"Ishouldbedelighted，forwecouldhavesomeconversation，buttakecare，sir，yourtaskwillnotbeaneasyone，youwilloftenfindyourselfobligedtotranslateforbothofus。"
"Ishalldosowithgreatpleasure；Iamonlysorrythatthejourneyisnotlonger。Wecanarrangeeverythingatsupper—time；allowmetoleaveyounowasIhavesomebusinesstosettle。"
Mybusinesswasinreferencetoacarriage，fortheoneIhadboastedofexistedonlyinmyimagination。Iwenttothemostfashionablecoffee—house，and，asgoodluckwouldhaveit，heardthattherewasatravellingcarriageforsale，whichnoonewouldbuybecauseitwastooexpensive。Twohundredsequinswereaskedforit，althoughithadbuttwoseatsandabracket—stoolforathirdperson。ItwasjustwhatIwanted。Icalledattheplacewhereitwouldbeseen。I
foundaveryfineEnglishcarriagewhichcouldnothavecostlessthantwohundredguineas。Itsnobleproprietorwasthenatsupper，soIsenthimmyname，requestinghimnottodisposeofhiscarriageuntilthenextmorning，andIwentbacktothehotelwellpleasedwithmydiscovery。AtsupperIarrangedwiththecaptainthatwewouldnotleaveCesenatillafterdinneronthefollowingday，andtheconversationwasalmostentirelyadialoguebetweenHenrietteandmyself；itwasmyfirsttalkwithaFrenchwoman。Ithoughtthisyoungcreaturemoreandmorecharming，yetIcouldnotsupposehertobeanythingelsebutanadventurers，andIwasastonishedatdiscoveringinherthosenobleanddelicatefeelingswhichdenoteagoodeducation。However，assuchanideawouldnothavesuitedtheviewsIhadabouther，Irejecteditwheneveritpresenteditselftomymind。WheneverItriedtomakehertalkaboutthecaptainshewouldchangethesubjectofconversation，orevademyinsinuationswithatactandashrewdnesswhichastonishedanddelightedmeatthesametime，foreverythingshesaidboretheimpressofgraceandwit。
Yetshedidnoteludethisquestion:
"Atleasttellme，madam，whetherthecaptainisyourhusbandoryourfather。"
"Neitheronenortheother，"sheanswered，withasmile。
Thatwasenoughforme，andinrealitywhatmoredidIwanttoknow？
Theworthycaptainhadfallenasleep。WhenheawokeIwishedthembothgoodnight，andretiredtomyroomwithaheartfullofloveandamindfullofprojects。Isawthateverythinghadtakenagoodturn，andIfeltcertainofsuccess，forIwasyoung，Ienjoyedexcellenthealth，Ihadmoneyandplentyofdaring。Ilikedtheaffairallthebetterbecauseitmustcometoaconclusioninafewdays。
EarlythenextmorningIcalleduponCountDandini，theownerofthecarriage，andasIpassedajeweller’sshopIboughtapairofgoldbraceletsinVenetianfiligree，eachfiveyardslongandofrarefineness。IintendedthemasapresentforJavotte。
ThemomentCountDandinisawmeherecognizedme。HehadseenmeinPaduaatthehouseofhisfather，whowasprofessorofcivillawatthetimeIwasastudentthere。Iboughthiscarriageonconditionthathewouldsendittomeingoodrepairatoneo’clockintheafternoon。
Havingcompletedthepurchase，Iwenttomyfriend，Franzia，andmypresentofthebraceletsmadeJavotteperfectlyhappy。Therewas。
notonegirlinCesenawhocouldboastofpossessingafinerpair，andwiththatpresentmyconsciencefeltatease，foritpaidtheexpenseIhadoccasionedduringmystayoftenortwelvedaysatherfather’shousefourtimesover。ButthiswasnotthemostimportantpresentIofferedthefamily。Imadethefathertakeanoathtowaitforme，andnevertotrustinanypretendedmagicianforthenecessaryoperationtoobtainthetreasure，evenifIdidnotreturnorgiveanynewsofmyselffortenyears。
"Because，"Isaidtohim，"inconsequenceoftheagreementinwhichI
haveenteredwiththespiritswatchingthetreasure，atthefirstattemptmadebyanyotherperson，thecasketcontainingthetreasurewillsinktotwiceitspresentdepth，thatistosayasdeepasthirty—fivefathoms，andthenIshallhavemyselftentimesmoredifficultyinraisingittothesurface。Icannotstatepreciselythetimeofmyreturn，foritdependsuponcertaincombinationswhicharenotundermycontrol，butrecollectthatthetreasurecannotbeobtainedbyanyonebutI。"
Iaccompaniedmyadvicewiththreatsofutterruintohisfamilyifheshouldeverbreakhisoath。AndinthismannerIatonedforallI
haddone，for，farfromdeceivingtheworthyman，Ibecamehisbenefactorbyguardingagainstthedeceitofsomecheatwhowouldhavecaredforhismoneymorethanforhisdaughter。Ineversawhimagain，andmostlikelyheisdead，butknowingthedeepimpressionI
leftonhismindIamcertainthathisdescendantsareevennowwaitingforme，forthenameofFarusimusthaveremainedimmortalinthatfamily。
Javotteaccompaniedmeasfarasthegateofthecity，whereIkissedheraffectionately，whichmademefeelthatthethunderandlightninghadhadbutamomentaryeffectuponme；yetIkeptcontrolovermysenses，andIcongratulatemyselfondoingsotothisday。Itoldher，beforebiddingheradieu，that，hervirginitybeingnolongernecessaryformymagicoperations，Iadvisedhertogetmarriedassoonaspossible，ifIdidnotreturnwithinthreemonths。Sheshedafewtears，butpromisedtofollowmyadvice。
ItrustthatmyreaderswillapproveofthenoblemannerinwhichI
concludedmymagicbusiness。Ihardlydaretoboastofit，butI
thinkIdeservesomepraiseformybehaviour。Perhaps，ImighthaveruinedpoorFranziawithalightheart，hadInotpossessedawell—
filledpurse。Idonotwishtoenquirewhetheranyyoungman，havingintelligence，lovingpleasure，andplacedinthesameposition，wouldnothavedonethesame，butIbegmyreaderstoaddressthatquestiontothemselves。
AsforCapitani，towhomIsoldthesheathofSt。Peter’sknifeforrathermorethanitwasworth，IconfessthatIhavenotyetrepentedonhisaccount，forCapitanithoughthehaddupedmeinacceptingitassecurityfortheamounthegaveme，andthecount，hisfather，valuedituntilhisdeathasmorepreciousthanthefinestdiamondintheworld。Dyingwithsuchafirmbelief，hediedrich，andIshalldieapoorman。Letthereaderjudgewhichofthetwomadethebestbargain。ButImustreturnnowtomyfuturetravellingcompanions。
AssoonasIhadreachedtheinn，IpreparedeverythingforourdepartureforwhichIwasnowlonging。Henriettecouldnotopenherlipswithoutmydiscoveringsomefreshperfection，forherwitdelightedmeevenmorethanherbeauty。ItstruckmethattheoldcaptainwaspleasedwithalltheattentionIshewedher，anditseemedevidenttomethatshewouldnotbesorrytoexchangeherelderlyloverforme。Ihadallthebetterrighttothinkso，inasmuchasIwasperfectionfromaphysicalpointofview，andI
appearedtobewealthy，althoughIhadnoservant。ItoldHenriettethat，forthesakeofhavingnone，Ispenttwiceasmuchasaservantwouldhavecostme，that，bymybeingmyownservant，Iwascertainofbeingservedaccordingtomytaste，andIhadthesatisfactionofhavingnospyatmyheelsandnoprivilegedthieftofear。SheagreedwitheverythingIsaid，anditincreasedmylove。
ThehonestHungarianinsistedupongivingmeinadvancetheamounttobepaidforthepost—horsesatthedifferentstagesasfarasParma。
WeleftCesenaafterdinner，butnotwithoutacontestofpolitenessrespectingtheseats。Thecaptainwantedmetooccupythebackseat—
nearHenriette，butthereaderwillunderstandhowmuchbettertheseatoppositetohersuitedme；thereforeIinsistedupontakingthebracket—seat，andhadthedoubleadvantageofshewingmypoliteness，andofhavingconstantlyandwithoutdifficultybeforemyeyesthelovelywomanwhomIadored。
Myhappinesswouldhavebeentoogreatiftherehadbeennodrawbacktoit。Butwherecanwefindroseswithoutthorns？WhenthecharmingFrenchwomanutteredsomeofthosewittysayingswhichproceedsonaturallyfromthelipsofhercountrywomen，IcouldnothelppityingthesorryfaceofthepoorHungarian，and，wishingtomakehimsharemymirth，IwouldundertaketotranslateinLatinHenriette’ssallies；butfarfrommakinghimmerry，Ioftensawhisfacebearalookofastonishment，asifwhatIhadsaidseemedtohimratherflat。IhadtoacknowledgetomyselfthatIcouldnotspeakLatinaswellasshespokeFrench，andthiswasindeedthecase。Thelastthingwhichwelearninalllanguagesiswit，andwitnevershinessowellasinjests。IwasthirtyyearsofagebeforeIbegantolaughinreadingTerence，PlautusandMartial。
Somethingbeingthematterwiththecarriage，westoppedatForlitohaveitrepaired。Afteraverycheerfulsupper，Iretiredtomyroomtogotobed，thinkingofnothingelsebutthecharmingwomanbywhomIwassocompletelycaptivated。Alongtheroad，HenriettehadstruckmeassostrangethatIwouldnotsleepinthesecondbedintheirroom。Iwasafraidlestsheshouldleaveheroldcomradetocometomybedandsleepwithme，andIdidnotknowhowfartheworthycaptainwouldhaveputupwithsuchajoke。Iwished，ofcourse，topossessthatlovelycreature，butIwantedeverythingtobesettledamicably，forIfeltsomerespectforthebraveofficer。
Henriettehadnothingbutthemilitarycostumeinwhichshestood，notanywoman’slinen，notevenonechemise。Forachangeshetookthecaptain’sshirt。Suchastateofthingswassonewtomethatthesituationseemedtomeacompleteenigma。
InBologna，excitedbyanexcellentsupperandbytheamorouspassionwhichwaseveryhourburningmorefiercelyinme，Iaskedherbywhatsingularadventureshehadbecomethefriendofthehonestfellowwholookedherfatherratherthanherlover。
"Ifyouwishtoknow，"sheanswered，withasmile，"askhimtorelatethewholestoryhimself，onlyyoumustrequesthimnottoomitanyoftheparticulars。"
OfcourseIappliedatoncetothecaptain，and，havingfirstascertainedbysignsthatthecharmingFrenchwomanhadnoobjection，thegoodmanspoketomethus:
"Afriendofmine，anofficerinthearmy，havingoccasiontogotoRome，Isolicitedafurloughofsixmonths，andaccompaniedhim。I
seizedwithgreatdelighttheopportunityofvisitingacity，thenameofwhichhasapowerfulinfluenceontheimagination，owingtothememoriesofthepastattachedtoit。IdidnotentertainanydoubtthattheLatinlanguagewasspokenthereingoodsociety，atleastasgenerallyasinHungary。ButIwasindeedgreatlymistaken，fornobodycanspeakit，noteventhepriests，whoonlypretendtowriteit，anditistruethatsomeofthemdosowithgreatpurity。
IwasthereforeratheruncomfortableduringmystayinRome，andwiththeexceptionofmyeyesmysensesremainedperfectlyinactive。I
hadspentaverytediousmonthinthatcity，theancientqueenoftheworld，whenCardinalAlbanigavemyfrienddispatchesforNaples。
BeforeleavingRome，heintroducedmetohiseminence，andhisrecommendationhadsomuchinfluencethatthecardinalpromisedtosendmeverysoonwithdispatchesfortheDukeofParma，Piacenza，andGuastalla，assuringmethatallmytravellingexpenseswouldbedefrayed。AsIwishedtoseetheharbourcalledinformertimesCentumcellaeandnowCivita—Vecchia，Igaveuptheremainderofmytimetothatvisit，andIproceededtherewithaciceronewhospokeLatin。
"IwasloiteringabouttheharbourwhenIsaw，comingoutofatartan，anelderlyofficerandthisyoungwomandressedassheisnow。Herbeautystruckme，butIshouldnothavethoughtanymoreaboutit，iftheofficerhadnotputupatmyinn，andinanapartmentoverwhichIhadacompleteviewwheneverIopenedmywindow。IntheeveningIsawthecoupletakingsupperatthesametable，butIremarkedthattheelderlyofficerneveraddressedawordtotheyoungone。Whenthesupperwasover，thedisguisedgirllefttheroom，andhercompaniondidnotlifthiseyesfromaletterwhichhewasreading，asitseemedtome，withthedeepestattention。Soonafterwardstheofficerclosedthewindows，thelightwasputout，andIsupposemyneighborswenttobed。Thenextmorning，beingupearlyasismyhabit，Isawtheofficergoout，andthegirlremainedaloneintheroom。
"Isentmycicerone，whowasalsomyservant，totellthegirlinthegarbofanofficerthatIwouldgivehertensequinsforanhour’sconversation。Hefulfilledmyinstructions，andonhisreturnheinformedmethatheranswer，giveninFrench，hadbeentotheeffectthatshewouldleaveforRomeimmediatelyafterbreakfast，andthat，onceinthatcity，Ishouldeasilyfindsomeopportunityofspeakingtoher。
"’Icanfindoutfromthevetturino，’saidmycicerone，’wheretheyputupinRome，andIpromiseyoutoenquireofhim。’
"SheleftCivita—Vecchiawiththeelderlyofficer，andIreturnedhomeonthefollowingday。
"Twodaysafterwards，thecardinalgavemethedispatches，whichwereaddressedtoM。Dutillot，theFrenchminister，withapassportandthemoneynecessaryforthejourney。Hetoldme，withgreatkindness，thatIneednothurryontheroad。
"Ihadalmostforgottenthehandsomeadventuress，when，twodaysbeforemydeparture，myciceronegavemetheinformationthathehadfoundoutwhereshelived，andthatshewaswiththesameofficer。I
toldhimtotrytoseeher，andtoletherknowthatmydeparturewasfixedforthedayafterthemorrow。Shesentmewordbyhimthat，ifIwouldinformherofthehourofmydeparture，shewouldmeetmeoutsideofthegate，andgetintothecoachwithmetoaccompanymeonmyway。IthoughtthearrangementveryingeniousandduringthedayIsenttheciceronetotellherthehouratwhichIintendedtoleave，andwhereIwouldwaitforheroutsideofthePortodelPopolo。Shecameattheappointedtime，andwehaveremainedtogethereversince。Assoonasshewasseatednearme，shemademeunderstandbysignsthatshewantedtodinewithme。Youmayimaginewhatdifficultywehadinunderstandingoneanother，butweguessedsomehowthemeaningexpressedbyourpantomime，andIacceptedtheadventurewithdelight。
"Wedinedgailytogether，speakingwithoutunderstanding，butafterthedessertwecomprehendedeachotherverywell。IfanciedthatI
hadseentheendofit，andyoumayimaginehowsurprisedIwaswhen，uponmyofferingherthetensequins，sherefusedmostpositivelytotakeanymoney，makingmeunderstandthatshewouldrathergowithmetoParma，becauseshehadsomebusinessinthatcity，anddidnotwanttoreturntoRome。
"Theproposalwas，afterall，ratheragreeabletome；Iconsentedtoherwishes。Ionlyregrettedmyinabilitytomakeherunderstandthat，ifshewasfollowedbyanyonefromRome，andifthatpersonwantedtotakeherback，Iwasnotinapositiontodefendheragainstviolence。Iwasalsosorrythat，withourmutualignoranceofthelanguagespokenbyeachofus，wehadnoopportunityofconversation，forIshouldhavebeengreatlypleasedtohearheradventures，which，Ithink，mustbeinteresting。Youcan，ofcourse，guessthatIhavenoideaofwhoshecanbe。IonlyknowthatshecallsherselfHenriette，thatshemustbeaFrenchwoman，thatsheisasgentleasaturtledove，thatshehasevidentlyreceivedagoodeducation，andthatsheenjoysgoodhealth。Sheiswittyandcourageous，aswehavebothseen，IinRomeandyouinCesenaatGeneralSpada’stable。Ifshewouldtellyouherhistory，andallowyoutotranslateitformeinLatinshewouldindeedpleasememuch，forIamsincerelyherfriend，andIcanassureyouthatitwillgrievemetopartfromherinParma。PleasetotellherthatI
intendtogiveherthethirtysequinsIreceivedfromtheBishopofCesena，andthatifIwererichIwouldgivehermoresubstantialproofsofmytenderaffection。Now，sir，IshallfeelobligedtoyouifyouwillexplainitalltoherinFrench。"
IaskedherwhethershewouldfeeloffendedifIgaveheranexacttranslation。Sheassuredmethat，onthecontrary，shewishedmetospeakopenly，andItoldherliterallywhatthecaptainhadrelatedtome。
Withanoblefranknesswhichaslightshadeof—shamerenderedmoreinteresting，Henrietteconfirmedthetruthofherfriend’snarrative，butshebeggedmetotellhimthatshecouldnotgranthiswishrespectingtheadventuresofherlife。
"Begoodenoughtoinformhim，"sheadded，"thatthesameprinciplewhichforbidsmetoutterafalsehood，doesnotallowmetotellthetruth。Asforthethirtysequinswhichheintendstogiveme，Iwillnotacceptevenoneofthem，andhewoulddeeplygrievemebypressingthemuponme。ThemomentwereachParmaIwishhimtoallowmetolodgewhereverImayplease，tomakenoenquirieswhateveraboutme，and，incaseheshouldhappentomeetme，tocrownhisgreatkindnesstomebynotappearingtohaveeverknownme。"
Assheutteredthelastwordsofthisshortspeech，whichshehaddeliveredveryseriouslyandwithamixtureofmodestyandresolution，shekissedherelderlyfriendinamannerwhichindicatedesteemandgratituderatherthanlove。Thecaptain，whodidnotknowwhyshewaskissinghim，wasdeeplygrievedwhenItranslatedwhatHenriettehadsaid。Hebeggedmetotellherthat，ifhewastoobeyherwithaneasyconscience，hemustknowwhethershewouldhaveeverythingsherequiredinParma。
"Youcanassurehim，"sheanswered，"thatheneednotentertainanyanxietyaboutme。"
Thisconversationhadmadeusallverysad；weremainedforalongtimethoughtfulandsilent，until，feelingthesituationtobepainful，Irose，wishingthemgoodnight，andIsawthatHenriette’sfaceworealookofgreatexcitement。
AssoonasIfoundmyselfaloneinmyroom，deeplymovedbyconflictingfeelingsoflove，surprise，anduncertainty，Ibegantogiveventtomyfeelingsinakindofsoliloquy，asIalwaysdowhenIamstronglyexcitedbyanything；thinkingisnot，inthosecases，enoughforme；Imustspeakaloud，andIthrowsomuchaction，somuchanimationintothesemonologuesthatIforgetIamalone。WhatIknewnowofHenriettehadupsetmealtogether。
"Whocanshebe，"Isaid，speakingtothewalls；"thisgirlwhoseemstohavethemostelevatedfeelingsundertheveilofthemostcynicallibertinism？ShesaysthatinParmashewishestoremainperfectlyunknown，herownmistress，andIcannot，ofcourse，flattermyselfthatshewillnotplacemeunderthesamerestrictionsasthecaptaintowhomshehasalreadyabandonedherself。Goodbyetomyexpectations，tomymoney，andmyillusions！Butwhoisshe——whatisshe？ShemusthaveeitheraloverorahusbandinParma，orshemustbelongtoarespectablefamily；or，perhaps，thankstoaboundlesslovefordebaucheryandtoherconfidenceinherowncharms，sheintendstosetfortune，misery，anddegradationatdefiance，andtotrytoenslavesomewealthynobleman！Butthatwouldbetheplanofamadwomanorofapersonreducedtoutterdespair，anditdoesnotseemtobethecasewithHenriette。Yetshepossessesnothing。
True，butsherefused，asifshehadbeenprovidedwithallsheneeded，thekindassistanceofamanwhohastherighttoofferit，andfromwhom，insooth，shecanacceptwithoutblushing，sinceshehasnotbeenashamedtogranthimfavourswithwhichlovehadnothingtodo。Doesshethinkthatitislessshamefulforawomantoabandonherselftothedesiresofamanunknownandunlovedthantoreceiveapresentfromanesteemedfriend，andparticularlyattheeveoffindingherselfinthestreet，entirelydestituteinthemiddleofaforeigncity，amongstpeoplewhoselanguageshecannotevenspeak？Perhapsshethinksthatsuchconductwilljustifythe’fauxpas’ofwhichshehasbeenguiltywiththecaptain，andgivehimtounderstandthatshehadabandonedherselftohimonlyforthesakeofescapingfromtheofficerwithwhomshewasinRome。Butsheoughttobequitecertainthatthecaptaindoesnotentertainanyotheridea；heshewshimselfsoreasonablethatitisimpossibletosupposethatheeveradmittedthepossibilityofhavinginspiredherwithaviolentpassion，becauseshehadseenhimoncethroughawindowinCivita—Vecchia。Shemightpossiblyberight，andfeelherselfjustifiedinherconducttowardsthecaptain，butitisnotthesamewithme，forwithherintelligenceshemustbeawarethatI
wouldnothavetravelledwiththemifshehadbeenindifferenttome，andshemustknowthatthereisbutonewayinwhichshecanobtainmypardon。Shemaybeendowedwithmanyvirtues，butshehasnottheonlyonewhichcouldpreventmefromwishingtherewardwhicheverymanexpectstoreceiveatthehandsofthewomanheloves。Ifshewantstoassumeprudishmannerstowardsmeandtomakeadupeofme，Iamboundinhonourtoshewherhowmuchsheismistaken。"
Afterthismonologue，whichhadmademestillmoreangry，Imadeupmymindtohaveanexplanationinthemorningbeforeourdeparture。
"Ishallaskher，"saidItomyself，"tograntmethesamefavourswhichshehassoeasilygrantedtoheroldcaptain，andifImeetwitharefusalthebestrevengewillbetoshewheracoldandprofoundcontemptuntilourarrivalinParma。"
Ifeltsurethatshecouldnotrefusemesomemarksofrealorofpretendedaffection，unlessshewishedtomakeashowofamodestywhichcertainlydidnotbelongtoher，and，knowingthathermodestywouldonlybeallpretence，Iwasdeterminednottobeameretoyinherhands。
Asforthecaptain，Ifeltcertain，fromwhathehadtoldme，thathewouldnotbeangrywithmeifIriskedadeclaration，forasasensiblemanhecouldonlyassumeaneutralposition。
Satisfiedwithmywisereasoning，andwithmymindfullymadeup，I
fellasleep。MythoughtsweretoocompletelyabsorbedbyHenrietteforhernottohauntmydreams，butthedreamwhichIhadthroughoutthenightwassomuchlikerealitythat，onawaking，Ilookedforherinmybed，andmyimaginationwassodeeplystruckwiththedelightsofthatnightthat，ifmydoorhadnotbeenfastenedwithabolt，I
shouldhavebelievedthatshehadleftmeduringmysleeptoresumeherplaceneartheworthyHungarian。
WhenIwasawakeIfoundthatthehappydreamofthenighthadturnedmyloveforthelovelycreatureintoaperfectamorousfrenzy，anditcouldnotbeotherwise。Letthereaderimagineapoordevilgoingtobedbrokendownwithfatigueandstarvation；hesuccumbstosleep，thatmostimperativeofallhumanwants，butinhisdreamhefindshimselfbeforeatablecoveredwitheverydelicacy；whatwillthenhappen？Why，averynaturalresult。Hisappetite，muchmorelivelythanonthepreviousday，doesnotgivehimaminute’sresthemustsatisfyitordieofsheerhunger。
Idressedmyself，resolvedonmakingsureofthepossessionofthewomanwhohadinflamedallmysenses，evenbeforeresumingourjourney。
"IfIdonotsucceed，"Isaidtomyself，"Iwillnotgoonestepfurther。"
But，inordernottooffendagainstpropriety，andnottodeservethereproachesofanhonestman，Ifeltthatitwasmydutytohaveanexplanationwiththecaptaininthefirstplace。
IfancythatIhearoneofthosesensible，calm，passionlessreaders，whohavehadtheadvantageofwhatiscalledayouthwithoutstorms，oroneofthosewhomoldagehasforcedtobecomevirtuous，exclaim，"Cananyoneattachsomuchimportancetosuchnonsense？"
Agehascalmedmypassionsdownbyrenderingthempowerless，butmyhearthasnotgrownold，andmymemoryhaskeptallthefreshnessofyouth；andfarfromconsideringthatsortofthingameretrifle，myonlysorrow，dearreader，arisesfromthefactthatIhavenotthepowertopractise，tothedayofmydeath，thatwhichhasbeentheprincipalaffairofmylife！
WhenIwasreadyIrepairedtothechamberoccupiedbymytwotravellingcompanions，andafterpayingeachofthemtheusualmorningcomplimentsItoldtheofficerthatIwasdeeplyinlovewithHenriette，andIaskedhimwhetherhewouldobjecttomytryingtoobtainherasmymistress。
"Thereasonforwhichshebegsyou，"Iadded，"toleaveherinParmaandnottotakeanyfurthernoticeofher，mustbethatshehopestomeetsomeloverofhersthere。Letmehavehalfanhour’sconversationwithher，andIflattermyselfIcanpersuadehertosacrificethatloverforme。Ifsherefusesme，Iremainhere；youwillgowithhertoParma，whereyouwillleavemycarriageatthepost，onlysendingmeareceipt，sothatIcanclaimitwheneverI
please。"
"Assoonasbreakfastisover，"saidtheexcellentman，"Ishallgoandvisittheinstitute，andleaveyoualonewithHenriette。Ihopeyoumaysucceed，forIshouldbedelightedtoseeherunderyourprotectionwhenIpartwithher。Shouldshepersistinherfirstresolution，Icouldeasilyfinda’vetturino’here，andyoucouldkeepyourcarriage。Ithankyouforyourproposal，anditwillgrievemetoleaveyou。"
Highlypleasedathavingaccomplishedhalfofmytask，andatseeingmyselfnearthedenouement，IaskedthelovelyFrenchwomanwhethershewouldliketoseethesightsofBologna。
"Ishouldlikeitverymuch，"shesaid，"ifIhadsomeotherclothes；
butwithsuchacostumeasthisIdonotcaretoshewmyselfaboutthecity。"
"Thenyoudonotwanttogoout？"
"No。"
"CanIkeepyoucompany？"
"Thatwouldbedelightful:"
Thecaptainwentoutimmediatelyafterbreakfast。ThemomenthehadgoneItoldHenriettethatherfriendhadleftusalonepurposely，soastogivemetheopportunityofaprivateinterviewwithher。
"Tellmenowwhetheryouintendedtheorderwhichyougavehimyesterdaytoforgetyou，nevertoenquireafteryou；andevennottoknowyouifhehappenedtomeetyou，fromthetimeofourarrivalinParma，formeaswellasforhim。"
"ItisnotanorderthatIgavehim；Ihavenorighttodoso，andI
couldnotsofarforgetmyself；itisonlyaprayerIaddressedtohim，aservicewhichcircumstanceshavecompelledmetoclaimathishands，andashehasnorighttorefuseme，Ineverentertainedanydoubtofhisgrantingmycommand。Asfarasyouareconcerned，itiscertainthatIshouldhaveaddressedthesameprayertoyou，ifIhadthoughtthatyouhadanyviewsaboutme。Youhavegivenmesomemarksofyourfriendship，butyoumustunderstandthatif，underthecircumstances，Iamlikelytobeinjuredbythekindattentionsofthecaptain，yourswouldinjurememuchmore。Ifyouhaveanyfriendshipforme，youwouldhavefeltallthat。"
"AsyouknowthatIentertaingreatfriendshipforyou，youcannotpossiblysupposethatIwouldleaveyoualone，withoutmoney，withoutresourcesinthemiddleofacitywhereyoucannotevenmakeyourselfunderstood。Doyouthinkthatamanwhofeelsforyouthemosttenderaffectioncanabandonyouwhenhehasbeenfortunateenoughtomakeyouracquaintance，whenheisawareofthesadpositioninwhichyouareplaced？Ifyouthinksuchathingpossible，youmusthaveaveryfalseideaoffriendship，andshouldsuchamangrantyourrequest，hewouldonlyprovethatheisnotyourfriend。"
"Iamcertainthatthecaptainismyfriend；yetyouhaveheardhim，hewillobeyme，andforgetme。"
"Idonotknowwhatsortofaffectionthathonestmanfeelsforyou，orhowfarhecanrelyuponthecontrolhemayhaveoverhimself，butIknowthatifhecangrantyouwhatyouhaveaskedfromhim，hisfriendshipmustbeofanatureverydifferentfrommine，forIamboundtotellyouitisnotonlyimpossibleformetoaffordyouwillinglythestrangegratificationofabandoningyouinyourposition，buteventhat，ifIgotoParma，youcouldnotpossiblycarryoutyourwishes，becauseIloveyousopassionatelythatyoumustpromisetobemine，orImustremainhere。InthatcaseyoumustgotoParmaalonewiththecaptain，forIfeelthat，ifI
accompaniedyouanyfurther，Ishouldsoonbethemostwretchedofmen。Icouldnotbeartoseeyouwithanotherlover，withahusband，noteveninthemidstofyourfamily；infact，Iwouldfainseeyouandlivewithyouforever。Letmetellyou，lovelyHenriette，thatifitispossibleforaFrenchmantoforget，anItaliancannotdoit，atleastifIjudgefrommyownfeelings。Ihavemadeupmymind，youmustbegoodenoughtodecidenow，andtotellmewhetherIamtoaccompanyyouortoremainhere。Answeryesorno；ifIremainhereitisallover。IshallleaveforNaplesto—morrow，andIknowI
shallbecuredintimeofthemadpassionIfeelforyou，butifyoutellmethatIcanaccompanyyoutoParma，youmustpromisemethatyourheartwillforeverbelongtomealone。Imustbetheonlyonetopossessyou，butIamreadytoacceptasacondition，ifyoulike，thatyoushallnotcrownmyhappinessuntilyouhavejudgedmeworthyofitbymyattentionsandbymylovingcare。Now，bekindenoughtodecidebeforethereturnofthetoohappycaptain。Heknowsall，forIhavetoldhimwhatIfeel。"
"Andwhatdidheanswer？"
"Thathewouldbehappytoseeyouundermyprotection。Butwhatisthemeaningofthatsmileplayingonyourlips？"
"Pray，allowmetolaugh，forIhaveneverinmyliferealizedtheideaofafuriousdeclarationoflove。Doyouunderstandwhatitistosaytoawomaninadeclarationwhichoughttobepassionate，butatthesametimetenderandgentle，thefollowingterriblewords:
’Madam，makeyourchoice，eitheroneortheother，anddecideinstanter！’Ha！ha！ha！"
"Yes，Iunderstandperfectly。Itisneithergentle，norgallant，norpathetic，butitispassionate。Rememberthatthisisaseriousmatter，andthatIhaveneveryetfoundmyselfsomuchpressedbytime。Canyou，onyourside，realizethepainfulpositionofaman，who，beingdeeplyinlove，findshimselfcompelledtotakeadecisionwhichmayperhapsdecideissuesoflifeanddeath？Begoodenoughtoremarkthat，inspiteofthepassionraginginme，IdonotfailintherespectIoweyou；thattheresolutionIintendtotake，ifyoushouldpersistinyouroriginaldecision，isnotathreat，butaneffortworthyofahero，whichoughttocallforyouresteem。Ibegofyoutoconsiderthatwecannotaffordtolosetime。Thewordchoosemustnotsoundharshlyinyourears，sinceitleavesmyfateaswellasyoursentirelyinyourhands。Tofeelcertainofmylove，doyouwanttoseemekneelingbeforeyoulikeasimpleton，cryingandentreatingyoutotakepityonme？No，madam，thatwouldcertainlydispleaseyou，anditwouldnothelpme。Iamconsciousofbeingworthyofyourlove，Ithereforeaskforthatfeelingandnotforpity。Leaveme，ifIdispleaseyou，butletmegoaway；forifyouarehumaneenoughtowishthatIshouldforgetyou，allowmetogofarawayfromyousoastomakemysorrowlessimmense。ShouldI
followyoutoParma，Iwouldnotanswerformyself，forImightgivewaytomydespair。Considereverythingwell，Ibeseechyou；youwouldindeedbeguiltyofgreatcruelty，wereyoutoanswernow:
’CometoParma，althoughImustbegofyounottoseemeinthatcity。’Confessthatyoucannot，inallfairness，givemesuchananswer；amInotright？"
"Certainly，ifyoutrulyloveme。"
"GoodGod！ifIloveyou？Oh，yes！believeme，myloveisimmense，sincere！Now，decidemyfate。"
"What！alwaysthesamesong？"
"Yes。"
"Butareyouawarethatyoulookveryangry？"
"No，foritisnotso。Iamonlyinastateofuncontrollableexcitement，inoneofthedecisivehoursofmylife，apreytothemostfearfulanxiety。Ioughttocursemywhimsicaldestinyandthe’sbirri’ofCesena（mayGodcursethem，too！），for，withoutthem，I
shouldneverhaveknownyou。"
"Areyou，then，soverysorrytohavemademyacquaintance？"
"HaveInotsomereasontobeso？"
"No，forIhavenotgivenyoumydecisionyet。"
"NowIbreathemorefreely，forIamsureyouwilltellmetoaccompanyyoutoParma。"
"Yes，cometoParma。"
EndMEMOIRSOFJACQUESCASANOVAdeSEINGALT1725—1798
TOPARISANDPRISON，Volume2a——PARIS
THERAREUNABRIDGEDLONDONEDITIONOF1894TRANSLATEDBYARTHUR
MACHENTOWHICHHASBEENADDEDTHECHAPTERSDISCOVERED
BYARTHURSYMONS。
PARIS
CHAPTERI
LeaveBolognaaHappyMan——TheCaptainPartsfromUsinReggio，whereISpendaDelightfulNightwithHenriette——OurArrivalinParma——
HenrietteResumestheCostumeofaWoman；OurMutualFelicity——IMeetSomeRelativesofMine，butDonotDiscoverMyselfThereadercaneasilyguessthattherewasachangeassuddenasatransformationinapantomime，andthattheshortbutmagicsentence，"CometoParma，"provedaveryfortunatecatastrophe，thankstowhichIrapidlychanged，passingfromthetragictothegentlemood，fromtheserioustothetendertone。Soothtosay，Ifellatherfeet，andlovinglypressingherkneesIkissedthemrepeatedlywithrapturesofgratitude。Nomore’furore’，nomorebitterwords；theydonotsuitthesweetestofallhumanfeelings！Loving，docile，grateful，Iswearnevertobegforanyfavour，noteventokissherhand，untilIhaveshewnmyselfworthyofherpreciouslove！Theheavenlycreature，delightedtoseemepasssorapidlyfromdespairtothemostlivelytenderness，tellsme，withavoicethetoneofwhichbreathesoflove，togetupfrommyknees。
"Iamsurethatyouloveme，"saysshe，"andbequitecertainthatI
shallleavenothingundonetosecuretheconstancyofyourfeelings。"
EvenifshehadsaidthatshelovedmeasmuchasIadoredher，shewouldnothavebeenmoreeloquent，forherwordsexpressedallthatcanbefelt。Mylipswerepressedtoherbeautifulhandsasthecaptainenteredtheroom。Hecomplimenteduswithperfectgoodfaith，andItoldhim，myfacebeamingwithhappiness，thatIwasgoingtoorderthecarriage。Ileftthemtogether，andinashorttimewewereonourroad，cheerful，pleased，andmerry。
BeforereachingReggiothehonestcaptaintoldmethatinhisopinionitwouldbebetterforhimtoproceedtoParmaalone，as，ifwearrivedinthatcityalltogether，itmightcausesomeremarks，andpeoplewouldtalkaboutusmuchlessifwewerewithouthim。Weboththoughthimquiteright，andweimmediatelymadeupourmindstopassthenightinReggio，whilethecaptainwouldtakeapost—chaiseandgoalonetoParma。AccordingtothatarrangementhistrunkwastransferredtothevehiclewhichhehiredinReggio，hebadeusfarewellandwentaway，afterhavingpromisedtodinewithusonthefollowingdayinParma。
ThedecisiontakenbytheworthyHungarianwas，doubtless，asagreeabletomylovelyfriendastome，forourdelicacywouldhavecondemnedustoagreatreserveinhispresence。Andtruly，underthenewcircumstances，howwerewetoarrangeforourlodgingsinReggio？Henriettecouldnot，ofcourse，sharethebedofthecaptainanymore，andshecouldnothavesleptwithmeaslongashewaswithus，withoutbeingguiltyofgreatimmodesty。Weshouldallthreehavelaughedatthatcompulsoryreservewhichwewouldhavefelttoberidiculous，butweshould，forallthat，havesubmittedtoit。
Loveisthelittleimpudentgod，theenemyofbashfulness，althoughhemayveryoftenenjoydarknessandmystery，butifhegiveswaytoithefeelsdisgraced；helosesthree—fourthsofhisdignityandthegreatestportionofhischarms。
EvidentlytherecouldbenohappinessforHenrietteorformeunlesswepartedwiththepersonandevenwiththeremembranceoftheexcellentcaptain。
Wesuppedalone。Iwasintoxicatedwithafelicitywhichseemedtooimmense，andyetIfeltmelancholy，butHenriette，wholookedsadlikewise，hadnoreproachtoaddresstome。Oursadnesswasinrealitynothingbutshyness；welovedeachother，butwehadhadnotimetobecomeacquainted。Weexchangedonlyafewwords，therewasnothingwitty，nothinginterestinginourconversation，whichstruckusbothasinsipid，andwefoundmorepleasureinthethoughtswhichfilledourminds。Weknewthatweweregoingtopassthenighttogether，butwecouldnothavespokenofitopenly。Whatanight！
whatadelightfulcreaturewasthatHenriettewhomIhavelovedsodeeply，whohasmademesosupremelyhappy！
ItwasonlythreeorfourdayslaterthatIventuredonaskingherwhatshewouldhavedone，withoutagroatinherpossession，havingnotoneacquaintanceinParma，ifIhadbeenafraidtodeclaremylove，andifIhadgonetoNaples。Sheansweredthatshewoulddoubtlesshavefoundherselfinverygreatdifficulties，butthatshehadallalongfeltcertainofmylove，andthatshehadforeseenwhathadhappened。Sheaddedthat，beingimpatienttoknowwhatIthoughtofher，shehadaskedmetotranslatetothecaptainwhatshehadexpressedrespectingherresolution，knowingthathecouldneitheropposethatresolutionnorcontinuetolivewithher，andthat，asshehadtakencarenottoincludemeintheprayerwhichshehadaddressedtohimthroughme，shehadthoughtitimpossiblethatI
shouldfailtoaskwhetherIcouldbeofsomeservicetoher，waitingtotakeadecisionuntilshecouldhaveascertainedthenatureofmyfeelingstowardsher。Sheconcludedbytellingmethatifshehadfallenitwasthefaultofherhusbandandofherfather—in—law，bothofwhomshecharacterizedasmonstersratherthanmen。
WhenwereachedParma，IgavethepolicethenameofFarusi，thesamethatIhadassumedinCesena；itwasthefamilynameofmymother；
whileHenriettewrotedown，"AnneD’Arci，fromFrance。"Whilewewereansweringthequestionsoftheofficer，ayoungFrenchman，smartandintelligent—looking，offeredmehisservices，andadvisedmenottoputupattheposting—inn，buttotakelodgingsatD’Andremorit’s。
hotel，whereIshouldfindgoodapartments，Frenchcooking，andthebestFrenchwines。
SeeingthatHenriettewaspleasedwiththeproposal，Itoldtheyoungmantotakeusthere，andweweresoonverycomfortablylodged。I
engagedtheFrenchmanbytheday，andcarefullysettledallmyarrangementswithD’Andremont。AfterthatIattendedtothehousingofmycarriage。
Cominginagainforafewminutes，ItoldHenriettethatIwouldreturnintimefordinner，and，orderingtheservanttoremainintheante—room，Iwentoutalone。
Parmawasthengroaningunderanewgovernment。Ihadeveryreasontosupposethattherewerespieseverywhereandundereveryform。I
thereforedidnotwanttohaveatmyheelsavaletwhomighthaveinjuredratherthanservedme。ThoughIwasinmyfather’snativecity，Ihadnoacquaintancesthere，butIknewthatIshouldsoonfindmyway。
WhenIfoundmyselfinthestreets，IscarcelycouldbelievethatI
wasinItaly，foreverythinghadatramontaneappearance。IheardnothingbutFrenchandSpanish，andthosewhodidnotspeakoneofthoselanguagesseemedtobewhisperingtooneanother。Iwasgoingaboutatrandom，lookingforahosier，yetunwillingtoenquirewhereIcouldfindone；atlastIsawwhatIwanted。
Ienteredtheshop，andaddressingmyselftoastout，good—lookingwomanseatedbehindthecounter，Isaid，"Madam，Iwishtomakesomepurchases。"
"Sir，shallIsendforsomeonespeakingFrench？"
"Youneednotdoso，IamanItalian。"
"Godbepraised！Italiansarescarceinthesedays。"
"Whyscarce？"
"DoyounotknowthatDonPhiliphasarrived，andthathiswife，MadamedeFrance，isontheroad？"
"Icongratulateyou，foritmustmaketradeverygood。Isupposethatmoneyisplentiful，andthatthereisabundanceofallcommodities。"
"Thatistrue，buteverythingishighinprice，andwecannotgetreconciledtothesenewfashions。TheyareabadmixtureofFrenchfreedomandSpanishhaughtinesswhichaddlesourbrains。But，sir，whatsortoflinendoyourequire？"
"Inthefirstplace，ImusttellyouthatInevertrytodriveahardbargain，thereforebecareful。Ifyouchargemetoomuch，Ishallnotcomeagain。Iwantsomefinelinenfortwenty—fourchemises，somedimityforstaysandpetticoats，somemuslin，somecambricforpocket—handkerchiefs，andmanyotherarticleswhichIshouldbeverygladtofindinyourshop，forIamastrangerhere，andGodknowsinwhathandsIamgoingtotrustmyself！"
"Youwillbeinhonestones，ifyouwillgivemeyourconfidence。"
"Iamsurethatyoudeserveit，andIabandonmyintereststoyou。
Iwantlikewisetofindsomeneedlewomenwillingtoworkinthelady’sroom，becausesherequireseverythingtobemadeveryrapidly。"
"Anddresses？"
"Yes，dresses，caps，mantles—infact，everything，forsheisnaked。"
"Withmoneyshewillsoonhaveallshewants。Issheyoung？"。
"SheisfouryearsyoungerthanI。Sheismywife。"
"Ah！mayGodblessyou！Anychildren？"
"Notyet，mygoodlady；buttheywillcome，forwedoallthatisnecessarytohavethem。"
"Ihavenodoubtofit。HowpleasedIam！Well，sir，Ishallsendfortheveryphoenixofalldressmakers。Inthemeantime，choosewhatyourequire，itwillamuseyou。"
Itookthebestofeverythingandpaid，andthedressmakermakingherappearanceatthatmomentIgavemyaddress，requestingthatvarioussortsofstuffmightbesentatonce。Itoldthedressmakerandherdaughter，whohadcomewithher，tofollowmeandtocarrythelinen。
OnmywaytothehotelIboughtseveralpairsofsilkstockings，andtookwithmeabootmakerwholivedcloseby。
Oh，whatadelightfulmoment！Henriette，whohadnottheslightestideaofwhatIhadgoneoutfor，lookedateverythingwithgreatpleasure，yetwithoutanyofthosedemonstrationswhichannounceaselfishorinteresteddisposition。SheshewedhergratitudeonlybythedelicatepraisewhichshebestoweduponmytasteanduponthequalityofthearticlesIhadpurchased。Shewasnotmorecheerfulonaccountofmypresents，butthetenderaffectionwithwhichshelookedatmewasthebestproofofhergratefulfeelings。
ThevaletIhadhiredhadenteredtheroomwiththeshoemaker。
Henriettetoldhimquietlytowithdraw，andnottocomeunlesshewascalled。Thedressmakersettowork，theshoemakertookhermeasure，andItoldhimtobringsomeslippers。Hereturnedinashorttime，andthevaletcameinagainwithhimwithouthavingbeencalled。Theshoemaker，whospokeFrench，wastalkingtheusualnonsenseofdealers，whensheinterruptedhimtoaskthevalet，whowasstandingfamiliarlyintheroom，whathewanted。
"Nothing，madam，Iamonlywaitingforyourorders。"
"HaveInottoldyouthatyouwouldbecalledwhenyourserviceswererequired？"
"Ishouldliketoknowwhoismymaster，youorthegentleman？"
"Neither，"Ireplied，laughing。"Hereareyourday’swages。Beoffatonce。"
Theshoemaker，seeingthatHenriettespokeonlyFrench，beggedtorecommendateacheroflanguages。
"Whatcountrydoeshebelongto？"sheenquired。
"ToFlanders，madam，"answeredCrispin，"heisaverylearnedman，aboutfiftyyearsold。Heissaidtobeagoodman。Hechargesthreelibbreforeachlessonofonehour，andsixfortwohours，butherequirestobepaideachtime。"
"Mydear，"saidHenriettetome，"doyouwishmetoengagethatmaster？"
"Yes，dearest，itwillamuseyou。"
TheshoemakerpromisedtosendtheFlemishprofessorthenextmorning。
Thedressmakerswerehardatwork，themothercuttingandthedaughtersewing，but，asprogresscouldnotbetoorapid，ItoldthemotherthatshewouldobligeusifshecouldprocureanotherseamstresswhospokeFrench。
"Youshallhaveonethisveryday，sir，"sheanswered，andsheofferedmetheservicesofherownsonasaservant，sayingthatifI
tookhimIshouldbecertaintohaveneitherathiefnoraspyaboutme，andthathespokeFrenchprettywell。Henriettethoughtwecouldnotdobetterthantaketheyoungman。Ofcoursethatwasenoughtomakemeconsentatonce，fortheslightestwishofthewomanweloveisoursupremelaw。Themotherwentforhim，andshebroughtbackatthesametimethehalf—Frenchdressmaker。Itallamusedmygoddess，wholookedveryhappy。
Theyoungmanwasabouteighteen，pleasant，gentleandmodest。I
enquiredhisname，andheansweredthatitwasCaudagna。
Thereadermayverylikelyrecollectthatmyfather’snativeplacehadbeenParma，andthatoneofhissistershadmarriedaCaudagna。
"Itwouldbeacuriouscoincidence，"Ithought，"ifthatdressmakershouldbemyaunt，andmyvaletmycousin！"butIdidnotsayitaloud。
HenrietteaskedmeifIhadanyobjectiontothefirstdressmakerdiningatourtable。
"Ientreatyou，mydarling，"Ianswered，"never，forthefuture，toaskmyconsentinsuchtriflingmatters。Bequitecertain，mybeloved，thatIshallalwaysapproveeverythingyoumaydo。"
Shesmiledandthankedme。Itookoutmypurse，andsaidtoher；
"Takethesefiftysequins，dearest，topayforallyoursmallexpenses，andtobuythemanytrifleswhichIshouldbesuretoforget。"
Shetookthemoney，assuringmethatshewasvastlyobligedtome。
Ashorttimebeforedinnertheworthycaptainmadehisappearance。
Henrietterantomeethimandkissedhim，callinghimherdearfather，andIfollowedherexamplebycallinghimmyfriend。Mybelovedlittlewifeinvitedhimtodinewithuseveryday。Theexcellentfellow，seeingallthewomenworkingbusilyforHenriette，washighlypleasedathavingprocuredsuchagoodpositionforhisyoungadventuress，andIcrownedhishappinessbytellinghimthatI
wasindebtedtohimformyfelicity。
Ourdinnerwasdelicious，anditprovedacheerfulmeal。IfoundoutthatHenriettewasdainty，andmyoldfriendaloverofgoodwines。
Iwasboth，andfeltthatIwasamatchforthem。WetastedseveralexcellentwineswhichD’Andremonthadrecommended，andaltogetherwehadaverygooddinner。
Theyoungvaletpleasedmeinconsequenceoftherespectfulmannerinwhichheservedeveryone，hismotheraswellashismasters。Hissisterandtheotherseamstresshaddinedapart。
Wewereenjoyingourdessertwhenthehosierwasannounced，accompaniedbyanotherwomanandamillinerwhocouldspeakFrench。
Theotherwomanhadbroughtpatternsofallsortsofdresses。IletHenrietteordercaps，head—dresses，etc。，asshepleased，butIwouldinterfereinthedressdepartmentalthoughIcompliedwiththeexcellenttasteofmycharmingfriend。Imadeherchoosefourdresses，andIwasindeedgratefulforherreadyacceptanceofthem，formyownhappinesswasincreasedinproportiontothepleasureI
gaveherandtheinfluenceIwasobtainingoverherheart。
Thusdidwespendthefirstday，andwecouldcertainlynothaveaccomplishedmore。
Intheevening，aswewerealoneatsupper，Ifanciedthatherlovelyfacelookedsad。Itoldherso。
"Mydarling，"sheanswered，withavoicewhichwenttomyheart，"youarespendingagreatdealofmoneyonme，andifyoudosointhehopeofmylovingyoumoredearlyImusttellyouitismoneylost，forIdonotloveyounowmorethanIdidyesterday，butIdoloveyouwithmywholeheart。AllyoumaydothatisnotstrictlynecessarypleasesmeonlybecauseIseemoreandmorehowworthyyouareofme，butitisnotneededtomakemefeelallthedeeplovewhichyoudeserve。"
"Ibelieveyou，dearest，andmyhappinessisindeedgreatifyoufeelthatyourloveformecannotbeincreased。Butlearnalso，delightofmyheart，thatIhavedoneitallonlytotrytoloveyouevenmorethanIdo，ifpossible。Iwishtoseeyoubeautifulandbrilliantintheattireofyoursex，andifthereisonedropofbitternessinthefragrantcupofmyfelicity，itisaregretatnotbeingabletosurroundyouwiththehalowhichyoudeserve。CanIbeotherwisethandelighted，mylove，ifyouarepleased？"
"Youcannotforonemomentdoubtmybeingpleased，andasyouhavecalledmeyourwifeyouarerightinoneway，butifyouarenotveryrichIleaveittoyoutojudgehowdeeplyIoughttoreproachmyself。"
"Ah，mybelovedangel！letme，Ibegofyou，believemyselfwealthy，andbequitecertainthatyoucannotpossiblybethecauseofmyruin。Youwerebornonlyformyhappiness。AllIwishisthatyoumayneverleaveme。TellmewhetherIcanentertainsuchahope。"
"Iwishitmyself，dearest，butwhocanbesureofthefuture？Areyoufree？Areyoudependentonanyone？"
"Iamfreeinthebroadestmeaningofthatword，Iamdependentonnoonebutyou，andIlovetobeso。"
"Icongratulateyou，andIamverygladofit，fornoonecantearyoufrommyarms，but，alas！youknowthatIcannotsaythesameasyou。Iamcertainthatsomepersonsare，evennow，seekingforme，andtheywillnotfinditverydifficulttosecuremeiftheyeverdiscoverwhereIam。Alas！IfeelhowmiserableIshouldbeiftheyeversucceededindraggingmeawayfromyou！"
"Youmakemetremble。Areyouafraidofsuchadreadfulmisfortunehere？"
"No，unlessIshouldhappentobeseenbysomeoneknowingme。"
"Areanysuchpersonslikelytobehereatpresent？"
"Ithinknot。"
"Thendonotletourlovetakealarm，Itrustyourfearswillneverbeverified。Only，mydarlingone，youmustbeascheerfulasyouwereinCesena。"
"Ishallbemoretrulysonow，dearfriend。InCesenaIwasmiserable；whilenowIamhappy。Donotbeafraidofmybeingsad，forIamofanaturallycheerfuldisposition。"
"IsupposethatinCesenayouwereafraidofbeingcaughtbytheofficerwhomyouhadleftinRome？"
"Notatall；thatofficerwasmyfather—in—law，andIamquitecertainthathenevertriedtoascertainwhereIhadgone。Hewasonlytoogladtogetridofme。IfeltunhappybecauseIcouldnotbeartobeachargeonamanwhomIcouldnotlove，andwithwhomI
couldnotevenexchangeonethought。RecollectalsothatIcouldnotfindconsolationintheideathatIwasministeringtohishappiness，forIhadonlyinspiredhimwithapassingfancywhichhehadhimselfvaluedattensequins。Icouldnothelpfeelingthathisfancy，oncegratified，wasnotlikelyathistimeoflifetobecomeamorelastingsentiment，andIcouldthereforeonlybeaburdentohim，forhewasnotwealthy。Besides，therewasamiserableconsiderationwhichincreasedmysecretsorrow。Ithoughtmyselfboundindutytocarresshim，andonhisside，ashethoughtthatheoughttopaymeinthesamemoney，Iwasafraidofhisruininghishealthforme，andthatideamademeveryunhappy。Havingnoloveforeachother，weallowedafoolishfeelingofregardtomakebothofusuncomfortable。
Welavished，forthesakeofawell—meaningbutfalsedecorum，thatwhichbelongstolovealone。Anotherthingtroubledme，greatly。I
wasafraidlestpeoplemightsupposethatIwasasourceofprofittohim。Thatideamademefeelthedeepestshame，yet，wheneverI
thoughtofit，Icouldnothelpadmittingthatsuchasupposition，howeverfalse，wasnotwantinginprobability。Itisowingtothatfeelingthatyoufoundmesoreservedtowardsyou，forIwasafraidthatyoumightharbourthatfearfulideaifIallowed，youtoreadinmylooksthefavourableimpressionwhichyouhadmadeonmyheart。"
"Thenitwasnotowingtoafeelingofself—love？"
"No，Iconfessit，foryoucouldbutjudgemeasIdeserved。Ihadbeenguiltyofthefollynowknowntoyoubecausemyfather—in—lawintendedtoburymeinaconvent，andthatdidnotsuitmytaste。
But，dearestfriend，youmustforgivemeif，Icannotconfideeventoyouthehistoryofmylife。"
"Irespectyoursecret，darling；youneednotfearanyintrusionfrommeonthatsubject。Allwehavetodoistoloveoneanother，andnottoallowanydreadofthefuturetomarouractualfelicity。"
Thenextday，afteranightofintenseenjoyment，Ifoundmyselfmoredeeplyinlovethanbefore，andthenextthreemonthswerespentbyusinanintoxicationofdelight。
Atnineo’clockthenextmorningtheteacherofItalianwasannounced。Isawamanofrespectableappearance，polite，modest，speakinglittlebutwell，reservedinhisanswers，andwiththemannersofoldentimes。Weconversed，andIcouldnothelplaughingwhenhesaid，withanairofperfectgoodfaith，thataChristiancouldonlyadmitthesystemofCopernicusasacleverhypothesis。
IansweredthatitwasthesystemofGodHimselfbecauseitwasthatofnature，andthatitwasnotinHolyScripturethatthelawsofsciencecouldbelearned。
TheteachersmiledinamannerwhichbetrayedtheTartufe，andifI
hadconsultedonlymyownfeelingsIshouldhavedismissedthepoorman，butIthoughtthathemightamuseHenrietteandteachherItalian；afterallitwaswhatIwantedfromhim。Mydearwifetoldhimthatshewouldgivehimsixlibbreforalessonoftwohours:thelibbraofParmabeingworthonlyaboutthreepence，hislessonswerenotveryexpensive。Shetookherfirstlessonimmediatelyandgavehimtwosequins，askinghimtopurchasehersomegoodnovels。
WhilstmydearHenriettewastakingherlesson，Ihadsomeconversationwiththedressmaker，inordertoascertainwhethershewasarelativeofmine。
"Whatdoesyourhusbanddo？"Iaskedher。
"HeisstewardtotheMarquisofSissa。"
"Isyourfatherstillalive？"
"No，sir，heisdead。"
"Whatwashisfamilyname？"
"Scotti。"
"Areyourhusband’sparentsstillalive？"
"Hisfatherisdead，buthismotherisstillalive，andresideswithheruncle，CanonCasanova。"
Thatwasenough。ThegoodwomanwasmyWelshcousin，andherchildrenweremyWelshnephews。MynieceJeannetonwasnotpretty；
butsheappearedtobeagoodgirl。Icontinuedmyconversationwiththemother，butIchangedthetopic。
"AretheParmesanssatisfiedwithbeingthesubjectsofaSpanishprince？"
"Satisfied？Well，inthatcase，weshouldbeeasilypleased，forwearenowinaregularmaze。Everythingisupset，wedonotknowwhereweare。Oh！happytimesofthehouseofFarnese，whitherhaveyoudeparted？ThedaybeforeyesterdayIwenttothetheatre，andHarlequinmadeeverybodyroarwithlaughter。Well，now，fancy，DonPhilipo，ournewduke，didallhecouldtoremainserious，andwhenhecouldnotmanageit，hewouldhidehisfaceinhishatsothatpeopleshouldnotseethathewaslaughing，foritissaidthatlaughteroughtnevertodisturbthegraveandstiffcountenanceofanInfanteofSpain，andthathewouldbedishonouredinMadridifhedidnotconcealhismirth。Whatdoyouthinkofthat？Cansuchmannerssuitus？Herewelaughwillinglyandheartily！Oh！thegoodDukeAntonio（Godresthissoul！）wascertainlyasgreataprinceasDukePhilipo，buthedidnothidehimselffromhissubjectswhenhewaspleased，andhewouldsometimeslaughsoheartilythathecouldbeheardinthestreets。Nowweareallinthemostfearfulconfusion，andforthelastthreemonthsnooneinParmaknowswhat’so’clock。"
"Havealltheclocksbeendestroyed？"
"No，buteversinceGodcreatedtheworld，thesunhasalwaysgonedownathalf—pastfive，andatsixthebellshavealwaysbeentolledfortheAngelus。Allrespectablepeopleknewthatatthattimethecandlehadtobelit。Now，itisverystrange，thesunhasgonemad，forhesetseverydayatadifferenthour。Ourpeasantsdonotknowwhentheyaretocometomarket。Allthatiscalledaregulationbutdoyouknowwhy？Becausenoweverybodyknowsthatdinneristobeeatenattwelveo’clock。Afineregulation，indeed！UndertheFarneseweusedtoeatwhenwewerehungry，andthatwasmuchbetter。"
Thatwayofreasoningwascertainlysingular，butIdidnotthinkitsoundedfoolishinthemouthofawomanofhumblerank。Itseemstomethatagovernmentoughtnevertodestroyancientcustomsabruptly，andthatinnocenterrorsoughttobecorrectedonlybydegrees。
Henriettehadnowatch。Ifeltdelightedattheideaofofferinghersuchapresent，andIwentouttopurchaseone，butafterIhadboughtaveryfinewatch，Ithoughtofear—rings，ofafan，andofmanyotherprettynicknacks。OfcourseIboughtthemallatonce。
Shereceivedallthosegiftsofferedbylovewithatenderdelicacywhichoverjoyedme。ShewasstillwiththeteacherwhenIcameback。
"Ishouldhavebeenable，"hesaidtome，"toteachyourladyheraldry，geography，history，andtheuseoftheglobes，butsheknowsthatalready。Shehasreceivedanexcellenteducation。"
Theteacher’snamewasValentindelaHaye。Hetoldmethathewasanengineerandprofessorofmathematics。IshallhavetospeakofhimveryoftenintheseMemoirs，andmyreaderswillmakehisacquaintancebyhisdeedsbetterthanbyanyportraitIcouldgiveofhim，soIwillmerelysaythathewasatrueTartufe，aworthypupilofEscobar。
WehadapleasantdinnerwithourHungarianfriend。Henriettewasstillwearingtheuniform，andIlongedtoseeherdressedasawoman。Sheexpectedadresstobereadyforthenextday，andshewasalreadysuppliedwithpetticoatsandchemises。
Henriettewasfullofwitandamistressofrepartee。Themilliner，whowasanativeofLyons，cameinonemorning，andsaidinFrench:
"MadameetMonsieur，j’ail’honneurdevoussouhaiterlebonjour。"
"Why，"saidmyfriend，"doyounotsayMonsieuretmadame？"
"Ihavealwaysheardthatinsocietytheprecedenceisgiventotheladies。"
"Butfromwhomdowewishtoreceivethathonour？"
"Fromgentlemen，ofcourse。"
"Anddoyounotseethatwomenwouldrenderthemselvesridiculousiftheydidnotgranttomenthesamethattheyexpectfromthem。Ifwewishthemnevertofailinpolitenesstowardsus，wemustshewthemtheexample。"
"Madam，"answeredtheshrewdmilliner，"youhavetaughtmeanexcellentlesson，andIwillprofitbyit。Monsieuretmadame，jesuisvotreservante。"
Thisfemininecontroversygreatlyamusedme。
Thosewhodonotbelievethatawomancanmakeamanhappythroughthetwenty—fourhoursofthedayhaveneverpossessedawomanlikeHenriette。Thehappinesswhichfilledme，ifIcanexpressitinthatmanner，wasmuchgreaterwhenIconversedwithhereventhanwhenIheldherinmyarms。Shehadreadmuch，shehadgreattact，andhertastewasnaturallyexcellent；herjudgmentwassane，and，withoutbeinglearned，shecouldarguelikeamathematician，easilyandwithoutpretension，andineverythingshehadthatnaturalgracewhichissocharming。Shenevertriedtobewittywhenshesaidsomethingofimportance，butaccompaniedherwordswithasmilewhichimpartedtothemanappearanceoftrifling，andbroughtthemwithintheunderstandingofall。Inthatwayshewouldgiveintelligenceeventothosewhohadnone，andshewoneveryheart。Beautywithoutwitofferslovenothingbutthematerialenjoymentofitsphysicalcharms，whilstwittyuglinesscaptivatesbythecharmsofthemind，andatlastfulfilsallthedesiresofthemanithascaptivated。
ThenwhatwasmypositionduringallthetimethatIpossessedmybeautifulandwittyHenriette？ThatofamansosupremelyhappythatIcouldscarcelyrealizemyfelicity！
Letanyoneaskabeautifulwomanwithoutwitwhethershewouldbewillingtoexchangeasmallportionofherbeautyforasufficientdoseofwit。Ifshespeaksthetruth，shewillsay，"No，IamsatisfiedtobeasIam。"Butwhyisshesatisfied？Becausesheisnotawareofherowndeficiency。Letanuglybutwittywomanbeaskedifshewouldchangeherwitagainstbeauty，andshewillnothestitateinsayingno。Why？Because，knowingthevalueofherwit，sheiswellawarethatitissufficientbyitselftomakeheraqueeninanysociety。
Butalearnedwoman，ablue—stocking，isnotthecreaturetoministertoaman’shappiness。Positiveknowledgeisnotawoman’sprovince。
Itisantipathetictothegentlenessofhernature，totheamenity，tothesweettimiditywhicharethegreatestcharmsofthefairsex，besides，womennevercarrytheirlearningbeyondcertainlimits，andthetittle—tattleofblue—stockingscandazzlenoonebutfools。
Therehasneverbeenonegreatdiscoveryduetoawoman。Thefairsexisdeficientinthatvigorouspowerwhichthebodylendstothemind，butwomenareevidentlysuperiortomeninsimplereasoning，indelicacyoffeelings，andinthatspeciesofmeritwhichappertainstotheheartratherthantothemind。
Hurlsomeidlesophismatawomanofintelligence。Shewillnotunravelit，butshewillnotbedeceivedbyit，and，thoughshemaynotsayso，shewillletyouguessthatshedoesnotacceptit。A
man，onthecontrary，ifhecannotunravelthesophism，takesitinaliteralsense，andinthatrespectthelearnedwomanisexactlythesameasman。WhataburdenaMadameDaciermustbetoaman！MayGodsaveeveryhonestmanfromsuch！
Whenthenewdresswasbrought，Henriettetoldmethatshedidnotwantmetowitnesstheprocessofhermetamorphosis，andshedesiredmetogooutforawalkuntilshehadresumedheroriginalform。I
obeyedcheerfully，fortheslightestwishofthewomanweloveisalaw，andourveryobedienceincreasesourhappiness。