WhenIgottoBrussels，whereIspenttwodays，Iwenttothe"Hoteldel’Imperatrice，"andchancesentMdlle。X。C。V。andFarsettiinmyway，butIpretendednottoseethem。FromBrusselsIwentstraighttotheHague，andgotoutatthe"PrinceofOrange。"Onmyaskingthehostwhosatdownathistable，hetoldmehiscompanyconsistedofgeneralofficersoftheHanoverianarmy，sameEnglishladies，andaPrincePiccolominiandhiswife；andthismadememakeupmymindtojointhisillustriousassemblage。
Iwasunknowntoall，andkeepingmyeyesaboutmeIgavemychiefattentiontotheobservationofthesupposedItalianprincess，whowasprettyenough，andmoreespeciallyofherhusbandwhomIseemedtorecognize。InthecourseofconversationIheardsometalkofthecelebratedSt。Germain，anditseemedthathewasstoppinginthesamehotel。
Ihadreturnedtomyroom，andwasthinkingofgoingtobed，whenPrincePiccolominientered，andembracedmeasanoldfriend。
"Alookinyourface，"saidhe，"tellsmethattherecognitionhasbeenmutual。IknewyoudirectlyinspiteofthesixteenyearsthathavepassedsincewesaweachotheratVicenza。To—morrowyoucantelleverybodythatwearefriends，andthatthoughIamnotaprinceIamreallyacount；hereismypassportfromtheKingofNaples，prayreadit。"
DuringthisrapidmonologueIcouldnotgetinasingleword，andonattentivelyscanninghisfeaturesIcouldonlyrecollectthatIhadseenhimbefore，butwhenorwhereorhowIknewnot。IopenedthepassportandreadthenameofRuggerodiRocco，CountPiccolomini。
Thatwasenough；Irememberedanindividualofthatnamewhowasafencing—masterinVicenza，andonlookingathimagainhisaspect，thoughmuchchangedleftnodoubtastotheidentityoftheswordsmanandthecount。
"Icongratulateyou，"saidI，"onyourchangeofemployment，yournewbusinessisdoubtlessmuchbetterthantheold。"
"Itaughtfencing，"hereplied，"tosavemyselffromdyingofhunger，formyfatherwassohardamanthathewouldnotgivemethewherewithaltolive，andIdisguisedmynamesoasnottodisgraceit。Onmyfather’sdeathIsucceededtotheproperty，andatRomeI
marriedtheladyyouhaveseen。"
"Youhadgoodtaste，forshe’saprettywoman。"
"Sheisgenerallythoughtso，anditwasalovematchonmyside。"
Heendedbyaskingmetocomeandseehiminhisroomthenextday，afterdinner，tellingmethatIshouldfindgoodcompanyandabankatfaro，whichhekepthimself。Headded，withoutceremony，thatifIlikedwecouldgohalfshares，andthatIshouldfinditprofitable。Ithankedhim，andpromisedtopayhimavisit。
Iwentabroadatanearlyhournextmorning，andafterhavingspentsometimewiththeJew，Boaz，andhavinggivenapoliterefusaltohisofferofabed，IwenttopaymyrespectstoM。d’Afri，whosincethedeathofthePrincessofOrange，theRegentoftheLowCountries，wasgenerallyknownasHisMostChristianMajesty’sambassador。Hegavemeanexcellentreception，buthesaidthatifIhadreturnedtoHollandhopingtodobusinessonbehalfoftheGovernmentIshouldwastemytime，sincetheactionofthecomptroller—generalhadloweredthecreditofthenation，whichwasthoughttobeonthevergeofbankruptcy。
"ThisM。Silhouette，"saidhe，"hasservedthekingverybadly。Itisallverywelltosaythatpaymentsareonlysuspendedforayear，butitisnotbelieved。"
HethenaskedmeifIknewacertainComtedeSt。Germain，whohadlatelyarrivedattheHague。
"Hehasnotcalledonme，"saidtheambassador，"thoughhesaysheiscommissionedbythekingtonegotiatealoanofahundredmillions。
WhenIamaskedabouthim，IamobligedtosaythatIknownothingabouthim，forfearofcompromisingmyself。Suchareply，asyoucanunderstand，isnotlikelytoincreasehischanceofsuccess，butthatishisfaultandnotmine。WhyhashenotbroughtmealetterfromtheDucdeChoiseulortheMarquisedePompadour？Itakehimtobeanimpostor，butIshallknowsomethingmoreabouthiminthecourseoftendays。"
Itoldhim，inmyturn，allIknewofthistrulyeccentricindividual。HewasnotalittlesurprisedtohearthatthekinghadgivenhimanapartmentatChambord，butwhenItoldhimthatthecountprofessedtobeabletomakediamondshelaughedandsaidthatinthatcasehewouldnodoubtmakethehundredmillions。JustasI
wasleaving，M。d’Afriaskedmetodinewithhimonthefollowingday。
OnreturningtothehotelIcalledontheComtedeSt。Germain。
"Youhaveanticipatedme，"saidhe，onseeingmeenter，"Iintendedtohavecalledonyou。Isuppose，mydearCasanova，thatyouhavecometotrywhatyoucandoforourCourt，butyouwillfindyourtaskadifficultone，astheExchangeishighlyoffendedatthelatedoingsofthatfoolSilhouette。AllthesameIhopeIshallbeabletogetmyhundredmillions。Ihavepassedmywordtomyfriend，LouisXV。（Imaycallhimso），andIcan’tdisappointhim；thebusinesswillbedoneinthenextthreeorfourweeks。"
"IshouldthinkM。d’Afrimightassistyou。"
"Idonotrequirehisassistance。ProbablyIshallnotevencalluponhim，ashemightsayhehelpedme。No，Ishallhaveallthetrouble，andImeantohavealltheglory，too。"
"IpresumeyouwillbegoingtoCourt，wheretheDukeofBrunswickmaybeofservicetoyou？"
"WhyshouldIgotoCourt？AsfortheDukeofBrunswick，Idonotcaretoknowhim。AllIhavegottodoistogotoAmsterdam，wheremycreditissufficientlygoodforanything。IamfondoftheKingofFrance；there’snotabettermaninthekingdom。"
"Well，comeanddineatthehightable，thecompanyisofthebestandwillpleaseyou。"
"YouknowInevereat；moreover，IneversitdownatatablewhereI
maymeetpersonswhoareunknowntome。"
"Then，mylord，farewell；weshallseeeachotheragainatAmsterdam。"
Iwentdowntothedining—roam，where，whiledinnerwasbeingserved，Iconversedwithsomeofficers。TheyaskedmeifIknewPrincePiccolomini，towhichIansweredthathewasnotaprincebutacount，andthatitwasmanyyearssinceIhadseenhim。
Whenthecountandhisfairwife（whoonlyspokeItalian）camedown，Ishewedthemsomepoliteattentions，andwethensatdowntodinner。
EndMEMOIRSOFJACQUESCASANOVAdeSEINGALT1725—1798
THEETERNALQUEST，Volume3c——HOLLANDANDGERMANY
THERAREUNABRIDGEDLONDONEDITIONOF1894TRANSLATEDBYARTHUR
MACHENTOWHICHHASBEENADDEDTHECHAPTERSDISCOVERED
BYARTHURSYMONS。
THEETERNALQUEST
HOLLANDANDGERMANY
CHAPTERX
PortraitofthePretendedCountessPiccolomini——QuarrelandDuel——
EstherandHerFather，M。D’O。——EstherStillTakenwiththeCabala——
PiccolominiForgesaBillofExchange:ResultsIAmFleeced，andinDangerofBeingAssassinated——DebauchwiththeTwoPaduanGirls——
IRevealAGreatSecretToEsther——IBatetheRascallySt。Germain；
HisFlight——ManonBalettiProvesFaithlesstoMe；HerLetterAnnouncingHerMarriage:MyDespair——EstherSpendsaDayWithMe——MyPortraitandMyLetterstoManonGetIntoEsther’sHands—IPassaDaywithHer——WeTalkofMarryingEachOtherTheso—calledCountessPiccolominiwasafineexampleoftheadventurers。Shewasyoung，tall，well—made，hadeyesfulloffire，andskinofadazzlingwhiteness；not，however，thatnaturalwhitenesswhichdelightsthosewhoknowthevalueofasatinskinandrosepetals，butratherthatartificialfairnesswhichiscommonlytobeseenatRomeonthefacesofcourtezans，andwhichdisguststhosewhoknowhowitisproduced。Shehadalsosplendidteeth，glorioushairasblackasjet，andarchedeyebrowslikeebony。Totheseadvantagessheaddedattractivemanners，andtherewassomethingintelligentaboutthewayshespoke；butthroughallIsawtheadventuresspeepingout，whichmademedetesther。
AsshedidnotspeakanythingbutItalianthecountesshadtoplaythepartofamuteattable，exceptwhereanEnglishofficernamedWalpolewasconcerned，who，findinghertohistaste，sethimselftoamuseher。IfeltfriendlydisposedtowardsthisEnglishman，thoughmyfeelingswerecertainlynottheresultofsympathy。IfIhadbeenblindordeafSirJamesWalpolewouldhavebeentotallyindifferenttome，aswhatIfeltforhimwastheresultofmyobservation。
AlthoughIdidnotcareforthecountess，forallthatIwentuptoherroomafterdinnerwiththegreaterpartoftheguests。Thecountarrangedagameofwhist，andWalpoleplayedatprimerowiththecountess，whocheatedhiminamasterlymanner；butthoughhesawithelaughedandpaid，becauseitsuitedhispurposetodoso。WhenhehadlostfiftyLouishecalledquarter，andthecountessaskedhimtotakehertothetheatre。Thiswaswhatthegood—naturedEnglishmanwanted；andheandthecountesswentoff，leavingthehusbandplayingwhist。
I，too，wenttotheplay，andaschancewouldhaveitmyneighbourinthepitwasCountTot，brothertothecountfamousforhisstayinConstantinople。
Wehadsomeconversationtogether，andhetoldmehehadbeenobligedtoleaveFranceonaccountofaduelwhichhehadhadwithamanwhohadjestedwithhimfornotbeingpresentatthebattleofMinden，sayingthathehadabsentedhimselfinviewofthebattle。Thecounthadprovedhiscouragewiththeswordontheother’sbody——aroughkindofargumentwhichwasfashionablethenasnow。Hetoldmehehadnomoney，andIimmediatelyputmypurseathisservice；but，asthesayinggoes，akindnessisneverthrownaway，andfiveyearslaterhedidthesamebymeatSt。Petersburg。BetweentheactshehappenedtonoticetheCountessPiccolomini，andaskedmeifIknewherhusband。"Iknowhimveryslightly，"Ianswered，"butwehappentobestayingatthesamehotel。"
"He’saregularblacksheep，"saidthecount，"andhiswife’snobetterthanhe。"
Itseemedthattheyhadalreadywonareputationinthetown。
AftertheplayIwentbacktothehotelbymyself，andthehead—
waitertoldmethatPiccolominihadsetouthot—footwithhisservant，hisonlyluggagebeingalightportmanteau。Hedidnotknowthereasonofthissuddendeparture，butaminuteafterwardsthecountesscamein，andhermaidhavingwhisperedsomethingtohershetoldmethatthecounthadgoneawaybecausehehadfoughtaduelbutthatoftenhappened。SheaskedmetosupwithherandWalpole，andherappetitedidnotseemtosufferfromtheabsenceofherspouse。
Justaswewerefinishingsupper，anEnglishman，whohadbeenofthewhistparty，cameupandtoldWalpolethattheItalianhadbeencaughtcheatingandhadgiventhelietotheirfellowEnglishman，whohaddetectedhim，andthattheyhadgoneouttogether。AnhourafterwardstheEnglishmanreturnedwithtwowounds，oneonthefore—
armandoneontheshoulder。Itwasatriflingaffairaltogether。
Nextday，afterIhadhaddinnerwiththeComted’Afri，IfoundaletterfromPiccolomini，withanenclosureaddressedtothecountess，waitingformeattheinn。Hebeggedmetogivehiswifetheletter，whichwouldinformherofhisplans，andthentobringhertotheVilledeLyonatAmsterdam，wherehewasstaying。HewantedtoknowhowtheEnglishmanwhomhehadwoundedwasgettingon。
Thedutystruckmeasanamusingone，andIshouldhavelaughedwithallmyheartifIhadfelttheleastdesiretoprofitbytheconfidencehewaspleasedtoplaceinme。NeverthelessIwentuptothecountess，whomIfoundsittingupinbedplayingwithWalpole。
Shereadtheletter，toldmethatshecouldnotstarttillthedayfollowing，andinformedmewhattimeshewouldgo，asifithadbeenallsettled；butIsmiledsardonically，andtoldherthatmybusinesskeptmeattheHague，andthatIcouldnotpossiblyescorther。WhenWalpoleheardmesaythisheofferedtobemysubstitute，towhichsheagreed。Theysetoutthedayfollowing，intendingtolieatLeyden。
Twodaysaftertheirdeparture，Iwassittingdowntodinnerwiththeusualcompany，increasedbytwoFrenchmenwhohadjustcome。Afterthesouponeofthemsaid，coolly，"ThefamousCasanovaisnowinHolland。"
"Ishe？"saidtheother，"Ishallbegladtoseehim，andaskforanexplanationwhichhewillnotlike。"
Ilookedattheman，andfeelingcertainthatIhadneverseenhimbeforeIbegantogetenraged；butImerelyaskedthefellowifheknewCasanova。
I’lloughttooknowhim，"saidhe，inthatself—satisfiedtonewhichisalwayssounpleasant。
"Nay，sir，youaremistaken；IamCasanova。"
Withoutlosinghisself—possession，hereplied，insolently，"YouarereallyverymuchmistakenifyouthinkyouaretheonlyCasanovaintheworld。"
Itwasasharpanswer，andputmeinthewrong。Ibitmylipsandheldmytongue，butIwasgrievouslyoffended，anddeterminedtomakehimfindtheCasanovawhowasinHolland，andfromwhomhewasgoingtoextractanunpleasantexplanation，inmyself。InthemeanwhileI
boreaswellasIcouldthepoorfigurehemustbecuttingbeforetheofficersattable，who，afterhearingtheinsolenceofthisyoungblockhead，mighttakemeforacoward。He，theinsolentfellow，hadnoscrupleinabusingthetriumphhisanswerhadgivenhim，andtalkedawayintherandomfashion。AtlastheforgothimselfsofarastoaskfromwhatcountryIcame。
"IamaVenetian，sir，"Ireplied。
"Ah！thenyouareagoodfriendtoFrance，asyourrepublicisunderFrenchprotection。"
Atthesewordsmyill—temperboiledaver，and，inthetoneofvoiceoneusestoputdownapuppy，IrepliedthattheRepublicofVenicewasstrongenoughtodowithouttheprotectionofFranceorofanyotherpower，andthatduringthethirteencenturiesofitsexistenceithadhadmanyfriendsandalliesbutnoprotectors。"Perhaps，"I
ended，"youwillreplybybeggingmypardonfornotknowingthatthesewasonlyoneVeniceintheworld。"
Ihadnosoonersaidthisthanaburstoflaughterfromthewholetablesetmerightagain。Theyoungblockheadseemedtakenabackandinhisturnbithislips，buthisevilgeniusmadehim，strikeinagainatdessert。Asusualtheconversationwentfromonesubjecttoanother，andwebegantotalkabouttheDukeofAlbermarle。TheEnglishmenspokeinhisfavour，andsaidthatifhehadbeenalivetherewouldhavebeennowarbetweenEnglandandFrance；theywereprobablyright，butevenifthedukehadlivedwarmighthavebrokenout，asthetwonationsinquestionhaveneveryetsucceededinunderstandingthatitisforboththeirintereststoliveatpeacetogether。AnotherEnglishmanpraisedLolotte，hismistress。IsaidIhadseenthatcharmingwomanattheDuchessofFulvi’s，andthatnoonedeservedbettertobecometheCountessofEronville。TheCountofEronville，alieutenant—generalandamanofletters，hadjustmarriedher。
IhadscarcelyfinishedwhatIhadtosaywhenMasterBlockheadsaid，withalaugh，thatheknewLolottetobeagoodsortofgirl，ashehadsleptwithheratParis。Icouldrestrainmyselfnolonger；myindignationandrageconsumedme。Itookupmyplate，andmadeasifIwouldthrowitathishead，sayingatthesametime，"Youinfernalliar！"Hegotup，andstoodwithhisbacktothefire，butIcouldseebyhissword—knotthathewasasoldier。
Everybodypretendednottohearanythingofthis，andtheconversationwentonforsometimeonindifferentsubjects；andatlasttheyallrosefromtheirseatsandlefttheroom。
Myenemysaidtohiscompanionthattheywouldseeoneanotheragainaftertheplay，andremainedbythefire，withhiselbowrestingonthechimney—piece。Iremainedattabletillthecompanyhadalllefttheroom，andwhenwewerealonetogetherIgotupandlookedhimstraightintheface，andwentout，walkingtowardsSheveningue，surethathewouldfollowmeifhewereamanofanymettle。WhenIhadgottosomedistancefromthehotelIlookedround，andsawthathewasfollowingmeatadistanceoffiftypaces。
WhenIgottothewoodIstoppedatasuitableplace，andstoodawaitingmyantagonist。Hewastenpacesoffwhenhedrewhissword，andIhadplentyoftimetodrawminethoughhecameonfast。Thefightdidnotlastlong，forassoonashewasnearenoughIgavehimathrustwhichhasneverfailedme，andsenthimbackquickerthanhecame。Hewaswoundedinthechestabovetherightbreast，butasmyswordwasflatandtheopeninglargeenoughthewoundbledeasily。I
loweredmyswordandranuptohim，butIcoulddonothing；hesaidthatweshouldmeetagainatAmsterdam，ifIwasgoingthere，andthathewouldhavehisrevenge。IsawhimagainfiveorsixyearsafterwardsatWarsaw，andthenIdidhimakindness。IheardafterwardsthathisnamewasVarnier，butIdonotknowwhetherhewasidenticalwiththepresidentoftheNationalConventionundertheinfamousRobespierre。
Ididnotreturntothehoteltillaftertheplay，andIthenheardthattheFrenchman，afterhavingthesurgeonwithhimforanhour，hadsetoutforRotterdamwithhisfriend。Wehadapleasantsupperandtalkedcheerfullytogetherwithoutawordbeingsaidabouttheduel，withtheexceptionthatanEnglishladysaid，Iforgetinwhatconnection，thatamanofhonourshouldneverrisksittingdowntodinneratanhotelunlesshefeltinclined，ifnecessary，tofight。
Theremarkwasverytrueatthattime，whenonehadtodrawtheswordforanidleword，andtoexposeone’sselftotheconsequencesofaduel，orelsebepointedat，evenbytheladies，withthefingerofscorn。
IhadnothingmoretokeepmeattheHague，andIsetoutnextmorningbeforeday—breakforAmsterdam。OnthewayIstoppedfordinnerandrecognizedSirJamesWalpole，whotoldmethathehadstartedfromAmsterdamtheeveningbefore，anhouraftergivingthecountessintoherhusband’scharge。Hesaidthathehadgotverytiredofher，ashehadnothingmoretogetfromawomanwhogavemorethanoneasked，ifone’spurse—stringswereopenedwideenough。
IgottoAmsterdamaboutmidnightandtookupmyabodeat"TheOldBible。"TheneighbourhoodofEstherhadawakenedmyloveforthatcharminggirl，andIwassoimpatienttoseeherthatIcouldnotsleep。
Iwentoutaboutteno’clockandcalledonM。d’O，whowelcomedmeinthefriendliestmannerandreproachedmefornothavingalightedathishouse。WhenheheardthatIhadgivenupbusinesshecongratulatedmeonnothavingremoveditintoHolland，asIshouldhavebeenruined。IdidnottellhimthatIhadnearlycometothatinFrance，asIconsideredsuchapieceofinformationwouldnotassistmydesigns。HecomplainedbitterlyofthebadfaithoftheFrenchGovernment，whichhadinvolvedhiminconsiderablelosses；andthenheaskedmetocomeandseeEsther。
Iwastooimpatienttoembracehertostaytobeaskedtwice；Irantogreether。Assoonasshesawmeshegaveacryofsurpriseanddelight，andthrewherselfinmyarms，whereIreceivedherwithfondnessequaltoherown。Ifoundhergrownandimproved；shelookedlovely。Wehadscarcelysatdownwhenshetoldmethatshehadbecomeasskilledinthecabalaasmyself。
"Itmakesmylifehappy，"saidshe，"foritgivesmeapowerovermyfather，andassuresmethathewillnevermarrymetoanyonebutthemanofmychoice。"
"Iamdelightedthatyouextracttheonlygoodthatcanproceedfromthisidlescience，namely，thepowertoguidepersonsdevoidofstrengthofwill。ButyourfathermustthinkthatItaughtyouthesecret？"
"Yes，hedoes；andhesaid，oneday，thathewouldforgivemeanysacrificesImighthavemadetoobtainthisprecioussecretfromyou。"
"Hegoesalittlefurtherthanwedid，mydearestEsther。"
"Yes，andItoldhimthatIhadgaineditfromyouwithoutanysacrifice，andthatnowIwasatruePythonesswithouthavingtoendurethetormentsofthetripod；andIamsurethattherepliesyougavewereinventedbyyourself。"
"ButifthatweresohowcouldIhaveknownwherethepocket—bookwas，orwhethertheshipwassafe？"
"Yousawtheportfolioyourselfandthrewitwhereitwasdiscovered，andasforthevesselyouspokeatrandom；butasyouareanhonestman，confessthatyouwereafraidoftheresults。Iamneversoboldasthat，andwhenmyfatherasksmequestionsofthatkind，myrepliesaremoreobscurethanasibyl’s。Idon’twishhimtoloseconfidenceinmyoracle，nordoIwishhimtobeabletoreproachmewithalossthatwouldinjuremyowninterests。"
"IfyourmistakemakesyouhappyIshallleaveyouinit。Youarereallyawomanofextraordinarytalents——，youarequiteunique。"
"Idon’twantyourcompliments，"saidshe，inarathervexedmanner，"Iwantasincereavowalofthetruth。"
"Idon’tthinkIcangoasfarasthat。"
Atthesewords，whichIpronouncedinaseriousway，Estherwentintoareverie，butIwasnotgoingtolosethesuperiorityIhadoverher，andrackedmybrainstofindsomeconvincingpredictiontheoraclemightmaketoher，andwhileIwasdoingsodinnerwasannounced。
Therewerefourofusattable，andIconcludedthatthefourthofthepartymustbeinlovewithEsther，ashekepthiseyesonherthewholetime。Hewasherfather’sfavouriteclerk，andnodoubtherfatherwouldhavebeengladifshehadfalleninlovewithhim，butI
soonsawthatshewasnotlikelytodoso。Estherwassilentallthroughdinner，andwedidnotmentionthecabalatilltheclerkwasgone。
"Isitpossible，"saidM。d’O，"formydaughtertoobtaintheanswersoftheoraclewithoutyourhavingtaughther？"
"Ialwaysthoughtsuchathingimpossibletillto—day，"Ianswered，"butEstherhasconvincedmethatIwasmistaken。Icanteachthesecrettonoonewithoutlosingitmyself，fortheoathIsworetothesagewhotaughtmeforbidsmetoimpartittoanotherunderpainofforfeiture。Butasyourdaughterhastakennosuchoath，havingacquireditherself，shemaybeforallIknowatperfectlibertytocommunicatethesecrettoanyone。"
Esther，whowasaskeenasarazor，tookcaretosaythatthesameoaththatIhadtakenhadbeenimposedonherbytheoracle，andthatshecouldnotcommunicatethecabalisticsecrettoanyonewithoutthepermissionofhergenius，underpainoflosingitherself。
Ireadherinmostthoughts，andwasrejoicedtoseethathermindwascalmed。Shehadreasontobegratefultome，whetherIhadliedornot，forIhadgivenherapoweroverherfatherwhichafather’skindnesscouldnothaveassured；butsheperceivedthatwhatIhadsaidaboutheroracularabilitieshadbeendictatedmerelybypoliteness，andshewaitedtillwewerealonetomakemeconfessasmuch。
Herworthyfather，whobelievedentirelyintheinfallibilityofouroracles，hadthecuriositytoputthesamequestiontobothofus，toseeifweshouldagreeintheanswer。Estherwasdelightedwiththeidea，asshesuspectedthattheoneanswerwouldflatlycontradicttheother，andM。d’Ohavingwrittenhisquestionontwosheetsofpapergavethemtous。Estherwentuptoherownroomfortheoperation，andIquestionedtheoracleonthetableatwhichwehadhaddinner，inthepresenceofthefather。Estherwasquick，asshecamedownbeforeIhadextractedfromthepyramidtheletterswhichweretocomposemyreply，butasIknewwhattosayassoonasIsawherfatherreadtheanswershegavehimIwasnotlonginfinishingwhatIhadtodo。
M。d’O————askedifheshouldtrytogetridoftheFrenchsecuritiesheheldinspiteofthelosshewouldincurbysellingout。
Esther’soraclereplied，"Youmustsowplentifullybeforeyoureap。Plucknotupthevinebeforetheseasonofthevintage，foryourvineisplantedinafruitfulsoil。"
Mineranasfollows:——
"Ifyouselloutyouwillrepent，fortherewillbeanewcomptroller—general，whowillpayallclaimsbeforeanotheryearhaselapsed。"
Esther’sanswerwasconceivedinthesibyllinestyle，andIadmiredthereadinessofherwit；butminewentrighttothepoint，andtheworthymanembracedusjoyfully，and，takinghishatandstick，saidthatsinceourrepliesagreedhewouldruntheriskoflosingthreemillionfrancsandmakeaprofitoffiveorsixhundredthousandinthecourseoftheyear。Hisdaughterbegantorecant，andwouldhavewarnedhimagainstthedanger，buthe，whowasasfirmasaMussulman，kissedheragain，saying，"Theoracleisnotwonttolie，andevenifitdoesdeceivemethistimeitwillonlybeafourthpartofmyfortunethatIshalllose。"
WhenEstherandIwerealoneIbegantocomplimenther，muchtoherdelight，ontheclevernessofheranswer，theeleganceofherstyle，andherboldness，forshecouldnotbeaswellacquaintedwithFrenchaffairsasIwas。
"Iammuchobligedtoyou，"saidshe，"forhavingconfirmedmyreply，butconfessthatyouliedtopleaseme。"
"Iconfess，sincethatwillpleaseyou，andIwilleventellyouthatyouhavenothingmoretolearn。"
"Youareacruelman！Buthowcouldyoureplythattherewouldbeanothercomptroller—generalinayear’stime，andruntheriskofcompromisingtheoracle？Ineverdaretosaythingslikethat；I
lovetheoracletoowelltoexposeittoshameandconfusion。"
"ThatshewsthatIdonotinventtheanswers；butsincetheoraclehaspronounceditIamwillingtobetthatSilhouettewillbedismissed。"
"Yourobstinacydrivesmetodespair，forIshallnotresttillI
knowthatIamasmuchamasterofthecabalaasyouare，andyetyouwillnotconfessthatyouinventtheanswersyourself。Forcharity’ssakedosomethingtoconvincemeofthecontrary。"
"Iwillthinkitover。"
Ipassedthewholedaywiththisdelightfulgirl，whoseamiabledispositionandgreatwealthwouldhavemademeahappymanifitwerenotformymaster—passion，theloveofindependence，andmyaversiontomakeupmymindtolivefortherestofmydaysinHolland。
InthecourseofmylifeIhaveoftenobservedthatthehappiesthoursareoftentheheraldsofmisfortune。TheverynextdaymyevilgeniustookmetotheVilledeLyon。ThiswastheinnwherePiccolominiandhiswifewerestaying，andIfoundthemthereinthemidstofahordeofcheatsandsharpers，likethemselves。Assoonasthegoodpeopleheardmynametheyrushedforward，sometogreetme，andotherstohaveacloserlookatme，asifIweresomestrangewildbeast。AmongstthosepresentwereaChevalierdeSabi，whoworetheuniformofaPolishmajor，andprotestedhehadknownmeatDresden；aBarondeWiedan，claimingBohemiaashisfatherland，whogreetedmebysayingthathisfriendtheComteSt。GermainhadarrivedattheEtoiled’Orient，andhadbeenenquiringafterme；anattenuated—lookingbravowhowasintroducedtomeastheChevalierdelaPerine，whomIrecognizedatthefirstglanceasthefellowcalledTalvis，whohadrobbedthePrince—BishopofPresburg，whohadlentmeahundredLouisthesameday，andwithwhomIhadfoughtaduelatParis。Finally，therewasanItaliannamedNeri，wholookedlikeablacksmithminushishonesty，andsaidthatherememberedseeingmeoneeveningatthecasino。IrecollectedhavingseenhimattheplacewhereImetthewretchedLucie。
Inthemidstofthisbandofcut—pursesIsawtheso—calledwifeofthepretendedChevalierdeSabi，aprettywomanfromSaxony，who，speakingItalianindifferentlywell，waspayingheraddressestotheCountessPiccolomini。
Ibitmylipswithangertofindmyselfinsuchhonourablecompany，butputtingagoodfaceonabadgameIgreetedeverybodypolitely，andthendrawingarollofahundredLouisfrommypocketIpresentedthemtoMasterPerineTalvis，tellinghimIwasgladtobeabletoreturnthemtohimwithmybestthanks。
Mypolitenessdidnotmeetwithmuchofareception，fortheimpudentscoundrelansweredme，ashepocketedthemoney，thatherememberedhavinglentitmeatPresburg，buthealsorememberedamoreimportantmatter。
"Andpraywhatisthat？"saidI，inadryandhalf—disdainfultone。
"Youowemearevengeatthesword’spoint，asyouknowrightwell。
Hereisthemarkofthegashyougavemesevenyearsago。"
Sosaying，thewretchedlittlemanopenedhisshirtandshewedthesmallroundscar。Thisscene，whichbelongedmoretofarcethancomedy，seemedtohavestruckalltongueswithparalysis。
"AnywhereelsethaninHolland，whereimportantanddelicatebusinessdebarsmefromfighting，Ishallbegladtomeetyouandmarkyouagain，ifyoustilldesiretocrossswordswithme；butwhileIamhereImustbegyounottodisturbme。Allthesame，youmayaswellknowthatInevergooutwithoutacoupleoffriendsinmypockets，andthatifyouattackmeIshallblowyourbrainsoutinself—
defence"
"Myrevengemustbewithcrossedswords，"saidhe。"However，Iwillletyoufinishyourbusiness。"
"Youwilldowisely。"
Piccolomini，whohadbeencastingahungryeyeuponmyhundredlouis，proposedimmediatelyafterwardsabankatfaro，andbegantodeal。
Prudencewouldhaverestrainedmefromplayinginsuchcompany，butthedictatesofprudencewereovercomebymydesiretogetbackthehundredlouiswhichIhadgivenTalvis，soIcutin。Ihadarunofbadluckandlostahundredducats，but，asusual，mylossonlyexcitedme。IwishedtoregainwhatIhadlost，soIstayedtosupper，andafterwards，withbetterluck，wonbackmymoney。Iwascontenttostopatthis，andtoletthemoneyIhadpaidtoTalvisgo，soIaskedPiccolominitopayme，whichhedidwithabillofexchangeonanAmsterdambankdrawnbyafirminMiddlesburg。AtfirstImadesomedifficultyintakingit，onthepretextthatitwouldbedifficulttonegotiate，buthepromisedtoletmehavethemoneynextday，andIhadtogivein。
Imadehastetoleavethiscut—throatplace，afterrefusingtolendTalvisahundredLouis，whichhewantedtoborrowofmeonthestrengthoftherevengeIowedhim。Hewasinabadhumour，bothonthisaccountandbecausehehadlostthehundredLouisIhadpaidhim，andheallowedhimselftouseabusivelanguage，whichItreatedwithcontempt。Iwenttobed，promisingmyselfnevertosetfootinsuchaplaceagain。
Thenextmorning，however，IwentoutwiththeintentionofcallingonPiccolominitogetthebillofexchangecashed，butonmywayI
happenedtogointoacoffee—houseandtomeetRigerboos，Therese’sfriend，whoseacquaintancethereaderhasalreadymade。Aftergreetingeachother，andtalkingaboutTherese，whowasnowinLondonanddoingwell，Iskewedhimmybill，tellinghimthecircumstancesunderwhichIhadit。Helookedatitclosely，andsaid，"It’saforgery，andtheoriginalfromwhichitwascopiedwashonouredyesterday。"
HesawthatIcouldscarcelybelieveit，andtoldmetocomewithhimtobeconvincedofthetruthofwhathesaid。
Hetookmetoamerchantofhisacquaintance，whoskewedmethegenuinebill，whichhehadcashedthedaybeforeforanindividualwhowasunknowntohim。InmyindignationIbeggedRigerboostocomewithmetoPiccolomini，tellinghimthathemightcashitwithoutremark，andthatotherwisehewouldwitnesswhathappened。
Wearrivedatthecount’sandwerepolitelyreceived，thecountaskingmetogivehimthebillandhewouldsendittothebanktobecashed，butRigerboosbrokeinbysayingthatitwouldbedishonoured，asitwasamerecopyofabillwhichhadbeencashedtheeveningbefore。
Piccolominipretendedtobegreatlyastonished，andsaidthat，"thoughhecouldnotbelieveit，hewouldlookintothematter。"
"Youmaylookintoitwhenyouplease，"saidI，"butinthemeantimeIshouldbeobligedbyyourgivingmefivehundredflorins。"
"Youknowme，sir，"saidhe，raisinghisvoice，"Iguaranteetopayyou，andthatoughttobeenough。"
"Nodoubtitwouldbeenough，ifIchose；butIwantmymoney。"
Atthishiswifecameinandbegantotakeherpartinthedispute，andonthearrivalofthecount’sman，averycut—threat，Rigerboostookholdofmebythearmanddrewmeforciblyaway。"Followme，"
saidhe，whenwewereoutside，"andletmeseetothisbusinessmyself。"Hetookmetoafine—lookingman，whoturnedouttobethelieutenantofpolice，andafterhehadheardthecasehetoldmetogivehimthebillofexchangeandtosaywhereIwasgoingtodine。
ItoldhimIshouldbeatM。d’O’s，andsayingthatwoulddohewentoff。IthankedRigerboos，andwenttoEsther，whoreproachedmetenderlyfornothavingbeentoseehertheeveningbefore。Thatflatteredme，andIthoughtherareallycharminggirl。
"Imusttakecare，"saidI，"nottoseeyoueveryday，foryoureyeshaveaswayovermethatIshallnotbeabletoresistmuchlonger。"
"IshallbelieveasmuchofthatasIchoose，but，by—the—by，haveyouthoughtofanywayofconvincingme？"
"Whatdoyouwanttobeconvincedabout？"
"Ifitbetruethatthereisinyourcabalaanintelligencedistinctfromyourownyououghttobeabletofindsomewayofprovingittome。"
"Thatisahappythought；Iwillthinkitover。"
AtthatmomentherfathercameinfromtheExchange，andwesatdawntodinner。
Wewereatdessertwhenapoliceofficialbroughtmefivehundredflorins，forwhichIgavehimareceipt。
WhenhehadgoneItoldmyentertainerswhathadhappenedtheeveningbeforeandinthemorning，andthefairEstherreproachedmeforpreferringsuchbadcompanytoher。"Bywayofpunishment，"saidshe，"Ihopeyouwillcomewithmetothetheatrethisevening，thoughtheyaregoingtogiveaDutchplay，ofwhichyouwillnotunderstandaword。"
"Ishallbenearyou，andthatisenoughforme:"
Infact，Ididnotcomprehendawordoftheactors’gibberish，andwasterriblybored，asEstherpreservedasolemnandserioussilencethewholetime。
Aswewerecomingfromthetheatreshetoldmeallaboutthepiecewithcharminggraceandwonderfulmemory；sheseemedtowishtogivemesomepleasureinreturnforthetediumtowhichshehadcondemnedme。Whenwegothomewehadsupper，andthatevening，Heavenbethanked！Iheardnothingmoreaboutthecabala。Beforeweparted，Estherandherfathermademepromisetodinewiththemeveryday，andtoletthemknowifanythingpreventedmycoming。
Nextmorning，abouteighto’clock，whileIwasstilldressing，I
suddenlysawPiccoloministandingbeforeme，andashehadnotsentinhisnameIbegantofeelsuspicious。IrangthebellformyfaithfulSpaniard，whocameindirectly。
"Iwanttospeaktoyouprivately，"saidhe，"tellthatfellowtogoout。"
"Hecanstay，"Ianswered，"hedoesnotknowawordofItalian。"LeDuc，ofcourse，knewItalianperfectlywell。
"Yesterday，aboutnoon，"hebegan，"twomencameintomyroom。Theywereaccompaniedbytheinnkeeper，whoservedasinterpreter。OneofthemenaskedmeifIfeltinclinedtocashthereandthenaforgedbillofexchange，whichIhadgiventhenightbefore，andwhichheheldinhishands。AsIgavenoreply，hetoldmethattherewasnotimeforconsiderationorargument；Imustsayyesornothereandthen，forsuchweretheirinstructionsfromthechiefofpolice。I
hadnochoiceinthematter，soIpaidthefivehundredflorins，butIdidnotgetbackthebill，andthemantoldmeIcouldnothaveitunlessItoldthepolicethenameofthepersonfromwhomIgotit，as，intheinterestsofcommerce，theforgermustbeprosecuted。MyreplywasthatIcouldnotpossiblytellthemwhattheywanted，asI
hadgotitofastrangerwhohadcomeintomyroomwhileIwasholdingasmallbankoffaro，topassthetime。
"Itoldhimthatafterthisperson（whoIhadthoughtintroducedbysomeoneinthecompany）hadgone，Ifoundtomysurprisethatnobodyknewhim；andIaddedthatifIhadbeenawareofthisIwouldnotonlyhaverefusedthebillbutwouldnothaveallowedhimtoplay。
ThereuponthesecondpolicemansaidthatIhadbetterfindoutwhothispersonwas，orelseIshouldbeconsideredastheforgerandprosecutedaccordingly；afterthisthreattheywentout。
"Intheafternoonmywifecalledonthechiefofpoliceandwaspolitelyreceived，butafterhearingwhatshehadtosayheinformedherthatshemustfindouttheforger，sinceM。Casanova’shonourmightbeendangeredbythebankertakingproceedingsagainsthim，inwhichcasehewouldhavetoprosecuteme。
"Youseeinwhatadifficultpositionweareplaced，andIthinkyououghttotrytohelpus。Youhavegotyourmoneyandyouarenotwithoutfriends。Gettheirinfluenceexertedinthematter，andweshallhearnomoreaboutit。Yourinterestsaswellasmineareconcerned。"
"Exceptasawitnessofthefact，"Ianswered，"Icanhavenothingtodowiththisaffair。YouagreethatIreceivedthebillfromyou，sinceyoucashedit；thatisenoughforme。Ishouldbegladtobeofservicetoyou，butIreallydon’tseewhatIcando。ThebestadviceIcangiveyouistomakeasacrificeoftherascallysharperwhogaveyoutheforgedbill，andifyoucan’tdothatIwouldcounselyoutodisappear，andthesoonerthebetter，orelseyoumaycometothegalleys，orworse。"
Hegotintoarageatthis，andturninghisbackonmewentout，sayingIshouldbesorryforwhatIhadsaid。
MySpaniardfollowedhimdownthestairandcamebacktotellmethatthesignorhadgoneoffthreateningvengeance，andthat，inhisopinion，Iwoulddowelltobeonmyguard。
"Allright，"saidI，"saynomoreaboutit。"
AllthesameIwasreallyverygratefulforhisadvice，andIgavethematteragooddealofthought。
IdressedmyselfandwenttoseeEsther，whomIhadtoconvinceofthedivinityofmyoracle，adifferenttaskwithonewhoseownwitshadtoldhersomuchconcerningmymethods。Thiswastheproblemshegavemetosolve，"YouroraclemusttellmesomethingwhichI，andonlyI，know。"
Feelingthatitwouldbeimpossibletofulfiltheseconditions，I
toldherthattheoraclemightrevealsomesecretshemightnotcaretohavedisclosed。
"Thatisimpossible，"sheanswered，"asthesecretwillbeknownonlytomyself。"
"But，iftheoraclerepliesIshallknowtheansweraswellasyou，anditmaybesomethingyouwouldnotlikemetoknow。"
"Thereisnosuchthing，and，eveniftherewere，iftheoracleisnotyourownbrainyoucanalwaysfindoutanythingyouwanttoknow。"
"Butthereissomelimittothepowersoftheoracle。"
"Youaremakingidleexcuses；eitherprovethatIammistakeninmyideasoracknowledgethatmyoracleisasgoodasyours。"
Thiswaspushingmehard，andIwasonthepointofdeclaringmyselfconqueredwhenabrightideastruckme。
InthemidstofthedimplewhichaddedsuchacharmtoherchinEstherhadalittledarkmole，garnishedwiththreeorfourextremelyfinehairs。Thesemoles，whichwecallinItalian’neo，nei’，andwhichareusuallyanimprovementtotheprettiestface，whentheyoccurontheface，theneck，thearms，orthehands，areduplicatedonthecorrespondingpartsofthebody。Iconcluded，therefore，thatEstherhadamolelikethatonherchininacertainplacewhichavirtuousgirldoesnotshew；andinnocentasshewasIsuspectedthatsheherselfdidnotknowofthissecondmole’sexistence。"I
shallastonishher，"Isaidtomyself，"andestablishmysuperiorityinamannerwhichwillputtheideaofhavingequalskilltomineoutofherheadforgood。"Thenwiththesolemnandfar—awaylookofaseerImademypyramidandextractedthesewordsfromit，"FairanddiscreetEsther，nooneknowsthatattheentranceofthetempleofloveyouhaveamolepreciselylikethatwhichappearsonyourchin。"
WhileIwasworkingatmycalculations，Estherwasleaningovermeandfollowingeverymovement。AsshereallyknewasmuchaboutthecabalaasIdidshedidnotwantittobeexplainedtoher，buttranslatedthenumbersintolettersasIwrotethemdown。AssoonasIhadextractedallthecombinationsofnumbersfromthepyramidshesaid，quietly，thatasIdidnotwanttoknowtheanswer，shewouldbemuchobligedifIwouldlethertranslatethecypher。
"Withpleasure，"Ireplied。"AndIshalldosoallthemorewillinglyasIshalltherebysaveyourdelicacyfromsharingwithmeasecretwhichmayormaynotbeagreeable。Ipromiseyounottotrytofinditout。Itisenoughformetoseeyouconvinced。"
"IshallbeconvincedwhenIhaveverifiedthetruthofthereply。"
"Areyoupersuaded，dearestEsther，thatIhavehadnothingtodowithframingthisanswer？"
"Ishallhequitesureofitifithasspokenthetruth，andifsotheoraclewillhaveconquered，forthematterissosecretaonethatevenIdonotknowofit。Youneednotknowyourself，asitisonlyatriflewhichwouldnotinterestyou；butitwillbeenoughtoconvincemethattheanswersofyouroraclearedictatedbyanintelligencewhichhasnothingincommonwithyours。"
Therewassomuchcandourandfranknessinwhatshesaidthatafeelingofshamereplacedthedesireofdeceivingher，andIshedsometears，whichEsthercouldonlyinterpretfavourablytome。
Nevertheless，theyweretearsofremorse，andnow，asIwriteaftersuchalapseofyears，Istillregrethavingdeceivedonesoworthyofmyesteemandlove。EventhenIreproachedmyself，butapitiablefeelingofshamewouldnotletmetellthetruth；butIhatedmyselfforthusleadingastrayonewhoseesteemIdesiredtogain。
InthemeantimeIwasnotabsolutelysurethatIhadhitthemark，forinnature，likeeverythingelse，everylawhasitsexceptions，andImightpossiblyhavedugapitfallformyself。Ontheotherhand，ifIwereright，Estherwouldnodoubtbeconvincedforthemoment，butherbeliefwouldspeedilydisappearifshechancedtodiscoverthatthecorrespondenceofmolesonthehumanbodywasanecessarylawofnature。InthatcaseIcouldonlyanticipateherscorn。ButhoweverImighttrembleIhadcarriedthedeceptiontoofar，andcouldnotdrawback。
IleftEsthertocallonRigerboos，whomIthankedforhisofficesonmybehalfwiththechiefofthepolice。HetoldmethatIhadnothingtofearfromPiccolominiinHolland，butallthesameheadvisedmenottogoaboutwithoutpistols。"IamontheeveofembarkingforBatavia，"saidhe，"inavesselwhichIhaveladenwiththeruinsofmyfortune。InthestatemyaffairsareinIthoughtthisthebestplan。Ihavenotinsuredthecargo，soasnotdiminishmyprofits，whichwillbeconsiderableifIsucceed。IftheshipistakenorwreckedIshalltakecarenottosurviveitsloss；andafterallIshallnotlosemuch。"
PoorRiberboossaidallthisasifhewerejesting，butdespairhadnodoubtagooddealtodowithhisresolve，sinceitisonlyingreatmiserythatwedespisebothlifeandfortune。ThecharmingThereseTrenti，whomRigerboosalwaysspokeofasOurLady，hadcontributedtohisruininnosmalldegree。ShewastheninLondon，where，byherownaccount，shewasdoingwell。ShehadexchangedthenameofTrentiforthatofCornelis，orCornely，which，asIfoundoutafterwards，wasRigerboo’srealname。Wespentanhourinwritingtothiscuriouswoman，aswedesiredtotakeadvantageofthecircumstancethatamanwhomRigerboosdesiredtocommendtoherwasshortlygoingtoEngland。WhenwehadfinishedwewentsleighingontheAmstel，whichhadbeenfrozenoverforseveraldays。Thisdiversion，ofwhichtheDutchareveryfond，is，tomythinking，thedullestimaginable，foranobjectlessjourneyisnopleasuretome。
Afterwewerewellfrozenwewenttoeatoysters，withSillery，towarmourselvesagain，andafterthatwewentfromonecasinotoanother，notintendingtocommitanydebauchery，butforwantofsomethingbettertodo；butitseemeddecreedthatwheneverI
preferredanyamusementofthiskindtothecharmsofEsther’ssocietyIshouldcometogrief。
Idonotknowhowithappened，butasweweregoingintooneofthesecasinosRigerbooscalledmeloudlybymyname，andatthatinstantawoman，suchasoneusuallyfindsintheseplaces，cameforwardandbegantogazeatme。AlthoughtheroomwasillenoughlightedIsawitwasthewretchedLucie，whomIhadmetayearbeforewithoutherrecognizingme。Iturnedaway，pretendingnottoknowher，forthesightofherwasdisagreeabletome，butinasadvoiceshecalledmebymyname，congratulatingmeonmyprosperityandbewailingherownwretchedness。IsawthatIcouldneitheravoidhernorrepulseherwithoutinhumanity，soIcalledtoRigerboostocomeupstairsandthegirlwoulddivertusbyrecountingthehistoryofherlife。
Strictlyspeaking，Luciehadnotbecomeugly；onecouldstillseethatshehadbeenabeautifulwoman；butforallthatherappearanceinspiredmewithterroranddisgust。SincethedayswhenIhadknownheratPasean，nineteenyearsofmisery，profligacy，andshamehadmadeherthemostdebased，thevilestcreaturethatcanbeimagined。
Shetoldusherstoryatgreatlength；thepithofitmightbeexpressedinsixlines。
ThefootmanwhohadseducedherhadtakenhertoTriestetoliein，andthescoundrellivedonthesaleofhercharmsforfiveorsixmonths，andthenaseacaptain，whohadtakenafancytoher，tookhertoZantewiththefootman，whopassedforherhusband。
AtZantethefootmanturnedsoldier，anddesertedthearmyfouryearsafter。Shewasleftaloneandcontinuedlivingonthewagesofprostitutionforsixyears；butthegoodsshehadtoofferloweringinvalue，andhercustomersbeingoftheinferiorkind，shesetoutforEnglandwithayoungGreekgirl，whomanEnglishofficerofmarinestreatedashiswife，andwhomheabandonedinthestreetsofLondonwhenhegottiredofher。AfterlivingfortwoorthreeyearsinthevilesthauntsinLondon，LuciecametoHolland，where，notbeingabletosellherownpersonanylonger，shebecameaprocuress——anaturalendingtohercareer。Luciewasonlythirty—three，butshewasthewreckofawoman，andwomenarealwaysasoldastheylook。
WhileshetoldherhistorysheemptiedtwobottlesofBurgundyIhadordered，andwhichneitherInormyfriendtouched。Finally，shetoldusshewasnowsupportedbytwoprettygirlswhomshekept，andwhohadtogiveherthehalfofwhattheygot。
Rigerboosaskedher，jokingly，ifthegirlswereatthecasino。
"No，"saidshe，"theyarenothere，andshallnevercomehere，fortheyareladiesofhighbirth，andtheiruncle，wholooksaftertheirinterests，isaVenetiangentleman。"
AtthisIcouldnotkeepbackmylaughter，butLucie，withoutlosingcountenance，toldmethatshecouldonlyrepeattheaccounttheyhadgivenofthemselves，thatifwewantedtobeconvincedwehadonlytogoandseethematahousesherentedfiftypacesoff，andthatweneednotbeafraidofbeingdisturbedifwewent，astheirunclelivedinadifferentpartofthetown。
"Oh，indeed！"saidI，"hedoesnotlivewithhishighbornnieces，then？"
"No，heonlycomestodinnertohearhowbusinesshasbeengoing，andtotakeallthemoneyfromthem。"
"Comealong，"saidRigerboos，"wewillgoandseethem。"
AsIwasdesirousofseeingandaddressingthenobleVenetianladiesofsohonourableaprofession，ItoldLucietotakeustothehouse。
Iknewverywellthatthegirlswereimpostors，andtheirgentleman—
uncleablackguard；butthediewascast。
Wefoundthemtobeyoungandpretty。LucieintroducedmeasaVenetian，andtheywerebesidethemselveswithjoytohavesomeonetowhomtheycouldtalk。IfoundoutdirectlythattheycamefromPadua，notVenice，astheyspokethePaduandialect，whichIknewverywell。Itoldthemso，andtheyconfesseditwasthetruth。I
askedthenameoftheiruncle，buttheysaidtheycouldnottellme。
"Wecangetonwithoutknowing，"saidRigerboos，catchingholdoftheonehelikedbest。Luciebroughtinsomeham，oysters，apie，andagoodmanybottlesofwine，andthenleftus。
Iwasnotinthehumourforwantonness，butRigerbooswasdisposedtobemerry；hissweetheartwasatfirstinclinedtobeprudishonhistakinglibertieswithher，butasIbegantofollowhisexampletheladiesrelaxedtheirseverity；wewentfirsttooneandthentheother，andbeforelongtheywerebothinthestateofEvebeforesheusedthefig—leaf。
Afterpassinganhourintheselasciviouscombatswegaveeachofthegirlsfourducats，paidfortheprovisionswehadconsumed，andsentsixLouistoLucie。Wethenleftthem，Igoingtobedcrosswithmyselfforhavingengagedinsuchbrutalpleasures。
NextmorningIawokelateandinabadhumour，partlyfromthedebauchofthenightbefore（forprofligacydepressesaswellasdegradesthemind）andpartlyfromthethoughtthatIhadneglectedEsther，whohadunquestionablybeengrievedbymyabsence。IfeltthatImusthastentoreassureher，feelingcertainthatIshouldfindsomeexcusestomake，andthattheywouldbewellreceived。I
rangforLeDuc，putonmydressing—gown，andsenthimformycoffee。
HehadscarcelylefttheroomwhenthedooropenedandIsawPerineandthefellownamedWiedan，whomIhadseenatPiccolomini’s，andwhostyledhimselfafriendofSt。Germain。Iwassittingonmybed，puttingonmystockings。Myapartmentsconsistedofthreefinerooms，buttheywereatthebackofthehouse，andallthenoiseI
couldhavemadewouldnothavebeenheard。Thebellwasontheothersideoftheroom；LeDucwouldbegonefullytenminutes，andIwasinimminentdangerofbeingassassinatedwithoutthepossibilityofself—defence。
Theabovethoughtsflashedthroughmyheadwithlightningspeed，andallthatIcoulddowastokeepcalmandsay，"Well，gentlemen，whatcanIdoforyou？"Wiedantookuponhimselftoanswerme。
"CountPiccolominihasfoundhimselfforcedtodeclarethathereceivedtheforgedbillfromus，inorderthathemayescapefromthedifficultpositioninwhichyourdenunciationplacedhim。Hehaswarnedusthatheisgoingtodoso，andwemustescapeforthwithifwewanttoavoidprosecution。Wehavenotapenny；wearedesperatemen。"
"Well，gentlemen，whathaveItodowiththat？"
"Giveusfourhundredflorinsimmediately；wedonotwantmore，butwemusthavethatmuch，andnow。Ifyourefusewewilltaketoflightwitheverythingofyoursthatwecanlayourhandson；andourargumentsarethese。"
Withthis，eachmandrewapistolfromhispocketandaimeditatmyhead。
"Youneednothaverecoursetoviolence，"saidI，"itcanonlybefataltoyou。Stay，hereareahundredducatsmorethanyouasked。
Begone，andIwishyouapleasantjourney，butIwouldnotbeherewhenmyservantcomesbackifIwereyou。"
Wiedantooktherollofmoneywithatremblinghandandputitinhispocketwithoutexaminingit；butPerinecameup，andpraisingmynoblegenerosity，wouldhaveputhisarmsaroundmyneckandkissedme。Irepulsedhim，butwithoutrudeness，andtheywenttheirways，leavingmeverygladtohaveridmyselfofthematsocheaparate。
AssoonasIwasoutofthissnareIrangmybell，nottohavethemfollowedbutthatImightgetdressedasquicklyaspossible。IdidnotsayawordtoLeDucaboutwhathadhappened，Iwassilenteventomylandlord；and，afterIhadsentmySpaniardtoM。d’Otoexcusemydiningtherethatday，Iwenttothechiefofpolice，buthadtowaittwohoursbeforeIcouldseehim。Assoonastheworthymanhadheardmyaccountofmymisfortunehesaidhewoulddohisbesttocatchthetworascals，buthedidnotconcealfrommehisfearsthatitwasalreadytoolate。
ItooktheopportunityoftellinghimofPiccolomini’svisittome，hisclaimsandthreats。Hethankedmefordoingso，andpromisedtoseetoit；butheadvisedmeforthefuturetobeonmyguardandreadytodefendmyselfincaseIwasattackedbeforehecouldplacemyenemiesinaplacewheretheycoulddomenoharm。
Ihastenedhomeagain，asIfeltill。Anacidtasteinmymouthskewedmehowalltheseshockshadupsetme；butIknewwhattodo。
Itookastrongglassoflemonade，whichmademebringupagooddealofbile，andIthenfeltmuchbetter。
TowardseveningIwenttoseeEsther，andfoundherlookingseriousandrathervexed；butassoonasshesawhowpaleIwasherfacelightedup，andsheaskedme，inavoiceoftenderestinterest，ifI
hadbeenill。ItoldherIhadbeenoutofsorts，thatIhadtakensomemedicine，andthatInowfeltbetter。
"Youwillseemyappetiteatsupper，"addedI，tocalmherfears，"I
havehadnothingtoeatsincedinneryesterday。"
Thiswasreallythetruth，asIhadonlyeatenafewoysterswiththePaduangirls。
Shecouldscarcelycontainherjoyatmyrecovery，andbademekissher，withwhichrequestIcompliedgladly，allunworthythoughIfeltofsogreatafavour。
"Iamgoingtotellyouanimportantpieceofnews，"saidshe，"andthatisthatIamsurethatyoudonotinventtheanswerstoyouroracle，oratleastthatyouonlydosowhenyouchoose。Thereplyyouprocuredmewaswonderful—nay，divine，forittoldmeofasecretunknowntoall，eventomyself。YoumayimaginemysurprisewhenI
convincedmyself，withnolittletroubleofthetruthoftheanswer。
"Youpossessatreasure，youroracleisinfallible；butsurelyitcanneverlie，andmyoracletellsmethatyouloveme。Itmakesmegladtoknowthat，foryouarethemanofmyheart。ButIwantyoutogivemeanexemplaryproofofyourlove，andifyoudolovemeyouwillnothesitatetodoso。Stay，readthereplyyougotme；Iamsureyoudonotknowwhatitsays；thenIwilltellyouhowyoucanmakemequitehappy。"
Ipretendedtoread，andkissedthewordswhichdeclaredIlovedher。
"Iamdelighted，"saidI，"thattheoraclehasconvincedyousoeasily，butImustbeexcusedifIsaythatIbelieveyouknewasmuchlongago。"Shereplied，blushing，thatifitwerepossibletochewmetheobjectinquestionIshouldnotwonderatherignorance。
Then，comingtotheproofofmylove，shetoldmethatshewantedmetocommunicatethesecrettoher。"Youloveme，"saidshe，"andyououghttomakenodifficultyinassuringtheblissofagirlwhowillbeyourwife，andinyourpower。Myfatherwillagreetoourmarriage，andwhenIbecomeyourwifeIwilldowhateveryouplease。
Wewillevengoandliveinanothercountryifthatwouldaddtoyourhappiness。Butyoumustteachmehowtoobtaintheanswertoanyquestionwithoutinventingitmyself。"
ItookEsther’shandsinmine；sheinspiredmewiththetenderestfeelings，andIkissedherhandswithrespectfulfervour，saying，"Youknow，Esther，dear，thatmywordispassedatParis。Certainly，Manonisnottobecomparedtoyou；butforallthatIgavemypromisetoherpoormother，andImustkeepit。"
AsighescapedfromEsther，andherheadfelluponherbreast:butwhatcouldIdo？IcouldnotteachheranyotherwayofconsultingtheoraclethanthemethodsheunderstoodaswellasI:mysuperiorityoverheronlyconsistinginmygreatercraftandmoreextensiveexperience。
Earlyonemorning，twoorthreedayslater，amanwasannouncedaswantingtoseeme。Hecalledhimselfanofficer，buthisnamewasperfectlyunknowntome。IsentdowntosaythatIcouldnotseehim，andassoonasmySpaniardwentoutIlockedmydoor。Whathadhappenedalreadyhadmademesuspicious，andIdidnotcaretoseeanymoregentlemenalone。Thetwoscoundrelswhohadrobbedmehadeludedallthesnaresofthepolice，andPiccolominiwasnottobefound；butIknewagoodmanyofthegangwerestillinAmsterdam，andIthoughtitwelltobeonmyguard。
Sometimeafter，LeDuccameinwithaletterwritteninbadItalian，sayingthatithadbeengivenhimbyanofficerwhowaswaitingforananswer。Iopenedit，andrecognizedthenameIhadheardashortwhileago。Thewritersaidwekneweachother，butthathecouldonlygivehistruenamewithhisownlips，andthathehadimportantinformationtogiveme。
ItoldLeDuctoshewhimin，andtostaybythedoor。Isawenterawell—mademanofaboutforty，dressedintheuniformofanofficerofIdonotknowwhatarmy，andbearingonhiscountenanceallthemarksofanescapedgallows’—bird。
"WhatcanIdoforyou，sir？"saidI，assoonasheentered。
"Sir，wekneweachotheratCerigo，sixteenorseventeenyearsago，andIamdelightedtohaveanopportunityofrenewingtheacquaintance。"
IknewthatIhadspentbutafewminutesatCerigo，onmywaytoConstantinople，andconcludedthatmyvisitormustbeoneoftheunfortunatewretchestowhomIgavealms。
"Areyoutheman，"Isaid，"whotoldmethatyouwerethesonofaCountPeccini，ofPadua，althoughthereisnosuchcountinPaduaatall？"
"Icongratulateyouonyourexcellentmemory，"saidhe，coolly，"Iamthatveryindividual。"
"Well，whatdoyouwantwithmenow？"
"Ican’tdivulgemybusinessinthepresenceofyourservant。"
"MyservantdoesnotunderstandItalian，soyoucanspeakout；
however，ifyoulike，Iwillsendhimaway。"
IorderedLeDuctostayintheante—chamber，andwhenhehadlefttheroommyPaduancounttoldmethatIhadbeenwithhisnieces，andhadtreatedthemasiftheywerecourtezans，andthathewascometodemandsatisfaction。
Iwastiredofbeingcheated，andItookholdofmypistolsandpointedthemathim，biddinghimbegoneinstantly。LeDuccameinandthethirdrobbertookhimselfoff，mutteringthat"atimewouldcome。"
Iwasplacedinadisagreeableposition；ifIwantedtoprosecute，I
shouldhavetotellthewholestorytothepolice。Ithoughtofmyhonouranddeterminedtobesilent，andtheonlypersontowhomI
mentionedthematterwasRigerboos，whonotbeinginthesamepositionasmyselftookhismeasures，theresultofwhichwasthatLuciehadtosendherhigh—borndamesabouttheirbusiness。Butthewretchedwomancametometosaythatthismisfortunehadplungedherintothedeepestdistress，soImadeherapresentofafewducats，andshewentawaysomewhatconsoled。Ibeggedhernottocallonmeagain。
EverythingIdidwhenIwasawayfromEstherseemedtoturnoutill，andIfeltthatifIwantedtobehappyIshoulddowelltokeepnearher；butmydestiny，orrathermyinconstancy，drewmeaway。
Threedaysafterwards，thevillainousMajorSabicalledonmetowarnmetobeonmyguard，as，accordingtohisaccount，aVenetianofficerIhadinsultedandrefusedtogivesatisfactiontohadvowedvengeanceagainstme。
"Then，"saidI，"Ishallhavehimarrestedasanescapedgalleyslave，inwhichcharacterIhavegivenhimalms，andforwearingwithouttherighttodosotheuniformofanofficer，therebydisgracingthewholearmy。AndpraywhatoutragecanIhavecommittedagainstgirlswholiveinabrothel，andwhomIhavepaidaccordingtotheirdeserts？"
"Ifwhatyousayistrueyouarequiteright，butthispoordevilisinadesperatesituation；hewantstoleavethecountry，anddoesnotpossessasingleflorin。Iadviseyoutogivehimanalmsoncemore，andyouwillhavedonewithhim。Twoscoreflorinswillnotmakeyouanythepoorer，andwillridyouofavillainousenemy。"
"Amostvillainousone，Ithink。"AtlastIagreedtogivehimthefortyflorins，andIhandedthemtohiminacoffee—housewherethemajortoldmeIshouldfindhim。ThereaderwillseehowImetthisblackguardfourmonthslater。
Now，whenallthesetroubleshavebeenlongoverandIcanthinkoverthemcalmly，reflectingontheannoyancesIexperiencedatAmsterdam，whereImighthavebeensohappy，Iamforcedtoadmitthatweourselvesaretheauthorsofalmostallourwoesandgriefs，ofwhichwesounreasonablycomplain。IfIcouldlivemylifeoveragain，shouldIbewiser？Perhaps；butthenIshouldnotbemyself。
M。d’O————askedmetosupwithhimattheBurgomasters’Lodge，andthiswasagreatdistinction，for，contrarytotherulesofFreemasonry，noonebutthetwenty—fourmemberswhocomposethelodgeisadmitted，andthesetwenty—fourmasonsweretherichestmenontheExchange。
"Ihavetoldthemthatyouarecoming，"saidM。d’O————，"andtowelcomeyoumorehonourablythelodgewillbeopenedinFrench。"Inshort，thesegentlemengavemethemostdistinguishedreception，andIhadthefortunetomakemyselfsoagreeabletothemthatIwasunanimouslychosenanhonorarymemberduringthetimeIshouldstayatAmsterdam。Asweweregoingaway，M。d’O————toldmethatIhadsuppedwithacompanywhichrepresentedacapitalofthreehundredmillions。
NextdaytheworthyDutchmanbeggedmetoobligehimbyansweringaquestiontowhichhisdaughter’soraclehadrepliedinaveryobscuremanner。Estherencouragedme，andIaskedwhatthequestionwas。Itranasfollows:
"IwishtoknowwhethertheindividualwhodesiresmeandmycompanytotransactamatterofthegreatestimportanceisreallyafriendoftheKingofFrance？"
ItwasnotdifficultformetodivinethattheComtedeSt。Germainwasmeant。M。d’OwasnotawarethatIknewhim，andIhadnotforgottenwhatM。d’Afrihadtoldme。
"Here’safineopportunity，"thoughtI，"forcoveringmyoraclewithglory，andgivingmyfairEsthersomethingtothinkabout。"
Isettowork，andaftererectingmypyramidandplacingabovethefourkeysthelettersO，S，A，D，thebettertoimposeonEsther，I
extractedthereply，beginningwiththefourthkey，D。Theoracleranasfollows:
"Thefrienddisavows。Theorderissigned。Theygrant。Theyrefuse。Allvanishes。Delay。"
Ipretendedtothinkthereplyaveryobscureone，butEsthergaveacryofastonishmentanddeclaredthatitgavealotofinformationinanextraordinarystyle。M。d’O————，inanecstasyofdelight，exclaimed，"Thereplyisclearenoughforme。Theoracleisdivine；theword’delay’isaddressedtome。Youandmydaughterarecleverenoughinmakingtheoraclespeak，butIammoreskilledthanyouintheinterpretationthereof。Ishallpreventthethinggoinganyfurther。
Theprojectisnolessaonethantolendahundredmillions，takinginpledgethediamondsoftheFrenchcrown。Thekingwishestheloantobeconcludedwithouttheinterferenceofhisministersandwithouttheirevenknowinganythingaboutit。Ientreatyounottomentionthemattertoanyone。"
Hethenwentout。