"Whatcanwedointhedark？"
　　"Wecantalk。"
　　Wewerefour；forthelastthreehourswehadbeentalking，andIwastheherooftheromance。Loveisagreatpoet，itsresourcesareinexhaustible，butiftheendithasinviewisnotobtained，itfeelswearyandremainssilent。MyAngelalistenedwillingly，butlittledisposedtotalkherself，sheseldomanswered，andshedisplayedgoodsenseratherthanwit。Toweakentheforceofmyarguments，shewasoftensatisfiedwithhurlingatmeaproverb，somewhatinthefashionoftheRomansthrowingthecatapult。Everytimethatmypoorhandscametotheassistanceoflove，shedrewherselfbackorrepulsedme。Yet，inspiteofall，Iwentontalkingandusingmyhandswithoutlosingcourage，butIgavemyselfuptodespairwhenIfoundthatmyratherartfularguingastoundedherwithoutbringingconvictiontoherheart，whichwasonlydisquieted，neversoftened。Ontheotherhand，IcouldseewithastonishmentupontheircountenancestheimpressionmadeuponthetwosistersbytheardentspeechesIpouredouttoAngela。Thismetaphysicalcurvestruckmeasunnatural，itoughttohavebeenanangle；Iwasthen，unhappilyformyself，studyinggeometry。Iwasinsuchastatethat，notwithstandingthecold，Iwasperspiringprofusely。Atlastthelightwasnearlyout，andNanettetookitaway。
　　Themomentwewereinthedark，IverynaturallyextendedmyarmstoseizeherwhomIloved；butIonlymetwithemptyspace，andIcouldnothelplaughingattherapiditywithwhichAngelahadavailedherselfoftheopportunityofescapingme。ForonefullhourI
　　pouredoutallthetender，cheerfulwordsthatloveinspiredmewith，topersuadehertocomebacktome；Icouldonlysupposethatitwasajoketoteaseme。ButIbecameimpatient。
　　"Thejoke，"Isaid，"haslastedlongenough；itisfoolish，asI
　　couldnotrunafteryou，andIamsurprisedtohearyoulaugh，foryourstrangeconductleadsmetosupposethatyouaremakingfunofme。Comeandtakeyourseatnearme，andifImustspeaktoyouwithoutseeingyouletmyhandsassuremethatIamnotaddressingmywordstotheemptyair。Tocontinuethisgamewouldbeaninsulttome，andmylovedoesnotdeservesuchareturn。"
　　"Well，becalm。Iwilllistentoeverywordyoumaysay，butyoumustfeelthatitwouldnotbedecentformetoplacemyselfnearyouinthisdarkroom。"
　　"DoyouwantmetostandwhereIamuntilmorning？"
　　"Liedownonthebed，andgotosleep。"
　　"Inwonder，indeed，atyourthinkingmecapableofdoingsointhestateIamin。Well，Isupposewemustplayatblindman’sbuff。"
　　Thereupon，Ibegantofeelrightandleft，everywhere，butinvain。
　　WheneverIcaughtanyoneitalwaysturnedouttobeNanetteorMarton，whoatoncediscoveredthemselves，andI，stupidDonQuixote，instantlywouldletthemgo！Loveandprejudiceblindedme，IcouldnotseehowridiculousIwaswithmyrespectfulreserve。IhadnotyetreadtheanecdotesofLouisXIII，kingofFrance，butIhadreadBoccacio。Ikeptonseekinginvain，reproachingherwithhercruelty，andentreatinghertoletmecatchher；butshewouldonlyanswerthatthedifficultyofmeetingeachotherwasmutual。Theroomwasnotlarge，andIwasenragedatmywantofsuccess。
　　Tiredandstillmorevexed，Isatdown，andforthenexthourItoldthehistoryofRoger，whenAngelicadisappearsthroughthepowerofthemagicringwhichthelovingknighthadsoimprudentlygivenher:
　　’Cosidicendo，intornoalafortunaBrancolandon’andavacomecieco。
　　Oquantevolteabbracciol’ariavanaSpeyandoladonzellaabbracciarseco’。
　　AngelahadnotreadAriosto，butNanettehaddonesoseveraltimes。
　　SheundertookthedefenceofAngelica，andblamedthesimplicityofRoger，who，ifhehadbeenwise，wouldneverhavetrustedtheringtoacoquette。IwasdelightedwithNanette，butIwasyettoomuchofanovicetoapplyherremarkstomyself。
　　Onlyonemorehourremained，andIwastoleavebeforethebreakofday，forMadameOriowouldhavediedratherthangivewaytothetemptationofmissingtheearlymass。DuringthathourIspoketoAngela，tryingtoconvinceherthatsheoughttocomeandsitbyme。
　　Mysoulwentthrougheverygradationofhopeanddespair，andthereadercannotpossiblyrealizeitunlesshehasbeenplacedinasimilarposition。Iexhaustedthemostconvincingarguments；thenI
　　hadrecoursetoprayers，andeventotears；but，seeingallwasuseless，Igavewaytothatfeelingofnobleindignationwhichlendsdignitytoanger。HadInotbeeninthedark，Imight，Itrulybelieve，havestrucktheproudmonster，thecruelgirl，whohadthusforfivehourscondemnedmetothemostdistressingsuffering。I
　　pouredoutalltheabuse，alltheinsultingwordsthatdespisedlovecansuggesttoaninfuriatedmind；Iloadedherwiththedeepestcurses；Isworethatmylovehadentirelyturnedintohatred，and，asafinale，Iadvisedhertobecareful，asIwouldkillherthemomentIwouldsetmyeyesonher。
　　Myinvectivescametoanendwiththedarkness。Atthefirstbreakofday，andassoonasIheardthenoisemadebytheboltandthekeyofthestreetdoor，whichMadameOriowasopeningtoletherselfout，thatshemightseekinthechurchthereposeofwhichherpioussoulwasinneed，Igotmyselfreadyandlookedformycloakandformyhat。ButhowcanIeverportraytheconsternationinwhichIwasthrownwhen，castingaslyglanceupontheyoungfriends，Ifoundthethreebathedintears！InmyshameanddespairIthoughtofcommittingsuicide，andsittingdownagain，Irecollectedmybrutalspeeches，andupbraidedmyselfforhavingwantonlycausedthemtoweep。Icouldnotsayoneword；Ifeltchoking；atlasttearscametomyassistance，andIgavewaytoafitofcryingwhichrelievedme。Nanettethenremarkedthatherauntwouldsoonreturnhome；I
　　driedmyeyes，and，notventuringanotherlookatAngelaoratherfriends，Iranawaywithoututteringaword，andthrewmyselfonmybed，wheresleepwouldnotvisitmytroubledmind。
　　Atnoon，M。deMalipiero，noticingthechangeinmycountenance，enquiredwhatailedme，andlongingtounburdenmyheart，Itoldhimallthathadhappened。Thewiseoldmandidnotlaughatmysorrow，butbyhissensibleadvicehemanagedtoconsolemeandtogivemecourage。HewasinthesamepredicamentwiththebeautifulTherese。
　　Yethecouldnothelpgivingwaytohismerrimentwhenatdinnerhesawme，inspiteofmygrief，eatwithincreasedappetite；Ihadgonewithoutmysupperthenightbefore；hecomplimentedmeuponmyhappyconstitution。
　　IwasdeterminednevertovisitMadameOrio’shouse，andonthatverydayIheldanargumentinmetaphysics，inwhichIcontendedthatanybeingofwhomwehadonlyanabstractidea，couldonlyexistabstractedly，andIwasright；butitwasaveryeasytasktogivetomythesisanirreligiousturn，andIwasobligedtorecant。AfewdaysafterwardsIwenttoPadua，whereItookmydegreeofdoctor’utroquejure’。
　　WhenIreturnedtoVenice，IreceivedanotefromM。Rosa，whoentreatedmetocalluponMadameOrio；shewishedtoseeme，and，feelingcertainofnotmeetingAngela，Ipaidheravisitthesameevening。Thetwogracefulsistersweresokind，sopleasant，thattheyscatteredtothewindstheshameIfeltatseeingthemafterthefearfulnightIhadpassedintheirroomtwomonthsbefore。ThelaboursofwritingmythesisandpassingmyexaminationwereofcoursesufficientexcusesforMadameOrio，whoonlywantedtoreproachmeforhavingremainedsolongawayfromherhouse。
　　AsIleft，NanettegavemealettercontaininganotefromAngela，thecontentsofwhichranasfollows:
　　"Ifyouarenotafraidofpassinganothernightwithmeyoushallhavenoreasontocomplainofme，forIloveyou，andIwishtohearfromyourownlipswhetheryouwouldstillhavelovedmeifIhadconsentedtobecomecontemptibleinyoureyes。"
　　ThisistheletterofNanette，whoalonehadherwitsabouther:
　　"M。Rosahavingundertakentobringyoubacktoourhouse，IpreparethesefewlinestoletyouknowthatAngelaisindespairathavinglostyou。Iconfessthatthenightyouspentwithuswasacruelone，butIdonotthinkthatyoudidrightlyingivingupyourvisitstoMadameOrio。IfyoustillfeelanyloveforAngela，Iadviseyoutotakeyourchancesoncemore。Acceptarendezvousforanothernight；shemayvindicateherself，andyouwillbehappy。Believeme；
　　come。Farewell！"
　　Thosetwolettersaffordedmemuchgratification，forIhaditinmypowertoenjoymyrevengebyshewingtoAngelathecoldestcontempt。
　　Therefore，onthefollowingSundayIwenttoMadameOrio’shouse，havingprovidedmyselfwithasmokedtongueandacoupleofbottlesofCypruswine；buttomygreatsurprisemycruelmistresswasnotthere。Nanettetoldmethatshehadmetheratchurchinthemorning，andthatshewouldnotbeabletocomebeforesupper—time。
　　TrustingtothatpromiseIdeclinedMadamOrio’sinvitation，andbeforethefamilysatdowntosupperIlefttheroomasIhaddoneontheformeroccasion，andslippedupstairs。IlongedtorepresentthecharacterIhadpreparedmyselffor，andfeelingassuredthatAngela，evenifsheshouldprovelesscruel，wouldonlygrantmeinsignificantfavours，Idespisedtheminanticipation，andresolvedtobeavenged。
　　Afterwaitingthreequartersofanhourthestreetdoorwaslocked，andamomentlaterNanetteandMartonenteredtheroom。
　　"WhereisAngela？"Ienquired。
　　"Shemusthavebeenunabletocome，ortosendamessage。Yetsheknowsyouarehere。"
　　"Shethinksshehasmadeafoolofme；butIsuspectedshewouldactinthisway。Youknowhernow。Sheistriflingwithme，andverylikelysheisnowrevellinginhertriumph。Shehasmadeuseofyoutoalluremeinthesnare，anditisallthebetterforher；hadshecome，Imeanttohavehadmyturn，andtohavelaughedather。"
　　"Ah！youmustallowmetohavemydoubtsastothat。"
　　"Doubtmenot，beautifulNanette；thepleasantnightwearegoingtospendwithouthermustconvinceyou。"
　　"Thatistosaythat，asamanofsense，youcanacceptusasamakeshift；butyoucansleephere，andmysistercanliewithmeonthesofainthenextroom。"
　　"Icannothinderyou，butitwouldbegreatunkindnessonyourpart。
　　Atallevents，Idonotintendtogotobed。"
　　"What！youwouldhavethecouragetospendsevenhoursalonewithus？
　　Why，Iamcertainthatinashorttimeyouwillbeatalosswhattosay，andyouwillfallasleep。"
　　"Well，weshallsee。Inthemean—timehereareprovisions。Youwillnotbesocruelastoletmeeatalone？Canyougetanybread？"
　　"Yes，andtopleaseyouwemusthaveasecondsupper。"
　　"Ioughttobeinlovewithyou。Tellme，beautifulNanette，ifI
　　wereasmuchattachedtoyouasIwastoAngela，wouldyoufollowherexampleandmakemeunhappy？"
　　"Howcanyouasksuchaquestion？Itisworthyofaconceitedman。
　　AllIcanansweris，thatIdonotknowwhatIwoulddo。"
　　Theylaidthecloth，broughtsomebread，someParmesancheeseandwater，laughingallthewhile，andthenwewenttowork。Thewine，towhichtheywerenotaccustomed，wenttotheirheads，andtheirgaietywassoondelightful。Iwondered，asIlookedatthem，atmyhavingbeenblindenoughnottoseetheirmerit。
　　Afteroursupper，whichwasdelicious，Isatbetweenthem，holdingtheirhands，whichIpressedtomylips，askingthemwhethertheyweretrulymyfriends，andwhethertheyapprovedofAngela’sconducttowardsme。Theybothansweredthatithadmadethemshedmanytears。"Thenletme，"Isaid，"haveforyouthetenderfeelingsofabrother，andsharethosefeelingsyourselvesasifyouweremysisters；letusexchange，inallinnocence，proofsofourmutualaffection，andsweartoeachotheraneternalfidelity。"
　　ThefirstkissIgavethemwaspromptedbyentirelyharmlessmotives，andtheyreturnedthekiss，astheyassuredmeafewdaysafterwardsonlytoprovetomethattheyreciprocatedmybrotherlyfeelings；butthoseinnocentkisses，aswerepeatedthem，verysoonbecameardentones，andkindledaflamewhichcertainlytookusbysurprise，forwestopped，asbycommonconsent，afterashorttime，lookingateachotherverymuchastonishedandratherserious。Theybothleftmewithoutaffectation，andIremainedalonewithmythoughts。Indeed，itwasnaturalthattheburningkissesIhadgivenandreceivedshouldhavesentthroughmethefireofpassion，andthatIshouldsuddenlyhavefallenmadlyinlovewiththetwoamiablesisters。
　　BothwerehandsomerthanAngela，andtheyweresuperiortoher——
　　Nanettebyhercharmingwit，Martonbyhersweetandsimplenature；I
　　couldnotunderstandhowIhadbeensolonginrenderingthemthejusticetheydeserved，buttheyweretheinnocentdaughtersofanoblefamily，andtheluckychancewhichhadthrowntheminmywayoughtnottoproveacalamityforthem。Iwasnotvainenoughtosupposethattheylovedme，butIcouldwellenoughadmitthatmykisseshadinfluencedtheminthesamemannerthattheirkisseshadinfluencedme，and，believingthistobethecase，itwasevidentthat，withalittlecunningonmypart，andofslypracticesofwhichtheywereignorant，Icouldeasily，duringthelongnightIwasgoingtospendwiththem，obtainfavours，theconsequencesofwhichmightbeverypositive。Theverythoughtmademeshudder，andIfirmlyresolvedtorespecttheirvirtue，neverdreamingthatcircumstancesmightprovetoostrongforme。
　　Whentheyreturned，Ireadupontheircountenancesperfectsecurityandsatisfaction，andIquicklyputonthesameappearance，withafulldeterminationnottoexposemyselfagaintothedangeroftheirkisses。
　　ForonehourwespokeofAngela，andIexpressedmydeterminationnevertoseeheragain，asIhadeveryproofthatshedidnotcareforme。"Shelovesyou，"saidtheartlessMarton；"Iknowshedoes，butifyoudonotmeantomarryher，youwilldowelltogiveupallintercoursewithher，forsheisquitedeterminednottograntyouevenakissaslongasyouarenotheracknowledgedsuitor。Youmustthereforeeithergiveuptheacquaintancealtogether，ormakeupyourmindthatshewillrefuseyoueverything。"
　　"Youargueverywell，buthowdoyouknowthatshelovesme？"
　　"Iamquitesureofit，andasyouhavepromisedtobeourbrother，I
　　cantellyouwhyIhavethatconviction。WhenAngelaisinbedwithme，sheembracesmelovinglyandcallsmeherdearabbe。"
　　ThewordswerescarcelyspokenwhenNanette，laughingheartily，placedherhandonhersister’slips，buttheinnocentconfessionhadsuchaneffectuponmethatIcouldhardlycontrolmyself。
　　MartontoldNanettethatIcouldnotpossiblybeignorantofwhattakesplacebetweenyounggirlssleepingtogether。
　　"Thereisnodoubt，"Isaid，"thateverybodyknowsthosetrifles，andIdonotthink，dearNanette，thatyououghttoreproachyoursisterwithindiscretionforherfriendlyconfidence。"
　　"Itcannotbehelpednow，butsuchthingsoughtnottobementioned。
　　IfAngelaknewit！"
　　"Shewouldbevexed，ofcourse；butMartonhasgivenmeamarkofherfriendshipwhichInevercanforget。Butitisallover；IhateAngela，andIdonotmeantospeaktoheranymore！sheisfalse，andshewishesmyruin。"
　　"Yet，lovingyou，isshewrongtothinkofhavingyouforherhusband？"
　　"Grantedthatsheisnot；butshethinksonlyofherownself，forsheknowswhatIsuffer，andherconductwouldbeverydifferentifshelovedme。Inthemeantime，thankstoherimagination，shefindsthemeansofsatisfyinghersenseswiththecharmingMartonwhokindlyperformsthepartofherhusband。"
　　Nanettelaughedlouder，butIkeptveryserious，andIwentontalkingtohersister，andpraisinghersincerity。Isaidthatverylikely，andtoreciprocateherkindness，Angelamustlikewisehavebeenherhusband，butsheanswered，withasmile，thatAngelaplayedhusbandonlytoNanette，andNanettecouldnotdenyit。
　　"But，"saidI，"whatnamedidNanette，inherrapture，givetoherhusband？"
　　"Nobodyknows。"
　　"Doyouloveanyone，Nanette？"
　　"Ido；butmysecretismyown。"
　　ThisreservegavemethesuspicionthatIhadsomethingtodowithhersecret，andthatNanettewastherivalofAngela。Suchadelightfulconversationcausedmetolosethewishofpassinganidlenightwithtwogirlssowellmadeforlove。
　　"Itisverylucky，"Iexclaimed，"thatIhaveforyouonlyfeelingsoffriendship；otherwiseitwouldbeveryhardtopassthenightwithoutgivingwaytothetemptationofbestowinguponyouproofsofmyaffection，foryouarebothsolovely，sobewitching，thatyouwouldturnthebrainsofanyman。"
　　AsIwentontalking，Ipretendedtobesomewhatsleepy；Nanettebeingthefirsttonoticeit，said，"Gotobedwithoutanyceremony，wewillliedownonthesofaintheadjoiningroom。"
　　"Iwouldbeaverypoor—spiritedfellowindeed，ifIagreedtothis；
　　letustalk；mysleepinesswillsoonpassoff，butIamanxiousaboutyou。Gotobedyourselves，mycharmingfriends，andIwillgointothenextroom。Ifyouareafraidofme，lockthedoor，butyouwoulddomeaninjustice，forIfeelonlyabrother’syearningstowardsyou。"
　　"Wecannotacceptsuchanarrangement，"saidNanette，"butletmepersuadeyou；takethisbed。"
　　"Icannotsleepwithmyclotheson。"
　　"Undressyourself；wewillnotlookatyou。"
　　"Ihavenofearofit，buthowcouldIfindthehearttosleep，whileonmyaccountyouarecompelledtositup？"
　　"Well，"saidMarton，"wecanliedown，too，withoutundressing。"
　　"Ifyoushewmesuchdistrust，youwilloffendme。Tellme，Nanette，doyouthinkIamanhonestman？"
　　"Mostcertainly。"
　　"Well，then，givemeaproofofyourgoodopinion；liedownnearmeinthebed，undressed，andrelyonmywordofhonourthatIwillnotevenlayafingeruponyou。Besides，youaretwoagainstone，whatcanyoufear？WillyounotbefreetogetoutofthebedincaseI
　　shouldnotkeepquiet？Inshort，unlessyouconsenttogivemethismarkofyourconfidenceinme，atleastwhenIhavefallenasleep，I
　　cannotgotobed。"
　　Isaidnomore，andpretendedtobeverysleepy。Theyexchangedafewwords，whisperingtoeachother，andMartontoldmetogotobed，thattheywouldfollowmeassoonasIwasasleep。Nanettemademethesamepromise，Iturnedmybacktothem，undressedmyselfquickly，andwishingthemgoodnight，Iwenttobed。Iimmediatelypretendedtofallasleep，butsoonIdozedingoodearnest，andonlywokewhentheycametobed。Then，turningroundasifIwishedtoresumemyslumbers，IremainedveryquietuntilIcouldsupposethemfastasleep；atallevents，iftheydidnotsleep，theywereatlibertytopretendtodoso。Theirbacksweretowardsme，andthelightwasout；thereforeIcouldonlyactatrandom，andIpaidmyfirstcomplimentstotheonewhowaslyingonmyright，notknowingwhethershewasNanetteorMarton。Ifindherbentintwo，andwrappedupintheonlygarmentshehadkepton。Takingmytime，andsparinghermodesty，Icompelherbydegreestoacknowledgeherdefeat，andconvinceherthatitisbettertofeignsleepandtoletmeproceed。
　　Hernaturalinstinctssoonworkinginconcertwithmine，Ireachthegoal；andmyefforts，crownedwiththemostcompletesuccess，leavemenottheshadowofadoubtthatIhavegatheredthosefirst—fruitstowhichourprejudicemakesusattachsogreatanimportance。
　　Enrapturedathavingenjoyedmymanhoodcompletelyandforthefirsttime，Iquietlyleavemybeautyinordertodohomagetotheothersister。Ifindhermotionless，lyingonherbacklikeapersonwrappedinprofoundandundisturbedslumber。Carefullymanagingmyadvance，asifIwereafraidofwakingherup，Ibeginbygentlygratifyinghersenses，andIascertainthedelightfulfactthat，likehersister，sheisstillinpossessionofhermaidenhood。Assoonasanaturalmovementprovestomethatloveacceptstheoffering，I
　　takemymeasurestoconsummatethesacrifice。Atthatmoment，givingwaysuddenlytotheviolenceofherfeelings，andtiredofherassumeddissimulation，shewarmlylocksmeinherarmsattheveryinstantofthevoluptuouscrisis，smothersmewithkisses，sharesmyraptures，andloveblendsoursoulsinthemostecstaticenjoyment。
　　GuessinghertobeNanette，Iwhisperhername。
　　"Yes，IamNanette，"sheanswers；"andIdeclaremyselfhappy，aswellasmysister，ifyouproveyourselftrueandfaithful。"
　　"Untildeath，mybelovedones，andaseverythingwehavedoneistheworkoflove，donotletusevermentionthenameofAngela。"
　　Afterthis，Ibeggedthatshewouldgiveusalight；butMarton，alwayskindandobliging，gotoutofbedleavingusalone。WhenI
　　sawNanetteinmyarms，beamingwithlove，andMartonnearthebed，holdingacandle，withhereyesreproachinguswithingratitudebecausewedidnotspeaktoher，who，byacceptingmyfirstcaresses，hadencouragedhersistertofollowherexample，Irealizedallmyhappiness。
　　"Letusgetup，mydarlings，"saidI，"andsweartoeachothereternalaffection。"
　　Whenwehadrisenweperformed，allthreetogether，ablutionswhichmadethemlaughagooddeal，andwhichgaveanewimpetustotheardourofourfeelings。Sittingupinthesimplecostumeofnature，weatetheremainsofoursupper，exchangingthosethousandtriflingwordswhichlovealonecanunderstand，andweagainretiredtoourbed，wherewespentamostdelightfulnightgivingeachothermutualandoft—repeatedproofsofourpassionateardour。Nanettewastherecipientofmylastbounties，forMadameOriohavingleftthehousetogotochurch，Ihadtohastenmydeparture，afterassuringthetwolovelysistersthattheyhadeffectuallyextinguishedwhateverflamemightstillhaveflickeredinmyheartforAngela。Iwenthomeandsleptsoundlyuntildinner—time。
　　M。deMalipieropassedaremarkuponmycheerfullooksandthedarkcirclesaroundmyeyes，butIkeptmyowncounsel，andIallowedhimtothinkwhateverhepleased。OnthefollowingdayIpaidavisittoMadameOrio，andAngelanotbeingoftheparty，IremainedtosupperandretiredwithM。Rosa。DuringtheeveningNanettecontrivedtogivemealetterandasmallparcel。Theparcelcontainedasmalllumpofwaxwiththestampofakey，andthelettertoldmetohaveakeymade，andtouseittoenterthehousewheneverIwishedtospendthenightwiththem。SheinformedmeatthesametimethatAngelahadsleptwiththemthenightfollowingouradventures，andthat，thankstotheirmutualandusualpractices，shehadguessedtherealstateofthings，thattheyhadnotdeniedit，addingthatitwasallherfault，andthatAngela，afterabusingthemmostvehemently，hadswornneveragaintodarkentheirdoors；buttheydidnotcareajot。
　　AfewdaysafterwardsourgoodfortunedeliveredusfromAngela；shewastakentoVicenzabyherfather，whohadremovedthereforacoupleofyears，havingbeenengagedtopaintfrescoesinsomehousesinthatcity。Thankstoherabsence，Ifoundmyselfundisturbedpossessorofthetwocharmingsisters，withwhomIspentatleasttwonightseveryweek，findingnodifficultyinenteringthehousewiththekeywhichIhadspeedilyprocured。
　　Carnivalwasnearlyover，whenM。ManzoniinformedmeonedaythatthecelebratedJuliettewishedtoseeme，andregrettedmuchthatI
　　hadceasedtovisither。Ifeltcuriousastowhatshehadtosaytome，andaccompaniedhimtoherhouse。Shereceivedmeverypolitely，andremarkingthatshehadheardofalargehallIhadinmyhouse，shesaidshewouldliketogiveaballthere，ifIwouldgivehertheuseofit。Ireadilyconsented，andshehandedmetwenty—foursequinsforthesupperandfortheband，undertakingtosendpeopletoplacechandeliersinthehallandinmyotherrooms。
　　M。deSanvitalihadleftVenice，andtheParmesangovernmenthadplacedhisestatesinchanceryinconsequenceofhisextravagantexpenditure。ImethimatVersaillestenyearsafterwards。Heworetheinsigniaoftheking’sorderofknighthood，andwasgrandequerrytotheeldestdaughterofLouisXV。，DuchessofParma，who，likealltheFrenchprincesses，couldnotbereconciledtotheclimateofItaly。
　　Theballtookplace，andwentoffsplendidly。AlltheguestsbelongedtoJuliette’sset，withtheexceptionofMadameOrio，hernieces，andtheprocuratorRosa，whosattogetherintheroomadjoiningthehall，andwhomIhadbeenpermittedtointroduceaspersonsofnoconsequencewhatever。
　　Whiletheafter—supperminuetswerebeingdancedJuliettetookmeapart，andsaid，"Takemetoyourbedroom；Ihavejustgotanamusingidea。"
　　Myroomwasonthethirdstory；Ishewedhertheway。Themomentweenteredsheboltedthedoor，muchtomysurprise。"Iwishyou，"shesaid，"todressmeupinyourecclesiasticalclothes，andIwilldisguiseyouasawomanwithmyownthings。Wewillgodownanddancetogether。Come，letusfirstdressourhair。"
　　Feelingsureofsomethingpleasanttocome，anddelightedwithsuchanunusualadventure，Ilosenotimeinarrangingherhair，andIletherafterwardsdressmine。Sheappliesrougeandafewbeautyspotstomyface；Ihumourherineverything，andtoprovehersatisfaction，shegivesmewiththebestofgraceaverylovingkiss，onconditionthatIdonotaskforanythingelse。
　　"Asyouplease，beautifulJuliette，butIgiveyouduenoticethatI
　　adoreyou！"
　　Iplaceuponmybedashirt，anabbe’sneckband，apairofdrawers，blacksilkstockings——infact，acompletefit—out。Comingnearthebed，Juliettedropsherskirt，andcleverlygetsintothedrawers，whichwerenotabadfit，butwhenshecomestothebreechesthereissomedifficulty；thewaistbandistoonarrow，andtheonlyremedyistoripitbehindortocutit，ifnecessary。Iundertaketomakeeverythingright，and，asIsitonthefootofmybed，sheplacesherselfinfrontofme，withherbacktowardsme。Ibeginmywork，butshethinksthatIwanttoseetoomuch，thatIamnotskilfulenough，andthatmyfingerswanderinunnecessaryplaces；shegetsfidgety，leavesme，tearsthebreeches，andmanagesinherownway。
　　ThenIhelphertoputhershoeson，andIpasstheshirtoverherhead，butasIamdisposingtheruffleandtheneck—band，shecomplainsofmyhandsbeingtoocurious；andintruth，herbosomwasratherscanty。Shecallsmeaknaveandrascal，butItakenonoticeofher。Iwasnotgoingtobeduped，andIthoughtthatawomanwhohadbeenpaidonehundredthousandducatswaswellworthsomestudy。
　　Atlast，hertoiletbeingcompleted，myturncomes。InspiteofherobjectionsIquicklygetridofmybreeches，andshemustputonmethechemise，thenaskirt，inawordshehastodressmeup。Butallatonce，playingthecoquette，shegetsangrybecauseIdonotconcealfromherlookstheveryapparentproofthathercharmshavesomeeffectonaparticularpartofmybeing，andsherefusestograntmethefavourwhichwouldsoonaffordbothreliefandcalm。I
　　trytokissher，andsherepulsesme，whereuponIlosepatience，andinspiteofherselfshehastowitnessthelaststageofmyexcitement。Atthesightofthis，shepoursouteveryinsultingwordshecanthinkof；Iendeavourtoprovethatsheistoblame，butitisallinvain。
　　However，sheiscompelledtocompletemydisguise。Thereisnodoubtthatanhonestwomanwouldnothaveexposedherselftosuchanadventure，unlessshehadintendedtoprovehertenderfeelings，andthatshewouldnothavedrawnbackattheverymomentshesawthemsharedbyhercompanion；butwomenlikeJulietteareoftenguidedbyaspiritofcontradictionwhichcausesthemtoactagainsttheirowninterests。Besides，shefeltdisappointedwhenshefoundoutthatI
　　wasnottimid，andmywantofrestraintappearedtoherawantofrespect。Shewouldnothaveobjectedtomystealingafewlightfavourswhichshewouldhaveallowedmetotake，asbeingofnoimportance，but，bydoingthat，Ishouldhaveflatteredhervanitytoohighly。
　　Ourdisguisebeingcomplete，wewenttogethertothedancing—hall，wheretheenthusiasticapplauseoftheguestssoonrestoredourgoodtemper。EverybodygavemecreditforapieceoffortunewhichIhadnotenjoyed，butIwasnotill—pleasedwiththerumour，andwentondancingwiththefalseabbe，whowasonlytoocharming。JuliettetreatedmesowellduringthenightthatIconstruedhermannerstowardsmeintosomesortofrepentance，andIalmostregrettedwhathadtakenplacebetweenus；itwasamomentaryweaknessforwhichI
　　wassorelypunished。
　　Attheendofthequadrilleallthementhoughttheyhadarighttotakelibertieswiththeabbe，andIbecamemyselfratherfreewiththeyounggirls，whowouldhavebeenafraidofexposingthemselvestoridiculehadtheyofferedanyoppositiontomycaresses。
　　M。QueriniwasfoolishenoughtoenquirefrommewhetherIhadkeptonmybreeches，andasIansweredthatIhadbeencompelledtolendthemtoJuliette，helookedveryunhappy，satdowninacorneroftheroom，andrefusedtodance。
　　EveryoneoftheguestssoonremarkedthatIhadonawoman’schemise，andnobodyentertainedadoubtofthesacrificehavingbeenconsummated，withtheexceptionofNanetteandMarton，whocouldnotimaginethepossibilityofmybeingunfaithfultothem。Julietteperceivedthatshehadbeenguiltyofgreatimprudence，butitwastoolatetoremedytheevil。
　　Whenwereturnedtomychamberupstairs，thinkingthatshehadrepentedofherpreviousbehaviour，andfeelingsomedesiretopossessher，IthoughtIwouldkissher，andItookholdofherhand，sayingIwasdisposedtogivehereverysatisfaction，butshequicklyslappedmyfaceinsoviolentamannerthat，inmyindignation，Iwasverynearreturningthecompliment。Iundressedmyselfrapidlywithoutlookingather，shedidthesame，andwecamedownstairs；
　　but，inspiteofthecoldwaterIhadappliedtomycheek，everyonecouldeasilyseethestampofthelargehandwhichhadcomeincontactwithmyface。
　　Beforeleavingthehouse，Juliettetookmeapart，andtoldme，inthemostdecidedandimpressivemanner，thatifIhadanyfancyforbeingthrownoutofthewindow，IcouldenjoythatpleasurewheneverI
　　likedtoenterherdwelling，andthatshewouldhavememurderedifthisnight’sadventureeverbecamepubliclyknown。Itookcarenottogiveheranycausefortheexecutionofeitherofherthreats，butIcouldnotpreventthefactofourhavingexchangedshirtsbeingrathernotorious。AsIwasnotseenatherhouse，itwasgenerallysupposedthatshehadbeencompelledbyM。Querinitokeepmeatadistance。Thereaderwillseehow，sixyearslater，thisextraordinarywomanthoughtpropertofeignentireforgetfulnessofthisadventure。
　　IpassedLent，partlyinthecompanyofmylovedones，partlyinthestudyofexperimentalphysicsattheConventoftheSalutation。MyeveningswerealwaysgiventoM。deMalipiero’sassemblies。AtEaster，inordertokeepthepromiseIhadmadetotheCountessofMont—Real，andlongingtoseeagainmybeautifulLucie，IwenttoPasean。IfoundtheguestsentirelydifferenttothesetIhadmetthepreviousautumn。CountDaniel，theeldestofthefamily，hadmarriedaCountessGozzi，andayoungandwealthygovernmentofficial，whohadmarriedagod—daughteroftheoldcountess，wastherewithhiswifeandhissister—in—law。Ithoughtthesupperverylong。Thesameroomhadbeengiventome，andIwasburningtoseeLucie，whomIdidnotintendtotreatanymorelikeachild。Ididnotseeherbeforegoingtobed，butIexpectedherearlythenextmorning，whenlo！insteadofherprettyfacebrighteningmyeyes，I
　　seestandingbeforemeafat，uglyservant—girl！Ienquireafterthegatekeeper’sfamily，butheranswerisgiveninthepeculiardialectoftheplace，andis，ofcourse，unintelligibletome。
　　IwonderwhathasbecomeofLucie；Ifancythatourintimacyhasbeenfoundout，Ifancythatsheisill——dead，perhaps。Idressmyselfwiththeintentionoflookingforher。Ifshehasbeenforbiddentoseeme，Ithinktomyself，Iwillbeevenwiththemall，forsomehoworotherIwillcontrivethemeansofspeakingtoher，andoutofspiteIwilldowithherthatwhichhonourpreventedlovefromaccomplishing。AsIwasrevolvingsuchthoughts，thegate—keepercomesinwithasorrowfulcountenance。Ienquireafterhiswife’shealth，andafterhisdaughter，butatthenameofLuciehiseyesarefilledwithtears。
　　"What！isshedead？"
　　"WouldtoGodshewere！"
　　"Whathasshedone？"
　　"ShehasrunawaywithCountDaniel’scourier，andwehavebeenunabletotraceheranywhere。"
　　Hiswifecomesinatthemomenthereplies，andatthesewords，whichrenewedhergrief，thepoorwomanfaintsaway。Thekeeper，seeinghowsincerelyIfeltforhismisery，tellsmethatthisgreatmisfortunebefellthemonlyaweekbeforemyarrival。
　　"Iknowthatmanl’Aigle，"Isay；"heisascoundrel。DidheasktomarryLucie？"
　　"No；heknewwellenoughthatourconsentwouldhavebeenrefused！"
　　"IwonderatLucieactinginsuchaway。"
　　"Heseducedher，andherrunningawaymadeussuspectthetruth，forshehadbecomeverystout。"
　　"Hadheknownherlong？"
　　"Aboutamonthafteryourlastvisitshesawhimforthefirsttime。
　　Hemusthavethrownaspelloverher，forourLuciewasaspureasadove，andyoucan，Ibelieve，beartestimonytohergoodness。"
　　"Andnooneknowswheretheyare？"
　　"Noone。Godaloneknowswhatthisvillainwilldowithher。"
　　Igrievedasmuchastheunfortunateparents；Iwentoutandtookalongrambleinthewoodstogivewaytomysadfeelings。DuringtwohoursIcogitatedoverconsiderations，sometrue，somefalse，whichwereallprefacedbyanif。IfIhadpaidthisvisit，asImighthavedone，aweeksooner，lovingLuciewouldhaveconfidedinme，andIwouldhavepreventedthatself—murder。IfIhadactedwithheraswithNanetteandMarton，shewouldnothavebeenleftbymeinthatstateofardentexcitementwhichmusthaveprovedtheprincipalcauseofherfault，andshewouldnothavefallenapreytothatscoundrel。
　　Ifshehadnotknownmebeforemeetingthecourier，herinnocentsoulwouldneverhavelistenedtosuchaman。Iwasindespair，forinmyconscienceIacknowledgedmyselftheprimaryagentofthisinfamousseduction；Ihadpreparedthewayforthevillain。
　　HadIknownwheretofindLucie，Iwouldcertainlyhavegoneforthontheinstanttoseekforher，butnotracewhateverofherwhereaboutshadbeendiscovered。
　　BeforeIhadbeenmadeacquaintedwithLucie’smisfortuneIfeltgreatprideathavinghadsufficientpowerovermyselftorespectherinnocence；butafterhearingwhathadhappenedIwasashamedofmyownreserve，andIpromisedmyselfthatforthefutureIwouldonthatscoreactmorewisely。Ifelttrulymiserablewhenmyimaginationpaintedtheprobabilityoftheunfortunategirlbeinglefttopovertyandshame，cursingtheremembranceofme，andhatingmeasthefirstcauseofhermisery。Thisfataleventcausedmetoadoptanewsystem，whichinafteryearsIcarriedsometimesrathertoofar。
　　Ijoinedthecheerfulguestsofthecountessinthegardens，andreceivedsuchawelcomethatIwassoonagaininmyusualspirits，andatdinnerIdelightedeveryone。
　　MysorrowwassogreatthatitwasnecessaryeithertodriveitawayatonceortoleavePasean。ButanewlifecreptintomybeingasI
　　examinedthefaceandthedispositionofthenewly—marriedlady。Hersisterwasprettier，butIwasbeginningtofeelafraidofanovice；
　　Ithoughttheworktoogreat。
　　Thisnewly—marriedlady，whowasbetweennineteenandtwentyyearsofage，drewuponherselfeverybody’sattentionbyherover—strainedandunnaturalmanners。Agreattalker，withamemorycrammedwithmaximsandpreceptsoftenwithoutsense，butofwhichshelovedtomakeashow，verydevout，andsojealousofherhusbandthatshedidnotconcealhervexationwhenheexpressedhissatisfactionatbeingseatedattableoppositehersister，shelaidherselfopentomuchridicule。Herhusbandwasagiddyyoungfellow，whoperhapsfeltverydeepaffectionforhiswife，butwhoimaginedthat，throughgoodbreeding，heoughttoappearveryindifferent，andwhosevanityfoundpleasureingivingherconstantcausesforjealousy。She，inherturn，hadagreatdreadofpassingforanidiotifshedidnotshewherappreciationof，andherresentmentfor，hisconduct。Shefeltuneasyinthemidstofgoodcompany，preciselybecauseshewishedtoappearthoroughlyathome。IfIprattledawaywithsomeofmytrillingnonsense，shewouldstareatme，andinheranxietynottobethoughtstupid，shewouldlaughoutofseason。Heroddity，herawkwardness，andherself—conceitgavemethedesiretoknowherbetter，andIbegantodanceattendanceuponher。
　　Myattentions，importantandunimportant，myconstantcare，evermyfopperies，leteverybodyknowthatImeditatedconquest。Thehusbandwasdulywarned，but，withagreatshowofintrepidity，heansweredwithajokeeverytimehewastoldthatIwasaformidablerival。OnmysideIassumedamodest，andevensometimesacarelessappearance，when，toshewhisfreedomfromjealousy，heexcitedmetomakelovetohiswife，who，onherpart，understoodbutlittlehowtoperformthepartoffancyfree。
　　Ihadbeenpayingmyaddresstoherforfiveorsixdayswithgreatconstancy，when，takingawalkwithherinthegarden，sheimprudentlyconfidedtomethereasonofheranxietyrespectingherhusband，andhowwronghewastogiveheranycauseforjealousy。I
　　toldher，speakingasanoldfriend，thatthebestwaytopunishhimwouldbetotakenoapparentnoticeofher，husband’spreferenceforhersister，andtofeigntobeherselfinlovewithme。Inordertoenticehermoreeasilytofollowmyadvice，IaddedthatIwaswellawareofmyplanbeingaverydifficultonetocarryout，andthattoplaysuccessfullysuchacharacterawomanmustbeparticularlywitty。Ihadtouchedherweakpoint，andsheexclaimedthatshewouldplaytheparttoperfection；butinspiteofherself—
　　confidencesheacquittedherselfsobadlythateverybodyunderstoodthattheplanwasofmyownscheming。
　　IfIhappenedtobealonewithherinthedarkpathsofthegarden，andtriedtomakeherplayherpartinrealearnest，shewouldtakethedangerousstepofrunningaway，andrejoiningtheotherguests；
　　theresultbeingthat，onmyreappearance，Iwascalledabadsportsmanwhofrightenedthebirdaway。Iwouldnotfailatthefirstopportunitytoreproachherforherflight，andtorepresentthetriumphshehadthuspreparedforherspouse。Ipraisedhermind，butlamentedovertheshortcomingsofhereducation；Isaidthatthetone，themannersIadoptedtowardsher，werethoseofgoodsociety，andprovedthegreatesteemIentertainedforherintelligence，butinthemiddleofallmyfinespeeches，towardstheeleventhortwelfthdayofmycourtship，shesuddenlyputmeoutofallconceitbytellingmethat，beingapriest，Ioughttoknowthateveryamorousconnectionwasadeadlysin，thatGodcouldseeeveryactionofHiscreatures，andthatshewouldneitherdamnhersoulnorplaceherselfunderthenecessityofsayingtoherconfessorthatshehadsofarforgottenherselfastocommitsuchasinwithapriest。
　　IobjectedthatIwasnotyetapriest，butshefoiledmebyenquiringpoint—blankwhetherornottheactIhadinviewwastobenumberedamongstthecardinalsins，for，notfeelingthecouragetodenyit，IfeltthatImustgiveuptheargumentandputanendtotheadventure。
　　Alittleconsiderationhavingconsiderablycalmedmyfeelings，everybodyremarkedmynewcountenanceduringdinner；andtheoldcount，whowasveryfondofajoke，expressedloudlyhisopinionthatsuchquietdemeanouronmypartannouncedthecompletesuccessofmycampaign。Consideringsucharemarktobefavourabletome，Itookcaretospewmycrueldevoteethatsuchwasthewaytheworldwouldjudge，butallthiswaslostlabour。Luck，however，stoodmeingoodstead，andmyeffortswerecrownedwithsuccessinthefollowingmanner。
　　OnAscensionDay，weallwenttopayavisittoMadameBergali，acelebratedItalianpoetess。OnmyreturntoPaseanthesameevening，myprettymistresswishedtogetintoacarriageforfourpersonsinwhichherhusbandandsisterwerealreadyseated，whileIwasaloneinatwo—wheeledchaise。Iexclaimedatthis，sayingthatsuchamarkofdistrustwasindeedtoopointed，andeverybodyremonstratedwithher，sayingthatsheoughtnottoinsultmesocruelly。Shewascompelledtocomewithme，andhavingtoldthepostillionthatI
　　wantedtogobythenearestroad，helefttheothercarriages，andtookthewaythroughtheforestofCequini。Theskywasclearandcloudlesswhenweleft，butinlessthanhalf—an—hourwewerevisitedbyoneofthosestormssofrequentinthesouth，whichappearlikelytooverthrowheavenandearth，andwhichendrapidly，leavingbehindthemabrightskyandacoolatmosphere，sothattheydomoregoodthanharm。
　　"Oh，heavens！"exclaimedmycompanion，"weshallhaveastorm。"
　　"Yes，"Isay，"andalthoughthechaiseiscovered，therainwillspoilyourprettydress。Iamverysorry。"
　　"Idonotmindthedress；butthethunderfrightensmeso！"
　　"Closeyourears。"
　　"Andthelightning？"
　　"Postillion，letusgosomewhereforshelter。"
　　"Thereisnotahouse，sir，foraleague，andbeforewecometoit，thestormwillhavepassedoff。"
　　Hequietlykeepsonhisway，andthelightningflashes，thethundersendsforthitsmightyvoice，andtheladyshudderswithfright。Theraincomesdownintorrents，Itakeoffmycloaktoshelterusinfront，atthesamemomentweareblindedbyaflashoflightning，andtheelectricfluidstrikestheearthwithinonehundredyardsofus。
　　Thehorsesplungeandprancewithfear，andmycompanionfallsinspasmodicconvulsions。Shethrowsherselfuponme，andfoldsmeinherarms。Thecloakhadgonedown，Istooptoplaceitaroundus，andimprovingmyopportunityItakeupherclothes。Shetriestopullthemdown，butanotherclapofthunderdeprivesherofeveryparticleofstrength。Coveringherwiththecloak，Idrawhertowardsme，andthemotionofthechaisecomingtomyassistance，shefallsovermeinthemostfavourableposition。Ilosenotime，andunderpretenceofarrangingmywatchinmyfob，Ipreparemyselffortheassault。Onherside，consciousthat，unlessshestopsmeatonce，allislost，shemakesagreateffort；butIholdhertightly，sayingthatifshedoesnotfeignafaintingfit，thepost—boywillturnroundandseeeverything；Iletherenjoythepleasureofcallingmeaninfidel，amonster，anythingshelikes，butmyvictoryisthemostcompletethateverachampionachieved。
　　Therain，however，wasfalling，thewind，whichwasveryhigh，blewinourfaces，and，compelledtostaywhereshewas，shesaidIwouldruinherreputation，asthepostillioncouldseeeverything。
　　"Ikeepmyeyeuponhim，"Ianswered，"heisnotthinkingofus，andevenifheshouldturnhishead，thecloaksheltersusfromhim。Bequiet，andpretendtohavefainted，forIwillnotletyougo。"
　　Sheseemsresigned，andaskshowIcanthussetthestormatdefiance。
　　"Thestorm，dearone，ismybestfriendto—day。"
　　Shealmostseemstobelieveme，herfearvanishes，andfeelingmyrapture，sheenquireswhetherIhavedone。Ismileandanswerinthenegative，statingthatIcannotlethergotillthestormisover。
　　"Consenttoeverything，orIletthecloakdrop，"Isaytoher。
　　"Well，youdreadfulman，areyousatisfied，nowthatyouhaveinsuredmymiseryfortheremainderofmylife？"
　　"No，notyet。"
　　"Whatmoredoyouwant？"
　　"Ashowerofkisses。"
　　"HowunhappyIam！Well！heretheyare。"
　　"Tellmeyouforgiveme，andconfessthatyouhavesharedallmypleasure。"
　　"YouknowIdid。Yes，Iforgiveyou。"
　　ThenIgiveherherliberty，andtreatinghertosomeverypleasantcaresses，Iaskhertohavethesamekindnessforme，andshegoestoworkwithasmileonherprettylips。
　　"Tellmeyouloveme，"Isaytoher。
　　"No，Idonot，foryouareanatheist，andhellawaitsyou。"
　　Theweatherwasfineagain，andtheelementscalm；Ikissedherhandsandtoldherthatthepostillionhadcertainlynotseenanything，andthatIwassureIhadcuredherofherdreadofthunder，butthatshewasnotlikelytorevealthesecretofmyremedy。Sheansweredthatonethingatleastwascertain，namelythatnootherwomanhadeverbeencuredbythesameprescription。
　　"Why，"Isaid，"thesameremedyhasverylikelybeenappliedamillionoftimeswithinthelastthousandyears。Totellyouthetruth，Ihadsomewhatdependeduponit，whenweenteredthechaisetogether，forIdidnotknowanyotherwayofobtainingthehappinessofpossessingyou。Butconsoleyourselfwiththebeliefthat，placedinthesameposition，nofrightenedwomancouldhaveresisted。"
　　"Ibelieveyou；butforthefutureIwilltravelonlywithmyhusband。"
　　"Youwouldbewrong，foryourhusbandwouldnothavebeencleverenoughtocureyourfrightinthewayIhavedone。"
　　"True，again。Onelearnssomecuriousthingsinyourcompany；butweshallnottraveltete—d—teteagain。"
　　WereachedPaseananhourbeforeourfriends。Wegetoutofthechaise，andmyfairmistressranofftoherchamber，whileIwaslookingforacrownforthepostillion。Isawthathewasgrinning。
　　"Whatareyoulaughingat？"
　　"Oh！youknow。"
　　"Here，takethisducatandkeepaquiettongueinyourhead。"
　　CHAPTERVI
　　MyGrandmother’sDeathandItsConsequencesILoseM。deMalipiero’sFriendship——IHaveNoLongeraHome——LaTintoretta——IAmSenttoaClericalSeminary——IAmExpelledFromIt，andConfinedinaFortressDuringsuppertheconversationturnedaltogetheruponthestorm，andtheofficial，whoknewtheweaknessofhiswife，toldmethathewasquitecertainIwouldnevertravelwithheragain。"NorIwithhim，"
　　hiswiferemarked，"for，inhisfearfulimpiety，heexorcisedthelightningwithjokes。"
　　HenceforthsheavoidedmesoskilfullythatInevercouldcontriveanotherinterviewwithher。
　　WhenIreturnedtoVeniceIfoundmygrandmotherill，andIhadtochangeallmyhabits，forIlovedhertoodearlynottosurroundherwitheverycareandattention；Ineverleftheruntilshehadbreathedherlast。Shewasunabletoleavemeanything，forduringherlifeshehadgivenmeallshecould，andherdeathcompelledmetoadoptanentirelydifferentmodeoflife。
　　Amonthafterherdeath，Ireceivedaletterfrommymotherinformingmethat，astherewasnoprobabilityofherreturntoVenice，shehaddeterminedtogiveupthehouse，therentofwhichshewasstillpaying，thatshehadcommunicatedherintentiontotheAbbeGrimani，andthatIwastobeguidedentirelybyhisadvice。
　　Hewasinstructedtosellthefurniture，andtoplaceme，aswellasmybrothersandmysister，inagoodboarding—house。IcalleduponGrimanitoassurehimofmyperfectdispositiontoobeyhiscommands。
　　Therentofthehousehadbeenpaiduntiltheendoftheyear；but，asIwasawarethatthefurniturewouldbesoldontheexpirationoftheterm，Iplacedmywantsundernorestraint。Ihadalreadysoldsomelinen，mostofthechina，andseveraltapestries；Inowbegantodisposeofthemirrors，beds，etc。Ihadnodoubtthatmyconductwouldbeseverelyblamed，butIknewlikewisethatitwasmyfather’sinheritance，towhichmymotherhadnoclaimwhatever，and，astomybrothers，therewasplentyoftimebeforeanyexplanationcouldtakeplacebetweenus。
　　FourmonthsafterwardsIhadasecondletterfrommymother，datedfromWarsaw，andenclosinganother。Hereisthetranslationofmymother’sletter"Mydearson，IhavemadeheretheacquaintanceofalearnedMinimfriar，aCalabrianbybirth，whosegreatqualitieshavemademethinkofyoueverytimehehashonouredmewithavisit。AyearagoItoldhimthatIhadasonwhowaspreparinghimselffortheChurch，butthatIhadnotthemeansofkeepinghimduringhisstudies，andhepromisedthatmysonwouldbecomehisownchild，ifIcouldobtainforhimfromthequeenabishopricinhisnativecountry，andheaddedthatitwouldbeveryeasytosucceedifIcouldinducethesovereigntorecommendhimtoherdaughter，thequeenofNaples。
　　"FulloftrustintheAlmighty，Ithrewmyselfatthefeetofhermajesty，whograntedmehergraciousprotection。Shewrotetoherdaughter，andtheworthyfriarhasbeenappointedbythePopetothebishopricofMonterano。Faithfultohispromise，thegoodbishopwilltakeyouwithhimaboutthemiddleofnextyear，ashepassesthroughVenicetoreachCalabria。Heinformsyouhimselfofhisintentionsintheenclosedletter。Answerhimimmediately，mydearson，andforwardyourlettertome；Iwilldeliverittothebishop。
　　HewillpaveyourwaytothehighestdignitiesoftheChurch，andyoumayimaginemyconsolationif，insometwentyorthirtyyears，Ihadthehappinessofseeingyouabishop，atleast！Untilhisarrival，M。Grimaniwilltakecareofyou。Igiveyoumyblessing，andIam，mydearchild，etc。，etc。"
　　Thebishop’sletterwaswritteninLatin，andwasonlyarepetitionofmymother’s。Itwasfullofunction，andinformedmethathewouldtarrybutthreedaysinVenice。
　　Iansweredaccordingtomymother’swishes，butthosetwolettershadturnedmybrain。Ilookeduponmyfortuneasmade。Ilongedtoentertheroadwhichwastoleadmetoit，andIcongratulatedmyselfthatIcouldleavemycountrywithoutanyregret。Farewell，Venice，Iexclaimed；thedaysforvanityaregoneby，andinthefutureI
　　willonlythinkofagreat，ofasubstantialcareer！M。Grimanicongratulatedmewarmlyonmygoodluck，andpromisedallhisfriendlycaretosecureagoodboarding—house，towhichIwouldgoatthebeginningoftheyear，andwhereIwouldwaitforthebishop’sarrival。
　　M。deMalipiero，whoinhisownwayhadgreatwisdom，andwhosawthatinVeniceIwasplungingheadlongintopleasuresanddissipation，andwasonlywastingaprecioustime，wasdelightedtoseemeontheeveofgoingsomewhereelsetofulfilmydestiny，andmuchpleasedwithmyreadyacceptanceofthosenewcircumstancesinmylife。HereadmealessonwhichIhaveneverforgotten。"ThefamouspreceptoftheStoicphilosophers，"hesaidtome，"’SequereDeum’，canheperfectlyexplainedbythesewords:’Giveyourselfuptowhateverfateofferstoyou，providedyoudonotfeelaninvinciblerepugnancetoacceptit。’"HeaddedthatitwasthegeniusofSocrates，’saeperevocans，raroimpellens’；andthatitwastheoriginofthe’fataviaminveniunt’ofthesamephilosophers。
　　M。deMalipiero’ssciencewasembodiedinthatverylesson，forhehadobtainedhisknowledgebythestudyofonlyonebook——thebookofman。However，asifitweretogivemetheproofthatperfectiondoesnotexist，andthatthereisabadsideaswellasagoodonetoeverything，acertainadventurehappenedtomeamonthafterwardswhich，althoughIwasfollowinghisownmaxims，costmethelossofhisfriendship，andwhichcertainlydidnotteachmeanything。
　　Thesenatorfanciedthathecouldtraceuponthephysiognomyofyoungpeoplecertainsignswhichmarkedthemoutasthespecialfavouritesoffortune。Whenheimaginedthathehaddiscoveredthosesignsuponanyindividual，hewouldtakehiminhandandinstructhimhowtoassistfortunebygoodandwiseprinciples；andheusedtosay，withagreatdealoftruth，thatagoodremedywouldturnintopoisoninthehandsofafool，butthatpoisonisagoodremedywhenadministeredbyalearnedman。Hehad，inmytime，threefavouritesinwhoseeducationhetookgreatpains。Theywere，besidesmyself，ThereseImer，withwhomthereaderhasaslightacquaintancealready，andthethirdwasthedaughteroftheboatmanGardela，agirlthreeyearsyoungerthanI，whohadtheprettiestandmostfascinatingcountenance。Thespeculativeoldman，inordertoassistfortuneinherparticularcase，madeherlearndancing，for，hewouldsay，theballcannotreachthepocketunlesssomeonepushesit。ThisgirlmadeagreatreputationatStuttgardunderthenameofAugusta。ShewasthefavouritemistressoftheDukeofWurtemburgin1757。Shewasamostcharmingwoman。ThelasttimeIsawhershewasinVenice，andshediedtwoyearsafterwards。Herhusband，Michelde1’Agata，poisonedhimselfashorttimeafterherdeath。
　　Onedaywehadallthreedinedwithhim，andafterdinnerthesenatorleftus，aswashiswont，toenjoyhissiesta；thelittleGardela，havingadancinglessontotake，wentawaysoonafterhim，andI
　　foundmyselfalonewithTherese，whomIratheradmired，althoughI
　　hadnevermadelovetoher。Weweresittingdownatatableveryneareachother，withourbackstothedooroftheroominwhichwethoughtourpatronfastasleep，andsomehoworotherwetookafancytoexamineintothedifferenceofconformationbetweenagirlandaboy；butatthemostinterestingpartofourstudyaviolentblowonmyshouldersfromastick，followedbyanother，andwhichwouldhavebeenitselffollowedbymanymoreifIhadnotranaway，compelledustoabandonourinterestinginvestigationunfinished。Igotoffwithouthatorcloak，andwenthome；butinlessthanaquarterofanhourtheoldhousekeeperofthesenatorbroughtmyclotheswithaletterwhichcontainedacommandnevertopresentmyselfagainatthemansionofhisexcellency。Iimmediatelywrotehimananswerinthefollowingterms:"Youhavestruckmewhileyouweretheslaveofyouranger；youcannotthereforeboastofhavinggivenmealesson，andI
　　havenotlearnedanything。ToforgiveyouImustforgetthatyouareamanofgreatwisdom，andIcanneverforgetit。"
　　Thisnoblemanwasperhapsquiterightnottobepleasedwiththesightwegavehim；yet，withallhisprudence，heprovedhimselfveryunwise，foralltheservantswereacquaintedwiththecauseofmyexile，and，ofcourse，theadventurewassoonknownthroughthecity，andwasreceivedwithgreatmerriment。HedarednotaddressanyreproachestoTherese，asIheardfromhersoonafter，butshecouldnotventuretoentreathimtopardonme。
　　Thetimetoleavemyfather’shousewasdrawingnear，andonefinemorningIreceivedthevisitofamanaboutfortyyearsold，withablackwig，ascarletcloak，andaveryswarthycomplexion，whohandedmealetterfromM。Grimani，orderingmetoconsigntothebearerallthefurnitureofthehouseaccordingtotheinventory，acopyofwhichwasinmypossession。Takingtheinventoryinmyhand，I
　　pointedouteveryarticlemarkeddown，exceptwhenthesaidarticle，havingthroughmyinstrumentalitytakenanairingoutofthehouse，happenedtobemissing，andwheneveranyarticlewasabsentIsaidthatIhadnottheslightestideawhereitmightbe。Buttheuncouthfellow，takingaveryhightone，saidloudlythathemustknowwhatI
　　haddonewiththefurniture。Hismannerbeingverydisagreeabletome，IansweredthatIhadnothingtodowithhim，andashestillraisedhisvoiceIadvisedhimtotakehimselfoffasquicklyaspossible，andIgavehimthatpieceofadviceinsuchawayastoprovetohimthat，athome，IknewIwasthemorepowerfulofthetwo。
　　FeelingitmydutytogiveinformationtoM。Grimaniofwhathadjusttakenplace，Icalleduponhimassoonashewasup，butIfoundthatmymanwasalreadythere，andthathehadgivenhisownaccountoftheaffair。Theabbe，afteraveryseverelecturetowhichIhadtolisteninsilence，orderedmetorenderanaccountofallthemissingarticles。IansweredthatIhadfoundmyselfunderthenecessityofsellingthemtoavoidrunningintodebt。Thisconfessionthrewhiminaviolentpassion；hecalledmearascal，saidthatthosethingsdidnotbelongtome，thatheknewwhathehadtodo，andhecommandedmetoleavehishouseontheveryinstant。
　　Madwithrage，IranforaJew，towhomIwantedtosellwhatremainedofthefurniture，butwhenIreturnedtomyhouseIfoundabailiffwaitingatthedoor，andhehandedmeasummons。IlookedoveritandperceivedthatitwasissuedattheinstanceofAntonioRazetta。Itwasthenameofthefellowwiththeswarthycountenance。
　　Thesealswerealreadyaffixedonallthedoors，andIwasnotevenallowedtogotomyroom，forakeeperhadbeenlefttherebythebailiff。Ilostnotime，andcalleduponM。Rosa，towhomIrelatedallthecircumstances。Afterreadingthesummonshesaid，"Thesealsshallberemovedto—morrowmorning，andinthemeantimeI
　　shallsummonRazettabeforetheavogador。Butto—night，mydearfriend，"headded，"youmustbegthehospitalityofsomeoneofyouracquaintances。Ithasbeenaviolentproceeding，butyoushallbepaidhandsomelyforit；themanisevidentlyactingunderM。Grimani’sorders。"
　　"Well，thatistheirbusiness。"
　　IspentthenightwithNanetteandMarton，andonthefollowingmorning，thesealshavingbeentakenoff，Itookpossessionofmydwelling。Razettadidnotappearbeforethe’avogador’，andM。Rosasummonedhiminmynamebeforethecriminalcourt，andobtainedagainsthimawritof’capias’incaseheshouldnotobeythesecondsummons。OnthethirddayM。Grimaniwrotetome，commandingmetocalluponhim。Iwentimmediately。AssoonasIwasinhispresenceheenquiredabruptlywhatmyintentionswere。
　　"Iintendtoshieldmyselffromyourviolentproceedingsundertheprotectionofthelaw，andtodefendmyselfagainstamanwithwhomI
　　oughtnevertohavehadanyconnection，andwhohascompelledmetopassthenightinadisreputableplace。"
　　"Inadisreputableplace？"
　　"Ofcourse。WhywasI，againstallrightandjustice，preventedfromenteringmyowndwelling？"
　　"Youhavepossessionofitnow。ButyoumustgotoyourlawyerandtellhimtosuspendallproceedingsagainstRazetta，whohasdonenothingbutundermyinstructions。Isuspectedthatyourintentionwastoselltherestofthefurniture；Ihavepreventedit。ThereisaroomatyourdisposalatSt。hrysostom’s，inahouseofmine，thefirstfloorofwhichisoccupiedbyLaTintoretta，ourfirstoperadancer。Sendallyourthingsthere，andcomeanddinewithmeeveryday。Yoursisterandyourbrothershavebeenprovidedwithacomfortablehome；therefore，everythingisnowarrangedforthebest。"
　　IcalledatonceuponM。Rosa，towhomIexplainedallthathadtakenplace，andhisadvicebeingtogivewaytoM。Grimani’swishes，I
　　determinedtofollowit。Besides，thearrangementofferedthebestsatisfactionIcouldobtain，astobeaguestathisdinnertablewasanhonourforme。IwaslikewisefullofcuriosityrespectingmynewlodgingunderthesameroofwithLaTintoretta，whowasmuchtalkedof，owingtoacertainPrinceofWaldeckwhowasextravagantlygenerouswithher。
　　Thebishopwasexpectedinthecourseofthesummer；Ihad，therefore，onlysixmonthsmoretowaitinVenicebeforetakingtheroadwhichwouldleadme，perhaps，tothethroneofSaintPeter:
　　everythinginthefutureassumedinmyeyesthebrightesthue，andmyimaginationrevelledamongstthemostradiantbeamsofsunshine；mycastlesintheairwereindeedmostbeautiful。
　　IdinedthesamedaywithM。Grimani，andIfoundmyselfseatednexttoRazetta——anunpleasantneighbour，butItooknonoticeofhim。
　　Whenthemealwasover，IpaidalastvisittomybeautifulhouseinSaint—Samuel’sparish，andsentallIpossessedinagondolatomynewlodging。
　　IdidnotknowSignoraTintoretta，butIwaswellacquaintedwithherreputation，characterandmanners。Shewasbutapoordancer，neitherhandsomenorplain，butawomanofwitandintellect。PrinceWaldeckspentagreatdealforher，andyethedidnotpreventherfromretainingthetitularyprotectionofanobleVenetianoftheLinfamily，nowextinct，amanaboutsixtyyearsofage，whowashervisitorateveryhouroftheday。Thisnobleman，whoknewme，cametomyroomtowardstheevening，withthecomplimentsofthelady，who，headded，wasdelightedtohavemeinherhouse，andwouldbepleasedtoreceivemeinherintimatecircle。
　　Toexcusemyselffornothavingbeenthefirsttopaymyrespectstothesignora，ItoldM。LinthatIdidnotknowshewasmyneighbour，thatM。Grimanihadnotmentionedthecircumstance，otherwiseIwouldhavepaidmydutiestoherbeforetakingpossessionofmylodging。
　　AfterthisapologyIfollowedtheambassador，hepresentedmetohismistress，andtheacquaintancewasmade。
　　Shereceivedmelikeaprincess，tookoffherglovebeforegivingmeherhandtokiss，mentionedmynamebeforefiveorsixstrangerswhowerepresent，andwhosenamesshegaveme，andinvitedmetotakeaseatnearher。AsshewasanativeofVenice，IthoughtitwasabsurdforhertospeakFrenchtome，andItoldherthatIwasnotacquaintedwiththatlanguage，andwouldfeelgratefulifshewouldconverseinItalian。ShewassurprisedatmynotspeakingFrench，andsaidIwouldcutbutapoorfigureinherdrawing—room，astheyseldomspokeanyotherlanguagethere，becauseshereceivedagreatmanyforeigners。IpromisedtolearnFrench。PrinceWaldeckcameinduringtheevening；Iwasintroducedtohim，andhegavemeaveryfriendlywelcome。HecouldspeakItalianverywell，andduringthecarnivalhechewedmegreatkindness。HepresentedmewithagoldsnuffboxasarewardforaverypoorsonnetwhichIhadwrittenforhisdearGrizellini。Thiswasherfamilyname；shewascalledTintorettabecauseherfatherhadbeenadyer。