TheworthyPopedidnotstopthere。Heorderedarigidscrutinyoftheaccountstobemade，andreducedthenumberfromahundredtofifty，doublingthedower。Healsoorderedthatallgirlswhoreachedtheageoftwenty—fivewithoutgettingmarriedshouldbesentawaywiththeirfourhundredcrownsapiece；thattwelvediscreetmatronsshouldhavechargeoftheyoungergirls，andthattwelveservantsshouldbepaidtodothehardworkofthehouse。
CHAPTERXVI
ISupattheInnWithArmellineandEmilieTheseinnovationsweretheworkofsomesixmonths。Thefirstreformwastheabolitionoftheprohibitiononenteringthelargeparlourandeventheinterioroftheconvent；forastheinmateshadtakennovowsandwerenotcloisterednuns，thesuperiorshouldhavebeenatlibertytoactaccordingtoherdiscretion。Menicucciohadlearntthisfromanotehissisterwrotehim，andwhichhebroughttomeinhighglee，askingmetocomewithhimtotheconvent，accordingtohissister’srequest，whosaidmypresencewouldbeacceptabletohergoverness。Iwastoaskforthegoverness。
Iwasonlytoogladtolendmyselftothispleasantarrangement，andfeltcurioustoseethefacesofthethreerecluses，aswellastohearwhattheyhadtosayonthesegreatchanges。
WhenwegotintothelargeparlourIsawtwogrates，oneoccupiedbytheAbbeGuasco，whomIhadknowninParisin1751，theotherbyaRussiannobleman，IvanIvanovitchSchuvaloff，andbyFatherJacquier，afriarminimoftheTrinitadeiMonti，andalearnedastronomer。BehindthegrateIsawthreeveryprettygirls。
Whenourfriendscamedownwebeganaveryinterestingconversation，whichhadtobeconductedinalowtoneforfearofourbeingoverheard。
Wecouldnottalkatoureasetilltheothervisitorshadtakentheirleave。Myyoungfriend’smistresswasaveryprettygirl，buthissisterwasaravishingbeauty。Shehadjustenteredonhersixteenthyear，butshewastallandherfigurewelldeveloped；inshort，sheenchantedme。IthoughtIhadneverseenawhiterskinorblackerhairandeyebrowsandeyes，butstillmorecharmingwasthesweetnessofhervoiceandexpression，andthenaivesimplicityofherexpressions。Hergovernesswhowastenortwelveyearsolderthanshewas，wasawomanofanextremelyinterestingexpression；shewaspaleandmelancholylooking，nodoubtfromthefireswhichshehadbeenforcedtoquenchwithinher。
Shedelightedmebytellingmeoftheconfusionwhichthenewregulationshadcausedinthehouse。
"Themother—superioriswellpleased，"shesaid，"andallmyyoungcompanionsareoverjoyed；buttheolderoneswhomcircumstancehasmadeintobigotsarescandalizedateverything。Thesuperiorhasalreadygivenordersforwindowstobemadeinthedarkparlours，thoughtheoldwomensaythatshecannotgobeyondtheconcessionsshehasalreadyreceived。Tothisthesuperioransweredthatasfreecommunicationhadbeenallowed，itwouldbeabsurdtoretainthedarkness。Shehasalsogivenordersforthealterationofthedoublegrating，astherewasonlyasingleoneinthelargeparlour。"
Ithoughtthesuperiormustbeawomanofintelligence，andexpressedadesiretoseeher。Emilieobtainedthispleasureformethefollowingday。
EmiliewasthefriendofArmelline，Menicuccio’ssister。Thisfirstvisitlastedtwohours，andseemedalltooshort。Menicucciospoketohiswell—belovedattheothergrating。
Iwentaway，afterhavinggiventhemtenRomancrownsasbefore。I
kissedArmelline’sfairhands，andasshefeltthecontactofmylipsherfacewassuffusedbyavividblush。Neverhadthelipsofmantouchedmoredaintyhandsbefore，andshelookedquiteastoundedattheardourwithwhichIkissedthem。
Iwenthomefullofloveforher，andwithoutheedingtheobstaclesinmypathIgavereinstomypassion，whichseemedtomethemostardentIhadeverexperienced。
Myyoungfriendwasinanoceanofbliss。Hehaddeclaredhislove，andthegirlhadsaidthatshewouldgladlybecomehiswifeifhecouldgetthecardinal’sconsent。Asthisconsentonlydependedonhisabilitytokeephimself，Ipromisedtogivehimahundredcrownsandmypatronage。
Hehadservedhistimeasatailor’sapprentice，andwasinapositiontoopenashopofhisown。
"Ienvyyourlot，"saidI，"foryourhappinessisassured，whileI，thoughIloveyoursister，despairofpossessingher。"
"Areyoumarriedthen？"heasked。
"Alas，yes！Keepmycounsel，forIproposevisitinghereveryday，andifitwereknownthatIwasmarried，myvisitswouldbereceivedwithsuspicion。"
Iwasobligedtotellthislietoavoidthetemptationofmarryingher，andtopreventArmellinethinkingthatIwascourtingherwiththatintention。
Ifoundthesuperioressapoliteandcleverwoman，whollyfreefromprejudices。Aftercomingdowntothegratetoobligeme，shesometimescameforherownpleasure。SheknewthatIwastheauthorofthehappyreformintheinstitution，andshetoldmethatsheconsideredherselfundergreatobligationstome。Inlessthansixweeksthreeofhergirlsmadeexcellentmarriages，andsixhundredcrownshadbeenaddedtotheyearlyincomeofthehouse。
Shetoldmethatshewasillpleasedwithoneoftheirconfessors。HewasaDominican，andmadeitarulethathispenitentsshouldapproachtheholytableeverySundayandfeastday；hekeptthemforhoursintheconfessional，andimposedpenancesandfastingswhichwerelikelytoinjurethehealthofyounggirls。
"Allthis，"saidshe，"cannotimprovethemfromamortalpointofview，andtakesupalotoftheirtime，sothattheyhavenoneleftfortheirwork，bythesaleofwhichtheyprocuresomesmallcomfortsforthemselves。
"Howmanyconfessorshaveyou？"
"Four。"
"Areyousatisfiedwiththeotherthree？"
"Yes，theyaresensiblemen，anddonotasktoomuchofpoorhumannature。"
"Iwillcarryyourjustcomplainttothecardinal；willyouwriteoutyourpetition？"
"Kindlygivemeamodel。"
Igaveheraroughdraft，whichshecopiedoutandsigned，andIlaiditbeforehiseminence。AfewdaysaftertheDominicanwasremoved，andhispenitentsdividedamongstthethreeremainingconfessors。Theyoungermembersofthecommunityowedmeagreatdebtofgratitudeonaccountofthischange。
Menicucciowenttoseehissweethearteveryholiday，whileI，inmyamorousardour，visitedhissistereverymorningatnineo’clock。I
breakfastedwithherandEmilie，andremainedintheparlourtilleleven。
AstherewasonlyonegratingIcouldlockthedoorbehindme，butwecouldbeseenfromtheinterioroftheconvent，asthedoorwasleftopentoadmitlight，therebeingnowindow。Thiswasagreatannoyanceforme；recluses，youngorold，werecontinuallypassingby，andnoneofthemfailedtogiveaglanceinthedirectionofthegrate；thusmyfairArmellinecouldnotstretchoutherhandtoreceivemyamorouskisses。
TowardstheendofDecemberthecoldbecameintense，andIbeggedthesuperiortoallowmetoplaceascreeninfrontofthedoor，asIfearedIshouldcatchcoldotherwise。Theworthywomangrantedmyrequestwithoutanydifficulty，andwewereatoureaseforthefuture，thoughthedesireswithwhichArmellineinspiredmehadbecomedreadfultorment。
Onthe1stdayofJanuary，1771，Ipresentedeachofthemwithagoodwinterdress，andsentthesuperioraquantityofchocolate，sugar，andcoffee，allofwhichwereextremelywelcome。
Emilieoftencamebyherselftothegrating，asArmellinewasnotready，andinthesamewayArmellinewouldcomebyherselfwhenhergovernesshappenedtobebusy。Itwasinthesequartersofanhourthatshesucceededincaptivatingme，heartandsoul。
EmilieandArmellineweregreatfriends，buttheirprejudicesonthesubjectofsensualenjoymentweresostrongthatIcouldnevergetthemtolistentolicentioustalk，toallowcertainsmalllibertieswhichI
wouldgladlyhavetaken，ortoaffordmethosepleasuresoftheeyesthatweacceptindefaultofbetterthings。
Onedaytheywerepetrifiedbymyaskingthemwhethertheydidnotsometimessleepinthesamebed，soastogiveeachotherproofsofthetendernessoftheirmutualaffection。
HowtheyblushedEmilieaskedmewiththemostperfectinnocencewhattherewasincommonbetweenaffectionandtheinconvenienceofsleepingtwoinanarrowbed。
Itookcarenottoexplainmyself，forIsawthatIhadfrightenedthem。
NodoubttheywereofthesamefleshandbloodasI，butoureducatorshaddifferedwidely。Theyhadevidentlyneverconfidedtheirlittlesecretstooneanother，possiblynoteventotheirconfessor，eitherthroughshame，orwiththeideathatthelibertiestheyindulgedinalonewerenosin。
Imadethemapresentofsomesilkstockings，linedwithplushtokeepoutthecold，andvainlyendeavouredtomakethemtrythestockingsonbeforeme。ImightsayasoftenasIpleasedthattherewasnorealdifferencebetweenaman’slegsandawoman’s，andthattheirconfessorwouldlaughatthemiftheyconfessedtoshewingtheirlegs。Theyonlyansweredthatgirlswerenotallowedtotakesuchaliberty，astheyworepetticoatsonpurposetoconcealtheirlegs。
ThemannerinwhichEmiliespoke，alwayswithArmelline’sapprobation，convincedmethattheirmodestywasgenuine。Ipenetratedheridea；shethoughtthatinaccedingtomyrequestshewouldbeloweringherselfinmyeyes，andthatIshoulddespisehereverafter。NeverthelessEmiliewasawomanoftwenty—seven，andbynomeansadevotee。
AsforArmelline，IcouldseethatshetookEmilieforhermodel，andwouldhavebeenashamedofappearinglessprecisethanherfriend。I
thoughtshelovedme，andthat，contrarytothegeneralrule，shewouldbemoreeasilywonbyherselfthanincompanywithherfriend。
Imadethetrialonemorningwhensheappearedatthegratingbyherself，tellingmethathergovernesswasbusy。IsaidthatIadoredherandwasthemosthaplessofmen，forbeingamarriedmanIhadnohopeofeverbeingabletoclasphertomyarmsandcoverherwithkisses。
"CanIcontinuetolive，dearArmelline，withnootherconsolationthanthatofkissingyourfairhands？"
Atthesewords，pronouncedwithsomuchpassion，shefixedhergazeonme，andafterafewmoments’reflectionshebegantokissmyhandsasardentlyasIhadkissedhers。
IbeggedhertoputhermouthsothatImightkissit。Sheblushedaridlookeddown，anddidnothing。Ibewailedmyfatebitterly，butinvain。
ShewasdeafanddumbtillEmiliecameandaskeduswhyweweresodull。
Aboutthistime，thebeginningof1771，IwasvisitedbyMariuccia，whomIhadmarriedtenyearsbeforetoayounghairdresser。MyreadersmayrememberhowImetheratAbbeMomolo’s。DuringthethreemonthsIhadbeeninRomeIhadenquiredinvainastowhathadbecomeofher；sothatIwasdelightedwhenshemadeherappearance。
"IsawyouatSt。Peter’s，"saidshe，"atthemidnightmassonChristmasEve，butnotdaringtoapproachyoubecauseofthepeoplewithwhomI
was，Itoldafriendofminetofollowyouandfindoutwhereyoulived。"
"HowisitthatIhavetriedtofindyououtinvainforthelastthreemonths？"
"MyhusbandsetupatFrascatieightyearsago，andwehavelivedthereveryhappilyeversince。"
"Iamverygladtohearit。Haveyouanychildren？"
"Four；andtheeldest，whoisnineyearsold，isverylikeyou。"
"Doyouloveher？"
"Iadoreher，butIlovetheotherthreeaswell。"
AsIwantedtogotobreakfastwithArmellineIbeggedMargaritatokeepMariucciacompanytillmyreturn。
Mariucciadinedwithme，andwespentapleasantdaytogetherwithoutattemptingtorenewourmoretenderrelationship。Wehadplentytotalkabout，andshetoldmethatCosta，myoldservant，hadcomebacktoRomeinasplendidcoach，threeyearsafterIhadleft，andthathehadmarriedoneofMomolo’sdaughters。
"He’sarascal；herobbedme。"
"Iguessedasmuch；histheftdidhimnogood。Helefthiswifetwoyearsaftertheirmarriage，andnooneknowswhathasbecomeofhim。"
"Howabouthiswife？"
"SheislivingmiserablyinRome。Herfatherisdead。"
Ididnotcaretogoandseethepoorwoman，forIcouldnotdoanythingforher，andIcouldnothavehelpedsayingthatifIcaughtherhusbandIwoulddomybesttohavehimhanged。Suchwasindeedmyintentionuptotheyear1785，whenIfoundthisrunagateatVienna。HewasthenCountErdich’sman，andwhenwecometothatperiodthereadershallhearwhatIdid。
IpromisedMariucciatocomeandseeherinthecourseofLent。
ThePrincessSantaCroceandtheworthyCardinalBernispitiedmeformyhaplesslove；Ioftenconfidedmysufferingstotheirsympathizingears。
ThecardinaltoldtheprincessthatshecouldverywellobtainpermissionfromCardinalOrsinitotakeArmellinetothetheatre，andthatifI
caredtojointhepartyImightfindherlesscruel。
"Thecardinalwillmakenoobjection，"saidhe，"asArmellinehastakennovows；butasyoumustknowourfriend’smistressbeforemakingyourrequest，youhaveonlytotellthecardinalthatyouwouldliketoseetheinteriorofthehouse。"
"Doyouthinkhewillgivemeleave？"
"Certainly；theinmatesarenotcloisterednuns。Wewillgowithyou。"
"Youwillcometoo？thatwillbeadelightfulpartyindeed。"
"Askforleave，andwewillarrangetheday。"
Thisplanseemedtomeadeliciousdream。IguessedthatthegallantcardinalwascurioustoseeArmelline，butIwasnotafraidasIknewhewasaconstantlover。BesidesIfeltsurethatifhetookaninterestinthefairreclusehewouldbecertaintofindherahusband。
InthreeorfourdaystheprincesssummonedmetoherboxintheAlbertiTheatre，andshewedmeCardinalOrsini’snote，allowingherandherfriendstoseetheinteriorofthehouse。
"To—morrowafternoon，"saidshe，"wewillfixthedayandthehourforthevisit。"
NextdayIpaidmyusualvisittotherecluses，andthesuperioresscametotellmethatthecardinalhadtoldherthatthePrincessSantaCrocewascomingtovisitthehousewithsomefriends。
"Iknowit，"saidI；"Iamcomingwithher。"
"Whenisshecoming？"
"Idon’tknowyet，butIwillinformyoulateron。"
"Thisnoveltyhasturnedthehouseupsidedown。Thedevoteesscarcelyknowwhethertheyareawakeordreaming，forwiththeexceptionofafewpriests，thedoctor，andthesurgeon，noonehaseverenteredthehousesinceitsfoundation。"
"Alltheserestrictionsarenowremoved，andyouneednotaskthecardinal’spermissiontoreceivevisitsfromyourfriends。"
"Iknowthat，butIdon’tliketogosofar。"
Thetimeforthevisitwasfixedfortheafternoonofthenextday，andI
letthesuperioressknowearlythenextmorning。TheDuchessofFianohadaskedtojoinus；thecardinalcame，ofcourse，dressedasasimplepriest，withnoindicationofhisexaltedrank。HeknewArmellinedirectlyfrommydescription，andcongratulatedheronhavingmademyacquaintance。
Thepoorgirlblushedtotherootsofherhair；andIthoughtshewouldhavefaintedwhentheprincess，aftertellinghershewastheprettiestgirlinthehouse，gavehertwoaffectionatekisses，amarkoffriendshipstrictlyforbiddenbytherules。
Afterthesecaresses，theprincessproceededtocomplimentthesuperioress。ShesaidthatIhaddonewelltopraiseherparts，asshecouldjudgeofthembytheorderandneatnesswhichreignedeverywhere。
"IshallmentionyournametoCardinalOrsini，"sheadded，"andyoumaybesureIshalldoyouallthejusticeyoudeserve。"
Whenwehadseenalltherooms，whichcontainednothingworthseeing，I
presentedEmilietotheprincess，whoreceivedherwithgreatcordiality。
"Ihaveheardofyoursadness，"shesaid，"butIknowthereasonofit。
Youareagoodgirl，andprettytoo，andIshallgetyouahusbandwhowillcureyouofyourmelancholy。"
Thesuperioressgaveasmileofapprobation，butIsawadozenageddevoteespullingwryfaces。
Emiliedarednotreply，butshetooktheprincess’shandandkissedit，asiftosummonhertokeepherpromise。
Asforme，Iwasdelightedtoseethatthoughallthegirlswerereallypretty，myArmellineeclipsedthemall，asthelightofthesunobscuresthestars。
Whenwecamedowntotheparlour，theprincesstoldArmellinethatshemeanttoaskleaveofthecardinaltotakehertwoorthreetimestothetheatrebeforeLentbegan。Thisobservationseemedtopetrifyeveryoneexceptthesuperioress，whosaidthathiseminencehadnowaperfectrighttorelaxanyoralloftherulesoftheestablishment。
PoorArmellinewassooverwhelmedbetweenjoyandconfusionthatshecouldnotspeak。Sheseemedunabletofindwordswhereintothanktheprincess，whocommendedherandherfriendEmilietothesuperioressbeforesheleftthehouse，andgaveherasmallpresenttobuynecessariesforthem。
Nottobeoutdone，theDuchessofFianotoldthesuperioressthatshewouldmakemethealmonerofherbountytowardsArmellineandEmilie。
Myexpressionsofgratitudetotheprincesswhenwewerebackinthecarriagemaybeimagined。
IhadnoneedtoexcuseArmelline，fortheprincessandthecardinalhadgaugedhercapacities。Herconfusionhadpreventedhershewinghercleverness，butherfaceshewedhertopossessit。Besides，theinfluenceoftheeducationshehadreceivedhadtobetakenintoaccount。
Theprincesswasimpatienttotakehertothetheatre，andafterwardstosupperataninn，accordingtotheRomancustom。
ShewrotethenamesofArmellineandEmilieuponhertablets，soastorememberthemoneveryoccasion。
IdidnotforgetthemistressofmypoorfriendMenicuccio，butthetimewasnotopportuneformentioninghername。Thenextday，however，Igotthecardinal’sear，andtoldhimthatIwasanxioustodosomethingfortheyoungman。Thecardinalsawhim，andMenicucciopleasedhimsowellthatthemarriagetookplacebeforetheendofthecarnival，thebridehavingadowryoffivehundredcrowns。WiththissumandthehundredcrownsIgavehim，hewasinapositiontoopenashopforhimself。
Thedayaftertheprincess’svisitwasatriumphantoneforme。AssoonasIappearedatthegratingthesuperioresswassentfor，andwehadaninterview。
Theprincesshadgivenherfiftycrowns，whichshewasgoingtolayoutonlinenforArmellineandEmilie。
TherecluseswerestupefiedwhenItoldthemthatthefatpriestwasCardinalBernis，astheyhadanideathatacardinalcanneverdoffthepurple。
TheDuchessofFianohadsentacaskofwine，whichwasanunknownbeveragethere，andthesepresentsmadethemhopeforothers。Iwaslookeduponasthebringerofallthisgoodluck，andgratitudesheweditselfsoplainlyineverywordandglancethatIfeltImighthopeforeverything。
Afewdayslater，theprincesstoldCardinalOrsinithatshehadtakenapeculiarinterestintwooftheyoungrecluses，anddesiringtoprovidethemwithsuitableestablishmentsshewishedtotakethemnowandagaintothetheatresoastogivethemsomeknowledgeoftheworld。Sheundertooktotakethemandbringthembackherselforonlytoconfidethemtosurehands。Thecardinalrepliedthatthesuperioressshouldreceiveinstructionstoobligeherineveryparaticular。
AssoonasIheardofthisfromtheprincess，IsaidthatIwouldascertainwhatordershadbeenactuallyreceivedattheconvent。
Thenextdaythesuperioresstoldmethathiseminencehadinstructedhertodowhatshethoughtbestforthewelfareoftheyoungpeoplecommittedtohercharge。
"Ihavealsoreceivedorders，"sheadded，"tosendinthenamesofthosewhohaveattainedtheageofthirty，andwishtoleavetheconvent，thattheymayreceiveawarrantfortheirtwohundredcrowns。Ihavenotyetpublishedthiscommand，butIhaven’ttheslightestdoubtthatweshallgetridofascoreatleast。"
Itoldtheprincessofthecardinal’sorders，andsheagreedwithmethathisbehaviourwasmostgenerous。
CardinalBernis，whowasby，advisedherthatthefirsttimeshetookthegirlstothetheatreshehadbettergoinperson，andtellthesuperioressthatshewouldalwayssendhercarriageandliveriedservantstofetchthem。
Theprincessapprovedofthisadvice，andafewdayslatershecalledforEmilieandArmelline，andbroughtthemtoherpalace，whereIawaitedthemwiththecardinal，theprince，andtheDuchessofFiano。
Theywerewelcomedwarmly，encouragedtoreply，tolaugh，andtosaywhatwasintheirminds，butallinvain；findingthemselvesforthefirsttimeinasplendidapartmentsurroundedbybrilliantcompany，theyweresoconfoundedthattheycouldnotsayaword。Emiliepersistedinrisingfromherseatwhenevershewasaddressed，andArmellineshoneonlybyherbeautyandthevividblushwhichsuffusedherfacewhenevershewasaddressed。Theprincessmightkissherasmuchasshepleased，butthenovicehadnotthecouragetoreturnherkisses。
AtlastArmellinemusteredupcouragetotaketheprincess’shandandkissit，butwhentheladykissedheronthelipsthegirlremainedinactive，seemingtobeabsolutelyignorantofsuchanaturalandeasymatterasthereturningofakiss。
Thecardinalandtheprincelaughed；theduchesssaidthatsomuchrestraintwasunnatural。AsformeIwasonthorns，suchawkwardnessseemedtomenearakintostupidity，forArmellinehadonlytodototheprincess’slipswhatshehadalreadydonetoherhand。Nodoubtshefanciedthattodototheprincesswhattheprincesshaddonetoherwouldshewtoomuchfamiliarity。
ThecardinaltookmeononesideandsaidhecouldnotbelievethatIhadnotinitiatedherinthecourseoftwomonths’intimacy，butIpointedouttohimtheimmenseforceoflongengrainedprejudice。
FarthisfirsttinetheprincesshadmadeuphermindtotakethemtotheTorrediNonnaTheatre，ascomicpieceswereplayedthere，andtheycouldnothelpbutlaugh。
Aftertheplaywewenttosupataninn，andattablethegoodcheerandmyexhortationsbegantotakesomeeffectonher。Wepersuadedthemtodrinkalittlewine，andtheirspiritsimprovedvisibly。Emilieceasedtobesad，andArmellinegavetheprincesssomerealkisses。Weapplaudedtheireffortstobegayandourapplauseconvincedthemthattheyhaddonenothingwrong。
Ofcoursetheprincesschargedmewiththepleasanttrustoftakingthetwoguestsbacktotheconvent。Now，Ithought，mytimehascome；butwhenwewereinthecarriageIsawthatIhadreckonedwithoutmyhost。
WhenIwouldhavekissed，headswereturnedaside；whenIwouldhavestretchedforthanindiscreethand，dresseswerewrappedmoretightly；
whenIwouldhaveforcedmyway，Iwasresistedbyforce；whenI
complained，IwastoldthatIwasinthewrong；whenIgotinarage，I
wasallowedtosayon；andwhenIthreatenedtoseethemnomore，theydidnotbelieveme。
Whenwegottotheconventaservantopenedthesidedoor，andnoticingthatshedidnotshutitafterthegirls，Iwentintoo，andwentwiththemtoseethesuperioress，whowasinbed，anddidnotseematallastonishedtoseeme。ItoldherthatIconsidereditmydutytobringbackheryoungchargesinperson。Shethankedme，askedthemiftheyhadhadapleasantevening，andbademegoodnight，beggingmetomakeaslittlenoiseaspossibleonmywaydownstairs。
Iwishedthemallhappyslumbers，andaftergivingasequintotheservantwhoopenedthedoor，andanothertothecoachman，Ihadmyselfsetdownatthedoorofmylodging。Margaritawasasleeponasofaandwelcomedmewithabuse，butshesoonfoundoutbytheardourofmycaressesthatIhadnotbeenguiltyofinfidelity。
Ididnotgetuptillnoon，andatthreeo’clockIcalledontheprincessandfoundthecardinalalreadythere。
Theyexpectedtohearthestoryofmytriumph，butthetaleItoldandmyapparentindifferenceinthemattercameasasurprise。
Imayaswellconfessthatmyfacewasbynomeanstheindexofmymind。
However，Ididmybesttogivethethingacomicturn，sayingthatIdidnotcareforPamelas，andthatIhadmadeupmymindtogiveuptheadventure。
"Mydearfellow，"saidthecardinal，"IshalltaketwoorthreedaysbeforeIcongratulateyouonyourself—restraint。"
Hisknowledgeofthehumanheartwasveryextensive。
ArmellinethoughtImusthaveslepttilllateasshedidnotseemeinthemorningasusual；butwhentheseconddaywentbywithoutmycomingshesentherbrothertoaskifIwereill，forIhadneverlettwodayspasswithoutpayingheravisit。
Menicucciocameaccordingly，andwasdelightedtofindmeinperfecthealth。
"Goandtellyoursister，"Isaid，"thatIshallcontinuetointeresttheprincessonherbehalf，butthatIshallseehernomore。"
"Whynot？"
"BecauseIwishtocuremyselfofanunhappypassion。Yoursisterdoesnotloveme:Iamsureofit。Iamnolongerayoungman，andIdon’tfeelinclinedtobecomeamartyrtohervirtue。Virtuegoesrathertoofarwhenitpreventsagirlgivingthemanwhoadoresherasinglekiss。"
"Indeed，Iwouldnothavebelievedthatofher。"
"Neverthelessitisthefact，andImustmakeanendofit。Yoursistercannotunderstandthedangersherunsintreatingaloverinthisfashion。Tellherallthat，mydearMenicuccio，butdon’tgiveheranyadviceofyourown。"
"Youcan’tthinkhowgrievedIamtohearallthis；perhapsit’sEmilie’spresencethatmakeshersocold。"
"No；Ihaveoftenpressedherwhenwehavebeenalonetogether，butallinvain。Iwanttocuremyself，forifshedoesnotlovemeIdonotwishtoobtainhereitherbyseductionorbyanyfeelingofgratitudeonherpart。Tellmehowyourfuturebridetreatsyou。"
"Verywell，eversinceshehasbeensureofmymarryingher。"
IfeltsorrythenthatIhadgivenmyselfoutasamarriedman，forinmystateofirritationIcouldevenhavegivenherapromiseofmarriagewithoutdeliberatelyintendingtodeceiveher。
Menicucciowentonhiswaydistressed，andIwenttothemeetingofthe"Arcadians，"attheCapitol，toheartheMarchionessd’Aoutreciteherreceptionpiece。ThismarchionesswasayoungFrenchwomanwhohadbeenatRomeforthelastsixmonthswithherhusband，amanofmanytalents，butinferiortoher，forshewasagenius。FromthisdayIbecameherintimatefriend，butwithouttheslightestideaofanintrigue，leavingallthattoaFrenchpriestwhowashopelesslyinlovewithher，andhadthrownuphischancesofprefermentforhersake。
EverydaythePrincessSantaCrocetoldmethatIcouldhavethekeytoherboxatthetheatrewheneverIlikedtotakeArmellineandEmilie，butwhenaweekpassedbywithoutmygivinganysignshebegantobelievethatIhadreallybrokenofftheconnection。
Thecardinal，ontheotherhand，believedmetobestillinlove，andpraisedmyconduct。HetoldmethatIshouldhavealetterfromthesuperioress，andhewasright；forattheendoftheweekshewrotemeapolitenotebeggingmetocallonher，whichIwasobligedtoobey。
Icalledonher，andshebeganbyaskingmeplainlywhymyvisitshadceased。
"BecauseIaminlovewithArmelline。"
"Ifthatreasonbroughtyouhereeveryday，Idonotseehowitcanhavesuddenlyoperatedinanotherdirection。"
"Andyetitisallquitenatural；forwhenonelovesonedesires，andwhenonedesiresinvainonesuffers，andcontinualsufferingisgreatunhappiness。AndsoyouseethatIamboundtoactthusformyownsake。"
"Ipityyou，andseethewisdomofyourcourse；butallowmetotellyouthat，esteemingArmelline，youhavenorighttolayheropentoajudgmentbeingpasseduponherwhichisveryfarfromthetruth。"
"Andwhatjudgmentisthat？"
"Thatyourlovewasonlyawhim，andthatassoonasitwassatisfiedyouabandonedher。"
"Iamsorryindeedtohearofthis，butwhatcanIdo？Imustcuremyselfofthisunhappypassion。Doyouknowanyotherremedythanabsence？Kindlyadviseme。"
"Idon’tknowmuchabouttheaffectioncalledlove，butitseemstomethatbyslowdegreeslovebecomesfriendship，andpeaceisrestored。"
"True，butifitistobecomefriendship，lovemustbegentlytreated。
Ifthebelovedobjectisnotverytender，lovegrowsdesperateandturnstoindifferenceorcontempt。IneitherwishtogrowdesperatenortodespiseArmelline，whoisamiracleofbeautyandgoodness。Ishalldomyutmostforher，justasifshehadmademehappy，butIwillseehernomore。"
"Iamincompletedarknessonthematter。Theyassuremethattheyhaveneverfailedintheirdutytowardsyou，andthattheycannotimaginewhyyouhaveceasedcominghere。"
"Whetherbyprudence，ortimidity，oradelicatewishnottosayanythingagainstme，theyhavetoldyoualie；butyoudeservetoknowall，andmyhonourrequiresthatIshouldtellyouthewholestory。"
"Pleasedoso；youmaycountonmydiscretion。"
Ithentoldmytale，andIsawshewasmoved。
"Ihavealwaystried，"shesaid，"nevertobelieveevilexceptoncompulsion，nevertheless，knowingasIdotheweaknessofthehumanheart，Icouldneverhavebelievedthatthroughoutsolongandintimateanacquaintanceyoucouldhavekeptyourselfsoseverelywithinbounds。
Inmyopiniontherewouldbemuchlessharminakissthaninallthisscandal。"
"IamsurethatArmellinedoesnotcareaboutit。"
"Shedoesnothingbutweep。"
"Hertearsprobablyspringfromvanity，orfromthecausehercompanionsassignformyabsence。"
"No，Ihavetoldthemallthatyouareill。"
"WhatdoesEmiliesay？"
"Shedoesnotweep，butshelookssad，andsaysoverandoveragainthatitisnotherfaultifyoudonotcome，therebyhintingthatitisArmelline’sfault。Cometomorrowtoobligeme。TheyaredyingtoseetheoperaattheAliberti，andthecomicoperaattheCapronica。"
"Verygood，thenIwillbreakfastwiththemto—morrowmorning，andto—
morroweveningtheyshallseetheopera。"
"Youareverygood；Ithankyou。ShallItellthemthenews？"
"PleasetellArmellinethatIamonlycomingafterhearingallthatyouhavesaidtome。"
Theprincessskippedforjoywhensheheardofmyinterviewwiththesuperioress，andthecardinalsaidhehadguessedasmuch。Theprincessgavemethekeyofherbox，andorderedthathercarriageandservantsshouldbeatmyorders。
ThenextdaywhenIwenttotheconventEmiliecamedownbyherselftoreproachmeonmycruelconduct。Shetoldmethatamanwhoreallylovedwouldnothaveactedinsuchamanner，andthatIhadbeenwrongtotellthesuperioresseverything。
"IwouldnothavesaidanythingifIhadhadanythingimportanttosay。"
"Armellinehasbecomeunhappythroughknowingyou。"
"Becauseshedoesnotwanttofailinherduty，andsheseesthatyouonlylovehertoturnherfromit。"
"ButherunhappinesswillceasewhenIceasetroublingher。"
"Doyoumeanyouarenotgoingtoseeheranymore？"
"Exactly。Doyouthinkthatitcostsmenopain？ButImustmaketheeffortforthesakeofmypeaceofmind。"
"Thenshewillbesurethatyoudonotloveher。"
"Shemustthinkwhatshepleases。InthemeanwhileIfeelsurethatifshelovedmeasIlovedher，weshouldbeofonemind。"
"Wehavedutieswhichseemtopresslightlyonyou。"
"Thenbefaithfultoyourduties，andpermitamanofhonourtorespectthembyvisitingyounomore。"
Armellinethenappeared。Ithoughtherchanged。
"Whydoyoulooksograveandpale？"
"Becauseyouhavegrievedme。"
"Comethen，begayoncemore，andallowmetocuremyselfofapassion，theessenceofwhichistoinduceyoutofailinyourduty。Ishallbestillyourfriend，andIshallcometoseeyouonceaweekwhileIremaininRome。"
"Onceaweek！Youneedn’thavebegunbycomingonceaday。"
"Youareright；itwasyourkindexpressionwhichdeceivedme，butIhopeyouwillallowmetobecomerationalagain。Forthistohappen，ImusttrynottoseeyoumorethanIcanhelp。Thinkoverit，andyouwillseethatIamdoingallforthebest。"
"It’sveryhardthatyoucan’tlovemeasIloveyou。"
"Youmeancalmly，andwithoutdesires。"
"Idon’tsaythat；butholdingyourdesiresincheck，iftheyarecontrarytothevoiceofduty。"
"I’mtoooldtolearnthismethod，anditdoesnotseemtomeanattractiveone。Kindlytellmewhethertherestraintofyourdesiresgivesyoumuchpain？"
"Idon’trepressmydesireswhenIthinkofyou，Icherishthem；IwishyouwerethePope，Iwishyouweremyfather，thatImightcaressyouinallinnocence；inmydreamsIwishyoucouldbecomeagirl，sothatwemightalwayslivehappilytogether。"
Atthistruetouchofnativesimplicity，Icouldnothelpsmiling。
ItoldthemthatIshouldcomeintheeveningtotakethemtotheAliberti，andfeltinabetterhumouraftermyvisit，forIcouldseethattherewasnoartorcoquetryinwhatArmellinesaid。Isawthatshelovedme，butwouldnotcometoaparleywithherlove，henceherrepugnancetograntingmeherfavours；ifsheoncedidso，hereyeswouldbeopened。Allthiswaspurenature，forexperiencehadnotyettaughtherthatsheoughteithertoavoidmeortosuccumbtomyaffection。
IntheeveningIcalledforthetwofriendstotakethemtotheopera，andIhadnotlongtowait。Iwasbymyselfinthecarriage，buttheyevincednosurprise。Emilieconveyedtomethecomplimentsofthesuperioress，whowouldbeobligedbymycallingonherthefollowingday。
AttheoperaIletthemgazeatthespectaclewhichtheysawforthefirsttime，andansweredwhateverquestionstheyputtome。AstheywereRomans，theyoughttohaveknownwhatacastratowas，nevertheless，Armellinetookthewretchedindividualwhosangtheprimadonna’spartforawoman，andpointedtohisbreast，whichwasreallyafineone。
"Wouldyoudaretosleepinthesamebedwithhim？"Iasked。
"No；anhonestgirloughtalwaystosleepbyherself。"
Suchwastheseverityoftheeducationtheyhadreceived。Everythingconnectedwithlovewasmadeamysteryof，andtreatedwithakindofsuperstitiousawe。ThusArmellinehadonlyletmekissherhandsafteralongcontest，andneithershenorEmiliewouldallowmetoseewhetherthestockingsIhadgiventhemfittedwellornot。Thesevereprohibitionthatwaslaidonsleepingwithanothergirlmusthavemadethemthinkthattoshewtheirnakednesstoacompanionwouldbeagreatsin，andletamanseetheirbeautiesahideouscrime。Theveryideaofsuchathingmusthavegiventhemashudder。
WheneverIhadattemptedtoindulgeinconversationwhichwasalittlefree，Ihadfoundthemdeafanddumb。
AlthoughEmiliewasahandsomegirlinspiteofherpallor，Ididnottakesufficientinterestinhertotrytodissipatehermelancholy；butlovingArmellinetodesperationIwascuttothequicktoseeherlookgravewhenIaskedherifshehadanyideaofthedifferencebetweenthephysicalconformationofmenandwomen。
AswewereleavingArmellinesaidshewashungry，asshehadscarcelyeatenanythingforthelastweekonaccountofthegriefIhadgivenher。
"IfIhadforeseenthat，"Ianswered，"Iwouldhaveorderedagoodsupper，whereasIhavenowonlypotlucktoofferyou。"
"Nevermind。Howmanyshallwebe？"
"Wethree。"
"Somuchthebetter；weshallbemoreatliberty。"
"Thenyoudon’tliketheprincess？"
"Ibegyourpardon，butshewantsmetokissherinawayIdon’tlike。"
"Nevertheless，youkissedherardentlyenough。"
"IwasafraidshewouldtakemeforasimpletonifIdidnotdoso。"
"Thendoyouthinkyoucommittedasininkissingherlikethat？"
"Certainlynot，foritwasveryunpleasantforme。"
"Thenwhywon’tyoumakethesameeffortonmybehalf？"
Shesaidnothing，andwhenwegottotheinnIorderedthemtolightafireandtogetagoodsupperready。
ThewaiteraskedmeifIwouldlikesomeoysters，andnoticingthecuriosityofmyguestsonthesubjectIaskedhimhowmuchtheywere。"
"TheyarefromthearsenalatVenice，"hereplied，"andwecan’tsellthemunderfiftypainsahundred。"
"Verygood，Iwilltakeahundred，butyoumustopenthemhere。"
ArmellinewashorrifiedtothinkthatIwasgoingtopayfivecrownsforherwhim，andbeggedmetorevoketheorder；butshesaidnothingwhenI
toldherthatnopleasureofherscouldbeboughttoodearlybyme。
Atthisshetookmyhandandwouldhavecarriedittoherlips，butI
tookitawayratherroughly，greatlytohermortification。
Iwassittinginfrontofthefirebetweenthem，andIwassorryathavinggrievedher。
"Ibegpardon，Armelline，"Isaid，"Ionlytookmyhandawaybecauseitwasnotworthyofbeingcarriedtoyourfairlips。"
Inspiteofthisexcuseshecouldnothelptwobigtearscoursingdownherblushingcheeks。Iwasgreatlypained。
Armellinewasatenderdove，notmadetoberoughlytreated。IfIdidnotwanthertohatemeIfeltthatImusteithernotseeheratallortreathermoregentlyforthefuture。
HertearsconvincedmethatIhadwoundedherfeelingsterribly，andI
gotupandwentouttoordersomechampagne。
WhenIcamebackIfoundthatshehadbeenweepingbitterly。Ididnotknowwhattodo；Ibeggedheragainandagaintoforgiveme，andtobegayoncemore，unlessshewishedtosubjectmetotheseverestofallpunishments。
Emiliebackedmeup，andontakingherhandandcoveringitwithkisses，Ihadthepleasureofseeinghersmileoncemore。
Theoysterswereopenedinourpresence，andtheastonishmentdepictedonthegirls’countenanceswouldhaveamusedmeifmyhearthadbeenmoreatease。ButIwasdesperatewithlove，andArmellinebeggedmevainlytobeasIwaswhenwefirstmet。
Wesatdown，andItaughtmyguestshowtosuckuptheoysters，whichswamintheirownliquid，andwereverygood。
Armellineswallowedhalfadozen，andthenobservedtoherfriendthatsodelicateamorselmustbeasin。
"Notonaccountofitsdelicacy，"saidEmilie，"butbecauseateverymouthfulweswallowhalfaPaul。"
"HalfaPaul！"saidArmelline，"andtheHolyFatherdoesnotforbidsuchaluxury？Ifthisisnotthesinofgluttony，Idon’tknowwhatis。
Theseoystersaredelightful；butIshallspeakaboutthemattertomydirector。"
Thesesimplicitiesofhersaffordedmegreatmentalpleasure，butI
wantedbodilypleasureaswell。
Weatefiftyoysters，anddranktwobottlesofsparklingchampagne，whichmademytwoguestseructandblushandlaughatthesametime。
IwouldfainhavelaughedtooanddevouredArmellinewithmykisses，butIcouldonlydevourherwithbyeyes。
Ikepttheremainderoftheoystersfordessert，andorderedthesuppertobeserved。Itwasanexcellentmeal，andthetwoheroinesenjoyedit；
evenEmiliebecamequitelively。
Iordereduplemonsandabottleofrum，andafterhavingthefiftyremainingoystersopenedIsentthewaiteraway。Ithenmadeabowlofpunch，pouringinabottleofchampagneasafinishingtouch。
Aftertheyhadswallowedafewoystersanddrankoneortwoglassesofpunch，whichtheylikedamazingly，IbeggedEmilietogivemeanoysterwithherlips。
"Iamsureyouaretoosensibletofindanythingwronginthat，"Iadded。
Emiliewasastonishedattheproposition，andthoughtitover。Armellinegazedatheranxiously，asifcuriousastohowshewouldanswerme。
"Whydon’tyouaskArmelline？"shesaidatlength。
"Doyougivehimonefirst，"saidArmelline，"andifyouhavethecourageIwilltrytodothesame。"
"Whatcouragedoyouwant？It’sachild’sgame；there’snoharminit。"
Afterthisreply，Iwassureofvictory。Iplacedtheshellontheedgeofherlips，andafteragooddealoflaughingshesuckedintheoyster，whichsheheldbetweenherlips。Iinstantlyrecovereditbyplacingmylipsonhers。
Armellineclappedherhands，tellingEmiliethatshewouldneverhavethoughthersobrave；shethenimitatedherexample，andwasdelightedwithmydelicacyinsuckingawaytheoyster，scarcelytouchingherlipswithmine。MyagreeablesurprisemaybeimaginedwhenIheardhersaythatitwasmyturntoholdtheoysters。ItisneedlesstosaythatI
acquittedmyselfofthedutywithmuchdelight。
Afterthesepleasantinterludeswewenttodrinkingpunchandswallowingoysters。
Weallsatinarowwithourbackstothefire，andourbrainsbegantowhirl，butneverwastheresuchasweetintoxication。However，thepunchwasnotfinishedandweweregettingveryhot。Itookoffmycoat，andtheywereobligedtounlacetheirdresses，thebodicesofwhichwerelinedwithfur。Guessingatnecessitieswhichtheydidnotdaretomention，Ipointedoutaclosetwheretheycouldmakethemselvescomfortable，andtheywentinhand—in—hand。Whentheycameouttheywerenolongertimidrecluses，theywereshriekingwithlaughter，andreelingfromsidetoside。
Iwastheirscreenaswesatinfrontofthefire，andIgazedfreelyoncharmswhichtheycouldnolongerconceal。Itoldthemthatwemustnotthinkofgoingtillthepunchwasfinished，andtheyagreed，saying，inhighglee，thatitwouldbeagreatsintoleavesogoodathingbehind。
Ithenpresumedsofarastotellthemthattheyhadbeautifullegs，andthatIshouldbepuzzledtoassigntheprizebetweenthem。Thismadethemgayerthanever，fortheyhadnotnoticedthattheirunlacedbodicesandshortpetticoatsletmeseealmosteverything。
Afterdrinkingourpunchtothedregs，weremainedtalkingforhalfanhour，whileIcongratulatedmyselfonmyself—restraint。JustasweweregoingIaskedthemiftheyhadanygroundsofcomplaintagainstme。
ArmellinerepliedthatifIwouldadoptherasmydaughtershewasreadytofollowmetotheendoftheworld。"Thenyouarenotafraidofmyturningyoufromthepathofduty？"
"No，Ifeelquitesafewithyou。"
"Andwhatdoyousay，dearEmilie？"
"Ishallloveyoutoo，whenyoudoformewhatthesuperioresswilltellyouto—morrow。"
"Iwilldoanything，butIshan’tcometospeaktohertilltheevening，foritisthreeo’clocknow。"
Theylaughedallthelouder，exclaiming，——
"Whatwillthemothersay？"
Ipaidthebill，gavesomethingtothewaiter，andtookthembacktotheconvent，wheretheporteressseemedwellenoughpleasedwiththenewruleswhenshesawtwosequinsinherpalm。
Itwastoolatetoseethesuperioress，soIdrovehomeafterrewardingthecoachmanandthelackey。
MargaritawasreadytoscratchmyeyesoutifIcouldnotprovemyfidelity，butIsatisfiedherbyquenchingonherthefiresArmellineandthepunchhadkindled。ItoldherIhadbeenkeptbyagamingparty，andsheaskednomorequestions。
ThenextdayIamusedtheprincessandthecardinalbyacircumstantialaccountofwhathadhappened。
"Youmissedyouropportunity，"saidtheprincess。
"Idon’tthinkso，"saidthecardinal，"Ibelieve，onthecontrary，thathehasmadehisvictorymoresureforanothertime。"
Intheevening，Iwenttotheconventwherethesuperioressgavemeherwarmestwelcome。Shecomplimentedmeonhavingamusedmyselfwiththetwogirlstillthreeo’clockinthemorningwithoutdoinganythingwrong。
Theyhadtoldherhowwehadeatentheoysters，andshesaiditwasanamusingidea。Iadmiredhercandour，simplicity，orphilosophy，whicheveryouliketocallit。
Afterthesepreliminaries，shetoldmethatIcouldmakeEmiliehappybyobtaining，throughtheinfluenceoftheprincess，adispensationtomarrywithoutthepublicationofbannsamerchantofCivitaVecchia，whowouldhavemarriedherlongagoonlythattherewasawomanwhopretendedtohaveclaimsuponhim。Ifbannswerepublishedthiswomanwouldinstituteasuitwhichmightgoonforever。
"Ifyoudothis，"sheconcluded，"youwillhavethemeritofmakingEmiliehappy。"
Itookdowntheman’sname，andpromisedtodomybestwiththeprincess。
"AreyoustilldeterminedtocureyourselfofyourloveforArmelline？"
"Yes，butIshallnotbeginthecuretillLent。"
"Icongratulateyou；thecarnivalisunusuallylongthisyear。"
ThenextdayIspokeofthemattertotheprincess。ThefirstrequisitewasacertificatefromtheBishopofCivitaVecchia，statingthatthemanwasfreetomarry。ThecardinalsaidthatthemanmustcometoRome，andthattheaffaircouldbemanagedifhecouldbringforwardtwogoodwitnesseswhowouldswearthathewasunmarried。
Itoldthesuperioresswhatthecardinalsaid，andshewrotetothemerchant，andafewdaysafterIsawhimtalkingtothesuperioressandEmiliethroughthegrating。
Hecommendedhimselftomyprotection，andsaidthatbeforehemarriedhewantedtobesureofhavingsixhundredcrowns。
Theconventwouldgivehimfourhundredcrowns，soweshouldhavetoobtainagrantoftwohundredmore。
Isucceededingettingthegrant，butIfirstcontrivedtohaveanothersupperwithArmelline，whoaskedmeeverymorningwhenIwasgoingtotakehertothecomicopera。IsaidIwasafraidofturningherastrayfromthepathofduty，butsherepliedthatexperiencehadtaughthertodreadmenolonger。
CHAPTERXVII
TheFlorentine——MarriageofEmilie——Scholastica——ArmellineattheBallBeforethesupperIhadlovedArmellinetosuchanextentthatIhaddeterminedtoseehernomore，butafteritIfel"m.kanbaapp点com"tthatImustobtainherordie。Isawthatshehadonlyconsentedtomysmalllibertiesbecausesheregardedthemasmerejokes，ofnoaccount，andIresolvedtotakeadvantageofthiswayoflookingatittogoasfarasIcould。Ibegintoplaythepartofindifferenttothebestofmyability，onlyvisitinghereveryotherday，andlookingatherwithanexpressionofpoliteinterest。Ioftenpretendedtoforgettokissherhand，whileIkissedEmilie’sandtoldherthatifIfeltcertainofreceivingpositivemarksofheraffectionIshouldstayatCivitaVecchiaforsomeweeksaftershewasmarried。IwouldnotseeArmelline’shorror，whocouldnotbearmetotakeafancytoEmilie。
Emiliesaidthatshewouldbemoreatlibertywhenshewasmarried，whileArmelline，vexedathergivingmeanyhopes，toldhersharplythatamarriedwomanhadstricterdutiestoperformthanagirl。
Iagreedwithherinmyheart，butasitwouldnothavesuitedmypurposetosaysoopenlyIinsinuatedthefalsedoctrinethatamarriedwoman’schiefdutyistokeepherhusband’sdescentintact，andthateverythingelseisoftriflingimportance。
WiththeideaofdrivingEmilietoanextremityItoldEmiliethatifshewantedmetoexertmyselftomyutmostforhershemustgivemegoodhopesofobtainingherfavoursnotonlyafterbutbeforemarriage。
"Iwillgiveyounootherfavours。"shereplied，"thanthosewhichArmellinemaygiveyou。Yououghttotrytogethermarriedalso。"
Inspiteofhergriefattheseproposals，gentleArmellinereplied，————
"YouaretheonlymanIhaveeverseen；andasIhavenohopesofgettingmarriedIwillgiveyounopledgesatall，thoughIdonotknowwhatyoumeanbytheword。"
ThoughIsawhowpureandangelicshewas，Ihadthecrueltytogoaway，leavinghertoherdistress。
Itwashardformetotormentherthus，butIthoughtitwastheonlywaytoovercomeherprejudices。
CallingontheVenetianambassador’sstewardIsawsomepeculiarlyfineoysters，andIgothimtoletmehaveahundred。IthentookaboxattheCapronicaTheatre，andorderedagoodsupperattheinnwherewehadsuppedbefore。
"Iwantaroomwithabed，"Isaidtothewaiter。
"That’snotallowedinRome，signor，"hereplied，"butonthethirdfloorwehavetworoomswithlargesofaswhichmightdoinstead，withouttheHolyOfficebeingabletosayanything。"
Ilookedattheroomsandtookthem，andorderedthemantogetthebestsupperthatRomecouldoffer。
AsIwasenteringtheboawiththetwogirlsIsawtheMarchionessd’Aoutwasmynearneighbour。Sheaccostedme，andcongratulatedherselfonhervicinitytome。ShewasaccompaniedbyherFrenchabbe，herhusband，andafine—lookingyoungman，whomIhadneverseenbefore。Sheaskedwhomycompanionswere，andItoldhertheywereintheVenetianambassador’shousehold。ShepraisedtheirbeautyandbegantotalktoArmelline，whoansweredwellenoughtillthecurtainwentup。Theyoungmanalsocomplimentedher，andafterhavingaskedmypermissionhegaveheralargepacketofbonbons，tellinghertosharethemwithherneighbour。
IhadguessedhimtobeaFlorentinefromhisaccent，andaskedhimifthesweetscamefromthebanksoftheArno；hetoldmetheywerefromNaples，whencehehadjustarrived。
AttheendofthefirstactIwassurprisedtohearhimsaythathehadaletterofintroductionformefromtheMarchionessofC————。
"Ihavejustheardyourname，"hesaid，"andtomorrowIshallhavethehonourofdeliveringtheletterinperson，ifyouwillkindlygivemeyouraddress。"
AfterthesepolitepreliminariesIfeltthatImustcomplywithhisrequest。
Iaskedafterthemarquis，hismother—in—law，andAnastasia，sayingthatIwasdelightedtohearfromthemarchionessfromwhomIhadbeenexpectingananswerforthelastmonth。
"Thecharmingmarchionesshasdeignedtoentrustmewiththeansweryouspeakof。"
"Ilongtoreadit。"
"ThenImaygiveyoutheletternow，thoughIshallstillclaimtheprivilegeofcallingonyouto—morrow。Iwillbringittoyouinyourbox，ifyouwillallowme。"
"Praydoso。"
Hemighteasilyhavegivenittomefromtheboxwherehewas，butthiswouldnothavesuitedhisplans。Hecamein，andpolitenessobligedmetogivehimmyplacenexttoArmelline。Hetookoutanelaboratepocket—
book，andgavemetheletter。Iopenedit，butfindingthatitcoveredfourpages，IsaidIwouldreaditwhenIgothome，astheboxwasdark。
"IshallstayinRometillEaster，"hesaid，"asIwanttoseeallthesights；thoughindeedIcannothopetoseeanythingmorebeautifulthanthevisionnowbeforeme。"
Armelline，whowasgazingfixedlyathim，blusheddeeply。Ifeltthathiscompliment，thoughpolite，wasentirelyoutofplace，andinsomesortaninsulttomyself。However，Isaidnothing，butdecidedmentallythattheFlorentineAdonismustbeafopofthefirstwater。
Findinghiscomplimentcreatedasilence，hesawhehadmadehimselfoffensive，andafterafewdisconnectedremarkswithdrewfromthebox。
Inspiteofmyselfthemanannoyedme，andIcongratulatedArmellineontherapidityofherconquest，askingherwhatshethoughtofhim。
"Heisafineman，buthiscomplimentsshewshehasnotaste。Tellme，isitthecustomforpeopleoffashiontomakeayounggirlblushthefirsttimetheyseeher？"
"No，dearArmelline，itisneithercustomarynorpolite；andanyonewhowishestomixingoodsocietywouldneverdosuchathing。"
Ilapsedintosilence，asthoughIwantedtolistentothemusic；butasamatteroffactmyheartwasapreytocrueljealousy。Ithoughtthematterover，andcametotheconclusionthattheFlorentinehadtreatedmerudely。HemighthaveguessedthatIwasinlovewithArmelline，andtomakesuchanopendeclarationoflovetomyveryfacewasnothingmorenorlessthananinsulttome。
AfterIhadkeptthisunusualsilenceforaquarterofanhourthesimpleArmellinemademeworsebysayingthatImustcalmmyself，asImightbesurethattheyoungman’scomplimenthadnotgivenhertheslightestpleasure。Shedidnotseethatbysayingthisshemademefeelthatthecomplimenthadhadthedirectlyoppositeeffect。
IsaidthatIhadhopedhehadpleasedher。
Tofinishthematterup，shesaidbywayofsoothingmethattheyoungmandidnotmeantovexme，ashedoubtlesstookmeforherfather。
WhatcouldIreplytothisobservation，ascruelasitwasreasonable？
Nothing；Icouldonlytakerefugeinsilenceandafitofchildishill—
humour。
AtlastIcouldbearitnolonger，andbeggedthetwogirlstocomeawaywithme。
Thesecondactwasjustover，andifIhadbeeninmyrightsensesI
shouldneverhavemadethemsuchanunreasonablerequest；butthecrassnessofmyproceedingsdidnotstrikemetillthefollowingday。
Inspiteofthestrangenessofmyrequesttheymerelyexchangedglancesandgotreadytogo。NotknowingwhatbetterexcusetogiveItoldthemIdidnotwanttheprincess’scarriagetobenoticedaseveryoneleftthetheatre，andthatIwouldbringthemagaintothetheatrethefollowingday。
IwouldnotletArmellineputherheadinsidetheMarchionessd’Aout’sbox，andsowewentout。Ifoundthemanwhoaccompaniedthecarriagetalkingtooneofhismatesatthedoorofthetheatre，andthismademethinkthattheprincesshadcometotheopera。
Wegotdownattheinn，andIwhisperedtothemantotakehishorseshomeandtocallforusatthreeo’clock；forthecoldwasintense，andbothhorsesandmenhadtobeconsidered。
Webeganbysittingdowninfrontofaroaringfire，andforhalfanhourwedidnothingbuteatoysters，whichwereopenedinourpresencebyacleverwaiter，whotookcarenottoloseadropofthefluid。Asquickasheopenedweate，andthelaughterofthegirls，whotalkedofhowwehadeatenthembefore，causedmyangertograduallydisappear。
InArmelline’sgentlenessIsawthegoodnessofherheart，andIwasangrywithmyselfformyabsurdjealousyofamanwhowasmuchmorecalculatedtopleaseayounggirlthanI。
Armellinedrankchampagne，andstoleoccasionalglancesinmydirectionasiftoentreatmetojointhemintheirmirth。
Emiliespokeofhermarriage，andwithoutsayinganythingaboutmyprojectedvisittoCivitaVecchiaIpromisedthatherfuturehusbandshouldhavehisplenarydispensationbeforeverylong。WhileIspokeI
kissedArmelline’sfairhands，andshelookedatmeasifthankfulforthereturnofmyaffection。
Theoystersandchampagnehadtheirnaturaleffect，andwehadadelightfulsupper。Wehadsturgeonandsomedelicioustruffles，whichI
enjoyednotsomuchformyownsakeasforthepleasurewithwhichmycompanionsdevouredthem。
Amaninloveisprovidedwithakindofinstinctwhichtellshimthatthesurestwaytosuccessistoprovidethebelovedobjectwithpleasuresthatarenewtoher。
WhenArmellinesawmebecomegayandardentoncemoresherecognizedherhandiwork，andwasdoubtlessproudofthepowersheexercisedoverme。
Shetookmyhandofherownaccord，andcontinuedgazingintomyeyes。
Emiliewasoccupiedintheenjoymentofthemeal，anddidnottroubleherselfaboutourbehaviour。ArmellinewassotenderandlovingthatI
madesureofvictoryafterwehadhadsomemoreoystersandabowlofpunch。
Whenthedessert，thefiftyoysters，andallthematerialsformakingthepunchwereonthetable，thewaiterlefttheroom，sayingthattheladieswouldfindeveryrequisiteintheneighbouringapartment。
Theroomwassmall，andthefireveryhot，andIbadethetwofriendsarrangetheirdressmorecomfortably。
Theirdressesfittedtheirfigures，andweretrimmedwithfurandstiffenedwithwhalebones，sotheywentintothenextroom，andcamebackinwhitebodicesandshortdimitypetticoats，laughingattheslightnessoftheirattire。
Ihadsufficientstrengthofmindtoconcealmyemotion，andevennottolookattheirbreastswhentheycomplainedofhavingnoneckerchiefsorbreast—bandstotheirchemises。Iknewhowinexperiencedtheywere，andfeltcertainthatwhentheysawtheindifferencewithwhichItooktheirslightattiretheythemselveswouldthinkitwasofnoconsequence。