AttheplayMarcolinedidnothingbutchatterwithBabetRangoni，whowantedmetobringthefairVenetiantoseeher，butIhadmyownreasonsfornotdoingso。
IwasthinkinghowIcouldsendMadamed’UrfetoLyons，forIhadnofurtheruseforheratMarseilles，andshewasoftenembarrassing。
Forinstance，onthethirddayafterherregeneration，sherequestedmetoaskParaliswhereshewastodie——thatis，tobebroughttobed。Imadetheoraclereplythatshemustsacrificetothewater—
spiritsonthebanksoftworivers，atthesamehour，andthatafterwardsthequestionofherlying—inwouldberesolved。TheoracleaddedthatImustperformthreeexpiatorysacrificestoSaturn，onaccountofmytooharshtreatmentofthefalseQuerilinthos，andthatSemiramisneednottakepartintheseceremonies，thoughsheherselfmustperformthesacrificestothewater—spirits。
AsIwaspretendingtothinkofaplacewheretworiversweresufficientlyneartoeachothertofulfiltherequirementsoftheoracle，SemiramisherselfsuggestedthatLyonswaswateredbytheRhoneandtheSaone，andthatitwouldbeanexcellentplacefortheceremony。Asmaybeimagined，Iimmediatelyagreedwithher。OnaskingParalisiftherewereanypreparationstobemade，herepliedthatitWouldbenecessarytopourabottleofsea—waterintoeachriverafortnightbeforethesacrifice，andthatthisceremonywastobeperformedbySemiramisinperson，atthefirstdiurnalhourofthemoon。
"Then，"saidthemarchioness，"thebottlesmustbefilledhere，fortheotherFrenchportsarefartheroff。IwillgoassoonaseverI
canleavemybed，andwillwaitforyouatLyons；forasyouhavetoperformexpiatorysacrificestoSaturninthisplace，youcannotcomewithme。"
Iassented，pretendingsorrowatnotbeingabletoaccompanyher。
ThenextmorningIbroughthertwowell—sealedbottlesofsea—water，tellingherthatshewastopourthemoutintothetworiversonthe15thofMay（thecurrentmonth）。Wefixedherdepartureforthe11th，andIpromisedtorejoinherbeforetheexpirationofthefortnight。Igaveherthehoursofthemooninwriting，andalsodirectionsforthejourney。
AssoonasthemarchionesshadgoneIleftthe"TreizeCantons"andwenttolivewithMarcoline，givingherfourhundredandsixtylouis，which，withthehundredandfortyshehadwonatbiribi，gaveheratotalofsixhundredlouis，orfourteenthousandfourhundredfrancs。
Withthissumshecouldlookthefutureinthefacefearlessly。
ThedayafterMadamed’Urfe’sdeparture，thebetrothedofMdlle。
CrosinarrivedatMarseilleswithaletterfromRosalie，whichhehandedtomeonthedayofhisarrival。Shebeggedmeinthenameofourcommonhonourtointroducethebearerinpersontothefatherofthebetrothed。Rosaliewasright，butastheladywasnotmyrealniecethereweresomedifficultiesintheway。IwelcomedtheyoungmanandtoldhimthatIwouldfirsttakehimtoMadameAudibert，andthatwecouldthengotogethertohisfather—in—lawinprospective。
TheyoungGenoesehadgonetothe"TreizeCantons，"wherehethoughtIwasstaying。Hewasdelightedtofindhimselfsonearthegoalofhisdesires，andhisecstacyreceivedanewmomentumwhenhesawhowcordiallyMadameAudibertreceivedhim。Weallgotintomycarriageanddrovetothefather’swhogavehimanexcellentreception，andthenpresentedhimtohiswife，whowasalreadyfriendlydisposedtowardshim。
Iwaspleasantlysurprisedwhenthisgoodandsensiblemanintroducedmetohiswifeashiscousin，theChevalierdeSeingalt，whohadtakensuchcareoftheirdaughter。Thegoodwifeandgoodmother，herhusband’sworthypartner，stretchedoutherhandtome，andallmytroublewasover。
Mynewcousinimmediatelysentanexpressmessengertohissister，tellingherthatheandhiswife，hisfutureson—in—law，MadameAudibert，andacousinshehadnotmetbefore，wouldcomeanddinewithheronthefollowingday。Thisdoneheinvitedus，andMadameAudibertsaidthatshewouldescortus。ShetoldhimthatIhadanotherniecewithme，ofwhomhisdaughterwasveryfond，andwouldbedelightedtoseeagain。Theworthymanwasoverjoyedtobeabletoincreasehisdaughter’shappiness。
I，too，waspleasedwithMadameAudibert’stactandthoughtfulness；
andasmakingMarcolinehappywastomakemehappyalso，Iexpressedmygratitudetoherinverywarmterms。
ItooktheyoungGenoesetotheplay，toMarcoline’sdelight，forshewouldhavelikedtheFrenchverymuchifshecouldhaveunderstoodthem。Wehadanexcellentsuppertogether，inthecourseofwhichI
toldMarcolineofthepleasurewhichawaitedheronthemorrow。I
thoughtshewouldhavegonewildwithjoy。
ThenextdaywewereatMadameAudibert’saspunctuallyasAchillesonthefieldofbattle。TheladyspokeItalianwell，andwascharmedwithMarcoline，reproachingmefornothavingintroducedherbefore。
AtelevenwegottoSt。Louis，andmyeyeswerecharmedwiththedramaticsituation。Mylateniecehadanairofdignitywhichbecamehertoadmiration，andreceivedherfuturehusbandwithgreatgraciousness；andthen，afterthankingmewithapleasantsmileforintroducinghimtoherfather，shepassedfromdignitytogaiety，andgavehersweetheartahundredkisses。
Thedinnerwasdelicious，andpassedoffmerrily；butIalonepreservedatendermelancholy，thoughIlaughedtomyselfwhentheyaskedmewhyIwassad。IwasthoughttobesadbecauseIdidnottalkinmyusualvivaciousmanner，butfarfrombeingreallysadthatwasoneofthehappiestmomentsofmylife。Mywholebeingwasabsorbedinthecalmdelightwhichfollowsagoodaction。Iwastheauthorofthecomedywhichpromisedsuchahappyending。Iwaspleasedwiththethoughtthatmyinfluenceintheworldwasmoreforgoodthanforill，andthoughIwasnotbornakingyetIcontrivedtomakemanypeoplehappy。Everyoneattablewasindebtedtomeforsomepartoftheirhappiness，andthefather，themother，andthebetrothedpairwhollyso。ThisthoughtmademefeelapeacefulcalmwhichIcouldonlyenjoyinsilence。
Mdlle。CrosinreturnedtoMarseilleswithherfather，hermother，andherfuturehusband，whomthefatherwishedtotakeuphisabodewiththem。IwentbackwithMadameAudibert，whomademepromisetobringthedelightfulMarcolinetosupwithher。
Themarriagedependedonthereceiptofaletterfromtheyoungman’sfather，inanswertoonefrommyniece’sfather。Itwillbetakenforgrantedthatwewereallaskedtothewedding，andMarcoline’saffectionformeincreasedeveryday。
WhenwewenttosupwithMadameAudibertwefoundarichandwittyyoungwinemerchantatherhouse。HesatbesideMarcoline，whoentertainedhimwithhersallies；andastheyoungmancouldspeakItalian，andeventheVenetiandialect（forhehadspentayearatVenice），hewasmuchimpressedbythecharmsofmynewniece。
Ihavealwaysbeenjealousofmymistresses；butwhenarivalpromisestomarrythemandgivethemagoodestablishment，jealousygiveswaytoamoregenerousfeeling。ForthemomentIsatisfiedmyselfbyaskingMadameAudibertwhohewas，andIwasdelightedtohearthathehadanexcellentreputation，ahundredthousandcrowns，alargebusiness，andcompleteindependence。
Thenextdayhecametoseeusinourboxatthetheatre，andMarcolinereceivedhimverygraciously。WishingtopushthematteronIaskedhimtosupwithus，andwhenhecameIwaswellpleasedwithhismannersandhisintelligence；toMarcolinehewastenderbutrespectful。OnhisdepartureItoldhimIhopedhewouldcomeandseeusagain，andwhenwewerealoneIcongratulatedMarcolineonherconquest，andshewedherthatshemightsucceedalmostaswellasMdlle。Crosin。Butinsteadofbeinggratefulshewasfuriously，angry。
"Ifyouwanttogetridofme，"saidshe，"sendmebacktoVenice，butdon’ttalktomeaboutmarrying。"
"Calmyourself，myangel！Igetridofyou？Whatanidea！Hasmybehaviourledyoutosupposethatyouareinmyway？Thishandsome，well—educated，andrichyoungmanhascomeundermynotice。Iseehelovesyouandyoulikehim，andasIloveyouandwishtoseeyoushelteredfromthestormsoffortune，andasIthinkthispleasantyoungFrenchmanwouldmakeyouhappy，Ihavepointedouttoyoutheseadvantages，butinsteadofbeinggratefulyouscoldme。Donotweep，sweetheart，yougrievemyverysoul！"
"IamweepingbecauseyouthinkthatIcanlovehim。"
"Itmightbeso，dearest，andwithoutmyhonourtakinganyhurt；butletussaynomoreaboutitandgetintobed。"
Marcoline’stearschangedtosmilesandkisses，andwesaidnomoreabouttheyoungwinemerchant。Thenextdayhecametoourboxagain，butthescenehadchanged；shewaspolitebutreserved，andI
darednotaskhimtosupperasIhaddonethenightbefore。WhenwehadgothomeMarcolinethankedmefornotdoingso，addingthatshehadbeenafraidIwould。
"Whatyousaidlastnightisasufficientguideformeforthefuture。"
InthemorningMadameAudibertcalledonbehalfofthewinemerchanttoaskustosupwithhim。IturnedtowardsthefairVenetian，andguessingmythoughtsshehastenedtoreplythatshewouldbehappytogoanywhereincompanywithMadameAudibert。Thatladycameforusintheevening，andtookustotheyoungman’shouse，wherewefoundamagnificentsupper，butnootherguestsawaitingus。Thehousewasluxuriouslyfurnished，itonlylackedamistress。Themasterdividedhisattentionbetweenthetwoladies，andMarcolinelookedravishing。
Everythingconvincedmethatshehadkindledtheardouroftheworthyyoungwinemerchant。
ThenextdayIreceivedanotefromMadameAudibert，askingmetocallonher。WhenIwentIfoundshewantedtogivemyconsenttothemarriageofMarcolinewithherfriend。
"Theproposalisaveryagreeableonetome，"Ianswered，"andI
wouldwillinglygiveherthirtythousandfrancsasadowry，butIcanhavenothingtodowiththematterpersonally。Iwillsendhertoyou；andifyoucanwinheroveryoumaycountonmyword，butdonotsaythatyouarespeakingonmybehalf，forthatmightspoileverything。"
"Iwillcomeforher，andifyoulikesheshalldinewithme，andyoucantakehertotheplayintheevening。"
MadameAudibertcamethefollowingday，andMarcolinewenttodinnerwithher。Icalledforheratfiveo’clock，andfindingherlookingpleasedandhappyIdidnotknowwhattothink。AsMadameAudibertdidnottakemeasideIstifledmycuriosityandwentwithMarcolinetothetheatre，withoutknowingwhathadpassed。
OnthewayMarcolinesangthepraisesofMadameAudibert，butdidnotsayawordoftheproposalshemusthavemadetoher。Aboutthemiddleofthepiece，however，IthoughtIsawtheexplanationoftheriddle，fortheyoungmanwasinthepit，anddidnotcometoourboxthoughthereweretwoemptyplaces。
WereturnedhomewithoutawordaboutthemerchantorMadameAudibert，butasIknewinmyownmindwhathadhappened，Ifeltdisposedtobegrateful，andIsawthatMarcolinewasoverjoyedtofindmemoreaffectionatethanever。Atlast，amidstouramorousassaults，Marcoline，feelinghowdearlyIlovedher，toldmewhathadpassedbetweenherandMadameAudibert。
"Shespoketomesokindlyandsosensibly，"saidshe，"butI
contentedmyselfwithsayingthatIwouldnevermarrytillyoutoldmetodoso。AllthesameIthankyouwithallmyheartforthetenthousandcrownsyouarewillingtogiveme。YouhavetossedtheballtomeandIhavesentitback。IwillgobacktoVenicewheneveryoupleaseifyouwillnottakemetoEnglandwithyou，butIwillnevermarry。Iexpectweshallseenomoreoftheyounggentleman，thoughifIhadnevermetyouImighthavelovedhim。"
Itwasevidentlyallover，andIlikedherforthepartshehadtaken，foramanwhoknowshisownworthisnotlikelytosighlongatthefeetofanobduratelady。
Thewedding—dayofmylateniececameround。Marcolinewasthere，withoutdiamonds，butcladinarichdresswhichsetoffherbeautyandsatisfiedmyvanity。
CHAPTERIV
ILeaveMarseilles——HenrietteatAix——IreneatAvignon——TreacheryofPossano——Madamed’UrfeLeavesLyonTheweddingonlyinterestedmebecauseofthebride。Theplentifulratherthanchoicerepast，thenumerousandnoisycompany，theemptycompliments，thesillyconversation，theroarsoflaughteratverypoorjokes——allthiswouldhavedrivenmetodespairifithadnotbeenforMadameAudibert，whomIdidnotleaveforamoment。
Marcolinefollowedtheyoungbrideaboutlikeashadow，andthelatter，whowasgoingtoGenoainaweek，wantedMarcolinetocomeinhertram，promisingtohavehertakentoVenicebyapersonoftrust，butmysweetheartwouldlistentonoproposalforseparatingherfromme，——
"Iwon’tgo。toVenice，"shesaid，"tillyousendmethere。"
Thesplendoursofherfriend’smarriagedidnotmakeherexperiencetheleastregretathavingrefusedtheyoungwinemerchant。Thebridebeamedwithhappiness，andonmycongratulatinghersheconfessedherjoytobegreat，addingthatitwasincreasedbythefactthatsheoweditalltome。ShewasalsoverygladtobegoingtoGenoa，whereshewassureoffindingatruefriendinRosalie，whowouldsympathizewithher，theirfortuneshavingbeenverysimilar。
ThedayaftertheweddingIbegantomakepreparationsformydeparture。ThefirstthingIdisposedofwastheboxcontainingtheplanetaryofferings。Ikeptthediamondsandpreciousstones，andtookallthegoldandsilvertoRoussedeCosse，whostillheldthesumwhichGreppihadplacedtomycredit。ItookabillofexchangeonTourtonandBauer，forIshouldnotbewantinganymoneyatLyonsasMadamed’Urfewasthere，andconsequentlythethreehundredlouisIhadaboutmewouldbeample。IacteddifferentlywhereMarcolinewasconcerned。Iaddedasufficientsumtohersixhundredlouistogiveheracapitalinroundnumbersoffifteenthousandfrancs。I
gotabilldrawnonLyonsforthatamount，forIintendedatthefirstopportunitytosendherbacktoVenice，andwiththatideahadhertrunkspackedseparatelywithallthelinenanddresseswhichI
hadgivenherinabundance。
Ontheeveofourdeparturewetookleaveofthenewly—marriedcoupleandthewholefamilyatsupper，andwepartedwithtears，promisingeachotheralifelongfriendship。
ThenextdaywesetoutintendingtotravelallnightandnottostoptillwegottoAvignon，butaboutfiveo’clockthechainofthecarriagebroke，andwecouldgonofurtheruntilawheelwrighthadrepairedthedamage。Wesettledourselvesdowntowaitpatiently，andClairmontwenttogetinformationatafinehouseonourright，whichwasapproachedbyanalleyoftrees。AsIhadonlyonepostillion，Ididnotallowhimtoleavehishorsesforamoment。
BeforelongwesawClairmontreappearwithtwoservants，oneofwhominvitedme，onbehalfofhismaster，toawaitthearrivalofthewheelwrightathishouse。ItwouldhavebeenchurlishtorefusethisinvitationwhichwasinthetruespiritofFrenchpoliteness，soleavingClairmontinchargeMarcolineandIbegantowendourwaytowardsthehospitableabode。
Threeladiesandtwogentlemancametomeetus，andoneofthegentlemensaidtheycongratulatedthemselvesonmysmallmishap，sinceitenabledmadamtooffermeherhouseandhospitality。I
turnedtowardstheladywhomthegentlemanhadindicated，andthankedher，saying，thatIhopednottotroubleherlong，butthatIwasdeeplygratefulforherkindness。Shemademeagracefulcurtsy，butIcouldnotmakeoutherfeatures，forastormywindwasblowing，andsheandhertwofriendshaddrawntheirhoodsalmostentirelyovertheirfaces。Marcoline’sbeautifulheadwasuncoveredandherhairstreaminginthebreeze。Sheonlyrepliedbygracefulbowsandsmilestothecomplimentswhichwereaddressedtoheronallsides。
Thegentlemanwhohadfirstaccostedmeaskedme，ashegaveherhisarm，ifsheweremydaughter。MarcolinesmiledandIansweredthatshewasmycousin，andthatwewerebothVenetians。
AFrenchmanissobentonflatteringaprettywomanthathewillalwaysdoso，evenifitbeattheexpenseofathirdparty。NobodycouldreallythinkthatMarcolinewasmydaughter，forthoughIwastwentyyearsolderthanshewas，Ilookedtenyearsyoungerthanmyrealage，andsoMarcolinesmiledsuggestively。
Wewerejustgoingintothehousewhenalargemastiffrantowardsus，chasingaprettyspaniel，andthelady，beingafraidofgettingbitten，begantorun，madeafalsestep，andfelltotheground。Werantohelpher，butshesaidshehadsprainedherankle，andlimpedintothehouseonthearmofoneofthegentlemen。Refreshmentswerebroughtin，andIsawthatMarcolinelookeduneasyinthecompanyofaladywhowastalkingtoher。Ihastenedtoexcuseher，sayingthatshedidnotspeakFrench。Asamatteroffact，MarcolinehadbeguntotalkasortofFrench，butthemostcharminglanguageintheworldwillnotbearbeingspokenbadly，andIhadbeggedhernottospeakatalltillshehadlearnedtoexpressherselfproperly。Itisbettertoremainsilentthantomakestrangerslaughbyoddexpressionsandabsurdequivocations。
Thelesspretty，orrathertheuglier，ofthetwoladiessaidthatitwasastonishingthattheeducationofyoungladieswasneglectedinsuchashockingmanneratVenice。"FancynotteachingthemFrench！"
"Itiscertainlyverywrong，butinmycountryyoungladiesareneithertaughtforeignlanguagesnorroundgames。Theseimportantbranchesofeducationareattendedtoafterwards。"
"ThenyouareaVenetian，too？"
"Yes，madam。"
"Really，Ishouldnothavethoughtso。"
Imadeabowinreturnforthiscompliment，whichinrealitywasonlyaninsult；forifflatteringtomeitwasinsultingtotherestofmyfellow—countrymen，andMarcolinethoughtasmuchforshemadealittlegrimaceaccompaniedbyaknowingsmile。
"IseethattheyoungladyunderstandsFrench，"saidourflatteringfriend，"shelaughsexactlyintherightplace。"
"Yes，sheunderstandsit，andasforherlaughteritwasduetothefactthatsheknowsmetobelikeallotherVenetians。"
"Possibly，butitiseasytoseethatyouhavelivedalongtimeinFrance。"
"Yes，madam，"saidMarcoline；andthesewordsinherprettyVenetianaccentwereapleasuretohear。
Thegentlemanwhohadtakentheladytoherroomsaidthatshefoundherfoottoberatherswollen，andhadgonetobedhopingwewouldallcomeupstairs。
Wefoundherlyinginasplendidbed，placedinanalcovewhichthethickcurtainsofredsatinmadestilldarker。Icouldnotseewhethershewasyoungorold，prettyorugly。IsaidthatIwasverysorrytobetheindirectcauseofhermishap，andsherepliedingoodItalianthatitwasamatterofnoconsequence，andthatshedidnotthinkshecouldpaytoodearfortheprivilegeofentertainingsuchpleasantguests。
"YourladyshipmusthavelivedinVenicetospeakthelanguagewithsomuchcorrectness。"
"No，Ihaveneverbeenthere，butIhaveassociatedagooddealwithVenetians。"
Aservantcameandtoldmethatthewheelwrighthadarrived，andthathewouldtakefourhourstomendmycarriage，soIwentdownstairs。
Themanlivedataquarterofaleague’sdistance，andbytyingthecarriagepolewithropes，Icoulddrivetohisplace，andwaitthereforthecarriagetobemended。Iwasabouttodoso，whenthegentlemanwhodidthehonoursofthehousecameandaskedme，onbehalfofthelady，tosupandpassthenightatherhouse，astogotothewheelwright’swouldbeoutofmyway；themanwouldhavetoworkbynight，Ishouldbeuncomfortable，andtheworkwouldbeilldone。Iassentedtothecountess’sproposal，andhavingagreedwiththemantocomeearlythenextdayandbringhistoolswithhim，I
toldClairmonttotakemybelongingsintotheroomwhichwasassignedtome。
WhenIreturnedtothecountess’sroomIfoundeveryonelaughingatMarcoline’ssallies，whichthecountesstranslated。IwasnotastonishedatseeingthewayinwhichmyfairVenetiancaressedthecountess，butIwasenragedatnotbeingabletoseeher，forIknewMarcolinewouldnottreatanywomaninthatmannerunlessshewerepretty。
Thetablewasspreadinthebedroomofthecountess，whomIhopedtoseeatsupper—time，butIwasdisappointed；forshedeclaredthatshecouldnottakeanything，andallsupper—timeshetalkedtoMarcolineandmyself，shewingintelligence，education，andagreatknowledgeofItalian。Sheletfalltheexpression，"mylatehusband，"soIknewherforawidow，butasIdidnotdaretoaskanyquestions，myknowledgeendedatthatpoint。WhenClairmontwasundressingmehetoldmehermarriedname，butasIknewnothingofthefamilythatwasnoadditiontomyinformation。
Whenwehadfinishedsupper，Marcolinetookupheroldpositionbythecountess’sbed，andtheytalkedsovolublytooneanotherthatnobodyelsecouldgetinaword。
Whenpolitenessbademeretire，mypretendedcousinsaidshewasgoingtosleepwiththecountess。Asthelatterlaughinglyassented，Irefrainedfromtellingmymadcapthatshewastooforward，andI
couldseebytheirmutualembracesthattheywereagreedinthematter。IsatisfiedmyselfwithsayingthatIcouldnotguaranteethesexofthecountess’sbed—fellow，butsheanswered，"Nevermind；iftherebeamistakeIshallbethegainer。"
Thisstruckmeasratherfree，butIwasnotthemantobescandalized。IwasamusedatthetastesofmyfairVenetian，andatthemannerinwhichshecontrivedtogratifythemasshehaddoneatGenoawithmylastniece。AsaruletheProvencalwomenareinclinedthisway，andfarfromreproachingthemIlikethemallthebetterforit。
ThenextdayIroseatday—breaktohurryonthewheelwright，andwhentheworkwasdoneIaskedifthecountesswerevisible。
DirectlyafterMarcolinecameoutwithoneofthegentlemen，whobeggedmetoexcusethecountess，asshecouldnotreceivemeinherpresentextremelyscantyattire；"butshehopesthatwheneveryouareinthesepartsyouwillhonourherandherhousebyyourcompany，whetheryouarealoneorwithfriends。"
Thisrefusal，gildedasitwas，wasabitterpillformetoswallow，butIconcealedmydisgust，asIcouldonlyputitdowntoMarcoline’sdoings；sheseemedinhighspirits，andIdidnotliketomortifyher。Ithankedthegentlemanwitheffusion，andplacingaLouisinthehandsofalltheservantswhowerepresentItookmyleave。
IkissedMarcolineaffectionately，sothatsheshouldnotnoticemyillhumour，andaskedhowsheandthecountessspentthenight。"
"Capitally，"saidshe。"Thecountessischarming，andweamusedourselvesallnightwiththetricksoftwoamorouswomen。"
"Issheprettyorold？"
"Sheisonlythirty—three，and，Iassureyou，sheisasprettyasmyfriendMdlle。Crosin。Icanspeakwithauthorityforwesaweachotherinastateofnature。"
"Youareasingularcreature；youwereunfaithfultomeforawoman，andleftmetopassthenightbymyself。"
"Youmustforgiveme，andIhadtosleepwithherasshewasthefirsttodeclareherlove。"
"Really？Howwasthat？"
"WhenIgaveherthefirstofmykissesshereturneditintheFlorentinemanner，andourtonguesmet。Aftersupper，Iconfess，I
wasthefirsttobeginthesuggestivecaresses，butshemetmehalf—
way。Icouldonlymakeherhappybyspendingthenightwithher。
Look，thiswillshewyouhowpleasedshewas。"
WiththesewordsMarcolinedrewasuperbring，setwithbrilliants，fromherfinger。Iwasastonished。
"Truly，"Isaid，"thiswomanisfondofpleasureanddeservestohaveit。"
IgavemyLesbian（whomighthaveviedwithSappho）ahundred。
kisses，andforgaveherherinfidelity。
"But，"Iremarked，"Ican’tthinkwhyshedidnotwantmetoseeher；
Ithinkshehastreatedmerathercavalierly。"
"No，Ithinkthereasonwasthatshewasashamedtobeseenbymyloverafterhavingmademeunfaithfultohim；Ihadtoconfessthatwewerelovers。"
"Maybe。Atalleventsyouhavebeenwellpaid；thatringisworthtwohundredlouis:"
"ButImayaswelltellyouthatIwaswellenoughpaidforthepleasureIgavebythepleasureIreceived。"
"That’sright；Iamdelightedtoseeyouhappy。"
"Ifyouwanttomakemereallyhappy，takemetoEnglandwithyou。
Myunclewillbethere，andIcouldgobacktoVenicewithhim。"
"What！youhaveanuncleinEngland？Doyoureallymeanit？Itsoundslikeafairy—tale。Younevertoldmeofitbefore。"
"Ihaveneversaidanythingaboutituptonow，becauseIhavealwaysimaginedthatthismightpreventyouraccomplishingyourdesire。"
"IsyouruncleaVenetian？WhatishedoinginEngland？Areyousurethathewillwelcomeyou？"
"Yes。"
"Whatishisname？Andhowarewetofindhiminatownofmorethanamillioninhabitants？"
"Heisreadyfound。HisnameisMattioBoisi，andheisvaletdechambretoM。Querini，theVenetianambassadorsenttoEnglandtocongratulatethenewking；heisaccompaniedbytheProcuratorMorosini。Myuncleismymother’sbrother；heisveryfondofme，andwillforgivemyfault，especiallywhenhefindsIamrich。WhenhewenttoEnglandhesaidhewouldbebackinVeniceinJuly，andweshalljustcatchhimonthepointofdeparture。"
AsfarastheembassywentIknewitwasalltrue，fromthelettersI
hadreceivedfromM。deBragadin，andasfortherestMarcolineseemedtometobespeakingthetruth。IwasflatteredbyherproposalandagreedtotakehertoEnglandsothatIshouldpossessherforfiveorsixweekslongerwithoutcommittingmyselftoanything。
WereachedAvignonatthecloseoftheday，andfoundourselvesveryhungry。Iknewthatthe"St。Omer"wasanexcellentinn，andwhenI
gotthereIorderedachoicemealandhorsesforfiveo’clockthenextmorning。Marcoline，whodidnotlikenighttravelling，wasinhighglee，andthrewherarmsaroundmyneck，saying，——
"AreweatAvignonnow？"
"Yes，dearest。"
"ThenIconscientiouslydischargethetrustwhichthecountessplacedinmewhensheembracedmeforthelasttimethismorning。ShemademeswearnottosayawordaboutittillwegottoAvignon。"
"Allthispuzzlesme，dearest；explainyourself。"
"Shegavemealetterforyou，"
"Aletter？"
"Willyouforgivemefornotplacingitinyourhandssooner？"
"Certainly，ifyoupassedyourwordtothecountess；butwhereisthisletter？"
"Waitaminute。"
Shedrewalargebundleofpapersfromherpocket，saying，——
"Thisismycertificateofbaptism。"
"Iseeyouwerebornin1746。"
"Thisisacertificateof’goodconduct。’"
"Keepit，itmaybeusefultoyou。"
"Thisismycertificateofvirginity。"
"That’snouse。Didyougetitfromamidwife？"
"No，fromthePatriarchofVenice。"
"Didhetestthematterforhimself？"
"No，hewastooold；hetrustedinme。"
"Well，well，letmeseetheletter。"
"IhopeIhaven’tlostit。"
"Ihopenot，toGod。"
"Hereisyourbrother’spromiseofmarriage；hewantedtobeaProtestant。"
"Youmaythrowthatintothefire。"
"WhatisaProtestant？"
"Iwilltellyouanothertime。Givemetheletter。"
"PraisedbeGod，hereitis！"
"That’slucky；butithasnoaddress。"
Myheartbeatfast，asIopenedit，andfound，insteadofanaddress，thesewordsinItalian:
"Tothemosthonestmanofmyacquaintance。"
Couldthisbemeantforme？Iturneddowntheleaf，andreadoneword——Henriette！Nothingelse；therestofthepaperwasblank。
AtthesightofthatwordIwasforamomentannihilated。
"Iononmori，enonrimasivivo。"
Henriette！Itwasherstyle，eloquentinitsbrevity。IrecollectedherlastletterfromPontarlier，whichIhadreceivedatGeneva，andwhichcontainedonlyoneword——Farewell！
Henriette，whomIhadlovedsowell，whomIseemedatthatmomenttoloveaswellasever。"CruelHenriette，"saidItomyself，"yousawmeandwouldnotletmeseeyou。Nodoubtyouthoughtyourcharmswouldnothavetheiroldpower，andfearedlestIshoulddiscoverthatafterallyouwerebutmortal。AndyetIloveyouwithalltheardourofmyearlypassion。Whydidyounotletmelearnfromyourownmouththatyouwerehappy？ThatistheonlyquestionIshouldhaveaskedyou，cruelfairone。Ishouldnothaveenquiredwhetheryoulovedmestill，forIfeelmyunworthiness，whohavelovedotherwomenafterlovingthemostperfectofhersex。AdorableHenriette，Iwillflytoyouto—morrow，sinceyoutoldmethatIshouldbealwayswelcome。"
Iturnedthesethoughtsoverinmyownmind，andfortifiedmyselfinthisresolve；butatlastIsaid，——
"No，yourbehaviourprovesthatyoudonotwishtoseemenow，andyourwishesshallberespected；butImustseeyouoncebeforeI
die。"
Marcolinescarcelydaredbreathetoseemethusmotionlessandlostinthought，andIdonotknowwhenIshouldhavecometomyselfifthelandlordhadnotcomeinsayingthatherememberedmytastes，andhadgotmeadelicioussupper。Thisbroughtmetomysenses，andI
mademyfairVenetianhappyagainbyembracingherinasortofecstacy。
"Doyouknow，"shesaid，"youquitefrightenedme？Youwereaspaleandstillasadeadman，andremainedforaquarterofanhourinakindofswoon，thelikeofwhichIhaveneverseen。Whatisthereason？Iknewthatthecountesswasacquaintedwithyou，butI
shouldneverhavethoughtthathernamebyitselfcouldhavesuchanastonishingeffect。"
"Well，itisstrange；buthowdidyoufindoutthatthecountessknewme？"
"Shetoldmeasmuchtwentytimesoverinthenight，butshemademepromisetosaynothingaboutittillIhadgivenyoutheletter。"
"Whatdidshesaytoyouaboutme？"
"Sheonlyrepeatedindifferentwayswhatshehaswrittenforanaddress。"
"Whataletteritis！Hername，andnothingmore。"
"Itisverystrange。"
"Yes，butthenametellsall。"
"ShetoldmethatifIwantedtobehappyIshouldalwaysremainwithyou。IsaidIknewthatwell；butthatyouwantedtosendmebacktoVenice，thoughyouwereveryfondofme。Icanguessnowthatyouwerelovers。Howlongagowasit？"
"Sixteenorseventeenyears。"
"Shemusthavebeenveryyoung，butshecannothavebeenprettierthansheisnow。"
"Bequiet，Marcoline。"
"Didyourunionwithherlastlong？"
"Welivedtogetherfourmonthsinperfecthappiness。"
"Ishallnotbehappyforsolongasthat。"
"Yesyouwill，andlonger，too；butwithanotherman，andonemoresuitabletoyouinage。IamgoingtoEnglandtotrytogetmydaughterfromhermother。"
"Yourdaughter？Thecountessaskedmeifyouweremarried，andI
saidno。"
"Youwereright；sheismyillegitimatedaughter。Shemustbetennow，andwhenyouseeheryouwillconfessthatshemustbelongtome。"
Justasweweresittingdowntotableweheardsomeonegoingdownstairstothetabled’hoteintheroomwhereIhadmadeMadameStuard’sacquaintance，ourdoorwasopen，andwecouldseethepeopleonthestairs；andoneofthemseeingusgaveacryofjoy，andcamerunningin，exclaiming，"Mydearpapa！"IturnedtothelightandsawIrene，thesamewhomIhadtreatedsorudelyatGenoaaftermydiscussionwithherfatheraboutbiribi。Iembracedhereffusively，andtheslylittlepuss，pretendingtobesurprisedtoseeMarcoline，madeheraprofoundbow，whichwasreturnedwithmuchgrace。
Marcolinelistenedattentivelytoourconversation。
"Whatareyoudoinghere，fairIrene？"
"Wehavebeenhereforthelastfortnight。Goodheavens！howluckyIamtofindyouagain。Iamquiteweak。Willyouallowmetositdown，madam？"
"Yes，yes，mydear，"saidI，"sitdown；"andIgaveheraglassofwinewhichrestoredher。
Awaitercameup，andsaidtheywerewaitingforheratsupper，butshesaid，"Iwon’ttakeanysupper；"andMarcoline，alwaysdesirousofpleasingme，orderedathirdplacetobelaid。Imadeherhappybygivinganapprovingnod。
Wesatdowntotable，andateourmealwithgreatappetite。"Whenwehavedone，"IsaidtoIrene，"youmusttelluswhatchancehasbroughtyoutoAvignon。"
Marcoline，whohadnotspokenawordhitherto，noticinghowhungryIrenewas，saidpleasantlythatitwouldhavebeenamistakeifshehadnottakenanysupper。IrenewasdelightedtohearVenetianspoken，andthankedherforherkindness，andinthreeorfourminutestheyhadkissedandbecomefriends。
ItamusedmetoseethewayinwhichMarcolinealwaysfellinlovewithprettywomen，justasifshehadbeenaman。
InthecourseofconversationIfoundthatIrene’sfatherandmotherwereatthetabled’hotebelow，andfromsundryexclamations，suchas"youhavebeenbroughttoAvignonoutofGod’sgoodness，"Ilearnedthattheywereindistress。InspiteofthatIrene’smirthfulcountenancematchedMarcoline’ssallies，andthelatterwasdelightedtohearthatIrenehadonlycalledmepapabecausehermotherhadstyledhermydaughteratMilan。
Wehadonlygothalf—waythroughoursupperwhenRinaldiandhiswifecamein。Iaskedthemtositdown，butifithadnotbeenforIreneIshouldhavegiventheoldrascalaverywarmreception。HebegantochidehisdaughterfortroublingmewithherpresencewhenIhadsuchfaircompanyalready，butMarcolinehastenedtosaythatIrenecouldonlyhavegivenmepleasure，forinmycapacityofheruncleI
wasalwaysgladwhenshewasabletoenjoythesocietyofasweetyounggirl。
"Ihope，"sheadded，"thatifshedoesn’tmindshewillsleepwithme。"
"Yes，yes，"resoundedonallsides，andthoughIshouldhavepreferredtosleepwithMarcolinebyherself，Ilaughedandagreed；I
havealwaysbeenabletoaccommodatemyselftocircumstances。
IrenesharedMarcoline’sdesires，forwhenitwassettledthattheyshouldsleeptogethertheyseemedwildwithjoy，andIaddedfueltothefirebyplyingthemwithpunchandchampagne。
Rinaldiandhiswifedidnotleaveustilltheywerequitedrunk。
Whenwehadgotridofthem，IrenetoldushowaFrenchmanhadfalleninlovewithheratGenoa，andhadpersuadedherfathertogotoNicewherehighplaywasgoingon，butmeetingwithnoluckthereshehadbeenobligedtosellwhatshehadtopaytheinn—keeper。HerloverhadassuredherthathewouldmakeituptoheratAix，wheretherewassomemoneyowingtohim，andshepersuadedherfathertogothere；butthepersonswhoowedthemoneyhavinggonetoAvignon，therehadtobeanothersaleofgoods。
"Whenwegotheretheluckwasnobetter，andthepooryoungman，whommyfatherreproachedbitterly，wouldhavekilledhimselfifI
hadnotgivenhimthemantleyougavemethathemightpawnitandgoonhisquest。Hegotfourlouisforit，andsentmetheticketwithaverytenderletter，inwhichheassuredmethathewouldfindsomemoneyatLyons，andthathewouldthenreturnandtakeustoBordeaux，wherewearetofindtreasures。Inthemeanwhilewearepenniless，andaswehavenothingmoretosellthelandlordthreatenstoturnusoutnaked。"
"Andwhatdoesyourfathermeantodo？"
"Idon’tknow。HesaysProvidencewilltakecareofus。"
"Whatdoesyourmothersay？"
"Oh！shewasasquietasusual。"
"Howaboutyourself？"
"Alas！Ihavetobearathousandmortificationseveryday。TheyarecontinuallyreproachingmewithhavingfalleninlovewiththisFrenchman，andbringingthemtothisdreadfulpass。"
"Wereyoureallyinlovewithhim？"
"Yes，really。"
"Thenyoumustbeveryunhappy。"
"Yes，very；butnotonaccountofmylove，forIshallgetoverthatintime，butbecauseofthatwhichwillhappento—morrow。"
"Can’tyoumakeanyconquestsatthetable—d’hote？"
"Someofthemensayprettythingstome，butastheyallknowhowpoorwearetheyareafraidtocometoourroom。"
"Andyetinspiteofallyoukeepcheerful；youdon’tlooksadlikemostoftheunhappy。Icongratulateyouonyourgoodspirits。"
Irene’stalewaslikethefairStuard’sstoryoveragain，andMarcoline，thoughshehadtakenrathertoomuchchampagne，wasdeeplymovedatthispictureofmisery。Shekissedthegirl，tellingherthatIwouldnotforsakeher，andthatinthemeanwhiletheywouldspendapleasantnight。
"Come！letustobed！"saidshe；andaftertakingoffherclothesshehelpedIrenetoundress。Ihadnowishtofight，againsttwo，andsaidthatIwantedtorest。ThefairVenetianburstoutlaughingandsaid，——
"Gotobedandleaveusalone。"
"Ididso，andamusedmyselfbywatchingthetwoBacchantes；butIrene，whohadevidentlyneverengagedinsuchacombatbefore，wasnotnearlysoadroitasMarcoline。
BeforelongMarcolinebroughtIreneinherarmstomybedside，andtoldmetokissher。
"Leavemealone，dearest，"saidI，"thepunchhasgotintoyourhead，andyoudon’tknowwhatyouaredoing。"
Thisstungher；andurgingIrenetofollowherexample，shetookupapositioninmybedbyforce；andastherewasnotenoughroomforthree，MarcolinegotontopofIrene，callingherherwife。
Iwasvirtuousenoughtoremainawhollypassivespectatorofthescene，whichwasalwaysnewtome，thoughIhadseenitsooften；butatlasttheyflungthemselvesonmewithsuchviolencethatIwasobligedtogiveway，andforthemostpartofthenightIperformedmyshareofthework，tilltheysawthatIwascompletelyexhausted。
Wefellasleep，andIdidnotwakeuptillnoon，andthenIsawmytwobeautiesstillasleep，withtheirlimbsinterlacedlikethebranchesofatree。Ithoughtwithasighofthepleasuresofsuchasleep，andgotoutofbedgentlyforfearofrousingthem。Iorderedagooddinnertobeprepared，andcountermandedthehorseswhichhadbeenwaitingseveralhours。
ThelandlordrememberingwhatIhaddoneforMadameStuardguessedI
wasgoingtodothesamefortheRinaldis，andlefttheminpeace。
WhenIcamebackIfoundmytwoLesbiansawake，andtheygavemesuchanamorouswelcomethatIfeltinclinedtocompletetheworkofthenightwithalover’sgoodmorning；butIbegantofeeltheneedofhusbandingmyforces，soIdidnothing，andboretheirsarcasmsinsilencetilloneo’clock，whenItoldthemtogetup，asweoughttohavedoneatfiveo’clock，andherewastwoo’clockandbreakfastnotdone。
"Wehaveenjoyedourselves，"saidMarcoline，"andtimethatisgiventoenjoymentisneverlost。"
Whentheyweredressed，Ihadcoffeebroughtin，andIgaveIrenesixteenlouis，fourofwhichweretoredeemhercloak。Herfatherandmotherwhohadjustdinedcameintobidusgood—day，andIreneproudlygaveherfathertwelveLouistellinghimtoscoldheralittlelessinfuture。Helaughed，wept，andwentout，andthencamebackandsaidhefoundagoodwayofgettingtoAntibesatasmallcost，buttheywouldhavetogodirectly，asthedriverwantedtogettoSt。Andiolbynightfall。
"Iamquiteready。"
"No，dearIrene，"saidI，"youshallnotgo；youshalldinewithyourfriend，andyourdrivercanwait。Makehimdoso，CountRinaldi；myniecewillpay，willyounot，Marcoline？"
"Certainly。Ishouldliketodinehere，andstillbettertoputoffourdeparturetillthenextday。"
Herwishesweremyorders。Wehadadelicioussupperatfiveo’clock，andateightwewenttobedandspentthenightinwantonness，butatfiveinthemorningallwerereadytostart。
Irene，whoworeherhandsomecloak，shedhottearsatpartingfromMarcoline，whoalsoweptwithallherheart。OldRinaldi，whoprovedhimselfnoprophet，toldmethatIshouldmakeagreatfortuneinEngland，andhisdaughtersighedtobeinMarcoline’splace。
WeshallhearofRinaldilateron。
Wedroveonforfifteenpostswithoutstopping，andpassedthenightatValence。Thefoodwasbad，butMarcolineforgotherdiscomfortintalkingofIrene。
"Doyouknow，"saidshe，"thatifithadbeeninmypowerIshouldhavetakenherfromherparents。Ibelievesheisyourdaughter，thoughsheisnotlikeyou。"
"HowcanshebemydaughterwhenIhaveneverknownhermother？"
"Shetoldmethatcertainly。"
"Didn’tshetellyouanythingelse？"
"Yes，shetoldmethatyoulivedwithherforthreedaysandboughthermaidenheadforathousandsequins。"
"Quiteso，butdidshetellyouthatIpaidthemoneytoherfather？"
"Yes，thelittlefooldoesn’tkeepanythingforherself。Idon’tthinkIshouldeverbejealousofyourmistresses，ifyouletmesleepwiththem。Isnotthatamarkofagooddisposition？
Tellme。"
"Youhave，nodoubt，agooddisposition，butyoucouldbequiteasgoodwithoutyourdominantpassion。"
"Itisnotapassion。IonlyhavedesiresforthoseIlove。"
"Whogaveyouthistaste？"
"Nature。Ibeganatseven，andinthelasttenyearsIhavecertainlyhadfourhundredsweethearts。"
"Youbeginearly。Butwhendidyoubegintohavemalesweethearts？"
"Ateleven。"
"Tellmeallaboutit。"
"FatherMolini，amonk，wasmyconfessor，andheexpressedadesiretoknowthegirlwhowasthenmysweetheart。Itwasinthecarnivaltime，andhegaveusamoraldiscourse，tellingusthathewouldtakeustotheplayifwewouldpromisetoabstainforaweek。Wepromisedtodoso，andattheendoftheweekwewenttotellhimthatwehadkeptourwordfaithfully。ThenextdayFatherMolinicalledonmysweetheart’sauntinamask，andassheknewhim，andashewasamonkandaconfessor，wewereallowedtogowithhim。
Besides，weweremerechildren；mysweetheartwasonlyayearolderthanI。
"Aftertheplaythefathertookustoaninn，andgaveussomesupper；andwhenthemealwasoverhespoketousofoursin，andwantedtoseeourprivates。’It’sagreatsinbetweentwogirls，’
saidhe，’butbetweenamanandawomanitisavenialmatter。Doyouknowhowmenaremade？’Webothknew，butwesaidnowithoneconsent。’Thenwouldyouliketoknow？’saidhe。Wesaidweshouldliketoknowverymuch，andheadded，’Ifyouwillpromisetokeepitasecret，Imaybeabletosatisfyyourcuriosity。’Wegaveourpromises，andthegoodfatherproceededtogratifyuswithasightofthericheswhichnaturehadlavishedonhim，andinthecourseofanhourhehadturnedusintowomen。Imustconfessthatheunderstoodsowellhowtoworkonourcuriositythattherequestcamefromus。
Threeyearslater，whenIwasfourteen，Ibecamethemistressofayoungjeweller。Thencameyourbrother；buthegotnothingfromme，becausehebeganbysayingthathecouldnotaskmetogivehimanyfavourstillweweremarried。"
"Youmusthavebeenamusedatthat。"
"Yes，itdidmakemelaugh，becauseIdidnotknowthatapriestcouldgetmarried；andheexcitedmycuriositybytellingmethattheymanageditatGeneva。Curiosityandwantonnessmademeescapewithhim；youknowtherest。"
ThusdidMarcolineamusemeduringtheevening，andthenwewenttobedandsleptquietlytillthemorning。WestartedfromValenceatfive，andintheeveningweweresetdownatthe"HotelduParc"atLyons。
AssoonasIwassettledinthepleasantapartmentsallottedtomeI
wenttoMadamed’Urfe，whowasstayinginthePlaceBellecour，andsaid，asusual，thatshewassureIwascomingonthatday。Shewantedtoknowifshehadperformedtheceremoniescorrectly，andParalis，ofcourse，informedherthatshehad，whereatshewasmuchflattered。TheyoungArandawaswithher，andafterIhadkissedhimaffectionatelyItoldthemarchionessthatIwouldbewithheratteno’clockthenextmorning，andsoIlefther。
Ikepttheappointmentandwespentthewholeofthedayincloseconference，askingoftheoracleconcerningherbeingbroughttobed，howshewastomakeherwill，andhowsheshouldcontrivetoescapepovertyinherregeneratedshape。TheoracletoldherthatshemustgotoParisforherlying—in，andleaveallherpossessionstoherson，whowouldnotbeabastard，asParalispromisedthatassoonasIgottoLondonanEnglishgentlemanshouldbesentovertomarryher。Finally，theoracleorderedhertopreparetostartinthreedays，andtotakeArandawithher。IhadtotakethelattertoLondonandreturnhimtohismother，forhisrealpositioninlifewasnolongeramystery，thelittlerascalhavingconfessedall；
however，IhadfoundaremedyforhisindiscretionasforthetreacheryoftheCorticelliandPossano。
Ilongedtoreturnhimtothekeepingofhismother，whoconstantlywrotemeimpertinentletters。Ialsowishedtotakemydaughter，who，accordingtohermother，hadbecomeaprodigyofgraceandbeauty。
Aftertheoracularbusinesshadbeensettled，Ireturnedtothe"HotelduParc"todinewithMarcoline。Itwasverylate，andasI
couldnottakemysweethearttotheplayIcalledonM。BonotoenquirewhetherhehadsentmybrothertoParis。Hetoldmethathehadgonethedaybefore，andthatmygreatenemy，Possano，wasstillinLyons，andthatIwoulddowelltobeonmyguardasfarashewasconcerned。
"Ihaveseenhim，"saidBono；"helookspaleandundone，andseemsscarcelyabletostand。’Ishalldiebeforelong，’saidhe，’forthatscoundrelCasanovahashadmepoisoned；butIwillmakehimpaydearlyforhiscrime，andinthisverytownofLyons，whereIknowhewillcome，soonerorlater。’
"Infact，inthecourseofhalfanhour，hemadesometerribleaccusationsagainstyou，speakingasifhewereinafury。Hewantsalltheworldtoknowthatyouarethegreatestvillainunhung，thatyouareruiningMadamed’Urfewithyourimpiouslies；thatyouareasorcerer，aforger，anutteroffalsemoneys，apoisoner——inshort，theworstofmen。Hedoesnotintendtopublishalibellouspamphletuponyou，buttoaccuseyoubeforethecourts，allegingthathewantsreparationforthewrongsyouhavedonehisperson，hishonour，andhislife，forhesaysyouarekillinghimbyaslowpoison。Headdsthatforeveryarticlehepossessesthestrongestproof。
"Iwillsaynothingaboutthevagueabuseheaddstotheseformalaccusations，butIhavefeltitmydutytowarnyouofhistreacherousdesignsthatyoumaybeabletodefeatthem。It’snogoodsayingheisamiserablewretch，andthatyoudespisehim；youknowhowstrongathingcalumnyis。"
"Wheredoesthefellowlive？"
"Idon’tknowintheleast。"
"HowcanIfindout？"
"Ican’tsay，forifheishidinghimselfonpurposeitwouldbehardtogetathim。"
"Nevertheless，Lyonsisnotsovastaplace。"
"Lyonsisaperfectmaze，andthereisnobetterhiding—place，especiallytoamanwithmoney，andPossanohasmoney。"
"Butwhatcanhedotome？"
"Hecaninstituteproceedingsagainstyouinthecriminalcourt，whichwouldcauseyouimmenseanxietyandbringdownyourgoodnametothedust，eventhoughyoubethemostinnocent，themostjustofmen。"
"Itseemstome，then，thatthebestthingIcandowillbetobefirstinthefield。"
"SoIthink，buteventhenyoucannotavoidpublicity。"
"Tellmefranklyifyoufeeldisposedtobearwitnesstowhattherascalhassaidinacourtofjustice。"
"IwilltellallIknowwithperfecttruth。"
"Bekindenoughtotellmeofagoodadvocate。"
"Iwillgiveyoutheaddressofoneofthebest；butreflectbeforeyoudoanything。Theaffairwillmakeanoise。"
"AsIdon’tknowwherehelives，Ihavereallynochoiceinthematter。"
IfIhadknownwherehelivedIcouldhavehadPossanoexpelledfromLyonsthroughtheinfluenceofMadamed’Urfe，whoserelative，M。delaRochebaron，wasthegovernor；butasitwas，IhadnoothercoursethantheoneItook。
AlthoughPossanowasaliarandanungrateful，treacheroushound，yetIcouldnothelpbeinguneasy。Iwenttomyhotel，andproceededtoaskforpoliceprotectionagainstamaninhidinginLyons，whohaddesignsagainstmylifeandhonour。
ThenextdayM。BonocametodissuademefromthecourseIhadtaken。
"For，"saidhe，"thepolicewillbegintosearchforhim，andassoonashehearsofithewilltakeproceedingsagainstyouinthecriminalcourts，andthenyourpositionswillbechanged。ItseemstomethatifyouhavenoimportantbusinessatLyonsyouhadbetterhastenyourdeparture。"
"DoyouthinkIwoulddosuchathingforamiserablefellowlikePossano？No！IwoulddespisemyselfifIdid。IwoulddieratherthanhastenmydepartureonaccountofarascalwhomIloadedwithkindnesses，despitehisunworthiness！Iwouldgiveahundredlouistoknowwhereheisnow。"
"IamdelightedtosaythatIdonotknowanythingaboutit，forifI
didIwouldtellyou，andthenGodknowswhatwouldhappen！Youwon’tgoanysooner；well，then，beginproceedings，andIwillgivemyevidencebywordofmouthorwritingwheneveryouplease。"
IwenttotheadvocatewhomM。Bonohadrecommendedtome，andtoldhimmybusiness。WhenheheardwhatIwantedhesaid，————
"Icandonothingforyou，sir，asIhaveundertakenthecaseofyouropponent。Youneednotbealarmed，however，athavingspokentome，forIassureyouthatIwillmakenousewhateveroftheinformation。
Possano’spleaoraccusationwillnotbedrawnuptillthedayafterto—morrow，butIwillnottellhimtomakebasteforfearofyouranticipatinghim，asIhaveonlybeeninformedofyourintentionsbyhazard。However，youwillfindplentyofadvocatesatLyonsashonestasIam，andmoreskilled。"
"Couldyougivemethenameofone？"
"Thatwouldnotbeetiquette，butM。Bono，whoseemstohavekindlyspokenofmewithsomeesteem，willbeabletoserveyou。"
"Canyoutellmewhereyourclientlives？"
"Sincehischiefaimistoremainhidden，andwithgoodcause，youwillseethatIcouldnotthinkofdoingsuchathing。"
InbiddinghimfarewellIputalouisonthetable，andthoughIdiditwiththeutmostdelicacyheranaftermeandmademetakeitback。
"Foronceinaway，"Isaidtomyself，"here’sanhonestadvocate。"
AsIwalkedalongIthoughtofputtingaspyonPossanoandfindingouthisabode，forIfeltastrongdesiretohavehimbeatentodeath；butwherewasItofindaspyinatownofwhichIknewnothing？M。Bonogavemethenameofanotheradvocate，andadvisedmetomakehaste。
"’Tisincriminalmatters"saidhe，"andinsuchcasesthefirstcomeralwayshastheadvantage。"
IaskedhimtofindmeatrustyfellowtotrackouttherascallyPossano，buttheworthymanwouldnothearofit。HeshewedmethatitwouldbedishonourabletosetaspyontheactionsofPossano’sadvocate。Iknewitmyself；butwhatmanistherewhohasnotyieldedtothevoiceofvengeance，themostviolentandleastreasonableofallthepassions。
Iwenttothesecondadvocate，whomIfoundtobeamanvenerablenotonlyinyearsbutinwisdom。Itoldhimallthecircumstancesoftheaffair，whichheagreedtotakeup，sayinghewouldpresentmypleainthecourseoftheday。
"That’sjustwhatIwantyoutodo，"saidI，"forhisownadvocatetoldmethathispleaswouldbepresentedthedayafterto—morrow。"
"That，sir，"saidher"wouldnotinducemetoactwithanygreaterpromptness，asIcouldnotconsenttoyourabusingtheconfidenceofmycolleague。"
"Butthereisnothingdishonourableinmakinguseofinformationwhichonehasacquiredbychance。"
"Thatmaybeatenablepositioninsomecases，butinthepresentinstancethenatureoftheaffairjustifiespromptaction。’Priorintempore，Potiorinjure’。Prudencebidsusattackourenemy。Besokind，ifyouplease，tocallhereatthreeo’clockintheafternoon。"
"Iwillnotfailtodoso，andinthemeanwhileherearesixlouis。"
"Iwillkeepaccountofmyexpenditureonyourbehalf。"
"Iwantyounottosparemoney。"
"Sir，Ishallspendonlywhatisabsolutelynecessary。"
IalmostbelievedthatprobityhadchosenahomeforherselfamongsttheLyonsadvocates，andhereImaysay，tothehonouroftheFrenchbar，thatIhaveneverknownamorehonestbodyofmenthantheadvocatesofFrance。
Atthreeo’clock，havingseenthattheplanwasproperlydrawnup，I
wenttoMadamed’Urfe’s，andforfourhoursIworkedtheoracleinamannerthatfilledherwithdelight，andinspiteofmyvexationI
couldnothelplaughingatherinsanefanciesonthesubjectofherpregnancy。Shewascertainofit；shefeltallthesymptoms。ThenshesaidhowsorryshefeltthatshewouldnotbealivetolaughatallthehypothesesoftheParisdoctorsastoherbeingdeliveredofachild，whichwouldbethoughtveryextraordinaryinawomanofherage。
WhenIgotbacktotheinnIfoundMarcolineverymelancholy。Shesaidshehadbeenwaitingformetotakehertotheplay，accordingtomypromise，andthatIshouldnothavemadeherwaitinvain。
"Youareright，dearest，butanaffairofimportancehaskeptmewiththemarchioness。Don’tbeputout。"
Ihadneedofsomesuchadvicemyself，forthelegalaffairworriedme，andIsleptveryill。EarlythenextmorningIsawmycounsel，whotoldmethatmypleahadbeenlaidbeforethecriminallieutenant。
"Forthepresent，"saidhe，"thereisnothingmoretobedone，foraswedon’tknowwhereheiswecan’tcitehimtoappear。"
"CouldInotsetthepoliceonhistrack？"
"Youmight，butIdon’tadviseyoutodoso。Letusconsiderwhattheresultwouldbe。Theaccuserfindinghimselfaccusedwouldhavetodefendhimselfandprovetheaccusationhehasmadeagainstyou。
Butinthepresentstateofthings，ifhedoesnotputinanappearancewewillgetjudgmentagainsthimforcontemptofcourtandalsoforlibel。Evenhiscounselwillleavehiminthelurchifhepersistentlyrefusestoshewhimself。"
Thisquietedmyfearsalittle，andIspenttherestofthedaywithMadamed’Urfe，whowasgoingtoParisonthemorrow。IpromisedtobewithherassoonasIhaddealtwithcertainmatterswhichconcernedthehonouroftheFraternityR。C……
Hergreatmaximwasalwaystorespectmysecrets，andnevertotroublemewithhercuriosity。Marcoline，whohadbeenpiningbyherselfallday，breathedagainwhenItoldherthathenceforthI
shouldbeallforher。
InthemorningM。BonocametomeandbeggedmetogowithhimtoPossano’scounsel，whowantedtospeaktome。Theadvocatesaidthathisclientwasasortofmadmanwhowasreadytodoanything，ashebelievedhimselftobedyingfromtheeffectsofaslowpoison。
"Hesaysthatevenifyouarefirstinthefieldhewillhaveyoucondemnedtodeath。Hesayshedoesn’tcareifheissenttoprison，asheiscertainofcomingoutintriumphashehastheproofofallhisaccusations。Heshewstwenty—fivelouiswhichyougavehim，allofwhichareclipped，andheexhibitsdocumentsdatedfromGenoastatingthatyouclippedanumberofgoldpieces，whichweremeltedbyM。Grimaldiinorderthatthepolicemightnotfindtheminyourpossession。Hehasevenaletterfromyourbrother，theabbe，deposingagainstyou。Heisamadman，avictimtosyphilis，whowishestosendyoutotheotherworldbeforehimself，ifhecan。Nowmyadvicetoyouistogivehimsomemoneyandgetridofhim。Hetellsmethatheisthefatherofafamily，andthatifM。Bonowouldgivehimathousandlouishewouldsacrificevengeancetonecessity。
HetoldmetospeaktoM。Bonoaboutit；andnow，sirwhatdoyousay？"
"ThatwhichmyjustindignationinspiresmetosayregardingarascalwhomIrescuedfrompoverty，andwhoneverthelesspursuesmewithatrociouscalumnies；heshallnothaveonesinglefarthingofmine。"
IthentoldtheGenoastory，puttingthingsintheirtruelight，andaddingthatIcouldcallM。Grimaldiasawitnessifnecessary。
"Ihavedelayedpresentingtheplea，"saidthecounsel，"toseeifthescandalcouldbehushedupinanyway，butIwarnyouthatI
shallnowpresentit。"
"Doso；Ishallbegreatlyobligedtoyou。"