply to them when they addressed any impudence + to me. + </p> + <p> + “Two months ago a fine enough looking young man, a native of Genoa, and a + merchant in a small way, came to my mother to get her to wash some very + fine cotton stockings which the sea-water had stained. When he saw me he + was very complimentary, but in an honest way. I liked him, and, no doubt + seeing it, he came and came again every evening. My mother was always + present at our interviews, and he looked at me and talked to me, but did + not so much as ask to kiss my hand. My mother was very pleased to notice + that the young man liked me, and often scolded me because I was not polite + enough to him. In time he had to go to Genoa in a small ship which + belonged to him, and which was laden with goods. He assured us that he + would return again the next spring and declare his intentions. He said he + hoped he should find me as good as ever, and still without any lover. This + was enough; my mother looked upon him as my betrothed, and let us talk + together at the door till midnight. When he went I would shut the door and + lie down beside my mother, who was always asleep. + </p> + <p> + “Four or five days before his departure, he took my arm and got me to go + with him to a place about fifty paces from the house to drink a glass of + Muscat at a Greek’s, who kept his tavern open all night. We were only away + for half an hour, and then it was that he first kissed me. When I got home + I found my mother awake, and told her all; it seemed so harmless to me. + </p> + <p> + “Next day, excited by the recollection of what had happened the night + before, I went with him again, and love began to gain ground. We indulged + in caresses which were no longer innocent, as we well knew. However, we + forgave each other, as we had abstained from the chief liberty. + </p> + <p> + “The day after, my lover—as he had to journey in the night—took + leave of my mother, and as soon as she was in bed I was not longer in + granting what I desired as much as he. We went to the Greek’s, ate and + drank, and our heated senses gained love’s cause; we forgot our duty, and + fancied our misdemeanour a triumph. + </p> + <p> + “Afterwards we fell asleep, and when we awoke we saw our fault in the + clear, cold light of day. We parted sorrowful rather than rejoicing, and + the reception my mother gave me was like that you witnessed this morning. + I assured her that marriage would take away the shame of my sin, and with + this she took up a stick and would have done for me, if I had not taken to + my heels, more from instinct than from any idea of what I was doing. + </p> + <p> + “Once in the street I knew not where to turn, and taking refuge in a + church I stayed there like one in a dream till noon. Think of my position. + I was hungry, I had no refuge, nothing but the clothes I wore, nothing + that would get me a morsel of bread. A woman accosted me in the street. I + knew her and I also knew that she kept a servants’ agency. I asked her + forthwith if she could get me a place. + </p> + <p> + “‘I had enquiries about a maid this morning,’ said she, ‘but it is for a + gay woman, and you are pretty. You would have a good deal of difficulty in + remaining virtuous.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘I can keep off the infection,’ I answered, ‘and in the position I am in + I cannot pick and choose.’ + </p> + <p> + “She thereupon took me to the lady, who was delighted to see me, and still + more delighted when I told her that I had never had anything to do with a + man. I have repented of this lie bitterly enough, for in the week I spent + at that profligate woman’s house I have had to endure the most humiliating + insults that an honest girl ever suffered. No sooner did the men who came + to the house hear that I was a maid than they longed to slake their brutal + lust upon me, offering me gold if I would submit to their caresses. I + refused and was reviled, but that was not all. Five or six times every day + I was obliged to remain a witness of the disgusting scenes enacted between + my mistress and her customers, who, when I was compelled to light them + about the house at night, overwhelmed me with insults, because I would not + do them a disgusting service for a twelve-sous piece. I could not bear + this sort of life much longer, and I was thinking of drowning myself. When + you came you treated me so ignominiously that my resolve to die was + strengthened, but you were so kind and polite as you went away that I fell + in love with you directly, thinking that Providence must have sent you to + snatch me away from the abyss. I thought your fine presence might calm my + mother and persuade her to take me back till my lover came to marry me. I + was undeceived, and I saw that she took me for a prostitute. Now, if you + like, I am altogether yours, and I renounce my lover of whom I am no + longer worthy. Take me as your maid, I will love you and you only; I will + submit myself to you and do whatever you bid me.” + </p> + <p> + Whether it were weakness or virtue on my part, this tale of woe and a + mother’s too great severity drew tears from my eyes, and when she saw my + emotion she wept profusely, for her heart was in need of some relief. + </p> + <p> + “I think, my poor Rosalie, you have only one chemise.” + </p> + <p> + “Alas! that is all.” + </p> + <p> + “Comfort yourself, my dear; all your wants shall be supplied tomorrow, and + in the evening you shall sup with me in my room on the second floor. I + will take care of you.” + </p> + <p> + “You pity me, then?” + </p> + <p> + “I fancy there is more love than pity in it.” + </p> + <p> + “Would to God it were so!” + </p> + <p> + This “would to God,” which came from the very depths of her soul, sent me + away in a merry mood. The servant who had been waiting for me for two + hours, and was looking rather glum, relaxed when she saw the colour of a + crown which I gave her by way of atonement. + </p> + <p> + “Tell your master,” said I, “that Rosalie will sup with me to-morrow; let + us have a fasting dinner, but let it be a good one.” + </p> + <p> + I returned to my inn quite in love with Rosalie, and I congratulated + myself on having at last heard a true tale from a pretty mouth. She + appeared to me so well disposed that her small failing seemed to make her + shine the more. I resolved never to abandon her, and I did so in all + sincerity; was I not in love? + </p> + <p> + After I had had my chocolate next morning I went out with a guide to the + shops, where I got the necessary articles, paying a good but not an + excessive price. Rosalie was only fifteen, but with her figure, her + well-formed breasts, and her rounded arms, she would have been taken for + twenty. Her shape was so imprinted on my brain that everything I got for + her fitted as if she had been measured for it. This shopping took up all + the morning, and in the afternoon the man took her a small trunk + containing two dresses, chemises, petticoats, handkerchiefs, stockings, + gloves, caps, a pair of slippers, a fan, a work-bag, and a mantle. I was + pleased at giving her such a delightful surprise, and I longed for + suppertime that I might enjoy the sight of her pleasure. + </p> + <p> + The Knight of Malta came to dine with me without ceremony, and I was + charmed to see him. After we had dined he persuaded me to go to the + theatre, as in consequence of the suspense of the subscription + arrangements the boxes would be filled with all the quality in Marseilles. + </p> + <p> + “There will be no loose women in the amphitheatre,” said he, “as everybody + has to pay.” + </p> + <p> + That decided me and I went. He presented me to a lady with an excellent + connection, who asked me to come and see her. I excused myself on the plea + that I was leaving so shortly. Nevertheless she was very useful to me on + my second visit to Marseilles. Her name was Madame Audibert. + </p> + <p> + I did not wait for the play to end, but went where love called me. I had a + delightful surprise when I saw Rosalie; I should not have known her. But I + cannot resist the pleasure of recalling her picture as she stood before me + then, despite the years that have rolled by since that happy moment. + </p> + <p> + Rosalie was an enticing-looking brunette, above the middle height. Her + face was a perfect oval, and exquisitely proportioned. Two fine black eyes + shed a soft and ravishing light around. Her eyebrows were arched, and she + had a wealth of hair, black and shining as ebony; her skin was while and + lightly tinged with colour. On her chin was a dimple, and her slightest + smile summoned into being two other dimples, one on each cheek. Her mouth + was small, disclosing two rows of fairest orient pearls, and from her red + lips flowed forth an indefinable sweetness. The lower lip projected ever + so lightly, and seemed designed to hold a kiss. I have spoken of her arms, + her breast, and her figure, which left nothing to be desired, but I must + add to this catalogue of her charms, that her hand was exquisitely shaped, + and that her foot was the smallest I have ever seen. As to her other + beauties, I will content myself with saying that they were in harmony with + those I have described. + </p> + <p> + To see her at her best, one had to see her smiling; and hitherto she had + been sad or vexed—states of mind which detract from a woman’s + appearance. But now sadness was gone, and gratitude and pleasure had taken + its place. I examined her closely, and felt proud, as I saw what a + transformation I had effected; but I concealed my surprise, lest she + should think I had formed an unfavourable impression of her. I proceeded, + therefore, to tell her that I should expose myself to ridicule if I + attempted to keep a beauty like herself for a servant. + </p> + <p> + “You shall be my mistress,” I said, “and my servants shall respect you as + if you were my wife.” + </p> + <p> + At this Rosalie, as if I had given her another being, began to try and + express her gratitude for what I had done. Her words, which passion made + confused, increased my joy; here was no art nor deceit, but simple nature. + </p> + <p> + There was no mirror in her garret, so she had dressed by her sense of + touch, and I could see that she was afraid to stand up and look at herself + in the mirror in my room. I knew the weak spot in all women’s hearts + (which men are very wrong in considering as matter for reproach), and I + encouraged her to admire herself, whereupon she could not restrain a smile + of satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + “I think I must be in disguise,” said she, “for I have never seen myself + so decked out before.” + </p> + <p> + She praised the tasteful simplicity of the dress I had chosen, but was + vexed at the thought that her mother would still be displeased. + </p> + <p> + “Think no more of your mother, dearest one. You look like a lady of + quality, and I shall be quite proud when the people at Genoa ask me if you + are my daughter.” + </p> + <p> + “At Genoa?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, at Genoa. Why do you blush?” + </p> + <p> + “From surprise; perhaps I may see there one whom I have not yet + forgotten.” + </p> + <p> + “Would you like to stay here better?” + </p> + <p> + “No, no! Love me and be sure that I love you and for your own sake, not + from any thought of my own interests.” + </p> + <p> + “You are moved, my angel; let me wipe away your tears with kisses.” + </p> + <p> + She fell into my arms, and she relieved the various feelings of which her + heart was full by weeping for some time. I did not try to console her, for + she had not grief; she wept as tender souls, and women, more especially, + often will. We had a delicious supper to which I did honour for two, for + she ate nothing. I asked her if she was so unfortunate as not to care for + good food. + </p> + <p> + “I have as good an appetite as anyone,” she replied, “and an excellent + digestion. You shall see for yourself when I grow more accustomed to my + sudden happiness.” + </p> + <p> + “At least you can drink; this wine is admirable. If you prefer Greek + muscat I will send for some. It will remind you of your lover.” + </p> + <p> + “If you love me at all, I beg you will spare me that mortification.” + </p> + <p> + “You shall have no more mortification from me, I promise you. It was only + a joke, and I beg your pardon for it.” + </p> + <p> + “As I look upon you I feel in despair at not having known you first.” + </p> + <p> + “That feeling of yours, which wells forth from the depths of your open + soul, is grand. You are beautiful and good, for you only yielded to the + voice of love with the prospect of becoming his wife; and when I think + what you are to me I am in despair at not being sure you love me. An evil + genius whispers in my ear that you only bear with me because I had the + happiness of helping you.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, that is an evil genius. To be sure, if I had met you in the + street I should not have fallen head over ears in love with you, like a + wanton, but you would certainly have pleased me. I am sure I love you, and + not for what you have done for me; for if I were rich and you were poor, I + would do anything in the world for you. But I don’t want it to be like + that, for I had rather be your debtor than for you to be mine. These are + my real feelings, and you can guess the rest.” + </p> + <p> + We were still talking on the same subject when midnight struck, and my old + landlord came and asked me if I were pleased. + </p> + <p> + “I must thank you,” I replied, “I am delighted. Who cooked this delicious + supper?” + </p> + <p> + “My daughter.” + </p> + <p> + “She understands her craft; tell her I thought it excellent.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir, but it is dear.” + </p> + <p> + “Not too dear for me. You shall be pleased with me as I with you, and take + care to have as good a supper to-morrow evening, as I hope the lady will + be well enough to do justice to the products of your daughter’s culinary + skill.” + </p> + <p> + “Bed is a capital place to get an appetite. Ah! it is sixty years since I + have had anything to do with that sort of thing. What are you laughing at, + mademoiselle?” + </p> + <p> + “At the delight with which you must recollect it.” + </p> + <p> + “You are right, it is a pleasant recollection; and thus I am always ready + to forgive young folks the peccadilloes that love makes them commit.” + </p> + <p> + “You are a wise old man,” said I, “everyone should sympathise with the + tenderest of all our mortal follies.” + </p> + <p> + “If the old man is wise,” said Rosalie, when he had left the room, “my + mother must be very foolish.” + </p> + <p> + “Would you like me to take you to the play to-morrow?” + </p> + <p> + “Pray do not. I will come if you like, but it will vex me very much. I + don’t want to walk out with you or to go to the theatre with you here. + Good heavens! What would people say. No, neither at Marseilles; but + elsewhere, anything you please and with all my heart.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good, my dear, just as you please. But look at your room; no more + garret for you; and in three days we will start.” + </p> + <p> + “So soon?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; tell me to-morrow what you require for the journey, for I don’t want + you to lack for anything, and if you leave it all to me I might forget + something which would vex me.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I should like another cloak, a cloak with a lining, some boots, a + night-cap, and a prayer-book.” + </p> + <p> + “You know how to read, do you?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly; and I can write fairly well.” + </p> + <p> + “I am glad to hear it. Your asking me so freely for what you want is a + true proof of your love; where confidence dwells not there is no love. I + will not forget anything, but your feet are so small that I should advise + you to get your boots yourself.” + </p> + <p> + Our talk was so pleasant, and I experienced such delight in studying her + disposition, that we did not go to bed till five o’clock. In the arms of + love and sleep we spent seven delicious hours, and when we rose at noon we + were fast lovers. She called me thou, talked of love and not of gratitude, + and, grown more familiar with her new estate, laughed at her troubles. She + kissed me at every opportunity, called me her darling boy, her joy, and as + the present moment is the only real thing in this life, I enjoyed her + love, I was pleased with her caresses, and put away all ideas of the + dreadful future, which has only one certainty—death, ‘ultima linea + rerum’. + </p> + <p> + The second night was far sweeter than the first; she had made a good + supper, and drunk well, though moderately; thus she was disposed to refine + on her pleasure, and to deliver herself with greater ardour to all the + voluptuous enjoyments which love inspires. + </p> + <p> + I gave her a pretty watch and a gold shuttle for her to amuse herself + with. + </p> + <p> + “I wanted it,” said she, “but I should never have dared to ask for it.” + </p> + <p> + I told her that this fear of my displeasure made me doubt once more + whether she really loved me. She threw herself into my arms, and promised + that henceforth she would shew me the utmost confidence. + </p> + <p> + I was pleased to educate this young girl, and I felt that when her mind + had been developed she would be perfect. + </p> + <p> + On the fourth day I warned her to hold herself in readiness to start at a + moment’s notice. I had said nothing about my plans to Costa or Le Duc, but + Rosalie knew that I had two servants, and I told her that I should often + make them talk on the journey for the sake of the laughter their folly + would afford me. + </p> + <p> + “You, my dear,” I had said to her, “must be very reserved with them, and + not allow them to take the slightest liberty. Give them your orders as a + mistress, but without pride, and you will be obeyed and respected. If they + forget themselves in the slightest particular, tell me at once.” + </p> + <p> + I started from the hotel of the “Treize Cantons” with four post-horses, Le + Duc and Costa sitting on the coachman’s seat. The guide, whom I had paid + well for his services, took us to Rosalie’s door. I got out of the + carriage, and after thanking the kindly old landlord, who was sorry to + lose so good a boarder, I made her get in, sat down beside her, and + ordered the postillions to go to Toulon, as I wished to see that fine port + before returning to Italy. We got to Toulon at five o’clock. + </p> + <p> + My Rosalie behaved herself at supper like the mistress of a house + accustomed to the best society. I noticed that Le Duc as head man made + Costa wait upon her, but I got over him by telling my sweetheart that he + would have the honour of doing her hair, as he could do it as well as the + best barber in Paris. He swallowed the golden pill, and gave in with a + good grace, and said, with a profound bow, that he hoped to give madam + satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + We went out next morning to see the port, and were shewn over the place by + the commandant, whose acquaintance we made by a lucky chance. He offered + his arm to Rosalie, and treated her with the consideration she deserved + for her appearance and the good sense of her questions. The commandant + accepted my invitation to dinner, at which Rosalie spoke to the point + though not to excess, and received the polite compliments of our worthy + guest with much grace. In the afternoon he took us over the arsenal, and + after having him to dinner could not refuse his invitation to supper. + There was no difficulty about Rosalie; the commandant introduced her + immediately to his wife, his daughter, and his son. I was delighted to see + that her manner with ladies even surpassed her manner with gentlemen. She + was one of Nature’s own ladies. The commandant’s wife and daughter + caressed her again and again, and she received their attentions with that + modest sensibility which is the seal of a good education. + </p> + <p> + They asked me to dinner the next day, but I was satisfied with what I had + seen, so I took leave, intending to start on the morrow. + </p> + <p> + When we got back to the inn I told her how pleased I was with her, and she + threw her arms round my neck for joy. + </p> + <p> + “I am always afraid,” said she, “of being asked who I am.” + </p> + <p> + “You needn’t be afraid, dearest; in France no gentleman or lady would + think of asking such a question.” + </p> + <p> + “But if they did, what ought I to do?” + </p> + <p> + “You should make use of an evasion.” + </p> + <p> + “What’s an evasion?” + </p> + <p> + “A way of escaping from a difficulty without satisfying impertinent + curiosity.” + </p> + <p> + “Give me an example.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, if such a question were asked you, you might say, ‘You had better + ask this gentleman.’” + </p> + <p> + “I see, the question is avoided; but is not that impolite?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; but not so impolite as to ask an embarrassing question.” + </p> + <p> + “And what would you say if the question was passed on to you?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, my answer would vary in a ratio with the respect in which I held + the questioner. I would not tell the truth, but I should say something. + And I am glad to see you attentive to my lessons. Always ask questions, + and you will always find me ready to answer, for I want to teach you. And + now let us to bed; we have to start for Antibes at an early hour, and love + will reward you for the pleasure you have given me to-day.” + </p> + <p> + At Antibes I hired a felucca to take me to Genoa, and as I intended to + return by the same route I had my carriage warehoused for a small monthly + payment. We started early with a good wind, but the sea becoming rough, + and Rosalie being mortally afraid, I had the felucca rowed into + Villafranca, where I engaged a carriage to take me to Nice. The weather + kept us back for three days, and I felt obliged to call on the commandant, + an old officer named Peterson. + </p> + <p> + He gave me an excellent reception, and after the usual compliments had + passed, said,— + </p> + <p> + “Do you know a Russian who calls himself Charles Ivanoff?” + </p> + <p> + “I saw him once at Grenoble.” + </p> + <p> + “It is said that he has escaped from Siberia, and that he is the younger + son of the Duke of Courland.” + </p> + <p> + “So I have heard, but I know no proof of his claim to the title.” + </p> + <p> + “He is at Genoa, where it is said a banker is to give him twenty thousand + crowns. In spite of that, no one would give him a sou here, so I sent him + to Genoa at my own expense, to rid the place of him.” + </p> + <p> + I felt very glad that the Russian had gone away before my arrival. An + officer named Ramini, who was staying at the same inn as myself, asked if + I would mind taking charge of a packet which M. de St. Pierre, the Spanish + consul, had to send to the Marquis Grimaldi, at Genoa. It was the nobleman + I had just seen at Avignon, and I was pleased to execute the commission. + The same officer asked me whether I had ever seen a certain Madame Stuard. + </p> + <p> + “She came here a fortnight ago with a man who calls himself her husband. + The poor devils hadn’t a penny, and she, a great beauty, enchanted + everybody, but would give no one a smile or a word.” + </p> + <p> + “I have both seen and know her,” I answered. “I furnished her with the + means to come here. How could she leave Nice without any money?” + </p> + <p> + “That’s just what no one can understand. She went off in a carriage, and + the landlord’s bill was paid. I was interested in the woman. The Marquis + Grimaldi told me that she had refused a hundred louis he offered her, and + that a Venetian of his acquaintance had fared just as badly. Perhaps that + is you?” + </p> + <p> + “It is, and I gave her some money despite my treatment.” + </p> + <p> + M. Peterson came to see me, and was enchanted with Rosalie’s amiable + manner. This was another conquest for her, and I duly complimented her + upon it. + </p> + <p> + Nice is a terribly dull place, and strangers are tormented by the midges, + who prefer them to the inhabitants. However, I amused myself at a small + bank at faro, which was held at a coffee-house, and at which Rosalie, + whose play I directed, won a score of Piedmontese pistoles. She put her + little earnings into a purse, and told me she liked to have some money of + her own. I scolded her for not having told me so before, and reminded her + of her promise. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t really want it,” said she, “it’s only my thoughtlessness.” + </p> + <p> + We soon made up our little quarrel. + </p> + <p> + In such ways did I make this girl my own, in the hope that for the remnant + of my days she would be mine, and so I should not be forced to fly from + one lady to another. But inexorable fate ordained it otherwise. + </p> + <p> + The weather grew fine again, and we got on board once more, and the next + day arrived at Genoa, which I had never seen before. I put up at “St. + Martin’s Inn,” and for decency’s sake took two rooms, but they were + adjoining one another. The following day I sent the packet to M. Grimaldi, + and a little later I left my card at his palace. + </p> + <p> + My guide took me to a linen-draper’s, and I bought some stuff for Rosalie, + who was in want of linen. She was very pleased with it. + </p> + <p> + We were still at table when the Marquis Grimaldi was announced; he kissed + me and thanked me for bringing the parcel. His next remark referred to + Madame Stuard. I told him what had happened, and he laughed, saying that + he was not quite sure what he would have done under the circumstances. + </p> + <p> + I saw him looking at Rosalie attentively, and I told him she was as good + as she was beautiful. + </p> + <p> + “I want to find her a maid,” I said, “a good seamstress, who could go out + with her, and above all who could talk Italian to her, for I want her to + learn the language that I may take her into society at Florence, Rome and + Naples.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t deprive Genoa of the pleasure of entertaining her,” said the + marquis. “I will introduce her under whatever name she pleases, and in my + own house to begin with.” + </p> + <p> + “She has good reasons for preserving her incognito here.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, I see!—Do you think of staying here long?” + </p> + <p> + “A month, or thereabouts, and our pleasures will be limited to seeing the + town and its surroundings and going to the theatre. We shall also enjoy + the pleasures of the table. I hope to eat champignons every day, they are + better here than anywhere else.” + </p> + <p> + “An excellent plan. I couldn’t suggest a better. I am going to see what I + can do in the way of getting you a maid, mademoiselle.” + </p> + <p> + “You sir? How can I deserve such great kindness?” + </p> + <p> + “My interest in you is the greater, as I think you come from Marseilles.” + </p> + <p> + Rosalie blushed. She was not aware that she lisped, and that this betrayed + her. I extricated her from her confusion by telling the marquis his + conjecture was well founded. + </p> + <p> + I asked him how I could get the Journal de Savans, the Mercure de France, + and other papers of the same description. He promised to send me a man who + would get me all that kind of thing. He added that if I would allow him to + send me some of his excellent chocolate he would come and breakfast with + us. I said that both gift and guest were vastly agreeable to me. + </p> + <p> + As soon as he had gone Rosalie asked me to take her to a milliner’s. + </p> + <p> + “I want ribbons and other little things,” said she, “but I should like to + bargain for them and pay for them out of my own money, without your having + anything to do with it.” + </p> + <p> + “Do whatever you like, my dear, and afterwards we will go to the play.” + </p> + <p> + The milliner to whom we went proved to be a Frenchwoman. It was a charming + sight to see Rosalie shopping. She put on an important air, seemed to know + all about it, ordered bonnets in the latest fashion, bargained, and + contrived to spend five or six louis with great grandeur. As we left the + shop I told her that I had been taken for her footman, and I meant to be + revenged. So saying, I made her come into a jeweller’s, where I bought her + a necklace, ear-rings, and brooches in imitation diamonds, and without + letting her say a word I paid the price and left the shop. + </p> + <p> + “You have bought me some beautiful things,” said she, “but you are too + lavish with your money; if you had bargained you might have saved four + louis at least.” + </p> + <p> + “Very likely, dearest, but I never was any hand at a bargain.” + </p> + <p> + I took her to the play, but as she did not understand the language she got + dreadfully tired, and asked me to take her home at the end of the first + act, which I did very willingly. When we got in I found a box waiting for + me from M. Grimaldi. It proved to contain twenty-four pounds of chocolate. + Costa, who had boasted of his skill in making chocolate in the Spanish + fashion, received orders to make us three cups in the morning. + </p> + <p> + At nine o’clock the marquis arrived with a tradesman, who sold me some + beautiful oriental materials. I gave them to Rosalie to make two ‘mezzaro’ + for herself. The ‘mezzaro’ is a kind of hooded cloak worn by the Genoese + women, as the ‘cendal’ is worn at Venice, and the ‘mantilla’ at Madrid. + </p> + <p> + I thanked M. Grimaldi for the chocolate, which was excellent; Costa was + quite proud of the praise the marquis gave him. Le Duc came in to announce + a woman, whose name I did not know. + </p> + <p> + “It’s the mother of the maid I have engaged,” said M. Grimaldi. + </p> + <p> + She came in, and I saw before me a well-dressed woman, followed by a girl + from twenty to twenty-four years old, who pleased me at the first glance. + The mother thanked the marquis, and presented her daughter to Rosalie, + enumerating her good qualities, and telling her that she would serve her + well, and walk with her when she wished to go out. + </p> + <p> + “My daughter,” she added, “speaks French, and you will find her a good, + faithful, and obliging girl.” + </p> + <p> + She ended by saying that her daughter had been in service lately with a + lady, and that she would be obliged if she could have her meals by + herself. + </p> + <p> + The girl was named Veronique. Rosalie told her that she was a good girl, + and that the only way to be respected was to be respectable. Veronique + kissed her hand, the mother went away, and Rosalie took the girl into her + room to begin her work. + </p> + <p> + I did not forget to thank the marquis, for he had evidently chosen a maid + more with a view to my likings than to those of my sweetheart. I told him + that I should not fail to call on him, and he replied that he would be + happy to see me at any hour, and that I should easily find him at his + casino at St. Pierre d’Arena, where he often spent the night. + </p> + <a name="linkD2H_4_0006" id="linkD2H_4_0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> <a name="linkepisode17" id="linkepisode17"></a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + EPISODE 17 — RETURN TO ITALY + </h2> + <h3> + GENOA—TUSCANY—ROME + </h3> + <a name="linkD2HCH0004" id="linkD2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The Play—The Russian—Petri—Rosalie at the Convent +</pre> + <p> + When the marquis had gone, seeing Rosalie engaged with Veronique, I set + myself to translate the ‘Ecossaise’ for the actors at Genoa, who seemed + pretty good ones, to play. + </p> + <p> + I thought Rosalie looking sad at dinner, and said, + </p> + <p> + “What is the matter, dearest? You know I do not like to see you looking + melancholy.” + </p> + <p> + “I am vexed at Veronique’s being prettier than I.” + </p> + <p> + “I see what you mean; I like that! But console yourself, Veronique is + nothing compared to you, in my eyes at all events. You are my only beauty; + but to reassure you I will ask M. de Grimaldi to tell her mother to come + and fetch her away, and to get me another maid as ugly as possible.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no! pray do not do so; he will think I am jealous, and I wouldn’t + have him think so for the world.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, well, smile again if you do not wish to vex me.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall soon do that, if, as you assure me, she will not make me lose + your love. But what made the old gentleman get me a girl like that? Do you + think he did it out of mischief?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I don’t think so. I am sure, on the other hand, that he wanted to let + you know that you need not fear being compared with anybody. Are you + pleased with her in other respects?” + </p> + <p> + “She works well, and she is very respectful. She does not speak four words + without addressing me as signora, and she is careful to translate what she + says from Italian into French. I hope that in a month I shall speak well + enough for us to dispense with her services when we go to Florence. I have + ordered Le Duc to clear out the room I have chosen for her, and I will + send her her dinner from our own table. I will be kind to her, but I hope + you will not make me wretched.” + </p> + <p> + “I could not do so; and I do not see what there can be in common between + the girl and myself.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you will pardon my fears.” + </p> + <p> + “The more readily as they shew your love.” + </p> + <p> + “I thank you, but keep my secret.” + </p> + <p> + I promised never to give a glance to Veronique, of whom I was already + afraid, but I loved Rosalie and would have done anything to save her the + least grief. + </p> + <p> + I set to at my translation after dinner; it was work I liked. I did not go + out that day, and I spent the whole of the next morning with M. de + Grimaldi. + </p> + <p> + I went to the banker Belloni and changed all my gold into gigliati + sequins. I made myself known after the money was changed, and the head + cashier treated me with great courtesy. I had bills on this banker for + forty thousand Roman crowns, and on Lepri bills for twenty thousand. + </p> + <p> + Rosalie did not want to go to the play again, so I got her a piece of + embroidery to amuse her in the evening. The theatre was a necessity for + me; I always went unless it interfered with some still sweeter pleasure. I + went by myself, and when I got home I found the marquis talking to my + mistress. I was pleased, and after I had embraced the worthy nobleman I + complimented Rosalie on having kept him till my arrival, adding gently + that she should have put down her work. + </p> + <p> + “Ask him,” she replied, “if he did not make me keep on. He said he would + go if I didn’t, so I gave in to keep him.” + </p> + <p> + She then rose, stopped working, and in the course of an interesting + conversation she succeeded in making the marquis promise to stay to + supper, thus forestalling my intention. He was not accustomed to take + anything at that hour, and ate little; but I saw he was enchanted with my + treasure, and that pleased me, for I did not think I had anything to fear + from a man of sixty; besides, I was glad at the opportunity of accustoming + Rosalie to good society. I wanted her to be a little coquettish, as a + woman never pleases in society unless she shews a desire to please. + </p> + <p> + Although the position was quite a strange one for her, she made me admire + the natural aptitude of women, which may be improved or spoiled by art but + which exists more or less in them all, from the throne to the milk-pail. + She talked to M. de Grimaldi in a way that seemed to hint she was willing + to give a little hope. As our guest did not eat, she said graciously that + he must come to dinner some day that she might have an opportunity of + seeing whether he really had any appetite. + </p> + <p> + When he had gone I took her on my knee, and covering her with kisses asked + her where she had learnt to talk to great people so well. + </p> + <p> + “It’s an easy matter,” she replied. “Your eyes speak to my soul, and tell + me what to do and what to say.” + </p> + <p> + A professed rhetorician could not have answered more elegantly or more + flatteringly. + </p> + <p> + I finished the translation; I had it copied out by Costa and took it to + Rossi, the manager, who said he would put it on directly, when I told him + I was going to make him a present of the play. I named the actors of my + choice, and asked him to bring them to dine with me at my inn, that I + might read the play and distribute the parts. + </p> + <p> + As will be guessed, my invitation was accepted, and Rosalie enjoyed dining + with the actors and actresses, and especially hearing herself called + Madame Casanova every moment. Veronique explained everything she did not + understand. + </p> + <p> + When my actors were round me in a ring, they begged me to tell them their + parts, but I would not give in on this point. + </p> + <p> + “The first thing to be done,” said I, “is for you to listen attentively to + the whole piece without minding about your parts. When you know the whole + play I will satisfy your curiosity.” + </p> + <p> + I knew that careless or idle actors often pay no attention to anything + except their own parts, and thus a piece, though well played in its parts, + is badly rendered as a whole. + </p> + <p> + They submitted with a tolerably good grace, which the high and mighty + players of the Comedie Francaise would certainly not have done. Just as I + was beginning my reading the Marquis de Grimaldi and the banker Belloni + came in to call on me. I was glad for them to be present at the trial, + which only lasted an hour and a quarter. + </p> + <p> + After I had heard the opinion of the actors, who by their praise of + various situations shewed me that they had taken in the plot, I told Costa + to distribute the parts; but no sooner was this done than the first actor + and the first actress began to express their displeasure; she, because I + had given her the part of Lady Alton; he, because I had not given him + Murray’s part; but they had to bear it as it was my will. I pleased + everybody by asking them all to dinner for the day after the morrow, after + dinner the piece to be rehearsed for the first time. + </p> + <p> + The banker Belloni asked me to dinner for the following day, including my + lady, who excused herself with great politeness, in the invitation; and M. + Grimaldi was glad to take my place at dinner at her request. + </p> + <p> + When I got to M. Belloni’s, I was greatly surprised to see the impostor + Ivanoff, who instead of pretending not to know me, as he ought to have + done, came forward to embrace me. I stepped back and bowed, which might be + put down to a feeling of respect, although my coldness and scant ceremony + would have convinced any observant eye of the contrary. He was well + dressed, but seemed sad, though he talked a good deal, and to some + purpose, especially on politics. The conversation turned on the Court of + Russia, where Elizabeth Petrovna reigned; and he said nothing, but sighed + and turned away pretending to wipe the tears from his eyes. At dessert, he + asked me if I had heard anything of Madame Morin, adding, as if to recall + the circumstance to my memory, that we had supped together there: + </p> + <p> + “I believe she is quite well,” I answered. + </p> + <p> + His servant, in yellow and red livery, waited on him at table. After + dinner he contrived to tell me that he had a matter of the greatest + importance he wanted to discuss with me. + </p> + <p> + “My only desire sir, is to avoid all appearance of knowing anything about + you.” + </p> + <p> + “One word from you will gain me a hundred thousand crowns, and you shall + have half.” + </p> + <p> + I turned my back on him, and saw him no more at Genoa. + </p> + <p> + When I got back to the inn I found M. de Grimaldi giving Rosalie a lesson + in Italian. + </p> + <p> + “She has given me an exquisite dinner,” said he, “you must be very happy + with her.” + </p> + <p> + In spite of his honest face, M. Grimaldi was in love with her, but I + thought I had nothing to fear. Before he went she invited him to come to + the rehearsal next day. + </p> + <p> + When the actors came I noticed amongst them a young man whose face I did + not know, and on my enquiring Rossi told me he was the prompter. + </p> + <p> + “I won’t have any prompter; send him about his business.” + </p> + <p> + “We can’t get on without him.” + </p> + <p> + “You’ll have to; I will be the prompter.” + </p> + <p> + The prompter was dismissed, but the three actresses began to complain. + </p> + <p> + “If we knew our parts as well as the ‘pater noster’ we should be certain + to come to a dead stop if the prompter isn’t in his box.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good,” said I to the actress, who was to play Lindane, “I will + occupy the box myself, but I shall see your drawers.” + </p> + <p> + “You would have some difficulty in doing that,” said the first actor, “she + doesn’t wear any.” + </p> + <p> + “So much the better.” + </p> + <p> + “You know nothing about it,” said the actress. + </p> + <p> + These remarks put us all in high spirits, and the ministers of Thalia + ended by promising that they would dispense with a prompter. I was pleased + with the way the piece was read, and they said they would be + letter-perfect in three days. But something happened. + </p> + <p> + On the day fixed for the rehearsal they came without the Lindane and + Murray. They were not well, but Rossi said they would not fail us + eventually. I took the part of Murray, and asked Rosalie to be the + Lindane. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t read Italian well enough,” she whispered, “and I don’t wish to + have the actors laughing at me; but Veronique could do it.” + </p> + <p> + “Ask if she will read the part.” + </p> + <p> + However, Veronique said that she could repeat it by heart. + </p> + <p> + “All the better,” said I to her, laughing internally, as I thought of + Soleure, for I saw that I should thus be obliged to make love to the girl + to whom I had not spoken for the fortnight she had been with us. I had not + even had a good look at her face. I was so afraid of Rosalie (whom I loved + better every day) taking fright. + </p> + <p> + What I had feared happened. When I took Veronique’s hand, and said, “Si, + bella Lindana, debbe adorarvi!” everybody clapped, because I gave the + words their proper expression; but glancing at Rosalie I saw a shadow on + her face, and I was angry at not having controlled myself better. + Nevertheless, I could not help feeling amazed at the way Veronique played + the part. When I told her that I adored her she blushed up to her eyes; + she could not have played the love-sick girl better. + </p> + <p> + We fixed a day for the dress-rehearsal at the theatre, and the company + announced the first night a week in advance to excite public curiosity. + The bills ran: + </p> + <p> + “We shall give Voltaire’s Ecossaise, translated by an anonymous author: no + prompter will be present.” + </p> + <p> + I cannot give the reader any idea of the trouble I had to quiet Rosalie. + She refused to be comforted; wept incessantly, and touched my heart by + gentle reproaches. + </p> + <p> + “You love Veronique,” said she, “and you only translated that piece to + have an opportunity of declaring your love.” + </p> + <p> + I succeeded in convincing her that she wronged me, and at last after I had + lavished caresses on her she suffered herself to be calmed. Next morning + she begged pardon for her jealousy, and to cure it insisted on my speaking + constantly to Veronique. Her heroism went farther. She got up before me + and sent me my coffee by Veronique, who was as astonished as I was. + </p> + <p> + At heart Rosalie was a great creature, capable of noble resolves, but like + all women she gave way to sudden emotions. From that day she gave me no + more signs of jealousy, and treated her maid with more kindness than ever. + Veronique was an intelligent and well-mannered girl, and if my heart had + not been already occupied she would have reigned there. + </p> + <p> + The first night of the play I took Rosalie to a box, and she would have + Veronique with her. M. de Grimaldi did not leave her for a moment. The + play was praised to the skies; the large theatre was full of the best + people in Genoa. The actors surpassed themselves, though they had no + prompter, and were loudly applauded. The piece ran five nights and was + performed to full houses. Rossi, hoping perhaps that I would make him a + present of another play, asked my leave to give my lady a superb pelisse + of lynx-fur, which pleased her immensely. + </p> + <p> + I would have done anything to spare my sweetheart the least anxiety, and + yet from my want of thought I contrived to vex her. I should never have + forgiven myself if Providence had not ordained that I should be the cause + of her final happiness. + </p> + <p> + “I have reason to suspect,” she said one day, “that I am with child, and I + am enchanted at the thought of giving you a dear pledge of my love.” + </p> + <p> + “If it comes at such a time it will be mine, and I assure you I shall love + it dearly.” + </p> + <p> + “And if it comes two or three weeks sooner you will not be sure that you + are the parent?” + </p> + <p> + “Not quite sure; but I shall love it just as well, and look upon it as my + child as well as yours.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sure you must be the father. It is impossible the child can be + Petri’s, who only knew me once, and then very imperfectly, whilst you and + I have lived in tender love for so long a time.” + </p> + <p> + She wept hot tears. + </p> + <p> + “Calm yourself, dearest, I implore you! You are right; it cannot be + Petri’s child. You know I love you, and I cannot doubt that you are with + child by me and by me alone. If you give me a baby as pretty as yourself, + it will be mine indeed. Calm yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “How can I be calm when you can have such a suspicion?” + </p> + <p> + We said no more about it; but in spite of my tenderness, my caresses, and + all the trifling cares which bear witness to love, she was often sad and + thoughtful. How many times I reproached myself bitterly for having let out + my silly calculations. + </p> + <p> + A few days later she gave me a sealed letter, saying,— + </p> + <p> + “The servant has given me this letter when you were away. I am offended by + his doing so, and I want you to avenge me.” + </p> + <p> + I called the man, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “Where did you get this letter?” + </p> + <p> + “From a young man, who is unknown to me. He gave me a crown, and begged me + to give the letter to the lady without your seeing me, and he promised to + give me two crowns more if I brought him a reply tomorrow. I did not think + I was doing wrong, sir, as the lady was at perfect liberty to tell you.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s all very well, but you must go, as the lady, who gave me the + letter unopened, as you can see for yourself, is offended with you.” + </p> + <p> + I called Le Duc, who paid the man and sent him away. I opened the letter, + and found it to be from Petri. Rosalie left my side, not wishing to read + the contents. The letter ran as follows: + </p> + <p> + “I have seen you, my dear Rosalie. It was just as you were coming out of + the theatre, escorted by the Marquis de Grimaldi, who is my godfather. I + have not deceived you; I was still intending to come and marry you at + Marseilles next spring, as I promised. I love you faithfully, and if you + are still my good Rosalie I am ready to marry you here in the presence of + my kinfolk. If you have done wrong I promise never to speak of it, for I + know that it was I who led you astray. Tell me, I entreat you, whether I + may speak to the Marquis de Grimaldi with regard to you. I am ready to + receive you from the hands of the gentleman with whom you are living, + provided you are not his wife. Be sure, if you are still free, that you + can only recover your honour by marrying your seducer.” + </p> + <p> + “This letter comes from an honourable man who is worthy of Rosalie,” I + thought to myself, “and that’s more than I shall be, unless I marry her + myself. But Rosalie must decide.” + </p> + <p> + I called her to me, gave her the letter, and begged her to read it + attentively. She did so, and gave it me back, asking me if I advised her + to accept Petri’s offer. + </p> + <p> + “If you do dear Rosalie, I shall die of grief; but if I do not yield you, + my honour bids me marry you, and that I am quite ready to do.” + </p> + <p> + At this the charming girl threw herself on my breast, crying in the voice + of true love, “I love you and you alone, darling; but it is not true that + your honour bids you marry me. Ours is a marriage of the heart; our love + is mutual, and that is enough for my happiness.” + </p> + <p> + “Dear Rosalie, I adore you, but I am the best judge of my own honour. If + Petri is a well-to-do man and a man who would make you happy, I must + either give you up or take you myself.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no; there is no hurry to decide. If you love me I am happy, for I + love you and none other. I shall not answer the letter, and I don’t want + to hear anything more of Petri.” + </p> + <p> + “You may be sure that I will say no more of him, but I am sure that the + marquis will have a hand in it.” + </p> + <p> + “I daresay, but he won’t speak to me twice on the subject.” + </p> + <p> + After this treaty—a more sincere one than the Powers of Europe + usually make—I resolved to leave Genoa as soon as I got some letters + for Florence and Rome. In the meanwhile all was peace and love between + myself and Rosalie. She had not the slightest shadow of jealousy in her + soul, and M. de Grimaldi was the sole witness of our happiness. + </p> + <p> + Five or six days later I went to see the marquis at his casino at St. + Pierre d’Arena, and he accosted me by saying that he was happy to see me + as he had an important matter he wished to discuss with me. I guessed what + it would be, but begged him to explain himself. He then spoke as follows: + </p> + <p> + “A worthy merchant of the town brought his nephew, a young man named + Petri, to see me two days ago. He told me that the young man is my godson, + and he asked me to protect him. I answered that as his godfather I owed + him my protection, and I promised to do what I could. + </p> + <p> + “He left my godson to talk it over with me, and he informed me that he + knew your mistress before you did at Marseilles, that he had promised to + marry her next spring, that he had seen her in my company, and that having + followed us he found out that she lived with you. He was told that she was + your wife, but not believing it, wrote her a letter saying that he was + ready to marry her; but this letter fell into your hands, and he has had + no reply to it. + </p> + <p> + “He could not make up his mind to lose a hope which made his happiness, so + he resolved to ascertain, through my good offices, whether Rosalie would + accept his proposition. He flatters himself that on his informing me of + his prosperous condition, I can tell you that he is a likely man to make + his wife happy. I told him that I knew you, and would speak to you on the + matter, and afterwards inform him of the result of our interview. + </p> + <p> + “I have made enquires into his condition, and find that he has already + amassed a considerable sum of money. His credit, morals, and reputation, + are all excellent; besides, he is his uncle’s sole heir, and the uncle + passes for a man very comfortably off. And now, my dear M. Casanova, tell + me what answer I am to make.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell him that Rosalie is much obliged to him, and begs him to forget her. + We are going away in three or four days. Rosalie loves me, and I her, and + I am ready to marry her whenever she likes.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s plain speaking; but I should have thought a man like you would + prefer freedom to a woman, however beautiful, to whom you would be bound + by indissoluble ties. Will you allow me to speak to Rosalie myself about + it?” + </p> + <p> + “You need not ask my leave; speak to her, but in your own person and not + as representing my opinions. I adore her, and would not have her think + that I could cherish the thought of separating from her.” + </p> + <p> + “If you don’t want me to meddle in the matter, tell me so frankly.” + </p> + <p> + “On the contrary, I wish you to see for yourself that I am not the tyrant + of the woman I adore.” + </p> + <p> + “I will talk to her to-night.” + </p> + <p> + I did not come home till supper-time, that the marquis might say what he + had to say in perfect freedom. The noble Genoese supped with us, and the + conversation turned on indifferent subjects. After he had gone, my + sweetheart told me what had passed between them. He had spoken to her in + almost the same words that he had addressed to me, and our replies were + nearly identical, though she had requested the marquis to say no more + about his godson, to which request he had assented. + </p> + <p> + We thought the matter settled, and busied ourselves with preparations for + our departure; but three or four days after, the marquis (who we imagined + had forgotten all about his godson) came and asked us to dine with him at + St. Pierre d’Arena, where Rosalie had never been. + </p> + <p> + “I want you to see my beautiful garden before you go,” said M. Grimaldi to + her; “it will be one more pleasant recollection of your stay for me.” + </p> + <p> + We went to see him at noon the next day. He was with an elderly man and + woman, to whom he introduced us. He introduced me by name, and Rosalie as + a person who belonged to me. + </p> + <p> + We proceeded to walk in the garden, where the two old people got Rosalie + between them, and overwhelmed her with politeness and complimentary + remarks. She, who was happy and in high spirits, answered in Italian, and + delighted them by her intelligence, and the grace which she gave to her + mistakes in grammar. + </p> + <p> + The servants came to tell us that dinner was ready, and what was my + astonishment on entering the room to see the table laid for six. I did not + want much insight now to see through the marquis’s trick, but it was too + late. We sat down, and just then a young man came in. + </p> + <p> + “You are a little late,” said the marquis; and then, without waiting for + his apology, he introduced him to me as M. Petri, his godson, and nephew + to his other guests, and he made him sit down at his left hand, Rosalie + being on his right. I sat opposite to her, and seeing that she turned as + pale as death the blood rushed to my face; I was terribly enraged. This + small despot’s plot seemed disgraceful to me; it was a scandalous insult + to Rosalie and myself—an insult which should be washed away in + blood. I was tempted to stab him at his table, but in spite of my + agitation I constrained myself. What could I do? Take Rosalie’s arm, and + leave the room with her? I thought it over, but foreseeing the + consequences I could not summon up courage. + </p> + <p> + I have never spent so terrible an hour as at that fatal dinner. Neither + Rosalie nor myself ate a morsel, and the marquis who helped all the guests + was discreet enough not to see that we left one course after another + untouched. Throughout dinner he only spoke to Petri and his uncle, giving + them opportunities for saying how large a trade they did. At dessert the + marquis told the young man that he had better go and look after his + affairs, and after kissing his hand he withdrew with a bow to which nobody + replied. + </p> + <p> + Petri was about twenty-four, of a moderate height, with ordinary but yet + good-natured and honest features; respectful in his manner, and sensible + though not witty in what he said. After all was said and done, I thought + him worthy of Rosalie, but I shuddered at the thought that if she became + his wife she was lost to me forever. After he had gone, the marquis said + he was sorry he had not known him before as he might be of use to him in + his business. + </p> + <p> + “However, we will see to that in the future,” said he, meaningly, “I mean + to make his fortune.” + </p> + <p> + At this the uncle and aunt, who no doubt knew what to say, began to laud + and extol their nephew, and ended by saying that as they had no children + they were delighted that Petri, who would be their heir, was to have his + excellency’s patronage. + </p> + <p> + “We are longing,” they added, “to see the girl from Marseilles he is going + to marry. We should welcome her as a beloved daughter.” + </p> + <p> + Rosalie whispered to me that she could bear it no longer, and begged me to + take her away. We rose, and after we had saluted the company with cold + dignity we left the room. The marquis was visibly disconcerted. As he + escorted us to the door he stammered out compliments, for the want of + something to say, telling Rosalie that he should not have the honour of + seeing her that evening, but that he hoped to call on her the next day. + </p> + <p> + When we were by ourselves we seemed to breathe again, and spoke to one + another to relieve ourselves of the oppression which weighed on our minds. + </p> + <p> + Rosalie thought, as well as I, that the marquis had played us a shameful + trick, and she told me I ought to write him a note, begging him not to + give himself the trouble of calling on us again. + </p> + <p> + “I will find some means of vengeance,” said I; “but I don’t think it would + be a good plan to write to him. We will hasten our preparations for + leaving, and receive him to-morrow with that cold politeness which bears + witness to indignation. Above all, we will not make the slightest + reference to his godson.” + </p> + <p> + “If Petri really loves me,” said she, “I pity him. I think he is a good + fellow, and I don’t feel angry with him for being present at dinner, as he + may possibly be unaware that his presence was likely to give me offence. + But I still shudder when I think of it: I thought I should have died when + our eyes met! Throughout dinner he could not see my eyes, as I kept them + nearly shut, and indeed he could hardly see me. Did he look at me while he + was talking?” + </p> + <p> + “No, he only looked at me. I am as sorry for him as you are, for, as you + say, he looks an honest fellow.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, it’s over now, and I hope I shall make a good supper. Did you + notice what the aunt said? I am sure she was in the plot. She thought she + would gain me over by saying she was ready to treat me like her own child. + She was a decent-looking woman, too.” + </p> + <p> + We made a good supper, and a pleasant night inclined us to forget the + insult the marquis had put upon us. When we woke up in the morning we + laughed at it. The marquis came to see us in the evening, and greeting me + with an air of mingled confusion and vexation, he said that he knew he had + done wrong in surprising me as he had, but that he was ready to do + anything in his power by way of atonement, and to give whatever + satisfaction I liked. + </p> + <p> + Rosalie did not give me time to answer. “If you really feel,” said she, + “that you have insulted us, that is enough; we are amply avenged. But all + the same, sir, we shall be on our guard against you for the future, though + that will be for a short while, as we are just leaving.” + </p> + <p> + With this proud reply she made him a low bow and left the room. + </p> + <p> + When he was left alone with me M. Grimaldi addressed me as follows: + </p> + <p> + “I take a great interest in your mistress’s welfare; and as I feel sure + that she cannot long be happy in her present uncertain position, while I + am sure that she would make my godson an excellent wife, I was determined + that both of you should make his acquaintance, for Rosalie herself knows + very little of him. I confess that the means I employed were + dishonourable, but you will pardon the means for the sake of the excellent + end I had in view. I hope you will have a pleasant journey, and that you + may live for a long time in uninterrupted happiness with your charming + mistress. I hope you will write to me, and always reckon on my standing + your friend, and doing everything in my power for you. Before I go, I will + tell you something which will give you an idea of the excellent + disposition of young Petri, to whose happiness Rosalie seems essential. + </p> + <p> + “He only told me the following, after I had absolutely refused to take + charge of a letter he had written to Rosalie, despairing of being able to + send it any other way. After assuring me that Rosalie had loved him, and + that consequently she could not have any fixed aversion for him, he added + that if the fear of being with child was the reason why she would not + marry him he would agree to put off the marriage till after the child was + born, provided that she would agree to stay in Genoa in hiding, her + presence to be unknown to all save himself. He offers to pay all the + expenses of her stay. He made a remarkably wise reflection when we were + talking it over. + </p> + <p> + “‘If she gave birth to a child too soon after our marriage,’ said he, + ‘both her honour and mine would suffer hurt; she might also lose the + liking of my relations, and if Rosalie is to be my wife I want her to be + happy in everything.”’ + </p> + <p> + At this Rosalie, who had no doubt been listening at the door after the + manner of her sex, burst into the room, and astonished me by the following + speech: + </p> + <p> + “If M. Petri did not tell you that it was possible that I might be with + child by him, he is a right honest man, but now I tell you so myself. I do + not think it likely, but still it is possible. Tell him, sir, that I will + remain at Genoa until the child is born, in the case of my being pregnant, + of which I have no certain knowledge, or until I am quite sure that I am + not with child. If I do have a child the truth will be made known. In the + case of there being no doubt of M. Petri’s being the parent, I am ready to + marry him; but if he sees for himself that the child is not his I hope he + will be reasonable enough to let me alone for the future. As to the + expenses and my lodging at Genoa, tell him that he need not trouble + himself about either.” + </p> + <p> + I was petrified. I saw the consequence of my own imprudent words, and my + heart seemed broken. The marquis asked me if this decision was given with + my authority, and I replied that as my sweetheart’s will was mine he might + take her words for law. He went away in high glee, for he foresaw that all + would go well with his plans when once he was able to exert his influence + on Rosalie. The absent always fare ill. + </p> + <p> + “You want to leave me, then, Rosalie?” said I, when we were alone. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, dearest, but it will not be for long.” + </p> + <p> + “I think we shall never see each other again.” + </p> + <p> + “Why not, dearest? You have only to remain faithful to me. Listen to me. + Your honour and my own make it imperative that I should convince Petri + that I am not with child by him, and you that I am with child by you.” + </p> + <p> + “I never doubted it, dear Rosalie.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, dear, you doubted it once and that is enough. Our parting will cost + me many a bitter tear, but these pangs are necessary to my future + happiness. I hope you will write to me, and after the child is born it + will be for you to decide on how I shall rejoin you. If I am not pregnant + I will rejoin you in a couple of months at latest.” + </p> + <p> + “Though I may grieve at your resolve I will not oppose it, for I promised + I would never cross you. I suppose you will go into a convent; and the + marquis must find you a suitable one, and protect you like a father. Shall + I speak to him on the subject? I will leave you as much money as you will + want.” + </p> + <p> + “That will not be much. As for M. de Grimaldi, he is bound in honour to + procure me an asylum. I don’t think it will be necessary for you to speak + to him about it.” + </p> + <p> + She was right, and I could not help admiring the truly astonishing tact of + this girl. + </p> + <p> + In the morning I heard that the self-styled Ivanoff had made his escape an + hour before the police were to arrest him at the suit of the banker, who + had found out that one of the bills he had presented was forged. He had + escaped on foot, leaving all his baggage behind him. + </p> + <p> + Next day the marquis came to tell Rosalie that his godson had no objection + to make to her plan. He added that the young man hoped she would become + his wife, whether the child proved to be his or not. + </p> + <p> + “He may hope as much as he likes,” said Rosalie, with a smile. + </p> + <p> + “He also hopes that you will allow him to call on you now and then. I have + spoken to my kinswoman, the mother-superior of convent. You are to have + two rooms, and a very good sort of woman is to keep you company, wait on + you, and nurse you when the time comes. I have paid the amount you are to + pay every month for your board. Every morning I will send you a + confidential man, who will see your companion and will bring me your + orders. And I myself will come and see you at the grating as often as you + please.” + </p> + <p> + It was then my sad duty, which the laws of politeness enjoined, to thank + the marquis for his trouble. + </p> + <p> + “‘Tis to you, my lord,” said I, “I entrust Rosalie. I am placing her, I am + sure, in good hands. I will go on my way as soon as she is in the convent; + I hope you will write a letter to the mother-superior for her to take.” + </p> + <p> + “I will write it directly,” said he. + </p> + <p> + And as Rosalie had told him before that she would pay for everything + herself, he gave her a written copy of the agreement he had made. + </p> + <p> + “I have resolved,” said Rosalie to the marquis, “to go into the convent + to-morrow, and I shall be very glad to have a short visit from you the day + after.” + </p> + <p> + “I will be there,” said the marquis, “and you may be sure that I will do + all in my power to make your stay agreeable.” + </p> + <p> + The night was a sad one for both of us. Love scarcely made a pause amidst + our alternate complaints and consolations. We swore to be faithful for + ever, and our oaths were sincere, as ardent lovers’ oaths always are. But + they are as nought unless they are sealed by destiny, and that no mortal + mind may know. + </p> + <p> + Rosalie, whose eyes were red and wet with tears, spent most of the morning + in packing up with Veronique, who cried too. I could not look at her, as I + felt angry with myself for thinking how pretty she was. Rosalie would only + take two hundred sequins, telling me that if she wanted more she could + easily let me know. + </p> + <p> + She told Veronique to look after me well for the two or three days I + should spend at Genoa, made me a mute curtsy, and went out with Costa to + get a sedan-chair. Two hours after, a servant of the marquis’s came to + fetch her belongings, and I was thus left alone and full of grief till the + marquis came and asked me to give him supper, advising that Veronique + should be asked in to keep us company. + </p> + <p> + “That’s a rare girl,” said he, “you really don’t know her, and you ought + to know her better.” + </p> + <p> + Although I was rather surprised, I did not stop to consider what the + motives of the crafty Genoese might be, and I went and asked Veronique to + come in. She replied politely that she would do so, adding that she knew + how great an honour I did her. + </p> + <p> + I should have been the blindest of men if I had not seen that the clever + marquis had succeeded in his well-laid plans, and that he had duped me as + if I had been the merest freshman. Although I hoped with all my heart that + I should get Rosalie back again, I had good reasons for suspecting that + all the marquis’s wit would be employed to seduce her, and I could not + help thinking that he would succeed. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, in the position I was in, I could only keep my fears to + myself and let him do his utmost. + </p> + <p> + He was nearly sixty, a thorough disciple of Epicurus, a heavy player, + rich, eloquent, a master of state-craft, highly popular at Genoa, and well + acquainted with the hearts of men, and still more so with the hearts of + women. He had spent a good deal of time at Venice to be more at liberty, + and to enjoy the pleasures of life at his ease. He had never married, and + when asked the reason would reply that he knew too well that women would + be either tyrants or slaves, and that he did not want to be a tyrant to + any woman, nor to be under any woman’s orders. He found some way of + returning to his beloved Venice, in spite of the law forbidding any noble + who has filled the office of doge to leave his native soil. Though he + behaved to me in a very friendly manner he knew how to maintain an air of + superiority which imposed on me. Nothing else could have given him the + courage to ask me to dinner when Petri was to be present. I felt that I + had been tricked, and I thought myself in duty bound to make him esteem me + by my behaviour for the future. It was gratitude on his part which made + him smooth the way to my conquest of Veronique, who doubtless struck him + as a fit and proper person to console me for the loss of Rosalie. + </p> + <p> + I did not take any part in the conversation at supper, but the marquis + drew out Veronique, and she shone. It was easy for me to see that she had + more wit and knowledge of the world than Rosalie, but in my then state of + mind this grieved rather than rejoiced me. M. de Grimaldi seemed sorry to + see me melancholy, and forced me, as it were, to join in the conversation. + As he was reproaching me in a friendly manner for my silence, Veronique + said with a pleasing smile that I had a good reason to be silent after the + declaration of love I had made to her, and which she had received so ill. + I was astonished at this, and said that I did not remember having ever + made her such a declaration; but she made me laugh in spite of myself, + when she said that her name that day was Lindane. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, that’s in a play,” said I, “in real life the man who declares his + love in words is a simpleton; ‘tis with deeds the true lover shews his + love.” + </p> + <p> + “Very true, but your lady was frightened all the same.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no, Veronique; she is very fond of you.” + </p> + <p> + “I know she is; but I have seen her jealous of me.” + </p> + <p> + “If so, she was quite wrong.” + </p> + <p> + This dialogue, which pleased me little, fell sweetly on the marquis’s + ears; he told me that he was going to call on Rosalie next morning, and + that if I liked to give him a supper, he would come and tell me about her + in the evening. Of course I told him that he would be welcome. + </p> + <p> + After Veronique had lighted me to my room, she asked me to let my servants + wait on me, as if she did so now that my lady was gone, people might talk + about her. + </p> + <p> + “You are right,” said I, “kindly send Le Duc to me.” + </p> + <p> + Next morning I had a letter from Geneva. It came from my Epicurean syndic, + who had presented M. de Voltaire with my translation of his play, with an + exceedingly polite letter from me, in which I begged his pardon for having + taken the liberty of travestying his fine French prose in Italian. The + syndic told me plainly that M. de Voltaire had pronounced my translation + to be a bad one. + </p> + <p> + My self-esteem was so wounded by this, and by his impoliteness in not + answering my letter, with which he could certainly find no fault, whatever + his criticism of my translation might be, that I became the sworn enemy of + the great Voltaire. I have censured him in all the works I have published, + thinking that in wronging him I was avenging myself, to such an extent did + passion blind me. At the present time I feel that even if my works + survive, these feeble stings of mine can hurt nobody but myself. Posterity + will class me amongst the Zoiluses whose own impotence made them attack + this great man to whom civilization and human happiness owe so much. The + only crime that can truthfully be alleged against Voltaire is his attacks + on religion. If he had been a true philosopher he would never have spoken + on such matters, for, even if his attacks were based on truth, religion is + necessary to morality, without which there can be no happiness. + </p> + <a name="linkD2HCH0005" id="linkD2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + I Fall in Love With Veronique—Her Sister—Plot Against + Plot—My Victory—Mutual Disappointment +</pre> + <p> + I have never liked eating by myself, and thus I have never turned hermit, + though I once thought of turning monk; but a monk without renouncing all + the pleasures of life lives well in a kind of holy idleness. This dislike + to loneliness made me give orders that the table should be laid for two, + and indeed, after supping with the marquis and myself, Veronique had some + right to expect as much, to say nothing of those rights which her wit and + beauty gave her. + </p> + <p> + I only saw Costa, and asked him what had become of Le Duc. He said he was + ill. “Then go behind the lady’s chair,” said I. He obeyed, but smiled as + he did so. Pride is a universal failing, and though a servant’s pride is + the silliest of all it is often pushed to the greatest extremes. + </p> + <p> + I thought Veronique prettier than before. Her behaviour, now free and now + reserved, as the occasion demanded, shewed me that she was no new hand, + and that she could have played the part of a princess in the best society. + Nevertheless (so strange a thing is the heart of man), I was sorry to find + I liked her, and my only consolation was that her mother would come and + take her away before the day was over. I had adored Rosalie, and my heart + still bled at the thought of our parting. + </p> + <p> + The girl’s mother came while we were still at table. She was astounded at + the honour I shewed her daughter, and she overwhelmed me with thanks. + </p> + <p> + “You owe me no gratitude,” said I to her; “your daughter is clever, good, + and beautiful.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank the gentleman for his compliment,” said the mother, “for you are + really stupid, wanton, and ugly;” and then she added, “But how could you + have the face to sit at table with the gentleman in a dirty chemise?” + </p> + <p> + “I should blush, mother, if I thought you were right; but I put a clean + one on only two hours ago.” + </p> + <p> + “Madam,” said I to the mother, “the chemise cannot look white beside your + daughter’s whiter skin.” + </p> + <p> + This made the mother laugh, and pleased the girl immensely. When the + mother told her that she was come to take her back, Veronique said, with a + sly smile,— + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps the gentleman won’t be pleased at my leaving him twenty-four + hours before he goes away.” + </p> + <p> + “On the contrary,” said I, “I should be very vexed.” + </p> + <p> + “Well; then, she can stay, sir,” said the mother; “but for decency’s sake + I must send her younger sister to sleep with her.” + </p> + <p> + “If you please,” I rejoined. And with that I left them. + </p> + <p> + The thought of Veronique troubled me, as I knew I was taken with her, and + what I had to dread was a calculated resistance. + </p> + <p> + The mother came into my room where I was writing, and wished me a pleasant + journey, telling me for the second time that she was going to send her + daughter Annette. The girl came in the evening, accompanied by a servant, + and after lowering her mezzaro, and kissing my hand respectfully, she ran + gaily to kiss her sister. + </p> + <p> + I wanted to see what she was like, and called for candles; and on their + being brought I found she was a blonde of a kind I had never before seen. + Her hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes were the colour of pale gold, fairer + almost than her skin, which was extremely delicate. She was very + short-sighted, but her large pale blue eyes were wonderfully beautiful. + She had the smallest mouth imaginable, but her teeth, though regular, were + not so white as her skin. But for this defect Annette might have passed + for a perfect beauty. + </p> + <p> + Her shortness of sight made too brilliant a light painful to her, but as + she stood before me she seemed to like me looking at her. My gaze fed + hungrily on the two little half-spheres, which were not yet ripe, but so + white as to make me guess how ravishing the rest of her body must be. + Veronique did not shew her breasts so freely. One could see that she was + superbly shaped, but everything was carefully hidden from the gaze. She + made her sister sit down beside her and work, but when I saw that she was + obliged to hold the stuff close to her face I told her that she should + spare her eyes, for that night at all events, and with that she obediently + put the work down. + </p> + <p> + The marquis came as usual, and like myself he thought Annette, whom he had + never seen before, an astonishing miniature beauty. Taking advantage of + his age and high rank, the voluptuous old man dared to pass his hand over + her breast, and she, who was too respectful to cross my lord, let him do + it without making the slightest objection. She was a compound of innocence + and coquetry. + </p> + <p> + The woman who shewing little succeeds in making a man want to see more, + has accomplished three-fourths of the task of making him fall in love with + her; for is love anything else than a kind of curiosity? I think not; and + what makes me certain is that when the curiosity is satisfied the love + disappears. Love, however, is the strongest kind of curiosity in + existence, and I was already curious about Annette. + </p> + <p> + M. Grimaldi told Veronique that Rosalie wished her to stay with me till I + left Genoa, and she was as much astonished at this as I was. + </p> + <p> + “Be kind enough to tell her,” said I to the marquis, “that Veronique has + anticipated her wishes and has got her sister Annette to stay with her.” + </p> + <p> + “Two are always better than one, my dear fellow,” replied the crafty + Genoese. + </p> + <p> + After these remarks we left the two sisters together and went into my + room, where he said,— + </p> + <p> + “Your Rosalie is contented, and you ought to congratulate yourself on + having made her happy, as I am sure she will be. The only thing that vexes + me is that you can’t go and see her yourself with any decency.” + </p> + <p> + “You are in love with her, my lord.” + </p> + <p> + “I confess that I am, but I am an old man, and it vexes me.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s no matter, she will love you tenderly; and if Petri ever becomes + her husband, I am sure she will never be anything more than a good friend + to him. Write to me at Florence and tell me how she receives him.” + </p> + <p> + “Stay here for another three days; the two beauties there will make the + time seem short.” + </p> + <p> + “It’s exactly for that reason that I want to go tomorrow. I am afraid of + Veronique.” + </p> + <p> + “I shouldn’t have thought that you would have allowed any woman to + frighten you.” + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid she has cast her fatal nets around me, and when the time + comes she will be strictly moral. Rosalie is my only love.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, here’s a letter from her.” + </p> + <p> + I went apart to read the letter, the sight of which made my heart beat + violently; it ran as follows: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Dearest,—I see you have placed me in the hands of one who + will care for me like a father. This is a new kindness which + I owe to the goodness of your heart. I will write to you at + whatever address you send me. If you like Veronique, my + darling, do not fear any jealousy from me; I should be wrong + to entertain such a feeling in my present position. I expect + that if you make much of her she will not be able to resist, + and I shall be glad to hear that she is lessening your + sadness. I hope you will write me a few lines before you + go.” + </pre> + <p> + I went up to the marquis and told him to read it. He seemed greatly moved. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said he, “the dear girl will find in me her friend and father, and + if she marries my godson and he does not treat her as he ought, he will + not possess her long. I shall remember her in my will, and thus when I am + dead my care will still continue. But what do you think of her advice as + to Veronique? I don’t expect she is exactly a vestal virgin, though I have + never heard anything against her.” + </p> + <p> + I had ordered that the table should be laid for four, so Annette sat down + without our having to ask her. Le Duc appeared on the scene, and I told + him that if he were ill he might go to bed. + </p> + <p> + “I am quite well,” said he. + </p> + <p> + “I am glad to hear it; but don’t trouble now, you shall wait on me when I + am at Leghorn.” + </p> + <p> + I saw that Veronique was delighted at my sending him away, and I resolved + then and there to lay siege to her heart. I began by talking to her in a + very meaning manner all supper-time, while the marquis entertained + Annette. I asked him if he thought I could get a felucca next day to take + me to Lerici. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said he, “whenever you like and with as many oarsmen as you please; + but I hope you will put off your departure for two or three days.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” I replied, ogling Veronique, “the delay might cost me too dear.” + </p> + <p> + The sly puss answered with a smile that shewed she understood my meaning. + </p> + <p> + When we rose from the table I amused myself with Annette, and the marquis + with Veronique. After a quarter of an hour he came and said to me,— + </p> + <p> + “Certain persons have asked me to beg you to stay a few days longer, or at + least to sup here to-morrow night.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good. We will talk of the few days more at supper to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “Victory!” said the marquis; and Veronique seemed very grateful to me for + granting her request. When our guest was gone, I asked my new housekeeper + if I might send Costa to bed. + </p> + <p> + “As my sister is with me, there can be no ground for any suspicion.” + </p> + <p> + “I am delighted that you consent; now I am going to talk to you.” + </p> + <p> + She proceeded to do my hair, but she gave no answer to my soft speeches. + When I was on the point of getting into bed she wished me good night, and + I tried to kiss her by way of return. She repulsed me and ran to the door, + much to my surprise. She was going to leave the room, when I addressed her + in a voice of grave politeness. + </p> + <p> + “I beg you will stay; I want to speak to you; come and sit by me. Why + should you refuse me a pleasure which after all is a mere mark of + friendship?” + </p> + <p> + “Because, things being as they are, we could not remain friends, neither + could we be lovers.” + </p> + <p> + “Lovers! why not, we are perfectly free.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not free; I am bound by certain prejudices which do not trouble + you.” + </p> + <p> + “I should have thought you were superior to prejudices.” + </p> + <p> + “There are some prejudices which a woman ought to respect. The superiority + you mention is a pitiful thing; always the dupe of itself. What would + become of me, I should like to know, if I abandoned myself to the feelings + I have for you?” + </p> + <p> + “I was waiting for you to say that, dear Veronique. What you feel for me + is not love. If it were so, you would feel as I do, and you would soon + break the bonds of prejudice.” + </p> + <p> + “I confess that my head is not quite turned yet, but still I feel that I + shall grieve at your departure.” + </p> + <p> + “If so, that is no fault of mine. But tell me what I can do for you during + my short stay here.” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing; we do not know one another well enough.” + </p> + <p> + “I understand you, but I would have you know that I do not intend to marry + any woman who is not my friend.” + </p> + <p> + “You mean you will not marry her till you have ceased to be her lover?” + </p> + <p> + “Exactly.” + </p> + <p> + “You would like to finish where I would begin.” + </p> + <p> + “You may be happy some day, but you play for high stakes.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, well, it’s a case of win all or lose all.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s as may be. But without further argument it seems to me that we + could safely enjoy our love, and pass many happy moments undisturbed by + prejudice.” + </p> + <p> + “Possibly, but one gets burnt fingers at that game, and I shudder at the + very thought of it. No, no; leave me alone, there is my sister who will + wonder why I am in your arms.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good; I see I was mistaken, and Rosalie too.” + </p> + <p> + “Why what did she think about me?” + </p> + <p> + “She wrote and told me that she thought you would be kind.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope she mayn’t have to repent for having been too kind herself.” + </p> + <p> + “Good bye, Veronique.” + </p> + <p> + I felt vexed at having made the trial, for in these matters one always + feels angry at failure. I decided I would leave her and her precepts, true + or false, alone; but when I awoke in the morning and saw her coming to my + bed with a pleasant smile on her face, I suddenly changed my mind. I had + slept upon my anger and I was in love again. I thought she had repented, + and that I should be victorious when I attacked her again. I put on a + smile myself and breakfasted gaily with her and her sister. I behaved in + the same way at dinner; and the general high spirits which M. de Grimaldi + found prevailing in the evening, made him think, doubtless, that we were + getting on well, and he congratulated us. Veronique behaved exactly as if + the marquis had guessed the truth, and I felt sure of having her after + supper, and in the ecstasy of the thought I promised to stay for four days + longer. + </p> + <p> + “Bravo, Veronique!” said the marquis, “that’s the way. You are intended by + nature to rule your lovers with an absolute sway.” + </p> + <p> + I thought she would say something to diminish the marquis’s certainty that + there was an agreement between us, but she did nothing of the sort, + seeming to enjoy her triumph which made her appear more beautiful than + ever; whilst I looked at her with the submissive gaze of a captive who + glories in his chain. I took her behaviour as an omen of my approaching + conquest, and did not speak to M. de Grimaldi alone lest he might ask me + questions which I should not care to answer. He told us before he went + away that he was engaged on the morrow, and so could not come to see us + till the day after. + </p> + <p> + As soon as we were alone Veronique said to me, “You see how I let people + believe what they please; I had rather be thought kind, as you call it, + than ridiculous, as an honest girl is termed now-a-days. Is it not so?” + </p> + <p> + “No, dear Veronique, I will never call you ridiculous, but I shall think + you hate me if you make me pass another night in torture. You have + inflamed me.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, pray be quiet! For pity’s sake leave me alone! I will not inflame you + any more. Oh! Oh!” + </p> + <p> + I had enraged her by thrusting a daring hand into the very door of the + sanctuary. She repulsed me and fled. Three or four minutes later her + sister came to undress me. I told her gently to go to bed as I had to + write for three or four hours; but not caring that she should come on a + bootless errand I opened a box and gave her a watch. She took it modestly, + saying,— + </p> + <p> + “This is for my sister, I suppose?” + </p> + <p> + “No, dear Annette, it’s for you.” + </p> + <p> + She gave a skip of delight, and I could not prevent her kissing my hand. + </p> + <p> + I proceeded to write Rosalie a letter of four pages. I felt worried and + displeased with myself and everyone else. I tore up my letter without + reading it over, and making an effort to calm myself I wrote her another + letter more subdued than the first, in which I said nothing of Veronique, + but informed my fair recluse that I was going on the day following. + </p> + <p> + I did not go to bed till very late, feeling out of temper with the world. + I considered that I had failed in my duty to Veronique, whether she loved + me or not, for I loved her and I was a man of honour. I had a bad night, + and when I awoke it was noon, and on ringing Costa and Annette appeared. + The absence of Veronique shewed how I had offended her. When Costa had + left the room I asked Annette after her sister, and she said that she was + working. I wrote her a note, in which I begged her pardon, promising that + I would never offend her again, and begging her to forget everything and + to be just the same as before. I was taking my coffee when she came into + my room with an expression of mortification which grieved me excessively. + </p> + <p> + “Forget everything, I beg, and I will trouble you no more. Give me my + buckles, as I am going for a country walk, and I shall not be in till + suppertime. I shall doubtless get an excellent appetite, and as you have + nothing more to fear you need not trouble to send me Annette again.” + </p> + <p> + I dressed myself in haste, and left the town by the first road that came + in my way, and I walked fast for two hours with the intention of tiring + myself, and of thus readjusting the balance between mind and body. I have + always found that severe exercise and fresh air are the best cure for any + mental perturbation. + </p> + <p> + I had walked for more than three leagues when hunger and weariness made me + stop at a village inn, where I had an omelette cooked. I ate it hungrily + with brown bread and wine, which seemed to me delicious though it was + rather sharp. + </p> + <p> + I felt too tired to walk back to Genoa, so I asked for a carriage; but + there was no such thing to be had. The inn-keeper provided me with a sorry + nag and a man to guide me. Darkness was coming on, and we had more than + six miles to do. Fine rain began to fall when I started, and continued all + the way, so that I got home by eight o’clock wet to the skin, shivering + with cold, dead tired, and in a sore plight from the rough saddle, against + which my satin breeches were no protection. Costa helped me to change my + clothes, and as he went out Annette came in. + </p> + <p> + “Where is your sister?” + </p> + <p> + “She is in bed with a bad headache. She gave me a letter for you; here it + is.” + </p> + <p> + “I have been obliged to go to bed on account of a severe headache to which + I am subject. I feel better already, and I shall be able to wait on you + to-morrow. I tell you as much, because I do not wish you to think that my + illness is feigned. I am sure that your repentance for having humiliated + me is sincere, and I hope in your turn that you will forgive me or pity + me, if my way of thinking prevents me from conforming to yours.” + </p> + <p> + “Annette dear, go and ask your sister if she would like us to sup in her + room.” + </p> + <p> + She soon came back telling me that Veronique was obliged, but begged me to + let her sleep. + </p> + <p> + I supped with Annette, and was glad to see that, though she only drank + water, her appetite was better than mine. My passion for her sister + prevented me thinking of her, but I felt that Annette would otherwise have + taken my fancy. When we were taking dessert, I conceived the idea of + making her drunk to get her talk of her sister, so I gave her a glass of + Lunel muscat. + </p> + <p> + “I only drink water, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t you like wine?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but as I am not used to it I am afraid of its getting into my head.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you can go to bed; you will sleep all the better.” + </p> + <p> + She drank the first glass, which she enjoyed immensely, then a second, and + then a third. Her little brains were in some confusion when she had + finished the third glass. I made her talk about her sister, and in perfect + faith she told me all the good imaginable. + </p> + <p> + “Then you are very fond of Veronique?” said I. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes! I love her with all my heart, but she will not let me caress + her.” + </p> + <p> + “No doubt she is afraid of your ceasing to love her. But do you think she + ought to make me suffer so?” + </p> + <p> + “No, but if you love her you ought to forgive her.” + </p> + <p> + Annette was still quite reasonable. I made her drink a fourth glass of + muscat, but an instant after she told me that she could not see anything, + and we rose from the table. Annette began to please me a little too much, + but I determined not to make any attempts upon her for fear of finding her + too submissive. A little resistance sharpens the appetite, while favours + granted with too much ease lose a great deal of their charm. Annette was + only fourteen, she had a soft heart, no knowledge of the world or her own + rights, and she would not have resisted my embraces for fear of being + rude. That sort of thing would only please a rich and voluptuous Turk. + </p> + <p> + I begged her to do my hair, intending to dismiss her directly after, but + when she had finished I asked her to give me the ointment. + </p> + <p> + “What do you want it for?” + </p> + <p> + “For the blisters that cursed saddle on which I rode six miles gave me.” + </p> + <p> + “Does the ointment do them good?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly; it takes away the smart, and by to-morrow I shall be cured, + but you must send Costa to me, as I cannot put it on myself.” + </p> + <p> + “Can’t I do it?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but I am afraid that would be an abuse of your kindness.” + </p> + <p> + “I guess why; but as I am short-sighted, how shall I see the blisters?” + </p> + <p> + “If you want to do it for me, I will place myself so that it will be + easier for you. Stay, put the candle on this table.” + </p> + <p> + “There you are, but don’t let Costa put it on again to-morrow, or he will + guess that I or my sister did it to-night.” + </p> + <p> + “You will do me the same service, then, to-morrow?” + </p> + <p> + “I or my sister, for she will get up early.” + </p> + <p> + “Your sister! No, my dear; she would be afraid of giving me too much + pleasure by touching me so near.” + </p> + <p> + “And I am only afraid of hurting you. Is that right? Good heavens! what a + state your skin is in!” + </p> + <p> + “You have not finished yet.” + </p> + <p> + “I am so short-sighted; turn round.” + </p> + <p> + “With pleasure. Here I am.” + </p> + <p> + The little wanton could not resist laughing at what she saw, doubtless, + for the first time. She was obliged to touch it to continue rubbing the + ointment in, and I saw that she liked it, as she touched it when she had + no need, and not being able to stand it any longer I took hold of her hand + and made her stop her work in favour of a pleasanter employment. + </p> + <p> + When she had finished I burst out laughing to hear her ask, in the most + serious way, the pot of ointment still in her left hand, + </p> + <p> + “Did I do it right!” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, admirably, dear Annette! You are an angel, and I am sure you know + what pleasure you gave me. Can you come and spend an hour with me?” + </p> + <p> + “Wait a bit.” + </p> + <p> + She went out and shut the door, and I waited for her to return; but my + patience being exhausted I opened the door slightly, and saw her + undressing and getting into bed with her sister. I went back to my room + and to bed again, without losing all hope. I was not disappointed, for in + five minutes back she came, clad in her chemise and walking on tip-toe. + </p> + <p> + “Come to my arms, my love; it is very cold.” + </p> + <p> + “Here I am. My sister is asleep and suspects nothing; and even if she + awoke the bed is so large that she would not notice my absence.” + </p> + <p> + “You are a divine creature, and I love you with all my heart.” + </p> + <p> + “So much the better. I give myself up to you; do what you like with me, on + the condition that you think of my sister no more.” + </p> + <p> + “That will not cost me much. I promise that I will not think of her.” + </p> + <p> + I found Annette a perfect neophyte, and though I saw no blood on the altar + of love next morning I did not suspect her on that account. I have often + seen such cases, and I know by experience that the effusion of blood or + its absence proves nothing. As a general rule a girl cannot be convicted + of having had a lover unless she be with child. + </p> + <p> + I spent two hours of delight with this pretty baby, for she was so small, + so delicate, and so daintily shaped all over, that I can find no better + name for her. Her docility did not detract from the piquancy of the + pleasure, for she was voluptuously inclined. + </p> + <p> + When I rose in the morning she came to my room with Veronique, and I was + glad to see that while the younger sister was radiant with happiness the + elder looked pleasant and as if she desired to make herself agreeable. I + asked her how she was, and she told me that diet and sleep had completely + cured her. “I have always found them the best remedy for a headache.” + Annette had also cured me of the curiosity I had felt about her. I + congratulated myself on my achievement. + </p> + <p> + I was in such high spirits at supper that M. de Grimaldi thought I had won + everything from Veronique, and I let him think so. I promised to dine with + him the next day, and I kept my word. After dinner I gave him a long + letter for Rosalie, whom I did not expect to see again except as Madame + Petri, though I took care not to let the marquis know what I thought. + </p> + <p> + In the evening I supped with the two sisters, and I made myself equally + agreeable to both of them. When Veronique was alone with me, putting my + hair into curl-papers, she said that she loved me much more now that I + behaved discreetly. + </p> + <p> + “My discretion,” I replied, “only means that I have given up the hope of + winning you. I know how to take my part.” + </p> + <p> + “Your love was not very great, then?” + </p> + <p> + “It sprang up quickly, and you, Veronique, could have made it increase to + a gigantic size.” + </p> + <p> + She said nothing, but bit her lip, wished me good night and left the room. + I went to bed expecting a visit from Annette, but I waited in vain. When I + rang the next morning the dear girl appeared looking rather sad. I asked + her the reason. + </p> + <p> + “Because my sister is ill, and spent the whole night in writing,” said + she. + </p> + <p> + Thus I learnt the reason of her not having paid me a visit. + </p> + <p> + “Do you know what she was writing about?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no! She does not tell me that kind of thing, but here is a letter for + you.” + </p> + <p> + I read through the long and well-composed letter, but as it bore marks of + craft and dissimulation it made me laugh. After several remarks of no + consequence she said that she had repulsed me because she loved me so much + and that she was afraid that if she satisfied my fancy she might lose me. + </p> + <p> + “I will be wholly yours,” she added, “if you will give me the position + which Rosalie enjoyed. I will travel in your company, but you must give me + a document, which M. de Grimaldi will sign as a witness, in which you must + engage to marry me in a year, and to give me a portion of fifty thousand + francs; and if at the end of a year you do not wish to marry me, that sum + to be at my absolute disposal.” + </p> + <p> + She stipulated also that if she became a mother in the course of a year + the child should be hers in the event of our separating. On these + conditions she would become my mistress, and would have for me all + possible love and kindness. + </p> + <p> + This proposal, cleverly conceived, but foolishly communicated to me, + shewed me that Veronique had not the talent of duping others. I saw + directly that M. de Grimaldi had nothing to do with it, and I felt sure + that he would laugh when I told him the story. + </p> + <p> + Annette soon came back with the chocolate, and told me that her sister + hoped I would answer her letter. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, dear,” said I, “I will answer her when I get up.” + </p> + <p> + I took my chocolate, put on my dressing-gown, and went to Veronique’s + room. I found her sitting up in bed in a negligent attire that might have + attracted me if her letter had not deprived her of my good opinion. I sat + on the bed, gave her back the letter, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “Why write, when we can talk the matter over?” + </p> + <p> + “Because one is often more at ease in writing than in speaking.” + </p> + <p> + “In diplomacy and business that will pass, but not in love. Love makes no + conditions. Let us have no documents, no safeguards, but give yourself up + to me as Rosalie did, and begin to-night without my promising anything. If + you trust in love, you will make him your prisoner. That way will honour + us and our pleasures, and if you like I will consult M. de Grimaldi on the + subject. As to your plan, if it does not injure your honour, it does small + justice to your common sense, and no one but a fool would agree to it. You + could not possibly love the man to whom you make such a proposal, and as + to M. de Grimaldi, far from having anything to do with it, I am sure he + would be indignant at the very idea.” + </p> + <p> + This discourse did not put Veronique out of countenance. She said she did + not love me well enough to give herself to me unconditionally; to which I + replied that I was not sufficiently taken with her charms to buy them at + the price she fixed, and so I left her. + </p> + <p> + I called Costa, and told him to go and warn the master of the felucca that + I was going the next day, and with this idea I went to bid good-bye to the + marquis, who informed me that he had just been taking Petri to see + Rosalie, who had received him well enough. I told him I was glad to hear + it, and said that I commended to him the care of her happiness, but such + commendations were thrown away. + </p> + <p> + It is one of the most curious circumstances of my history, that in one + year two women whom I sincerely loved and whom I might have married were + taken from me by two old men, whose affections I had fostered without + wishing to do so. Happily these gentlemen made my mistresses’ fortunes, + but on the other hand they did me a still greater service in relieving me + of a tie which I should have found very troublesome in course of time. No + doubt they both saw that my fortune, though great in outward show, rested + on no solid basis, which, as the reader will see, was unhappily too true. + I should be happy if I thought that my errors or rather follies would + serve as a warning to the readers of these Memoirs. + </p> + <p> + I spent the day in watching the care with which Veronique and Annette + packed up my trunks, for I would not let my two servants help in any way. + Veronique was neither sad nor gay. She looked as if she had made up her + mind, and as if there had never been any differences between us. I was + very glad, for as I no longer cared for her I should have been annoyed to + find that she still cared for me. + </p> + <p> + We supped in our usual manner, discussing only commonplace topics, but + just as I was going to bed Annette shook my hand in a way that told me to + prepare for a visit from her. I admired the natural acuteness of young + girls, who take their degrees in the art of love with so much ease and at + such an early age. Annette, almost a child, knew more than a young man of + twenty. I decided on giving her fifty sequins without letting Veronique + see me, as I did not intend to be so liberal towards her. I took a roll of + ducats and gave them to her as soon as she came. + </p> + <p> + She lay down beside me, and after a moment devoted to love she said that + Veronique was asleep, adding,— + </p> + <p> + “I heard all you said to my sister, and I am sure you love her.” + </p> + <p> + “If I did, dear Annette, I should not have made my proposal in such plain + terms.” + </p> + <p> + “I should like to believe that, but what would you have done if she had + accepted your offer? You would be in one bed by this, I suppose?” + </p> + <p> + “I was more than certain, dearest, that her pride would hinder her + receiving me.” + </p> + <p> + We had reached this point in our conversation when we were surprised by + the sudden appearance of Veronique with a lighted candle, and wearing only + her chemise. She laughed at her sister to encourage her, and I joined in + the laughter, keeping a firm hold on the little one for fear of her + escaping. Veronique looked ravishing in her scanty attire, and as she + laughed I could not be angry with her. However, I said,— + </p> + <p> + “You have interrupted our enjoyment, and hurt your sister’s feelings; + perhaps you will despise her for the future?” + </p> + <p> + “On the contrary, I shall always love her.” + </p> + <p> + “Her feelings overcame her, and she surrendered to me without making any + terms.” + </p> + <p> + “She has more sense than I.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you mean that?” + </p> + <p> + “I do, really.” + </p> + <p> + “I am astonished and delighted to hear it; but as it is so, kiss your + sister.” + </p> + <p> + At this invitation Veronique put down the candle, and covered Annette’s + beautiful body with kisses. The scene made me feel very happy. + </p> + <p> + “Come, Veronique,” said I, “you will die of cold; come and lie down.” + </p> + <p> + I made room for her, and soon there were three of us under the same sheet. + I was in an ecstasy at this group, worthy of Aretin’s pencil. + </p> + <p> + “Dearest ones,” said I, “you have played me a pretty trick; was it + premeditated? And was Veronique false this morning, or is she false now?” + </p> + <p> + “We did not premeditate anything, I was true this morning, and I am true + now. I feel that I and my plan were very silly, and I hope you will + forgive me, since I have repented and have had my punishment. Now I think + I am in my right senses, as I have yielded to the feelings with which you + inspired me when I saw you first, and against which I have fought too + long.” + </p> + <p> + “What you say pleases me extremely.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, forgive me and finish my punishment by shewing that you are not + angry with me.” + </p> + <p> + “How am I to do that?” + </p> + <p> + “By telling me that you are vexed no longer, and by continuing to give my + sister proofs of your love.” + </p> + <p> + “I swear to you that so far from being angry with you I am very fond of + you; but would you like us to be fond in your presence?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, if you don’t mind me.” + </p> + <p> + Feeling excited by voluptuous emotions, I saw that my part could no longer + be a passive one. + </p> + <p> + “What do you say,” said I to my blonde, “will you allow your heroic sister + to remain a mere looker-on at our sweet struggles? Are you not generous + enough to let me make her an actress in the drama?” + </p> + <p> + “No; I confess I do not feel as if I could be so generous to-night, but + next night, if you will play the same part, we will change. Veronique + shall act and I will look on.” + </p> + <p> + “That would do beautifully,” said Veronique, with some vexation in her + manner, “if the gentleman was not going to-morrow morning.” + </p> + <p> + “I will stay, dear Veronique, if only to prove how much I love you.” + </p> + <p> + I could not have wished for plainer speech on her part, and I should have + liked to shew her how grateful I felt on the spot; but that would have + been at Annette’s expense, as I had no right to make any alteration in the + piece of which she was the author and had a right to expect all the + profits. Whenever I recall this pleasant scene I feel my heart beat with + voluptuous pleasure, and even now, with the hand of old age upon me, I can + not recall it without delight. + </p> + <p> + Veronique resigned herself to the passive part which her younger sister + imposed on her, and turning aside she leant her head on her hand, + disclosing a breast which would have excited the coldest of men, and bade + me begin my attack on Annette. It was no hard task she laid upon me, for I + was all on fire, and I was certain of pleasing her as long as she looked + at me. As Annette was short-sighted, she could not distinguish in the heat + of the action which way I was looking, and I succeeded in getting my right + hand free, without her noticing me, and I was thus enabled to communicate + a pleasure as real though not as acute as that enjoyed by her sister. When + the coverlet was disarranged, Veronique took the trouble to replace it, + and thus offered me, as if by accident, a new spectacle. She saw how I + enjoyed the sight of her charms, and her eye brightened. At last, full of + unsatisfied desire, she shewed me all the treasures which nature had given + her, just as I had finished with Annette for the fourth time. She might + well think that I was only rehearsing for the following night, and her + fancy must have painted her coming joys in the brightest colours. Such at + all events were my thoughts, but the fates determined otherwise. I was in + the middle of the seventh act, always slower and more pleasant for the + actress than the first two or three, when Costa came knocking loudly at my + door, calling out that the felucca was ready. I was vexed at this untoward + incident, got up in a rage, and after telling him to pay the master for + the day, as I was not going till the morrow, I went back to bed, no + longer, however, in a state to continue the work I begun. My two + sweethearts were delighted with me, but we all wanted rest, though the + piece should not have finished with an interruption. I wanted to get some + amusement out of the interval, and proposed an ablution, which made + Annette laugh and which Veronique pronounced to be absolutely necessary. I + found it a delicious hors d’oeuvre to the banquet I had enjoyed. The two + sisters rendered each other various services, standing in the most + lascivious postures, and I found my situation as looker-on an enviable + one. + </p> + <p> + When the washing and the laughter it gave rise to were over, we returned + to the stage where the last act should have been performed. I longed to + begin again, and I am sure I should have succeeded if I had been well + backed up by my partner; but Annette, who was young and tired out with the + toils of the night, forgot her part, and yielded to sleep as she had + yielded to love. Veronique began to laugh when she saw her asleep, and I + had to do the same, when I saw that she was as still as a corpse. + </p> + <p> + “What a pity!” said Veronique’s eyes; but she said it with her eyes alone, + while I was waiting for these words to issue from her lips. We were both + of us wrong: she for not speaking, and I for waiting for her to speak. It + was a favourable moment, but we let it pass by, and love punished us. I + had, it is true, another reason for abstaining. I wished to reserve myself + for the night. Veronique went to her own bed to quiet her excited + feelings, and I stayed in bed with my sleeping beauty till noon, when I + wished her good morning by a fresh assault which was completed neither on + her side nor on mine to the best of my belief. + </p> + <p> + The day was spent in talking about ourselves, and determined to eat only + one meal, we did not sit down to table till night began to fall. We spent + two hours in the consumption of delicate dishes, and in defying Bacchus to + make us feel his power. We rose as we saw Annette falling asleep, but we + were not much annoyed at the thought that she would not see the pleasures + we promised each other. I thought that I should have enough to do to + contemplate the charms of the one nymph without looking at Annette’s + beauties. We went to bed, our arms interlaced, our bodies tight together, + and lip pressed on lip, but that was all. Veronique saw what prevented me + going any further, and she was too polite and modest to complain. She + dissembled her feelings and continued to caress me, while I was in a + frenzy of rage. I had never had such a misfortune, unless as the result of + complete exhaustion, or from a strong mental impression capable of + destroying my natural faculties. Let my readers imagine what I suffered; + in the flower of my age, with a strong constitution, holding the body of a + woman I had ardently desired in my arms, while she tenderly caressed me, + and yet I could do nothing for her. I was in despair; one cannot offer a + greater insult to a woman. + </p> + <p> + At last we had to accept the facts and speak reasonably, and I was the + first to bewail my misfortune. + </p> + <p> + “You tired yourself too much yesterday,” said she, “and you were not + sufficiently temperate at supper. Do not let it trouble you, dearest, I am + sure you love me. Do not try to force nature, you will only weaken + yourself more. I think a gentle sleep would restore your manly powers + better than anything. I can’t sleep myself, but don’t mind me. Sleep, we + will make love together afterwards.” + </p> + <p> + After those excellent and reasonable suggestions, Veronique turned her + back to me and I followed her example, but in vain did I endeavour to + obtain a refreshing slumber; nature which would not give me the power of + making her, the loveliest creature, happy, envied me the power of repose + as well. My amorous ardour and my rage forbade all thoughts of rest, and + my excited passions conspired against that which would enable them to + satisfy their desires. Nature punished me for having distrusted her, and + because I had taken stimulants fit only for the weak. If I had fasted, I + should have done great things, but now there was a conflict between the + stimulants and nature, and by my desire for enjoyment I had deprived + myself of the power to enjoy. Thus nature, wise like its Divine Author, + punishes the ignorance and presumption of poor weak mortals. + </p> + <p> + Throughout this terrible and sleepless night my mind roamed abroad, and + amidst the reproaches with which I overwhelmed myself I found a certain + satisfaction in the thought that they were not wholly undeserved. This is + the sole enjoyment I still have when I meditate on my past life and its + varied adventures. I feel that no misfortune has befallen me save by my + own fault, whilst I attribute to natural causes the blessings, of which I + have enjoyed many. I think I should go mad if in my soliloquies I came + across any misfortune which I could not trace to my own fault, for I + should not know where to place the reason, and that would degrade me to + the rank of creatures governed by instinct alone. I feel that I am + somewhat more than a beast. A beast, in truth, is a foolish neighbour of + mine, who tries to argue that the brutes reason better than we do. + </p> + <p> + “I will grant,” I said, “that they reason better than you, but I can go no + farther; and I think every reasonable man would say as much.” + </p> + <p> + This reply has made me an enemy, although he admits the first part of the + thesis. + </p> + <p> + Happier than I, Veronique slept for three hours; but she was disagreeably + surprised on my telling her that I had not been able to close an eye, and + on finding me in the same state of impotence as before. She began to get + angry when I tried to convince her rather too forcibly that my misfortune + was not due to my want of will, and then she blamed herself as the cause + of my impotence; and mortified by the idea, she endeavoured to destroy the + spell by all the means which passion suggested, and which I had hitherto + thought infallible; but her efforts and mine were all thrown away. My + despair was as great as hers when at last, wearied, ashamed, and degraded + in her own eyes, she discontinued her efforts, her eyes full of tears. She + went away without a word, and left me alone for the two or three hours + which had still to elapse before the dawn appeared. + </p> + <p> + At day-break Costa came and told me that the sea being rough and a + contrary wind blowing, the felucca would be in danger of perishing. + </p> + <p> + “We will go as soon as the weather improves,” said I; “in the mean time + light me a fire.” + </p> + <p> + I arose, and proceeded to write down the sad history of the night. This + occupation soothed me, and feeling inclined to sleep I lay down again and + slept for eight hours. When I awoke I felt better, but still rather sad. + The two sisters were delighted to see me in good health, but I thought I + saw on Veronique’s features an unpleasant expression of contempt. However, + I had deserved it, and I did not take the trouble of changing her opinion, + though if she had been more caressing she might easily have put me in a + state to repair the involuntary wrongs I had done her in the night. Before + we sat down to table I gave her a present of a hundred sequins, which made + her look a little more cheerful. I gave an equal present to my dear + Annette, who had not expected anything, thinking herself amply recompensed + by my first gift and by the pleasure I had afforded her. + </p> + <p> + At midnight the master of the felucca came to tell me that the wind had + changed, and I took leave of the sisters. Veronique shed tears, but I knew + to what to attribute them. Annette kissed me affectionately; thus each + played her own part. I sailed for Lerici, where I arrived the next day, + and then posted to Leghorn. Before I speak of this town I think I shall + interest my readers by narrating a circumstance not unworthy of these + Memoirs. + </p> + <a name="linkD2HCH0006" id="linkD2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + A Clever Cheat—Passano—Pisa—Corilla—My Opinion of + Squinting Eyes—Florence—I See Therese Again—My Son— + Corticelli +</pre> + <p> + I was standing at some distance from my carriage into which they were + putting four horses, when a man accosted me and asked me if I would pay in + advance or at the next stage. Without troubling to look at him I said I + would pay in advance, and gave him a coin requesting him to bring me the + change. + </p> + <p> + “Directly, sir,” said he, and with that he went into the inn. + </p> + <p> + A few minutes after, just as I was going to look after my change, the + post-master came up and asked me to pay for the stage. + </p> + <p> + “I have paid already, and I am waiting for my change. Did I not give the + money to you?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Whom did I give it to, then?” + </p> + <p> + “I really can’t say; but you will be able to recognize the man, + doubtless.” + </p> + <p> + “It must have been you or one of your people.” + </p> + <p> + I was speaking loud, and all the men came about me. + </p> + <p> + “These are all the men in my employ,” said the master, and he asked if any + of them had received the money from me. + </p> + <p> + They all denied the fact with an air of sincerity which left no room for + suspicion. I cursed and swore, but they let me curse and swear as much as + I liked. At last I discovered that there was no help for it, and I paid a + second time, laughing at the clever rascal who had taken me in so + thoroughly. Such are the lessons of life; always full of new experiences, + and yet one never knows enough. From that day I have always taken care not + to pay for posting except to the proper persons. + </p> + <p> + In no country are knaves so cunning as in Italy, Greece ancient and modern + excepted. + </p> + <p> + When I got to the best inn at Leghorn they told me that there was a + theatre, and my luck made me go and see the play. I was recognized by an + actor who accosted me, and introduced me to one of his comrades, a + self-styled poet, and a great enemy of the Abbe Chiari, whom I did not + like, as he had written a biting satire against me, and I had never + succeeded in avenging myself on him. I asked them to come and sup with me—a + windfall which these people are not given to refusing. The pretended poet + was a Genoese, and called himself Giacomo Passano. He informed me that he + had written three hundred sonnets against the abbe, who would burst with + rage if they were ever printed. As I could not restrain a smile at the + good opinion the poet had of his works, he offered to read me a few + sonnets. He had the manuscript about him, and I could not escape the + penance. He read a dozen or so, which I thought mediocre, and a mediocre + sonnet is necessarily a bad sonnet, as this form of poetry demands + sublimity; and thus amongst the myriads of sonnets to which Italy gives + birth very few can be called good. + </p> + <p> + If I had given myself time to examine the man’s features, I should, no + doubt, have found him to be a rogue; but I was blinded by passion, and the + idea of three hundred sonnets against the Abbe Chiari fascinated me. + </p> + <p> + I cast my eyes over the title of the manuscript, and read, “La Chiareide + di Ascanio Pogomas.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s an anagram of my Christian name and my surname; is it not a happy + combination?” + </p> + <p> + This folly made me smile again. Each of the sonnets was a dull diatribe + ending with “l’abbate Chiari e un coglione.” He did not prove that he was + one, but he said so over and over again, making use of the poet’s + privilege to exaggerate and lie. What he wanted to do was to annoy the + abbe, who was by no means what Passano called him, but on the contrary, a + wit and a poet; and if he had been acquainted with the requirements of the + stage he would have written better plays than Goldoni, as he had a greater + command of language. + </p> + <p> + I told Passano, for civility’s sake, that he ought to get his Chiareide + printed. + </p> + <p> + “I would do so,” said he, “if I could find a publisher, for I am not rich + enough to pay the expenses, and the publishers are a pack of ignorant + beggars. Besides, the press is not free, and the censor would not let the + epithet I give to my hero pass. If I could go to Switzerland I am sure it + could be managed; but I must have six sequins to walk to Switzerland, and + I have not got them.” + </p> + <p> + “And when you got to Switzerland, where there are no theatres, what would + you do for a living?” + </p> + <p> + “I would paint in miniature. Look at those.” + </p> + <p> + He gave me a number of small ivory tablets, representing obscene subjects, + badly drawn and badly painted. + </p> + <p> + “I will give you an introduction to a gentleman at Berne,” I said; and + after supper I gave him a letter and six sequins. He wanted to force some + of his productions on me, but I would not have them. + </p> + <p> + I was foolish enough to give him a letter to pretty Sara’s father, and I + told him to write to me at Rome, under cover of the banker Belloni. + </p> + <p> + I set out from Leghorn the next day and went to Pisa, where I stopped two + days. There I made the acquaintance of an Englishman, of whom I bought a + travelling carriage. He took me to see Corilla, the celebrated poetess. + She received me with great politeness, and was kind enough to improvise on + several subjects which I suggested. I was enchanted, not so much with her + grace and beauty, as by her wit and perfect elocution. How sweet a + language sounds when it is spoken well and the expressions are well + chosen. A language badly spoken is intolerable even from a pretty mouth, + and I have always admired the wisdom of the Greeks who made their nurses + teach the children from the cradle to speak correctly and pleasantly. We + are far from following their good example; witness the fearful accents one + hears in what is called, often incorrectly, good society. + </p> + <p> + Corilla was ‘straba’, like Venus as painted by the ancients—why, I + cannot think, for however fair a squint-eyed woman may be otherwise, I + always look upon her face as distorted. I am sure that if Venus had been + in truth a goddess, she would have made the eccentric Greek, who first + dared to paint her cross-eyed, feel the weight of her anger. I was told + that when Corilla sang, she had only to fix her squinting eyes on a man + and the conquest was complete; but, praised be God! she did not fix them + on me. + </p> + <p> + At Florence I lodged at the “Hotel Carrajo,” kept by Dr. Vannini, who + delighted to confess himself an unworthy member of the Academy Della + Crusca. I took a suite of rooms which looked out on the bank of the Arno. + I also took a carriage and a footman, whom, as well as a coachman, I clad + in blue and red livery. This was M. de Bragadin’s livery, and I thought I + might use his colours, not with the intention of deceiving anyone, but + merely to cut a dash. + </p> + <p> + The morning after my arrival I put on my great coat to escape observation, + and proceeded to walk about Florence. In the evening I went to the theatre + to see the famous harlequin, Rossi, but I considered his reputation was + greater than he deserved. I passed the same judgment on the boasted + Florentine elocution; I did not care for it at all. I enjoyed seeing + Pertici; having become old, and not being able to sing any more, he acted, + and, strange to say, acted well; for, as a rule, all singers, men and + women, trust to their voice and care nothing for acting, so that an + ordinary cold entirely disables them for the time being. + </p> + <p> + Next day I called on the banker, Sasso Sassi, on whom I had a good letter + of credit, and after an excellent dinner I dressed and went to the opera + an via della Pergola, taking a stage box, not so much for the music, of + which I was never much of an admirer, as because I wanted to look at the + actress. + </p> + <p> + The reader may guess my delight and surprise when I recognised in the + prima donna Therese, the false Bellino, whom I had left at Rimini in the + year 1744; that charming Therese whom I should certainly have married if + M. de Gages had not put me under arrest. I had not seen her for seventeen + years, but she looked as beautiful and ravishing as ever as she came + forward on the stage. It seemed impossible. I could not believe my eyes, + thinking the resemblance must be a coincidence, when, after singing an + air, she fixed her eyes on mine and kept them there. I could no longer + doubt that it was she; she plainly recognized me. As she left the stage + she stopped at the wings and made a sign to me with her fan to come and + speak to her. + </p> + <p> + I went out with a beating heart, though I could not explain my + perturbation, for I did not feel guilty in any way towards Therese, save + in that I had not answered the last letter she had written me from Naples, + thirteen years ago. I went round the theatre, feeling a greater curiosity + as to the results of our interview than to know what had befallen her + during the seventeen years which seemed an age to me. + </p> + <p> + I came to the stage-door, and I saw Therese standing at the top of the + stair. She told the door-keeper to let me pass; I went up and we stood + face to face. Dumb with surprise I took her hand and pressed it against my + heart. + </p> + <p> + “Know from that beating heart,” said I, “all that I feel.” + </p> + <p> + “I can’t follow your example,” said she, “but when I saw you I thought I + should have fainted. Unfortunately I am engaged to supper. I shall not + shut my eyes all night. I shall expect you at eight o’clock to-morrow + morning. Where are you staying?” + </p> + <p> + “At Dr. Vannini’s.” + </p> + <p> + “Under what name?” + </p> + <p> + “My own.” + </p> + <p> + “How long have you been here?” + </p> + <p> + “Since yesterday.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you stopping long in Florence?” + </p> + <p> + “As long as you like.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you married?” + </p> + <p> + “No.” + </p> + <p> + “Cursed be that supper! What an event! You must leave me now, I have to go + on. Good-bye till seven o’clock to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + She had said eight at first, but an hour sooner was no harm. I returned to + the theatre, and recollected that I had neither asked her name or address, + but I could find out all that easily. She was playing Mandane, and her + singing and acting were admirable. I asked a well-dressed young man beside + me what that admirable actress’s name was. + </p> + <p> + “You have only come to Florence to-day, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “I arrived yesterday.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! well, then it’s excusable. That actress has the same name as I have. + She is my wife, and I am Cirillo Palesi, at your service.” + </p> + <p> + I bowed and was silent with surprise. I dared not ask where she lived, + lest he might think my curiosity impertinent. Therese married to this + handsome young man, of whom, of all others, I had made enquiries about + her! It was like a scene in a play. + </p> + <p> + I could bear it no longer. I longed to be alone and to ponder over this + strange adventure at my ease, and to think about my visit to Therese at + seven o’clock the next morning. I felt the most intense curiosity to see + what the husband would do when he recognized me, and he was certain to do + so, for he had looked at me attentively as he spoke. I felt that my old + flame for Therese was rekindled in my heart, and I did not know whether I + was glad or sorry at her being married. + </p> + <p> + I left the opera-house and told my footman to call my carriage. + </p> + <p> + “You can’t have it till nine o’clock, sir; it was so cold the coachman + sent the horses back to the stable.” + </p> + <p> + “We will return on foot, then.” + </p> + <p> + “You will catch a cold.” + </p> + <p> + “What is the prima donna’s name?” + </p> + <p> + “When she came here, she called herself Lanti, but for the last two months + she has been Madame Palesi. She married a handsome young man with no + property and no profession, but she is rich, so he takes his ease and does + nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “Where does she live?” + </p> + <p> + “At the end of this street. There’s her house, sir; she lodges on the + first floor.” + </p> + <p> + This was all I wanted to know, so I said no more, but took note of the + various turnings, that I might be able to find my way alone the next day. + I ate a light supper, and told Le Duc to call me at six o’clock. + </p> + <p> + “But it is not light till seven.” + </p> + <p> + “I know that.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good.” + </p> + <p> + At the dawn of day, I was at the door of the woman I had loved so + passionately. I went to the first floor, rang the bell, and an old woman + came out and asked me if I were M. Casanova. I told her that I was, + whereupon she said that the lady had informed her I was not coming till + eight. + </p> + <p> + “She said seven.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, well, it’s of no consequence. Kindly walk in here. I will go and + awake her.” + </p> + <p> + In five minutes, the young husband in his night-cap and dressing-gown came + in, and said that his wife would not be long. Then looking at me + attentively with an astounded stare, he said, + </p> + <p> + “Are you not the gentleman who asked me my wife’s name last night?” + </p> + <p> + “You are right, I did. I have not seen your wife for many years, but I + thought I recognized her. My good fortune made me enquire of her husband, + and the friendship which formerly attached me to her will henceforth + attach me to you.” + </p> + <p> + As I uttered this pretty compliment Therese, as fair as love, rushed into + the room with open arms. I took her to my bosom in a transport of delight, + and thus we remained for two minutes, two friends, two lovers, happy to + see one another after a long and sad parting. We kissed each other again + and again, and then bidding her husband sit down she drew me to a couch + and gave full course to her tears. I wept too, and my tears were happy + ones. At last we wiped our eyes, and glanced towards the husband whom we + had completely forgotten. He stood in an attitude of complete + astonishment, and we burst out laughing. There was something so comic in + his surprise that it would have taxed all the talents of the poet and the + caricaturist to depict his expression of amazement. Therese, who knew how + to manage him, cried in a pathetic an affectionate voice,— + </p> + <p> + “My dear Palesi, you see before you my father—nay, more than a + father, for this is my generous friend to whom I owe all. Oh, happy moment + for which my heart has longed for these ten years past.” + </p> + <p> + At the word “father” the unhappy husband fixed his gaze on me, but I + restrained my laughter with considerable difficulty. Although Therese was + young for her age, she was only two years younger than I; but friendship + gives a new meaning to the sweet name of father. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir,” said I, “your Therese is my daughter, my sister, my cherished + friend; she is an angel, and this treasure is your wife.” + </p> + <p> + “I did not reply to your last letter,” said I, not giving him time to come + to himself. + </p> + <p> + “I know all,” she replied. “You fell in love with a nun. You were + imprisoned under the Leads, and I heard of your almost miraculous flight + at Vienna. I had a false presentiment that I should see you in that town. + Afterwards I heard of you in Paris and Holland, but after you left Paris + nobody could tell me any more about you. You will hear some fine tales + when I tell you all that has happened to me during the past ten years. Now + I am happy. I have my dear Palesi here, who comes from Rome. I married him + a couple of months ago. We are very fond of each other, and I hope you + will be as much his friend as mine.” + </p> + <p> + At this I arose and embraced the husband, who cut such an extraordinary + figure. He met me with open arms, but in some confusion; he was, no doubt, + not yet quite satisfied as to the individual who was his wife’s father, + brother, friend, and perhaps lover, all at once. Therese saw this feeling + in his eyes, and after I had done she came and kissed him most + affectionately, which confused me in my turn, for I felt all my old love + for her renewed, and as ardent as it was when Don Sancio Pico introduced + me to her at Ancona. + </p> + <p> + Reassured by my embrace and his wife’s caress, M. Palesi asked me if I + would take a cup of chocolate with them, which he himself would make. I + answered that chocolate was my favourite breakfast-dish, and all the more + so when it was made by a friend. He went away to see to it. Our time had + come. + </p> + <p> + As soon as we were alone Therese threw herself into my arms, her face + shining with such love as no pen can describe. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, my love! whom I shall love all my life, clasp me to your breast! Let + us give each other a hundred embraces on this happy day, but not again, + since my fate has made me another’s bride. To-morrow we will be like + brother and sister; to-day let us be lovers.” + </p> + <p> + She had not finished this speech before my bliss was crowned. Our + transports were mutual, and we renewed them again and again during the + half hour in which we had no fear of an interruption. Her negligent + morning dress and my great coat were highly convenient under the + circumstances. + </p> + <p> + After we had satiated in part our amorous ardour we breathed again and sat + down. There was a short pause, and then she said, + </p> + <p> + “You must know that I am in love with my husband and determined not to + deceive him. What I have just done was a debt I had to pay to the + remembrance of my first love. I had to pay it to prove how much I love + you; but let us forget it now. You must be contented with the thought of + my great affection for you—of which you can have no doubt—and + let me still think that you love me; but henceforth do not let us be alone + together, as I should give way, and that would vex me. What makes you look + so sad?” + </p> + <p> + “I find you bound, while I am free. I thought we had met never to part + again; you had kindled the old fires. I am the same to you as I was at + Ancona. I have proved as much, and you can guess how sad I feel at your + decree that I am to enjoy you no more. I find that you are not only + married but in love with your husband. Alas! I have come too late, but if + I had not stayed at Genoa I should not have been more fortunate. You shall + know all in due time, and in the meanwhile I will be guided by you in + everything. I suppose your husband knows nothing of our connection, and my + best plan will be to be reserved, will it not?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, dearest, for he knows nothing of my affairs, and I am glad to say he + shews no curiosity respecting them. Like everybody else, he knows I made + my fortune at Naples; I told him I went there when I was ten years old. + That was an innocent lie which hurts nobody; and in my position I find + that inconvenient truths have to give way to lies. I give myself out as + only twenty-four, how do you think I look?” + </p> + <p> + “You look as if you were telling the truth, though I know you must be + thirty-two.” + </p> + <p> + “You mean thirty-one, for when I knew you I couldn’t have been more than + fourteen.” + </p> + <p> + “I thought you were fifteen at least.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I might admit that between ourselves; but tell me if I look more + than twenty-four.” + </p> + <p> + “I swear to you you don’t look as old, but at Naples . . . .” + </p> + <p> + “At Naples some people might be able to contradict me, but nobody would + mind them. But I am waiting for what ought to be the sweetest moment of + your life.” + </p> + <p> + “What is that, pray?” + </p> + <p> + “Allow me to keep my own counsel, I want to enjoy your surprise. How are + you off? If you want money, I can give you back all you gave me, and with + compound interest. All I have belongs to me; my husband is not master of + anything. I have fifty thousand ducats at Naples, and an equal sum in + diamonds. Tell me how much you want—quick! the chocolate is coming.” + </p> + <p> + Such a woman was Therese. I was deeply moved, and was about to throw my + arms about her neck without answering when the chocolate came. Her husband + was followed by a girl of exquisite beauty, who carried three cups of + chocolate on a silver-gilt dish. While we drank it Palesi amused us by + telling us with much humour how surprised he was when he recognized the + man who made him rise at such an early hour as the same who had asked him + his wife’s name the night before. Therese and I laughed till our sides + ached, the story was told so wittily and pleasantly. This Roman displeased + me less than I expected; his jealousy seemed only put on for form’s sake. + </p> + <p> + “At ten o’clock,” said Theresa, “I have a rehearsal here of the new opera. + You can stay and listen if you like. I hope you will dine with us every + day, and it will give me great pleasure if you will look upon my house as + yours.” + </p> + <p> + “To-day,” said I, “I will stay with you till after supper, and then I will + leave you with your fortunate husband.” + </p> + <p> + As I pronounced these words M. Palesi embraced me with effusion, as if to + thank me for not objecting to his enjoying his rights as a husband. + </p> + <p> + He was between the ages of twenty and twenty-two, of a fair complexion, + and well-made, but too pretty for a man. I did not wonder at Therese being + in love with him, for I knew too well the power of a handsome face; but I + thought that she had made a mistake in marrying him, for a husband + acquires certain rights which may become troublesome. + </p> + <p> + Therese’s pretty maid came to tell me that my carriage was at the door. + </p> + <p> + “Will you allow me,” said I to her, “to have my footman in?” + </p> + <p> + “Rascal,” said I, as soon as he came in, “who told you to come here with + my carriage?” + </p> + <p> + “Nobody, sir, but I know my duty.” + </p> + <p> + “Who told you that I was here?” + </p> + <p> + “I guessed as much.” + </p> + <p> + “Go and fetch Le Duc, and come back with him.” + </p> + <p> + When they arrived I told Le Duc to pay the impertinent fellow three days’ + wages, to strip him of his livery, and to ask Dr. Vannini to get me a + servant of the same build, not gifted with the faculty of divination, but + who knew how to obey his master’s orders. The rascal was much perturbed at + the result of his officiousness, and asked Therese to plead for him; but, + like a sensible woman, she told him that his master was the best judge of + the value of his services. + </p> + <p> + At ten o’clock all the actors and actresses arrived, bringing with them a + mob of amateurs who crowded the hall. Therese received their greetings + graciously, and I could see she enjoyed a great reputation. The rehearsal + lasted three hours, and wearied me extremely. To relieve my boredom I + talked to Palesi, whom I liked for not asking me any particulars of my + acquaintance with his wife. I saw that he knew how to behave in the + position in which he was placed. + </p> + <p> + A girl from Parma, named Redegonde, who played a man’s part and sang very + well, stayed to dinner. Therese had also asked a young Bolognese, named + Corticelli. I was struck with the budding charms of this pretty dancer, + but as I was just then full of Therese, I did not pay much attention to + her. Soon after we sat down I saw a plump abbe coming in with measured + steps. He looked to me a regular Tartuffe, after nothing but Therese. He + came up to her as soon as he saw her, and going on one knee in the + Portuguese fashion, kissed her hand tenderly and respectfully. Therese + received him with smiling courtesy and put him at her right hand; I was at + their left. His voice, manner, and all about him told me that I had known + him, and in fact I soon recognized him as the Abbe Gama, whom I had left + at Rome seventeen years before with Cardinal Acquaviva; but I pretended + not to recognize him, and indeed he had aged greatly. This gallant priest + had eyes for no one but Therese, and he was too busy with saying a + thousand soft nothings to her to take notice of anybody else in the + company. I hoped that in his turn he would either not recognize me or + pretend not to do so, so I was continuing my trifling talk with the + Corticelli, when Therese told me that the abbe wanted to know whether I + did not recollect him. I looked at his face attentively, and with the air + of a man who is trying to recollect something, and then I rose and asked + if he were not the Abbe Gama, with whose acquaintance I was honoured. + </p> + <p> + “The same,” said he, rising, and placing his arms round my neck he kissed + me again and again. This was in perfect agreement with his crafty + character; the reader will not have forgotten the portrait of him + contained in the first volume of these Memoirs. + </p> + <p> + After the ice had been thus broken it will be imagined that we had a long + conversation. He spoke of Barbaruccia, of the fair Marchioness G——, + of Cardinal S—— C——, and told me how he had passed + from the Spanish to the Portuguese service, in which he still continued. I + was enjoying his talk about numerous subjects which had interested me in + my early youth, when an unexpected sight absorbed all my thinking + faculties. A young man of fifteen or sixteen, as well grown as Italians + usually are at that age, came into the room, saluted the company with easy + grace, and kissed Therese. I was the only person who did not know him, but + I was not the only one who looked surprised. The daring Therese introduced + him to me with perfect coolness with the words:— + </p> + <p> + “That is my brother.” + </p> + <p> + I greeted him as warmly as I could, but my manner was slightly confused, + as I had not had time to recover my composure. This so-called brother of + Therese was my living image, though his complexion was rather clearer than + mine. I saw at once that he was my son; nature had never been so + indiscreet as in the amazing likeness between us. This, then, was the + surprise of which Therese had spoken; she had devised the pleasure of + seeing me at once astounded and delighted, for she knew that my heart + would be touched at the thought of having left her such a pledge of our + mutual love. I had not the slightest foreknowledge in the matter, for + Therese had never alluded to her being with child in her letters. I + thought, however, that she should not have brought about this meeting in + the presence of a third party, for everyone has eyes in their head, and + anyone with eyes must have seen that the young man was either my son or my + brother. I glanced at her, but she avoided meeting my eye, while the + pretended brother was looking at me so attentively that he did not hear + what was said to him. As to the others, they did nothing but look first at + me and then at him, and if they came to the conclusion that he was my son + they would be obliged to suppose that I had been the lover of Therese’s + mother, if she were really his sister, for taking into consideration the + age she looked and gave herself out to be she could not possibly be his + mother. It was equally impossible that I could be Therese’s father, as I + did not look any older than she did. + </p> + <p> + My son spoke the Neapolitan dialect perfectly, but he also spoke Italian + very well, and in whatever he said I was glad to recognize taste, good + sense, and intelligence. He was well-informed, though he had been brought + up at Naples, and his manners were very distinguished. His mother made him + sit between us at table. + </p> + <p> + “His favourite amusement,” she said to me, “is music. You must hear him on + the clavier, and though I am eight years older I shall not be surprised if + you pronounce him the better performer.” + </p> + <p> + Only a woman’s delicate instinct could have suggested this remark; men + hardly ever approach women in this respect. + </p> + <p> + Whether from natural impulses or self-esteem, I rose from the table so + delighted with my son that I embraced him with the utmost tenderness, and + was applauded by the company. I asked everybody to dine with me the next + day, and my invitation was joyfully accepted; but the Corticelli said, + with the utmost simplicity, + </p> + <p> + “May I come, too?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainty; you too.” + </p> + <p> + After dinner the Abbe Gama asked me to breakfast with him, or to have him + to breakfast the next morning, as he was longing for a good talk with me. + </p> + <p> + “Come and breakfast with me,” said I, “I shall be delighted to see you.” + </p> + <p> + When the guests had gone Don Cesarino, as the pretended brother of Therese + was called, asked me if I would walk with him. I kissed him, and replied + that my carriage was at his service, and that he and his brother-in-law + could drive in it, but that I had resolved not to leave his sister that + day. Palesi seemed quite satisfied with the arrangement, and they both + went away. + </p> + <p> + When we were alone, I gave Therese an ardent embrace, and congratulated + her on having such a brother. + </p> + <p> + “My dear, he is the fruit of our amours; he is your son. He makes me + happy, and is happy himself, and indeed he has everything to make him so.” + </p> + <p> + “And I, too, am happy, dear Therese. You must have seen that I recognized + him at once.” + </p> + <p> + “But do you want to give him a brother? How ardent you are!” + </p> + <p> + “Remember, beloved one, that to-morrow we are to be friends, and nothing + more.” + </p> + <p> + By this my efforts were crowned with success, but the thought that it was + the last time was a bitter drop in the cup of happiness. + </p> + <p> + When we had regained our composure, Therese said,— + </p> + <p> + “The duke who took me from Rimini brought up our child; as soon as I knew + that I was pregnant I confided my secret to him. No one knew of my + delivery, and the child was sent to nurse at Sorrento, and the duke had + him baptized under the name of Caesar Philip Land. He remained at Sorrento + till he was nine, and then he was boarded with a worthy man, who + superintended his education and taught him music. From his earliest + childhood he has known me as his sister, and you cannot think how happy I + was when I saw him growing so like you. I have always considered him as a + sure pledge of our final union. I was ever thinking what would happen when + we met, for I knew that he would have the same influence over you as he + has over me. I was sure you would marry me and make him legitimate.” + </p> + <p> + “And you have rendered all this, which would have made me happy, an + impossibility.” + </p> + <p> + “The fates decided so; we will say no more about it. On the death of the + duke I left Naples, leaving Cesarino at the same boarding school, under + the protection of the Prince de la Riccia, who has always looked upon him + as a brother. Your son, though he does not know it, possesses the sum of + twenty thousand ducats, of which I receive the interest, but you may + imagine that I let him want for nothing. My only regret is that I cannot + tell him I am his mother, as I think he would love me still more if he + knew that he owed his being to me. You cannot think how glad I was to see + your surprise to-day, and how soon you got to love him.” + </p> + <p> + “He is wonderfully like me.” + </p> + <p> + “That delights me. People must think that you were my mother’s lover. My + husband thinks that our friendship is due to the connection between you + and my mother. He told me yesterday that Cesarino might be my brother on + the mother’s side, but not on my father’s; as he had seen his father in + the theatre, but that he could not possibly be my father, too. If I have + children by Palesi all I have will go to them, but if not Cesarino will be + my heir. My property is well secured, even if the Prince de Riccia were to + die.” + </p> + <p> + “Come,” said she, drawing me in the direction of her bed-room. She opened + a large box which contained her jewels and diamonds, and shares to the + amount of fifty thousand ducats. Besides that she had a large amount of + plate, and her talents which assured her the first place in all the + Italian theatres. + </p> + <p> + “Do you know whether our dear Cesarino has been in love yet?” said I. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t think so, but I fancy my pretty maid is in love with him. I shall + keep my eyes open.” + </p> + <p> + “You mustn’t be too strict.” + </p> + <p> + “No, but it isn’t a good thing for a young man to engage too soon in that + pleasure which makes one neglect everything else.” + </p> + <p> + “Let me have him, I will teach him how to live.” + </p> + <p> + “Ask all, but leave me my son. You must know that I never kiss him for + fear of my giving way to excessive emotion. I wish you knew how good and + pure he is, and how well he loves me, I could not refuse him anything.” + </p> + <p> + “What will people say in Venice when they see Casanova again, who escaped + from The Leads and has become twenty years younger?” + </p> + <p> + “You are going to Venice, then, for the Ascensa?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and you are going to Rome?” + </p> + <p> + “And to Naples, to see my friend the Duke de Matalone.” + </p> + <p> + “I know him well. He has already had a son by the daughter of the Duke de + Bovino, whom he married. She must be a charming woman to have made a man + of him, for all Naples knew that he was impotent.” + </p> + <p> + “Probably, she only knew the secret of making him a father.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, it is possible.” + </p> + <p> + We spent the time by talking with interest on various topics till Cesarino + and the husband came back. The dear child finished his conquest of me at + supper; he had a merry random wit, and all the Neapolitan vivacity. He sat + down at the clavier, and after playing several pieces with the utmost + skill he began to sing Neapolitan songs which made us all laugh. Therese + only looked at him and me, but now and again she embraced her husband, + saying, that in love alone lies happiness. + </p> + <p> + I thought then, and I think now, that this day was one of the happiest I + have ever spent. + </p> + <a name="linkD2HCH0007" id="linkD2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The Corticelli—The Jew Manager Beaten—The False Charles + Ivanoff and the Trick He Played Me—I Am Ordered to Leave + Tuscany—I Arrive at Rome—My Brother Jean +</pre> + <a name="linkDimage-0003" id="linkDimage-0003"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/4c07.jpg" width="100%" alt="Chapter 7 " /> + </div> + <p> + At nine o’clock the next morning, the Abbe Gama was announced. The first + thing he did was to shed tears of joy (as he said) at seeing me so well + and prosperous after so many years. The reader will guess that the abbe + addressed me in the most flattering terms, and perhaps he may know that + one may be clever, experienced in the ways of the world, and even + distrustful of flattery, but yet one’s self-love, ever on the watch, + listens to the flatterer, and thinks him pleasant. This polite and + pleasant abbe, who had become extremely crafty from having lived all his + days amongst the high dignitaries at the court of the ‘Servus Servorum + Dei’ (the best school of strategy), was not altogether an ill-disposed + man, but both his disposition and his profession conspired to make him + inquisitive; in fine, such as I have depicted him in the first volume of + these Memoirs. He wanted to hear my adventures, and did not wait for me to + ask him to tell his story. He told me at great length the various + incidents in his life for the seventeen years in which we had not seen one + another. He had left the service of the King of Spain for that of the King + of Portugal, he was secretary of embassy to the Commander Almada, and he + had been obliged to leave Rome because the Pope Rezzonico would not allow + the King of Portugal to punish certain worthy Jesuit assassins, who had + only broken his arm as it happened, but who had none the less meant to + take his life. Thus, Gama was staying in Italy corresponding with Almada + and the famous Carvalho, waiting for the dispute to be finished before he + returned to Rome. In point of fact this was the only substantial incident + in the abbe’s story, but he worked in so many episodes of no consequence + that it lasted for an hour. No doubt he wished me to shew my gratitude by + telling him all my adventures without reserve; but the upshot of it was + that we both shewed ourselves true diplomatists, he in lengthening his + story, I in shortening mine, while I could not help feeling some enjoyment + in baulking the curiosity of my cassocked friend. + </p> + <p> + “What are you going to do in Rome?” said he, indifferently. + </p> + <p> + “I am going to beg the Pope to use his influence in my favour with the + State Inquisitors at Venice.” + </p> + <p> + It was not the truth, but one lie is as good as another, and if I had said + I was only going for amusement’s sake he would not have believed me. To + tell the truth to an unbelieving man is to prostitute, to murder it. He + then begged me to enter into a correspondence with him, and as that bound + me to nothing I agreed to do so. + </p> + <p> + “I can give you a mark of my friendship,” said he, “by introducing you to + the Marquis de Botta-Adamo, Governor of Tuscany; he is supposed to be a + friend of the regent’s.” + </p> + <p> + I accepted his offer gratefully, and he began to sound me about Therese, + but found my lips as tightly closed as the lid of a miser’s coffer. I told + him she was a child when I made the acquaintance of her family at Bologna, + and that the resemblance between her brother and myself was a mere + accident—a freak of nature. He happened to catch sight of a + well-written manuscript on the table, and asked me if that superb writing + was my secretary’s. Costa, who was present, answered in Spanish that he + wrote it. Gama overwhelmed him with compliments, and begged me to send + Costa to him to copy some letters. I guessed that he wanted to pump him + about me, and said that I needed his services all the day. + </p> + <p> + “Well, well,” said the abbe, “another time will do.” I gave him no answer. + Such is the character of the curious. + </p> + <p> + I am not referring to that curiosity which depends on the occult sciences, + and endeavours to pry into the future—the daughter of ignorance and + superstition, its victims are either foolish or ignorant. But the Abbe + Gama was neither; he was naturally curious, and his employment made him + still more so, for he was paid to find out everything. He was a + diplomatist; if he had been a little lower down in the social scale he + would have been treated as a spy. + </p> + <p> + He left me to pay some calls, promising to be back by dinner-time. + </p> + <p> + Dr. Vannini brought me another servant, of the same height as the first, + and engaged that he should obey orders and guess nothing. I thanked the + academician and inn-keeper, and ordered him to get me a sumptuous dinner. + </p> + <p> + The Corticelli was the first to arrive, bringing with her her brother, an + effeminate-looking young man, who played the violin moderately well, and + her mother, who informed me that she never allowed her daughter to dine + out without herself and her son. + </p> + <p> + “Then you can take her back again this instant,” said I, “or take this + ducat to dine somewhere else, as I don’t want your company or your son’s.” + </p> + <p> + She took the ducat, saying that she was sure she was leaving her daughter + in good hands. + </p> + <p> + “You may be sure of that,” said I, “so be off.” + </p> + <p> + The daughter made such witty observations on the above dialogue that I + could not help laughing, and I began to be in love with her. She was only + thirteen, and was so small that she looked ten. She was well-made, lively, + witty, and fairer than is usual with Italian women, but to this day I + cannot conceive how I fell in love with her. + </p> + <p> + The young wanton begged me to protect her against the manager of the + opera, who was a Jew. In the agreement she had made with him he had + engaged to let her dance a ‘pas de deux’ in the second opera, and he had + not kept his word. She begged me to compel the Jew to fulfil his + engagement, and I promised to do so. + </p> + <p> + The next guest was Redegonde, who came from Parma. She was a tall, + handsome woman, and Costa told me she was the sister of my new footman. + After I had talked with her for two or three minutes I found her remarks + well worthy of attention. + </p> + <p> + Then came the Abbe Gama, who congratulated me on being seated between two + pretty girls. I made him take my place, and he began to entertain them as + if to the manner born; and though the girls were laughing at him, he was + not in the least disconcerted. He thought he was amusing them, and on + watching his expression I saw that his self-esteem prevented him seeing + that he was making a fool of himself; but I did not guess that I might + make the same mistake at his age. + </p> + <p> + Wretched is the old man who will not recognize his old age; wretched + unless he learn that the sex whom he seduced so often when he was young + will despise him now if he still attempts to gain their favour. + </p> + <p> + My fair Therese, with her husband and my son, was the last to arrive. I + kissed Therese and then my son, and sat down between them, whispering to + Therese that such a dear mysterious trinity must not be parted; at which + Therese smiled sweetly. The abbe sat down between Redegonde and the + Corticelli, and amused us all the time by his agreeable conversation. + </p> + <p> + I laughed internally when I observed how respectfully my new footman + changed his sister’s plate, who appeared vain of honours to which her + brother could lay no claim. She was not kind; she whispered to me, so that + he could not hear,— + </p> + <p> + “He is a good fellow, but unfortunately he is rather stupid.” + </p> + <p> + I had put in my pocket a superb gold snuff-box, richly enamelled and + adorned with a perfect likeness of myself. I had had it made at Paris, + with the intention of giving it to Madame d’Urfe, and I had not done so + because the painter had made me too young. I had filled it with some + excellent Havana snuff which M. de Chavigny had given me, and of which + Therese was very fond; I was waiting for her to ask me for a pinch before + I drew it out of my pocket. + </p> + <p> + The Abbe Gama, who had some exceedingly good snuff in an Origonela box, + sent a pinch to Therese, and she sent him her snuff in a tortoise-shell + box encrusted with gold in arabesques—an exquisite piece of + workmanship. Gama criticised Therese’s snuff, while I said that I found it + delicious but that I thought I had some better myself. I took out my + snuff-box, and opening it offered her a pinch. She did not notice the + portrait, but she agreed that my snuff was vastly superior to hers. + </p> + <p> + “Well, would you like to make an exchange?” said I. “Certainly, give me + some paper.” + </p> + <p> + “That is not requisite; we will exchange the snuff and the snuff-boxes.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, I put Therese’s box in my pocket and gave her mine shut. When + she saw the portrait, she gave a cry which puzzled everybody, and her + first motion was to kiss the portrait. + </p> + <p> + “Look,” said she to Cesarino, “here is your portrait.” + </p> + <p> + Cesarino looked at it in astonishment, and the box passed from hand to + hand. Everybody said that it was my portrait, taken ten years ago, and + that it might pass for a likeness of Cesarino. Therese got quite excited, + and swearing that she would never let the box out of her hands again, she + went up to her son and kissed him several times. While this was going on I + watched the Abbe Gama, and I could see that he was making internal + comments of his own on this affecting scene. + </p> + <p> + The worthy abbe went away towards the evening, telling me that he would + expect me to breakfast next morning. + </p> + <p> + I spent the rest of the day in making love to Redegonde, and Therese, who + saw that I was pleased with the girl, advised me to declare myself, and + promised that she would ask her to the house as often as I liked. But + Therese did not know her. + </p> + <p> + Next morning Gama told me that he had informed Marshal Botta that I would + come and see him, and he would present me at four o’clock. Then the worthy + abbe, always the slave of his curiosity, reproached me in a friendly + manner for not having told him anything about my fortune. + </p> + <p> + “I did not think it was worth mentioning, but as you are interested in the + subject I may tell you that my means are small, but that I have friends + whose purses are always open to me.” + </p> + <p> + “If you have true friends you are a rich man, but true friends are + scarce.” + </p> + <p> + I left the Abbe Gama, my head full of Redegonde, whom I preferred to the + young Corticelli, and I went to pay her a visit; but what a reception! She + received me in a room in which were present her mother, her uncle, and + three or four dirty, untidy little monkeys: these were her brothers.’ + </p> + <p> + “Haven’t you a better room to receive your friends in?” said I. + </p> + <p> + “I have no friends, so I don’t want a room.” + </p> + <p> + “Get it, my dear, and you will find the friends come fast enough. This is + all very well for you to welcome your relations in, but not persons like + myself who come to do homage to your charms and your talents.” + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” said the mother, “my daughter has but few talents, and thinks + nothing of her charms, which are small.” + </p> + <p> + “You are extremely modest, and I appreciate your feelings; but everybody + does not see your daughter with the same eyes, and she pleased me + greatly.” + </p> + <p> + “That is an honour for her, and we are duly sensible of it, but not so as + to be over-proud. My daughter will see you as often as you please, but + here, and in no other place.” + </p> + <p> + “But I am afraid of being in the way here.” + </p> + <p> + “An honest man is never in the way.” + </p> + <p> + I felt ashamed, for nothing so confounds a libertine as modesty in the + mouth of poverty; and not knowing what to answer I took my leave. + </p> + <p> + I told Therese of my unfortunate visit, and we both, laughed at it; it was + the best thing we could do. + </p> + <p> + “I shall be glad to see you at the opera,” said she, “and you can get into + my dressing-room if you give the door-keeper a small piece of money.” + </p> + <p> + The Abbe Gama came as he promised, to take me to Marshal Botta, a man of + high talents whom the affair of Genoa had already rendered famous. He was + in command of the Austrian army when the people, growing angry at the + sight of the foreigners, who had only come to put them under the Austrian + yoke, rose in revolt and made them leave the town. This patriotic riot + saved the Republic. I found him in the midst of a crowd of ladies and + gentlemen, whom he left to welcome me. He talked about Venice in a way + that shewed he understood the country thoroughly, and I conversed to him + on France, and, I believe, satisfied him. In his turn he spoke of the + Court of Russia, at which he was staying when Elizabeth Petrovna, who was + still reigning at the period in question, so easily mounted the throne of + her father, Peter the Great. “It is only in Russia,” said he, “that poison + enters into politics.” + </p> + <p> + At the time when the opera began the marshal left the room, and everybody + went away. On my way the abbe assured me, as a matter of course, that I + had pleased the governor, and I afterwards went to the theatre, and + obtained admission to Therese’s dressing-room for a tester. I found her in + the hands of her pretty chamber-maid, and she advised me to go to + Redegonde’s dressing-room, as she played a man’s part, and might, perhaps, + allow me to assist in her toilette. + </p> + <p> + I followed her advice, but the mother would not let me come in, as her + daughter was just going to dress. I assured her that I would turn my back + all the time she was dressing, and on this condition she let me in, and + made me sit down at a table on which stood a mirror, which enabled me to + see all Redegonde’s most secret parts to advantage; above all, when she + lifted her legs to put on her breeches, either most awkwardly or most + cleverly, according to her intentions. She did not lose anything by what + she shewed, however, for I was so pleased, that to possess her charms I + would have signed any conditions she cared to impose upon me. + </p> + <p> + “Redegonde must know,” I said to myself, “that I could see everything in + the glass;” and the idea inflamed me. I did not turn round till the mother + gave me leave, and I then admired my charmer as a young man of five feet + one, whose shape left nothing to be desired. + </p> + <p> + Redegonde went out, and I followed her to the wings. + </p> + <p> + “My dear,” said I, “I am going to talk plainly to you. You have inflamed + my passions and I shall die if you do not make me happy.” + </p> + <p> + “You do not say that you will die if you chance to make me unhappy.” + </p> + <p> + “I could not say so, because I cannot conceive such a thing as possible. + Do not trifle with me, dear Redegonde, you must be aware that I saw all in + the mirror, and I cannot think that you are so cruel as to arouse my + passions and then leave me to despair.” + </p> + <p> + “What could you have seen? I don’t know what you are talking about.” + </p> + <p> + “May be, but know that I have seen all your charms. What shall I do to + possess you?” + </p> + <p> + “To possess me? I don’t understand you, sir; I’m an honest girl.” + </p> + <p> + “I dare say; but you wouldn’t be any less honest after making me happy. + Dear Redegonde, do not let me languish for you, but tell me my fate now + this instant.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not know what to tell you, but you can come and see me whenever you + like.” + </p> + <p> + “When shall I find you alone?” + </p> + <p> + “Alone! I am never alone.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, well, that’s of no consequence; if only your mother is present, + that comes to the same thing. If she is sensible, she will pretend not to + see anything, and I will give you a hundred ducats each time.” + </p> + <p> + “You are either a madman, or you do not know what sort of people we are.” + </p> + <p> + With these words she went on, and I proceeded to tell Therese what had + passed. + </p> + <p> + “Begin,” said she, “by offering the hundred ducats to the mother, and if + she refuses, have no more to do with them, and go elsewhere.” + </p> + <p> + I returned to the dressing-room, where I found the mother alone, and + without any ceremony spoke as follows:— + </p> + <p> + “Good evening, madam, I am a stranger here; I am only staying a week, and + I am in love with your daughter. If you like to be obliging, bring her to + sup with me. I will give you a hundred sequins each time, so you see my + purse is in your power.” + </p> + <p> + “Whom do you think you are talking to, sir? I am astonished at your + impudence. Ask the townsfolk what sort of character I bear, and whether my + daughter is an honest girl or not! and you will not make such proposals + again.” + </p> + <p> + “Good-bye, madam.” + </p> + <p> + “Good-bye, sir.” + </p> + <p> + As I went out I met Redegonde, and I told her word for word the + conversation I had had with her mother. She burst out laughing. + </p> + <p> + “Have I done well or ill?” said I. + </p> + <p> + “Well enough, but if you love me come and see me.” + </p> + <p> + “See you after what your mother said?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, why not, who knows of it?” + </p> + <p> + “Who knows? You don’t know me, Redegonde. I do not care to indulge myself + in idle hopes, and I thought I had spoken to you plainly enough.” + </p> + <p> + Feeling angry, and vowing to have no more to do with this strange girl, I + supped with Therese, and spent three delightful hours with her. I had a + great deal of writing to do the next day and kept in doors, and in the + evening I had a visit from the young Corticelli, her mother and brother. + She begged me to keep my promise regarding the manager of the theatre, who + would not let her dance the ‘pas de deux’ stipulated for in the agreement. + </p> + <p> + “Come and breakfast with me to-morrow morning,” said I, “and I will speak + to the Israelite in your presence—at least I will do so if he + comes.” + </p> + <p> + “I love you very much,” said the young wanton, “can’t I stop a little + longer here.” + </p> + <p> + “You may stop as long as you like, but as I have got some letters to + finish, I must ask you to excuse my entertaining you.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! just as you please.” + </p> + <p> + I told Costa to give her some supper. + </p> + <p> + I finished my letters and felt inclined for a little amusement, so I made + the girl sit by me and proceeded to toy with her, but in such a way that + her mother could make no objection. All at once the brother came up and + tried to join in the sport, much to my astonishment. + </p> + <p> + “Get along with you,” said I, “you are not a girl.” + </p> + <p> + At this the young scoundrel proceeded to shew me his sex, but in such an + indecent fashion that his sister, who was sitting on my knee, burst out + laughing and took refuge with her mother, who was sitting at the other end + of the room in gratitude for the good supper I had given her. I rose from + my chair, and after giving the impudent pederast a box on the ear I asked + the mother with what intentions she had brought the young rascal to my + house. By way of reply the infamous woman said,— + </p> + <p> + “He’s a pretty lad, isn’t he?” + </p> + <p> + I gave him a ducat for the blow I had given him, and told the mother to + begone, as she disgusted me. The pathic took my ducat, kissed my hand, and + they all departed. + </p> + <p> + I went to bed feeling amused at the incident, and wondering at the + wickedness of a mother who would prostitute her own son to the basest of + vices. + </p> + <p> + Next morning I sent and asked the Jew to call on me. The Corticelli came + with her mother, and the Jew soon after, just as we were going to + breakfast. + </p> + <p> + I proceeded to explain the grievance of the young dancer, and I read the + agreement he had made with her, telling him politely that I could easily + force him to fulfil it. The Jew put in several excuses, of which the + Corticelli demonstrated the futility. At last the son of Judah was forced + to give in, and promised to speak to the ballet-master the same day, in + order that she might dance the ‘pas’ with the actor she named. + </p> + <p> + “And that, I hope, will please your excellency,” he added, with a low bow, + which is not often a proof of sincerity, especially among Jews. + </p> + <p> + When my guests had taken leave I went to the Abbe Gama, to dine with + Marshal Botta who had asked us to dinner. I made the acquaintance there of + Sir Mann, the English ambassador, who was the idol of Florence, very rich, + of the most pleasing manners although an Englishman; full of wit, taste, + and a great lover of the fine arts. He invited me to come next day and see + his house and garden. In this home he had made—furniture, pictures, + choice books—all shewed the man of genius. He called on me, asked me + to dinner, and had the politeness to include Therese, her husband, and + Cesarino in the invitation. After dinner my son sat down at the clavier + and delighted the company by his exquisite playing. While we were talking + of likenesses, Sir Mann shewed us some miniatures of great beauty. + </p> + <p> + Before leaving, Therese told me that she had been thinking seriously of + me. + </p> + <p> + “In what respect?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “I have told Redegonde that I am going to call for her, that I will keep + her to supper, and have her taken home. You must see that this last + condition is properly carried out. Come to supper too, and have your + carriage in waiting. I leave the rest to you. You will only be a few + minutes with her, but that’s something; and the first step leads far.” + </p> + <p> + “An excellent plan. I will sup with you, and my carriage shall be ready. I + will tell you all about it to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + I went to the house at nine o’clock, and was welcomed as an unexpected + guest. I told Redegonde that I was glad to meet her, and she replied that + she had not hoped to have the pleasure of seeing me. Redegonde was the + only one who had any appetite; she ate capitally, and laughed merrily at + the stories I told her. + </p> + <p> + After supper Therese asked her if she would like to have a sedan-chair + sent for, or if she would prefer to be taken back in my carriage. + </p> + <p> + “If the gentleman will be so kind,” said she, “I need not send for a + chair.” + </p> + <p> + I thought this reply of such favourable omen that I no longer doubted of + my success. After she had wished the others good night, she took my arm, + pressing it as she did so; we went down the stairs, and she got into the + carriage. I got in after her, and on attempting to sit down I found the + place taken. + </p> + <p> + “Who is that?” I cried. + </p> + <p> + Redegonde burst out laughing, and informed me it was her mother. + </p> + <p> + I was done; I could not summon up courage to pass it off as a jest. Such a + shock makes a man stupid; for a moment it numbs all the mental faculties, + and wounded self-esteem only gives place to anger. + </p> + <p> + I sat down on the front seat and coldly asked the mother why she had not + come up to supper with us. When the carriage stopped at their door, she + asked me to come in, but I told her I would rather not. I felt that for a + little more I would have boxed her ears, and the man at the house door + looked very like a cut-throat. + </p> + <p> + I felt enraged and excited physically as well as mentally, and though I + had never been to see the Corticelli, told the coachman to drive there + immediately, as I felt sure of finding her well disposed. Everybody was + gone to bed. I knocked at the door till I got an answer, I gave my name, + and I was let in, everything being in total darkness. The mother told me + she would light a candle, and that if she had expected me she would have + waited up in spite of the cold. I felt as if I were in the middle of an + iceberg. I heard the girl laughing, and going up to the bed and passing my + hand over it I came across some plain tokens of the masculine gender. I + had got hold of her brother. In the meanwhile the mother had got a candle, + and I saw the girl with the bedclothes up to her chin, for, like her + brother, she was as naked as my hand. Although no Puritan, I was shocked. + </p> + <p> + “Why do you allow this horrible union?” I said to the mother. + </p> + <p> + “What harm is there? They are brother and sister.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s just what makes it a criminal matter.” + </p> + <p> + “Everything is perfectly innocent.” + </p> + <p> + “Possibly; but it’s not a good plan.” + </p> + <p> + The pathic escaped from the bed and crept into his mother’s, while the + little wanton told me there was really no harm, as they only loved each + other as brother and sister, and that if I wanted her to sleep by herself + all I had to do was to get her a new bed. This speech, delivered with arch + simplicity, in her Bolognese jargon, made me laugh with all my heart, for + in the violence of her gesticulations she had disclosed half her charms, + and I saw nothing worth looking at. In spite of that, it was doubtless + decreed that I should fall in love with her skin, for that was all she + had. + </p> + <p> + If I had been alone I should have brought matters to a crisis on the spot, + but I had a distaste to the presence of her mother and her scoundrelly + brother. I was afraid lest some unpleasant scenes might follow. I gave her + ten ducats to buy a bed, said good night, and left the house. I returned + to my lodging, cursing the too scrupulous mothers of the opera girls. + </p> + <p> + I passed the whole of the next morning with Sir Mann, in his gallery, + which contained some exquisite paintings, sculptures, mosaics, and + engraved gems. On leaving him, I called on Therese and informed her of my + misadventure of the night before. She laughed heartily at my story, and I + laughed too, in spite of a feeling of anger due to my wounded self-esteem. + </p> + <p> + “You must console yourself,” said she; “you will not find much difficulty + in filling the place in your affections.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! why are you married?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, it’s done; and there’s no helping it. But listen to me. As you + can’t do without someone, take up with the Corticelli; she’s as good as + any other woman, and won’t keep you waiting long.” + </p> + <p> + On my return to my lodging, I found the Abbe Gama, whom I had invited to + dinner, and he asked me if I would accept a post to represent Portugal at + the approaching European Congress at Augsburg. He told me that if I did + the work well, I could get anything I liked at Lisbon. + </p> + <p> + “I am ready to do my best,” said I; “you have only to write to me, and I + will tell you where to direct your letters.” This proposal made me long to + become a diplomatist. + </p> + <p> + In the evening I went to the opera-house and spoke to the ballet-master, + the dancer who was to take part in the ‘pas de deux’, and to the Jew, who + told me that my protegee should be satisfied in two or three days, and + that she should perform her favourite ‘pas’ for the rest of the carnival. + I saw the Corticelli, who told me she had got her bed, and asked me to + come to supper. I accepted the invitation, and when the opera was over I + went to her house. + </p> + <p> + Her mother, feeling sure that I would pay the bill, had ordered an + excellent supper for four, and several flasks of the best Florence wine. + Besides that, she gave me a bottle of the wine called Oleatico, which I + found excellent. The three Corticellis unaccustomed to good fare and wine, + ate like a troop, and began to get intoxicated. The mother and son went to + bed without ceremony, and the little wanton invited me to follow their + example. I should have liked to do so, but I did not dare. It was very + cold and there was no fire in the room, there was only one blanket on the + bed, and I might have caught a bad cold, and I was too fond of my good + health to expose myself to such a danger. I therefore satisfied myself by + taking her on my knee, and after a few preliminaries she abandoned herself + to my transports, endeavouring to persuade me that I had got her + maidenhead. I pretended to believe her, though I cared very little whether + it were so or not. + </p> + <p> + I left her after I had repeated the dose three or four times, and gave her + fifty sequins, telling her to get a good wadded coverlet and a large + brazier, as I wanted to sleep with her the next night. + </p> + <p> + Next morning I received an extremely interesting letter from Grenoble. M. + de Valenglard informed me that the fair Mdlle. Roman, feeling convinced + that her horoscope would never come true unless she went to Paris, had + gone to the capital with her aunt. + </p> + <p> + Her destiny was a strange one; it depended on the liking I had taken to + her and my aversion to marriage, for it lay in my power to have married + the handsomest woman in France, and in that case it is not likely that she + would have become the mistress of Louis XV. What strange whim could have + made me indicate in her horoscope the necessity of her journeying to + Paris; for even if there were such a science as astrology I was no + astrologer; in fine, her destiny depended on my absurd fancy. And in + history, what a number of extraordinary events would never have happened + if they had not been predicted! + </p> + <p> + In the evening I went to the theatre, and found my Corticelli clad in a + pretty cloak, while the other girls looked at me contemptuously, for they + were enraged at the place being taken; while the proud favourite caressed + me with an air of triumph which became her to admiration. + </p> + <p> + In the evening I found a good supper awaiting me, a large brazier on the + hearth, and a warm coverlet on the bed. The mother shewed me all the + things her daughter had bought, and complained that she had not got any + clothes for her brother. I made her happy by giving her a few louis. + </p> + <p> + When I went to bed I did not find my mistress in any amorous transports, + but in a wanton and merry mood. She made me laugh, and as she let me do as + I liked I was satisfied. I gave her a watch when I left her, and promised + to sup with her on the following night. She was to have danced the pas de + deux, and I went to see her do it, but to my astonishment she only danced + with the other girls. + </p> + <p> + When I went to supper I found her in despair. She wept and said that I + must avenge her on the Jew, who had excused himself by putting the fault + on somebody else, but that he was a liar. I promised everything to quiet + her, and after spending several hours in her company I returned home, + determined to give the Jew a bad quarter of an hour. Next morning I sent + Costa to ask him to call on me, but the rascal sent back word that he was + not coming, and if the Corticelli did not like his theatre she might try + another. + </p> + <p> + I was indignant, but I knew that I must dissemble, so I only laughed. + Nevertheless, I had pronounced his doom, for an Italian never forgets to + avenge himself on his enemy; he knows it is the pleasure of the gods. + </p> + <p> + As soon as Costa had left the room, I called Le Duc and told him the + story, saying that if I did not take vengeance I should be dishonoured, + and that it was only he who could procure the scoundrel a good thrashing + for daring to insult me. + </p> + <p> + “But you know, Le Duc, the affair must be kept secret.” + </p> + <p> + “I only want twenty-four hours to give you an answer.” + </p> + <p> + I knew what he meant, and I was satisfied. + </p> + <p> + Next morning Le Duc told me he had spent the previous day in learning the + Jew’s abode and habits, without asking anybody any questions. + </p> + <p> + “To-day I will not let him go out of my sight. I shall find out at what + hour he returns home, and to-morrow you shall know the results.” + </p> + <p> + “Be discreet,” said I, “and don’t let anybody into your plans.” + </p> + <p> + “Not I!” + </p> + <p> + Next day, he told me that if the Jew came home at the same time and by the + same way as before, he would have a thrashing before he got to bed. + </p> + <p> + “Whom have you chosen for this expedition?” + </p> + <p> + “Myself. These affairs ought to be kept secret, and a secret oughtn’t to + be known to more than two people. I am sure that everything will turn out + well, but when you are satisfied that the ass’s hide has been well tanned, + will there be anything to be picked up?” + </p> + <p> + “Twenty-five sequins.” + </p> + <p> + “That will do nicely. When I have done the trick I shall put on my great + coat again and return by the back door. If necessary Costa himself will be + able to swear that I did not leave the house, and that therefore I cannot + have committed the assault. However, I shall put my pistols in my pocket + in case of accidents, and if anybody tries to arrest me I shall know how + to defend myself.” + </p> + <p> + Next morning he came coolly into my room while Costa was putting on my + dressing-gown, and when we were alone he said,— + </p> + <p> + “The thing’s done. Instead of the Jew’s running away when he received the + first blow he threw himself on to the ground. Then I tanned his skin for + him nicely, but on hearing some people coming up I ran off. I don’t know + whether I did for him, but I gave him two sturdy blows on the head. I + should be sorry if he were killed, as then he could not see about the + dance.” + </p> + <p> + This jest did not arouse my mirth; the matter promised to be too serious. + </p> + <p> + Therese had asked me to dine with the Abbe Gama and M. Sassi, a worthy + man, if one may prostitute the name of man to describe a being whom + cruelty has separated from the rest of humanity; he was the first castrato + of the opera. Of course the Jew’s mishap was discussed. + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry for him,” said I, “though he is a rascally fellow.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not at all sorry for him myself,” said Sassi, “he’s a knave.” + </p> + <p> + “I daresay that everybody will be putting down his wooden baptism to my + account.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said the abbe, “people say that M. Casanova did the deed for good + reasons of his own.” + </p> + <p> + “It will be difficult to pitch on the right man,” I answered, “the rascal + has pushed so many worthy people to extremities that he must have a great + many thrashings owing him.” + </p> + <p> + The conversation then passed to other topics, and we had a very pleasant + dinner. + </p> + <p> + In a few days the Jew left his bed with a large plaster on his nose, and + although I was generally regarded as the author of his misfortune the + matter was gradually allowed to drop, as there were only vague suspicions + to go upon. But the Corticelli, in an ecstasy of joy, was stupid enough to + talk as if she were sure it was I who had avenged her, and she got into a + rage when I would not admit the deed; but, as may be guessed, I was not + foolish enough to do so, as her imprudence might have been a hanging + matter for me. + </p> + <p> + I was well enough amused at Florence, and had no thoughts of leaving, when + one day Vannini gave me a letter which someone had left for me. I opened + it in his presence, and found it contained a bill of exchange for two + hundred Florentine crowns on Sasso Sassi. Vannini looked at it and told me + it was a good one. I went into my room to read the letter, and I was + astonished to find it signed “Charles Ivanoff.” He dated it from Pistoia, + and told me that in his poverty and misfortune he had appealed to an + Englishman who was leaving Florence for Lucca, and had generously given + him a bill of exchange for two hundred crowns, which he had written in his + presence. It was made payable to bearer. + </p> + <p> + “I daren’t cash it in Florence,” said he, “as I am afraid of being + arrested for my unfortunate affair at Genoa. I entreat you, then, to have + pity on me, to get the bill cashed, and to bring me the money here, that I + may pay my landlord and go.” + </p> + <p> + It looked like a very simple matter, but I might get into trouble, for the + note might be forged; and even if it were not I should be declaring myself + a friend or a correspondent, at all events, of a man who had been posted. + In this dilemma I took the part of taking the bill of exchange to him in + person. I went to the posting establishment, hired two horses, and drove + to Pistoia. The landlord himself took me to the rascal’s room, and left me + alone with him. + </p> + <p> + I did not stay more than three minutes, and all I said was that as Sassi + knew me I did not wish him to think that there was any kind of connection + between us. + </p> + <p> + “I advise you,” I said, “to give the bill to your landlord, who will cash + it at M. Sassi’s and bring you your change.” + </p> + <p> + “I will follow your advice,” he said, and I therewith returned to + Florence. + </p> + <p> + I thought no more of it, but in two days’ time I received a visit from M. + Sassi and the landlord of the inn at Pistoia. The banker shewed me the + bill of exchange, and said that the person who had given it me had + deceived me, as it was not in the writing of the Englishman whose name it + bore, and that even if it were, the Englishman not having any money with + Sassi could not draw a bill of exchange. + </p> + <p> + “The inn-keeper here,” said he, “discounted the bill, the Russian has gone + off, and when I told him that it was a forgery he said that he knew + Charles Ivanoff had it of you, and that thus he had made no difficulty in + cashing it; but now he wants you to return him two hundred crowns.” + </p> + <p> + “Then he will be disappointed!” + </p> + <p> + I told all the circumstances of the affair to Sassi; I shewed him the + rascal’s letter; I made Dr. Vannini, who had given it me, come up, and he + said he was ready to swear that he had seen me take the bill of exchange + out of the letter, that he had examined it, and had thought it good. + </p> + <p> + On this the banker told the inn-keeper that he had no business to ask me + to pay him the money; but he persisted in his demand, and dared to say + that I was an accomplice of the Russian’s. + </p> + <p> + In my indignation I ran for my cane, but the banker held me by the arm, + and the impertinent fellow made his escape without a thrashing. + </p> + <p> + “You had a right to be angry,” said M. Sassi, “but you must not take any + notice of what the poor fellow says in his blind rage.” + </p> + <p> + He shook me by the hand and went out. + </p> + <p> + Next day the chief of police, called the auditor at Florence, sent me a + note begging me to call on him. There was no room for hesitation, for as a + stranger I felt that I might look on this invitation as an intimation. He + received me very politely, but he said I should have to repay the landlord + his two hundred crowns, as he would not have discounted the bill if he had + not seen me bring it. I replied that as a judge he could not condemn me + unless he thought me the Russian’s accomplice, but instead of answering he + repeated that I would have to pay. + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” I replied, “I will not pay.” + </p> + <p> + He rang the bell and bowed, and I left him, walking towards the banker’s, + to whom I imparted the conversation I had had from the auditor. He was + extremely astonished, and at my request called on him to try and make him + listen to reason. As we parted I told him that I was dining with the Abbe + Gama. + </p> + <p> + When I saw the abbe I told him what had happened, and he uttered a loud + exclamation of astonishment. + </p> + <p> + “I foresee,” he said, “that the auditor will not let go his hold, and if + M. Sassi does not succeed with him I advise you to speak to Marshal + Botta.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t think that will be necessary; the auditor can’t force me to pay.” + </p> + <p> + “He can do worse.” + </p> + <p> + “What can he do?”. + </p> + <p> + “He can make you leave Florence.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I shall be astonished if he uses his power in this case, but rather + than pay I will leave the town. Let us go to the marshal.” + </p> + <p> + We called on him at four o’clock, and we found the banker there, who had + told him the whole story. + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry to tell you,” said M. Sassi, “that I could do nothing with the + auditor, and if you want to remain in Florence you will have to pay.” + </p> + <p> + “I will leave as soon as I receive the order,” said I; “and as soon as I + reach another state I will print the history of this shameful perversion + of justice.” + </p> + <p> + “It’s an incredible, a monstrous sentence,” said the marshal, “and I am + sorry I cannot interfere. You are quite right,” he added, “to leave the + place rather than pay.” + </p> + <p> + Early the next morning a police official brought me a letter from the + auditor, informing me that as he could not, from the nature of the case, + oblige me to pay, he was forced to warn me to leave Florence in three + days, and Tuscany in seven. This, he added, he did in virtue of his + office; but whenever the Grand Duke, to whom I might appeal, had quashed + his judgment I might return. + </p> + <p> + I took a piece of paper and wrote upon it, “Your judgment is an iniquitous + one, but it shall be obeyed to the letter.” + </p> + <p> + At that moment I gave orders to pack up and have all in readiness for my + departure. I spent three days of respite in amusing myself with Therese. I + also saw the worthy Sir Mann, and I promised the Corticelli to fetch her + in Lent, and spend some time with her in Bologna. The Abbe Gama did not + leave my side for three days, and shewed himself my true friend. It was a + kind of triumph for me; on every side I heard regrets at my departure, and + curses of the auditor. The Marquis Botta seemed to approve my conduct by + giving me a dinner, the table being laid for thirty, and the company being + composed of the most distinguished people in Florence. This was a delicate + attention on his part, of which I was very sensible. + </p> + <p> + I consecrated the last day to Therese, but I could not find any + opportunity to ask her for a last consoling embrace, which she would not + have refused me under the circumstances, and which I should still fondly + remember. We promised to write often to one another, and we embraced each + other in a way to make her husband’s heart ache. Next day I started on my + journey, and got to Rome in thirty-six hours. + </p> + <p> + It was midnight when I passed under the Porta del Popolo, for one may + enter the Eternal City at any time. I was then taken to the custom-house, + which is always open, and my mails were examined. The only thing they are + strict about at Rome is books, as if they feared the light. I had about + thirty volumes, all more or less against the Papacy, religion, or the + virtues inculcated thereby. I had resolved to surrender them without any + dispute, as I felt tired and wanted to go to bed, but the clerk told me + politely to count them and leave them in his charge for the night, and he + would bring them to my hotel in the morning. I did so, and he kept his + word. He was well enough pleased when he touched the two sequins with + which I rewarded him. + </p> + <p> + I put up at the Ville de Paris, in the Piazza di Spagna. It is the best + inn in the town. All the world, I found, was drowned in sleep, but when + they let me in they asked me to wait on the ground floor while a fire was + lighted in my room. All the seats were covered with dresses, petticoats, + and chemises, and I heard a small feminine voice begging me to sit on her + bed. I approached and saw a laughing mouth, and two black eyes shining + like carbuncles. + </p> + <p> + “What splendid eyes!” said I, “let me kiss them.” + </p> + <p> + By way of reply she hid her head under the coverlet, and I slid a hasty + hand under the sheets; but finding her quite naked, I drew it back and + begged pardon. She put out her head again, and I thought I read gratitude + for my moderation in her eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Who are you, my angel?” + </p> + <p> + “I am Therese, the inn-keeper’s daughter, and this is my sister.” There + was another girl beside her, whom I had not seen, as her head was under + the bolster. + </p> + <p> + “How old are you?” + </p> + <p> + “Nearly seventeen.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope I shall see you in my room to-morrow morning.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you any ladies with you?” + </p> + <p> + “No.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s a pity, as we never go to the gentlemen’s rooms.” + </p> + <p> + “Lower the coverlet a little; I can’t hear what you say.” + </p> + <p> + “It’s too cold.” + </p> + <p> + “Dear Therese, your eyes make me feel as if I were in flames.” + </p> + <p> + She put back her head at this, and I grew daring, and after sundry + experiments I was more than ever charmed with her. I caressed her in a + somewhat lively manner, and drew back my hand, again apologizing for my + daring, and when she let me see her face I thought I saw delight rather + than anger in her eyes and on her cheeks, and I felt hopeful with regard + to her. I was just going to begin again, for I felt on fire; when a + handsome chambermaid came to tell me that my room was ready and my fire + lighted. + </p> + <p> + “Farewell till to-morrow,” said I to Therese, but she only answered by + turning on her side to go to sleep. + </p> + <p> + I went to bed after ordering dinner for one o’clock, and I slept till + noon, dreaming of Therese. When I woke up, Costa told me that he had found + out where my brother lived, and had left a note at the house. This was my + brother Jean, then about thirty, and a pupil of the famous Raphael Mengs. + This painter was then deprived of his pension on account of a war which + obliged the King of Poland to live at Warsaw, as the Prussians occupied + the whole electorate of Saxe. I had not seen my brother for ten years, and + I kept our meeting as a holiday. I was sitting down to table when he came, + and we embraced each other with transport. We spent an hour in telling, he + his small adventures, and I my grand ones, and he told me that I should + not stay at the hotel, which was too dear, but come and live at the + Chevalier Mengs’s house, which contained an empty room, where I could stay + at a much cheaper rate. + </p> + <p> + “As to your table, there is a restaurant in the house where one can get a + capital meal.” + </p> + <p> + “Your advice is excellent,” said I, “but I have not the courage to follow + it, as I am in love with my landlord’s daughter;” and I told him what had + happened the night before. + </p> + <p> + “That’s a mere nothing,” said he, laughing; “you can cultivate her + acquaintance without staying in the house.” + </p> + <p> + I let myself be persuaded, and I promised to come to him the following + day; and then we proceeded to take a walk about Rome. + </p> + <p> + I had many interesting memories of my last visit, and I wanted to renew my + acquaintance with those who had interested me at that happy age when such + impressions are so durable because they touch the heart rather than the + mind; but I had to make up my mind to a good many disappointments, + considering the space of time that had elapsed since I had been in Rome. + </p> + <p> + I went to the Minerva to find Donna Cecilia; she was no more in this + world. I found out where her daughter Angelica lived, and I went to see + her, but she gave me a poor reception, and said that she really scarcely + remembered me. + </p> + <p> + “I can say the same,” I replied, “for you are not the Angelica I used to + know. Good-bye, madam!” + </p> + <p> + The lapse of time had not improved her personal appearance. I found out + also where the printer’s son, who had married Barbaruccia, lived, but—I + put off the pleasure of seeing him till another time, and also my visit to + the Reverend Father Georgi, who was a man of great repute in Rome. Gaspar + Vivaldi had gone into the country. + </p> + <p> + My brother took me to Madame Cherubini. I found her mansion to be a + splendid one, and the lady welcomed me in the Roman manner. I thought her + pleasant and her daughters still more so, but I thought the crowd of + lovers too large and too miscellaneous. There was too much luxury and + ceremony, and the girls, one of whom was as fair as Love himself, were too + polite to everybody. An interesting question was put to me, to which I + answered in such a manner as to elicit another question, but to no + purpose. I saw that the rank of my brother, who had introduced me, + prevented my being thought a person of any consequence, and on hearing an + abbe say, “He’s Casanova’s brother,” I turned to him and said,— + </p> + <p> + “That’s not correct; you should say Casanova’s my brother.” + </p> + <p> + “That comes to the same thing.” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all, my dear abbe.” + </p> + <p> + I said these words in a tone which commanded attention, and another abbe + said,— + </p> + <p> + “The gentleman is quite right; it does not come to the same thing.” + </p> + <p> + The first abbe made no reply to this. The one who had taken my part, and + was my friend from that moment, was the famous Winckelmann, who was + unhappily assassinated at Trieste twelve years afterwards. + </p> + <p> + While I was talking to him, Cardinal Alexander Albani arrived. Winckelmann + presented me to his eminence, who was nearly blind. He talked to me a + great deal, without saying anything worth listening to. As soon as he + heard that I was the Casanova who had escaped from The Leads, he said in a + somewhat rude tone that he wondered I had the hardihood to come to Rome, + where on the slightest hint from the State Inquisitors at Venice an + ‘ordine sanctissimo’ would re-consign me to my prison. I was annoyed by + this unseemly remark, and replied in a dignified voice,— + </p> + <p> + “It is not my hardihood in coming to Rome that your eminence should wonder + at, but a man of any sense would wonder at the Inquisitors if they had the + hardihood to issue an ‘ordine sanctissimo’ against me; for they would be + perplexed to allege any crime in me as a pretext for thus infamously + depriving me of my liberty.” + </p> + <p> + This reply silenced his eminence. He was ashamed at having taken me for a + fool, and to see that I thought him one. Shortly after I left and never + set foot in that house again. + </p> + <p> + The Abbe Winckelmann went out with my brother and myself, and as he came + with me to my hotel he did me the honour of staying to supper. Winckelmann + was the second volume of the celebrated Abbe de Voisenon. He called for me + next day, and we went to Villa Albani to see the Chevalier Mengs, who was + then living there and painting a ceiling. + </p> + <p> + My landlord Roland (who knew my brother) paid me a visit at supper. Roland + came from Avignon and was fond of good living. I told him I was sorry to + be leaving him to stay with my brother, because I had fallen in love with + his daughter Therese, although I had only spoken to her for a few minutes, + and had only seen her head. + </p> + <p> + “You saw her in bed, I will bet!” + </p> + <p> + “Exactly, and I should very much like to see the rest of her. Would you be + so kind as to ask her to step up for a few minutes?” + </p> + <p> + “With all my heart.” + </p> + <p> + She came upstairs, seeming only too glad to obey her father’s summons. She + had a lithe, graceful figure, her eyes were of surpassing brilliancy, her + features exquisite, her mouth charming; but taken altogether I did not + like her so well as before. In return, my poor brother became enamoured of + her to such an extent that he ended by becoming her slave. He married her + next year, and two years afterwards he took her to Dresden. I saw her five + years later with a pretty baby; but after ten years of married life she + died of consumption. + </p> + <p> + I found Mengs at the Villa Albani; he was an indefatigable worker, and + extremely original in his conceptions. He welcomed me, and said he was + glad to be able to lodge me at his house in Rome, and that he hoped to + return home himself in a few days, with his whole family. + </p> + <p> + I was astonished with the Villa Albani. It had been built by Cardinal + Alexander, and had been wholly constructed from antique materials to + satisfy the cardinal’s love for classic art; not only the statues and the + vases, but the columns, the pedestals—in fact, everything was Greek. + He was a Greek himself, and had a perfect knowledge of antique work, and + had contrived to spend comparatively little money compared with the + masterpiece he had produced. If a sovereign monarch had had a villa like + the cardinal’s built, it would have cost him fifty million francs, but the + cardinal made a much cheaper bargain. + </p> + <p> + As he could not get any ancient ceilings, he was obliged to have them + painted, and Mengs was undoubtedly the greatest and the most laborious + painter of his age. It is a great pity that death carried him off in the + midst of his career, as otherwise he would have enriched the stores of art + with numerous masterpieces. My brother never did anything to justify his + title of pupil of this great artist. When I come to my visit to Spain in + 1767, I shall have some more to say about Mengs. + </p> + <p> + As soon as I was settled with my brother I hired a carriage, a coachman, + and a footman, whom I put into fancy livery, and I called on Monsignor + Cornaro, auditor of the ‘rota’, with the intention of making my way into + good society, but fearing lest he as a Venetian might get compromised, he + introduced me to Cardinal Passionei, who spoke of me to the sovereign + pontiff. + </p> + <p> + Before I pass on to anything else, I will inform my readers of what took + place on the occasion of my second visit to this old cardinal, a great + enemy of the Jesuits, a wit, and man of letters. + </p> + <a name="linkD2H_4_0011" id="linkD2H_4_0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> <a name="linkepisode18" id="linkepisode18"></a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + EPISODE 18—RETURN TO NAPLES + </h2> + <h3> + ROME—NAPLES—BOLOGNA + </h3> + <a name="linkD2HCH0008" id="linkD2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Cardinal Passianei—The Pope—Masiuccia—I Arrive At Naples +</pre> + <a name="linkDimage-0004" id="linkDimage-0004"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/4c08.jpg" width="100%" alt="Chapter 8 " /> + </div> + <p> + Cardinal Passionei received me in a large hall where he was writing. He + begged me to wait till he had finished, but he could not ask me to take a + seat as he occupied the only chair that his vast room contained. + </p> + <p> + When he had put down his pen, he rose, came to me, and after informing me + that he would tell the Holy Father of my visit, he added,— + </p> + <p> + “My brother Cornaro might have made a better choice, as he knows the Pope + does not like me.” + </p> + <p> + “He thought it better to choose the man who is esteemed than the man who + is merely liked.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know whether the Pope esteems me, but I am sure he knows I don’t + esteem him. I both liked and esteemed him before he was pope, and I + concurred in his election, but since he has worn the tiara it’s a + different matter; he has shewn himself too much of a ‘coglione’.” + </p> + <p> + “The conclave ought to have chosen your eminence.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no; I’m a root-and-branch reformer, and my hand would not have been + stayed for fear of the vengeance of the guilty, and God alone knows what + would have come of that. The only cardinal fit to be pope was Tamburini; + but it can’t be helped now. I hear people coming; good-bye, come again + to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + What a delightful thing to have heard a cardinal call the Pope a fool, and + name Tamburini as a fit person. I did not lose a moment in noting this + pleasant circumstance down: it was too precious a morsel to let slip. But + who was Tamburini? I had never heard of him. I asked Winckelmann, who + dined with me. + </p> + <p> + “He’s a man deserving of respect for his virtues, his character, his + firmness, and his farseeing intelligence. He has never disguised his + opinion of the Jesuits, whom he styles the fathers of deceits, intrigues, + and lies; and that’s what made Passionei mention him. I think, with him, + that Tamburini would be a great and good pope.” + </p> + <p> + I will here note down what I heard at Rome nine years later from the mouth + of a tool of the Jesuits. The Cardinal Tamburini was at the last gasp, and + the conversation turned upon him, when somebody else said,— + </p> + <p> + “This Benedictine cardinal is an impious fellow after all; he is on his + death-bed, and he has asked for the viaticum, without wishing to purify + his soul by confession.” + </p> + <p> + I did not make any remark, but feeling as if I should like to know the + truth of the matter I asked somebody about it next day, my informant being + a person who must have known the truth, and could not have had any motive + for disguising the real facts of the case. He told me that the cardinal + had said mass three days before, and that if he had not asked for a + confessor it was doubtless because he had nothing to confess. + </p> + <p> + Unfortunate are they that love the truth, and do not seek it out at its + source. I hope the reader will pardon this digression, which is not + without interest. + </p> + <p> + Next day I went to see Cardinal Passionei, who told me I was quite right + to come early, as he wanted to learn all about my escape from The Leads, + of which he had heard some wonderful tales told. + </p> + <p> + “I shall be delighted to satisfy your eminence, but the story is a long + one.” + </p> + <p> + “All the better; they say you tell it well.” + </p> + <p> + “But, my lord, am I to sit down on the floor?” + </p> + <p> + “No, no; your dress is too good for that.” + </p> + <p> + He rang his bell, and having told one of his gentlemen to send up a seat, + a servant brought in a stool. A seat without a back and without arms! It + made me quite angry. I cut my story short, told it badly, and had finished + in a quarter of an hour. + </p> + <p> + “I write better than you speak,” said he. + </p> + <p> + “My lord, I never speak well except when I am at my ease.” + </p> + <p> + “But you are not afraid of me?” + </p> + <p> + “No, my lord, a true man and a philosopher can never make me afraid; but + this stool of yours . . . .” + </p> + <p> + “You like to be at your ease, above all things.” + </p> + <p> + “Take this, it is the funeral oration of Prince Eugene; I make you a + present of it. I hope you will approve of my Latinity. You can kiss the + Pope’s feet tomorrow at ten o’clock.” + </p> + <p> + When I got home, as I reflected on the character of this strange cardinal—a + wit, haughty, vain, and boastful, I resolved to make him a fine present. + It was the ‘Pandectarum liber unicus’ which M. de F. had given me at + Berne, and which I did not know what to do with. It was a folio well + printed on fine paper, choicely bound, and in perfect preservation. As + chief librarian the present should be a valuable one to him, all the more + as he had a large private library, of which my friend the Abbe Winckelmann + was librarian. I therefore wrote a short Latin letter, which I enclosed in + another to Winckelmann, whom I begged to present my offering to his + eminence. + </p> + <p> + I thought it was as valuable as his funeral oration at any rate, and I + hoped that he would give me a more comfortable chair for the future. + </p> + <p> + Next morning, at the time appointed, I went to Monte Cavallo, which ought + to be called Monte Cavalli, as it gets its name from two fine statues of + horses standing on a pedestal in the midst of the square, where the Holy + Father’s palace is situated. + </p> + <p> + I had no real need of being presented to the Pope by anyone, as any + Christian is at liberty to go in when he sees the door open. Besides I had + known His Holiness when he was Bishop of Padua; but I had preferred to + claim the honor of being introduced by a cardinal. + </p> + <p> + After saluting the Head of the Faithful, and kissing the holy cross + embroidered on his holy slipper, the Pope put his right hand on my left + shoulder, and said he remembered that I always forsook the assembly at + Padua, when he intoned the Rosary. + </p> + <p> + “Holy Father, I have much worse sins than that on my conscience, so I come + prostrate at your foot to receive your absolution.” + </p> + <p> + He then gave me his benediction, and asked me very graciously what he + could do for me. + </p> + <p> + “I beg Your Holiness to plead for me, that I may be able to return to + Venice.” + </p> + <p> + “We will speak of it to the ambassador, and then we will speak again to + you on the matter.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you often go and see Cardinal Passionei?” + </p> + <p> + “I have been three times. He gave me his funeral oration on Prince Eugene, + and in return I sent him the ‘Pandects’.” + </p> + <p> + “Has he accepted them?” + </p> + <p> + “I think so, Holy Father.” + </p> + <p> + “If he has, he will send Winckelmann to pay you for them.” + </p> + <p> + “That would be treating me like a bookseller; I will not receive any + payment.” + </p> + <p> + “Then he will return the volume of the ‘Pandects’; we are sure of it, he + always does so.” + </p> + <p> + “If his eminence returns me the ‘Pandects’, I will return him his funeral + oration.” + </p> + <p> + At this the Pope laughed till his sides shook. + </p> + <p> + “We shall be pleased to hear the end of the story without anyone being + informed of our innocent curiosity.” + </p> + <p> + With these words, a long benediction delivered with much unction informed + me that my audience was at an end. + </p> + <p> + As I was leaving His Holiness’s palace, I was accosted by an old abbe, who + asked me respectfully if I were not the M. Casanova who had escaped from + The Leads. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said I, “I am the man.” + </p> + <p> + “Heaven be praised, worthy sir, that I see you again in such good estate!” + </p> + <p> + “But whom have I the honour of addressing?” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t you recollect me? I am Momolo, formerly gondolier at Venice.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you entered holy orders, then?” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all, but here everyone wears the cassock. I am the first scopatore + (sweeper) of His Holiness the Pope.” + </p> + <p> + “I congratulate you on your appointment, but you mustn’t mind me + laughing.” + </p> + <p> + “Laugh as much as you like. My wife and daughters laugh when I put on the + cassock and bands, and I laugh myself, but here the dress gains one + respect. Come and see us.” + </p> + <p> + “Where do you live?” + </p> + <p> + “Behind the Trinity of Monti; here’s my address.” + </p> + <p> + “I will come to-night.” + </p> + <p> + I went home delighted with this meeting, and determined to enjoy the + evening with my Venetian boatman. I got my brother to come with me, and I + told him how the Pope had received me. + </p> + <p> + The Abbe Winckelmann came in the afternoon and informed me that I was + fortunate enough to be high in favour with his cardinal, and that the book + I had sent him was very valuable; it was a rare work, and in much better + condition than the Vatican copy. + </p> + <p> + “I am commissioned to pay you for it.” + </p> + <p> + “I have told his eminence that it was a present.” + </p> + <p> + “He never accepts books as presents, and he wants yours for his own + library; and as he is librarian of the Vatican Library he is afraid lest + people might say unpleasant things.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s very well, but I am not a bookseller; and as this book only cost + me the trouble of accepting it, I am determined only to sell it at the + same price. Pray ask the cardinal to honour me by accepting it.” + </p> + <p> + “He is sure to send it back to you.” + </p> + <p> + “He can if he likes, but I will send back his funeral oration, as I am not + going to be under an obligation to anyone who refuses to take a present + from me.” + </p> + <p> + Next morning the eccentric cardinal returned me my Pandects, and I + immediately returned his funeral oration, with a letter in which I + pronounced it a masterpiece of composition, though I laid barely glanced + over it in reality. My brother told me I was wrong, but I did not trouble + what he said, not caring to guide myself by his rulings. + </p> + <p> + In the evening my brother and I went to the ‘scopatore santissimo’, who + was expecting me, and had announced me to his family as a prodigy of a + man. I introduced my brother, and proceeded to a close scrutiny of the + family. I saw an elderly woman, four girls, of whom the eldest was + twenty-four, two small boys, and above all universal ugliness. It was not + inviting for a man of voluptuous tastes, but I was there, and the best + thing was to put a good face on it; so I stayed and enjoyed myself. + Besides the general ugliness, the household presented the picture of + misery, for the ‘scopatore santissimo’ and his numerous family were + obliged to live on two hundred Roman crowns a year, and as there are no + perquisites attached to the office of apostolic sweeper, he was compelled + to furnish all needs out of this slender sum. In spite of that Momolo was + a most generous man. As soon as he saw me seated he told me he should have + liked to give me a good supper, but there was only pork chops and a + polenta. + </p> + <p> + “They are very nice,” said I; “but will you allow me to send for half a + dozen flasks of Orvieto from my lodging?” + </p> + <p> + “You are master here.” + </p> + <p> + I wrote a note to Costa, telling him to bring the six flasks directly, + with a cooked ham. He came in half an hour, and the four girls cried when + they saw him, “What a fine fellow!” I saw Costa was delighted with this + reception, and said to Momolo, + </p> + <p> + “If you like him as well as your girls I will let him stay.” + </p> + <p> + Costa was charmed with such honour being shewn him, and after thanking me + went into the kitchen to help the mother with the polenta. + </p> + <p> + The large table was covered with a clean cloth, and soon after they + brought in two huge dishes of polenta and an enormous pan full of chops. + We were just going to begin when a knocking on the street door was heard. + </p> + <p> + “‘Tis Signora Maria and her mother,” said one of the boys. + </p> + <p> + At this announcement I saw the four girls pulling a wry face. “Who asked + them?” said one. “What do they want?” said another. “What troublesome + people they are!” said a third. “They might have stayed at home,” said the + fourth. But the good, kindly father said, “My children, they are hungry, + and they shall share what Providence has given us.” + </p> + <p> + I was deeply touched with the worthy man’s kindness. I saw that true + Christian charity is more often to be found in the breasts of the poor + than the rich, who are so well provided for that they cannot feel for the + wants of others. + </p> + <p> + While I was making these wholesome reflections the two hungry ones came + in. One was a young woman of a modest and pleasant aspect, and the other + her mother, who seemed very humble and as if ashamed of their poverty. The + daughter saluted the company with that natural grace which is a gift of + nature, apologizing in some confusion for her presence, and saying that + she would not have taken the liberty to come if she had known there was + company. The worthy Momolo was the only one who answered her, and he said, + kindly, that she had done quite right to come, and put her a chair between + my brother and myself. I looked at her and thought her a perfect beauty. + </p> + <p> + Then the eating began and there was no more talking. The polenta was + excellent, the chops delicious, and the ham perfect, and in less than an + hour the board was as bare as if there had been nothing on it; but the + Orvieto kept the company in good spirts. They began to talk of the lottery + which was to be drawn the day after next, and all the girls mentioned the + numbers on which they had risked a few bajocchi. + </p> + <p> + “If I could be sure of one number,” said I, “I would stake something on + it.” + </p> + <p> + Mariuccia told me that if I wanted a number she could give me one. I + laughed at this offer, but in the gravest way she named me the number 27. + </p> + <p> + “Is the lottery still open?” I asked the Abbe Momolo. + </p> + <p> + “Till midnight,” he replied, “and if you like I will go and get the number + for you.” + </p> + <p> + “Here are fifty crowns,” said I, “put twenty-five crowns on 27—this for + these five young ladies; and the other twenty-five on 27 coming out the + fifth number, and this I will keep for myself.” + </p> + <p> + He went out directly and returned with the two tickets. + </p> + <p> + My pretty neighbour thanked me and said she was sure of winning, but that + she did not think I should succeed as it was not probable that 27 would + come out fifth. + </p> + <p> + “I am sure of it,” I answered, “for you are the fifth young lady I saw in + this house.” This made everybody laugh. Momolo’s wife told me I would have + done much better if I had given the money to the poor, but her husband + told her to be quiet, as she did not know my intent. My brother laughed, + and told me I had done a foolish thing. “I do, sometimes,” said I, “but we + shall see how it turns out, and when one plays one is obliged either to + win or lose.” + </p> + <p> + I managed to squeeze my fair neighbour’s hand, and she returned the + pressure with all her strength. From that time I knew that my fate with + Mariuccia was sealed. I left them at midnight, begging the worthy Momolo + to ask me again in two days’ time, that we might rejoice together over our + gains. On our way home my brother said I had either become as rich as + Croesus or had gone mad. I told him that both suppositions were incorrect, + but that Mariuccia was as handsome as an angel, and he agreed. + </p> + <p> + Next day Mengs returned to Rome, and I supped with him and his family. He + had an exceedingly ugly sister, who for all that, was a good and talented + woman. She had fallen deeply in love with my brother, and it was easy to + see that the flame was not yet extinguished, but whenever she spoke to + him, which she did whenever she could get an opportunity, he looked + another way. + </p> + <p> + She was an exquisite painter of miniatures, and a capital hand at catching + a likeness. To the best of my belief she is still living at Rome with + Maroni her husband. She often used to speak of my brother to me, and one + day she said that he must be the most thankless of men or he would not + despise her so. I was not curious enough to enquire what claim she had to + his gratitude. + </p> + <p> + Mengs’s wife was a good and pretty woman, attentive to her household + duties and very submissive to her husband, though she could not have loved + him, for he was anything but amiable. He was obstinate and fierce in his + manner, and when he dined at home he made a point of not leaving the table + before he was drunk; out of his own house he was temperate to the extent + of not drinking anything but water. His wife carried her obedience so far + as to serve as his model for all the nude figures he painted. I spoke to + her one day about this unpleasant obligation, and she said that her + confessor had charged her to fulfil it, “for,” said he, “if your husband + has another woman for a model he will be sure to enjoy her before painting + her, and that sin would be laid to your charge.” + </p> + <p> + After supper, Winckelmann, who was as far gone as all the other male + guests, played with Mengs’s children. There was nothing of the pedant + about this philosopher; he loved children and young people, and his + cheerful disposition made him delight in all kinds of enjoyment. + </p> + <p> + Next day, as I was going to pay my court to the Pope, I saw Momolo in the + first ante-chamber, and I took care to remind him of the polenta for the + evening. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the Pope saw me, he said,— + </p> + <p> + “The Venetian ambassador has informed us that if you wish to return to + your native land, you must go and present yourself before the secretary of + the Tribunal.” + </p> + <p> + “Most Holy Father, I am quite ready to take this step, if Your Holiness + will grant me a letter of commendation written with your own hand. Without + this powerful protection I should never dream of exposing myself to the + risk of being again shut up in a place from which I escaped by a miracle + and the help of the Almighty.” + </p> + <p> + “You are gaily dressed; you do not look as if you were going to church.” + </p> + <p> + “True, most Holy Father, but neither am I going to a ball.” + </p> + <p> + “We have heard all about the presents being sent back. Confess that you + did so to gratify your pride.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but also to lower a pride greater than mine.” + </p> + <p> + The Pope smiled at this reply, and I knelt down and begged him to permit + me to present the volume of Pandects to the Vatican Library. By way of + reply he gave me his blessing, which signifies, in papal language, “Rise; + your request is granted.” + </p> + <p> + “We will send you,” said he, “a mark of our singular affection for you + without your having to pay any fees.” + </p> + <p> + A second blessing bid me begone. I have often felt what a good thing it + would be if this kind of dismissal could be employed in general society to + send away importunate petitioners, to whom one does not dare say, + “Begone.” + </p> + <p> + I was extremely curious to know what the Pope had meant by “a mark of our + singular affection.” I was afraid that it would be a blessed rosary, with + which I should not have known what to do. + </p> + <p> + When I got home I sent the book by Costa to the Vatican, and then I went + to dine with Mengs. While we were eating the soup the winning numbers from + the lottery were brought in. My brother glanced at them and looked at me + with astonishment. I was not thinking of the subject at that moment, and + his gaze surprised me. + </p> + <p> + “Twenty-seven,” he cried, “came out fifth.” + </p> + <p> + “All the better,” said I, “we shall have some amusement out of it.” + </p> + <p> + I told the story to Mengs, who said,— + </p> + <p> + “It’s a lucky folly for you this time; but it always is a folly.” + </p> + <p> + He was quite right, and I told him that I agreed with him; but I added + that to make a worthy use of the fifteen hundred roman crowns which + fortune had given me, I should go and spend fifteen days at Naples. + </p> + <p> + “I will come too,” said the Abbe Alfani. “I will pass for your secretary.” + </p> + <p> + “With all my heart,” I answered, “I shall keep you to your word.” + </p> + <p> + I asked Winckelmann to come and eat polenta with the scopatore santissimo, + and told my brother to shew him the way; and I then called on the Marquis + Belloni, my banker, to look into my accounts, and to get a letter of + credit on the firm at Naples, who were his agents. I still had two hundred + thousand francs: I had jewellery worth thirty thousand francs, and fifty + thousand florins at Amsterdam. + </p> + <p> + I got to Momolo’s in the dusk of the evening, and I found Winckelmann and + my brother already there; but instead of mirth reigning round the board I + saw sad faces on all sides. + </p> + <p> + “What’s the matter with the girls?” I asked Momolo. + </p> + <p> + “They are vexed that you did not stake for them in the same way as you did + for yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “People are never satisfied. If I had staked for them as I did for myself, + and the number had come out first instead of fifth, they would have got + nothing, and they would have been vexed then. Two days ago they had + nothing, and now that they have twenty-seven pounds apiece they ought to + be contented.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s just what I tell them, but all women are the same.” + </p> + <p> + “And men too, dear countryman, unless they are philosophers. Gold does not + spell happiness, and mirth can only be found in hearts devoid of care. Let + us say no more about it, but be happy.” + </p> + <p> + Costa placed a basket containing ten packets of sweets, upon the table. + </p> + <p> + “I will distribute them,” said I, “when everybody is here.” + </p> + <p> + On this, Momolo’s second daughter told me that Mariuccia and her mother + were not coming, but that they would send them the sweets. + </p> + <p> + “Why are they not coming?” + </p> + <p> + “They had a quarrel yesterday,” said the father, “and Mariuccia, who was + in the right, went away saying that she would never come here again.” + </p> + <p> + “You ungrateful girls!” said I, to my host’s daughters, “don’t you know + that it is to her that you owe your winnings, for she gave me the number + twenty-seven, which I should never have thought of. Quick! think of some + way to make her come, or I will go away and take all the sweets with me.” + </p> + <p> + “You are quite right,” said Momolo. + </p> + <p> + The mortified girls looked at one another and begged their father to fetch + her. + </p> + <p> + “Ira,” said he, “that won’t do; you made her say that she would never come + here again, and you must make up the quarrel.” + </p> + <p> + They held a short consultation, and then, asking Costa to go with them, + they went to fetch her. + </p> + <p> + In half an hour they returned in triumph, and Costa was quite proud of the + part he had taken in the reconciliation. I then distributed the sweets, + taking care to give the two best packets to the fair Mary. + </p> + <p> + A noble polenta was placed upon the board, flanked by two large dishes of + pork chops. But Momolo, who knew my tastes, and whom I had made rich in + the person of his daughters, added to the feast some delicate dishes and + some excellent wine. Mariuccia was simply dressed, but her elegance and + beauty and the modesty of her demeanour completely seduced me. + </p> + <p> + We could only express our mutual flames by squeezing each other’s hands; + and she did this so feelingly that I could not doubt her love. As we were + going out I took care to go downstairs beside her and asked if I could not + meet her by herself, to which she replied by making an appointment with me + far the next day at eight o’clock at the Trinity of Monti. + </p> + <p> + Mariuccia was tall and shapely, a perfect picture, as fair as a white + rose, and calculated to inspire voluptuous desires. She had beautiful + light brown hair, dark blue eyes, and exquisitely arched eyelids. Her + mouth, the vermilion of her lips, and her ivory teeth were all perfect. + Her well-shaped forehead gave her an air approaching the majestic. + Kindness and gaiety sparkled in her eyes; while her plump white hands, her + rounded finger-tips, her pink nails, her breast, which the corset seemed + scarcely able to restrain, her dainty feet, and her prominent hips, made + her worthy of the chisel of Praxiteles. She was just on her eighteenth + year, and so far had escaped the connoisseurs. By a lucky chance I came + across her in a poor and wretched street, and I was fortunate enough to + insure her happiness. + </p> + <p> + It may easily be believed that I did not fail to keep the appointment, and + when she was sure I had seen her she went out of the church. I followed + her at a considerable distance: she entered a ruined building, and I after + her. She climbed a flight of steps which seemed to be built in air, and + when she had reached the top she turned. + </p> + <p> + “No one will come and look for me here,” said she, “so we can talk freely + together.” + </p> + <p> + I sat beside her on a stone, and I then declared my passionate love for + her. + </p> + <p> + “Tell me,” I added, “what I can do to make you happy; for I wish to + possess you, but first to shew my deserts.” + </p> + <p> + “Make me happy, and I will yield to your desires, for I love you.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell me what I can do.” + </p> + <p> + “You can draw me out of the poverty and misery which overwhelm me. I live + with my mother, who is a good woman, but devout to the point of + superstition; she will damn my soul in her efforts to save it. She finds + fault with my keeping myself clean, because I have to touch myself when I + wash, and that might give rise to evil desires. + </p> + <p> + “If you had given me the money you made me win in the lottery as a simple + alms she would have made me refuse it, because you might have had + intentions. She allows me to go by myself to mass because our confessor + told her she might do so; but I dare not stay away a minute beyond the + time, except on feast days, when I am allowed to pray in the church for + two or three hours. We can only meet here, but if you wish to soften my + lot in life you can do so as follows: + </p> + <p> + “A fine young man, who is a hairdresser, and bears an excellent character, + saw me at Momolo’s a fortnight ago, and met me at the church door next day + and gave me a letter. He declared himself my lover, and said that if I + could bring him a dowry of four hundred crowns, he could open a shop, + furnish it, and marry me. + </p> + <p> + “‘I am poor,’ I answered, ‘and I have only a hundred crowns in charity + tickets, which my confessor keeps for me.’ Now I have two hundred crowns, + for if I marry, my mother will willingly give me her share of the money + you made us gain. You can therefore make me happy by getting me tickets to + the amount of two hundred crowns more. Take the tickets to my confessor, + who is a very good man and fond of me; he will not say anything to my + mother about it.” + </p> + <p> + “I needn’t go about seeking for charity tickets, my angel. I will take two + hundred piastres to your confessor to-morrow, and you must manage the rest + yourself. Tell me his name, and to-morrow I will tell you what I have + done, but not here, as the wind and the cold would be the death of me. You + can leave me to find out a room where we shall be at our ease, and without + any danger of people suspecting that we have spent an hour together. I + will meet you at the church to-morrow at the same hour and when you see me + follow me.” + </p> + <p> + Mariuccia told me her confessor’s name, and allowed me all the caresses + possible in our uncomfortable position. The kisses she gave me in return + for mine left no doubt in my mind, as to her love for me. As nine o’clock + struck I left her, perishing with cold, but burning with desire; my only + thought being where to find a room in which I might possess myself of the + treasure the next day. + </p> + <p> + On leaving the ruined palace, instead of returning to the Piazza di Spagna + I turned to the left and passed along a narrow and dirty street only + inhabited by people of the lowest sort. As I slowly walked along, a woman + came out of her house and asked me politely if I were looking for anybody. + </p> + <p> + “I am looking for a room to let.” + </p> + <p> + “There are none here, sir, but, you will find a hundred in the square.” + </p> + <p> + “I know it, but I want the room to be here, not for the sake of the + expense, but that I may be sure of being able to spend an hour or so of a + morning with a person in whom I am interested. I am ready to pay + anything.” + </p> + <p> + “I understand what you mean, and you should have a room in my house if I + had one to spare, but a neighbour of mine has one on the ground floor, and + if you will wait a moment I will go and speak to her.” + </p> + <p> + “You will oblige me very much.” + </p> + <p> + “Kindly step in here.” + </p> + <p> + I entered a poor room, where all seemed wretchedness, and I saw two + children doing their lessons. Soon after, the good woman came back and + asked me to follow her. I took several pieces of money from my pocket, and + put them down on the only table which this poor place contained. I must + have seemed very generous, for the poor mother came and kissed my hand + with the utmost gratitude. So pleasant is it to do good, that now when I + have nothing left the remembrance of the happiness I have given to others + at small cost is almost the only pleasure I enjoy. + </p> + <p> + I went to a neighbouring house where a woman received me in an empty room, + which she told me she would let cheaply if I would pay three months in + advance, and bring in my own furniture. + </p> + <p> + “What do you ask for the three months’ rent?” + </p> + <p> + “Three Roman crowns.” + </p> + <p> + “If you will see to the furnishing of the room this very day I will give + you twelve crowns.” + </p> + <p> + “Twelve crowns! What furniture do you want?” + </p> + <p> + “A good clean bed, a small table covered with a clean cloth, four good + chairs, and a large brazier with plenty of fire in it, for I am nearly + perishing of cold here. I shall only come occasionally in the morning, and + I shall leave by noon at the latest.” + </p> + <p> + “Come at three o’clock, then, to-day, and you will find everything to your + satisfaction.” + </p> + <p> + From there I went to the confessor. He was a French monk, about sixty, a + fine and benevolent-looking man, who won one’s respect and confidence. + </p> + <p> + “Reverend father,” I began, “I saw at the house of Abbe Momolo, ‘scoptore + santissimo’, a young girl named Mary, whose confessor you are. I fell in + love with her, and offered her money to try and seduce her. She replied + that instead of trying to lead her into sin I would do better to get her + some charity tickets that she might be able to marry a young man who loved + her, and would make her happy. I was touched by what she said, but my + passion still remained. I spoke to her again, and said that I would give + her two hundred crowns for nothing, and that her mother should keep them. + </p> + <p> + “‘That would be my ruin,’ said she; ‘my mother would think the money was + the price of sin, and would not accept it. If you are really going to be + so generous, take the money to my confessor, and ask him to do what he can + for my marriage.’” + </p> + <p> + “Here, then, reverend father, is the sum of money for the good girl; be + kind enough to take charge of it, and I will trouble her no more. I am + going to Naples the day after to-morrow, and I hope when I come back she + will be married.” + </p> + <p> + The good confessor took the hundred sequins and gave me a receipt, telling + me that in interesting myself on behalf of Mariuccia I was making happy a + most pure and innocent dove, whom he had confessed since she was five + years old, and that he had often told her that she might communicate + without making her confession because he knew she was incapable of mortal + sin. + </p> + <p> + “Her mother,” he added, “is a sainted woman, and as soon as I have + enquired into the character of the future husband I will soon bring the + marriage about. No one shall ever know from whom this generous gift + comes.” + </p> + <p> + After putting this matter in order I dined with the Chevalier Mengs, and I + willingly consented to go with the whole family to the Aliberti Theatre + that evening. I did not forget, however, to go and inspect the room I had + taken. I found all my orders executed, and I gave twelve crowns to the + landlady and took the key, telling her to light the fire at seven every + morning. + </p> + <p> + So impatient did I feel for the next day to come that I thought the opera + detestable, and the night for me was a sleepless one. + </p> + <p> + Next morning I went to the church before the time, and when Mariuccia + came, feeling sure that she had seen me, I went out. She followed me at a + distance, and when I got to the door of the lodging I turned for her to be + sure that it was I, and then went in and found the room well warmed. Soon + after Mariuccia came in, looking timid, confused, and as if she were + doubtful of the path she was treading. I clasped her to my arms, and + reassured her by my tender embraces; and her courage rose when I shewed + her the confessor’s receipt, and told her that the worthy man had promised + to care for her marriage. She kissed my hand in a transport of delight, + assuring me that she would never forget my kindness. Then, as I urged her + to make me a happy man, she said,— + </p> + <p> + “We have three hours before us, as I told my mother I was going to give + thanks to God for having made me a winner in the lottery.” + </p> + <p> + This reassured me, and I took my time, undressing her by degrees, and + unveiling her charms one by one, to my delight, without the slightest + attempt at resistance on her part. All the time she kept her eyes fixed on + mine, as if to soothe her modesty; but when I beheld and felt all her + charms I was in an ecstasy. What a body; what beauties! Nowhere was there + the slightest imperfection. She was like Venus rising from the foam of the + sea. I carried her gently to the bed, and while she strove to hide her + alabaster breasts and the soft hair which marked the entrance to the + sanctuary, I undressed in haste, and consummated the sweetest of + sacrifices, without there being the slightest doubt in my mind of the + purity of the victim. In the first sacrifice no doubt the young priestess + felt some pain, but she assured me out of delicacy that she had not been + hurt, and at the second assault she shewed that she shared my flames. I + was going to immolate the victim for the third time when the clock struck + ten. She began to be restless, and hurriedly put on our clothes. I had to + go to Naples, but I assured her that the desire of embracing her once more + before her marriage would hasten my return to Rome. I promised to take + another hundred crowns to her confessor, advising her to spend the money + she had won in the lottery on her trousseau. + </p> + <p> + “I shall be at Monolo’s to-night, dearest, and you must come, too; but we + must appear indifferent to each other, though our hearts be full of joy, + lest those malicious girls suspect our mutual understanding.” + </p> + <p> + “It is all the more necessary to be cautious,” she replied, “as I have + noticed that they suspect that we love each other.” + </p> + <p> + Before we parted she thanked me for what I had done for her, and begged me + to believe that, her poverty notwithstanding, she had given herself for + love alone. + </p> + <p> + I was the last to leave the house, and I told my landlady that I should be + away for ten or twelve days. I then went to the confessor to give him the + hundred crowns I had promised my mistress. When the good old Frenchman + heard that I had made this fresh sacrifice that Mariuccia might be able to + spend her lottery winnings on her clothes, he told me that he would call + on the mother that very day and urge her to consent to her daughter’s + marriage, and also learn where the young man lived. On my return from + Naples I heard that he had faithfully carried out his promise. + </p> + <p> + I was sitting at table with Mengs when a chamberlain of the Holy Father + called. When he came in he asked M. Mengs if I lived there, and on that + gentleman pointing me out, he gave me, from his holy master, the Cross of + the Order of the Golden Spur with the diploma, and a patent under the + pontifical seal, which, in my quality as doctor of laws, made me a + prothonotary-apostolic ‘extra urbem’. + </p> + <p> + I felt that I had been highly honoured, and told the bearer that I would + go and thank my new sovereign and ask his blessing the next day. The + Chevalier Mengs embraced me as a brother, but I had the advantage over him + in not being obliged to pay anything, whereas the great artist had to + disburse twenty-five Roman crowns to have his diploma made out. There is a + saying at Rome, ‘Sine efusione sanguinis non fit remissio’, which may be + interpreted, Nothing without money; and as a matter of fact, one can do + anything with money in the Holy City. + </p> + <p> + Feeling highly flattered at the favour the Holy Father had shewn me, I put + on the cross which depended from a broad red ribbon-red being the colour + worn by the Knights of St. John of the Lateran, the companions of the + palace, ‘comites palatini’, or count-palatins. About the same time poor + Cahusac, author of the opera of Zoroaster, went mad for joy on the receipt + of the same order. I was not so bad as that, but I confess, to my shame, + that I was so proud of my decoration that I asked Winckelmann whether I + should be allowed to have the cross set with diamonds and rubies. He said + I could if I liked, and if I wanted such a cross he could get me one + cheap. I was delighted, and bought it to make a show at Naples, but I had + not the face to wear it in Rome. When I went to thank the Pope I wore the + cross in my button-hole out of modesty. Five years afterwards when I was + at Warsaw, Czartoryski, a Russian prince-palatine, made me leave it off by + saying,— + </p> + <p> + “What are you doing with that wretched bauble? It’s a drug in the market, + and no one but an impostor would wear it now.” + </p> + <p> + The Popes knew this quite well, but they continued to give the cross to + ambassadors while they also gave it to their ‘valets de chambre’. One has + to wink at a good many things in Rome. + </p> + <p> + In the evening Momolo gave me a supper by way of celebrating my new + dignity. I recouped him for the expense by holding a bank at faro, at + which I was dexterous enough to lose forty crowns to the family, without + having the slightest partiality to Mariuccia who won like the rest. She + found the opportunity to tell me that her confessor had called on her, + that she had told him where her future husband lived, and that the worthy + monk had obtained her mother’s consent to the hundred crowns being spent + on her trousseau. + </p> + <p> + I noticed that Momolo’s second daughter had taken a fancy to Costa, and I + told Momolo that I was going to Naples, but that I would leave my man in + Rome, and that if I found a marriage had been arranged on my return I + would gladly pay the expenses of the wedding. + </p> + <p> + Costa liked the girl, but he did not marry her then for fear of my + claiming the first-fruits. He was a fool of a peculiar kind, though fools + of all sorts are common enough. He married her a year later after robbing + me, but I shall speak of that again. + </p> + <p> + Next day, after I had breakfasted and duly embraced my brother, I set out + in a nice carriage with the Abbe Alfani, Le Duc preceding me on horseback, + and I reached Naples at a time when everybody was in a state of excitement + because an eruption of Vesuvius seemed imminent. At the last stage the + inn-keeper made me read the will of his father who had died during the + eruption of 1754. He said that in the year 1761 God would overwhelm the + sinful town of Naples, and the worthy host consequently advised me to + return to Rome. Alfani took the thing seriously, and said that we should + do well to be warned by so evident an indication of the will of God. The + event was predicted, therefore it had to happen. Thus a good many people + reason, but as I was not of the number I proceeded on my way. + </p> + <a name="linkD2HCH0009" id="linkD2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + My Short But Happy Stay at Naples—The Duke de Matalone—My + Daughter—Donna Lucrezia—My Departure +</pre> + <p> + I shall not, dear reader, attempt the impossible, however much I should + like to describe the joy, the happiness, I may say the ecstasy, which I + experienced in returning to Naples, of which I had such pleasant memories, + and where, eighteen years ago, I had made my first fortune in returning + from Mataro. As I had come there for the second time to keep a promise I + had made to the Duke de Matalone to come and see him at Naples, I ought to + have visited this nobleman at once; but foreseeing that from the time I + did so I should have little liberty left me, I began by enquiring after + all my old friends. + </p> + <p> + I walked out early in the morning and called on Belloni’s agent. He cashed + my letter of credit and gave me as many bank-notes as I liked, promising + that nobody should know that we did business together. From the bankers I + went to see Antonio Casanova, but they told me he lived near Salerno, on + an estate he had bought which gave him the title of marquis. I was vexed, + but I had no right to expect to find Naples in the statu quo I left it. + Polo was dead, and his son lived at St. Lucia with his wife and children; + he was a boy when I saw him last, and though I should have much liked to + see him again I had no time to do so. + </p> + <p> + It may be imagined that I did not forget the advocate, Castelli, husband + of my dear Lucrezia, whom I had loved so well at Rome and Tivoli. I longed + to see her face once more, and I thought of the joy with which we should + recall old times that I could never forget. But Castelli had been dead for + some years, and his widow lived at a distance of twenty miles from Naples. + I resolved not to return to Rome without embracing her. As to Lelio + Caraffa, he was still alive and residing at the Matalone Palace. + </p> + <p> + I returned, feeling tired with my researches, dressed with care, and drove + to the Matalone Palace, where they told me that the duke was at table. I + did not care for that but had my name sent in, and the duke came out and + did me the honour of embracing me and thouing me, and then presented me to + his wife, a daughter of the Duke de Bovino, and to the numerous company at + table. I told him I had only come to Naples in fulfillment of the promise + I had made him at Paris. + </p> + <p> + “Then,” said he, “you must stay with me;” and, without waiting for my + answer, ordered my luggage to be brought from the inn, and my carriage to + be placed in his coach-house. I accepted his invitation. + </p> + <p> + One of the guests, a fine-looking man, on hearing my name announced, said + gaily,— + </p> + <p> + “If you bear my name, you must be one of my father’s bastards.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said I, directly, “one of your mother’s.” + </p> + <p> + This repartee made everybody laugh, and the gentleman who had addressed me + came and embraced me, not in the least offended. The joke was explained to + me. His name was Casalnovo, not Casanova, and he was duke and lord of the + fief of that name. + </p> + <p> + “Did you know,” said the Duke de Matalone, “that I had a son?” + </p> + <p> + “I was told so, but did not believe it, but now I must do penance for my + incredulity, for I see before me an angel capable of working this + miracle.” + </p> + <p> + The duchess blushed, but did not reward my compliment with so much as a + glance; but all the company applauded what I had said, as it was notorious + that the duke had been impotent before his marriage. The duke sent for his + son, I admired him, and told the father that the likeness was perfect. A + merry monk, who sat at the right hand of the duchess, said, more + truthfully, that there was no likeness at all. He had scarcely uttered the + words when the duchess coolly gave him a box on the ear, which the monk + received with the best grace imaginable. + </p> + <p> + I talked away to the best of my ability, and in half an hour’s time I had + won everybody’s good graces, with the exception of the duchess, who + remained inflexible. I tried to make her talk for two days without + success; so as I did not care much about her I left her to her pride. + </p> + <p> + As the duke was taking me to my room he noticed my Spaniard, and asked + where my secretary was, and when he saw that it was the Abbe Alfani, who + had taken the title so as to escape the notice of the Neapolitans, he + said,— + </p> + <p> + “The abbe is very wise, for he has deceived so many people with his false + antiques that he might have got into trouble.” + </p> + <p> + He took me to his stables where he had some superb horses, Arabs, English, + and Andalusians; and then to his gallery, a very fine one; to his large + and choice library; and at last to his study, where he had a fine + collection of prohibited books. + </p> + <p> + I was reading titles and turning over leaves, when the duke said,— + </p> + <p> + “Promise to keep the most absolute secrecy on what I am going to shew + you.” + </p> + <p> + I promised, without making any difficulty, but I expected a surprise of + some sort. He then shewed me a satire which I could not understand, but + which was meant to turn the whole Court into ridicule. Never was there a + secret so easily kept. + </p> + <p> + “You must come to the St. Charles Theatre,” said he, “and I will present + you to the handsomest ladies in Naples, and afterwards you can go when you + like, as my box is always open to my friends. I will also introduce you to + my mistress, and she, I am sure, will always be glad to see you.” + </p> + <p> + “What! you have a mistress, have you?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but only for form’s sake, as I am very fond of my wife. All the + same, I am supposed to be deeply in love with her, and even jealous, as I + never introduce anyone to her, and do not allow her to receive any + visitors.” + </p> + <p> + “But does not your young and handsome duchess object to your keeping a + mistress?” + </p> + <p> + “My wife could not possibly be jealous, as she knows that I am impotent—except, + of course, with her.” + </p> + <p> + “I see, but it seems strange; can one be said to have a mistress whom one + does not love?” + </p> + <p> + “I did not say I loved her not; on the contrary, I am very fond of her; + she has a keen and pleasant wit, but she interests my head rather than my + heart.” + </p> + <p> + “I see; but I suppose she is ugly?” + </p> + <p> + “Ugly? You shall see her to-night, and you can tell me what you think of + her afterwards. She is a handsome and well-educated girl of seventeen.” + </p> + <p> + “Can she speak French?” + </p> + <p> + “As well as a Frenchwoman.” + </p> + <p> + “I am longing to see her.” + </p> + <p> + When we got to the theatre I was introduced to several ladies, but none of + them pleased me. The king, a mere boy, sat in his box in the middle of the + theatre, surrounded by his courtiers, richly but tastefully dressed. The + pit was full and the boxes also. The latter were ornamented with mirrors, + and on that occasion were all illuminated for some reason or other. It was + a magnificent scene, but all this glitter and light put the stage into the + background. + </p> + <p> + After we had gazed for some time at the scene, which is almost peculiar to + Naples, the duke took me to his private box and introduced me to his + friends, who consisted of all the wits in the town. + </p> + <p> + I have often laughed on hearing philosophers declare that the intelligence + of a nation is not so much the result of the climate as of education. Such + sages should be sent to Naples and then to St. Petersburg, and be told to + reflect, or simply to look before them. If the great Boerhaave had lived + at Naples he would have learnt more about the nature of sulphur by + observing its effects on vegetables, and still more on animals. In Naples, + and Naples alone, water, and nothing but water, will cure diseases which + are fatal elsewhere, despite the doctors’ efforts. + </p> + <p> + The duke, who had left me to the wits for a short time, returned and took + me to the box of his mistress, who was accompanied by an old lady of + respectable appearance. As he went in he said, “‘Leonilda mia, ti presento + il cavalier Don Giacomo Casanova, Veneziano, amico mio’.” + </p> + <p> + She received me kindly and modestly, and stopped listening to the music to + talk to me. + </p> + <p> + When a woman is pretty, one recognizes her charms instantaneously; if one + has to examine her closely, her beauty is doubtful. Leonilda was + strikingly beautiful. I smiled and looked at the duke, who had told me + that he loved her like a daughter, and that he only kept her for form’s + sake. He understood the glance, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “You may believe me.” + </p> + <p> + “It’s credible,” I replied. + </p> + <p> + Leonilda no doubt understood what we meant, and said, with a shy smile,— + </p> + <p> + “Whatever is possible is credible.” + </p> + <p> + “Quite so,” said I, “but one may believe, or not believe, according to the + various degrees of possibility.” + </p> + <p> + “I think it’s easier to believe than to disbelieve. You came to Naples + yesterday; that’s true and yet incredible.” + </p> + <p> + “Why incredible?” + </p> + <p> + “Would any man suppose that a stranger would come to Naples at a time when + the inhabitants are wishing themselves away?” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, I have felt afraid till this moment, but now I feel quite at my + ease, since, you being here, St. Januarius will surely protect Naples.” + </p> + <p> + “Why?” + </p> + <p> + “Because I am sure he loves you; but you are laughing at me.” + </p> + <p> + “It is such a funny idea. I am afraid that if I had a lover like St. + Januarius I should not grant him many favours.” + </p> + <p> + “Is he very ugly, then?” + </p> + <p> + “If his portrait is a good likeness, you can see for yourself by examining + his statue.” + </p> + <p> + Gaiety leads to freedom, and freedom to friendship. Mental graces are + superior to bodily charms. + </p> + <p> + Leonilda’s frankness inspired my confidence, and I led the conversation to + love, on which she talked like a past mistress. + </p> + <p> + “Love,” said she, “unless it leads to the possession of the beloved + object, is a mere torment; if bounds are placed to passion, love must + die.” + </p> + <p> + “You are right; and the enjoyment of a beautiful object is not a true + pleasure unless it be preceded by love.” + </p> + <p> + “No doubt if love precedes it accompanies, but I do not think it + necessarily follows, enjoyment.” + </p> + <p> + “True, it often makes love to cease.” + </p> + <p> + “She is a selfish daughter, then, to kill her father; and if after + enjoyment love still continue in the heart of one, it is worse than + murder, for the party in which love still survives must needs be + wretched.” + </p> + <p> + “You are right; and from your strictly logical arguments I conjecture that + you would have the senses kept in subjection: that is too hard!” + </p> + <p> + “I would have nothing to do with that Platonic affection devoid of love, + but I leave you to guess what my maxim would be.” + </p> + <p> + “To love and enjoy; to enjoy and love. Turn and turn about.” + </p> + <p> + “You have hit the mark.” + </p> + <p> + With this Leonilda burst out laughing, and the duke kissed her hand. Her + governess, not understanding French, was attending to the opera, but I was + in flames. + </p> + <p> + Leonilda was only seventeen, and was as pretty a girl as the heart could + desire. + </p> + <p> + The duke repeated a lively epigram of Lafontaine’s on “Enjoyment,” which + is only found in the first edition of his works. It begins as follows:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “La jouissance et les desirs + Sont ce que l’homme a de plus rare; + Mais ce ne sons pas vrais plaisirs + Des le moment qu’on les separe.” + </pre> + <p> + I have translated this epigram into Italian and Latin; in the latter + language I was almost able to render Lafontaine line for line; but I had + to use twenty lines of Italian to translate the first ten lines of the + French. Of course this argues nothing as to the superiority of the one + language over the other. + </p> + <p> + In the best society at Naples one addresses a newcomer in the second + person singular as a peculiar mark of distinction. This puts both parties + at their ease without diminishing their mutual respect for one another. + </p> + <p> + Leonilda had already turned my first feeling of admiration into something + much warmer, and the opera, which lasted for five hours, seemed over in a + moment. + </p> + <p> + After the two ladies had gone the duke said, “Now we must part, unless you + are fond of games of chance.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t object to them when I am to play with good hands.” + </p> + <p> + “Then follow me; ten or twelve of my friends will play faro, and then sit + down to a cold collation, but I warn you it is a secret, as gaming is + forbidden. I will answer for you keeping your own counsel, however.” + </p> + <p> + “You may do so.” + </p> + <p> + He took me to the Duke de Monte Leone’s. We went up to the third floor, + passed through a dozen rooms, and at last reached the gamester’s chamber. + A polite-looking banker, with a bank of about four hundred sequins, had + the cards in his hands. The duke introduced me as his friend, and made me + sit beside him. I was going to draw out my purse, but I was told that + debts were not paid for twenty-four hours after they were due. The banker + gave me a pack of cards, with a little basket containing a thousand + counters. I told the company that I should consider each counter as a + Naples ducat. In less than two hours my basket was empty. I stopped + playing and proceeded to enjoy my supper. It was arranged in the + Neapolitan style, and consisted of an enormous dish of macaroni and ten or + twelve different kinds of shellfish which are plentiful on the Neapolitan + coasts. When we left I took care not to give the duke time to condole with + me on my loss, but began to talk to him about his delicious Leonilda. + </p> + <p> + Early next day he sent a page to my room to tell me that if I wanted to + come with him and kiss the king’s hand I must put on my gala dress. I put + on a suit of rose-coloured velvet, with gold spangles, and I had the great + honour of kissing a small hand, covered with chilblains, belonging to a + boy of nine. The Prince de St. Nicander brought up the young king to the + best of his ability, but he was naturally a kindly, just, and generous + monarch; if he had had more dignity he would have been an ideal king; but + he was too unceremonious, and that, I think, is a defect in one destined + to rule others. + </p> + <p> + I had the honour of sitting next the duchess at dinner, and she deigned to + say that she had never seen a finer dress. “That’s my way,” I said, “of + distracting attention from my face and figure.” She smiled, and her + politeness to me during my stay were almost limited to these few words. + </p> + <p> + When we left the table the duke took me to the apartment occupied by his + uncle, Don Lelio, who recognized me directly. I kissed the venerable old + man’s hand, and begged him to pardon me for the freaks of my youth. “It’s + eighteen years ago,” said he, “since I chose M. Casanova as the companion + of your studies.” I delighted him by giving him a brief account of my + adventures in Rome with Cardinal Acquaviva. As we went out, he begged me + to come and see him often. + </p> + <p> + Towards the evening the duke said,— + </p> + <p> + “If you go to the Opera Buffa you will please Leonilda.” + </p> + <p> + He gave me the number of her box, and added,— + </p> + <p> + “I will come for you towards the close, and we will sup together as + before.” + </p> + <p> + I had no need to order my horses to be put in, as there was always a + carriage ready for me in the courtyard. + </p> + <p> + When I got to the theatre the opera had begun. I presented myself to + Leonilda, who received me with the pleasant words, “Caro Don Giacomo, I am + so pleased to see you again.” + </p> + <p> + No doubt she did not like to thou me, but the expression of her eyes and + the tone of her voice were much better than the “tu” which is often used + lavishly at Naples. + </p> + <p> + The seductive features of this charming girl were not altogether unknown + to me, but I could not recollect of what woman she reminded me. Leonilda + was certainly a beauty, and something superior to a beauty, if possible. + She had splendid light chestnut hair, and her black and brilliant eyes, + shaded by thick lashes, seemed to hear and speak at the same time. But + what ravished me still more was her expression, and the exquisite + appropriateness of the gestures with which she accompanied what she was + saying. It seemed as if her tongue could not give speech to the thoughts + which crowded her brain. She was naturally quick-witted, and her intellect + had been developed by an excellent education. + </p> + <p> + The conversation turned upon Lafontaine’s epigram, of which I had only + recited the first ten verses, as the rest is too licentious; and she said,— + </p> + <p> + “But I suppose it is only a poet’s fancy, at which one could but smile.” + </p> + <p> + “Possibly, but I did not care to wound your ears.” + </p> + <p> + “You are very good,” said she, using the pleasant tu, “but all the same, I + am not so thin-skinned, as I have a closet which the duke has had painted + over with couples in various amorous attitudes. We go there sometimes, and + I assure you that I do not experience the slightest sensation.” + </p> + <p> + “That may be through a defect of temperament, for whenever I see + well-painted voluptuous pictures I feel myself on fire. I wonder that + while you and the duke look at them, you do not try to put some of them + into practice.” + </p> + <p> + “We have only friendship for one another.” + </p> + <p> + “Let him believe it who will.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sure he is a man, but I am unable to say whether he is able to give + a woman any real proofs of his love.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet he has a son.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, he has a child who calls him father; but he himself confesses that + he is only able to shew his manly powers with his wife.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s all nonsense, for you are made to give birth to amorous desires, + and a man who could live with you without being able to possess you ought + to cease to live.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you really think so?” + </p> + <p> + “Dear Leonilda, if I were in the duke’s place I would shew you what a man + who really loves can do.” + </p> + <p> + “Caro Don Giacomo, I am delighted to hear you love me, but you will soon + forget me, as you are leaving Naples.” + </p> + <p> + “Cursed be the gaming-table, for without it we might spend some delightful + hour together.” + </p> + <p> + “The duke told me that you lost a thousand ducats yesterday evening like a + perfect gentleman. You must be very unlucky.” + </p> + <p> + “Not always, but when I play on a day in which I have fallen in love I am + sure to lose.” + </p> + <p> + “You will win back your money this evening.” + </p> + <p> + “This is the declaration day; I shall lose again.” + </p> + <p> + “Then don’t play.” + </p> + <p> + “People would say I was afraid, or that all my money was gone.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope at all events that you will win sometimes, and that you will tell + me of your good luck. Come and see me to-morrow with the duke.” + </p> + <p> + The duke came in at that moment, and asked me if I had liked the opera. + Leonilda answered for me, + </p> + <p> + “We have been talking about love all the time, so we don’t know what has + been going on the stage.” + </p> + <p> + “You have done well.” + </p> + <p> + “I trust you will bring M. Casanova to see me tomorrow morning, as I hope + he will bring me news that he has won.” + </p> + <p> + “It’s my turn to deal this evening, dearest, but whether he wins or loses + you shall see him to-morrow. You must give us some breakfast.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall be delighted.” + </p> + <p> + We kissed her hand, and went to the same place as the night before. The + company was waiting for the duke. There were twelve members of the club, + and they all held the bank in turn. They said that this made the chances + more equal; but I laughed at this opinion, as there is nothing more + difficult to establish than equality between players. + </p> + <p> + The Duke de Matalone sat down, drew out his purse and his pocket-book, and + put two thousand ducats in the bank, begging pardon of the others for + doubling the usual sum in favour of the stranger. The bank never exceeded + a thousand ducats. + </p> + <p> + “Then,” said I, “I will hazard two thousand ducats also and not more, for + they say at Venice that a prudent player never risks more than he can win. + Each of my counters will be equivalent to two ducats.” So saying, I took + ten notes of a hundred ducats each from my pocket, and gave them to the + last evening’s banker who had won them from me. + </p> + <p> + Play began; and though I was prudent, and only risked my money on a single + card, in less than three hours my counters were all gone. I stopped + playing, though I had still twenty-five thousand ducats; but I had said + that I would not risk more than two thousand, and I was ashamed to go back + from my word. + </p> + <p> + Though I have always felt losing my money, no one has ever seen me put + out, my natural gaiety was heightened by art on such occasions, and seemed + to be more brilliant than ever. I have always found it a great advantage + to be able to lose pleasantly. + </p> + <p> + I made an excellent supper, and my high spirits furnished me with such a + fund of amusing conversation that all the table was in a roar. I even + succeeded in dissipating the melancholy of the Duke de Matalone, who was + in despair at having won such a sum from his friend and guest. He was + afraid he had half ruined me, and also that people might say he had only + welcomed me for the sake of my money. + </p> + <p> + As we returned to the palace the conversation was affectionate on his side + and jovial on mine, but I could see he was in some trouble, and guessed + what was the matter. He wanted to say that I could pay the money I owed + him whenever I liked, but was afraid of wounding my feelings; but as soon + as he got in he wrote me a friendly note to the effect that if I wanted + money his banker would let me have as much as I required. I replied + directly that I felt the generosity of his offer, and if I was in need of + funds I would avail myself of it. + </p> + <p> + Early next morning I went to his room, and after an affectionate embrace I + told him not to forget that we were going to breakfast with his fair + mistress. We both put on great coats and went to Leonilda’s pretty house. + </p> + <p> + We found her sitting up in bed, negligently but decently dressed, with a + dimity corset tied with red ribbons. She looked beautiful, and her + graceful posture added to her charms. She was reading Crebillon’s Sopha. + The duke sat down at the bottom of the bed, and I stood staring at her in + speechless admiration, endeavouring to recall to my memory where I had + seen such another face as hers. It seemed to me that I had loved a woman + like her. This was the first time I had seen her without the deceitful + glitter of candles. She laughed at my absent-mindedness, and told me to + sit down on a chair by her bedside. + </p> + <p> + The duke told her that I was quite pleased at having lost two thousand + ducats to his bank, as the loss made me sure she loved me. + </p> + <p> + “Caro mio Don Giacomo, I am sorry to hear that! You would have done better + not to play, for I should have loved you all the same, and you would have + been two thousand ducats better off.” + </p> + <p> + “And I two thousand ducats worse off,” said the duke, laughing. + </p> + <p> + “Never mind, dear Leonilda, I shall win this evening if you grant me some + favour to-day. If you do not do so, I shall lose heart, and you will mourn + at my grave before long.” + </p> + <p> + “Think, Leonilda, what you can do for my friend.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t see that I can do anything.” + </p> + <p> + The duke told her to dress, that we might go and breakfast in the painted + closet. She began at once, and preserved a just mean in what she let us + see and what she concealed, and thus set me in flames, though I was + already captivated by her face, her wit, and her charming manners. I cast + an indiscreet glance towards her beautiful breast, and thus added fuel to + the fire. I confess that I only obtained this satisfaction by a species of + larceny, but I could not have succeeded if she had not been well disposed + towards me. I pretended to have seen nothing. + </p> + <p> + While dressing she maintained with much ingenuity that a wise girl will be + much more chary of her favours towards a man she loves than towards a man + she does not love, because she would be afraid to lose the first, whereas + she does not care about the second. + </p> + <p> + “It will not be so with me, charming Leonilda,” said I. + </p> + <p> + “You make a mistake, I am sure.” + </p> + <p> + The pictures with which the closet where we breakfasted was adorned were + admirable more from the colouring and the design than from the amorous + combats they represented. + </p> + <p> + “They don’t make any impression on me,” said the duke, and he shewed us + that it was so. + </p> + <p> + Leonilda looked away, and I felt shocked, but concealed my feelings. + </p> + <p> + “I am in the same state as you,” said I, “but I will not take the trouble + of convincing you.” + </p> + <p> + “That can’t be,” said he; and passing his hand rapidly over me he assured + himself that it was so. “It’s astonishing,” he cried; “you must be as + impotent as I am.” + </p> + <p> + “If I wanted to controvert that assertion one glance into Leonilda’s eyes + would be enough.” + </p> + <p> + “Look at him, dearest Leonilda, that I may be convinced.” + </p> + <p> + Leonilda looked tenderly at me, and her glance produced the result I had + expected. + </p> + <p> + “Give me your hand,” said I, to the poor duke, and he did so. + </p> + <p> + “I was in the wrong,” he exclaimed, but when he endeavoured to bring the + surprising object to light I resisted. He persisted in his endeavours, and + I determined to play on him a trick. I took Leonilda’s hand and pressed my + lips to it, and just as the duke thought he had triumphed I besprinkled + him, and went off into a roar of laughter. He laughed too, and went to get + a napkin. + </p> + <p> + The girl could see nothing of all this, as it went on under the table; and + while my burning lips rested on her hand, my eyes were fixed on hers and + our breath mingled. This close contact had enabled me to baptise the duke, + but when she took in the joke we made a group worthy of the pen of Aretin. + </p> + <p> + It was a delightful breakfast, though we passed certain bounds which + decency ought to have proscribed to us, but Leonilda was wonderfully + innocent considering her position. We ended the scene by mutual embraces, + and when I took my burning lips from Leonilda’s I felt consumed with a + fire which I could not conceal. + </p> + <p> + When we left I told the duke that I would see his mistress no more, unless + he would give her up to me, declaring that I would marry her and give her + a dower of five thousand ducats. + </p> + <p> + “Speak to her, and if she consents I will not oppose it. She herself will + tell you what property she has.” + </p> + <p> + I then went to dress for dinner. I found the duchess in the midst of a + large circle, and she told me kindly that she was very sorry to hear of my + losses. + </p> + <p> + “Fortune is the most fickle of beings, but I don’t complain of my loss—nay, + when you speak thus I love it, and I even think that you will make me win + this evening.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope so, but I am afraid not; you will have to contend against Monte + Leone, who is usually very lucky.” + </p> + <p> + In considering the matter after dinner, I determined for the future to + play with ready money and not on my word of honour, lest I should at any + time be carried away by the excitement of play and induced to stake more + than I possessed. I thought, too, that the banker might have his doubts + after the two heavy losses I had sustained, and I confess that I was also + actuated by the gambler’s superstition that by making a change of any kind + one changes the luck. + </p> + <p> + I spent four hours at the theatre in Leonilda’s box, where I found her + more gay and charming than I had seen her before. + </p> + <p> + “Dear Leonilda,” I said, “the love I feel for you will suffer no delay and + no rivals, not even the slightest inconstancy. I have told the duke that I + am ready to marry you, and that I will give you a dower of five thousand + ducats.” + </p> + <p> + “What did he say?” + </p> + <p> + “That I must ask you, and that he would offer no opposition.” + </p> + <p> + “Then we should leave Naples together.” + </p> + <p> + “Directly, dearest, and thenceforth death alone would part us.” + </p> + <p> + “We will talk of it to-morrow, dear Don Giacomo, and if I can make you + happy I am sure you will do the same by me.” + </p> + <p> + As she spoke these delightful words the duke came in. + </p> + <p> + “Don Giacomo and I are talking of marrying,” said she. + </p> + <p> + “Marriage, mia carissima,” he replied, “ought to be well considered + beforehand.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, when one has time; but my dear Giacomo cannot wait, and we shall + have plenty of time to think it over afterwards.” + </p> + <p> + “As you are going to marry,” said the duke, “you can put off your + departure, or return after the wedding.” + </p> + <p> + “I can neither put it off nor return, my dear duke. We have made up our + minds, and if we repent we have plenty of time before us.” + </p> + <p> + He laughed and said we would talk it over next day. I gave my future bride + a kiss which she returned with ardour, and the duke and I went to the + club, where we found the Duke de Monte Leone dealing. + </p> + <p> + “My lord,” said I, “I am unlucky playing on my word of honour, so I hope + you will allow me to stake money.” + </p> + <p> + “Just as you please; it comes to the same thing, but don’t trouble + yourself. I have made a bank of four thousand ducats that you may be able + to recoup yourself for your losses.” + </p> + <p> + “Thanks, I promise to break it or to lose as much.” + </p> + <p> + I drew out six thousand ducats, gave two thousand ducats to the Duke de + Matalone, and began to punt at a hundred ducats. After a short time the + duke left the table, and I finally succeeded in breaking the bank. I went + back to the place by myself, and when I told the duke of my victory the + next day, he embraced me with tears of joy, and advised me to stake money + for the future. + </p> + <p> + As the Princess de Vale was giving a great supper, there was no play that + evening. This was some respite. We called on Leonilda, and putting off + talking of our marriage till the day after we spent the time in viewing + the wonders of nature around Naples. In the evening I was introduced by a + friend at the princess’s supper, and saw all the highest nobility of the + place. + </p> + <p> + Next morning the duke told me that he had some business to do, and that I + had better go and see Leonilda, and that he would call for me later on. I + went to Leonilda, but as the duke did not put in an appearance we could + not settle anything about our marriage. I spent several hours with her, + but I was obliged to obey her commands, and could only shew myself amorous + in words. Before leaving I repeated that it only rested with her to unite + our lives by indissoluble ties, and to leave Naples almost immediately. + </p> + <p> + When I saw the duke he said,— + </p> + <p> + “Well, Don Giacomo, you have spent all the morning with my mistress; do + you still wish to marry her?” + </p> + <p> + “More than ever; what do you mean?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing; and as you have passed this trial to which I purposely subjected + you, we will discuss your union tomorrow, and I hope you will make this + charming woman happy, for she will be an excellent wife.” + </p> + <p> + “I agree with you.” + </p> + <p> + When we went to Monte Leone’s in the evening, we saw a banker with a good + deal of gold before him. The duke told me he was Don Marco Ottoboni. He + was a fine-looking man, but he held the cards so closely together in his + left hand that I could not see them. This did not inspire me with + confidence, so I only punted a ducat at a time. I was persistently + unlucky, but I only lost a score of ducats. After five or six deals the + banker, asked me politely why I staked such small sums against him. + </p> + <p> + “Because I can’t see half the pack,” I replied, “and I am afraid of + losing.” + </p> + <p> + Some of the company laughed at my answer. + </p> + <p> + Next night I broke the bank held by the Prince the Cassaro, a pleasant and + rich nobleman, who asked me to give him revenge, and invited me to supper + at his pretty house at Posilipo, where he lived with a virtuosa of whom he + had become amorous at Palermo. He also invited the Duke de Matalone and + three or four other gentlemen. This was the only occasion on which I held + the bank while I was at Naples, and I staked six thousand ducats after + warning the prince that as it was the eve of my departure I should only + play for ready money. + </p> + <p> + He lost ten thousand ducats, and only rose from the table because he had + no more money. Everybody left the room, and I should have done the same if + the prince’s mistress had not owed me a hundred ducats. I continued to + deal in the hope that she would get her money back, but seeing that she + still lost I put down the cards, and told her that she must pay me at + Rome. She was a handsome and agreeable woman, but she did not inspire me + with any passions, no doubt because my mind was occupied with another, + otherwise I should have drawn a bill on sight, and paid myself without + meddling with her purse. It was two o’clock in the morning when I got to + bed. + </p> + <p> + Both Leonilda and myself wished to see Caserta before leaving Naples, and + the duke sent us there in a carriage drawn by six mules, which went faster + than most horses. Leonilda’s governess accompanied us. + </p> + <p> + The day after, we settled the particulars of our marriage in a + conversation which lasted for two hours. + </p> + <p> + “Leonilda,” began the duke, “has a mother, who lives at a short distance + from here, on an income of six hundred ducats, which I have given her for + life, in return for an estate belonging to her husband; but Leonilda does + not depend on her. She gave her up to me seven years ago, and I have given + her an annuity of five hundred ducats, which she will bring to you, with + all her diamonds and an extensive trousseau. Her mother gave her up to me + entirely, and I gave my word of honour to get her a good husband. I have + taken peculiar care of her education, and as her mind has developed I have + put her on her guard against all prejudices, with the exception of that + which bids a woman keep herself intact for her future husband. You may + rest assured that you are the first man whom Leonilda (who is a daughter + to me) has pressed to her heart.” + </p> + <p> + I begged the duke to get the contract ready, and to add to her dower the + sum of five thousand ducats, which I would give him when the deed was + signed. + </p> + <p> + “I will mortgage them,” said he, “on a house which is worth double.” + </p> + <p> + Then turning to Leonilda, who was shedding happy tears, he said,— + </p> + <p> + “I am going to send for your mother, who will be delighted to sign the + settlement, and to make the acquaintance of your future husband.” + </p> + <p> + The mother lived at the Marquis Galiani’s, a day’s journey from Naples. + The duke said he would send a carriage for her the next day, and that we + could all sup together the day after. + </p> + <p> + “The law business will be all done by then, and we shall be able to go to + the little church at Portici, and the priest will marry you. Then we will + take your mother to St. Agatha and dine with her, and you can go your way + with her maternal blessing.” + </p> + <p> + This conclusion gave me an involuntary shudder, and Leonilda fell fainting + in the duke’s arms. He called her dear child, cared for her tenderly, and + brought her to herself. + </p> + <p> + We all had to wipe our eyes, as we were all equally affected. + </p> + <p> + I considered myself as a married man and under obligation to alter my way + of living, and I stopped playing. I had won more than fifteen thousand + ducats, and this sum added to what I had before and Leonilda’s dowry + should have sufficed for an honest livelihood. + </p> + <p> + Next day, as I was at supper with the duke and Leonilda, she said,— + </p> + <p> + “What will my mother say to-morrow evening, when she sees you?” + </p> + <p> + “She will say that you are silly to marry a stranger whom you have only + known for a week. Have you told her my name, my nation, my condition, and + my age?” + </p> + <p> + “I wrote to her as follows: + </p> + <p> + “‘Dear mamma, come directly and sign my marriage contract with a gentleman + introduced to me by the duke, with whom I shall be leaving for Rome on + Monday next.’” + </p> + <p> + “My letter ran thus,” said the duke, + </p> + <p> + “‘Come without delay, and sign your daughter’s marriage contract, and give + her your blessing. She has wisely chosen a husband old enough to be her + father; he is a friend of mine.’” + </p> + <p> + “That’s not true,” cried Leonilda, rushing to my arms, “she will think you + are really old, and I am sorry.” + </p> + <p> + “Is your mother an elderly woman?” + </p> + <p> + “She’s a charming woman,” said the duke, “full of wit, and not + thirty-eight yet.” + </p> + <p> + “What has she got to do with Galiani?” + </p> + <p> + “She is an intimate friend of the marchioness’s, and she lives with the + family but pays for her board.” + </p> + <p> + Next morning, having some business with my banker to attend to, I told the + duke that I should not be able to see Leonilda till supper-time. I went + there at eight o’clock and I found the three sitting in front of the fire. + </p> + <p> + “Here he is!” cried the duke. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the mother saw me she screamed and fell nearly fainting on a + chair. I looked at her fixedly for a minute, and exclaimed,— + </p> + <p> + “Donna Lucrezia! I am fortunate indeed!” + </p> + <p> + “Let us take breath, my dear friend. Come and sit by me. So you are going + to marry my daughter, are you?” + </p> + <p> + I took a chair and guessed it all. My hair stood on end, and I relapsed + into a gloomy silence. + </p> + <p> + The stupefied astonishment of Leonilda and the duke cannot be described. + They could see that Donna Lucrezia and I knew each other, but they could + not get any farther. As for myself, as I pondered gloomily and compared + Leonilda’s age with the period at which I had been intimate with Lucrezia + Castelli, I could see that it was quite possible that she might be my + daughter; but I told myself that the mother could not be certain of the + fact, as at the time she lived with her husband, who was very fond of her + and not fifty years of age. I could bear the suspense no longer, so, + taking a light and begging Leonilda and the duke to excuse me, I asked + Lucrezia to come into the next room with me. + </p> + <p> + As soon as she was seated, she drew me to her and said,— + </p> + <p> + “Must I grieve my dear one when I have loved so well? Leonilda is your + daughter, I am certain of it. I always looked upon her as your daughter, + and my husband knew it, but far from being angry, he used to adore her. I + will shew you the register of her birth, and you can calculate for + yourself. My husband was at Rome, and did not see me once, and my daughter + did not come before her time. You must remember a letter which my mother + should have given you, in which I told you I was with child. That was in + January, 1744, and in six months my daughter will be seventeen. My late + husband gave her the names of Leonilda Giacomina at the baptismal font, + and when he played with her he always called her by the latter name. This + idea of your marrying her horrifies me, but I cannot oppose it, as I am + ashamed to tell the reason. What do you think? Have you still the courage + to marry her? You seem to hesitate. Have you taken any earnest of the + marriage-bed?” + </p> + <p> + “No, dear Lucrezia, your daughter is as pure as a lily.” + </p> + <p> + “I breathe again.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, yes! but my heart is torn asunder.” + </p> + <p> + “I am grieved to see you thus.” + </p> + <p> + “She has no likeness to me.” + </p> + <p> + “That proves nothing; she has taken after me. You are weeping, dearest, + you will break my heart.” + </p> + <p> + “Who would not weep in my place? I will send the duke to you; he must know + all.” + </p> + <p> + I left Lucrezia, and I begged the duke to go and speak to her. The + affectionate Leonilda came and sat on my knee, and asked me what the + dreadful mystery was. I was too much affected to be able to answer her; + she kissed me, and we began to weep. We remained thus sad and silent till + the return of the duke and Donna Lucrezia, who was the only one to keep + her head cool. + </p> + <p> + “Dear Leonilda,” said she, “you must be let into the secret of this + disagreeable mystery, and your mother is the proper person to enlighten + you. Do you remember what name my late husband used to call you when he + petted you?” + </p> + <p> + “He used to call me his charming Giacomina.” + </p> + <p> + “That is M. Casanova’s name; it is the name of your father. Go and kiss + him; his blood flows in your veins; and if he has been your lover, repent + of the crime which was happily quite involuntary.” + </p> + <p> + The scene was a pathetic one, and we were all deeply moved. Leonilda clung + to her mother’s knees, and in a voice that struggled with sobs exclaimed,— + </p> + <p> + “I have only felt what an affectionate daughter might feel for a father.” + </p> + <p> + At this point silence fell on us, a silence that was only broken by the + sobs of the two women, who held each other tightly embraced; while the + duke and I sat as motionless as two posts, our heads bent and our hands + crossed, without as much as looking at each other. + </p> + <p> + Supper was served, and we sat at table for three hours, talking sadly over + this dramatic recognition, which had brought more grief than joy; and we + departed at midnight full of melancholy, and hoping that we should be + calmer on the morrow, and able to take the only step that now remained to + us. + </p> + <p> + As we were going away the duke made several observations on what moral + philosophers call prejudices. There is no philosopher who would maintain + or even advance the thesis that the union of a father and daughter is + horrible naturally, for it is entirely a social prejudice; but it is so + widespread, and education has graven it so deeply in our hearts, that only + a man whose heart is utterly depraved could despise it. It is the result + of a respect for the laws, it keeps the social scheme together; in fact, + it is no longer a prejudice, it is a principle. + </p> + <p> + I went to bed, but as usual, after the violent emotion I had undergone, I + could not sleep. The rapid transition from carnal to paternal love cast my + physical and mental faculties into such a state of excitement that I could + scarcely withstand the fierce struggle that was taking place in my heart. + </p> + <p> + Towards morning I fell asleep for a short time, and woke up feeling as + exhausted as two lovers who have been spending a long and voluptuous + winter’s night. + </p> + <p> + When I got up I told the duke that I intended to set out from Naples the + next day; and he observed that as everybody knew I was on the eve of my + departure, this haste would make people talk. + </p> + <p> + “Come and have some broth with me,” said he; “and from henceforth look + upon this marriage project as one of the many pranks in which you have + engaged. We will spend the three or four days pleasantly together, and + perhaps when we have thought over all this for some time we shall end by + thinking it matter for mirth and not sadness. Believe me the mother’s as + good as the daughter; recollection is often better than hope; console + yourself with Lucrezia. I don’t think you can see any difference between + her present appearance and that of eighteen years ago, for I don’t see how + she can ever have been handsomer than she is now.” + </p> + <p> + This remonstrance brought me to my senses. I felt that the best thing I + could do would be to forget the illusion which had amused me for four or + five days, and as my self-esteem was not wounded it ought not to be a + difficult task; but yet I was in love and unable to satisfy my love. + </p> + <p> + Love is not like merchandise, where one can substitute one thing for + another when one cannot have what one wants. Love is a sentiment, only the + object who has kindled the flame can soothe the heat thereof. + </p> + <p> + We went to call on my daughter, the duke in his usual mood, but I looking + pale, depressed, weary, and like a boy going to receive the rod. I was + extremely surprised when I came into the room to find the mother and + daughter quite gay, but this helped on my cure. Leonilda threw her arms + round my neck, calling me dear papa, and kissing me with all a daughter’s + freedom. Donna Lucrezia stretched out her hand, addressing me as her dear + friend. I regarded her attentively, and I was forced to confess that the + eighteen years that had passed away had done little ill to her charms. + There was the same sparkling glance, that fresh complexion, those perfect + shapes, those beautiful lips—in fine, all that had charmed my + youthful eyes. + </p> + <p> + We mutely caressed each other. Leonilda gave and received the tenderest + kisses without seeming to notice what desires she might cause to arise; no + doubt she knew that as her father I should have strength to resist, and + she was right. One gets used to everything, and I was ashamed to be sad + any longer. + </p> + <p> + I told Donna Lucrezia of the curious welcome her sister had given me in + Rome, and she went off into peals of laughter. We reminded each other of + the night at Tivoli, and these recollections softened our hearts. From + these softened feelings to love is but a short way; but neither place nor + time were convenient, so we pretended not to be thinking of it. + </p> + <p> + After a few moments of silence I told her that if she cared to come to + Rome with me to pay a visit to her sister Angelique, I would take her back + to Naples at the beginning of Lent. She promised to let me know whether + she could come on the following day. + </p> + <p> + I sat between her and Leonilda at dinner; and as I could no longer think + of the daughter, it was natural that my old flame for Lucrezia should + rekindle; and whether from the effect of her gaiety and beauty, or from my + need of someone to love, or from the excellence of the wine, I found + myself in love with her by the dessert, and asked her to take the place + which her daughter was to have filled. + </p> + <p> + “I will marry you,” said I, “and we will all of us go to Rome on Monday, + for since Leonilda is my daughter I do not like to leave her at Naples.” + </p> + <p> + At this the three guests looked at each other and said nothing. I did not + repeat my proposal, but led the conversation to some other topic. + </p> + <p> + After dinner I felt sleepy and lay down on a bed, and did not wake till + eight o’clock, when to my surprise I found that my only companion was + Lucrezia, who was writing. She heard me stir, and came up to me and said + affectionately,— + </p> + <p> + “My dear friend, you have slept for five hours; and as I did not like to + leave you alone I would not go with the duke and our daughter to the + opera.” + </p> + <p> + The memory of former loves awakens when one is near the once beloved + object, and desires rapidly become irresistible if the beauty still + remain. The lovers feel as if they were once more in possession of a + blessing which belongs to them, and of which they have been long deprived + by unfortunate incidents. These were our feelings, and without delay, + without idle discussion, and above all, without false modesty, we + abandoned ourselves to love, the only true source of nature. + </p> + <p> + In the first interval, I was the first to break the silence; and if a man + is anything of a wit, is he the less so at that delicious moment of repose + which follows on an amorous victory? + </p> + <p> + “Once again, then,” said I, “I am in this charming land which I entered + for the first time to the noise of the drum and the rattle of musket + shots.” + </p> + <p> + This remark made her laugh, and recalled past events to her memory. We + recollected with delight all the pleasures we had enjoyed at Testaccio, + Frascati, and Tivoli. We reminded each other of these events, only to make + each other laugh; but with two lovers, what is laughter but a pretext for + renewing the sweet sacrifice of the goddess of Cythera? + </p> + <p> + At the end of the second act, full of the enthusiasm of the fortunate + lover, I said,— + </p> + <p> + “Let us be united for life; we are of the same age, we love each other, + our means are sufficient for us, we may hope to live a happy life, and to + die at the same moment.” + </p> + <p> + “‘Tis the darling wish of my heart,” Lucrezia replied, “but let us stay at + Naples and leave Leonilda to the duke. We will see company, find her a + worthy husband, and our happiness will be complete.” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot live at Naples, dearest, and you know that your daughter + intended to leave with me.” + </p> + <p> + “My daughter! Say our daughter. I see that you are still in love with her, + and do not wish to be considered her father.” + </p> + <p> + “Alas, yes! But I am sure that if I live with you my passion for her will + be stilled, but otherwise I cannot answer for myself. I shall fly, but + flight will not bring me happiness. Leonilda charms me still more by her + intelligence than by her beauty. I was sure that she loved me so well that + I did not attempt to seduce her, lest thereby I should weaken my hold on + her affections; and as I wanted to make her happy I wished to deserve her + esteem. I longed to possess her, but in a lawful manner, so that our + rights should have been equal. We have created an angel, Lucrezia, and I + cannot imagine how the duke . . .” + </p> + <p> + “The duke is completely impotent. Do you see now how I was able to trust + my daughter to his care?” + </p> + <p> + “Impotent? I always thought so myself, but he has a son.” + </p> + <p> + “His wife might possibly be able to explain that mystery to you, but you + may take it for granted that the poor duke will die a virgin in spite of + himself; and he knows that as well as anybody.” + </p> + <p> + “Do not let us say any more about it, but allow me to treat you as at + Tivoli.” + </p> + <p> + “Not just now, as I hear carriage wheels.” + </p> + <p> + A moment after the door opened, and Leonilda laughed heartily to see her + mother in my arms, and threw herself upon us, covering us with kisses. The + duke came in a little later, and we supped together very merrily. He + thought me the happiest of men when I told him I was going to pass the + night honourably with my wife and daughter; and he was right, for I was so + at that moment. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the worthy man left us we went to bed, but here I must draw a + veil over the most voluptuous night I have ever spent. If I told all I + should wound chaste ears, and, besides, all the colours of the painter and + all the phrases of the poet could not do justice to the delirium of + pleasure, the ecstasy, and the license which passed during that night, + while two wax lights burnt dimly on the table like candles before the + shrine of a saint. + </p> + <p> + We did not leave the stage, which I watered with my blood, till long after + the sun had risen. We were scarcely dressed when the duke arrived. + </p> + <p> + Leonilda gave him a vivid description of our nocturnal labours, but in his + unhappy state of impotence he must have been thankful for his absence. + </p> + <p> + I was determined to start the next day so as to be at Rome for the last + week of the carnival and I begged the duke to let me give Leonilda the + five thousand ducats which would have been her dower if she had become my + bride. + </p> + <p> + “As she is your daughter,” said he, “she can and ought to take this + present from her father, if only as a dowry for her future husband.” + </p> + <p> + “Will you accept it, then, my dear Leonilda?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, papa dear,” she said, embracing me, “on the condition that you will + promise to come and see me again as soon as you hear of my marriage.” + </p> + <p> + I promised to do so, and I kept my word. + </p> + <p> + “As you are going to-morrow,” said the duke, “I shall ask all the nobility + of Naples to meet you at supper. In the meanwhile I leave you with your + daughter; we shall see each other again at suppertime.” + </p> + <p> + He went out and I dined with my wife and daughter in the best of spirits. + I spent almost the whole afternoon with Leonilda, keeping within the + bounds of decency, less, perhaps, out of respect to morality, than because + of my labours of the night before. We did not kiss each other till the + moment of parting, and I could see that both mother and daughter were + grieved to lose me. + </p> + <p> + After a careful toilette I went to supper, and found an assembly of a + hundred of the very best people in Naples. The duchess was very agreeable, + and when I kissed her hand to take leave, she said, + </p> + <p> + “I hope, Don Giacomo, that you have had no unpleasantness during your + short stay at Naples, and that you will sometimes think of your visit with + pleasure.” + </p> + <p> + I answered that I could only recall my visit with delight after the + kindness with which she had deigned to treat me that evening; and, in + fact, my recollections of Naples were always of the happiest description. + </p> + <p> + After I had treated the duke’s attendants with generosity, the poor + nobleman, whom fortune had favoured, and whom nature had deprived of the + sweetest of all enjoyments, came with me to the door of my carriage and I + went on my way. + </p> + <a name="linkD2HCH0010" id="linkD2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + My Carriage Broken—Mariuccia’s Wedding—Flight of Lord + Lismore—My Return to Florence, and My Departure with the + Corticelli +</pre> + <p> + My Spaniard was going on before us on horseback, and I was sleeping + profoundly beside Don Ciccio Alfani in my comfortable carriage, drawn by + four horses, when a violent shock aroused me. The carriage had been + overturned on the highway, at midnight, beyond Francolisa and four miles + from St. Agatha. + </p> + <p> + Alfani was beneath me and uttered piercing shrieks, for he thought he had + broken his left arm. Le Duc rode back and told me that the postillions had + taken flight, possibly to give notice of our mishap to highwaymen, who are + very common in the States of the Church and Naples. + </p> + <p> + I got out of the carriage easily enough, but poor old Alfani, who was + unwieldly with fat, badly hurt, and half dead with fright, could not + extricate himself without assistance. It took us a quarter of an hour to + get him free. The poor wretch amused me by the blasphemies which he + mingled with prayers to his patron saint, St. Francis of Assisi. + </p> + <p> + I was not without experience of such accidents and was not at all hurt, + for one’s safety depends a good deal on the position one is in. Don Ciccio + had probably hurt his arm by stretching it out just as the accident took + place. + </p> + <p> + I took my sword, my musket, and my horse-pistols out of the carriage, and + I made them and my pockets pistols ready so as to offer a stiff resistance + to the brigands if they came; and I then told Le Duc to take some money + and ride off and see if he could bring some peasants to our assistance. + </p> + <p> + Don Ciccio groaned over the accident, but I, resolving to sell my money + and my life dearly, made a rampart of the carriage and four horses, and + stood sentry, with my arms ready. + </p> + <p> + I then felt prepared for all hazards, and was quite calm, but my + unfortunate companion continued to pour forth his groans, and prayers, and + blasphemies, for all that goes together at Naples as at Rome. I could do + nothing but compassionate him; but in spite of myself I could not help + laughing, which seemed to vex the poor abbe, who looked for all the world + like a dying dolphin as he rested motionless against the bank. His + distress may be imagined, when the nearest horse yielded to the call of + nature, and voided over the unfortunate man the contents of its bladder. + There was nothing to be done, and I could not help roaring with laughter. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, a strong northerly wind rendered our situation an extremely + unpleasant one. At the slightest noise I cried, “Who goes there?” + threatening to fire on anyone who dared approach. I spent two hours in + this tragic-comic position, until at last Le Duc rode up and told me that + a band of peasants, all armed and provided with lanterns, were approaching + to our assistance. + </p> + <p> + In less than an hour, the carriage, the horses, and Alfani were seen to. I + kept two of the country-folk to serve as postillions, and I sent the + others away well paid for the interruption of their sleep. I reached St. + Agatha at day-break, and I made the devil’s own noise at the door of the + postmaster, calling for an attorney to take down my statement, and + threatening to have the postillions who had overturned and deserted me, + hanged. + </p> + <p> + A wheelwright inspected my coach and pronounced the axle-tree broken, and + told me I should have to remain for a day at least. + </p> + <p> + Don Ciccio, who stood in need of a surgeon’s aid, called on the Marquis + Galliani without telling me anything about it. However, the marquis + hastened to beg me to stay at his home till I could continue my journey. I + accepted the invitation with great pleasure, and with this my ill humour, + which was really only the result of my desire to make a great fuss like a + great man, evaporated. + </p> + <p> + The marquis ordered my carriage to be taken to his coach-house, took me by + the arm, and led me to his house. He was as learned as he was polite, and + a perfect Neapolitan—i.e., devoid of all ceremony. He had not the + brilliant wit of his brother, whom I had known at Paris as secretary of + embassy under the Count Cantillana Montdragon, but he possessed a + well-ordered judgment, founded on study and the perusal of ancient and + modern classics. Above all, he was a great mathematician, and was then + preparing an annotated edition of Vitruvius, which was afterwards + published. + </p> + <p> + The marquis introduced me to his wife, whom I knew as the intimate friend + of my dear Lucrezia. There was something saint-like in her expression, and + to see her surrounded by her little children was like looking at a picture + of the Holy Family. + </p> + <p> + Don Ciccio was put to bed directly, and a surgeon sent for, who consoled + him by saying that it was only a simple luxation, and that he would be + well again in a few days. + </p> + <p> + At noon a carriage stopped at the door, and Lucrezia got down. She + embraced the marchioness, and said to me in the most natural manner, as we + shook hands,— + </p> + <p> + “What happy chance brings you hear, dear Don Giacomo?” + </p> + <p> + She told her friend that I was a friend of her late husband’s, and that + she had recently seen me again with great pleasure at the Duke de + Matalone’s. + </p> + <p> + After dinner, on finding myself alone with this charming woman, I asked + her if it were not possible for us to pass a happy night together, but she + shewed me that it was out of the question, and I had to yield. I renewed + my offer to marry her. + </p> + <p> + “Buy a property,” said she, “in the kingdom of Naples, and I will spend + the remainder of my days with you, without asking a priest to give us his + blessing, unless we happen to have children.” + </p> + <p> + I could not deny that Lucrezia spoke very sensibly, and I could easily + have bought land in Naples, and lived comfortably on it, but the idea of + binding myself down to one place was so contrary to my feelings that I had + the good sense to prefer my vagabond life to all the advantages which our + union would have given me, and I do not think that Lucrezia altogether + disapproved of my resolution. + </p> + <p> + After supper I took leave of everybody, and I set out at day-break in + order to get to Rome by the next day. I had only fifteen stages to do, and + the road was excellent. + </p> + <p> + As we were getting into Carillano, I saw one of the two-wheeled carriages, + locally called mantice, two horses were being put into it, while my + carriage required four. I got out, and on hearing myself called I turned + round. I was not a little surprised to find that the occupants of the + mantice were a young and pretty girl and Signora Diana, the Prince de + Sassaro’s mistress, who owed me three hundred ounces. She told me that she + was going to Rome, and that she would be glad if we could make the journey + together. + </p> + <p> + “I suppose you don’t mind stopping for the night at Piperno?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said I, “I am afraid that can’t be managed; I don’t intend to break + my journey.” + </p> + <p> + “But you would get to Rome by to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “I know that, but I sleep better in my carriage than in the bad beds they + give you in the inns.” + </p> + <p> + “I dare not travel by night.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, well, madam, I have no doubt we shall see each other at Rome.” + </p> + <p> + “You are a cruel man. You see I have only a stupid servant, and a maid who + is as timid as I am, besides it is cold and my carriage is open. I will + keep you company in yours.” + </p> + <p> + “I really can’t take you in, as all the available space is taken up by my + old secretary, who broke his arm yesterday.” + </p> + <p> + “Shall we dine together at Terracino? We could have a little talk.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly.” + </p> + <p> + We made good cheer at this small town, which is the frontier of the States + of the Church. We should not reach Piperno till far on in the night, and + the lady renewed and redoubled her efforts to keep me till daybreak; but + though young and pretty she did not take my fancy; she was too fair and + too fat. But her maid, who was a pretty brunette, with a delicious rounded + form and a sparkling eye, excited all my feelings of desire. A vague hope + of possessing the maid won me over, and I ended by promising the signora + to sup with her, and not to continue my journey without giving notice to + the landlord. + </p> + <p> + When we got to Piperno, I succeeded in telling the pretty maid that if she + would let me have her quietly I would not go any further. She promised to + wait for me, and allowed me to take such liberties as are usually the + signs of perfect complaisance. + </p> + <p> + We had our supper, and I wished the ladies good night and escorted them to + their room, where I took note of the relative positions of their beds so + that there should be no mistake. I left them and came back in a quarter of + an hour. Finding the door open I felt sure of success, and I got into bed; + but as I found out, it was the signora and not the maid who received me. + Evidently the little hussy had told her mistress the story, and the + mistress had thought fit to take the maid’s place. There was no + possibility of my being mistaken, for though I could not see I could feel. + </p> + <p> + For a moment I was undecided, should I remain in bed and make the best of + what I had got, or go on my way to Rome immediately? The latter counsel + prevailed. I called Le Duc, gave my orders, and started, enjoying the + thought of the confusion of the two women, who must have been in a great + rage at the failure of their plans. I saw Signora Diana three or four + times at Rome, and we bowed without speaking; if I had thought it likely + that she would pay me the four hundred louis she owed me I might have + taken the trouble to call on her, but I know that your stage queens are + the worst debtors in the world. + </p> + <p> + My brother, the Chevalier Mengs, and the Abbe Winckelmann were all in good + health and spirits. Costa was delighted to see me again. I sent him off + directly to His Holiness’s ‘scopatore maggiore’ to warn him that I was + coming to take polenta with him, and all he need do was to get a good + supper for twelve. I was sure of finding Mariuccia there, for I knew that + Momolo had noticed her presence pleased me. + </p> + <p> + The carnival began the day after my arrival, and I hired a superb landau + for the whole week. The Roman landaus seat four people and have a hood + which may be lowered at pleasure. In these landaus one drives along the + Corso with or without masks from nine to twelve o’clock during the + carnival time. + </p> + <p> + From time immemorial the Corso at Rome has presented a strange and + diverting spectacle during the carnival. The horses start from the Piazza + del Popolo, and gallop along to the Column of Trajan, between two lines of + carriages drawn up beside two narrow pavements which are crowded with + maskers and people of all classes. All the windows are decorated. As soon + as the horses have passed the carriages begin to move, and the maskers on + foot and horseback occupy the middle of the street. The air is full of + real and false sweetmeats, pamphlets, pasquinades, and puns. Throughout + the mob, composed of the best and worst classes of Rome, liberty reigns + supreme, and when twelve o’clock is announced by the third report of the + cannon of St. Angelo the Corso begins to clear, and in five minutes you + would look in vain for a carriage or a masker. The crowd disperses amongst + the neighbouring streets, and fills the opera houses, the theatres, the + rope-dancers’ exhibitions, and even the puppet-shows. The restaurants and + taverns are not left desolate; everywhere you will find crowds of people, + for during the carnival the Romans only think of eating, drinking, and + enjoying themselves. + </p> + <p> + I banked my money with M. Belloni and got a letter of credit on Turin, + where I expected to find the Abbe Gama and to receive a commission to + represent the Portuguese Court at the Congress of Augsburg, to which all + Europe was looking forward, and then I went to inspect my little room, + where I hoped to meet Mariuccia the next day. I found everything in good + order. + </p> + <p> + In the evening Momolo and his family received me with joyful exclamations. + The eldest daughter said with a smile that she was sure she would please + me by sending for Mariuccia. + </p> + <p> + “You are right,” said I, “I shall be delighted to see the fair Mariuccia.” + </p> + <p> + A few minutes after she entered with her puritanical mother, who told me I + must not be surprised to see her daughter better dressed, as she was going + to be married in a few days. I congratulated her, and Momolo’s daughters + asked who was the happy man. Mariuccia blushed and said modestly, to one + of them,— + </p> + <p> + “It is somebody whom you know, So and so, he saw me here, and we are going + to open a hair-dresser’s shop.” + </p> + <p> + “The marriage was arranged by good Father St. Barnabe,” added the mother. + “He has in his keeping my daughter’s dower of four hundred Roman crowns.” + </p> + <p> + “He’s a good lad,” said Momolo. “I have a high opinion of him; he would + have married one of my daughters if I could have given him such a dowry.” + </p> + <p> + At these words the girl in question blushed and lowered her eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Never mind, my dear,” said I, “your turn will come in time.” + </p> + <p> + She took my words as seriously meant, and her face lit up with joy. She + thought I had guessed her love for Costa, and her idea was confirmed when + I told him to get my landau the next day and take out all Momolo’s + daughters, well masked, as it would not do for them to be recognized in a + carriage I meant to make use of myself. I also bade him hire some handsome + costumes from a Jew, and paid the hire-money myself. This put them all in + a good humour. + </p> + <p> + “How about Signora Maria?” said the jealous sister. + </p> + <p> + “As Signora Maria is going to be married,” I replied, “she must not be + present at any festivity without her future husband.” + </p> + <p> + The mother applauded this decision of mine, and sly Mariuccia pretended to + feel mortified. I turned to Momolo and begged him to ask Mariuccia’s + future husband to meet me at supper, by which I pleased her mother + greatly. + </p> + <p> + I felt very tired, and having nothing to keep me after seeing Mariuccia, I + begged the company to excuse me, and after wishing them a good appetite I + left them. + </p> + <p> + I walked out next morning at an early hour. I had no need of going into + the church, which I reached at seven o’clock, for Mariuccia saw me at some + distance off and followed me, and we were soon alone together in the + little room, which love and voluptuous pleasure had transmuted into a + sumptuous place. We would gladly have talked to each other, but as we had + only an hour before us, we set to without even taking off our clothes. + After the last kiss which ended the third assault, she told me that she + was to be married on the eve of Shrove Tuesday, and that all had been + arranged by her confessor. She also thanked me for having asked Momolo to + invite her intended. + </p> + <p> + “When shall we see each other again, my angel?” + </p> + <p> + “On Sunday, the eve of my wedding, we shall be able to spend four hours + together.” + </p> + <p> + “Delightful! I promise you that when you leave me you will be in such a + state that the caresses of your husband won’t hurt you.” + </p> + <p> + She smiled and departed, and I threw myself on the bed where I rested for + a good hour. + </p> + <p> + As I was going home I met a carriage and four going at a great speed. A + footman rode in front of the carriage, and within it I saw a young + nobleman. My attention was arrested by the blue ribbon on his breast. I + gazed at him, and he called out my name and had the carriage stopped. I + was extremely surprised when I found it was Lord O’Callaghan, whom I had + known at Paris at his mother’s, the Countess of Lismore, who was separated + from her husband, and was the kept mistress of M. de St. Aubin, the + unworthy successor of the good and virtuous Fenelon in the archbishopric + of Cambrai. However, the archbishop owed his promotion to the fact that he + was a bastard of the Duc d’Orleans, the French Regent. + </p> + <p> + Lord O’Callaghan was a fine-looking young man, with wit and talent, but + the slave of his unbridled passions and of every species of vice. I knew + that if he were lord in name he was not so in fortune, and I was + astonished to see him driving such a handsome carriage, and still more so + at his blue ribbon. In a few words he told me that he was going to dine + with the Pretender, but that he would sup at home. He invited me to come + to supper, and I accepted. + </p> + <p> + After dinner I took a short walk, and then went to enliven myself at the + theatre, where I saw Momolo’s girls strutting about with Costa; afterwards + I went to Lord O’Callaghan, and was pleasantly surprised to meet the poet + Poinsinet. He was young, short, ugly, full of poetic fire, a wit, and + dramatist. Five or six years later the poor fellow fell into the + Guadalquivir and was drowned. He had gone to Madrid in the hope of making + his fortune. As I had known him at Paris I addressed him as an old + acquaintance. + </p> + <p> + “What are you doing at Rome? Where’s my Lord O’Callaghan?” + </p> + <p> + “He’s in the next room, but as his father is dead his title is now Earl of + Lismore. You know he was an adherent of the Pretender’s. I left Paris with + him, well enough pleased at being able to come to Rome without its costing + me anything.” + </p> + <p> + “Then the earl is a rich man now?” + </p> + <p> + “Not exactly; but he will be, as he is his father’s heir, and the old earl + left an immense fortune. It is true that it is all confiscated, but that + is nothing, as his claims are irresistible.” + </p> + <p> + “In short, he is rich in claims and rich in the future; but how did he get + himself made a knight of one of the French king’s orders?” + </p> + <p> + “You’re joking. That is the blue ribbon of the Order of St. Michael, of + which the late Elector of Cologne was grand master. As you know, my lord + plays exquisitely on the violin, and when he was at Bonn he played the + Elector a concerto by Tartini. The prince could not find words in which to + express the pleasure of my lord’s performance, and gave him the ribbon you + have seen.” + </p> + <p> + “A fine present, doubtless.” + </p> + <p> + “You don’t know what pleasure it gave my lord, for when we go back to + Paris everybody will take it for the Order of the Holy Ghost.” + </p> + <p> + We passed into a large room, where we found the earl with the party he had + asked to supper. As soon as he saw me he embraced me, called me his dear + friend, and named his guests. There were seven or eight girls, all of them + pretty, three or four castrati who played women’s parts in the Roman + theatre, and five or six abbes, the husband of every wife and the wives of + every husband, who boasted of their wickedness, and challenged the girls + to be more shameless than they. The girls were not common courtezans, but + past mistresses of music, painting, and vice considered as a fine art. The + kind of society may be imagined when I say that I found myself a perfect + novice amongst them. + </p> + <p> + “Where are you going, prince?” said the earl to a respectable-looking man + who was making for the door. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t feel well, my lord. I think I must go out.” + </p> + <p> + “What prince is that?” said I. + </p> + <p> + “The Prince de Chimai. He is a sub-deacon, and is endeavouring to gain + permission to marry, lest his family should become extinct.” + </p> + <p> + “I admire his prudence or his delicacy, but I am afraid I should not + imitate him.” + </p> + <p> + There were twenty-four of us at table, and it is no exaggeration to say + that we emptied a hundred bottles of the choicest wines. Everybody was + drunk, with the exception of myself and the poet Poinsinet, who had taken + nothing but water. The company rose from table, and then began a foul orgy + which I should never have conceived possible, and which no pen could + describe, though possibly a seasoned profligate might get some idea of it. + </p> + <p> + A castrato and a girl of almost equal height proposed to strip in an + adjoining room, and to lie on their backs, in the same bed with their + faces covered. They challenged us all to guess which was which. + </p> + <p> + We all went in and nobody could pronounce from sight which was male and + which was female, so I bet the earl fifty crowns that I would point out + the woman. + </p> + <p> + He accepted the wager, and I guessed correctly, but payment was out of the + question. + </p> + <p> + This first act of the orgy ended with the prostitution of the two + individuals, who defied everybody to accomplish the great act. All, with + the exception of Poinsinet and myself, made the attempt, but their efforts + were in vain. + </p> + <p> + The second act displayed four or five couples reversed, and here the abbes + shone, both in the active and passive parts of this lascivious spectacle. + I was the only person respected. + </p> + <p> + All at once, the earl, who had hitherto remained perfectly motionless, + attacked the wretched Poinsinet, who in vain attempted to defend himself. + He had to strip like my lord, who was as naked as the others. We stood + round in a circle. Suddenly the earl, taking his watch, promised it to the + first who succeeded in giving them a sure mark of sensibility. The desire + of gaining the prize excited the impure crowd immensely, and the castrati, + the girls, and the abbes all did their utmost, each one striving to be the + first. They had to draw lots. This part interested me most, for throughout + this almost incredible scene of debauchery I did not experience the + slightest sensation, although under other circumstances any of the girls + would have claimed my homage, but all I did was to laugh, especially to + see the poor poet in terror of experiencing the lust of the flesh, for the + profligate nobleman swore that if he made him lose he would deliver him up + to the brutal lust of all the abbes. He escaped, probably through fear of + the consequences. + </p> + <p> + The orgy came to an end when nobody had any further hopes of getting the + watch. The secret of the Lesbians was only employed, however, by the abbes + and the castrata. The girls, wishing to be able to despise those who made + use of it, refrained from doing so. I suspect they were actuated by pride + rather than shame, as they might possibly have employed it without + success. + </p> + <p> + This vile debauch disgusted me, and yet gave me a better knowledge of + myself. I could not help confessing that my life had been endangered, for + the only arm I had was my sword, but I should certainly have used it if + the earl had tried to treat me like the others, and as he had treated poor + Poinsinet. I never understood how it was that he respected me, for he was + quite drunk, and in a kind of Bacchic fury. + </p> + <p> + As I left, I promised to come and see him as often as he pleased, but I + promised myself never to set foot in his house again. + </p> + <p> + Next day, he came to see me in the afternoon, and asked me to walk with + him to the Villa Medici. + </p> + <p> + I complimented him on the immense wealth he had inherited to enable him to + live so splendidly, but he laughed and told me that he did not possess + fifty piastres, that his father had left nothing but debts, and that he + himself already owed three or four thousand crowns. + </p> + <p> + “I wonder people give you credit, then.” + </p> + <p> + “They give me credit because everybody knows that I have drawn a bill of + exchange on Paris to the tune of two hundred thousand francs. But in four + or five days the bill will be returned protested, and I am only waiting + for that to happen to make my escape.” + </p> + <p> + “If you are certain of its being protested, I advise you to make your + escape to-day; for as it is so large a sum it may be taken up before it is + due.” + </p> + <p> + “No, I won’t do that; I have one hope left. I have written to tell my + mother that I shall be undone if she does not furnish the banker, on whom + I have drawn the bill, with sufficient funds and if she does that, the + bill will be accepted. You know my mother is very fond of me.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but I also know that she is far from rich.” + </p> + <p> + “True, but M. de St. Aubin is rich enough, and between you and me I think + he is my father. Meanwhile, my creditors are almost as quiet as I am. All + those girls you saw yesterday would give me all they have if I asked them, + as they are all expecting me to make them a handsome present in the course + of the week, but I won’t abuse their trust in me. But I am afraid I shall + be obliged to cheat the Jew, who wants me to give him three thousand + sequins for this ring, as I know it is only worth one thousand.” + </p> + <p> + “He will send the police after you.” + </p> + <p> + “I defy him to do whatever he likes.” + </p> + <p> + The ring was set with a straw-coloured diamond of nine or ten carats. He + begged me to keep his secret as we parted. I did not feel any sentiments + of pity for this extravagant madman, as I only saw in him a man + unfortunate by his own fault, whose fate would probably make him end his + days in a prison unless he had the courage to blow his brains out. + </p> + <p> + I went to Momolo’s in the evening, and found the intended husband of my + fair Mariuccia there, but not the lady herself. I heard she had sent word + to the ‘scopatore santissimo’ that, as her father had come from Palestrina + to be present at her wedding, she could not come to supper. I admired her + subtlety. A young girl has no need of being instructed in diplomacy, + nature and her own heart are her teachers, and she never blunders. At + supper I studied the young man, and found him eminently suitable for + Mariuccia; he was handsome, modest, and intelligent, and whatever he said + was spoken frankly and to the point. + </p> + <p> + He told me before Momolo’s daughter, Tecla, that he would have married her + if she had possessed means to enable him to open his shop, and that he had + reason to thank God for having met Maria, whose confessor had been such a + true spiritual father to her. I asked him where the wedding festivities + were to take place, and he told me they were to be at his father’s house, + on the other side of the Tiber. As his father, who kept a garden, was + poor, he had furnished him with ten crowns to defray the expenses. + </p> + <p> + I wanted to give him the ten crowns, but how was I to do it? It would have + betrayed me. + </p> + <p> + “Is your father’s garden a pretty one?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “Not exactly pretty, but very well kept. As he owns the land, he has + separated a plot which he wants to sell; it would bring in twenty crowns a + year, and I should be as happy as a cardinal if I could buy it.” + </p> + <p> + “How much will it cost?” + </p> + <p> + “It’s a heavy price; two hundred crowns.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, that’s cheap! Listen to me. I have met your future bride at this + house, and I have found her all worthy of happiness. She deserves an + honest young fellow like you for a husband. Now what would you do + supposing I were to make you a present of two hundred crowns to buy the + garden?” + </p> + <p> + “I should put it to my wife’s dowry.” + </p> + <p> + “Then here are the two hundred crowns. I shall give them to Momolo, as I + don’t know you well enough, though I think you are perfectly to be + trusted. The garden is yours, as part of your wife’s dowry.” + </p> + <p> + Momolo took the money, and promised to buy the garden the following day, + and the young man shedding tears of joy and gratitude fell on his knees + and kissed my hand. All the girls wept, as I myself did, for there’s a + contagion in such happy tears. Nevertheless, they did not all proceed from + the same source; some were virtuous and some vicious, and the young man’s + were the only ones whose source was pure and unalloyed. I lifted him from + the ground, kissed him, and wished him a happy marriage. He made bold to + ask me to his wedding, but I refused, thanking him kindly. I told him that + if he wanted to please me, he must come and sup at Momolo’s on the eve of + his wedding, and I begged the good scopatore to ask Mariuccia, her father + and mother as well. I was sure of seeing her for the last time on the + Sunday morning. + </p> + <p> + At seven o’clock on the Sunday morning we were in each other’s arms, with + four hours before us. After the first burst of mutual ardour she told me + that all arrangements had been made in her house the evening before, in + the presence of her confessor and of Momolo; and that on the receipt for + the two hundred crowns being handed in the notary had put the garden into + the settlement, and that the good father had made her a present of twenty + piastres towards defraying the notary’s fees and the wedding expenses. + </p> + <p> + “Everything is for the best, and I am sure I shall be happy. My intended + adores you, but you did wisely not to accept his invitation, for you would + have found everything so poor, and besides tongues might have been set + wagging to my disadvantage.” + </p> + <p> + “You are quite right, dearest, but what do you intend to do if your + husband finds that the door has been opened by someone else, for possibly + he expects you to be a maid.” + </p> + <p> + “I expect he will know no more about it than I did the first time you knew + me; besides, I do not feel that you have defiled me, and my clean + conscience will not allow me to think of the matter; and I am sure that he + will not think of it any more than I.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but if he does?” + </p> + <p> + “It would not be delicate on his part, but what should prevent me from + replying that I don’t know what he means?” + </p> + <p> + “You are right; that’s the best way. But have you told your confessor of + our mutual enjoyment?” + </p> + <p> + “No, for as I did not give myself up to you with any criminal intention, I + do not think I have offended God.” + </p> + <p> + “You are an angel, and I admire the clearness of your reasoning. But + listen to me; it’s possible that you are already with child, or that you + may become so this morning; promise to name the child after me.” + </p> + <p> + “I will do so.” + </p> + <p> + The four hours sped rapidly away. After the sixth assault we were wearied + though not satiated. We parted with tears, and swore to love each other as + brother and sister ever after. + </p> + <p> + I went home, bathed, slept an hour, rose, dressed, and dined pleasantly + with the family. In the evening I took the Mengs family for a drive in my + landau, and we then went to the theatre, where the castrato who played the + prima donna was a great attraction. He was the favourite pathic of + Cardinal Borghese, and supped every evening with his eminence. + </p> + <p> + This castrato had a fine voice, but his chief attraction was his beauty. I + had seen him in man’s clothes in the street, but though a fine-looking + fellow, he had not made any impression on me, for one could see at once + that he was only half a man, but on the stage in woman’s dress the + illusion was complete; he was ravishing. + </p> + <p> + He was enclosed in a carefully-made corset and looked like a nymph; and + incredible though it may seem, his breast was as beautiful as any woman’s; + it was the monster’s chiefest charm. However well one knew the fellow’s + neutral sex, as soon as one looked at his breast one felt all aglow and + quite madly amorous of him. To feel nothing one would have to be as cold + and impassive as a German. As he walked the boards, waiting for the + refrain of the air he was singing, there was something grandly voluptuous + about him; and as he glanced towards the boxes, his black eyes, at once + tender and modest, ravished the heart. He evidently wished to fan the + flame of those who loved him as a man, and probably would not have cared + for him if he had been a woman. + </p> + <p> + Rome the holy, which thus strives to make all men pederasts, denies the + fact, and will not believe in the effects of the glamour of her own + devising. + </p> + <p> + I made these reflections aloud, and an ecclesiastic, wishing to blind me + to the truth, spoke as follows:— + </p> + <p> + “You are quite right. Why should this castrato be allowed to shew his + breast, of which the fairest Roman lady might be proud, and yet wish + everyone to consider him as a man and not a woman? If the stage is + forbidden to the fair sex lest they excite desires, why do they seek out + men-monsters made in the form of women, who excite much more criminal + desires? They keep on preaching that pederasty is comparatively unknown + and entraps only a few, but many clever men endeavour to be entrapped, and + end by thinking it so pleasant that they prefer these monsters to the most + beautiful women.” + </p> + <p> + “The Pope would be sure of heaven if he put a stop to this scandalous + practice.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t agree with you. One could not have a pretty actress to supper + without causing a scandal, but such an invitation to a castrato makes + nobody talk. It is of course known perfectly well that after supper both + heads rest on one pillow, but what everybody knows is ignored by all. One + may sleep with a man out of mere friendship, it is not so with a woman.” + </p> + <p> + “True, monsignor, appearances are saved, and a sin concealed is half + pardoned, as they say in Paris.” + </p> + <p> + “At Rome we say it is pardoned altogether. ‘Peccato nascosto non + offende’.” + </p> + <p> + His jesuitical arguments interested me, for I knew that he was an avowed + partisan of the forbidden fruit. + </p> + <p> + In one of the boxes I saw the Marchioness Passarini (whom I had known at + Dresden) with Don Antonio Borghese, and I went to pay my addresses to + them. The prince, whom I had known at Paris ten years before, recognized + me, and asked me to dine with him on the following day. I went, but my + lord was not at home. A page told me that my place was laid at table, and + that I could dine just as if the prince was there, on which I turned my + back on him and went away. On Ash Wednesday he sent his man to ask me to + sup with him and the marchioness, who was his mistress, and I sent word + that I would not fail to come; but he waited for me in vain. Pride is the + daughter of folly, and always keeps its mother’s nature. + </p> + <p> + After the opera I went to Momolo’s, where I found Mariuccia, her father, + her mother, and her future husband. They were anxiously expecting me. It + is not difficult to make people happy when one selects for one’s bounty + persons who really deserve happiness. I was amidst poor but honest people, + and I can truly say that I had a delightful supper. It may be that some of + my enjoyment proceeded from a feeling of vanity, for I knew that I was the + author of the happiness depicted on the faces of the bride and bridegroom + and of the father and mother of Mariuccia; but when vanity causes good + deeds it is a virtue. Nevertheless, I owe it to myself to tell my readers + that my pleasure was too pure to have in it any admixture of vice. + </p> + <p> + After supper I made a small bank at faro, making everybody play with + counters, as nobody had a penny, and I was so fortunate as to make + everyone win a few ducats. + </p> + <p> + After the game we danced in spite of the prohibition of the Pope, whom no + Roman can believe to be infallible, for he forbids dancing and permits + games of chance. His successor Ganganelli followed the opposite course, + and was no better obeyed. To avoid suspicion I did not give the pair any + present, but I gave up my landau to them that they might enjoy the + carnival on the Corso, and I told Costa to get them a box at the Capranica + Theatre. Momolo asked me to supper on Shrove Tuesday. + </p> + <p> + I wished to leave Rome on the second day of Lent, and I called on the Holy + Father at a time when all Rome was on the Corso. His Holiness welcomed me + most graciously, and said he was surprised that I had not gone to see the + sights on the Corso like everybody else. I replied that as a lover of + pleasure I had chosen the greatest pleasure of all for a Christian—namely, + to kneel at the feet of the vicar of Christ on earth. He bowed with a kind + of majestic humility, which shewed me how the compliment had pleased him. + He kept me for more than an hour, talking about Venice, Padua, and Paris, + which latter city the worthy man would not have been sorry to have + visited. I again commended myself to his apostolic intercession to enable + me to return to my native country, and he replied,— + </p> + <p> + “Have recourse to God, dear son; His grace will be more efficacious than + my prayers;” and then he blessed me and wished me a prosperous journey. + </p> + <p> + I saw that the Head of the Church had no great opinion of his own power. + </p> + <p> + On Shrove Tuesday I dressed myself richly in the costume of Polichinello, + and rode along the Corso showering sweetmeats on all the pretty women I + saw. Finally I emptied the basket on the daughters of the worthy + ‘scopatore’, whom Costa was taking about in my landau with all the dignity + of a pasha. + </p> + <p> + At night-time I took off my costume and went to Momolo’s, where I expected + to see dear Mariuccia for the last time. Supper passed off in almost a + similar manner to the supper of last Sunday; but there was an interesting + novelty for me—namely, the sight of my beloved mistress in her + character of bride. Her husband seemed to be much more reserved with + respect to me than at our first meeting. I was puzzled by his behaviour, + and sat down by Mariuccia and proceeded to question her. She told me all + the circumstances which had passed on the first night, and she spoke + highly of her husband’s good qualities. He was kind, amorous, + good-tempered, and delicate. No doubt he must have noticed that the casket + had been opened, but he had said nothing about it. As he had spoken about + me, she had not been able to resist the pleasure of telling him that I was + her sole benefactor, at which, so far from being offended, he seemed to + trust in her more than ever. + </p> + <p> + “But has he not questioned you indirectly as to the connection between + us?” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all. I told him that you went to my confessor after having spoken + to me once only in the church, where I told you what a good chance I had + of being married to him.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you think he believed you?” + </p> + <p> + “I am not sure; however, even if it were otherwise, it is enough that he + pretends to, for I am determined to win his esteem.” + </p> + <p> + “You are right, and I think all the better of him for his suspicions, for + it is better to marry a man with some sense in his head than to marry a + fool.” + </p> + <p> + I was so pleased with what she told me that when I took leave of the + company I embraced the hairdresser, and drawing a handsome gold watch from + my fob I begged him to accept it as a souvenir of me. He received it with + the utmost gratitude. From my pocket I took a ring, worth at least six + hundred francs, and put it on his wife’s finger, wishing them a fair + posterity and all manner of happiness, and I then went home to bed, + telling Le Duc and Costa that we must begin to pack up next day. + </p> + <p> + I was just getting up when they brought me a note from Lord Lismore, + begging me to come and speak to him at noon at the Villa Borghese. + </p> + <p> + I had some suspicion of what he might want, and kept the appointment. I + felt in a mood to give him some good advice. Indeed, considering the + friendship between his mother and myself, it was my duty to do so. + </p> + <p> + He came up to me and gave me a letter he had received the evening before + from his mother. She told him that Paris de Monmartel had just informed + her that he was in possession of a bill for two hundred thousand francs + drawn by her son, and that he would honour it if she would furnish him + with the funds. She had replied that she would let him know in two or + three days if she could do so; but she warned her son that she had only + asked for this delay to give him time to escape, as the bill would + certainly be protested and returned, it being absolutely out of the + question for her to get the money. + </p> + <p> + “You had better make yourself scarce as soon as you can,” said I, + returning him the letter. + </p> + <p> + “Buy this ring, and so furnish me with the means for my escape. You would + not know that it was not my property if I had not told you so in + confidence.” + </p> + <p> + I made an appointment with him, and had the stone taken out and valued by + one of the best jewellers in Rome. + </p> + <p> + “I know this stone,” said he, “it is worth two thousand Roman crowns.” + </p> + <p> + At four o’clock I took the earl five hundred crowns in gold and fifteen + hundred crowns in paper, which he would have to take to a banker, who + would give him a bill of exchange in Amsterdam. + </p> + <p> + “I will be off at nightfall,” said he, “and travel by myself to Amsterdam, + only taking such effects as are absolutely necessary, and my beloved blue + ribbon.” + </p> + <p> + “A pleasant journey to you,” said I, and left him. In ten days I had the + stone mounted at Bologna. + </p> + <p> + I got a letter of introduction from Cardinal Albani for Onorati, the + nuncio at Florence, and another letter from M. Mengs to Sir Mann, whom he + begged to receive me in his house. I was going to Florence for the sake of + the Corticelli and my dear Therese, and I reckoned on the auditor’s + feigning to ignore my return, in spite of his unjust order, especially if + I were residing at the English minister’s. + </p> + <p> + On the second day of Lent the disappearance of Lord Lismore was the talk + of the town. The English tailor was ruined, the Jew who owned the ring was + in despair, and all the silly fellow’s servants were turned out of the + house in almost a state of nakedness, as the tailor had unceremoniously + taken possession of everything in the way of clothes that he could lay his + hands on. + </p> + <p> + Poor Poinsinet came to see me in a pitiable condition; he had only his + shirt and overcoat. He had been despoiled of everything, and threatened + with imprisonment. “I haven’t a farthing,” said the poor child of the + muses, “I have only the shirt on my back. I know nobody here, and I think + I shall go and throw myself into the Tiber.” + </p> + <p> + He was destined, not to be drowned in the Tiber but in the Guadalquivir. I + calmed him by offering to take him to Florence with me, but I warned him + that I must leave him there, as someone was expecting me at Florence. He + immediately took up his abode with me, and wrote verses incessantly till + it was time to go. + </p> + <p> + My brother Jean made me a present of an onyx of great beauty. It was a + cameo, representing Venus bathing, and a genuine antique, as the name of + the artist, Sostrates, was cut on the stone. Two years later I sold it to + Dr. Masti, at London, for three hundred pounds, and it is possibly still + in the British Museum. + </p> + <p> + I went my way with Poinsinet who amused me, in spite of his sadness, with + his droll fancies. In two days I got down at Dr. Vannini’s, who tried to + conceal his surprise at seeing me. I lost no time, but waited on Sir—— + Mann immediately, and found him sitting at table. He gave me a very + friendly reception, but he seemed alarmed when, in reply to his question, + I told him that my dispute with the auditor had not been arranged. He told + me plainly that he thought I had made a mistake in returning to Florence, + and that he would be compromised by my staying with him. I pointed out + that I was only passing through Florence. + </p> + <p> + “That’s all very well,” said he, “but you know you ought to call on the + auditor.” + </p> + <p> + I promised to do so, and returned to my lodging. I had scarcely shut the + door, when an agent of police came and told me that the auditor had + something to say to me, and would be glad to see me at an early hour next + morning. + </p> + <p> + I was enraged at this order, and determined to start forthwith rather than + obey. Full of this idea I called on Therese and found she was at Pisa. I + then went to see the Corticelli, who threw her arms round my neck, and + made use of the Bolognese grimaces appropriate to the occasion. To speak + the truth, although the girl was pretty, her chief merit in my eyes was + that she made me laugh. + </p> + <p> + I gave some money to her mother to get us a good supper, and I took the + girl out on pretence of going for a walk. I went with her to my lodging, + and left her with Poinsinet, and going to another room I summoned Costa + and Vannini. I told Costa in Vannini’s presence to go on with Le Duc and + my luggage the following day, and to call for me at the “Pilgrim” at + Bologna. I gave Vannini my instructions, and he left the room; and then I + ordered Costa to leave Florence with Signora Laura and her son, and to + tell them that I and the daughter were on in front. Le Duc received + similar orders, and calling Poinsinet I gave him ten Louis, and begged him + to look out for some other lodging that very evening. The worthy but + unfortunate young man wept grateful tears, and told me that he would set + out for Parma on foot next day, and that there M. Tillot would do something for him. + </p> + <p> + I went back to the next room, and told the Corticelli to come with me. She + did so under the impression that we were going back to her mother’s, but + without taking the trouble to undeceive her I had a carriage and pair got + ready, and told the postillion to drive to Uccellatoio, the first post on + the Bologna road. + </p> + <p> + “Where in the world are we going?” said she. + </p> + <p> + “Bologna.” + </p> + <p> + “How about mamma?” + </p> + <p> + “She will come on to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “Does she know about it?” + </p> + <p> + “No, but she will to-morrow when Costa comes to tell her, and to fetch her + and your brother.” + </p> + <p> + She liked the joke, and got into the carriage laughing, and we drove away. + </p> + <a name="linkD2HCH0011" id="linkD2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + My Arrival at Bologna—I Am Expelled from Modena—I Visit + Parma and Turin—The Pretty Jewess—The Dressmaker +</pre> + <p> + The Corticelli had a good warm mantle, but the fool who carried her off + had no cloak, even of the most meagre kind, to keep off the piercing cold, + which was increased by a keen wind blowing right in our faces. + </p> + <p> + In spite of all I would not halt, for I was afraid I might be pursued and + obliged to return, which would have greatly vexed me. + </p> + <p> + When I saw that the postillion was slackening his speed, I increased the + amount of the present I was going to make him, and once more we rushed + along at a headlong pace. I felt perishing with the cold; while the + postillions seeing me so lightly clad, and so prodigal of my money to + speed them on their way, imagined that I was a prince carrying off the + heiress of some noble family. We heard them talking to this effect while + they changed horses, and the Corticelli was so much amused that she did + nothing but laugh for the rest of the way. In five hours we covered forty + miles; we started from Florence at eight o’clock, and at one in the + morning we stopped at a post in the Pope’s territory, where I had nothing + to fear. The stage goes under the name of “The Ass Unburdened.” + </p> + <p> + The odd name of the inn made my mistress laugh afresh. Everybody was + asleep, but the noise I made and the distribution of a few paoli procured + me the privilege of a fire. I was dying of hunger, and they coolly told me + there was nothing to eat. I laughed in the landlord’s face, and told him + to bring me his butter, his eggs, his macaroni, a ham, and some Parmesan + cheese, for I knew that so much will be found in the inns all over Italy. + The repast was soon ready, and I shewed the idiot host that he had + materials for an excellent meal. We ate like four, and afterwards they + made up an impromptu bed and we went to sleep, telling them to call me as + soon as a carriage and four drew up. + </p> + <p> + Full of ham and macaroni, slightly warmed with the Chianti and + Montepulciano, and tired with our journey, we stood more in need of + slumber than of love, and so we gave ourselves up to sleep till morning. + Then we gave a few moments to pleasure, but it was so slight an affair as + not to be worth talking about. + </p> + <p> + At one o’clock we began to feel hungry again and got up, and the host + provided us with an excellent dinner, after receiving instructions from + me. I was astonished not to see the carriage draw up, but I waited + patiently all day. Night came on and still no coach, and I began to feel + anxious; but the Corticelli persisted in laughing at everything. Next + morning I sent off an express messenger with instructions for Costa. In + the event of any violence having taken place, I was resolved to return to + Florence, of which city I could at any time make myself free by the + expenditure of two hundred crowns. + </p> + <p> + The messenger started at noon, and returned at two o’clock with the news + that my servants would shortly be with me. My coach was on its way, and + behind it a smaller carriage with two horses, in which sat an old woman + and a young man. + </p> + <p> + “That’s the mother,” said Corticelli; “now we shall have some fun. Let’s + get something for them to eat, and be ready to hear the history of this + marvellous adventure which she will remember to her dying day.” + </p> + <p> + Costa told me that the auditor had revenged my contempt of his orders by + forbidding the post authorities to furnish any horses for my carriage. + Hence the delay. But here we heard the allocution of the Signora Laura. + </p> + <p> + “I got an excellent supper ready,” she began, “according to your orders; + it cost me more than ten paoli, as I shall shew you, and I hope you will + make it up to me as I’m but a poor woman. All was ready and I joyfully + expected you, but in vain; I was in despair. At last when midnight came I + sent my son to your lodging to enquire after you, but you may imagine my + grief when I heard that nobody knew what had become of you. I passed a + sleepless night, weeping all the time, and in the morning I went and + complained to the police that you had taken off my daughter, and asked + them to send after you and make you give her back to me. But only think, + they laughed at me! ‘Why did you let her go out without you?’ laughing in + my face. ‘Your daughter’s in good hands,’ says another, ‘you know + perfectly well where she is.’ In fact I was grossly slandered.” + </p> + <p> + “Slandered?” said the Corticelli. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, slandered, for it was as much as to say that I had consented to your + being carried off, and if I had done that the fools might have known I + would not have come to them about it. I went away in a rage to Dr. + Vannini’s, where I found your man, who told me that you had gone to + Bologna, and that I could follow you if I liked. I consented to this plan, + and I hope you will pay my travelling expenses. But I can’t help telling + you that this is rather beyond a joke.” + </p> + <p> + I consoled her by telling her I would pay all she had spent, and we set + off for Bologna the next day, and reached that town at an early hour. I + sent my servants to the inn with my carriage, and I went to lodge with the + Corticelli. + </p> + <p> + I spent a week with the girl, getting my meals from the inn, and enjoying + a diversity of pleasures which I shall remember all my days; my young + wanton had a large circle of female friends, all pretty and all kind. I + lived with them like a sultan, and still I delight to recall this happy + time, and I say with a sigh, ‘Tempi passati’! + </p> + <p> + There are many towns in Italy where one can enjoy all the pleasures + obtainable at Bologna; but nowhere so cheaply, so easily, or with so much + freedom. The living is excellent, and there are arcades where one can walk + in the shade in learned and witty company. It is a great pity that either + from the air, the water, or the wine—for men of science have not + made up their minds on the subject persons who live at Bologna are subject + to a slight itch. The Bolognese, however, far from finding this + unpleasant, seem to think it an advantage; it gives them the pleasure of + scratching themselves. In springtime the ladies distinguish themselves by + the grace with which they use their fingers. + </p> + <p> + Towards mid-Lent I left the Corticelli, wishing her a pleasant journey, + for she was going to fulfil a year’s engagement at Prague as second + dancer. I promised to fetch her and her mother to Paris, and my readers + will see how I kept my word. + </p> + <p> + I got to Modena the evening after I left Bologna, and I stopped there, + with one of those sudden whims to which I have always been subject. Next + morning I went out to see the pictures, and as I was returning to my + lodging for dinner a blackguardly-looking fellow came up and ordered me, + on the part of the Government, to continue my journey on the day following + at latest. + </p> + <p> + “Very good,” said I, and the fellow went away. + </p> + <p> + “Who is that man?” I said to the landlord. “A SPY.” + </p> + <p> + “A spy; and the Government dares to send such a fellow to me?” + </p> + <p> + “The ‘borgello’ must have sent him.” + </p> + <p> + “Then the ‘borgello’ is the Governor of Modena—the infamous wretch!” + </p> + <p> + “Hush! hush! all the best families speak to him in the street.” + </p> + <p> + “Then the best people are very low here, I suppose?” + </p> + <p> + “Not more than anywhere else. He is the manager of the opera house, and + the greatest noblemen dine with him and thus secure his favour.” + </p> + <p> + “It’s incredible! But why should the high and mighty borgello send me away + from Modena?” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know, but do you take my advice and go and speak to him; you will + find him a fine fellow.” + </p> + <p> + Instead of going to see this b. . . . I called on the Abbe Testa Grossa, + whom I had known at Venice in 1753. Although he was a man of low + extraction he had a keen wit. At this time he was old and resting on his + laurels; he had fought his way into favour by the sheer force of merit, + and his master, the Duke of Modena, had long chosen him as his + representative with other powers. + </p> + <p> + Abbe Testa Grossa recognized me and gave me the most gracious reception, + but when he heard of what had befallen me he seemed much annoyed. + </p> + <p> + “What can I do?” said I. + </p> + <p> + “You had better go, as the man may put a much more grievous insult on + you.” + </p> + <p> + “I will do so, but could you oblige me by telling me the reason for such a + high-handed action?” + </p> + <p> + “Come again this evening; I shall probably be able to satisfy you.” + </p> + <p> + I called on the abbe again in the evening, for I felt anxious to learn in + what way I had offended the lord borgello, to whom I thought I was quite + unknown. The abbe satisfied me. + </p> + <p> + “The borgello,” said he, “saw your name on the bill which he receives + daily containing a list of the names of those who enter or leave the city. + He remembered that you were daring enough to escape from The Leads, and as + he does not at all approve of that sort of thing he resolved not to let + the Modenese be contaminated by so egregious an example of the defiance of + justice, however unjust it may be; and in short he has given you the order + to leave the town.” + </p> + <p> + “I am much obliged, but I really wonder how it is that while you were + telling me this you did not blush to be a subject of the Duke of Modena’s. + What an unworthy action! How contrary is such a system of government to + all the best interests of the state!” + </p> + <p> + “You are quite right, my dear sir, but I am afraid that as yet men’s eyes + are not open to what best serves their interests.” + </p> + <p> + “That is doubtless due to the fact that so many men are unworthy.” + </p> + <p> + “I will not contradict you.” + </p> + <p> + “Farewell, abbe.” + </p> + <p> + “Farewell, M. Casanova.” + </p> + <p> + Next morning, just as I was going to get into my carriage, a young man + between twenty-five and thirty, tall and strong and broad shouldered, his + eyes black and glittering, his eyebrows strongly arched, and his general + air being that of a cut-throat, accosted me and begged me to step aside + and hear what he had to say. + </p> + <p> + “If you like to stop at Parma for three days, and if you will promise to + give me fifty sequins when I bring you the news that the borgello is dead, + I promise to shoot him within the next twenty-four hours.” + </p> + <p> + “Thanks. Such an animal as that should be allowed to die a natural death. + Here’s a crown to drink my health.” + </p> + <p> + At the present time I feel very thankful that I acted as I did, but I + confess that if I had felt sure that it was not a trap I should have + promised the money. The fear of committing myself spared me this crime. + </p> + <p> + The next day I got to Parma, and I put up at the posting-house under the + name of the Chevalier de Seingalt, which I still bear. When an honest man + adopts a name which belongs to no one, no one has a right to contest his + use of it; it becomes a man’s duty to keep the name. I had now borne it + for two years, but I often subjoined to it my family name. + </p> + <p> + When I got to Parma I dismissed Costa, but in a week after I had the + misfortune to take him on again. His father, who was a poor violin player, + as I had once been, with a large family to provide for, excited my pity. + </p> + <p> + I made enquiries about M. Antonio, but he had left the place; and M. + Dubois Chalelereux, Director of the Mint, had gone to Venice with the + permission of the Duke of Parma, to set up the beam, which was never + brought into use. Republics are famous for their superstitious attachment + to old customs; they are afraid that changes for the better may destroy + the stability of the state, and the government of aristocratic Venice + still preserves its original Greek character. + </p> + <p> + My Spaniard was delighted when I dismissed Costa and proportionately sorry + when I took him back. + </p> + <p> + “He’s no profligate,” said Le Duc; “he is sober, and has no liking for bad + company. But I think he’s a robber, and a dangerous robber, too. I know + it, because he seems so scrupulously careful not to cheat you in small + things. Remember what I say, sir; he will do you. He is waiting to gain + your confidence, and then he will strike home. Now, I am quite a different + sort of fellow, a rogue in a small way; but you know me.” + </p> + <p> + His insight was, keener than mine, for five or six months later the + Italian robbed me of fifty thousand crowns. Twenty-three years afterwards, + in 1784, I found him in Venice, valet to Count Hardegg, and I felt + inclined to have him hanged. I shewed him by proof positive that I could + do so if I liked; but he had resource to tears and supplications, and to + the intercession of a worthy man named Bertrand, who lived with the + ambassador of the King of Sardinia. I esteemed this individual, and he + appealed to me successfully to pardon Costa. I asked the wretch what he + had done with the gold and jewels he had stolen from me, and he told me + that he had lost the whole of it in furnishing funds for a bank at Biribi, + that he had been despoiled by his own associates, and had been poor and + miserable ever since. + </p> + <p> + In the same year in which he robbed me he married Momolo’s daughter, and + after making her a mother he abandoned her. + </p> + <p> + To pursue our story. + </p> + <p> + At Turin I lodged in a private house with the Abbe Gama, who had been + expecting me. In spite of the good abbe’s sermon on economy, I took the + whole of the first floor, and a fine suite it was. + </p> + <p> + We discussed diplomatic topics, and he assured me that I should be + accredited in May, and that he would give me instructions as to the part I + was to play. I was pleased with his commission, and I told the abbe that I + should be ready to go to Augsburg whenever the ambassadors of the + belligerent powers met there. + </p> + <p> + After making the necessary arrangements with my landlady with regard to my + meals I went to a coffeehouse to read the papers, and the first person I + saw was the Marquis Desarmoises, whom I had known in Savoy. The first + thing he said was that all games of chance were forbidden, and that the + ladies I had met would no doubt be delighted to see me. As for himself, he + said that he lived by playing backgammon, though he was not at all lucky + at it, as talent went for more than luck at that game. I can understand + how, if fortune is neutral, the best player will win, but I do not see how + the contrary can take place. + </p> + <p> + We went for a walk in the promenade leading to the citadel, where I saw + numerous extremely pretty women. In Turin the fair sex is most delightful, + but the police regulations are troublesome to a degree. Owing to the town + being a small one and thinly peopled, the police spies find out + everything. Thus one cannot enjoy any little freedoms without great + precautions and the aid of cunning procuresses, who have to be well paid, + as they would be cruelly punished if they were found out. No prostitutes + and no kept women are allowed, much to the delight of the married women, + and with results which the ignorant police might have anticipated. As well + be imagined, pederasty has a fine field in this town, where the passions + are kept under lock and key. + </p> + <p> + Amongst the beauties I looked at, one only attracted me. I asked + Desarmoises her name, as he knew all of them. + </p> + <p> + “That’s the famous Leah,” said he; “she is a Jewess, and impregnable. She + has resisted the attacks of the best strategists in Turin. Her father’s a + famous horse-dealer; you can go and see her easily enough, but there’s + nothing to be done there.” + </p> + <p> + The greater the difficulty the more I felt spurred on to attempt it. + </p> + <p> + “Take me there,” said I, to Desarmoises. + </p> + <p> + “As soon as you please.” + </p> + <p> + I asked him to dine with me, and we were on our way when we met M. Zeroli + and two or three other persons whom I had met at Aix. I gave and received + plenty of compliments, but not wishing to pay them any visits I excused + myself on the pretext of business. + </p> + <p> + When we had finished dinner Desarmoises took me to the horse-dealer’s. I + asked if he had a good saddle horse. He called a lad and gave his orders, + and whilst he was speaking the charming daughter appeared on the scene. + She was dazzlingly beautiful, and could not be more than twenty-two. Her + figure was as lissom as a nymph’s, her hair a raven black, her complexion + a meeting of the lily and the rose, her eyes full of fire, her lashes + long, and her eye-brows so well arched that they seemed ready to make war + on any who would dare the conquest of her charms. All about her betokened + an educated mind and knowledge of the world. + </p> + <p> + I was so absorbed in the contemplation of her charms that I did not notice + the horse when it was brought to me. However, I proceeded to scrutinise + it, pretending to be an expert, and after feeling the knees and legs, + turning back the ears, and looking at the teeth, I tested its behaviour at + a walk, a trot, and a gallop, and then told the Jew that I would come and + try it myself in top-boots the next day. The horse was a fine dappled bay, + and was priced at forty Piedmontese pistoles—about a hundred + sequins. + </p> + <p> + “He is gentleness itself,” said Leah, “and he ambles as fast as any other + horse trots.” + </p> + <p> + “You have ridden it, then?” + </p> + <p> + “Often, sir, and if I were rich I would never sell him.” + </p> + <p> + “I won’t buy the horse till I have seen you ride it.” + </p> + <p> + She blushed at this. + </p> + <p> + “You must oblige the gentleman,” said her father. She consented to do so, + and I promised to come again at nine o’clock the next day. + </p> + <p> + I was exact to time, as may be imagined, and I found Leah in riding + costume. What proportions! What a Venus Callipyge! I was captivated. + </p> + <p> + Two horses were ready, and she leapt on hers with the ease and grace of a + practised rider, and I got up on my horse. We rode together for some + distance. The horse went well enough, but what of that; all my eyes were + for her. + </p> + <p> + As we were turning, I said,— + </p> + <p> + “Fair Leah, I will buy the horse, but as a present for you; and if you + will not take it I shall leave Turin today. The only condition I attach to + the gift is, that you will ride with me whenever I ask you.” + </p> + <p> + I saw she seemed favourably inclined to my proposal, so I told her that I + should stay six weeks at Turin, that I had fallen in love with her on the + promenade, and that the purchase of the horse had been a mere pretext for + discovering to her my feelings. She replied modestly that she was vastly + flattered by the liking I had taken to her, and that I need not have made + her such a present to assure myself of her friendship. + </p> + <p> + “The condition you impose on me is an extremely pleasant one, and I am + sure that my father will like me to accept it.” + </p> + <p> + To this she added,— + </p> + <p> + “All I ask is for you to make me the present before him, repeating that + you will only buy it on the condition that I will accept it.” + </p> + <p> + I found the way smoother than I had expected, and I did what she asked me. + Her father, whose name was Moses, thought it a good bargain, congratulated + his daughter, took the forty pistoles and gave me a receipt, and begged me + to do them the honour of breakfasting with them the next day. This was + just what I wanted. + </p> + <p> + The following morning Moses received me with great respect. Leah, who was + in her ordinary clothes, told me that if I liked to ride she would put on + her riding habit. + </p> + <p> + “Another day,” said I; “to-day I should like to converse with you in your + own house.” + </p> + <p> + But the father, who was as greedy as most Jews are, said that if I liked + driving he could sell me a pretty phaeton with two excellent horses. + </p> + <p> + “You must shew them to the gentleman,” said Leah, possibly in concert with + her father. + </p> + <p> + Moses said nothing, but went out to get the horses harnessed. + </p> + <p> + “I will look at them,” I said to Leah, “but I won’t buy, as I should not + know what to do with them.” + </p> + <p> + “You can take your lady-love out for a drive.” + </p> + <p> + “That would be you; but perhaps you would be afraid!” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all, if you drove in the country or the suburbs.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good, Leah, then I will look at them.” + </p> + <p> + The father came in, and we went downstairs. I liked the carriage and the + horses, and I told Leah so. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Moses, “you can have them now for four hundred sequins, but + after Easter the price will be five hundred sequins at least.” + </p> + <p> + Leah got into the carriage, and I sat beside her, and we went for an + hour’s drive into the country. I told Moses I would give him an answer by + the next day, and he went about his business, while Leah and I went + upstairs again. + </p> + <p> + “It’s quite worth four hundred sequins,” said I, “and to-morrow I will buy + it with pleasure; but on the same condition as that on which I bought the + horse, and something more—namely, that you will grant me all the + favours that a tender lover can desire.” + </p> + <p> + “You speak plainly, and I will answer you in the same way. I’m an honest + girl, sir, and not for sale.” + </p> + <p> + “All women, dear Leah, whether they are honest or not, are for sale. When + a man has plenty of time he buys the woman his heart desires by + unremitting attentions; but when he’s in a hurry he buys her with + presents, and even with money.” + </p> + <p> + “Then he’s a clumsy fellow; he would do better to let sentiment and + attention plead his cause and gain the victory.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish I could give myself that happiness, fair Leah, but I’m in a great + hurry.” + </p> + <p> + As I finished this sentence her father came in, and I left the house + telling him that if I could not come the next day I would come the day + after, and that we could talk about the phaeton then. + </p> + <p> + It was plain that Leah thought I was lavish of my money, and would make a + capital dupe. She would relish the phaeton, as she had relished the horse, + but I knew that I was not quite such a fool as that. It had not cost me + much trouble to resolve to chance the loss of a hundred sequins, but + beyond that I wanted some value for my money. + </p> + <p> + I temporarily suspended my visits to see how Leah and her father would + settle it amongst themselves. I reckoned on the Jew’s greediness to work + well for me. He was very fond of money, and must have been angry that his + daughter had not made me buy the phaeton by some means or another, for so + long as the phaeton was bought the rest would be perfectly indifferent to + him. I felt almost certain that they would come and see me. + </p> + <p> + The following Saturday I saw the fair Jewess on the promenade. We were + near enough for me to accost her without seeming to be anxious to do so, + and her look seemed to say, “Come.” + </p> + <p> + “We see no more of you now,” said she, “but come and breakfast with me + to-morrow, or I will send you back the horse.” + </p> + <p> + I promised to be with her in good time, and, as the reader will imagine, I + kept my word. + </p> + <p> + The breakfast party was almost confined to ourselves, for though her aunt + was present she was only there for decency’s sake. After breakfast we + resolved to have a ride, and she changed her clothes before me, but also + before her aunt. She first put on her leather breeches, then let her + skirts fall, took off her corset, and donned a jacket. With seeming + indifference I succeeded in catching a glimpse of a magnificent breast; + but the sly puss knew how much my indifference was worth. + </p> + <p> + “Will you arrange my frill?” said she. + </p> + <p> + This was a warm occupation for me, and I am afraid my hand was indiscreet. + Nevertheless, I thought I detected a fixed design under all this seeming + complaisance, and I was on my guard. + </p> + <p> + Her father came up just as we were getting on horseback. + </p> + <p> + “If you will buy the phaeton and horses,” said he, “I will abate twenty + sequins.” + </p> + <p> + “All that depends on your daughter,” said I. + </p> + <p> + We set off at a walk, and Leah told me that she had been imprudent enough + to confess to her father that she could make me buy the carriage, and that + if I did not wish to embroil her with him I would be kind enough to + purchase it. + </p> + <p> + “Strike the bargain,” said she, “and you can give it me when you are sure + of my love.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear Leah, I am your humble servant, but you know on what condition.” + </p> + <p> + “I promise to drive out with you whenever you please, without getting out + of the carriage, but I know you would not care for that. No, your + affection was only a temporary caprice.” + </p> + <p> + “To convince you of the contrary I will buy the phaeton and put it in a + coach-house. I will see that the horses are taken care of, though I shall + not use them. But if you do not make me happy in the course of a week I + shall re-sell the whole.” + </p> + <p> + “Come to us to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “I will do so, but I trust have some pledge of your affection this + morning.” + </p> + <p> + “This morning? It’s impossible.” + </p> + <p> + “Excuse me; I will go upstairs with you, and you can shew me more than one + kindness while you are undressing.” + </p> + <p> + We came back, and I was astonished to hear her telling her father that the + phaeton was mine, and all he had to do was to put in the horses. The Jew + grinned, and we all went upstairs, and Leah coolly said,— + </p> + <p> + “Count out the money.” + </p> + <p> + “I have not any money about me, but I will write you a cheque, if you + like.” + </p> + <p> + “Here is paper.” + </p> + <p> + I wrote a cheque on Zappata for three hundred sequins, payable at sight. + The Jew went off to get the money, and Leah remained alone with me. + </p> + <p> + “You have trusted me,” she said, “and have thus shewn yourself worthy of + my love.” + </p> + <p> + “Then undress, quick!” + </p> + <p> + “No, my aunt is about the house; and as I cannot shut the door without + exciting suspicion, she might come in; but I promise that you shall be + content with me tomorrow. Nevertheless, I am going to undress, but you + must go in this closet; you may come back when I have got my woman’s + clothes on again.” + </p> + <p> + I agreed to this arrangement, and she shut me in. I examined the door, and + discovered a small chink between the boards. I got on a stool, and saw + Leah sitting on a sofa opposite to me engaged in undressing herself. She + took off her shift and wiped her breasts and her feet with a towel, and + just as she had taken off her breeches, and was as naked as my hand, one + of her rings happened to slip off her finger, and rolled under the sofa. + She got up, looked to right and left, and then stooped to search under the + sofa, and to do this she had to kneel with her head down. When she got + back to couch, the towel came again into requisition, and she wiped + herself all over in such a manner that all her charms were revealed to my + eager eyes. I felt sure that she knew I was a witness of all these + operations, and she probably guessed what a fire the sight would kindle in + my inflammable breast. + </p> + <p> + At last her toilette was finished, and she let me out. I clasped her in my + arms, with the words, “I have seen everything.” She pretended not to + believe me, so I shewed her the chink, and was going to obtain my just + dues, when the accursed Moses came in. He must have been blind or he would + have seen the state his daughter had put me in; however, he thanked me, + and gave me a receipt for the money, saying, “Everything in my poor house + is at your service.” + </p> + <p> + I bade them adieu, and I went away in an ill temper. I got into my + phaeton, and drove home and told the coachman to find me a stable for the + horses and a coach-house for the carriage. + </p> + <p> + I did not expect to see Leah again, and I felt enraged with her. She had + pleased me only too much by her voluptuous attitudes, but she had set up + an irritation wholly hostile to Love. She had made Love a robber, and the + hungry boy had consented, but afterwards, when he craved more substantial + fare, she refused him, and ardour was succeeded by contempt. Leah did not + want to confess herself to be what she really was, and my love would not + declare itself knavish. + </p> + <p> + I made the acquaintance of an amiable chevalier, a soldier, a man of + letters, and a great lover of horses, who introduced me to several + pleasant families. However, I did not cultivate them, as they only offered + me the pleasures of sentiment, while I longed for lustier fare for which I + was willing to pay heavily. The Chevalier de Breze was not the man for me; + he was too respectable for a profligate like myself. He bought the phaeton + and horses, and I only lost thirty sequins by the transaction. + </p> + <p> + A certain M. Baretti, who had known me at Aix, and had been the Marquis de + Pries croupier, took me to see the Mazzoli, formerly a dancer, and then + mistress to the Chevalier Raiberti, a hardheaded but honest man, who was + then secretary for foreign affairs. Although the Mazzoli was by no means + pretty, she was extremely complaisant, and had several girls at her house + for me to see; but I did not think any of them worthy of occupying Leah’s + place. I fancied I no longer loved Leah, but I was wrong. + </p> + <p> + The Chevalier Cocona, who had the misfortune to be suffering from a + venereal disease, gave me up his mistress, a pretty little ‘soubrette’; + but in spite of the evidence of my own eyes, and in spite of the + assurances she gave me, I could not make up my mind to have her, and my + fear made me leave her untouched. Count Trana, a brother of the + chevalier’s whom I had known at Aix, introduced me to Madame de Sc——, + a lady of high rank and very good-looking, but she tried to involve me in + a criminal transaction, and I ceased to call on her. Shortly after, Count + Trana’s uncle died and he became rich and got married, but he lived an + unhappy life. + </p> + <p> + I was getting bored, and Desarmoises, who had all his meals with me, did + not know what to do. At last he advised me to make the acquaintance of a + certain Madame R——, a Frenchwoman, and well known in Turin as + a milliner and dressmaker. She had six or eight girls working for her in a + room adjoining her shop. Desarmoises thought that if I got in there I + might possibly be able to find one to my taste. As my purse was well + furnished I thought I should not have much difficulty, so I called on + Madame R——. I was agreeably surprised to find Leah there, + bargaining for a quantity of articles, all of which she pronounced to be + too dear. She told me kindly but reproachfully that she had thought I must + be ill. + </p> + <p> + “I have been very busy,” I said; and felt all my old ardour revive. She + asked me to come to a Jewish wedding, where there would be a good many + people and several pretty girls. I knew that ceremonies of this kind are + very amusing, and I promised to be present. She proceeded with her + bargaining, but the price was still too high and she left the shop. Madame + R—— was going to put back all the trifles in their places, but + I said,— + </p> + <p> + “I will take the lot myself.” + </p> + <p> + She smiled, and I drew out my purse and paid the money. + </p> + <p> + “Where do you live, sir?” said she; “and when shall I send you your + purchases?” + </p> + <p> + “You may bring them to-morrow yourself, and do me the honour of + breakfasting with me.” + </p> + <p> + “I can never leave the shop, sir.” In spite of her thirty-five years, + Madame R—— was still what would be called a tasty morsel, and + she had taken my fancy. + </p> + <p> + “I want some dark lace,” said I. + </p> + <p> + “Then kindly follow me, sir.” + </p> + <p> + I was delighted when I entered the room to see a lot of young work-girls, + all charming, hard at work, and scarcely daring to look at me. Madame R—— + opened several cupboards, and showed me some magnificent lace. I was + distracted by the sight of so many delicious nymphs, and I told her that I + wanted the lace for two ‘baoutes’ in the Venetian style. She knew what I + meant. The lace cost me upwards of a hundred sequins. Madame R—— + told two of her girls to bring me the lace the next day, together with the + goods which Leah had thought too dear. They meekly replied,— + </p> + <p> + “Yes, mother.” + </p> + <p> + They rose and kissed the mother’s hand, which I thought a ridiculous + ceremony; however, it gave me an opportunity of examining them, and I + thought them delicious. We went back to the shop, and sitting down by the + counter I enlarged on the beauty of the girls, adding, though not with + strict truth, that I vastly preferred their mistress. She thanked me for + the compliment and told me plainly that she had a lover, and soon after + named him. He was the Comte de St. Giles, an infirm and elderly man, and + by no means a model lover. I thought Madame R—— was jesting, + but next day I ascertained that she was speaking the truth. Well, everyone + to his taste, and I suspect that she was more in love with the count’s + purse than his person. I had met him at the “Exchange” coffeehouse. + </p> + <p> + The next day the two pretty milliners brought me my goods. I offered them + chocolate, but they firmly and persistently declined. The fancy took me to + send them to Leah with all the things she had chosen, and I bade them + return and tell me what sort of a reception they had had. They said they + would do so, and waited for me to write her a note. + </p> + <p> + I could not give them the slightest mark of affection. I dared not shut + the door, and the mistress and the ugly young woman of the house kept + going and coming all the time; but when they came back I waited for them + on the stairs, and giving them a sequin each told each of them that she + might command my heart if she would. Leah had accepted my handsome present + and sent to say that she was waiting for me. + </p> + <p> + As I was walking aimlessly about in the afternoon I happened to pass the + milliner’s shop, and Madame R—— saw me and made me come in and + sit down beside her. + </p> + <p> + “I am really much obliged to you,” said she, “for your kindness to my + girls. They came home enchanted. Tell me frankly whether you are really in + love with the pretty Jewess.” + </p> + <p> + “I am really in love with her, but as she will not make me happy I have + signed my own dismissal.” + </p> + <p> + “You were quite right. All Leah thinks of is duping those who are + captivated by her charms.” + </p> + <p> + “Do not your charming apprentices follow your maxims?” + </p> + <p> + “No; but they are only complaisant when I give them leave.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I commend myself to your intercession, for they would not even take + a cup of chocolate from me.” + </p> + <p> + “They were perfectly right not to accept your chocolate: but I see you do + not know the ways of Turin. Do you find yourself comfortable in your + present lodging?” + </p> + <p> + “Quite so.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you perfectly free to do what you like?” + </p> + <p> + “I think so.” + </p> + <p> + “Can you give supper to anyone you like in your own rooms? I am certain + you can’t.” + </p> + <p> + “I have not had the opportunity of trying the experiment so far, but I + believe . . . .” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t flatter yourself by believing anything; that house is full of the + spies of the police.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you think that I could not give you and two or three of your girls a + little supper?” + </p> + <p> + “I should take very good care not to go to it, that’s all I know. By next + morning it would be known to all the town, and especially to the police.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, supposing I look out for another lodging?” + </p> + <p> + “It’s the same everywhere. Turin is a perfect nest of spies; but I do know + a house where you could live at ease, and where my girls might perhaps be + able to bring you your purchases. But we should have to be very careful.” + </p> + <p> + “Where is the house I will be guided by you in everything.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t trust a Piedmontese; that’s the first commandment here.” + </p> + <p> + She then gave me the address of a small furnished house, which was only + inhabited by an old door-keeper and his wife. + </p> + <p> + “They will let it you by the month,” said she, “and if you pay a month in + advance you need not even tell them your name.” + </p> + <p> + I found the house to be a very pretty one, standing in a lonely street at + about two hundred paces from the citadel. One gate, large enough to admit + a carriage, led into the country. I found everything to be as Madame R—— + had described it. I paid a month in advance without any bargaining, and in + a day I had settled in my new lodging. Madame R—— admired my + celerity. + </p> + <p> + I went to the Jewish wedding and enjoyed myself, for there is something at + once solemn and ridiculous about the ceremony; but I resisted all Leah’s + endeavours to get me once more into her meshes. I hired a close carriage + from her father, which with the horses I placed in the coach-house and + stables of my new house. Thus I was absolutely free to go whenever I would + by night or by day, for I was at once in the town and in the country. I + was obliged to tell the inquisitive Gama where I was living, and I hid + nothing from Desarmoises, whose needs made him altogether dependent on me. + Nevertheless I gave orders that my door was shut to them as to everyone + else, unless I had given special instructions that they were to be + admitted. I had no reason to doubt the fidelity of my two servants. + </p> + <p> + In this blissful abode I enjoyed all Mdlle. R——‘s girls, one + after the other. The one I wanted always brought a companion, whom I + usually sent back after giving her a slice of the cake. The last of them, + whose name was Victorine, as fair as day and as soft as a dove, had the + misfortune to be tied, though she knew nothing about it. Mdlle. R——, + who was equally ignorant on the subject, had represented her to me as a + virgin, and so I thought her for two long hours in which I strove with + might and main to break the charm, or rather open the shell. All my + efforts were in vain. I was exhausted at last, and I wanted to see in what + the obstacle consisted. I put her in the proper position, and armed with a + candle I began my scrutiny. I found a fleshy membrane pierced by so small + a hole that large pin’s head could scarcely have gone through. Victorine + encouraged me to force a passage with my little finger, but in vain I + tried to pierce this wall, which nature had made impassable by all + ordinary means. I was tempted to see what I could do with a bistoury, and + the girl wanted me to try, but I was afraid of the haemorrhage which might + have been dangerous, and I wisely refrained. + </p> + <p> + Poor Victorine, condemned to die a maid, unless some clever surgeon + performed the same operation that was undergone by Mdlle. Cheruffini + shortly after M. Lepri married her, wept when I said,— + </p> + <p> + “My dear child, your little Hymen defies the most vigorous lover to enter + his temple.” + </p> + <p> + But I consoled her by saying that a good surgeon could easily make a + perfect woman of her. + </p> + <p> + In the morning I told Madame R—— of the case. + </p> + <p> + She laughed and said,— + </p> + <p> + “It may prove a happy accident for Victorine; it may make her fortune.” + </p> + <p> + A few years after the Count of Padua had her operated on, and made her + fortune. When I came back from Spain I found that she was with child, so + that I could not exact the due reward for all the trouble I had taken with + her. + </p> + <p> + Early in the morning on Maunday Thursday they told me that Moses and Leah + wanted to see me. I had not expected to see them, but I welcomed them + warmly. Throughout Holy Week the Jews dared not shew themselves in the + streets of Turin, and I advised them to stay with me till the Saturday. + Moses began to try and get me to purchase a ring from him, and I judged + from that that I should not have to press them very much. + </p> + <p> + “I can only buy this ring from Leah’s hands,” said I. + </p> + <p> + He grinned, thinking doubtless that I intended to make her a present of + it, but I was resolved to disappoint him. I gave them a magnificent dinner + and supper, and in the evening they were shewn a double-bedded room not + far from mine. I might have put them in different rooms, and Leah in a + room adjoining mine, which would have facilitated any nocturnal + excursions; but after all I had done for her I was resolved to owe nothing + to a surprise; she should come of herself. + </p> + <p> + The next day Moses (who noticed that I had not yet bought the ring) was + obliged to go out on business, and asked for the loan of my carriage for + the whole day, telling me that he would come for his daughter in the + evening. I had the horses harnessed, and when he was gone I bought the + ring for six hundred sequins, but on my own terms. I was in my own house, + and Leah could not deceive me. As soon as the father was safely out of the + way I possessed myself of the daughter. She proved a docile and amorous + subject the whole day. I had reduced her to a state of nature, and though + her body was as perfect as can well be imagined I used it and abused it in + every way imaginable. In the evening her father found her looking rather + tired, but he seemed as pleased as I was. Leah was not quite so well + satisfied, for till the moment of their departure she was expecting me to + give her the ring, but I contented myself with saying that I should like + to reserve myself the pleasure of taking it to her. + </p> + <p> + On Easter Monday a man brought me a note summoning me to appear at the + police office. + </p> + <a name="linkD2HCH0012" id="linkD2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + My Victory Over the Deputy Chief of Police—My Departure— + Chamberi—Desarmoises’s Daughter—M. Morin—M * * * M * * *— + At Aix—The Young Boarder—Lyons—Paris +</pre> + <p> + This citation, which did not promise to lead to anything agreeable, + surprised and displeased me exceedingly. However, I could not avoid it, so + I drove to the office of the deputy-superintendent of police. I found him + sitting at a long table, surrounded by about a score of people in a + standing posture. He was a man of sixty, hideously ugly, his enormous nose + half destroyed by an ulcer hidden by a large black silk plaster, his mouth + of huge dimensions, his lips thick, with small green eyes and eyebrows + which had partly turned white. As soon as this disgusting fellow saw me, + he began,— + </p> + <p> + “You are the Chevalier de Seingalt?” + </p> + <p> + “That is my name, and I have come here to ask how I can oblige you?” + </p> + <p> + “I have summoned you here to order you to leave the place in three days at + latest.” + </p> + <p> + “And as you have no right to give such an order, I have come here to tell + you that I shall go when I please, and not before.” + </p> + <p> + “I will expel you by force.” + </p> + <p> + “You may do that whenever you please. I cannot resist force, but I trust + you will give the matter a second thought; for in a well-ordered city they + do not expel a man who has committed no crimes, and has a balance of a + hundred thousand francs at the bank.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good, but in three days you have plenty of time to pack up and + arrange matters with your banker. I advise you to obey, as the command + comes from the king.” + </p> + <p> + “If I were to leave the town I should become accessory to your injustice! + I will not obey, but since you mention the king’s name, I will go to his + majesty at once, and he will deny your words or revoke the unjust order + you have given me with such publicity.” + </p> + <p> + “Pray, does not the king possess the power to make you go?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, by force, but not by justice. He has also the power to kill me, but + he would have to provide the executioner, as he could not make me commit + suicide.” + </p> + <p> + “You argue well, but nevertheless you will obey.” + </p> + <p> + “I argue well, but I did not learn the art from you, and I will not obey.” + </p> + <p> + With these words I turned my back on him, and left without another word. + </p> + <p> + I was in a furious rage. I felt inclined to offer overt resistance to all + the myrmidons of the infamous superintendent. Nevertheless I soon calmed + myself, and summoning prudence to my aid I remembered the Chevalier + Raiberti, whom I had seen at his mistress’s house, and I decided on asking + his advice. He was the chief permanent official in the department of + foreign affairs. I told the coachman to drive to his house, and I + recounted to him the whole tale, saying, finally, that I should like to + speak to the king, as I was resolved that I would not go unless I was + forced to do so. The worthy man advised me to go to the Chevalier Osorio, + the principal secretary for foreign affairs, who could always get an + audience of the king. I was pleased with his advice, and I went + immediately to the minister, who was a Sicilian and a man of parts. He + gave me a very good reception, and after I had informed him of the + circumstances of the case I begged him to communicate the matter to his + majesty, adding that as the superintendent’s order appeared horribly unjust + to me I was resolved not to obey it unless compelled to do so by main + force. He promised to oblige me in the way I wished, and told me to call + again the next day. + </p> + <p> + After leaving him I took a short walk to cool myself, and then went to the + Abbe Gama, hoping to be the first to impart my ridiculous adventure to + him. I was disappointed; he already knew that I had been ordered to go, + and how I had answered the superintendent. When he saw that I persisted in + my determination to resist, he did not condemn my firmness, though he must + have thought it very extraordinary, for the good abbe could not understand + anybody’s disobeying the order of the authorities. He assured me that if I + had to go he would send me the necessary instructions to any address I + liked to name. + </p> + <p> + The next day the Chevalier Osorio received me with the utmost politeness, + which I thought a good omen. The Chevalier Raiberti had spoken to him in + my behalf, and he had laid the matter before the king and also before the + Count d’Aglie, and the result was that I could stay as long as I liked. + The Count d’Aglie was none other than the horrible superintendent. I was + told that I must wait on him, and he would give me leave to remain at + Turin till my affairs were settled. + </p> + <p> + “My only business here,” said I, “is to spend my money till I have + instructions from the Court of Portugal to attend the Congress of Augsburg + on behalf of his most faithful majesty.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you think that this Congress will take place?” + </p> + <p> + “Nobody doubts it.” + </p> + <p> + “Somebody believes it will all end in smoke. However, I am delighted to + have been of service to you, and I shall be curious to hear what sort of + reception you get from the superintendent.” + </p> + <p> + I felt ill at ease. I went to the police office immediately, glad to shew + myself victorious, and anxious to see how the superintendent would look + when I came in. However, I could not flatter myself that he looked ashamed + of himself; these people have a brazen forehead, and do not know what it + is to blush. + </p> + <p> + As soon as he saw me, he began,— + </p> + <p> + “The Chevalier Osorio tells me that you have business in Turin which will + keep you for some days. You may therefore stay, but you must tell me as + nearly as possible how long a time you require.” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot possibly tell you that.” + </p> + <p> + “Why? if you don’t mind telling me.” + </p> + <p> + “I am awaiting instructions from the Court of Portugal to attend the + Congress to be held at Augsburg, and before I could tell you how long I + shall have to stay I should be compelled to ask his most faithful majesty. + If this time is not sufficient for me to do my business, I will intimate + the fact to you.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall be much obliged by your doing so.” + </p> + <p> + This time I made him a bow, which was returned, and on leaving the office + I returned to the Chevalier Osorio, who said, with a smile, that I had + caught the superintendent, as I had taken an indefinite period, which left + me quite at my ease. + </p> + <p> + The diplomatic Gama, who firmly believed that the Congress would meet, was + delighted when I told him that the Chevalier Osorio was incredulous on the + subject. He was charmed to think his wit keener than the minister’s; it + exalted him in his own eyes. I told him that whatever the chevalier might + say I would go to Augsburg, and that I would set out in three or four + weeks. + </p> + <p> + Madame R. congratulated me over and over again, for she was enchanted that + I had humiliated the superintendent; but all the same we thought we had + better give up our little suppers. As I had had a taste of all her girls, + this was not such a great sacrifice for me to make. + </p> + <p> + I continued thus till the middle of May, when I left Turin, after + receiving letters from the Abbe Gama to Lord Stormont, who was to + represent England at the approaching Congress. It was with this nobleman + that I was to work in concert at the Congress. + </p> + <p> + Before going to Germany I wanted to see Madame d’Urfe, and I wrote to her, + asking her to send me a letter of introduction to M. de Rochebaron, who + might be useful to me. I also asked M. Raiberti to give me a letter for + Chamberi, where I wanted to visit the divine M—— M—— + (of whom I still thought with affection) at her convent grating. I wrote + to my friend Valenglard, asking him to remind Madame Morin that she had + promised to shew me a likeness to somebody at Chamberi. + </p> + <p> + But here I must note down an event worthy of being recorded, which was + extremely prejudicial to me. + </p> + <p> + Five or six days before my departure Desarmoises came to me looking very + downcast, and told me that he had been ordered to leave Turin in + twenty-four hours. + </p> + <p> + “Do you know why?” I asked him. + </p> + <p> + “Last night when I was at the coffee-house, Count Scarnafis dared to say + that France subsidised the Berne newspapers. I told him he lied, at which + he rose and left the place in a rage, giving me a glance the meaning of + which is not doubtful. I followed him to bring him to reason or to give + him satisfaction; but he would do nothing and I suspect he went to the + police to complain. I shall have to leave Turin early to-morrow morning.” + </p> + <p> + “You’re a Frenchman, and as you can claim the protection of your + ambassador you will be wrong to leave so suddenly.” + </p> + <p> + “In the first place the ambassador is away, and in the second my cruel + father disavows me. No, I would rather go, and wait for you at Lyons. All + I want is for you to lend me a hundred crowns, for which I will give you + an account.” + </p> + <p> + “It will be an easy account to keep,” said I, “but a long time before it + is settled.” + </p> + <p> + “Possibly; but if it is in my power I will shew my gratitude for the + kindnesses you have done me.” + </p> + <p> + I gave him a hundred crowns and wished him a pleasant journey, telling him + that I should stop some time at Lyons. + </p> + <p> + I got a letter of credit on an Augsburg house, and three days after I left + Turin I was at Chamberi. There was only one inn there in those days, so I + was not much puzzled to choose where I would go, but for all that I found + myself very comfortable. + </p> + <p> + As I entered my room, I was struck by seeing an extremely pretty girl + coming out of an adjacent room. + </p> + <p> + “Who is that young lady?” said I to the chambermaid who was escorting me. + </p> + <p> + “That’s the wife of a young gentleman who has to keep his bed to get cured + of a sword-thrust which he received four days ago on his way from France.” + </p> + <p> + I could not look at her without feeling the sting of concupiscence. As I + was leaving my room I saw the door half open, and I stopped short and + offered my services as a neighbour. She thanked me politely, and asked me + in. I saw a handsome young man sitting up in bed, so I went up to enquire + how he felt. + </p> + <p> + “The doctor will not let him talk,” said the young lady, “on account of a + sword-thrust in the chest he received at half a league from here. We hope + he will be all right in a few days, and then we can continue our journey.” + </p> + <p> + “Where are you going, madam?” + </p> + <p> + “To Geneva.” + </p> + <p> + Just as I was leaving, a maid came to ask me if I would take supper in my + own room or with the lady. I laughed at her stupidity, and said I would + sup in my own apartment, adding that I had not the honour of the lady’s + acquaintance. + </p> + <p> + At this the young lady said it would give her great pleasure if I would + sup with her, and the husband repeated this assurance in a whisper. I + accepted the invitation gratefully, and I thought that they were really + pleased. The lady escorted me out as far as the stairs, and I took the + liberty of kissing her hand, which in France is a declaration of tender + though respectful affection. + </p> + <p> + At the post-office I found a letter from Valenglard, telling me that + Madame Morin would wait on me at Chamberi if I would send her a carriage, + and another from Desarmoises dated from Lyons. He told me that as he was + on his way from Chamberi he had encountered his daughter in company with a + rascal who had carried her off. He had buried his sword in his body, and + would have killed them if he had been able to stop their carriage. He + suspected that they had been staying in Chamberi, and he begged me to try + and persuade his daughter to return to Lyons; and he added that if she + would not do so I ought to oblige him by sending her back by force. He + assured me that they were not married, and he begged me to answer his + letter by express, for which purpose he sent me his address. + </p> + <p> + I guessed at once that this daughter of his was my fair neighbour, but I + did not feel at all inclined to come to the aid of the father in the way + he wished. + </p> + <p> + As soon as I got back to the inn I sent off Le Duc in a travelling + carriage to Madame Morin, whom I informed by letter that as I was only at + Chamberi for her sake I would await her convenience. This done, I + abandoned myself to the delight I felt at the romantic adventure which + fortune had put in my way. + </p> + <p> + I respected Mdlle. Desarmoises and her ravisher, and I did not care to + enquire whether I was impelled in what I did by virtue or vice; but I + could not help perceiving that my motives were of a mixed nature; for if I + were amorous, I was also very glad to be of assistance to two young + lovers, and all the more from my knowledge of the father’s criminal + passion. + </p> + <p> + On entering their room I found the invalid in the surgeon’s hands. He + pronounced the wound not to be dangerous, in spite of its depth; + suppuration had taken place without setting up inflammation—in + short, the young man only wanted time and rest. When the doctor had gone I + congratulated the patient on his condition, advising him to be careful + what he ate, and to keep silent. I then gave Mdlle. Desarmoises her + father’s letter, and I said farewell for the present, telling them that I + would go to my own room till supper-time. I felt sure that she would come + and speak to me after reading her father’s letter. + </p> + <p> + In a quarter of an hour she knocked timidly at my door, and when I let her + in she gave me back the letter and asked me what I thought of doing. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing. I shall be only too happy, however, if I can be of any service + to you.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! I breathe again!” + </p> + <p> + “Could you imagine me pursuing any other line of conduct? I am much + interested in you, and will do all in my power to help you. Are you + married?” + </p> + <p> + “Not yet, but we are going to be married when we get to Geneva.” + </p> + <p> + “Sit down and tell me all about yourself. I know that your father is + unhappily in love with you, and that you avoid his attentions.” + </p> + <p> + “He has told you that much? I am glad of it. A year ago he came to Lyons, + and as soon as I knew he was in the town I took refuge with a friend of my + mother’s, for I was aware that I could not stay in the same house with my + father for an hour without exposing myself to the most horrible outrage. + The young man in bed is the son of a rich Geneva merchant. My father + introduced him to me two years ago, and we soon fell in love with each + other. My father went away to Marseilles, and my lover asked my mother to + give me in marriage to him; but she did not feel authorized to do so + without my father’s consent. She wrote and asked him, but he replied that + he would announce his decision when he returned to Lyons. My lover went to + Geneva, and as his father approved of the match he returned with all the + necessary documents and a strong letter of commendation from M. Tolosan. + When my father came to Lyons I escaped, as I told you, and my lover got M. + Tolosan to ask my hand for him of my father. His reply was, ‘I can give no + answer till she returns to my house!’ + </p> + <p> + “M. Tolosan brought this reply to me, and I told him that I was ready to + obey if my mother would guarantee my safety. She replied, however, that + she knew her husband too well to dare to have us both under the same roof. + Again did M. Tolosan endeavour to obtain my father’s consent, but to no + purpose. A few days after he left Lyons, telling us that he was first + going to Aix and then to Turin, and as it was evident that he would never + give his consent my lover proposed that I should go off with him, + promising to marry me as soon as we reached Geneva. By ill luck we + travelled through Savoy, and thus met my father. As soon as he saw us he + stopped the carriage and called to me to get out. I began to shriek, and + my lover taking me in his arms to protect me my father stabbed him in the + chest. No doubt he would have killed him, but seeing that my shrieks were + bringing people to our rescue, and probably believing that my lover was as + good as dead, he got on horseback again and rode off at full speed. I can + shew you the sword still covered with blood.” + </p> + <p> + “I am obliged to answer this letter of his, and I am thinking how I can + obtain his consent.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s of no consequence; we can marry and be happy without it.” + </p> + <p> + “True, but you ought not to despise your dower.” + </p> + <p> + “Good heavens! what dower? He has no money!” + </p> + <p> + “But on the death of his father, the Marquis Desarmoises . . . . ” + </p> + <p> + “That’s all a lie. My father has only a small yearly pension for having + served thirty years as a Government messenger. His father has been dead + these thirty years, and my mother and my sister only live by the work they + do.” + </p> + <p> + I was thunderstruck at the impudence of the fellow, who, after imposing on + me so long, had himself put me in a position to discover his deceit. I + said nothing. Just then we were told that supper was ready, and we sat at + table for three hours talking the matter over. The poor wounded man had + only to listen to me to know my feelings on the subject. His young + mistress, as witty as she was pretty, jested on the foolish passion of her + father, who had loved her madly ever since she was eleven. + </p> + <p> + “And you were always able to resist his attempts?” said I. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, whenever he pushed things too far.” + </p> + <p> + “And how long did this state of things continue?” + </p> + <p> + “For two years. When I was thirteen he thought I was ripe, and tried to + gather the fruit; but I began to shriek, and escaped from his bed stark + naked, and I went to take refuge with my mother, who from that day forth + would not let me sleep with him again.” + </p> + <p> + “You used to sleep with him? How could your mother allow it?” + </p> + <p> + “She never thought that there was anything criminal in his affection for + me, and I knew nothing about it. I thought that what he did to me, and + what he made me do to him, were mere trifles.” + </p> + <p> + “But you have saved the little treasure?” + </p> + <p> + “I have kept it for my lover.” + </p> + <p> + The poor lover, who was suffering more from the effects of hunger than + from his wounds, laughed at this speech of hers, and she ran to him and + covered his face with kisses. All this excited me intensely. Her story had + been told with too much simplicity not to move me, especially when I had + her before my eyes, for she possessed all the attractions which a woman + can have, and I almost forgave her father for forgetting she was his + daughter and falling in love with her. + </p> + <p> + When she escorted me back to my room I made her feel my emotion, and she + began to laugh; but as my servants were close by I was obliged to let her + go. + </p> + <p> + Early next morning I wrote to her father that his daughter had resolved + not to leave her lover, who was only slightly wounded, that they were in + perfect safety and under the protection of the law at Chamberi, and + finally that having heard their story, and judging them to be well + matched, I could only approve of the course they had taken. When I had + finished I went into their room and gave them the letter to read, and + seeing the fair runaway at a loss how to express her gratitude, I begged + the invalid to let me kiss her. + </p> + <p> + “Begin with me,” said he, opening his arms. + </p> + <p> + My hypocritical love masked itself under the guise of paternal affection. + I embraced the lover, and then more amorously I performed the same office + for the mistress, and shewed them my purse full of gold, telling them it + was at their service. While this was going on the surgeon came in, and I + retired to my room. + </p> + <p> + At eleven o’clock Madame Morin and her daughter arrived, preceded by Le + Duc on horseback, who announced their approach by numerous smacks of his + whip. I welcomed her with open arms, thanking her for obliging me. + </p> + <p> + The first piece of news she gave me was that Mdlle. Roman had become + mistress to Louis XV., that she lived in a beautiful house at Passi, and + that she was five months gone with child. Thus she was in a fair way to + become queen of France, as my divine oracle had predicted. + </p> + <p> + “At Grenoble,” she added, “you are the sole topic of conversation; and I + advise you not to go there unless you wish to settle in the country, for + they would never let you go. You would have all the nobility at your feet, + and above all, the ladies anxious to know the lot of their daughters. + Everybody believes in judicial astrology now, and Valenglard triumphs. He + has bet a hundred Louis to fifty that my niece will be delivered of a + young prince, and he is certain of winning; though to be sure, if he + loses, everybody will laugh at him.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t be afraid of his losing.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it quite certain?” + </p> + <p> + “Has not the horoscope proved truthful in the principal particular? If the + other circumstances do not follow, I must have made a great mistake in my + calculations.” + </p> + <p> + “I am delighted to hear you say so.” + </p> + <p> + “I am going to Paris and I hope you will give me a letter of introduction + to Madame Varnier, so that I may have the pleasure of seeing your niece.” + </p> + <p> + “You shall have the letter to-morrow without fail.” + </p> + <p> + I introduced Mdlle. Desarmoises to her under the family name of her lover, + and invited her to dine with Madame Morin and myself. After dinner we went + to the convent, and M—— M—— came down very + surprised at this unexpected visit from her aunt; but when she saw me she + had need of all her presence of mind. When her aunt introduced me to her + by name, she observed with true feminine tact that during her stay at Aix + she had seen me five or six times at the fountain, but that I could not + remember her features as she had always worn her veil. I admired her wit + as much as her exquisite features. I thought she had grown prettier than + ever, and no doubt my looks told her as much. We spent an hour in talking + about Grenoble and her old friends, whom she gladly recalled to her + memory, and then she went to fetch a young girl who was boarding at the + convent, whom she liked and wanted to present to her aunt. + </p> + <p> + I seized the opportunity of telling Madame Morin that I was astonished at + the likeness, that her very voice was like that of my Venetian M—— + M——, and I begged her to obtain me the privilege of + breakfasting with her niece the next day, and of presenting her with a + dozen pounds of capital chocolate. I had brought it with me from Genoa. + </p> + <p> + “You must make her the present yourself,” said Madame Morin, “for though + she’s a nun she’s a woman, and we women much prefer a present from a man’s + than from a woman’s hand.” + </p> + <p> + M—— M—— returned with the superior of the convent, + two other nuns, and the young boarder, who came from Lyons, and was + exquisitely beautiful. I was obliged to talk to all the nuns, and Madame + Morin told her niece that I wanted her to try some excellent chocolate I + had brought from Genoa, but that I hoped her lay-sister would make it. + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” said M—— M——, “kindly send me the + chocolate, and to-morrow we will breakfast together with these dear + sisters.” + </p> + <p> + As soon as I got back to my inn I sent the chocolate with a respectful + note, and I took supper in Madame Morin’s room with her daughter and + Mdlle. Desarmoises, of whom I was feeling more and more amorous, but I + talked of M—— M—— all the time, and I could see + that the aunt suspected that the pretty nun was not altogether a stranger + to me. + </p> + <p> + I breakfasted at the convent and I remember that the chocolate, the + biscuits, and the sweetmeats were served with a nicety which savoured + somewhat of the world. When we had finished breakfast I told M—— + M—— that she would not find it so easy to give me a dinner, + with twelve persons sitting down to table, but I added that half the + company could be in the convent and half in the parlour, separated from + the convent by a light grating. + </p> + <p> + “It’s a sight I should like to see,” said I, “if you will allow me to pay + all expenses.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly,” replied M—— M——, and this dinner was + fixed for the next day. + </p> + <p> + M—— M—— took charge of the whole thing, and + promised to ask six nuns. Madame Morin, who knew my tastes, told her to + spare nothing, and I warned her that I would send in the necessary wines. + </p> + <p> + I escorted Madame Morin, her daughter, and Mdlle. Desarmoises back to the + hotel, and I then called on M. Magnan, to whom I had been recommended by + the Chevalier Raiberti. I asked him to get me some of the best wine, and + he took me down to his cellar, and told me to take what I liked. His wines + proved to be admirable. + </p> + <p> + This M. Magnan was a clever man, of a pleasant appearance, and very + comfortably off. He occupied an extremely large and convenient house + outside the town, and there his agreeable wife dispensed hospitality. She + had ten children, amongst whom there were four pretty daughters; the + eldest, who was nineteen, was especially good-looking. + </p> + <p> + We went to the convent at eleven o’clock, and after an hour’s conversation + we were told that dinner was ready. The table was beautifully laid, + covered with a fair white cloth, and adorned with vases filled with + artificial flowers so strongly scented that the air of the parlour was + quite balmy. The fatal grill was heavier than I had hoped. I found myself + seated to the left of M—— M——, and totally unable + to see her. The fair Desarmoises was at my right, and she entertained us + all the time with her amusing stories. + </p> + <p> + We in the parlour were waited on by Le Duc and Costa, and the nuns were + served by their lay-sisters. The abundant provision, the excellent wines, + the pleasant though sometimes equivocal conversation, kept us all merrily + employed for three hours. Mirth had the mastery over reason, or, to speak + more plainly, we were all drunk; and if it had not been for the fatal + grill, I could have had the whole eleven ladies without much trouble. The + young Desarmoises was so gay, indeed, that if I had not restrained her she + would probably have scandalised all the nuns, who would have liked nothing + better. I was longing to have her to myself, that I might quench the flame + she had kindled in my breast, and I had no doubt of my success on the + first attempt. After coffee had been served, we went into another parlour + and stayed there till night came on. Madame Morin took leave of her niece, + and the hand-shakings, thanks, and promises of remembrance between me and + the nuns, lasted for a good quarter of an hour. After I had said aloud to + M—— M—— that I hoped to have the pleasure of + seeing her before I left, we went back to the inn in high good humour with + our curious party which I still remember with pleasure. + </p> + <p> + Madame Morin gave me a letter for her cousin Madame Varnier, and I + promised to write to her from Paris, and tell her all about the fair + Mdlle. Roman. I presented the daughter with a beautiful pair of ear-rings, + and I gave Madame Morin twelve pounds of good chocolate which M. Magnan + got me, and which the lady thought had come from Genoa. She went off at + eight o’clock preceded by Le Duc, who had orders to greet the doorkeeper’s + family on my behalf. + </p> + <p> + At Magnan’s I had a dinner worthy of Lucullus, and I promised to stay with + him whenever I passed Chamberi, which promise I have faithfully performed. + </p> + <p> + On leaving the gourmand’s I went to the convent, and M—— M—— + came down alone to the grating. She thanked me for coming to see her, and + added that I had come to disturb her peace of mind. + </p> + <p> + “I am quite ready, dearest, to climb the garden wall, and I shall do it + more dexterously than your wretched humpback.” + </p> + <p> + “Alas! that may not be, for, trust me, you are already spied upon. + Everybody here is sure that we knew each other at Aix. Let us forget all, + and thus spare ourselves the torments of vain desires.” + </p> + <p> + “Give me your hand.” + </p> + <p> + “No. All is over. I love you still, probably I shall always love you; but + I long for you to go, and by doing so, you will give me a proof of your + love.” + </p> + <p> + “This is dreadful; you astonish me. You appear to me in perfect health, + you are prettier than ever, you are made for the worship of the sweetest + of the gods, and I can’t understand how, with a temperament like yours, + you can live in continual abstinence.” + </p> + <p> + “Alas! lacking the reality we console ourselves by pretending. I will not + conceal from you that I love my young boarder. It is an innocent passion, + and keeps my mind calm. Her caresses quench the flame which would + otherwise kill me.” + </p> + <p> + “And that is not against your conscience?” + </p> + <p> + “I do not feel any distress on the subject.” + </p> + <p> + “But you know it is a sin.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, so I confess it.” + </p> + <p> + “And what does the confessor say?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing. He absolves me, and I am quite content.” + </p> + <p> + “And does the pretty boarder confess, too?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, but she does not tell the father of a matter which she thinks + is no sin.” + </p> + <p> + “I wonder the confessor has not taught her, for that kind of instruction + is a great pleasure.” + </p> + <p> + “Our confessor is a wise old man.” + </p> + <p> + “Am I to leave you, then, without a single kiss?” + </p> + <p> + “Not one.” + </p> + <p> + “May I come again to-morrow? I must go the day after.” + </p> + <p> + “You may come, but I cannot see you by myself as the nuns might talk. I + will bring my little one with me to save appearances. Come after dinner, + but into the other parlour.” + </p> + <p> + If I had not known M—— M—— at Aix, her religious + ideas would have astonished me; but such was her character. She loved God, + and did not believe that the kind Father who made us with passions would + be too severe because we had not the strength to subdue them. I returned + to the inn, feeling vexed that the pretty nun would have no more to do + with me, but sure of consolation from the fair Desarmoises. + </p> + <p> + I found her sitting on her lover’s bed; his poor diet and the fever had + left him in a state of great weakness. She told me that she would sup in + my room to leave him in quiet, and the worthy young man shook my hand in + token of his gratitude. + </p> + <p> + As I had a good dinner at Magnan’s I ate very little supper, but my + companion who had only had a light meal ate and drank to an amazing + extent. I gazed at her in a kind of wonder, and she enjoyed my + astonishment. When my servants had left the room I challenged her to drink + a bowl of punch with me, and this put her into a mood which asked for + nothing but laughter, and which laughed to find itself deprived of + reasoning power. Nevertheless, I cannot accuse myself of taking an + advantage of her condition, for in her voluptuous excitement she entered + eagerly into the pleasure to which I excited her till two o’clock in the + morning. By the time we separated we were both of us exhausted. + </p> + <p> + I slept till eleven, and when I went to wish her good day I found her + smiling and as fresh as a rose. I asked her how she had passed the rest of + the night. + </p> + <p> + “Very pleasantly,” said she, “like the beginning of the night.” + </p> + <p> + “What time would you like to have dinner?” + </p> + <p> + “I won’t dine; I prefer to keep my appetite for supper.” + </p> + <p> + Here her lover joined in, saying in a weak voice,— + </p> + <p> + “It is impossible to keep up with her.” + </p> + <p> + “In eating or drinking?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “In eating, drinking, and in other things,” he replied, with a smile. She + laughed, and kissed him affectionately. + </p> + <p> + This short dialogue convinced me that Mdlle. Desarmoises must adore her + lover; for besides his being a handsome young man, his disposition was + exactly suitable to hers. I dined by myself, and Le Duc came in as I was + having dessert. He told me that the door-keeper’s daughters and their + pretty cousin had made him wait for them to write to me, and he gave me + three letters and three dozen of gloves which they had presented me. The + letters urged me to come and spend a month with them, and gave me to + understand that I should be well pleased with my treatment. I had not the + courage to return to a town, where with my reputation I should have been + obliged to draw horoscopes for all the young ladies or to make enemies by + refusing. + </p> + <p> + After I had read the letters from Grenoble I went to the convent and + announced my presence, and then entered the parlour which M—— + M—— had indicated. She soon came down with the pretty boarder, + who feebly sustained my part in her amorous ecstacies. She had not yet + completed her twelfth year, but she was extremely tall and well developed + for her age. Gentleness, liveliness, candour, and wit were united in her + features, and gave her expression an exquisite charm. She wore a well-made + corset which disclosed a white throat, to which the fancy easily added the + two spheres which would soon appear there. Her entrancing face, her raven + locks, and her ivory throat indicated what might be concealed, and my + vagrant imagination made her into a budding Venus. I began by telling her + that she was very pretty, and would make her future husband a happy man. I + knew she would blush at that. It may be cruel, but it is thus that the + language of seduction always begins. A girl of her age who does not blush + at the mention of marriage is either an idiot or already an expert in + profligacy. In spite of this, however, the blush which mounts to a young + girl’s cheek at the approach of such ideas is a puzzling problem. Whence + does it arise? It may be from pure simplicity, it may be from shame, and + often from a mixture of both feelings. Then comes the fight between vice + and virtue, and it is usually virtue which has to give in. The desires—the + servants of vice—usually attain their ends. As I knew the young + boarder from M—— M——‘s description, I could not be + ignorant of the source of those blushes which added a fresh attraction to + her youthful charms. + </p> + <p> + Pretending not to notice anything, I talked to M—— M—— + for a few moments, and then returned to the assault. She had regained her + calm. + </p> + <p> + “What age are you, pretty one?” said I. + </p> + <p> + “I am thirteen.” + </p> + <p> + “You are wrong,” said M—— M——, “you have not yet + completed your twelfth year.” + </p> + <p> + “The time will come,” said I, “when you will diminish the tale of your + years instead of increasing it.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall never tell a lie, sir; I am sure of that.” + </p> + <p> + “So you want to be a nun, do you?” + </p> + <p> + “I have not yet received my vocation; but even if I live in the world I + need not be a liar.” + </p> + <p> + “You are wrong; you will begin to lie as soon as you have a lover.” + </p> + <p> + “Will my lover tell lies, too?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly he will.” + </p> + <p> + “If the matter were really so, then, I should have a bad opinion of love; + but I do not believe it, for I love my sweetheart here, and I never + conceal the truth from her.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but loving a man is a different thing to loving a woman.” + </p> + <p> + “No, it isn’t; it’s just the same.” + </p> + <p> + “Not so, for you do not go to bed with a woman and you do with your + husband.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s no matter, my love would be the same.” + </p> + <p> + “What? You would not rather sleep with me than with M—— M——?” + </p> + <p> + “No, indeed I should not, because you are a man and would see me.” + </p> + <p> + “You don’t want a man to see you, then?” + </p> + <p> + “No.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you think you are so ugly, then?” + </p> + <p> + At this she turned to M—— M—— and said, with + evident vexation, “I am not really ugly, am I?” + </p> + <p> + “No, darling,” said M—— M——, bursting with + laughter, “it is quite the other way; you are very pretty.” With these + words she took her on her knee and embraced her tenderly. + </p> + <p> + “Your corset is too tight; you can’t possibly have such a small waist as + that.” + </p> + <p> + “You make a mistake, you can put your hand there and see for yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “I can’t believe it.” + </p> + <p> + M—— M—— then held her close to the grill and told + me to see for myself. At the same moment she turned up her dress. + </p> + <p> + “You were right,” said I, “and I owe you an apology;” but in my heart I + cursed the grating and the chemise. + </p> + <p> + “My opinion is,” said I to M—— M——, “that we have + here a little boy.” + </p> + <p> + I did not wait for a reply, but satisfied myself by my sense of touch as + to her sex, and I could see that the little one and her governess were + both pleased that my mind was at rest on the subject. + </p> + <p> + I drew my hand away, and the little girl looked at M—— M——, + and reassured by her smiling air asked if she might go away for a moment. + I must have reduced her to a state in which a moment’s solitude was + necessary, and I myself was in a very excited condition. + </p> + <p> + As soon as she was gone I said to M—— M——, + </p> + <p> + “Do you know that what you have shewn me has made me unhappy?” + </p> + <p> + “Has it? Why?” + </p> + <p> + “Because your boarder is charming, and I am longing to enjoy her.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry for that, for you can’t possibly go any further; and besides, + I know you, and even if you could satisfy your passion without danger to + her, I would not give her up to you, you would spoil her.” + </p> + <p> + “How?” + </p> + <p> + “Do you think that after enjoying you she would care to enjoy me? I should + lose too heavily by the comparison.” + </p> + <p> + “Give me your hand.” + </p> + <p> + “No.” + </p> + <p> + “Stay, one moment.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t want to see anything.” + </p> + <p> + “Not a little bit?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing at all.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you angry with me, then?” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all. If you have been pleased I am glad, and if you have filled + her with desires she will love me all the better.” + </p> + <p> + “How pleasant it would be, sweetheart, if we could all three of us be + together alone and at liberty!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; but it is impossible.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you sure that no inquisitive eye is looking upon us?” + </p> + <p> + “Quite sure.” + </p> + <p> + “The height of that fatal grill has deprived me of the sight of many + charms.” + </p> + <p> + “Why didn’t you go to the other parlour it is much lower there.” + </p> + <p> + “Let us go there, then.” + </p> + <p> + “Not to-day; I should not be able to give any reason for the change.” + </p> + <p> + “I will come again to-morrow, and start for Lyons in the evening.” + </p> + <p> + The little boarder came back, and I stood up facing her. I had a number of + beautiful seals and trinkets hanging from my watch-chain, and I had not + had the time to put myself in a state of perfect decency again. + </p> + <p> + She noticed it, and by way of pretext she asked if she might look at them. + </p> + <p> + “As long as you like; you may look at them and touch them as well.” + </p> + <p> + M—— M—— foresaw what would happen and left the + room, saying that she would soon be back. I had intended to deprive the + young boarder of all interest in my seals by shewing her a curiosity of + another kind. She did not conceal her pleasure in satisfying her + inquisitiveness on an object which was quite new to her, and which she was + able to examine minutely for the first time in her life. But soon an + effusion changed her curiosity into surprise, and I did not interrupt her + in her delighted gaze. + </p> + <p> + I saw M—— M—— coming back slowly, and I lowered my + shirt again, and sat down. My watch and chains were still on the ledge of + the grating, and M—— M—— asked her young friend if + the trinkets had pleased her. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” she replied, but in a dreamy and melancholy voice. She had learnt + so much in the course of less than two hours that she had plenty to think + over. I spent the rest of the day in telling M—— M—— + the adventures I had encountered since I had left her; but as I had not + time to finish my tale I promised to return the next day at the same time. + </p> + <p> + The little girl, who had been listening to me all the time, though I + appeared to be only addressing her friend, said that she longed to know + the end of my adventure with the Duke of Matelone’s mistress. + </p> + <p> + I supped with the fair Desarmoises, and after giving her sundry proofs of + my affection till midnight, and telling her that I only stopped on for her + sake, I went to bed. + </p> + <p> + The next day after dinner I returned to the convent, and having sent up my + name to M—— M—— I entered the room where the + grating was more convenient. + </p> + <p> + Before long M—— M—— arrived alone, but she + anticipated my thoughts by telling me that her pretty friend would soon + join her. + </p> + <p> + “You have fired her imagination. She has told me all about it, playing a + thousand wanton tricks, and calling me her dear husband. You have seduced + the girl, and I am very glad you are going or else you would drive her + mad. You will see how she has dressed herself.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you sure of her discretion?” + </p> + <p> + “Perfectly, but I hope you won’t do anything in my presence. When I see + the time coming I will leave the room.” + </p> + <p> + “You are an angel, dearest, but you might be something better than that if + you would—” + </p> + <p> + “I want nothing for myself; it is out of the question.” + </p> + <p> + “You could—” + </p> + <p> + “No, I will have nothing to do with a pastime which would rekindle fires + that are hardly yet quenched. I have spoken; I suffer, but let us say no + more about it.” + </p> + <p> + At this moment the young adept came in smiling, with her eyes full of + fire. She was dressed in a short pelisse, open in front, and an + embroidered muslin skirt which did not go beyond her knees. She looked + like a sylph. + </p> + <p> + We had scarcely sat down when she reminded me of the place where my tale + had stopped. I continued my recital, and when I was telling them how Donna + Lucrezia shewed me Leonilda naked, M—— M—— went + out, and the sly little puss asked me how I assured myself that my + daughter was a maid. + </p> + <p> + I took bold of her through the fatal grating, against which she placed her + pretty body, and shewed her how assured myself of the fact, and the girl + liked it so much that she pressed my hand to the spot. She then gave me + her hand that I might share her pleasure, and whilst this enjoyable + occupation was in progress M—— M—— appeared. My + sweetheart said hastily,— + </p> + <p> + “Never mind, I told her all about it. She is a good creature and will not + be vexed.” Accordingly M—— M—— pretended not to + see anything, and the precocious little girl wiped her hand in a kind of + voluptuous ecstacy, which shewed how well she was pleased. + </p> + <p> + I proceeded with my history, but when I came to the episode of the poor + girl who was ‘tied’, describing all the trouble I had vainly taken with + her, the little boarder got so curious that she placed herself in the most + seducing attitude so that I might be able to shew her what I did. Seeing + this M—— M—— made her escape. + </p> + <p> + “Kneel down on the ledge, and leave the rest to me,” said the little + wanton. + </p> + <p> + The reader will guess what she meant, and I have no doubt that she would + have succeeded in her purpose if the fire which consumed me had not + distilled itself away just at the happy moment. + </p> + <p> + The charming novice felt herself sprinkled, but after ascertaining that + nothing more could be done she withdrew in some vexation. My fingers, + however, consoled her for the disappointment, and I had the pleasure of + seeing her look happy once more. + </p> + <p> + I left these charming creatures in the evening, promising to visit them + again in a year, but as I walked home I could not help reflecting how + often these asylums, supposed to be devoted to chastity and prayer, + contain in themselves the hidden germs of corruption. How many a timorous + and trustful mother is persuaded that the child of her affection will + escape the dangers of the world by taking refuge in the cloister. But + behind these bolts and bars desires grow to a frenzied extreme; they crave + in vain to be satisfied. + </p> + <p> + When I returned to the inn I took leave of the wounded man, whom I was + happy to see out of danger. In vain I urged him to make use of my purse; + he told me, with an affectionate embrace, that he had sufficient money, + and if not, he had only to write to his father. I promised to stop at + Lyons, and to oblige Desarmoises to desist from any steps he might be + taking against them, telling them I had a power over him which would + compel him to obey. I kept my word. After we had kissed and said good-bye, + I took his future bride into my room that we might sup together and enjoy + ourselves till midnight; but she could not have been very pleased with my + farewell salute, for I was only able to prove my love for her once, as M—— + M——‘s young friend had nearly exhausted me. + </p> + <p> + I started at day-break, and the next day I reached the “Hotel du Parc,” at + Lyons. I sent for Desarmoises, and told him plainly that his daughter’s + charms had seduced me, that I thought her lover worthy of her, and that I + expected him out of friendship for me to consent to the marriage. I went + further, and told him that if he did not consent to everything that very + instant I could no longer be his friend, and at this he gave in. He + executed the requisite document in the presence of two witnesses, and I + sent it to Chamberi by an express messenger. + </p> + <p> + This false marquis made me dine with him in his poor house. There was + nothing about his younger daughter to remind me of the elder, and his wife + inspired me with pity. Before I left I managed to wrap up six Louis in a + piece of paper, and gave it to her without the knowledge of her husband. A + grateful look shewed me how welcome the present was. + </p> + <p> + I was obliged to go to Paris, so I gave Desarmoises sufficient money for + him to go to Strasburg, and await me there in company with my Spaniard. + </p> + <p> + I thought myself wise in only taking Costa, but the inspiration came from + my evil genius. + </p> + <p> + I took the Bourbonnais way, and on the third day I arrived at Paris, and + lodged at the Hotel du St. Esprit, in the street of the same name. + </p> + <p> + Before going to bed I sent Costa with a note to Madame d’Urfe, promising + to come and dine with her the next day. Costa was a good-looking young + fellow, and as he spoke French badly and was rather a fool I felt sure + that Madame d’Urfe would take him for some extraordinary being. She wrote + to say that she was impatiently expecting me. + </p> + <p> + “How did the lady receive you, Costa?” + </p> + <p> + “She looked into a mirror, sir, and said some words I could make nothing + of; then she went round the room three times burning incense; then she + came up to me with a majestic air and looked me in the face; and at last + she smiled very pleasantly, and told me to wait for a reply in the + ante-chamber.” + </p> + <a name="linkD2H_4_0017" id="linkD2H_4_0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> <a name="linkepisode19" id="linkepisode19"></a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + EPISODE 19 — BACK AGAIN TO PARIS + </h2> + <a name="linkD2HCH0013" id="linkD2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + My Stay at Paris and My Departure for Strasburg, Where I + Find the Renaud—My Misfortunes at Munich and My Sad Visit + to Augsburg +</pre> + <p> + At ten o’clock in the morning, cheered by the pleasant feeling of being + once more in that Paris which is so imperfect, but which is the only true + town in the world, I called on my dear Madame d’Urfe, who received me with + open arms. She told me that the young Count d’Aranda was quite well, and + if I liked she would ask him to dinner the next day. I told her I should + be delighted to see him, and then I informed her that the operation by + which she was to become a man could not be performed till Querilinto, one + of the three chiefs of the Fraternity of the Rosy Cross, was liberated + from the dungeons of the Inquisition, at Lisbon. + </p> + <p> + “This is the reason,” I added, “that I am going to Augsburg in the course + of next month, where I shall confer with the Earl of Stormont as to the + liberation of the adept, under the pretext of a mission from the + Portuguese Government. For these purposes I shall require a good letter of + credit, and some watches and snuff-boxes to make presents with, as we + shall have to win over certain of the profane.” + </p> + <p> + “I will gladly see to all that, but you need not hurry yourself as the + Congress will not meet till September.” + </p> + <p> + “Believe me, it will never meet at all, but the ambassadors of the + belligerent powers will be there all the same. If, contrary to my + expectation, the Congress is held, I shall be obliged to go to Lisbon. In + any case, I promise to see you again in the ensuing winter. The fortnight + that I have to spend here will enable me to defeat a plot of St. + Germain’s.” + </p> + <p> + “St. Germain—he would never dare to return to Paris.” + </p> + <p> + “I am certain that he is here in disguise. The state messenger who ordered + him to leave London has convinced him the English minister was not duped + by the demand for his person to be given up, made by the Comte d’Afri in + the name of the king to the States-General.” + </p> + <p> + All this was mere guess-work, and it will be seen that I guessed rightly. + </p> + <p> + Madame d’Urfe then congratulated me on the charming girl whom I had sent + from Grenoble to Paris. Valenglard had told her the whole story. + </p> + <p> + “The king adores her,” said she, “and before long she will make him a + father. I have been to see her at Passi with the Duchesse de l’Oraguais.” + </p> + <p> + “She will give birth to a son who will make France happy, and in thirty + years time you will see wondrous things, of which, unfortunately, I can + tell you nothing until your transformation. Did you mention my name to + her?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I did not; but I am sure you will be able to see her, if only at + Madame Varnier’s.” + </p> + <p> + She was not mistaken; but shortly afterwards an event happened which made + the madness of this excellent woman much worse. + </p> + <p> + Towards four o’clock, as we were talking over my travels and our designs, + she took a fancy to walk in the Bois du Boulogne. She begged me to + accompany her, and I acceded to her request. We walked into the deepest + recesses of the wood and sat down under a tree. “It is eighteen years + ago,” said she, “since I fell asleep on the same spot that we now occupy. + During my sleep the divine Horosmadis came down from the sun and stayed + with me till I awoke. As I opened my eyes I saw him leave me and ascend to + heaven. He left me with child, and I bore a girl which he took away from + me years ago, no doubt to punish me for having so far forgotten myself as + to love a mortal after him. My lovely Iriasis was like him.” + </p> + <p> + “You are quite sure that M. d’Urfe was not the child’s father?” + </p> + <p> + “M. d’Urfe did not know me after he saw me lying beside the divine Anael.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s the genius of Venus. Did he squint?” + </p> + <p> + “To excess. You are aware, then, that he squints?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and I know that at the amorous crisis he ceases to squint.” + </p> + <p> + “I did not notice that. He too, left me on account of my sinning with an + Arab.” + </p> + <p> + “The Arab was sent to you by an enemy of Anael’s, the genius of Mercury.” + </p> + <p> + “It must have been so; it was a great misfortune.” + </p> + <p> + “On the contrary, it rendered you more fit for transformation.” + </p> + <p> + We were walking towards the carriage when all at once we saw St. Germain, + but as soon as he noticed us he turned back and we lost sight of him. + </p> + <p> + “Did you see him?” said I. “He is working against us, but our genie makes + him tremble.” + </p> + <p> + “I am quite thunderstruck. I will go and impart this piece of news to the + Duc de Choiseul to-morrow morning. I am curious to hear what he will say + when I tell him.” + </p> + <p> + As we were going back to Paris I left Madame d’Urfe, and walked to the + Porte St. Denis to see my brother. He and his wife received me with cries + of joy. I thought the wife very pretty but very wretched, for Providence + had not allowed my brother to prove his manhood, and she was unhappily in + love with him. I say unhappily, because her love kept her faithful to him, + and if she had not been in love she might easily have found a cure for her + misfortune as her husband allowed her perfect liberty. She grieved + bitterly, for she did not know that my brother was impotent, and fancied + that the reason of his abstention was that he did not return her love; and + the mistake was an excusable one, for he was like a Hercules, and indeed + he was one, except where it was most to be desired. Her grief threw her + into a consumption of which she died five or six years later. She did not + mean her death to be a punishment to her husband, but we shall see that it + was so. + </p> + <p> + The next day I called on Madame Varnier to give her Madame Morin’s letter. + I was cordially welcomed, and Madame Varnier was kind enough to say that + she had rather see me than anybody else in the world; her niece had told + her such strange things about me that she had got quite curious. This, as + is well known, is a prevailing complaint with women. + </p> + <p> + “You shall see my niece,” she said, “and she will tell you all about + herself.” + </p> + <p> + She wrote her a note, and put Madame Morin’s letter under the same + envelope. + </p> + <p> + “If you want to know what my niece’s answer is,” said Madame Varnier, “you + must dine with me.” + </p> + <p> + I accepted the invitation, and she immediately told her servant that she + was not at home to anyone. + </p> + <p> + The small messenger who had taken the note to Passi returned at four + o’clock with the following epistle: + </p> + <p> + “The moment in which I see the Chevalier de Seingalt once more will be one + of the happiest of my life. Ask him to be at your house at ten o’clock the + day after tomorrow, and if he can’t come then please let me know.” + </p> + <p> + After reading the note and promising to keep the appointment, I left + Madame Varnier and called on Madame de Rumain, who told me I must spend a + whole day with her as she had several questions to put to my oracle. + </p> + <p> + Next day Madame d’Urfe told me the reply she had from the Duc de Choiseul, + when she told him that she had seen the Comte de St. Germain in the Bois + du Boulogne. + </p> + <p> + “I should not be surprised,” said the minister, “considering that he spent + the night in my closet.” + </p> + <p> + The duke was a man of wit and a man of the world. He only kept secrets + when they were really important ones; very different from those + make-believe diplomatists, who think they give themselves importance by + making a mystery of trifles of no consequence. It is true that the Duc de + Choiseul very seldom thought anything of great importance; and, in point + of fact, if there were less intrigue and more truth about diplomacy (as + there ought to be), concealment would be rather ridiculous than necessary. + </p> + <p> + The duke had pretended to disgrace St. Germain in France that he might use + him as a spy in London; but Lord Halifax was by no means taken in by this + stratagem. However, all governments have the politeness to afford one + another these services, so that none of them can reproach the others. + </p> + <p> + The small Conte d’Aranda after caressing me affectionately begged me to + come and breakfast with him at his boarding-house, telling me that Mdlle. + Viar would be glad to see me. + </p> + <p> + The next day I took care not to fail in my appointment with the fair lady. + I was at Madame Varnier’s a quarter of an hour before the arrival of the + dazzling brunette, and I waited for her with a beating at the heart which + shewed me that the small favours she had given me had not quenched the + flame of love. When she made her appearance the stoutness of her figure + carried respect with it, so that I did not feel as if I could come forward + and greet her tenderly; but she was far from thinking that more respect + was due to her than when she was at Grenoble, poor but also pure. She + kissed me affectionately and told me as much. + </p> + <p> + “They think I am happy,” said she, “and envy my lot; but can one be happy + after the loss of one’s self-respect? For the last six months I have only + smiled, not laughed; while at Grenoble I laughed heartily from true + gladness. I have diamonds, lace, a beautiful house, a superb carriage, a + lovely garden, waiting-maids, and a maid of honour who perhaps despises + me; and although the highest Court ladies treat me like a princess, I do + not pass a single day without experiencing some mortification.” + </p> + <p> + “Mortification?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; people come and bring pleas before me, and I am obliged to send them + away as I dare not ask the king anything.” + </p> + <p> + “Why not?” + </p> + <p> + “Because I cannot look on him as my lover only; he is always my sovereign, + too. Ah! happiness is to be sought for in simple homes, not in pompous + palaces.” + </p> + <p> + “Happiness is gained by complying with the duties of whatever condition of + life one is in, and you must constrain yourself to rise to that exalted + station in which destiny has placed you.” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot do it; I love the king and I am always afraid of vexing him. I + am always thinking that he does too much for me, and thus I dare not ask + for anything for others.” + </p> + <p> + “But I am sure the king would be only too glad to shew his love for you by + benefiting the persons in whom you take an interest.” + </p> + <p> + “I know he would, and that thought makes me happy, but I cannot overcome + my feeling of repugnance to asking favours. I have a hundred louis a month + for pin-money, and I distribute it in alms and presents, but with due + economy, so that I am not penniless at the end of the month. I have a + foolish notion that the chief reason the king loves me is that I do not + importune him.” + </p> + <p> + “And do you love him?” + </p> + <p> + “How can I help it? He is good-hearted, kindly, handsome, and polite to + excess; in short, he possesses all the qualities to captivate a woman’s + heart. + </p> + <p> + “He is always asking me if I am pleased with my furniture, my clothes, my + servants, and my garden, and if I desire anything altered. I thank him + with a kiss, and tell him that I am pleased with everything.” + </p> + <p> + “Does he ever speak of the scion you are going to present to him?” + </p> + <p> + “He often says that I ought to be careful of myself in my situation. I am + hoping that he will recognize my son as a prince of the blood; he ought in + justice to do so, as the queen is dead.” + </p> + <p> + “To be sure he will.” + </p> + <p> + “I should be very happy if I had a son. I wish I felt sure that I would + have one. But I say nothing about this to anyone. If I dared speak to the + king about the horoscope, I am certain he would want to know you; but I am + afraid of evil tongues.” + </p> + <p> + “So am I. Continue in your discreet course and nothing will come to + disturb your happiness, which may become greater, and which I am pleased + to have procured for you.” + </p> + <p> + We did not part without tears. She was the first to go, after kissing me + and calling me her best friend. I stayed a short time with Madame Varnier + to compose my feelings, and I told her that I should have married her + instead of drawing her horoscope. + </p> + <p> + “She would no doubt have been happier. You did not foresee, perhaps, her + timidity and her lack of ambition.” + </p> + <p> + “I can assure you that I did not reckon upon her courage or ambition. I + laid aside my own happiness to think only of hers. But what is done cannot + be recalled, and I shall be consoled if I see her perfectly happy at last. + I hope, indeed, she will be so, above all if she is delivered of a son.” + </p> + <p> + I dined with Madame d’Urfe, and we decided to send back Aranda to his + boarding-school that we might be more free to pursue our cabalistic + operations; and afterwards I went to the opera, where my brother had made + an appointment with me. He took me to sup at Madame Vanloo’s, and she + received me in the friendliest manner possible. + </p> + <p> + “You will have the pleasure of meeting Madame Blondel and her husband,” + said she. + </p> + <p> + The reader will recollect that Madame Blondel was Manon Baletti, whom I + was to have married. + </p> + <p> + “Does she know I am coming?” I enquired. + </p> + <p> + “No, I promise myself the pleasure of seeing her surprise.” + </p> + <p> + “I am much obliged to you for not wishing to enjoy my surprise as well. We + shall see each other again, but not to-day, so I must bid you farewell; + for as I am a man of honour I hope never to be under the same roof as + Madame Blondel again.” + </p> + <p> + With this I left the room, leaving everybody in astonishment, and not + knowing where to go I took a coach and went to sup with my sister-in-law, + who was extremely glad to see me. But all through supper-time this + charming woman did nothing but complain of her husband, saying that he had + no business to marry her, knowing that he could not shew himself a man. + </p> + <p> + “Why did you not make the trial before you married?” + </p> + <p> + “Was it for me to propose such a thing? How should I suppose that such a + fine man was impotent? But I will tell you how it all happened. As you + know, I was a dancer at the Comedie Italienne, and I was the mistress of + M. de Sauci, the ecclesiastical commissioner. He brought your brother to + my house, I liked him, and before long I saw that he loved me. My lover + advised me that it was an opportunity for getting married and making my + fortune. With this idea I conceived the plan of not granting him any + favours. He used to come and see me in the morning, and often found me in + bed; we talked together, and his passions seemed to be aroused, but it all + ended in kissing. On my part, I was waiting for a formal declaration and a + proposal of marriage. At that period, M. de Sauci settled an annuity of a + thousand crowns on me on the condition that I left the stage. + </p> + <p> + “In the spring M. de Sauci invited your brother to spend a month in his + country house. I was of the party, but for propriety’s sake it was agreed + that I should pass as your brother’s wife. Casanova enjoyed the idea, + looking upon it as a jest, and not thinking of the consequences. I was + therefore introduced as his wife to my lover’s family, as also to his + relations, who were judges, officers, and men about town, and to their + wives, who were all women of fashion. Your brother was in high glee that + to play our parts properly we were obliged to sleep together. For my part, + I was far from disliking the idea, or at all events I looked upon it as a + short cut to the marriage I desired. + </p> + <p> + “But how can I tell you? Though tender and affectionate in everything, + your brother slept with me for a month without our attaining what seemed + the natural result under the circumstances.” + </p> + <p> + “You might have concluded, then, that he was impotent; for unless he were + made of stone, or had taken a vow of chastity, his conduct was + inexplicable.” + </p> + <p> + “The fact is, that I had no means of knowing whether he was capable or + incapable of giving me substantial proof of his love.” + </p> + <p> + “Why did you not ascertain his condition for yourself?” + </p> + <p> + “A feeling of foolish pride prevented me from putting him to the test. I + did not suspect the truth, but imagined reasons flattering to myself. I + thought that he loved me so truly that he would not do anything before I + was his wife. That idea prevented me humiliating myself by making him give + me some positive proof of his powers.” + </p> + <p> + “That supposition would have been tenable, though highly improbable, if + you had been an innocent young maid, but he knew perfectly well that your + novitiate was long over.” + </p> + <p> + “Very true; but what can you expect of a woman impelled by love and + vanity?” + </p> + <p> + “Your reasoning is excellent, but it comes rather late.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, at last we went back to Paris, your brother to his house, and I to + mine, while he continued his courtship, and I could not understand what he + meant by such strange behaviour. M. de Sauci, who knew that nothing + serious had taken place between us, tried in vain to solve the enigma. ‘No + doubt he is afraid of getting you with child,’ he said, ‘and of thus being + obliged to marry you.’ I began to be of the same opinion, but I thought it + a strange line for a man in love to take. + </p> + <p> + “M. de Nesle, an officer in the French Guards, who had a pretty wife I had + met in the country, went to your brother’s to call on me. Not finding me + there he asked why we did not live together. Your brother replied openly + that our marriage had been a mere jest. M. de Nesle then came to me to + enquire if this were the truth, and when he heard that it was he asked me + how I would like him to make Casanova marry me. I answered that I should + be delighted, and that was enough for him. He went again to your brother, + and told him that his wife would never have associated with me on equal + terms if I had not been introduced to her as a married woman; that the + deceit was an insult to all the company at the country-house, which must + be wiped out by his marrying me within the week or by fighting a duel. M. + de Nesle added that if he fell he would be avenged by all the gentlemen + who had been offended in the same way. Casanova replied, laughing, that so + far from fighting to escape marrying me, he was ready to break a lance to + get me. ‘I love her,’ he said, ‘and if she loves me I am quite ready to + give her my hand. Be kind enough,’ he added, ‘to prepare the way for me, + and I will marry her whenever you like.’ + </p> + <p> + “M. de Nesle embraced him, and promised to see to everything; he brought + me the joyful news, and in a week all was over. M. de Nesle gave us a + splendid supper on our wedding-day, and since then I have had the title of + his wife. It is an empty title, however, for, despite the ceremony and the + fatal yes, I am no wife, for your brother is completely impotent. I am an + unhappy wretch, and it is all his fault, for he ought to have known his + own condition. He has deceived me horribly.” + </p> + <p> + “But he was obliged to act as he did; he is more to be pitied than to be + blamed. I also pity you, but I think you are in the wrong, for after his + sleeping with you for a month without giving any proof of his manhood you + might have guessed the truth. Even if you had been a perfect novice, M. de + Sauci ought to have known what was the matter; he must be aware that it is + beyond the power of man to sleep beside a pretty woman, and to press her + naked body to his breast without becoming, in spite of himself, in a state + which would admit of no concealment; that is, in case he were not + impotent.” + </p> + <p> + “All that seems very reasonable, but nevertheless neither of us thought of + it; your brother looks such a Hercules.” + </p> + <p> + “There are two remedies open to you; you can either have your marriage + annulled, or you can take a lover; and I am sure that my brother is too + reasonable a man to offer any opposition to the latter course.” + </p> + <p> + “I am perfectly free, but I can neither avail myself of a divorce nor of a + lover; for the wretch treats me so kindly that I love him more and more, + which doubtless makes my misfortune harder to bear.” + </p> + <p> + The poor woman was so unhappy that I should have been delighted to console + her, but it was out of the question. However, the mere telling of her + story had afforded her some solace, and after kissing her in such a way as + to convince her that I was not like my brother, I wished her good night. + </p> + <p> + The next day I called on Madame Vanloo, who informed me that Madame + Blondel had charged her to thank me for having gone away, while her + husband wished me to know that he was sorry not to have seen me to express + his gratitude. + </p> + <p> + “He seems to have found his wife a maid, but that’s no fault of mine; and + Manon Baletti is the only person he ought to be grateful to. They tell me + that he has a pretty baby, and that he lives at the Louvre, while she has + another house in the Rue Neuve-des-Petits-Champs.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but he has supper with her every evening.” + </p> + <p> + “It’s an odd way of living.” + </p> + <p> + “I assure you it answers capitally. Blondel regards his wife as his + mistress. He says that that keeps the flame of love alight, and that as he + never had a mistress worthy of being a wife, he is delighted to have a + wife worthy of being a mistress.” + </p> + <p> + The next day I devoted entirely to Madame de Rumain, and we were occupied + with knotty questions till the evening. I left her well pleased. The + marriage of her daughter, Mdlle. Cotenfau, with M. de Polignac, which took + place five or six years later, was the result of our cabalistic + calculations. + </p> + <p> + The fair stocking-seller of the Rue des Prouveres, whom I had loved so + well, was no longer in Paris. She had gone off with a M. de Langlade, and + her husband was inconsolable. Camille was ill. Coralline had become the + titulary mistress of the Comte de la Marche, son of the Prince of Conti, + and the issue of this union was a son, whom I knew twenty years later. He + called himself the Chevalier de Montreal, and wore the cross of the + Knights of Malta. Several other girls I had known were widowed and in the + country, or had become inaccessible in other ways. + </p> + <p> + Such was the Paris of my day. The actors on its stage changed as rapidly + as the fashions. + </p> + <p> + I devoted a whole day to my old friend Baletti, who had left the theatre + and married a pretty ballet-girl on the death of his father; he was making + experiments with a view to finding the philosopher’s stone. + </p> + <p> + I was agreeably surprised at meeting the poet Poinsinet at the Comedic + Francaise. He embraced me again and again, and told me that M. du Tillot + had overwhelmed him with kindness at Parma. + </p> + <p> + “He would not get me anything to do,” said Poinsinet, “because a French + poet is rather at a discount in Italy.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you heard anything of Lord Lismore?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, he wrote to his mother from Leghorn, telling her that he was going + to the Indies, and that if you had not been good enough to give him a + thousand Louis he would have been a prisoner at Rome.” + </p> + <p> + “His fate interests me extremely, and I should be glad to call on his + lady-mother with you.” + </p> + <p> + “I will tell her that you are in Paris, and I am sure that she will invite + you to supper, for she has the greatest desire to talk to you.” + </p> + <p> + “How are you getting on here? Are you still content to serve Apollo?” + </p> + <p> + “He is not the god of wealth by any means. I have no money and no room, + and I shall be glad of a supper, if you will ask me. I will read you my + play, the ‘Cercle’, which has been accepted. I am sure it will be + successful?” + </p> + <p> + The ‘Cercle’ was a short prose play, in which the poet satirised the + jargon of Dr. Herrenschwand, brother of the doctor I had consulted at + Soleure. The play proved to be a great success. + </p> + <p> + I took Poinsinet home to supper, and the poor nursling of the muses ate + for four. In the morning he came to tell me that the Countess of Lismore + expected me to supper. + </p> + <p> + I found the lady, still pretty, in company with her aged lover, M. de St. + Albin, Archbishop of Cambrai, who spent all the revenues of his see on + her. This worthy prelate was one of the illegitimate children of the Duc + d’Orleans, the famous Regent, by an actress. He supped with us, but he + only opened his mouth to eat, and his mistress only spoke of her son, + whose talents she lauded to the skies, though he was in reality a mere + scamp; but I felt in duty bound to echo what she said. It would have been + cruel to contradict her. I promised to let her know if I saw anything more + of him. + </p> + <p> + Poinsinet, who was hearthless and homeless, as they say, spent the night + in my room, and in the morning I gave him two cups of chocolate and some + money wherewith to get a lodging. I never saw him again, and a few years + after he was drowned, not in the fountain of Hippocrene, but in the + Guadalquivir. He told me that he had spent a week with M. de Voltaire, and + that he had hastened his return to Paris to obtain the release of the Abbe + Morellet from the Bastile. + </p> + <p> + I had nothing more to do at Paris, and I was only waiting for some clothes + to be made and for a cross of the order, with which the Holy Father had + decorated me, to be set with diamonds and rubies. + </p> + <p> + I had waited for five or six days when an unfortunate incident obliged me + to take a hasty departure. I am loth to write what follows, for it was all + my own fault that I was nearly losing my life and my honour. I pity those + simpletons who blame fortune and not themselves for their misfortunes. + </p> + <p> + I was walking in the Tuileries at ten o’clock in the morning, when I was + unlucky enough to meet the Dangenancour and another girl. This + Dangenancour was a dancer at the opera-house, whom I had desired to meet + previously to my last departure from Paris. I congratulated myself on the + lucky chance which threw her in my way, and accosted her, and had not much + trouble in inducing her to dine with me at Choisi. + </p> + <p> + We walked towards the Pont-Royal, where we took a coach. After dinner had + been ordered we were taking a turn in the garden, when I saw a carriage + stop and two adventurers whom I knew getting out of it, with two girls, + friends of the ones I had with me. The wretched landlady, who was standing + at the door, said that if we liked to sit down together she could give us + an excellent dinner, and I said nothing, or rather I assented to the yes + of my two nymphs. The dinner was excellent, and after the bill was paid, + and we were on the point of returning to Paris, I noticed that a ring, + which I had taken off to shew to one of the adventurers named Santis, was + still missing. It was an exceedingly pretty miniature, and the diamond + setting had cost me twenty-five Louis. I politely begged Santis to return + me the ring, and he replied with the utmost coolness that he had done so + already. + </p> + <p> + “If you had returned it,” said I, “it would be on my finger, and you see + that it is not.” + </p> + <p> + He persisted in his assertion; the girls said nothing, but Santis’s + friend, a Portuguese, named Xavier, dared to tell me that he had seen the + ring returned. + </p> + <p> + “You’re a liar,” I exclaimed; and without more ado I took hold of Santis + by the collar, and swore I would not let him go till he returned me my + ring. The Portuguese rose to come to his friend’s rescue, while I stepped + back and drew my sword, repeating my determination not to let them go. The + landlady came on the scene and began to shriek, and Santis asked me to + give him a few words apart. I thought in all good faith that he was + ashamed to restore the ring before company, but that he would give it me + as soon as we were alone. I sheathed my sword, and told him to come with + me. Xavier got into the carriage with the four girls, and they all went + back to Paris. + </p> + <p> + Santis followed me to the back of the inn, and then assuming a pleasant + smile he told me that he had put the ring into his friend’s pocket for a + joke, but that I should have it back at Paris. + </p> + <p> + “That’s an idle tale,” I exclaimed, “your friend said that he saw you + return it, and now he has escaped me. Do you think that I am green enough + to be taken in by this sort of thing? You’re a couple of robbers.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, I stretched out my hand for his watch-chain, but he stepped + back and drew his sword. I drew mine, and we had scarcely crossed swords + when he thrust, and I parrying rushed in and ran him through and through. + He fell to the ground calling, “Help!” I sheathed my sword, and, without + troubling myself about him, got into my coach and drove back to Paris. + </p> + <p> + I got down in the Place Maubert, and walked by a circuitous way to my + hotel. I was sure that no one could have come after me there, as my + landlord did not even know my name. + </p> + <p> + I spent the rest of the day in packing up my trunks, and after telling + Costa to place them on my carriage I went to Madame d’Urfe. After I had + told her of what had happened, I begged her, as soon as that which she had + for me was ready, to send it to me at Augsburg by Costa. I should have + told her to entrust it to one of her own servants, but my good genius had + left me that day. Besides I did not look upon Costa as a thief. + </p> + <p> + When I got back to the hotel I gave the rascal his instructions, telling + him to be quick and to keep his own counsel, and then I gave him money for + the journey. + </p> + <p> + I left Paris in my carriage, drawn by four hired horses, which took me as + far as the second post, and I did not stop till I got to Strasburg, where + I found Desarmoises and my Spaniard. + </p> + <p> + There was nothing to keep me in Strasburg, so I wanted to cross the Rhine + immediately; but Desarmoises persuaded me to come with him to see an + extremely pretty woman who had only delayed her departure for Augsburg in + the hope that we might journey there together. + </p> + <p> + “You know the lady,” said the false marquis, “but she made me give my word + of honour that I would not tell you. She has only her maid with her, and I + am sure you will be pleased to see her.” + </p> + <p> + My curiosity made me give in. I followed Desarmoises, and came into a room + where I saw a nice-looking woman whom I did not recognize at first. I + collected my thoughts, and the lady turned out to be a dancer whom I had + admired on the Dresden boards eight years before. She was then mistress to + Count Bruhl, but I had not even attempted to win her favour. She had an + excellent carriage, and as she was ready to go to Augsburg I immediately + concluded that we could make the journey together very pleasantly. + </p> + <p> + After the usual compliments had passed, we decided on leaving for Augsburg + the following morning. The lady was going to Munich, but as I had no + business there we agreed that she should go by herself. + </p> + <p> + “I am quite sure,” she said, afterwards, “that you will come too, for the + ambassadors do not assemble at Augsburg till next September.” + </p> + <p> + We supped together, and next morning we started on our way; she in her + carriage with her maid, and I in mine with Desarmoises, preceded by Le Duc + on horseback. At Rastadt, however, we made a change, the Renaud (as she + was called) thinking that she would give less opportunity for curious + surmises by riding with me while Desarmoises went with the servant. We + soon became intimate. She told me about herself, or pretended to, and I + told her all that I did not want to conceal. I informed her that I was an + agent of the Court of Lisbon, and she believed me, while, for my part, I + believed that she was only going to Munich and Augsburg to sell her + diamonds. + </p> + <p> + We began to talk about Desarmoises, and she said that it was well enough + for me to associate with him, but I should not countenance his styling + himself marquis. + </p> + <p> + “But,” said I, “he is the son of the Marquis Desarmoises, of Nancy.” + </p> + <p> + “No, he isn’t; he is only a retired messenger, with a small pension from + the department of foreign affairs. I know the Marquis Desarmoises; he + lives at Nancy, and is not so old as our friend.” + </p> + <p> + “Then one can’t see how he can be Desarmoises’s father.” + </p> + <p> + “The landlord of the inn at Strasburg knew him when he was a messenger.” + </p> + <p> + “How did you make his acquaintance?” + </p> + <p> + “We met at the table d’hote. After dinner he came up to my room, and told + me he was waiting for a gentleman who was going to Augsburg, and that we + might make the journey together. He told me the name, and after + questioning him I concluded that the gentleman was yourself, so here we + are, and I am very glad of it. But listen to me; I advise you to drop all + false styles and titles. Why do you call yourself Seingalt?” + </p> + <p> + “Because it’s my name, but that doesn’t prevent my old friends calling me + Casanova, for I am both. You understand?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes! I understand. Your mother is at Prague, and as she doesn’t get + her pension on account of the war, I am afraid she must be rather in + difficulties.” + </p> + <p> + “I know it, but I do not forget my filial duties. I have sent her some + money.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s right. Where are you going to stay at Augsburg?” + </p> + <p> + “I shall take a house, and if you like you shall be the mistress and do + the honours.” + </p> + <p> + “That would be delightful! We will give little suppers, and play cards all + night.” + </p> + <p> + “Your programme is an excellent one.” + </p> + <p> + “I will see that you get a good cook; all the Bavarian cooks are good. We + shall cut a fine figure, and people will say we love each other madly.” + </p> + <p> + “You must know, dearest, that I do not understand jokes at the expense of + fidelity.” + </p> + <p> + “You may trust me for that. You know how I lived at Dresden.” + </p> + <p> + “I will trust you, but not blindly, I promise you. And now let us address + each other in the same way; you must call me tu. You must remember we are + lovers.” + </p> + <p> + “Kiss me!” + </p> + <p> + The fair Renaud did not like traveling by night; she preferred to eat a + good supper, to drink heavily, and to go to bed just as her head began to + whirl. The heat of the wine made her into a Bacchante, hard to appease; + but when I could do no more I told her to leave me alone, and she had to + obey. + </p> + <p> + When we reached Augsburg we alighted at the “Three Moors,” but the + landlord told us that though he could give us a good dinner he could not + put us up, as the whole of the hotel had been engaged by the French + ambassador. I called on M. Corti, the banker to whom I was accredited, and + he soon got me a furnished house with a garden, which I took for six + months. The Renaud liked it immensely. + </p> + <p> + No one had yet arrived at Augsburg. The Renaud contrived to make me feel + that I should be lonely at Augsburg without her, and succeeded in + persuading me to come with her to Munich. We put up at the “Stag,” and + made ourselves very comfortable, while Desarmoises went to stay somewhere + else. As my business and that of my new mate had nothing in common, I gave + her a servant and a carriage to herself, and made myself the same + allowance. + </p> + <p> + The Abbe Gama had given me a letter from the Commendatore Almada for Lord + Stormont, the English ambassador at the Court of Bavaria. This nobleman + being then at Munich I hastened to deliver the letter. He received me very + well, and promised to do all he could as soon as he had time, as Lord + Halifax had told him all about it. On leaving his Britannic Lordship’s I + called on M. de Folard, the French ambassador, and gave him a letter from + M. de Choiseul. M. de Folard gave me a hearty welcome, and asked me to + dine with him the next day, and the day after introduced me to the + Elector. + </p> + <p> + During the four fatal weeks I spent at Munich, the ambassador’s house was + the only one I frequented. I call these weeks fatal, and with reason, for + in then I lost all my money, I pledged jewels (which I never recovered) to + the amount of forty thousand francs, and finally I lost my health. My + assassins were the Renaud and Desarmoises, who owed me so much and paid me + so badly. + </p> + <p> + The third day after my arrival I had to call on the Dowager Electress of + Saxony. It was my brother-in-law, who was in her train, that made me go, + by telling me that it must be done, as she knew me and had been enquiring + for me. I had no reason to repent of my politeness in going, as the + Electress gave me a good reception, and made me talk to any extent. She + was extremely curious, like most people who have no employment, and have + not sufficient intelligence to amuse themselves. + </p> + <p> + I have done a good many foolish things in the course of my existence. I + confess it as frankly as Rousseau, and my Memoirs are not so egotistic as + those of that unfortunate genius; but I never committed such an act of + folly as I did when I went to Munich, where I had nothing to do. But it + was a crisis in my life. My evil genius had made me commit one folly after + another since I left Turin. The evening at Lord Lismore’s, my connection + with Desarmoises, my party at Choisi, my trust in Costa, my union with the + Renaud, and worse than all, my folly in letting myself play at faro at a + place where the knavery of the gamesters is renowned all over Europe, + followed one another in fatal succession. Among the players was the + famous, or rather infamous, Affisio, the friend of the Duc de Deux-Ponts, + whom the duke called his aide-decamp, and who was known for the keenest + rogue in the world. + </p> + <p> + I played every day, and as I often lost money on my word of honour, the + necessity of paying the next day often caused me the utmost anxiety. When + I had exhausted my credit with the bankers, I had recourse to the Jews who + require pledges, and in this Desarmoises and the Renaud were my agents, + the latter of whom ended by making herself mistress of all my property. + This was not the worst thing she did to me; for she gave me a disease, + which devoured her interior parts and left no marks outwardly, and was + thus all the more dangerous, as the freshness of her complexion seemed to + indicate the most perfect health. In short, this serpent, who must have + come from hell to destroy me, had acquired such a mastery over me that she + persuaded me that she would be dishonoured if I called in a doctor during + our stay at Munich, as everybody knew that we were living together as man + and wife. + </p> + <p> + I cannot imagine what had become of my wits to let myself be so beguiled, + while every day I renewed the poison that she had poured into my veins. + </p> + <p> + My stay at Munich was a kind of curse; throughout that dreadful month I + seemed to have a foretaste of the pains of the damned. The Renaud loved + gaming, and Desarmoises was her partner. I took care not to play with + them, for the false marquis was an unmitigated cheat and often tricked + with less skill than impudence. He asked disreputable people to my house + and treated them at my expense; every evening scenes of a disgraceful + character took place. + </p> + <p> + The Dowager Electress mortified me extremely by the way she addressed me + on my last two visits to her. + </p> + <p> + “Everybody knows what kind of a life you lead here, and the way the Renaud + behaves, possibly without your knowing it. I advise you to have done with + her, as your character is suffering.” + </p> + <p> + She did not know what a thraldom I was under. I had left Paris for a + month, and I had neither heard of Madame d’Urfe nor of Costa. I could not + guess the reason, but I began to suspect my Italian’s fidelity. I also + feared lest my good Madame d’Urfe might be dead or have come to her + senses, which would have come to the same thing so far as I was concerned; + and I could not possibly return to Paris to obtain the information which + was so necessary both for calming my mind and refilling my purse. + </p> + <p> + I was in a terrible state, and my sharpest pang was that I began to + experience a certain abatement of my vigors, the natural result of + advancing years. I had no longer that daring born of youth and the + knowledge of one’s strength, and I was not yet old enough to have learnt + how to husband my forces. Nevertheless, I made an effort and took a sudden + leave of my mistress, telling her I would await her at Augsburg. She did + not try to detain me, but promised to rejoin me as soon as possible; she + was engaged in selling her jewellery. I set out preceded by Le Duc, + feeling very glad that Desarmoises had chosen to stay with the wretched + woman to whom he had introduced me. When I reached my pretty house at + Augsburg I took to my bed, determined not to rise till I was cured or + dead. M. Carli, my banker, recommended to me a doctor named Cephalides, a + pupil of the famous Fayet, who had cured me of a similar complaint several + years before. This Cephalides was considered the best doctor in Augsburg. + He examined me and declared he could cure me by sudorifics without having + recourse to the knife. He began his treatment by putting me on a severe + regimen, ordering baths, and applying mercury locally. I endured this + treatment for six weeks, at the end of which time I found myself worse + than at the beginning. I had become terribly thin, and I had two enormous + inguinal tumours. I had to make up my mind to have them lanced, but though + the operation nearly killed me it did not to make me any better. He was so + clumsy as to cut the artery, causing great loss of blood which was + arrested with difficulty, and would have proved fatal if it had not been + for the care of M. Algardi, a Bolognese doctor in the service of the + Prince-Bishop of Augsburg. + </p> + <p> + I had enough of Cephalides, and Dr. Algardi prepared in my presence + eighty-six pills containing eighteen grains of manna. I took one of these + pills every morning, drinking a large glass of curds after it, and in the + evening I had another pill with barley water, and this was the only + sustenance I had. This heroic treatment gave me back my health in two + months and a half, in which I suffered a great deal of pain; but I did not + begin to put on flesh and get back my strength till the end of the year. + </p> + <p> + It was during this time that I heard about Costa’s flight with my + diamonds, watches, snuff-box, linen, rich suits, and a hundred louis which + Madame d’Urfe had given him for the journey. The worthy lady sent me a + bill of exchange for fifty thousand francs, which she had happily not + entrusted to the robber, and the money rescued me very opportunely from + the state to which my imprudence had reduced me. + </p> + <p> + At this period I made another discovery of an extremely vexatious + character; namely, that Le Duc had robbed me. I would have forgiven him if + he had not forced me to a public exposure, which I could only have avoided + with the loss of my honour. However, I kept him in my service till my + return to Paris at the commencement of the following year. + </p> + <p> + Towards the end of September, when everybody knew that the Congress would + not take place, the Renaud passed through Augsburg with Desarrnoises on + her way to Paris; but she dared not come and see me for fear I should make + her return my goods, of which she had taken possession without telling me. + Four or five years later she married a man named Bohmer, the same that + gave the Cardinal de Rohan the famous necklace, which he supposed was + destined for the unfortunate Marie Antoinette. The Renaud was at Paris + when I returned, but I made no endeavour to see her, as I wished, if + possible, to forget the past. I had every reason to do so, for amongst all + the misfortunes I had gone through during that wretched year the person I + found most at fault was myself. Nevertheless, I would have given myself + the pleasure of cutting off Desarmoises’s ears; but the old rascal, who, + no doubt, foresaw what kind of treatment I was likely to mete to him, made + his escape. Shortly after, he died miserably of consumption in Normandy. + </p> + <p> + My health had scarcely returned, when I forgot all my woes and began once + more to amuse myself. My excellent cook, Anna Midel, who had been idle so + long, had to work hard to satisfy my ravenous appetite. My landlord and + pretty Gertrude, his daughter, looked at me with astonishment as I ate, + fearing some disastrous results. Dr. Algardi, who had saved my life, + prophesied a dyspepsia which would bring me to the tomb, but my need of + food was stronger than his arguments, to which I paid no kind of + attention; and I was right, for I required an immense quantity of + nourishment to recover my former state, and I soon felt in a condition to + renew my sacrifices to the deity for whom I had suffered so much. + </p> + <p> + I fell in love with the cook and Gertrude, who were both young and pretty. + I imparted my love to both of them at once, for I had foreseen that if I + attacked them separately I should conquer neither. Besides, I felt that I + had not much time to lose, as I had promised to sup with Madame, d’Urfe on + the first night of the year 1761 in a suite of rooms she had furnished for + me in the Rue de Bac. She had adorned the rooms with superb tapestry made + for Rene of Savoy, on which were depicted all the operations of the Great + Work. She wrote to me that she had heard that Santis had recovered from + the wound I had given him, and had been committed to the Bicetre for + fraud. + </p> + <p> + Gertrude and Anna Midel occupied my leisure moments agreeably enough + during the rest of my stay at Augsburg, but they did not make me neglect + society. I spent my evenings in a very agreeable manner with Count Max de + Lamberg, who occupied the position of field-marshal to the prince-bishop. + His wife had all the attractions which collect good company together. At + this house I made the acquaintance of the Baron von Selentin, a captain in + the Prussian service, who was recruiting for the King of Prussia at + Augsburg. I was particularly drawn to the Count Lamberg by his taste for + literature. He was an extremely learned man, and has published some + excellent works. I kept up a correspondence with him till his death, by + his own fault, in 1792, four years from the time of my writing. I say by + his fault, but I should have said by the fault of his doctors, who treated + him mercurially for a disease which was not venereal; and this treatment + not only killed him but took away his good name. + </p> + <p> + His widow is still alive, and lives in Bavaria, loved by her friends and + her daughters, who all made excellent marriages. + </p> + <p> + At this time a miserable company of Italian actors made their appearance + in Augsburg, and I got them permission to play in a small and wretched + theatre. As this was the occasion of an incident which diverted me, the + hero, I shall impart it to my readers in the hope of its amusing them + also. + </p> + <a name="linkD2HCH0014" id="linkD2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The Actors—Bassi—The Girl From Strasburg—The Female Count—My Return to Paris—I Go to Metz—Pretty Raton—The + Pretended Countess Lascaris +</pre> + <p> + A woman, ugly enough, but lively like all Italians, called on me, and + asked me to intercede with the police to obtain permission for her company + to act in Augsburg. In spite of her ugliness she was a poor + fellow-countrywoman, and without asking her name, or ascertaining whether + the company was good or bad, I promised to do my best, and had no + difficulty in obtaining the favour. + </p> + <p> + I went to the first performance, and saw to my surprise that the chief + actor was a Venetian, and a fellow-student of mine, twenty years before, + at St. Cyprian’s College. His name was Bassi, and like myself he had given + up the priesthood. Fortune had made an actor of him, and he looked + wretched enough, while I, the adventurer, had a prosperous air. + </p> + <p> + I felt curious to hear his adventures, and I was also actuated by that + feeling of kindliness which draws one towards the companions of one’s + youthful and especially one’s school days, so I went to the back as soon + as the curtain fell. He recognized me directly, gave a joyful cry, and + after he had embraced me he introduced me to his wife, the woman who had + called on me, and to his daughter, a girl of thirteen or fourteen, whose + dancing had delighted me. He did not stop here, but turning to his mates, + of whom he was chief, introduced me to them as his best friend. These + worthy people, seeing me dressed like a lord, with a cross on my breast, + took me for a cosmopolitan charlatan who was expected at Augsburg, and + Bassi, strange to say, did not undeceive them. When the company had taken + off its stage rags and put on its everyday rags, Bassi’s ugly wife took me + by the arm and said I must come and sup with her. I let myself be led, and + we soon got to just the kind of room I had imagined. It was a huge room on + the ground floor, which served for kitchen, dining-room, and bedroom all + at once. In the middle stood a long table, part of which was covered with + a cloth which looked as if it had been in use for a month, and at the + other end of the room somebody was washing certain earthenware dishes in a + dirty pan. This den was lighted by one candle stuck in the neck of a + broken bottle, and as there were no snuffers Bassi’s wife snuffed it + cleverly with her finger and thumb, wiping her hand on the table-cloth + after throwing the burnt wick on the floor. An actor with long moustaches, + who played the villain in the various pieces, served an enormous dish of + hashed-up meat, swimming in a sea of dirty water dignified with the name + of sauce; and the hungry family proceeded to tear pieces of bread off the + loaf with their fingers or teeth, and then to dip them in the dish; but as + all did the same no one had a right to be disgusted. A large pot of ale + passed from hand to hand, and with all this misery mirth displayed itself + on every countenance, and I had to ask myself what is happiness. For a + second course there was a dish of fried pork, which was devoured with + great relish. Bassi was kind enough not to press me to take part in this + banquet, and I felt obliged to him. + </p> + <p> + The meal over, he proceeded to impart to me his adventures, which were + ordinary enough, and like those which many a poor devil has to undergo; + and while he talked his pretty daughter sat on my knee. Bassi brought his + story to an end by saying that he was going to Venice for the carnival, + and was sure of making a lot of money. I wished him all the luck he could + desire, and on his asking me what profession I followed the fancy took me + to reply that I was a doctor. + </p> + <p> + “That’s a better trade than mine,” said he, “and I am happy to be able to + give you a valuable present.” + </p> + <p> + “What is that?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “The receipt for the Venetian Specific, which you can sell at two florins + a pound, while it will only cost you four gros.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall be delighted; but tell me, how is the treasury?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I can’t complain for a first night. I have paid all expenses, and + have given my actors a florin apiece. But I am sure I don’t know how I am + to play to-morrow, as the company has rebelled; they say they won’t act + unless I give each of them a florin in advance.” + </p> + <p> + “They don’t ask very much, however.” + </p> + <p> + “I know that, but I have no money, and nothing to pledge; but they will be + sorry for it afterwards, as I am sure I shall make at least fifty florins + to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “How many are there in the company?” + </p> + <p> + “Fourteen, including my family. Could you lend me ten florins? I would pay + you back tomorrow night.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, but I should like to have you all to supper at the nearest inn + to the theatre. Here are the ten florins.” + </p> + <p> + The poor devil overflowed with gratitude, and said he would order supper + at a florin a head, according to my instructions. I thought the sight of + fourteen famished actors sitting down to a good supper would be rather + amusing. + </p> + <p> + The company gave a play the next evening, but as only thirty or at most + forty people were present, poor Bassi did not know where to turn to pay + for the lighting and the orchestra. He was in despair; and instead of + returning my ten florins he begged me to lend him another ten, still in + the hope of a good house next time. I consoled him by saying we would talk + it over after supper, and that I would go to the inn to wait for my + guests. + </p> + <p> + I made the supper last three hours by dint of passing the bottle freely. + My reason was that I had taken a great interest in a young girl from + Strasburg, who played singing chamber-maids. Her features were exquisite + and her voice charming, while she made me split my sides with laughing at + her Italian pronounced with an Alsatian accent, and at her gestures which + were of the most comic description. + </p> + <p> + I was determined to possess her in the course of the next twenty-four + hours, and before the party broke up I spoke as follows:— + </p> + <p> + “Ladies and gentlemen, I will engage you myself for a week at fifty + florins a day on the condition that you acknowledge me as your manager for + the time being, and pay all the expenses of the theatre. You must charge + the prices I name for seats, five members of the company to be chosen by + me must sup with me every evening. If the receipts amount to more than + fifty florins, we will share the overplus between us.” + </p> + <p> + My proposal was welcomed with shouts of joy, and I called for pen, ink, + and paper, and drew up the agreement. + </p> + <p> + “For to-morrow,” I said to Bassi, “the prices for admission shall remain + the same, but the day after we will see what can be done. You and your + family will sup with me to-morrow, as also the young Alsatian whom I could + never separate from her dear Harlequin.” + </p> + <p> + He issued bills of an enticing description for the following evening; but, + in spite of all, the pit only contained a score of common people, and + nearly all the boxes were empty. + </p> + <p> + Bassi had done his best, and when we met at supper he came up to me + looking extremely confused, and gave me ten or twelve florins. + </p> + <p> + “Courage!” said I; and I proceeded to share them among the guests present. + </p> + <p> + We had a good supper, and I kept them at table till midnight, giving them + plenty of choice wine and playing a thousand pranks with Bassi’s daughter + and the young Alsatian, who sat one on each side of me. I did not heed the + jealous Harlequin, who seemed not to relish my familiarities with his + sweetheart. The latter lent herself to my endearments with a bad enough + grace, as she hoped Harlequin would marry her, and consequently did not + want to vex him. When supper was over, we rose, and I took her between my + arms, laughing, and caressing her in a manner which seemed too suggestive + to the lover, who tried to pull me away. I thought this rather too much in + my turn, and seizing him by his shoulders I dismissed him with a hearty + kick, which he received with great humility. However, the situation + assumed a melancholy aspect, for the poor girl began to weep bitterly. + Bassi and his wife, two hardened sinners, laughed at her tears, and + Bassi’s daughter said that her lover had offered me great provocation; but + the young Alsatian continued weeping, and told me that she would never sup + with me again if I did not make her lover return. + </p> + <p> + “I will see to all that,” said I; and four sequins soon made her all + smiles again. She even tried to shew me that she was not really cruel, and + that she would be still less so if I could manage the jealous Harlequin. I + promised everything, and she did her best to convince me that she would be + quite complaisant on the first opportunity. + </p> + <p> + I ordered Bassi to give notice that the pit would be two florins and the + boxes a ducat, but that the gallery would be opened freely to the first + comers. + </p> + <p> + “We shall have nobody there,” said he, looking alarmed. + </p> + <p> + “Maybe, but that remains to be seen. You must request twelve soldiers to + keep order, and I will pay for them.” + </p> + <p> + “We shall want some soldiers to look after the mob which will besiege the + gallery, but as for the rest of the house . . . .” + </p> + <p> + “Again I tell you, we shall see. Carry out my instructions, and whether + they prove successful or no, we will have a merry supper as usual.” + </p> + <p> + The next day I called upon the Harlequin in his little den of a room, and + with two Louis, and a promise to respect his mistress, I made him as soft + as a glove. + </p> + <p> + Bassi’s bills made everybody laugh. People said he must be mad; but when + it was ascertained that it was the lessee’s speculation, and that I was + the lessee, the accusation of madness was turned on me, but what did I + care? At night the gallery was full an hour before the rise of the + curtain; but the pit was empty, and there was nobody in the boxes with the + exception of Count Lamberg, a Genoese abbe named Bolo, and a young man who + appeared to me a woman in disguise. + </p> + <p> + The actors surpassed themselves, and the thunders of applause from the + gallery enlivened the performance. + </p> + <p> + When we got to the inn, Bassi gave me the three ducats for the three + boxes, but of course I returned them to him; it was quite a little fortune + for the poor actors. I sat down at table between Bassi’s wife and + daughter, leaving the Alsatian to her lover. I told the manager to + persevere in the same course, and to let those laugh who would, and I made + him promise to play all his best pieces. + </p> + <p> + When the supper and the wine had sufficiently raised my spirits, I devoted + my attention to Bassi’s daughter, who let me do what I liked, while her + father and mother only laughed, and the silly Harlequin fretted and fumed + at not being able to take the same liberties with his Dulcinea. But at the + end of supper, when I had made the girl in a state of nature, I myself + being dressed like Adam before he ate the fatal apple, Harlequin rose, and + taking his sweetheart’s arm was going to draw her away. I imperiously told + him to sit down, and he obeyed me in amazement, contenting himself with + turning his back. His sweetheart did not follow his example, and so placed + herself on the pretext of defending my victim that she increased my + enjoyment, while my vagrant hand did not seem to displease her. + </p> + <p> + The scene excited Bassi’s wife, and she begged her husband to give her a + proof of his love for her, to which request he acceded, while modest + Harlequin sat by the fire with his head on his hands. The Alsatian was in + a highly excited state, and took advantage of her lover’s position to + grant me all I wished, so I proceeded to execute the great work with her, + and the violent movements of her body proved that she was taking as active + a part in it as myself. + </p> + <p> + When the orgy was over I emptied my purse on the table, and enjoyed the + eagerness with which they shared a score of sequins. + </p> + <p> + This indulgence at a time when I had not yet recovered my full strength + made me enjoy a long sleep. Just as I awoke I was handed a summons to + appear before the burgomaster. I made haste with my toilette, for I felt + curious to know the reason of this citation, and I was aware I had nothing + to fear. When I appeared, the magistrate addressed me in German, to which + I turned a deaf ear, for I only knew enough of that language to ask for + necessaries. When he was informed of my ignorance of German he addressed + me in Latin, not of the Ciceronian kind by any means, but in that peculiar + dialect which obtains at most of the German universities. + </p> + <p> + “Why do you bear a false name?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “My name is not false. You can ask Carli, the banker, who has paid me + fifty thousand florins.” + </p> + <p> + “I know that; but your name is Casanova, so why do you call yourself + Seingalt?” + </p> + <p> + “I take this name, or rather I have taken it, because it belongs to me, + and in such a manner that if anyone else dared to take it I should contest + it as my property by every legitimate resource.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! and how does this name belong to you?” + </p> + <p> + “Because I invented it; but that does not prevent my being Casanova as + well.” + </p> + <p> + “Sir, you must choose between Casanova and Seingalt; a man cannot have two + names.” + </p> + <p> + “The Spaniards and Portuguese often have half a dozen names.” + </p> + <p> + “But you are not a Spaniard or a Portuguese; you are an Italian: and, + after all, how can one invent a name?” + </p> + <p> + “It’s the simplest thing in the world.” + </p> + <p> + “Kindly explain.” + </p> + <p> + “The alphabet belongs equally to the whole human race; no one can deny + that. I have taken eight letters and combined them in such a way as to + produce the word Seingalt. It pleased me, and I have adopted it as my + surname, being firmly persuaded that as no one had borne it before no one + could deprive me of it, or carry it without my consent.” + </p> + <p> + “This is a very odd idea. Your arguments are rather specious than well + grounded, for your name ought to be none other than your father’s name.” + </p> + <p> + “I suggest that there you are mistaken; the name you yourself bear because + your father bore it before you, has not existed from all eternity; it must + have been invented by an ancestor of yours who did not get it from his + father, or else your name would have been Adam. Does your worship agree to + that?” + </p> + <p> + “I am obliged to; but all this is strange, very strange.” + </p> + <p> + “You are again mistaken. It’s quite an old custom, and I engage to give + you by to-morrow a long list of names invented by worthy people still + living, who are allowed to enjoy their names in peace and quietness + without being cited to the town hall to explain how they got them.” + </p> + <p> + “But you will confess that there are laws against false names?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but I repeat this name is my true name. Your name which I honour, + though I do not know it, cannot be more true than mine, for it is possible + that you are not the son of the gentleman you consider your father.” He + smiled and escorted me out, telling me that he would make enquiries about + me of M. Carli. + </p> + <p> + I took the part of going to M. Carli’s myself. The story made him laugh. + He told me that the burgomaster was a Catholic, a worthy man, well to do, + but rather thick-headed; in short, a fine subject for a joke. + </p> + <p> + The following morning M. Carli asked me to breakfast, and afterwards to + dine with the burgomaster. + </p> + <p> + “I saw him yesterday,” said he, “and we had a long talk, in the course of + which I succeeded in convincing him on the question of names, and he is + now quite of your opinion.” + </p> + <p> + I accepted the invitation with pleasure, as I was sure of seeing some good + company. I was not undeceived; there were some charming women and several + agreeable men. Amongst others, I noticed the woman in man’s dress I had + seen at the theatre. I watched her at dinner, and I was the more convinced + that she was a woman. Nevertheless, everybody addressed her as a man, and + she played the part to admiration. I, however, being in search of + amusement, and not caring to seem as if I were taken in, began to talk to + her in a stream of gallantry as one talks to a woman, and I contrived to + let her know that if I were not sure of her sex I had very strong + suspicions. She pretended not to understand me, and everyone laughed at my + feigned expression of offence. + </p> + <p> + After dinner, while we were taking coffee, the pretended gentleman shewed + a canon who was present a portrait on one of her rings. It represented a + young lady who was in the company, and was an excellent likeness—an + easy enough matter, as she was very ugly. My conviction was not disturbed, + but when I saw the imposter kissing the young lady’s hand with mingled + affection and respect, I ceased jesting on the question of her sex. M. + Carli took me aside for a moment, and told me that in spite of his + effeminate appearance this individual was a man, and was shortly going to + marry the young lady whose hand he had just kissed. + </p> + <p> + “It may be so,” said I, “but I can’t believe it all the same.” + </p> + <p> + However, the pair were married during the carnival, and the husband + obtained a rich dowry with his wife. The poor girl died of grief in the + course of a year, but did not say a word till she was on her death-bed. + Her foolish parents, ashamed of having been deceived so grossly, dared not + say anything, and got the female swindler out of the way; she had taken + good care, however, to lay a firm hold on the dowry. The story became + known, and gave the good folk of Augsburg much amusement, while I became + renowned for my sagacity in piercing the disguise. + </p> + <p> + I continued to enjoy the society of my two servants and of the fair + Alsation, who cost me a hundred louis. At the end of a week my agreement + with Bassi came to an end, leaving him with some money in his pocket. He + continued to give performances, returning to the usual prices and + suppressing the free gallery. He did very fair business. + </p> + <p> + I left Augsburg towards the middle of December. + </p> + <p> + I was vexed on account of Gertrude, who believed herself with child, but + could not make up her mind to accompany me to France. Her father would + have been pleased for me to take her; he had no hopes of getting her a + husband, and would have been glad enough to get rid of her by my making + her my mistress. + </p> + <p> + We shall hear more of her in the course of five or six years, as also of + my excellent cook, Anna Midel, to whom I gave a present of four hundred + florins. She married shortly afterwards, and when I visited the town again + I found her unhappy. + </p> + <p> + I could not make up my mind to forgive Le Duc, who rode on the coachman’s + box, and when we were in Paris, half-way along the Rue St. Antoine, I made + him take his trunk and get down; and I left him there without a character, + in spite of his entreaties. I never heard of him again, but I still miss + him, for, in spite of his great failings, he was an excellent servant. + Perhaps I should have called to mind the important services he had + rendered me at Stuttgart, Soleure, Naples, Florence, and Turin; but I + could not pass over his impudence in compromising me before the Augsburg + magistrate. If I had not succeeded in bringing a certain theft home to + him, it would have been laid to my door, and I should have been + dishonoured. + </p> + <p> + I had done a good deal in saving him from justice, and, besides, I had + rewarded him liberally for all the special services he had done me. + </p> + <p> + From Augsburg I went to Bale by way of Constance, where I stayed at the + dearest inn in Switzerland. The landlord, Imhoff, was the prince of + cheats, but his daughters were amusing, and after a three days’ stay I + continued my journey. I got to Paris on the last day of the year 1761, and + I left the coach at the house in the Rue du Bacq, where my good angel + Madame d’Urfe had arranged me a suite of rooms with the utmost elegance. + </p> + <p> + I spent three weeks in these rooms without going anywhere, in order to + convince the worthy lady that I had only returned to Paris to keep my word + to her, and make her be born again a man. + </p> + <p> + We spent the three weeks in making preparations for this divine operation, + and our preparations consisted of devotions to each of the seven planets + on the days consecrated to each of the intelligences. After this I had to + seek, in a place which the spirits would point out to me, for a maiden, + the daughter of an adept, whom I was to impregnate with a male child in a + manner only known to the Fraternity of the Rosy Cross. Madame d’Urfe was + to receive the child into her arms the moment it was born; and to keep it + beside her in bed for seven days. At the end of the seven days she would + die with her lips on the lips of the child, who would thus receive her + reasonable soul, whereas before it had only possessed a vegetal soul. + </p> + <p> + This being done, it was to be my part to care for the child with the + magisterium which was known to me, and as soon as it had attained to its + third year Madame d’Urfe would begin to recover her self-consciousness, + and then I was to begin to initiate her in the perfect knowledge of the + Great Work. + </p> + <p> + The operation must take place under the full moon during the months of + April, May, or June. Above all, Madame d’Urfe was to make a will in favour + of the child, whose guardian I was to be till its thirteenth year. + </p> + <p> + This sublime madwoman had no doubts whatever as to the truth of all this, + and burned with impatience to see the virgin who was destined to be the + vessel of election. She begged me to hasten my departure. + </p> + <p> + I had hoped, in obtaining my answers from the oracle, that she would be + deterred by the prospect of death, and I reckoned on the natural love of + life making her defer the operation for an indefinite period. But such was + not the case, and I found myself obliged to keep my word, in appearance at + all events, and to go on my quest for the mysterious virgin. + </p> + <p> + What I wanted was some young hussy whom I could teach the part, and I + thought of the Corticelli. She had been at Prague for the last nine + months, and when we were at Bologna I had promised to come and see her + before the end of the year. But as I was leaving Germany—by no means + a land of pleasant memories to me—I did not think it was worth while + going out of my way for such a trifle in the depth of winter. I resolved + to send her enough money for the journey, and to let her meet me in some + French town. + </p> + <p> + M. de Fouquet, a friend of Madame d’Urfe’s, was Governor of Metz, and I + felt sure that, with a letter of introduction from Madame d’Urfe, this + nobleman would give me a distinguished reception. Besides, his nephew, the + Comte de Lastic, whom I knew well, was there with his regiment. For these + reasons I chose Metz as a meeting-place with the virgin Corticelli, to + whom this new part would certainly be a surprise. Madame d’Urfe gave me + the necessary introductions, and I left Paris on January 25th, 1762, + loaded with presents. I had a letter of credit to a large amount, but I + did not make use of it as my purse was abundantly replenished. + </p> + <p> + I took no servant, for after Costa’s robbing me and Le Duc’s cheating me I + felt as if I could not trust in anyone. I got to Metz in two days, and put + up at the “Roi Dagobert,” an excellent inn, where I found the Comte de + Louvenhaupt, a Swede, whom I had met at the house of the Princess of + Anhalt-Zerbst, mother of the Empress of Russia. He asked me to sup with + him and the Duc de Deux Pants, who was travelling incognito to Paris to + visit Louis XV., whose constant friend he was. + </p> + <p> + The day after my arrival I took my letters to the governor, who told me I + must dine with him every day. M. de Lastic had left Metz, much to my + regret, as he would have contributed in no small degree to the pleasure of + my stay. The same day I wrote to the Corticelli, sending her fifty louis, + and telling her to come with her mother as soon as possible, and to get + someone who knew the way to accompany her. She could not leave Prague + before the beginning of Lent, and to make sure of her coming I promised + that I would make her fortune. + </p> + <p> + In four or five days I knew my way about the town, but I did not frequent + polite assemblies, preferring to go to the theatre, where a comic opera + singer had captivated me. Her name was Raton, and she was only fifteen, + after the fashion of actresses who always subtract at least two or three + years from their age. However, this failing is common to women, and is a + pardonable one, since to be youthful is the greatest of all advantages to + them. Raton was not so much handsome as attractive, but what chiefly made + her an object of desire was the fact that she had put the price of + twenty-five louis on her maidenhead. One could spend a night with her, and + make the trial for a Louis; the twenty-five were only to be paid on the + accomplishment of the great work. + </p> + <p> + It was notorious that numerous officers in the army and young barristers + had undertaken the operation unsuccessfully, and all of them had paid a + louis apiece. + </p> + <p> + This singular case was enough to whet my curiosity. I was not long before + I called on Raton, but not wishing to be duped by her I took due + precautions. I told her that she must come and sup with me, and that I + would give her the twenty-five louis if my happiness was complete, and + that if I were unsuccessful she should have six louis instead of one, + provided that she was not tied. Her aunt assured me that this was not the + case; but I could not help thinking of Victorine. + </p> + <p> + Raton came to supper with her aunt, who went to bed in an adjoining closet + when the dessert was brought in. The girl’s figure was exquisitely + beautiful, and I felt that I had no small task before me. She was kind, + laughing, and defied me to the conquest of a fleece not of gold, but of + ebony, which the youth of Metz had assaulted in vain. Perhaps the reader + will think that I, who was no longer in my first vigour, was discouraged + by the thought of the many who had failed; but I knew my powers, and it + only amused me. Her former lovers had been Frenchmen, more skilled in + carrying strong places by assault than in eluding the artfulness of a girl + who corked herself up. I was an Italian, and knew all about that, so I had + no doubts as to my victory. + </p> + <p> + However, my preparations were superfluous; for as soon as Raton felt from + my mode of attack that the trick would be of no avail she met my desires + half-way, without trying the device which had made her seem to be what she + was no longer to her inexpert lovers. She gave herself up in good faith, + and when I had promised to keep the secret her ardours were equal to mine. + It was not her first trial, and I consequently need not have given her the + twenty-five louis, but I was well satisfied, and not caring much for + maidenheads rewarded her as if I had been the first to bite at the cherry. + </p> + <p> + I kept Raton at a louis a day till the arrival of the Corticelli, and she + had to be faithful to me, as I never let her go out of my sight. I liked + the girl so well and found her so pleasant that I was sorry that the + Corticelli was coming; however, I was told of her arrival one night just + as I was leaving my box at the theatre. My footman told me in a loud voice + that my lady wife, my daughter, and a gentleman had just arrived from + Frankfort, and were awaiting me at the inn. + </p> + <p> + “Idiot,” I exclaimed, “I have no wife and no daughter.” + </p> + <p> + However, all Metz heard that my family had arrived. + </p> + <p> + The Corticelli threw her arms round my neck, laughing as usual, and her + mother presented me to the worthy man who had accompanied them from Prague + to Metz. He was an Italian named Month, who had lived for a long time at + Prague, where he taught his native language. I saw that M. Month and the + old woman were suitably accommodated, and I then led the young fool into + my room. I found her changed for the better; she had grown, her shape was + improved, and her pleasant manners made her a very charming girl. + </p> + <a name="linkD2HCH0015" id="linkD2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + I Returned to Paris With The Corticelli, Now Countess + Lascaris—The Hypostasis Fails—Aix-la-Chapelle—Duel—Mimi + d’Ache—The Corticelli Turns Traitress to Her Own + Disadvantage—Journey to Sulzbach +</pre> + <p> + “Why did you allow your mother to call herself my wife, little simpleton? + Do you think that’s a compliment to my judgment? She might have given + herself out for your governess, as she wishes to pass you off as my + daughter.” + </p> + <p> + “My mother is an obstinate old woman who had rather be whipped at the + cart-tail than call herself my governess. She has very narrow ideas, and + always thinks that governess and procuress mean the same thing.” + </p> + <p> + “She’s an old fool, but we will make her hear reason either with her will + or in spite of it. But you look well dressed, have you made your fortune?” + </p> + <p> + “At Prague I captivated the affections of Count N——, and he + proved a generous lover. But let your first action be to send back M. + Month. The worthy man has his family at Prague to look after; he can’t + afford to stay long here.” + </p> + <p> + “True, I will see about it directly.” + </p> + <p> + The coach started for Frankfort the same evening, and summoning Month I + thanked him for his kindness and paid him generously, so he went off well + pleased. + </p> + <p> + I had nothing further to do at Metz, so I took leave of my new friends, + and in two days time I was at Nancy, where I wrote to Madame d’Urfe that I + was on my way back with a virgin, the last of the family of Lascaris, who + had once reigned at Constantinople. I begged her to receive her from my + hands, at a country house which belonged to her, where we should be + occupied for some days in cabalistic ceremonies. + </p> + <p> + She answered that she would await us at Pont-Carre, an old castle four + leagues distant from Paris, and that she would welcome the young princess + with all possible kindness. + </p> + <p> + “I owe her all the more friendship,” added the sublime madwoman, “as the + family of Lascaris is connected with the family of d’Urfe, and as I am to + be born again in the seed of the happy virgin.” + </p> + <p> + I felt that my task would be not exactly to throw cold water on her + enthusiasm, but to hold it in check and to moderate its manifestations. I + therefore explained to her by return of post that she must be content to + treat the virgin as a countess, not a princess, and I ended by informing + her that we should arrive, accompanied by the countess’s governess, on the + Monday of Holy Week. + </p> + <p> + I spent twelve days at Nancy, instructing the young madcap in the part she + had to play, and endeavouring to persuade her mother that she must content + herself with being the Countess Lascaris’s humble servant. It was a task + of immense difficulty; it was not enough to shew her that our success + depended on her submitting; I had to threaten to send her back to Bologna + by herself. I had good reason to repent of my perseverance. That woman’s + obstinacy was an inspiration of my good angel’s, bidding me avoid the + greatest mistake I ever made. + </p> + <p> + On the day appointed we reached Pont-Carre. Madame d’Urfe, whom I had + advised of the exact hour of our arrival, had the drawbridge of the castle + lowered, and stood in the archway in the midst of her people, like a + general surrendering with all the honours of war. The dear lady, whose + madness was but an excess of wit, gave the false princess so distinguished + a reception that she would have shewn her amazement if I had not warned + her of what she might expect. Thrice did she clasp her to her breast with + a tenderness that was quite maternal, calling her her beloved niece, and + explaining the entire pedigrees of the families of Lascaris and d’Urfe to + make the countess understand how she came to be her niece. I was agreeably + surprised to see the polite and dignified air with which the Italian wench + listened to all this; she did not even smile, though the scene must have + struck her as extremely laughable. + </p> + <p> + As soon as we got into the castle Madame d’Urfe proceeded to cense the + new-comer, who received the attention with all the dignity of an opera + queen, and then threw herself into the arms of the priestess, who received + her with enthusiastic affection. + </p> + <p> + At dinner the countess was agreeable and talkative, which won her Madame + d’Urfe’s entire favour; her broken French being easily accounted for. + Laura, the countess’s mother, only knew her native Italian, and so kept + silence. She was given a comfortable room, where her meals were brought to + her, and which she only left to hear mass. + </p> + <p> + The castle was a fortified building, and had sustained several sieges in + the civil wars. As its name, Pont-Carre, indicated, it was square, and was + flanked by four crenelated towers and surrounded by a broad moat. The + rooms were vast, and richly furnished in an old-fashioned way. The air was + full of venomous gnats who devoured us and covered our faces with painful + bites; but I had agreed to spend a week there, and I should have been hard + put to it to find a pretext for shortening the time. Madame d’Urfe had a + bed next her own for her niece, but I was not afraid of her attempting to + satisfy herself as to the countess’s virginity, as the oracle had + expressly forbidden it under pain or failure. The operation was fixed for + the fourteenth day of the April moon. + </p> + <p> + On that day we had a temperate supper, after which I went to bed. A + quarter of an hour afterwards Madame d’Urfe came, leading the virgin + Lascaris. She undressed her, scented her, cast a lovely veil over her + body, and when the countess was laid beside me she remained, wishing to be + present at an operation which was to result in her being born again in the + course of nine months. + </p> + <p> + The act was consummated in form, and then Madame d’Urfe left us alone for + the rest of the night, which was well employed. Afterwards, the countess + slept with her aunt till the last day of the moon, when I asked the oracle + if the Countess Lascaris had conceived. That well might be, for I had + spared nothing to that intent; but I thought it more prudent to make the + oracle reply that the operation had failed because the small Count + d’Aranda had watched us behind a screen. Madame d’Urfe was in despair, but + I consoled her by a second reply, in which the oracle declared that though + the operation could only be performed in France in April, it could take + place out of that realm in May; but the inquisitive young count, whose + influence had proved so fatal, must be sent for at least a year to some + place a hundred leagues from Paris. The oracle also indicated the manner + in which he was to travel; he was to have a tutor, a servant, and all in + order. + </p> + <p> + The oracle had spoken, and no more was wanted. Madame d’Urfe thought of an + abbe she liked for his tutor, and the count was sent to Lyons, with strong + letters of commendation to M. de Rochebaron, a relation of his patroness. + The young man was delighted to travel, and never had any suspicion of the + way in which I had slandered him. It was not a mere fancy which suggested + this course of action. I had discovered that the Corticelli was making up + to him, and that her mother favoured the intrigue. I had surprised her + twice in the young man’s room, and though he only cared for the girl as a + youth cares for all girls, the Signora Laura did not at all approve of my + opposing her daughter’s designs. + </p> + <p> + Our next task was to fix on some foreign town where we could again attempt + the mysterious operation. We settled on Aix-la-Chapelle, and in five or + six days all was ready for the journey. + </p> + <p> + The Corticelli, angry with me for having thwarted her in her projects, + reproached me bitterly, and from that time began to be my enemy; she even + allowed herself to threaten me if I did not get back the pretty boy, as + she called him. + </p> + <p> + “You have no business to be jealous,” said she, “and I am the mistress of + my own actions.” + </p> + <p> + “Quite right, my dear,” I answered; “but it is my business to see that you + do not behave like a prostitute in your present position.” + </p> + <p> + The mother was in a furious rage, and said that she and her daughter would + return to Bologna, and to quiet them I promised to take them there myself + as soon as we had been to Aix-la-Chapelle. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless I did not feel at ease, and to prevent any plots taking place + I hastened our departure. + </p> + <p> + We started in May, in a travelling carriage containing Madame d’Urfe, + myself, the false Lascaris, and her maid and favourite, named Brougnole. + We were followed by a coach with two seats; in it were the Signora Laura + and another servant. Two men-servants in full livery sat on the outside of + our travelling carriage. We stopped a day at Brussels, and another at + Liege. At Aix there were many distinguished visitors, and at the first + ball we attended Madame d’Urfe presented the Lascaris to two Princesses of + Mecklenburg as her niece. The false countess received their embraces with + much ease and modesty, and attracted the particular attention of the + Margrave of Baireuth and the Duchess of Wurtemberg, his daughter, who took + possession of her, and did not leave her till the end of the ball. + </p> + <p> + I was on thorns the whole time, in terror lest the heroine might make some + dreadful slip. She danced so gracefully that everybody gazed at her, and I + was the person who was complimented on her performance. + </p> + <p> + I suffered a martyrdom, for these compliments seemed to be given with + malicious intent. I suspected that the ballet-girl had been discovered + beneath the countess, and I felt myself dishonoured. I succeeded in + speaking privately to the young wanton for a moment, and begged her to + dance like a young lady, and not like a chorus girl; but she was proud of + her success, and dared to tell me that a young lady might know how to + dance as well as a professional dancer, and that she was not going to + dance badly to please me. I was so enraged with her impudence, that I + would have cast her off that instant if it had been possible; but as it + was not, I determined that her punishment should lose none of its + sharpness by waiting; and whether it be a vice or a virtue, the desire of + revenge is never extinguished in my heart till it is satisfied. + </p> + <p> + The day after the ball Madame d’Urfe presented her with a casket + containing a beautiful watch set with brilliants, a pair of diamond + ear-rings, and a ring containing a ruby of fifteen carats. The whole was + worth sixty thousand francs. I took possession of it to prevent her going + off without my leave. + </p> + <p> + In the meanwhile I amused myself with play and making bad acquaintances. + The worst of all was a French officer, named d’Ache, who had a pretty wife + and a daughter prettier still. Before long the daughter had taken + possession of the heart which the Corticelli had lost, but as soon as + Madame d’Ache saw that I preferred her daughter to herself she refused to + receive me at her house. + </p> + <p> + I had lent d’Ache ten Louis, and I consequently felt myself entitled to + complain of his wife’s conduct; but he answered rudely that as I only went + to the house after his daughter, his wife was quite right; that he + intended his daughter to make a good match, and that if my intentions were + honourable I had only to speak to the mother. His manner was still more + offensive than his words, and I felt enraged, but knowing the brutal + drunken characteristics of the man, and that he was always ready to draw + cold steel for a yes or a no, I was silent and resolved to forget the + girl, not caring to become involved with a man like her father. + </p> + <p> + I had almost cured myself of my fancy when, a few days after our + conversation, I happened to go into a billiard-room where d’Ache was + playing with a Swiss named Schmit, an officer in the Swedish army. As soon + as d’Ache saw me he asked whether I would lay the ten Louis he owed me + against him. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said I, “that will make double or quits.” + </p> + <p> + Towards the end of the match d’Ache made an unfair stroke, which was so + evident that the marker told him of it; but as this stroke made him the + winner, d’Ache seized the stakes and put them in his pocket without + heeding the marker or the other player, who, seeing himself cheated before + his very eyes, gave the rascal a blow across the face with his cue. D’Ache + parried the blow with his hand, and drawing his sword rushed at Schmit, + who had no arms. The marker, a sturdy young fellow, caught hold of d’Ache + round the body, and thus prevented murder. The Swiss went out, saying, + </p> + <p> + “We shall see each other again.” + </p> + <p> + The rascally Frenchman cooled down, and said to me, + </p> + <p> + “Now, you see, we are quits.” + </p> + <p> + “Very much quits.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s all very well; but, by God! you might have prevented the insult + which has dishonoured me.” + </p> + <p> + “I might have done so, but I did not care to interfere. You are strong + enough to look after yourself. Schmit had not his sword, but I believe him + to be a brave man; and he will give you satisfaction if you will return + him his money, for there can be no doubt that you lost the match.” + </p> + <p> + An officer, named de Pyene, took me up and said that he himself would give + me the twenty louis which d’Ache had taken, but that the Swiss must give + satisfaction. I had no hesitation in promising that he would do so, and + said I would bring a reply to the challenge the next morning. + </p> + <p> + I had no fears myself. The man of honour ought always to be ready to use + the sword to defend himself from insult, or to give satisfaction for an + insult he has offered. I know that the law of duelling is a prejudice + which may be called, and perhaps rightly, barbarous, but it is a prejudice + which no man of honour can contend against, and I believed Schmit to be a + thorough gentleman. + </p> + <p> + I called on him at day-break, and found him still in bed. As soon as he + saw me, he said, + </p> + <p> + “I am sure you have come to ask me to fight with d’Ache. I am quite ready + to burn powder with him, but he must first pay me the twenty Louis he + robbed me of.” + </p> + <p> + “You shall have them to-morrow, and I will attend you. D’Ache will be + seconded by M. de Pyene.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good. I shall expect you at day-break.” + </p> + <p> + Two hours after I saw de Pyene, and we fixed the meeting for the next day, + at six o’clock in the morning. The arms were to be pistols. We chose a + garden, half a league from the town, as the scene of the combat. + </p> + <p> + At day-break I found the Swiss waiting for me at the door of his lodgings, + carolling the ‘ranz-des-vaches’, so dear to his fellow-countrymen. I + thought that a good omen. + </p> + <p> + “Here you are,” said he; “let us be off, then.” + </p> + <p> + On the way, he observed, “I have only fought with men of honour up to now, + and I don’t much care for killing a rascal; it’s hangman’s work.” + </p> + <p> + “I know,” I replied, “that it’s very hard to have to risk one’s life + against a fellow like that.” + </p> + <p> + “There’s no risk,” said Schmit, with a laugh. “I am certain that I shall + kill him.” + </p> + <p> + “How can you be certain?” + </p> + <p> + “I shall make him tremble.” + </p> + <p> + He was right. This secret is infallible when it is applied to a coward. We + found d’Ache and de Pyene on the field, and five or six others who must + have been present from motives of curiosity. + </p> + <p> + D’Ache took twenty louis from his pocket and gave them to his enemy, + saying, + </p> + <p> + “I may be mistaken, but I hope to make you pay dearly for your brutality.” + Then turning to me he said, + </p> + <p> + “I owe you twenty louis also;” but I made no reply. + </p> + <p> + Schmit put the money in his purse with the calmest air imaginable, and + making no reply to the other’s boast placed himself between two trees, + distant about four paces from one another, and drawing two pistols from + his pocket said to d’Ache, + </p> + <p> + “Place yourself at a distance of ten paces, and fire first. I shall walk + to and fro between these two trees, and you may walk as far if you like to + do so when my turn comes to fire.” + </p> + <p> + Nothing could be clearer or more calmly delivered than this explanation. + </p> + <p> + “But we must decide,” said I, “who is to have the first shot.” + </p> + <p> + “There is no need,” said Schmit. “I never fire first, besides, the + gentleman has a right to the first shot.” + </p> + <p> + De Pyene placed his friend at the proper distance and then stepped aside, + and d’Ache fired on his antagonist, who was walking slowly to and fro + without looking at him. Schmit turned round in the coolest manner + possible, and said, + </p> + <p> + “You have missed me, sir; I knew you would. Try again.” + </p> + <p> + I thought he was mad, and that some arrangement would be come to; but + nothing of the kind. D’Ache fired a second time, and again missed; and + Schmit, without a word, but as calm as death, fired his first pistol in + the air, and then covering d’Ache with his second pistol hit him in the + forehead and stretched him dead on the ground. He put back his pistols + into his pocket and went off directly by himself, as if he were merely + continuing his walk. In two minutes I followed his example, after + ascertaining that the unfortunate d’Ache no longer breathed. + </p> + <p> + I was in a state of amazement. Such a duel was more like a combat of + romance than a real fact. I could not understand it; I had watched the + Swiss, and had not noticed the slightest change pass over his face. + </p> + <p> + I breakfasted with Madame d’Urfe, whom I found inconsolable. It was the + full moon, and at three minutes past four exactly I ought to perform the + mysterious creation of the child in which she was to be born again. But + the Lascaris, on whom the work was to be wrought, was twisting and turning + in her bed, contorting herself in such a way that it would be impossible + for me to accomplish the prolific work. + </p> + <p> + My grief, when I heard what had happened, was hypocritical; in the first + place because I no longer felt any desire for the girl, and in the second + because I thought I saw a way in which I could make use of the incident to + take vengeance on her. + </p> + <p> + I lavished consolations on Madame d’Urfe; and on consulting the oracle I + found that the Lascaris had been defiled by an evil genius, and that I + must search for another virgin whose purity must be under the protection + of more powerful spirits. I saw that my madwoman was perfectly happy with + this, and I left her to visit the Corticelli, whom I found in bed with her + mother beside her. + </p> + <p> + “You have convulsions, have you, dearest?” said I. + </p> + <p> + “No, I haven’t. I am quite well, but all the same I shall have them till + you give me back my jewel-casket.” + </p> + <p> + “You are getting wicked, my poor child; this comes of following your + mother’s advice. As for the casket, if you are going to behave like this, + probably you will have it.” + </p> + <p> + “I will reveal all.” + </p> + <p> + “You will not be believed; and I shall send you back to Bologna without + letting you take any of the presents which Madame d’Urfe has given you.” + </p> + <p> + “You ought to have given me back the casket when I declared myself with + child.” + </p> + <p> + Signora Laura told me that this was only too true, though I was not the + father. + </p> + <p> + “Who is, then?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “Count N——, whose mistress she was at Prague.” + </p> + <p> + It did not seem probable, as she had no symptoms of pregnancy; still it + might be so. I was obliged to plot myself to bring the plots of these two + rascally women to nought, and without saying anything to them I shut + myself up with Madame d’Urfe to enquire of the oracle concerning the + operation which was to make her happy. + </p> + <p> + After several answers, more obscure than any returned from the oracular + tripod at Delphi, the interpretation of which I left to the infatuated + Madame d’Urfe, she discovered herself—and I took care not to + contradict her—that the Countess Lascaris had gone mad. I encouraged + her fears, and succeeded in making her obtain from a cabalistic pyramid + the statement that the reason the princess had not conceived was that she + had been defiled by an evil genius—an enemy of the Fraternity of the + Rosy Cross. This put Madame d’Urfe fairly on the way, and she added on her + own account that the girl must be with child by a gnome. + </p> + <p> + She then erected another pyramid to obtain guidance on our quest, and I so + directed things that the answer came that she must write to the moon. + </p> + <p> + This mad reply, which should have brought her to her senses, only made her + more crazy than ever. She was quite ecstatic, and I am sure that if I had + endeavoured to shew her the nothingness of all this I should have had + nothing for my trouble. Her conclusion would probably have been that I was + possessed by an evil spirit, and was no longer a true Rosy Cross. But I + had no idea of undertaking a cure which would have done me harm and her no + good. Her chimerical notions made her happy, and the cold naked truth + would doubtless have made her unhappy. + </p> + <p> + She received the order to write to the moon with the greater delight as + she knew what ceremonies were to be observed in addressing that planet; + but she could not dispense with the assistance of an adept, and I knew she + would reckon on me. I told her I should always be ready to serve her, but + that, as she knew herself, we should have to wait for the first phase of + the new moon. I was very glad to gain time, for I had lost heavily at + play, and I could not leave Aix-la-Chapelle before a bill, which I had + drawn on M. d’O. of Amsterdam, was cashed. In the mean time we agreed that + as the Countess Lascaris had become mad, we must not pay any attention to + what she might say, as the words would not be hers but would proceed from + the evil spirit who possessed her. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, we determined that as her state was a pitiable one, and + should be as much alleviated as possible, she should continue to dine with + us, but that in the evening she was to go to her governess and sleep with + her. + </p> + <p> + After having thus disposed of Madame d’Urfe to disbelieve whatever the + Corticelli cared to tell her, and to concentrate all her energies on the + task of writing to Selenis, the intelligence of the moon, I set myself + seriously to work to regain the money I had lost at play; and here my + cabala was no good to me. I pledged the Corticelli’s casket for a thousand + louis, and proceeded to play in an English club where I had a much better + chance of winning than with Germans or Frenchmen. + </p> + <p> + Three or four days after d’Ache’s death, his widow wrote me a note begging + me to call on her. I found her in company with de Pyene. She told me in a + lugubrious voice that her husband had left many debts unsettled, and that + his creditors had seized everything she possessed; and that she was + thus unable to pay the expenses of a journey, though she wanted to take + her daughter with her to Colmar, and there to rejoin her family. + </p> + <p> + “You caused my husband’s death,” she added, “and I ask you to give me a + thousand crowns; if you refuse me I shall commence a lawsuit against you, + for as the Swiss officer has left, you are the only person I can + prosecute.” + </p> + <p> + “I am surprised at your taking such a tone towards me,” I replied, coldly, + “and were it not for the respect I feel for your misfortune, I should + answer as bitterly as you deserve. In the first place I have not a + thousand crowns to throw away, and if I had I would not sacrifice my money + to threats. I am curious to know what kind of a case you could get up + against me in the courts of law. As for Schmit, he fought like a brave + gentleman, and I don’t think you could get much out of him if he were + still here. Good-day, madam.” + </p> + <p> + I had scarcely got fifty paces from the house when I was joined by de + Pyene, who said that rather than Madame d’Ache should have to complain of + me he would cut my throat on the spot. We neither of us had swords. + </p> + <p> + “Your intention is not a very flattering one,” said I, “and there is + something rather brutal about it. I had rather not have any affair of the + kind with a man whom I don’t know and to whom I owe nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “You are a coward.” + </p> + <p> + “I would be, you mean, if I were to imitate you. It is a matter of perfect + indifference to me what opinion you may have on the subject. + </p> + <p> + “You will be sorry for this.” + </p> + <p> + “Maybe, but I warn you that I never go out unattended by a pair of + pistols, which I keep in good order and know how to use.” So saying I + shewd him the pistols, and took one in my right hand. + </p> + <p> + At this the bully uttered an oath and we separated. + </p> + <p> + At a short distance from the place where this scene had occurred I met a + Neapolitan named Maliterni, a lieutenant-colonel and aide to the Prince de + Condo, commander-in-chief of the French army. This Maliterni was a boon + companion, always ready to oblige, and always short of money. We were + friends, and I told him what had happened. + </p> + <p> + “I should be sorry,” said I, “to have anything to do with a fellow like de + Pyene, and if you can rid me of him I promise you a hundred crowns.” + </p> + <p> + “I daresay that can be managed,” he replied, “and I will tell you what I + can do to-morrow!” + </p> + <p> + In point of fact, he brought me news the next day that my cut-throat had + received orders from his superior officer to leave Aix-la-Chapelle at + day-break, and at the same time he gave me a passport from the Prince de + Conde. + </p> + <p> + I confess that this was very pleasant tidings. I have never feared to + cross my sword with any man, though never sought the barbarous pleasure of + spilling men’s blood; but on this occasion I felt an extreme dislike to a + duel with a fellow who was probably of the same caste as his friend + d’Ache. + </p> + <p> + I therefore gave Maliterni my heartiest thanks, as well as the hundred + crowns I had promised him, which I considered so well employed that I did + not regret their loss. + </p> + <p> + Maliterni, who was a jester of the first water, and a creature of the + Marshal d’Estrees, was lacking neither in wit nor knowledge; but he was + deficient in a sense of order and refinement. He was a pleasant companion, + for his gaiety was inexhaustible and he had a large knowledge of the + world. He attained the rank of field-marshal in 1768, and went to Naples + to marry a rich heiress, whom he left a widow a year after. + </p> + <p> + The day after de Pyene’s departure I received a note from Mdlle. d’Ache, + begging me, for the sake of her sick mother, to come and see her. I + answered that I would be at such a place at such a time, and that she + could say what she liked to me. + </p> + <p> + I found her at the place and time I appointed, with her mother, whose + illness, it appeared, did not prevent her from going out. She called me + her persecutor, and said that since the departure of her best friend, de + Pyene, she did not know where to turn; that she had pledged all her + belongings, and that I, who was rich, ought to aid her, if I were not the + vilest of men. + </p> + <p> + “I feel for your condition,” I replied, “as I feel your abuse of me; and I + cannot help saying that you have shewn yourself the vilest of women in + inciting de Pyene, who may be an honest man for all I know, to assassinate + me. In fine, rich or not, and though I owe you nothing, I will give you + enough money to take your property out of pawn, and I may possibly take + you to Colmar myself, but you must first consent to my giving your + charming daughter a proof of my affection.” + </p> + <p> + “And you dare to make this horrible proposal to me?” + </p> + <p> + “Horrible or not, I do make it.” + </p> + <p> + “I will never consent.” + </p> + <p> + “Good day, madam.” + </p> + <p> + I called the waiter to pay him for the refreshments I had ordered, and I + gave the girl six double louis, but her proud mother forbade her to accept + the money from me. I was not surprised, in spite of her distress; for the + mother was in reality still more charming than the daughter, and she knew + it. I ought to have given her the preference, and thus have ended the + dispute, but who can account for his whims? I felt that she must hate me, + for she did not care for her daughter, and it must have humiliated her + bitterly to be obliged to regard her as a victorious rival. + </p> + <p> + I left them still holding the six double louis, which pride or scorn had + refused, and I went to the faro-table and decided in sacrificing them to + fortune; but that capricious deity, as proud as the haughty widow, refused + them, and though I left them on the board for five deals I almost broke + the bank. An Englishman, named Martin, offered to go shares with me, and I + accepted, as I knew he was a good player; and in the course of eight or + ten days we did such good business that I was not only able to take the + casket out of pledge and to cover all losses, but made a considerable + profit in addition. + </p> + <p> + About this period, the Corticelli, in her rage against me, had told Madame + d’Urfe the whole history of her life, of our acquaintance, and of her + pregnancy. But the more truthfully she told her story so much the more did + the good lady believe her to be mad, and we often laughed together at the + extraordinary fancies of the traitress. Madame d’Urfe put all her trust in + the instructions which Selenis would give in reply to her letter. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, as the girl’s conduct displeased me, I made her eat her + meals with her mother, while I kept Madame d’Urfe company. I assured her + that we should easily find another vessel of election, the madness of the + Countess Lascaris having made her absolutely incapable of participating in + our mysterious rites. + </p> + <p> + Before long, d’Ache’s widow found herself obliged to give me her Mimi; but + I won her by kindness, and in such a way that the mother could pretend + with decency to know nothing about it. I redeemed all the goods she had + pawned, and although the daughter had not yet yielded entirely to my + ardour, I formed the plan of taking them to Colmar with Madame d’Urfe. To + make up the good lady’s mind, I resolved to let that be one of the + instructions from the moon, and this she would not only obey blindly but + would have no suspicions as to my motive. + </p> + <p> + I managed the correspondence between Selenis and Madame d’Urfe in the + following manner: + </p> + <p> + On the day appointed, we supped together in a garden beyond the town + walls, and in a room on the ground floor of the house I had made all the + necessary preparations, the letter which was to fall from the moon, in + reply to Madame d’Urfe’s epistle, being in my pocket. At a little distance + from the chamber of ceremonies I had placed a large bath filled with + lukewarm water and perfumes pleasing to the deity of the night, into which + we were to plunge at the hour of the moon, which fell at one o’clock. + </p> + <p> + When we had burnt incense, and sprinkled the essences appropriate to the + cult of Selenis, we took off all our clothes, and holding the letter + concealed in my left hand, with the right I graciously led Madame d’Urfe + to the brink of the bath. Here stood an alabaster cup containing spirits + of wine which I kindled, repeating magical words which I did not + understand, but which she said after me, giving me the letter addressed to + Selenis. I burnt the letter in the flame of the spirits, beneath the light + of the moon, and the credulous lady told me she saw the characters she had + traced ascending in the rays of the planet. + </p> + <p> + We then got into the bath, and the letter, which was written in silver + characters on green paper appeared on the surface of the water in the + course of ten minutes. As soon as Madame d’Urfe saw it, she picked it up + reverently and got out of the bath with me. + </p> + <p> + We dried and scented ourselves, and proceeded to put on our clothes. As + soon as we were in a state of decency I told Madame d’Urfe that she might + read the epistle, which she had placed on a scented silk cushion. She + obeyed, and I saw sadness visibly expressed on her features when she saw + that her hypostasis was deferred till the arrival of Querilinthus, whom + she would see with me at Marseilles in the spring of next year. The genius + also said that the Countess Lascaris could not only do her harm, and that + she should consult me as to the best means of getting rid of her. The + letter ended by ordering her not to leave at Aix a lady who had lost her + husband, and had a daughter who was destined to be of great service to the + fraternity of the R. C. She was to take them to Alsace, and not to leave + them till they were there, and safe from that danger which threatened them + if they were left to themselves. + </p> + <p> + Madame d’Urfe, who with all her folly was an exceedingly benevolent woman, + commended the widow to my care enthusiastically, and seemed impatient to + hear her whole history. I told her all the circumstances which I thought + would strengthen her in her resolution to befriend them, and promised to + introduce the ladies to them at the first opportunity. + </p> + <p> + We returned to Aix, and spent the night in discussing the phantoms which + coursed through her brain. All was going on well, and my only care was for + the journey to Aix, and how to obtain the complete enjoyment of Mimi after + having so well deserved her favours. + </p> + <p> + I had a run of luck at play the next day, and in the evening I gave Madame + d’Ache an agreeable surprise by telling her that I should accompany her + and her Mimi to Colmar. I told her that I should begin by introducing her + to the lady whom I had the honour to accompany, and I begged her to be + ready by the next day as the marchioness was impatient to see her. I could + see that she could scarcely believe her ears, for she thought Madame + d’Urfe was in love with me, and she could not understand her desire to + make the acquaintance of two ladies who might be dangerous rivals. + </p> + <p> + I conducted them to Madame d’Urfe at the appointed hour, and they were + received with a warmth which surprised them exceedingly, for they could + not be expected to know that their recommendation came from the moon. We + made a party of four, and while the two ladies talked together in the + fashion of ladies who have seen the world, I paid Mimi a particular + attention, which her mother understood very well, but which Madame d’Urfe + attributed to the young lady’s connection with the Rosy Cross. + </p> + <p> + In the evening we all went to a ball, and there the Corticelli, who was + always trying to annoy me, danced as no young lady would dance. She + executed rapid steps, pirouetted, cut capers, and shewed her legs; in + short, she behaved like a ballet-girl. I was on thorns. An officer, who + either ignored, or pretended to ignore, my supposed relation to her, asked + me if she was a professional dancer. I heard another man behind me say + that he thought he remembered seeing her on the boards at Prague. I + resolved on hastening my departure, as I foresaw that if I stayed much + longer at Aix the wretched girl would end by costing me my life. + </p> + <p> + As I have said, Madame d’Ache had a good society manner, and this put her + in Madame d’Urfe’s good graces, who saw in her politeness a new proof of + the favour of Selenis. Madame d’Ache felt, I suppose, that she awed me + some return after all I had done for her, and left the ball early, so that + when I took Mimi home I found myself alone with her, and at perfect + liberty to do what I liked. I profited by the opportunity, and remained + with Mimi for two hours, finding her so complaisant and even passionate + that when I left her I had nothing more to desire. + </p> + <p> + In three days time I provided the mother and daughter with their outfit, + and we left Aix gladly in an elegant and convenient travelling carriage + which I had provided. Half an hour before we left I made an acquaintance + which afterwards proved fatal to me. A Flemish officer, unknown to me, + accosted me, and painted his destitute condition in such sad colours that + I felt obliged to give him twelve louis. Ten minutes after, he gave me a + paper in which he acknowledged the debt, and named the time in which he + could pay it. From the paper I ascertained that his name was Malingan. In + ten months the reader will hear the results. + </p> + <p> + Just as we were starting I shewed the Corticelli a carriage with four + places, in which she, her mother, and the two maids, were to travel. At + this she trembled, her pride was wounded, and for a moment I thought she + was going out of her mind; she rained sobs, abuse, and curses on me. I + stood the storm unmoved, however, and Madame d’Urfe only laughed at her + niece’s paroxysms, and seemed delighted to find herself sitting opposite + to me with the servant of Selenis beside her, while Mimi was highly + pleased to be so close to me. + </p> + <p> + We got to Liege at nightfall on the next day, and I contrived to make + Madame d’Urfe stay there the day following, wishing to get horses to take + us through the Ardennes, and thus to have the charming Mimi longer in my + possession. + </p> + <p> + I rose early and went out to see the town. By the great bridge, a woman, + so wrapped up in a black mantilla that only the tip of her nose was + visible, accosted me, and asked me to follow her into a house with an open + door which she shewed me. + </p> + <p> + “As I have not the pleasure of knowing you,” I replied, “prudence will not + allow me to do so.” + </p> + <p> + “You do know me, though,” she replied, and taking me to the corner of a + neighbouring street she shewed me her face. What was my surprise to see + the fair Stuart of Avignon, the statue of the Fountain of Vaucluse. I was + very glad to meet her. + </p> + <p> + In my curiosity I followed her into the house, to a room on the first + floor, where she welcomed me most tenderly. It was all no good, for I felt + angry with her, and despised her advances, no doubt, because I had Mimi, + and wished to keep all my love for her. However, I took three louis out of + my purse and gave them to her, asking her to tell me her history. + </p> + <p> + “Stuart,” she said, “was only my keeper; my real name is Ranson, and I am + the mistress of a rich landed proprietor. I got back to Liege after many + sufferings.” + </p> + <p> + “I am delighted to hear that you are more prosperous now, but it must be + confessed that your behaviour at Avignon was both preposterous and absurd. + But the subject is not worth discussing. Good day, madam.” + </p> + <p> + I then returned to my hotel to write an account of what I had seen to the + Marquis Grimaldi. + </p> + <p> + The next day we left Liege, and were two days passing through the + Ardennes. This is one of the strangest tracts in Europe: a vast forest, + the traditions of which furnished Ariosto with some splendid passages. + </p> + <p> + There is no town in the forest, and though one is obliged to cross it to + pass from one country to another, hardly any of the necessaries of life + are to be found in it. + </p> + <p> + The enquirer will seek in vain for vices or virtues, or manners of any + kind. The inhabitants are devoid of correct ideas, but have wild notions + of their own on the power of men they style scholars. It is enough to be a + doctor to enjoy the reputation of an astrologer and a wizard. Nevertheless + the Ardennes have a large population, as I was assured that there were + twelve hundred churches in the forest. The people are good-hearted and + even pleasant, especially the young girls; but as a general rule the fair + sex is by no means fair in those quarters. In this vast district watered + by the Meuse is the town of Bouillon—a regular hole, but in my time + it was the freest place in Europe. The Duke of Bouillon was so jealous of + his rights that he preferred the exercise of his prerogatives to all the + honours he might have enjoyed at the Court of France. We stayed a day at + Metz, but did not call on anyone; and in three days we reached Colmar, + where we left Madame d’Ache, whose good graces I had completely won. Her + family, in extremely comfortable circumstances, received the mother and + daughter with great affection. Mimi wept bitterly when I left her, but I + consoled her by saying that I would come back before long. Madame d’Urfe + seemed not to mind leaving them, and I consoled myself easily enough. + While congratulating myself on having made mother and daughter happy, I + adored the secret paths and ways of Divine Providence. + </p> + <p> + On the following day we went to Sulzbach, where the Baron of Schaumburg, + who knew Madame d’Urfe, gave us a warm welcome. I should have been sadly + bored in this dull place if it had not been for gaming. Madame d’Urfe, + finding herself in need of company, encouraged the Corticelli to hope to + regain my good graces, and, consequently, her own. The wretched girl, + seeing how easily I had defeated her projects, and to what a pass of + humiliation I had brought her, had changed her part, and was now + submissive enough. She flattered herself that she would regain the favour + she had completely lost, and she thought the day was won when she saw that + Madame d’Ache and her daughter stayed at Colmar. But what she had more at + heart than either my friendship or Madame d’Urfe’s was the jewel-casket; + but she dared not ask for it, and her hopes of seeing it again were + growing dim. By her pleasantries at table which made Madame d’Urfe laugh + she succeeded in giving me a few amorous twinges; but still I did not + allow my feelings to relax my severity, and she continued to sleep with + her mother. + </p> + <p> + A week after our arrival at Sulzbach I left Madame d’Urfe with the Baron + of Schaumburg, and I went to Colmar in the hope of good fortune. But I was + disappointed, as the mother and daughter had both made arrangements for + getting married. + </p> + <p> + A rich merchant, who had been in love with the mother eighteen years + before, seeing her a widow and still pretty, felt his early flames revive, + and offered his hand and was accepted. A young advocate found Mimi to his + taste, and asked her in marriage. The mother and daughter, fearing the + results of my affection, and finding it would be a good match, lost no + time in giving their consent. I was entertained in the family, and supped + in the midst of a numerous and choice assemblage; but seeing that I should + only annoy the ladies and tire myself in waiting for some chance favour if + I stayed, I bade them adieu and returned to Sulzbach the next morning. I + found there a charming girl from Strasburg, named Salzmann, three or four + gamesters who had come to drink the waters, and several ladies, to whom I + shall introduce the reader in the ensuing chapter. + </p> + <a name="linkD2HCH0016" id="linkD2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + I Send The Corticelli to Turin—Helen is Initiated Into The + Mysteries of Love—I Go to Lyons—My Arrival at Turin +</pre> + <a name="linkDimage-0005" id="linkDimage-0005"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/4c16.jpg" width="100%" alt="Chapter 16 " /> + </div> + <p> + One of the ladies, Madame Saxe, was intended by nature to win the devotion + of a man of feeling; and if she had not had a jealous officer in her train + who never let her go out of his sight, and seemed to threaten anyone who + aspired to please, she would probably have had plenty of admirers. This + officer was fond of piquet, but the lady was always obliged to sit close + beside him, which she seemed to do with pleasure. + </p> + <p> + In the afternoon I played with him, and continued doing so for five or six + days. After that I could stand it no longer, as when he had won ten or + twelve louis he invariably rose and left me to myself. His name was + d’Entragues; he was a fine-looking man, though somewhat thin, and had a + good share of wit and knowledge of the world. + </p> + <p> + We had not played together for two days, when one afternoon he asked if I + would like to take my revenge. + </p> + <p> + “No, I think not,” said I, “for we don’t play on the same principle. I + play for amusement’s sake and you play to win money.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean? Your words are offensive.” + </p> + <p> + “I didn’t mean them to be offensive, but as a matter of fact, each time we + have played you have risen after a quarter of an hour.” + </p> + <p> + “You ought to be obliged to me, as otherwise you would have lost heavily.” + </p> + <p> + “Possibly; but I don’t think so.” + </p> + <p> + “I can prove it to you.” + </p> + <p> + “I accept the offer, but the first to leave the table must forfeit fifty + Louis.” + </p> + <p> + “I agree; but money down.” + </p> + <p> + “I never play on credit.” + </p> + <p> + I ordered a waiter to bring cards, and I went to fetch four or five rolls + of a hundred Louis each. We began playing for five Louis the game, each + player putting down the fifty Louis wagered. + </p> + <p> + We began to play at three, and at nine o’clock d’Entragues said we might + take some supper. + </p> + <p> + “I am not hungry,” I replied, “but you can go if you want me to put the + hundred Louis in my pocket.” + </p> + <p> + He laughed at this and went on playing, but this lacy fair scowled at me, + though I did not care in the least for that. All the guests went to + supper, and returned to keep us company till midnight, but at that hour we + found ourselves alone. D’Entragues saw what kind of man he had got hold of + and said never a word, while I only opened my lips to score; we played + with the utmost coolness. + </p> + <p> + At six o’clock the ladies and gentlemen who were taking the waters began + to assemble. We were applauded for our determination, in spite of our grim + look. The Louis were on the table; I had lost a hundred, and yet the game + was going in my favour. + </p> + <p> + At nine the fair Madame Saxe put in an appearance, and shortly after + Madame d’Urfe came in with M. de Schaumburg. Both ladies advised us to + take a cup of chocolate. D’Entragues was the first to consent, and + thinking that I was almost done he said,— + </p> + <p> + “Let us agree that the first man who asks for food, who absents himself + for more than a quarter of an hour, or who falls asleep in his chair, + loses the bet.” + </p> + <p> + “I will take you at your word,” I replied, “and I adhere to all your + conditions.” + </p> + <p> + The chocolate came, we took it, and proceeded with our play. At noon we + were summoned to dinner, but we both replied that we were not hungry. At + four o’clock we allowed ourselves to be persuaded into taking some soup. + When supper-time came and we were still playing, people began to think + that the affair was getting serious, and Madame Saxe urged us to divide + the wager. D’Entragues, who had won a hundred louis, would have gladly + consented, but I would not give in, and M. de Schaumburg pronounced me + within my rights. My adversary might have abandoned the stake and still + found himself with a balance to the good, but avarice rather than pride + prevented his doing so. I felt the loss myself, but what I cared chiefly + about was the point of honour. I still looked fresh, while he resembled a + disinterred corpse. As Madame Saxe urged me strongly to give way, I + answered that I felt deeply grieved at not being able to satisfy such a + charming woman, but that there was a question of honour in the case; and I + was determined not to yield to my antagonist if I sat there till I fell + dead to the ground. + </p> + <p> + I had two objects in speaking thus: I wanted to frighten him and to make + him jealous of me. I felt certain that a man in a passion of jealousy + would be quite confused, and I hoped his play would suffer accordingly, + and that I should not have the mortification of losing a hundred louis to + his superior play, though I won the fifty louis of the wager. + </p> + <p> + The fair Madame Saxe gave me a glance of contempt and left us, but Madame + d’Urfe, who believed I was infallible, avenged me by saying to + d’Entragues, in a tone of the profoundest conviction,— + </p> + <p> + “O Lord! I pity you, sir.” + </p> + <p> + The company did not return after supper, and we were left alone to our + play. We played on all the night, and I observed my antagonist’s face as + closely as the cards. He began to lose his composure, and made mistakes, + his cards got mixed up, and his scoring was wild. I was hardly less done + up than he; I felt myself growing weaker, and I hoped to see him fall to + the ground every moment, as I began to be afraid of being beaten in spite + of the superior strength of my constitution. I had won back my money by + day-break, and I cavilled with him for being away for more than a quarter + of an hour. This quarrel about nothing irritated him, and roused me up; + the difference of our natures produced these different results, and my + stratagem succeeded because it was impromptu, and could not have been + foreseen. In the same way in war, sudden stratagems succeed. + </p> + <p> + At nine o’clock Madame Saxe came in, her lover was losing. + </p> + <p> + “Now, sir,” she said to me, “you may fairly yield.” + </p> + <p> + “Madam,” said I, “in hope of pleasing you, I will gladly divide the stakes + and rise from the table.” + </p> + <p> + The tone of exaggerated gallantry with which I pronounced these words, put + d’Entragues into a rage, and he answered sharply that he would not desist + till one of us was dead. + </p> + <p> + With a glance at the lady which was meant to be lovelorn, but which must + have been extremely languid in my exhausted state, I said,— + </p> + <p> + “You see, Madam, that I am not the more obstinate of the two.” + </p> + <p> + A dish of soup was served to us, but d’Entragues, who was in the last + stage of exhaustion, had no sooner swallowed the soup than he fell from + his chair in a dead faint. He was soon taken up, and after I had given six + louis to the marker who had been watching for forty-eight hours, I + pocketed the gold, and went to the apothecary’s where I took a mild + emetic. Afterwards I went to bed and slept for a few hours, and at three + o’clock I made an excellent dinner. + </p> + <p> + D’Entragues remained in his room till the next day. I expected a quarrel, + but the night brings counsel, and I made a mistake. As soon as he saw me + he ran up to me and embraced me, saying,— + </p> + <p> + “I made a silly bet, but you have given me a lesson which will last me all + my days, and I am much obliged to you for it.” + </p> + <p> + “I am delighted to hear it, provided that your health has not suffered.” + </p> + <p> + “No, I am quite well, but we will play no more together.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I hope we shan’t play against each other any more.” + </p> + <p> + In the course of eight or ten days I took Madame d’Urfe and the pretended + Lascaris to Bale. We put up at the inn of the famous Imhoff, who swindled + us, but, all the same, the “Three Kings” is the best inn in the town. I + think I have noted that noon at Bale is at eleven o’clock—an + absurdity due to some historic event, which I had explained to me but have + forgotten. The inhabitants are said to be subject to a kind of madness, of + which they are cured by taking the waters of Sulzbach; but they get it + again as soon as they return. + </p> + <p> + We should have stayed at Bale some time, if it had not been for an + incident which made me hasten our departure. It was as follows: + </p> + <p> + My necessities had obliged me to forgive the Corticelli to a certain + extent, and when I came home early I spent the night with her; but when I + came home late, as often happened, I slept in my own room. The little + hussy, in the latter case, slept also alone in a room next to her + mother’s, through whose chamber one had to pass to get to the daughter’s. + </p> + <p> + One night I came in at one o’clock, and not feeling inclined to sleep, I + took a candle and went in search of my charmer. I was rather surprised to + find Signora Laura’s door half open, and just as I was going in the old + woman came forward and took me by the arm, begging me not to go into her + daughter’s room. + </p> + <p> + “Why?” said I. + </p> + <p> + “She has been very poorly all the evening, and she is in need of sleep.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good; then I will sleep too.” + </p> + <p> + So saying I pushed the mother to one side, and entering the girl’s room I + found her in bed with someone who was hiding under the sheets. + </p> + <p> + I gazed at the picture for a moment and then began to laugh, and sitting + down on the bed begged to enquire the name of the happy individual whom I + should have the pleasure of throwing out of the window. On a chair I saw + the coat, trousers, hat, and cane of the gentleman; but as I had my two + trusty pistols about me I knew I had nothing to fear; however, I did not + want to make a noise. + </p> + <p> + With tears in her eyes, and trembling all over, the girl took my hand and + begged me to forgive her. + </p> + <p> + “It’s a young lord,” said she, “and I don’t even know his name.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, he is a young lord, is he? and you don’t know his name, you little + hussy, don’t you? Well, he will tell me himself.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, I took a pistol and vigorously stripped the sheets off the + cuckoo who had got into my nest. I saw the face of a young man whom I did + not know, his head covered with a nightcap, but the rest perfectly naked, + as indeed was my mistress. He turned his back to me to get his shirt which + he had thrown on the floor, but seizing him by the arm I held him firmly, + with my pistol to his forehead. + </p> + <p> + “Kindly tell me your name, fair sir.” + </p> + <p> + “I am Count B——, canon of Bale.” + </p> + <p> + “And do you think you have been performing an ecclesiastical function + here?” + </p> + <p> + “No sir, no, and I hope you will forgive me and the lady too, for I am the + only guilty party.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not asking you whether she is guilty or not.” + </p> + <p> + “Sir, the countess is perfectly innocent.” + </p> + <p> + I felt in a good temper, and far from being angry I was strongly inclined + to laugh. I found the picture before me an attractive one; it was amusing + and voluptuous. The sight of the two nudities on the bed was a truly + lascivious one, and I remained contemplating it in silence for a quarter + of an hour, occupied in resisting a strong temptation to take off my + clothes and lie beside them. The only thing which prevented my yielding to + it was the fear that I might find the canon to be a fool, incapable of + playing the part with dignity. As for the Corticelli, she soon passed from + tears to laughter, and would have done it well, but if, as I feared, the + canon was a blockhead, I should have been degrading myself. + </p> + <p> + I felt certain that neither of them had guessed my thoughts, so I rose and + told the canon to put on his clothes. + </p> + <p> + “No one must hear anything more of this,” said I, “but you and I will go + to a distance of two hundred paces and burn a little powder.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no, sir,” cried my gentleman, “you may take me where you like, and + kill me if you please, but I was not meant for a fighting man.” + </p> + <p> + “Really?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir, and I only became a priest to escape the fatal duty of + duelling.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you are a coward, and will not object to a good thrashing?” + </p> + <p> + “Anything you like, but it would be cruelty, for my love blinded me. I + only came here a quarter of an hour ago, and the countess and her + governess were both asleep.” + </p> + <p> + “You are a liar.” + </p> + <p> + “I had only just taken off my shirt when you came, and I have never seen + this angel before.” + </p> + <p> + “And that’s gospel truth,” said the Corticelli. + </p> + <p> + “Are you aware that you are a couple of impudent scoundrels? And as for + you, master canon, you deserve to be roasted like St. Laurence.” + </p> + <p> + In the meanwhile the wretched ecclesiastic had huddled on his clothes. + </p> + <p> + “Follow me, sir,” said I, in a tone which froze the marrow of his bones; + and I accordingly took him to my room. + </p> + <p> + “What will you do,” said I, “if I forgive you and let you go without + putting you to shame?” + </p> + <p> + “I will leave in an hour and a half, and you shall never see me here + again; but even if we meet in the future, you will find me always ready to + do you a service.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good. Begone, and in the future take more precautions in your + amorous adventures.” + </p> + <p> + After this I went to bed, well pleased with what I had seen and what I had + done, for I now had complete power over the Corticelli. + </p> + <p> + In the morning I called on her as soon as I got up, and told her to pack + up her things, forbidding her to leave her room till she got into the + carriage. + </p> + <p> + “I shall say I am ill.” + </p> + <p> + “Just as you please, but nobody will take any notice of you.” + </p> + <p> + I did not wait for her to make any further objections, but proceeded to + tell the tale of what had passed to Madame d’Urfe, slightly embroidering + the narrative. She laughed heartily, and enquired of the oracle what must + be done with the Lascaris after her evident pollution by the evil genius + disguised as a priest. The oracle replied that we must set out the next + day for Besancon, whence she would go to Lyons and await me there, while I + would take the countess to Geneva, and thus send her back to her native + country. + </p> + <a name="linkDimage-0006" id="linkDimage-0006"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/4c16b.jpg" width="100%" alt="Chapter 16b " /> + </div> + <p> + The worthy visionary was enchanted with this arrangement, and saw in it + another proof of the benevolence of Selenis, who would thus give her an + opportunity of seeing young Aranda once more. It was agreed that I was to + rejoin her in the spring of the following year, to perform the great + operation which was to make her be born a man. She had not the slightest + doubts as to the reasonableness of this performance. + </p> + <p> + All was ready, and the next day we started; Madame d’Urfe and I in the + travelling carriage, and the Corticelli, her mother, and the servants in + another conveyance. + </p> + <p> + When we got to Besancon Madame d’Urfe left me, and on the next day I + journeyed towards Geneva with the mother and daughter. + </p> + <p> + On the way I not only did not speak to my companions, I did not so much as + look at them. I made them have their meals with a servant from the Franche + Comte, whom I had taken on M. de Schaumburg’s recommendation. + </p> + <p> + I went to my banker, and asked him to get me a good coachman, who would + take two ladies of my acquaintance to Turin. + </p> + <p> + When I got back to the inn I wrote to the Chevalier Raiberti, sending him + a bill of exchange. I warned him that in three or four days after the + receipt of my letter he would be accosted by a Bolognese dancer and her + mother, bearing a letter of commendation. I begged him to see that they + lodged in a respectable house, and to pay for them on my behalf. I also + said that I should be much obliged if he would contrive that she should + dance, even for nothing, at the carnival, and I begged him to warn her + that, if I heard any tales about her when I came to Turin, our relations + would be at an end. + </p> + <p> + The following day a clerk of M. Tronchin’s brought a coachman for me to + see. The man said he was ready to start as soon as he had had his dinner. + I confirmed the agreement he had made with the banker, I summoned the two + Corticellis, and said to the coachman, + </p> + <p> + “These are the persons you are to drive, and they will pay you when they + reach Turin in safety with their luggage. You are to take four days and a + half for the journey, as is stipulated in the agreement, of which they + have one copy and you another.” An hour after he called to put the luggage + in. + </p> + <p> + The Corticelli burst into tears, but I was not so cruel as to send her + away without any consolation. Her bad conduct had been severely enough + punished already. I made her dine with me, and as I gave her the letter + for M. Raiberti, and twenty-five Louis for the journey, I told her what I + had written to the gentleman, who would take good care of them. She asked + me for a trunk containing three dresses and a superb mantle which Madame + d’Urfe had given her before she became mad, but I said that we would talk + of that at Turin. She dared not mention the casket, but continued weeping; + however, she did not move me to pity. I left her much better off than when + I first knew her; she had good clothes, good linen, jewels, and an + exceedingly pretty watch I had given her; altogether a good deal more than + she deserved. + </p> + <p> + As she was going I escorted her to the carriage, less for politeness’ sake + than to commend her once more to the coachman. When she was fairly gone I + felt as if a load had been taken off my back, and I went to look up my + worthy syndic, whom the reader will not have forgotten. I had not written + to him since I was in Florence, and I anticipated the pleasure of seeing + his surprise, which was extreme. But after gazing at me for a moment he + threw his arms round my neck, kissed me several times, and said he had not + expected the pleasure of seeing me. + </p> + <p> + “How are our sweethearts getting on?” + </p> + <p> + “Excellently. They are always talking about you and regretting your + absence; they will go wild with joy when they know you are here.” + </p> + <p> + “You must tell them directly, then.” + </p> + <p> + “I will go and warn them that we shall all sup together this evening. By + the way, M. de Voltaire has given up his house at Delices to M. de + Villars, and has gone to live at Ferney.” + </p> + <p> + “That makes no difference to me, as I was not thinking of calling on him + this time. I shall be here for two or three weeks, and I mean to devote my + time to you.” + </p> + <p> + “You are too good.” + </p> + <p> + “Will you give me writing materials before you go out? I will write a few + letters while you are away.” + </p> + <p> + He put me in possession of his desk, and I wrote to my late housekeeper, + Madame Lebel, telling her that I was going to spend three weeks at Geneva, + and that if I were sure of seeing her I would gladly pay a visit to + Lausanne. Unfortunately, I also wrote to the bad Genoese poet, Ascanio + Pogomas, or Giaccomo Passano, whom I had met at Leghorn. I told him to go + to Turin and to wait for me there. At the same time I wrote to M. F——, + to whom I had commended him, asking him to give the poet twelve Louis for + the journey. + </p> + <p> + My evil genius made me think of this man, who was an imposing-looking + fellow, and had all the air of a magician, to introduce him to Madame + d’Urfe as a great adept. You will see, dear reader, in the course of a + year whether I had reason to repent of this fatal inspiration. + </p> + <p> + As the syndic and I were on our way to our young friend’s house I saw an + elegant English carriage for sale, and I exchanged it for mine, giving the + owner a hundred Louis as well. While the bargain was going on the uncle of + the young theologian who argued so well, and to whom I had given such + pleasant lessons in physiology, came up to me, embraced me, and asked me + to dine with him the next day. + </p> + <p> + Before we got to the house the syndic informed me that we should find + another extremely pretty but uninitiated girl present. + </p> + <p> + “All the better,” said I, “I shall know how to regulate my conduct, and + perhaps I may succeed in initiating her.” + </p> + <p> + In my pocket I had placed a casket containing a dozen exquisite rings. I + had long been aware that such trifling presents are often very + serviceable. + </p> + <p> + The moment of meeting those charming girls once more was one of the + happiest I have ever enjoyed. In their greeting I read delight and love of + pleasure. Their love was without envy or jealousy, or any ideas which + would have injured their self-esteem. They felt worthy of my regard, as + they had lavished their favours on me without any degrading feelings, and + drawn by the same emotion that had drawn me. + </p> + <p> + The presence of the neophyte obliged us to greet each other with what is + called decency, and she allowed me to kiss her without raising her eyes, + but blushing violently. + </p> + <p> + After the usual commonplaces had passed and we had indulged in some double + meanings which made us laugh and her look thoughtful, I told her she was + pretty as a little love, and that I felt sure that her mind, as beautiful + as its casket, could harbour no prejudices. + </p> + <p> + “I have all the prejudices which honour and religion suggest,” she + modestly replied. + </p> + <p> + I saw that this was a case requiring very delicate treatment. There was no + question of carrying the citadel by sudden assault. But, as usual, I fell + in love with her. + </p> + <p> + The syndic having pronounced my name, she said,— + </p> + <p> + “Ah! then, you, sir, are the person who discussed some very singular + questions with my cousin, the pastor’s niece. I am delighted to make your + acquaintance.” + </p> + <p> + “I am equally pleased to make yours, but I hope the pastor’s niece said + nothing against me.” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all; she has a very high opinion of you.” + </p> + <p> + “I am going to dine with her to-morrow, and I shall take care to thank + her.” + </p> + <p> + “To-morrow! I should like to be there, for I enjoy philosophical + discussions though I never dare to put a word in.” + </p> + <p> + The syndic praised her discretion and wisdom in such a manner that I was + convinced he was in love with her, and that he had either seduced her or + was trying to do so. Her name was Helen. I asked the young ladies if Helen + was their sister. The eldest replied, with a sly smile, that she was a + sister, but as yet she had no brother; and with this explanation she ran + up to Helen and kissed her. Then the syndic and I vied with each other in + paying her compliments, telling her that we hoped to be her brothers. She + blushed, but gave no answer to our gallantries. I then drew forth my + casket, and seeing that all the girls were enchanted with the rings, I + told them to choose which ones they liked best. The charming Helen + imitated their example, and repaid me with a modest kiss. Soon after she + left us, and we were once more free, as in old times. + </p> + <p> + The syndic had good cause to shew for his love of Helen. She was not + merely pleasing, she was made to inspire a violent passion. However, the + three friends had no hope of making her join in their pleasures, for they + said that she had invincible feelings of modesty where men were concerned. + </p> + <p> + We supped merrily, and after supper we began our sports again, the syndic + remaining as usual a mere looker-on, and well pleased with his part. I + treated each of the three nymphs to two courses, deceiving them whenever I + was forced by nature to do so. At midnight we broke up, and the worthy + syndic escorted me to the door of my lodging. + </p> + <p> + The day following I went to the pastor’s and found a numerous party + assembled, amongst others M. d’Harcourt and M. de Ximenes, who told me + that M. de Voltaire knew that I was at Geneva and hoped to see me. I + replied by a profound bow. Mdlle. Hedvig, the pastor’s niece, complimented + me, but I was still better pleased to see her cousin Helen. The theologian + of twenty-two was fair and pleasant to the eyes, but she had not that ‘je + ne sais quoi’, that shade of bitter-sweet, which adds zest to hope as well + as pleasure. However, the evident friendship between Hedvig and Helen gave + me good hopes of success with the latter. + </p> + <p> + We had an excellent dinner, and while it lasted the conversation was + restricted to ordinary topics; but at dessert the pastor begged M. de + Ximenes to ask his niece some questions. Knowing his worldwide reputation, + I expected him to put her some problem in geometry, but he only asked + whether a lie could be justified on the principle of a mental reservation. + </p> + <p> + Hedvig replied that there are cases in which a lie is necessary, but that + the principle of a mental reservation is always a cheat. + </p> + <p> + “Then how could Christ have said that the time in which the world was to + come to an end was unknown to Him?” + </p> + <p> + “He was speaking the truth; it was not known to Him.” + </p> + <p> + “Then he was not God?” + </p> + <p> + “That is a false deduction, for since God may do all things, He may + certainly be ignorant of an event in futurity.” + </p> + <p> + I thought the way in which she brought in the word “futurity” almost + sublime. Hedvig was loudly applauded, and her uncle went all round the + table to kiss her. I had a very natural objection on the tip of my tongue, + which she might have found difficult to answer, but I wanted to get into + her good graces and I kept my own counsel. + </p> + <p> + M. d’Harcourt was urged to ask her some questions, but he replied in the + words of Horace, ‘Nulla mihi religio est’. Then Hedvig turned to me and + asked me to put her some hard question, “something difficult, which you + don’t know yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall be delighted. Do you grant that a god possesses in a supreme + degree the qualities of man?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, excepting man’s weaknesses.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you class the generative power as a weakness?” + </p> + <p> + “No.” + </p> + <p> + “Will you tell me, then, of what nature would have been the offspring of a + union between a god and a mortal woman?” + </p> + <p> + Hedvig looked as red as fire. + </p> + <p> + The pastor and the other guests looked at each other, while I gazed + fixedly at the young theologian, who was reflecting. M. d’Harcourt said + that we should have to send for Voltaire to settle a question so + difficult, but as Hedvig had collected her thoughts and seemed ready to + speak everybody was silent. + </p> + <p> + “It would be absurd,” said she, “to suppose that a deity could perform + such an action without its having any results. At the end of nine months a + woman would be delivered a male child, which would be three parts man and + one part god.” + </p> + <p> + At these words all the guests applauded, M. de Ximenes expressed his + admiration of the way the question had been solved, adding,— + </p> + <p> + “Naturally, if the son of the woman married, his children would be + seven-eighths men and one-eighth gods.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said I, “unless he married a goddess, which would have made the + proportion different.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell me exactly,” said Hedvig, “what proportion of divinity there would + be in a child of the sixteenth generation.” + </p> + <p> + “Give me a pencil and I will soon tell you,” said M. de Ximenes. + </p> + <p> + “There is no need to calculate it,” said I; “the child would have some + small share of the wit which you enjoy.” + </p> + <p> + Everybody applauded this gallant speech, which did not by any means offend + the lady to whom it was addressed. + </p> + <p> + This pretty blonde was chiefly desirable for the charms of her intellect. + We rose from the table and made a circle round her, but she told us with + much grace not to pay her any more compliments. + </p> + <p> + I took Helen aside, and told her to get her cousin to choose a ring from + my casket, which I gave her, and she seemed glad to execute the + commission. A quarter of an hour afterwards Hedvig came to shew me her + hand adorned with the ring she had chosen. I kissed it rapturously, and + she must have guessed from the warmth of my kisses with what feelings she + had inspired me. + </p> + <p> + In the evening Helen told the syndic and the three girls all about the + morning’s discussion without leaving out the smallest detail. She told the + story with ease and grace, and I had no occasion to prompt her. We begged + her to stay to supper, but she whispered something to the three friends, + and they agreed that it was impossible; but she said that she might spend + a couple of days with them in their country house on the lake, if they + would ask her mother. + </p> + <p> + At the syndic’s request the girls called on the mother the next day, and + the day after that they went off with Helen. The same evening we went and + supped with them, but we could not sleep there. The syndic was to take me + to a house at a short distance off, where we should be very comfortable. + This being the case there was no hurry, and the eldest girl said that the + syndic and I could leave whenever we liked, but that they were going to + bed. So saying she took Helen to her room, while the two others slept in + another room. Soon after the syndic went into the room where Helen was, + and I visited the two others. + </p> + <p> + I had scarcely been with my two sweethearts for an hour when the syndic + interrupted my erotic exploits by begging me to go. + </p> + <p> + “What have you done with Helen?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing; she’s a simpleton, and an intractable one. She hid under the + sheets and would not look at my performance with her friend.” + </p> + <p> + “You ought to go to her direct.” + </p> + <p> + “I have done so, but she repulsed me again and again. I have given it up, + and shall not try it again, unless you will tame her for me.” + </p> + <p> + “How is it to be done?” + </p> + <p> + “Come to dinner to-morrow. I shall be away at Geneva. I shall be back by + supper-time. I wish we could give her too much to drink!” + </p> + <p> + “That would be a pity. Let me see what I can do.” + </p> + <p> + I accordingly went to dine with them by myself the next day, and they + entertained me in all the force of the word. After dinner we went for a + walk, and the three friends understanding my aims left me alone with the + intractable girl, who resisted my caresses in a manner which almost made + me give up the hope of taming her. + </p> + <p> + “The syndic,” said I, “is in love with you, and last night . . .” + </p> + <p> + “Last night,” she said, “he amused himself with his old friend. I am for + everyone’s following their own tastes, but I expect to be allowed to + follow mine.” + </p> + <p> + “If I could gain your heart I should be happy.” + </p> + <p> + “Why don’t you invite the pastor and my cousin to dine with you? I could + come too, for the pastor makes much of everyone who loves his niece.” + </p> + <p> + “I am glad to hear that. Has she a lover?” + </p> + <p> + “No.” + </p> + <p> + “I can scarcely believe it. She is young, pretty, agreeable, and very + clever.” + </p> + <p> + “You don’t understand Genevan ways. It is because she is so clever that no + young man falls in love with her. Those who might be attracted by her + personal charms hold themselves aloof on account of her intellectual + capacities, as they would have to sit in silence before her.” + </p> + <p> + “Are the young Genevans so ignorant, then?” + </p> + <p> + “As a rule they are. Some of them have received excellent educations, but + in a general way they are full of prejudice. Nobody wishes to be + considered a fool or a blockhead, but clever women are not appreciated; + and if a girl is witty or well educated she endeavors to hide her lights, + at least if she desires to be married.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! now I see why you did not open your lips during our discussion.” + </p> + <p> + “No, I know I have nothing to hide. This was not the motive which made me + keep silence, but the pleasure of listening. I admired my cousin, who was + not afraid to display her learning on a subject which any other girl would + have affected to know nothing about.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, affected, though she might very probably know as much as her + grandmother.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s a matter of morals, or rather of prejudices.” + </p> + <p> + “Your reasoning is admirable, and I am already longing for the party you + so cleverly suggested.” + </p> + <p> + “You will have the pleasure of being with my cousin.” + </p> + <p> + “I do her justice. Hedvig is certainly a very interesting and agreeable + girl, but believe me it is your presence that will constitute my chief + enjoyment.” + </p> + <p> + “And how if I do not believe you?” + </p> + <p> + “You would wrong me and give me pain, for I love you dearly.” + </p> + <p> + “In spite of that you have deceived me. I am sure that you have given + marks of your affection to those three young ladies. For my part I pity + them.” + </p> + <p> + “Why?” + </p> + <p> + “Because neither of them can flatter herself that you love her, and her + alone.” + </p> + <p> + “And do you think that your delicacy of feeling makes you happier than + they are?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I think so though of course, I have no experience in the matter. + Tell me truly, do you think I am right?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I do.” + </p> + <p> + “I am delighted to hear it; but you must confess that to associate me with + them in your attentions would not be giving me the greatest possible proof + of your love.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I do confess it, and I beg your pardon. But tell me how I should set + to work to ask the pastor to dinner.” + </p> + <p> + “There will be no difficulty. Just call on him and ask him to come, and if + you wish me to be of the party beg him to ask my mother and myself.” + </p> + <p> + “Why your mother?” + </p> + <p> + “Because he has been in love with her these twenty years, and loves her + still.” + </p> + <p> + “And where shall I give this dinner?” + </p> + <p> + “Is not M. Tronchin your banker?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “He has a nice pleasure house on the lake; ask him to lend it you for the + day; he will be delighted to do so. But don’t tell the syndic or his three + friends anything about it; they can hear of it afterwards.” + </p> + <p> + “But do you think your learned cousin will be glad to be in my company?” + </p> + <p> + “More than glad, you may be sure.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good, everything will be arranged by tomorrow. The day after, you + will be returning to Geneva, and the party will take place two or three + days later.” + </p> + <p> + The syndic came back in due course, and we had a very pleasant evening. + After supper the ladies went to bed as before, and I went with the eldest + girl while the syndic visited the two younger ones. I knew that it would + be of no use to try to do anything with Helen, so I contented myself with + a few kisses, after which I wished them good night and passed on to the + next room. I found them in a deep sleep, and the syndic seemed visibly + bored. He did not look more cheerful when I told him that I had had no + success with Helen. + </p> + <p> + “I see,” said he, “that I shall waste my time with the little fool. I + think I shall give her up.” + </p> + <p> + “I think that’s the best thing you could do,” I replied, “for a man who + languishes after a woman who is either devoid of feeling or full of + caprice, makes himself her dupe. Bliss should be neither too easy nor too + hard to be won.” + </p> + <p> + The next day we returned to Geneva, and M. Tronchin seemed delighted to + oblige me. The pastor accepted my invitation, and said I was sure to be + charmed with Helen’s mother. It was easy to see that the worthy man + cherished a tenderness for her, and if she responded at all it would be + all the better for my purposes. + </p> + <p> + I was thinking of supping with the charming Helen and her three friends at + the house on the lake, but an express summoned me to Lausanne. Madame + Lebel, my old housekeeper, invited me to sup with her and her husband. She + wrote that she had made her husband promise to take her to Lausanne as + soon as she got my letter, and she added she was sure that I would resign + everything to give her the pleasure of seeing me. She notified the hour at + which she would be at her mother’s house. + </p> + <p> + Madame Lebel was one of the ten or twelve women for whom in my happy youth + I cherished the greatest affection. She had all the qualities to make a + man a good wife, if it had been my fate to experience such felicity. But + perhaps I did well not to tie myself down with irrevocable bonds, though + now my independence is another name for slavery. But if I had married a + woman of tact, who would have ruled me unawares to myself, I should have + taken care of my fortune and have had children, instead of being lonely + and penniless in my old age. + </p> + <p> + But I must indulge no longer in digressions on the past which cannot be + recalled, and since my recollections make me happy I should be foolish to + cherish idle regrets. + </p> + <p> + I calculated that if I started directly I should get to Lausanne an hour + before Madame Lebel, and I did not hesitate to give her this proof of my + regard. I must here warn my readers, that, though I loved this woman well, + I was then occupied with another passion, and no voluptuous thought + mingled with my desire of seeing her. My esteem for her was enough to hold + my passions in check, but I esteemed Lebel too, and nothing would have + induced me to disturb the happiness of this married pair. + </p> + <p> + I wrote in haste to the syndic, telling him that an important and sudden + call obliged me to start for Lausanne, but that I should have the pleasure + of supping with him and his three friends at Geneva on the following day. + </p> + <p> + I knocked at Madame Dubois’s door at five o’clock, almost dying with + hunger. Her surprise was extreme, for she did not know that her daughter + was going to meet me at her house. Without more ado I gave her two louis + to get us a good supper. + </p> + <p> + At seven o’clock, Madame Lebel, her husband, and a child of eighteen + months, whom I easily recognized as my own, arrived. Our meeting was a + happy one indeed; we spent ten hours at table, and mirth and joy + prevailed. At day-break she started for Soleure, where Lebel had business. + M. de Chavigni had desired to be remembered most affectionately to me. + Lebel assured me that the ambassador was extremely kind to his wife, and + he thanked me heartily for having given such a woman up to him. I could + easily see that he was a happy husband, and that his wife was as happy as + he. + </p> + <p> + My dear housekeeper talked to me about my son. She said that nobody + suspected the truth, but that neither she nor Lebel (who had faithfully + kept his promise, and had not consummated the marriage for the two months + agreed upon) had any doubts. + </p> + <p> + “The secret,” said Lebel to me, “will never be known, and your son will be + my sole heir, or will share my property with my children if I ever have + any, which I doubt.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear,” said his wife, “there is somebody who has very strong + suspicions on the subject, and these suspicions will gain strength as the + child grows older; but we have nothing to fear on that score, as she is + well paid to keep the secret.” + </p> + <p> + “And who is this person?” said I. + </p> + <p> + “Madame——. She has not forgotten the past, and often speaks of + you.” + </p> + <p> + “Will you kindly remember me to her?” + </p> + <p> + “I shall be delighted to do so, and I am sure the message will give her + great pleasure.” + </p> + <p> + Lebel shewed me my ring, and I shewed him his, and gave him a superb watch + for my son. + </p> + <p> + “You must give it him,” I said, “when you think he is old enough.” + </p> + <p> + We shall hear of the young gentleman in twenty-one years at Fontainebleau. + </p> + <p> + I passed three hours in telling them of all the adventures I had during + the twenty-seven months since we had seen one another. As to their + history, it was soon told; it had all the calm which belongs to happiness. + </p> + <p> + Madame Lebel was as pretty as ever, and I could see no change in her, but + I was no longer the same man. She thought me less lively than of old, and + she was right. The Renaud had blasted me, and the pretended Lascaris had + given me a great deal of trouble and anxiety. + </p> + <p> + We embraced each other tenderly, and the wedded pair returned to Soleure + and I to Geneva; but feeling that I wanted rest I wrote to the syndic that + I was not well and could not come till the next day, and after I had done + so I went to bed. + </p> + <p> + The next day, the eve of my dinner party, I ordered a repast in which no + expense was to be spared. I did not forget to tell the landlord to get me + the best wines, the choicest liqueurs, ices, and all the materials for a + bowl of punch. I told him that we should be six in number, for I foresaw + that M. Tronchin would dine with us. I was right; I found him at his + pretty house ready to receive us, and I had not much trouble in inducing + him to stay. In the evening I thought it as well to tell the syndic and + his three friends about it in Helen’s presence, while she, feigning + ignorance, said that her mother had told her they were going somewhere or + other to dinner. + </p> + <p> + “I am delighted to hear it,” said I; “it must be at M. Tronchin’s.” + </p> + <p> + My dinner would have satisfied the most exacting gourmet, but Hedvig was + its real charm. She treated difficult theological questions with so much + grace, and rationalised so skilfully, that though one might not be + convinced it was impossible to help being attracted. I have never seen any + theologian who could treat the most difficult points with so much + facility, eloquence, and real dignity, and at dinner she completed her + conquest of myself. M. Tronchin, who had never heard her speak before, + thanked me a hundred times for having procured him this pleasure, and + being obliged to leave us by the call of business he asked us to meet + again in two days’ time. + </p> + <p> + I was much interested during the dessert by the evident tenderness of the + pastor for Helen’s mother. His amorous eloquence grew in strength as he + irrigated his throat with champagne, Greek wine, and eastern liqueurs. The + lady seemed pleased, and was a match for him as far as drinking was + concerned, while the two girls and myself only drank with sobriety. + However, the mixture of wines, and above all the punch, had done their + work, and my charmers were slightly elevated. Their spirits were + delightful, but rather pronounced. + </p> + <p> + I took this favourable opportunity to ask the two aged lovers if I might + take the young ladies for a walk in the garden by the lake, and they told + us enthusiastically to go and enjoy ourselves. We went out arm in arm, and + in a few minutes we were out of sight of everyone. + </p> + <p> + “Do you know,” said I to Hedvig, “that you have made a conquest of M. + Tronchin?” + </p> + <p> + “Have I? The worthy banker asked me some very silly questions.” + </p> + <p> + “You must not expect everyone to be able to contend with you.” + </p> + <p> + “I can’t help telling you that your question pleased me best of all. A + bigoted theologian at the end of the table seemed scandalized at the + question and still more at the answer.” + </p> + <p> + “And why?” + </p> + <p> + “He says I ought to have told you that a deity could not impregnate a + woman. He said that he would explain the reason to me if I were a man, but + being a woman and a maid he could not with propriety expound such + mysteries. I wish you would tell me what the fool meant.” + </p> + <p> + “I should be very glad, but you must allow me to speak plainly, and I + shall have to take for granted that you are acquainted with the physical + conformation of a man.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, speak as plainly as you like, for there is nobody to hear what we + say; but I must confess that I am only acquainted with the peculiarities + of the male by theory and reading. I have no practical knowledge. I have + seen statues, but I have never seen or examined a real live man. Have you, + Helen?” + </p> + <p> + “I have never wished to do so.” + </p> + <p> + “Why not? It is good to know everything.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Hedvig, your theologian meant to say that a god was not capable of + this.” + </p> + <p> + “What is that?” + </p> + <p> + “Give me your hand.” + </p> + <p> + “I can feel it, and have thought it would be something like that; without + this provision of nature man would not be able to fecundate his mate. And + how could the foolish theologian maintain that this was an imperfection?” + </p> + <p> + “Because it is the result of desire, Hedvig, and it would not have taken + place in me if I had not been charmed with you, and if I had not conceived + the most seducing ideas of the beauties that I cannot see from the view of + the beauties I can see. Tell me frankly whether feeling that did not give + you an agreeable sensation.” + </p> + <p> + “It did, and just in the place where your hand is now. Don’t you feel a + pleasant tickling there, Helen, after what the gentleman has been saying + to us?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I feel it, but I often do, without anything to excite me.” + </p> + <p> + “And then,” said I, “nature makes you appease it . . . thus?” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes!” said Hedvig. “Even when we are asleep our hands seek that spot + as if by instinct, and if it were not for that solace I think we should + get terribly ill.” + </p> + <p> + As this philosophical discourse, conducted by the young theologian in + quite a professional manner, proceeded, we reached a beautiful basin of + water, with a flight of marble steps for bathers. Although the air was + cool our heads were hot, and I conceived the idea of telling them that it + would do them good to bathe their feet, and that if they would allow me I + would take off their shoes and stockings. + </p> + <p> + “I should like to so much,” said Hedvig. + </p> + <p> + “And I too,” said Helen. + </p> + <p> + “Then sit down, ladies, on the first step.” + </p> + <p> + They proceeded to sit down and I began to take off their shoes, praising + the beauty of their legs, and pretending for the present not to want to go + farther than the knee. When they got into the water they were obliged to + pick up their clothes, and I encouraged them to do so. + </p> + <p> + “Well, well,” said Hedvig, “men have thighs too.” + </p> + <p> + Helen, who would have been ashamed to be beaten by her cousin, was not + backward in shewing her legs. + </p> + <p> + “That will do, charming maids,” said I, “you might catch cold if you + stayed longer in the water.” + </p> + <p> + They walked up backwards, still holding up their clothes for fear of + wetting them, and it was then my duty to wipe them dry with all the + handkerchiefs I had. This pleasant task left me at freedom to touch and + see, and the reader will imagine that I did my best in that direction. The + fair theologian told me I wanted to know too much, but Helen let me do + what I liked with such a tender and affectionate expression that it was as + much as I could do to keep within bounds. At last, when I had drawn on + their shoes and stockings, I told them that I was delighted to have seen + the hidden charms of the two prettiest girls in Geneva. + </p> + <p> + “What effect had it on you?” asked Hedvig. + </p> + <p> + “I daren’t tell you to look, but feel, both of you.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you bathe, too.” + </p> + <p> + “It’s out of the question, a man’s undressing takes so much trouble.” + </p> + <p> + “But we have still two hours before us, in which we need not fear any + interruption.” + </p> + <p> + This reply gave me a foretaste of the bliss I had to gain, but I did not + wish to expose myself to an illness by going into the water in my present + state. I noticed a summer-house at a little distance, and feeling sure + that M. Tronchin had left the door open, I took the two girls on my arm + and led them there without giving them any hint of my intentions. The + summer-house was scented with vases of pot-pourri and adorned with + engravings; but, best of all, there was a large couch which seemed made + for repose and pleasure. I sat down on it between my two sweethearts, and + as I caressed them I told them I was going to shew them something they had + never seen before, and without more ado I displayed to their gaze the + principal agent in the preservation of the human race. They got up to + admire it, and taking a hand of each one I procured them some enjoyment, + but in the middle of their labours an abundant flow of liquid threw them + into the greatest astonishment. + </p> + <p> + “That,” said I, “is the Word which makes men.” + </p> + <p> + “It’s beautiful!” cried Helen, laughing at the term “word.” + </p> + <p> + “I have a word too,” said Hedvig, “and I will shew it to you if you will + wait a minute.” + </p> + <p> + “Come, Hedvig, and I will save you the trouble of making it yourself, and + will do it better.” + </p> + <p> + “I daresay, but I have never done it with a man.” + </p> + <p> + “No more have I,” said Helen. + </p> + <p> + Placing them in front of me I gave them another ecstacy. We then sat down, + and while I felt all their charms I let them touch me as much as they + liked till I watered their hands a second time. + </p> + <p> + We made ourselves decent once more, and spent half an hour in kisses and + caresses, and I then told them that they had made me happy only in part, + but that I hoped they would make my bliss complete by presenting me with + their maidenheads. I shewed them the little safety-bags invented by the + English in the interests of the fair sex. They admired them greatly when I + explained their use, and the fair theologian remarked to her cousin that + she would think it over. We were now close friends, and soon promised to + be something more; and we walked back and found the pastor and Helen’s + mother strolling by the side of the lake. + </p> + <p> + When I got back to Geneva I went to spend the evening with the three + friends, but I took good care not to tell the syndic anything about my + victory with Helen. It would only have served to renew his hopes, and he + would have had this trouble for nothing. Even I would have done no good + without the young theologian; but as Helen admired her she did not like to + appear her inferior by refusing to imitate her freedom. + </p> + <p> + I did not see Helen that evening, but I saw her the next day at her + mother’s house, for I was in mere politeness bound to thank the old lady + for the honour she had done me. She gave me a most friendly reception, and + introduced me to two very pretty girls who were boarding with her. They + might have interested me if I had been stopping long in Geneva, but as if + was Helen claimed all my attraction. + </p> + <p> + “To-morrow,” said the charming girl, “I shall be able to get a word with + you at Madame Tronchin’s dinner, and I expect Hedvig will have hit on some + way for you to satisfy your desires.” + </p> + <p> + The banker gave us an excellent dinner. He proudly told me that no + inn-keeper could give such a good dinner as a rich gentleman who has a + good cook, a good cellar, good silver plate, and china of the best + quality. We were twenty of us at table, and the feast was given chiefly in + honour of the learned theologian and myself, as a rich foreigner who spent + money freely. M. de Ximenes, who had just arrived from Ferney was there, + and told me that M. de Voltaire was expecting me, but I had foolishly + determined not to go. + </p> + <p> + Hedvig shone in solving the questions put to her by the company. M. de + Ximenes begged her to justify as best she could our first mother, who had + deceived her husband by giving him the fatal apple to eat. + </p> + <p> + “Eve,” she said, “did not deceive her husband, she only cajoled him into + eating it in the hope of giving him one more perfection. Besides Eve had + not been forbidden to eat the fruit by God, but only by Adam, and in all + probability her woman’s sense prevented her regarding the prohibition as + serious.” + </p> + <p> + At this reply, which I found full of sense and wit, two scholars from + Geneva and even Hedvig’s uncle began to murmur and shake their heads. + Madame Tronchin said gravely that Eve had received the prohibition from + God himself, but the girl only answered by a humble “I beg your pardon, + madam.” At this she turned to the pastor with a frightened manner, and + said,— + </p> + <p> + “What do you say to this?” + </p> + <p> + “Madam, my niece is not infallible.” + </p> + <p> + “Excuse me, dear uncle, I am as infallible as Holy Writ when I speak + according to it.” + </p> + <p> + “Bring a Bible, and let me see.” + </p> + <p> + “Hedvig, my dear Hedvig, you are right after all. Here it is. The + prohibition was given before woman was made.” + </p> + <p> + Everybody applauded, but Hedvig remained quite calm; it was only the two + scholars and Madame Tronchin who still seemed disturbed. Another lady then + asked her if it was allowable to believe the history of the apple to be + symbolical. She replied,— + </p> + <p> + “I do not think so, because it could only be a symbol of sexual union, and + it is clear that such did not take place between Adam and Eve in the + Garden of Eden.” + </p> + <p> + “The learned differ on this point.” + </p> + <p> + “All the worse for them, madam, the Scripture is plain enough. In the + first verse of the fourth chapter it is written, that Adam knew his wife + after they had been driven from the Garden, and that in consequence she + conceived Cain.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but the verse does not say that Adam did not know her before and + consequently he might have done so.” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot admit the inference, as in that case she would have conceived; + for it would be absurd to suppose that two creatures who had just left + God’s hands, and were consequently as nearly perfect as is possible, could + perform the act of generation without its having any result.” + </p> + <p> + This reply gained everyone’s applause, and compliments to Hedvig made the + round of the table. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Tronchin asked her if the doctrine of the immortality of the soul + could be gathered from the Old Testament alone. + </p> + <p> + “The Old Testament,” she replied, “does not teach this doctrine; but, + nevertheless, human reason teaches it, as the soul is a substance, and the + destruction of any substance is an unthinkable proposition.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I will ask you,” said the banker, “if the existence of the soul is + established in the Bible.” + </p> + <p> + “Where there is smoke there is always fire.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell me, then, if matter can think.” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot answer that question, for it is beyond my knowledge. I can only + say that as I believe God to be all powerful, I cannot deny Him the power + to make matter capable of thought.” + </p> + <p> + “But what is your own opinion?” + </p> + <p> + “I believe that I have a soul endowed with thinking capacities, but I do + not know whether I shall remember that I had the honour of dining with you + to-day after I die.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you think that the soul and the memory may be separable; but in that + case you would not be a theologian.” + </p> + <p> + “One may be a theologian and a philosopher, for philosophy never + contradicts any truth, and besides, to say ‘I do not know’ is not the same + as ‘I am sure’.” + </p> + <p> + Three parts of the guests burst into cries of admiration, and the fair + philosopher enjoyed seeing me laugh for pleasure at the applause. The + pastor wept for joy, and whispered something to Helen’s mother. All at + once he turned to me, saying,— + </p> + <p> + “Ask my niece some question.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Hedvig, “but it must be something quite new.” + </p> + <p> + “That is a hard task,” I replied, “for how am I to know that what I ask is + new to you? However, tell me if one must stop at the first principle of a + thing one wants to understand.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, and the reason is that in God there is no first principle, and + He is therefore incomprehensible.” + </p> + <p> + “God be praised! that is how I would have you answer. Can God have any + self-consciousness?” + </p> + <p> + “There my learning is baffled. I know not what to reply. You should not + ask me so hard a thing as that.” + </p> + <p> + “But you wished for something new. I thought the newest thing would be to + see you at a loss.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s prettily said. Be kind enough to reply for me, gentlemen, and + teach me what to say.” + </p> + <p> + Everybody tried to answer, but nothing was said worthy of record. Hedvig + at last said,— + </p> + <p> + “My opinion is that since God knows all, He knows of His own existence, + but you must not ask me how He knows it.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s well said,” I answered; and nobody could throw any further light + on the matter. + </p> + <p> + All the company looked on me as a polite Atheist, so superficial is the + judgment of society, but it did not matter to me whether they thought me + an Atheist or not. + </p> + <p> + M. de Ximenes asked Hedvig if matter had been created. + </p> + <p> + “I cannot recognize the word ‘created,’” she replied. “Ask me whether + matter was formed, and I shall reply in the affirmative. The word + ‘created’ cannot have existence, for the existence of anything must be + prior to the word which explains it.” + </p> + <p> + “Then what meaning do you assign to the word ‘created’?” + </p> + <p> + “Made out of nothing. You see the absurdity, for nothing must have first + existed. I am glad to see you laugh. Do you think that nothingness could + be created?” + </p> + <p> + “You are right.” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all, not at all,” said one of the guests, superciliously. + </p> + <p> + “Kindly tell me who was your teacher?” said M. de Ximenes. + </p> + <p> + “My uncle there.” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all, my dear niece. I certainly never taught you what you have + been telling us to-day. But my niece, gentlemen, reads and reflects over + what she has read, perhaps with rather too much freedom, but I love her + all the same, because she always ends by acknowledging that she knows + nothing.” + </p> + <p> + A lady who had not opened her lips hitherto asked Hedvig for a definition + of spirit. + </p> + <p> + “Your question is a purely philosophical one, and I must answer that I do + not know enough of spirit or matter to be able to give a satisfactory + definition.” + </p> + <p> + “But since you acknowledge the existence of Deity and must therefore have + an abstract idea of spirit, you must have some notions on the subject, and + should be able to tell me how it acts on matter.” + </p> + <p> + “No solid foundation can be built on abstract ideas. Hobbes calls such + ideas mere fantasms. One may have them, but if one begins to reason on + them, one is landed in contradiction. I know that God sees me, but I + should labour in vain if I endeavoured to prove it by reasoning, for + reason tells us no one can see anything without organs of sight; and God + being a pure spirit, and therefore without organs, it is scientifically + impossible that He can see us any more than we can see Him. But Moses and + several others have seen Him, and I believe it so, without attempting to + reason on it.” + </p> + <p> + “You are quite right,” said I, “for you would be confronted by blank + impossibility. But if you take to reading Hobbes you are in danger of + becoming an Atheist.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not afraid of that. I cannot conceive the possibility of Atheism.” + </p> + <p> + After dinner everybody crowded round this truly astonishing girl, so that + I had no opportunity of whispering my love. However, I went apart with + Helen, who told me that the pastor and his niece were going to sup with + her mother the following day. + </p> + <p> + “Hedvig,” she added, “will stay the night and sleep with me as she always + does when she comes to supper with her uncle. It remains to be seen if you + are willing to hide in a place I will shew you at eleven o’clock tomorrow, + in order to sleep with us. Call on my mother at that hour to-morrow, and I + will find an opportunity of shewing you where it is. You will be safe + though not comfortable, and if you grow weary you can console yourself by + thinking that you are in our minds.” + </p> + <p> + “Shall I have to stay there long?” + </p> + <p> + “Four hours at the most. At seven o’clock the street door is shut, and + only opened to anyone who rings.” + </p> + <p> + “If I happen to cough while I am in hiding might I be heard?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that might happen.” + </p> + <p> + “There’s a great hazard. All the rest is of no consequence; but no matter, + I will risk all for the sake of so great happiness.” + </p> + <p> + In the morning I paid the mother a visit, and as Helen was escorting me + out she shewed me a door between the two stairs. + </p> + <p> + “At seven o’clock,” said she, “the door will be open, and when you are in + put on the bolt. Take care that no one sees you as you are entering the + house.” + </p> + <p> + At a quarter to seven I was already a prisoner. I found a seat in my cell, + otherwise I should neither have been able to lie down or to stand up. It + was a regular hole, and I knew by my sense of smell that hams and cheeses + were usually kept there; but it contained none at present, for I fell all + round to see how the land lay. As I was cautiously stepping round I felt + my foot encounter some resistance, and putting down my hand I recognized + the feel of linen. It was a napkin containing two plates, a nice roast + fowl, bread, and a second napkin. Searching again I came across a bottle + and a glass. I was grateful to my charmers for having thought of my + stomach, but as I had purposely made a late and heavy meal I determined to + defer the consumption of my cold collation till a later hour. + </p> + <p> + At nine o’clock I began, and as I had neither a knife nor a corkscrew I + was obliged to break the neck of the bottle with a brick which I was + fortunately able to detach from the mouldering floor. The wine was + delicious old Neuchatel, and the fowl was stuffed with truffles, and I + felt convinced that my two nymphs must have some rudimentary ideas on the + subject of stimulants. I should have passed the time pleasantly enough if + it had not been for the occasional visits of a rat, who nearly made me + sick with his disgusting odour. I remembered that I had been annoyed in + the same way at Cologne under somewhat similar circumstances. + </p> + <p> + At last ten o’clock struck, and I heard the pastor’s voice as he came + downstairs talking; he warned the girls not to play any tricks together, + and to go to sleep quietly. That brought back to my memory M. Rose leaving + Madame Orio’s house at Venice twenty-two years before; and reflecting on + my character I found myself much changed, though not more reasonable; but + if I was not so sensible to the charms of the sex, the two beauties who + were awaiting me were much superior to Madame Orio’s nieces. + </p> + <p> + In my long and profligate career in which I have turned the heads of some + hundreds of ladies, I have become familiar with all the methods of + seduction; but my guiding principle has been never to direct my attack + against novices or those whose prejudices were likely to prove an obstacle + except in the presence of another woman. I soon found out that timidity + makes a girl averse to being seduced, while in company with another girl + she is easily conquered; the weakness of the one brings on the fall of the + other. Fathers and mothers are of the contrary opinion, but they are in + the wrong. They will not trust their daughter to take a walk or go to a + ball with a young man, but if she has another girl with her there is no + difficulty made. I repeat, they are in the wrong; if the young man has the + requisite skill their daughter is a lost woman. A feeling of false shame + hinders them from making an absolute and determined resistance, and the + first step once taken the rest comes inevitably and quickly. The girl + grants some small favour, and immediately makes her friend grant a much + greater one to hide her own blushes; and if the seducer is clever at his + trade the young innocent will soon have gone too far to be able to draw + back. Besides the more innocence a girl has, the less she knows of the + methods of seduction. Before she has had time to think, pleasure attracts + her, curiosity draws her a little farther, and opportunity does the rest. + </p> + <p> + For example, I might possibly have been able to seduce Hedvig without + Helen, but I am certain I should never have succeeded with Helen if she + had not seen her cousin take liberties with me which she no doubt thought + contrary to the feelings of modesty which a respectable young woman ought + to have. + </p> + <p> + Though I do not repent of my amorous exploits, I am far from wishing that + my example should serve for the perversion of the fair sex, who have so + many claims on my homage. I desire that what I say may be a warning to + fathers and mothers, and secure me a place in their esteem at any rate. + </p> + <p> + Soon after the pastor had gone I heard three light knocks on my prison + door. I opened it, and my hand was folded in a palm as soft as satin. All + my being was moved. It was Helen’s hand, and that happy moment had already + repaid me for my long waiting. + </p> + <p> + “Follow me on tiptoe,” she whispered, as soon as she had shut the door; + but in my impatience I clasped her in my arms, and made her feel the + effect which her mere presence had produced on me, while at the same time + I assured myself of her docility. “There,” she said, “now come upstairs + softly after me.” + </p> + <p> + I followed her as best I could in the darkness, and she took me along a + gallery into a dark room, and then into a lighted one which contained + Hedvig almost in a state of nudity. She came to me with open arms as soon + as she saw me, and, embracing me ardently, expressed her gratitude for my + long and dreary imprisonment. + </p> + <p> + “Divine Hedvig,” I answered, “if I had not loved you madly I would not + have stayed a quarter of an hour in that dismal cell, but I am ready to + spend four hours there every day till I leave Geneva for your sake. But we + must not lose any time; let us go to bed.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you two go to bed,” said Helen; “I will sleep on the sofa.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no,” cried Hedvig, “don’t think of it; our fate must be exactly + equal.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, darling Helen,” said I, embracing her; “I love you both with equal + ardour, and these ceremonies are only wasting the time in which I ought to + be assuring you of my passion. Imitate my proceedings. I am going to + undress, and then I shall lie in the middle of the bed. Come and lie + beside me, and I’ll shew you how I love you. If all is safe I will remain + with you till you send me away, but whatever you do do not put out the + light.” + </p> + <p> + In the twinkling of an eye, discussing the theory of shame the while with + the theological Hedvig, I presented myself to their gaze in the costume of + Adam. Hedvig blushed and parted with the last shred of her modesty, citing + the opinion of St. Clement Alexandrinus that the seat of shame is in the + shirt. I praised the charming perfection of her shape, in the hope of + encouraging Helen, who was slowly undressing herself; but an accusation of + mock modesty from her cousin had more effect than all my praises. At last + this Venus stood before me in a state of nature, covering her most secret + parts with her hand, and hiding one breast with the other, and appearing + woefully ashamed of what she could not conceal. Her modest confusion, this + strife between departing modesty and rising passion, enchanted me. + </p> + <p> + Hedvig was taller than Helen; her skin was whiter, and her breasts double + the size of Helen’s; but in Helen there was more animation, her shape was + more gently moulded, and her breast might have been the model for the + Venus de Medicis. + </p> + <p> + She got bolder by degrees, and we spent some moments in admiring each + other, and then we went to bed. Nature spoke out loudly, and all we wanted + was to satisfy its demands. With much coolness I made a woman of Hedvig, + and when all was over she kissed me and said that the pain was nothing in + comparison with the pleasure. + </p> + <p> + The turn of Helen (who was six years younger than Hedvig) now came, but + the finest fleece that I have ever seen was not won without difficulty. + She was jealous of her cousin’s success, and held it open with her two + hands; and though she had to submit to great pain before being initiated + into the amorous mysteries, her sighs were sighs of happiness, as she + responded to my ardent efforts. Her great charms and the vivacity of her + movements shortened the sacrifice, and when I left the sanctuary my two + sweethearts saw that I needed repose. + </p> + <p> + The alter was purified of the blood of the victims, and we all washed, + delighted to serve one another. + </p> + <p> + Life returned to me under their curious fingers, and the sight filled them + with joy. I told them that I wished to enjoy them every night till I left + Geneva, but they told me sadly that this was impossible. + </p> + <p> + “In five or six days time, perhaps, the opportunity may recur again, but + that will be all.” + </p> + <p> + “Ask us to sup at your inn to-morrow,” said Hedvig; “and maybe, chance + will favour the commission of a sweet felony.” + </p> + <p> + I followed this advice. + </p> + <p> + I overwhelmed them with happiness for several hours, passing five or six + times from one to the other before I was exhausted. In the intervals, + seeing them to be docile and desirous, I made them execute Aretin’s most + complicated postures, which amused them beyond words. We kissed whatever + took our fancy, and just as Hedvig applied her lips to the mouth of the + pistol, it went off and the discharge inundated her face and her bosom. + She was delighted, and watched the process to the end with all the + curiosity of a doctor. The night seemed short, though we had not lost a + moment’s time, and at daybreak we had to part. I left them in bed and I + was fortunate enough to get away without being observed. + </p> + <p> + I slept till noon, and then having made my toilette I went to call on the + pastor, to whom I praised Hedvig to the skies. This was the best way to + get him to come to supper at Balances the next day. + </p> + <p> + “We shall be in the town,” said I, “and can remain together as long as we + please, but do not forget to bring the amiable widow and her charming + daughter.” + </p> + <p> + He promised he would bring them both. + </p> + <p> + In the evening I went to see the syndic and his three friends, who + naturally found me rather insensible to their charms. I excused myself by + saying that I had a bad headache. I told them that I had asked the young + theologian to supper, and invited the girls and the syndic to come too; + but, as I had foreseen, the latter would not hear of their going as it + would give rise to gossip. + </p> + <p> + I took care that the most exquisite wines should form an important feature + of my supper. The pastor and the widow were both sturdy drinkers, and I + did my best to please them. When I saw that they were pretty mellow and + were going over their old recollections, I made a sign to the girls, and + they immediately went out as if to go to a retiring-room. Under pretext of + shewing them the way I went out too, and took them into a room telling + them to wait for me. + </p> + <p> + I went back to the supper-room, and finding the old friends taken up with + each other and scarcely conscious of my presence, I gave them some punch, + and told them that I would keep the young ladies company; they were + looking at some pictures, I explained. I lost no time, and shewed them + some extremely interesting sights. These stolen sweets have a wonderful + charm. When we were to some extent satisfied, we went back, and I plied + the punch-ladle more and more freely. Helen praised the pictures to her + mother, and asked her to come and look at them. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t care to,” she replied. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Helen, “let us go and see them again.” + </p> + <p> + I thought this stratagem admissible, and going out with my two sweethearts + I worked wonders. Hedvig philosophised over pleasure, and told me she + would never have known it if I had not chanced to meet her uncle. Helen + did not speak; she was more voluptuous than her cousin, and swelled out + like a dove, and came to life only to expire a moment afterwards. I + wondered at her astonishing fecundity; while I was engaged in one + operation she passed from death to life fourteen times. It is true that it + was the sixth time with me, so I made my progress rather slower to enjoy + the pleasure she took in it. + </p> + <p> + Before we parted I agreed to call on Helen’s mother every day to ascertain + the night I could spend with them before I left Geneva. We broke up our + party at two o’clock in the morning. + </p> + <p> + Three or four days after, Helen told me briefly that Hedvig was to sleep + with her that night, and that she would leave the door open at the same + time as before. + </p> + <p> + “I will be there.” + </p> + <p> + “And I will be there to shut you up, but you cannot have a light as the + servant might see it.” + </p> + <p> + I was exact to the time, and when ten o’clock struck they came to fetch me + in high glee. + </p> + <p> + “I forgot to tell you,” said Helen, “that you would find a fowl there.” + </p> + <p> + I felt hungry, and made short work of it, and then we gave ourselves up to + happiness. + </p> + <p> + I had to set out on my travels in two days. I had received a couple of + letters from M. Raiberti. In the first he told me that he had followed my + instructions as to the Corticelli, and in the second that she would + probably he paid for dancing at the carnival as first ‘figurante’. I had + nothing to keep me at Geneva, and Madame d’Urfe, according to our + agreement, would be waiting for me at Lyons. I was therefore obliged to go + there. Thus the night that I was to pass with my two charmers would be my + last. + </p> + <p> + My lessons had taken effect, and I found they had become past mistresses + in the art of pleasure. But now and again joy gave place to sadness. + </p> + <p> + “We shall be wretched, sweetheart,” said Hedvig, “and if you like we will + come with you.” + </p> + <p> + “I promise to come and see you before two years have expired,” said I; and + in fact they had not so long to wait. + </p> + <p> + We fell asleep at midnight, and waking at four renewed our sweet battles + till six o’clock. Half an hour after I left them, worn out with my + exertions, and I remained in bed all day. In the evening I went to see the + syndic and his young friends. I found Helen there, and she was cunning + enough to feign not to be more vexed at my departure than the others, and + to further the deception she allowed the syndic to kiss her. I followed + suit, and begged her to bid farewell for me to her learned cousin and to + excuse my taking leave of her in person. + </p> + <p> + The next day I set out in the early morning, and on the following day I + reached Lyons. Madame d’Urfe was not there, she had gone to an estate of + hers at Bresse. I found a letter in which she said that she would be + delighted to see me, and I waited on her without losing any time. + </p> + <p> + She greeted me with her ordinary cordiality, and I told her that I was + going to Turin to meet Frederic Gualdo, the head of the Fraternity of the + Rosy Cross, and I revealed to her by the oracle that he would come with me + to Marseilles, and that there he would complete her happiness. After + having received this oracle she would not go to Paris before she saw us. + The oracle also bade her wait for me at Lyons with young d’Aranda; who + begged me to take him with me to Turin. It may be imagined that I + succeeded in putting him off. + </p> + <p> + Madame d’Urfe had to wait a fortnight to get me fifty thousand francs + which I might require on my journey. In the course of this fortnight I + made the acquaintance of Madame Pernon, and spent a good deal of money + with her husband, a rich mercer, in refurnishing my wardrobe. Madame + Pernon was handsome and intelligent. She had a Milanese lover, named Bono, + who did business for a Swiss banker named Sacco. It was through Madame + Peron that Bono got Madame d’Urfe the fifty thousand francs I required. + She also gave me the three dresses which she had promised to the Countess + of Lascaris, but which that lady had never seen. + </p> + <p> + One of these dresses was furred, and was exquisitely beautiful. I left + Lyons equipped like a prince, and journeyed towards Turin, where I was to + meet the famous Gualdo, who was none other than Ascanio Pogomas, whom I + had summoned from Berne. I thought it would be easy to make the fellow + play the part I had destined for him, but I was cruelly deceived as the + reader will see. + </p> + <p> + I could not resist stopping at Chamberi to see my fair nun, whom I found + looking beautiful and contented. She was grieving, however, after the + young boarder, who had been taken from the convent and married. + </p> + <p> + I got to Turin at the beginning of December, and at Rivoli I found the + Corticelli, who had been warned by the Chevalier de Raiberti of my + arrival. She gave me a letter from this worthy gentleman, giving the + address of the house he had taken for me as I did not want to put up at an + inn. I immediately went to take possession of my new lodging. + </p> + <a name="linkD2HCH0017" id="linkD2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + My Old Friends—Pacienza—Agatha—Count Boryomeo—The Ball— + Lord Percy +</pre> + <p> + The Corticelli was as gentle as a lamb, and left me as we got into Turin. + I promised I would come and see her, and immediately went to the house the + Chevalier had taken, which I found convenient in every way. + </p> + <p> + The worthy Chevalier was not long in calling on me. He gave me an account + of the moneys he had spent on the Corticelli, and handed over the rest to + me. + </p> + <p> + “I am flush of money,” I said, “and I intend to invite my friends to + supper frequently. Can you lay your hands on a good cook?” + </p> + <p> + “I know a pearl amongst cooks,” said he, “and you can have him directly.” + </p> + <p> + “You, chevalier, are the pearl of men. Get me this wonder, tell him I am + hard to please, and agree on the sum I am to pay him per month.” + </p> + <p> + The cook, who was an excellent one, came the same evening. + </p> + <p> + “It would be a good idea,” said Raiberti, “to call on the Count d’Aglie. + He knows that the Corticelli is your mistress, and he has given a formal + order to Madame Pacienza, the lady with whom she lives, that when you come + and see her you are not to be left alone together.” + </p> + <p> + This order amused me, and as I did not care about the Corticelli it did + not trouble me in the least, though Raiberti, who thought I was in love + with her, seemed to pity me. + </p> + <p> + “Since she has been here,” he said, “her conduct has been irreproachable.” + </p> + <p> + “I am glad to hear that.” + </p> + <p> + “You might let her take some lessons from the dancing-master Dupre,” said + he. “He will no doubt give her something to do at the carnival.” + </p> + <p> + I promised to follow his advice, and I then paid a visit to the + superintendent of police. + </p> + <p> + He received me well, complimented me on my return to Turin, and then added + with a smile:— + </p> + <p> + “I warn you that I have been informed that you keep a mistress, and that I + have given strict orders to the respectable woman with whom she lives not + to leave her alone with you.” + </p> + <p> + “I am glad to hear it,” I replied, “and the more as I fear her mother is + not a person of very rigid morals. I advised the Chevalier Raiberti of my + intentions with regard to her, and I am glad to see that he has carried + them out so well. I hope the girl will shew herself worthy of your + protection.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you think of staying here throughout the carnival?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, if your excellency approves.” + </p> + <p> + “It depends entirely on your good conduct.” + </p> + <p> + “A few peccadilloes excepted, my conduct is always above reproach.” + </p> + <p> + “There are some peccadilloes we do not tolerate here. Have you seen the + Chevalier Osorio?” + </p> + <p> + “I think of calling on him to-day or to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope you will remember me to him.” + </p> + <p> + He rang his bell, bowed, and the audience was over. + </p> + <p> + The Chevalier Osorio received me at his office, and gave me a most + gracious reception. After I had given him an account of my visit to the + superintendent, he asked me, with a smile, if I felt inclined to submit + with docility to not seeing my mistress in freedom. + </p> + <p> + “Certainly,” said I, “for I am not in love with her.” + </p> + <p> + Osorio looked at me slyly, and observed, “Somehow I don’t think your + indifference will be very pleasing to the virtuous duenna.” + </p> + <p> + I understood what he meant, but personally I was delighted not to be able + to see the Corticelli save in the presence of a female dragon. It would + make people talk, and I loved a little scandal, and felt curious to see + what would happen. + </p> + <p> + When I returned to my house I found the Genoese Passano, a bad poet and + worse painter, to whom I had intended to give the part of a Rosicrucian, + because there was something in his appearance which inspired, if not + respect, at least awe and a certain feeling of fear. In point of fact, + this was only a natural presentiment that the man must be either a clever + rogue or a morose and sullen scholar. + </p> + <p> + I made him sup with me and gave him a room on the third floor, telling him + not to leave it without my permission. At supper I found him insipid in + conversation, drunken, ignorant, and ill disposed, and I already repented + of having taken him under my protection; but the thing was done. + </p> + <p> + The next day, feeling curious to see how the Corticelli was lodged, I + called on her, taking with me a piece of Lyons silk. + </p> + <p> + I found her and her mother in the landlady’s room, and as I came in the + latter said that she was delighted to see me and that she hoped I would + often dine with them. I thanked her briefly and spoke to the girl coolly + enough. + </p> + <p> + “Shew me your room,” said I. She took me there in her mother’s company. + “Here is something to make you a winter dress,” said I, shewing her the + silk. + </p> + <p> + “Is this from the marchioness?” + </p> + <p> + “No, it is from me.” + </p> + <p> + “But where are the three dresses she said she would give me?” + </p> + <p> + “You know very well on what conditions you were to have them, so let us + say no more about it.” + </p> + <p> + She unfolded the silk which she liked very much, but she said she must + have some trimmings. The Pacienza offered her services, and said she would + send for a dressmaker who lived close by. I acquiesced with a nod, and as + soon as she had left the room the Signora Laura said she was very sorry + only to be able to receive me in the presence of the landlady. + </p> + <p> + “I should have thought,” said I, “that a virtuous person like you would + have been delighted.” + </p> + <p> + “I thank God for it every morning and night.” + </p> + <p> + “You infernal old hypocrite!” said I, looking contemptuously at her. + </p> + <p> + “Upon my word, anybody who didn’t know you would be taken in.” + </p> + <p> + In a few minutes Victorine and another girl came in with their band-boxes. + </p> + <p> + “Are you still at Madame R——‘s?” said I. + </p> + <p> + “Yes sir,” said she, with a blush. + </p> + <p> + When the Corticelli had chosen what she wanted I told Victorine to present + my compliments to her mistress, and tell her that I would call and pay for + the articles. + </p> + <p> + The landlady had also sent for a dressmaker, and while the Corticelli was + being measured, she shewed me her figure and said she wanted a corset. I + jested on the pregnancy with which she threatened me, and of which there + was now no trace, pitying Count N—— for being deprived of the + joys of fatherhood. I then gave her what money she required and took my + leave. She escorted me to the door, and asked me if she should have the + pleasure of seeing me again before long. + </p> + <p> + “It’s a pleasure, is it?” I replied; “well, I don’t know when you will + have it again; it depends on my leisure and my fancy.” + </p> + <p> + It is certain that if I had any amorous feelings or even curiosity about + the girl, I should not have left her in that house for a moment; but I + repeat my love for her had entirely vanished. There was one thing, + however, which annoyed me intolerably, namely, that in spite of my + coolness towards her, the little hussy pretended to think that I had + forgotten and forgiven everything. + </p> + <p> + On leaving the Corticelli, I proceeded to call on my bankers, amongst + others on M. Martin, whose wife was justly famous for her wit and beauty. + </p> + <p> + I chanced to meet the horse-dealing Jew, who had made money out of me by + means of his daughter Leah. She was still pretty, but married; and her + figure was too rounded for my taste. She and her husband welcomed me with + great warmth, but I cared for her no longer, and did not wish to see her + again. + </p> + <p> + I called on Madame R——, who had been awaiting me impatiently + ever since Victorine had brought news of me. I sat down by the counter and + had the pleasure of hearing from her lips the amorous histories of Turin + for the past few months. + </p> + <p> + “Victorine and Caton are the only two of the old set that still remain, + but I have replaced them with others.” + </p> + <p> + “Has Victorine found anyone to operate on her yet?” + </p> + <p> + “No, she is just as you left her, but a gentleman who is in love with her + is going to take her to Milan.” + </p> + <p> + This gentleman was the Comte de Perouse, whose acquaintance I made three + years afterwards at Milan. I shall speak of him in due time. Madame R—— + told me that, in consequence of her getting into trouble several times + with the police, she had been obliged to promise the Count d’Aglie only to + send the girls to ladies, and, consequently, if I found any of them to my + taste I should be obliged to make friends with their relations and take + them to the festas. She shewed me the girls in the work-room, but I did + not think any of them worth taking trouble about. + </p> + <p> + She talked about the Pacienza, and when I told her that I kept the + Corticelli, and of the hard conditions to which I was obliged to submit, + she exclaimed with astonishment, and amused me by her jests on the + subject. + </p> + <p> + “You are in good hands, my dear sir,” said she; “the woman is not only a + spy of d’Aglie’s, but a professional procuress. I wonder the Chevalier + Raiberti placed the girl with her.” + </p> + <p> + She was not so surprised when I told her that the chevalier had good + reasons for his action, and that I myself had good reasons of my own for + wishing the Corticelli to remain there. + </p> + <p> + Our conversation was interrupted by a customer who wanted silk stockings. + Hearing him speak of dancing, I asked him if he could tell me the address + of Dupre, the ballet-master. + </p> + <p> + “No one better, sir, for I am Dupre, at your service.” + </p> + <p> + “I am delighted at this happy chance. The Chevalier Raiberti gave me to + understand that you might be able to give dancing lessons to a ballet-girl + of my acquaintance.” + </p> + <p> + “M. de Raiberti mentioned your name to me this morning. You must be the + Chevalier de Seingalt?” + </p> + <p> + “Exactly.” + </p> + <p> + “I can give the young lady lessons every morning at nine o’clock at my own + home.” + </p> + <p> + “No, do you come to her house, but at whatever hour you like. I will pay + you, and I hope you will make her one of your best pupils. I must warn + you, however, that she is not a novice.” + </p> + <p> + “I will call on her to-day, and to-morrow I will tell you what I can make + of her; but I think I had better tell you my terms: I charge three + Piedmontese livres a lesson.” + </p> + <p> + “I think that is very reasonable; I will call on you to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “You do me honour. Here is my address. If you like to come in the + afternoon you will see the rehearsal of a ballet.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it not rehearsed at the theatre?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but at the theatre no on-lookers are allowed by the orders of the + superintendent of police.” + </p> + <p> + “This superintendent of yours puts his finger into a good many pies.” + </p> + <p> + “In too many.” + </p> + <p> + “But at your own house anybody may come?” + </p> + <p> + “Undoubtedly, but I could not have the dancers there if my wife were not + present. The superintendent knows her, and has great confidence in her.” + </p> + <p> + “You will see me at the rehearsal.” + </p> + <p> + The wretched superintendent had erected a fearful system of surveillance + against the lovers of pleasure, but it must be confessed that he was often + cheated. Voluptuousness was all the more rampant when thus restrained; and + so it ever will be while men have passions and women desires. To love and + enjoy, to desire and to satisfy one’s desires, such is the circle in which + we move, and whence we can never be turned. When restrictions are placed + upon the passions as in Turkey, they still attain their ends, but by + methods destructive to morality. + </p> + <p> + At the worthy Mazzali’s I found two gentlemen to whom she introduced me. + One was old and ugly, decorated with the Order of the White Eagle—his + name was Count Borromeo; the other, young and brisk, was Count A—— + B—— of Milan. After they had gone I was informed that they + were paying assiduous court to the Chevalier Raiberti, from whom they + hoped to obtain certain privileges for their lordships which were under + the Sardinian rule. + </p> + <p> + The Milanese count had not a penny, and the Lord of the Borromean Isles + was not much better off. He had ruined himself with women, and not being + able to live at Milan he had taken refuge in the fairest of his isles, and + enjoyed there perpetual spring and very little else. I paid him a visit on + my return from Spain, but I shall relate our meeting when I come to my + adventures, my pleasures, my misfortunes, and above all my follies there, + for of such threads was the weft of my life composed, and folly was the + prominent element. + </p> + <p> + The conversation turned on my house, and the lively Mazzoli asked me how I + liked my cook. I replied that I had not yet tried him, but I proposed to + put him to test the next day, if she and the gentlemen would do me the + honour of supping with me. + </p> + <p> + The invitation was accepted, and she promised to bring her dear chevalier + with her, and to warn him of the event, as his health only allowed him to + eat once a day. + </p> + <p> + I called on Dupre in the afternoon. I saw the dancers, male and female, + the latter accompanied by their mothers, who stood on one side muffled up + in thick cloaks. As I passed them under review in my lordly manner, I + noticed that one of them still looked fresh and pretty, which augured well + for her daughter, though the fruit does not always correspond to the tree. + </p> + <p> + Dupre introduced me to his wife, who was young and pretty, but who had + been obliged to leave the theatre owing to the weakness of her chest. She + told me that if the Corticelli would work hard her husband would make a + great dancer of her, as her figure was eminently suited for dancing. While + I was talking with Madame Dupre, the Corticelli, late Lascaris, came + running up to me with the air of a favourite, and told me she wanted some + ribbons and laces to make a bonnet. The others girls began to whisper to + each other, and guessing what they must be saying I turned to Dupre + without taking any notice of Madame Madcap, and gave him twelve pistoles, + saying that I would pay for the lessons three months in advance, and that + I hoped he would bring his new pupil on well. Such a heavy payment in + advance caused general surprise, which I enjoyed, though pretending not to + be aware of it. Now I know that I acted foolishly, but I have promised to + speak the truth in these Memoirs, which will not see the light till all + light has left my eyes, and I will keep my promise. + </p> + <p> + I have always been greedy of distinction; I have always loved to draw the + eyes of men towards men, but I must also add that if I have humiliated + anyone it has always been a proud man or a fool, for it has been my rule + to please everyone if I can. + </p> + <p> + I sat on one side, the better to observe the swarm of girls, and I soon + fixed my eyes on one whose appearance struck me. She had a fine figure, + delicate features, a noble air, and a patient look which interested me in + the highest degree. She was dancing with a man who did not scruple to + abuse her in the coarsest manner when she made any mistakes, but she bore + it without replying, though an expression of contempt mingled with the + sweetness of her face. + </p> + <p> + Instinct drew me to the mother I have remarked on, and I asked her to whom + the dancer that interested me belonged. + </p> + <p> + “I am her mother,” she replied. + </p> + <p> + “You, madam! I should not have thought it possible.” + </p> + <p> + “I was very young when she was born.” + </p> + <p> + “I should think so. Where do you come from?” + </p> + <p> + “I am from Lucca, and what is more, a poor widow.” + </p> + <p> + “How can you be poor, when you are still young and handsome, and have an + angel for a daughter?” + </p> + <p> + She replied only by an expressive glance. I understood her reserve, and I + stayed by her without speaking. Soon after, Agatha, as her daughter was + named, came up to her to ask for a handkerchief to wipe her face. + </p> + <p> + “Allow me to offer you mine,” said I. It was a white handkerchief, and + scented with attar of roses; this latter circumstance gave her an excuse + for accepting it, but after smelling it she wanted to return it to me. + </p> + <p> + “You have not used it,” said I, “do so.” + </p> + <p> + She obeyed, and then returned it to me with a bow by way of thanks. + </p> + <p> + “You must not give it me back, fair Agatha, till you have had it washed.” + </p> + <p> + She smiled, and gave it to her mother, glancing at me in a grateful + manner, which I considered of good omen. + </p> + <p> + “May I have the pleasure of calling on you?” said I. “I cannot receive + you, sir, except in the presence of my landlady.” + </p> + <p> + “This cursed restriction is general in Turin, then?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, the superintendent uses everybody in the same way.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I shall have the pleasure of seeing you again here?” + </p> + <p> + In the evening I had one of the best suppers I ever had in my life, if I + except those I enjoyed during my stay at Turin. My cook was worthy of a + place in the kitchen of Lucullus; but without detracting from his skill I + must do justice to the products of the country. Everything is delicious; + game, fish, birds, meat, vegetables, fruit, milk, and truffles—all + are worthy of the table of the greatest gourmets, and the wines of the + country yield to none. What a pity that strangers do not enjoy liberty at + Turin! It is true that better society, and more politeness, such as are + found in several French and Italian towns, are to be wished for. + </p> + <p> + The beauty of the women of Turin is no doubt due to the excellence of the + air and diet. + </p> + <p> + I had not much trouble in extracting a promise from Madame Mazzoli and the + two counts to sup with me every night, but the Chevalier de Raiberti would + only promise to come whenever he could. + </p> + <p> + At the Carignan Theatre, where opera-bouffe was being played, I saw + Redegonde, with whom I had failed at Florence. She saw me in the pit and + gave me a smile, so I wrote to her, offering my services if the mother had + changed her way of thinking. She answered that her mother was always the + same, but that if I would ask the Corticelli she could come and sup with + me, though the mother would doubtless have to be of the party. I gave her + no answer, as the terms she named were by no means to my taste. + </p> + <p> + I had a letter from Madame du Rumain, enclosing one from M. de Choiseul to + M. de Chauvelin, the French ambassador at Turin. It will be remembered + that I had known this worthy nobleman at Soleure, and had been treated + with great politeness by him, but I wished to have a more perfect title to + his acquaintance; hence I asked Madame du Rumain to give me a letter. + </p> + <p> + M. de Chauvelin received me with the greatest cordiality; and reproaching + me for having thought a letter of introduction necessary, introduced me to + his charming wife, who was no less kind than her husband. Three or four + days later he asked me to dine with him, and I met at his table M. + Imberti, the Venetian ambassador, who said he was very sorry not to be + able to present me at Court. On hearing the reason M. de Chauvelin offered + to present me himself, but I thought it best to decline with thanks. No + doubt it would have been a great honour, but the result would be that I + should be more spied on than even in this town of spies, where the most + indifferent actions do not pass unnoticed. My pleasures would have been + interfered with. + </p> + <p> + Count Borromeo continued to honour me by coming every night to sup with + me, preserving his dignity the while, for as he accompanied Madame Mazzoli + it was not to be supposed that he came because he was in need of a meal. + Count A—— B—— came more frankly, and I was pleased + with him. He told me one day that the way I put up with his visits made + him extremely grateful to Providence, for his wife could not send him any + money, and he could not afford to pay for his dinner at the inn, so that + if it were not for my kindness he would often be obliged to go hungry to + bed. He shewed me his wife’s letters; he had evidently a high opinion of + her. “I hope,” he would say, “that you will come and stay with us at + Milan, and that she will please you.” + </p> + <p> + He had been in the service of Spain, and by what he said I judged his wife + to be a pleasing brunette of twenty-five or twenty-six. The count had told + her how I had lent him money several times, and of my goodness to him, and + she replied, begging him to express her gratitude to me, and to make me + promise to stay with them at Milan. She wrote wittily, and her letters + interested me to such an extent that I gave a formal promise to journey to + Milan, if it were only for the sake of seeing her. + </p> + <p> + I confess that in doing so I was overcome by my feelings of curiosity. I + knew they were poor, and I should not have given a promise which would + either bring them into difficulties or expose me to paying too dearly for + my lodging. However, by way of excuse, I can only say that curiosity is + near akin to love. I fancied the countess sensible like an Englishwoman, + passionate like a Spaniard, caressing like a Frenchwoman, and as I had a + good enough opinion of my own merit, I did not doubt for a moment that she + would respond to my affection. With these pleasant delusions in my head, I + counted on exciting the jealousy of all the ladies and gentlemen of Milan. + I had plenty of money, and I longed for an opportunity of spending it. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, I went every day to rehearsal at Dupre’s, and I soon got + madly in love with Agatha. Madame Dupre won over by several presents I + made her, received my confidences with kindness, and by asking Agatha and + her mother to dinner procured me the pleasure of a more private meeting + with my charmer. I profited by the opportunity to make known my feelings, + and I obtained some slight favours, but so slight were they that my flame + only grew the fiercer. + </p> + <p> + Agatha kept on telling me that everybody knew that the Corticelli was my + mistress, and that for all the gold in the world she would not have it + said that she was my last shift, as I could not see the Corticelli in + private. I swore to her that I did not love the Corticelli, and that I + only kept her to prevent M. Raiberti being compromised; but all this was + of no avail, she had formed her plans, and nothing would content her but a + formal rupture which would give all Turin to understand that I loved her + and her alone. On these conditions she promised me her heart, and + everything which follows in such cases. + </p> + <p> + I loved her too well not to endeavour to satisfy her, since my + satisfaction depended on hers. With this idea I got Dupre to give a ball + at my expense in some house outside the town, and to invite all the + dancers, male and female, who were engaged for the carnival at Turin. + Every gentleman had the right to bring a lady to have supper and look on, + as only the professional dancers were allowed to dance. + </p> + <p> + I told Dupre that I would look after the refreshment department, and that + he might tell everybody that no expense was to be spared. I also provided + carriages and sedan-chairs for the ladies, but nobody was to know that I + was furnishing the money. Dupre saw that there was profit in store for + him, and went about it at once. He found a suitable house, asked the lady + dancers, and distributed about fifty tickets. + </p> + <p> + Agatha and her mother were the only persons who knew that the project was + mine, and that I was responsible to a great extent for the expenses; but + these facts were generally known the day after the ball. + </p> + <p> + Agatha had no dress that was good enough, so I charged Madame Dupre to + provide one at my expense, and I was well served. It is well known that + when this sort of people dip their fingers into other’s purses they are + not sparing, but that was just what I wanted. Agatha promised to dance all + the quadrilles with me, and to return to Turin with Madame Dupre. + </p> + <p> + On the day fixed for the ball I stayed to dinner at the Dupre’s to be + present at Agatha’s toilette. Her dress was a rich and newly-made Lyons + silk, and the trimming was exquisite Alencon point lace, of which the girl + did not know the value. Madame R——, who had arranged the + dress, and Madame Dupre, had received instructions to say nothing about it + to her. + </p> + <p> + When Agatha was ready to start, I told her that the ear-rings she was + wearing were not good enough for her dress. + </p> + <p> + “That’s true,” said Madame Dupre, “and it’s a great pity.” + </p> + <p> + “Unfortunately,” said the mother, “my poor girl hasn’t got another pair.” + </p> + <p> + “I have some pretty imitation pendants, which I could lend you,” said I; + “they are really very brilliant.” + </p> + <p> + I had taken care to put the ear-rings which Madame d’Urfe had intended for + the Countess Lascaris in my pocket. I drew them out, and they were greatly + admired. + </p> + <p> + “One would swear they were real diamonds,” said Madame Dupre. + </p> + <p> + I put them in Agatha’s ears. She admired them very much, and said that all + the other girls would be jealous, as they would certainly take them for + real stones. + </p> + <p> + I went home and made an elaborate toilette, and on arriving at the ball I + found Agatha dancing with Lord Percy, a young fool, who was the son of the + Duke of Northumberland, and an extravagant spendthrift. + </p> + <p> + I noticed several handsome ladies from Turin, who, being merely onlookers, + might be thinking that the ball was given for their amusement, like the + fly on the chariot wheel. All the ambassadors were present, and amongst + others M. de Chauvelin, who told me that to make everything complete my + pretty housekeeper at Soleure was wanting. + </p> + <p> + The Marquis and Marchioness de Prie were there also. The marquis did not + care to dance, so was playing a little game of quinze with a rude + gamester, who would not let the marquis’s mistress look over his cards. + She saw me, but pretended not to recognize me; the trick I had played her + at Aix being probably enough to last her for some time. + </p> + <p> + The minuets came to an end, and Dupre announced the quadrilles, and I was + glad to see the Chevalier Ville-Follet dancing with the Corticelli. My + partner was Agatha, who had great difficulty in getting rid of Lord Percy, + though she told him that she was fully engaged. + </p> + <p> + Minuets and quadrilles followed each other in succession, and refreshments + began to make their appearance. I was delighted to see that the + refreshment counter was furnished with the utmost liberality. The + Piedmontese, who are great at calculations, estimated that Dupre must lose + by it, the firing of champagne corks was continuous. + </p> + <p> + Feeling tired I asked Agatha to sit down, and I was telling her how I + loved her when Madame de Chauvelin and another lady interrupted us. I rose + to give them place, and Agatha imitated my example; but Madame de + Chauvelin made her sit down beside her, and praised her dress, and above + all the lace trimming. The other lady said how pretty her ear-rings were, + and what a pity it was that those imitation stones would lose their + brilliance in time. Madame de Chauvelin, who knew something about precious + stones, said that they would never lose their brilliance, as they were + diamonds of the first water. + </p> + <p> + “It is not so?” she added, to Agatha, who in the candour of her heart + confessed that they were imitation, and that I had lent them to her. + </p> + <p> + At this Madame de Chauvelin burst out laughing, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “M. de Seingalt has deceived you, my dear child. A gentleman of his caste + does not lend imitation jewellery to such a pretty girl as you are. Your + ear-rings are set with magnificent diamonds.” + </p> + <p> + She blushed, for my silence confirmed the lady’s assertion, and she felt + that the fact of my having lent her such stones was a palpable proof of + the great esteem in which I held her. + </p> + <p> + Madame de Chauvelin asked me to dance a minuet with Agatha, and my partner + executed the dance with wonderful grace. When it was over Madame de + Chauvelin thanked me, and told me that she should always remember our + dancing together at Soleure, and that she hoped I would dance again with + her at her own house. A profound bow shewed her how flattered I felt by + the compliment. + </p> + <p> + The ball did not come to an end till four o’clock in the morning, and I + did not leave it till I saw Agatha going away in the company with Madame + Dupre. + </p> + <p> + I was still in bed the next morning, when my man told me a pretty woman + wanted to speak to me. I had her in and was delighted to find it was + Agatha’s mother. I made her sit down beside me, and gave her a cup of + chocolate. As soon as we were alone she drew my ear-rings from her pocket, + and said, with a smile, that she had just been shewing them to a jeweller, + who had offered her a thousand sequins for them. + </p> + <p> + “The man’s mad,” said I, “you ought to have let him have them; they are + not worth four sequins.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, I drew her to my arms and gave her a kiss. Feeling that she had + shared in the kiss, and that she seemed to like it, I went farther, and at + last we spent a couple of hours in shewing what a high opinion we had of + each other. + </p> + <p> + Afterwards we both looked rather astonished, and it was the beautiful + mother who first broke the silence. + </p> + <p> + “Am I to tell my girl,” said she, with a smile, “of the way in which you + proved to me that you love her?” + </p> + <p> + “I leave that to your discretion, my dear,” said I. “I have certainly + proved that I love you, but it does not follow that I do not adore your + daughter. In fact, I burn for her; and yet, if we are not careful to avoid + being alone together, what has just happened between us will often happen + again.” + </p> + <p> + “It is hard to resist you, and it is possible that I may have occasion to + speak to you again in private.” + </p> + <p> + “You may be sure you will always be welcome, and all I ask of you is not + to put any obstacles in the way of my suit with Agatha.” + </p> + <p> + “I have also a favour to ask.” + </p> + <p> + “If it is within my power, you may be sure I will grant it.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good! Then tell me if these ear-rings are real, and what was your + intention in putting them in my daughter’s ears?” + </p> + <p> + “The diamonds are perfectly genuine, and my intention was that Agatha + should keep them as a proof of my affection.” + </p> + <p> + She heaved a sigh, and then told me that I might ask them to supper, with + Dupre and his wife, whenever I pleased. I thanked her, gave her ten + sequins, and sent her away happy. + </p> + <p> + On reflection I decided that I had never seen a more sensible woman than + Agatha’s mother. It would have been impossible to announce the success of + my suit in a more delicate or more perspicuous manner. + </p> + <p> + My readers will no doubt guess that I seized the opportunity and brought + this interesting affair to a conclusion. The same evening I asked Dupre + and his wife, Agatha and her mother, to sup with me the next day, in + addition to my usual company. But as I was leaving Dupre’s I had an + adventure. + </p> + <p> + My man, who was a great rascal, but who behaved well on this occasion, ran + up to me panting for breath, and said triumphantly, + </p> + <p> + “Sir, I have been looking for you to warn you that I have just seen the + Chevalier de Ville-Follet slip into Madame Pacienza’s house, and I suspect + he is making an amorous call on the Corticelli.” + </p> + <p> + I immediately walked to the abode of the worthy spy in high spirits, and + hoping that my servant’s guess had been correct. I walked in and found the + landlady and the mother sitting together. Without noticing them, I was + making my way towards the Corticelli’s room when the two old ladies + arrested my course, telling me that the signora was not well and wanted + rest. I pushed them aside, and entered the room so swiftly and suddenly + that I found the gentleman in a state of nature while the girl remained + stretched on the bed as if petrified by my sudden apparition. + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” said I, “I hope you will pardon me for coming in without knocking.” + </p> + <p> + “Wait a moment, wait a moment.” + </p> + <p> + Far from waiting I went away in high glee, and told the story to the + Chevalier Raiberti, who enjoyed it as well as I did. I asked him to warn + the Pacienza woman that from that day I would pay nothing for Corticelli, + who had ceased to belong to me. He approved, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “I suppose you will not be going to complain to the Count d’Aglie?” + </p> + <p> + “It is only fools who complain, above all in circumstances like these.” + </p> + <p> + This scandalous story would have been consigned to forgetfulness, if it + had not been for the Chevalier de Ville-Follet’s indiscretion. He felt + angry at being interrupted in the middle of the business, and remembering + he had seen my man just before fixed on him as the informer. Meeting him + in the street the chevalier reproached him for spying, whereon the + impudent rascal replied that he was only answerable to his master, and + that it was his duty to serve me in all things. On this the chevalier + caned him, and the man went to complain to the superintendent, who + summoned Ville-Follet to appear before him and explain his conduct. Having + nothing to fear, he told the whole story. + </p> + <p> + The Chevalier de Raiberti, too, was very ill received when he went to tell + Madame Pacienza that neither he nor I were going to pay her anything more + in future; but he would listen to no defence. The chevalier came to sup + with me, and he informed me that on leaving the house he had met a police + sergeant, whom he concluded had come to cite the landlady to appear before + the Count d’Aglie. + </p> + <p> + The next day, just as I was going to M. de Chauvelin’s ball, I received to + my great surprise a note from the superintendent begging me to call on him + as he had something to communicate to me. I immediately ordered my + chairmen to take me to his residence. + </p> + <p> + M. de Aglie received me in private with great politeness, and after giving + me a chair he began a long and pathetic discourse, the gist of which was + that it was my duty to forgive this little slip of my mistress’s. + </p> + <p> + “That’s exactly what I am going to do,” said I; “and for the rest of my + days I never wish to see the Corticelli again, or to make or mar in her + affairs, and for all this I am greatly obliged to the Chevalier de + Ville-Follet.” + </p> + <p> + “I see you are angry. Come, come! you must not abandon the girl for that. + I will have the woman Pacienza punished in such a way as to satisfy you, + and I will place the girl in a respectable family where you can go and see + her in perfect liberty.” + </p> + <p> + “I am greatly obliged to you for your kindness, indeed I am grateful; but + I despise the Pacienza too heartily to wish for her punishment, and as to + the Corticelli and her mother, they are two female swindlers, who have + given me too much trouble already. I am well quit of them.” + </p> + <p> + “You must confess, however, that you had no right to make a forcible entry + into a room in a house which does not belong to you.” + </p> + <p> + “I had not the right, I confess, but if I had not taken it I could never + have had a certain proof of the perfidy of my mistress; and I should have + been obliged to continue supporting her, though she entertained other + lovers.” + </p> + <p> + “The Corticelli pretends that you are her debtor, and not vice versa. She + says that the diamonds you have given another girl belong of right to her, + and that Madame d’Urfe, whom I have the honour to know, presented her with + them.” + </p> + <p> + “She is a liar! And as you know Madame d’Urfe, kindly write to her (she is + at Lyons); and if the marchioness replies that I owe the wretched girl + anything, be sure that I will discharge the debt. I have a hundred + thousand francs in good banks of this town, and the money will be a + sufficient surety for the ear-rings I have disposed of.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry that things have happened so.” + </p> + <p> + “And I am very glad, as I have ridden myself of a burden that was hard to + bear.” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon we bowed politely to one another, and I left the office. + </p> + <p> + At the French ambassador’s ball I heard so much talk of my adventure that + at last I refused to reply to any more questions on the subject. The + general opinion was that the whole affair was a trifle of which I could + not honourably take any notice; but I thought myself the best judge of my + own honour, and was determined to take no notice of the opinions of + others. The Chevalier de Ville-Follet came up to me and said that if I + abandoned the Corticelli for such a trifle, he should feel obliged to give + me satisfaction. I shook his hand, saying,— + </p> + <p> + “My dear chevalier, it will be enough if you do not demand satisfaction of + me.” + </p> + <p> + He understood how the land lay, and said no more about it; but not so his + sister, the Marchioness de Prie, who made a vigorous attack on me after we + had danced together. She was handsome, and might have been victorious if + she had liked, but luckily she did not think of exerting her power, and so + gained nothing. + </p> + <p> + Three days after, Madame de St. Giles, a great power in Turin, and a kind + of protecting deity to all actresses, summoned me to her presence by a + liveried footman. Guessing what she wanted, I called on her + unceremoniously in a morning coat. She received me politely, and began to + talk of the Corticelli affair with great affability; but I did not like + her, and replied dryly that I had had no hesitation in abandoning the girl + to the protection of the gallant gentleman with whom I had surprised her + in ‘flagrante delicto’. She told me I should be sorry for it, and that she + would publish a little story which she had already read and which did not + do me much credit. I replied that I never changed my mind, and that + threats were of no avail with me. With that parting shot I left her. + </p> + <p> + I did not attach much importance to the town gossip, but a week after I + received a manuscript containing an account—accurate in most + respects—of my relations with the Corticelli and Madame d’Urfe, but + so ill written and badly expressed that nobody could read it without + weariness. It did not make the slightest impression on me, and I stayed a + fortnight longer in Turin without its causing me the slightest annoyance. + I saw the Corticelli again in Paris six months after, and will speak of + our meeting in due time. + </p> + <p> + The day after M. de Chauvelin’s ball I asked Agatha, her mother, the + Dupres, and my usual company to supper. It was the mother’s business to so + arrange matters that the ear-rings should become Agatha’s lawful property, + so I left everything to her. I knew she would manage to introduce the + subject, and while we were at supper she said that the common report of + Turin was that I had given her daughter a pair of diamond ear-rings worth + five hundred Louis, which the Corticelli claimed as hers by right. + </p> + <p> + “I do not know,” she added, “if they are real diamonds, or if they belong + to the Corticelli, but I do know that my girl has received no such present + from the gentleman.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, well,” said I, “we will have no more surmises in the matter;” and + going up to Agatha I put the earrings on her, saying,— + </p> + <p> + “Dearest Agatha, I make you a present of them before this company, and my + giving them to you now is a proof that hitherto they have belonged to me.” + </p> + <p> + Everybody applauded, and I read in the girl’s eyes that I should have no + cause to regret my generosity. + </p> + <p> + We then fell to speaking of the affair of Ville-Follet and the Corticelli, + and of the efforts that had been made to compel me to retain her. The + Chevalier Raiberti said that in my place he would have offered Madame de + St. Giles or the superintendent to continue paying for her board, but + merely as an act of charity, and that I could have deposited money with + either of them. + </p> + <p> + “I should be very glad to do so,” said I; and the next day the worthy + chevalier made the necessary arrangements with Madame de St. Giles, and I + furnished the necessary moneys. + </p> + <p> + In spite of this charitable action, the wretched manuscript came out, but, + as I have said, without doing me any harm. The superintendent made the + Corticelli live in the same house with Redegonde, and Madame Pacienza was + left in peace. + </p> + <p> + After supper, with the exception of the Chevalier Raiberti, we all masked, + and went to the ball at the opera-house. I soon seized the opportunity of + escaping with Agatha, and she granted me all that love can desire. All + constraint was banished; she was my titular mistress, and we were proud of + belonging the one to the other, for we loved each other. The suppers I had + given at my house had set me perfectly at liberty, and the superintendent + could do nothing to thwart our love, though he was informed of it, so well + are the spies of Turin organized. + </p> + <p> + Divine Providence made use of me as its instrument in making Agatha’s + fortune. It may be said that Providence might have chosen a more moral + method, but are we to presume to limit the paths of Providence to the + narrow circle of our prejudices and conventions? It has its own ways, + which often appear dark to us because of our ignorance. At all events, if + I am able to continue these Memoirs for six or seven years more, the + reader will see that Agatha shewed herself grateful. But to return to our + subject. + </p> + <p> + The happiness we enjoyed by day and night was so great, Agatha was so + affectionate and I so amorous, that we should certainly have remained + united for some time if it had not been for the event I am about to + relate. It made me leave Turin much sooner than I had intended, for I had + not purposed to visit the wonderful Spanish countess at Milan till Lent. + The husband of the Spanish lady had finished his business and left Turin, + thanking me with tears in his eyes; and if it had not been for me he would + not have been able to quit the town, for I paid divers small debts he had + incurred, and gave him the wherewithal for his journey. Often is vice thus + found allied to virtue or masking in virtue’s guise; but what matter? I + allowed myself to be taken in, and did not wish to be disabused. I do not + seek to conceal my faults. I have always led a profligate life, and have + not always been very delicate in the choice of means to gratify my + passions, but even amidst my vices I was always a passionate lover of + virtue. Benevolence, especially, has always had a great charm for me, and + I have never failed to exercise it unless when restrained by the desire of + vengeance—a vice which has always had a controlling influence on my + actions. + </p> + <p> + Lord Percy, as I have remarked, was deeply in love with my Agatha. He + followed her about everywhere, was present at all the rehearsals, waited + for her at the wings, and called on her every day, although her landlady, + a duenna of the Pacienza school, would never let her see him alone. The + principal methods of seduction—rich presents—had not been + spared, but Agatha persistently refused them all, and forbade her duenna + to take anything from the young nobleman. Agatha had no liking for him, + and kept me well informed of all his actions, and we used to laugh at him + together. I knew that I possessed her heart, and consequently Lord Percy’s + attempts neither made me angry or jealous—nay, they flattered my + self-esteem, for his slighted love made my own happiness stand out in + greater relief. Everybody knew that Agatha remained faithful to me, and at + last Lord Percy was so convinced of the hopelessness of the attempt that + he resolved on making a friend of me, and winning me over to his + interests. + </p> + <p> + With the true Englishman’s boldness and coolness he came to me one + morning, and asked me to give him breakfast. I welcomed him in the French + manner, that is, with combined cordiality and politeness, and he was soon + completely at his ease. + </p> + <p> + With insular directness he went straight to the point at the first + interview, declared his love for Agatha, and proposed an exchange, which + amused, but did not offend me, as I knew that such bargains were common in + England. + </p> + <p> + “I know,” said he, “that you are in love with Redegonde, and have long + tried vainly to obtain her; now I am willing to exchange her for Agatha, + and all I want to know is what sum of money you want over and above?” + </p> + <p> + “You are very good, my dear lord, but to determine the excess of value + would require a good mathematician. Redegonde is all very well, and + inspires me with curiosity, but what is she compared to Agatha?” + </p> + <p> + “I know, I know, and I therefore offer you any sum you like to mention.” + </p> + <p> + Percy was very rich, and very passionate. I am sure that if I had named + twenty-five thousand guineas as overplus, or rather as exchange—for + I did not care for Redegonde—he would have said done. However, I did + not, and I am glad of it. Even now, when a hundred thousand francs would + be a fortune to me, I never repent of my delicacy. + </p> + <p> + After we had breakfasted merrily together, I told him that I liked him + well, but that in the first place it would be well to ascertain whether + the two commodities would consent to change masters. + </p> + <p> + “I am sure of Redegonde’s consent,” said Lord Percy. + </p> + <p> + “But I am not at all sure of Agatha’s,” said I. + </p> + <p> + “Why not?” + </p> + <p> + “I have very strong grounds for supposing that she would not consent to + the arrangement. What reasons have you for the contrary opinion?” + </p> + <p> + “She will shew her sense.” + </p> + <p> + “But she loves me.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Redegonde loves me.” + </p> + <p> + “I dare say; but does she love me?” + </p> + <p> + “I am sure I don’t know, but she will love you.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you consulted her upon the point?” + </p> + <p> + “No, but it is all the same. What I want to know now is whether you + approve of my plan, and how much you want for the exchange, for your + Agatha is worth much more than my Redegonde.” + </p> + <p> + “I am delighted to hear you do my mistress justice. As for the money + question, we will speak of that later. In the first place I will take + Agatha’s opinion, and will let you know the result to-morrow morning.” + </p> + <p> + The plan amused me, and though I was passionately attached to Agatha I + knew my inconstant nature well enough to be aware that another woman may + be not so fair as she, would soon make me forget her. I therefore resolved + to push the matter through if I could do so in a manner that would be + advantageous for her. + </p> + <p> + What surprised me was that the young nobleman had gained possession of + Redegonde, whose mother appeared so intractable, but I knew what an + influence caprice has on woman, and this explained the enigma. + </p> + <p> + Agatha came to supper as usual, and laughed heartily when I told her of + Lord Percy’s proposal. + </p> + <p> + “Tell me,” said I, “if you would agree to the change?” + </p> + <p> + “I will do just as you like,” said she; “and if the money he offers be + acceptable to you, I advise you to close with him.” + </p> + <p> + I could see by the tone of her voice that she was jesting, but her reply + did not please me. I should have liked to have my vanity flattered by a + peremptory refusal, and consequently I felt angry. My face grew grave, and + Agatha became melancholy. + </p> + <p> + “We will see,” said I, “how it all ends.” + </p> + <p> + Next day I went to breakfast with the Englishman, and told him Agatha was + willing, but that I must first hear what Redegonde had to say. + </p> + <p> + “Quite right,” he observed. + </p> + <p> + “I should require to know how we are to live together.” + </p> + <p> + “The four of us had better go masked to the first ball at the Carignan + Theatre. We will sup at a house which belongs to me, and there the bargain + can be struck.” + </p> + <p> + The party took place according to agreement, and at the given signal we + all left the ball-room. My lord’s carriage was in waiting, and we all + drove away and got down at a house I seemed to know. We entered the hall, + and the first thing I saw was the Corticelli. This roused my choler, and + taking Percy aside I told him that such a trick was unworthy of a + gentleman. He laughed, and said he thought I should like her to be thrown + in, and that two pretty women were surely worth as much as Agatha. This + amusing answer made me less angry; but, calling him a madman, I took + Agatha by the arm and went out without staying for any explanations. I + would not make use of his carriage, and instead of returning to the ball + we went home in sedan-chairs, and spent a delicious night in each other’s + arms. + </p> + <a name="linkD2H_4_0023" id="linkD2H_4_0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> <a name="linkepisode20" id="linkepisode20"></a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + EPISODE 20 — MILAN + </h2> + <a name="linkD2HCH0018" id="linkD2HCH0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + I Give up Agatha to Lord Percy—I Set out for Milan— + The Actress at Pavia—Countess A * * * B * * *—Disappointment— + Marquis Triulzi—Zenobia—The Two Marchionesses Q * * *— + The Venetian Barbaro +</pre> + <p> + Far from punishing the Corticelli by making her live with Redegonde, the + Count d’Aglie seemed to have encouraged her; and I was not sorry for it, + since as long as she did not trouble me any more I did not care how many + lovers she had. She had become a great friend of Redegonde’s, and did + exactly as she pleased, for their duenna was much more easy going than the + Pacienza. + </p> + <p> + Nobody knew of the trick which Lord Percy had played me, and I took care + to say nothing about it. However, he did not give up his designs on + Agatha, his passion for her was too violent. He hit upon an ingenious + method for carrying out his plans. I have already said that Percy was very + rich, and spent his money wildly, not caring at what expenditure he + gratified his passion. I was the last person to reproach him for his + extravagance, and in a country where money is always scarce his guineas + opened every door to him. + </p> + <p> + Four or five days after the ball night, Agatha came to tell me that the + manager of the Alexandria Theatre had asked her if she would take the part + of second dancer throughout the carnival time. + </p> + <p> + “He offered me sixty sequins,” she added, “and I told him I would let him + know by to-morrow. Do you advise me to accept his offer?” + </p> + <p> + “If you love me, dearest Agatha, you will prove it by refusing all + engagements for a year. You know I will let you want for nothing. + </p> + <p> + “I will get you the best masters, and in that time you can perfect your + dancing, and will be able to ask for a first-class appointment, with a + salary of five hundred sequins a year.” + </p> + <p> + “Mamma thinks that I should accept the offer, as the dancing on the stage + will improve my style, and I can study under a good master all the same. I + think myself that dancing in public would do me good.” + </p> + <p> + “There is reason in what you say, but you do not need the sixty sequins. + You will dishonour me by accepting such a poor offer, and you will do + yourself harm too, as you will not be able to ask for a good salary after + taking such a small one.” + </p> + <p> + “But sixty sequins is not so bad for a carnival engagement.” + </p> + <p> + “But you don’t want sixty sequins; you can have them without dancing at + all. If you love me, I repeat, you will tell the manager that you are + going to rest for a year.” + </p> + <p> + “I will do what you please, but it seems to me the best plan would be to + ask an exorbitant sum.” + </p> + <p> + “You are right; that is a good idea. Tell him you must be first dancer, + and that your salary must be five hundred sequins.” + </p> + <p> + “I will do so, and am only too happy to be able to prove that I love you.” + </p> + <p> + Agatha had plenty of inborn common sense, which only needed development. + With that and the beauty which Heaven had given her her future was + assured. + </p> + <p> + She was eventually happy, and she deserved her happiness. + </p> + <p> + The next day she told me that the manager did not appear at all astonished + at her demands. + </p> + <p> + “He reflected a few minutes,” said she, “and told me he must think it + over, and would see me again. It would be amusing if he took me at my + word, would it not?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but we should then have to enquire whether he is a madman or a + beggar on the verge of bankruptcy.” + </p> + <p> + “And if he turns out to be a man of means?” + </p> + <p> + “In that case you would be obliged to accept.” + </p> + <p> + “That is easily said and easily done, but have I sufficient talent? Where + shall I find an actor to dance with me?” + </p> + <p> + “I will engage to find you one. As to talent, you have enough and to + spare; but you will see that it will come to nothing.” + </p> + <p> + All the time I felt a presentiment that she would be engaged, and I was + right. The manager came to her the next day, and offered her the agreement + for her signature. She was quite alarmed, and sent for me. I called at her + house, and finding the manager there asked him what security he could give + for the fulfilment of his part of the engagement. + </p> + <p> + He answered by naming M. Martin, a banker of my acquaintance, who would be + his surety. I could make no objection to this, and the agreement was made + out in duplicate in good form. + </p> + <p> + On leaving Agatha I went to M. Raiberti and told him the story. He shared + my astonishment that M. Martin should become surety for the manager whom + he knew, and whose financial position was by no means good; but the next + day the problem was solved, for in spite of the secrecy that had been + observed we found out that it was Lord Percy who was behind the manager. I + might still bar the Englishman’s way by continuing to keep Agatha, in + spite of his five hundred sequins, but I was obliged to return to France + after Easter to wait on Madame d’Urfe, and afterwards, peace having been + concluded, I thought it would be a good opportunity for seeing England. I + therefore determined to abandon Agatha, taking care to bind her new lover + to provide for her, and I proceeded to make a friend of the nobleman. + </p> + <p> + I was curious to see how he would win Agatha’s good graces, for she did + not love him, and physically he was not attractive. + </p> + <p> + In less than a week we had become intimate. We supped together every night + either at his house or mine, and Agatha and her mother were always of the + party. I concluded that his attentions would soon touch Agatha’s heart, + and that finding herself so beloved she would end by loving. This was + enough to make me determine not to put any obstacles in their way, and I + resolved to leave Turin earlier than I had intended. In consequence I + spoke as follows to Lord Percy, while we were breakfasting together: + </p> + <p> + “My lord, you know that I love Agatha, and that she loves me, nevertheless + I am your friend, and since you adore her I will do my best to hasten your + bliss. I will leave you in possession of this treasure, but you must + promise that when you abandon her you will give her two thousand guineas.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear sir,” said he, “I will give them her now if you like.” + </p> + <p> + “No, my lord, I do not wish her to know anything about our agreement while + you are living happily together.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I will give you a bond binding myself to pay her the two thousand + guineas when we separate.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t want that, the word of an Englishman is enough; but since we + cannot command the fates, and may die without having time to put our + affairs in order, I wish you to take such steps as may seem convenient to + you, whereby that sum would go to her after your death.” + </p> + <p> + “I give you my word on it.” + </p> + <p> + “That is enough; but I have one other condition to make.” + </p> + <p> + “Say on.” + </p> + <p> + “It is that you promise to say nothing to Agatha before my departure.” + </p> + <p> + “I swear I will not.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good; and on my part I promise to prepare her for the change.” + </p> + <p> + The same day the Englishman, whose love grew hotter and hotter, made + Agatha and her mother rich presents, which under any other circumstances I + should not have allowed them to accept. + </p> + <p> + I lost no time in preparing Agatha and her mother for the impending + change. They seemed affected, but I knew they would soon get reconciled to + the situation. Far from giving me any cause for complaint, Agatha was more + affectionate than ever. She listened attentively to my advice as to her + conduct towards her new lover and the world in general, and promised to + follow it. It was to this advice that she owed her happiness, for Percy + made her fortune. However, she did not leave the theatre for some years, + when we shall hear more of her. + </p> + <p> + I was not the man to take presents from my equals, and Percy no doubt + being aware of that succeeded in making me a handsome present in a very + singular way. I told him that I thought of paying a visit to England and + requested him to give me a letter of introduction to the duchess, his + mother, whereon he drew out a portrait of her set with magnificent + diamonds, and gave it to me, saying,— + </p> + <p> + “This is the best letter I can give you. I will write and tell her that + you will call and give her the portrait, unless, indeed, she likes to + leave it in your hands.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope my lady will think me worthy of such an honour.” + </p> + <p> + There are certain ideas, it seems to me, which enter no head but an + Englishman’s. + </p> + <p> + I was invited by Count A—— B—— to Milan, and the + countess wrote me a charming letter, begging me to get her two pieces of + sarcenet, of which she enclosed the patterns. + </p> + <p> + After taking leave of all my friends and acquaintances I got a letter of + credit on the banker, Greppi, and started for the capital of Lombardy. + </p> + <p> + My separation from Agatha cost me many tears, but not so many as those + shed by her. Her mother wept also, for she loved me, and was grateful for + all my kindness to her daughter. She said again and again that she could + never have borne any rival but her own daughter, while the latter sobbed + out that she wished she had not to part from me. + </p> + <p> + I did not like Passano, so I sent him to his family at Genoa, giving him + the wherewithal to live till I came for him. As to my man, I dismissed him + for good reasons and took another, as I was obliged to have somebody; but + since I lost my Spaniard I have never felt confidence in any of my + servants. + </p> + <p> + I travelled with a Chevalier de Rossignan, whose acquaintance I had made, + and we went by Casal to see the opera-bouffe there. + </p> + <p> + Rossignan was a fine man, a good soldier, fond of wine and women, and, + though he was not learned, he knew the whole of Dante’s Divine Comedy by + heart. This was his hobby-horse, and he was always quoting it, making the + passage square with his momentary feelings. This made him insufferable in + society, but he was an amusing companion for anyone who knew the sublime + poet, and could appreciate his numerous and rare beauties. Nevertheless he + made me privately give in my assent to the proverb, Beware of the man of + one book. Otherwise he was intelligent, statesmanlike, and good-natured. + He made himself known at Berlin by his services as ambassador to the King + of Sardinia. + </p> + <p> + There was nothing interesting in the opera at Casal, so I went to Pavia, + where, though utterly unknown, I was immediately welcomed by the + Marchioness Corti, who received all strangers of any importance. In 1786 I + made the acquaintance of her son, an admirable man, who honoured me with + his friendship, and died quite young in Flanders with the rank of + major-general. I wept bitterly for his loss, but tears, after all, are but + an idle tribute to those who cause them to flow. His good qualities had + endeared him to all his acquaintances, and if he had lived longer he would + undoubtedly have risen to high command in the army. + </p> + <p> + I only stopped two days at Pavia, but it was decreed that I should get + myself talked of, even in that short time. + </p> + <p> + At the second ballet at the opera an actress dressed in a tippet held out + her cap to the bones as if to beg an alms, while she was dancing a pas de + deux. I was in the Marchioness of Corti’s box, and when the girl held out + her cap to me I was moved by feelings of ostentation and benevolence to + draw forth my purse and drop it in. It contained about twenty ducats. The + girl took it, thanked me with a smile, and the pit applauded loudly. I + asked the Marquis Belcredi, who was near me, if she had a lover. + </p> + <p> + “She has a penniless French officer, I believe,” he replied; “there he is, + in the pit.” + </p> + <p> + I went back to my inn, and was supping with M. Basili, a Modenese colonel, + when the ballet girl, her mother, and her younger sister came to thank me + for my providential gift. “We are so poor,” said the girl. + </p> + <p> + I had almost done supper, and I asked them all to sup with me after the + performance the next day. This offer was quite a disinterested one, and it + was accepted. + </p> + <p> + I was delighted to have made a woman happy at so little expense and + without any ulterior objects, and I was giving orders to the landlord for + the supper, when Clairmont, my man, told me that a French officer wanted + to speak to me. I had him in, and asked what I could do for him. + </p> + <p> + “There are three courses before you, Mr. Venetian,” said he, “and you can + take which you like. Either countermand this supper, invite me to come to + it, or come and measure swords with me now.” + </p> + <p> + Clairmont, who was attending to the fire, did not give me time to reply, + but seized a burning brand and rushed on the officer, who thought it best + to escape. Luckily for him the door of my room was open. He made such a + noise in running downstairs that the waiter came out and caught hold of + him, thinking he had stolen something; but Clairmont, who was pursuing him + with his firebrand, had him released. + </p> + <p> + This adventure became town talk directly. My servant, proud of his exploit + and sure of my approval, came to tell me that I need not be afraid of + going out, as the officer was only a braggart. He did not even draw his + sword on the waiter who had caught hold of him, though the man only had a + knife in his belt. + </p> + <p> + “At all events,” he added, “I will go out with you.” + </p> + <p> + I told him that he had done well this time, but that for the future he + must not interfere in my affairs. + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” he replied, “your affairs of this kind are mine too, I shall take + care not to go beyond my duty.” + </p> + <p> + With this speech, which I thought very sensible, though I did not tell him + so, he took one of my pistols and saw to the priming, smiling at me + significantly. + </p> + <p> + All good French servants are of the same stamp as Clairmont; they are + devoted and intelligent, but they all think themselves cleverer than their + masters, which indeed is often the case, and when they are sure of it they + become the masters of their masters, tyrannize over them, and give them + marks of contempt which the foolish gentlemen endeavour to conceal. But + when the master knows how to make himself respected, the Clairmonts are + excellent. + </p> + <p> + The landlord of my inn sent a report of the affair to the police, and the + French officer was banished from the town the same day. At dinner Colonel + Basili asked to hear the story, and said that no one but a French officer + would think of attacking a man in his own room in such a foolish manner. I + differed from him. + </p> + <p> + “The French are brave,” I replied, “but generally they are perfectly + polite and have wonderful tact. Wretchedness and love, joined to a false + spirit of courage, makes a fool of a man all the world over.” + </p> + <p> + At supper the ballet-girl thanked me for ridding her of the poor devil, + who (as she said) was always threatening to kill her, and wearied her + besides. Though she was not beautiful, there was something captivating + about this girl. She was graceful, well-mannered, and intelligent, her + mouth was well-shaped, and her eyes large and expressive. I think I should + have found her a good bargain, but as I wanted to get away from Pavia, and + piqued myself on having been good-natured without ulterior motive, I bade + her farewell after supper, with many thanks for her kindness in coming. My + politeness seemed rather to confuse her, but she went away reiterating her + gratitude. + </p> + <p> + Next day I dined at the celebrated Chartreuse, and in the evening I + reached Milan, and got out at Count A—— B——‘s, who + had not expected me till the following day. + </p> + <p> + The countess, of whom my fancy had made a perfect woman, disappointed me + dreadfully. It is always so when passion gives reins to the imagination. + The Countess was certainly pretty, though too small, and I might still + have loved her, in spite of my disappointment, but at our meeting she + greeted me with a gravity that was not to my taste, and which gave me a + dislike to her. + </p> + <p> + After the usual compliments, I gave her the two pieces of sarcenet she had + commissioned me to get. She thanked me, telling me that her confessor + would reimburse me for my expenditure. The count then took me to my room, + and left me there till supper. It was nicely furnished, but I felt ill at + ease, and resolved to leave in a day or two if the countess remained + immovable. Twenty-four hours was as much as I cared to give her. + </p> + <p> + We made a party of four at supper; the count talking all the time to draw + me out, and to hide his wife’s sulkiness. I answered in the same gay + strain, speaking to his wife, however, in the hope of rousing her. It was + all lost labour. The little woman only replied by faint smiles which + vanished almost as they came, and by monosyllabic answers of the briefest + description, without taking her eyes off the dishes which she thought + tasteless; and it was to the priest, who was the fourth person present, + that she addressed her complaints, almost speaking affably to him. + </p> + <p> + Although I liked the count very well, I could not help pronouncing his + wife decidedly ungracious. I was looking at her to see if I could find any + justification for her ill humour on her features, but as soon as she saw + me she turned away in a very marked manner, and began to speak about + nothing to the priest. This conduct offended me, and I laughed heartily at + her contempt, or her designs on me, for as she had not fascinated me at + all I was safe from her tyranny. + </p> + <p> + After supper the sarcenet was brought in; it was to be used for a dress + with hoops, made after the extravagant fashion then prevailing. + </p> + <p> + The count was grieved to see her fall so short of the praises he had + lavished on her, and came to my room with me, begging me to forgive her + Spanish ways, and saying that she would be very pleasant when she knew me + better. + </p> + <p> + The count was poor, his house was small, his furniture shabby, and his + footman’s livery threadbare; instead of plate he had china, and one of the + countess’s maids was chief cook. He had no carriages nor horses, not even + a saddle horse of any kind. Clairmont gave me all this information, and + added that he had to sleep in a little kitchen, and was to share his bed + with the man who had waited at table. + </p> + <p> + I had only one room, and having three heavy trunks found myself very + uncomfortable, and I decided on seeking some other lodging more agreeable + to my tastes. + </p> + <p> + The count came early in the morning to ask what I usually took for + breakfast. + </p> + <p> + “My dear count,” I replied, “I have enough fine Turin chocolate to go all + round. Does the countess like it?” + </p> + <p> + “Very much, but she won’t take it unless it is made by her woman.” + </p> + <p> + “Here are six pounds: make her accept it, and tell her that if I hear + anything about payment I shall take it back.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sure she will accept it, and thank you too. Shall I have your + carriage housed?” + </p> + <p> + “I shall be extremely obliged to you, and I shall be glad if you would get + me a hired carriage, and a guide for whom you can answer.” + </p> + <p> + “It shall be done.” + </p> + <p> + The count was going out when the priest, who had supped with us the night + before, came in to make his bow. He was a man of forty-one of the tribe of + domestic chaplains who are so common in Italy—who, in return for + keeping the accounts of the house, live with its master and mistress. In + the morning this priest said mass in a neighbouring church, for the rest + of the day he either occupied himself with the cares of the house, or was + the lady’s obedient servant. + </p> + <p> + As soon as we were alone he begged me to say that he had paid me the three + hundred Milanese crowns for the sarcenet, if the countess asked me about + it. + </p> + <p> + “Dear, dear, abbe!” said I, laughing, “this sort of thing is not exactly + proper in a man of your sacred profession. How can you advise me to tell a + lie? No, sir; if the countess asks me any such impertinent question, I + shall tell her the truth.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sure she will ask you, and if you answer like that I shall suffer + for it.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, sir, if you are in the wrong you deserve to suffer.” + </p> + <p> + “But as it happens, I should be blamed for nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, go and tell her it’s a present; and if she won’t have that, tell + her I am in no hurry to be paid.” + </p> + <p> + “I see, sir, that you don’t know the lady or the way in which this house + is managed. I will speak to her husband.” + </p> + <p> + In a quarter of an hour the count told me that he owed me a lot of money, + which he hoped to pay back in the course of Lent, and that I must add the + sarcenet to the account. I embraced him and said that he would have to + keep the account himself, as I never noted down any of the moneys that I + was only too happy to lend to my friends. + </p> + <p> + “If your wife asks me whether I have received the money, be sure I will + answer in the affirmative.” + </p> + <p> + He went out shedding grateful tears, while I felt indebted to him for + having given me the opportunity of doing him a service; for I was very + fond of him. + </p> + <p> + In the morning, the countess being invisible, I watched my man spreading + out my suits over the chairs, amongst them being some handsome women’s + cloaks, and a rich red dress deeply trimmed with fur, which had been + originally intended for the luckless Corticelli. I should no doubt have + given it to Agatha, if I had continued to live with her, and I should have + made a mistake, as such a dress was only fit for a lady of rank. + </p> + <p> + At one o’clock I received another visit from the count, who told me that + the countess was going to introduce me to their best friend. This was the + Marquis Triuizi, a man of about, my own age, tall, well made, squinting + slightly, and with all the manner of a nobleman. He told me that besides + coming to have the honour of my acquaintance, he also came to enjoy the + fire, “for,” said he, “there’s only one fireplace in the house and that’s + in your room.” + </p> + <p> + As all the chairs were covered, the marquis drew the countess on to his + knee and made her sit there like a baby; but she blushed, and escaped from + his grasp. The marquis laughed heartily at her confusion, and she said,— + </p> + <p> + “Is it possible that a man of your years has not yet learnt to respect a + woman?” + </p> + <p> + “Really, countess,” said he, “I thought it would be very disrespectful to + continue sitting while you were standing.” + </p> + <p> + While Clairmont was taking the clothes off the chairs, the marquis noticed + the mantles and the beautiful dress, and asked me if I were expecting a + lady. + </p> + <p> + “No,” said I, “but I hope to find someone at Milan who will be worthy of + such presents.” I added, “I know the Prince Triulzi, at Venice; I suppose + he is of your family?” + </p> + <p> + “He says he is, and it may be so; but I am certainly not a member of his + family.” + </p> + <p> + This let me know that I should do well to say no more about the prince. + </p> + <p> + “You must stay to dinner, marquis,” said Count A—— B——; + “and as you only like dishes prepared by your own cook you had better send + for them.” + </p> + <p> + The marquis agreed, and we made good cheer. The table was covered with + fair linen and handsome plate, the wine was good and plentiful, and the + servants quick and well dressed. I could now understand the marquis’s + position in the house. It was his wit and mirth which kept the + conversation going, and the countess came in for a share of his + pleasantries, while she scolded him for his familiarity. + </p> + <p> + I could see, however, that the marquis did not want to humiliate her; on + the contrary, he was fond of her, and only wished to bring down her + exaggerated pride. When he saw her on the point of bursting into tears of + rage and shame, he quieted her down by saying that no one in Milan + respected her charms and her high birth more than he. + </p> + <p> + After dinner the tailor who was to measure the countess for a domino for + the ball was announced. On the marquis’s praising the colours and the + beauty of the materials, she told him that I had brought her the sarcenet + from Turin, and this reminded her to ask me whether I had been paid. + </p> + <p> + “Your husband settled with me,” said I, “but you have given me a lesson I + can never forget.” + </p> + <p> + “What lesson?” said the marquis. + </p> + <p> + “I had hoped that the countess would have deigned to receive this poor + present at my hands.” + </p> + <p> + “And she wouldn’t take it? It’s absurd, on my life.” + </p> + <p> + “There is nothing to laugh at,” said the countess, “but you laugh at + everything.” + </p> + <p> + While the man was measuring her, she complained of feeling cold, as she + was in her stays, and her beautiful breast was exposed. Thereupon, the + marquis put his hands on it, as if he were quite accustomed to use such + familiarities. But the Spaniard, no doubt ashamed because of my presence, + got into a rage, and abused him in the most awful manner, while he laughed + pleasantly, as if he could calm the storm when he pleased. This was enough + to inform me of the position in which they stood to one another, and of + the part I ought to take. + </p> + <p> + We remained together till the evening, when the countess and the marquis + went to the opera, and the count came with me to my room, till my carriage + was ready to take us there too. The opera had begun when we got in, and + the first person I noticed on the stage was my dear Therese Palesi, whom I + had left at Florence. It was a pleasant surprise to me, and I foresaw that + we should renew our sweet interviews while I remained at Milan I was + discreet enough to say nothing to the count about his wife’s charms, or + the way their house was managed. I saw that the place was taken, and the + odd humours of the lady prevented my falling in love with her. After the + second act we went to the assembly rooms, where five or six banks at faro + were being held; I staked and lost a hundred ducats as if to pay for my + welcome, and then rose from the table. + </p> + <p> + At supper the countess seemed to unbend a little, she condoled with me on + my loss, and I said that I was glad of it as it made her speak so. + </p> + <p> + Just as I rang my bell the next morning, Clairmont told me that a woman + wanted to speak to me. + </p> + <p> + “Is she young?” + </p> + <p> + “Both young and pretty, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “That will do nicely, shew her in.” + </p> + <p> + I saw a simply dressed girl, who reminded me of Leah. She was tall and + beautiful, but had not as high pretensions as the Jewess; as she only + wanted to know whether she could do my washing for me. I was quite taken + with her. Clairmont had just brought me my chocolate, and I asked her to + sit down on the bed; but she answered modestly that she did not want to + trouble me, and would come again when I was up. + </p> + <p> + “Do you live at any distance?” + </p> + <p> + “I live on the ground floor of this house.” + </p> + <p> + “All by yourself?” + </p> + <p> + “No sir, I have my father and mother.” + </p> + <p> + “And what is your name?” + </p> + <p> + “Zenobia.” + </p> + <p> + “Your name is as pretty as you are. Will you give me your hand to kiss?” + </p> + <p> + “I can’t,” she replied, with a smile, “my hand is another’s.” + </p> + <p> + “You are engaged, are you?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, to a tailor, and we are going to be married before the end of the + carnival.” + </p> + <p> + “Is he rich or handsome?” + </p> + <p> + “Neither the one nor the other.” + </p> + <p> + “Then why are you going to marry him?” + </p> + <p> + “Because I want to have a house of my own.” + </p> + <p> + “I like you, and will stand your friend. Go and fetch your tailor. I will + give him some work to do.” + </p> + <p> + As soon as she went out I got up and told Clairmont to put my linen on a + table. I had scarcely finished dressing when she came back with her + tailor. It was a striking contrast, for he was a little shrivelled-up man, + whose appearance made one laugh. + </p> + <p> + “Well, master tailor,” said I, “so you are going to marry this charming + girl?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir, the banns have been published already.” + </p> + <p> + “You are a lucky fellow indeed to have so much happiness in store. When + are you going to marry her?” + </p> + <p> + “In ten or twelve days.” + </p> + <p> + “Why not to-morrow?” + </p> + <p> + “Your worship is in a great hurry.” + </p> + <p> + “I think I should be, indeed,” said I, laughing, “if I were in your place. + I want you to make me a domino for the ball to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, sir; but your excellency must find me the stuff, for nobody in + Milan would give me credit for it, and I couldn’t afford to lay out so + much money in advance.” + </p> + <p> + “When you are married you will have money and credit too. In the meanwhile + here are ten sequins for you.” + </p> + <p> + He went away in high glee at such a windfall. + </p> + <p> + I gave Zenobia some lace to do up, and asked her if she was afraid of + having a jealous husband. + </p> + <p> + “He is neither jealous nor amorous,” she replied. “He is only marrying me + because I earn more than he does.” + </p> + <p> + “With your charms I should have thought you might have made a better + match.” + </p> + <p> + “I have waited long enough; I have got tired of maidenhood. Besides, he is + sharp if he is not handsome, and perhaps a keen head is better than a + handsome face.” + </p> + <p> + “You are sharp enough yourself, anyhow. But why does he put off the + wedding?” + </p> + <p> + “Because he hasn’t got any money, and wants to have a fine wedding for his + relations to come to. I should like it myself.” + </p> + <p> + “I think you are right; but I can’t see why you should not let an honest + man kiss your hand.” + </p> + <p> + “That was only a piece of slyness to let you know I was to be married. I + have no silly prejudices myself.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, that’s better! Tell your future husband that if he likes me to be the + patron of the wedding I will pay for everything.” + </p> + <p> + “Really?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, really. I will give him twenty-five sequins on the condition that he + spends it all on the wedding.” + </p> + <p> + “Twenty-five sequins! That will make people talk; but what care we? I will + give you an answer to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “And a kiss now?” + </p> + <p> + “With all my heart.” + </p> + <p> + Zenobia went away in great delight, and I went out to call on my banker + and dear Therese. + </p> + <p> + When the door was opened the pretty maid recognized me, and taking me by + the hand led me to her mistress, who was just going to get up. Her emotion + at seeing me was so great that she could not utter a word, but only claps + me to her breast. + </p> + <p> + Our natural transports over, Therese told me that she had got tired of her + husband, and that for the last six months they had not been living + together. She had made him an allowance to get rid of him, and he lived on + it at Rome. + </p> + <p> + “And where is Cesarino?” + </p> + <p> + “In this town. You can see him whenever you like.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you happy?” + </p> + <p> + “Quite. People say that I have a lover, but it is not true; and you can + see me at any time with perfect liberty.” + </p> + <p> + We spent two pleasant hours in telling each other of our experiences since + our last meeting, and then, finding her as fresh and fair as in the season + of our early loves, I asked her if she had vowed to be faithful to her + husband. + </p> + <p> + “At Florence,” she replied, “I was still in love with him; but now, if I + am still pleasing in your eyes, we can renew our connection, and live + together till we die.” + </p> + <p> + “I will soon shew you, darling, that I love you as well as ever.” + </p> + <p> + She answered only by giving herself up to my embrace. + </p> + <p> + After action and contemplation I left her as amorous as she had been + eighteen years before, but my passion found too many new objects to remain + constant long. + </p> + <p> + Countess A—— B—— began to be more polite. “I know + where you have been,” said she, with a pleased air; “but if you love that + person, you will not go and see her again, or else her lover will leave + her.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I would take his place, madam.” + </p> + <p> + “You are right in amusing yourself with women who know how to earn your + presents. I am aware that you never give anything till you have received + evident proofs of their affection.” + </p> + <p> + “That has always been my principle.” + </p> + <p> + “It’s an excellent way to avoid being duped. The lover of the person you + have been with kept a lady in society for some time in great splendour, + but all the rest of us despised her.” + </p> + <p> + “Why so, if you please?” + </p> + <p> + “Because she lowered herself so terribly. Greppi is absolutely a man of no + family whatever.” + </p> + <p> + Without expressing my surprise at the name of Greppi, I replied that a man + need not be well born to be an excellent lover. + </p> + <p> + “The only thing needful,” said I, “is a fine physique and plenty of money, + and those ladies who despised their friend were either ridiculously proud + or abominably envious. I have not the slightest doubt that if they could + find any more Gieppis they would be willing enough to lower themselves.” + </p> + <p> + She would doubtless have made a sharp reply, for what I had said had + angered her; but the Marquis Triulzi arriving, she went out with him, + while her husband and myself went to a place where there was a bank at + faro, the banker only having a hundred sequins before him. + </p> + <p> + I took a card and staked small sums like the rest of the company. After + losing twenty ducats I left the place. + </p> + <p> + As we were going to the opera the poor count told me I had made him lose + ten ducats on his word of honour, and that he did not know how he could + pay it by the next day. I pitied him, and gave him the money without a + word; for misery has always appealed strongly to me. Afterwards I lost two + hundred ducats at the same bank to which I had lost money the evening + before. The count was in the greatest distress. He did not know that + Greppi, whom his proud wife considered so worthless, had a hundred + thousand francs of my money, and that I possessed jewellery to an even + greater amount. + </p> + <p> + The countess, who had seen me lose, asked me if I would sell my beautiful + dress. + </p> + <p> + “They say it’s worth a thousand sequins,” said she. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that is so; but I would sell everything I possess before parting + with any of the articles which I intend for the fair sex.” + </p> + <p> + “Marquis Triulzi wants it badly to present to someone.” + </p> + <p> + “I am very sorry, but I cannot sell it to him.” + </p> + <p> + She went away without a word, but I could see that she was exceedingly + vexed at my refusal. + </p> + <p> + As I was leaving the opera-house I saw Therese getting into her + sedan-chair. I went up to her, and told her that I was sure she was going + to sup with her lover. She whispered in my ear that she was going to sup + by herself, and that I might come if I dared. I gave her an agreeable + surprise by accepting the invitation. + </p> + <p> + “I will expect you, then,” she said. + </p> + <p> + I asked the count to ride home in my carriage, and taking a chair I + reached Therese’s house just as she was going in. + </p> + <p> + What a happy evening we had! We laughed heartily when we told each other + our thoughts. + </p> + <p> + “I know you were in love with Countess A—— B——,” + said she, “and I felt sure you would not dare to come to supper with me.” + </p> + <p> + “And I thought I should confound you by accepting your invitation, as I + knew Greppi was your lover.” + </p> + <p> + “He is my friend,” she replied. “If he loves me in any other way than that + of friendship, I pity him, for as yet he has not discovered the secret of + seduction.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you think he ever will?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I don’t. I am rich.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but he is richer than you.” + </p> + <p> + “I know that, but I think he loves his money better than he loves me.” + </p> + <p> + “I understand. You will make him happy if he loves you well enough to ruin + himself.” + </p> + <p> + “That is it, but it will never come to pass. But here we are, together + again after a divorce of nearly twenty years. I don’t think you will find + any change in me.” + </p> + <p> + “That is a privilege which nature grants to the fair sex only. You will + find me changed, but you will be able to work miracles.” + </p> + <p> + This was a piece of politeness, for she was hardly capable of working any + miracle. However, after an excellent supper, we spent two hours in amorous + raptures, and then Morpheus claimed us for his own. When we awoke I did + not leave her before giving her a good day equal to the good night which + had sent us to sleep. + </p> + <p> + When I got back I found the fair Zenobia, who said the tailor was ready to + marry her next Sunday if my offer was not a joke. + </p> + <p> + “To convince you of the contrary,” said I, “here are the twenty-five + sequins.” + </p> + <p> + Full of gratitude she let herself fall into my arms, and I covered her + mouth and her beautiful bosom with my fiery kisses. Therese had exhausted + me, so I did not go any further, but the girl no doubt attributed my + self-restraint to the fact that the door was open. I dressed carefully, + and made myself look less weary, and to freshen myself up I had a long + drive in an open carriage. + </p> + <p> + When I returned, I found the Marquis of Triulzi teasing the countess as + usual. On that day he furnished the dinner, and it was consequently, a + very good one. + </p> + <p> + The conversation turned on the dress in my possession, and the countess + told the marquis, like an idiot, that it was destined for the lady who + would make me desirous and gratify my desire. + </p> + <p> + With exquisite politeness the marquis told me that I deserved to enjoy + favours at a cheaper rate. + </p> + <p> + “I suppose you will be giving it to the person with whom you spent the + night,” said the countess. + </p> + <p> + “That’s an impossibility,” I answered, “for I spent the night in play.” + </p> + <p> + Just then Clairmont came in, and told me an officer wanted to speak to me. + I went to the door, and saw a handsome young fellow, who greeted me with + an embrace. I recognized him as Barbaro, the son of a Venetian noble, and + brother of the fair and famous Madame Gritti Scombro, of whom I spoke ten + years ago, whose husband had died in the citadel of Cattaro, where the + State Inquisitors had imprisoned him. My young friend had also fallen into + disgrace with the despotic Inquisitors. We had been good friends during + the year before my imprisonment, but I had heard nothing of him since. + </p> + <p> + Barbaro told me the chief incidents in a life that had been adventurous + enough, and informed me that he was now in the service of the Duke of + Modena, the Governor of Milan. + </p> + <p> + “I saw you losing money at Canano’s bank,” said he, “and remembering our + old friendship I want to communicate to you a sure way of winning money. + All that is necessary is for me to introduce you to a club of young men + who are very fond of play, and cannot possibly win.” + </p> + <p> + “Where does this club meet?” + </p> + <p> + “In an extremely respectable house. If you agree I will keep the bank + myself, and I am sure of winning. I want you to lend me capital, and I + only ask a fourth of the profits.” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose you can hold the cards well.” + </p> + <p> + “You are right.” + </p> + <p> + This was as much as to tell me that he was an adroit sharper, or, in other + words, a skilful corrector of fortune’s mistakes. He concluded by saying + that I should find something worth looking at in the house he had + mentioned. + </p> + <p> + “My dear sir,” I replied, “I will give you my decision after seeing the + club to which you want to introduce me.” + </p> + <p> + “Will you be at the theatre coffee-house at three o’clock to-morrow?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but I hope to see you at the ball in the evening.” + </p> + <p> + Zenobia’s betrothed brought me my domino, and the countess had hers + already. As the ball did not begin till the opera was over, I went to hear + Therese’s singing. In the interval between the acts I lost another two + hundred sequins, and then went home to dress for the ball. The countess + said that if I would be kind enough to take her to the ball in my carriage + and fetch her home in it, she would not send for the Marquis Triulzi’s. I + replied that I was at her service. + </p> + <p> + Under the impression that the fair Spaniard had only given me the + preference to enable me to take liberties with her, I told her I should be + very glad to give her the dress, and that the only condition was that I + should spent a night with her. + </p> + <p> + “You insult me cruelly,” said she, “you must know my character better than + that.” + </p> + <p> + “I know everything, my dear countess; but, after all, the insult’s + nothing; you can easily forgive me if you pluck up a little spirit; + trample on a foolish prejudice; get the dress, and make me happy for a + whole night long.” + </p> + <p> + “That it all very well when one is in love, but you must confess that your + coarse way of speaking is more likely to make me hate you than love you.” + </p> + <p> + “I use that style, because I want to come to the point; I have no time to + waste. And you, countess, must confess in your turn, that you would be + delighted to have me sighing at your feet.” + </p> + <p> + “It would be all the same to me, I don’t think I could love you.” + </p> + <p> + “Then we are agreed on one point at all events, for I love you no more + than you love me.” + </p> + <p> + “And yet you would spend a thousand sequins for the pleasure of passing a + night with me.” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all, I don’t want to sleep with you for the sake of the pleasure, + but to mortify your infernal pride, which becomes you so ill.” + </p> + <p> + God knows what the fierce Spaniard would have answered, but at that moment + the carriage stopped at the door of the theatre. We parted, and after I + had got tired of threading my way amidst the crowd I paid a visit to the + gaming-room, hoping to regain the money I had lost. I had more than five + hundred sequins about me and a good credit at the bank, but I certainly + did my best to lose everything I had. I sat down at Canano’s bank, and + noticing that the poor count, who followed me wherever I went, was the + only person who knew me, I thought I should have a lucky evening. I only + punted on one card, and spent four hours without losing or gaining. + Towards the end, wishing to force fortune’s favour, I lost rapidly, and + left all my money in the hands of the banker. I went back to the + ball-room, where the countess rejoined me, and we returned home. + </p> + <p> + When we were in the carriage, she said,— + </p> + <p> + “You lost an immense sum, and I am very glad of it. The marquis will give + you a thousand sequins, and the money will bring you luck.” + </p> + <p> + “And you, too, for I suppose you will have the dress?” + </p> + <p> + “Maybe.” + </p> + <p> + “No, madam, you shall never have it in this way, and you know the other. I + despise a thousand sequins.” + </p> + <p> + “And I despise you and your presents.” + </p> + <p> + “You may despise me as much as you please, and you may be sure I despise + you.” + </p> + <p> + With these polite expressions we reached the house. When I got to my room + I found the count there with a long face, as if he wanted to pity me but + dared not do it. However, my good temper gave him the courage to say:— + </p> + <p> + “Triulzi will give you a thousand sequins; that will fit you up again.” + </p> + <p> + “For the dress you mean?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “I wanted to give it to your wife, but she said she would despise it, + coming from my hands.” + </p> + <p> + “You astonish me; she is mad after it. You must have wounded her haughty + temper in some way or another. But sell it, and get the thousand sequins.” + </p> + <p> + “I will let you know to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + I slept four or five hours, and then rose and went out in my great coat to + call on Greppi, for I had no more money. I took a thousand sequins, + begging him not to tell my affairs to anyone. He replied that my affairs + were his own, and that I could count on his secrecy. He complimented me on + the esteem in which Madame Palesi held me, and said he hoped to meet me at + supper at her house one night. + </p> + <p> + “Such a meeting would give me the greatest pleasure,” I replied. + </p> + <p> + On leaving him I called on Therese, but as there were some people with her + I did not stay long. I was glad to see that she knew nothing about my + losses or my affairs. She said that Greppi wanted to sup with me at her + house, and that she would let me know when the day was fixed. When I got + home I found the count in front of my fire. + </p> + <p> + “My wife is in a furious rage with you,” said he, “and won’t tell me why.” + </p> + <p> + “The reason is, my dear count, that I won’t let her accept the dress from + any hand but mine. She told me that she should despise it as a gift from + me, but she has nothing to be furious about that I know.” + </p> + <p> + “It’s some mad notion of hers, and I don’t know what to make of it. But + pray attend to what I am about to say to you. You despise a thousand + sequins—good. I congratulate you. But if you are in a position to + despise a sum which would make me happy, offer up a foolish vanity on the + shrine of friendship, take the thousand sequins, and lend them to me, and + let my wife have the dress, for of course he will give it her.” + </p> + <p> + This proposal made me roar with laughter, and certainly it was of a nature + to excite the hilarity of a sufferer from confirmed melancholia, which I + was far from being. However, I stopped laughing when I saw how the poor + count blushed from shame. I kissed him affectionately to calm him, but at + last I was cruel enough to say, + </p> + <p> + “I will willingly assist you in this arrangement. I will sell the dress to + the marquis as soon as you please, but I won’t lend you the money. I’ll + give it to you in the person of your wife at a private interview; but when + she receives me she must not only be polite and complaisant, but as gentle + as a lamb. Go and see if it can be arranged, my dear count; ‘tis + absolutely my last word.” + </p> + <p> + “I will see,” said the poor husband; and with that he went out. + </p> + <p> + Barbaro kept his appointment with exactitude. I made him get into my + carriage, and we alighted at a house at the end of Milan. We went to the + first floor, and there I was introduced to a fine-looking old man, an + amiable lady of pleasing appearance, and then to two charming cousins. He + introduced me as a Venetian gentleman in disgrace with the State + Inquisitors, like himself, adding, that as I was a rich bachelor their + good or ill favour made no difference to me. + </p> + <p> + He said I was rich, and I looked like it. My luxury of attire was + dazzling: My rings, my snuff-boxes, my chains, my diamonds, my jewelled + cross hanging on my breast, all gave me the air of an important personage. + The cross belonged to the Order of the Spur the Pope had given me, but as + I had carefully taken the spur away it was not known to what order I + belonged. Those who might be curious did not dare to ask me, for one can + no more enquire of a knight what order he belongs to, than one can say to + a lady how old are you? I wore it till 1785, when the Prince Palatine of + Russia told me in private that I would do well to get rid of the thing. + </p> + <p> + “It only serves to dazzle fools,” said he, “and here you have none such to + deal with.” + </p> + <p> + I followed his advice, for he was a man of profound intelligence. + Nevertheless, he removed the corner-stone of the kingdom of Poland. He + ruined it by the same means by which he had made it greater. + </p> + <p> + The old man to whom Barbaro presented me was a marquis. He told me that he + knew Venice, and as I was not a patrician I could live as pleasantly + anywhere else. He told me to consider his house and all he possessed as + mine. + </p> + <p> + The two young marchionesses had enchanted me; they were almost ideal + beauties. I longed to enquire about them of some good authority, for I did + not put much faith in Barbaro. + </p> + <p> + In half an hour the visitors commenced to come on foot and in carriages. + Among the arrivals were several pretty and well-dressed girls, and + numerous smart young men all vying with each other in their eagerness to + pay court to the two cousins. There were twenty of us in all. We sat round + a large table, and began to play a game called bankruptcy. After amusing + myself for a couple of hours in losing sequins, I went out with Barbaro to + the opera. + </p> + <p> + “The two young ladies are two incarnate angels,” I said to my countryman. + “I shall pay my duty to them, and shall find out in a few days whether + they are for me. As for the gaming speculation, I will lend you two + hundred sequins; but I don’t want to lose the money, so you must give me + good security.” + </p> + <p> + “To that I agree willingly, but I am certain of giving it you back with + good interest.” + </p> + <p> + “You shall have a half share and not twenty-five per cent., and I must + strongly insist that nobody shall know of my having anything to do with + your bank. If I hear any rumours, I shall bet heavily on my own account.” + </p> + <p> + “You may be sure I shall keep the secret; it is to my own interest to have + it believed that I am my own capitalist.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good. Come to me early to-morrow morning, and bring me good + security, and you shall have the money.” + </p> + <p> + He embraced me in the joy of his heart. + </p> + <p> + The picture of the two fair ladies was still in my brain, and I was + thinking of enquiring of Greppi when I chanced to see Triulzi in the pit + of the opera-house. He saw me at the same moment, and came up to me, + saying gaily that he was sure I had had a bad dinner, and that I had much + better dine with him every day. + </p> + <p> + “You make me blush, marquis, for not having called on you yet.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no; there can be nothing of that kind between men of the world, who + know the world’s worth.” + </p> + <p> + “We are agreed there, at all events.” + </p> + <p> + “By the way, I hear you have decided on selling me that handsome dress of + yours. I am really very much obliged to you, and will give you the fifteen + thousand livres whenever you like.” + </p> + <p> + “You can come and take it to-morrow morning.” + </p> + <p> + He then proceeded to tell me about the various ladies I noticed in the + theatre. Seizing the opportunity, I said,— + </p> + <p> + “When I was in church the other day I saw two exquisite beauties. A man at + my side told me they were cousins, the Marchionesses Q—— and I——, + I think he said. Do you know them? I am quite curious to hear about them.” + </p> + <p> + “I know them. As you say, they are charming. It’s not very difficult to + obtain access to them; and I suppose they are good girls, as I have not + heard their names in connection with any scandal. However, I know that + Mdlle. F has a lover, but it is a great secret; he is the only son of one + of the noblest of our families. Unfortunately, they are not rich; but if + they are clever, as I am sure they are, they may make good matches. If you + like I can get someone to introduce you there.” + </p> + <p> + “I haven’t made up my mind yet. I may be able to forget them easily only + having seen them once. Nevertheless, I am infinitely obliged to you for + your kind offer.” + </p> + <p> + After the ballet I went into the assembly-room and I heard “there he is” + several times repeated as I came in. The banker made me a bow, and offered + me a place next to him. I sat down and he handed me a pack of cards. I + punted, and with such inveterate bad luck that in less than an hour I lost + seven hundred sequins. I should probably have lost all the money I had in + my pocket if Canano had not been obliged to go away. He gave the cards to + a man whose looks displeased me, and I rose and went home and got into bed + directly, so as not to be obliged to conceal my ill temper. + </p> + <p> + In the morning Barbaro came to claim the two hundred sequins. He gave me + the right to sequestrate his pay by way of surety. I do not think I should + have had the heart to exercise my rights if things had gone wrong, but I + liked to have some control over him. When I went out I called on Greppi, + and took two thousand sequins in gold. + </p> + <a name="linkD2HCH0019" id="linkD2HCH0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIX + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Humiliation of The Countess—Zenobia’s Wedding—Faro + Conquest of The Fair Irene—Plan for a Masquerade +</pre> + <p> + On my return I found the count with one of the marquis’s servants, who + gave me a note, begging me to send the dress, which I did directly. + </p> + <p> + “The marquis will dine with us,” said the count, “and, no doubt, he will + bring the money with him for this treasure.” + </p> + <p> + “You think it a treasure, then?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, fit for a queen to wear.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish the treasure had the virtue of giving you a crown; one head-dress + is as good as another.” + </p> + <p> + The poor devil understood the allusion, and as I liked him I reproached + myself for having humiliated him unintentionally, but I could not resist + the temptation to jest. I hastened to smooth his brow by saying that as + soon as I got the money for the dress I would take it to the countess. + </p> + <p> + “I have spoken to her about it,” said he, “and your proposal made her + laugh; but I am sure she will make up her mind when she finds herself in + possession of the dress.” + </p> + <p> + It was a Friday. The marquis sent in an excellent fish dinner, and came + himself soon after with the dress in a basket. The present was made with + all ceremony, and the proud countess was profuse in her expressions of + thanks, which the giver received coolly enough, as if accustomed to that + kind of thing. However, he ended by the no means flattering remark that if + she had any sense she would sell it, as everybody knew she was too poor to + wear it. This suggestion by no means met with her approval. She abused him + to her heart’s content, and told him he must be a great fool to give her a + dress which he considered unsuitable to her. + </p> + <p> + They were disputing warmly when the Marchioness Menafoglio was announced. + As soon as she came in her eyes were attracted by the dress, which was + stretched over a chair, and finding it superb she exclaimed, + </p> + <p> + “I would gladly buy that dress.” + </p> + <p> + “I did not buy it to sell again,” said the countess, sharply. + </p> + <p> + “Excuse me,” replied the marchioness, “I thought it was for sale, and I am + sorry it is not.” + </p> + <p> + The marquis, who was no lover of dissimulation, began to laugh, and the + countess, fearing he would cover her with ridicule, hastened to change the + conversation. But when the marchioness was gone the countess gave reins to + her passion, and scolded the marquis bitterly for having laughed. However, + he only replied by remarks which, though exquisitely polite, had a sting + in them; and at last the lady said she was tired, and was going to lie + down. + </p> + <p> + When she had left the room the marquis gave me the fifteen thousand + francs, telling me that they would bring me good luck at Canano’s. + </p> + <p> + “You are a great favourite of Canano’s,” he added, “and he wants you to + come and dine with him. He can’t ask you to supper, as he is obliged to + spend his nights in the assembly-rooms.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell him I will come any day he likes except the day after to-morrow, + when I have to go to a wedding at the ‘Apple Garden.’” + </p> + <p> + “I congratulate you,” said the count and the marquis together, “it will no + doubt be very pleasant.” + </p> + <p> + “I expect to enjoy myself heartily there.” + </p> + <p> + “Could not we come, too?” + </p> + <p> + “Do you really want to?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I will get you an invitation from the fair bride herself on the + condition that the countess comes as well. I must warn you that the + company will consist of honest people of the lower classes, and I cannot + have them humiliated in any way.” + </p> + <p> + “I will persuade the countess,” said Triulzi. + </p> + <p> + “To make your task an easier one, I may as well tell you that the wedding + is that of the fair Zenobia.” + </p> + <p> + “Bravo! I am sure the countess will come to that.” + </p> + <p> + The count went out, and shortly reappeared with Zenobia. The marquis + congratulated her, and encouraged her to ask the countess to the wedding. + She seemed doubtful, so the marquis took her by the hand and let her into + the proud Spaniard’s room. In half an hour they returned informing us that + my lady had deigned to accept the invitation. + </p> + <p> + When the marquis had gone, the count told me that I might go and keep his + wife company, if I had nothing better to do, and that he would see to some + business. + </p> + <p> + “I have the thousand sequins in my pocket,” I remarked, “and if I find her + reasonable, I will leave them with her.” + </p> + <p> + “I will go and speak to her first.” + </p> + <p> + “Do so.” + </p> + <p> + While the count was out of the room, I exchanged the thousand sequins for + the fifteen thousand francs in bank notes which Greppi had given me. + </p> + <p> + I was just shutting up my cash-box when Zenobia came in with my lace + cuffs. She asked me if I would like to buy a piece of lace. I replied in + the affirmative, and she went out and brought it me. + </p> + <p> + I liked the lace, and bought it for eighteen sequins, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “This lace is yours, dearest Zenobia, if you will content me this moment.” + </p> + <p> + “I love you well, but I should be glad if you would wait till after my + marriage.” + </p> + <p> + “No, dearest, now or never. I cannot wait. I shall die if you do not grant + my prayer. Look! do you not see what a state I am in?” + </p> + <p> + “I see it plainly enough, but it can’t be done.” + </p> + <p> + “Why not? Are you afraid of your husband noticing the loss of your + maidenhead?” + </p> + <p> + “Not I, and if he did I shouldn’t care. I promise you if he dared to + reproach me, he should not have me at all.” + </p> + <p> + “Well said, for my leavings are too good for him. Come quick!” + </p> + <p> + “But you will shut the door, at least?” + </p> + <p> + “No, the noise would be heard, and might give rise to suspicion. Nobody + will come in.” + </p> + <p> + With these words I drew her towards me, and finding her as gentle as a + lamb and as loving as a dove, the amorous sacrifice was offered with + abundant libations on both sides. After the first ecstacy was over, I + proceeded to examine her beauties, and with my usual amorous frenzy told + her that she should send her tailor out to graze and live with me. + Fortunately she did not believe in the constancy of my passion. After a + second assault I rested, greatly astonished that the count had not + interrupted our pleasures. I thought he must have gone out, and I told + Zenobia my opinion, whereon she overwhelmed me with caresses. Feeling at + my ease, I set her free from her troublesome clothes, and gave myself up + to toying with her in a manner calculated to arouse the exhausted senses; + and then for the third time we were clasped to each other’s arms, while I + made Zenobia put herself into the many attitudes which I knew from + experience as most propitious to the voluptuous triumph. + </p> + <p> + We were occupied a whole hour in these pleasures, but Zenobia, in the + flower of her age and a novice, poured forth many more libations than I. + </p> + <p> + Just as I lost life for the third time, and Zenobia for the fourteenth, I + heard the count’s voice. I told my sweetheart, who had heard it as well, + and after we had dressed hastily I gave her the eighteen sequins, and she + left the room. + </p> + <p> + A moment after the count came in laughing, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “I have been watching you all the time by this chink” (which he shewed + me), “and I have found it very amusing.” + </p> + <p> + “I am delighted to hear it, but keep it to yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course, of course.” + </p> + <p> + “My wife,” said he, “will be very pleased to see you; and I,” he added, + “shall be very pleased as well.” + </p> + <p> + “You are a philosophical husband,” said I, “but I am afraid after the + exercises you witnessed the countess will find me rather slow.” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all, the recollection will make it all the pleasanter for you.” + </p> + <p> + “Mentally perhaps, but in other respects . . .” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! you will manage to get out of it.” + </p> + <p> + “My carriage is at your service, as I shall not be going out for the rest + of the day.” + </p> + <p> + I softly entered the countess’s room and finding her in bed enquired + affectionately after her health. + </p> + <p> + “I am very well,” said she, smiling agreeably, “my husband has done me + good.” + </p> + <p> + I had seated myself quietly on the bed, and she had shewn no vexation; + certainly a good omen. + </p> + <p> + “Aren’t you going out any more to-day?” said she, “you have got your + dressing-gown on.” + </p> + <p> + “I fell asleep lying on my bed, and when I awoke I decided on keeping you + company if you will be as good and gentle as you are pretty.” + </p> + <p> + “If you behave well to me, you will always find me so. + </p> + <p> + “And will you love me?” + </p> + <p> + “That depends on you. So you are going to sacrifice Canano to me this + evening.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and with the greatest pleasure. He has won a lot from me already, + and I foresee that he will win the fifteen thousand francs I have in my + pocket to-morrow. This is the money the Marquis Triulzi gave me for the + dress.” + </p> + <p> + “It would be a pity to lose such a large sum.” + </p> + <p> + “You are right, and I need not lose them if you will be complaisant, for + they are meant for you. Allow me to shut the door.” + </p> + <p> + “What for?” + </p> + <p> + “Because I am perishing with cold and desire, and intend warming myself in + your bed.” + </p> + <p> + “I will never allow that.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t want to force you. Good-bye, countess, I will go and warm myself + by my own fire, and to-morrow I will wage war on Canano’s bank.” + </p> + <p> + “You are certainly a sad dog. Stay here, I like your conversation.” + </p> + <p> + Without more ado I locked the door, took off my clothes, and seeing that + her back was turned to me, jumped into bed beside her. She had made up her + mind, and let me do as I liked, but my combats with Zenobia had exhausted + me. With closed eyes she let me place her in all the postures which + lubricity could suggest, while her hands were not idle; but all was in + vain, my torpor was complete, and nothing would give life to the + instrument which was necessary to the operation. + </p> + <p> + Doubtless the Spaniard felt that my nullity was an insult to her charms; + doubtless I must have tortured her by raising desires which I could not + appease; for several times I felt my fingers drenched with a flow that + shewed she was not passive in the matter; but she pretended all the while + to be asleep. I was vexed at her being able to feign insensibility to such + an extent, and I attached myself to her head; but her lips, which she + abandoned to me, and which I abused disgracefully, produced no more effect + than the rest of her body. I felt angry that I could not effect the + miracle of resurrection, and I decided on leaving a stage where I had so + wretched a part, but I was not generous to her, and put the finishing + stroke to her humiliation by saying,— + </p> + <p> + “‘Tis not my fault, madam, that your charms have so little power over me. + Here, take these fifteen thousand francs by way of consolation.” + </p> + <p> + With this apostrophe I left her. + </p> + <p> + My readers, more especially my lady readers, if I ever have any, will no + doubt pronounce me a detestable fellow after this. I understand their + feelings, but beg them to suspend their judgment. They will see afterwards + that my instinct served me wonderfully in the course I had taken. + </p> + <p> + Early the next day the count came into my room with a very pleased + expression. + </p> + <p> + “My wife is very well,” said he, “and told me to wish you good day.” + </p> + <p> + I did not expect this, and I no doubt looked somewhat astonished. + </p> + <p> + “I am glad,” he said, “that you gave her francs instead of the sequins you + got from Triulzi, and I hope, as Triulzi said, you will have luck with it + at the bank.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not going to the opera,” said I, “but to the masked ball, and I + don’t want anyone to recognize me.” + </p> + <p> + I begged him to go and buy me a new domino, and not to come near me in the + evening, so that none but he should know who I was. As soon as he had gone + out I began to write letters. I had heavy arrears to make up in that + direction. + </p> + <p> + The count brought me my domino at noon, and after hiding it we went to + dine with the countess. Her affability, politeness, and gentleness + astounded me. She looked so sweetly pretty that I repented having outraged + her so scandalously. Her insensibility of the evening before seemed + inconceivable, and I began to suspect that the signs I had noticed to the + contrary were only due to the animal faculties which are specially active + in sleep. + </p> + <p> + “Was she really asleep,” said I to myself, “when I was outraging her so + shamefully?” + </p> + <p> + I hoped it had been so. When her husband left us alone, I said, humbly and + tenderly, that I knew I was a monster, and that she must detest me. + </p> + <p> + “You a monster?” said she. “On the contrary I owe much to you, and there + is nothing I can think of for which I have cause to reproach you.” + </p> + <p> + I took her hand, tenderly, and would have carried it to my lips, but she + drew it away gently and gave me a kiss. My repentance brought a deep blush + to my face. + </p> + <p> + When I got back to my room I sealed my letters and went to the ball. I was + absolutely unrecognizable. Nobody had ever seen my watches or my + snuff-boxes before, and I had even changed my purses for fear of anybody + recognizing me by them. + </p> + <p> + Thus armed against the glances of the curious, I sat down at Canano’s + table and commenced to play in quite a different fashion. I had a hundred + Spanish pieces in my pocket worth seven hundred Venetian sequins. I had + got this Spanish money from Greppi, and I took care not to use what + Triulzi had given me for fear he should know me. + </p> + <p> + I emptied my purse on the table, and in less than an hour it was all gone. + I rose from the table and everybody thought I was going to beat a retreat, + but I took out another purse and put a hundred sequins on one card, going + second, with paroli, seven, and the va. The stroke was successful and + Canano gave me back my hundred Spanish pieces, on which I sat down again + by the banker, and recommenced regular play. Canano was looking at me + hard. My snuff-box was the one which the Elector of Cologne had given me, + with the prince’s portrait on the lid. I took a pinch of snuff and he gave + me to understand that he would like one too, and the box was subjected to + a general examination. A lady whom I did not know said the portrait + represented the Elector of Cologne in his robes as Grand Master of the + Teutonic Order. The box was returned to me and I saw that it had made me + respected, so small a thing imposes on people. I then put fifty sequins on + one card, going paroli and paix de paroli, and at daybreak I had broken + the bank. Canano said politely that if I liked to be spared the trouble of + carrying all that gold he would have it weighed and give me a cheque. A + pair of scales was brought, and it was found that I had thirty-four pounds + weight in gold, amounting to two thousand eight hundred and fifty-six + sequins. Canano wrote me a cheque, and I slowly returned to the ball-room. + </p> + <p> + Barbaro had recognized me with the keenness of a Venetian. He accosted me + and congratulated me on my luck, but I gave him no answer, and seeing that + I wished to remain incognito he left me. + </p> + <p> + A lady in a Greek dress richly adorned with diamonds came up to me, and + said in a falsetto voice that she would like to dance with me. + </p> + <p> + I made a sign of assent, and as she took off her glove I saw a + finely-shaped hand as white as alabaster, one of the fingers bearing an + exquisite diamond ring. It was evidently no ordinary person, and though I + puzzled my head I could not guess who she could be. + </p> + <p> + She danced admirably, in the style of a woman of fashion, and I too + exerted myself to the utmost. By the time the dance was over I was covered + with perspiration. + </p> + <p> + “You look hot,” said my partner, in her falsetto voice, “come and rest in + my box.” + </p> + <p> + My heart leaped with joy, and I followed her with great delight; but as I + saw Greppi in the box to which she took me, I had no doubt that it must be + Therese, which did not please me quite so well. In short, the lady took + off her mask; it was Therese, and I complimented her on her disguise. + </p> + <p> + “But how did you recognize me, dearest?” + </p> + <p> + “By your snuff-box. I knew it, otherwise I should never have found you + out.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you think that nobody has recognized me?” + </p> + <p> + “Nobody, unless in the same way as I did.” + </p> + <p> + “None of the people here have seen my snuff-box.” + </p> + <p> + I took the opportunity of handing over to Greppi Canano’s cheque, and he + gave me a receipt for it. Therese asked us to supper for the ensuing + evening, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “There will be four of us in all.” + </p> + <p> + Greppi seemed curious to know who the fourth person could be, but I right + guessed it would be my dear son Cesarino. + </p> + <p> + As I went down once more to the ball-room two pretty female dominos + attacked me right and left, telling me that Messer-Grande was waiting for + me outside. They then asked me for some snuff, and I gave them a box + ornamented with an indecent picture. I had the impudence to touch the + spring and shew it them, and after inspecting it they exclaimed,— + </p> + <p> + “Fie, fie! your punishment is never to know who we are.” + </p> + <p> + I was sorry to have displeased the two fair masquers, who seemed worth + knowing, so I followed them, and meeting Barbaro, who knew everybody, I + pointed them out to him, and heard to my delight that they were the two + Marchionesses Q—— and F——. I promised Barbaro to + go and see them. He said that everybody in the ball-room knew me, and that + our bank was doing very well, though, of course, that was a trifle to me. + </p> + <p> + Towards the end of the ball, when it was already full daylight, a masquer, + dressed as a Venetian gondolier, was accosted by a lady masquer, also in + Venetian costume. She challenged the gondolier to prove himself a Venetian + by dancing the ‘forlana’ with her. The gondolier accepted, and the music + struck up, but the boatman, who was apparently a Milanese, was hooted, + while the lady danced exquisitely. I was very fond of the dance, and I + asked the unknown Venetian lady to dance it again with me. She agreed, and + a ring was formed round us, and we were so applauded that we had to dance + it over again. This would have sufficed if a very pretty shepherdess + without a mask had not begged me to dance it with her. I could not refuse + her, and she danced exquisitely; going round and round the circle three + times, and seeming to hover in the air. I was quite out of breath. When it + was finished, she came up to me and whispered my name in my ear. I was + astonished, and feeling the charm of the situation demanded her name. + </p> + <p> + “You shall know,” said she, in Venetian, “if you will come to the ‘Three + Kings.’” + </p> + <p> + “Are you alone?” + </p> + <p> + “No, my father and mother, who are old friends of yours, are with me” + </p> + <p> + “I will call on Monday.” + </p> + <p> + What a number of adventures to have in one night! I went home wearily, and + went to bed, but I was only allowed to sleep for two hours. I was roused + and begged to dress myself. The countess, the marquis, and the count, all + ready for Zenobia’s wedding, teased me till I was ready, telling me it was + not polite to keep a bride waiting. Then they all congratulated me on my + breaking the bank and the run of luck against me. I told the marquis that + it was his money that had brought me luck, but he replied by saying that + he knew what had become of his money. + </p> + <p> + This indiscretion either on the count’s part or the countess’s surprised + me greatly; it seemed to me contrary to all the principles in intrigue. + </p> + <p> + “Canano knew you,” said the marquis, “by the way you opened your + snuff-box, and he hopes to see us to dinner before long. He says he hopes + you will win a hundred pounds weight of gold; he has a fancy for you.” + </p> + <p> + “Canano,” said I, “has keen eyes, and plays faro admirably. I have not the + slightest wish to win his money from him.” + </p> + <p> + We then started for the “Apple Garden,” where we found a score of honest + folks and the bride and bridegroom, who overwhelmed us with compliments. + We soon put the company at their ease. At first our presence overawed + them, but a little familiarity soon restored the general hilarity. We sat + down to dinner, and among the guests were some very pretty girls, but my + head was too full of Zenobia to care about them. The dinner lasted three + hours. It was an abundant repast, and the foreign wines were so exquisite + that it was easy to see that the sum I had furnished had been exceeded. + Good fellowship prevailed, and after the first bumper had passed round + everybody proposed somebody else’s health, and as each tried to say + something different to his neighbour the most fearful nonsense prevailed. + Then everybody thought himself bound to sing, and they were not at all + first-rate vocalists by any means. We laughed heartily and also caused + laughter, for our speeches and songs were as bad as those of our humble + friends. + </p> + <p> + When we rose from the table kissing became general, and the countess could + not resist laughing when she found herself obliged to hold out her cheeks + for the salute of the tailor, who thought her laughter a special mark of + favour. + </p> + <p> + Strains of sweet music were heard, and the ball was duly opened by the + newly-married couple. Zenobia danced, if not exactly well, at least + gracefully; but the tailor, who had never put his legs to any other use + besides crossing them, cut such a ridiculous figure that the countess had + much ado to restrain her laughter. But in spite of that I led out Zenobia + for the next minuet, and the proud countess was obliged to dance with the + wretched tailor. + </p> + <p> + When the minuets stopped the square dances began, and refreshments were + liberally handed round. Confetti, a kind of sweetmeat, even better than + that made at Verdun, were very plentiful. + </p> + <p> + When we were just going I congratulated the husband and offered to bring + Zenobia home in my carriage, which he was pleased to style a very + honourable offer. I gave my hand to Zenobia, and helped her into the + carriage, and having told the coachman to go slowly I put her on my knee, + extinguisher fashion, and kept her there all the time. Zenobia was the + first to get down, and noticing that my breeches of grey velvet were + spoiled, I told her that I would be with her in a few minutes. In two + minutes I put on a pair of black satin breeches, and I rejoined the lady + before her husband came in. She asked what I had been doing, and on my + telling her that our exploits in the carriage had left very evident marks + on my trousers, she gave me a kiss, and thanked me for my forethought. + </p> + <p> + Before long the husband and his sister arrived. He thanked me, calling me + his gossip, and then noticing the change in my dress he asked me how I had + contrived to make the alteration so quickly. + </p> + <p> + “I went to my room, leaving your wife at your house, for which I beg your + pardon.” + </p> + <p> + “Didn’t you see that the gentleman had spilt a cup of coffee over his + handsome breeches?” said Zenobia. + </p> + <p> + “My dear wife,” said the crafty tailor, “I don’t see everything, nor is it + necessary that I should do so, but you should have accompanied the + gentleman to his room.” + </p> + <p> + Then turning to me with a laugh, he asked me how I had enjoyed the + wedding. + </p> + <p> + “Immensely, and my friends have done the same; but you must let me pay + you, dear gossip, for what you spent over and above the twenty-four + sequins. You can tell me how much it is.” + </p> + <p> + “Very little, a mere trifle; Zenobia shall bring you the bill.” + </p> + <p> + I went home feeling vexed with myself for not having foreseen that the + rogue would notice my change of dress, and guess the reason. However, I + consoled myself with the thought that the tailor was no fool, and that it + was plain that he was content to play the part we had assigned to him. So + after wishing good night to the count, the countess and the marquis, who + all thanked me for the happy day they had spent, I went to bed. + </p> + <p> + As soon as I was awake, I thought of the shepherdess who had danced the + ‘forlana’ so well at the ball, and I resolved to pay her a visit. I was + not more interested in her beauty than to find out who her father and + mother, “old friends of mine,” could be. I dressed and walked to the + “Three Kings,” and on walking into the room which the shepherdess had + indicated to me, what was my astonishment to find myself face to face with + the Countess Rinaldi, whom Zavoisky had introduced me to at the ‘locanda’ + of Castelletto sixteen years ago. The reader will remember how M. de + Bragadin paid her husband the money he won from me at play. + </p> + <p> + Madame Rinaldi had aged somewhat, but I knew her directly. However, as I + had never had more than a passing fancy for her, we did not go back to + days which did neither of us any honour. + </p> + <p> + “I am delighted to see you again,” said I; “are you still living with your + husband?” + </p> + <p> + “You will see him in half an hour, and he will be glad to present his + respects to you.” + </p> + <p> + “I should not at all care for it myself, madam; there are old quarrels + between us which I do not want to renew, so, madam, farewell.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no, don’t go yet, sit down.” + </p> + <p> + “Pardon me.” + </p> + <p> + “Irene, don’t let the gentleman go.” + </p> + <p> + At these words Irene ran and barred the way—not like a fierce + mastiff, but like an angel, entreating me to stay with that mingled look + of innocence, fear, and hope, of which girls know the effect so well. I + felt I could not go. + </p> + <p> + “Let me through, fair Irene,” said I, “we may see each other somewhere + else.” + </p> + <p> + “Pray do not go before you have seen my father.” + </p> + <p> + The words were spoken so tenderly that our lips met. Irene was victorious. + How can one resist a pretty girl who implores with a kiss? I took a chair, + and Irene, proud of her victory, sat on my knee and covered me with + kisses. + </p> + <p> + I took it into my head to task the countess where and when Irene was born. + </p> + <p> + “At Mantua,” said she, “three months after I left Venice.” + </p> + <p> + “And when did you leave Venice?” + </p> + <p> + “Six months after I met you.” + </p> + <p> + “That is a curious coincidence, and if we had been tenderly acquainted you + might say that Irene was my daughter, and I should believe you, and think + that my affection for her was purely paternal.” + </p> + <p> + “Your memory is not very good, sir, I wonder at that.” + </p> + <p> + “I may tell you, that I never forget certain things, But I guess your + meaning. You want me to subdue my liking for Irene. I am willing to do so, + but she will be the loser.” + </p> + <p> + This conversation had silenced Irene, but she soon took courage, and said + she was like me. + </p> + <p> + “No, no,” I answered, “if you were like me you would not be so pretty.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t think so; I think you are very handsome.” + </p> + <p> + “You flatter me.” + </p> + <p> + “Stay to dinner with us.” + </p> + <p> + “No, if I stayed I might fall in love with you, and that would be a pity, + as your mother says I am your father.” + </p> + <p> + “I was joking,” said the countess, “you may love Irene with a good + conscience.” + </p> + <p> + “We will see what can be done.” + </p> + <p> + When Irene had left the room, I said to the mother,— + </p> + <p> + “I like your daughter, but I won’t be long sighing for her, and you + mustn’t take me for a dupe.” + </p> + <p> + “Speak to my husband about it. We are very poor, and we want to go to + Cremona.” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose Irene has a lover?” + </p> + <p> + “No.” + </p> + <p> + “But she has had one, of course?” + </p> + <p> + “Never anything serious.” + </p> + <p> + “I can’t believe it.” + </p> + <p> + “It’s true, nevertheless. Irene is intact.” + </p> + <p> + Just then Irene came in with her father, who had aged to such an extent + that I should never have known him in the street. He came up to me and + embraced me, begging me to forget the past. “It is only you,” he added, + “who can furnish me with funds to go to Cremona. + </p> + <p> + “I have several debts here, and am in some danger of imprisonment. Nobody + of any consequence comes to see me. My dear daughter is the only thing of + value which I still possess. I have just been trying to sell this + pinchbeck watch, and though I asked only six sequins, which is half what + it is worth, they would not give me more than two. When a man gets + unfortunate, everything is against him.” + </p> + <p> + I took the watch, and gave the father six sequins for it, and then handed + it to Irene. She said with a smile that she could not thank me, as I only + gave her back her own, but she thanked me for the present I had made her + father. + </p> + <p> + “Here,” said she seriously to the old man, “you can sell it again now.” + </p> + <p> + This made me laugh. I gave the count ten sequins in addition, embraced + Irene, and said I must be gone, but that I would see them again in three + or four days. + </p> + <p> + Irene escorted me to the bottom of the stairs, and as she allowed me to + assure myself that she still possessed the rose of virginity, I gave her + another ten sequins, and told her that the first time she went alone to + the ball with me I would give her a hundred sequins. She said she would + consult her father. + </p> + <p> + Feeling sure that the poor devil would hand over Irene to me, and having + no apartment in which I could enjoy her in freedom, I stopped to read a + bill in a pastrycook’s window. It announced a room to let. I went in, and + the pastrycook told me that the house belonged to him, and his pretty + wife, who was suckling a baby, begged me to come upstairs and see the + room. The street was a lonely one, and had a pleasing air of mystery about + it. I climbed to the third floor, but the rooms there were wretched + garrets of no use to me. + </p> + <p> + “The first floor,” said the woman, “consists of a suite of four nice + rooms, but we only let them together.” + </p> + <p> + “Let us go and see them. Good! they will do. What is the rent?” + </p> + <p> + “You must settle that with my husband.” + </p> + <p> + “And can’t I settle anything with you, my dear?” + </p> + <p> + So saying I gave her a kiss which she took very kindly, but she smelt of + nursing, which I detested, so I did not go any farther despite her radiant + beauty. + </p> + <p> + I made my bargain with the landlord, and paid a month’s rent in advance + for which he gave me a receipt. It was agreed that I should come and go as + I pleased, and that he should provide me with food. I gave him a name so + common as to tell him nothing whatever about me, but he seemed to care + very little about that. + </p> + <p> + As I had agreed with Barbaro to visit the fair marchionesses, I dressed + carefully, and after a slight repast with the countess, who was pleasant + but did not quite please me, I met my fellow-countryman and we called on + the two cousins. + </p> + <p> + “I have come,” said I, “to beg your pardons for having revealed to you the + secret of the snuff-box.” + </p> + <p> + They blushed, and scolded Barbaro, thinking that he had betrayed them. On + examining them I found them far superior to Irene, my present flame, but + their manner, the respect they seemed to require, frightened me. I was not + at all disposed to dance attendance on them. Irene, on the contrary, was + an easy prey. I had only to do her parents a service, and she was in my + power; while the two cousins had their full share of aristocratic pride, + which debases the nobility to the level of the vilest of the people, and + only imposes upon fools, who after all are in the majority everywhere. + Further I was no longer at that brilliant age which fears nothing, and I + was afraid that my appearance would hardly overcome them. It is true that + Barbaro had made me hope that presents would be of some use, but after + what the Marquis Triulzi had said, I feared that Barbaro had only spoken + on supposition. + </p> + <p> + When the company was sufficiently numerous, the card-tables were brought + in. I sat down by Mdlle. Q——, and disposed myself to play for + small stakes. I was introduced by the aunt, the mistress of the house, to + a young gentleman in Austrian uniform who sat beside me. + </p> + <p> + My dear countryman played like a true sharper, much to my displeasure. My + fair neighbour, at the end of the game, which lasted four hours, found + herself the gainer of a few sequins, but the officer, who had played on + his word of honour, after losing all the money in his pockets, owed ten + louis. The bank was the winner of fifty sequins, including the officer’s + debt. As the young man lived at some distance he honoured me by coming in + my carriage. + </p> + <p> + On the way, Barbaro told us he would introduce us to a girl who had just + come from Venice. The officer caught fire at this, and begged that we + should go and see her directly, and we accordingly went. The girl was well + enough looking, but neither I nor the officer cared much about her. While + they were making some coffee for us, and Barbaro was entertaining the + young lady, I took a pack of cards, and had not much difficulty in + inducing the officer to risk twenty sequins against the twenty I put on + the table. While we were playing I spoke to him of the passion with which + the young marchioness inspired me. + </p> + <p> + “She’s my sister,” said he. + </p> + <p> + I knew as much, but pretended to be astonished, and I went on playing. + Taking the opportunity I told him that I knew of no one who could let the + marchioness know of my affection better than he. I made him laugh, and as + he thought I was jesting he only gave vague answers; but seeing that while + I talked of my passion I forgot my card, he soon won the twenty sequins + from me, and immediately paid them to Barbaro. In the excess of his joy he + embraced me as if I had given him the money; and when we parted he + promised to give me some good news of his sister at our next meeting. + </p> + <p> + I had to go to supper with Therese, Greppi, and my son, but having some + spare time before me I went to the opera-house. The third act was going + on, and I accordingly visited the cardroom, and there lost two hundred + sequins at a single deal. I left the room almost as if I was flying from + an enemy. Canano shook me by the hand, and told me he expected me and the + marquis to dinner every day, and I promised we would come at the earliest + opportunity. + </p> + <p> + I went to Therese’s, and found Greppi there before me. Therese and Don + Cesarino, whom I covered with kisses, came in a quarter of an hour + afterwards. The banker stared at him in speechless wonder. He could not + make out whether he was my son or my brother. Seeing his amazement, + Therese told him Cesarino was her brother. This stupefied the worthy man + still more. At last he asked me if I had known Therese’s mother pretty + well, and on my answering in the affirmative he seemed more at ease. + </p> + <p> + The meal was excellent, but all my attention went to my son. He had all + the advantages of a good disposition and an excellent education. He had + grown a great deal since I had seen him at Florence, and his mental powers + had developed proportionately. His presence made the party grave, but + sweet. The innocence of youth throws around it an ineffable charm; it + demands respect and restraint. An hour after midnight we left Therese, and + I went to bed, well pleased with my day’s work, for the loss of two + hundred sequins did not trouble me much. + </p> + <p> + When I got up I received a note from Irene, begging me to call on her. Her + father had given her permission to go to the next ball with me, and she + had a domino, but she wanted to speak to me. I wrote and told her I would + see her in the course of the day. I had written to tell the Marquis + Triulzi that I was going to dine with Canano, and he replied that he would + be there. + </p> + <p> + We found this skilled gamester in a fine house, richly furnished, and + shewing traces on every side of the wealth and taste of its owner. Canano + introduced me to two handsome women, one of whom was his mistress, and to + five or six marquises; for at Milan no noble who is not a marquis is + thought anything of, just as in the same way they are all counts at + Vicenza. The dinner was magnificent and the conversation highly + intellectual. In a mirthful moment Canano said he had known me for + seventeen years, his acquaintance dating from the time I had juggled a + professional gamester, calling himself Count Celi, out of a pretty + ballet-girl whom I had taken to Mantua. I confessed the deed and amused + the company by the story of what had happened at Mantua with Oreilan, and + how I had found Count Celi at Cesena metamorphosed into Count Alfani. + Somebody mentioned the ball which was to be held the next day, and when I + said I was not going they laughed. + </p> + <p> + “I bet I know you,” said Canano, “if you come to the bank.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not going to play any more,” said I. + </p> + <p> + “All the better for me,” answered Canano; “for though your punting is + unlucky, you don’t leave off till you have won my money. But that’s only + my joke; try again, and I protest I would see you win half my fortune + gladly.” + </p> + <p> + Count Canano had a ring on his finger with a stone not unlike one of mine; + it had cost him two thousand sequins, while mine was worth three thousand. + He proposed that we should stake them against each other after having them + unmounted and valued. + </p> + <p> + “When?” said I. + </p> + <p> + “Before going to the opera.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good; but on two turns of the cards, and a deal to each.” + </p> + <p> + “No, I never punt.” + </p> + <p> + “Then we must equalise the game.” + </p> + <p> + “How do you mean?” + </p> + <p> + “By leaving doubles and the last two cards out of account.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you would have the advantage.” + </p> + <p> + “If you can prove that I will pay you a hundred sequins. Indeed, I would + bet anything you like that the game would still be to the advantage of the + banker.” + </p> + <p> + “Can you prove it?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; and I will name the Marquis Triulzi as judge.” + </p> + <p> + I was asked to prove my point without any question of a bet. + </p> + <p> + “The advantages of the banker,” said I, “are two. The first and the + smaller is that all he has got to attend to is not to deal wrongly, which + is a very small matter to an habitual player; and all the time the punter + has to rack his brains on the chances of one card or another coming out. + The other advantage is one of time. The banker draws his card at least a + second before the punter, and this again gives him a purchase.” + </p> + <p> + No one replied; but after some thought the Marquis Triulzi said that to + make the chances perfectly equal the players would have to be equal, which + was almost out of the question. + </p> + <p> + “All that is too sublime for me,” said Canano; “I don’t understand it.” + But, after all, there was not much to understand. + </p> + <p> + After dinner I went to the “Three Kings” to find out what Irene had to say + to me, and to enjoy her presence. When she saw me she ran up to me, threw + her arms round my neck, and kissed me, but with too much eagerness for me + to lay much value on the salute. However, I have always known that if one + wants to enjoy pleasure one must not philosophise about it, or one runs a + risk of losing half the enjoyment. If Irene had struck me in dancing the + ‘forlana’, why should not I have pleased her in spite of my superiority in + age? It was not impossible, and that should be enough for me, as I did not + intend to make her my wife. + </p> + <p> + The father and mother received me as their preserver, and they may have + been sincere. The count begged me to come out of the room for a moment + with him, and when we were on the other side of the door, said,— + </p> + <p> + “Forgive an old and unfortunate man, forgive a father, if I ask you + whether it is true that you promised Irene a hundred sequins if I would + let her go to the ball with you.” + </p> + <p> + “It is quite true, but of course you know what the consequences will be.” + </p> + <p> + At these words the poor old rascal took hold of me in a way which would + have frightened me if I had not possessed twice his strength, but it was + only to embrace me. + </p> + <p> + We went back to the room, he in tears and I laughing. He ran and told his + wife, who had not been able to believe in such luck any more than her + husband, and Irene added a comic element to the scene by saying,— + </p> + <p> + “You must not think me a liar, or that my parents suspected that I was + imposing on them; they only thought you said fifty instead of a hundred, + as if I were not worth such a sum.” + </p> + <p> + “You are worth a thousand, my dear Irene; your courage in barring the way + pleased me extremely. But you must come to the ball in a domino.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! you will be pleased with my dress.” + </p> + <p> + “Are those the shoes and buckles you are going to wear? Have you no other + stockings? Where are your gloves?” + </p> + <p> + “Good heavens! I have nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “Quick! Send for the tradesmen. We will choose what we want, and I will + pay.” + </p> + <p> + Rinaldi went out to summon a jeweller, a shoemaker, a stocking-maker, and + a perfumer. I spent thirty sequins in what I considered necessary, but + then I noticed that there was no English point on her mask, and burst out + again. The father brought in a milliner, who adorned the mask with an ell + of lace for which I paid twelve sequins. Irene was in great delight, but + her father and mother would have preferred to have the money in their + pockets, and at bottom they were right. + </p> + <p> + When Irene put on her fine clothes I thought her delicious, and I saw what + an essential thing dress is to a woman. + </p> + <p> + “Be ready,” said I, “before the time for the opera to-morrow, for before + going to the ball we will sup together in a room which belongs to me, + where we shall be quite at our ease. You know what to expect,” I added, + embracing her. She answered me with an ardent kiss. + </p> + <p> + As I took leave of her father, he asked me where I was going after leaving + Milan. + </p> + <p> + “To Marseilles, then to Paris, and then to London, at which place I intend + stopping a year.” + </p> + <p> + “Your flight from The Leads was wonderfully lucky.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but I risked my life.” + </p> + <p> + “You have certainly deserved all your good fortune.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you think so? I have only used my fortune—in subservience to my + pleasures.” + </p> + <p> + “I wonder you do not have a regular mistress.” + </p> + <p> + “The reason is, that I like to be my own master. A mistress at my + coat-tails would be more troublesome than a wife; she would be an obstacle + to the numerous pleasant adventures I encounter at every town. For + example, if I had a mistress I should not be able to take the charming + Irene to the ball to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “You speak like a wise man.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, though my wisdom is by no means of the austere kind.” + </p> + <p> + In the evening I went to the opera, and should no doubt have gone to the + card-table if I had not seen Cesarino in the pit. I spent two delightful + hours with him. He opened his heart to me, and begged me to plead for him + with his sister to get her consent to his going to sea, for which he had a + great longing. He said that he might make a large fortune by a judicious + course of trading. After a temperate supper with my dear boy, I went to + bed. The next morning the fine young officer, the Marchioness of Q——‘s + brother, came and asked me to give him a breakfast. He said he had + communicated my proposal to his sister, and that she had replied that I + must be making a fool of him, as it was not likely that a man who lived as + I did would be thinking of marrying. + </p> + <p> + “I did not tell you that I aspired to the honour of marrying her.” + </p> + <p> + “No, and I did not say anything about marriage; but that’s what the girls + are always aiming at.” + </p> + <p> + “I must go and disabuse her of the notion.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s a good idea; principals are always the best in these affairs. Come + at two o’clock, I shall be dining there, and as I have got to speak to her + cousin you will be at liberty to say what you like.” + </p> + <p> + This arrangement suited me exactly. I noticed that my future + brother-in-law admired a little gold case on my night-table, so I begged + him to accept it as a souvenir of our friendship. He embraced me, and put + it in his pocket, saying he would keep it till his dying day. + </p> + <p> + “You mean till the day when it advances your suit with a lady,” said I. + </p> + <p> + I was sure of having a good supper with Irene, so I resolved to take no + dinner. As the count had gone to St. Angelo, fifteen miles from Milan, the + day before, I felt obliged to wait on the countess in her room, to beg her + to excuse my presence at dinner. She was very polite, and told me by no + means to trouble myself. I suspected that she was trying to impose on me, + but I wanted her to think she was doing so successfully. In my character + of dupe I told her that in Lent I would make amends for the dissipation + which prevented me paying my court to her. “Happily,” I added, “Lent is + not far off.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope it will be so,” said the deceitful woman with an enchanting smile, + of which only a woman with poison in her heart is capable. With these + words she took a pinch of snuff, and offered me her box. + </p> + <p> + “But what is this, my dear countess, it isn’t snuff?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” she replied, “it makes the nose bleed, and is an excellent thing for + the head-ache.” + </p> + <p> + I was sorry that I had taken it, but said with a laugh, that I had not got + a head-ache, and did not like my nose to bleed. + </p> + <p> + “It won’t bleed much,” said she, with a smile, “and it is really + beneficial.” + </p> + <p> + As she spoke, we both began to sneeze, and I should have felt very angry + if I had not seen her smile. + </p> + <p> + Knowing something about these sneezing powders, I did not think we should + bleed, but I was mistaken. Directly after, I felt a drop of blood, and she + took a silver basin from her night-table. + </p> + <p> + “Come here,” said she, “I am beginning to bleed too.” + </p> + <p> + There we were, bleeding into the same basin, facing each other in the most + ridiculous position. After about thirty drops had fallen from each of us, + the bleeding ceased. She was laughing all the time, and I thought the best + thing I could do was to imitate her example. We washed ourselves in fair + water in another basin. + </p> + <p> + “This admixture of our blood,” said she, still smiling, “will create a + sweet sympathy between us, which will only end with the death of one or + the other.” + </p> + <p> + I could make no sense of this, but the reader will soon see that the + wretched woman did not mean our friendship to last very long. I asked her + to give me some of the powder, but she refused; and on my enquiring the + name of it, she replied that she did not know, as a lady friend had given + it to her. + </p> + <p> + I was a good deal puzzled by the effects of this powder, never having + heard of the like before, and as soon as I left the countess I went to an + apothecary to enquire about it, but Mr. Drench was no wiser than I. He + certainly said that euphorbia sometimes produced bleeding of the nose, but + it was not a case of sometimes but always. This small adventure made me + think seriously. The lady was Spanish, and she must hate me; and these two + facts gave an importance to our blood-letting which it would not otherwise + possess. + </p> + <p> + I went to see the two charming cousins, and I found the young officer with + Mdlle. F—— in the room by the garden. The lady was writing, + and on the pretext of not disturbing her I went after Mdlle. Q——, + who was in the garden. I greeted her politely, and said I had come to + apologize for a stupid blunder which must have given her a very poor + opinion of me. + </p> + <p> + “I guess what you mean, but please to understand that my brother gave me + your message in perfect innocence. Let him believe what he likes. Do you + think I really believed you capable of taking such a step, when we barely + knew each other?” + </p> + <p> + “I am glad to hear you say so.” + </p> + <p> + “I thought the best thing would be to give a matrimonial turn to your + gallantry. Otherwise my brother, who is quite a young man, might have + interpreted it in an unfavourable sense.” + </p> + <p> + “That was cleverly done, and of course I have nothing more to say. + Nevertheless, I am grateful to your brother for having given you to + understand that your charms have produced a vivid impression on me. I + would do anything to convince you of my affection.” + </p> + <p> + “That is all very well, but it would have been wiser to conceal your + feelings from my brother, and, allow me to add, from myself as well. You + might have loved me without telling me, and then, though I should have + perceived the state of your affections, I could have pretended not to do + so. Then I should have been at my ease, but as circumstances now stand I + shall have to be careful. Do you see?” + </p> + <p> + “Really, marchioness, you astonish me. I was never so clearly convinced + that I have done a foolish thing. And what is still more surprising, is + that I was aware of all you have told me. But you have made me lose my + head. I hope you will not punish me too severely?” + </p> + <p> + “Pray inform me how it lies in my power to punish you.” + </p> + <p> + “By not loving me.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! loving and not loving; that is out of one’s power. Of a sudden we + know that we are in love, and our fate is sealed.” + </p> + <p> + I interpreted these last words to my own advantage, and turned the + conversation. I asked her if she was going to the ball. + </p> + <p> + “No.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps you are going incognito?” + </p> + <p> + “We should like to, but it is an impossibility; there is always someone + who knows us.” + </p> + <p> + “If you would take me into your service, I would wager anything that you + would not be recognized.” + </p> + <p> + “You would not care to trouble yourself about us.” + </p> + <p> + “I like you to be a little sceptical, but put me to the proof. If you + could manage to slip out unobserved, I would engage to disguise you in + such a manner that no one would know you.” + </p> + <p> + “We could leave the house with my brother and a young lady with whom he is + in love. I am sure he would keep our counsel.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall be delighted, but it must be for the ball on Sunday. I will talk + it over with your brother. Kindly warn him not to let Barbaro know + anything about it. You will be able to put on your disguise in a place I + know of. However, we can settle about that again. I shall carry the matter + through, you may be sure, with great secrecy. Permit me to kiss your + hand.” + </p> + <p> + She gave it me, and after imprinting a gentle kiss I held it to my heart, + and had the happiness of feeling a soft pressure. I had no particular + disguise in my head, but feeling sure of hitting on something I put off + the consideration of it till the next day; the present belonged to Irene. + I put on my domino, and went to the “Three Kings,” where I found Irene + waiting for me at the door. She had run down as soon as she had seen my + carriage, and I was flattered by this mark of her eagerness. We went to my + rooms, and I ordered the confectioner to get me a choice supper by + midnight. We had six hours before us, but the reader will excuse my + describing the manner in which they were spent. The opening was made with + the usual fracture, which Irene bore with a smile, for she was naturally + voluptuous. We got up at midnight, pleasantly surprised to find ourselves + famishing with hunger, and a delicious supper waiting for us. + </p> + <p> + Irene told me that her father had taught her to deal in such a manner that + she could not lose. I was curious to see how it was done, and on my giving + her a pack of cards she proceeded to distract my attention by talking to + me, and in a few minutes the thing was done. I gave her the hundred + sequins I had promised her, and told her to go on with her play. + </p> + <p> + “If you only play on a single card,” said she, “you are sure to lose.” + </p> + <p> + “Never mind; go ahead.” + </p> + <p> + She did so, and I was forced to confess that if I had not been warned I + should never have detected the trick. I saw what a treasure she must be to + the old rascal Rinaldi. With her air of innocence and gaiety, she would + have imposed on the most experienced sharpers. She said in a mortified + manner that she never had any opportunity of turning her talents to + account, as their associates were always a beggarly lot. She added + tenderly that if I would take her with me she would leave her parents + there and win treasures for me. + </p> + <p> + “When I am not playing against sharpers,” she said, “I can also punt very + well.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you can come to Canano’s bank and risk the hundred sequins I have + given you. Put twenty sequins on a card, and if you win go paroli, seven, + and the va, and leave the game when they turn up. If you can’t make the + three cards come out second, you will lose, but I will reimburse you.” + </p> + <p> + At this she embraced me, and asked if I would take half the profits. + </p> + <p> + “No,” said I, “you shall have it all.” + </p> + <p> + I thought she would have gone mad with joy. + </p> + <p> + We went off in sedan-chairs, and the ball not having commenced we went to + the assembly-rooms. Canano had not yet done anything, and he opened a pack + of cards and pretended not to recognize me, but he smiled to see the + pretty masker, my companion, sit down and play instead of me. Irene made + him a profound bow as he made room for her by his side, and putting the + hundred sequins before her she began by winning a hundred and twenty-five, + as instead of going seven and the va, she only went the paix de paroli. I + was pleased to see her thus careful, and I let her go on. In the following + deal she lost on three cards in succession, and then won another paix de + paroli. She then bowed to the banker, pocketed her winnings, and left the + table, but just as we were going out I heard somebody sobbing, and on my + turning to her she said, + </p> + <p> + “I am sure it is my father weeping for joy.” + </p> + <p> + She had three hundred and sixty sequins which she took to him after + amusing herself for a few hours. I only danced one minuet with her, for my + amorous exploits and the heavy supper I had taken had tired me, and I + longed for rest. I let Irene dance with whom she liked, and going into a + corner fell asleep. I woke up with a start and saw Irene standing before + me. I had been asleep for three hours. I took her back to the “Three + Kings,” and left her in the charge of her father and mother. The poor man + was quite alarmed to see so much gold on the table, and told me to wish + him a pleasant journey, as he was starting in a few hours. I could make no + opposition and I did not wish to do so, but Irene was furious. + </p> + <p> + “I won’t go,” she cried; “I want to stay with my lover. You are the ruin + of my life. Whenever anybody takes a liking to me, you snatch me away. I + belong to this gentleman, and I won’t leave him.” + </p> + <p> + However, she saw that I did not back her up, and began to weep, then + kissed me again and again, and just as she was going to sit down, worn out + with fatigue and despair, I went off, wishing them a pleasant journey, and + telling Irene we should meet again. The reader will learn in due time when + and how I saw them again. After all the fatigue I had gone through I was + glad to go to bed. + </p> + <p> + It was eight o’clock when the young lieutenant awoke me. + </p> + <p> + “My sister has told me about the masquerade,” said he, “but I have a great + secret to confide in you.” + </p> + <p> + “Say on, and count on my keeping your secret.” + </p> + <p> + “One of the finest noblemen of the town, my friend and my cousin’s lover, + who has to be very careful of his actions on account of his exalted + position, would like to be of the party if you have no objection. My + sister and my cousin would like him to come very much.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course he shall. I have been making my calculations for a party of + five, and now it will be a party of six, that is all.” + </p> + <p> + “You really are a splendid fellow.” + </p> + <p> + “On Sunday evening you must be at a certain place, of which I will tell + you. First of all we will have supper, then put on our disguises, and then + go to the ball. To-morrow at five o’clock we shall meet at your sister’s. + All I want to know is what is the height of your mistress and of the young + nobleman.” + </p> + <p> + “My sweetheart is two inches shorter than my sister, and a little thinner; + my friend is just about the same make as you are, and if you were dressed + alike you would be mistaken for each other.” + </p> + <p> + “That will do. Let me think it over, and leave me alone now; there’s a + Capuchin waiting for me, and I am curious to learn his business.” + </p> + <p> + A Capuchin had called on me and I had told Clairmont to give him an alms, + but he had said he wanted to speak to me in private. I was puzzled, for + what could a Capuchin have to say to me? + </p> + <p> + He came in, and I was at once impressed by his grave and reverend + appearance. I made him a profound bow and offered him a seat, but he + remained standing, and said, + </p> + <p> + “Sir, listen attentively to what I am about to tell you, and beware of + despising my advice, for it might cost you your life. You would repent + when it was too late. After hearing me, follow my advice immediately; but + ask no questions, for I can answer none. You may guess, perhaps, that what + silences me is a reason incumbent on all Christians—the sacred seal + of the confessional. You may be sure that my word is above suspicion; I + have no interests of my own to serve. I am acting in obedience to an + inspiration; I think it must be your guardian angel speaking with my + voice. God will not abandon you to the malice of your enemies. Tell me if + I have touched your heart, and if you feel disposed to follow the counsels + I am going to give you.” + </p> + <p> + “I have listened to you, father, with attention and respect. Speak freely + and advise me; what you have said has not only moved me, but has almost + frightened me. I promise to do as you tell me if it is nothing against + honour or the light of reason.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good. A feeling of charity will prevent your doing anything to + compromise me, whatever may be the end of the affair. You will not speak + of me to anyone, or say either that you know me or do not know me?” + </p> + <p> + “I swear to you I will not on my faith as a Christian. But speak, I + entreat you. Your long preface has made me burn with impatience.” + </p> + <p> + “This day, before noon, go by yourself to—— Square, No.—, + on the second floor, and ring at the bell on your left. Tell the person + who opens the door that you want to speak to Madame. You will be taken to + her room without any difficulty; I am sure your name will not be asked, + but if they do ask you, give an imaginary name. When you are face to face + with the woman, beg her to hear you, and ask her for her secret, and to + inspire confidence put a sequin or two in her hand. She is poor, and I am + sure that your generosity will make her your friend. She will shut her + door, and tell you to say on. + </p> + <p> + “You must then look grave, and tell her that you are not going to leave + her house before she gives you the little bottle that a servant brought + her yesterday with a note. If she resists, remain firm, but make no noise; + do not let her leave the room or call anybody. Finally, tell her that you + will give her double the money she may lose by giving you the bottle and + all that depends on it. Remember these words: and all that depends on it. + She will do whatever you want. It will not cost you much, but even if it + did, your life is worth more than all the gold of Peru. I can say no more, + but before I go, promise me that you will follow my advice.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, reverend father, I will follow the inspiration of the angel who led + you here.” + </p> + <p> + “May God give you His blessing.” + </p> + <p> + When the good priest went out I did not feel at all disposed to laugh. + Reason, certainly, bade me despise the warning, but my inherent + superstition was too strong for reason. Besides, I liked the Capuchin. He + looked like a good man, and I felt bound by the promise I had given him. + He had persuaded me, and my reason told me that a man should never go + against his persuasion; in fine, I had made up my mind. I took the piece + of paper on which I had written the words I had to use, I put a pair of + pistols in my pocket, and I told Clairmont to wait for me in the square. + This latter, I thought, was a precaution that could do no harm. + </p> + <p> + Everything happened as the good Capuchin had said. The awful old creature + took courage at the sight of the two sequins, and bolted her door. She + began by laughing and saying that she knew I was amorous, and that it was + my fault if I were not happy, but that she would do my business for me. I + saw by these words that I had to do with a pretended sorceress. The famous + Mother Bontemps had spoken in the same way to me at Paris. But when I told + her that I was not going to leave the room till I had got the mysterious + bottle, and all that depended on it, her face became fearful; she + trembled, and would have escaped from the room; but I stood before her + with an open knife, and would not suffer her to pass. But on my telling + her that I would give her double the sum she was to be paid for her + witchcraft, and that thus she would be the gainer and not a loser in + complying with my demands, she became calm once more. + </p> + <p> + “I shall lose six sequins,” said she, “but you will gladly pay double when + I shew you what I have got; I know who you are.” + </p> + <p> + “Who am I?” + </p> + <p> + “Giacomo Casanova, the Venetian.” + </p> + <p> + It was then I drew the ten sequins from my purse. The old woman was + softened at the sight of the money, and said, + </p> + <p> + “I would not have killed you outright, certainly, but I would have made + you amorous and wretched.” + </p> + <p> + “Explain what you mean.” + </p> + <p> + “Follow me.” + </p> + <p> + I went after her into a closet, and was greatly amazed at seeing numerous + articles about which my common sense could tell me nothing. There were + phials of all shapes and sizes, stones of different colours, metals, + minerals, big nails and small nails, pincers, crucibles, misshapen images, + and the like. + </p> + <p> + “Here is the bottle,” said the old woman. + </p> + <p> + “What does it contain?” + </p> + <p> + “Your blood and the countess’s, as you will see in this letter.” + </p> + <p> + I understood everything then, and now I wonder I did not burst out + laughing. But as a matter of fact my hair stood on end, as I reflected on + the awful wickedness of which the Spaniard was capable. A cold sweat burst + out all over my body. + </p> + <p> + “What would you have done with this blood?” + </p> + <p> + “I should have plastered you with it.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean by ‘plastered’? I don’t understand you.” + </p> + <p> + “I will shew you.” + </p> + <p> + As I trembled with fear the old woman opened a casket, a cubit long, + containing a waxen statue of a man lying on his back. My name was written + on it, and though it was badly moulded, my features were recognizable. The + image bore my cross of the Order of the Golden Spur, and the generative + organs were made of an enormous size. At this I burst into a fit of + hysterical laughter, and had to sit down in an arm-chair till it was over. + </p> + <p> + As soon as I had got back my breath the sorceress said, + </p> + <p> + “You laugh, do you? Woe to you if I had bathed you in the bath of blood + mingled according to my art, and more woe still if, after I had bathed + you, I had thrown your image on a burning coal.” + </p> + <p> + “Is this all?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “All the apparatus is to become mine for twelve sequins; here they are. + And now, quick! light me a fire that I may melt this monster, and as for + the blood I think I will throw it out of the window.” + </p> + <p> + This was no sooner said than done. + </p> + <p> + The old woman had been afraid that I should take the bottle and the image + home with me, and use them to her ruin; and she was delighted to see me + melt the image. She told me that I was an angel of goodness, and begged me + not to tell anyone of what had passed between us. I swore I would keep my + own counsel, even with the countess. + </p> + <p> + I was astonished when she calmly offered to make the countess madly in + love with me for another twelve sequins, but I politely refused and + advised her to abandon her fearful trade if she did not want to be burnt + alive. + </p> + <p> + I found Clairmont at his post, and I sent him home. In spite of all I had + gone through, I was not sorry to have acquired the information, and to + have followed the advice of the good Capuchin who really believed me to be + in deadly peril. He had doubtless heard of it in the confessional from the + woman who had carried the blood to the witch. Auricular confession often + works miracles of this kind. + </p> + <p> + I was determined never to let the countess suspect that I had discovered + her criminal project, and I resolved to behave towards her so as to + appease her anger, and to make her forget the cruel insult to which I had + subjected her. It was lucky for me that she believed in sorcery; otherwise + she would have had me assassinated. + </p> + <p> + As soon as I got in, I chose the better of the two cloaks I had, and + presented her with it. She accepted the gift with exquisite grace, and + asked me why I gave it her. + </p> + <p> + “I dreamt,” said I, “that you were so angry with me that you were going to + have me assassinated.” + </p> + <p> + She blushed, and answered that she had not gone mad. I left her absorbed + in a sombre reverie. Nevertheless, whether she forgot and forgave, or + whether she could hit upon no other way of taking vengeance, she was + perfectly agreeable to me during the rest of my stay in Milan. + </p> + <p> + The count came back from his estate, and said that we must really go and + see the place at the beginning of Lent. I promised I would come, but the + countess said she could not be of the party. I pretended to be mortified, + but in reality her determination was an extremely pleasant one to me. + </p> + <a name="linkD2HCH0020" id="linkD2HCH0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XX + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The Masquerade—My Amour with the Fair Marchioness—The + Deserted Girl; I Become Her Deliverer—My Departure for St. + Angelo +</pre> + <p> + As I had engaged myself to provide an absolutely impenetrable disguise, I + wanted to invent a costume remarkable at once for its originality and its + richness. I tortured my brains so to speak, and my readers shall see if + they think my invention was a good one. + </p> + <p> + I wanted someone on whom I could rely, and above all, a tailor. It may be + imagined that my worthy gossip was the tailor I immediately thought of. + Zenobia would be as serviceable as her husband; she could do some of the + work, and wait on the young ladies whom I was going to dress up. + </p> + <p> + I talked to my gossip, and told him to take me to the best second-hand + clothes dealer in Milan. + </p> + <p> + When we got to the shop I said to the man— + </p> + <p> + “I want to look at your very finest costumes, both for ladies and + gentlemen.” + </p> + <p> + “Would you like something that has never been worn?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, if you have got such a thing.” + </p> + <p> + “I have a very rich assortment of new clothes.” + </p> + <p> + “Get me, then, in the first place, a handsome velvet suit, all in one + piece, which nobody in Milan will be able to recognize.” + </p> + <p> + Instead of one he shewed me a dozen such suits, all in excellent + condition. I chose a blue velvet lined with white satin. The tailor + conducted the bargaining, and it was laid on one side; this was for the + pretty cousin’s lover. Another suit, in smooth sulphur-coloured velvet + throughout, I put aside for the young officer. I also took two handsome + pairs of trousers in smooth velvet, and two superb silk vests. + </p> + <p> + I then chose two dresses, one flame-coloured and the other purple, and a + third dress in shot silk. This was for the officer’s mistress. Then came + lace shirts, two for men, and three for women, then lace handkerchiefs, + and finally scraps of velvet, satin, shot silk, etc., all of different + colours. + </p> + <p> + I paid two hundred gold ducats for the lot, but on the condition that if + anybody came to know that I had bought them by any indiscretion of his he + should give me the money and take back the materials in whatever condition + they might be in. The agreement was written out and signed, and I returned + with the tailor, who carried the whole bundle to my rooms over the + pastrycook’s. + </p> + <p> + When it was all spread out on the table I told the tailor that I would + blow out his brains if he told anybody about it, and then taking a + stiletto I proceeded to cut and slash the coats, vests, and trousers all + over, to the astonishment of the tailor, who thought I must be mad to + treat such beautiful clothes in this manner. + </p> + <p> + After this operation, which makes me laugh to this day when I remember it, + I took the scraps I had bought and said to the tailor,— + </p> + <p> + “Now, gossip, it is your turn; I want you to sew in these pieces into the + holes I have made, and I hope your tailoring genius will aid you to + produce some pretty contrasts. You see that you have got your work cut out + for you and no time to lose. I will see that your meals are properly + served in an adjoining chamber, but you must not leave the house till the + work is finished. I will go for your wife, who will help you, and you can + sleep together.” + </p> + <p> + “For God’s sake, sir! you don’t want the ladies’ dresses treated like the + coats and trousers?” + </p> + <p> + “Just the same.” + </p> + <p> + “What a pity! it will make my wife cry.” + </p> + <p> + “I will console her.” + </p> + <p> + On my way to Zenobia’s I bought five pairs of white silk stockings, men’s + and women’s gloves, two fine castor hats, two burlesque men’s masks, and + three graceful-looking female masks. I also bought two pretty china + plates, and I carried them all to Zenobia’s in a sedan-chair. + </p> + <p> + I found that charming woman engaged in her toilet. Her beautiful tresses + hung about her neck, and her full breast was concealed by no kerchief. + Such charms called for my homage, and to begin with I devoured her with + kisses. I spent half an hour with her, and my readers will guess that it + was well employed. I then helped her to finish her toilette, and we went + off in the sedan-chair. + </p> + <p> + We found the tailor engaged in picking out the scraps and cutting them to + fit the holes I had made. Zenobia looked on in a kind of stupor, and when + she saw me begin to slash the dresses she turned pale and made an + involuntary motion to stay my hand, for not knowing my intentions she + thought I must be beside myself. Her husband had got hardened, and + reassured her, and when she heard my explanation she became calm, though + the idea struck her as a very odd one. + </p> + <p> + When it is a question of an affair of the heart, of the passions, or of + pleasure, a woman’s fancy moves much faster than a man’s. When Zenobia + knew that these dresses were meant for three beautiful women, whom I + wished to make a centre of attraction to the whole assembly, she improved + on my cuts and slashes, and arranged the rents in such a manner that they + would inspire passion without wounding modesty. The dresses were slashed + especially at the breast, the shoulders, and the sleeves; so that the lace + shift could be seen, and in its turn the shift was cut open here and + there, and the sleeves were so arranged that half the arms could be seen. + I saw sure that she understood what I wanted, and that she would keep her + husband right; and I left them, encouraging them to work their best and + quickest. But I looked in three or four times in the day, and was more + satisfied every time with my idea and their execution. + </p> + <p> + The work was not finished till the Saturday afternoon. I gave the tailor + six sequins and dismissed him, but I kept Zenobia to attend on the ladies. + I took care to place powder, pomade, combs, pins, and everything that a + lady needs, on the table, not forgetting ribbons and pack-thread. + </p> + <p> + The next day I found play going on in a very spirited manner, but the two + cousins were not at the tables, so I went after them. They told me they + had given up playing as Barbaro always won. + </p> + <p> + “You have been losing, then?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but my brother has won something,” said the amiable Q——. + </p> + <p> + “I hope luck will declare itself on your side also.” + </p> + <p> + “No, we are not lucky.” + </p> + <p> + When their aunt left the room, they asked me if the lieutenant had told me + that a lady friend of theirs was coming to the ball with them. + </p> + <p> + “I know all,” I answered, “and I hope you will enjoy yourselves, but you + will not do so more than I. I want to speak to the gallant lieutenant + to-morrow morning.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell us about our disguises.” + </p> + <p> + “You will be disguised in such a manner that nobody will recognize you.” + </p> + <p> + “But how shall we be dressed?” + </p> + <p> + “Very handsomely.” + </p> + <p> + “But what costume have you given us?” + </p> + <p> + “That is my secret, ladies. However much I should like to please you, I + shall say nothing till the time for you to dress comes round. Don’t ask me + anything more, as I have promised myself the enjoyment of your surprise. I + am very fond of dramatic situations. You shall know all after supper.” + </p> + <p> + “Are we to have supper, then?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, if you would like it. I am a great eater myself and I hope you + will not let me eat alone.” + </p> + <p> + “Then we will have some supper to please you. We will take care not to eat + much dinner, so as to be able to vie with you in the evening. The only + thing I am sorry about,” added Mdlle. Q——, “is that you should + be put to such expense.” + </p> + <p> + “It is a pleasure; and when I leave Milan I shall console myself with the + thought that I have supped with the two handsomest ladies in the town.” + </p> + <p> + “How is fortune treating you?” + </p> + <p> + “Canano wins two hundred sequins from me every day.” + </p> + <p> + “But you won two thousand from him in one night.” + </p> + <p> + “You will break his bank on Sunday. We will bring you luck.” + </p> + <p> + “Would you like to look on?” + </p> + <p> + “We should be delighted, but my brother says you don’t want to go with + us.” + </p> + <p> + “Quite so, the reason is that I should be recognized. But I believe the + gentleman who will accompany you is of the same figure as myself.” + </p> + <p> + “Exactly the same,” said the cousin; “except that he is fair.” + </p> + <p> + “All the better,” said I, “the fair always conquer the dark with ease.” + </p> + <p> + “Not always,” said the other. “But tell us, at any rate, whether we are to + wear men’s dresses.” + </p> + <p> + “Fie! fie! I should be angry with myself if I had entertained such a + thought.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s curious; why so?” + </p> + <p> + “I’ll tell you. If the disguise is complete I am disgusted, for the shape + of a woman is much more marked than that of a man, and consequently a + woman in man’s dress, who looks like a man, cannot have a good figure.” + </p> + <p> + “But when a woman skews her shape well?” + </p> + <p> + “Then I am angry with her for shewing too much, for I like to see the face + and the general outlines of the form and to guess the rest.” + </p> + <p> + “But the imagination is often deceptive!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but it is with the face that I always fall in love, and that never + deceives me as far as it is concerned. Then if I have the good fortune to + see anything more I am always in a lenient mood and disposed to pass over + small faults. You are laughing?” + </p> + <p> + “I am smiling at your impassioned arguments.” + </p> + <p> + “Would you like to be dressed like a man?” + </p> + <p> + “I was expecting something of the kind, but after you have said we can + make no more objections.” + </p> + <p> + “I can imagine what you would say; I should certainly not take you for + men, but I will say no more.” + </p> + <p> + They looked at each other, and blushed and smiled as they saw my gaze + fixed on two pre-eminences which one would never expect to see in any man. + We began to talk of other things, and for two hours I enjoyed their lively + and cultured conversation. + </p> + <p> + When I left them I went off to my apartments, then to the opera, where I + lost two hundred sequins, and finally supped with the countess, who had + become quite amiable. However, she soon fell back into her old ways when + she found that my politeness was merely external, and that I had no + intentions whatever of troubling her in her bedroom again. + </p> + <p> + On the Saturday morning the young officer came to see me, and I told him + that there was only one thing that I wanted him to do, but that it must be + done exactly according to my instructions. He promised to follow them to + the letter, and I proceeded,— + </p> + <p> + “You must get a carriage and four, and as soon as the five of you are in + it tell the coachman to drive as fast as his horses can gallop out of + Milan, and to bring you back again by another road to the house. There you + must get down, send the carriage away, after enjoining silence on the + coachman, and come in. After the ball you will undress in the same house, + and then go home in sedan-chairs. Thus we shall be able to baffle the + inquisitive, who will be pretty numerous, I warn you.” + </p> + <p> + “My friend the marquis will see to all that,” said he, “and I promise you + he will do it well, for he is longing to make your acquaintance.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall expect you, then, at seven o’clock to-morrow. + </p> + <p> + “Warn your friend that it is important the coachman should not be known, + and do not let anybody bring a servant.” + </p> + <p> + All these arrangements being made, I determined to disguise myself as + Pierrot. There’s no disguise more perfect; for, besides concealing the + features and the shape of the body, it does not even let the colour of the + skin remain recognizable. My readers may remember what happened to me in + this disguise ten years before. I made the tailor get me a new Pierrot + costume, which I placed with the others, and with two new purses, in each + of which I placed five hundred sequins, I repaired to the pastrycook’s + before seven o’clock. I found the table spread, and the supper ready. I + shut up Zenobia in the room where the ladies were to make their toilette, + and at five minutes past seven the joyous company arrived. + </p> + <p> + The marquis was delighted to make my acquaintance, and I welcomed him as + he deserved. He was a perfect gentleman in every respect, handsome, rich, + and young, very much in love with the pretty cousin whom he treated with + great respect. The lieutenant’s mistress was a delightful little lady and + madly fond of her lover. + </p> + <p> + As they were all aware that I did not want them to know their costumes + till after supper, nothing was said about it, and we sat down to table. + The supper was excellent; I had ordered it in accordance with my own + tastes; that is to say, everything was of the best, and there was plenty + of everything. When we had eaten and drunk well, I said,— + </p> + <p> + “As I am not going to appear with you, I may as well tell you the parts + you are to play. You are to be five beggars, two men and three women, all + rags and tatters.” + </p> + <p> + The long faces they pulled at this announcement were a pleasant sight to + see. + </p> + <p> + “You will each carry a plate in your hands to solicit alms, and you must + walk together about the ball-room as a band of mendicants. But now follow + me and take possession of your ragged robes.” + </p> + <p> + Although I had much ado to refrain from laughing at the vexation and + disappointment which appeared on all their faces, I succeeded in + preserving my serious air. They did not seem in any kind of hurry to get + their clothes, and I was obliged to tell them that they were keeping me + waiting. They rose from the table and I threw the door open, and all were + struck with Zenobia’s beauty as she stood up by the table on which the + rich though tattered robes were displayed, bowing to the company with much + grace. + </p> + <p> + “Here, ladies,” said I to the cousins, “are your dresses, and here is + yours, mademoiselle—a little smaller. Here are your shifts, your + handkerchiefs and your stockings, and I think you will find everything you + require on this table. Here are masks, the faces of which shew so poorly + beside your own, and here are three plates to crave alms. If anybody looks + as high as your garters, they will see how wretched you are, and the holes + in the stockings will let people know that you have not the wherewithal to + buy silk to mend them. This packthread must serve you for buckles, and we + must take care that there are holes in your shoes and also in your gloves, + and as everything must match, as soon as you have put on your chemises you + must tear the lace round the neck.” + </p> + <p> + While I was going through this explanation I saw surprise and delight + efface the disappointment and vexation which had been there a moment + before. They saw what a rich disguise I had provided for them, and they + could not find it in their hearts to say, “What a pity!” + </p> + <p> + “Here, gentlemen, are your beggar-clothes. I forgot to lacerate your + beaver hats, but that is soon done. Well, what do you think of the + costume?” + </p> + <p> + “Now, ladies, we must leave you; shut the door fast, for it is a case of + changing your shifts. Now, gentlemen, leave the room.” + </p> + <p> + The marquis was enthusiastic. + </p> + <p> + “What a sensation we shall create!” said he, “nothing could be better.” + </p> + <p> + In half an hour we were ready. The stockings in holes, the worn-out shoes, + the lace in rags, the straggling hair, the sad masks, the notched plates—all + made a picture of sumptuous misery hard to be described. + </p> + <p> + The ladies took more time on account of their hair, which floated on their + shoulders in fine disorder. Mdlle. Q——‘s hair was especially + fine, it extended almost to her knees. + </p> + <p> + When they were ready the door was opened, and we saw everything which + could excite desire without wounding decency. I admired Zenobia’s + adroitness. The rents in dresses and chemises disclosed parts of their + shoulders, their breasts, and their arms, and their white legs shone + through the holes in the stockings. + </p> + <p> + I shewed them how to walk, and to sway their heads to and fro, to excite + compassion, and yet be graceful, and how to use their handkerchiefs to + shew people the tears in them and the fineness of the lace. They were + delighted, and longed to be at the ball, but I wanted to be there first to + have the pleasure of seeing them come in. I put on my mask, told Zenobia + to go to bed, as we would not be back till daybreak, and set out on my + way. + </p> + <p> + I entered the ball-room, and as there were a score of Pierrots nobody + noticed me. Five minutes after there was a rush to see some maskers who + were coming in, and I stood so as to have a good view. The marquis came in + first between the two cousins. Their slow, pitiful step matched the part + wonderfully. Mdlle. Q—— with her flame-coloured dress, her + splendid hair, and her fine shape, drew all eyes towards her. The + astonished and inquisitive crowd kept silence for a quarter of an hour + after they had come in, and then I heard on every side, “What a disguise!” + “It’s wonderful!” “Who are they?” “Who can they be?” “I don’t know.” “I’ll + find out.” + </p> + <p> + I enjoyed the results of my inventiveness. + </p> + <p> + The music struck up, and three fine dominos went up to the three + beggar-girls to ask them to dance a minuet, but they excused themselves by + pointing to their dilapidated shoes. I was delighted; it shewed that they + had entered into the spirit of the part. + </p> + <p> + I followed them about for a quarter of an hour, and the curiosity about + them only increased, and then I paid a visit to Canano’s table, where play + was running high. A masquer dressed in the Venetian style was punting on a + single card, going fifty sequins paroli and paix de paroli, in my fashion. + He lost three hundred sequins, and as he was a man of about the same size + as myself people said it was Casanova, but Canano would not agree. In + order that I might be able to stay at the table, I took up the cards and + punted three or four ducats like a beginner. The next deal the Venetian + masquer had a run of luck, and going paroli, paix de paroli and the va, + won back all the money he had lost. + </p> + <p> + The next deal was also in his favour, and he collected his winnings and + left the table. + </p> + <p> + I sat down in the chair he had occupied, and a lady said,— + </p> + <p> + “That’s the Chevalier de Seingalt.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said another. “I saw him a little while ago in the ball-room + disguised as a beggar, with four other masquers whom nobody knows.” + </p> + <p> + “How do you mean, dressed as a beggar?” said Canano. + </p> + <p> + “Why, in rags, and the four others, too; but in spite of that the dresses + are splendid and the effect is very good. They are asking for alms.” + </p> + <p> + “They ought to be turned out,” said another. + </p> + <p> + I was delighted to have attained my object, for the recognition of me was + a mere guess. I began putting sequins on one card, and I lost five or six + times running. Canano studied me, but I saw he could not make me out. I + heard whispers running round the table. + </p> + <p> + “It isn’t Seingalt; he doesn’t play like that; besides, he is at the + ball.” + </p> + <p> + The luck turned; three deals were in my favour, and brought me back more + than I had lost. I continued playing with a heap of gold before me, and on + my putting a fistfull of sequins on a card it came out, and I went paroli + and pair de paroli. I won again, and seeing that the bank was at a low ebb + I stopped playing. Canano paid me, and told his cashier to get a thousand + sequins, and as he was shuffling the cards I heard a cry of, “Here come + the beggars.” + </p> + <p> + The beggars came in and stood by the table, and Canano, catching the + marquis’s eye, asked him for a pinch of snuff. My delight may be imagined + when I saw him modestly presenting a common horn snuffbox to the banker. I + had not thought of this detail, which made everybody laugh immensely. + Mdlle. Q—— stretched out her plate to ask an alms of Canano, + who said,— + </p> + <p> + “I don’t pity you with that fine hair of yours, and if you like to put it + on a card I will allow you a thousand sequins for it.” + </p> + <p> + She gave no answer to this polite speech, and held out her plate to me, + and I put a handful of sequins on it, treating the other beggars in the + same way. + </p> + <p> + “Pierrot seems to like beggars,” said Canano, with a smile. + </p> + <p> + The three mendicants bowed gratefully to me and left the room. + </p> + <p> + The Marquis Triulzi who sat near Canano, said,— + </p> + <p> + “The beggar in the straw-coloured dress is certainly Casanova.” + </p> + <p> + “I recognized him directly,” replied the banker, “but who are the others?” + </p> + <p> + “We shall find out in due time.” + </p> + <p> + “A dearer costume could not be imagined; all the dresses are quite new.” + </p> + <p> + The thousand sequins came in, and I carried them all off in two deals. + </p> + <p> + “Would you like to go on playing?” said Canano. + </p> + <p> + I shook my head, and indicating with a sign of my hand that I would take a + cheque, he weighed my winnings and gave me a cheque for twenty-nine pounds + of gold, amounting to two thousand, five hundred sequins. I put away the + cheque, and after shaking him by the hand, I got up and rolled away in + true Pierrot fashion, and after making the tour of the ball-room I went to + a box on the third tier of which I had given the key to the young officer, + and there I found my beggars. + </p> + <p> + We took off our masks and congratulated each other on our success, and + told our adventures. We had nothing to fear from inquisitive eyes, for the + boxes on each side of us were empty. I had taken them myself, and the keys + were in my pocket. + </p> + <p> + The fair beggars talked of returning me the alms I had given them, but I + replied in such a way that they said no more about it. + </p> + <p> + “I am taken for you, sir,” said the marquis, “and it may cause some + annoyance to our fair friends here.” + </p> + <p> + “I have foreseen that,” I replied, “and I shall unmask before the end of + the ball. This will falsify all suppositions, and nobody will succeed in + identifying you.” + </p> + <p> + “Our pockets are full of sweetmeats,” said Mdlle. Q——. + “Everybody wanted to fill our plates.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said the cousin, “everybody admired us; the ladies came down from + their boxes to have a closer view of us, and everyone said that no richer + disguise could be imagined.” + </p> + <p> + “You have enjoyed yourselves, then?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, indeed.” + </p> + <p> + “And I too. I feel quite boastful at having invented a costume which has + drawn all eyes upon you, and yet has concealed your identity.” + </p> + <p> + “You have made us all happy,” said the lieutenant’s little mistress. “I + never thought I should have such a pleasant evening.” + </p> + <p> + “Finis coronat opus,” I replied, “and I hope the end will be even better + than the beginning.” + </p> + <p> + So saying I gave my sweetheart’s hand a gentle pressure, and whether she + understood me or not I felt her hand tremble in mine. + </p> + <p> + “We will go down now,” said she. + </p> + <p> + “So will I, for I want to dance, and I am sure I shall make you laugh as + Pierrot.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you know how much money you gave each of us?” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot say precisely, but I believe I gave each an equal share.” + </p> + <p> + “That is so. I think it is wonderful how you could do it.” + </p> + <p> + “I have done it a thousand times. When I lose a paroli of ten sequins I + put three fingers into my purse, and am certain to bring up thirty + sequins. I would bet I gave you each from thirty-eight to forty sequins.” + </p> + <p> + “Forty exactly. It’s wonderful. We shall remember this masqued ball.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t think anybody will imitate us,” said the marquis. + </p> + <p> + “No,” said the cousin, “and we would not dare to wear the same dresses + again.” + </p> + <p> + We put on our masks, and I was the first to go out. After numerous little + jocularities with the harlequins, especially the female ones, I recognized + Therese in a domino, and walking up to her as awkwardly as I could I asked + her to dance with me. + </p> + <p> + “You are the Pierrot who broke the bank?” she said. + </p> + <p> + I answered the question in the affirmative by a nod. + </p> + <p> + I danced like a madman, always on the point of falling to the ground and + never actually doing so. + </p> + <p> + When the dance was over, I offered her my arm and took her back to her + box, where Greppi was sitting by himself. She let me come in, and their + surprise was great when I took off my mask. They had thought I was one of + the beggars. I gave M. Greppi Canano’s cheque, and as soon as he had + handed me an acknowledgment I went down to the ball-room again with my + mask off, much to the astonishment of the inquisitive, who had made sure + that the marquis was I. + </p> + <p> + Towards the end of the ball I went away in a sedan-chair, which I stopped + near the door of an hotel, and a little further on I took another which + brought me to the door of the pastry-cook’s. I found Zenobia in bed. She + said she was sure I would come back by myself. I undressed as quickly as I + could, and got into bed with this Venus of a woman. She was absolute + perfection. I am sure that if Praxiteles had had her for a model, he would + not have required several Greek beauties from which to compose his Venus. + What a pity that such an exquisite figure should be the property of a + sorry tailor. + </p> + <p> + I stripped her naked, and after due contemplation I made her feel how much + I loved her. She was pleased with my admiration, and gave me back as much + as she got. I had her entirely to myself for the first time. When we heard + the trot of four horses we rose and put on our clothes in a twinkling. + </p> + <p> + When the charming beggars came in, I told them that I should be able to + help in their toilette as they had not to change their chemises, and they + did not make many objections. + </p> + <p> + My gaze was fixed all the while on Mdlle. Q——. I admired her + charms, and I was delighted to see that she was not miserly in their + display. After Zenobia had done her hair she left her to me, and went to + attend on the others. She allowed me to put on her dress, and did not + forbid my eyes wandering towards a large rent in her chemise, which let me + see almost the whole of one of her beautiful breasts. + </p> + <p> + “What are you going to do with this chemise?” + </p> + <p> + “You will laugh at our silliness. We have determined to keep everything as + a memorial of the splendid evening we have had. My brother will bring it + all to the house. Are you coming to see us this evening?” + </p> + <p> + “If I were wise I should avoid you.” + </p> + <p> + “And if I were wise I shouldn’t ask you to come.” + </p> + <p> + “That is fairly answered! Of course I will come; but before we part may I + ask one kiss?” + </p> + <p> + “Say two.” + </p> + <p> + Her brother and the marquis left the room, and two sedan-chairs I had + summoned took off the cousins. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the marquis was alone with me he asked me very politely to let + him share in the expenses. + </p> + <p> + “I guessed you were going to humiliate me.” + </p> + <p> + “Such was not my intention, and I do not insist; but then you know I shall + be humiliated.” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all; I reckon on your good sense. It really costs me nothing. + Besides, I give you my word to let you pay for all the parties of pleasure + we enjoy together during the carnival. We will sup here when you like; you + shall invite the company, and I will leave you to pay the bill.” + </p> + <p> + “That arrangement will suit me admirably. We must be friends. I leave you + with this charming attendant. I did not think that such a beauty could + exist in Milan unknown to all but you.” + </p> + <p> + “She is a townswoman, who knows how to keep a secret. Do you not?” + </p> + <p> + “I would rather die than tell anyone that this gentleman is the Marquis of + F——.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s right; always keep your word, and take this trifle as a souvenir + of me.” + </p> + <p> + It was a pretty ring, which Zenobia received with much grace; it might be + worth about fifty sequins. + </p> + <p> + When the marquis was gone, Zenobia undressed me and did my hair for the + night, and as I got into bed I gave her twenty-four sequins, and told her + she might go and comfort her husband. + </p> + <p> + “He won’t be uneasy,” said she, “he is a philosopher.” + </p> + <p> + “He need be with such a pretty wife. Kiss me again, Zenobia, and then we + must part.” + </p> + <p> + She threw herself upon me, covering me with kisses, and calling me her + happiness and her providence. Her fiery kisses produced their natural + effect, and after I had given her a fresh proof of the power of her + charms, she left me and I went to sleep. + </p> + <p> + It was two o’clock when I awoke ravenously hungry. I had an excellent + dinner, and then I dressed to call on the charming Mdlle. Q——, + whom I did not expect to find too hard on me, after what she had said. + Everybody was playing cards with the exception of herself. She was + standing by a window reading so attentively that she did not hear me come + into the room, but when she saw me near her, she blushed, shut up the + book, and put it in her pocket. + </p> + <p> + “I will not betray you,” said I, “or tell anyone that I surprised you + reading a prayer-book.” + </p> + <p> + “No, don’t; for my reputation would be gone if I were thought to be a + devotee.” + </p> + <p> + “Has there been any talk of the masqued ball or of the mysterious + masquers?” + </p> + <p> + “People talk of nothing else, and condole with us for not having been to + the ball, but no one can guess who the beggars were. It seems that an + unknown carriage and four that sped like the wind took them as far as the + first stage, and where they went next God alone knows! It is said that my + hair was false, and I have longed to let it down and thus give them the + lie. It is also said that you must know who the beggars were, as you + loaded them with ducats.” + </p> + <p> + “One must let people say and believe what they like and not betray + ourselves.” + </p> + <p> + “You are right; and after all we had a delightful evening. If you acquit + yourself of all commissions in the same way, you must be a wonderful man.” + </p> + <p> + “But it is only you who could give me such a commission.” + </p> + <p> + “I to-day, and another to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “I see you think I am inconstant, but believe me if I find favour in your + eyes your face will ever dwell in my memory.” + </p> + <p> + “I am certain you have told a thousand girls the same story, and after + they have admitted you to their favour you have despised them.” + </p> + <p> + “Pray do not use the word ‘despise,’ or I shall suppose you think me a + monster. Beauty seduces me. I aspire to its possession, and it is only + when it is given me from other motives than love that I despise it. How + should I despise one who loved me? I should first be compelled to despise + myself. You are beautiful and I worship you, but you are mistaken if you + think that I should be content for you to surrender yourself to me out of + mere kindness.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! I see it is my heart you want.” + </p> + <p> + “Exactly.” + </p> + <p> + “To make me wretched at the end of a fortnight.” + </p> + <p> + “To love you till death, and to obey your slightest wishes.” + </p> + <p> + “My slightest wishes?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, for to me they would be inviolable laws.” + </p> + <p> + “Would you settle in Milan?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, if you made that a condition of my happiness.” + </p> + <p> + “What amuses me in all this is that you are deceiving me without knowing + it, if indeed you really love me.” + </p> + <p> + “Deceiving you without knowing it! That is something new. If I am not + aware of it, I am innocent of deceit.” + </p> + <p> + “I am willing to admit your innocency, but you are deceiving me none the + less, for after you had ceased to love me no power of yours could bring + love back again.” + </p> + <p> + “That, of course, might happen, but I don’t choose to entertain such + unpleasant thoughts; I prefer to think of myself as loving you to all + eternity. It is certain at all events that no other woman in Milan has + attracted me.” + </p> + <p> + “Not the pretty girl who waited on us, and whose arms you have possibly + left an hour or, two ago?” + </p> + <p> + “What are you saying? She is the wife of the tailor who made your clothes. + She left directly after you, and her husband would not have allowed her to + come at all if he was not aware that she would be wanted to wait on the + ladies whose dresses he had made.” + </p> + <p> + “She is wonderfully pretty. Is it possible that you are not in love with + her?” + </p> + <p> + “How could one love a woman who is at the disposal of a low, ugly fellow? + The only pleasure she gave me was by talking of you this morning.” + </p> + <p> + “Of me?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes. You will excuse me if I confess to having asked her which of the + ladies she waited on looked handsomest without her chemise.” + </p> + <p> + “That was a libertine’s question. Well, what did she say?” + </p> + <p> + “That the lady with the beautiful hair was perfect in every respect.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t believe a word of it. I have learnt how to change my chemise with + decency, and so as not to shew anything I might not shew a man. She only + wished to flatter your impertinent curiosity. If I had a maid like that, + she should soon go about her business.” + </p> + <p> + “You are angry with me.” + </p> + <p> + “No.” + </p> + <p> + “It’s no good saying no, your soul flashed forth in your denunciation. I + am sorry to have spoken.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! it’s of no consequence. I know men ask chambermaids questions of that + kind, and they all give answers like your sweetheart, who perhaps wanted + to make you curious about herself.” + </p> + <p> + “But how could she hope to do that by extolling your charms above those of + the other ladies? And, how could she know that I preferred you?” + </p> + <p> + “If she did not know it, I have made a mistake; but for all that, she lied + to you.” + </p> + <p> + “She may have invented the tale, but I do not think she lied. You are + smiling again! I am delighted.” + </p> + <p> + “I like to let you believe what pleases you.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you will allow me to believe that you do not hate me.” + </p> + <p> + “Hate you? What an ugly word! If I hated you, should I see you at all? But + let’s talk of something else. I want you to do me a favour. Here are two + sequins; I want you to put them on an ‘ambe’ in the lottery. You can bring + me the ticket when you call again, or still better, you can send it me, + but don’t tell anybody.” + </p> + <p> + “You shall have the ticket without fail, but why should I not bring it?” + </p> + <p> + “Because, perhaps, you are tired of coming to see me.” + </p> + <p> + “Do I look like that? If so I am very unfortunate. But what numbers will + you have?” + </p> + <p> + “Three and forty; you gave them me yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “How did I give them you?” + </p> + <p> + “You put your hand three times on the board, and took up forty sequins + each time. I am superstitious, and you will laugh at me, I daresay, but it + seems to me that you must have come to Milan to make me happy.” + </p> + <p> + “Now you make me happy indeed. You say you are superstitious, but if these + numbers don’t win you mustn’t draw the conclusion that I don’t love you; + that would be a dreadful fallacy.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not superstitious as all that, nor so vile a logician.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you believe I love you?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “May I tell you so a hundred times?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “And prove it in every way?” + </p> + <p> + “I must enquire into your methods before I consent to that, for it is + possible that what you would call a very efficacious method might strike + me as quite useless.” + </p> + <p> + “I see you are going to make me sigh after you for a long time.” + </p> + <p> + “As long as I can.” + </p> + <p> + “And when you have no strength left?” + </p> + <p> + “I will surrender. Does that satisfy you?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, but I shall exert all my strength to abate yours.” + </p> + <p> + “Do so; I shall like it.” + </p> + <p> + “And will you help me to succeed?” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, dear marchioness; you need only speak to make a man happy. You have + made me really so, and I am leaving you full of ardour.” + </p> + <p> + On leaving this charming conversationalist I went to the theatre and then + to the faro-table, where I saw the masquer who had won three hundred + sequins the evening before. This night he was very unlucky. He had lost + two thousand sequins, and in the course of the next hour his losses had + doubled. Canano threw down his cards and rose, saying, “That will do.” The + masquer left the table. He was a Genoese named Spinola. + </p> + <p> + “The bank is prosperous,” I remarked to Canano. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” he replied, “but it is not always so. Pierrot was very lucky the + other night.” + </p> + <p> + “You did not recognize me in the least?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I was so firmly persuaded that the beggar was you. You know who he + is?” + </p> + <p> + “I haven’t an idea. I never saw him before that day.” In this last + particular I did not lie. + </p> + <p> + “It is said that they are Venetians, and that they went to Bergamo.” + </p> + <p> + “It may be so, but I know nothing about them. I left the ball before they + did.” + </p> + <p> + In the evening I supped with the countess, her husband, and Triulzi. They + were of the same opinion as Canano. Triulzi said that I had let the cat + out of the bag by giving the beggars handfuls of sequins. + </p> + <p> + “That is a mistake,” I answered. “When the luck is in my favour I never + refuse anyone who asks me for money, for I have a superstition that I + should lose if I did. I had won thirty pounds weight of gold, and I could + afford to let fools talk.” + </p> + <p> + The next day I got the lottery ticket and took it to the marchioness. I + felt madly in love with her because I knew she was in love with me. + Neither of them were playing, and I spent two hours in their company, + talking of love all the while and enjoying their conversation immensely, + for they were exceedingly intelligent. I left them with the conviction + that if the cousin, and not Mdlle. Q——, had been thrown in my + way, I should have fallen in love with her in just the same manner. + </p> + <p> + Although the carnival is four days longer at Milan than at any other town, + it was now drawing to a close. There were three more balls. I played every + day, and every day I lost two or three hundred sequins. My prudence caused + even more surprise than my bad fortune. I went every day to the fair + cousins and made love, but I was still at the same point; I hoped, but + could get nothing tangible. The fair marchioness sometimes gave me a kiss, + but this was not enough for me. It is true that so far I had not dared to + ask her to meet me alone. As it was I felt my love might die for want of + food, and three days before the ball I asked her if she, her two friends, + the marquis, and the lieutenant, would come and sup with me. + </p> + <p> + “My brother,” she said, “will call on you to-morrow to see what can be + arranged.” + </p> + <p> + This was a good omen. The next day the lieutenant came. I had just + received the drawings at the lottery, and what was my surprise and delight + to see the two numbers three and forty. I said nothing to the young + marquis, as his sister had forbidden me, but I foresaw that this event + would be favourable to my suit. + </p> + <p> + “The Marquis of F——,” said the worthy ambassador, “asks you to + supper in your own rooms with all the band of beggars. He wishes to give + us a surprise, and would be obliged if you would lend him the room to have + a set of disguises made, and to ensure secrecy he wants you to let have + the same waiting-maid.” + </p> + <p> + “With pleasure; tell the marquis that all shall be according to his + pleasure.” + </p> + <p> + “Get the girl to come there at three o’clock to-day, and let the + pastry-cook know that the marquis has full powers to do what he likes in + the place.” + </p> + <p> + “Everything shall be done as you suggest.” + </p> + <p> + I guessed at once that the marquis wanted to have a taste of Zenobia; but + this seemed to me so natural that, far from being angry, I felt disposed + to do all in my power to favour his plans. Live and let live has always + been my maxim, and it will be so to my dying day, though now I do but live + a life of memories. + </p> + <p> + As soon as I was dressed I went out, and having told the pastrycook to + consider the gentleman who was coming as myself, I called on the tailor, + who was delighted at my getting his wife work. He knew by experience that + she was none the worse for these little absences. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t want you,” said I to the tailor, “as it is only women’s dresses + that have to be done. My good gossip here will be sufficient.” + </p> + <p> + “At three o’clock she may go, and I shall not expect to see her again for + three days.” + </p> + <p> + After I had dined I called as usual on the fair marchioness, and found her + in a transport of delight. Her lottery ticket had got her five hundred + sequins. + </p> + <p> + “And that makes you happy, does it?” said I. + </p> + <p> + “It does, not because of the gain in money, though I am by no means rich, + but for the beauty of the idea and for the thought that I owe it all to + you. These two things speak volumes in your favour.” + </p> + <p> + “What do they say?” + </p> + <p> + “That you deserve to be loved.” + </p> + <p> + “And also that you love me?” + </p> + <p> + “No, but my heart tells me as much.” + </p> + <p> + “You make me happy, but does not your heart also tell you that you should + prove your love?” + </p> + <p> + “Dearest, can you doubt it?” + </p> + <p> + With these words she gave me her hand to kiss for the first time. + </p> + <p> + “My first idea,” she added, “was to put the whole forty sequins on the + ‘ambe’.” + </p> + <p> + “You hadn’t sufficient courage?” + </p> + <p> + “It wasn’t that, I felt ashamed to do it. I was afraid that you might have + a thought you would not tell me of—namely, that if I gave you the + forty sequins to risk on the lottery, you would think I despised your + present. This would have been wrong, and if you had encouraged me I should + have risked all the money.” + </p> + <p> + “I am so sorry not to have thought of it. You would have had ten thousand + sequins, and I should be a happy man.” + </p> + <p> + “We will say no more about it.” + </p> + <p> + “Your brother tells me that we are going to the masqued ball under the + direction of the marquis, and I leave you to imagine how glad I feel at + the thought of spending a whole night with you. But one thought troubles + me.” + </p> + <p> + “What is that?” + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid it will not go off so well as before.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t be afraid, the marquis is a man of much ingenuity, and loves my + cousin’s honour as herself. He is sure to get us disguises in which we + shall not be recognized.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope so. He wants to pay for everything, including the supper.” + </p> + <p> + “He cannot do better than imitate your example in that respect.” + </p> + <p> + On the evening of the ball I went at an early hour to the pastry-cook’s, + where I found the marquis well pleased with the progress that had been + made. The dressing room was shut. I asked him in a suggestive manner if he + was satisfied with Zenobia. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, with her work,” he answered; “I did not ask her to do anything else + for me.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! of course I believe it, but I am afraid your sweetheart will be + rather sceptical.” + </p> + <p> + “She knows that I cannot love anyone besides herself.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, well, we will say no more about it.” + </p> + <p> + When the guests came the marquis said that as the costumes would amuse us + we had better put them on before supper. + </p> + <p> + We followed him into the next room, and he pointed out two thick bundles. + </p> + <p> + “Here, ladies, are your disguises,” said he; “and here is your maid who + will help you while we dress in another room.” + </p> + <p> + He took the larger of the two bundles, and when we were shut up in our + room he undid the string, and gave us our dresses, saying,— + </p> + <p> + “Let us be as quick as we can.” + </p> + <p> + We burst out laughing to see a set of women’s clothes. Nothing was + wanting, chemises, embroidered shoes with high heels, superb garters, and, + to relieve us of the trouble of having our hair done, exquisite caps with + rich lace coming over the forehead. I was surprised to find that my shoes + fitted me perfectly, but I heard afterwards that he employed the same + bootmaker as I did. Corsets, petticoats, gowns, kerchief, fans, work-bags, + rouge-boxes, masks, gloves, all were there. We only helped each other with + our hair, but when it was done we looked intensely stupid, with the + exception of the young officer, who really might have been taken for a + pretty woman; he had concealed his deficiency in feminine characteristics + by false breasts and a bustle. + </p> + <p> + We took off our breeches one after the other. + </p> + <p> + “Your fine garters,” said I, to the marquis, “make me want to wear some + too.” + </p> + <p> + “Exactly,” said the marquis; “but the worst of it is nobody will take the + trouble to find out whether we have garters or not, for two young ladies + five feet ten in height will not inspire very ardent desires.” + </p> + <p> + I had guessed that the girls would be dressed like men, and I was not + mistaken. They were ready before us, and when we opened the door we saw + them standing with their backs to the fireplace. + </p> + <p> + They looked three young pages minus their impudence, for though they + endeavoured to seem quite at their ease they were rather confused. + </p> + <p> + We advanced with the modesty of the fair sex, and imitating the air of shy + reserve which the part demanded. The girls of course thought themselves + obliged to mimic the airs of men, and they did not accost us like young + men accustomed to behave respectfully to ladies. They were dressed as + running footmen, with tight breeches, well-fitting waistcoats, open + throats, garters with a silver fringe, laced waistbands, and pretty caps + trimmed with silver lace, and a coat of arms emblazoned in gold. Their + lace shirts were ornamented with an immense frill of Alencon point. In + this dress, which displayed their beautiful shapes under a veil which was + almost transparent, they would have stirred the sense of a paralytic, and + we had no symptoms of that disease. However, we loved them too well to + frighten them. + </p> + <p> + After the silly remarks usual on such occasions had been passed, we began + to talk naturally while we were waiting for supper. The ladies said that + as this was the first time they had dressed as men they were afraid of + being recognized. + </p> + <p> + “Supposing somebody knew us,” cried the cousin, “we should be undone!” + </p> + <p> + They were right; but our part was to reassure them, though I at any rate + would have preferred to stay where we were. We sat down to supper, each + next to his sweetheart, and to my surprise the lieutenant’s mistress was + the first to begin the fun. Thinking that she could not pretend to be a + man without being impudent, she began to toy with the lady-lieutenant, who + defended himself like a prudish miss. The two cousins, not to be outdone, + began to caress us in a manner that was rather free. Zenobia, who was + waiting on us at table could not help laughing when Mdlle. Q—reproached + her for having made my dress too tight in the neck. She stretched out her + hand as if to toy with me, whereupon I gave her a slight box on the ear, + and imitating the manner of a repentant cavalier she kissed my hand and + begged my pardon. + </p> + <p> + The marquis said he felt cold, and his mistress asked him if he had his + breeches on, and put her hand under his dress to see, but she speedily + drew it back with a blush. We all burst out laughing, and she joined in, + and proceeded with her part of hardy lover. + </p> + <p> + The supper was admirable; everything was choice and abundant. Warm with + love and wine, we rose from the table at which we had been for two hours, + but as we got up sadness disfigured the faces of the two pretty cousins. + They did not dare to go to the ball in a costume that would put them at + the mercy of all the libertines there. The marquis and I felt that they + were right. + </p> + <p> + “We must make up our minds,” said the lieutenant, “shall we go to the ball + or go home?” + </p> + <p> + “Neither,” said the marquis, “we will dance here.” + </p> + <p> + “Where are the violins” asked his mistress, “you could not get them + to-night for their weight in gold.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said I, “we will do without them. We will have some punch, laugh, + and be merry, and we shall enjoy ourselves better than at the ball, and + when we are tired we can go to sleep. We have three beds here.” + </p> + <p> + “Two would be enough,” said the cousin. + </p> + <p> + “True, but we can’t have too much of a good thing.” + </p> + <p> + Zenobia had gone to sup with the pastrycook’s wife, but she was ready to + come up again when she should be summoned. + </p> + <p> + After two hours spent in amorous trifling, the lieutenant’s mistress, + feeling a little dizzy, went into an adjoining room and lay down on the + bed. Her lover was soon beside her. + </p> + <p> + Mdlle. Q——, who was in the same case, told me that she would + like to rest, so I took her into a room where she could sleep the night, + and advised her to do so. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t think I need fear its going any farther,” I said, “we will leave + the marquis with your cousin then, and I will watch over you while you + sleep.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no, you shall sleep too.” So saying, she went into the dressing-room, + and asked me to get her cloak. I brought it to her, and when she came in + she said,— + </p> + <p> + “I breathe again. Those dreadful trousers were too tight; they hurt me.” + She threw herself on the bed, with nothing on besides her cloak. + </p> + <p> + “Where did the breeches hurt you?” said I. + </p> + <p> + “I can’t tell you, but I should think you must find them dreadfully + uncomfortable.” + </p> + <p> + “But, dearest, our anatomy is different, and breeches do not trouble us at + all where they hurt you.” + </p> + <p> + As I spoke I held her to my breast and let myself fall gently beside her + on the bed. We remained thus a quarter of an hour without speaking, our + lips glued together in one long kiss. I left her a moment by herself, and + when I returned she was between the sheets. She said she had undressed to + be able to sleep better, and, shutting her eyes, turned away. I knew that + the happy hour had come, and taking off my woman’s clothes in a twinkling, + I gently glided into the bed beside her, for the last struggles of modesty + must be tenderly respected. I clasped her in my arms and a gentle pressure + soon aroused her passions, and turning towards me she surrendered to me + all her charms. + </p> + <p> + After the first sacrifice I proposed a wash, for though I could not + exactly flatter myself that I had been the first to break open the lock, + the victim had left some traces on the bed, which looked as if it were so. + The offer was received with delight, and when the operation was over she + allowed me to gaze on all her charms, which I covered with kisses. Growing + bolder, she made me grant her the same privilege. + </p> + <p> + “What a difference there is,” said she, “between nature and art!” + </p> + <p> + “But of course you think that art is the better?” + </p> + <p> + “No, certainly not.” + </p> + <p> + “But there may be imperfections in nature, whereas art is perfect.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not know whether there be any imperfection in what I behold, but I + do know that I have never seen anything so beautiful.” + </p> + <p> + In fact she had the instrument of love before her eyes in all its majesty, + and I soon made her feel its power. She did not remain still a moment, and + I have known few women so ardent and flexible in their movements. + </p> + <p> + “If we were wise,” said she, “instead of going to the ball again we would + come here and enjoy ourselves.” + </p> + <p> + I kissed the mouth which told me so plainly that I was to be happy, and I + convinced her by my transports that no man could love her as ardently as I + did. I had no need to keep her awake, she shewed no inclination for sleep. + We were either in action or contemplation, or engaged in amorous + discourse, the whole time. I cheated her now and then, but to her own + advantage, for a young woman is always more vigorous than a man, and we + did not stop till the day began to break. There was no need for + concealment, for each had enjoyed his sweetheart in peace and happiness, + and it was only modesty which silenced our congratulations. By this + silence we did not proclaim our happiness, but neither did we deny it. + </p> + <p> + When we were ready I thanked the marquis, and asked him to supper for the + next ball night without any pretence of our going to the masquerade, if + the ladies had no objection. The lieutenant answered for them in the + affirmative, and his mistress threw her arms round his neck, reproaching + him for having slept all night. The marquis confessed to the same fault, + and I repeated the words like an article of faith, while the ladies kissed + us, and thanked us for our kindness to them. We parted in the same way as + before, except that this time the marquis remained with Zenobia. + </p> + <p> + I went to bed as soon as I got home, and slept till three o’clock. When I + got up I found the house was empty, so I went to dine at the + pastry-cook’s, where I found Zenobia and her husband, who had come to + enjoy the leavings of our supper. He told me that I had made his fortune, + as the marquis had given his wife twenty-four sequins and the woman’s + dress he had worn. I gave her mine as well. I told my gossip that I should + like some dinner, and the tailor went away in a grateful mood. + </p> + <p> + As soon as I was alone with Zenobia I asked her if she were satisfied with + the marquis. + </p> + <p> + “He paid me well,” she answered, a slight blush mounting on her cheeks. + </p> + <p> + “That is enough,” said I, “no one can see you without loving you, or love + you without desiring to possess your charms.” + </p> + <p> + “The marquis did not go so far as that.” + </p> + <p> + “It may be so, but I am surprised to hear it.” + </p> + <p> + When I had dined, I hastened to call on the fair marchioness, whom I loved + more than ever after the delicious night she had given me. I wanted to see + what effect she would have on me, after making me so happy. She looked + prettier than ever. She received me in a way becoming in a mistress who is + glad to have acquired some rights over her lover. + </p> + <p> + “I was sure,” said she, “that you would come and see me;” and though her + cousin was there she kissed me so often and so ardently that there was no + room for doubt as to the manner in which we had spent our night together. + I passed five hours with her, which went by all too quickly, for we talked + of love, and love is an inexhaustible subject. This five hours’ visit on + the day after our bridal shewed me that I was madly in love with my new + conquest, while it must have convinced her that I was worthy of her + affection. + </p> + <p> + Countess A—— B—— had sent me a note asking me to + sup with her, her husband, and the Marquis Triulzi, and other friends. + This engagement prevented my paying a visit to Canano, who had won a + thousand sequins of me since my great victory as Pierrot. I knew that he + boasted that he was sure of me, but in my own mind I had determined to + gain the mastery. At supper the countess waged war on me. I slept out at + night. I was rarely visible. She tried hard to steal my secret from me, + and to get some information as to my amorous adventures. It was known that + I sometimes supped at Therese’s with Greppi, who was laughed at because he + had been silly enough to say that he had nothing to dread from my power. + The better to conceal my game, I said he was quite right. + </p> + <p> + The next day Barbaro, who was as honest as most professional sharpers are, + brought me the two hundred sequins I had lent him, with a profit of two + hundred more. He told me that he had had a slight difference with the + lieutenant, and was not going to play any more. I thanked him for having + presented me to the fair marchioness, telling him that I was quite in love + with her and in hopes of overcoming her scruples. He smiled, and praised + my discretion, letting me understand that I did not take him in; but it + was enough for me not to confess to anything. + </p> + <p> + About three o’clock I called on my sweetheart, and spent five hours with + her as before. As Barbaro was not playing, the servants had been ordered + to say that no one was at home. As I was the declared lover of the + marchioness, her cousin treated me as an intimate friend. She begged me to + stay at Milan as long as possible, not only to make her cousin happy, but + for her sake as well, since without me she could not enjoy the marquis’s + society in private, and while her father was alive he would never dare to + come openly to the house. She thought she would certainly become his wife + as soon as her old father was dead, but she hoped vainly, for soon after + the marquis fell into evil ways and was ruined. + </p> + <p> + Next evening we all assembled at supper, and instead of going to the ball + gave ourselves up to pleasure. We spent a delicious night, but it was + saddened by the reflection that the carnival was drawing to a close, and + with it our mutual pleasures would be over. + </p> + <p> + On the eve of Shrove Tuesday as there was no ball I sat down to play, and + not being able once to hit on three winning cards, I lost all the gold I + had about me. I should have left the table as usual if a woman disguised + as a man had not given me a card, and urged me by signs to play it. I + risked a hundred sequins on it, giving my word for the payment. I lost, + and in my endeavours to get back my money I lost a thousand sequins, which + I paid the next day. + </p> + <p> + I was just going out to console myself with the company of my dear + marchioness, when I saw the evil-omened masquer approaching, accompanied + by a man, also in disguise, who shook me by the hand and begged me to come + at ten o’clock to the “Three Kings” at such a number, if the honour of an + old friend was dear to me. + </p> + <p> + “What friend is that?” + </p> + <p> + “Myself.” + </p> + <p> + “What is your name?” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot tell you.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you need not tell me to come, for if you were a true friend of mine + you would tell me your name.” + </p> + <p> + I went out and he followed me, begging me to come with him to the end of + the arcades. When we got there he took off his mask, and I recognized + Croce, whom my readers may remember. + </p> + <p> + I knew he was banished from Milan, and understood why he did not care to + give his name in public, but I was exceedingly glad I had refused to go to + his inn. + </p> + <p> + “I am surprised to see you here,” said I. + </p> + <p> + “I dare say your are. I have come here in this carnival season, when one + can wear a mask, to compel my relations to give me what they owe me; but + they put me off from one day to another, as they are sure I shall be + obliged to go when Lent begins.” + </p> + <p> + “And will you do so?” + </p> + <p> + “I shall be obliged to, but as you will not come and see me, give me + twenty sequins, which will enable me to leave Milan. My cousin owes me ten + thousand livres, and will not pay me a tenth even. I will kill him before + I go.” + </p> + <p> + “I haven’t a farthing, and that mask of yours has made me lose a thousand + sequins, which I do not know how to pay. + </p> + <p> + “I know. I am an unlucky man, and bring bad luck to all my friends. It was + I who told her to give you a card, in the hope that it would change the + run against you.” + </p> + <p> + “Is she a Milanese girl?” + </p> + <p> + “No, she comes from Marseilles, and is the daughter of a rich agent. I + fell in love with her, seduced her, and carried her off to her + unhappiness. I had plenty of money then, but, wretch that I am, I lost it + all at Genoa, where I had to sell all my possessions to enable me to come + here. I have been a week in Milan. Pray give me the wherewithal to + escape.” + </p> + <p> + I was touched with compassion, and I borrowed twenty sequins from Canano, + and gave them to the poor wretch, telling him to write to me. + </p> + <p> + This alms-giving did me good; it made me forget my losses, and I spent a + delightful evening with the marchioness. + </p> + <p> + The next day we supped together at my rooms, and spent the rest of the + night in amorous pleasures. It was the Saturday, the last day of the + carnival at Milan, and I spent the whole of the Sunday in bed, for the + marchioness had exhausted me, and I knew that a long sleep would restore + my strength. + </p> + <p> + Early on Monday morning Clairmont brought me a letter which had been left + by a servant. It had no signature, and ran as follows: + </p> + <p> + “Have compassion, sir, on the most wretched creature breathing. M. de la + Croix has gone away in despair. He has left me here in the inn, where he + has paid for nothing. Good God! what will become of me? I conjure you to + come and see me, be it only to give me your advice.” + </p> + <p> + I did not hesitate for a moment, and it was not from any impulses of love + or profligacy that I went, but from pure compassion. I put on my great + coat, and in the same room in which I had seen Irene I saw a young and + pretty girl, about whose face there was something peculiarly noble and + attractive. I saw in her innocence and modesty oppressed and persecuted. + As soon as I came in she humbly apologized for having dared to trouble me, + and she asked me to tell a woman who was in the room to leave it, as she + did not speak Italian. + </p> + <p> + “She has been tiring me for more than an hour. I cannot understand what + she says, but I can make out that she wants to do me a service. However, I + do not feel inclined to accept her assistance.” + </p> + <p> + “Who told you to come and see this young lady?” said I, to the woman. + </p> + <p> + “One of the servants of the inn told me that a young lady from foreign + parts had been left alone here, and that she was much to be pitied. My + feelings of humanity made me come and see if I could be useful to her; but + I see she is in good hands, and I am very glad of it for her sake, poor + dear!” + </p> + <p> + I saw that the woman was a procuress, and I only replied with a smile of + contempt. + </p> + <p> + The poor girl then told me briefly what I had already heard, and added + that Croce, who called himself De St. Croix, had gone to the gaming-table + as soon as he had got my twenty sequins, and that he had then taken her + back to the inn, where he had spent the next day in a state of despair, as + he did not dare to shew himself abroad in the daytime. In the evening he + put on his mask and went out, not returning till the next morning. + </p> + <p> + “Soon after he put on his great coat and got ready to go out, telling me + that if he did not return he would communicate with me by you, at the same + time giving me your address, of which I have made use as you know. He has + not come back, and if you have not seen him I am sure he has gone off on + foot without a penny in his pocket. The landlord wants to be paid, and by + selling all I have I could satisfy his claims; but, good God! what is to + become of me, then?” + </p> + <p> + “Dare you return to your father?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir, I dare return to him. He will forgive me when on my knees and + with tears in my eyes I tell him that I am ready to bury myself in a + nunnery.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good! then I will take you to Marseilles myself, and in the + meanwhile I will find you a lodging with some honest people. Till then, + shut yourself up in your room, do not admit anyone to see you, and be sure + I will have a care for you.” + </p> + <p> + I summoned the landlord and paid the bill, which was a very small one, and + I told him to take care of the lady till my return. The poor girl was dumb + with surprise and gratitude. I said good-bye kindly and left her without + even taking her hand. It was not altogether a case of the devil turning + monk; I always had a respect for distress. + </p> + <p> + I had already thought of Zenobia in connection with the poor girl’s + lodging, and I went to see her on the spot. In her husband’s presence I + told her what I wanted, and asked if she could find a corner for my new + friend. + </p> + <p> + “She shall have my place,” cried the worthy tailor, “if she won’t mind + sleeping with my wife. I will hire a small room hard by, and will sleep + there as long as the young lady stays.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s a good idea, gossip, but your wife will lose by the exchange.” + </p> + <p> + “Not much,” said Zenobia; and the tailor burst out laughing. + </p> + <p> + “As for her meals,” he added, “she must arrange that herself.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s a very simple matter,” said I, “Zenobia will get them and I will + pay for them.” + </p> + <p> + I wrote the girl a short note, telling her of the arrangements I had made, + and charged Zenobia to take her the letter. The next day I found her in + the poor lodging with these worthy folks, looking pleased and ravishingly + pretty. I felt that I could behave well for the present, but I sighed at + the thought of the journey. I should have to put a strong restraint on + myself. + </p> + <p> + I had nothing more to do at Milan, but the count had made me promise to + spend a fortnight at St. Angelo. This was an estate belonging to him, + fifteen miles from Milan, and the count spoke most enthusiastically of it. + If I had gone away without seeing St. Angelo, he would have been + exceedingly mortified. A married brother of his lived there, and the count + often said that his brother was longing to know me. When we returned he + would no doubt let me depart in peace. + </p> + <p> + I had made up my mind to shew my gratitude to the worthy man for his + hospitality, so on the fourth day of Lent I took leave of Therese, Greppi, + and the affectionate marchioness, for two weeks, and we set out on our + way. + </p> + <p> + To my great delight the countess did not care to come. She much preferred + staying in Milan with Triulzi, who did not let her lack for anything. + </p> + <p> + We got to St. Angelo at three o’clock, and found that we were expected to + dinner. + </p> + <a name="linkD2HCH0021" id="linkD2HCH0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXI + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + An Ancient Castle—Clementine—The Fair Penitent—Lodi— + A Mutual Passion +</pre> + <p> + The manorial castle of the little town of St. Angelo is a vast and ancient + building, dating back at least eight centuries, but devoid of regularity, + and not indicating the date of its erection by the style of its + architecture. The ground floor consists of innumerable small rooms, a few + large and lofty apartments, and an immense hall. The walls, which are full + of chinks and crannies, are of that immense thickness which proves that + our ancestors built for their remote descendants, and not in our modern + fashion; for we are beginning to build in the English style, that is, + barely for one generation. The stone stairs had been trodden by so many + feet that one had to be very careful in going up or down. The floor was + all of bricks, and as it had been renewed at various epochs with bricks of + divers colours it formed a kind of mosaic, not very pleasant to look upon. + The windows were of a piece with the rest; they had no glass in them, and + the sashes having in many instances given way they were always open; + shutters were utterly unknown there. Happily the want of glass was not + much felt in the genial climate of the country. The ceilings were + conspicuous by their absence, but there were heavy beams, the haunts of + bats, owls, and other birds, and light ornament was supplied by the + numerous spiders’ webs. + </p> + <p> + In this great Gothic palace—for palace it was rather than castle, + for it had no towers or other attributes of feudalism, except the enormous + coat-of-arms which crowned the gateway—in this palace, I say, the + memorial of the ancient glories of the Counts A—— B——, + which they loved better than the finest modern house, there were three + sets of rooms better kept than the rest. Here dwelt the masters, of whom + there were three; the Count A—— B——, my friend, + Count Ambrose, who always lived there, and a third, an officer in the + Spanish Walloon Guards. I occupied the apartment of the last named. But I + must describe the welcome I received. + </p> + <p> + Count Ambrose received me at the gate of the castle as if I had been some + high and puissant prince. The door stood wide open on both sides, but I + did not take too much pride to myself on this account, as they were so old + that it was impossible to shut them. + </p> + <p> + The noble count who held his cap in his hand, and was decently but + negligently dressed, though he was only forty years old, told me with + high-born modesty that his brother had done wrong to bring me here to see + their miserable place, where I should find none of those luxuries to which + I had been accustomed, but he promised me a good old-fashioned Milanese + welcome instead. This is a phrase of which the Milanese are very fond, but + as they put it into practice it becomes them well. They are generally most + worthy and hospitable people, and contrast favourably with the Piedmontese + and Genoese. + </p> + <p> + The worthy Ambrose introduced me to his countess and his two + sisters-in-law, one of whom was an exquisite beauty, rather deficient in + manner, but this was no doubt due to the fact that they saw no polished + company whatever. The other was a thoroughly ordinary woman, neither + pretty nor ugly, of a type which is plentiful all the world over. The + countess looked like a Madonna; her features had something angelic about + them in their dignity and openness. She came from Lodi, and had only been + married two years. The three sisters were very young, very noble, and very + poor. While we were at dinner Count Ambrose told me that he had married a + poor woman because he thought more of goodness than riches. + </p> + <p> + “She makes me happy,” he added; “and though she brought me no dower, I + seem to be a richer man, for she has taught me to look on everything we + don’t possess as a superfluity.” + </p> + <p> + “There, indeed,” said I, “you have the true philosophy of an honest man.” + </p> + <p> + The countess, delighted at her husband’s praise and my approval, smiled + lovingly at him, and took a pretty baby from the nurse’s arms and offered + it her alabaster breast. This is the privilege of a nursing mother; nature + tells her that by doing so she does nothing against modesty. Her bosom, + feeding the helpless, arouses no other feelings than those of respect. I + confess, however, that the sight might have produced a tenderer sentiment + in me; it was exquisitely beautiful, and I am sure that if Raphael had + beheld it his Madonna would have been still more lovely. + </p> + <p> + The dinner was excellent, with the exception of the made dishes, which + were detestable. Soup, beef, fresh salted pork, sausages, mortadella, milk + dishes, vegetables, game, mascarpon cheese, preserved fruits—all + were delicious; but the count having told his brother that I was a great + gourmand, the worthy Ambrose had felt it his duty to give me some ragouts, + which were as bad as can well be imagined. I had to taste them, out of + politeness; but I made up my mind that I would do so no more. After dinner + I took my host apart, and spewed him that with ten plain courses his table + would be delicate and excellent, and that he had no need of introducing + any ragouts. From that time I had a choice dinner every day. + </p> + <p> + There were six of us at table, and we all talked and laughed with the + exception of the fair Clementine. This was the young countess who had + already made an impression on me. She only spoke when she was obliged to + do so, and her words were always accompanied with a blush; but as I had no + other way of getting a sight of her beautiful eyes, I asked her a good + many questions. However, she blushed so terribly that I thought I must be + distressing her, and I left her in peace, hoping to become better + acquainted with her. + </p> + <p> + At last I was taken to my apartment and left there. The windows were + glazed and curtained as in the diningroom, but Clairmont came and told me + that he could not unpack my trunks as there were no locks to anything and + should not care to take the responsibility. I thought he was right, and I + went to ask my friend about it. + </p> + <p> + “There’s not a lock or a key,” said he, “in the whole castle, except in + the cellar, but everything is safe for all that. There are no robbers at + St. Angelo, and if there were they would not dare to come here.” + </p> + <p> + “I daresay, my dear count, but you know it is my business to suppose + robbers everywhere. My own valet might take the opportunity of robbing me, + and you see I should have to keep silence if I were robbed.” + </p> + <p> + “Quite so, I feel the force of your argument. Tomorrow morning a locksmith + shall put locks and keys to your doors, and you will be the only person in + the castle who is proof against thieves.” + </p> + <p> + I might have replied in the words of Juvenal, ‘Cantabit vacuus coram + latrone viator’, but I should have mortified him. I told Clairmont to + leave my trunks alone till next day, and I went out with Count A—— + B—— and his sisters-in-law to take a walk in the town. + </p> + <p> + Count Ambrose and his better-half stayed in the castle; the good mother + would never leave her nursling. Clementine was eighteen, her married + sister being four years older. She took my arm, and my friend offered his + to Eleanore. + </p> + <p> + “We will go and see the beautiful penitent,” said the count. + </p> + <p> + I asked him who the beautiful penitent was, and he answered, without + troubling himself about his sisters-in-law, + </p> + <p> + “She was once a Lais of Milan, and enjoyed such a reputation for beauty + that not only all the flower of Milan but people from the neighbouring + towns were at her feet. Her hall-door was opened and shut a hundred times + in a day, and even then she was not able to satisfy the desires aroused. + At last an end came to what the old and the devout called a scandal. Count + Firmian, a man of learning and wit, went to Vienna, and on his departure + received orders to have her shut up in a convent. Our august Marie Therese + cannot pardon mercenary beauty, and the count had no choice but to have + the fair sinner imprisoned. She was told that she had done amiss, and + dealt wickedly; she was obliged to make a general confession, and was + condemned to a life-long penance in this convent. She was absolved by + Cardinal Pozzobonelli, Archbishop of Milan, and he then confirmed her, + changing the name of Therese, which she had received at the baptismal + font, to Mary Magdalen, thus shewing her how she should save her soul by + following the example of her new patroness, whose wantonness had hitherto + been her pattern. + </p> + <p> + “Our family are the patrons of this convent, which is devoted to + penitents. It is situated in an inaccessible spot, and the inmates are in + the charge of a kind mother-superior, who does her best to soften the + manifold austerities of their existences. They only work and pray, and see + no one besides their confessor, who says mass every day. We are the only + persons whom the superioress would admit, as long as some of our family + are present she always let them bring whom they like.” + </p> + <p> + This story touched me and brought tears to my eyes. Poor Mary Magdalen! + Cruel empress! I think I have noted in another passage the source of her + austere virtue. + </p> + <p> + When we were announced the mother-superior came to meet us, and took us + into a large hall, where I soon made out the famous penitent amongst five + or six other girls, who were penitents like herself, but I presume for + trifling offences, as they were all ugly. As soon as the poor women saw us + they ceased working, and stood up respectfully. In spite of the severe + simplicity of her dress, Therese made a great impression on me. What + beauty! What majesty brought low! With my profane eyes, instead of looking + to the enormity of the offences for which she was suffering so cruelly, I + saw before me a picture of innocence—a humbled Venus. Her fine eyes + were fixed on the ground, but what was my surprise, when, suddenly looking + at me, she exclaimed,— + </p> + <p> + “O my God! what do I see? Holy Mary, come to my aid! Begone, dreadful + sinner, though thou deservest to be here more than I. Scoundrel!” + </p> + <p> + I did not feel inclined to laugh. Her unfortunate position, and the + singular apostrophe she had addressed to me, pierced me to the heart. The + mother-superior hastened to say,— + </p> + <p> + “Do not be offended, sir, the poor girl has become mad, and unless she + really has recognized you . . . .” + </p> + <p> + “That is impossible, madam, I have never seen her before.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course not, but you must forgive her, as she has lost the use of her + reason.” + </p> + <p> + “Maybe the Lord has made her thus in mercy.” + </p> + <p> + As a matter of fact, I saw more sense than madness in this outburst, for + it must have been very grievous for the poor girl to have to encounter my + idle curiosity, in the place of her penitence. I was deeply moved, and in + spite of myself a big tear rolled down my face. The count, who had known + her, laughed, but I begged him to restrain himself. + </p> + <p> + A moment after, the poor wretch began again. She raved against me madly, + and begged the mother-superior to send me away, as I had come there to + damn her. + </p> + <p> + The good lady chid her with all a true mother’s gentleness, and told her + to leave the room, adding that all who came there only desired that she + should be saved eternally. She was stern enough, however, to add, that no + one had been a greater sinner than she, and the poor Magdalen went out + weeping bitterly. + </p> + <p> + If it had been my fortune to enter Milan at the head of a victorious army, + the first thing I should have done would be he setting free of this poor + captive, and if the abbess had resisted she would have felt the weight of + my whip. + </p> + <p> + When Magdalen was gone, the mother-superior told us that the poor girl had + many good qualities, and if God willed that she should keep some particle + of sense she did not doubt her becoming a saint like her patroness. + </p> + <p> + “She has begged me,” she added, “to take down the pictures of St. Louis de + Gonzaga and St. Antony from the chapel wall because she says they distract + her fearfully. I have thought it my duty to yield to her request, in spite + of our confessor, who says it’s all nonsense.” + </p> + <p> + The confessor was a rude churl. I did not exactly tell the abbess that, + but I said enough for a clever woman as she was to grasp my meaning. + </p> + <p> + We left the sorrowful place in sadness and silence, cursing the sovereign + who had made such ill use of her power. + </p> + <p> + If, as our holy religion maintains, there is a future life before us all, + Marie Therese certainly deserves damnation, if only the oppressions she + has used towards those poor women whose life is wretched enough at the + best. Poor Mary Magdalen had gone mad and suffered the torments of the + damned because nature had given her two of her best gifts—beauty, + and an excellent heart. You will say she had abused them, but for a fault + which is only a crime before God, should a fellow-creature and a greater + sinner have condemned her to such a fearful doom? I defy any reasonable + man to answer in the affirmative. + </p> + <p> + On our way back to the castle Clementine, who was on my arm, laughed to + herself once or twice. I felt curious to know what she was laughing at, + and said,— + </p> + <p> + “May I ask you, fair countess, why you laugh thus to yourself?” + </p> + <p> + “Forgive me; I was not amused at the poor girl’s recognizing you, for that + must have been a mistake, but I cannot help laughing when I think of your + face at her words, ‘You are more deserving of imprisonment than I.’” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps you think she was right.” + </p> + <p> + “I? Not at all. But how is it that she attacked you and not my + brother-in-law?” + </p> + <p> + “Probably because she thought I looked a greater sinner than he.” + </p> + <p> + “That, I suppose, must have been the reason. One should never heed the + talk of mad people.” + </p> + <p> + “You are sarcastic, but I take it all in good part. Perhaps I am as great + a sinner as I look; but beauty should be merciful to me, for it is by + beauty that I am led astray.” + </p> + <p> + “I wonder the empress does not shut up men as well as women.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps she hopes to see them all at her feet when there are no more + girls left to amuse them.” + </p> + <p> + “That is a jest. You should rather say that she cannot forgive her own sex + the lack of a virtue which she exercises so eminently, and which is so + easily observed.” + </p> + <p> + “I have nothing to allege against the empress’s virtue, but with your + leave I beg to entertain very strong doubts as to the possibility of the + general exercise of that virtue which we call continence.” + </p> + <p> + “No doubt everyone thinks by his own standard. A man may be praised for + temperance in whom temperance is no merit. What is easy to you may be hard + to me, and ‘vice versa’. Both of us may be right.” + </p> + <p> + This interesting conversation made me compare Clementine to the fair + marchioness at Milan, but there was this difference between them: Mdlle. Q—— + spoke with an air of gravity and importance, whereas Clementine expounded + her system with great simplicity and an utter indifference of manner. I + thought her observations so acute and her utterance so perfect and + artistic, that I felt ashamed of having misjudged her at dinner. Her + silence, and the blush which mounted to her face when anyone asked her a + question, had made me suspect both confusion and poverty in her ideas, for + timidity is often another word for stupidity; but the conversation I have + just reported made me feel that I had made a great mistake. The + marchioness, being older and having seen more of the world, was more + skilled in argument; but Clementine had twice eluded my questions with the + utmost skill, and I felt obliged to award her the palm. + </p> + <p> + When we got back to the castle we found a lady with her son and daughter, + and another relation of the count’s, a young abbe, whom I found most + objectionable. + </p> + <p> + He was a pitiless talker, and on the pretence of having seen me at Milan + he took the opportunity of flattering me in a disgusting manner. Besides, + he made sheep’s eyes at Clementine, and I did not like the idea of having + a fellow like that for a rival. I said very dryly that I did not remember + him at all; but he was not a man of delicate feeling, and this did not + disconcert him in the least. He sat down beside Clementine, and taking her + hand told her that she must add me to the long catalogue of her victims. + She could do nothing else but laugh at silly talk of this kind; I knew it, + but that laugh of hers displeased me. I would have had her say—I do + not know what, but something biting and sarcastic. Not at all; the + impertinent fellow whispered something in her ear, and she answered in the + same way. This was more than I could bear. Some question or other was + being discussed, and the abbe asked for my opinion. I do not remember what + I answered, but I know that I gave him a bitter reply in the hope of + putting him in a bad temper and reducing him to silence. But he was a + battle charger, and used to trumpet, fife, and gun; nothing put him out. + He appealed to Clementine, and I had the mortification of hearing her + opinion given, though with a blush, in his favour. The fop was satisfied, + and kissed the young countess’s hand with an air of fatuous happiness. + This was too much; and I cursed the abbe and Clementine, too. I rose from + my seat and went to the window. + </p> + <p> + The window is a great blessing to an impatient man, whom the rules of + politeness in some degree constrain. He can turn his back on bores, + without their being able to charge him with direct rudeness; but people + know what he means, and that soothes his feelings. + </p> + <p> + I have noted this trifling circumstance only to point out how bad temper + blinds its victims. The poor abbe vexed me because he made himself + agreeable to Clementine, with whom I was already in love without knowing + it. I saw in him a rival, but far from endeavouring to offend me, he had + done his best to please me; and I should have taken account of his good + will. But under such circumstances I always gave way to ill humour, and + now I am too old to begin curing myself. I don’t think I need do so, for + if I am ill tempered the company politely pass me over. My misfortune + obliges me to submit. + </p> + <p> + Clementine had conquered me in the space of a few hours. True, I was an + inflammable subject, but hitherto no beauty had committed such ravages + upon me in so short a time. I did not doubt of success, and I confess that + there was a certain amount of vanity in this assurance; but at the same + time I was modest, for I knew that at the slightest slip the enterprise + would miscarry. Thus I regarded the abbe as a wasp to be crushed as + speedily as possible. I was also a victim to that most horrible of + passions, jealousy; it seemed to me that if Clementine was not in love + with this man-monkey, she was extremely indulgent to him; and with this + idea I conceived a horrible plan of revenging my wrongs on her. Love is + the god of nature, but this god is, after all, only a spoilt child. We + know all his follies and frailties, but we still adore him. + </p> + <p> + My friend the count, who was surprised, I suppose, to see me contemplating + the prospect for such a long time, came up to me and asked me if I wanted + anything. + </p> + <p> + “I am thinking some matter over,” said I, “and I must go and write one or + two letters in my room till it is time for supper.” + </p> + <p> + “You won’t leave us surely?” said he. + </p> + <p> + “Clementine, help me to keep M. de Seingalt; you must make him postpone + his letter-writing.” + </p> + <p> + “But my dear brother,” said the charming girl, “if M. de Seingalt has + business to do, it would be rude of me to try and prevent his doing it.” + </p> + <p> + Though what she said was perfectly reasonable, it stung me to the quick; + when one is in an ill humour, everything is fuel for the fire. But the + abbe said pleasantly that I had much better come and make a bank at faro, + and as everything echoed this suggestion I had to give in. + </p> + <p> + The cards were brought in, and various coloured counters handed round, and + I sat down putting thirty ducats before me. This was a very large sum for + a company who only played for amusement’s sake; fifteen counters were + valued only at a sequin. Countess Ambrose sat at my right hand, and the + abbe at my left. As if they had laid a plot to vex and annoy me, + Clementine had made room for him. I took a mere accident for a studied + impertinence, and told the poor man that I never dealt unless I had a lady + on each side of me, and never by any chance with a priest beside me. + </p> + <p> + “Do you think it would bring you ill luck?” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t like birds of ill omen.” + </p> + <p> + At this he got up, and Clementine took his place. + </p> + <p> + At the end of three hours, supper was announced. Everybody had won from me + except the abbe; the poor devil had lost counters to the extent of twenty + sequins. + </p> + <p> + As a relation the abbe stayed to supper, but the lady and her children + were asked in vain to do so. + </p> + <p> + The abbe looked wretched, which made me in a good temper, and inclined me + to be pleasant. I proceeded to flirt with Clementine, and by making her + reply to the numerous questions I asked, I gave her an opportunity of + displaying her wit, and I could see that she was grateful. I was once more + myself, and I took pity of the abbe, and spoke to him politely, asking him + his opinion on some topic. + </p> + <p> + “I was not listening,” said he, “but I hope you will give me my revenge + after supper.” + </p> + <p> + “After supper I shall be going to bed, but you shall have your revenge, + and as much as you like of it, tomorrow, provided that our charming + hostesses like playing. I hope the luck will be in your favour.” + </p> + <p> + After supper the poor abbe went sadly away, and the count took me to my + room, telling me that I could sleep securely in spite of the lack of keys + for his sisters-in-law who were lodged close by were no better off. + </p> + <p> + I was astonished and delighted at the trust he put in me, and at the + really magnificent hospitality (it must be remembered all things are + relative) with which I had been treated in the castle. + </p> + <p> + I told Clairmont to be quick about putting my hair in curl-papers, for I + was tired and in need of rest, but he was only half-way through the + operation when I was agreeably surprised by the apparition of Clementine. + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” said she, “as we haven’t got a maid to look after your linen, I + have come to beg you to let me undertake that office.” + </p> + <p> + “You! my dear countess?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I, sir, and I hope you will make no objection. It will be a pleasure + to me, and I hope to you as well. Let me have the shirt you are going to + wear to-morrow, and say no more about it.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good, it shall be as you please.” + </p> + <p> + I helped Clairmont to carry my linen trunk into her room, and added,— + </p> + <p> + “Every day I want a shirt, a collar, a front, a pair of drawers, a pair of + stocking, and two handkerchiefs; but I don’t mind which you take, and + leave the choice to you as the mistress, as I wish you were in deed and + truth. I shall sleep a happier sleep than Jove himself. Farewell, dear + Hebe!” + </p> + <p> + Her sister Eleanore was already in bed, and begged pardon for her + position. I told Clairmont to go to the count directly, and inform him + that I had changed my mind about the locks. Should I be afraid for my poor + properties when these living treasures were confined to me so frankly? I + should have been afraid of offending them. + </p> + <p> + I had an excellent bed, and I slept wonderfully. Clairmont was doing my + hair when my youthful Hebe presented herself with a basket in her hands. + She wished me good day and said she hoped I would be contented with her + handiwork. I gazed at her delightedly, no trace of false shame appeared on + her features. The blush on her cheeks was a witness of the pleasure she + experienced in being useful—a pleasure which is unknown to those + whose curse is their pride, the characteristic of fools and upstarts. I + kissed her hand and told her that I had never seen linen so nicely done. + </p> + <p> + Just then the count came in and thanked Clementine for attending on me. I + approved of that, but he accompanied his thanks with a kiss which was well + received, and this I did not approve of at all. But you will say they were + brother-in-law and sister-in-law? Just so, but I was jealous all the same. + Nature is all-wise, and it was nature that made me jealous. When one loves + and has not as yet gained possession, jealousy is inevitable; the heart + must fear lest that which it longs for so be carried away by another. + </p> + <p> + The count took a note from his pocket and begged me to read it. It came + from his cousin the abbe, who begged the count to apologize to me for him + if he was unable to pay the twenty sequins he had lost to me in the proper + time, but that he would discharge his debt in the course of the week. + </p> + <p> + “Very good! Tell him that he can pay when he likes, but warn him not to + play this evening. I will not take his bets.” + </p> + <p> + “But you would have no objection to his punting with ready money.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly I should, unless he pays me first, otherwise he would be + punting with my money. Of course it’s a mere trifle, and I hope he won’t + trouble himself in the least or put himself to any inconvenience to pay + it.” + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid he will be mortified.” + </p> + <p> + “So much the better,” said Clementine; “what did he play for, when he knew + that he could not pay his debts if he incurred any? It will be a lesson to + him.” + </p> + <p> + This outburst was balm to my heart. Such is man—a mere selfish + egotist, when passion moves him. + </p> + <p> + The count made no reply, but left us alone. + </p> + <p> + “My dear Clementine, tell me frankly whether the rather uncivil way in + which I have treated the abbe has pained you. I am going to give you + twenty sequins, do you send them to him, and to-night he can pay me + honourably, and make a good figure. I promise you no one shall know about + it.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, but the honour of the abbe is not dear enough to me for me to + accept your offer. The lesson will do him good. A little shame will teach + him that he must mend his ways.” + </p> + <p> + “You will see he won’t come this evening.” + </p> + <p> + “That may be, but do you think I shall care?” + </p> + <p> + “Well—yes, I did think so.” + </p> + <p> + “Because we joked together, I suppose. He is a hare-brained fellow, to + whom I do not give two thoughts in the year.” + </p> + <p> + “I pity him, as heartily as I congratulate anyone of whom you do think.” + </p> + <p> + “Maybe there is no such person” + </p> + <p> + “What! You have not yet met a man worthy of your regard?” + </p> + <p> + “Many worthy of regard, but none of love.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you have never been in love?” + </p> + <p> + “Never.” + </p> + <p> + “Your heart is empty?” + </p> + <p> + “You make me laugh. Is it happiness, is it unhappiness? Who can say. If it + be happiness, I am glad, and if it be unhappiness, I do not care, for I do + not feel it to be so.” + </p> + <p> + “Nevertheless, it is a misfortune, and you will know it to have been so on + the day in which you love.” + </p> + <p> + “And if I become unhappy through love, shall I not pronounce my emptiness + of heart to have been happiness.” + </p> + <p> + “I confess you would be right, but I am sure love would make you happy.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not know. To be happy one must live in perfect agreement; that is no + easy matter, and I believe it to be harder still when the bond is + lifelong.” + </p> + <p> + “I agree, but God sent us into the world that we might run the risk” + </p> + <p> + “To a man it may be a necessity and a delight, but a girl is bound by + stricter laws.” + </p> + <p> + “In nature the necessity is the same though the results are different, and + the laws you speak of are laid down by society.” + </p> + <p> + The count came in at this point and was astonished to see us both + together. + </p> + <p> + “I wish you would fall in love with one another,” said he. + </p> + <p> + “You wish to see us unhappy, do you?” said she. + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean by that?” I cried. + </p> + <p> + “I should be unhappy with an inconstant lover, and you would be unhappy + too, for you would feel bitter remorse for having destroyed my peace of + mind.” + </p> + <p> + After this she discreetly fled. + </p> + <p> + I remained still as if she had petrified me, but the count who never + wearied himself with too much thinking, exclaimed, + </p> + <p> + “Clementine is rather too romantic; she will get over it, however; she is + young yet.” + </p> + <p> + We went to bid good day to the countess, whom we found suckling her baby. + </p> + <p> + “Do you know, my dear sister,” said the count, “that the chevalier here is + in love with Clementine, and she seems inclined to pay him back in his own + coin?” + </p> + <p> + The countess smiled and said,— + </p> + <p> + “I hope a suitable match like that may make us relations.” + </p> + <p> + There is something magical about the word “marriage.” + </p> + <p> + What the countess said pleased me extremely, and I replied with a bow of + the most gracious character. + </p> + <p> + We went to pay a call on the lady who had come to the castle the day + before. There was a canon regular there, who after a great many polite + speeches in praise of my country, which he knew only from books, asked me + of what order was the cross I carried on my breast. + </p> + <p> + I replied, with a kind of boastful modesty, that it was a peculiar mark of + the favour of the Holy Father, the Pope, who had freely made me a knight + of the Order of St. John Lateran, and a prothonotary-apostolic. + </p> + <p> + This monk had stayed at home far from the world, or else he would not have + asked me such a question. However, far from thinking he was offending me, + he thought he was honouring me by giving me an opportunity of talking of + my own merit. + </p> + <p> + At London, the greatest possible rudeness is to ask anyone what his + religion is, and it is something the same in Germany; an Anabaptist is by + no means ready to confess his creed. And in fact the best plan is never to + ask any questions whatever, not even if a man has change for a louis. + </p> + <p> + Clementine was delightful at dinner. She replied wittily and gracefully to + all the questions which were addressed to her. True, what she said was + lost on the majority of her auditors—for wit cannot stand before + stupidity—but I enjoyed her talk immensely. As she kept filling up + my glass I reproached her, and this gave rise to the following little + dialogue which completed my conquest. + </p> + <p> + “You have no right to complain,” said she, “Hebe’s duty is to keep the cup + of the chief of the gods always full.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good; but you know Jupiter sent her away.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but I know why. I will take care not to stumble in the same way; and + no Ganymede shall take my place for a like cause.” + </p> + <p> + “You are very wise. Jupiter was wrong, and henceforth I will be Hercules. + Will that please you, fair Hebe?” + </p> + <p> + “No; because he did not marry her till after her death.” + </p> + <p> + “True, again. I will be Iolas then, for . . .” + </p> + <p> + “Be quiet. Iolas was old.” + </p> + <p> + “True; but so was I yesterday. You have made me young again.” + </p> + <p> + “I am very glad, dear Iolas; but remember what I did when he left me.” + </p> + <p> + “And what did you do? I do not remember.” + </p> + <p> + “I did not believe a word he said.” + </p> + <p> + “You can believe.” + </p> + <p> + “I took away the gift I had made.” + </p> + <p> + At these words this charming girl’s face was suffered with blushes. If I + had touched her with my hand, sure it would have been on fire; but the + rays that darted from her eyes froze my heart. + </p> + <p> + Philosophers, be not angry if I talk of freezing rays. It is no miracle, + but a very natural phenomenon, which is happening every day. A great love, + which elevates a man’s whole nature, is a strong flame born out of a great + cold, such as I then felt for a moment; it would have killed me if it had + lasted longer. + </p> + <p> + The superior manner in which Clementine had applied the story of Hebe + convinced me not only that she had a profound knowledge of mythology, but + also that she had a keen and far-reaching intellect. She had given me more + than a glimpse of her learning; she had let me guess that I interested + her, and that she thought of me. + </p> + <p> + These ideas, entering a heart which is already warm, speedily set all the + senses in flames. In a moment all doubt was laid to rest; Clementine loved + me, and I was sure that we should be happy. + </p> + <p> + Clementine slipped away from the table to calm herself, and thus I had + time to escape from my astonishment. + </p> + <p> + “Pray where was that young lady educated?” I said to the countess. + </p> + <p> + “In the country. She was always present when my brother had his lessons, + but the tutor, Sardini, never took any notice of her, and it was only she + who gained anything; my brother only yawned. Clementine used to make my + mother laugh, and puzzle the old tutor sadly sometimes.” + </p> + <p> + “Sardini wrote and published some poems which are not bad; but nobody + reads them, because they are so full of mythology.” + </p> + <p> + “Quite so. Clementine possesses a manuscript with which he presented her, + containing a number of mythological tales verified. Try and make her shew + you her books and the verses she used to write; she won’t shew them to any + of us.” + </p> + <p> + I was in a great state of admiration. When she returned I complimented her + upon her acquirements, and said that as I was a great lover of literature + myself I should be delighted if she would shew me her verses. + </p> + <p> + “I should be ashamed. I had to give over my studies two years ago, when my + sister married and we came to live here, where we only see honest folks + who talk about the stable, the harvest, and the weather. You are the first + person I have seen who has talked to me about literature. If our old + Sardini had come with us I should have gone on learning, but my sister did + not care to have him here.” + </p> + <p> + “But my dear Clementine,” said the countess, “what do you think my husband + could have done with an old man of eighty whose sole accomplishments are + weighing the wind, writing verses, and talking mythology?” + </p> + <p> + “He would have been useful enough,” said the husband, “if he could have + managed the estate, but the honest old man will not believe in the + existence of rascals. He is so learned that he is quite stupid.” + </p> + <p> + “Good heavens!” cried Clementine. “Sardini stupid? It is certainly easy to + deceive him, but that is because he is so noble. I love a man who is + easily deceived, but they call me silly.” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all, my dear sister,” said the countess. “On the contrary, there + is wisdom in all you say, but it is wisdom out of place in a woman; the + mistress of a household does not want to know anything about literature, + poetry, or philosophy, and when it comes to marrying you I am very much + afraid that your taste for this kind of thing will stand in your way.” + </p> + <p> + “I know it, and I am expecting to die a maid; not that it is much + compliment to the men.” + </p> + <p> + To know all that such a dialogue meant for me, the reader must imagine + himself most passionately in love. I thought myself unfortunate. I could + have given her a hundred thousand crowns, and I would have married her + that moment. She told me that Sardini was at Milan, very old and ill. + </p> + <p> + “Have you been to see him?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “I have never been to Milan.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it possible? It is not far from here.” + </p> + <p> + “Distance is relative, you know.” + </p> + <p> + This was beautifully expressed. It told me without any false shame that + she could not afford to go, and I was pleased by her frankness. But in the + state of mind I was in I should have been pleased with anything she chose + to do. There are moments in a man’s life when the woman he loves can make + anything of him. + </p> + <p> + I spoke to her in a manner that affected her so that she took me into a + closet next to her room to shew me her books. There were only thirty in + all, but they were chosen, although somewhat elementary. A woman like + Clementine needed something more. + </p> + <p> + “Do you know, my dear Hebe, that you want more books?” + </p> + <p> + “I have often suspected it, dear Iolas, without being able to say exactly + what I want.” + </p> + <p> + After spending an hour in glancing over Sardini’s works, I begged her to + shew me her own. + </p> + <p> + “No,” said she, “they are too bad.” + </p> + <p> + “I expect so; but the good will outweigh the bad.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t think so.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes! you needn’t be afraid. I will forgive the bad grammar, bad + style, absurd images, faulty method, and even the verses that won’t scan.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s too much, Iolas; Hebe doesn’t need so vast a pardon as all that. + Here, sir, these are my scribblings; sift the faults and the defaults. + Read what you will.” + </p> + <p> + I was delighted that my scheme of wounding her vanity had succeeded, and I + began by reading aloud an anacreontic, adding to its beauties by the + modulation of my voice, and keenly enjoying her pleasure at finding her + work so fair. When I improved a line by some trifling change she noticed + it, for she followed me with her eyes; but far from being humiliated, she + was pleased with my corrections. The picture was still hers, she thought, + though with my skilled brush I brought out the lights and darkened the + shadows, and she was charmed to see that my pleasure was as great or + greater than hers. The reading continued for two hours. It was a spiritual + and pure, but a most intensely voluptuous, enjoyment. Happy, and thrice + happy, if we had gone no farther; but love is a traitor who laughs at us + when we think to play with him without falling into his nets. Shall a man + touch hot coals and escape the burning? + </p> + <p> + The countess interrupted us, and begged us to join the company. Clementine + hastened to put everything back, and thanked me for the happiness I had + given her. The pleasure she felt shewed itself in her blushes, and when + she came into the drawing-room she was asked if she had been fighting, + which made her blush still more. + </p> + <p> + The faro-table was ready, but before sitting down I told Clairmont to get + me four good horses for the following day. I wanted to go to Lodi and back + by dinnertime. + </p> + <p> + Everybody played as before, the abbe excepted, and he, to my huge delight, + did not put in an appearance at all, but his place was supplied by a + canon, who punted a ducat at a time and had a pile of ducats before him. + This made me increase my bank, and when the game was over, I was glad to + see that everybody had won except the canon, but his losses had not spoilt + his temper. + </p> + <p> + Next day I started for Lodi at day-break without telling anybody where I + was going, and bought all the books I judged necessary for Clementine, who + only knew Italian. I bought numerous translations, which I was surprised to + find at Lodi, which hitherto had been only famous in my mind for its + cheese, usually called Parmesan. This cheese is made at Lodi and not at + Parma, and I did not fail to make an entry to that effect under the + article “Parmesan” in my “Dictionary of Cheeses,” a work which I was + obliged to abandon as beyond my powers, as Rousseau was obliged to abandon + his “Dictionary of Botany.” This great but eccentric individual was then + known under the pseudonym of Renaud, the Botanist. ‘Quisque histrioniam + exercet’. But Rousseau, great man though he was, was totally deficient in + humour. + </p> + <p> + I conceived the idea of giving a banquet at Lodi the day after next, and a + project of this kind not calling for much deliberation I went forthwith to + the best hotel to make the necessary arrangements. I ordered a choice + dinner for twelve, paid the earnest money, and made the host promise that + everything should be of the best. + </p> + <p> + When I got back to St. Angelo, I had a sackfull of books carried into + Clementine’s room. She was petrified. There were more than one hundred + volumes, poets, historians, geographers, philosophers, scientists—nothing + was forgotten. I had also selected some good novels, translated from the + Spanish, English, and French, for we have no good novels in Italian. + </p> + <p> + This admission does not prove by any means that Italian literature is + surpassed by that of any other country. Italy has little to envy in other + literatures, and has numerous masterpieces, which are unequalled the whole + world over. Where will you find a worthy companion to the Orlando Furioso? + There is none, and this great work is incapable of translation. The + finest and truest panegyric of Ariosto was written by Voltaire when he was + sixty. If he had not made this apology for the rash judgement of his + youthful days, he would not have enjoyed, in Italy at all events, that + immortality which is so justly his due. Thirty-six years ago I told him as + much, and he took me at my word. He was afraid, and he acted wisely. + </p> + <p> + If I have any readers, I ask their pardon for these digressions. They must + remember that these Memoirs were written in my old age, and the old are + always garrulous. The time will come to them also, and then they will + understand that if the aged repeat themselves, it is because they live in + a world of memories, without a present and without a future. + </p> + <p> + I will now return to my narrative, which I have kept steadily in view. + </p> + <p> + Clementine gazed from me to the books, and from the books to me. She + wondered and admired, and could scarcely believe this treasure belonged to + her. At last she collected herself, and said in a tone full of gratitude,— + </p> + <p> + “You have come to St. Angelo to make me happy.” + </p> + <p> + Such a saying makes a man into a god. He is sure that she who speaks thus + will do all in her power to make a return for the happiness which she has + been given. + </p> + <p> + There is something supremely lovely in the expression of gratefulness on + the face of the being one loves. If you have not experienced the feelings + I describe, dear reader, I pity you, and am forced to conclude that you + must have been either awkward or miserly, and therefore unworthy of love. + </p> + <p> + Clementine ate scarcely anything at dinner, and afterwards retired to her + room where I soon joined her. We amused ourselves by putting the books in + order, and she sent for a carpenter to make a bookcase with a lock and + key. + </p> + <p> + “It will be my pleasure to read these books,” said she, “when you have + left us.” + </p> + <p> + In the evening she was lucky with the cards, and in delightful spirits. I + asked them all to dine with me at Lodi, but as the dinner was for twelve + the Countess Ambrose said she would be able to find the two guests who + were wanted at Lodi, and the canon said he would take the lady friend with + her two children. + </p> + <p> + The next day was one of happy quiet, and I spent it without leaving the + castle, being engaged in instructing my Hebe on the nature of the sphere, + and in preparing her for the beauties of Wolf. I presented her with my + case of mathematical instruments, which seemed to her invaluable. + </p> + <p> + I burned with passion for this charming girl; but would I have done so in + her taste for literature and science had not been backed up by her + personal charms? I suspect not. I like a dish pleasing to the palate, but + if it is not pleasing to the eye as well, I do not taste it but put down + as bad. The surface is always the first to interest, close examination + comes afterwards. The man who confines himself to superficial charms, is + superficial himself, but with them all love begins, except that which + rises in the realm of fancy, and this nearly always falls before the + reality. + </p> + <p> + When I went to bed, still thinking of Clementine, I began to reflect + seriously, and I was astonished to find that during all the hours we had + spent together she had not caused the slightest sensual feeling to arise + in me. Nevertheless, I could not assign the reason to fear, nor to shyness + which is unknown to me, nor to false shame, nor to what is called a + feeling of duty. It was certainly not virtue, for I do not carry virtue so + far as that. Then what was it? I did not tire myself by pursuing the + question. I felt quite sure that the Platonic stage must soon come to an + end, and I was sorry, but my sorrow was virtue in extremis. The fine + things we read together interested us so strongly that we did not think of + love, nor of the pleasure we took in each other’s company; but as the + saying goes, the devil lost nothing by us. When intellect enters on the + field, the heart has to yield; virtue triumphs, but the battle must not + last for long. Our conquests made us too sure, but this feeling of + security was a Colossus whose feet were of clay; we knew that we loved but + were not sure that we were beloved. But when this became manifest the + Colossus must fall to the ground. + </p> + <p> + This dangerous trust made me go to her room to tell her something about + our journey to Lodi, the carriages were already waiting. She was still + asleep, but my step on the floor made her awake with a start. I did not + even think it necessary to apologize. She told me that Tasso’s Aminta had + interested her to such an extent that she had read it till she fell + asleep. + </p> + <p> + “The Pastor Fido will please you still more.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it more beautiful?” + </p> + <p> + “Not exactly.” + </p> + <p> + “Then why do you say it will please me more?” + </p> + <p> + “Because it charms the heart. It appeals to our softest feelings, and + seduces us—and we love seduction.” + </p> + <p> + “It is a seducer, then?” + </p> + <p> + “No, not a seducer; but seductive, like you.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s a good distinction. I will read it this evening. Now I am going to + dress.” + </p> + <p> + She put on her clothes in seeming oblivion that I was a man, but without + shewing any sights that could be called indecent. Nevertheless it struck + me that if she had thought I was in love with her, she would have been + more reserved, for as she put on her chemise, laced her corset, fastened + her garters above her knee, and drew on her boots, I saw glimpses of + beauty which affected me so strongly that I was obliged to go out before + she was ready to quench the flames she had kindled in my senses. + </p> + <p> + I took the countess and Clementine in my carriage, and sat on the bracket + seat holding the baby on my knee. My two fair companions laughed merrily, + for I held the child as if to the manner born. When we had traversed half + the distance the baby demanded nourishment, and the charming mother + hastened to uncover a sphere over which my eyes roved with delight, not at + all to her displeasure. The child left its mother’s bosom satisfied, and + at the sight of the liquor which flowed so abundantly I exclaimed,— + </p> + <p> + “It must not be lost, madam; allow me to sip nectar which will elevate me + to the rank of the gods. Do not be afraid of my teeth.” I had some teeth + in those days. + </p> + <p> + The smiling countess made no opposition, and I proceeded to carry out my + design, while the ladies laughed that magic laugh which not painter can + portray. The divine Homer is the only poet who has succeeded in + delineating it in those lines in which he describes Andromache with the + young Astyanax in her arms, when Hector is leaving her to return to the + battle. + </p> + <p> + I asked Clementine if she had the courage to grant me a similar favour. + </p> + <p> + “Certainly,” said she, “if I had any milk.” + </p> + <p> + “You have the source of the milk; I will see to the rest.” + </p> + <p> + At this the girl’s face suffused with such a violent blush that I was + sorry I had spoken; however, I changed the conversation, and it soon + passed away. Our spirits were so high that when the time came for us to + get down at the inn at Lodi, we could scarcely believe it possible, so + swiftly had the time gone by. + </p> + <p> + The countess sent a message to a lady friend of hers, begging her to dine + with us, and to bring her sister; while I dispatched Clairmont to a + stationer’s, where he bought me a beautiful morocco case with lock and + key, containing paper, pens, sealing-wax, ink-well, paper knife, seal, and + in fact, everything necessary for writing. It was a present I meant to + give Clementine before dinner. It was delightful to watch her surprise and + pleasure, and to read gratitude so legibly written in her beautiful eyes. + There is not a woman in the world who cannot be overcome by being made + grateful. It is the best and surest way to get on, but it must be + skilfully used. The countess’s friend came and brought her sister, a girl + who was dazzlingly beautiful. I was greatly struck with her, but just then + Venus herself could not have dethroned Clementine from her place in my + affections. After the friends had kissed each other, and expressed their + joy at meeting, I was introduced, and in so complimentary a manner that I + felt obliged to turn it off with a jest. + </p> + <p> + The dinner was sumptuous and delicious. At dessert two self-invited guests + came in, the lady’s husband and the sister’s lover, but they were welcome, + for it was a case of the more the merrier. After the meal, in accordance + with the request of the company, I made a bank at faro, and after three + hours’ play I was delighted to find myself a loser to the extent of forty + sequins. It was these little losses at the right time which gave me the + reputation of being the finest gamester in Europe. + </p> + <p> + The lady’s lover was named Vigi, and I asked him if he was descended from + the author of the thirteenth book of the “AEneid.” He said he was, and + that in honour of his ancestor he had translated the poem into Italian + verse. I expressed myself curious as to his version, and he promised to + bring it me in two days’ time. I complimented him on belonging to such a + noble and ancient family; Maffeo Vigi flourished at the beginning of the + fifteenth century. + </p> + <p> + We started in the evening, and less than two hours we got home. The moon + which shone brightly upon us prevented me making any attempts on + Clementine, who had put up her feet in order that she might be able to + hold her little nephew with more ease. The pretty mother could not help + thanking me warmly for the pleasure I had given them; I was a universal + favourite with them all. + </p> + <p> + We did not feel inclined to eat any supper, and therefore retired to our + apartments; and I accompanied Clementine, who told me that she was ashamed + at not knowing anything about the “AEneid.” + </p> + <p> + “Vigi will bring his translation of the thirteenth book, and I shall not + know a word about it.” + </p> + <p> + I comforted her by telling her that we would read the fine translation by + Annibale Caro that very night. It was amongst her books, as also the + version by Anguilara, Ovid’s Metamorphoses, and Marchetti’s Lucreece. + </p> + <p> + “But I wanted to read the Pastor Fido.” + </p> + <p> + “We are in a hurry; we must read that another time.” + </p> + <p> + “I will follow your advice in all things, my dear Iolas.” + </p> + <p> + “That will make me happy, dearest Hebe.” + </p> + <p> + We spent the night in reading that magnificent translation in Italian + blank verse, but the reading was often interrupted by my pupil’s laughter + when we came to some rather ticklish passage. She was highly amused by the + account of the chance which gave AEneas an opportunity of proving his + love for Dido in a very inconvenient place, and still more, when Dido, + complaining of the son of Priam’s treachery, says,— + </p> + <p> + “I might still pardon you if, before abandoning me, you had left me a + little AEneas to play about these halls.” + </p> + <p> + Clementine had cause to be amused, for the reproach has something + laughable in it; but how is it that one does not feel inclined to smile in + reading the Latin—‘Si quis mihi parvulus aula luderet AEneas?’. The + reason must be sought for in the grave and dignified nature of the Latin + tongue. + </p> + <p> + We did not finish our reading till day-break. + </p> + <p> + “What a night!” exclaimed Clementine, with a sigh. + </p> + <p> + “It has been one of great pleasure to me, has it not to you?” + </p> + <p> + “I have enjoyed it because you have.” + </p> + <p> + “And if you had been reading by yourself?” + </p> + <p> + “It would have still been a pleasure, but a much smaller one. I love your + intellect to distraction, Clementine, but tell me, do you think it + possible to love the intellect without loving that which contains it?” + </p> + <p> + “No, for without the body the spirit would vanish away.” + </p> + <p> + “I conclude from that that I am deeply in love with you, and that I cannot + pass six or seven hours in your company without longing to kiss you.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, but we resist these desires because we have duties to perform, + which would rise up against us if we left them undone.” + </p> + <p> + “True again, but if your disposition at all resembles mine this constraint + must be very painful to you.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps I feel it as much as you do, but it is my belief that it is only + hard to withstand temptation at first. By degrees one gets accustomed to + loving without running any risk and without effort. Our senses, at first + so sharp set, end by becoming blunted, and when this is the case we may + spend hours and days in safety, untroubled by desire.” + </p> + <p> + “I have my doubts as far as I am concerned, but we shall see. Good night, + fair Hebe.” + </p> + <p> + “Good night, my good Iolas, may you sleep well!” + </p> + <p> + “My sleep will be haunted by visions of you.” + </p> + <a name="linkD2HCH0022" id="linkD2HCH0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXII + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Our Excursion—Parting From Clementine—I Leave Milan With + Croce’s Mistress—My Arrival At Genoa +</pre> + <p> + The ancients, whose fancy was so fertile in allegory, used to figure + Innocence as playing with a serpent or with a sharp arrow. These old sages + had made a deep study of the human heart; and whatever discoveries modern + science may have made, the old symbols may still be profitably studied by + those who wish to gain a deep insight into the working of man’s mind. + </p> + <p> + I went to bed, and after having dismissed Clairmont I began to reflect on + my relations with Clementine, who seemed to have been made to shine in a + sphere from which, in spite of her high birth, her intelligence, and her + rare beauty, her want of fortune kept her apart. I smiled to myself at her + doctrines, which were as much as to say that the best way of curing + appetite was to place a series of appetising dishes before a hungry man, + forbidding him to touch them. Nevertheless I could but approve the words + which she had uttered with such an air of innocence—that if one + resists desires, there is no danger of one being humiliated by giving way + to them. + </p> + <p> + This humiliation would arise from a feeling of duty, and she honoured me + by supposing that I had as high principles as herself. But at the same + time the motive of self-esteem was also present, and I determined not to + do anything which would deprive me of her confidence. + </p> + <p> + As may be imagined, I did not awake till very late the next morning, and + when I rang my bell Clementine came in, looking very pleased, and holding + a copy of the Pastor Fido in her hand. She wished me good day, and said + she had read the first act, and that she thought it very beautiful, and + told me to get up that we might read the second together before dinner. + </p> + <p> + “May I rise in your presence?” + </p> + <p> + “Why not? A man has need of very little care to observe the laws of + decency.” + </p> + <p> + “Then please give me that shirt.” + </p> + <p> + She proceeded to unfold it, and then put it over my head, smiling all the + time. + </p> + <p> + “I will do the same for you at the first opportunity,” said I. + </p> + <p> + She blushed and answered, “It’s not nearly so far from you to me as it is + from me to you.” + </p> + <p> + “Divine Hebe, that is beyond my understanding. You speak like the Cumaean + sibyls, or as if you were rendering oracles at your temple in Corinth.” + </p> + <p> + “Had Hebe a temple at Corinth? Sardini never said so.” + </p> + <p> + “But Apollodorus says so. It was an asylum as well as a temple. But come + back to the point, and pray do not elude it. What you said is opposed to + all the laws of geometry. The distance from you to me ought to be + precisely the same as from me to you.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps, then, I have said a stupid thing.” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all, Hebe, you have an idea which may be right or wrong, but I + want to bring it out. Come, tell me.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, the two distances differ from each other with respect to the + ascent and descent, or fall, if you like. Are not all bodies inclined to + obey the laws of gravitation unless they are held back by a superior + force?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly.” + </p> + <p> + “And is it not the case that no bodies move in an upward direction unless + they are impelled?” + </p> + <p> + “Quite true.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you must confess that since I am shorter than you I should have to + ascend to attain you, and ascension is always an effort; while if you wish + to attain me, you have only to let yourself go, which is no effort + whatever. Thus it is no risk at all for you to let me put on your shirt, + but it would be a great risk for me if I allowed you to do the same + service for me. I might be overwhelmed by your too rapid descent on me. + Are you persuaded?” + </p> + <p> + “Persuaded is not the word, fair Hebe. I am ravished in an ecstacy of + admiration. Never was paradox so finely maintained. I might cavil and + contest it, but I prefer to keep silence to admire and adore.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, dear Iolas, but I want no favour. Tell me how you could + disprove my argument?” + </p> + <p> + “I should attack it on the point of height. You know you would not let me + change your chemise even if I were a dwarf.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, dear Iolas! we cannot deceive each other. Would that Heaven had + destined me to be married to a man like you!” + </p> + <p> + “Alas! why am I not worthy of aspiring to such a position?” + </p> + <p> + I do not know where the conversation would have landed us, but just then + the countess came to tell us that dinner was waiting, adding that she was + glad to see we loved one another. + </p> + <p> + “Madly,” said Clementine, “but we are discreet.” + </p> + <p> + “If you are discreet, you cannot love madly.” + </p> + <p> + “True, countess,” said I, “for the madness of love and wisdom cannot dwell + together. I should rather say we are reasonable, for the mind may be grave + while the heart’s gay.” + </p> + <p> + We dined merrily together, then we played at cards, and in the evening we + finished reading the Pastor Fido. When we were discussing the beauties of + this delightful work Clementine asked me if the thirteenth book of the + “AEneid” was fine. + </p> + <p> + “My dear countess, it is quite worthless; and I only praised it to flatter + the descendant of the author. However, the same writer made a poem on the + tricks of countryfolk, which is by no means devoid of merit. But you are + sleepy, and I am preventing you from undressing.” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all.” + </p> + <p> + She took off her clothes in a moment with the greatest coolness, and did + not indulge my licentious gaze in the least. She got into bed, and I sat + beside her; whereupon she sat up again, and her sister turned her back + upon us. The Pastor Fido was on her night-table, and opening the book I + proceeded to read the passage where Mirtillo describes the sweetness of + the kiss Amaryllis had given him, attuning my voice to the sentiment of + the lines. Clementine seemed as much affected as I was, and I fastened my + lips on hers. What happiness! She drew in the balm of my lips with + delight, and appeared to be free from alarm, so I was about to clasp her + in my arms when she pushed me away with the utmost gentleness, begging me + to spare her. + </p> + <p> + This was modesty at bay. I begged her pardon, and taking her hand breathed + out upon it all the ecstasy of my lips. + </p> + <p> + “You are trembling,” said she, in a voice that did but increase the + amorous tumult of my heart. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, dearest countess, and I assure you I tremble for fear of you. Good + night, I am going; and my prayer must be that I may love you less.” + </p> + <p> + “Why so? To love less is to begin to hate. Do as I do, and pray that your + love may grow and likewise the strength to resist it.” + </p> + <p> + I went to bed ill pleased with myself. I did not know whether I had gone + too far or not far enough; but what did it matter? One thing was certain, + I was sorry for what I had done, and that was always a thought which + pained me. + </p> + <p> + In Clementine I saw a woman worthy of the deepest love and the greatest + respect, and I knew not how I could cease to love her, nor yet how I could + continue loving her without the reward which every faithful lover hopes to + win. + </p> + <p> + “If she loves me,” I said to myself, “she cannot refuse me, but it is my + part to beg and pray, and even to push her to an extremity, that she may + find an excuse for her defeat. A lover’s duty is to oblige the woman he + loves to surrender at discretion, and love always absolves him for so + doing.” + </p> + <p> + According to this argument, which I coloured to suit my passions, + Clementine could not refuse me unless she did not love me, and I + determined to put her to the proof. I was strengthened in this resolve by + the wish to free myself from the state of excitement I was in, and I was + sure that if she continued obdurate I should soon get cured. But at the + same time I shuddered at the thought; the idea of my no longer loving + Clementine seemed to me an impossibility and a cruelty. + </p> + <p> + After a troubled night I rose early and went to wish her good morning. She + was still asleep, but her sister Eleanore was dressing. + </p> + <p> + “My sister,” said she, “read till three o’clock this morning. Now that she + has so many books, she is getting quite mad over them. Let us play a trick + on her; get into the bed beside her; it will be amusing to see her + surprise when she wakes up.” + </p> + <p> + “But do you think she will take it as a joke?” + </p> + <p> + “She won’t be able to help laughing; besides, you are dressed.” + </p> + <p> + The opportunity was too tempting, and taking off my dressing-gown, I + gently crept into the bed, and Eleanore covered me up to my neck. She + laughed, but my heart was beating rapidly. I could not give the affair the + appearance of a joke, and I hoped Clementine would be some time before she + awoke that I might have time to compose myself. + </p> + <p> + I had been in this position for about five minutes, when Clementine, half + asleep and half awake, turned over, and stretching out her arm, gave me a + hasty kiss, thinking I was her sister. She then fell asleep again in the + same position. I should have stayed still long enough, for her warm breath + played on my face, and gave me a foretaste of ambrosia; but Eleanore could + restrain herself no longer, and, bursting into a peal of laughter, forced + Clementine to open her eyes. Nevertheless, she did not discover that she + held me in her arms till she saw her sister standing laughing beside the + bed. + </p> + <p> + “This is a fine trick,” said she, “you are two charmers indeed!” + </p> + <p> + This quiet reception gave me back my self-composure, and I was able to + play my part properly. + </p> + <p> + “You see,” said I, “I have had a kiss from my sweet Hebe.” + </p> + <p> + “I thought I was giving it to my sister. ‘Tis the kiss that Amaryllis gave + to Mistillo.” + </p> + <p> + “It comes to the same thing. The kiss has produced its effects, and Iolas + is young again.” + </p> + <p> + “Dear Eleanore, you have gone too far, for we love each other, and I was + dreaming of him.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no,” said her sister, “Iolas is dressed. Look!” + </p> + <p> + So saying, the little wanton with a swift movement uncovered me, but at + the same time she uncovered her sister, and Clementine with a little + scream veiled the charms which my eyes had devoured for a moment. I had + seen all, but as one sees lightning. I had seen the cornice and the frieze + of the altar of love. + </p> + <p> + Eleanore then went out, and I remained gazing at the treasure I desired + but did not dare to seize. At last I broke the silence. + </p> + <p> + “Dearest Hebe,” said I, “you are certainly fairer than the cupbearer of + the gods. I have just seen what must have been seen when Hebe was falling, + and if I had been Jupiter I should have changed my mind.” + </p> + <p> + “Sardini told me that Jupiter drove Hebe away, and now I ought to drive + Jupiter away out of revenge.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; but, my angel, I am Iolas, and not Jupiter. I adore you, and I seek + to quench the desires which torture me.” + </p> + <p> + “This is a trick between you and Eleanore.” + </p> + <p> + “My dearest, it was all pure chance. I thought I should find you dressed, + and I went in to wish you good day. You were asleep and your sister was + dressing. I gazed at you, and Eleanore suggested that I should lie down + beside you to enjoy your astonishment when you awoke. I ought to be + grateful to her for a pleasure which has turned out so pleasantly. But the + beauties she discovered to me surpass all the ideas I had formed on the + subject. My charming Hebe will not refuse to pardon me.” + </p> + <p> + “No, since all is the effect of chance. But it is curious that when one + loves passionately one always feels inquisitive concerning the person of + the beloved object.” + </p> + <p> + “It is a very natural feeling, dearest. Love itself is a kind of + curiosity, if it be lawful to put curiosity in the rank of the passions; + but you have not that feeling about me?” + </p> + <p> + “No, for fear you might disappoint me, for I love you, and I want + everything to speak in your favour.” + </p> + <p> + “I know you might be disappointed, and consequently I must do everything + in my power to preserve your good opinion.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you are satisfied with me?” + </p> + <p> + “Surely. I am a good architect, and I think you are grandly built.” + </p> + <p> + “Stay, Iolas, do not touch me; it is enough that you have seen me.” + </p> + <p> + “Alas! it is by touching that one rectifies the mistakes of the eyes; one + judges thus of smoothness and solidity. Let me kiss these two fair sources + of life. I prefer them to the hundred breasts of Cybele, and I am not + jealous of Athys.” + </p> + <p> + “You are wrong there; Sardini told me that it was Diana of Ephesus who had + the hundred breasts.” + </p> + <p> + How could I help laughing to hear mythology issuing from Clementine’s + mouth at such a moment! Could any lover foresee such an incident? + </p> + <p> + I pressed with my hand her alabaster breast, and yet the desire of + knowledge subdued love in the heart of Clementine. But far from mistaking + her condition I thought it a good omen. I told her that she was perfectly + right, and that I was wrong, and a feeling of literary vanity prevented + her opposing my pressing with my lips a rosy bud, which stood out in + relief against the alabaster sphere. + </p> + <p> + “You apply your lips in vain, my dear Iolas, the land is barren. But what + are you swallowing?” + </p> + <p> + “The quintessence of a kiss.” + </p> + <p> + “I think you must have swallowed something of me, since you have given me + a pleasurable sensation I have never before experienced.” + </p> + <p> + “Dear Hebe, you make me happy.” + </p> + <p> + “I am glad to hear it, but I think the kiss on the lips is much better.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, because the pleasure is reciprocal, and consequently greater.” + </p> + <p> + “You teach by precept and example too. Cruel teacher! Enough, this + pleasure is too sweet. Love must be looking at us and laughing.” + </p> + <p> + “Why should we not let him enjoy a victory which would make us both + happier?” + </p> + <p> + “Because such happiness is not built on a sure foundation. No, no! put + your arms down. If we can kill each other with kisses, let us kiss on; but + let us use no other arms.” + </p> + <p> + After our lips had clung to each other cruelly but sweetly, she paused, + and gazing at me with eyes full of passion she begged me to leave her + alone. + </p> + <p> + The situation in which I found myself is impossible to describe. I + deplored the prejudice which had constrained me, and I wept with rage. I + cooled myself by making a toilette which was extremely necessary, and + returned to her room. + </p> + <p> + She was writing. + </p> + <p> + “I am delighted to see you back,” said she, “I am full of the poetic + frenzy and propose to tell the story of the victory we have gained in + verse.” + </p> + <p> + “A sad victory, abhorred by love, hateful to nature.” + </p> + <p> + “That will do nicely. Will each write a poem; I to celebrate the victory + and you to deplore it. But you look sad.” + </p> + <p> + “I am in pain; but as the masculine anatomy is unknown to you, I cannot + explain matters.” + </p> + <p> + Clementine did not reply, but I could see that she was affected. I + suffered a dull pain in that part which prejudice had made me hold a + prisoner while love and nature bade me give it perfect freedom. Sleep was + the only thing which would restore the balance of my constitution. + </p> + <p> + We went down to dinner, but I could not eat. I could not attend to the + reading of the translation which M. Vigi had brought with him, and I even + forgot to compliment him upon it. I begged the count to hold the bank for + me, and asked the company to allow me to lie down; nobody could tell what + was the matter with me, though Clementine might have her suspicions. + </p> + <p> + At supper-time Clementine, accompanied by a servant, brought me a delicate + cold collation, and told me that the bank had won. It was the first time + it had done so, for I had always taken care to play a losing game. I made + a good supper, but remained still melancholy and silent. When I had + finished Clementine bade me good night, saying that she was going to write + her poem. + </p> + <p> + I, too, was in the vein: I finished my poem, and made a fair copy of it + before I went to bed. In the morning Clementine came to see me, and gave + me her piece, which I read with pleasure; though I suspect that the + delight my praises gave was equal to mine. + </p> + <p> + Then came the turn of my composition, and before long I noticed that the + picture of my sufferings was making a profound impression on her. Big + tears rolled down her cheeks, and from her eyes shot forth tender glances. + When I had finished, I had the happiness of hearing her say that if she + had known that part of physiology better, she would not have behaved so. + </p> + <p> + We took a cup of chocolate together, and I then begged her to lie down + beside me in bed without undressing, and to treat me as I had treated her + the day before, that she might have some experience of the martyrdom I had + sung in my verses. She smiled and agreed, on the condition that I should + do nothing to her. + </p> + <p> + It was a cruel condition, but it was the beginning of victory, and I had + to submit. I had no reason to repent of my submission, for I enjoyed the + despotism she exercised on me, and the pain she must be in that I did + nothing to her, whilst I would not let her see the charms which she held + in her hands. In vain I excited her to satisfy herself, to refuse her + desires nothing, but she persisted in maintaining that she did not wish to + go any further. + </p> + <p> + “Your enjoyment cannot be so great as mine,” said I. But her subtle wit + never left her without a reply. + </p> + <p> + “Then,” said she, “you have no right to ask me to pity you.” + </p> + <p> + The test, however, was too sharp for her. She left me in a state of great + excitement, giving me a kiss which took all doubts away, and saying that + in love we must be all or nothing. + </p> + <p> + We spent the day in reading, eating, and walking, and in converse grave + and gay. I could not see, however, that my suit had progressed, as far as + the events of the morning seemed to indicate. She wanted to reverse the + medal of Aristippus, who said, in speaking of Lois, “I possess her, but + she does not possess me.” She wanted to be my mistress, without my being + her master. I ventured to bewail my fate a little, but that did not seem + to advance my cause. + </p> + <p> + Three or four days after, I asked Clementine in the presence of her sister + to let me lie in bed beside her. This is the test proposed to a nun, a + widow, a girl afraid of consequences, and it nearly always succeeds. I + took a packet of fine English letters and explained their use to her. She + took them examined them attentively, and after a burst of laughter + declared them to be scandalous, disgusting, horrible in which anathema her + sister joined. In vain I tried to plead their utility in defence, but + Clementine maintained that there was no trusting them, and pushed her + finger into one so strongly that it burst with a loud crack. I had to give + way, and put my specialties in my pocket, and her final declaration was + that such things made her shudder. + </p> + <p> + I wished them good night, and retired in some confusion. I pondered over + Clementine’s strange resistance, which could only mean that I had not + inspired her with sufficient love. I resolved on overcoming her by an + almost infallible method. I would procure her pleasures that were new to + her without sparing expense. I could think of nothing better than to take + the whole family to Milan, and to give them a sumptuous banquet at my + pastry-cook’s. “I will take them there,” I said to myself, “without saying + a word about our destination till we are on our way, for if I were to name + Milan the count might feel bound to tell his Spanish countess, that she + might have an opportunity of making the acquaintance of her + sisters-in-law, and this would vex me to the last degree.” The party would + be a great treat to the sisters, who had never been in Milan, and I + resolved to make the expedition as splendid as I possibly could. + </p> + <p> + When I awoke the next morning I wrote to Zenobia to buy three dresses of + the finest Lyons silk for three young ladies of rank. I sent the necessary + measurements, and instructions as to the trimming. The Countess Ambrose’s + dress was to be white satin with a rich border of Valenciennes lace. I + also wrote to M. Greppi, asking him to pay for Zenobia’s purchases. I told + her to take the three dresses to my private lodgings, and lay them upon + the bed, and give the landlord a note I enclosed. This note ordered him to + provide a banquet for eight persons, without sparing expense. On the day + and hour appointed, Zengbia was to be at the pastrycook’s ready to wait on + the three ladies. I sent the letter by Clairmont, who returned before + dinner, bearing a note from Zenobia assuring me that all my wishes should + be carried out. After dessert I broached my plan to the countess, telling + her that I wanted to give a party like the one at Lodi, but on two + conditions: the first, that no one was to know our destination till we + were in the carriages, and the second, that after dinner we should return + to St. Angelo. + </p> + <p> + Out of politeness the countess looked at her husband before accepting the + invitation, but he cried out, without ceremony, that he was ready to go if + I took the whole family. + </p> + <p> + “Very good,” said I, “we will start at eight o’clock to-morrow, and nobody + need be at any trouble, the carriages are ordered.” + </p> + <p> + I felt obliged to include the canon, because he was a great courtier of + the countess, and also because he lost money to me every day, and thus it + was he, in fact, who was going to pay for the expedition. That evening he + lost three hundred sequins, and was obliged to ask me to give him three + day’s grace to pay the money. I replied by assuring him that all I had was + at his service. + </p> + <p> + When the company broke up I offered my hand to Hebe, and escorted her and + her sister to their room. We had begun to read Fontenelle’s “Plurality of + Worlds,” and I had thought we should finish it that night; but Clementine + said that as she had to get up early, she would want to get to sleep early + also. + </p> + <p> + “You are right, dearest Hebe, do you go to bed, and I will read to you.” + </p> + <p> + She made no objection, so I took the Ariosto, and began to read the + history of the Spanish princess who fell in love with Bradamante. I + thought that by the time I had finished Clementine would be ardent, but I + was mistaken; both she and her sister seemed pensive. + </p> + <p> + “What is the matter with you, dearest? Has Ricciardetto displeased you?” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all, he has pleased me, and in the princess’s place I should have + done the same; but we shall not sleep all night, and it is your fault.” + </p> + <p> + “What have I done, pray?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing, but you can make us happy, and give us a great proof of your + friendship.” + </p> + <p> + “Speak, then. What is it you want of me? I would do anything to please + you. My life is yours. You shall sleep soundly.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, tell us where we are going to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “Have I not already said that I would tell you just as we are going?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but that won’t do. We want to know now, and if you won’t tell us we + shan’t sleep, all night, and we shall look frightful to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “I should be so sorry, but I don’t think that you could look frightful.” + </p> + <p> + “You don’t think we can keep a secret. It is nothing very important, is + it?” + </p> + <p> + “No, it is not very important, but all the same it is a secret.” + </p> + <p> + “It would be dreadful if you refused me.” + </p> + <p> + “Dearest Hebe! how can I refuse you anything? I confess freely that I have + been wrong in keeping you waiting so long. Here is my secret: you are to + dine with me to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “With you? Where?” + </p> + <p> + “Milan.” + </p> + <p> + In their immoderate joy they got out of bed, and without caring for their + state of undress, threw their arms round my neck, covered me with kisses, + clasped me to their breasts, and finally sat down on my knees. + </p> + <p> + “We have never seen Milan,” they cried, “and it has been the dream of our + lives to see that splendid town. How often I have been put to the blush + when I have been forced to confess that I have never been to Milan.” + </p> + <p> + “It makes me very happy,” said Hebe, “but my happiness is troubled by the + idea that we shall see nothing of the town, for we shall have to return + after dinner. It is cruel! Are we to go fifteen miles to Milan only to + dine and come back again? At least we must see our sister-in-law.” + </p> + <p> + “I have foreseen all your objections, and that was the reason I made a + mystery of it, but it has been arranged. You don’t like it? Speak and tell + me your pleasure.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course we like it, dear Iolas. The party will be charming, and + perhaps, if we knew all, the very conditions are all for the best.” + </p> + <p> + “It may be so, but I may not tell you any more now.” + </p> + <p> + “And we will not press you.” + </p> + <p> + In an ecstasy of joy she began to embrace me again, and Eleanore said that + she would go to sleep so as to be more on the alert for the morrow. This + was the best thing she could have done. I knew the fortunate hour was at + hand, and exciting Clementine by my fiery kisses, and drawing nearer and + nearer, at last I was in full possession of the temple I had so long + desired to attain. Hebe’s pleasure and delight kept her silent; she shared + my ecstasies, and mingled her happy tears with mine. + </p> + <p> + I spent two hours in this manner, and then went to bed, impatient to renew + the combat on the following day more at my ease and with greater comfort. + </p> + <p> + At eight o’clock we were all assembled round the breakfast-table, but in + spite of my high spirits I could not make the rest of the company share + them. All were silent and pensive; curiosity shewed itself on every face. + Clementine and her sister pretended to partake the general feeling, and + were silent like the rest while I looked on and enjoyed their expectancy. + </p> + <p> + Clairmont, who had fulfilled my instructions to the letter, came in and + told us that the carriages were at the door. I asked my guests to follow + me, and they did so in silence. I put the countess and Clementine in my + carriage, the latter holding the baby on her lap, her sister and the three + gentlemen being seated in the other carriage. I called out, with a laugh, + </p> + <p> + “Drive to Milan.” + </p> + <p> + “Milan! Milan!” they exclaimed with one voice. “Capital! capital!” + </p> + <p> + Clairmont galloped in front of us and went off. Clementine pretended to be + astonished, but her sister looked as if she had known something of our + destination before. All care, however, had disappeared, and the highest + spirits prevailed. We stopped at a village half-way between St. Angelo and + Milan to blow the horses, and everybody got down. + </p> + <p> + “What will my wife say?” asked the count. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing, for she will not know anything about it, and if she does I am + the only guilty party. You are to dine with me in a suite of rooms which I + have occupied incognito since I have been at Milan; for you will + understand that I could not have my wants attended to at your house, where + the place is already taken.” + </p> + <p> + “And how about Zenobia?” + </p> + <p> + “Zenobia was a lucky chance, and is a very nice girl, but she would not + suffice for my daily fare.” + </p> + <p> + “You are a lucky fellow!” + </p> + <p> + “I try to make myself comfortable.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear husband,” said the Countess Ambrose, “you proposed a visit to + Milan two years ago, and the chevalier proposed it a few hours ago, and + now we are on our way.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sweetheart, but my idea was that we should spend a month there.” + </p> + <p> + “If you want to do that,” said I, “I will see to everything.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, my dear sir; you are really a wonderful man.” + </p> + <p> + “You do me too much honour, count, there is nothing wonderful about me, + except that I execute easily an easy task.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; but you will confess that a thing may be difficult from the way in + which we regard it, or from the position in which we find ourselves.” + </p> + <p> + “You are quite right.” + </p> + <p> + When we were again on our way the countess said,— + </p> + <p> + “You must confess, sir, that you are a very fortunate man.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not deny it, my dear countess, but my happiness is due to the + company I find myself in; if you were to expel me from yours, I should be + miserable.” + </p> + <p> + “You are not the kind of man to be expelled from any society.” + </p> + <p> + “That is a very kindly compliment.” + </p> + <p> + “Say, rather, a very true one.” + </p> + <p> + “I am happy to hear you say so, but it would be both foolish and + presumptuous for me to say so myself.” + </p> + <p> + Thus we made merry on our way, above all at the expense of the canon, who + had been begging the countess to intercede with me to give him leave to + absent himself half an hour. + </p> + <p> + “I want to call on a lady,” said he; “I should lose her favour forever if + she came to know that I had been in Milan without paying her a visit.” + </p> + <p> + “You must submit to the conditions,” replied the amiable countess, “so + don’t count on my intercession.” + </p> + <p> + We got to Milan exactly at noon, and stepped out at the pastry-cook’s + door. The landlady begged the countess to confide her child to her care, + and shewed her a bosom which proved her fruitfulness. This offer was made + at the foot of the stairs, and the countess accepted it with charming + grace and dignity. It was a delightful episode, which chance had willed + should adorn the entertainment I had invented. Everybody seemed happy, but + I was the happiest of all. Happiness is purely a creature of the + imagination. If you wish to be happy fancy that you are so, though I + confess that circumstances favourable to this state are often beyond our + control. On the other hand, unfavourable circumstances are mostly the + result of our own mistakes. + </p> + <p> + The countess took my arm, and we led the way into my room which I found + exquisitely neat and clean. As I had expected, Zenobia was there, but I + was surprised to see Croce’s mistress, looking very pretty; however, I + pretended not to know her. She was well dressed, and her face, free from + the sadness it had borne before, was so seductive in its beauty, that I + felt vexed at her appearance at that particular moment. + </p> + <p> + “Here are two pretty girls,” said the countess. “Who are you, pray?” + </p> + <p> + “We are the chevalier’s humble servants,” said Zenobia, “and we are here + only to wait on you.” + </p> + <p> + Zenobia had taken it on herself to bring her lodger, who began to speak + Italian, and looked at me in doubt, fearing that I was displeased at her + presence. I had to reassure her by saying I was very glad she had come + with Zenobia. These words were as balm to her heart; she smiled again, and + became more beautiful than ever. I felt certain that she would not remain + unhappy long; it was impossible to behold her without one’s interest being + excited in her favour. A bill signed by the Graces can never be protested; + anyone with eyes and a heart honours it at sight. + </p> + <p> + My humble servants took the ladies’ cloaks and followed them into the + bedroom, where the three dresses were laid out on a table. I only knew the + white satin and lace, for that was the only one I had designed. The + countess, who walked before her sisters, was the first to notice it, and + exclaimed,— + </p> + <p> + “What a lovely dress! To whom does it belong, M. de Seingalt? You ought to + know.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly. It belongs to your husband who can do what he likes with it, + and I hope, if he gives it you, you will take it. Take it, count; it is + yours; and if you refuse I will positively kill myself.” + </p> + <p> + “We love you too well to drive you to an act of despair. The idea is + worthy of your nobility of heart. I take your beautiful present with one + hand, and with the other I deliver it to her to whom it really belongs.” + </p> + <p> + “What, dear husband! is this beautiful dress really mine? Whom am I to + thank? I thank you both, and I must put it on for dinner.” + </p> + <p> + The two others were not made of such rich materials, but they were more + showy, and I was delighted to see Clementine’s longing gaze fixed upon the + one I had intended for her. Eleanore in her turn admired the dress that + had been made for her. The first was in shot satin, and ornamented with + lovely wreaths of flowers; the second was sky-blue satin, with a thousand + flowers scattered all over it. Zenobia took upon herself to say that the + first was for Clementine. + </p> + <p> + “How do you know?” + </p> + <p> + “It is the longer, and you are taller than your sister.” + </p> + <p> + “That is true. It is really mine, then?” said she, turning to me. + </p> + <p> + “If I may hope that you will deign to accept it.” + </p> + <p> + “Surely, dear Iolas, and I will put it on directly.” + </p> + <p> + Eleanore maintained that her dress was the prettier, and said she was + dying to put it on. + </p> + <p> + “Very good, very good!” I exclaimed, in high glee, “we will leave you to + dress, and here are your maids.” + </p> + <p> + I went out with the two brothers and the canon, and I remarked that they + looked quite confused. No doubt they were pondering the prodigality of + gamesters; light come, light go. I did not interrupt their thoughts, for I + loved to astonish people. I confess it was a feeling of vanity which + raised me above my fellow-men, at least, in my own eyes, but that was + enough for me. I should have despised anyone who told me that I was + laughed at, but I daresay it was only the truth. + </p> + <p> + I was in the highest spirits, and they soon proved infectious. I embraced + Count Ambrose affectionately, begging his pardon for having presumed to + make the family a few small presents, and I thanked his brother for having + introduced me to them. “You have all given me such a warm welcome,” I + added, “that I felt obliged to give you some small proof of my gratitude.” + </p> + <p> + The fair countesses soon appeared, bedecked with smiles and their gay + attire. + </p> + <p> + “You must have contrived to take our measures,” said they; “but we cannot + imagine how you did it.” + </p> + <p> + “The funniest thing is,” said the eldest, “that you have had my dress made + so that it can be let out when necessary without destroying the shape. But + what a beautiful piece of trimming! It is worth four times as much as the + dress itself.” + </p> + <p> + Clementine could not keep away from the looking-glass. She fancied that in + the colours of her dress, rose and green, I had indicated the + characteristics of the youthful Hebe. Eleanore still maintained that her + dress was the prettiest of all. + </p> + <p> + I was delighted with the pleasure of my fair guests, and we sat down to + table with excellent appetites. The dinner was extremely choice; but the + finest dish of all was a dish of oysters, which the landlord had dressed a + la maitre d’hotel. We enjoyed them immensely. We finished off three + hundred of them, for the ladies relished them extremely, and the canon + seemed to have an insatiable appetite; and we washed down the dishes with + numerous bottles of champagne. We stayed at table for three hours, + drinking, singing, and jesting, while my humble servants, whose beauty + almost rivalled that of my guests, waited upon us. + </p> + <p> + Towards the end of the meal the pastry-cook’s wife came in with the + countess’s baby on her breast. This was a dramatic stroke. The mother + burst into a cry of joy, and the woman seemed quite proud of having + suckled the scion of so illustrious a house for nearly four hours. It is + well known that women, even more than men, are wholly under the sway of + the imagination. Who can say that this woman, simple and honest like the + majority of the lower classes, did not think that her own offspring would + be ennobled by being suckled at the breast which had nourished a young + count? Such an idea is, no doubt, foolish, but that is the very reason why + it is dear to the hearts of the people. + </p> + <p> + We spent another hour in taking coffee and punch, and then the ladies went + to change their clothes again. Zenobia took care that their new ones + should be carefully packed in cardboard boxes and placed under the seat of + my carriage. + </p> + <p> + Croce’s abandoned mistress found an opportunity of telling me that she was + very happy with Zenobia. She asked me when we were to go. + </p> + <p> + “You will be at Marseilles,” said I, pressing her hand, “a fortnight after + Easter at latest.” + </p> + <p> + Zenobia had told me that the girl had an excellent heart, behaved very + discreetly, and that she should be very sorry to see her go. I gave + Zenobia twelve sequins for the trouble she had taken. + </p> + <p> + I was satisfied with everything and paid the worthy pastry-cook’s bill. I + noticed we had emptied no less than twenty bottles of champagne, though it + is true that we drank very little of any other wine, as the ladies + preferred it. + </p> + <p> + I loved and was beloved, my health was good, I had plenty of money, which + I spent freely; in fine, I was happy. I loved to say so in defiance of + those sour moralists who pretend that there is no true happiness on this + earth. It is the expression on this earth which makes me laugh; as if it + were possible to go anywhere else in search of happiness. ‘Mors ultima + linea rerum est’. Yes, death is the end of all, for after death man has no + senses; but I do not say that the soul shares the fate of the body. No one + should dogmatise on uncertainties, and after death everything is doubtful. + </p> + <p> + It was seven o’clock when we began our journey home, which we reached at + midnight. The journey was so pleasant that it seemed to us but short. The + champagne, the punch, and the pleasure, had warmed my two fair companions, + and by favour of the darkness I was able to amuse myself with them, though + I loved Clementine too well to carry matters very far with her sister. + </p> + <p> + When we alighted we wished each other good night, and everybody retired to + his or her room, myself excepted, for I spent several happy hours with + Clementine, which I can never forget. + </p> + <p> + “Do you think,” said she, “that I shall be happy when you have left me all + alone?” + </p> + <p> + “Dearest Hebe, both of us will be unhappy for the first few days, but then + philosophy will step in and soften the bitterness of parting without + lessening our love.” + </p> + <p> + “Soften the bitterness! I do not think any philosophy can work such a + miracle. I know that you, dear sophist, will soon console yourself with + other girls. Don’t think me jealous; I should abhor myself if I thought I + was capable of so vile a passion, but I should despise myself if I was + capable of seeking consolation in your way.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall be in despair if you entertain such ideas of me.” + </p> + <p> + “They are natural, however.” + </p> + <p> + “Possibly. What you call ‘other girls’ can never expel your image from my + breast. The chief of them is the wife of a tailor, and the other is a + respectable young woman, whom I am going to take back to Marseilles, + whence she has been decoyed by her wretched seducer. + </p> + <p> + “From henceforth to death, you and you alone will reign in my breast; and + if, led astray by my senses, I ever press another in these arms, I shall + soon be punished for an act of infidelity in which my mind will have no + share.” + </p> + <p> + “I at all events will never need to repent in that fashion. But I cannot + understand how, with your love for me, and holding me in your arms, you + can even contemplate the possibility of becoming unfaithful to me.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t contemplate it, dearest, I merely take it as an hypothesis.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t see much difference.” + </p> + <p> + What reply could I make? There was reason in what Clementine said, though + she was deceived, but her mistakes were due to her love. My love was so + ardent as to be blind to possible—nay, certain, infidelities. The + only circumstance which made me more correct in my estimate of the future + than she, was that this was by no means my first love affair. But if my + readers have been in the same position, as I suppose most of them have, + they will understand how difficult it is to answer such arguments coming + from a woman one wishes to render happy. The keenest wit has to remain + silent and to take refuge in kisses. + </p> + <p> + “Would you like to take me away with you?” said she, “I am ready to follow + you, and it would make me happy. If you love me, you ought to be enchanted + for your own sake. Let us make each other happy, dearest.” + </p> + <p> + “I could not dishonour your family.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you not think me worthy of becoming your wife?” + </p> + <p> + “You are worthy of a crown, and it is I who am all unworthy of possessing + such a wife. You must know that I have nothing in the world except my + fortune, and that may leave me to-morrow. By myself I do not dread the + reverses of fortune, but I should be wretched if, after linking your fate + with mine, you were forced to undergo any privation.” + </p> + <p> + “I think—I know not why—that you can never be unfortunate, and + that you cannot be happy without me. Your love is not so ardent as mine; + you have not so great a faith.” + </p> + <p> + “My angel, if my fate is weaker than yours, that is the result of cruel + experience which makes me tremble for the future. Affrighted love loses + its strength but gains reason.” + </p> + <p> + “Cruel reason! Must we, then, prepare to part?” + </p> + <p> + “We must indeed, dearest; it is a hard necessity, but my heart will still + be thine. I shall go away your fervent adorer, and if fortune favours me + in England you will see me again next year. I will buy an estate wherever + you like, and it shall be yours on your wedding day, our children and + literature will be our delights.” + </p> + <p> + “What a happy prospect!—a golden vision indeed! I would that I might + fall asleep dreaming thus, and wake not till that blessed day, or wake + only to die if it is not to be. But what shall I do if you have left me + with child?” + </p> + <p> + “Divine Hebe, you need not fear. I have managed that.” + </p> + <p> + “Managed? I did not think of that, but I see what you mean, and I am very + much obliged to you. Alas perhaps after all it would have been better if + you had not taken any precautions, for surely you are not born for my + misfortune, and you could never have abandoned the mother and the child.” + </p> + <p> + “You are right, sweetheart, and if before two months have elapsed you find + any signs of pregnancy in spite of my precautions, you have only to write + to me, and whatever my fortunes may be, I will give you my hand and + legitimise our offspring. You would certainly be marrying beneath your + station, but you would not be the less happy for that, would you?” + </p> + <p> + “No, no! to bear your name, and to win your hand would be the crowning of + all my hopes. I should never repent of giving myself wholly to you.” + </p> + <p> + “You make me happy.” + </p> + <p> + “All of us love you, all say that you are happy, and that you deserve your + happiness. What praise is this! You cannot tell how my heart beats when I + hear you lauded when you are away. When they say I love you, I answer that + I adore you, and you know that I do not lie.” + </p> + <p> + It was with such dialogues that we passed away the interval between our + amorous transports on the last five or six nights of my stay. Her sister + slept, or pretended to sleep. When I left Clementine I went to bed and did + not rise till late, and then I spent the whole day with her either in + private or with the family. It was a happy time. How could I, as free as + the air, a perfect master of my movements, of my own free will put my + happiness away from me? I cannot understand it now. + </p> + <p> + My luck had made me win all the worthy canon’s money, which in turn I + passed on to the family at the castle. Clementine alone would not profit + by my inattentive play, but the last two days I insisted on taking her + into partnership, and as the canon’s bad luck still continued she profited + to the extent of a hundred louis. The worthy monk lost a thousand sequins, + of which seven hundred remained in the family. This was paying well for + the hospitality I had received, and as it was at the expense of the monk, + though a worthy one, the merit was all the greater. + </p> + <p> + The last night, which I spent entirely with the countess, was very sad; we + must have died of grief if we had not taken refuge in the transports of + love. Never was night better spent. Tears of grief and tears of love + followed one another in rapid succession, and nine times did I offer up + sacrifice on the altar of the god, who gave me fresh strength to replace + that which was exhausted. The sanctuary was full of blood and tears, but + the desires of the priest and victim still cried for more. We had at last + to make an effort and part. Eleanore had seized the opportunity of our + sleeping for a few moments, and had softly risen and left us alone. We + felt grateful to her, and agreed that she must either be very insensitive + or have suffered torments in listening to our voluptuous combats. I left + Clementine to her ablutions, of which she stood in great need, while I + went to my room to make my toilette. + </p> + <p> + When we appeared at the breakfast, table we looked as if we had been on + the rack, and Clementine’s eyes betrayed her feelings, but our grief was + respected. I could not be gay in my usual manner, but no one asked me the + reason. I promised to write to them, and come and see them again the + following year. I did write to them, but I left off doing so at London, + because the misfortunes I experienced there made me lose all hope of + seeing them again. I never did see any of them again, but I have never + forgotten Clementine. + </p> + <p> + Six years later, when I came back from Spain, I heard to my great delight + that she was living happily with Count N——, whom she had + married three years after my departure. She had two sons, the younger, who + must now be twenty-seven, is in the Austrian army. How delighted I should + be to see him! When I heard of Clementine’s happiness, it was, as I have + said, on my return from Spain, and my fortunes were at a low ebb. I went + to see what I could do at Leghorn, and as I went through Lombardy I passed + four miles from the estate where she and her husband resided, but I had + not the courage to go and see her; perhaps I was right. But I must return + to the thread of my story. + </p> + <p> + I felt grateful to Eleanore for her kindness to us, and I had resolved to + leave her some memorial of me. I took her apart for a moment, and drawing + a fine cameo, representing the god of Silence, off my finger, I placed it + on hers, and then rejoined the company, without giving her an opportunity + to thank me. + </p> + <p> + The carriage was ready to take me away, and everyone was waiting to see me + off, but my eyes filled with tears. I sought for Clementine in vain; she + had vanished. I pretended to have forgotten something in my room, and + going to my Hebe’s chamber I found her in a terrible state, choking with + sobs. I pressed her to my breast, and mingled my tears with hers; and then + laying her gently in her bed, and snatching a last kiss from her trembling + lips, I tore myself away from a place full of such sweet and agonizing + memories. + </p> + <p> + I thanked and embraced everyone, the good canon amongst others, and + whispering to Eleanore to see to her sister I jumped into the carriage + beside the count. We remained perfectly silent, and slept nearly the whole + of the way. We found the Marquis Triulzi and the countess together, and + the former immediately sent for a dinner for four. I was not much + astonished to find that the countess had found out about our being at + Milan, and at first she seemed inclined to let us feel the weight of her + anger; but the count, always fertile in expedients, told her that it was + delicacy on my part not to tell her, as I was afraid she would be put out + with such an incursion of visitors. + </p> + <p> + At dinner I said that I should soon be leaving for Genoa, and for my + sorrow the marquis gave me a letter of introduction to the notorious + Signora Isola-Bella, while the countess gave me a letter to her kinsman + the Bishop of Tortona. + </p> + <p> + My arrival at Milan was well-timed; Therese was on the point of going to + Palermo, and I just succeeded in seeing her before she left. I talked to + her of the wish of Cesarino to go to sea, and I did all in my power to + make her yield to his inclinations. + </p> + <p> + “I am leaving him at Milan,” said she. “I know how he got this idea into + his head, but I will never give my consent. I hope I shall find him wiser + by the time I come back.” + </p> + <p> + She was mistaken. My son never altered his mind, and in fifteen years my + readers will hear more of him. + </p> + <p> + I settled my accounts with Greppi and took two bills of exchange on + Marseilles, and one of ten thousand francs on Genoa, where I did not think + I would have to spend much money. In spite of my luck at play, I was + poorer by a thousand sequins when I left Milan than when I came there; but + my extravagant expenditure must be taken into account. + </p> + <p> + I spent all my afternoons with the fair Marchioness sometimes alone and + sometimes with her cousin, but with my mind full of grief for Clementine + she no longer charmed me as she had done three weeks ago. + </p> + <p> + I had no need to make any mystery about the young lady I was going to take + with me, so I sent Clairmont for her small trunk, and at eight o’clock on + the morning of my departure she waited on me at the count’s. I kissed the + hand of the woman who had attempted my life, and thanked her for her + hospitality, to which I attributed the good reception I had had at Milan. + I then thanked the count, who said once more that he should never cease to + be grateful to me, and thus I left Milan on the 20th of March, 1763. I + never re-visited that splendid capital. + </p> + <p> + The young lady, whom out of respect for her and her family I called + Crosin, was charming. There was an air of nobility and high-bred reserve + about her which bore witness to her excellent upbringing. As I sat next to + her, I congratulated myself on my immunity from love of her, but the + reader will guess that I was mistaken. I told Clairmont that she was to be + called my niece, and to be treated with the utmost respect. + </p> + <p> + I had had no opportunity of conversing with her, so the first thing I did + was to test her intelligence, and though I had not the slightest intention + of paying my court to her, I felt that it would be well to inspire her + with friendship and confidence as far as I was concerned. + </p> + <p> + The scar which my late amours had left was still bleeding, and I was glad + to think that I should be able to restore the young Marseillaise to the + paternal hearth without any painful partings or vain regrets. I enjoyed in + advance my meritorious action, and I was quite vain to see my + self-restraint come to such a pitch that I was able to live in close + intimacy with a pretty girl without any other desire than that of rescuing + her from the shame into which she might have fallen if she had traveled + alone. She felt my kindness to her, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “I am sure M. de la Croix would not have abandoned me if he had not met + you at Milan.” + </p> + <p> + “You are very charitable, but I am unable to share in your good opinion. + To my mind Croce has behaved in a rascally manner, to say the least of it, + for in spite of your many charms he had no right to count on me in the + matter. I will not say that he openly scorned you, since he might have + acted from despair; but I am sure he must have ceased to love you, or he + could never have abandoned you thus.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sure of the contrary. He saw that he had no means of providing for + me, and he had to choose between leaving me and killing himself.” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all. He ought to have sold all he had and sent you back to + Marseilles. Your journey to Genoa would not have cost much, and thence you + could have gone to Marseilles by sea. Croce counted on my having been + interested in your pretty face, and he was right; but you must see that he + exposed you to a great risk. You must not be offended if I tell you the + plain truth. If your face had not inspired me with a lively interest in + you, I should have only felt ordinary compassion on reading your appeal, + and this would not have been enough to force me to great sacrifices of + time and trouble. But I have no business to be blaming Croce. You are + hurt; I see you are still in love with him.” + </p> + <p> + “I confess it, and I pity him. As for myself, I only pity my cruel + destiny. I shall never see him again, but I shall never love anyone else, + for my mind is made up. I shall go into a convent and expiate my sins. My + father will pardon me, for he is a man of an excellent heart. I have been + the victim of love; my will was not my own. The seductive influence of + passion ravished my reason from me, and the only thing that I blame myself + for is for not having fortified my mind against it. Otherwise I cannot see + that I have sinned deeply, but I confess I have done wrong.” + </p> + <p> + “You would have gone with Croce from Milan if he had asked you, even on + foot.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course; it would have been my duty; but he would not expose me to the + misery that he saw before us.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, you were miserable enough already. I am sure that if you meet him at + Marseilles you will go with him again.” + </p> + <p> + “Never. I begin to get back my reason. I am free once more, and the day + will come when I shall thank God for having forgotten him.” + </p> + <p> + Her sincerity pleased me, and as I knew too well the power of love I + pitied her from my heart. For two hours she told me the history of her + unfortunate amour, and as she told it well I began to take a liking for + her. + </p> + <p> + We reached Tortona in the evening, and with the intention of sleeping + there I told Clairmont to get us a supper to my taste. While we were + eating it I was astonished at my false niece’s wit, and she made a good + match for me at the meal, for she had an excellent appetite, and drank as + well as any girl of her age. As we were leaving the table, she made a jest + which was so much to the point that I burst out laughing, and her conquest + was complete. I embraced her in the joy of my heart, and finding my kiss + ardently returned, I asked her without any, circumlocution if she was + willing that we should content ourselves with one bed. + </p> + <p> + At this invitation her face fell, and she replied, with an air of + submission which kills desire,— + </p> + <p> + “Alas! you can do what you like. If liberty is a precious thing, it is + most precious of all in love.” + </p> + <p> + “There is no need for this disobedience. You have inspired me with a + tender passion, but if you don’t share my feelings my love for you shall + be stifled at its birth. There are two beds here, as you see; you can + choose which one you will sleep in.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I will sleep in that one, but I shall be very sorry if you are not + so kind to me in the future as you have been in the past.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t be afraid. You shall not find me unworthy of your esteem. Good + night; we shall be good friends.” + </p> + <p> + Early the next morning I sent the countess’s letter to the bishop, and an + hour afterwards, as I was at breakfast, an old priest came to ask me and + the lady with me to dine with my lord. The countess’s letter did not say + anything about a lady, but the prelate, who was a true Spaniard and very + polite, felt that as I could not leave my real or false niece alone in the + inn I should not have accepted the invitation if she had not been asked as + well. Probably my lord had heard of the lady through his footmen, who in + Italy are a sort of spies, who entertain their masters with the scandalous + gossip of the place. A bishop wants something more than his breviary to + amuse him now that the apostolic virtues have grown old-fashioned and out + of date; in short, I accepted the invitation, charging the priest to + present my respects to his lordship. + </p> + <p> + My niece was delightful, and treated me as if I had no right to feel any + resentment for her having preferred her own bed to mine. I was pleased + with her behaviour, for now that my head was cool I felt that she would + have degraded herself if she had acted otherwise. My vanity was not even + wounded, which is so often the case under similar circumstances. Self-love + and prejudice prevent a woman yielding till she has been assidiously + courted, whereas I had asked her to share my bed in an off-hand manner, as + if it were a mere matter of form. However, I should not have done it + unless it had been for the fumes of the champagne and the Somard, with + which we had washed down the delicious supper mine host had supplied us + with. She had been flattered by the bishop’s invitation, but she did not + know whether I had accepted for her as well as myself; and when I told her + that we were going out to dinner together, she was wild with joy. She made + a careful toilette, looking very well for a traveller, and at noon my + lord’s carriage came to fetch us. + </p> + <p> + The prelate was a tall man, two inches taller than myself; and in spite of + the weight of his eighty years, he looked well and seemed quite active, + though grave as became a Spanish grandee. He received us with a politeness + which was almost French, and when my niece would have kissed his hand, + according to custom, he affectionately drew it back, and gave her a + magnificent cross of amethysts and brilliants to kiss. She kissed it with + devotion, saying,— + </p> + <p> + “This is what I love.” + </p> + <p> + She looked at me as she said it, and the jest (which referred to her lover + La Croix or Croce) surprised me. + </p> + <p> + We sat down to dinner, and I found the bishop to be a pleasant and a + learned man. We were nine in all; four priests, and two young gentlemen of + the town, who behaved to my niece with great politeness, which she + received with all the manner of good society. I noticed that the bishop, + though he often spoke to her, never once looked at her face. My lord knew + what danger lurked in those bright eyes, and like a prudent greybeard he + took care not to fall into the snare. After coffee had been served, we + took leave, and in four hours we left Tortona, intending to lie at Novi. + </p> + <p> + In the course of the afternoon my fair niece amused me with the wit and + wisdom of her conversation. While we were supping I led the conversation + up to the bishop, and then to religion, that I might see what her + principles were. Finding her to be a good Christian, I asked her how she + could allow herself to make a jest when she kissed the prelate’s cross. + </p> + <p> + “It was a mere chance,” she said. “The equivocation was innocent because + it was not premeditated, for if I had thought it over I should never have + said such a thing.” + </p> + <p> + I pretended to believe her; she might possibly be sincere. She was + extremely clever, and my love for her was becoming more and more ardent, + but my vanity kept my passion in check. When she went to bed I did not + kiss her, but as her bed had no screen as at Tortona, she waited until she + thought I was asleep to undress herself. We got to Genoa by noon the next + day. + </p> + <p> + Pogomas had got me some rooms and had forwarded me the address. I visited + it, and found the apartment to consist of four well-furnished rooms, + thoroughly comfortable, as the English, who understand how to take their + ease, call it. I ordered a good dinner, and sent to tell Pogomas of my + arrival. + </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 39304-h.htm or 39304-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/3/9/3/0/39304/ + +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. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project +Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you +charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you +do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the +rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose +such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and +research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do +practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is +subject to the trademark license, especially commercial +redistribution. + + + +*** START: FULL LICENSE *** + +THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE +PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK + +To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free +distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work +(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase “Project +Gutenberg”), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project +Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at +http://gutenberg.org/license). + + +Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic works + +1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to +and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property +(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all +the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy +all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. +If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the +terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or +entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. + +1.B. “Project Gutenberg” is a registered trademark. It may only be +used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who +agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few +things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works +even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See +paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement +and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. See paragraph 1.E below. + +1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation (“the Foundation” + or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the +collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an +individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are +located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from +copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative +works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg +are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project +Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by +freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of +this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with +the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by +keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project +Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. + +1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern +what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in +a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check +the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement +before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or +creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project +Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning +the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United +States. + +1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: + +1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate +access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently +whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the +phrase “Project Gutenberg” appears, or with which the phrase “Project +Gutenberg” is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, +copied or distributed: + +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 + +1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived +from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is +posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied +and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees +or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work +with the phrase “Project Gutenberg” associated with or appearing on the +work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 +through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the +Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or +1.E.9. + +1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted +with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution +must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional +terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked +to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the +permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. + +1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this +work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. + +1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this +electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without +prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with +active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project +Gutenberg-tm License. + +1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, +compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any +word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or +distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than +“Plain Vanilla ASCII” or other format used in the official version +posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), +you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a +copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon +request, of the work in its original “Plain Vanilla ASCII” or other +form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. + +1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, +performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works +unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. + +1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing +access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided +that + +- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from + the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method + you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is + owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he + has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the + Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments + must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you + prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax + returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and + sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the + address specified in Section 4, “Information about donations to + the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.” + +- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies + you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he + does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm + License. You must require such a user to return or + destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium + and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of + Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any + money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the + electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days + of receipt of the work. + +- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free + distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set +forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from +both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael +Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the +Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. + +1.F. + +1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable +effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread +public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm +collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain +“Defects,” such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or +corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual +property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a +computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by +your equipment. + +1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the “Right +of Replacement or Refund” described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project +Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all +liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal +fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT +LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE +PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE +TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE +LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR +INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH +DAMAGE. + +1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a +defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can +receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a +written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you +received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with +your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with +the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a +refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity +providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to +receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy +is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further +opportunities to fix the problem. + +1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth +in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you ‘AS-IS’ WITH NO OTHER +WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO +WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. + +1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied +warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. +If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the +law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be +interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by +the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any +provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. + +1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the +trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone +providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance +with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, +promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, +harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, +that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do +or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm +work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any +Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. + + +Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm + +Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of +electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers +including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists +because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from +people in all walks of life. + +Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the +assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm’s +goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will +remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure +and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. +To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation +and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 +and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. + + +Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive +Foundation + +The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit +501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the +state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal +Revenue Service. The Foundation’s EIN or federal tax identification +number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at +http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent +permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state’s laws. + +The Foundation’s principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. +Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered +throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at +809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email +business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact +information can be found at the Foundation’s web site and official +page at http://pglaf.org + +For additional contact information: + Dr. Gregory B. Newby + Chief Executive and Director + gbnewby@pglaf.org + + +Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation + +Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide +spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of +increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be +freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest +array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations +($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt +status with the IRS. + +The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating +charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United +States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a +considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up +with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations +where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To +SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any +particular state visit http://pglaf.org + +While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we +have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition +against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who +approach us with offers to donate. + +International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make +any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from +outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. + +Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation +methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other +ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. +To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate + + +Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. + +Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm +concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared +with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project +Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. + + +Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. +unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + + http://www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. + + +</pre> + </body> +</html> diff --git a/39304-h/images/4c07.jpg b/39304-h/images/4c07.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..a66607f --- /dev/null +++ b/39304-h/images/4c07.jpg diff --git a/39304-h/images/4c08.jpg b/39304-h/images/4c08.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..fc51aa7 --- /dev/null +++ b/39304-h/images/4c08.jpg diff --git a/39304-h/images/4c16.jpg b/39304-h/images/4c16.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..f6de066 --- /dev/null +++ b/39304-h/images/4c16.jpg diff --git a/39304-h/images/4c16b.jpg b/39304-h/images/4c16b.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..a1f469a --- /dev/null +++ b/39304-h/images/4c16b.jpg diff --git a/39304-h/images/cover4.jpg b/39304-h/images/cover4.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..ca6b168 --- /dev/null +++ b/39304-h/images/cover4.jpg diff --git a/39304-h/images/cover4min.jpg b/39304-h/images/cover4min.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..a48a177 --- /dev/null +++ b/39304-h/images/cover4min.jpg diff --git a/39304-h/images/cover4th.jpg b/39304-h/images/cover4th.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..51916e1 --- /dev/null +++ b/39304-h/images/cover4th.jpg diff --git a/39304-h/images/spines.jpg b/39304-h/images/spines.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..fb09da0 --- /dev/null +++ b/39304-h/images/spines.jpg diff --git a/39304-h/images/title4.jpg b/39304-h/images/title4.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..8377053 --- /dev/null +++ b/39304-h/images/title4.jpg |
