"Now，"saidEsther，whenwewerebyourselves，"Iamquitesurethatthatreplycamefromanotherintelligencethanyours。Inthenameofallyouholdsacred，tellmethemeaningofthosefourletters，andwhyyouusuallyomitthem。"
　　"Iomitthem，dearestEsther，becauseexperiencehastaughtmethatinordinarycasestheyareunnecessary；butwhileIwasmakingthepyramidthecommandcametometosetthemdown，andIthoughtitwelltoobey。"
　　"Whatdotheymean？"
　　"Theyaretheinitiallettersoftheholynamesofthecardinalintelligencesofthefourquartersoftheworld。"
　　"Imaynottellyou，butwhoeverdealswiththeoracleshouldknowthem。"
　　"Ah！donotdeceiveme；Itrustinyou，anditwouldbeworsethanmurdertoabusesosimpleafaithasmine。"
　　"Iamnotdeceivingyou，dearestEsther。"
　　"Butifyouweretoteachmethecabala，youwouldimparttometheseholynames？"
　　"Certainly，butIcannotrevealthemexcepttomysuccessor。IfI
　　violatethiscommandIshouldlosemyknowledge；andthisconditioniswellcalculatedtoinsuresecrecy，isitnot？"
　　"Itis，indeed。UnhappythatIam，yoursuccessorwillbe，ofcourse，Manon。"
　　"No，Manonisnotfittedintellectuallyforsuchknowledgeasthis。"
　　"Butyoushouldfixonsomeone，foryouaremortalafterall。Ifyoulike，myfatherwouldgiveyouthehalfofhisimmensefortunewithoutyourmarryingme。"
　　"Esther！whatisitthatyouhavesaid？Doyouthinkthattopossessyouwouldbeadisagreeableconditioninmyeyes？"
　　Afterahappyday——IthinkImaycallitthehappiestofmylife——I
　　leftthetoocharmingEsther，andwenthometowardstheevening。
　　Threeorfourdaysafter，M。d’O————cameintoEsther’sroom，wherehefoundusbothcalculatingpyramids。Iwasteachinghertodouble，totriple，andtoquadruplethecabalisticcombinations。M。d’O————
　　strodeintotheroominagreathurry，strikinghisbreastinasortofecstasy。Weweresurprisedandalmostfrightenedtoseehimsostrangelyexcited，androsetomeethim，butherunninguptousalmostforcedustoembracehim，whichwedidwillingly。
　　"Butwhatisthematter，papadear？"saidEsther，"yousurprisememorethanIcansay。"
　　"Sitdownbesideme，mydearchildren，andlistentoyourfatherandyourbestfriend。IhavejustreceivedaletterfromoneofthesecretariesoftheirhighmightinessesinformingmethattheFrenchambassadorhasdemanded，inthenameofthekinghismaster，thattheComteSt。Germainshouldbedeliveredover，andthattheDutchauthoritieshaveansweredthatHisMostChristianMajesty’srequestsshallbecarriedoutassoonasthepersonofthecountcanbesecured。Inconsequenceofthisthepolice，knowingthattheComteSt。GermainwasstayingattheEtoiled’Orient，senttoarresthimatmidnight，butthebirdhadflown。Thelandlorddeclaredthatthecounthadpostedoffatnightfall，takingthewaytoNimeguen。Hehasbeenfollowed，buttherearesmallhopesofcatchinghimup。
　　"Itisnotknownhowhecanhavediscoveredthatawarrantexistedagainsthim，orhowhecontinuedtoevadearrest。"
　　"Itisnotknown；"wentanM。d’O————，laughing，"buteveryoneguessesthatM。Calcoen，thesamethatwrotetome，letthisfriendoftheFrenchking’sknowthathewouldbewantedatmidnight，andthatifhedidnotgetthekeyofthefieldshewouldbearrested。
　　Heisnotsofoolishastodespiseapieceofadvicelikethat。TheDutchGovernmenthasexpresseditssorrowtoM。d’AfrithathisexcellencedidnotdemandthearrestofSt。Germainsooner，andtheambassadorwillnotbeastonishedatthisreply，asitislikemanyothersgivenonsimilaroccasions。
　　"Thewisdomoftheoraclehasbeenverified，andIcongratulatemyselfonhavingseizeditsmeaning，forwewereonthepointofgivinghimahundredthousandflorinsonaccount，whichhesaidhemusthaveimmediately。Hegaveusinpledgethefinestofthecrowndiamonds，andthiswestillretain。Butwewillreturnittohimandemand，unlessitisclaimedbytheambassador。Ihaveneverseenafinerstone。
　　"Andnow，mychildren，youseewhatIowetotheoracle。OntheExchangethewholecompanycandonothingbutexpresstheirgratitudetome。IamregardedasthemostprudentandmostfarseeingmaninHolland。Toyou，mydearchildren，Iowethishonour，butIwearmypeacock’sfeatherswithoutscruple。
　　"MydearCasanova，youwilldinewithus，Ihope。AfterdinnerI
　　shallbegyoutoenquireofyourinscrutableintelligencewhetherweoughttodeclareourselvesinpossessionofthesplendiddiamond，ortoobservesecrecytillitisreclaimed。"
　　Afterthisdiscoursepapaembracedusoncemoreandleftus。
　　"Sweetheart，"saidEsther，throwingherarmsroundmyneck，"youhaveanopportunityforgivingmeastrongproofofyourfriendship。Itwillcostyounothing，butitwillcovermewithhonourandhappiness。"
　　"Commandme，anditshallbedone。YoucannotthinkthatIwouldrefuseyouafavourwhichistocostmenothing，whenIshoulddeemmyselfhappytoshedmybloodforyoursake。"
　　"Myfatherwishesyoutotellhimafterdinnerwhetheritwillbebettertodeclarethattheyhavethediamondortokeepsilencetillitisclaimed。Whenheasksyouasecondtime，tellhimtoseektheanswerofme，andoffertoconsulttheoraclealso，incasemyanswermaybetooobscure。Thenperformtheoperation，andIwillmakemyfatherlovemeallthebetter，whenheseesthatmyknowledgeisequaltoyours。"
　　"Dearestone，wouldInotdofortheeataskathousandtimesmoredifficultthanthistoprovemyloveandmydevotion？Letussettowork。Doyouwritethequestion，setupthepyramids，andinscribewithyourownhandtheall—powerfulinitials。Good。Nowbegintoextracttheanswerbymeansofthedivinekey。Neverwasaclevererpupil！"
　　Whenallthishadbeendone，IsuggestedtheadditionsandsubtractionsIwantedmade，andshewasquiteastonishedtoreadthefollowingreply:"Silencenecessary。Withoutsilence，generalderision。Diamondvalueless；merepaste。"
　　Ithoughtshewouldhavegonewildwithdelight。Shelaughedandlaughedagain。
　　"Whatanamazingreply！"saidshe。"Thediamondisfalse，anditisIwhoamabouttorevealtheirfollytothem。Ishallinformmyfatherofthisimportantsecret。Itistoomuch，itoverwhelmsme；I
　　canscarcelycontainmyselfforjoy！HowmuchIoweyou，youwonderfulanddelightfulman！Theywillverifythetruthoftheoracleimmediately，andwhenitisfoundthatthefamousdiamondisbutglitteringpastethecompanywilladoremyfather，foritwillfeelthatbutforhimitwouldhavebeencoveredwithshame，byavowingitselfthedupeofasharper。Willyouleavethepyramidwithme？"
　　"Certainly；butitwillnotteachyouanythingyoudonotknow。"Thefathercameinagainandwehaddinner，andafterthedessert，whentheworthyd’O————learntfromhisdaughter’soraclethatthestonewasfalse，thescenebecameatrulycomicalone。Heburstintoexclamationsofastonishment，declaredthethingimpossible，incredible，andatlastbeggedmetoaskthesamequestion，ashewasquitesurethathisdaughterwasmistaken，orratherthattheoraclewasdeludingher。
　　Isettowork，andwasnotlonginobtainingmyanswer。WhenhesawthatitwastothesameeffectasEsther’s，thoughdifferentlyexpressed，hehadnolongeranydoubtsastohisdaughter’sskill，andhastenedtogoandtestthepretendeddiamond，andtoadvisehisassociatestosaynothingaboutthematteraftertheyhadreceivedproofsoftheworthlessnessofthestone。Thisadvicewas，asithappened，useless；forthoughthepersonsconcernedsaidnothing，everybodyknewaboutit，andpeoplesaid，withtheirusualmalice，thatthedupeshadbeendupedmostthoroughly，andthatSt。Germainhadpocketedthehundredthousandflorins；butthiswasnotthecase。
　　Estherwasveryproudofhersuccess，butinsteadofbeingsatisfiedwithwhatshehaddone，shedesiredmoreferventlyeverydaytopossessthescienceinitsentirety，asshesupposedIpossessedit。
　　ItsoonbecameknownthatSt。GermainhadgonebyEmdenandhadembarkedforEngland，wherehehadarrivedinsafety。Induetimeweshallhearsomefurtherdetailsconcerningthiscelebratedimpostor；
　　andinthemeanwhileImustrelateacatastropheofanotherkind，whichwasneartohavemademediethedeathofafool。
　　ItwasChristmasDay。Ihadgotupearlyinthemorninginbetterspiritsthanusual。Theoldwomentellyouthatalwayspresagesmisfortune，butIwasasfarthenasIamnowfrommakingmyhappinessintoanomenofgrief。Butthistimechancemadethefoolishbeliefofgoodeffect。IreceivedaletterandalargepacketfromParis；theycamefromManon。IopenedtheletterandI
　　thoughtIshouldhavediedofgriefwhenIread，——
　　"Bewise，andreceivethenewsIgiveyoucalmly。Thepacketcontainsyourportraitandallthelettersyouhavewrittentome。
　　Returnmemyportrait，andifyouhavekeptmylettersbekindenoughtoburnthem。Irelyonyourhonour。Thinkofmenomore。DutybidsmedoallIcantoforgetyou，foratthishourto—morrowI
　　shallbecomethewifeofM。BlondeloftheRoyalAcademy，architecttotheking。PleasedonotseemasifyouknewmeifwechancetomeetonyourreturntoParis。"
　　Thisletterstruckmedumbwithastonishment，andformorethantwohoursafterIreaditIwas，asitwere，bereftofmysenses。IsentwordtoM。d’O————that，notfeelingwell，Iwasgoingtokeepmyroomallday。WhenIfeltalittlebetterIopenedthepacket。Thefirstthingtofalloutwasmyportrait。Ilookedatit，andsuchwastheperturbationofmymind，that，thoughtheminiaturereallyrepresentedmeasofacheerfulandanimatedexpression，IthoughtI
　　beheldadreadfulandathreateningvisage。IwenttomydeskandwroteandtoreupascoreoflettersinwhichIoverwhelmedthefaithlessonewiththreatsandreproaches。
　　Icouldbearnomore；theforcesofnaturewereexhausted，andIwasobligedtoliedownandtakealittlebroth，andcourtthatsleepwhichrefusedtocome。Athousanddesignscametomydisorderedimagination。Irejectedthemonebyone，onlytodevisenewones。I
　　wouldslaythisBlondel，whohadcarriedoffawomanwhowasmineandmineonly；whowasallbutmywife。Hertreacheryshouldbepunishedbyherlosingtheobjectforwhomshehaddesertedme。Iaccusedherfather，Icursedherbrotherforhavingleftmeinignoranceoftheinsultwhichhadsotraitorouslybeenputuponme。
　　Ispentthedayandnightinthesedeliriousthoughts，andinthemorning，feelingworsethanever，IsenttoM。d’O————tosaythatI
　　couldnotpossiblyleavemyroom。ThenIbegantoreadandre—readthelettersIhadwrittentoManon，callinguponhernameinasortoffrenzy；andagainsetmyselftowritetoherwithoutfinishingasingleletter。TheemptinessofmystomachandtheshockIhadundergonebegantostupefyme，andforafewmomentsIforgotmyanguishonlytore—awakentoacuterpainssoonafter。
　　Aboutthreeo’clock，theworthyM。d’O————cametoinvitemetogowithhimtotheHague，wherethechiefmasonsofHollandmetonthedayfollowingtokeeptheFeastofSt。John，butwhenhesawmyconditionhedidnotpressmetocome。
　　"Whatisthematterwithyou，mydearCasanova？"saidhe。
　　"Ihavehadagreatgrief，butletussaynomoreaboutit。"
　　HebeggedmetocomeandseeEsther，andleftmelookingalmostasdowncastasIwas。However，thenextmorningEstheranticipatedmyvisit，foratnineo’clocksheandhergovernesscameintotheroom。
　　Thesightofherdidmegood。Shewasastonishedtoseemesoundoneandcastdown，andaskedmewhatwasthegriefofwhichIhadspokentoherfather，andwhichhadprovedtoostrongformyphilosophy。
　　"Sitdownbesideme，Estherdear，andallowmetomakeamysteryofwhathasaffectedmesogrievously。Time，themightyhealer，andstillmoreyourcompany，willeffectacurewhichIshouldinvainseekbyappealingtomyreason。WhilstwetalkofotherthingsI
　　shallnotfeelthemisfortunewhichgnawsatmyheart。"
　　"Well，getup，dressyourself，andcomeandspendthedaywithme，andIwilldomybesttomakeyouforgetyoursorrow。"
　　"Ifeelveryweak；forthelastthreedaysIhaveonlytakenalittlebrothandchocolate。"
　　Atthesewordsherfacefell，andshebegantoweep。
　　Afteramoment’ssilenceshewenttomydesk，tookapen，andwroteafewlines，whichshebroughttome。Theywere，——
　　"Dear，ifalargesumofmoney，beyondwhatmyfatherowesyou，canremoveorevensootheyourgriefIcanbeyourdoctor，andyououghttoknowthatyouracceptingmytreatmentwouldmakemehappy。"
　　Itookherhandsandkissedthemaffectionately，saying，——
　　"No，dearEsther，generousEsther，itisnotmoneyIwant，forifI
　　didIwouldaskyouandyourfatherasafriend:whatIwant，andwhatnoonecangiveme，isaresolutemind，anddeterminationtoactforthebest。"
　　"Askadviceofyouroracle。"
　　Icouldnothelplaughing。
　　"Whydoyoulaugh？"saidshe，"ifIamnotmistaken，theoraclemustknowaremedyforyourwoes。"
　　"Ilaughed，dearest，becauseIfeltinclinedtotellyoutoconsulttheoraclethistime。AsformeIwillhavenothingtodowithit，lestthecurebeworsethanthedisease。"
　　"Butyouneednotfollowyouradviceunlessyoulikeit。"
　　"No，oneisfreetoactasonethinksfit；butnottofollowtheadviceoftheoraclewouldbeacontemptoftheintelligencewhichdirectsit。"
　　Esthercouldsaynomore，andstoodsilentforseveralminutes，andthensaidthatifIlikeshewouldstaywithmefortherestoftheday。Thejoywhichilluminedmycountenancewasmanifest，andIsaidthatifshewouldstaytodinnerIwouldgetup，andnodoubtherpresencewouldgivemeanappetite。"Ah！"saidshe，"Iwillmakeyouthedishyouaresofondof。"Sheorderedthesedan—chairstobesentback，andwenttomylandladytoorderanappetisingrepast，andtoprocurethechafing—dishandthespiritsofwinesherequiredforherowncooking。
　　Estherwasanangel，atreasure，whoconsentedtobecomemineifI
　　wouldcommunicatetoherasciencewhichdidnotexist。IfeltthatIwaslookingforwardtospendingahappyday；thisshewedmethatI
　　couldforgetManon，andIwasdelightedwiththeidea。Igotoutofbed，andwhenEsthercamebackandfoundmeonmyfeetshegaveaskipofpleasure。"Now，"saidshe，"youmustobligemebydressing，anddoingyourhairasifyouweregoingtoaball。"
　　"That，"Ianswered，"isafunnyidea，butasitpleasesyouitpleasesme。"
　　IrangforLeDuc，andtoldhimIwantedtohavemyhairdone，andtobedressedasifIweregoingtoaball。"Choosethedressthatsuitsmebest。"
　　"No，"saidEsther，"Iwillchooseitmyself。"
　　LeDucopenedmytrunk，andleavinghertorummageinithecametoshaveme，andtodomyhair。Esther，delightedwithhertask，calledintheassistanceofhergoverness。Sheputonmybedalaceshirt，andthesuitshefoundmosttohertaste。Thencomingclose，asiftoseewhetherLeDucwasdressingmyhairproperly，shesaid，"Alittlebrothwoulddoyougood；sendforadish，itwillgiveyouanappetitefordinner。"
　　Ithoughtheradvicedictatedbythetenderestcare，andIdeterminedtobenefitbyit。Sogreatwastheinfluenceofthischarminggirloverme，that，littlebylittle，insteadoflovingManon，Ihatedher。Thatgavemecourage，andcompletedmycure。AtthepresenttimeIcanseethatManonwasverywiseinacceptingBlondel’soffer，andthatmyloveforselfandnotmyloveforherwaswounded。
　　Iwasinmyservant’shands，myfaceturnedawaytowardsthefire，sothatIcouldnotseeEsther，butonlydivertmyselfwiththeideathatshewasinspectingmybelongings，whenallatonceshepresentedherselfwithamelancholyair，holdingMamon’sfatalletterinherhand。
　　"AmItoblame，"saidshe，timidly，"forhavingdiscoveredthecauseofyoursorrow？"
　　Ifeltrathertakenaback，butlookingkindlyather，Isaid，"No，no，mydearEsther；pityyourfriend，andsaynomoreaboutit。"
　　"ThenImayreadalltheletters？"
　　"Yes，dearest，ifitwillamuseyou。"
　　AllthelettersofthefaithlessManonBalettitome，withminetoher，weretogetheronmytable。IpointedthemouttoEsther，whobeguntoreadthemquiteeagerly。
　　WhenIwasdressed，asifforsomeCourtholiday，LeDucwentoutandleftusbyourselves，fortheworthygoverness，whowasworkingatherlacebythewindow，lookedatherlace，andnothingelse。Esthersaidthatnothinghadeveramusedhersomuchasthoseletters。
　　"Thosecursedepistles，whichpleaseyousowell，willbethedeathofme。"
　　"Death？Oh，no！Iwillcureyou，Ihope。"
　　"Ihopeso，too；butafterdinneryoumusthelpmetoburnthemallfromfirsttolast。"
　　"Burnthem！No；makemeapresentofthem。Ipromisetokeepthemcarefullyallmydays。"
　　"Theyareyours，Esther。Iwillsendthemtoyouto—morrow。"
　　Theselettersweremorethantwohundredinnumber，andtheshortestwerefourpagesinlength。Shewasenchantedtofindherselfthepossessoroftheletters，andshesaidshewouldmakethemintoaparcelandtakethemawayherself。
　　"Shallyousendbacktheportraittoyourfaithlessmistress？"saidshe。
　　"Idon’tknowwhattodowithit。"
　　"Senditbacktoher；sheisnotworthyofyourhonouringherbykeepingit。Iamsurethatyouroraclewouldgiveyouthesameadvice。Whereistheportrait？Willyoushewitme？"
　　Ihadtheportraitintheinteriorofagoldsnuff—box，butIhadnevershewnittoEstherforfearsheshouldthinkManonhandsomerthanherself，andconcludethatIonlyshewditheroutofvanity；
　　butasshenowaskedtoseeitIopenedtheboxwhereitwasandgaveither。
　　AnyotherwomanbesidesEstherwouldhavepronouncedManondownrightugly，orhaveendeavoredattheleasttofindsomefaultwithher，butEstherpronouncedhertobeverybeautiful，andonlysaiditwasagreatpitysofairabodycontainedsovileasoul。
　　ThesightofManon’sportraitmadeEstherasktoseealltheotherportraitswhichMadameManzonihadsentmefromVenice。Therewerenakedfiguresamongstthem，butEstherwastoopureaspirittoputonthehatefulaffectationsoftheprude，towhomeverythingnaturalisanabomination。O—Murphypleasedherverymuch，andherhistory，whichIrelated，struckherasverycurious。Theportraitofthefairnun，M————M————，firstinthehabitofherorderandafterwardsnaked，madeherlaugh，butIwouldnottellEstherherstory，inspiteofthelivelydesireshedisplayedtohearit。
　　Atdinner—timeadelicaterepastwasbroughttous，andwespenttwodelightfulhoursinthepleasuresofaconversationandthetable。
　　Iseemedtohavepassedfromdeathtolife，andEstherwasdelightedtohavebeenmyphysician。BeforewerosefromtableIhaddeclaredmyintentionofsendingManon’sportraittoherhusbandonthedayfollowing，buthergoodnaturefoundawayofdissuadingmefromdoingsowithoutmuchdifficulty。
　　Sometimeafter，whileweweretalkinginfrontofthefire，shetookapieceofpaper，setupthepyramids，andinscribedthefourkeysO，S，A，D。SheaskedifIshouldsendtheportraittothehusband，orwhetheritwouldnotbemoregeneroustoreturnittothefaithlessManon。Whilstshewascalculatingshesaidoverandoveragain，withasmile，"Ihavenotmadeuptheanswer。"Ipretendtobelieveher，andwelaughedliketwoaugursmeetingeachotheralone。AtlastthereplycamethatIoughttoreturntheportrait，buttothegiver，sincetosendittothehusbandwouldbeanactunworthyofamanofhonour。
　　Ipraisedthewisdomoftheoracle，andkissedthePythonessascoreoftimes，promisingthatthecabalashouldbeobeyedimplicitly，addingthatshehadnoneedofbeingtaughtthesciencesincesheknewitaswellastheinventor。
　　Ispokethetruth，butEstherlaughed，and，fearinglestIshouldreallythinkso，tookpainstoassuremeofthecontrary。
　　Itisthusthatlovetakeshispleasure，thushisgrowthincreases，andthusthathesosoonbecomesagiantinstrength。
　　"ShallIbeimpertinent，"saidEsther，"ifIaskyouwhereyourportraitis？Manonsaysinherletterthatsheissendingitback；
　　butIdon’tseeitanywhere。"
　　"Inmyfirstparoxysmofrage，Ithrewitdown；Idon’tknowinwhatdirection。Whatwasthusdespisedbyhercannotbeofmuchvaluetome。"
　　"Letuslookforit；Ishouldliketoseeit。"
　　Wesoonfounditonmytable，inthemidstofaofbooks；Esthersaiditwasaspeakinglikeness。
　　"Iwouldgiveityouifsuchapresentwereworthyofyou。"
　　"Ah！youcouldnotgivemeanythingIwouldvaluemore。"
　　"Willyoudeigntoacceptit，Esther，thoughithasbeenpossessedbyanother？"
　　"Itwillbeallthedearertome。"
　　Atlastshehadtoleaveme，afteradaywhichmightbecalleddelightfulifhappinessconsistsofcalmandmutualjoyswithoutthetumultuousrapturesofpassion。Shewentawayatten，afterIhadpromisedtospendthewholeofthenextdaywithher。
　　Afteranunbrokensleepofninehours’durationIgotuprefreshedandfeelingoncemoreinperfecthealth，andIwenttoseeEstherimmediately。Ifoundshewasstillabedandasleep，buthergovernesswentandrousedherinspiteofmyrequestthatherreposeshouldberespected。
　　Shereceivedmewithasweetsmileasshesatupinbed，andshewdmemyvoluminouscorrespondencewithManononhernight—table，sayingthatshehadbeenreadingittilltwoo’clockinthemorning。
　　Herappearancewasravishing。Aprettycambricnight—cap，tiedwithalight—blueribbonandornamentedwithlace，setoffthebeautiesofherface；andalightshawlofIndianmuslin，whichshehadhastilythrownon，veiledratherthanconcealedhersnowybreast，whichwouldhaveshamedtheworksofPraxiteles。Sheallowedmetotakeahundredkissesonherrosylips——ardentkisseswhichthesightofsuchcharmsmadeyetmoreardent；butherhandsforbademyapproachtothosetwospheresIsolongedtotouch。
　　IsatdownbyherandtoldherthathercharmsofbodyandmindwouldmakeamanforgetalltheManonsthateverwere。
　　"IsyourMarionfairtoseeallover？"saidshe。
　　"Ireallycan’tsay，for，notbeingherhusband，Ineverhadanopportunityofinvestigatingthematter。"
　　"Yourdiscretionisworthyofallpraise，"shesaid，withasmile，"suchconductbecomesamanofdelicatefeeling。"
　　"Iwastoldbyhernursethatshewasperfectinallrespects，andthatnomoteorblemishrelievedthepurewhitenessofherskin。"
　　"Youmusthaveadifferentnotionofme？"
　　"Yes，Esther，astheoraclerevealedtomethegreatsecretyoudesiredtoknow。Nevertheless，Ishouldfindyouperfectinallyourparts。"
　　HereuponIwasguiltyofastupiditywhichturnedtomyconfusion。I
　　said，"IfIbecameyourhusband，Icouldeasilyrefrainfromtouchingyouthere。"
　　"Isupposeyouthink，"saidshe，blushing，andevidentlyalittlevexed，"thatifyoutouchedityourdesiresmightbelessened？"
　　Thisquestionprobedmetothecoreandcoveredmewithshame。I
　　burstintotears，andbeggedherpardoninsotrulyrepentantavoicethatsympathymadeherminglehertearswithmine。Theincidentonlyincreasedourintimacy，for，asIkissedhertearsaway，thesamedesiresconsumedus，andifthevoiceofprudencehadnotintervened，doubtlessallwouldhavebeenover。Asitwas，wehadbutaforetasteandanearnestofthatblisswhichitwasinourpowertoprocure。Threehoursseemedtousasmanyminutes。Shebeggedmetogointohersitting—roomwhileshedressed，andwethenwentdownanddinedwiththewretchedsecretary，whoadoredher，whomshedidnotlove，andwhomusthavebornesmalllovetome，seeinghowhighI
　　stoodinhergraces。
　　Wepassedtherestofthedaytogetherinthatconfidentialtalkwhichisusualwhenthefoundationsofthemostintimatefriendshiphavebeenlaidbetweentwopersonsofoppositesex，whobelievethemselvescreatedforeachother。Ourflamesburntasbrightly，butwithmorerestraint，inthedining—roomasinthebedroom。Intheveryairofthebedroomofawomanonelovesthereissomethingsobalmyandvoluptuousthatthelover，askedtochoosebetweenthisgardenofdelightsandParadise，wouldnotforonemomenthesitateinhischoice。
　　Wepartedwithheartsfullofhappiness，sayingtoeachother，"Tillto—morrow。"
　　IwastrulyinlovewithEsther，formysentimentforherwascomposedofsweeter，calmer，andmorelivelyfeelingsthanmeresensuallove，whichiseverstormyandviolent。IfeltsureIcouldpersuadehertomarrymewithoutmyfirstteachingherwhatcouldnotbetaught。IwassorryIhadnotletherthinkherselfascleverasmyselfinthecabala，andIfeareditwouldbeimpossibletoundeceiveherwithoutexcitinghertoanger，whichwouldcastoutlove。Nevertheless，EstherwastheonlywomanwhowouldmakemeforgetManon，whomIbegantothinkunworthyofallIhadproposeddoingforher。
　　M。d’O————camebackandIwenttodinewithhim。Hewaspleasedtohearthathisdaughterhadeffectedacompletecurebyspendingadaywithme。WhenwewerealonehetoldmethathehadheardattheHaguethattheComteSt。Germainhadtheartofmakingdiamondswhichonlydifferedfromtherealonesinweight，andwhich，accordingtohim，wouldmakehisfortune。M。d’O————wouldhavebeenamusedifI
　　hadtoldhimallIknewaboutthischarlatan。
　　NextdayItookEsthertotheconcert，andwhilewewerethereshetoldmethatonthedayfollowingshewouldnotleaveherroom，sothatwecouldtalkaboutgettingmarriedwithoutfearofinterruption。Thiswasthelastdayoftheyear1759。
　　CHAPTERXI
　　IUndeceiveEsther——IsetoutforGermany——AdventureNearCologne——
　　TheBurgomaster’sWife；MyConquestofHer——BallatBonn——Welcome>FromtheElectorofCologne——BreakfastatBruhl——FirstIntimacy——
　　IsupWithoutBeingAskedatGeneralKettler’sIamHappy——ILeaveCologne——TheToscaniTheJewelMyArrivalatStuttgartTheappointmentwhichEstherhadmadewithmewouldprobablyhaveseriousresults；andIfeltitduetomyhonournottodeceiveheranylonger，evenwereittocostmemyhappiness；however，Ihadsomehopethatallwouldturnoutwell。
　　Ifoundherinbed，andshetoldmethatsheintendedtostoptherethroughouttheday。Iapproved，forinbedIthoughtherravishing。
　　"Wewillsettowork，"saidshe；andhergovernesssetalittletablebyherbed，andshegavemeapieceofpapercoveredwithquestionstendingtoconvincemethatbeforeImarriedherIshouldcommunicatetohermysupposedscience。Allthesequestionswereartfullyconceived，allweresowordedastoforcetheoracletoordermetosatisfyher，ortodefinitelyforbidmydoingso。Isawthesnare，andallmythoughtswerehowtoavoidit，thoughIpretendedtobemerelyconsideringthequestions。IcouldnotmaketheoraclespeaktopleaseEsther，andIcouldstilllessmakeitpronounceapositiveprohibition，asIfearedthatshewouldresentsuchananswerbitterlyandrevengeherselfonme。Nevertheless，Ihadtoassumeanindifferentair，andIgotmyselfoutofthedifficultybyequivocalanswers，tillthegood—humouredpapacametosummonmetodinner。
　　Heallowedhisdaughtertostayinbedontheconditionthatshewastodonomorework，ashewasafraidthatbyapplyingherselfsointentlyshewouldincreaseherheadache。Shepromised，muchtomydelight，thatheshouldbeobeyed，butonmyreturnfromdinnerI
　　foundherasleep，andsittingatherbedsideIlethersleepon。
　　Whensheawokeshesaidshewouldliketoreadalittle；andasifbyinspiration，IchancedtotakeupCoiardeau’s’Heroides’，andweinflamedeachotherbyreadingthelettersofHeloiseandAbelard。
　　Theardoursthusarousedpassedintoourtalkandwebegantodiscussthesecretwhichtheoraclehadrevealed。
　　"But，Estherdear，"saidI，"didnottheoraclerevealacircumstanceofwhichyouknewperfectlywellbefore？"
　　"No，sweetheart，thesecretwasperfectlyunknowntomeandwouldhavecontinuedunknown。"
　　"Thenyouhaveneverbeencuriousenoughtoinspectyourownperson？"
　　"HowevercuriousImayhavebeen，natureplacedthatmoleinsuchapositionastoescapeanybutthemostminutesearch。"
　　"Youhaveneverfeltit，then？"
　　"Itistoosmalltobefelt。"
　　"Idon’tbelieveit。"
　　Sheallowedmyhandtowanderindiscreetly，andmyhappyfingersfeltalltheprecinctsofthetempleoflove。Thiswasenoughtofirethechastestdisposition。Icouldnotfindtheobjectofmyresearch，and，notwishingtostopshortatsovainanenjoyment，Iwasallowedtoconvincemyselfwithmyeyesthatitactuallyexisted。There，however，herconcessionsstoppedshort，andIhadtocontentmyselfbykissingagainandagainallthosepartswhichmodestynolongerdeniedtomygaze。
　　Satiatedwithbliss，thoughIhadnotattainedtotheutmostofenjoyment，whichshewiselydeniedme，aftertwohourshadbeendevotedtothosepastimeswhichleadtonothing，IresolvedtotellherthewholetruthandtoshewherhowIhadabusedhertrustinme，thoughIfearedthatherangerwouldberoused。
　　Esther，whohadalargeshareofintelligence（indeedifshehadhadlessIcouldnothavedeceivedhersowell），listenedtomewithoutinterruptingmeandwithoutanysignsofangerorastonishment。Atlast，whenIhadbroughtmylongandsincereconfessiontoanend，shesaid，"Iknowyourloveformeisasgreatasmineforyou；andifIamcertainthatwhatyouhavejustsaidcannotpossiblybetrue，Iamforcedtoconcludethatifyoudonotcommunicatetomeallthesecretsofyourscienceitisbecausetodosoisnotinyourpower。
　　Letusloveoneanothertilldeath，andsaynomoreaboutthismatter。"
　　Afteramoment’ssilence，shewenton，——
　　"IflovehastakenawayfromyouthecourageofsincerityIforgiveyou，butIamsorryforyou。Youhavegivenmetoopositiveproofoftherealityofyoursciencetobeabletoshakemybelief。YoucouldneverhavefoundoutathingofwhichImyselfwasignorant，andofwhichnomortalmancouldknow。"
　　"AndifIshewyou，Estherdear，thatIknewyouhadthismole，thatIhadgoodreasonsforsupposingyoutobeignorantofit，willyourbeliefbeshakenthen？""Youknewit？Howcouldyouhaveseenit？
　　It’sincredible！"
　　"Iwilltellyouall。"
　　Ithenexplainedtoherthetheoryofthecorrespondenceofmolesonthevariouspartsofthehumanbody，andtoconvinceherIendedbysayingthathergovernesswhohadalargemarkonherrightcheekoughttohaveoneverylikeitonherleftthigh。Atthissheburstintolaughter，andsaid，"Iwillfindout，butafterallyouhavetoldmeIcanonlyadmireyouthemoreforknowingwhatnooneelsedoes。"
　　"Doyoureallythink，Esther，thatIamthesolepossessorofthisscience？Undeceiveyourself。Allwhohavestudiedanatomy，physiology，andastrology，knowofit。"
　　"ThenIbegyoutogetme，byto—morrow——yes，tomorrow——allthebookswhichwillteachmesecretsofthatnature。Ilongtobeabletoastonishtheignorantwithmycabala，whichIseerequiresamixtureofknowledgeandimposition。Iwishtodevotemyselfentirelytothisstudy。Wecanloveeachothertothedeath，butwecandothatwithoutgettingmarried。"
　　Ire—enteredmylodginginapeacefulandhappyframeofmind；anenormousweightseemedtakenoffmyspirits。NextmorningI
　　purchasedsuchvolumesasIjudgedwouldinstructandamuseheratthesametime，andwenttopresentthemtoher。ShewasmostpleasedwithmyConis，asshefoundinitthecharacteroftruth。Asshewishedtoshinebyheranswersthroughtheoracleitwasnecessaryforhertohaveanextensiveknowledgeofscience，andIputherontheway。
　　AboutthattimeIconceivedtheideaofmakingashorttourinGermanybeforereturningtoParis，andEstherencouragedmetodoso，afterIhadpromisedthatsheshouldseemeagainbeforetheendoftheyear。Thispromisewassincerely，given；andthoughfromthatdaytothisIhavenotbeheldthefaceofthatcharmingandremarkablewoman，Icannotreproachmyselfwithhavingdeceivedherwilfully，forsubsequenteventspreventedmefromkeepingmyword。
　　IwrotetoM。d’Afrirequestinghimtoprocuremeapassportthroughtheempire，wheretheFrenchandotherbelligerentpowerswerethencampaigning。HeansweredverypolitelythatIhadnoneedofapassport，butthatifIwishedtohaveonehewouldsenditmeforthwith。Iwascontentwiththisletterandputitamongmypapers，andatCologneitgotmeabetterreceptionthanallthepassportsintheworld。
　　ImadeM。d’O————thedepositaryofthevariousmoneysIhadindifferentbankinghouses，andtheworthyman，whowasatruefriendtome，gavemeabillofexchangeonadozenofthechiefhousesinGermany。
　　WhenmyaffairswereallinorderIstartedinmypost—chaise，withthesumofnearlyahundredthousandDutchflorinstomycredit，somevaluablejewels，andawell—stockedwardrobe。IsentmySwissservantbacktoParis，keepingonlymyfaithfulSpaniard，whoonthisoccasiontravelledwithme，seatedbehindmychaise。
　　ThusendsthehistoryofmysecondvisittoHolland，whereIdidnothingtoaugmentmyfortune。IhadsomeunpleasantexperiencesthereforwhichIhadmyownimprudencetothank，butafterthelapseofsomanyyearsIfeelthatthesemishapsweremorethancompensatedbythecharmsofEsther’ssociety。
　　IonlystoppedonedayatUtrecht，andtwodaysafterIreachedCologneatnoon，withoutaccident，butnotwithoutdanger，foratadistanceofhalfaleaguefromthetownfivedeserters，threeontherighthandandtwoontheleft，levelledtheirpistolsatme，withthewords，"Yourmoneyoryourlife。"However，Icoveredthepostillionwithmyownpistol，threateningtofireifhedidnotdriveon，andtherobbersdischargedtheirweaponsatthecarriage，nothavingenoughspirittoshootthepostillion。
　　IfIhadbeenliketheEnglish，whocarryalightpurseforthebenefitofthehighwaymen，Iwouldhavethrownittothesepoorwretches；but，asitwas，Iriskedmyliferatherthanberobbed。MySpaniardwasquiteastonishednottohavebeenstruckbyanyoftheballswhichwhistledpasthisears。
　　TheFrenchwereinwinterquartersatCologne，andIputupatthe"Soleild’Or。"AsIwasgoingin，thefirstpersonImetwastheComtedeLastic，Madamed’Urfe’snephew，whogreetedmewiththeutmostpoliteness，andofferedtotakemetoM。deTorci，whowasincommand。Iaccepted，andthisgentlemanwasquitesatisfiedwiththeletterM。d’Afrihadwrittenme。ItoldhimwhathadhappenedtomeasIwascomingintoCologne，andhecongratulatedmeonthehappyissueoftheaffair，butwithasoldier’sfreedomblamedtheuseI
　　hadmadeofmycourage。"
　　"Youplayedhigh，"saidhe，"tosaveyourmoney，butyoumighthavelostalimb，andnothingwouldhavemadeupforthat。"
　　Iansweredthattomakelightofadangeroftendiminishedit。Welaughedatthis，andhesaidthatifIwasgoingtomakeanystayinCologneIshouldprobablyhavethepleasureofseeingthehighwaymenhanged。
　　"Iintendtogoto—morrow，"saidI，"andifanythingcouldkeepmeatCologneitwouldcertainlynotbetheprospectofbeingpresentatanexecution，assuchsightsarenotatalltomytaste。"
　　IhadtoacceptM。deLastic’sinvitationtodinner，andhepersuadedmetogowithhimselfandhisfriend，M。deFlavacour，anofficerofhighrank，andanagreeableman，tothetheatre。AsIfeltsurethatIshouldbeintroducedtoladies，andwishedtomakesomethingofafigure，Ispentanhourindressing。
　　Ifoundmyselfinaboxoppositetoaprettywoman，wholookedatmeagainandagainthroughheropera—glass。Thatwasenoughtorousemycuriosity，andIbeggedM。deLastictointroduceme；whichhedidwiththebestgraceimaginable。HefirstpresentedmetoCountKettler，lieutenant—generalintheAustrianarmy，andonthegeneralstaffoftheFrencharmy——justastheFrenchGeneralMontacetwasonthestaffoftheAustrianarmy。IwasthenpresentedtotheladywhosebeautyhadattractedmyattentionthemomentIenteredmybox。
　　Shegreetedmegraciously，andaskedmequestionsaboutParisandBrussels，whereshehadbeeneducated，withoutappearingtopayanyattentiontomyreplies，butgazingatmylaceandjewellery。
　　Whileweweretalkingofindifferentmatters，likenewacquaintances，shesuddenlybutpolitelyaskedmeifIintendedtomakealongstayinCologne。
　　"IthinkofcrossingtheRhineto—morrow，"Ianswered，"andshallprobablydineatBonn。"
　　Thisreply，whichwasgivenasindifferentlyasherquestion，appearedtovexher；andIthoughthervexationagoodomen。GeneralKettlerthenrose，saying，——
　　"Iamsure，sir，thatthisladywillpersuadeyoutodelayyourdeparture——atleast，Ihopeso，thatImaybanethepleasureofseeingmoreofyourcompany。"
　　IbowedandhewentoutwithLastic，leavingmealonewiththisravishingbeauty。Shewastheburgomaster’swife，andthegeneralwasnearlyalwayswithher。
　　"Isthecountright，"saidshe，pleasantly，"inattributingsuchpowertome？"
　　"Ithinkso，indeed，"Ianswered，"buthemaypossiblybewronginthinkingyoucaretoexerciseit。"
　　"Verygood！Wemustcatchhim，then，ifonlyasthepunishmentofhisindiscretion。Stay。"
　　IwassoastonishedatthisspeechthatIlookedquitefoolishandhadtocollectmysenses。Ithoughtthewordindiscretionsublime，punishmentexquisite，andcatchingadmirable；andstillmoretheideaofcatchinghimbymeansofme。Ithoughtitwouldbeamistaketoenquireanyfurther，andputtingonanexpressionofresignationandgratitudeIloweredmylipsandkissedherhandwithamixtureofrespectandsentiment，which，withoutexactlyimpartingmyfeelingsforher，letherknowthattheymightbesoftenedwithoutmuchdifficulty。
　　"Thenyouwillstay，sir！Itisreallyverykindofyou，forifyouwentoffto—morrowpeoplemightsaythatyouonlycameheretoshewyourdisdainforus。Tomorrowthegeneralgivesaball，andIhopeyouwillbeoneoftheparty。"
　　"CanIhopetodancewithyoualltheevening？"
　　"Ipromisetodancewithnobodybutyou，tillyougettiredofme。"
　　"Thenweshalldancetogetherthroughalltheball。"
　　"Wheredidyougetthatpomadewhichperfumestheair？Ismeltitassoonasyoucameintothebox。"
　　"ItcamefromFlorence，andifyoudonotlikeityoushallnotbetroubledwithitanymore。"
　　"Oh！butIdolikeit。Ishouldlikesomeofitmyself。"
　　"AndIshallbeonlytoohappyifyouwillpermitmetosendyoualittleto—morrow。"
　　Justthenthedooroftheboxopenedandtheentranceofthegeneralpreventedherfromreplying。Iwasjustgoing，whenthecountsaid:
　　"Iamsuremadamehasprevailedonyoutostay，andtocometomyballandsupperto—morrow？"
　　"Shehasledmetoanticipatethatyouwoulddomethathonour，andshepromisestodancethequadrilleswithme。Howcanoneresistentreatyfromsuchlips？"
　　"Quiteso，andIamobligedtoherforhavingkeptyouwithus。I
　　hopetoseeyouto—morrow。"
　　Iwentoutoftheboxinlove，andalmosthappyinanticipation。ThepomadewasapresentfromEsther，anditwasthefirsttimeIhadusedit。Theboxcontainedtwenty—fourpotsofbeautifulchina。ThenextdayIputtwelveintoanelegantcasket，whichIwrappedupinoil—clothandsenttoherwithoutanote。
　　IspentthemorningbygoingoverColognewithaguide；Ivisitedallthemarvelsoftheplace，andlaughedwithallmyhearttoseethehorseBayard，ofwhomAriostohassung，riddenbythefoursonsofAimon，orAmone，fatherofBradamantetheInvincible，andRicciardettotheFortunate。
　　IdinedwithM。deCastries，andeverybodywassurprisedthatthegeneralhadaskedmehimselftotheball，ashisjealousywasknown，whiletheladywassupposedonlytosufferhisattentionsthroughafeelingofvanity。Thedeargeneralwaswelladvancedinyears，farfromgood—looking，andashismentalqualitiesbynomeanscompensatedforhislackofphysicaloneshewasbynomeansanobjecttoinspirelove。Inspiteofhisjealousy，hehadtoappearpleasedthatIsatnextthefairatsupper，andthatIspentthenightindancingwithherortalkingtoher。Itwasahappynightforme，andIre—enteredmylodgingnolongerthinkingofleavingCologne。Inamomentofecstasy，emboldenedbytheturntheconversationhadtaken，IhaddaredtotellherthatifshewouldmeetmealoneIwouldstayinColognetilltheendofthecarnival。
　　"Andwhatwouldyousay，"sheasked，"ifIgivemypromise，anddonotkeepit？"
　　"Ishouldbemoanmylot，withoutaccusingyou；Ishouldsaytomyselfthatyouhadfounditimpossibletokeepyourword。"
　　"Youareverygood；youmuststaywithus。"
　　ThedayaftertheballIwenttopayhermyfirstvisit。Shemademewelcome，andintroducedmetoherworthyhusband，who，thoughneitheryoungnorhandsome，wasextremelygood—hearted。AfterIhadbeenthereanhour，weheardthegeneral’scarriagecoming，andshesaidtome:
　　"IfheasksyouwhetheryouaregoingtotheElector’sballatBonn，sayyes！"
　　Thegeneralcamein，andaftertheusualcomplimentshadbeenpassedIwithdrew。
　　Ididnotknowbywhomtheballwastobegiven，orwhenitwastotakeplace，butscentingpleasurefromafaroffIhastenedtomakeenquiriesaboutit，andheardthatallthegoodfamiliesinCologneweregoing。Itwasamaskedball，andconsequentlyopentoall。I
　　decidedthenthatIwouldgo；indeedIconcludedthatIhadhadorderstothateffect，andatalleventsmyladywouldbethere，andImighthopeforahappymeetingwithher。ButasIwishedtokeepupmyincognitoasmuchaspossible，Iresolvedtoreplytoallwhoaskedmethatimportantbusinesswouldpreventmybeingpresent。
　　Itfelloutthatthegeneralaskedmethisveryquestioninthepresenceofthelady，andwithoutregardtotheordersIhadreceivedfromherIrepliedthatmyhealthwouldforbidmyhavingthatpleasure。
　　"Youareverywise，sir，"saidthegeneral，"allthepleasuresonearthshouldbesacrificedwhenitisaquestionofone’shealth。"
　　Ithinkso，too，now，butIthoughtdifferentlythen。
　　Onthedayoftheball，towardstheevening，Isetoutinapost—
　　chaise，disguisedsothatnotasoulinColognecouldhaverecognizedme，andprovidedwithaboxcontainingtwodominoes；andonmyarrivalatBonnItookaroomandputononeofthedominoes，lockinguptheotherinthebox；andIthenhadmyselfcarriedtotheballinasedan—chair。
　　Igotineasilyandunperceived，andrecognizedalltheladiesofColognewithouttheirmasks，andmymistresssittingatafaro—tableriskingaducat。Iwasgladtoseeinthebanker，CountVeritaofVerona，whomIhadknowninBavaria。HewasintheElector’sservice。Hissmallbankdidnotcontainmorethanfiveorsixducats，andthepunters，menandwomen，werenotmorethantwelve。I
　　tookupapositionbymymistress，andthebankeraskedmetocut。I
　　excusedmyselfwithagesture，andmyneighbourcutwithoutbeingasked。Iputtenducatsonasinglecard，andlostfourtimesrunning；Iplayedattheseconddeal，andexperiencedthesamefate。
　　Atthethirddealnobodywouldcut，andthegeneral，whowasstandingbybutnotplaying，agreedtodoso。Ifanciedhiscuttingwouldbelucky，andIputfiftyducatsononecard。Iwon。Iwent’paroli’，andattheseconddealIbrokethebank。Everybodywascuriousaboutme；Iwasstaredatandfollowed，butseizingafavourableopportunityImademyescape。
　　Iwenttomyroom，tookoutmymoney，changedmycostume，andreturnedtotheball。Isawthetableoccupiedbynewgamsters，andanotherbankerwhoseemedtohaveagooddealofgold，butnotcaringtoplayanymoreIhadnotbroughtmuchmoneywithme。Imingledinallthegroupsintheballroom，andonallsidesIheardexpressionsofcuriosityaboutthemaskwhobrokethefirstbank。
　　Ididnotcaretosatisfythegeneralcuriosity，butmademywayfromonesideoftheroomtotheothertillIfoundtheobjectofmysearchtalkingtoCountVerita，andasIdrewnearIfoundoutthattheyweretalkingofme。ThecountwassayingthattheElectorhadbeenaskingwhohadbrokenthebank，andthatGeneralKettlerhadexpressedhisopinionthatitwasaVenetianwhohadbeeninCologneforthelastweek。MymistressansweredthatshedidnotthinkIwasthere，asshehadheardmesaythatthestateofmyhealthwouldkeepmeathome。
　　"IknowCasanova，"saidthecount，"andifhebeatBonntheElectorshallhearofit，andheshan’tgooffwithoutmyseeinghim。"
　　IsawthatImighteasilybediscoveredaftertheball，butIdefiedthekeenesteyestopenetratebeneathmypresentdisguise。Ishouldhave，nodoubt，remainedunknown，butwhenthequadrilleswerebeingarrangedItookmyplaceinone，withoutreflectingthatIshouldhavetotakeoffmymask。
　　Assoonasmymistresssawmeshetoldmeshehadbeendeceived，asshewouldhavewageredthatIwasthemaskerwhobrokeCountVerita’sbank。ItoldherIhadonlyjustcome。
　　Attheendofthedancethecountspiedmeoutandsaid，"Mydearfellow—countryman，Iamsureyouarethemanwhobrokemybank；I
　　congratulateyou。""IshouldcongratulatemyselfifIwerethefortunateindividual。"
　　"Iamsurethatitwasyou。"
　　Ilefthimlaughing，andafterhavingtakensomerefreshmentsI
　　continueddancing。Twohoursafterwardsthecountsawmeagainandsaid，——
　　"Youchangedyourdominoinsucharoom，insuchahouse。TheElectorknowsallaboutit，andasapunishmentforthisdeceithehasorderedmetotellyouthatyouarenottoleaveBonnto—morrow。"
　　"Ishegoingtoarrestme，then？"
　　"Whynot，ifyourefusehisinvitationtodinnertomorrow？"
　　"Tellhishighnessthathiscommandsshallbeobeyed。Willyoupresentmetohimnow？"
　　"Hehaslefttheball，butwaitonmeto—morrowatnoon。"Sosaying，hegavemehishandandwentaway。
　　Itookcaretokeeptheappointmentonthedayfollowing，butwhenI
　　waspresentedIwasinsomeconfusion，astheElectorwassurroundedbyfiveorsixcourtiers，andneverhavingseenhimIlookedinvainforanecclesiastic。Hesawmyembarrassmentandhastenedtoputanendtoit，saying，inbadVenetian，"IamwearingthecostumeofGrandMasteroftheTeutonicOrderto—day。"InspiteofhiscostumeImadetheusualgenuflexion，andwhenIwouldhavekissedhishandhewouldnotallowit，butshookmineinanaffectionatemanner。
　　"IwasatVenice，"saidhe，"whenyouwereundertheLeads，andmynephew，theElectorofBavaria，toldmethatafteryourfortunateescapeyoustayedsometimeatMunich；ifyouhadcometoCologneI
　　shouldhavekeptyou。Ihopethatafterdinneryouwillbekindenoughtotellusthestoryofyourescape，thatyouwillstaytosupper，andwilljoininalittlemasqueradewithwhichweproposetoamuseourselves。"
　　Ipromisedtotellmytaleifhethoughtitwouldnotwearyhim，warninghimthatitwouldtaketwohours。"Onecouldneverhavetoomuchofagoodthing，"hewaskindenoughtosay；andImadehimlaughbymyaccountoftheconversationbetweentheDucdeChoiseulandmyself。
　　AtdinnertheprincespoketomeinVenetian，andwaspleasedtobemostgracioustowardsme。Hewasamanofajovialandeasy—goingdisposition，andwithhislookofhealthonewouldnothaveprophesiedsosoonanendascametohim。Hediedtheyearfollowing。
　　Assoonaswerosefromtablehebeggedmetobeginmystory，andfortwohoursIhadthepleasureofkeepingthismostbrilliantcompanyamused。
　　Myreadersknowthehistory；itsinterestliesinthedramaticnatureofthedetails，butitisimpossibletocommunicatethefireofawell—toldstorytoanaccountinwriting。
　　TheElector’slittlebailwasverypleasant。Wewerealldressedaspeasants，andthecostumesweretakenfromaspecialwardrobeoftheprince’s。Itwouldhavebeenridiculoustochooseanyotherdresses，astheElectorworeoneofthesamekindhimself。GeneralKettlerwasthebestdisguisedofusall；helookedtherustictothelife。
　　Mymistresswasravishing。WeonlydancedquadrillesandGermandances。Therewereonlyfourorfiveladiesofthehighestrank；alltheothers，whoweremoreorlesspretty，werefavouritesoftheprince，allhisdaysagreatloverofthefairsex。TwooftheseladiesdancedtheForlana，andtheElectorwasmuchamusedinmakingmedanceitalso。IhavealreadysaidthattheForlanaisaVenetiandance，andoneofthemostenergetickindimaginable。Itisdancedbyaladyandgentlemanoppositetooneanother，andasthetwoladiesrelievedoneanothertheywerealmostthedeathofme。Onehastobestrongtodancetwelveturns，andafterthethirteenthI
　　feltIcoulddonomore，andbeggedformercy。
　　Soonafterwedancedanotherdance，whereeachgentlemankissesalady。Iwasnottooshy，andeachtimeIcontinuedtokissmymistresswithconsiderableardour，whichmadethepeasant—electorburstwithlaughterandthepeasant—generalburstwithrage。
　　Inalullbetweenthedances，thischarmingandoriginalwomanfoundmeanstotellmeinprivatethatalltheCologneladieswouldleaveatnoononthenextday，andthatIwouldincreasemypopularitybyinvitingthemalltobreakfastatBruhl。
　　"Sendeachoneanotewiththenameofhercavalier，andtrustinCountVeritatodoeverythingforthebest；youneedonlytellhimthatyouwishtogiveanentertainmentsimilartothatgiventwoyearsagobythePrincedeDeux—Ponts。Losenotime。Youwillhaveascoreofguests；mindyouletthemknowthehouroftherepast。
　　Takecare，too，thatyourinvitationsaresentroundbynineo’clockinthemorning。"
　　Alltheseinstructionswereutteredwithlightningspeed，andI，enchantedwiththepowermymistressthoughtshepossessedoverme，thoughtonlyofobeying，withoutreflectingwhetherIowedherobedience。Bruhl，breakfast，ascoreofpeoplelikethePrinceDeux—
　　Ponts，invitationstotheladies，CountVerita；Iknewasmuchasshecouldhavetoldmeifshehadtakenanhour。
　　Ilefttheroominmypeasant’sdress，andbeggedapagetotakemetoCountVerita，whobegantolaughonseeingmyattire。Itoldmybusinesswiththeimportanceofanambassador，andthismadehiminastillbetterhumour。
　　"Itcanalleasilybearranged，"saidhe，"Ihaveonlytowritetothesteward，andIwilldosoimmediately。Buthowmuchdoyouwanttospend？"
　　"Asmuchaspossible。"
　　"Aslittleaspossible，Isupposeyoumean。"
　　"Notatall；Iwanttotreatmyguestswithmagnificance。"
　　"Allthesameyoumustfixonasum，asIknowwhomI’vegottodealwith。"
　　"Well，well！two—threehundredducats；willthatdo？"
　　"Twohundred；thePrincedeDeux—Pontsdidnotspendmore。"
　　Hebegantowrite，andgavemehiswordthateverythingshouldbeinreadiness。IlefthimandaddressingmyselftoasharpItalianpagesaidthatIwouldgivetwoducatstothevaletwhowouldfurnishmewiththenamesoftheCologneladieswhowereinBonn，andofthegentlemenwhohadaccompaniedthem。IgotwhatIwantedinlessthanhalfanhour，andbeforeleavingtheballItoldmymistressthatallshouldbedoneaccordingtoherdesires。
　　IwroteeighteennotesbeforeIwenttobed，andinthemorningaconfidentialservanthaddeliveredthembeforenineo’clock。
　　Atnineo’clockIwenttotakeleaveofCountVerita，whogaveme，onbehalfoftheElector，asuperbgoldsnuff—boxwithhisportraitsetindiamonds。Iwasverysensibleofthismarkofkindness，andI
　　wishedtogoandthankhisserenehighnessbeforemydeparture，butmyfriendlyfellow—countrymantoldmethatImightputoffdoingsotillIpassedthroughBonnonmywaytoFrankfort。
　　Breakfastwasorderedforoneo’clock。AtnoonIhadarrivedatBruhl，acountryhouseoftheElector’s，withnothingremarkableaboutitsaveitsfurniture。InthisitisapoorcopyoftheTrianon。InafinehallIfoundatablelaidfortwenty—fourpersons，arrangedwithsilvergiltplates，damasklinen，andexquisitechina，whilethesideboardwasadornedwithanimmensequantityofsilverandsilvergiltplate。Atoneendoftheroomweretwoothertablesladenwithsweetsandthechoicestwinesprocurable。
　　Iannouncedmyselfasthehost，andthecooktoldmeIshouldbeperfectlysatisfied。
　　"Thecollation，"saidhe，"willbecomposedofonlytwenty—fourdishes，butinadditiontherewillbetwenty—fourdishesofEnglishoystersandasplendiddessert。"
　　Isawagreatnumberofservants，andtoldhimthattheywouldnotbenecessary，buthesaidtheywere，astheguests’servantscouldnotbeadmitted。
　　Ireceivedallmyguestsatthedoor，confiningmycomplimentstobeggingtheirpardonsforhavingbeensoboldastoprocuremyselfthisgreathonour。
　　Thebreakfastwasservedatoneexactly，andIhadthepleasureofenjoyingtheastonishmentinmymistress’seyeswhenshesawthatI
　　hadtreatedthemaswellasaprinceoftheempire。Shewasawarethateverybodyknewhertobethechiefobjectofthislavishoutlay，butshewasdelightedtoseethatIdidnotpayheranyattentionswhichwereatallinvidious。Thetablewasseatedfortwenty—four，andthoughIhadonlyaskedeighteenpeopleeveryplacewasoccupied。
　　Threecouples，therefore，hadcomewithoutbeingasked；butthatpleasedmeallthemore。LikeacourtlycavalierIwouldnotsitdown，butwaitedontheladies，goingfromonetotheother，eatingthedaintybitstheygaveme，andseeingthatallhadwhattheywanted。
　　Bythetimetheoystersweredonetwentybottlesofchampagnehadbeenemptied，sothatwhentheactualbreakfastcommencedeverybodybegantotalkatonce。Themealmighteasilyhavepassedforasplendiddinner，andIwasgladtoseethatnotadropofwaterwasdrunk，fortheChampagne，Tokay，Rhinewine，Madeira，Malaga，Cyprus，Alicante，andCapewinewouldnotallowit。
　　Beforedessertwasbroughtonanenormousdishoftruffleswasplacedonthetable。IadvisedmygueststotakeMaraschinowithit，andthoseladieswhoappreciatedtheliqueurdrankitasifithadbeenwater。Thedessertwasreallysumptuous。InitweredisplayedtheportraitsofallthemonarchsofEurope。Everyonecomplimentedthecookonhisachievement，andhe，hisvanitybeingtickledandwishingtoappeargood—natured，saidthatnoneofitwouldspoilinthepocket，andaccordinglyeverybodytookasmuchastheychose。
　　GeneralKettler，who，inspiteofhisjealousyandtheparthesawmeplay，hadnosuspicionoftherealoriginofthebanquet，said，"IwillwagerthatthisistheElector’sdoing。Hishighnesshasdesiredtopreservehisincognito，andM。Casanovahasplayedhisparttoadmiration。"
　　Thisremarksetallthecompanyinaroar。
　　"General，"saidI，"iftheElectorhadgivenmesuchanorder，I
　　should，ofcourse，haveobeyedhim，butIshouldhavefeltitahumiliatingparttoplay。Hishighness，however，hasdeignedtodomeafargreaterhonour；lookhere。"Sosaying，Ishewedhimthegoldsnuff—box，whichmadethetourofthetabletwoorthreetimesover。
　　Whenwehadfinished，werosefromtable，astonishedtofindwehadbeenengagedforthreehoursinapleasurableoccupation，whichallwouldwillinglyhaveprolonged；butatlastwehadtopart，andaftermanycomplimentstheyallwentupontheirway，inordertobeintimeforthetheatre。Aswellpleasedasmyguests，Ilefttwentyducatswiththesteward，fortheservants，andpromisedhimtoletCountVeritaknowofmysatisfactioninwriting。
　　IarrivedatCologneintimefortheFrenchplay，andasIhadnocarriageIwenttothetheatreinasedanchair。AssoonasIgotintothehouse，IsawtheComtedeLasticalonewithmyfairone。
　　Ithoughtthisagoodomen，andIwenttothemdirectly。Assoonasshesawme，shesaidwithamelancholyairthatthegeneralhadgotsoillthathehadbeenobligedtogotobed。Soonafter，M。deLasticleftus，anddroppingherassumedmelancholyshemademe，withtheutmostgrace，athousandcompliments，whichcompensatedmefortheexpensesofmybreakfastahundredtimesover。
　　"Thegeneral，"saidshe，"hadtoomuchtodrink；heisanenviousdevil，andhasdiscoveredthatitisnotseemlyofyoutotreatusasifyouwereaprince。Itoldhimthat，onthecontrary，youhadtreatedusasifwewereprinces，waitingonuswithyournapkinonyourarm。Hethereuponfoundfaultwithmefordegradingyou。"
　　"Whydoyounotsendhimabouthisbusiness？Sorudeafellowisnotworthyofservingsofamousabeauty。"
　　"It’stoolate。Awomanwhomyoudon’tknowwouldgetpossessionofhim。Ishouldbeobligedtoconcealmyfeelings，andthatwouldvexme。"
　　"Iunderstand——Iunderstand。WouldthatIwereagreatprince！Inthemeantime，letmetellyouthatmysicknessisgreaterthanKettler’s。"
　　"Youarejoking，Ihope。"
　　"Nay，notatall；Iamspeakingseriously，forthekissesIwassohappytosnatchfromyouattheballhaveinflamedmyblood，andifyouhavenotenoughkindnesstocuremeintheonlypossiblewayI
　　shallleaveColognewithalife—longgrief。"
　　"Putoffyourdeparture:whyshouldyoudesiretogotoStuttgartsoearnestly？Ithinkofyou，believeme，andIdonotwishtodeceiveyou；butitishardtofindanopportunity。"
　　"Ifyouhadnotthegeneral’scarriagewaitingforyouto—night，andIhadmine，Icouldtakeyouhomewithperfectpropriety。"
　　"Hush！Asyouhavenotyourcarriage，itismyparttotakeyouhome。Itisasplendididea，thatwemustsocontriveitthatitmaynotseemtobeaconcertedplan。Youmustgivemeyourarmtomycarriage，andIshallthenaskyouwhereyourcarriageis；youwillanswerthatyouhavenotgotone。Ishallaskyoutocomeintomine，andIwilldropyouatyourhotel。Itwillonlygiveusacoupleofminutes，butthatissomethingtillwearemorefortunate。"
　　Irepliedtoheronlybyalookwhichexpressedtheintoxicationofmyspiritsattheprospectofsogreatbliss。
　　Althoughtheplaywasquiteashortone，itseemedtometolastforever。Atlastthecurtainfell，andwewentdownstairs。Whenwegottotheporticosheaskedmethequestionswehadagreedupon，andwhenItoldherIhadnotgotacarriage，shesaid，"Iamgoingtothegeneral’stoaskafterhishealth；ifitwillnottakeyoutoomuchoutofyourway，Icanleaveyouatyourlodgingaswecomeback。"
　　Itwasagrandidea。Weshouldpasstheentirelengthoftheill—
　　pavedtowntwice，andthuswesecuredalittlemoretime。