"Pleaseletmeputonmyveilagain，"saidshe，"orelseIshallbeexcommunicated。"
Ilaughedatherfears，andcontinuedtolavishmyburningkissesonherface。
"Iseeyoudonotbelieveme，butIassureyouthattheabbessthreatenedmewithexcommunicationifIletmyselfbeseenbyaman。"
"Feartheseboltsnolonger，dear，theycannothurtyou。"
Butshesneezedmoreviolentlythanever，andfearinglesthereffortsmightbringonherdeliveryIcalledthewomanagain，andleftthenuninhercare，promisingtoreturnatthesamehouronthenextday。
Itwouldnothavebeenlikemetoleavethisinterestingcreatureinherdistress，butmydevotiontohercausehadnomerit，sinceIwasmadlyinlovewiththisnewM————M————withblackeyes；andlovealwaysmakesmenselfish，sinceallthesacrificestheymakeforthebelovedobjectarealwaysultimatelyreferabletotheirowndesires。
Ihaddetermined，then，todoallinmypowerforher，andcertainlynottoallowhertoreturntotheconventinthestateshewasin。
IconcludedthattosaveherwouldbeanactionpleasingtoGod，sinceGodalonecouldhavemadehersolikemybeloved，andGodhadwilledthatIshouldwinagooddealofmoney，andhadmademefindtheZeroli，whowouldserveasashieldtomyactionsandbafflethecuriosityofspies。Thephilosophersandthemysticsmayperhapslaughatme，butwhatdoIcare？IhavealwaysdelightedinreferringalltheactionsofmylifetoGod，andyetpeoplehavechargedmewithAtheism！
NextmorningIdidnotforgettheZeroli，andIwenttoherroomateightandfoundherasleep。Hermaidbeggedmetogoinquietlyforfearofawakeningher，andthenleftmeandshutthedoor。Iknewmypart，forIrememberedhow，twentyyearsbefore，aVenetianlady，whosesleepIhadfoolishlyrespected，hadlaughedatmeandsentmeaboutmybusiness。Ithereforeknewwhattodo；andhavinggentlyuncoveredher，Igavemyselfuptothosedelicatepreliminarydelightswhichsweetenthefinalpleasure。TheZeroliwiselycontinuedtosleep；butatlast，conqueredbypassion，shesecondedmycaresseswithgreaterardourthanmyown，andshewasobligedtolaughatherstratagem。ShetoldmethatherhusbandhadgonetoGenevatobuyarepeatingwatch，andthathewouldnotreturntillnextday，andthatshecouldspendthenightwithme。
"Whythenight，dearest，whilewehavethedaybeforeus？Thenightisforslumber，andinthedayoneenjoysdoublebliss，sincethelightallowsallthesensestobesatisfiedatonce。Ifyoudonotexpectanybody，Iwillpassthewholemorningwithyou。"
"Verygood；nobodywillinterruptus。"
Iwassooninherarms，andforfourhourswegaveourselvesuptoeverykindofpleasure，cheatingeachotherthebettertosucceed，andlaughingwithdelighteachtimeweconvincedeachotherofourlove。Afterthelastassaultsheaskedme，inreturnforherkindness，tospendthreemoredaysatAix。
"Ipromiseyou，"Isaid，"tostayhereaslongasyoucontinuegivingmesuchmarksofyourloveasyouhavegivenmethismorning。"
"Letusgetup，then，andgotodinner。"
"Incompany，dearest？Lookatyoureyes。"
"Allthebetter。Peoplewillguesswhathashappened，andthetwocountesseswillburstwithenvy。IwanteverybodytoknowthatitisformealonethatyouareremainingatAix。"
"Iamnotworththetrouble，myangel，butsobeit；Iwillgladlyobligeyou，eventhoughIloseallmymoneyinthenextthreedays。"
"Ishouldbeindespairifyoulost；butifyouabstainfrompuntingyouwillnotlose，thoughyoumayletyourselfberobbed。"
"YoumaybesurethatIknowwhatIamabout，andthatIshallonlyallowladiestorobme。Youhavehadsomemoneyoutofmeyourself。"
"Yes，butnotnearlysomuchasthecountesses，andIamsorryyouallowedthemtoimposeonyou，astheynodoubtputitdowntoyourbeinginlovewiththem。"
"Theyarequitewrong，poordears，forneitherwouldhavekeptmehereaday。"
"Iamdelightedtohearit。ButletmetellyouwhattheMarquisofSt。Mauricewassayingaboutyouyesterday。"
"Sayon。Ihopehedidnotallowhimselfanyoffensiveremarks。"
"No；heonlysaidthatyoushouldneverhaveofferedtheEnglishmantobeoffateightcards，asyouhadasmuchchanceashe，andifhehadwonhemighthavethoughtthatyouknewthecardwasthere。"
"Verygood，buttellthemarquisthatagentlemanisincapableofsuchathought，andbesidesIknewthecharacteroftheyoungnobleman，andIwasalmostsurehewouldnotacceptmyoffer。"
Whenweappearedinthedining—roomwewerereceivedwithapplause。
ThefairZerolihadtheairofregardingmeasherproperty，andI
affectedanextremelymodestmanner。Noonedaredtoaskmetomakeabankafterdinner；thepursesweretooempty，andtheycontentedthemselveswithtrente—quarante，whichlastedthewholeday，andwhichcostmeascoreoflouis。
Istoleawayasusualtowardsevening，andafterhavingorderedLeDucnottoleavemyroomforamomentduringmystayatAix，Iwenttowardsthecottagewheretheunfortunatenunwasnodoubtexpectingmeanxiously。Soon，inspiteofthedarkness，IthoughtImadeoutsomebodyfollowingme。Istoppedshort，andsomepersonspassedme。
IntwoorthreeminutesIwentonagain，andIsawthesamepeople，whomIcouldnothavecaughtupiftheyhadnotslackenedtheirpace。
Itmightallbeaccidental，butIwantedtobesureaboutit。Ilefttheroadwithoutlosingmyreckoning，feelingquitesureoffindingmywaywhenIceasedtobefollowed；butIsoonfeltsurethatmystepsweredogged，asIsawthesameshadowyfiguresatalittledistanceoff。Idoubledmyspeed，hidbehindatree，andassoonasIsawthespiesfiredapistolintheair。Ilookedroundshortlyafter，sawnoone，andwentonmyway。
Iwentupstairsandfoundthenuninbed，withtwocandlesonthetable。
"Areyouill？"
"Iwasillforatime，butpraisedbeGod！Iamnowquitewell，havinggivenbirthtoafineboyattwoo’clockthismorning。"
"Whereisthechild？"
"Alas！Ididbutkisshimonce，andmygoodhostesscarriedhimawayIknownotwhere。TheHolyVirginheardmyprayers，formypains，thoughsharp，weresoonover，andaquarterofanhouraftermydeliveryIwasstillsneezing。Tellmewhetheryouareamanoranangel，forIfearlestIsininadoringyou。"
"Thisisgoodnewsindeed。Andhowaboutthelay—sister？"
Shestillbreathes，butwehavenohopethatshewillrecover。Herfaceisterriblydistorted。Wehavesinnedexceedingly，andGodwillpunishmeforit。"
"No，dearest，Godwillforgiveyou，fortheMostHolyjudgesbytheheart，andinyourheartyouhadnoevilthoughts。AdoreDivineProvidence，whichdoethallthingswell。"
"Youconsoleme。Thecountry—womanassuresmethatyouareanangel，forthepowderyougavemedeliveredme。Ishallneverforgetyou，thoughIdonotknowyourname。"
Thewomanthencame，andIthankedherforthecareshehadtakenoftheinvalid。Iagainwarnedhertobeprudent，andabovealltotreatthepriestwellwhenthelay—sisterbreathedherlast，andthushewouldnottakenoticeofanythingthatmightinvolveleerindisaster。
"Allwillbewell，"saidshe，"fornooneknowsifthelay—sisteriswellorill，orwhytheladydoesnotleaveherbed。"
"Whathaveyoudonewiththechild？"
"ItookhimwithmyownhandstoAnneci，whereIboughteverythingnecessaryforthewell—beingofthisladyandforthedeathoftheotherone。"
"Doesn’tyourbrotherknowanythingaboutit？"
"Lordpreserveus——no！Hewentawayyesterday，andwillnotbebackforaweek。Wehavenothingtofear。"
Igaveheranothertenlouis，begginghertobuysomefurniture，andtogetmesomethingtoeatbythetimeIcamenextday。Shesaidshehadstillplentyofmoneyleft，andIthoughtshewouldgomadwhenI
toldherthatwhateverwasoverwasherown。Ithoughttheinvalidstoodinneedofrest，andIlefther，promisingtoreturnatthesamehouronthefollowingday。
Ilongedtogetthistroublesomemattersafelyover，andIknewthatIcouldnotregardmyselfasoutofthewoodtillthepoorlay—sisterwasunderthesod。Iwasinsomefearonthisaccount，forifthepriestwasnotanabsoluteidiothemustseethatthewomanhadbeenpoisoned。
NextmorningIwenttoseethefairZeroli，andIfoundherandherhusbandexaminingthewatchhehadboughther。Hecameuptome，tookmyhand，andsaidhewashappythathiswifehadthepowertokeepmeatAix。Irepliedthatitwasaneasytaskforher，anda"bravo"wasallheanswered。
Thechevalierwasoneofthosemenwhoprefertopassforgood—
naturedthanfoolishhusbands。Hiswifetookmyarm，andwelefthiminhisroomwhileweproceededtothefountain。Onthewayshesaidshewouldbealonethenextday，andthatshewouldnolongerindulgehercuriosityinmynocturnalexcursions。
"Oh！itisyouwhohavehadmefollowed，isit？"
"No，itisIwhofollowedyou，buttonoeffect。However，Ididnotthinkyouweresowicked。Youfrightenedmedreadfully！Doyouknow，sir，youmighthavekilledmeifyourshothadnotluckilymissed。"
"Imissedonpurpose，dearest；forthoughIdidnotsuspectthatitwasyou，Ifiredintheair，feelingcertainthatthatwouldbeenoughtoscareoffthespies。"
"Youwon’tbetroubledwiththemanymore。"
"Iftheyliketofollowme，perhapsIshallletthem，formywalkisquiteinnocent。Iamalwaysbackbyten。"
Whilewewereattablewesawatravellingcarriageandsixhorsesdrawnup。ItwastheMarquisdePrie，withaChevalierdeSt。Louisandtwocharmingladies，ofwhomone，astheZerolihastenedtoinformme，wastheMarquis’smistress。Fourplaceswerelaid，andwhilethenewcomerswerewaitingtobeserved，theyweretoldthestoryofmybetwiththeEnglishman。
Themarquiscongratulatedme，tellingmethathehadnothopedtofindmeatAixonhisreturn；andhereMadameZeroliputinherword，andsaidthatifithadnotbeenforherhewouldnothaveseenmeagain。Iwasgettingusedtoherfoolishtalk，andIcouldonlyagreewithagoodgrace，whichseemedtodelightherintenselyalthoughherhusbandwaspresent，butheseemedtosharehertriumph。
Themarquissaidthathewouldmakealittlebankforme，andfeelingobligedtoacceptIsoonlostahundredlouis。Iwenttomyroomtowritesomeletters，andattwilightIsetouttoseemynun。
"Whatnewshaveyou？"
"Thelay—sisterisdead，andsheistobeburiedtomorrow。To—morrowisthedayweweretohavereturnedtotheconvent。ThisistheletterIamsendingtotheabbess。Shewilldispatchanotherlaysister，unlesssheordersthecountry—womantobringmebacktotheconvent。"
"Whatdidthepriestsay？"
"Hesaidthelay—sisterdiedofacerebrallethargy，whichsuper—
inducedanattackofapoplexy。"
"Verygood，verygood。"
"Iwanthimtosayfifteenmassesforher，ifyouwillletme？"
"Certainly，mydear，theywillserveasthepriest’sreward，orratherastherewardofhishappyignorance。"
Icalledthepeasantwoman，andgavehertheordertohavethemassessaid，andbadehertellthepriestthatthemassesweretobesaidfortheintentionofthepersonwhopaidforthem。Shetoldmethattheaspectofthedeadsisterwasdreadful，andthatshehadtobeguardedbytwowomenwhosprinkledherwithholywater，lestwitches，undertheformofcats，shouldcomeandtearherlimbfromlimb。Farfromlaughingather，Itoldhershewasquiteright，andaskedwhereshehadgotthelaudanum。
"Igotitfromaworthymidwife，andoldfriendofmine。Wegotittosendthepoorlay—sistertosleepwhenthepainsofchild—birthshouldcomeon。"
"Whenyouputthechildatthehospitaldoor，wereyourecognized？"
"NobodysawmeasIputitintothebox，andIwroteanotetosaythechildhadnotbeenbaptized。"
"Whowrotethenote？"
"Idid。"
"Youwill，ofcourse，seethatthefuneralisproperlycarriedout？"
"Itwillonlycostsixfrancs，andtheparsonwilltakethatfromtwolouiswhichwerefoundonthedeceased；therestwilldoformassestoatoneforherhavinghadthemoney。"
"What！oughtshenottohavehadthetwolouis？"
"No，"saidthenun，"weareforbiddentohaveanymoneywithouttheknowledgeoftheabbess，underpainofexcommunication。"
"Whatdidtheygiveyoutocomehere？"
"TenSavoysolsaday。ButnowIlivelikeaprincess，asyoushallseeatsupper，forthoughthisworthywomanknowsthemoneyyougaveherisforherselfshelavishesitonme。"
"Sheknows，dearsister，thatsuchismyintention，andhereissomemoretogoonwith。"
SosayingItookanothertenlouisfrommypurse，andbadethecountry—womansparenothingfortheinvalid’scomfort。Ienjoyedtheworthywoman’shappiness；shekissedmyhands，andtoldmethatIhadmadeherfortune，andthatshecouldbuysomecowsnow。
AssoonasIwasalonewiththecharmingnun，whosefacerecalledtomymemorythehappyhoursIhadpassedwithM————M————，myimaginationbegantokindle，anddrawingclosetoherIbegantotalkofherseducer，tellingherIwassurprisedthatbehadnothelpedherinthecruelpositioninwhichhehadplacedher。Sherepliedthatshewasdebarredfromacceptinganymoneybyhervowofpovertyandobedience，andthatshehadgivenuptotheabbesswhatremainedofthealmsthebishophadprocuredher。
"AstomystatewhenIwassofortunateastomeetyou，Ithinkhecannothavereceivedmyletter。"
"Possibly，butishearichorhandsomeman？"
"Heisrichbutcertainlynothandsome。Onthecontrary，heisextremelyugly，deformed，andoverfifty。"
"Howdidyoubecomeamorousofafellowlikethat？"
"Ineverlovedhim，buthecontrivedtogainmypity。Ithoughthewouldkillhimself，andIpromisedtobeinthegardenonthenightheappointed，butIonlywenttherewiththeintentionofbiddinghimbegone，andhedidso，butafterhehadcarriedhisevildesignsintoeffect。"
"Didheuseviolencetowardsyou，then？"
"No，forthatwouldhavebeennouse。Hewept，threwhimselfonhisknees，andbeggedsohard，thatIlethimdowhathelikedontheconditionthathewouldnotkillhimself，andthathewouldcomenomoretothegarden。"
"Hadyounofearofconsequences？"
"Ididnotunderstandanythingaboutit；Ialwaysthoughtthatonecouldnotconceiveunderthreetimesatleast。"
"Unhappyignorance！howmanywoesarecausedbyit！Thenhedidnotaskyoutogivehimanymoreassignations？"
"Heoftenaskedme，butIwouldnotgranthisrequestbecauseourconfessormademepromisetowithstandhimthenceforth，ifIwishedtobeabsolved。"
"Didyoutellhimthenameoftheseducer？"
"Certainlynot；thegoodconfessorwouldnothaveallowedmetodoso；itwouldhavebeenagreatsin。"
"Didyoutellyourconfessorthestateyouwerein？"
"No，buthemusthaveguessedit。Heisagoodoldman，whodoubtlessprayedtoGodforme，andmymeetingyouwas，perhaps，theanswertohisprayers。"
Iwasdeeplymoved，andforaquarterofanhourIwassilent，andabsorbedinmythoughts。Isawthatthisinterestinggirl’smisfortuneproceededfromherignorance，hercandour，herperfectinnocence，andafoolishfeelingofpity，whichmadehergrantthismonsteroflubricityathingofwhichshethoughtlittlebecauseshehadneverbeeninlove。Shewasreligious，butfrommerehabitandnotfromreflection，andherreligionwasconsequentlyveryweak。
Sheabhorredsin，becauseshewasobligedtopurgeherselfofitbyconfessionunderpainofeverlastingdamnation，andshedidnotwanttobedamned。Shehadplentyofnaturalcommonsense，littlewit，forthecultivationofwhichshehadnoopportunities，andshewasinastateofignoranceonlypardonableinanun。OnweighingthesefactsIforesawthatIshouldfinditadifficulttasktogainthosefavourswhichshehadgrantedtoCoudert；herrepentancehadbeentoobitterforhertoexposeherselftothesamedangeroveragain。
Thepeasantwomanreturned，laidthetablefortwo，andbroughtusoursupper。Everythingwasnew——napkins，plates，glasses，spoons，knives，etc。，andeverythingwasexquisitelyclean。Thewineswereexcellent，andthedishesdelightfulintheirsimplicity。Wehadroastgame，fish，cheesewithcream，andverygoodfruit。Ispentanhourandahalfatsupper，anddranktwobottlesofwineasItalkedtothenun，whoateverylittle。
Iwasinthehighestspirits，andthewoman，delightedwithmypraiseofherprovision，promisedIshouldbeservedthesamewayeveryevening。
WhenIwasalonewiththenun，whosefacefilledmewithsuchburningrecollections，Ibegantospeakofherhealth，andespeciallyoftheinconveniencesattachedtochild—birth。Shesaidshefeltquitewell，andwouldbeabletoreturntoChamberionfoot。"Theonlythingthattroublesmeismybreasts，butthewomanassuresmethatthemilkwillrecedeto—morrow，andthattheywillthenassumetheirusualshape。"
"Allowmetoexaminethem，Iknowsomethingaboutit。"
"Look！"
Sheuncoveredherbosom，notthinkingitwouldgivemeanypleasure，butwishingtobepolite，withoutsupposingIhadanyconcealeddesires。IpassedmyhandsovertwosphereswhoseperfectshapeandwhitenesswouldhaverestoredLazarustolife。Itookcarenottooffendhermodesty，butinthecoolestmannerpossibleaskedherhowshefeltalittlelowerdown，andasIputthequestionIsoftlyextendedmyhand。However，shekeptitbackgently，tellingmenottogoanyfurtherasshestillfeltalittleuneasy。Ibeggedherpardon，andsaidIhopedIshouldfindeverythingquiterightbythenextday。
"Thebeautyofyourbosom，"Iadded，"makesmetakeastillgreaterinterestinyou。"
SosayingIletmymouthmeethers，andIfeltakissescapeasifinvoluntarilyfromherlips。Itranlikefirethroughmyveins，mybrainbegantowhirl，andIsawthatunlessItooktoaspeedyflightIshouldloseallherconfidence。Ithereforelefther，callingher"deardaughter"asIbadeherfarewell。
Itpouredwithrain，andIgotsoakedthroughbeforeIreachedmylodging。Thiswasabathwellfittedtodiminishtheardourofmypassion，butitmademeverylateinrisingthenextmorning。
ItookoutthetwoportraitsofM————M————，oneinanun’sdress，andtheothernude，asVenus。Ifeltsuretheywouldbeofservicetomewiththenun。
IdidnotfindthefairZeroliinherroom，soIwenttothefountain，whereshereproachedmewithatendernessIassessedatitspropervalue，andourquarrelwasmadeupinthecourseofourwalk。
WhendinnerwasovertheMarquisthePriemadeabank，butasheonlyputdownahundredlouisIguessedthathewantedtowinalotandlosealittle。Iputdownalsoahundredlouis，andhesaidthatitwouldbebettersportifIdidnotstakemymoneyononecardonly。
IrepliedthatIwouldstakealouisoneachofthethirteen。
"Youwilllose。"
"Wewillsee。Hereismyhandonthetable，andIstakealouisoneachofthethirteencards。"
Accordingtothelawsofprobability，Ishouldcertainlyhavelost，butfatedecidedotherwiseandIwoneightylouis。Ateighto’clockIbowedtothecompany，andIwentasusualtotheplacewheremynewlovedwelt。Ifoundtheinvalidravishing。Shesaidshehadhadalittlefever，whichthecountry—womanpronouncedtobemilkfever，andthatshewouldbequitewellandreadytogetupbythenextday。
AsIstretchedoutmyhandtoliftthecoverlet；sheseizeditandcovereditwithkisses，tellingmethatshefeltasifshemustgivemethatmarkofherfilialaffection。Shewastwenty—one，andIwasthirty—five。Anicedaughterforamanlikeme！Myfeelingsforherwerenotatallofafatherlycharacter。Nevertheless，Itoldherthatherconfidenceinme，asshewnbyherseeingmeinbed，increasedmyaffectionforher，andthatIshouldbegrievedifI
foundherdressedinhernun’sclothesnextday。
"ThenIwillstopinbed，"saidshe；"andindeedIshallbeverygladtodoso，asIexperiencegreatdiscomfortfromtheheatofmywoollenhabit；butIthinkIshouldpleaseyoumoreifIweredecentlydressed；however，asyoulikeitbetter，Iwillstopinbed。"
Thecountry—womancameinatthatmoment，andgavehertheabbess’
letterwhichhernephewhadjustbroughtfromChamberi。Shereaditandgaveittome。Theabbesstoldherthatshewouldsendtwolay—
sisterstobringherbacktotheconvent，andthatasshehadrecoveredherhealthshecouldcomeon—foot，andthussavemoneywhichcouldbespentinbetterways。Sheaddedthatasthebishopwasaway，andshewasunabletosendthelay—sisterswithouthispermission，theycouldnotstartforaweekortendays。Sheorderedher，underpainofthemajorexcommunication，nevertoleaveherroom，nevertospeaktoanyman，noteventothemasterofthehouse，andtohavenothingtodowithanybodyexceptwiththewoman。Sheendedbysayingthatshewasgoingtohaveamasssaidforthereposeofthedepartedsister’ssoul。
"Iamobligedtoyouforhavingshewnmethisletter，butbepleasedtotellmeifImayvisityouforthenextweekortendays，withoutdoinghurttoyourconscience；forImusttellyouIamaman。I
haveonlystoppedinthisplacebecauseofthelivelyinterestwithwhichyouhaveinspiredme，butifyouhavetheleastobjectiontoreceivemeonaccountofthesingularexcommunicationwithwhichyouarethreatened，IwillleaveAixtomorrow。Speak。"
"Sir，ourabbessislavishofthesethunders，andIhavealreadyincurredtheexcommunicationwithwhichshethreatensme；butIhopeitwillnotberatifiedbyGod，asmyfaulthasmademehappyandnotmiserable。Iwillbesincerewithyou；yourvisitsaremyonlyjoy，andthatjoyisdoubledwhenyoutellmeyouliketocome。Butifyoucananswermyquestionwithoutabreachofconfidence，Ishouldliketoknowforwhomyoutookmethefirsttimeyousawme；youcannotimaginehowyouastonishedandfrightenedme。Ihaveneverfeltsuchkissesasthoseyoulavishedonme，buttheycannotincreasemysinasIwasnotaconsentingparty，andyoutoldmeyourselfthatyouthoughtyouwerekissinganother。"
"Iwillsatisfyyourcuriosity。IthinkIcandosoasyouareawarebythistimethatthefleshisweak，orratherstrongerthanthespirit，andthatitcompelsthestrongestintellectstocommitfaultsagainstrightreason。YoushallhearthehistoryofanamourthatlastedfortwoyearswiththefairestandthebestofallthenunsofVenice。"
"Tellmeall，sir。Ihavefallenmyself，andIshouldbecruelandunjustifIweretotakeoffenceatanythingyoumaytellme，foryoucannothavedoneanythingwithherthatCoudertdidnotdotome。"
"Ididmuchmoreandmuchless，forInevergaveherachild。IfI
hadbeensounfortunateIshouldhavecarriedherofftoRome，whereweshouldhavefallenatthefeetoftheHolyFather，whowouldhaveabsolvedherfromhervows，andmydearM————M————wouldnowbemywife。"
"GoodheavensM————M————ismyname。"
Thiscircumstance，whichwasreallyamerecoincidence，renderedourmeetingstillmorewonderful，andastonishedmeasmuchasitdidher。Chanceisacuriousandfickleelement，butitoftenhasthegreatestinfluenceonourlives。
AfterabriefsilenceItoldherallthathadtakenplacebetweenthefairVenetianandmyself。Ipaintedouramorouscombatsinalivelyandnaturalmanner，for，besidesmyrecollections，Ihadherlivingpicturebeforemyeyes，andIcouldfollowonherfeaturesthevariousemotionsarousedbymyrecital。WhenIhadfinishedshesaid，"ButisyourM————M————reallysolikeme，thatyoumistookmeforher？"
Drawingfrommypocket—booktheportraitinwhichM————M————wasdressedasanun，Igaveittoher，saying，"Judgeforyourself。"
"Shereallyis；itmightpassformyportrait。Itismydressandmyface；itiswonderful。TothislikenessIoweallmygoodfortune。
ThanksbetoGodthatyoudonotlovemeasyoulovedher，whomIamgladtocallmysister。ThereareindeedtwoM————M————s。MightyProvidence，allThyleastwaysarewonderful，andweareatbestpoor，weak，ignorantmortals。"
Theworthycountry—womancameupandhaveusastillbettersupperthanonthepreviousnight。Theinvalidonlyatesoup，butshepromisedtodobetterbythefollowingevening。
Ispentanhourwithheraftersupper，andIconvincedherbymyreservethatshehadmadeamistakeinthinkingthatIonlylovedherasadaughter。Ofherownaccordsheshewedmethatherbreasthadregaineditsusualcondition。Iassuredmyselfofthefactbymysenseoftouch，towhichshemadenoopposition，notthinkingthatI
couldbemovedbysuchatrifle。AllthekisseswhichIlavishedonherlipsandeyessheputdowntothefriendshipforher。Shesaid，smiling，thatshethankedGodshewasnotfairlikehersister，andI
smiledmyselfathersimplicity。
ButIcouldnotkeepupthissortofthingforlong，andIhadtobeextremelycareful。AssoonasIfeltthatpassionwasgettingtheupperhand，Igaveherafarewellkissandwentaway。WhenIgothomeLeDucgavemeanotefromMadameZeroli，whosaidshewouldexpectmeatthefountain，asshewasgoingtobreakfastwiththemarquis’smistress。
Isleptwell，butinmydreamsIsawagainandagainthefaceofthenewM————M————。Nextday，assoonasIgottothefountain，MadameZerolitoldmethatallthecompanymaintainedthatIoughttohavelostinplayingonthirteencardsatonce，asitwasnottruethatonecardwonfourtimesineachdeal；however，themarquis，thoughheagreedwiththerest，hadsaidthathewouldnotletmeplaylikethatagain。
"Ihaveonlyoneobjectiontomaketothat——namely，thatifIwantedtoplayinthesamewayagainhecouldonlypreventmebyfightingforit。"
"Hismistressswearsshewillmakeyouplayintheusualway。"
Ismiled，andthankedherforherinformation。
WhenIgotbacktotheinnIplayedagameofquinzewiththemarquis，andlostfiftylouis；afterwardsIletmyselfbepersuadedtoholdabank。Iputdownfivehundredlouis，anddefiedfortune。
Desarmoiseswasmycroupier，andIwarnedthecompanythateverycardmusthavethestakeplacedonit，andthatIshouldriseathalf—pastseven。Iwasseatedbetweentwoladies。Iputthefivehundredlouisontheboard，andIgotchangefromtheinn—keepertotheamountofahundredcrowns，toamusetheladieswith。Butsomethinghappened。Allthecardsbeforemewereloosepacks，andIcalledfornewones。Theinn—keepersaidhehadsenttoChamberiforahundredpacks，andthatthemessengerwouldbebacksoon。
"Inthemeanwhile，"saidhe，"youcanusethecardsonthetable，whichareasgoodasnew。"
"Iwantthemnew，notasgoodasnew。Ihavemyprejudices，andtheyaresostrongastobeinvincible。InthemeanwhileIshallremainaspectator，thoughIamsorrytokeeptheladieswaiting。"
Nobodydaredsayaword，andIrose，afterreplacingmymoneyinmycash—box。TheMarquisdePrietookthebank，andplayedsplendidly。
IstoodbesideMadameZeroli，whomademeherpartner，andgavemefiveorsixLouisthenextday。Themessengerwhowastobebacksoondidnotreturntillmidnight，andIthankedmystarsfortheescapeIhadhad，forinsuchaplace，fullofprofessionalgamesters，therearepeoplewhoseeyesareconsiderablysharperthanalynx’s。Iputthemoneybackinmyroom，andproceededonmyusualway。
Ifoundmyfairnuninbed，andaskedher，"Howdoyoufeelto—day，madam？"
"Saydaughter，thatnameissosweettomethatIwouldyouweremyfatherthatImightclaspyouinmyarmswithoutfearinganyone。"
"Well，mydeardaughter，donotfearanything，butopenyourarmstome。"
"Iwill；wewillembraceoneanother。"
"Mylittleonesareprettierthantheywereyesterdayletmesuckthem。"
"Yousillypapa，youaredrinkingyourdaughter’smilk。"
"Itissosweet，darling，andthelittledropItastedhasmademefeelsohappy。Youcannotbeangryatmyenjoyingthisharmlessprivilege。"
"OfcourseIamnotangry；youdelightedme。ButIshallhavetocallyoubaby，notpapa。"
"HowgladIamtofindyouinbetterspiritsto—night！"
"Youhave’givenmebackmyhappiness，andIfeelatpeaceoncemore。
Thecountry—womantoldmethatinafewdaysIshouldbejustthesameasifIhadneverseenCoudert。"
"Thatisnotquitetrue；howaboutyourstomach，forinstance？"
"Bequiet；youcan’tknowanythingaboutsuchthings，andIamquiteastonishedmyself。"
"Letmesee。"
"Oh，no；youmustn’tsee，butyoumayfeel。"
"Allright。"
"Oh！pleasedon’tgothere。"
"Whynot？Youcan’tbemadedifferentlyfromyoursister，whowouldbenowaboutthirty。Iwanttoshewyouherportraitnaked。"
"Haveyougotitwithyou？Ishouldsoliketoseeit。"
Idrewitoutandgaveittoher。Sheadmiredit，kissedit，andaskedmeifthepainterhadfollowednatureinallrespects。
"Certainly，"saidI。"Sheknewthatsuchapicturewouldgivemepleasure。"
"Itisveryfine。Itismorelikemethantheotherpicture。ButI
supposethelonghairisonlyputintopleaseyou？"
"Notatall。Italiannunsareallowedtoweartheirhairaslongastheyplease，providedtheydonotshewit。
"Wehavethesameprivilege。Ourhairiscutonce，andthenwemayletitgrowaslongaswelike。"
"Thenyouhavelonghair？"
"Aslongasinthepicture；butyouwouldnotlikemyhairasitisblack。"
"Why，blackismyfavouritecolour。InthenameofGod，letmeseeit。"
"YouaskmeinGod’snametocommitasin；Ishallincuranotherexcommunication，butIcannotrefuseyouanything。Youshallseemyhairaftersupper，asIdon’twanttoscandalizethecountrywoman。"
"Youareright；Ithinkyouarethesweetestofyoursex。Ishalldieofgriefwhenyouleavethiscottagetoreturntoyoursadprison。"
"Imustindeedreturnanddopenanceformysins。"
"Ihopeyouhavethewittolaughattheabbess’ssillyexcommunications？"
"IbeginnottodreadthemsomuchasIusedto。"
"Iamdelightedtohearit，asIseeyouwillmakemeperfectlyhappyaftersupper。"
Thecountry—womancameup，andIgaveheranothertenlouis；butitsuddenlydawneduponmethatshetookmeforamadman。TodisabuseherofthisideaItoldherthatIwasveryrich，andthatIwantedtomakeherunderstandthatIcouldnotgiveherenoughtotestifymygratitudetoherforthecareshehadtakenofthegoodnun。Shewept，kissedmyhand，andservedusadelicioussupper。Thenunatewellanddrankindifferently，butIwasintoogreatahurrytoseethebeautifulblackhairofthisvictimtohergoodnessofheart，andIcouldnotfollowherexample。Theoneappetitedroveouttheother。
Assoonaswewererelievedofthecountry—woman’spresence，sheremovedherhood，andletamassofebonhairfalluponheralabastershoulders，makingatrulyravishingcontrast。Sheputtheportraitbeforeher，andproceededtoarrangeherhairlikethefirstM————
M————。
"Youarehandsomerthanyoursister，"saidI，"butIthinkshewasmoreaffectionatethanyou。"
"Shemayhavebeenmoreaffectionate，butshehadnotabetterheart。"
"Shewasmuchmoreamorousthanyou。"
"Idaresay；Ihaveneverbeeninlove。"
"Thatisstrange；howaboutyournatureandtheimpulseofthesenses？"
"Wearrangeallthateasilyattheconvent。Weaccuseourselvestotheconfessor，forweknowitisasin，buthetreatsitasachildishfault，andabsolvesuswithoutimposinganypenances。"
"Heknowshumannature，andmakesallowancesforyoursadposition。"
"Heisanoldman，verylearned，andofascetichabits，butheisallindulgence。Itwillbeasaddaywhenwelosehim。"
"Butinyouramorous，combatswithanothernun，don’tyoufeelasifyouwouldlikehertochangeintoaman？"
"Youmakemelaugh。Tobesure，ifmysweetheartbecameamanI
shouldnotbesorry，butwedonotdesiresuchamiracle。"
"Thatis，perhaps，throughacoldnessoftemperament。Inthatyoursisterwasbetter，forshelikedmemuchmorethanC————C————，andyoudonotlikemeaswellasthesweetheartyouleftbehindyouattheconvent。"
"Certainlynot，forwithyouIshouldviolatemyownchastityandexposemyselftoconsequencesItrembletothinkof。"
"Youdonotloveme，then？"
"Whatareyousaying？Iadoreyou，andIamverysorryyouarenotawoman。"
"Iloveyoutoo，butyourdesiremakesmelaugh；forIwouldrathernotbeturnedintoawomantopleaseyou，especiallyasIexpectI
shouldnotthinkyounearlyasbeautiful。Sitdown，mydear，andletmeseeyourfinehairflowingoveryourbeautifulbody。"
"Doyouwantmetotakeoffmychemise？"
"Ofcourse；howhandsomeyoulookwithoutit。Letmesuckyourprettybreasts，asIamyourbaby。"
Shegrantedmethisprivilege，andlookingatmewithafacefullofpleasure，sheallowedmetopresshernakedbodytomybreast，notseeing，orpretendingnottosee，theacutenessofmyenjoyment。Shethensaid，"Ifsuchdelightsasthesewereallowedfriendship，Ishouldsayitisbetterthanlove；forIhaveneverexperiencedsogreatpleasureaswhenyouputyourlipstomybosom。Letmedothesametoyou。"
"Iwishyoucould，butyouwillfindnothingthere。"
"Nevermind；itwillamuseus。"
Aftershehadfulfilledherdesire，wespentaquarterofanhourinmutualembraces，andmyexcitementwasmorethanIcouldbear。
"Tellmetruly，"saidI，"amidstourkisses，amidsttheseecstacieswhichwecallchild—like，doyounotfeeladesireforsomethingmore？"
"IconfessthatIdo，butsuchdesiresaresinful；andasIamsurethatyourpassionsareashighasmine，Ithinkwehadbetterstopouragreeableemployment；for，papadear，ourfriendshipisbecomingburninglove，isitnot？"
"Yes，love，andlovethatcannotbeovercome。"
"Iknowit。"
"Ifyouknowit，letusperformtolovethesweetestofallsacrifices。"
"No，no；onthecontrary，letusstopandbemoreprudentinthefuture，lestwebecomethevictimsoflove。Ifyouloveme，youshouldsaysotoo。"
Withthesewordssheslippedgentlyfrommyarms，putbackherbeautifulhairunderhercap，andwhenIhadhelpedheronwithherchemise，thecoarsenessofwhichhorrifiedme，Itoldhershemightcalmherself。ItoldherhowsorryIfelttoseeherdelicatebodyfrayedbysocoarseastuff，andshetoldmeitwasoftheusualmaterial，andthatallthenunsworechemisesofthesamekind。
Mymindwasinastateofconsternation，fortheconstraintIhadimposedonmyselfseemedmuchgreaterthantheutmostpleasureI
couldhavegained。Ineitherdeterminedonperseveringinnoronabandoningthepursuit；allIwantedwastobesurethatIshouldnotencountertheleastresistance。Afoldedrose—leafspoiltthereposeofthefamousSmindyrides，wholovedasoftbed。Ipreferred，therefore，togoaway，thantoriskfindingtherose—leafwhichtroubledthevoluptuousSybarite。Ileftthecottageinloveandunhappy，andasIdidnotgotobedtilltwoo’clockinthemorningI
slepttillmid—day。
WhenIwokeupLeDucgavemeanotewhichheshouldhavegivenmethenightbefore。Hehadforgottenit，andIwasnotsorry。ThenotecamefromMadameZeroli，whosaidshewouldexpectmeatnineo’clockinthemorning，asshewouldbealone。Shetoldmethatshewasgoingtogiveasupper—party，thatshewassureIwouldcome，andthatasshewasleavingAixdirectlyafter，shecountedonmycomingtoo——atanyrate，asfarasChamberi。AlthoughIstilllikedher，herpretensionsmademelaugh。Itwastoolatenowtobewithheratnine，Icouldnotgotohersupper—partybecauseofmyfairnun，whomIwouldnothaveleftjustthenfortheseragliooftheGrandTurk；
anditwasimpossibleformetoaccompanyhertoChamberi，aswhenI
camebackImightnolongerfindtheonlyobjectwhichkeptmeatAix。
However，assoonasIhadfinisheddressing，Iwenttoseeherandfoundherfurious。IexcusedmyselfbysayingthatIhadonlyhadherletterforanhour，butshewentawaywithoutgivingmetimetotellherthatIcouldnotsupwithherorgotoChamberiwithher。
Shescowledatmeattable，andwhenthemealwasovertheMarquisdePrietoldmethattheyhadsomenewcards，andthateverybodywaslongingtoseememakeabank。Iwentformymoney，andImadeabankoffivehundredlouis。Atseveno’clockIhadlostmorethanhalfthatsum，butforallthatIputtherestinmypocketandrosefromthetable。
AfterasadglanceinthedirectionofMadameZeroliIwenttothecottage，whereIfoundmyangelinalargenewbed，withasmallbutprettybedbesideitwhichwasmeantforme。Ilaughedattheincongruityofthesepiecesoffurniturewithoursurroundings，butbywayofthankingthethoughtfulcountry—womanIdrewfiftylouisfrommypurseandgavethemtoher，tellingheritwasfortheremainderofthetimetheladywaswithher，andItoldhertospendnomoremoneyinfurniture。
Thiswasdoneintruegamesterfashion。Ihadlostnearlythreehundredlouis，butIhadriskedmorethanfivehundred，andIlookedonthedifferenceaspureprofit。IfIhadgainedasmuchasIhadlostIshouldprobablyhavecontentedmyselfwithgivinghertenlouis，butIfanciedIwaslosingthefiftylouisonacard。Ihavealwayslikedspendingmoney，butIhaveneverbeencarelesswithitexceptingaming。
IwasinanecstasytoseethefaceofmyM————M————lightupwithdelightandastonishment。
"Youmustbeveryrich，"saidshe。
"Don’tthinkit，dearest，butIloveyoupassionately；andnotbeingabletogiveyouanythingbyreasonofyourunfortunatevowofpoverty，IlavishwhatIpossessonthisworthywoman，toinducehertosparenothingforyourcomfortwhileyouarehere。Perhaps，too——
thoughitisnotadefinitethought——Ihopethatitwillmakeyoulovememore。"
"HowcanIloveyoumorethanIdo？Theonlythingthatmakesmeunhappyistheideaofreturningtotheconvent。"
"Butyoutoldmeyesterdaythatitwasexactlythatideawhichmadeyouhappy。"
"Ihavechangedmymindsinceyesterday。Ipassedacruelnight，forassoonasIfellasleepIwasinyourarms，andIawokeagainandagainonthepointofconsummatingthegreatestofcrimes。"
"Youdidnotgothroughsuchastrugglebeforecommittingthesamecrimewithamanyoudid——notlove。"
"ItisexactlybecauseIdidnotlovehimthatmysinstruckmeasvenial。DoyouunderstandwhatImean？"
"It’sapieceofsuperstitiousmetaphysics，butIunderstandyouperfectly。"
"Youhavemademehappy，andIfeelverygratefultoyou，andIfeelgladandcertainofconqueringwhenIreflectthatyoursituationisdifferenttomine。"
"Iwillnotdisputeitwithyou，althoughIamsorryforwhatyousay。"
"Why？"
"Becauseyouthinkyourselfindutyboundtorefusecaresseswhichwouldnothurtyou，andwhichwouldgivemenewlifeandhappiness。"
"Ihavethoughtitover。"
"Areyouweeping？"
"Yes，andwhatismore，thesetearsaredeartome。"
"Idonotunderstand。"
"Ihavetwofavourstoaskofyou。"
"Sayon，andbesureyouwillobtainwhatyouask。"
CHAPTERXXI
EndofMyAdventurewiththeNunfromChamberi——MyFlightfromAix"Yesterday，"saidthecharmingnun，"youleftinmyhandsthetwoportraitsofmyVenetiansister。Iwantyoutogivethemtome。"
"Theyareyours。"
"Ithankyou。Mysecondfavouris，thatyouwillbegoodenoughtotakemyportraitinexchange；youshallhaveitto—morrow。"
"Ishallbedelighted。Itwillbethemostpreciousofallmyjewels，butIwonderhowyoucanaskmetotakeitasafavour，whereasyouaredoingmeafavourIshouldneverhavedaredtodemand。HowshallImakemyselfworthyofgivingyoumyportrait？"
"Ah，dearest！itwouldbeadearpossession，butGodpreservemefromhavingitattheconvent！"
"IwillgetmyselfpaintedunderthecostumeofSt。LouisofGonzaga，orSt。AnthonyofPadua。"
"Ishallbedamnedeternally。"
"Wewillsaynomoreaboutit。"
Shehadonadimitycorset，trimmedwithredribbon，andacambricchemise。Iwassurprised，butpolitenessdidnotallowmetoaskwheretheycamefrom，soIcontentedmyselfwithstaringatthem。
Sheguessedmythoughts，andsaid，smilingly，thatitwasapresentfromthecountrywoman。
"Seeingherfortunemade，theworthywomantrieseverypossiblewaytoconvinceherbenefactorthatsheisgratefultohim。Lookatthebed；shewascertainlythinkingofyou，andlookatthesefinematerials。IconfessIenjoytheirsoftnessextremely。Ishallsleepbetterto—nightifIamnotplaguedbythoseseductivedreamswhichtormentedmelastnight。"
"Doyouthinkthatthebedandthefinelinenwilldeliveryoufromthedreamsyoufear？"
"Nodoubttheywillhaveacontraryeffect，forsoftnessirritatesthepassions。Ishallleaveeverythingwiththegoodwoman。IdonotknowwhattheywouldsayifItookthemwithmetotheconvent。"
"Youarenotsocomfortablethere？"
"Oh，no！Astrawbed，acoupleofblankets，andsometimes，asagreatfavour，athinmattressandtwocoarsesheets。Butyouseemsad；youweresohappyyesterday。"
"HowcanIbehappywhenIcannolongertoywithyouwithoutmakingyouunhappy。"
"Youshouldhavesaidwithoutgivingmethegreatestdelight。"
"Thenwillyouconsenttoreceivepleasureinreturnforthatwhichyougiveme？"
"Butyoursisinnocentandmineisnot。"
"Whatwouldyoudo，then，ifmineandyourswerethesame？"
"Youmighthavemademewretchedyesterday，forIcouldnothaverefusedyouanything。"
"Whywretched？Youwouldhavehadnoneofthosedreams，butwouldhaveenjoyedaquietnight。Iamverysorrythepeasantwomanhasgivenyouthatcorset，asotherwiseImightatleasthaveseenmylittlepetswithoutfearofbaddreams。"
"Butyoumustnotbeangrywiththegoodwoman，forsheknowsthatacorsetiseasytounlace。AndIcannotbeartoseeyousad。"
Withthesewordssheturnedherardentgazeuponme，andIcoveredherwithkisseswhichshereturnedwithinterest。Thecountry—womancameuptolaytheprettynewtable，justasIwastakingoffhercorsetwithoutherofferingtheleastresistance。
Thisgoodomenputmeinhighspirits，butasIlookedatherIsawashadowpassingacrossherface。Itookcarenottoaskherthereason，forIguessedwhatwasthematter，andIdidnotwishtodiscussthosevowswhichreligionandhonourshouldhavemadeinviolable。Todistracthermindfromthesethoughts，ImadehereatbytheexampleIset，andshedranktheexcellentclaretwithasmuchpleasureasI，notthinkingthatasshewasnotusedtoititwouldputherinaframeofmindnotfavourabletocontinence。Butshedidnotnoticethis，forhergaietymadeherlookprettierthanbefore，andarousedherpassions。
WhenwewerealoneIcongratulatedheronherhighspirits，tellingherthatmysadnesshadfledbeforehergaiety，andthatthehoursI
couldspendwithherwouldbealltooshort。
"Ishouldbeblithe，"saidshe，"ifitwereonlytopleaseyou。"
"Thengrantmethefavouryouaccordedmeyesterdayevening。"
"Iwouldratherincuralltheexcommunicationsintheworldthanruntheriskofappearingunjusttoyou。Takeme。"
"Sosaying，shetookoffhercap，andletdownherbeautifulhair。I
unlacedhercorset，andinthetwinklingofaneyeIhadbeforemesuchasirenasoneseesonthecanvasofCorreggio。Icouldnotlookuponherlongwithoutcoveringherwithmyburningkisses，and，communicatingmyardour，beforelongshemadeaplaceformebesideherself。Ifeltthattherewasnotimeforthinking，thatnaturehadspokenout，andthatlovebademeseizetheopportunityofferedbythatdeliciousweakness。Ithrewmyselfonher，andwithmylipsgluedtohersIpressedherbetweenmyamorousarms，pendingthemomentofsupremebliss。
Butinthemidstofthesejoys，sheturnedherhead，closedhereyelids，andfellasleep。Imovedawayalittle，thebettertocontemplatethetreasuresthatlovedisplayedbeforeme。Thenunslept，asIthought；butevenifhersleepwasfeigned，shouldIbeangrywithherforthestratagem？Certainlynot；trueorfeigned，thesleepofalovedoneshouldalwaysberespectedbyadelicatelover，althoughtherearesomepleasureshemayallowhimself。Ifthesleepisrealthereisnoharmdone，andifitisputontheloveronlyrespondstothelady’sdesires。Allthatisnecessaryissotomanageone’scaressesthattheyarepleasanttothebelovedobject。ButM————M————wasreallyasleep；theclarethadnumbedhersenses，andshehadyieldedtoitsinfluencewithoutanyulteriormotives。WhileIgazedatherIsawthatshewasdreaming。HerlipsutteredwordsofwhichIcouldnotcatchthemeaning，buthervoluptuousaspecttoldmeofwhatshedreamt。Itookoffmyclothes；
andintwominutesIhadclaspedherfairbodytomine，notcaringmuchwhethershesleptonorwhetherIawokeherandbroughtourdramatoaclimax，whichseemedinevitable。
Iwasnotlonguncertain，fortheinstinctivemovementsshemadewhenshefelttheministerthatwouldfainaccomplishthesacrificeatthedoorofthesanctuary，convincedmethatherdreamstilllasted，andthatIcouldnotmakeherhappierthanbychangingitintoreality。
Idelicatelymovedawayallobstacles，andgentlyandbydegreesconsummatedthissweetrobbery，andwhenatlastIabandonedmyselftoalltheforceofpassion，sheawokewithasighofbliss，murmuring，"Ah！itistruethen。"
"Yes，myangel！areyouhappy？"
Forallreplyshedrewmetoherandfastenedherlipsonmine，andthusweawaitedthedawnofday，exhaustingallimaginablekindsofpleasure，excitingeachother’sdesires，andonlywishingtoprolongourenjoyment。
"Alas！"saidshe，"Iamhappynow，butyoumustleavemetilltheevening。Letustalkofourhappiness，andenjoyitoveragain。"
"Thenyoudonotrepenthavingmademeahappyman？"
"No；itisyouwhohavemademehappy。Youareanangelfromheaven。
Weloved，wecrownedourlove；IcannothavedoneaughttooffendGod。Iamfreefromallmyfears。Wehaveobeyednatureandourdestinies。Doyoulovemestill？"
"Canyouaskme？Iwillshewyouto—night。"
Idressedmyselfasquicklyaspossiblewhilewetalkedofourlove，andIleftherinbed，biddingherrest。
ItwasquitelightwhenIgothome。LeDuchadnotgonetobed，andgavemealetterfromthefairZeroli，tellingmethatithadbeendeliveredateleveno’clock。Ihadnotgonetohersupper，andIhadnotescortedhertoChamberi；Ihadnothadtimetogiveheramoment’sthought。Iwassorry，butIcouldnotdoanything。I
openedherletterwhichconsistedofonlysixlines，buttheywerepregnantones。SheadvisedmenevertogotoTurin，forifIwentthereshewouldfindmeanstotakevengeanceonmeforthedastardlyaffrontIhadputuponher。Shereproachedmewithhavingputhertopublicshame，saidIhaddishonouredher，andvowedshewouldneverforgiveme。Ididnotdistressmyselftoanygreatextent；Itoreupthefriendlymissive，andafterIhadhadmyhairdoneIwenttothefountain。
EverybodyflewatmefornothavingbeenatMadameZeroli’ssupper。
IdefendedmyselfasbestIcould，butmyexcuseswererathertame，aboutwhichIdidnottroublemyself。Iwastoldthatallwasknown，andthisamusedmeasIwasawarethatnothingwasknown。Themarquis’smistresstookholdofmyarm，andtoldme，withoutanycircumlocution，thatIhadthereputationofbeinginconstant，andbywayofreplyIobservedpolitelythatIwaswrongfullyaccused，butthatiftherewasanygroundfortheremarkitwasbecauseIhadneverservedsosweetaladyasherself。Shewasflatteredbymycompliment，andIbitmylipwhenIheardheraskinthemostgraciousmannerwhyIdidnotbreakfastsometimeswiththemarquis。
"Iwasafraidofdisturbinghim，"saidI。
"Howdoyoumean？"
"Ishouldbeinterruptinghiminhisbusiness。"
"Hehasnobusiness，andhewouldbedelightedtoseeyou。Cometo—
morrow，healwaysbreakfastsinmyroom"
Thisladywasthewidowofagentlemanofquality；shewasyoung，undoubtedlypretty，andpossessinginperfectionthejargonofgoodsociety；nevertheless，shedidnotattractme。AfterrecentlyenjoyingthefairZeroli，andfindingmysuitwiththefairnunattheheightofitsprosperity，Iwasnaturallyhardtoplease，andinplainwords——Iwasperfectlycontentedwithmysituation。Forallthat，IhadfoolishlyplacedmyselfinsuchapositionthatIwasobligedtogivehertounderstandthatshehaddelightedmebyherpreference。
Sheaskedthemarquisifshecouldreturntotheinn。
"Yes，"saidhe，"butIhavesomebusinessinhand，andcannotcomewithyou。"
"Wouldyoubekindenoughtoescortme？"saidshetome。Ibowedinassent。
OnthewayshetoldmethatifMadameZeroliwerestillthereshewouldnothavedaredtotakemyarm。Icouldonlyreplybyequivocating，asIhadnowishtoembarkinafreshintrigue。
However，Ihadnochoice；Iwasobligedtoaccompanyhertoherroomandsitdownbesideher；butasIhadhadnosleepthenightbeforeI
felttiredandbegantoyawn，whichwasnotflatteringforthelady。
Iexcusedmyselftothebestofmyability，tellingherthatIwasill，andshebelievedmeorpretendedtobelieveme。ButIfeltsleepstealinguponme，andIshouldhaveinfalliblydroppedoffifithadnotbeenformyhellebore，whichkeptmeawakebymakingmesneeze。
Themarquiscamein，andafterathousandcomplimentsheproposedagameofquinze。Ibeggedhimtoexcuseme，andtheladybackedmeup，sayingIcouldnotpossiblyplayinthemidstofsuchasneezingfit。Wewentdowntodinner，andafterwardsIeasilyconsentedtomakeabank，asIwasvexedatmylossofthedaybefore。AsusualI
stakedfivehundredlouis，andaboutseveno’clock，thoughtwo—thirdsofthebankhadgone，Iannouncedthelastdeal。Themarquisandtwootherheavygamestersthenendeavouredtobreakthebank，butfortuneturned，andInotonlygotbackmylossesbutwonthreehundredLouisbesides。ThereuponIrose，promisingthecompanytobeginagainnextday。Alltheladieshadwon，asDesarmoiseshadorderstoletthemplayastheylikeduptoacertainlimit。
Ilockedupmymoney，andwarningmyfaithfulSpaniardthatIshouldnotbecomingback，Iwenttomyidol，havinggotwetthroughontheway，andbeingobligedtoundressassoonasIarrived。Thegoodwoman’ofthehousetookcaretodrymyclothes。
Ifoundthefairnundressedinherreligioushabit，andlyingonthesmallbed。
"Whyareyounotinyourownbed，dearest？"
"BecauseIfeelquitewellagain，mydarling，andIwishedtosupwithyouattable。Wewillgotobedafterwards，ifthatwillgiveyouanypleasure。"
"Itwillgivemepleasureifyoushareinmydelight。"
"Alas！Iamundone，andIshalldoubtlessdiewhenIhavetoleaveyou。"
"Donotleaveme，sweetheart；comewithmetoRome；andleavethematterinmyhands。Iwillmakeyoumywife，andwewilllivehappilytogethereverafter。"
"Thatwouldbetoogreatabliss，butIcouldnevermakeupmymindtoit；saynomoreaboutit。"
Iwassureofspendingadeliciousnight——inthepossessionofallhercharms，andwestayedanhourattable，seasoningthedisheswithsweetconverse。Whenwehaddone，thewomancameup，gaveherapacket，andwentawayagain，wishingusgoodnight。
"Whatdoesthispacketcontain，darling？"
"ItisthepresentIhavegotforyou—myportrait，butyoumustnotseeittillIaminbed。"
"Iwillindulgeyouinthatfancy，althoughIamverycurioustoseetheportrait。"
"YouwillsayIamrightafterwards。"
Iwantedtoundresshermyself，andshesubmittedlikealamb。Whenshewasinbed，sheopenedthepacket，andshewedmeherportrait，naked，andverylikethenakedportraitofM————M————。Ipraisedthepainterfortheexcellenceofthecopyhehadmade；nothingwasalteredbutthecolourofthehairandeyes。
"Itisn’tacopy，"shesaid，"therewouldnothavebeentime。Heonlymadetheeyesandhairblack，andthelattermoreabundant。
ThusyouhaveinitaportraitofthefirstandalsoofthesecondM————M————，inwhomyoumustforgetthefirst。Shehasalsovanishedfromtheclothedportrait，foryouseethenunhasblackeyes。Icouldshewthispicturetoanyoneasmyportrait。"
"Youdonotknowhowpreciousyourpresentistome！Tellme，dearest，howyousucceededincarryingoutyourplansowell。"
"Itoldthecountry—womanaboutityesterdaymorning，andshesaidthatshehadafoster—sonatAnneci，whowasaminiaturepainter。
ThroughhimshesentthetwominiaturestoamoreskilfulpainteratGeneva，whomadethechangeyouseeforfourorfiveLouis；hewasprobablyabletodoitintwoorthreehours。Ientrustedthetwoportraitstohim，andyouseehowwellhedidhiswork。Thewomanhasnodoubtjustreceivedthem，andto—morrowshemaybeabletotellyoumoreaboutit。"
"Sheisreallyawonderfulwoman。Iwillindemnifyherfortheexpense。Butnowtellmewhyyoudidnotwantmetoseetheportraitbeforeyouwereinbed？"
"Guess。"
"BecauseIcannowseeyouinthesamepostureasthatinwhichyouarerepresented。"
"Exactly。"
"Itisanexcellentidea；onlylovecanhavegivenityou。ButyoumustwaittillIaminthesamestate。"
Whenwewerebothinastateofnature，exactlylikeAdamandEvebeforetheytastedthefatalapple，Iplacedherinthepositionoftheportrait，andguessingmyintentionfrommyfacesheopenedherarmsformetocometoher；butIaskedhertowaitamoment，forI
hadalittlepackettoo，whichcontainedsomethingshewouldlike。