Ithendrewfrommypocket—bookalittlearticleoftransparentskin，abouteightincheslong，withoneopening，whichwasornamentedwitharedrosette。Igaveherthispreventivesheath，andshelooked，admired，andlaughedloudly，askingmeifIhadusedsucharticleswithherVenetiansister。"Iwillputitonmyself；youdon’tknowhowIshallenjoyit。Whydidn’tyouuseonelastnight？Howcouldyouhaveforgottenit？Well，Ishallbeverywretchedifanythingcomesofit。WhatshallIdoinfourorfivemonths，whenmyconditionbecomespastdoubt？"
"Dearest，theonlythingtodoisnottothinkofit，forifthedamageisdone，thereisnocureforit；butfrommyexperienceandknowledgeofthelawsofnatureIexpectthatoursweetcombatsoflastnightwillprobablyhavenotroublesomeconsequences。Ithasbeenstatedthatafterchild—birthawomancannotconceiveafreshwithouthavingseensomethingwhichIexpectyouhavenotseen。"
"No，Godbethanked！"
"Good。Thenletusnotgiveanythoughttothedismalfuturelestweloseourpresentbliss。"
"Iamquitecomforted；butIcan’tunderstandwhyyouareafraidto—
dayofwhatyouwerenotafraidyesterday；mystateisthesame。"
"Theeventhassometimesgiventhelietothemosteminentphysicians。Nature，wiserthanthey，hasexceptionstoherrules，letusnotdefythemforthefuture，butletusnottroubleourselvesifwehavedefiedthereinthepast。"
"Iliketohearyoutalksosagely。Yes，wewillbeprudentwhateveritcosts。Thereyouare，hoodedlikeamotherabbess，butinspiteofthefinenessofthesheathIlikethelittlefellowbetterquitenaked。Ithinkthatthiscoveringdegradesusboth。"
"Youareright，itdoes。Butletusnotdwellontheseideaswhichwillonlyspoilourpleasure。"
"Wewillenjoyourpleasuredirectly；letmebereasonablenow，forI
haveneverthoughtofthesemattersbefore。Lovemusthaveinventedtheselittlesheaths，butitmustfirsthavelistenedtothevoiceofprudence，andIdonotliketoseeloveandprudenceallied。"
"Thecorrectnessofyourargumentssurprisesme，butwewillphilosophizeanothertime。"
"Waitaminute。Ihaveneverseenamanbefore，andIhaveneverwishedtoenjoythesightasmuchasnow。TenmonthsagoIshouldhavecalledthatarticleaninventionofthedevil；butnowIlookupontheinventorasabenefactor，forifmywretchedhump—backhadprovidedhimselfwithsuchasheathhewouldnothaveexposedmetothedangeroflosingmyhonourandmylife。But，tellme，howisthatthemakersofthesethingsremainunmolested；Iwondertheyarenotfoundout，excommunicated，orheavilyfined，orevenpunishedcorporeally，iftheyareJewsasIexpect。Dearme，themakerofthisonemusthavemeasuredyoubadly！Look！itistoolargehere，andtoosmallthere；itmakesyouintoaregularcurve。Whatastupidthefellowmustbe，hecan’tknowhisowntrade！Butwhatisthat？"
"Youmakemelaugh；it’sallyourfault。Youhavebeenfeelingandfondling，andyouseethenaturalconsequence。Iknewitwouldbeso。"
"Andyoucouldn’tkeepitbackaminute。Itisgoingonnow。Iamsosorry；itisadreadfulpity。"
"Thereisnotmuchharmdone，soconsoleyourself。"
"HowcanI？youarequitedead。Howcanyoulaugh？"
"Atyourcharmingsimplicity。YoushallseeinamomentthatyourcharmswillgivemenewlifewhichIshallnotlosesoeasily。"
"Wonderful！Icouldn’thavebelievedit！"
Itookoffthesheath，andgaveheranother，whichpleasedherbetter，asitseemedtofitmebetter，andshelaughedforjoyassheputiton。Sheknewnothingofthesewonders。Herthoughtshadbeenboundinchains，andshecouldnotdiscoverthetruthbeforesheknewme；butthoughshewasscarcelyoutofEgyptsheshewedalltheeagernessofanenquiringandnewlyemancipatedspirit。"Buthowiftherubbingmakesthesheathfalloff？"saidshe。Iexplainedtoherthatsuchanaccidentcouldscarcelyhappen，andalsotoldherofwhatmaterialtheEnglishmadethesearticles。
Afterallthistalking，ofwhichmyardourbegantoweary，weabandonedourselvestolove，thentosleep，thentoloveagain，andsoonalternatelytillday—break。AsIwasleaving，thewomanofthehousetoldusthatthepainterhadaskedfourlouis，andthatshehadgivetwolouistoherfoster—son。Igavehertwelve，andwenthome，whereIslepttillmorn，withoutthinkingofbreakfastingwiththeMarquisdePrie，butIthinkIshouldhavegivenhimsomenoticeofmyinabilitytocome。Hismistresssulkedwithmealldinner—time，butsoftenedwhenIallowedmyselftobepersuadedintomakingabank。However，Ifoundshewasplayingforheavystakes，andIhadtocheckheronceortwice，whichmadehersocrossthatshewenttohideherill—temperinacornerofthehall。However，themarquiswon，andIwaslosing，whenthetaciturnDukeofRosebury，histutorSmith，andtwoofhisfellow—countrymen，arrivedfromGeneva。Hecameuptomeandsaid，"Howdoyoudo？"andwithoutanotherwordbegantoplay，invitinghiscompanionstofollowhisexample。
SeeingmybankinthelastagonyIsentLeDuctomyroomforthecash—box，whenceIdrewoutfiverollsofahundredlouiseach。TheMarquisdePriesaid，coolly，thathewouldn’tmindbeingmypartner，andinthesametoneIbeggedtobeexcused。HecontinuedpuntingwithoutseemingtobeoffendedatmyrefusalandwhenIputdownthecardsandrosefromthetablehehadwontwohundredlouis；butalltheothershadlost，especiallyoneoftheEnglishmen，sothatIhadmadeaprofitofathousandlouis。ThemarquisaskedmeifIwouldgivehimchocolateinmyroomnextmorning，andIrepliedthatI
shouldbegladtoseehim。Ireplacedmycash—boxinmyroom，andproceededtothecottage，pleasedwiththeday’sworkandfeelinginclinedtocrownitwithlove。
Ifoundmyfairfriendlookingsomewhatsad，andonmyenquiringthereasonshetoldmethatanephewofthecountry—woman’s，whohadcomefromChamberithatmorning，hadtoldherthathehadheardfromalay—sisterofthesameconvent，whomheknew，thattwosisterswouldstartatday—breakintwodays’timetofetchher；thissadnews，shesaid，hadmadehertearsflowfast。
"Buttheabbesssaidthesisterscouldnotstartbeforetendayshadexpired。"
"Shemusthavechangedhermind。"
"Sorrowintrudesintoourhappystate。Willyoubemywife？WillyoufollowmetoRomeandreceiveabsolutionfromyourvows。YoumaybesurethatIshallhaveacareforyourhappiness。"
"Nay，Ihavelivedlongenough；letmereturntomytomb。"
AftersupperItoldthegoodwomanthatifshecouldrelyonhernephew，shewoulddowelltosendhimatoncetoChamberiwithorderstoreturndirectlythelay—sistersstarted，andtoendeavourtoreachAixtwohoursbeforethem。ShetoldmethatImightreckonontheyoungman’ssilence，andonhiscarryingoutmyorders。Iquietedinthiswaythecharmingnun’salarm，andgotintobedwithher，feelingsadthoughamorous；andonthepretextthatsherequiredrestIleftheratmidnight，asIwantedtobeathomeinthemorningsinceIhadanengagementwiththemarquis。Induecoursehearrivedwithhismistress，twootherladies，andtheirhusbandsorlovers。
Ididnotlimitmyselftogivingthemchocolate；mybreakfastconsistedofalltheluxuriestheplaceafforded。WhenIhadgotridofmytroublesomecompany，ItoldLeDuctoshutmydoor，andtotelleverybodythatIwasillinbedandcouldnotseeanyvisitors。I
alsowarnedhimthatIshouldbeawayfortwodays，andthathemustnotleavemyroomamomenttillIcameback。Havingmadethesearrangements，Islippedawayunperceivedandwenttomymistress，resolvednottoleavehertillhalfanhourbeforethearrivalofthelay—sisters。
WhenshesawmeandheardthatIwasnotgoingtoleavehertillshewentaway，shejumpedforjoy；andweconceivedtheideaofnothavinganydinnerthatwemightenjoyoursupperthebetter。
"Wewillgotobedaftersupper，"saidshe，"andwillnotgetuptillthemessengerbringsthefatalnewsthatthelay—sistershavestarted。"
Ithoughttheideaanexcellentone，andIcalledthe，womanofthehousetotellherofourarrangements，andshepromisedtoseethatwewerenotdisturbed。
Wedidnotfindthetimelong，fortwopassionateloversfindplentytotalkaboutsincetheirtalkisofthemselves。Andbesidesourcaresses，renewedagainandagain，therewassomethingsomysteriousandsolemninoursituationthatoursoulsandoursenseswereengagedthewholetime。
AfterasupperwhichwouldhavepleasedaLucullus，wespenttwelvehoursingivingeachotherproofs，ofourpassionatelove，sleepingafterouramorousstruggles，andwakingonlytorenewthefight。Thenextdaywerosetorefreshourselves，andafteragooddinner，masheddownbysomeexcellentBurgundy，wewenttobedagain；butatfourthecountry—womancametotellusthatthelay—sisterswouldarriveaboutsix。Wehadnothingnowtolookforinthefuture，thediewascast，andwebeganourfarewellcaresses。Isealedthelastwithmyblood。MyfirstM————M————hadseenit，andmysecondrightlysawitalso。Shewasfrightened，butIcalmedherfears。I
thenrose，andtakingarollcontainingfiftylouisIbeggedhertokeepthemforme，promisingtocomeforthemintwoyears，andtakethemfromherhandsthroughthegratingofherterribleprison。Shespentthelastquarterofanhourintears，andminewereonlyrestrainedlestIshouldaddtohergrief。Icutoffapieceofherfleeceandalockofherbeautifulhair，promisingheralwaystobearthemnextmyheart。
Ilefther，tellingthecountry—womanthatsheshouldseemeagainthenextday，andIwenttobedassoonasIgothome。NextmorningIwasonthewaytoChamberi。Ataquarterofaleague’sdistancefromAixIsawmyangelslowlywalkingalong。Assoonasthelay—
sisterswerenearenoughtheyaskedanalmsinthenameofGod。I
gavethemaLouis，butmysaintdidnotlookatme。
WithabrokenheartIwenttothegoodcountrywoman，whotoldmethatM————M————hadgoneatday—break，biddinghertoremindmeoftheconventgrating。IkissedtheWorthywoman，andIgavehernephewalltheloosesilverIhadaboutme，andreturningtotheinnIhadmyluggageputontothecarriage，andwouldhavestartedthatmomentifIhadhadanyhorses。ButIhadtwohourstowait，andIwentandbadethemarquisfarewell。Hewasout，buthismistresswasintheroombyherself。Onmytellingherofmydeparture，shesaid，"Don’tgo，staywithmeacoupleofdayslonger。"
"Ifeelthehonouryouareconferringonme，butbusinessofthegreatestimportanceobligesmetobegoneforthwith。"
"Impossible，"saidthelady，asshewenttoaglassthebettertolaceherself，shewingmeasuperbbreast。Isawherdesign，butI
determinedtobaulkher。Shethenputonefootuponacouchtoretiehergarter，andwhensheputuptheotherfootIsawbeautiesmoreenticingthanEve’sapple。Itwasnearlyallupwithme，whenthemarquiscamein。Heproposedalittlegameofquinze，andhismistressaskedmetobeherpartner。Icouldnotescape；shesatnexttome，andIhadlostfortyLouisbydinner—time。
"Ioweyoutwenty，"saidthelady，asweweregoingdown。
AtdessertLeDuccametotellmethatmycarriagewasatthedoor，andIgotup，butunderthepretenceofpayingmethetwentylouisthemarquis’smistressmademecomewithhertoherroom。
Whenweweretheresheaddressedmeinaseriousandsupplicatingvoice，tellingmethatifIwentshewouldbedishonoured，aseverybodyknewthatshehadengagedtomakemestay。
"DoIlookworthyofcontempt？"saidshe，makingmesitdownuponthesofa。
ThenwitharepetitionofhertacticsinthemorningshecontrivedthatIshouldseeeverything。ExcitedbyhercharmsIpraisedherbeauties，Ikissed，Itouched；sheletherselffallonme，andlookedradiantwhenhervagranthandfoundpalpableproofofherpowersofattraction。
"Ipromisetobeyoursto—morrow，waittillthen。"
Notknowinghowtorefuse，IsaidIwouldkeephertoherword，andwouldhavemyhorsestakenout。Justthenthemarquiscamein，sayinghewouldgivememyrevengeandwithoutansweringIwentdownstairsasiftocomebackagain，butIranoutoftheinn，gotintomycarriage，anddroveoff，promisingagoodfeetothepostillionifhewouldputhishorsesatagallop。
EndMEMOIRSOFJACQUESCASANOVAdeSEINGALT1725—1798
ADVENTURESINTHESOUTH，Volume4a——DEPARTSWITZERLAND
THERAREUNABRIDGEDLONDONEDITIONOF1894TRANSLATEDBYARTHUR
MACHENTOWHICHHASBEENADDEDTHECHAPTERSDISCOVERED
BYARTHURSYMONS。
DEPARTSWITZERLAND
CHAPTERI
TheDoor——Keeper’sDaughters——TheHoroscopes——Mdlle。RomanTheideaofthesorryplightinwhichIhadlefttheMarquisdePrie，hismistress，andperhapsallthecompany，whohadundoubtedlycovetedthecontentsofmycash—box，amusedmetillI
reachedChamberi，whereIonlystoppedtochangehorses。WhenI
reachedGrenoble，whereIintendedtostayaweek，Ididnotfindmylodgingtomyliking，andwentinmycarriagetothepost—office，whereIfoundseveralletters，amongstothers，onefromMadamed’Urfe，enclosingaletterofintroductiontoanofficernamedValenglard，who，shetoldme，wasalearnedman，andwouldpresentmeatallthebesthousesinthetown。
Icalledonthisofficerandreceivedacordialwelcome。AfterreadingMadamed’Urfe’sletterhesaidhewasreadytobeusefultomeinanythingIpleased。
Hewasanamiable，middleagedman，andfifteenyearsbeforehadbeenMadamed’Urfe’sfriend，andinamuchmoreintimatedegreethefriendofherdaughter，thePrincessdeToudeville。ItoldhimthatIwasuncomfortableattheinn，andthatthefirstserviceIwouldaskofhimwouldbetoprocuremeacomfortablelodging。Herubbedhishead，andsaid，——
"IthinkIcangetyouroomsinabeautifulhouse，butitisoutsidethetownwalls。Thedoor—keeperisanexcellentcook，andforthesakeofdoingyourcookingIamsurehewilllodgeyoufornothing。"
"Idon’twishthat，"saidI。
"Don’tbeafraid，"saidthebaron，"hewillmakeitupbymeansofhisdishes；andbesides，thehouseisforsaleandcostshimnothing。Comeandseeit。"
Itookasuiteofthreeroomsandorderedsupperfortwo，warningthemanthatIwasdainty，likedgoodthings，anddidnotcareforthecost。IalsobeggedM。deValenglardtosupwithme。ThedoorkeepersaidthatifIwasnotpleasedwithhiscookingIhadonlytosayso，andinthatcaseIshouldhavenothingtopay。I
sentformycarriage，andfeltthatIhadestablishedmyselfinmynewabode。OnthegroundfloorIsawthreecharminggirlsandthedoor—keeper’swife，whoallbowedprofoundly。M。deValenglardtookmetoaconcertwiththeideaofintroducingmetoeverybody，butIbeggedhimnottodoso，asIwishedtoseetheladiesbeforedecidingwhichofthemIshouldliketoknow。
Thecompanywasanumerousone，especiallywherewomenwereconcerned，buttheonlyonetoattractmyattentionwasaprettyandmodest—lookingbrunette，whosefinefigurewasdressedwithgreatsimplicity。Hercharmingeyes，afterhavingthrownoneglanceinmydirection，obstinatelyrefusedtolookatmeagain。
Myvanitymademeconcludeatoncethatshebehavedthusonlytoincreasemydesireofknowingher，andtogivemeplentyoftimetoexamineherside—faceandherfigure，theproportionsofwhichwerenotconcealedbyhersimpleattire。Successbegetsassurance，andthewishisfathertothethought。Icastahungrygazeonthisyoungladywithoutmoreado，justasifallthewomeninEuropewereonlyaseragliokeptformypleasures。ItoldthebaronIshouldliketoknowher。
"Sheisagoodgirl，"saidhe，"whoseesnocompany，andisquitepoor。"
"Thosearethreereasonswhichmakemethemoreanxioustoknowher。"
"Youwillreallyfindnothingtodointhatquarter。"
"Verygood。"
"Thereisheraunt，Iwillintroduceyoutoherasweleavetheconcert—room。"
Afterdoingmethisservice，hecametosupwithme。Thedoor—keeperandcookstruckmeasbeingverylikeLebel。Hemadehistwoprettydaughterswaitonme，andIsawthatValenglardwasdelightedathavinglodgedmetomysatisfaction，buthegrumbledwhenhesawfifteendishes。
"Heismakingafoolofyouandme，"hesaid。
"Onthecontrary，hehasguessedmytastes。Don’tyouthinkeverythingwasverygood？"
"Idon’tdenyit，but……"
"Don’tbeafraid；Ilovespendingmymoney。"
"Ibegyourpardon，Ionlywantyoutobepleased。"
Wehadexquisitewines，andatdessertsomeratafiasuperiortotheTurkish’visnat’IhadtastedseventeenyearsbeforeatYussufAli’s。Whenmylandlordcameupattheendofsupper，ItoldhimthatheoughttobeLouisXV。’sheadcook。
"Goonasyouhavebegun，anddobetterifyoucan；butletmehaveyourbilleverymorning。"
"Youarequiteright；withsuchanarrangementonecantellhowoneisgettingon。"
"Ishouldlikeyoualwaystogivemeices，andyoumustletmehavetwomorelights。But，unlessIammistaken，thosearecandlesthatIsee。IamaVenetian，andaccustomedtowaxlights。"
"Thatisyourservant’sfault，sir。"
"Howisthat？"
"Because，aftereatingagoodsupper，hewenttobed，sayinghewasill。ThusIheardnothingastohowyoulikedthingsdone。"
"Verygood，youshalllearnfrommyownlips。"
"Heaskedmywifetomakechocolateforyoutomorrowmorning；hegaveherthechocolate，Iwillmakeitmyself。"
WhenhehadlefttheroomM。deValenglardsaid，inamannerthatwasatthesametimepleasedandsurprised，thatMadamed’Urfehadbeenapparentlyjokingintellinghimtosparemeallexpense。
"It’shergoodnessofheart。Iamobligedtoherallthesame。
Sheisanexcellentwoman。"
Westayedattabletilleleveno’clock，discussinginnumerablepleasanttopics，andanimatingourtalkwiththatchoiceliqueurmadeatGrenoble，ofwhichwedrankabottle。Itiscomposedofthejuiceofcherries，brandy，sugar，andcinnamon，andcannotbesurpassed，Iamsure，bythenectarofOlympus。
Isenthomethebaroninmycarriage，afterthankinghimforhisservices，andbegginghimtobemycompanionearlyandlatewhileIstayedatGrenoble——arequestwhichhegrantedexceptingforthosedaysonwhichhewasonduty。AtsupperIhadgivenhimmybillofexchangeonZappata，whichIendorsedwiththenamedeSeingalt，whichMadamed’Urfehadgivenme。Hediscounteditformenextday。AbankerbroughtmefourhundredlouisandIhadthirteenhundredinmycash—box。Ialwayshadadreadofpenuriousness，andIdelightedmyselfatthethoughtthatM。deValenglardwouldwriteandtellMadamed’Urfe，whowasalwayspreachingeconomytome，whathehadseen。Iescortedmyguesttothecarriage，andIwasagreeablysurprisedwhenIgotbacktofindthedoorkeeper’stwocharmingdaughters。
LeDuchadnotwaitedformetotellhimtofindsomepretextfornotservingme。Heknewmytastes，andthatwhentherewereprettygirlsinahouse，thelessIsawofhimthebetterIwaspleased。
Thefrankeagernessofthetwogirlstowaitonme，theirutterfreedomfromsuspicionorcoquetry，mademedeterminethatIwouldshewmyselfdeservingoftheirtrust。Theytookoffmyshoesandstockings，didmyhairandputonmynight—gownwithperfectproprietyonbothsides。WhenIwasinbedIwishedthemagoodnight，andtoldthemtoshutthedoorandbringmemychocolateateighto’clocknextmorning。
IcouldnothelpconfessingthatIwasperfectlyhappyasI
reflectedovermypresentcondition。Ienjoyedperfecthealth，I
wasintheprimeoflife，Ihadnocallsonme，Iwasthoroughlyindependent，Ihadarichstoreofexperience，plentyofmoney，plentyofluck，andIwasafavouritewithwomen。ThepainsandtroublesIhadgonethroughhadbeenfollowedbysomanydaysofhappinessthatIfeltdisposedtoblessmydestiny。FulloftheseagreeablethoughtsIfellasleep，andallthenightmydreamswereofhappinessandoftheprettybrunettewhohadplayedwithmeattheconcert。
Iwokewiththoughtsofher，andfeelingsurethatweshouldbecomeacquaintedIfeltcurioustoknowwhatsuccessIshouldhavewithher。Shewasdiscreetandpoor；andasIwasdiscreetinmyownwaysheoughtnottodespisemyfriendship。
Ateighto’clock，oneofthedoor—keeper’sdaughtersbroughtmemychocolate，andtoldmethatLeDuchadgotthefever。
"Youmusttakecareofthepoorfellow。"
"Mycousinhasjusttakenhimsomebroth。"
"Whatisyourname？"
"MynameisRose，andmysisterisManon。"
JustthenManoncameinwithmyshirt，onwhichshehadputfreshlace。Ithankedher，andshesaidwithablushthatshedidherfather’shairverywell。
"Iamdelightedtohearit，andIshallbeverypleasedifyouwillbekindenoughtodothesameofficesformetillmyservantrecovers。"
"Withpleasure，sir。"
"AndI，"saidRose，laughing，"willshaveyou。"
"Ishouldliketoseehowyoudoit；getthewater。"
Irosehastily，whileManonwaspreparingtodomyhair。Rosereturnedandshavedmeadmirably。Assoonasshehadwashedoffthelather，Isaid，"Youmustgivemeakiss，"presentingmycheektoher。Shepretendednottounderstand。
"Ishallbevexed，"saidI，gravelybutpleasantly，"ifyourefusetokissme，"
Shebeggedtobeexcused，sayingwithalittlesmile，thatitwasnotcustomarytodosoatGrenoble。
"Well，ifyouwon’tkissme，youshan’tshaveme。"
Thefathercameinatthatpoint，bringinghisbill。
"Yourdaughterhasjustshavedmeadmirably，"saidI，"andsherefusestokissme，becauseitisnotthecustomatGrenoble。"
"Youlittlesilly，"saidhe，"itisthecustominParis。Youkissmefastenoughafteryouhaveshavedme，whyshouldyoubelesspolitetothisgentleman？"
ShethenkissedmewithanairofsubmissiontothepaternaldecreewhichmadeManonlaugh。
"Ah！"saidthefather，"yourturnwillcomewhenyouhavefinisheddoingthegentleman’shair。"
Hewasacunningfellow，whoknewthebestwaytopreventmecheapeninghim，buttherewasnoneed，asIthoughthischargesreasonable，andasIpaidhiminfullhewentoffingreatglee。
ManondidmyhairaswellasmydearDubois，andkissedmewhenshehaddonewithoutmakingasmanydifficultiesasRose。I
thoughtIshouldgetonwellwithbothofthem。Theywentdownstairswhenthebankerwasannounced。
Hewasquiteayoungman，andafterhehadcountedmeoutfourhundredLouis，heobservedthatImustbeverycomfortable。
"Certainly，"saidI，"thetwosistersaredelightful。"
"Theircousinisbetter。Theyaretoodiscreet。"
"Isupposetheyarewelloff。"
"Thefatherhastwothousandfrancsayear。Theywillbeabletomarrywell—to—dotradesmen。"
Iwascurioustoseethecousinwhowassaidtobeprettierthanthesisters，andassoonasthebankerhadgoneIwentdownstairstosatisfymycuriosity。ImetthefatherandaskedhimwhichwasLeDuc’sroom，andthereonIwenttoseemyfinefellow。Ifoundhimsittingupinacomfortablebedwitharubicundfacewhichdidnotlookasifheweredangerouslyill。
"Whatisthematterwithyou？
"Nothing，sir。Iamhavingafinetimeofit。YesterdayI
thoughtIwouldbeill。"
"Whatmadeyouthinkthat？"
"ThesightofthethreeGraceshere，whoaremadeofbetterstuffthanyourhandsomehousekeeper，whowouldnotletmekissher。
Theyaremakingmewaittoolongformybroth，however。Ishallhavetospeakseverelyaboutit。"
"LeDuc，youarearascal。"
"Doyouwantmetogetwell？"
"Iwantyoutoputastoptothisfarce，asIdon’tlikeit。"
Justthenthedooropened，andthecousincameinwiththebroth。
Ithoughtherravishing，andInoticedthatinwaitingonLeDucshehadanimperiouslittleairwhichwellbecameher。
"Ishalldineinbed，"saidmySpaniard。
"Youshallbeattendedto，"saidtheprettygirl，andshewentout。
"Sheputsonbigairs，"saidLeDuc，"butthatdoesnotimposeonme。Don’tyouthinksheisverypretty？"
"Ithinkyouareveryimpudent。Youapeyourbetters，andIdon’tapproveofit。Getup。Youmustwaitonmeattable，andafterwardsyouwilleatyourdinnerbyyourself，andtrytogetyourselfrespectedasanhonestmanalwaysis，whateverhiscondition，solongashedoesnotforgethimself。Youmustnotstayanylongerinthisroom，thedoorkeeperwillgiveyouanother。"
Iwentout，andonmeetingthefaircousinItoldherthatIwasjealousofthehonourwhichshehaddonemyman，andthatIbeggedhertowaitonhimnolonger。
"Oh，Iamveryglad！"
Thedoor—keepercameup，andIgavehimmyorders，andwentbacktomyroomtowrite。
Beforedinnerthebaroncameandtoldmethathehadjustcomefromtheladytowhomhehadintroducedme。ShewasthewifeofabarristernamedMorin，andaunttotheyoungladywhohadsointerestedme。
"Ihavebeentalkingofyou，"saidthebaron，"andoftheimpressionherniecemadeonyou。Shepromisedtosendforher，andtokeepheratthehouseallday。"
Afteradinnerasgoodasthesupperofthenightbefore，thoughdifferentfromitinitsdetails，andappetisingenoughtoawakenthedead，wewenttoseeMadameMorin，whoreceiveduswiththeeasygraceofaParisianlady。Sheintroducedmetosevenchildren，ofwhomshewasthemother。Hereldestdaughter，anordinary—lookinggirl，wastwelveyearsold，butIshouldhavetakenhertobefourteen，andsaidso。Toconvincemeofheragethemotherbroughtabookinwhichtheyear，themonth，theday，thehour，andeventheminuteofherbirthwereentered。Iwasastonishedatsuchminuteaccuracy，andaskedifshehadhadahoroscopedrawn。
"No，"saidshe，"Ihaveneverfoundanybodytodoit。"
"Itisnevertoolate，"Ireplied，"andwithoutdoubtGodhaswilledthatthispleasureshouldbereservedforme。"
AtthismomentM。Morincamein，hiswifeintroducedme，andafterthecustomarycomplimentshadpassed，shereturnedtothesubjectofthehoroscope。Thebarristersensiblyobservedthatifjudicialastrologywasnotwhollyfalse，itwas，nevertheless，asuspectedscience；thathehadbeensofoolishasoncetodevoteaconsiderableportionofhistimetoit，butthatonrecognizingtheinabilityofmantodealwiththefuturehehadabandonedastrology，contentinghimselfwiththeveritabletruthsofastronomy。IsawwithpleasurethatIhadtodealwithamanofsenseandeducation，butValenglard，whowasabelieverinastrology，begananargumentwithhimonthesubject。DuringtheirdiscussionIquietlycopiedoutonmytabletsthedateofMdlle。Morin’sbirth。ButM。MorinsawwhatIwasabout，andshookhisheadatme，withasmile。Iunderstoodwhathemeant，butIdidnotallowthattodisconcertme，asIhadmadeupmymindfullyfiveminutesagothatIwouldplaytheastrologeronthisoccasion。
Atlastthefairniecearrived。HerauntintroducedmetoherasMdlle。RomanCoupier，hersister’sdaughter；andthen，turningtoher，sheinformedherhowardentlyIhadbeenlongingtoknowhersinceIhadseenherattheconcert。
Shewasthenseventeen。Hersatinskinbyitsdazzlingwhitenessdisplayedtogreateradvantagehermagnificentblackhair。Herfeatureswereperfectlyregular，andhercomplexionhadaslighttingeofred；herfineeyeswereatoncesweetandsparkling，hereyebrowswerewellarched，hermouthsmall，herteethregularandaswhiteaspearls，andherlips，ofanexquisiterosyhue，affordedaseattothedeitiesofgraceandmodesty。
Aftersomemoments’conversation，M。Morinwasobligedtogooutonbusiness，andagameofquadrillewasproposed，atwhichIwasgreatlypitiedforhavinglostalouis。IthoughtMdlle。Romandiscreet，judicious，pleasantwithoutbeingbrilliant，and，stillbetter，withoutanypretensions。Shewashigh—spirited，even—tempered，andhadanaturalartwhichdidnotallowhertoseemtounderstandtooflatteringacompliment，orajokewhichpassedinanywaytheboundsofpropriety。Shewasneatlydressed，buthadnoornaments，andnothingwhichshewedwealth；
neitherear—rings，rings，norawatch。Onemighthavesaidthatherbeautywasheronlyadornment，theonlyornamentsheworebeingasmallgoldcrosshangingfromhernecklaceofblackribbon。Herbreastwaswellshapedandnottoolarge。Fashionandcustommadehershewhalfofitasinnocentlyassheshewedherplumpwhitehand，orhercheeks，whereonthelilyandtherosewerewedded。IlookedatherfeaturestoseeifImighthopeatall；butIwascompletelypuzzled，andcouldcometonoconclusion。Shegavenosignwhichmademehope，butontheotherhandshedidnothingtomakemedespair。Shewassonaturalandsoreservedthatmysagacitywascompletelyatfault。
Nevertheless，alibertywhichItookatsuppergavemeagleamofhope。Hernapkinfelldown，andinreturningittoherIpressedherthighamorously，andcouldnotdetecttheslightestdispleasureonherfeatures。ContentwithsomuchIbeggedeverybodytocometodinnerwithmenextday，tellingMadameMorinthatIshouldnotbegoingout，andthatIwasthereforedelightedtoputmycarriageatherservice。
WhenIhadtakenValenglardhome，IwenttomylodgingbuildingcastlesinSpainastotheconquestofMdlle。Roman。
Iwarnedmylandlordthatweshouldbesixatdinnerandsupperthefollowingday，andthenIwenttobed。AsLeDucwasundressingmehesaid，"Sir，youarepunishingme，butwhatmakesmesorryyouarepunishingyourselfindeprivingyourselfoftheservicesofthoseprettygirls。"
"Youarearogue。"
"Iknowit，butIserveyouwithallmyheart，andIloveyourpleasureaswellasmyown。"
"Youpleadwellforyourself；IamafraidIhavespoiltyou。"
"ShallIdoyourhairto—morrow？"
"No；youmaygoouteverydaytilldinner—time。"
"Ishallbecertaintocatchit。"
"ThenIshallsendyoutothehospital。"
"Thatisafineprospect，’porDios’。"
Hewasimpudent，sly，profligate，andarascallyfellow；butalsoobedient，devoted，discreet，andfaithful，andhisgoodqualitiesmademeoverlookhisdefects。
Nextmorning，whenRosebroughtmychocolate，shetoldmewithalaughthatmymanhadsentforacarriage，andafterdressinghimselfintheheightoffashionhehadgoneoffwithhisswordathisside，topaycalls，ashesaid。
"Welaughedathim。"
"Youwerequiteright，mydearRose。"
AsIspoke，Manoncameinundersomepretextorother。Isawthatthetwosistershadanunderstandingnevertobealonewithme；I
wasdispleased，butpretendednottonoticeanything。Igotup，andIhadscarcelyputonmydressing—gownwhenthecousincameinwithapacketunderherarm。
"Iamdelightedtoseeyou，andabovealltolookatyoursmilingface，forIthoughtyoumuchtooseriousyesterday。"
"That’sbecauseM。leDucisagreatergentlemanthanyouare；I
shouldnothavepresumedtolaughinhispresence；butIhadmyrewardinseeinghimstartoffthismorninginhisgildedcoach。"
"Didheseeyoulaughingathim？"
"Yes，unlessheisblind。"
"Hewillbevexed。"
"Allthebetter。"
"Youarereallyverycharming。Whathaveyougotinthatparcel？"
"Somegoodsofourownmanufacture。Look；theyareembroideredgloves。"
"Theyarebeautiful；theembroideryisexquisitelydone。Howmuchforthelot？"
"Areyouagoodhandatabargain。"
"Certainly。"
"Thenwemusttakethatintoaccount。"
Aftersomewhisperingstogetherthecousintookapen，putdownthenumbersofgloves，addedupandsaid，"Thelotwillcostyoutwohundredandtenfrancs。"
"Thereareninelouis；givemesixfrancschange。"
"Butyoutoldusyouwouldmakeabargain。"
"Youwerewrongtobelieveit。"
Sheblushedandgavemethesixfrancs。RoseandManonshavedmeanddidmyhair，givingmeakisswiththebestgraceimaginable；
andwhenIofferedmycheektothecousinshekissedmeonthemouthinamannerthattoldmeshewouldbewhollymineonthefirstopportunity。
"Shallwehavethepleasureofwaitingonyouatthetable？"saidRose。
"Iwishyouwould。"
"Butweshouldliketoknowwhoiscomingtodinnerfirst；asifitisofficersfromthegarrisonwedarenotcome；theymakesofree。"
"MyguestsareMadameMorin，herhusband，andherniece。"
"Verygood"
Thecousinsaid，"Mdlle。RomanistheprettiestandthebestgirlinGrenoble；butshewillfindsomedifficultyinmarryingasshehasnomoney。"
"Shemaymeetsomerichmanwhowillthinkhergoodnessandherbeautyworthamillionofmoney。"
"Therearenotmanymenofthatkind。"
"No；butthereareafew。"
Manonandthecousinwentout，andIwasleftalonewithRose，whostayedtodressme。Iattackedher，butshedefendedherselfsoresolutelythatIdesisted，andpromiseditshouldnotoccuragain。WhenshehadfinishedIgaveheralouis，thankedher，andsentheraway。
AssoonasIwasaloneIlockedthedoor，andproceededtoconcoctthehoroscopeIhadpromisedtoMadameMorin。Ifounditaneasytasktofilleightpageswithlearnedfolly；andIconfinedmyselfchieflytodeclaringtheeventswhichhadalreadyhappenedtothenative。Ihaddeftlyextractedsomeitemsofinformationinthecourseofconversation，andfillinguptherestaccordingtothelawsofprobabilityanddressingupthewholeinastrologicaldiction，Iwaspronouncedtobeaseer，andnodoubtswerecastonmyskill。Ididnotindeedrunmuchrisk，foreverythinghungfromanif，andinthejudiciousemploymentofifsliesthesecretofallastrology。
Icarefullyre—readthedocument，andthoughtitadmirable。I
feltinthevein，andtheuseofthecabalahadmademeanexpertinthissortofthing。
Justafternoonallmyguestsarrived，andatonewesatdowntotable。Ihaveneverseenamoresumptuousormoredelicaterepast。Isawthatthecookwasanartistmoreinneedofrestraintthanencouragement。MadameMorinwasverypolitetothethreegirls，whomsheknewwell，andLeDucstoodbehindherchairallthetime，lookingafterherwants，anddressedasrichlyastheking’schamberlain。WhenwehadnearlyfinisheddinnerMdlle。
Romanpassedacomplimentonmythreefairwaiting—maids，andthisgivingmeoccasiontospeakoftheirtalentsIgotupandbroughttheglovesIhadpurchasedfromthem。Mdlle。Romanpraisedthequalityofthematerialandthework。Itooktheopportunity，andbeggedleaveoftheaunttogiveherandhernieceadozenpairapiece。Iobtainedthisfavour，andIthengaveMadameMorinthehoroscope。Herhusbandreadit，andthoughanunbelieverhewasforcedtoadmire，asallthedeductionsweretakennaturallyfromthepositionoftheheavenlybodiesattheinstantofhisdaughter’sbirth。Wespentacoupleofhoursintalkingaboutastrology，andthesametimeinplayingatquadrille，andthenwetookawalkinthegarden，whereIwaspolitelylefttoenjoythesocietyofthefairRoman。
Ourdialogue，orrathermymonologue，turnedsolelyontheprofoundimpressionshehadmadeonme，onthepassionshehadinspired，onherbeauty，hergoodness，thepurityofmyintentions，andonmyneedoflove，lestIshouldgodowntothegravethemosthaplessofmen。
"Sir，"saidshe，atlast，"ifmydestinypointstomarriageIdonotdenythatIshouldbehappytofindahusbandlikeyou。"
Iwasemboldenedbythisfrankdeclaration，andseizingherhandI
covereditwithfierykisses，sayingpassionatelythatIhopedshewouldnotletmelanguishlong。Sheturnedherheadtolookforheraunt。Itwasgettingdark，andsheseemedtobeafraidofsomethinghappeningtoher。Shedrewmegentlywithher，andonrejoiningtheotherguestswereturnedtothedining—room，whereI
madeasmallbankatfarofortheiramusement。MadameMoringaveherdaughterandniece，whosepocketswereempty，somemoney，andValenglarddirectedtheirplaysowellthatwhenweleftofftogotosupperIhadthepleasureofseeingthateachofthethreeladieshadwontwoorthreelouis。
Wesatattabletillmidnight。AcoldwindfromtheAlpsstoppedmyplanofproposingashortturninthegarden。MadameMorinoverwhelmedmewiththanksformyentertainment，andIgaveeachofmylady—visitorsarespectfulkiss。
Iheardsinginginthekitchen，andongoinginIfoundLeDucinahighstateofexcitementandverydrunk。Assoonashesawmehetriedtorise，buthelosthiscentreofgravity，andfellrightunderthekitchentable。Hewascarriedawaytobed。
Ithoughtthisaccidentfavourabletomydesireofamusingmyself，andImighthavesucceededifthethreeGraceshadnotallbeenthere。Loveonlylaughswhentwoarepresent，andthusitisthattheancientmythologytellsnostoryofthelovesoftheGraces，whowerealwaystogether。Ihadnotyetfoundanopportunityofgettingmythreemaidsoneaftertheother，andIdarednotriskageneralattack，whichmighthavelostmetheconfidenceofeachone。Rose，Isaw，wasopenlyjealousofhercousin，asshekeptakeenlook—outafterhermovements。Iwasnotsorry，forjealousyleadstoanger，andangergoesalongway。WhenIwasinbedI
sentthemawaywithamodestgoodnight。
Nextmorning，Rosecameinbyherselftoaskmeforacakeofchocolate，for，asshesaid，LeDucwasnowillinrealearnest。
Shebroughtmethebox，andIgaveherthechocolate，andindoingsoItookherhandandshewedherhowwellIlovedher。Shewasoffended，drewbackherhandsharply，andlefttheroom。AmomentafterManoncameinunderthepretextofshewingmeapieceoflaceIhadtornawayinmyattemptsofthedaybefore，andofaskingmeifsheshouldmendit。Itookherhandtokissit，butshedidnotgivemetime，presentingherlips，burningwithdesire。Itookherhandagain，anditwasjustonthespotwhenthecousincamein。Manonheldthepieceoflace，andseemedtobewaitingformyanswer。ItoldherabsentlythatIshouldbeobligedifshewouldmenditwhenshehadtime，andwiththisshewentout。
Iwastroubledbythissuccessionofdisasters，andthoughtthatthecousinwouldnotplaymefalsefromtheearnestofheraffectionwhichshehadgivenmethedaybeforeinthatardentkissofhers。Ibeggedhertogivememyhandkerchief，andgentlydrewherhandtowardsme。Hermouthfastenedtomine，andherhand，whichshelefttomypleasurewithallthegentlenessofalamb，wasalreadyinmotionwhenRosecameinwithmychocolate。
Weregainedourcomposureinamoment，butIwasfuriousatheart。
IscowledatRose，andIhadarighttodosoafterthemannerinwhichshehadrepulsedmeaquarterofanhourbefore。Thoughthechocolatewasexcellent，Ipronounceditbadlymade。Ichidherforherawkwardnessinwaitingonme，andrepulsedherateverystep。WhenIgotupIwouldnotlethershaveme；Ishavedmyself，whichseemedtohumiliateher，andthenManondidmyhair。
Roseandthecousinthenwentout，asiftomakecommoncausetogether，butitwaseasytoseethatRosewaslessangrywithhersisterthanhercousin。
AsManonwasfinishingmytoilette，M。deValenglardcamein。Assoonaswewerealone，theofficer，whowasamanofhonourandofmuchsense，inspiteofhisbeliefinastrologyandtheoccultsciences，saidthathethoughtmelookingrathermelancholy，andthatifmysadnesshadanyconnectionwiththefairRoman，hewarnedmetothinknomoreofher，unlessIhadresolvedtoaskherhandinmarriage。IrepliedthattoputanendtoalldifficultiesIhaddecidedonleavingGrenobleinafewdays。WedinedtogetherandwethencalledonMadameMorin，withwhomwefoundherfairniece。
MadameMoringavemeaflatteringwelcome，andMdlle。RomanreceivedmesograciouslythatIwasemboldenedtokissherandplaceheronmyknee。Theauntlaughed，thenieceblushed，andthenslippingintomyhandalittlepieceofpapermadeherescape。Ireadonthepapertheyear，day，Hour，andminuteofherbirth，andguessedwhatshemeant。Shemeant，Ithought，thatIcoulddonothingwithherbeforeIhaddrawnupherhoroscope。
Myresolvewassoontakentoprofitbythiscircumstance，andI
toldherthatIwouldtellherwhetherIcouldobligeherornotnextday，ifshewouldcometoaballIwasgiving。Shelookedatherauntandmyinvitationwasaccepted。
Justthentheservantannounced"TheRussianGentleman。"Isawawell—mademanofaboutmyownage，slightlymarkedwiththesmall—pox，anddressedasatraveller。HeaccostedMadameMorinwitheasygrace，waswelcomedheartilybyher，spokewell，scarcelygavemeaglance，anddidnotsayawordtothenieces。
IntheeveningM。Morincamein，andtheRussiangavehimasmallphialfullofawhiteliquid，andthenmadeasifhewouldgo，buthewaskepttosupper。
Attabletheconversationranonthismarvellousliquidofhis。
M。Morintoldmethathehadcuredayoungmanofabruisefromabilliardballinfiveminutes，byonlyrubbingitwiththeliquid。
Hesaidmodestlythatitwasatriflingthingofhisowninvention，andhetalkedagooddealaboutchemistrytoValenglard。AsmyattentionwastakenupbythefairMdlle。
RomanIcouldnottakepartintheirconversation；myhopeofsucceedingwithheronthefollowingdayabsorbedallmythoughts。
AsIwasgoingawaywithValenglardhetoldmethatnobodyknewwhotheRussianwas，andthathewasneverthelessreceivedeverywhere。
"Hasheacarriageandservants？"
"Hehasnothing，noservantsandnomoney。"
"Wheredidhecomefrom？"
"Fromtheskies。"
"Afairabode，certainly；howlonghashebeenhere？"
"Forthelastfortnight。Hevisits，butasksfornothing。"
"Howdoeshelive？"
"Oncreditattheinn；heissupposedtobewaitingforhiscarriageandservants。"
"Heisprobablyavagabond。"
"Hedoesnotlooklikeone，asyousawforyourself，andhisdiamondscontradictthathypothesis。"
"Yes，iftheyarenotimitationstones，foritseemstomethatiftheywererealhewouldsellthem。"
WhenIgothomeRosecamebyherselftoattendonme，butshecontinuedtosulk。Itriedtorouseherup，butasIhadnosuccessIorderedhertogoandtellherfatherthatIwasgoingtogiveaballnextdayintheroombythegarden，andthatsupperwastobelaidfortwenty。
Whenthedoor—keepercametotakemyordersthefollowingmorning，ItoldhimthatIshouldlikehisgirlstodanceifhedidn’tmind。AtthisRosecondescendedtosmile，andIthoughtitagoodomen。Justasshewentoutwithherfather，ManoncarneinunderthepretextofaskingmewhatlaceIwouldwearfortheday。I
foundherasgentleasalambandaslovingasadove。Theaffairwashappilyconsummated，butwehadanarrowescapeofbeingcaughtbyRose，whocameinwithLeDucandbeggedmetolethimdance，promisingthathewouldbehavehimselfproperly。Iwasgladthateverybodyshouldenjoythemselvesandconsented，tellinghimtothankRose，whohadgothimthisfavour。
IhadanotefromMadameMorin，askingmeifshemightbringwithhertotheballtwoladiesofheracquaintanceandtheirdaughters。IrepliedthatIshouldbedelightedforhertoinvitenotonlyasmanyladiesbutasmanygentlemenasshepleased，asI
hadorderedsupperfortwentypeople。ShecametodinnerwithhernieceandValenglard，herdaughterbeingbusydressingandherhusbandbeingengagedtilltheevening。SheassuredmethatI
shouldhaveplentyofguests。
ThefairMdlle。Romanworethesamedress，butherbeautyunadornedwasdazzling。StandingbymesheaskedifIhadthoughtaboutherhoroscope。Itookherhand，madehersitonmyknee，andpromisedthatsheshouldhaveitonthemorrow。Iheldherthus，pressinghercharmingbreastswithmylefthand，andimprintingfierykissesonherlips，whichsheonlyopenedtobegmetocalmmyself。Shewasmoreastonishedthanafraidtoseemetrembling，andthoughshedefendedherselfsuccessfullyshedidnotlosecountenanceforamoment，andinspiteofmyardentgazeshedidnotturnherfaceaway。Icalmedmyselfwithaneffort，andhereyesexpressedthesatisfactionofonewhohasvanquishedagenerousenemybytheforceofreason。BymysilenceIpraisedthevirtueofthiscelestialbeing，inwhosedestinyIonlyhadapartbyoneofthosecapricesofchancewhichphilosophyseekstoexplaininvain。
MadameMorincameuptome，andaskedmetoexplainsomepointsinherdaughter’shoroscope。ShethentoldmethatifIwantedtohavefourbeautiesatmyballshehadonlytowriteacoupleofnotes。
"Ishallonlyseeonebeauty，"saidI，lookingatherniece。"Godaloneknows，"saidValenglard，"whatpeoplewillsayinGrenoble！"
"Theywillsayitisyourweddingball，"saidMadameMorintoherniece。
"Yes，andtheywilldoubtlesstalkofmymagnificentdress，mylace，andmydiamonds，"saidtheniece，pleasantly。
"Theywilltalkofyourbeauty，yourwit，andyourgoodness，"
Ireplied，passionately，"goodnesswhichwillmakeyourhusbandahappyman。"
Therewasasilence，becausetheyallthoughtIwasalludingtomyself。Iwasdoingnothingofthesort。Ishouldhavebeengladtogivefivehundredlouisforher，butIdidnotseehowthecontractwastobedrawnup，andIwasnotgoingtothrowmymoneyaway。
Wewenttomybedroom，andwhileMdlle。Romanwasamusingherselfwithlookingatthejewellryonmytoilette—table，herauntandValenglardexaminedthebooksonthetablebymybedside。IsawMadameMoringoingtothewindowandlookingcloselyatsomethingsheheldinherhand。IrememberedIhadleftouttheportraitofthefairnun。IrantoherandbeggedhertogivemetheindecentpictureIhadsofoolishlyleftabout。
"Idon’tmindtheindecencyofit，"shesaid，"butwhatstrikesmeistheexactlikeness。"
Iunderstoodeverything，andIshudderedatthecarelessnessofwhichIhadbeenguilty。
"Madam，"Isaid，"thatistheportraitofaVenetian，lady，ofwhomIwasveryfound。"
"Idaresay，butit’sverycurious。ThesetwoM’s，thesecast—offrobessacrificedtolove，everythingmakesmysurprisegreater。"
"SheisanunandnamedM————M————。"
"AndaWelshnieceofmineatCamberiisalsonamedM————M————，andbelongstothesameorder。Nay，more，shehasbeenatAix，whenceyouhavecome，togetcuredofanillness。"
"Andthisportraitislikeher？"
"Asonedropofwaterislikeanother。"
"IfyougotoChambericallonherandsayyoucomefromme；youwillbewelcomeandyouwillbeasmuchsurprisedasIam。"
"Iwilldoso，afterIhavebeeninItaly。However，Iwillnotshewherthisportrait，whichwouldscandalizeher；Iwillputitawaycarefully。"
"Ibegyounottoshewittoanyone。"
"Youmayrelyonme。"
Iwasinanecstasyathavingputheroffsoeffectually。
Ateighto’clockallmyguestsarrived，andIsawbeforemeallthefairestladiesandthenoblestgentlemenofGrenoble。Theonlythingwhichvexedmewasthecomplimentstheylavishedonme，asiscustomaryintheprovinces。
IopenedtheballwiththeladypointedouttomebyM。Valenglard，andthenIdancedwithalltheladiesinsuccession；
butmypartnerinallthesquaredanceswasthefairMdlle。Roman，whoshonefromhersimplicity——atleast，inmyeyes。
Afteraquadrille，inwhichIhadexertedmyselfagooddeal，I
felthotandwentuptomyroomtoputonalightersuit，andasI
wasdoingso，incamethefaircousin，whoaskedmeifIrequiredanything。
"Yes，you，dearest，"Ireplied，goinguptoherandtakingherinmyarms。"Didanyoneseeyoucominginhere？"
"No，Icamefromupstairs，andmycousinsareinthedancing—room。"
"Thatiscapital。YouarefairasLovehimself，andthisisanexcellentopportunityforskewingyouhowmuchIloveyou。"
"Goodheavens！Whatareyoudoing？Letmego，somebodymightcomein。Well，putoutthelight！"
Iputitout，shutthedoor，and，myheadfullofMdlle。Roman，thecousinfoundmeasardentasIshouldhavebeenwiththatdelightfulperson。Iconfess，too，thatthedoor—keeper’sniecewaswellworthyofbeinglovedonherownmerits。Ifoundherperfect，perhapsbetterthanMdlle。Roman，anovice，wouldhavebeen。Inspiteofmyardourherpassionwassoonappeased，andshebeggedmetolethergo，andIdidso；butitwasquitetime。
Iwantedtobeginoveragain，butshewasafraidthatourabsencewouldbenoticedbyhertwoArgus—eyedcousins，soshekissedmeandlefttheroom。
Iwentbacktotheball—room，andwedancedontillthekingofdoor—keeperscametotellussupperwasready。
Acollationcomposedoftheluxurieswhichtheseasonandthecountryaffordedcoveredthetable；butwhatpleasedtheladiesmostwasthenumberandartisticarrangementofthewaxlights。
Isatdownatasmalltablewithafewofmyguests，andI
receivedthemostpressinginvitationstospendtheautumnintheirtown。IamsurethatifIhadacceptedIshouldhavebeentreatedlikeaprince，forthenobilityofGrenoblebearthehighestcharacterforhospitality。ItoldthemthatifithadbeenpossibleIshouldhavehadthegreatestpleasureinacceptingtheirinvitation，andinthatcaseIshouldhavebeendelightedtohavemadetheacquaintanceofthefamilyofanillustriousgentleman，afriendofmyfather’s。
"Whatnameisit？"theyaskedme，altogether。
"BouchenudeValbonnais。"
"Hewasmyuncle。Ah！sir，youmustcomeandstaywithus。Youdancedwithmydaughter。Whatwasyourfather’sname？
Thisstory，whichIinvented，andutteredasIwaswont，onthespurofthemoment，turnedmeintoasortofwonderintheeyesoftheworthypeople。
Afterwehadlaughed，jested，drank，andeaten，werosefromthetableandbegantodanceanew。
SeeingMadameMorin，herniece，andValenglardgoingintothegarden，Ifollowedthem，andaswewalkedinthemoonlightIledthefairMdlle。Romanthroughacoveredalley；butallmyfinespeecheswereinvain；Icoulddonothing。Iheldherbetweenmyarms，Icoveredherwithburningkisses，butnotonedidshereturntome，andherhandsofferedasuccessfulresistancetomyhardyattempts。Byasuddeneffort，however，Iatlastattainedtheporchofthetempleoflove，andheldherinsuchawaythatfurtherresistancewouldhavebeenofnoavail；butshestoppedmeshortbysayinginavoicewhichnomanoffeelingcouldhaveresisted，——
"Bemyfriend，sir，andnotmyenemyandthecauseofmyruin。"
Ikneltbeforeher，andtakingherhandbeggedherpardon，swearingnottorenewmyattempts。Ithenroseandaskedhertokissmeasapledgeofherforgiveness。Werejoinedheraunt，andreturnedtotheball—room，butwithallmyendeavoursIcouldnotregainmycalm。
Isatdowninacorneroftheroom，andIaskedRose，whopassedbyme，togetmeaglassoflemonade。Whenshebroughtitshegentlychidmefornothavingdancedwithher，hersister，orhercousin。
"Itwillgivepeoplebutapooropinionofourmerits。"
"Iamtired，"saidI，"butifyouwillpromisetobekindIwilldanceaminuetwithyou。"
"Whatdowantmetodo？"saidshe。
"Gointomybedroomandwaitformethereinthedarkwhenyouseeyoursisterandyourcousinbusydancing。"
"Andyouwillonlydancewithme。"
"Iswear"
"Thenyouwillfindmeinyourroom。"
Ifoundherpassionate，andIhadfullsatisfaction。TokeepmywordwithherIwaitedfortheclosingminuet，forhavingdancedwithRoseIfeltobligedincommondecencytodancewiththeothertwo，especiallyasIowedthemthesamedebt。
Atday—breaktheladiesbegantovanish，andasIputtheMorinsintomycarriageItoldthemthatIcouldnothavethepleasureofseeingthemagainthatday，butthatiftheywouldcomeandspendthewholeofthedayafterwithmeIwouldhavethehoroscopeready。
Iwenttothekitchentothanktheworthydoor—keeperforhavingmademecutsuchagallantfigure，andIfoundthethreenymphsthere，fillingtheirpocketswithsweetmeats。Hetoldthem，laughing，thatasthemasterwastheretheymightrobhimwithaclearconscience，andIbadethemtakeasmuchastheywould。I
informedthedoor—keeperthatIshouldnotdinetillsix，andI
thenwenttobed。
Iawokeatnoon，andfeelingmyselfwellrestedIsettoworkatthehoroscope，andIresolvedtotellthefairMdlle。RomanthatfortuneawaitedheratParis，whereshewouldbecomehermaster’smistress，butthatthemonarchmustseeherbeforeshehadattainedhereighteenthyear，asatthattimeherdestinywouldtakeadifferentturn。Togivemyprophecyauthority，Itoldhersomecuriouscircumstanceswhichhadhithertohappenedtoher，andwhichIhadlearntnowandagainfromherselforMadameMorinwithoutpretendingtoheedwhattheysaid。
WithanEphemerisandanotherastrologicalbook，ImadeoutandcopiedinsixhoursMdlle。Roman’shoroscope，andIhadsowellarrangeditthatitstruckValenglardandevenM。Morinwithastonishment，andmadethetwoladiesquiteenthusiastic。
Myhoroscopemustonlybeknowntotheyoungladyandherfamily，whowouldnodoubtkeepthesecretwell。AfterIhadputthefinishingtouchestoit，readit，andreaditagain，IfeltcertainthatIhadmadeamasterpiece，andIthendinedinbedwithmythreenymphs。Iwaspoliteandaffectionatetothemall，andwewereallhappytogether，butIwasthehappiest。M。deValenglardcametoseemeearlythenextday，andinformedmethatnobodysuspectedmeofbeinginlovewithMdlle。Roman，butthatI
wasthoughttobeamorousofmylandlord’sgirls。
"Well，letthemthinkso，"saidI；"theyareworthyoflove，thoughnottobenamedinthesamebreathwithonepastcompare，butwholeavesmenohope。"
"LetmetellMadamed’Urfeallaboutit。"
"Certainly；Ishallbedelighted。"
M。andMadameMorinandtheirniececameatnoon，andwespentthehourbeforedinnerinreadingthehoroscope。ItwouldbeimpossibletodescribethefourdistinctsortsofsurprisewhichI
sawbeforeme。TheinterestingMdlle。Romanlookedverygrave，and，notknowingwhethershehadawillofherown，listenedtowhatwassaidinsilence。M。Morinlookedatmenowandagain，andseeingthatIkeptaseriouscountenancedidnotdaretolaugh。Valenglardshewedfanaticbeliefinastrologyineveryfeature。MadameMorinseemedstruckasbyamiracle，and，farfromthinkingthefactprophesiedtooimprobable，remarkedthatherniecewasmuchmoreworthyofbecominghersovereign’swifeormistressthanthebigotedMaintenonhadbeen。
"Shewouldneverhavedoneanything，"saidMadameMorin，"ifshehadnotleftAmericaandcometoFrance；andifmyniecedoesnotgotoParisnobodycansaythatthehoroscopehasprophesiedfalsely。Weshouldtherefore——gotoParis，buthowisittobedone？Idon’tseemywaytoit。Thepredictionofthebirthofasonhassomethingdivineandentrancingaboutit。Idon’twishtoseemprejudiced，butmyniecehascertainlymorequalificationsforgainingtheking’saffectionthantheMaintenonhad:mynieceisagoodgirlandyoung，whiletheMaintenonwasnolongerasyoungasshehadbeen，andhadledastrangelifebeforeshebecameadevotee。ButweshallneveraccomplishthisjourneytoParis。"