TheChevalierdeBrechecametotheLuganoFairtobuysomehorses，andstoppedafortnight。IoftenmethimatM。deR————’s，forwhosewifehehadagreatadmiration，andIwassorrytoseehimgo。
IleftLuganomyselfafewdayslater，havingmadeupmymindtowinterinTurin，whereIhopedtoseesomepleasantsociety。
BeforeIleftIreceivedafriendlyletterfromPrinceLubomirski，withabillforahundredducats，inpaymentoffiftycopiesofmybook。TheprincehadbecomelordhighmarshalonthedeathofCountBilinski。
WhenIgottoTurinIfoundaletterfromthenobleVenetianM。GirolamoZulian，thesamethathadgivenmeanintroductiontoMocenigo。HislettercontainedanenclosuretoM。Berlendis，therepresentativeoftheRepublicatTurin，whothankedmeforhavingenabledhimtoreceiveme。
Theambassador，arichman，andagreatloverofthefairsex，keptupasplendidestablishment，andthiswasenoughforhisGovernment，forintelligenceisnotconsideredanecessaryqualificationforaVenetianambassador。Indeeditisapositivedisadvantage，andawittyambassadorwouldnodoubtfallintodisgracewiththeVenetianSenate。However，Berlendisrannoriskwhateveronthisscore；therealmofwitwasanunknownlandtohim。
IgotthisambassadortocalltheattentionofhisGovernmenttotheworkIhadrecentlypublished，andtheanswertheStateInquisitorsgavemayastonishmyreaders，butitdidnotastonishme。ThesecretaryofthefamousandaccursedTribunalwrotetosaythathehaddonewelltocalltheattentionoftheInquisitorstothiswork，astheauthor’spresumptionappearedonthetitle—page。Headdedthattheworkwouldbeexamined，andinthemeantimetheambassadorwasinstructedtoshewmenosignalmarksoffavourlesttheCourtshouldsupposehewasprotectingmeasaVenetian。
Nevertheless，itwasthesametribunalthathadfacilitatedmyaccesstotheambassadortoMadrid——Mocenigo。
ItoldBerlendisthatmyvisitsshouldbelimitedinnumber，andfreefromallostentation。
Iwasmuchinterestedinhisson’stutor；hewasapriest，amanofletters，andapoet。HisnamewasAndreis，andheisnowresidentinEngland，whereheenjoysfullliberty，thegreatestofallblessings。
IspentmytimeatTurinverypleasantly，inthemidstofasmallcircleofEpicureans；thereweretheoldChevalierRaiberti，theComtedelaPerouse，acertainAbbeRoubien，adelightfulman，thevoluptuousComtedeRiva，andtheEnglishambassador。TotheamusementswhichthissocietyaffordedIaddedacourseofreading，butnoloveaffairswhatever。
WhileIwasatTurin，amilliner，Perouse’smistress，feelingherselfin’articulomortis’，swallowedtheportraitofherloverinsteadoftheEucharist。Thisincidentmademecomposetwosonnets，whichpleasedmeagooddealatthetime，andwithwhichIamstillsatisfied。Nodoubtsomewillsaythateverypoetispleasedwithhisownhandiwork，butasamatteroffact，theseverestcriticofasensibleauthorishimself。
TheRussiansquadron，underthecommandofCountAlexisOrloff，wasthenatLeghorn；thissquadronthreatenedConstantinople，andwouldprobablyhavetakenitifanEnglishmanhadbeenincommand。
AsIhadknownCountOrloffinRussia，IimaginedthatImightpossiblyrendermyselfofservicetohim，andatthesametimemakemyfortune。
TheEnglishambassadorhavinggivenmealetterfortheEnglishconsul，I
leftTurinwithverylittlemoneyinmypurseandnoletterofcreditonanybanker。
AnEnglishmannamedActoncommendedmetoanEnglishbankeratLeghorn，butthisletterdidnotempowermetodrawanysupplies。
Actonwasjusttheninvolvedinacuriouscomplication。WhenhewasatVenicehehadfalleninlovewithaprettywoman，eitheraGreekoraNeapolitan。Thehusband，bybirthanativeofTurin，andbyprofessionagood—for—nothing，placednoobstacleinActon’sway，astheEnglishmanwasgenerouswithhismoney；buthehadaknackofturningupatthosemomentswhenhisabsencewouldhavebeenmostdesirable。
ThegenerousbutproudandimpatientEnglishmancouldnotbeexpectedtobearthisforlong。Heconsultedwiththelady，anddeterminedtoshewhisteeth。Thehusbandpersistedinhisuntimelyvisits，andonedayActonsaid，dryly，——
"Doyouwantathousandguineas？Youcanhavethemifyoulike，ontheconditionthatyourwifetravelswithmeforthreeyearswithoutourhavingthepleasureofyoursociety。"
Thehusbandthoughtthebargainagoodone，andsignedanagreementtothateffect。
Afterthethreeyearswereoverthehusbandwrotetohiswife，whowasatVenice，toreturntohim，andtoActontoputnoobstacleintheway。
Theladyrepliedthatshedidnotwanttolivewithhimanymore，andActonexplainedtothehusbandthathecouldnotbeexpectedtodrivehismistressawayagainstherwill。Heforesaw，however，thatthehusbandwouldcomplaintotheEnglishambassador，anddeterminedtobebefore—
handedwithhim。
InduecoursethehusbanddidapplytotheEnglishambassador，requestinghimtocompelActontorestoretohimhislawfulwife。HeevenaskedtheChevalierRaibertitowritetotheCommendatoreCamarana，theSardinianambassadoratVenice，toapplypressureontheVenetianGovernment，andhewoulddoubtlesshavesucceededifM。Raibertihaddonehimthisfavour。However，asitwashedidnothingofthesort，andevengaveActonawarmwelcomewhenhecametoTurintolookintothematter。HehadlefthismistressatVeniceundertheprotectionoftheEnglishconsul。
Thehusbandwasashamedtocomplainpublicly，ashewouldhavebeenconfrontedwiththedisgracefulagreementhehadsigned；butBerlendismaintainedthathewasintheright，andarguedthequestioninthemostamusingmanner。Ontheonehandheurgedthesacredandinviolablecharacterofthemarriagerite，andontheotherheshewedhowthewifewasboundtosubmittoherhusbandinallthings。Iarguedthematterwithhimmyself，shewinghimhisdisgracefulpositionindefendingamanwhotradedonhiswife’scharms，andhewasobligedtogiveinwhenI
assuredhimthatthehusbandhadofferedtorenewtheleaseforthesametimeandonthesametermsasbefore。
TwoyearslaterImetActonatBologna，andadmiredthebeautywhomheconsideredandtreatedashiswife。SheheldonherkneesafinelittleActon。
IleftTurinforParmawithaVenetianwho，likemyself，wasanexilefromhiscountry。Hehadturnedactortogainalivelihood；andwasgoingtoParmawithtwoactresses，oneofwhomwasinteresting。AssoonasIfoundoutwhohewas，webecamefriends，andhewouldhavegladlymademeapartnerinallhisamusements，bytheway，ifIhadbeeninthehumourtojoinhim。
ThisjourneytoLeghornwasundertakenundertheinfluenceofchimercialideas。IthoughtImightbeusefultoCountOrloff，intheconquesthewasgoingtomake，asitwassaid，ofConstantinople。IfanciedthatithadbeendecreedbyfatethatwithoutmehecouldneverpassthroughtheDardanelles。Inspiteofthewildideaswithwhichmymindwasoccupied，Iconceivedawarmfriendshipformytravellingcompanion，whosenamewasAngeloBentivoglio。TheGovernmentneverforgavehimacertaincrime，whichtothephilosophiceyeappearsameretrifle。Infouryearslater，whenIdescribemystayatVenice，Ishallgivesomefurtheraccountofhim。
AboutnoonwereachedParma，andIbadeadieutoBentivoglioandhisfriends。TheCourtwasatColorno，buthavingnothingtogainfromthismockeryofacourt，andwishingtoleaveforBolognathenextmorning，I
askedDubois—Chateleraux，ChiefoftheMint，andatalentedthoughvainman，togivemesomedinner。ThereaderwillrememberthatIhadknownhimtwentytwoyearsbefore，whenIwasinlovewithHenriette。Hewasdelightedtoseeme，andseemedtosetgreatstorebymypolitenessingivinghimthebenefitofmyshortstayatParma。ItoldhimthatCountOrloffwaswaitingformeatLeghorn，andthatIwasobligedtotraveldayandnight。
"Hewillbesettingsailbeforelong，"saidhe；"IhaveadvicesfromLeghorntothateffect。"
Isaidinamysterioustoneofvoicethathewouldnotsailwithoutme，andIcouldseethatmyhosttreatedmewithincreasedrespectafterthis。HewantedtodiscusstheRussianExpedition，butmyairofreservemadehimchangetheconversation。
AtdinnerwetalkedagooddealaboutHenriette，whomhesaidhehadsucceededinfindingout；butthoughhespokeofherwithgreatrespect，Itookcarenottogivehimanyinformationonthesubject。HespentthewholeafternooninutteringcomplaintsagainstthesovereignsofEurope，theKingofPrussiaexcepted，ashehadmadehimabaron，thoughInevercouldmakeoutwhy。
HecursedtheDukeofParmawhopersistedinretaininghisservices，althoughtherewasnomintinexistenceintheduchy，andhistalentswereconsequentlywastedthere。
Ilistenedtoallhiscomplaints，andagreedthatLouisXV。hadbeenungratefulinnotconferringtheOrderofSt。Michaelonhim；thatVenicehadrewardedhisservicesveryshabbily；thatSpainwasstingy，andNaplesdevoidofhonesty，etc。，etc。Whenhehadfinished，Iaskedhimifhecouldgivemeabillonabankerforfiftysequins。
Herepliedinthemostfriendlymannerthathewouldnotgivemethetroubleofgoingtoabankerforsuchawretchedsumasthat；hewouldbedelightedtoobligemehimself。
Itookthemoneypromisingtorepayhimatanearlydate，butIhaveneverbeenabletodoso。Idonotknowwhetherheisaliveordead，butifheweretoattaintheageofMethuselahIshouldnotentertainanyhopesofpayinghim；forIgetpoorereveryday，andfeelthatmyendisnotfaroff。
ThenextdayIwasinBologna，andthedayafterinFlorence，whereImettheChevalierMorosini，nephewoftheVenetianprocurator，ayoungmanofnineteen，whowastravellingwithCountStratico，professorofmathematicsattheUniversityofPadua。Hegavemealetterforhisbrother，aJacobinmonk，andprofessorofliteratureatPisa，whereI
stoppedforacoupleofhoursonpurposetomakethecelebratedmonk’sacquaintance。Ifoundhimevengreaterthanhisfame，andpromisedtocomeagaintoPisa，andmakealongerstayforthepurposeofenjoyinghissociety。
IstoppedanhourattheWells，whereImadetheacquaintanceofthePretendertothethroneofGreatBritain，andfromtherewentontoLeghorn，whereIfoundCountOrloffstillwaiting，butonlybecausecontrarywindskepthimfromsailing。
TheEnglishconsul，withwhomhewasstaying，introducedmeatoncetotheRussianadmiral，whoreceivedmewithexpressionsofdelight。HetoldmehewouldbecharmedifIwouldcomeonboardwithhim。Hetoldmetohavemyluggagetakenoffatonce，ashewouldsetsailwiththefirstfairwind。WhenhewasgonetheEnglishconsulaskedmewhatwouldbemystatuswiththeadmiral。
"That’sjustwhatImeantofindoutbeforeembarkingmyeffects。"
"Youwon’tbeabletospeaktohimtillto—morrow。"NextmorningI
calledonCountOrloff，andsenthiminashortnote，askinghimtogivemeashortinterviewbeforeIembarkedmymails。
Anofficercameouttotellmethattheadmiralwaswritinginbed，andhopedIwouldwait。
"Certainly。"
Ihadbeenwaitingafewminutes，whenDaLoglio，thePolishagentatVeniceandanoldfriendofmine，camein。
"Whatareyoudoinghere，mydearCasanova？"saidhe。
"Iamwaitingforaninterviewwiththeadmiral。"
"Heisverybusy。"
Afterthis，DaLogliocoollywentintotheadmiral’sroom。Thiswasimpertinentofhim；itwasasifhesaidinsomanywordsthattheadmiralwastoobusytoseeme，butnottoobusytoseehim。
Amomentafter，MarquisManuccicameinwithhisorderofSt。Anneandhisformalair。HecongratulatedmeonmyvisittoLeghorn，andthensaidhehadreadmyworkonVenice，andhadbeensurprisedtofindhimselfinit。
Hehadsomereasonforsurprise，fortherewasnoconnectionbetweenhimandthesubject—matter；butheshouldhavediscoveredbeforethattheunexpectedoftenhappens。Hedidnotgivemetimetotellhimso，butwentintotheadmiral’sroomasDaLogliohaddone。
IwasvexedtoseehowthesegentlemenwereadmittedwhileIdancedattendance，andtheprojectofsailingwithOrloffbegantodispleaseme。
InfivehoursOrloffcameoutfollowedbyanumeroustrain。Hetoldmepleasantlythatwecouldhaveourtalkattableorafterdinner。
"Afterdinner，ifyouplease，"Isaid。
Hecameinandsatdownattwoo’clock，andIwasamongtheguests。
Orloffkeptonsaying，"Eataway，gentlemen，eataway；"andreadhiscorrespondenceandgavehissecretarylettersallthetime。
Afterdinnerhesuddenlyglancedupatme，andtakingmebythehandledmetothewindow，andtoldmetomakehastewithmyluggage，asheshouldsailbeforethemorningifthewindkeptup。
"Quiteso；butkindlytellme，count，whatistobemystatusoremploymentanboardyourship？"
"AtpresentIhavenospecialemploytogiveyou；thatwillcomeintime。
Comeonboardasmyfriend。"
"Theofferisanhonourableonesofarasyouareconcerned，butalltheotherofficersmighttreatmewithcontempt。Ishouldberegardedasakindoffool，andIshouldprobablykillthefirstmanwhodaredtoinsultme。Givemeadistinctoffice，andletmewearyouruniform；I
willbeusefultoyou。Iknowthecountryforwhichyouarebound，Icanspeakthelanguage，andIamnotwantingincourage。"
"Mydearsir，Ireallyhavenoparticularofficetogiveyou。"
"Then，count，Iwishyouapleasantsail；IamgoingtoRome。Ihopeyoumayneverrepentofnottakingme，forwithoutmeyouwillneverpasstheDardanelles。"
"Isthataprophecy？"
"It’sanoracle。"
"Wewilltestitsveracity，mydearCalchus。"
SuchwastheshortdialogueIhadwiththeworthycount，who，asamatteroffact，didnotpasstheDardanelles。WhetherhewouldhavesucceededifIhadbeenonboardismorethanIcansay。
NextdayIdeliveredmyletterstoM。RivarolaandtheEnglishbanker。
Thesquadronhadsailedintheearlymorning。
ThedayafterIwenttoPisa，andspentapleasantweekinthecompanyofFatherStratico，whowasmadeabishoptwoorthreeyearsafterbymeansofaboldstrokethatmighthaveruinedhim。HedeliveredafuneralorationoverFatherRicci，thelastgeneraloftheJesuits。ThePope，Ganganelli，hadthechoiceofpunishingthewriterandincreasingtheodiumofmanyofthefaithful，orofrewardinghimhandsomely。Thesovereignpontifffollowedthelattercourse。Isawthebishopsomeyearslater，andhetoldmeinconfidencethathehadonlywrittentheorationbecausehefeltcertain，fromhisknowledgeofthehumanheart，thathispunishmentwouldbeagreatreward。
ThisclevermonkinitiatedmeintoallthecharmsofPisansociety。Hehadorganizedalittlechoirofladiesofrank，remarkablefortheirintelligenceandbeauty，andhadtaughtthemtosingextemporetotheguitar。HehadhadtheminstructedbythefamousGorilla，whowascrownedpoetess—laureateatthecapitolbynight，sixyearslater。ShewascrownedwhereourgreatItalianpoetswerecrowned；andthoughhermeritwasnodoubtgreat，itwas，nevertheless，moretinselthangold，andnotofthatordertoplaceheronaparwithPetrarchorTasso。
Shewassatirisedmostbitterlyaftershehadreceivedthebays；andthesatiristswereevenmoreinthewrongthantheprofanersofthecapitol，forallthepamphletsagainstherlaidstressonthecircumstancethatchastity，atallevents，wasnotoneofhermerits。Allpoetesses，fromthedaysofHomertoourown，havesacrificedonthealtarofVenus。NoonewouldhaveheardofGorillaifshehadnothadthesensetochooseherloversfromtheranksofliterarymen；andshewouldneverhavebeencrownedatRomeifshehadnotsucceededingainingoverPrinceGonzagaSolferino，whomarriedtheprettyMdlle。Rangoni，daughteroftheRomanconsul，whomIknewatMarseilles，andofwhomIhavealreadyspoken。
ThiscoronationofGorillaisablotonthepontificateofthepresentPope，forhenceforthnomanofgenuinemeritwillacceptthehonourwhichwasoncesocarefullyguardedbythegiantsofhumanintellect。
TwodaysafterthecoronationGorillaandheradmirersleftRome，ashamedofwhattheyhaddone。TheAbbePizzi，whohadbeenthechiefpromoterofherapotheosis，wassoinundatedwithpamphletsandsatiresthatforsomemonthshedarednotshewhisface。
Thisisalongdigression，andIwillnowreturntoFatherStratico，whomadethetimepasssopleasantlyforme。
Thoughhewasnotahandsomeman，hepossessedtheartofpersuasiontoperfection；andhesucceededininducingmetogotoSienna，wherehesaidIshouldenjoymyself。HegavemealetterofintroductionfortheMarchionessChigi，andalsoonefortheAbbeChiaccheri；andasIhadnothingbettertodoIwenttoSiennabytheshortestway，notcaringtovisitFlorence。
TheAbbeChiaccherigavemeawarmwelcome，andpromisedtodoallhecouldtoamuseme；andhekepthisword。HeintroducedmehimselftotheMarchionessChigi，whotookmebystormassoonasshehadreadtheletteroftheAbbeStratico，herdearabbe，asshecalledhim，whenshereadthesuperscriptioninhiswriting。
Themarchionesswasstillhandsome，thoughherbeautyhadbeguntowane；
butwithherthesweetness，thegrace，andtheeaseofmannersuppliedthelackofyouth。Sheknewhowtomakeacomplimentoftheslightestexpression，andwastotallydevoidofanyaffectionofsuperiority。
"Sitdown，"shebegan。"Soyouaregoingtostayaweek，Isee，fromthedearabbe’sletter。That’sashorttimeforus，butperhapsitmaybetoolongforyou。Ihopetheabbehasnotpaintedusintoorosycolours。"
"HeonlytoldmethatIwastospendaweekhere，andthatIshouldfindwithyouallthecharmsofintellectandsensibility。"
"Straticoshouldhavecondemnedyoutoamonthwithoutmercy。"
"Whymercy？WhathazarddoIrun？"
"Ofbeingtiredtodeath，orofleavingsomesmallmorselofyourheartatSienna。"
"Allthatmighthappeninaweek，butIamreadytodarethedanger，forStraticohasguardedmefromthefirstbycountingonyou，andfromthesecondbycountingonmyself。Youwillreceivemypureandintelligenthomage。MyheartwillgoforthfromSiennaasfreeasitcame，forI
havenohopeofvictory，anddefeatwouldmakemewretched。"
"Isitpossiblethatyouareamongstthedespairing？"
"Yes，andtothatfactIowemyhappiness。"
"Itwouldbeapityforyouifyoufoundyourselfmistaken。"
"Notsuchapityasyoumaythink，Madam。’Carpediem’ismymotto。
’Tislikewisethemottoofthatfinishedvoluptuary，Horace，butIonlytakeitbecauseitsuitsme。Thepleasurewhichfollowsdesiresisthebest，foritisthemostacute。
"True，butitcannotbecalculatedon，anddefiesthephilosopher。MayGodpreserveyou，madam，fromfindingoutthispainfultruthbyexperience！Thehighestgoodliesinenjoyment；desiretoooftenremainsunsatisfied。IfyouhavenotyetfoundoutthetruthofHorace’smaxim，Icongratulateyou。"
Theamiablemarchionesssmiledpleasantlyandgavenopositiveanswer。
Chiaccherinowopenedhismouthforthefirsttime，andsaidthatthegreatesthappinesshecouldwishuswasthatweshouldneveragree。Themarchionessassented，rewardingChiaccheriwithasmile，butIcouldnotdoso。
"Ihadrathercontradictyou，"Isaid，"thanrenounceallhopesofpleasingyou。Theabbehasthrowntheappleofdiscordbetweenus，butifwecontinueaswehavebegunIshalltakeupmyabodeatSienna。"
Themarchionesswassatisfiedwiththesampleofherwitwhichshehadgivenme，andbegantotalkcommonplaces，askingmeifIshouldliketoseecompanyandenjoysocietyofthefairsex。Shepromisedtotakemeeverywhere。
"Praydonottakethetrouble，"Ireplied。"IwanttoleaveSiennawiththefeelingthatyouaretheonlyladytowhomIhavedonehomage，andthattheAbbeChiaccherihasbeenmyonlyguide。"
Themarchionesswasflattered，andaskedtheabbeandmyselftodinewithheronthefollowingdayinadelightfulhouseshehadatahundredpacesfromthetown。
TheolderIgrewthemoreIbecameattachedtotheintellectualcharmsofwomen。Withthesensualist，thecontrarytakesplace；hebecomesmorematerialinhisoldage:requireswomenwelltaughtinVenus’sshrines，andfliesfromallmentionofphilosophy。
AsIwasleavingherItoldtheabbethatifIstayedatSiennaIwouldseenootherwomanbuther，comewhatmight，andheagreedthatIwasveryright。
TheabbeshewedmealltheobjectsofinterestinSienna，andintroducedmetotheliterati，whointheirturnvisitedme。
ThesamedayChiaccheritookmetoahousewherethelearnedsocietyassembled。Itwastheresidenceoftwosisters——theelderextremelyuglyandtheyoungerverypretty，buttheeldersisterwasaccounted，andveryrightly，theCorinnaoftheplace。Sheaskedmetogiveheraspecimenofmyskill，promisingtoreturnthecompliment。Irecitedthefirstthingthatcameintomyhead，andsherepliedwithafewlinesofexquisitebeauty。Icomplimentedher，butChiaccheri（whohadbeenhermaster）guessedthatIdidnotbelievehertobetheauthor，andproposedthatweshouldtryboutsrimes。Theprettysistergaveouttherhymes，andweallsettowork。Theuglysisterfinishedfirst，andwhentheversescametoberead，herswerepronouncedthebest。Iwasamazed，andmadeanimprovisationonherskill，whichIgaveherinwriting。Infiveminutesshereturnedittome；therhymeswerethesame，buttheturnofthethoughtwasmuchmoreelegant。Iwasstillmoresurprised，andtookthelibertyofaskinghername，andfoundhertobethefamous"Shepherdess，"MariaFortuna，oftheAcademyofArcadians。
IhadreadthebeautifulstanzasshehadwritteninpraiseofMetastasio。
Itoldherso，andshebroughtmethepoet’sreplyinmanuscript。
Fullofadmiration，Iaddressedmyselftoheralone，andallherplainnessvanished。
Ihadhadanagreeableconversationwiththemarchionessinthemorning，butintheeveningIwasliterallyinanecstacy。
IkeptontalkingofFortuna，andaskedtheabbeifshecouldimproviseinthemannerofGorilla。Herepliedthatshehadwishedtodoso，butthathehaddisallowedit，andheeasilyconvincedmethatthisimprovisationwouldhavebeentheruinofherfinetalent。Ialsoagreedwithhimwhenhesaidthathehadwarnedheragainstmakingimpromptustoofrequently，assuchhastyversesareapttosacrificewittorhyme。
ThehonourinwhichimprovisationwasheldamongsttheGreeksandRomansisduetothefactthatGreekandLatinverseisnotunderthedominionofrhyme。Butasitwas，thegreatpoetsseldomimprovised；knowingastheydidthatsuchverseswereusuallyfeebleandcommon—place。
Horaceoftenpassedawholenightsearchingforavigorousandelegantly—
turnedphrase。Whenhehadsucceeded，hewrotethewordsonthewallandwenttosleep。Thelineswhichcosthimnothingaregenerallyprosaic；
theymayeasilybepickedoutinhisepistles。
TheamiableandlearnedAbbeChiaccheri，confessedtomethathewasinlovewithhispupil，despiteherugliness。Headdedthathehadneverexpecteditwhenhebegantoteachhertomakeverses。
"Ican’tunderstandthat，"Isaid，"sublatalucerna’，youknow。"
"Notatall，"saidhe，withalaugh，"Iloveherforherface，sinceitisinseperablefrommyideaofher。"
ATuscanhascertainlymorepoeticrichesathisdisposalthananyotherItalian，andtheSiennesedialectissweeterandmoreenergeticthanthatofFlorence，thoughthelatterclaimsthetitleoftheclassicdialect，onaccountofitspurity。Thispurity，togetherwithitsrichnessandcopiousnessofdictionitowestotheacademy。FromthegreatrichnessofItalianwecantreatasubjectwithfargreatereloquencethanaFrenchwriter；Italianaboundsinsynonyms，whileFrenchislamentablydeficientinthisrespect。VoltaireusedtolaughatthosewhosaidthattheFrenchtonguecouldnotbechargedwithpoverty，asithadallthatwasnecessary。Amanmayhavenecessaries，andyetbepoor。TheobstinacyoftheFrenchacademyinrefusingtoadoptforeignwordsskewsmorepridethanwisdom。Thisexclusivenesscannotlast。
Asforuswetakewordsfromalllanguagesandallsources，providedtheysuitthegeniusofourownlanguage。Welovetoseeourrichesincrease；
weevenstealfromthepoor，buttodosoisthegeneralcharacteristicoftherich。
TheamiablemarchionessgaveusadeliciousdinnerinahousedesignedbyPalladio。ChiaccherihadwarnedmetosaynothingabouttheShepherdessFortuna；butatdinnershetoldhimshewassurehehadtakenmetoherhouse。Hehadnotthefacetodenyit，andIdidnotconcealthepleasureIhadreceived。
"StraticoadmiresFortuna，"saidthemarchioness，"andIconfessthatherwritingshavegreatmerit，butit’sapityonecannotgotothehouse，exceptunderanincognito。"
"Whynot？"Iasked，insomeastonishment。
"What！"saidshetotheabbe，"youdidnottellhimwhosehouseitis？"
"Ididnotthinkitnecessary，herfatherandmotherrarelyshewthemselves。"
"Well，it’sofnoconsequence。"
"Butwhatisherfather？"Iasked，"thehangman，perhaps？"
"Worse，he’sthe’bargello’，andyoumustseethatastrangercannotbereceivedintogoodsocietyhereifhegoestosuchplacesasthat。"
Chiaccherilookedratherhurt，andIthoughtitmydutytosaythatI
wouldnotgothereagaintilltheeveofmydeparture。
"Isawhersisteronce，"saidthemarchioness；"sheisreallycharminglypretty，andit’sagreatpitythatwithherbeautyandirreproachablemoralitysheshouldbecondemnedtomarryamanofherfather’sclass。"
"IonceknewamannamedColtellini，"Ireplied；"heisthesonofthebargelloofFlorence，andispoet—inordinarytotheEmpressofRussia。
IshalltrytomakeamatchbetweenhimandFortuna’ssister；heisayoungmanofthegreatesttalents。"
Themarchionessthoughtmyideaanexcellentone，butsoonafterIheardthatColtelliniwasdead。
The’bargello’isacordially—detestedpersonalloverItaly，ifyouexceptModena，wheretheweaknobilitymakemuchofthe’bargello’，anddojusticetohisexcellenttable。Thisisacuriousfact，forasarulethesebargellosarespies，liars，traitors，cheats，andmisanthropes，foramandespisedhateshisdespisers。
AtSiennaIwasshewnaCountPiccolomini，alearnedandagreeableman。
Hehadastrangewhim，however，ofspendingsixmonthsintheyearinthestrictestseclusioninhisownhouse，nevergoingoutandneverseeinganycompany；readingandworkingthewholetime。Hecertainlydidhisbesttomakeupforhishibernationduringtheothersixmonthsintheyear。
ThemarchionesspromisedshewouldcometoRomeinthecourseofthesummer。ShehadthereanintimatefriendinBianconiwhohadabandonedthepracticeofmedicine，andwasnowtherepresentativeoftheCourtofSaxony。
Ontheeveofmydeparture，thedriverwhowastotakemetoRomecameandaskedmeifIwouldliketotakeatravellingcompanion，andsavemyselfthreesequins。
"Idon’twantanyone。"
"Youarewrong，forsheisverybeautiful"
"Isshebyherself？"
"No，sheiswithagentlemanonhorseback，whowishestorideallthewaytoRome。"
"Thenhowdidthegirlcomehere？"
"Onhorseback，butsheistiredout，andcannotbearitanylonger。ThegentlemanhasofferedmefoursequinstotakehertoRome，andasIamapoormanIthinkyoumightletmeearnthemoney。"
"Isupposehewillfollowthecarriage？"
"Hecangoashelikes；thatcan’tmakemuchdifferencetoeitherofus。"
"Yousaysheisyoungandpretty。"
"Ihavebeentoldso，butIhaven’tseenhermyself。"
"Whatsortofamanishercompanion？"
"He’safineman，buthecanspeakverylittleItalian。"
"Hashesoldthelady’shorse？"
"No，itwashired。Hehasonlyonetrunk，whichwillgobehindthecarriage。"
"Thisisallverystrange。Ishallnotgiveanydecisionbeforespeakingtothisman。"
"Iwilltellhimtowaitonyou。"
Directlyafterwards，abrisk—lookingyoungfellow，carryinghimselfwellenough，andcladinafancyuniform，camein。HetoldmethetaleIhadheardfromthecoachman，andendedbysayingthathewassureIwouldnotrefusetoaccommodatehiswifeinmycarriage。
"Yourwife，sir？"
IsawhewasaFrenchman，andIaddressedhiminFrench。
"Godbepraised！Youcanspeakmynativetongue。Yes，sir，sheisanEnglishwomanandmywife。Iamsureshewillbenotroubletoyou。"
"Verygood。Idon’twanttostartlaterthanIhadarranged。Willshebereadyatfiveo’clock？"
"Certainly。"
ThenextmorningwhenIgotintomycarriage，Ifoundheralreadythere。
Ipaidhersomeslightcompliment，andsatdownbesideher，andwedroveoff。
CHAPTERXII
MissBetty——TheComtedeL’Etoile——SirB***M***——ReassuredThiswasthefourthadventureIhadhadofthiskind。Thereisnothingparticularlyoutofthecommoninhavingafellow—travellerinone’scarriage；thistime，however，theaffairhadsomethingdecidedlyromanticaboutit。
Iwasforty—five，andmypursecontainedtwohundredsequins。Istilllovedthefairsex，thoughmyardourhaddecreased，myexperiencehadripened，andmycautionincreased。Iwasmorelikeaheavyfatherthanayounglover，andIlimitedmyselftopretensionsofthemostmodestcharacter。
Theyoungpersonbesidemewasprettyandgentle—looking，shewasneatlythoughsimplydressedintheEnglishfashion，shewasfairandsmall，andherbuddingbreastcouldbeseenoutlinedbeneaththefinemuslinofherdress。Shehadalltheappearancesofmodestyandnoblebirth，andsomethingofvirginalinnocence，whichinspiredonewithattachmentandrespectatthesametime。
"IhopeyoucanspeakFrenchmadam？"Ibegan。
"Yes，andalittleItaliantoo。"
"Icongratulatemyselfonhavingyouformytravellingcompanion。"
"Ithinkyoushouldcongratulateme。"
"IheardyoucametoSiennaonhorseback。"
"Yes，butIwillneverdosuchafoolishthingagain。""Ithinkyourhusbandwouldhavebeenwisetosellhishorseandbuyacarriage。"
"Hehiredit；itdoesnotbelongtohim。FromRomewearegoingtodrivetoNaples。"
"Youliketravelling？"
"Verymuch，butwithgreatercomfort。"
WiththesewordstheEnglishgirl，whosewhiteskindidnotlookasifitcouldcontainadropofblood，blushedmostviolently。
Iguessedsomethingofhersecret，andbeggedpardon；andformorethananhourIremainsilent，pretendingtogazeatthescenery，butinrealitythinkingofher，forshebegantoinspiremewithalivelyinterest。
Thoughthepositionofmyyoungcompanionwasmorethanequivocal，I
determinedtoseemywayclearlybeforeItookanydecisivestep；andI
waitedpatientlytillwegottoBonCouvent，whereweexpectedtodineandmeetthehusband。
Wegotthereatteno’clock。
InItalythecarriagesnevergofasterthanawalk；amanonfootcanoutstripthem，astheyrarelyexceedthreemilesanhour。Thetediumofajourneyundersuchcircumstancesissomethingdreadful，andinthehotmonthsonehastostopfiveorsixhoursinthemiddleofthedaytoavoidfallingill。
MycoachmansaidhedidnotwanttogobeyondSt。Quirico，wheretherewasanexcellentinn，thatnight，soheproposedwaitingatBonCouventtillfouro’clock。Wehadthereforesixhourswhereintorest。
TheEnglishgirlwasastonishedatnotfindingherhusband，andlookedforhiminalldirections。Inoticedher，andaskedthelandlordwhathadbecomeofhim。Heinformedusthathehadbreakfastedandbaitedhishorse，andhadthengoneon，leavingwordthathewouldawaitusatSt。
Quiricoandordersupperthere。
Ithoughtitallverystrange，butIsaidnothing。Thepoorgirlbeggedmetoexcuseherhusband’sbehaviour。
"Hehasgivenmeamarkofhisconfidence，madam，andthereisnothingtobeoffendedat。"
Thelandlordaskedmeifthevetturinopaidmyexpenses，andIansweredinthenegative；andthegirlthentoldhimtoaskthevetturinoifhewaspayingforher。
Themancamein，andtoconvincetheladythatprovidingherwithmealswasnotinthecontract，hegaveherapaperwhichshehandedtometoread。Itwassigned"Comtedel’Etoile。"
Whenshewasalonewithmemyyoungcompanionbeggedmeonlytoorderdinnerformyself。
Iunderstoodherdelicacy，andthismadeherallthedearertome。
"Madame，"saidI，"youmustpleaselookuponmeasanoldfriend。
Iguessyouhavenomoneyaboutyou，andthatyouwishtofastfrommotivesofdelicacy。Yourhusbandshallrepayme，ifhewillhaveitso。
IfItoldthelandlordtoonlypreparedinnerformyselfIshouldbedishonouringthecount，yourselfpossibly，andmyselfmostofall。"
"Ifeelyouarerightsir。Letdinnerbeservedfortwo，then；butI
cannoteat，forIfeelill，andIhopeyouwillnotmindmylyingonthebedforamoment。"
"Praydonotletmedisturbyou。Thisisapleasantroom，andtheycanlaythetableinthenext。Liedown，andsleepifyoucan，andIwillorderdinnertobereadybytwo。Ihopeyouwillbefeelingbetterbythen。"
Ileftherwithoutgivinghertimetoanswer，andwenttoorderdinner。
IhadceasedtobelievetheFrenchmantobethebeautifulEnglishwoman’shusband，andbegantothinkIshouldhavetofighthim。
Thecase，Ifeltcertain，wasoneofelopementandseduction；and，superstitiousasusual，Iwassurethatmygoodgeniushadsentmeinthenickoftimetosaveherandcareforher，andinshorttosnatchherfromthehandsofherinfamousdeceiver。
ThusIfondledmygrowingpassion。
Ilaughedattheabsurdtitletherascalhadgivenhimself，andwhenthethoughtstruckmethathehadpossiblyabandonedhertomealtogether，I
madeupmymindthathedeservedhanging。Nevertheless，Iresolvednevertoleaveher。
Ilaydownonthebed，andasIbuiltathousandcastlesintheairI
fellasleep。
Thelandladyawokemesoftly，sayingthatthreeo’clockhadstruck。
"Waitamomentbeforeyoubringinthedinner。Iwillgoandseeiftheladyisawake。"
Iopenedthedoorgently，andsawshewasstillasleep，butasIclosedthedooraftermethenoiseawokeher，andsheaskedifIhaddined。
"Ishallnottakeanydinner，madam，unlessyoudomethehonourtodinewithme。Youhavehadafivehours’rest，andIhopeyouarebetter。"
"Iwillsitdownwithyoutodinner，asyouwishit。"
"Thatmakesmehappy，andIwillorderdinnertobeservedforthwith。"
Sheatelittle，butwhatlittleshedideatwastakenwithagoodappetite。Shewasagreeablysurprisedtoseethebeefsteaksandplumpudding，whichIhadorderedforher。
Whenthelandladycamein，sheaskedherifthecookwasanEnglishman，andwhensheheardthatIhadgivendirectionsforthepreparationofhernationaldishes，sheseemedfullofgratitude。Shecheeredup，andcongratulatedmeonmyappetite，whileIencouragedhertodrinksomeexcellentMontepulcianoandMontefiascone。Bydessertshewasingoodspirits，whileIfeltratherexcited。Shetoldme，inItalian，thatshewasborninLondon，andIthoughtIshouldhavediedwithjoy，inreplytomyquestionwhethersheknewMadameCornelis，sherepliedthatshehadknownherdaughterastheyhadbeenatschooltogether。
"HasSophiegrowntall？"
"No，sheisquitesmall，butsheisverypretty，andsoclever。"
"Shemustnowbeseventeen。"
"Exactly。Weareofthesameage。"
Asshesaidthissheblushedandloweredhereyes。
"Areyouill？"
"Notatall。Iscarcelyliketosayit，butSophieistheveryimageofyou。"
"Whyshouldyouhesitatetosayso？。Ithasbeenremarkedtomebefore。
Nodoubtitisamerecoincidence。Howlongagoisitsinceyouhaveseenher？"
"Eighteenmonths；shewentbacktohermother’s，tobemarriedasitwassaid，butIdon’tknowtowhom。"
"Yournewsinterestsmedeeply。"
Thelandlordbroughtmethebill，andIsawanoteofthreepainswhichherhusbandhadspentonhimselfandhishorse。
"Hesaidyouwouldpay，"observedthelandlord。
TheEnglishwomanblushed。Ipaidthebill，andwewenton。
Iwasdelightedtoseeherblushing，itprovedshewasnotapartytoherhusband’sproceedings。
IwasburningwiththedesiretoknowhowshehadleftLondonandhadmettheFrenchman，andwhytheyweregoingtoRome；butIdidnotwanttotroubleherbymyquestions，andIlovedhertoowellalreadytogiveheranypain。
Wehadathreehours’drivebeforeus，soIturnedtheconversationtoSophie，withwhomshehadbeenatschool。
"WasMissNancySteynetherewhenyouleft？"saidI。
ThereadermayrememberhowfondIhadbeenofthisyounglady，whohaddinedwithme，andwhomIhadcoveredwithkisses，thoughshewasonlytwelve。
MycompanionsighedathearingthenameofNancy，andtoldmethatshehadleft。
"Wassheprettywhenyouknewher？"
"Shewasabeauty，butherlovelinesswasafatalgifttoher。Nancywasaclosefriendofmine，welovedeachothertenderly；andperhapsoursympathyarosefromthesimilarityofthefateinstoreforus。Nancy，toolovingandtoosimple，isnow，perhaps，evenmoreunhappythanmyself。"
"Moreunhappy？Whatdoyoumean？"
"Alas！"
"Isitpossiblethatfatehastreatedyouharshly？Isitpossiblethatyoucanbeunhappywithsuchaletterofcommendationasnaturehasgivenyou？"
"Alas！letusspeakofsomethingelse。"
Hercountenancewassuffusedwithemotion。Ipitiedherinsecret，andledtheconversationbacktoNancy。
"TellmewhyyouthinkNancyisunhappy。"
"Sheranawaywithayoungmansheloved；theydespairedofgainingtheparents’consenttothematch。Sinceherflightnothinghasbeenheardofher，andyouseeIhavesomereasontofearthatsheisunhappy。"
"Youareright。Iwouldwillinglygivemylifeifitcouldbethesavingofher。"
"Wheredidyouknowher？"
"Inmyownhouse。SheandSophiedinedwithme，andherfathercameinattheendofthemeal。"
"NowIknowwhoyouare。HowoftenhaveIheardSophietalkingofyou。
Nancylovedyouaswellasherfather。IheardthatyouhadgonetoRussia，andhadfoughtaduelwithageneralinPoland。Isthistrue？
HowIwishIcouldtelldearSophieallthis，butImaynotentertainsuchhopesnow。"
"Youhaveheardthetruthaboutme；butwhatshouldpreventyouwritingwhatyouliketoEngland？Itakealivelyinterestinyou，trustinme，andIpromiseyouthatyoushallcommunicatewithwhomyouplease。"
"Iamvastlyobligedtoyou。"
Withthesewordsshebecamesilent，andIlefthertoherthoughts。
Atseveno’clockwearrivedatSt。Quirico，andtheso—calledComtedel’Etoilecameoutandwelcomedhiswifeinthemostlovingfashion，kissingherbeforeeverybody，nodoubtwiththeobjectofgivingpeopletounderstandthatshewashiswife，andIherfather。
Thegirlrespondedtoallhiscaresses，lookingasifaloadhadbeenliftedoffherbreast，andwithoutawordofreproachshewentupstairswithhim，havingapparentlyforgottenmyexistence。Isetthatdowntolove，youth，andtheforgetfulnessnaturaltothatearlyage。
Iwentupstairsinmyturnwithmycarpetbag，andsupperwasserveddirectly，aswehadtostartveryearlythenextmorningifwewishedtoreachRadicofanibeforethenoondayheat。
Wehadanexcellentsupper，asthecounthadprecededusbysixhours，andthelandlordhadhadplentyoftimetomakehispreparations。TheEnglishgirlseemedasmuchinlovewithdel’Etoileashewithher，andIwasleftcompletelyoutinthecold。Icannotdescribethehighspirits，thesomewhatriskysallies，andtheoutrageoushumoursoftheyounggentleman；thegirllaughedwithallherheart，andIcouldnothelplaughingtoo。
IconsideredthatIwaspresentatakindofcomedy，andnotagesture，notaword，notalaughdidIallowtoescapeme。
"Hemaybemerelyarichandfeather—brainedyoungofficer，"Isaidtomyself，"whotreatseverythinginthisfarcicalmanner。Hewon’tbethefirstofthespeciesIhaveseen。Theyareamusing，butfrivolous，andsometimesdangerous，wearingtheirhonourlightly，andtooapttocarryitatthesword’spoint。"
OnthishypothesisIwasillpleasedwithmyposition。Ididnotmuchlikehismannertowardsmyself；heseemedtobemakingadupeofme，andbehavedallthewhileasifheweredoingmeanhonour。
OnthesuppositionthattheEnglishwomanwashiswife，histreatmentofmyselfwascertainlynotwarranted，andIwasnotthemantoplayzero。
Icouldnotdisguisethefact，however，thatanyonlookerwouldhavepronouncedmetobeplayinganinferiorpart。
Thereweretwobedsintheroomwherewehadoursupper。Whenthechambermaidcametoputonthesheets，Itoldhertogivemeanotherroom。Thecountpolitelybeggedmetosleepinthesameroomwiththem，andtheladyremainedneutral；butIdidnotmuchcarefortheircompany，andinsistedonleavingthemalone。
Ihadmycarpetbagtakentomyroom，wishedthemagoodnightandlockedmyselfin。Myfriendshadonlyonesmalltrunk，whenceIconcludedthattheyhadsentontheirluggagebyanotherway；buttheydidnotevenhavethetrunkbroughtuptotheirroom。Iwenttobedtranquilly，feelingmuchlessinterestedabouttheladythanIhadbeenonthejourney。
Iwasrousedearlyinthemorning，andmadeahastytoilette。Icouldhearmyneighboursdressing，soIhalfopenedmydoor，andwishedthemgooddaywithoutgoingintotheirroom。
InaquarterofanhourIheardthesoundofadisputeinthecourt—yard，andonlookingout，thereweretheFrenchmanandthevetturinoarguinghotly。Thevetturinoheldthehorse’sbridle，andthepretendedcountdidhisbesttosnatchitawayfromhim。
Iguessedtheboneofcontention:theFrenchmanhadnomoney，andthevetturinoaskedinvainforhisdue。IknewthatIshouldbedrawnintothedispute，andwasmakingupmymindtodomydutywithoutmercy，whentheCountdel’Etoilecameinandsaid，——
"ThisblockheaddoesnotunderstandwhatIsaytohim；butashemayhaverightonhisside，Imustaskyoutogivehimtwosequins。IwillreturnyouthemoneyatRome。ByanoddchanceIhappentohavenomoneyaboutme，butthefellowmighttrustmeashehasgotmytrunk。However，hesayshemustbepaid，sowillyoukindlyobligeme？YoushallhearmoreofmeatRome。"
Withoutwaitingformetoreply，therascalwentoutandrandownthestairs。Thevetturinoremainedintheroom。Iputmyheadoutofthewindow，andsawhimleaponhorsebackandgallopaway。
Isatdownonmybed，andturnedthesceneoverinmymind，rubbingmyhandsgently。AtlastIwentoffintoamadroaroflaughter；itstruckmeassowhimsicalandoriginalanadventure。
"Laughtoo，"saidItothelady，"laughorIwillnevergetup。"
"Iagreewithyouthatit’slaughableenough，butIhavenotthespirittolaugh。"
"Well，sitdownatallevents。"
Igavethepoordevilofavetturinotwosequins，tellinghimthatI
shouldlikesomecoffeeandtostartinaquarterofanhour。
Iwasgrievedtoseemycompanion’ssadness。
"Iunderstandyourgrief，"saidI，"butyoumusttrytoovercomeit。I
haveonlyonefavourtoaskofyou，andifyourefusetograntmethat，I
shallbeassadasyou，soweshallberatheramelancholycouple。"
"WhatcanIdoforyou？"
"Youcantellmeonyourwordofhonourwhetherthatextraordinarycharacterisyourhusband，oronlyyourlover。"
"Iwilltellyouthesimpletruth；heisnotmyhusband，butwearegoingtobemarriedatRome。"
"Ibreatheagain。Henevershallbeyourhusband，andsomuchthebetterforyou。Hehasseducedyou，andyoulovehim，butyouwillsoongetoverthat。"
"Never，unlesshedeceivesme。"
"Hehasdeceivedyoualready。Iamsurehehastoldyouthatheisrich，thatheisamanofrank，andthathewillmakeyouhappy；andallthatisalie。"
"Howcanyouknowallthis？"
"Experience——experienceismygreatteacher。Yourloverisayoungfeather—brain，amanofnoworth。Hemightpossiblymarryyou，butitwouldbeonlytosupporthimselfbythesaleofyourcharms。"
"Helovesme；Iamsureofit。"
"Yes，helovesyou，butnotwiththeloveofamanofhonour。Withoutknowingmyname，ormycharacter，oranythingaboutme，hedeliveredyouovertomytendermercies。Amanofanydelicacywouldneverabandonhislovedonethus。"
"Heisnotjealous。YouknowFrenchmenarenot。"
"AmanofhonouristhesameinFrance，andEngland，andItaly，andalltheworldover。Ifhelovedyou，wouldhehaveleftyoupennilessinthisfashion？Whatwouldyoudo，ifIwereinclinedtoplaythebrutallover？Youmayspeakfreely。"
"Ishoulddefendmyself。"
"Verygood；thenIshouldabandonyouhere，andwhatwouldyoudothen？
Youarepretty，youareawomanofsensibility，butmanymenwouldtakebutlittleaccountofyourvirtue。Yourloverhasleftyoutome；forallheknewImightbethevilestwretch；butasitis，cheerup，youhavenothingtofear。
"Howcanyouthinkthatadventurerlovesyou？Heisameremonster。I
amsorrythatwhatIsaymakesyouweep，butitmustbesaid。IevendaretellyouthatIhavetakenagreatlikingtoyou；butyoumayfeelquitesurethatIshallnotaskyoutogivemesomuchasakiss，andI
willneverabandonyou。BeforewegettoRomeIshallconvinceyouthatthecount，ashecallshimself，notonlydoesnotloveyou，butisacommonswindleraswellasadeceiver。"
"Youwillconvincemeofthat？"
"Yes，onmywordofhonour！Dryyoureyes，andletustrytomakethisdaypassaspleasantlyasyesterday。YoucannotimaginehowgladIfeelthatchancehasconstitutedmeyourprotector。Iwantyoutofeelassuredofmyfriendship，andifyoudonotgivemealittleloveinreturn，Iwilltryandbearitpatiently。
Thelandlordcameinandbroughtthebillforthecountandhismistressaswellasformyself。Ihadexpectedthis，andpaiditwithoutaword，andwithoutlookingatthepoorwanderingsheepbesideme。Irecollectedthattoostrongmedicineskill，anddonotcure，andIwasafraidIhadsaidalmosttoomuch。
Ilongedtoknowherhistory，andfeltsureIshouldhearitbeforewereachedRome。Wetooksomecoffeeanddeparted，andnotawordpassedbetweenustillwegottotheinnatLaScala，wherewegotdown。
TheroadfromLaScalatoRadicofaniissteepandtroublesome。Thevetturinowouldrequireanextrahorse，andeventhenwouldhavetakenfourhours。Idecided，therefore，totaketwoposthorses，andnottobeginthejourneytillteno’clock。
"Woulditnotbebettertogoonnow？"saidtheEnglishgirl；"itwillbeveryhotfromtentillnoon。"
"Yes，buttheComtedel’Ltoile，whomweshouldbesuretomeetatRadicofani，wouldnotliketoseeme。"
"Whynot？Iamsurehewould。"
IfIhadtoldhermyreasonshewouldhaveweptanew，soinpityIsparedher。Isawthatshewasblindedbylove，andcouldnotseethetruecharacterofherlover。Itwouldbeimpossibletocureherbygentleandpersuasiveargument；Imustspeaksharply，thewoundmustbesubjectedtotheactualcautery。Butwasvirtuethecauseofallthisinterest？Wasitdevotiontoayoungandinnocentgirlthatmademewillingtoundertakesodifficultandsodelicateatask？Doubtlessthesemotiveswentforsomething，butIwillnotattempttostrutinborrowedplumes，andmustfreelyconfessthatifshehadbeenuglyandstupidIshouldprobablyhavelefthertoherfate。Inshort，selfishnesswasatthebottomofitall，soletussaynomoreaboutvirtue。
Mytrueaimwastosnatchthisdelicatemorselfromanother’shandthatI
mightenjoyitmyself。Ididnotconfessasmuchtomyself，forIcouldneverbeartocalmlyviewmyownfailings，butafterwardsIcametotheconclusionthatIactedapartthroughout。Isselfishness，then，theuniversalmotorofouractions？Iamafraiditis。
ImadeBetty（suchwashername）takeacountrywalkwithme，andthescenerythereissobeautifulthatnopoetnorpaintercouldimagineamoredeliciousprospect。BettyspokeTuscanwithEnglishidiomsandanEnglishaccent，buthervoicewassosilveryandclearthatherItalianwasdelightfultolistento。Ilongedtokissherlipsastheyspokesosweetly，butIrespectedherandrestrainedmyself。
Wewerewalkingalongengagedinagreeableconverse，whenallatonceweheardthechurchbellspealout。BettysaidshehadneverseenaCatholicservice，andIwasgladtogiveherthatpleasure。Itwasthefeastdayofsomelocalsaint，andBettyassistedathighmasswithallpropriety，imitatingthegesturesofthepeople，sothatnoonewouldhavetakenherforaProtestant。Afteritwasover，shesaidshethoughttheCatholicritewasmuchmoreadaptedtotheneedsoflovingsoulsthantheAngelican。Shewasastonishedatthesouthernbeautyofthevillagegirls，whomshepronouncedtobemuchhandsomerthatthecountrylassesinEngland。Sheaskedmethetime，andIrepliedwithoutthinkingthatI
wonderedshehadnotgotawatch。Sheblushedandsaidthecounthadaskedhertogiveithimtoleaveinpawnforthehorsehehired。
IwassorryforwhatIhadsaid，forIhadputBetty，whowasincapableofalie，togreatpain。
Westartedatteno’clockwiththreehorses，andasacoolwindwasblowingwehadapleasantdrive，arrivingatRadicofaniatnoon。
Thelandlord，whowasalsothepostmaster，askedifIwouldpaythreepaulswhichtheFrenchmanhadexpendedforhishorseandhimself，assuringthelandlordthathisfriendwouldpay。
ForBetty’ssakeIsaidIwouldpay；butthiswasnotall。
"Thegentleman，"addedtheman，"hasbeatenthreeofmypostillionswithhisnakedsword。Oneofthemwaswoundedintheface，andhehasfollowedhisassailant，andwillmakehimpaydearlyforit。Thereasonoftheassaultwasthattheywantedtodetainhimtillhehadpaid。"
"Youwerewrongtoallowviolencetobeused；hedoesnotlooklikeathief，andyoumighthavetakenitforgrantedthatIshouldpay。"
"Youaremistaken；Iwasnotobligedtotakeanythingofthesortforgranted；Ihavebeencheatedinthissortmanytimesbefore。Yourdinnerisreadyifyouwantany。
PoorBettywasindespair。Sheobservedadistressedsilence；andI
triedtoraiseherspirits，andtomakehereatagooddinner，andtotastetheexcellentMuscat，ofwhichthehosthadprovidedanenormousflask。
Allmyeffortswereinvain，soIcalledthevetturinototellhimthatI
wantedtostartdirectlyafterdinner。ThisorderactedonBettylikemagic。
"YoumeantogoasfarasCentino，Isuppose，"saidtheman。"Wehadbetterwaittheretilltheheatisover。"
"No，wemustpushon，asthelady’shusbandmaybeinneedofhelp。Thewoundedpostillionhasfollowedhim；andashespeaksItalianveryimperfectly，there’snoknowingwhatmayhappentohim。"
"Verygood；wewillgooff。"
Bettylookedatmewiththeutmostgratitude；andbywayofprovingit，shepretendedtohaveagoodappetite。Shehadnoticedthatthiswasacertainwayofpleasingme。
WhilewewereatdinnerIordereduponeofthebeatenpostillions，andheardhisstory。Hewasafrankrogue；hesaidhehadreceivedsomeblowswiththeflatofthesword，butheboastedofhavingsentastoneaftertheFrenchmanwhichmusthavemadeanimpressiononhim。
IgavehimaPaul，andpromisedtomakeitacrownifhewouldgotoCentinotobearwitnessagainsthiscomrade，andheimmediatelybegantospeakupforthecount，muchtoBetty’samusement。Hesaidtheman’swoundinthefacewasamerescratch，andthathehadbroughtitonhimself，ashehadnobusinesstoopposeatravellerashehaddone。BywayofcomforthetoldusthattheFrenchmanhadonlybeenhitbytwoorthreestones。Bettydidnotfindthisveryconsoling，butIsawthattheaffairwasmorecomicthantragic，andwouldendinnothing。Thepostillionwentoff，andwefollowedhiminhalfanhour。
Bettywastranquilenoughtillwegotthere，andheardthatthecounthadgoneontoAcquapendentewiththetwopostillionsathisheels；sheseemedquitevexed。Itoldherthatallwouldbewell；thatthecountknewhowtodefendhimself；butsheonlyansweredmewithadeepsigh。
Isuspectedthatshewasafraidweshouldhavetopassthenighttogether，andthatIwoulddemandsomepaymentforallthetroubleIhadtaken。
"WouldyoulikeustogoontoAcquapendente？"Iaskedher。
Atthisquestionherfacebeamedallover；sheopenedherarms，andI
embracedher。
Icalledthevetturino，andtoldhim。IwantedtogoontoAcquapendenteimmediately。
Thefellowrepliedthathishorseswereinthestable，andthathewasnotgoingtoputthemin；butthatIcouldhaveposthorsesifIliked。
"Verygood。Getmetwohorsesimmediately。"
Itismybeliefthat，ifIhadliked，Bettywouldhavegivenmeeverythingatthatmoment，forsheletherselffallintomyarms。I
pressedhertenderlyandkissedher，andthatwasallSheseemedgratefulformyself—restraint。
Thehorseswereputin，andafterIhadpaidthelandlordforthesupper，whichhesworehehadpreparedforus，westarted。
WereachedAcquapendenteinthreequartersofanhour，andwefoundthemadcapcountinhighspirits。HeembracedhisDulcineawithtransports，andBettyseemeddelightedtofindhimsafeandsound。Hetoldustriumphantlythathehadbeatentherascallypostillions，andhadwardedtheirstonesoff。
"Where’stheslashedpostillion？"Iasked。
"Heisdrinkingtomyhealthwithhiscomrade；theyhavebothbeggedmypardon。"
"Yes，"saidBetty，"thisgentlemangavehimacrown。"
"Whatapity！Youshouldn’thavegiventhemanything。"
BeforesuppertheComtedel’Etoileskewedusthebruisesonhisthighsandside；therascalwasafinewell—madefellow。However，Betty’sadoringairsirritatedme，thoughIwasconsoledatthethoughtoftheearnestIhadreceivedfromher。
Nextday，theimpudentfellowtoldmethathewouldorderusagoodsupperatViterbo，andthatofcourseIwouldlendhimasequintopayforhisdinneratMontefiascone。Sosaying，heskewedmeinanoff—handwayabillofexchangeonRomeforthreethousandcrowns。
Ididnottroubletoreadit，andgavehimthesequin，thoughIfeltsureIshouldneverseeitagain。
Bettynowtreatedmequiteconfidentially，andIfeltImightaskheralmostanyquestions。