"Well，well，smileagainifyoudonotwishtovexme。"
　　"Ishallsoondothat，if，asyouassureme，shewillnotmakemeloseyourlove。Butwhatmadetheoldgentlemangetmeagirllikethat？Doyouthinkhediditoutofmischief？"
　　"No，Idon’tthinkso。Iamsure，ontheotherhand，thathewantedtoletyouknowthatyouneednotfearbeingcomparedwithanybody。Areyoupleasedwithherinotherrespects？"
　　"Sheworkswell，andsheisveryrespectful。Shedoesnotspeakfourwordswithoutaddressingmeassignora，andsheiscarefultotranslatewhatshesaysfromItalianintoFrench。IhopethatinamonthIshallspeakwellenoughforustodispensewithherserviceswhenwegotoFlorence。IhaveorderedLeDuctoclearouttheroomIhavechosenforher，andIwillsendherherdinnerfromourowntable。Iwillbekindtoher，butIhopeyouwillnotmakemewretched。"
　　"Icouldnotdoso；andIdonotseewhattherecanbeincommonbetweenthegirlandmyself。"
　　"Thenyouwillpardonmyfears。"
　　"Themorereadilyastheyshewyourlove。"
　　"Ithankyou，butkeepmysecret。"
　　IpromisednevertogiveaglancetoVeronique，ofwhomIwasalreadyafraid，butIlovedRosalieandwouldhavedoneanythingtosavehertheleastgrief。
　　Isettoatmytranslationafterdinner；itwasworkIliked。I
　　didnotgooutthatday，andIspentthewholeofthenextmorningwithM。deGrimaldi。
　　IwenttothebankerBelloniandchangedallmygoldintogigliatisequins。Imademyselfknownafterthemoneywaschanged，andtheheadcashiertreatedmewithgreatcourtesy。IhadbillsonthisbankerforfortythousandRomancrowns，andonLepribillsfortwentythousand。
　　Rosaliedidnotwanttogototheplayagain，soIgotherapieceofembroiderytoamuseherintheevening。Thetheatrewasanecessityforme；Ialwayswentunlessitinterferredwithsomestillsweeterpleasure。Iwentbymyself，andwhenIgothomeI
　　foundthemarquistalkingtomymistress。Iwaspleased，andafterIhadembracedtheworthynoblemanIcomplimentedRosalieonhavingkepthimtillmyarrival，addinggentlythatsheshouldhaveputdownherwork。
　　"Askhim，"shereplied，"ifhedidnotmakemekeepon。HesaidhewouldgoifIdidn’t，soIgaveintokeephim。"
　　Shethenrose，stoppedworking，andinthecourseofaninterestingconversationshesucceededinmakingthemarquispromisetostaytosupper，thusforestallingmyintention。Hewasnotaccustomedtotakeanythingatthathour，andatelittle；butIsawhewasenchantedwithmytreasure，andthatpleasedme，forIdidnotthinkIhadanythingtofearfromamanofsixty；
　　besides，IwasgladattheopportunityofaccustomingRosalietogoodsociety。Iwantedhertobealittlecoquettish，asawomanneverpleasesinsocietyunlesssheshewsadesiretoplease。
　　Althoughthepositionwasquiteastrangeoneforher，shemademeadmirethenaturalaptitudeofwomen，whichmaybeimprovedorspoiledbyartbutwhichexistsmoreorlessinthemall，fromthethronetothemilk—pail。ShetalkedtoM。deGrimaldiinawaythatseemedtohintshewaswillingtogivealittlehope。Asourguestdidnoteat，shesaidgraciouslythathemustcometodinnersomedaythatshemighthaveanopportunityofseeingwhetherhereallyhadanyappetite。
　　WhenhehadgoneItookheronmyknee，andcoveringherwithkissesaskedherwhereshehadlearnttotalktogreatpeoplesowell。
　　"It’saneasymatter，"shereplied。"Youreyesspeaktomysoul，andtellmewhattodoandwhattosay。"
　　Aprofessedrhetoriciancouldnothaveansweredmoreelegantlyormoreflatteringly。
　　Ifinishedthetranslation；IhaditcopiedoutbyCostaandtookittoRossi，themanager，whosaidhewouldputitondirectly，whenItoldhimIwasgoingtomakehimapresentoftheplay。I
　　namedtheactorsofmychoice，andaskedhimtobringthemtodinewithmeatmyinn，thatImightreadtheplayanddistributetheparts。
　　Aswillbeguessed，myinvitationwasaccepted，andRosalieenjoyeddiningwiththeactorsandactresses，andespeciallyhearingherselfcalledMadameCasanovaeverymoment。Veroniqueexplainedeverythingshedidnotunderstand。
　　Whenmyactorswereroundmeinaring，theybeggedmetotellthemtheirparts，butIwouldnotgiveinonthispoint。
　　"Thefirstthingtobedone，"saidI，"isforyoutolistenattentivelytothewholepiecewithoutmindingaboutyourparts。
　　WhenyouknowthewholeplayIwillsatisfyyourcuriosity。"
　　Iknewthatcarelessoridleactorsoftenpaynoattentiontoanythingexcepttheirownparts，andthusapiece，thoughwellplayedinitsparts，isbadlyrenderedasawhole。
　　Theysubmittedwithatolerablygoodgrace，whichthehighandmightyplayersoftheComedieFrancaisewouldcertainlynothavedone。JustasIwasbeginningmyheadingtheMarquisdeGrimaldiandthebankerBellonicameintocallonme。Iwasgladforthemtobepresentatthetrial，whichonlylastedanhourandaquarter。
　　AfterIhadheardtheopinionoftheactors，whobytheirpraiseofvarioussituationsshewedmethattheyhadtakenintheplot，I
　　toldCostatodistributetheparts；butnosoonerwasthisdonethanthefirstactorandthefirstactressbegantoexpresstheirdispleasure；she，becauseIhadgivenherthepartofLadyAlton；
　　he，becauseIhadnotgivenhimMurray’spart；buttheyhadtobearitasitwasmywill。Ipleasedeverybodybyaskingthemalltodinnerforthedayafterthemorrow，afterdinnerthepiecetoberehearsedforthefirsttime。
　　ThebankerBelloniaskedmetodinnerforthefollowingday，includingmylady，whoexcusedherselfwithgreatpoliteness，intheinvitation；andM。Grimaldiwasgladtotakemyplaceatdinneratherrequest。
　　WhenIgottoM。Belloni’s，IwasgreatlysurprisedtoseetheimpostorIvanoff，whoinsteadofpretendingnottoknowme，asheoughttohavedone，cameforwardtoembraceme。Isteppedbackandbowed，whichmightbeputdowntoafeelingofrespect，althoughmycoldnessandscantceremonywouldhaveconvincedanyobservanteyeofthecontrary。Hewaswelldressed，butseemedsad，thoughhetalkedagooddeal，andtosomepurpose，especiallyonpolitics。TheconversationturnedontheCourtofRussia，whereElizabethPetrovnareigned；andhesaidnothing，butsighedandturnedawaypretendingtowipethetearsfromhiseyes。Atdessert，heaskedmeifIhadheardanythingofMadameMorin，adding，asiftorecallthecircumstancetomymemory，thatwehadsuppedtogetherthere:
　　"Ibelievesheisquitewell，"Ianswered。
　　Hisservant，inyellowandredlivery，waitedonhimattable。
　　Afterdinnerhecontrivedtotellmethathehadamatterofthegreatestimportancehewantedtodiscusswithme。
　　"Myonlydesiresir，istoavoidallappearanceofknowinganythingaboutyou。"
　　"Onewordfromyouwillgainmeahundredthousandcrowns，andyoushallhavehalf。"
　　Iturnedmybackonhim，andsawhimnomoreatGenoa。
　　WhenIgotbacktotheinnIfoundM。deGrimaldigivingRosaliealessoninItalian。
　　"Shehasgivenmeanexquisitedinner，"saidhe，"youmustbeveryhappywithher。"
　　Inspiteofhishonestface，M。Grimaldiwasinlovewithher，butIthoughtIhadnothingtofear。Beforehewentsheinvitedhimtocometotherehearsalnextday。
　　WhentheactorscameInoticedamongstthemayoungmanwhosefaceIdidnotknow，andonmyenquiringRossitoldmehewastheprompter。
　　"Iwon’thaveanyprompter；sendhimabouthisbusiness。"
　　"Wecan’tgetonwithouthim。"
　　"You’llhaveto；Iwillbetheprompter。"
　　Theprompterwasdismissed，butthethreeactressesbegantocomplain。
　　"Ifweknewourpartsaswellasthe’paternoster’weshouldbecertaintocometoadeadstopiftheprompterisn’tinhisbox。"
　　"Verygood，"saidItotheactress，whowastoplayLindane，"I
　　willoccupytheboxmyself，butIshallseeyourdrawers。"
　　"Youwouldhavesomedifficultyindoingthat，"saidthefirstactor，"shedoesn’twearany。"
　　"Somuchthebetter。"
　　"Youknownothingaboutit，"saidtheactress。
　　Theseremarksputusallinhighspirits，andtheministersofThaliaendedbypromisingthattheywoulddispensewithaprompter。Iwaspleasedwiththewaythepiecewasread，andtheysaidtheywouldbeletter—perfectinthreedays。Butsomethinghappened。
　　OnthedayfixedfortherehearsaltheycamewithouttheLindaneandMurray。Theywerenotwell，butRossisaidtheywouldnotfailuseventually。ItookthepartofMurray，andaskedRosalietobetheLindane。
　　"Idon’treadItalianwellenough，"shewhispered，"andIdon’twishtohavetheactorslaughingatme；butVeroniquecoulddoit。"
　　"Askifshewillreadthepart。"
　　However，Veroniquesaidthatshecouldrepeatitbyheart。
　　"Allthebetter，"saidItoher，laughinginternally，asIthoughtofSoleure，forIsawthatIshouldthusbeobligedtomakelovetothegirltowhomIhadnotspokenforthefortnightshehadbeenwithus。Ihadnotevenhadagoodlookatherface。IwassoafraidofRosalie（whomIlovedbettereveryday）takingfright。
　　WhatIhadfearedhappened。WhenItookVeronique’shand，andsaid，"Si，bellaLindana，debbeadorarvi！"everybodyclapped，becauseIgavethewordstheirproperexpression；butglancingatRosalieIsawashadowonherface，andIwasangryatnothavingcontrolledmyselfbetter。Nevertheless，IcouldnothelpfeelingamazedatthewayVeroniqueplayedthepart。WhenItoldherthatIadoredhersheblusheduptohereyes；shecouldnothaveplayedthelove—sickgirlbetter。
　　Wefixedadayforthedress—rehearsalatthetheatre，andthecompanyannouncedthefirstnightaweekinadvancetoexcitepubliccuriosity。Thebillsran:
　　"WeshallgiveVoltaire’sEcossaise，translatedbyananonymousauthor:noprompterwillbepresent。"
　　IcannotgivethereaderanyideaofthetroubleIhadtoquietRosalie。Sherefusedtobecomforted；weptincessantly，andtouchedmyheartbygentlereproaches。
　　"YouloveVeronique，"saidshe，"andyouonlytranslatedthatpiecetohaveanopportunityofdeclaringyourlove。"
　　Isucceededinconvincingherthatshewrongedme，andatlastafterIhadlavishedcaressesonhershesufferedherselftobecalmed。Nextmorningshebeggedpardonforherjealousy，andtocureitinsistedonmyspeakingconstantlytoVeronique。Herheroismwentfarther。ShegotupbeforemeandsentmemycoffeebyVeronique，whowasasastonishedasIwas。
　　AtheartRosaliewasagreatcreature，capableofnobleresolves，butlikeallwomenshegavewaytosuddenemotions。Fromthatdayshegavemenomoresignsofjealousy，andtreatedhermaidwithmorekindnessthanever。Veroniquewasanintelligentandwell—
　　manneredgirl，andifmyhearthadnotbeenalreadyoccupiedshewouldhavereignedthere。
　　ThefirstnightoftheplayItookRosalietoabox，andshewouldhaveVeroniquewithher。M。deGrimaldididnotleaveherforamoment。Theplaywaspraisedtotheskies；thelargetheatrewasfullofthebestpeopleinGenoa。Theactorssurpassedthemselves，thoughtheyhadnoprompter，andwereloudlyapplauded。Thepieceranfivenightsandwasperformedtofullhouses。Rossi，hopingperhapsthatIwouldmakehimapresentofanotherplay，askedmyleavetogivemyladyasuperbpelisseoflynx—fur，whichpleasedherimmensely。
　　Iwouldhavedoneanythingtosparemysweethearttheleastanxiety，andyetfrommywantofthoughtIcontrivedtovexher。
　　IshouldneverhaveforgivenmyselfifProvidencehadnotordainedthatIshouldbethecauseofherfinalhappiness。
　　"Ihavereasontosuspect，"shesaidoneday，"thatIamwithchild，andIamenchantedatthethoughtofgivingyouadearpledgeofmylove。"
　　"Ifitcomesatsuchatimeitwillbemine，andIassureyouI
　　shallloveitdearly。"
　　"Andifitcomestwoorthreeweekssooneryouwillnotbesurethatyouaretheparent？"
　　"Notquitesure；butIshallloveitjustaswell，andlookuponitasmychildaswellasyours。"
　　"Iamsureyoumustbethefather。ItisimpossiblethechildcanbePetri’s，whoonlyknewmeonce，andthenveryimperfectly，whilstyouandIhavelivedintenderloveforsolongatime。"
　　Shewepthottears。
　　"Calmyourself，dearest，Iimploreyou！Youareright；itcannotbePetri’schild。YouknowIloveyou，andIcannotdoubtthatyouarewithchildbymeandbymealone。Ifyougivemeababyasprettyasyourself，itwillbemineindeed。Calmyourself。"
　　"HowcanIbecalmwhenyoucanhavesuchasuspicion？"
　　Wesaidnomoreaboutit；butinspiteofmytenderness，mycaresses，andallthetriflingcareswhichbearwitnesstolove，shewasoftensadandthoughtful。HowmanytimesIreproachedmyselfbitterlyforhavingletoutmysillycalculations。
　　Afewdayslatershegavemeasealedletter，saying，——
　　"Theservanthasgivenmethisletterwhenyouwereaway。Iamoffendedbyhisdoingso，andIwantyoutoavengeme。"
　　Icalledtheman，andsaid，——
　　"Wheredidyougetthisletter？"
　　"Fromayoungman，whoisunknowntome。Hegavemeacrown，andbeggedmetogivethelettertotheladywithoutyourseeingme，andhepromisedtogivemetwocrownsmoreifIbroughthimareplytomorrow。IdidnotthinkIwasdoingwrong，sir，astheladywasatperfectlibertytotellyou。"
　　"That’sallverywell，butyoumustgo，asthelady，whogavemetheletterunopened，asyoucanseeforyourself，isoffendedwithyou。"
　　IcalledLeDuc，whopaidthemanandsenthimaway。Iopenedtheletter，andfoundittobefromPetri。Rosalieleftmyside，notwishingtoreadthecontents。Theletterranasfollows:
　　"Ihaveseenyou，mydearRosalie。Itwasjustasyouwerecomingoutofthetheatre，escortedbytheMarquisdeGrimaldi，whoismygodfather。Ihavenotdeceivedyou；IwasstillintendingtocomeandmarryyouatMarseillesnextspring，asIpromised。Iloveyoufaithfully，andifyouarestillmygoodRosalieIamreadytomarryyouhereinthepresenceofmykinfolk。IfyouhavedonewrongIpromisenevertospeakofit，forIknowthatitwasIwholedyouastray。Tellme，Ientreatyou，whetherImayspeaktotheMarquisdeGrimaldiwithregardtoyou。Iamreadytoreceiveyoufromthehandsofthegentlemanwithwhomyouareliving，providedyouarenothiswife。Besure，ifyouarestillfree，thatyoucanonlyrecoveryourhonourbymarryingyourseducer。"
　　"ThislettercomesfromanhonourablemanwhoisworthyofRosalie，"Ithoughttomyself，"andthat’smorethanIshallbe，unlessImarryhermyself。ButRosaliemustdecide。"
　　Icalledhertome，gavehertheletter，andbeggedhertoreaditattentively。Shedidso，andgaveitmeback，askingmeifI
　　advisedhertoacceptPetri’soffer。
　　"IfyoudodearRosalie，Ishalldieofgrief；butifIdonotyieldyou，myhonourbidsmemarryyou，andthatIamquitereadytodo。"
　　Atthisthecharminggirlthrewherselfonmybreast，cryinginthevoiceoftruelove，"Iloveyouandyoualone，darling；butitisnottruethatyourhonourbidsyoumarryme。Oursisamarriageoftheheart；ourloveismutual，andthatisenoughformyhappiness。"
　　"DearRosalie，Iadoreyou，butIamthebestjudgeofmyownhonour。IfPetriisawell—to—domanandamanwhowouldmakeyouhappy，Imusteithergiveyouuportakeyoumyself。"
　　"No，no；thereisnohurrytodecide。IfyoulovemeIamhappy，forIloveyouandnoneother。Ishallnotanswertheletter，andIdon’twanttohearanythingmoreofPetri。"
　　"YoumaybesurethatIwillsaynomoreofhim，butIamsurethatthemarquiswillhaveahandinit。"
　　"Idaresay，buthewon’tspeaktometwiceonthesubject。"
　　Afterthistreaty——amoresincereonethanthePowersofEuropeusuallymake——IresolvedtoleaveGenoaassoonasIgotsomelettersforFlorenceandRome。InthemeanwhileallwaspeaceandlovebetweenmyselfandRosalie。Shehadnottheslightestshadowofjealousyinhersoul，andM。deGrimaldiwasthesolewitnessofourhappiness。
　　FiveorsixdayslaterIwenttoseethemarquisathiscasinoatSt。Pierred’Arena，andheaccostedmebysayingthathewashappytoseemeashehadanimportantmatterhewishedtodiscusswithme。Iguessedwhatitwouldbe，butbeggedhimtoexplainhimself。Hethenspokeasfollows:
　　"Aworthymerchantofthetownbroughthisnephew，ayoungmannamedPetri，toseemetwodaysago。Hetoldmethattheyoungmanismygodson，andheaskedmetoprotecthim。IansweredthatashisgodfatherIowedhimmyprotection，andIpromisedtodowhatIcould。
　　"Heleftmygodsontotalkitoverwithme，andheinformedmethatheknewyourmistressbeforeyoudidatMarseilles，thathehadpromisedtomarryhernextspring，thathehadseenherinmycompany，andthathavingfollowedushefoundoutthatshelivedwithyou。Hewastoldthatshewasyourwife，butnotbelievingit，wroteheralettersayingthathewasreadytomarryher；butthisletterfellintoyourhands，andhehashadnoreplytoit。
　　"Hecouldnotmakeuphismindtoloseahopewhichmadehishappiness，soheresolvedtoascertain，throughmygoodoffices，whetherRosaliewouldaccepthisproposition。Heflattershimselfthatonhisinformingmeofhisprosperouscondition，Icantellyouthatheisalikelymantomakehiswifehappy。ItoldhimthatIknewyou，andwouldspeaktoyouonthematter，andafterwardsinformhimoftheresultofourinterview。
　　"Ihavemadeenquiresintohiscondition，andfindthathehasalreadyamassedaconsiderablesumofmoney。Hiscredit，morals，andreputation，areallexcellent；besides，heishisuncle’ssoleheir，andtheunclepassesforamanverycomfortablyoff。Andnow，mydearM。Casanova，tellmewhatanswerIamtomake。"
　　"TellhimthatRosalieismuchobligedtohim，andbegshimtoforgether。Wearegoingawayinthreeorfourdays。Rosalielovesme，andIher，andIamreadytomarryherwhenevershelikes。"
　　"That’splainspeaking；butIshouldhavethoughtamanlikeyouwouldpreferfreedomtoawoman，howeverbeautiful，towhomyouwouldbeboundbyindissolubleties。WillyouallowmetospeaktoRosaliemyselfaboutit？"
　　"Youneednotask，myleave；speaktoher，butinyourownpersonandnotasrepresentingmyopinions。Iadoreher，andwouldnothaveherthinkthatIcouldcherishthethoughtofseparatingfromher。"
　　"Ifyoudon’twantmetomeddleinthematter，tellmesofrankly。"
　　"Onthecontrary，IwishyoutoseeforyourselfthatIamnotthetyrantofthewomanIadore。"
　　"Iwilltalktoherto—night。"
　　Ididnotcomehometillsupper—time，thatthemarquismightsaywhathehadtosayinperfectfreedom。ThenobleGenoesesuppedwithus，andtheconversationturnedonindifferentsubjects。
　　Afterhehadgone，mysweethearttoldmewhathadpassedbetweenthem。Hehadspokentoherinalmostthesamewordsthathehadaddressedtome，andourreplieswerenearlyidentical，thoughshehadrequestedthemarquistosaynomoreabouthisgodson，towhichrequesthehadassented。
　　Wethoughtthemattersettled，andbusiedourselveswithpreparationsforourdeparture；butthreeorfourdaysafter，themarquis（whoweimaginedhadforgottenallabouthisgodson）cameandaskedustodinewithhimatSt。Pierred’Arena，whereRosaliehadneverbeen。
　　"Iwantyoutoseemybeautifulgardenbeforeyougo，"saidM。
　　Grimalditoher；"itwillbeonemorepleasantrecollectionofyourstayforme。"
　　Wewenttoseehimatnoonthenextday。Hewaswithanelderlymanandwoman，towhomheintroducedus。Heintroducedmebyname，andRosalieasapersonwhobelongedtome。
　　Weproceededtowalkinthegarden，wherethetwooldpeoplegotRosaliebetweenthem，andoverwhelmedherwithpolitenessandcomplimentaryremarks。She，whowashappyandinhighspirits，answeredinItalian，anddelightedthembyherintelligence，andthegracewhichshegavetohermistakesingrammar。
　　Theservantscametotellusthatdinnerwasready，andwhatwasmyastonishmentonenteringtheroomtoseethetablelaidforsix。Ididnotwantmuchinsightnowtoseethroughthemarquis’strick，butitwastoolate。Wesatdown，andjustthenayoungmancamein。
　　"Youarealittlelate，"saidthemarquis；andthen，withoutwaitingforhisapology，heintroducedhimtomeasM。Petri，hisgodson，andnephewtohisotherguests，andhemadehimsitdownathislefthand，Rosaliebeingonhisright。Isatoppositetoher，andseeingthatsheturnedaspaleasdeaththebloodrushedtomyface；Iwasterriblyenraged。Thissmalldespot’splotseemeddisgracefultome；itwasascandalousinsulttoRosalieandmyself——aninsultwhichshouldbewashedawayinblood。Iwastemptedtostabhimathistable，butinspiteofmyagitationI
　　constrainedmyself。WhatcouldIdo？TakeRosalie’sarm，andleavetheroomwithher？Ithoughtitover，butforeseeingtheconsequencesIcouldnotsummonupcourage。
　　Ihaveneverspentsoterribleanhourasatthatfataldinner。
　　NeitherRosalienormyselfateamorsel，andthemarquiswhohelpedalltheguestswasdiscreetenoughnottoseethatweleftonecourseafteranotheruntouched。ThroughoutdinnerheonlyspoketoPetriandhisuncle，givingthemopportunitiesforsayinghowlargeatradetheydid。Atdessertthemarquistoldtheyoungmanthathehadbettergoandlookafterhisaffairs，andafterkissinghishandhewithdrewwithabowtowhichnobodyreplied。
　　Petriwasabouttwenty—four，ofamoderateheight，withordinarybutyetgood—naturedandhonestfeatures；respectfulinhismanner，andsensiblethoughnotwittyinwhathesaid。Afterallwassaidanddone，IthoughthimworthyofRosalie，butI
　　shudderedatthethoughtthatifshebecamehiswifeshewaslosttomeforever。Afterhehadgone，themarquissaidhewassorryhehadnotknownhimbeforeashemightbeofusetohiminhisbusiness。
　　"However，wewillseetothatinthefuture，"saidhe，meaningly，"Imeantomakehisfortune。"
　　Atthistheuncleandaunt，whonodoubtknewwhattosay，begantolaudandextoltheirnephew，andendedbysayingthatastheyhadnochildrentheyweredelightedthatPetri，whowouldbetheirheir，wastohavehisexcellency’spatronage。
　　"Wearelonging，"theyadded，"toseethegirlfromMarseillesheisgoingtomarry。Weshouldwelcomeherasabeloveddaughter。"
　　Rosaliewhisperedtomethatshecouldbearitnolonger，andbeggedmetotakeheraway。Werose，andafterwehadsalutedthecompanywithcolddignitywelefttheroom。Themarquiswasvisiblydisconcerted。Asheescortedustothedoorhestammeredoutcompliments，forthewantofsomethingtosay，tellingRosaliethatheshouldnothavethehonourofseeingherthatevening，butthathehopedtocallonherthenextday。
　　Whenwewerebyourselvesweseemedtobreatheagain，andspoketooneanothertorelieveourselvesoftheoppressionwhichweighedonourminds。
　　Rosaliethought，aswellasI，thatthemarquishadplayedusashamefultrick，andshetoldmeIoughttowritehimanote，begginghimnottogivehimselfthetroubleofcallingonusagain。
　　"Iwillfindsomemeansofvengeance，"saidI；"butIdon’tthinkitwouldbeagoodplantowritetohim。Wewillhastenourpreparationsforleaving，andreceivehimto—morrowwiththatcoldpolitenesswhichbearswitnesstoindignation。Aboveall，wewillnotmaketheslightestreferencetohisgodson。"
　　"IfPetrireallylovesme，"saidshe，"Ipityhim。Ithinkheisagoodfellow，andIdon’tfeelangrywithhimforbeingpresentatdinner，ashemaypossiblybeunawarethatleispresencewaslikelytogivemeoffence。ButIstillshudderwhenIthinkofit:IthoughtIshouldhavediedwhenoureyesmet！Throughoutdinnerhecouldnotseemyeyes，asIkeptthemnearlyshut，andindeedhecouldhardlyseeme。Didhelookatmewhilehewastalking？"
　　"No，heonlylookedatme。Iamassorryforhimasyouare，for，asyousay，helooksanhonestfellow。"
　　"Well，it’sovernow，andIhopeIshallmakeagoodsupper。Didyounoticewhattheauntsaid？Iamsureshewasintheplot。
　　Shethoughtshewouldgainmeoverbysayingshewasreadytotreatmelikeherownchild。Shewasadecent—lookingwoman，too。"
　　Wemadeagoodsupper，andapleasantnightinclinedustoforgettheinsultthemarquishadputuponus。Whenwewokeupinthemorningwelaughedatit。Themarquiscametoseeusintheevening，andgreetingmewithanairofmingledconfusionandvexation，hesaidthatheknewhehaddonewronginsurprisingmeashehad，butthathewasreadytodoanythinginhispowerbywayofatonement，andtogivewhateversatisfactionIliked。
　　Rosaliedidnotgivemetimetoanswer。"Ifyoureallyfeel，"
　　saidshe，"thatyouhaveinsultedus，thatisenough；weareamplyavenged。Butallthesame，sir，weshallbeonourguardagainstyouforthefuture，thoughthatwillbeforashortwhile，aswearejustleaving。"
　　Withthisproudreplyshemadehimalowbowandlefttheroom。
　　WhenhewasleftalonewithmeM。Grimaldiaddressedmeasfollows:
　　"Itakeagreatinterestinyourmistress’swelfare；andasIfeelsurethatshecannotlongbehappyinherpresentuncertainposition，whileIamsurethatshewouldmakemygodsonanexcellentwife，Iwasdeterminedthatbothofyoushouldmakehisacquaintance，forRosalieherselfknowsverylittleofhim。I
　　confessthatthemeansIemployedweredishonourable，butyouwillpardonthemeansforthesakeoftheexcellentendIhadinview。
　　Ihopeyouwillhaveapleasantjourney，andthatyoumayliveforalongtimeinuninterruptedhappinesswithyourcharmingmistress。Ihopeyouwillwritetome，andalwaysreckononmystandingyourfriend，anddoingeverythinginmypowerforyou。
　　BeforeIgo，IwilltellyousomethingwhichwillgiveyouanideaoftheexcellentdispositionofyoungPetri，towhosehappinessRosalieseemsessential。
　　"Heonlytoldmethefollowing，afterIhadabsolutelyrefusedtotakechargeofaletterhehadwrittentoRosalie，despairingofbeingabletosenditanyotherway。AfterassuringmethatRosaliehadlovedhim，andthatconsequentlyshecouldnothaveanyfixedaversionforhim，headdedthatifthefearofbeingwithchildwasthereasonwhyshewouldnotmarryhimhewouldagreetoputoffthemarriagetillafterthechildwasborn，providedthatshewouldagreetostayinGenoainhiding，herpresencetobeunknowntoallsavehimself。Heofferstopayalltheexpensesofherstay。Hemadearemarkablywisereflectionwhenweweretalkingitover。
　　"’Ifshegavebirthtoachildtoosoonafterourmarriage，’saidhe，’bothherhonourandminewouldsufferhurt；shemightalsolosethelikingofmyrelations，andifRosalieistobemywifeI
　　wanthertobehappyineverything。"’
　　AtthisRosalie，whohadnodoubtbeenlisteningatthedoorafterthemannerofhersex，burstintotheroom，andastonishedmebythefollowingspeech:
　　"IfM。PetrichidnottellyouthatitwaspossiblethatImightbewithchildbyhim，heisarighthonestman，butnowItellyousomyself。Idonotthinkitlikely，butstillitispossible。
　　Tellhim，sir，thatIwillremainatGenoauntilthechildisborn，inthecaseofmybeingpregnant，ofwhichIhavenocertainknowledge，oruntilIamquitesurethatIamnotwithchild。IfIdohaveachildthetruthwillbemadeknown。InthecaseoftherebeingnodoubtofM。Petri’sbeingtheparent，Iamreadytomarryhim；butifheseesforhimselfthatthechildisnothisI
　　hopehewillbereasonableenoughtoletmealoneforthefuture。
　　AstotheexpensesandmylodgingatGenoa，tellhimthatheneednottroublehimselfabouteither。"
　　Iwaspetrified。Isawtheconsequenceofmyownimprudentwords，andmyheartseemedbroken。Themarquisaskedmeifthisdecisionwasgivenwithmyauthority，andIrepliedthatasmysweetheart’swillwasminehemighttakeherwordsforlaw。Hewentawayinhighglee，forheforesawthatallwouldgowellwithhisplanswhenoncehewasabletoexerthisinfluenceonRosalie。Theabsentalwaysfareill。
　　"Youwanttoleaveme，then，Rosalie？"saidI，whenwewerealone。
　　"Yes，dearest，butitwillnotbeforlong。"
　　"Ithinkweshallneverseeeachotheragain。"
　　"Whynot，dearest？Youhaveonlytoremainfaithfultome。
　　Listentome。YourhonourandmyownmakeitimperativethatI
　　shouldconvincePetrithatIamnotwithchildbyhim，andyouthatIamwithchildbyyou。"
　　"Ineverdoubtedit，dearRosalie。"
　　"Yes，dear，youdoubteditonceandthatisenough。Ourpartingwillcostmemanyabittertear，butthesepangsarenecessarytomyfuturehappiness。Ihopeyouwillwritetome，andafterthechildisbornitwillbeforyoutodecideonhowIshallrejoinyou。IfIamnotpregnantIwillrejoinyouinacoupleofmonthsatlatest。"
　　"ThoughImaygrieveatyourresolveIwillnotopposeit，forI
　　promisedIwouldnevercrossyou。Isupposeyouwillgointoaconvent；andthemarquismustfindyouasuitableone，andprotectyoulikeafather。ShallIspeaktohimonthesubject？Iwillleaveyouasmuchmoneyasyouwillwant。"
　　"Thatwillnotbemuch。AsforM。deGrimaldi，heisboundinhonourtoprocuremeanasylum。Idon’tthinkitwillbenecessaryforyoutospeaktohimaboutit。"
　　Shewasright，andIcouldnothelpadmiringthetrulyastonishingtactofthisgirl。
　　InthemorningIheardthattheself—styledIvanoffhadmadehisescapeanhourbeforethepoliceweretoarresthimatthesuitofthebanker，whohadfoundoutthatoneofthebillshehadpresentedwasforged。Hehadescapedonfoot，leavingallhisbaggagebehindhim。
　　NextdaythemarquiscametotellRosaliethathisgodsonhadnoobjectiontomaketoherplan。Headdedthattheyoungmanhopedshewouldbecomehiswife，whetherthechildprovedtobehisornot。
　　"Hemayhopeasmuchashelikes，"saidRosalie，withasmile。
　　"Healsohopesthatyouwillallowhimtocallonyounowandthen。Ihavespokentomykinswoman，themother—superiorofconvent。Youaretohavetworooms，andaverygoodsortofwomanistokeepyoucompany，waitonyou，andnurseyouwhenthetimecomes。Ihavepaidtheamountyouaretopayeverymonthforyourboard。EverymorningIwillsendyouaconfidentialman，whowillseeyourcompanionandwillbringmeyourorders。AndImyselfwillcomeandseeyouatthegratingasoftenasyouplease。"
　　Itwasthenmysadduty，whichthelawsofpolitenessenjoined，tothankthemarquisforhistrouble。
　　"’Tistoyou，mylord，"saidI，"IentrustRosalie。Iamplacingher，Iamsure，ingoodhands。Iwillgoonmywayassoonassheisintheconvent；Ihopeyouwillwritealettertothemother—
　　superiorforhertotake。"
　　"Iwillwriteitdirectly，"saidhe。
　　AndasRosaliehadtoldhimbeforethatshewouldpayforeverythingherself，hegaveherawrittencopyoftheagreementhehadmade。
　　"Ihaveresolved，"saidRosalietothemarquis，"togointotheconventto—morrow，andIshallbeverygladtohaveashortvisitfromyouthedayafter。"
　　"Iwillbethere，"saidthemarquis，"andyoumaybesurethatI
　　willdoallinmypowertomakeyourstayagreeable。"
　　Thenightwasasadoneforbothofus。Lovescarcelymadeapauseamidstouralternatecomplaintsandconsolations。Wesworetobefaithfulforever，andouroathsweresincere，asardentlovers’oathsalwaysare。Buttheyareasnoughtunlesstheyaresealedbydestiny，andthatnomortalmindmayknow。
　　Rosalie，whoseeyeswereredandwetwithtears，spentmostofthemorninginpackingupwithVeronique，whocriedtoo。Icouldnotlookather，asIfeltangrywithmyselfforthinkinghowprettyshewas。Rosaliewouldonlytaketwohundredsequins，tellingmethatifshewantedmoreshecouldeasilyletmeknow。
　　ShetoldVeroniquetolookaftermewellforthetwoorthreedaysIshouldspendatGenoa，mademeamutecurtsy，andwentoutwithCostatogetasedan—chair。Twohoursafter，aservantofthemarquis’scametofetchherbelongings，andIwasthusleftaloneandfullofgrieftillthemarquiscameandaskedmetogivehimsupper，advisingthatVeroniqueshouldbeaskedintokeepuscompany。
　　"That’sararegirl，"saidhe，"youreallydon’tknowher，andyououghttoknowherbetter。"
　　AlthoughIwasrathersurprised，IdidnotstoptoconsiderwhatthemotivesofthecraftyGenoesemightbe，andIwentandaskedVeroniquetocomein。Sherepliedpolitelythatshewoulddoso，addingthatsheknewhowgreatanhonourIdidher。
　　IshouldhavebeentheblindestofmenifIhadnotseenthattheclevermarquishadsucceededinhiswell—laidplans，andthathehaddupedmeasifIhadbeenthemerestfreshman。AlthoughI
　　hopedwithallmyheartthatIshouldgetRosaliebackagain，I
　　hadgoodreasonsforsuspectingthatallthemarquis’switwouldbeemployedtoseduceher，andIcouldnothelpthinkingthathewouldsucceed。
　　Nevertheless，inthepositionIwasin，Icouldonlykeepmyfearstomyselfandlethimdohisutmost。
　　Hewasnearlysixty，athoroughdiscipleofEpicurus，aheavyplayer，rich，eloquent，amasterofstate—craft，highlypopularatGenoa，andwellacquaintedwiththeheartsofmen，andstillmoresowiththeheartsofwomen。HehadspentagooddealoftimeatVenicetobemoreatliberty，andtoenjoythepleasuresoflifeathisease。Hehadnevermarried，andwhenaskedthereasonwouldreplythatheknewtoowellthatwomenwouldbeeithertyrantsorslaves，andthathedidnotwanttobeatyranttoanywoman，nortobeunderanywoman’sorders。HefoundsomewayofreturningtohisbelovedVenice，inspiteofthelawforbiddinganynoblewhohasfilledtheofficeofdogetoleavehisnativesoil。Thoughhebehavedtomeinaveryfriendlymannerheknewhowtomaintainanairofsuperioritywhichimposedonme。
　　NothingelsecouldhavegivenhimthecouragetoaskmetodinnerwhenPetriwastobepresent。IfeltthatIhadbeentricked，andIthoughtmyselfindutyboundtomakehimesteemmebymybehaviourforthefuture。ItwasgratitudeonhispartwhichmadehimsmooththewaytomyconquestofVeronique，whodoubtlessstruckhimasafitandproperpersontoconsolemeforthelossofRosalie。
　　Ididnottakeanypartintheconversationatsupper，butthemarquisdrewoutVeronique，andsheshone。ItwaseasyformetoseethatshehadmorewitandknowledgeoftheworldthanRosalie，butinmythenstateofmindthisgrievedratherthanrejoicedme。
　　M。deGrimaldiseemedsorrytoseememelancholy，andforcedme，asitwere，tojoinintheconversation。Ashewasreproachingmeinafriendlymannerformysilence，VeroniquesaidwithapleasingsmilethatIhadagoodreasontobesilentafterthedeclarationofloveIhadmadetoher，andwhichshehadreceivedsoill。Iwasastonishedatthis，andsaidthatIdidnotrememberhavingevermadehersuchadeclaration；butshemademelaughinspiteofmyself，whenshesaidthathernamethatdaywasLindane。
　　"Ah，that’sinaplay，"saidI，"inreallifethemanwhodeclareshisloveinwordsisasimpleton；’tiswithdeedsthetruelovershewshislove。"
　　"Verytrue，butyourladywasfrightenedallthesame。"
　　"No，no，Veronique；sheisveryfondofyou。"
　　"Iknowsheis；butIhaveseenherjealousofme。"
　　"Ifso，shewasquitewrong。"
　　Thisdialogue，whichpleasedmelittle，fellsweetlyonthemarquis’sears；hetoldmethathewasgoingtocallonRosalienextmorning，andthatifIlikedtogivehimasupper，hewouldcomeandtellmeaboutherintheevening。OfcourseItoldhimthathewouldbewelcome。
　　AfterVeroniquehadlightedmetomyroom，sheaskedmetoletmyservantswaitonme，asifshedidsonowthatmyladywasgone，peoplemighttalkabouther。
　　"Youareright，"saidI，"kindlysendLeDuctome。"
　　NextmorningIhadaletterfromGeneva。ItcamefrommyEpicureansyndic，whohadpresentedM。deVoltairewithmytranslationofhisplay，withanexceedinglypoliteletterfromme，inwhichIbeggedhispardonforhavingtakenthelibertyoftravestyinghisfineFrenchproseinItalian。ThesyndictoldmeplainlythatM。deVoltairehadpronouncedmytranslationtobeabadone。
　　Myself—esteemwassowoundedbythis，andbyhisimpolitenessinnotansweringmyletter，withwhichhecouldcertainlyfindnofault，whateverhiscriticismofmytranslationmightbe，thatI
　　becametheswornenemyofthegreatVoltaire。IhavecensuredhiminalltheworksIhavepublished，thinkingthatinwronginghimI
　　wasavengingmyself，tosuchanextentdidpassionblindme。AtthepresenttimeIfeelthatevenifmyworkssurvive，thesefeeblestingsofminecanhurtnobodybutmyself。PosteritywillclassmeamongsttheZoiluseswhoseownimpotencemadethemattackthisgreatmantowhomcivilizationandhumanhappinessowesomuch。TheonlycrimethatcantruthfullybeallegedagainstVoltaireishisattacksonreligion。Ifhehadbeenatruephilosopherhewouldneverhavespokenonsuchmatters，for，evenifhisattackswerebasedontruth，religionisnecessarytomorality，withoutwhichtherecanbenohappiness。
　　CHAPTERV
　　IFallinLoveWithVeronique——HerSister——PlotAgainstPlot——MyVictory——MutualDisappointmentIhaveneverlikedeatingbymyself，andthusIhaveneverturnedhermit，thoughIoncethoughtofturningmonk；butamonkwithoutrenouncingallthepleasuresoflifeliveswellinakindofholyidleness。Thisdisliketolonelinessmademegiveordersthatthetableshouldbelaidfortwo，andindeed，aftersuppingwiththemarquisandmyself，Veroniquehadsomerighttoexpectasmuch，tosaynothingofthoserightswhichherwitandbeautygaveher。
　　IonlysawCosta，andaskedhimwhathadbecomeofLeDuc。Hesaidhewasill。"Thengobehindthelady’schair，"saidI。Heobeyed，butsmiledashedidso。Prideisauniversalfailing，andthoughaservant’sprideisthesilliestofallitisoftenpushedtothegreatestextremes。
　　IthoughtVeroniqueprettierthanbefore。Herbehaviour，nowfreeandnowreserved，astheoccasiondemanded，shewedmethatshewasnonewhand，andthatshecouldhaveplayedthepartofaprincessinthebestsociety。Nevertheless（sostrangeathingistheheartofman），IwassorrytofindIlikedher，andmyonlyconsolationwasthathermotherwouldcomeandtakeherawaybeforethedaywasover。IhadadoredRosalie，andmyheartstillbledatthethoughtofourparting。
　　Thegirl’smothercamewhilewewerestillattable。ShewasastoundedatthehonourIshewedherdaughter，andsheoverwhelmedmewiththanks。
　　"Youowemenogratitude，"saidItoher；"yourdaughterisclever，good，andbeautiful。"
　　"Thankthegentlemanforhiscompliment，"saidthemother，"foryouarereallystupid，wanton，andugly；"andthensheadded，"Buthowcouldyouhavethefacetositattablewiththegentlemaninadirtychemise？"
　　"Ishouldblush，mother，ifIthoughtyouwereright；butIputacleanoneononlytwohoursago。"
　　"Madam，"saidItothemother，"thechemisecannotlookwhitebesideyourdaughter’swhiterskin。"
　　Thismadethemotherlaugh，andpleasedthegirlimmensely。Whenthemothertoldherthatshewascometotakeherback，Veroniquesaid，withaslysmile，——
　　"Perhapsthegentlemanwon’tbepleasedatmyleavinghimtwenty—
　　fourhoursbeforehegoesaway。"
　　"Onthecontrary，"saidI，"Ishouldbeveryvexed。"
　　"Well；then，shecanstay，sir，"saidthemother；"butfordecency’ssakeImustsendheryoungersistertosleepwithher。"
　　"Ifyouplease，"Irejoined。AndwiththatIleftthem。
　　ThethoughtofVeroniquetroubledme，asIknewIwastakenwithher，andwhatIhadtodreadwasacalculatedresistance。
　　ThemothercameintomyroomwhereIwaswriting，andwishedmeapleasantjourney，tellingmeforthesecondtimethatshewasgoingtosendherdaughterAnnette。Thegirlcameintheevening，accompaniedbyaservant，andafterloweringhermezzaro，andkissingmyhandrespectfully，sherangailytokisshersister。
　　Iwantedtoseewhatshewaslike，andcalledforcandles；andontheirbeingbroughtIfoundshewasablondeofakindIhadneverbeforeseen。Herhair，eyebrows，andeyelasheswerethecolourofpalegold，faireralmostthanherskin，whichwasextremelydelicate。Shewasveryshort—sighted，butherlargepaleblueeyeswerewonderfullybeautiful。Shehadthesmallestmouthimaginable，butherteeth，thoughregular，werenotsowhiteasherskin。ButforthisdefectAnnettemighthavepassedforaperfectbeauty。
　　Hershortnessofsightmadetoobrilliantalightpainfultoher，butasshestoodbeforemesheseemedtolikemelookingather。
　　Mygazefedhungrilyonthetwolittlehalf—spheres，whichwerenotyetripe，butsowhiteastomakemeguesshowravishingtherestofherbodymustbe。Veroniquedidnotshewherbreastssofreely。Onecouldseethatshewassuperblyshaped，buteverythingwascarefullyhiddenfromthegaze。Shemadehersistersitdownbesideherandwork，butwhenIsawthatshewasobligedtoholdthestuffclosetoherfaceItoldherthatsheshouldsparehereyes，forthatnightatallevents，andwiththatsheobedientlyputtheworkdown。
　　Themarquiscameasusual，andlikemyselfhethoughtAnnette，whomhehadneverseenbefore，anastonishingminiaturebeauty。
　　Takingadvantageofhisageandhighrank，thevoluptuousoldmandaredtopasshishandoverherbreast，andshe，whowastoorespectfultocrossmylord，lethimdoitwithoutmakingtheslightestobjection。Shewasacompoundofinnocenceandcoquetry。
　　Thewomanwhoshewinglittlesucceedsinmakingamanwanttoseemore，hasaccomplishedthree—fourthsofthetaskofmakinghimfallinlovewithher；forisloveanythingelsethanakindofcuriosity？Ithinknot；andwhatmakesmecertainisthatwhenthecuriosityissatisfiedthelovedisappears。Love，however，isthestrongestkindofcuriosityinexistence，andIwasalreadycuriousaboutAnnette。
　　M。GrimalditoldVeroniquethatRosaliewishedhertostaywithmetillIleftGenoa，andshewasasmuchastonishedatthisasI
　　was。
　　"Bekindenoughtotellher，"saidItothemarquis，"thatVeroniquehasanticipatedherwishesandhasgothersisterAnnettetostaywithher。"
　　"Twoarealwaysbetterthanone，mydearfellow，"repliedthecraftyGenoese。
　　Aftertheseremarksweleftthetwosisterstogetherandwentintomyroom，wherehesaid，——
　　"YourRosalieiscontented，andyououghttocongratulateyourselfonhavingmadeherhappy，asIamsureshewillbe。Theonlythingthatvexesmeisthatyoucan’tgoandseeheryourselfwithanydecency。"
　　"Youareinlovewithher，mylord。"
　　"IconfessthatIam，butIamanoldman，anditvexesme。"
　　"That’snomatter，shewillloveyoutenderly；andifPetrieverbecomesherhusband，Iamsureshewillneverbeanythingmorethanagoodfriendtohim。WritetomeatFlorenceandtellmehowshereceiveshim。"
　　"Stayhereforanotherthreedays；thetwobeautiestherewillmakethetimeseemshort。"
　　"It’sexactlyforthatreasonthatIwanttogotomorrow。IamafraidofVeronique。"
　　"Ishouldn’thavethoughtthatyouwouldhaveallowedanywomantofrightenyou。"
　　"Iamafraidshehascastherfatalnetsaroundme，andwhenthetimecomesshewillbestrictlymoral。Rosalieismyonlylove。"
　　"Well，here’saletterfromher。"
　　Iwentaparttoreadtheletter，thesightofwhichmademyheartbeatviolently；itranasfollows:
　　"Dearest，——Iseeyouhaveplacedmeinthehandsofonewhowillcareformelikeafather。ThisisanewkindnesswhichIowetothegoodnessofyourheart。Iwillwritetoyouatwhateveraddressyousendme。IfyoulikeVeronique，mydarling，donotfearanyjealousyfromme；Ishouldbewrongtoentertainsuchafeelinginmypresentposition。Iexpectthatifyoumakemuchofhershewillnotbeabletoresist，andIshallbegladtohearthatsheislesseningyoursadness。Ihopeyouwillwritemeafewlinesbeforeyougo。"
　　Iwentuptothemarquisandtoldhimtoreadit。Heseemedgreatlymoved。
　　"Yes，"saidhe，"thedeargirlwillfindinmeherfriendandfather，andifshemarriesmygodsonandhedoesnottreatherasheought，hewillnotpossessherlong。Ishallrememberherinmywill，andthuswhenIamdeadmycarewillstillcontinue。ButwhatdoyouthinkofheradviceastoVeronique？Idon’texpectsheisexactlyavestalvirgin，thoughIhaveneverheardanythingagainsther。"
　　Ihadorderedthatthetableshouldbelaidforfour，soAnnettesatdownwithoutourhavingtoaskher。LeDucappearedonthescene，andItoldhimthatifhewereillhemightgotobed。
　　"Iamquitewell，"saidhe。
　　"Iamgladtohearit；butdon’ttroublenow，youshallwaitonmewhenIamatLeghorn。"
　　IsawthatVeroniquewasdelightedatmysendinghimaway，andI
　　resolvedthenandtheretolaysiegetoherheart。Ibeganbytalkingtoherinaverymeaningmannerallsupper—time，whilethemarquisentertainedAnnette。IaskedhimifhethoughtIcouldgetafeluccanextdaytotakemetoLerici。
　　"Yes，"saidhe，"wheneveryoulikeandwithasmanyoarsmenasyouplease；butIhopeyouwillputoffyourdeparturefortwoorthreedays。"
　　"No，"Ireplied，oglingVeronique，"thedelaymightcostmetoodear。"
　　Theslypussansweredwithasmilethatshewedsheunderstoodmymeaning。
　　WhenwerosefromthetableIamusedmyselfwithAnnette，andthemarquiswithVeronique。Afteraquarterofanhourhecameandsaidtome，——
　　"Certainpersonshaveaskedmetobegyoutostayafewdayslonger，oratleasttosuphereto—morrownight。"
　　"Verygood。Wewilltalkofthefewdaysmoreatsupperto—
　　morrow。"
　　"Victory！"saidthemarquis；andVeroniqueseemedverygratefultomeforgrantingherrequest。Whenourguestwasgone，IaskedmynewhousekeeperifImightsendCostatobed。
　　"Asmysisteriswithme，therecanbenogroundforanysuspicion。"
　　"Iamdelightedthatyouconsent；nowIamgoingtotalktoyou。"
　　Sheproceededtodomyhair，butshegavenoanswertomysoftspeeches。WhenIwasonthepointofgettingintobedshewishedmegoodnight，andItriedtokissherbywayofreturn。Sherepulsedmeandrantothedoor，muchtomysurprise。Shewasgoingtoleavetheroom，whenIaddressedherinavoiceofgravepoliteness。
　　"Ibegyouwillstay；Iwanttospeaktoyou；comeandsitbyme。
　　Whyshouldyourefusemeapleasurewhichafterallisameremarkoffriendship？"
　　"Because，thingsbeingastheyare，wecouldnotremainfriends，neithercouldwebelovers。"
　　"Lovers！whynot，weareperfectlyfree"
　　"Iamnotfree；Iamboundbycertainprejudiceswhichdonottroubleyou。"
　　"Ishouldhavethoughtyouweresuperiortoprejudices。"
　　"Therearesomeprejudiceswhichawomanoughttorespect。Thesuperiorityyoumentionisapitifulthing；alwaysthedupeofitself。Whatwouldbecomeofme，Ishouldliketoknow，ifI
　　abandonedmyselftothefeelingsIhaveforyou？"
　　"Iwaswaitingforyoutosaythat，dearVeronique。Whatyoufeelformeisnotlove。Ifitwereso，youwouldfeelasIdo，andyouwouldsoonbreakthebondsofprejudice。"
　　"Iconfessthatmyheadisnotquiteturnedyet，butstillIfeelthatIshallgrieveatyourdeparture。"
　　"Ifso，thatisnofaultofmine。ButtellmewhatIcandoforyouduringmyshortstayhere。"
　　"Nothing；wedonotknowoneanotherwellenough。"
　　"Iunderstandyou，butIwouldhaveyouknowthatIdonotintendtomarryanywomanwhoisnotmyfriend。"
　　"Youmeanyouwillnotmarryhertillyouhaveceasedtobeherlover？"
　　"Exactly。"
　　"YouwouldliketofinishwhereIwouldbegin。"
　　"Youmaybehappysomeday，butyouplayforhighstakes。"
　　"Well，well，it’sacaseofwinallorloseall。"
　　"That’sasmaybe。Butwithoutfurtherargumentitseemstomethatwecouldsafelyenjoyourlove，andpassmanyhappymomentsundisturbedbyprejudice。"
　　"Possibly，butonegetsburntfingersatthatgame，andIshudderattheverythoughtofit。No，no；leavemealone，thereismysisterwhowillwonderwhyIaminyourarms。"
　　"Verygood；IseeIwasmistaken，andRosalietoo。"
　　"Whywhatdidshethinkaboutme？"
　　"Shewroteandtoldmethatshethoughtyouwouldbekind。"
　　"Ihopeshe’mayn’thavetorepentforhavingbeentookindherself。"
　　"Goodbye，Veronique。"
　　Ifeltvexedathavingmadethetrial，forinthesemattersonealwaysfeelsangryatfailure。IdecidedIwouldleaveherandherprecepts，trueorfalse，alone；butwhenIawokeinthemorningandsawhercomingtomybedwithapleasantsmileonherface，Isuddenlychangedmymind。IhadsleptuponmyangerandI
　　wasinloveagain。Ithoughtshehadrepented，andthatIshouldbevictoriouswhenIattackedheragain。Iputonasmilemyselfandbreakfastedgailywithherandhersister。Ibehavedinthesamewayatdinner；andthegeneralhighspiritswhichM。deGrimaldifoundprevailingintheevening，madehimthink，doubtless，thatweweregettingonwell，andhecongratulatedus。
　　Veroniquebehavedexactlyasifthemarquishadguessedthetruth，andIfeltsureofhavingheraftersupper，andintheecstasyofthethoughtIpromisedtostayforfourdayslonger。
　　"Bravo，Veronique！"saidthemarquis，"that’stheway。Youareintendedbynaturetoruleyourloverswithanabsolutesway。"
　　Ithoughtshewouldsaysomethingtodiminishthemarquis’scertaintythattherewasanagreementbetweenus，butshedidnothingofthesort，seemingtoenjoyhertriumphwhichmadeherappearmorebeautifulthanever；whilstIlookedatherwiththesubmissivegazeofacaptivewhogloriesin，hischain。Itookherbehaviourasanomenofmyapproachingconquest，anddidnotspeaktoM。deGrimaldialonelesthemightaskmequestionswhichIshouldnotcaretoanswer。Hetoldusbeforehewentawaythathewasengagedonthemorrow，andsocouldnotcometoseeustillthedayafter。
　　AssoonaswewerealoneVeroniquesaidtome，"YouseehowIletpeoplebelievewhattheyplease；Ihadratherbethoughtkind，asyoucallit，thanridiculous，asanhonestgirlistermednow—a—
　　days。Isitnotso？"
　　"No，dearVeronique，Iwillnevercallyouridiculous，butIshallthinkyouhatemeifyoumakemepassanothernightintorture。
　　Youhaveinflamedme。"
　　"Oh，praybequiet！Forpity’ssakeleavemealone！Iwillnotinflameyouanymore。Oh！Oh！"
　　Ihadenragedherbythrustingadaringhandintotheverydoorofthesanctuary。Sherepulsedmeandfled。Threeorfourminuteslaterhersistercametoundressme。ItoldhergentlytogotobedasIhadtowriteforthreeorfourhours；butnotcaringthatsheshouldcomeonabootlesserrandIopenedaboxandgaveherawatch。Shetookitmodestly，saying，——
　　"Thisisformysister，Isuppose？"
　　"No，dearAnnette，it’sforyou。"
　　Shegaveaskipofdelight，andIcouldnotpreventherkissingmyhand。
　　IproceededtowriteRosaliealetteroffourpages。Ifeltworriedanddispleasedwithmyselfandeveryoneelse。Itoreupmyletterwithoutreadingitover，andmakinganefforttocalmmyselfIwroteheranotherlettermoresubduedthanthefirst，inwhichIsaidnothingofVeronique，butinformedmyfairreclusethatIwasgoingonthedayfollowing。
　　Ididnotgotobedtillverylate，feelingoutoftemperwiththeworld。IconsideredthatIhadfailedinmydutytoVeronique，whethershelovedmeornot，forIlovedherandIwasamanofhonour。Ihadabadnight，andwhenIawokeitwasnoon，andonringingCostaandAnnetteappeared。TheabsenceofVeroniqueshewedhowIhadoffendedher。WhenCostahadlefttheroomI
　　askedAnnetteafterhersister，andshesaidthatshewasworking。
　　Iwroteheranote，inwhichIbeggedherpardon，promisingthatI
　　wouldneveroffendheragain，andbegginghertoforgeteverythingandtobejustthesameasbefore。Iwastakingmycoffeewhenshecameintomyroomwithanexpressionofmortificationwhichgrievedmeexcessively。
　　"Forgeteverything，Ibeg，andIwilltroubleyounomore。Givememybuckles，asIamgoingforacountrywalk，andIshallnotbeintillsuppertime。Ishalldoubtlessgetanexcellentappetite，andasyouhavenothingmoretofearyouneednottroubletosendmeAnnetteagain。"
　　Idressedmyselfinhaste，andleftthetownbythefirstroadthatcameinmyway，andIwalkedfastfortwohourswiththeintentionoftiringmyself，andofthusreadjustingthebalancebetweenmindandbody。Ihavealwaysfoundthatsevereexerciseandfreshairarethebestcureforanymentalperturbation。
　　Ihadwalkedformorethanthreeleagueswhenhungerandwearinessmademestopatavillageinn，whereIhadanomelettecooked。I
　　ateithungrilywithbrownbreadandwine，whichseemedtomedeliciousthoughitwasrathersharp。
　　IfelttootiredtowalkbacktoGenoa，soIaskedforacarriage；
　　buttherewasnosuchthingtobehad。Theinn—keeperprovidedmewithasorrynagandamantoguideme。Darknesswascomingon，andwehadmorethansixmilestodo。FinerainbegantofallwhenIstarted，andcontinuedalltheway，sothatIgothomebyeighto’clockwettotheskin，shiveringwithcold，deadtired，andinasoreplightfromtheroughsaddle，againstwhichmysatinbreecheswerenoprotection。Costahelpedmetochangemyclothes，andashewentoutAnnettecamein。
　　"Whereisyoursister？"
　　"Sheisinbedwithabadheadache。Shegavemealetterforyou；
　　hereitis。"
　　"IhavebeenobligedtogotobedonaccountofasevereheadachetowhichIamsubject。Ifeelbetteralready，andIshallbeabletowaitonyouto—morrow。Itellyouasmuch，becauseIdonotwishyoutothinkthatmyillnessisfeigned。Iamsurethatyourrepentanceforhavinghumiliatedmeissincere，andIhopeinyourturnthatyouwillforgivemeorpityme，ifmywayofthinkingpreventsmefromconformingtoyours。"
　　"Annettedear，goandaskyoursisterifshewouldlikeustosupinherroom。"
　　ShesooncamebacktellingmethatVeroniquewasobliged，butbeggedmetolethersleep。
　　IsuppedwithAnnette，andwasgladtoseethat，thoughsheonlydrankwater，herappetitewasbetterthanmine。Mypassionforhersisterpreventedmethinkingofher，butIfeltthatAnnettewouldotherwisehavetakenmyfancy。Whenweweretakingdessert，Iconceivedtheideaofmakingherdrunktogethertalkofhersister，soIgaveheraglassofLunelmuscat。
　　"Ionlydrinkwater，sir。"
　　"Don’tyoulikewine？"
　　"Yes，butasIamnotusedtoitIamafraidofitsgettingintomyhead。"
　　"Thenyoucangotobed；youwillsleepallthebetter。"
　　Shedrankthefirstglass，whichsheenjoyedimmensely，thenasecond，andthenathird。Herlittlebrainswereinsomeconfusionwhenshehadfinishedthethirdglass。Imadehertalkabouthersister，andinperfectfaithshetoldmeallthegoodimaginable。
　　"ThenyouareveryfondofVeronique？"saidI。
　　"Oh，yes！Iloveherwithallmyheart，butshewillnotletmecaressher。"
　　"Nodoubtsheisafraidofyourceasingtoloveher。Butdoyouthinksheoughttomakemesufferso？"
　　"No，butifyouloveheryououghttoforgiveher。"
　　Annettewasstillquitereasonable。Imadeherdrinkafourthglassofmuscat，butaninstantaftershetoldmethatshecouldnotseeanything，andwerosefromthetable。Annettebegantopleasemealittletoomuch，butIdeterminednottomakeanyattemptsuponherforfearoffindinghertoosubmissive。A
　　littleresistancesharpenstheappetite，whilefavoursgrantedwithtoomucheaseloseagreatdealoftheircharm。Annettewasonlyfourteen，shehadasoftheart，noknowledgeoftheworldorherownrights，andshewouldnothaveresistedmyembracesforfearofbeingrude。ThatsortofthingwouldonlypleasearichandvoluptuousTurk。