Iwasconsciousthatitwasmyonlychance，andcandidlyrelatedthewholeaffair，andIendedbysayingthatIshouldnotsurvivemydisgrace。Heconsoledmebypromisingthatmydebtwouldbecancelledinthecourseoftheday，ifIwouldswearnevertoplayagainupontrust。Itookanoathtothateffect，andkissinghishand，Iwentoutforawalk，relievedfromagreatload。Ihadnodoubtthatmyexcellentfatherwouldgivemefivehundredsequinsduringtheday，andIenjoyedmyanticipationthehonourIwouldderive，intheopinionofthelovelycountess，bymyexactitudeandpromptdischargeofmydebt。Ifeltthatitgavenewstrengthtomyhopes，andthatfeelingpreventedmefromregrettingmyheavyloss，butgratefulforthegreatgenerosityofmybenefactorIwasfullydeterminedonkeepingmypromise。
　　Idinedwiththethreefriends，andthematterwasnotevenalludedto；but，aswewererisingfromthetable，aservantbroughtM。deBragadinaletterandaparcel。
　　Hereadtheletter，askedmetofollowhimintohisstudy，andthemomentwewerealone，hesaid；
　　"Hereisaparcelforyou。"
　　Iopenedit，andfoundsomefortysequins。Seeingmysurprise，M。
　　deBragadinlaughedmerrilyandhandedmetheletter，thecontentsofwhichranthus:
　　"M。deCasanovamaybesurethatourplayinglastnightwasonlyajoke:heowesmenothing。Mywifebegstosendhimhalfofthegoldwhichhehaslostincash。
　　"COUNTRINALDI。"
　　IlookedatM。deBragadin，perfectlyamazed，andheburstoutlaughing。Iguessedthetruth，thankedhim，andembracinghimtenderlyIpromisedtobewiserforthefuture。ThemistIhadbeforemyeyeswasdispelled，Ifeltthatmylovewasdefunct，andI
　　remainedratherashamed，whenIrealizedthatIhadbeenthedupeofthewifeaswellasofthehusband。
　　"Thisevening，"saidmycleverphysician，"youcanhaveagaysupperwiththecharmingcountess。"
　　"Thisevening，mydear，respectedbenefactor，Iwillhavesupperwithyou。Youhavegivenmeamasterlylesson。"
　　"Thenexttimeyoulosemoneyupontrust，youhadbetternotpayit。"
　　"ButIshouldbedishonoured。"
　　"Nevermind。Thesooneryoudishonouryourself，themoreyouwillsave，foryouwillalwaysbecompelledtoacceptyourdishonourwheneveryoufindyourselfutterlyunabletopayyourlosses。Itisthereforemoreprudentnottowaituntilthen。"
　　"Itismuchbetterstilltoavoidthatfatalimpossibilitybyneverplayingotherwisethanwithmoneyinhand。"
　　"Nodoubtofit，forthenyouwillsavebothyourhonourandyourpurse。But，asyouarefondofgamesofchance，Iadviseyounevertopunt。Makethebank，andtheadvantagemustbeonyourside。"
　　"Yes，butonlyaslightadvantage。"
　　"Asslightasyouplease，butitwillbeonyourside，andwhenthegameisoveryouwillfindyourselfawinnerandnotaloser。Thepunterisexcited，thebankeriscalm。Thelastsays，’Ibetyoudonotguess，’whilethefirstsays，’IbetIcanguess。’Whichisthefool，andwhichisthewiseman？Thequestioniseasilyanswered。I
　　adjureyoutobeprudent，butifyoushouldpuntandwin，recollectthatyouareonlyanidiotifattheendyoulose。"
　　"Whyanidiot？Fortuneisveryfickle。"
　　"Itmustnecessarilybeso；itisanaturalconsequence。Leaveoffplaying，believeme，theverymomentyouseeluckturning，evenifyoushould，atthatmoment，winbutonegroat。"
　　IhadreadPlato，andIwasastonishedatfindingamanwhocouldreasonlikeSocrates。
　　Thenextday，ZawoiskicalledonmeveryearlytotellmethatIhadbeenexpectedtosupper，andthatCountRinaldihadpraisedmypromptnessinpayingmydebtsofhonour。Ididnotthinkitnecessarytoundeceivehim，butIdidnotgoagaintoCountRinaldi’s，whomIsawsixteenyearsafterwardsinMilan。AstoZawoiski，IdidnottellhimthestorytillImethiminCarlsbad，oldanddeaf，fortyyearslater。
　　Threeorfourmonthslater，M。deBragadintaughtmeanotherofhismasterlylessons。Ihadbecomeacquainted，throughZawoiski，withaFrenchmancalledL’Abbadie，whowasthensolicitingfromtheVenetianGovernmenttheappointmentofinspectorofthearmiesoftheRepublic。Thesenateappointed，andIpresentedhimtomyprotector，whopromisedhimhisvote；butthecircumstanceIamgoingtorelatepreventedhimfromfulfillinghispromise。
　　Iwasinneedofonehundredsequinstodischargeafewdebts，andI
　　beggedM。deBragadintogivethemtome。
　　"Why，mydearson，doyounotaskM。del’Abbadietorenderyouthatservice？"
　　"Ishouldnotdaretodoso，dearfather。"
　　"Tryhim；Iamcertainthathewillbegladtolendyouthatsum。"
　　"Idoubtit，butIwilltry。"
　　IcalleduponL’Abbadieonthefollowingday，andafterashortexchangeofcomplimentsItoldhimtheserviceIexpectedfromhisfriendship。Heexcusedhimselfinaverypolitemanner，drowninghisrefusalinthatseaofcommonplaceswhichpeoplearesuretorepeatwhentheycannotorwillnotobligeafriend。Zawoiskicameinashewasstillapologizing，andIleftthemtogether。IhurriedatoncetoM。deBragadin，andtoldhimmywantofsuccess。HemerelyremarkedthattheFrenchmanwasdeficientinintelligence。
　　Itjusthappenedthatitwastheverydayonwhichtheappointmentoftheinspectorshipwastobebroughtbeforethesenate。Iwentouttoattendtomybusiness（Ioughttosaytomypleasure），andasIdidnotreturnhometillaftermidnightIwenttobedwithoutseeingmyfather。InthemorningIsaidinhispresencethatIintendedtocalluponL’Abbadietocongratulatehimuponhisappointment。
　　"Youmayspareyourselfthattrouble；thesenatehasrejectedhisnomination。"
　　"Howso？ThreedaysagoL’Abbadiefeltsureofhissuccess。"
　　"Hewasrightthen，forhewouldhavebeenappointedifIhadnotmadeupmymindtospeakagainsthim。Ihaveprovedtothesenatethatarightpolicyforbadethegovernmenttotrustsuchanimportantposttoaforeigner。"
　　"Iammuchsurprised，foryourexcellencywasnotofthatopinionthedaybeforeyesterday。"
　　"Verytrue，butthenIdidnotknowM。del’Abbadie。Ifoundoutonlyyesterdaythatthemanwasnotsufficientlyintelligenttofillthepositionhewassoliciting。Ishelikelytopossessasanejudgmentwhenherefusestolendyouonehundredsequins？Thatrefusalhascosthimanimportantappointmentandanincomeofthreethousandcrowns，whichwouldnowbehis。"
　　WhenIwastakingmywalkonthesamedayImetZawoiskiwithL’Abbadie，anddidnottrytoavoidthem。L’Abbadiewasfurious，andhehadsomereasontobeso。
　　"Ifyouhadtoldme，"hesaidangrily，"thattheonehundredsequinswereintendedasagagtostopM。deBragadin’smouth，Iwouldhavecontrivedtoprocurethemforyou。"
　　"Ifyouhadhadaninspector’sbrainsyouwouldhaveeasilyguessedit。"
　　TheFrenchman’sresentmentprovedveryusefultome，becauseherelatedthecircumstancetoeverybody。Theresultwasthatfromthattimethosewhowantedthepatronageofthesenatorappliedtome。
　　Commentisneedless；thissortofthinghaslongbeeninexistence，andwilllongremainso，becauseveryoften，toobtainthehighestoffavours，allthatisnecessaryistoobtainthegood—willofaminister’sfavouriteorevenofhisvalet。Mydebtsweresoonpaid。
　　ItwasaboutthattimethatmybrotherJeancametoVenicewithGuarienti，aconvertedJew，agreatjudgeofpaintings，whowastravellingattheexpenseofHisMajestytheKingofPoland，andElectorofSaxony。ItwastheconvertedJewwhohadpurchasedforHisMajestythegalleryoftheDukeofModenaforonehundredthousandsequins。GuarientiandmybrotherleftVeniceforRome，whereJeanremainedinthestudioofthecelebratedpainterRaphaelMengs，whomweshallmeetagainhereafter。
　　Now，asafaithfulhistorian，ImustgivemyreadersthestoryofacertainadventureinwhichwereinvolvedthehonourandhappinessofoneofthemostcharmingwomeninItaly，whowouldhavebeenunhappyifIhadnotbeenathoughtlessfellow。
　　IntheearlypartofOctober，1746，thetheatresbeingopened，IwaswalkingaboutwithmymaskonwhenIperceivedawoman，whoseheadwaswellenvelopedinthehoodofhermantle，gettingoutoftheFerrarabargewhichhadjustarrived。Seeingheralone，andobservingheruncertainwalk，Ifeltmyselfdrawntowardsherasifanunseenhandhadguidedme。
　　Icomeuptoher，andoffermyservicesifIcanbeofanyusetoher。Sheanswerstimidlythatsheonlywantstomakesomeenquiries。
　　"Wearenothereintherightplaceforconversation，"Isaytoher；
　　"butifyouwouldbekindenoughtocomewithmetoacaf？youwouldbeabletospeakandtoexplainyourwishes。"
　　Shehesitates，Iinsist，andshegivesway。Thetavernwascloseathand；wegoin，andarealoneinaprivateroom。Itakeoffmymask，andoutofpolitenessshemustputdownthehoodofhermantle。A
　　largemuslinhead—dressconcealshalfofherface，buthereyes，hernose，andherprettymouthareenoughtoletmeseeonherfeaturesbeauty，nobleness，sorrow，andthatcandourwhichgivesyouthsuchanundefinablecharm。Ineednotsaythat，withsuchagoodletterofintroduction，theunknownatoncecaptivatedmywarmestinterest。
　　Afterwipingawayafewtearswhichareflowing，inspiteofallherefforts，shetellsmethatshebelongstoanoblefamily，thatshehasrunawayfromherfather’shouse，alone，trustinginGod，tomeetaVenetiannoblemanwhohadseducedherandthendeceivedher，thussealinghereverlastingmisery。
　　"Youhavethensomehopeofrecallinghimtothepathofduty？I
　　supposehehaspromisedyoumarriage？"
　　"Hehasengagedhisfaithtomeinwriting。TheonlyfavourIclaimfromyourkindnessistotakemetohishouse，toleavemethere，andtokeepmysecret。"
　　"Youmaytrust，madam，tothefeelingsofamanofhonour。Iamworthyofyourtrust。Haveentireconfidenceinme，forIalreadytakeadeepinterestinallyourconcerns。Tellmehisname。"
　　"Alas！sir，Igivewaytofate。"
　　Withthesewords，shetakesoutofherbosomapaperwhichshegivesme；IrecognizethehandwritingofZanettoSteffani。Itwasapromiseofmarriagebywhichheengagedhiswordofhonourtomarrywithinaweek，inVenice，theyoungcountessA————S————。WhenI
　　havereadthepaper，Ireturnittoher，sayingthatIknewthewriterquitewell，thathewasconnectedwiththechancellor’soffice，knownasagreatlibertine，anddeeplyindebt，butthathewouldberichafterhismother’sdeath。
　　"ForGod’ssaketakemetohishouse。"
　　"Iwilldoanythingyouwish；buthaveentireconfidenceinme，andbegoodenoughtohearme。Iadviseyounottogotohishouse。Hehasalreadydoneyougreatinjury，and，evensupposingthatyoushouldhappentofindhimathome，hemightbecapableofreceivingyoubadly；ifheshouldnotbeathome，itismostlikelythathismotherwouldnotexactlywelcomeyou，ifyoushouldtellherwhoyouareandwhatisyourerrand。Trusttome，andbequitecertainthatGodhassentmeonyourwaytoassistyou。Ipromiseyouthatto—morrowatthelatestyoushallknowwhetherSteffaniisinVenice，whatheintendstodowithyou，andwhatwemaycompelhimtodo。
　　UntilthenmyadviceisnottolethimknowyourarrivalinVenice。"
　　"GoodGod！whereshallIgoto—night？"
　　"Toarespectablehouse，ofcourse。"
　　"Iwillgotoyours，ifyouaremarried。"
　　"Iamabachelor。"
　　Iknewanhonestwidowwhoresidedinalane，andwhohadtwofurnishedrooms。Ipersuadetheyoungcountesstofollowme，andwetakeagondola。Asweareglidingalong，shetellsmethat，onemonthbefore，Steffanihadstoppedinherneighbourhoodfornecessaryrepairstohistravelling—carriage，andthat，onthesamedayhehadmadeheracquaintanceatahousewhereshehadgonewithhermotherforthepurposeofofferingtheircongratulationstoanewly—marriedlady。
　　"Iwasunfortunateenough，"shecontinued，"toinspirehimwithlove，andhepostponedhisdeparture。HeremainedonemonthinC————，nevergoingoutbutintheevening，andspendingeverynightundermywindowsconversingwithme。Hesworeathousandtimesthatheadoredme，thathisintentionswerehonourable。Ientreatedhimtopresenthimselftomyparentstoaskmeinmarriage，buthealwaysexcusedhimselfbyallegingsomereason，goodorbad，assuringmethathecouldnotbehappyunlessIshewedhimentireconfidence。Hewouldbegofmetomakeupmymindtorunawaywithhim，unknowntoeverybody，promisingthatmyhonourshouldnotsufferfromsuchastep，because，threedaysaftermydeparture，everybodyshouldreceivenoticeofmybeinghiswife，andheassuredmethathewouldbringmebackonavisittomynativeplaceshortlyafterourmarriage。Alas，sir！whatshallIsaynow？Loveblindedme；Ifellintotheabyss；Ibelievedhim；Iagreedtoeverything。Hegavemethepaperwhichyouhaveread，andthefollowingnightIallowedhimtocomeintomyroomthroughthewindowunderwhichhewasinthehabitofconversingwithme。
　　IconsentedtobeguiltyofacrimewhichIbelievedwouldbeatonedforwithinthreedays，andheleftme，promisingthatthenextnighthewouldbeagainundermywindow，readytoreceivemeinhisarms。
　　CouldIpossiblyentertainanydoubtafterthefearfulcrimeIhadcommittedforhim？Ipreparedasmallparcel，andwaitedforhiscoming，butinvain。Oh！whatacruellongnightitwas！InthemorningIheardthatthemonsterhadgoneawaywithhisservantonehouraftersealingmyshame。Youmayimaginemydespair！Iadoptedtheonlyplanthatdespaircouldsuggest，andthat，ofcourse，wasnottherightone。OnehourbeforemidnightIleftmyfather’sroof，alone，thuscompletingmydishonour，butresolvedondeath，ifthemanwhohascruellyrobbedmeofmymostprecioustreasure，andwhomanaturalinstincttoldmeIcouldfindhere，doesnotrestoremethehonourwhichhealonecangivemeback。Iwalkedallnightandnearlythewholeday，withouttakinganyfood，untilIgotintothebarge，whichbroughtmehereintwenty—fourhours。Itravelledintheboatwithfivemenandtwowomen，butnoonesawmyfaceorheardmyvoice，Ikeptconstantlysittingdowninacorner，holdingmyheaddown，halfasleep，andwiththisprayer—bookinmyhands。Iwasleftalone，noonespoketome，andIthankedGodforit。WhenIlandedonthewharf，youdidnotgivemetimetothinkhowIcouldfindoutthedwellingofmyperfidiousseducer，butyoumayimaginetheimpressionproduceduponmebythesuddenapparitionofamaskedmanwho，abruptly，andasifplacedtherepurposelybyProvidence，offeredmehisservices；itseemedtomethatyouhadguessedmydistress，and，farfromexperiencinganyrepugnance，IfeltthatI
　　wasactingrightlyintrustingmyselfinyourhands，inspiteofallprudencewhich，perhaps，oughttohavemademeturnadeafeartoyourwords，andrefusetheinvitationtoenteralonewithyouthehousetowhichyoutookme。
　　"Youknowallnow，sir；butIentreatyounottojudgemetooseverely；Ihavebeenvirtuousallthroughmylife；onemonthagoI
　　hadnevercommittedafaultwhichcouldcallablushuponmyface，andthebittertearswhichIshedeverydaywill，Ihope，washoutmycrimeintheeyesofGod。Ihavebeencarefullybroughtup，butloveandthewantofexperiencehavethrownmeintotheabyss。Iaminyourhands，andIfeelcertainthatIshallhavenocausetorepentit。"
　　Ineededallshehadjusttold’metoconfirmmeintheinterestwhichIhadfeltinherfromthefirstmoment。ItoldherunsparinglythatSteffanihadseducedandabandonedherofmaliceaforethought，andthatsheoughttothinkofhimonlytoberevengedofhisperfidy。Mywordsmadehershudder，andsheburiedherbeautifulfaceinherhands。
　　Wereachedthewidow’shouse。Iestablishedherinapretty，comfortableroom，andorderedsomesupperforher，desiringthegoodlandladytoskewhereveryattentionandtoletherwantfornothing。
　　Ithentookanaffectionateleaveofher，promisingtoseeherearlyinthemorning。
　　Onleavingthisinterestingbuthaplessgirl，IproceededtothehouseofSteffani。Iheardfromoneofhismother’sgondoliersthathehadreturnedtoVenicethreedaysbefore，butthat，twenty—fourhoursafterhisreturn，hehadgoneawayagainwithoutanyservant，andnobodyknewhiswhereabouts，notevenhismother。Thesameevening，happeningtobeseatednexttoanabbefromBolognaatthetheatre，Iaskedhimseveralquestionsrespectingthefamilyofmyunfortunateprotegee。
　　Theabbebeingintimatelyacquaintedwiththem，IgatheredfromhimalltheinformationIrequired，and，amongstotherthings，Iheardthattheyoungcountesshadabrother，thenanofficerinthepapalservice。
　　VeryearlythenextmorningIcalleduponher。Shewasstillasleep。
　　Thewidowtoldmethatshehadmadeaprettygoodsupper，butwithoutspeakingasingleword，andthatshehadlockedherselfupinherroomimmediatelyafterwards。Assoonasshehadopenedherdoor，I
　　enteredherroom，and，cuttingshortherapologiesforhavingkeptmewaiting，IinformedherofallIhadheard。
　　Herfeaturesborethestampofdeepsorrow，butshelookedcalmer，andhercomplexionwasnolongerpale。ShethoughtitunlikelythatSteffaniwouldhaveleftforanyotherplacebutforC—————。
　　Admittingthepossibilitythatshemightberight，IimmediatelyofferedtogotoC—————myself，andtoreturnwithoutlossoftimetofetchher，incaseSteffanishouldbethere。WithoutgivinghertimetoanswerItoldheralltheparticularsIhadlearnedconcerningherhonourablefamily，whichcausedherrealsatisfaction。
　　"Ihavenoobjection，"shesaid，"toyourgoingtoC————，andIthankyouforthegenerosityofyouroffer，butIbegyouwillpostponeyourjourney。IstillhopethatSteffaniwillreturn，andthenIcantakeadecision。"
　　"Ithinkyouarequiteright，"Isaid。"Willyouallowmetohavesomebreakfastwithyou？"
　　"DoyousupposeIcouldrefuseyou？"
　　"Ishouldbeverysorrytodisturbyouinanyway。Howdidyouusetoamuseyourselfathome？"
　　"Iamveryfondofbooksandmusic；myharpsichordwasmydelight。"
　　Ileftherafterbreakfast，andintheeveningIcamebackwithabasketfullofgoodbooksandmusic，andIsentheranexcellentharpsichord。Mykindnessconfusedher，butIsurprisedhermuchmorewhenItookoutofmypocketthreepairsofslippers。Sheblushed，andthankedmewithgreatfeeling。Shehadwalkedalongdistance，hershoeswereevidentlywornout，herfeetsore，andsheappreciatedthedelicacyofmypresent。AsIhadnoimproperdesignwithregardtoher，Ienjoyedhergratitude，andfeltpleasedattheideasheevidentlyentertainedofmykindattentions。Ihadnootherpurposeinviewbuttorestorecalmtohermind，andtoobliteratethebadopinionwhichtheunworthySteffanihadgivenherofmeningeneral。
　　Ineverthoughtofinspiringherwithloveforme，andIhadnottheslightestideathatIcouldfallinlovewithher。Shewasunhappy，andherunhappiness——asacredthinginmyeyes——calledallthemoreformymosthonourablesympathy，because，withoutknowingme，shehadgivenmeherentireconfidence。Situatedasshewas，Icouldnotsupposeherheartsusceptibleofharbouringanewaffection，andI
　　wouldhavedespisedmyselfifIhadtriedtoseduceherbyanymeansinmypower。
　　Iremainedwithheronlyaquarterofanhour，beingunwillingthatmypresenceshouldtroubleheratsuchamoment，assheseemedtobeatalosshowtothankmeandtoexpressallhergratitude。
　　Iwasthusengagedinaratherdelicateadventure，theendofwhichI
　　couldnotpossiblyforesee，butmywarmthformyprot1geedidnotcooldown，andhavingnodifficultyinprocuringthemeanstokeepherIhadnowishtoseethelastsceneoftheromance。Thatsingularmeeting，whichgavemetheusefulopportunityoffindingmyselfendowedwithgenerousdispositions，strongereventhanmyloveforpleasure，flatteredmyself—lovemorethanIcouldexpress。I
　　wasthentryingagreatexperiment，andconsciousthatIwantedsadlytostudymyself，Igaveupallmyenergiestoacquirethegreatscienceofthe’xxxxxxxxxxxx’。
　　Onthethirdday，inthemidstofexpressionsofgratitudewhichI
　　couldnotsucceedinstoppingshetoldmethatshecouldnotconceivewhyIshewedhersomuchsympathy，becauseIoughttohaveformedbutapooropinionofherinconsequenceofthereadinesswithwhichshehadfollowedmeintothecaf？ShesmiledwhenIansweredthatI
　　couldnotunderstandhowIhadsucceededingivinghersogreataconfidenceinmyvirtue，whenIappearedbeforeherwithamaskonmyface，inacostumewhichdidnotindicateaveryvirtuouscharacter。
　　"Itwaseasyforme，madam，"Icontinued，"toguessthatyouwereabeautyindistress，whenIobservedyouryouth，thenoblenessofyourcountenance，and，morethanall，yourcandour。ThestampoftruthwassowellaffixedtothefirstwordsyouutteredthatIcouldnothavetheshadowofadoubtleftinmeastoyourbeingtheunhappyvictimofthemostnaturalofallfeelings，andastoyourhavingabandonedyourhomethroughasentimentofhonour。Yourfaultwasthatofawarmheartseducedbylove，overwhichreasoncouldhavenosway，andyourflight——theactionofasoulcryingforreparationorforrevenge—fullyjustifiesyou。Yourcowardlyseducermustpaywithhislifethepenaltyduetohiscrime，andheoughtnevertoreceive，bymarryingyou，anunjustreward，forheisnotworthyofpossessingyouafterdegradinghimselfbythevilestconduct。"
　　"Everythingyousayistrue。Mybrother，Ihope，willavengeme。"
　　"YouaregreatlymistakenifyouimaginethatSteffaniwillfightyourbrother；Steffaniisacowardwhowillneverexposehimselftoanhonourabledeath。"
　　AsIwasspeaking，sheputherhandinherpocketanddrewforth，afterafewmoments’consideration，astilettosixincheslong，whichsheplacedonthetable。
　　"Whatisthis？"Iexclaimed。
　　"ItisaweaponuponwhichIreckoneduntilnowtouseagainstmyselfincaseIshouldnotsucceedinobtainingreparationforthecrimeI
　　havecommitted。Butyouhaveopenedmyeyes。Takeaway，Ientreatyou，thisstiletto，whichhenceforthisuselesstome。Itrustinyourfriendship，andIhaveaninwardcertaintythatIshallbeindebtedtoyouformyhonouraswellasformylife。"
　　Iwasstruckbythewordsshehadjustuttered，andIfeltthatthosewords，aswellasherlooks，hadfoundtheirwaytomyheart，besidesenlistingmygeneroussympathy。Itookthestiletto，andleftherwithsomuchagitationthatIhadtoacknowledgetheweaknessofmyheroism，whichIwasverynearturningintoridicule；yetIhadthewonderfulstrengthtoperform，atleastbyhalves，thecharacterofaCatountiltheseventhday。
　　Imustexplainhowacertainsuspicionoftheyoungladyaroseinmymind。Thatdoubtwasheavyonmyheart，for，ifithadprovedtrue，Ishouldhavebeenadupe，andtheideawashumiliating。Shehadtoldmethatshewasamusician；Ihadimmediatelysentheraharpsichord，and，yet，althoughtheinstrumenthadbeenatherdisposalforthreedays，shehadnotopeneditonce，forthewidowhadtoldmeso。Itseemedtomethatthebestwaytothankmeformyattentivekindnesswouldhavebeentogivemeaspecimenofhermusicaltalent。Hadshedeceivedme？Ifso，shewouldlosemyesteem。But，unwillingtoformahastyjudgment，Ikeptonmyguard，withafirmdeterminationtomakegooduseofthefirstopportunitythatmightpresentitselftoclearupmydoubts。
　　Icalleduponherthenextdayafterdinner，whichwasnotmyusualtime，havingresolvedoncreatingtheopportunitymyself。Icaughtherseatedbeforeatoilet—glass，whilethewidowdressedthemostbeautifulauburnhairIhadeverseen。Itenderedmyapologiesformysuddenappearanceatanunusualhour；sheexcusedherselffornothavingcompletedhertoilet，andthewidowwentonwithherwork。ItwasthefirsttimeIhadseenthewholeofherface，herneck，andhalfofherarms，whichthegracesthemselveshadmoulded。I
　　remainedinsilentcontemplation。Ipraised，quitebychance，theperfumeofthepomatum，andthewidowtooktheopportunityoftellingherthatshehadspentincombs，powder，andpomatumthethreelivresshehadreceivedfromher。IrecollectedthenthatshehadtoldmethefirstdaythatshehadleftC—————withtenpaoli。
　　Iblushedforveryshame，forIoughttohavethoughtofthat。
　　Assoonasthewidowhaddressedherhair，shelefttheroomtopreparesomecoffeeforus。Itookuparingwhichhadbeenlaidbyheronthetoilet—table，andIsawthatitcontainedaportraitexactlylikeher；Iwasamusedatthesingularfancyshehadhadofhavingherlikenesstakeninaman’scostume，withblackhair。"Youaremistaken，"shesaid，"itisaportraitofmybrother。HeistwoyearsolderthanI，andisanofficerinthepapalarmy。"
　　Ibeggedherpermissiontoputtheringonherfinger；sheconsented，andwhenItried，outofmeregallantry，tokissherhand，shedrewitback，blushing。Ifearedshemightbeoffended，andIassuredherofmyrespect。
　　"Ah，sir！"sheanswered，"inthesituationinwhichIamplaced，I
　　mustthinkofdefendingmyselfagainstmyownselfmuchmorethanagainstyou。"
　　Thecomplimentstruckmeassofine，andsocomplimentarytome，thatIthoughtitbetternottotakeitup，butshecouldeasilyreadinmyeyesthatshewouldneverfindmeungratefulforwhateverfeelingsshemightentertaininmyfavour。YetIfeltmylovetakingsuchproportionsthatIdidnotknowhowtokeepitamysteryanylonger。
　　Soonafterthat，asshewasagainthankingmeforthebooks——Ihadgivenher，sayingthatIhadguessedhertasteexactly，becauseshedidnotlikenovels，sheadded，"Ioweyouanapologyfornothavingsungtoyouyet，knowingthatyouarefondofmusic。"Thesewordsmademebreathefreely；withoutwaitingforanyanswer，shesatdownbeforetheinstrumentandplayedseveralpieceswithafacility，withaprecision，withanexpressionofwhichnowordscouldconveyanyidea。Iwasinecstacy。Ientreatedhertosing；aftersomelittleceremony，shetookoneofthemusicbooksIhadgivenher，andshesangatsightinamannerwhichfairlyravishedme。Ibeggedthatshewouldallowmetokissherhand，andshedidnotsayyes，butwhenItookitandpressedmylipsonit，shedidnotopposeanyresistance；Ihadthecouragetosmothermyardentdesires，andthekissIimprintedonherlovelyhandwasamixtureoftenderness，respect，andadmiration。
　　Itookleaveofher，smitten，fulloflove，andalmostdeterminedondeclaringmypassion。Reservebecomessillinesswhenweknowthatouraffectionisreturnedbythewomanwelove，butasyetIwasnotquitesure。
　　ThedisappearanceofSteffaniwasthetalkofVenice，butIdidnotinformthecharmingcountessofthatcircumstance。Itwasgenerallysupposedthathismotherhadrefusedtopayhisdebts，andthathehadrunawaytoavoidhiscreditors。Itwasverypossible。But，whetherhereturnedornot，IcouldnotmakeupmymindtolosetheprecioustreasureIhadinmyhands。YetIdidnotseeinwhatmanner，inwhatquality，Icouldenjoythattreasure，andIfoundmyselfinaregularmaze。SometimesIhadanideaofconsultingmykindfather，butIwouldsoonabandonitwithfear，forIhadmadeatrialofhisempirictreatmentintheRinaldiaffair，andstillmoreinthecaseofl’Abbadie。HisremediesfrightenedmetothatextentthatIwouldratherremainillthanbecuredbytheirmeans。
　　OnemorningIwasfoolishenoughtoenquirefromthewidowwhethertheladyhadaskedherwhoIwas。Whatanegregiousblunder！Isawitwhenthegoodwoman，insteadofansweringme，said，"Doesshenotknowwhoyouare？"
　　"Answerme，anddonotaskquestions，"Isaid，inordertohidemyconfusion。
　　Theworthywomanwasright；throughmystupidityshewouldnowfeelcurious；thetittle—tattleoftheneighbourhoodwouldofcoursetakeuptheaffairanddiscussit；andallthroughmythoughtlessness！Itwasanunpardonableblunder。Oneoughtnevertobemorecarefulthaninaddressingquestionstohalf—educatedpersons。Duringthefortnightthatshehadpassedundermyprotection，thecountesshadshewnmenocuriositywhatevertoknowanythingaboutme，butitdidnotprovethatshewasnotcuriousonthesubject。IfIhadbeenwise，IshouldhavetoldhertheveryfirstdaywhoIwas，butImadeupformymistakethateveningbetterthananybodyelsecouldhavedoneit，and，afterhavingtoldherallaboutmyself，Ientreatedherforgivenessfornothavingdonesosooner。Thankingmeformyconfidence，sheconfessedhowcuriousshehadbeentoknowmebetter，andsheassuredmethatshewouldneverhavebeenimprudentenoughtoaskanyquestionsaboutmefromherlandlady。Womenhaveamoredelicate，asurertactthanmen，andherlastwordswereahome—
　　thrustforme。
　　OurconversationhavingturnedtotheextraordinaryabsenceofSteffani，shesaidthatherfathermustnecessarilybelievehertobehidingwithhimsomewhere。"Hemusthavefoundout，"sheadded，"thatIwasinthehabitofconversingwithhimeverynightfrommywindow，andhemusthaveheardofmyhavingembarkedforVeniceonboardtheFerrarabarge。IfeelcertainthatmyfatherisnowinVenice，makingsecretlyeveryefforttodiscoverme。WhenhevisitsthiscityhealwaysputsupatBoncousin；willyouascertainwhetherheisthere？"
　　SheneverpronouncedSteffani’snamewithoutdisgustandhatred，andshesaidshewouldburyherselfinaconvent，farawayfromhernativeplace，wherenoonecouldbeacquaintedwithhershamefulhistory。
　　Iintendedtomakesomeenquiriesthenextday，butitwasnotnecessaryformetodoso，forintheevening，atsupper—time，M。
　　Barbarosaidtous，"Anobleman，asubjectofthePope，hasbeenrecommendedtome，andwishesmetoassisthimwithmyinfluenceinaratherdelicateandintricatematter。Oneofourcitizenshas，itappears，carriedoffhisdaughter，andhasbeenhidingsomewherewithherforthelastfortnight，butnobodyknowswhere。TheaffairoughttobebroughtbeforetheCouncilofTen，butthemotheroftheravisherclaimstobearelativeofmine，andIdonotintendtointerfere。"
　　IpretendedtotakenointerestinM。Barbaro’swords，andearlythenextmorningIwenttotheyoungcountesstotellhertheinterestingnews。Shewasstillasleep；but，beinginahurry，IsentthewidowtosaythatIwantedtoseeheronlyfortwominutesinordertocommunicatesomethingofgreatimportance。Shereceivedme，coveringherselfuptothechinwiththebed—clothes。
　　AssoonasIhadinformedherofallIknew，sheentreatedmetoenlistM。Barbaroasamediatorbetweenherselfandherfather，assuringmethatshewouldratherdiethanbecomethewifeofthemonsterwhohaddishonouredher。Iundertooktodoit，andshegavemethepromiseofmarriageusedbythedeceivertoseduceher，sothatitcouldbeshewntoherfather。
　　InordertoobtainM。Barbaro’smediationinfavouroftheyoungcountess，itwouldhavebeennecessarytotellhimthatshewasundermyprotection，andIfeltitwouldinjuremyprotegee。Itooknodeterminationatfirst，andmostlikelyoneofthereasonsformyhesitationwasthatIsawmyselfonthepointoflosingher，whichwasparticularlyrepugnanttomyfeelings。
　　AfterdinnerCountA———S————wasannouncedaswishingtoseeM。
　　Barbaro。Hecameinwithhisson，thelivingportraitofhissister。
　　M。Barbarotookthemtohisstudytotalkthematterover，andwithinanhourtheyhadtakenleave。Assoonastheyhadgone，theexcellentM。Barbaroaskedme，asIhadexpected，toconsultmyheavenlyspirit，andtoascertainwhetherhewouldberightininterferinginfavourofCountA———S———。Hewrotethequestionhimself，andIgavethefollowinganswerwiththeutmostcoolness:
　　"Yououghttointerfere，butonlytoadvisethefathertoforgivehisdaughterandtogiveupallideaofcompellinghertomarryherravisher，forSteffanihasbeensentencedtodeathbythewillofGod。"
　　Theanswerseemedwonderfultothethreefriends，andIwasmyselfsurprisedatmyboldness，butIhadaforebodingthatSteffaniwastomeethisdeathatthehandsofsomebody；lovemighthavegivenbirthtothatpresentiment。M。deBragadin，whobelievedmyoracleinfallible，observedthatithadnevergivensuchaclearanswer，andthatSteffaniwascertainlydead。HesaidtoM。deBarbaro，"Youhadbetterinvitethecountandhissontodinnerhereto—morrow。
　　Youmustactslowlyandprudently；itwouldbenecessarytoknowwherethedaughterisbeforeyouendeavourtomakethefatherforgiveher。"
　　M。BarbaroverynearlymademedropmyseriouscountenancebytellingmethatifIwouldtrymyoracleIcouldletthemknowatoncewherethegirlwas。IansweredthatIwouldcertainlyaskmyspiritonthemorrow，thusgainingtimeinordertoascertainbeforehandthedispositionofthefatherandofhisson。ButIcouldnothelplaughing，forIhadplacedmyselfunderthenecessityofsendingSteffanitothenextworld，ifthereputationofmyoraclewastobemaintained。
　　Ispenttheeveningwiththeyoungcountess，whoentertainednodoubteitherofherfather’sindulgenceoroftheentireconfidenceshecouldreposeinme。
　　WhatdelightthecharminggirlexperiencedwhensheheardthatI
　　woulddinethenextdaywithherfatherandbrother，andthatIwouldtellhereverywordthatwouldbesaidabouther！Butwhathappinessitwasformetoseeherconvincedthatshewasrightinlovingme，andthat，withoutme，shewouldcertainlyhavebeenlostinatownwherethepolicyofthegovernmenttoleratesdebaucheryasasolitaryspeciesofindividualfreedom。Wecongratulatedeachotheruponourfortuitousmeetingandupontheconformityinourtastes，whichwethoughttrulywonderful。Weweregreatlypleasedthathereasyacceptanceofmyinvitation，ormypromptnessinpersuadinghertofollowandtotrustme，couldnotbeascribedtothemutualattractionofourfeatures，forIwasmasked，andherhoodwasthenasgoodasamask。WeentertainednodoubtthateverythinghadbeenarrangedbyHeaventogetusacquainted，andtofireusboth，evenunknowntoourselves，withloveforeachother。
　　"Confess，"Isaidtoher，inamomentofenthusiasm，andasIwascoveringherhandwithkisses，"confessthatifyoufoundmetobeinlovewithyouyouwouldfearme。"
　　"Alas！myonlyfearistoloseyou。"
　　Thatconfession，thetruthofwhichwasmadeevidentbyhervoiceandbyherlooks，provedtheelectricsparkwhichignitedthelatentfire。Foldingherrapidlyinmyarms，pressingmymouthonherlips，readinginherbeautifuleyesneitheraproudindignationnorthecoldcompliancewhichmighthavebeentheresultofafearoflosingme，Igavewayentirelytothesweetinclinationoflove，andswimmingalreadyinaseaofdelightsIfeltmyenjoymentincreasedahundredfoldwhenIsaw，onthecountenanceofthebelovedcreaturewhosharedit，theexpressionofhappiness，oflove，ofmodesty，andofsensibility，whichenhancesthecharmofthegreatesttriumph。
　　Shehadscarcelyrecoveredhercomposurewhenshecasthereyesdownandsigheddeeply。ThinkingthatIknewthecauseofit，Ithrewmyselfonmykneesbeforeher，andspeakingtoherwordsofthewarmestaffectionIbegged，Ientreatedher，toforgiveme。
　　"WhatoffencehaveItoforgiveyoufor，dearfriend？Youhavenotrightlyinterpretedmythoughts。Yourlovecausedmetothinkofmyhappiness，andinthatmomentacruelrecollectiondrewthatsighfromme。Prayrisefromyourknees。"
　　Midnighthadstruckalready；Itoldherthathergoodfamemadeitnecessaryformetogoaway；Iputmymaskonandleftthehouse。I
　　wassosurprised，soamazedathavingobtainedafelicityofwhichI
　　didnotthinkmyselfworthy，thatmydeparturemusthaveappearedratherabrupttoher。Icouldnotsleep。Ipassedoneofthosedisturbednightsduringwhichtheimaginationofanamorousyoungmanisunceasinglyrunningaftertheshadowsofreality。Ihadtasted，butnotsavoured，thathappyreality，andallmybeingwaslongingforherwhoalonecouldmakemyenjoymentcomplete。Inthatnocturnaldramaloveandimaginationwerethetwoprincipalactors；
　　hope，inthebackground，performedonlyadumbpart。Peoplemaysaywhattheypleaseonthatsubjectbuthopeisinfactnothingbutadeceitfulflattereracceptedbyreasononlybecauseitisofteninneedofpalliatives。Happyarethosemenwho，toenjoylifetothefullestextent，requireneitherhopenorforesight。
　　Inthemorning，recollectingthesentenceofdeathwhichIhadpassedonSteffani，Ifeltsomewhatembarrassedaboutit。IwishedIcouldhaverecalledit，aswellforthehonourofmyoracle，whichwasseriouslyimplicatedbyit，asforthesakeofSteffanihimself，whomIdidnothatehalfsomuchsinceIwasindebtedtohimforthetreasureinmypossession。
　　Thecountandhissoncametodinner。Thefatherwassimple，artless，andunceremonious。Itwaseasytoreadonhiscountenancethegriefhefeltattheunpleasantadventureofhisdaughter，andhisanxietytosettletheaffairhonourably，butnoangercouldbetracedonhisfeaturesorinhismanners。Theson，ashandsomeasthegodoflove，hadwitandgreatnobilityofmanner。Hiseasy，unaffectedcarriagepleasedme，andwishingtowinhisfriendshipI
　　shewedhimeveryattention。
　　Afterthedessert，M。Barbarocontrivedtopersuadethecountthatwewerefourpersonswithbutoneheadandoneheart，andtheworthynoblemanspoketouswithoutanyreserve。Hepraisedhisdaughterveryhighly。HeassuredusthatSteffanihadneverenteredhishouse，andthereforehecouldnotconceivebywhatspell，speakingtohisdaughteronlyatnightandfromthestreetunderthewindow，hehadsucceededinseducinghertosuchanextentastomakeherleaveherhomealone，onfoot，twodaysafterhehadlefthimselfinhispost—chaise。
　　"Then，"observedM。Barbaro，"itisimpossibletobecertainthatheactuallyseducedher，ortoprovethatshewentoffwithhim。"
　　"Verytrue，sir，butalthoughitcannotbeproved，thereisnodoubtofit，andnowthatnooneknowswhereSteffaniis，hecanbenowherebutwithher。Ionlywanthimtomarryher。"
　　"Itstrikesmethatitwouldbebetternottoinsistuponacompulsorymarriagewhichwouldsealyourdaughter’smisery，forSteffaniis，ineveryrespect，oneofthemostworthlessyoungmenwehaveamongstourgovernmentclerks。"
　　"WereIinyourplace，"saidM。deBragadin，"Iwouldletmydaughter’srepentancedisarmmyanger，andIwouldforgiveher。"
　　"Whereisshe？Iamreadytofoldherinmyarms，buthowcanI
　　believeinherrepentancewhenitisevidentthatsheisstillwithhim。"
　　"IsitquitecertainthatinleavingC————sheproceededtothiscity？"
　　"Ihaveitfromthemasterofthebargehimself，andshelandedwithintwentyyardsoftheRomangate。Anindividualwearingamaskwaswaitingforher，joinedheratonce，andtheybothdisappearedwithoutleavinganytraceoftheirwhereabouts。"
　　"VerylikelyitwasSteffaniwaitingthereforher。"
　　"No，forheisshort，andthemanwiththemaskwastall。Besides，I
　　haveheardthatSteffanihadleftVenicetwodaysbeforethearrivalofmydaughter。ThemanmusthavebeensomefriendofSteffani，andhehastakenhertohim。"
　　"But，mydearcount，allthisismeresupposition。"
　　"Therearefourpersonswhohaveseenthemanwiththemask，andpretendtoknowhim，onlytheydonotagree。Hereisalistoffournames，andIwillaccusethesefourpersonsbeforetheCouncilofTen，ifSteffanishoulddenyhavingmydaughterinhispossession。"
　　Thelist，whichhehandedtoM。Barbaro，gavenotonlythenamesofthefouraccusedpersons，butlikewisethoseoftheiraccusers。Thelastname，whichM。Barbaroread，wasmine。WhenIheardit，I
　　shruggedmyshouldersinamannerwhichcausedthethreefriendstolaughheartily。
　　M。deBragadin，seeingthesurpriseofthecountatsuchuncalled—
　　formirth，saidtohim，"ThisisCasanovamyson，andIgiveyoumywordofhonourthat，ifyourdaughterisinhishands，sheisperfectlysafe，althoughhemaynotlookexactlythesortofmantowhomyounggirlsshouldbetrusted。"
　　Thesurprise，theamazement，andtheperplexityofthecountandhissonwereanamusingpicture。Thelovingfatherbeggedmetoexcusehim，withtearsinhiseyes，tellingmetoplacemyselfinhisposition。Myonlyanswerwastoembracehimmostaffectionately。
　　ThemanwhohadrecognizedmewasanotedpimpwhomIhadthrashedsometimebeforeforhavingdeceivedme。IfIhadnotbeentherejustintimetotakecareoftheyoungcountess，shewouldnothaveescapedhim，andhewouldhaveruinedherforeverbytakinghertosomehouseofill—fame。
　　TheresultofthemeetingwasthatthecountagreedtopostponehisapplicationtotheCouncilofTenuntilSteffani’splaceofrefugeshouldbediscovered。
　　"IhavenotseenSteffaniforsixmonths，sir，"Isaidtothecount，"butIpromiseyoutokillhiminaduelassoonashereturns。"
　　"Youshallnotdoit，"answeredtheyoungcount，verycoolly，"unlesshekillsmefirst。"
　　"Gentlemen，"exclaimedM。deBragadin，"Icanassureyouthatyouwillneitherofyoufightaduelwithhim，forSteffaniisdead。"
　　"Dead！"saidthecount。
　　"Wemustnot，"observedtheprudentBarbaro，"takethatwordinitsliteralsense，butthewretchedmanisdeadtoallhonourandself—
　　respect。"
　　Afterthattrulydramaticscene，duringwhichIcouldguessthatthedenouementoftheplaywasnearathand，Iwenttomycharmingcountess，takingcaretochangemygondolathreetimes——anecessaryprecautiontobafflespies。
　　Igavemyanxiousmistressanexactaccountofalltheconversation。
　　Shewasveryimpatientformycoming，andwepttearsofjoywhenI
　　repeatedherfather’swordsofforgiveness；butwhenItoldherthatnobodyknewofSteffanihavingenteredherchamber，shefellonherkneesandthankedGod。Ithenrepeatedherbrother’swords，imitatinghiscoolness:"Youshallnotkillhim，unlesshekillsmefirst。"Shekissedmetenderly，callingmeherguardianangel，hersaviour，andweepinginmyarms。Ipromisedtobringherbrotheronthefollowingday，orthedayafterthatatthelatest。Wehadoursupper，butwedidnottalkofSteffani，orofrevenge，andafterthatpleasantmealwedevotedtwohourstotheworshipofthegodoflove。
　　Ileftheratmidnight，promisingtoreturnearlyinthemorning——myreasonfornotremainingallnightwithherwasthatthelandladymight，ifnecessary，swearwithoutscruplethatIhadneverspentanightwiththeyounggirl。Itprovedaveryluckyinspirationofmine，for，whenIarrivedhome，IfoundthethreefriendswaitingimpatientlyformeinordertoimparttomewonderfulnewswhichM。
　　deBragadinhadheardatthesittingofthesenate。
　　"Steffani，"saidM。deBragadintome，"isdead，asourangelParalisrevealedittous；heisdeadtotheworld，forhehasbecomeaCapuchinfriar。Thesenate，asamatterofcourse，hasbeeninformedofit。WealoneareawarethatitisapunishmentwhichGodhasvisiteduponhim。LetusworshiptheAuthorofallthings，andtheheavenlyhierarchywhichrendersusworthyofknowingwhatremainsamysterytoallmen。Nowwemustachieveourundertaking，andconsolethepoorfather。WemustenquirefromParaliswherethegirlis。ShecannotnowbewithSteffani。Ofcourse，GodhasnotcondemnedhertobecomeaCapuchinnun。"
　　"Ineednotconsultmyangel，dearestfather，foritisbyhisexpressordersthatIhavebeencompelleduntilnowtomakeamysteryoftherefugefoundbytheyoungcountess。"
　　Irelatedthewholestory，exceptwhattheyhadnobusinesstoknow，for，intheopinionoftheworthymen，whohadpaidheavytributetoLove，allintrigueswerefearfulcrimes。M。DandoloandM。Barbaroexpressedtheirsurprisewhentheyheardthattheyounggirlhadbeenundermyprotectionforafortnight，butM。deBragadinsaidthathewasnotastonished，thatitwasaccordingtocabalisticscience，andthatheknewit。
　　"Wemustonly，"headded，"keepupthemysteryofhisdaughter’splaceofrefugeforthecount，untilweknowforacertaintythathewillforgiveher，andthathewilltakeherwithhimtoC————，ortoanyotherplacewherehemaywishtolivehereafter。"
　　"Hecannotrefusetoforgiveher，"Isaid，"whenhefindsthattheamiablegirlwouldneverhaveleftC————ifherseducerhadnotgivenherthispromiseofmarriageinhisownhandwriting。Shewalkedasfarasthebarge，andshelandedattheverymomentIwaspassingtheRomangate。Aninspirationfromabovetoldmetoaccostherandtoinvitehertofollowme。Sheobeyed，asifshewasfulfillingthedecreeofHeaven，Itookhertoarefugeimpossibletodiscover，andplacedherunderthecareofaGod—fearingwoman。"
　　Mythreefriendslistenedtomesoattentivelythattheylookedlikethreestatues。Iadvisedthemtoinvitethecounttodinnerforthedayafternext，becauseIneededsometimetoconsult’Paralisdemodotenendi’。IthentoldM。BarbarotoletthecountknowinwhatsensehewastounderstandSteffani’sdeath。Heundertooktodoit，andweretiredtorest。
　　Isleptonlyfourorfivehours，and，dressingmyselfquickly，hurriedtomybelovedmistress。Itoldthewidownottoservethecoffeeuntilwecalledforit，becausewewantedtoremainquietandundisturbedforsomehours，havingseveralimportantletterstowrite。
　　Ifoundthelovelycountessinbed，butawake，andhereyesbeamingwithhappinessandcontentment。ForafortnightIhadonlyseenhersad，melancholy，andthoughtful。Herpleasedcountenance，whichI
　　naturallyascribedtomyinfluence，filledmewithjoy。Wecommencedasallhappyloversalwaysdo，andwewerebothunsparingofthemutualproofsofourlove，tenderness，andgratitude。
　　Afterourdelightfulamoroussport，Itoldherthenews，butlovehadsocompletelytakenpossessionofherpureandsensitivesoul，thatwhathadbeenimportantwasnowonlyanaccessory。ButthenewsofherseducerhavingturnedaCapuchinfriarfilledherwithamazement，and，passingverysensibleremarksontheextraordinaryevent，shepitiedSteffani。Whenwecanfeelpity，welovenolonger，butafeelingofpitysucceedingloveisthecharacteristiconlyofagreatandgenerousmind。Shewasmuchpleasedwithmeforhavinginformedmythreefriendsofherbeingundermyprotection，andshelefttomycareallthenecessaryarrangementsforobtainingareconciliationwithherfather。
　　Nowandthenwerecollectedthatthetimeofourseparationwasnearathand，ourgriefwasbitter，butwecontrivedtoforgetitintheecstacyofouramorousenjoyment。
　　"Ah！whycanwenotbelongforevertoeachother？"thecharminggirlwouldexclaim。"ItisnotmyacquaintancewithSteffani，itisyourlosswhichwillsealmyeternalmisery。"
　　Butitwasnecessarytobringourdelightfulinterviewtoaclose，forthehourswereflyingwithfearfulrapidity。Ileftherhappy，hereyeswetwithtearsofintensefelicity。
　　Atthedinner—tableM。Barbarotoldmethathehadpaidavisittohisrelative，Steffani’smother，andthatshehadnotappearedsorryatthedecisiontakenbyherson，althoughhewasheronlychild。
　　"Hehadthechoice，"shesaid，"betweenkillinghimselfandturningfriar，andhetookthewisercourse。"
　　ThewomanspokelikeagoodChristian，andsheprofessedtobeone；
　　butshespokelikeanunfeelingmother，andshewastrulyone，forshewaswealthy，andifshehadnotbeencruellyavaricioushersonwouldnothavebeenreducedtothefearfulalternativeofcommittingsuicideorofbecomingaCapuchinfriar。
　　ThelastandmostseriousmotivewhichcausedthedespairofSteffani，whoisstillalive，remainedamysteryforeverybody。MyMemoirswillraisetheveilwhennoonewillcareanythingaboutit。
　　Thecountandhissonwere，ofcourse，greatlysurprised，andtheeventmadethemstillmoredesirousofdiscoveringtheyounglady。
　　Inordertoobtainacluetoherplaceofrefuge，thecounthadresolvedonsummoningbeforetheCouncilofTenalltheparties，accusedandaccusing，whosenameshehadonhislist，withtheexceptionofmyself。Hisdeterminationmadeitnecessaryforustoinformhimthathisdaughterwasinmyhands，andM。deBragadinundertooktolethimknowthetruth。
　　Wewereallinvitedtosupperbythecount，andwewenttohishostelry，withtheexceptionofM。deBragadin，whohaddeclinedtheinvitation。Iwasthuspreventedfromseeingmydivinitythatevening，butearlythenextmorningImadeupforlosttime，andasithadbeendecidedthatherfatherwouldonthatverydaybeinformedofherbeingundermycare，weremainedtogetheruntilnoon。
　　Wehadnohopeofcontrivinganothermeeting，forIhadpromisedtobringherbrotherintheafternoon。
　　Thecountandhissondinedwithus，andafterdinnerM。deBragadinsaid，"Ihavejoyfulnewsforyou，count；yourbeloveddaughterhasbeenfound！"
　　Whatanagreeablesurpriseforthefatherandson！M。deBragadinhandedthemthepromiseofmarriagewrittenbySteffani，andsaid，"This，gentlemen，evidentlybroughtyourlovelyyoungladytothevergeofmadnesswhenshefoundthathehadgonefromC————withouther。Sheleftyourhousealoneonfoot，andasshelandedinVeniceProvidencethrewherinthewayofthisyoungman，whoinducedhertofollowhim，andhasplacedherunderthecareofanhonestwoman，whomshehasnotleftsince，whomshewillleaveonlytofallinyourarmsassoonassheiscertainofyourforgivenessforthefollyshehascommitted。"
　　"Oh！letherhavenodoubtofmyforgivingher，"exclaimedthefather，intheecstacyofjoy，andturningtome，"Dearsir，Ibegofyounottodelaythefortunatemomentonwhichthewholehappinessofmylifedepends。"
　　Iembracedhimwarmly，sayingthathisdaughterwouldberestoredtohimonthefollowingday，andthatIwouldlethissonseeherthatveryafternoon，soastogivehimanopportunityofpreparingherbydegreesforthathappyreconciliation。M。Barbarodesiredtoaccompanyus，andtheyoungman，approvingallmyarrangements，embracedme，swearingeverlastingfriendshipandgratitude。
　　Wewentoutallthreetogether，andagondolacarriedusinafewminutestotheplacewhereIwasguardingatreasuremorepreciousthanthegoldenapplesoftheHesperides。But，alas！Iwasonthepointoflosingthattreasure，theremembranceofwhichcausesme，evennow，adelicioustrembling。
　　Iprecededmytwocompanionsinordertopreparemylovelyyoungfriendforthevisit，andwhenItoldherthat，accordingtomyarrangements，herfatherwouldnotseehertillonthefollowingday:
　　"Ah！"sheexclaimedwiththeaccentoftruehappiness，"thenwecanspendafewmorehourstogether！Go，dearest，goandbringmybrother。"
　　Ireturnedwithmycompanions，buthowcanIpaintthattrulydramaticsituation？Oh！howinferiorartmusteverbetonature！
　　Thefraternallove，thedelightbeaminguponthosetwobeautifulfaces，withaslightshadeofconfusiononthatofthesister，thepurejoyshininginthemidstoftheirtendercaresses，themosteloquentexclamationsfollowedbyastillmoreeloquentsilence，theirlovinglookswhichseemlikeflashesoflightninginthemidstofadewoftears，athoughtofpolitenesswhichbringsblushesonhercountenance，whensherecollectsthatshehasforgottenherdutytowardsanoblemanwhomsheseesforthefirsttime，andfinallytherewasmypart，notaspeakingone，butyetthemostimportantofall。Thewholeformedalivingpicturetowhichthemostskilfulpaintercouldnothaverenderedfulljustice。
　　Wesatdownatlast，theyoungcountessbetweenherbrotherandM。
　　Barbaro，onthesofa，I，oppositetoher，onalowfoot—stool。
　　"Towhom，dearsister，areweindebtedforthehappinessofhavingfoundyouagain？"
　　"Tomyguardianangel，"sheanswered，givingmeherhand，"tothisgenerousmanwhowaswaitingforme，asifHeavenhadsenthimwiththespecialmissionofwatchingoveryoursister；itishewhohassavedme，whohaspreventedmefromfallingintothegulfwhichyawnedundermyfeet，whohasrescuedmefromtheshamethreateningme，ofwhichIhadthennoconception；itistohimIamindebtedforall，tohimwho，asyousee，kissesmyhandnowforthefirsttime。"
　　Andshepressedherhandkerchieftoherbeautifuleyestodryhertears，butourswereflowingatthesametime。
　　Suchistruevirtue，whichneverlosesitsnobleness，evenwhenmodestycompelsittouttersomeinnocentfalsehood。Butthecharminggirlhadnoideaofbeingguiltyofanuntruth。Itwasapure，virtuoussoulwhichwasthenspeakingthroughherlips，andsheallowedittospeak。Hervirtueseemedtowhispertoherthat，inspiteofhererrors，ithadneverdesertedher。Ayounggirlwhogiveswaytoarealfeelingoflovecannotbeguiltyofacrime，orbeexposedtoremorse。
　　Towardstheendofourfriendlyvisit，shesaidthatshelongedtothrowherselfatherfather’sfeet，butthatshewishedtoseehimonlyintheevening，soasnottogiveanyopportunitytothegossipsoftheplace，anditwasagreedthatthemeeting，whichwastobethelastsceneofthedrama，shouldtakeplacethenextdaytowardstheevening。
　　Wereturnedtothecount’shostelryforsupper，andtheexcellentman，fullypersuadedthathewasindebtedtomeforhishonouraswellasforhisdaughter’s，lookedatmewithadmiration，andspoketomewithgratitude。Yethewasnotsorrytohaveascertainedhimself，andbeforeIhadsaidso，thatIhadbeenthefirstmanwhohadspokentoherafterlanding。Beforepartingintheevening，M。
　　Barbaroinvitedthemtodinnerforthenextday。
　　Iwenttomycharmingmistressveryearlythefollowingmorning，and，althoughtherewassomedangerinprotractingourinterview，wedidnotgiveitathought，or，ifwedid，itonlycausedustomakegooduseoftheshorttimethatwecouldstilldevotetolove。
　　Afterhavingenjoyed，untilourstrengthwasalmostexpiring，themostdelightful，themostintensevoluptuousnessinwhichmutualardourcanenfoldtwoyoung，vigorous，andpassionatelovers，theyoungcountessdressedherself，and，kissingherslippers，saidshewouldneverpartwiththemaslongasshelived。Iaskedhertogivemealockofherhair，whichshedidatonce。ImeanttohaveitmadeintoachainliketheonewovenwiththehairofMadameF————，whichIstillworeroundmyneck。
　　Towardsdusk，thecountandhisson，M。Dandolo，M。Barbaro，andmyself，proceededtogethertotheabodeoftheyoungcountess。Themomentshesawherfather，shethrewherselfonherkneesbeforehim，butthecount，burstingintotears，tookherinhisarms，coveredherwithkisses，andbreathedoverherwordsofforgiveness，ofloveandblessing。Whatasceneforamanofsensibility！Anhourlaterweescortedthefamilytotheinn，and，afterwishingthemapleasantjourney，IwentbackwithmytwofriendstoM。deBragadin，towhomI
　　gaveafaithfulaccountofwhathadtakenplace。
　　WethoughtthattheyhadleftVenice，butthenextmorningtheycalledattheplaceinapeottawithsixrowers。Thecountsaidthattheycouldnotleavethecitywithoutseeingusoncemore；withoutthankingusagain，andmeparticularly，forallwehaddoneforthem。
　　M。deBragadin，whohadnotseentheyoungcountessbefore，wasstruckbyherextraordinarylikenesstoherbrother。
　　Theypartookofsomerefreshments，andembarkedintheirpeotta，whichwastocarrythem，intwenty—fourhours，toPontediLagoOscuro，ontheRiverPo，nearthefrontiersofthepapalstates。ItwasonlywithmyeyesthatIcouldexpresstothelovelygirlallthefeelingswhichfilledmyheart，butsheunderstoodthelanguage，andIhadnodifficultyininterpretingthemeaningofherlooks。
　　NeverdidanintroductionoccurinbetterseasonthanthatofthecounttoM。Barbaro。Itsavedthehonourofarespectablefamily；
　　anditsavedmefromtheunpleasantconsequencesofaninterrogatoryinthepresenceoftheCouncilofTen，duringwhichIshouldhavebeenconvictedofhavingtakentheyounggirlwithme，andcompelledtosaywhatIhaddonewithher。
　　AfewdaysafterwardsweallproceededtoPaduatoremaininthatcityuntiltheendofautumn。IwasgrievednottofindDoctorGozziinPadua；hehadbeenappointedtoabeneficeinthecountry，andhewaslivingtherewithBettina；shehadnotbeenabletoremainwiththescoundrelwhohadmarriedheronlyforthesakeofhersmalldowry，andhadtreatedherveryill。
　　IdidnotlikethequietlifeofPadua，andtoavoiddyingfromennuiIfellinlovewithacelebratedVenetiancourtesan。HernamewasAncilla；sometimeafter，thewell—knowndancer，Campioni，marriedherandtookhertoLondon，whereshecausedthedeathofaveryworthyEnglishman。Ishallhavetomentionheragaininfouryears；nowI
　　haveonlytospeakofacertaincircumstancewhichbroughtmyloveadventurewithhertoacloseafterthreeorfourweeks。
　　CountMedini，ayoung，thoughtlessfellowlikemyself，andwithinclinationsofmuchthesamecast，hadintroducedmetoAncilla。
　　Thecountwasaconfirmedgamblerandathoroughenemyoffortune。
　　TherewasagooddealofgamblinggoingonatAncilla’s，whosefavouriteloverhewas，andthefellowhadpresentedmetohismistressonlytogivehertheopportunityofmakingadupeofmeatthecard—table。
　　And，totellthetruth，Iwasadupeatfirst；notthinkingofanyfoulplay，Iacceptedillluckwithoutcomplaining；butonedayI
　　caughtthemcheating。Itookapistoloutofmypocket，and，aimingatMedini’sbreast，Ithreatenedtokillhimonthespotunlessherefundedatonceallthegoldtheyhadwonfromme。Ancillafaintedaway，andthecount，afterrefundingthemoney，challengedmetofollowhimoutandmeasureswords。Iplacedmypistolsonthetable，andwewentout。Reachingaconvenientspot，wefoughtbythebrightlightofthemoon，andIwasfortunateenoughtogivehimagashacrosstheshoulder。Hecouldnotmovehisarm，andhehadtocryformercy。
　　Afterthatmeeting，Iwenttobedandsleptquietly，butinthemorningIrelatedthewholeaffairtomyfather，andheadvisedmetoleavePaduaimmediately，whichIdid。
　　CountMediniremainedmyenemythroughallhislife。IshallhaveoccasiontospeakofhimagainwhenIreachNaples。
　　Theremainderoftheyear1746passedoffquietly，withoutanyeventsofimportance。Fortunewasnowfavourabletomeandnowadverse。
　　TowardstheendofJanuary，1747，IreceivedaletterfromtheyoungcountessA————S————，whohadmarriedtheMarquisof————。Sheentreatedmenottoappeartoknowher，ifbychanceIvisitedthetowninwhichsheresided，forshehadthehappinessofhavinglinkedherdestinytothatofamanwhohadwonherheartafterhehadobtainedherhand。
　　Ihadalreadyheardfromherbrotherthat，aftertheirreturntoC————，hermotherhadtakenhertothecityfromwhichherletterwaswritten，andthere，inthehouseofarelativewithwhomshewasresiding，shehadmadetheacquaintanceofthemanwhohadtakenuponhimselfthechargeofherfuturewelfareandhappiness。Isawheroneyearafterwards，andifithadnotbeenforherletter，Ishouldcertainlyhavesolicitedanintroductiontoherhusband。Yet，peaceofmindhasgreatercharmseventhanlove；but，whenloveisintheway，wedonotthinkso。
　　ForafortnightIwastheloverofayoungVenetiangirl，veryhandsome，whomherfather，acertainRamon，exposedtopublicadmirationasadanceratthetheatre。Imighthaveremainedlongerhercaptive，ifmarriagehadnotforciblybrokenmychains。Herprotectress，MadameCeciliaValmarano，foundheraveryproperhusbandinthepersonofaFrenchdancer，calledBinet，whohadassumedthenameofBinetti，andthushisyoungwifehadnottobecomeaFrenchwoman；shesoonwongreatfameinmorewaysthanone。
　　Shewasstrangelyprivileged；timewithitsheavyhandseemedtohavenopoweroverher。Shealwaysappearedyoung，evenintheeyesofthebestjudgesoffaded，bygonefemalebeauty。Men，asageneralrule，donotaskforanythingmore，andtheyarerightinnotrackingtheirbrainforthesakeofbeingconvincedthattheyarethedupesofexternalappearance。ThelastloverthatthewonderfulBinettikilledbyexcessofamorousenjoymentwasacertainMosciuski，aPole，whomfatebroughttoVenicesevenoreightyearsago；shehadthenreachedhersixty—thirdyear！
　　MylifeinVenicewouldhavebeenpleasantandhappy，ifIcouldhaveabstainedfrompuntingatbasset。Theridottiwereonlyopentonoblemenwhohadtoappearwithoutmasks，intheirpatricianrobes，andwearingtheimmensewigwhichhadbecomeindispensablesincethebeginningofthecentury。Iwouldplay，andIwaswrong，forIhadneitherprudenceenoughtoleaveoffwhenfortunewasadverse，norsufficientcontrolovermyselftostopwhenIhadwon。Iwasthengamblingthroughafeelingofavarice。Iwasextravagantbytaste，andIalwaysregrettedthemoneyIhadspent，unlessithadbeenwonatthegaming—table，foritwasonlyinthatcasethatthemoneyhad，inmyopinion，costmenothing。
　　AttheendofJanuary，findingmyselfunderthenecessityofprocuringtwohundredsequins，MadameManzonicontrivedtoobtainformefromanotherwomantheloanofadiamondringworthfivehundred。