Ithankedherforhervisit，beggedhertobeseated，andIexpressedalltheinterestIfeltforher。Hergratitudesheweditselfmorebythetoneofhervoicethanbyherwords，andherconfidencebeingalreadycaptivatedshetoldmeartlessly，butnotwithoutsomedignity，hershorthistoryorratherhersituation，andsheconcludedbythesewords:
　　"Imustinthecourseofthedayfindalessexpensivelodging，forI
　　onlypossesssixfrancs。"
　　Iaskedherwhethershehadanylettersofrecommendation，andshedrewoutofherpocketaparcelofpaperscontainingsevenoreighttestimonialsofgoodconductandhonesty，andapassport。
　　"Isthisallyouhave，mydearcountrywoman？"
　　"Yes。Iintendtocallwithmybrotheruponthesecretaryofwar，andIhopehewilltakepityonme。"
　　"Youdonotknowanybodyhere？"
　　"Notoneperson，sir；youarethefirstmaninFrancetowhomIhaveexposedmysituation。"
　　"Iamacountrymanofyours，andyouarerecommendedtomebyyourpositionaswellasbyyourage；Iwishtobeyouradviser，ifyouwillpermitme。"
　　"Ah，sir！howgratefulIwouldbe！"
　　"Donotmentionit。Givemeyourpapers，Iwillseewhatistobedonewiththem。Donotrelateyourhistorytoanyone，anddonotsayonewordaboutyourposition。Youhadbetterremainatthishotel。
　　HerearetwoLouiswhichIwilllendyouuntilyouareinapositiontoreturnthemtome。"
　　Sheaccepted，expressingherheart—feltgratitude。
　　MademoiselleVesianwasaninterestingbrunetteofsixteen。ShehadagoodknowledgeofFrenchandItalian，gracefulmanners，andadignitywhichendowedherwithaverynobleappearance。Sheinformedmeofheraffairswithoutmeanness，yetwithoutthattimiditywhichseemstoarisefromafearofthepersonwholistensbeingdisposedtotakeadvantageofthedistressingpositionconfidedtohishonour。
　　Sheseemedneitherhumiliatednorbold；shehadhope，andshedidnotboastofhercourage。Hervirtuewasbynomeansostentatious，buttherewasinheranairofmodestywhichwouldcertainlyhaveputarestraintuponanyonedisposedtofailinrespecttowardsher。I
　　felttheeffectofitmyself，forinspiteofherbeautifuleyes，herfinefigure，ofthefreshnessofhercomplexion，hertransparentskin，hernegligee——inoneword，allthatcantemptamanandwhichfilledmewithburningdesires，Ididnotforoneinstantlosecontrolovermyself；shehadinspiredmewithafeelingofrespectwhichhelpedmetomastermysenses，andIpromisedmyselfnotonlytoattemptnothingagainsthervirtue，butalsonottobethefirstmantomakeherdeviatefromtherightpath。Ieventhoughtitbettertopostponetoanotherinterviewalittlespeechonthatsubject，theresultofwhichmightbetomakemefollowadifferentcourse。
　　"Youarenowinacity，"Isaidtoher，"inwhichyourdestinymustunfolditself，andinwhichallthefinequalitieswhichnaturehassobountifullybestoweduponyou，andwhichmayultimatelycauseyourfortune，maylikewisecauseyourruin；forhere，bydearcountrywoman，wealthymendespisealllibertinewomenexceptthosewhohaveofferedthemthesacrificeoftheirvirtue。Ifyouarevirtuous，andaredetermineduponremainingso，prepareyourselftobearagreatdealofmisery；ifyoufeelyourselfsufficientlyabovewhatiscalledprejudice，if，inoneword，youfeeldisposedtoconsenttoeverything，inordertosecureacomfortableposition，beverycarefulnottomakeamistake。Distrustaltogetherthesweetwordswhicheverypassionatemanwilladdresstoyouforthesakeofobtainingyourfavours，for，hispassiononcesatisfied，hisardourwillcooldown，andyouwillfindyourselfdeceived。Bewaryofyouradorers；theywillgiveyouabundanceofcounterfeitcoin，butdonottrustthemfar。AsfarasIamconcerned，IfeelcertainthatI
　　shallneverinjureyou，andIhopetobeofsomeusetoyou。Toreassureyouentirelyonmyaccount，Iwilltreatyouasifyouweremysister，forIamtooyoungtoplaythepartofyourfather，andI
　　wouldnottellyouallthisifIdidnotthinkyouaverycharmingperson。"
　　Herbrotherjoinedusasweweretalkingtogether。Hewasagood—
　　lookingyoungmanofeighteen，wellmade，butwithoutanystyleabouthim；hespokelittle，andhisexpressionwasdevoidofindividuality。
　　Webreakfastedtogether，andhavingaskedhimaswewereattableforwhatprofessionhefeltaninclination，heansweredthathewasdisposedtodoanythingtoearnanhonourableliving。
　　"Haveyouanypeculiartalent？"
　　"Iwriteprettywell。"
　　"Thatissomething。Whenyougoout，mistrusteverybody；donotenteranycaf？andneverspeaktoanyoneinthestreets。Eatyourmealsinyourroomwithyoursister，andtellthelandladytogiveyouasmallclosettosleepin。WritesomethinginFrenchto—day，letmehaveitto—morrowmorning，andwewillseewhatcanbedone。
　　Asforyou，mademoiselle，mybooksareatyourdisposal，Ihaveyourpapers；to—morrowImayhavesomenewstotellyou；weshallnotseeeachotheragainto—day，forIgenerallycomehomeverylate。"Shetookafewbooks，madeamodestreverence，andtoldmewithacharmingvoicethatshehadeveryconfidenceinme。
　　Feelingdisposedtobeusefultoher，whereverIwentduringthatdayIspokeofnothingbutofherandofheraffairs；andeverywheremenandwomentoldmethatifshewasprettyshecouldnotfail，butthatatalleventsitwouldberightforhertotakeallnecessarysteps。
　　Ireceivedapromisethatthebrothershouldbeemployedinsomeoffice。IthoughtthatthebestplanwouldbetofindsomeinfluentialladywhowouldconsenttopresentMdlle。VesiantoM。d’Argenson，andIknewthatinthemeantimeIcouldsupporther。
　　IbeggedSilviatomentionthemattertoMadamedeMontconseil，whohadverygreatinfluencewiththesecretaryofwar。Shepromisedtodoso，butshewishedtobeacquaintedwiththeyounggirl。
　　Ireturnedtothehoteltowardseleveno’clock，andseeingthattherewasalightstillburningintheroomofMdlle。VesianIknockedatherdoor。Sheopenedit，andtoldmethatshehadsatupinthehopeofseeingme。IgaveheranaccountofwhatIhaddone。Ifoundherdisposedtoundertakeallthatwasnecessary，andmostgratefulformyassistance。Shespokeofherpositionwithanairofnobleindifferencewhichsheassumedinordertorestrainhertears；shesucceededinkeepingthemback，butthemoistureinhereyesprovedalltheeffortsshewasmakingtopreventthemfromfalling。Wehadtalkedfortwohours，andgoingfromonesubjecttoanotherIlearnedthatshehadneverloved，andthatshewasthereforeworthyofaloverwhowouldrewardherinapropermannerforthesacrificeofhervirtue。Itwouldhavebeenabsurdtothinkthatmarriagewastobetherewardofthatsacrifice；theyounggirlhadnotyetmadewhatiscalledafalsestep，butshehadnoneoftheprudishfeelingsofthosegirlswhosaythattheywouldnottakesuchastepforallthegoldintheuniverse，andusuallygivewaybeforetheslightestattack；allmyyoungfriendwantedwastodisposeofherselfinaproperandadvantageousmanner。
　　IcouldnothelpsighingasIlistenedtoherverysensibleremarks，consideringthepositioninwhichshewasplacedbyanadversedestiny。Hersinceritywascharmingtome；Iwasburningwithdesire。LucieofPaseancamebacktomymemory；IrecollectedhowdeeplyIhadrepentedtheinjuryIhaddoneinneglectingasweetflower，whichanotherman，andalessworthyone，hadhastenedtopluck；Ifeltmyselfnearalambwhichwouldperhapsbecomethepreyofsomegreedywolf；andshe，withhernoblefeelings，hercarefuleducation，andacandourwhichanimpurebreathwouldperhapsdestroyforever，wassurelynotdestinedforalotofshame。IregrettedI
　　wasnotrichenoughtomakeherfortune，andtosaveherhonourandhervirtue。IfeltthatIcouldneithermakehermineinanillegitimatewaynorbeherguardianangel，andthatbybecomingherprotectorIshoulddohermoreharmthangood；inoneword，insteadofhelpingheroutoftheunfortunatepositioninwhichshewas，I
　　should，perhaps，onlycontributetoherentireruin。DuringthattimeIhadhernearme，speakingtoherinasentimentalway，andnotutteringonesinglewordoflove；butIkissedherhandandherarmstoooftenwithoutcomingtoaresolution，withoutbeginningathingwhichwouldhavetoorapidlycometoanend，andwhichwouldhavecompelledmetokeepherformyself；inthatcase，therewouldhavebeennolongeranyhopeofafortuneforher，andformenomeansofgettingridofher。Ihavelovedwomeneventomadness，butIhavealwayslovedlibertybetter；andwheneverIhavebeenindangeroflosingitfatehascometomyrescue。
　　IhadremainedaboutfourhourswithMdlle。Vesian，consumedbythemostintensedesires，andIhadhadstrengthenoughtoconquerthem。
　　Shecouldnotattributemyreservetoafeelingofmodesty，andnotknowingwhyIdidnotshewmoreboldnessshemusthavesupposedthatIwaseitherillorimpotent。Ilefther，afterinvitinghertodinnerforthenextday。
　　Wehadapleasantdinner，andherbrotherhavinggoneoutforawalkafterourmealwelookedtogetheroutofthewindowfromwhichwecouldseeallthecarriagesgoingtotheItalianComedy。Iaskedherwhethershewouldliketogo；sheansweredmewithasmileofdelight，andwestartedatonce。
　　IplacedherintheamphitheatrewhereIlefther，tellingherthatwewouldmeetatthehotelateleveno’clock。Iwouldnotremainwithher，inordertoavoidthequestionswhichwouldhavebeenaddressedtome，forthesimplerhertoiletwasthemoreinterestingshelooked。
　　AfterIhadleftthetheatre，IwenttosupatSilvia’sandreturnedtothehotel。Iwassurprisedatthesightofanelegantcarriage；I
　　enquiredtowhomitbelonged，andIwastoldthatitwasthecarriageofayoungnoblemanwhohadsuppedwithMdlle。Vesian。Shewasgettingon。
　　Thefirstthingnextmorning，asIwasputtingmyheadoutofthewindow，Isawahackneycoachstopatthedoorofthehotel；ayoungman，welldressedinamorningcostume，cameoutofit，andaminuteafterIheardhimentertheroomofMdlle。Vesian。Courage！Ihadmadeupmymind；Iaffectedafeelingofcompleteindifferenceinordertodeceivemyself。
　　Idressedmyselftogoout，andwhileIwasatmytoiletVesiancameinandtoldmethathedidnotliketogointohissister’sroombecausethegentlemanwhohadsuppedwithherhadjustarrived。
　　"That’samatterofcourse，"Isaid。
　　"Heisrichandveryhandsome。HewishestotakeushimselftoVersailles，andpromisestoprocuresomeemploymentforme。"
　　"Icongratulateyou。Whoishe？"
　　"Idonotknow。"
　　Iplacedinanenvelopethepapersshehadentrustedtome，andI
　　handedthemtohimtoreturntohissister。Ithenwentout。WhenI
　　camehometowardsthreeo’clock，thelandladygavemealetterwhichhadbeenleftformebyMdlle。Vesian，whohadleftthehotel。
　　Iwenttomyroom，openedtheletter，andreadthefollowinglines:
　　"Ireturnthemoneyyouhavelentmewithmybestthanks。TheCountdeNarbonnefeelsinterestedinme，andwishestoassistmeandmybrother。Ishallinformyouofeverything，ofthehouseinwhichhewishesmetogoandlive，wherehepromisestosupplymeallIwant。
　　Yourfriendshipisverydeartome，andIentreatyounottoforgetme。Mybrotherremainsatthehotel，andmyroombelongstomeforthemonth。Ihavepaideverything。"
　　"Hereis，"saidItomyself，"asecondLuciedePasean，andIamasecondtimethedupeofmyfoolishdelicacy，forIfeelcertainthatthecountwillnotmakeherhappy。ButIwashmyhandsofitall。"
　　IwenttotheTheatreFrancaisintheevening，andenquiredaboutNarbonne。ThefirstpersonIspoketotoldme，"Heisthesonofawealthyman，butagreatlibertineanduptohisneckindebts。"
　　Nicereferences，indeed！ForaweekIwenttoallthetheatresandpublicplacesinthehopeofmakingtheacquaintanceofthecount，butIcouldnotsucceed，andIwasbeginningtoforgettheadventurewhenonemorning，towardseighto’clockVesiancallingonme，toldmethathissisterwasinherroomandwishedtospeaktome。I
　　followedhimimmediately。Ifoundherlookingunhappyandwitheyesredfromcrying。Shetoldherbrothertogooutforawalk，andwhenhehadgoneshespoketomethus:
　　"M。deNarbonne，whomIthoughtanhonestman，becauseIwantedhimtobesuch，cametositbymewhereyouhadleftmeatthetheatre；
　　hetoldmethatmyfacehadinterestedhim，andheaskedmewhoI
　　was。ItoldhimwhatIhadtoldyou。Youhadpromisedtothinkofme，butNarbonnetoldmethathedidnotwantyourassistance，ashecouldactbyhimself。Ibelievedhim，andIhavebeenthedupeofmyconfidenceinhim；hehasdeceivedme；heisavillain。"
　　Thetearswerechokingher:Iwenttothewindowsoastolethercrywithoutrestraint:afewminutesafter，IcamebackandIsatdownbyher。
　　"Tellmeall，mydearVesian，unburdenyourheartfreely，anddonotthinkyourselfguiltytowardsme；inrealityIhavebeenwrongmorethanyou。YourheartwouldnotnowbeapreytosorrowifIhadnotbeensoimprudentastoleaveyoualoneatthetheatre。"
　　"Alas，sir！donotsayso；oughtItoreproachyoubecauseyouthoughtmesovirtuous？Well，inafewwords，themonsterpromisedtoshewmeeverycare，everyattention，onconditionofmygivinghimanundeniable，proofofmyaffectionandconfidence——namely，totakealodgingwithoutmybrotherinthehouseofawomanwhomherepresentedasrespectable。Heinsisteduponmybrothernotlivingwithme，sayingthatevil—mindedpersonsmightsupposehimtobemylover。Iallowedmyselftobepersuaded。Unhappycreature！HowcouldIgivewaywithoutconsultingyou？HetoldmethattherespectablewomantowhomhewouldtakemewouldaccompanymetoVersailles，andthathewouldsendmybrothertheresothatweshouldbebothpresentedtothewarsecretary。Afterourfirstsupperhetoldmethathewouldcomeandfetchmeinahackneycoachthenextmorning。Hepresentedmewithtwolouisandagoldwatch，andI
　　thoughtIcouldacceptthosepresentsfromayoungnoblemanwhoshewedsomuchinterestinme。Thewomantowhomheintroducedmedidnotseemtomeasrespectableashehadrepresentedhertobe。
　　Ihavepassedoneweekwithherwithouthisdoinganythingtobenefitmyposition。Hewouldcome，goout，returnashepleased，tellingmeeverydaythatitwouldbethemorrow，andwhenthemorrowcametherewasalwayssomeimpediment。Atlast，atseveno’clockthismorning，thewomantoldmethatthecountwasobligedtogointothecountry，thatahackneycoachwouldbringmebacktohishotel，andthathewouldcomeandseemeonhisreturn。Then，affectinganairofsadness，shetoldmethatImustgiveherbackthewatchbecausethecounthadforgottentopaythewatchmakerforit。Ihandedittoherimmediatelywithoutsayingaword，andwrappingthelittleI
　　possessedinmyhandkerchiefIcamebackhere，whereIarrivedhalfanhoursince。"
　　"Doyouhopetoseehimonhisreturnfromthecountry？"
　　"Toseehimagain！Oh，Lord！whyhaveIeverseenhim？"
　　Shewascryingbitterly，andImustconfessthatnoyounggirlevermovedmesodeeplyasshedidbytheexpressionofhergrief。PityreplacedinmyheartthetendernessIhadfeltforheraweekbefore。
　　TheinfamousproceedingsofNarbonnedisgustedmetothatextentthat，ifIhadknownwheretofindhimalone，Iwouldimmediatelyhavecompelledhimtogivemereparation。Ofcourse，ItookgoodcarenottoaskthepoorgirltogivemeadetailedaccountofherstayinthehouseofNarbonne’srespectableprocurers；IcouldguessevenmorethanIwantedtoknow，andtoinsistuponthatrecitalwouldhavehumiliatedMdlle。Vesian。Icouldseealltheinfamyofthecountinthetakingbackofthewatchwhichbelongedtoherasagift，andwhichtheunhappygirlhadearnedbuttoowell。IdidallIcouldtodryhertears，andshebeggedmetobeafathertoher，assuringmethatshewouldneveragaindoanythingtorenderherunworthyofmyfriendship，andthatshewouldalwaysbeguidedbymyadvice。
　　"Well，mydearyoungfriend，whatyoumustdonowisnotonlytoforgettheunworthycountandhiscriminalconducttowardsyou，butalsothefaultofwhichyouhavebeenguilty。Whatisdonecannotbeundone，andthepastisbeyondremedy；butcomposeyourself，andrecalltheairofcheerfulnesswhichshoneonyourcountenanceaweekago。ThenIcouldreadonyourfacehonesty，candour，goodfaith，andthenobleassurancewhicharousessentimentinthosewhocanappreciateitscharm。Youmustletallthosefeelingsshineagainonyourfeatures；fortheyalonecaninteresthonestpeople，andyourequirethegeneralsympathymorethanever。Myfriendshipisoflittleimportancetoyou，butyoumayrelyuponitallthemorebecauseIfancythatyouhavenowaclaimuponitwhichyouhadnotaweekago:Bequitecertain，Ibeg，thatIwillnotabandonyouuntilyourpositionisproperlysettled。Icannotatpresenttellyoumore；butbesurethatIwillthinkofyou。"
　　"Ah，myfriend！ifyoupromisetothinkofme，Iaskfornomore。
　　Oh！unhappycreaturethatIam；thereisnotasoulintheworldwhothinksofme。"
　　Shewas:sodeeplymovedthatshefaintedaway。Icametoherassistancewithoutcallinganyone，andwhenshehadrecoveredherconsciousnessandsomecalm，Itoldherahundredstories，trueorpurelyimaginary，oftheknavishtricksplayedinParisbymenwhothinkofnothingbutofdeceivingyounggirls。Itoldherafewamusinginstancesinordertomakehermorecheerful，andatlastI
　　toldherthatsheoughttobethankfulforwhathadhappenedtoherwithNarbonne，becausethatmisfortunewouldgiveherprudenceforthefuture。
　　Duringthatlongtete—a—teteIhadnodifficultyinabstainingfrombestowinganycaressesuponher；Ididnoteventakeherhand，forwhatIfeltforherwasatenderpity；andIwasveryhappywhenattheendoftwohoursIsawhercalmanddetermineduponbearingmisfortunelikeaheroine。
　　Shesuddenlyrosefromherseat，and，lookingatmewithanairofmodesttrustfulness，shesaidtome，"Are，youparticularlyengagedinanywayto—day？"
　　"No，mydear:"
　　"Well，then，begoodenoughtotakemesomewhereoutofParis；tosomeplacewhereIcanbreathethefreshairfreely；IshallthenrecoverthatappearancewhichyouthinkImusthavetointerestinmyfavourthosewhowillseeme；andifIcanenjoyaquietsleepthroughoutthenextnightIfeelIshallbehappyagain。"
　　"Iamgratefultoyouforyourconfidenceinme。WewillgooutassoonasIamdressed。Yourbrotherwillreturninthemeantime。"
　　"Oh，nevermindmybrother！"
　　"Hispresenceis，onthecontrary，ofgreatimportance。Recollect，mydearVesian，youmustmakeNarbonneashamedofhisownconduct。
　　Youmustconsiderthatifheshouldhappentohearthat，ontheverydayheabandonedyou，youwentintothecountryalonewithme，hewouldtriumph，andwouldcertainlysaythathehasonlytreatedyouasyoudeserved。Butifyougowithyourbrotherandmeyourcountryman，yougivenooccasionforslander。"
　　"Iblushnottohavemadethatremarkmyself。Wewillwaitformybrother’sreturn。"
　　Hewasnotlongincomingback，andhavingsentforacoachwewereonthepointofgoing，whenBaletticalledonme。Iintroducedhimtotheyounglady，andinvitedhimtojoinourparty。Heaccepted，andwestarted。AsmyonlypurposewastoamuseMdlle。Vesian，I
　　toldthecoachmantodriveustotheGrosCaillou，wherewemadeanexcellentimpromptudinner，thecheerfulnessoftheguestsmakingupforthedeficienciesoftheservants。
　　Vesian，feelinghisheadratherheavy，wentoutforawalkafterdinner，andIremainedalonewithhissisterandmyfriendBaletti。
　　IobservedwithpleasurethatBalettithoughtheranagreeablegirl，anditgavemetheideaofaskinghimtoteachherdancing。I
　　informedhimofherposition，ofthereasonwhichhadbroughthertoParis，ofthelittlehopetherewasofherobtainingapensionfromtheking，andofthenecessitytherewasforhertodosomethingtoearnaliving。Balettiansweredthathewouldbehappytodoanything，andwhenhehadexaminedthefigureandthegeneralconformationoftheyounggirlhesaidtoher，"IwillgetLanitotakeyoufortheballetattheopera。"
　　"Then，"Isaid，"youmustbeginyourlessonstomorrow。Mdlle。Vesianstopsatmyhotel。"
　　Theyounggirl，fullofwonderatmyplan，begantolaughheartily，andsaid，"Butcananoperadancerbeextemporizedlikeaministerofstate？
　　Icandancetheminuet，andmyearisgoodenoughtoenablemetogothroughaquadrille；butwiththeexceptionofthatIcannotdanceonestep。"
　　"Mostoftheballetgirls，"saidBaletti，"knownomorethanyoudo。"
　　"AndhowmuchmustIaskfromM。Lani？IdonotthinkIcanexpectmuch。"
　　"Nothing。Theballetgirlsarenotpaid。"
　　"Thenwhereistheadvantageforme？"shesaid，withasigh；"howshallIlive？"
　　"Donotthinkofthat。Suchasyouare，youwillsoonfindtenwealthynoblemenwhowilldisputeamongstthemselvesforthehonourofmakingupfortheabsenceofsalary。Youhaveonlytomakeagoodchoice，andIamcertainthatitwillnotbelongbeforeweseeyoucoveredwithdiamonds。"
　　"NowIunderstandyou。Yousupposesomegreatlordwillkeepme？"
　　"Precisely；andthatwillbemuchbetterthanapensionoffourhundredfrancs，whichyouwould，perhaps，notobtainwithoutmakingthesamesacrifice。
　　Verymuchsurprised，shelookedatmetoascertainwhetherIwasseriousoronlyjesting。
　　Balettihavingleftus，Itoldheritwastrulythebestthingshecoulddo，unlessshepreferredthesadpositionofwaiting—maidtosomegrandlady。
　　"Iwouldnotbethe’femmedechambre’evenofthequeen。"
　　"And’figurante’attheopera？"
　　"Muchrather。"
　　"Youaresmiling？"
　　"Yes，foritisenoughtomakemelaugh。Ithemistressofarichnobleman，whowillcovermewithdiamonds！Well，Imeantochoosetheoldest。"
　　"Quiteright，mydear；onlydonotmakehimjealous。"
　　"Ipromiseyoutobefaithfultohim。Butshallhefindasituationformybrother？However，untilIamattheopera，untilIhavemetwithmyelderlylover，whowillgivemethemeanstosupportmyself？"
　　"I，mydeargirl，myfriendBaletti，andallmyfriends，withoutotherinterestthanthepleasureofservingyou，butwiththehopethatyouwilllivequietly，andthatweshallcontributetoyourhappiness。Areyousatisfied？"
　　"Quiteso；Ihavepromisedmyselftobeguidedentirelybyyouradvice，andIentreatyoutoremainalwaysmybestfriend。"
　　WereturnedtoParisatnight，IleftMdlle。Vesianatthehotel，andaccompaniedBalettitohismother’s。Atsupper—time，myfriendbeggedSilviatospeaktoM。Laniinfavourofour’protegee’，Silviasaidthatitwasamuchbetterplanthantosolicitamiserablepensionwhich，perhaps，wouldnotbegranted。Thenwetalkedofaprojectwhichwasthenspokenof，namelytosellalltheappointmentsofballetgirlsandofchorussingersattheopera。Therewasevensomeideaofaskingahighpriceforthem，foritwasarguedthatthehigherthepricethemorethegirlswouldbeesteemed。Suchaproject，inthemidstofthescandaloushabitsandmannersofthetime，hadasortofapparentwisdom；foritwouldhaveennobledinawayaclassofwomenwhowithveryfewexceptionsseemtogloryinbeingcontemptible。
　　Therewere，atthattimeattheopera，severalfigurantes，singersanddancers，uglyratherthanplain，withoutanytalent，who，inspiteofitall，livedingreatcomfort；foritisadmittedthatattheoperaagirlmustneedsrenounceallmodestyorstarve。Butifagirl，newlyarrivedthere，iscleverenoughtoremainvirtuousonlyforonemonth，herfortuneiscertainlymade，becausethenthenoblemenenjoyingareputationofwisdomandvirtuearetheonlyoneswhoseektogetholdofher。Thosemenaredelightedtoheartheirnamesmentionedinconnectionwiththenewly—arrivedbeauty；theyevengosofarastoallowherafewfrolics，providedshetakesprideinwhattheygiveher，andprovidedherinfidelitiesarenottoopublic。Besides，itisthefashionnevertogotosupwithone’smistresswithoutgivinghernoticeoftheintendedvisit，andeveryonemustadmitthatitisaverywisecustom。
　　Icamebacktothehoteltowardseleveno’clock，andseeingthatMdlle。Vesian’sroomwasstillopenIwentin。Shewasinbed。
　　"Letmegetup，"shesaid，"forIwanttospeaktoyou。"
　　"Donotdisturbyourself；wecantalkallthesame，andIthinkyoumuchprettierasyouare。"
　　"Iamverygladofit。"
　　"Whathaveyougottotellme？"
　　"Nothing，excepttospeakoftheprofessionIamgoingtoadopt。
　　Iamgoingtopracticevirtueinordertofindamanwholovesitonlytodestroyit。"
　　"Quitetrue；butalmosteverythingislikethatinthislife。Manalwaysreferseverythingtohimself，andeveryoneisatyrantinhisownway。Iampleasedtoseeyoubecomingaphilosopher。"
　　"Howcanonebecomeaphilosopher？"
　　"Bythinking。"
　　"Mustonethinkalongwhile？"
　　"Throughoutlife。"
　　"Thenitisneverover？"
　　"Never；butoneimprovesasmuchaspossible，andobtainsthesumofhappinesswhichoneissusceptibleofenjoying。"
　　"Andhowcanthathappinessbefelt？"
　　"Byallthepleasurewhichthephilosophercanprocurewhenheisconsciousofhavingobtainedthembyhisownexertions，andespeciallybygettingridofthemanyprejudiceswhichmakeofthemajorityofmenatroopofgrown—upchildren。"
　　"Whatispleasure？Whatismeantbyprejudices？"
　　"Pleasureistheactualenjoymentofoursenses；itisacompletesatisfactiongiventoallournaturalandsensualappetites；and，whenourworn—outsenseswantrepose，eithertohavebreathingtime，ortorecoverstrength，pleasurecomesfromtheimagination，whichfindsenjoymentinthinkingofthehappinessaffordedbyrest。Thephilosopherisapersonwhorefusesnopleasureswhichdonotproducegreatersorrows，andwhoknowshowtocreatenewones。"
　　"Andyousaythatitisdonebygettingridofprejudices？Thentellmewhatprejudicesare，andwhatmustbedonetogetridofthem。"
　　"Yourquestion，mydeargirl，isnotaneasyonetoanswer，formoralphilosophydoesnotknowamoreimportantone，oramoredifficultonetodecide；itisalessonwhichlaststhroughoutlife。Iwilltellyouinafewwordsthatwecallprejudiceeveryso—calleddutyfortheexistenceofwhichwefindnoreasoninnature。"
　　"Thennaturemustbethephilosopher’sprincipalstudy？"
　　"Indeeditis；themostlearnedofphilosophersistheonewhocommitsthefewesterrors。"
　　"Whatphilosopher，inyouropinion，hascommittedthesmallestquantityoferrors？"
　　"Socrates。"
　　"Yethewasinerrorsometimes？"
　　"Yes，inmetaphysics。"
　　"Oh！nevermindthat，forIthinkhecouldverywellmanagewithoutthatstudy。"
　　"Youaremistaken；moralsareonlythemetaphysicsofphysics；natureiseverything，andIgiveyouleavetoconsiderasamadmanwhoevertellsyouthathehasmadeanewdiscoveryinmetaphysics。ButifI
　　wenton，mydear，Imightappearratherobscuretoyou。Proceedslowly，think；letyourmaximsbetheconsequenceofjustreasoning，andkeepyourhappinessinview；intheendyoumustbehappy。"
　　"IpreferthelessonyouhavejusttaughtmetotheonewhichM。
　　Balettiwillgivemeto—morrow；forIhaveanideathatitwillwearyme，andnowIammuchinterested。"
　　"Howdoyouknowthatyouareinterested？"
　　"BecauseIwishyounottoleaveme。"
　　"Truly，mydearVesian，neverhasaphilosopherdescribedsympathybetterthanyouhavejustdone。HowhappyIfeel！HowisitthatI
　　wishtoproveitbykissingyou？"
　　"Nodoubtbecause，tobehappy，thesoulmustagreewiththesenses。"
　　"Indeed，mydivineVesian？Yourintelligenceischarming。"
　　"Itisyourwork，dearfriend；andIamsogratefultoyouthatI
　　shareyourdesires。"
　　"Whatistheretopreventusfromsatisfyingsuchnaturaldesires？
　　Letusembraceoneanothertenderly。"
　　Whatalessoninphilosophy！Itseemedtoussuchasweetone，ourhappinesswassocomplete，thatatdaybreakwewerestillkissingoneanother，anditwasonlywhenwepartedinthemorningthatwediscoveredthatthedooroftheroomhadremainedopenallnight。
　　Balettigaveherafewlessons，andshewasreceivedattheopera；
　　butshedidnotremaintheremorethantwoorthreemonths，regulatingherconductcarefullyaccordingtothepreceptsIhadlaidoutforher。SheneverreceivedNarbonneagain，andatlastacceptedanoblemanwhoprovedhimselfverydifferentfromallothers，forthefirstthinghedidwastomakehergiveupthestage，althoughitwasnotathingaccordingtothefashionofthosedays。Idonotrecollecthisnameexactly；itwasCountofTressanorTrean。Shebehavedinarespectableway，andremainedwithhimuntilhisdeath。
　　Noonespeaksofhernow，althoughsheislivinginveryeasycircumstances；butsheisfifty—six，andinParisawomanofthatageisnolongerconsideredasbeingamongtheliving。
　　AftershelefttheHoteldeBourgogne，Ineverspoketoher。
　　WheneverImethercoveredwithjewelsanddiamonds，oursoulssalutedeachotherwithjoy，butherhappinesswastoopreciousformetomakeanyattemptagainstit。Herbrotherfoundasituation，butIlostsightofhim。
　　CHAPTERIX
　　TheBeautifulO—Morphi——TheDeceitfulPainter——IPracticeCabalismfortheDuchessdeChartresILeaveParis——MyStayinDresdenandMyDeparturefromthatCityIwenttoSt。Lawrence’sFairwithmyfriendPatu，who，takingitintohisheadtosupwithaFlemishactressknownbythenameofMorphi，invitedmetogowithhim。Ifeltnoinclinationforthegirl，butwhatcanwerefusetoafriend？Ididashewished。Afterwehadsuppedwiththeactress，Patufanciedanightdevotedtoamoreagreeableoccupation，andasIdidnotwanttoleavehimIaskedforasofaonwhichIcouldsleepquietlyduringthenight。
　　Morphihadasister，aslovenlygirlofthirteen，whotoldmethatifIwouldgiveheracrownshewouldabandonherbedtome。Iagreedtoherproposal，andshetookmetoasmallclosetwhereIfoundastrawpalliasseonfourpiecesofwood。
　　"Doyoucallthisabed，mychild？"
　　"Ihavenoother，sir。"
　　"ThenIdonotwantit，andyoushallnothavethecrown。"
　　"Didyouintendundressingyourself？"
　　"Ofcourse。"
　　"Whatanidea！Therearenosheets。"
　　"Doyousleepwithyourclotheson？"
　　"Oh，no！"
　　"Well，then，gotobedasusual，andyoushallhavethecrown。"
　　"Why？"
　　"Iwanttoseeyouundressed。"
　　"Butyouwon’tdoanythingtome？"
　　"Nottheslightestthing。"
　　Sheundressed，laidherselfonhermiserablestrawbed，andcoveredherselfwithanoldcurtain。Inthatstate，theimpressionmadebyherdirtytattersdisappeared，andIonlysawaperfectbeauty。ButIwantedtoseeherentirely。Itriedtosatisfymywishes，sheopposedsomeresistance，butadoublecrownofsixfrancsmadeherobedient，andfindingthatheronlyfaultwasacompleteabsenceofcleanliness，Ibegantowashherwithmyownhands。
　　Youwillallowme，dearreader，tosupposethatyoupossessasimpleandnaturalknowledge，namely，thatadmirationundersuchcircumstancesisinseparablefromanotherkindofapprobation；
　　luckily，IfoundtheyoungMorphidisposedtoletmedoallI
　　pleased，excepttheonlythingforwhichIdidnotcare！Shetoldmecandidlythatshewouldnotallowmetodothatonething，becauseinhersister’sestimationitwasworthtwenty—fivelouis。Iansweredthatwewouldbargainonthatcapitalpointanothertime，butthatwewouldnottouchitforthepresent。SatisfiedwithwhatIsaid，alltherestwasatmydisposal，andIfoundinheratalentwhichhadattainedgreatperfectioninspiteofherprecocity。
　　TheyoungHelenefaithfullyhandedtohersisterthesixfrancsIhadgivenher，andshetoldherthewayinwhichshehadearnedthem。
　　BeforeIleftthehouseshetoldmethat，asshewasinwantofmoney，shefeltdisposedtomakesomeabatementonthepriceoftwenty—fivelouis。IansweredwithalaughthatIwouldseeheraboutitthenextday。IrelatedthewholeaffairtoPatu，whoaccusedmeofexaggeration；andwishingtoprovetohimthatIwasarealconnoisseuroffemalebeautyIinsisteduponhisseeingHeleneasIhadseenher。HeagreedwithmethatthechiselofPraxiteleshadnevercarvedanythingmoreperfect。Aswhiteasalily，Helenepossessedallthebeautieswhichnatureandtheartofthepaintercanpossiblycombine。Thelovelinessofherfeatureswassoheavenlythatitcarriedtothesoulanindefinablesentimentofecstacy，adelightfulcalm。Shewasfair，butherbeautifulblueeyesequalledthefinestblackeyesinbrilliance。
　　Iwenttoseeherthenextevening，and，notagreeingabouttheprice，ImadeabargainwithhersistertogivehertwelvefrancseverytimeIpaidheravisit，anditwasagreedthatwewouldoccupyherroomuntilIshouldmakeupmymindtopaysixhundredfrancs。
　　Itwasregularusury，buttheMorphicamefromaGreekrace，andwasaboveprejudices。Ihadnoideaofgivingsuchalargesum，becauseIfeltnowishtoobtainwhatitwouldhaveprocuredme；whatI
　　obtainedwasallIcaredfor。
　　TheeldersisterthoughtIwasduped，forintwomonthsIhadpaidthreehundredfrancswithouthavingdoneanything，andsheattributedmyreservetoavarice。Avarice，indeed！Itookafancytopossessapaintingofthatbeautifulbody，andaGermanartistpainteditformesplendidlyforsixlouis。Thepositioninwhichhepainteditwasdelightful。Shewaslyingonherstomach，herarmsandherbosomleaningonapillow，andholdingherheadsidewaysasifshewerepartlyontheback。Thecleverandtastefulartisthadpaintedhernetherpartswithsomuchskillandtruththatnoonecouldhavewishedforanythingmorebeautiful；Iwasdelightedwiththatportrait；itwasaspeakinglikeness，andIwroteunderit，"O—Morphi，"notaHomericword，butaGreekoneafterall，andmeaningbeautiful。
　　Butwhocananticipatethewonderfulandsecretdecreesofdestiny！
　　MyfriendPatuwishedtohaveacopyofthatportrait；onecannotrefusesuchaslightservicetoafriend，andIgaveanorderforittothesamepainter。Buttheartist，havingbeensummonedtoVersailles，shewedthatdelightfulpaintingwithseveralothers，andM。deSt。Quentinfounditsobeautifulthathelostnotimeinshewingittheking。HisMostChristianMajesty，agreatconnoisseurinthatline，wishedtoascertainwithhisowneyesiftheartisthadmadeafaithfulcopy；andincasetheoriginalshouldproveasbeautifulasthecopy，thesonofSt。Louisknewverywellwhattodowithit。
　　M。deSt。Quentin，theking’strustyfriend，hadthechargeofthatimportantaffair；itwashisprovince:HeenquiredfromthepainterwhethertheoriginalcouldbebroughttoVersailles，andtheartist，notsupposingtherewouldbeanydifficulty，promisedtoattendtoit。
　　Hethereforecalledonmetocommunicatetheproposal；Ithoughtitwasdelightful，andIimmediatelytoldthesister，whojumpedforjoy。Shesettoworkcleaning，washingandclothingtheyoungbeauty，andtwoorthreedaysaftertheywenttoVersailleswiththepaintertoseewhatcouldbedone。M。deSt。Quentin’svalet，havingreceivedhisinstructionsfromhismaster，tookthetwofemalestoapavilioninthepark，andthepainterwenttothehoteltoawaittheresultofhisnegotiation。Halfanhourafterwardsthekingenteredthepavilionalone，askedtheyoungO—MorphiifshewasaGreekwoman，tooktheportraitoutofhispocket，andafteracarefulexaminationexclaimed，"Ihaveneverseenabetterlikeness。"
　　Hismajestythensatdown，tooktheyounggirlonhisknees，bestowedafewcaressesonher，andhavingascertainedwithhisroyalhandthatthefruithadnotyetbeenplucked，hegaveherakiss。
　　O—Morphiwaslookingattentivelyathermaster，andsmiled。
　　"Whatareyoulaughingat？"saidtheking。
　　"Ilaughbecauseyouandacrownofsixfrancsareaslikeastwopeas。"
　　Thatnaivetemadethekinglaughheartily，andheaskedherwhethershewouldliketoremaininVersailles。
　　"Thatdependsuponmysister，"answeredthechild。
　　Butthesisterhastenedtotellthekingthatshecouldnotaspiretoagreaterhonour。Thekinglockedthemupagaininthepavilionandwentaway，butinlessthanaquarterofanhourSt。Quentincametofetchthem，placedtheyounggirlinanapartmentunderthecareofafemaleattendant，andwiththesisterhewenttomeetatthehoteltheGermanartisttowhomhegavefiftyLouisfortheportrait，andnothingtoMorphi。Heonlytookheraddress，promisingherthatshewouldsoonhearfromhim；thenextdayshereceivedonethousandLouis。TheworthyGermangavemetwenty—fivelouisformyportrait，withapromisetomakeacarefulcopyoftheoneIhadgiventoPatu，andheofferedtopaintformegratuitouslythelikenessofeverygirlofwhomImightwishtokeepaportrait。
　　IenjoyedheartilythepleasureofthegoodFleeting，whenshefoundherselfinpossessionofthethousandgoldpieceswhichshehadreceived。Seeingherselfrich，andconsideringmeastheauthorofherfortune，shedidnotknowhowtoshewmehergratitude。
　　TheyoungandlovelyO—Morphi——forthekingalwayscalledherbythatname——pleasedthesovereignbyhersimplicityandherprettywaysmoreeventhanbyherrarebeauty——themostperfect，themostregular，Irecollecttohaveeverseen。HeplacedherinoneoftheapartmentsofhisParc—dux—cerfs——thevoluptuousmonarch’sharem，inwhichnoonecouldgetadmittanceexcepttheladiespresentedatthecourt。Attheendofoneyearshegavebirthtoasonwhowent，likesomanyothers，Godknowswhere！foraslongasQueenMarylivednooneeverknewwhatbecameofthenaturalchildrenofLouisXV。
　　O—Morphifellintodisgraceattheendofthreeyears，buttheking，ashesentheraway，orderedhertoreceiveasumoffourhundredthousandfrancswhichshebroughtasadowrytoanofficerfromBritanny。In1783，happeningtobeinFontainebleau，Imadetheacquaintanceofacharmingyoungmanoftwenty—five，theoffspringofthatmarriageandthelivingportraitofhismother，ofthehistoryofwhomhehadnottheslightestknowledge，andIthoughtitmydutynottoenlightenhim。Iwrotemynameonhistablets，andIbeggedhimtopresentmycomplimentstohismother。
　　AwickedtrickofMadamedeValentinois，sister—in—lawofthePrinceofMonaco，wasthecauseofO—Morphi’sdisgrace。Thatlady，whowaswellknowninParis，toldheronedaythat，ifshewishedtomakethekingverymerry，shehadonlytoaskhimhowhetreatedhisoldwife。
　　Toosimpletoguessthesnarethuslaidoutforher，O—Morphiactuallyaskedthatimpertinentquestion；butLouisXV。gaveheralookoffury，andexclaimed，"Miserablewretch！whotaughtyoutoaddressmethatquestion？"
　　ThepoorO—Morphi，almostdeadwithfright，threwherselfonherknees，andconfessedthetruth。
　　Thekingleftherandneverwouldseeheragain。TheCountessdeValentinoiswasexiledfortwoyearsfromthecourt。LouisXV。，whoknewhowwronglyhewasbehavingtowardshiswifeasahusband，wouldnotdeserveanyreproachatherhandsasaking，andwoetoanyonewhoforgottherespectduetothequeen！
　　TheFrenchareundoubtedlythemostwittypeopleinEurope，andperhapsinthewholeworld，butParisis，allthesame，thecityforimpostorsandquackstomakeafortune。Whentheirknaveryisfoundoutpeopleturnitintoajokeandlaugh，butinthemidstofthemerrimentanothermountebankmakeshisappearance，whodoessomethingmorewonderfulthanthosewhoprecededhim，andhemakeshisfortune，whilstthescoffingofthepeopleisinabeyance。Itistheunquestionableeffectsofthepowerwhichfashionhasoverthatamiable，clever，andlivelynation。Ifanythingisastonishing，nomatterhowextravagantitmaybe，thecrowdissuretowelcomeitgreedily，foranyonewouldbeafraidofbeingtakenforafoolifheshouldexclaim，"Itisimpossible！"Physiciansare，perhaps，theonlymeninFrancewhoknowthataninfinitegulfyawnsbetweenthewillandthedeed，whilstinItalyitisanaxiomknowntoeverybody；
　　butIdonotmeantosaythattheItaliansaresuperiortotheFrench。
　　Acertainpaintermetwithgreatsuccessforsometimebyannouncingathingwhichwasanimpossibility——namely，bypretendingthathecouldtakeaportraitofapersonwithoutseeingtheindividual，andonlyfromthedescriptiongiven。Buthewantedthedescriptiontobethoroughlyaccurate。Theresultofitwasthattheportraitdidgreaterhonourtothepersonwhogavethedescriptionthan——tothepainterhimself，butatthesametimetheinformerfoundhimselfundertheobligationoffindingthelikenessverygood；otherwisetheartistallegedthemostlegitimateexcuse，andsaidthatifthelikenesswasnotperfectthefaultwastobeascribedtothepersonwhohadgivenanimperfectdescription。
　　OneeveningIwastakingsupperatSilvia’swhenoneoftheguestsspokeofthatwonderfulnewartist，withoutlaughing，andwitheveryappearanceofbelievingthewholeaffair。
　　"Thatpainter，"addedhe，"hasalreadypaintedmorethanonehundredportraits，andtheyareallperfectlikenesses。"
　　Everybodywasofthesameopinion；itwassplendid。Iwastheonlyonewho，laughingheartily，tookthelibertyofsayingitwasabsurdandimpossible。Thegentlemanwhohadbroughtthewonderfulnews，feelingangry，proposedawagerofonehundredlouis。IlaughedallthemorebecausehisoffercouldnotbeacceptedunlessIexposedmyselftobeingmadeadupe。
　　"Buttheportraitsarealladmirablelikenesses。"
　　"Idonotbelieveit，oriftheyarethentheremustbecheatingsomewhere。"
　　Butthegentleman，beingbentuponconvincingSilviaandme——forshehadtakenmypartproposedtomakeusdinewiththeartist；andweaccepted。
　　Thenextdaywecalleduponthepainter，wherewesawaquantityofportraits，allofwhichtheartistclaimedtobespeakinglikenesses；
　　aswedidnotknowthepersonswhomtheyrepresentedwecouldnotdenyhisclaim。
　　"Sir，"saidSilviatotheartist，"couldyoupaintthelikenessofmydaughterwithoutseeingher？"
　　"Yes，madam，ifyouarecertainofgivingmeanexactdescriptionoftheexpressionofherfeatures。"
　　Weexchangedaglance，andnomorewassaidaboutit。Thepaintertoldusthatsupperwashisfavouritemeal，andthathewouldbedelightedifwewouldoftengivehimthepleasureofourcompany。
　　Likeallquacks，hepossessedanimmensequantityoflettersandtestimonialsfromBordeaux，Toulouse，Lyons，Rouen，etc。，whichpaidthehighestcomplimentstotheperfectionofhisportraits，orgavedescriptionsfornewpicturesorderedfromhim。Hisportraits，bytheway，hadtobepaidforinadvance。
　　TwoorthreedaysafterwardsImethisprettyniece，whoobliginglyupbraidedmefornothavingyetavailedmyselfofheruncle’sinvitationtosupper；theniecewasadaintymorselworthyofaking，and，herreproachesbeingveryflatteringtomyvanityIpromisedI
　　wouldcomethenextday。Inlessthanaweekitturnedoutaseriousengagement。Ifellinlovewiththeinterestingniece，who，beingfullofwitandwelldisposedtoenjoyherself，hadnoloveforme，andgrantedmenofavour。Ihoped，and，feelingthatIwascaught，I
　　feltitwastheonlythingIcoulddo。
　　OnedaythatIwasaloneinmyroom，drinkingmycoffeeandthinkingofher，thedoorwassuddenlyopenedwithoutanyonebeingannounced，andayoungmancamein。Ididnotrecollecthim，but，withoutgivingmetimetoaskanyquestions，hesaidtome，"Sir，Ihavehadthehonourofmeetingyouatthesupper—tableofM。
　　Samson，thepainter。"
　　"Ah！yes；Ibegyoutoexcuseme，sir，Ididnotatfirstrecollectyou。"
　　"Itisnatural，foryoureyesarealwaysonMdlle。Samson。"
　　"Verylikely，butyoumustadmitthatsheisacharmingcreature。"
　　"Ihavenodifficultywhateverinagreeingwithyou；tomymisery，I
　　knowitbuttoowell。"
　　"Youareinlovewithher？"
　　"Alas，yes！andIsay，again，tomymisery。"
　　"Toyourmisery？Butwhy，donotyougainherlove？"
　　"ThatistheverythingIhavebeenstrivingforsincelastyear，andIwasbeginningtohavesomehopewhenyourarrivalhasreducedmetodespair。"
　　"Ihavereducedyoutodespair？"
　　"Yes，sir。"
　　"Iamverysorry，butIcannothelpit。"
　　"Youcouldeasilyhelpit；and，ifyouwouldallowme，Icouldsuggesttoyouthewayinwhichyoucouldgreatlyobligeme。"
　　"Speakcandidly。"
　　"Youmightneverputyourfootinthehouseagain。"
　　"Thatisarathersingularproposal，butIagreethatitistrulytheonlythingIcandoifIhavearealwishtoobligeyou。Doyouthink，however，thatinthatcaseyouwouldsucceedingainingheraffection？"
　　"Thenitwillbemybusinesstosucceed。Donotgothereagain，andIwilltakecareoftherest。"
　　"Imightrenderyouthatverygreatservice；butyoumustconfessthatyoumusthaveasingularopinionofmetosupposethatIamamantodosuchathing。"
　　"Yes，sir，Iadmitthatitmayappearsingular；butItakeyouforamanofgreatsenseandsoundintellect，andafterconsideringthesubjectdeeplyIhavethoughtthatyouwouldputyourselfinmyplace；thatyouwouldnotwishtomakememiserable，ortoexposeyourownlifeforayounggirlwhocanhaveinspiredyouwithbutapassingfancy，whilstmyonlywishistosecurethehappinessorthemiseryofmylife，whicheveritmayprove，byunitingherexistencewithmine。"
　　"ButsupposethatIshouldintend，likeyou，toaskherinmarriage？"
　　"Thenweshouldbothbeworthyofpity，andoneofuswouldhaveceasedtoexistbeforetheotherobtainedher，foraslongasIshallliveMdlle。Samsonshallnotbethewifeofanother。"
　　Thisyoungman，well—made，pale，grave，ascoldasapieceofmarble，madlyinlove，who，inhisreasonmixedwithutterdespair，cametospeaktomeinsuchamannerwiththemostsurprisingcalm，mademepauseandconsider。UndoubtedlyIwasnotafraid，butalthoughinlovewithMdlle。SamsonIdidnotfeelmypassionsufficientlystrongtocutthethroatofamanforthesakeofherbeautifuleyes，ortolosemyownlifetodefendmybuddingaffection。Withoutansweringtheyoungman，Ibegantopaceupanddownmyroom，andforaquarterofanhourIweighedthefollowingquestionwhichIputtomyself:
　　Whichdecisionwillappearmoremanlyintheeyesofmyrivalandwillwinmyownesteemtothedeeperdegree，namely—toacceptcoollyhisoffertocutoneanother’sthroats，ortoallayhisanxietybywithdrawingfromthefieldwithdignity？
　　Pridewhispered，Fight；Reasonsaid，Compelthyrivaltoacknowledgetheeawisermanthanheis。
　　"Whatwouldyouthinkofme，sir，"Isaidtohim，withanairofdecision，"ifIconsentedtogiveupmyvisitstoMdlle。Samson？"
　　"Iwouldthinkthatyouhadpityonamiserableman，andIsaythatinthatcaseyouwilleverfindmereadytoshedthelastdropofmybloodtoprovemydeepgratitude。"
　　"Whoareyou？"
　　"MynameisGarnier，IamtheonlysonofM。Garnier，winemerchantintheRuedeSeine。"
　　"Well，M。Gamier，IwillneveragaincallonMdlle。Samson。Letusbefriends。"
　　"Untildeath。Farewell，sir。"
　　"Adieu，behappy！"
　　PatucameinfiveminutesafterGarnierhadleftme:Irelatedtheadventuretohim，andhethoughtIwasahero。
　　"Iwouldhaveactedasyouhavedone，"heobserved，"butIwouldnothaveactedlikeGarnier。"
　　ItwasaboutthattimethattheCountdeMelfort，coloneloftheOrleansregiment，entreatedmethroughCamille，Coraline’ssister，toanswertwoquestionsbymeansofmycabalism。Igavetwoanswersveryvague，yetmeaningagreatdeal；IputthemunderasealedenvelopeandgavethemtoCamille，whoaskedmethenextdaytoaccompanyhertoaplacewhichshesaidshecouldnotnametome。
　　Ifollowedher；shetookmetothePalais—Royal，andthen，throughanarrowstaircase，totheapartmentsoftheDuchessdeChartres。
　　Iwaitedaboutaquarterofanhour，attheendofwhichtimetheduchesscameinandloadedCamillewithcaressesforhavingbroughtme。Thenaddressingherselftome，shetoldme，withdignityyetverygraciously，thedifficultysheexperiencedinunderstandingtheanswersIhadsentandwhichshewasholdinginherhand。AtfirstI
　　expressedsomeperplexityatthequestionshavingemanatedfromherroyalhighness，andItoldherafterwardsthatIunderstoodcabalism，butthatIcouldnotinterpretthemeaningoftheanswersobtainedthroughit，andthatherhighnessmustasknewquestionslikelytorendertheanswerseasiertobeunderstood。Shewrotedownallshecouldnotmakeoutandallshewantedtoknow。
　　"Madam，youmustbekindenoughtodividethequestions，forthecabalisticoracleneveranswerstwoquestionsatthesametime。"
　　"Well，then，preparethequestionsyourself。"
　　"Yourhighnesswillexcuseme，buteverywordmustbewrittenwithyourownhand。Recollect，madam，thatyouwilladdressyourselftoasuperiorintelligenceknowingallyoursecrets"
　　Shebegantowrite，andaskedsevenoreightquestions。Shereadthemovercarefully，andsaid，withafacebeamingwithnobleconfidence，"Sir，IwishtobecertainthatnooneshalleverknowwhatIhavejustwritten。"
　　"Yourhighnessmayrelyonmyhonour。"
　　Ireadattentively，andIsawthatherwishforsecrecywasreasonable，andthatifIputthequestionsinmypocketIshouldruntheriskoflosingthemandimplicatingmyself。
　　"Ionlyrequirethreehourstocompletemytask，"Isaidtotheduchess，"andIwishyourhighnesstofeelnoanxiety。Ifyouhaveanyotherengagementyoucanleavemeherealone，providedIamnotdisturbedbyanybody。Whenitiscompleted，Iwillputitallinasealedenvelope；IonlywantyourhighnesstotellmetowhomImustdelivertheparcel。"
　　"EithertomeortoMadamedePolignac，ifyouknowher。"
　　"Yes，madam，Ihavethehonourtoknowher。"
　　Theduchesshandedmeasmalltinder—boxtoenablemetolightawax—
　　candle，andshewentawaywithCamille。Iremainedalonelockedupintheroom，andattheendofthreehours，justasIhadcompletedmytask，MadamedePolignaccamefortheparcelandIleftthepalace。
　　TheDuchessdeChartres，daughterofthePrinceofConti，wastwenty—
　　sixyearsofage。Shewasendowedwiththatparticularsortofwitwhichrendersawomanadorable。Shewaslively，abovetheprejudicesofrank，cheerful，fullofjest，aloverofpleasure，whichshepreferredtoalonglife。"Shortandsweet，"werethewordsshehadconstantlyonherlips。Shewasprettybutshestoodbadly，andusedtolaughatMarcel，theteacherofgracefuldeportment，whowantedtocorrectherawkwardbearing。Shekeptherheadbentforwardandherfeetturnedinsidewhendancing；yetshewasacharmingdancer。
　　Unfortunatelyherfacewascoveredwithpimples，whichinjuredherbeautyverygreatly。Herphysiciansthoughtthattheywerecausedbyadiseaseoftheliver，buttheycamefromimpurityoftheblood，whichatlastkilledher，andfromwhichshesufferedthroughoutherlife。
　　Thequestionsshehadaskedfrommyoraclerelatedtoaffairsconnectedwithherheart，andshewishedlikewisetoknowhowshecouldgetridoftheblotcheswhichdisfiguredher。MyanswerswereratherobscureinsuchmattersasIwasnotspeciallyacquaintedwith，buttheywereveryclearconcerningherdisease，andmyoraclebecamepreciousandnecessarytoherhighness。
　　Thenextday，afterdinner，Camillewrotemeanote，asIexpected，requestingmetogiveupallotherengagementsinordertopresentmyselfatfiveo’clockatthePalais—Royal，inthesameroominwhichtheduchesshadalreadyreceivedmethedaybefore。Iwaspunctual。
　　Anelderlyvaletdechambre，whowaswaitingforme，immediatelywenttogivenoticeofmyarrival，andfiveminutesafterthecharmingprincessmadeherappearance。Afteraddressingmeinaverycomplimentarymanner，shedrewallmyanswersfromherpocket，andenquiredwhetherIhadanypressingengagements。
　　"YourhighnessmaybecertainthatIshallneverhaveanymoreimportantbusinessthantoattendtoyourwishes。"
　　"Verywell；Idonotintendtogoout，andwecanwork。"
　　Shethenshewedmeallthequestionswhichshehadalreadypreparedondifferentsubjects，andparticularlythoserelatingtothecureofherpimples。Onecircumstancehadcontributedtorendermyoracleprecioustoher，becausenobodycouldpossiblyknowit，andIhadguessedit。HadInotdoneso，Idaresayitwouldhavebeenallthesame。Ihadlabouredmyselfunderthesamedisease，andIwasenoughofaphysiciantobeawarethattoattemptthecureofacutaneousdiseasebyactiveremediesmightkillthepatient。
　　Ihadalreadyansweredthatshecouldnotgetridofthepimplesonherfaceinlessthanaweek，butthatayearofdietwouldbenecessarytoeffectaradicalcure。
　　Wespentthreehoursinascertainingwhatshewastodo，and，believingimplicitlyinthepowerandinthescienceoftheoracle，sheundertooktofollowfaithfullyeverythingordered。Withinoneweekalltheuglypimpleshadentirelydisappeared。
　　Itookcaretopurgeherslightly；Iprescribedeverydaywhatshewastoeat，andforbadetheuseofallcosmetics；Ionlyadvisedhertowashherselfmorningandeveningwithplantainwater。Themodestoracletoldtheprincesstomakeuseofthesamewaterforherablutionsofeverypartofherbodywhereshedesiredtoobtainthesameresult，andsheobeyedtheprescriptionreligiously。
　　Iwenttotheoperaonpurposeonthedaywhentheduchessshewedherselftherewithasmoothandrosyshin。Aftertheopera，shetookawalkinthegreatalleyofthePalais—Royal，followedbytheladiesofhersuiteandflatteredbyeverybody。Shesawme，andhonouredmewithasmile。Iwastrulyhappy。Camille，MadamedePolignac，andM。deMelfortweretheonlypersonswhoknewthatIwastheoracleoftheduchess，andIenjoyedmysuccess。Butthenextdayafewpimplesreappearedonherbeautifulcomplexion，andIreceivedanordertorepairatoncetothePalais—Royal。
　　Thevalet，whodidnotknowme，shewedmeintoadelightfulboudoirnearaclosetinwhichtherewasabath。Theduchesscamein；shelookedsad，forshehadseveralsmallpimplesontheforeheadandthechin。Sheheldinherhandaquestionfortheoracle，andasitwasonlyashortoneIthoughtitwouldgiveherthepleasureoffindingtheanswerbyherself。Thenumberstranslatedbytheprincessreproachedherwithhavingtransgressedtheregimenprescribed；sheconfessedtohavingdrunksomeliquorsandeatensomeham；butshewasastoundedathavingfoundthatanswerherself，andshecouldnotunderstandhowsuchananswercouldresultfromanagglomerationofnumbers。Atthatmoment，oneofherwomencameintowhisperafewwordstoher；shetoldhertowaitoutside，andturningtowardsme，shesaid，"Haveyouanyobjectiontoseeingoneofyourfriendswhoisasdelicateasdiscreet？"
　　Withthesewords，shehastilyconcealedinherpocketallthepaperswhichdidnotrelatetoherdisease；thenshecalledout。
　　Amanenteredtheroom，whomItookforastableboy；itwasM。deMelfort。
　　"See，"saidtheprincesstohim，"M。Casanovahastaughtmethecabalisticscience。"
　　Andsheshewedhimtheanswershehadobtainedherself。Thecountcouldnotbelieveit。
　　"Well，"saidtheduchesstome，"wemustconvincehim。WhatshallI
　　ask？"
　　"Anythingyourhighnesschooses。"
　　Sheconsideredforoneinstant，and，drawingfromherpocketasmallivorybox，shewrote，"Tellmewhythispomatumhasnolongeranyeffect"
　　Sheformedthepyramid，thecolumns，andthekey，asIhadtaughther，andasshewasreadytogettheanswer，Itoldherhowtomaketheadditionsandsubtractionswhichseemtocomefromthenumbers，butwhichinrealityareonlyarbitrary；thenItoldhertointerpretthenumbersinletters，andIlefttheroomundersomepretext。I
　　camebackwhenIthoughtthatshehadcompletedhertranslation，andIfoundherwrappedinamazement。
　　"Ah，sir！"sheexclaimed，"whatananswer！"
　　"Perhapsitisnottherightone；butthatwillsometimeshappen，madam。"
　　"Nottherightone，sir？Itisdivine！Hereitis:Thatpomatumhasnoeffectupontheskinofawomanwhohasbeenamother。"
　　"Idonotseeanythingextraordinaryinthatanswer，madam。"
　　"Verylikely，sir，butitisbecauseyoudonotknowthatthepomatuminquestionwasgiventomefiveyearsagobytheAbbedeBrosses；itcuredmeatthattime，butitwastenmonthsbeforethebirthoftheDukedeMontpensier。Iwouldgiveanythingintheworldtobethoroughlyacquaintedwiththatsublimecabalisticscience。"
　　"What！"saidthecount，"isitthepomatumthehistoryofwhichI
　　know？"
　　"Precisely。"
　　"Itisastonishing。"