IspenttwelvedaysatNancy，instructingtheyoungmadcapinthepartshehadtoplay，andendeavouringtopersuadehermotherthatshemustcontentherselfwithbeingtheCountessLascaris’shumbleservant。Itwasataskofimmensedifficulty；itwasnotenoughtoshewherthatoursuccessdependedonhersubmitting；IhadtothreatentosendherbacktoBolognabyherself。Ihadgoodreasontorepentofmyperseverance。Thatwoman’sobstinacywasaninspirationofmygoodangel’s，biddingmeavoidthegreatestmistakeIevermade。
　　OnthedayappointedwereachedPont—Carre。Madamed’Urfe，whomI
　　hadadvisedoftheexacthourofourarrival，hadthedrawbridgeofthecastlelowered，andstoodinthearchwayinthemidstofherpeople，likeageneralsurrenderingwithallthehonoursofwar。Thedearlady，whosemadnesswasbutanexcessofwit，gavethefalseprincesssodistinguishedareceptionthatshewouldhaveshewnheramazementifIhadnotwarnedherofwhatshemightexpect。Thricedidsheclasphertoherbreastwithatendernessthatwasquitematernal，callingherherbelovedniece，andexplainingtheentirepedigreesofthefamiliesofLascarisandd’Urfetomakethecountessunderstandhowshecametobeherniece。IwasagreeablysurprisedtoseethepoliteanddignifiedairwithwhichtheItalianwenchlistenedtoallthis；shedidnotevensmile，thoughthescenemusthavestruckherasextremelylaughable。
　　AssoonaswegotintothecastleMadamed’Urfeproceededtocensethenew—comer，whoreceivedtheattentionwithallthedignityofanoperaqueen，andthenthrewherselfintothearmsofthepriestess，whoreceivedherwithenthusiasticaffection。
　　Atdinnerthecountesswasagreeableandtalkative，whichwonherMadamed’Urfe’sentirefavour；herbrokenFrenchbeingeasilyaccountedfor。Laura，thecountess’smother，onlyknewhernativeItalian，andsokeptsilence。Shewasgivenacomfortableroom，wherehermealswerebroughttoher，andwhichsheonlylefttohearmass。
　　Thecastlewasafortifiedbuilding，andhadsustainedseveralsiegesinthecivilwars。Asitsname，Pont—Carre，indicated，itwassquare，andwasflankedbyfourcrenelatedtowersandsurroundedbyabroadmoat。Theroomswerevast，andrichlyfurnishedinanold—fashionedway。Theairwasfullofvenomousgnatswhodevouredusandcoveredourfaceswithpainfulbites；
　　butIhadagreedtospendaweekthere，andIshouldhavebeenhardputtoittofindapretextforshorteningthetime。Madamed’Urfehadabednext，herownforherniece，butIwasnotafraidofherattemptingtosatisfyherselfastothecountess’svirginity，astheoraclehadexpresslyforbiddenitunderpainorfailure。TheoperationwasfixedforthefourteenthdayoftheAprilmoon。
　　Onthatdaywehadatemperatesupper，afterwhichIwenttobed。
　　AquarterofanhourafterwardsMadamed’Urfecame，leadingthevirginLascaris。Sheundressedher，scentedher，castalovelyveiloverherbody，andwhenthecountesswaslaidbesidemesheremained，wishingtobepresentatanoperationwhichwastoresultinherbeingbornagaininthecourseofninemonths。
　　Theactwasconsummatedinform，andthenMadamed’Urfeleftusalonefortherestofthenight，whichwaswellemployed。
　　Afterwards，thecountesssleptwithheraunttillthelastdayofthemoon，whenIaskedtheoracleiftheCountessLascarishadconceived。Thatwellmightbe，forIhadsparednothingtothatintent；butIthoughtitmoreprudenttomaketheoraclereplythattheoperationhadfailedbecausethesmallCountd’Arandahadwatchedusbehindascreen。Madamed’Urfewasindespair，butI
　　consoledherbyasecondreply，inwhichtheoracledeclaredthatthoughtheoperationcouldonlybeperformedinFranceinApril，itcouldtakeplaceoutofthatrealminMay；buttheinquisitiveyoungcount，whoseinfluencehadprovedsofatal，mustbesentforatleastayeartosomeplaceahundredleaguesfromParis。Theoraclealsoindicatedthemannerinwhichhewastotravel；hewastohaveatutor，aservant，andallinorder。
　　Theoraclehadspoken，andnomorewaswanted。Madamed’Urfethoughtofanabbeshelikedforhistutor，andthecountwassenttoLyons，withstronglettersofcommendationtoM。deRochebaron，arelationofhispatroness。Theyoungmanwasdelightedtotravel，andneverhadanysuspicionofthewayinwhichIhadslanderedhim。Itwasnotamerefancywhichsuggestedthiscourseofaction。IhaddiscoveredthattheCorticelliwasmakinguptohim，andthathermotherfavouredtheintrigue。Ihadsurprisedhertwiceintheyoungman’sroom，andthoughheonlycaredforthegirlasayouthcaresforallgirls，theSignoraLauradidnotatallapproveofmyopposingherdaughter’sdesigns。
　　Ournexttaskwastofixonsomeforeigntownwherewecouldagainattemptthemysteriousoperation。WesettledonAix—la—Chapelle，andinfiveorsixdaysallwasreadyforthejourney。
　　TheCorticeili，angrywithmeforhavingthwartedherinherprojects，reproachedmebitterly，andfromthattimebegantobemyenemy；sheevenallowedherselftothreatenmeifIdidnotgetbacktheprettyboy，asshecalledhim。
　　"Youhavenobusinesstobejealous，"saidshe，"andIamthemistressofmyownactions。"
　　"Quiteright，mydear，"Ianswered；"butitismybusinesstoseethatyoudonotbehavelikeaprostituteinyourpresentposition。"
　　Themotherwasinafuriousrage，andsaidthatsheandherdaughterwouldreturntoBologna，andtoquietthemIpromisedtotakethemtheremyselfassoonaswehadbeentoAix—la—Chapelle。
　　NeverthelessIdidnotfeelatease，andtopreventanyplotstakingplaceIhastenedourdeparture。
　　WestartedinMay，inatravellingcarriagecontainingMadamed’Urfe，myself，thefalseLascaris，andhermaidandfavourite，namedBrougnole。Wewerefollowedbyacoachwithtwoseats；initweretheSignoraLauraandanotherservant。Twomen—servantsinfullliverysatontheoutsideofourtravellingcarriage。WestoppedadayatBrussels，andanotheratLiege。AtAixthereweremanydistinguishedvisitors，andatthefirstballweattendedMadamed’UrfepresentedtheLascaristotwoPrincessesofMecklenburgasherniece。Thefalsecountessreceivedtheirembraceswithmucheaseandmodesty，andattractedtheparticularattentionoftheMargraveofBaireuthandtheDuchessofWurtemberg，hisdaughter，whotookpossessionofher，anddidnotleavehertilltheendoftheball。
　　Iwasonthornsthewholetime，interrorlesttheheroinemightmakesomedreadfulslip。Shedancedsogracefullythateverybodygazedather，andIwasthepersonwhowascomplimentedonherperformance。
　　Isufferedamartyrdom，forthesecomplimentsseemedtobegivenwithmaliciousintent。Isuspectedthattheballet—girlhadbeendiscoveredbeneaththecountess，andIfeltmyselfdishonoured。I
　　succeededinspeakingprivatelytotheyoungwantonforamoment，andbeggedhertodancelikeayounglady，andnotlikeachorusgirl；butshewasproudofhersuccess，anddaredtotellmethatayoungladymightknowhowtodanceaswellasaprofessionaldancer，andthatshewasnotgoingtodancebadlytopleaseme。I
　　wassoenragedwithherimpudence，thatIwouldhavecastheroffthatinstantifithadbeenpossible；butasitwasnot，I
　　determinedthatherpunishmentshouldlosenoneofitssharpnessbywaiting；andwhetheritbeaviceoravirtue，thedesireofrevengeisneverextinguishedinmyhearttillitissatisfied。
　　ThedayaftertheballMadamed’Urfepresentedherwithacasketcontainingabeautifulwatchsetwithbrilliants，apairofdiamondear—rings，andaringcontainingarubyoffifteencarats。
　　Thewholewasworthsixtythousandfrancs。Itookpossessionofittopreventhergoingoffwithoutmyleave。
　　InthemeanwhileIamusedmyselfwithplayandmakingbadacquaintances。TheworstofallwasaFrenchofficer，namedd’Ache，whohadaprettywifeandadaughterprettierstill。
　　BeforelongthedaughterhadtakenpossessionoftheheartwhichtheCorticellihadlost，butassoonasMadamed’AchesawthatI
　　preferredherdaughtertoherselfsherefusedtoreceivemeatherhouse。
　　Ihadlentd’AchetenLouis，andIconsequentlyfeltmyselfentitledtocomplainofhiswife’sconduct；butheansweredrudelythatasIonlywenttothehouseafterhisdaughter，hiswifewasquiteright；thatheintendedhisdaughtertomakeagoodmatch，andthatifmyintentionswerehonourableIhadonlytospeaktothemother。Hismannerwasstillmoreoffensivethanhiswords，andIfeltenraged，butknowingthebrutaldrunkencharacteristicsoftheman，andthathewasalwaysreadytodrawcoldsteelforayesorano，Iwassilentandresolvedtoforgetthegirl，notcaringtobecomeinvolvedwithamanlikeherfather。
　　Ihadalmostcuredmyselfofmyfancywhen，afewdaysafterourconversation，Ihappenedtogointoabilliard—roomwhered’AchewasplayingwithaSwissnamedSchmit，anofficerintheSwedisharmy。Assoonasd’AchesawmeheaskedwhetherIwouldlaythetenLouisheowedmeagainsthim。
　　"Yes，"saidI，"thatwillmakedoubleorquits。"
　　Towardstheendofthematchd’Achemadeanunfairstroke，whichwassoevidentthatthemarkertoldhimofit；butasthisstrokemadehimthewinner，d’Acheseizedthestakesandputtheminhispocketwithoutheedingthemarkerortheotherplayer，who，seeinghimselfcheatedbeforehisveryeyes，gavetherascalablowacrossthefacewithhiscue。D’Acheparriedtheblowwithhishand，anddrawinghisswordrushedatSchmit，whohadnoarms。
　　Themarker，asturdyyoungfellow，caughtholdofd’Acheroundthebody，andthuspreventedmurder。TheSwisswentout，saying，"Weshallseeeachotheragain。"
　　TherascallyFrenchmancooleddown，andsaidtome，"Now，yousee，wearequits。"
　　"Verymuchquits。"
　　"That’sallverywell；but，byGod！youmighthavepreventedtheinsultwhichhasdishonouredme。"
　　"Imighthavedoneso，butIdidnotcaretointerfere。Youarestrongenoughtolookafteryourself。Schmithadnothissword，butIbelievehimtobeabraveman；andhewillgiveyousatisfactionifyouwillreturnhimhismoney，fortherecanbenodoubtthatyoulostthematch。"
　　Anofficer，nameddePyene，tookmeupandsaidthathehimselfwouldgivemethetwentylouiswhichd’Achehadtaken，butthattheSwissmustgivesatisfaction。Ihadnohesitationinpromisingthathewoulddoso，andsaidIwouldbringareplytothechallengethenextmorning。
　　Ihadnofearsmyself。Themanofhonouroughtalwaystobereadytousetheswordtodefendhimselffrominsult，ortogivesatisfactionforaninsulthehasoffered。Iknowthatthelawofduellingisaprejudicewhichmaybecalled，andperhapsrightly，barbarous，butitisaprejudicewhichnomanofhonourcancontendagainst，andIbelievedSchmittobeathoroughgentleman。
　　Icalledonhimatday—break，andfoundhimstillinbed。Assoonashesawme，hesaid，"Iamsureyouhavecometoaskmetofightwithd’Ache。Iamquitereadytoburnpowderwithhim，buthemustfirstpaymethetwentyLouisherobbedmeof。"
　　"Youshallhavethemto—morrow，andIwillattendyou。D’AchewillbesecondedbyM。dePyene。"
　　"Verygood。Ishallexpectyouatday—break。"
　　TwohoursafterIsawdePyene，andwefixedthemeetingforthenextday，atsixo’clockinthemorning。Thearmsweretobepistols。Wechoseagarden，halfaleaguefromthetown，asthesceneofthecombat。
　　Atday—breakIfoundtheSwisswaitingformeatthedoorofhislodgings，carollingthe’ranz—des—vaches’，sodeartohisfellow—
　　countrymen。Ithoughtthatagoodomen。
　　"Hereyouare，"saidhe；"letusbeoff，then。"
　　Ontheway，heobserved，"Ihaveonlyfoughtwithmenofhonouruptonow，andIdon’tmuchcareforkillingarascal；it’shangman’swork。"
　　"Iknow，"Ireplied，"thatit’sveryhardtohavetoriskone’slifeagainstafellowlikethat。"
　　"There’snorisk，"saidSchmit，withalaugh。"IamcertainthatIshallkillhim。"
　　"Howcanyoubecertain？"
　　"Ishallmakehimtremble。"
　　Hewasright。Thissecretisinfalliblewhenitisappliedtoacoward。Wefoundd’AcheanddePyeneonthefield，andfiveorsixotherswhomusthavebeenpresentfrommotivesofcuriosity。
　　D’Achetooktwentylouisfromhispocketandgavethemtohisenemy，saying，"Imaybemistaken，butIhopetomakeyoupaydearlyforyourbrutality。"Thenturningtomehesaid，"Ioweyoutwentylouisalso；"butImadenoreply。
　　Schmitputthemoneyinhispursewiththecalmestairimaginable，andmakingnoreplytotheother’sboastplacedhimselfbetweentwotrees，distantaboutfourpacesfromoneanother，anddrawingtwopistolsfromhispocketsaidtod’Ache，"Placeyourselfatadistanceoftenpaces，andfirefirst。I
　　shallwalktoandfrobetweenthesetwotrees，andyoumaywalkasfarifyouliketodosowhenmyturncomestofire。"
　　Nothingcouldbeclearerormorecalmlydeliveredthanthisexplanation。
　　"Butwemustdecide，"saidI，"whoistohavethefirstshot。"
　　"Thereisnoneed，"saidSchmit。"Ineverfirefirst，besides，thegentlemanhasarighttothefirstshot。"
　　DePyeneplacedhisfriendattheproperdistanceandthensteppedaside，andd’Achefiredonhisantagonist，whowaswalkingslowlytoandfrowithoutlookingathim。Schmitturnedroundinthecoolestmannerpossible，andsaid，"Youhavemissedme，sir；Iknewyouwould。Tryagain。"
　　Ithoughthewasmad，andthatsomearrangementwouldbecometo；
　　butnothingofthekind。D’Achefiredasecondtime，andagainmissed；andSchmit，withoutaword，butascalmasdeath，firedhisfirstpistolintheair，andthencoveringd’Achewithhissecondpistolhithimintheforeheadandstretchedhimdeadontheground。Heputbackhispistolsintohispocketandwentoffdirectlybyhimself，asifheweremerelycontinuinghiswalk。IntwominutesIfollowedhisexample，afterascertainingthattheunfortunated’Achenolongerbreathed。
　　Iwasinastateofamazement。Suchaduelwasmorelikeacombatofromancethanarealfact。Icouldnotunderstandit；IhadwatchedtheSwiss，andhadnotnoticedtheslightestchangepassoverhisface。
　　IbreakfastedwithMadamed’Urfe，whomIfoundinconsolable。Itwasthefullmoon，andatthreeminutespastfourexactlyIoughttoperformthemysteriouscreationofthechildinwhichshewastobebornagain。ButtheLascaris，onwhomtheworkwastobewrought，wastwistingandturninginherbed，contortingherselfinsuchawaythatitwouldbeimpossibleformetoaccomplishtheprolificwork。
　　Mygrief，whenIheardwhathadhappened，washypocritical；inthefirstplacebecauseInolongerfeltanydesireforthegirl，andinthesecondbecauseIthoughtIsawawayinwhichIcouldmakeuseoftheincidenttotakevengeanceonher。
　　IlavishedconsolationsonMadamed’Urfe；andonconsultingtheoracleIfoundthattheLascarishadbeendefiledbyanevilgenius，andthatImustsearchforanothervirginwhosepuritymustbeundertheprotectionofmorepowerfulspirits。Isawthatmymadwomanwasperfectlyhappywiththis，andIlefthertovisittheCorticelli，whomIfoundinbedwithhermotherbesideher。
　　"Youhaveconvulsions，haveyou，dearest？"saidI。
　　"No，Ihaven’t。Iamquitewell，butallthesameIshallhavethemtillyougivemebackmyjewel—casket。"
　　"Youaregettingwicked，mypoorchild；thiscomesoffollowingyourmother’sadvice。Asforthecasket，ifyouaregoingtobehavelikethis，probablyyouwillhaveit。"
　　"Iwillrevealall。"
　　"Youwillnotbebelieved；andIshallsendyoubacktoBolognawithoutlettingyoutakeanyofthepresentswhichMadamed’Urfehasgivenyou。"
　　"YououghttohavegivenmebackthecasketwhenIdeclaredmyselfwithchild。"
　　SignoraLauratoldmethatthiswasonlytootrue，thoughIwasnotthefather。
　　"Whois，then？"Iasked。
　　"CountN————，whosemistressshewasatPrague。"
　　Itdidnotseemprobable，asshehadnosymptomsofpregnancy；
　　stillitmightbeso。Iwasobligedtoplotmyselftobringtheplotsofthesetworascallywomentonought，andwithoutsayinganythingtothemIshutmyselfupwithMadamed’Urfetoenquireoftheoracleconcerningtheoperationwhichwastomakeherhappy。
　　Afterseveralanswers，moreobscurethananyreturnedfromtheoraculartripodatDelphi，theinterpretationofwhichIlefttotheinfatuatedMadamed’Urfe，shediscoveredherself——andItookcarenottocontradicther——thattheCountessLascarishadgonemad。Iencouragedherfears，andsucceededinmakingherobtainfromacabalisticpyramidthestatementthatthereasontheprincesshadnotconceivedwasthatshehadbeendefiledbyanevilgenius——anenemyoftheFraternityoftheRosyCross。ThisputMadamed’Urfefairlyontheway，andsheaddedonherownaccountthatthegirlmustbewithchildbyagnome。
　　Shethenerectedanotherpyramidtoobtainguidanceonourquest，andIsodirectedthingsthattheanswercamethatshemustwritetothemoon。
　　Thismadreply，whichshouldhavebroughthertohersenses，onlymadehermorecrazythanever。Shewasquiteecstatic，andIamsurethatifIhadendeavouredtoshewherthenothingnessofallthisIshowhavehadnothingformytrouble。HerconclusionwouldprobablyhavebeenthatIwaspossessedbyanevilspirit，andwasnolongeratrueRosyCross。ButIhadnoideaofundertakingacurewhichwouldhavedonemeharmandherno’good。Herchimericalnotionsmadeherhappy，andthecoldnakedtruthwoulddoubtlesshavemadeherunhappy。
　　Shereceivedtheordertowritetothemoonwiththegreaterdelightassheknewwhatceremoniesweretobeobservedinaddressingthatplanet；butshecouldnotdispensewiththeassistanceofanadept，andIknewshewouldreckononme。ItoldherIshouldalwaysbereadytoserveher，butthat，assheknewherself，weshouldhavetowaitforthefirstphaseofthenewmoon。Iwasverygladtogaintime，forIhadlostheavilyatplay，andIcouldnotleaveAix—la—Chapellebeforeabill，whichI
　　haddrawnonM。d’O。ofAmsterdam，wascashed。InthemeantimeweagreedthatastheCountessLascarishadbecomemad，wemustnotpayanyattentiontowhatshemightsay，asthewordswouldnotbehersbutwouldproceedfromtheevilspiritwhopossessedher。
　　Nevertheless，wedeterminedthatasherstatewasapitiableone，andshouldbeasmuchalleviatedaspossible，sheshouldcontinuetodinewithus，butthatintheeveningshewastogotohergovernessandsleepwithher。
　　AfterhavingthusdisposedofMadamed’UrfetodisbelievewhatevertheCorticellicaredtotellher，andtoconcentrateallherenergiesonthetaskofwritingtoSelenis，theintelligenceofthemoon，IsetmyselfseriouslytoworktoregainthemoneyIhadlostatplay；andheremycabalawasnogoodtome。IpledgedtheCorticelli’scasketforathousandlouis，andproceededtoplayinanEnglishclubwhereIhadamuchbetterchanceofwinningthanwithGermansorFrenchmen。
　　Threeorfourdaysafterd’Ache’sdeath，hiswidowwrotemeanotebeggingmetocallonher。IfoundherincompanywithdePyene。
　　Shetoldmeinalugubriousvoicethatherhusbandhadleftmanydebtsunsettled，andthathiscreditorshadseizedeverythingshepossessed；and——thatshewasthusunabletopaytheexpensesofajourney，thoughshewantedtotakeherdaughterwithhertoColmar，andtheretorejoinherfamily。
　　"Youcausedmyhusband’sdeath，"sheadded，"andIaskyoutogivemeathousandcrowns；ifyourefusemeIshallcommencealawsuitagainstyou，forastheSwissofficerhasleft，youaretheonlypersonIcanprosecute。"
　　"Iamsurprisedatyourtakingsuchatonetowardsme，"Ireplied，coldly，"andwereitnotfortherespectIfeelforyourmisfortune，Ishouldanswerasbitterlyasyoudeserve。InthefirstplaceIhavenotathousandcrownstothrowaway，andifI
　　hadIwouldnotsacrificemymoneytothreats。Iamcurioustoknowwhatkindofacaseyoucouldgetupagainstmeinthecourtsoflaw。AsforSchmit，hefoughtlikeabravegentleman，andI
　　don’tthinkyoucouldgetmuchoutofhimifhewerestillhere。
　　Good—day，madam。"
　　IhadscarcelygotfiftypacesfromthehousewhenIwasjoinedbydePyene，whosaidthatratherthanMadamed’Acheshouldhavetocomplainofmehewouldcutmythroatonthespot。Weneitherofushadswords。
　　"Yourintentionisnotaveryflatteringone，"saidI，"andthereissomethingratherbrutalaboutit。IhadrathernothaveanyaffairofthekindwithamanwhomIdon’tknowandtowhomIowenothing。"
　　"Youareacoward。"
　　"Iwouldbe，youmean，ifIweretoimitateyou。Itisamatterofperfectindifferencetomewhatopinionyoumayhaveonthesubject。
　　"Youwillbesorryforthis。"
　　"Maybe，butIwarnyouthatInevergooutunattendedbyapairofpistols，whichIkeepingoodorderandknowhowtouse。"SosayingIshewdhimthepistols，andtookoneinmyrighthand。
　　Atthisthebullyutteredanoathandweseparated。
　　AtashortdistancefromtheplacewherethisscenehadoccurredI
　　metaNeapolitannamedMaliterni，alieutenant—colonelandaidetothePrincedeCondo，commander—in—chiefoftheFrencharmy。ThisMaliterniwasabooncompanion，alwaysreadytooblige，andalwaysshortofmoney。Wewerefriends，andItoldhimwhathadhappened。
　　"Ishouldbesorry，"saidI，"tohaveanythingtodowithafellowlikedePyene，andifyoucanridmeofhimIpromiseyouahundredcrowns。"
　　"Idaresaythatcanbemanaged，"hereplied，"andIwilltellyouwhatIcandoto—morrow！"
　　Inpointoffact，hebroughtmenewsthenextdaythatmycut—
　　throathadreceivedordersfromhissuperiorofficertoleaveAix—
　　la—Chapelleatday—break，andatthesametimehegavemeapassportfromthePrincedeConde。
　　Iconfessthatthiswasverypleasanttidings。Ihaveneverfearedtocrossmyswordwithanyman，thoughneversoughtthebarbarouspleasureofspillingmen’sblood；butonthisoccasionI
　　feltanextremedisliketoaduelwithafellowwhowasprobablyofthesamecasteashisfriendd’Ache。
　　IthereforegaveMaliternimyheartiestthanks，aswellasthehundredcrownsIhadpromisedhim，whichIconsideredsowellemployedthatIdidnotregrettheirloss。
　　Maliterni，whowasajesterofthefirstwater，andacreatureoftheMarshald’Estrees，waslackingneitherinwitnorknowledge；
　　buthewasdeficientinasenseoforderandrefinement。Hewasapleasantcompanion，forhisgaietywasinexhaustibleandhehadalargeknowledgeoftheworld。Heattainedtherankoffield—
　　marshalin1768，andwenttoNaplestomarryarichheiress，whomheleftawidowayearafter。
　　ThedayafterdePyene’sdepartureIreceivedanotefromMdlle。
　　d’Ache，beggingme，forthesakeofhersickmother，tocomeandseeher。IansweredthatIwouldbeatsuchaplaceatsuchatime，andthatshecouldsaywhatshelikedtome。
　　IfoundherattheplaceandtimeIappointed，withhermother，whoseillness，itappeared，didnotpreventherfromgoingout。
　　Shecalledmeherpersecutor，andsaidthatsincethedepartureofherbestfriend，dePyene，shedidnotknowwheretoturn；thatshehadpledgedallherbelongings，andthatI，whowasrich，oughttoaidher，ifIwerenotthevilestofmen。
　　"Ifeelforyourcondition，"Ireplied，"asIfeelyourabuseofme；andIcannothelpsayingthatyouhaveshewnyourselfthevilestofwomeninincitingdePyene，whomaybeanhonestmanforallIknow，toassassinateme。Infine，richornot，andthoughI
　　oweyounothing，Iwillgiveyouenoughmoneytotakeyourpropertyoutofpawn，andImaypossiblytakeyoutoColmarmyself，butyoumustfirstconsenttomygivingyourcharmingdaughteraproofofmyaffection。"
　　"Andyoudaretomakethishorribleproposaltome？"
　　"Horribleornot，Idomakeit。"
　　"Iwillneverconsent。"
　　"Goodday，madam。"
　　IcalledthewaitertopayhimfortherefreshmentsIhadordered，andIgavethegirlsixdoublelouis，butherproudmotherforbadehertoacceptthemoneyfromme。Iwasnotsurprised，inspiteofherdistress；forthemotherwasinrealitystillmorecharmingthanthedaughter，andsheknewit。Ioughttohavegivenherthepreference，andthushaveendedthedispute，butwhocanaccountforhiswhims？Ifeltthatshemusthateme，forshedidnotcareforherdaughter，anditmusthavehumiliatedherbitterlytobeobligedtoregardherasavictoriousrival。
　　Ileftthemstillholdingthesixdoublelouis，whichprideorscornhadrefused，andIwenttothefaro—tableanddecidedinsacrificingthemtofortune；butthatcapriciousdeity，asproudasthehaughtywidow，refusedthem，andthoughIleftthemontheboardforfivedealsIalmostbrokethebank。AnEnglishman，namedMartin，offeredtogoshareswithme，andIaccepted，asI
　　knewhewasagoodplayer；andinthecourseofeightortendayswedidsuchgoodbusinessthatIwasnotonlyabletotakethecasketoutofpledgeandtocoveralllosses，butmadeaconsiderableprofitinaddition。
　　Aboutthisperiod，theCorticelli，inherrageagainstme，hadtoldMadamed’Urfethewholehistoryofherlife，ofouracquaintance，andofherpregnancy。Butthemoretruthfullyshetoldherstorysomuchthemoredidthegoodladybelievehertobemad，andweoftenlaughedtogetherattheextraordinaryfanciesofthetraitress。Madamed’UrfeputallhertrustintheinstructionswhichSeleniswouldgiveinreplytoherletter。
　　Nevertheless，asthegirl’sconductdispleasedme，Imadehereathermealswithhermother，whileIkeptMadamed’Urfecompany。I
　　assuredherthatweshouldeasilyfindanothervesselofelection，themadnessoftheCountessLascarishavingmadeherabsolutelyincapableofparticipatinginourmysteriousrites。
　　Beforelong，d’Ache’swidowfoundherselfobligedtogivemeherMimi；butIwonherbykindness，andinsuchawaythatthemothercouldpretendwithdecencytoknownothingaboutit。Iredeemedallthegoodsshehadpawned，andalthoughthedaughterhadnotyetyieldedentirelytomyardour，IformedtheplanoftakingthemtoColmarwithMadamed’Urfe。Tomakeupthegoodlady’smind，Iresolvedtoletthatbeoneoftheinstructionsfromthemoon，andthisshewouldnotonlyobeyblindlybutwouldhavenosuspicionsastomymotive。
　　ImanagedthecorrespondencebetweenSelenisandMadamed’Urfeinthefollowingmanner:
　　Onthedayappointed，wesuppedtogetherinagardenbeyondthetownwalls，andinaroomonthegroundfloorofthehouseIhadmadeallthenecessarypreparations，theletterwhichwastofallfromthemoon，inreplytoMadamed’Urfe’sepistle，beinginmypocket。AtalittledistancefromthechamberofceremoniesIhadplacedalargebathfilledwithlukewarmwaterandperfumespleasingtothedeityofthenight，intowhichweweretoplungeatthehourofthemoon，whichfellatoneo’clock。
　　Whenwehadburntincense，andsprinkledtheessencesappropriatetothecultofSelenis，wetookoffallourclothes，andholdingtheletterconcealedinmylefthand，withtherightIgraciouslyledMadamed’Urfetothebrinkofthebath。HerestoodanalabastercupcontainingspiritsofwinewhichIkindled，repeatingmagicalwordswhichIdidnotunderstand，butwhichshesaidafterme，givingmetheletteraddressedtoSelenis。Iburnttheletterintheflameofthespirits，beneaththelightofthemoon，andthecredulousladytoldmeshesawthecharactersshehadtracedascendingintheraysoftheplanet。
　　Wethengotintothebath，andtheletter，whichwaswritteninsilvercharactersongreenpaperappearedonthesurfaceofthewaterinthecourseoftenminutes。AssoonasMadamed’Urfesawit，shepickeditupreverentlyandgotoutofthebathwithme。
　　Wedriedandscentedourselves，andproceededtoputonourclothes。AssoonaswewereinastateofdecencyItoldMadamed’Urfethatshemightreadtheepistle，whichshehadplacedonascentedsilkcushion。Sheobeyed，andIsawsadnessvisiblyexpressedonherfeatureswhenshesawthatherhypostasiswasdeferredtillthearrivalofQuerilinthus，whomshewouldseewithmeatMarseillesinthespringofnextyear。ThegeniusalsosaidthattheCountessLascariscouldnotonlydoherharm，andthatsheshouldconsultmeastothebestmeansofgettingridofher。
　　TheletterendedbyorderinghernottoleaveatAixaladywhohadlostherhusband，andhadadaughterwhowasdestinedtobeofgreatservicetothefraternityoftheR。C。ShewastotakethemtoAlsace，andnottoleavethemtilltheywerethere，andsafefromthatdangerwhichthreatenedthemiftheywerelefttothemselves。
　　Madamed’Urfe，whowithallherfollywasanexceedinglybenevolentwoman，commendedthewidowtomycareenthusiastically，andseemedimpatienttohearherwholehistory。ItoldherallthecircumstanceswhichIthoughtwouldstrengthenherinherresolutiontobefriendthem，andpromisedtointroducetheladiestothematthefirstopportunity。
　　WereturnedtoAix，andspentthenightindiscussingthephantomswhichcoursedthroughherbrain。Allwasgoingonwell，andmyonlycarewasforthejourneytoAix，andhowtoobtainthecompleteenjoymentofMimiafterhavingsowelldeservedherfavours。
　　Ihadarunofluckatplaythenextday，andintheeveningI
　　gaveMadamed’AcheanagreeablesurprisebytellingherthatI
　　shouldaccompanyherandherMimitoColmar。ItoldherthatI
　　shouldbeginbyintroducinghertotheladywhomIhadthehonourtoaccompany，andIbeggedhertobereadybythenextdayasthemarchionesswasimpatienttoseeher。Icouldseethatshecouldscarcelybelieveherears，forshethoughtMadamed’Urfewasinlovewithme，andshecouldnotunderstandherdesiretomaketheacquaintanceoftwoladieswhomightbedangerousrivals。
　　IconductedthemtoMadamed’Urfeattheappointedhour，andtheywerereceivedwithawarmthwhichsurprisedthemexceedingly，fortheycouldnotbeexpectedtoknowthattheirrecommendationcamefromthemoon。Wemadeapartyoffour，andwhilethetwoladiestalkedtogetherinthefashionofladieswhohaveseentheworld，IpaidMimiaparticularattention，whichhermotherunderstoodverywell，butwhichMadamed’Urfeattributedtotheyounglady’sconnectionwiththeRosyCross。
　　Intheeveningweallwenttoaball，andtheretheCorticelli，whowasalwaystryingtoannoyme，dancedasnoyoungladywoulddance。Sheexecutedrapidsteps，pirouetted，cutcapers，andshewedherlegs；inshort，shebehavedlikeaballet—girl。Iwasonthorns。Anofficer，whoeitherignored，orpretendedtoignore，mysupposedrelationtoher，askedmeifshewasaprofessionaldancer。IheardanothermanbehindmesaythathethoughtherememberedseeingherontheboardsatPrague。I
　　resolvedonhasteningmydeparture，asIforesawthatifIstayedmuchlongeratAixthewretchedgirlwouldendbycostingmemylife。
　　AsIhavesaid，Madamed’Achehadagoodsocietymanner，andthisputherinMadamed’Urfe’sgoodgraces，whosawinherpolitenessanewproofofthefavourofSelenis。Madamed’Achefelt，I
　　suppose，thatsheawedmesomereturnafterallIhaddoneforher，andlefttheballearly，sothatwhenItookMimihomeI
　　foundmyselfalonewithher，andatperfectlibertytodowhatI
　　liked。Iprofitedbytheopportunity，andremainedwithMimifortwohours，findinghersocomplaisantandevenpassionatethatwhenIleftherIhadnothingmoretodesire。
　　InthreedaystimeIprovidedthemotheranddaughterwiththeiroutfit，andweleftAixgladlyinanelegantandconvenienttravellingcarriagewhichIhadprovided。HalfanhourbeforeweleftImadeanacquaintancewhichafterwardsprovedfataltome。
　　AFlemishofficer，unknowntome，accostedme，andpaintedhisdestituteconditioninsuchsadcoloursthatIfeltobligedtogivehimtwelvelouis。Tenminutesafter，hegavemeapaperinwhichheacknowledgedthedebt，andnamedthetimeinwhichhecouldpayit。FromthepaperIascertainedthathisnamewasMalingan。Intenmonthsthereaderwillheartheresults。
　　JustaswewerestartingIshewedtheCorticelliacarriagewithfourplaces，inwhichshe，hermother，andthetwomaids，weretotravel。Atthisshetrembled，herpridewaswounded，andforamomentIthoughtshewasgoingoutofhermind；sherainedsobs，abuse，andcursesonme。Istoodthestormunmoved，however，andMadamed’Urfeonlylaughedatherniece’sparoxysms，andseemeddelightedtofindherselfsittingoppositetomewiththeservantofSelenisbesideher，whileMimiwashighlypleasedtobesoclosetome。
　　WegottoLiegeatnightfallonthenextday，andIcontrivedtomakeMadamed’Urfestaytherethedayfollowing，wishingtogethorsestotakeusthroughtheArdennes，andthustohavethecharmingMimilongerinmypossession。
　　Iroseearlyandwentouttoseethetown。Bythegreatbridge，awoman，sowrappedupinablackmantillathatonlythetipofhernosewasvisible，accostedme，andaskedmetofollowherintoahousewithanopendoorwhichsheshewedme。
　　"AsIhavenotthepleasureofknowingyou，"Ireplied，"prudencewillnotallowmetodoso。"
　　"Youdoknowme，though，"shereplied，andtakingmetothecornerofaneighbouringstreetsheshewedmeherface。WhatwasmysurprisetoseethefairStuartofAvignon，thestatueoftheFountainofVaucluse。Iwasverygladtomeether。
　　InmycuriosityIfollowedherintothehouse，toaroomonthefirstfloor，whereshewelcomedmemosttenderly。Itwasallnogood，forIfeltangrywithher，anddespisedheradvances，nodoubt，becauseIhadMimi，andwishedtokeepallmyloveforher。
　　However，Itookthreelouisoutofmypurseandgavethemtoher，askinghertotellmeherhistory。
　　"Stuart，"shesaid，"wasonlymykeeper；myrealnameisRanson，andIamthemistressofarichlandedproprietor。IgotbacktoLiegeaftermanysufferings。"
　　"Iamdelightedtohearthatyouaremoreprosperousnow，butitmustbeconfessedthatyourbehaviouratAvignonwasbothpreposterousandabsurd。Butthesubjectisnotworthdiscussing。
　　Goodday，madam。"
　　IthenreturnedtomyhoteltowriteanaccountofwhatIhadseentotheMarquisGrimaldi。
　　ThenextdayweleftLiege，andweretwodayspassingthroughtheArdennes。ThisisoneofthestrangesttractsinEurope:avastforest，thetraditionsofwhichfurnishedAriostowithsomesplendidpassages。
　　Thereisnotownintheforest，andthoughoneisobligedtocrossittopassfromonecountrytoanother，hardlyanyofthenecessariesoflifearetobefoundinit。
　　Theenquirerwillseekinvainforvicesorvirtues，ormannersofanykind。Theinhabitantsaredevoidofcorrectideas，buthavewildnotionsoftheirownonthepowerofmentheystylescholars。
　　Itisenoughtobeadoctortoenjoythereputationofanastrologerandawizard。NeverthelesstheArdenneshavealargepopulation，asIwasassuredthatthereweretwelvehundredchurchesintheforest。Thepeoplearegood—heartedandevenpleasant，especiallytheyounggirls；butasageneralrulethefairsexisbynomeansfairinthosequarters。InthisvastdistrictwateredbytheMeuseisthetownofBouillon——aregularhole，butinmytimeitwasthefreestplaceinEurope。TheDukeofBouillonwassojealousofhisrightsthathepreferredtheexerciseofhisprerogativestoallthehonourshemighthaveenjoyedattheCourtofFrance。WestayedadayatMetz，butdidnotcallonanyone；andinthreedayswereachedColmar，whereweleftMadamed’Ache，whosegoodgracesIhadcompletelywon。Herfamily，inextremelycomfortablecircumstances，receivedthemotheranddaughterwithgreataffection。MimiweptbitterlywhenIlefther，butIconsoledherbysayingthatIwouldcomebackbeforelong。Madamed’Urfeseemednottomindleavingthem，andI
　　consoledmyselfeasilyenough。Whilecongratulatingmyselfonhavingmademotheranddaughterhappy，IadoredthesecretpathsandwaysofDivineProvidence。
　　OnthefollowingdaywewenttoSulzbach，wheretheBaronofSchaumburg，whoknewMadamed’Urfe，gaveusawarmwelcome。I
　　shouldhavebeensadlyboaredinthisdullplaceifithadnotbeenforgaming。Madamed’Urfe，findingherselfinneedofcompany，encouragedtheCorticellitohopetoregainmygoodgraces，and，consequently，herown。Thewretchedgirl，seeinghoweasilyIhaddefeatedherprojects，andtowhatapassofhumiliationIhadbroughther，hadchangedherpart，andwasnowsubmissiveenough。Sheflatteredherselfthatshewouldregainthefavourshehadcompletelylost，andshethoughtthedaywaswonwhenshesawthatMadamed’AcheandherdaughterstayedatColmar。ButwhatshehadmoreatheartthaneithermyfriendshiporMadamed’Urfe’swasthejewel—casket；butshedarednotaskforit，andherhopesofseeingitagainweregrowingdim。ByherpleasantriesattablewhichmadeMadamed’Urfelaughshesucceededingivingmeafewamoroustwinges；butstillIdidnotallowmyfeelingstorelaxmyseverity，andshecontinuedtosleepwithhermother。
　　AweekafterourarrivalatSulzbachIleftMadamed’UrfewiththeBaronofSchaumburg，andIwenttoColmarinthehopeofgoodfortune。ButIwasdisappointed，asthemotheranddaughterhadbothmadearrangementsforgettingmarried。
　　Arichmerchant，whohadbeeninlovewiththemothereighteenyearsbefore，seeingherawidowandstillpretty，felthisearlyflamesrevive，andofferedhishandandwasaccepted。AyoungadvocatefoundMimitohistaste，andaskedherinmarriage。Themotheranddaughter，fearingtheresultsofmyaffection，andfindingitwouldbeagoodmatch，lostnotimeingivingtheirconsent。Iwasentertainedinthefamily，andsuppedinthemidstofanumerousandchoiceassemblage；butseeingthatIshouldonlyannoytheladiesandtiremyselfinwaitingforsomechancefavourifIstayed，IbadethemadieuandreturnedtoSulzbachthenextmorning。IfoundthereacharminggirlfromStrasburg，namedSalzmann，threeorfourgamesterswhohadcometodrinkthewaters，andseveralladies，towhomIshallintroducethereaderintheensuingchapter。
　　CHAPTERXVI
　　ISendTheCorticellitoTurin——HelenisInitiatedIntoTheMysteriesofLoveIGotoLyons——MyArrivalatTurinOneoftheladies，MadameSaxe，wasintendedbynaturetowinthedevotionofamanoffeeling；andifshehadnothadajealousofficerinhertrainwhoneverlethergooutofhissight，andseemedtothreatenanyonewhoaspiredtoplease，shewouldprobablyhavehadplentyofadmirers。Thisofficerwasfondofpiquet，buttheladywasalwaysobligedtositclosebesidehim，whichsheseemedtodowithpleasure。
　　IntheafternoonIplayedwithhim，andcontinueddoingsoforfiveorsixdays。AfterthatIcouldstanditnolonger，aswhenhehadwontenortwelvelouisheinvariablyroseandleftmetomyself。Hisnamewasd’Entragues；hewasafine—lookingman，thoughsomewhatthin，andhadagoodshareofwitandknowledgeoftheworld。
　　Wehadnotplayedtogetherfortwodays，whenoneafternoonheaskedifIwouldliketotakemyrevenge。
　　"No，Ithinknot，"saidI，"forwedon’tplayonthesameprinciple。Iplayforamusement’ssakeandyouplaytowinmoney。"
　　"Whatdoyoumean？Yourwordsareoffensive。"
　　"Ididn’tmeanthemtobeoffensive，butasamatteroffact，eachtimewehaveplayedyouhaverisenafteraquarterofanhour。"
　　"Yououghttobeobligedtome，asotherwiseyouwouldhavelostheavily。"
　　"Possibly；butIdon’tthinkso。"
　　"Icanproveittoyou:"
　　"Iaccepttheoffer，butthefirsttoleavethetablemustforfeitfiftyLouis。"
　　"Iagree；butmoneydown。"
　　"Ineverplayoncredit。"
　　Iorderedawaitertobringcards，andIwenttofetchfourorfiverollsofahundredLouiseach。WebeganplayingforfiveLouisthegame，eachplayerputtingdownthefiftyLouiswagered。
　　Webegantoplayatthree，andatnineo’clockd’Entraguessaidwemighttakesomesupper。
　　"Iamnothungry，"Ireplied，"butyoucangoifyouwantmetoputthehundredLouisinmypocket。"
　　Helaughedatthisandwentonplaying，butthislacyfairscowledatme，thoughIdidnotcareintheleastforthat。Alltheguestswenttosupper，andreturnedtokeepuscompanytillmidnight，butatthathourwefoundourselvesalone。D’Entraguessawwhatkindofmanhehadgotholdofandsaidneveraword，whileIonlyopenedmylipstoscore；weplayedwiththeutmostcoolness。
　　Atsixo’clocktheladiesandgentlemenwhoweretakingthewatersbegantoassemble。Wewereapplaudedforourdetermination，inspiteofourgrimlook。TheLouiswereonthetable；Ihadlostahundred，andyetthegamewasgoinginmyfavour。
　　AtninethefairMadameSaxeputinanappearance，andshortlyafterMadamed’UrfecameinwithM。deSchaumburg。Bothladiesadvisedustotakeacupofchocolate。D’Entragueswasthefirsttoconsent，andthinkingthatIwasalmostdonehesaid，——
　　"Letusagreethatthefirstmanwhoasksforfood，whoabsentshimselfformorethanaquarterofanhour，orwhofallsasleepinhischair，losesthebet。"
　　"Iwilltakeyouatyourword，"Ireplied，"andIadheretoallyourconditions。"
　　Thechocolatecame，wetookit，andproceededwithourplay。Atnoonweweresummonedtodinner，butwebothrepliedthatwewerenothungry。Atfouro’clockweallowedourselvestobepersuadedintotakingsomesoup。Whensupper—timecameandwewerestillplaying，peoplebegantothinkthattheaffairwasgettingserious，andMadameSaxeurgedustodividethewager。
　　D’Entragues，whohadwonahundredlouis，wouldhavegladlyconsented，butIwouldnotgivein，andM。deSchaumburgpronouncedmewithinmyrights。Myadversarymighthaveabandonedthestakeandstillfoundhimselfwithabalancetothegood，butavariceratherthanpridepreventedhisdoingso。Ifeltthelossmyself，butwhatIcaredchieflyaboutwasthepointofhonour。I
　　stilllookedfresh，whileheresembledadisinterredcorpse。AsMadameSaxeurgedmestronglytogiveway，IansweredthatIfeltdeeplygrievedatnotbeingabletosatisfysuchacharmingwoman，butthattherewasaquestionofhonourinthecase；
　　andIwasdeterminednottoyieldtomyantagonistifIsattheretillIfelldeadtotheground。
　　Ihadtwoobjectsinspeakingthus:Iwantedtofrightenhimandtomakehimjealousofme。Ifeltcertainthatamaninapassionofjealousywouldbequiteconfused，andIhopedhisplaywouldsufferaccordingly，andthatIshouldnothavethemortificationoflosingahundredlouistohissuperiorplay，thoughIwonthefiftylouisofthewager。
　　ThefairMadameSaxegavemeaglanceofcontemptandleftus，butMadamed’Urfe，whobelievedIwasinfallible，avengedmebysayingtod’Entragues，inatoneoftheprofoundestconviction，——
　　"OLord！Ipityyou，sir。"
　　Thecompanydidnotreturnaftersupper，andwewereleftalonetoourplay。Weplayedonallthenight，andIobservedmyantagonist’sfaceascloselyasthecards。Hebegantolosehiscomposure，andmademistakes，hiscardsgotmixedup，andhisscoringwaswild。Iwashardlylessdoneupthanhe；Ifeltmyselfgrowingweaker，andIhopedtoseehimfalltothegroundeverymoment，asIbegantobeafraidofbeingbeateninspiteofthesuperiorstrengthofmyconstitution。Ihadwonbackmymoneybyday—break，andIcavilledwithhimforbeingawayformorethanaquarterofanhour。Thisquarrelaboutnothingirritatedhim，androusedmeup；thedifferenceofournaturesproducedthesedifferentresults，andmystratagemsucceededbecauseitwasimpromptu，andcouldnothavebeenforeseen。Inthesamewayinwar，suddenstratagemssucceed。
　　Atnineo’clockMadameSaxecamein，herloverwaslosing。
　　"Now，sir，"shesaidtome，"youmayfairlyyield。"
　　"Madam，"saidI，"inhopeofpleasingyou，Iwillgladlydividethestakesandrisefromthetable。"
　　ThetoneofexaggeratedgallantrywithwhichIpronouncedthesewords，putd’Entraguesintoarage，andheansweredsharplythathewouldnotdesisttilloneofuswasdead。
　　Withaglanceattheladywhichwasmeanttobelovelorn，butwhichmusthavebeenextremelylanguidinmyexhaustedstate，Isaid，——
　　"Yousee，Madam，thatIamnotthemoreobstinateofthetwo。"
　　Adishofsoupwasservedtous，butd’Entragues，whowasinthelaststageofexhaustion，hadnosoonerswallowedthesoupthanhefellfromhischairinadeadfaint。Hewassoontakenup，andafterIhadgivensixlouistothemarkerwhohadbeenwatchingforforty—eighthours，Ipocketedthegold，andwenttotheapothecary’swhereItookamildemetic。AfterwardsIwenttobedandsleptforafewhours，andatthreeo’clockImadeanexcellentdinner。
　　D’Entraguesremainedinhisroomtillthenextday。Iexpectedaquarrel，butthenightbringscounsel，andImadeamistake。Assoonashesawmeheranuptomeandembracedme，saying，——
　　"Imadeasillybet，butyouhavegivenmealessonwhichwilllastmeallmydays，andIammuchobligedtoyouforit。"
　　"Iamdelightedtohearit，providedthatyourhealthhasnotsuffered。"
　　"No，Iamquitewell，butwewillplaynomoretogether。"
　　"Well，Ihopeweshan’tplayagainsteachotheranymore。"
　　InthecourseofeightortendaysItookMadamed’UrfeandthepretendedLascaristoBale。WeputupattheinnofthefamousImhoff，whoswindledus，but，allthesame，the"ThreeKings"isthebestinninthetown。IthinkIhavenotedthatnoonatBaleisateleveno’clock——anabsurdityduetosomehistoricevent，whichIhadexplainedtomebuthaveforgotten。Theinhabitantsaresaidtobesubjecttoakindofmadness，ofwhichtheyarecuredbytakingthewatersofSulzbach；butthey’getitagainassoonastheyreturn。
　　WeshouldhavestayedatBalesometime，ifithadnotbeenforanincidentwhichmademehastenourdeparture。Itwasasfollows:
　　MynecessitieshadobligedmetoforgivetheCorticellitoacertainextent，andwhenIcamehomeearlyIspentthenightwithher；butwhenIcamehomelate，asoftenhappened，Isleptinmyownroom。Thelittlehussy，inthelattercase，sleptalsoaloneinaroomnexttohermother’s，throughwhosechamberonehadtopasstogettothedaughter’s。
　　OnenightIcameinatoneo’clock，andnotfeelinginclinedtosleep，Itookacandleandwentinsearchofmycharmer。IwasrathersurprisedtofindSignoraLaura’sdoorhalfopen，andjustasIwasgoingintheoldwomancameforwardandtookmebythearm，beggingmenottogointoherdaughter’sroom。
　　"Why？"saidI。
　　"Shehasbeenverypoorlyalltheevening，andsheisinneedofsleep。"
　　"Verygood；thenIwillsleeptoo。"
　　SosayingIpushedthemothertooneside，andenteringthegirl’sroomIfoundherinbedwithsomeonewhowashidingunderthesheets。
　　I’gazedatthepictureforamomentandthenbegantolaugh，andsittingdownonthebedbeggedtoenquirethenameofthehappyindividualwhomIshouldhavethepleasureofthrowingoutofthewindow。OnachairIsawthecoat，trousers，hat，andcaneofthegentleman；butasIhadmytwotrustypistolsaboutmeIknewI
　　hadnothingtofear；however，Ididnotwanttomakeanoise。
　　Withtearsinhereyes，andtremblingallover，thegirltookmyhandandbeggedmetoforgiveher。
　　"It’sayounglord，"saidshe，"andIdon’tevenknowhisname。"
　　"Oh，heisayounglord，ishe？andyoudon’tknowhisname，youlittlehussy，don’tyou？Well，hewilltellmehimself。"
　　Sosaying，Itookapistolandvigorouslystrippedthesheetsoffthecuckoowhohadgotintomynest。IsawthefaceofayoungmanwhomIdidnotknow，hisheadcoveredwithanightcap，buttherestperfectlynaked，asindeedwasmymistress。Heturnedhisbacktometogethisshirtwhichhehadthrownonthefloor，butseizinghimbythearmIheldhimfirmly，withmypistoltohisforehead。
　　"Kindlytellmeyourname，fairsir。"
　　"IamCountB————，canonofBale。"
　　"Anddoyouthinkyouhavebeenperforminganecclesiasticalfunctionhere？"
　　"Nosir，no，andIhopeyouwillforgivemeandtheladytoo，forIamtheonlyguiltyparty。"
　　"Iamnotaskingyouwhethersheisguiltyornot。"
　　"Sir，thecountessisperfectlyinnocent。"
　　Ifeltinagoodtemper，andfarfrombeingangryIwasstronglyinclinedtolaugh。Ifoundthepicturebeforemeanattractiveone；itwasamusingandvoluptuous。Thesightofthetwonuditiesonthebedwasatrulylasciviousone，andIremainedcontemplatingitinsilenceforaquarterofanhour，occupiedinresistingastrongtemptationtotakeoffmyclothesandliebesidethem。TheonlythingwhichpreventedmyyieldingtoitwasthefearthatImightfindthecanontobeafool，incapableofplayingthepartwithdignity。AsfortheCorticelli，shesoonpassedfromtearstolaughter，andwouldhavedoneitwell，butif，asIfeared，thecanonwasablockhead，Ishouldhavebeendegradingmyself。
　　Ifeltcertainthatneitherofthemhadguessedmythoughts，soI
　　roseandtoldthecanontoputonhisclothes。
　　"Noonemusthearanythingmoreofthis，"saidI，"butyouandI
　　willgotoadistanceoftwohundredpacesandburnalittlepowder。"
　　"No，no，sir，"criedmygentleman，"youmaytakemewhereyoulike，andkillmeifyouplease，butIwasnotmeantforafightingman。"
　　"Really？"
　　"Yes，sir，andIonlybecameapriesttoescapethefataldutyofduelling。"
　　"Thenyouareacoward，andwillnotobjecttoagoodthrashing？"
　　"Anythingyoulike，butitwouldbecruelty，formyloveblindedme。Ionlycamehereaquarterofanhourago，andthecountessandhergovernesswerebothasleep。"
　　"Youarealiar。"
　　"Ihadonlyjusttakenoffmyshirtwhenyoucame，andIhaveneverseenthisangelbefore。"
　　"Andthat’sgospeltruth，"saidtheCorticelli。
　　"Areyouawarethatyouareacoupleofimpudentscoundrels？Andasforyou，mastercanon，youdeservetoberoastedlikeSt。
　　Laurence。"
　　Inthemeanwhilethewretchedecclesiastichadhuddledonhisclothes。
　　"Followme，sir，"saidI，inatonewhichfrozethemarrowofhisbones；andIaccordinglytookhimtomyroom。
　　"Whatwillyoudo，"saidI，"ifIforgiveyouandletyougowithoutputtingyoutoshame？"
　　"Iwillleaveinanhourandahalf，andyoushallneverseemehereagain；butevenifwemeetinthefuture，youwillfindmealwaysreadytodoyouaservice。"
　　"Verygood。Begone，andinthefuturetakemoreprecautionsinyouramorousadventures。"
　　AfterthisIwenttobed，wellpleasedwithwhatIhadseenandwhatIhaddone，forInowhadcompletepowerovertheCorticelli。
　　InthemorningIcalledonherassoonasIgotup，andtoldhertopackupherthings，forbiddinghertoleaveherroomtillshegotintothecarriage。
　　"IshallsayIamill。"
　　"Justasyouplease，butnobodywilltakeanynoticeofyou。"
　　Ididnotwaitforhertomakeanyfurtherobjections，butproceededtotellthetaleofwhathadpassedtoMadamed’Urfe，slightlyembroideringthenarrative。Shelaughedheartily，andenquiredoftheoraclewhatmustbedonewiththeLascarisafterherevidentpollutionbytheevilgeniusdisguisedasapriest。
　　TheoraclerepliedthatwemustsetoutthenextdayforBesancon，whenceshewouldgotoLyonsandawaitmethere，whileIwouldtakethecountesstoGeneva，andthussendherbacktohernativecountry。
　　Theworthyvisionarywasenchantedwiththisarrangement，andsawinitanotherproofofthebenevolenceofSelenis，whowouldthusgiveheranopportunityofseeingyoungArandaoncemore。ItwasagreedthatIwastorejoinherinthespringofthefollowingyear，toperformthegreatoperationwhichwastomakeherbebornaman。Shehadnottheslightestdoubtsastothereasonablenessofthisperformance。
　　Allwasready，andthenextdaywestarted；Madamed’UrfeandIinthetravellingcarriage，andtheCorticelli，hermother，andtheservantsinanotherconveyance。
　　WhenwegottoBesanconMadamed’Urfeleftme，andonthenextdayIjourneyedtowardsGenevawiththemotheranddaughter。
　　OnthewayInotonlydidnotspeaktomycompanions，Ididnotsomuchaslookatthem。ImadethemhavetheirmealswithaservantfromtheFrancheComte，whomIhadtakenonM。deSchaumburg’srecommendation。
　　Iwenttomybanker，andaskedhimtogetmeagoodcoachman，whowouldtaketwoladiesofmyacquaintancetoTurin。
　　WhenIgotbacktotheinnIwrotetotheChevalierRaiberti，sendinghimabillofexchange。IwarnedhimthatinthreeorfourdaysafterthereceiptofmyletterhewouldbeaccostedbyaBolognesedancerandhermother，bearingaletterofcommendation。
　　Ibeggedhimtoseethattheylodgedinarespectablehouse，andtopayforthemonmybehalf。IalsosaidthatIshouldbemuchobligedifhewouldcontrivethatsheshoulddance，evenfornothing，atthecarnival，andIbeggedhimtowarnherthat，ifI
　　heardanytalesaboutherwhenIcametoTurin，ourrelationswouldbeatanend。
　　ThefollowingdayaclerkofM。Tronchin’sbroughtacoachmanformetosee。Themansaidhewasreadytostartassoonashehadhadhisdinner。Iconfirmedtheagreementhehadmadewiththebanker，IsummonedthetwoCorticellis，andsaidtothecoachman，"Thesearethepersonsyouaretodrive，andtheywillpayyouwhentheyreachTurininsafetywiththeirluggage。Youaretotakefourdaysandahalfforthejourney，asisstipulatedintheagreement，ofwhichtheyhaveonecopyandyouanother。"Anhourafterhecalledtoputtheluggagein。
　　TheCorticelliburstintotears，butIwasnotsocruelastosendherawaywithoutanyconsolation。Herbadconducthadbeenseverelyenoughpunishedalready。Imadeherdinewithme，andasIgavehertheletterforM。Raiberti，andtwenty—fiveLouisforthejourney，ItoldherwhatIhadwrittentothegentleman，whowouldtakegoodcareofthem。SheaskedmeforatrunkcontainingthreedressesandasuperbmantlewhichMadamed’Urfehadgivenherbeforeshebecamemad，butIsaidthatwewouldtalkofthatatTurin。Shedarednotmentionthecasket，butcontinuedweeping；however，shedidnotmovemetopity。IlefthermuchbetteroffthanwhenIfirstknewher；shehadgoodclothes，goodlinen，jewels，andanexceedinglyprettywatchIhadgivenher；
　　altogetheragooddealmorethanshedeserved。
　　AsshewasgoingIescortedhertothecarriage，lessforpoliteness’sakethantocommendheroncemoretothecoachman。
　　WhenshewasfairlygoneIfeltasifaloadhadbeentakenoffmyback，andIwenttolookupmyworthysyndic，whomthereaderwillnothaveforgotten。IhadnotwrittentohimsinceIwasinFlorence，andIanticipatedthepleasureofseeinghissurprise，whichwasextreme。Butaftergazingatmeforamomenthethrewhisarmsroundmyneck，kissedmeseveraltimes，andsaidhehadnotexpectedthepleasureofseeingme。
　　"Howareoursweetheartsgettingon？"
　　"Excellently。Theyarealwaystalkingaboutyouandregrettingyourabsence；theywillgowildwithjoywhentheyknowyouarehere。"
　　"Youmusttellthemdirectly，then。"
　　"Iwillgoandwarnthemthatweshallallsuptogetherthisevening。Bytheway，M。deVoltairehasgivenuphishouseatDelicestoM。deVillars，andhasgonetoliveatFerney。"
　　"Thatmakesnodifferencetome，asIwasnotthinkingofcallingonhimthistime。Ishallbeherefortwoorthreeweeks，andI
　　meantodevotemytimetoyou。"
　　"Youaretoogood。"
　　"Willyougivemewritingmaterialsbeforeyougoout？Iwillwriteafewletterswhileyouareaway。"
　　Heputmeinpossessionofhisdesk，andIwrotetomylatehousekeeper，MadameLebel，tellingherthatIwasgoingtospendthreeweeksatGeneva，andthatifIweresureofseeingherI
　　wouldgladlypayavisittoLausanne。Unfortunately，IalsowrotetothebadGenoesepoet，AscanioPogomas，orGiaccomoPassano，whomIhadmetatLeghorn。ItoldhimtogotoTurinandtowaitformethere。AtthesametimeIwrotetoM。F————，towhomIhadcommendedhim，askinghimtogivethepoettwelveLouisforthejourney。
　　Myevilgeniusmademethinkofthisman，whowasanimposing—
　　lookingfellow，andhadalltheairofamagician，tointroducehimtoMadamed’Urfeasagreatadept。Youwillsee，dearreader，inthecourseofayearwhetherIhadreasontorepentofthisfatalinspiration。
　　AsthesyndicandIwereonourwaytoouryoungfriend’shouseI
　　sawanelegantEnglishcarriageforsale，andIexchangeditformine，givingtheownerahundredLouisaswell。Whilethebargainwasgoingontheuncleoftheyoungtheologianwhoarguedsowell，andtowhomIhadgivensuchpleasantlessonsinphysiology，cameuptome，embracedme，andaskedmetodinewithhimthenextday。
　　Beforewegottothehousethesyndicinformedmethatweshouldfindanotherextremelyprettybutuninitiatedgirlpresent。
　　"Allthebetter，"saidI，"Ishallknowhowtoregulatemyconduct，andperhapsImaysucceedininitiatingher。"
　　InmypocketIhadplacedacasketcontainingadozenexquisiterings。Ihadlongbeenawarethatsuchtriflingpresentsareoftenveryserviceable。
　　ThemomentofmeetingthosecharminggirlsoncemorewasoneofthehappiestIhaveeverenjoyed。IntheirgreetingIreaddelightandloveofpleasure。Theirlovewaswithoutenvyorjealousy，oranyideaswhichwouldhaveinjuredtheirself—esteem。
　　Theyfeltworthyofmyregard，astheyhadlavishedtheirfavoursonmewithoutanydegradingfeelings，anddrawnbythesameemotionthathaddrawnme。
　　Thepresenceoftheneophyteobligedustogreeteachotherwithwhatiscalleddecency，andsheallowedmetokissherwithoutraisinghereyes，butblushingviolently。
　　Aftertheusualcommonplaceshadpassedandwehadindulgedinsomedoublemeaningswhichmadeuslaughandherlookthoughtful，Itoldhershewasprettyasalittlelove，andthatIfeltsurethathermind，asbeautifulasitscasket，couldharbournoprejudices。
　　"Ihavealltheprejudiceswhichhonourandreligionsuggest，"shemodestlyreplied。
　　Isawthatthiswasacaserequiringverydelicatetreatment。
　　Therewasnoquestionofcarryingthecitadelbysuddenassault。
　　But，asusual，Ifellinlovewithher。