Papafava，whowashergod—father，wouldbegladtoseeme。Icalledatherhouseearlythenextmorning，andIfoundherinbedwithherson，who，thankstotheprinciplesinwhichhehadbeeneducated，gotupandlefttheroomassoonashesawmeseatednearhismother’sbed。Ispentthreehourswithher，andIrecollectthatthelastwasdelightful；thereaderwillknowtheconsequenceofthatpleasanthourlater。IsawherasecondtimeduringthefortnightshepassedinVenice，andwhensheleftIpromisedtopayheravisitinBayreuth，butIneverkeptmypromise。
　　Ihadatthattimetoattendtotheaffairsofmyposthumousbrother，whohad，ashesaid，acallfromHeaventothepriesthood，buthewantedapatrimony。Althoughhewasignorantanddevoidofanymeritsaveahandsomeface，hethoughtthatanecclesiasticalcareerwouldinsurehishappiness，andhedependedagreatdealuponhispreaching，forwhich，accordingtotheopinionofthewomenwithwhomhewasacquainted，hehadadecidedtalent。Itookeverythingintomyhands，andIsucceededinobtainingforhimapatrimonyfromM。
　　Grimani，whostillowedusthevalueofthefurnitureinmyfather’shouse，ofwhichhehadneverrenderedanyaccount。Hetransferredtohimalife—interestinahouseinVenice，andtwoyearsafterwardsmybrotherwasordained。Butthepatrimonywasonlyfictitious，thehousebeingalreadymortgaged；theAbbeGrimaniwas，however，akindJesuit，andthosesaintedservantsofGodthinkthatalliswellthatendswellandprofitablytothemselves。Ishallspeakagainofmyunhappybrotherwhosedestinybecameinvolvedwithmine。
　　TwodayshadpassedsinceIhadpaidmyvisittoP————C————，whenI
　　methiminthestreet。Hetoldmethathissisterwasconstantlyspeakingofme，thatshequotedagreatmanythingswhichIhadtoldher，andthathismotherwasmuchpleasedatherdaughterhavingmademyacquaintance。"Shewouldbeagoodmatchforyou，"headded，"forshewillhaveadowryoftenthousandducats。Ifyouwillcallonmeto—morrow，wewilltakecoffeewithmymotherandsister。"
　　Ihadpromisedmyselfneveragaintoenterhishouse，butIbrokemyword。Itiseasyenoughforamantoforgethispromisesundersuchcircumstances。
　　IspentthreehoursinconversationwiththecharminggirlandwhenI
　　leftherIwasdeeplyinlove。AsIwentaway，ItoldherthatI
　　enviedthedestinyofthemanwhowouldhaveherforhiswife，andmycompliment，thefirstshehadeverreceived，madeherblush。
　　AfterIhadleftherIbegantoexaminethenatureofmyfeelingstowardsher，andtheyfrightenedme，forIcouldneitherbehavetowardsMdlle。C————C————asanhonestmannorasalibertine。
　　Icouldnothopetoobtainherhand，andIalmostfanciedIwouldstabanyonewhoadvisedmetoseduceher。IfeltthatIwantedsomediversion:Iwenttothegaming—table。Playingissometimesanexcellentlenitivetocalmthemind，andtosmothertheardentfireoflove。Iplayedwithwonderfulluck，andIwasgoinghomewithplentyofgold，wheninasolitarynarrowstreetImetamanbentdownlessbyagethanbytheheavyweightofmisery。AsIcamenearhimIrecognizedCountBonafede，thesightofwhommovedmewithpity。Herecognizedmelikewise。Wetalkedforsometime，andatlasthetoldmethestateofabjectpovertytowhichhewasreduced，andthegreatdifficultyhehadtokeephisnumerousfamily。"Idonotblush，"headded，"inbeggingfromyouonesequinwhichwillkeepusaliveforfiveorsixdays。"Iimmediatelygavehimten，tryingtopreventhimfromloweringhimselfinhisanxietytoexpresshisgratitude，butIcouldnotpreventhimfromsheddingtears。Asweparted，hetoldmethatwhatmadehimmostmiserablewastoseethepositionofhisdaughter，whohadbecomeagreatbeauty，andwouldratherdiethanmakeasacrificeofhervirtue。"Icanneithersupportherinthosefeelings，"hesaid，withasigh，"norrewardherforthem。"
　　ThinkingthatIunderstoodthewisheswithwhichmiseryhadinspiredhim，Itookhisaddress，andpromisedtopayhimavisit。IwascurioustoseewhathadbecomeofavirtueofwhichIdidnotentertainaveryhighopinion。Icalledthenextday。Ifoundahousealmostbareoffurniture，andthedaughteralone——
　　acircumstancewhichdidnotastonishme。Theyoungcountesshadseenmearrive，andreceivedmeonthestairsinthemostamiablemanner。Shewasprettywelldressed，andIthoughtherhandsome，agreeable，andlively，asshehadbeenwhenImadeheracquaintanceinFortSt。Andre。Herfatherhavingannouncedmyvisit，shewasinhighspirits，andshekissedmewithasmuchtendernessasifIhadbeenabelovedlover。Shetookmetoherownroom，andaftershehadinformedmethathermotherwasillinbedandunabletoseeme，shegavewayagaintothetransportofjoywhich，asshesaid，shefeltinseeingmeagain。Theardourofourmutualkisses，givenatfirstundertheauspicesoffriendship，wasnotlonginexcitingoursensestosuchanextentthatinlessthanaquarterofanhourIhadnothingmoretodesire。Whenitwasallover，itbecameusboth，ofcourse，tobe，oratleasttoappeartobe，surprisedatwhathadtakenplace，andIcouldnothonestlyhesitatetoassurethepoorcountessthatitwasonlythefirsttokenofaconstantandtruelove。Shebelievedit，orshefeignedtobelieveit，andperhapsI
　　myselffancieditwastrue——forthemoment。Whenwehadbecomecalmagain，shetoldmethefearfulstatetowhichtheywerereduced，herbrotherswalkingbarefootedinthestreets，andherfatherhavingpositivelynobreadtogivethem。
　　"Thenyouhavenotanylover？"
　　"What？alover！WherecouldIfindamancourageousenoughtobemyloverinsuchahouseasthis？AmIawomantosellmyselftothefirstcomerforthesumofthirtysous？ThereisnotamaninVenicewhowouldthinkmeworthmorethanthat，seeingmeinsuchaplaceasthis。Besides，Iwasnotbornforprostitution。"
　　Suchaconversationwasnotverycheerful；shewasweeping，andthespectacleofhersadness，joinedtothepictureofmiserywhichsurroundedme，wasnotatallthethingtoexcitelove。Ileftherwithapromisetocallagain，andIputtwelvesequinsinherhand。
　　Shewassurprisedattheamount；shehadneverknownherselfsorichbefore。IhavealwaysregrettedIdidnotgivehertwiceasmuch。
　　ThenextdayP————C————calledonme，andsaidcheerfullythathismotherhadgivenpermissiontoherdaughtertogototheoperawithhim，thattheyounggirlwasdelightedbecauseshehadneverbeentherebefore，andthat，ifIliked，Icouldwaitforthematsomeplacewheretheywouldmeetme。
　　"Butdoesyoursisterknowthatyouintendmetojoinyou？"
　　"Sheconsidersitagreatpleasure。"
　　"Doesyourmotherknowit？"
　　"No；butwhensheknowsitshewillnotbeangry，forshehasagreatesteemforyou。"
　　"InthatcaseIwilltrytofindaprivatebox。"
　　"Verywell；waitforusatsuchaplace。"
　　Thescoundreldidnotspeakofhislettersofexchangeagain，andashesawthatIwasnolongerpayingmyattentionstohismistress，andthatIwasinlovewithhissister，hehadformedthefineprojectofsellinghertome。Ipitiedthemotherandthedaughterwhohadconfidenceinsuchaman；butIhadnotthecouragetoresistthetemptation。IevenwentsofarastopersuademyselfthatasIlovedheritwasmydutytoaccepttheoffer，inordertosaveherfromothersnares；forifIhaddeclinedherbrothermighthavefoundsomeothermanlessscrupulous，andIcouldnotbeartheidea。Ithoughtthatinmycompanyherinnocencerannorisk。
　　ItookaboxattheSt。SamuelOpera，andIwaswaitingforthemattheappointedplacelongbeforethetime。Theycameatlast，andthesightofmyyoungfrienddelightedme。Shewaselegantlymasked，andherbrotherworehisuniform。Inordernottoexposethelovelygirltobeingrecognizedonaccountofherbrother，Imadethemgetintomygondola。Heinsisteduponbeinglandednearthehouseofhismistress，whowasill，hesaid，andheaddedthathewouldsoonjoinusinourbox。IwasastonishedthatC————C————didnotshewanysurpriseorrepugnanceatremainingalonewithmeinthegondola；butIdidnotthinktheconductofherbrotherextraordinary，foritwasevidentthatitwasallarrangedbeforehandinhismind。
　　ItoldC————C————thatwewouldremaininthegondolauntiltheopeningofthetheatre，andthatastheheatwasintenseshewoulddowelltotakeoffhermask，whichshedidatonce。ThelawIhadlaiduponmyselftorespecther，thenobleconfidencewhichwasbeamingonhercountenanceandinherlooks，herinnocentjoy——everythingincreasedtheardourofmylove。
　　Notknowingwhattosaytoher，forIcouldspeaktoherofnothingbutlove——anditwasadelicatesubject——Ikeptlookingathercharmingface，notdaringtoletmyeyesrestupontwobuddingglobesshapedbytheGraces，forfearofgivingthealarmtohermodesty。
　　"Speaktome，"shesaidatlast；"youonlylookatmewithoututteringasingleword。Youhavesacrificedyourselfforme，becausemybrotherwouldhavetakenyouwithhimtohislady—love，who，tojudgefromwhathesays，mustbeasbeautifulasanangel。"
　　"Ihaveseenthatlady。"
　　"Isupposesheisverywitty。"
　　"Shemaybeso；butIhavenoopportunityofknowing，forIhavenevervisitedher，andIdonotintendevertocalluponher。Donotthereforeimagine，beautifulC————C————，thatIhavemadetheslightestsacrificeforyoursake。"
　　"Iwasafraidyouhad，becauseasyoudidnotspeakIthoughtyouweresad。"
　　"IfIdonotspeaktoyouitisbecauseIamtoodeeplymovedbyyourangelicconfidenceinme。"
　　"Iamverygladitisso；buthowcouldInottrustyou？Ifeelmuchmorefree，muchmoreconfidentwithyouthanwithmybrotherhimself。
　　Mymothersaysitisimpossibletobemistaken，andthatyouarecertainlyanhonestman。Besides，youarenotmarried；thatisthefirstthingIaskedmybrother。Doyourecollecttellingmethatyouenviedthefateofthemanwhowouldhavemeforhiswife？Well，atthatverymomentIwasthinkingthatyourwifewouldbethehappiestwomaninVenice。"
　　Thesewords，utteredwiththemostcandidartlessness，andwiththattoneofsinceritywhichcomesfromtheheart，haduponmeaneffectwhichitwouldbedifficulttodescribe；IsufferedbecauseIcouldnotimprintthemostlovingkissuponthesweetlipswhichhadjustpronouncedthem，butatthesametimeitcausedmethemostdeliciousfelicitytoseethatsuchanangellovedme。
　　"Withsuchconformityoffeelings，"Isaid，"wewould，lovelyC————，beperfectlyhappy，ifwecouldbeunitedforever。ButIamoldenoughtobeyourfather。"
　　"Youmyfather？Youarejoking！DoyouknowthatIamfourteen？"
　　"DoyouknowthatIamtwenty—eight？"
　　"Well，wherecanyouseeamanofyouragehavingadaughterofmine？
　　Ifmyfatherwerelikeyou，hewouldcertainlyneverfrightenme；I
　　couldnotkeepanythingfromhim。"
　　Thehourtogotothetheatrehadcome；welanded，andtheperformanceengrossedallherattention。Herbrotherjoinedusonlywhenitwasnearlyover；ithadcertainlybeenapartofhiscalculation。Itookthemtoaninnforsupper，andthepleasureI
　　experiencedinseeingthecharminggirleatwithagoodappetitemademeforgetthatIhadhadnodinner。Ihardlyspokeduringthesupper，forlovemademesick，andIwasinastateofexcitementwhichcouldnotlastlong。Inordertoexcusemysilence，Ifeignedtobesufferingfromthetoothache。
　　Aftersupper，P————C————toldhissisterthatIwasinlovewithher，andthatIshouldcertainlyfeelbetterifshewouldallowmetokissher。Theonlyansweroftheinnocentgirlwastooffermeherlaughinglips，whichseemedtocallforkisses。Iwasburning；butmyrespectforthatinnocentandnaiveyoungcreaturewassuchthatI
　　onlykissedhercheek，andeventhatinamannerverycoldinappearance。
　　"Whatakiss！"exclaimedP————C————。"Come，come，agoodlover’skiss！"
　　Ididnotmove；theimpudentfellowannoyedme；buthissister，turningherheadasidesadly，said，"Donotpresshim；Iamnotsohappyastopleasehim。"
　　Thatremarkgavethealarmtomylove；Icouldnolongermastermyfeelings。
　　"What！"Iexclaimedwarmly，"what！beautifulC————，youdonotcondescendtoascribemyreservetothefeelingwhichyouhaveinspiredmewith？Yousupposethatyoudonotpleaseme？Ifakissisallthatisneededtoprovethecontrarytoyou，oh！receiveitnowwithallthesentimentthatisburninginmyheart！"
　　Thenfoldingherinmyarms，andpressingherlovinglyagainstmybreast，IimprintedonhermouththelongandardentkisswhichIhadsomuchwishedtogiveher；butthenatureofthatkissmadethetimiddovefeelthatshehadfallenintothevulture’sclaws。Sheescapedfrommyarms，amazedathavingdiscoveredmyloveinsuchamanner。Herbrotherexpressedhisapproval，whileshereplacedhermaskoverherface，inordertoconcealherconfusion。Iaskedherwhethershehadanylongeranydoubtsastomylove。
　　"Youhaveconvincedme，"sheanswered，"but，becauseyouhaveundeceivedme，youmustnotpunishme。"
　　Ithoughtthatthiswasaverydelicateanswer，dictatedbytruesentiment；butherbrotherwasnotpleasedwithit，andsaiditwasfoolish。
　　Weputonourmasks，lefttheinn，andafterIhadescortedthemtotheirhouseIwenthomedeeplyinlove，happyinmyinmostsoul，yetverysad。
　　ThereaderwilllearninthefollowingchapterstheprogressofmyloveandtheadventuresinwhichIfoundmyselfengaged。
　　CHAPTERXII
　　ProgressofMyIntriguewiththeBeautifulC。C。
　　ThenextmorningP————C————calledonmewithanairoftriumph；hetoldmethathissisterhadconfessedtohermotherthatwelovedoneanother，andthatifshewasevertobemarriedshewouldbeunhappywithanyotherhusband。
　　"Iadoreyoursister，"Isaidtohim；"butdoyouthinkthatyourfatherwillbewillingtogivehertome？"
　　"Ithinknot；butheisold。Inthemeantime，loveoneanother。Mymotherhasgivenherpermissiontogototheoperathiseveningwithus。"
　　"Verywell，mydearfriend，wemustgo。"
　　"Ifindmyselfunderthenecessityofclaimingaslightserviceatyourhands。"
　　"Disposeofme。"
　　"ThereissomeexcellentCypruswinetobesoldverycheap，andIcanobtainacaskofitagainstmybillatsixmonths。Iamcertainofsellingitagainimmediatelywithagoodprofit；butthemerchantrequiresaguarantee，andheisdisposedtoacceptyours，ifyouwillgiveit。Willyoubekindenoughtoendorsemynoteofhand？"
　　"Withpleasure。"
　　Isignedmynamewithouthesitation，forwhereisthemaninlovewhoinsuchacasewouldhaverefusedthatservicetoapersonwhotorevengehimselfmighthavemadehimmiserable？Wemadeanappointmentfortheevening，andpartedhighlypleasedwitheachother。
　　AfterIhaddressedmyself，Iwentoutandboughtadozenpairsofgloves，asmanypairsofsilkstockings，andapairofgartersembroideredingoldandwithgoldclasps，promisingmyselfmuchpleasureinofferingthatfirstpresenttomyyoungfriend。
　　IneednotsaythatIwasexactinreachingtheappointedplace，buttheyweretherealready，waitingforme。HadInotsuspectedtheintentionsofP————C————，theircomingsoearlywouldhavebeenveryflatteringtomyvanity。ThemomentIhadjoinedthem，P————C————
　　toldmethat，havingotherengagementstofulfil，hewouldleavehissisterwithme，andmeetusatthetheatreintheevening。Whenhehadgone，ItoldC————C————thatwewouldsailinagondolauntiltheopeningofthetheatre。
　　"No，"sheanswered，"letusrathergototheZueccaGarden。"
　　"Withallmyheart。"
　　IhiredagondolaandwewenttoSt。Blaze，whereIknewaveryprettygardenwhich，foronesequin，wasplacedatmydisposalfortheremainderoftheday，withtheexpressconditionthatnooneelsewouldbeallowedadmittance。Wehadnothadanydinner，andafterI
　　hadorderedagoodmealwewentuptoaroomwherewetookoffourdisguisesandmasks，afterwhichwewenttothegarden。
　　MylovelyC————C————hadnothingonbutabodicemadeoflightsilkandaskirtofthesamedescription，butshewascharminginthatsimplecostume！Myamorouslookswentthroughthoselightveils，andinmyimaginationIsawherentirelynaked！Isighedwithburningdesires，withamixtureofdiscreetreserveandvoluptuouslove。
　　Themomentwehadreachedthelongavenue，myyoungcompanion，aslivelyasafawn，findingherselfatlibertyonthegreensward，andenjoyingthathappyfreedomforthefirsttimeinherlife，begantorunaboutandtogivewaytothespiritofcheerfulnesswhichwasnaturaltoher。Whenshewascompelledtostopforwantofbreath，sheburstoutlaughingatseeingmegazingatherinasortofecstaticsilence。Shethenchallengedmetorunarace；thegamewasveryagreeabletome。Iaccepted，butIproposedtomakeitinterestingbyawager。
　　"Whoeverlosestherace，"Isaid，"shallhavetodowhateverthewinnerasks。"
　　"Agreed！"
　　Wemarkedthewinning—post，andmadeafairstart。Iwascertaintowin，butIlostonpurpose，soastoseewhatshewouldaskmetodo。
　　AtfirstsheranwithallhermightwhileIreservedmystrength，andshewasthefirsttoreachthegoal。Asshewastryingtorecoverherbreath，shethoughtofsentencingmetoagoodpenance:shehidherselfbehindatreeandtoldme，aminuteafterwards，thatIhadtofindherring。Shehadconcealeditabouther，andthatwasputtingmeinpossessionofallherperson。Ithoughtitwasadelightfulforfeit，forIcouldeasilyseethatshehadchosenitwithintentionalmischief；butIfeltthatIoughtnottotaketoomuchadvantageofher，becauseherartlessconfidencerequiredtobeencouraged。Wesatonthegrass，Ivisitedherpockets，thefoldsofherstays，ofherpetticoat；thenIlookedinhershoes，andevenathergarterswhichwerefastenedbelowtheknees。Notfindinganything，Ikeptonmysearch，andastheringwasabouther，Iwasofcourseboundtodiscoverit。MyreaderhasmostlikelyguessedthatIhadsomesuspicionofthecharminghiding—placeinwhichtheyoungbeautyhadconcealedthering，butbeforecomingtoitIwantedtoenjoymyself。Theringwasatlastfoundbetweenthetwomostbeautifulkeepersthatnaturehadeverrounded，butIfeltsuchemotionasIdrewitoutthatmyhandwastrembling。
　　"Whatareyoutremblingfor？"sheasked。
　　"Onlyforjoyathavingfoundthering；youhadconcealeditsowell！
　　Butyouowemearevenge，andthistimeyoushallnotbeatme。"
　　"Weshallsee。"
　　Webegananewrace，andseeingthatshewasnotrunningveryfast，I
　　thoughtIcouldeasilydistanceherwheneverIliked。Iwasmistaken。Shehadhusbandedherstrength，andwhenwehadrunabouttwo—thirdsoftheraceshesuddenlysprangforwardatfullspeed，leftmebehind，andIsawthatIhadlost。Ithenthoughtofatrick，theeffectofwhichneverfails；Ifeignedaheavyfall，andI
　　utteredashriekofpain。Thepoorchildstoppedatonce，ranbacktomeingreatfright，and，pityingme，sheassistedmetoraisemyselffromtheground。ThemomentIwasonmyfeetagain，Ilaughedheartilyand，takingaspringforward，Ihadreachedthegoallongbeforeher。
　　Thecharmingrunner，thoroughlyamazed，saidtome，"Thenyoudidnothurtyourself？"
　　"No，forIfellpurposely。"
　　"Purposely？Oh，todeceiveme！Iwouldneverhavebelievedyoucapableofthat。Itisnotfairtowinbyfraud；thereforeIhavenotlosttherace。"
　　"Oh！yes，youhave，forIreachedthegoalbeforeyou。
　　Trickfortrick；confessthatyoutriedtodeceivemeatthestart。"
　　"Butthatisfair，andyourtrickisaverydifferentthing。"
　　"Yetithasgivenmethevictory，andVincasiperfortundoperingano，Ilvincersemprefulaudabilcosa"……
　　"Ihaveoftenheardthosewordsfrommybrother，butneverfrommyfather。Well，nevermind，Ihavelost。Giveyourjudgmentnow，I
　　willobey。"
　　"Waitalittle。Letmesee。Ah！mysentenceisthatyoushallexchangeyourgartersformine。"
　　"Exchangeourgarters！Butyouhaveseenmine，theyareuglyandworthnothing。"
　　"Nevermind。TwiceeverydayIshallthinkofthepersonIlove，andasnearlyaspossibleatthesamehoursyouwillhavetothinkofme。"
　　"Itisaveryprettyidea，andIlikeit。NowIforgiveyouforhavingdeceivedme。Herearemyuglygarters！Ah！mydeardeceiver，howbeautifulyoursare！Whatahandsomepresent！Howtheywillpleasemymother！Theymustbeapresentwhichyouhavejustreceived，fortheyarequitenew。"
　　"No，theyhavenotbeengiventome。Iboughtthemforyou，andI
　　havebeenrackingmybraintofindhowIcouldmakeyouacceptthem。
　　Lovesuggestedtometheideaofmakingthemtheprizeoftherace。
　　YoumaynowimaginemysorrowwhenIsawthatyouwouldwin。
　　Vexationinspiredmewithadeceitfulstratagemwhicharosefromafeelingyouhadcausedyourself，andwhichturnedentirelytoyourhonour，foryoumustadmitthatyouwouldhaveshewnaveryhardheartifyouhadnotcometomyassistance。"
　　"AndIfeelcertainthatyouwouldnothavehadrecoursetothatstratagem，ifyoucouldhaveguessedhowdeeplyitwouldpainme。"
　　"Doyouthenfeelmuchinterestinme？"
　　"Iwoulddoanythingintheworldtoconvinceyouofit。Ilikemyprettygartersexceedingly；Iwillneverhaveanotherpair，andI
　　promiseyouthatmybrothershallnotstealthemfromme。"
　　"Canyousupposehimcapableofsuchanaction？"
　　"Oh！certainly，especiallyifthefasteningsareingold。"
　　"Yes，theyareingold；butlethimbelievethattheyareingiltbrass。"
　　"Willyouteachmehowtofastenmybeautifulgarters？"
　　"OfcourseIwill。"
　　Wewentupstairs，andafterourdinnerwhichwebothenjoyedwithagoodappetite，shebecamemorelivelyandImoreexcitedbylove，butatthesametimemoretobepitiedinconsequenceoftherestrainttowhichIhadcondemnedmyself。Veryanxioustotryhergarters，shebeggedmetohelpher，andthatrequestwasmadeingoodfaith，withoutmischievouscoquetry。Aninnocentyounggirl，who，inspiteofherfifteenyears，hasnotlovedyet，whohasnotfrequentedthesocietyofothergirls，doesnotknowtheviolenceofamorousdesiresorwhatislikelytoexcitethem。Shehasnoideaofthedangerofatete—a—tete。Whenanaturalinstinctmakesherloveforthefirsttime，shebelievestheobjectofherloveworthyofherconfidence，andshethinksthattobelovedherselfshemustshewthemostboundlesstrust。
　　Seeingthatherstockingsweretooshorttofastenthegarterabovetheknee，shetoldmethatshewouldinfutureuselongerones，andI
　　immediatelyofferedherthosethatIhadpurchased。Fullofgratitudeshesatonmyknees，andintheeffusionofhersatisfactionshebestoweduponmeallthekissesthatshewouldhavegiventoherfatherifhehadmadehersuchapresent。Ireturnedherkisses，forciblykeepingdowntheviolenceofmyfeelings。I
　　onlytoldherthatoneofherkisseswasworthakingdom。MycharmingC————C————tookoffhershoesandstockings，andputononeofthepairsIhadgivenher，whichwenthalfwayupherthigh。ThemoreinnocentIfoundhertobe，thelessIcouldmakeupmymindtopossessmyselfofthatravishingprey。
　　Wereturnedtothegarden，andafterwalkingaboutuntiltheeveningwewenttotheopera，takingcaretokeeponourmasks，because，thetheatrebeingsmall，wemighteasilyhavebeenrecognized，andmylovelyfriendwascertainthatherfatherwouldnotallowhertocomeoutagain，ifhefoundoutthatshehadgonetotheopera。
　　Wewererathersurprisednottoseeherbrother。OnourleftwehadtheMarquisofMontalegre，theSpanishambassador，withhisacknowledgedmistress，Mdlle。Bola，andintheboxonourrightamanandawomanwhohadnottakenofftheirmasks。Thosetwopersonskepttheireyesconstantlyfixeduponus，butmyyoungfrienddidnotremarkitasherbackwasturnedtowardsthem。Duringtheballet，C————C————havingleftthelibrettooftheoperaontheledgeofthebox，themanwiththemaskstretchedforthhishandandtookit。
　　Thatprovedtomethatwewereknowntohim，andIsaidsotomycompanion，whoturnedroundandrecognizedherbrother。TheladywhowaswithhimcouldbenootherthanMadameC————。AsP————C————
　　knewthenumberofourbox，hehadtakenthenextone；hecouldnothavedonesowithoutsomeintention，andIforesawthathemeanttomakehissisterhavesupperwiththatwoman。Iwasmuchannoyed，butIcouldnotpreventitwithoutbreakingoffwithhim，altogether，andIwasinlove。
　　Afterthesecondballet，hecameintoourboxwithhislady，andaftertheusualexchangeofcomplimentstheacquaintancewasmade，andwehadtoacceptsupperathiscasino。Assoonasthetwoladieshadthrownofftheirmasks，theyembracedoneanother，andthemistressofP————C————overwhelmedmyyoungfriendwithcomplimentsandattentions。Attablesheaffectedtotreatherwithextremeaffability，andC————C————nothavinganyexperienceoftheworldbehavedtowardsherwiththegreatestrespect。Icould，however，seethatC————，inspiteofallherart，couldhardlyhidethevexationshefeltatthesightofthesuperiorbeautywhichIhadpreferredtoherowncharms。P————C————，whowasofanextravagantgaiety，launchedforthinstupidjokesatwhichhismistressalonelaughed；
　　inmyanger，Ishruggedmyshoulders，andhissister，notunderstandinghisjests，tooknonoticeofthem。Altogetherour’partiecaree’wasnotformedofcongenialspirits，andwasratheradullaffair。
　　Asthedessertwasplacedonthetable，P————C————，somewhatexcitedbythewinehehaddrunk，kissedhislady—love，andchallengedmetofollowhisexamplewithhissister。ItoldhimthatIlovedMdlle。
　　C————C————truly，andthatIwouldnottakesuchlibertieswithheruntilIshouldhaveacquiredalegalrighttoherfavours。P————
　　C————begantoscoffatwhatIhadsaid，butC————stoppedhim。
　　Gratefulforthatmarkofpropriety，ItookoutofmypocketthetwelvepairsofgloveswhichIhadboughtinthemorning，andafterI
　　hadbeggedheracceptanceofhalfadozenpairsIgavetheothersixtomyyoungfriend。P————C————rosefromthetablewithasneer，draggingalongwithhimhismistress，whohadlikewisedrunkratherfreely，andhethrewhimselfonasofawithher。Thescenetakingalewdturn，Iplacedmyselfinsuchamannerastohidethemfromtheviewofmyyoungfriend，whomIledintotherecessofawindow。ButIhadnotbeenabletopreventC————C————fromseeinginalooking—
　　glassthepositionofthetwoimpudentwretches，andherfacewassuffusedwithblushes；I，however，spoketoherquietlyofindifferentthings，andrecoveringhercomposuresheansweredme，speakingofhergloves，whichshewasfoldingonthepier—table。
　　Afterhisbrutalexploit，P————C————cameimpudentlytomeandembracedme；hisdissolutecompanion，imitatinghisexample，kissedmyyoungfriend，sayingshewascertainthatshehadseennothing。
　　C————C————answeredmodestlythatshedidnotknowwhatshecouldhaveseen，butthelookshecasttowardsmemademeunderstandallshefelt。Ifthereaderhasanyknowledgeofthehumanheart，hemustguesswhatmyfeelingswere。HowwasitpossibletoenduresuchascenegoingoninthepresenceofaninnocentgirlwhomIadored，whenIhadtofighthardmyselfwithmyownburningdesiressoasnottoabuseherinnocence！Iwasonabedofthorns！Angerandindignation，restrainedbythereserveIwascompelledtoadoptforfearoflosingtheobjectofmyardentlove，mademetrembleallover。Theinventorsofhellwouldnothavefailedtoplacethatsufferingamongitstorments，iftheyhadknownit。ThelustfulP———
　　C————hadthoughtofgivingmeagreatproofofhisfriendshipbythedisgustingactionhehadbeenguiltyof，andhehadreckonedasnothingthedishonourofhismistress，andthedelicacyofhissisterwhomhehadthusexposedtoprostitution。IdonotknowhowI
　　contrivednottostranglehim。Thenextday，whenhecalledonme，Ioverwhelmedhimwiththemostbitterreproaches，andhetriedtoexcusehimselfbysayingthatheneverwouldhaveactedinthatmannerifhehadnotfeltsatisfiedthatIhadalreadytreatedhissisterinthetete—a—teteinthesamewaythathetreatedhismistressbeforeus。
　　MyloveforC————C————becameeveryinstantmoreintense，andIhadmadeupmymindtoundertakeeverythingnecessarytosaveherfromthefearfulpositioninwhichherunworthybrothermightthrowherbysellingherforhisownprofittosomemanlessscrupulousthanI
　　was。Itseemedtomeurgent。Whatadisgustingstateofthings！
　　Whatanunheard—ofspeciesofseduction！Whatastrangewaytogainmyfriendship！AndIfoundmyselfunderthedirenecessityofdissemblingwiththemanwhomIdespisedmostintheworld！Ihadbeentoldthathewasdeeplyindebt，thathehadbeenabankruptinVienna，wherehehadawifeandafamilyofchildren，thatinVenicehehadcompromisedhisfatherwhohadbeenobligedtoturnhimoutofhishouse，andwho，outofpity，pretendednottoknowthathehadkepthisroominit。Hehadseducedhiswife，orratherhismistress，whohadbeendrivenawaybyherhusband，andafterhehadsquanderedeverythingshepossessed，andhefoundhimselfattheendofhiswits，hehadtriedtoturnherprostitutiontoadvantage。Hispoormotherwhoidolizedhimhadgivenhimeverythingshehad，evenherownclothes，andIexpectedhimtoplaguemeagainforsomeloanorsecurity，butIwasfirmlyresolvedonrefusing。IcouldnotbeartheideaofC————C————beingtheinnocentcauseofmyruin，andusedasatoolbyherbrothertokeepuphisdisgustinglife。
　　Movedbyanirresistiblefeeling，bywhatiscalledperfectlove，I
　　calleduponP————C————onthefollowingday，and，afterIhadtoldhimthatIadoredhissisterwiththemosthonourableintentions，I
　　triedtomakehimrealizehowdeeplyhehadgrievedmebyforgettingallrespect，andthatmodestywhichthemostinveteratelibertineoughtnevertoinsultifhehasanypretensiontobeworthyofrespectablesociety。
　　"EvenifIhadtogiveup，"Iadded，"thepleasureofseeingyourangelicsister，Ihavetakenthefirmresolutionofnotkeepingcompanywithyou；butIcandidlywarnyouthatIwilldoeverythinginmypowertopreventherfromgoingoutwithyou，andfrombeingthevictimofsomeinfamousbargaininyourhands。"
　　Heexcusedhimselfagainbysayingthathehaddrunktoomuch，andthathedidnotbelievethatmyloveforhissisterwassuchastodespisethegratificationofmysenses。Hebeggedmypardon，heembracedmewithtearsinhiseyes，andIwould，perhapshavegivenwaytomyownemotion，whenhismotherandsisterenteredtheroom。
　　Theyofferedmetheirheart—feltthanksforthehandsomepresentI
　　hadgiventotheyounglady。ItoldthemotherthatIlovedherdaughter，andthatmyfondesthopewastoobtainherformywife。
　　"Inthehopeofsecuringthathappiness，madam，"Iadded，"IshallgetafriendtospeaktoyourhusbandassoonasIshallhavesecuredapositiongivingmesufficientmeanstokeephercomfortably，andtoassureherhappiness。"
　　SosayingIkissedherhand，andIfeltsodeeplymovedthatthetearsrandownmycheeks。Thosetearsweresympathetic，andtheexcellentwomanwassooncryinglikeme。Shethankedmeaffectionately，andleftmewithherdaughterandherson，wholookedasifhehadbeenchangedintoastatue。
　　Thereareagreatmanymothersofthatkindintheworld，andveryoftentheyarewomenwhohaveledavirtuouslife；theydonotsupposethatdeceitcanexist，becausetheirownnatureunderstandsonlywhatisuprightandtrue；buttheyarealmostalwaysthevictimsoftheirgoodfaith，andoftheirtrustinthosewhoseemtothemtobepatternsofhonesty。WhatIhadtoldthemothersurprisedthedaughter，butherastonishmentwasmuchgreaterwhensheheardofwhatIhadsaidtoherbrother。Afteronemomentofconsideration，shetoldhimthat，withanyothermanbutme，shewouldhavebeenruined；andthat，ifshehadbeenintheplaceofMadameC————，shewouldneverhaveforgivenhim，becausethewayhehadtreatedherwasasdebasingforherasforhimself。P————C————wasweeping，butthetraitorcouldcommandtearswheneverhepleased。
　　ItwasWhitSunday，andasthetheatreswereclosedhetoldmethat，ifIwouldbeatthesameplaceofAppointmentasbefore，thenextday，hewouldleavehissisterwithme，andgobyhimselfwithMadameC————，whomhecouldnothonourablyleavealone。
　　"Iwillgiveyoumykey，"headded，"andyoucanbringbackmysisterhereassoonasyouhavesuppertogetherwhereveryoulike。"
　　Andhehandedmehiskey，whichIhadnotthecouragetorefuse。
　　Afterthatheleftus。Iwentawaymyselfafewminutesafterwards，havingpreviouslyagreedwithC————C————thatwewouldgototheZueccaGardenonthefollowingday。
　　Iwaspunctual，andloveexcitingmetothehighestdegreeIforesawwhatwouldhappenonthatday。Ihadengagedaboxattheopera，andwewenttoourgardenuntiltheevening。Asitwasaholidaytherewereseveralsmallpartiesoffriendssittingatvarioustables，andbeingunwillingtomixwithotherpeoplewemadeupourmindstoremainintheapartmentwhichwasgiventous，andtogototheoperaonlytowardstheendoftheperformance。Ithereforeorderedagoodsupper。Wehadsevenhourstospendtogether，andmycharmingyoungfriendremarkedthatthetimewouldcertainlynotseemlongtous。
　　Shethrewoffherdisguiseandsatonmyknees，tellingmethatIhadcompletedtheconquestofherheartbymyreservetowardsherduringthesupperwithherbrother；butallourconversationwasaccompaniedbykisseswhich，littlebylittle，werebecomingmoreandmoreardent。
　　"Didyousee，"shesaidtome，"whatmybrotherdidtoMadameC————
　　whensheplacedherselfastrideonhisknees？Ionlysawitinthelooking—glass，butIcouldguesswhatitwas。"
　　"Wereyounotafraidofmytreatingyouinthesamemanner？"
　　"No，Icanassureyou。HowcouldIpossiblyfearsuchathing，knowinghowmuchyouloveme？YouwouldhavehumiliatedmesodeeplythatIshouldnolongerhavelovedyou。Wewillwaituntilwearemarried，willwenot，dear？YoucannotrealizetheextentofthejoyIfeltwhenIheardyouspeaktomymotherasyoudid！Wewillloveeachotherforever。Butwillyouexplaintome，dearest，themeaningofthewordsembroidereduponmygarters？"
　　"Isthereanymottouponthem？Iwasnotawareofit。"
　　"Oh，yes！itisinFrench；prayreadit。"
　　Seatedonmyknees，shetookoffoneofhergarterswhileIwasunclaspingtheother，andherearethetwolineswhichIfoundembroideredonthem，andwhichIoughttohavereadbeforeofferingthemtoher:
　　’Envoyantchaquejourlebijoudemabelle，Vousluidirezqu’Amourveutqu’illuisoitfidele。’
　　Thoseverses，ratherfreeImustconfess，struckmeasverycomic。
　　Iburstoutlaughing，andmymirthincreasedwhen，topleaseher，I
　　hadtotranslatetheirmeaning。Asitwasanideaentirelynewtoher，Ifounditnecessarytoenterintoparticularswhichlightedanardentfireinourveins。
　　"Now，"sheobserved，"Ishallnotdaretoshewmygarterstoanybody，andIamverysorryforit。"
　　AsIwasratherthoughtful，sheadded，"Tellmewhatyouarethinkingof？"
　　"IamthinkingthatthoseluckygartershaveaprivilegewhichperhapsIshallneverenjoy。HowIwishmyselfintheirplace:Imaydieofthatwish，anddiemiserable。"
　　"No，dearest，forIaminthesamepositionasyou，andIamcertaintolive。Besides，wecanhastenourmarriage。AsfarasIamconcerned，Iamreadytobecomeyourwifeto—morrowifyouwishit。
　　Wearebothfree，andmyfathercannotrefusehisconsent。"
　　"Youareright，forhewouldbeboundtoconsentforthesakeofhishonour。ButIwishtogivehimamarkofmyrespectbyaskingforyourhand，andafterthateverythingwillsoonbeready。Itmightbeinaweekortendays。"
　　"Sosoon？YouwillseethatmyfatherwillsaythatIamtooyoung。"
　　"Perhapsheisright。"
　　"No；Iamyoung，butnottooyoung，andIamcertainthatIcanbeyourwife。"
　　Iwasonburningcoals，andIfeltthatitwasimpossibleformetoresistanylongertheardentfirewhichwasconsumingme。
　　"Oh，mybestbeloved！"Iexclaimed，"doyoufeelcertainofmylove？
　　Doyouthinkmecapableofdeceivingyou？Areyousurethatyouwillneverrepentbeingmywife？"
　　"Morethancertain，darling；foryoucouldnotwishtomakemeunhappy。"
　　"Well，then，letourmarriagetakeplacenow。LetGodalonereceiveourmutualpledges；wecannothaveabetterwitness，forHeknowsthepurityofourintentions。Letusmutuallyengageourfaith，letusuniteourdestiniesandbehappy。Wewillafterwardslegalizeourtenderlovewithyourfather’sconsentandwiththeceremoniesoftheChurch；inthemeantimebemine，entirelymine。"
　　"Disposeofme，dearest。IpromisetoGod，Ipromisetoyouthat，fromthisverymomentandforever，Iwillbeyourfaithfulwife；I
　　willsaythesametomyfather，tothepriestwhowillblessourunion——infact，toeverybody。"
　　"Itakethesameoathtowardsyou，darling，andIcanassureyouthatwearenowtrulymarried。Cometomyarms！Oh，dearest，completemyfelicity！"
　　"Oh，dear！amIindeedsonearhappiness！"
　　Afterkissinghertenderly，Iwentdowntotellthemistressofthehousenottodisturbus，andnottobringupourdinneruntilwecalledforit。Duringmyshortabsence，mycharmingC————C————hadthrownherselfdressedonthebed，butItoldherthatthegodoflovedisapprovedofunnecessaryveils，andinlessthanaminuteI
　　madeofheranewEve，beautifulinhernakednessasifshehadjustcomeoutofthehandsoftheSupremeArtist。Herskin，assoftassatin，wasdazzlinglywhite，andseemedstillmoresobesidehersplendidblackhairwhichIhadspreadoverheralabastershoulders。
　　Herslenderfigure，herprominenthips，herbeautifully—modelledbosom，herlargeeyes，fromwhichflashedthesparkleofamorousdesire，everythingaboutherwasstrikinglybeautiful，andpresentedtomyhungrylookstheperfectionofthemotheroflove，adornedbyallthecharmswhichmodestythrowsovertheattractionsofalovelywoman。
　　Besidemyself，Ialmostfearedlestmyfelicityshouldnotprovereal，orlestitshouldnotbemadeperfectbycompleteenjoyment，whenmischievouslovecontrived，insoseriousamoment，tosupplymewithareasonformirth。
　　"Istherebyanychancealawtopreventthehusbandfromundressinghimself？"enquiredbeautifulC————C————。
　　"No，darlingangel，no；andevenifthereweresuchabarbarouslaw，Iwouldnotsubmittoit。"
　　Inoneinstant，Ihadthrownoffallmygarments，andmymistress，inherturn，gaveherselfuptoalltheimpulseofnaturalinstinctandcuriosity，foreverypartofmybodywasanentirelynewthingtoher。Atlast，asifshehadhadenoughofthepleasurehereyeswereenjoying，shepressedmeagainstherbosom，andexclaimed，"Oh！dearest，whatadifferencebetweenyouandmypillow！"
　　"Yourpillow，darling？Youarelaughing；whatdoyoumean？"
　　"Oh！itisnothingbutachildishfancy；Iamafraidyouwillbeangry。"
　　"Angry！HowcouldIbeangrywithyou，mylove，inthehappiestmomentofmylife？"
　　"Well，forseveraldayspast，Icouldnotgotosleepwithoutholdingmypillowinmyarms；Icaressedit，Icalleditmydearhusband；I
　　fancieditwasyou，andwhenadelightfulenjoymenthadleftmewithoutmovement，Iwouldgotosleep，andinthemorningfindmypillowstillbetweenmyarms。"
　　MydearC————C————becamemywifewiththecourageofatrueheroine，forherintenselovecausedhertodelighteveninbodilypain。Afterthreehoursspentindeliciousenjoyment，Igotupandcalledforoursupper。Therepastwassimple，butverygood。Welookedatoneanotherwithoutspeaking，forhowcouldwefindwordstoexpressourfeelings？Wethoughtthatourfelicitywasextreme，andweenjoyeditwiththecertaintythatwecouldrenewitatwill。
　　Thehostesscameuptoenquirewhetherwewantedanything，andsheaskedifwewerenotgoingtotheopera，whicheverybodysaidwassobeautiful。
　　"Haveyouneverbeentotheopera？"
　　"Never，becauseitistoodearforpeopleinourposition。Mydaughterhassuchawishtogo，that，Godforgivemeforsayingit！
　　shewouldgiveherself，Itrulybelieve，tothemanwhowouldtakeherthereonce。"
　　"Thatwouldbepayingverydearforit，"saidmylittlewife，laughing。"Dearest，wecouldmakeherhappyatlesscost，forthathurtsverymuch。"
　　"Iwasthinkingofit，mylove。Hereisthekeyofthebox，youcanmakethemapresentofit。"
　　"HereisthekeyofaboxattheSt。MosesTheatre，"shesaidtothehostess；"itcoststwosequins；goinsteadofus，andtellyourdaughtertokeepherrose—budforsomethingbetter。"
　　"Toenableyoutoamuseyourself，mygoodwoman；takethesetwosequins，"Iadded。"Letyourdaughterenjoyherselfwell。"
　　Thegoodhostess，thoroughlyamazedatthegenerosityofherguests，raninagreathurrytoherdaughter，whileweweredelightedathavinglaidourselvesunderthepleasantnecessityofagaingoingtobed。Shecameupwithherdaughter，ahandsome，temptingblonde，whoinsisteduponkissingthehandsofherbenefactors。
　　"Sheisgoingthisminutewithherlover，"saidthemother。"Heiswaitingforher；butIwillnotlethergoalonewithhim，forheisnottobetrusted；Iamgoingwiththem。"
　　"Thatisright，mygoodwoman；butwhenyoucomebackthisevening，letthegondolawaitforus；itwilltakeustoVenice。"
　　"What！Doyoumeantoremainhereuntilwereturn？"
　　"Yes，forthisisourwedding—day。"
　　"To—day？Godblessyou！"
　　Shethenwenttothebed，toputittorights，andseeingthemarksofmywife’svirginityshecametomydearC————C————and，inherjoy，kissedher，andimmediatelybeganasermonforthespecialbenefitofherdaughter，shewingherthosemarkswhich，inheropinion，didinfinitehonourtotheyoungbride:respectablemarks，shesaid，whichinourdaysthegodofHymenseesbutseldomonhisaltar。
　　Thedaughter，castingdownherbeautifulblueeyes，answeredthatthesamewouldcertainlybeseenonherwedding—day。
　　"Iamcertainofit，"saidthemother，"forIneverlosesightofthee。Goandgetsomewaterinthisbasin，andbringithere。Thischarmingbridemustbeinneedofit。"
　　Thegirlobeyed。Thetwowomenhavingleftus，wewenttobed，andfourhoursofecstaticdelightspassedoffwithwonderfulrapidity。
　　Ourlastengagementwouldhavelastedlonger，ifmycharmingsweethearthadnottakenafancytotakemyplaceandtoreversetheposition。Wornoutwithhappinessandenjoyment，weweregoingtosleep，whenthehostesscametotellusthatthegondolawaswaitingforus。Iimmediatelygotuptoopenthedoor，inthehopethatshewouldamuseuswithherdescriptionoftheopera；butsheleftthattasktoherdaughter，whohadcomeupwithher，andshewentdownagaintopreparesomecoffeeforus。Theyounggirlassistedmysweethearttodress，butnowandthenshewouldwinkatmeinamannerwhichmademethinkthatshehadmoreexperiencethanhermotherimagined。
　　Nothingcouldbemoreindiscreetthantheeyesofmybelovedmistress；theyworetheirrefutablemarksofherfirstexploits。Itistruethatshehadjustbeenfightingabattlewhichhadpositivelymadeheradifferentbeingtowhatshewasbeforetheengagement。
　　Wetooksomehotcoffee，andItoldourhostesstogetusanicedinnerforthenextday；wethenleftinthegondola。ThedawnofdaywasbreakingwhenwelandedatSt。Sophia’sSquare，inordertosetthecuriosityofthegondoliersatfault，andwepartedhappy，delighted，andcertainthatwewerethoroughlymarried。Iwenttobed，havingmadeupmymindtocompelM。deBragadin，throughthepoweroftheoracle，toobtainlegallyformethehandofmybelovedC————C————。Iremainedinbeduntilnoon，andspenttherestofthedayinplayingwithillluck，asifDameFortunehadwishedtowarnmethatshedidnotapproveofmylove。
　　CHAPTERXIII
　　ContinuationofMyIntrigueswithC。C。——M。deBragadinAskstheHandofThatYoungPersonforMe——HerFatherRefuses，andSendsHertoaConvent——DelaHaye—ILoseAllmyMoneyattheFaso—table——MyPartnershipwithCroceReplenishesMyPurse——VariousIncidentsThehappinessderivedfrommylovehadpreventedmefromattachinganyimportancetomylosses，andbeingentirelyengrossedwiththethoughtofmysweetheartmyminddidnotseemtocareforwhateverdidnotrelatetoher。
　　Iwasthinkingofherthenextmorningwhenherbrothercalledonmewithabeamingcountenance，andsaid，"Iamcertainthatyouhavesleptwithmysister，andIamverygladofit。Shedoesnotconfessasmuch，butherconfessionisnotnecessary。Iwillbringhertoyouto—day。"
　　"Youwillobligeme，forIadoreher，andIwillgetafriendofminetoaskherinmarriagefromyourfatherinsuchamannerthathewillnotbeabletorefuse。"
　　"Iwishitmaybeso，butIdoubtit。Inthemeantime，Ifindmyselfcompelledtobeganotherservicefromyourkindness。Icanobtain，againstanoteofhandpayableinsixmonths，aringofthevalueoftwohundredsequins，andIamcertaintosellitagainthisverydayforthesameamount。Thatsum，isverynecessarytomejustnow，butthejeweller，whoknowsyou，willnotletmehaveitwithoutyoursecurity。Willyouobligemeinthisinstance？Iknowthatyoulostagreatdeallastnight；ifyouwantsomemoneyIwillgiveyouonehundredsequins，whichyouwillreturnwhenthenoteofhandfallsdue。"
　　HowcouldIrefusehim？IknewverywellthatIwouldbeduped，butIlovedhissistersomuch:
　　"Iamready，"saidItohim，"tosignthenoteofhand，butyouarewronginabusingmyloveforyoursisterinsuchamanner。"
　　Wewentout，andthejewellerhavingacceptedmysecuritythebargainwascompleted。Themerchant，whoknewmeonlybyname，thinkingofpayingmeagreatcompliment，toldP————C————thatwithmyguaranteeallhisgoodswereathisservice。Ididnotfeelflatteredbythecompliment，butIthoughtIcouldseeinittheknaveryofP————
　　C————，whowascleverenoughtofindout，outofahundred，thefoolwhowithoutanyreasonplacedconfidenceinmewhenIpossessednothing。ItwasthusthatmyangelicC————C————，whoseemedmadetoinsuremyhappiness，wastheinnocentcauseofmyruin。
　　AtnoonP————C————broughthissister；andwishingmostlikelytoproveitshonesty——foracheatalwaystrieshardtodothat——hegavemebacktheletterofexchangewhichIhadendorsedfortheCypruswine，assuringmelikewisethatatournextmeetinghewouldhandmetheonehundredsequinswhichhehadpromisedme。
　　ItookmymistressasusualtoZuecca；Iagreedforthegardentobekeptclosed，andwedinedunderavine—arbour。MydearC————C————
　　seemedtomemorebeautifulsinceshewasmine，and，friendshipbeingunitedtolovewefeltadelightfulsensationofhappinesswhichshoneonourfeatures。Thehostess，whohadfoundmegenerous，gaveussomeexcellentgameandsomeveryfinefish；herdaughterservedus。Shealsocametoundressmylittlewifeassoonaswehadgoneupstairstogiveourselvesuptothesweetpleasuresnaturaltoayoungmarriedcouple。
　　Whenwewerealonemylovedaskedmewhatwasthemeaningoftheonehundredsequinswhichherbrotherhadpromisedtobringme，andI
　　toldherallthathadtakenplacebetweenhimandme。
　　"Ientreatyou，darling，"shesaidtome，"torefuseallthedemandsofmybrotherinfuture；heis，unfortunately，insuchdifficultiesthathewouldattheenddragyoudowntotheabyssintowhichhemustfall"
　　Thistimeourenjoymentseemedtousmoresubstantial；werelisheditwithamorerefineddelight，and，sotospeak，wereasonedoverit。
　　"Oh，mybestbeloved！"shesaidtome，"doallinyourpowertorendermepregnant；forinthatcasemyfathercouldnolongerrefusehisconsenttomymarriage，underthepretextofmybeingtooyoung。"
　　ItwaswithgreatdifficultythatImadeherunderstandthatthefulfilmentofthatwish，howevermuchIshareditmyself，wasnotentirelyinourpower；butthat，underthecircumstances，itwouldmostprobablybefulfilledsoonerorlater。
　　Afterworkingwithallourmightatthecompletionofthatgreatundertaking，wegaveseveralhourstoaprofoundanddelightfulrepose。AssoonaswewereawakeIcalledforcandlesandcoffee，andwesettoworkagaininthehopeofobtainingthemutualharmonyofecstaticenjoymentwhichwasnecessarytoinsureourfuturehappiness。Itwasinthemidstofourlovingsportthatthetooearlydawnsurprisedus，andwehurriedbacktoVenicetoavoidinquisitiveeyes。
　　WerenewedourpleasuresontheFriday，but，whateverdelightImayfeelnowintheremembranceofthosehappymoments，Iwillsparemyreadersthedescriptionofmynewenjoyment，becausetheymightnotfeelinterestedinsuchrepetitions。Imustthereforeonlysaythat，beforepartingonthatday，wefixedforthefollowingMonday，thelastdayofthecarnival，ourlastmeetingintheGardenofZuecca。
　　Deathalonecouldhavehinderedmefromkeepingthatappointment，foritwastobethelastopportunityofenjoyingouramoroussport。
　　OntheMondaymorningIsawP————C————，whoconfirmedtheappointmentforthesamehour，andattheplacepreviouslyagreedupon，andIwasthereingoodtime。Inspiteoftheimpatienceofalover，thefirsthourofexpectationpassesrapidly，butthesecondismortallylong。Yetthethirdandthefourthpassedwithoutmyseeingmybelovedmistress。Iwasinastateoffearfulanxiety；I
　　imaginedthemostterribledisasters。ItseemedtomethatifC———
　　C————hadbeenunabletogooutherbrotheroughttohavecometoletmeknowit。
　　Butsomeunexpectedmishapmighthavedetainedhim，andIcouldnotgoandfetchhermyselfatherhouse，evenifIhadfearednothingelsethantomissthemontheroad。Atlast，asthechurchbellsweretollingtheAngelus，C————C————camealone，andmasked。
　　"Iwascertain，"shesaid，"thatyouwerehere，andhereIaminspiteofallmymothercouldsay。Youmustbestarving。Mybrotherhasnotputinanappearancethroughthewholeofthisday。Letusgoquicklytoourgarden，forIamveryhungrytoo，andlovewillconsoleusforallwehavesufferedtoday。"
　　Shehadspokenveryrapidly，andwithoutgivingmetimetoutterasingleword；Ihadnothingmoretoaskher。Wewentoff，andtookagondolatoourgarden。Thewindwasveryhigh，itblewalmostahurricane，andthegondolahavingonlyonerowerthedangerwasgreat。C————C————，whohadnoideaofit，wasplayingwithmetomakeupfortherestraintunderwhichshehadbeenallday；buthermovementsexposedthegondoliertodanger；ifhehadfallenintothewater，nothingcouldhavesavedus，andwewouldhavefounddeathonourwaytopleasure。Itoldhertokeepquiet，but，beinganxiousnottofrightenher，Idarednotacquaintherwiththedangerwewererunning。Thegondolier，however，hadnotthesamereasonsforsparingherfeelings，andhecalledouttousinastentorianvoicethat，ifwedidnotkeepquiet，wewerealllost。Histhreathadthedesiredeffect，andwereachedthelandingwithoutmishap。Ipaidthemangenerously，andhelaughedforjoywhenhesawthemoneyforwhichhewasindebtedtothebadweather。
　　Wespentsixdelightfulhoursinourcasino；thistimesleepwasnotallowedtovisitus。Theonlythoughtwhichthrewacloudoverourfelicitywasthat，thecarnivalbeingover，wedidnotknowhowtocontriveourfuturemeetings。Weagreed，however，thatonthefollowingWednesdaymorningIshouldpayavisittoherbrother，andthatshewouldcometohisroomasusual。
　　Wetookleaveofourworthyhostess，who，entertainingnohopeofseeingusagain，expressedhersorrowandoverwhelmeduswithblessings。Iescortedmydarling，withoutanyaccident，asfarasthedoorofherhouse，andwenthome。
　　Ihadjustrisenatnoon，whentomygreatsurpriseIhadavisitfromDelaHayewithhispupilCalvi，ahandsomeyoungman，buttheverycopyofhismasterineverything。Hewalked，spoke，laughedexactlylikehim；itwasthesamelanguageasthatoftheJesuitscorrectbutratherharshFrench。Ithoughtthatexcessofimitationperfectlyscandalous，andIcouldnothelptellingDelaHayethatheoughttochangehispupil’sdeportment，becausesuchservilemimicrywouldonlyexposehimtobitterraillery。AsIwasgivinghimmyopiniononthatsubject，Bavoismadehisappearance，andwhenhehadspentanhourinthecompanyoftheyoungmanhewasentirelyofthesamemind。Calvidiedtwoorthreeyearslater。DelaHaye，whowasbentuponformingpupils，became，twoorthreemonthsafterCalvi’sdeath，thetutoroftheyoungChevalierdeMorosini，thenephewofthenoblemantowhomBavoiswasindebtedforhisrapidfortune，whowasthentheCommissioneroftheRepublictosettleitsboundarieswiththeAustrianGovernmentrepresentedbyCountChristiani。
　　Iwasinlovebeyondallmeasure，andIwouldnotpostponeanapplicationonwhichmyhappinessdependedanylonger。Afterdinner，andassoonaseverybodyhadretired，IbeggedM。deBragadinandhistwofriendstograntmeanaudienceoftwohoursintheroominwhichwewerealwaysinaccessible。There，withoutanypreamble，ItoldthemthatIwasinlovewithC————C————，anddeterminedoncarryingheroffiftheycouldnotcontrivetoobtainherfromherfatherformywife。"Thequestionatissue，"IsaidtoM。deBragadin，"ishowtogivemearespectableposition，andtoguaranteeadowryoftenthousandducatswhichtheyoungladywouldbringme。"Theyansweredthat，ifParalisgavethemthenecessaryinstructions，theywerereadytofulfilthem。ThatwasallIwanted。Ispenttwohoursinformingallthepyramidstheywished，andtheresultwasthatM。deBragadinhimselfwoulddemandinmynamethehandoftheyounglady；
　　theoracleexplainingthereasonofthatchoicebystatingthatitmustbethesamepersonwhowouldguaranteethedowrywithhisownfortune。Thefatherofmymistressbeingthenathiscountry—house，Itoldmyfriendsthattheywouldhaveduenoticeofhisreturn，andthattheyweretobeallthreetogetherwhenM。deBragadindemandedtheyounglady’shand。
　　WellpleasedwithwhatIhaddone，IcalledonP————C————thenextmorning。Anoldwoman，whoopenedthedoorforme，toldmethathewasnotathome，butthathismotherwouldseeme。Shecameimmediatelywithherdaughter，andtheybothlookedverysad，whichatoncestruckmeasabadsign。C————C————toldmethatherbrotherwasinprisonfordebt，andthatitwouldbedifficulttogethimoutofitbecausehisdebtsamountedtoaverylargesum。Themother，cryingbitterly，toldmehowdeeplygrievedshewasatnotbeingabletosupporthimintheprison，andsheshewedmetheletterhehadwrittentoher，inwhichherequestedhertodeliveranenclosuretohissister。IaskedC————C—————whetherIcouldreadit；shehandedittome，andIsawthathebeggedhertospeaktomeinhisbehalf。AsIreturnedittoher，ItoldhertowritetohimthatIwasnotinapositiontodoanythingforhim，butIentreatedthemothertoaccepttwenty—fivesequins，whichwouldenablehertoassisthimbysendinghimoneortwoatatime。Shemadeuphermindtotakethemonlywhenherdaughterjoinedherentreatiestomine。
　　AfterthispainfulsceneIgavethemanaccountofwhatIhaddoneinordertoobtainthehandofmyyoungsweetheart。MadameC———thankedme，expressedherappreciationofmyhonourableconduct，butshetoldmenottoentertainanyhope，becauseherhusband，whowasverystubborninhisideas，haddecidedthathisdaughtershouldmarryamerchant，andnotbeforetheageofeighteen。Hewasexpectedhomethatveryday。AsIwastakingleaveofthem，mymistresscontrivedtoslipinmyhandaletterinwhichshetoldmethatIcouldsafelymakeuseofthekeywhichIhadinmypossession，toenterthehouseatmidnight，andthatIwouldfindherinherbrother’sroom。Thisnewsmademeveryhappy，for，notwithstandingallthedoubtsofhermother，Ihopedforsuccessinobtainingherhand。
　　WhenIreturnedhome，ItoldM。deBragadinoftheexpectedarrivalofthefatherofmycharmingC————C————，andthekindoldmanwrotetohimimmediatelyinmypresence。Herequestedhimtonameatwhattimehemightcallonhimonimportantbusiness。IaskedM。deBragadinnottosendhisletteruntilthefollowingday。
　　ThereadercanverywellguessthatC————C————hadnottowaitformelongaftermidnight。Igainedadmittancewithoutanydifficulty，andIfoundmydarling，whoreceivedmewithopenarms。
　　"Youhavenothingtofear，"shesaidtome；"myfatherhasarrivedinexcellenthealth，andeveryoneinthehouseisfastasleep。"
　　"ExceptLove，"Ianswered，"whichisnowinvitingustoenjoyourselves。Lovewillprotectus，dearest，andto—morrowyourfatherwillreceivealetterfrommyworthyprotector。"
　　AtthosewordsC————C————shuddered。Itwasapresentimentofthefuture。
　　Shesaidtome，"MyfatherthinksofmenowasifIwerenothingbutachild；buthiseyesaregoingtobeopenedrespectingme；hewillexaminemyconduct，andGodknowswhatwillhappen！Now，wearehappy，evenmorethanwewereduringourvisitstoZuecca，forwecanseeeachothereverynightwithoutrestraint。ButwhatwillmyfatherdowhenhehearsthatIhavealover？"
　　"Whatcanhedo？Ifherefusesmeyourhand，Iwillcarryyouoff，andthepatriarchwouldcertainlymarryus。Weshallbeoneanother’sforlife"
　　"Itismymostardentwish，andtorealizeitIamreadytodoanything；but，dearest，Iknowmyfather。"
　　Weremainedtwohourstogether，thinkinglessofourpleasuresthanofoursorrow；Iwentawaypromisingtoseeheragainthenextnight。
　　Thewholeofthemorningpassedoffveryheavilyforme，andatnoonM。deBragadininformedmethathehadsenthislettertothefather，whohadansweredthathewouldcallhimselfonthefollowingdaytoascertainM。deBragadin’swishes。AtmidnightIsawmybelovedmistressagain，andIgaveheranaccountofallthathadtranspired。
　　C————C————toldmethatthemessageofthesenatorhadgreatlypuzzledherfather，because，ashehadneverhadanyintercoursewiththatnobleman，hecouldnotimaginewhathewantedwithhim。
　　Uncertainty，asortofanxiousdread，andaconfusedhope，renderedourenjoymentmuchlesslivelyduringthetwohourswhichwespenttogether。IhadnodoubtthatM。Ch。C————thefatherofmyyoungfriend，would’gohomeimmediatelyafterhisinterviewwithM。deBragadin，thathewouldaskhisdaughteragreatmanyquestions，andIfearedlestC————C————，inhertroubleandconfusion，shouldbetrayherself。Shefeltherselfthatitmightbeso，andIcouldseehowpainfullyanxiousshewas。Iwasextremelyuneasymyself，andIsufferedmuchbecause，notknowinghowherfatherwouldlookatthematter，Icouldnotgiveheranyadvice。Asamatterofcourse，itwasnecessaryforhertoconcealcertaincircumstanceswhichwouldhaveprejudicedhismindagainstus；yetitwasurgenttotellhimthetruthandtoshewherselfentirelysubmissivetohiswill。I
　　foundmyselfplacedinastrangeposition，andaboveall，Iregrettedhavingmadetheall—importantapplication，preciselybecauseitwascertaintohavetoodecisivearesult。IlongedtogetoutofthestateofindecisioninwhichIwas，andIwassurprisedtoseemyyoungmistresslessanxiousthanIwas。Wepartedwithheavyhearts，butwiththehopethatthenextnightwouldagainbringustogether，forthecontrarydidnotseemtouspossible。
　　Thenextday，afterdinner，M。Ch。C————calleduponM。deBragadin，butIdidnotshewmyself。Heremainedacoupleofhourswithmythreefriends，andassoonashehadgoneIheardthathisanswerhadbeenwhatthemotherhadtoldme，butwiththeadditionofacircumstancemostpainfultome——namely，thathisdaughterwouldpassthefouryearswhichweretoelapse，beforeshecouldthinkofmarriage，inaconvent。Asapalliativetohisrefusalhehadadded，that，ifbythattimeIhadawell—establishedpositionintheworld，hemightconsenttoourwedding。
　　Thatanswerstruckmeasmostcruel，andinthedespairinwhichitthrewmeIwasnotastonishedwhenthesamenightIfoundthedoorbywhichIusedtogainadmittancetoC————C————closedandlockedinside。
　　Ireturnedhomemoredeadthanalive，andlosttwenty—fourhoursinthatfearfulperplexityinwhichamanisoftenthrownwhenhefeelshimselfboundtotakeadecisionwithoutknowingwhattodecide。I
　　thoughtofcarryingheroff，butathousanddifficultiescombinedtopreventtheexecutionofthatscheme，andherbrotherwasinprison。
　　Isawhowdifficultitwouldbetocontriveacorrespondencewithmywife，forIconsideredC————C————assuch，muchmorethanifourmarriagehadreceivedthesanctionofthepriest’sblessingorofthenotary’slegalcontract。
　　Torturedbyathousanddistressingideas，ImadeupmymindatlasttopayavisittoMadameC————。Aservantopenedthedoor，andinformedmethatmadamehadgonetothecountry；shecouldnottellmewhenshewasexpectedtoreturntoVenice。Thisnewswasaterriblethunder—bolttome；Iremainedasmotionlessasastatue；
　　fornowthatIhadlostthatlastresourceIhadnomeansofprocuringtheslightestinformation。
　　Itriedtolookcalminthepresenceofmythreefriends，butinrealityIwasinastatetrulyworthyofpity，andthereaderwillperhapsrealizeitifItellhimthatinmydespairImadeupmymindtocallonP————C————inhisprison，inthehopethathemightgivemesomeinformation。