Ibeggedhertodomyhair，intendingtodismissherdirectlyafter，butwhenshehadfinishedIaskedhertogivemetheointment。
　　"Whatdoyouwantitfor？"
　　"FortheblistersthatcursedsaddleonwhichIrodesixmilesgaveme。"
　　"Doestheointmentdothemgood？"
　　"Certainly；ittakesawaythesmart，andbyto—morrowIshallbecured，butyoumustsendCostatome，asIcannotputitonmyself。"
　　"Can’tIdoit？"
　　"Yes，butIamafraidthatwouldbeanabuseofyourkindness。"
　　"Iguesswhy；butasIamshort—sighted，howshallIseetheblisters？"
　　"Ifyouwanttodoitforme，Iwillplacemyselfsothatitwillbeeasierforyou。Stay，putthecandleonthistable。"
　　"Thereyouare，butdon’tletCostaputitonagainto—morrow，orhewillguessthatIormysisterdiditto—night。"
　　"Youwilldomethesameservice，then，to—morrow？"
　　"Iormysister，forshewillgetupearly。"
　　"Yoursister！No，mydear；shewouldbeafraidofgivingmetoomuchpleasurebytouchingmesonear。"
　　"AndIamonlyafraidofhurtingyou。Isthatright？Goodheavens！whatastateyourskinisin！"
　　"Youhavenotfinishedyet。"
　　"Iamsoshort—sighted；turnround。"
　　"Withpleasure。HereIam。"
　　Thelittlewantoncouldnotresistlaughingatwhatshesaw，doubtless，forthefirsttime。Shewasobligedtotouchittocontinuerubbingtheointmentin，andIsawthatshelikedit，asshetoucheditwhenshehadnoneed，andnotbeingabletostanditanylongerItookholdofherhandandmadeherstopherworkinfavourofapleasanteremployment。
　　WhenshehadfinishedIburstoutlaughingtohearherask，inthemostseriousway，thepotofointmentstillinherlefthand，"DidIdoitright！"
　　"Oh，admirably，dearAnnette！Youareanangel，andIamsureyouknowwhatpleasureyougaveme。Canyoucomeandspendanhourwithme？"
　　"Waitabit。"
　　Shewentoutandshutthedoor，andIwaitedforhertoreturn；
　　butmypatiencebeingexhaustedIopenedthedoorslightly，andsawherundressingandgettingintobedwithhersister。Iwentbacktomyroomandtobedagain，withoutlosingallhope。Iwasnotdisappointed，forinfiveminutesbackshecame，cladinherchemiseandwalkingontip—toe。
　　"Cometomyarms，mylove；itisverycold。"
　　"HereIam。Mysisterisasleepandsuspectsnothing；andevenifsheawokethebedissolargethatshewouldnotnoticemyabsence。"
　　"Youareadivinecreature，andIloveyouwithallmyheart。"
　　"Somuchthebetter。Igivemyselfuptoyou；dowhatyoulikewithme，ontheconditionthatyouthinkofmysisternomore。"
　　"Thatwillnotcostmemuch。IpromisethatIwillnotthinkofher。"
　　IfoundAnnetteaperfectneophyte，andthoughIsawnobloodonthealtaroflovenextmorningIdidnotsuspectheronthataccount。Ihaveoftenseensuchcases，andIknowbyexperiencethattheeffusionofbloodoritsabsenceprovesnothing。Asageneralruleagirlcannotbeconvictedofhavinghadaloverunlessshebewithchild。
　　Ispenttwohoursofdelightwiththisprettybaby，forshewassosmall，sodelicate，andsodaintilyshapedallover，thatIcanfindnobetternameforher。Herdocilitydidnotdetractfromthepiquancyofthepleasure，forshewasvoluptuouslyinclined。
　　WhenIroseinthemorningshecametomyroomwithVeronique，andIwasgladtoseethatwhiletheyoungersisterwasradiantwithhappinesstheelderlookedpleasantandasifshedesiredtomakeherselfagreeable。Iaskedherhowshewas，andshetoldmethatdietandsleephadcompletelycuredher。"Ihavealwaysfoundthemthebestremedyforaheadache。"AnnettehadalsocuredmeofthecuriosityIhadfeltabouther。Icongratulatedmyselfonmyachievement。
　　IwasinsuchhighspiritsatsupperthatM。deGrimaldithoughtI
　　hadwoneverythingfromVeronique，andIlethimthinkso。I
　　promisedtodinewithhimthenextday，andIkeptmyword。AfterdinnerIgavehimalongletterforRosalie，whomIdidnotexpecttoseeagainexceptasMadamePetri，thoughItookcarenottoletthemarquisknowwhatIthought。
　　IntheeveningIsuppedwiththetwosisters，andImademyselfequallyagreeabletobothofthem。WhenVeroniquewasalonewithme，puttingmyhairintocurl—papers，shesaidthatshelovedmemuchmorenowthatIbehaveddiscreetly。
　　"Mydiscretion，"Ireplied，"onlymeansthatIhavegivenupthehopeofwinningyou。Iknowhowtotakemypart。"
　　"Yourlovewasnotverygreat，then？"
　　"Itsprangupquickly，andyou，Veronique，couldhavemadeitincreasetoagiganticsize。"
　　Shesaidnothing，butbitherlip，wishedmegoodnightandlefttheroom。IwenttobedexpectingavisitfromAnnette，butI
　　waitedinvain。WhenIrangthenextmorningthedeargirlappearedlookingrathersad。Iaskedherthereason。
　　"Becausemysisterisill，andspentthewholenightinwriting，"
　　saidshe。
　　ThusIlearntthereasonofhernothavingpaidmeavisit。
　　"Doyouknowwhatshewaswritingabout？"
　　"Oh，no！Shedoesnottellmethatkindofthing，buthereisaletterforyou。"
　　Ireadthroughthelongandwell—composedletter，butasitboremarksofcraftanddissimulationitmademelaugh。Afterseveralremarksofnoconsequenceshesaidthatshehadrepulsedmebecauseshelovedmesomuchandthatshewasafraidthatifshesatisfiedmyfancyshemightloseme。
　　"Iwillbewhollyyours，"sheadded，"ifyouwillgivemethepositionwhichRosalieenjoyed。Iwilltravelinyourcompany，butyoumustgivemeadocument，whichM。deGrimaldiwillsignasawitness，inwhichyoumustengagetomarrymeinayear，andtogivemeaportionoffiftythousandfrancs；andifattheendofayearyoudonotwishtomarryme，thatsumtobeatmyabsolutedisposal。"
　　Shestipulatedalsothatifshebecameamotherinthecourseofayearthechildshouldbehersintheeventofourseparating。Ontheseconditionsshewouldbecomemymistress，andwouldhaveformeallpossibleloveandkindness。
　　Thisproposal，cleverlyconceived，butfoolishlycommunicatedtome，shewedmethatVeroniquehadnotthetalentofdupingothers。
　　IsawdirectlythatM。deGrimaldihadnothingtodowithit，andIfeltsurethathewouldlaughwhenItoldhimthestory。
　　Annettesooncamebackwiththechocolate，andtoldmethathersisterhopedIwouldanswerherletter。
　　"Yes，dear，"saidI，"IwillanswerherwhenIgetup。"
　　Itookmychocolate，putonmydressing—gown，andwenttoVeronique’sroom。Ifoundhersittingupinbedinanegligentattirethatmighthaveattractedmeifherletterhadnotdeprivedherofmygoodopinion。Isatonthebed，gaveherbacktheletter，andsaid，——
　　"Whywrite，whenwecantalkthematterover？"
　　"Becauseoneisoftenmoreateaseinwritingthaninspeaking。"
　　"Indiplomacyandbusinessthatwillpass，butnotinlove。Lovemakesnoconditions。Letushavenodocuments，nosafeguards，butgiveyourselfuptomeasRosaliedid，andbeginto—nightwithoutmypromisinganything。Ifyoutrustinlove，youwillmakehimyourprisoner。Thatwaywillhonourusandourpleasures，andifyoulikeIwillconsultM。deGrimaldionthesubject。Astoyourplan，ifitdoesnotinjureyourhonour，itdoessmalljusticetoyourcommonsense，andnoonebutafoolwouldagreetoit。Youcouldnotpossiblylovethemantowhomyoumakesuchaproposal，andastoM。deGrimaldi，farfromhavinganythingtodowithit，Iamsurehewouldbeindignantattheveryidea。"
　　ThisdiscoursedidnotputVeroniqueoutofcountenance。Shesaidshedidnotlovemewellenoughtogiveherselftomeunconditionally；towhichIrepliedthatIwasnotsufficientlytakenwithhercharmstobuythematthepriceshefixed，andsoI
　　lefther。
　　IcalledCosta，andtoldhimtogoandwarnthemasterofthefeluccathatIwasgoingthenextday，andwiththisideaIwenttobidgood—byetothemarquis，whoinformedmethathehadjustbeentakingPetritoseeRosalie，whohadreceivedhimwellenough。ItoldhimIwasgladtohearit，andsaidthatI
　　commendedtohimthecareofherhappiness，butsuchcommendationswerethrownaway。
　　Itisoneofthemostcuriouscircumstancesofmyhistory，thatinoneyeartwowomenwhomIsincerelylovedandwhomImighthavemarriedweretakenfrommebytwooldmen，whoseaffectionsIhadfosteredwithoutwishingtodoso。Happilythesegentlemenmademymistresses’fortunes，butontheotherhandtheydidmeastillgreaterserviceinrelievingmeofatiewhichIshouldhavefoundverytroublesomeincourseoftime。Nodoubttheybothsawthatmyfortune，thoughgreatinoutwardshow，restedonnosolidbasis，which，asthereaderwillsee，wasunhappilytootrue。I
　　shouldbehappyifIthoughtthatmyerrorsorratherfollieswouldserveasawarningtothereadersoftheseMemoirs。
　　IspentthedayinwatchingthecarewithwhichVeroniqueandAnnettepackedupmytrunks，forIwouldnotletmytwoservantshelpinanyway。Veroniquewasneithersadnorgay。Shelookedasifshehadmadeuphermind，andasiftherehadneverbeenanydifferencesbetweenus。Iwasveryglad，forasInolongercaredforherIshouldhavebeenannoyedtofindthatshestillcaredforme。
　　Wesuppedinourusualmanner，discussingonlycommonplacetopics，butjustasIwasgoingtobedAnnetteshookmyhandinawaythattoldmetoprepareforavisitfromher。Iadmiredthenaturalacutenessofyounggirls，whotaketheirdegreesintheartoflovewithsomucheaseandatsuchanearlyage。Annette，almostachild，knewmorethanayoungmanoftwenty。IdecidedongivingherfiftysequinswithoutlettingVeroniqueseeme，asI
　　didnotintendtobesoliberaltowardsher。Itookarollofducatsandgavethemtoherassoonasshecame。
　　Shelaydownbesideme，andafteramomentdevotedtoloveshesaidthatVeroniquewasasleep，adding，——
　　"Iheardallyousaidtomysister，andIamsureyouloveher。"
　　"IfIdid，dearAnnette，Ishouldnothavemademyproposalinsuchplainterms。"
　　"Ishouldliketobelievethat，butwhatwouldyouhavedoneifshehadacceptedyouroffer？Youwouldbeinonebedbythis，I
　　suppose？"
　　"Iwasmorethancertain，dearest，thatherpridewouldhinderherreceivingme。"
　　WehadreachedthispointinourconversationwhenweweresurprisedbythesuddenappearanceofVeroniquewithalightedcandle，andwearingonlyherchemise。Shelaughedathersistertoencourageher，andIjoinedinthelaughter，keepingafirmholdonthelittleoneforfearofherescaping。Veroniquelookedravishinginherscantyattire，andasshelaughedIcouldnotbeangrywithher。However，Isaid，——
　　"Youhaveinterruptedourenjoyment，andhurtyoursister’sfeelings；perhapsyouwilldespiseherforthefuture？"
　　"Onthecontrary，Ishallalwaysloveher。"
　　"Herfeelingsovercameher，andshesurrenderedtomewithoutmakinganyterms。"
　　"ShehasmoresensethanI"
　　"Doyoumeanthat？"
　　"Ido，really。"
　　"Iamastonishedanddelightedtohearit；butasitisso，kissyoursister。"
　　AtthisinvitationVeroniqueputdownthecandle，andcoveredAnnette’sbeautifulbodywithkisses。Thescenemademefeelveryhappy。
　　"Come，Veronique，"saidI，"youwilldieofcold；comeandliedown。"
　　Imaderoomforher，andsoontherewerethreeofusunderthesamesheet。Iwasinanecstasyatthisgroup，worthyofAretin’spencil。
　　"Dearestones，"saidI，"youhaveplayedmeaprettytrick；wasitpremeditated？AndwasVeroniquefalsethismorning，orisshefalsenow？"
　　"Wedidnotpremeditateanything，Iwastruethismorning，andI
　　amtruenow。IfeelthatIandmyplanwereverysilly，andI
　　hopeyouwillforgiveme，sinceIhaverepentedandhavehadmypunishment。NowIthinkIaminmyrightsenses，asIhaveyieldedtothefeelingswithwhichyouinspiredmewhenIsawyoufirst，andagainstwhichIhavefoughttoolong。"
　　"Whatyousaypleasesmeextremely。"
　　"Well，forgivemeandfinishmypunishmentbyshewingthatyouarenotangrywithme。"
　　"HowamItodothat？"
　　"Bytellingmethatyouarevexednolonger，andbycontinuingtogivemysisterproofsofyourlove。"
　　"IsweartoyouthatsofarfrombeingangrywithyouIamveryfondofyou；butwouldyoulikeustobefondinyourpresence？"
　　"Yes，ifyoudon’tmindme。"
　　Feelingexcitedbyvoluptuousemotions，Isawthatmypartcouldnolongerbeapassiveone。
　　"Whatdoyousay，"saidItomyblonde，"willyouallowyourheroicsistertoremainamerelooker—onatoursweetstruggles？
　　Areyounotgenerousenoughtoletmemakeheranactressinthedrama？"
　　"No；IconfessIdonotfeelasifIcouldbesogenerousto—
　　night，butnextnight，ifyouwillplaythesamepart，wewillchange。VeroniqueshallactandIwilllookon。"
　　"Thatwoulddobeautifully，"saidVeronique，withsomevexationinhermanner，"ifthegentlemanwasnotgoingto—morrowmorning。"
　　"Iwillstay，dearVeronique，ifonlytoprovehowmuchIloveyou，"
　　Icouldnothavewishedforplainerspeechonherpart，andI
　　shouldhavelikedtoshewherhowgratefulIfeltonthespot；butthatwouldhavebeenatAnnette’sexpense，asIhadnorighttomakeanyalterationinthepieceofwhichshewastheauthorandhadarighttoexpectalltheprofits。WheneverIrecallthispleasantsceneIfeelmyheartbeatwithvoluptuouspleasure，andevennow，withthehandofoldageuponme，Icannotrecallitwithoutdelight。
　　Veroniqueresignedherselftothepassivepartwhichheryoungersisterimposedonher，andturningasidesheleantherheadonherhand，disclosingabreastwhichwouldhaveexcitedthecoldestofmen，andbademebeginmyattackonAnnette。Itwasnohardtaskshelaiduponme，forIwasallonfire，andIwascertainofpleasingheraslongasshelookedatme。AsAnnettewasshort—
　　sighted，shecouldnotdistinguishintheheatoftheactionwhichwayIwaslooking，andIsucceededingettingmyrighthandfree，withouthernoticingme，andIwasthusenabledtocommunicateapleasureasrealthoughnotasacuteasthatenjoyedbyhersister。Whenthecoverletwasdisarranged，Veroniquetookthetroubletoreplaceit，andthusofferedme，asifbyaccident，anewspectacle。ShesawhowIenjoyedthesightofhercharms，andhereyebrightened。Atlast，fullofunsatisfieddesire，sheshewedmeallthetreasureswhichnaturehadgivenher，justasI
　　hadfinishedwithAnnetteforthefourthtime。ShemightwellthinkthatIwasonlyrehearsingforthefollowingnight，andherfancymusthavepaintedhercomingjoysinthebrightestcolours。
　　Suchatalleventsweremythoughts，butthefatesdeterminedotherwise。Iwasinthemiddleoftheseventhact，alwaysslowerandmorepleasantfortheactressthanthefirsttwoorthree，whenCostacameknockingloudlyatmydoor，callingoutthatthefeluccawasready。Iwasvexedatthisuntowardincident，gotupinarage，andaftertellinghimtopaythemasterfortheday，asIwasnotgoingtillthemorrow，Iwentbacktobed，nolonger，however，inastatetocontinuetheworkIbegun。Mytwosweetheartsweredelightedwithme，butweallwantedrest，thoughthepieceshouldnothavefinishedwithaninterruption。Iwantedtogetsomeamusementoutoftheinterval，andproposedanablution，whichmadeAnnettelaughandwhichVeroniquepronouncedtobeabsolutelynecessary。Ifounditadelicioushorsd’oeuvretothebanquetIhadenjoyed。Thetwosistersrenderedeachothervariousservices，standinginthemostlasciviouspostures，andI
　　foundmysituationaslooker—onanenviableone。
　　Whenthewashingandthelaughteritgaverisetowereover，wereturnedtothestagewherethelastactshouldhavebeenperformed。Ilongedtobeginagain，andIamsureIshouldhavesucceededifIhadbeenwellbackedupbymypartner；butAnnette，whowasyoungandtiredoutwiththetoilsofthenight，forgotherpart，andyieldedtosleepasshehadyieldedtolove。
　　Veroniquebegantolaughwhenshesawherasleep，andIhadtodothesame，whenIsawthatshewasasstillasacorpse。
　　"Whatapity！"saidVeronique’seyes；butshesaiditwithhereyesalone，whileIwaswaitingforthesewordstoissuefromherlips。Wewerebothofuswrong:shefornotspeaking，andIforwaitingforhertospeak。Itwasafavourablemoment，butweletitpassby，andlovepunishedus。Ihad，itistrue，anotherreasonforabstaining。Iwishedtoreservemyselfforthenight。
　　Veroniquewenttoherownbedtoquietherexcitedfeelings，andI
　　stayedinbedwithmysleepingbeautytillnoon，whenIwishedhergoodmorningbyafreshassaultwhichwascompletedneitheronhersidenoronminetothebestofmybelief。
　　Thedaywasspentintalkingaboutourselves，anddeterminedtoeatonlyonemeal，wedidnotsitdowntotabletillnightbegantofall。Wespenttwohoursintheconsumptionofdelicatedishes，andindefyingBacchustomakeusfeelhispower。WeroseaswesawAnnettefallingasleep，butwewerenotmuchannoyedatthethoughtthatshewouldnotseethepleasureswepromisedeachother。IthoughtthatIshouldhaveenoughtodotocontemplatethecharmsoftheonenymphwithoutlookingatAnnette’sbeauties。
　　Wewenttobed，ourarmsinterlaced，ourbodiestighttogether，andlippressedonlip，butthatwasall。Veroniquesawwhatpreventedmegoinganyfurther，andshewastoopoliteandmodesttocomplain。Shedissembledherfeelingsandcontinuedtocaressme，whileIwasinafrenzyofrage。Ihadneverhadsuchamisfortune，unlessastheresultofcompleteexhaustion，orfromastrongmentalimpressioncapableofdestroyingmynaturalfaculties。LetmyreadersimaginewhatIsuffered；intheflowerofmyage，withastrongconstitution，holdingthebodyofawomanIhadardentlydesiredinmyarms，whileshetenderlycaressedme，andyetIcoulddonothingforher。Iwasindespair；onecannotofferagreaterinsulttoawoman。
　　Atlastwehadtoacceptthefactsandspeakreasonably，andIwasthefirsttobewailmymisfortune。
　　"Youtiredyourselftoomuchyesterday，"saidshe，"andyouwerenotsufficientlytemperateatsupper。Donotletittroubleyou，dearest，Iamsureyouloveme。Donottrytoforcenature，youwillonlyweakenyourselfmore。Ithinkagentlesleepwouldrestoreyourmanlypowersbetterthananything。Ican’tsleepmyself，butdon’tmindme。Sleep，wewillmakelovetogetherafterwards。"
　　Afterthoseexcellentandreasonablesuggestions，VeroniqueturnedherbacktomeandIfollowedherexample，butinvaindidI
　　endeavourtoobtainarefreshingslumber；naturewhichwouldnotgivemethepowerofmakingher，theloveliestcreature，happy，enviedmethepowerofreposeaswell。Myamorousardourandmyrageforbadeallthoughtsofrest，andmyexcitedpassionsconspiredagainstthatwhichwouldenablethemtosatisfytheirdesires。Naturepunishedmeforhavingdistrustedher，andbecauseIhadtakenstimulantsfitonlyfortheweak。IfIhadfasted，Ishouldhavedonegreatthings，butnowtherewasaconflictbetweenthestimulantsandnature，andbymydesireforenjoymentIhaddeprivedmyselfofthepowertoenjoy。Thusnature，wiselikeitsDivineAuthor，punishestheignoranceandpresumptionofpoorweakmortals。
　　Throughoutthisterribleandsleeplessnightmymindroamedabroad，andamidstthereproacheswithwhichIoverwhelmedmyselfIfoundacertainsatisfactioninthethoughtthattheywerenotwhollyundeserved。ThisisthesoleenjoymentIstillhavewhenI
　　meditateonmypastlifeanditsvariedadventures。Ifeelthatnomisfortunehasbefallenmesavebymyownfault，whilstI
　　attributetonaturalcausestheblessings，ofwhichIhaveenjoyedmany。IthinkIshouldgomadifinmysoliloquiesIcameacrossanymisfortunewhichIcouldnottracetomyownfault，forI
　　shouldnotknowwheretoplacethereason，andthatwoulddegrademetotherankofcreaturesgovernedbyinstinctalone。IfeelthatIamsomewhatmorethanabeast。Abeast，intruth，isafoolishneighbourofmine，whotriestoarguethatthebrutesreasonbetterthanwedo。
　　"Iwillgrant，"Isaid，"thattheyreasonbetterthanyou，butI
　　cangonofarther；andIthinkeveryreasonablemanwouldsayasmuch。"
　　Thisreplyhasmademeanenemy，althoughheadmitsthefirstpartofthethesis。
　　HappierthanI，Veroniquesleptforthreehours；butshewasdisagreeablysurprisedonmytellingherthatIhadnotbeenabletocloseaneye，andonfindingmeinthesamestateofimpotenceasbefore。ShebegantogetangrywhenItriedtoconvinceherrathertooforciblythatmymisfortunewasnotduetomywantofwill，andthensheblamedherselfasthecauseofmyimpotence；
　　andmortifiedbytheidea，sheendeavouredtodestroythespellbyallthemeanswhichpassionsuggested，andwhichIhadhithertothoughtinfallible；buthereffortsandminewereallthrownaway。
　　Mydespairwasasgreatasherswhenatlast，wearied，ashamed，anddegradedinherowneyes，shediscontinuedherefforts，hereyesfulloftears。Shewentawaywithoutaword，andleftmealoneforthetwoorthreehourswhichhadstilltoelapsebeforethedawnappeared。
　　Atday—breakCostacameandtoldmethattheseabeingroughandacontrarywindblowing，thefeluccawouldbeindangerofperishing。
　　"Wewillgoassoonastheweatherimproves，"saidI；"inthemeantimelightmeafire"
　　Iarose，andproceededtowritedownthesadhistoryofthenight。
　　Thisoccupationsoothedme，andfeelinginclinedtosleepIlaydownagainandsleptforeighthours。WhenIawokeIfeltbetter，butstillrathersad。Thetwosistersweredelightedtoseemeingoodhealth，butIthoughtIsawonVeronique’sfeaturesanunpleasantexpressionofcontempt。However，Ihaddeservedit，andIdidnottakethetroubleofchangingheropinion，thoughifshehadbeenmorecaressingshemighteasilyhaveputmeinastatetorepairtheinvoluntarywrongsIhaddoneherinthenight。BeforewesatdowntotableIgaveherapresentofahundredsequins，whichmadeherlookalittlemorecheerful。I
　　gaveanequalpresenttomydearAnnette，whohadnotexpectedanything，thinkingherselfamplyrecompensedbymyfirstgiftandbythepleasureIhadaffordedher。
　　Atmidnightthemasterofthefeluccacametotellmethatthewindhadchanged，andItookleaveofthesisters。Veroniqueshedtears，butIknewtowhattoattributethem。Annettekissedmeaffectionately；thuseachplayedherownpart。IsailedforLerici，whereIarrivedthenextday，andthenpostedtoLeghorn。
　　BeforeIspeakofthistownIthinkIshallinterestmyreadersbynarratingacircumstancenotunworthyoftheseMemoirs。
　　CHAPTERVI
　　ACleverCheat——Passano——Pisa——Corilla——MyOpinionofSquintingEyes——Florence—ISeeThereseAgain——MySon——CorticelliIwasstandingatsomedistancefrommycarriageintowhichtheywereputtingfourhorses，whenamanaccostedmeandaskedmeifI
　　wouldpayinadvanceoratthenextstage。WithouttroublingtolookathimIsaidIwouldpayinadvance，andgavehimacoinrequestinghimtobringmethechange。
　　"Directly，sir，"saidhe，andwiththathewentintotheinn。
　　Afewminutesafter，justasIwasgoingtolookaftermychange，thepost—mastercameupandaskedmetopayforthestage。
　　"Ihavepaidalready，andIamwaitingformychange。DidInotgivethemoneytoyou？"
　　"Certainlynot，sir。"
　　"WhomdidIgiveitto，then？"
　　"Ireallycan’tsay；butyouwillbeabletorecognizetheman，doubtless。"
　　"Itmusthavebeenyouoroneofyourpeople。"
　　Iwasspeakingloud，andallthemencameaboutme。
　　"Theseareallthemeninmyemploy，"saidthemaster，andheaskedifanyofthemhadreceivedthemoneyfromme。
　　Theyalldeniedthefactwithanairofsinceritywhichleftnoroomforsuspicion。Icursedandswore，buttheyletmecurseandswearasmuchasIliked。AtlastIdiscoveredthattherewasnohelpforit，andIpaidasecondtime，laughingatthecleverrascalwhohadtakenmeinsothoroughly。Sucharethelessonsoflife；alwaysfullofnewexperiences，andyetoneneverknowsenough。FromthatdayIhavealwaystakencarenottopayforpostingexcepttotheproperpersons。
　　InnocountryareknavessocunningasinItaly，Greeceancientandmodernexcepted。
　　WhenIgottothebestinnatLeghorntheytoldmethattherewasatheatre，andmyluckmademegoandseetheplay。Iwasrecognizedbyanactorwhoaccostedme，andintroducedmetooneofhiscomrades，aself—styledpoet，andagreatenemyoftheAbbeChiari，whomIdidnotlike，ashehadwrittenabitingsatireagainstme，andIhadneversucceededinavengingmyselfonhim。
　　Iaskedthemtocomeandsupwithme——awindfallwhichthesepeoplearenotgiventorefusing。ThepretendedpoetwasaGenoese，andcalledhimselfGiacomoPassano。Heinformedmethathehadwrittenthreehundredsonnetsagainsttheabbe，whowouldburstwithrageiftheywereeverprinted。AsIcouldnotrestrainasmileatthegoodopinionthepoethadofhisworks，heofferedtoreadmeafewsonnets。Hehadthemanuscriptabouthim，andIcouldnotescapethepenance。Hereadadozenorso，whichIthoughtmediocre，andamediocresonnetisnecessarilyabadsonnet，asthisformofpoetrydemandssublimity；andthusamongstthemyriadsofsonnetstowhichItalygivesbirthveryfewcanbecalledgood。
　　IfIhadgivenmyselftimetoexaminetheman’sfeatures，I
　　should，nodoubt，havefoundhimtobearogue；butIwasblindedbypassion，andtheideaofthreehundredsonnetsagainsttheAbbeChiarifascinatedme。
　　Icastmyeyesoverthetitleofthemanuscript，andread，"LaChiareidediAscanioPogomas。"
　　"That’sananagramofmyChristiannameandmysurname；isitnotahappycombination？"
　　Thisfollymademesmileagain。Eachofthesonnetswasadulldiatribeendingwith"l’abbateChiarieuncoglione。"Hedidnotprovethathewasone，buthesaidsooverandoveragain，makinguseofthepoet’sprivilegetoexaggerateandlie。Whathewantedtodowastoannoytheabbe，whowasbynomeanswhatPassanocalledhim，butonthecontrary，awitandapoet；andifhehadbeenacquaintedwiththerequirementsofthestagehewouldhavewrittenbetterplaysthanGoldoni，ashehadagreatercommandoflanguage。
　　ItoldPassano，forcivility’ssake，thatheoughttogethisChiareideprinted。
　　"Iwoulddoso，"saidhe，"ifIcouldfindapublisher，forIamnotrichenoughtopaytheexpenses，andthepublishersareapackofignorantbeggars。Besides，thepressisnotfree，andthecensorwouldnotlettheepithetIgivetomyheropass。IfI
　　couldgotoSwitzerlandIamsureitcouldbemanaged；butImusthavesixsequinstowalktoSwitzerland，andIhavenotgotthem。"
　　"AndwhenyougottoSwitzerland，wheretherearenotheatres，whatwouldyoudoforaliving？"
　　"Iwouldpaintinminiature。Lookatthose。"
　　Hegavemeanumberofsmallivorytablets，representingobscenesubjects，badlydrawnandbadlypainted。
　　"IwillgiveyouanintroductiontoagentlemanatBerne，"Isaid；
　　andaftersupperIgavehimaletterandsixsequins。Hewantedtoforcesomeofhisproductionsonme，butIwouldnothavethem。
　　IwasfoolishenoughtogivehimalettertoprettySara’sfather，andItoldhimtowritetomeatRome，undercoverofthebankerBelloni。
　　IsetoutfromLeghornthenextdayandwenttoPisa，whereI
　　stoppedtwodays。ThereImadetheacquaintanceofanEnglishman，ofwhomIboughtatravellingcarriage。HetookmetoseeCorilla，thecelebratedpoetess。Shereceivedmewithgreatpoliteness，andwaskindenoughtoimproviseonseveralsubjectswhichIsuggested。Iwasenchanted，notsomuchwithhergraceandbeauty，asbyherwitandperfectelocution。Howsweetalanguagesoundswhenitisspokenwellandtheexpressionsarewellchosen。Alanguagebadlyspokenisintolerableevenfromaprettymouth，andIhavealwaysadmiredthewisdomoftheGreekswhomadetheirnursesteachthechildrenfromthecradletospeakcorrectlyandpleasantly。Wearefarfromfollowingtheirgoodexample；witnessthefearfulaccentsonehearsinwhatiscalled，oftenincorrectly，goodsociety。
　　Corillawas’straba’，likeVenusaspaintedbytheancients——why，Icannotthink，forhoweverfairasquint—eyedwomanmaybeotherwise，Ialwayslookuponherfaceasdistorted。IamsurethatifVenushadbeenintruthagoddess，shewouldhavemadetheeccentricGreek，whofirstdaredtopainthercross—eyed，feeltheweightofheranger。IwastoldthatwhenCorillasang，shehadonlytofixhersquintingeyesonamanandtheconquestwascomplete；but，praisedbeGod！shedidnotfixthemonme。
　　AtFlorenceIlodgedatthe"HotelCarrajo，"keptbyDr。Vannini，whodelightedtoconfesshimselfanunworthymemberoftheAcademyDellaCrusca。ItookasuiteofroomswhichlookedoutonthebankoftheArno。Ialsotookacarriageandafootman，whom，aswellasacoachman，Icladinblueandredlivery。ThiswasM。
　　deBragadin’slivery，andIthoughtImightusehiscolours，notwiththeintentionofdeceivinganyone，butmerelytocutadash。
　　ThemorningaftermyarrivalIputonmygreatcoattoescapeobservation，andproceededtowalkaboutFlorence。IntheeveningIwenttothetheatretoseethefamousharlequin，Rossi，butI
　　consideredhisreputationwasgreaterthanhedeserved。IpassedthesamejudgmentontheboastedFlorentineelocution；Ididnotcareforitatall。IenjoyedseeingPertici；havingbecomeold，andnotbeingabletosinganymore，heacted，and，strangetosay，actedwell；for，asarule，allsingers，menandwomen，trusttotheirvoiceandcarenothingforacting，sothatanordinarycoldentirelydisablesthemforthetimebeing。
　　NextdayIcalledonthebanker，SassoSassi，onwhomIhadagoodletterofcredit，andafteranexcellentdinnerIdressedandwenttotheoperaanviadellaPergola，takingastagebox，notsomuchforthemusic，ofwhichIwasnevermuchofanadmirer，asbecauseIwantedtolookattheactress。
　　ThereadermayguessmydelightandsurprisewhenIrecognisedintheprimadonnaTherese，thefalseBellino，whomIhadleftatRiminiintheyear1744；thatcharmingTheresewhomIshouldcertainlyhavemarriedifM。deGageshadnotputmeunderarrest。
　　Ihadnotseenherforseventeenyears，butshelookedasbeautifulandravishingaseverasshecameforwardonthestage。
　　Itseemedimpossible。Icouldnotbelievemyeyes，thinkingtheresemblancemustbeacoincidence，when，aftersinginganair，shefixedhereyesonmineandkeptthemthere。Icouldnolongerdoubtthatitwasshe；sheplainlyrecognizedme。Assheleftthestageshestoppedatthewingsandmadeasigntomewithherfantocomeandspeaktoher。
　　Iwentoutwithabeatingheart，thoughIcouldnotexplainmyperturbation，forIdidnotfeelguiltyinanywaytowardsTherese，saveinthatIhadnotansweredthelastlettershehadwrittenmefromNaples，thirteenyearsago。Iwentroundthetheatre，feelingagreatercuriosityastotheresultsofourinterviewthantoknowwhathadbefallenherduringtheseventeenyearswhichseemedanagetome。
　　Icametothestage—door，andIsawTheresestandingatthetopofthestair。Shetoldthedoor—keepertoletmepass；Iwentupandwestoodfacetoface。DumbwithsurpriseItookherhandandpresseditagainstmyheart。
　　"Knowfromthatbeatingheart，"saidI，"allthatIfeel。"
　　"Ican’tfollowyourexample，"saidshe，"butwhenIsawyouI
　　thoughtIshouldhavefainted。UnfortunatelyIamengagedtosupper。Ishallnotshutmyeyesallnight。Ishallexpectyouateighto’clockto—morrowmorning。Whereareyoustaying？"
　　"AtDr。Vannini’s。"
　　"Underwhatname？"
　　"Myown。"
　　"Howlonghaveyoubeenhere？"
　　"Sinceyesterday。"
　　"AreyoustoppinglonginFlorence？"
　　"Aslongasyoulike。"
　　"Areyoumarried？"
　　"No。"
　　"Cursedbethatsupper！Whatanevent！Youmustleavemenow，Ihavetogoon。Good—byetillseveno’clockto—morrow。"
　　Shehadsaideightatfirst，butanhoursoonerwasnoharm。
　　Ireturnedtothetheatre，andrecollectedthatIhadneitheraskedhernameoraddress，butIcouldfindoutallthateasily。ShewasplayingMandane，andhersingingandactingwereadmirable。
　　Iaskedawell—dressedyoungmanbesidemewhatthatadmirableactress’snamewas。
　　"YouhaveonlycometoFlorenceto—day，sir？"
　　"Iarrivedyesterday。"
　　"Ah！well，thenit’sexcusable。ThatactresshasthesamenameasIhave。Sheismywife，andIamCirilloPalesi，atyourservice。"
　　Ibowedandwassilentwithsurprise。Idarednotaskwhereshelived，lesthemightthinkmycuriosityimpertinent。Theresemarriedtothishandsomeyoungman，ofwhom，ofallothers，Ihadmadeenquiriesabouther！Itwaslikeasceneinaplay。
　　Icouldbearitnolonger。Ilongedtobealoneandtoponderoverthisstrangeadventureatmyease，andtothinkaboutmyvisittoThereseatseveno’clockthenextmorning。Ifeltthemostintensecuriositytoseewhatthehusbandwoulddowhenherecognizedme，andhewascertaintodoso，forhehadlookedatmeattentivelyashespoke。IfeltthatmyoldflameforTheresewasrekindledinmyheart，andIdidnotknowwhetherIwasgladorsorryatherbeingmarried。
　　Ilefttheopera—houseandtoldmyfootmantocallmycarriage。
　　"Youcan’thaveittillnineo’clock，sir；itwassocoldthecoachmansentthehorsesbacktothestable。"
　　"Wewillreturnonfoot，then。"
　　"Youwillcatchacold。"
　　"Whatistheprimadonna’sname？"
　　"Whenshecamehere，shecalledherselfLanti，butforthelasttwomonthsshehasbeenMadamePalesi。Shemarriedahandsomeyoungmanwithnopropertyandnoprofession，butsheisrich，sohetakeshiseaseanddoesnothing。"
　　"Wheredoesshelive？"
　　"Attheendofthisstreet。There’sherhouse，sir；shelodgesonthefirstfloor。"
　　ThiswasallIwantedtoknow，soIsaidnomore，buttooknoteofthevariousturnings，thatImightbeabletofindmywayalonethenextday。Iatealightsupper，andtoldLeDuctocallmeatsixo’clock。
　　"Butitisnotlighttillseven。"
　　"Iknowthat。"
　　"Verygood"
　　Atthedawnofday，IwasatthedoorofthewomanIhadlovedsopassionately。Iwenttothefirstfloor，rangthebell，andanoldwomancameoutandaskedmeifIwereM。Casanova。ItoldherthatIwas，whereuponshesaidthattheladyhadinformedherI
　　wasnotcomingtilleight。
　　"Shesaidseven。"
　　"Well，well，it’sofnoconsequence。Kindlywalkinhere。Iwillgoandawakeher。"
　　Infiveminutes，theyounghusbandinhisnight—capanddressing—
　　gowncamein，andsaidthathiswifewouldnotbelong。Thenlookingatmeattentivelywithanastoundedstare，hesaid，"Areyounotthegentlemanwhoaskedmemywife’snamelastnight？"
　　"Youareright，Idid。Ihavenotseenyourwifeformanyyears，butIthoughtIrecognizedher。Mygoodfortunemademeenquireofherhusband，andthefriendshipwhichformerlyattachedmetoherwillhenceforthattachmetoyou。"
　　AsIutteredthisprettycomplimentTherese，asfairaslove，rushedintotheroomwithopenarms。Itookhertomybosominatransportofdelight，andthusweremainedfortwominutes，twofriends，twolovers，happytoseeoneanotherafteralongandsadparting。Wekissedeachotheragainandagain，andthenbiddingherhusbandsitdownshedrewmetoacouchandgavefullcoursetohertears。Iwepttoo，andmytearswerehappyones。Atlastwewipedoureyes，andglancedtowardsthehusbandwhomwehadcompletelyforgotten。Hestoodinanattitudeofcompleteastonishment，andweburstoutlaughing。Therewassomethingsocomicinhissurprisethatitwouldhavetaxedallthetalentsofthepoetandthecaricaturisttodepicthisexpressionofamazement。Therese，whoknewhowtomanagehim，criedinapatheticanaffectionatevoice，——
　　"MydearPalesi，youseebeforeyoumyfather——nay，morethanafather，forthisismygenerousfriendtowhomIoweall。Oh，happymomentforwhichmyhearthaslongedforthesetenyearspast。"
　　Attheword"father"theunhappyhusbandfixedhisgazeonme，butIrestrainedmylaughterwithconsiderabledifficulty。AlthoughTheresewasyoungforherage，shewasonlytwoyearsyoungerthanI；butfriendshipgivesanewmeaningtothesweetnameoffather。
　　"Yes，sir，"saidI，"yourThereseismydaughter，mysister，mycherishedfriend；sheisanangel，andthistreasureisyourwife。"
　　"Ididnotreplytoyourlastletter，"saidI，notgivinghimtimetocometohimself。
　　"Iknowall，"shereplied。"Youfellinlovewithanun。YouwereimprisonedundertheLeads，andIheardofyouralmostmiraculousflightatVienna。IhadafalsepresentimentthatI
　　shouldseeyouinthattown。AfterwardsIheardofyouinParisandHolland，butafteryouleftParisnobodycouldtellmeanymoreaboutyou。YouwillhearsomefinetaleswhenItellyouallthathashappenedtomeduringthepasttenyears。NowIamhappy。IhavemydearPalesihere，whocomesfromRome。I
　　marriedhimacoupleofmonthsago。Weareveryfondofeachother，andIhopeyouwillbeasmuchhisfriendasmine。"
　　AtthisIaroseandembracedthehusband，whocutsuchanextraordinaryfigure。Hemetmewithopenarms，butinsomeconfusion；hewas，nodoubt，notyetquitesatisfiedastotheindividualwhowashiswife’sfather，brother，friend，andperhapslover，allatonce。Theresesawthisfeelinginhiseyes，andafterIhaddoneshecameandkissedhimmostaffectionately，whichconfusedmeinmyturn，forIfeltallmyoldloveforherrenewed，andasardentasitwaswhenDonSancioPicointroducedmetoheratAncona。
　　Reassuredbymyembraceandhiswife’scaress，M。PalesiaskedmeifIwouldtakeacupofchocolatewiththem，whichhehimselfwouldmake。Iansweredthatchocolatewasmyfavouritebreakfast—
　　dish，andallthemoresowhenitwasmadebyafriend。Hewentawaytoseetoit。Ourtimehadcome。
　　AssoonaswewerealoneTheresethrewherselfintomyarms，herfaceshiningwithsuchloveasnopencandescribe。
　　"Oh，mylove！whomIshallloveallmylife，claspmetoyourbreast！Letusgiveeachotherahundredembracesonthishappyday，butnotagain，sincemyfatehasmademeanother’sbride。
　　To—morrowwewillbelikebrotherandsister；to—dayletusbelovers。"
　　Shehadnotfinishedthisspeechbeforemyblisswascrowned。Ourtransportsweremutual，andwerenewedthemagainandagainduringthehalfhourinwhichwehadnofearofaninterruption。Hernegligentmorningdressandmygreatcoatwerehighlyconvenientunderthecircumstances。
　　Afterwehadsatiatedinpartouramorousardourwebreathedagainandsatdown。Therewasashortpause，andthenshesaid，"YoumustknowthatIaminlovewithmyhusbandanddeterminednottodeceivehim。WhatIhavejustdonewasadebtIhadtopaytotheremembranceofmyfirstlove。IhadtopayittoprovehowmuchIloveyou；butletusforgetitnow。Youmustbecontentedwiththethoughtofmygreataffectionforyou——ofwhichyoucanhavenodoubt——andletmestillthinkthatyouloveme；buthenceforthdonotletusbealonetogether，asIshouldgiveway，andthatwouldvexme。Whatmakesyoulooksosad？"
　　"Ifindyoubound，whileIamfree。Ithoughtwehadmetnevertopartagain；youhadkindledtheoldfires。IamthesametoyouasIwasatAncona。Ihaveprovedasmuch，andyoucanguesshowsadIfeelatyourdecreethatIamtoenjoyyounomore。Ifindthatyouarenotonlymarriedbutinlovewithyourhusband。
　　Alas！Ihavecometoolate，butifIhadnotstayedatGenoaI
　　shouldnothavebeenmorefortunate。Youshallknowallinduetime，andinthemeanwhileIwillbeguidedbyyouineverything。
　　Isupposeyourhusbandknowsnothingofourconnection，andmybestplanwillbetobereserved，willitnot？"
　　"Yes，dearest，forheknowsnothingofmyaffairs，andIamgladtosayheshewsnocuriosityrespectingthem。Likeeverybodyelse，heknowsImademyfortuneatNaples；ItoldhimIwenttherewhenIwastenyearsold。Thatwasaninnocentliewhichhurtsnobody；
　　andinmypositionIfindthatinconvenienttruthshavetogivewaytolies。Igivemyselfoutasonlytwenty—four，howdoyouthinkIlook？"
　　"Youlookasifyouweretellingthetruth，thoughIknowyoumustbethirty—two。"
　　"Youmeanthirty—one，forwhenIknewyouIcouldn’thavebeenmorethanfourteen。"
　　"Ithoughtyouwerefifteenatleast。"
　　"Well，Imightadmitthatbetweenourselves；buttellmeifIlookmorethantwenty—four。"
　　"Isweartoyouyoudon’tlookasold，butatNaples……"
　　"AtNaplessomepeoplemightbeabletocontradictme，butnobodywouldmindthem。ButIamwaitingforwhatoughttobethesweetestmomentofyourlife。"
　　"Whatisthat，pray？"
　　"Allowmetokeepmyowncounsel，Iwanttoenjoyyoursurprise。
　　Howareyouoff？Ifyouwantmoney，Icangiveyoubackallyougaveme，andwithcompoundinterest。AllIhavebelongstome；myhusbandisnotmasterofanything。IhavefiftythousandducatsatNaples，andanequalsumindiamonds。Tellmehowmuchyouwant——quick！thechocolateiscoming。"
　　SuchawomanwasTherese。Iwasdeeplymoved，andwasabouttothrowmyarmsaboutherneckwithoutansweringwhenthechocolatecame。Herhusbandwasfollowedbyagirlofexquisitebeauty，whocarriedthreecupsofchocolateonasilver—giltdish。WhilewedrankitPalesiamusedusbytellinguswithmuchhumourhowsurprisedhewaswhenherecognizedthemanwhomadehimriseatsuchanearlyhourasthesamewhohadaskedhimhiswife’snamethenightbefore。ThereseandIlaughedtilloursidesached，thestorywastoldsowittilyandpleasantly。ThisRomandispleasedmelessthanIexpected；hisjealousyseemedonlyputonforform’ssake。
　　"Atteno’clock，"saidTheresa，"Ihavearehearsalhereofthenewopera。Youcanstayandlistenifyoulike。Ihopeyouwilldinewithuseveryday，anditwillgivemegreatpleasureifyouwilllookuponmyhouseasyours。"
　　"To—day，"saidI，"Iwillstaywithyoutillaftersupper，andthenIwillleaveyouwithyourfortunatehusband。"
　　AsIpronouncedthesewordsM。Palesiembracedmewitheffusion，asiftothankmefornotobjectingtohisenjoyinghisrightsasahusband。
　　Hewasbetweentheagesoftwentyandtwenty—two，ofafaircomplexion，andwell—made，buttooprettyforaman。IdidnotwonderatTheresebeinginlovewithhim，forIknewtoowellthepowerofahandsomeface；butIthoughtthatshehadmadeamistakeinmarryinghim，forahusbandacquirescertainrightswhichmaybecometroublesome。
　　Therese’sprettymaidcametotellmethatmycarriagewasatthedoor。
　　"Willyouallowme，"saidItoher，"tohavemyfootmanin？"
　　"Rascal，"saidI，assoonashecamein，"whotoldyoutocomeherewithmycarriage？"
　　"Nobody，sir，butIknowmyduty。"
　　"WhotoldyouthatIwashere？"
　　"Iguessedasmuch。"
　　"GoandfetchLeDuc，andcomebackwithhim。"
　　WhentheyarrivedItoldLeDuctopaytheimpertinentfellowthreedays’wages，tostriphimofhislivery，andtoaskDr。
　　Vanninitogetmeaservantofthesamebuild，notgiftedwiththefacultyofdivination，butwhoknewhowtoobeyhismaster’sorders。Therascalwasmuchperturbedattheresultofhisofficiousness，andaskedTheresetopleadforhim；but，likeasensiblewoman，shetoldhimthathismasterwasthebestjudgeofthevalueofhisservices。
　　Atteno’clockalltheactorsandactressesarrived，bringingwiththemamobofamateurswhocrowdedthehall。Theresereceivedtheirgreetingsgraciously，andIcouldseesheenjoyedagreatreputation。Therehearsallastedthreehours，andweariedmeextremely。TorelievemyboredomItalkedtoPalesi，whomIlikedfornotaskingmeanyparticularsofmyacquaintancewithhiswife。Isawthatheknewhowtobehaveinthepositioninwhichhewasplaced。
　　AgirlfromParma，namedRedegonde，whoplayedaman’spartandsangverywell，stayedtodinner。TheresehadalsoaskedayoungBolognese，namedCorticelli。Iwasstruckwiththebuddingcharmsofthisprettydancer，butasIwasjustthenfullofTherese，I
　　didnotpaymuchattentiontoher。SoonafterwesatdownIsawaplumpabbecominginwithmeasuredsteps。HelookedtomearegularTartuffe，afternothingbutTherese。Hecameuptoherassoonashesawher，andgoingononekneeinthePortuguesefashion，kissedherhandtenderlyandrespectfully。Theresereceivedhimwithsmilingcourtesyandputhimatherrighthand；
　　Iwasattheirleft。Hisvoice，manner，andallabouthimtoldmethatIhadknownhim，andinfactIsoonrecognizedhimastheAbbeGama，whomIhadleftatRomeseventeenyearsbeforewithCardinalAcquaviva；butIpretendednottorecognizehim，andindeedhehadagedgreatly。ThisgallantpriesthadeyesfornoonebutTherese，andhewastoobusywithsayingathousandsoftnothingstohertotakenoticeofanybodyelseinthecompany。I
　　hopedthatinhisturnhewouldeithernotrecognizemeorpretendnottodoso，soIwascontinuingmytriflingtalkwiththeCorticelli，whenTheresetoldmethattheabbewantedtoknowwhetherIdidnotrecollecthim。Ilookedathisfaceattentively，andwiththeairofamanwhoistryingtorecollectsomething，andthenIroseandaskedifhewerenottheAbbeGama，withwhoseacquaintanceIwashonoured。
　　"Thesame，"saidhe，rising，andplacinghisarmsroundmyneckhekissedmeagainandagain。Thiswasinperfectagreementwithhiscraftycharacter；thereaderwillnothaveforgottentheportraitofhimcontainedinthefirstvolumeoftheseMemoirs。
　　Aftertheicehadbeenthusbrokenitwillbeimaginedthatwehadalongconversation。HespokeofBarbaruccia，ofthefairMarchionessG————，ofCardinalS————C————，andtoldmehowhehadpassedfromtheSpanishtothePortugueseservice，inwhichhestillcontinued。Iwasenjoyinghistalkaboutnumeroussubjectswhichhadinterestedmeinmyearlyyouth，whenanunexpectedsightabsorbedallmythinkingfaculties。Ayoungmanoffifteenorsixteen，aswellgrownasItaliansusuallyareatthatage，cameintotheroom，salutedthecompanywitheasygrace，andkissedTherese。Iwastheonlypersonwhodidnotknowhim，butI
　　wasnottheonlyonewholookedsurprised。ThedaringThereseintroducedhimtomewithperfectcoolnesswiththewords:——
　　"Thatismybrother。"
　　IgreetedhimaswarmlyasIcould，butmymannerwasslightlyconfused，asIhadnothadtimetorecovermycomposure。Thisso—
　　calledbrotherofTheresewasmylivingimage，thoughhiscomplexionwasratherclearerthanmine。Isawatoncethathewasmyson；naturehadneverbeensoindiscreetasintheamazinglikenessbetweenus。This，then，wasthesurpriseofwhichTheresehadspoken；shehaddevisedthepleasureofseeingmeatonceastoundedanddelighted，forsheknewthatmyheartwouldbetouchedatthethoughtofhavinglefthersuchapledgeofourmutuallove。Ihadnottheslightestforeknowledgeinthematter，forTheresehadneveralludedtoherbeingwithchildinherletters。Ithought，however，thatsheshouldnothavebroughtaboutthismeetinginthepresenceofathirdparty，foreveryonehaseyesintheirhead，andanyonewitheyesmusthaveseenthattheyoungmanwaseithermysonormybrother。Iglancedather，butsheavoidedmeetingmyeye，whilethepretendedbrotherwaslookingatmesoattentivelythathedidnothearwhatwassaidtohim。Astotheothers，theydidnothingbutlookfirstatmeandthenathim，andiftheycametotheconclusionthathewasmysontheywouldbeobligedtosupposethatIhadbeentheloverofTherese’smother，ifshewerereallyhissister，fortakingintoconsiderationtheageshelookedandgaveherselfouttobeshecouldnotpossiblybehismother。ItwasequallyimpossiblethatIcouldbeTherese’sfather，asIdidnotlookanyolderthanshedid。
　　MysonspoketheNeapolitandialectperfectly，buthealsospokeItalianverywell，andinwhateverhesaidIwasgladtorecognizetaste，goodsense，andintelligence。Hewaswell—informed，thoughhehadbeenbroughtupatNaples，andhismannerswereverydistinguished。Hismothermadehimsitbetweenusattable。
　　"Hisfavouriteamusement，"shesaidtome，"ismusic。Youmusthearhimontheclavier，andthoughIameightyearsolderIshallnotbesurprisedifyoupronouncehimthebetterperformer。"
　　Onlyawoman’sdelicateinstinctcouldhavesuggestedthisremark；
　　menhardlyeverapproachwomeninthisrespect。
　　Whetherfromnaturalimpulsesorself—esteem，IrosefromthetablesodelightedwithmysonthatIembracedhimwiththeutmosttenderness，andwasapplaudedbythecompany。Iaskedeverybodytodinewithmethenextday，andmyinvitationwasjoyfullyaccepted；buttheCorticellisaid，withtheutmostsimplicity，"MayIcome，too？"
　　"Certainty；youtoo。"
　　AfterdinnertheAbbeGamaaskedmetobreakfastwithhim，ortohavehimtobreakfastthenextmorning，asbewaslongingforagoodtalkwithme。
　　"Comeandbreakfastwithme，"saidI，"Ishallbedelightedtoseeyou。"
　　WhentheguestshadgoneDonCesarino，asthepretendedbrotherofTheresewascalled，askedmeifIwouldwalkwithhim。Ikissedhim，andrepliedthatmycarriagewasathisservice，andthatheandhisbrother—in—lawcoulddriveinit，butthatIhadresolvednottoleavehissisterthatday。Palesiseemedquitesatisfiedwiththearrangement，andtheybothwentaway。
　　Whenwewerealone，IgaveThereseanardentembrace，andcongratulatedheronhavingsuchabrother。
　　"Mydear，heisthefruitofouramours；heisyourson。Hemakesmehappy，andishappyhimself，andindeedhehaseverythingtomakehimso。"
　　"AndI，too，amhappy，dearTherese。YoumusthaveseenthatI
　　recognizedhimatonce。"
　　"Butdoyouwanttogivehimabrother？Howardentyouare！"
　　"Remember，belovedone，thatto—morrowwearetobefriends，andnothingmore。"
　　Bythismyeffortswerecrownedwithsuccess，butthethoughtthatitwasthelasttimewasabitterdropinthecupofhappiness。
　　Whenwehadregainedourcomposure，Theresesaid，——
　　"ThedukewhotookmefromRiminibroughtupourchild；assoonasIknewthatIwaspregnantIconfidedmysecrettohim。Nooneknewofmydelivery，andthechildwassenttonurseatSorrento，andthedukehadhimbaptizedunderthenameofCaesarPhilipLand。HeremainedatSorrentotillhewasnine，andthenhewasboardedwithaworthyman，whosuperintendedhiseducationandtaughthimmusic。Fromhisearliestchildhoodhehasknownmeashissister，andyoucannotthinkhowhappyIwaswhenIsawhimgrowingsolikeyou。Ihavealwaysconsideredhimasasurepledgeofourfinalunion。Iwaseverthinkingwhatwouldhappenwhenwemet，forIknewthathewouldhavethesameinfluenceoveryouashehasoverme。Iwassureyouwouldmarrymeandmakehimlegitimate。"
　　"Andyouhaverenderedallthis，whichwouldhavemademehappy，animpossibility。"
　　"Thefatesdecidedso；wewillsaynomoreaboutit。OnthedeathofthedukeIleftNaples，leavingCesarinoatthesameboardingschool，undertheprotectionofthePrincedelaRiccia，whohasalwayslookeduponhimasabrother。Yourson，thoughhedoesnotknowit，possessesthesumoftwentythousandducats，ofwhichI
　　receivetheinterest，butyoumayimaginethatIlethimwantfornothing。MyonlyregretisthatIcannottellhimIamhismother，asIthinkhewouldlovemestillmoreifheknewthatheowedhisbeingtome。YoucannotthinkhowgladIwastoseeyoursurpriseto—day，andhowsoonyougottolovehim。"
　　"Heiswonderfullylikeme。"
　　"Thatdelightsme。Peoplemustthinkthatyouweremymother’slover。Myhusbandthinksthatourfriendshipisduetotheconnectionbetweenyouandmymother。HetoldmeyesterdaythatCesarinomightbemybrotheronthemother’sside，butnotonmyfather’s；ashehadseenhisfatherinthetheatre，butthathecouldnotpossiblybemyfather，too。IfIhavechildrenbyPalesiallIhavewillgotothem，butifnotCesarinowillbemyheir。Mypropertyiswellsecured，evenifthePrincedeRicciaweretodie。"
　　"Come，"saidshe，drawingmeinthedirectionofherbed—room。
　　Sheopenedalargeboxwhichcontainedherjewelsanddiamonds，andsharestotheamountoffiftythousandducats。Besidesthatshehadalargeamountofplate，andhertalentswhichassuredherthefirstplaceinalltheItaliantheatres。
　　"DoyouknowwhetherourdearCesarinohasbeeninloveyet？"saidI。
　　"Idon’tthinkso，butIfancymyprettymaidisinlovewithhim。
　　Ishallkeepmyeyesopen。"
　　"Youmustn’tbetoostrict。"
　　"No，butitisn’tagoodthingforayoungmantoengagetoosooninthatpleasurewhichmakesoneneglecteverythingelse。"
　　"Letmehavehim，Iwillteachhimhowtolive。"
　　"Askall，butleavememyson。YoumustknowthatIneverkisshimforfearofmygivingwaytoexcessiveemotion。Iwishyouknewhowgoodandpureheis，andhowwellhelovesme，Icouldnotrefusehimanything。
　　WhatwillpeoplesayinVenicewhentheyseeCasanovaagain，whoescapedfromTheLeadsandhasbecometwentyyearsyounger？"
　　"YouaregoingtoVenice，then，fortheAscensa？"
　　"Yes，andyouaregoingtoRome？"
　　"AndtoNaples，toseemyfriendtheDukedeMatalone。"
　　"Iknowhimwell。HehasalreadyhadasonbythedaughteroftheDukedeBovino，whomhemarried。Shemustbeacharmingwomantohavemadeamanofhim，forallNaplesknewthathewasimpotent。"
　　"Probably，sheonlyknewthesecretofmakinghimafather。"
　　"Well，itispossible。"
　　WespentthetimebytalkingwithinterestonvarioustopicstillCesarinoandthehusbandcameback。Thedearchildfinishedhisconquestofmeatsupper；hehadamerryrandomwit，andalltheNeapolitanvivacity。Hesatdownattheclavier，andafterplayingseveralpieceswiththeutmostskillhebegantosingNeapolitansongswhichmadeusalllaugh。Thereseonlylookedathimandme，butnowandagainsheembracedherhusband，saying，thatinlovealonelieshappiness。
　　Ithoughtthen，andIthinknow，thatthisdaywasoneofthehappiestIhaveeverspent。
　　CHAPTERVII
　　TheCorticelli——TheJewManagerBeaten——TheFalseCharlesIvanoffandtheTrickHePlayedMe——IAmOrderedtoLeaveTuscany——IArriveatRome——MyBrotherJeanAtnineo’clockthenextmorning，theAbbeGamawasannounced。
　　Thefirstthinghedidwastoshedtearsofjoy（ashesaid）atseeingmesowellandprosperousaftersomanyyears。Thereaderwillguessthattheabbeaddressedmeinthemostflatteringterms，andperhapshemayknowthatonemaybeclever，experiencedinthewaysoftheworld，andevendistrustfulofflattery，butyetone’sself—love，everonthewatch，listenstotheflatterer，andthinkshimpleasant。Thispoliteandpleasantabbe，whohadbecomeextremelycraftyfromhavinglivedallhisdaysamongstthehighdignitariesatthecourtofthe’ServusServorumDei’（thebestschoolofstrategy），wasnotaltogetheranill—disposedman，butbothhisdispositionandhisprofessionconspiredtomakehiminquisitive；infine，suchasIhavedepictedhiminthefirstvolumeoftheseMemoirs。Hewantedtohearmyadventures，anddidnotwaitformetoaskhimtotellhisstory。Hetoldmeatgreatlengththevariousincidentsinhislifefortheseventeenyearsinwhichwehadnotseenoneanother。HehadlefttheserviceoftheKingofSpainforthatoftheKingofPortugal，hewassecretaryofembassytotheCommanderAlmada，andbehadbeenobligedtoleaveRomebecausethePopeRezzonicowouldnotallowtheKingofPortugaltopunishcertainworthyJesuitassassins，whohadonlybrokenhisarmasithappened，butwhohadnonethelessmeanttotakehislife。Thus，GamawasstayinginItalycorrespondingwithAlmadaandthefamousCarvalho，waitingforthedisputetobefinishedbeforehereturnedtoRome。Inpointoffactthiswastheonlysubstantialincidentintheabbe’sstory，butheworkedinsomanyepisodesofnoconsequencethatitlastedforanhour。Nodoubthewishedmetoshewmygratitudebytellinghimallmyadventureswithoutreserve；buttheupshotofitwasthatwebothshewedourselvestruediplomatists，heinlengtheninghisstory，Iinshorteningmine，whileIcouldnothelpfeelingsomeenjoymentinbulkingthecuriosityofmycassockedfriend。