Unfortunately，thecarriagewasachariot，andasweweregoingthemoonshonedirectlyonus。Onthatoccasiontheplanetwascertainlynotentitledtotheappellationofthelovers’friend。Wedidallwecould，butthatwasalmostnothing，andIfoundtheattemptadesperateone，thoughmylovelypartnerendeavouredtohelpmeasmuchaspossible。Toaddtoourdiscomforts，theinquisitiveandimpudentcoachmankeptturninghisheadround，whichforcedustomoderatetheenergyofourmovements。Thesentryatthegeneral’sdoortoldourcoachmanthathisexcellencycouldseenoone，andwejoyfullyturnedtowardsmyhotel，andnowthatthemoonwasbehindusandtheman’scuriositylessinconvenient，wegotonalittlebetter，orrathernotsobadlyasbefore，butthehorsesseemedtometoflyratherthangallop；however，feelingthatitwouldbewelltohavethecoachmanonmysideincaseofanotheropportunity，IgavehimaducatasIgotdown。
Ienteredthehotelfeelingvexedandunhappy，thoughmoreinlovethanever，formyfaironehadconvincedmethatshewasnopassivemistress，butcouldexperiencepleasureaswellasgiveit。ThatbeingthecaseIresolvednottoleaveColognebeforewehaddrainedthecupofpleasuretogether，andthat，itseemedtome，couldnottakeplacetillthegeneralwasoutoftheway。
Nextday，atnoon，Iwenttothegeneral’shousetowritedownmyname，butIfoundhewasreceivingvisitorsandIwentin。Imadethegeneralanappropriatecompliment，towhichtherudeAustrianonlyrepliedbyacoldinclinationofthehead。Hewassurroundedbyagoodmanyofficers，andafterfourminutesImadeageneralbowandwentout。Theboorkepthisroomforthreedays，andasmymistressdidnotcometothetheatreIhadnotthepleasureofseeingher。
OnthelastdayofthecarnivalKettleraskedagoodmanypeopletoaballandsupper。Onmygoingtopaymycourttomymistressinherboxatthetheatre，andbeingleftforamomentalonewithher，sheaskedmeifIwereinvitedtothegeneral’ssupper。Iansweredinthenegative。
"What！"saidshe，inanimperiousandindignantvoice，"hehasnotaskedyou？Youmustgo，forallthat。"
"Considerwhatyousay，"saidI，gently，"Iwilldoanythingtopleaseyoubutthat。"
"Iknowallyoucanurge；nevertheless，youmustgo。Ishouldfeelinsultedifyouwerenotatthatsupper。Ifyoulovemeyouwillgivemethisproofofyouraffectionand（IthinkImaysay）esteem。"
"Youaskmethus？ThenIwillgo。Butareyouawarethatyouareexposingmetothedangeroflosingmylifeortakinghis？forIamnotthemantopassoveranaffront。"
"Iknowallyoucansay，"saidshe。"Ihaveyourhonouratheartasmuchasmine，orperhapsmoreso，butnothingwillhappentoyou；I
willanswerforeverything。Youmustgo，andyoumustgivemeyourpromisenow，forIamresolvedifyoudonotgo，neitherwillI，butwemustneverseeeachothermore。"
"Thenyoumayreckonuponme。"
AtthatmomentM。deCastriescamein，andIlefttheboxandwenttothepit，whereIpassedtwoanxioushoursinreflectingonthepossibleconsequencesofthestrangestepthiswomanwouldhavemetake。Nevertheless，suchwastheswayofherbeautyavermysoul，I
determinedtoabidebymypromiseandtocarrythematterthrough，andtoputmyselfinthewrongaslittleaspossible。Iwenttothegeneral’sattheendoftheplay，andonlyfoundfiveorsixpeoplethere。IwentuptoacanonesswhowasveryfondofItalianpoetry，andhadnotroubleinengagingherinaninterestingdiscussion。Inhalfanhourtheroomwasfull，mymistresscominginlastonthegeneral’sarm。Iwastakenupwiththecanonessanddidnotstir，andconsequentlyKettlerdidnotnoticeme，whiletheladyingreatdelightatseeingmelefthimnotimetoexaminehisguests，andhewassoontalkingtosomepeopleattheotherendoftheroom。Inaquarterofanhourafterwardssupperwasannounced。Thecanonessrose，tookmyarm，andweseatedourselvesattabletogether，stilltalkingaboutItalianliterature。Thencamethecatastrophe。Whenalltheplaceshadbeentakenonegentlemanwasleftstanding，therebeingnoplaceforhim。"Howcanthathavehappened？"saidthegeneral，raisinghisvoice，andwhiletheservantswerebringinganotherchairandarranginganotherplacehepassedhisguestsinreview。AllthewhileIpretendednottonoticewhatwasgoingon，butwhenhecametomehesaidloudly，"Sir，Ididnotaskyoutocome。"
"Thatisquitetrue，general，"Isaid，respectfully，"butIthought，nodoubtcorrectly，thattheomissionwasduetoforgetfulness，andI
thoughtmyselfobligedallthesametocomeandpaymycourttoyourexcellency。"
WithoutapauseIrenewedmyconversationwiththecanoness，notsomuchaslookingaround。Adreadfulsilencereignedforfourorfiveminutes，butthecanonessbegantoutterwitticismswhichItookupandcommunicatedtomyneighbours，sothatinashorttimethewholetablewasingoodspiritsexceptthegeneral，whopreservedasulkysilence。Thisdidnotmuchmattertome，butmyvanitywasconcernedinsmoothinghimdown，andIwatchedformyopportunity。
M。deCastrieswaspraisingthedauphin，andhisbrothers，theComtedeLusaceandtheDucdeCourlande，werementioned；thisledtheconversationuptoPrinceBiron，formerlyaduke，whowasinSiberia，andhispersonalqualitieswerediscussed，oneoftheguestshavingsaidthathischiefestmeritwastohavepleasedtheEmpressAnne。
Ibeggedhispardon，saying，——
"HisgreatestmeritwastohaveservedfaithfullythelastDukeKettler；whoifithadnotbeenforthecourageofhimwhoisnowsounfortunate，wouldhavelostallhisbelongingsinthewar。ItwasDukeKettlerwhosoheroicallysenthimtotheCourtofSt。
Petersburg，butBironneveraskedfortheduchy。Anearldomwouldhavesatisfiedhim，asherecognizedtherightsoftheyoungerbranchoftheKettlerfamily，whichwouldbereigningnowifitwerenotfortheempress’swhim:nothingwouldsatisfyherbuttoconferadukedomonthefavourite。"
Thegeneral，whosefacehadclearedwhileIwasspeaking，said，inthemostpolitemannerofwhichhewascapable，thatIwasapersonofremarkableinformation，addingregretfully，——
"Yes，ifitwerenotforthatwhimIshouldbereigningnow。"
AfterthismodestremarkheburstintoafitoflaughterandsentmedownabottleofthebestRhinewine，andaddressedhisconversationtometillthesupperwasover。Iquietlyenjoyedtheturnthingshadtaken，butstillmorethepleasureIsawexpressedinthebeautifuleyesofmymistress。
Dancingwentonallnight，andIdidnotleavemycanoness，whowasadelightfulwomananddancedadmirably。WithmyladyIonlydancedoneminuet。Towardstheendoftheballthegeneral，tofinishupwithapieceofawkwardness，askedmeifIwasgoingsoon。IrepliedthatIdidnotthinkofleavingColognetillafterthegrandreview。
Iwenttobedfullofjoyathavinggiventheburgomaster’swifesuchasignalproofofmylove，andfullofgratitudetofortunewhohadhelpedmesoindealingwithmydoltishgeneral，forGodknowswhatI
shouldhavedoneifhehadforgottenhimselfsofarastotellmetoleavethetable！ThenexttimeIsawthefairshetoldmeshehadfeltamortalpangoffearshootthroughherwhenthegeneralsaidhehadnotaskedme。
"Iamquitesure，"saidshe，"thathewouldhavegonefurther，ifyourgrandanswerhadnotstoppedhismouth；butifhehadsaidanotherword，mymindwasmadeup。"
"Todowhat？"
"Ishouldhaverisenfromthetableandtakenyourarm，andweshouldhavegoneouttogether。M。deCastrieshastoldmethathewouldhavedonethesame，andIbelievealltheladieswhomyouaskedtobreakfastwouldhavefollowedourexample。"
"Buttheaffairwouldnothavestoppedthen，forIshouldcertainlyhavedemandedimmediatesatisfaction，andifhehadrefuseditI
shouldhavestruckhimwiththeflatofmysword。"
"Iknowthat，butprayforgetthatitwasIwhoexposedyoutothisdanger。Formypart，IshallneverforgetwhatIowetoyou，andI
willtrytoconvinceyouofmygratitude。"
Twodayslater，onhearingthatshewasindisposed，Iwenttocallonherateleveno’clock，atwhichtimeIwassurethegeneralwouldnotbethere。Shereceivedmeinherhusband’sroom，andhe，inthefriendliestmannerpossible，askedmeifIhadcometodinewiththem。Ihastenedtothankhimforhisinvitation，whichIacceptedwithpleasure，andIenjoyedthisdinnerbetterthanKettler’ssupper。Theburgomasterwasafine—lookingman，pleasant—manneredandintelligent，andaloverofpeaceandquietness。Hiswife，whomheadored，oughttohavelovedhim，sincehewasbynomeansoneofthosehusbandswhosemottois，"Displeasewhomyoulike，solongasyoupleaseme。"
Onherhusband’sgoingoutforashorttime，sheshewedmeoverthehouse。
"Hereisourbedroom，"saidshe；"andthisistheclosetinwhichI
sleepforfiveorsixnightsineverymonth。Hereisachurchwhichwemaylookuponasourprivatechapel，aswehearmassfromthosetwogratedwindows。OnSundayswegodownthisstairandenterthechurchbyadoor，thekeytowhichisalwaysinmykeeping。"
ItwasthesecondSaturdayinLent；wehadanexcellentfastingdinner，butIdidnotforoncepaymuchattentiontoeating。Toseethisyoungandbeautifulwomansurroundedbyherchildren，adoredbyherfamily，seemedtomeabeautifulsight。IleftthematanearlyhourtowritetoEsther，whomIdidnotneglect，alloccupiedasI
waswiththisnewflame。
NextdayIwenttohearmassatthelittlechurchnexttotheburgomaster’shouse。Iwaswellcloakedsoasnottoattractattention。Isawmyfaironegoingoutwearingacapuchin，andfollowedbyherfamily。Inotedthelittledoorwhichwassorecessedinthewallthatitwouldhaveescapedthenoticeofanyonewhowasunawareofitsexistence；itopened，Isaw，towardsthestaircase。
Thedevil，who，aseverybodyknows，hasmorepowerinachurchthananywhereelse，putintomyheadtheideaofenjoyingmymistressbymeansofthedoorandstair。Itoldhermyplanthenextdayatthetheatre。
"Ihavethoughtofitaswellasyou，"saidshe，laughing，"andI
willgiveyouthenecessaryinstructionsinwriting；youwillfindtheminthefirstgazetteIsendyou。"
Wecouldnotcontinuethispleasantinterview，asmymistresshadwithheraladyfromAix—la—Chapelle，whowasstayingwithherforafewdays。Andindeedtheboxwasfullofcompany。
Ihadnotlongtowait，fornextdayshegavemebackthegazetteopenly，tellingmethatshehadnotfoundanythingtointerestherinit。Iknewthatitwouldbeexceedinglyinterestingtome。Hernotewasasfollows:
"Thedesignwhichloveinspiredissubjectnottodifficultybutuncertainty。Thewifeonlysleepsintheclosetwhenherhusbandasksher——aneventwhichonlyoccursatcertainperiods，andtheseparationdoesnotlastformorethanafewdays。Thisperiodisnotfaroff，butlongcustomhasmadeitimpossibleforthewifetoimposeonherhusband。Itwill，therefore，benecessarytowait。
Lovewillwarnyouwhenthehourofblisshascome。Theplanwillbetohideinthechurch；andtheremustbenothoughtofseducingthedoor—keeper，forthoughpoorheistoostupidtobebribed，andwouldbetraythesecret。Theonlywaywillbetohidesoastoeludehiswatchfulness。Heshutsthechurchatnoononworkingdays；onfeastdaysheshutsitatevening，andhealwaysopensitagainatdawn。
Whenthetimecomes，allthatneedbedoneistogivethedooragentlepush—itwillnotbelocked。Astheclosetwhichistobethesceneoftheblissfulcombatisonlyseparatedfromtheroombyapartition，theremustbenospitting，coughing，nornose—blowing:itwouldbefatal。Theescapewillbeamatterofnodifficulty；onecangodowntothechurch，andgooutassoonasitisopened。Sincethebeadlehasseennobodyintheevening，itisnotlikelythathewillseemoreinthemorning。"
Ikissedagainandagainthischarmingletter，whichIthoughtshewedgreatpowerofmentalcombination，andIwentnextdaytoseehowthecoastlay:thiswasthefirstthingtobedone。TherewasachairinthechurchinwhichIshouldneverhavebeenseen，butthestairwasonthesacristyside，andthatwasalwayslockedup。Idecidedonoccupyingtheconfessional，whichwasclosetothedoor。Icouldcreepintothespacebeneaththeconfessor’sseat，butitwassosmallthatIdoubtedmyabilitytostaythereafterthedoorwasshut。Iwaitedtillnoontomaketheattempt，andassoonasthechurchwasemptyItookupmyposition。Ihadtorollmyselfupintoaball，andeventhenIwassobadlyconcealedbythefoldingdoorthatanyonehappeningtopassbyattwopacesdistancemighteasilyhaveseenme。HoweverIdidnotcareforthat，forinadventuresofthatnatureonemustleaveagreatdealtofortune。DeterminedtorunallrisksIwenthomehighlypleasedwithmyobservations。IputeverythingIhaddetermineddowninwriting，andsentittoherboxatthetheatre，enclosedinanoldgazette。
AweekaftersheaskedthegeneralinmypresenceifherhusbandcoulddoanythingforhimatAix—la—Chapelle，wherehewasgoingonthemorrow，withtheintentionofreturninginthreedays。Thatwasenoughforme，butaglancefromheraddedmeaningtoherwords。I
wasallthemoregladasIhadaslightcold，andthenextdaybeingafeastdayIcouldtakeupmypositionatnightfall，andthusavoidapainfulvigilofseveralhours’duration。
Icurledmyselfupintheconfessionalatfouro’clock，hidingmyselfasbestIcould，andcommendingmyselftothecareofallthesaints。
Atfiveo’clockthebeadlemadehisusualtourofinspection，wentoutandlockedthedoor。AssoonasIheardthenoiseofthekeyI
cameoutofmynarrowcellandsatdownonabenchfacingthewindows。Soonaftermymistress’sshadowappearedonthegratedpanes，andIknewshehadseenme。
Isatonthebenchforaquarterofanhourandthenpushedopenthelittledoorandentered。Ishutitandsatdownontheloweststepofthestair，andspenttherefivehourswhichwouldprobablyhavenotbeenunpleasantonesifIhadnotbeendreadfullytormentedbytheratsrunningtoandfroclosetome。Naturehasgivenmeagreatdisliketothisanimal，whichiscomparativelyharmless；butthesmellofratsalwayssickensme。
AtlastIheardtheclockstriketen，thehourofbliss，andIsawtheformofmybelovedholdingacandle，andIwasthenfreedfrommypainfulposition。Ifmyreadershavebeeninsuchasituationtheycanimaginethepleasuresofthathappynight，buttheycannotdivinetheminutecircumstances；forifIwasanexpertmypartnerhadaninexhaustiblestoreofcontrivancesforaugmentingtheblissofthatsweetemployment。Shehadtakencaretogetmealittlecollation，whichlookeddelicious，butwhichIcouldnottouch，myappetitelyinginanotherquarter。
Forsevenhours，whichIthoughtalltooshort，weenjoyedoneanother，notresting，exceptfortalk，whichservedtoheightenourpleasure。
Theburgomasterwasnotthemanforanardentpassion，buthisstrengthofconstitutionenabledhimtodohisdutytohiswifeeverynightwithoutfailing，but，whetherfromregardtohishealthorfromareligiousscruple，hesuspendedhisrightseverymonthwhilethemoonexercisedhers，andtoputhimselfoutoftemptationhemadehiswifesleepapart。Butforonceinaway，theladywasnotinthepositionofadivorcee。
Exhausted，butnotsatiatedwithpleasure，Ileftheratday—break，assuringherthatwhenwemetagainshewouldfindmethesame；andwiththatIwenttohideintheconfessional，fearinglestthegrowinglightmightbetraymetothebeadle。However，Igotawaywithoutanydifficulty，andpassednearlythewholedayinbed，havingmydinnerservedtomeinmyroom。IntheeveningIwenttothetheatre，tohavethepleasureofseeingthebelovedobjectofwhommyloveandconstancyhadmademethepossessor。
Attheendofafortnightshesentmeanoteinwhichshetoldmethatshewouldsleepbyherselfonthenightfollowing。Itwasaferialday，andIthereforewenttothechurchateleveninthemorningaftermakinganenormousbreakfast。Ihidmyselfasbefore，andthebeadlelockedmeinwithoutmakinganydiscovery。
Ihadawaitoftenhours，andthereflectionthatIshouldhavetospendthetimepartlyinthechurchandpartlyonthedarkandrat—
hauntedstaircase，withoutbeingabletotakeapinchofsnuffforfearofbeingobligedtoblowmynose，didnottendtoenliventheprospect；however，thehopeofthegreatrewardmadeiteasytobeborne。Butatoneo’clockIheardaslightnoise，andlookingupsawahandappearthroughthegratedwindow，andapaperdroponthefloorofthechurch。Irantopickitup，whilemyheartbeatfast，formyfirstideawasthatsomeobstaclehadoccurredwhichwouldcompelmetopassthenightonabenchinthechurch。Iopenedit，andwhatwasmyjoytoreadasfollows:
"Thedoorisopen，andyouwillbemorecomfortableonthestaircase，whereyouwillfindalight，alittledinner，andsomebooks，thaninthechurch。Theseatisnotveryeasy，butIhavedonemybesttoremedythediscomfortwitha，cushion。Trustme，thetimewillseemaslongtomeastoyou，butbepatient。IhavetoldthegeneralthatIdonotfeelverywell，andshallnotgooutto—day。MayGodkeepyoufromcoughing，especiallyduringthenight，forontheleastnoiseweshouldbeundone。"
Whatstratagemsareinspiredbylove！Iopenedthedoordirectly，andfoundanicely—laidmeal，daintyviands，deliciouswine，coffee，achafingdish，lemons，spiritsofwine，sugar，andrumtomakesomepunchifIliked。Withthesecomfortsandsomebooks，Icouldwaitwellenough；butIwasastonishedatthedexterityofmycharmingmistressindoingallthiswithouttheknowledgeofanybodyinthehouse。
Ispentthreehoursinreading，andthreemoreineating，andmakingcoffeeandpunch，andthenIwenttosleep。Atteno’clockmydarlingcameandawokeme。Thissecondnightwasdelicious，butnotsomuchsoastheformer，aswecouldnotseeeachother，andtheviolenceofourecstaticcombatswasrestrainedbythevicinityofthegoodhusband。Wesleptpartofthetime，andearlyinthemorningIhadtomakegoodmyretreat。Thusendedmyamourwiththislady。ThegeneralwenttoWestphalia，andshewassoontogointothecountry。IthusmademypreparationsforleavingCologne，promisingtocomeandseehertheyearfollowing，whichpromisehoweverIwasprecluded，asthereaderwillsee，fromkeeping。I
tookleaveofmyacquaintanceandsetout，regrettedbyall。
ThestayoftwomonthsandahalfwhichImadeinColognedidnotdiminishmymonetaryresources，althoughIlostwheneverIwaspersuadedtoplay。However，mywinningsatBonnmadeupalldeficiencies，andmybanker，M。Franck，complainedthatIhadnotmadeanyuseofhim。However，Iwasobligedtobeprudentsothatthosepersonswhospiedintomyactionsmightfindnothingreprehensible。
IleftCologneaboutthemiddleofMarch，andIstoppedatBonn，topresentmyrespectstotheElector，buthewasaway。IdinedwithCountVeritaandtheAbbeScampar，afavouriteoftheElector’s。
AfterdinnerthecountgavemealetterofintroductiontoacanonessatCoblentz，ofwhomhespokeinveryhighterms。ThatobligedmetostopatCoblentz；butwhenIgotdownattheinn，IfoundthatthecanonesswasatManheim，whileinhersteadIencounteredanactressnamedToscani，whowasgoingtoStuttgartwithheryoungandprettydaughter。ShewasonherwayfromParis，whereherdaughterhadbeenlearningcharacter—dancingwiththefamousVestris。IhadknownheratParis，buthadnotseenmuchofher，thoughIhadgivenheralittlespanieldog，whichwasthejoyofherdaughter。Thisdaughterwasaperfectjewel，whohadverylittledifficultyinpersuadingmetocomewiththemtoStuttgart，whereIexpected，forotherreasons，tohaveaverypleasantstay。Themotherwasimpatienttoknowwhatthedukewouldthinkofherdaughter，forshehaddestinedherfromherchildhoodtoservethepleasuresofthisvoluptuousprince，who，thoughhehadatitularmistress，wasfondofexperimentingwithalltheballet—girlswhotookhisfancy。
Wemadeupalittlesupper—party，anditmaybeguessedthattwoofusbelongingtotheboardstheconversationwasnotexactlyacourseinmoraltheology。TheToscanitoldmethatherdaughterwasaneophyte，andthatshehadmadeuphermindnottolettheduketouchhertillhehaddismissedhisreigningmistress，whoseplaceshewasdesignedtotake。ThemistressinquestionwasadancernamedGardella，daughterofaVenetianboatman，whosenamehasbeenmentionedinmyfirstvolume——infine，shewasthewifeofMicheld’Agata，whomIfoundatMunichfleeingfromtheterribleLeads，whereImyselflanguishedforsolong。
AsIseemedtodoubtthemother’sassertion，andthrewoutsomeratherbroadhintstotheeffectthatIbelievedthatthefirstbloomhadbeenpluckedatParis，andthattheDukeofWurtemburgwouldonlyhavethesecond，theirvanitywastouched；andonmyproposingtoverifythematterwithmyowneyesitwassolemnlyagreedthatthisceremonyshouldtakeplacethenextday。Theykepttheirpromise，andIwaspleasantlyengagedfortwohoursthenextmorning，andwasatlastobligedtoextinguishinthemothertheflamesherdaughterhadkindledinmybreast。
AlthoughtheToscaniwasyoungenough，shewouldhavefoundmeiceifherdaughterhadbeenabletosatisfymydesires，butshedidnottrustmewellenoughtoleaveusalonetogether。Asitwasshewaswellsatisfied。
Iresolved，then，ongoingtoStuttgartincompanywiththetwonymphs，andIexpectedtoseetheretheBinetti，whowasalwaysanenthusiasticadmirerofmine。ThisactresswasthedaughterofaRomanboatman。IhadhelpedhertogetontheboardsthesameyearthatMadamedeValmaranahadmarriedhertoaFrenchdancernamedBinet，whosenameshehadItalianizedbytheadditionofonesyllable，likethosewhoennoblethemselvesbyaddinganothersyllabletotheirnames。IalsoexpectedtoseetheGardella，youngBaletti，ofwhomIwasveryfond，hisyoungwifetheVulcani，andseveralotherofmyoldfriends，whoIthoughtwouldcombinetomakemystayatStuttgartaverypleasantone。Butitwillbeseenthatitisariskythingtoreckonwithoutone’shost。AtthelastpostingstationIbidadieutomytwofriends，andwenttothe"Bear。"
CHAPTERXII
GardellaPortraitofTheDukeofWurtemburg——MyDinnerwithGardella，AnditsConsequences——UnfortunateMeetingIPlayandLoseFourThousandLouis——Lawsuit——LuckyFlight——MyArrivalatZurich——ChurchConsecratedByJesusChristHimselfAtthatperiodtheCourtoftheDukeofWurtemburgwasthemostbrilliantinEurope。TheheavysubsidiespaidbyFranceforquarteringtenthousandmenuponhimfurnishedhimwiththemeansforindulginginluxuryanddebauchery。Thearmyinquestionwasafinebodyofmen，butduringthewaritwasdistinguishedonlybyitsblunders。
Thedukewassumptuousinhistastes，whichwereforsplendidpalaces，huntingestablishmentsonalargescale，enormousstables——
inshort，everywhimimaginable；buthischiefexpensewasthelargesalarieshepaidhistheatre，and，aboveall，hismistresses。HehadaFrenchplay，anItalianopera，grandandcomic，andtwentyItaliandancers，allofwhomhadbeenprincipaldancersinItaliantheatres。
HisdirectorofballetswasNovers，andsometimesfivehundreddancersappearedatonce。Aclevermachinistandthebestscenepaintersdidtheirbesttomaketheaudiencebelieveinmagic。Alltheballet—girlswerepretty，andallofthemboastedofhavingbeenenjoyedatleastoncebymylord。ThechiefofthemwasaVenetian，daughterofagondoliernamedGardella。ShewasbroughtupbythesenatorMalipiero，whommyreadersknowforhisgoodofficestowardsmyself，whohadhertaughtforthetheatre，andgaveheradancing—
master。IfoundheratMunich，aftermyflightfromTheLeads，marriedtoMichelAgata。Theduketookafancytoher，andaskedherhusband，whowasonlytoohappytoagree，toyieldher；buthewassatisfiedwithhercharmsinayear，andputherontheretiredlistwiththetitleofmadame。
Thishonourhadmadealltheotherballet—girlsjealous，andtheyallthoughtthemselvesasfitasshetobetakentotheduke’stitularmistress，especiallyassheonlyenjoyedthehonourwithoutthepleasure。Theyallintriguedtoprocureherdismissal，buttheVenetianladysucceededinholdinghergroundagainstallcabals。
Farfromreproachingthedukeforthisincorrigibleinfidelity，sheencouragedhiminit，andwasverygladtobelefttoherself，asshecarednothingforhim。Herchiefpleasurewastohavetheballet—
girlswhoaspiredtothehonoursofthehandkerchiefcometohertosolicithergoodoffices。Shealwaysreceivedthempolitely，gavethemheradvice，andbadethemdotheirbesttopleasetheprince。
Inhisturnthedukethoughthimselfboundtoshewhisgratitudeforhergoodnature，andgaveherinpublicallthehonourswhichcouldbegiventoaprincess。
Iwasnotlonginfindingoutthattheduke’schiefdesirewastobetalkedabout。HewouldhavelikedpeopletosaythattherewasnotaprinceinEuropetocomparewithhimforwit，taste，genius，intheinventionofpleasures，andstatesman—likecapacities；hewouldfainberegardedasaHerculesinthepleasuresofBacchusandVenus，andnonethelessanAristidesingoverninghispeople。Hedismissedwithoutpityanattendantwhofailedtowakehimafterhehadbeenforcedtoyieldtosleepforthreeorfourhours，buthedidnotcarehowroughlyhewasawakened。
Ithashappenedthatafterhavinggivenhishighnessalargecupofcoffee，theservanthasbeenobligedtothrowhimintoabathofcoldwater，wherethedukehadtochoosebetweenawakingordrowning。
Assoonashewasdressedthedukewouldassemblehiscouncilanddispatchwhateverbusinesswasonhand，andthenhewouldgiveaudiencetowhoevercaredtocomeintohispresence。Nothingcouldbemorecomicthantheaudienceshegavetohispoorersubjects。
Oftentherecametohimdullpeasantsandworkmenofthelowestclass；thepoordukewouldsweatandragetomakethemhearreason，inwhichhewassometimesunsuccessful，andhispetitionerswouldgoawayterrified，desperate，andfurious。Astotheprettycountrymaidens，heexaminedintotheircomplaintsinprivate，andthoughheseldomdidanythingforthemtheywentawayconsoled。
ThesubsidieswhichtheFrenchCrownwasfoolishenoughtopayhimforaperfectlyuselessservicedidnotsufficeforhisextravagantexpenses。Heloadedhissubjectswithtaxestillthepatientpeoplecouldbearitnolonger，andsomeyearsafterhadrecoursetotheDietofWetzlar，whichobligedhimtochangehissystem。HewasfoolishenoughtowishtoimitatetheKingofPrussia，whilethatmonarchmadefunoftheduke，andcalledhimhisape。HiswifewasthedaughteroftheMargraveofBayreuth，theprettiestandmostaccomplishedprincessinallGermany。WhenIhadcometoStuttgartshewasnolongerthere；shehadtakenrefugewithherfather，onaccountofadisgracefulaffrontwhichhadbeenofferedherbyherunworthyhusband。Itisincorrecttosaythatthisprincessfledfromherhusbandbecauseofhisinfidelities。
AfterIhaddinedbymyself，Idressedandwenttotheoperaprovidedgratisbythedukeinthefinetheatrehehadbuilt。Theprincewasinthefrontoftheorchestra，surroundedbyhisbrilliantCourt。I
satinaboxonthefirsttier，delightedtobeabletohearsowellthemusicofthefamousJumella，whowasintheduke’sservice。InmyignoranceoftheetiquetteofsmallGermanCourtsIhappenedtoapplaudasolo，whichhadbeenexquisitelysungbyacastratowhosenameIhaveforgotten，anddirectlyafterwardsanindividualcameintomyboxandaddressedmeinarudemanner。However，IknewnoGerman，andcouldonlyanswerby’nichverstand’——"Idon’tunderstand。"
Hewentout，andsoonafteranofficialcamein，whotoldme，ingoodFrench，thatwhenthesovereignwaspresentallapplausewasforbidden。
"Verygood，sir。ThenIwillgoawayandcomeagainwhenthesovereignisnothere，aswhenanairpleasesmeIalwaysapplaud。"
AfterthisreplyIcalledformycarriage，butjustasIwasgettingintoitthesameofficialcameandtoldmethatthedukewantedtospeaktome。Iaccordinglyfollowedhimtothepresence。
"YouareM。Casanova，areyou？"saidtheduke。
"Yes，mylord。"
"Wheredoyoucomefrom？"
"FromCologne。"
"IsthisthefirsttimeyouhavebeentoStuttgart？"
"Yes，mylord。"
"Doyouthinkofstayinglong？"
"Forfiveorsixdays，ifyourhighnesswillallowme。"
"Certainly，youmaystayaslongasyoulike，andyoumayclapwhenyouplease。"
"Ishallprofitbyyourpermission，mylord。"
"Good。"
Isatdownagain，andthewholeaudiencesettleddowntotheplay。
Soonafter，anactorsunganairwhichthedukeapplauded，andofcourseallthecourtiers，butnotcaringmuchforthesongIsatstill——everyonetohistaste。Aftertheballetthedukewenttothefavourite’sbox，kissedherhand，andleftthetheatre。Anofficial，whowassittingbymeanddidnotknowthatIwasacquaintedwiththeGardella，toldmethatasIhadhadthehonourofspeakingtotheprinceImightobtainthehonourofkissinghisfavourite’shand。
Ifeltastronginclinationtolaugh，butIrestrainedmyself；andasuddenandveryirrationalimpulsemademesaythatshewasarelationofmine。ThewordshadnosoonerescapedmethanIbitmylip，forthisstupidliecouldonlydomeharm，butitwasdecreedthatIshoulddonothingatStuttgartbutcommitblunders。Theofficer，whoseemedastonishedatmyreply，bowedandwenttothefavourite’sboxtoinformherofmypresence。TheGardelialookedinmydirectionandbeckonedtomewithherfan，andIhastenedtocomplywiththeinvitation，laughinginwardlyatthepartIwasgoingtoplay。AssoonasIcameinshegraciouslygavemeherhand，whichIkissed，callinghermycousin。
"Didyoutellthedukeyouweremycousin？"saidshe。
"No，"Ireplied。
"Verygood，thenIwilldosomyself；comeanddinewithmeto—morrow。"
Shethenleftthehouse，andIwenttovisittheballet—girls，whowereundressing:TheBinetti，whowasoneoftheoldestofmyacquaintances，wasinanecstasyofjoyatseeingme，andaskedmetodinewithhereveryday。Cartz，theviolin，whohadbeenwithmeintheorchestraatSt。Samuel’s，introducedmetohisprettydaughter，saying，"Sheisnotmadefortheduke’seyestogazeon，andheshallneverhaveher。"
Thegoodmanwasnoprophet，asthedukegotpossessionofherashorttimeafter。Shepresentedhimwithtwobabies，butthesepledgesofaffectioncouldnotfixtheinconstantprince。
Nevertheless，shewasagirlofthemostcaptivatingkind，fortothemostperfectbeautysheaddedgrace，wit，goodness，andkindness，whichwoneveryone’sheart。Butthedukewassatiated，andhisonlypleasurelayinnovelty。
AfterherIsawtheVulcani，whomIhadknownatDresden，andwhosuddenlypresentedherhusbandtome。Hethrewhisarmsroundmyneck。HewasBaletti，brotherofmyfaithlessone，ayoungmanofgreattalentofwhomIwasveryfond。
Iwassurroundedbyallthesefriends，whentheofficerwhomIhadsofoolishlytoldthatIwasrelatedtotheGardellacameinandbegantotellthestory。TheBinetti，afterhearingit，saidtohim，"It’salie。"
"Butmydear，"saidItoher，"youcan’tbebetterinformedonthesubjectthanIam。"Sherepliedbylaughing，butCartzsaid，verywittily，"AsGardellaisonlyaboatman’sdaughter，likeBinetti，thelatterthinks，andveryrightly，thatyououghttohavegivenhertherefusalofyourcousinship。"
NextdayIhadapleasantdinnerwiththefavourite，thoughshetoldmethat，nothavingseentheduke，shecouldnottellmehowhewouldtakemypleasantry，whichhermotherresentedverymuch。Thismotherofhers，awomanofthelowestbirth，hadbecomeveryproudsinceherdaughterwasaprince’smistress，andthoughtmyrelationshipablotontheirescutcheon。Shehadtheimpudencetotellmethatherrelationshadneverbeenplayers，withoutreflectingthatitmustbeworsetodescendtothisestatethantorisefromit，ifitweredishonourable。Ioughttohavepitiedher，butnotbeingofaforbearingnatureIretortedbyaskingifhersisterwasstillalive，aquestionwhichmadeherfrownandtowhichshegavenoanswer。ThesisterIspokeofwasafatblindwoman，whobeggedonabridgeinVenice。
Afterhavingspentapleasantdaywiththefavourite，whowastheoldestofmytheatricalfriends，Ilefther，promisingtocometobreakfastthenextday；butasIwasgoingouttheporterbademenottoputmyfeetthereagain，butwouldnotsayonwhoseauthorityhegavemethispoliteorder。Itwouldhavebeenwisertoholdmytongue，asthisstrokemusthavecomefromthemother；or，perhaps，fromthedaughter，whosevanityIhadwounded:shewasagood—enoughactresstoconcealheranger。
Iwasangrywithmyself，andwentawayinanillhumour；Iwashumiliatedtoseemyselftreatedinsuchamannerbyawretchedwantonofanactress；thoughifIhadbeenmorediscreetIcouldhavegotawelcomeinthebestsociety。IfIhadnotpromisedtodinewithBinettithenextdayIshouldhavepostedoffforthwith，andI
shouldthushaveescapedallthemisadventureswhichbefellmeinthatwretchedtown。
TheBinettilivedinthehouseofherlover，theAustrianambassador，andthepartofthehousesheoccupiedadjoinedthetownwall。Aswillbeseen；thisdetailisanimportantone。Idinedalonewithmygoodfellow—countrywoman，andifIhadfeltmyselfcapableofloveatthatperiodallmyoldaffectionwouldhaveresumeditsswayoverme，asherbeautywasundiminished，andshehadmoretactandknowledgeoftheworldthanwhenIknewherformerly。
TheAustrianambassadorwasagood—natured，easygoing，andgenerousman；asforherhusbandhewasnotworthyofher，andsheneversawhim。Ispentapleasantdaywithher，talkingofouroldfriends，andasIhadnothingtokeepmeinWurtemburgIdecidedtoleaveintwodays，asIhadpromisedtheToscaniandherdaughtertogowiththemonthenextdaytoLouisbourg。Weweretostartatfiveinthemorning，butthefollowingadventurebefellme:——
AsIwasleavingBinetti’shouseIwasgreetedverycourteouslybythreeofficerswhomIhadbecomeacquaintedwithatthecoffeehouse，andIwalkedalongthepromenadewiththem。
"Wearegoing，"saidoneofthem，"tovisitcertainladiesofeasyvirtue；weshallbegladtohaveyouofourcompany。"
"IonlyspeakafewwordsofGerman，"Ianswered，"andifIjoinyouIshallbebored。"
"Ah！buttheladiesareItalians，"theyexclaimed，"nothingcouldsuityoubetter。"
Ididnotatalllikefollowingthem，butmyevilgeniusledmeinthatwretchedtownfromoneblundertoanother，andsoIwentinspiteofmyself。
Weturnedbackintothetown，andIletmyselfbeleduptothethirdfloorofanill—lookinghouse，andinthemeanestofroomsIsawthepretendedniecesofPeccini。AmomentafterPecciniappeared，andhadtheimpudencetothrowhisarmsaroundmyneck，callingmehisbestfriend。Hisniecesoverwhelmedmewithcaresses，andseemedtoconfirmtheideathatwewereoldfriends。Ididnothingandheldmytongue。
Theofficerspreparedforadebauch；Ididnotimitatetheirexample，butthismadenodifferencetothem。IsawintowhatanevilplaceI
hadbeendecoyed，butafalseshamepreventedmefromleavingthehousewithoutceremony。Iwaswrong，butIdeterminedtobemoreprudentforthefuture。
Beforelongapot—housesupperwasserved，ofwhichIdidnotpartake；butnotwishingtoseembadcompanyIdranktwoorthreesmallglassesofHungarianwine。Aftersupper，whichdidnotlastverylong，cardswereproduced，andoneoftheofficersheldabankatfaro。IpuntedandlostthefiftyorsixtyLouisIhadaboutme。
IfeltthatIwasdrunk，myheadwasreeling，andIwouldhavegladlygivenoverplayingandgoneaway，butIhaveneverbeensopossessedasonthatday，eitherfromfalseshameorfromtheeffectsofthedruggedwinetheygaveme。MynobleofficersseemedvexedthatIhadlost，andwouldgivememyrevenge。TheymademeholdabankofahundredLouisinfish，whichtheycountedouttome。Ididso，andlost。Imadeabankagain，andagainIlost。Myinflamedunderstanding，myincreasingdrunkenness，andmyanger，deprivedmeofallsense，andIkeptincreasingmybank，losingallthetime，tillatmidnightmygoodrascalsdeclaredtheywouldplaynomore。
Theymadeacalculation，anddeclaredthatIhadlostnearlyahundredthousandfrancs。Sogreatwasmyintoxication，althoughI
hadhadnomorewine，thattheywereobligedtosendforasedanchairtotakemetomyinn。WhilemyservantwasundressingmehediscoveredthatIhadneithermywatchesnormygoldsnuff—boy。
"Don’tforgettowakemeatfourinthemorning，"saidI。TherewithIwenttobedandenjoyedacalmandrefreshingsleep。
WhileIwasdressingnextmorningIfoundahundredLouisinmypocket，atwhichIwasmuchastonished，formydizzinessofbrainbeingovernow，IrememberedthatIhadnotthismoneyaboutmetheeveningbefore；butmymindwastakenupwiththepleasureparty，andIputoffthinkingofthisincidentandofmyenormouslossestillafterwards。IwenttotheToscaniandwesetoutforLouisbourg，wherewehadacapitaldinner，andmyspiritsransohighthatmycompanionscouldneverhaveguessedthemisfortunethathadjustbefallenme。WewentbacktoStuttgartintheevening。
WhenIgothomemySpaniardtoldmethattheyknewnothingaboutmywatchesandsnuff—boxatthehousewhereIhadbeentheeveningbefore，andthatthethreeofficershadcometocallonme，butnotfindingmeathometheyhadtoldhimtowarnmethattheywouldbreakfastwithmeonthefollowingmorning。Theykepttheappointment。
"Gentlemen，"saidI，assoonastheycamein，"IhavelostasumwhichIcannotpay，andwhichIcertainlyshouldnothavelostwithoutthedruggedwineyougaveme。Youhavetakenmetoadenofinfamy，whereIwasshamefullyrobbedofjewellerytothevalueofmorethanthreehundredLouis。Icomplainofnoone，sinceIhaveonlymyownfollytocomplainof。IfIhadbeenwiserallthiswouldnothavehappenedtome。"
Theyexclaimedloudlyatthisspeech，andtriedtoplaythepartofmenofhonour。Theyspokeinvain，asIhadmadeupmymindtopaynothing。
Whilstwewereinthethickofthefight，andwerebeginningtogetangryoverit，Baletti，Toscani，andBinetticamein，andheardthediscussion。Ithenhadbreakfastbroughtin，andafterwehadfinishedmyfriendsleftme。
Whenwewereoncemorealone，oneoftherascalsaddressedmeasfollows:
"Wearetoohonest，sir，totakeadvantageofyourposition。Youhavebeenunfortunate，butallmenaresometimesunfortunate，andweasknothingbetterthanamutualaccommodation。Wewilltakeoverallyourproperties；jewels，diamonds，arms，andcarriage，andhavethemvalued；andifthesumrealizeddoesnotcoveryourdebtwewilltakeyouracceptance，payableatdate，andremaingoodfriends。"
"Sir，Idonotwishforthefriendshipofrobbers，andIwillnotplayasinglefarthing。"
Atthistheytriedthreats，butIkeptcoolandsaid，——
"Gentlemen，yourmenaceswillnotintimidateme，and，asfarasIcansee，youhaveonlytwowaysofgettingpaid；eitherbywayofthelaw，inwhichcaseIdonotthinkIshallfinditdifficulttogetabarristertotakeupmycase，or，secondly，youcanpayyourselvesonmybody，honourably，withswordinhand。"
AsIhadexpected，theyrepliedthatifIwishedtheywoulddomethehonourofkillingmeafterIhadpaidthem。Theywentoffcursing，tellingmethatIwouldbesorryforwhatIhadsaid。
SoonafterIwentoutandspentthedaywiththeToscaniingaietywhich，situatedasIwas，wasnotfaroffmadness。AtthetimeI
placedittothedaughter’scharms，andtotheneedmyspiritswereinofrecoveringtheirelasticity。
However，themotherhavingwitnessedtherageofthethreerobberswasthefirsttourgemetofortifymyselfagainsttheirvillainybyanappealtothelaw。
"Ifyougivethemthestart，"saidshe，"theymaypossiblygainagreatadvantageoveryouinspiteoftherightbeingonyourside。"
AndwhilstItoyedwithhercharmingdaughter，shesentforabarrister。Afterhearingmycasethecounseltoldmethatmybestwaywouldbetotellthewholestorytothesovereignassoonaspossible。
"Theytookyoutothehouseofill—fame；theypouredoutthedruggedwinewhichdeprivedyouofyourreason；theymadeyouplayinspiteoftheirprince’sprohibition（forgamingisstrictlyforbidden）；inthiscompanyyouwererobbedofyourjewelsaftertheyhadmadeyouloseanenormoussum。It’sahangingmatter，andtheduke’sinterestwillbetodoyoujustice，foranactofscoundrelismlikethiscommittedbyhisofficerswoulddishonourhimalloverEurope。"
Ifeltsomerepugnancetothiscourse，forthoughthedukewasashamelesslibertineIdidnotliketellinghimsuchadisgracefulstory。However，thecasewasaseriousone，andaftergivingitduereflectionIdeterminedtowaitonthedikeonthefollowingmorning。
"Asthedukegivesaudiencetothefirstcomer，"Isaidtomyself，"whyshouldInothaveasgoodareceptionasalabouringman？"InthiswayIconcludedthatitwouldbenousetowritetohim，andI
wasonmywaytotheCourt，when，atabouttwentypacesfromthegateofthecastle，ImetmythreegentlemenwhoaccostedmerudelyandsaidIhadbettermakeupmymindtopay，orelsetheywouldplaythedevilwithme。
Iwasgoingonwithoutpayinganyattentiontothem，whenIfeltmyselfrudelyseizedbytherightarm。Anaturalimpulseofself—
defencemademeputmyhandtomysword，andIdrewitinamannerthatshewedIwasinearnest。Theofficeroftheguardcamerunningup，andIcomplainedthatthethreewereassaultingmeandendeavouringtohindermyapproachtotheprince。Onenquirybeingmade，thesentryandthenumerouspersonswhowerepresentdeclaredthatIhadonlydrawninself—defence，sotheofficerdecidedthatI
hadperfectlibertytoenterthecastle。
Iwasallowedtopenetratetothelastantechamberwithoutanyobstaclebeingraised。HereIaddressedmyselftothechamberlain，demandinganaudiencewiththesovereign，andheassuredmethatI
shouldbeintroducedintothepresence。ButdirectlyafterwardstheimpudentscoundrelwhohadtakenholdofmyarmcameupandbegantospeaktothechamberlaininGerman。Hesaidhissaywithoutmybeingabletocontradicthim，andhisrepresentationsweredoubtlessnotinmyfavour。Verypossibly，too，thechamberlainwasoneofthegang，andIwentfromHerodtoPilate。Anhourwentbywithoutmybeingabletoseetheprince，andthenthechamberlain，whohadassuredmethatIshouldhaveanaudience，cameandtoldmethatImightgohome，asthedukehadheardallthecircumstancesofthecase，andwouldnodoubtseethatjusticewasdoneme。
IsawatoncethatIshouldgetnojusticeatall，andasIwaswalkingawayIthoughthowbestIcouldgetoutofthedifficulty。
OnmywayImetBinetti，whoknewhowIwasplaced，andheaskedmetocomeanddinewithhim，assuringmethattheAustrianambassadorwouldtakemeunderhisprotection，andthathewouldsavemefromtheviolentmeasureswhichtherascalsnodoubtintendedtotake，inspiteofthechamberlain’sassurances。Iacceptedtheinvitation，andBinetti’scharmingwife，takingtheaffairtoheart，didnotloseamomentininformingherlover，theambassador，ofallthecircumstances。
Thisdiplomatistcameintotheroomwithher，andafterhearingallthedetailsfrommylipshesaidthatinallprobabilitythedukeknewnothingaboutit。
"Writeabriefaccountofthebusiness，"saidhe，"andIwilllayitbeforethesovereign，whowillnodoubtseejusticedone。"
IwenttoBinetti’sdesk，andassoonasIhadwrittendownmytruerelationIgaveit，unsealed，totheambassador，whoassuredmethatitshouldbeintheduke’shandsinthecourseofanhour。
Atdinnermycountry—womanassuredmeagainthatherlovershouldprotectme，andwespentthedaypleasantlyenough；buttowardseveningmySpaniardcameandassuredmethatifIreturnedtotheinnIshouldbearrested，"for"saidhe，"anofficercametoseeyou，andfindingyouwereouthetookuphispositionatthestreetdoorandhastwosoldiersstandingatthefootofthestaircase。"
TheBinettisaid，"Youmustnotgototheinn；stayhere，whereyouhavenothingtofear。Sendforwhatyouwant，andwewillwaitandseewhathappens。"IthengaveorderstomySpaniardtogoandfetchthebelongingswhichwereabsolutelynecessarytome。
Atmidnighttheambassadorcamein；wewerestillup，andheseemedpleasedthathismistresshadshelteredme。Heassuredmethatmypleahadbeenlaidbeforethesovereign，butduringthethreedaysI
wasinthehouseIheardnomoreaboutit。
Onthefourthday，whilstIwasponderingastohowIshouldact，theambassadorreceivedaletterfromaministerrequestinghim，onbehalfofthesovereign，todismissmefromhishouse，asIhadasuitpendingwithcertainofficersofhishighness，andwhilstIwaswiththeambassadorjusticecouldnottakeitscourse。Theambassadorgavemetheletter，andIsawthattheministerpromisedthatstrictjusticeshouldbedoneme。Therewasnohelpforit；I
hadtomakeupmymindtoreturntomyinn，buttheBinettiwassoenragedthatshebegantoscoldherlover，atwhichhelaughed，saying，withperfecttruth，thathecouldnotkeepmethereindefianceoftheprince。
Ire—enteredtheinnwithoutmeetinganyone，butwhenIhadhadmydinnerandwasjustgoingtoseemycounselanofficerservedmewithasummons，whichwasinterpretedtomebymylandlord，whichorderedmetoappearforthwithbeforethenotaryappointedtotakemydeposition。Iwenttohimwiththeofficerofthecourt，andspenttwohourswiththenotary，whowrotedownmydepositioninGermanwhileIgaveitinLatin。Whenitwasdonehetoldmetosignmyname；towhichIansweredthatImustdeclinetosignadocumentI
didnotunderstand。Heinsistedonmydoingit，butIwasimmovable。
HethengotinarageandsaidIoughttobeashamedofmyselfforsuspectinganotary’shonour。IrepliedcalmlythatIhadnodoubtsastohishonour，butthatIactedfromprinciple，andthatasIdidnotunderstandwhathehadwrittenIrefusedtosignit。Ilefthim，andwasaccompaniedbytheofficertomyowncounsel，whosaidIhaddonequiteright，andpromisedtocallonmethenextdaytoreceivemypowerofattorney。
"AndwhenIhavedonethat，"hesaid，"yourbusinesswillbemine。"
Iwascomfortedbythisman，whoinspiredmewithconfidence，andwentbacktothehotel，whereImadeagoodsupperandwenttranquillytosleep。Nextmorning，however，whenIawoke，mySpaniardannouncedanofficerwhohadfollowedhim，andtoldmeingoodFrenchthatImustnotbeastonishedtofindmyselfaprisonerinmyroom，forbeingastrangerandengagedinasuitatlawitwasonlyrightthattheoppositepartyshouldbeassuredthatIwouldnotescapebeforejudgmentwasgiven。Heaskedverypolitelyformysword，andtomygreatregretIwascompelledtogiveithim。Thehiltwasofsteel，exquisitelychased；itwasapresentfromMadamed’Urfe，andwasworthatleastfiftylouis。
Iwroteanotetomycounseltotellhimwhathadhappened；hecametoseemeandassuredmethatIshouldonlybeunderarrestforafewdays。
AsIwasobligedtokeepmyroom，Iletmyfriendsknowofmyconfinement，andIreceivedvisitsfromdancersandballet—girls，whoweretheonlydecentpeopleIwasacquaintedwithinthatwretchedStuttgart，whereIhadbetterneverhavesetfoot。Mysituationwasnotpleasanttocontemplate:Ihadbeendrugged，cheated，robbed，abused，imprisoned，threatenedwithamulctofahundredthousandfrancs，whichwouldhavestrippedmetomyshirt，asnobodyknewthecontentsofmypocket—book。Icouldthinkofnothingelse。IhadwrittentoMadametheGardella，buttonopurpose，asIgotnoanswer。AlltheconsolationIgotwasfromBinetti，Toscani，andBaletti，whodinedorsuppedwithmeeveryday。Thethreerascalscametoseemeonebyone，andeachtriedtogetmetogivehimmoneyunknowntotheothertwo，andeachpromisedthatifIwoulddothat，hewouldgetmeoutofthedifficulty。Eachwouldhavebeencontentwiththreeorfourhundredlouis，butevenifIhadgiventhatsumtooneofthemIhadnoguaranteethattheotherswoulddesistfromtheirpersecution。Indeed，ifIhaddonesoIshouldhavegivensomegroundtotheirpretensions，andbadwouldhavebeenmadeworse。Myanswerwasthattheyweariedme，andthatIshouldbegladiftheywoulddesistfromvisitingme。
OnthefifthdayofmyarrestthedukeleftforFrankfort；andthesamedayBinetticameandtoldmefromherloverthatthedukehadpromisedtheofficersnottointerfere，andthatIwasthereforeindangerofaniniquitoussentence。Hisadvicewastoneglectnomeansofgettingoutofthedifficulty，tosacrificeallmyproperty，diamonds，andjewellery，andthustoobtainareleasefrommyenemies。TheBinetti，likeawisewoman，dislikedthiscounsel，andIrelisheditstillless，butshehadtoperformhercommission。
Ihadjewelleryandlacetothevalueofmorethanahundredthousandfrancs，butIcouldnotresolvetomakethesacrifice。Ididnotknowwhichwaytoturnorwheretogo，andwhileIwasinthisstateofmindmybarristercamein。Hespokeasfollows:
"Sir，allmyendeavorsonyourbehalfhavebeenunsuccessful。Thereisapartyagainstyouwhichseemstohavesupportinsomehighquarter，andwhichsilencesthevoiceofjustice。Itismydutytowarnyouthatunlessyoufindsomewayofarrangingmatterswiththeserascalsyouarearuinedman。Thejudgmentgivenbythepolicemagistrate，arascalliketherestofthem，isofasummarycharacter，forasastrangeryouwillnotbeallowedtohaverecoursetothedelaysofthelaw。Youwouldrequirebailtodothat。Theyhavemanagedtoprocurewitnesseswhoswearthatyouareaprofessionalgamester，thatitwasyouwhoseducedthethreeofficersintothehouseofyourcountrymanPeccini，thatitisnottruethatyourwinewasdruggedthatyoudidnotloseyourwatchesnoryoursnuff—box，for，theysay，thesearticleswillbefoundinyourmailswhenyourgoodsaresold。Forthatyouwillonlyhavetowaittillto—morroworthedayafter，anddonotthinkthatIamdeceivingyouinanyparticular，oryouwillbesorryforit。Theywillcomehereandemptyyourmails，boxes，andpockets，alistwillbemade，andtheywillbesoldbyauctionthesameday。Ifthesumrealizedisgreaterthanthedebtthesurpluswillgoincosts，andyoumaydependuponitthataverysmallsumwillbereturnedtoyou；butif，ontheotherhand，thesumisnotsufficienttopayeverything，includingthedebt，costs，expensesoftheauction，etc。，youwillbeenrolledasacommonsoldierintheforcesofHisMostSereneHighness。Ihearditsaidtotheofficer，whoisyourgreatestcreditor，thatthefourLouisenlistmentmoneywouldbetakenintoaccount，andthatthedukewouldbegladtogetholdofsuchafineman。"
Thebarristerleftmewithoutmynoticinghim。Iwassopetrifiedbywhathehadsaid。Iwasinsuchastateofcollapsethatinlessthananhouralltheliquidsinmybodymusthaveescaped。I，acommonsoldierinthearmyofapettysovereignliketheduke，whoonlyexistedbythehorribletrafficinhumanfleshwhichhecarriedonafterthemanneroftheElectorofHesse。I，despoiledbythoseknaves，thevictimofaniniquitoussentence。Never！Iwouldendeavourtohituponsomeplantogaintime。
IbeganbywritingtomychiefcreditorthatIhaddecidedtocometoanagreementwiththem，butIwishedthemalltowaituponmynotary，withwitnesses，toputaformalclosetotheactionandrendermeafreemanagain。
Icalculatedthatoneofthemwassuretobeondutyonthemorrow，andthusIshouldgainadayatanyrate。InthemeantimeIhopedtodiscoversomewayofescape。
Inextwrotetotheheadofthepolice，whomIstyled"yourexcellency"and"mylord，"begginghimtovouchsafehisall—powerfulprotection。ItoldhimthatIhadresolvedonsellingallmypropertytoputanendtothesuitwhichthreatenedtooverwhelmme，andIbeggedhimtosuspendtheproceedings，thecostofwhichcouldonlyaddtomydifficulties。IalsoaskedhimtosendmeatrustworthymantovaluemyeffectsassoonasIhadcometoanagreementwithmycreditors，withwhomIbeggedforhisgoodoffices。
WhenIhaddoneIsentmySpaniardtodelivertheletters。
TheofficertowhomIhadwritten，whopretendedthatIwashisdebtortotheamountoftwothousandLouis，cametoseemeafterdinner。Iwasinbed；andItoldhimIthoughtIhadfever。Hebegantoofferhissympathy，and，genuineornot，Iwaspleasedwithit。Hetoldmehehadjusthadsomeconversationwiththechiefofthepolice，whohadshewnhimmyletter。
"Youareverywise，"saidhe，"inconsentingtoacomposition，butweneednotallthreebepresent。Ihavefullpowersfromtheothertwo，andthatwillbesufficientforthenotary:"
"Iaminbadenoughcase，"Ireplied，"foryoutograntmethefavourofseeingyoualltogether；Icannotthinkyouwillrefuseme。"
"Well，well，youshallbesatisfied，butifyouareinahurrytoleaveStuttgartImustwarnyouthatwecannotcomebeforeMonday，forweareondutyforthenextfourdays。"
"Iamsorrytohearit，butIwillwait。Givemeyourwordofhonourthatallproceedingsshallbesuspendedinthemeantime。"
"Certainly；hereismyhand，andyoumayreckononme。InmyturnI
haveafavourtoask。Ilikeyourpost—chaise；willyouletmehaveitforwhatitcostyou？"
"Withpleasure。"
"Bekindenoughtocallthelandlord，andtellhiminmypresencethatthecarriagebelongstome。"
Ihadthelandlordupstairsanddidastherascalhadaskedme，butminehosttoldhimthathecoulddisposeofitafterhehadpaidforit，andwiththatheturnedhisbackonhimandlefttheroom。
"Iamcertainofhavingthechaise，"saidtheofficer，laughing。Hethenembracedme，andwentaway。
IhadderivedsomuchpleasurefrommytalkwithhimthatIfeltquiteanotherman。Ihadfourdaysbeforeme；itwasararepieceofgoodluck。
Somehoursafter，anhonest—lookingfellowwhospokeItalianwellcametotellme，fromthechiefofpolice，thatmycreditorswouldmeetontheensuingMonday，andthathehimselfwasappointedtovaluemygoods。Headvisedmetomakeitaconditionoftheagreementthatmygoodsshouldnotbesoldbyauction，andthatmycreditorsshouldconsiderhisvaluationasfinalandbinding。HetoldmethatIshouldcongratulatemyselfifIfollowedhisadvice。
ItoldhimthatIwouldnotforgethisservices，andbeggedhimtoexaminemymailsandmyjewel—box。Heexaminedeverythingandtoldmethatmylacealonewasworthtwentythousandfrancs。"Inall，"headded，"yourgoodsareworthmorethanahundredthousandfrancs，butIpromisetotellyouradversariesanotherstory，Thus，ifyoucanpersuadethemtotakehalftheirdebt，youwillgetoffwithhalfyoureffects。"
"Inthatease，"Isaid，"youshallhavefiftylouis，andherearesixasanearnest。"
"Iamgratefultoyou，andyoucancountuponmydevotion。Thewholetownandthedukeaswellknowyourcreditorstobeknaves，buttheyhavetheirreasonsforrefusingtoseetheirconductinitstruelight。"
Ibreathedagain，andnowallmythoughtswereconcentratedonmakingmyescapewithallIpossessed，mypoorchaiseexcepted。Ihadadifficulttaskbeforeme，butnotsodifficultaoneasmyflightfromTheLeads，andtherecollectionofmygreatescapegavemefreshcourage。
MyfirststepwastoaskToscani，Baletti，andthedancerBinettitosupper，asIhadmeasurestoconcertwiththesefriendsofmine，whomIcouldrelyon，andwhohadnothingtofearfromtheresentmentofthreerascals。
AfterwehadhadagoodsupperItoldthemhowtheaffairstood，andthatIwasdeterminedtoescape，andtocarrymygoodswithme。"Andnow，"Isaid，"Iwantyouradvice。"
AfterabriefsilenceBinettisaidifIcouldgettohishouseI
couldlowermyselfdownfromawindow，andonceonthegroundI
shouldbeoutsidethetownwallsandatadistanceofahundredpacesfromthehighroad，bywhichIcouldtravelpostandbeoutoftheduke’sdominionsbydaybreak。ThereuponBalettiopenedthewindowandfoundthatitwouldbeimpossibletoescapethatway，onaccountofawoodenroofaboveashop。Ilookedoutalso，andseeingthathewasrightIsaidthatIshouldnodoubthitonsomewayofmakingmyescapefromtheinn，butwhattroubledmechieflywasmyluggage。
TheToscanithensaid:——
"Youwillhavetoabandonyourmails，whichyoucouldnottakeoffwithoutattractingattention，andyoumustsendallyoureffectstomyhouse。Iengagetodeliversafelywhateveryoumayputinmycare。Iwilltakeawayyoureffectsundermyclothesinseveraljourneys，andIcanbeginto—night。"
Balettithoughtthisideaagoodone，andsaidthattodoitthequickerhiswifewouldcomeandhelp。Wefixedonthisplan，andI
promisedBinettitobewithhimatmidnightonSunday，evenifIhadtostabthesentry，whowasatmydoorallday，butwhowentawayatnightafterlockingmein。Balettisaidhewouldprovidemewithafaithfulservant，andapost—chaisewithswifthorses，whichwouldtakemyeffectsinothermails。Tomakethebestuseofthetime，theToscanibegantoloadherself，puttingtwoofmysuitsofclothesunderherdress。Forthenextfewdaysmyfriendsservedmesowellthat，atmidnightonSaturday，mymailsandmydressingcasewereempty；Ikeptbackallthejewelleryintendingtocarryitinmypocket。
OnSunday，theToscanibroughtmethekeysofthetwomails，inwhichshehadputmygoods；andBaletticamealsototellmethatallthenecessarymeasureshadbeentaken，andthatIshouldfindapost—
chaise，underthechargeofhisservant，waitingformeonthehighroad。Sofargood，andthereadershallnowhearhowIcontrivedtoescapefrommyinn。
Thesentryconfinedhimselftoasmallante—chamber，wherehewalkedupanddown，withoutevercomingintomyroom，exceptatmyinvitation。AssoonasheheardthatIhadgonetobedhelockedthedoor，andwentofftillthenextday。Heusedtosuponalittletableinacorneroftheante—room；hisfoodbeingsentoutbyme。
Profitingbymyknowledgeofhishabits，IgavemySpaniardthefollowinginstructions:
"Aftersupper，insteadofgoingtobed，Ishallholdmyselfinreadinessforleavingmyroom，andIshallleaveitwhenIseethelightextinguishedintheante—room，whileIshalltakecarethatmycandlebesoplacedasnottoshewanylightoutside，ortoreflectmyshadow。Onceoutofmyroom，Ishallhavenodifficultyinreachingthestairs，andmyescapewillbeaccomplished。IshallgotoBinetti’s，leavethetownbyhishouse，andwaitforyouatFurstenburg。Noonecanhinderyoufromjoiningmeinthecourseofadayortwo。Sowhenyouseemereadyinmyroom，andthiswillbewhilstthesentryishavinghissupper，putoutthecandleonthetable:youcaneasilymanagetodosowhilstsnuffingit。Youwillthentakeittore—lightit，andIshallseizethatmomenttogetoffinthedarkness。WhenyouconcludethatIhavegotoutoftheante—
room，youcancomebacktothesoldierwiththelightedcandle，andyoucanhelphimtofinishhisbottle。BythattimeIshallbesafe，andwhenyoutellhimIhavegonetobedhewillcometothedoor，wishmegoodnight，andafterlockingthedoorandputtingthekeyinhispockethewillgoawaywithyou。ItisnotlikelythathewillcomeinandspeaktomewhenhehearsIhavegonetobed。"
Nevertheless，ashemightpossiblytakeitintohisheadtocomeintotheroom，Icarefullyarrangedawig—blockinanight—caponthepillow，andhuddledupthecoverletsoastodeceiveacasualglance。
Allmyplansweresuccessful，asIheardafterwardsfrommySpaniard。
WhilsthewasdrinkingwiththesentryIwasgettingonmygreatcoat，girdingonmyhanger（Ihadnolongerasword），andputtingmyloadedpistolsinmypocket。AssoonasthedarknesstoldmethatLeDuchadputoutthecandleIwentoutsoftly，andreachedthestaircasewithoutmakingtheleastnoise。Oncetheretherestwaseasy，forthestairledintothepassage，andthepassagetothemaindoor，whichwasalwaysopentillnearlymidnight。
Isteppedoutalongthestreet，andataquartertotwelveIgottoBinetti’s，andfoundhiswifelookingoutformeatthewindow。WhenIwasintheroom，whenceIintendedtoescape，welostnotime。I
threwmyovercoattoBaletti，whowasstandingintheditchbelow，uptothekneesinmud，andbindingastrongcordroundmywaistI
embracedtheBinettiandBaletti’swife，wholoweredmedownasgentlyaspossible。Balettireceivedmeinhisarms，Icutthecord，andaftertakingmygreatcoatIfollowedhisfootsteps。Westrodethroughthemud，andgoingalongahedgewereachedthehighroadinastateofexhaustion，althoughitwasnotmorethanahundredpacesasthecrowfliesfromwherewestoodtothehouse。Atalittledistanceoff，besideasmallwaysideinn，wefoundthepostchaiseinwhichsatBaletti’sservant。Hegotout，tellingusthatthepostillionhadjustgoneintotheinntohaveaglassofbeerandlighthispipe。Itookthegoodservant’splace，andgavehimareward，andbeggedthembothtobegone，sayingIwouldmanagealltherestmyself。
ItwasApriland，1760——mybirthday——andaremarkableperiodinmycareer，althoughmywholelifehasbeenfilledwithadventures，goodorbad。
Ihadbeeninthecarriagefortwoorthreeminuteswhenthepostillioncameandaskedmeifwehadmuchlongertowait。Hethoughthewasspeakingtothesamepersonthathehadleftinthechaise，andIdidnotundeceivehim。"Driveon，"Ianswered，"andmakeonestageofitfromheretoTubingen，withoutchanginghorsesatWaldenbach。"Hefollowedmyinstructions，andwewentalongatagoodpace，butIhadastronginclinationtolaughatthefacehemadewhenhesawmeatTubingen。Baletti’sservantwasayouth，andslightlybuilt；Iwastall，andquiteaman。Heopenedhiseyestotheirutmostwidth，andtoldmeIwasnotthesamegentlemanthatwasinthecarriagewhenhestarted。"You’redrunk，"saidI，puttinginhishandfourtimeswhathewasaccustomedtoget，andthepoordevildidnotsayaword。Whohasnotexperiencedthepersuasiveinfluenceofmoney？Iwentonmyjourney，anddidnotstoptillIreachedFurstenburg，whereIwasquitesafe。
Ihadeatennothingontheway，andbythetimeIgottotheinnI
wasdyingofhunger。Ihadagoodsupperbroughttome，andthenI
wenttobedandsleptwell。AssoonasIawokeIwrotetomythreerascals。IpromisedtowaittendaysforthemattheplacefromwhichIdatedtheletter，andIchallengedthemtoaduelal’outrance，swearingthatIwouldpublishtheircowardicealloverEuropeiftheyrefusedtomeasureswordswithme。InextwrotetotheToscani，toBaletti，andtothegood—naturedmistressoftheAustrianambassador，commendingLeDuctotheircare，andthankingthemfortheirfriendlyhelp。
Thethreerascalsdidnotcome，butthelandlord’stwodaughters，bothofthempretty，mademepassthethreedaysveryagreeably。
Onthefourthday，towardsnoon，IhadthepleasureofseeingmyfaithfulSpaniardridingintothetowncarryinghisportmanteauonhissaddle。
"Sir，"saidhe，"allStuttgartknowsyoutobehere，andIfear，lestthethreeofficerswhoweretoocowardlytoacceptyourchallengemayhaveyouassassinated。IfyouarewiseyouwillsetoutforSwitzerlandforthwith。"
"That’scowardly，mylad，"saidI。"Don’tbeafraidaboutme，buttellmeallthathappenedaftermyescape。"