Myvisitproveduseless；heknewnothing，andIdidnotenlightenhisignorance。HetoldmeagreatmanylieswhichIpretendedtoacceptasgospel，andgivinghimtwosequinsIwentaway，wishinghimapromptrelease。
　　Iwasrackingmybraintocontrivesomewaytoknowthepositionofmymistress——forIfeltcertainitwasafearfulone——andbelievinghertobeunhappyIreproachedmyselfmostbitterlyasthecauseofhermisery。IhadreachedsuchastateofanxietythatIcouldneithereatnorsleep。
　　Twodaysaftertherefusalofthefather，M。deBragadinandhistwofriendswenttoPaduaforamonth。Ihadnothadthehearttogowiththem，andIwasaloneinthehouse。IneededconsolationandI
　　wenttothegaming—table，butIplayedwithoutattentionandlostagreatdeal。IhadalreadysoldwhateverIpossessedofanyvalue，andIowedmoneyeverywhere。Icouldexpectnoassistanceexceptfrommythreekindfriends，butshamepreventedmefromconfessingmypositiontothem。Iwasinthatdispositionwhichleadseasilytoself—destruction，andIwasthinkingofitasIwasshavingmyselfbeforeatoilet—glass，whentheservantbroughttomyroomawomanwhohadaletterforme。Thewomancameuptome，and，handingmetheletter，shesaid，"Areyouthepersontowhomitisaddressed？"
　　IrecognizedatonceasealwhichIhadgiventoC————C————；I
　　thoughtIwoulddropdowndead。Inordertorecovermycomposure，I
　　toldthewomantowait，andtriedtoshavemyself，butmyhandrefusedtoperformitsoffice。Iputtherazordown，turnedmybackonthemessenger，andopeningtheletterIreadthefollowinglines，"BeforeIcanwriteallIhavetosay，Imustbesureofmymessenger。Iamboardinginaconvent，andamverywelltreated，andIenjoyexcellenthealthinspiteoftheanxietyofmymind。Thesuperiorhasbeeninstructedtoforbidmeallvisitorsandcorrespondence。Iam，however，alreadycertainofbeingabletowritetoyou，notwithstandingtheseverystrictorders。Ientertainnodoubtofyourgoodfaith，mybelovedhusband，andIfeelsurethatyouwillneverdoubtaheartwhichiswhollyyours。Trusttomefortheexecutionofwhateveryoumaywishmetodo，forIamyoursandonlyyours。Answeronlyafewwordsuntilwearequitecertainofourmessenger。
　　"Muran，June12th。"
　　Inlessthanthreeweeksmyyoungfriendhadbecomeaclevermoralist；itistruethatLovehadbeenherteacher，andLovealonecanworkmiracles。AsIconcludedthereadingofherletter，Iwasinthestateofacriminalpardonedatthefootofthescaffold。I
　　requiredseveralminutesbeforeIrecoveredtheexerciseofmywillandmypresenceofmind。
　　Iturnedtowardsthemessenger，andaskedherifshecouldread。
　　"Ah，sir！ifIcouldnotread，itwouldbeagreatmisfortuneforme。TherearesevenwomenappointedfortheserviceofthenunsofMuran。OneofuscomesinturntoVeniceonceaweek；IcomeeveryWednesday，andthisdayweekIshallbeabletobringyouananswertotheletterwhich，ifyoulike，youcanwritenow。"
　　"Thenyoucantakechargeofthelettersentrustedtoyoubythenuns？"
　　"Thatisnotsupposedtobeoneofourdutiesbutthefaithfuldeliveryoflettersbeingthemostimportantofthecommissionscommittedtoourcare，weshouldnotbetrustedifwecouldnotreadtheaddressofthelettersplacedinourhands。ThenunswantedtobesurethatweshallnotgivetoPetertheletteraddressedtoPaul。
　　Thegoodmothersarealwaysafraidofourbeingguiltyofsuchblunders。ThereforeIshallbehereagain，withoutfail，thisdayweekatthesamehour，butpleasetoorderyourservanttowakeyouincaseyoushouldbeasleep，forourtimeismeasuredasifitweregold。Aboveall，relyentirelyuponmydiscretionaslongasyouemployme；forifIdidnotknowhowtokeepasilenttongueinmyheadIshouldlosemybread，andthenwhatwouldbecomeofme——
　　awidowwithfourchildren，aboyeightyearsold，andthreeprettygirls，theeldestofwhomisonlysixteen？YoucanseethemwhenyoucometoMuran。Ilivenearthechurch，onthegardenside，andIamalwaysathomewhenIamnotengagedintheserviceofthenuns，whoarealwayssendingmeononecommissionoranother。Theyounglady——
　　Idonotknowhernameyet，forshehasonlybeenoneweekwithus——
　　gavemethisletter，butsocleverly！Oh！shemustbeaswittyassheispretty，forthreenunswhoweretherewerecompletelybamboozled。Shegaveittomewiththisotherletterformyself，whichIlikewiseleaveinyourhands。Poorchild！shetellsmetobediscreet！Sheneednotbeafraid。Writetoher，Ientreatyou，sir，thatshecantrustme，andanswerboldly。Iwouldnottellyoutoactinthesamemannerwithalltheothermessengersoftheconvent，althoughIbelievethemtobehonest——andGodforbidIshouldspeakillofmyfellow—creature——buttheyareallignorant，yousee；anditiscertainthattheybabble，atleast，withtheirconfessors，ifwithnobodyelse。Asforme，thankGod！IknowverywellthatIneednotconfessanythingbutmysins，andsurelytocarryaletterfromaChristianwomantoherbrotherinChristisnotasin。Besides，myconfessorisagoodoldmonk，quitedeaf，Ibelieve，fortheworthymanneveranswersme；butthatishisbusiness，notmine！"
　　Ihadnotintendedtoaskheranyquestions，butifsuchhadbeenmyintentionshewouldnothavegivenmetimetocarryitintoexecution；andwithoutmyaskingheranything，shewastellingmeeverythingIcaredtoknow，andshedidsoinheranxietyformetoavailmyselfofherservicesexclusively。
　　Iimmediatelysatdowntowritetomydearrecluse，intendingatfirsttowriteonlyafewlines，asshehadrequestedme；butmytimewastooshorttowritesolittle。Myletterwasascreedoffourpages，andverylikelyitsaidlessthanhernoteofoneshortpage。
　　Itoldherherletterhadsavedmylife，andaskedherwhetherI
　　couldhopetoseeher。IinformedherthatIhadgivenasequintothemessenger，thatshewouldfindanotherforherselfunderthesealofmyletter，andthatIwouldsendherallthemoneyshemightwant。
　　IentreatedhernottofailwritingeveryWednesday，tobecertainthatherletterswouldneverbelongenoughtogivemefullparticulars，notonlyofallshedid，ofallshewasallowedtodo，butalsoofallherthoughtsrespectingherreleasefromimprisonment，andtheovercomingofalltheobstacleswhichwereinthewayofourmutualhappiness；forIwasasmuchhersasshewasmine。Ihintedtoherthenecessityofgainingtheloveofallthenunsandboarders，butwithouttakingthemintoherconfidence，andofshewingnodislikeofherconventlife。Afterpraisingherfortheclevermannerinwhichshehadcontrivedtowritetome，inspiteofsuperiororders，Imadeherunderstandhowcarefulshewastobetoavoidbeingsurprisedwhileshewaswriting，becauseinsuchacaseherroomwouldcertainlybesearchedandallherpapersseized。
　　"Burnallmyletters，darling，"Iadded，"andrecollectthatyoumustgotoconfessionoften，butwithoutimplicatingourlove。Sharewithmeallyoursorrows，whichinterestmeevenmorethanyourjoys。"
　　Isealedmyletterinsuchamannerthatnoonecouldpossiblyguessthattherewasasequinhiddenunderthesealingwax，andIrewardedthewoman，promisingherthatIwouldgiveherthesamerewardeverytimethatshebroughtmealetterfrommyfriend。WhenshesawthesequinwhichIhadputinherhandthegoodwomancriedforjoy，andshetoldmethat，asthegatesoftheconventwereneverclosedforher，shewoulddelivermyletterthemomentshefoundtheyoungladyalone。
　　HereisthenotewhichC————C————hadgiventothewoman，withtheletteraddressedtome:
　　"GodHimself，mygoodwoman，promptsmetohaveconfidenceinyouratherthaninanybodyelse。TakethislettertoVenice，andshouldthepersontowhomitisaddressednotbeinthecity，bringitbacktome。Youmustdeliverittothatpersonhimself，andifyoufindhimyouwillmostlikelyhaveananswer，whichyoumustgiveme，butonlywhenyouarecertainthatnobodycanseeyou。"
　　IfLoveisimprudent，itisonlyinthehopeofenjoyment；butwhenitisnecessarytobringbackhappinessdestroyedbysomeuntowardaccident，Loveforeseesallthatthekeenestperspicacitycouldpossiblyfindout。Theletterofmycharmingwifeoverwhelmedmewithjoy，andinonemomentIpassedfromastateofdespairtothatofextremefelicity。IfeltcertainthatIshouldsucceedincarryingheroffevenifthewallsoftheconventcouldboastofartillery，andafterthedepartureofthemessengermyfirstthoughtwastoendeavourtospendthesevendays，beforeIcouldreceivethesecondletter，pleasantly。Gamblingalonecoulddoit，buteverybodyhadgonetoPadua。Igotmytrunkready，andimmediatelysentittotheburchiellothenreadytostart，andIleftforFrusina。FromthatplaceIposted，andinlessthanthreehoursIarrivedatthedooroftheBragadinPalace，whereIfoundmydearprotectoronthepointofsittingdowntodinner。Heembracedmeaffectionately，andseeingmecoveredwithperspirationhesaidtome，"Iamcertainthatyouareinnohurry。"
　　"No，"Ianswered，"butIamstarving。"
　　Ibroughtjoytothebrotherlytrio，andIenhancedtheirhappinesswhenItoldmyfriendsthatIwouldremainsixdayswiththem。DelaHayedinedwithusonthatday；assoonasdinnerwasoverheclosetedhimselfwithM。Dandoio，andfortwohourstheyremainedtogether。Ihadgonetobedduringthattime，butM。DandolocameuptomeandtoldmethatIhadarrivedjustintimetoconsulttheoraclerespectinganimportantaffairentirelyprivatetohimself。
　　Hegavemethequestions，andrequestedmetofindtheanswers。HewantedtoknowwhetherhewouldactrightlyifheacceptedaprojectproposedtohimbyDelaHaye。
　　Theoracleanswerednegatively。
　　M。Dandolo，rathersurprised，askedasecondquestion:hewishedParalistogivehisreasonsforthedenial。
　　Iformedthecabalisticpile，andbroughtoutthisanswer:
　　"IaskedCasanova’sopinion，andasIfinditopposedtotheproposalmadebyDelaHaye，Idonotwishtohearanymoreaboutit。"
　　Oh！wonderfulpowerofself—delusion！Thisworthyman，pleasedatbeingabletothrowtheodiumofarefusalonme，leftmeperfectlysatisfied。Ihadnoideaofthenatureoftheaffairtowhichhehadbeenalluding，andIfeltnocuriosityaboutit；butitannoyedmethataJesuitshouldinterfereandtrytomakemyfriendsdoanythingotherwisethanthroughmyinstrumentality，andIwantedthatintriguertoknowthatmyinfluencewasgreaterthanhisown。
　　Afterthat，Idressed，maskedmyself，andwenttotheopera，whereI
　　satdowntoafaro—tableandlostallmymoney。Fortunewasdeterminedtoshewmethatitdoesnotalwaysagreewithlove。Myheartwasheavy，Ifeltmiserable；Iwenttobed。WhenIwokeinthemorning，IsawDelaHayecomeintomyroomwithabeamingcountenance，and，assuminganairofdevotedfriendship，hemadeagreatshowofhisfeelingstowardsme。Iknewwhattothinkofitall，andIwaitedforthe’denouement’。
　　"Mydearfriend，"hesaidtomeatlast，"whydidyoudissuadeM。DandolofromdoingwhatIhadinsinuatedtohim。？"
　　"Whathadyouinsinuatedtohim？"
　　"Youknowwellenough。"
　　"IfIknewit，Iwouldnotaskyou"
　　"M。Dandolohimselftoldmethatyouhadadvisedhimagainstit。"
　　"Advisedagainst，thatmaybe，butcertainlynotdissuaded，forifhehadbeenpersuadedinhisownmindhewouldnothaveaskedmyadvice。"
　　"Asyouplease；butmayIenquireyourreasons？"
　　"Tellmefirstwhatyourproposalwas。"
　　"Hashenottoldyou？"
　　"Perhapshehas；butifyouwishtoknowmyreasons，Imusthearthewholeaffairfromyourownlips，becauseM。Dandolospoketomeunderapromiseofsecrecy。"
　　"Ofwhatgoodisallthisreserve？"
　　"Everyonehashisownprinciplesandhisownwayofthinking:IhaveasufficientlygoodopinionofyoutobelievethatyouwouldactexactlyasIdo，forIhaveheardyousaythatinallsecretmattersoneoughttoguardagainstsurprise。"
　　"Iamincapableoftakingsuchanadvantageofafriend；butasageneralruleyourmaximisarightone；Ilikeprudence。Iwilltellyouthewholeaffair。YouareawarethatMadameTripolohasbeenleftawidow，andthatM。Dandoloiscourtingherassiduously，afterhavingdonethesameforfourteenyearsduringthelifeofthehusband。Thelady，whoisstillyoung，beautifulandlovely，andalsoisveryrespectable，wishestobecomehiswife。Itistomethatshehasconfidedherwishes，andasIsawnothingthatwasnotpraiseworthy，eitherinatemporalorinaspiritualpointofview，inthatunion，forafterallweareallmen，Itooktheaffairinhandwithrealpleasure。IfanciedeventhatM。Dandolofeltsomeinclinationforthatmarriagewhenhetoldmethathewouldgivemehisdecisionthismorning。Iamnotastonishedathishavingaskedyouradviceinsuchanimportantaffair，foraprudentmanisrightinaskingtheopinionofawisefriendbeforetakingadecisivestep；
　　butImusttellyoucandidlythatIamastonishedatyourdisapprovalofsuchamarriage。Prayexcusemeif，inordertoimprovebytheinformation，Iaskwhyyouropinionisexactlythereverseofmine。"
　　Delightedathavingdiscoveredthewholeaffair，athavingarrivedintimetopreventmyfriendwhowasgoodnessitselfcontractinganabsurdmarriage，IansweredthehypocritethatIlovedM。Dandolo，thatIknewhistemperament，andthatIwascertainthatamarriagewithawomanlikeMadameTripolowouldshortenhislife。
　　"Thatbeingmyopinion，"Iadded，"youmustadmitthatasatruefriendIwasrightinadvisinghimagainstyourproposal。Doyourecollecthavingtoldmethatyounevermarriedfortheverysamereason？DoyourecollectyourstrongargumentsinfavourofcelibacywhilewewereatParma？Consideralso，Ibeg，thateverymanhasacertainsmallstockofselfishness，andthatImaybeallowedtohaveminewhenIthinkthatifM。Dandolotookawifetheinfluenceofthatwifewouldofcoursehavesomeweight，andthatthemoreshegainedininfluenceoverhimthemoreIshouldlose。Soyouseeitwouldnotbenaturalformetoadvisehimtotakeastepwhichwouldultimatelyproveverydetrimentaltomyinterests。Ifyoucanprovethatmyreasonsareeithertriflingorsophistical，speakopenly:I
　　willtellM。Dandolothatmymindhaschanged；MadameTripolowillbecomehiswifewhenwereturntoVenice。Butletmewarnyouthatthoroughconvictioncanalonemoveme。"
　　"Idonotbelievemyselfcleverenoughtoconvinceyou。IshallwritetoMadameTripolothatshemustapplytoyou。"
　　"Donotwriteanythingofthesorttothatlady，orshewillthinkthatyouarelaughingather。DoyousupposeherfoolishenoughtoexpectthatIwillgivewaytoherwishes？SheknowsthatIdonotlikeher。"
　　"Howcanshepossiblyknowthat？"
　　"ShemusthaveremarkedthatIhavenevercaredtoaccompanyM。Dandolotoherhouse。Learnfrommeonceforall，thataslongasIlivewithmythreefriendstheyshallhavenowifebutme。Youmaygetmarriedassoonasyouplease；Ipromisenottothrowanyobstacleinyourway；butifyouwishtoremainonfriendlytermswithmegiveupallideaofleadingmythreefriendsastray。"
　　"Youareverycausticthismorning。"
　　"Ilostallmymoneylastnight。
　　"ThenIhavechosenabadtime。Farewell。"
　　>Fromthatday，DelaHayebecamemysecretenemy，andtohimIwasinagreatmeasureindebted，twoyearslater，formyimprisonmentunderTheLeadsofVenice；notowingtohisslanders，forIdonotbelievehewascapableofthat，Jesuitthoughhewas——andevenamongstsuchpeoplethereissometimessomehonourablefeeling——butthroughthemysticalinsinuationswhichhemadeinthepresenceofbigotedpersons。Imustgivefairnoticetomyreadersthat，iftheyarefondofsuchpeople，theymustnotreadtheseMemoirs，fortheybelongtoatribewhichIhavegoodreasontoattackunmercifully。
　　Thefinemarriagewasneveragainalludedto。M。Dandolocontinuedtovisithisbeautifulwidoweveryday，andItookcaretoelicitfromParalisastronginterdictionevertoputmyfootinherhouse。
　　DonAntonioCroce，ayoungMilanesewhomIhadknowninReggio，aconfirmedgambler，andadownrightcleverhandinsecuringthefavoursofDameFortune，calledonmeafewminutesafterDelaHayehadretired。Hetoldmethat，havingseenmeloseallmymoneythenightbefore，hehadcometooffermethemeansofretrievingmylosses，ifIwouldtakeanequalinterestwithhiminafarobankthathemeanttoholdathishouse，andinwhichhewouldhaveaspunterssevenoreightrichforeignerswhowerecourtinghiswife。
　　"Ifyouwillputthreehundredsequinsinmybank，"headded，"youshallbemypartner。Ihavethreehundredsequinsmyself，butthatisnotenoughbecausethepuntersplayhigh。Comeanddineatmyhouse，andyouwillmaketheiracquaintance。WecanplaynextFridayastherewillbenoopera，andyoumayrelyuponourwinningplentyofgold，foracertainGilenspetz，aSwede，maylosetwentythousandsequins。"
　　Iwaswithoutanyresources，oratalleventsIcouldexpectnoassistanceexceptfromM。deBragadinuponwhomIfeltashamedofencroaching。IwaswellawarethattheproposalmadebyCrocewasnotstrictlymoral，andthatImighthavechosenamorehonourablesociety；butifIhadrefused，thepurseofMadameCroce’sadmirerswouldnothavebeenmoremercifullytreated；anotherwouldhaveprofitedbythatstrokeofgoodfortune。Iwasthereforenotrigidenoughtorefusemyassistanceasadjutantandmyshareofthepie；I
　　acceptedCroce’sinvitation。
　　CHAPTERXIV
　　IGetRichAgain——MyAdventureAtDolo——AnalysisofaLongLetter>FromC。C。——MischievousTrickPlayedUponMeByP。C。——AtVincenza——ATragi—comedyAttheInnNecessity，thatimperiouslawandmyonlyexcuse，havingmademealmostthepartnerofacheat，therewasstillthedifficultyoffindingthethreehundredsequinsrequired；butIpostponedthetaskoffindingthemuntilafterIshouldhavemadetheacquaintanceofthedupesofthegoddesstowhomtheyaddressedtheirworship。CrocetookmetothePratodeltaValle，wherewefoundmadamesurroundedwithforeigners。Shewaspretty；andasasecretaryoftheimperialambassador，CountRosemberg，hadattachedhimselftoher，notoneoftheVenetiannoblesdaredcourther。ThosewhointerestedmeamongthesatellitesgravitatingaroundthatstarweretheSwedeGilenspetz，aHamburger，theEnglishmanMendez，whohasalreadybeenmentioned，andthreeorfourotherstowhoreCrocecalledmyattention。
　　Wedinedalltogether，andafterdinnertherewasageneralcallforafarobank；butCrocedidnotaccept。Hisrefusalsurprisedme，becausewiththreehundredsequins，beingaveryskilfulplayer，hehadenoughtotryhisfortune。Hedidnot，however，allowmysuspicionstolastlong，forhetookmetohisownroomandshewedmefiftypiecesofeight，whichwereequaltothreehundredsequins。
　　WhenIsawthattheprofessionalgamblerhadnotchosenmeashispartnerwiththeintentionofmakingadupeofme，ItoldhimthatI
　　wouldcertainlyprocuretheamount，anduponthatpromiseheinvitedeverybodytosupperforthefollowingday。Weagreedthatwewoulddividethespoilsbeforepartingintheevening，andthatnooneshouldbeallowedtoplayontrust。
　　Ihadtoprocuretheamount，buttowhomcouldIapply？IcouldasknoonebutM。deBragadin。Theexcellentmanhadnotthatsuminhispossession，forhispursewasgenerallyempty；buthefoundausurer—
　　—aspeciesofanimaltoonumerousunfortunatelyforyoungmen——who，uponanoteofhandendorsedbyhim，gavemeathousandducats，atfivepercent。foronemonth，thesaidinterestbeingdeductedbyanticipationfromthecapital。ItwasexactlytheamountIrequired。
　　Iwenttothesupper；Croceheldthebankuntildaylight，andwedividedsixteenhundredsequinsbetweenus。Thegamecontinuedthenextevening，andGilenspetzalonelosttwothousandsequins；theJewMendezlostaboutonethousand。Sundaywassanctifiedbyrest，butonMondaythebankwonfourthousandsequins。OntheTuesdaywealldinedtogether，andtheplaywasresumed；butwehadscarcelybegunwhenanofficerofthepodestamadehisappearanceandinformedCrocethathewantedalittleprivateconversationwithhim。Theylefttheroomtogether，andafterashortabsenceCrocecamebackrathercrestfallen；heannouncedthatbysuperiorordershewasforbiddentoholdabankathishouse。Madamefaintedaway，thepuntershurriedout，andIfollowedtheirexample，assoonasIhadsecuredone—halfofthegoldwhichwasonthetable。Iwasgladenoughitwasnotworse。AsIleft，CrocetoldmethatwewouldmeetagaininVenice，forhehadbeenorderedtoquitPaduawithintwenty—fourhours。I
　　expecteditwouldbeso，becausehewastowellknown；buthisgreatestcrime，intheopinionofthepodesta，wasthatheattractedtheplayerstohisownhouse，whilsttheauthoritieswantedalltheloversofplaytolosetheirmoneyattheopera，wherethebankersweremostlynoblemenfromVenice。
　　Ileftthecityonhorsebackintheeveningandinverybadweather，butnothingcouldhavekeptmeback，becauseearlythenextmorningI
　　expectedaletterfrommydearprisoner。IhadonlytravelledsixmilesfromPaduawhenmyhorsefell，andIfoundmyleftlegcaughtunderit。Mybootsweresoftones，andIfearedIhadhurtmyself。
　　Thepostillionwasaheadofme，buthearingthenoisemadebythefallhecameupanddisengagedme；Iwasnothurt，butmyhorsewaslame。Iimmediatelytookthehorseofthepostillion，towhichIwasentitled，buttheinsolentfellowgettingholdofthebitrefusedtoletmeproceed。Itriedtomakehimunderstandthathewaswrong；
　　but，farfromgivingwaytomyarguments，hepersistedinstoppingme，andbeinginagreathurrytocontinuemyjourneyIfiredoneofmypistolsinhisface，butwithouttouchinghim。Frightenedoutofhiswits，themanletgo，andIgallopedoff。WhenIreachedtheDolo，Iwentstraighttothestables，andImyselfsaddledahorsewhichapostillion，towhomIgaveacrown，pointedouttomeasbeingexcellent。Noonethoughtofbeingastonishedatmyotherpostillionhavingremainedbehind，andwestartedatfullspeed。Itwasthenoneo’clockinthemorning；thestormhadbrokenuptheroad，andthenightwassodarkthatIcouldnotseeanythingwithinayardaheadofme；thedaywasbreakingwhenwearrivedinFusina。
　　Theboatmenthreatenedmewithafreshstorm；butsettingeverythingatdefianceItookafour—oaredboat，andreachedmydwellingquitesafebutshiveringwithcoldandwettotheskin。IhadscarcelybeeninmyroomforaquarterofanhourwhenthemessengerfromMuranpresentedherselfandgavemealetter，tellingmethatshewouldcallfortheanswerintwohours。Thatletterwasajournalofsevenpages，thefaithfultranslationofwhichmightwearymyreaders，buthereisthesubstanceofit:
　　AftertheinterviewwithM。deBragadin，thefatherofC————C————
　　hadgonehome，hadhiswifeanddaughtertohisroom，andenquiredkindlyfromthelastwhereshehadmademyacquaintance。Sheansweredthatshehadseenmefiveorsixtimesinherbrother’sroom，thatIhadaskedherwhethershewouldconsenttobemywife，andthatshehadtoldmethatshewasdependentuponherfatherandmother。Thefatherhadthensaidthatshewastooyoungtothinkofmarriage，andbesides，Ihadnotyetconqueredapositioninsociety。
　　Afterthatdecisionherepairedtohisson’sroom，andlockedthesmalldoorinsideaswellastheonecommunicatingwiththeapartmentofthemother，whowasinstructedbyhimtoletmebelievethatshehadgonetothecountry，incaseIshouldcallonher。
　　TwodaysafterwardshecametoC————C————，whowasbesidehersickmother，andtoldherthatherauntwouldtakehertoaconvent，whereshewastoremainuntilahusbandhadbeenprovidedforherbyherparents。Sheansweredthat，beingperfectlydisposedtosubmittohiswill，shewouldgladlyobeyhim。Pleasedwithherreadyobediencehepromisedtogoandseeher，andtolethismothervisitherlikewise，assoonasherhealthwasbetter。Immediatelyafterthatconversationtheaunthadcalledforher，andagondolahadtakenthemtotheconvent，whereshehadbeeneversince。Herbedandherclotheshadbeenbroughttoher；shewaswellpleasedwithherroomandwiththenuntowhomshehadbeenentrusted，andunderwhosesupervisionshewas。Itwasbyherthatshehadbeenforbiddentoreceiveeitherlettersorvisits，ortowritetoanybody，underpenaltyofexcommunicationfromtheHolyFather，ofeverlastingdamnation，andofothersimilartrifles；yetthesamenunhadsuppliedherwithpaper，inkandbooks，anditwasatnightthatmyyoungfriendtransgressedthelawsoftheconventinordertowritealltheseparticularstome。Sheexpressedherconvictionrespectingthediscretionandthefaithfulnessofthemessenger，andshethoughtthatshewouldremaindevoted，because，beingpoor，oursequinswerealittlefortuneforher。
　　Sherelatedtomeinthemostassuringmannerthatthehandsomestofallthenunsintheconventlovedhertodistraction，gaveheraFrenchlessontwicea—day，andhadamicablyforbiddenhertobecomeacquaintedwiththeotherboarders。Thatnunwasonlytwenty—twoyearsofage；shewasbeautiful，richandgenerous；alltheothernunsshewedhergreatrespect。"Whenwearealone，"wrotemyfriend，"shekissesmesotenderlythatyouwouldbejealousifshewerenotawoman。"Astoourprojectofrunningaway，shedidnotthinkitwouldbeverydifficulttocarryitintoexecution，butthatitwouldbebettertowaituntilsheknewthelocalitybetter。Shetoldmetoremainfaithfulandconstant，andaskedmetosendhermyportraithiddeninaringbyasecretspringknownonlytous。SheaddedthatImightsendittoherbyhermother，whohadrecoveredherusualhealth，andwasinthehabitofattendingearlymassatherparishchurcheverydaybyherself。Sheassuredmethattheexcellentwomanwouldbedelightedtoseeme，andtodoanythingImightaskher。
　　"Atallevents，"sheconcluded，"Ihopetofindmyselfinafewmonthsinapositionwhichwillscandalizetheconventiftheyareobstinatelybentuponkeepingmehere。"
　　IwasjustfinishingmyanswerwhenLaura，themessenger，returnedforit。AfterIhadpaidthesequinIhadpromisedher，Igaveheraparcelcontainingsealing—wax，paper，pens，andatinder—box，whichshepromisedtodelivertoC————C————。MydarlinghadtoldherthatIwashercousin，andLaurafeignedtobelieveit。
　　NotknowingwhattodoinVenice，andbelievingthatIoughtforthesakeofmyhonourtoshewmyselfinPadua，orelsepeoplemightsupposethatIhadreceivedthesameorderasCroce，Ihurriedmybreakfast，andprocureda’bolletta’fromthebooking—officeforRome；becauseIforesawthatthefiringofmypistolandthelamehorsemightnothaveimprovedthetemperofthepost—masters；butbyshewingthemwhatiscalledinItalya’bolletta’，Iknewthattheycouldnotrefusetosupplymewithhorseswhenevertheyhadanyintheirstables。Asfarasthepistol—shotwasconcernedIhadnofear，forIhadpurposelymissedtheinsolentpostillion；andevenifIhadkilledhimonthespotitwouldnothavebeenofmuchimportance。
　　InFusinaItookatwo—wheeledchaise，forIwassotiredthatI
　　couldnothaveperformedthejourneyonhorseback，andIreachedtheDolo，whereIwasrecognizedandhorseswererefusedme。
　　Imadeagooddealofnoise，andthepost—master，comingout，threatenedtohavemearrestedifIdidnotpayhimforhisdeadhorse。IansweredthatifthehorseweredeadIwouldaccountforittothepostmasterinPadua，butwhatIwantedwasfreshhorseswithoutdelay。
　　AndIshewedhimthedread’bolletta’，thesightofwhichmadehimlowerhistone；buthetoldmethat，evenifhesuppliedmewithhorses，Ihadtreatedthepostillionsobadlythatnotoneofhismenwoulddriveme。"Ifthatisthecase，"Ianswered，"youshallaccompanymeyourself。"Thefellowlaughedinmyface，turnedhisbackuponme，andwentaway。Itooktwowitnesses，andIcalledwiththemattheofficeofapublicnotary，whodrewupaproperly—wordeddocument，bywhichIgavenoticetothepost—masterthatIshouldexpectanindemnityoftensequinsforeachhourofdelayuntilIhadhorsessuppliedtome。
　　Assoonashehadbeenmadeacquaintedwiththecontentsofthis，hegaveorderstobringouttworestivehorses。Isawatoncethathisintentionwastohavemeupsetalongtheroad，andperhapsthrownintotheriver；butIcalmlytoldthepostillionthatattheverymomentmychaisewasupsetIwouldblowhisbrainsoutwithapistol—
　　shot；thisthreatfrightenedtheman；hetookhishorsesbacktothestables，anddeclaredtohismasterthathewouldnotdriveme。Atthatverymomentacourierarrived，whocalledforsixcarriagehorsesandtwosaddleones。Iwarnedthepost—masterthatnooneshouldleavetheplacebeforeme，andthatifheopposedmywilltherewouldbeasanguinarycontest；inordertoprovethatIwasinearnestItookoutmypistols。Thefellowbegantoswear，but，everyonesayingthathewasinthewrong，hedisappeared。
　　FiveminutesafterwardswhomshouldIsee，arrivinginabeautifulberlindrawnbysixhorses，butCrocewithhiswife，alady’smaid，andtwolackeysingrandlivery。Healighted，weembracedoneanother，andItoldhim，assuminganairofsadness，thathecouldnotleavebeforeme。Iexplainedhowthecasestood；hesaidIwasright，scoldedloudly，asifhehadbeenagreatlord，andmadeeverybodytremble。Thepostmasterhaddisappeared；hiswifecameandorderedthepostillionstoattendtomywants。DuringthattimeCrocesaidtomethatIwasquiterightingoingbacktoPadua，wherethepublicrumourhadspreadthereportofmyhavingleftthecityinconsequenceofanorderfromthepolice。HeinformedmethatthepodestahadlikewiseexpelledM。deGondoin，acolonelintheserviceoftheDukeofModena，becauseheheldafarobankathishouse。
　　IpromisedhimtopayhimavisitinVeniceintheensuingweek。
　　Croce，whohaddroppedfromtheskytoassistmeinamomentofgreatdistress，hadwontenthousandsequinsinfourevenings:Ihadreceivedfivethousandformyshare；andlostnotimeinpayingmydebtsandinredeemingallthearticleswhichIhadbeencompelledtopledge。ThatscampbroughtmebackthesmilesofFortune，andfromthatmomentIgotridoftheillluckwhichhadseemedtofastenonme。
　　IreachedPaduainsafety，andthepostillion，whoverylikelyoutoffearhaddrivenmeingoodstyle，waswellpleasedwithmyliberality；itwasthebestwayofmakingpeacewiththetribe。Myarrivalcausedgreatjoytomythreefriends，whommysuddendeparturehadalarmed，withtheexceptionofM。deBragadin，inwhosehandsIhadplacedmycash—boxthedaybefore。Histwofriendshadgivencredencetothegeneralreport，statingthatthepodestahadorderedmetoleavePadua。TheyforgotthatIwasacitizenofVenice，andthatthepodestacouldnotpasssuchasentenceuponmewithoutexposinghimselftolegalproceedings。Iwastired，butinsteadofgoingtobedIdressedmyselfinmybestattireinordertogototheoperawithoutamask。Itoldmyfriendsthatitwasnecessaryformetoshewmyself，soastogivethelietoallthathadbeenreportedaboutmebyslanderingtongues。DelaHayesaidtome，"Ishallbedelightedifallthosereportsarefalse；butyouhavenoonetoblamebutyourself，foryourhurrieddeparturegavesufficientcauseforallsortsofsurmises。"
　　"Andforslander。"
　　"Thatmaybe；butpeoplewanttoknoweverything，andtheyinventwhentheycannotguessthetruth。"
　　"Andevil—mindedfoolslosenotimeinrepeatingthoseinventionseverywhere。"
　　"Buttherecanbenodoubtthatyouwantedtokillthepostillion。
　　Isthatacalumnylikewise？"
　　"Thegreatestofall。Doyouthinkthatagoodshotcanmissamanwhenheisfiringinhisveryface，unlesshedoesitpurposely？"
　　"Itseemsdifficult；butatalleventsitiscertainthatthehorseisdead，andyoumustpayforit。"
　　"No，sir，notevenifthehorsebelongedtoyou，forthepostillionprecededme。Youknowagreatmanythings；doyouhappentoknowthepostingregulations？Besides，IwasinagreathurrybecauseIhadpromisedaprettywomantobreakfastwithher，andsuchengagements，asyouarewellaware，cannotbebroken。"
　　MasterdelaHayelookedangryattherathercausticironywithwhichIhadsprinkledthedialogue；buthewasstillmorevexedwhen，takingsomegoldoutofmypocket，IreturnedtohimthesumhehadlentmeinVienna。Amanneverargueswellexceptwhenhispurseiswellfilled；thenhisspiritsarepitchedinahighkey，unlessheshouldhappentobestupefiedbysomepassionraginginhissoul。
　　M。deBragadinthoughtIwasquiterighttoshewmyselfattheoperawithoutamask。
　　ThemomentImademyappearanceinthepiteverybodyseemedquiteastonished，andIwasoverwhelmedwithcompliments，sincereornot。
　　AfterthefirstballetIwenttothecard—room，andinfourdealsI
　　wonfivehundredsequins。Starving，andalmostdeadforwantofsleep，Ireturnedtomyfriendstoboastofmyvictory。MyfriendBavoiswasthere，andheseizedtheopportunitytoborrowfrommefiftysequins，whichheneverreturned；true，Ineveraskedhimforthem。
　　MythoughtsbeingconstantlyabsorbedinmydearC————C————，IspentthewholeofthenextdayinhavingmylikenesspaintedinminiaturebyaskilfulPiedmontese，whohadcomefortheFairofPadua，andwhoinaftertimesmadeagreatdealofmoneyinVenice。WhenhehadcompletedmyportraithepaintedformeabeautifulSt。Catherineofthesamesize，andacleverVenetianjewellermadethering，thebezelofwhichshewedonlythesaintedvirgin；butabluespot，hardlyvisibleonthewhiteenamelwhichsurroundedit，correspondedwiththesecretspringwhichbroughtoutmyportrait，andthechangewasobtainedbypressingonthebluespotwiththepointofapin。
　　OnthefollowingFriday，aswewererisingfromthedinner—table，aletterwashandedtome。ItwaswithgreatsurprisethatI
　　recognizedthewritingofP————C————。Heaskedmetopayhimavisitatthe"StarHotel，"wherehewouldgivemesomeinterestinginformation。Thinkingthathemighthavesomethingtosayconcerninghissister，Iwenttohimatonce。
　　IfoundhimwithMadameC————，andaftercongratulatinghimuponhisreleasefromprisonIaskedhimforthenewshehadtocommunicate。
　　"Iamcertain，"hesaid，"thatmysisterisinaconvent，andIshallbeabletotellyouthenameofitwhenIreturntoVenice。"
　　"Youwillobligeme，"Ianswered，pretendingnottoknowanything。
　　Buthisnewshadonlybeenapretexttomakemecometohim，andhiseagernesstocommunicateithadaverydifferentobjectinviewthanthegratificationofmycuriosity。
　　"Ihavesold，"hesaidtome，"myprivilegedcontractforthreeyearsforasumoffifteenthousandflorins，andthemanwithwhomIhavemadethebargaintookmeoutofprisonbygivingsecurityforme，andadvancedmesixthousandflorinsinfourlettersofexchange。"
　　Heshewedmethelettersofexchange，endorsedbyanamewhichIdidnotknow，butwhichhesaidwasaverygoodone，andhecontinued，"IintendtobuysixthousandflorinsworthofsilkgoodsfromtheloomsofVicenza，andtogiveinpaymenttothemerchantstheselettersofexchange。Iamcertainofsellingthosegoodsrapidlywithaprofitoftenpercent。ComewithustoVicenza；Iwillgiveyousomeofmygoodstotheamountoftwohundredsequins，andthusyouwillfindyourselfcoveredfortheguaranteewhichyouhavebeenkindenoughtogivetothejewellerforthering。Weshallcompletethetransactionwithintwenty—fourhours。"
　　Ididnotfeelmuchinclinationforthetrip，butIallowedmyselftobeblindedbythewishtocovertheamountwhichIhadguaranteed，andwhichIhadnodoubtIwouldbecalledupontopaysomedayorother。
　　"IfIdonotgowithhim，"Isaidtomyself"hewillsellthegoodsatalossoftwenty—fivepercent。，andIshallgetnothing。"
　　Ipromisedtoaccompanyhim。HeshewedmeseverallettersofrecommendationforthebesthousesinVicenza，andourdeparturewasfixedforearlythenextmorning。Iwasatthe"StarHotel"bydaybreak。Acarriageandfourwasready；thehotel—keepercameupwithhisbill，andP————C————beggedmetopayit。Thebillamountedtofivesequins；fourofwhichhadbeenadvancedincashbythelandlordtopaythedriverwhohadbroughtthemfromFusina。
　　Isawthatitwasaput—upthing，yetIpaidwithprettygoodgrace，forIguessedthatthescoundrelhadleftVenicewithoutapenny。WereachedVicenzainthreehours，andweputupatthe"Cappello，"
　　whereP————C————orderedagooddinnerbeforeleavingmewiththeladytocalluponthemanufacturers。
　　Whenthebeautyfoundherselfalonewithme，shebeganbyaddressingfriendlyreproachestome。
　　"Ihavelovedyou，"shesaid，"foreighteenyears；thefirsttimethatIsawyouwewereinPadua，andwewerethenonlynineyearsold。"
　　Icertainlyhadnorecollectionofit。ShewasthedaughteroftheantiquarianfriendofM。Grimani，whohadplacedmeasaboarderwiththeaccursedSclavonianwoman。Icouldnothelpsmiling，forI
　　recollectedthathermotherhadlovedme。
　　Shop—boyssoonbegantomaketheirappearance，bringingpiecesofgoods，andthefaceofMadameC————brightenedup。Inlessthantwohourstheroomwasfilledwiththem，andP————C————camebackwithtwomerchants，whomhehadinvitedtodinner。Madamealluredthembyherprettymanners；wedined，andexquisitewinesweredrunkinprofusion。Intheafternoonfreshgoodswerebroughtin；P————C————
　　madealistofthemwiththeprices；buthewantedmore，andthemerchantspromisedtosendthemthenextday，althoughitwasSunday。
　　Towardstheeveningseveralcountsarrived，forinVicenzaeverynoblemanisacount。P————C————hadlefthislettersofrecommendationattheirhouses。WehadaCountVelo，aCountSesso，aCountTrento——allveryamiablecompanions。Theyinvitedustoaccompanythemtothecasino，whereMadameC————shonebyhercharmsandhercoquettishmanners。Afterwehadspenttwohoursinthatplace，P————C————invitedallhisnewfriendstosupper，anditwasasceneofgaietyandprofusion。Thewholeaffairannoyedmegreatly，andthereforeIwasnotamiable；theconsequencewasthatnoonespoketome。Irosefrommyseatandwenttobed，leavingthejoyouscompanystillroundthefestiveboard。InthemorningIcamedownstairs，hadmybreakfast，andlookedaboutme。TheroomwassofullofgoodsthatIdidnotseehowP————C————couldpossiblypayforallwithhissixthousandflorins。Hetoldme，however，thathisbusinesswouldbecompletedonthemorrow，andthatwewereinvitedtoaballwhereallthenobilitywouldbepresent。Themerchantswithwhomhehaddealtcametodinewithus，andthedinnerwasremarkableforitsextremeprofusion。
　　Wewenttotheball；butIsoongotverywearyofit，foreverybodywasspeakingtoMadameC————andtoP————C————，whoneverutteredawordwithanymeaning，butwheneverIopenedmylipspeoplewouldpretendnottohearme。Iinvitedaladytodanceaminuet；sheaccepted，butshelookedconstantlytotherightortotheleft，andseemedtoconsidermeasameredancingmachine。Aquadrillewasformed，butthethingwascontrivedinsuchamannerastoleavemeoutofit，andtheveryladywhohadrefusedmeasapartnerdancedwithanothergentleman。HadIbeeningoodspiritsIshouldcertainlyhaveresentedsuchconduct，butIpreferredtoleavetheball—room。Iwenttobed，unabletounderstandwhythenobilityofVicenzatreatedmeinsuchaway。PerhapstheyneglectedmebecauseIwasnotnamedinthelettersofintroductiongiventoP————C————，butIthoughtthattheymighthaveknownthelawsofcommonpoliteness。Iboretheevilpatiently，however，asweweretoleavethecitythenextday。
　　OnMonday，theworthypairbeingtired，theysleptuntilnoon，andafterdinnerP————C————wentouttopayforthegoods。
　　WeweretogoawayearlyontheTuesday，andIinstinctivelylongedforthatmoment。ThecountswhomP————C————hadinvitedweredelightedwithhismistress，andtheycametosupper；butIavoidedmeetingthem。
　　OntheTuesdaymorningIwasdulyinformedthatbreakfastwasready，butasIdidnotanswerthesummonsquicklyenoughtheservantcameupagain，andtoldmethatmywiferequestedmetomakehaste。
　　Scarcelyhadtheword"wife"escapedhislipsthanIvisitedthecheekofthepoorfellowwithatremendoussmack，andinmyragekickedhimdownstairs，thebottomofwhichhereachedinfoursprings，totheimminentriskofhisneck。MaddenedwithrageI
　　enteredthebreakfast—room，andaddressingmyselftoP————C————，IaskedhimwhowasthescoundrelwhohadannouncedmeinthehotelasthehusbandofMadameC————。Heansweredthathedidnotknow；
　　butatthesamemomentthelandlordcameintotheroomwithabigknifeinhishand，andaskedmewhyIhadkickedhisservantdownthestairs。Iquicklydrewapistol，andthreateninghimwithitI
　　demandedimperativelyfromhimthenameofthepersonwhohadrepresentedmeasthehusbandofthatwoman。
　　"CaptainP————C————，"answeredthelandlord，"gavethenames，profession，etc。，ofyourparty。"
　　AtthisIseizedtheimpudentvillainbythethroat，andpinninghimagainstthewallwithastronghandIwouldhavebrokenhisheadwiththebuttofmypistol，ifthelandlordhadnotpreventedme。Madamehadpretendedtoswoon，forthosewomencanalwayscommandtearsorfaintingfits，andthecowardlyP————C————keptonsaying，"Itisnottrue，itisnottrue！"
　　Thelandlordranouttogetthehotelregister，andheangrilythrustitunderthenoseofthecoward，daringhimtodenyhishavingdictated:CaptainP————C————，withM。andMadameCasanova。Thescoundrelansweredthathiswordshadcertainlynotbeenheardrightly，andtheincensedlandlordslappedthebookinhisfacewithsuchforcethathesenthimrolling，almoststunned，againstthewall。
　　WhenIsawthatthewretchedpoltroonwasreceivingsuchdegradingtreatmentwithoutrememberingthathehadaswordhangingbyhisside，Ilefttheroom，andaskedthelandlordtoordermeacarriagetotakemetoPadua。
　　Besidemyselfwithrage，blushingforveryshame，seeingbuttoolatethefaultIhadcommittedbyacceptingthesocietyofascoundrel，I
　　wentuptomyroom，andhurriedlypackedupmycarpet—bag。IwasjustgoingoutwhenMadameC————presentedherselfbeforeme。
　　"Begone，madam，"Isaidtoher，"or，inmyrage，Imightforgettherespectduetoyoursex。"
　　Shethrewherself，cryingbitterly，onachair，entreatedmetoforgiveher，assuringmethatshewasinnocent，andthatshewasnotpresentwhentheknavehadgiventhenames。Thelandlady，cominginatthatmoment，vouchedforthetruthofherassertion。Myangerbegantoabate，andasIpassednearthewindowIsawthecarriageI
　　hadorderedwaitingformewithapairofgoodhorses。Icalledforthelandlordinordertopaywhatevermyshareoftheexpensemightcometo，buthetoldmethatasIhadorderednothingmyselfIhadnothingtopay。JustatthatjunctureCountVelocamein。
　　"Idaresay，count，"Isaid，"thatyoubelievethiswomantobemywife。"
　　"Thatisafactknowntoeverybodyinthecity。"
　　"Damnation！Andyouhavebelievedsuchathing，knowingthatI
　　occupythisroomalone，andseeingmeleavetheball—roomandthesupper—tableyesterdayalone，leavingherwithyouall！"
　　"Somehusbandsareblessedwithsucheasydispositions！"
　　"IdonotthinkIlooklikeoneofthatspecies，andyouarenotajudgeofmenofhonour，letusgoout，andIundertaketoproveittoyou。"
　　Thecountrusheddownthestairsandoutofthehotel。ThemiserableC————waschoking，andIcouldnothelppityingher；forawomanhasinhertearsaweaponwhichthroughmylifeIhaveneverknowntoresist。IconsideredthatifIleftthehotelwithoutpayinganything，peoplemightlaughatmyangerandsupposethatIhadashareintheswindle；Irequestedthelandlordtobringmetheaccount，intendingtopayhalfofit。Hewentforit，butanothersceneawaitedme。MadameC————，bathedintears，fellonherknees，andtoldmethatifIabandonedhershewaslost，forshehadnomoneyandnothingtoleaveassecurityforherhotelbill。
　　"What，madam！Haveyounotlettersofexchangetotheamountofsixthousandflorins，orthegoodsboughtwiththem？"
　　"Thegoodsarenolongerhere；theyhaveallbeentakenaway，becausethelettersofexchange，whichyousaw，andwhichweconsideredasgoodascash，onlymadethemerchantslaugh；theyhavesentforeverything。Oh！whocouldhavesupposedit？"
　　"Thescoundrel！Heknewitwellenough，andthatiswhyhewassoanxioustobringmehere。Well，itisrightthatIshouldpaythepenaltyofmyownfolly。"
　　Thebillbroughtbythelandlordamountedtofortysequins，averyhighfigureforthreedays；butalargeportionofthatsumwascashadvancedbythelandlord，IimmediatelyfeltthatmyhonourdemandedthatIshouldpaythebillinfull；andIpaidwithoutanyhesitation，takingcaretogetareceiptgiveninthepresenceoftwowitnesses。Ithenmadeapresentoftwosequinstothenephewofthelandlordtoconsolehimforthethrashinghehadreceived，andI
　　refusedthesamesumtothewretchedC————，whohadsentthelandladytobegitforher。
　　Thusendedthatunpleasantadventure，whichtaughtmealesson，andalessonwhichIoughtnottohaverequired。Twoorthreeweekslater，IheardthatCountTrentohadgiventhosetwomiserablebeingssomemoneytoenablethemtoleavethecity；asfarasIwasconcerned，I
　　wouldnothaveanythingtodowiththem。AmonthafterwardsP————
　　C————wasagainarrestedfordebt，themanwhohadbeensecurityforhimhavingbecomeabankrupt。Hehadtheaudacitytowritealonglettertome，entreatingmetogoandseehim，butIdidnotanswerhim。IwasquiteasinflexibletowardsMadameC————，whomIalwaysrefusedtosee。Shewasreducedtogreatpoverty。
　　IreturnedtoPadua，whereIstoppedonlylongenoughtotakemyringandtodinewithM。deBragadin，whowentbacktoVeniceafewdaysafterwards。
　　Themessengerfromtheconventbroughtmealetterveryearlyinthemorning；Idevoureditscontents；itwasveryloving，butgavenonews。InmyanswerIgavemydearC————C————theparticularsoftheinfamoustrickplayeduponmebyhervillainousbrother，andmentionedthering，withthesecretofwhichIacquaintedher。
　　AccordingtotheinformationIhadreceivedfromC————C————，Iplacedmyself，onemorning，soastoseehermotherenterthechurch，intowhichIfollowedher。Kneelingclosetoher，ItoldherthatIwishedtospeakwithher，andshefollowedmetothecloister。
　　Ibeganbyspeakingafewconsolingwords；thenItoldherthatI
　　wouldremainfaithfultoherdaughter，andIaskedherwhethershevisitedher。
　　"Iintend，"shesaid，"togoandkissmydearchildnextSunday，andIshallofcoursespeakofyouwithher，forIknowwellenoughthatshewillbedelightedtohavenewsofyou；buttomygreatregretI
　　amnotatlibertytotellyouwheresheis。"
　　"Idonotwishyoutotellme，mygoodmother，butallowmetosendherthisringbyyou。Itisthepictureofherpatroness，andIwishyoutoentreathertowearitalwaysonherfinger；tellhertolookattheimageduringherdailyprayers，forwithoutthatprotectionshecanneverbecomemywife。Tellherthat，onmyside，IaddresseverydayacredotoSt。James。"
　　Delightedwiththepietyofmyfeelingsandwiththeprospectofrecommendingthisnewdevotiontoherdaughter，thegoodwomanpromisedtofulfilmycommission。Ilefther，butnotbeforeIhadplacedinherhandtensequinswhichIbeggedhertoforceuponherdaughter’sacceptancetosupplyherselfwiththetriflesshemightrequire。Sheaccepted，butatthesametimesheassuredmethatherfatherhadtakencaretoprovideherwithallnecessaries。
　　TheletterwhichIreceivedfromC————C————，onthefollowingWednesday，wastheexpressionofthemosttenderaffectionandthemostlivelygratitude。ShesaidthatthemomentshewasalonenothingcouldbemorerapidthanthepointofthepinwhichmadeSt。
　　Catherinecutasomersault，andpresentedtohereagereyesthebelovedfeaturesofthebeingwhowasthewholeworldtoher。
　　"Iamconstantlykissingyou，"sheadded，"evenwhensomeofthenunsarelookingatme，forwhenevertheycomenearmeIhaveonlytoletthetoppartoftheringfallbackandmydearpatronesstakescaretoconcealeverything。AllthenunsarehighlypleasedwithmydevotionandwiththeconfidenceIhaveintheprotectionofmyblessedpatroness，whomtheythinkverymuchlikemeintheface。"
　　Itwasnothingbutabeautifulfacecreatedbythefancyofthepainter，butmydearlittlewifewassolovelythatbeautywassuretobelikeher。
　　Shesaid，likewise，thatthenunwhotaughtherFrenchhadofferedherfiftysequinsfortheringonaccountofthelikenessbetweenherandtheportraitofthesaint，butnotoutofvenerationforherpatroness，whomsheturnedintoridiculeasshereadherlife。ShethankedmeforthetensequinsIhadsenther，because，hermotherhavinggiventhemtoherinthepresenceofseveralofthesisters，shewasthusenabledtospendalittlemoneywithoutraisingthesuspicionsofthosecuriousandinquisitivenuns。Shelikedtooffertriflingpresentstotheotherboarders，andthemoneyallowedhertogratifythatinnocenttaste。
　　"Mymother，"addedshe，"praisedyourpietyveryhighly；sheisdelightedwithyourfeelingsofdevotion。Nevermentionagain，I
　　beg，thenameofmyunworthybrother。"
　　ForfiveorsixweeksherletterswerefulloftheblessedSt。
　　Catherine，whocausedhertotremblewithfeareverytimeshefoundherselfcompelledtotrusttheringtothemysticcuriosityoftheelderlynuns，who，inordertoseethelikenessbetterthroughtheirspectacles，broughtitclosetotheireyes，andrubbedtheenamel。
　　"Iaminconstantfear，"C————C————wrote，"oftheirpressingtheinvisiblebluespotbychance。Whatwouldbecomeofme，ifmypatroness，jumpingup，discoveredtotheireyesaface——verydivine，itistrue，butwhichisnotatalllikethatofasaint？Tellme，whatcouldIdoinsuchacase？"
　　OnemonthafterthesecondarrestofP————C————，thejeweller，whohadtakenmysecurityforthering，calledonmeforpaymentofthebill。Imadeanarrangementwithhim；andonconditionofmygivinghimtwentysequins，andleavinghimeveryrightoverthedebtor，heexoneratedme。FromhisprisontheimpudentP————C————harassedmewithhiscowardlyentreatiesforalmsandassistance。
　　CrocewasinVenice，andengrossedagreatshareofthegeneralattention。Hekeptafinehouse，anexcellenttable，andafarobankwithwhichheemptiedthepocketsofhisdupes。Foreseeingwhatwouldhappensoonerorlater，Ihadabstainedfromvisitinghimathishouse，butwewerefriendlywheneverwemet。Hiswifehavingbeendeliveredofaboy，Croceaskedmetostandasgod—father，afavourwhichIthoughtIcouldgrant；butaftertheceremonyandthesupperwhichwastheconsequenceofit，Ineverenteredthehouseofmyformerpartner，andIactedrightly。IwishIhadalwaysbeenasprudentinmyconduct。
　　CHAPTERXV
　　CroceIsExpelledFromVenice——Sgombro——HisInfamyandDeath——
　　MisfortuneWhichBefallsMyDearC。C。——IReceiveAnAnonymousLetter>FromaNun，andAnswerIt——AnAmorousIntrigueMyformerpartnerwas，asIhavesaidbefore，askilfulandexperiencedhandatsecuringthefavoursofFortune；hewasdrivingagoodtradeinVenice，andashewasamiable，andwhatiscalledinsocietyagentleman，hemighthaveheldthatexcellentfootingforalongtime，ifhehadbeensatisfiedwithgambling；fortheStateInquisitorswouldhavetoomuchtoattendtoiftheywishedtocompelfoolstosparetheirfortunes，dupestobeprudent，andcheatsnottodupethefools；but，whetherthroughthefollyofyouthorthroughaviciousdisposition，thecauseofhisexilewasofanextraordinaryanddisgustingnature。
　　AVenetiannobleman，noblebybirth，butveryignobleinhispropensities，calledSgombro，andbelongingtotheGrittifamily，felldeeplyinlovewithhim，andCroce，eitherforfunorfromtaste，shewedhimselfverycompliant。Unfortunatelythereservecommandedbycommondecencywasnotaguestattheiramorousfeats，andthescandalbecamesonotoriousthattheGovernmentwascompelledtonotifytoCrocetheordertoquitthecity，andtoseekhisfortuneinsomeotherplace。
　　SometimeafterwardstheinfamousSgombroseducedhisowntwosons，whowerebothveryyoung，and，unfortunatelyforhim，heputtheyoungestinsuchastateastorendernecessaryanapplicationtoasurgeon。Theinfamousdeedbecamepubliclyknown，andthepoorchildconfessedthathehadnothadthecouragetorefuseobediencetohisfather。Suchobediencewas，asamatterofcourse，notconsideredasformingapartofthedutieswhichasonowestohisfather，andtheStateInquisitorssentthedisgustingwretchtothecitadelofCataro，wherehediedafteroneyearofconfinement。
　　ItiswellknownthattheairofCataroisdeadly，andthattheTribunalsentencestoinhaleitonlysuchcriminalsasarenotjudgedpubliclyforfearofexcitingtoodeeplythegeneralhorrorbythepublicationofthetrial。
　　ItwastoCatarothattheCouncilofTensent，fifteenyearsago，thecelebratedadvocateCantarini，aVenetiannobleman，whobyhiseloquencehadmadehimselfmasterofthegreatCouncil，andwasonthepointofchangingtheconstitutionoftheState。Hediedthereattheendoftheyear。Asforhisaccomplices，theTribunalthoughtthatitwasenoughtopunishthefourorfiveleaders，andtopretendnottoknowtheothers，whothroughfearofpunishmentreturnedsilentlytotheirallegiance。
　　ThatSgombro，ofwhomIspokebefore，hadacharmingwifewhoisstillalive，Ibelieve。HernamewasCorneliaGitti；shewasascelebratedbyherwitasbyherbeauty，whichshekeptinspiteofheryears。Havingrecoveredherlibertythroughthedeathofherhusband，sheknewbetterthantomakeherselfasecondtimetheprisoneroftheHymeneangod；shelovedherindependencetoomuch；
　　butasshelovedpleasuretoo，sheacceptedthehomageoftheloverswhopleasedhertaste。
　　OneMonday，towardstheendofJuly，myservantwokemeatday—breaktotellmethatLaurawishedtospeaktome。Iforesawsomemisfortune，andorderedtheservanttoshewherinimmediately。
　　Thesearethecontentsoftheletterwhichshehandedtome:
　　"Mydearest，amisfortunehasbefallenmelastevening，anditmakesmeverymiserablebecauseImustkeepitasecretfromeveryoneintheconvent。Iamsufferingfromaveryseverelossofblood，andI
　　donotknowwhattodo，havingbutverylittlelinen。LauratellsmeIshallrequireagreatdealofitiftheflowofbloodcontinues。I
　　cantakenooneintomyconfidencebutyou，andIentreatyoutosendmeasmuchlinenasyoucan。YouseethatIhavebeencompelledtomakeaconfidanteofLaura，whoistheonlypersonallowedtoentermyroomatalltimes。IfIshoulddie，mydearhusband，everybodyintheconventwould，ofcourse，knowthecauseofmydeath；butIthinkofyou，andIshudder。Whatwillyoudoinyourgrief？Ah，darlinglove！whatapity！"
　　Idressedmyselfhurriedly，plyingLaurawithquestionsallthetime。
　　Shetoldmeplainlythatitwasamiscarriage，andthatitwasnecessarytoactwithgreatdiscretioninordertosavethereputationofmyyoungfriend；thatafterallsherequirednothingbutplentyoflinen，andthatitwouldbenothing。Commonplacewordsofconsolation，whichdidnotallaythefearfulanxietyunderwhichI
　　waslabouring。IwentoutwithLaura，calledonaJewfromwhomI
　　boughtaquantityofsheetsandtwohundrednapkins，and，puttingitallinalargebag，IrepairedwithhertoMuran。OnourwaythereI
　　wroteinpenciltomysweetheart，tellinghertohaveentireconfidenceinLaura，andassuringherthatIwouldnotleaveMuranuntilalldangerhadpassed。Beforewelanded，Lauratoldmethat，inordernottoberemarked，Ihadbetterconcealmyselfinherhouse。Atanyothertimeitwouldhavebeenshuttingupthewolfinthesheep—fold。Sheleftmeinamiserable—lookingsmallroomonthegroundfloor，andconcealingaboutherselfasmuchlinenasshecouldshehurriedtoherpatient，whomshehadnotseensincethepreviousevening。Iwasinhopesthatshewouldfindheroutofdanger，andI
　　longedtoseehercomebackwiththatgoodnews。
　　Shewasabsentaboutonehour，andwhenshereturnedherlooksweresad。Shetoldmethatmypoorfriend，havinglostagreatdealofbloodduringthenight，wasinbedinaveryweakstate，andthatallwecoulddowastopraytoGodforher，because，ifthefloodingoftheblooddidnotstopsoon，shecouldnotpossiblylivetwenty—fourhours。
　　WhenIsawthelinenwhichshehadconcealedunderherclothestobringitout，Icouldnotdisguisemyhorror，andIthoughtthesightwouldkillme。Ifanciedmyselfinaslaughter—house！Laura，thinkingofconsolingme，toldmethatIcouldrelyuponthesecretbeingwellkept。
　　"Ah！whatdoIcare！"Iexclaimed。"Providedshelives，letthewholeworldknowthatsheismywife！"
　　Atanyothertime，thefoolishnessofpoorLaurawouldhavemademelaugh；butinsuchasadmomentIhadneithertheinclinationnorthecouragetobemerry。
　　"Ourdearpatient，"addedLaura，"smiledasshewasreadingyourletter，andshesaidthat，withyousonearher，shewascertainnottodie。"
　　Thosewordsdidmegood，butamanneedssolittletoconsolehimortosoothehisgrief。
　　"Whenthenunsareattheirdinner，"saidLaura，"IwillgobacktotheconventwithasmuchlinenasIcanconcealaboutme，andinthemeantimeIamgoingtowashallthis。"
　　"Hasshehadanyvisitors？"
　　"Oh，yes！alltheconvent；butnoonehasanysuspicionofthetruth。"
　　"Butinsuchhotweatherasthisshecanhaveonlyaverylightblanketoverher，andhervisitorsmustremarkthegreatbulkofthenapkins。"
　　"Thereisnofearofthat，becausesheissittingupinherbed。"
　　"Whatdoessheeat？"
　　"Nothing，forshemustnoteat。"
　　SoonafterwardsLaurawentout，andIfollowedher。Icalleduponaphysician，whereIwastedmytimeandmymoney，inordertogetfromhimalongprescriptionwhichwasuseless，foritwouldhaveputalltheconventinpossessionofthesecret，or，tospeakmoretruly，hersecretwouldhavebeenknowntothewholeworld，forasecretknowntoanunsoonescapesoutoftheconvent’swalls。Besides，thephysicianoftheconventhimselfwouldmostlikelyhavebetrayeditthroughaspiritofrevenge。
　　IreturnedsadlytomymiserableholeinLaura’shouse。Halfanhourafterwardsshecametome，cryingbitterly，andsheplacedinmyhandsthisletter，whichwasscarcelylegible:
　　"Ihavenotstrengthenoughtowritetoyou，mydarling；Iamgettingweakerandweaker；Iamlosingallmyblood，andIamafraidthereisnoremedy。IabandonmyselftothewillofGod，andIthankHimforhavingsavedmefromdishonour。Donotmakeyourselfunhappy。Myonlyconsolationistoknowthatyouarenearme。Alas！ifIcouldseeyoubutforonemomentIwoulddiehappy。"
　　ThesightofadozennapkinsbroughtbyLauramademeshudder，andthegoodwomanimaginedthatsheaffordedmesomeconsolationbytellingmethatasmuchlinencouldbesoakedwithabottleofblood。
　　Mymindwasnotdisposedtotastesuchconsolation；Iwasindespair，andIaddressedtomyselfthefiercestreproaches，upbraidingmyselfasthecauseofthedeathofthatadorablecreature。Ithrewmyselfonthebed，andremainedthere，almoststunned，formorethansixhours，untilLaura’sreturnfromtheconventwithtwentynapkinsentirelysoaked。Nighthadcomeon，andshecouldnotgobacktoherpatientuntilmorning。Ipassedafearfulnightwithoutfood，withoutsleep，lookinguponmyselfwithhorror，andrefusingallthekindattentionsthatLaura’sdaughterstriedtoshewme。
　　ItwasbarelydaylightwhenLaurasametoannouncetome，inthesaddesttone，thatmypoorfrienddidnotbleedanymore。Ithoughtshewasdead，andIscreamedloudly，"Oh！sheisnomore！"
　　"Sheisstillbreathing，sir；butIfearshewillnotoutlivethisday，forsheiswornout。Shecanhardlyopenhereyes，andherpulseisscarcelytobefelt。"
　　Aweightwastakenoffme；Iwasinstinctivelycertainthatmydarlingwassaved。
　　"Laura，"Isaid，"thisisnotbadnews；providedthefloodinghasceasedentirely，allthatisnecessaryistogivehersomelightfood。"
　　"Aphysicianhasbeensentfor。Hewillprescribewhateverisright，buttotellyouthetruthIhavenotmuchhope。"
　　"Onlygivemetheassurancethatsheisstillalive。"
　　"Yes，sheis，Iassureyou；butyouunderstandverywellthatshewillnottellthetruthtothedoctor，andGodknowswhathewillorder。Iwhisperedtohernottotakeanything，andsheunderstoodme。"
　　"Youarethebestofwomen。Yes，ifshedoesnotdiefromweaknessbeforeto—morrow，sheissaved；natureandlovewillhavebeenherdoctors。"
　　"MayGodhearyou！Ishallbebackbytwelve。"
　　"Whynotbefore？"
　　"Becauseherroomwillbefullofpeople。"
　　Feelingtheneedofhope，andalmostdeadforwantoffood，Iorderedsomedinner，andpreparedalongletterformybelovedmistress，tobedeliveredtoherwhenshewaswellenoughtoreadit。Theinstantsgiventorepentanceareverysad，andIwastrulyafitsubjectforpity。IlongedtoseeLauraagain，soastohearwhatthedoctorhadsaid。Ihadverygoodcauseforlaughingatallsortsoforacles，yetthroughsomeunaccountableweaknessIlongedforthatofthedoctor；Iwanted，beforeall，tofinditapropitiousone。
　　Laura’syoungdaughterswaiteduponmeatdinner；Icouldnotmanagetoswallowamouthful，butitamusedmetoseethethreesistersdevourmydinneratthefirstinvitationIgavethem。Theeldestsister，averyfinegirl，neverraisedherlargeeyesoncetowardsme。Thetwoyoungeronesseemedtomedisposedtobeamiable，butifIlookedatthemitwasonlytofeedmydespairandthecruelpangsofrepentance。
　　AtlastLaura，whomIexpectedanxiously，cameback；shetoldmethatthedearpatientremainedinthesamestateofdebility；thedoctorhadbeengreatlypuzzledbyherextremeweaknessbecausehedidnotknowtowhatcausetoattributeit。Lauraadded，"Hehasorderedsomerestorativesandasmallquantityoflightbroth；ifshecansleep，heanswersforherlife。Hehaslikewisedesiredhertohavesomeonetowatchheratnight，andsheimmediatelypointedherfingeratme，asifshewishedmetoundertakethatoffice。Now，Ipromiseyounevertoleavehereithernightorday，excepttobringyounews。"
　　Ithankedher，assuringherthatIwouldrewardhergenerously。I
　　heardwithgreatpleasurethathermotherhadpaidheravisit，andthatshehadnosuspicionoftherealstateofthings，forshehadlavishedonherthemosttendercaresses。