"No，butIhaveoftenseenyoupassingundermywindow。IliveatSt。Roch，nearthebridge。"
Thewayinwhichthewomantoldheryarnconvincedusthatshewasanadeptinthescienceofprostitution，butwethoughtCapsucefalo，inspiteofthecount，worthyofthepillory。ThegirlwasabouttenyearsolderthanM。M。，shewaspretty，butlight—complexioned，whilemybeautifulnunhadfinedarkbrownhairandwasatleastthreeinchestaller。
Aftertwelveo’clockwesatdowntosupper，anddidhonourtotheexcellentmealwhichmydearAntoinettehadpreparedforus。Wewerecruelenoughtoleavethepoorwretchwithoutofferinghersomuchasaglassofwine，butwethoughtitourduty。
Whileweweretalking，thejollyEnglishmanmadesomewittycommentsonmyeagernesstoconvincehimthathehadnotenjoyedM。M。’sfavours。
"Ican’tbelieve，"saidhe，"thatyouhaveshewnsomuchinterestwithoutbeinginlovewiththedivinenun。"
IansweredbysayingthatifIwereherloverIwasmuchtobepitiedinbeingcondemnedtogototheparlour，andnofarther。
"Iwouldgladlygiveahundredguineasamonth，"saidhe，"tohavetheprivilegeofvisitingheratthegrating。"
Sosayinghegavememyhundredsequins，complimentingmeonmysuccess，andIslippedthemforthwithintomypocket。
Attwoo’clockinthemorningweheardasoftknockonthestreetdoor。
"Hereisourfriend，"Isaid，"bediscreet，andyouwillseethathewillmakeafullconfession。"
HecameinandsawMurrayandthelady，butdidnotdiscoverthatathirdpartywaspresenttillheheardtheante—roomdoorbeinglocked。Heturnedroundandsawme，andasheknewme，merelysaid，withoutlosingcountenance:
"Ah，youarehere；youknow，ofcourse，thatthesecretmustbekept？"
Murraylaughedandcalmlyaskedhimtobeseated，andheenquired，withthelady’spistolsinhishands，wherehewasgoingtotakeherbeforeday—break。
"Home。"
"Ithinkyoumaybemistaken，asitisverypossiblethatwhenyouleavethisplaceyouwillbothofyoubeprovidedwithabedinprison。"
"No，Iamnotafraidofthathappening；thethingwouldmaketoomuchnoise，andthelaughwouldnotbeonyourside。Come，"saidhetohismate，"putonyourcloakandletusbeoff。"
Theambassador，wholikeanEnglishmankeptquitecoolthewholetime，pouredhimoutaglassofChambertin，andtheblackguarddrankhishealth。Murrayseeinghehadonafineringsetwithbrilliants，praisedit，andshewingsomecuriositytoseeitmorecloselyhedrewitoffthefellow’sfinger，examinedit，founditwithoutflaw，andaskedhowmuchitwasworth。Capsucefalo，alittletakenaback，saiditcosthimfourhundredsequins。
"Iwillholditasapledgeforthatsum，"saidtheambassador，puttingtheringintohispocket。Theotherlookedchop—fallen，andMurraylaughingathisretiringmannerstoldthegirltoputonhercloakandtopackoffwithherworthyacolyte。Shedidsodirectly，andwithalowbowtheydisappeared。
"Farewell，nunprocurer！"saidtheambassador，butthecountmadenoanswer。
AssoonastheyweregoneIthankedMurraywarmlyforthemoderationhehadshewn，asascandalwouldhaveonlyinjuredthreeinnocentpeople。
"Besure，"saidhe，"thattheguiltypartiesshallbepunishedwithoutanyone’sknowingthereason"
IthenmadeToninecomeupstairs，andmyEnglishfriendofferedheraglassofwine，whichshedeclinedwithmuchmodestyandpoliteness。
Murraylookedatherwithflamingglances，andleftaftergivingmehisheartiestthanks。
PoorlittleToninehadbeenresigned，andobedientformanyhours，andshehadgoodcausetothinkIhadbeenunfaithfultoher；
however，Igaveherthemostunmistakableproofsofmyfidelity。Westayedinbedforsixhours，androsehappyinthemorning。
AfterdinnerIhurriedofftomynobleM————M————，andtoldherthewholestory。Shelistenedeagerly，hervariousfeelingsflittingacrossherface。Fear，anger，wrath，approvalofmymethodofclearingupmynaturalsuspicions，joyatdiscoveringmestillherlover——allweredepictedinsuccessioninherglance，andintheplayofherfeatures，andintheredandwhitewhichfollowedoneanotheronhercheeksandforehead。ShewasdelightedtohearthatthemaskerwhowaswithmeintheparlourwastheEnglishambassador，butshebecamenoblydisdainfulwhenItoldherthathewouldgladlygiveahundredguineasamonthforthepleasureofvisitingherintheparlour。Shewasangrywithhimforfancyingthatshehadbeeninhispower，andforfindingalikenessbetweenherandaportrait，when，soshesaid，therewasnolikenessatall；Ihadgivenhertheportrait。Sheadded，withashrewdsmile，thatshewassureIhadnotletmylittlemaidseethefalsenun，asshemighthavebeenmistaken。
"Youknow，doyou，thatIhaveayoungservant？"
"Yes，andaprettyone，too。SheisLaura’sdaughter，andifyouloveherIamveryglad，andsoisC————C————。Ihopeyouwillletmehaveasightofher。C————C————hasseenherbefore。"
AsIsawthatsheknewtoomuchformetobeabletodeceiveher，I
tookmycuedirectlyandtoldherindetailthehistoryofmyamours。
Sheshewedhersatisfactiontooopenlynottobesincere。BeforeI
lefthershesaidherhonourobligedhertogetCapsucefaloassassinated，forthewretchhadwrongedherbeyondpardon。BywayofquietingherIpromisedthatiftheambassadordidnotridusofhimwithintheweekIwouldchargemyselfwiththeexecutionofourcommonvengeance。
AboutthistimediedBragadintheprocurator，brotherofmypatron，leavingM。deBragadinsufficientlywelloff。However，asthefamilythreatenedtobecomeextinct，hedesiredawomanwhohadbeenhismistress，andofwhomhehadhadanaturalson，tobecomehiswife。
Bythismarriagethesonwouldhavebecomelegitimate，andthefamilyrenewedagain。TheCollegeofCardinalswouldhaverecognizedthewifeforasmallfee，andallwouldhavegoneadmirably。
Thewomanwrotetome，askingmetocallonher；andIwasgoingto，curioustoknowwhatawoman，whomIdidnotknowfromAdam，couldwantwithme，whenIreceivedasummonsfromM。deBragadin。HebeggedmetoaskParalisifheoughttofollowDelaHaye’sadviceinamatterhehadpromisednottoconfidetome，butofwhichtheoraclemustbeinformed。Theoracle，naturallyopposedtotheJesuit，toldhimtoconsulthisownfeelingsandnothingelse。AfterthisIwenttothelady。
Shebeganbytellingmethewholestory。Sheintroducedhersontome，andtoldmethatifthemarriagecouldbeperformed，adeedwouldbedeliveredinmyfavourbywhich，atthedeathofM。deBragadin，Ishouldbecomeentitledtoanestateworthfivethousandcrownsperannum。
AsIguessedwithoutmuchtroublethatthiswasthesamematterwhichDelaHayehadproposedtoM。deBragadin，IansweredwithouthesitationthatsinceDelaHayewasbeforemeIcoulddonothing，andthereuponmadehermybow。
IcouldnothelpwonderingatthisJesuit’scontinuallyintriguingtomarrymyoldfriendswithoutmyknowledge。Twoyearsago，ifIhadnotsetmyfaceagainstit，hewouldhavemarriedM。Dandolo。I
carednotawhitwhetherthefamilyofBragadinbecameextinctornot，butIdidcareforthelifeofmybenefactor，andwasquitesurethatmarriagewouldshortenitbymanyyears；hewasalreadysixty—
three，andhadrecoveredfromaseriousapoplecticstroke。
IwenttodinewithLadyMurray（English—womenwhoaredaughtersoflordskeepthetitle），andafterdinnertheambassadortoldmethathehadtoldM。Cavallithewholestoryofthefalsenun，andthatthesecretaryhadinformedhim，theeveningbefore，thateverythinghadbeendonetohisliking。CountCapsucefalohadbeensenttoCephalonia，hisnativecountry，withtheordernevertoreturntoVenice，andthecourtezanhaddisappeared。
Thefinepart，orratherthefearfulpart，aboutthesesentencesisthatnooneeverknowsthereasonwhyorwherefore，andthatthelotmayfallontheinnocentaswellastheguilty。M。M。wasdelightedwiththeevent，andIwasmorepleasedthanshe，forIshouldhavebeensorrytohavebeenobligedtosoilmyhandswiththebloodofthatrascallycount。
Thereareseasonsinthelifeofmenwhichmaybecalled’fasti’and’nefasti’；Ihaveprovedthisofteninmylongcareer，andonthestrengthoftherubsandstrugglesIhavehadtoencounter。Iamable，aswellasanyman，toverifythetruthofthisaxiom。Ihadjustexperiencedarunofluck。Fortunehadbefriendedmeatplay，I
hadbeenhappyinthesocietyofmen，andfromloveIhadnothingtoask；butnowthereverseofthemedalbegantoappear。Lovewasstillkind，butFortunehadquiteleftme，andyouwillsoonsee，reader，thatmenusedmenobetterthantheblindgoddess。
Nevertheless，sinceone’sfatehasphasesaswellasthemoon，goodfollowsevilasdisasterssucceedtohappiness。
Istillplayedonthemartingale，butwithsuchbadluckthatIwassoonleftwithoutasequin。AsIsharedmypropertywithM。M。Iwasobligedtotellherofmylosses，anditwasatherrequestthatI
soldallherdiamonds，losingwhatIgotforthem；shehadnowonlyfivehundredsequinsbyher。Therewasnomoretalkofherescapingfromtheconvent，forwehadnothingtoliveon！Istillgamed，butforsmallstakes，waitingfortheslowreturnofgoodluck。
OnedaytheEnglishambassador，aftergivingmeasupperathiscasinowiththecelebratedFannyMurray，askedmetolethimsupatmycasinoatMuran，whichInowonlykeptupforthesakeofTonine。
Igrantedhimthefavour，butdidnotimitatehisgenerosity。Hefoundmylittlemistresssmilingandpolite，butalwayskeepingwithintheboundsofdecency，fromwhichhewouldhaveverywillinglyexcusedher。Thenextmorninghewrotetomeasfollows:
"IammadlyinlovewithTonine。IfyouliketohandherovertomeIwillmakethefollowingprovisionforher:IwillsetherupinasuitablelodgingwhichIwillfurnishthroughout，andwhichIwillgivetoherwithallitscontents，providedthatImayvisitherwheneverIplease，andthatshegivesmealltherightsofafortunatelover。Iwillgiveheramaid，acook，andthirtysequinsamonthasprovisionfortwopeople，withoutreckoningthewine，whichIwillprocuremyself。BesidesthisIwillgiveheralifeincomeoftwohundredcrownsperannum，overwhichshewillhavefullcontrolafterlivingwithmeforayear。Igiveyouaweektosendyouranswer。"
IrepliedimmediatelythatIwouldlethimknowinthreedayswhetherhisproposalwereaccepted，forToninehadamotherofwhomshewasfond，andshewouldpossiblynotcaretodoanythingwithoutherconsent。Ialsoinformedhimthatinallappearancethegirlwaswithchild。
ThebusinesswasanimportantoneforTonine。Ilovedher，butI
knewperfectlywellthatwecouldnotpasstherestofourlivestogether，andIsawnoprospectofbeingabletomakeherasgoodaprovisionasthatofferedbytheambassador。ConsequentlyIhadnodoubtsonthequestion，andtheverysamedayIwenttoMuranandtoldherall。
"Youwishtoleaveme，then，"saidshe，intears。
"Iloveyou，dearest，andwhatIproposeoughttoconvinceyouofmylove。"
"Notso；Icannotservetwomasters。"
"Youwillonlyserveyournewlover，sweetheart。Ibegofyoutoreflectthatyouwillhaveafinedowry，onthestrengthofwhichyoumaymarrywell；andthathowevermuchIloveyouIcannotpossiblymakesogoodaprovisionforyou。"
"Leavemeto—dayfortearsandreflection，andcometosupperwithmeto—morrow。"
Ididnotfailtokeeptheappointment。
"IthinkyourEnglishfriendisaveryprettyman，"shesaid，"andwhenhespeaksintheVenetiandialectitmakesmediewithlaughter。
Ifmymotheragrees，Imight，perhaps，forcemyselftolovehim。
Supposingwedidnotagreewecouldpartattheendofayear，andI
shouldbethericherbyanincomeoftwohundredcrowns。"
"Iamcharmedwiththesenseofyourarguments；speakaboutittoyourmother。"
"Idaren’t，sweetheart；thiskindofthingistoodelicatetobediscussedbetweenamotherandherdaughterspeaktoheryourself。"
"Iwill，indeed。"
Laura，whomIhadnotseensinceshehadgivenmeherdaughter，askedfornotimetothinkitover，butfullofgleetoldmethatnowherdaughterwouldbeabletosootheherdecliningyears，andthatshewouldleaveMuranofwhichshewastired。SheshewedmeahundredandthirtysequinswhichToninehadgainedinmyservice，andwhichshehadplacedinherhands。
Barberine，Tonine’syoungersister，cametokissmyhand。Ithoughthercharming，andIgaveherallthesilverinmypocket。Ithenleft，tellingLaurathatIshouldexpectheratmyhouse。Shesoonfollowedme，andgaveherchildamother’sblessing，tellingherthatsheandherfamilycouldgoandliveinVeniceforsixtysousaday。
Tonineembracedher，andtoldherthatsheshouldhaveit。
Thisimportantaffairhavingbeenmanagedtoeverybody’ssatisfaction，IwenttoseeM————M————，whocameintotheparlourwithC————C————，whomIfoundlookingsad，thoughprettierthanever。Shewasmelancholy，butnonethelesstender。Shecouldnotstayformorethanaquarterofanhourforfearofbeingseen，asshewasforbiddenevertogointotheparlour。ItoldM。M。thestoryofTonine，whowasgoingtolivewithMurrayinVenice；shewassorrytohearit，"for，"saidshe，"nowthatyouhavenolongeranyattractionatMuran，Ishallseeyoulessthanever。"Ipromisedtocomeandseeheroften，butvainpromises！Thetimewasnearwhichpartedusforever。
ThesameeveningIwenttotellthegoodnewstomyfriendMurray。
Hewasinatransportofjoy，andbeggedmetocomeandsupwithhimathiscasinothedayafternext，andtobringthegirlwithme，thatthesurrendermightbemadeinform。Ididnotfailhim，foroncethematterwasdecided，Ilongedtobringittoanend。InmypresenceheassignedtohertheyearlyincomeforherlifeoftwohundredVenetianducats，andbyaseconddeedhegaveherallthecontentsofthehousewithwhichhewasgoingtoprovideher，providedalwaysthatshelivedwithhimforayear。Heallowedhertoreceivemeasafriend，alsotoreceivehermotherandsisters，andshewasfreetogoandseethemwhenshewould。Toninethrewherarmsabouthisneck，andassuredhimthatshewouldendeavourtopleasehimtotheutmostofherability。"Iwillseehim，"saidshe，pointingtome，"butashisfriendheshallhavenothingmorefromme。"Throughoutthistrulyaffectingsceneshekeptbackhertears，butIcouldnotconcealmine。Murraywashappy，butIwasnotlongawitnessofhisgoodfortune，thereasonofwhichIwillexplainalittlelater。
ThreedaysafterwardsLauracametome，toldmethatshewaslivinginVenice，andaskedmetotakehertoherdaughter’s。Iowedthiswomantoomuchtorefuseher，andItookherthereforthwith。ToninegavethankstoGod，andalsotome，andhermothertookupthesong，fortheywerenotquitesurewhethertheyweremoreindebtedtoGodortome。ToninewaseloquentinherpraiseofMurray，andmadenocomplaintatmynothavingcometoseeher，atwhichIwasglad。AsIwasgoingLauraaskedmetotakeherbackinmygondola，andaswehadtopassbythehouseinwhichshelivedshebeggedmetocomeinforamoment，andIcouldnothurtherfeelingsbyrefusing。IoweittomyhonourtoremarkherethatIwasthuspolitewithoutthinkingthatIshouldseeBarberineagain。
Thisgirl，asprettyashersister，thoughinanotherstyle，beganbyawakeningmycuriosity——aweaknesswhichusuallyrenderstheprofligatemaninconstant。Ifallwomenweretohavethesamefeatures，thesamedisposition，andthesamemanners，menwouldnotonlyneverbeinconstant，butwouldneverbeinlove。Underthatstateofthingsonewouldchooseawifebyinstinctandkeeptohertilldeath，butourworldwouldthenbeunderadifferentsystemtothepresent。Noveltyisthemasterofthesoul。Weknowthatwhatwedonotseeisverynearlythesameaswhatwehaveseen，butwearecurious，weliketobequitesure，andtoattainourendswegiveourselvesasmuchtroubleasifwewerecertainoffindingsomeprizebeyondcompare。
Barberine，wholookeduponmeasanoldfriend——forhermotherhadaccustomedhertokissmyhandwheneverIwentthere，whohadundressedmorethanonceinmypresencewithouttroublingaboutme，whoknewIhadmadehersister’sfortuneandthefamilyfortuneaswell，andthoughtherselfprettierthanToninebecauseherskinwasfairer，andbecauseshehadfineblackeyes，desiringtotakehersister’splace，knewthattosucceedshemusttakemebystorm。HercommonsensetoldherthatasIhardlyevercametothehouse，I
shouldnotbelikelytobecomeamorousofherunlessshewonmebystorm；andtothisendsheshewedtheutmostcomplaisancewhenshehadthechance，sothatIwonherwithoutanydifficulty。Allthisreasoningcamefromherownhead，forIamsurehermothergavehernoinstructions。Laurawasamotherofakindcommontheworldover，butespeciallyinItaly。Shewaswillingtotakeadvantageoftheearningsofherdaughters，butshewouldneverhaveinducedthemtotakethepathofevil。Therehervirtuestoppedshort。
AfterIhadinspectedhertworoomsandherlittlekitchen，andhadadmiredthecleannesswhichshoneallaround，BarberineaskedmeifI
wouldliketoseetheirsmallgarden。
"Withpleasure，"Ireplied，"foragardenisararityinVenice。"
Hermothertoldhertogivemesomefigsiftherewereanyripeones。
Thegardenconsistedofaboutthirtysquarefeet，andgrewonlysaladherbsandafinefigtree。Ithadnotagoodcrop，andItoldherthatIcouldnotseeanyfigs。
"Icanseesomeatthetop，"saidBarberine，"andIwillgatherthemifyouwillholdmetheladder。"
"Yes，climbaway；Iwillholditquitefirmly。"
Shesteppeduplightly，andstretchingoutanarmtogetatsomefigstoonesideofher，sheputherbodyoffitsbalance，holdingontotheladderwiththeotherhand。
"MydearBarberine，whatdoyouthinkIcansee？"
"Whatyouhaveoftenseenwithmysister。"
"That’strue！butyouareprettierthansheis。"
Thegirlmadenoreply，but，asifshecouldnotreachthefruit，sheputherfootonahighbranch，andspewedmethemostseductivepicture。Iwasinanecstasy，andBarberine，whosawit，didnothurryherself。AtlastIhelpedhertocomedown，andlettingmyhandwanderindiscreetly，IaskedherifthefruitIheldhadbeenplucked，andshekeptmealongtimetellingmeitwasquitefresh。
Itookherwithinmyarms，andalreadyhercaptive，Ipressedheramorouslytomyheart，printingonherlipsafierykiss，whichshegavemebackwithasmuchardour。
"WillyougivemewhatIhavecaught，dearest？"
"MymotherisgoingtoMuranto—morrow，andshewillstaytherealltheday；ifyoucome，thereisnothingIwillrefuseyou。"
Whenspeechlikethisproceedsfromamouthstillinnocent，themantowhomitisaddressedoughttobehappy，fordesiresarebutpainandtorment，andenjoymentissweetbecauseitdeliversusfromthem。
Thisshewsthatthosewhopreferalittleresistancetoaneasyconquestareinthewrong；butatooeasyconquestoftenpointstoadepravednature，andthismendonotlike，howeverdepravedtheythemselvesmaybe。
Wereturnedtothehouse，andIgaveBarberineatenderkissbeforeLaura’seyes，tellingherthatshehadaveryjewelinherdaughter——
acomplimentwhichmadeherfacelightupwithpleasure。Igavethedeargirltensequins，andIwentawaycongratulatingmyself，butcursingmyluckatnotbeingabletomakeasgoodprovisionforBarberineasMurrayhadmadeforhersister。
Toninehadtoldmethatformanners’sakeIshouldsuponcewithher。
IwentthesameeveningandfoundRigheliniandMurraythere。Thesupperwasdelicious，andIwasdelightedwiththeexcellentunderstandingthetwolovershadalreadycometo。Icomplimentedtheambassadoronthelossofoneofhistastes，andhetoldmeheshouldbeverysorryatsuchaloss，asitwouldwarnhimofhisdecliningpowers。
"But，"saidI，"youusedtoliketoperformthemysterioussacrificeofLovewithoutaveil。"
"ItwasnotIbutAncillawholikedit，andasIpreferredpleasinghertopleasingmyself，Igaveintohertastewithoutanydifficulty。"
"Iamdelightedwithyouranswer，asIconfessitwouldcostmesomethingtobethewitnessofyourexploitswithTonine。"
HavingcasuallyremarkedthatIhadnolongerahouseinMuran，RighelinitoldmethatifIlikedhecouldgetmeadelightfulhouseatalowrentontheTondamenteNuovo。
Asthisquarterfacingnorth，andasagreeableinsummerasdisagreeableinwinter，wasoppositetoMuran，whereIshouldhavetogotwiceaweek，ItoldthedoctorIshouldbegladtolookatthehouse。
Itookleaveoftherichandfortunateambassadoratmidnight，andbeforepassingthedaywithmynewprizeIwenttosleepsoastobefreshandcapableofrunningagoodcourse。
IwenttoBarberineatanearlyhour，andassoonasshesawmeshesaid，"Mymotherwillnotbebacktilltheevening，andmybrotherwilltakehisdinnerattheschool。Hereisafowl，aham，somecheese，andtwobottlesofScopolowine。Wewilltakeourmesswheneveryoulike:"
"Youastonishme，sweetheart，forhowdidyoumanagetogetsuchagooddinner？"
"Weoweittomymother，sotoherbethepraise。"
"Youhavetoldher，then，whatwearegoingtodo？"
"No，notI，forIknownothingaboutit；butItoldheryouwerecomingtoseeme，andatthesametimeIgaveherthetensequins。"
"Andwhatdidyourmothersay？"
"Shesaidshewouldn’tbesorryifyouweretolovemeasyoulovedmysister。"
"Iloveyoubetter，thoughIloveherwell。"
"Youloveher？Whyhaveyoulefther，then？"
"Ihavenotlefther，forwesuppedtogetheryesterdayevening；butwenolongerlivetogetheraslovers，thatisall。Ihaveyieldedheruptoarichfriendofmine，whohasmadeherfortune。"
"Thatiswell，thoughIdon’tunderstandmuchabouttheseaffairs。I
hopeyouwilltellToninethatIhavetakenherplace，andIshouldbeverypleasedifyouwouldletherknowthatyouarequitesureyouaremyfirstlover。"
"Andsupposingthenewsvexesher？"
"Somuchthebetter。Willyoudoitforme？it’sthefirstfavourI
haveaskedofyou。"
"Ipromisetodoso。"
Afterthisrapiddialoguewetookbreakfast，andthen，perfectlyagreed，wewenttobed，ratherasifwewereabouttosacrificetoHymenthantolove。
ThegamewasnewtoBarberine，andhertransports，hergreennotions—
—whichshetoldmeopenly——herinexperience，orratherherawkwardness，enchantedme。Iseemedforthefirsttimetopluckthefruitofthetreeofknowledge，andneverhadItastedfruitsodelicious。Mylittlemaidwouldhavebeenashamedtoletmeseehowthefirstthornhurther，andtoconvincemethatsheonlysmelttherose，shestrovetomakemethinksheexperiencedmorepleasurethanispossibleinafirsttrial，alwaysmoreorlesspainful。Shewasnotyetabiggirl，therosesonherswellingbreastswereasyetbutbuds，andshewasawomanonlyinherheart。
Aftermorethanoneassaultdeliveredandsustainedwithspirit，wegotupfordinner，andafterwehadrefreshedourselveswemountedoncemorethealtaroflove，whereweremainedtilltheevening。
Laurafoundusdressedandwellpleasedwitheachotheronherreturn。ImadeBarberineanotherpresentoftwentysequins，Isworetoloveheralways，andwentonmyway。AtthetimeIcertainlymeanttokeeptomyoath，butthatwhichdestinyhadinstoreformecouldnotbereconciledwiththesepromiseswhichwelledforthfrommysoulinamomentofexcitement。
ThenextmorningRighelinitookmetoseethelodginghehadspokentomeabout。Ilikeditandtookitonthespot，payingthefirstquarterinadvance。Thehousebelongedtoawidowwithtwodaughters，theelderofwhomhadjustbeenblooded。Righeliniwasherdoctor，andhadtreatedherforninemonthswithoutsuccess。AshewasgoingtopayheravisitIwentinwithhim，andfoundmyselfinthepresenceofafinewaxenstatue。Surprisedrewfrommethesewords:
"Sheispretty，butthesculptorshouldgivehersomecolour。"
Onwhichthestatuesmiledinamannerwhichwouldhavebeencharmingifherlipshadbutbeenred。
"Herpallor，"saidRighelini，"willnotastonishyouwhenItellyoushehasjustbeenbloodedforthehundredandfourthtime。"
Igaveaverynaturalgestureofsurprise。
Thisfinegirlhadattainedtheageofeighteenyearswithoutexperiencingthemonthlyreliefaffordedbynature，theresultbeingthatshefeltadeathlyfaintnessthreeorfourtimesaweek，andtheonlyreliefwastoopenthevein。
"Iwanttosendhertothecountry，"saidthedoctor，"wherepureandwholesomeair，and，aboveall，moreexercise，willdohermoregoodthanallthedrugsintheworld。"
AfterIhadbeentoldthatmybedshouldbemadereadybytheevening，IwentawaywithRighelini，whotoldmethattheonlycureforthegirlwouldbeagoodstronglover。
"Butmydeardoctor，"saidI，"can’tyoumakeyourownprescription？"
"Thatwouldbetooriskyagame，forImightfindmyselfcompelledtomarryher，andIhatemarriagelikethedevil。"
ThoughIwasnobetterinclinedtowardsmarriagethanthedoctor，I
wastoonearthefirenottogetburnt，andthereaderwillseeinthenextchapterhowIperformedthemiraculouscureofbringingthecoloursofhealthintothecheeksofthispallidbeauty。
CHAPTERXXV
TheFairInvalidICureHer——APlotFormedtoRuinMe——WhatHappenedattheHouseoftheYoungCountessBonafede——TheErberia——DomiciliaryVisit——MyConversationwithM。deBragadin——IAmArrestedbyOrderoftheStateInquisitors。
AfterleavingDr。RigheliniIwenttosupwithM。deBragadin，andgavethegenerousandworthyoldmanahappyevening。Thiswasalwaysthecase；ImadehimandhistwogoodfriendshappywheneverI
tookmealswiththem。
Leavingthematanearlyhour，Iwenttomylodgingandwasgreatlysurprisedtofindmybedroombalconyoccupied。Ayoungladyofanexquisitefigureroseassoonasshesawme，andgracefullyaskedmepardonforthelibertyshehadtaken。
"Iam，"shesaid，"thestatueyousawthismorning。Wedonotlightthecandlesintheeveningforfearofattractingthegnats，butwhenyouwanttogotobedwewillshutthedoorandgoaway。Ibegtointroduceyoutomyyoungersister，mymotherhasgonetobed。"
Iansweredhertotheeffectthatthebalconywasalwaysatherservice，andthatsinceitwasstillearlyIbeggedtheirpermissiontoputonmydressing—gownandtokeepthemcompany。Herconversationwascharming；shemademespendtwomostdelightfulhours，anddidnotleavemetilltwelveo’clock。Heryoungersisterlightedmeacandle，andastheywenttheywishedmeagoodnight。
Ilaydownfullofthisprettygirl，andIcouldnotbelievethatshewasreallyill。Shespoketothepoint，shewascheerful，clever，andfullofspirits。IcouldnotunderstandhowitcametopassthatshehadnotbeenalreadycuredinatownlikeVenice，ifhercurewasreallyonlytobeeffectedinthemannerdescribedbyDr。Righelini；
forinspiteofherpallorsheseemedtomequitefairenoughtocharmalover，andIbelievedhertobespiritedenoughtodeterminetotakethemostagreeablemedicineadoctorcanprescribe。
InthemorningIrangthebellasIwasgettingup，andtheyoungersistercameintomyroom，andsaidthatastheykeptnoservantshehadcometodowhatIwanted。IdidnotcaretohaveaservantwhenIwasnotatM。deBragadin’s，asIfoundmyselfmoreatlibertytodowhatIliked。Aftershehaddonemesomesmallservices，Iaskedherhowhersisterwas。
"Verywell，"saidshe，"forherpalecomplexionisnotanillness，andsheonlysufferswhenherbreathfailsher。Shehasaverygoodappetite，andsleepsaswellasIdo。"
"WhomdoIhearplayingtheviolin？"
"It’sthedancingmastergivingmysisteralesson。"
IhurriedovermydressingthatImightseeher；andIfoundhercharming，thoughherolddancingmasterallowedhertoturninhertoes。AllthatthisyoungandbeautifulgirlwantedwasthePrometheanspark，thecolouroflife；herwhitenesswastoolikesnow，andwasdistressingtolookat。
Thedancingmasterbeggedmetodanceaminuetwithhispupil，andI
assented，askinghimtoplaylarghissimo。"Thesignorinawouldfindittootiring，"saidhe；butshehastenedtoanswerthatshedidnotfeelweak，andwouldliketodancethus。Shedancedverywell，butwhenwehaddoneshewasobligedtothrowherselfinachair。"Infuture，mydearmaster，"saidshe，"Iwillonlydancelikethat，forIthinktherapidmotionwilldomegood。"
Whenthemasterwasgone，Itoldherthatherlessonsweretooshort，andthathermasterwaslettinghergetintobadhabits。Ithensetherfeet，hershoulders，andherarmsinthepropermanner。Itaughtherhowtogiveherhandgracefully，tobendherkneesintime；infine，Igaveheraregularlessonforanhour，andseeingthatshewasgettingrathertiredIbeggedhertositdown，andIwentouttopayavisittoM。M。
Ifoundherverysad，forC————C————’sfatherwasdead，andtheyhadtakenheroutoftheconventtomarryhertoalawyer。BeforeleavingC————C————hadleftaletterforme，inwhichshesaidthatifIwouldpromisetomarryheratsometimesuitabletomyself，shewouldwaitforme，andrefuseallotheroffers。IansweredherstraightforwardlythatIhadnopropertyandnoprospects，thatI
leftherfree，advisinghernottorefuseanyofferwhichmightbetoheradvantage。
InspiteofthisdismissalC————C————didnotmarryN————tillaftermyflightfromTheLeads，whennobodyexpectedtoseemeagaininVenice。Ididnotseeherfornineteenyears，andthenIwasgrievedtofindherawidow，andpoorlyoff。IfIwenttoVenicenowI
shouldnotmarryher，foratmyagemarriageisanabsurdity，butI
wouldsharewithhermylittleall，andlivewithheraswithadearsister。
WhenIhearwomentalkingaboutthebadfaithandinconstancyofmen，andmaintainingthatwhenmenmakepromisesofeternalconstancytheyarealwaysdeceivers，Iconfessthattheyareright，andjoinintheircomplaints。Stillitcannotbehelped，forthepromisesofloversaredictatedbytheheart，andconsequentlythelamentationsofwomenonlymakemewanttolaugh。Alas！welovewithoutheedingreason，andceasetoloveinthesamemanner。
AboutthistimeIreceivedaletterfromtheAbbedeBernis，whowrotealsotoM————M————。HetoldmethatIoughttodomyutmosttomakeournuntakeareasonableviewofthings，dwellingontherisksIshouldrunincarryingheroffandbringinghertoParis，whereallhisinfluencewouldbeofnoavailtoobtainforusthatsafetysoindispensabletohappiness。IsawM————M————；weshewedeachotherourletters，shehadsomebittertears，andhergriefpiercedmetotheheart。Istillhadagreatloveforherinspiteofmydailyinfidelities，andwhenIthoughtofthosemomentsinwhichIhadseenhergivenovertovoluptuousnessIcouldnothelppityingherfateasIthoughtofthedaysofdespairinstoreforher。Butsoonafterthisaneventhappenedwhichgaverisetosomewholesomereflections。Oneday，whenIhadcometoseeher，shesaid，"Theyhavejustbeenburyinganunwhodiedofconsumptionthedaybeforeyesterdayintheodourofsanctity。Shewascalled’MariaConcetta。’Sheknewyou，andtoldC————C————yournamewhenyouusedtocometomassonfeastdays。C————C————beggedhertobediscreet，butthenuntoldherthatyouwereadangerousman，whosepresenceshouldbeshunnedbyayounggirl。C————C————toldmeallthisafterthemaskofPierrot。"
"Whatwasthissaint’snamewhenshewasintheworld？"
"Martha。"
"Iknowher。"
IthentoldM————M————thewholehistoryofmyloveswithNanetteandMarton，endingwiththelettershewroteme，inwhichshesaidthatsheowedme，indirectly，thateternalsalvationtowhichshehopedtoattain。
Ineightortendaysmyconversationwithmyhostess’daughter——
conversationwhichtookplaceonthebalcony，andwhichgenerallylastedtillmidnight——andthelessonIgavehereverymorning，producedtheinevitableandnaturalresults；firstly，thatshenolongercomplainedofherbreathfailing，and，secondly，thatIfellinlovewithher。Nature’scurehadnotyetrelievedher，butshenolongerneededtobeletblood。Righelinicametovisitherasusual，andseeingthatshewasbetterheprophesiedthatnature’sremedy，withoutwhichonlyartcouldkeepheralive，wouldmakeallrightbeforetheautumn。HermotherlookeduponmeasanangelsentbyGodtocureherdaughter，whoforherpartshewedmethatgratitudewhichwithwomenisthefirststeptowardslove。Ihadmadeherdismissherolddancingmaster，andIhadtaughthertodancewithextremegrace。
Attheendofthesetenortwelvedays，justasIwasgoingtogiveherherlesson，herbreathfailedinstantaneously，andshefellbackintomyarmslikeadeadwoman。Iwasalarmed，buthermother，whohadbecomeaccustomedtoseeherthus，sentforthesurgeon，andhersisterunlacedher。Iwasenchantedwithherexquisitebosom，whichneedednocolouringtomakeitmorebeautiful。Icovereditup，sayingthatthesurgeonwouldmakeafalsestrokeifheweretoseeherthusuncovered；butfeelingthatIlaidmyhanduponherwithdelight，shegentlyrepulsedme，lookingatmewithalanguishinggazewhichmadethedeepestimpressiononme。
Thesurgeoncameandbledherinthearm，andalmostinstantaneouslysherecoveredfullconsciousness。Atmostonlyfourouncesofbloodweretakenfromher，andhermothertellingmethatthiswastheutmostextenttowhichshewasblooded，IsawitwasnosuchmatterforwonderasRighelinirepresentedit，forbeingbloodedtwiceaweekshelostthreepoundsofbloodamonth，whichshewouldhavedonenaturallyifthevesselshadnotbeenobstructed。
ThesurgeonhadhardlygoneoutofthedoorwhentomyastonishmentshetoldmethatifIwouldwaitforheramomentshewouldcomebackandbeginherdancing。Thisshedid，anddancedasiftherehadbeennothingthematter。
Herbosom，onwhichtwoofmysenseswerequalifiedtogiveevidence，wasthelaststroke，andmadememadlyinlovewithher。Ireturnedtothehouseintheevening，andfoundherinherroomwiththesister。Shetoldmethatshewasexpectinghergod—father，whowasanintimatefriendofherfather’s，andhadcomeeveryeveningtospendanhourwithherforthelasteighteenyears。
"Howoldishe？"
"Heisoverfifty。"
"Isheamarriedman？"
"Yes，hisnameisCountS————。Heisasfondofmeasafatherwouldbe，andhisaffectionhascontinuedthesamesincemychildhood。
Evenhiswifecomestoseemesometimes，andtoaskmetodinner。
NeatautumnIamgoingintothecountrywithher，andIhopethefreshairwilldomegood。Mygod—fatherknowsyouarestayingwithusandissatisfied。Hedoesnotknowyou，butifyoulikeyoucanmakehisacquaintance。"
Iwasgladtohearallthis，asIgainedagooddealofusefulinformationwithouthavingtoaskanyawkwardquestions。ThefriendshipofthisGreeklookedverylikelove。HewasthehusbandofCountessS————，whohadtakenmetotheconventatMurantwoyearsbefore。
Ifoundthecountaverypoliteman。Hethankedmeinapaternalmannerformykindnesstohisdaughter，andbeggedmetodohimthehonourofdiningwithhimonthefollowingday，tellingmethathewouldintroducemetohiswife。Iacceptedhisinvitationwithpleasure，forIwasfondofdramaticsituations，andmymeetingwiththecountesspromisedtobeanexcitingone。Thisinvitationbespokethecourteousgentleman，andIcharmedmyprettypupilbysinginghispraisesafterhehadgone。
"Mygod—father，"saidshe，"isinpossessionofallthenecessarydocumentsforwithdrawingfromthehouseofPersicoourfamilyfortune，whichamountstofortythousandcrowns。Aquarterofthissumbelongstome，，andmymotherhaspromisedmysisterandmyselftoshareherdowrybetweenus。"
IconcludedfromthisthatshewouldbringherhusbandfifteenthousandVenetianducats。
Iguessedthatshewasappealingtomewithherfortune，andwishedtomakemeinlovewithherbyshewingherselfcharyofherfavours；
forwheneverIallowedmyselfanysmallliberties，shecheckedmewithwords，ofremonstrancetowhichIcouldfindnoanswer。I
determinedtomakeherpursueanothercourse。
NextdayItookherwithmetohergod—father’swithouttellingherthatIknewthecountess。Ifanciedtheladywouldpretendnottoknowme，butIwaswrong，asshewelcomedmeinthehandsomestmannerasifIwereanoldfriend。This，nodoubt，wasasurpriseforthecount，buthewastoomuchamanoftheworldto，shewanyastonishment。Heaskedherwhenshehadmademyacquaintance，andshe，likeawomanofexperience，answeredwithouttheslightesthesitationthatwehadseeneachothertwoyearsagoatMira。Thematterwassettled，andwespentaverypleasantday。
TowardseveningItooktheyoungladyinmygondolabacktothehouse，butwishingtoshortenthejourneyIallowedmyselftoindulgeinafewcaresses。Iwashurtatbeingrespondedtobyreproaches，andforthatreason，assoonasshehadsetfootonherowndoorstep，insteadofgettingoutIwenttoTonine’shouse，andspentnearlythewholenighttherewiththeambassador，whocamealittleafterme。
Nextday，asIdidnotgetuptillquitelate，therewasnodancinglesson，andwhenIexcusedmyselfshetoldmenottotroubleanymoreaboutit。IntheeveningIsatonthebalconyfarintothenight，butshedidnotcome。VexedatthisairofindifferenceIroseearlyinthemorningandwentout，notreturningtillnightfall。Shewasonthebalcony，butasshekeptmeatarespectfuldistanceIonlytalkedtoheroncommonplacesubjects。InthemorningIwasrousedbyatremendousnoise。Igotup，andhurriedlyputtingonmydressing—gownranintoherroomtoseewhatwasthematter，onlytofindherdying。Ihadnoneedtofeignaninterestinher，forI
feltthemosttenderconcern。AsitwasatthebeginningofJulyitwasextremelyhot，andmyfairinvalidwasonlycoveredbyathinsheet。Shecouldonlyspeaktomewithhereyes，butthoughthelidswereloweredshelookeduponmesolovingly！Iaskedherifshesufferedfrompalpitations，andlayingmyhanduponherheartI
pressedafierykissuponherbreast。Thiswastheelectricspark，forshegaveasighwhichdidhergood。ShehadnotstrengthtorepulsethehandwhichIpressedamorouslyuponherheart，andbecomingbolderIfastenedmyburninglipsuponherlanguidmouth。
Iwarmedherwithmybreath，andmyaudacioushandpenetratedtotheverysanctuaryofbliss。Shemadeanefforttopushmeback，andtoldmewithhereyes，sinceshecouldnotspeak，howinsultedshefelt。Idrewbackmyhand，andatthatmomentthesurgeoncame。
Hardlywastheveinopenedwhenshedrewalongbreath，andbythetimetheoperationwasovershewishedtogetup。Ientreatedhertostayinbed，andhermotheraddedhervoicetomine；atlastI
persuadedher，tellingherthatIwouldnotleaveherforasecond，andthatIwouldhavemydinnerbyherbedside。Shethenputonacorsetandaskedhersistertodrawasarcenetcoverletoverher，asherlimbscouldbeseenasplainlyasthroughacrapeveil。
Havinggivenordersformydinner，Isatdownbyherbedside，burningwithlove，andtakingherhandandcoveringitwithkissesItoldherthatIwassureshewouldgetbetterifshewouldletherselflove。
"Alas！"shesaid，"whomshallIlove，notknowingwhetherIshallbelovedinreturn？"
Ididnotleavethisquestionunanswered，andcontinuingtheamorousdiscoursewithanimationIwonasighandalovelornglance。Iputmyhandonherknee，begginghertoletmeleaveitthere，andpromisingtogonofarther，butlittlebylittleIattainedthecenter，andstrovetogivehersomepleasantsensations。
"Letmealone，"saidshe，inasentimentalvoice，drawingaway，"’tisperchancethecauseofmyillness。"
"No，sweetheart，"Ireplied，"thatcannotbe。"Andmymouthstoppedallherobjectionsuponherlips。
Iwasenchanted，forIwasnowinafairway，andIsawthemomentofblissinthedistance，feelingcertainthatIcouldeffectacureifthedoctorwasnotmistaken。Isparedherallindiscreetquestionsoutofregardforhermodesty；butIdeclaredmyselfherlover，promisingtoasknothingofherbutwhatwasnecessarytofeedthefireofmylove。Theysentmeupaverygooddinner，andshedidjusticetoit；afterwardssayingthatshewasquitewellshegotup，andIwentawaytodressmyselfforgoingout。Icamebackearlyintheevening，andfoundheronmybalcony。There，asIsatclosetoherlookingintoherface，speakingbyturnsthelanguageoftheeyesandthatofsighs，fixingmyamorousgazeuponthosecharmswhichthemoonlightrenderedsweeter，Imadehershareinthefirewhichconsumedme；andasIpressedheramorouslytomybosomshecompletedmyblisswithsuchwarmththatIcouldeasilyseethatshethoughtshewasreceivingafavourandnotgrantingone。Isacrificedthevictimwithoutstainingthealtarwithblood。
Hersistercametotellherthatitgrewlate。
"Doyougotobed，"sheanswered；"thefreshairisdoingmegood，andIwanttoenjoyitalittlelonger。"
Assoonaswewerealonewewenttobedtogetherasifwehadbeendoingitforawholeyear，andwepassedagloriousnight，Ifullofloveandthedesireofcuringher，andsheoftenderandardentvoluptuousness。Atday—breaksheembracedme，hereyesdewywithbliss，andwenttoliedowninherownbed。I，likeher，stoodinneedofarest，andonthatdaytherewasnotalkofadancinglesson。Inspiteofthefiercepleasureofenjoymentandthetransportsofthisdelightfulgirl，Ididnotforamomentlayprudenceaside。Wecontinuedtopasssuchnightsastheseforthreeweeks，andIhadthepleasureofseeingherthoroughlycured。I
shoulddoubtlesshavemarriedher，ifaneventhadnothappenedtometowardstheendofthemonth，ofwhichIshallspeaklowerdown。
Youwillremember，dearreader，aboutaromancebytheAbbeChiari，asatiricalromancewhichMr。Murrayhadgivenme，andinwhichIfaredbadlyenoughattheauthor’shandsIhadsmallreasontobepleasedwithhim，andIlethimknowmyopinioninsuchwisethattheabbewhodreadedacaning，keptuponhisguard。AboutthesametimeI
receivedananonymousletter，thewriterofwhichtoldmethatI
shouldbebetteroccupiedintakingcareofmyselfthaninthoughtsofchastisingtheabbe，forIwasthreatenedbyanimminentdanger。
Anonymousletter—writersshouldbeheldincontempt，butoneoughttoknowhow，onoccasion，tomakethebestofadvicegiveninthatway。
Ididnothing，andmadeagreatmistake。
AboutthesametimeamannamedManuzzi，astonesetterforhisfirsttrade，andalsoaspy，avileagentoftheStateInquisitors——amanofwhomIknewnothing——foundawaytomakemyacquaintancebyofferingtoletmehavediamondsoncredit，andbythismeanshegottheentryofmyhouse。Ashewaslookingatsomebooksscatteredhereandthereabouttheroom，hestoppedshortatthemanuscriptswhichwereonmagic。Enjoyingfoolishlyenough，hislookofastonishment，Ishewedhimthebookswhichteachonehowtosummontheelementaryspirits。Myreaderswill，Ihope，domethefavourtobelievethatIputnofaithintheseconjuringbooks，butIhadthembymeandusedtoamusemyselfwiththemasonedoesamuseone’sselfwiththemultitudinousfollieswhichproceedfromtheheadsofvisionaries。Afewdaysafter，thetraitorcametoseemeandtoldmethatacollector，whosenamehemightnottellme，wasreadytogivemeathousandsequinsformyfivebooks，butthathewouldliketoexaminethemfirsttoseeiftheyweregenuine。Ashepromisedtoletmehavethembackintwenty—fourhours，andnotthinkingmuchaboutthematter，Ilethimhavethem。Hedidnotfailtobringthembackthenextday，tellingmethatthecollectorthoughtthemforgeries。Ifoundout，someyearsafter，thathehadtakenthemtotheStateInquisitors，whothusdiscoveredthatIwasanotablemagician。
Everythingthathappenedthroughoutthisfatalmonthtendedtomyruin，forMadameMemmo，motherofAndre，Bernard，andLaurentMemmo，hadtakenitintoherheadthatIhadinclinedhersonstoatheisticopinions，andtookcounselwiththeoldknightAntonyMocenigo，M。deBragadin’suncle，whowasangrywithme，because，ashesaid，Ihadconspiredtoseducehisnephew。Thematterwasaseriousone，andanauto—da—fewasverypossible，asitcameunderthejurisdictionoftheHolyOffice——akindofwildbeast，withwhichitisnotgoodtoquarrel。Nevertheless，astherewouldbesomedifficultyinshuttingmeupintheecclesiasticalprisonsoftheHolyOffice，itwasdeterminedtocarrymycasebeforetheStateInquisitors，whotookuponthemselvestheprovisionaldutyofputtingawatchuponmymannerofliving。
M。AntonyCondulmer，whoasafriendofAbbeChiari’swasanenemyofmine，wasthenanInquisitorofState，andhetooktheopportunityoflookinguponmeinthelightofadisturberofthepeaceofthecommonwealth。Asecretaryofanembassy，whomIknewsomeyearsafter，toldmethatapaidinformer，withtwootherwitnesses，also，doubtless，inthepayofthisgrandtribunal，haddeclaredthatIwasguiltyofonlybelievinginthedevil，asifthisabsurdbelief，ifitwerepossible，didnotnecessarilyconnoteabeliefinGod！ThesethreehonestfellowstestifiedwithanoaththatwhenIlostmoneyatplay，onwhichoccasionallthefaithfularewonttoblaspheme，Iwasneverheardtocursethedevil。Iwasfurtheraccusedofeatingmeatalltheyearround，ofonlygoingtohearfinemasses，andIwasvehementlysuspectedofbeingaFreemason。ItwasaddedthatI
frequentedthesocietyofforeignministers，andthatlivingasIdidwiththreenoblemen，itwascertainthatIrevealed，forthelargesumswhichIwasseentolose，asmanystatesecretsasIcouldwormoutofthem。
Alltheseaccusations，noneofwhichhadanyfoundationinfact，servedtheTribunalasapretexttotreatmeasanenemyofthecommonwealthandasaprimeconspirator。ForseveralweeksIwascounselledbypersonswhomImighthavetrustedtogoabroadwhilsttheTribunalwasengagedonmycase。Thisshouldhavebeenenough，fortheonlypeoplewhocanliveinpeaceatVenicearethosewhoseexistencetheTribunalisignorantof，butIobstinatelydespisedallthesehints。IfIhadlistenedtotheindirectadvicewhichwasgivenme，Ishouldhavebecomeanxious，andIwastheswornfoeofallanxiety。Ikeptsayingtomyself，"IfeelremorsefornothingandIamthereforeguiltyofnothing，andtheinnocenthavenothingtofear。"Iwasafool，forIarguedasifIhadbeenafreemaninafreecountry。Imustalsoconfessthatwhattoagreatextentkeptmefromthinkingofpossiblemisfortunewastheactualmisfortunewhichoppressedmefrommorningtonight。Ilosteveryday，Iowedmoneyeverywhere，Ihadpawnedallmyjewels，andevenmyportraitcases，takingtheprecaution，however，ofremovingtheportraits，whichwithmyimportantpapersandmyamorouslettersIhadplacedinthehandsofMadameManzoni。Ifoundmyselfavoidedinsociety。Anoldsenatortoldme，oneday，thatitwasknownthattheyoungCountessBonafedehadbecomemadinconsequenceofthelovephiltresIhadgivenher。Shewasstillattheasylum，andinhermomentsofdeliriumshedidnothingbututtermynamewithcurses。Imustletmyreadersintothesecretofthissmallhistory。
ThisyoungCountessBonafede，towhomIhadgivensomesequinsafewdaysaftermyreturntoVenice，thoughtherselfcapableofmakingmecontinuemyvisits，fromwhichshehadprofitedlargely。WorriedbyherlettersIwenttoseeherseveraltimes，andalwaysleftherafewsequins，butwiththeexceptionofmyfirstvisitIwasneverpoliteenoughtogiveheranyproofsofmyaffection。Mycoldnesshadbaulkedallherendeavoursforayear，whensheplayedacriminalpart，ofwhich，thoughIwasneverableabsolutelytoconvicther，I
hadeveryreasontobelieveherguilty。
Shewrotemealetter，inwhichsheimportunedmetocomeandseeheratacertainhouronimportantbusiness。
Mycuriosity，aswellasadesiretobeofservicetoher，tookmethereattheappointedtime；butassoonasshesawmesheflungherarmsroundmyneck，andtoldmethattheimportantbusinesswaslove。
Thismademelaughheartily，andIwaspleasedtofindherlookingneaterthanusual，which，doubtless，mademefindherlookingprettier。SheremindedmeofSt。Andre，andsucceededsowellinhereffortsthatIwasonthepointofsatisfyingherdesires。Itookoffmycloak，andaskedherifherfatherwerein。Shetoldmehehadgoneout。Beingobligedtogooutforaminute，incomingbackI
mistookthedoor，andIfoundmyselfinthenextroom，whereIwasmuchastonishedtoseethecountandtwovillainous—lookingfellowswithhim。
"Mydearcount，"Isaid，"yourdaughterhasjusttoldmethatyouwereout。"
"Imyselftoldhertodoso，asIhavesomebusinesswiththesegentlemen，which，however，canwaitforanotherday。"
Iwouldhavegone，buthestoppedme，andhavingdismissedthetwomenhetoldmethathewasdelightedtoseeme，andforthwithbeganthetaleofhistroubles，whichwereofmorethanonekind。TheStateInquisitorshadstoppedhisslenderpension，andhewasontheeveofseeinghimselfdrivenoutwithhisfamilyintothestreetstobeghisbread。Hesaidthathehadnotbeenabletopayhislandlordanythingforthreeyears，butifhecouldpayonlyaquarter’srent，hewouldobtainarespite，orifhepersistedinturninghimout，hecouldmakeanight—flittingofit，andtakeuphisabodesomewhereelse。Asheonlywantedtwentyducats，Itookoutsixsequinsandgavethemtohim。Heembracedme，andshedtearsofjoy；then，takinghispoorcloak，hecalledhisdaughter，toldhertokeepmecompany，andwentout。
Alonewiththecountess，Iexaminedthedoorofcommunicationbetweenthetworoomsandfounditslightlyopen。
"Yourfather，"Isaid，"wouldhavesurprisedme，anditiseasytoguesswhathewouldhavedonewiththetwosbirriwhowerewithhim。
Theplotisclear，andIhaveonlyescapedfromitbythehappiestofchances。"
Shedenied，wept，calledGodtowitness，threwherselfonherknees；
butIturnedmyheadaway，andtakingmycloakwentawaywithoutaword。Shekeptonwritingtome，butherlettersremainedunanswered，andIsawhernomore。
Itwassummer—time，andbetweentheheat，herpassions，hunger，andwretchedness，herheadwasturned，andshebecamesomadthatshewentoutofthehousestarknaked，andranupanddownSt。Peter’sPlace，askingthosewhostoppedhertotakehertomyhouse。Thissadstorywentalloverthetownandcausedmeagreatdealofannoyance。Thepoorwretchwassenttoanasylum，anddidnotrecoverherreasonforfiveyears。Whenshecameoutshefoundherselfreducedtobegherbreadinthestreets，likeallherbrothers，exceptone，whomIfoundacadetintheguardsoftheKingofSpaintwelveyearsafterwards。
AtthetimeofwhichIamspeakingallthishadhappenedayearago，butthestorywasdugupagainstme，anddressedoutintheattireoffiction，andthusformedpartofthosecloudswhichweretodischargetheirthunderuponmetomydestruction。
IntheJulyof1755thehatefulcourtgaveMesser—Grandeinstructionstosecureme，aliveordead。InthisfuriousstyleallordersforarrestsproceedingfromtheThreewereissued，fortheleastoftheircommandscarriedwithitthepenaltyofdeath。
ThreeorfourdaysbeforetheFeastofSt。James，mypatronsaint，M————M————mademeapresentofseveralellsofsilverlacetotrimasarcenetdresswhichIwasgoingtowearontheeveofthefeast。
Iwenttoseeher，dressedinmyfinesuit，andItoldherthatI
shouldcomeagainonthedayfollowingtoaskhertolendmesomemoney，asIdidnotknowwheretoturntofindsome。ShewasstillinpossessionofthefivehundredsequinswhichshehadputasidewhenIhadsoldherdiamonds。
AsIwassureofgettingthemoneyinthemorningIpassedthenightatplay，andIlostthefivehundredsequinsinadvance。Atday—
break，beinginneedofalittlequiet，IwenttotheErberia，aspaceofgroundonthequayoftheGrandCanal。Hereisheldtheherb，fruit，andflowermarket。
PeopleingoodsocietywhocometowalkintheErberiaataratherearlyhourusuallysaythattheycometoseethehundredsofboatsladenwithvegetables，fruitandflowers，whichhailfromthenumerousislandsnearthetown；buteveryoneknowsthattheyaremenandwomenwhohavebeenspendingthenightintheexcessesofVenusorBacchus，orwhohavelostallhopeatthegaming—table，andcomeheretobreathapurerairandtocalmtheirminds。Thefashionofwalkinginthisplaceshewshowthecharacterofanationchanges。
TheVenetiansofoldtimewhomadeasgreatamysteryofloveasofstateaffairs，havebeenreplacedbythemodernVenetians，whosemostprominentcharacteristicistomakeamysteryofnothing。ThosewhocometotheErberiawithwomenwishtoexcitetheenvyoftheirfriendsbythuspublishingtheirgoodfortune。Thosewhocomealoneareonthewatchfordiscoveries，oronthelook—outformaterialstomakewivesorhusbandsjealous，thewomenonlycometobeseen，gladtoleteverybodyknowthattheyarewithoutanyrestraintupontheiractions。Therewascertainlynoquestionofsmartnessthere，consideringthedisorderedstyleofdressworn。Thewomenseemedtohaveagreedtoshewallthesignsofdisorderimaginable，togivethosewhosawthemsomethingtotalkabout。Asforthemen，onwhosearmstheyleaned，theircarelessandloungingairswereintendedtogivetheideaofasurfeitofpleasure，andtomakeonethinkthatthedisorderedappearanceoftheircompanionswasasuretriumphtheyhadenjoyed。Inshortitwasthecorrectthingtolooktiredout，andasifonestoodinneedofsleep。
Thisveraciousdescription，reader，willnotgiveyouaveryhighopinionofthemoralsofmydearfellowcitizens；butwhatobjectshouldIhaveatmyagefordeceiving？Veniceisnotattheworld’send，butiswellenoughknowntothosewhosecuriositybringsthemintoItaly；andeveryonecanseeforhimselfifmypicturesareoverdrawn。
Afterwalkingupanddownforhalfanhour，Icameaway，andthinkingthewholehousestilla—bedIdrewmykeyouttoopenthedoor，butwhatwasmyastonishmenttofindituseless，asthedoorwasopen，andwhatismore，thelockburstoff。Iranupstairs，andfoundthemallup，andmylandladyutteringbitterlamentations。
"Messer—Grande，"shetoldme，"hasenteredmyhouseforcibly，accompaniedbyabandofsbirri。Heturnedeverythingupsidedown，onthepretextthathewasinsearchofaportmanteaufullofsalt——ahighlycontrabandarticle。Hesaidheknewthataportmanteauhadbeenlandedtheretheeveningbefore，whichwasquitetrue；butitbelongedtoCountS————，andonlycontainedlinenandclothes。
Messer—Grande，afterinspectingit，wentoutwithoutsayingaword。"
Hehadalsopaidmyroomavisit。Shetoldmethatshemusthavesomereparationmadeher，andthinkingshewasintherightI
promisedtospeaktoM。deBragadinonthematterthesameday。
Needingrestaboveallthings，Ilaydown，butmynervousexcitement，whichIattributedtomyheavylossesatplay，mademeriseafterthreeorfourhours，andIwenttoseeM。deBragadin，towhomItoldthewholestorybegginghimtopressforsomesignalamends。Imadealivelyrepresentationtohimofallthegroundsonwhichmylandladyrequiredproportionateamendstobemade，sincethelawsguaranteedthepeaceofalllaw—abidingpeople。
IsawthatthethreefriendsweregreatlysaddenedbywhatIsaid，andthewiseoldman，quietlybutsadly，toldmethatIshouldhavemyanswerafterdinner。
DelaHayedinedwithus，butallthroughthemeal，whichwasamelancholyone，hespokenotaword。Hissilenceshouldhavetoldmeall，ifIhadnotbeenundertheinfluenceofsomemalevolentgeniiwhowouldnotallowmetoexercisemycommonsense:astothesorrowofmythreefriends，Iputthatdowntotheirfriendshipforme。
Myconnectionwiththeseworthymenhadalwaysbeenthetalkofthetown，andasallwereagreedthatitcouldnotbeexplainedonnaturalgrounds，itwasdeemedtobetheeffectofsomesorceryexercisedbyme。Thesethreemenwerethoroughlyreligiousandvirtuouscitizens；Iwasnothingifnotirreligious，andVenicedidnotcontainagreaterlibertine。Virtue，itwassaid，mayhavecompassiononvice，butcannotbecomeitsfriend。
AfterdinnerM。deBragadintookmeintohisclosetwithhistwofriends，fromwhomhehadnosecrets。HetoldmewithwonderfulcalmnessthatinsteadofmeditatingvengeanceonMesser—GrandeI
shouldbethinkingofputtingmyselfinaplaceofsafety。
"Theportmanteau，"saidhe，"wasamerepretext；itwasyoutheywantedandthoughttofind。Sinceyourgoodgeniushasmadethemmissyou，lookoutforyourself；perhapsbyto—morrowitmaybetoolate。IhavebeenaStateInquisitorforeightmonths，andIknowthewayinwhichthearrestsorderedbythecourtarecarriedout。
Theywouldnotbreakopenadoortolookforaboxofsalt。Indeed，itispossiblethattheyknewyouwereout，andsoughttowarnyoutoescapeinthismanner。Takemyadvice，mydearson，andsetoutdirectlyforFusina，andthenceasquicklyasyoucanmakeyourwaytoFlorence，whereyoucanremaintillIwritetoyouthatyoumayreturnwithsafety。IfyouhavenomoneyIwillgiveyouahundredsequinsforpresentexpenses。Believemethatprudencebidsyougo。"
Blindedbymyfolly，IansweredhimthatbeingguiltyofnothingI
hadnothingtofear，andthatconsequently，althoughIknewhisadvicewasgood，Icouldnotfollowit。
"Thehighcourt，"saidhe，"maydeemyouguiltyofcrimesrealorimaginary；butinanycaseitwillgiveyounoaccountoftheaccusationsagainstyou。Askyouroracleifyoushallfollowmyadviceornot。"IrefusedbecauseIknewthefollyofsuchaproceeding，butbywayofexcuseIsaidthatIonlyconsulteditwhenIwasindoubt。Finally，IreasonedthatifIfledIshouldbeshewingfear，andthusconfessingmyguilt，foraninnocentman，feelingnoremorse，cannotreasonablybeafraidofanything。
"Ifsecrecy，"saidI，"isoftheessenceoftheCourt，youcannotpossiblyjudge，aftermyescape，whetherIhavedonesorightlyorwrongly。Thesamereasons，which，accordingtoyourexcellence，bidmego，wouldforbidmyreturn。MustIthensaygood—byeforevertomycountry，andallthatisdeartome？"Asalastresourcehetriedtopersuademetopassthefollowingdayandnight，atleast，atthepalace。IamstillashamedofhavingrefusedtheworthyoldmantowhomIowedsomuchthisfavour；forthepalaceofanobleissacredtothepolicewhodarenotcrossitsthresholdwithoutaspecialorderfromtheTribunal，whichispracticallynevergiven；byyieldingtohisrequestIshouldhaveavoidedagrievousmisfortune，andsparedtheworthyoldmansomeacutegrief。
IwasmovedtoseeM。deBragadinweeping，andperhapsImighthavegrantedtohistearsthatwhichIhadobstinatelyrefusedtohisargumentsandentreaties。"ForHeaven’ssake！"saidI，"sparemetheharrowingsightofyourtears。"Inaninstanthesummonedallhisstrengthtohisassistance，madesomeindifferentremarks，andthen，withasmilefullofgoodnature，heembracedme，saying，"PerhapsI
maybefatednevertoseeyouagain，but’Fataviaminvenient’。"
Iembracedhimaffectionately，andwentaway，buthispredictionwasverified，forIneversawhimagain；hediedelevenyearsafterwards。
Ifoundmyselfinthestreetwithoutfeelingtheslightestfear，butIwasinagooddealoftroubleaboutmydebts。IhadnotthehearttogotoMurantotakeawayfromM。M。herlastfivehundredsequins，whichsumIowedtothemanwhowonitfrommeinthenight；I
preferredaskinghimtowaiteightdays，andIdidso。AfterperformingthisunpleasantpieceofbusinessIreturnedhome，and，havingconsoledmylandladytotheutmostofmypower，Ikissedthedaughter，andlaydowntosleep。ThedatewasJuly25th，1755。
Nextmorningatday—breakwhoshouldentermyroombuttheawfulMesser—Grande。Toawake，toseehim，andtohearhimaskingifI
wereJacquesCasanova，wastheworkofamoment。Atmy"yes，IamCasanova，"hetoldmetorise，toputonmyclothes，togivehimallthepapersandmanuscriptsinmypossession，andtofollowhim。
"Onwhoseauthoritydoyouordermetodothis？"
"BytheauthorityoftheTribunal。"
EndMEMOIRSOFJACQUESCASANOVAdeSEINGALT1725—1798
TOPARISANDPRISON，Volume2e——UNDERTHELEADS
THERAREUNABRIDGEDLONDONEDITIONOF1894TRANSLATEDBYARTHUR
MACHENTOWHICHHASBEENADDEDTHECHAPTERSDISCOVERED
BYARTHURSYMONS。
UNDERTHELEADS
CHAPTERXXVI
UnderTheLeads——TheEarthquakeWhatastrangeandunexplainedpowercertainwordsexerciseuponthesoul！I，whotheeveningbeforesobravelyfortifiedmyselfwithmyinnocenceandcourage，bythewordtribunalwasturnedtoastone，withmerelythefacultyofpassiveobediencelefttome。