"M。Queriniamusedmeextremely，"saidthequeen；"hecalledmealittledevil。"
　　"Hemeanttosaythatyourhighnessisaswittyasanangel。"
　　IlongedforthequeentoaskmewhyIhadnotbeenpresentedbyM。
　　Zuccatto，forIhadareplyonthetipofmytonguethatwouldhavedeprivedtheambassadorofhissleepforaweek，whileIshouldhavesleptsoundly，forvengeanceisadivinepleasure，especiallywhenitistakenontheproudandfoolish；butthewholeconversationwasacompoundofnothings，asisusualincourts。
　　AftermyinterviewwasoverIgotintomysedan—chairandwenttoSohoSquare。AmanincourtdresscannotwalkthestreetsofLondonwithoutbeingpeltedwithmudbythemob，whilethegentlemanlookonandlaugh。Allcustomsmustberespected；theyareallatonceworthyandabsurd。
　　WhenIgottothehouseofMadameCornelis，IandmyNegroJarbewereshewnupstairs，andconductedthroughasuiteofgorgeousapartmentstoaroomwheretheladyofthehousewassittingwithtwoEnglishladiesandtwoEnglishgentlemen。Shereceivedmewithfamiliarpoliteness，mademesitdowninanarmchairbesideher，andthencontinuedtheconversationinEnglishwithoutintroducingme。Whenherstewardtoldherthatdinnerwasready，shegaveordersforthechildrentobebroughtdown。
　　Ihadlongdesiredthismeeting，andwhenIsawSophieIrantomeether；butshe，whohadprofitedbyhermother’sinstructions，drewbackwithprofoundcourtesyandacomplimentlearntbyheart。IdidnotsayanythingforfearIshouldembarrassher，butIfeltgrievedtotheheart。
　　MadameCornelisthenbroughtforwardherson，tellingthecompanythatIhadbroughthimtoEnglandaftersuperintendinghiseducationforsixyears。ShespokeinFrench，soIwasgladtoseethatherfriendsunderstoodthatlanguage。
　　Wesatdowntotable；MadameCornelisbetweenhertwochildren，andI
　　betweenthetwoEnglishwomen，oneofwhomdelightedmebyherpleasantwit。IattachedmyselftoherassoonasInoticedthatthemistressofthehouseonlyspoketomebychance，andthatSophiedidnotlookatme。Shewassolikemethatnomistakewaspossible。I
　　couldseethatshehadbeencarefullytutoredbyhermothertobehaveinthismanner，andIfeltthistreatmenttobebothabsurdandimpertinent。
　　IdidnotwanttoletanyoneseethatIwasangry，soIbegantodiscourseinapleasantstrainonthepeculiaritiesofEnglishmanners，takingcare，however，nottosayanythingwhichmightwoundtheinsularprideoftheEnglishguests。Myideawastomakethemlaughandtomakemyselfagreeable，andIsucceeded，butnotaworddidIspeaktoMadameCornelis；Ididnotsomuchaslookather。
　　Theladynexttome，afteradmiringthebeautyofmylace，askedmewhatwasthenewsatCourt。
　　"Itwasallnewstome，"saidI，"forIwentthereto—dayforthefirsttime。"
　　"Haveyouseentheking？"saidSirJosephCornelis。
　　"Mydear，youshouldnotasksuchquestions，"saidhismother。
　　"Whynot？"
　　"Becausethegentlemanmaynotwishtoanswerthem。"
　　"Onthecontrary，madam，Ilikebeingquestioned。Ihavebeenteachingyoursonforthelastsixyearstobealwaysaskingsomething，forthatisthewaytoacquireknowledge。Hewhoasksnothingknowsnothing。"
　　Ihadtouchedhertothequick，andshefellintoasulkysilence。
　　"Youhavenottoldmeyet，"saidthelad，"whetheryousawtheking。"
　　"Yes，myman，Isawthekingandthequeen，andboththeirmajestiesdidmethehonourtospeaktome。"
　　"Whointroducedyou？"
　　"TheFrenchambassador。"
　　"Ithinkyouwillagreewithme，"saidthemother，"thatlastquestionwasalittletoomuch。"
　　"Certainlyitwouldbeifitwereaddressedtoastranger，butnottomewhoamhisfriend。Youwillnoticethatthereplyheextractedfrommedidmehonour。IfIhadnotwishedittobeknownthatIhadbeenatCourt，Ishouldnothavecomehereinthisdress。"
　　"Verygood；butasyouliketobequestioned，mayIaskyouwhyyouwerenotpresentedbyyourownambassador？"
　　"BecausetheVenetianambassadorwouldnotpresentme，knowingthathisGovernmenthaveabonetopickwithme。"
　　Bythistimewehadcometothedessert，andpoorSophiehadnotutteredasyllable。
　　"SaysomethingtoM。deSeingalt，"saidhermother。
　　"Idon’tknowwhattosay，"sheanswered。"TellM。deSeingalttoaskmesomequestions，andIwillanswertothebestofmyability。"
　　"Well，Sophie，tellmeinwhatstudiesyouareengagedatthepresenttime。"
　　"Iamlearningdrawing；ifyoulikeIwillshewyousomeofmywork。"
　　"Iwilllookatitwithpleasure；buttellmehowyouthinkyouhaveoffendedme；youhaveaguiltyair。"
　　"I，sir？IdonotthinkIhavedoneanythingamiss。"
　　"NordoI，mydear；butasyoudonotlookatmewhenyouspeakI
　　thoughtyoumustbeashamedofsomething。Areyouashamedofyourfineeyes？Youblush。Whathaveyoudone？"
　　"Youareembarrassingher，"saidthemother。"Tellhim，mydear，thatyouhavedonenothing，butthatafeelingofmodestyandrespectpreventsyoufromgazingatthepersonsyouaddress。"
　　"Yes，"saidI；"butifmodestybidsyoungladieslowertheireyes，politenessshouldmakethemraisethemnowandagain。"
　　Noonerepliedtothisobjection，whichwasasharpcutfortheabsurdwoman；butafteranintervalofsilencewerosefromthetable，andSophiewenttofetchherdrawings。
　　"Iwon’tlookatanything，Sophie，unlessyouwilllookatme。"
　　"Come，"saidhermother，"lookatthegentleman。"
　　Sheobeyedasquicklyaslightning，andIsawtheprettiesteyesimaginable。
　　"Now，"saidI，"Iknowyouagain，andperhapsyoumayrememberhavingseenme。"
　　"Yes，althoughitissixyearsagosincewemet，Irecognizedyoudirectly。"
　　"Andyetyoudidnotlookmeintheface！Ifyouknewhowimpoliteitwastoloweryoureyeswhenyouareaddressinganyone，youwouldnotdoit。Whocanhavegivenyousuchabadlesson？"
　　Thechildglancedtowardshermother，whowasstandingbyawindow，andIsawwhowasherpreceptress。
　　IfeltthatIhadtakensufficientvengeance，andbegantoexamineherdrawings，topraisethemindetail，andtocongratulateheronhertalents。Itoldherthatsheoughttobethankfultohaveamotherwhohadgivenhersogoodaneducation。ThisindirectcomplimentpleasedMadameCornelis，andSophie，nowfreefromallrestraint，gazedatmewithanexpressionofchild—likeaffectionwhichravishedme。Herfeaturesboretheimprintofanoblesoulwithin，andIpitiedherforhavingtogrowupundertheauthorityofafoolishmother。Sophiewenttothepiano，playedwithfeeling，andthensangsomeItalianairs，totheaccompanimentoftheguitar，toowellforherage。Shewastooprecocious，andwantedmuchmorediscretioninhereducationthanMadameCorneliswasabletogiveher。
　　Whenhersinginghadbeenapplaudedbythecompany，hermothertoldhertodanceaminuetwithherbrother，whohadlearntinParis，butdancedbadlyforwantofagoodcarriage。Hissistertoldhimsowithakiss，andthenaskedmetodancewithher，whichIdidveryreadily。Hermother，whothoughtshehaddancedexquisitely，aswasindeedthecase，toldherthatshemustgivemeakiss。Shecameuptome，anddrawingheronmykneeIcoveredherfacewithkisses，whichshereturnedwiththegreatestaffection。Hermotherlaughedwithallherheart，andthenSophie，beginningtobedoubtfulagain，wentuptoherandaskedifshewereangry。Hermothercomfortedherwithakiss。
　　Afterwehadtakencoffee，whichwasservedintheFrenchfashion，MadameCornelisshewedmeamagnificenthallwhichshehadbuilt，inwhichshecouldgivesuppertofourhundredpersonsseatedatonetable。Shetoldme，andIcouldeasilybelieveher，thattherewasnotsuchanotherinallLondon。
　　ThelastassemblywasgivenbeforetheprorogationofParliament；itwastotakeplaceinfourorfivedays。Shehadascoreofprettygirlsinherservice，andadozenfootmenallinfulllivery。
　　"Theyallrobme，"saidshe，"butIhavetoputupwithit。WhatI
　　wantisasharpmantohelpmeandwatchovermyinterests；ifIhadsuchanoneIshouldmakeanimmensefortuneinacomparativelyshorttime；forwhenitisaquestionofpleasure，theEnglishdonotcarewhattheyspend。"
　　ItoldherIhopedshewouldfindsuchmanandmakethefortune，andthenIlefther，admiringherenterprise。
　　WhenIleftSohoSquareIwenttoSt。James’sParktoseeLadyHarringtonforwhomIborealetter，asIhavementioned。ThisladylivedintheprecinctsoftheCourt，andreceivedcompanyeverySunday。Itwasallowabletoplayinherhouse，astheparkisunderthejurisdictionoftheCrown。InanyotherplacethereisnoplayingcardsorsingingonSundays。Thetownaboundsinspies，andiftheyhavereasontosupposethatthereisanygamingormusicgoingon，theywatchfortheiropportunity，slipintothehouse，andarrestallthebadChristians，whoaredivertingthemselvesinamannerwhichisthoughtinnocentenoughinanyothercountry。ButtomakeupforthisseveritytheEnglishmanmaygoinperfectlibertytothetavernorthebrothel，andsanctifytheSabbathashepleases。
　　IcalledonLadyHarrington，andhavingsentupmylettershesummonedmeintoherpresence。Ifoundherinthemidstofaboutthirtypersons，butthehostesswaseasilydistinguishedbytheairofwelcomeshehadforme。
　　AfterIhadmademybowshetoldmeshehadseenmeatCourtinthemorning，andthatwithoutknowingwhoIwasshehadbeendesirousofmakingmyacquaintance。Ourconversationlastedthree—quartersofanhour，andwascomposedofthosefrivolousobservationsandidlequestionswhicharecommonlyaddressedtoatraveller。
　　Theladywasforty，butshewasstillhandsome。ShewaswellknownforhergallantriesandherinfluenceatCourt。Sheintroducedmetoherhusbandandherfourdaughters，charminggirlsofamarriageableage。SheaskedmewhyIhadcometoLondonwheneverybodywasonthepointofgoingoutoftown。ItoldherthatasIalwaysobeyedtheimpulseofthemoment，Ishouldfinditdifficulttoanswerherquestion；besides，Iintendedstayingforayear，sothatthepleasurewouldbedeferredbutnotlost。
　　MyreplyseemedtopleaseherbyitscharacterofEnglishindependence，andsheofferedwithexquisitegracetodoallinherpowerforme。
　　"Inthemeanwhile，"saidshe，"wewillbeginbylettingyouseeallthenobilityatMadameCornelis’sonThursdaynext。Icangiveyouatickettoadmittoballandsupper。Itistwoguineas。"
　　Igaveherthemoney，andshetooktheticketagain，writingonit，"Paid。——Harrington。"
　　"Isthisformalitynecessary，mylady？"
　　"Yes；orelsetheywouldaskyouforthemoneyatthedoors。"
　　IdidnotthinkitnecessarytosayanythingaboutmyconnectionwiththeladyofSohoSquare。
　　WhileLadyHarringtonwasmakinguparubberatwhist，sheaskedmeifIhadanyotherlettersforladies。
　　"Yes，"saidI，"IhaveonewhichIintendtopresentto—morrow。Itisasingularletter，beingmerelyaportrait。"
　　"Haveyougotitaboutyou？"
　　"Yes，mylady。"
　　"MayIseeit？"
　　"Certainly。Hereitis。"
　　"ItistheDuchessofNorthumberland。Wewillgoandgiveither。"
　　"Withpleasure！"
　　"Justwaittilltheyhavemarkedthegame。"
　　LordPercyhadgivenmethisportraitasaletterofintroductiontohismother。
　　"Mydearduchess，"saidLadyHarrington，"hereisaletterofintroductionwhichthisgentlemanbegstopresenttoyou。"
　　"Iknow，itisM。deSeingalt。Mysonhaswrittentomeabouthim。
　　Iamdelightedtoseeyou，Chevalier，andIhopeyouwillcomeandseeme。Ireceivethriceaweek。"
　　"Willyourladyshipallowmetopresentmyvaluableletterinperson？"
　　"Certainly。Youareright。"
　　Iplayedarubberofwhistforverysmallstakes，andlostfifteenguineas，whichIpaidonthespot。DirectlyafterwardsLadyHarringtontookmeapart，andgavemealessonwhichIdeemworthyofrecord。
　　"Youpaidingold，"saidshe；"Isupposeyouhadnobanknotesaboutyou？"
　　"Yes，mylady，Ihavenotesforfiftyandahundredpounds。"
　　"Thenyoumustchangeoneofthemorwaittillanothertimetoplay，forinEnglandtopayingoldisasolecismonlypardonableinastranger。Perhapsyounoticedthattheladysmiled？"
　　"Yes；whoisshe？"
　　"LadyCoventry，sisteroftheDuchessofHamilton。"
　　"OughtItoapologize？"
　　"Notatall，theoffenceisnotoneofthosewhichrequireanapology。Shemusthavebeenmoresurprisedthanoffended，forshemadefifteenshillingsbyyourpayingheringold。"
　　Iwasvexedbythissmallmischance，forLadyCoventrywasanexquisitelybeautifulbrunette。Icomfortedmyself，however，withoutmuchtrouble。
　　ThesamedayImadetheacquaintanceofLordHervey，thenoblemanwhoconqueredHavana，apleasantanintelligentperson。HehadmarriedMissChudleigh，butthemarriagewasannulled。ThiscelebratedMissChudleighwasmaidofhonourtothePrincessDowagerofWales，andafterwardsbecameDuchessofKingston。AsherhistoryiswellknownIshallsaysomethingmoreofherinduecourse。Iwenthomewellenoughpleasedwithmyday’swork。
　　ThenextdayIbegandiningathome，andfoundmycookverysatisfactory；for，besidestheusualEnglishdishes，hewasacquaintedwiththeFrenchsystemofcooking，anddidfricandeaus，cutlets，ragouts，andaboveall，theexcellentFrenchsoup，whichisoneoftheprincipalgloriesofFrance。
　　Mytableandmyhousewerenotenoughformyhappiness。Iwasalone，andthereaderwillunderstandbythisthatNaturehadnotmeantmeforahermit。Ihadneitheramistressnorafriend，andatLondononemayinviteamantodinneratatavernwherehepaysforhimself，butnottoone’sowntable。OnedayIwasinvitedbyayoungersonoftheDukeofBedfordtoeatoystersanddrinkabottleofchampagne。Iacceptedtheinvitation，andheorderedtheoystersandthechampagne，butwedranktwobottles，andhemademepayhalfthepriceofthesecondbottle。SucharemannersontheothersideoftheChannel。PeoplelaughedinmyfacewhenIsaidthatIdidnotcaretodineatatavernasIcouldnotgetanysoup。
　　"Areyouill？"theysaid，"soupisonlyfitforinvalids。"
　　TheEnglishmanisentirelycarnivorous。Heeatsverylittlebread，andcallshimselfeconomicalbecausehespareshimselftheexpenseofsoupanddessert，whichcircumstancemademeremarkthatanEnglishdinnerislikeeternity:ithasnobeginningandnoend。Soupisconsideredveryextravagant，astheveryservantsrefusetoeatthemeatfromwhichithasbeenmade。Theysayitisonlyfittogivetodogs。Thesaltbeefwhichtheyuseiscertainlyexcellent。Icannotsaythesamefortheirbeer，whichwassobitterthatIcouldnotdrinkit。However，IcouldnotbeexpectedtolikebeeraftertheexcellentFrenchwineswithwhichthewinemerchantsuppliedme，certainlyataveryheavycost。
　　IhadbeenaweekinmynewhomewithoutseeingMartinelli。HecameonaMondaymorning，andIaskedhimtodinewithme。HetoldmethathehadtogototheMuseum，andmycuriositytoseethefamouscollectionwhichissuchanhonourtoEnglandmademeaccompanyhim。
　　ItwastherethatImadetheacquaintanceofDr。Mati，ofwhomI
　　shallspeakinduecourse。
　　AtdinnerMartinellimadehimselfextremelypleasant。HehadaprofoundknowledgeoftheEnglishmannersandcustomswhichitbehovedmetoknowifIwishedtogeton。IhappenedtospeakoftheimpolitenessofwhichIhadbeenguiltyinpayingagamingdebtingoldinsteadofpaper，andonthistexthepreachedmeasermononthenationalprosperity，demonstratingthatthepreferencegiventopapershewstheconfidencewhichisfeltintheBank，whichmayormaynotbemisplaced，butwhichiscertainlyasourceofwealth。
　　Thisconfidencemightbedestroyedbyatoolargeissueofpapermoney，andifthatevertookplacebyreasonofaprotractedorunfortunatewar，bankruptcywouldbeinevitable，andnoonecouldcalculatethefinalresults。
　　Afteralongdiscussiononpolitics，nationalmanners，literature，inwhichsubjectsMartinellishone，wewenttoDruryLaneTheatre，whereIhadaspecimenoftheroughinsularmanners。Bysomeaccidentorotherthecompanycouldnotgivethepiecethathadbeenannounced，andtheaudiencewereinatumult。Garrick，thecelebratedactorwhowasburiedtwentyyearslaterinWestminsterAbbey，cameforwardandtriedinvaintorestoreorder。Hewasobligedtoretirebehindthecurtain。Thentheking，thequeen，andallthefashionablesleftthetheatre，andinlessthananhourthetheatrewasgutted，tillnothingbutthebarewallswereleft。
　　Afterthisdestruction，whichwentonwithoutanyauthorityinterposing，themadpopulacerushedtothetavernstoconsumeginandbeer。Inafortnightthetheatrewasrefittedandthepieceannouncedagain，andwhenGarrickappearedbeforethecurtaintoimploretheindulgenceofthehouse，avoicefromthepitshouted，"Onyourknees。"Athousandvoicestookupthecry"Onyourknees，"
　　andtheEnglishRosciuswasobligedtokneeldownandbegforgiveness。Thencameathunderofapplause，andeverythingwasover。SucharetheEnglish，andaboveall，theLondoners。Theyhootthekingandtheroyalfamilywhentheyappearinpublic，andtheconsequenceis，thattheyareneverseen，saveongreatoccasions，whenorderiskeptbyhundredsofconstables。
　　Oneday，asIwaswalkingbymyself，IsawSirAugustusHervey，whoseacquaintanceIhadmade，speakingtoagentleman，whomhelefttocometome。Iaskedhimwhomhehadbeenspeakingto。
　　"That’sthebrotherofEarlFerrers，"saidhe，"whowashangedacoupleofmonthsagoformurderingoneofhispeople。"
　　"Andyouspeaktohisbrother？"
　　"Whyshouldn’tI？"
　　"Ishenotdishonouredbytheexecutionofhisrelative？"
　　"Dishonoured！Certainlynot；evenhisbrotherwasnotdishonoured。
　　Hebrokethelaw，buthepaidforitwithhislife，andowedsocietynothingmore。He’samanofhonour，whoplayedhighandlost；that’sall。Idon’tknowthatthereisanypenaltyinthestatutebookwhichdishonourstheculprit；thatwouldbetyrannical，andwewouldnotbearit。ImaybreakanylawIlike，solongasIamwillingtopaythepenalty。Itisonlyadishonourwhenthecriminaltriestoescapepunishmentbybaseorcowardlyactions。"
　　"Howdoyoumean？"
　　"Toaskfortheroyalmercy，tobegforgivenessofthepeople，andthelike。"
　　"Howaboutescapingfromjustice？"
　　"Thatisnodishonour，fortoflyisanactofcourage；itcontinuesthedefianceofthelaw，andifthelawcannotexactobedience，somuchtheworseforit。Itisanhonourforyoutohaveescapedfromthetyrannyofyourmagistrates；yourflightfromTheLeadswasavirtuousaction。Insuchcasesmanfightswithdeathandfleesfromit。’Virfugiensdenuopugnabit’。"
　　"Whatdoyouthinkofhighwayrobbers，then？"
　　"Idetestthemaswretchesdangeroustosociety，butIpitythemwhenIreflectthattheyarealwaysridingtowardsthegallows。YougooutinacoachtopayavisittoafriendthreeorfourmilesoutofLondon。Adeterminedandagile—lookingfellowspringsuponyouwithhispistolinhishand，andsays，’Yourmoneyoryourlife。’Whatwouldyoudoinsuchacase？"
　　"IfIhadapistolhandyIwouldblowouthisbrains，andifnotI
　　wouldgivehimmypurseandcallhimascoundrellyassassin。"
　　"Youwouldbewronginbothcases。Ifyoukilledhim，youwouldbehanged，foryouhavenorighttotakethelawintoyourownhands；
　　andifyoucalledhimanassassin，hewouldtellyouthathewasnoassassinasheattackedyouopenlyandgaveyouafreechoice。Nay，heisgenerous，forhemightkillyouandtakeyourmoneyaswell。
　　Youmight，indeed，tellhimhehasaneviltrade，andhewouldtellyouthatyouwereright，andthathewouldtrytoavoidthegallowsaslongaspossible。HewouldthenthankyouandadviseyounevertodriveoutofLondonwithoutbeingaccompaniedbyamountedservant，asthennorobberwoulddaretoattackyou。WeEnglishalwayscarrytwopursesonourjourneys；asmallonefortherobbersandalargeoneforourselves。"
　　WhatanswercouldImaketosucharguments，basedastheywereonthenationalmanners？Englandisarichsea，butstrewnwithreefs，andthosewhovoyagetherewoulddowelltotakeprecautions。SirAugustusHervey’sdiscoursegavemegreatpleasure。
　　Goingfromonetopictoanother，asisalwaysthewaywithadesultoryconversation，SirAugustusdeploredthefateofanunhappyEnglishmanwhohadabscondedtoFrancewithseventythousandpounds，andhadbeenbroughtbacktoLondon，andwastobehanged。
　　"Howcouldthatbe？"Iasked。
　　"TheCrownaskedtheDucdeNivernoistoextraditehim，andLouisXV。
　　grantedtherequesttomakeEnglandassenttosomearticlesofthepeace。Itwasanactunworthyofaking，foritviolatestherightofnations。Itistruethatthemanisawretch，butthathasnothingtodowiththeprincipleofthething。"
　　"Ofcoursetheyhavegotbacktheseventythousandpounds？"
　　"Notashillingofit。"
　　"Howwasthat？"
　　"Becausenomoneywasfoundonhim。Hehasmostlikelylefthislittlefortunetohiswife，whocanmarryagainassheisstillyoungandpretty。"
　　"Iwonderthepolicehavenotbeenafterher。"
　　"Suchathingisneverthoughtof。Whatcouldtheydo？It’snotlikelythatshewouldconfessthatherhusbandleftherthestolenmoney。Thelawsaysrobbersshallbehanged，butitsaysnothingaboutwhattheyhavestolen，astheyaresupposedtohavemadeawaywithit。Thenifwehadtotakeintoaccountthethieveswhohadkepttheirtheftandthieveswhohadspentit，weshouldhavetomaketwosetsoflaws，andmakeallmannerofallowances；theendofitwouldbeinextricableconfusion。ItseemstousEnglishmenthatitwouldnotbejusttoordaintwopunishmentsfortheft。Therobberbecomestheownerofwhathehasstolen；true，he’gotitbyviolence，butitisnonethelesshis，forhecandowhathelikeswithit。Thatbeingthecase，everyoneshouldbecarefultokeepwhathehas，sinceheknowsthatoncestolenhewillneverseeitagain。IhavetakenHavanafromSpain:thiswasrobberyonalargescale。"
　　Hetalkedatoncelikeaphilosopherandafaithfulsubjectofhisking。
　　EngagedinthisdiscussionwewalkedtowardstheDuchessofNorthumberland’s，whereImadetheacquaintanceofLadyRochefort，whosehusbandhadjustbeenappointedSpanishambassador。Thislady’sgallantrieswereinnumerable，andfurnishedafreshtopicofconversationeveryday。
　　ThedaybeforetheassemblyatSohoSquareMartinellidinedwithme，andtoldmethatMadameCorneliswasheavilyindebt，anddarednotgooutexceptonSundays，whendebtorsareprivileged。
　　"Theenormousandunnecessaryexpensewhichsheputsherselfto，"
　　saidhe，"willsoonbringhertoruin。Sheowesfourtimestheamountofherassets，evencountinginthehouse，whichisadoubtfulitem，asitisthesubjectoflitigation。"
　　Thisnewsonlydistressedmeforherchildren’ssake，forIthoughtthatsheherselfwelldeservedsuchafate。
　　CHAPTERVIII
　　TheAssembly——AdventureatRanelaghTheEnglishCourtezans——PaulineIwentinduetimetotheassembly，andthesecretaryatthedoorwrotedownmynameasIhandedinmyticket。WhenMadameCornelissawmeshesaidshewasdelightedIhadcomeinbyticket，andthatshehadhadsomedoubtsastowhetherIwouldcome。
　　"Youmighthavesparedyourselfthetroubleofdoubting，"saidI，"forafterhearingthatIhadbeentoCourtyoumighthaveguessedthatamatteroftwoguineaswouldnothavekeptmeaway。Iamsorryforouroldfriendship’ssakethatIdidnotpaythemoneytoyou；
　　foryoumighthaveknownthatIwouldnotcondescendtobepresentinthemodestmanneryouindicated。"
　　Thisaddress，deliveredwithanironicalaccent，embarrassedMadameCornelis，butLadyHarrington，agreatsupporterofhers，cametoherrescue。
　　"Ihaveanumberofguineastohandovertoyou，mydearCornelis，andamongstotherstwofromM。deSeingalt，who，Ifancy，isanoldfriendofyours。Nevertheless，Ididnotdaretotellhimso，"sheadded，withaslyglanceinmydirection。
　　"Whynot，mylady？IhaveknownMadameCornelisformanyyears。"
　　"Ishouldthinkyouhave，"sheanswered，laughing，"andI
　　congratulateyouboth。IsupposeyouknowthedelightfulMissSophietoo，Chevalier？"
　　"Certainly，mylady，whosoknowsthemotherknowsthedaughter。"
　　"Quiteso，quiteso。"
　　Sophiewasstandingby，andafterkissingherfondlyLadyHarringtonsaid，——
　　"Ifyouloveyourself，yououghttoloveher，forsheistheimageofyou。"
　　"Yes，itisafreakofnature。"
　　"Ithinkthereissomethingmorethanafreakinthisinstance。"
　　WiththesewordstheladytookSophie’shand，andleaningonmyarmsheledusthroughthecrowd，andIhadtobearinsilencetheremarksofeveryone。
　　"ThereisMadameCornelis’shusband。"
　　"ThatmustbeM。Cornelis。"
　　"Oh！therecanbenodoubtaboutit。"
　　"No，no，"saidLadyHarrington，"youareallquitewrong。"
　　Igottiredoftheseremarks，whichwereallfoundedontheremarkablelikenessbetweenmyselfandSophie。IwantedLadyHarringtontoletthechildgo，butshewastoomuchamusedtodoso。
　　"Staybyme，"shesaid，"ifyouwanttoknowthenamesoftheguests。"Shesatdown，makingmesitononesideandSophieontheother。
　　MadameCornelisthenmadeherappearance，andeveryoneaskedherthesamequestions，andmadethesameremarksaboutme。ShesaidbravelythatIwasherbestandheroldestfriend，andthatthelikenessbetweenmeandherdaughtermightpossiblybecapableofexplanation。
　　Everyonelaughedandsaiditwasverynaturalthatitshouldbeso。
　　Tochangethesubject，MadameCornelisremarkedthatSophiehadlearnttheminuetanddanceditadmirably。
　　"Thenfetchaviolinplayer，"saidLadyHarrington，"thatwemayhavethepleasureofwitnessingtheyoungartist’sperformance。"
　　Theballhadnotyetbegun，andassoonastheviolinistappeared，I
　　steppedforwardanddancedwithSophie，tothedelightoftheselectcircleofspectators。
　　Theballlastedallnightwithoutceasing，asthecompanyatebyrelays，andatalltimesandhours；thewasteandprodigalitywereworthyofaprince’spalace。ImadetheacquaintanceofallthenobilityandtheRoyalFamily，fortheywereallthere，withtheexceptionofthekingandqueen，andthePrinceofWales。MadameCornelismusthavereceivedmorethantwelvehundredguineas，buttheoutlaywasenormous，withoutanycontrolorsafeguardagainstthethefts，whichmusthavebeenperpetratedonallsides。Shetriedtointroducehersontoeverybody，butthepoorladlookedlikeavictim，anddidnothingbutmakeprofoundbows。Ipitiedhimfrommyheart。
　　AssoonasIgothomeIwenttobedandspentthewholeofthenextdaythere。ThedayafterIwenttothe"StavenTavern，"asIhadbeentoldthattheprettiestgirlsinLondonresortedtoit。LordPembrokegavemethispieceofinformation；hewentthereveryfrequentlyhimself。WhenIgottothetavernIaskedforaprivateroom，andthelandlord，perceivingthatIdidnotknowEnglish，accostedmeinFrench，andcametokeepmecompany。Iwasastonishedathisgraveandreverendmannerofspeaking，anddidnotliketotellhimthatIwantedtodinewithaprettyEnglishwoman。Atlast，however，Isummonedupcouragetosay，withagreatdealofcircumlocution，thatIdidnotknowwhetherLordPembrokehaddeceivedmeininformingmethatIshouldfindtheprettiestgirlsinLondonathishouse。
　　"No，sir，"saidhe，"mylordhasnotdeceivedyou，andyoucanhaveasmanyasyoulike。"
　　"That’swhatIcamefor。"
　　Hecalledoutsomename，andatidy—lookingladmakinghisappearance，hetoldhimtogetmeawenchjustasthoughhewereorderingabottleofchampagne。Theladwentout，andpresentlyagirlofherculeanproportionsentered。
　　"Sir，"saidI，"Idon’tlikethelooksofthisgirl。"
　　"Giveherashillingandsendheraway。Wedon’ttroubleourselvesaboutceremoniesinLondon。"
　　Thisputmeatmyease，soIpaidmyshillingandcalledforaprettierwench。Thesecondwasworsethanthefirst，andIsentheraway，andtenothersafterher，whileIcouldseethatmyfastidiousnessamusedthelandlordimmensely。
　　"I’llseenomoregirls，"saidIatlast，"letmehaveagooddinner。
　　Ithinktheprocurermusthavebeenmakinggameofmeforthesakeoftheshillings。"
　　"It’sverylikely；indeeditoftenhappenssowhenagentlemandoesnotgivethenameandaddressofthewenchhewants。"
　　IntheeveningasIwaswalkinginSt。James’sPark，IremembereditwasaRanelaghevening，andwishingtoseetheplaceItookacoachanddrovethere，intendingtoamusemyselftillmidnight，andtofindabeautytomytaste。
　　Iwaspleasedwiththerotunda。Ihadsometea，Idancedsomeminuets，butImadenoacquaintances；andalthoughIsawseveralprettywomen，Ididnotdaretoattackanyofthem。Igottired，andasitwasnearmidnightIwentoutthinkingtofindmycoach，forwhichIhadnotpaid，stillthere，butitwasgone，andIdidnotknowwhattodo。Anextremelyprettywomanwhowaswaitingforhercarriageinthedoorway，noticedmydistress，andsaidthatifI
　　livedanywherenearWhitehall，shecouldtakemehome。Ithankedhergratefully，andtoldherwhereIlived。Hercarriagecameup，hermanopenedthedoor，andshesteppedinonmyarm，tellingmetositbesideher，andtostopthecarriagewhenitgottomyhouse。
　　Assoonaswewereinthecarriage，Iburstoutintoexpressionsofgratitude；andaftertellinghermynameIexpressedmyregretatnothavingseenheratSohoSquare。
　　"IwasnotinLondon，"shereplied，"IreturnedfromBathto—day。"
　　Iapostrophisedmyhappinessinhavingmether。Icoveredherhandswithkisses，anddaredtokissheronthecheek；andfindingthatshesmiledgraciously，Ifastenedmylipsonhers，andbeforelonghadgivenheranunequivocalmarkoftheardourwithwhichshehadinspiredme。
　　ShetookmyattentionssoeasilythatIflatteredmyselfIhadnotdispleasedher，andIbeggedhertotellmewhereIcouldcallonherandpaymycourtwhileIremainedinLondon，butshereplied，——
　　"Weshallseeeachotheragain；wemustbecareful。"
　　Isworesecrecy，andurgedhernomore。Directlyafterthecarriagestopped，Ikissedherhandandwassetdownatmydoor，wellpleasedwiththeridehome。
　　ForafortnightIsawnothingofher，butImetheragaininahousewhereLadyHarringtonhadtoldmetopresentmyself，givinghername。
　　ItwasLadyBettyGerman’s，andIfoundherout，butwasaskedtositdownandwaitasshewouldbeinsoon。IwaspleasantlysurprisedtofindmyfairfriendofRanelaghintheroom，readinganewspaper。I
　　conceivedtheideaofaskinghertointroducemetoLadyBetty，soI
　　wentuptoherandprofferedmyrequest，butsherepliedpolitelythatshecouldnotdosonothavingthehonourtoknowmyname。
　　"Ihavetoldyoumyname，madam。Doyounotrememberme？"
　　"Irememberyouperfectly，butapieceoffollyisnotatitleofacquaintance。"
　　Iwasdumbfoundedattheextraordinaryreply，whiletheladycalmlyreturnedtohernewspaper，anddidnotspeakanotherwordtillthearrivalofLadyBetty。
　　ThefairphilosophertalkedfortwohourswithoutgivingtheleastsignofknowingwhoIwas，althoughsheansweredmewithgreatpolitenesswheneverIventuredtoaddressher。Sheturnedouttobealadyofhighbirthandofgreatreputation。
　　HappeningtocallonMartinelli，Iaskedhimwhowastheprettygirlwhowaskissingherhandstomefromthehouseopposite。IwaspleasantlysurprisedtohearthatshewasadancernamedBinetti。
　　FouryearsagoshehaddonemeagreatserviceatStuttgart，butI
　　didnotknowshewasinLondon。ItookleaveofMartinellitogoandseeher，anddidsoallthemoreeagerlywhenIheardthatshehadpartedfromherhusband，thoughtheywereobligedtodancetogetherattheHaymarket。
　　Shereceivedmewithopenarms，tellingmethatshehadrecognizedmedirectly。
　　"Iamsurprised，mydearelder，"saidshe，"toseeyouinLondon。"
　　Shecalledme"elder"becauseIwastheoldestofherfriends。
　　"NordidIknowthatyouwerehere。Icametotownafterthecloseoftheopera。Howisitthatyouarenotlivingwithyourhusband？"
　　"Becausehegames，loses，anddespoilsmeofallIpossess。Besides，awomanofmycondition，ifshebemarried，cannothopethatarichloverwillcomeandseeher，whileifshebealoneshecanreceivevisitswithoutanyconstraint。"
　　"Ishouldn’thavethoughttheywouldbeafraidofBinetti；heusedtobefarfromjealous。"
　　"Norishejealousnow；butyoumustknowthatthereisanEnglishlawwhichallowsthehusbandtoarresthiswifeandherloverifhefindsthemin’flagrantedelicto’。Heonlywantstwowitnesses，anditisenoughthattheyaresittingtogetheronabed。Theloverisforcedtopaytothehusbandthehalfofallhepossesses。SeveralrichEnglishmenhavebeencaughtinthisway，andnowtheyareveryshyofvisitingmarriedwomen，especiallyItalians。"
　　"Soyouhavemuchtobethankfulfor。Youenjoyperfectliberty，canreceiveanyvisitorsyoulike，andareinafairwaytomakeafortune。"
　　"Alas！mydearfriend，youdonotknowall。WhenhehasinformationfromhisspiesthatIhavehadavisitor，hecomestomeinasedan—
　　chairatnight，andthreatenstoturnmeoutintothestreetifIdonotgivehimallthemoneyIhave。Heisaterriblerascal！"
　　Ileftthepoorwoman，aftergivinghermyaddress，andtellinghertocomeanddinewithmewheneversheliked。Shehadgivenmealessononthesubjectofvisitingladies。Englandhasverygoodlaws，butmostofthemarecapableofabuse。Theoathwhichjurymenhavetotaketoexecutethemtotheletterhascausedseveraltobeinterpretedinamannerabsolutelycontrarytotheintentionofthelegislators，thusplacingthejudgesinadifficultpredicament。
　　Thusnewlawshaveconstantlytobemade，andnewglossestoexplaintheoldones。
　　MyLordPembroke，seeingmeatmywindow，camein，andafterexaminingmyhouse，includingthekitchen，wherethecookwasatwork，toldmethattherewasnotanoblemanintownwhohadsuchawell—furnishedandcomfortablehouse。Hemadeacalculation，andtoldmethatifIwantedtoentertainmyfriendsIshouldrequirethreehundredpoundsamonth。"Youcan’tlivehere，"saidhe，"withoutaprettygirl，andthosewhoknowthatyoukeepbachelor’shallareofopinionthatyouareverywise，andwillsaveagreatdealofuselessexpense。"
　　"Doyoukeepagirl，mylord？"
　　"No，forIamunfortunateenoughtobedisgustedwithawomanafterI
　　havehadherforaday。"
　　"Thenyourequireafreshoneeveryday？"
　　"Yes，andwithoutbeingascomfortableasyouIspendfourtimesasmuch。YoumustknowthatIliveinLondonlikeastranger。Ineverdineatmyownhouse。Iwonderatyourdiningalone。"
　　"Ican’tspeakEnglish。Ilikesoupandgoodwine，andthatisenoughtokeepmefromyourtaverns。"
　　"Iexpectso，withyourFrenchtastes。"
　　"Youwillconfessthattheyarenotbadtastes。"
　　"Youareright，for，goodEnglishmanasIam，IgetonverywellinParis。"
　　HeburstoutlaughingwhenItoldhimhowIhaddispatchedascoreofwenchesatthe"StavenTavern，"andthatmydisappointmentwasduetohim。
　　"Ididnottellyouwhatnamestosendfor，andIwaswrong。"
　　"Yes，yououghttohavetoldme。"
　　"ButevenifIdidtheywouldn’thavecome，fortheyarenotattheordersoftheprocurers。IfyouwillpromisetopaythemasIdo，I
　　willgiveyousometicketswhichwillmakethemcome。"
　　"CanIhavethemhere？"
　　"Justasyoulike。"
　　"Thatwillbemostconvenientforme。WriteouttheticketsandletthemknowFrenchifyoucan。"
　　"That’sthedifficulty；theprettiestonlyspeakEnglish。"
　　"Nevermind，weshallunderstandeachotherwellenoughforthepurposeIdaresay。"
　　Hewroteseveralticketsforfourandsixguineaseach；butonewasmarkedtwelveguineas。
　　"Sheisdoublypretty，isshe？"saidI。
　　"Notexactly，butshehascuckoldedadukeofGreatBritainwhokeepsher，andonlyusesheronceortwiceamonth。"
　　"Wouldyoudomethehonouroftestingtheskillofmycook？"
　　"Certainly，butIcan’tmakeanappointment。"
　　"AndsupposingIamout。"
　　"I’llgotothetavern。"
　　HavingnothingbettertodoIsentJarbetooneofthefour—guineawenches，tellinghimtoadviseherthatshewoulddinewithme。Shecame。Shedidnotattractmesufficientlytomakemeattemptmorethansomeslighttoying。Shewentawaywellpleasedwithherfourguineas，whichshehaddonenothingtoearn。Anotherwench，alsoatfourguineas，suppedwithmethefollowingevening。Shehadbeenverypretty，and，indeed，wassostill，butshewastoomelancholyandquietformytaste，andIcouldnotmakeupmymindtotellhertoundress。
　　Thethirdday，notfeelinginclinedtotryanotherticket，IwenttoCoventGarden，andonmeetinganattractiveyoungpersonIaccostedherinFrench，andaskedherifshewouldsupwithme。
　　"Howmuchwillyougivemeatdessert？"
　　"Threeguineas。"
　　"Comealong。"
　　AftertheplayIorderedagoodsupperfortwo，andshedisplayedanappetiteaftermineownheart。WhenwehadsuppedIaskedforhernameandaddress，andIwasastonishedtofindthatshewasoneofthegirlswhomLordPembrokehadassessedatsixguineas。I
　　concludedthatitwasbesttodoone’sownbusiness，or，atanyrate，nottoemploynoblemenasagents。Astotheothertickets，theyprocuredmebutlittlepleasure。Thetwelve—guineaone，whichIhadreservedforthelast，asachoicemorsel，pleasedmetheleastofall，andIdidnotcaretocuckoldthenobledukewhokepther。
　　LordPembrokewasyoung，handsome，rich，andfullofwit。Iwenttoseehimoneday，andfoundhimjustgettingoutofbed。Hesaidhewouldwalkwithmeandtoldhisvalettoshavehim。
　　"But，"saidI，"there’snotatraceofbeardonyourface。"
　　"Thereneveris，"saidhe，"Igetmyselfshavedthreetimesaday。"
　　"Threetimes？"
　　"Yes，whenIchangemyshirtIwashmyhands；whenIwashmyhandsI
　　havetowashmyface，andtheproperwaytowashaman’sfaceiswitharazor。"
　　"Whendoyoumakethesethreeablutions？"
　　"WhenIgetup，whenIdressfordinner，andwhenIgotobed，forI
　　shouldnotlikethewomanwhoissleepingwithmetofeelmybeard。"
　　Wehadashortwalktogether，andthenIlefthimasIhadsomewritingtodo。Asweparted，heaskedmeifIdinedathome。I
　　repliedintheaffirmative，andforeseeingthatheintendeddiningwithmeIwarnedmycooktoserveuswell，thoughIdidnotlethimknowthatIexpectedanoblemantodinner。Vanityhasmorethanonestringtoitsbow。
　　IhadscarcelygothomewhenMadameBinetticamein，andsaidthatifshewerenotintheway，shewouldbegladtodinewithme。Igaveherawarmwelcome，andshesaidIwasreallydoingheragreatservice，asherhusbandwouldsufferthetormentsofhellintryingtofindoutwithwhomshehaddined。
　　Thiswomanstillpleasedme；andthoughshewasthirty—five，nobodywouldhavetakenherformorethantwenty—five。Herappearancewasineverywaypleasing。Herlipswereofthehueoftherose，disclosingtwoexquisiterowsofteeth。Afinecomplexion，splendideyes，andaforeheadwhereInnocencemighthavebeenwellenthroned，allthismadeanexquisitepicture。Ifyouaddtothis，thatherbreastwasoftherarestproportions，youwillunderstandthatmorefastidioustastesthanminewouldhavebeensatisfiedwithher。
　　ShehadnotbeeninmyhouseforhalfanhourwhenLordPembrokecamein。Theybothutteredanexclamation，andthenoblemantoldmethathehadbeeninlovewithherforthelastsixmonths；thathehadwrittenardentletterstoherofwhichshehadtakennonotice。
　　"Ineverwouldhaveanythingtodowithhim，"saidshe，"becauseheisthegreatestprofligateinallEngland；andit’sapity，"sheadded，"becauseheisakindheartednobleman。"
　　Thisexplanationwasfollowedbyascoreofkisses，andIsawthattheywereagreed。
　　WehadachoicedinnerintheFrenchstyle，andLordPembrokesworehehadnoteatensogoodadinnerforthelastyear。
　　"Iamsorryforyou，"hesaid，"whenIthinkofyoubeingaloneeveryday。"
　　MadameBinettiwasasmuchagourmetastheEnglishman，andwhenwerosefromtablewefeltinclinedtopassfromtheworshipofComustothatofVenus；buttheladywastooexperiencedtogivetheEnglishmananythingmorethanafewtriflingkisses。
　　IbusiedmyselfinturningovertheleavesofsomebooksIhadboughtthedaybefore，andleftthemtotalktogethertotheirheart’scontent；buttopreventtheiraskingmetogivethemanotherdinnerI
　　saidthatIhopedchancewouldbringaboutsuchanothermeetingonanotheroccasion。
　　Atsixo’clock，aftermyguestshadleftme，IdressedandwenttoVauxhaull，whereImetaFrenchofficernamedMalingan，towhomIhadgivensomemoneyatAix—la—Chapelle。Hesaidhewouldliketospeaktome，soIgavehimmynameandaddress。Ialsometawell—knowncharacter，theChevalierGoudar，whotalkedtomeaboutgamingandwomen。MalinganintroducedmetoanindividualwhohesaidmightbeveryusefultomeinLondon。Hewasamanofforty，andstyledhimselfsonofthelateTheodore，thepretendertothethroneofCorsica，whohaddiedmiserablyinLondonfourteenyearsbefore，afterhavingbeenimprisonedfordebtforsevenyears。IshouldhavedonebetterifIhadnevergonetoVauxhallthatevening。
　　Theentrance—feeatVauxhallwashalfthesumchargedatRanelagh，butinspiteofthattheamusementswereofthemostvariedkinds。
　　Therewasgoodfare，music，walksinsolitaryalleys，thousandsoflamps，andacrowdofLondonbeauties，bothhighandlow。
　　InthemidstofallthesepleasuresIwasdull，becauseIhadnogirltosharemyabodeormygoodtable，andmakeitdeartome。IhadbeeninLondonforsixweeks；anainnootherplacehadIbeenaloneforsolong。
　　Myhouseseemedintendedforkeepingamistresswithalldecency，andasIhadthevirtueofconstancyamistresswasallIwantedtomakemehappy。ButhowwasItofindawomanwhoshouldbetheequalofthosewomenIhadlovedbefore？Ihadalreadyseenhalfahundredofgirls，whomthetownpronouncedtobepretty，andwhodidnotstrikemeasevenpassable。Ithoughtthematterovercontinually，andatlastanoddideastruckme。
　　Icalledtheoldhousekeeper，andtoldherbytheservant，whoactedasmyinterpreter，thatIwantedtoletthesecondorthirdfloorforthesakeofcompany；andalthoughIwasatperfectlibertytodowhatIlikedwiththehouse，Iwouldgiveherhalf—a—guineaaweekextra。
　　ForthwithIorderedhertoaffixthefollowingbilltothewindow:
　　Secondorthirdfloortobelet，furnished，toayoungladyspeakingEnglishandFrench，whoreceivesnovisitors，eitherbydayornight。
　　TheoldEnglishwoman，whohadseensomethingoftheworld，begantolaughsoviolentlywhenthedocumentwastranslatedtoherthatI
　　thoughtshewouldhavechoked。
　　"Whatareyoulaughingat，myworthywoman？"
　　"Becausethisnoticeisalaughingmatter。"
　　"IsupposeyouthinkIshallhavenoapplications？"
　　"Notatall，thedoorstepwillbecrowdedfrommorntonight，butI
　　shallleaveitalltoFanny。Onlytellmehowmuchtoask。"
　　"Iwillarrangeabouttherentinmyinterviewwiththeyounglady。
　　Idon’tthinkIshallhavesomanyenquiries，fortheyoungladyistospeakFrenchandEnglish，andalsotoberespectable。Shemustnotreceiveanyvisits，notevenfromherfatherandmother，ifshehasthem。"
　　"Buttherewillbeamobinfrontofthehousereadingthenotice。"
　　"Allthebetter。Nothingistheworseforbeingalittleodd。"
　　Ithappenedjustastheoldwomanhadforetold；assoonasthenoticewasup，everybodystoppedtoreadit，madevariouscomments，andpassedon。Ontheseconddayafteritwasup，myNegrotoldmethatmynoticewasprintedinfullintheSt。James’sChronicle，withsomeamusingremarks。Ihadthepaperbroughtuptome，andFannytranslatedit。Itranasfollows:
　　"Thelandlordofthesecondandthirdfloorsprobablyoccupiesthefirstfloorhimself。Hemustbeamanoftheworldandofgoodtaste，forhewantsayoungandprettylodger；andasheforbidshertoreceivevisits，hewillhavetokeephercompanyhimself。"
　　Headded，——
　　"Thelandlordshouldtakecarelesthebecomehisowndupe，foritisverylikelythattheprettylodgerwouldonlytaketheroomtosleepin，andpossiblyonlytosleepinnowandthen；andifshechoseshewouldhaveaperfectrighttorefusetoreceivetheproprietor’svisits。"
　　Thesesensibleremarksdelightedme，forafterreadingthemIfeltforewarned。
　　SuchmattersasthesegivetheirchiefinteresttotheEnglishnewspapers。Theyareallowedtogossipabouteverything，andthewritershavetheknackofmakingthemeresttriflesseemamusing。
　　Happyisthenationwhereanythingmaybewrittenandanythingsaid！
　　LordPembrokewasthefirsttocomeandcongratulatemeonmyidea，andhewassucceededbyMartinelli；butheexpressedsomefearsastothepossibleconsequences，"for，"saidhe，"thereareplentyofwomeninLondonwhowouldcomeandlodgewithyoutobeyourruin。"
　　"Inthatcase，"Ianswered，"itwouldbeacaseofGreekmeetingGreek；however，weshallsee。IfIamtakenin，peoplewillhavethefullestrighttolaughatme，forIhavebeenwarned。"
　　Iwillnottroublemyreaderswithanaccountofthehundredwomenwhocameinthefirsttendays，whenIrefusedononepretextoranother，thoughsomeofthemwerenotwantingingraceandbeauty。
　　Butoneday，whenIwasatdinner，Ireceivedavisitfromagirloffromtwentytotwenty—fouryears，simplybutelegantlydressed；herfeaturesweresweetandgracious，thoughsomewhatgrave，hercomplexionpale，andherhairblack。ShegavemeabowwhichIhadtorisetoreturn，andasIremainedstandingshepolitelybeggedmenottoputmyselfout，buttocontinuemydinner。Ibeggedhertobeseatedandtotakedessert，butsherefusedwithanairofmodestywhichdelightedme。
　　Thisfairladysaid，notinFrench，butinItalianworthyofaSinnese，itspuritywassoperfect，thatshehopedIwouldletherhavearoomonthethirdfloor，andthatshewouldgladlysubmittoallmyconditions。
　　"Youmayonlymakeuseofoneroomifyoulike，butallthefloorwillbelongtoyou。"
　　"Althoughthenoticesaystheroomswillbeletcheaply，Ishallnotbeabletoaffordmorethanoneroom。TwoshillingsaweekisallI
　　canspend。"
　　"That’sexactlywhatIwantforthewholesuiteofrooms；soyouseeyoucanusethemall。Mymaidwillwaitonyou，getyouwhateverfoodyoumayrequire，andwashyourlinenaswell。Youcanalsoemployhertodoyourcommissions，sothatyouneednotgooutfortrifles。"
　　"ThenIwilldismissmymaid，"shesaid；"sherobsmeoflittle，itistrue，butstilltoomuchformysmallmeans。Iwilltellyourmaidwhatfoodtobuyformeeveryday，andsheshallhavesixsotsaweekforherpains。"
　　"Thatwillbeample。Ishouldadviseyoutoapplytomycook’swife，whowillgetyourdinnerandsupperforyouascheaplyasyoucouldbuyit。"
　　"Ihardlythinkso，forIamashamedtotellyouhowlittleIspend。"
　　"Evenifyouonlyspendtwosolsaday，shewillgiveyoutwosols’
　　worth。AllthesameIadviseyoutobecontentwithwhatyougetfromthekitchen，withouttroublingabouttheprice，forIusuallyhaveprovisionmadeforfour，thoughIdinealone，andtherestisthecook’sperquisite。Imerelyadviseyoutothebestofmyability，andIhopeyouwillnotbeoffendedatmyinterestinyourwelfare。"
　　"Really，sir，youaretoogenerous。"
　　"Waitamoment，andyouwillseehoweverythingwillbesettledcomfortably。"
　　ItoldClairmonttoorderupthemaidandthecook’swife，andIsaidtothelatter:
　　"Forhowmuchcouldyouprovidedinnerandsupperforthisyoungladywhoisnotrich，andonlywantstoeattolive？"
　　"Icandoitverycheaply；foryouusuallyeatalone，andhaveenoughforfour。"
　　"Verygood；thenIhopeyouwilltreatherverywellforthesumshegivesyou。"
　　"Icanonlyaffordfivesolsaday。"
　　"Thatwilldonicely。"
　　Igaveordersthatthebillshouldbetakendowndirectly，andthattheyounglady’sroomshouldbemadecomfortable。Whenthemaidandthecook’swifehadlefttheroom，theyoungladytoldmethatsheshouldonlygooutonSundaystohearmassattheBavarianambassador’schapel，andonceamonthtoapersonwhogaveherthreeguineastosupporther。
　　"Youcangooutwhenyoulike，"saidI，"andwithoutrenderinganaccounttoanybodyofyourmovements。"
　　Shebeggedmenottointroduceanyonetoher，andtotellthe，portertodenyhertoanyonewhomightcometothedoortomakeenquiries。
　　Ipromisedthatherwishesshouldberespected，andshewentawaysayingthatshewasgoingforhertrunk。
　　Iimmediatelyorderedmyhouseholdtotreatherwiththeutmostrespect。Theoldhousekeepertoldmethatshehadpaidthefirstweekinadvance，takingareceipt，andhadgone，asshehadcome，inasedan—chair。Thentheworthyoldwomanmadefreetotellmetobeonmyguard。
　　"Againstwhat？IfIfallinlovewithher，somuchthebetter；thatisjustwhatIwant。Whatnamedidshegiveyou？"
　　"MistressPauline。Shewasquitepalewhenshecame，andshewentawaycoveredwithblushes。"
　　Iwasdelightedtohearit。Ididnotwantawomanmerelytosatisfymynaturaldesires，forsuchcanbefoundeasilyenough；IwishedforsomeonewhomIcouldlove。Iexpectedbeauty，bothofthebodyandthesoul；andmyloveincreasedwiththedifficultiesandobstaclesI
　　sawbeforeme。Astofailure，IconfessIdidnotgiveitamoment’sthought，forthereisnotawomanintheworldwhocanresistconstantandlovingattentions，especiallywhenherloverisreadytomakegreatsacrifices。
　　WhenIgotbackfromthetheatreintheeveningthemaidtoldmethattheladyhadchosenamodestclosetattheback，whichwasonlysuitableforaservant。Shehadhadamoderatesupper，onlydrinkingwater，andhadbeggedthecook’swifeonlytosendherupsoupandonedish，towhichthewomanhadrepliedthatshemusttakewhatwasserved，andwhatshedidnoteatwoulddofortheservant。
　　"Whenshefinishedsheshutherselfuptowrite，andwishedmegoodeveningwithmuchpoliteness。"
　　"Whatisshegoingtotakeinthemorning？"
　　"Iaskedher，andshesaidshewouldonlytakealittlebread。"
　　"Thenyouhadbettertellherthatitisthecustomofthehouseforthecooktoserveeverybodywithcoffee，chocolate，ortea，accordingtotaste，inthemorning，andthatIshallbepainedifsherefusestofareliketherestofus。Butdon’ttellherIsaidso。Here’sacrownforyou，andyoushallhaveoneeveryweekifyouwillwaituponandcareforherproperly。"
　　BeforegoingtobedIwroteherapolitenote，begginghertoleavethecloset。Shedidso，butshewentintoanotherbackroom，andconsentedtotakecoffeeforherbreakfast。Wishingtomakeherdineandsupwithme，Iwasdressingmyself，andpreparingtoproffermyrequestinsuchawayastomakearefusalimpossible，whenyoungCorneliswasannounced。Ireceivedhimsmilingly，andthankedhimforthefirstvisithehadpaidmeinthecourseofsixweeks。
　　"Mammahasn’tallowedmetocome。Ihavetriedtodosoascoreoftimeswithoutherleave。Readthisletter，andyouwillfindsomethingwhichwillsurpriseyou。"
　　Iopenedtheletterandreadasfollows:
　　"Yesterdayabailiffwaitedformydoortobeopenedandslippedinandarrestedme。Iwasobligedtogowithhim，andIamnowinthesponging—house，andifIcan’tgetbailbyto—dayhewilltakemetoKingsBenchPrison。ThebailIrequireistotheamountoftwohundredpounds，topayabillwhichhasfallendue。Dearfriend，comeandsuccourmeorelsemyothercreditorswillgetwindofmyimprisonmentandIshallberuined。Yousurelywillnotallowthattohappen，ifnotformysakeatleastforthesakeofmyinnocentchildren。Youcannotbailmeyourself，butyoucaneasilygetahouseholdertodoso。Ifyouhavethetimecomeandcallonme，andIwillshewyouthatIcouldnothelpdoingthebill，otherwiseI
　　couldnothavegivenmylastball，asthewholeofmyplateandchinawaspledged。"
　　Ifeltangrywiththeimpudentwomanwhohadhithertopaidmesolittleattention，andIwrotethatIcouldonlypityher，andthatI
　　hadnotimetogoandseeher，andthatIshouldbeashamedtoaskanyonetobailherout。
　　WhenyoungCornelishadgoneawayinamelancholymood，ItoldClairmonttoaskPaulineifshewouldallowmetobidheragoodday。
　　ShesentwordthatIwasatlibertytodoso，andongoingupstairstoherroomIfoundhersittingatatableonwhichwereseveralbooks。
　　Somelinenonachestofdrawersdidnotgivemetheideathatshewasverypoor。
　　"Iamimmenselyobliged，"saidshe，"forallyourgoodnesstome。"
　　"Saynothingofthat，madam；itisIwhohaveneedofyourgoodness。"
　　"WhatcanIdotoshewmygratitude？"
　　"Couldyoutroubleyourselftotakeyourmealswithme？WhenIamaloneIeatlikeanogre，andmyhealthsuffers。Ifyoudonotfeelinclinedtograntmethatfavour，donothesitatetorefuse，andI
　　assureyouyoushallfarejustaswellasifyouhadaccededtomyrequest。"
　　"Ishallbedelightedtodineandsupwithyou；sir，wheneveryouarealoneandyouliketosendforme。Nevertheless，Iamnotsurethatmysocietywillamuseyou。"
　　"Verygood，Iamgratefultoyou，andIpromiseyouyoushallneverrepentofyourkindness。Iwilldomybesttoamuseyou，andIhopeIshallsucceed，foryouhaveinspiredmewiththeliveliestinterest。Wewilldineatoneto—day。"
　　Ididnotsitdownorlookatherbooks，orevenaskherifshehadspentagoodnight。TheonlythingInotedwasthatshehadlookedpaleandcarewornwhenIcamein，andwhenIwentouthercheekswerethecolouroftherose。
　　Iwentforawalkinthepark，feelingquitetakenwiththischarmingwoman，andresolvedtomakeherloveme，forIdidnotwanttooweanythingtogratitude。Ifeltcurioustoknowwhereshecamefrom，andsuspectedshewasanItalian；butIdeterminedtoaskhernoquestionsforfearofoffendingher。
　　WhenIgothomePaulinecamedownofherownfreewill，andIwasdelightedwiththis，whichItookforagoodomen。Aswehadhalfanhourbeforeus，Iaskedherhowshefoundherhealth。
　　"Nature，"shereplied，"hasfavouredmewithsuchagoodconstitutionthatIhaveneverhadtheleastsicknessinmylife，exceptonthesea。"
　　"Youhavemadeavoyage，then。"
　　"ImusthavedonesotocometoEngland。"
　　"YoumightbeanEnglishwoman。"
　　"Yes，fortheEnglishlanguagehasbeenfamiliartomefrommychildhood。"
　　Wewereseatedonasofa，andonthetableinfrontofuswasachess—board。Paulinetoyedwiththepawns，andIaskedherifshecouldplaychess。
　　"Yes，andprettywelltoofromwhattheytellme。"
　　"Thenwewillhaveagametogether；myblunderswillamuseyou。"
　　Webegan，andinfourmovesIwascheckmated。Shelaughed，andI
　　admiredherplay。Webeganagain，andIwascheckmatedinfivemoves。Myagreeableguestlaughedheartily，andwhileshelaughedI
　　becameintoxicatedwithlove，watchingtheplayofherfeatures，herexquisiteteeth，andherhappyexpression。Webegananothergame，Paulineplayedcarelessly，andIplacedherinadifficultposition。
　　"Ithinkyoumayconquerme，"saidshe。
　　"Whathappinessforme！"
　　Theservantcameintotellusthatdinnerwasready。
　　"Interruptionsareoftenextremelyinconvenient，"saidI，asI
　　offeredhermyarm，feelingquitesurethatshehadnotlostthesignificanceofmylastwords，forwomenfindameaningforeverything。
　　WewerejustsittingdowntotablewhenClairmontannouncedmydaughterandMadameRancour。
　　"TellthemthatIamatdinner，andthatIshallnotbedisengagedtillthreeo’clock。"
　　Justasmymanwasleavingtheroomtocarrybackmyanswer，Sophierushedinandkneltbeforeme，chokingwithsobs。
　　Thiswastoomuchforme，andraisingherItookheronmyknees，sayingIknewwhatshehadcomefor，andthatforloveofherIwoulddoit。
　　Passingfromgrieftojoythedearchildkissedme，callingmeherfather，andatlastmademeweepmyself。
　　"Dinewithus，dearSophie，"saidI，"Ishallbethemorelikelytodowhatyouwish。"
　　SheranfrommyarmstoembracePauline，whowasweepingoutofsympathy，andwealldinedhappilytogether。SophiebeggedmetogiveMadameRancoursomedinner。
　　"Itshallbesoifyouplease，butonlyforyoursake，forthatwomanRancourdeservesthatIshouldleaveherstandingatthedoortopunishherforherimpertinencetomewhenIcametoLondon。"