Iimmediatelycalledonmyadvocate，andtoldhimoftherascal’sproposal；andhesaidIwasquiterighttorefusetohaveanydealingswithsuchafellow。HeaddedthatasIhadM。BonoasawitnessIoughttomakePossano’sadvocatepresenthisplea，andI
　　authorizedhimtotakeproceedingsinmyname。
　　Aclerkwasimmediatelysenttothecriminallieutenant，prayinghimtocommandtheadvocatetobringbeforehim，inthreedays，thepleaofoneAnami，aliasPogomas，aliasPossano，thesaidpleabeingagainstJacquesCasanova，commonlycalledtheChevalierdeSeingalt。
　　Thisdocument，towhichIaffixedmysignature，waslaidbeforethecriminallieutenant。
　　Ididnotcareforthethreedays’delay，butmycounseltoldmeitwasalwaysgiven，andthatImustmakeupmymindtosubmittoallthevexationIshouldbeobligedtoundergo，evenifwewerewhollysuccessful。
　　AsMadamed’UrfehadtakenherdepartureinconformitywiththeordersofParalis，IdinedwithMarcolineattheinn，andtriedtoraisemyspiritsbyallthemeansinmypower。Itookmymistresstothebestmillinersanddressmakersinthetown，andboughthereverythingshetookafancyto；andthenwewenttothetheatre，whereshemusthavebeenpleasedtoseealleyesfixedonher。
　　MadamePernon，whowasinthenextboxtoours，mademeintroduceMarcolinetoher；andfromthewaytheyembracedeachotherwhentheplaywasoverIsawtheywerelikelytobecomeintimate，theonlyobstacletotheirfriendshipbeingthatMadamePernondidnotknowawordofItalian，andthatMarcolinedidnotdaretospeakawordofFrenchforfearofmakingherselfridiculous。Whenwegotbacktotheinn，MarcolinetoldmethathernewfriendhadgivenhertheFlorentinekiss:thisistheshibbolethofthesect。
　　Theprettynick—nacksIhadgivenherhadmadeherhappy；herardourwasredoubled，andthenightpassedjoyously。
　　Ispentthenextdayingoingfromshoptoshop，makingfreshpurchasesforMarcoline，andwesuppedmerrilyatMadamePernon’s。
　　Thedayafter，M。Bonocametoseemeatanearlyhourwithasmileofcontentonhisface。
　　"Letusgoandbreakfastatacoffee—house，"saidhe；"wewillhavesomediscussiontogether。"
　　WhenwewerebreakfastingheshewedmealetterwrittenbyPossano，inwhichtherascalsaidthathewasreadytoabandonproceedingsprovidedthatM。deSeingaltgavehimahundredlouis，onreceiptofwhichhepromisedtoleaveLyonsimmediately。
　　"Ishouldbeagreatfool，"saidI，"ifIgavetheknavemoremoneytoescapefromthehandsofjustice。Lethimgoifhelikes，Iwon’tpreventhim；buthehadbetternotexpectmetogivehimanything。
　　Hewillhaveawritoutagainsthimto—morrow。Ishouldliketoseehimbrandedbythehangman。Hehasslanderedme，hisbenefactor，toogrievously；lethimprovewhathesays，orbedishonouredbeforeallmen。"
　　"Hisabandoningtheproceedings，"saidM。Bono，"wouldinmyopinionamounttothesamethingashisfailingtoprovehischarges，andyouwoulddowelltopreferittoatrialwhichwoulddoyourreputationnogood，evenifyouwerecompletelysuccessful。Andthehundredlouisisnothingincomparisonwiththecostsofsuchatrial。"
　　"M。Bono，Ivalueyouradviceveryhighly，andstillmorehighlythekindlyfeelingswhichpromptyou，butyoumustallowmetofollowmyownopinioninthiscase。"
　　IwenttomycounselandtoldhimofthefreshproposalthatPossanohadmade，andofmyrefusaltolistentoit，begginghimtotakemeasuresforthearrestofthevillainwhohadvowedmydeath。
　　ThesameeveningIhadMadamePernonandM。Bono，whowasherlover，tosupwithme；andasthelatterhadagoodknowledgeofItalianMarcolinewasabletotakepartinthemerrimentofthecompany。
　　ThenextdayBonowrotetotellmethatPossanohadleftLyonsnevertoreturn，andthathehadsignedafullandsatisfactoryretraction。
　　Iwasnotsurprisedtohearofhisflight，buttheothercircumstanceIcouldnotunderstand。IthereforehastenedtocallonBono，whoshowedmethedocument，whichwascertainlyplainenough。
　　"Willthatdo？"saidhe。
　　"SowellthatIforgivehim，butIwonderhedidnotinsistonthehundredLouis。"
　　"Mydearsir，Igavehimthemoneywithpleasure，topreventascandalousaffairwhichwouldhavedoneusallharminbecomingpublic。IfIhadtoldyounothing，youcouldn’thavetakenanystepsinthematter，andIfeltmyselfobligedtorepairthemischiefIhaddoneinthisway。Youwouldhaveknownnothingaboutit，ifyouhadsaidthatyouwerenotsatisfied。Iamonlytoogladtohavebeenenabledtoskewmyfriendshipbythistriflingservice。Wewillsaynomoreaboutit。"
　　"Verygood，"saidI，embracinghim，"wewillsaynomore，butpleasetoreceivetheassuranceofmygratitude。"
　　IconfessIfeltmuchrelievedatbeingfreedfromthistroublesomebusiness。
　　EndToLondonByJacquesCasanovaMEMOIRSOFJACQUESCASANOVAdeSEINGALT1725—1798
　　INLONDONANDMOSCOW，Volume5b——TOLONDON
　　THEMEMOIRSOFJACQUESCASANOVADESEINGALT
　　THERAREUNABRIDGEDLONDONEDITIONOF1894TRANSLATEDBYARTHUR
　　MACHENTOWHICHHASBEENADDEDTHECHAPTERSDISCOVEREDBYARTHUR
　　SYMONS。
　　TOLONDON
　　CHAPTERV
　　IMeettheVenetianAmbassadorsatLyons，andalsoMarcoline’sUncle——IPartfromMarcolineandSetOutforParis——AnAmorousJourneyThusfreedfromthecareswhichthedreadfulslandersofPossanohadcausedme，IgavemyselfuptotheenjoymentofmyfairVenetian，doingallinmypowertoincreaseherhappiness，asifIhadhadapremonitionthatweshouldsoonbeseparatedfromoneanother。
　　ThedayafterthesupperIgavetoMadamePernonandM。Bono，wewenttothetheatretogether，andintheboxoppositetousIsawM。
　　Querini，theprocurator，Morosini，M。Memmo，andCountStratico，aProfessoroftheUniversityofPadua。Iknewallthesegentlemen；
　　theyhadbeeninLondon，andwerepassingthroughLyonsontheirreturntoVenice。
　　"Farewell，fairMarcoline！"Isaidtomyself，feelingquitebroken—
　　hearted，butIremainedcalm，andsaidnothingtoher。ShedidnotnoticethemasshewasabsorbedinherconversationwithM。Bono，andbesides，shedidnotknowthembysight。IsawthatM。Memmohadseenmeandwastellingtheprocuratorofmypresence，andasIknewthelatterverywellIfeltboundtopaythemmyrespectsthenandthere。
　　Querinireceivedmeverypolitelyforadevotee，asalsodidMorosini，whileMemmoseemedmoved；butnodoubtherememberedthatitwaschieflyduetohismotherthatIhadbeenimprisonedeightyearsago。IcongratulatedthegentlemenontheirembassytoEngland，ontheirreturntotheirnativeland，andforform’ssakecommendedmyselftotheirgoodofficestoenablemetoreturnalso。
　　M。Morosini，noticingtherichnessofmydressandmygeneralappearanceofprosperity，saidthatwhileIhadtostayawayhehadtoreturn，andthatheconsideredmetheluckierman。
　　"Yourexcellencyiswellaware，"saidI，"thatnothingissweeterthanforbiddenfruit。"
　　Hesmiled，andaskedmewhitherIwentandwhenceIcame。
　　"IcomefromRome，"Ianswered，"whereIhadsomeconversewiththeHolyFather，whomIknewbefore，andIamgoingthroughParisonmywaytoLondon。
　　"Callonmehere，ifyouhavetime，Ihavealittlecommissiontogiveyou。"
　　"Ishallalwayshavetimetoserveyourexcellencyin。Areyoustoppinghereforlong？"
　　"Threeorfourdays。"
　　WhenI’gotbacktomyboxMarcolineaskedmewhowerethegentlementowhomIhadbeenspeaking。Iansweredcoollyandindifferently，butwatchingherasIspoke，thattheyweretheVenetianambassadorsontheirwayfromLondon。Theflushofhercheekdiedawayandwasreplacedbypallor；sheraisedhereyestoheaven，loweredthem，andsaidnotaword。Myheartwasbroken。AfewminutesafterwardssheaskedmewhichwasM。Querini，andafterIhadpointedhimouttohershewatchedhimfurtivelyfortherestoftheevening。
　　Thecurtainfell，weleftourbox，andatthedoorofthetheatrewefoundtheambassadorswaitingfortheircarriage。Minewasinthesamelineastheirs。TheambassadorQuerinisaid，——
　　"Youhaveaveryprettyyoungladywithyou。"
　　Marcolinesteppedforward，seizedhishand，andkisseditbeforeI
　　couldanswer。
　　Querini，whowasgreatlyastonished，thankedherandsaid，——
　　"WhathaveIdonetodeservethishonour？"
　　"Because，"saidMarcoline，speakingintheVenetiandialect，"IhavethehonourofknowinghisexcellencyM。Querini。"
　　"WhatareyoudoingwithM。Casanova？"
　　"Heismyuncle。"
　　Mycarriagecameup。Imadeaprofoundbowtotheambassadors，andcalledouttothecoachman，"Tothe’HotelduParc’。"ItwasthebesthotelinLyons，andIwasnotsorryfortheVenetianstohearwhereIwasstaying。
　　Marcolinewasindespair，forshesawthatthetimeforpartingwasnearathand。
　　"Wehavethreeorfourdaysbeforeus，"saidI，"inwhichwecancontrivehowtocommunicatewithyouruncleMattio。ImustcommendyouhighlyforkissingM。Querini’shand。Thatwasamasterstrokeindeed。Allwillgooffwell；butIhopeyouwillbemerry，forsadnessIabhor。"
　　WewerestillattablewhenIheardthevoiceofM。Memmointheante—chamber；hewasayoungman，intelligentandgood—natured。I
　　warnedMarcolinenottosayawordaboutourprivateaffairs，buttodisplayamoderategaiety。Theservantannouncedtheyoungnobleman，andwerosetowelcomehim；buthemadeussitdownagain，andsatbesideus，anddrankaglassofwinewiththeutmostcordiality。HetoldmehowhehadbeensuppingwiththeolddevoteeQuerini，whohadhadhishandkissedbyayoungandfairVenetian。Theambassadorsweremuchamusedatthecircumstance，andQuerinihimself，inspiteofhisscrupulousconscience，wasgreatlyflattered。
　　"MayIaskyou，mademoiselle，"headded，"howyoucametoknowM。
　　Querini？"
　　"It’samystery，sir。"
　　"Amystery，isit？Whatfunweshallhavetomorrow！Ihavecome，"
　　hesaid，addressinghimselftome，"toaskyoutodinewithusto—
　　morrow，andyoumustbringyourcharmingniece。"
　　"Wouldyouliketogo，Marcoline？"
　　"’Congrandissimopiacere’！WeshallspeakVenetian，shallwenot？"
　　"Certainly。"
　　"’Eviva’！IcannotlearnFrench。"
　　"M。Queriniisinthesameposition，"saidM。Memmo。
　　Afterhalfanhour’sagreeableconversationheleftus，andMarcolineembracedmewithdelightathavingmadesuchagoodimpressiononthesegentlemen。
　　"Putonyourbestdressto—morrow，"saidI，"anddonotforgetyourjewels。Beagreeabletoeverybody，butpretendnottoseeyourUncleMattio，whowillbesuretowaitattable。"
　　"YoumaybesureIshallfollowyouradvicetotheletter。"
　　"AndImeantomaketherecognitionasceneworthyofthedrama。I
　　intendthatyoushallbetakenbacktoVenicebyM。Querinihimself，whileyourunclewilltakecareofyoubyhisspecialorders。"
　　"Ishallbedelightedwiththisarrangement，provideditsucceeds。"
　　"Youmaytrusttomeforthat。"
　　Atnineo’clockthenextdayIcalledonMorosiniconcerningthecommissionshehadforme。HegavemealittleboxandaletterforLadyHarrington，andanotherletterwiththewords，——
　　"TheProcuratorMorosiniisverysorrynottohavebeenabletotakealastleaveofMdlle。Charpillon。"
　　"WhereshallIfindher？"
　　"Ireallydon’tknow。Ifyoufindher，givehertheletter；ifnot，itdoesn’tmatter。That’sadazzlingbeautyyouhavewithyou，Casanova。"
　　"Well，shehasdazzledme。"
　　"ButhowdidsheknowQuerini？"
　　"ShehasseenhimatVenice，butshehasneverspokentohim。"
　　"Ithoughtso；wehavebeenlaughingoverit，butQueriniishugelypleased。Buthowdidyougetholdofher？Shemustbeveryyoung，asMemmosaysshecannotspeakFrench。"
　　"Itwouldbealongstorytotell，andafterallwemetthroughamerechance。"
　　"Sheisnotyourniece。"
　　"Nay，sheismore——sheismyqueen。"
　　"YouwillhavetoteachherFrench，aswhenyougettoLondon。"
　　"Iamnotgoingtotakeherthere；shewantstoreturntoVenice。"
　　"Ipityyouifyouareinlovewithher！Ihopeshewilldinewithus？"
　　"Oh，yes！sheisdelightedwiththehonour。"
　　"Andwearedelightedtohaveourpoorrepastanimatedbysuchacharmingperson。"
　　"Youwillfindherworthyofyourcompany；sheisfullofwit。"
　　WhenIgotbacktotheinnItoldMarcolinethatifanythingwassaidatdinneraboutherreturntoVenice，shewastoreplythatnoonecouldmakeherreturnexceptM。Querini，butthatifshecouldhavehisprotectionshewouldgladlygobackwithhim。
　　"Iwilldrawyououtofthedifficulty，"saidI；andshepromisedtocarryoutmyinstructions。
　　Marcolinefollowedmyadvicewithregardtohertoilette，andlookedbrilliantinallrespects；andI，wishingtoshineintheeyesoftheproudVenetiannobles，haddressedmyselfwiththeutmostrichness。
　　Iworeasuitofgreyvelvet，trimmedwithgoldandsilverlace；mypointlaceshirtwasworthatleastfiftylouis；andmydiamonds，mywatches，mychains，myswordofthefinestEnglishsteel，mysnuff—
　　boxsetwithbrilliants，mycrosssetwithdiamonds，mybucklessetwiththesamestones，werealtogetherworthmorethanfiftythousandcrowns。Thisostentation，thoughpuerileinitself，yethadapurpose，forIwishedM。deBragadintoknowthatIdidnotcutabadfigureintheworld；andIwishedtheproudmagistrateswhohadmademequitmynativelandtolearnthatIhadlostnothing，andcouldlaughattheirseverity。
　　Inthisgorgeousstylewedrovetotheambassador’sdinnerathalf—
　　pastone。
　　AllpresentwereVenetians，andtheywelcomedMarcolineenthusiastically。ShewhowasbornwiththeinstinctofgoodmannersbehavedwiththegraceofanymphandthedignityofaFrenchprincess；andassoonasshewasseatedbetweentwograveandreverendsignors，shebeganbysayingthatshewasdelightedtofindherselftheonlyrepresentativeofhersexinthisdistinguishedcompany，andalsothattherewerenoFrenchmenpresent。
　　"Thenyoudon’tliketheFrench，"saidM。Memmo。
　　"IlikethemwellenoughsofarasIknowthem，butIamonlyacquaintedwiththeirexterior，asIdon’tspeakorunderstandthelanguage。"
　　Afterthiseverybodyknewhowtotakeher，andthegaietybecamegeneral。
　　Sheansweredallquestionstothepoint，andentertainedthecompanywithherremarksonFrenchmanners，sodifferenttoVenetiancustoms。
　　InthecourseofdinnerM。Queriniaskedhowshehadknownhim，andsherepliedthatshehadoftenseenhimatDivineservice，whereatthedevoteeseemedgreatlyflattered。M。Morosini，pretendingnottoknowthatshewastoreturntoVenice，toldherthatunlessshemadehastetoacquireFrench，theuniversallanguage，shewouldfindLondonverytedious，astheItalianlanguagewasverylittleknownthere。
　　"Ihope，"shereplied，"thatM。deSeingaltwillnotbringmeintothesocietyofpeoplewithwhomIcannotexchangeideas。IknowI
　　shallneverbeabletolearnFrench。"
　　WhenwehadleftthetabletheambassadorsbeggedmetotellthestoryofmyescapefromTheLeads，andIwasgladtoobligethem。
　　Mystorylastedfortwowholehours；andasitwasnoticedthatMarcoline’seyesbecamewetwithtearswhenIcametospeakofmygreatdanger。Shewasrallieduponthecircumstance，andtoldthatnieceswerenotusuallysoemotional。
　　"Thatmaybe，gentlemen，"shereplied，"thoughIdonotseewhyanieceshouldnotloveheruncle。ButIhaveneverlovedanyoneelsebuttheheroofthetale，andIcannotseewhatdifferencetherecanbebetweenonekindofloveandanother。"
　　"Therearefivekindsofloveknowntoman，"saidM。Querini。"Theloveofone’sneighbour，theloveofGod，whichisbeyondcompare，thehighestofall，lovematrimonial，theloveofhouseandhome，andtheloveofself，whichoughttocomelastofall，thoughmanyplaceitinthefirstrank。"
　　Thenoblemancommentedbrieflyonthesediversekindsoflove，butwhenhecametotheloveofGodhebegantosoar，andIwasgreatlyastonishedtoseeMarcolinesheddingtears，whichshewipedawayhastilyasiftohidethemfromthesightoftheworthyoldmanwhomwinehadmademoretheologicalthanusual。Feigningtobeenthusiastic，Marcolinetookhishandandkissedit，whileheinhisvainexaltationdrewhertowardshimandkissedheronthebrow，saying，"Poveretta，youareanangel！"
　　Atthisincident，inwhichtherewasmoreloveofourneighbourthanloveofGod，weallbitourlipstopreventourselvesburstingoutlaughing，andtheslylittlepusspretendedtobeextremelymoved。
　　IneverknewMarcoline’scapacitiestillthen，forsheconfessedthatheremotionwaswhollyfictitious，anddesignedtowintheoldman’sgoodgraces；andthatifshehadfollowedherowninclinationsshewouldhavelaughedheartily。Shewasdesignedtoactaparteitheruponthestageoronathrone。Chancehadordainedthatsheshouldbebornofthepeople，andhereducationhadbeenneglected；butifshehadbeenproperlytutoredshewouldhavebeenfitforanything。
　　Beforereturninghomewewerewarmlyinvitedtodinnerthenextday。
　　Aswewantedtobetogether，wedidnotgotothetheatrethatdayandwhenwegothomeIdidnotwaitforMarcolinetoundresstocoverherwithkisses。
　　"Dearheart，"saidI，"youhavenotshewnmeallyourperfectionstillnow，whenweareabouttopart；youmakemeregretyouaregoingbacktoVenice。Todayyouwonallhearts。"
　　"Keepmethen，withyou，andIwilleverbeasIhavebeento—day。
　　Bytheway，didyouseemyuncle？"
　　"Ithinkso。Wasitnothewhowasincontinualattendance？"
　　"Yes。Irecognizedhimbyhisring。Didhelook，atme？"
　　"Allthetime，andwithanairofthegreatestastonishment。I
　　avoidedcatchinghiseye，whichrovedfromyoutomecontinually。"
　　"Ishouldliketoknowwhatthegoodmanthinks！Youwillseehimagainto—morrow。IamsurehewillhavetoldM。Querinithat，Iamhisniece，andconsequentlynotyours。
　　"Iexpectso，too。"
　　"AndifM。Querinisaysasmuchtometo—morrow，I，expectIshallhaveto，admitthefact。Whatdoyouthink？"
　　"Youmustundoubtedlytellhimthetruth，butfranklyandopenly，andsoasnottolethimthinkthatyouhaveneedofhimtoreturntoVenice。Heisnotyourfather，andhasnorightoveryourliberty。"
　　"Certainlynot。"
　　"Verygood。YoumustalsoagreethatIamnotyouruncle，andthatthebondbetweenusis，ofthemosttenderdescription。Will，therebeanydifficultyisthat？"
　　"Howcanyouaskmesuchaquestion？Thelinkbetweenusmakesmefeelproud，andwilleverdoso。"
　　"Well，well，Isaynomore。Itrustentirelyinyourtact。RememberthatQueriniandnoothermusttakeyoubacktoVenice；hemusttreatyouasifyouwerehisdaughter。Ifhewillnotconsent，youshallnotreturnatall。"
　　"WouldtoGoditwereso！"
　　EarlythenextmorningIgotanotefromM。Querinirequestingmetocallonhim，ashewantedtospeaktomeonamatterofimportance。
　　"Wearegettingon，"saidMarcoline。"Iamverygladthatthingshavetakenthisturn，forwhenyoucomebackyoucantellmethewholestory，andIcanregulatemyconductaccordingly。"
　　IfoundQueriniandMorosinitogether。TheygavemetheirhandswhenIcamein，andQueriniaskedmetositdown，sayingthattherewouldbenothinginourdiscussionwhichM。Morosinimightnothear。
　　"Ihaveaconfidencetomaketoyou，M。Casanova，"hebegan；"butfirstIwantyoutodomethesamefavor。"
　　"Icanhavenosecretsfromyourexcellency。"
　　"Iamobligedtoyou，andwilltrytodeserveyourgoodopinion。
　　Ibegthatyouwilltellmesincerelywhetheryouknowtheyoungpersonwhoiswithyou，fornoonebelievesthatsheisyourniece。"
　　"Itistruethatsheis——notmyniece，butnotbeingacquaintedwithherrelationsorfamilyIcannotbesaidtoknowherinthesensewhichyourexcellencygivestotheword。Nevertheless，IamproudtoconfessthatIloveherwithanaffectionwhichwillnotendsavewithmylife。"
　　"Iamdelightedtohearyousayso。Howlonghaveyouhadher？"
　　"Nearlytwomonths。"
　　"Verygood！Howdidshefallintoyourhands？"
　　"Thatisapointwhichonlyconcernsher，andyouwillallowmenottoanswerthatquestion。"
　　"Good！wewillgoon。Thoughyouareinlovewithher，itisverypossiblethatyouhavenevermadeanyenquiriesrespectingherfamily。"
　　"Shehastoldmethatshehasafatherandamother，poorbuthonest，butIconfessIhaveneverbeencuriousenoughtoenquirehername。
　　Ionlyknowherbaptismalname，whichispossiblynothertrueone，butitdoesquitewellforme。"
　　"Shehasgivenyouhertruename。"
　　"Yourexcellencysurprisesme！Youknowher，then？"
　　"Yes；Ididnotknowheryesterday，butIdonow。Twomonths……
　　Marcoline……yes，itmustbeshe。Iamnowcertainthatmymanisnotmad。"
　　"Yourman？"
　　"Yes，sheishisniece。WhenwewereatLondonheheardthatshehadleftthepaternalroofaboutthemiddleofLent。Marcoline’smother，whoishissister，wrotetohim。Hewasafraidtospeaktoheryesterday，becauseshelookedsogrand。Heeventhoughthemustbemistaken，andhewouldhavebeenafraidofoffendingmebyspeakingtoagrandladyatmytable。Shemusthaveseenhim，too。"
　　"Idon’tthinkso，shehassaidnothingaboutittome。"
　　"Itistruethathewasstandingbehindherallthetime。Butletuscometothepoint。IsMarcolineyourwife，orhaveyouanyintentionofmarryingher？"
　　"Iloveherastenderlyasanymancanloveawoman，butIcannotmakeherawife；thereasonsareknownonlytoherselfandme。"
　　"Irespectyoursecret；buttellmeifyouwouldobjecttomybegginghertoreturntoVenicewithheruncle？"
　　"IthinkMarcolineishappy，butifshehassucceededingainingthefavourofyourexcellency，sheishappierstill；andIfeelsurethatifsheweretogobacktoVeniceundertheexaltedpatronageofyourexcellency，shewouldeffaceallstainsonherreputation。Astopermittinghertogo，Icanputnostumblingblockintheway，forI
　　amnothermaster。AsherloverIwoulddefendhertothelastdropofmyblood，butifshewantstoleavemeIcanonlyassent，thoughwithsorrow。"
　　"Youspeakwithmuchsense，andIhopeyouwillnotbedispleasedatmyundertakingthisgoodwork。OfcourseIshalldonothingwithoutyourconsent。"
　　"Irespectthedecreesoffatewhentheyarepromulgatedbysuchamanasyou。IfyourexcellencycaninduceMarcolinetoleaveme，I
　　willmakenoobjection；butIwarnyouthatshemustbewonmildly。
　　Sheisintelligent，shelovesme，andsheknowsthatsheisindependent；besidesshereckonsonme，andshehascausetodoso。
　　Speaktoherto—daybyherself；mypresencewouldonlybeinyourway。Waittilldinnerisover；theinterviewmightlastsometime。"
　　"MydearCasanova，youareanhonestman。Iamdelightedtohavemadeyouracquaintance。"
　　"Youdometoomuchhonour。ImaysaythatMarcolinewillhearnothingofallthis。"
　　WhenIgotbacktotheinn，IgaveMarcolineanexactaccountofthewholeconversation，warningherthatshewouldbesupposedtoknownothingaboutit。
　　"Youmustexecuteamasterlystroke，dearest，"saidI，"topersuadeM。QuerinithatIdidnotlieinsayingthatyouhadnotseenyouruncle。Assoonasyouseehim，youmustgiveashoutofsurprise，exclaim，’Mydearuncle！’andrushtohisarms。Thiswouldbeasplendidanddramaticsituation，whichwoulddoyouhonourintheeyesofallthecompany。"
　　"YoumaybesurethatIshallplaythepartverywell，althoughmyheartbesad。"
　　Atthetimeappointedwewaitedontheambassadors，andfoundthatalltheotherguestshadassembled。Marcoline，asblitheandsmilingasbefore，firstaccostedM。Querini，andthendidthepolitetoallthecompany。AfewminutesbeforedinnerMattiobroughtinhismaster’sspectaclesonasilvertray。Marcoline，whowassittingnexttoM。Querini，stoppedshortinsomethingshewassaying，andstaringattheman，exclaimedinaquestioningvoice，——
　　"Myuncle？"
　　"Yes，mydearniece。"
　　Marcolineflungherselfintohisarms，andtherewasamovingscene，whichexcitedtheadmirationofall。
　　"IknewyouhadleftVenice，dearuncle，butIdidnotknowyouwereinhisexcellency’sservice。Iamsogladtoseeyouagain！Youwilltellmyfatherandmotheraboutme？YouseeIamhappy。Wherewereyouyesterday？"
　　"Here。"
　　"Andyoudidn’tseeme？"
　　"Yes；butyourunclethere……"
　　"Well，"saidI，laughing，"letusknoweachother，cousin，andbegoodfriends。Marcoline，Icongratulateyouonhavingsuchanhonestmanforanuncle。"
　　"Thatisreallyveryfine，"saidM。Querini；andeverybodyexclaimed，"Veryaffecting，veryaffectingindeed！"
　　Thenewly—founduncledeparted，andwesatdowntodinner，butinspiritswhichdifferedfromthoseofyesterday。Marcolineboretracesofthosemingledemotionsofhappinessandregretwhichmoveloyalheartswhentheycalltomindthernativeland。M。Querinilookedatheradmiringly，andseemedtohavealltheconfidenceofsuccesswhichagoodactiongivestothemind。M。Morosinisatapleasedspectator。Theotherswereattentiveandcuriousastowhatwouldcomenext。Theylistenedtowhatwassaid，andhungonMarcoline’slips。
　　Afterthefirstcoursetherewasgreaterunisoninthecompany，andM。MorosinitoldMarcolinethatifshewouldreturntoVeniceshewouldbesureoffindingahusbandworthyofher。
　　"Imustbethejudgeofthat，"saidshe。
　　"Yes，butitisagoodthingtohaverecoursetotheadviceofdiscreetpersonswhoareinterestedinthehappinessofbothparties。"
　　"Excuseme，butIdonotthinkso。IfIevermarry，myhusbandwillhavetopleasemefirst。"
　　"Whohastaughtyouthismaxim？"saidQuerini。
　　"Myuncle，Casanova，whohas，Iverilybelieve，taughtmeeverythingthatcanbelearntinthetwomonthsIhavebeenhappyenoughtolivewithhim。"
　　"Icongratulatethemasterandthepupil，butyouarebothtooyoungtohavelearntalltherangeofscience。Moralsciencecannotbelearntintwomonths。"
　　"Whathisexcellencyhasjustsaid，"saidI，turningtoMarcoline，"isperfectlycorrect。Inaffairsofmarriagebothpartiesshouldrelytoagreatextentontheadviceoffriends，formeremarriagesofinclinationareoftenunhappy。"
　　"Thatisareallyphilosophicalremark，mydearMarcoline，"saidQuerini；"buttellmethequalitieswhichinyouropinionaredesirableinahusband。"
　　"Ishouldbepuzzledtonamethem，buttheywouldallbecomemanifestinthemanthatpleasedme。"
　　"Andsupposinghewereaworthlessfellow？"
　　"Hewouldcertainlynotpleaseme，andthat’sthereasonwhyIhavemadeupmymindnevertomarryamanwhomIhavenotstudied。"
　　"Supposingyoumadeamistake？"
　　"ThenIwouldweepinsecret。"
　　"Howifyouwerepoor？"
　　"Sheneedneverfearpoverty，mylord，"saidI。"Shehasanincomeoffiftycrownsamonthfortheremainderofherlife。"
　　"Oh，that’sadifferentmatter。Ifthatisso，sweetheart，youareprivileged。YouwillbeabletoliveatVeniceinperfectindependence。"
　　"IthinkthattolivehonourablythereIonlyneedtheprotectionofalordlikeyourexcellency。"
　　"Astothat，Marcoline，IgiveyoumywordthatIwilldoallinmypowerforyouifyoucometoVenice。Butletmeaskyouonequestion，howareyousureofyourincomeoffiftycrownsamonth？
　　Youarelaughing。"
　　"IlaughbecauseIamsuchasillylittlething。Idon’thaveanyheedformyownbusiness。Myfriendtherewilltellyouallaboutit。"
　　"Youhavenotbeenjoking，haveyou？"saidtheworthyoldmantome。
　　"Marcoline，"saidI，"hasnotonlycapitalwhichwillproducealargersumthanthatwhichIhavenamed，butshehasalsovaluablepossessions。Yourexcellencywillnoteherwisdominsayingthatshewouldneedyourlordship’sprotectionatVenice，forshewillrequiresomeonetolookaftertheinvestmentofhercapital。Thewholeamountisinmyhands，andifshelikesMarcolinecanhaveitallinlessthantwohours。"
　　"Verygood；thenyoumuststartforVenicethedayafterto—morrow。
　　Mattioisquitereadytoreceiveyou。"
　　"Ihavethegreatestrespectandloveformyuncle，butitisnottohiscarethatyourexcellencymustcommendmeifIresolvetogo。"
　　"Thentowhom？"
　　"Toyourowncare，mylord。Yourexcellencyhascalledmedeardaughtertwoorthreetimes，leadme，then，toVenice，likeagoodfather，andIwillcomewillingly；otherwiseIprotestIwillnotleavethemantowhomIoweallIhave。IwillstartforLondonwithhimthedayafterto—morrow。"
　　Atthesewordswhichdelightedmesilencefellonall。TheywaitedforM。Querinitospeak，andthegeneralopinionseemedtobethathehadgonetoofartobeabletodrawback。Nevertheless，theoldmankeptsilence；perhapsinhischaracterofdevoteehewasafraidofbeingledintotemptation，orofgivingoccasiontoscandal，andtheotherguestsweresilentlikehim，andatetokeepeachotherincountenance。Mattio’shandtrembledashewaited；Marcolinealonewascalmandcollected。Dessertwasserved，andstillnoonedaredtosayaword。Allatoncethiswonderfulgirlsaid，inaninspiredvoice，asifspeakingtoherself，——
　　"WemustadorethedecreesofDivineProvidence，butaftertheissue，sincemortalsarenotabletodiscernthefuture，whetheritbegoodorwhetheritbeevil。"
　　"Whatdoesthatreflectionrelateto，mydeardaughter？"saidM。
　　Querini，"andwhydoyoukissmyhandnow？"
　　"Ikissyourhandbecauseyouhavecalledmeyourdeardaughterforthefourthtime。"
　　Thisjudiciousremarkelicitedasmileofapprovalfromall，andrestoredthegeneralgaiety；butM。QueriniaskedMarcolinetoexplainherobservationonProvidence。
　　"Itwasaninspiration，andtheresultofself—examination。Iamwell；Ihavelearnedsomethingoflife；Iamonlyseventeen，andinthecourseoftwomonthsIhavebecomerichbyhonestmeans。Iamallhappy，andyetIowemyhappinesstothegreatesterroramaidencancommit。ThusIhumblemyselfbeforethedecrees，ofProvidenceandadoreitswisdom。"
　　"Youareright，but，nonethelessyououghttorepentofwhatyouhavedone。"
　　"That’swhereIampuzzled；forbeforeIcanrepent；Imustthinkofit，andwhenIthinkofitIfindnothingforwhichtorepent。I
　　supposeIshallhavetoconsultsomegreattheologianonthepoint。"
　　"Thatwillnotbenecessary；youare，intelligent，andyourheartisgood，andIwillgiveyouthenecessaryinstructionontheway。Whenonerepentsthereisnoneedtothinkofthepleasurewhichoursinshavegivenus。"
　　InhischaracterofapostlethegoodM。Queriniwasbecomingpiouslyamorousofhisfairproselyte。Heleftthetableforafewmoments，andwhenhereturnedhe，toldMarcolinethatifhehadayoungladytotaketo，Veniceheshouldbeobligedtoleaveherinthecareofhishousekeeper，DameVeneranda，inwhomhehadeveryconfidence。
　　"Ihavejustbeenspeakingtoher；andifyouwouldliketocome，allisarranged。Youshallsleepwithher，anddinewithustillwegettoVenice，andthenIwilldeliver，youintoyourmother’skeeping，inthepresenceofyouruncle。Whatdoyousay？"
　　"Iwillcomewithpleasure:"
　　"ComeandseeDameVeneranda。"
　　"Willingly。"
　　"Comewithus，Casanova。"
　　DameVenerandalookedaperfectcannoness，andIdidnotthinkthatMarcolinewouldfall，inlovewithher，butsheseemedsensibleandtrustworthy。M。QuerinitoldherinourpresencewhathehadjusttoldMarcoline，andtheduennaassuredhimthatshewouldtake，theutmostcareoftheyounglady。Marcolinekissedherandcalledhermother，thusgainingtheoldlady’s，goodgraces。Werejoined，thecompany，whoexpressedtoMarcolinetheirintensepleasureathavingherforacompanionontheirjourney。
　　"Ishallhavetoputmystewardinanothercarriage，"saidM。Querini，"asthecalashonlyholdstwo。"
　　"Thatwillnotbenecessary，"Iremarked，"forMarcolinehashercarriage，andMistressVenerandawillfinditaverycomfortableone。
　　Itwillholdherluggageaswell。"
　　"You，wanttogivemeyourcarriage，"saidMarcoline。"Youaretoogoodtome"
　　Icouldmadenoreply，myemotionwassogreat。Iturnedasideandwiped，awaymytears。Returningtothecompany，IfoundthatMarcolinehadvanishedandM。Morosini，who，wasalsomuchaffectedtoldmeshehadgome，tospeaktoMistressVeneranda。Everybodywasmelancholy，andseeingthatIwasthecauseIbegantotalkaboutEngland，whereIhopedtomakemyfortunewithaprojectofmine，thesuccessofwhichonlydependedonLordEgremont。M。deMorosinisaidhewouldgivemealetterforLordEgremontandanotherforM。Zuccata，theVenetianambassador。
　　"Areyounotafraid，"saidM。Querini，"ofgettinginto，troublewiththeStateInquisitorsforrecommendingM。Casanova？"
　　MorosinirepliedcoldlythatastheInquisitorshad，nottoldhimforwhatcrimeIwascondemned，hedidnotfeelhimselfboundtosharetheirjudgment。OldQuerini，whowasextremelyparticular，shookhisheadandsaidnothing。
　　JustthenMarcolinecamebacktotheroom，andeverybodycouldseethatshehadbeenweeping。Iconfessthatthismarkofheraffectionwasaspleasingtomyvanityastomylove；butsuchisman，andsuch，doubtless，isthereaderwhomaybecensuringmyconduct。
　　Thischarminggirl，whostill，afteralltheseyears，dwellsinmyoldheart，askedmetotakeherbacktotheinn，asshewantedtopackuphertrunks。Weleftdirectly，afterhavingpromisedtocometodinneronthefollowingday。
　　IweptbitterlywhenIgottomyroom。ItoldClairmonttoseethatthecarriagewasingoodorder，andthen，hastilyundressing，Iflungmyselfonthebedinmydressing—gown，andweptasifsomeblessingwasbeingtakenfrommeagainstmywill。Marcoline，whowasmuchmoresensible，didwhatshecouldtoconsoleme，butIlikedtotormentmyself，andherwordsdidbutincreasemydespair。
　　"Reflect，"saidshe，"thatitisnotIwhoamleavingyou，butyouwhoaresendingmeaway；thatIlongtospendtherestofmydayswithyou，andthatyouhaveonlygottosayawordtokeepme。"
　　Iknewthatshewasright；butstillafatalfearwhichhasalwaysswayedme，thefearofbeingboundtoanyone，andthehypocrisyofalibertineeverlongingforchange，boththesefeelingsmademepersistinmyresolutionandmysadness。
　　Aboutsixo’clockMM。MorosiniandQuerinicameintothecourtyardandlookedatthecarriage，whichwasbeinginspectedbythewheelwright。TheyspoketoClairmont，andthencametoseeus。
　　"Goodheavens！"saidM。Querini，seeingthenumerousboxeswhichshewasgoingtoplaceonhercarriage；andwhenhehadheardthathercarriagewastheonehehadjustlookedat，heseemedsurprised；itwasindeedaverygoodvehicle。
　　M。MorosinitoldMarcolinethatifshelikedtosellitwhenshegottoVenicehewouldgiveherathousandVenetianducats，orthreethousandfrancsforit。
　　"Youmightgiveherdoublethatamount，"saidI，"foritisworththreethousandducats。"
　　"Wewillarrangeallthat，"saidhe；andQueriniadded，——
　　"Itwillbeaconsiderableadditiontothecapitalsheproposestoinvest。"
　　AftersomeagreeableconversationItoldM。QuerinithatIwouldgivehimabillofexchangeforfivethousandducats，which，withthethreeorfourthousandducatsthesaleofherjewellerywouldrealize，andthethousandforthecarriage，wouldgiveheracapitalofnineortenthousandducats，theinterestofwhichwouldbringherinahandsomeincome。
　　NextmorningIgotM。BonotogivemeabillofexchangeonM。
　　Querini’sorder，andatdinner—timeMarcolinehandeditovertohernewprotector，whowroteheraformalreceipt。M。Morosinigavemethelettershehadpromised，andtheirdeparturewasfixedforeleveno’clockthenextday。Thereadermayimaginethatourdinner—partywasnotovergay。Marcolinewasdepressed，IasgloomyasaspleneticEnglishman，andbetweenuswemadethefeastmorelikeafuneralthanameetingoffriends。
　　IwillnotattempttodescribethenightIpassedwithmycharmer。
　　SheaskedmeagainandagainhowIcouldbemyownexecutioner；butI
　　couldnotanswer，forIdidnotknow。ButhowoftenhaveIdonethingswhichcausedmepain，buttowhichIwasimpelledbysomeoccultforceitwasmywhimnottoresist。
　　Inthemorning，whenIhadputonmybootsandspurs，andtoldClairmontnottobeuneasyifIdidnotreturnthatnight，MarcolineandIdrovetotheambassadors’residence。Webreakfastedtogether，silentlyenough，forMarcolinehadtearsinhereyes，andeveryoneknowingmynobleconducttowardsherrespectedhernaturalgrief。
　　Afterbreakfastwesetout，Isittingintheforepartofthecarriage，facingMarcolineandDameVeneranda，whowouldhavemademelaughunderanyothercircumstances，herastonishmentatfindingherselfinamoregorgeouscarriagethantheambassador’swassogreat。Sheexpatiatedontheeleganceandcomfortoftheequipage，andamusedusbysayingthathermasterwasquiterightinsayingthatthepeoplewouldtakeherfortheambassadress。Butinspiteofthispieceofcomedy，MarcolineandIweresadalltheway。M。
　　Querini，whodidnotlikenighttravelling，madeusstopatPont—
　　Boivoisin，atnineo’clock，andafterabadsuppereveryonewenttobedtobereadytostartatdaybreak。MarcolinewastosleepwithVeneranda，soIaccompaniedher，andtheworthyoldwomanwenttobedwithoutanyceremony，lyingsoclosetothewallthattherewasroomfortwomore；butafterMarcolinehadgotintobedIsatdownonachair，andplacingmyheadbesidehersonthepillowwemingledoursobsandtearsallnight。
　　WhenVeneranda，whohadsleptsoundly，awoke，shewasmuchastonishedtoseemestillinthesameposition。Shewasagreatdevotee，butwomen’spietyeasilygivesplacetopity，andshehadmovedtothefurthestextremityofthebedwiththeintentionofgivingmeanothernightoflove。Butmymelancholypreventedmyprofitingbyherkindness。
　　Ihadorderedasaddlehorsetobereadyformeinthemorning。Wetookahastycupofcoffeeandbadeeachothermutualfarewells。I
　　placedMarcolineinthecarriage，gaveheralastembrace，andwaitedforthecrackofthepostillion’swhiptogallopbacktoLyons。I
　　torealonglikeamadman，forIfeltasifIshouldliketosendthehorsetothegroundandkillmyself。Butdeathnevercomestohimthatdesiresit，saveinthefableoftheworthyLafontaine。InsixhoursIhadaccomplishedtheeighteenleaguesbetweenPont—BoivoisinandLyons，onlystoppingtochangehorses。Itoreoffmyclothesandthrewmyselfonthebed，wherethirtyhoursbeforeIhadenjoyedallthedelightsoflove。IhopedthattheblissIhadlostwouldreturntomeinmydreams。However，Isleptprofoundly，anddidnotwaketilleighto’clock。Ihadbeenasleepaboutnineteenhours。
　　IrangforClairmont，andtoldhimtobringupmybreakfast，whichI
　　devouredeagerly。WhenmystomachwasrestoredinthismannerIfellasleepagain，anddidnotgetuptillthenextmorning，feelingquitewell，andasifIcouldsupportlifealittlelonger。
　　ThreedaysafterMarcoline’sdepartureIboughtacomfortabletwo—
　　wheeledcarriagewithpatentsprings，andsentmytrunkstoParisbythediligence。Ikeptaportmanteaucontainingthemerestnecessaries，forImeanttotravelinadressing—gownandnight—cap，andkeeptomyselfallthewaytoParis。IintendedthisasasortofhomagetoMarcoline，butIreckonedwithoutmyhost。
　　IwasputtingmyjewellerytogetherinacasketwhenClairmontannouncedatradesmanandhisdaughter，aprettygirlwhomIhadremarkedatdinner，forsincethedepartureofmyfairVenetianIhaddinedatthetable—d’hotebywayofdistraction。
　　Ishutupmyjewelsandaskedthemtocomein，andthefatheraddressedmepolitely，saying，——
　　"Sir，Ihavecometoaskyoutodomeafavourwhichwillcostyoubutlittle，whileitwillbeofimmenseservicetomydaughterandmyself。"
　　"WhatcanIdoforyou？IamleavingLyonsatday—breakto—morrow。"
　　"Iknowit，foryousaidsoatdinner；butweshallbereadyatanyhour。Bekindenoughtogivemydaughteraseatinyourcarriage。I
　　will，ofcourse，payforathirdhorse，andwillridepost。"
　　"Youcannothaveseenthecarriage。"
　　"Excuseme，Ihavedoneso。Itis，Iknow，onlymeantforone，butshecouldeasilysqueezeintoit。IknowIamtroublingyou，butifyouwereawareoftheconvenienceitwouldbetomeIamsureyouwouldnotrefuse。Alltheplacesinthediligencearetakenuptonextweek，andifIdon’tgettoParisinsixdaysImightaswellstayawayaltogether。IfIwerearichmanIwouldpost，butthatwouldcostfourhundredfrancs，andIcannotaffordtospendsomuch。
　　Theonlycourseopentomeistoleavebythediligencetomorrow，andtohavemyselfandmydaughterboundtotheroof。Yousee，sir，theideamakesherweep，andIdon’tlikeitmuchbettermyself。"
　　Ilookedattentivelyatthegirl，andfoundhertooprettyformetokeepwithinboundsifItravelledalonewithher。Iwassad，andthetormentIhadenduredinpartingfromMarcolinehadmademeresolvetoavoidalloccasionswhichmighthavesimilarresults。Ithoughtthisresolvenecessaryformypeaceofmind。
　　"Thisgirl，"Isaidtomyself，"maybesocharmingthatIshouldfallinlovewithherifIyieldtothefather’srequest，andIdonotwishforanysuchresult。"
　　Iturnedtothefatherandsaid，——
　　"Isympathizewithyousincerely；butIreallydon’tseewhatIcandoforyouwithoutcausingmyselfthegreatestinconvenience。"
　　"PerhapsyouthinkthatIshallnotbeabletoridesomanypostsinsuccession，butyouneedn’tbeafraidonthatscore:"
　　"Thehorsemightgivein；youmighthaveafall，andIknowthatI
　　shouldfeelobligedtostop，andIaminahurry。Ifthatreasondoesnotstrikeyouasacogentone，Iamsorry，fortomeitappearsunanswerable。"
　　"Letusruntherisk，sir，atallevents。"
　　"ThereisastillgreaterriskofwhichIcantellyounothing。Inbrief，sir，youaskwhatisimpossible。"
　　"InHeaven’sname，sir，"saidthegirl，withavoiceandalookthatwouldhavepiercedaheartofstone，"rescuemefromthatdreadfuljourneyontheroofofthediligence！Theveryideamakesmeshudder；Ishouldbeafraidoffallingoffalltheway；besides，thereissomethingmeanintravellingthatway。Dobutgrantmethisfavour，andIwillsitatyourfeetsoasnottodiscomfortyou。"
　　"Thisistoomuch！Youdonotknowme，mademoiselle。Iamneithercruelnorimpolite，especiallywhereyoursexisconcerned，thoughmyrefusalmustmakeyoufeelotherwise。IfIgivewayyoumayregretitafterwards，andIdonotwishthattohappen。"Then，turningtothefather，Isaid，——
　　"Apost—chaisecostssixLouis。Heretheyare；takethem。Iwillputoffmydepartureforafewhours，ifnecessary，toanswerforthechaise，supposingyouarenotknownhere，andanextrahorsewillcostfourLouistakethem。Astotherest，youwouldhavespentasmuchintakingtwoplacesinthediligence。"
　　"Youareverykind，sir，butIcannotacceptyourgift。Iamnotworthyofit，andIshouldbestilllessworthyifIacceptedthemoney。Adele，letusgo。Forgiveus，sir，ifwehavewastedhalfanhourofyourtime。Come，mypoorchild。"
　　"Waitamoment，father。"
　　Adelebeggedhimtowait，ashersobsalmostchokedher。Iwasfuriouswitheverything，buthavingreceivedonelookfromherbeautifuleyesIcouldnotwithstandhersorrowanylonger，andsaid，"Calmyourself，mademoiselle。ItshallneverbesaidthatIremainedunmovedwhilebeautywept。Iyieldtoyourrequest，forifIdidnotIshouldnotbeabletosleepallnight。ButIaccedeononecondition，"Iadded，turningtoherfather，"andthatisthatyousitatthebackofthecarriage。"
　　"Certainly；butwhatistobecomeofyourservant？"
　　"Hewillrideoninfront。Everythingissettled。Gotobednow，andbereadytostartatsixo’clock。"
　　"Certainly，butyouwillallowmetopayfortheextrahorse？"
　　"Youshallpaynothingatall；itwouldbeashameifIreceivedanymoneyfromyou。Youhavetoldmeyouarepoor，andpovertyisnodishonour；well，ImaytellyouthatIamrich，andrichesarenohonoursavewhentheyareusedindoinggood。Therefore，asIsaid，Iwillpayforall。"
　　"Verygood，butIwillpayfortheextrahorseinthecarriage。"
　　"Certainlynot，andletushavenobargaining，please；itistimetogotobed。IwillputyoudownatPariswithoutthejourneycostingyouafarthing，andthenifyoulikeyoumaythankme；thesearetheonlyconditionsonwhichIwilltakeyou。Look！Mdlle。Adeleislaughing，that’srewardenoughforme。"
　　"Iamlaughingforjoyathavingescapedthatdreadfuldiligenceroof。"
　　"Isee，butIhopeyouwillnotweepinmycarriage，forallsadnessisanabominationtome。"
　　Iwent，tobed，resolvedtostruggleagainstmyfatenolonger。I
　　sawthatIcouldnotwithstandthetemptingcharmsofthisnewbeauty，andIdeterminedthateverythingshouldbeoverinacoupleofdays。Adelehadbeautifulblueeyes，acomplexionwhereinweremingledthelilyandtherose，asmallmouth，excellentteeth，afigurestillslenderbutfullofpromise；here，surely，wereenoughmotivesforafreshfall。Ifellasleep，thankingmygoodgeniusforthusprovidingmewithamusementonthejourney。
　　JustbeforewestartedthefathercameandaskedifitwasallthesametomewhetherwewentbyBurgundyortheBourbonnais。
　　"Certainly。Doyoupreferanyparticularroute？"
　　"IfIwentthroughNeversImightbeabletocollectasmallaccount。"
　　"ThenwewillgobytheBourbonnais。"
　　DirectlyafterAdele，simplybutneatlydressed，camedownandwishedmegoodday，tellingmethatherfatherwasgoingtoputasmalltrunkcontainingtheirbelongingsatthebackofthecarriage。
　　Seeingmebusy，sheaskedifshecouldhelpmeinanyway。
　　"No，"Ireplied，"youhadbettertakeaseat，"
　　Shedidso，butinatimidmanner，whichannoyedme，becauseitseemedtoexpressthatshewasadependentofmine。Itoldhersogently，andmadehertakesmaecoffeewithme，andhershynesssoonworeoff。
　　Wewerejuststeppingintothecarriagewhenamancameandtoldmethatthelampswereoutofrepairandwouldcomeoffifsomethingwerenotdonetothem。Heofferedtoputthemintogoodrepairinthecourseofanhour。Iwasinaterriblerage，andcalledClairmontandbegantoscoldhim，buthesaidthatthelampswereallrightashortwhileago，andthatthemanmusthaveputthemoutoforderthathemighthavethetaskofrepairingthem。
　　Hehadhititoffexactly。Ihadheardofthetrickbefore，andI
　　calledouttotheman；andonhisansweringmeratherimpudently，I
　　begantokickhim，withmypistolinmyhand。Heranoffswearing，andthenoisebroughtupthelandlordandfiveorsixofhispeople。
　　EverybodysaidIwasintheright，butallthesameIhadtowastetwohoursasitwouldnothavebeenprudenttotravelwithoutlamps。
　　Anotherlamp—makerwassummoned；helookedatthedamage，andlaughedattherascallytrickhisfellow—tradesmanhadplayedme。
　　"CanIimprisontherascal？"Isaidtothelandlord。"Ishouldliketohavethesatisfactionofdoingso，wereittocostmetwoLouis。"
　　"TwoLouis！Yourhonourshallbeattendedtoinamoment。"
　　Iwasinadreadfulrage，anddidnotnoticeAdele，whowasquiteafraidofme。Apoliceofficialcameuptotakemyinformation，andexaminewitnesses，andtodrawupthecase。
　　"Howmuchisyourtimeworth，sir？"heaskedme。
　　"Fivelouis。"
　　WiththesewordsIslidtwolouisintohishand，andheimmediatelywrotedownafineoftwentylouisagainstthelamp—maker，andthenwenthisway，saying，——
　　"Yourmanwillbeinprisoninthenexttenminutes。"Ibreathedagainattheprospectofvengeance。IthenbeggedMdlle。Adele’spardon，whoaskedmineinherturn，notknowinghowIhadoffendedher。Thismighthaveledtosomeaffectionatepassages，butherfathercameinsayingthattherascalwasinprison，andthateveryonesaidIwasright。
　　"Iamperfectlyreadytoswearthathedidthedamage，"saidhe。
　　"Yousawhim，didyou？"
　　"No，butthat’sofnoconsequence，aseverybodyissurehedidit。"
　　Thispieceofsimplicityrestoredmygoodtempercompletely，andI
　　begantoaskMoreau，ashecalledhimself，severalquestions。Hetoldmehewasawidower，thatAdelewashisonlychild，thathewasgoingtosetupinbusinessatLouviers，andsoon。
　　Inthecourseofanhourthefarceturnedintoatragedy，inthefollowingmanner。Twowomen，oneofthemwithababyatherbreast，andfollowedbyfourbrats，allofwhommighthavebeenputunderabushelmeasure，camebeforeme，andfallingontheirkneesmademeguessthereasonofthispitifulsight。Theywerethewife，themother，andthechildrenofthedelinquent。
　　Myheartwassoonmovedwithpityforthem，formyvengeancehadbeencomplete，andIdidnotharbourresentment；butthewifealmostputmeinafuryagainbysayingthatherhusbandwasaninnocentman，andthattheywhohadaccusedhimwererascals。
　　Themother，seeingthestormreadytoburst，attackedmemoreadroitly，admittingthathersonmightbeguilty，butthathemusthavebeendriventoitbymisery，ashehadgotnobreadwherewithtofeedhischildren。Sheadded:
　　"Mygoodsir，takepityonus，forheisouronlysupport。Doagooddeedandsethimfree，forhewouldstayinprisonallhisdaysunlesswesoldourbedstopayyou。"
　　"Myworthywoman，Iforgivehimcompletely。Handthisdocumenttothepolicemagistrateandallwillbewell。"
　　AtthesametimeIgaveheralouisandtoldhertogo，notwishingtobetroubledwithherthanks。Afewmomentsafter，theofficialcametogetmysignaturefortheman’srelease，andIhadtopayhimthelegalcosts。Mylampscosttwelvefrancstomend，andatnineo’clockIstarted，havingspentfourorfivelouisfornothing。
　　Adelewasobligedtositbetweenmylegs，butshewasillatease。
　　Itoldhertositfurtherback，butasshewouldhavehadtoleanonme，Ididnoturgeher；itwouldhavebeenratheradangeroussituationtobeginwith。Moreausatatthebackofthecarriage，Clairmontwentoninfront，andwewerethusneckandneck，orratherneckandback，thewholeway。
　　Wegotdowntochangehorses，andasweweregettingintothecarriageagainAdelehadtoliftherleg，andshewedmeapairofblackbreeches。Ihavealwayshadahorrorofwomenwithbreeches，butaboveallofblackbreeches。
　　"Sir，"saidItoherfather，"yourdaughterhasshewnmeherblackbreeches。"
　　"It’suncommonlyluckyforherthatshedidn’tshewyousomethingelse。"
　　Ilikedthereply，butthecursedbreecheshadsooffendedmethatI
　　becamequitesulky。Itseemedtomethatsuchclotheswereakindoframpartoroutwork，verynatural，nodoubt，butIthoughtayounggirlshouldknownothingofthedanger，or，atallevents，pretendignoranceifshedidnotpossessit。AsIcouldneitherscoldhernorovercomemybadtemper，Icontentedmyselfwithbeingpolite，butIdidnotspeakagaintillwegottoSt。Simphorien，unlessitwastoaskhertositmorecomfortably。
　　WhenwegottoSt。SimphorienItoldClairmonttogooninfrontandorderusagoodsupperatRoanne，andtosleepthere。Whenwewereabouthalf—wayAdeletoldmethatshemustbeatroubletome，asI
　　wasnotsogayasIhadbeen。Iassuredherthatitwasnotso，andthatIonlykeptsilencethatshemightbeabletorest。
　　"Youareverykind，"sheanswered，"butitisquiteamistakeforyoutothinkthatyouwoulddisturbmebytalking。Allowmetotellyouthatyouareconcealingtherealcauseofyoursilence。"
　　"Doyouknowtherealcause？"
　　"Yes，IthinkIdo。"
　　"Well，whatisit？"
　　"Youhavechangedsinceyousawmybreeches。"
　　"Youareright，thisblackattirehasclothedmysoulwithgloom。"
　　"Iamverysorry，butyoumustallowthatinthefirstplaceIwasnottosupposethatyouweregoingtoseemybreeches，andinthesecondplacethatIcouldnotbeawarethatthecolourwouldbedistastefultoyou。"
　　"Trueagain，butasIchancedtoseethearticlesyoumustforgivemydisgust。Thisblackhasfilledmysoulwithfunerealimages，justaswhitewouldhavecheeredme。Doyoualwayswearthosedreadfulbreeches？"
　　"Iamwearingthemforthefirsttimeto—day。"
　　"Thenyoumustallowthatyouhavecommittedanunbecomingaction。"
　　"Unbecoming？"
　　"Yes，whatwouldyouhavesaidifIhadcomedowninpetticoatsthismorning？Youwouldhavepronouncedthemunbecoming。Youarelaughing。"
　　"Forgiveme，butIneverheardanythingsoamusing。Butyourcomparisonwillnotstand；everyonewouldhaveseenyourpetticoats，whereasnoonehasanybusinesstoseemybreeches。"
　　Iassentedtoherlogic，delightedtofindhercapableoftearingmysophismtopieces，butIstillpreservedsilence。
　　AtRoannewehadagoodenoughsupper，andMoreau，whoknewverywellthatifithadnotbeenforhisdaughtertherewouldhavebeennofreejourneyandfreesupperforhim，wasdelightedwhenItoldhimthatshekeptmegoodcompany。Itoldhimaboutourdiscussiononbreeches，andhepronouncedhisdaughtertobeinthewrong，laughingpleasantly。AftersupperItoldhimthatheandhisdaughterweretosleepintheroominwhichweweresitting，whileIwouldpassthenightinaneighbouringcloset。
　　Justaswewerestartingthenextmorning，Clairmonttoldmethathewouldgooninfront，toseethatourbedswereready，addingthataswehadlostonenightitwouldnotdomuchharmifweweretoloseanother。
　　ThisspeechletmeknowthatmyfaithfulClairmontbegantofeeltheneedofrest，andhishealthwasdeartome。ItoldhimtostopatSt。PierreleMortier，andtotakecarethatagoodsupperwasreadyforus。Whenwewereinthecarriageagain，Adelethankedme。
　　"Thenyoudon’tlikenighttravelling？"Isaid。
　　"Ishouldn’tminditifIwerenotafraidofgoingtosleepandfallingonyou。"
　　"Why，Ishouldlikeit。Aprettygirllikeyouisanagreeableburden。"
　　Shemadenoreply，butIsawthatsheunderstood；mydeclarationwasmade，butsomethingmorewaswantedbeforeIcouldrelyonherdocility。IrelapsedintosilenceagaintillwegottoVarennes，andthenIsaid，——
　　"IfIthoughtyoucouldeataroastfowlwithasgoodanappetiteasmine，Iwoulddinehere。"
　　"Tryme，Iwillendeavourtomatchyou。"
　　Weatewellanddrankbetter，andbythetimewestartedagainwewerealittledrunk。Adele，whowasonlyaccustomedtodrinkwinetwoorthreetimesayear，laughedatnotbeingabletostandupright，butseemedtobeafraidthatsomethingwouldhappen。I
　　comfortedherbysayingthatthefumesofchampagnesoonevaporated；
　　butthoughshestrovewithallhermighttokeepawake，natureconquered，andlettingherprettyheadfallonmybreastshefellasleep，anddidnotrouseherselffortwohours。Itreatedherwiththegreatestrespect，thoughIcouldnotresistascertainingthatthearticleofclothingwhichhaddispleasedmesomuchhadentirelydisappeared。
　　WhileshesleptIenjoyedthepleasureofgazingontheswellingcurvesofherbuddingbreast，butIrestrainedmyardour，asthedisappearanceoftheblackbreechesassuredmethatIshouldfindherperfectlysubmissivewheneverIchosetomaketheassault。Iwished，however，thatsheshouldgiveherselfuptomeofherownfreewill，oratanyratecomehalf—waytomeetme，andIknewthatIhadonlytosmooththepathtomakeherdoso。
　　Whensheawokeandfoundthatshehadbeensleepinginmyarms，herastonishmentwasextreme。Sheapologizedandbeggedmetoforgiveher，whileIthoughtthebestwaytoputherateasewouldbetogiveheranaffectionatekiss。Theresultwassatisfactory；whodoesnotknowtheeffectofakissgivenatthepropertime？
　　Asherdresswasinsomedisordershetriedtoadjustit，butwewereratherpushedforspace，andbyanawkwardmovementsheuncoveredherknee。Iburstoutlaughingandshejoinedme，andhadthepresenceofmindtosay:
　　"Ihopetheblackcolourhasgivenyounofunerealthoughtsthistime。"
　　"Thehueoftherose，dearAdele，canonlyinspiremewithdeliciousfancies。"
　　Isawthatsheloweredhereyes，butinamannerthatshewedshewaspleased。
　　Withthistalk——and，sotospeak，castingoilontheflames——wereachedMoulin，andgotdownforafewmoments。Acrowdofwomenassaileduswithknivesandedgedtoolsofallsorts，andIboughtthefatheranddaughterwhatevertheyfancied。Wewentonourway，leavingthewomenquarrellingandfightingbecausesomehadsoldtheirwaresandothershadnot。
　　IntheeveningwereachedSt。Pierre；butduringthefourhoursthathadelapsedsinceweleftMoulinwehadmadeway，andAdelehadbecomequitefamiliarwithme。
　　ThankstoClairmont，whohadarrivedtwohoursbefore，anexcellentsupperawaitedus。Wesuppedinalargeroom，wheretwogreatwhitebedsstoodreadytoreceiveus。
　　ItoldMoreauthatheandhisdaughtershouldsleepinonebed，andI
　　intheother；butherepliedthatIandAdelecouldeachhaveabedtoourselves，ashewantedtostartforNeversdirectlyaftersupper，soastobeabletocatch—hisdebtoratdaybreak，andtorejoinuswhenwegottherethefollowingday。
　　"Ifyouhadtoldmebefore，wewouldhavegoneontoNeversandsleptthere。"
　　"Youaretookind。Imeantoridethethreeandahalfstages。Theridingwilldomegood，andIlikeit。Ileavemydaughterinyourcare。Shewillnotbesonearyouasinthecarriage。"
　　"Oh，wewillbeverydiscreet，youmaybesure！"
　　AfterhisdepartureItoldAdeletogotobedinherclothes，ifshewereafraidofme。
　　"Ishan’tbeoffended，"Iadded。
　　"Itwouldbeverywrongofme，"sheanswered，"togiveyousuchaproofofmywantofconfidence。"
　　Sherose，wentoutamoment，andwhenshecamebackshelockedthedoor，andassoonasshewasreadytoslipoffherlastarticleofclothingcameandkissedme。Ihappenedtobewritingatthetime，andasshehadcomeupontiptoeIwassurprised，thoughinaveryagreeablemanner。Shefledtoherbed，sayingsaucily，"Youarefrightenedofme，Ithink？"
　　"Youarewrong，butyousurprisedme。Comeback，Iwanttoseeyoufallasleepinmyarms。"
　　"Comeandseemesleep。"
　　"Willyousleepallthetime？"
　　"OfcourseIshall。"
　　"Wewillseeaboutthat。"
　　Iflungthependown，andinamomentIheldherinmyarms，smiling，ardent，submissivetomydesires，andonlyentreatingmetospareher。Ididmybest，andthoughshehelpedmetothebestofherability，thefirstassaultwasalabourofHercules。Theotherswerepleasanter，foritisonlythefirststepthatispainful，andwhenthefieldhadbeenstainedwiththebloodofthreesuccessivebattles，weabandonedourselvestorepose。Atfiveo’clockinthemorningClairmontknocked，andItoldhimtogetussomecoffee。I
　　wasobligedtogetupwithoutgivingfairAdelegoodday，butI
　　promisedthatsheshouldhaveitontheway。
　　Whenshewasdressedshelookedatthealtarwhereshehadofferedherfirstsacrificetolove，andviewedthesignsofherdefeatwithasigh。Shewaspensiveforsometime，butwhenwewereinthecarriageagainhergaietyreturned，andinourmutualtransportsweforgottogrieveoverourapproachingparting。
　　WefoundMoreauatNevers；hewasinagreatstatebecausehecouldnotgethismoneybeforenoon。Hedarednotaskmetowaitforhim，butIsaidthatwewouldhaveagooddinnerandstartwhenthemoneywaspaid。