"Iconfideinyouentirely，butforgoodness’sakesaynomoreonacircumstancewhichwoundsmysenseofmodesty。YousaidthatI
　　offeredyoumarriagebecauseyoutooklibertieswithme？"
　　"WasIwrong？"
　　"Yes，partly，atallevents；andyououghttoknowthatifIhadnotgoodreasonsIshouldhavedoneaveryfoolishthinginofferingtomarryyou，butImayaswelltellyouthat，libertiesornoliberties，Ishouldalwayshavelikedyoubetterthananyone。"
　　Iwasbesidemyselfwithjoy，andseizingherhandIcovereditwithtenderandrespectfulkisses；andIfeelcertainthatifanotaryandpriesthadbeenthenandthereavailable，Ishouldhavemarriedherwithoutthesmallesthesitation。
　　Fullofeachother，likealllovers，wepaidnoattentiontothehorribleracketthatwasgoingonattheotherendoftheroom。AtlastIthoughtitmydutytoseewhatwashappening，andleavingmyintendedIrejoinedthecompanytoquietTiretta。
　　Isawonthetableacasket，itslidopen，andfullofallsortsofjewels；closebyweretwomenwhoweredisputingwithTiretta，whoheldabookinonehand。Isawatoncethattheyweretalkingaboutalottery，butwhyweretheydisputing？Tirettatoldmetheywereapairofknaveswhohadwonthirtyorfortylouisofhimbymeansofthebook，whichhehandedtome。
　　"Sir，"saidoneofthegamesters，"thisbooktreatsofalotteryinwhichallthecalculationsaremadeinthefairestmannerpossible。
　　Itcontainstwelvehundredleaves，twohundredbeingwinningleaves，whiletherestareblanks。Anyonewhowantstoplayhasonlytopayacrown，andthentoputapin’spointatrandombetweentwoleavesoftheclosedbook。Thebookisthenopenedattheplacewherethepinis，andiftheleafisblanktheplayerloses；butif，ontheotherhand，theleafbearsanumber，heisgiventhecorrespondingticket，andanarticleofthevalueindicatedontheticketisthenhandedtohim。Pleasetoobserve，sir，thatthelowestprizeistwelvefrancs，andtherearesomenumbersworthasmuchassixhundredfrancs，andevenonetothevalueoftwelvehundred。Wehavebeenplayingforanhour，andhavelostseveralcostlyarticles，andmadam，"pointingtomysweetheart’saunt，"haswonaringworthsixlouis，butasshepreferredcash，shecontinuedplayingandlostthemoneyshehadgained。"
　　"Yes，"saidtheaunt，"andthesegentlemenhavewoneverybody’smoneywiththeiraccursedgame；whichprovesitisallamerecheat。"
　　"Itprovestheyarerogues，"saidTiretta。
　　"Butgentlemen，"answeredoneofthem，"inthatcasethereceiversoftheGovernmentlotteryareroguestoo"；whereonTirettagavehimaboxontheear。Ithrewmyselfbetweenthetwocombatants，andtoldthemnottospeakaword。
　　"Alllotteries，"saidI，"areadvantageoustotheholders，butthekingisattheheadoftheGovernmentlottery，andIamtheprincipalreceiver，inwhichcharacterIshallproceedtoconfiscatethiscasket，andgiveyouthechoiceofthefollowingalternatives:Youcan，ifyoulike，returntothepersonspresentthemoneyyouhaveunlawfullywonfromthem，whereuponIwillletyougowithyourbox。
　　Ifyourefusetodoso，Ishallsendforapoliceman，whowilltakeyoutoprison，andto—morrowyouwillbetriedbyM。Berier，towhomIshalltakethisbookinthemorning。Weshallsoonseewhetherweareroguesaswellasthey。"
　　Seeingthattheyhadtodowithamanofdetermination，andthatresistancewouldonlyresultintheirlosingall，theyresolvedwithasgoodagraceastheycouldmustertoreturnalltheirwinnings，andforallIknowdoublethesum，fortheywereforcedtoreturnfortylouis，thoughtheysworetheyhadonlywontwenty。Thecompanywastooselectformetoventuretodecidebetweenthem。InpointoffactIwasratherinclinedtobelievetherascals，butIwasangrywiththem，andIwantedthemtopayagoodpriceforhavingmadeacomparison，quiterightinthemain，butodioustomeintheextreme。
　　Thesamereason，doubtless，preventedmefromgivingthembacktheirbook，whichIhadnoearthlyrighttokeep，andwhichtheyaskedmeinvaintoreturntothem。Myfirmnessandmythreats，andperhapsalsothefearofthepolice，madethemthinkthemselvesluckytogetoffwiththeirjewel—box。Assoonastheyweregonetheladies，likethekindlycreaturestheywere，begantopitythem。"Youmighthavegiventhembacktheirbook，"theysaidtome。
　　"Andyou，ladies，mighthaveletthemkeeptheirmoney。"
　　"Buttheycheatedusofit。"
　　"Didthey？Well，theircheatingwasdonewiththebook，andIhavedonethemakindnessbytakingitfromthem。"
　　Theyfelttheforceofmyremarks，andtheconversationtookanotherturn。
　　Earlynextmorningthetwogamesterspaidmeavisitbringingwiththemasabribeabeautifulcasketcontainingtwenty—fourlovelypiecesofDresdenchina。Ifoundthisargumentirresistible，andI
　　feltobligedtoreturnthemthebook，threateningthematthesametimewithimprisonmentiftheydaredtocarryontheirbusinessinParisforthefuture。Theypromisedmetoabstainfromdoingso——nodoubtwithamentalreservation，butIcarednothingaboutthat。
　　IresolvedtoofferthisbeautifulgifttoMdlle。delaMeure，andI
　　tookittoherthesameday。Ihadaheartywelcome，andtheauntloadedmewiththanks。
　　OnMarchthe28th，thedayofDamien’smartyrdom，Iwenttofetchtheladiesingoodtime；andasthecarriagewouldscarcelyholdusall，noobjectionwasmadetomytakingmysweetheartonmyknee，andinthisorderwereachedthePlacedeGreve。Thethreeladiespackingthemselvestogetherastightlyaspossibletookuptheirpositionsatthewindow，leaningforwardontheirelbows，soastopreventusseeingfrombehind。Thewindowhadtwostepstoit，andtheystoodonthesecond；andinordertoseewehadtostandonthesamestep，forifwehadstoodonthefirstweshouldnothavebeenabletoseeovertheirheads。Ihavemyreasonsforgivingtheseminutiae，asotherwisethereaderwouldhavesomedifficultyinguessingatthedetailswhichIamobligedtopassoverinsilence。
　　Wehadthecouragetowatchthedreadfulsightforfourhours。ThecircumstancesofDamien’sexecutionaretoowellknowntorenderitnecessaryformetospeakofthem；indeed，theaccountwouldbetoolongaone，andinmyopinionsuchhorrorsareanoffencetoourcommonhumanity。
　　Damienwasafanatic，who，withtheideaofdoingagoodworkandobtainingaheavenlyreward，hadtriedtoassassinateLouisXV。；andthoughtheattemptwasafailure，andheonlygavethekingaslightwound，hewastorntopiecesasifhiscrimehadbeenconsummated。
　　WhilethisvictimoftheJesuitswasbeingexecuted，IwasseveraltimesobligedtoturnawaymyfaceandtostopmyearsasIheardhispiercingshrieks，halfofhisbodyhavingbeentornfromhim，buttheLambertiniandthefatauntdidnotbudgeaninch。Wasitbecausetheirheartswerehardened？Theytoldme，andIpretendedtobelievethem，thattheirhorroratthewretch’swickednesspreventedThemfeelingthatcompassionwhichhisunheard—oftormentsshouldhaveexcited。ThefactwasthatTirettakeptthepiousauntcuriouslyengagedduringthewholetimeoftheexecution，andthis，perhaps，waswhatpreventedthevirtuousladyfrommovingoreventurningherheadround。
　　Findinghimselfbehindher，hehadtakentheprecautiontoliftupherdresstoavoidtreadingonit。That，nodoubt，wasaccordingtotherule；butsoonafter，ongivinganinvoluntaryglanceintheirdirection，IfoundthatTirettahadcarriedhisprecautionsratherfar，and，notwishingtointerruptmyfriendortomaketheladyfeelawkward，Iturnedmyheadandstoodinsuchawaythatmysweetheartcouldseenothingofwhatwasgoingon；thisputthegoodladyatherease。FortwohoursafterIheardacontinuousrustling，andrelishingthejokeIkeptquietthewholetime。IadmiredTiretta’sheartyappetitestillmorethanhiscourage，butwhatpleasedmemostwasthetouchingresignationwithwhichthepiousauntboreitall。
　　AttheendofthislongsessionIsawMadameturnround，anddoingthesameIfixedmygazeonTiretta，andfoundhimlookingasfreshandcoolasifnothinghadhappened，buttheauntseemedtometohavearatherpensiveappearance。ShehadbeenunderthefatalnecessityofkeepingquietandlettingTirettadowhathelikedforfearoftheLambertini’sjests，andlestherniecemightbescandalizedbytherevelationofmysteriesofwhichshewassupposedtoknownothing。
　　Wesetout，andhavingdroppedthePope’snieceatherdoor，IbeggedhertolendmeTirettaforafewhours，andIthentookMadametoherhouseintheRueSt。Andre—des—Arts。Sheaskedmetocomeandseeherthefollowingdayasshehadsomethingtotellme，andIremarkedthatshetooknonoticeofmyfriendassheleftus。Wewenttothe"HoteldeRussie，"wheretheygaveyouanexcellentdinnerforsixfrancsahead，andIthoughtmymadfriendstoodinneedofrecruitinghisstrength。
　　"WhatwereyoudoingbehindMadame——？"saidI。
　　"Iamsureyousawnothing，oranybodyelseeither。"
　　"No，becausewhenIsawthebeginningofyourmanoeuvres，andguessedwhatwascoming，IstoodinsuchawaythatneithertheLambertiniortheprettyniececouldseeyou。Icanguesswhatyourgoalwas，andImustsayIadmireyourheartyappetite。Butyourwretchedvictimappearstoberatherangry。"
　　"Oh！mydearfellow，that’salltheaffectationofanoldmaid。Shemaypretendtobeputout，butasshekeptquietthewholetimeIamcertainshewouldbegladtobeginalloveragain。"
　　"Ithinkso，too，inherheartofhearts；butherpridemightsuggestthatyouhadbeenlackinginrespect，andthesuggestionwouldbebynomeansgroundless。"
　　"Respect，yousay；butmustonenotalwaysbelackinginrespecttowomenwhenonewantstocometothepoint？"
　　"Quiteso，butthere’sadistinctionbetweenwhatloversmaydowhentheyaretogether，andwhatisproperinthepresenceofamixedcompany。"
　　"Yes，butIsnatchedfourdistinctfavoursfromher，withouttheleastopposition；hadInotthereforegoodreasonsfortakingherconsentforgranted？"
　　"Youreasonwell，butyouseesheisoutofhumourwithyou。Shewantstospeaktometo—morrow，andIhavenodoubtthatyouwillbethesubjectofourconversation。"
　　"Possibly，butstillIshouldthinkshewouldnotspeaktoyouofthecomicpieceofbusiness；itwouldbeverysillyofher。"
　　"Whyso？Youdon’tknowthesepiouswomen。TheyarebroughtupbyJesuits，whooftengivethemsomegoodlessonsonthesubject，andtheyaredelightedtoconfesstoathirdparty；andtheseconfessionswithaseasoningoftearsgivesthemintheirowneyesquiteahaloofsaintliness。"
　　"Well，lethertellyouifshelikes。Weshallseewhatcomesofit。"
　　"Possiblyshemaydemandsatisfaction；inwhichcaseIshallbegladtodomybestforher。"
　　"Youmakemelaugh！Ican’timaginewhatsortofsatisfactionshecouldclaim，unlessshewantstopunishmebythe’Lextalionis’，whichwouldbehardlypracticablewithoutarepetitionoftheoriginaloffence。Ifshehadnotlikedthegame，allshehadtodowastogivemeapushwhichwouldhavesentmebackwards。"
　　"Yes，butthatwouldhaveletusknowwhatyouhadbeentryingtodo。"
　　"Well，ifitcomestothat，theslightestmovementwouldhaverenderedthewholeprocessnullandvoid；butasitwasshestoodintheproperpositionasquietasalamb；nothingcouldbeeasier。"
　　"It’sanamusingbusinessaltogether。ButdidyounoticethattheLambertiniwasangrywithyou，too？She，perhaps，sawwhatyouweredoing，andfelthurt。"
　　"Oh！shehasgotanothercauseofcomplaintagainstme。Wehavefallenout，andIamleavingherthisevening。"
　　"Really？"
　　"Yes，Iwilltellyouallaboutit。Yesterdayevening，ayoungfellowintheInlandRevenuewhohadbeenseducedtosupwithusbyahussyofGenoa，afterlosingfortylouis，threw，thecardsinthefaceofmylandladyandcalledherathief。OntheimpulseofthemomentItookacandleandputitoutonhisface。Imighthavedestroyedoneofhiseyes，butIfortunatelyhithimonthecheek。
　　Heimmediatelyranforhissword，minewasready，andiftheGenoesehadnotthrownherselfbetweenusmurdermighthavebeencommitted。
　　Whenthepoorwretchsawhischeekintheglass，hebecamesofuriousthatnothingshortofthereturnofallhismoneywouldappeasehim。
　　Theygaveithimback，inspiteofmyadvice，forindoingsotheyadmitted，tacitlyatallevents，thatithadbeenwonbycheating。
　　ThiscausedasharpdisputebetweentheLambertiniandmyselfafterhehadgone。Shesaidweshouldhavekeptthefortylouis，andnothingwouldhavehappenedexceptformyinterference，thatitwasherandnotmewhomtheyoungmanhadinsulted。TheGenoeseaddedthatifwehadkeptcoolweshouldhavehadthepluckingofhim，butthatGodaloneknewwhathewoulddonowwiththemarkoftheburnonhisface。Tiredofthetalkoftheseinfamouswomen，Iwasabouttoleavethem，butmylandladybegantoridethehighhorse，andwentsofarastocallmeabeggar。
　　"IfM。leNoirhadnotcomeinjustthen，shewouldhavehadabadtimeofit，asmystickwasalreadyinmyhand。Assoonastheysawhimtheytoldmetoholdmytongue，butmybloodwasup；andturningtowardstheworthymanItoldhimthathismistresshadcalledmeabeggar，thatshewasacommonprostitute，thatIwasnothercousin，norinanywayrelatedtoher，andthatIshouldleaveherthatveryday。AssoonasIhadcometotheendofthisshortandswiftdiscourse，Iwentoutandshutmyselfupinmyroom。InthecourseofthenexttwohoursIshallgoandfetchmylinen，andIhopetobreakfastwithyouto—morrow。"
　　Tirettadidwell。Hisheartwasintherightplace，andhewaswisenottoallowthefoolishimpulsesofyouthtoplungehiminthesinkofcorruption。Aslongasamanhasnotcommittedadishonourableaction，aslongashisheartissound，thoughhisheadmaygoastray，thepathofdutyisstillopentohim。Ishouldsaythesameofwomenifprejudicewerenotsostrongintheircase，andiftheywerenotmuchmoreundertheinfluenceoftheheartthanthehead。
　　AfteragooddinnerwasheddownbysomedeliciousSilleryweparted，andIspenttheeveninginwriting。NextmorningIdidsomebusiness，andatnoonwenttoseethedistresseddevotee，whomI
　　foundathomewithhercharmingniece。Wetalkedafewminutesabouttheweather，andshethentoldmysweethearttoleaveusasshewantedtospeaktome。IwaspreparedforwhatwascomingandI
　　waitedforhertobreakthesilencewhichallwomenofherpositionobserve。"Youwillbesurprised，sir，atwhatIamgoingtotellyou，forIhavedeterminedtobringbeforeyouacomplaintofanunheard—ofcharacter。Thecaseisreallyofthemostdelicatenature，andIamimpelledtomakeaconfidantofyoubytheimpressionyoumadeonmewhenIfirstsawyou。Iconsideryoutobeamanofdiscretion，ofhonour，andaboveallamoralman；inshort，Ibelieveyouhaveexperiencedreligion，andifIammakingamistakeitwillbeapity，forthoughIhavebeeninsultedIdon’tlackmeansofavengingmyself，andasyouarehisfriendyouwillbesorryforhim。"
　　"IsTirettatheguiltyparty，madam？"
　　"Thesame。"
　　"Andwhatishiscrime？"
　　"Heisavillain；hehasinsultedmeinthemostmonstrousmanner。"
　　"Ishouldnothavethoughthimcapableofdoingso。"
　　"Idaresaynot，butthenyouareamoralman。"
　　"Butwhatwasthenatureofhisoffence？Youmayconfideinmysecrecy。"
　　"Ireallycouldn’ttellyou，it’squiteoutofthequestion；butI
　　trustyouwillbeabletoguessit。Yesterday，duringtheexecutionofthewretchedDamien，hestronglyabusedthepositioninwhichhefoundhimselfbehindme。"
　　"Isee；Iunderstandwhatyoumean；youneedsaynomore。Youhavecauseforanger，andheistoblameforactinginsuchamanner。Butallowmetosaythatthecaseisnotunexampledorevenuncommon，andIthinkyoumightmakesomeallowanceforthestrengthoflove，theclosequarters，andaboveallfortheyouthandpassionofthesinner。Moreover，theoffenceisonewhichmaybeexpiatedinanumberofways，providedthepartiescometoanagreement。Tirettaisyoungandaperfectgentleman，heishandsomeandatbottomagoodfellow；couldnotamarriagebearranged？"
　　Iwaitedforareply，butperceivingthattheinjuredpartykeptsilence（acircumstancewhichseemedtomeagoodomen）Iwenton。
　　"Ifmarriageshouldnotmeetyourviews，wemighttryalastingfriendship，inwhichhecouldshewhisrepentanceandprovehimselfdeservingofpardon。Remember，madam，thatTirettaisonlyaman，andthereforesubjecttoalltheweaknessesofourpoorhumannature；
　　andevenyouhaveyourshareoftheblame。"
　　"I，sir？"
　　"Involuntarily，madam，involuntarily；notyoubutyourcharmsledhimastray。Nevertheless，withoutthisincentivethecircumstancewouldneverhavetakenplace，andIthinkyoushouldconsideryourbeautyasamitigationoftheoffence。"
　　"Youpleadyourcausewell，sir，butIwilldoyoujusticeandconfessthatallyourremarkshavebeencharacterizedbymuchChristianfeeling。However，youarereasoningonfalsepremises；youareignorantofhisrealcrime，yethowshouldyouguessit？"
　　Withthissheburstintotears，leadingmecompletelyoffthescent，andnotknowingwhattothink。
　　"Hecan’thavestolenherpurse，"saidItomyself，"asIdon’tthinkhimcapableofsuchanaction；andifIdidI’dblowhisbrainsout。"
　　Theafflictedladysoondriedhertears，andwentonasfollows:
　　"Youarethinkingofadeedwhichonemightpossiblysucceedinreconcilingwithreason，andinmakingamendsfor；butthecrimeofwhichthatbrutehasbeenguiltyIdarescarcelyimagine，asitisalmostenoughtodrivememad。"
　　"Goodheavens！youcan’tmeanit？Thisisdreadful；doIhearyouaright？"
　　"Yes。Youaremoved，Isee，butsucharethecircumstancesofthecase。Pardonmytears，whichflowfromangerandtheshamewithwhichIamcovered。"
　　"Yes，andfromoutragedreligion，too。"
　　"Certainly，certainly。Thatisthechiefsourceofmygrief，andI
　　shouldhavementioneditifIhadnotfearedyouwerenotsostronglyattachedtoreligionasmyself。"
　　"Nobody，Godbepraised！couldbemorestronglyattachedtoreligionthanI，andnothingcaneverunloosethetieswhichbindmetoit:"
　　"Youwillbegrieved，then，tohearthatIamdestinedtosuffereternalpunishment，forImustandwillbeavenged。"
　　"Notso，madam，perishthethought，asIcouldnotbecomeyouraccompliceinsuchadesign，andifyouwillnotabandonitatleastsaynothingtomeonthesubject。Iwillpromiseyoutotellhimnothing，althoughasheliveswithmethesacredlawsofhospitalityobligemetogivehimduewarning。"
　　"IthoughthelivedwiththeLambertini"
　　"Heleftheryesterday。Theconnectionbetweenthemwasacriminalone，andIhavedrawnhimbackfromthebrinkoftheprecipice。"
　　"Youdon’tmeantosayso！"
　　"Yes，uponmywordofhonour:"
　　"Youastonishone。Thisisveryedifying。Idon’twishtheyoungman’sdeath，butyoumustconfessheowesmesomereparation。"
　　"Hedoesindeed。AcharmingFrenchwomanisnottobehandledintheItalianmannerwithoutsignalamends，butIcanthinkofnothingatallcommensuratewiththeoffence。Thereisonlyoneplan，whichI
　　willendeavourtocarryoutifyouwillagreetoit。"
　　"Whatisthat？"
　　"Iwillputtheguiltypartyinyourpowerwithouthisknowingwhatistohappen，andIwillleaveyoualone，sothatyoucanwreakallyourwrathuponhim，providedyouwillallowmetobe，unknowntohim，inthenextroom，asIshallregardmyselfasresponsibleforhissafety。"
　　"Iconsent。Youwillstayinthisroom，andhemustbeleftintheotherwhereIshallreceiveyou，buttakecarehehasnosuspicionofyourpresence。"
　　"Heshan’tdreamofit。HewillnotevenknowwhereIamtakinghim，forhemustnotthinkthatIhavebeeninformedofhismisdoings。Assoonaswebethere，andtheconversationbecomesgeneral，Ishallleavetheroom，pretendingtobegoingaway。"
　　"Whenwillyoubringhim？Ilongtocoverhimwithconfusion。I
　　willmakehimtremble。Iamcurioustohearhowhewilljustifyhimselfforsuchanoffence。"
　　"Ican’tsay，butIthinkandhopethatyourpresencewillmakehimeloquent，asIshouldliketoseeyourdifferencesadjusted。"
　　Atoneo’clocktheAbbedesForgesarrived，andshemademesitdowntodinnerwiththem。ThisabbewasapupilofthefamousBishopofAuxerre，whowasstillliving。Italkedsowellonthesubjectofgrace，andmadesomanyquotationsfromSt。Augustine，thattheabbeandthedevoteetookmeforazealousJansenistacharacterwithwhichmydressandappearancedidnotatallcorrespond。Mysweetheartdidnotgivemeasingleglancewhilethemealwasgoingon，andthinkingshehadsomemotivesIabstainedfromspeakingtoher。
　　Afterdinner，which，bytheway，wasaverygoodone，Ipromisedtheoffendedladytobringhertheculpritboundhandandfootnextday，aftertheplaywasover。ToputherathereaseIsaidIshouldwalk，asIwascertainthathewouldnotrecognizethehouseinthedark。
　　AssoonasIsawTiretta，Ibeganwithaseriocomicairtoreproachhimforthedreadfulcrimehehadcommittedonthebodyofaladyineverywayvirtuousandrespectable，butthemadfellowbegantolaugh，anditwouldhavebeenwasteoftimeformetotrytostophim。
　　"What！"saidhe，"shehashadthecouragetotellyouall？"
　　"Youdon’tdenythefact，then？"
　　"Ifshesaysitisso，Idon’tthinkIcangiveherthelie，butIamreadytoswearthatIdon’tknowhowthelandlay。InthepositionI
　　wasinitwasimpossibleformetosaywhereItookupmydwelling。
　　However，Iwillquietherindignation，asIshallcometothepointquickly，andnotletherwait。"
　　"Youwillruinthebusinessifyoudon’ttakecare；beaslongasyoucan；shewilllikethatbest，anditwillbetoyourinterest。Don’thurryyourself，andnevermindme，asIamsuretogetonallrightwhileyouarechangingangerintoasofterpassion。RemembernottoknowthatIaminthehouse，andifyouonlystaywithherashorttime（whichIdon’tthinkwillbethecase）takeacoachandbeoff。
　　Youknowtheleastapiouswomanlikehercandowillbetoprovidemewithfireandcompany。Don’tforgetthatsheiswell—bornlikeyourself。Thesewomenofqualityare，nodoubt，asimmoralasanyotherwomen，sincetheyareconstructedofthesamematerial，buttheyliketohavetheirprideflatteredbycertainattentions。Sheisrich，adevote，and，whatismore，inclinedtopleasure；strivetogainherfriendship’faciemadfaciem’，astheKingofPrussiasays。
　　Youmay，perhaps，makeyourfortune。"
　　"IfsheasksyouwhyyouhaveleftthePope’sniece，takecarenottotellherthereason。Shewillbepleasedwithyourdiscretion。Inshort，doyourbesttoexpiatetheenormityofyouroffence。"
　　"Ihaveonlytospeakthetruth。Iwentininthedark。"
　　"That’sanoddreason，butitmayseemconvincingtoaFrenchwoman。"
　　IneednottellthereaderthatIgaveTirettaafullaccountofmyconversationwiththelady。Ifanycomplainofthisbreachofhonour，ImusttellthemthatIhadmadeamentalreservationnottokeepmypromise，andthosewhoareacquaintedwiththemoralityofthechildrenofIgnatiuswillunderstandthatIwascompletelyatmyease。
　　Nextdaywewenttotheopera，andafterwards，ourplansmadeout，wewalkedtothehouseoftheinsultedandvirtuouslady。Shereceiveduswithgreatdignity，butyettherewasanagreeableundercurrentinhervoiceandmannerwhichIthoughtverypromising。
　　"Inevertakesupper，"shesaid，"butifyouhadforewarnedmeofyourvisitIshouldhavegotsomethingforyou:"
　　AftertellingherallthenewsIhadheardinthetheatre，I
　　pretendedtobeobligedtogo，andbeggedhertoletmeleavethecountwithherforafewminutes。
　　"IfIammorethanaquarterofanhour，"saidItothecount，"don’twait。Takeacoachhomeandweshallseeeachotherto—morrow。"
　　InsteadofgoingdownstairsIwentintothenextroom，andtwominutesafterwhoshouldenterbutmysweetheart，wholookedcharmedandyetpuzzledatmyappearance。
　　"IthinkImustbedreaming，"saidshe，"butmyaunthaschargedmenottoleaveyoualone，andtotellherwomannottocomeupstairsunlesssheringsthebell。Yourfriendiswithher，andshetoldmetospeaklowasheisnottoknowthatyouarehere。Whatdoesitallmean？"
　　"Youarecurious，areyou？"
　　"IconfessIaminthisinstance，forallthismysteryseemsdesignedtoexcitecuriosity。"
　　"Dearest，youshallknowall；buthowcolditis。"
　　"Myaunthastoldmetomakeagoodfire，shehasbecomeliberalorratherlavishallofasudden；lookatthewaxcandles。"
　　"That’sanewthing，isit？"
　　"Oh，quitenew。"
　　AssoonaswewereseatedinfrontofthefireIbegantotellherthestory，towhichshelistenedwithalltheattentionayounggirlcangivetosuchamatter；butasIhadthoughtitwelltopassoversomeofthedetails，shecouldnotproperlyunderstandwhatcrimeitwasthatTirettahadcommitted。Iwasnotsorrytobeobligedtotellherthestoryinplainlanguage，andtogivemoreexpressionI
　　employedthelanguageofgesture，whichmadeherblushandlaughatthesametime。Ithentoldherthat，havingtakenupthequestionofthereparationthatwasduetoheraunt，IhadsoarrangedmattersthatIwascertainofbeingalonewithherallthetimemyfriendwasengaged。ThereuponIbegantocoverherprettyfacewithkisses，andasIallowedmyselfnootherlibertiesshereceivedmycaressesasaproofofthegreatnessofmyloveandthepurityofmyfeelings。
　　"Dearest，"shesaid，"whatyousaypuzzlesme；therearetwothingswhichIcan’tunderstand。HowcouldTirettasucceedincommittingthiscrimewithmyaunt，whichIthinkwouldonlybepossiblewiththeconsentofthepartyattacked，butquiteimpossiblewithoutit；
　　andthismakesmebelievethatifthethingwasdoneitwasdonewithherheartygoodwill。"
　　"Verytrue，forifshedidnotlikeitshehadonlytochangeherposition。"
　　"Notsomuchasthat；sheneedonlyhavekeptthedoorshut。"
　　"There，sweetheart，youarewrong，foraproperly—mademanonlyasksyoutokeepstillandhewillovercomeallobstacles。Moreover，I
　　don’texpectthatyouraunt’sdoorissowellshutasyours。"
　　"IbelievethatIcoulddefyalltheTirettasintheworld。
　　"There’sanotherthingIdon’tunderstand，andthatishowmyblessedauntcametotellyouallaboutit；forifshehadanysenseshemighthaveknownthatitwouldonlymakeyoulaugh。Andwhatsatisfactiondoessheexpecttogetfromabrutelikethat，whopossiblythinkstheaffairamatterofnoconsequence。Ishouldthinkhewoulddothesametoanywomanwhooccupiedthesamepositionasmyaunt。"
　　"Youareright，forhetoldmehewentinlikeablindman，notknowingwherehewasgoing。"
　　"Yourfriendisaqueerfellow，andifothermenarelikehimIamsureIshouldhavenofeelingbutcontemptforthem。"
　　"Shehastoldmenothingaboutthesatisfactionsheisthinkingof，andwhichshepossiblyfeelsquitesureofattaining；butIthinkI
　　canguesswhatitwillbenamely，aformaldeclarationoflove；andI
　　supposehewillexpiatehiscrimebybecomingherlover，anddoubtlessthiswillbetheirweddingnight。"
　　"Theaffairisgettingamusing。Ican’tbelieveit。Mydearauntistooanxiousabouthersalvation；andhowdoyouimaginetheyoungmancaneverfallinlovewithher，orplaythepartwithsuchafaceashersbeforehiseyes。Haveyoueverseenacountenanceasdisgustingasmyaunt’s？Herskiniscoveredwithpimples，hereyesdistilhumours，andherteethandbreathareenoughtodiscourageanyman。
　　She’shideous。"
　　"Allthatisnothingtoayoungsparkoftwenty—five；oneisalwaysreadyforanassaultatthatage；notlikemewhoonlyfeelmyselfamaninpresenceofcharmslikeyours，ofwhichIlongtobethelawfulpossessor。"
　　"Youwillfindmethemostaffectionateofwives，andIfeelquitesurethatIshallhaveyourheartinsuchgoodkeepingthatIshallneverbeafraidoflosingit。"
　　Wehadtalkedthuspleasantlyforanhour，andTirettawasstillwiththeaunt。Ithoughtthingspointedtowardsareconciliation，andjudgedthematterwasgettingserious。Itoldmysweetheartmyopinion，andaskedhertogivemesomethingtoeat。
　　"Icanonlygiveyou，"saidshe，"somebreadandcheese，asliceofham，andsomewinewhichmyauntpronouncesexcellent。"
　　"Bringthemquick，then；Iamfaintingwithhunger。"
　　Shesoonlaidthetablefortwo，andputonitallthefoodshehad。
　　ThecheesewasRoquefort，andthehamhadbeencoveredwithjelly。
　　Abouttenpersonswithreasonableappetitesshouldhavebeenabletosuponwhattherewas；but（howIknownot）thewholedisappeared，andalsotwobottlesofChambertin，whichIseemtotastenow。Mysweetheart’seyesgleamedwithpleasure:trulyChambertinandRoquefortareexcellentthinkstorestoreanoldloveandtoripenayoungone。
　　"Don’tyouwanttoknowwhatyouraunthasbeendoingthelasttwohourswithM。Sixtimes？"
　　"Theyareplaying，perhaps；butthereisasmallholeinthewall，andIwilllookandsee。Icanonlyseethetwocandles，andthewicksareaninchlong。"
　　"Didn’tIsayso？GivemeacoverletandIwillsleeponthesofahere，anddoyougotobed。Butletmelookatitfirst:"
　　Shemademecomeintoherlittleroom，whereIsawaprettybed，aprayerdesk，andalargecrucifix。
　　"Yourbedistoosmallforyou，dearheart。"
　　"Oh，notatall！Iamverycomfortable"；andsosayingshelaiddownatfulllength。
　　"WhatabeautifulwifeIshallhave！Nay，don’tmove，letmelookatyouso。"Myhandbegantopressthebosomofherdress，wherewereimprisonedtwosphereswhichseemedtolamenttheircaptivity。I
　　wentfarther，Ibegantountiestrings……forwheredoesdesirestopshort？
　　"Sweetheart，Icannotresist，butyouwillnotlovemeafterwards。"
　　"Iwillalwaysloveyou:"
　　Soonherbeautifulbreastswereexposedtomyburningkisses。Theflameofmylovelitanotherinherheart，andforgettingherformerselfsheopenedherarmstome，makingmepromisenottodespiseher，andwhatwouldonenotpromise！Themodestyinherentinthesex，thefearofresults，perhapsakindofinstinctwhichrevealstothemthenaturalfaithlessnessofmenmakewomenaskforsuchpromises，butwhatmistress，ifreallyamorous，wouldeventhinkofaskingherlovertorespectherinthemomentofdeliriousecstacy，whenallone’sbeingiscentredonthefulfilmentofdesire？
　　Afterwehadpassedanhourintheseamoroustoyings，whichsetmysweetheartonfire，hercharmshavingneverbeforebeenexposedtotheburninglipsorthefreecaressesofaman，Isaidtoher，"Igrievetoleaveyouwithouthavingrenderedtoyourbeautythegreatesthomagewhichitdeservessowell。"
　　Asighwasheronlyanswer。
　　Itwascold，thefirewasout，andIhadtospendthenightonthesofa。
　　"Givemeacoverlet，dearest，thatImaygoawayfromyou，forI
　　shoulddieherebetweenloveandcoldifyoumademeabstain。"
　　"LiewhereIhavebeen，sweetheart。Iwillgetupandrekindlethefire。"
　　Shegotupinallhernakedcharms，andassheputasticktothefiretheflameleaptup；Irose，Ifoundherstandingsoastodisplayallherbeauties，andIcouldrefrainnolonger。Ipressedhertomyheart，shereturnedmycaresses，andtillday—breakwegaveourselvesuptoanecstacyofpleasure。
　　Wehadspentfourorfivedelicioushoursonthesofa。Shethenleftme，andaftermakingagoodfireshewenttoherroom，andIremainedonthesofaandslepttillnoon。IwasawakenedbyMadame，whoworeagracefulundress。
　　"Stillasleep，M。Casanova？"
　　"Ah！goodmorning，madam，goodmorning。Andwhathasbecomeofmyfriend？"
　　"Hehasbecomemine，Ihaveforgivenhim。"
　　"Whathashedonetobeworthyofsogenerousapardon？"
　　"Heprovedtomethathemadeamistake。"
　　"Iamdelightedtohearit；whereishe？"
　　"Hehasgonehome，whereyouwillfindhim；butdon’tsayanythingaboutyourspendingthenighthere，orhewillthinkitwasspentwithmyniece。Iamverymuchobligedtoyouforwhatyouhavedone，andIhaveonlytoaskyoutobediscreet。"
　　"Youcancountonmeentirely，forIamgratefultoyouforhavingforgivenmyfriend。"
　　"Whowouldnotdoso？Thedearyoungmanissomethingmorethanmortal。Ifyouknewhowhelovedme！Iamgratefultohim，andI
　　havetakenhimtoboardforayear；hewillbewelllodged，wellfed，andsoon。"
　　"Whatadelightfulplan！Youhavearrangedtheterms，Isuppose。"
　　"Allthatwillbesettledinafriendlyway，andweshallnotneedtohaverecoursetoarbitration。Weshallsetoutto—dayforVillette，whereIhaveanicelittlehouse；foryouknowthatitisnecessary，atfirst，toactinsuchawayastogivenoopportunitytoslanderers。Myloverwillhaveallhewants，andwheneveryou，sir，honouruswithyourpresenceyouwillfindaprettyroomandagoodbedatyourdisposal。AllIamsorryforisthatyouwillfindittedious；mypoornieceissodull。"
　　"Madam，yournieceisdelightful；shegavemeyesterdayeveninganexcellentsupperandkeptmecompanytillthreeo’clockthismorning。"
　　"Really？Ican’tmakeitouthowshegaveyouanything，astherewasnothinginthehouse。"
　　"Atanyrate，madam，shegavemeanexcellentsupper，ofwhichtherearenoremains，andafterkeepingmecompanyshewenttobed，andI
　　havehadagoodnightonthiscomfortablesofa。"
　　"Iamgladthatyou，likemyself，werepleasedwitheverything，butI
　　didnotthinkmyniecesoclever。"
　　"Sheisveryclever，madam——inmyeyes，atallevents:"
　　"Oh，sir！youareajudgeofwit，letusgoandseeher。Shehaslockedherdoor。Comeopenthedoor，whyhaveyoushutyourselfup，youlittleprude？whatareyouafraidof。MyCasanovaisincapableofhurtingyou。"
　　Thenieceopenedherdoorandapologizedforthedisorderofherdress，butwhatcostumecouldhavesuitedherbetter？Hercostumewasdazzling。"
　　"Theresheis，"saidtheaunt，"andsheisnotsobadlookingafterall，butitisapitysheissostupid。Youwereveryrighttogivethisgentlemanasupper。Iammuchobligedtoyoufordoingso。
　　Ihavebeenplayingallnight，andwhenoneisplayingoneonlythinksofthegame。IhavedeterminedontakingyoungTirettatoboardwithus。Heisanexcellentandcleveryoungman，andIamsurehewilllearntospeakFrenchbeforelong。Getdressed，mydear，aswemustbegintopack。WeshallsetoutthisafternoonforVillette，andshallspendtherethewholeofthespring。Thereisnoneed，youknow，tosayanythingaboutthistomysister:"
　　"I，aunt？Certainlynot。DidIevertellheranythingontheotheroccasions？"
　　"Otheroccasions！Youseewhatasillygirlitis。Doyoumeanby’otheroccasions，’thatIhavebeencircumstancedlikethisbefore？"
　　"No，aunt。IonlymeanttosaythatIhadnevertoldheranythingofwhatyoudid。"
　　"That’sright，mydear，butyoumustlearntoexpressyourselfproperly。Wedineattwo，andIhopetohavethepleasureofM。
　　Casanova’scompanyatdinner；wewillstartimmediatelyafterthemeal。Tirettapromisedtobringhissmallportmanteauwithhim，anditwillgowithourluggage。"
　　Afterpromisingtodinewiththem，Ibadetheladiesgood—bye；andI
　　wenthomeasfastasIcouldwalk，forIwasascuriousasawomantoknowwhatarrangementshadbeenmade。
　　"Well，"saidItoTiretta，"Ifindyouhavegotaplace。Tellmeallaboutit"
　　"Mydearfellow，Ihavesoldmyselfforayear。Mypayistobetwenty—fivelouisamonth，agoodtable，goodlodging，etc。，etc。"
　　"Icongratulateyou。"
　　"Doyouthinkitisworththetrouble？"
　　"There’snorosewithoutathorn。Shetoldmeyouweresomethingmorethanmortal。"
　　"Iworkedhardallnighttoproveittoher；butIamquitesureyourtimewasbetteremployedthanmine。"
　　"Isleptlikeaking。Dressyourself，asIamcomingtodinner，andIwanttoseeyousetoutforVillette。Ishallcomeandseeyoutherenowandthen，asyoursweethearthastoldmethataroomshallbesetapartformyconvenience。"
　　Wearrivedattwoo’clock。Madamedressedinagirlishstylepresentedasingularappearance，butMdlle。delaMeure’sbeautyshonelikeastar。Loveandpleasurehadgivenheranewlife，anewbeing。Wehadacapitaldinner，asthegoodladyhadmadetherepastdaintylikeherself；butinthedishestherewasnothingabsurd，whileherwholeappearancewascomicinthehighestdegree。Atfourtheyallsetout，andIspentmyeveningattheItaliancomedy。
　　IwasinlovewithMdlle。delaMeure，butSilvia’sdaughter，whosecompanyatsupperwasallIhadofher，weakenedalovewhichnowleftnothingmoretodesire。
　　Wecomplainofwomenwho，thoughlovingusandsureofourlove，refuseustheirfavours；butwearewrongindoingso，foriftheylovetheyhavegoodreasontofearlesttheyloseusinthemomentofsatisfyingourdesires。Naturallytheyshoulddoallintheirpowertoretainourhearts，andthebestwaytodosoistocherishourdesireofpossessingthem；butdesireisonlykeptalivebybeingdenied:enjoymentkillsit，sinceonecannotdesirewhatonehasgot。
　　Iam，therefore，ofopinionthatwomenarequiterighttorefuseus。
　　Butifitbegrantedthatthepassionsofthetwosexesareofequalstrength，howcomesitthatamanneverrefusestogratifyawomanwholoveshimandentreatshimtobekind？
　　Wecannotreceivetheargumentfoundedonthefearofresults，asthatisaparticularandnotageneralconsideration。Ourconclusion，then，willbethatthereasonliesinthefactthatamanthinksmoreofthepleasureheimpartsthanthatwhichhereceives，andisthereforeeagertoimparthisblisstoanother。Weknow，also，that，asageneralrule，women，whenonceenjoyed，doubletheirloveandaffection。Ontheotherhand，womenthinkmoreofthepleasuretheyreceivethanofthatwhichtheyimpart，andthereforeputoffenjoymentaslongaspossible，sincetheyfearthatingivingthemselvesuptheylosetheirchiefgood——theirownpleasure。Thisfeelingispeculiartothesex，andistheonlycauseofcoquetry，pardonableinawoman，detestableinaman。
　　Silvia’sdaughterlovedme，andsheknewIlovedher，althoughIhadneversaidso，butwomen’switiskeen。Atthesametimesheendeavourednottoletmeknowherfeelings，asshewasafraidofencouragingmetoaskfavoursofher，andshedidnotfeelsureofherstrengthtorefusethem；andsheknewmyinconstantnature。HerrelationsintendedherforClement，whohadbeenteachinghertheclavichordforthelastthreeyears。Sheknewofthearrangementandhadnoobjection，forthoughshedidnotlovehimshelikedhimverywell。Mostgirlsareweddedwithoutlove，andtheyarenotsorryforitafterwards。Theyknowthatbymarriagetheybecomeofsomeconsequenceintheworld，andtheymarrytohaveahouseoftheirownandagoodpositioninsociety。Theyseemtoknowthatahusbandandaloverneednotbesynonymousterms。AtParismenareactuatedbythesameviews，andmostmarriagesaremattersofconvenience。TheFrencharejealousoftheirmistresses，butneveroftheirwives。
　　TherecouldbenodoubtthatM。Clementwasverymuchinlove，andMdlle。BalettiwasdelightedthatInoticedit，asshethoughtthiswouldbringmetoadeclaration，andshewasquiteright。ThedepartureofMdlle。delaMeurehadagooddealtodowithmydeterminationtodeclaremyself；andIwasverysorrytohavedonesoafterwards，forafterIhadtoldherIlovedherClementwasdismissed，andmypositionwasworsethanbefore。Themanwhodeclareshisloveforawomaninwordswantstobesenttoschoolagain。
　　ThreedaysafterthedepartureofTiretta，Itookhimwhatsmallbelongingshehad，andMadameseemedverygladtoseeme。TheAbbedesForgesarrivedjustasweweresittingdowntodinner，andthoughhehadbeenveryfriendlytomeatParishedidnotsomuchaslookatmeallthroughthemeal，andtreatedTirettainthesameway。
　　I，formypart，tooknonoticeofhim，butTiretta，notsopatientasI，atlastlosthistemperandgotup，beggingMadametotellhimwhenshewasgoingtohavethatfellowtodinewithher。Werosefromtablewithoutsayingaword，andthesilentabbewentwithmadamintoanotherroom。
　　Tirettatookmetoseehisroom，whichwashandsomelyfurnished，and，aswasright，adjoinedhissweetheart’s。Whilsthewasputtinghisthingsinorder，Mdlle。delaMeuremademecomeandseemyapartment。Itwasaveryniceroomonthegroundfloor，andfacinghers。ItookcaretopointouttoherhoweasilyIcouldpayheravisitaftereveryonewasinbed，butshesaidweshouldnotbecomfortableinherroom，andthatshewouldconsequentlysavemethetroubleofgettingoutofbed。ItwillbeguessedthatIhadnoobjectionstomaketothisarrangement。
　　Shethentoldmeofheraunt’sfollyaboutTiretta。
　　"Shebelieves，"saidshe，"thatwedonotknowhesleepswithher。"
　　"Believes，orpretendstobelieve。"
　　"Possibly。Sherangformeateleveno’clockthismorningandtoldmetogoandaskhimwhatkindofnighthehadpassed。Ididso，butseeinghisbedhadnotbeensleptinIaskedhimifhehadnotbeentosleep。
　　"’No，’saidhe，’Ihavebeenwritingallnight，butpleasedon’tsayanythingaboutittoyouraunt:Ipromisedwithallmyhearttobeassilentasthegrave。"
　　"Doeshemakesheep’seyesatyou？"
　　"No，butifhediditwouldbeallthesame。Thoughheisnotoversharpheknows，Ithink，whatIthinkofhim。"
　　"Whyhaveyousuchapooropinionofhim？"
　　"Why？Myauntpayshim。Ithinksellingone’sselfisadreadfulidea。"
　　"Butyoupayme。"
　　"Yes，butinthesamecoinasyougiveme。"
　　Theoldauntwasalwayscallingherniecestupid，butonthecontraryIthoughtherveryclever，andasvirtuousasclever。Ishouldneverhaveseducedherifshehadnotbeenbroughtupinaconvent。
　　IwentbacktoTiretta，andhadsomepleasantconversationwithhim。
　　Iaskedhimhowhelikedhisplace。
　　"Idon’tlikeitmuch，butasitcostsmenothingIamnotabsolutelywretched。"
　　"Butherface！"
　　"Idon’tlookatit，andthere’sonethingIlikeabouther——sheissoclean。"
　　"Doesshetakegoodcareofyou？"
　　"Oyes，sheisfulloffeelingforme。ThismorningsherefusedthegreetingIofferedher。’Iamsure，’saidshe，’thatmyrefusalwillpainyou，butyourhealthissodeartomethatIfeelboundtolookafterit。"
　　AssoonasthegloomyAbbedesForgeswasgoneandMadamewasalone，werejoinedher。Shetreatedmeashergossip，andplayedthetimidchildforTiretta’sbenefit，andheplayeduptoheradmirably，muchtomyadmiration。
　　"Ishallseenomoreofthatfoolishpriest，"saidshe；"foraftertellingmethatIwaslostbothinthisworldandthenexthethreatenedtoabandonme，andItookhimathisword。"
　　AnactressnamedQuinault，whohadleftthestageandlivedcloseby，cametocall，andsoonafterMadameFavartandtheAbbedeVoisenonarrived，followedbyMadameAmelinwithahandsomeladnamedCalabre，whomshecalledhernephew。Hewasaslikeherastwopeas，butshedidnotseemtothinkthatasufficientreasonforconfessingshewashismother。M。Patron，aPiedmontese，whoalsocamewithher，madeabankatfaroandinacoupleofhourswoneverybody’smoneywiththeexceptionofmine，asIknewbetterthantoplay。Mytimewasbetteroccupiedinthecompanyofmysweetmistress。IsawthroughthePiedmontese，andhadputhimdownasaknave；butTirettawasnotsosharp，andconsequentlylostallthemoneyhehadinhispocketsandahundredlouisbesides。Thebankerhavingreapedagoodharvestputdownthecards，andTirettatoldhimingoodItalianthathewasacheat，towhichthePiedmonteserepliedwiththegreatestcoolnessthathelied。Thinkingthatthequarrelmighthaveanunpleasantending，ItoldhimthatTirettawasonlyjesting，andImademyfriendsayso，too。Hethenleftthecompanyandwenttohisroom。
　　EightyearsafterwardsIsawthisPatronatSt。Petersburg，andintheyear1767hewasassassinatedinPoland。
　　ThesameeveningIpreachedTirettaasevereyetfriendlysermon。
　　Ipointedouttohimthatwhenheplayedhewasatthemercyofthebanker，whomightbearoguebutamanofcouragetoo，andsoincallinghimacheathewasriskinghislife。
　　"AmItoletmyselfberobbed，then？"
　　"Yes，youhaveafreechoiceinthematter；nobodywillmakeyouplay。"
　　"Icertainlywillnotpayhimthathundredlouis。"
　　"Iadviseyoutodoso，andtodosobeforeyouareasked。"
　　"Youhaveaknackofpersuadingonetodowhatyouwill，eventhoughonebedisposedtotakenonoticeofyouradvice。"
　　"That’sbecauseIspeakfromheartandheadatonce，andhavesomeexperienceintheseaffairsaswell。"
　　ThreequartersofanhourafterwardsIwenttobedandmymistresscametomebeforelong。Wespentasweeternightthanbefore，foritisoftenamatterofsomedifficultytopluckthefirstflower；andthepricewhichmostmenputonthislittletrifleisfoundedmoreonegotismthananyfeelingofpleasure。
　　Nextday，afterdiningwiththefamilyandadmiringtherosesonmysweetheart’scheeks，IreturnedtoParis。ThreeorfourdayslaterTirettacametotellmethattheDunkirkmerchanthadarrived，thathewascomingtodineatMadame’s，andthatsherequestedmetomakeoneoftheparty。Iwaspreparedforthenews，butthebloodrushedintomyface。Tirettasawit，andtoacertainextentdivinedmyfeelings。"Youareinlovewiththeniece，"saidhe。
　　"Whydoyouthinkso？"
　　"Bythemysteryyoumakeabouther；butlovebetraysitselfevenbyitssilence。"
　　"Youareaknowingfellow，Tiretta。Iwillcometodinner，butdon’tsayawordtoanybody。"
　　Myheartwasrentintwain。PossiblyifthemerchanthadputoffhisarrivalforamonthIshouldhavewelcomedit；buttohaveonlyjustliftedthenectartomylips，andtoseethepreciousvesselescapefrommyhands！TothisdayIcanrecallmyfeelings，andtheveryrecollectionisnotdevoidofbitterness。
　　Iwasinafearfulstateofperplexity，asIalwayswaswheneveritwasnecessaryformetoresolve，andIfeltthatIcouldnotdoso。
　　Ifthereaderhasbeenplacedinthesamepositionhewillunderstandmyfeelings。Icouldnotmakeupmymindtoconsenttohermarrying，norcouldIresolvetowedhermyselfandgaincertainhappiness。
　　IwenttoVilletteandwasalittlesurprisedtofindMdlle。delaMeuremoreelaboratelydressedthanusual。
　　"Yourintended，"Isaid，"wouldhavepronouncedyoucharmingwithoutallthat。"
　　"Myauntdoesn’tthinkso"
　　"Youhavenotseenhimyet？"
　　"No，butIshouldliketo，althoughItrustwithyourhelpnevertobecomehiswife。"
　　Soonafter，shearrivedwithCorneman，thebanker，whohadbeentheagentinthisbusinesstransaction。Themerchantwasafineman，aboutforty，withafrankandopenface。Hisdresswasgoodthoughnotelaborate。HeintroducedhimselfsimplybutinapolitemannertoMadame，andhedidnotlookathisfuturewifetilltheauntpresentedhertohim。Hismannerimmediatelybecamemorepleasing；
　　andwithoutmakinguseofflowersofspeechhesaidinaveryfeelingwaythathetrustedtheimpressionhehadmadeonherwasequaltothatwhichshehadmadeonhim。Heronlyanswerwasalowcurtsy，butshestudiedhimcarefully。
　　Dinnerwasserved，andinthecourseofthemealwetalkedofalmosteverything——exceptmarriage。Thehappypaironlycaughteachother’seyesbychance，anddidnotspeaktooneanother。AfterdinnerMdlle。delaMeurewenttoherroom，andtheauntwentintoherclosetwiththebankerandthemerchant，andtheywereincloseconversationfortwohours。AttheendofthattimethegentlemenwereobligedtoreturntoParis，andMadame，aftersummoningherniece，toldthemerchantshewouldexpecthimtodinneronthedayfollowing，andthatshewassurethatherniecewouldbegladtoseehimagain。
　　"Won’tyou，mydear？"
　　"Yes，aunt，Ishallbeverygladtoseethegentlemanagain。"
　　Ifshehadnotansweredthus，themerchantwouldhavegoneawaywithouthearinghisfuturebridespeak。
　　"Well，"saidtheaunt，"whatdoyouthinkofyourhusband？"
　　"Allowmetoputoffmyanswertillto—morrow；butbegoodenough，whenweareattable，todrawmeintotheconversation，foritisverypossiblethatmyfacehasnotrepelledhim，butsofarheknowsnothingofmymentalpowers；possiblymywantofwitmaydestroyanyslightimpressionmyfacemayhavemade。"
　　"Yes，Iamafraidyouwillbegintotalknonsense，andmakehimlosethegoodopinionheseemstohaveformedofyou。"
　　"Itisnotrighttodeceiveanybody。Ifheisdisabusedofhisfictitiousideasbytheappearanceofthetruth，somuchthebetterforhim；andsomuchtheworseforbothofus，ifwedecideonmarryingwithouttheslightestknowledgeofeachother’shabitsandwaysofthought。"
　　"Whatdoyouthinkofhim？"
　　"Ithinkheisrathernice—looking，andhismannersarekindandpolite；butletuswaittillto—morrow。"
　　"Perhapshewillhavenothingmoretosaytome；Iamsostupid。"
　　"Iknowverywellthatyouthinkyourselfveryclever，andthat’swhereyourfaultlies；it’syourself—conceitwhichmakesyoustupid，althoughM。Casanovatakesyouforawit。"
　　"Perhapshemayknowwhatheistalkingabout。"
　　"Mypoordear，heisonlylaughingatyou。"
　　"Ihavegoodreasonsforthinkingotherwise，aunt。"
　　"Thereyougo；youwillnevergetanysense。"
　　"Pardonme，madam，ifIcannotbeofyouropinion。MademoiselleisquiterightinsayingthatIdonotlaughather。Idaretosaythatto—morrowshewillshineintheconversation。"
　　"Youthinkso？Iamgladtohearit。Nowletushaveagameatpiquet，andIwillplayagainstyouandmyniece，forshemustlearnthegame。"
　　Tirettaaskedleaveofhisdarlingtogototheplay，andweplayedontillsupper—time。Onhisreturn，TirettamadeusalmostdieoflaughingwithhisattemptstotellusinhisbrokenFrenchtheplotoftheplayhehadseen。
　　Ihadbeeninmybedroomforaquarterofanhour，expectingtoseemysweetheartinsomeprettykindofundress，whenallofasuddenI
　　sawhercomeinwithallherclotheson。Iwassurprisedatthiscircumstance，anditseemedtomeofevilomen。
　　"Youareastonishedtoseemethus，"saidshe，"butIwanttospeaktoyouforamoment，andthenIwilltakeoffmyclothes。TellmeplainlywhetherIamtoconsenttothismarriageorno？"
　　"Howdoyoulikehim？"
　　"Fairlywell。"
　　"Consent，then！"
　　"Verygood；farewell！Fromthismomentourloveends，andourfriendshipbegins。Getyoutobed，andIwillgoanddothesame。
　　Farewell！"
　　"No，stay，andletourfriendshipbeginto—morrow。"
　　"Notso，weremyrefusaltocostthelivesofbothofus。Youknowwhatitmustcostmetospeakthus，butitismyirrevocabledetermination。IfIamtobecomeanother’swife，Imusttakecaretobeworthyofhim；perhapsImaybehappy。Donotholdme，letmego。
　　YouknowhowwellIloveyou。"
　　"Atleast，letushaveonefinalembrace。"
　　"Alas！no。"
　　"Youareweeping。"
　　"No，Iamnot。InGod’snameletmego。"
　　"Dearheart，yougobuttoweepinyourchamber；stayhere。Iwillmarryyou。"
　　"Nay，nomoreofthat。"
　　Withthesewordsshemadeaneffort，escapedfrommyhands，andfledfromtheroom。Iwascoveredwithshameandregret，andcouldnotsleep。Ihatedmyself，forIknewnotwhetherIhadsinnedmostgrievouslyinseducingherorinabandoninghertoanother。
　　Istayedtodinnernextdayinspiteofmyheartbreakandmysadness。
　　Mdlle。delaMeuretalkedsobrilliantlyandsensiblytoherintendedthatonecouldeasilyseehewasenchantedwithher。Asforme，feelingthatIhadnothingpleasanttosay，Ipretendedtohavethetoothacheasanexcusefornottalking。Sickatheart，absent—
　　minded，andfeelingtheeffectsofasleeplessnight，Iwaswell—nighmadwithlove，jealousy，anddespair。Mdlle。delaMeuredidnotspeaktomeonce，didnotsomuchaslookatme。Shewasquiteright，butIdidnotthinksothen。Ithoughtthedinnerwouldnevercometoanend，andIdonotthinkIwaseverpresentatsopainfulameal。
　　Aswerosefromthetable，Madamewentintoherclosetwithhernieceandnephewthatwastobe，andtheniececameoutinthecourseofanhourandbadeuscongratulateher，asshewastobemarriedinaweek，andaftertheweddingshewouldaccompanyherhusbandtoDunkirk。"To—morrow，"sheadded，"wearealltodinewithM。
　　Corneman，wherethedeedofsettlementwillbesigned。"
　　IcannotimaginehowitwasIdidnotfalldeadonthespot。Myanguishcannotbeexpressed。
　　Beforelongitwasproposedthatweshouldgototheplay，butexcusingmyselfonthepleaofbusinessIreturnedtoParis。AsI
　　gottomydoorIseemedtobeinafever，andIlaydownonmybed，butinsteadoftherestIneededIexperiencedonlyremorseandfruitlessrepentance—thetormentsofthedamned。Ibegantothinkitwasmydutytostopthemarriageordie。IwassurethatMdlle。delaMeurelovedme，andIfanciedshewouldnotsaynoifItoldherthatherrefusaltomarrymewouldcostmemylife。FullofthatideaIroseandwroteheraletter，strongwithallthestrengthoftumultuouspassion。Thiswassomerelief，andgettingintobedI
　　slepttillmorning。AssoonasIwasawakeIsummonedamessengerandpromisedhimtwelvefrancsifhewoulddelivermyletter，andreportitsreceiptinanhourandahalf。MyletterwasundercoverofanoteaddressedtoTiretta，inwhichItoldhimthatIshouldnotleavethehousetillIhadgotananswer。Ihadmyanswerfourhoursafter；itranasfollows:"Dearest，itistoolate；youhavedecidedonmydestiny，andIcannotgobackfrommyword。CometodinneratM。Corneman’s，andbesurethatinafewweeksweshallbecongratulatingourselvesonhavingwonagreatvictory。Ourlove，crownedalltoosoon，willsoonliveonlyinourmemories。Ibegofyoutowritetomenomore。"
　　Suchwasmyfate。Herrefusal，withthestillmorecruelchargenottowritetoheragain，mademefurious。InitIonlysawinconstancy。Ithoughtshehadfalleninlovewiththemerchant。MystateofmindmaybejudgedfromthefactthatIdeterminedtokillmyrival。Themostsavageplans，themostcrueldesigns，ranaracethroughmybewilderedbrain。Iwasjealous，inlove，adifferentbeingfrommyordinaryself；anger，vanity，andshamehaddestroyedmypowersofreasoning。ThecharminggirlwhomIwasforcedtoadmire，whomIshouldhaveesteemedallthemoreforthecourseshehadtaken，whomIhadregardedasanangel，becameinmyeyesahatefulmonster，ameetobjectforpunishment。AtlastIdeterminedonasuremethodofrevenge，whichIknewtobebothdishonourableandcowardly，butinmyblindpassionIdidnothesitateforamoment。IresolvedtogotothemerchantatM。Corneman’s，wherehewasstaying，totellhimallthathadpassedbetweentheladyandmyself，andifthatdidnotmakehimrenouncetheideaofmarryingherIwouldtellhimthatoneofusmustdie，andifherefusedmychallengeIdeterminedtoassassinatehim。
　　Withthisterribleplaninmybrain，whichmakesmeshuddernowwhenIthinkofit，Iatewiththeappetiteofawildbeast，laydownandslepttillday。IwasinthesamemindwhenIawoke，anddressedmyselfhastilyyetcarefully，puttwogoodpistolsinmypocketandwenttoM。Corneman’s。Myrivalwasstillasleep；Iwaitedforhim，andforaquarterofanhourmythoughtsonlygrewmorebitterandmydeterminationmorefixed。Allatoncehecameintotheroom，inhisdressing—gown，andreceivedmewithopenarms，tellingmeinthekindestofvoicesthathehadbeenexpectingmetocall，ashecouldguesswhatfeelingsI，afriendofhisfuturewife’s，couldhaveforhim，andsayingthathisfriendshipformeshouldalwaysbeaswarmashers。Hishonestopenface，hisstraightforwardwords，overwhelmedme，andIwassilentforafewminutes——infactIdidnotknowwhattosay。Luckilyhegavemeenoughtimetorecollectmyself，ashetalkedonforaquarterofanhourwithoutnoticingthatIdidnotopenmylips。
　　M。Cornemanthencamein；coffeewasserved，andmyspeechreturnedtome；butIamhappytosayIrefrainedfromplayingthedishonourablepartIhadintended；thecrisiswaspassed。
　　Itmayberemarkedthatthefiercestspiritsarelikeacordstretchedtootight，whicheitherbreaksorrelaxes。Ihaveknownseveralpersonsofthattemperament——theChevalierL————，amongstothers，whoinafitofpassionusedtofeelhissoulescapingbyeverypore。Ifatthemomentwhenhisangerburstforthhewasabletobreaksomethingandmakeagreatnoise，hecalmeddowninamoment；reasonresumedhersway，andtheraginglionbecameasmildasalamb。
　　AfterIhadtakenacupofcoffee，Ifeltmyselfcalmedbutyetdizzyinthehead，soIbadethemgoodmorningandwentout。IwasastonishedbutdelightedthatIhadnotcarriedmydetestableschemeintoeffect。Iwashumbledbybeingforcedtoconfesstomyselfthatchanceandchancealonehadsavedmefrombecomingavillain。AsI
　　wasreflectingonwhathadhappenedImetmybrother，andhecompletedmycure。ItookhimtodineatSilvia’sandstayedtheretillmidnight。IsawthatMdlle。Balettiwouldmakemeforgetthefairinconstant，whomIwiselydeterminednottoseeagainbeforethewedding。TomakesureIsetoutthenextdayforVersailles，tolookaftermyinterestswiththeGovernment。