"Youknownotwhatsheislike。Thehonourofthefamilywouldobligehertogetmeoutoftheway，butbeforethatshewouldmakemesuffertormentstowhichdeathispreferablebyfar。Butwhyhaveyousaidnomoreaboutthearoph？Isitnotallajest？Itwouldbeaverycruelone。"
　　"Onthecontrary，Ibelieveittobeinfallible，thoughIhaveneverbeenawitnessofitseffects；butwhatgoodisitformetospeaktoyou？Youcanguessthatadelicacyoffeelinghasmademekeepsilence。Confideinyourlover，whoisatVenice；writehimaletter，andIwilltakecarethatitisgivenintohishands，infiveorsixdays，byasuremessenger。IfheisnotwelloffIwillgiveyouwhatevermoneymaybeneededforhimtocomewithoutdelay，andsaveyourhonourandlifebygivingyouthearoph。"
　　"Thisideaisagoodoneandtheoffergenerousonyourpart，butitisnotfeasible，asyouwouldseeifyouknewmoreaboutmycircumstances。Donotthinkanymoreofmylover；butsupposingI
　　madeupmymindtoreceivethearophfromanother，tellmehowitcouldbedone。EvenifmyloverwereinParis，howcouldhespendanentireweekwithme，ashewouldhaveto？Andhowcouldhegivemethedosefiveorsixtimesadayforaweek？Youseeyourselfthatthisremedyisoutofthequestion。"
　　"Soyouwouldgiveyourselftoanother，ifyouthoughtthatwouldsaveyourhonour？"
　　"Certainly，ifIweresurethatthethingwouldbekeptsecret。ButwhereshallIfindsuchaperson？Doyouthinkhewouldbeeasytofind，orthatIcangoandlookforhim？"
　　Ididnotknowwhattomakeofthisspeech；forsheknewIlovedher，andIdidnotseewhysheshouldputherselftothetroubleofgoingfarwhenwhatshewantedwastoherhand。Iwasinclinedtothinkthatshewantedmetoaskhertomakechoiceofmyselfastheadministratoroftheremedy，eithertosparehermodesty，ortohavethemeritofyieldingtomyloveandthusobligingmetobegrateful；
　　butImightbewrong，andIdidnotcaretoexposemyselftothehumiliationofarefusal。OntheotherhandIcouldhardlythinkshewantedtoinsultme。Notknowingwhattosayorwhichwaytoturn，，andwantingtodrawanexplanationfromher，Isighedprofoundly，tookupmyhat，andmadeasifIweregoing，exclaiming，"Cruelgirl，mylotismorewretchedthanyours。"
　　Sheraisedherselfinthebedandbeggedmewithtearsinhereyestoremain，andaskedmehowIcouldcallmyselfmorewretchedthanher。
　　Pretendingtobeannoyedandyetfullofloveforher，Itoldherthatthecontemptinwhichsheheldmehadaffectedmedeeply，sinceinhernecessityshepreferredtheofficesofonewhowasunknowntoherratherthanmakeuseofme。
　　"Youarecruelandunjust，"shesaid，weeping。"Isee，formypart，thatyoulovemenolongersinceyouwishtotakeadvantageofmycruelnecessitytogainatriumphoverme。Thisisanactofrevengenotworthyofamanoffeeling。"
　　Hertearssoftenedme，andIfellonmykneesbeforeher。
　　"Sinceyouknow，dearest，thatIworshipyou，howcanyouthinkmecapableofrevengingmyselfonyou？DoyouthinkthatIcanbeartohearyousaythatsinceyourlovercannothelpyouyoudonotknowwheretolookforhelp？"
　　"Butafterrefusingyoumyfavours，couldIaskthisofficeofyouwithanydecency？HaveInotgoodreasontobeafraidthatasI
　　refusedtotakepityonyourlovesoyouwouldrefusetotakepityonmynecessity？"
　　"Doyouthinkthatapassionateloverceasestoloveonaccountofarefusalwhichmaybedictatedbyvirtue？LetmetellyouallI
　　think。IconfessIoncethoughtyoudidnotloveme，butnowIamsureofthecontrary；andthatyourheartwouldhaveledyoutosatisfymylove，evenifyouhadnotbeenthussituated。Imayaddthatyounodoubtfeelvexedatmyhavinganydoubtsofyourlove。"
　　"Youhaveinterpretedmyfeelingsadmirably。Buthowwearetobetogetherwiththenecessaryfreedomfromobservationremainstobeseen。"
　　"Donotbeafraid。NowIamsureofyourconsent，itwillnotbelongbeforeIcontrivesomeplan。InthemeanwhileIwillgoandmakethearoph。"
　　IhadresolvedthatifeverIsucceededinpersuadingMdlle。X。C。V。
　　tomakeuseofmyspecificIwouldusenothingbuthoney，sothecompositionofthearophwouldnotbeaverycomplicatedprocess。
　　Butifonepointwasthenplainandsimple，anotherremainedtobesolved，anditssolutiongavemesomedifficulty。Ishouldhavetopassseveralnightsincontinualtoils。IfearedIhadpromisedmorethanIcouldperform，andIshouldnotbeabletomakeanyabatementwithouthazarding，notthesuccessofthearoph，buttheblissIhadtakensuchpainstowin。Again，asheryoungersistersleptinthesameroomwithherandclosetoher，theoperationcouldnotbeperformedthere。Atlastchance——adivinitywhichoftenhelpslovers——cametomyaid。
　　Iwasobligedtoclimbuptothefourthfloorandmetthesculliononmyway，whoguessedwhereIwasgoing，andbeggedmenottogoanyfartherastheplacewastaken。
　　"But，"saidI，"youhavejustcomeoutofit。"
　　"Yes，butIonlywentinandcameoutagain。"
　　"ThenIwillwaittillthecoastisclear。"
　　"Forgoodness’sake，sir，donotwait！"
　　"Ah，yourascal！Iseewhatisgoingon。WellIwillsaynothingaboutit，butImustseeher。"
　　"Shewon’tcomeout，forsheheardyourstepsandshutherselfin。"
　　"Sheknowsme，doesshe？"
　　"Yes，andyouknowher。"
　　"Allright，getalongwithyou！Iwon’tsayanythingaboutit。"
　　Hewentdown，andtheideaimmediatelystruckmethattheadventuremightbeusefultome。Iwentuptothetop，andthroughachinkI
　　sawMadelaine，Mdlle。X。C。V。’smaid。Ireassuredher，andpromisedtokeepthesecret，whereonsheopenedthedoor，andafterIhadgivenheralouis，fledinsomeconfusion。Soonafter，Icamedown，andthescullionwhowaswaitingformeonthelandingbeggedmetomakeMadelainegivehimhalfthelouis。
　　"Iwillgiveyouonealltoyourself，"saidI，"ifyouwilltellmethestory"——anofferwhichpleasedtheroguewellenough。Hetoldmethetaleofhisloves，andsaidhealwaysspentthenightwithherinthegarret，butthatforthreedaystheyhadbeendeprivedoftheirpleasures，asmadamhadlockedthedoorandtakenawaythekey。I
　　madehimshewmetheplace，andlookingthroughthekeyholeIsawthattherewasplentyofroomforamattress。IgavethescullionaLouis，andwentawaytoripenmyplans。
　　Itseemedtomethattherewasnoreasonwhythemistressshouldnotsleepinthegarretaswellasthemaid。Igotapicklockandseveralskeletonkeys，Iputinatinboxseveraldosesofthearoph—
　　thatis，somehoneymixedwithpoundedstag’shorntomakeitthickenough，andthenextmorningIwenttothe"HoteldeBretagne，"andimmediatelytriedmypicklock。Icouldhavedonewithoutit，asthefirstskeletonkeyItriedopenedthewornoutlock。
　　Proudofmyidea，IwentdowntoseeMdlle。X。C。V。，andinafewwordstoldhertheplan。
　　"But，"saidshe，"IshouldhavetogothroughMadelaine’sroomtogettothegarret。"
　　"Inthatcase，dearest，wemustwinthegirlover。"
　　"Tellhermysecret？"
　　"Justso。"
　　"Oh，Icouldn’t！"
　　"Iwillseetoit；thegoldenkeyopensalldoors。"
　　ThegirlconsentedtoallIaskedher，butthesculliontroubledme，forifhefoundusouthemightbedangerous。Ithought，however，thatImighttrusttoMadelaine，whowasagirlofwit，tolookafterhim。
　　BeforegoingItoldthegirlthatIwantedtodiscusssomeimportantmatterswithher，andItoldhertomeetmeinthecloistersoftheAugustinianChurch。ShecameattheappointedtimeandIexplainedtoherthewholeplaninallitsdetails。Shesoonunderstoodme，andaftertellingmethatshewouldtakecaretoputherownbedinthenewkindofboudoir，sheaddedthat，tobequitesafe，wemustmakesureofthescullion。
　　"Heisasharplad，"saidMadelaine，"andIthinkIcananswerforhim。However，youmayleavethattome。"
　　Igaveherthekeyandsixlouis，biddingherinformhermistressofwhatwehadagreedupon，andgetthegarretreadytoreceiveus。Shewentawayquitemerry。Amaidwhoisinloveisneversohappyaswhenshecanmakehermistressprotectherintrigues。
　　Nextmorningthescullioncalledonmeatmyhouse。ThefirstthingItoldhimwastotakecarenottobetrayhimselftomyservants，andnevertocomeandseemeexceptinacaseofnecessity。Hepromiseddiscretion，andassuredmeofhisdevotiontomyservice。Hegavemethekeyofthegarretandtoldmethathehadgotanother。Iadmiredhisforethought，andgavehimapresentofsixlouis，whichhadmoreeffectonhimthanthefinestwords。
　　NextmorningIonlysawMdlle。X。C。V。foramomenttowarnherthatIshouldbeattheappointedplaceattenthatevening。Iwentthereearlywithoutbeingseenbyanybody。Iwasinacloak，andcarriedinmypocketthearoph，flintandsteel，andacandle。Ifoundagoodbed，pillows，andathickcoverlet——averyusefulprovision，asthenightswerecold，andweshouldrequiresomesleepintheintervalsoftheoperation。
　　Atelevenaslightnoisemademyheartbegintobeat——alwaysagoodsign。Iwentout，andfoundmymistressbyfeelingforher，andreassuredherbyatenderkiss。Ibroughtherin，barricadedthedoor，andtookcaretocoverupthekeyholetobafflethecurious，and，iftheworsehappened，toavoidasurprise。
　　Onmylightingthecandlesheseemeduneasy，andsaidthatthelightmightdiscoverusifanybodycameuptothefourthfloor。
　　"That’snotlikely，"Isaid；"andbesides，wecan’tdowithoutit，forhowamItogiveyouthearophinthedark？"
　　"Verygood，"shereplied，"wecanputitoutafterwards。"
　　Withoutstayingforthosepreliminarydallyingswhicharesosweetwhenoneisatease，weundressedourselves，andbeganwithallseriousnesstoplayourpart，whichwedidtoperfection。Welookedlikeamedicalstudentabouttoperformanoperation，andshelikeapatient，withthisdifferencethatitwasthepatientwhoarrangedthedressing。Whenshewasready——thatis，whenshehadplacedthearophasneatlyasaskull—capfitsaparson——sheputherselfintheproperpositionforthepreparationtomixwiththesemen。
　　Themostlaughablepartofitallwasthatwewerebothasseriousastwodoctorsofdivinity。
　　Whentheintroductionofthearophwasperfectthetimidladyputoutthecandle，butafewminutesafterithadtobelightedagain。I
　　toldherpolitelythatIwasdelightedtobeginagain，andthevoiceinwhichIpaidherthiscomplimentmadeusbothburstintolaughter。
　　Ididn’ttakesoshortatimeovermysecondoperationasmyfirst，andmysweetheart，whohadbeenalittleputout，wasnowquiteatherease。
　　Hermodestyhadnowbeenreplacedbyconfidence，andasshewaslookingatthearophfittedinitsplace，sheshewedmewithherprettyfingerveryevidentsignsofherco—operationinthework。
　　Thenwithanaffectionateair，sheaskedmeifIwouldnotliketorest，aswehadstillagooddealtodobeforeourworkwasatanend。
　　"Yousee，"saidI，"thatIdonotneedrest，andIthinkwehadbettersettoagain。"
　　Nodoubtshefoundmyreasonagoodone，for，withoutsayinganything，sheputherselfreadytobeginagain，andafterwardswetookagoodlongsleep。WhenIwokeup，feelingasfreshasever，I
　　askedhertotryanotheroperation；andaftercarryingthisthroughsuccessfully，Ideterminedtobeguidedbyherandtakecareofmyself，forwehadtoreserveourenergiesforthefollowingnights。
　　So，aboutfouro’clockinthemorningsheleftme，andsoftlymadeherwaytoherroom，andatdaybreakIleftthehotelundertheprotectionofthescullion，whotookmebyaprivatedoorIdidnotknowof。
　　Aboutnoon，aftertakinganaromaticbath，IwenttocallonMdlle。
　　X。C。V。，whomIfoundsittingupinbedasusual，elegantlyattired，andwithahappysmileonherlips。Shespokeatsuchlengthonhergratitude，andthankedmesooften，that，believingmyself，andwithgoodcause，tobeherdebtor，Ibegantogetimpatient。
　　"Isitpossible，"Isaid，"thatyoudonotseehowdegradingyourthanksaretome？Theyprovethatyoudonotloveme，orthatifyouloveme，youthinkmylovelessstrongthanyours。"
　　Ourconversationthentookatenderturn，andwewereabouttosealourmutualardourswithouttroublingaboutthearoph，whenprudencebadeusbeware。Itwouldnothavebeensafe，andwehadplentyoftimebeforeus。Wecontentedourselveswithatenderembracetillthenightshouldcome。
　　Mysituationwasapeculiarone，forthoughIwasinlovewiththischarminggirlIdidnotfeelintheleastashamedofhavingdeceivedher，especiallyaswhatIdidcouldhavenoeffect，theplacebeingtaken。Itwasmyself—esteemwhichmademecongratulatemyselfonthesharppracticewhichhadprocuredmesuchpleasures。ShetoldmethatshewassorryshehaddeniedmewhenIhadaskedherbefore，andsaidthatshefeltnowthatIhadgoodreasontosuspecttherealityofherlove。Ididmybesttoreassureher，andindeedallsuspicionsonmypartwouldhavebeenbutidlethoughts，asIhadsucceededbeyondallexpectation。However，thereisonepointuponwhichIcongratulatemyselftothisday——namely，thatduringthosenightlytoilsofmine，whichdidsolittletowardstheobjectofherdesires，Isucceededininspiringherwithsuchafeelingofresignationthatshepromised，ofherownaccord，nottodespairanymore，buttotrustinandbeguidedbyme。Sheoftentoldmeduringournocturnalconversationsthatshewashappyandwouldcontinuetobeso，eventhoughthearophhadnoeffect。Notthatshehadceasedtobelieveinit，forshecontinuedtheapplicationoftheharmlesspreparationtillourlastassaults，inwhichwewantedinthosesweetcombatstoexhaustallthegiftsofpleasure。
　　"Sweetheart，"saidshe，justbeforewepartedfinally，"itseemstomethatwhatwehavebeenaboutismuchmorelikelytocreatethantodestroy，andiftheaperturehadnotbeenhermeticallyclosedweshoulddoubtlesshavegiventhelittleprisoneracompanion。"
　　AdoctoroftheSorbonnecouldnothavereasonedbetter。
　　ThreeorfourdaysafterwardsIfoundherthoughtfulbutquiet。Shetoldmethatshehadlostallhopeofgettingridofherburdenbeforethepropertime。Allthewhile，however，hermotherpersecutedher，andshewouldhavetochooseinafewdaysbetweenmakingadeclarationastoherstateandsigningthemarriagecontract。Shewouldacceptneitherofthesealternatives，andhaddecidedonescapingfromherhome，andaskedmetohelpherindoingso。
　　Ihaddeterminedtohelpher，butIdesiredtosavemyreputation，foritmighthavebeentroublesomeifithadbeenabsolutelyknownthatIhadcarriedherofforfurnishedherwiththemeanstoescape。
　　Andasforanyotheralternative，neitherofushadanyideaofmatrimony。
　　IleftherandwenttotheTuileries，whereasacredconcertwasbeinggiven。ThepiecewasamotetcomposedbyMoudonville，thewordsbytheAbbedeVoisenon，whomIhadfurnishedwiththeidea，"TheIsraelitesonMountHoreb。"
　　AsIwasgettingoutofmycarriage，IsawMadameduRemaindescendingalonefromhers。Iranup。toher，andreceivedaheartywelcome。"Iamdelighted，"saidshe，"tofindyouhere，itisquiteapieceofluck。Iamgoingtohearthisnovelcomposition，andhavetworeservedseats。Willyoudomethehonourofacceptingone？"
　　AlthoughIhadmyticketinmypocketIcouldnotrefusesohonourableanoffer，so，givinghermyarm，wewalkeduptotwoofthebestplacesinthehouse。
　　AtParisnotalkingisallowedduringtheperformanceofsacredmusic，especiallywhenthepieceisheardforthefirsttime；soMadameduRemaincoulddrawnoconclusionsfrommysilencethroughouttheperformance，butsheguessedthatsomethingwasthematterfromthetroubledandabsentexpressionofmyface，whichwasbynomeansnaturaltome。
　　"M。Casanova，"saidshe，"begoodenoughtogivemeyourcompanyforanhour。Iwanttoaskyou—twoorthreequestionswhichcanonlybesolvedbyyourcabala。Ihopeyouwillobligeme，asIam，veryanxioustoknowtheanswers，butwemustbequickasIhaveanengagementtosupinParis。"
　　ItmaybeimaginedthatIdidnotwaittobeaskedtwice，andassoonaswegottoherhouseIwenttoworkonthequestions，andsolvedthemallinlessthanhalfanhour。
　　WhenIhadfinished，"M。Casanova；"saidshe，inthekindestmannerpossible，"whatisthematterwithyou？Youarenotinyourusualstateofequanimity，andifIamnotmistakenyouaredreadingsomedireevent。Orperhapsyouareontheeveoftakingsomeimportantresolution？Iamnotinquisitive，butifIcanbeofanyservicetoyouatCourt，makeuseofme，andbesurethatIwilldomybest。Ifnecessary，IwillgotoVersaillesto—morrowmorning。Iknowalltheministers。Confideinmeyourtroubles，ifIcannotlightenthemI
　　canatleastsharethem，andbesureIwillkeepyourcounsel。
　　Herwordsseemedtomeavoicefromheaven，awarningfrommygoodgeniustoopenmyhearttothislady，whohadalmostreadmythoughts，andhadsoplainlyexpressedherinterestinmywelfare。
　　Aftergazingatherforsomesecondswithoutspeaking，butwithamannerthatshewedherhowgratefulIwas，"Yesmadam，"Isaid，"Iamindeedcriticallysituated，maybeonthesergeofruin，butyourkindnesshascalmedmysoulandmademeoncemoreacquaintedwithhope。YoushallhearhowIamplaced。Iamgoingtotrustyouwithasecretofthemostdelicatedescription，butIcanrelyonyourbeingasdiscreetasyouaregood。Andifafterhearingmystoryyoudeigntogivemeyouradvice，Ipromisetofollowitandnevertodivulgeitsauthor。"
　　Afterthisbeginning，whichgainedhercloseattention，Itoldherallthecircumstancesofthecase，neitherconcealingtheyounglady’snamenoranyofthecircumstanceswhichmadeitmydutytowatchoverherwelfare。AllthesameIsaidnothingaboutthearophortheshareIhadtakeninitsexhibition。Theincidentappearedtometoofarcicalforaseriousdrama，butIconfessedthatIhadprocuredthegirldrugsinthehopeofrelievingherofherburden。
　　AfterthisweightycommunicationIstopped，andMadameduRumainremainedsilent，asiflostinthought，fornearlyaquarterofanhour。Atlastsherose，saying，"IamexpectedatMadamedelaMarque’s，andImustgo，asIamtomeettheBishopofMontrouge，towhomIwanttospeak，butIhopeI
　　shalleventuallybeabletohelpyou。Comeherethedayaftertomorrow，youwillfindmealone；aboveall，donothingbeforeyouseeme。Farewell。"
　　Ileftherfullofhope，andresolvedtofollowheradviceandhersonlyinthetroublesomeaffairinwhichIwasinvolved。
　　TheBishopofMontrougewhomshewasgoingtoaddressonanimportantmatter，thenatureofwhichwaswellknowntome，wastheAbbedeVoisenon，whowasthusnamedbecauseheoftenwentthere。MontrougeisanestatenearParis，belongingtotheDucdelaValiere。
　　IsawMdlle。X。C。V。thefollowingday，andcontentedmyselfwithtellingherthatinacoupleofdaysIhopetogivehersomegoodnews。Iwaspleasedwithhermanner，whichwasfullofresignationandtrustinmyendeavours。
　　Thedayafter，IwenttoMadameduRumain’spunctuallyateight。TheportertoldmethatIshouldfindthedoctorwithmylady，butIwentupstairsallthesame，andassoonasthedoctorsawmehetookhisleave。HisnamewasHerrenschwand，andalltheladiesinParisranafterhim。PoorPoinsinetputhiminalittleone—actplaycalledLeCercle，which，thoughofveryordinarymerit，wasagreatsuccess。
　　"Mydearsir，"saidMadameduRumain，assoonaswewerealone，"I
　　havesucceededinmyendeavoursonyourbehalf，anditisnowforyoutokeepsecretmyshareinthematter。AfterIhadponderedoverthecaseofconscienceyousubmittedtome，IwenttotheconventofC———
　　wheretheabbessisafriendofmine，andIentrustedherwiththesecret，relyingonherdiscretion。Weagreedthatsheshouldreceivetheyoungladyinherconvent，andgiveheragoodlay—sistertonurseherthroughherconfinement。Nowyouwillnotdeny，"saidshe，withasmile，"thatthecloistersareofsomeuse。Youryoungfriendmustgobyherselftotheconventwithaletterfortheabbess，whichIwillgiveher，andwhichshemustdelivertotheporter。Shewillthenbeadmittedandlodgedinasuitablechamber。Shewillreceivenovisitorsnoranylettersthathavenotpassedthroughmyhands。
　　Theabbesswillbringheranswerstome，andIwillpassthemontoyou。Youmustseethatheronlycorrespondentmustbeyourself，andyoumustreceivenewsofherwelfareonlythroughme。Onyourhandinwritingtoheryoumustleavetheaddresstobefilledinbyme。
　　Ihadtotelltheabbessthelady’sname，butnotyoursasshedidnotrequireit。
　　"Tellyouryoungfriendallaboutourplans，andwhensheisreadycomeandtellme，andIwillgiveyouthelettertotheabbess。Tellhertobringnothingbutwhatisstrictlynecessary，aboveallnodiamondsortrinketsofanyvalue。Youmayassureherthattheabbesswillbefriendly，willcomeandseehereverynowandthen，willgiveherproperbooks——inaword，thatshewillbewelllookedafter。Warnhernottoconfideinthelaysisterwhowillattendonher。Ihavenodoubtsheisanexcellentwoman，butsheisanun，andthesecretmightleakout。Aftersheissafelydelivered，shemustgotoconfessionandperformherEasterduties，andtheabbesswillgiveheracertificateofgoodbehaviour；andshecanthenreturntohermother，whowillbetoohappytoseehertosayanythingmoreaboutthemarriage，which，ofcourse，sheoughttogiveasherreasonofherleavinghome。"
　　Aftermanyexpressionsofmygratitudetoher，andofmyadmirationofherplan，Ibeggedhertogivemetheletteronthespot，astherewasnotimetobelost。Shewasgoodenoughtogoatoncetoherdesk，whereshewroteasfollows:
　　"Mydearabbess，——Theyoungladywhowillgiveyouthisletteristhesameofwhomwehavespoken。Shewishestospendthreeoffourmonthsunderyourprotection，torecoverherpeaceofmind，toperformherdevotions，andtomakesurethatwhenshereturnstohermothernothingmorewillbesaidaboutthemarriage，whichispartlythecauseofhertemporaryseparationfromherfamily。"
　　Afterreadingittome，sheputitintomyhandsunsealedthatMdlle。
　　X。C。V。mightbeabletoreadit。Theabbessinquestionwasaprincess，andherconventwasconsequentlyaplaceaboveallsuspicion。AsMadameduRumaingavemetheletter，IfeltsuchanimpulseofgratitudethatIfellonmykneesbeforeher。Thisgenerouswomanwasusefultomeonanotheroccasion，ofwhichIshallspeaklateron。
　　AfterleavingMadameduRumainIwentstraighttothe"HoteldeBretagne，"whereIsawMdlle。X。C。V。，whohadonlytimetotellmethatshewasengagedfortherestoftheday，butthatshewouldcometothegarretateleveno’clockthatnight，andthatthenwecouldtalkmattersover。Iwasoverjoyedatthisarrangement，asIforesawthatafterthiswouldcometheawakeningfromahappydream，andthatIshouldbealonewithhernomore。
　　BeforeleavingthehotelIgavethewordtoMadelaine，whointurngotthesculliontohaveeverythinginreadiness。
　　Ikepttheappointment，andhadnotlongtowaitformymistress。
　　AftermakingherreadtheletterwrittenbyMadameduRumain（whosenameIwithheldfromherwithouthertakingoffencethereat）Iputoutthecandle，andwithouttroublingaboutthearoph，wesetourselvestothepleasanttaskofprovingthatwetrulylovedeachother。
　　Inthemorning，beforeweseparated，IgaveheralltheinstructionsIhadreceivedfromMadameduRumain；andweagreedthatsheshouldleavethehouseateighto’clockwithsuchthingsassheabsolutelyrequired，thatsheshouldtakeacoachtothePlaceMaubert，thensenditaway，andtakeanothertothePlaceAntoine，andagain，fartheron，athirdcoach，inwhichshewastogototheconventnamed。Ibeggedhernottoforgettoburnallthelettersshehadreceivedfromme，andtowritetomefromtheconventasoftenasshecould，tosealherlettersbuttoleavetheaddressblank。Shepromisedtocarryoutmyinstructions，andIthenmadeheracceptapacketoftwohundredlouis，ofwhichshemightchancetobeinneed。
　　Shewept，moreformysituationthanherown，butIconsoledherbysayingthatIhadplentyofmoneyandpowerfulpatrons。
　　"Iwillsetout，"saidshe，"thedayafterto—morrow，atthehouragreedon。"Andthereupon，Ihavingpromisedtocometothehousethedayafterherdeparture，asifIknewnothingaboutit，andtoletherknowwhatpassed，weembracedeachothertenderly，andIlefther。
　　Iwastroubledinthinkingaboutherfate。Shehadwitandcourage，butwhenexperienceiswantingwitoftenleadsmentocommitactsofgreatfolly。
　　ThedayafterthemorrowItookacoach，andpostedmyselfinacornerofthestreetbywhichshehadtopass。Isawhercome，getoutofthecoach，paythecoachman，godownanarrowstreet，andafewminutesafterreappearagain，veiledandhooded，carryingasmallparcelinherhand。Shethentookanotherconveyancewhichwentoffinthedirectionwehadagreedupon。
　　ThedayfollowingbeingLowSunday，IfeltthatImustpresentmyselfatthe"HoteldeBretagne，"forasIwentthereeverydaybeforethedaughter’sflightIcouldnotstopgoingtherewithoutstrengtheninganysuspicionswhichmightbeentertainedaboutme。Butitwasapainfultask。IhadtoappearatmyeaseandcheerfulinaplacewhereIwasquitesureallwouldbesadnessandconfusion。Imustsaythatitwasanaffairrequiringhigherpowersofimpudencethanfalltothelotofmostmen。
　　Ichoseatimewhenallthefamilywouldbetogetherattable，andI
　　walkedstraightintothedining—room。Ienteredwithmyusualcheerfulmanner，andsatdownbymadame，alittlebehindher，pretendingnottoseehersurprise，which，however，wasplainlytobeseen，herwholefacebeingflushedwithrageandastonishment。IhadnotbeenlongintheroombeforeIaskedwhereherdaughterwas。Sheturnedround，lookedmethroughandthrough，andsaidnotaword。
　　"Issheill？"saidI。
　　"Iknownothingabouther。"
　　Thisremark，whichwaspronouncedinadrymanner，putmeatmyease，asInowfeltatlibertytolookconcerned。Isatthereforaquarterofanhour，playingthepartofgraveandastonishedsilence，andthen，rising，IaskedifIcoulddoanything，forwhichallmyrewardwasacoldexpressionofthanks。IthenlefttheroomandwenttoMdlle。X。C。V。’schamberasifIhadthoughtshewasthere，butfoundonlyMadelaine。Iaskedherwithameaninglookwherehermistresswas。Sherepliedbybeggingmetotellher，ifIknew。
　　"Hasshegonebyherself？"
　　"Iknownothingatallaboutit，sir，buttheysayyouknowall。I
　　begofyoutoleaveme。"
　　Pretendingtobeinthegreatestastonishment，Islowlywalkedawayandtookacoach，gladtohaveaccomplishedthispainfulduty。AfterthereceptionIhadmetwithIcouldwithoutaffectationposeasoffended，andvisitthefamilynomore，forwhetherIwereguiltyorinnocent，MadameX。C。V。mustseethathermannerhadbeenplainenoughformetoknowwhatitmeant。
　　Iwaslookingoutofmywindowatanearlyhourtwoorthreedaysafterwards，whenacoachstoppedbeforemydoor，andMadameXCV—，escortedbyM。Farsettigotout。Imadehastetomeetthemonthestair，andwelcomedthem，sayingIwasgladtheyhaddonemethehonourtocomeandtakebreakfastwithme，pretendingnottoknowofanyotherreason。Iaskedthemtositdownbeforethefire，andenquiredafterthelady’shealth；butwithoutnoticingmyquestionshesaidthatshehadnotcometotakebreakfast，buttohavesomeseriousconversation。
　　"Madam，"saidI，"Iamyourhumbleservant；butfirstofallpraybeseated。"
　　Shesatdown，whileFarsetticontinuedstanding。Ididnotpresshim，butturningtowardstheladybeggedhertocommandme。
　　"Iamcomehere，"shesaid，"toaskyoutogivememydaughterifshebeinyourpower，ortotellmewheresheis。"
　　"Yourdaughter，madam？Iknownothingabouther！Doyouthinkmecapableofacrime？"
　　"Idonotaccuseyouofabductingher；Ihavenotcomeheretoreproachyounortoutterthreats，Ihaveonlycometoaskyoutoshewyourselfmyfriend。Helpmetogetmydaughteragainthisveryday；youwillgivememylife。Iamcertainthatyouknowall。Youwereheronlyconfidantandheronlyfriend；youpassedhourswithhereveryday；shemusthavetoldyouofhersecret。Pityabereavedmother！Sofarnooneknowsofthefacts；giveherbacktomeandallshallbeforgotten，andherhonoursaved。"
　　"Madam，Ifeelforyouacutely，butIrepeatthatIknownothingofyourdaughter。"
　　Thepoorwoman，whosegrieftouchedme，fellatmyfeetandburstintotears。Iwasgoingtoliftherfromtheground，whenFarsettitoldher，inavoicefullofindignation，thatsheshouldblushtohumbleherselfinsuchamannerbeforeamanofmydescription。I
　　drewmyselfup，andlookingathimscornfullysaid，"Youinsolentscoundrel！Whatdoyoumeanbytalkingofmelikethat？"
　　"Everybodyiscertainthatyouknowallaboutit。"
　　"Thentheyareimpudentfools，likeyou。Getoutofmyhousethisinstantandwaitforme，Iwillbewithyouinaquarterofanhour。"
　　Sosaying，Itookthepoorchevalierbytheshoulders，andgivinghimsundryshakesIturnedhimoutoftheroom。Hecamebackandcalledtotheladytocome，too，butsheroseandtriedtoquietme。
　　"Yououghttobemoreconsideratetowardsalover，"saidshe，"forhewouldmarrymydaughternow，evenafterwhatshehasdone。"
　　"Iamawareofthefact，madam，andIhavenodoubtthathiscourtshipwasoneofthechiefreasonswhichmadeyourdaughterresolvetoleaveherhome，forshehatedhimevenmorethanshehatedthefermier—general。"
　　"Shehasbehavedverybadly，butIpromisenottosayanythingmoreaboutmarryingher。ButIamsureyouknowallaboutit，asyougaveherfiftylouis，withoutwhichshecouldnothavedoneanything。"
　　"Nay，notso。"
　　"Donotdenyit，sir；hereistheevidence——asmallpieceofyourlettertoher。"
　　ShegavemeascrapoftheletterIhadsentthedaughter，withthefiftylouisforherbrother。Itcontainedthefollowinglines，"IhopethatthesewretchedlouiswillconvinceyouthatIamreadytosacrificeeverything，mylifeifneedbe，toassureyouofmyaffection。"
　　"Iamfarfromdisavowingthisevidenceofmyesteemforyourdaughter，buttojustifymyselfIamobligedtotellyouafactwhichIshouldhaveotherwisekeptsecret——namely，thatIfurnishedyourdaughterwiththissumtoenablehertopayyourson’sdebts，forwhichhethankedmeinaletterwhichIcanshewyou。"
　　"Myson？"
　　"Yourson，madam。"
　　"Iwillmakeyouanampleatonementformysuspicions。"
　　BeforeIhadtimetomakeanyobjection，sherandowntofetchFarsetti，whowaswaitinginthecourtyard，andmadehimcomeupandhearwhatIhadjusttoldher。
　　"That’snotalikelytale，"saidtheinsolentfellow。
　　Ilookedathimcontemptuously，andtoldhimhewasnotworthconvincing，butthatIwouldbegtheladytoaskhersonandseewhetherItoldthetruth。
　　"Iassureyou，"Iadded，"thatIalwaysurgedyourdaughtertomarryM。delaPopeliniere。"
　　"Howcanyouhavethefacetosaythat，"saidFarsetti，"whenyoutalkintheletterofyouraffection？"
　　"Idonotdenyit，"saidI。"Ilovedher，andIwasproudofmyaffectionforher。Thisaffection，ofwhateversortitmayhavebeen（andthatisnotthisgentleman’sbusiness），wastheordinarytopicofconversationbetweenus。Ifshehadtoldmethatshewasgoingtoleaveherhome，Ishouldeitherhavedissuadedherorgonewithher，forIlovedherasIdoatthismoment；butIwouldneverhavegivenhermoneytogoalone。"
　　"MydearCasanova，"saidthemother，"ifyouwillhelpmetofindherIshallbelieveinyourinnocence。"
　　"Ishallbedelightedtoaidyou，andIpromisetocommencethequestto—day。"
　　"Assoonasyouhaveanynews，comeandtellme。"
　　"Youmaytrustmetodoso，"saidI，andweparted。
　　Ihadtoplaymypartcarefully；especiallyitwasessentialthatI
　　shouldbehaveinpublicinamannerconsistentwithmyprofessions。
　　Accordingly，thenextdayIwenttoM。Chaban，firstcommissaryofpolice，requestinghimtoinstituteenquiriesrespectingtheflightofMdlle。X。C。V。IwassurethatinthiswaytherealpartIhadtakeninthematterwouldbethebetterconcealed；butthecommissary，whohadthetruespiritofhisprofession，andhadlikedmewhenhefirstsawmesixyearsbefore，begantolaughwhenheheardwhatIwantedhimtodo。
　　"Doyoureallywantthepolicetodiscover，"saidhe，"wheretheprettyEnglishwomanistobefound？"
　　"Certainly。"
　　Itthenstruckmethathewastryingtomakemetalkandtocatchmetripping，andIhadnodoubtofitwhenImetFarsettigoinginasI
　　wascomingout。
　　NextdayIwenttoacquaintMadameX。C。V。withthestepsIhadtaken，thoughasyetmyeffortshadnotbeencrownedwithsuccess。
　　"Ihavebeenmorefortunatethanyou，"saidshe，"andifyouwillcomewithmetotheplacewheremydaughterhasgone，andwilljoinmeinpersuadinghertoreturn，allwillbewell。"
　　"Certainly，"saidI，"Ishallbemosthappytoaccompanyyou。"
　　Takingmeatmyword，sheputonhercloak，andleaningonmyarmwalkedalongtillwecametoacoach。Shethengavemeaslipofpaper，beggingmetotellthecoachmantodriveustotheaddressthereon。
　　Iwasonthorns，andmyheartbeatfast，forIthoughtIshouldhavetoreadouttheaddressoftheconvent。IdonotknowwhatIshouldhavedoneifmyfearshadbeenwellgrounded，butIshouldcertainlynothavegonetotheconvent。AtlastIreadwhatwaswritten；itwas"PlaceMaubert，"andIgrewcalmoncemore。
　　ItoldthecoachmantodriveustothePlaceMaubert。Wesetoff，andinashorttimestoppedattheopeningofanobscurebackstreetbeforeadirty—lookinghouse，whichdidnotgiveoneahighideaofthecharacterofitsoccupants。IgaveMadameX。C。V。myarm，andshehadthesatisfactionoflookingintoeveryroominthefivefloorsofthehouse，butwhatshesoughtforwasnotthere，andI
　　expectedtoseeheroverwhelmedwithgrief。Iwasmistaken，however。
　　Shelookeddistressedbutsatisfied，andhereyesseemedtoaskpardonofme。Shehadfoundoutfromthecoachman，whohadtakenherdaughteronthefirststageofherjourney，thatshehadalightedinfrontofthehouseinquestion，andhadgonedownthebackstreet。
　　Shetoldmethatthescullionhadconfessedthathehadtakenmeletterstwicefromhisyoungmistress，andthatMadelainesaidallthetimethatshewassurehermistressandIwereinlovewitheachother。Theyplayedtheirpartswell。
　　AssoonasIhadseenMadameX。C。V。safelyhome，IwenttoMadameduRumaintotellherwhathadhappened；andIthenwrotetomyfairrecluse，tellingherwhathadgoneonintheworldsinceherdisappearance。
　　Threeorfourdaysafterthisdate，MadameduRumaingavemethefirstletterIreceivedfromMdlle。X。C。V。Shespokeinitofthequietlifeshewasleading，andhergratitudetome，praisedtheabbessandthelay—sister，andgavemethetitlesofthebookstheylenther，whichshelikedreading。Shealsoinformedmewhatmoneyshehadspent，andsaidshewashappyineverything，almostinbeingforbiddentoleaveherroom。
　　Iwasdelightedwithherletter，butmuchmorewiththeabbess’sepistletoMadameduRumain。Shewasevidentlyfondofthegirl，andcouldnotsaytoomuchinherpraise，sayinghowsweet—tempered，clever，andlady—likeshewas；windingupbyassuringherfriendthatshewenttoseehereveryday。
　　IwascharmedtoseethepleasurethisletteraffordedMadameduRumain——pleasurewhichwasincreasedbytheperusaloftheletterI
　　hadreceived。Theonlypersonswhoweredispleasedwerethepoormother，thefrightfulFarsetti，andtheoldfermier，whosemisfortunewastalkedaboutintheclubs，thePalais—Royal，andthecoffee—
　　houses。Everybodyputmedownforsomeshareinthebusiness，butI
　　laughedattheirgossip，believingthatIwasquitesafe。
　　Allthesame，laPopelinieretooktheadventurephilosophicallyandmadeaone—actplayoutofit，whichhehadactedathislittletheatreinParis。Threemonthsafterwardshegotmarriedtoaveryprettygirl，thedaughterofaBordeauxalderman。Hediedinthecourseoftwoyears，leavinghiswidowpregnantwithason，whocameintotheworldsixmonthsafterthefather’sdeath。Theunworthyheirtotherichmanhadthefacetoaccusethewidowofadultery，andgotthechilddeclaredillegitimatetotheeternalshameofthecourtwhichgavethisiniquitousjudgmentandtothegriefofeveryhonestFrenchman。Theiniquitousnatureofthejudgmentwasafterwardsmoreclearlydemonstrated——puttingasidethefactthatnothingcouldbesaidagainstthemother’scharacter——bythesamecourthavingthe，facetodeclareachildbornelevenmonthsafterthefather’sdeathlegitimate。
　　IcontinuedfortendaystocalluponMadameX。C。V。，butfindingmyselfcoldlywelcomed，decidedtogotherenomore。
　　CHAPTERVIII
　　FreshAdventures——J。J。Rousseau——IsetUpABusiness——Castel——Bajac——ALawsuitisCommencedAgainstMe——M。deSartineMdlle。X。C。V。hadnowbeenintheconventforamonth，andheraffairhadceasedtobeacommontopicofconversation。IthoughtI
　　shouldhearnomoreofit，butIwasmistaken。Icontinued，however，toamusemyself，andmypleasureinspendingfreelyquitepreventedmefromthinkingaboutthefuture。TheAbbedeBernis，whomIwenttoseeregularlyonceaweek，toldmeonedaythatthecomptroller—
　　generaloftenenquiredhowIwasgettingon。"Youarewrong，"saidtheabbe，"toneglecthim。"Headvisedmetosaynomoreaboutmyclaims，buttocommunicatetohimthemeansIhadspokenofforincreasingtherevenuesofthestate。Ilaidtoogreatstorebytheadviceofthemanwhohadmademyfortunenottofollowit。Iwenttothecomptroller，andtrustinginhisprobityIexplainedmyschemetohim。Thiswastopassalawbywhicheveryestate，exceptthatleftbyfathertoson，shouldfurnishthetreasurywithoneyear’sincome；everydeedofgiftformallydrawnupbeingsubjecttothesameprovision。Itseemedtomethatthelawcouldnotgiveoffencetoanyone；theheirhadonlytoimaginethathehadinheritedayearlaterthanwasactuallythecase。Theministerwasofthesameopinionasmyself，toldmethattherewouldnotbetheslightestdifficultyinvolved，andassuredmethatmyfortunewasmade。InaweekafterwardshisplacewastakenbyM。deSilhouette，andwhenI
　　calledonthenewministerhetoldmecoldlythatwhenmyschemebecamelawhewouldtellme。Itbecamelawtwoyearsafterwards，andwhen，astheoriginatorofthescheme，Iattemptedtogetmyjustreward，theylaughedinmyface。
　　Shortlyafter，thePopedied，andhewassucceededbytheVenetianRezzonico，whocreatedmypatron，theAbbydeBernis，acardinal。
　　However，hehadtogointoexilebyorderofthekingtwodaysafterhisgraciousmajestyhadpresentedhimwiththeredcap:sogoodathingitistobethefriendofkings！
　　Thedisgraceofmydelightfulabbeleftmewithoutapatron，butI
　　hadplentyofmoney，andsowasenabledtobearthismisfortunewithresignation。
　　ForhavingundonealltheworkofCardinalRichelieu，forhavingchangedtheoldenmitybetweenFranceandAustriaintofriendship，fordeliveringItalyfromthehorrorsofwarwhichbefellherwheneverthesecountrieshadabonetopick，althoughhewasthefirstcardinalmadebyapopewhohadhadplentyofopportunitiesfordiscoveringhischaracter，merelybecause，onbeingasked，hehadgivenitashisopinionthatthePrincedeSoubisewasnotafitpersontocommandtheFrencharmies，thisgreatecclesiasticwasdrivenintoexile。ThemomentthePompadourheardofthisopinionofhis，shedecreedhisbanishment——asentencewhichwasunpopularwithallclassesofsociety；buttheyconsoledthemselveswithepigrams，andthenewcardinalwassoonforgotten。SuchisthecharacteroftheFrenchpeople；itcaresneitherforitsownmisfortunesnorforthoseofothers，ifonlyitcanextractlaughterfromthem。
　　Inmytimeepigrammatistsandpoetasterswhoassailedministersoreventheking’smistressesweresenttotheBastille，butthewitsstillpersistedinbeingamusing，andthereweresomewhoconsideredajestincompletethatwasnotfollowedbyaprosecution。AmanwhosenameIhaveforgotten——agreatloverofnotoriety——appropriatedthefollowingversesbytheyoungerCrebellonandwenttotheBastilleratherthandisownthem。
　　"Alltheworld’supsidedown！
　　Jupiterhasdonnedthegown——theKing。
　　Venusmountsthecouncilstair——thePompadour。
　　Plutustrifleswiththefair——M。deBoulogne。
　　Mercuryinmailisdrest——MarechaldeRichelieu。
　　MightyMarshasturnedapriest——theDucdeClermont，abbeofSt。Germain—des—pres。"
　　Crebillon，whowasnotthesortofmantoconcealhiswritings，toldtheDucdeChoiseulthathehadwrittensomeversesexactlylikethese，butthatitwaspossibletheprisonerhadbeeninspiredwithpreciselythesameideas。Thisjestwasapplauded，andtheauthorof"TheSofa"wasletalone。
　　CardinaldeBernispassedtenyearsinexile，’proculnegotiis’，buthewasnothappy，ashetoldmehimselfwhenIknewhiminRomefifteenyearsafterwards。Itissaidthatitisbettertobeaministerthanaking——an，opinionwhichseemsridiculouswhenitisanalyzed。Thequestionis，whichisthebetter，independenceoritscontrary。Theaxiommaypossiblybeverifiedinadespoticgovernmentunderanabsurd，weak，orcarelesskingwhoservesasameremaskforhismastertheminister；butinallothercasesitisanabsurdity。
　　CardinaldeBerniswasneverrecalled；thereisnoinstanceofLouisXV。havingeverrecalledaministerwhomhehaddisgraced；butonthedeathofRezzonicohehadtogotoRometobepresentattheconclave，andthereheremainedasFrenchambassador。
　　AboutthistimeMadamed’UrfeconceivedawishtomaketheacquaintanceofJ。J。Rousseau，andwewenttocalluponhimatMontmorenci，onthepretextofgivinghimmusictocopy——anoccupationinwhichhewasveryskilled。Hewaspaidtwicethesumgiventoanyothercopyist，butheguaranteedthattheworkshouldbefaultlesslydone。Atthatperiodofhislifecopyingmusicwasthegreatwriter’ssolemeansofsubsistence。
　　Wefoundhimtobeamanofasimpleandmodestdemeanour，whotalkedwell，butwhowasnototherwisedistinguishedeitherintellectuallyorphysically。Wedidnotthinkhimwhatwouldbecalledagood—
　　naturedman，andashewasfarfromhavingthemannersofgoodsocietyMadamed’Urfedidnothesitatetopronouncehimvulgar。Wesawthewomanwithwhomhelived，andofwhomwehadheard，butshescarcelylookedatus。OnourwayhomeweamusedourselvesbytalkingaboutRousseau’seccentrichabits。
　　IwillherenotedownthevisitofthePrinceofConti（fatherofthegentlemanwhoisnowknownastheComtedelaMarch）toRousseau。
　　Theprince——agood—naturedman—wentbyhimselftoMontmorenci，onpurposetospendadayinconversationwiththephilosopher，whowaseventhenfamous。Hefoundhiminthepark，accostedhim，andsaidthathehadcometodinewithhimandtotalkwithoutrestraint。
　　"Yourhighnesswillfarebutbadly，"saidRousseau:"however，Iwilltellthemtolayanotherknifeandfork。"
　　Thephilosophergavehisinstructions，andcameoutandrejoinedtheprince，withwhomhewalkedupanddownfortwoorthreehours。Whenitwasdinner—timehetooktheprinceintohisdining—room，wherethetablewaslaidforthree。
　　"Whoisgoingtodinewithus？"saidtheprince。"Ithoughtweweretobealone。"
　　"Thethirdparty，"saidRousseau，"ismyotherself——abeingwhoisneithermywife，normymistress，normyservant—maid，normymother，normydaughter，butyetpersonatesallthesecharactersatonce。"
　　"Idaresay，mydearfellow，Idaresay；butasIcametodinewithyoualone，Iwillnotdinewithyour——otherself，butwillleaveyouwithalltherestofyoutokeepyourcompany。"
　　Sosayingtheprincebadehimfarewellandwentout。Rousseaudidnottrytokeephim。
　　AboutthistimeIwitnessedthefailureofaplaycalled’Aristides’
　　Daughter’，writtenbytheingeniousMadamedeGraffini，whodiedofvexationfivedaysafterherplaywasdamned。TheAbbedeVoisenonwashorrified，ashehadadvisedtheladytoproduceit，andwasthoughttohavehadsomehandinitscomposition，aswellasinthatofthe’LettresPeruviennes’and’Cenie’。Byacuriouscoincidence，justaboutthesamedate，Rezzonico’smotherdiedofjoybecausehersonhadbecomepope。Griefandjoykillmanymorewomenthanmen，whichprovesthatifwomenhavemerefeelingthanmentheyhavealsolessstrength。
　　WhenMadamed’UrfethoughtthatmyadoptedsonwascomfortablysettledinViar’shouse，shemademegowithherandpayhimavisit。
　　Ifoundhimlodgedlikeaprince，welldressed，mademuchof，andalmostlookedupto。Iwasastonished，forthiswasmorethanIhadbargainedfor。Madamed’Urfehadgivenhimmastersofallsorts，andaprettylittleponyforhimtolearnridingon。HewasstyledM。
　　leComted’Aranda。Agirlofsixteen，Viar’sdaughter，afine—
　　lookingyoungwoman，wasappointedtolookafterhim，andshewasquiteproudtocallherselfmylord’sgoverness。SheassuredMadamed’Urfethatshetookspecialcareofhim；thatassoonashewokeshebroughthimhisbreakfastinbed；thatshethendressedhim，anddidnotleavehissidethewholeday。Madamed’Urfeapprovedofeverything，toldthegirltotakeevengreatercareofthecount，andpromisedthatsheshouldnotgounrewarded。Asfortheyounggentleman，hewasevidentlyquitehappy，ashetoldmehimselfagainandagain，butIsuspectedamysterysomewhere，anddeterminedthatI
　　wouldgoandseehimbymyselfanothertimeandsolveit。
　　OnourjourneyhomeItoldMadamed’UrfehowgratefulIwasforallhergoodnesstotheboy，andthatIapprovedofallthearrangementsthathadbeenmadewiththeexceptionofthenameAranda，"which，"
　　saidI，"maysomedayproveathorninhisside。"Sheansweredthattheladhadsaidenoughtoconvinceherthathehadarighttobearthatname。"Ihad，"shesaid，"inmydeskasealwiththearmsofthehouseofAranda，andhappeningtotakeitupIshewedithimasweshewtrinketstochildrentoamusethem，butassoonashesawitheburstout，"’Howcameyoutohavemyarms？’
　　"Yourarms！"Ianswered。"IgotthissealfromtheComted’Aranda；
　　howcanyouprovethatyouareascionofthatrace？"
　　"’Donotaskme，madam；mybirthisasecretIcanrevealtonoone。’"
　　Theimpositionandabovealltheimpudenceoftheyoungknaveastoundedme。Ishouldnothavethoughthimcapableofit，andaweekafterIwenttoseehimbymyselftogetatthebottomofallthismystery。
　　IfoundmyyoungcountwithViar，who，judgingbytheawethechildshewedofme，musthavethoughthebelongedtome。Hewasunsparinginhispraisesofhispupil，sayingthatheplayedtheflutecapitally，dancedandfencedadmirably，rodewell，andwroteagoodhand。Heshewedmethepenshehadcuthimselfwiththree，five，andevenninepoints，andbeggedtobeexaminedonheraldry，which，asthemasterobserved，wassonecessaryascienceforayoungnobleman。
　　Theyounggentlemanthencommencedinthejargonofheraldrytoblazonhisownpretendedarms，andIfeltmuchinclinedtoburstintolaughter，partlybecauseIdidnotunderstandawordhesaid，andpartlybecauseheseemedtothinkthematterasimportantaswouldacountrysquirewithhisthirty—twoquarters。However，Iwasdelightedtoseehisdexterityinpenmanship，whichwasundoubtedlyverygreat，andIexpressedmysatisfactiontoViar，whosoonleftustoourselves。Weproceededintothegarden。
　　"Willyoukindlyinformme，"Isaid，"howyoucanbesofoolishastocallyourselftheComted’Aranda？"
　　Hereplied，withtheutmostcalmness，"Iknowitisfoolish，butleavememytitle；itisofservicetomehereandgainsmerespect。"
　　"ItisanimpositionIcannotwinkat，asitmaybefraughtwithseriousresults，andmaydoharmtobothofus。Ishouldnothavethoughtthatatyourageyouwouldbecapableofsuchaknavishtrick。Iknowyoudiditoutofstupidity，butafteracertainlimitstupiditybecomescriminal；andIcannotseehowIamtoremedyyourfaultwithoutdisgracingyouintheeyesofMadamed’Urfe。"
　　Ikeptonscoldinghimtillheburstintotears，saying，"IhadrathertheshameofbeingsentbacktomymotherthantheshameofconfessingtoMadamed’UrfethatIhadimposedonher；andI
　　couldnotbeartostayhereifIhadtogiveupmyname。"
　　SeeingthatIcoulddonothingwithhim，unless，indeed，IsenthimtosomeplacefarremovedfromParisunderhispropername，ItoldhimtotakecomfortasIwouldtryanddothebestIcouldforbothofus。
　　"Andnowtellme——andtakecaretotellthetruth——whatsortoffeelingsdoesViar’sdaughterentertainforyou？"
　　"Ithink，papa，thatthisisacaseinwhichthereservecommendedbyyourself，aswellasbymother，wouldbeappropriate。"
　　"Yes，thatsortofanswertellsmeagooddeal，butIthinkyouarerathertooknowingforyourage。Andyoumayaswellobservethatwhenyouarecalleduponforaconfession，reserveisoutofplace，andit’saconfessionIrequirefromyou。"
　　"Well，papa，Viar’sdaughterisveryfondofme，andsheshewsherloveinallsortsofways。"
　　"Anddoyouloveher？"
　　"Oh，yes！"
　　"Isshemuchwithyouinthemorning？"
　　"Sheiswithmethewholeday。"
　　"Sheispresentwhenyougotobed？"
　　"Yes，shehelpsmetoundress。"
　　"Nothingelse？"
　　"Idonotcaretotellyou。"
　　Iwasastonishedatthemeasuredwayinwhichheansweredme，andasIhadheardenoughtoguessthattheboyandgirlwereverygoodfriendsindeed，Icontentedmyselfwithwarninghimtotakecareofhishealth，andwiththisIlefthim。
　　Sometimeafter，mythoughtswereoccupiedwithabusinessspeculationwhichallmycalculationsassuredmewouldbeextremelyprofitable。Theplanwastoproduceonsilks，bymeansofprinting，theexquisitedesignswhichareproducedatLyonsbythetediousprocessofweaving，andthustogivecustomersexcellentvalueatmuchlowerprices。Ihadtherequisiteknowledgeofchemistry，andenoughcapitaltomakethethingasuccess。Iobtainedtheassistanceofamanwiththenecessarytechnicalskillandknowledge，intendingtomakehimmymanager。
　　ItoldmyplantothePrincedeConti，whoencouragedmetopersevere，promisingmehispatronage，andalltheprivilegesIcouldwishfor。Thatdecidedmetobegin。
　　IrentedaverylargehouseneartheTempleforathousandcrownsperannum。Thehousecontainedaspacioushall，inwhichImeanttoputmyworkmen；anotherhallwhichwastobetheshop；numerousroomsformyworkpeopletolivein；andaniceroomformyselfincaseIcaredtoliveonthepremises。
　　Imadetheschemeintoacompanywiththirtyshares，ofwhichIgavefivetomydesigner，keepingtheremainingtwenty—fivetodistributetothosewhowereinclinedtojointhecompany。Igaveonetoadoctorwho，ongivingsurety，becamethestorekeeper，andcametoliveinthehousewithhiswholefamily；andIengagedfourservants，awaiting—maid，andaporter。Ihadtogiveanothersharetoanaccountant，whofurnishedmewithtwoclerks，whoalsotookuptheirabodeinthehouse。Thecarpenters，blacksmiths，andpaintersworkedhardfrommorningtonight，andinlessthanthreeweekstheplacewasready。Itoldthemanagertoengagetwentygirlstopaint，whoweretobepaideverySaturday。Istockedthewarehousewiththreehundredpiecesofsarcenetandcamletofdifferentshadesandcolourstoreceivethedesigns，andIpaidforeverythinginreadymoney。
　　IhadmadeanapproximatecalculationwithmymanagerthatIshouldhavetospendthreehundredthousandfrancs，andthatwouldnotbreakme。IftheworsthappenedIcouldfallbackonmyshares，whichproducedagoodincome，butIhopedIshouldnotbecompelledtodoso，asIwantedtohaveanincomeoftwohundredthousandfrancsayear。
　　AllthewhileIdidnotconcealfrommyselfthatthespeculationmightbemyruin，ifcustomdidnotcomein，butonlookingatmybeautifulmaterialsthesefearsweredispelled，especiallyasIheardeverybodysayingthatIsoldthemmuchtoocheap。
　　TosetupthebusinessIspentinthecourseofamonthaboutsixtythousandfrancs，andmyweeklyexpensesamountedtotwelvehundredfrancs。
　　AsforMadamed’Urfeshelaughedeverytimeshesawme，forshewasquitecertainthatthisbusinesswasonlymeanttoputthecuriousoffthescentandtopreservemyincognito:sopersuadedwassheofmyomnipotence。
　　Thesightoftwentygirls，allmoreorlesspretty，theeldestofwhomwasnottwenty—five，farfrommakingmetrembleasitought，delightedme。Ifanciedmyselfinthemidstofaseraglio，andI
　　amusedmyselfbywatchingtheirmeekandmodestlooksastheydidtheirworkunderthedirectionoftheforeman。Thebestpaiddidnotgetmorethantwenty—foursousaday，andallofthemhadexcellentreputations，fortheyhadbeenselectedatherownrequestbythemanager’swife，adevoutwomanofripeage，whomIhopedtofindobligingifthefancyseizedmetotestherchoice。ManonBalettididnotsharemysatisfactioninthem。Shetrembledtoseemetheownerofaharem，wellknowingthatsoonerorlaterthebarqueofmyvirtuewouldrunontherocks。Shescoldedmewellaboutthesegirls，thoughIassuredherthatnoneofthemsleptinthehouse。
　　Thisbusinessincreasedmyownideasofmyimportance；partlyfromthethoughtthatIwasonthehighroadtofortune，andpartlybecauseIfurnishedsomanypeoplewiththemeansofsubsistence。
　　Alas！Iwastoofortunate；andmyevilgeniussooncrossedmycareer。
　　ItwasnowthreemonthssinceMdlle。X。C。V。hadgoneintotheconvent，andthetimeofherdeliverydrewnear。Wewrotetoeachothertwiceaweek，andIconsideredthematterhappilysettled；M。
　　delaPopelinierehadmarried，andwhenMdlle。X。C。V。returnedtohermothertherewouldbenothingmoretobesaidButjustatthisperiod，whenmyhappinessseemedassured，thehiddenfireleaptforthandthreatenedtoconsumeme；how，thereaderwillsee。
　　OnedayafterleavingMadamed’Urfe’sIwenttowalkintheTuileries。IhadtakenacoupleofturnsinthechiefwalkwhenI
　　sawthatanoldwoman，accompaniedbyamandressedinblack，waslookingatmecloselyandcommunicatingherobservationstohercompanion。Therewasnothingveryastonishinginthisinapublicplace，andIcontinuedmywalk，andonturningagainsawthesamecouplestillwatchingme。InmyturnIlookedatthem，andrememberedseeingthemaninagaming—house，wherehewasknownbythenameofCastel—Bajac。Onscrutinizingthefeaturesofthehag，I
　　atlastsucceededinrecollectingwhoshewas；shewasthewomantowhomIhadtakenMdlle。X。C。V。Ifeltcertainthatshehadrecognizedme，butnottroublingmyselfaboutthematterIleftthegardenstowalkelsewhere。Thedayafternext，justasIwasgoingtogetintomycarriage，amanofevilaspectgavemeapaperandaskedmetoreadit。Iopenedit，butfindingitcoveredwithanillegiblescrawlIgaveithimback，tellinghimtoreadithimself。
　　Hedidso，andIfoundmyselfsummonedtoappearbeforethecommissaryofpolicetoanswertothepleawhichthemidwife（whosenameIforget）broughtagainstme。
　　AlthoughIcouldguesswhatthechargewouldbe，andwascertainthatthemidwifecouldfurnishnoproofsofheraccusation，IwenttoanattorneyIknewandtoldhimtoappearforme。IinstructedhimthatIdidnotknowanymidwifeinPariswhatsoever。Theattorneywaitedonthecommissary，andonthedayafterbroughtmeacopyofthepleas。
　　ThemidwifesaidthatIcametoheronenight，accompaniedbyayoungladyaboutfivemonthswithchild，andthat，holdingapistolinonehandandapacketoffiftyLouisintheother，Imadeherpromisetoprocureabortion。Webothofus（soshesaid）hadmaskson，thus。
　　shewingthatwehadbeenattheoperaball。Fear，saidshe，hadpreventedherfromflatlyrefusingtograntmyrequest；butshehadenoughpresenceofmindtosaythatthenecessarydrugswerenotready，thatshewouldhaveallinorderbythenextnight；whereuponweleft，promisingtoreturn。Inthebeliefthatwewouldnotfailtokeeptheappointment，shewentintoM。Castel—Bajactoaskhimtohideinthenextroomthatshemightbeprotectedfrommyfury，andthathemightbeawitnessofwhatIsaid，butshehadnotseenmeagain。SheaddedthatshewouldhavegiveninformationthedayaftertheeventifshehadknownwhoIwas，butsinceM。Castel—BajachadtoldhermynameonherrecognizingmeintheTuileries，shehadthoughtitherboundendutytodelivermetothelawthatshemightbecompensatedfortheviolenceIhadusedtoher。AndthisdocumentwassignedbythesaidCastel—Bajacasawitness。
　　"Thisisanevidentcaseoflibel，"saidmyattorney，"atleast，ifshecan’tprovethetruthofherallegations。Myadvicetoyouistotakethematterbeforethecriminallieutenant，whowillbeabletogiveyouthesatisfactionyourequire。"
　　Iauthorizedhimtodowhathethoughtadvisable，andthreeorfourdaysafterhetoldmethatthelieutenantwishedtospeaktomeinprivate，andwouldexpectmethesamedayatthreeo’clockintheafternoon。
　　Aswillbeexpected，Iwaspunctualtotheappointment。Ifoundthemagistratetobeapoliteandgood—heartedgentleman。Hewas，infact，thewell—knownM。deSartine，whowasthechiefofpolicetwoyearslater。Hisofficeofcriminallieutenantwassaleable，andM。
　　deSartinesolditwhenhewasappointedheadofthepolice。
　　AssoonasIhadmademybow，heaskedmetositdownbyhim，andaddressedmeasfollows:
　　"Ihaveaskedyoutocalluponmeintheinterestsofbothofus，asinyourpositionourinterestsareinseparable。Ifyouareinnocentofthechargewhichhasbeenbroughtagainstyou，youarequiterighttoappealtome；butbeforeproceedingsbegin，youshouldtellmethewholetruth。Iamreadytoforgetmypositionasjudge，andtogiveyoumyhelp，butyoumustseeyourselfthattoprovetheothersideguiltyofslander，youmustproveyourselfinnocent。WhatIwantfromyouisaninformalandstrictlyconfidentialdeclaration，forthecaseagainstyouisaseriousone，andofsuchakindastorequireallyoureffortstowipeoffthisblotuponyourhonour。
　　Yourenemieswillnotrespectyourdelicacyoffeeling。Theywillpressyousohardthatyouwilleitherbeobligedtosubmittoashamefulsentence，ortowoundyourfeelingsofhonourinprovingyourinnocence。YouseeIamconfidinginyou，forincertaincaseshonourseemssopreciousathingtomethatIamreadytodefenditwithallthepowerofthelaw。Paymeback，then，inthesamecoin，trustinmeentirely，tellmethewholestorywithoutanyreserves，andyoumayrelyuponmygoodoffices。Allwillbewellifyouareinnocent，forIshallnotbethelessajudgebecauseIamyourfriend；butifyouareguiltyIamsorryforyou，forIwarnyouthatIshallbejust。"
　　Afterdoingmybesttoexpressmygratitudetohim，Isaidthatmypositiondidnotobligemetomakeanyreservationsonaccountofhonour，andthatIhad，consequently，noinformalstatementtomakehim。