Wantingalittlerest，andunderstandingeachotherasifbyanaturalinstinct，shesaidtome，"Myfriend，Ihaveanappetitewhichpromisestodohonourtothesupper；areyouabletokeepmegoodcompany？"
"Yes，"Isaid，knowingwellwhatIcoulddointhatline，"yes，I
can；andafterwardsyoushalljudgewhetherIamabletosacrificetoLoveaswellastoComus。"
Sherangthebell，andawoman，middle—agedbutwell—dressedandrespectable—looking，laidoutatablefortwopersons；shethenplacedonanothertableclosebyallthatwasnecessarytoenableustodowithoutattendance，andshebrought，oneaftertheother，eightdifferentdishesinSevresporcelainplacedonsilverheaters。Itwasadelicateandplentifulsupper。
WhenItastedthefirstdishIatoncerecognizedtheFrenchstyleofcooking，andshedidnotdenyit。WedranknothingbutBurgundyandChampagne。Shedressedthesaladcleverlyandquickly，andineverythingshedidIhadtoadmirethegracefuleaseofhermanners。
Itwasevidentthatsheowedhereducationtoaloverwhowasafirst—rateconnoisseur。Iwascurioustoknowhim，andasweweredrinkingsomepunchItoldherthatifshewouldgratifymycuriosityinthatrespectIwasreadytotellhermyname。
"Lettime，dearest，"sheanswered，"satisfyourmutualcuriosity。"
M————M————had，amongstthecharmsandtrinketsfastenedtothechainofherwatch，asmallcrystalbottleexactlysimilartoonethatIworemyself。Icalledherattentiontothatfact，andasminewasfilledwithcottonsoakedinottoofrosesImadehersmellit。
"Ihavethesame，"sheobserved。
Andshemademeinhaleitsfragrance。
"Itisaveryscarceperfume，"Isaid，"andveryexpensive。"
"Yes；infactitcannotbebought。"
"Verytrue；theinventorofthatessencewearsacrown；itistheKingofFrance；hismajestymadeapoundofit，whichcosthimthirtythousandcrowns。"
"Minewasagiftpresentedtomylover，andhegaveittome:"
"MadamedePompadoursentasmallphialofittoM。deMocenigo，theVenetianambassadorinParis，throughM。deB————，nowFrenchambassadorhere。"
"Doyouknowhim？"
"IhavehadthehonourtodinewithhimontheverydayhecametotakeleaveoftheambassadorbywhomIhadbeeninvited。M。deB————
isamanwhomfortunehassmiledupon，buthehascaptivateditbyhismerit；heisnotlessdistinguishedbyhis’talentsthanbyhisbirth；heis，Ibelieve，CountdeLyon。Irecollectthathewasnicknamed’BelleBabet，’onaccountofhishandsomeface。Thereisasmallcollectionofpoetrywrittenbyhimwhichdoeshimgreathonour。"
Itwasnearmidnight；wehadmadeanexcellentsupper，andwewerenearagoodfire。Besides，Iwasinlovewithabeautifulwoman，andthinkingthattimewasprecious——Ibecameverypressing；butsheresisted。
"Crueldarling，haveyoupromisedmehappinessonlytomakemesufferthetorturesofTantalus？Ifyouwillnotgivewaytolove，atleastobeythelawsofnatureaftersuchadelicioussupper，gotobed。"
"Areyousleepy？"
"OfcourseIamnot；butitislateenoughtogotobed。Allowmetoundressyou；Iwillremainbyyourbedside，orevengoawayifyouwishit。"
"Ifyouweretoleaveme，youwouldgrieveme。"
"Mygriefwouldbeasgreatasyours，believeme，butifIremainwhatshallwedo？"
"Wecanliedowninourclothesonthissofa。"
"Withourclothes！Well，letitbeso；Iwillletyousleep，ifyouwishit；butyoumustforgivemeifIdonotsleepmyself；fortosleepnearyouandwithoutundressingwouldbeimpossible。"
"Waitalittle。"
Sherosefromherseat，turnedthesofacrosswise，openedit，tookoutpillows，sheets，blankets，andinoneminutewehadasplendidbed，wideandconvenient。Shetookalargehandkerchief，whichshewrappedroundmyhead，andshegavemeanother，askingmetorenderherthesameservice。Ibeganmytask，dissemblingmydisgustforthewig，butapreciousdiscoverycausedmethemostagreeablesurprise；for，insteadofthewig，my，handsfoundthemostmagnificenthairIhadeverseen。Iutteredascreamofdelightandadmiration。whichmadeherlaugh，andshetoldmethatanunwasundernootherobligationthantoconcealherhair，fromtheuninitiated。Thereuponshepushedmeadroitly，andmademefall’anthesofa。Igotupagain，and，havingthrownoffmyclothesasquickaslightningIthrewmyselfonherratherthannearher。Shewasverystrong；andfoldingmeinherarmsshethoughtthatIoughttoforgiveherforallthetortureshewascondemningmeto。Ihadnotobtainedanyessentialfavour；Iwasburning，butIwastryingtomastermyimpatience，forIdidnotthinkthatIhadyettherighttobeexacting。Icontrivedtoundofiveorsixbowsofribbons，andsatisfied，withhernotopposinganyresistanceinthatquartermyheart—throbbedwithpleasure，andIpossessedmyselfofthemostbeautifulbosom，whichIsmotheredundermykisses。Butherfavourswentnofurther；andmyexcitementincreasinginproportiontothenewperfectionsIdiscoveredinher，Idoubledmyefforts；allinvain。Atlast，compelledtogivewaytofatigue，Ifellasleepinherarms，holdinghertightly，againstme。Anoisychimeofbellswokeus。
"Whatisthematter？"Iexclaimed。
"Letusgetup，dearest；itistimeformetoreturntotheconvent。"
"Dressyourself，andletmehavethepleasureofseeingyouinthegarbofasaint，sinceyouaregoingawayavirgin。"
"Besatisfiedforthistime，dearest，andlearnfrommehowtopracticeabstinence；weshallbehappieranothertime。WhenIhavegone，ifyouhavenothingtohurryyou，youcanresthere。"
Sherangthebell，andthesamewomanwhohadappearedintheevening，andwasmostlikelythesecretministerandtheconfidanteofheramorousmysteries，camein。Afterherhairhadbeendressed，shetookoffhergown，lockedupherjewelleryinherbureau，putonthestaysofanun，inwhichshehidthetwomagnificentglobeswhichhadbeenduringthatfatiguingnighttheprincipalagentsofmyhappiness，andassumedhermonasticrobes。Thewomanhavinggoneouttocallthegondoliers，M————M————kissedmewarmlyandtenderly，andsaidtome，"Iexpecttoseeyouthedayafterto—morrow，soastohearfromyouwhichnightIamtomeetyouinVenice；andthen，mybelovedlover，youshallbehappyandItoo。Farewell。"
Pleasedwithoutbeingsatisfied，Iwenttobedandsleptsoundlyuntilnoon。
Ileftthecasinowithoutseeinganyone，andbeingwellmaskedI
repairedtothehouseofLaura，whogavemealetterfrommydearC————C————。Hereisacopyofit:
"Iamgoingtogiveyou，mybestbeloved，aspecimenofmywayofthinking；andItrustthat，farfromloweringmeinyourestimation，youwilljudgeme，inspiteofmyyouth，capableofkeepingasecretandworthyofbeingyourwife。Certainthatyourheartismine，Idonotblameyouforhavingmadeamysteryofcertainthings，andnotbeingjealousofwhatcandivertyourmindandhelpyoutobearpatientlyourcruelseparation，Icanonlydelightinwhateverprocuresyousomepleasure。Listennow。Yesterday，asIwasgoingalongoneofthehalls，Idroppedatooth—pickwhichIheldinmyhand，andtogetitagain，Iwascompelledtodisplaceastoolwhichhappenedtobeinfrontofacrackinthepartition。Ihavealreadybecomeascuriousasanun——afaultverynaturaltoidlepeople——I
placedmyeyeagainstthesmallopening，andwhomdidIsee？Youinperson，mydarling，conversinginthemostlivelymannerwithmycharmingfriend，SisterM————M————。Itwouldbedifficultforyoutoimaginemysurpriseandjoy。Butthosetwofeelingsgavewaysoontothefearofbeingseenandofexcitingthecuriosityofsomeinquisitivenun。Iquicklyreplacedthestool，andIwentaway。
Tellmeall，dearestfriend，youwillmakemehappy。HowcouldI
cherishyouwithallmysoul，andnotbeanxioustoknowthehistoryofyouradventure？Tellmeifsheknowsyou，andhowyouhavemadeheracquaintance。Sheismybestfriend，theoneofwhomIhavespokensooftentoyouinmyletters，withoutthinkingitnecessarytotellyouhername。SheisthefriendwhoteachesmeFrench，andhaslentmebookswhichgavemeagreatdealofinformationonamattergenerallylittleknowntowomen。Ifithadnotbeenforher，thecauseoftheaccidentwhichhasbeensonearcostingmemylife，wouldhavebeendiscovered。Shegavemesheetsandlinenimmediately；toherIowemyhonour；butshehasnecessarilylearnedinthatwaythatIhavealover，asIknowthatshehasone；butneitherofushasshewnanyanxietytoknowthesecretsoftheother。
SisterM————M————isararewoman。Ifeelcertain，dearest，thatyouloveoneanother；itcannotbeotherwisesinceyouareacquainted；butasIamnotjealousofthataffection，Ideservethatyoushouldtellmeall。Ipityyouboth，however；forallyoumaydowill，Ifear，onlyirritateyourpassion。Everyoneintheconventthinksthatyouareill，andIamlongingtoseeyou。Come，atleast，once。Adieu！"
TheletterofC————C————inspiredmewiththedeepestesteemforher，butitcausedmegreatanxiety，because，althoughIfelteveryconfidenceinmydearlittlewife，thesmallcrackinthewallmightexposeM————M————andmyselftotheinquisitivelooksofotherpersons。Besides，Ifoundmyselfcompelledtodeceivethatamiable，trustingfriend，andtotellafalsehood，fordelicacyandhonourforbademetotellherthetruth。IwrotetoherimmediatelythatherfriendshipforM————M————madeitherdutytowarnherfriendatoncethatshehadseenherintheparlourwithamaskedgentleman。
Iaddedthat，havingheardagreatdealofM————M————’smerit，andwishingtomakeheracquaintance，Ihadcalledonherunderanassumedname；thatIentreatedhernottotellherfriendwhoIwas，butshemightsaythatshehadrecognizedinmethegentlemanwhoattendedtheirchurch。IassuredherwithbarefacedimpudencethattherewasnolovebetweenM————M————andme，butwithoutconcealingthatIthoughtherasuperiorwoman。
OnSt。Catherine’sDay，thepatronessofmydearC————C————，I
bethoughtmyselfofaffordingthatlovelyprisonerthepleasureofseeingme。AsIwasleavingthechurchaftermass，andjustasIwasgoingtotakeagondola，Iobservedthatamanwasfollowingme。Itlookedsuspicious，andIdeterminedtoascertainwhetherIwasright。
Themantookagondolaandfollowedmine。Itmighthavebeenpurelyaccidental；but，keepingonmyguardforfearofsurprise，IalightedinVeniceattheMorosiniPalace；thefellowalightedatthesameplace；hisintentionswereevident。Ileftthepalace，andturningtowardstheFlandersGateIstoppedinanarrowstreet，tookmyknifeinmyhand，waitedforthespy，seizedhimbythecollar，andpushinghimagainstthewallwiththeknifeathisthroatIcommandedhimtotellmewhatbusinesshehadwithme。Tremblingalloverhewouldhaveconfessedeverything，butunluckilysomeoneenteredthestreet。
ThespyescapedandIwasnowiser，butIhadnodoubtthatforthefuturethatfellowatleastwouldkeepatarespectfuldistance。Itshewedmehoweasyitwouldbeforanobstinatespytodiscovermyidentity，andImadeupmymindnevertogotoMuranbutwithamask，oratnight。
ThenextdayIhadtoseemybeautifulnuninordertoascertainwhichdayshewouldsupwithmeinVenice，andIwentearlytotheconvent。Shedidnotkeepmewaiting，andherfacewasradiantwithjoy。Shecomplimentedmeuponmyhavingresumedmyattendanceattheirchurch；allthenunshadbeendelightedtoseemeagainafteranabsenceofthreeweeks。
"Theabbess，"shesaid，"toldmehowgladshewastoseeyou，andthatshewascertaintofindoutwhoyouare。"
Ithenrelatedtohertheadventureofthespy，andweboththoughtthatitwasmostlikelythemeanstakenbythesaintedwomantogratifyhercuriosityaboutme。
"Ihaveresolvednottoattendyourchurchanymore。"
"Thatwillbeagreatdeprivationtome，butinourcommoninterestI
canbutapproveyourresolution。"
Sherelatedtheaffairofthetreacherouscrackinthepartition，andadded，"Itisalreadyrepaired，andthereisnolongeranyfearinthatquarter。IheardofitfromayoungboarderwhomIlovedearly，andwhoismuchattachedtome。Iamnotcurioustoknowhername，andshehasnevermentionedittome。"
"Now，darlingangel，tellmewhethermyhappinesswillbepostponed。"
"Yes，butonlyfortwenty—fourhours；thenewprofessedsisterhasinvitedmetosupperinherroom，andyoumustunderstandIcannotinventanyplausibleexcuseforrefusingherinvitation。"
"Youwouldnot，then，tellherinconfidencetheverylegitimateobstaclewhichmakesmewishthatthenewsistersnevertakesupper？"
"Certainlynot:wenevertrustanyonesofarinaconvent。Besides，dearest，suchaninvitationcannotbedeclinedunlessIwishtogainamostbitterenemy。"
"Couldyounotsaythatyouareill？"
"Yes；butthenthevisits！"
"Iunderstand；ifyoushouldrefuse，theescapemightbesuspected。"
"Theescape！impossible；herenooneadmitsthepossibilityofbreakingoutoftheconvent。"
"Thenyouaretheonlyoneabletoperformthatmiracle？"
"Youmaybesureofthat；but，asisalwaysthecase，itisgoldwhichperformsthatmiracle。"
"Andmanyothers，perhaps。"
"Oh！thetimehasgonebyforthem！Buttellme，mylove，wherewillyouwaitformeto—morrow，twohoursafterthesettingofthesun？"
"CouldInotwaitforyouatyourcasino？"
"No，becausemyloverwilltakemehimselftoVenice。"
"Yourlover？"
"Yes，himself。"
"Itisnotpossible。"
"Yetitistrue。"
"IcanwaitforyouinSt。JohnandSt。Paul’sSquarebehindthepedestalofthestatueofBartholomewofBergamo。"
"Ihaveneverseeneitherthesquareorthestatueexceptinengravings；itisenough，however，andIwillnotfail。Nothingbutverystormyweathercouldpreventmefromcomingtoarendezvousforwhichmyheartispanting。"
"Andiftheweatherwerebad？"
"Then，dearest，therewouldbenothinglost；andyouwouldcomehereagaininordertoappointanotherday。"
Ihadnotimetolose，forIhadnocasino。ItookasecondrowersoastoreachSt。Mark’sSquaremorerapidly，andIimmediatelysettoworklookingforwhatIwanted。WhenamortalissoluckyastobeinthegoodgracesofthegodPlutus，andisnotcrackbrained，heisprettysuretosucceedineverything:IhadnottosearchverylongbeforeIfoundacasinosuitingmypurposeexactly。ItwasthefinestintheneighbourhoodofVenice，but，asanaturalconsequence，itwaslikewisethemostexpensive。IthadbelongedtotheEnglishambassador，whohadsolditcheaptohiscookbeforeleavingVenice。
TheownerletittomeuntilEasterforonehundredsequins，whichI
paidinadvanceonconditionthathewouldhimselfcookthedinnersandthesuppersImightorder。
Ihadfiveroomsfurnishedinthemostelegantstyle，andeverythingseemedtobecalculatedforlove，pleasure，andgoodcheer。Theserviceofthedining—roomwasmadethroughashamwindowinthewall，providedwithadumb—waiterrevolvinguponitself，andfittingthewindowsoexactlythatmasterandservantscouldnotseeeachother。Thedrawing—roomwasdecoratedwithmagnificentlooking—
glasses，crystalchandeliers，girandolesingilt，bronze，andwithasplendidpier—glassplacedonachimneyofwhitemarble；thewallswerecoveredwithsmallsquaresofrealchina，representinglittleCupidsandnakedamorouscouplesinallsortsofpositions，wellcalculatedtoexcitetheimagination；elegantandverycomfortablesofaswereplacedoneveryside。Nexttoitwasanoctagonalroom，thewalls，theceiling，andthefloorofwhichwereentirelycoveredwithsplendidVenetianglass，arrangedinsuchamannerastoreflectonallsideseverypositionoftheamorouscoupleenjoyingthepleasuresoflove。Closebywasabeautifulalcovewithtwosecretoutlets；ontheright，anelegantdressing—room，ontheleft，aboudoirwhich，seemedtohavebeenarrangedbythemotherofLove，withabathinCarraramarble。Everywherethewainscotswereembossedinormoluorpaintedwithflowersandarabesques。
AfterIhadgivenmyordersforallthechandelierstobefilledwithwaxcandles，andthefinestlinentobeprovidedwherevernecessary，Iorderedamostdelicateandsumptuoussupperfortwo，withoutregardtoexpense，andespeciallythemostexquisitewines。Ithentookpossessionofthekeyoftheprincipalentrance，andwarnedthemasterthatIdidnotwanttobeseenbyanyonewhenIcameinorwentout。
Iobservedwithpleasurethattheclockinthealcovehadanalarum，forIwasbeginning，inspiteoflove，tobeeasilyinfluencedbythepowerofsleep。
Everythingbeingarrangedaccordingtomywishes，Iwent，asacarefulanddelicatelover，topurchasethefinestslippersIcouldfind，andacapinAlenconpoint。
Itrustmyreaderdoesnotthinkmetooparticular；lethimrecollectthatIwastoreceivethemostaccomplishedofthesultanasofthemasteroftheuniverse，andItoldthatfourthGracethatIhadacasino。WasItobeginbygivingherabadideaofmytruthfulness？
Attheappointedtime，thatistwohoursaftersunset，Irepairedtomypalace；anditwouldbedifficulttoimaginethesurpriseofhishonourtheFrenchcook，whenhesawmearrivealone。Notfindingallthechandelierslighted—upasIhadordered，Iscoldedhimwell，givinghimnoticethatIdidnotliketorepeatanorder。
"Ishallnotfail；sir，anothertime，toexecuteyourcommands。"
"Letthesupperbeserved。"
"Yourhonourordereditfortwo。"
"Yes，fortwo；and，thistime，bepresentduringmysupper，sothatI
cantellyouwhichdishesIfindgoodorbad。"
Thesuppercamethroughtherevolving:dumb—waiterinverygoodorder，twodishesatatune。Ipassedsomeremarksuponeverything；
but，totellthetruth，everythingwasexcellent:game，fish，oysters，truffles，wine，dessert，andthewholeservedinveryfineDresdenchinaandsilver—giltplate。
Itoldhimthathehadforgottenhardeggs，anchovies，andpreparedvinegartodressasalad。Heliftedhiseyestowardsheaven，asiftopleadguilty，toaveryheinouscrime。
Afterasupperwhichlastedtwohours，andduringwhichImustcertainlyhavewontheadmirationofmyhost，Iaskedhimtobringmethebill。Hepresentedittomeshortlyafterwards，andIfounditreasonable。Ithendismissedhim，andlaydowninthesplendidbedinthealcove；myexcellentsupperbroughtonverysoonthemostdelicioussleepwhich，withouttheBurgundyandtheChampagne，mightverylikelynothavevisitedme，ifIhadthoughtthatthefollowingnightwouldseemeinthesameplace，andinpossessionofalovelydivinity。Itwasbroadday—lightwhenIawoke，andafterorderingthefinestfruitandsomeicesfortheeveningIleftthecasino。Inordertoshortenadaywhichmyimpatientdesireswouldhavecausedmetofindverylong，Iwenttothefaro—table，andIsawwithpleasurethatIwasasgreatafavouritewithfortuneaswithlove。
Everythingproceededaccordingtomywishes，andIdelightedinascribingmyhappysuccesstotheinfluenceofmynun。
Iwasattheplaceofmeetingonehourbeforethetimeappointed，andalthoughthenightwascoldIdidnotfeelit。PreciselyasthehourstruckIsawatwo—oaredgondolareachtheshoreandamaskcomeoutofit，speakafewwordstothegondolier，andtakethedirectionofthestatue。Myheartwasbeatingquickly，butseeingthatitwasamanIavoidedhim，andregrettednothavingbroughtmypistols。Themask，however，turningroundthestatue，cameuptomewithoutstretchedhands；Ithenrecognizedmyangel，whowasamusedatmysurpriseandtookmyarm。WithoutspeakingwewenttowardsSt。
Mark’sSquare，andreachedmycasino，whichwasonlyonehundredyardsfromtheSt。MosesTheatre。
Ifoundeverythingingoodorder；wewentupstairsandIthrewoffmymaskandmydisguise；butM————M————tookdelightinwalkingabouttheroomsandinexaminingeverynookofthecharmingplaceinwhichshewasreceived。Highlygratifiedtoseemeadmirethegraceofherperson，shewantedmelikewisetoadmireinherattirethetasteandgenerosityofherlover。Shewassurprisedatthealmostmagicspellwhich，althoughsheremainedmotionless，shewedherlovelypersoninathousanddifferentmanners。Hermultipliedportraits，reproducedbythelooking—glasses，andthenumerouswaxcandlesdisposedtothateffect，offeredtohersightaspectacleentirelynewtoher，andfromwhichshecouldnotwithdrawhereyes。SittingdownonastoolIcontemplatedherelegantpersonwithrapture。Acoatofrosyvelvet，embroideredwithgoldspangles，avesttomatch，embroideredlikewiseintherichestfashion，breechesofblacksatin，diamondbuckles，asolitaireofgreatvalueonherlittlefinger，andontheotherhandaring:suchwashertoilet。Herblacklacemaskwasremarkableforitsfinenessandthebeautyofthedesign。Toenablemetoseeherbettershestoodbeforeme。Ilookedinherpockets，inwhichIfoundagoldsnuff—box，asweetmeat—boxadornedwithpearls，agoldcase，asplendidopera—glass，handkerchiefsofthefinestcambric，soakedratherthanperfumedwiththemostpreciousessences。Iexaminedattentivelytherichnessandtheworkmanshipofhertwowatches，ofherchains，ofhertrinkets，brilliantwithdiamonds。ThelastarticleIfoundwasapistol；itwasanEnglishweaponoffinesteel，andofthemostbeautifulfinish。
"AllIsee，mydivineangel，isnotworthyofyou；yetIcannotrefrainfromexpressingmyadmirationforthewonderful，Imightalmostsayadorable，beingwhowantstoconvinceyouthatyouaretrulyhismistress。"
"ThatiswhathesaidwhenIaskedhimtobringmetoVenice，andtoleaveme。’Amuseyourself，’hesaid，’andIhopethatthemanwhomyouaregoingtomakehappywillconvinceyouthatheisworthyofit。’"
"Heisindeedanextraordinaryman，andIdonotthinkthereisanotherlikehim。Suchaloverisauniquebeing；andIfeelthatI
couldnotbelikehim，asdeeplyasIfeartobeunworthyofahappinesswhichdazzlesme。"
"Allowmetoleaveyou，andtotakeofftheseclothesalone。"
"Doanythingyouplease。"
Aquarterofanhourafterwardsmymistresscamebacktome。Herhairwasdressedlikeaman’s；thefrontlockscamedownhercheeks，andtheblackhair，fastenedwithaknotofblueribbon，reachedthebendofherlegs；herformwasthatofAntinous；herclothesalone，beingcutintheFrenchstyle，preventedtheillusionfrombeingcomplete。Iwasinastateofecstaticdelight，andIcouldnotrealizemyhappiness。
"No，adorablewoman，"Iexclaimed，"youarenotmadeforamortal，andIdonotbelievethatyouwilleverbemine。Attheverymomentofpossessingyousomemiraclewillwrestyoufrommyarms。Yourdivinespouse，perhaps，jealousofasimplemortal，willannihilateallmyhope。ItispossiblethatinafewminutesIshallnolongerexist。"
"Areyoumad，dearest？Iamyoursthisveryinstant，ifyouwishit。"
"Ah！ifIwishit！Althoughfasting，come！Loveandhappinesswillbemyfood！"
Shefeltcold，wesatnearthefire；andunabletomastermyimpatienceIunfastenedadiamondbroochwhichpinnedherruffle。
Dearreader，therearesomesensationssopowerfulandsosweetthatyearscannotweakentheremembranceofthem。Mymouthhadalreadycoveredwithkissesthatravishingbosom；butthenthetroublesomecorsethadnotallowedmetoadmireallitsperfection。NowIfeltitfreefromallrestraintandfromallunnecessarysupport；Ihaveneverseen，nevertouched，anythingmorebeautiful，andthetwomagnificentglobesoftheVenusdeMedicis，eveniftheyhadbeenanimatedbythesparkoflifegivenbyPrometheus，wouldhaveyieldedthepalmtohoseofmydivinenun。
Iwasburningwithardentdesires，andIwouldhavesatisfiedthemonthespot，ifmyadorablemistresshadnotcalmedmyimpatiencebythesesimplewords:
"Waituntilaftersupper。"
Irangthebell；sheshuddered。
"Donotbeanxious，dearest。"
AndIshewedherthesecretoftheshamwindow。
"Youwillbeabletotellyourloverthatnoonesawyou。"
"Hewillappreciateyourdelicateattention，andthatwillprovetohimthatyouarenotanoviceintheartoflove。ButitisevidentthatIamnottheonlyonewhoenjoyswithyouthedelightsofthischarmingresidence。"
"Youarewrong，believeme:youarethefirstwomanIhaveseenhere。
Youarenot，adorablecreature，myfirstlove，butyoushallbethelast。"
"Ishallbehappyifyouarefaithful。Myloverisconstant，kind，gentleandamiable；yetmyhearthaseverbeenfancy—freewithhim。"
"Thenhisownheartmustbethesame；forifhislovewasofthesamenatureasmineyouwouldneverhavemademehappy。"
"HelovesmeasIloveyou；doyoubelieveinmyloveforyou？"
"Yes，Iwanttobelieveinit；butyouwouldnotallowmeto……"
"Donotsayanymore；forIfeelthatIcouldforgiveyouinanything，providedyoutoldmeall。ThejoyIexperienceatthismomentiscausedmorebythehopeIhaveofgratifyingyourdesiresthanbytheideathatIamgoingtopassadelightfulnightwithyou。
Itwillbethefirstinmylife。"
"What！Haveyouneverpassedsuchanightwithyourlover？"
"Several；butfriendship，compliance，andgratitude，perhaps，werethentheonlycontributorstoourpleasures；themostessential——
love——wasneverpresent。Inspiteofthat，myloverislikeyou；hiswitislively，verymuchthesameasyours，and，asfarashisfeaturesareconcerned，heisveryhandsome；yetitisnotyou。I
believehimmorewealthythanyou，althoughthiscasinoalmostconvincesmethatIammistaken，butwhatdoeslovecareforriches？
DonotimaginethatIconsideryouendowedwithlessmeritthanhe，becauseyouconfessyourselfincapableofhisheroisminallowingmetoenjoyanotherlove。Quitethecontrary；Iknowthatyouwouldnotlovemeasyoudo，ifyoutoldmethatyoucouldbeasindulgentasheisforoneofmycaprices。"
"Willhebecurioustoheartheparticularsofthisnight？"
"Mostlikelyhewillthinkthathewillpleasemebyaskingwhathastakenplace，andIwilltellhimeverything，exceptsuchparticularsasmighthumiliatehim。"
Afterthesupper，whichshefoundexcellent，shemadesomepunch，andshewasaverygoodhandatit。ButIfeltmyimpatiencegrowingstrongereverymoment，andIsaid，"Recollectthatwehaveonlysevenhoursbeforeus，andthatweshouldbeveryfoolishtowastetheminthisroom。"
"YoureasonbetterthanSocrates，"sheanswered，"andyoureloquencehasconvincedme。Come！"
Sheledmetotheelegantdressing—room，andIofferedherthefinenight—capwhichIhadboughtforher，askingheratthesametimetodressherhairlikeawoman。Shetookitwithgreatpleasure，andbeggedmetogoandundressmyselfinthedrawing—room，promisingtocallmeassoonasshewasinbed。
Ihadnotlongtowait:whenpleasureiswaitingforus，weallgoquicklytowork。Ifellintoherarms，intoxicatedwithloveandhappiness，andduringsevenhoursIgaveherthemostpositiveproofsofmyardourandofthefeelingsIentertainedforher。Itistruethatshetaughtmenothingnew，materiallyspeaking，butagreatdealinsighs，inecstasies，inenjoymentswhichcanhavetheirfulldevelopmentonlyinasensitivesoulinthesweetestofallmoments。
Ivariedourpleasuresinathousanddifferentways，andIastonishedherbymakingherfeelthatshewassusceptibleofgreaterenjoymentthanshehadanyideaof。Atlastthefatalalarumwasheard:wehadtostopouramoroustransports；butbeforesheleftmyarmssheraisedhereyestowardsheavenasiftothankherDivineMasterforhavinggivenherthecouragetodeclareherpassiontome。
Wedressedourselves，andobservingthatIputthelacenight—capinherpocketsheassuredmethatshewouldkeepitallherlifeasawitnessofthehappinesswhichoverwhelmedher。Afterdrinkingacupofcoffeewewentout，andIleftheratSt。JohnandSt。Paul’sSquare，promisingtocallonherthedayafterthemorrow；IwatchedheruntilIsawhersafeinhergondola，andIthenwenttobed。Tenhoursofprofoundsleeprestoredmetomyusualstateofvigour。
CHAPTERXVIII
VisittotheConventandConversationWithM。M。——ALetterfromHer，andMyAnswer——AnotherInterviewAttheCasinoofMuranInthePresenceofHerLoverAccordingtomypromise，IwenttoseeM————M————twodaysafterwards，butassoonasshecametotheparlourshetoldmethatherloverhadsaidhewascoming，andthatsheexpectedhimeveryminute，andthatshewouldbegladtoseemethenextday。Itookleaveofher，butnearthebridgeIsawaman，ratherbadlymasked，comingoutofagondola。Ilookedatthegondolier，andIrecognizedhimasbeingintheserviceoftheFrenchambassador。"Itishe，"
Isaidtomyself，andwithoutappearingtoobservehimIwatchedhimentertheconvent。Ihadnolongeranydoubtastohisidentity，andIreturnedtoVenicedelightedathavingmadethediscovery，butI
madeupmymindnottosayanythingtomymistress。
Isawheronthefollowingday，andwe，hadalongconversationtogether，whichIamnowgoingtorelate。
"Myfriend，"shesaidtome，"cameyesterdayinordertobidfarewelltomeuntiltheChristmasholidays。HeisgoingtoPadua，buteverythinghasbeenarrangedsothatwecansupathiscasinowheneverwewish。"
"WhynotinVenice？"
"Hehasbeggedmenottogothereduringhisabsence。Heiswiseandprudent；Icouldnotrefusehisrequest。"
"Youarequiteright。Whenshallwesuptogether？"
"NextSunday，ifyoulike。"
"IfIlikeisnottherightexpression，forIalwayslike。OnSunday，then，Iwillgotothecasinotowardsnightfall，andwaitforyouwithabook。Haveyoutoldyourfriendthatyouwerenotveryuncomfortableinmysmallpalace？"
"Heknowsallaboutit，but，dearest，heisafraidofonething——hefearsacertainfatalplumpness……"
"Onmylife，Ineverthoughtofthat！But，mydarling，doyounotrunthesameriskwithhim？"
"No，itisimpossible。"
"Iunderstandyou。Thenwemustbeveryprudentforthefuture。I
believethat，ninedaysbeforeChristmas，themaskisnolongerallowed，andthenIshallhavetogotoyourcasinobywater，otherwise，Imighteasilyberecognizedbythesamespywhohasalreadyfollowedmeonce。"
"Yes，thatideaprovesyourprudence，andIcaneasily，shewyoutheplace。IhopeyouwillbeabletocomealsoduringLent，althoughwearetoldthatatthattimeGodwishesustomortifyoursenses。
IsitnotstrangethatthereisatimeduringwhichGodwantsustoamuseourselvesalmosttofrenzy，andanotherduringwhich，inordertopleaseHim，wemustliveincompleteabstinence？WhatisthereincommonbetweenayearlyobservanceandtheDeity，andhowcantheactionofthecreaturehaveanyinfluenceovertheCreator，whommyreasoncannotconceiveotherwisethanindependent？ItseemstomethatifGodhadcreatedmanwiththepowerofoffendingHim，manwouldberightindoingeverythingthatisforbiddentohim，becausethedeficienciesofhisorganizationwouldbetheworkoftheCreatorHimself。HowcanweimagineGodgrievedduringLent？"
"Mybelovedone，youreasonbeautifully，butwillyoutellmewhereyouhavemanaged，inaconvent，topasstheRubicon？"
"Yes。MyfriendhasgivenmesomegoodbookswhichIhavereadwithdeepattention，andthelightoftruthhasdispelledthedarknesswhichblindedmyeyes。Icanassureyouthat，whenIlookinmyownheart，Ifindmyselfmorefortunateinhavingmetwithapersonwhohasbroughtlighttomymindthanmiserableathavingtakentheveil；
forthegreatesthappinessmustcertainlyconsistinlivingandindyingpeacefully——ahappinesswhichcanhardlybeobtainedbylisteningtoalltheidletalkwithwhichthepriestspuzzleourbrains。"
"Iamofyouropinion，butIadmireyou，foritoughttobetheworkofmorethanafewmonthstobringlighttoamindprejudicedasyourswas。"
"ThereisnodoubtthatIshouldhaveseenlightmuchsoonerifIhadnotlabouredundersomanyprejudices。Therewasinmymindacurtaindividingtruthfromerror，andreasonalonecoulddrawitaside，butthatpoorreason——Ihadbeentaughttofearit，torepulseit，asifitsbrightflamewouldhavedevoured，insteadofenlighteningme。ThemomentitwasprovedtomethatareasonablebeingoughttobeguidedonlybyhisowninductionsIacknowledgedtheswayofreason，andthemistwhichhidtruthfrommewasdispelled。Theevidenceoftruthshonebeforemyeyes，nonsensicaltriflesdisappeared，andIhavenofearoftheirresumingtheirinfluenceovermymind，foreverydayitisgettingstronger；andI
maysaythatIonlybegantoloveGodwhenmymindwasdisabusedofpriestlysuperstitionsconcerningHim。"
"Icongratulateyou；youhavebeenmorefortunatethanI，foryouhavemademoreprogressinoneyearthanIhavemadeinten。"
"ThenyoudidnotbeginbyreadingthewritingsofLordBolingbroke？
Fiveorsixmonthsago，IwasreadingLaSagesse，byCharron，andsomehoworothermyconfessorheardofit；whenIwenttohimforconfession，hetookuponhimselftotellmetogiveupreadingthatbook。Iansweredthatmyconsciencedidnotreproachme，andthatI
couldnotobeyhim。’Inthatcase，’repliedhe，’Iwillnotgiveyouabsolution。’’Thatwillnotpreventmefromtakingthecommunion，’I
said。Thismadehimangry，and，inordertoknowwhatheoughttodo，heappliedtoBishopDiedo。Hiseminencecametoseeme，andtoldmethatIoughttobeguidedbymyconfessor。Iansweredthatwehadmutualdutiestoperform，andthatthemissionofapriestintheconfessionalwastolistentome，toimposeareasonablepenance，andtogivemeabsolution；thathehadnoteventherightofofferingmeanyadviceifIdidnotaskforit。Iaddedthattheconfessorbeingboundtoavoidscandal，ifhedaredtorefusemetheabsolution，which，ofcourse，hecoulddo，Iwouldallthesamegotothealtarwiththeothernuns。Thebishop，seeingthathewasathiswit’send，toldthepriesttoabandonmetomyconscience。Butthatwasnotsatisfactorytome，andmyloverobtainedabrieffromthePopeauthorizingmetogotoconfessiontoanypriestIlike。Allthesistersarejealousoftheprivilege，butIhaveavailedmyselfofitonlyonce，forthesakeofestablishingaprecedentandofstrengtheningtherightbythefact，foritisnotworththetrouble。
Ialwaysconfesstothesamepriest，andhehasnodifficultyingivingmeabsolution，forIonlytellhimwhatIlike。"
"Andfortherestyouabsolveyourself？"
"IconfesstoGod，whoalonecanknowmythoughtsandjudgethedegreeofmeritorofdemerittobeattachedtomyactions。"
OurconversationshewedmethatmylovelyfriendwaswhatiscalledaFree—thinker；butIwasnotastonishedatit，becauseshefeltagreaterneedofpeaceforherconsciencethanofgratificationforhersenses。
OntheSunday，afterdinner，Itookatwo—oaredgondola，andwentroundtheislandofMurantoreconnoitretheshore，andtodiscoverthesmalldoorthroughwhichmymistressescapedfromtheconvent。
Ilostmytroubleandmytime，forIdidnotbecomeacquaintedwiththeshoretilltheoctaveofChristmas，andwiththesmalldoorsixmonthsafterwards。Ishallmentionthecircumstanceinitsproperplace。
Assoonasitwastime，Irepairedtothetemple，andwhileIwaswaitingfortheidolIamusedmyselfinexaminingthebooksofasmalllibraryintheboudoir。Theywerenotnumerous，buttheywerewellchosenandworthyoftheplace。Ifoundthereeverythingthathasbeenwrittenagainstreligion，andalltheworksofthemostvoluptuouswritersonpleasure；attractivebooks，theincendiarystyleofwhichcompelsthereadertoseektherealityoftheimagetheyrepresent。Severalfolios，richlybound，containednothingbuteroticengravings。Theirprincipalmeritconsistedmuchmoreinthebeautyofthedesigns，inthefinishofthework，thaninthelubricityofthepositions。IfoundamongstthemtheprintsofthePortierdesChartreux，publishedinEngland；theengravingsofMeursius，ofAloysiaSigeaToletana，andothers，allverybeautifullydone。Agreatmanysmallpicturescoveredthewallsoftheboudoir，andtheywereallmasterpiecesinthesamestyleastheengravings。
Ihadspentanhourinexaminingalltheseworksofart，thesightofwhichhadexcitedmeinthemostirresistiblemanner，whenIsawmybeautifulmistressentertheroom，dressedasanun。Herappearancewasnotlikelytoactasasedative，andtherefore，withoutlosinganytimeincompliments，Isaidtoher，"Youarrivemostopportunely。Alltheseeroticpictureshavefiredmyimagination，anditisinyourgarbofasaintthatyoumustadministertheremedythatmyloverequires。"
"Letmeputonanotherdress，darling，itwillnottakemorethanfiveminutes。"
"Fiveminuteswillcompletemyhappiness，andthenyoucanattendtoyourmetamorphosis。"
"Butletmetakeoffthesewoollenrobes，whichIdislike。"
"No；Iwantyoutoreceivethehomageofmyloveinthesamedresswhichyouhadonwhenyougavebirthtoit。"
Sheutteredinthehumblestmannera’fiatvoluntastua’，accompaniedbythemostvoluptuoussmile，andsankonthesofa。Foroneinstantweforgotalltheworldbesides。AfterthatdelightfulecstacyI
assistedhertoundress，andasimplegownofIndianmuslinsoonmetamorphosedmylovelynunintoabeautifulnymph。
Afteranexcellentsupper，weagreednottomeetagaintillthefirstdayoftheoctave。Shegavemethekeyofthegateontheshore，andtoldmethatablueribbonattachedtothewindowoverthedoorwouldpointitoutbyday，soastopreventmymakingamistakeatnight。
ImadeherveryhappybytellingherthatIwouldcomeandresideinhercasinountilthereturnofherfriend。DuringthetendaysthatIremainedthere，Isawherfourtimes，andIconvincedherthatI
livedonlyforher。
DuringmystayinthecasinoIamusedmyselfinreading，inwritingtoC————C————，butmyloveforherhadbecomeacalmaffection。Thelineswhichinterestedmemostinherletterswerethoseinwhichshementionedherfriend。SheoftenblamedmefornothavingcultivatedtheacquaintanceofM————M————，andmyanswerwasthatIhadnotdonesoforfearofbeingknown。Ialwaysinsisteduponthenecessityofdiscretion。
Idonotbelieveinthepossibilityofequallovebeingbestowedupontwopersonsatthesametime，nordoIbelieveitpossibletokeeplovetoahighdegreeofintensityifyougiveiteithertoomuchfoodornoneatall。ThatwhichmaintainedmypassionforM———M————
inastateofgreatvigourwasthatIcouldneverpossessherwithoutrunningtheriskoflosingher。
"Itisimpossible，"Isaidtoheronce，"thatsometimeorotheroneofthenunsshouldnotwanttospeaktoyouwhenyouareabsent？"
"No，"sheanswered，"thatcannothappen，becausethereisnothingmorereligiouslyrespectedinaconventthantherightofanuntodenyherself，eventotheabbess。AfireistheonlycircumstanceI
havetofear，becauseinthatcasetherewouldbegeneraluproarandconfusion，anditwouldnotappearnaturalthatanunshouldremainquietlylockedupinhercellinthemidstofsuchdanger；myescapewouldthenbediscovered。Ihavecontrivedtogainoverthelay—
sisterandthegardener，aswellasanothernun，andthatmiraclewasperformedbymycunningassistedbymylover’sgold。
Heanswersforthefidelityofthecookandhiswifewhotakecareofthecasino。Hehaslikewiseeveryconfidenceinthetwogondoliers，althoughoneofthemissuretobeaspyoftheStateInquisitors。"
OnChristmasEvesheannouncedthereturnofherlover，andshetoldhimthatonSt。Stephen’sDayshewouldgowithhimtotheopera，andthattheywouldafterwardsspendthenighttogether。
"Ishallexpectyou，mybelovedone，"sheadded，"onthelastdayoftheyear，andhereisaletterwhichIbegyounottoreadtillyougethome。"
AsIhadtomoveinordertomakeroomforherlover，Ipackedmythingsearlyinthemorning，and，biddingfarewelltoaplaceinwhichduringtendaysIhadenjoyedsomanydelights，IreturnedtotheBragadinPalace，whereIreadthefollowingletter:
"Youhavesomewhatoffendedme，myowndarling，bytellingme，respectingthemysterywhichIamboundtokeeponthesubjectofmylover，that，satisfiedtopossessmyheart，youleftmemistressofmymind。Thatdivisionoftheheartandofthemindappearstomeapuresophism，andifitdoesnotstrikeyouassuchyoumustadmitthatyoudonotlovemewholly，forIcannotexistwithoutmind，andyoucannotcherishmyheartifitdoesnotagreewithmymind。Ifyourlovecannotacceptadifferentstateofthingsitdoesnotexcelindelicacy。However，assomecircumstancemightoccurinwhichyoumightaccusemeofnothavingactedtowardsyouwithallthesinceritythattrueloveinspires，andthatithasarighttodemand，Ihavemadeupmymindtoconfidetoyouasecretwhichconcernsmyfriend，althoughIamawarethathereliesentirelyuponmydiscretion。Ishallcertainlybeguiltyofabreachofconfidence，butyouwillnotlovemelessforit，because，compelledtochoosebetweenyoutwo，andtodeceiveeitheroneortheother，lovehasconqueredfriendship；donotpunishmeforit，forithasnotbeendoneblindly，andyouwill，Itrust，considerthereasonswhichhavecausedthescaletoweighdowninyourfavour。
"WhenIfoundmyselfincapableofresistingmywishtoknowyouandtobecomeintimatewithyou，Icouldnotgratifythatwishwithouttakingmyfriendintomyconfidence，andIhadnodoubtofhiscompliance。Heconceivedaveryfavourableopinionofyourcharacterfromyourfirstletter，notonlybecauseyouhadchosentheparlouroftheconventforourfirstinterview，butalsobecauseyouappointedhiscasinoatMuraninsteadofyourown。Buthelikewisebeggedofmetoallowhimtobepresentatourfirstmeeting—place，inasmallcloset——atruehiding—place，fromwhichonecanseeandheareverythingwithoutbeingsuspectedbythoseinthedrawing—room。
Youhavenotyetseenthatmysteriouscloset，butIwillshewittoyouonthelastdayoftheyear。Tellme，dearest，whetherIcouldrefusethatsingularrequesttothemanwhowasshewingmesuchcompliantkindness？Iconsented，anditwasnaturalformenottoletyouknowit。Youarethereforeawarenowthatmyfriendwasawitnessofallwedidandsaidduringthefirstnightthatwespenttogether，butdonotletthatannoyyou，foryoupleasedhimineverything，inyourbehaviourtowardsmeaswellasinthewittysayingswhichyouutteredtomakemelaugh。Iwasingreatfear，whentheconversationturneduponhim，lestyouwouldsaysomethingwhichmighthurthisself—love，but，veryfortunately，heheardonlythemostflatteringcompliments。Suchis，dearestlove，thesincereconfessionofmytreason，butasawiseloveryouwillforgivemebecauseithasnotdoneyoutheslightestharm。Myfriendisextremelycurioustoascertainwhoyouare。Butlistentome，thatnightyouwerenaturalandthoroughlyamiable，wouldyouhavebeenthesame，ifyouhadknownthattherewasawitness？Itisnotlikely，andifIhadacquaintedyouwiththetruth，youmighthaverefusedyourconsent，andperhapsyouwouldhavebeenright。
"Nowthatweknoweachother，andthatyouentertainnodoubt，I
trust，ofmydevotedlove，Iwishtoeasemyconscienceandtoventureall。Learnthen，dearest，thatonthelastdayoftheyear，myfriendwillbeatthecasino，whichhewillleaveonlythenextmorning。Youwillnotseehim，buthewillseeus。Asyouaresupposednottoknowanythingaboutit，youmustfeelthatyouwillhavetobenaturalineverything，otherwise，hemightguessthatI
havebetrayedthesecret。Itisespeciallyinyourconversationthatyoumustbecareful。Myfriendpossesseseveryvirtueexceptthetheologicalonecalledfaith，andonthatsubjectyoucansayanythingyoulike。Youwillbeatlibertytotalkliterature，travels，politics，anythingyouplease，andyouneednotrefrainfromanecdotes。Infactyouarecertainofhisapprobation。
"Now，dearest，Ihaveonlythistosay。Doyoufeeldisposedtoallowyourselftobeseenbyanothermanwhileyouareabandoningyourselftothesweetvoluptuousnessofyoursenses？Thatdoubtcausesallmyanxiety，andIentreatfromyouananswer，yesorno。
Doyouunderstandhowpainfulthedoubtisforme？Iexpectnottoclosemyeyesthroughoutthenight，andIshallnotrestuntilIhaveyourdecision。Incaseyoushouldobjecttoshewyourtendernessinthepresenceofathirdperson，Iwilltakewhateverdeterminationlovemaysuggesttome。ButIhopeyouwillconsent，andevenifyouwerenottoperformthecharacterofanardentloverinamasterlymanner，itwouldnotbeofanyconsequence。Iwillletmyfriendbelievethatyourlovehasnotreacheditsapogee"
Thatlettercertainlytookmebysurprise，butallthingsconsidered，thinkingthatmypartwasbetterthantheoneacceptedbythelover，Ilaughedheartilyattheproposal。Iconfess，however，thatI
shouldnothavelaughedifIhadnotknownthenatureoftheindividualwhowastobethewitnessofmyamorousexploits。
Understandingalltheanxietyofmyfriend，andwishingtoallayit，Iimmediatelywrotetoherthefollowinglines:
"Youwishme，heavenlycreature，toansweryouyesorno，andI，fullofloveforyou，wantmyanswertoreachyoubeforenoon，sothatyoumaydineinperfectpeace。
"Iwillspendthelastnightoftheyearwithyou，andIcanassureyouthatthefriend，towhomwewillgiveaspectacleworthyofPaphosandAmathos，shallseeorhearnothinglikelytomakehimsupposethatIamacquaintedwithhissecret。YoumaybecertainthatIwillplaymypartnotasanovicebutasamaster。Ifitisman’sdutytobealwaystheslaveofhisreason；if，aslongashehascontroloverhimself，heoughtnottoactwithouttakingitforhisguide，Icannotunderstandwhyamanshouldbeashamedtoshewhimselftoafriendattheverymomentthatheismostfavouredbyloveandnature。
"YetIconfessthatyouwouldhavebeenwrongifyouhadconfidedthesecrettomethefirsttime，andthatmostlikelyIshouldthenhaverefusedtograntyouthatmarkofmycompliance，notbecauseIlovedyoulessthenthanIdonow，buttherearesuchstrangetastesinnaturethatImighthaveimaginedthatyourlover’srulingtastewastoenjoythesightofanardentandfranticcoupleinthemidstofamorousconnection，andinthatcase，conceivinganunfavourableopinionofyou，vexationmighthavefrozentheloveyouhadjustsentthroughmybeing。Now，however，thecaseisverydifferent。IknowallIpossessinyou，and，fromallyouhavetoldmeofyourlover，Iamwelldisposedtowardshim，andIbelievehimtobemyfriend。
Ifafeelingofmodestydoesnotdeteryoufromshewingyourselftender，loving，andfullofamorousardourwithmeinhispresence，howcouldIbeashamed，when，onthecontrary，Ioughttofeelproudofmyself？Ihavenoreasontoblushathavingmadeaconquestofyou，oratshewingmyselfinthosemomentsduringwhichIprovetheliberalitywithwhichnaturehasbestoweduponmetheshapeandthestrengthwhichassuresuchimmenseenjoymenttome，besidesthecertaintythatIcanmakethewomanIloveshareitwithme。Iamawarethat，owingtoafeelingwhichiscallednatural，butwhichisperhapsonlytheresultofcivilizationandtheeffectoftheprejudicesinherentinyouth，mostmenobjecttoanywitnessinthosemoments，butthosewhocannotgiveanygoodreasonsfortheirrepugnancemusthaveintheirnaturesomethingofthecat。Atthesametime，theymighthavesomeexcellentreasons，withouttheirthinkingthemselvesboundtogivethem，excepttothewoman，whoiseasilydeceived。Iexcusewithallmyheartthosewhoknowthattheywouldonlyexcitethepityofthewitnesses，butwebothhavenofearofthatsort。Allyouhavetoldmeofyourfriendprovesthathewillenjoyourpleasures。Butdoyouknowwhatwillbetheresultofit？Theintensityofourardourwillexcitehisown，andhewillthrowhimselfatmyfeet，beggingandentreatingmetogiveuptohimtheonlyobjectlikelytocalmhisamorousexcitement。WhatcouldI
dointhatcase？Giveyouup？Icouldhardlyrefusetodosowithgoodgrace，butIwouldgoaway，forIcouldnotremainaquietspectator。
"Farewell，mydarlinglove；allwillbewell，Ihavenodoubt。
Prepareyourselffortheathleticcontest，andrelyuponthefortunatebeingwhoadoresyou。"
Ispentthesixfollowingdayswithmythreeworthyfriends，andatthe’ridotto’，whichatthattimewasopenedonSt。Stephen’sDay。
AsIcouldnotholdthecardsthere，thepatriciansalonehavingtheprivilegeofholdingthebank，Iplayedmorningandevening，andI
constantlylost；forwhoeverpuntsmustlose。ButthelossofthefourorfivethousandsequinsIpossessed，farfromcoolingmylove，seemedonlytoincreaseitsardour。
Attheendoftheyear1774theGreatCouncilpromulgatedalawforbiddingallgamesofchance，thefirsteffectofwhichwastoclosethe’ridotto’。Thislawwasarealphenomenon，andwhenthevotesweretakenoutoftheurnthesenatorslookedateachotherwithstupefaction。Theyhadmadethelawunwittingly，forthree—
fourthsofthevotersobjectedtoit，andyetthree—fourthsofthevoteswereinfavourofit。PeoplesaidthatitwasamiracleofSt。
Mark’s，whohadansweredtheprayersofMonsignorFlangini，thencensor—in—chief，nowcardinal，andoneofthethreeStateInquisitors。
OnthedayappointedIwaspunctualattheplaceofrendezvous，andI
hadnottowaitformymistress。Shewasinthedressing—room，whereshehadhadtimetoattendtohertoilet，andassoonassheheardmeshecametomedressedwiththegreatestelegance。
"Myfriendisnotyetathispost，"shesaidtome，"butthemomentheisthereIwillgiveyouawink。"
"Whereisthemysteriouscloset？"
"Thereitis。Lookatthebackofthissofaagainstthewall。Allthoseflowersinreliefhaveaholeinthecentrewhichcommunicateswiththeclosetbehindthatwall。Thereisabed，atable，andeverythingnecessarytoapersonwhowantstospendthenightinamusinghimselfbylookingatwhatisgoingoninthisroom。Iwillskewittoyouwheneveryoulike。"
"Wasitarrangedbyyourlover’sorders？"
"No，forhecouldnotforeseethathewoulduseit。"
"Iunderstandthathemayfindgreatpleasureinsuchasight，butbeingunabletopossessyouattheverymomentnaturewillmakeyoumostnecessarytohim，whatwillhedo？"
"Thatishisbusiness。Besides，heisatlibertytogoawaywhenhehashadenoughofit，ortosleepifhehasamindto，butifyouplayyourpartnaturallyhewillnotfeelanyweariness。"
"Iwillbemostnatural，butImustbemorepolite。"
"No，nopoliteness，Ibeg，forifyouarepolite，goodbyetonature。
Wherehaveyoueverseen，Ishouldliketoknow，twolovers，excitedbyallthefuryoflove，thinkofpoliteness？"
"Youareright，darling，butImustbemoredelicate。"
"Verywell，delicacycandonoharm，butnomorethanusual。Yourlettergreatlypleasedme，youhavetreatedthesubjectlikeamanofexperience。"
Ihavealreadystatedthatmymistresswasdressedmostelegantly，butIoughttohaveaddedthatitwastheeleganceoftheGraces，andthatitdidnotinanywaypreventeaseandsimplicity。Ionlywonderedatherhavingusedsomepaintfortheface，butitratherpleasedmebecauseshehadapplieditaccordingtothefashionoftheladiesofVersailles。Thecharmofthatstyleconsistsinthenegligencewithwhichthepaintisapplied。Therougemustnotappearnatural；itisusedtopleasetheeyeswhichseeinitthemarksofanintoxicationheraldingthemostamorousfury。Shetoldmethatshehadputsomeonherfacetopleaseherinquisitivefriend，whowasveryfondofit。
"Thattaste，"Isaid，"proveshimtobeaFrenchman。"
AsIwasutteringthesewords，shemadeasigntome；thefriendwasathispost，andnowtheplaybegan。
"ThemoreIlookatyou，belovedangel，themoreIthinkyouworthyofmyadoration。"
"Butareyounotcertainthatyoudonotworshipacrueldivinity？"
"Yes，andthereforeIdonotoffermysacrificestoappeaseyou，buttoexciteyou。Youshallfeelallthroughthenighttheardourofmydevotion。"
"Youwillnotfindmeinsensibletoyourofferings。"
"Iwouldbeginthematonce，butIthinkthat，inordertoinsuretheirefficiency，weoughttohavesupperfirst。Ihavetakennothingto—daybutacupofchocolateandasaladofwhitesofeggsdressedwithoilfromLuccaandMarseillesvinegar。"
"But，dearest，itisfolly！youmustbeill？"
"Yes，Iamjustnow，butIshallbeallrightwhenIhavedistilledthewhitesofeggs，onebyone，intoyouramoroussoul。"
"Ididnotthinkyourequiredanysuchstimulants。"
"Whocouldwantanywithyou？ButIhavearationalfear，forifI
happenedtoprimewithoutbeingabletofire，Iwouldblowmybrainsout。"
"Mydearbrowny，itwouldcertainlybeamisfortune，buttherewouldbenooccasiontobeindespaironthataccount。"
"YouthinkthatIwouldonlyhavetoprimeagain。"
"Ofcourse。"
Whilewewerebanteringinthisedifyingfashion，thetablehadbeenlaid，andwesatdowntosupper。SheatefortwoandIforfour，ourexcellentappetitebeingexcitedbythedelicatecheer。Asumptuousdessertwasservedinsplendidsilver—giltplate，similartothetwocandlestickswhichheldfourwaxcandleseach。SeeingthatIadmiredthem，shesaid:
"Theyareapresentfrommyfriend。"
"Itisamagnificentpresent，hashegivenyouthesnufferslikewise？"
"No"
"Itisaproofthatyourfriendisagreatnobleman。"
"Howso？"
"Becausegreatlordshavenoideaofsnuffingthecandle。"
"Ourcandleshavewickswhichneverrequirethatoperation。"
"Good！TellmewhohastaughtyouFrench。"
"OldLaForest。Ihavebeenhispupilforsixyears。Hehasalsotaughtmetowritepoetry，butyouknowagreatmanywordswhichI
neverheardfromhim，suchas’agogo，frustratoire，rater，dorloter’。Whotaughtyouthesewords？"
"ThegoodcompanyinParis，andwomenparticularly。"
Wemadesomepunch，andamusedourselvesineatingoystersafterthevoluptuousfashionoflovers。Wesuckedthemin，onebyone，afterplacingthemontheother’stongue。Voluptuousreader，tryit，andtellmewhetheritisnotthenectarofthegods！
Atlast，jokingwasover，andIremindedherthatwehadtothinkofmoresubstantialpleasures。"Waithere，"shesaid，"Iamgoingtochangemydress。Ishallbebackinoneminute。"Leftalone，andnotknowingwhattodo，Ilookedinthedrawersofherwriting—table。
Ididnottouchtheletters，butfindingaboxfullofcertainpreservativesheathsagainstthefatalanddreadedplumpness，I
emptiedit，andIplacedinitthefollowinglinesinsteadofthestolengoods:
’EnfantsdeL’Amitie，ministresdelaPeur，Jesuisl’Amour，tremblez，respectezlevoleur！
Ettoi，femmedeDieu，necrainspasd’etremere；
Carsitoledeviens，Dieusealseralepere。
S’iLestditcependantquetuveuxlebarren，Parle；jesuistoutpret，jemeferaichatrer。’
Mymistresssoonreturned，dressedlikeanymph。AgownofIndianmuslin，embroideredwithgoldlilies，spewedtoadmirationtheoutlineofhervoluptuousform，andherfinelace—capwasworthyofaqueen。Ithrewmyselfatherfeet，entreatinghernottodelaymyhappinessanylonger。
"Controlyourardourafewmoments，"shesaid，"hereisthealtar，andinafewminutesthevictimwillbeinyourarms。"
"Youwillsee，"sheadded，goingtoherwriting—table，"howfarthedelicacyandthekindattentionofmyfriendcanextend。"
Shetooktheboxandopenedit，butinsteadoftheprettysheathsthatsheexpectedtosee，shefoundmypoetry。Afterreadingitaloud，shecalledmeathief，andsmotheringmewithkissessheentreatedmetogiveherbackwhatIhadstolen，butIpretendednottounderstand。Shethenreadthelinesagain，consideredforonemoment，andunderpretenceofgettingabetterpen，shelefttheroom，saying，"Iamgoingtopayyouinyourowncoin。"
Shecamebackafterafewminutesandwrotethefollowingsixlines:
’Sansrienoterauplaisiramoureux，L’objetdetonlarcinsertacombiernosvoeux。
Al’abridudanger，monamesatisfaiteSavoureensureteparfaite；
Etsituveuxjaueravecsecurite，Rends—moimondouxami，cesdonsdel’amitie。
AfterthisIcouldnotresistanylonger，andIgaveherbackthoseobjectssoprecioustoanunwhowantstosacrificeonthealtarofVenus。
Theclockstrikingtwelve，Ishewedhertheprincipalactorwhowaslongingtoperform，andshearrangedthesofa，sayingthatthealcovebeingtoocoldwehadbettersleeponit。Butthetruereasonwasthat，tosatisfythecuriouslover，itwasnecessaryforustobeseen。
Dearreader，apicturemusthaveshades，andthereisnothing，nomatterhowbeautifulinonepointofview，thatdoesnotrequiretobesometimesveiledifyoulookatitfromadifferentone。Inordertopaintthediversifiedscenewhichtookplacebetweenmeandmylovelymistressuntilthedawnofday，IshouldhavetouseallthecoloursofAretino’spalette。Iwasardentandfullofvigour，butI
hadtodealwithastrongpartner，andinthemorning，afterthelastexploit，wewerepositivelywornout；somuchsothatmycharmingnunfeltsomeanxietyonmyaccount。Itistruethatshehadseenmybloodspurtoutandcoverherbosomduringmylastoffering；andasshedidnotsuspectthetruecauseofthatphenomenon，sheturnedpalewithfright。Iallayedheranxietybyathousandfollieswhichmadeherlaughheartily。Iwashedhersplendidbosomwithrosewater，soastopurifyitfromthebloodbywhichithadbeendyedforthefirsttime。Sheexpressedafearthatshehadswallowedafewdrops，butItoldherthatitwasofnoconsequence，evenifwerethecase。
Sheresumedthecostumeofanun，andentreatingmetoliedownandtowritetoherbeforereturningtoVenice，soastoletherknowhowIwas，sheleftthecasino。
Ihadnodifficultyinobeyingher，forIwastrulyingreatneedofrest。Isleptuntilevening。AssoonasIawoke，Iwrotetoherthatmyhealthwasexcellent，andthatIfeltquiteinclinedtobeginourdelightfulcontestalloveragain。Iaskedhertoletmeknowhowshewasherself，andafterIhaddispatchedmyletterIreturnedtoVenice。