"Themidwife，"Iadded，"isabsolutelyunknowntome。Sheismostlikelyanabandonedwoman，whowithherworthycompanionwantstocheatmeofmymoney。"
　　"Ishouldbedelightedtothinkso，"heanswered，"butadmittingthefact，seehowchancefavoursher，andmakesitamostdifficultthingforyoutoproveyourinnocence。
　　"Theyoungladydisappearedthreemonthsago。Shewasknowntobeyourintimatefriend，youcalleduponheratallhours；youspentaconsiderabletimewithherthedaybeforeshedisappeared，andnooneknowswhathasbecomeofher；buteveryone’ssuspicionspointatyou，andpaidspiesarecontinuallydoggingyoursteps。Themidwifesentmearequisitionyesterdaybyhercounsel，Vauversin。ShesaysthatthepregnantladyyoubroughttoherhouseisthesamewhomMadameX。
　　C。V。issearchingfor。Shealsosaysthatyoubothworeblackdominoes，andthepolicehaveascertainedthatyouwerebothattheballinblackdominoesonthesamenightasthatonwhichthemidwifesaysyoucametoherhouse；youarealsoknowntohavelefttheball—
　　roomtogether。Allthis，itistrue，doesnotconstitutefullproofofyourguilt，butitmakesonetrembleforyourinnocence。"
　　"WhatcausehaveItotremble？"
　　"Whatcause！Whyafalsewitness，easilyenoughhiredforalittlemoney，mightswearwithimpunitythathesawyoucomefromtheoperatogether；andacoachmaninthesamewaymightswearhehadtakenyoutothemidwife’s。InthatcaseIshouldbecompelledtoorderyourarrestandexamination，withaviewtoascertainthenameofthepersonwhomyoutookwithyou。Doyourealizethatyouareaccusedofprocuringabortion；thatthreemonthshavegonebywithoutthelady’sretreathavingbeendiscovered；thatsheissaidtobedead。
　　Doyourealize，inshort，whataveryseriouschargemurderis？"
　　"Certainly；butifIdieinnocent，youwillhavecondemnedmewrongly，andwillbemoretobepitiedthanI。"
　　"Yes，yes，butthatwouldn’tmakeyourcaseanybetter。Youmaybesure，however，thatIwillnotcondemnaninnocentman；butIamafraidthatyouwillbealongtimeinprisonbeforeyousucceedinprovingyourinnocence。Tobebrief，youseethatintwenty—fourhoursthecaselooksverybad，andinthecourseofaweekitmightlookverymuchworse。Myinterestwasarousedinyourfavourbytheevidentabsurdityoftheaccusations，butitistheothercircumstancesaboutthecasewhichmakeitaseriousoneforyou。I
　　canpartlyunderstandthecircumstances，andthefeelingsofloveandhonourwhichbidyoubesilent。Ihavespokentoyou，andIhopeyouwillhavenoreserveswithme。Iwillspareyoualltheunpleasantcircumstanceswhichthreatenyou，believing，asIdo，thatyouareinnocent。Tellmeall，andbesurethatthelady’shonourwillnotsuffer；butif，ontheotherhand，youareunfortunatelyguiltyofthecrimeslaidtoyourcharge，Iadviseyoutobeprudent，andtotakestepswhichitisnotmybusinesstosuggest。IwarnyouthatinthreeorfourdaysIshallciteyoutothebarofthecourt，andthatyouwillthenfindinmeonlythejudge——just，certainly，butsevereandimpartial。"
　　Iwaspetrified；forthesewordsshewedmemydangerinallitsnakedness。IsawhowIshouldesteemthisworthyman’sgoodoffices，andsaidtohiminquiteanothertone，thatinnocentasIwas，IsawthatmybestcoursewastothrowmyselfonhiskindnessrespectingMdlle。X。C。V。，whohadcommittednocrime，butwouldloseherreputationbythisunhappybusiness。
　　"Iknowwheresheis，"Iadded，"andImaytellyouthatshewouldneverhavelefthermotherifshehadnotendeavouredtoforceherintoamarriagesheabhorred"
　　"Well，butthemanisnowmarried；letherreturntohermother’shouse，andyouwillbesafe，unlessthemidwifepersistsinmaintainingthatyouincitedhertoprocureabortion。"
　　"Thereisnoabortioninthematter；butotherreasonspreventherreturningtoherfamily。Icantellyounomorewithoutobtainingtheconsentofanotherparty。IfIsucceedindoingsoIshallbeabletothrowthedesiredlightonthequestion。Bekindenoughtogivemeasecondhearingonthedayafterto—morrow。"
　　"Iunderstand。Ishallbedelightedtohearwhatyouhavetosay。
　　Ithankandcongratulateyou。Farewell！"
　　Iwasonthebrinkoftheprecipice，butIwasdeterminedtoleavethekingdomratherthanbetraythehonourofmypoordearsweetheart。
　　Ifithadbeenpossible，Iwouldgladlyhaveputanendtothecasewithmoney；butitwastoolate。IwassurethatFarsettihadthechiefhandinallthistrouble，thathewascontinuallyonmytrack，andthathepaidthespiesmentionedbyM。deSartine。HeitwaswhohadsetVauversin，thebarrister，afterme，andIhadnodoubtthathewoulddoallinhispowertoruinme。
　　IfeltthatmyonlycoursewastotellthewholestorytoM。deSartine，buttodothatIrequiredMadameduRumain’spermission。
　　CHAPTERIX
　　MyExaminationIGivetheClerkThreeHundredLouis——TheMidwifeandCartel—BajacImprisoned——Mdlle。X。C。V。IsBroughttoBedofaSonandObligesHerMothertoMakeMeAmends——TheSuitAgainstMeIsQuashed——Mdlle。X。C。V。GoesWithHerMothertoBrusselsandFromThencetoVenice，WhereSheBecomesaGreatLady——MyWork—girls——
　　MadameBaret——IAmRobbed，PutinPrison，andSetatLibertyAgain——
　　IGotoHolland——Helvetius’"Esprit"——PiccolominiThedayaftermyinterviewwithM。deSartineIwaitedonMadameduRumainatanearlyhour。ConsideringtheurgencyofthecaseItookthelibertyofrousingherfromherslumbers，andassoonasshewasreadytoreceivemeItoldherall。
　　"Therecanbenohesitationinthematter，"saidthisdelightfulwoman。"WemustmakeaconfidantofM。deSartine，andIwillspeaktohimmyselfto—daywithoutfail。"
　　Forthwithshewenttoherdeskandwrotetothecriminallieutenantaskinghimtoseeheratthreeo’clockintheafternoon。Inlessthananhourtheservantreturnedwithanoteinwhichhesaidhewouldexpecther。WeagreedthatIshouldcomeagainintheevening，whenshewouldtellmetheresultofherinterview。
　　Iwenttothehouseatfiveo’clock，andhadonlyafewminutestowait。
　　"Ihaveconcealednothing，"saidshe；"heknowsthatsheisontheeveofherconfinement，andthatyouarenotthefather，whichspeakshighlyforyourgenerosity。Itoldhimthatassoonastheconfinementwasover，andtheyoungladyhadrecoveredherhealth，shewouldreturntohermother，thoughshewouldmakenoconfession，andthatthechildshouldbewelllookedafter。Youhavenownothingtofear，andcancalmyourself；butasthecasemustgoonyouwillbecitedbeforethecourtthedayafterto—morrow。Iadviseyoutoseetheclerkofthecourtonsomepretextorother，andtomakehimacceptasumofmoney。"
　　Iwassummonedtoappear，andIappeared。IsawM。deSartine，’sedentemprotribunali’。Attheendofthesittinghetoldmethathewasobligedtoremandme，andthatduringmyremandImustnotleaveParisorgetmarried，asallmycivilrightswereinsuspensependingthedecision。Ipromisedtofollowhiscommands。
　　IacknowledgedinmyexaminationthatIwasattheballinablackdominoonthenightnamedinmyaccusation，butIdeniedeverythingelse。AsforMdlle。X。C。V。，IsaidthatneitherInoranyoneofherfamilyhadanysuspicionthatshewaswithchild。
　　RecollectingthatIwasanalien，andthatthiscircumstancemightmakeVauversincallformyarrest，onthepleathatImightflythekingdom，Ithoughtthemomentopportuneformakinginterestwiththeclerkofthecourt，andIaccordinglypaidhimavisit。Aftertellinghimofmyfears，Islippedintohishandapacketofthreehundredlouis，forwhichIdidnotaskforareceipt，sayingthattheyweretodefrayexpensesifIweremulctedincosts。Headvisedmetorequirethemidwifetogivebailforherappearance，andItoldmyattorneytodoso；but，fourdaysafter，thefollowingincidenttookplace:
　　IwaswalkingintheTempleGardens，whenIwasaccostedbyaSavoyard，whogavemeanoteinwhichIwasinformedthatsomebodyinanalley，fiftypacesoff，wantedtospeaktome。"Eitheraloveaffairorachallenge，"Isaidtomyself，"let’ssee。"Istoppedmycarriage，whichwasfollowingme，andwenttotheplace。
　　IcannotsayhowsurprisedIwastoseethewretchedCartel—Bajacstandingbeforeme。"Ihaveonlyawordtosay，"saidhe，whenhesawme。"Wewillnotbeoverheardhere。Themidwifeisquitesurethatyouarethemanwhobroughtapregnantladytoher，butsheisvexedthatyouareaccusedofmakingawaywithher。Giveherahundredlouis；shewillthendeclaretothecourtthatshehasbeenmistaken，andyourtroublewillbeended。Youneednotpaythemoneytillshehasmadeherdeclaration；wewilltakeyourwordforit。
　　ComewithmeandtalkitoverwithVauversin。IamsurehewillpersuadeyoutodoasIsuggest。Iknowwheretofindhim，followmeatsomedistance。"
　　Ihadlistenedtohiminsilence，andIwasdelightedtoseethattherascalswerebetrayingthemselves。"Verygood，"saidItothefellow，"yougoon，andIwillfollow。"IwentafterhimtothethirdfloorofahouseintheRueauxOurs，whereIfoundVauversinthebarrister。NosoonerhadIarrivedthanhewenttobusinesswithoutanyprefatoryremarks。
　　"Themidwife，"hesaid，"willcallonyouwithawitnessapparentlywiththeintentionofmaintainingtoyourfacethatyouareherman；
　　butshewon’tbeabletorecognizeyou。Shewillthenproceedwiththewitnesstothecourt，andwilldeclarethatshehasmadeamistake，andthecriminallieutenantwillforthwithputanendtotheproceedings。Youwillthusbecertainofgainingyourcaseagainstthelady’smother。"
　　Ithoughttheplanwellconceived，andsaidthattheywouldfindmeattheTempleanydayuptonoon。
　　"Butthemidwifewantsahundredlouisbadly。"
　　"Youmeanthattheworthywomanratesherperjuryatthatprice。
　　Well，nevermind，Iwillpaythemoney，andyoumaytrusttomyword；
　　butIcan’tdosobeforeshehastakenoathtohermistakebeforethecourt。"
　　"Verygood，butyoumustfirstgivemetwenty—fivelouistoreimbursemeformycostsandfees。"
　　"Certainly，ifyouwillgivemeaformalreceiptforthemoney。"
　　Hehesitatedatfirst，butaftertalkingitoverthemoneyprovedtoostrongabait，andhewroteoutthereceiptandIgavehimthetwenty—fivelouis。Hethankedme，andsaidthatthoughMadameX。C。
　　V。washisclient，hewouldletmeknowconfidentiallyhowbesttoputastoptotheproceedings。IthankedhimwithasmuchgratitudeasifIhadreallyintendedtomakeuseofhisservices，andIlefttowriteandtellM。deSartinewhathadtakenplace。
　　ThreedaysafterwardsIwastoldthatamanandwomanwantedtoseeme。Iwentdownandaskedthewomanwhatshewanted。
　　"IwanttospeaktoM。Casanova。"
　　"Iamhe。"
　　"ThenIhavemadeamistake，forwhichIhopeyouwillforgiveme。"
　　Hercompanionsmiled，andtheywentoff。
　　ThesamedayMadameduRumainhadaletterfromtheabbesstellingherthatheryoungfriendhadgivenbirthtoafineboy，whohadbeensentawaytoaplacewherehewouldbewelllookedafter。Shestatedthattheyoungladycouldnotleavetheconventforthenextsixweeks，attheendofwhichtimeshecouldreturntohermotherwithacertificatewhichwouldprotectherfromallannoyance。
　　Soonafterthemidwifewasputinsolitaryconfinement，Castel—BajacwassenttoTheBicetre，andVauversin’snamewasstruckofftherolls。ThesuitinstitutedagainstmebyMadameX。C。V。wentontillherdaughterreappeared，butIknewthatIhadnothingtofear。
　　ThegirlreturnedtohermotherabouttheendofAugustarmedwithacertificatefromtheabbess，whosaidshehadbeenunderherprotectionforfourmonths，duringwhichtimeshehadneverlefttheconventorseenanypersonsfromoutside。Thiswasperfectlytrue，buttheabbessaddedthatheronlyreasonforhergoingbacktoherfamilywasthatshehadnothingmoretodreadfromtheattentionsofM。delaPopeliniere，andinthistheabbesslied。
　　Mdlle。X。C。V。profitedbythedelightofhermotherinseeingheragainsafeandsound，andmadeherwaitonM。deSartinewiththeabbess’scertificate，stopallproceedingsagainstme，andwithdrawallthechargesshehadmade。HerdaughtertoldherthatifIlikedImightclaimdamagesforlibel，andthatifshedidnotwishtoinjureherreputationshewouldsaynothingmoreaboutwhathadhappened。
　　Themotherwrotemealetterofthemostsatisfactorycharacter，whichIhadregisteredincourt，thusputtinganendtotheprosecution。InmyturnIwrotetocongratulateherontherecoveryofherdaughter，butIneversetfootinherhouseagain，toavoidanydisagreeablesceneswithFarsetti。
　　Mdlle。X。C。V。couldnotstayanylongerinParis，wherehertalewasknowntoeveryone，andFarsettitookhertoBrusselswithhersisterMadelaine。Sometimeafter，hermotherfollowedher，andtheythenwentontoVenice，andthereinthreeyears’timeshebecameagreatlady。FifteenyearsafterwardsIsawheragain，andshewasawidow，happyenoughapparently，andenjoyingagreatreputationonaccountofherrank，wit，andsocialqualities，butourconnectionwasneverrenewed。
　　InfouryearsthereaderwillhearmoreofCastel—Bajac。Towardstheendofthesameyear（1759），beforeIwenttoHolland，Ispentseveralhundredfrancstoobtainthereleaseofthemidwife。
　　Ilivedlikeaprince，andmenmighthavethoughtmehappy，butIwasnot。TheenormousexpensesIincurred，myloveofspendingmoney，andmagnificentpleasures，warnedme，inspiteofmyself，thattherewererocksahead。Mybusinesswouldhavekeptmegoingforalongtime，ifcustomhadnotbeenparalyzedbythewar；butasitwas，I，likeeverybodyelse，experiencedtheeffectofbadtimes。Mywarehousecontainedfourhundredpiecesofstuffswithdesignsonthem，butasIcouldnothopetodisposeofthembeforethepeace，andaspeaceseemedalongwayoff，Iwasthreatenedwithruin。
　　WiththisfearIwrotetoEsthertogetherfathertogivemetheremainderofmymoney，tosendmeasharpclerk，andtojoininmyspeculation。M。d’O————saidthatifIwouldsetupinHollandhewouldbecomeresponsibleforeverythingandgivemehalfprofits，butIlikedParistoowelltoagreetosogoodanoffer。Iwassorryforitafterwards。
　　Ispentagooddealofmoneyatmyprivatehouse，butthechiefexpenseofmylife，whichwasunknowntoothersbutwhichwasruiningme，wasincurredinconnectionwiththegirlswhoworkedinmyestablishment。Withmycomplexionandmypronouncedlikingforvariety，ascoreofgirls，nearlyallofthemprettyandseductive，asmostParisgirlsare，wasareefonwhichmyvirtuemadeshipwreckeveryday。Curiosityhadagooddealtodowithit，andtheyprofitedbymyimpatiencetotakepossessionbysellingtheirfavoursdearly。Theyallfollowedtheexampleofthefirstfavourite，andeveryoneclaimedinturnanestablishment，furniture，money，andjewels；andIknewtoolittleofthevalueofmoneytocarehowmuchtheyasked。Myfancyneverlastedlongerthanaweek，andoftenwanedinthreeorfourdays，andthelastcomeralwaysappearedthemostworthyofmyattentions。
　　AssoonasIhadmadeanewchoiceIsawnomoreofmyoldloves，butIcontinuedtoprovideforthem，andthatwithagooddealofmoney。
　　Madamed’Urfe，whothoughtIwasrich，gavemenotrouble。Imadeherhappybyusingmyoracletosecondthemagicalceremoniesofwhichshegrewfondereveryday，althoughsheneverattainedheraim。
　　ManonBaletti，however，grievedmesorelybyherjealousyandherwell—foundedreproaches。Shewouldnotunderstand——andIdidnotwonderatit——howIcouldputoffmarryingherifIreallylovedher。
　　Sheaccusedmeofdeceivingher。Hermotherdiedofconsumptioninourarms。Silviahadwonmytruefriendship。Ilookeduponherasamostworthywoman，whosekindnessofheartandpurityoflifedeservedtheesteemofall。Istayedinthefamilyforthreedaysafterherdeath，sincerelysympathizingwiththemintheiraffliction。
　　Afewdaysafterwards，myfriendTirettalosthismistressthroughagrievousillness。Fourdaysbeforeherdeath，perceivingthatshewasnearherend，shewilledtoconsecratetoGodthatwhichmancouldhavenolonger，anddismissedherloverwiththegiftofavaluablejewelandapurseoftwohundredlouis。Tirettamarchedoffandcameandtoldmethesadnews。IgothimalodgingneartheTemple，andamonthafter，approvinghisideatotryhisfortuneinIndia，IgavehimaletterofintroductiontoM。d’O————，ofAmsterdam；andinthecourseofaweekthisgentlemangothimapostasclerk，andshippedhimaboardoneofthecompany’sshipswhichwasboundforBatavia。Ifhehadbehavedwellhemighthavebecomearichman，buthegotinvolvedinsomeconspiracyandhadtofly，andafterwardsexperiencedmanyvicissitudesoffortune。IheardfromoneofhisrelationsthathewasinBengalin1788，ingoodcircumstances，butunabletorealizehispropertyandsoreturntohisnativecountry。Idonotknowwhatbecameofhimeventually。
　　InthebeginningofNovemberanofficialbelongingtotheDucd’Elbeuf’shouseholdcametomyestablishmenttobuyaweddingdressforhisdaughter。Iwasdazzledwithherbeauty。Shechoseafinesatin，andherprettyfacelightedupwhensheheardherfathersayhedidnotthinkitwastoomuch；butshelookedquitepiteouswhensheheardtheclerktellherfatherthathewouldhavetobuythewholepiece，astheycouldnotcutit。IfeltthatImustgivein，andtoavoidmakinganexceptioninherfavourIbeatahastyretreatintomyprivateroom。IwishIhadgoneoutofthehouse，asI
　　shouldhavesavedagooddealofmoney；butwhatpleasureshouldI
　　havealsolost！Inherdespairthecharminggirlbeggedthemanagertotakehertome，andhedarednotrefusetodoso。Shecamein；
　　twobigtearsfallingdownhercheeksanddimmingtheardourofhergaze。
　　"Oh，sir！"shebegan，"youarerich，doyoubuythepieceandletmehaveenoughforadress，whichwillmakemehappy。"
　　Ilookedatherfatherandsawheworeanapologeticair，asifdeprecatingtheboldnessofhischild。
　　"Ilikeyoursimplicity，"Isaidtoher，"andsinceitwillmakeyouhappy，youshallhavethedress。"
　　Sheranuptome，threwherarmsroundmyneckandkissedme，whileherworthyfatherwasdyingwithlaughter。Herkissesputthelaststroketomybewitchment。Afterhehadpaidforthedress，herfathersaid，"IamgoingtogetthislittlemadcapmarriednextSunday；therewillbeasupperandaball，andweshallbedelightedifyouwillhonouruswithyourpresence。MynameisGilbert。IamcomptrolleroftheDucd’Elbeuf’shousehold。"
　　Ipromisedtobeatthewedding，andtheyoungladygaveaskipofjoywhichmademethinkherprettierthanever。
　　OnSundayIrepairedtothehouse，butIcouldneithereatnordrink。
　　ThefairMdlle。GilbertkeptmeinakindofenchantmentwhichlastedwhileIwasincompanywithherfriends，forwhomIdidnotcare。
　　Theywereallofficialsinnoblemen’shouses，withtheirwivesanddaughters，whoallapedthemannersoftheirbettersinthemostridiculousway；nobodyknewmeandIwasknowntonobody，andIcutasorryfigureamongstthemall，forinacompanyofthissortthewittiestmanisthegreatestfool。Everybodycrackedhisjoketothebride，sheansweredeverybody，andpeoplelaughedatnothing。
　　Herhusband，athinandmelancholyman，witharatherfoolishexpression，wasdelightedathiswife’skeepingeverybodyamused。
　　AlthoughIwasinlovewithher，Ipitiedratherthanenviedhim。
　　Iguessedthathehadmarriedformonetaryconsiderations，andIknewprettywellwhatkindofahead—dresshishandsome，fierywifewouldgiveherhusband，whowasplain—featured，andseemednottobeawareofhiswife’sbeauty。Iwasseizedwiththedesireofaskinghersomequestions，andshegavemetheopportunitybycomingtositnexttomeafteraquadrille。Shethankedmeagainformykindness，andsaidthatthebeautifuldressIhadsuppliedhadwonhermanycompliments。
　　"Allthesame，"Isaid，"Iknowyouarelongingtotakeitoff。I
　　knowwhatloveisandhowimpatientitmakesone。"
　　"It’sveryfunnythateveryonepersistsinthinkingthatIaminlove，thoughIsawM。Baretforthefirsttimeonlyaweekago。
　　BeforethenIwasabsolutelyunconsciousofhisexistence。"
　　"Butwhyareyougettingmarriedinsuchahurrywithoutwaitingtillyouknowhimbetter？"
　　"Becausemyfatherdoeseverythinginahurry。"
　　"Isupposeyourhusbandisaveryrichman？"
　　"No，buthemaybecomerich。WearegoingtoopenashopforsilkstockingsatthecorneroftheRueSt。HonoreandtheRuedesProuveres，andIhopethatyouwilldealwithus，aswewouldserveyouwiththebest。"
　　"Ishallcertainlydoso——nay，Iwillbeyourfirstcustomer，ifI
　　havetowaitatthedoor。"
　　"Youarekind！M。Baret，"saidshetoherhusband，whowasstandingcloseby，"thisgentlemanpromisestobeourfirstcustomer。"
　　"Thegentlemanisverygood，"saidthehusband，"andIamsurehewillbesatisfied，asmystockingsaregenuinesilk。"
　　NextTuesdayatday—breakIbegantodanceattendanceatthecorneroftheRuedesProuveres，andwaitedtheretilltheservantcameouttotakedowntheshutters。Iwentinandthegirlaskedmemybusiness。
　　"Iwanttobuysomestockings，"wasmyanswer。
　　"Masterandmistressarestillinbed，soyouhadbettercomelateron。"
　　"No，Iwillwaithere。Stopaminute，"saidI，givinghersixfrancs，"goandgetmesomecoffee；Iwilldrinkitintheshop。"
　　"Imightgoandgetyousomecoffee，butIamnotsosillyastoleaveyouintheshopbyyourself。"
　　"YouareafraidImightstealsomething！"
　　"Well，onedoeshearofsuchthingsbeingdone，andIdon’tknowyoufromAdam。"
　　"Verygood；butIshallstayhereallthesame。"
　　BeforelongBaretcamedownandscoldedthepoorgirlfornothavingtoldhimofmypresence。"Goandtellmywifetocome，"saidhe，ashebeganopeningpacketsofstockingsformetochoosefrom。Hekeptstockings，vests，andsilkdrawers，andIturnedonepacketoverafteranother，lookingatthemallandnotfixingonanythingtillI
　　sawhiswifecomingdownasfreshasaroseandasbrightasalily。
　　Shesmiledatmeinthemostseductivemanner，apologizedforthedisorderofherdress，andthankedmeforkeepingmyword。
　　"Ineverbreakmyword，"Isaid，"especiallywhensuchacharmingladyisconcerned！"
　　MadameBaretwasseventeen，ofamoderateheight，andanexquisitefigure；withoutbeingclassicallybeautiful，aRaphaelcouldnotwishtodepictamoreenticingface。Hereyeswerelargeandbrilliant。
　　Herdroopingeyelids，whichgavehersomodestandyetsovoluptuousanappearance，theever—smilingmouth，hersplendidteeth，thedazzlingwhitenessofhercomplexion，thepleasingairwithwhichshelistenedtowhatwasbeingsaid，hersilveryvoice，thesweetnessandsparklingvivacityofhermanner，herlackofconceit，orratherherunconsciousnessofthepowerofhercharms—infine，everythingaboutthismasterpieceofnaturemademewonderandadmire；whileshe，bychanceorvilemonetaryconsiderations，wasinthepowerofBaret，who，paleandsickly，thoughtagooddealmoreofhisstockingsthanofthetreasuremarriagehadgivenhim——atreasureofwhichhewasallunworthy，sincehecouldnotseeitsbeautynortasteitssweetness。
　　Ichosestockingsandveststotheamountoftwenty—fivelouis，andI
　　paidthepricewithouttryingtocheapenthem。Isawthefaceofthefairshopwomanlightup，andIauguredwellformysuccess，thoughI
　　couldnotexpecttodomuchwhilethehoneymoonlasted。ItoldtheservantthatIwouldgivehersixfrancsifshewouldbringthepackettomyhouse，andsoIleftthem。
　　NextSundayBaretcamehimselfwithmypurchases。Igavehimsixfrancstohandovertohisservant，buthehintedthathewasnottooproudtokeepthemhimself。Iwasdisgustedatthispettygreed，andathismeannessindeprivinghismaidofthesixfrancsafterhavingmadeagoodprofitinwhathehadsoldme；butIwantedtostandwellwithhim，andIwasnotsorrytofindsosimpleawayofthrowingdustintohiseyes。SowhileIresolvedthattheservantshouldnotbealoserIgavethehusbandagoodreceptionthatImightthebettermouldhimtomypurpose。Ihadbreakfastbroughttohim，askingwhyhehadnotbroughthiswife。
　　"Shewantedmetotakeher，"saidhe，"butIwasafraidyoumightbeoffended。"
　　"Notatall，Ishouldhavebeendelighted。Ithinkyourwifeacharmingwoman。"
　　"Youareverykindtosayso；butshe’syoung，she’syoung。"
　　"Idon’tthinkthat’sanyobjection；andifshecaresforthewalk，bringherwithyouanothertime。"Hesaidheshouldbeverypleasedtodoso。
　　WhenIpassedbytheshopinmycarriageIblewkissestoherwithmyhand，butIdidnotstopasIdidnotwantanymorestockings。
　　Indeed，Ishouldhavebeenboredwiththecrowdoffopswithwhichtheshopwasalwaysfull。Shebegantobeatopicofconversationinthetown；thePalaisRoyalwasfullofher；andIwasgladtohearthatshekepttoherselfasifshehadricherpreyinview。Thattoldmethatnoonepossessedhersofar，andIhopedthatImightbethepreymyself；Iwasquitewillingtobecaptured。
　　Somedaysafter，shesawmycarriagecoming，andbeckonedtomeasI
　　passed。Igotout，andherhusbandwithmanyapologiestoldmethathewantedmetobethefirsttoseeanewfashioninbreecheshehadjustgotin。Thebreecheswereparti—coloured，andnomanoffashionwouldbeseenwithoutthem。Theywereodd—lookingthings，butbecameawell—madeyoungman。Astheyhadtofitexactly，Itoldhimtomeasuremeforsixpairs，offeringtopayinadvance。"Wehavetheminallsizes，"saidhe，"gouptomywife’sroomandtrysomeon。"
　　ItwasagoodopportunityandIaccepted，especiallywhenIheardhimtellhiswifetogoandhelpme。Iwentupstairs，shefollowing，andIbegantoundress，apologizingfordoingsobeforeher。
　　"IwillfancyIamyourvalet，"saidshe，"andIwillhelpyou。"
　　Ididnotmakeanydifficulties，andaftertakingoffmyshoesIgavehermybreeches，takingcare，however，tokeeponmydrawers，lesthermodestyshouldreceivetoosevereashock。Thisdoneshetookapairofbreeches，drewthemonme，tookthemoff，andtriedonothers，andallthiswithoutanyimproprietyoneitherside；forI
　　haddeterminedtobehavewithdiscretiontilltheopportunitycametobeindiscreet。Shedecidedthatfourpairsfittedmeadmirably，and，notwishingtocontradicther，Igaveherthesixteenlouissheasked，andtoldherIshouldbedelightedifshewouldbringthemherselfatanytimewhenshewasatleisure。Shecamedownstairsquiteproudofherknowledgeofbusiness，andBaretsaidthatnextSundayheandhiswifewouldhavethehonourofbringingmemypurchase。
　　"Ishallbecharmed，M。Baret，"saidI，"especiallyifyouwillstaytodinner。"
　　Heansweredthathavinganimportantengagementfortwoo’clockhecouldonlyacceptontheconditionthatIwouldlethimgoatthattime，andhewouldreturnataboutfivetofetchhiswife。Ifoundtheplanvastlytomytaste，butIknewhowtoconcealmyjoy；andI
　　quietlysaidthatthoughIshouldlosethepleasureofhissociety，hewasfreetogowhenheliked，especiallyasIhadnottogooutmyselfbeforesix。
　　IlookedforwardtotheSunday，andthetradesmanandhiswifedidnotfailme。Assoonastheyarrived，Itoldmyservanttosay"Notathome"fortherestoftheday，andasIwasimpatienttoknowwhatwouldhappenintheafternoonIhaddinnerservedatanearlyhour。
　　Thedisheswereexquisite，andthewinesdelicious。Thegoodmanatemuchanddrankdeeply，indeedtosuchanextentthatincommonpolitenessIwasobligedtoremindhimthathehadanimportantappointmentattwo。Hiswitsbeingsharpenedwithchampagne，thehappythoughtoccurredtohimtotellhiswifetogohomebyherself，ifhewerekeptlaterthanfive；andIhastenedtoaddthatIwouldtakeherhomemyselfinmycarriage。Hethankedme，andIsoothedhisuneasinessaboutbeingpunctualtohisappointmentbytellinghimthatacoachwaswaiting，andthatthefarehadbeenpaid。Hewentoff，andIfoundmyselfalonewithmyjewel，whomIwascertainofpossessingtillsixo’clock。
　　AssoonasIheardthehalldoorshutonthekindhusband，Isaidtohiswife，"Youaretobecongratulatedonhavingsuchakindhusband；withamanlikethatyourhappinessisassured。"
　　"Itiseasytosayhappiness，butenjoyingitisadifferentthing。
　　Myhusband’shealthissodelicatethatIcanonlyconsidermyselfashisnurse；andthenhecontractedheavydebtstosetupinbusinesswhichobligeustoobservethestrictesteconomy。Wecamehereonfoottosavethetwenty—foursons。Wecouldliveontheprofitsofthebusiness，iftherewerenodebts，butasitiseverythinggoestopaytheinterest，andoursalesarenotlargeenoughtocovereverything。"
　　"Butyouhaveplentyofcustomers，forwheneverIpassIseetheshopfullofpeople。"
　　"Thesecustomersyouseeareidlers，crackersofbadjokes，andprofligates，whocomeandmakemyheadachewiththeirjests。Theyhavenotapennytoblessthemselveswith，andwedarenotletthemoutofoursightforfearoftheirhandswandering。Ifwehadcaredtogivethemcredit，ourshopwouldhavebeenemptiedlongago。Iamrudetothem，inthehopesthattheymayleavemealone，butit’sofnouse。Theirimpudenceisastonishing。WhenmyhusbandisinI
　　retreattomyroom，butheisoftenaway，andthenIamobligedtoputupwiththem。Andthescarcityofmoneypreventsusfromdoingmuchbusiness，butweareobligedtopayourworkmenallthesame。
　　AsfarasIcansee，weshallbeobligedtodismissthem，asweshallsoonhavetomeetseveralbills。NextSaturdaywehavegottopaysixhundredfrancs，andwehaveonlygottwohundred。"
　　"Iamsurprisedatyourhavingallthisworryintheseearlydaysofyourmarriage。Isupposeyourfatherknewaboutyourhusband’scircumstances；howaboutyourdowry？"
　　"Mydowryofsixthousandfrancshasserved，mostofit，tostocktheshopandtopayourdebts。Wehavegoodswhichwouldpayourdebtsthreetimesover；butinbadtimescapitalsunkiscapitaldead。"
　　"Iamsorrytohearallthis，asifpeaceisnotmadeyoursituationwillbecomeworse，forasyougoonyourneedswillbecomegreater。"
　　"Yes，forwhenmyhusbandisbetterwemayhavechildren。"
　　"What！Doyoumeantosayhishealthpreventshimfrommakingyouamother？Ican’tbelieveit。"
　　"Idon’tseehowIcanbeamotherwhoamstillamaid；notthatI
　　caremuchaboutthematter。"
　　"Ishouldn’thavebelievedit！Howcanamannotintheagonyofdeathfeelillbesideyou？Hemustbedead。"
　　"Well，heisnotexactlydead，buthedoesn’tshewmanysignsoflife。"
　　Thispieceofwitmademelaugh，andundercoverofmyapplauseI
　　embracedherwithoutexperiencingmuchresistance。Thefirstkisswaslikeanelectricspark；itfiredmyimaginationandIincreasedmyattentionstillshebecameassubmissiveasalamb。
　　"Iwillhelpyou，dearest，tomeetthebillonSaturday；"andsosayingIdrewhergentlyintoaclosetwhereasoftdivanformedasuitablealtarforthecompletionofanamoroussacrifice。
　　Iwasenchantedtofindhersubmissivetomycaressesandmyinquisitiveness，butshesurprisedmegreatlywhen，asIplacedmyselfinreadinessfortheconsummationoftheact，andwasalreadyintheproperposturebetweenthetwocolumns，shemovedinsuchawayastohindermyadvance。Ithoughtatfirstthatitwasonlyoneofthosedevicesintendedtomakethefinalvictorymoresweetbyputtingdifficultiesintheway；but，findingthatherresistancewasgenuine，Iexclaimed，"HowwasItoexpectarefusallikethisatamomentwhenIthoughtI
　　sawmyardoursreflectedinyoureyes？"
　　"Youreyesdidnotdeceiveyou；butwhatwouldmyhusbandsayifhefoundmeotherwisethanasGodhasmademe？"
　　"Hecan’thaveleftyouuntouched！"
　　"Hereallyhasdoneso。Youcanseeforyourselfifyoulike。CanI，then，givetoyouwhatappertainstothegeniusofthemarriage—
　　bed。"
　　"Youareright，myangel；thisfruitmustbekeptforamouthunworthytotasteit。Ipityandadoreyou。Cometomyarms，abandonyourselftomylove，andfearnothing。Thefruitshallnotbedamaged；Iwillbuttastetheoutersurfaceandleavenotracebehind。"
　　Wepassedthreehoursintriflingtogetherinamannercalculatedtoinflameourpassionsdespitethelibationswhichwenowandagainpouredforth。IwasconsoledbyherswearingtobemineassoonasBarethadgoodgroundsforthinkingthatshewashis，and，aftertakingherontheBoulevards，Ileftheratherdoor，withapresentoftwenty—fiveLouis。
　　IwasinlovewithherasIhadneverbeenbefore，andIpassedtheshopthreeorfourtimesaday，goingroundandround，tothewrathofmycoachman，whogotsickoftellingmethatIwasruiningmyhorses。IwashappytoseeherwatchforthemomentthatIpassed，andwaftmeakissbyputtingherprettyfingerstohermouth。
　　Wehadagreedthatsheshouldnotmakemeasigntoleavemycoachtillherhusbandhadforcedapassage。Atlastthisday，soardentlydesiredandsolongwaitedfor，arrived。Thesignwasgiven，andI
　　stoppedthecoachandshecameoutand，standingonthestep，toldmetogoandwaitforheratthechurchdoorofSt。Germainl’Auxerrois。
　　Iwascurioustoknowwhattheresultswouldbe，andhadnotbeenattheplaceappointedmorethanaquarterofanhourwhenshecametowardsme，herheadmuffledinahood。Shegotintothecarriageand，sayingthatshewantedtomakesomepurchases，beggedmetotakehertotheshops。
　　Ihadbusinessofmyown，andpressingbusinesstoo，butwhocanrefusetheBelovedObjectanything？ItoldthecoachmantodrivetothePlaceDauphine，andIpreparedtoloosenmypurse—strings，asI
　　hadafeelingshewasgoingtotreatmeasafriend。Inpointoffactsheleftfewshopsunvisited，goingfromjewelstoprettytriflesandtoysofdifferentkinds，andfromthesetodressesofthelatestfashion，whichtheydisplayedbeforeher，addressingherasprincess，andsayingthatthiswouldbecomeheradmirably。Shelookedatme，andsaiditmustbeconfessedthatitwasveryprettyandthatshewouldlikeitifitwerenotsodear。Iwasawillingdupe，andassuredherthatifshelikedititcouldnotbetoodear，andthatIwouldpay。
　　Whilemysweetheartwasthuschoosingonetrifleafteranothermyill—luckbroughtaboutanincidentwhichplacedmeinafearfulsituationfouryearsafterwards。Thechainofeventsisendless。
　　Iperceivedatmylefthandaprettygirloftwelveorthirteen，withanoldanduglywomanwhowasdisparagingapairofear—ringswhichthegirlhadinherhands，andonwhichshehadevidentlysetherheart:shelookedsadatnotbeingabletobuythem。Iheardhersaytotheoldwomanthattheywouldmakeherhappy，butshesnatchedthemfromthegirl’shandsandtoldherto，comeaway。
　　"Icanletyouhaveacheaperpairandalmostasfine，"saidtheshopwoman，buttheyoungladysaidshedidnot；careaboutit，andwasgettingreadytogo，makingaprofoundreverencetomyprincessBaret。
　　She，nodoubtflatteredbythissignofrespectwentuptoher，calledherlittlequeen，toldhershewasasfairasaMaymorning，andaskedtheoldwomanhername，"SheisMdlle。deBoulainvilier，myniece。"
　　"Howcanyoubesohard—hearted，"saidItotheaunt，"astorefuseyourcharmingnieceatoywhichwouldmakeherhappy？Allowmetomakeherapresentofthem。"
　　SosayingIputtheear—ringsinthegirl’shands，whilesheblushedandlookedatherauntasiftoaskherpermission。
　　"Youmayhavetheear—rings，"saidshe，"asthisgentlemanhasbeenkindenoughtogiveyousuchapresent，andyoushouldgivehimakissbywayofthanks。"
　　"Theear—rings，"saidtheshopwoman，"willbeonlythreelouis。"
　　Hereupontheaffairtookacomicturn；theoldwomangotintoarageandsaid，"Howcanyoubesuchacheat？Youtoldmetheywereonlytwolouis。"
　　"Nay，madam，Iaskedthree。"
　　"That’salie，andIshallnotallowyoutorobthisgentleman。
　　Niece，putthoseear—ringsdown；lettheshopwomankeepthem。"
　　Sofarallwaswellenough；buttheoldauntspoilteverythingbysayingthatifIlikedtogiveherniecethethreelouisshecouldgetherapairtwiceasgoodatanothershop。Itwasallthesametome，soIsmilinglyputthethreelouisinfrontoftheyounglady，whostillhadtheear—ringsinherhands。Theshop—woman，whowasonthelook—out，pocketedthemoney，sayingthatthebargainwasmade，thatthethreelouisbelongedtoherandtheear—ringstotheyounglady。
　　"Youareacheat，"criedouttheenragedoldwoman。
　　"Andyouareanoldb————d，"answeredtheshop—woman，"Iknowyouwell。"Acrowdbegantogatherinfrontoftheshop，hearingthecriesofthetwoharpies。Foreseeingagooddealofunpleasantness，Itooktheauntbythearmandledhergentlyaway。Theniece，whowasquitecontentwiththeear—rings，anddidnotcarewhethertheycostthreelouisortwo，followedher。Weshallhearofthemagaininduecourse。
　　MydearBarethavingmademewasteascoreoflouis，whichherpoorhusbandwouldhaveregrettedmuchmorethanmyself，wegotintothecarriageagain，andItookhertothechurchdoorfromwhichwehadstarted。OnthewayshetoldmeshewascomingtostopafewdayswithmeatLittlePoland，andthatitwasherhusbandwhowouldaskmefortheinvitation。
　　"Whenwillhedothat？"
　　"To—morrow，ifyougobytheshop。Comeandbuysomestockings；I
　　shallhaveabadheadache，andBaretwillspeaktoyou。"
　　ItmaybeimaginedthatItookcaretocallthenextday，andasI
　　didnotseehiswifeintheshopIaskedinafriendlywayafterherhealth。
　　"Sheisillinbed，"hereplied；"shewantsalittlecountryair。"
　　"Ifyouhavenotfixedforanyplace，IshallbehappytoputyouupatLittlePoland。"
　　Herepliedbyasmileofdelight。
　　"Iwillgoandurgehertocomemyself；inthemeanwhile，M。Baret，willyoupackmeupadozenpairsofstockings？"
　　Iwentupstairsandfoundtheinvalidinbed，andlaughinginspiteofherimaginaryheadache。"Thebusinessisdone，"saidI，"youwillsoonhearofit。"AsIhadsaid，thehusbandcameupstairswithmystockingsandtoldherthatIhadbeengoodenoughtogiveheraroominmyhouse。Thecraftylittlecreaturethankedme，assuringherhusbandthatthefreshairwouldsooncureher。
　　"Youshallbewelllookedafter，"saidI，"butyoumustexcusemeifIdonotkeepyoucompany——Ihavetoattendtomybusiness。
　　M。Baretwillbeabletocomeandsleepwithyoueverynight，andstartearlyenoughinthemorningtobeintimefortheopeningofhisshop。"
　　Aftermanycomplimentshadbeeninterchanged，Baretdecidedonhavinghissisterstayinthehousewhilehiswifewasaway，andasItookleaveIsaidthat，Ishouldgiveordersfortheirreceptionthatveryevening，incaseIwasoutwhentheycame。
　　NextdayIstayedouttillaftermidnight，andthecooktoldmethattheweddedcouplehadmadeagoodsupperandhadgonetobed。I
　　warnedherthatIshouldbediningathomeeveryday，andthatI
　　shouldnotseemycompany。
　　ThefollowingdayIwasupbetimes，andonenquiringifthehusbandhadrisenIlearntthathehadgotupatday—breakandwouldnotbebacktillsupper—time。Thewifewasstillasleep。Ithoughtwithreasonshewasnotasleepforme，andIwenttopayhermyfirstvisit。Inpointoffactshewasawake，andItookaforetasteofgreaterjoysbyathousandkisses，whichshereturnedwithinterest。
　　WejestedattheexpenseoftheworthymanwhohadtrustedmewithajewelofwhichIwasabouttomakesuchgooduse，andwecongratulatedeachotherontheprospectofaweek’smutualpleasures。
　　"Come，mydear，"saidI，"getupandputonafewclothesandwewilltakebreakfastinmyroom。"
　　Shedidnotmakeanelaboratetoilette；acottondressinggown，aprettylacecap，alawnkerchief，thatwasall，buthowthesimpledresswaslightedbytherosesofhercheeks！Wewerequickoverourbreakfast，wewereinahurry，andwhenwehaddoneIshutthedoorandwegaveourselvesovertotheenjoymentofourbliss。
　　SurprisedtofindherinthesameconditioninwhichIhadlefther，ItoldherIhadhoped……butshe，withoutgivingmetimetofinishthephrase，said，"Myjewel，Baretthinks，orpretendstothink，thathehasdonehisdutyasahusband；butheisnohandatthebusiness，andIamdisposedtoputmyselfinyourhands，andthentherewillbenodoubtofmycondition。"
　　"Weshallthus，mysweet，bedoinghimaservice，andtheserviceshallbewelldone。"
　　AsIsaidthesewordsIwasonthethresholdofthetemple，andI
　　openedthedoorinamannerthatoverthrewallobstacles。Alittlescreamandthenseveralsighsannouncedthecompletionofthesacrifice，and，totellthetruth，thealtaroflovewascoveredwiththebloodofthevictim。Afterthenecessaryablutionsthepriestoncemorebeganhispiouswork，whilethevictimgrowingboldersoprovokedhisragethatitwasnottillthefourthmactationthatwerestedandputoffourjousttoanotherseason。Wesworeathousandtimestoloveeachotherandtoremainconstant，andwemaypossiblyhavebeensincere，aswewereinourecstasyofpleasure。
　　Weonlyseparatedtodress；thenaftertakingaturninthegardenwedinedtogether，surethatinasumptuousrepast，washeddownbythechoicestwines，weshouldfindstrengthtoreanimateourdesiresandtolullthemtosleepinbliss。
　　Atdessert，asIwaspouringchampagneintoherglass，Iaskedherhowwithsuchafierytemperamentshehadmanagedtopreservehervirtue？
　　"Cupid，"saidI，"mighthavegatheredthefruitthatHymencouldnottaste。Youareseventeen，andthepearhasbeenripefortwoyearsatleast。"
　　"Verytrue，butIhaveneverhadalover。"
　　"Never？"
　　"Ihavebeencourted，buttonoeffect。Myheartwaseversilent。
　　PossiblymyfatherthoughtotherwisewhenIbeggedhim，amonthago，togetmemarriedsoon。"
　　"Verylikely，butasyouwerenotinlove，whywereyouinsuchahurry？"
　　"IknewthattheDucd’Elbeufwouldsoonbecomingtotown，andthatifhefoundmestillsinglehewouldobligemetobecomethewifeofamanIdetest，whowouldhavemeatanyprice。"
　　"Whoisthismanforwhomyouhavesuchanaversion？"
　　"Heisoneoftheduke’spets，amonsterwhosleepswithhismaster。"
　　"Really！Ididnotknowthedukehadsuchtastes。"
　　"Ohyes；heiseighty—four，andhethinkshimselfawoman；hesayshemusthaveahusband。"
　　"Thatisveryfunny。Andisthisaspiranttoyourhandahandsomeman？"
　　"Ithinkhimhorrible；buteverybodyelsethinksheisafineman。"
　　ThecharmingBaretspentaweekwithme，andeachdaywerenewedthecombatinwhichwewerealwaysconquerorsandalwaysconquered。I
　　haveseenfewwomenasprettyandseductive，andnonewhoseskinwasmoreexquisitelysoftandfair。Herbreathwasaromatic，andthismadeherkissesmostsweet。Herneckwasexquisitelyshaped，andthetwoglobes，tippedwithcoral，wereashardasmarble。Theexquisitecurvesofherfigurewouldhavedefiedtheskilloftheablestpainter。Iexperiencedanineffablejoyincontemplatingher，andinthemidstofmyhappinessIcalledmyselfunhappybecauseIcouldnotsatisfyallthedesireswhichhercharmsarousedinme。Thefriezewhichcrownedhercolumnswascomposedoflinksofpalegoldoftheutmostfineness，andmyfingersstroveinvaintogivethemanotherdirectiontothatwhichnaturehadgiventhem。Shecouldeasilyhavebeentaughtthoselivelyyetgracefulmovementswhichdoublethepleasure；naturehaddoneherpartinthatdirection，andIdonotthinkamoreexpertmistressintheartoflovecouldbefound。
　　Eachofuslookedforwardtothedayofherdeparturewithequalgrief，andouronlyconsolationlayinthehopeofmeetingagain，andoften。Threedaysaftershewentaway，Iwenttoseeher，moreinlovethanever，andIgavehertwonotesoffivethousandfrancsapiece。Herhusbandmighthavehissuspicions，buthewastoohappyatbeingenabledtopayhisdebtsandtokeephisshopopentosayanythingunpleasant。Manyhusbandsbesideshimselfthinkthemselvesluckytohavesuchproductivewives。
　　InthebeginningofNovemberIsoldsharesforfiftythousandfrancstoamannamedGamier，livingintheRueduMail，givinguptohimathirdpartofthematerialsinmywarehouse，andacceptingamanagerchosenbyhimandpaidbythecompany。ThreedaysaftersigningthedeedIreceivedthemoney；butinthenightthedoctor，mywarehouseman，emptiedthetillandabsconded。Ihavealwaysthoughtthatthisrobberycouldnothavebeeneffectedwithouttheconnivanceofthepainter。Thislosswasaseriousblowtome，asmyaffairsweregettingintoanembroiledcondition；and，forafinishingtouchtomymisfortunes，Gamierhadmeservedwithasummonstorepayhimthefiftythousandfrancs。MyanswerwasthatIwasnotliable，thathismanagerhadbeenappointed，theagreementandsaleoftheshareswasvalid，andthathebeingoneofthecompanywouldhavetoshareintheloss。Ashepersistedinhisclaim，Iwasadvisedtogotolaw，butGamierdeclaredtheagreementnullandvoid，accusingmeinanindirectmannerofhavingappropriatedthemoneywhichIhadsaidwasstolen。Iwouldwillinglyhavegivenhimagoodthrashing，buthewasanoldman，andthatcoursewouldnothavemendedmatters，soIkeptmytemper。Themerchantwhohadgivensuretyforthedoctorwasnottobefound；hehadbecomebankrupt。Garnierhadallmystockseized，andsequestratedmyhorses，carriages，andallmyprivateproperty。
　　Whilethesetroubleswereharassingme，Idismissedallmywork—
　　girls，whohadalwaysbeenagreatexpense，andreplacedthemwithworkmenandsomeofmyservants。Thepainterstillretainedhisposition，whichwasanassuredone，ashealwayspaidhimselfoutofthesales。
　　Myattorneywasanhonestman——ararebirdamongstlawyers——butmycounsel，whokepttellingmethatthecasewouldsoonbedecided，wasarascal。Whilethedecisionwaspending，Garnierservedmewithawrittopaythesumclaimed。Itookittomycounsel，whopromisedtoappealthesameday，whichhedidnotdo，whileheappropriatedtohisownusethemoneyassignedbymeforthecostsofanactionwhich，iftherehadbeenjusticeinFrance，Ishouldcertainlyhavegained。Twoothersummonseswereissuedagainstme，andbeforeI
　　knewwhatwasgoingonawarrantwasissuedformyarrest。Iwasseizedateighto’clockinthemorning，asIwasdrivingalongtheRueSt。Denis。Thesergeantofpolicesatbesideme，asecondgotupbesidethecoachman，andathirdstationedhimselfatthebackofthecoach，andinthisstatewedrovetoFortl’Eveque。
　　Assoonasthepolicehadhandedmeovertothegaoler，heinformedmethatbypaymentofthefiftythousandfrancs，orbygivinggoodbail，Imightinstantlyregainmyfreedom。
　　"Forthemoment，"saidI，"Icanneithercommandmoneynorbail。"
　　"Verygood，thenyouwillstayinprison。"
　　Thegaolertookmetoadecent—lookingroom，andItoldhimIhadonlybeenservedwithonewrit。
　　"Verylikely，"answeredhe，"itoftenhappenslikethat；butitisratherdifficulttoprove。"
　　"Bringmewritingmaterials，andhaveatrustymessengeratmydisposal。"
　　Iwrotetomycounsel，myattorney，toMadamed’Urfe，andtoallmyfriends，includingmybrother，whowasjustmarried。Theattorneycalledimmediately，butthebarristercontentedhimselfwithwritingtotheeffectthatashehadputinanappealmyseizurewasillegal，andthatdamagesmightberecovered。Heendedbybeggingmetogivehimafreehand，andtohavepatienceforafewdays。
　　ManonBalettisentherbrotherwithherdiamondearrings。MadameduRumaindispatchedherbarrister——amanofrarehonesty——tome，andwroteafriendlynoteinwhichshesaidthatifIwantedfivehundredlouisIshouldhavethemto—morrow。Mybrotherneitherwrotenorcametoseeme。AstodearMadamed’Urfeshesenttosaythatshewouldexpectmeatdinner。Ithoughtshehadgonemad，asIcouldnotthinkshewasmakingfunofme。
　　Ateleveno’clockmyroomwasfullofpeople。PoorBarethadcomeweeping，andofferingmeallhisshopheld。Iwastouchedbytheworthyman’skindness。AtlastIwastoldthataladyinacoachwantedtoseeme。Iwaited，butnobodycame。InmyimpatienceI
　　calledtheturnkey，whotoldmethat，afterquestioningtheclerkoftheprison，shehadgoneawayagain。FromthedescriptionIwasgivenIhadnodifficultyinidentifyingtheladywithMadamed’Urfe。
　　Tofindmyselfdeprivedofmylibertywasadisagreeableshocktome。
　　IthoughtofTheLeads，andthoughmypresentsituationwasnottobecomparedwiththat，IcursedmyfateasIforesawthatmyimprisonmentwoulddamagemyreputation。Ihadthirtythousandfrancsinhardcashandjewelstomorethandoublethatamount，butI
　　couldnotdecideonmakingsuchasacrifice，inspiteoftheadvicegivenbyMadameduRumain’sbarrister，whowouldhavemegotoutofprisonatanycost。
　　"Allyouhavetodo，"saidthebarrister，"istodeposithalfthesumdemandedwhichIwillgivetotheclerkofthecourt，andinashorttimeIcanpromiseadecisioninyourfavourandtherestorationofyourmoney。"
　　Wewerediscussingthematter，whenthegaolerentered，andsaid，verypolitely，"Sir，youareafreemanagain，andaladyiswaitingforyouatthedoorinhercarriage"
　　IcalledLeDuc，myman，andtoldhimtogoandseewhotheladywas。
　　HereturnedwiththeinformationthatitwasMadamed’Urfe。Imademybowtoeverybody，andafterfourverydisagreeablehoursofimprisonment，Ifoundmyselffreeagainandsittinginasplendidcoach。
　　Madamed’Urfereceivedmewithdignifiedkindness，andajudgewhowasinthecarriageapologizedforhiscountry，wherestrangerswereexposedtosuchinsults。IthankedMadamed’Urfeinafewwords，tellingherthatIwasgladtobecomeherdebtor，butthatitwasGarnierwhobenefitedbyhergenerosity。Sherepliedwithapleasantsmilethatshewasnotsosureofthat，andthatwewouldtalkitoveratdinner。ShewantedmetogoandwalkintheTuileriesandthePalaisRoyal，toconvincepeoplethatthereportofmyimprisonmenthadbeenfalse。Ithoughttheadviceexcellent，andasIsetoutIpromisedtobewithherattwoo’clock。
　　AfterskewingmyselfatthetwoprincipalwalksofParis，amusingmyselfbytheastonishmentdepictedoncertainfaceswellknowntome，Iwentandreturnedtheear—ringstomydearManon，whogaveanastonishedbutahappycrywhenshesawme。Ithankedhertenderlyfortheproofshehadgivenmeofherattachment，andsaidthatIhadbeenarrestedbyaplotforwhichIwouldmaketheplotterspaydear。
　　AfterpromisingtospendtheeveningwiththemIwenttoMadamed’Urfe’s。
　　Thisgoodlady，whosefoibleiswellknowntomyreaders，mademelaughwhenshesaidthathergeniushadtoldherthatIhadgotmyselfarrestedtobetalkedabout，forreasonswhichwereknownonlytomyself。
　　"AssoonasIwasinformedofyourarrest，"saidshe，"IwenttotheFortl’Eveque，andonlearningfromtheclerkwhattheaffairwasabout，Idepositedbondstobailyouout。Ifyouarenotinapositiontohavejusticedoneyou，GamierwillhavetoreckonwithmebeforehetakesthemoneyIhavedeposited。Butyourfirststepshouldbetocommenceacriminalprosecutionagainstyourcounsel，whohasnotonlyfailedtoputinyourappealbuthasrobbedanddeceivedyou。"
　　Ileftherintheevening，assuringherthatinafewdaysherbailshouldbereturnedtoher；andwenttotheFrenchandItalianplaysinsuccession，takingcaretorendermyselfconspicuousthatmyreappearancemightbecomplete。AfterwardsIwenttosupwithManonBaletti，whowastoohappytohavehadanopportunityofspewingheraffectionforme；andherjoywasfullwhenItoldherthatIwasgoingtogiveupbusiness，forshethoughtthatmyseragliowastheonlyobstacletomymarriagewithher。
　　ThenextdaywaspassedwithMadameduRumain。Ifeltthatmyobligationstoherweregreat，whileshe，inthegoodnessofherheart，waspersuadedthatshecouldmakenoadequatereturntomefortheoracleswithwhichIfurnishedher，andbyfollowingwhichshewassafelyguidedthroughtheperplexitiesoflife。Icannotunderstandhowshe，whosewitwaskeen，andwhosejudgmentonothersubjectswasofthesoundestkind，couldbeliabletosuchfolly。I
　　wassorrywhenIreflectedthatIcouldnotundeceiveher，andgladwhenIreflectedthattothisdeceitofminethekindnessshehadshewnmewaschieflydue。
　　MyimprisonmentdisgustedmewithParis，andmademeconceiveahatredofthelaw，whichIfeelnow。Ifoundmyselfentangledinadoublemazeofknavery——Garnierwasmyfoe，andsowasmyowncounsel。EverytimeIwenttoplead，tospendmymoneyamongstlawyers，andtowastethetimebettergiventopleasure，IfeltasifIwasgoingtoexecution。Inthisperturbedkindoflife，socontrarytomyinclinations，Iresolvedtosettoworkinearnesttomakemyfortune，sothatImightbecomeindependentandfreetoenjoylifeaccordingtomytastes。IdecidedinthefirstplacethatI
　　wouldcutmyselffreeofallthatboundmetoParis，makeasecondjourneyintoHollandtoreplenishmypurseandinvestmymoneyinayearlyincomefortwolives，andfromthenceforthlivefreefromcare。Thetwoliveswerethoseofmywifeandmyself；mywifewouldbeManonBaletti，andwhenItoldhermyplansshewouldhavethoughtthemdelightfulifIhadbegunbymarryingher。
　　ThefirstthingIdidwastogiveupLittlePoland。Ithendrewthetwenty—fourthousandfrancswhichweremysuretyforkeepingalotteryofficeintheRueSt。Denis。ThusIgotridofmyridiculousofficeoflotteryreceiver，andaftergettingmyclerkmarriedI
　　handedovertheofficetohim；inshort，Imadehisfortune。A
　　friendofhiswife’swashissurety；suchthingsoftenhappen。
　　IdidnotliketoleaveMadamed’UrfeinvolvedinatroublesomesuitwithGamier，soIwenttoVersaillestoseetheAbbedelaVille，agreatfriendofhis，andbeggedhimtoinduceGamiertomakeacomposition。
　　Theabbesawthathisfriendwasinthewrong，andsowasallthemorewillingtohelpme；andafewdaysafterwardshewrotetometogoandseehim，assuringmethatIshouldfindhiminclinedtoarrangemattersinafriendlymanner。
　　GamierwasatRuelle，wherehehadahousewhichcosthimfourhundredthousandfrancs——afineestateforamanwhohadmadehismoneyasanarmycontractorduringthelastwar。Hewasrich，buthewassounfortunateastobestillfondofwomenattheageofseventy，whilehisimpotencedebarredhimfromtheproperenjoymentoftheirsociety。Ifoundhimincompanywiththreeyoungladies，allofwhomwerepretty，and（asIheardafterwards）ofgoodfamilies；buttheywerepoor，andtheirnecessitiesforcedthemtosubmittoadisgustingintercoursewiththeoldprofligate。Istayedtodinnerandadmiredtheproprietyandmodestyoftheirbehaviourinspiteofthehumiliationwhichaccompaniespoverty。Afterdinner，Gamierwenttosleep，andleftmetoentertainthesegirlswhomI
　　wouldwillinglyhaverescuedfromtheirunfortunatesituationifI
　　hadbeenable。AfterGamierwoke，wewentintohisstudytotalkoverourbusiness。
　　Atfirsthemaintainedhisclaimtenaciously，andseemedunwillingtoyieldaninch；butwhenItoldhimthatIwasleavingParisinafewdays，hesawthatashecouldnotkeepme，Madamed’Urfemighttakethesuitoverandcarryitontoinfinity，andthathemightloseitatlast。Thatmadehimthinkitover，andheaskedmetostayinhishouseforthenight。Thenextday，afterbreakfast，hesaid，——
　　"Ihavemadeupmymind:Iwillhavetwenty—fivethousandfrancs，orkeepthematterbeforethecourtstillmydyingday。"
　　IansweredthathewouldfindthesuminthehandsofMadamed’Urfe’ssolicitor，andthathecouldreceiveitassoonashehadgivenreplevyonthebailattheFortl’Eveque。
　　IcouldnotpersuadeMadamed’UrfethatIhadactedwiselyincomingtoanarrangementtillIhadtoldherthatmygeniushadcommandedmenottoleaveParisbeforemyaffairsweresettled，sothatnoonemightbeabletoaccusemeofhavinggoneawaytoavoidcreditorswhoseclaimsIcouldnotsatisfy。
　　ThreeorfourdaysafterwardsIwenttotakeleaveofM。deChoiseul，whopromisedtoinstructM。d’Afritoaidmeinnegotiatingaloanatfivepercent。eitherwiththeStates—Generaloraprivatecompany。
　　"Youcantelleveryone，"saidhe，"thatpeaceiscertaintobemadeinthecourseofthewinter，andIwilltakecarethatyoushallhavewhatisduetoyouonyourreturntoFrance。"
　　M。deChoiseuldeceivedme，forheknewverywellthatpeacewouldnotbemade；butIhadnodefiniteproject，andIrepentedofhavinggivenM。deBoulognemyconfidence，andalsoofhavingdoneanythingfortheGovernment，therewardofwhichwasnotimmediateandcertain。
　　Isoldmyhorses，mycarriages，myfurniture；Iwentbailformybrotherwhohadcontracteddebtshewassureofpaying，ashehadseveralpicturesontheeaselwhichhehadbeenorderedtopaintbysomeofhisrichandnoblepatrons。ItookleaveofManon，whomI
　　leftinfloodsoftears，thoughIsworewiththeutmostsinceritytocomebacksoonandmarryher。
　　Atlastallmypreparationswerefinished，andIleftPariswithahundredthousandfrancsinbillsofexchangeandjewelstothesameamount。Iwasaloneinmypost—chaise，LeDucprecedingmeonhorseback，whichtherascalpreferredtobeingshutupinacarriage。
　　ThisLeDucofminewasaSpaniard，agedeighteen，asharpfellow，whomIvaluedhighly，especiallybecausehedidmyhairbetterthananyoneelse。Ineverrefusedhimapleasurewhichalittlemoneywouldbuy。BesideshimIhadagoodSwissservant，whoservedasmycourier。
　　Itwasthe1stofDecember，1759，andtheairwasfrosty，butIwasfortifiedagainsttheinclemencyoftheseason。Iwasabletoreadcomfortably，andItookHelvetius’s"Esprit，"whichIhadneverhadtimetoreadbefore。AfterperusingitIwasequallyastonishedatthesensationitcreatedandatthestupidityoftheHighCourtwhichcondemnedit。Ofcoursethatexaltedbodywaslargelyinfluencedbythekingandtheclergy，andbetweenthemallnoeffortwassparedtoruinHelvetius，agood—heartedmanwithmorewitthanhisbook。I
　　sawnothingnoveleitherinthehistoricalpartrelatingtothemoralsofnations（inwhichHelvetiusdismissesusastriflers），orinthepositionthatmoralityisdependentonthereason。Allthathesayshasbeensaidoverandoveragain，andBlaisePascalwentmuchfarther，buthewrotemoreskilfullyandbetterineverywaythanHelvetius，who，wishingtoremaininFrance，wasobligedtoretract。Hepreferredaquietlifetohishonourandhisphilosophy。
　　Hiswifehadanoblersoulthanhe，asshewantedtosellalltheyhad，andtotakerefugeinHollandratherthansubmittotheshameofarecantation。PerhapsHelvetiuswouldhavefollowedthenobleadviceofhiswifeifhehadforeseenthatthismonstrousrecantationwouldmakehisbookintoafraud；forhehadtoconfessthathehadwrittenwithoutduereflection，thathewasmoreinjestthanearnest，andthathisargumentsweremeresophisms。Butmanymenofkeenintellectshadnotwaitedforhimtorecantbeforeexposingthiswretchedsystemofhis。Andadmittingthatwhatevermandoesisdoneforhisowninterest，doesitfollowthatgratitudeisafolly，andvirtueandviceidentical？Areavillainandamanofhonourtobeweighedinthesamebalance？Ifsuchadreadfulsystemwerenotabsurd，virtuewouldbemerehypocrisy；andifbyanypossibilityitweretrue，itoughttobeproscribedbygeneralconsent，sinceitwouldleadtogeneralruinandcorruption。
　　ItmighthavebeenprovedtoHelvetiusthatthepropositionsthatthefirstmotiveisalwaysself—interest，andthatweshouldalwaysconsultourowninterestfirst，arefallacious。Itisastrangethingthatsovirtuousamanwouldnotadmittheexistenceofvirtue。
　　Itisanamusingsuggestionthatheonlypublishedhisbookoutofmodesty，butthatwouldhavecontradictedhisownsystem。Butifitwereso，wasitwelldonetorenderhimselfcontemptibletoescapetheimputationofpride？Modestyisonlyavirtuewhenitisnatural；ifitisputon，ormerelytheresultoftraining，itisdetestable。Thegreatd’AlembertwasthemosttrulymodestmanI
　　haveeverseen。