M————M————couldnotresistgivingtheambassadorafullaccountofouradventures，andIhadpromisedtowritetohim，andalwaystowritethewholetruth。Herepliedbycongratulatingusonourgoodfortune，butheprophesiedinevitabledisasterifwehadnottheprudencetostopourintercourse。
Mr。Murray，theEnglishambassador，awittyandhandsomeman，andagreatamateurofthefairsex，wine，andgoodcheer，thenkeptthefairAncilla，whointroducedmetohim。ThisfinefellowbecamemyfriendinmuchthesamewayasM。deBernis，theonlydifferencebeingthattheFrenchmanlikedtolookonwhiletheEnglishmanpreferredtogivetheshow。Iwasneverunwelcomeattheiramorousbattles，andthevoluptuousAncillawasdelightedtohavemeforawitness。Inevergavethemthepleasureofminglinginthestrife。
IlovedM————M————，butIshouldavowthatmyfidelitytoherwasnotentirelydependentonmylove。ThoughAncillawashandsomesheinspiredmewithrepugnance，forshewasalwayshoarse，andcomplainedofasharppaininthethroat，andthoughherloverkeptwell，Iwasafraidofher，andnotwithoutcause，forthediseasewhichendedthedaysofFrancisI。ofFrancebroughthertothegraveinthefollowingautumn。Aquarterofanhourbeforeshedied，herbraveBriton，yieldingtothelasciviousrequestsofthisnewMessalina，offeredinmypresencethelastsacrifice，inspiteofalargesoreonherfacewhichmadeherlookhideous。
Thistrulyheroicactionwasknownalloverthetown，anditwasMurrayhimselfwhomadeitknown，citingmeashiswitness。
Thisfamouscourtezan，whosebeautywasjustlycelebrated，feelingherselfeatenawaybyaninternaldisease，promisedtogiveahundredlouistoadoctornamedLucchesi，whobydintofmercuryundertooktocureher，butAncillaspecifiedontheagreementthatshewasnottopaytheaforesaidsumtillLucchesihadofferedwithheranamoroussacrifice。
Thedoctorhavingdonehisbusinessaswellashecouldwishedtobepaidwithoutsubmittingtotheconditionsofthetreaty，butAncillaheldherground，andthematterwasbroughtbeforeamagistrate。
InEngland，whereallagreementsarebinding，Ancillawouldhavewonhercase，butatVeniceshelostit。
Thejudge，ingivingsentence，saidacondition，criminalperse，notfulfilled，didnotinvalidateanagreement——asentenceaboundinginwisdom，especiallyinthisinstance。
Twomonthsbeforethiswomanhadbecomedisgusting，myfriendM。
Memmo，afterwardsprocurator，askedmetotakehimtoherhouse。Intheheightoftheconversation，whatshouldcomebutagondola，andwesawCountRosemberg，theambassadorfromVienna，gettingoutofit。M。Memmowasthunderstruck（foraVenetiannobleconversingwithaforeignambassadorbecomesguiltyoftreasontothestate），andraninhothastefromAncilla’sroom，Iafterhim，butonthestairhemettheambassador，who，seeinghisdistress，burstintoalaugh，andpassedon。IgotdirectlyintoM。Memmo’sgondola，andwewentforthwithtoM。Cavalli，secretarytotheStateInquisitors。
M。Memmocouldhavetakennobettercoursetoavoidthetroublesomeconsequenceswhichthisfatalmeetingmighthavehad，andhewasverygladthatIwaswithhimtotestifytohisinnocenceandtotheharmlessnessoftheoccurrence。
M。CavallireceivedM。Memmowithasmile，andtoldhimhedidwelltocometoconfessionwithoutwastinganytime。M。Memmo，muchastonishedatthisreception，toldhimthebriefhistoryofthemeeting，andthesecretaryrepliedwithagraveairthathehadnodoubtastothetruthofhisstory，asthecircumstanceswereinperfectcorrespondencewithwhatheknewofthematter。
Wecameawayextremelypuzzledatthesecretary’sreply，anddiscussedthesubjectforsometime，butthenwecametotheconclusionthatM。Cavallicouldhavehadnopositiveknowledgeofthematterbeforewecame，andthatheonlyspokeashedidfromtheinstinctofanInquisitor，wholikesittobeunderstoodthatnothingishidfromhimforamoment。
AfterthedeathofAncilla，Mr。Murrayremainedwithoutatitularmistress，but，flutteringaboutlikeabutterfly，hehad，oneafteranother，theprettiestgirlsinVenice。Thisgood—naturedEpicureansetoutforConstantinopletwoyearslater，andwasfortwentyyearstheambassadoroftheCourtofSt。JamesattheSublimePorte。HereturnedtoVenicein1778withtheintentionofendinghisdaysthere，farfromaffairsofstate，buthediedinthelazarettoeightdaysbeforethecompletionofhisquarantine。
Atplayfortunecontinuedtofavourme；mycommercewithM————M————
couldnotbediscoverednowthatIwasmyownwaterman；andthenunswhowereinthesecretweretoodeeplyinvolvednottokeepit。I
ledthemamerrylife，butIforesawthatassoonasM。deBernisdecidedtoletM————M————knowthathewouldnotreturntoVenice，hewouldrecallhispeople，andweshouldthenhavethecasinonolonger。Iknew，besides，thatwhentheroughseasoncameonitwouldbeimpossibleformebymyselftocontinueourvoyages。
ThefirstMondayinOctober，whenthetheatresareopenedandmasksmaybeworn，IwenttoSt。Francistogetmyboat，andthencetoMuranformymistress，afterwardsmakingforthecasino。Thenightswerenowlongenoughforustohaveampletimeforenjoyment，sowebeganbymakinganexcellentsupper，andthendevotedourselvestotheworshipofLoveandSleep。Suddenly，inthemidstofamomentofecstasy，Iheardanoiseinthedirectionofthecanal，whicharousedmysuspicions，andIrushedtothewindow。Whatwasmyastonishmentandangertoseealargeboattakingmineintow！Nevertheless，withoutgivingwaytomypassion，IshoutedtotherobbersthatI
wouldgivethemtensequinsiftheywouldbekindenoughtoreturnmemyboat。
Ashoutoflaughterwasallthereplytheymade，andnotbelievingwhatIsaidtheycontinuedtheircourse。WhatwasItodo？Idarednotcry，"Stopthief！"andnotbeingenduedwiththepowerofwalkingonthewaterdry—footed，Icouldnotgivechasetotherobbers。I
wasintheutmostdistress，andforthemomentM————M————shewedsignsofterror，forshedidnotseehowIcouldremedythisdisaster。
Idressedmyselfhastily，givingnomorethoughtstolove，myonlycomfortbeingthatIhadstilltwohourstogettheindispensableboat，shoulditcostmeahundredsequins。IshouldhavebeeninnoperplexityifIhadbeenabletotakeone，butthegondolierswouldinfalliblymakeproclamationoverthewholeofMuranthattheyhadtakenanuntosuchaconvent，andallwouldhavebeenlost。
Theonlyway，then，thatwasopentomewaseithertobuyaboatortostealone。Iputmypistolsanddaggerinmypocket，tooksomemoney，andwithanoaronmyshouldersetout。
Therobbershadfiledthechainofmyboatwithasilentfile；thisI
couldnotdo，andIcouldonlyreckononhavingthegoodlucktofindaboatmooredwithcords。
ComingtothelargebridgeIsawboatsandtospare，buttherewerepeopleonthequay，andIwouldnotrisktakingone。SeeingatavernopenattheendofthequayIranlikeamadman，andaskediftherewereanyboatmenthere；thedrawertoldmethereweretwo，butthattheyweredrunk。Icameuptothem，andsaid，"WhowilltakemetoVeniceforeightysous？"
"I，"and"I"；andtheybegantoquarrelastowhoshouldgo。I
quietedthembygivingfortysoustothemoredrunkenofthetwo，andIwentoutwiththeother。
Assoonaswewereonourway，Isaid，"Youaretoodrunktotakeme，lendmeyourboat，andIwillgiveityoubackto—morrow。"
"Idon’tknowyou。"
"Iwilldeposittensequins，butyourboatisnotworththat。Whowillbeyoursurety？"
Hetookmebacktothetavern，andthedrawerwentbailforhim。
Wellpleased，Itookmymantotheboat，andhavingfurnisheditwithasecondoarandtwopoleshewentaway，chucklingathavingmadeagoodbargain，whileIwasasgladtohavehadtheworstofit。Ihadbeenanhouraway，andonenteringthecasinofoundmydearM————
M————inanagony，butassoonasshesawmybeamingfaceallthelaughtercamebackonhers。Itookhertotheconvent，andthenwenttoSt。Francis，wherethekeeperoftheboathouselookedasifhethoughtmeafool，whenItoldhimthatIhadtruckedawaymyboatfortheoneIhadwithme。Iputonmymask，andwentforthwithtomylodgingandtobed，fortheseannoyanceshadbeentoomuchforme。
AboutthistimemydestinymademeacquaintedwithanoblemancalledMarkAntonyZorzi，amanofpartsandfamousforhisskillinwritingversesintheVenetiandialect。Zorzi，whowasveryfondoftheplay，anddesiredtoofferasacrificetoThalia，wroteacomedywhichtheaudiencetookthelibertyofhissing；buthavingpersuadedhimselfthathispieceonlyfailedthroughtheconspiraciesoftheAbbeChiari，whowrotefortheTheatreofSt。Angelo，hedeclaredopenwaragainstalltheabbe’splays。
IfeltnoreluctancewhatevertovisitM。Zorzi，forhepossessedanexcellentcookandacharmingwife。HeknewthatIdidnotcareforChiariasanauthor，andM。Zorzihadinhispaypeoplewho，withoutpity，rhyme，orreason，hissedallthecompositionsoftheecclesiasticalplaywright。Mypartwastocriticisetheminhammerverses——akindofdoggerelthenmuchinfashion，andZorzitookcaretodistributemylucubrationsfarandwide。ThesemanoeuvresmademeapowerfulenemyinthepersonofM。Condulmer，wholikedmenonethebetterforhavingalltheappearanceofbeinginhighfavourwithMadameZorzi，towhombeforemyappearancehehadpaiddiligentcourt。ThisM。Condulmerwastobeexcusedfornotcaringforme，for，havingalargeshareintheSt。AngeloTheatre，thefailureoftheabbe’spieceswasalosstohim，astheboxeshadtobeletataverylowrent，andallmenaregovernedbyinterestedmotives。
ThisM。Condulmerwassixtyyearsold，butwithallthegreennessofyouthhewasstillfondofwomen，gaming，andmoney，andhewas，infact，amoney—lender，butheknewhowtopassforasaint，ashetookcaretogotomasseverymorningatSt。Mark’s，andneveromittedtoshedtearsbeforethecrucifix。Thefollowingyearhewasmadeacouncillor，andinthatcapacityhewasforeightmonthsaStateInquisitor。Havingthusattainedthisdiabolically—eminent，oreminently—diabolical，position，hehadnotmuchdifficultyinshewinghiscolleaguesthenecessityofputtingmeunderTheLeadsasadisturberofthepeaceoftheRepublic。InthebeginningofthewintertheastoundingnewsofthetreatybetweenFranceandAustriawasdivulged——atreatybywhichthepoliticalbalancewasentirelyreadjusted，andwhichwasreceivedwithincredulitybythePowers。
ThewholeofItalyhadreasontorejoice，forthetreatyguardedthatfairlandfrombecomingthetheatreofwarontheslightestdifferencewhichmightarisebetweenthetwoPowers。Whatastonishedthemostacutewasthatthiswonderfultreatywasconceivedandcarriedoutbyayoungambassadorwhohadhithertobeenfamedonlyasawit。Thefirstfoundationshadbeenlaidin1750byMadamedePompadour，CountCanes（whowascreatedaprince），andM。1’AbbedeBernis，whowasnotknowntillthefollowingyear，whenthekingmadehimambassadortoVenice。TheHouseofBourbonandtheHouseofHapsburghadbeenfoesfortwohundredandfortyyearswhenthisfamoustreatywasconcluded，butitonlylastedforfortyyears，anditisnotlikelythatanytreatywilllastlongerbetweentwocourtssoessentiallyopposedtooneanother。
TheAbbedeBerniswascreatedministerforforeignaffairssometimeaftertheratificationofthetreaty；threeyearsafterhere—
establishedtheparliament，becameacardinal，wasdisgraced，andfinallysenttoRome，wherehedied。’Morsultimolinearerumest’。
AffairsfelloutasIhadforeseen，forninemonthsafterheleftVeniceheconveyedtoM————M————thenewsofhisrecall，thoughhediditinthemostdelicatemanner。Nevertheless，M————M————felttheblowsoseverelythatshewouldverypossiblyhavesuccumbed，hadInotbeenpreparingherforitineverywayIcouldthinkofM。deBernissentmeallinstructions。
HedirectedthatallthecontentsofthecasinoshouldbesoldandtheproceedsgiventoM————M————，withtheexceptionofthebooksandprintswhichthehousekeeperwasorderedtobringtoParis。Itwasanicebreviaryforacardinal，butwouldtoGodtheyhadnothingworse！
WhilstM————M————abandonedherselftogriefIcarriedouttheordersofM。deBernis，andbythemiddleofJanuarywehadnolongeracasino。Shekeptbyhertwothousandsequinsandherpearls，intendingtosellthemlaterontobuyherselfanannuity。
Wewerenowonlyabletoseeeachotheratthegrating；andsoon，wornwithgrief，shefelldangerouslyill，andonthe2ndofFebruaryIrecognizedinherfeaturesthesymptomsofapproachingdeath。Shesentmeherjewel—case，withallherdiamondsandnearlyallhermoney，allthescandalousbooksshepossessed，andallherletters，tellingmethatifshedidnotdieIwastoreturnherthewhole，butthatallbelongedtomeif，asshethought，sheshouldsuccumbtothedisease。ShealsotoldmethatC————C————wasawareofherstate，andaskedmetotakepityonherandwritetoher，asmyletterswereheronlycomfort，andthatshehopedtohavestrengthtoreadthemtillherlatestbreath。
Iburstintotears，forIlovedherpassionately，andIpromisedhertocomeandliveinMuranuntilsherecoveredherhealth。
Havingplacedthepropertyinagondola，IwenttotheBragadinPalacetodepositit，andthenreturnedtoMurantogetLauratofindmeafurnishedroomwhereIcouldliveasIliked。"Iknowofagoodroom，withmealsprovided，"shesaid；"youwillbequitecomfortableandwillgetitcheaply，andifyouliketopayinadvance，youneednotevensaywhoyouare。Theoldmantowhomthehousebelongslivesonthegroundfloor；hewillgiveyouallthekeysandifyoulikeyouneedseenoone。"
Shegavemetheaddress，andIwentthereonthespot，andhavingfoundeverythingtomylikingIpaidamonthinadvanceandthethingwasdone。Itwasalittlehouseattheendofablindalleyabuttingonthecanal。IreturnedtoLaura’shousetotellherthatIwantedaservanttogetmyfoodandtomakemybed，andshepromisedtogetmeonebythenextday。
Havingsetallinorderformynewlodging，IreturnedtoVeniceandpackedmymailsasifIwereabouttomakealongjourney。AftersupperItookleaveofM。deBragadinandofhistwofriends，tellingthemthatIwasgoingtobeawayforseveralweeksonimportantbusiness。
Nextday，goingtomynewroom，IwassurprisedtofindthereTonine，Laura’sdaughter，aprettygirlnotmorethanfifteenyearsold，whotoldmewithablush，butwithmorespiritthanIgavehercreditfor，thatshewouldservemeaswellashermotherwouldhavedone。
IwasintoomuchdistresstothankLauraforthisprettypresent，andIevendeterminedthatherdaughtershouldnotstayinmyservice。Weknowhowmuchsuchresolutionsarecommonlyworth。InthemeanwhileIwaskindtothegirl:"Iamsure，"Isaid，"ofyourgoodwill，butImusttalktoyourmother。Imustbealone，"Iadded，"asIhavetowriteallday，andIshallnottakeanythingtilltheevening。"Shethengavemealetter，beggingpardonfornothavinggivenitmesooner。"Youmustneverforgettodelivermessages，"
Isaid，"forifyouhadwaitedanylongerbeforebringingmethisletter，itmighthavehadthemostseriousconsequences。"Sheblushed，beggedpardon，andwentoutoftheroom。TheletterwasfromC————C————，whotoldmethatherfriendwasinbed，andthatthedoctorhadpronouncedherillnesstobefever。Ipassedtherestofthedayinputtingmyroominorder，andinwritingtoC————C————
andhersufferingfriend。
TowardseveningToninebroughtinthecandles，andtoldmethatmysupperwasready。"Followme，"Isaid。Seeingthatshehadonlylaidsupperforone——apleasingproofofhermodesty，Itoldhertogetanotherknifeandfork，asIwishedheralwaystotakehermealswithme。Icangivenoaccountofmymotives。Ionlywishedtobekindtoher，andIdideverythingingoodfaith。Byandby，reader，weshallseewhetherthisisnotoneofthedevicesbywhichthedevilcompasseshisends。
Nothavinganyappetite，Iatelittle，butIthoughteverythinggoodwiththeexceptionofthewine；butToninepromisedtogetsomebetterbythenextday，andwhensupperwasovershewenttosleepintheante—room。
Aftersealingmyletters，wishingtoknowwhethertheouterdoorwaslocked，IwentoutandsawTonineinbed，sleepingpeacefully，orpretendingtodoso。Imighthavesuspectedherthoughts，butIhadneverbeeninasimilarsituation，andImeasuredtheextremityofmygriefbytheindifferencewithwhichIlookedatthisgirl；shewaspretty，butforallthatIfeltthatneithershenorIrananyrisk。
Nextday，wakingveryearly，Icalledher，andshecameinneatlydressed。IgavehermylettertoC————C————，whichenclosedthelettertoM————M————，tellinghertotakeittohermotherandthentoreturntomakemycoffee。
"Ishalldineatnoon，Tonine，"Isaid，"takecaretogetwhatisnecessaryingoodtime。"
"Sir，Ipreparedyesterday’ssuppermyself，andifyoulikeIcancookallyourmeals。"
"Iamsatisfiedwithyourabilities，goon，andhereisasequinforexpenses。"
"Istillhaveahundredandtwentysousremainingfromtheoneyougavemeyesterday，andthatwillbeenough。"
"No，theyareforyourself，andIshallgiveyouasmucheveryday。"
HerdelightwassogreatthatIcouldnotpreventhercoveringmyhandwithkisses。Itookcaretodrawitbackandnottokissherinreturn，forIfeltasifIshouldbeobligedtolaugh，andthiswouldhavedishonouredmygrief。
Theseconddaypassedlikethefirst。ToninewasgladthatIsaidnomoreaboutspeakingtohermother，anddrewtheconclusionthatherserviceswereagreeabletome。Feelingtiredandweak，andfearingthatIshouldnotwakeearlyenoughtosendthelettertotheconvent，butnotwishingtorouseTonineifshewereasleep，Icalledhersoftly。Sheroseimmediatelyandcameintomyroomwithnothingonbutaslightpetticoat。Pretendingtoseenothing，Igavehermyletter，andtoldhertotakeittohermotherinthemorningbeforeshecameintomyroom。Shewentout，sayingthatmyinstructionsshouldbecarriedout，butassoonasshewasgoneIcouldnotresistsayingtomyselfthatshewasverypretty；andIfeltbothsadandashamedatthereflectionthatthisgirlcouldveryeasilyconsoleme。Ihuggedmygrief，andIdeterminedtoseparatemyselffromabeingwhomademeforgetit。
"Inthemorning，"Isaid，"IwilltellLauratogetmesomethinglessseducing；"butthenightbroughtcounsel，andinthemorningIputonthearmourofsophism，tellingmyselfthatmyweaknesswasnofaultofthegirl’s，andthatitwouldthereforebeunjusttopunishherforit。Weshallsee，dearreader，howallthisended。
CHAPTERXXIII
ContinuesthePrecedingChapter——M。M。Recovers——IReturntoVenice——
TonineConsolesMe——DecreaseofMyLoveForM。M。——DoctorRighelini——
CuriousConversationWithHim——HowThisConversationAffectedM。M。——
Mr。MurrayUndeceivedandAvengedTontinehadwhatiscalledtactandcommonsense，andthinkingthesequalitieswererequiredinoureconomyshebehavedwithgreatdelicacy，notgoingtobedbeforereceivingmyletters，andnevercomingintomyroomexceptinaproperdress，andallthispleasedme。ForafortnightM————M————wassoillthatIexpectedeverymomenttohearthenewsofherdeath。OnShroveTuesdayC————C————
wrotethatherfriendwasnotstrongenoughtoreadmyletter，andthatshewasgoingtoreceive’extremeunction’。ThisnewssoshockedmethatIcouldnotrise，andpassedthewholedayinweepingandwriting，Toninenotleavingmetillmidnight。Icouldnotsleep。
OnAshWednesdayIgotaletter，inwhichC————C————toldmethatthedoctorhadnohopesforherfriend，andthatheonlygaveherafortnighttolive。Alowfeverwaswastingheraway，herweaknesswasextreme，andshecouldscarcelyswallowalittlebroth。Shehadalsothemisfortunetobeharassedbyherconfessor，whomadeherforetastealltheterrorsofdeath。Icouldonlysolacemygriefbywriting，andToninenowandagainmadeboldtoobservethatIwascherishingmygrief，andthatitwouldbethedeathofme。IknewmyselfthatIwasmakingmyanguishmorepoignant，andthatkeepingtomybed，continuedwriting，andnofood，wouldfinallydrivememad。IhadtoldmygrieftopoorTonine，whosechiefdutywastowipeawaymytears。Shehadcompassiononme。
Afewdayslater，afterassuringC————C————thatifourfrienddiedIshouldnotsurviveher，IaskedhertotellM————M————thatifshewantedmetotakecareofmylifeshemustpromisetoletmecarryheroffonherrecovery。
"Ihave，"Isaid，"fourthousandsequinsandherdiamonds，whichareworthsixthousand；weshould，therefore，haveasufficientsumtoenableustolivehonourablyinanypartofEurope。"
C————C————wrotetomeonthefollowingday，andsaidthatmymistress，afterhearingmyletterread，hadfallenintoakindofconvulsion，and，becomingdelirious，shetalkedincessantlyinFrenchforthreewholehoursinafashionwhichwouldhavemadeallthenunstaketotheirheels，iftheyhadunderstoodher。Iwasindespair，andwasnearlyravingaswildlyasmypoornun。Herdeliriumlastedthreedays，andassoonasshegotbackherreasonshechargedheryoungfriendtotellmethatshewassuretogetwellifIpromisedtokeeptomyword，andtocarryheroffassoonasherhealthwouldallow。IhastenedtoreplythatifIlivedshemightbesuremypromisewouldbefulfilled。
Thuscontinuingtodeceiveeachotherinallgoodfaith，wegotbetter，foreveryletterfromC————C————，tellingmehowtheconvalescenceofherfriendwasprogressing，wastomeasbalm。Andasmymindgrewmorecomposedmyappetitealsogrewbetter，andmyhealthimprovingdaybyday，Isoon，thoughquiteunconsciously，begantotakepleasureinthesimplewaysofTonine，whonowneverleftmeatnightbeforeshesawthatIwasasleep。
TowardstheendofMarchM————M————wrotetomeherself，sayingthatshebelievedherselfoutofdanger，andthatbytakingcareshehopedtobeabletoleaveherroomafterEaster。IrepliedthatIshouldnotleaveMurantillIhadthepleasureofseeingheratthegrating，where，withouthurryingourselves，wecouldplantheexecutionofourscheme。
ItwasnowsevenweekssinceM。deBragadinhadseenme，andthinkingthathewouldbegettinganxiousIresolvedtogoandseehimthatveryday。TellingToninethatIshouldnotbebacktilltheevening，IstartedforVenicewithoutacloak，forhavinggonetoMuranmaskedIhadforgottentotakeone。Ihadspentforty—eightdayswithoutgoingoutofmyroom，chieflyintearsanddistress，andwithouttakinganyfood。Ihadjustgonethroughanexperiencewhichflatteredmyself—esteem。IhadbeenservedbyagirlwhowouldhavepassedforabeautyanywhereinEurope。Shewasgentle，thoughtful，anddelicate，andwithoutbeingtaxedwithfoppishnessIthinkImaysaythat，ifshewasnotinlovewithme，shewasatalleventsinclinedtopleasemetotheutmostofherability；forallthatI
hadbeenabletowithstandheryouthfulcharms，andInowscarcelydreadedthem。Seeinghereveryday，Ihaddispersedmyamorousfancies，andfriendshipandgratitudeseemedtohavevanquishedallotherfeelings，forIwasobligedtoconfessthatthischarminggirlhadlavishedonmethemosttenderandassiduouscare。
Shehadpassedwholenightsonachairbymybedside，tendingmelikeamother，andnevergivingmetheslightestcauseforcomplaint。
NeverhadIgivenherakiss，neverhadIallowedmyselftoundressinherpresence，andnever（withoneexception）hadshecomeintomyroomwithoutbeingproperlydressed。Forallthat，IknewthatIhadfoughtabattle，andIfeltinclinedtoboastathavingwonthevictory。Therewasonlyonecircumstancethatvexedme——namely，thatIwasnearlycertainthatneitherM。M。norC。C。wouldconsidersuchcontinencetobewithintheboundsofpossibility，iftheyheardofit，andthatLauraherself，towhomherdaughterwouldtellthewholestory，wouldbesceptical，thoughshemightoutofkindnesspretendtobelieveitall。
IgottoM。deBragadin’sjustasthesoupwasbeingserved。Hewelcomedmeheartily，andwasdelightedathavingforeseenthatI
shouldthussurprisethem。Besidesmytwootheroldfriends，therewereDelaHaye，Bavois，andDr。Righeliniattable。
"What！youwithoutacloak！"saidM。Dandolo。
"Yes，"saidI；"forhavinggoneoutwithmymaskonIforgottobringone:"
Atthistheylaughed，and，withoutputtingmyselfout，Isatdown。
NooneaskedwhereIhadbeensolong，foritwasunderstoodthatthatquestionshouldbelefttometoanswerornot。Nevertheless，DelaHaye，whowasburstingwithcuriosity，couldnotrefrainfrombreakingsomejestsonme。
"Youhavegotsothin，"saidhe，"thatuncharitablepeoplewillberatherhardonyou。"
"ItrusttheywillnotsaythatIhavebeenpassingmytimewiththeJesuits。"
"Youaresarcastic。Theymaysay，perhaps，thatyouhavepassedyourtimeinahot—houseundertheinfluenceofMercury。"
"Don’tbeafraid，sir，fortoescapethishastyjudgmentIshallgobackthisevening。"
"No，no，Iamquitesureyouwillnot。"
"Believeme，sir，"saidI，withabanteringtone，"thatIdeemyouropinionoftoomuchconsequencenottobegovernedbyit。"
SeeingthatIwasinearnest，myfriendswereangrywithhim；andtheAristarchuswasinsomeconfusion。
Righelini，whowasoneofMurray’sintimatefriends，saidtomeinafriendlywaythathehadbeenlongingtotellMurrayofmyre—
appearance，andofthefalsityofallthereportsaboutme。
"Wewillgotosupwithhim，"saidI，"andIwillreturnaftersupper。"
SeeingthatM。deBragadinandhistwofriendswereuneasyaboutme，IpromisedtodinewiththemonApril25th，St。Mark’sDay。
AssoonasMr。Murraysawme，hefellonmyneckandembracedme。Heintroducedmetohiswife，whoaskedmetosupperwithgreatpoliteness。AfterMurrayhadtoldmetheinnumerablestorieswhichhadbeenmadeaboutmydisappearance，heaskedmeifIknewalittlestorybytheAbbeChiari，whichhadcomeoutattheendofthecarnival。AsIsaidthatIknewnothingaboutit，hegavemeacopy，tellingmethatIshouldlikeit。Hewasright。ItwasasatireinwhichtheZorzicliquewaspulledtopieces，andinwhichIplayedaverypoorpart。Ididnotreadittillsometimeafter，andinthemeantimeputitinmypocket。AfteraverygoodsupperItookagondolatoreturntoMuran。
Itwasmidnightandverydark，sothatIdidnotperceivethegondolatobeillcoveredandinwretchedorder。AfinerainwasfallingwhenIgotin，andthedropsgettinglargerIwassoonwettotheskin。Nogreatharmwasdone，asIwasclosetomyquarters。I
gropedmywayupstairsandknockedatthedooroftheante—room，whereTonine，whohadnotwaitedforme，wassleeping。
Awakeinamomentshecametoopenthedoorinhersmock，andwithoutalight。AsIwantedone，Itoldhertogettheflintandsteel，whichshedid，warningmeinamodestvoicethatshewasnotdressed。
"That’sofnoconsequence，"saidI，"providedyouarecovered。"Shesaidnomore，andsoonlightedacandle，butshecouldnothelplaughingwhenshesawmedrippingwet。
"Ionlywantyou，mydear，"saidI，"todrymyhair。"Shequicklysettoworkwithpowderandpowder—puffinhand，buthersmockwasshortandlooseatthetop，andIrepented，rathertoolate，thatI
hadnotgivenhertimetodress。Ifeltthatallwaslost，allthemoreashavingtousebothherhandsshecouldnotholdhersmockandconcealtwoswellingspheresmoreseductivethantheapplesoftheHesperides。HowcouldIhelpseeingthem？Ishutmyeyesand，said"Forshame！"butIgaveinatlast，andfixedsuchahungrygazeuponpoorToninethatsheblushed。"Come，"saidI，"takeyoursmockbetweenyourteethandthenIshallseenomore。"Butitwasworsethanbefore，andIhadonlyaddedfueltothefire；for，astheveilwasshort，Icouldseethebasesandalmostthefriezeoftwomarblecolumns；andatthissightIgaveavoluptuouscry。Notknowinghowtoconcealeverythingfrommygaze，Tonineletherselffallonthesofa，andI，mypassionsatfever—heat，stoodbesideher，notknowingwhattodo。
"Well，"shesaid，"shallIgoanddressmyselfandthendoyourhair？"
"No，comeandsitonmyknee，andcovermyeyeswithyourhands。"
Shecameobediently，butthediewascast，andmyresistanceovercome。Iclaspedherbetweenmyarms，andwithoutanymorethoughtsofplayingatblindman’sbuffIthrewheronthebedandcoveredherwithkisses。AndasIsworethatIwouldalwaysloveher，sheopenedherarmstoreceivemeinawaythatshewedhowlongshehadbeenwaitingforthismoment。
Ipluckedtherose，andthen，asever，IthoughtittherarestIhadevergatheredsinceIhadlabouredintheharvestofthefruitfulfieldsoflove。
WhenIawokeinthemorningIfoundmyselfmoredeeplyinlovewithToninethanIhadbeenwithanyotherwoman。Shehadgotupwithoutwakingme，butassoonassheheardmestirringshecame，andI
tenderlychidherfornotwaitingformetogivehergoodmorrow。
WithoutansweringshegavemeM————M————’sletter。Ithankedher，butputtingtheletterononesideItookherinmyarms，andsetherbymyside。"Whatawonder！"criedTonine。"Youarenotinahurrytoreadthatletter！Faithlessman，whydidyounotletmecureyousixweeksago。HowluckyIam；thankstotherain！Idonotblameyou，dear，butlovemeasyouloveherwhowritestoyoueveryday，andIshallbesatisfied。"
"Doyouknowwhosheis？"
"Shelivesinaboarding—house，andisasbeautifulasanangel；butsheisthere，andIamhere。Youaremymaster，andIwillbeyourservantaslongasyoulike。"
Iwasgladtoleaveherinerror，andsworeanever—lastinglove；butduringourconversationshehadletherselfdropdowninthebottomofthebed，andIentreatedhertoliedownagain；butshesaidthatonthecontraryitwastimeformetogetupfordinner，forshewantedtogivemeadaintymealcookedintheVenetianmanner。
"Whoisthecook？"saidI。
"Iam，andIhavebeenusingallmyskillonitsincefive，whenI
gotup。"
"Whattimeisitnow，then？"
"Pastone。"
Thegirlastonishedme。ShewasnolongertheshyTonineoflastnight；shehadthatexultantairwhichhappinessbestows，andthelookofpleasurewhichthedelightsoflovegivetoayoungbeauty。
IcouldnotunderstandhowIhadescapedfromdoinghomagetoherbeautywhenIfirstsawherathermother’shouse。ButIwasthentoodeeplyinlovewithC————C————；Iwasintoogreatdistress；
and，moreover，Toninewasthenunformed。Igotup，andmakingherbringmeacupofcoffeeIaskedhertokeepthedinnerbackforacoupleofhours。
IfoundM————M————’sletteraffectionate，butnotsointerestingasitwouldhavebeenthedaybefore。Isetmyselftoanswerit，andwasalmostthunderstrucktofindthetask，forthefirsttime，apainfulone。However，myshortjourneytoVenicesuppliedmewithtalkwhichcoveredfourpages。
IhadanexquisitedinnerwithmycharmingTonine。Lookingatherasatthesametimemywife，mymistress，andmyhousekeeper，Iwasdelightedtofindmyselfmadehappyatsuchacheaprate。Wespentthewholedayatthetabletalkingofourlove，andgivingeachotherathousandlittlemarksofit；forthereisnosuchrichandpleasantmatterforconversationaswhentheywhotalkarepartiestoanamoroussuit。Shetoldwithcharmingsimplicitythatsheknewperfectlywellthatshecouldnotmakemeamorousofher，becauseI
lovedanother，andthatheronlyhopewasthereforeinasurprise，andthatshehadforeseenthehappymomentwhenItoldherthatsheneednotdressherselftolightacandle。
Toninewasnaturallyquick—witted，butshedidnotknoweitherhowtoreadortowrite。Shewasenchantedtoseeherselfbecomerich（forshethoughtherselfso）withoutasoulatMuranbeingabletobreatheawordagainstherhonour。Ipassedthreeweeksinthecompanyofthisdelightfulgirl——weekswhichIstillreckonamongthehappiestofmylife；andwhatembittersmyoldageisthat，havingaheartaswarmasever，IhavenolongerthestrengthnecessarytosecureasingledayasblissfulasthosewhichIowedtothischarminggirl。
TowardstheendofAprilIsawM。M。atthegrating，lookingthinandmuchchanged，butoutofdanger。IthereforereturnedtoVenice。Inmyinterview，callingmyattachmentandtenderfeelingstomyaid，I
succeededinbehavingmyselfinsuchwisethatshecouldnotpossiblydetectthechangewhichanewlovehadworkedinmyheart。Ishallbe，Itrust，easilybelievedwhenIsaythatIwasnotimprudentenoughtolethersuspectthatIhadgivenuptheideaofescapingwithher，uponwhichshecountedmorethanever。Iwasafraidlestsheshouldfallillagain，ifItookthishopeawayfromher。Ikeptmycasino，whichcostmelittle，andasIwenttoseeM。M。twiceaweekIsleptthereonthoseoccasions，andmadelovewithmydashingTonine。
HavingkeptmywordwithmyfriendsbydiningwiththemonSt。Mark’sDay，IwentwithDr。RighelinitotheparlouroftheViergestoseethetakingoftheveil。
TheConventoftheViergesiswithinthejurisdictionoftheDoge，whomthenunsstyle"MostSereneFather。"TheyallbelongtothefirstfamiliesinVenice。
WhileIwaspraisingthebeautyofMotherM————E—————toDr。
Righelini，hewhisperedtomethathecouldgethermeforamoneypayment，ifIwerecuriousinthematter。Ahundredsequinsforherandtensequinsforthego—betweenwasthepricefixedon。HeassuredmethatMurrayhadhadher，andcouldhaveheragain。Seeingmysurprise，headdedthattherewasnotanunwhomonecouldnothavebypayingforher:thatMurrayhadthecouragetodisbursefivehundredsequinsforanunofMuran——ararebeauty，whowasafterwardsthemistressoftheFrenchambassador。
ThoughmypassionforM————M————wasonthewane，Ifeltmyheartgrippedasbyahandofice，anditwaswiththegreatestdifficultythatImadenosign。Notwithstanding，Itookthestoryforanatrociouscalumny，butyetthematterwastoonearmyheartformetodelayinbringingittolightattheearliestopportunity。I
thereforerepliedtoRigheliniinthecalmestmannerpossible，thatoneortwonunsmightbehadformoney，butthatitcouldhappenveryrarelyonaccountofthedifficultiesinmostconvents。
"AsforthenunofMuran，justlyfamousforherbeauty，ifshebeM————M————，nunoftheconvent……，InotonlydisbelievethatMurrayeverhadher，butIamsureshewasnevertheFrenchambassador’smistress。Ifheknewheritcouldonlyhavebeenatthegrating，whereIreallycannotsaywhathappens。"
Righelini，whowasanhonourableandspiritedman，answeredmecoldlythattheEnglishambassadorwasamanofhisword，andthathehadthestoryfromhisownlips。
"IfMr。Murray，"hecontinued，"hadnottolditmeunderthesealofsecrecyIwouldmakehimtellityouhimself。IshallbeobligedifyouwilltakecarethatheneverknowsItoldyouofit。"
"Youmayrelyonmydiscretion。"
Thesameevening，suppingatMurray’scasinowithRighelini，havingthematteratheart，andseeingbeforemethetwomenwhocouldclearupeverythingtomysatisfaction，IbegantospeakwithenthusiasmofthebeautyofM————E————，whomIhadseenattheVierges。
Heretheambassadorstruckin，takingtheballonthehop:
"Betweenfriends，"saidhe，"youcangetyourselftheenjoymentofthosecharms，ifyouarewillingtosacrificeasumofmoney——nottoomuch，either，butyoumusthavethekey。"
"Doyouthinkyouhaveit？"
"No，Iamsure；andhadlesstroublethanyoumightsuppose。"
"Ifyouaresure；Icongratulateyou，anddoubtnomore。Ienvyyourfortune，forIdon’tbelieveamoreperfectbeautycouldbefoundinalltheconventsofVenice。"
"Thereyouarewrong。MotherM————M————，at————inMuran，iscertainlyhandsomer。"
"IhaveheardhertalkedofandIhaveseenheronce，butIdonotthinkitpossiblethatshecanbeprocuredformoney。"
"Ithinkso，"saidhe，laughing，"andwhenIthinkImostlyhavegoodreasons。"
"Yousurpriseme；butallthesameIdon’tmindbettingyouaredeceived。"
"Youwouldlose。Asyouhaveonlyseenheronce，Isupposeyouwouldnotrecognizeherportrait？"
"Ishould，indeed，asherfaceleftastrongimpressiononmymind。"
"Waitaminute。"
Hegotupfromthetable，wentout，andreturnedaminuteafterwithaboxcontainingeightortenminiatures，allinthesamestyle，namely，withhairindisorderandbarenecks。
"These，"saidI，"arerarecharms，withwhichyouhavedoubtlessanearacquaintance？"
"Yes，andifyourecognizeanyofthembediscreet。"
"Youneednotbeafraid。HerearethreeIrecognize，andthislookslikeM————M————；butconfessthatyoumayhavebeendeceived——atleast，thatyoudidnothaveherintheconventorhere，fortherearewomenlikeher。"
"WhydoyouthinkIhavebeendeceived？Ihavehadherhereinherreligioushabit，andIhavespentawholenightwithher；anditwastoherindividuallythatIsentapursecontainingfivehundredsequins。Igavefiftytothegoodprocurer。"
"Youhave，Isuppose，visitedherintheparlour，afterhavingherhere？"
"No，never，asshewasafraidhertitularlovermighthearofit。
YouknowthatwastheFrenchambassador。"
"Butsheonlysawhimintheparlour；"
"Sheusedtogotohishouseinseculardresswheneverhewantedher。
Iwastoldthatbythemanwhobroughtherhere。"
"Haveyouhadherseveraltimes？"
"Onlyonceandthatwasenough，butIcanhaveherwheneverIlikeforahundredsequins。"
"Allthatmaybethetruth，butIwouldwagerfivehundredsequinsthatyouhavebeendeceived。"
"Youshallhaveyouranswerinthreedays。"
Iwasperfectlycertain，Irepeat，thatthewholeaffairwasapieceofknavery；butitwasnecessarytohaveitproved，andIshudderedwhenthethoughtcameintomyheadthatafterallitmightbeatruestory。InthiscaseIshouldhavebeenfreedfromagoodmanyobligations，butIwasstronglypersuadedofherinnocence。Atallevents，ifIweretofindherguilty（whichwasamongstpossibleoccurrences），Iresignedmyselftolosefivehundredsequinsasthepriceofthishorriblediscoveryandadditiontomyexperienceoflife。Iwasfullofrestlessanguish——theworst，perhaps，ofthetormentsofthemind。IfthehonestEnglishmanhadbeenthevictimofamystification，orratherknavery，myregardforM————M————’shonourcompelledmetofindawaytoundeceivehimwithoutcompromisingher；andsuchwasmyplan，andthusfortunefavouredme。
Threeorfourdaysafter，Mr。Murraytoldthedoctorthathewishedtoseeme。Wewenttohim，andhegreetedmethus:
"Ihavewon；forahundredsequinsIcanhavethefairnun！
"Alas！"saidI，"theregomyfivehundredsequins。"
"No，notfivehundred，mydearfellow，forIshouldbeashamedtowinsomuchofyou，butthehundredshewouldcostme。IfIwin，youshallpayformypleasure，andifIloseIshallgivehernothing。"
"Howistheproblemtobesolved？""MyMercurytellsmethatwemustwaitforadaywhenmasksareworn。Heisendeavouringatpresenttofindoutawaytoconvincebothofus；forotherwiseneitheryounorIwouldfeelcompelledtopaythewager，andifIreallyhaveM。M。
myhonourwouldnotallowmetolethersuspectthatIhadbetrayedthesecret。"
"No，thatwouldbeanunpardonablecrime。Hearmyplan，whichwillsatisfyusboth；forafterithasbeencarriedouteachofuswillbesurethathehasfairlywonorfairlylost。
"Assoonasyouhavepossessedyourselfoftherealorpretendednun，leaveheronsomepretext，andmeetmeinaplacetobeagreedupon。
Wewillthengotogethertotheconvent，andIwillaskforM。M。
Willseeingherandspeakingtoherconvinceyouthatthewomanyouhaveleftathomeisamereimpostor？"
"Perfectly，andIshallpaymywagerwiththegreatestwillingness。"
"Imaysaythesame。If，whenIsummonM。M。totheparlour，thelay—sistertellsussheisillorbusy，wewillgo，andthewagerwillbeyours；youwillsupwiththefair，andIwillgoelsewhere。"
"Sobeit；butsinceallthiswillbeatnighttime，itispossiblethatwhenyouaskforher，thesisterwilltellyouthatnoonecanbeseenatsuchanhour。"
"ThenIshalllose。"
"Youarequitesure，then，thatifshebeintheconventshewillcomedown？"
"That’smybusiness。Irepeat，ifyoudon’tspeaktoher，Ishallholdmyselftohavelostahundredsequins，orathousandifyoulike。"
"Onecan’tspeakplainerthanthat，mydearfellow，andIthankyoubeforehand。"
"TheonlythingIaskyouistocomesharptotime；andnottocometoolateforaconvent。"
"Willanhouraftersunsetsuityou？"
"Admirably。"
"Ishallalsomakeitmybusinesstocompelmymaskedmistresstostopwheresheis，eventhoughitbeM。M。herself。"
"Somewon’thavelongtowait，ifyouwilltakehertoacasinowhichImyselfpossessatMuran，andwhereIsecretlykeepagirlofwhomI
amamorous。Iwilltakecarethatsheshallnotbethereontheappointedday，andIwillgiveyouthekeyofthecasino。Ishallalsoseethatyoufindadelicatecoldsupperready。"
"Thatisadmirable，butImustbeabletopointouttheplacetomyMercury。"
"True！Iwillgiveyouasupperto—morrow，thegreatestsecrecytobeobservedbetweenus。Wewillgotomycasinoinagondola，andaftersupperwewillgooutbythestreetdoor；thusyouwillknowthewaybylandandwater。Youwillonlyhavetotelltheprocurerthenameofthecanalandofthehouse，andonthedayfixedyoushallhavethekey。Youwillonlyfindthereanoldmanwholivesonthegroundfloor，andhewillseeneitherthosewhogooutnorthosewhocomein。Mysweetheartwillseenothingandwillnotbeseen；
andall，trustme，willturnoutwell。"
"IbegintothinkthatIhavelostmybet，"saidtheEnglishman，whowasdelightedwiththeplan；"butitmattersnot，Icangailyencountereitherlossorgain。"Wemadeourappointmentforthenextday，andseparated。
OnthefollowingmorningIwenttoMurantowarnToninethatIwasgoingtosupwithher，andtobringtwoofmyfriends；andasmyEnglishfriendpaidasgreatcourttoBacchusastoCupid，Itookcaretosendmylittlehousekeeperseveralbottlesofexcellentwine。
Charmedwiththeprospectofdoingthehonoursofthetable，Tonineonlyaskedmeifmyfriendswouldgoawayaftersupper。Isaidyes，andthisreplymadeherhappy；sheonlycaredforthedessert。
AfterleavingherIwenttotheconventandpassedanhourwithM。M。
intheparlour。Iwasgladtoseethatshewasgettingbackherhealthandherbeautyeveryday，andhavingcomplimentedheruponitIreturnedtoVenice。Intheeveningmytwofriendskepttheirappointmentstotheminute，andwewenttomylittlecasinoattwohoursaftersunset。
Oursupperwasdelicious，andmyToninecharmedmewiththegracefulnessofhercarriage。IwasdelightedtoseeRighelinienchanted，andtheambassadordumbwithadmiration。WhenIwasinloveIdidnotencouragemyfriendstocajolemysweetheart，butI
becamefullofcomplaisancewhentimehadcooledtheheatofmypassion。
Wepartedaboutmidnight，andhavingtakenMr。MurraytothespotwhereIwastowaitforhimonthedayoftrial，IreturnedtocomplimentmycharmingTonineasshedeserved。Shepraisedmytwofriends，andcouldnotexpresshersurpriseatseeingourEnglishfriendgoingaway，freshandnimbleonhisfeet，notwithstandinghishavingemptiedbyhimselfsixbottlesofmybestwine。MurraylookedlikeafineBacchusafterRubens。
OnWhitSundayRighelinicametotellmethattheEnglishambassadorhadmadeallarrangementswiththepretendedprocurerofM。M。forWhitTuesday。IgavehimthekeysofmyabodeatMuran，andtoldhimtoassureMurraythatIwouldkeeptheappointmentattheexacttimearrangedupon。
Myimpatiencebroughtonpalpitationoftheheart，whichwasextremelypainful，andIpassedthetwonightswithoutclosinganeye；foralthoughIwasconvincedofM————M————’sinnocence，myagitationwasextreme。Butwhenceallthisanxiety？Merelyfromadesiretoseetheambassadorundeceived。M。M。mustinhiseyeshaveseemedacommonprostitute，andthemomentinwhichhewouldbeobligedtoconfesshimselfthevictimofroguerywouldre—establishthehonourofthenun。
Mr。Murraywasasimpatientasmyself，withthisdifference，thatwhereashe，lookingupontheadventureasacomicone，onlylaughed，Iwhofoundittootragicshudderedwithindignation。
OnTuesdaymorningIwenttoMurantotellToninetogetacoldsupperaftermyinstruction，tolaythetablefortwo，togetwaxlightsready，andhavingsentinseveralbottlesofwineIbadeherkeeptotheroomoccupiedbytheoldlandlord，andnottocomeouttillthepeoplewhowerecomingintheeveningweregone。Shepromisedtodoso，andaskednoquestions。AfterleavingherIwenttotheconventparlour，andaskedtoseeM————M————。Notexpectingtoseeme，sheaskedmewhyIhadnotgonetothepageantoftheBucentaur，which，theweatherbeingfavourable，wouldsetoutonthisday。IdonotknowwhatIanswered，butIknowthatshefoundmywordslittletothepurpose。Icameatlasttotheimportantpoint，andtoldherIwasgoingtoaskafavourofher，onwhichmypeaceofminddepended，butwhichshemustgrantblindlywithoutaskinganyquestions。
"TellmewhatIamtodo，sweetheart，"saidshe，"andbesureIwillrefusenothingwhichmaybeinmypower。"
"Ishallbeherethiseveninganhouraftersunset，andaskforyouatthisgrating；come。Ishallbewithanotherman，towhomIbegofyoutosayafewwordsofpoliteness；youcanthenleaveus。Letusfindsomepretexttojustifytheunseasonablehour。"
"Iwilldowhatyouask，butyoucannotimaginehowtroublesomeitisinaconvent，foratsixo’clocktheparloursareshutupandthekeysaretakentotheabbess’room。However，asyouonlywantmeforfiveminutes，IwilltelltheabbessthatIamexpectingaletterfrommybrother，andthatitcanbesenttomeonthiseveningonly。
YoumustgivemealetterthatthenunwhowillbewithmemaybeabletosaythatIhavenotbeenguiltyofdeception。"
"Youwillnotcomealone，then？"
"Ishouldnotdareeventoaskforsuchaprivilege。"
"Verygood，buttrytocomewithsomeoldnunwhoisshort—sighted。"
"Iwillkeepthelightinthebackground。"
"Praydonotdoso，mybeloved；onthecontrary，placeitsothatyoumaybedistinctlyseen。"
"Allthisisverystrange，butIhavepromisedpassiveobedience，andIwillcomedownwithtwolights。MayIhopethatyouwillexplainthisriddletomeatyournextinterview？"
"Byto—morrow，atlatest，youshallknowthewholestory。"
"Mycuriositywillpreventmefromsleeping。"
"Notso，dearheart；sleeppeacefully，andbesureofmygratitude。"
Thereaderwillthinkthatafterthisconversationmyheartwasperfectlyatrest；buthowfarwasIfromresting！IreturnedtoVenice，torturedlestIshouldbetoldintheeveningatthedoorofthecathedral，whereweweretomeet，thatthenunhadbeenobligedtoputoffherappointment。Ifthathadhappened，IshouldnothaveexactlysuspectedM————M————，buttheambassadorwouldhavethoughtthatIhadcausedtheschemetomiscarry。ItiscertainthatinthatcaseIshouldnothavetakenmymantotheparlour，butshouldhavegonetheresadlybymyself。
Ipassedthewholedayinthesetorments，thinkingitwouldnevercometoanend，andintheeveningIputaletterinmypocket，andwenttomypostatthehouragreedupon。
Fortunately，Murraykepttheappointmentexactly。
"Isthenunthere？"saidI，assoonashewasnearme。
"Yes，mydearfellow。Wewillgo，ifyoulike，totheparlour；butyouwillfindthatweshallbetoldsheisillorengaged。Ifyoulike，thebetshallbeoff。"
"Godforbid，mydearfellow！Iclingtothathundredducats。Letusbegone。"
Wepresentedourselvesatthewicket，andIaskedforM————M————，andthedoorkeepermademebreatheagainbysayingthatIwasexpected。IenteredtheparlourwithmyEnglishfriend，andsawthatitwaslightedbyfourcandles。Icannotrecallthesemomentswithoutbeinginlovewithlife。Itakenotenotonlyofmynoblemistress’sinnocence，butalsoofthequicknessofherwit。Murrayremainedserious，withoutasmileonhisface。Fullofgraceandbeauty，M————M————cameintotheroomwithalay—sister，eachofthemholdingacandlestick。ShepaidmeacomplimentingoodFrench；
Igavehertheletter，andlookingattheaddressandthesealsheputitinherpocket。Afterthankingmeandsayingshewouldreplyinduecourse，sheturnedtowardsmycompanion:
"Ishall，perhaps，makeyoulosethefirstactoftheopera，"saidshe。
"Thepleasureofseeingyou，madam，isworthalltheoperasintheworld。"
"YouareEnglish，Ithink？"
"Yes，madam。"
"TheEnglisharenowthegreatestpeopleintheworld，becausetheyarefreeandpowerful。Gentlemen，Iwishyouaverygoodevening。"
IhadneverseenM————M————lookingsobeautifulasthen，andIwentoutoftheparlourablazewithlove，andgladasIhadneverbeenbefore。Iwalkedwithlongstridestowardsmycasino，withouttakingnoticeoftheambassador，whodidnothurryhimselfinfollowingme；
Iwaitedforhimatmydoor。
"Well，"saidI，"areyouconvincednowthatyouhavebeencheated？"
"Bequiet，wehavetimeenoughtotalkaboutthat。Letusgoupstairs。"
"ShallIcome？"
"Do。WhatdoyouthinkIcoulddobymyselfforfourhourswiththatcreaturewhoiswaitingforme？Wewillamuseourselveswithher。"
"Hadwenotbetterturnherout？"
"No；hermasteriscomingforherattwoo’clockinthemorning。Shewouldgoandwarnhim，andhewouldescapemyvengeance。Wewillthrowthembothoutofthewindow。"
"Bemoderate，forM————M————shonourdependsonthesecrecyweobserve。Letusgoupstairs。Weshallhavesomefun。Ishouldliketoseethehussy。"
Murraywasthefirsttoentertheroom。Assoonasthegirlsawme，shethrewherhandkerchiefoverherface，andtoldtheambassadorthatsuchbehaviourwasunworthyofhim。Hemadenoanswer。ShewasnotsotallasM————M————，andshespokebadFrench。
Hercloakandmaskwereonthebed，butshewasdressedasanun。AsIwantedtoseeherface，Ipolitelyaskedhertodomethefavourofshewingit。
"Idon’tknowyou，"saidshe；"whoareyou？"
"Youareinmyhouse，anddon’tknowwhoIam？"
"IaminyourhousebecauseIhavebeenbetrayed。IdidnotthinkthatIshouldhavetodowithascoundrel。"
AtthiswordMurraycommandedhertobesilent，callingherbythenameofherhonourablebusiness；andtheslutgotuptotakehercloak，sayingshewouldgo。Murraypushedherback，andtoldherthatshewouldhavetowaitforherworthyfriend，warninghertomakenonoiseifshewantedtokeepoutofprison。
"Putmeinprison！"
Withthisshedirectedherhandtowardsherdress，butIrushedforwardandseizedonehandwhileMurraymasteredtheother。Wepushedherbackonachairwhilewepossessedourselvesofthepistolsshecarriedinherpockets。
Murraytoreawaythefrontofherholyhabit，andIextractedastilettoeightincheslong，thefalsenunweepingbitterlyallthetime。
"Willyouholdyourtongue，andkeepquiettillCapsucefalocomes，"
saidtheambassador，"orgotoprison？"
"IfIkeepquietwhatwillbecomeofme？"
"Ipromisetoletyougo。"
"Withhim？"
"Perhaps。"
"Verywell，then，Iwillkeepquiet。"
"Haveyougotanymoreweapons？"
Hereuponthesluttookoffherhabitandherpetticoat，andifwehadallowedhershewouldhavesoonbeeninastateofnature，nodoubtintheexpectationofourpassionsgrantingwhatourreasonrefused。
IwasmuchastonishedtofindinheronlyafalseresemblancetoM。M。Iremarkedasmuchtotheambassador，whoagreedwithme，butmademeconfessthatmostmen，prepossessedwiththeideathattheyweregoingtoseeM。M。，wouldhavefallenintothesametrap。Infact，thelongingtopossessone’sselfofanunwhohasrenouncedallthepleasuresoftheworld，andespeciallythatofcohabitationwiththeothersex，istheveryappleofEve，andismoredelightfulfromtheverydifficultyofpenetratingtheconventgrating。
Fewofmyreaderswillfailtotestifythatthesweetestpleasuresarethosewhicharehardesttobewon，andthattheprize，toobtainwhichonewouldriskone’slife，wouldoftenpassunnoticedifitwerefreelyofferedwithoutdifficultyorhazard。
Inthefollowingchapter，dearreader，youwillseetheendofthisfarcicaladventure。Inthemeantime，letustakealittlebreath。
CHAPTERXXIV
PleasantEndingoftheAdventureoftheFalseNun——M。M。FindsOutThatIHavedMistress——SheisAvengedontheWretchCapsucefalo——
IRuinMyselfatPlay，andattheSuggestionofM。M。ISellallHerDiamonds，OneAfterAnother——IHandOverToninetoMurray，WhoMakesProvisionforHer——HerSisterBarberineTakesHerPlace。
Howdidyoumakethisniceacquaintance？"Iaskedtheambassador。
"Sixmonthsago，"hereplied，"whilestandingattheconventgatewithMr。Smith，ourconsul，inwhosecompanyIhadbeentoseesomeceremonyorother，Iremarkedtohim，asweweretalkingoversomenunswehadnoticed，’IwouldgladlygivefivehundredsequinsforafewhoursofSisterM————M————scompany。’CountCapsucefaloheardwhatIsaid，butmadenoremark。Mr。SmithansweredthatonecouldonlyseeheratthegratingasdidtheambassadorofFrance，whooftencametovisither。Capsucefalocalledonmethenextmorning，andsaidthatifIhadspokeningoodfaithhewassurehecouldgetmeanightwiththenuninwhateverplaceIliked，ifshecouldcountonmysecrecy。’Ihavejustbeenspeakingtoher，’saidhe，’andonmymentioningyournameshesaidshehadnoticedyouwithMr。Smith，andvowedshewouldsupwithyoumoreforlovethanmoney。’I，’saidtherascal，’amtheonlymanshetrusts，andItakehertotheFrenchambassador’scasinoinVenicewhenevershewantstogothere。Youneednotbeafraidofbeingcheated，asyouwillgivethemoneytoherpersonallywhenyouhavepossessedyourselfofher。’Withthishetookherportraitfromhispocketandsheweditme；andhereitis。IboughtitofhimtwodaysafterIbelievedmyselftohavespentanightwiththecharmingnun，andafortnightafterourconversation。Thisbeautyherecamemaskedinanun’shabit，andI
wasfoolenoughtothinkIhadgotatreasure。Iamvexedwithmyselffornothavingsuspectedthecheat——atallevents，whenIsawherhair，asIknowthatnuns’hairshouldbecutshort。ButwhenI
saidsomethingaboutittothehussy，shetoldmetheywereallowedtokeeptheirhairundertheircaps，andIwasweakenoughtobelieveher。"
IknewthatonthisparticularMurrayhadnotbeendeceived，butI
didnotfeelcompelledtotellhimsothenandthere。
IheldtheportraitMurrayhadgivenmeinmyhand，andcompareditwiththefacebeforeme。Intheportraitthebreastwasbare，andasIwasremarkingthatpaintersdidthosepartsasbesttheycould，theimpudentwenchseizedtheopportunitytoshewmethattheminiaturewasfaithfultonature。Iturnedmybackuponherwithanexpressionofcontemptwhichwouldhavemortifiedher，ifthesecreatureswereevercapableofshame。Aswetalkedthingsover，Icouldnothelplaughingattheaxiom，Thingswhichareequaltothesamethingareequaltooneanother，fortheminiaturewaslikeM。M。andlikethecourtezan，andyetthetwowomenwerenotlikeeachother。Murrayagreedwithme，andwespentanhourinaphilosophicaldiscussiononthematter。AsthefalseM。M。wasnamedInnocente，weexpressedawishtoknowhowhernameagreedwithherprofession，andhowtheknavehadinducedhertoplaythepartshehadtaken；andshetoldusthefollowingstory:
"IhaveknownCountCapsucefalofortwoyears，andhavefoundhimuseful，for，thoughhehasgivenmenomoney，hehasmademeprofitlargelythroughthepeoplehehasintroducedtome。Abouttheendoflastautumnhecametomeoneday，andsaidthatifIcouldmakeupasanunwithsomeclotheshewouldgetme，andinthatcharacterpassanightwithanEnglishman，Ishouldbethebetterbyfivehundredsequins。’Youneednotbeafraidofanything，’saidhe，’asImyselfwilltakeyoutothecasinowherethedupewillbeawaitingyou，andIwillcomeandtakeyoubacktoyourimaginaryconventtowardstheendofthenight。HeshewedmehowImustbehave，andtoldmewhattoreplyifmyloveraskedanyquestionsaboutthedisciplineoftheconvent。
"Ilikedtheplot，gentlemen，andItoldhimIwasreadytocarryitout。Andbepleasedtoconsiderthattherearenotmanywomenofmyprofessionwhowouldhesitateoverachanceofgettingfivehundredsequins。Findingtheschemebothagreeableandprofitable，I
promisedtoplaymypartwiththegreatestskill。Thebargainwasstruck，andhegavemefullinstructionsastomydialogue。HetoldmethattheEnglishmancouldonlytalkaboutmyconventandanyloversImighthavehad；thatonthelatterpointIwastocuthimshort，andtoanswerwithalaughthatIdidnotknowwhathewastalkingabout，andeventotellhimthatIwasanuninappearanceonly，andthatinthecourseoftoyingImightlethimseemyhair。
’That，’saidCapsucefalo，’won’tpreventhimfromthinkingyouanun——yes！andtheverynunheisamorousof，forhewillhavemadeuphismindthatyoucannotpossiblybeanyoneelse。’Seizingthepointofthejest，IdidnottakethetroubletofindoutthenameofthenunIwastorepresent，northeconventwhenceIwastocome；theonlythinginmyheadwasthefivehundredsequins。SolittlehaveI
troubledaboutaughtelsethat，thoughIpassedadeliciousnightwithyou，andfoundyouratherworthyofbeingpaidforthanpaying，Ihavenotascertainedwhoandwhatyouare，andIdon’tknowatthismomenttowhomIamspeaking。YouknowwhatanightIhad；Ihavetoldyouitwasdelicious，andIwashappyintheideathatIwasgoingtohaveanother。Youhavefoundeverythingout。Iamsorry，butIamnotafraidofanything，sinceIcanputonanydisguiseI
like，andcan’tpreventmyloverstakingmeforasaintiftheyliketodoso。Youhavefoundweaponsinmypossession，buteveryoneisallowedtobeararmsinself—defence。Ipleadnotguiltyonallcounts。"
"Doyouknowme？"saidI。