"What’sthat？Twoloversandstillamaid！Idon’tunderstand；
pleasetellmeaboutit，forIhaveneverheardofsuchathing。"
"BeforeIsatisfiedmyfirstloverwhichhappenedwhenIwasonlytwelve，IwasjustthesameasIamnow。"
"It’swonderful。Andwhatdidhesaywhenhesawit？"
"Isworethathewasmyfirst，andhebelievedme，puttingitdowntothepeculiarshapeofmybody。"
"Hewasamanofspirit；butdidn’thehurtyou？"
"Notabit；butthenhewasverygentle。"
"Youmusthaveatryaftersupper，"saidtheAstroditome，"thatwouldbefinefun。"
"No，no，"saidtheLepi，"thegentlemanwouldbetoobigforme。"
"Nonsense！Youdon’twanttotakeinallofhim。Iwillshowyouhowitis。"
Withthesewordstheimpudenthussyproceededtoexhibitme，andI
letherdowhatsheliked。
"That’sjustwhatIshouldhavethought，"criedtheLepi；"itcouldneverbedone。"
"Well，heisratherbig，"answeredtheAstrodi；"butthere’sacureforeverything，andhewillbecontentwithhalf—measures。"
"It’snotthelength，mydear，butthethicknesswhichfrightensme；Iamafraidthedooristoonarrow。"
"Allthebetterforyou，foryoucansellyourmaidenheadafterhavinghadtwolovers。"
Thisconversation，notdevoidofwit，andstillmorethesimplicityofthehunchback，hadmademeresolvetoverifythingsformyself。
Suppercameup，andIhadthepleasureofseeingthetwonymphseatlikestarvingsavages，anddrinkstillbetter。WhentheHermitagehaddoneitsworktheAstrodiproposedthatweshouldcastofftheclotheswhichdisfigurenature。
"Certainly，"saidI；"andIwillturnawaywhileyouaregettingready。"
Iwentbehindthecurtains，tookoffmyclothes，andwenttobedwithmybacktothem。AtlasttheAstroditoldmethattheywereready，andwhenIlookedtheLepitookupallmyattention。Inspiteofherdoubledeformityshewasahandsomewoman。Myglancesfrightenedher，forshewasdoubtlesstakingpartinanorgyforthefirsttime。Igavehercourage，however，bydintofpraisingthosecharmswhichthewhiteandbeautifulhandscouldnothide，andatlastIpersuadedhertocomeandliebesideme。
Herhumppreventedherlyingonherback，buttheingeniousAstrodidoubledupthepillowsandsucceededinplacingherinapositionsimilartothatofashipabouttobelaunched。ItwasalsobythetendercareoftheAstrodithattheintroductionoftheknifewasmanaged，tothegreatdelightofpriestandvictim。
Aftertheoperationwasovershegotupandkissedme，whichshecouldnotdobefore，forhermouthreachedtothemiddleofmychest，whilemyfeetwerescarcelydowntoherknees。Iwouldhavegiventenlouistohavebeenabletoseethecurioussightwemusthavepresentedatwork。
"Nowcomesmyturn，"saidtheAstrodi；"butIdon’twantyoutoinfringeontherightsofmyauditor，socomeandlookroundandseewherethepathlies。Takethat。"
"WhatamItodowiththissliceoflemon？"
"Iwantyoutotrywhethertheplaceisfreefrominfection，orwhetheritwouldbedangerousforyoutopayitavisit。"
"Isthatasuremethod？"
"Infallible；ifeverythingwerenotrightIcouldnotbearthesmart。"
"Thereyouare。How’sthat？"
"Allright；butdon’tdeceiveme，Iwantnohalfmeasures。MyreputationwouldbemadeifIbecamewithchild。"
Iaskmyreader’sleavetodrawaveiloversomeincidentsofthistrulyscandalousorgy，inwhichtheuglywomantaughtmesomethingsIdidnotknowbefore。Atlast，moretiredthanexhausted，Itoldthemtobegone，buttheAstrodiinsistedonfinishingupwithabowlofpunch。Iagreed，butnotwishingtohaveanythingmoretodowitheitherofthemIdressedmyselfagain。However，thechampagnepunchexcitedthemtosuchanextentthatatlasttheymademesharetheirtransports。TheAstrodiplacedherfriendinsuchasingularpositionthatthehumpswerenolongervisible，andimaginingthatIhadbeforemethehighpriestessofJove，Ipaidheralongsacrifice，inwhichdeathandresurrectionfollowedoneanotherinsuccession。ButIfeltdisgustedwithmyself，anddrewawayfromtheirlasciviousfrenzies，andgavethemtenLouistogetridofthem。TheAstrodifellonherknees，blessedme，thankedme，calledmehergod；andtheLepiweptandlaughedforjoyatthesametime；andthusforaquarterofanhourIwastreatedtoasceneofanextraordinarykind。
Ihadthemtakenhomeinmycarriage，andslepttillteno’clocknextmorning。JustasIwasgoingoutforawalkStuardcametomyroomandtoldme，withanairofdespair，thatifIdidnotgivehimthemeansofgoingawaybeforeIlefthewouldthrowhimselfintheRhine。
"That’srathertragic，"saidI，"butIcanfindacure。Iwilldisbursetwenty—fiveLouis，butitisyourwifewhomustreceivethem；andtheonlyconditionisthatshemustreceivemealoneforanhour，andbeentirelykind。"
"Sir，weneedjustthatsum；mywifeisdisposedtoreceiveyou；
goandtalktoher。Ishallnotbeintillnoon。"
Iputtwenty—fiveLouisinaprettylittlepurse，andleftmyroomthinkingthatthevictorywaswon。Ienteredherroomandapproachedherbedrespectfully。Whensheheardmeshesatupinbedwithouttakingthetroubletocoverherbreast，andbeforeI
couldwishhergood—dayshespoketomeasfollows:
"Iamready，sir，topaywithmybodyforthewretchedtwenty—fiveLouisofwhichmyhusbandisinneed。Youcandowhatyoulikewithme；butrememberthatintakingadvantageofmypositiontoassuageyourbrutallustyouarethevilerofthetwo，forIonlysellmyselfsocheaplybecausenecessitycompelsmetodoso。
Yourbasenessismoreshamefulthanmine。Comeon；hereIam。"
Withthisflatteringaddressshethrewoffthecoverletwithavigorousgesture，anddisplayedallherbeauties，whichImighthavegazedonwithsuchdifferentfeelingsfromthosewhichnowfilledmybreast。ForamomentIwassilentwithindignation。
Allmypassionhadevaporated；inthosevoluptuousroundedlimbsI
sawnowonlythecoveringofawildbeast’ssoul。Iputbackthecoverletwiththegreatestcalmness，andaddressedherinatoneofcoldcontempt:
"No，madam，Ishallnotleavethisroomdegradedbecauseyouhavetoldmeso，butIshallleaveitafterimpartingtoyouafewdegradingtruths，ofwhichyoucannotbeignorantifyouareawomanofanydecencywhatever。Herearetwenty—fivelouis，awretchedsumtogiveavirtuouswomaninpaymentofherfavours，butmuchmorethanyoudeserve。Iamnotbrutal，andtoconvinceyouofthefactIamgoingtoleaveyouintheundisturbedpossessionofyourcharms，whichIdespiseasheartilyasIshouldhaveadmiredthemifyourbehaviourhadbeendifferent。IonlygiveyouthemoneyfromafeelingofcompassionwhichIcannotovercome，andwhichistheonlyfeelingInowhaveforyou。
Nevertheless，letmetellyouthatwhetherawomansellsherselffortwenty—fivelouisortwenty—fivemillionlouissheisasmuchaprostituteintheonecaseasintheother，ifshedoesnotgiveherlovewithherself，oratalleventsthesemblanceoflove。
Farewell。"
Iwentbacktomyroom，andincourseoftimeStuardcametothankme。
"Sir，"saidI，"letmealone；Iwishtohearnomoreaboutyourwife。"
TheywentawaythenextdayforLyons，andmyreaderswillhearofthemagainatLiege。
IntheafternoonDolcitookmetohisgardenthatImightseethegardener’ssister。Shewaspretty，butnotsoprettyashewas。
Hesoongotherintoagoodhumour，andaftersometriflingobjectionsheconsentedtobelovedbyhiminmypresence。IsawthatthisAdonishadbeenrichlydoweredbynature，andItoldhimthatwithsuchaphysicalconformationhehadnoneedofemptyinghisfather’spursetotravel，andbeforelonghetookmyadvice。
ThisfairGanymedemighteasilyhaveturnedmeintoJove，ashestruggledamorouslywiththegardener’ssister。
AsIwasgoinghomeIsawayoungmancomingoutofaboat；hewasfromtwentytotwenty—fiveyearsold，andlookedverysad。Seeingmelookingathim，heaccostedme，andhumblyaskedforalms，shewingmeadocumentauthorizinghimtobeg，andapassportstatinghehadleftMadridsixweeksbefore。HecamefromParma，andwasnamedCosta。WhenIsawParmamynationalprejudicespokeinhisfavour，andIaskedhimwhatmisfortunehadreducedhimtobeggary。
"Onlylackofmoneytoreturntomynativecountry，"saidhe。
"WhatwereyoudoingatMadrid，andwhydidyouleave？"
"IwastherefouryearsasvalettoDr。Pistoria，physiciantotheKingofSpain，butonmyhealthfailingIlefthim。HereisacertificatewhichwillshewyouthatIgavesatisfaction。"
"Whatcanyoudo？"
"Iwriteagoodhand，Icanassistagentlemanashissecretary，andIintendbeingascribewhenIgethome。HerearesomeversesIcopiedyesterday。"
"Youwritewell；butcanyouwritecorrectlywithoutabook？"
"IcanwritefromdictationinFrench，Latin，andSpanish。"
"Correctly？"
"Yes，sir，ifthedictationisdoneproperly，foritisthebusinessoftheonewhodictatestoseethateverythingiscorrect。"
IsawthatMasterGaetanCostawasanignoramus，butinspiteofthatItookhimtomyroomandtoldLeDuctoaddresshiminSpanish。Heansweredwellenough，butonmydictatingtohiminItalianandFrenchIfoundhehadnottheremotestideasonorthography。
"Butyoucan’twrite，"saidItohim。However，Isawhewasmortifiedatthis，andIconsoledhimbysayingthatIwouldtakehimtohisowncountryatmyexpense。Hekissedmyhand，andassuredmethatIshouldfindafaithfulservantinhim。
Thisyoungfellowtookmyfancybyhisoriginality；hehadprobablyassumedittodistinguishhimselffromtheblockheadsamongstwhomhehadhithertolived，andnowuseditinperfectgoodfaithwitheverybody。Hethoughtthattheartofascribesolelyconsistedinpossessingagoodhand，andthatthefairestwriterwouldbethebestscribe。HesaidasmuchwhilehewasexaminingapaperIhadwritten，andasmywritingwasnotaslegibleashishetacitlytoldmeIwashisinferior，andthatI
shouldthereforetreathimwithsomedegreeofrespect。Ilaughedatthisfad，and，notthinkinghimincorrigibleItookhimintomyservice。IfithadnotbeenforthatoddnotionofhisIshouldprobablyhavemerelygivenhimalouis，andnomore。Hesaidthatspellingwasofnoconsequence，asthosewhoknewhowtospellcouldeasilyguessthewords，whilethosewhodidnotknowwereunabletopickoutthemistakes。Ilaughed，butasIsaidnothinghethoughtthelaughsignifiedapproval。InthedictationIgavehimtheCouncilofTrenthappenedtooccur。AccordingtohissystemhewroteTrentbyathreeandanought。Iburstoutlaughing；buthewasnotintheleastputout，onlyremarkingthatthepronunciationbeingthesameitwasofnoconsequencehowthewordwasspelt。Inpointoffactthisladwasafoolsolelythroughhisintelligence，matchedwithignoranceandunboundedself—confidence。Iwaspleasedwithhisoriginalityandkepthim，andwasthusthegreaterfoolofthetwo，asthereaderwillsee。
IleftAvignonnextday，andwentstraighttoMarseilles，nottroublingtostopatAix。Ihaltedatthe"TreizeCantons，"
wishingtostayforaweekatleastinthisancientcolonyofthePhocaeans，andtodoasIlikedthere。WiththisideaItooknoletterofintroduction；Ihadplentyofmoney，andneedednobody’shelp。Itoldmylandlordtogivemeachoicefishdinnerinmyownroom，asIwasawarethatthefishinthosepartsisbetterthananywhereelse。
Iwentoutthenextmorningwithaguide，totakemebacktotheinnwhenIwastiredofwalking。NotheedingwhereIwent，I
reachedafinequay；IthoughtIwasatVeniceagain，andIfeltmybosomswell，sodeeplyistheloveoffatherlandgravenontheheartofeverygoodman。IsawanumberofstallswhereSpanishandLevantinewineswerekept，andanumberofpeopledrinkinginthem。Acrowdofbusinessmenwenthitherandthither，runningupagainsteachother，crossingeachother’spaths，eachoccupiedwithhisownbusiness，andnotcaringwhosewayhegotinto。
Hucksters，welldressedandilldressed，women，prettyandplain，womenwhostaredboldlyateveryone，modestmaidenswithdowncasteyes，suchwasthepictureIsaw。
Themixtureofnationalities，thegraveTurkandtheglitteringAndalusian，theFrenchdandy，thegrossNegro，thecraftyGreek，thedullHollander；everythingremindedmeofVenice，andI
enjoyedthescene。
Istoppedamomentatastreetcornertoreadaplaybill，andthenIwentbacktotheinnandrefreshedmywearybodywithadeliciousdinner，washeddownwithchoiceSyracusanwine。AfterdinnerIdressedandtookaplaceintheamphitheatreofthetheatre。
CHAPTERIII
Rosalie——Toulon——Nice——IArriveatGenoa——M。Grimaldi——VeroniqueandHerSisterInoticedthatthefourprincipalboxesonbothsidesoftheprosceniumwereadornedwithprettywomen，butnotasinglegentleman。IntheintervalbetweenthefirstandsecondactsI
sawgentlemenofallclassespayingtheirdevoirstotheseladies。
SuddenlyIheardaKnightofMaltasaytoagirl，whowasthesoleoccupantofaboxnexttome，"Iwillbreakfastwithyouto—morrow。"
Thiswasenoughforme。IlookedathermorecloselyandfindinghertobeadaintymorselIsaid，assoonastheknighthadgone，—
"Willyougivememysupper？"
"Withpleasure；butIhavebeentakeninsooftenthatIshan’texpectyouwithoutanearnest。"
"HowcanIgiveyouanearnest？Idon’tunderstand。"
"Youmustbeanew—comerhere。"
"Justarrived。"
Shelaughed，calledtheknight，andsaid，——
"Bepleasedtoexplaintothisgentleman，whohasjustaskedmeforsupper，themeaningoftheword’earnest。’"
Thegood—naturedknightexplained，withasmile，thatthelady，fearinglestmymemoryshouldprovedefective，wantedmetopayformysupperinadvance。Ithankedhim，andaskedherifalouiswouldbeenough；andonherreplyingintheaffirmative，IgavehertheLouisandaskedforheraddress。Theknighttoldmepolitelythathewouldtakemetherehimselfafterthetheatre，adding，——
"She’sthewantonestwenchinallMarseilles。"
HethenaskedmeifIknewthetown，andwhenItoldhimthatI
hadonlycomethatdayhesaidhewasgladtobethefirsttomakemyacquaintance。Wewenttothemiddleof，theamphitheatreandhepointedoutascoreofgirlstorightandleft，allofthemreadytotreatthefirstcomertosupper。Theyareallonthefreelist，andthemanagerfindstheyservehisendsasrespectablewomenwillnotsitintheirboxes，andtheydrawpeopletothetheatre。InoticedfiveorsixofabettertypethantheoneIhadengaged，butIresolvedtosticktoherfortheevening，andtomaketheacquaintanceoftheothersanothertime。
"Isyourfavouriteamongstthem？"Isaidtotheknight。
"No，Ikeepaballet—girl，andIwillintroduceyoutoher，asI
amgladtosaythatIamfreefromalljealousy。"
Whentheplaycametoanendhetookmetomynymph’slodging，andwepartedwiththeunderstandingthatweweretoseemoreofoneanother。
Ifoundtheladyinundress——acircumstancewhichwentagainsther，forwhatIsawdidnotpleaseme。Shegavemeacapitalsupper，andenlivenedmebysomewittyandwantonsallieswhichmademeregardherinamorefavourablelight。Whenwehadsuppershegotintobed，andaskedmetofollowherexample；butItoldherthatIneversleptout。ShethenofferedmetheEnglisharticlewhichbringspeacetothesoul，butIdidnotaccepttheonesheofferedasIthoughtitlookedofacommonmake。
"Ihavefinerones，buttheyarethreefrancseach，andthemakeronlysellsthembythedozen，"shesaid。"Iwilltakeadozeniftheyarereallygood，"Ireplied。
Sherangthebell，andayoung，charming，andmodest—lookinggirlcamein。Iwasstruckwithher。
"Youhavegotanicemaid，"Iremarked，whenthegirlhadgonefortheprotectivesheaths。
"Sheisonlyfifteen，"shesaid，"andwon’tdoanything，assheisnewtoit。"
"Willyouallowmetoseeformyself？"
"Youmayaskherifyoulike，butIdon’tthinkshewillconsent。"
Thegirlcamebackwiththepacket，andputtingmyselfinaproperpositionItoldhertotryoneon。Sheproceededtodosowithasulkyairandwithakindofrepugnancewhichmademefeelinterestedinher。Numberonewouldnotgoon，soshehadtotryonasecond，andtheresultwasthatIbesprinkledherplentifully。Themistresslaughed，butshewasindignant，threwthewholepacketinmyface，andranawayinarage。Iwantednothingmoreafterthis，soIputthepacketinmypocket，gavethewomantwoLouis，andlefttheroom。ThegirlIhadtreatedsocavalierlycametolightmedownstairs，andthinkingIowedheranapologyIgaveheraLouisandbeggedherpardon。Thepoorgirlwasastonished，kissedmyhand，andbeggedmetosaynothingtohermistress。
"Iwillnot，mydear，buttellmetrulywhetheryouarestilla’virgointacta’。"
"Certainly，sir！"
"Wonderful！buttellmewhyyouwouldn’tletmeseeformyself？"
"Becauseitrevoltedme。"
"Neverthelessyouwillhavetodoso，forotherwise，inspiteofyourprettiness，peoplewillnotknowwhattomakeofyou。Wouldyouliketoletmetry？"
"Yes，butnotinthishorriblehouse。"
"Where，then？"
"Gotomymother’sto—morrow，Iwillbethere。Yourguideknowswhereshelives。"
WhenIgotoutside，Iaskedthemanifheknewher。Herepliedintheaffirmative，andsaidhebelievedhertobeanhonestgirl。
"Youwilltakemeto—morrowtoseehermother，"Isaid。
Nextmorninghetookmetotheendofthetown，toapoorhouse，whereIfoundapoorwomanandpoorchildrenlivingonthegroundfloor，andeatinghardblackbread。
"Whatdoyouwant？"saidshe。
"Isyoudaughterhere？"
"No，andwhatifshewere？Iamnotherbawd。"
"No，ofcoursenot，mygoodwoman。"
Justthenthegirlcamein，andtheenragedmotherflunganoldpotwhichcamehandy，atherhead。Luckilyitmissed，butshewouldnothaveescapedhermother’stalonsifIhadnotflungmyselfbetweenthem。However，theoldwomansetupadismalshriek，thechildrenimitatedher，andthepoorgirlbegantocry。
Thishubbubmademymancomein。
"Youhussy！"screamedthemother，"youarebringingdisgraceonme；getoutofmyhouse。Youarenolongermydaughter！"
Iwasinadifficultposition。Themanbeggedhernottomakesuchanoise，asitwoulddrawalltheneighboursaboutthehouse；
buttheenragedwomanansweredonlybyabuse。Idrewsixfrancsfrommypocketandgavethemtoher，butsheflungtheminmyface。AtlastIwentoutwiththedaughter，whosehairsheattemptedtopulloutbytheroots，whichprojectwasdefeatedbytheaidofmyman。Assoonaswegotoutside，themobwhichtheuproarhadattractedhootedmeandfollowedme，andnodoubtI
shouldhavebeentorntopiecesifIhadnotescapedintoachurch，whichIleftbyanotherdooraquarterofanhourlater。
Myfrightsavedme，forIknewtheferocityoftheProvencals，andItookcarenottoreplyawordtothestormofabusewhichpouredonme。IbelievethatIwasneveringreaterdangerthanonthatday。
BeforeIgotbacktomyinnIwasrejoinedbytheservantandthegirl。
"Howcouldyouleadmeintosuchadangerousposition？"saidI。
"Youmusthaveknownyourmotherwassavage。"
"Ihopedshewouldbehaverespectfullytoyou。"
"Becalm；don’tweepanymore。TellmehowIcanserveyou。"
"RatherthanreturntothathorriblehouseIwasinyesterdayI
wouldthrowmyselfintothesea。"
"DoyouknowofanyrespectablehousewhereIcankeepher？"saidItotheman。
Hetoldmehedidknowarespectableindividualwholetfurnishedapartments。
"Takemetoit，then。"
Themanwasofanadvancedage，andhehadroomstoletonallthefloors。
"Ionlywantalittlenook，"saidthegirl；andtheoldmantookustothehigheststory，andopenedthedoorofagarret，saying，—
"Thisclosetissixfrancsamonth，amonth’srenttobepaidinadvance，andImaytellyouthatmydoorisalwaysshutatteno’clock，andthatnobodycancomeandpassthenightwithyou。"
Theroomheldabedwithcoarsesheets，twochairs，alittletable，andachestofdrawers。
"Howmuchwillyouboardthisyoungwomanfor？"saidI。
Heaskedtwentysous，andtwosousforthemaidwhowouldbringhermealsanddoherroom。
"Thatwilldo，"saidthegirl，andshepaidthemonth’srentandtheday’sboard。IlefthertellingherIwouldcomebackagain。
AsIwentdownthestairsIaskedtheoldmantoshewmearoomformyself。HeskewedmeaveryniceoneataLouisamonth，andIpaidinadvance。Hethengavemealatch—key，thatImightgoandcomewhenIliked。
"Ifyouwishtoboardhere，"saidhe，"IthinkIcouldgivesatisfaction。"
Havingdonethisgoodwork，Ihadmydinnerbymyself，andthenwenttoacoffee—housewhereIfoundtheamiableKnightofMaltawhowasplaying。Heleftthegameassoonashesawme，putthefistfullofgoldhehadwonintohispocket，accostedmewiththepolitenessnaturaltoaFrenchman，andaskedmehowIhadlikedtheladywhohadgivenmemysupper。Itoldhimwhathadhappened，atwhichhelaughed，andaskedmetocomeandseehisballet—girl。Wefoundherunderthehairdresser’shands，andshereceivedmewiththeplayfulfamiliaritywithwhichonegreetsanoldacquaintance。Ididnotthinkmuchofher，butIpretendedtobeimmenselystruck，withtheideaofpleasingthegood—naturedknight。
Whenthehairdresserlefther，itwastimeforhertogetreadyforthetheatre，andshedressedherself，withoutcaringwhowaspresent。Theknighthelpedhertochangeherchemise，whichsheallowedhimtodoasamatterofcourse，thoughindeedshebeggedmetoexcuseher。
AsIowedheracompliment，Icouldthinkofnothingbetterthantotellherthatthoughshehadnotoffendedmeshehadmademefeelveryuncomfortable。
"Idon’tbelieveyou，"saidshe。
"It’strueallthesame。"
Shecameuptometoverifythefact，andfindingIhaddeceivedher，shesaidhalfcrossly，"Youareabadfellow。"
ThewomenofMarseillesareundoubtedlythemostprofligateinFrance。Theynotonlypridethemselvesonneverrefusing，butalsoonbeingthefirsttopropose。Thisgirlskewedmearepeater，forwhichshehadgotupalotteryattwelvefrancsaticket。Shehadtenticketsleft；Itookthemall，andsodelightedwasshetotouchmyfiveLouisthatshecameandkissedme，andtoldtheknightthatherunfaithfulnesstohimrestedonlywithme。
"Iamcharmedtohearit，"saidtheMaltese。Heaskedmetosupwithher，andIacceptedtheinvitation，butthesolepleasureI
hadwaslookingattheknightatwork。HewasfarinferiortoDolci！
Iwishedthemgoodnight，andwenttothehousewhereIhadplacedthepoorgirl。Themaidskewedmetomyroom，andIaskedherifImightgotothegarret。Shetookthelight，Ifollowedherup，andRosalie，asthepoorgirlwasnamed，heardmyvoiceandopenedthedoor。Itoldthemaidtowaitformeinmyroom，andIwentinandsatdownonthebed。
"Areyoucontented，dear？"Isaid。
"Iamquitehappy。"
"ThenIhopeyouwillbekind，andfindroomformeinyourbed。"
"Youmaycomeifyoulike，butImusttellyouthatyouwillnotfindmeamaid，asIhavehadonelover。"
"Youtoldmealie，then？"
"Forgiveme，Icouldnotguessyouwouldbemylover。"
"Iforgiveyouwillingly；allthemoresoasIamnogreatsticklerformaidenheads。"
Shewasasgentleasalamb，andallowedmetogazeonallthosecharmsofwhichmyhandsandmylipsdisputedthepossession；andthenotionthatIwasmasterofallthesetreasuresputfireinallmyveins，buthersubmissiveairdistressedme。
"Howisityoudonotpartakemydesires？"saidI。
"Idarenot，lestyoutakemeforapretender。"
Artificeorstudiedcoquetrymighthavepromptedsuchananswer，buttherealtimidityandthefranknesswithwhichthesewordswereutteredcouldnothavebeenassumed。ImpatienttogainpossessionofherItookoffmyclothes，andongettingintobedtoherIwasastonishedtofindheramaid。
"Whydidyoutellmeyouhadalover？"saidI。"Ineverheardofagirltellingalieofthatsortbefore。"
"AllthesameIdidnottellalie，butIamverygladthatIseemasifIhaddoneso。"
"Tellmeallaboutit。"
"CertainlyI，will，forIwanttowinyourconfidence。Thisisthestory:
"Twoyearsagomymother，thoughshewashot—tempered，stilllovedme。Iwasaneedle—woman，andearnedfromtwentytothirtysousaday。WhateverIearnedIgavemymother。Ihadneverhadalover，neverthoughtofsuchathing，andwhenmygoodnesswaspraisedIfeltinclinedtolaugh。IhadbeenbroughtupfromachildnevertolookatyoungmenwhenImettheminthestreet，andnevertoreplytothemwhentheyaddressedanyimpudencetome。
"Twomonthsagoafineenoughlookingyoungman，anativeofGenoa，andamerchantinasmallway，cametomymothertogethertowashsomeveryfinecottonstockingswhichthesea—waterhadstained。Whenhesawmehewasverycomplimentary，butinanhonestway。Ilikedhim，and，nodoubtseeingit，hecameandcameagaineveryevening。Mymotherwasalwayspresentatourinterviews，andhelookedatmeandtalkedtome，butdidnotsomuchasasktokissmyhand。Mymotherwasverypleasedtonoticethattheyoungmanlikedme，andoftenscoldedmebecauseIwasnotpoliteenoughtohim。IntimehehadtogotoGenoainasmallshipwhichbelongedtohim，andwhichwasladenwithgoods。
Heassuredusthathewouldreturnagainthenextspringanddeclarehisintentions。Hesaidhehopedheshouldfindmeasgoodasever，andstillwithoutanylover。Thiswasenough；mymotherlookeduponhimasmybetrothed，andletustalktogetheratthedoortillmidnight。WhenhewentIwouldshutthedoorandliedownbesidemymother，whowasalwaysasleep。
"Fourorfivedaysbeforehisdeparture，hetookmyarmandgotmetogowithhimtoaplaceaboutfiftypacesfromthehousetodrinkaglassofMuscatataGreek’s，whokepthistavernopenallnight。Wewereonlyawayforhalfanhour，andthenitwasthathefirstkissedme。WhenIgothomeIfoundmymotherawake，andtoldherall；itseemedsoharmlesstome。
"Nextday，excitedbytherecollectionofwhathadhappenedthenightbefore，Iwentwithhimagain，andlovebegantogainground。Weindulgedincaresseswhichwerenolongerinnocent，aswewellknew。However，weforgaveeachother，aswehadabstainedfromthechiefliberty。
"Thedayafter，mylover——ashehadtojourneyinthenight——tookleaveofmymother，andassoonasshewasinbedIwasnotlongeringrantingwhatIdesiredasmuchashe。WewenttotheGreek’s，ateanddrank，andourheatedsensesgainedlove’scause；weforgotourduty，andfanciedourmisdemeanouratriumph。
"Afterwardswefellasleep，andwhenweawokewesawourfaultintheclear，coldlightofday。Wepartedsorrowfulratherthanrejoicing，andthereceptionmymothergavemewaslikethatyouwitnessedthismorning。Iassuredherthatmarriagewouldtakeawaytheshameofmysin，andwiththisshetookupastickandwouldhavedoneforme，ifIhadnottakentomyheels，morefrominstinctthanfromanyideaofwhatIwasdoing。
"OnceinthestreetIknewnotwheretoturn，andtakingrefugeinachurchIstayedtherelikeoneinadreamtillnoon。Thinkofmyposition。Iwashungry，Ihadnorefuge，nothingbuttheclothesIwore，nothingthatwouldgetmeamorselofbread。A
womanaccostedmeinthestreet。IknewherandIalsoknewthatshekeptaservants’agency。Iaskedherforthwithifshecouldgetmeaplace。
"’Ihadenquiriesaboutamaidthismorning，’saidshe，’butitisforagaywoman，andyouarepretty。Youwouldhaveagooddealofdifficultyinremainingvirtuous。’
"’Icankeepofftheinfection，’Ianswered，’andinthepositionIaminIcannotpickandchoose。’
"Shethereupontookmetothelady，whowasdelightedtoseeme，andstillmoredelightedwhenItoldherthatIhadneverhadanythingtodowithaman。Ihaverepentedofthisliebitterlyenough，forintheweekIspentatthatprofligatewoman’shouseI
havehadtoendurethemosthumiliatinginsultsthatanhonestgirleversuffered。NosoonerdidthemenwhocametothehousehearthatIwasamaidthantheylongedtoslaketheirbrutallustuponme，offeringmegoldifIwouldsubmittotheircaresses。I
refusedandwasreviled，butthatwasnotall。FiveorsixtimeseverydayIwasobligedtoremainawitnessofthedisgustingscenesenactedbetweenmymistressandhercustomers，who，whenI
wascompelledtolightthemaboutthehouseatnight，overwhelmedmewithinsults，becauseIwouldnotdothemadisgustingserviceforatwelve—souspiece。Icouldnotbearthissortoflifemuchlonger，andIwasthinkingofdrowningmyself。Whenyoucameyoutreatedmesoignominiouslythatmyresolvetodiewasstrengthened，butyouweresokindandpoliteasyouwentawaythatIfellinlovewithyoudirectly，thinkingthatProvidencemusthavesentyoutosnatchmeawayfromtheabyss。Ithoughtyourfinepresencemightcalmmymotherandpersuadehertotakemebacktillmylovercametomarryme。Iwasundeceived，andI
sawthatshetookmeforaprostitute。Now，ifyoulike，Iamaltogetheryours，andIrenouncemyloverofwhomIamnolongerworthy。Takemeasyourmaid，Iwillloveyouandyouonly；I
willsubmitmyselftoyouanddowhateveryoubidme。"
Whetheritwereweaknessorvirtueonmypart，thistaleofwoeandamother’stoogreatseveritydrewtearsfrommyeyes，andwhenshesawmyemotionsheweptprofusely，forherheartwasinneedofsomerelief。
"Ithink，mypoorRosalie，youhaveonlyonechemise。"
"Alas！thatisall。"
Comfortyourself，mydear；allyourwantsshallbesuppliedtomorrow，andintheeveningyoushallsupwithmeinmyroomonthesecondfloor。Iwilltakecareofyou。"
"Youpityme，then？"
"Ifancythereismorelovethanpityinit。"
"WouldtoGoditwereso！"
This"wouldtoGod，"whichcamefromtheverydepthsofhersoul，sentmeawayinamerrymood。Theservantwhohadbeenwaitingformefortwohours，andwaslookingratherglum，relaxedwhenshesawthecolourofacrownwhichIgaveherbywayofatonement。
"Tellyourmaster，"saidI，"thatRosaliewillsupwithmeto—
morrow；letushaveafastingdinner，butletitbeagoodone。"
IreturnedtomyinnquiteinlovewithRosalie，andI
congratulatedmyselfonhavingatlastheardatruetalefromaprettymouth。Sheappearedtomesowelldisposedthathersmallfailingseemedtomakehershinethemore。Iresolvednevertoabandonher，andIdidsoinallsincerity；wasInotinlove？
AfterIhadhadmychocolatenextmorningIwentoutwithaguidetotheshops，whereIgotthenecessaryarticles，payingagoodbutnotanexcessiveprice。Rosaliewasonlyfifteen，butwithherfigure，herwell—formedbreasts，andherroundedarms，shewouldhavebeentakenfortwenty。HershapewassoimprintedonmybrainthateverythingIgotforherfittedasifshehadbeenmeasuredforit。Thisshoppingtookupallthemorning，andintheafternoonthemantookherasmalltrunkcontainingtwodresses，chemises，petticoats，handkerchiefs，stockings，gloves，caps，apairofslippers，afan，awork—bag，andamantle。Iwaspleasedatgivinghersuchadelightfulsurprise，andIlongedforsuppertimethatImightenjoythesightofherpleasure。
TheKnightofMaltacametodinewithmewithoutceremony，andI
wascharmedtoseehim。Afterwehaddinedhepersuadedmetogotothetheatre，asinconsequenceofthesuspenseofthesubscriptionarrangementstheboxeswouldbefilledwithallthequalityinMarseilles。
"Therewillbenoloosewomenintheamphitheatre，"saidhe，"aseverybodyhastopay。"
ThatdecidedmeandIwent。Hepresentedmetoaladywithanexcellentconnection，whoaskedmetocomeandseeher。IexcusedmyselfonthepleathatIwasleavingsoshortly。NeverthelessshewasveryusefultomeonmysecondvisittoMarseilles。HernamewasMadameAudibert。
Ididnotwaitfortheplaytoend，butwentwherelovecalledme。
IhadadelightfulsurprisewhenIsawRosalie；Ishouldnothaveknownher。ButIcannotresistthepleasureofrecallingherpictureasshestoodbeforemethen，despitetheyearsthathaverolledbysincethathappymoment。
Rosaliewasanenticing—lookingbrunette，abovethemiddleheight。
Herfacewasaperfectoval，andexquisitelyproportioned。Twofineblackeyesshedasoftandravishinglightaround。Hereyebrowswerearched，andshehadawealthofhair，blackandshiningasebony；herskinwaswhileandlightlytingedwithcolour。Onherchinwasadimple，andherslightestsmilesummonedintobeingtwootherdimples，oneoneachcheek。Hermouthwassmall，disclosingtworowsoffairestorientpearls，andfromherredlipsflowedforthanindefinablesweetness。Thelowerlipprojectedeversolightly，andseemeddesignedtoholdakiss。Ihavespokenofherarms，herbreast，andherfigure，whichleftnothingtobedesired，butImustaddtothiscatalogueofhercharms，thatherhandwasexquisitelyshaped，andthatherfootwasthesmallestIhaveeverseen。Astoherotherbeauties，IwillcontentmyselfwithsayingthattheywereinharmonywiththoseIhavedescribed。
Toseeheratherbest，onehadtoseehersmiling；andhithertoshehadbeensadorvexed——statesofmindwhichdetractfromawoman’sappearance。Butnowsadnesswasgone，andgratitudeandpleasurehadtakenitsplace。Iexaminedherclosely，andfeltproud，asIsawwhatatransformationIhadeffected；butI
concealedmysurprise，lestsheshouldthinkIhadformedanunfavourableimpressionofher。Iproceeded，therefore，totellherthatIshouldexposemyselftoridiculeifIattemptedtokeepabeautylikeherselfforaservant。
"Youshallbemymistress，"Isaid，"andmyservantsshallrespectyouasifyouweremywife。"
AtthisRosalie，asifIhadgivenheranotherbeing，begantotryandexpresshergratitudeforwhatIhaddone。Herwords，whichpassionmadeconfused，increasedmyjoy；herewasnoartnordeceit，butsimplenature。
Therewasnomirrorinhergarret，soshehaddressedbyhersenseoftouch，andIcouldseethatshewasafraidtostandupandlookatherselfinthemirrorinmyroom。Iknewtheweakspotinallwomen’shearts（whichmenareverywronginconsideringasmatterforreproach），andIencouragedhertoadmireherself，whereuponshecouldnotrestrainasmileofsatisfaction。
"IthinkImustbeindisguise，"saidshe，"forIhaveneverseenmyselfsodeckedoutbefore。"
ShepraisedthetastefulsimplicityofthedressIhadchosen，butwasvexedatthethoughtthathermotherwouldstillbedispleased。
"Thinknomoreofyourmother，dearestone。Youlooklikealadyofquality，andIshallbequiteproudwhenthepeopleatGenoaaskmeifyouaremydaughter。"
"AtGenoa？"
"Yes，atGenoa。Whydoyoublush？"
"Fromsurprise；perhapsImayseethereonewhomIhavenotyetforgotten。"
"Wouldyouliketostayherebetter？"
"No，no！LovemeandbesurethatIloveyouandforyourownsake，notfromanythoughtofmyowninterests。"
"Youaremoved，myangel；letmewipeawayyourtearswithkisses。"
Shefellintomyarms，andsherelievedthevariousfeelingsofwhichherheartwasfullbyweepingforsometime。Ididnottrytoconsoleher，forshehadnotgrief；sheweptastendersouls，andwomen，moreespecially，oftenwill。WehadadelicioussuppertowhichIdidhonourfortwo，forsheatenothing。Iaskedherifshewassounfortunateasnottocareforgoodfood。
"Ihaveasgoodanappetiteasanyone，"shereplied，"andanexcellentdigestion。YoushallseeforyourselfwhenIgrowmoreaccustomedtomysuddenhappiness。"
"Atleastyoucandrink；thiswineisadmirable。IfyoupreferGreekmuscatIwillsendforsome。Itwillremindyouofyourlover。"
"Ifyoulovemeatall，Ibegyouwillsparemethatmortification。"
"Youshallhavenomoremortificationfromme，Ipromiseyou。Itwasonlyajoke，andIbegyourpardonforit。"
"AsIlookuponyouIfeelindespairatnothavingknownyoufirst。"
"Thatfeelingofyours，whichwellsforthfromthedepthsofyouropensoul，isgrand。Youarebeautifulandgood，foryouonlyyieldedtothevoiceoflovewiththeprospectofbecominghiswife；andwhenIthinkwhatyouaretomeIamindespairatnotbeingsureyouloveme。AnevilgeniuswhispersinmyearthatyouonlybearwithmebecauseIhadthehappinessofhelpingyou。"
"Indeed，thatisanevilgenius。Tobesure，ifIhadmetyouinthestreetIshouldnothavefallenheadoverearsinlovewithyou，likeawanton，butyouwouldcertainlyhavepleasedme。IamsureIloveyou，andnotforwhatyouhavedoneforme；forifI
wererichandyouwerepoor，Iwoulddoanythingintheworldforyou。ButIdon’twantittobelikethat，forIhadratherbeyourdebtorthanforyoutobemine。Thesearemyrealfeelings，andyoucanguesstherest。"
Wewerestilltalkingonthesamesubjectwhenmidnightstruck，andmyoldlandlordcameandaskedmeifIwerepleased。
"Imustthankyou，"Ireplied，"Iamdelighted。Whocookedthisdelicioussupper？"
"Mydaughter。"
"Sheunderstandshercraft；tellherIthoughtitexcellent。"
"Yes，sir，butitisdear。"
"Nottoodearforme。YoushallbepleasedwithmeasIwithyou，andtakecaretohaveasgoodasupperto—morrowevening，asI
hopetheladywillbewellenoughtodojusticetotheproductsofyourdaughter’sculinaryskill。"
"Bedisacapitalplacetogetanappetite。Ah！itissixtyyearssinceIhavehadanythingtodowiththatsortofthing。Whatareyoulaughingat，mademoiselle？"
"Atthedelightwithwhichyoumustrecollectit。"
"Youareright，itisapleasantrecollection；andthusIamalwaysreadytoforgiveyoungfolksthepeccadilloesthatlovemakesthemcommit。"
"Youareawiseoldman，"saidI，"everyoneshouldsympathisewiththetenderestofallourmortalfollies。"
"Iftheoldmaniswise，"saidRosalie，whenhehadlefttheroom，"mymothermustbeveryfoolish。"
"Wouldyoulikemetotakeyoutotheplayto—morrow？"
"Praydonot。Iwillcomeifyoulike，butitwillvexmeverymuch。Idon’twanttowalkoutwithyouortogotothetheatrewithyouhere。Goodheavens！Whatwouldpeoplesay。No，neitheratMarseilles；butelsewhere，anythingyoupleaseandwithallmyheart。"
"Verygood，mydear，justasyouplease。Butlookatyourroom；
nomoregarretforyou；andinthreedayswewillstart。"
"Sosoon？"
"Yes；tellmeto—morrowwhatyourequireforthejourney，forI
don’twantyoutolackforanything，andifyouleaveitalltomeImightforgetsomethingwhichwouldvexme。"
"Well，Ishouldlikeanothercloak，acloakwithalining，someboots，anight—cap，andaprayer—book。"
"Youknowhowtoread，doyou？"
"Certainly；andIcanwritefairlywell。"
"Iamgladtohearit。Youraskingmesofreelyforwhatyouwantisatrueproofofyourlove；whereconfidencedwellsnotthereisnolove。Iwillnotforgetanything，butyourfeetaresosmallthatIshouldadviseyoutogetyourbootsyourself。"
Ourtalkwassopleasant，andIexperiencedsuchdelightinstudyingherdisposition，thatwedidnotgotobedtillfiveo’clock。Inthearmsofloveandsleepwespentsevendelicioushours，andwhenweroseatnoonwewerefastlovers。Shecalledmethou，talkedofloveandnotofgratitude，and，grownmorefamiliarwithhernewestate，laughedathertroubles。Shekissedmeateveryopportunity，calledmeherdarlingboy，herjoy，andasthepresentmomentistheonlyrealthinginthislife，I
enjoyedherlove，Iwaspleasedwithhercaresses，andputawayallideasofthedreadfulfuture，whichhasonlyonecertainty——
death，’ultimalinearerum’。
Thesecondnightwasfarsweeterthanthefirst；shehadmadeagoodsupper，anddrunkwell，thoughmoderately；thusshewasdisposedtorefineonherpleasure，andtodeliverherselfwithgreaterardourtoallthevoluptuousenjoymentswhichloveinspires。
Igaveheraprettywatchandagoldshuttleforhertoamuseherselfwith。
"Iwantedit，"saidshe，"butIshouldneverhavedaredtoaskforit。"
Itoldherthatthisfearofmydispleasuremademedoubtoncemorewhethershereallylovedme。Shethrewherselfintomyarms，andpromisedthathenceforthshewouldshewmetheutmostconfidence。
Iwaspleasedtoeducatethisyounggirl，andIfeltthatwhenhermindhadbeendevelopedshewouldbeperfect。
OnthefourthdayIwarnedhertoholdherselfinreadinesstostartatamoment’snotice。IhadsaidnothingaboutmyplanstoCostaorLeDuc，butRosalieknewthatIhadtwoservants，andI
toldherthatIshouldoftenmakethemtalkonthejourneyforthesakeofthelaughtertheirfollywouldaffordme。
"You，mydear，"Ihadsaidtoher，"mustbeveryreservedwiththem，andnotallowthemtotaketheslightestliberty。Givethemyourordersasamistress，butwithoutpride，andyouwillbeobeyedandrespected。Iftheyforgetthemselvesintheslightestparticular，tellmeatonce。"
Istartedfromthehotelofthe"TreizeCantons"withfourpost—
horses，LeDucandCostasittingonthecoachman’sseat。Theguide，whomIhadpaidwellforhisservices，tookustoRosalie’sdoor。Igotoutofthecarriage，andafterthankingthekindlyoldlandlord，whowassorrytolosesogoodaboarder，Imadehergetin，satdownbesideher，andorderedthepostillionstogotoToulon，asIwishedtoseethatfineportbeforereturningtoItaly。WegottoToulonatfiveo’clock。
MyRosaliebehavedherselfatsupperlikethemistressofahouseaccustomedtothebestsociety。InoticedthatLeDucasheadmanmadeCostawaituponher，butIgotoverhimbytellingmysweetheartthathewouldhavethehonourofdoingherhair，ashecoulddoitaswellasthebestbarberinParis。Heswallowedthegoldenpill，andgaveinwithagoodgrace，andsaid，withaprofoundbow，thathehopedtogivemadamsatisfaction。
Wewentoutnextmorningtoseetheport，andwereshewnovertheplacebythecommandant，whoseacquaintancewemadebyaluckychance。HeofferedhisarmtoRosalie，andtreatedherwiththeconsiderationshedeservedforherappearanceandthegoodsenseofherquestions。Thecommandantacceptedmyinvitationtodinner，atwhichRosaliespoketothepointthoughnottoexcess，andreceivedthepolitecomplimentsofourworthyguestwithmuchgrace。Intheafternoonhetookusoverthearsenal，andafterhavinghimtodinnercouldnotrefusehisinvitationtosupper。
TherewasnodifficultyaboutRosalie；thecommandantintroducedherimmediatelytohiswife，hisdaughter，andhisson。Iwasdelightedtoseethathermannerwithladiesevensurpassedhermannerwithgentlemen。ShewasoneofNature’sownladies。Thecommandant’swifeanddaughtercaressedheragainandagain，andshereceivedtheirattentionswiththatmodestsensibilitywhichisthesealofagoodeducation。
Theyaskedmetodinnerthenextday，butIwassatisfiedwithwhatIhadseen，soItookleave，intendingtostartonthemorrow。
WhenwegotbacktotheinnItoldherhowpleasedIwaswithher，andshethrewherarmsroundmyneckforjoy。
"Iamalwaysafraid，"saidshe，"ofbeingaskedwhoIam。"
"Youneedn’tbeafraid，dearest；inFrancenogentlemanorladywouldthinkofaskingsuchaquestion。"
"Butiftheydid，whatoughtItodo？"
"Youshouldmakeuseofanevasion。"
"What’sanevasion？"
"Awayofescapingfromadifficultywithoutsatisfyingimpertinentcuriosity。"
"Givemeanexample。"
"Well，ifsuchaquestionwereaskedyou，youmightsay，’Youhadbetteraskthisgentleman。’"
"Isee，thequestionisavoided；butisnotthatimpolite？"
"Yes；butnotsoimpoliteastoaskanembarrassingquestion。"
"Andwhatwouldyousayifthequestionwaspassedontoyou？"
"Well，myanswerwouldvaryinaratiowiththerespectinwhichI
heldthequestioner。Iwouldnottellthetruth，butIshouldsaysomething。AndIamgladtoseeyouattentivetomylessons。
Alwaysaskquestions，andyouwillalwaysfindmereadytoanswer，forIwanttoteachyou。Andnowletustobed；wehavetostartforAntibesatanearlyhour，andlovewillrewardyouforthepleasureyouhavegivenmeto—day。"
AtAntibesIhiredafeluccatotakemetoGenoa，andasI
intendedtoreturnbythesamerouteIhadmycarriagewarehousedforasmallmonthlypayment。Westartedearlywithagoodwind，buttheseabecomingrough，andRosaliebeingmortallyafraid，I
hadthefeluccarowedintoVillafranca，whereIengagedacarriagetotakemetoNice。Theweatherkeptusbackforthreedays，andIfeltobligedtocallonthecommandant，anoldofficernamedPeterson。
Hegavemeanexcellentreception，andaftertheusualcomplimentshadpassed，said，——
"DoyouknowaRussianwhocallshimselfCharlesIvanoff？"
"IsawhimonceatGrenoble。"
"ItissaidthathehasescapedfromSiberia，andthatheistheyoungersonoftheDukeofCourland。"
"SoIhaveheard，butIknownoproofofhisclaimtothetitle。"
"HeisatGenoa，whereitissaidabankeristogivehimtwentythousandcrowns。Inspiteofthat，noonewouldgivehimasouhere，soIsenthimtoGenoaatmyownexpense，toridtheplaceofhim。"
IfeltverygladthattheRussianhadgoneawaybeforemyarrival。
AnofficernamedRamini，whowasstayingatthesameinnasmyself，askedifIwouldmindtakingchargeofapacketwhichM。deSt。Pierre，theSpanishconsul，hadtosendtotheMarquisGrimaldi，atGenoa。ItwasthenoblemanIhadjustseenatAvignon，andIwaspleasedtoexecutethecommission。ThesameofficeraskedmewhetherIhadeverseenacertainMadameStuard。
"Shecamehereafortnightagowithamanwhocallshimselfherhusband。Thepoordevilshadn’tapenny，andshe，agreatbeauty，enchantedeverybody，butwouldgivenooneasmileoraword。"
"Ihavebothseenandknowher，"Ianswered。"Ifurnishedherwiththemeanstocomehere。HowcouldsheleaveNicewithoutanymoney？"
"That’sjustwhatnoonecanunderstand。Shewentoffinacarriage，andthelandlord’sbillwaspaid。Iwasinterestedinthewoman。TheMarquisGrimalditoldmethatshehadrefusedahundredlouisheofferedher，andthataVenetianofhisacquaintancehadfaredjustasbadly。Perhapsthatisyou？"
"Itis，andIgavehersomemoneydespitemytreatment。"
M。Petersoncametoseeme，andwasenchantedwithRosalie’samiablemanner。Thiswasanotherconquestforher，andIdulycomplimentedheruponit。
Niceisaterriblydullplace，andstrangersaretormentedbythemidges，whopreferthemtotheinhabitants。However，Iamusedmyselfatasmallbankatfaro，whichwasheldatacoffee—house，andatwhichRosalie，whoseplayIdirected，wonascoreofPiedmontesepistoles。Sheputherlittleearningsintoapurse，andtoldmeshelikedtohavesomemoneyofherown。Iscoldedherfornothavingtoldmesobefore，andremindedherofherpromise。
"Idon’treallywantit，"saidshe，"it’sonlymythoughtlessness。"
Wesoonmadeupourlittlequarrel。
InsuchwaysdidImakethisgirlmyown，inthehopethatfortheremnantofmydaysshewouldbemine，andsoIshouldnotbeforcedtoflyfromoneladytoanother。Butinexorablefateordaineditotherwise。
Theweathergrewfineagain，andwegotonboardoncemore，andthenextdayarrivedatGenoa，whichIhadneverseenbefore。I
putupat"St。Martin’sInn，"andfordecency’ssaketooktworooms，buttheywereadjoiningoneanother。ThefollowingdayI
sentthepackettoM。Grimaldi，andalittlelaterIleftmycardathispalace。
Myguidetookmetoalinen—draper’s，andIboughtsomestuffforRosalie，whowasinwantoflinen。Shewasverypleasedwithit。
WewerestillattablewhentheMarquisGrimaldiwasannounced；hekissedmeandthankedmeforbringingtheparcel。HisnextremarkreferredtoMadameStuard。Itoldhimwhathadhappened，andhelaughed，sayingthathewasnotquitesurewhathewouldhavedoneunderthecircumstances。
IsawhimlookingatRosalieattentively，andItoldhimshewasasgoodasshewasbeautiful。
"Iwanttofindheramaid，"Isaid，"agoodseamstress，whocouldgooutwithher，andaboveallwhocouldtalkItaliantoher，forIwanthertolearnthelanguagethatImaytakeherintosocietyatFlorence，RomeandNaples。"
"Don’tdepriveGenoaofthepleasureofentertainingher，"saidthemarquis。"Iwillintroduceherunderwhatevernameshepleases，andinmyownhousetobeginwith。"
"Shehasgoodreasonsforpreservingherincognitohere。"
"Ah，Isee！——Doyouthinkofstayingherelong？"
"Amonth，orthereabouts，andourpleasureswillbelimitedtoseeingthetownanditssurroundingsandgoingtothetheatre。Weshallalsoenjoythepleasuresofthetable。Ihopetoeatchampignonseveryday，theyarebetterherethananywhereelse"
"Anexcellentplan。Icouldn’tsuggestabetter。IamgoingtoseewhatIcandointhewayofgettingyouamaid，mademoiselle。"
"Yousir？HowcanIdeservesuchgreatkindness？"
"Myinterestinyouisthegreater，asIthinkyoucomefromMarseilles。"
Rosalieblushed。Shewasnotawarethatshelisped，andthatthisbetrayedher。Iextricatedherfromherconfusionbytellingthemarquishisconjecturewaswellfounded。
IaskedhimhowIcouldgettheJournaldeSavans，theMercuredeFrance，andotherpapersofthesamedescription。Hepromisedtosendmeamanwhowouldgetmeallthatkindofthing。HeaddedthatifIwouldallowhimtosendmesomeofhisexcellentchocolatehewouldcomeandbreakfastwithus。Isaidthatbothgiftandguestwerevastlyagreeabletome。
AssoonashehadgoneRosalieaskedmetotakehertoamilliner’s。
"Iwantribbonsandotherlittlethings，"saidshe，"butIshouldliketobargainforthemandpayforthemoutofmyownmoney，withoutyourhavinganythingtodowithit。"
"Dowhateveryoulike，mydear，andafterwardswewillgototheplay。"
ThemillinertowhomwewentprovedtobeaFrenchwoman。ItwasacharmingsighttoseeRosalieshopping。Sheputonanimportantair，seemedtoknowallaboutit，orderedbonnetsinthelatestfashion，bargained，andcontrivedtospendfiveorsixlouiswithgreatgrandeur。AswelefttheshopItoldherthatIhadbeentakenforherfootman，andImeanttoberevenged。Sosaying，I
madehercomeintoajeweller’s，whereIboughtheranecklace，ear—rings，andbroochesinimitationdiamonds，andwithoutlettinghersayawordIpaidthepriceandlefttheshop。
"Youhaveboughtmesomebeautifulthings，"saidshe，"butyouaretoolavishwithyourmoney；ifyouhadbargainedyoumighthavesavedfourlouisatleast。"
"Verylikely，dearest，butIneverwasanyhandatabargain。"
Itookhertotheplay，butasshedidnotunderstandthelanguageshegotdreadfullytired，andaskedmetotakeherhomeattheendofthefirstact，whichIdidverywillingly。WhenwegotinI
foundaboxwaitingformefromM。Grimaldi。Itprovedtocontaintwenty—fourpoundsofchocolate。Costa，whohadboastedofhisskillinmakingchocolateintheSpanishfashion，receivedorderstomakeusthreecupsinthemorning。
Atnineo’clockthemarquisarrivedwithatradesman，whosoldmesomebeautifulorientalmaterials。IgavethemtoRosalietomaketwo’mezzaro’forherself。The’mezzaro’isakindofhoodedcloakwornbytheGenoesewomen，asthe’cendal’iswornatVenice，andthe’mantilla’atMadrid。
IthankedM。Grimaldiforthechocolate，whichwasexcellent；
Costawasquiteproudofthepraisethemarquisgavehim。LeDuccameintoannounceawoman，whosenameIdidnotknow。
"It’sthemotherofthemaidIhaveengaged，"saidM。Grimaldi。
Shecamein，andIsawbeforemeawell—dressedwoman，followedbyagirlfromtwentytotwenty—fouryearsold，whopleasedmeatthefirstglance。Themotherthankedthemarquis，andpresentedherdaughtertoRosalie，enumeratinghergoodqualities，andtellingherthatshewouldserveherwell，andwalkwithherwhenshewishedtogoout。
"Mydaughter，"sheadded，"speaksFrench，andyouwillfindheragood，faithful，andobliginggirl。"
Sheendedbysayingthatherdaughterhadbeeninservicelatelywithalady，andthatshewouldbeobligedifshecouldhavehermealsbyherself。
ThegirlwasnamedVeronique。Rosalietoldherthatshewasagoodgirl，andthattheonlywaytoberespectedwastoberespectable。Veroniquekissedherhand，themotherwentaway，andRosalietookthegirlintoherroomtobeginherwork。
Ididnotforgettothankthemarquis，forhehadevidentlychosenamaidmorewithaviewtomylikingsthantothoseofmysweetheart。ItoldhimthatIshouldnotfailtocallonhim，andherepliedthathewouldbehappytoseemeatanyhour，andthatIshouldeasilyfindhimathiscasinoatSt。Pierred’Arena，whereheoftenspentthenight。
EndMEMOIRSOFJACQUESCASANOVAdeSEINGALT1725—1798
ADVENTURESINTHESOUTH，Volume4b——RETURNTOITALY
THERAREUNABRIDGEDLONDONEDITIONOF1894TRANSLATEDBYARTHUR
MACHENTOWHICHHASBEENADDEDTHECHAPTERSDISCOVERED
BYARTHURSYMONS。
RETURNTOITALY
GENOA——TUSCANY——ROME
CHAPTERIV
ThePlay——TheRussian——Petri——RosalieattheConventWhenthemarquishadgone，seeingRosalieengagedwithVeronique，Isetmyselftotranslatethe’Ecossaise’fortheactorsatGenoa，whoseemedprettygoodones，toplay。
IthoughtRosalielookingsadatdinner，andsaid，"Whatisthematter，dearest？YouknowIdonotliketoseeyoulookingmelancholy。"
"IamvexedatVeronique’sbeingprettierthanI。"
"Iseewhatyoumean；Ilikethat！Butconsoleyour，self，Veroniqueisnothingcomparedtoyou，inmyeyesatallevents。
Youaremyonlybeauty；buttoreassureyouIwillaskM。deGrimalditotellhermothertocomeandfetchheraway，andtogetmeanothermaidasuglyaspossible。"
"Oh，no！praydonotdoso；hewillthinkIamjealous，andI
wouldn’thavehimthinksofortheworld。"