IntheprincipalityofMonacotherewasaFrenchgarrison，whichwasworthapensionofahundredthousandfrancstotheprince——averywelcomeadditiontohisincome。
Acurledandscentedyoungofficer，passingbyourroom，thedoorofwhichwasopen，stoppedshort，andwithunblushingpolitenessaskedusifwewouldallowhimtojoinourparty。Irepliedpolitely，butcoldly，thathedidushonour——aphrasewhichmeansneitheryesnorno；butaFrenchmanwhohasadvancedonestepneverretreats。
Heproceededtodisplayhisgracesforthebenefitoftheladies，talkingincessantly，withoutgivingthemtimetogetinaword，whenhesuddenlyturnedtomeandsaidthathewonderedhowitwasthattheprincehadnotaskedmeandmyladiestodinner。ItoldhimthatIhadnotsaidanythingtotheprinceaboutthetreasureIhadwithme。
Ihadscarcelyutteredthewords，whenthekindlyblockheadroseandcriedenthusiastically，——
"Parbleu！Iamnolongersurprised。Iwillgoandtellhishighness，andIshallsoonhavethehonourofdiningwithyouatthecastle。"
Hedidnotwaittohearmyanswer，butwentoffinhothaste。
Welaughedheartilyathisfolly，feelingquitesurethatweshouldneitherdinewithhimnortheprince，butinaquarterofanhourhereturnedinhighglee，andinvitedusalltodinneronbehalfoftheprince。
"Ibegyouwillthankhishighness，andatthesametimeaskhimtoexcuseus。Theweatherhasimproved，andIwanttobeoffassoonaswehavetakenahastymorsel。"
TheyoungFrenchmanexertedallhiseloquenceinvain，andatlengthretiredwithamortifiedairtotakeouranswertotheprince。
IthoughtIhadgotridofhimatlast，butIdidnotknowmyman。
Hereturnedashorttimeafter，andaddressinghimselfinacomplacentmannertotheladies，asifIwasofnomoreaccount，hetoldthemthathehadgiventheprincesuchadescriptionoftheircharmsthathehadmadeuphismindtodinewiththem。
"Ihavealreadyorderedthetabletobelaidfortwomore，asIshallhavethehonourofbeingoftheparty。Inaquarterofanhour，ladies，theprincewillbehere。"
"Verygood，"saidI，"butastheprinceiscomingImustgotothefeluccaandfetchacapitalpieofwhichtheprinceisveryfond，I
know。Come，ladies。"
"Youcanleavethemhere，sir。Iwillundertaketokeepthemamused。"
"Ihavenodoubtyouwould，buttheyhavesomethingstogetfromthefeluccaaswell。"
"Thenyouwillallowmetocometoo。"
"Certainlywithpleasure。"
Asweweregoingdownthestairs，IaskedtheinnkeeperwhatIowedhim。
"Nothing，sir，Ihavejustreceivedorderstoserveyouineverything，andtotakenomoneyfromyou。"
"Theprinceisreallymagnificent！"Duringthisshortdialogue，theladieshadgoneonwiththefop。Ihastenedtorejointhem，andmyniecetookmyarm，laughingheartilytoheartheofficermakinglovetoMarcoline，whodidnotunderstandawordhesaid。Hedidnotnoticeitintheleast，forhistonguekeptgoinglikethewheelofamill，andhedidnotpauseforanyanswers。
"Weshallhavesomefunatdinner，"saidmyniece，"butwhatarewegoingtodoonthefelucca？"
"Weareleaving。Saynothing。"
"Leaving？"
"Immediately。"
"Whatajest！itisworthitsweightingold。"
Wewentonboardthefelucca，andtheofficer，whowasdelightedwiththeprettyvessel，proceededtoexamineit。Itoldmyniecetokeephimcompany，andgoingtothemaster，whisperedtohimtoletgodirectly。
"Directly？"
"Yes，thismoment。"
"Buttheabbeandyoursecretaryaregoneforawalk，andtwoofmymenareonshore，too。"
"That’snomatter；weshallpickthemupagainatAntibes；it’sonlytenleagues，andtheyhaveplentyofmoney。Imustgo，anddirectly。
Makehaste。"
"Allright。"
Hetrippedtheanchor，andthefeluccabegantoswingawayfromtheshore。Theofficeraskedmeingreatastonishmentwhatitmeant。
"ItmeansthatIamgoingtoAntibesandIshallbeverygladtotakeyoutherefornothing。"
"Thisisafinejest！Youarejoking，surely？"
"Yourcompanywillbeverypleasantonthejourney。"
"Pardieu！putmeashore，forwithyourleave，ladies，IcannotgotoAntibes。"
"Putthegentlemanashore，"saidItothemaster，"hedoesnotseemtolikeourcompany。"
"It’snotthat，uponmyhonour。Theseladiesarecharming，buttheprincewouldthinkthatIwasintheplottoplaythistrickuponhim，whichyoumustconfessisratherstrong。"
"Ineverplayaweaktrick。"
"Butwhatwilltheprincesay？"
"Hemaysaywhathelikes，andIshalldoasIlike。"
"Well，it’snofaultofmine。Farewell，ladies！farewell，sir！"
"Farewell，andyoumaythanktheprinceformeforpayingmybill。"
Marcolinewhodidnotunderstandwhatwaspassinggazedinastonishment，butmyniecelaughedtillhersidesached，forthewayinwhichthepoorofficerhadtakenthematterwasextremelycomic。
Clairmontbroughtusanexcellentdinner，andwelaughedincessantlyduringitsprogress，evenattheastonishmentoftheabbeandPossanowhentheycametothequayandfoundthefeluccahadflown。However，IwassureofmeetingthemagainatAntibes，andwereachedthatportatsixo’clockintheevening。
Themotionoftheseahadtireduswithoutmakingusfeelsick，fortheairwasfresh，andourappetitesfeltthebenefitsofit，andinconsequencewedidgreathonourtothesupperandthewine。
MarcolinewhosestomachwasweakenedbythesicknessshehadundergonesoonfelttheeffectsoftheBurgundy，hereyeswereheavy，andshewenttosleep。Myniecewouldhaveimitatedher，butI
remindedhertenderlythatwewereatAntibes，andsaidIwassureshewouldkeepherword。Shedidnotanswerme，butgavemeherhand，loweringhereyeswithmuchmodesty。
Intoxicatedwithhersubmissionwhichwassolikelove，Igotintobedbesideher，exclaiming，——
"Atlastthehourofmyhappinesshascome！
"Andminetoo，dearest。"
"Yours？Haveyounotcontinuallyrepulsedme？"
"Never！Ialwayslovedyou，andyourindifferencehasbeenabittergrieftome。"
"ButthefirstnightweleftMilanyoupreferredbeingalonetosleepingwithme。"
"CouldIdootherwisewithoutpassinginyoureyesforonemoreaslavetosensualpassionthantolove？BesidesyoumighthavethoughtIwasgivingmyselftoyouforthebenefitsIhadreceived；
andthoughgratitudebeanoblefeeling，itdestroysallthesweetdelightsoflove。Yououghttohavetoldmethatyoulovedmeandsubduedmebythoseattentionswhichconquertheheartsofuswomen。
ThenyouwouldhaveseenthatIlovedyoutoo，andouraffectionwouldhavebeenmutual。OnmysideIshouldhaveknownthatthepleasureyouhadofmewasnotgivenoutofamerefeelingofgratitude。Idonotknowwhetheryouwouldhavelovedmelessthemorningafter，ifIhadconsented，butIamsureIshouldhavelostyouresteem。"
Shewasright，andIapplaudedhersentiments，whilegivinghertounderstandthatshewastoputallnotionsofbenefitsreceivedoutofhermind。IwantedtomakeherseethatIknewthattherewasnomoreneedforgratitudeonhersidethanmine。
Wespentanightthatmustbeimaginedratherthandescribed。Shetoldmeinthemorningthatshefeltallhadbeenforthebest，asifshehadgivenwayatfirstshecouldneverhavemadeuphermindtoaccepttheyoungGenoese，thoughheseemedlikelytomakeherhappy。
Marcolinecametoseeusinthemorning，caressedus，andpromisedtosleepbyherselftherestofthevoyage。
"Thenyouarenotjealous？"saidI。
"No，forherhappinessisminetoo，andIknowshewillmakeyouhappy。"
Shebecamemoreravishinglybeautifuleveryday。
Possanoandtheabbecameinjustasweweresittingdowntotable，andmyniecehavingorderedtwomoreplatesIallowedthemtodinewithus。Mybrother’sfacewaspitifulandyetridiculous。Hecouldnotwalkanydistance，sohehadbeenobligedtocomeonhorseback，probablyforthefirsttimeinhislife。
"Myskinisdelicate，"saidhe，"soIamallblistered。ButGod’swillbedone！IdonotthinkanyofHisservantshaveenduredgreatertormentsthanmineduringthisjourney。Mybodyissore，andsoismysoul。"
SosayinghecastapiteousglanceatMarcoline，andwehadtoholdoursidestopreventourselveslaughing。Myniececouldbearitnomore，andsaid，——
"HowIpityyou，dearuncle！"
Atthisheblushed，andbegantoaddressthemostabsurdcomplimentstoher，stylingher"mydearniece。"Itoldhimtobesilent，andnottospeakFrenchtillhewasabletoexpresshimselfinthatequivocallanguagewithoutmakingafoolofhimself。ButthepoetPogomasspokenobetterthanhedid。
IwascurioustoknowwhathadhappenedatMentoneafterwehadleft，andPogomasproceededtotellthestory。
"Whenwecamebackfromourwalkweweregreatlyastonishednottofindthefeluccaanymore。Wewenttotheinn，whereIknewyouhadordereddinner；buttheinn—keeperknewnothingexceptthathewasexpectingtheprinceandayoungofficertodinewithyou。Itoldhimhemightwaitforyouinvain，andjustthentheprincecameupinarage，andtoldtheinn—keeperthatnowyouweregonehemightlooktoyouforhispayment。’Mylord，’saidtheinn—keeper，’thegentlemanwantedtopayme，butIrespectedtheordersIhadreceivedfromyourhighnessandwouldnottakethemoney。’Atthistheprinceflunghimalouiswithanillgrace，andaskeduswhowewere。I
toldhimthatwebelongedtoyou，andthatyouhadnotwaitedforuseither，whichputustogreattrouble。’Youwillgetawayeasilyenough，’saidhe；andthenhebegantolaugh，andsworethejestwasapleasantone。Hethenaskedmewhotheladieswere。Itoldhimthattheonewasyourniece，andthatIknewnothingoftheother；
buttheabbeinterfered，andsaidshewasyourcuisine。Theprinceguessedhemeanttosay’cousin，’andburstoutlaughing，inwhichhewasjoinedbytheyoungofficer。’Greethimfromme，’saidhe，ashewentaway，’andtellhimthatweshallmeetagain，andthatIwillpayhimoutforthetrickhehasplayedme。’"Theworthyhostlaughed，too，whentheprincehadgone，andgaveusagooddinner，sayingthattheprince’sLouiswouldpayforitall。Whenwehaddinedwehiredtwohorses，andsleptatNice。Inthemorningwerodeonagain，beingcertainoffindingyouhere。"Marcolinetoldtheabbeinacoldvoicetotakecarenottotellanyoneelsethatshewashiscuisine，orhiscousin，orelseitwouldgoillwithhim，asshedidnotwishtobethoughteithertheoneortheother。IalsoadvisedhimseriouslynottospeakFrenchforthefuture，astheabsurdwayinwhichhehadcommittedhimselfmadeeveryoneabouthimashamed。
JustasIwasorderingpost—horsestotakeustoFrejus，amanappeared，andtoldmeIowedhimtenlouisforthestorageofacarriagewhichIhadleftonhishandsnearlythreeyearsago。ThiswaswhenIwastakingRosalietoItaly。Ilaughed，forthecarriageitselfwasnotworthfivelouis。"Friend，"saidI，"Imakeyouapresentofthearticle。"
"Idon’twantyourpresent。Iwantthetenlouisyouoweme。"
"Youwon’tgetthetenlouis。Iwillseeyoufurtherfirst。"
"Wewillseeaboutthat"；andsosayinghetookhisdeparture。
Isentforhorsesthatwemightcontinueourjourney。
Afewmomentsafter，asergeantsummonedmetothegovernor’spresence。Ifollowedhim，andwaspolitelyrequestedtopaythetenlouisthatmycreditordemanded。Iansweredthat，intheagreementI
hadenteredintoforsixfrancsamonth，therewasnomentionofthelengthoftheterm，andthatIdidnotwanttowithdrawmycarriage。
"Butsupposingyouwerenevertowithdrawit？"
"Thenthemancouldbequeathhisclaimtohisheir。"
"Ibelievehecouldobligeyoutowithdrawit，ortoallowittobesoldtodefrayexpenses。"
"Youareright，sir，andIwishtosparehimthattrouble。Imakehimapresentofthecarriage。"
"That’sfairenough。Friend，thecarriageisyours。"
"Butsir，"saidtheplaintiff，"itisnotenough；thecarriageisnotworthtenlouis，andIwantthesurplus。"
"Youareinthewrong。Iwishyouapleasantjourney，sir，andI
hopeyouwillforgivetheignoranceofthesepoorpeople，whowouldliketoshapethelawsaccordingtotheirneeds。"
Allthistroublehadmademeloseagooddealoftime，andI
determinedtoputoffmydeparturetillthenextday。However，I
wantedacarriageforPossanoandtheabbe，andIgotmysecretarytobuytheoneIhadabandonedforfourlouis。Itwasinadeplorablestate，andIhadtohaveitrepaired，whichkeptustilltheafternoonofthenextday；however，sofaraspleasurewasconcerned，thetimewasnotlost。
CHAPTERIII
MyArrivalatMarseilles——Madamed’Urfe——MyNieceIsWelcomedbyMadameAudibertIGetRidofMyBrotherandPossano——Regeneration——DepartureofMadamed’Urfe——MarcolineRemainsConstantMyniece，nowmymistress，grewmoredeartomeeveryday，andI
couldnothelptremblingwhenIreflectedthatMarseilleswouldbethetombofourlove。ThoughIcouldnothelparrivingthere，I
prolongedmyhappinessaslongasIcouldbytravellingbyshortstages。IgottoFrejusinlessthanthreehours，andstoppedthere，andtellingPossanoandtheabbetodoastheylikedduringourstay，Iorderedadelicatesupperandchoicewineformyselfandmynymphs。
Ourrepastlastedtillmidnight，thenwewenttobed，andpassedthetimeinsweetsleepandsweeterpleasures。ImadethesamearrangementsatLucca，Brignoles，andAubayne，whereIpassedthesixthandlastnightofhappiness。
AssoonasIgottoMarseillesIconductedmyniecetoMadameAudibert’s，andsentPossanoandmybrothertothe"TriezeCantons"
inn，biddingthemobservethestrictestsilencewithregardtome，forMadamed’Urfehadbeenawaitingmeforthreeweeks，andIwishedtobemyownheraldtoher。
ItwasatMadameAudibert’sthatmyniecehadmetCroce。Shewasacleverwoman，andhadknownthegirlfromherchildhood，anditwasthroughherthatmyniecehopedtoberestoredtoherfather’sgoodgraces。WehadagreedthatIshouldleavemynieceandMarcolineinthecarriage，andshouldinterviewMadameAudibert，whoseacquaintanceIhadmadebefore，andwithwhomIcouldmakearrangementsformyniece’slodgingtillsomearrangementwascometo。
MadameAudibertsawmegettingoutofmycarriage，andasshedidnotrecognizemehercuriositymadehercomedownandopenthedoor。Shesoonrecognizedme，andconsentedtoletmehaveaprivateinterviewwiththebestgraceintheworld。
Ididnotloseanytimeinleadinguptothesubject，andafterIhadgivenherarapidsketchoftheaffair，howmisfortunehadobligedLaCroixtoabandonMdlle。Crosin，howIhadbeenabletobeofservicetoher，andfinally，howshehadhadthegoodlucktomeetawealthyanddistinguishedperson，whowouldcometoMarseillestoaskherhandinafortnight，IconcludedbysayingthatIshouldhavethehappinessofrestoringtoherhandsthedeargirlwhosepreserverI
hadbeen。
"Whereisshe？"criedMadameAudibert。
"Inmycarriage。Ihaveloweredtheblinds。"
"Bringherin，quick！Iwillseetoeverything。Nobodyshallknowthatsheisinmyhouse。"
Happierthanaprince，Imadeoneboundtothecarriageand，concealingherfacewithhercloakandhood，Iledmyniecetoherfriend’sarms。Thiswasadramaticscenefullofsatisfactionforme。Kissesweregivenandreceived，tearsofhappinessandrepentanceshed，Iweptmyselffrommingledfeelingsofemotion，happiness，andregret。
InthemeanwhileClairmonthadbroughtupmyniece’sluggage，andI
wentawaypromisingtoreturnandseeheranotherday。
Ihadanotherandasimportantanarrangementtoconclude，ImeanwithrespecttoMarcoline。Itoldthepostillionstotakemetotheworthyoldman’swhereIhadlodgedRosaliesopleasantly。Marcolinewasweepingatthisseparationfromherfriend。Igotdownatthehouse，andmademybargainhastily。Mynewmistresswas，Isaid，tobelodged，fed，andattendedonasifshehadbeenaprincess。Heshewedmetheapartmentshewastooccupy；itwasfitforayoungmarchioness，andhetoldmethatsheshouldbeattendedbyhisownniece，thatsheshouldnotleavethehouse，andthatnobodybutmyselfshouldvisither。
HavingmadethesearrangementsImadethefairVenetiancomein。I
gaveherthemoneyshehadwon，whichIhadconvertedintogoldandmadeuptoathousandducats。
"Youwon’twantithere，"saidI，"sotakecareofit。AtVeniceathousandducatswillmakeyousomebody。Donotweep，dearest，myheartiswithyou，andto—morroweveningIwillsupwithyou。"
Theoldmangavemethelatch—key，andIwentofftothe"TreizeCantons。"Iwasexpected，andmyroomswereadjacenttothoseoccupiedbyMadamed’Urfe。
AssoonasIwassettled，Bourgnolewaitedonme，andtoldmehermistresswasaloneandexpectingmeimpatiently。
Ishallnottroublemyreaderswithanaccountofourinterview，asitwasonlycomposedofMadamed’Urfe’smadflightsoffancy，andofliesonmypartwhichhadnoteventhemeritofprobability。Aslavetomylifeofhappyprofligacy，Iprofitedbyherfolly；shewouldhavefoundsomeoneelsetodeceiveher，ifIhadnotdoneso，foritwasreallyshewhodeceivedherself。Inaturallypreferredtoprofitbyherratherthanthatastrangershoulddoso；shewasveryrich，andIdidmyselfagreatdealofgood，withoutdoinganyoneanyharm。
Thefirstthingsheaskedmewas，"WhereisQuerilinthos？"AndshejumpedwithjoywhenItoldherthathewasunderthesameroof。
"’Tishe，then，whoshallmakemeyoungagain。Sohasmygeniusassuredmenightafternight。AskParalisifthepresentsIhavepreparedaregoodenoughforSemiramistopresenttotheheadoftheFraternityoftheRosyCross。"
Ididnotknowwhatthesepresentswere，andasIcouldnotasktoseethem，Iansweredthat，beforeconsultingParalis，itwouldbenecessarytoconsecratethegiftsundertheplanetaryhours，andthatQuerilinthoshimselfmustnotseethembeforetheconsecration。
Thereuponshetookmetohercloset，andshewedmethesevenpacketsmeantfortheRosicrucianintheformofofferingstothesevenplanets。
Eachpacketcontainedsevenpoundsofthemetalpropertotheplanet，andsevenpreciousstones，alsopropertotheplanets，eachbeingsevencaratsinweight；therewerediamonds，rubies，emeralds，sapphires，chrysolites，topazes，andopals。
ImadeupmymindthatnothingofthisshouldpassintothehandsoftheGenoese，andtoldthemadwomanthatwemusttrustentirelyinParalisforthemethodofconsecration，whichmustbebegunbyourplacingeachpacketinasmallcasketmadeonpurpose。Onepacket，andoneonly，couldbeconsecratedinaday，anditwasnecessarytobeginwiththesun。ItwasnowFriday，andweshouldhavetowaittillSunday，thedayofthesun。OnSaturdayIhadaboxwithsevennichesmadeforthepurpose。
ForthepurposesofconsecrationIspentthreehourseverydaywithMadamed’Urfe，andwehadnotfinishedtilltheensuingSaturday。
ThroughoutthisweekImadePossanoandmybrothertaketheirmealswithus，andasthelatterdidnotunderstandawordthegoodladysaid，hedidnotspeakawordhimself，andmighthavepassedforamuteoftheseraglio。Madamed’Urfepronouncedhimdevoidofsense，andimaginedweweregoingtoputthesoulofasylphintohisbodythathemightengendersomebeinghalfhuman，halfdivine。
Itwasamusingtoseemybrother’sdespairandrageatbeingtakenforanidiot，andwhenheendeavouredtosaysomethingtospewthathewasnotone，sheonlythoughthimmoreidioticthanever。I
laughedtomyself，andthoughthowillhewouldhaveplayedthepartifIhadaskedhimtodoit。Allthesametherascaldidnotloseanythingbyhisreputation，forMadamed’UrfeclothedhimwithadecentsplendourthatwouldhaveledonetosupposethattheabbebelongedtooneofthefirstfamiliesinFrance。ThemostuneasyguestatMadamed’Urfe’stablewasPossano，whohadtoreplytoquestions，ofthemostoccultnature，and，notknowinganythingaboutthesubject，madethemostridiculousmistakes。
IbroughtMadamed’Urfethebox，andhavingmadeallthenecessaryarrangementsfortheconsecrations，Ireceivedanorderfromtheoracletogointothecountryandsleepthereforsevennightsinsuccession，toabstainfromintercoursewithallmortalwomen，andtoperformceremonialworshiptothemooneverynight，atthehourofthatplanet，intheopenfields。ThiswouldmakemefittoregenerateMadamed’UrfemyselfincaseQuerilinthos，forsomemysticreasons，mightnotbeabletodoso。
ThroughthisorderMadamed’Urfewasnotonlynotvexedwithmeforsleepingawayfromthehotel，butwasgratefulforthepainsIwastakingtoensurethesuccessoftheoperation。
ThedayaftermyarrivalIcalledonMadameAudibert，andhadthepleasureoffindingmyniecewailpleasedwiththeeffortsherfriendwasmakinginherfavour。MadameAudiberthadspokentoherfather，tellinghimthathisdaughterwaswithher，andthatshehopedtoobtainhispardonandtoreturntohishouse，whereshewouldsoonbecomethebrideofarichGenoese，whowishedtoreceiveherfromherfather’shands。Theworthyman，gladtofindagainthelostsheep，saidhewouldcomeintwodaysandtakehertoheraunt，whohadahouseatSt。Louis，twoleaguesfromthetown。Shemightthenquietlyawaitthearrivalofherfuturehusband，andavoidalloccasionofscandal。Myniecewassurprisedthatherfatherhadnotyetreceivedaletterfromtheyoungman，andIcouldseethatshewasanxiousaboutit；butIcomfortedherandassuredherthatI
wouldnotleaveMarseillestillIhaddancedatherwedding。
IlefthertogotoMarcoline，whomIlongedtopresstomyheart。
Ifoundherinanecstasyofjoy，andshesaidthatifshecouldunderstandwhathermaidsaidherhappinesswouldbecomplete。Isawthathersituationwasapainfulone，especiallyasshewasawoman，butforthepresentIsawnowayoutofthedifficulty；IshouldhavetogetanItalian—speakingservant，andthiswouldhavebeenatroublesometask。SheweptwithjoywhenItoldherthatmyniecedesiredtoberememberedtoher，andthatinadayshewouldbeonherfather’shearth。Marcolinehadfoundoutthatshewasnotmyrealniecewhenshefoundherinmyarms。
Thechoicesupperwhichtheoldmanhadprocuredus，andwhichspewedhehadagoodmemoryformyfavoritetastes，mademethinkofRosalie。Marcolineheardmetellthestorywithgreatinterest，andsaidthatitseemedtoherthatIonlywentabouttomakeunfortunategirlshappy，providedIfoundthempretty。
"Ialmostthinkyouareright，"saidI；"anditiscertainthatI
havemademanyhappy，andhaveneverbroughtmisfortunetoanygirl。"
"Godwillrewardyou，mydearfriend。"
"PossiblyIamnotworthHistakingthetrouble！"
ThoughthewitandbeautyofMarcolinehadcharmedme，herappetitecharmedmestillmore；thereaderknowsthatIhavealwayslikedwomenwhoeatheartily。AndinMarseillestheymakeanexcellentdishofacommonfowl，whichisoftensoinsipid。
ThosewholikeoilwillgetoncapitallyinProvence，foritisusedineverything，anditmustbeconfessedthatifusedinmoderationitmakesanexcellentrelish。
Marcolinewascharminginbed。IhadnotenjoyedtheVenetianvicesfornearlyeightyears，andMarcolinewasabeautybeforewhomPraxiteleswouldhavebenttheknee。Ilaughedatmybrotherforhavingletsuchatreasureslipoutofhishands，thoughIquiteforgavehimforfallinginlovewithher。Imyselfcouldnottakeherabout，andasIwantedhertobeamusedIbeggedmykindoldlandlordtosendhertotheplayeveryday，andtoprepareagoodsuppereveryevening。Igothersomerichdressesthatshemightcutagoodfigure，andthisattentionredoubledheraffectionforme。
Thenextday，whichwasthesecondoccasiononwhichIhadvisitedher，shetoldmethatshehadenjoyedtheplaythoughshecouldnotunderstandthedialogues；andthedayaftersheastonishedmebysayingthatmybrotherhadintrudedhimselfintoherbox，andhadsaidsomanyimpertinentthingsthatifshehadbeenatVeniceshewouldhaveboxedhisears。
"Iamafraid，"sheadded，"thattherascalhasfollowedmehere，andwillbeannoyingme。"
"Don’tbeafraid，"Ianswered，"IwillseewhatIcando。"
WhenIgottothehotelIenteredtheabbe’sroom，andbyPossano’sbedIsawanindividualcollectinglintandvarioussurgicalinstruments。
"What’sallthis？Areyouill？"
"Yes，Ihavegotsomethingwhichwillteachmetobewiserforthefuture。"
"It’sratherlateforthiskindofthingatsixty。"
"Betterlatethannever。"
"Youareanoldfool。Youstinkofmercury。"
"Ishallnotleavemyroom。"
"Thiswillharmyouwiththemarchioness，whobelievesyoutobethegreatestofadepts，andconsequentlyabovesuchweaknesses。"
"Damnthemarchioness！Letmebe。"
Therascalhadnevertalkedinthisstylebefore。Ithoughtitbesttoconcealmyanger，andwentuptomybrotherwhowasinacorneroftheroom。
"WhatdoyoumeanbypesteringMarcolineatthetheatreyesterday？"
"Iwenttoremindherofherduty，andtowarnherthatIwouldnotbehercomplaisantlover。"
"Youhaveinsultedmeandhertoo，foolthatyouare！YouowealltoMarcoline，forifithadnotbeenforher，Ishouldneverhavegivenyouasecondglance；andyetyoubehaveinthisdisgracefulmanner。"
"Ihaveruinedmyselfforhersake，andIcannevershewmyfaceinVeniceagain。Whatrighthaveyoutotakeherfromme？"
"Therightoflove，blockhead，andtherightofluck，andtherightofthestrongest！Howisitthatsheishappywithme，anddoesnotwishtoleaveme？"
"Youhavedazzledher。"
"Anotherreasonisthatwithyoushewasdyingofmiseryandhunger。"
"Yes，buttheendofitwillbethatyouwillabandonherasyouhavedonewithmanyothers，whereasIshouldhavemarriedher。"
"Marriedher！Yourenegade，youseemtoforgetthatyouareapriest。Idonotproposetopartwithher，butifIdoIwillsendherawayrich。"
"Well，well，doasyouplease；butstillIhavetherighttospeaktoherwheneverIlike。"
"Ihaveforbiddenyoutodoso，andyoumaytrustmewhenItellyouthatyouhavespokentoherforthelasttime。"
SosayingIwentoutandcalledonanadvocate。IaskedhimifI
couldhaveaforeignabbe，whowasindebtedtome，arrested，althoughIhadnoproofofthedebt。
"Youcandoso，asheisaforeigner，butyouwillhavetopaycaution—money。Youcanhavehimputunderarrestathisinn，andyoucanmakehimpayunlessheisabletoprovethatheowesyounothing。
Isthesumalargeone？"
"Twelvelouis。"
"Youmustcomewithmebeforethemagistrateanddeposittwelvelouis，andfromthatmomentyouwillbeabletohavehimarrested。
Whereishestaying？"
"InthesamehotelasIam，butIdonotwishtohavehimarrestedthere，soIwillgethimtothe’Ste。Baume，’andputhimunderarrest。Herearethetwelvelouiscaution—money，soyoucangetthemagistrate’sorder，andwewillmeetagainto—morrow。"
"Givemehisname，andyoursalso。"
Ireturnedinhastetothe"TreizeCantons，"andmettheabbe，dresseduptothenines，andjustabouttogoout。
"Followme，"saidI，"IamgoingtotakeyoutoMarcoline，andyoushallhaveanexplanationinherpresence。"
"Withpleasure。"
Hegotintoacarriagewithme，andItoldthecoachmantotakeustothe"Ste。Baume"inn。Whenwegotthere，Itoldhimtowaitforme，thatIwasgoingtofetchMarcoline，andthatIwouldreturnwithherinaminute。
Igotintothecarriageagain，anddrovetotheadvocate，whogavetheorderforarresttoapoliceman，whowastoexecuteit。Ithenreturnedtothe"TreizeCantons"andputhisbelongingsintoatrunk，andhadthemtransportedtohisnewabode。
Ifoundhimunderarrest，andtalkingtotheastonishedhost，whocouldnotunderstandwhatitwasallabout。Itoldthelandlordthemythicalhistoryoftheabbedebttome，andhandedoverthetrunk，tellinghimthathehadnothingtofearwithregardtothebill，asI
wouldtakecarethatheshouldbewellpaid。
Ithenbeganmytalkwiththeabbe，tellinghimthathemustgetreadytoleaveMarseillesthenextday，andthatIwouldpayforhisjourneytoParis；butthatifhedidnotliketodoso，Ishouldleavehimtohisfate，andinthreedayshewouldbeexpelledfromMarseilles。ThecowardbegantoweepandsaidhewouldgotoParis。
"YoumuststartforLyonsto—morrow，butyouwillfirstwritemeoutanIOUfortwelvelouis。"
"Why？"
"BecauseIsayso。IfyoudosoIwillgiveyoutwelvelouisandtearupthedocumentbeforeyourface。"
"Ihavenochoiceinthematter。"
"Youareright。"
WhenhehadwrittentheIOU，Iwenttotakeaplaceinthediligenceforhim，andthenextmorningIwentwiththeadvocatetowithdrawthearrestandtotakebackthetwelvelouis，whichIgavetomybrotherinthediligence，withalettertoM。Bono，whomI
warnednottogivehimanymoney，andtosendhimontoParisbythesamediligence。Ithentoreuphisnoteofhand，andwishedhimapleasantjourney。
ThusIgotridofthisfoolishfellow，whomIsawagaininParisinamonth’stime。
ThedayIhadmybrotherarrestedandbeforeIwenttodinewithMadamed’UrfeIhadaninterviewwithPossanointhehopeofdiscoveringthereasonofhisillhumour。
"Thereasonis，"saidhe，"thatIamsureyouaregoingtolayhandsontwentyorthirtythousandcrownsingoldanddiamonds，whichthemarchionessmeantmetohave。"
"Thatmaybe，butitisnotforyoutoknowanythingaboutit。Imaytellyouthatitrestsentirelywithmetopreventyourgettinganything。Ifyouthinkyoucansucceedgotothemarchionessandmakeyourcomplaintstoher。Iwilldonothingtopreventyou。"
"ThenyouthinkIamgoingtohelpyouinyourimposturefornothing；
youareverymuchmistaken。Iwantathousandlouis，andIwillhaveit，too。"
"Thengetsomebodytogiveityou，"saidI；andIturnedmybackonhim。
Iwentuptothemarchionessandtoldherthatdinnerwasready，andthatweshoulddinealone，asIhadbeenobligedtosendtheabbeaway。
"Hewasanidiot；buthowaboutQuerilinthos？"
"AfterdinnerParaliswilltellusallabouthim。Ihavestrongsuspicionsthatthereissomethingtobeclearedup。"
"SohaveI。Themanseemschanged。Whereishe？"
"Heisinbed，illofadiseasewhichIdarenotsomuchasnametoyou。"
"Thatisaveryextraordinarycircumstance；Ihaveneverheardofsuchathingbefore。Itmustbetheworkofanevilgenius。"
"Ihaveneverheardofsuchathing，either；butnowletusdine。Weshallhavetoworkhardto—dayattheconsecrationofthetin。"
"Allthebetter。WemustofferanexpiatorysacrificetoOromasis，for，awfulthought！inthreedayshewouldhavetoregenerateme，andtheoperationwouldbeperformedinthatcondition。"
"Letuseatnow，"Irepeated；"IfearlestthehourofJupiterbeover—past。"
"Fearnothing，Iwillseethatallgoeswell。"
Aftertheconsecrationofthetinhadbeenperformed，ItransferredthatofOromasistoanotherday，whileIconsultedtheoracleassiduously，themarchionesstranslatingthefiguresintoletters。
TheoracledeclaredthatsevensalamandershadtransportedthetrueQuerilinthostotheMilkyWay，andthatthemaninthenextroomwastheevilgenius，St。Germain，whohadbeenputinthatfearfulconditionbyafemalegnome，whohadintendedtomakehimtheexecutionerofSemiramis，whowastodieofthedreadfulmaladybeforehertermhadexpired。TheoraclealsosaidthatSemiramisshouldleavetoPayaliseusGaltinardus（myself）allthechargeofgettingridoftheevilgenius，St。Germain；andthatshewasnottodoubtconcerningherregeneration，sincethewordwouldbesentmebythetrueQuerilinthosfromtheMilkyWayontheseventhnightofmyworshipofthemoon。FinallytheoracledeclaredthatIwastoembraceSemiramistwodaysbeforetheendoftheceremonies，afteranUndinehadpurifiedusbybathingusintheroomwherewewere。
IhadthusundertakentoregeneratetheworthySemiramis，andIbegantothinkhowIcouldcarryoutmyundertakingwithoutputtingmyselftoshame。Themarchionesswashandsomebutold，andIfearedlestI
shouldbeunabletoperformthegreatact。Iwasthirty—eight，andI
begantofeelagestealingonme。TheUndine，whomIwastoobtainofthemoon，wasnoneotherthanMarcoline，whowastogivemethenecessarygenerativevigourbythesightofherbeautyandbythecontactofherhands。ThereaderwillseehowImadehercomedownfromheaven。
IreceivedanotefromMadameAudibertwhichmademecallonherbeforepayingmyvisittoMarcoline。AssoonasIcameinshetoldmejoyouslythatmyniece’sfatherhadjustreceivedaletterfromthefatheroftheGenoese，askingthehandofhisdaughterforhisonlyson，whohadbeenintroducedtoherbytheChevalierdeSeingalt，heruncle，attheParetti’s。
"Theworthymanthinkshimselfundergreatobligationstoyou，"saidMadameAudibert。"Headoreshisdaughter，andheknowsyouhavecaredforherlikeafather。Hisdaughterhasdrawnyourportraitinveryfavourablecolors，andhewouldbeextremelypleasedtomakeyouracquaintance。Tellmewhenyoucansupwithme；thefatherwillbeheretomeetyou，thoughunaccompaniedbyhisdaughter。"
"Iamdelightedatwhatyoutellme，fortheyoungman’sesteemforhisfuturewifewillonlybeaugmentedwhenhefindsthatIamherfather’sfriend。Icannotcometosupper，however；Iwillbehereatsixandstoptilleight。"
AstheladyleftthechoiceofthedaywithmeIfixedthedayafternext，andthenIrepairedtomyfairVenetian，towhomItoldmynews，andhowIhadmanagedtogetridoftheabbe。
Onthedayafternext，justasweweresittingdowntodinner，themarchionesssmilinglygavemealetterwhichPossanohadwrittenherinbadbutperfectlyintelligibleFrench。HehadfilledeightpagesinhisendeavourtoconvinceherthatIwasdeceivingher，andtomakesurehetoldthewholestorywithoutconcealinganycircumstancetomydisadvantage。HeaddedthatIhadbroughttwogirlswithmetoMarseilles；andthoughhedidnotknowwhereIhadhiddenthem，hewassurethatitwaswiththemthatIspentmynights。
AfterIhadreadthewholeletterthrough，withtheutmostcoolnessI
gaveitbacktoher，askingherifshehadhadthepatiencetoreaditthrough。Sherepliedthatshehadrunthroughit，butthatshecouldnotmakeitoutatall，astheevilgeniusseemedtowriteasortofoutlandishdialect，whichshedidnotcaretopuzzleherselfover，ashecouldonlyhavewrittendownliescalculatedtoleadherastrayatthemostimportantmomentofherlife。Iwasmuchpleasedwiththemarchioness’sprudence，foritwasimportantthatsheshouldhavenosuspicionsabouttheUndine，thesightandthetouchofwhomwerenecessarytomeinthegreatworkIwasabouttoundertake。
Afterdining，anddischargingalltheceremoniesandoracleswhichwerenecessarytocalmthesoulofmypoorvictim，IwenttoabankerandgotabillofahundredlouisonLyons，totheorderofM。Bono，andIadvisedhimofwhatIhaddone，requestinghimtocashitforPossanoifitwerepresentedonthedaynamedthereon。
IthenwrotetheadviceforPossanototakewithhim，itranasfollows:"M。Bonno，paytoM。Possano，onsight，tohimself，andnottoorder，thesumofonehundredlouis，ifthesepresentsaredeliveredtoyouonthe30thdayofApril，intheyear1763；andafterthedayaforesaidmyordertobecomenullandvoid。"
WiththisletterinmyhandIwenttothetraitorwhohadbeenlancedanhourbefore。
"You’reaninfamoustraitor，"Ibegan，"butasMadamed’Urfeknowsofthedisgracefulstateyouareinshewouldnotsomuchasreadyourletter。Ihavereadit，andbywayofrewardIgiveyoutwoalternativeswhichyoumustdecideonimmediately。Iaminahurry。
Youwilleithergotothehospital——forwecan’thavepestiferousfellowslikeyouhere——orstartforLyonsinanhour。Youmustnotstopontheway，forIhaveonlygivenyousixtyhours，whichisampletodofortypostsin。AssoonasyougettoLyonspresentthistoM。Bono，andhewillgiveyouahundredlouis。Thisisapresentfromme，andafterwardsIdon’tcarewhatyoudo，asyouarenolongerinmyservice。YoucanhavethecarriageIboughtforyouatAntibes，andthereistwenty—fivelouisforthejourney:thatisall。
Makeyourchoice，butIwarnyouthatifyougotothehospitalI
shallonlygiveyouamonth’swages，asIdismissyoufrommyservicenowatthisinstant。"
Afteramoment’sreflectionhesaidhewouldgotoLyons，thoughitwouldbeattheriskofhislife，forhewasveryill。
"Youmustreaptherewardofyourtreachery，"saidI，"andifyoudieitwillbeagoodthingforyourfamily，whowillcomeinforwhatI
havegivenyou，butnotwhatIshouldhavegivenyouifyouhadbeenafaithfulservant。"
IthenlefthimandtoldClairmonttopackuphistrunk。Iwarnedtheinn—keeperofhisdepartureandtoldhimtogettheposthorsesreadyassoonaspossible。
IthengaveClairmontthelettertoBonoandtwenty—fiveLouis，forhimtohandthemovertoPossanowhenhewasinthecarriageandreadytogooff。
WhenIhadthussuccessfullyaccomplishedmydesignsbymeansoftheall—powerfullever，gold，whichIknewhowtolavishintimeofneed，Iwasoncemorefreeformyamours。IwantedtoinstructthefairMarcoline，withwhomIgrewmoreinloveeveryday。ShekepttellingmethatherhappinesswouldbecompleteifsheknewFrench，andifshehadtheslightesthopethatIwouldtakehertoEnglandwithme。
Ihadneverflatteredherthatmylovewouldgoasfarasthat，butyetIcouldnothelpfeelingsadatthethoughtofpartingfromabeingwhoseemedmadetotastevoluptuouspleasures，andtocommunicatethemwithtenfoldintensitytothemanofherchoice。
ShewasdelightedtohearthatIhadgotridofmytwoodiouscompanions，andbeggedmetotakehertothetheatre，"for，"saidshe，"everybodyisaskingwhoandwhatIam，andmylandlord’snieceisquiteangrywithmebecauseIwillnotlethertellthetruth"
IpromisedIwouldtakeheroutinthecourseofthenextweek，butthatforthepresentIhadamostimportantaffaironhand，inwhichIhadneedofherassistance。
"Iwilldowhateveryouwish，dearest。"
"Verygood！thenlistentome。Iwillgetyouadisguisewhichwillmakeyoulooklikeasmartfootman，andinthatcostumeyouwillcallonthemarchionesswithwhomIlive，atthehourIshallnametoyou，andyouwillgiveheranote。Haveyousufficientcourageforthat？"
"Certainly。Willyoubethere？"
"Yes。Shewillspeak，butyoumustpretendtobedumb，asthenoteyoubringwithyouwilltellus；asalsothatyouhavecometowaituponuswhilewearebathing。Shewillaccepttheoffer，andwhenshetellsyoutoundressherfromheadtofootyouwilldoso。Whenyouhavedone，undressyourself，andgentlyrubthemarchionessfromthefeettothewaist，butnothigher。InthemeanwhileIshallhavetakenoffmyclothes，andwhileIholdherinacloseembraceyoumuststandsothatIcanseeallyourcharms。
"Further，sweetheart，whenIleaveyouyoumustgentlywashhergenerativeorgans，andafterwardswipethemwithafinetowel。Thendothesametome，andtrytobringmetolifeagain。Ishallproceedtoembracethemarchionessasecondtime，andwhenitisoverwashheragainandembraceher，andthencomeandembracemeandkissinyourVenetianmannertheinstrumentwithwhichthesacrificeisconsummated。Ishallthenclaspthemarchionesstomyarmsathirdtime，andyoumustcaressustilltheactiscomplete。Finally，youwillwashusforthethirdtime，thendress，takewhatshegivesyouandcomehere，whereIwillmeetyouinthecourseofanhour。"
"Youmayreckononmyfollowingallyourinstructions，butyoumustseethatthetaskwillberathertryingtomyfeelings。"
"Notmoretryingthantomine。Icoulddonothingwiththeoldwomanifyouwerenotpresent。"
"Issheveryold？"
"Nearlyseventy。"
"Mypoorsweetheart！Idopityyou。Butafterthispainfuldutyisoveryoumustsuphereandsleepwithme。"
"Certainly。"
OnthedayappointedIhadalongandfriendlyinterviewwiththefatherofmylateniece。Itoldhimallabouthisdaughter，onlysuppressingthehistoryofourownamours，whichwerenotsuitableforafather’sears。Theworthymanembracedmeagainandagain，callingmehisbenefactor，andsayingthatIhaddonemoreforhisdaughterthanhewouldhavedonehimself，whichinasensewasperhapstrue。Hetoldmethathehadreceivedanotherletterfromthefather，andaletterfromtheyoungmanhimself，whowroteinthemosttenderandrespectfulmannerpossible。
"Hedoesn’taskanythingaboutthedower，"saidhe，"awonderfulthingthesedays，butIwillgiveherahundredandfiftythousandfrancs，forthemarriageisanexcellentone，aboveallaftermypoorsimpleton’sescape。AllMarseillesknowsthefatherofherfuturehusband，andto—morrowImeantotellthewholestorytomywife，andIamsureshewillforgivethepoorgirlasIhavedone。"
Ihadtopromisetobepresentatthewedding，whichwastobeatMadameAudibert’s。Thatladyknowingmetobeveryfondofplay，andtherebeingagooddealofplaygoingonatherhouse，wonderedwhyshedidnotseemoreofme；butIwasatMarseillestocreateandnottodestroy:thereisatimeforeverything。
IhadagreenvelvetjacketmadeforMarcoline，withbreechesofthesameandsilver—lacegarters，greensilkstockings，andfineleathershoesofthesamecolour。Herfineblackhairwasconfinedinanetofgreensilk，withasilverbrooch。Inthisdressthevoluptuousandwell—roundedformofMarcolinewasdisplayedtosomuchadvantage，thatifshehadshewnherselfinthestreetallMarseilleswouldhaverunafterher，for，inspiteofherman’sdress，anybodycouldseethatshewasagirl。Itookhertomyroomsinherordinarycostume，toshewherwhereshewouldhavetohideaftertheoperationwasover。
BySaturdaywehadfinishedalltheconsecrations，andtheoraclefixedtheregenerationofSemiramisforthefollowingTuesday，inthehoursofthesun，Venus，andMercury，whichfolloweachotherintheplanetarysystemofthemagicians，asalsoinPtolemy’s。Thesehourswereinordinaryparlancetheninth，tenth，andeleventhoftheday，sincethedaybeingaTuesday，thefirsthourwassacredtoMars。
AndasatthebeginningofMaythehoursaresixty—fiveminuteslong，thereader，howeverlittleofamagicianhemaybe，willunderstandthatIhadtoperformthegreatworkonMadamed’Urfe，beginningathalf—pasttwoandendingatfiveminutestosix。Ihadtakenplentyoftime，asIexpectedIshouldhavegreatneedofit。
OntheMondaynight，atthehourofthemoon，IhadtakenMadamed’Urfetothesea—shore，Clairmontfollowingbehindwiththeboxcontainingtheofferings，whichweighedfiftypounds。
Iwascertainthatnobodycouldseeus，andItoldmycompanionthatthetimewascome。ItoldClairmonttoputdowntheboxbesideus，andtogoandawaitusatthecarriage。WhenwewerealoneweaddressedasolemnprayertoSelenis，andthentothegreatsatisfactionofthemarchionesstheboxwasconsignedtotheaddress。
Mysatisfactionhoweverwasstillgreaterthanhers，fortheboxcontainedfiftypoundsoflead。Therealbox，containingthetreasure，wascomfortablyhiddeninmyroom。
Whenwegotbacktothe"TreizeCantons，"IleftMadamed’Urfealone，tellingherthatIwouldreturntothehotelwhenIhadperformedmyconjurationstothemoon，atthesamehourandinthesameplaceinwhichIhadperformedthesevenconsecrations。
Ispokethetruth。IwenttoMarcoline，andwhileshewasputtingonherdisguiseIwroteonasheetofwhitepaper，inlargeandodd—
lookingletters，thefollowingsentences，using，insteadofink，rock—alum:
"Iamdumbbutnotdeaf。IamcomefromtheRhonetobatheyou。ThehourofOromasishasbegun。"
"Thisisthenoteyouaretogivetothemarchioness，"Isaid，"whenyouappearbeforeher。"
Aftersupperwewalkedtothehotelandgotinwithoutanyoneseeingus。IhidMarcolineinalargecupboard，andthenputtingonmydressing—gownIwenttothemarchionesstoinformherthatSelenishadfixedthenextdayforthehourofregeneration，andthatwemustbecarefultofinishbeforethehourofthemoonbegan，asotherwisetheoperationwouldbeannulledoratleastgreatlyenfeebled。
"Youmusttakecare，"Iadded，"thatthebathbeherebesideyourbed，andthatBrougnoledoesnotinterruptus。"
"Iwilltellhertogoout。ButSelenispromisedtosendanUndine。"
"True，butIhavenotyetseensuchabeing。"
"Asktheoracle。"
"Willingly。"
SheherselfaskedthequestionimploringParalisnottodelaythetimeofherregeneration，eventhoughtheUndinewerelacking，sinceshecouldverywellbatheherself。
"ThecommandsofOromasischangenot，"camethereply；"andinthatyouhavedoubtedthemyouhavesinned。"
Atthisthemarchionessaroseandperformedanexpiatorysacrifice，anditappeared，onconsultingtheoracle，thatOromasiswassatisfied。
Theoldladydidnotmovemypitysomuchasmylaughter。Shesolemnlyembracedmeandsaid，——
"To—morrow，Galtinardus，youwillbemyspouseandmyfather。"
WhenIgotbacktomyroomandhadshutthedoor，IdrewtheUndineoutofherplaceofconcealment。Sheundressed，andassheknewthatIshouldbeobligedtohusbandmyforces，sheturnedherbackonme，andwepassedthenightwithoutgivingeachotherasinglekiss，forasparkwouldhavesetusallablaze。
Nextmorning，beforesummoningClairmont，Igaveherherbreakfast，andthenreplacedherinthecupboard。Lateron，Igaveherherinstructionsoveragain，tellinghertodoeverythingwithcalmprecision，acheerfulface，and，aboveall，silence。
"Don’tbeafraid，"saidshe，"Iwillmakenomistakes。"
Asweweretodineatnoonexactly，Iwenttolookforthemarchioness，butshewasnotinherroom，thoughthebathwasthere，andthebedwhichwastobeouraltarwasprepared。
Afewmomentsafter，themarchionesscameoutofherdressing—room，exquisitelypainted，herhairarrangedwiththechoicestlace，andlookingradiant。Herbreasts，whichfortyyearsbeforehadbeenthefairestinallFrance，werecoveredwithalaceshawl，herdresswasoftheantiquekind，butofextremelyrichmaterial，herear—ringswereemeralds，andanecklaceofsevenaquamarinesofthefinestwater，fromwhichhunganenormousemerald，surroundedbytwentybrilliants，eachweighingacaratandahalf，completedhercostume。
Sheworeonherfingerthecarbunclewhichshethoughtworthamillionfrancs，butwhichwasreallyonlyasplendidimitation。
SeeingSemiramisthusdeckedoutforthesacrifice，Ithoughtitmyboundendutytoofferhermyhomage。Iwouldhavekneltbeforeherandkissedherhand，butshewouldnotletme，andinsteadopenedherarmsandstrainedmetoherbreast。
AftertellingBrougnolethatshecouldgoouttillsixo’clock，wetalkedoverourmysteriestillthedinnerwasbroughtin。
Clairmontwastheonlypersonprivilegedtoseeusatdinner，atwhichSemiramiswouldonlyeatfish。Athalf—pastoneItoldClairmontIwasnotathometoanyone，andgivinghimalouisItoldhimtogoandamusehimselftilltheevening。
Themarchionessbegantobeuneasy，andIpretendedtobeso，too。I
lookedatmywatch，calculatedhowtheplanetaryhourswereproceeding，andsaidfromtimetotime，——
"WearestillinthehourofMars，thatofthesunhasnotyetcommenced。"
Atlastthetime—piecestruckhalf—pasttwo，andintwominutesafterwardsthefairandsmilingUndinewasseenadvancingintotheroom。Shecamealongwithmeasuredsteps，andkneltbeforeMadamed’Urfe，andgaveherthepapershecarried。SeeingthatIdidnotrise，themarchionessremainedseated，butsheraisedthespiritwithagraciousairandtookthepaperfromher。Shewassurprised，however，tofindthatitwasallwhite。
Ihastenedtogiveherapentoconsulttheoracleonthesubject，andafterIhadmadeapyramidofherquestion，sheinterpreteditandfoundtheanswer:
"Thatwhichiswritteninwatermustbereadinwater。"
"Iunderstandnow，"saidshe，andgoingtothebathsheplungedthepaperintoit，andthenreadinstillwhiterletters:"Iamdumb，butnotdeaf。IamcomefromtheRhonetobatheyou。ThehourofOromasishasbegun。"
"Thenbatheme，divinebeing，"saidSemiramis，puttingdownthepaperandsittingonthebed。
WithperfectexactitudeMarcolineundressedthemarchioness，anddelicatelyplacedherfeetinthewater，andthen，inatwinklingshehadundressedherself，andwasinthebath，besideMadamed’Urfe。
Whatacontrasttherewasbetweenthetwobodies；butthesightoftheonekindledtheflamewhichtheotherwastoquench。
AsIgazedonthebeautifulgirl，I，too，undressed，andwhenIwasreadytotakeoffmyshirtIspokeasfollows:"Odivinebeing，wipethefeetofSemiramis，andbethewitnessofmyunionwithher，tothegloryoftheimmortalHoromadis，KingoftheSalamanders。"
ScarcelyhadIutteredmyprayerwhenitwasgranted，andI
consummatedmyfirstunionwithSemiramis，gazingonthecharmsofMarcoline，whichIhadneverseentosuchadvantagebefore。
Semiramishadbeenhandsome，butshewasthenwhatIamnow，andwithouttheUndinetheoperationwouldhavefailed。Nevertheless，Semiramiswasaffectionate，clean，andsweetineveryrespect，andhadnothingdisgustingabouther，soIsucceeded。
Whenthemilkhadbeenpouredforthuponthealtar，Isaid，——
"WemustnowawaitthehourofVenus。"
TheUndineperformedtheablutions，embracedthebride，andcametoperformthesameofficeforme。
Semiramiswasinanecstasyofhappiness，andasshepointedouttomethebeautiesoftheUndineIwasobligedtoconfessthatIhadneverseenanymortalwomantobecomparedtoherinbeauty。
Semiramisgrewexcitedbysovoluptuousasight，andwhenthehourofVenusbeganIproceededtothesecondassault，whichwouldbetheseverest，asthehourwasofsixty—fiveminutes。Iworkedforhalfanhour，steamingwithperspiration，andtiringSemiramis，withoutbeingabletocometothepoint。StillIwasashamedtotrickher。
She，thevictim，wipedthedropsofsweatfrommyforehead，whiletheUndine，seeingmyexhaustion，kindledanewtheflamewhichthecontactofthatagedbodyhaddestroyed。Towardstheendofthehour，asIwasexhaustedandstillunsuccessful，Iwasobligedtodeceiveherbymakinguseofthosemovementswhichareincidentaltosuccess。AsIwentoutofthebattlewithallthesignsofmystrengthstillaboutme，Semiramiscouldhavenodoubtsastotherealityofmysuccess，andeventheUndinewasdeceivedwhenshecametowashme。Butthethirdhourhadcome，andwewereobligedtosatisfyMercury。Wespentaquarterofthetimeinthebath，whiletheUndinedelightedSemiramisbycaresseswhichwouldhavedelightedtheregentofFrance，ifhehadeverknownofthem。Thegoodmarchioness，believingtheseendearmentstobepeculiartoriverspirits，waspleasedwitheverything，andbeggedtheUndinetoshewmethesamekindness。Marcolineobeyed，andlavishedonmealltheresourcesoftheVenetianschooloflove。ShewasaperfectLesbian，andhercaresseshavingsoonrestoredmetoallmyvigourIwasencouragedtoundertaketosatisfyMercury。Iproceededtothework，butalas！itwasallinvain。IsawhowmyfruitlesseffortsvexedtheUndine，andperceivingthatMadamed’Urfehadhadenough，Iagaintookthecourseofdeceivingherbypretendedecstaciesandmovements，followedbycompleterest。SemiramisafterwardstoldmethatmyexertionsshewedthatIwassomethingmorethanmortal。
Ithrewmyselfintothebath，andunderwentmythirdablution，thenI
dressed。Marcolinewashedthemarchionessandproceededtoclotheher，anddidsowithsuchagracefulcharmthatMadamed’Urfefollowedtheinspirationofhergoodgenius，andthrewhermagnificentnecklaceovertheUndine’sneck。AfterapartingVenetiankissshevanished，andwenttoherhidingplaceinthecupboard。
Semiramisaskedtheoracleiftheoperationhadbeensuccessful。Theanswerwasthatsheborewithinhertheseedofthesun，andthatinthebeginningofnextFebruaryshewouldbebroughttobedofanotherselfofthesamesexasthecreator；butinorderthattheevilgeniimightnotbeabletodoheranyharmshemustkeepquietinherbedforahundredandsevenhoursinsuccession。
Theworthymarchionesswasdelightedtoreceivethisorder，andlookeduponitasagoodomen，forIhadtiredherdreadfully。I
kissedher，sayingthatIwasgoingtothecountrytocollecttogetherwhatremainedofthesubstancesthatIhadusedinmyceremonies，butIpromisedtodinewithheronthemorrow。
IshutmyselfupinmyroomwiththeUndine，andweamusedourselvesasbestwecouldtillitwasnight，forshecouldnotgooutwhileitwaslightinherspiritualcostume。Itookoffmyhandsomeweddinggarment，andassoonasitwasduskwecreptout，andwentawaytoMarcoline’slodginginahackneycoach，carryingwithustheplanetaryofferingswhichIhadgainedsocleverly。
Weweredyingofhunger，butthedelicioussupperwhichwaswaitingforusbroughtustolifeagain。AssoonaswegotintotheroomMarcolinetookoffhergreenclothesandputonherwoman’sdress，saying，——
"Iwasnotborntowearthebreeches。Here，takethebeautifulnecklacethemadwomangaveme！"
"Iwillsellit，fairUndine，andyoushallhavetheproceeds。"
"Isitworthmuch？"
"Atleastathousandsequins。BythetimeyougetbacktoVeniceyouwillbeworthatleastfivethousandducats，andyouwillbeabletogetahusbandandlivewithhiminacomfortablestyle。"
"Keepitall，Idon’twantit；Iwantyou。Iwillneverceasetoloveyou；Iwilldowhateveryoutellme，andIpromisenevertobejealous。Iwillcareforyou——yes，asifyouweremyson。"
"Donotletussayanythingmoreaboutit，fairMarcoline，butletusgotobed，foryouhaveneverinspiredmewithsomuchardourasnow。"
"Butyoumustbetired。"
"Yes，butnotexhaustion，forIwasonlyabletoperformthedistillationonce。"
"Ithoughtyousacrificedtwiceonthatoldaltar。Pooroldwoman！
sheisstillpretty，andIhavenodoubtthatfiftyyearsagoshewasoneofthefirstbeautiesinFrance。Howfoolishofhertobethinkingofloveatthatage。"
"Youexcitedme，butsheundidyourworkevenmorequickly。"
"Areyoualwaysobligedtohave——agirlbesideyouwhenyoumakelovetoher？"
"No；before，therewasnoquestionofmakingason。"
"What？youaregoingtomakeherpregnant？That’sridiculous！Doessheimaginethatshehasconceived？"
"Certainly；andthehopemakesherhappy。"
"Whatamadidea！Butwhydidyoutrytodoitthreetimes？"
"Ithoughttoshewmystrength，andthatifIgazedonyouIshouldnotfail；butIwasquitemistaken。"
"Ipityyouforhavingsufferedsomuch。"
"Youwillrenewmystrength。"
Asamatteroffact，Idonotknowwhethertoattributeittothedifferencebetweentheoldandtheyoung，butIspentamostdeliciousnightwiththebeautifulVenetian——anightwhichIcanonlycomparetothoseIpassedatParmawithHenriette，andatMuranwiththebeautifulnun。Ispentfourteenhoursinbed，ofwhichfouratleastweredevotedtoexpiatingtheinsultIhadofferedtolove。
WhenIhaddressedandtakenmychocolateItoldMarcolinetodressherselfwithelegance，andtoexpectmeintheeveningjustbeforetheplaybegan。Icouldseethatshewasintenselydelightedwiththeprospect。
IfoundMadamed’Urfeinbed，dressedwithcareandinthefashionofayoungbride，andwithasmileofsatisfactiononherfacewhichI
hadneverremarkedtherebefore。
"Tothee，belovedGaltinardus，Ioweallmyhappiness，"saidshe，assheembracedme。
"Iamhappytohavecontributedtoit，divineSemiramis，butyoumustrememberIamonlytheagentofthegenii。"
Thereuponthemarchionessbegantoargueinthemostsensiblemanner，butunfortunatelythefoundationofherargumentwaswhollychimerical。
"Marryme，"saidshe；"youwillthenbeabletobegovernorofthechild，whowillbeyourson。Inthismanneryouwillkeepallmypropertyforme，includingwhatIshallhavefrommybrotherM。dePontcarre，whoisoldandcannotlivemuchlonger。IfyoudonotcareformeinFebruarynext，whenIshallbebornagain，intowhathandsshallIfall！Ishallbecalledabastard，andmyincomeoftwenty—fourthousandfrancswillbelosttome。Thinkoverit，dearGaltinardus。ImusttellyouthatIfeelalreadyasifIwereaman。
IconfessIaminlovewiththeUndine，andIshouldliketoknowwhetherIshallbeabletosleepwithherinfourteenorfifteenyearstime。IshallbesoifOromasiswillit，andthenIshallbehappyindeed。Whatacharmingcreaturesheis？Haveyoueverseenawomanlikeher？Whatapitysheisdumb！"
"She，nodoubt，hasamalewater—spiritforalover。Butallofthemaredumb，sinceitisimpossibletospeakinthewater。Iwondersheisnotdeafaswell。Ican’tthinkwhyyoudidn’ttouchher。Thesoftnessofherskinissomethingwonderful——velvetandsatinarenottobecomparedtoit！Andthenherbreathissosweet！HowdelightedIshouldbeifIcouldconversewithsuchanexquisitebeing。"
"DearGaltinardus，IbegyouwillconsulttheoracletofindoutwhereIamtobebroughttobed，andifyouwon’tmarrymeIthinkI
hadbettersaveallIhavethatImayhavesomeprovisionwhenIambornagain，forwhenIambornIshallknownothing，andmoneywillbewantedtoeducateme。Bysellingthewholealargesummightberealizedwhichcouldbeputoutatinterest。Thustheinterestwouldsufficewithoutthecapitalbeingtouched。"
"Theoraclemustbeourguide，"saidI。"Youwillbemyson，andI
willneverallowanyonetocallyouabastard。"
Thesublimemadwomanwasquietbythisassurance。
DoubtlessmanyareaderwillsaythatifIhadbeenanhonestmanI
shouldhaveundeceivedher，butIcannotagreewiththem；itwouldhavebeenimpossible，andIconfessthatevenifithadbeenpossibleIwouldnothavedoneso，foritwouldonlyhavemademeunhappy。
IhadtoldMarcolinetodresswithelegance，andIputononeofmyhandsomestsuitstoaccompanyhertothetheatre。ChancebroughtthetwosistersRangoni，daughtersoftheRomanconsul，intoourbox。AsIhadmadetheiracquaintanceonmyfirstvisittoMarseilles，I
introducedMarcolinetothemasmyniece，whoonlyspokeItalian。AsthetwoyoungladiesspokethetongueofTassoalso，Marcolinewashighlydelighted。Theyoungersister，whowasbyfarthehandsomerofthetwo，afterwardsbecamethewifeofPrinceGonzagaSolferino。
Theprincewasaculturedman，andevenagenius，butverypoor。ForallthathewasatruesonofGonzaga，beingasonofLeopold，whowasalsopoor，andagirloftheMedinifamily，sistertotheMediniwhodiedinprisonatLondonintheyear1787。
BabetRangoni，thoughpoor，deservedtobecomesprincess，forshehadalltheairsandmannersofone。SheshinesunderhernameofRangoniamongsttheprincessandprincessesofthealmanacs。HervainhusbandisdelightedathiswifebeingthoughttobelongtotheillustriousfamilyofMedini——aninnocentfeeling，whichdoesneithergoodnorharm。ThesamepublicationsturnMediniintoMedici，whichisequallyharmless。Thisspeciesofliearisesfromtheidioticprideofthenobleswhothinkthemselvesraisedabovetherestofhumanitybytheirtitleswhichtheyhaveoftenacquiredbysomeactofbaseness。Itisofnouseinterferingwiththemonthispoint，sinceallthingsarefinallyappreciatedattheirtruevalue，andtheprideofthenobilityiseasilydiscountedwhenoneseesthemastheyreallyare。
PrinceGonzagaSolferino，whomIsawatVeniceeighteenyearsago，livedonapensionallowedhimbytheempress。Ihopethelateemperordidnotdeprivehimofit，asitwaswelldeservedbythisgeniusandhisknowledgeofliterature。