butasIsawGreppiintheboxtowhichshetookme，IhadnodoubtthatitmustbeTherese，whichdidnotpleasemequitesowell。Inshort，theladytookoffhermask；itwasTherese，andI
　　complimentedheronherdisguise。
　　"Buthowdidyourecognizeme，dearest？"
　　"Byyoursnuff—box。Iknewit，otherwiseIshouldneverhavefoundyouout。"
　　"Thenyouthinkthatnobodyhasrecognizedme？"
　　"Nobody，unlessinthesamewayasIdid。"
　　"Noneofthepeopleherehaveseenmysnuff—box。"
　　ItooktheopportunityofhandingovertoGreppiCanano’scheque，andhegavemeareceiptforit。Thereseaskedustosupperfortheensuingevening，andsaid，——
　　"Therewillbefourofusinall。"
　　Greppiseemedcurioustoknowwhothefourthpersoncouldbe，butIrightguesseditwouldbemydearsonCesarino。
　　AsIwentdownoncemoretotheball—roomtwoprettyfemaledominosattackedmerightandleft，tellingmethatMesser—Grandewaswaitingformeoutside。Theythenaskedmeforsomesnuff，andIgavethemaboxornamentedwithanindecentpicture。Ihadtheimpudencetotouchthespringandshewitthem，andafterinspectingittheyexclaimed，——
　　"Fie，fie！yourpunishmentisnevertoknowwhoweare。"
　　Iwassorrytohavedispleasedthetwofairmasquers，whoseemedworthknowing，soIfollowedthem，andmeetingBarbaro，whokneweverybody，Ipointedthemouttohim，andheardtomydelightthattheywerethetwoMarchionessesQ————andF————。IpromisedBarbarotogoandseethem。Hesaidthateverybodyintheball—
　　roomknewme，andthatourbankwasdoingverywell，though，ofcourse，thatwasatrifletome。
　　Towardstheendoftheball，whenitwasalreadyfulldaylight，amasquer，dressedasaVenetiangondolier，wasaccostedbyaladymasquer，alsoinVenetiancostume。ShechallengedthegondoliertoprovehimselfaVenetianbydancingthe’forlana’withher。
　　Thegondolieraccepted，andthemusicstruckup，buttheboatman，whowasapparentlyaMilanese，washooted，whiletheladydancedexquisitely。Iwasveryfondofthedance，andIaskedtheunknownVenetianladytodanceitagainwithme。Sheagreed，andaringwasformedroundus，andweweresoapplaudedthatwehadtodanceitoveragain。Thiswouldhavesufficedifaveryprettyshepherdesswithoutamaskhadnotbeggedmetodanceitwithher。
　　Icouldnotrefuseher，andshedancedexquisitely；goingroundandroundthecirclethreetimes，andseemingtohoverintheair。
　　Iwasquiteoutofbreath。Whenitwasfinished，shecameuptomeandwhisperedmynameinmyear。Iwasastonished，andfeelingthecharmofthesituationdemandedhername。
　　"Youshallknow，"saidshe，inVenetian，"ifyouwillcometothe’ThreeKings。’"
　　"Areyoualone？"
　　"No，myfatherandmother，whoareoldfriendsofyours，arewithme"
　　"IwillcallonMonday。"
　　Whatanumberofadventurestohaveinonenight！Iwenthomewearily，andwenttobed，butIwasonlyallowedtosleepfortwohours。Iwasrousedandbeggedtodressmyself。Thecountess，themarquis，andthecount，allreadyforZenobia’swedding，teasedmetillIwasready，tellingmeitwasnotpolitetokeepabridewaiting。Thentheyallcongratulatedmeonmybreakingthebankandtherunofluckagainstme。Itoldthemarquisthatitwashismoneythathadbroughtmeluck，butherepliedbysayingthatheknewwhathadbecomeofhismoney。
　　Thisindiscretioneitheronthecount’spartorthecountess’ssurprisedmegreatly；itseemedtomecontrarytoalltheprinciplesinintrigue。
　　"Cananoknewyou，"saidthemarquis，"bythewayyouopenedyoursnuff—box，andhehopestoseeustodinnerbeforelong。Hesayshehopesyouwillwinahundredpoundsweightofgold；hehasafancyforyou。"
　　"Canano，"saidI，"haskeeneyes，andplaysfaroadmirably。I
　　havenottheslightestwishtowinhismoneyfromhim。"
　　Wethenstartedforthe"AppleGarden，"wherewefoundascoreofhonestfolksandthebrideandbridegroom，whooverwhelmeduswithcompliments。Wesoonputthecompanyattheirease。Atfirstourpresenceoverawedthem，butalittlefamiliaritysoonrestoredthegeneralhilarity。Wesatdowntodinner，andamongtheguestsweresomeveryprettygirls，butmyheadwastoofullofZenobiatocareaboutthem。Thedinnerlastedthreehours。Itwasanabundantrepast，andtheforeignwinesweresoexquisitethatitwaseasytoseethatthesumIhadfurnishedhadbeenexceeded。
　　Goodfellowshipprevailed，andafterthefirstbumperhadpassedroundeverybodyproposedsomebodyelse’shealth，andaseachtriedtosaysomethingdifferenttohisneighbourthemostfearfulnonsenseprevailed。Theneverybodythoughthimselfboundtosing，andtheywerenotatallfirst—ratevocalistsbyanymeans。Welaughedheartilyandalsocausedlaughter，forourspeechesandsongswereasbadasthoseofourhumblefriends。
　　Whenwerosefromthetablekissingbecamegeneral，andthecountesscouldnotresistlaughingwhenshefoundherselfobligedtoholdouthercheeksforthesaluteofthetailor，whothoughtherlaughteraspecialmarkoffavour。
　　Strainsofsweetmusicwereheard，andtheballwasdulyopenedbythenewly—marriedcouple。Zenobiadanced，ifnotexactlywell，atleastgracefully；butthetailor，whohadneverputhislegstoanyotherusebesidescrossingthem，cutsucharidiculousfigurethatthecountesshadmuchadotorestrainherlaughter。ButinspiteofthatIledoutZenobiaforthenextminuet，andtheproudcountesswasobligedtodancewiththewretchedtailor。
　　Whentheminuetsstoppedthesquaredancesbegan，andrefreshmentswereliberallyhandedround。Confetti，akindofsweetmeat，evenbetterthanthatmadeatVerdun，wereveryplentiful。
　　WhenwewerejustgoingIcongratulatedthehusbandandofferedtobringZenobiahomeinmycarriage，whichhewaspleasedtostyleaveryhonourableoffer。IgavemyhandtoZenobia，andhelpedherintothecarriage，andhavingtoldthecoachmantogoslowlyIputheronmyknee，extinguisherfashion，andkeptherthereallthetime。Zenobiawasthefirsttogetdown，andnoticingthatmybreechesofgreyvelvetwerespoiled，ItoldherthatIwouldbewithherinafewminutes。IntwominutesIputonapairofblacksatinbreeches，andIrejoinedtheladybeforeherhusbandcamein。SheaskedwhatIhadbeendoing，andonmytellingherthatourexploitsinthecarriagehadleftveryevidentmarksonmytrousers，shegavemeakiss，andthankedmeformyforethought。
　　Beforelongthehusbandandhissisterarrived。Hethankedme，callingmehisgossip，andthennoticingthechangeinmydressheaskedmehowIhadcontrivedtomakethealterationsoquickly。
　　"Iwenttomyroom，leavingyourwifeatyourhouse，forwhichI
　　begyourpardon。"
　　"Didn’tyouseethatthegentlemanhadspiltacupofcoffeeoverhishandsomebreeches？"saidZenobia。
　　"Mydearwife，"saidthecraftytailor，"Idon’tseeeverything，norisitnecessarythatIshoulddoso，butyoushouldhaveaccompaniedthegentlemantohisroom。"
　　Thenturningtomewithalaugh，heaskedmehowIhadenjoyedthewedding。
　　"Immensely，andmyfriendshavedonethesame；butyoumustletmepayyou，deargossip，forwhatyouspentoverandabovethetwenty—foursequins。Youcantellmehowmuchitis。"
　　"Verylittle，ameretrifle；Zenobiashallbringyouthebill。"
　　Iwenthomefeelingvexedwithmyselffornothavingforeseenthattheroguewouldnoticemychangeofdress，andguessthereason。
　　However，Iconsoledmyselfwiththethoughtthatthetailorwasnofool，andthatitwasplainthathewascontenttoplaythepartwehadassignedtohim。Soafterwishinggoodnighttothecount，thecountessandthemarquis，whoallthankedmeforthehappydaytheyhadspent，Iwenttobed。
　　AssoonasIwasawake，Ithoughtoftheshepherdesswhohaddancedthe’forlana’sowellattheball，andIresolvedtopayheravisit。Iwasnotmoreinterestedinherbeautythantofindoutwhoherfatherandmother，"oldfriendsofmine，"couldbe。I
　　dressedandwalkedtothe"ThreeKings，"andonwalkingintotheroomwhichtheshepherdesshadindicatedtome，whatwasmyastonishmenttofindmyselffacetofacewiththeCountessRinaldi，whomZavoiskyhadintroducedmetoatthe’locanda’ofCastellettosixteenyearsago。ThereaderwillrememberhowM。deBragadinpaidherhusbandthemoneyhewonfrommeatplay。
　　MadameRinaldihadagedsomewhat，butIknewherdirectly。
　　However，asIhadneverhadmorethanapassingfancyforher，wedidnotgobacktodayswhichdidneitherofusanyhonour。
　　"Iamdelightedtoseeyouagain，"saidI；"areyoustilllivingwithyourhusband？"
　　"Youwillseehiminhalfanhour，andhewillbegladtopresenthisrespectstoyou。"
　　"Ishouldnotatallcareforitmyself，madam；thereareoldquarrelsbetweenuswhichIdonotwanttorenew，so，madam，farewell。"
　　"No，no，don’tgoyet，sitdown。"
　　"Pardonme。"
　　"Irene，don’tletthegentlemango。"
　　AtthesewordsIreneranandbarredtheway——notlikeafiercemastiff，butlikeanangel，entreatingmetostaywiththatmingledlookofinnocence，fear，andhope，ofwhichgirlsknowtheeffectsowell。IfeltIcouldnotgo。
　　"Letmethrough，fairIrene，"saidI，"wemayseeeachothersomewhereelse。"
　　"Praydonotgobeforeyouhaveseenmyfather:"
　　Thewordswerespokensotenderlythatourlipsmet。Irenewasvictorious。Howcanoneresistaprettygirlwhoimploreswithakiss？Itookachair，andIrene，proudofhervictory，satonmykneeandcoveredmewithkisses。
　　ItookitintomyheadtotaskthecountesswhereandwhenIrenewasborn。
　　"AtMantua，"saidshe，"threemonthsafterIleftVenice。"
　　"AndwhendidyouleaveVenice？"
　　"SixmonthsafterImetyou。"
　　"Thatisacuriouscoincidence，andifwehadbeentenderlyacquaintedyoumightsaythatIrenewasmydaughter，andIshouldbelieveyou，andthinkthatmyaffectionforherwaspurelypaternal。"
　　"Yourmemoryisnotverygood，sir，Iwonderatthat。"
　　"Imaytellyou，thatIneverforgetcertainthings，ButIguessyourmeaning。YouwantmetosubduemylikingforIrene。Iamwillingtodoso，butshewillbetheloser。"
　　ThisconversationhadsilencedIrene，butshesoontookcourage，andsaidshewaslikeme。
　　"No，no，"Ianswered，"ifyouwerelikemeyouwouldnotbesopretty。"
　　"Idon’tthinkso；Ithinkyouareveryhandsome。"
　　"Youflatterme。"
　　"Staytodinnerwithus。"
　　"No，ifIstayedImightfallinlovewithyou，andthatwouldbeapity，asyourmothersaysIamyourfather。"
　　"Iwasjoking，"saidthecountess，"youmayloveIrenewithagoodconscience。"
　　"Wewillseewhatcanbedone。"
　　WhenIrenehadlefttheroom，Isaidtothemother，——
　　"Ilikeyourdaughter，butIwon’tbelongsighingforher，andyoumustn’ttakemeforadupe。"
　　"Speaktomyhusbandaboutit。Weareverypoor，andwewanttogotoCremona。"
　　"IsupposeIrenehasalover？"
　　"No。"
　　"Butshehashadone，ofcourse？"
　　"Neveranythingserious。"
　　"Ican’tbelieveit。"
　　"It’strue，nevertheless。Ireneisintact。"
　　JustthenIrenecameinwithherfather，whohadagedtosuchanextentthatIshouldneverhaveknownhiminthestreet。Hecameuptomeandembracedme，beggingmetoforgetthepast。"Itisonlyyou，"headded，"whocanfurnishmewithfundstogotoCremona。
　　Ihaveseveraldebtshere，andaminsomedangerofimprisonment。
　　Nobodyofanyconsequencecomestoseeme。MydeardaughteristheonlythingofvaluewhichIstillpossess。Ihavejustbeentryingtosellthispinchbeckwatch，andthoughIaskedonlysixsequins，whichishalfwhatitisworth，theywouldnotgivememorethantwo。Whenamangetsunfortunate，everythingisagainsthim。"
　　Itookthewatch，andgavethefathersixsequinsforit，andthenhandedittoIrene。Shesaidwithasmilethatshecouldnotthankme，asIonlygaveherbackherown，butshethankedmeforthepresentIhadmadeherfather。
　　"Here，"saidsheseriouslytotheoldman，"youcansellitagainnow。"
　　Thismademelaugh。Igavethecounttensequinsinaddition，embracedIrene，andsaidImustbegone，butthatIwouldseethemagaininthreeorfourdays。
　　Ireneescortedmetothebottomofthestairs，andassheallowedmetoassuremyselfthatshestillpossessedtheroseofvirginity，Igaveheranothertensequins，andtoldherthatthefirsttimeshewentalonetotheballwithmeIwouldgiveherahundredsequins。Shesaidshewouldconsultherfather。
　　FeelingsurethatthepoordevilwouldhandoverIrenetome，andhavingnoapartmentinwhichIcouldenjoyherinfreedom，I
　　stoppedtoreadabillinapastrycook’swindow。Itannouncedaroomtolet。Iwentin，andthepastrycooktoldmethatthehousebelongedtohim，andhisprettywife，whowassucklingababy，beggedmetocomeupstairsandseetheroom。Thestreetwasalonelyone，andhadapleasingairofmysteryaboutit。Iclimbedtothethirdfloor，buttheroomstherewerewretchedgarretsofnousetome。
　　"Thefirstfloor，"saidthewoman，"consistsofasuiteoffournicerooms，butweonlyletthemtogether。"
　　"Letusgoandseethem。Good！theywilldo。Whatistherent？"
　　"Youmustsettlethatwithmyhusband。"
　　"Andcan’tIsettleanythingwithyou，mydear？"
　　SosayingIgaveherakisswhichshetookverykindly，butshesmeltofnursing，whichIdetested，soIdidnotgoanyfartherdespiteherradiantbeauty。
　　Imademybargainwiththelandlord，andpaidamonth’srentinadvanceforwhichhegavemeareceipt。ItwasagreedthatI
　　shouldcomeandgoasIpleased，andthatheshouldprovidemewithfood。Igavehimanamesocommonastotellhimnothingwhateveraboutme，butheseemedtocareverylittleaboutthat。
　　AsIhadagreedwithBarbarotovisitthefairmarchionesses，I
　　dressedcarefully，andafteraslightrepastwiththecountess，whowaspleasantbutdidnotquitepleaseme，Imetmyfellow—
　　countrymanandwecalledonthetwocousins。
　　"Ihavecome，"saidI，"tobegyourpardonsforhavingrevealedtoyouthesecretofthesnuff—box。"
　　Theyblushed，andscoldedBarbaro，thinkingthathehadbetrayedthem。OnexaminingthemIfoundthemfarsuperiortoIrene，mypresentflame，buttheirmanner，therespecttheyseemedtorequire，frightenedme。Iwasnotatalldisposedtodanceattendanceonthem。Irene，onthecontrary，wasaneasyprey。I
　　hadonlytodoherparentsaservice，andshewasinmypower；
　　whilethetwocousinshadtheirfullshareofaristocraticpride，whichdebasesthenobilitytothelevelofthevilestofthepeople，andonlyimposesuponfools，whoafterallareinthemajorityeverywhere。FurtherIwasnolongeratthatbrilliantagewhichfearsnothing，andIwasafraidthatmyappearancewouldhardlyovercomethem。ItistruethatBarbarohadmademehopethatpresentswouldbeofsomeuse，butafterwhattheMarquisTriulzihadsaid，IfearedthatBarbarohadonlyspokenonsupposition。
　　Whenthecompanywassufficientlynumerous，thecard—tableswerebroughtin。IsatdownbyMdlle。Q————，anddisposedmyselftoplayforsmallstakes。Iwasintroducedbytheaunt，themistressofthehouse，toayounggentlemaninAustrianuniformwhosatbesideme。
　　Mydearcountrymanplayedlikeatruesharper，muchtomydispleasure。Myfairneighbour，attheendofthegame，whichlastedfourhours，foundherselfthegainerofafewsequins，buttheofficer，whohadplayedonhiswordofhonour，afterlosingallthemoneyinhispockets，owedtenlouis。Thebankwasthewinneroffiftysequins，includingtheofficer’sdebt。Astheyoungmanlivedatsomedistancehehonouredmebycominginmycarriage。
　　Ontheway，BarbarotoldushewouldintroduceustoagirlwhohadjustcomefromVenice。Theofficercaughtfireatthis，andbeggedthatweshouldgoandseeherdirectly，andweaccordinglywent。Thegirlwaswellenoughlooking，butneitherInortheofficercaredmuchabouther。Whiletheyweremakingsomecoffeeforus，andBarbarowasentertainingtheyounglady，Itookapackofcards，andhadnotmuchdifficultyininducingtheofficertorisktwentysequinsagainstthetwentyIputonthetable。WhilewewereplayingIspoketohimofthepassionwithwhichtheyoungmarchionessinspiredme。
　　"She’smysister，"saidhe。
　　Iknewasmuch，butpretendedtobeastonished，andIwentonplaying。TakingtheopportunityItoldhimthatIknewofnoonewhocouldletthemarchionessknowofmyaffectionbetterthanhe。
　　Imadehimlaugh，andashethoughtIwasjestingheonlygavevagueanswers；butseeingthatwhileItalkedofmypassionI
　　forgotmycard，hesoonwonthetwentysequinsfromme，andimmediatelypaidthemtoBarbaro。IntheexcessofhisjoyheembracedmeasifIhadgivenhimthemoney；andwhenwepartedhepromisedtogivemesomegoodnewsofhissisteratournextmeeting。
　　IhadtogotosupperwithTherese，Greppi，andmyson，buthavingsomesparetimebeforemeIwenttotheopera—house。Thethirdactwasgoingon，andIaccordinglyvisitedthecardroom，andtherelosttwohundredsequinsatasingledeal。IlefttheroomalmostasifIwasflyingfromanenemy。Cananoshookmebythehand，andtoldmeheexpectedmeandthemarquistodinnereveryday，andIpromisedwewouldcomeattheearliestopportunity。
　　IwenttoTherese’s，andfoundGreppitherebeforeme。ThereseandDonCesarino，whomIcoveredwithkisses，cameinaquarterofanhourafterwards。Thebankerstaredathiminspeechlesswonder。Hecouldnotmakeoutwhetherhewasmysonormybrother。Seeinghisamazement，TheresetoldhimCesarinowasherbrother。Thisstupefiedtheworthymanstillmore。AtlastheaskedmeifIhadknownTherese’smotherprettywell，andonmyansweringintheaffirmativeheseemedmoreatease。
　　Themealwasexcellent，butallmyattentionwenttomyson。Hehadalltheadvantagesofagooddispositionandanexcellenteducation。HehadgrownagreatdealsinceIhadseenhimatFlorence，andhismentalpowershaddevelopedproportionately。
　　Hispresencemadethepartygrave，butsweet。Theinnocenceofyouththrowsarounditanineffablecharm；itdemandsrespectandrestraint。AnhouraftermidnightweleftTherese，andIwenttobed，wellpleasedwithmyday’swork，forthelossoftwohundredsequinsdidnottroublememuch。
　　WhenIgotupIreceivedanotefromIrene，beggingmetocallonher。Herfatherhadgivenherpermissiontogotothenextballwithme，andshehadadomino，butshewantedtospeaktome。I
　　wroteandtoldherIwouldseeherinthecourseoftheday。I
　　hadwrittentotelltheMarquisTriulzithatIwasgoingtodinewithCanano，andherepliedthathewouldbethere。
　　Wefoundthisskilledgamesterinafinehouse，richlyfurnished，andshewingtracesoneverysideofthewealthandtasteofitsowner。Cananointroducedmetotwohandsomewomen，oneofwhomwashismistress，andtofiveorsixmarquises；foratMilannonoblewhoisnotamarquisisthoughtanythingof，justasinthesamewaytheyareallcountsatVicenza。Thedinnerwasmagnificentandtheconversationhighlyintellectual。InamirthfulmomentCananosaidhehadknownmeforseventeenyears，hisacquaintancedatingfromthetimeIhadjuggledaprofessionalgamester，callinghimselfCountCeli，outofaprettyballet—girlwhomIhadtakentoMantua。IconfessedthedeedandamusedthecompanybythestoryofwhathadhappenedatMantuawithOreilan，andhowIhadfoundCountCeliatCesenametamorphosedintoCountAlfani。Somebodymentionedtheballwhichwastobeheldthenextday，andwhenIsaidIwasnotgoingtheylaughed。
　　"IbetIknowyou，"saidCanano，"ifyoucometothebank。"
　　"Iamnotgoingtoplayanymore，"saidI。
　　"Allthebetterforme，"answeredCanano；"forthoughyourpuntingisunlucky，youdon’tleaveofftillyouhavewonmymoney。Butthat’sonlymyjoke；tryagain，andIprotestIwouldseeyouwinhalfmyfortunegladly。"
　　CountCananohadaringonhisfingerwithastonenotunlikeoneofmine；ithadcosthimtwothousandsequins，whileminewasworththreethousand。Heproposedthatweshouldstakethemagainsteachotherafterhavingthemunmountedandvalued。
　　"When？"saidI。
　　"Beforegoingtotheopera。"
　　"Verygood；butontwoturnsofthecards，andadealtoeach。"
　　"No，Ineverpunt。"
　　"Thenwemustequalisethegame。"
　　"Howdoyoumean？"
　　"Byleavingdoublesandthelasttwocardsoutofaccount。"
　　"Thenyouwouldhavetheadvantage。"
　　"IfyoucanprovethatIwillpayyouahundredsequins。Indeed，Iwouldbetanythingyoulikethatthegamewouldstillbetotheadvantageofthebanker。"
　　"Canyouproveit？"
　　"Yes；andIwillnametheMarquisTriulziasjudge。"
　　Iwasaskedtoprovemypointwithoutanyquestionofabet。
　　"Theadvantagesofthebanker，"saidI，"aretwo。Thefirstandthesmalleristhatallhehasgottoattendtoisnottodealwrongly，whichisaverysmallmattertoanhabitualplayer；andallthetimethepunterhastorackhisbrainsonthechancesofonecardoranothercomingout。Theotheradvantageisoneoftime。Thebankerdrawshiscardatleastasecondbeforethepunter，andthisagaingiveshimapurchase"
　　Noonereplied；butaftersomethoughttheMarquisTriulzisaidthattomakethechancesperfectlyequaltheplayerswouldhavetobeequal，whichwasalmostoutofthequestion。
　　"Allthatistoosublimeforme，"saidCanano；"Idon’tunderstandit。"But，afterall，therewasnotmuchtounderstand。
　　AfterdinnerIwenttothe"ThreeKings"tofindoutwhatIrenehadtosaytome，andtoenjoyherpresence。Whenshesawmesheranuptome，threwherarmsroundmyneck，andkissedme，butwithtoomucheagernessformetolaymuchvalueonthesalute。
　　However，Ihavealwaysknownthatifonewantstoenjoypleasureonemustnotphilosophiseaboutit，oronerunsariskoflosinghalftheenjoyment。IfIrenehadstruckmeindancingthe’forlana’，whyshouldnotIhavepleasedherinspiteofmysuperiorityinage？Itwasnotimpossible，andthatshouldbeenoughforme，asIdidnotintendtomakehermywife。
　　Thefatherandmotherreceivedmeastheirpreserver，andtheymayhavebeensincere。Thecountbeggedmetocomeoutoftheroomforamomentwithhim，andwhenwewereontheothersideofthedoor，said，——
　　"Forgiveanoldandunfortunateman，forgiveafather，ifIaskyouwhetheritistruethatyoupromisedIreneahundredsequinsifIwouldlethergototheballwithyou。"
　　"Itisquitetrue，butofcourseyouknowwhattheconsequenceswillbe。"
　　AtthesewordsthepooroldrascaltookholdofmeinawaywhichwouldhavefrightenedmeifIhadnotpossessedtwicehisstrength，butitwasonlytoembraceme。
　　Wewentbacktotheroom，heintearsandIlaughing。Heranandtoldhiswife，whohadnotbeenabletobelieveinsuchluckanymorethanherhusband，andIreneaddedacomicelementtothescenebysaying，——
　　"Youmustnotthinkmealiar，orthatmyparentssuspectedthatI
　　wasimposingonthem；theyonlythoughtyousaidfiftyinsteadofahundred，asifIwerenotworthsuchasum"
　　"Youareworthathousand，mydearIrene；yourcourageinbarringthewaypleasedmeextremely。Butyoumustcometotheballinadomino。"
　　"Oh！youwillbepleasedwithmydress。"
　　"Arethosetheshoesandbucklesyouaregoingtowear？Haveyounootherstockings？Whereareyourgloves？"
　　"Goodheavens！Ihavenothing。"
　　"Quick！Sendforthetradesmen。Wewillchoosewhatwewant，andIwillpay。"
　　Rinaldiwentouttosummonajeweller，ashoemaker，astocking—
　　maker，andaperfumer。IspentthirtysequinsinwhatI
　　considerednecessary，butthenInoticedthattherewasnoEnglishpointonhermask，andburstoutagain。Thefatherbroughtinamilliner，whoadornedthemaskwithanelloflaceforwhichI
　　paidtwelvesequins。Irenewasingreatdelight，butherfatherandmotherwouldhavepreferredtohavethemoneyintheirpockets，andatbottomtheywereright。
　　WhenIreneputonherfineclothesIthoughtherdelicious，andI
　　sawwhatanessentialthingdressistoawoman。
　　"Beready，"saidI，"beforethetimefortheoperato—morrow，forbeforegoingtotheballwewillsuptogetherinaroomwhichbelongstome，whereweshallbequiteatourease。Youknowwhattoexpect，"Iadded，embracingher。Sheansweredmewithanardentkiss。
　　AsItookleaveofherfather，heaskedmewhereIwasgoingafterleavingMilan。
　　"ToMarseilles，thentoParis，andthentoLondon，atwhichplaceIintendstoppingayear。"
　　"YourflightfromTheLeadswaswonderfullylucky。"
　　"Yes，butIriskedmylife。"
　　"Youhavecertainlydeservedallyourgoodfortune。"
　　"Doyouthinkso？Ihaveonlyusedmyfortune——insubserviencetomypleasures。"
　　"Iwonderyoudonothavearegularmistress:"
　　"Thereasonis，thatIliketobemyownmaster。Amistressatmycoat—tailswouldbemoretroublesomethanawife；shewouldbeanobstacletothenumerouspleasantadventuresIencounterateverytown。Forexample，ifIhadamistressIshouldnotbeabletotakethecharmingIrenetotheballto—morrow。"
　　"Youspeaklikeawiseman。"
　　"Yes，thoughmywisdomisbynomeansoftheausterekind。"
　　IntheeveningIwenttotheopera，andshouldnodoubthavegonetothecard—tableifIhadnotseenCesarinointhepit。Ispenttwodelightfulhourswithhim。Heopenedhishearttome，andbeggedmetopleadforhimwithhissistertogetherconsenttohisgoingtosea，forwhichhehadagreatlonging。Hesaidthathemightmakealargefortunebyajudiciouscourseoftrading。
　　Afteratemperatesupperwithmydearboy，Iwenttobed。Thenextmorningthefineyoungofficer，theMarchionessofQ————’sbrother，cameandaskedmetogivehimabreakfast。Hesaidhehadcommunicatedmyproposaltohissister，andthatshehadrepliedthatImustbemakingafoolofhim，asitwasnotlikelythatamanwholivedasIdidwouldbethinkingofmarrying。
　　"IdidnottellyouthatIaspiredtothehonourofmarryingher。"
　　"No，andIdidnotsayanythingaboutmarriage；butthat’swhatthegirlsarealwaysaimingat。"
　　"Imustgoanddisabuseherofthenotion。"
　　"That’sagoodidea；principalsarealwaysthebestintheseaffairs。Comeattwoo’clock，Ishallbediningthere，andasI
　　havegottospeaktohercousinyouwillbeatlibertytosaywhatyoulike。"
　　Thisarrangementsuitedmeexactly。Inoticedthatmyfuturebrother—in—lawadmiredalittlegoldcaseonmynight—table，soI
　　beggedhimtoacceptitasasouvenirofourfriendship。Heembracedme，andputitinhispocket，sayinghewouldkeepittillhisdyingday。
　　"Youmeantillthedaywhenitadvancesyoursuitwithalady，"
　　saidI。
　　IwassureofhavingagoodsupperwithIrene，soIresolvedtotakenodinner。AsthecounthadgonetoSt。Angelo，fifteenmilesfromMilan，thedaybefore，Ifeltobligedtowaitonthecountessinherroom，tobeghertoexcusemypresenceatdinner。
　　Shewasverypolite，andtoldmebynomeanstotroublemyself。I
　　suspectedthatshewastryingtoimposeonme，butIwantedhertothinkshewasdoingsosuccessfully。InmycharacterofdupeI
　　toldherthatinLentIwouldmakeamendsforthedissipationwhichpreventedmepayingmycourttoher。"Happily，"Iadded，"Lentisnotfaroff。"
　　"Ihopeitwillbeso，"saidthedeceitfulwomanwithanenchantingsmile，ofwhichonlyawomanwithpoisoninherheartiscapable。Withthesewordsshetookapinchofsnuff，andofferedmeherbox。
　　"Butwhatisthis，mydearcountess，itisn’tsnuff？"
　　"No，"shereplied，"itmakesthenosebleed，andisanexcellentthingforthehead—ache。"
　　IwassorrythatIhadtakenit，butsaidwithalaugh，thatIhadnotgotahead—ache，anddidnotlikemynosetobleed。
　　"Itwon’tbleedmuch，"saidshe，withasmile，"anditisreallybeneficial。"
　　Asshespoke，webothbegantosneeze，andIshouldhavefeltveryangryifIhadnotseenhersmile。
　　Knowingsomethingaboutthesesneezingpowders，Ididnotthinkweshouldbleed，butIwasmistaken。Directlyafter，Ifeltadropofblood，andshetookasilverbasinfromhernight—table。
　　"Comehere，"saidshe，"Iambeginningtobleedtoo。"
　　Therewewere，bleedingintothesamebasin，facingeachotherinthemostridiculousposition。Afteraboutthirtydropshadfallenfromeachofus，thebleedingceased。Shewaslaughingallthetime，andIthoughtthebestthingIcoulddowastoimitateherexample。Wewashedourselvesinfairwaterinanotherbasin。
　　"Thisadmixtureofourblood，"saidshe，stillsmiling，"willcreateasweetsympathybetweenus，whichwillonlyendwiththedeathofoneortheother"
　　Icouldmakenosenseofthis，butthereaderwillsoonseethatthewretchedwomandidnotmeanourfriendshiptolastverylong。
　　Iaskedhertogivemesomeofthepowder，butsherefused；andonmyenquiringthenameofit，sherepliedthatshedidnotknow，asaladyfriendhadgivenittoher。
　　Iwasagooddealpuzzledbytheeffectsofthispowder，neverhavingheardofthelikebefore，andassoonasIleftthecountessIwenttoanapothecarytoenquireaboutit，butMr。
　　DrenchwasnowiserthanI。Hecertainlysaidthateuphorbiasometimesproducedbleedingofthenose，butitwasnotacaseofsometimesbutalways。Thissmalladventuremademethinkseriously。TheladywasSpanish，andshemusthateme；andthesetwofactsgaveanimportancetoourblood—lettingwhichitwouldnototherwisepossess。
　　Iwenttoseethetwocharmingcousins，andIfoundtheyoungofficerwithMdlle。F————intheroombythegarden。Theladywaswriting，andonthepretextofnotdisturbingherIwentafterMdlle。Q————，whowasinthegarden。Igreetedherpolitely，andsaidIhadcometoapologizeforastupidblunderwhichmusthavegivenheraverypooropinionofme。
　　"Iguesswhatyoumean，butpleasetounderstandthatmybrothergavemeyourmessageinperfectinnocence。Lethimbelievewhathelikes。DoyouthinkIreallybelievedyoucapableoftakingsuchastep，whenwebarelykneweachother？"
　　"Iamgladtohearyousayso。"
　　"Ithoughtthebestthingwouldbetogiveamatrimonialturntoyourgallantry。Otherwisemybrother，whoisquiteayoungman，mighthaveinterpreteditinanunfavourablesense。"
　　"Thatwascleverlydone，andofcourseIhavenothingmoretosay。
　　Nevertheless，Iam’gratefultoyourbrotherforhavinggivenyoutounderstandthatyourcharmshaveproducedavividimpressiononme。Iwoulddoanythingtoconvinceyouofmyaffection。"
　　"Thatisallverywell，butitwouldhavebeenwisertoconcealyourfeelingsfrommybrother，and，allowmetoadd，frommyselfaswell。Youmighthavelovedmewithouttellingme，andthen，thoughIshouldhaveperceivedthestateofyouraffections，I
　　couldhavepretendednottodoso。ThenIshouldhavebeenatmyease，butascircumstancesnowstandIshallhavetobecareful。
　　Doyousee？"
　　"Really，marchioness，youastonishme。IwasneversoclearlyconvincedthatIhavedoneafoolishthing。Andwhatisstillmoresurprising，isthatIwasawareofallyouhavetoldme。Butyouhavemademelosemyhead。Ihopeyouwillnotpunishmetooseverely？"
　　"Prayinformmehowitliesinmypowertopunishyou。"
　　"Bynotlovingme。"
　　"Ah！lovingandnotloving；thatisoutofone’spower。Ofasuddenweknowthatweareinlove，andourfateissealed。"
　　Iinterpretedtheselastwordstomyownadvantage，andturnedtheconversation。Iaskedherifshewasgoingtotheball。
　　"No。"
　　"Perhapsyouaregoingincognito？"
　　"Weshouldliketo，butitisanimpossibility；thereisalwayssomeonewhoknowsus。"
　　"Ifyouwouldtakemeintoyourservice，Iwouldwageranythingthatyouwouldnotberecognized。"
　　"Youwouldnotcaretotroubleyourselfaboutus。"
　　"Ilikeyoutobealittlesceptical，butputmetotheproof。Ifyoucouldmanagetoslipoutunobserved，Iwouldengagetodisguiseyouinsuchamannerthatnoonewouldknowyou。"
　　"Wecouldleavethehousewithmybrotherandayoungladywithwhomheisinlove。Iamsurehewouldkeepourcounsel。"
　　"Ishallbedelighted，butitmustbefortheballonSunday。I
　　willtalkitoverwithyourbrother。KindlywarnhimnottoletBarbaroknowanythingaboutit。YouwillbeabletoputonyourdisguiseinaplaceIknowof。However，wecansettleaboutthatagain。Ishallcarrythematterthrough，youmaybesure，withgreatsecrecy。Permitmetokissyourhand。"
　　Shegaveitme，andafterimprintingagentlekissIheldittomyheart，andhadthehappinessoffeelingasoftpressure。Ihadnoparticulardisguiseinmyhead，butfeelingsureofhittingonsomethingIputofftheconsiderationofittillthenextday；thepresentbelongedtoIrene。Iputonmydomino，andwenttothe"ThreeKings，"whereIfoundIrenewaitingformeatthedoor。
　　Shehadrundownassoonasshehadseenmycarriage，andIwasflatteredbythismarkofhereagerness。Wewenttomyrooms，andIorderedtheconfectionertogetmeachoicesupperbymidnight。
　　Wehadsixhoursbeforeus，butthereaderwillexcusemydescribingthemannerinwhichtheywerespent。Theopeningwasmadewiththeusualfracture，whichIreneborewithasmile，forshewasnaturallyvoluptuous。Wegotupatmidnight，pleasantlysurprisedtofindourselvesfamishingwithhunger，andadelicioussupperwaitingforus。
　　Irenetoldmethatherfatherhadtaughthertodealinsuchamannerthatshecouldnotlose。Iwascurioustoseehowitwasdone，andonmygivingherapackofcardssheproceededtodistractmyattentionbytalkingtome，andinafewminutesthethingwasdone。IgaveherthehundredsequinsIhadpromisedher，andtoldhertogoonwithherplay。
　　"Ifyouonlyplayonasinglecard，"saidshe，"youaresuretolose。"
　　"Nevermind；goahead。"
　　Shedidso，andIwasforcedtoconfessthatifIhadnotbeenwarnedIshouldneverhavedetectedthetrick。IsawwhatatreasureshemustbetotheoldrascalRinaldi。Withherairofinnocenceandgaiety，shewouldhaveimposedonthemostexperiencedsharpers。Shesaidinamortifiedmannerthatsheneverhadanyopportunityofturninghertalentstoaccount，astheirassociateswerealwaysabeggarlylot。SheaddedtenderlythatifIwouldtakeherwithmeshewouldleaveherparentsthereandwintreasuresforme。
　　"WhenIamnotplayingagainstsharpers，"shesaid，"Icanalsopuntverywell。"
　　"ThenyoucancometoCanano’sbankandriskthehundredsequinsI
　　havegivenyou。Puttwentysequinsonacard，andifyouwingoparoli，seven，andtheva，andleavethegamewhentheyturnup。
　　Ifyoucan’tmakethethreecardscomeoutsecond，youwilllose，butIwillreimburseyou。"
　　Atthissheembracedme，andaskedifIwouldtakehalftheprofits。
　　"No，"saidI，"youshallhaveitall。"
　　Ithoughtshewouldhavegonemadwithjoy。
　　Wewentoffinsedan—chairs，andtheballnothavingcommencedwewenttotheassembly—rooms。Cananohadnotyetdoneanything，andheopenedapackofcardsandpretendednottorecognizeme，buthesmiledtoseetheprettymasker，mycompanion，sitdownandplayinsteadofme。Irenemadehimaprofoundbowashemaderoomforherbyhisside，andputtingthehundredsequinsbeforehershebeganbywinningahundredandtwenty—five，asinsteadofgoingsevenandtheva，sheonlywentthepaixdeparoli。Iwaspleasedtoseeherthuscareful，andIlethergoon。Inthefollowingdealshelostonthreecardsinsuccession，andthenwonanotherpaixdeparoli。Shethenbowedtothebanker，pocketedherwinnings，andleftthetable，butjustasweweregoingoutI
　　heardsomebodysobbing，andonmyturningtohershesaid，"Iamsureitismyfatherweepingforjoy。"
　　Shehadthreehundredandsixtysequinswhichshetooktohimafteramusingherselfforafewhours。Ionlydancedoneminuetwithher，formyamorousexploitsandtheheavysupperIhadtakenhadtiredme，andIlongedforrest。IletIrenedancewithwhomsheliked，andgoingintoacornerfellasleep。IwokeupwithastartandsawIrenestandingbeforeme。Ihadbeenasleepforthreehours。Itookherbacktothe"ThreeKings，"andleftherinthechargeofherfatherandmother。Thepoormanwasquitealarmedtoseesomuchgoldonthetable，andtoldmetowishhimapleasantjourney，ashewasstartinginafewhours。IcouldmakenooppositionandIdidnotwishtodoso，butIrenewasfurious。
　　"Iwon’tgo，"shecried；"Iwanttostaywithmylover。Youaretheruinofmylife。Wheneveranybodytakesalikingtome，yousnatchmeaway。Ibelongtothisgentleman，andIwon’tleavehim。"
　　However，shesawthatIdidnotbackherup，andbegantoweep，thenkissedmeagainandagain，andjustasshewasgoingtositdown，wornoutwithfatigueanddespair，Iwentoff，wishingthemapleasantjourney，andtellingIreneweshouldmeetagain。ThereaderwilllearninduetimewhenandhowIsawthemagain。
　　AfterallthefatigueIhadgonethroughIwasgladtogotobed。
　　Itwaseighto’clockwhentheyounglieutenantawokeme。
　　"Mysisterhastoldmeaboutthemasquerade，"saidhe，"butIhaveagreatsecrettoconfideinyou。"
　　"Sayon，andcountonmykeepingyoursecret。"
　　"Oneofthefinestnoblemenofthetown，myfriendandmycousin’slover，whohastobeverycarefulofhisactionsonaccountofhisexaltedposition，wouldliketobeofthepartyifyouhavenoobjection。Mysisterandmycousinwouldlikehimtocomeverymuch。"
　　"Ofcourseheshall。Ihavebeenmakingmycalculationsforapartyoffive，andnowitwillbeapartyofsix，thatisall。"
　　"Youreallyareasplendidfellow。"
　　"OnSundayeveningyoumustbeatacertainplace，ofwhichIwilltellyou。Firstofallwewillhavesupper，thenputonourdisguises，andthengototheball。To—morrowatfiveo’clockweshallmeetatyoursister’s。AllIwanttoknowiswhatistheheightofyourmistressandoftheyoungnobleman。"
　　"Mysweetheartistwoinchesshorterthanmysister，andalittlethinner；myfriendisjustaboutthesamemakeasyouare，andifyouweredressedalikeyouwouldbemistakenforeachother。"
　　"Thatwilldo。Letmethinkitover，andleavemealonenow；
　　there’saCapuchinwaitingforme，andIamcurioustolearnhisbusiness。"
　　ACapuchinhadcalledonmeandIhadtoldClairmonttogivehimanalms，buthehadsaidhewantedtospeaktomeinprivate。I
　　waspuzzled，forwhatcouldaCapuchinhavetosaytome？
　　Hecamein，andIwasatonceimpressedbyhisgraveandreverendappearance。Imadehimaprofoundbowandofferedhimaseat，butheremainedstanding，andsaid，"Sir，listenattentivelytowhatIamabouttotellyou，andbewareofdespisingmyadvice，foritmightcostyouyourlife。
　　Youwouldrepentwhenitwastoolate。Afterhearingme，followmyadviceimmediately；butasknoquestions，forIcananswernone。Youmayguess，perhaps，thatwhatsilencesmeisareasonincumbentonallChristians——thesacredsealoftheconfessional。
　　Youmaybesurethatmywordisabovesuspicion；Ihavenointerestsofmyowntoserve。Iamactinginobediencetoaninspiration；Ithinkitmustbeyourguardianangelspeakingwithmyvoice。Godwillnotabandonyoutothemaliceofyourenemies。
　　TellmeifIhavetouchedyourheart，andifyoufeeldisposedtofollowthecounselsIamgoingtogiveyou。"
　　"Ihavelistenedtoyou，father，withattentionandrespect。
　　Speakfreelyandadviseme；whatyouhavesaidhasnotonlymovedme，buthasalmostfrightenedme。Ipromisetodoasyoutellmeifitisnothingagainsthonourorthelightofreason。"
　　"Verygood。Afeelingofcharitywillpreventyourdoinganythingtocompromiseme，whatevermaybetheendoftheaffair。Youwillnotspeakofmetoanyone，orsayeitherthatyouknowmeordonotknowme？"
　　"IsweartoyouIwillnotonmyfaithasaChristian。Butspeak，Ientreatyou。Yourlongprefacehasmademeburnwithimpatience。"
　　"Thisday，beforenoon，gobyyourselfto—————Square，No。———，onthesecondfloor，andringatthebellonyourleft。TellthepersonwhoopensthedoorthatyouwanttospeaktoMadame。Youwillbetakentoherroomwithoutanydifficulty；Iamsureyournamewillnotbeasked，butiftheydoaskyou，giveanimaginaryname。Whenyouarefacetofacewiththewoman，beghertohearyou，andaskherforhersecret，andtoinspireconfidenceputasequinortwoinherhand。Sheispoor，andIamsurethatyourgenerositywillmakeheryourfriend。Shewillshutherdoor，andtellyoutosayon。
　　"Youmustthenlookgrave，andtellherthatyouarenotgoingtoleaveherhousebeforeshegivesyouthelittlebottlethataservantbroughtheryesterdaywithanote。Ifsheresists，remainfirm，butmakenonoise；donotletherleavetheroomorcallanybody。Finally，tellherthatyouwillgiveherdoublethemoneyshemaylosebygivingyouthebottleandallthatdependsonit。Rememberthesewords:andallthatdependsonit。Shewilldowhateveryouwant。Itwillnotcostyoumuch，butevenifitdid，yourlifeisworthmorethanallthegoldofPeru。Icansaynomore，butbeforeIgo，promisemethatyouwillfollowmyadvice。"
　　"Yes，reverendfather，Iwillfollowtheinspirationoftheangelwholedyouhere。"
　　"MayGodgiveyouHisblessing。"
　　WhenthegoodpriestwentoutIdidnotfeelatalldisposedtolaugh。Reason，certainly，bademedespisethewarning，butmyinherentsuperstitionwastoostrongforreason。Besides，IlikedtheCapuchin。Helookedlikeagoodman，andIfeltboundbythepromiseIhadgivenhim。Hehadpersuadedme，andmyreasontoldmethatamanshouldnevergoagainsthispersuasion；infine，I
　　hadmadeupmymind。ItookthepieceofpaperonwhichIhadwrittenthewordsIhadtouse，Iputapairofpistolsinmypocket，andItoldClairmonttowaitformeinthesquare。Thislatter，Ithought，wasaprecautionthatcoulddonoharm。
　　EverythinghappenedasthegoodCapuchinhadsaid。Theawfuloldcreaturetookcourageatthesightofthetwosequins，andboltedherdoor。ShebeganbylaughingandsayingthatsheknewIwasamorous，andthatitwasmyfaultifIwerenothappy，butthatshewoulddomybusinessforme。IsawbythesewordsthatIhadtodowithapretendedsorceress。ThefamousMotherBontempshadspokeninthesamewaytomeatParis。ButwhenItoldherthatI
　　wasnotgoingtoleavetheroomtillIhadgotthemysteriousbottle，andallthatdependedonit，herfacebecamefearful；shetrembled，andwouldhaveescapedfromtheroom；butIstoodbeforeherwithanopenknife，andwouldnotsufferhertopass。ButonmytellingherthatIwouldgiveherdoublethesumshewastobepaidforherwitchcraft，andthatthusshewouldbethegainerandnotaloserincomplyingwithmydemands，shebecamecalmoncemore。
　　"Ishalllosesixsequins，"saidshe，"butyouwillgladlypaydoublewhenIshewyouwhatIhavegot；Iknowwhoyouare。"
　　"WhoamI？"
　　"GiacomoCasanova，theVenetian。"
　　ItwasthenIdrewthetensequinsfrommypurse。Theoldwomanwassoftenedatthesightofthemoney，andsaid，"Iwouldnothavekilledyououtright，certainly，butIwouldhavemadeyouamorousandwretched。"
　　"Explainwhatyoumean。"
　　"Followme。"
　　Iwentafterherintoacloset，andwasgreatlyamazedatsingnumerousarticlesaboutwhichmycommonsensecouldtellmenothing。Therewerephialsofallshapesandsizes，stonesofdifferentcolours，metals，minerals，bignailsandsmallnails，pincers，crucibles，misshapenimages，andthelike。
　　"Hereisthebottle，"saidtheoldwoman。
　　"Whatdoesitcontain？"
　　"Yourbloodandthecountess’s，asyouwillseeinthisletter。"
　　Iunderstoodeverythingthen，andnowIwonderIdidnotburstoutlaughing。Butasamatteroffactmyhairstoodonend，asI
　　reflectedontheawfulwickednessofwhichtheSpaniardwascapable。Acoldsweatburstoutallovermybody。
　　"Whatwouldyouhavedonewiththisblood？"
　　"Ishouldhaveplasteredyouwithit。"
　　"Whatdoyoumeanby’plastered’？Idon’tunderstandyou。"
　　"Iwillshewyou。"
　　AsItrembledwithfeartheoldwomanopenedacasket，acubitlong，containingawaxenstatueofamanlyingonhisback。Mynamewaswrittenonit，andthoughitwasbadlymoulded，myfeatureswererecognizable。TheimageboremycrossoftheOrderoftheGoldenSpur，andthegenerativeorgansweremadeofanenormoussize。AtthisIburstintoafitofhystericallaughter，andhadtositdowninanarm—chairtillitwasover。
　　AssoonasIhadgotbackmybreaththesorceresssaid，"Youlaugh，doyou？WoetoyouifIhadbathedyouinthebathofbloodmingledaccordingtomyart，andmorewoestillif，afterI
　　hadbathedyon，Ihadthrownyourimageonaburningcoal:"
　　"Isthisall？"
　　"Yes。"
　　"Alltheapparatusistobecomeminefortwelvesequins；heretheyare。Andnow，quick！lightmeafirethatImaymeltthismonster，andasforthebloodIthinkIwillthrowitoutofthewindow。"
　　Thiswasnosoonersaidthandone。
　　TheoldwomanhadbeenafraidthatIshouldtakethebottleandtheimagehomewithme，andusethemtoherruin；andshewasdelightedtoseememelttheimage。ShetoldmethatIwasanangelofgoodness，andbeggedmenottotellanyoneofwhathadpassedbetweenus。IsworeIwouldkeepmyowncounsel，evenwiththecountess。
　　Iwasastonishedwhenshecalmlyofferedtomakethecountessmadlyinlovewithmeforanothertwelvesequins，butIpolitelyrefusedandadvisedhertoabandonherfearfultradeifshedidnotwanttobeburntalive。
　　IfoundClairmontathispost，andIsenthimhome。InspiteofallIhadgonethrough，Iwasnotsorrytohaveacquiredtheinformation，andtohavefollowedtheadviceofthegoodCapuchinwhoreallybelievedmetobeindeadlyperil。Hehaddoubtlessheardofitintheconfessionalfromthewomanwhohadcarriedthebloodtothewitch。Auricularconfessionoftenworksmiraclesofthiskind。
　　IwasdeterminednevertoletthecountesssuspectthatIhaddiscoveredhercriminalproject，andIresolvedtobehavetowardshersoastoappeaseheranger，andtomakeherforgetthecruelinsulttowhichIhadsubjectedher。Itwasluckyformethatshebelievedinsorcery；otherwiseshewouldhavehadmeassassinated。
　　AssoonasIgotin，IchosethebetterofthetwocloaksIhad，andpresentedherwithit。Sheacceptedthegiftwithexquisitegrace，andaskedmewhyIgaveither。
　　"Idreamt，"saidI，"thatyouweresoangrywithmethatyouweregoingtohavemeassassinated。"
　　Sheblushed，andansweredthatshehadnotgonemad。Ileftherabsorbedinasombrereverie。Nevertheless，whethersheforgotandforgave，orwhethershecouldhituponnootherwayoftakingvengeance，shewasperfectlyagreeabletomeduringtherestofmystayinMilan。
　　Thecountcamebackfromhisestate，andsaidthatwemustreallygoandseetheplaceatthebeginningofLent。IpromisedIwouldcome，butthecountesssaidshecouldnotbeoftheparty。I
　　pretendedtobemortified，butinrealityherdeterminationwasanextremelypleasantonetome。
　　CHAPTERXX
　　TheMasquerade——MyAmourwiththeFairMarchioness——TheDesertedGirl；IBecomeHerDeliverer——MyDepartureforSt。AngeloAsIhadengagedmyselftoprovideanabsolutelyimpenetrabledisguise，Iwantedtoinventacostumeremarkableatonceforitsoriginalityanditsrichness。Itorturedmybrainssotospeak，andmyreadersshallseeiftheythinkmyinventionwasagoodone。
　　IwantedsomeoneonwhomIcouldrely，andaboveall，atailor。
　　ItmaybeimaginedthatmyworthygossipwasthetailorI
　　immediatelythoughtof。Zenobiawouldbeasserviceableasherhusband；shecoulddosomeofthework，andwaitontheyoungladieswhomIwasgoingtodressup。
　　Italkedtomygossip，andtoldhimtotakemetothebestsecond—
　　handclothesdealerinMilan。
　　WhenwegottotheshopIsaidtotheman——
　　"Iwanttolookatyourveryfinestcostumes，bothforladiesandgentlemen。"
　　"Wouldyoulikesomethingthathasneverbeenworn？"
　　"Certainly，ifyouhavegotsuchathing。"
　　"Ihaveaveryrichassortmentofnewclothes。"
　　"Getme，then，inthefirstplace，ahandsomevelvetsuit，allinonepiece，whichnobodyinMilanwillbeabletorecognize。"
　　Insteadofoneheshewedmeadozensuchsuits，allinexcellentcondition。Ichoseabluevelvetlinedwithwhitesatin。Thetailorconductedthebargaining，anditwaslaidononeside；thiswasfortheprettycousin’slover。Anothersuit，insmoothsulphur—colouredvelvetthroughout，Iputasidefortheyoungofficer。Ialsotooktwohandsomepairsoftrousersinsmoothvelvet，andtwosuperbsilkvests。
　　Ithenchosetwodresses，oneflame—colouredandtheotherpurple，andathirddressinshotsilk。Thiswasfortheofficer’smistress。Thencamelaceshirts，twoformen，andthreeforwomen，thenlacehandkerchiefs，andfinallyscrapsofvelvet，satin，shotsilk，etc。，allofdifferentcolours。
　　Ipaidtwohundredgoldducatsforthelot，butontheconditionthatifanybodycametoknowthatIhadboughtthembyanyindiscretionofhisheshouldgivemethemoneyandtakebackthematerialsinwhateverconditiontheymightbein。Theagreementwaswrittenoutandsigned，andIreturnedwiththetailor，whocarriedthewholebundletomyroomsoverthepastrycook’s。
　　WhenitwasallspreadoutonthetableItoldthetailorthatI
　　wouldblowouthisbrainsifhetoldanybodyaboutit，andthentakingastilettoIproceededtocutandslashthecoats，vests，andtrousersallover，totheastonishmentofthetailor，whothoughtImustbemadtotreatsuchbeautifulclothesinthismanner。
　　Afterthisoperation，whichmakesmelaughtothisdaywhenI
　　rememberit，ItookthescrapsIhadboughtandsaidtothetailor，——
　　"Now，’gossip，itisyourturn；IwantyoutosewinthesepiecesintotheholesIhavemade，andIhopeyourtailoringgeniuswillaidyoutoproducesomeprettycontrasts。Youseethatyouhavegotyourworkcutoutforyouandnotimetolose。Iwillseethatyourmealsareproperlyservedinanadjoiningchamber，butyoumustnotleavethehousetilltheworkisfinished。Iwillgoforyourwife，whowillhelpyou，andyoucansleeptogether。"
　　"ForGod’ssake，sir！youdon’twanttheladies’dressestreatedlikethecoatsandtrousers？"
　　"Justthesame。"
　　"Whatapity！itwillmakemywifecry。"
　　"Iwillconsoleher。"
　　OnmywaytoZenobia’sIboughtfivepairsofwhitesilkstockings，men’sandwomen’sgloves，twofinecastorhats，twoburlesquemen’smasks，andthreegraceful—lookingfemalemasks。I
　　alsoboughttwoprettychinaplates，andIcarriedthemalltoZenobia’sinasedanchair。
　　Ifoundthatcharmingwomanengagedinhertoilet。Herbeautifultresseshungaboutherneck，andherfullbreastwasconcealedbynokerchief。Suchcharmscalledformyhomage，andtobeginwithIdevouredherwithkisses。Ispenthalfanhourwithher，andmyreaderswillguessthatitwaswellemployed。Ithenhelpedhertofinishhertoilette，andwewentoffinthesedan—chair。
　　WefoundthetailorengagedinpickingoutthescrapsandcuttingthemtofittheholesIhadmade。Zenobialookedoninakindofstupor，andwhenshesawmebegintoslashthedressessheturnedpaleandmadeaninvoluntarymotiontostaymyhand，fornotknowingmyintentionsshethoughtImustbebesidemyself。Herhusbandhadgothardened，andreassuredher，andwhensheheardmyexplanationshebecamecalm，thoughtheideastruckherasaveryoddone。
　　Whenitisaquestionofanaffairoftheheart，ofthepassions，orofpleasure，awoman’sfancymovesmuchfasterthanaman’s。
　　WhenZenobiaknewthatthesedressesweremeantforthreebeautifulwomen，whomIwishedtomakeacentreofattractiontothewholeassembly，sheimprovedonmycutsandslashes，andarrangedtherentsinsuchamannerthattheywouldinspirepassionwithoutwoundingmodesty。Thedresseswereslashedespeciallyatthebreast，theshoulders，andthesleeves；sothatthelaceshiftcouldbeseen，andinitsturntheshiftwascutopenhereandthere，andthesleevesweresoarrangedthathalfthearmscouldbeseen。IsawsurethatsheunderstoodwhatI
　　wanted，andthatshewouldkeepherhusbandright；andIleftthem，encouragingthemtoworktheirbestandquickest。ButI
　　lookedinthreeorfourtimesintheday，andwasmoresatisfiedeverytimewithmyideaandtheirexecution。
　　TheworkwasnotfinishedtilltheSaturdayafternoon。Igavethetailorsixsequinsanddismissedhim，butIkeptZenobiatoattendontheladies。Itookcaretoplacepowder，pomade，combs，pins，andeverythingthataladyneeds，onthetable，notforgettingribbonsandpack—thread。
　　ThenextdayIfoundplaygoingoninaveryspiritedmanner，butthetwocousinswerenotatthetables，soIwentafterthem。
　　TheytoldmetheyhadgivenupplayingasBarbaroalwayswon。